Tokyo Trip 2014

My first time in Tokyo was meaningful and quite an eye-opener. I was following the lives of overseas Filipino workers for work and got a lot of insight about Japan post-big earthquake. That was memorable.

This second trip was a no-brainer. Went to touristy places, met a lot of people, and went with the flow. Typical maybe, but loads of fun! The trip also came in the right time when I needed to de-stress and let loose the most. The result, one of the most memorable trips I've had!

Roppongi Hills

I had my high school classmate Cherry May as company for the first 3 days of my trip. She had been traveling South Korea & Japan for 3 weeks. I joined her in her Tokyo leg. This was our first Tokyo lunch together in a katsu restaurant in Roppongi Hills.

Ginza

After lunch, we explored Ginza, Tokyo's main shopping district.

Ginza

Believe it or not, this was at 4:30 in the afternoon. They have longer nights during winter. I'm a tropical boy so darkness around this time is unusual to me.

Tokyo Metropolitan Government Office observatory

We then went to Tokyo Metropolitan Government Office observatory for a free bird's eye view of the city. It was a bit disappointing because the observatory was crowded with shops selling souvenir items and there's even a restaurant at the center. It also didn't provide a 360-degree view of the city. But hey it's for free!

Gonpachi

The film geek in me got excited when Cherry May suggested we eat dinner in Gonpachi. This was one of the film locations of Quentin Tarantino's Kill Bill. This was definitely a highlight! Didn't care much about the food. All I thought was I was effin eating dinner in Kill Bill's location.

Gonpachi

Looks familiar, Kill Bill fans?

Hachiko Statue

I just realized my Day 1 in Tokyo was sort of a cineaste day. We went to Hachiko's statue next, Tokyo's most popular dog immortalized in a film.

Shibuya Crossing

Next to Hachiko's exit is the famous Shibuya crossing. Lost In Translation fans are for surely familiar with this one. It's Tokyo's version of New York's Time Square. The Crossing wasn't too crowded that night but they said that when it's really crowded, you will find yourself walking around in a daze.

Imperial Palace East Garden

We started our second day by walking to the Imperial Palace East Garden, which is just near our hostel. It's the only part of the palace area that's open to the public.  The garden was huge with many exits. We found ourselves lost and could not find the exit that will give us a glimpse of the palace. Or can we really glimpse the palace from the East Garden? That is something I still do not know. :)

Senso-ji

Next stop was Sensoji, Tokyo's famous temple in Asakusa. So what's the difference between a temple and a shrine in Japan? A temple is Buddhism's place of worship. Shrine is for Shinto.

Nakamise Dori

Before reaching Senso-ji, you'll have to walk along Nakamise Dori. It's 200 meters of stalls selling all kinds of souvenirs. Smart businessmen!

Sumida Park

From Senso-ji, we walked our way to Tokyo Skytree. On our way there, we passed by Sumida Park which has a good view of Tokyo's newest landmark.  When we arrived in Tokyo Skytree, however, we were told to wait for 2 hours to be able to buy entrance tickets. We couldn't wait for long since we're meeting some people in Harajuku station. No luck with observatory towers so far!

Meiji-jingu

We arrived a little early in Harajuku station so we decided to stop by Meiji-jingu Shrine, another famous Tokyo landmark near Harajuku. This is the entrance to the path leading to the shrine.  It turned out to be a very long path. We decided to head back to Harajuku station so we won't miss the meeting. Mobile charges are expensive and there are only a few free wifi spots in Tokyo. Meiji next time!

Shibuya

The people we met in Harajuku were Carey (2nd to the left) and Ryo (rightmost). Carey is a fellow Sillimanian living in Yokohama and was referred to Cherry May by a mutual friend on Facebook. Ryo is a Japanese Couchsurfer who studied English for 2 months in Quezon City. We met them for the first time that day and they guided us in exploring Omotesando Hills. We were joined later by Carey's half-Japanese friend Hero (2nd to the right) for an afternoon of kwentuhan and chikahan.  Instant friendship thanks to technology!:)

Hub

Come night-time, Cherry May and I joined fellow backpackers in a Couchsurfer's meet-up in Hub, a British pub in Shibuya. This was another highlight as I got to know people of different nationalities with different stories to tell. Hub was just the starting point of a crazy, fun night with these Couchsurfers!

Shibuya

You do not go to Tokyo without experiencing karaoke! From Hub, we transferred to a karaoke place in Shibuya where we sang the night away and drank more alcohol.

Shibuya

n the end, only four survived the karaoke party! LOL! French Vincent (2nd to the left), Finnish Arttu (3rd to the left) and Two Filipinos (represent! :D)

Yoshiba Chanko Nabe

We started Day 3 by eating lunch in Yoshiba Chanko Nabe. Chanko Nabe is sumo wrestler's food (see big pot) and Yoshiba is a hole-in-the-wall resto owned by a former sumo wrestler.

Yoshiba Chanko Nabe

There's a sumo ring inside the restaurant. How cool is that?

Ryogoku Kokugikan

Unfortunately for us, it wasn't sumo tournament season.  So we just contended ourselves taking pictures in front of the mural of Ryogoku Kokugikan, Tokyo's sumo stadium.

Gundam Cafe

We then explored Akihabara, Japan's anime and electronics center. Our first stop was Gundam Cafe. The cafe shows non-stop Gundam videos but other than that, it's just another typical cafe.

Akihabara

We also went to Yodabashi, Akihabara's biggest electronic department store. It has 5 or 6 floors of electronic products. If I had the money, my lazy self would buy the robot vacuum cleaner from that store. I haven't seen anything like that!  A fellow Korean backpacker from the hostel joined us here.

Akihabara

We also went inside M, a 5-floor sex shop. We weren't prepared to see the different sex toys that the store is selling. Hahaha! Visiting the shop was quite an experience, I should say. No, this is not M but one of the busy streets in Akihabara. Taking pictures are not allowed inside the shop.

Kyusyu Jangara

Carey met us again in Harajuku and she brought us to her favorite ramen place Kyusyu Jangara Ramen. I love their ramen too!

Takeshita Dori

After dinner, we explored Takeshita Street in Harajuku and ate in Marion Crepes for dessert.  We also went inside the biggest Daiso store in Takeshita and in the biggest toy store in nearby Omotesando that is Kiddyland. I was able to buy some affordable One Piece items in Kiddyland for my godchildren.

Robot Restaurant

Cherry May and I then went to watch a show in Shinjuku's famous robot restaurant. I think I first saw this restaurant on TV in an episode of The Amazing Race.  The show was a tacky, cluttered and weird musical variety show but once the robots came out, it didn't matter anymore. The robots stole the show!

Robot Restaurant

Robot and I!:)

Tsukiji Market

Day 4 was the day I started touring Tokyo alone. My first stop was Tsukiji market to eat in the best sushi place in town, Sushidai. This was me falling in line outside.

Sushi-dai

Finally got in after 3 hours (yes sir!) for an authentic sushi experience! The chefs prepared the sushi in front of the customers. They also taught us the best way to eat sushi. That is, you eat it with your hands.  My favorite sushi in Sushi-dai was the eel and fatty tuna sushi. Nomnom!

Ginza Kabukiza Theater

I then watched a one-act play in Ginza's Kabukiza theater. The play was in Japanese language so I rented the English audio guide. Must be because I was tired or maybe because I didn't understand/feel a thing, or maybe Kabuki is not just for me, but I slept through the play after a few minutes. I will  charge this to experience.

New Otani Hotel

Dinner time, Cherry May and I met with our high school classmate Cris Jude. We only found out Cris Jude was in Tokyo during the trip through her friend Chrissie who saw our pictures on Facebook. She treated us to dinner in a revolving sky restaurant on top of New Otani Hotel. It was classy! :))

5th Station, Mount Fuji

I went out of Tokyo on Day 5 and joined a Viator tour to Mount Fuji in Kanagawa Prefecture. We were lucky that Mount Fuji showed up on the day of the tour (Para rin kasi siyang Bulkang Mayon, di nagpapakita minsan). However, we were not prepared by the strong winds and cold temperature (-2 degrees celsius) in the 5th Station of Mount Fuji (the highest station accessible to transportation).   It was so windy and cold, standing outside to take a picture with Mount Fuji in the background was sooo hard because you needed to maintain your balance.  Opening your eyes was also a chore because of the strong winds. This was already my best shot with Mount Fuji. Hahaha!

Hakone-en Aquarium

The weather was so windy that day, our tour decided to do a detour from riding the cable car to visiting Hakone-en Aquarium.  Honestly, if you've been to Manila Ocean Park, this one was rather underwhelming. There were only a few species of fish and most of them can be found in the Philippines.

Lake Ashi

The next part of the tour was the Lake Ashi cruise. Can you actually be in a cruise that lasts only for 20 minutes? I want my money back, Viator! :)) I'm charging this again to experience.  La

Odawara Station

I guess the tour saved the best for last. Last part of the tour was the shinkansen/bullet train ride from Odawara to Tokyo. We went to Odawara from Tokyo riding a bus for 3 hours. Riding the shinkansen back to Tokyo, it only took 30 minutes. Wow!

Roppongi

I was supposed to leave for the Philippines already on Day 6 but i had sooo much fun, I decided to extend my vacation upon finding out our film shooting was cancelled. Yep, that's me, very impulsive! Thing was, I had to find another accommodation because the hostel was already fully booked. Thankfully, I found one in Roppongi through Air BNB. This was it, a sample of a small apartment unit in Tokyo.

Mori Art Museum

I decided to explore Roppongi and my first stop was the Mori Art Museum where there was an exhibit by Lee Ming Wei and His Relations. It was my first time to enter an exhibit that's participatory and my first intro to relational arts. Everything in that exhibit was interactive. One exhibit had visitors giving old clothes to the artist who then repaired the clothes while visitors shared their personal stories. At the end of the exhibit, he would have an installation of all the old clothes. :))

Mori Art Museum

I was also lucky that the Tim Burton exhibition was still ongoing in Mori Art Museum. As a cineaste, the exhibit was just marvelous and insightful. I appreciated my work more after seeing the exhibit.

Mori Tower Observation Deck

One goal that day was to see a bird's eye view of Tokyo in the open-air observatory atop Mori Tower. However, the rainy weather was not cooperating and so I had to contend myself in the closed-window observation deck, which was like a lover's deck. No luck in Tokyo observatories still! Haha!

Tokyo

The late afternoon view, to be fair, was amazeballs! This observation deck was better than the one in Shinjuku because it provided a 360-degree view.

Mos Burger Roppongi

Had Mos burger for dinner. It's their Jollibee daw. Nothing fancy. Just your regular burger with tomato sauce.

Oedo Onsen Monogatari

I then went to Oedo Onsen Monogatari in Odaiba to experience Japanese onsen for the first time. I wasn't prepared to see a big onsen place. It was like a mall inside. There were restaurants and boutiques in the common area.

Oedo Onsen Monogatari

Found new Japanese friends inside the onsen. Weird, noh?! Hahaha! Seriously, nudity there was no big deal, no pun intended.:)

Tokyo

Day 7 had a sunny weather. I went back to Mori Tower and the 52nd-floor rooftop sky deck was open!!! I finally got lucky! That's the Tokyo Tower in the middle. They said it's bigger than Eiffel.

Mori Tower 52nd Floor Rooftop Observatory

That's Mount Fuji in the far background. It showed up again!

Esprit Dior Ginza

My designer friend and frequent Japan traveller Tracy recommended the Christian Dior exhibition ongoing in Ginza. Like I said, I'm no fashionista but I'm a curious person so I went!

Esprit Dior Ginza

Classic Dior gowns worn by celebrities. The leftmost black gown was worn by Marilyn Monroe. JLaw wore the gown in the middle when she won the Oscars. The blue gown on the right was worn by Princess Di during the House of Dior 50th anniversary.

Bar Speak Easy

There was another Couchsurfer's meet-up that night which means, more travel friends!

Meiji Kinenkan

While doing work for PBB Unlimited in Tokyo back in 2011, I ran out of Japanese yen. It was a scary feeling. It was my first time in Japan, I was alone, lost because of the seemingly complicated train system and needed the money to be able to go to my next destination. I asked a few locals where the nearest money changer was and they couldn't answer me. Good thing, I met this good Japanese samaritan. He said I had to go to a bank to be able to exchange money. (Money changers are not common in Tokyo that's why the other locals didn't understand my query). Maybe realizing i'd get lost searching for a bank, he accompanied me to the nearest bank even if going there was a 15-minute walk and was out of his way. I was sooo grateful. But my misfortune didn't end there. When we arrived in the bank, it was already closed. I honestly didn't know what to do at that point. Then this guy told me just to give him my dollars and he'd exchange it to his own money. Till this day, I will never forget that act of kindness. That was when I decided i'd pay it forward and be helpful also to other travellers in my country. I think that was the point when I took Couchsurfing seriously.:) Flash forward to 2014 and I met the good samaritan again. It was good to see Muneo!

Meiji Kinenkan

Muneo brought me to Meiji Kinenkan, a beautiful restaurant with a big garden. He said this restaurant is a popular wedding reception. In fact, he and his wife had their wedding reception there.  True enough, there was a wedding reception that day and got to see a Japanese bride and groom in real life.

Landmark Tower

I went outside Tokyo again, to Yokohama, upon the invitation of Carey. (Or I think I invited myself! Haha!) Here we were with the Landmark Tower, Yokohama's tallest building, in the background.

Yokohama

Carey brought her Filipino friend Mark who was too happy to serve as our photographer. 

Yokohama

An outdoor ice skating rink! The first time I saw one!

Yokohama

There was also Christmas market near the rink. It was also my first time to be in one!

Yokohama

I love Yokohama City! I love Tokyo!  I love Japan and I can't wait to go back! :)

Seoul Trip 2014

It was a trip that almost did not happen. Booked the plane tickets after our Singapore vacation last year. Unfortunately, my mother died in September. My sister and I were hesitant to pursue the trip. It might be insensitive. However, we thought of Nanay. Knowing her, we know she would want us to continue. In a way, this trip symbolizes that life moves on for us and no matter where we are or where we're going, Nanay will always be with us in spirit.

Meanwhile, below are the things I did for the first time in my third visit to Seoul.

Drank soju and ate samgyeopsal

Ate at Tosokchon and tried their famous Chicken ginseng soup

Went to Changdeokgung Palace

Joined Changdeokgung's Secret Garden tour

Joined the JSA tour...

... where I got to be in North Korea for a few minutes, albeit inside the JSA building

Also got to see the controversial borderline in JSA

Went to the Ice Museum

Watched Seoul's Lotus Lantern parade

Rode the cable car to Namsan Tower

Cruised Hanggang River

Went biking in Nami Island

Took a pose in the famous bench of Locks of Love in Namsan Tower

Click here for all the pictures.

Click here if you want to read all my South Korea trip entries.

And if you have questions about traveling to Seoul or if you're curious about my 4-day itinerary, just leave a comment below.

Hong Kong & Macau Trip 2014

They say it doesn't matter where you are, as long as you're with good company, you're bound to have fun. That is definitely true in my fifth trip to Hong Kong (second to Macau), this time with my Annaliza family. Every day was a happy day with these shiny happy people. I guess, we were just all too excited for this getaway after working non-stop for more than a year. It also helps that Hong Kong never ceases to be charming.  Like I wrote before, there is always something new to discover every time you visit.

In Disneyland, I was finally able to go up to Tarzan's house.

I also saw its newest attraction Grizzly Gulch.

I got to witness Chinese students doing anti-government demonstration in Ruins of St. Paul in Macau.

Ate breakfast in Australian Dairy Company, one of the top resto with most smiles in Open Rice Hong Kong. Its scrambled eggs are to die for!

Finally went to the the chillaxing Nan Lian Garden.

Connected to Nan Lian Garden is the beautiful Chi Lin Nunnery.

Discovered Dimdimsum Dimsum near our inn in Jordan. Hang Out rated its dimsum as the best in the world!

Finally rode a cable car going to Ngong Ping Village.  The first time I went there, we rode in a bus.

I don't know if we're recharged enough to go back to work after this trip but one thing's for sure, we are inspired and can't wait to travel again!

More pictures in my Facebook album.

Click this link to read my previous Hongkong & Macau trip entries.

Feel free to comment below if you want to know our itinerary or if you have questions about Hong Kong and Macau. I will gladly answer.
 

Annaliza Finale Thanksgiving Party

We were the little show that could, and we did, and it feels so good! :)

I have nothing but love, respect and gratitude to Team Annaliza who despite all obstacles, remained passionate to the craft and generous with their talents for the entire year that we were filming the soap. I will "surely, totally, definitely" miss them, that's why fun times like the party last night should be cherished.

Bel and I with photobomber Mamita!

I love these guys!

My girls Andrea and Arlene!

Cast of Annaliza

Editing team!

More pictures in my Facebook album!

2013 Year in Review

The unforgettable year that was 2013!

Had many highs and plentiful blessings early last year - a hit soap opera ( Annaliza, my love), my first time to direct in MMK in 2 high-rating episodes (I love working on the show!), and I got to travel abroad again with my family. The last quarter however, was unfortunate and if you've been following me on FB, you know what happened. We had our first Christmas without our mother this year. It was a blue Christmas, to put it succinctly. The good thing that came out from it though, was finding out who are our "real" friends and family, and I thank them for giving us their support, love, wisdom and comfort. So, good riddance 2013! I shall not forget you but I'm ready, no matter how difficult, to move on. 2014, I welcome you with open arms!

Happy new year to all of us!

2013 Favorites

Favorite Movie - Iloilo
I would like my dream movie to be like this, personal but well-crafted, dramatic but real, insightful but not didactic.




Favorite Song - Daft Punk ft. Pharrell "Get Lucky"
Good ol' electronic music that makes you feel good,  gets you up to the dance floor and doesn't make you throw up.




Favorite Album - Emblem3 "Nothing To Lose"
Guilty pleasure of 2013.  If you're a child of the 90's, listen first before you judge. :)




Favorite OPM Song - Yeng Constantino "Chinito"
Never mind the music video that's derivative of a Taeyang-Dara K-Pop collaboration.  Mind instead that this laid-back love ditty has got to be one of the most original OPM songs to come out in recent years.




Favorite Music Video - Miley Cyrus "We Can't Stop"
Get past through Miley's tongue-wagging and explicit exhibitionism but focus on its well-photographed images and meaningful art direction that serve the song's lyrics right.




Favorite Viral Video - Ylvis "The Fox"
Just because the video introduced us to a song that never fails to make me smile or laugh!




Favorite Game - Candy Crush
Seriously, who didn't get addicted to this game this year?

Favorite App - Waze
Finally, I can now drive anywhere! Thank you to whoever invented this!

Give Thanks Despite A Blue Christmas

Despite the unfortunate events that happened to our family this year, there are still some things to thank God for.  For one,  I was able to celebrate my birthday in the company of my Annaliza family.

Birthday surprise on the set

With my Annaliza family

Another birthday cake during Annaliza's Christmas dinner

Birthday boy!

Just before I left home for the holidays, I was also able to squeeze in fun reunion with relatives & close friends.

Annual Christmas dinner with my closest college friends

Annual Christmas treat to my beloved pamangkins

Christmas, so far, has been "steady".  I mostly stayed home because I got sick upon arriving here.  My sister and I decided to forgo noche buena.  The tradition just reminds us so much of Nanay, we didn't want to turn it into a "cryfest."  There had been emotional debates among us regarding some legal matters on Nanay's death.  It's still not resolved but it gets me depressed.  I pray God gives us the strength and wisdom in coming up with a decision, and I also pray that Nanay will guide us.

Visited Nanay's grave during Christmas day. God, I miss her so much!

It's not all blue Christmas, though.  I was able to meet up with some childhood friends for Christmas dinner.  Some old family friends also invited us to celebrate the occasion with them in their homes and I appreciate that.  The fact that I'm with my family during Christmas and without work-related stress is also a blessing already.

Tomorrow, we celebrate Tatay's and my cousin Jimbo's birthday. We'll also have our annual Christmas party with neighbors.  We definitely feel the void left by Nanay but we need to move on. If only, it's that easy.

Greatest Fear

My greatest fear would be forgetting how it feels to have you around.  I love you so much Nay!

Bye, Nay!

My mother already passed away yesterday afternoon.  It definitely breaks my heart for it was sudden, she didn't even have a life-threatening illness.  What she had was a simple diarrhea that led to other complications.  There might be a medical malpractice but the thought won't help me and family accept the situation now.  I pray that God gives me the strength to deal with it later.  Nevertheless, I still feel blessed and loved.  She waited for me.  I was able to talk to her on my first ICU visit upon arrival from Manila. She went into coma the following day.  I might have written (or even directed) a few hospital death scenes in teleseryes but they didn't prepare me from yesterday's real scenario.  We saw her being revived and were asked by the doctor of our decision after she was unresponsive for 30 minutes.  It was heart-breaking.  Sorry for the random thoughts and being dramatic.  I just need to let out.  I will definitely miss you Nay!  We only lived together for 12 years but you were always my inspiration and my source of strength.  I've always thought you were an old-fashioned conservative but the fact that you let me explore my dreams at a young age and supported me all the way makes you the best mother I could have. I hope I did you proud Nay. I love you soooo much!

ETA: I started my blog exactly 10 years ago and the first entry I wrote was about my Papay's (my Nanay's father) death.  I refuse to be morbid about the coincidence.  I''d rather think that Nanay and Papay, together with Mamay, are now reuniting in heaven.

Hospital Blues

I finally saw my Nanay in ICU early this evening.   She was confined because of complications from diarrhea or pwede ring because of the leniency of a local government hospital.  I should have segued to a rant about better and affordable health care that's lacking in our country, no thanks to corrupt government officials, but there's another venue for that.  I just wanted to write an entry because I wanted to express my feelings upon seeing my Nanay that weak.  I've never seen her that weak until tonight. She had difficulty talking.  Her skin is bloated. She looks pale and older.  The wires attached to her body do not help lessen her and my depressed state.  I was shattered to pieces and it hurts.

We talked for an hour wherein she shared to me some life realizations because of what happened. She realized my Tatay, who's not the affectionate kind and who's not good with words, indeed loves her the way he took care of her when she got sick.  She also told me an anecdote that had me in tears considering I was trying not to show my sadness to cheer her up.  Anyway, she told me she asked my cousin, who grew up with my parents, about his greatest fear.  My cousin, who hardly shows emotion and is still your typical irresponsible teenager, answered "losing you!". It got her teary eyed because to her, it validates her existence. It also got me me teary-eyed because after seeing her tonight, I feel the same.