Tattooed On My Mind

2011-10-14T09:30:00.004+09:00

You are The Hierophant

Divine Wisdom. Manifestation. Explanation. Teaching.

All things relating to education, patience, help from superiors.The Hierophant is often considered to be a Guardian Angel.

The Hierophant's purpose is to bring the spiritual down to Earth. Where the High Priestess between her two pillars deals with realms beyond this Earth, the Hierophant (or High Priest) deals with worldly problems. He is well suited to do this because he strives to create harmony and peace in the midst of a crisis. The Hierophant's only problem is that he can be stubborn and hidebound. At his best, he is wise and soothing, at his worst, he is an unbending traditionalist.

What Tarot Card are You?
Take the Test to Find Out.

Blocked

2011-05-22T17:57:00.003+09:00

Blocked.

Defined: 1) make movement or flow difficult or impossible.

2) put obstacle in a way.

Pinoy Scholars - We (Pinas) Wants You!!

2009-10-22T08:43:00.008+09:00

Got this very interesting news article about Pinoy Scholars abroad (thanks to Allan ) for shouting it out in Facebook.

I think the Philippines really deserve some helping hands in order for us to reach our goal of being economically stable and developed. No matter how you were able to got hold of that scholarship, I think that as Filipinos we have a duty to support and help our countrymen (if not the government).

As a former scholar abroad (I'm a JDS Fellow (4th Batch)) I am now back in the Philippines, hoping to do my share and take the challenge of helping the Philippines. I have met a lot of Pinoy Scholars abroad (other JDS Fellows, Mombukagakusho Scholars, Rotary Scholars) and the reality of it all is that some use the scholarship as a stepping stone to live and work abroad. It is quite sad but that is one of the harsh realities we are facing now which is not only true for the Philippines but for almost all of the countries where other scholars abound.

waiting..hoping..

2009-09-14T09:02:00.002+09:00

I'm into something, but will still be waiting for another 3 - 4 months. If it pushes through, it'll be another wonderful adventure. Wish me luck!!

Back to School..NOT!!

2009-06-06T17:24:00.003+09:00

Everyone's trying to hurry in getting back for school. Grade schoolers and High School students are now back. We at the university will be heading off by June 15 (originally on June 8 but moved because of the weather and the AH1N1 scare). Anyways, going back to school means going back to teaching. I'm looking forward for it but am having second thoughts as I still haven't had a break. Been working my ass off I (excuse me for the language) the whole summer, prepping up the college for the opening of classes. Sleeping for for 6 hours and less everyday as I need to report to the office from Monday to Saturday. Sigh. I am tired. Exhausted. Trying to pump up my spirit of the joys of accomplishing things. I need a break, really!! Missed some of the movies I've been dying to watch. I hope the postponement to June 15 can give me that rest I needed.

Busy..busy..busy..working even during my birthday

2009-04-30T09:11:00.002+09:00

Yup, that's right. No birthday leave, not even a day off. I chose to work rather than spending it all alone. Nothing to do in the house. No body confirmed joining me spending the night, celebrating. Just took the day and made the most of it, by working. At least I was able to finish some stuff and lessen the load that I have to do these coming days. Sigh...

Updates!! Updates!!

2009-01-20T08:08:00.002+09:00

It's been a while since I updated this site. A lot have happened since then, when was it? Hmm...can't even remember when. Anyways, Gone back to teaching, and loving it. Two years studying and away from seeing students made me hooked more with teaching. Mind you, since the start of the second semester I haven't been late from class which always starts at 7:30 in the morning. I myself cannot believe it, considering that I am one of those people who have a hard time getting up from bed.

So about these past few months? Just the usual home-work(school)-home routine. Celebrated Christmas with family and friends. Though I love hanging out with them, the two weeks that was supposed to be a vacation for me turned out to be work. As in, I was the one who cooked the meals for the entire two weeks. Talk about relaxation.

Anyways, latest update is that I currently hold the position of chairperson for the department of computer science. Will just be holding this position for a year as I have other plans to continue my education. Still filling up some forms for scholarship that I hope I could get. It is quite hard to send yourself to school with your own money. I don't think I could manage.

Oh well, I guess I am back to work. Currently at work now as early as 6:30AM. Office hours starts at 8:00AM. Hehehe...mata ne!

missing Honjo

2008-10-23T11:16:00.006+09:00

Come Saturday (October 25, 2008) I will be spending my first month back here in Manila. Initially, two weeks after arriving here I started to ponder about what I miss most in Japan and the things I wish Manila have. To share this pondering with you, I listed here my Top 10 things I miss about Japan (Honjo* for that matter).

TOP 10 Things I Miss About JAPAN

1. JUNK Street sa Akihabara
2. WASEDA DAIGAKU (especially GITS)
3. ang aming DORM and my DORM mates
4. ramen, udon, and soba
5. Kappasushi (name nung Sushi shop na name din ng isang klaseng sushi)
6. DAISO!!
7. my bicycle
8. maingay na mga UWAK
9. TRAINS (JR (local), subway, and shinkansen)
10. CLEAN and FRESH air!

*Honjo is a city in Saitama Prefecture where I spent my whole 2yrs while finishing my graduate studies.

MS in Global Information and Telecommunication Studies

2008-09-22T16:03:00.016+09:00

I finally got it! Last Saturday (September 20,2008) I finally received my diploma for the Master of Science in Global Information and Telecommunication Studies from the Graduate School of Global Information and Telecommunication Studies of Waseda University in Japan.

GITS is an interdisciplinary graduate school integrating information and communication technologies, multimedia technologies, and social sciences pertaining to fields of telecommunications. All in all, an alliance among three research areas; (1) Computer Systems and Network Engineering Area, (2) Multimedia Science and Arts Area, and (3) Info-Telecom, Socio-Economics, Network Business and Policy Area.

The Graduate School offers the program under four different course track; (1) Project Research Course, (2) CIO-IT Course, (3) Interdisciplinary Research Course, and (4) Career Development Course. In Project Research Course under the first area, where I was a part of, students are required, under the research guidance of a supervisor, to conduct project research on a specified theme and release the outcome of project research to an academic society, academic journal, etc.

It is a bit tough for most of us, as although the program is interdisciplinary still the primary focus is on the telecommunication sector. I came from the software side of computer science and am not really that familiar with the technologies under telecommunications. GITS have introduced me to these technologies and have provided me knowledge that I know could help me in my field. This, and aside from meeting great senseis who are involved in the international scene and they themselves are accomplished individuals, make me proud to me part of this great institution.

I guess my only regret was that I wasn't able to accomplish the things I have first planned to do like getting additional course load, enrolling for some subjects in the MBA program, and write and present more paper (I was only able to present one). I am hoping that I could come back again to further my studies and really push myself to accomplish a lot of things.

Unfortunately I don't have great pictures during the ceremony as most of the people I know who knows how to take great pictures either didn't attend the ceremony (as Honjo where I used to live is quite far and no bus service was provided) or are out of the country. Never the less, I have some here and more will be posted in my winkflash site.

*with my sensei and adviser

Bored, Trapped in Your Job?

2008-09-08T08:13:00.001+09:00

Bored, Trapped in Your Job?

5 Signs It's Time to Move On

by Jenna Lebel, Experience, Inc.

When you landed that new job, the world looked great. Now it's been a while, and one of your worst fears has come true -- you're unhappy in your job. When you're spending at least five days a week at work, it makes sense that you'd want to like what you're doing. But there are times when you're in a position or company that doesn't work for you.

If you're unhappy with your job -- and everybody around you probably already knows it -- it might be time for a career transition. Results from an Experience.com survey provide some insight into making the change. According to the survey, the top signal that it's time to transition to a new job is not the boss yelling at you. In fact, the number-one warning sign is:

* Your job has become boring. Most people are not in it just for the money. On the contrary, they're looking for something that gives them the chance to make a difference. If, in fact, you're finding a lack of intellectual stimulation and challenge, you have lots of company -- nearly 30 percent of respondents cited this as their biggest indicator it's time to leave a job.

* Another warning signal to workers that it may be time to make a transition is the lack of growth opportunities. If you're in a dead end job, with no place to move (unless a lot of people grow old and retire), you're in trouble. Twenty-two percent of respondents felt trapped in a position with little room for career progression.

* Others felt they were receiving inadequate pay or benefits. It may not all be about money, but some of it certainly is. Do you feel underpaid? Do you have lousy (or no) benefits? Seventeen percent of employees feel the economic pinch, and when that happens, may have to decide whether their job is really worth it.

* Work friends are very important. If your relationships with co-workers have gone bad, that's a definite sign that it's time to move on. Seventeen percent of those surveyed agreed -- if you're not getting along, you're going to feel like you're suffocating.

* Lack of investment in the company's goals/mission. This is more than just a self-esteem thing, but was mentioned by 13% of the respondents as a key factor indicating a career change. You need to be part of the big picture, or you're not in the picture at all.

Once you encounter the warning signs that it might be time to make a career transition, how long do you wait before you leave?

Most people (52%) said they would wait at least a year to see if it improved. Others were not as patient and hopeful. Thirty-two percent of respondents said they would quit as soon as they found another job, while 16% reported they would stay no longer than six months.

"When you clearly communicate you are under-challenged, wait a few months to see if your superior responds, and if not, it's time to take your knowledge and expertise to a company that will let you grow," one respondent said.

Moving out...

2008-09-01T17:26:00.002+09:00

Have emptied my room. Sent my things back home Monday of last week (Aug. 25). Sent my luggage to the hotel where I will stay for the remaining days I will spent here in Japan. I can't believe it has been two years already. Now I can finally come back home and return to my work. Been missing it so much already. Though right now, as everybody else in our group, I have mixed emotions of leaving Japan. A kind of feeling that makes me feel sad and happy. Happy because finally I can reunite with my family, meet my friends whom have also returned from other countries, return to my work and be with the company of young adults, and relived that Manila experience. But sad, as I will be leaving behind wonderful memories and friends, and I think the life that I have always wanted. Independent and convenient. Though at times it sucks living in rural Japan.

Passing the time with Internet surfing and watching online videos. Just one more night and I am out of here. Out of this lonely and quiet dorm as if you were in a dungeon. A dungeon I loved to call my second home.

What's Your EQ?

2008-08-18T12:20:00.002+09:00

For this one, I really don't know whether it is true or not. Though now I learned how to assess things first before making any actions.

Your EQ is 147

You are remarkable when it comes to relating with others. Only the biggest losers get under your skin.

You are warm and open. Even when life gets you down, you're unafraid of the world and its challenges.

You are comfortable with who you are. And you accept your weaknesses - as well as the weaknesses of others.

While you are quite stable, you don't respond perfectly to every bad situation that comes up.

But you have enough emotional intelligence to know when you need a course correction.

What's Your EQ (Emotional Intelligence Quotient)?

Are You An Optimist or Pessimist?

2008-08-18T12:03:00.002+09:00

Optimist or Pessimist? Well I think I am more in the middle and the test only proved that. Although I know I tend to be more optimistic than pessimistic as I try to see the good in things rather than always thinking of something negative. I have always believed that if you think negatively everything will turn out bad, but if you try to think positively everything will turn out good. But yeah, my optimism is always restrained by the reality of things.

You Are a Realist

You don't see the glass as half empty or half full. You see what's exactly in the glass.

You never try to make a bad situation seem better than it is...

But you also never sabotage any good things you have going on.

You are brutally honest in your assessments of situations - and this always seems to help you cope.

Are You An Optimist or Pessimist?

The Three Question Personality Test

2008-08-18T11:58:00.003+09:00

Ok, now I can't get enough of this personality tests. Now I have done this 3 question personality test which you can only choose between to possible answers.

Your Personality Is

Guardian (SJ)
You are sensible, down to earth, and goal oriented.

Bottom line, you are good at playing by the rules.

You tend to be dominant - and you are a natural leader.

You are interested in rules and order. Morals are important to you.

A hard worker, you give your all at whatever you do.

You're very serious, and people often tell you to lighten up.

In love, you tend to take things carefully and slowly.

At work, you are suited to almost any career - but you excel in leadership positions.

With others, you tend to be polite and formal.

As far as looks go, you are traditionally attractive. You take good care of yourself.

On weekends, you tend to like to do organized activities. In fact, you often organize them!

The Three Question Personality Test

Getting to Know Your Aura Color

2008-08-18T11:44:00.003+09:00

Talk about personality and aura. The questions are too confusing for me as I think I have varied personalities and cannot settle for one. I think I am still lost.

Your Aura is Orange

You're a bit of a loner, but you're never lonely. You know how to entertain yourself.

Whether you're trying an extreme sport or a new weird food, you always live on the edge.

The purpose of your life: testing limits - both physical and mental... and then telling people about it.

Famous oranges include: Timothy Leary, David Blaine, Tony Hawk, Carey Hart

Careers for you to try: Snowboarder, Circus Performer, Undercover Agent

What Color Is Your Aura?

Taking Risks

2008-08-18T11:33:00.003+09:00

I always have this question in my mind whether I am really capable of taking risks. I always say that I do, but in reality I think I am not. From getting my first work right out of college or applying for a credit card, I always have doubt of my decisions. I took the challenge of assessing myself with respect to risk taking and though I am not really a risk taker, I do am up to the challenge of getting into unfamiliar things and adventures.

Your Risk Taking Level: Medium

What's life without a few risks?

You're willing to be daring when the time is right.

You know that there's no reward in life without risk.

You just always make sure that you look before you leap.

Are You a Risk Taker?

50 Years of Bossa Nova

2008-08-16T21:31:00.006+09:00

This article taken from MSN News.

Agence France-Presse - 8/15/2008 4:03 PM GMT

Brazil celebrates half-century of silky Bossa Nova music

Bossa Nova, Brazil's unique mix of jazz and samba, celebrates 50 years this month with shows by one of the genre's pioneers, Joao Gilberto, who brought "The Girl from Ipanema" to the world.

The three concerts by 77-year-old Gilberto in Rio and Sao Paulo sold out within an hour of going on sale Thursday, testifying to the lasting appeal and inspiration of both the silky music and the singer's hypnotically breathy performance.

Gilberto -- the surviving member of the trio behind Bossa Nova that also counted composer Tom Jobim and poet Vinicius de Moraes -- has not sung in public in Brazil for five years.

His reputation, though, has never diminished, ever since August 1958 when his singular voice and guitar playing appeared on "Chega de Saudade" (Enough Longing, or, more commonly in English, "No More Blues"), a tune by Jobim and Moraes.

That was the first track to lay out the cool, intimate harmonies of Bossa Nova that add complexity to samba's more basic rhythms, giving it a jazz evolution whose impact has been felt over decades.

US jazz greats Stan Getz and Charlie Byrd fell under its sway and added to its popularity.

But it was a 1962 worldwide hit by Gilberto, with his then-wife Astrud and Getz, that became the Bossa Nova standard.

"A Garota de Ipanema", adapted to English as "The Girl from Ipanema", was picked up by many singers, including Frank Sinatra.

It was said to have been inspired by a tall, beautiful 15-year-old girl who frequented the Ipanema cafe where Jobim and Moraes hung out, and who "When she walks, she's like a samba / That swings so cool and sways so gentle."

In 1963, the English version of the song raced up international charts. "We only lost to the Beatles. And there were four of them," wryly remarked Jobim.

Back when Bossa Nova started, it epitomized the indolence and desire for change among Brazil's youth, especially the middle class.

Soon, it found a larger audience through the soundtrack in the 1959 French-directed Brazilian movie "Black Orpheus", which helped turn the page on the Hollywood-peddled image of Brazil as a tropical song-and-dance set inhabited by Carmen Miranda in a fruit hat.

Bossa Nova spread everywhere from the mid-1960s, from Copacabana apartments to New York jazz clubs.

"Listening to Joao Gilberto was like a revelation. I listened to 'Chega de Saudade' for hours and hours without pause and I just couldn't believe that someone could sing like that," said one of the more prominent disciples of the genre, Caetano Veloso.

In 1962, Gilberto, Jobim and other Brazilian musicians such as Carlos Lyra, Sergio Mendes and Luiz Bonfa performed in New York's Carnegie Hall in a high-profile Bossa Nova concert. US legends Miles Davis and Dizzie Gillespie were in the audience.

In Rio de Janeiro today, Bossa Nova has been supplanted by other genres, notably other samba variations and US-style hip-hop or rock.

But it can still be heard, a persistent note characterizing Brazil's iconically beautiful seaside city.

"Today, there are a lot more albums than 40 years ago. It (Bossa Nova) is not at the top of the charts, but it is still a style picked up by people of all ages," said Ruy Castro, an author of several books on music.

Lyra, the singer and composer who appeared in Carnegie Hall 46 years ago, was less generous.

"If somebody asks me today where they can hear Bossa Nova in Rio, I say 'nowhere'. The music is more popular in Japan and Europe than in Brazil," he said.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Performance by Joao Gilberto and Caetano Veloso
A Garota de Ipanema (The Girl from Ipanema)

Performance by Sitti Navarro*
The Girl from Ipanema

*Filipino Bossa Nova Artist

Most Comprehensive X-Men Personality Quiz 2.0

2008-08-10T11:50:00.002+09:00

Most Comprehensive X-Men Personality Quiz 2.0
created with QuizFarm.com

You scored as Cyclops

Cyclops is the team leader of the X-Men, and a skilled one at that. He loves Jean Grey very much. He's a strict and sometimes uptight leader, but he believes in his cause and he knows what he's fighting for... Peace between Mutants and Humans. Powers: Optic blasts

Wolverine

90%

Cyclops

90%

Iceman

80%

Jean Grey

75%

Beast

75%

Colossus

70%

Nightcrawler

70%

Gambit

60%

Storm

60%

Emma Frost

55%

Rogue

45%

Let the games begin!

2008-08-09T01:20:00.013+09:00

WOW!! A really really BIG WOW!! That's all I can say. China surely have made a very very wonderful show. Make that a spectacular show. From the moment they have started, I could feel my heart pumping with the beat of their drums. The pageantry and artistic execution of the choreography made everyone's efforts and sacrifices fade off. Add into it the brilliant use of lights and colors. A truly magnificent and well directed event.

I could say that there were many highlights of the one hour opening act. But what I like most in that act (I think it mostly centered on it) was when they introduce the Chinese visual arts of calligraphy, printing and painting. Dancers made some patterns on a big size paper-like canvas (I really don't know if it is still paper or some other material as it is quite sturdy to carry some people on top of it) which turned out to be mountains and valleys. A part of the act made some children highlight the initial drawing with colors as a group of young men (I think in their teens) perform martial arts (I am not sure if it is tai chi as there are some fast movements).

With that I thought that the image was already completed. But once each country were introduced, they walked into something like a giant ink pad that added colors to the drawing as they walk along. Eventually, as more and more people pass by, a clearer picture emerges. The final image was then used as the stage platform.

Now the climax of the entire show I would say would be the lighting of the olympic flame. I already noticed earlier that they placed a small platform in one part of the stadium but I was wondering how would they light the olympic flame. Then the answer came with a magnificent and out of this world act. The torch bearer where lifted from the ground with a harness then raised up near the top of the stadium with the torch bearer moving his body as if he was running around and around the stadium as images of the torch's travels flashes in the background. The highlight was when the olympic flame was lighted with everyone in awe with its magnificence.

I remember the best olympic flame lighting ever (for me). During the 1992 Barcelona Olympics when an archer from the ground lighted the Olympic flame which is on top of a tower. A truly spectacular thing to see. Click here for video.

*UPDATE 13 Aug 2008 - Found this video in YouTube

* Beijing Olympic photos taken from Yahoo
Picture of platform from http://en.beijing2008.cn/

Another personality test

2008-08-04T23:54:00.002+09:00

Don't really have anything to write about though I have been thinking of something lately but still don't know if it will turn out ok. Found an entry from a friend's blog and took the challenge of determining my personality (again). They say it is accurate, but I am not sure if it says the same for me as during the test I think some of my traits were listed down on the other. To take the test, click here.

Reliable Realists are down-to-earth and responsible-minded. They are precise, reserved and demanding. Their most prominent quality is reliability and they will always make every effort to keep any promise given. Reliable Realists are more quiet and serious persons, they do not talk a lot but they are good listeners. They sometimes seem reserved and distant to outsiders although they often have a great deal of wit and esprit. Their strong points are thoroughness, a marked sense of justice, doggedness bordering on pigheadedness and a pragmatic, vigorous and purposeful manner. Reliable Realists do not dither about if something has to be done. They do what is necessary without wasting words.

This personality type not only expects a lot of himself but also of others. Once Reliable Realists have set their mind on something, it is difficult to persuade them otherwise. They do not like to leave anything to chance. Planning means safety to Reliable Realists, as well as order and discipline. They have no problem respecting authorities and hierarchies but do not like to delegate tasks. They are certain that others would not deal with them as conscientiously as they do. In management positions, they are very task-oriented - they make sure that things are well done; however, they do not have a great deal of interest in personal contacts at work.

In relationships too, Reliable Realists are reliability itself. As partners, they are faithful and consistent, well-balanced and sensible. Security and stability are very important to them. They have little time for extravagances and flightiness. Whoever has them as friend or partner can rely on them for a lifetime. However, it takes quite a while for Reliable Realists to enter into a relationship or friendship. They have little need for social contacts; they therefore take great care when choosing partners and friends and limit themselves to a small but exclusive circle which meets their high demands. They tend to show their closeness to people who are important to them by deeds - their partner should rather not expect romantic declarations of love.

In Memoriam...Randy Pausch

2008-07-28T02:31:00.006+09:00

Should've blogged about this much earlier when I read the news at ACM's website. Though I really don't know much about the guy, he will surely be missed especially in the computing science community after all his work with virtual reality.

Anyways, I got to know about this guy from a video posted at YouTube about his "last lecture" which I have seen about 3 months ago (although the lecture itself was presented on Sept. 18, 2007). He talked about how one must achieve their childhood dreams and that along the way, enable the dreams of others. Although presented before a packed auditorium, the entire talk was really for his children that he knows he wouldn't see grow old, enter school, graduate, date, have a work, get married, have children, have a family life and, most importantly, achieve their dreams. What a really remarkable way to teach your children to follow your dreams. He may be gone, but what he presented in that lecture will surely be remembered, not only by his children but by everyone who have seen and heard that "last lecture". I guess it is about time for us, for me, to rethink about my childhood dreams and where have I gone so far. To see what's beyond the wall facing me and try to reach that other side of the wall.

For a link of the video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ji5_MqicxSo

*Picture taken from ACM's website.

One Piece...update

2008-07-26T20:20:00.002+09:00

Just to let you know that after three weeks of staying up late, I was able to finish the entire collection of One Piece. Still waiting for the next episode to be released on Aug 3 (?).

Nagano Tour

2008-07-15T08:11:00.045+09:00

In an anticipation for a need to relax after the defense, I signed up for a tour with the Honjo International Friendship Association a few weeks ago. As the scheduled date for the trip closes I was having doubts whether I would join or not. I'm a little bit out of cash so I was hesitant to join but also I only have a few months left (about 2) here in Japan so this would be a great opportunity to maximized my stay. I really don't have to worry about the travel fee as I have already settled it a bit earlier, what worries me is that I don't have any cash at my disposal once something happens.

But the eager side of me triumphs as I joined the tour last Sunday (13 July 2008) and I am glad I did as I joined fellow students who are also joining the tour. It was fun to travel and see new sights. The itinerary for the tour starts from Matsumoto Castle, then lunch at Azumino Swiss Village, a tour at a Wasabi Farm (大王わさびのうじょう　－だいおうわさびのうじょう), and finally a quick tour at Azumino ArtHills Museum just near the farm.

Here are some of the pictures I took during the course of our travel. More can be seen at my winkflash site.

and the VERDICT is...

2008-07-10T14:30:00.003+09:00

The results of the master's thesis presentation held yesterday were already posted and two friends and fellow master's students already called up informing me of the outcome. The verdict was that almost everyone passed the presentation except for two who needs to make another presentation by next month. It was a relief actually as I was having doubts whether I could pass or not considering the questions thrown at me yesterday.

I'm heading for the campus now to check the results and will also drop by at the admin office for our monthly scholarship sign up.

One Piece

2008-07-09T22:16:00.005+09:00

For the past week as I prepare myself for this "gruesome" day of master's thesis presentation, I spent my time watching online videos. I guess I got tired of watching movies or maybe I just couldn't find something interesting to watch so I ended up watching One Piece (ワンピース).

I know that they used to show this back home in Manila but I really didn't have the chance to see it or maybe I just didn't like it that time. Then again, it is really hard to follow the story line of something when you didn't watch it from the beginning. Anyways, I didn't know that it's more than just an anime but has a very good story as well. Honestly, I even cried in some of the episodes. Some of the scenes are quite visual in nature but done in a very subtle way (specifically some of the more violent scenes with all the blood and everything). More of suggestive leaving it up for the audience to visualize and explore their imaginations, I just close my eyes whenever I feel like the scene will end up just like what I have imagined it to be (especially with every scenes that has blood written all over it).

Currently watching Episode 40 now and I plan to finish it all the way.

Done >_<

2008-07-09T11:36:00.002+09:00

T'was a nerve wrecking, hair raising, brain twisting day. Glad it was ALMOST over. Almost, as I still have to wait for the results. >_<

Gambarimasu!!

2008-07-09T08:32:00.002+09:00

Preparing for our thesis presentation today. Gambarimasu!!

Defense! Defense! Defense!

2008-07-06T16:50:00.002+09:00

In the Philippines, you usually hear these words in a court...in a basketball court that is. As part of a cheer, crowd shouts in harmony encouraging and motivating players to stand ground and protect the goal. Enough of the basketball. Three days from now, I will be facing a stiff crowd, trying to convince them to approve my work. Not really freaking out right now but I am still concerned for the outcome of my presentation. Hopefully, everything turns out good. Sigh. Wish me luck!

Replication

2008-07-01T23:44:00.002+09:00

Have just learned that I could actually "duplicate" my blog here at blogspot to multiply. Well I really didn't knew it first until I came across a post from someone else's blog. Anyways, I have a multiply account that I used to host pictures before I found another hosting site. One thing I love with multiply is that you could actually embed a player for my mp3 files and do a lot of things with it so I still maintain it to date. Having learned the capability to import blogspot in multiply, I started the move. Now I am currently testing whether this post would reflect on the other site.

Yatta!!

2008-06-28T08:06:00.002+09:00

It is finally over, for now. I was able to submit my thesis last Thursday afternoon and now I'll just be waiting for the schedule announcements by July 4. The defense will be on July 9, so now I still have at least a week to relax and to prepare myself for the defense. Wish me luck! :)

Finding a beauty in our own (words from Mr. John Silva)

2008-06-24T07:52:00.004+09:00

For those of you who are in the Philippines and have some free time to spare or are trying to look for activities that are not only worthwhile but also enriching, might as well check the National Museum scheduled tours. Information, schedules and write up about a tour they are cooking up can be found at Mr. John L. Silva's blogsite (Mr. Silva is one of National Museum's Senior Advisers, a writer, a fundraiser, and an advocate for the arts and heritage preservation). Happy viewing.

Links to John L. Silva's blogsite:
http://johnsilva.blogspot.com/2008/06/you-don.html

(photo courtesy of Mr. John L. Silva)

Almost there

2008-06-20T11:16:00.002+09:00

I'm done writing my thesis and have already submitted it to my sensei for evaluation. I just hope he wouldn't require me to do so much revisions as the deadline for the submission of thesis for defense is next week. "ALMOST THERE" since I still have to prepare for the defense itself. I just hope I won't be bombarded with questions. Sigh...Gambarimasu!! (>_<)

Updates

2008-06-14T11:38:00.002+09:00

Busy writing my thesis.

On turning 31

2008-04-28T15:25:00.002+09:00

Last Friday, April 25, I celebrated another year in my life. Now I belong to those people whose age would no longer exists in calendars by next year. Tough huh!

When I turned 30 last year, I bought a book by Esquire Magazine about things that men should and shouldn't do once they reach 30. I really don't have any idea about growing up, and so I was curious on what was expected of someone my age. That time, my thoughts were about what clothes do people wear, how do they react, how should they react. I mean, am I supposed to be constrained by the stereotyped norms of an adult. I am still single and very childlike at heart. I love toys, cartoons and chocolates. I am a matured thinker but my love for childish things are a very part of me.

Now that I grew another year older, my worries are the same. I am looking forward to the future like other normal guys do, a better life, a better future. But I don't think I have to follow what the society dictates, it's my own life, I'll go with my own pace, like riding a train. I don't want to be restricted by the thoughts that the train might not arrived on time but instead just enjoy the ride and admire the beauty of life, after all I'll surely get there soon.

Security Issues

2008-03-12T13:25:00.004+09:00

This one caught my attention as I was trying to download this software. Before one can download it, you have to accept and confirm this notice:

"By downloading a ***** software product you are certifying that you are not a national of Iraq; Liberia; Myanmar (Burma); Sierra Leone; Côte d'Ivoire; Sudan; Democratic Republic of the Congo; Usbekistan; Belarus; Lebanon or any country (or an explicit mentioned individual or group) to which the SECO (State Secretariat for Economic Affairs, http://www.seco.admin.ch) has decided to impose sanctions against."

Now I am wondering what those sanctions are.

Hina Matsuri

2008-03-08T08:04:00.006+09:00

One of the things that I have always wanted to see here in Japan is Ikaho's celebration of Hina Matsuri or Doll Festival. Unlike other celebrations (in one place I learned they fill up the entire shrine with different Japanese dolls) here at Ikaho they do it quite differently. Different in such a way that they dress up small kids to act out the part in a hina-ningyo - a term referring to the set of ornamental dolls used for the celebration. Last March 1st I had the opportunity to travel and see for myself this wonderful event. I've been to Ikaho for a couple of times, first one was last 2006 during autumn where I was surrounded by as astonishing array of trees in different colors and the second time was mid-March last year. Both trips where concentrated on sight seeing and onsen trips. This time I have devoted time to come back again specifically for the matsuri alone (well I did do some shopping too).

I took the early trip as the train service to Ikaho is not that frequent and if you miss it you have to wait, sometimes, almost an hour for the next train to arrive. Since I was a bit too early for the matsuri, I walked around and was hoping to do the Nature Trail. I took the rope way and checked out the sights at the top a midst the slippery path way (the entire place is covered in ice and I was only wearing my runners which made it quite difficult to walk around). Unfortunately though, the trail down hill was closed because of the snow so I have to get down by rope way good thing I don't have to pay again for the trip.

I overheard from the loud speakers (communities here in Japan still use that to announce information, you can even tell time by just listening to the sounds they play every turn of the hour) that the program won't start yet not until 12nn. I still have plenty of time so I went for a quick dip in the onsen. Good thing, there weren't that many people around at that time so getting completely naked is no fuzz. I am actually getting the hang of it really. I still have this one dream though to take a picture of the onsen to show around but I guess I am too afraid to even take a candid shot. Taking pictures in an onsen even if it is an open air or natural onsen is taboo, I just awe with wonder those people who were able to take pictures.

Anyways, by the time I left the onsen the program was already starting. I made a quick stop in a shop selling oden and boiled eggs and have a quick bite. Then took more pictures of my surroundings, checked out shops as I waited for them to set up the hina-ningyo. The kids will be out for a very short time only so everyone were looking for the best positions to take pictures. I think all in all including the setup time, the kids were only on stage for about 30 minutes. Some of them have to be carried and placed into position. Aside from the people, it's the wind that actually made it hard for me to take pictures. Sometimes I get a great angle or opportunity to take pictures (I was at the back and the only window of opportunity for me was when some people have to shook their heads, good thing I have a great lens) but then the wind will start to blow and the crew members will have to fix up the children's costume again.

I uploaded some of the pictures at my winkflash account under "Hina Matsuri 2008"(http://trek42577.winkflash.com/). For more information about Hina Matsuri (I want to write all about it but it will eat up my time, maybe next time) you could google it out and it will direct you to some interesting pages some of which are listed below:

http://japanese.about.com/library/weekly/aa022501a.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hinamatsuri
http://farstrider.net/Japan/Festivals/HinaMatsuri/

Michael means...

2008-02-20T13:08:00.003+09:00

What Your Name Means

You entered: Michael dela Fuente

There are 17 letters in your name.
Those 17 letters total to 72
There are 8 vowels and 9 consonants in your name.

What your first name means:

Shakespearean	Male	'King Henry IV, Part 1' Sir Michael, a friend to the Archbishop of York. 'Henry VI, Part 2' Michael and his company are followers of Jack Cade, a rebel.
Hebrew	Male	Who is like God? Gift from God. In the Bible, St. Michael was the conqueror of Satan and patron saint of soldiers.
Biblical	Male	Poor; humble

Your number is: 9

The characteristics of #9 are: Humanitarian, giving nature, selflessness, obligations, creative expression.

The expression or destiny for #9:
The expression that you exhibit is represented bythe number 9. Your talents center in humanistic interests and approaches. You like to help others as you were intended to be the 'big brother or big sister' type. You operate best when you follow your feelings and sense of compassion, and allow yourself to be sensitive to the needs of others. You work well with people, and have the potential to inspire. This suggests that you could successfully teach or counsel. Creative ability, imagination and artistic talent (often latent) of the highest order are present in this expression. It's possible that you're not using or developing all of these capabilities at this time. Some of your talents may have been used at an earlier time in your life, and some may still be latent. Be aware of your capabilities, so that you can make use of them at appropriate times.

If you are able to achieve the potential of your natural expression in this life, you are capable of much human understanding and have a lot to give to others. Your personal ambitions are likely to be maintained in a very positive perspective, never losing sight of an interest in people, and a sympathetic, tolerant, broad-minded and compassionate point of view. You are quite idealistic, and disappointed at the lack of perfection in the world. You have a strong awareness of your own feeling as well as those of others. Friendships, affection, and love are extremely important.

Undeveloped or ignored, the negative side of the 9 expression can be very selfish and self-centered. If you do not actively involve yourself with work that benefits others, you may tend to express just the opposite characteristics. It is your role to be very involved with other people and their needs, but it may be difficult for you achieve this role. Aloofness, lack of involvement, and a lack of sensitivity mark the low road of this expression.

Your Soul Urge number is: 7

A Soul Urge number of 7 means:
With a number 7 Soul Urge you are very fond of reading, and retreating to periods of being alone and away from the disruptions of the outer world. You like to dream and develop you idealistic understandings, to study and analyze, to gain knowledge and wisdom. You may be too laid back and withdrawn to really succeed in the business world, and you will be much more comfortable in circumstances that are tolerant of your reserve, your analytical approach, and your desire to use your mind rather than your physical being.

You are very timid around people that you don't know very well, so much so at times that casual conversation and social situations can be strained. You tend to repress your emotions to the extend that some people have a good bit of difficult understanding you. You tend to be very selective with friends and you don't easily adapt to new environments or to new people very quickly.

The negative traits of the 7 include becoming too much the introvert and isolated from others.

Your Inner Dream number is: 11

An Inner Dream number of 11 means:
You dream of casting the light of illumination; of being the true idealist. You secretly believe there is more to life than we can know or prove, and you would like to be provider of the 'word' from on high.

http://www.paulsadowski.com/Numbers.asp

Interview with Garr Reynolds by Guy Kawasaki

2008-02-10T13:34:00.000+09:00

Found this one while browsing over the Internet. Guy Kawasaki did an interview with Garr Reynolds, author of Presentation Zen: Simple Ideas on Presentation Design and Delivery (Voices That Matter). The interview moved around Garr Reynold's book presented as a list of 13 questions which by the way actually gave readers an idea on what's inside of the book. Actually the interview itself already contains some tips and tricks about the subject of presentation. Below are some snippets of the interview by Guy:

" ... 5 Question: In a nutshell, what makes a good presentations stick?

Answer: If you want to know how to make better presentations, buy Made to Stick by Chip Heath and Dan Heath. The Heath brothers found that sticky, compelling, and memorable messages and ideas share six common attributes: Simplicity, Unexpectedness, Concreteness, Credibility, Emotions, and Stories. Ask yourself how your presentations rate for these elements, and you are on your way to crafting presentations that stick.
. . .

12 Question: What is the single most important thing people could do to enhance their presentations?

Answer: Turn off the computer, grab some paper and a pencil, and find someplace quiet. Think of the audience. What is it they need? What is it you want to say that they need to hear. Identify what’s important and what is not. You can’t say everything in a twenty-minute talk—or even a two-hour talk.

The problem with most presentations is that people try to include too much. You can go deep or you can go wide, but you can’t really do both. What is the core message? This time “off the grid” with paper and pencil or a white board is where you can clarify your ideas and then get them on paper visually. After your ideas and basic structure are clear, then you can open up the software and start laying out the story in the slide sorter view.

If the computer ever freezes in your live talk you need to move on. The work you did in the preparation stage “off the grid” and away from the computer will help make things concrete in your own mind so that you can move forward sans your Macintosh in the event of a technical glitch. By the way, if you ask the audience to bear with you as you try to make the computer work, you might as well stick a fork in it because you are done. Keep moving forward in the unlikely event of a technical glitch. . . ."

Guy Kawasaki by the way is also an author of numerous books including How to Drive Your Competition Crazy, Rules for Revolutionaries and Selling the Dream among others. To read the entire interview better check Guy Kawasaki's blogsite How to Change the World. Oh and please don't forget to get a copy of Garr Reynold's book Presentation Zen: Simple Ideas on Presentation Design and Delivery (Voices That Matter), I sure will get my own. Will also be checking out The Art Of The Start: The Time-Tested, Battle-Hardened Guide For Anyone Starting Anything by Guy Kawasaki.

What Pattern Is Your Brain?

2008-02-09T09:53:00.001+09:00

Your Brain's Pattern

Your mind is a firestorm - full of intensity and drama.
Your thoughts may seem scattered to you most of the time...
But they often seem strong and passionate to those around you.
You are a natural influencer. The thoughts you share are very powerful and persuading.

What Pattern Is Your Brain?

The Three Question Personality Test

2008-02-09T09:50:00.000+09:00

Your Personality Is

Guardian (SJ)

You are sensible, down to earth, and goal oriented.
Bottom line, you are good at playing by the rules.

You tend to be dominant - and you are a natural leader.
You are interested in rules and order. Morals are important to you.

A hard worker, you give your all at whatever you do.
You're very serious, and people often tell you to lighten up.

In love, you tend to take things carefully and slowly.

At work, you are suited to almost any career - but you excel in leadership positions.

With others, you tend to be polite and formal.

As far as looks go, you are traditionally attractive. You take good care of yourself.

On weekends, you tend to like to do organized activities. In fact, you often organize them!

The Three Question Personality Test

Are you BIPOLAR?

2008-02-09T09:43:00.000+09:00

Bipolar disorder is not a single disorder, but a category of mood disorders defined by the presence of one or more episodes of abnormally elevated mood, clinically referred to as mania. Individuals who experience manic episodes also commonly experience depressive episodes or symptoms, or mixed episodes which present with features of both mania and depression. These episodes are normally separated by periods of normal mood, but in some patients, depression and mania may rapidly alternate, known as rapid cycling. The disorder has been subdivided into bipolar I, bipolar II and cyclothymia based on the type and severity of mood episodes experienced. (Wikipedia)

You Are 56% Bipolar

You're a bit moody, and at times, your moods can be a bit extreme.
It's up to you to decide if you're simply dramatic... or slightly bipolar.

Are You Bipolar?

What's in a name?

2008-02-09T09:24:00.000+09:00

Again from Ayan's blogsite.

What Michael Means

You are confident, self assured, and capable. You are not easily intimidated.
You master any and all skills easily. You don't have to work hard for what you want.
You make your life out to be exactly how you want it. And you'll knock down anyone who gets in your way!

You tend to be pretty tightly wound. It's easy to get you excited... which can be a good or bad thing.
You have a lot of enthusiasm, but it fades rather quickly. You don't stick with any one thing for very long.
You have the drive to accomplish a lot in a short amount of time. Your biggest problem is making sure you finish the projects you start.

You are very open. You communicate well, and you connect with other people easily.
You are a naturally creative person. Ideas just flow from your mind.
A true chameleon, you are many things at different points in your life. You are very adaptable.

You are truly an original person. You have amazing ideas, and the power to carry them out.
Success comes rather easily for you... especially in business and academia.
Some people find you to be selfish and a bit overbearing. You're a strong person.

You are usually the best at everything ... you strive for perfection.
You are confident, authoritative, and aggressive.
You have the classic "Type A" personality.

You are friendly, charming, and warm. You get along with almost everyone.
You work hard not to rock the boat. Your easy going attitude brings people together.
At times, you can be a little flaky and irresponsible. But for the important things, you pull it together.

You are relaxed, chill, and very likely to go with the flow.
You are light hearted and accepting. You don't get worked up easily.
Well adjusted and incredibly happy, many people wonder what your secret to life is.

What's Your Name's Hidden Meaning?

Have you seen the Philippines?

2008-02-09T09:15:00.000+09:00

Saw this from a friend's blogsite (thanks Ayan) and took a chance of knowing how much of the Philippines have I actually set my foot in.

My Lakbayan grade is C-!

How much of the Philippines have you visited? Find out at Lakbayan!

Created by Eugene Villar.

DEKADA 80

2008-01-23T22:39:00.000+09:00

Here I am in the lab hoping to accomplish something tonight as I spend the night here (as in overnight which would be my first here, no problem since the building is open 24hrs). To accompany me in this cold night and stop me from getting "oversleep" rather than do "overnight" I tuned in to my all-time favorite station Monster Radio RX 93.1.

Tonight they are having Back to the 80's and I overheard Chico talking about this site "DekadaOtsenta" http://www.dekada80.net so I immediately checkout the site and was smiling while listening over Chico explaining a quiz challenge that can be found on the site. Smiling because I do remember some of those things like "who is the host of loveliness" or "what's Pong Pagong's favorite food". If you're one of those who are already aware of what's happening back then - from the TV shows, cartoons, or games children played - this site will truly bring back those memories.

Yuki ga furimasu.

2008-01-23T00:35:00.000+09:00

Yeeeey!! Finally!! Snow!!!

I was awaken by the urge to peek into my bedroom window to check if the sun has already set ('twas already 9am). But what I saw brought life into my sleepy soul (I went home around 12mn from the laboratory previous night and was only able to sleep around 3:30am). Normally I would feel a headache whenever I attempted to get up from bed only to be pulled back again by the desire of getting that much needed sleep.

But this is different. I immediately stand up, throwing the covers aside, and rushed towards my camera. I need to get a snapshot before it all goes away. SNOW! SNOW! SNOOOWWWWW!!!

It's an exhilarating experience, especially for one who grew up in a tropical country where the dream of every child is to play uninhibited under the falling snow.

Honjo experienced it's last heavy snow fall in the early parts of 2005. And since then, we haven't had one. Holding my camera, I started to take shots, even though the snow fall is not that heavy nor forms on the ground. But still, I took shots while hoping that the snow fall won't stop, that it would run for hours. That it would give me a chance to see snow on the ground forming.

Three hours had passed and it is still snowing outside. Yippeee!!!

New Year, New Life. Think Positive! :)

2008-01-01T23:17:00.000+09:00

It's a brand new year once again and it is time to ponder about what transpired in our lives for the past year. Time to think about our accomplishments and our failures and time to think about how we will live our life for this year. I really don't have anything in mind, I mean the resolutions. I just want my year to be more active, me being more outgoing and not just stuck up here in my room. I have nine more months to spend here in Japan so I hope to maximize and enjoy much of it.

Volunteerism

2007-10-19T08:12:00.000+09:00

Hands On Manila

It's been three years since I've joined this volunteer group. I remember how I came across this article about the group, what are they here for, and the various activities they organize all of which are participated in by people with willing hearts. I attended their volunteers' orientation held in one of the bookshops in Makati where they introduced the group, its humble beginnings, how they work, the different projects they have, the different organizations they have tie up with, and some of the people whom have supported the organization and embraced the concept of volunteerism.

Volunteerism, as defined in Wikipedia, "is the willingness of people to work on behalf of others without the expectation of pay or other tangible gain". It may sound crazy but its true. One is willing to work without expecting anything tangible from it. Though there maybe various reasons why they joined, in the end its the sense of accomplishment and the belief that one made something good that made them come back and do it all again.

In my case, I want a different summer at that time. Since I wasn't expecting any teaching job the summer of 2004,I want to do something good with my time. After attending the orientation, the following day I was out the streets visiting the various organizations needing some volunteers. I guess I was a bit picky with the organizations, I wanted something that will tell me what to do like sort of a plan and I want one that won't involved a lot of time as I still need to go to work. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to get both. It is either they require you to be there a number of times a week or you just have to go find something to do. The groups that I was interested in cannot be contacted or either have the project discontinued already.

So here I am, three years and yet I haven't experienced the joys of being a volunteer. I have invited Hands On Manila in our university to talk about volunteering and have invited some friends to join the group. Dondon Marquez, the HOM Program Manager, told me that though I may not be doing some physical volunteering work, introducing the group (HOM) to other people helps in promoting it. In that, my outlook turned positive but still I am longing for that one time that I will be able to do real volunteer work.

Actually, when I came here in Japan the first thing I did was scout for volunteer groups. Sadly I haven't found any, though I know there are a lot of volunteer groups here. But in the past one year in my stay here in Japan, in one way or another I was able to learn and experience some concepts in volunteering which I hope I could impart back home.

So still, I guess the only way I could help HOM is to introduce it to people and promote volunteerism. In that I would like everyone back home to participate in Hands On Servathon 2007 on October 27, 2007 in celebration of yet another year of Hands On Manila. There will be various activities in different parts of Metro Manila. For more information you could check Hands On Manila website at: http://online.handsonmanila.org/

もったいない！(Mottainai)

2007-10-14T15:20:00.001+09:00

Mottainai - a Japanese concept which means "understanding the value inherent in all things and not wasting something that can still be put to use". This concept have helped Japan progress in spite of the scarcity in natural resources. Giving importance to the little things they have, they were able to maximize its use and even gone as far as maximizing the use of things considered wastes.

The Philippines has been blessed, luckily, with a lot of these natural resources but unfortunately we don't seem to care. We only care when disasters strikes like the flooding in Ormoc, landslide in Leyte, landslide in Aurora and Quezon. I remember that even Baguio City, a place on top of a mountain suffered flooding. We kept experiencing disasters that if one will only think about it are not considered natural at all but instead man-made. Then we put the blame in the government, in the bureaucracy, in politics as well as the corruption that goes along with it. But we forget to blame ourselves, the people.

We always want our lives to be easy. In everything we do, we don't want to sweat it out. Even me, I admit, would like things to be easy. We'd rather cross a busy road risking life and limbs instead of using the footbridge, throw a candy wrapper outside our car as we don't want our vehicles to get dirty, or leave a soda can or cup anywhere we want instead of holding on to it if we can't find a garbage bin . We always want an easy way out. But when we are talking about the environment, we really don't have to sweat it out. All we need is discipline. I remember before, during my grade school years in our Character Building Activities (CBA) Subject, everyone were required to bring a small plastic bag everyday and that all our refuse should be placed inside if we can't find a garbage bin and to be disposed once we reach home. This I practice until today (minus the plastic bag) and ever since have been a part of me. It is quite easy to do if you follow it by heart.

In the past few days, Metro Manila have been devastated by the news that the only garbage landfill supporting them was closed. The end result, a lot of garbage were not collected and the only remedy was the recommendation to lessen the refuse by each household. Though currently the problem have been solved, still I don't think that the end remedy is for Metro Manila or the Philippines in general to keep on using landfills. I think we must go further beyond the concept of landfills.

Metro Manila's waste problems is actually easy to resolved if and only if the government and the people will help each other. The government- laying out a more concrete waste management plan and the people- strictly follows this plan. Mottainai still follows the concept of Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.

I remember before how the Philippine Government and some NGOs promotes recycling and proper waste segregation.

http://nettv.gov-online.go.jp/prg/prg887.html

WHAAAATTT!!!

2007-10-14T14:04:00.001+09:00

Nothing. Wala lang akong magawa.

Can't Do Anything!

2007-10-06T07:23:00.000+09:00

I forgot to blog about the ICC trip I joined in last week, Friday. We went to this Edo period style theme park where in everyone are clothe in the fashion of the era and they have recreated a Japanese village at a foot of a mountain which I should say is quite a scene.

Today I will be joining yet another trip, this time around Honjo again. Still have 1hr 15mins to prepare. Will be posting some of the photos maybe tonight.

Oh yeah, about the title? Two months have passed and still I haven't started on anything yet. Can't seem to make my mind work.

The coconuter

2007-09-16T08:40:00.000+09:00

Ohayou gozaimasu! I have a few minutes this morning to write this up and so I would like to focus your attention to this blogsite --> coconuter . I haven't really gone through the entire site but was able to read an introduction about it from a forwarded email in the yahoogroups. To make the long story short, it's about the adventures of one young man in the Philippines after leaving behind the comforts of his US life. As he have said, while many are running away from the problem stricken Philippines, he did the other way and trusted his instinct in order to find his real self, his purpose in life. I hope you'll find time to browse over and read some of his thoughts. Anyways, time is running out, I need to get ready for church. Mata ne!

JICA Seminar pics

2007-09-13T12:01:00.000+09:00

I already have uploaded some of the JICA Seminar pictures in Winkflash . Free accounts at flicker has some limitations in the number of folders you could create and I don't want to spend yearly for that privileges. Then I found out about Winkflash which promises unlimited free account so they say so expect future uploads to this new site.

Leaving...but not gone. Kudos to PUNZKI!!

2007-09-08T00:22:00.001+09:00

I think this guy really deserve that position at Microsoft in Redmond. Having known his capacity I have no doubt that this guy could actually make it big. Actually, his qualifications to Microsoft - Redmond are backed-up with his stints as Microsoft Philippines MVP during his college years aside from the fact that he, together with other fellow students from Ateneo de Manila University, represented the Philippines in a Microsoft sponsored competition in the US. This and other numerous competitions he have won proves that he is worthy for his new job. Though it saddened me and I guess a lot of his friends back home for his departure, we are glad that he is taking his career to new heights and proving that he, and other Filipinos, can do it, YES FILIPINOS CAN DO IT!

Kudos to you and we wish you luck and greater success!

つかれた！

2007-08-27T15:25:00.000+09:00

Just got back from very very tiring trips. Trips because I have been to two physically exhausting and mind breaking trips.

Izu is not easy

From the 17th to 19th of August, I was in Kawana at Ito City in the beautiful Izu Peninsula at Shizuoka Prefecture. That trip was about my lab's yearly Summer Seminar Workshop where everybody are supposed to do and make presentations about their researchs. From day one, Friday starting at 8pm, the group listened to the first batch of presenters then the following day, from 9am til 10pm with a short break from 4:00pm to 7:00pm for dinner and a quick game of tennis, the group sat and listened patiently as the presenters comes in one by one.

It was really very tiring to listen to different speakers talking about different areas of research, one has to think very vast in order to grasps the topics. Not to mention the physical endurance our butts has to make sitting for that long.

JICA Summer Seminar at Nihonmatsu, Fukushima

After a few hours of rest and sleep, I was packing my things again for yet another exciting adventure. This time it will be much longer than the previous as I will be staying for 8 days starting from the 20th to 27th of August. Not to mention, the physical activities involved in the seminar.

The JICA seminar I was in was about Forest and Environmental Protection and the participation of the local community. Where would be the best place to conduct the lecture but inside the forest itself! Not really the jungle-type like what I expect, but the atmosphere is almost quite the same, with the lush trees and the singing sound of running waters with the majestic view of the mountain peaks. For about one week, we stayed at Forest Park Adatara in Nihonmatsu and learned a lot of things about Forest and Environmental Protection. At the campsite we where introduced to some of the very physical but fun (I guess for starters) ways of maintaining the environment like thinning out trees from the forest then making charcoals. Yes!! We did cut some trees and made the charcoals, and I say you, it is not that easy. Even if we cut the tree trunk into 1 meter length, still some weighs a bit heavy. Then in the charcoal process, hitting the kiln takes about 1 day, then burning the woods for the charcoal will take about yet another day. But again, when you are that enthusiastic, things are quite fun even if the weather is really really very hot!

There are some fun parts though, we did some wood crafts which I would say is quite very easy even kids can enjoy. There were also a BBQ party with new JICA staffs, not to mention the times I deep in the hot spring and beer drinking spree with my co-participants.

Early Sunday morning, we packed again and headed for a ryoukan to meet a local club Nihonmatsu Yuuhigaoka Sinka Club that also works with environmental projects. We stayed there for one night before heading back home but the stay is really quite interesting. Meeting with the club members we did a lot of activities, like clearing and cleaning the forest (again we went up the mountain though not that high), craft making using old leaves, there was even a story telling session about the Moon Princess or "Kaguyahime (かぐやひめ)". Interestingly, last year, the group traveled to Manila and the areas of San Fernando, La Union and Mt. Pinatubo for their environmental field trips. The owner by the way of the ryoukan is a member of the group.

We had an early dinner, which is actually some sort of party to get to know the members much better, after which everyone donned their costumes (witch costumes for the JICA participants) then headed for the town's main street to join the celebration of O-Bon Matsuri. In my case, I just wore a yukatta. Everyone had fun dancing to the tune of the drums, celebrating with the local people.

I'm still quite tired for now so pictures will be posted later.

ハロハロ in Japan?! (Halo-halo in Japan)

2007-08-10T14:14:00.000+09:00

Went out for a swim at Fukayashi with a friend yesterday and we stopped by a MiniStop outlet along the road to have lunch. Was taking a last bite when I noticed this sign --> ハロハロあります。(Halo-Halo available <-- translation in English, see photo below). I was amazed to find out that they have it here in Japan, though it is not quite the real thing as they tend to put the ice "before" the sweets leaving you with ice and water at in the end. Anyways, I told my friend that Halo-Halo is a famous cold food or dessert during the summer seasons in the Philippines and that the term they used in Japan actually came from the Philippines. He was also amazed after learning that it is a Filipino food. Currently, it is quite hot here in Japan and I think this will last until the mid of October. I promised him I'd prepare some next week, I just need to get some items from Ueno.

My Japanese Name (日本の名前)

2007-08-08T18:04:00.000+09:00

Got this link from a friend about a Japanese name generator. Though not really real it's just a fun site to play with.

http://rumandmonkey.com/widgets/toys/namegen/969/

By the way, I'm MORITA KAITO. 森田海斗です、どうぞよろしく。

Still busy

2007-08-07T10:08:00.000+09:00

Currently still busy with school work. Most of my posts includes pictures and since I am having a hard time uploading it and doing the layout, I tend to just save it as drafts. For now I still haven't uploaded the posts from April to July.

School is out actually but I still have to finish one more paper for my intensive class. After this I need to be busy conceptualizing my research and try to be more specific. Then I have to attend a couple of seminars that requires some travelling so it is really tiring just thinking about all the things that I need to do. What a life!

Sakura all around

2007-04-08T21:30:00.000+09:00

I got bored today so I thought of going around the city. Brought my camera with me and went back to the flower park. But this time I took some photos near Wakaizumi Sports Park that is just beside the flower park.

At this time I guess the sakura season will be over soon for Honjo. Once you see petals on the ground, it means that the flowers will all start to wither. I'm just glad I was able to catch a glimpse of this sight. I transfered to another part of the park at the back of th e school and saw this beautiful scene a long the river.

The view of the park at the back of the school is much beautiful and grander with all the sakura in bloom.

Hanami fever

2007-04-02T15:20:00.000+09:00

After the Mochi and Hanami party, a friend of mine from Cambodia asked me if it is ok for me to join her go sight seeing as she doesn't want to go back yet at the dormitory. Well since I guess I still have the hanami fever in me, I said sure. We bumped into another friend from Singpore and asked him to join us go around the city.

We ended up in Honjo Flower Park although at this time of the year, you can only see cherry blossoms. Not that I am saying it is not a nice view but the flower park is called as such because of its spectacular beauty and view during the summer season.

Mochi and Hanami

2007-04-02T15:03:00.000+09:00

Since it is the time for cherry blossoms, the local group here organized a Mochi (rice sweets) and Hanami party yesterday at the community center. I wasn't able to have a taste of the mochi though, although seeing how they made it was quite interesting to know. I remember the time we use to make "linupak na saging" (smashed banana with grated coconut meat and sugar).

Young and old a like helped in beating the rice used for making mochi.

Yokohama tour- Part 2

2007-03-29T14:43:00.000+09:00

Since we started quite late, we reached Sea Paradise mid-afternoon and you know how my other fellows love it to take pictures wherever and whenever they pleases. Of course who am I to stop them, if you can't beat them, join them! This one is funny. Everyone is in the mood to act out their parts.

Yokohama tour- Part 1

2007-03-29T12:30:00.000+09:00

After Rolee's visit two weeks ago, I had another walking spree this week. This time with my fellow batchmates from the International University of Japan (IUJ). The fellows from Sophia University, Hitotsubashi University, Yokohama Kokuritsu University, and International Christian University also joined in. Of course, the trip won't be complete without us Waseda group.

I spent the night at Bobby's place together with the IUJ fellows and Margie. Our senpai from Waseda, James was there when we arrived. He actually just lives in the same building as Bobby.

Next day we met the other fellows in Takadanobaba and Shinjuku station before heading for Yokohama to meet Allan.

Once in Yokohama, we couldn't help it but to take pictures in Sakuragicho eki with the Yokohama Landmark Tower at the background.

THE SHOT >

THE PHOTOGRAPHER ^

First stop was Nogeyama Doubutsu-en (Nogeyama Zoo). The zoo can be found on top of a hill so it was quite a long walk from the train station and quite tiring indeed. But once you get inside, the walk is worth it as the zoo really has great collection of animals.
Have you heard of a red panda?

Some more animals in the zoo.

The views and the people.

Rolee Trip - Day 6 - Tokyo at last!

2007-03-21T14:10:00.000+09:00

We run into a bit of a problem after that magic show. Actually, we were already inside the train station when Rolee remembered he was carrying some things bought in USJ. We have a few minutes left before the next train arrives and knowing that missing the train would get us in to another trouble, that is missing our ride back to Tokyo, we went back to the spot where the magician performed his tricks. Fortunately though, he was still there and was packing his things. He immediately recognized Rolee and when we asked if someone returned something, he gave us this packaged that Rolee left behind. Still, no time for happy endings yet as we only have 3 more minutes to go back to the platform and catch the train. Luckily, the train have just arrived when we reached the platform and people are just starting to get on the train. That was a close call indeed.

Anyway, we arrived at Tokyo early in the morning and headed for Tobitakyu, rested for a while then headed back again to go sight seeing. We went to Hibiya Park and visited Rizal's bust then headed for Akihabara.

I got tired and my camera's memory was already filled with photos so I wasn't able to get some shots in Akihabara. It snowed for a while but it wasn't that much as compared down south in Kansai area. I guess I have to wait for the next winter to see some snow actually falling from the sky.

After Akihabara, I bade farewell to Rolee and friends as I have to go back to Honjo that night. Actually I am missing my bed already and my feet hurts from all the walking. Oh about the items Rolee left behind in USJ? It was a thank you gift for me and his friend for helping them around their visit to Japan. It was actually a nice experience.

Rolee Trip - Day 5 - Oooohh-Osaka!

2007-03-21T14:08:00.000+09:00

After spending one day in Kyoto, we headed for Osaka to see Universal Studios Japan. It is just a short trip from Kyoto so it is not really exhausting. Once in Osaka, we secured first our bus tickets for the night trip before heading for USJ. We were fortunate to secure some tickets as it is quite very hard to get one during this season. Bus tickets in Kyoto were already sold out so this one is our last chance.

We weren't able to go around Osaka as most of our time where concentrated on USJ. USJ is not that big as compared to Tokyo Disneyland but the rides are fairly exciting. The Neverland show was also great!

The best part of the trip here in USJ was seeing Rolee doing some tricks after being called on by the street magician.

Rolee Trip - Day 4 - Kyoto Adventure!!

2007-03-21T12:35:00.000+09:00

Finally we arrived at Kyoto. The first part of our two day one night trip around Kansai area will be around Kyoto. Maybe because of exhaustion I was not able to take pictures around the station. We first headed for the inn that I found on the Internet, it is small but the staffs are friendly and can speak English so it is ok. Also, the price is quite affordable. We thought at first we were to share a room together but unfortunately we, Rolee and I ,have to take one room with some other foreign travelers and the girls will be taking the other, though both rooms were on the same floor. We left our things as check-in time is not until 2pm. They also rent out bicycles but at that time all are in use. So I guess we have to take the public transport.

First stop, Kyoto Goshio (Kyoto Imperial Palace). This was where the Imperial Family previously lived. Now it houses memories of the old past.

We were not able to go inside as we do not know where and how to go inside. It was too late when we found out that there was an office near the entrance of the compound where one was supposed to sign up if they would like to see what's inside Kyoto Goshio. On this part of Japan where it is still a bit cold, only Ume (Apricot) were on bloom so it is quite rare to see a Sakura at this time.

After Kyoto Goshio was Nijo Castle. It was just a short trip from Kyoto Goshio.

It was too bad that picture taking is prohibited inside the palace.

But I came across this video from YouTube, I was just wondering how was she able to manage to take the video as it is strictly prohibited to do so.

Exhaustion finally beckon upon us and so we must regenerate strenght if we want to enjoy and maximize the trip. Too bad I don't have any strength anymore to go around again as one of the inn's staff told me that there will be a lighting of lanterns activity in Toji Temple. I was hoping to see that place, in fact all the places mentioned in Japan Video Topics that I used to watch back in Manila.

Rolee Trip - Day 4 - Midnight Train

2007-03-21T12:11:00.000+09:00

After getting back from Ikaho, we have to rush packing things in time to catch the shuttle bus from Honjo to Nishi-Waseda. This will save us around 7,500 Yen in transpo. Travelling in Japan one needs to plan everything ahead, in case of Japan that will be "months" ahead as tickets for cheaper rides are quite popular. At this time of the year, Seishun 18 Kippu are on sale so quite a number of travelers will take this opportunity to move around the country. We were able to get some tickets for the train but there's no guarantee that we could get seats as reservation tickets were already sold out. Much more, we could not get on the train coming from Tokyo since only those with reservations are allowed to take the train. We have to travel down to Odawara for us to be able to get on the train.

Unfortunately, Midnight Nagara was crowded so people are even sitting along the isles. Much more the area where we were situated have bicycles from some of the travellers. I think these were from those guys we saw around Ueno station earlier. I didn't get enough sleep, I think everybody doesn't. It was fun but tiring.

Rolee Trip - Day 4 - Ikaho Adventure

2007-03-21T11:46:00.000+09:00

First on the list of activities was to go to Ikaho in Gunma. It was actually an adventure for me since I haven't been to Ikaho by public transport. The first time I went there was with a friend and we used his car to drive around Ikaho and Mt. Haruna. So this will be a challenge for me, for my Japanese speaking abilities and my sense of direction. Nevertheless, it is quite thrilling for an adventure. The idea was to visit Ikaho hotsprings and then see the Trick Art Museum. But again, we run out of time so we weren't able to go to the museum. Maybe next time.

Rolee Trip - Day 3

2007-03-21T11:31:00.000+09:00

Actually, this is supposed to be Day 4 already since I went back home to get some things back at my place and to get that needed sleep and rest. I met Rolee and his friends at Ueno as they will be staying at my place before we head for Kyoto and Osaka. Unfortunately or fortunately though, I met them a bit quite late than expected so I end up walking around Tokyo. I guess it is also a nice opportunity to walk around.

Rolee Trip - Day 2 Part 3

2007-03-21T11:12:00.000+09:00

Outside VenusFront is a permanent car show. I forgot the name of the place but they definitely have nice cars. For this time I didn't took much pictures as I am running low on bat. But last December, I was able to take some pictures around the area.

Rolee Trip - Day 2 Part 2

2007-03-21T10:17:00.000+09:00

After numerous shots the group finally decided to head for Odaiba. We planned to take the train headed for Shimbashi, but since the subway station is near Shinjuku Gyoen, we went for a little while to look around. Spring has begun during this time and so you'd see people mingling around Sakura trees.

My legs are starting to worn out and I can feel that I can't take another more step. But the tour must go on. After all, one who likes to travel shouldn't be getting tired of walking. Since we are almost running out of time as it would be dark soon, we better be going to Odaiba if we would like to see as many sites in Odaiba as possible.

One of the most interesting place at Odaiba is VenusFort. Once inside, it is like you are walking along an old street in Europe. I know the concept is not really original here as I know I've seen a picture of one before taken somewhere else.

Rolee Trip - Day 2

2007-03-21T09:30:00.000+09:00

The previous night was very tiring after that long walk around Roppongi. Nevertheless it's a bit fun knowing that it will be quite sometime (or never) before I could experience something like this again. . Anyways, today we went to Odaiba but before that we passed by Shinjuku and TMG Grounds.

What I liked about TMG grounds are the numerous sculpture depicting the female form. I remember that back in schooldays, I used to draw female figures, nude at that. Sometimes depecting woman from the tribes.

This one sculpture is really amazing. The first time I saw this back in July last year, I remember right away the UP Oblation. I guess you could call this the UP Oblation "female version".

Rolee Trip - Day 1

2007-03-20T18:25:00.000+09:00

Just came from a very very tiring week, but FUN at that! I've got some friends working in Singapore who flew in to Japan for a one week's stay. They arrived last March 10 and stayed until March 18. It was actually fun being around them and doing all those trips.

First day upon their arrival we are already scouring the city. First stop was the ever crowded Shibuya. It was a Saturday night and so as expected much more people are in the streets.

<-- THE SHOT

Around 15mins ride by train and we are in the ever famous, brightly litted Tokyo Tower. The orangey color of the tower looks magnificent in a clear night. Though the scenery in the morning is also spectacular by just admiring the towering height of Tokyo Tower. One must have a picture of the tower in the morning and at night to appreciate more the beauty of this man-made structure. Too bad there are some rumors that they plan to dismantle this and build a much bigger tower.

THE PHOTOGRAPHERS If one is in Roppongi already, try visiting Roppongi Hills with all the magnificent buildings around. This one has the view of the tower in the background. Warning though, you must be wearing a very tough pair of shoes for the walking.

なんと週か! (What a week!)

2007-02-25T10:21:00.000+09:00

Finally, "my" spring break is here! After two weeks of seating for that intensive class and doing those brain wrecking problems I can now say that I have survived "Advanced Programming". Whew! It is actually fun rather than a torture for me (I just don't know how the others sees it) but then again I just feel like my stomach is turning upside down and me becoming nauseous at times if I can't make the program work. But everything paved off, I'm just glad I am done with it.

Five lessons learned from the Five People You meet in Heaven

2007-01-30T17:15:00.000+09:00

Getting back to school as a fulltime student gave me a chance to get hold of that precious time to start reading again. With all the busy schedules one has to endure just to keep at pace with work, I can't even bother to lift a book not related to the things I am teaching. The last time I finished some readings was way back in college and that was so long ago. And now I finally got the chance.

For this month I was able to finished two books (have to stop for about a week or two to finish some reports for school), though I have read each book in one sitting. Both were written by Mitch Albom, "Tuesdays with Morrie" and "The Five People you meet in Heaven". I have wanted to read Tuesdays with Morrie but as I have said, I was tied up to work.

For now I would like to share some lessons learned from the second book that I have read - The Five People you meet in Heaven. The story was about life, death and more importantly about relationships. But it was not just about relationships, quoting one of the texts "No life is a waste. The only time we waste is the time we spend thinking we are alone."

Lesson one - We are all connected

It's been said a hundred times that "No man is an Island". We may not know everyone but there is something that binds us all together. The things we do affects others directly or indirectly. I quote "the human spirits knows, deep down, that all lives intersect. That death doesn't just take someone, it misses someone else, and in the small distance between being taken and being missed, lives are changed."

What we must do is to learn to connect with people. Appreciate people we don't know as much as the ones we do know. "Strangers are just family you have yet to come to know."

Lesson two - Sacrifice

Sacrifice I think is one of the hardest things to do. It is the one thing that usually engulfs us with fear, anxiety and regret. But "sacrifice is a part of life. It's supposed to be. It's not something to regret. It's something to aspire to."

Being able to sacrifice for the good of others is the greatest gift you could give even if it means losing your life to save another. "When you sacrifice something precious, you're not really losing it. You're just passing it on to someone else."

Lesson three - Learn to forgive

People always think that forgiving is an act of cowardliness that's why a lot of us have a hard time forgiving, including me. But learning to forgive is one courageous act. It is the anger that makes us not forgive. But "no one is born with anger. And when we die, the soul is freed of it." "Holding anger is a poison. It eats you from inside." It haunts you till your last breath. "Hatred is a curved blade. And the harm we do, we do to ourselves." It is we that are affected by our anger, our hatred.

But if we learn to forgive and let go of those anger and hatred, we are not only at peace to the people we hated before but most specially to ourselves.

Lesson four - Remembering love

With love we can do anything and everything. Anyone that is in love will say that it is the happiest moment of their lives. But as one goes and leaves one behind, love mustn’t go as well. "Life has to end. Love doesn't." People left behind must continue to love and much more nourish love, for it is the one thing that could make us remember the people who have touched our hearts and our lives. "Lost love is still love. It takes a different form, that's all."

Lesson five - Acceptance

The last lesson I believe is vague and is for us to comprehend, but for me I think it is "acceptance". One must accept one's capabilities and limitations, the realities of life. For by learning to accept, one will not have feelings of envy, anger, or hatred. One will be at peace.

"I was sad because I didn't do anything with my life. I was nothing. I accomplished nothing. I was lost. I felt like I wasn't supposed to be there."

Looking back at the things you failed to do and not learning to accept that we no longer have the capacity to do or undo so will leave us in conflict with our selves. Getting angry at the thoughts will imprison us in that moment. Denying us the capacity to move on and do well.

NOTE: Text in Italics are quoted from "The Five People You meet in Heaven".

FREEZING Cold!

2007-01-14T11:14:00.000+09:00

Yup it is. Freezing cold out here but still, there are no SNOOWWW!

Chocolate dance

2007-01-03T19:31:00.000+09:00

Talk about ones ingenuity specially during Christmas parties where one is supposed to present something for everyone. We did a dance performance and it turned out to be a success though we only did rehearse the choreography an hour before the party. See and watch and yes you can dance along too! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fUGdZ8ldIok

Celebration!

2006-12-30T13:47:00.000+09:00

I think New Year's celebration is one of the most highlighted events in a year (the fact that Christmas is only celebrated mostly in Christian countries). This is one event where everybody gets busy, trying to rush and get done with year-end reports, brushing elbows at grocery stores to get hold of those must-have-at-the-dining-table-before-midnight-comes, scrubbing dirt at every corner to welcome the new year with a "clean" start, rushing to come back home to their families or hometowns, and getting that needed sleep before the year ends to try to stay awake when the new year comes. I think for most of the countries around the world, this is one event that shouldn't be missed.

For some countries like Japan, New Year's celebration is not just a celebration of welcoming a brand new year; it is actually a practice of century old traditions. From preparing new-year-only delicacies to mailing of postcards (nengajo)that must be received by January 1st. Japanese are also required to visit a temple (for Buddhists) and/or a shrine (for Shintoists) to pray and receive blessings.

In the Philippines, this is the time where family reunions are normally held. A time where you meet relatives you thought never existed. Meeting a distant cousin who has gone to the same school as you, a Tita (aunt) who is the girlfriend of your classmates's brother, a Lolo (grandfather) who you've only heard from stories, and maybe a Tito (uncle) who has the same age as you. I think I've only been to one or maybe two reunions. Normally, my family stays home and celebrate New Year together. I remember the time when my mom asked my tita to fetch me from my grandmother's house. We welcome the year with a rosary at 10pm and by the time we're done it is almost 12midnight after which me and my siblings together with other kids and teens goes from house to house to feast on their Media Noche.

But most of the countries (if not all) celebrate the New Year with a bang and I literally mean a BANG! This is the day, the night of all nights where you see fireworks, dancing lights in the sky. From houses in one's neighbourhood to firework displays organized by the government. It is totally a feast for the eye. Colors, hundreds of them. Colors that glitters, trully a grand spectacular view to see.

I guess we owe this wonderful celebration when Earth welcomed the new century that is the year 2000. This is one event where every nation around the world celebrated a new year like never before. Countries that don’t usually celebrate the New Year have joined others in celebrating it with spectacles. And still 7 years have passed that tradition never stop. Now everyone is looking forward to that grand welcome.

In a few more hours we bid goodbye to 2006 and welcome the dawn of a new age, that is 2007. As we ponder and think about what transpired in 2006, let us keep happy memories alive and make our failures lessons to live by. Like everyone else we hope for a better future, better health, better career, a better life, and most of all WORLD PEACE!

Life begins at 30!

2006-12-25T10:04:00.000+09:00

29..30! Four months from now life, for me, will make a different turn. Growing older (a bit wiser I guess) but still having fun just like a child. For the next few months of my life before I go near the edge and join the bandwagon of calendar lookers, I would like to do things that have been pressing in my mind. Things I think I should focus on, after all life is too short why not enjoy it while you can. So here it goes, my 30 to do things before I turn 30:

1. get to read a book, a nice book

2. go clubbing in Roppongi

3. go back to Ikaho and go skinny dipping in the hotspring

4. learn to skii

5. travel to Kyoto and see the place during winter

6. be good at Nihongo (as in fluently)

7. get all A's from my classes (hopefully!)

8. have my VISA upgraded to multiple-entry

9. get a massage

10. ride a shinkansen to anywhere
11. go to Disney Sea

12. make a draft of my thesis

13. take nice pictures of the great outdoor

14. finally see and climb Mt. Fuji

15. get myself an iPod Shuffle

16. change my mobile phone service provider

17. spend one whole day travelling...ALONE!

18. have a trip to Hokkaido

19. have more money to finance all these trips

20. finally get to see Tokyo tower before they tear it down

21. make up my mind whether I will move in the dorm or not

22. host a party at my place

23. play badminton or tennis after 12yrs

24. buy my first set of suit and trousers

25. build my own snowman...hehehe

26. go back and see TMG at Shinjuku

27. stay in the tub and relax

28. see south Honjo (Kodama)

29. get an A in Shimamoto Sensei's class (have I mentioned this already?)

30. finally...be happy!

Lost and FOUND!!

2006-12-16T13:01:00.000+09:00

In our university, we gain access to every facility using our student ID cards. Even the security panels holding the keys for key-type locks can be accessed if one is authorized using his ID. Yesterday, as I was returning my ID to my wallet after returning our lab key, I noticed that my Alien Registration Card was missing. What a deep sh**! Of all the things that could be loss I have lost my Alien Card. One can't go out without it, they'll jail you for not bringing one.

I back tracked where I came from to check if I may have dropped it while pulling out my student ID but there were no sign of it. Then I hurried home as I have remembered that I was using my Alien Card while filling up some forms. So I checked around the house but still no sign of it.

Then it hit me! I photocopied it last Monday at the grocery shop. The f*ck! It must have been gone by now. Anyways, I hurried to the shop and checked the copier I used. Still no sign. The machine must have been used several times, who knows what happened from that day till Friday.

As a last resort I went to the customer service counter and asked if there were any returned items specifically an Alien Card. The guy at the counter said that there's none. Stupid guy! Didn't even look around the counter. So finally I went to the Koban (police box) to report it. I need a police report if I plan to get a copy (Well I sure need it!).

Today I went back again to the grocery shop to check the machine. I was thinking that maybe just maybe someone must have used the machine after me and then throw my ARC near the copier. Well bad luck! No trace of it. Anyways, my stupid intuition tells me to go back at the service counter and ask again. True enough, my hunch was right. Another stuff from the counter got a box out and there inside was my ACR. FINALLY!! Someone with a right mind tought of something. Well the stupid guy was still there and he was searching at the log book. No help really.

I am just thankful that I finally got it back and that I don't have to worry anymore.

Olympus E-500

2006-12-15T09:29:00.000+09:00

Yesterday I finally got my Olympus E-500 from Amazon and I thought I couldn't have it after they have had problems with verifying my credit card. Last Wednesday I got this email from the site stating that they have finally verified my card and that they are processing the order now. I really want to have this camera. Why? It's an SLR, a good professional camera for novice users like me, weighs less than other cameras and the quality of the shots are superb. More specs at
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/specs/Olympus/oly_e500.asp read all about it and you decide. For now I am off to the street to get some shots!

HP B1900

2006-12-15T08:44:00.000+09:00

Finally sold my VAIO VGN-FJ57GP and got me a new laptop (though not litterally new), an HP B1900 Notebook PC. Got this last Wednesday at Akihabara. I actually saw a brandnew unit at Yodobashii, same specs, they sell it for about 129,800 Yen. Was really into it but still want to look out for something cheaper. Then I went to a shop I've gone to before and saw exactly the same model selling for 117,800 (secondhand though). The body looks superb, I mean you wouldn't tell that it's second hand. The keys still looks great, no signs of keys been overuse and I got it in a much much cheaper price, 112,00Yen.

Why did I have to make a switch? Well my old laptop is heavy and less powerfull. I am looking for something light and yet powerfull. And I say, this HP B1900 gives it all.

Specs? Check it out:

Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo T5500 (2MB L2 Cash, 1.66GHz, 667MHz FSB)
Chipset: ATI Radeon Xpress 200M
Memory: 1024MB (512MB x 2) PC2-5300 DDR2-SDRAM
HDD: 100GB (Serial ATA, 5400 rpm)
Drives: 8x Super Multi-drive
Modem: Built-in 56Kbps Fax 14.4 kbps
Network: 10/100 Integrated LAN
WLAN: Broadcom (IEEE 802.11 b/g, WiFi)
Wireless capability: Integrated BlueTooth
Graphics: ATI Radeon Xpress 200M
Graphics Memory: 128MB Video Memory
Display Size: 12.1 inch WXGA High Definition BrightView Widescreen DisplayExternal
Display Resolution: 1280 x 800 resolution
I/O ports: 1 VGA, 3 USB 2.0 ports, 1 IEEE-1394, 1 RJ-11, 1 RJ -45, S-video TV out, 1 headphone jack, 1 microphone jack, AC Adapter, SPDIF (supported via adapter connected through headphone out)
Expansion slots: ExpressCard/54 slot (supports both 34 and 54 form factors)
Dimension: 22.4 cm (W) 28.7 cm (D) x 2.8 cm - 3.4 cm (H)
Weight: 1.79kg

Maskipaps! version 2

2006-10-21T21:56:00.000+09:00

By the way, I have already created another blogsite for the things I've been doing out of my kitchen (just click on the title of this post). This is in connection with my previous blog (Maskipaps!). Anyways, this is long overdue since I was really planning to create one featuring the dishes that I've been trying out. Hopefully, I could work on again those past dishes that I've already made and be able to post some pics and "how to's". Also, the blogsite will contain "kitchen experiments" of the various dishes that I've tasted and would love to try out on my own. So I wish you guys could visit the other site and post some comments or better yet, make your own little experiments. One warning though, try all the dishes at your own risk!

Maskipaps!

2006-10-21T19:44:00.000+09:00

I got a text message from my friend asking for my where abouts. She wants to return the pot she borrowed last time and also gave me some left overs since she can't finish it all. Anyways, I was already in the building when I got to read the message and saw that she left the thing in front of my place. Earlier I was thinking of cooking pasta since I was really hungry and don't have time to cook rice anymore. Besides, I have to finish up all the breads I bought which is nearing expiration (actually it was expired already since yesterday but still consumable) and I thought it will go well with pasta.

Anyways, there were two left overs, one is a soup of meat and sausages with pineapple chunks and the other one is a grilled fish. I was thinking of making a pasta dish out of the grilled fish but I don't think it would go well with tomato sauce. So I played around with the soup heating it up first. Then I thought of removing the extra liquid by simmering it more, this will make the sauce more thicker. At this time I was preparing the macaroni shells. I remember that I still have some brocolli in the frig and so I added it up together with some mushrooms and pour in some milk to make the sauce. Once the consistency of the sauce was attained, I poured it over the macaroni and top it with some parmessan cheese. I didn't put too much salt since the soup already has taste. I know you are wondering how it looks like so I generously took some pictures of it for your viewing. Besides, earlier this week I was thinking of doing a blog about my cooking. What I cook. Maybe later. For now, enjoy!

FREE HUGS Anyone?

2006-10-16T10:31:00.000+09:00

Saw this one in YouTube about the FREE HUG campaign. The video is awesome and quite moving. You'd feel like you want to go out and look for someone to hug. We may never know it but that person we hug do really need some comfort right now. The music by Sick Puppies entitled All the Same in its own is quite moving. Sounds good to hear and the words are very appropriate to the video. Anyways, I hope you have time to check it out and hug someone!

Views

2006-10-14T01:39:00.000+09:00

I really love to have a camera. Not the small one or handy one that you normally see. I want those big, bulky, a bit heavy cameras professional photographers use. I've been wanting to learn photography even before college but don't have the time and the resources (the camera, I don't have one). Anyways, I have here some pics which I took using my mobile phone's camera. If only I have one of those cameras, the shots would be much nicer. Enjoy!

Autumn in October

2006-10-08T13:59:00.000+09:00

It really is autumn here in Honjo. Around last week, you can't imagine that a new season had arrived. I guess because of the changing weather. During the last week of September to the first week of October, we experienced varying weather change. In the early mornings it was cloudy with a little drizzle then the warmth of the sun in the mid day. Also, we experienced lots of rains during these past few days which made it more difficult to recognized the change in season. But came Saturday (Oct. 7) where I thought (or so we thought) that it would still rain (a previous commitment was cancelled because every body thought that it would still rain since it was raining straight for the past two days). You can hear the howling of the wind and you can feel the coldness in the air coming from the mountains of Gunma and Niigata. The temperature is starting to drop and that even in the day, one should wear something comfortable as protection to the cold weather. In the streets of Honjo, you could see dead leaves fallen from the trees, blown by the wind. It really is autumn. And winter, yes winter is about to come. The preparation for the cold season has begun and I think I might as well prepare for it myself. Aaahhh what a lovely feeling autumn brings.

Bursting inside!

2006-10-07T18:55:00.000+09:00

13 yrs. yep, that is how long I've known Rolee. He was my classmate back in college and for me I consider him to be one of my good friends, very good friends. Though I don't confide problems to him (actually not even to anyone), still I considered him to be my best friend. He is always jolly, full of antics and always there to share a laugh. I never saw him getting angry or mad to someone or to anyone for that matter.

After reading his post in his blogsite, I felt his anger, bursting inside. As I've said, I have never seen him like this before. Not until now. What ever that is bothering him, I pray that he may recover from it and forgive the one who done him wrong. Though I know it is hard to put away all that anger, still it is the only thing to do. To Rolee, I love you always my friend. We are all here, those who knows you well and we will support you no matter what.

BAGUIO on my mind.

2006-10-06T21:49:00.000+09:00

Its been raining since yesterday. Though it is not that heavy, still it feels cold. Ewan ko ba kung bakit ganito ang weather ngayon. Yesterday, there were some drizzle in the early parts of the morning and the sky was cloudy. I was still able to go to the bank and pay for my bills, but then around 11am it started to rain. And it never did stop. Until now.

It is cold. And times like this, I remember the cold climate of Baguio City. I missed the place. Though I am not shivering because of the cold weather, I just hate it because it made me miss Baguio City even more. Sigh...

(Sunrise at Camp John Hay courtesy of BaguioCityONLINE)

Hajimemashite!

2006-10-05T15:56:00.001+09:00

はじめまして！私の　名　は　マイケル　です。今　日本　に　すんで　います。

So much for Nihongo. Anyway, just like what Japanese say, Hajimemashite! Been living here in Japan for quite a few months now and my classes have just started. No problems so far. I really don't think that I have to adjust to the food, the culture, the lifestyle of the Japanese people. I guess I've been too familiar with them after all those Japan Video Topics that I have watched (always) when I was still a kid. I guess it helped a lot. Actually, been dreaming of experiencing the life here in Japan and now it finally happened. I'm here!