TINIG entry for the month of April

日本の花見 (nihon no hanami)

the Cherry blossoms in JAPAN

It is cherry blossom season in Japan. The entire country explodes with these gentle flowering trees. The blue sky seems to rain down sweet cherry blossom petals. I’ve experienced snow here in Japan, but for once spring here with the cherry blossoms is gorgeous and alluring.

The word for cherry blossoms in Japanese is Sakura. The Cherry Blossoms are believed to exemplify the transient nature of our life and existence, because of their short blooming times. They are so loved that people flock together, spread blankets and sit under trees to enjoy the view that surrounds them. And so thus the yearly festival called Hanami or flower viewing.

I, together with my fellow FTSPians who were sent here in Japan for a business trip, was so privileged to have had shared in this remarkable event in Kyoto. It is an hour train ride from Kobe- the place where we are currently staying. Kyoto is known to be one of the tourist spots in Japan where one can experience Hanami with the different castles and temples as its background.

We visited the Byodo-in temple where we’ve seen one of the most famous views in Japan which was replicated on the back of the 10 Yen coin. Then we went to Daigo-ji temple. It was said to have been built by Rigen Daishi a buddhist monk. He planted a lot of sakura trees so that they would have Hanami parties during the spring. There we witnessed different kinds of Sakura trees. I thought that cherry blossoms were limited to the color pink but our visit in the temple proved that there are a lot of other varieties. Most varities produce light pink to pure white petals, but there are also cherry trees with dark pink or silghtly yellowish blossoms. Some of the cherry blossoms also change their colors when they bloom.

After having a great time looking at all those varities, we went to the famous Golden Pavilion or Kinkaku-ji. There we witnessed sakura trees though not much as to the temples we visited before. We enjoyed our stay in spite of not being able to go inside because of restrictions. Lastly we visited Nijo Castle or Nijo-jo where we witnessed the “Sakura light-up.” It started at 6 in the evening as the sun sets and it ends at around 10 pm. It is an amazing place where you can just be lost with the grandeur of it all, feel the breeze brushing your face, be thrilled by the sight of the cherry blossoms.

It was a tiring day but it was worth it. I hope one day, i can experience the cherry blossoms again...but now with my special someone. For sure it would be a one of a kind date.

To see more pictures, visit my multiply site: Sakura in Kyoto

Lenten Recollection 2008

2008-03-15
Rokko Island, Japan

I never imagined having my lenten recollection here in Japan. I still want to be in the Philippines during the Holy week. However, this year seems like I can't do my yearly Bisita Iglesia and the processions held during these days. Good thing the Filipino community here in Japan initiated a Lenten Retreat held near our place. It was very fortunate too that the retreat master was a Salesian, Fr. Armand Romualdez, SDB. I am a Bosconian and a Thomasian as well, but I spent most of my years with the Salesian family that's why I am happy to see salesians all over the world.

To start, we had the recollection in West ourt 5, Rokko Island. We rode in a cool train that has no driver on it. maybe that's the reason why it cost higher compared to other train lines. We arrived early and so we helped in preparing the place for the recollection. It was a small studio room of a condominium.

We were about more or less 30 persons that day. When Fr. Armand arrived, I introduced myself declaring I was a salesian past pupil. I'm from Don Bosco Sta. Mesa. After some chatting he mentioned that his nephew graduated in the same school. He asked me if I know Fernandez, BJ Fernarndez to be exact. Haha! Of couse I know him! He was my classmate in 3rd or 4th grade. Can't remember exactly. Imagine?! What a small world.. but sometimes I'm thinking is the world really small or I just happened to know lots of people? eerr.. whatever.

Going back to the topic, the whole day was filled with wisdom, prayer and reconciliation with God. Our main theme is the CIRCLE of LIFE. So, from the title itself we tackled lots of issues regarding life itself. There were lots of points to remember that I can't write it all down. Maybe some of the important points that I would like to share to you. I'll make this in random.

• We are called not just to be stewards but servants.
• "Death gives birth to Life." One must die in order for another being to be born.
• DAD is the one who fives away the seed of life. Therefore, he is the one who dies. This is how life begins.
• MOM is the one who nurtures Dad's dying experience. This is how connections and new life begins.
• "Dying" is the stuff of Marriage.
• Christianity's Principle: To be HAPPY.
• Jesus died on the cross not because he loves us. He died because he loves his Father so much and was obedient to do His will.
• A man needs 9 hugs a day for maintenance purposes.
• TRUST is the enabler of life. It is the basic energy of life.
• In the bible, Jesus said "Do not be afraid" 386 times.
• CHARACTER: integrity, intentions: and CREDENTIALS: capabilities, results defines who YOU are.
• Quitters are people who give up a day before he wins.
• Trust works inside-out. Build trust.
• SACRIFICE is non-negotiable in life. And it begets trust. It is the enchantment of life.
• GRACE builds in nature. So one must have a good nature to feel the grace from God.
• The test of a person7s character is how well he functions in times of crisis.
• We are called to be life-givers.

There are more but I think those are some of the things I can share it with you. I did had a wonderful time reflecting and reuniting with the Lord. However, sometimes it saddens me that I get to do this only during holy week?! maybe I can restructure my life and pay more attention to little things that give meaning to life than other things that is really not needed in life.

Here are some photos during the retreat:

Ma'am Fats, Fr. Armand and Me

Group Picture

Fr. Armand giving the talk about the CIRCLE OF LIFE

Merienda we had during the recollection

Me, enjoying the blessing I am receiving

May all of us remember Christ's passion and love this holy week. God is with us always. Trust in him, he will not abandon you. May we all have a meaningful life ahead of us.

Lakbayan Survey.. WOW PHILIPPINES!

My Lakbayan grade is C-!

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

Created by Eugene Villar.


First try at C na ako kagad.. hehehe..Sige, goal ko maging B..

Well, ginaya ko lang yung blog ni Reg.

Japan.. the second time around!

January 27 - April 24, 2008


Well, it's been 2wks since I arrive in Japan together with Steph (my roommate), Raymond and Sir Kit. Tonette followed a week after we fly to Japan. We will be here again for 3 long months. Will be missing Carlo and my friends. Sigh. We just have to do finish our project as well as start a new one I guess. Well, that's work. Nothing else to say.

It's winter season here. The average temperature is from 2-7 degrees. I'm wearing 3 layers of clothes: a thermal wear, regular clothes, and a thick jacket. At first it felt awkward wearing those padded or bubble jacket as they say, but if you're already here and experiencing winter season, you'll be thankful you're wearing one. If not, you'll be freezing to death. I usually wear complete accessories less the bonnet.. the scarf, gloves and jacket.. I'm even wearing tights just to keep me warm. But sometimes, when the wind blows hard, I still freeze!!

Anyway, it's also my first time to stay in DOI Mansion coz last year I stayed in Luminous hotel. It's an apartment with complete home appliance less the TV. Fortunately we have our laptops with us. Here's a sneak peak of our room.



Picture of Me and Steph before going to Office.


I have no adventure yet, very busy during weekdays and time to rest, wash clothes and clean the room during the weekends. I did went to Church last Wednesday to hear mass coz it's Ash Wednesday. And then it struck me.. we will be having our Lenten Season here in Japan. Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, we will be working in the Office?!?!? waaaaahh.. I realized that there are lots of Holidays or Events in the Philippines that we would not enjoy. Sigh. Let me enumerate, Ash Wednesday, Valentines Day (oh no!!!), Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Black Saturday and Easter Sunday (wwwwwwwaaaahhh, the egg hunting!!! huhuhu..), Company Anniversary in FTSP, Team Building in Enchanted Kingdom, Sportsfest in FTSP. wwwaahh.. pretty much huh?! We're stuck here til April.. we just have to accept it.

What else happened this 2 wk stay? hhmmm.. Besides work, err.. nothing else? I went strolling in Motomachi after mass last Sunday then found a great trench coat in Benetton. It's on SALE! From 16800 Yen to 7800 Yen. Beat that?! However, didn't bother to buy even if I really wanted to coz I can't use it in the Philippines. Unless I'm going to Japan or better yet the UK or US every year maybe then I won't have second thoughts buying it. I also found lots of boots here. Look below:



Then I took a photo of myself inside the Comfort Room. haha!



Didn't buy anything, just walked and hoping that will burn some calories. It's been 2wks and I gained weight already?!?!?!? wwwwwwwwwwaaahhhhh.. It's hard to lose weight you know.. sigh.. well, need to think of an alternative to lose weight. hehe.. I can't starve myself here, I need those for our project.. I bet no one can be productive if he/she is hungry, right?

By the way, I had my Nihongo Speech last Friday (2008-02-08) after the morning exercise. It's simple but I did practice the night before but still I didn't deliver it well. At least they did understand. Hehe. It's an anything under the sun speech. I talked about Cooking.

- 日本語 -
私の話題は料理です。
本当は私は料理できません。
しかし、現在は昼ごはんは料理を必要がありません。
だから、私は料理です。
でも、私の料理は失敗です。
先週は、もやしでエビを料理しました。
ですけど、調味は置くのを忘れました。
味がありません。だから、パンとミルクだけは食べます。
多分、フィリピンへ行く前に、私はすでに料理することができます。

- 英語 -
My topic is about cooking.
I really don't know how to cook.
However, currently I need to cook for lunch.
That's why I cooked.
But my cooking has failed.
Last week, I cooked shrimp with bean sprouts.
I forgot to put the seasoning therefore, it has not taste.
And so, I only ate bread and milk.
Perhaps, before going back to the Philippines, I can already cook.

So simple huh?! But it's hard to deliver it in Japanese!!! Nosebleed!!! hahaha.. my hands are both cold after that. Sigh. Need to prepare another speech for the next 2 wks. It's a rotation basis. Next will be Steph. I wonder what is her topic. Oh well, she's already good in Japanese language. No need to worry. hehe. :)

Happy Holidays!

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas. May your blessings coma a thousandfold, may the joy in your hearts never grow old, may you find treasures more valuable than gold. Have a happy holidays everyone!

By the way, I have completed the 9 mornings of Misa de Gallo. Hurray!! I'll be blessed this season and the coming years. God bless you all too. =)

Christmas Season

Relax Mode

At long last, I saw my dearest friends Zeny, Pache and Gen a.k.a “Barangay”. Last Nov. 10 was the submission of our initial deliverables to FTL (Fujitsu Ten Limited, Japan). So I had the time to see my friends and relax after … hhmm … almost 3months I guess. I didn’t even get to celebrate Ate Crispy’s Birthday. I’m such a loser. Sigh.

Anyway, what’s our agenda for the night? Body Spa!!!

First, we went to Wensha Spa but they didn’t agree with the price and the “common” room means we have to see each other side by side. So we went to City Lifestyle where they usually go. It was my first time to join and so I just followed them.

Zeny, Gen and Me had an Aromatherapy Body Spa while Pache had a combination of Swedish and Shiatsu Body Spa. Since they know it’s my first time, they told me what to do. I will then enumerate what are the essential things to bring and what to do when you go to a spa for the first time.

Things to bring:

1. Underwear
1. Disposable – so it is easy to bring and you can just throw it after.
2. Non-disposable – for those who are sensitive to use disposable undies.
2. Swim Suit
1. If you want to take a Jacuzzi without exposing your whole body, you can wear a swimsuit. You can also use this when you want to take the sauna bath.
3. Hot Oil Treatment and Shower Cap
1. For those who want to maximize the sauna bath, you can do your hair treatment. Just like in the salon!
4. Extra Cash
1. This is for the tip box.

Procedure:

*This may vary for each customer. I’ll just share what we did.

1. Paid the counter in the Lobby
2. Get the receipt for reference
3. Proceed to 6^th floor (Women’s wet and dry area)
4. Go to the receiving area and give the receipt.
5. Pick your preferred oil for the massage.
6. Since we chose Aromatherapy, we get to choose what scent we want.
7. Get the locker key and proceed to the locker area.
8. Give your shoes to the staff and get your slippers (by the way, it is a big-sized yellow plastic slipper.)
9. Get a towel and change your clothes.
10. Proceed to the shower room to stabilize your body temperature.
11. Now, you’re ready for a sauna bath.
12. First, steam bath.

- Here we used our Hot Oil Cream.

13. Next, dry sauna.
14. Then we planned to use the Jacuzzi, however it was still not prepared during that time. So we decided to take a shower and be ready for the massage.
15. Ask for your robe.
16. Cool down. There is a complimentary drink for everyone. The drinking water is free.
17. Then we went to our designated rooms for the massage.
18. The Aroma oil comes first.
19. Then the masseuse came.

The body massage took around 1hr. The back massage is longer than the front massage. It felt weird since you’re naked and someone’s massaging your whole body. It felt good though and very relaxing. The masseuse will give you a tip envelope.

20. After, you can rest for a while. My friends told me that you could even sleep for a bit. I didn’t have the time to do that since after the treatment, I saw that their room lights were already turned off. So I already went outside.
21. Put your clothes on and breath.
22. Drop the tip envelope in the tip box located in the Lobby area.
23. Finish

It was a new experience for me. And I kinda like it. I’ll invite my friends and Carlo to join us sometime. It also helps in your blood circulation and definitely a stress reliever. Many will get addicted to it. Its price is worth it I guess. Php500-600 wouldn’t hurt that bad especially if you’re ALWAYS working overtime! You must reward and pamper yourself from time to time. Don’t you think?

Dinner Time

Location: Heaven and Eggs

Let’s keep this short. Basically, we ate a LOT since we shouldn’t be eating before the body spa. We ended around 10pm already so we were starving already. What’s our menu?

• Zeny – Tapa Meal (she loves breakfast food)
• Pache – Porkchop that comes with 3 side dishes
• Gen – Chicken that comes with 3 side dishes
• Kath – Minute Steak that comes with 3 side dishes

Sorry, I can’t remember the exact order we ate. Also, I only got to take some pictures during that night. My camera battery was empty!!! My bad, I forgot to charge it. So we end up using our camera phones.

I stayed in Zeny’s for the night coz we have to attend a Kiddie Birthday Party, where we are both God Parents. Waaahh… we’re getting old already!!!