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Tokyo Day 6: Takeshita Dori / Harajuku & English Pub Night

We were able to rest from doing extremes by just going around department stores in Akihabara, so for our 6th day we are going to Harajuku! This is Clay’s apartment, we are his guests! We like Clay, but he leaves early for work and gets home late. Here is Jong preparing our breakfast.

I woke up early, as always, and got us food from 7Eleven and the convenience store in front of the building! I was only wearing my dress, and it was 4 degrees Celsius. It was so much fun. :(

I told you we lived in a traditional part of Tokyo...

Tourists!

Sugamo is a laid back part of Tokyo. I like it. Reminds me of Fairview. HAHAHA

SUGAMO!

While waiting for the light to be red. 

Kawaii.

Fact: I like how the weather in Japan makes me look pretty. ANG SAYA WE NEED COLD WEATHER PLEASE.

I play Pokemon Go everyday, I play Pokemon Go....

I love seeing shop names in Japan! Because they are funneh.

I’ve always imagined Harajuku to be full of cosplayers, fashown Japanese teens, etc. But it wasn���t! Or maybe it’s because we were there early? 

It’s full of tourists. And shops. And souvenirs!

I’m so fat and Jong isn’t.

Cat Cafes!

I like weird things. And look at what I got!

MEHEHEHEHE WEIRDOS.

BALIWS.

Artsy backgrounds.

And hi Chito!!!!!

Cubao Ex in Tokyo, yo!

So lucky that crepe places are everywhere in Tokyo?! Well, in tourist places!!!

Harajuku, a street of shops like this one. Fashion!

It was noon, so we decided to eat. I don’t remember, but was it you Chito who suggested to go to this famous gyoza place?!

I don’t understand, please use Google Translate.

People really line up for famous things in Japan.

I think this was a lobster place? 

Never too early for beer!

Gyoza! Each order has 12 pieces. 

It was nice meeting you, Chito.

Jong turtle.

The kitchen was in the middle of the restaurant. You can see how your food is made!

All these things, for gyoza!

The pans for making them crispy...

So simple!

AHHHH WHY AM I SO FAT?! There was a bust of Brahm in the sidestreets!

Chito and his games!

I AM SO PROUD AND HAPPY FOR JONG THAT HE GOT THIS DARTH VADER FIGURINE!!!!! He’s so happy I wanna cry!!! See, you are so determined when you want something!

Boys and their car games.

Decided to just walk from Harajuku to somewhere we can drink. We just bought beer and chocolates from 7Eleven and stayed in an alley somewhere in Shibuya!

Started in Expo now you guys are in Tokyo. 

Is tis their Slav stance?!

We went inside a music store. Look at this work of art!

Day drinking turned into night. Walking around Tokyo is so much fun! And very cold!

Here goes Jong again with seeing and smelling food! I love Japanese beef! I think the photo below is mine, it’s actually one of the cheaper ones. But izz so yummeh!

Only season with salt!

POTA PASTA!!!!! Hahaha Pinoy humor.

We decided to enter a pub, as it was freezing outside already.

And a little beer and shots never hurt anyone....

Jong bought us shots!

This was really fun.

Pub food!

Nice one, Chito...

There was a soccer game on tv.

Kawaii. Mwah.

We met a friend, Mikki (?!)! I forgot his name because he gave us his Viber account but I deleted Viber so....

AFAJ!

I think he’s currently in the Philippines. HAHAHA. He has a friend who married a Filipina. We were with him the whole night, Chito left early to party with other friends of his... Huhu.

Happy Jong and Happy Chanty in  Tokyo!

DRUNK HAPPY SMILES! IN A FOREIGN LAND! WITH YOU!!!!

DEAD ON A TRAIN! We left the pub to catch the last train home. Adventures, anywhere with you!

Only 4 days left in the land of the rising sun! :(

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Tokyo Day 5: Akihabara

After spending the day at Fuji Q Highland, we opted to just explore another part of Tokyo -- just rest and shop and eat and play crane games! We decided that we’d go to Akihabara.  Our last Airbnb (we stayed there for 4 days) is located in Toshima-Ku, a more traditional part of Tokyo. There are temples, a lot of old people, and businesses that need customers! I only say that because the staff in this restaurant was so attentive to our needs.

I also bought this seafoam colored gloves because I was freezing. This was only 50Pesos!

She even offered to take our photo. My face is so fat. HAHAHAH.

Tendon for breakfast -- really Jong?!

I ordered this packed meal -- it looked so good out in the display at the storefront. It was okay...

Akihabara is known as the electric town! Lots of game places to visit!

Electric Town! 

Jong and animuuuuu!

I don’t know what he’s pointing at.

It was a gloomy day...

We just went around BIC... the department store. We looked at DEGITAL cameras.

I discovered that I really love crepes.

I really do...

Jong and his fondness of beef. Wagyu beef.

Beer sure is expensive! But anything to keep Jong happy!

Weird, we ate snacks before having lunch. 

It was a vendo restaurant! You just pick what you want, insert money, and get your ticket!

A better tendon meal.

We love eating in Japan HUHUHUHU LOVE YOU TOKYO.

I loved Akihabara because it’s a city... lined with beautiful trees. And it’s autumn!

Loving my new adventures with you, Jong!

Happy!

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DIY Korean Dinner at Home  (You can do it, too!)

Ever wondered why a lot of Korean restaurants are popping up the past few years? BECAUSE KOREAN FOOD IS THE BEST!

I love it more than Japanese food. It’s spicy, salty, sometime sour! Meat and veggies! 

We decided to DIY it! It’s so much cheaper than going to a Korean restaurant, where a meal would cost you about 350Php-500Php. When you go to those unlimited Korean BBQ places, it will cost you 500Php-900Php. 

We bought the pork slices for 300Php. It had 12 pieces! Enough for 3 servings for 2 people.

Jong’s mom had beef strips as well, so we decided to cook it, too! 

What is it with Koreans and lettuce?! I only learned how to eat lettuce because of the Koreans! A pack is worth 30Php. Just remember to wash it off with cold water before serving.

Ssamjang, the salty/spicy sticky sauce, completes the meal! It was only 190Php.

KIMCHI! I could eat several servings of this! Made a batch before and it was yummy, paired with scrambled eggs and rice! This pack costs 190Php.

As I said, this was a DIY Korean dinner at home. So we made do with the electric panini press! Works the same!

Pork cooks longer (the slices we got were on the thicker side), while beef cooks much faster so put those trips in later!

Kimchi nom nom noms while waiting for the meat to be cooked!

I almost forgot, but these seaweed flakes are the best! It really had the salty taste, which a lot of nori flakes lack. It was 146Php.

You can put sauces on them while they cook. 

What I love about cooking food in front of you, is that you have the freedom to have the meat toasty, soft, etc. And it’s a bonding activity, too!

You can wrap the meat and whatever you want in the lettuce, to your liking! Here is the beef strip, kimchi, ssamjang! YUMMEH.

I really think that one way of telling if the food is really delicious, is when one uses their hands to eat! Eating at it’s most basic! So simple, so yummy! An experience!

LOOKS LIKE BACON HEHEHE.

That’s it! We enjoyed our mini-date at home! You can do it, too! Just buy what you want from the store and cook it at home and have the best time ever!

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Jong’s Blog Episode 5: Nanay Mo at Fort Santiago

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MAIBA NAMAN: The Oemons in Saguijo!

I manage The Oemons, a 5 piece band that plays punk/ska/taco burrito who are fun to watch, and are bano!

We were invited to play a gig in Saguijo. 

After work I walked towards Saguijo! It was so near lang pala! A mere 20 minute walk from my office! It was either I take the 300 peso Uber or Grab, or familiarize myself with the Makati roads!

With Kuya Peter’s doge!

Earlier in the day, I messaged Jihan if she was coming to the gig (because Giniling Festival was playing!). THANK YOU FOR SHOWING UP MRS. DUERME!

I miss the good old tambay days! Hi Bombee!

CONGRATULATIONS AGAIN, YOU TWO! Love is real, is real, is real!

So happy to be with my own set of friends!

Far Out!

Fairview-core!

TDT and GrabCamus!

The Oemons before our set! 

Chris

Me playing squishy squishy!

Sanya

Kong

Maryam

“TAYO NAAA!” - Ino

I love The Oemons!

Trian WITHOUT a trombone...

Chris obviously enjoying...

For the ladies...

Kong for sale. Just message me!

Things took an unexpected turn... People were chanting for Kong to take of his shirt..

AND SO HE DID.

Gabbie enjoying... Joke lang Miles!

Kong is single.

Hi Ate!

Enjoying...

Mr. Trumpet!

Kong made ladyt friends last night.

AOUI!

Last night was so much fun. My friends were there! I missed them! I wished I stayed longer... And took more photos with them. I really miss them! 

Thank you again Mamamo Productions for inviting us! 

Catch The Oemons on the following dates:

April 7 - Mow’s (Mow’s Anniversary Gig!)

April 8 - Liwaliwa, Zambales (LIVE IN LIWA: Urbandub, The Oemons, 3/3)

April 14 - Mow’s

April 18 - Mow’s (Signalgiant Music Video Launch)

April 20 - Mow’s (TACO BURRITO MUSIC VIDEO LAUNCH! This is our event you better go! We made our first music video!)

April 21 - Mow’s (Neverdie Goodbye Gig)

Just message me if you want to invite us to play in your events!

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Open Siomaic: Comedy Manila with Rex Navarrete at Mow’s!

Open Siomaic at Mow’s has always been our thing. We’ve been going to this every Tuesday for several months...

I have always had such a great time at these shows! Coming from Makati, arriving at just the right moment before the show begins, it has always been a way to destress the troubles of work and life away. This was where Jong and I formed our friendship! 

The guys of Comedy Manila have always been in my circle of friends. Met some during my younger years as a film student in UP, met some during The Oemons gigs, but most of them I met at Mow’s! They’re a great bunch of guys (and girl!), and being with happy people is a way to become happier as well!

Anyway, one night as I was going home from work, I saw a Facebook update that Rex Navarrete, the famous SBC Packers guy, is doing a set during Siomaic!!! I couldn’t pass up on the idea that I was going to watch him perform live, after watching his videos on Youtube when I was still in high school...

So I messaged Jong that we were going!

It was a full house. We were left with no choice but to stand on the side. Which is the best view, IMO. 

Look at our friends, all happy.

We caught Doc Ramon’s set!

Catch his part in iFlix’s Hoy! Bibig Mo!

Andren, who comes all the way from Pangasinan every single time he has a set at Siomaic, serenaded us...

Kidding! Your basketball joke...

Makes us do this face... Ha!

Where’s your Nonong shirt, Nonong Balinan?

There was a jazz intermission from Bergan!

I miss my Blues Friends.

Verns, Jeula, and Daryll!

After the break, it was Rex Navarrete’s set already! Haha!

His Pacquiao jokes...

I messaged my dad that he was performing. Sadly, he was in Bolinao that time.

But we watched all his skit online before!

So lucky that I got to watch him perform! 

Victor and his Ateneo/ UP jokes... Was I the only UP student that night?

Mike and his bumbay jokes.

Comedy Manila guys.

Nonong, Josel, Mike, Micah, Chino... Is this for a calendar spread?!

Comedy Manila with Rex Navarette!

I couldn’t pass up on the chance to take a photo with Rex! :D

Love you, Comedy Manila! Thank you for always making me happy!

Catch Open Siomaic every Tuesdays at Mow’s! Entrance is free!  You’ll meet the best people here! 

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Tokyo Day 4: Fuji Q Highland

I only had two goals for this trip to Japan: Ghibli Museum, and Fuji Q Highland!

I have always loved roller coasters. When I visit my relatives in California, the thing I am most excited about (aside from seeing them, of course!) are the times I get to ride first world roller coasters!!!!

I don’t know about you, but feeling the anticipation, the weak knees, and dropping heart always excites me!

Coming from Studio Ghibli, we ended up in Shinjuku Station. And because of my incredibly reliable memory, it rang a bell that this is also where tickets for several destinations can be bought. So we crossed the street to get to the bus station, IN THE FREEZING COLD, and impulsively bought two ticket packages for Fuji Q Highland for the following day!

I said it was impulsive, because Jong was hesitant on going. He’s afraid of these things, you see. Back in August we went to Skyranch in Tagaytay, and he threw up after riding their Anchors Away-like ride. Still, he bought tickets for Fuji Q because he loves me so so so so so so much! :D

We had to leave our Airbnb early to be able to catch the two hour bus ride to the area of Fuji. The ride going there was just as exciting, as I saw how wonderfully efficient the Japanese transport system was. They left on time, they arrived on time. And their buses had heaters.

We took photos outside!

I gave Jong the Tsukiji Fish Market, so this is my pick. Can’t you see how happy we are?

Some of the photos and videos during some of the rides are on my phone! The photos I post here are from the camera I borrowed from Kong! Of course I didn’t want to damage what wasn’t mine, so I just risked holding my phone on the rides. He!

Why did I give this look? BECAUSE JONG REFUSED TO RIDE WITH ME! It was this 360 degree ride. And it was cold. What a perfect day to ride roller coasters! After the ride, Jong’s friend was there. The one we saw in the airport! (We did)

That blurry thing on the second row is me. SO HAPPY!

Some of the rides were already stacked with people waiting in line. I love Fuji Q, because they have world-record breaking rides! THAT IS A GIFT FOR THRILL-SEEKERS LIKE ME!!!!

Here’s Jong on the giant Ferris Wheel. Obviously happy to be in the best place in the world.

Sorry Jong! Look at me obviously feeling that I am in the best place in the world. 

Do you have any regrets, Mr. Cardenas?

Jong’s face is just so funny in these photos! He’s trying to smile, but obviously he’s scared and frustrated and all those things!

Trying to get a picture of us with the majestic Mt. Fuji!

What a beautiful day to be in Japan!

This photo sums of this day. HA HA HA!

My happiness!

My love!

My partner!

One of the things I didn’t get to do: Ice Skating!

Can you imagine it being 4 degrees Celsius, and you fall down and your butt is freezing cold!

Thank you my love for accompanying me to the best place in Earth!

To calm Jong, we went to the Evangelion exhibit. Whooo! Happy boy!

Good thing I was familiar with them because of my Kuya!

I don’t have a lot to say...

Don’t know na...

But this is funny!

Why pose like this, Jong?

~Breaking the force field daw!

There was a Shingeki ride and exhibit as well. Just took this one photo. Huhu

No photos. But Jong and I went on this ride. Proud of you Jong! 

Acting.....

So strong!

So happy!

I ate a lot of crepes on this tri. They’re so delicious. 

Hilo hilo cups!

He didn’t want rin!

Judging this person who is now my boyfriend. 

I wished for snow. 

Merry Christmas! Went to Thomas Land, just because.

This is the closest we were to Mt. Fuji so we had to take advantage,

Kawaii!

Kawaii-er!

Mwah mwah

Saying goodbye to Fuji Q...

What a hot dog!

Happy that I got to experience this with you!

Next time we’re here we’re riding everything!

Fuji!

My the French town.

The 3,500Php each was worth it. Love you.

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Cooking Ichiran Ramen and Chicken Wings at Home!

We were feeling particularly stressed last night, due to work things and everything else that worries 20-somethings, that we wanted to take our minds off of everything and just relax! 

What better way to relax and disconnect from the world than to cook dinner with someone you love?

My bestfriend, Akiko, was in Hong Kong over the weekend. She offered to buy the take out pack of Ichiran Ramen, which a lot of people say is the best ramen in the world! When we went to Tokyo last December, we made an effort to visit one of their branches. We were satisfied! 

It comes in a small box. Each box contains 5 servings! For the equivalent price of 1,500Php per box, each serving is only 300Php. Sulit if you ask me because a typical bowl of ramen here in Manila costs 400Php. (But you have to add your own toppings!)

ICHIRAN Ramen - Hakata style thin noodles! The noodles inside were indeed thin, and straight!

You have to open 3 things to be able to taste Ichiran at home: 

Noodle Pack (the long one on the left)

Soup Pack (the one on the right)

Original Red Dry Sauce (The small red one)

The instructions sheet. You just cook it like your favorite instant noodles (Lucky Me!)

While I was tasked to cook the Ichiran Ramen, Jong offered to cook my favorite: Chicken Wings! HIS WINGS ARE THE BEST! He cooked them for the first time two weeks ago, and I LOVE LOVE LOVE IT!

He’s very particular with the spices he puts on them. Can you guess which spices he included?

Hershey and Mustard playing and being kulit while we cook dinner.

For the chicken wings, we need lots of cooking oil at the right temperature.  Heat that oil up while you prep your chicken! 

At the same time, I was boiling water for the ramen. (I love how the the steam was captured in the photo)

Last week Jong made soy garlic sauce. For last night, he made HONEY GARLIC SRIRACHA! 

I tell you. It’s my new favorite wings sauce! IT’S THAT GOOD! The sweetness of the honey, with a kick and crunch of garlic, and the punch of spicy Sriracha!!!! YOU ALL HAVE TO TRY IT! Who wants?

The wings all coated in Jong’s secret ingredients. Just waiting for the oil to reach the right temp!

IN GOES THE WINGS! Look at them all golden brown...

In goes the straight noodles... You just need to cook it for 2 short minutes if you want your noodles ro be firm. So effortless!

Putting in the soup! Look at how stressed that person is after traveling 3 hours from Makati.

Let the soup boil for a while and remove from the pan! IT’S THAT EASY!

Transfer to a dish, and put in the dry red powder. Looks so yum! In the instructions, it says you can add green onions, pork, beef, etc to your liking.

We set that aside while we waited for the wings to cook!

Kwento kwento while finishing up.

Mmmm the wings are almost done!

Hershey can’t wait as well! Woof!

This baby pupper just learned how to jump up the bed, and walk down the stairs, all on her own! HOW ADORABLE! And scary. You’re getting a little too smart, Hershey!

WINGS! WINGS! ALMOST DONE I CAN’T WAIT TO EAT YOU ALL UP!

For wings, I prefer to have the sauces on the side, to prevent the wings from getting soggy. I like crispy wings! 

DINNER FOR THE STRESSED: Jong’s Wings, Ichiran Ramen, and rice (because we love our rice!)

LOOK AT HOW PERFECTLY CRISPY THESE ARE!

IF ONLY I CAN SEND YOU ALL THE TASTE OF THIS SAUCE, THE CRISPINESS OF THE WINGS, AND THE CHICKEN TASTE OF THIS, I WOULD! Share how delicious this is! I cry inside while I am typing this, why did I have to finish all? Can I have some more? 

JUST A PERFECT COMBO! 

Thank you Jong for being the wonderful person you are! The bad times are here so we can take a breather, and do amazing things like this meal of yours!

Musty approves. Ha ha ha....

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Jong’s Birthday at Makati Shangri-La

We were feeling kinda fancy, so we decided to spend Jong’s birthday at Makati Shangri-La! Dressed to the nines, and feeling the air of age... HA!

Happy birthday my Jong! As you reach the end of another decade, I wish nothing more than the best for you! Always strive to be a better person than you were yesterday, and let’s be happy together and work hard to have a nice life! I’ve been with you at your worst, so let’s do our bestest best to be the best!

Love you!

I was invited to the Embassy of Kuwait’s celebration of their independence and liberation, which is the real reason we celebrated in Makati Shang. Free food!

Jong particularly loved this station. What a hummus addict.

I’ve been getting invited to these things, but I never got to go. I am thankful that Jong is a willing date!

I only eat pork, chicken, beef, and fish. I tried a bit of lamb... and felt sad afterwards. Sorry, lamb!

How many buffets have you been to that has a shawarma station? HA? I love Kuwait! Cue The Oemons’ Mister King Kebabu!

I love Baklava!

My lovely date!

Most of the attendees were diplomats, ambassadors, and other important people of their respective countries.

Duterte was supposed to be here? Buti wala!

The two youngest attendees...

By the band.

By important people.

A majestic sofa.

Ice sculptures and the food of Kuwait.

Ice ice!

I can’t believe you’re 29.

Trying to fit in! Saw actors. And familiar faces whose names I don’t remember...

Since we were done eating (full to the max!), we decided to go to the hotel bar! What’s the use of going to Makati, just to spend an hour there?

A glass of wine, and some nuts and olives.

A cold glass of beer for the birthday man.

Sat by the bar. Feeling like an adult.

I love all of you! ALL! Even this!

When we go back to Tokyo this December, let’s buy bottles of whiskey! 

Had such a lovely night with you. Coincidentally, I almost forgot, it’s our monthsary! HIHIHI! Love you!

We took the P2P bus going home! We love the P2P! Happy birthday and happy monthsary, Jong!

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Tapsi Ni Vivian: Take Your Date Here!

There was this one time when we woke up at 4AM and we decided to have breakfast at Tapsi ni Vivian. And he ordered his usual tapsilog, and my usual chichasilog. Mhmm. So bad! 

Tapsi ni Vivian is one of my top comfort food places! It feels like home, to some extent, wherein you get to eat what’s normal and usual, but at the same time it gives you that special feeling just because it’s TAPSI NI VIVIAN! 

Thankfully, Jong lives near the Aurora branch. As you can see, they’re open 24/7! It’s the perfect place for when you want a meal after a night of drinking, or breakfast at 4am!

Tapsi ni Vivian’s Tapsilog! Which can be enjoyed 24/7. One of the best tapsi in town! I watched it in one of the Sunday TV shows, competing against Rodic’s and another tapsi place.

Chichasilog is my go to order here. I just like the small, crunchy pieces! Eat them with their pink-colored vinegar! THIS IS HEAVEN AFTER A NIGHT OF DRINKING PROMISE!

Jong ordered Kilawin. I miss my lolo!

Thank you again Jong for the primelens! 

Took pictures of the food that they have. And the feel of the place!

Here are their menu boards:

I love that every meal comes with a free bowl of soup. And not just any soup, but a clear soup of their Bulalo! FOR FREE! It’s one of the best ever, you can all thank me later.

You don’t have to go to Tagaytay just to enjoy Tawilis! They have it!

My chichasilog...

Just look at the prices of their food. Not bad if you’re going with a couple of friends. 

Is this the equivalent of the American diner?

I love Laing...

Look at how meaty their BBQs are.

This photo doesn’t do justice as to how crispy their Lechon Kawali actually looks like in person.

Meat, and grilled seafood, all in one place! Grilled Squid!

Lechon Manok!

You’ll never go home from this place disappointed. 

Don’t forget to grab a Coke! 

I just found out that they can deliver! For my birthday, maybe? :P

Maybe go to Tapsi ni Vivian for a date? 

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This is Jong’s Vlog, episode 4!

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Found out that love means seeing the best, and most especially the worst of someone, and still nothing in the world makes you happier than seeing that person smile.

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“From Seed to Seed” by Satoshi Abe

Let me share with you guys a wonderful, inspiring, and humbling blog post written by a friend of mine, Satoshi Abe. He is currently in Hokkaido, Japan, pursuing his dream:

My sole dream is to build a Family Homestead or a Space of Love where our family and the next generation can live happily with Creation.

I met Tosh through a mutual friend way back when I was still a student in the University of the Philippines. He doesn’t know, but I used to frequent their restaurant when I was still living in Antipolo! Check out Tamagoya Noodle House! I must go back there soon, with what he wrote in mind.

Without further ado, here’s what he shared:

18 FEB 2018

From Seed to Seed

Hello there, good neighbors!

I would like to share with you the journey of my beans from seed to seed.

My bean plant started as a seed, but before it was received by the good earth, many things were first done. I prepared the place where it is to be planted on the garden beds. I made the soil nice and fluffy so that the seed can be planted firmly in the ground. If the ground is too hard, the seed will have trouble germinating and may end up rotting. If the soil is cultivated too much, the beneficial organisms will die. The soil will have to be just right so that a good germination is achieved while maintaining the beneficial organisms happy. It is similar to our lives. Before receiving anything in life, no matter how we desire it, if we are not ready to receive it, then it will not arrive. Should it arrive prematurely, surely, we will be faced with many suffering and we will inevitably lose it or them. Many also expect to only receive without even making the effort and discipline to prepare themselves. So, just do it right, not too much, not too less.

After germinating, I watched out for the birds and other animals aiming for the sprouting beans. The beans are very succulent and sweet at this stage and the animals love them. So, if you have some spare seeds, sow for the ants, for the crows, for the pigeons, and for you. Sharing is the key. If you have less to share then simply find a way for them to look on other plants. I planted some sunflowers around the area and that seemed to work just fine in attracting the birds.

During its growth, I made sure that the weeds are kept at bay, making sure that they do not overpower the beans. All the soil preparation we have done may lead to a waste if we allow the weeds to overgrow. We don't have to remove everything and leave the soil bare and seem lifeless. We just have to make sure that the beans are having a sufficient lead against the weeds. Similar to our lives, once we have received the blessing in our lives, it is essential to be disciplined and guard ourselves from anything that may lead us astray. I have an example in a life situation. Many of us desire of a partner in our lives and during the early stages of our relationship, we are passionate with our feelings, just like a sprouting bean. But as time passes by, if we are not careful, we look away, and take that person for granted, and soon enough, the bird will take them away. It is also the same when we want to change something within us. In the beginning, we are passionate and dedicated to the change we want to do, but as time progresses, we allow temptations to choke us out and soon, the beans will be overpowered by the weeds. The weeds are not specifically bad, but it is us who allow these to grow out of control. The weeds are there to remind us of what we want to see growing in the garden. Do you want to grow the beans or the weeds? For me, it was as clear as a bright sunny day in summer. I wanted to grow the beans so I disciplined myself in trying to control the weeds.

We can control many things in our life, but climate is not one of them. When it rains, it rains. When the wind blows, it blows hard. During rainy days, I am thankful that the rain is wetting the soil. I know I have prepared my garden well so I am not afraid of the garden being flooded with water. When the wind blows, I know the beans will not break or bend because I know I planted and took care of them well and trust that they can take that much wind. Similar to our life, if we have prepared the garden of our minds well, then when the rains come, we know that it is for our own growth and we, in fact, should be happy. When the winds challenge us, we have to trust that the efforts we have done to tend our ownselves will prove their strength and will not bend our faith.

Time passed by and the beans flowered, bees visited, and the harvest time arrived. Oh, how glorious it felt when I was harvesting the beans! All those hardwork, finally paid off! When I planted them, I did not imagine reaching up to harvesting the beans. I simply focused on taking care of them, and before I knew it, I was removing the beans from the pods and drying them. Similar to our lives, when we want to be a good person, or have any goals, if we continue focusing on the end goal, one way or another, we may end up tiring ourselves out and giving in. I personally believe that focusing on what is in front of you, while making sure you are rooted on a firm ground, will lead you to where you should be. Keep your faith strong, your discipline firm, and your practice constant. One day you will be amazed where you are without even noticing it.

The miraculous thing about planting beans or any other plant in fact, is that from one seed, if taken care of properly, will produce hundreds or even thousandfold more seeds! If we focus on tending on the improvement of ourselves for the better, one day, we will see that the effect of our efforts will reach great distances! What is amazing is that we may not even be aware of the scale of what we are doing. From one small seed, hundred more seeds emerged and spread to greater area. This is the miracle of Life, the miracle of Creations. When you planted something that is Truly Good, and surrounded it with Love, it can only give birth to something even Better, Greater, and More!

From seed to seed, we connect our lives and our fates. It is definitely a long way, but look at this bean! It started as a seed, now it begins as a seed again. As with our Good intentions and deeds, it will someday return as Good and will repeat the circle for eternity.

These are some of the varieties of beans I planted, aren't they pretty?

You may check out his blog at: http://kamuifamilyhomestead.blogspot.jp/2018/02/from-seed-to-seed.html?m=1

Wonderful!

[thethingsthatamuseus-blog]

Tokyo Day 3 (Part 2) - Ghibli Museum

After having our fill at the Tsukiji Fish Market, we went to Mitaka where Ghibli Museum is located!

We have to transfer trains, and ride the only bus that gets you to Ghibli Museum. It was cute, decorated with characters from the Ghibli universe!

Since Ghibli tickets were so difficult to come by, I had to really prepare. They have a day where they release tickets online, which is a month before your actual travel date. I had to book on November 10. And I got lucky, but the tickets really did sell out fast. In under one hour no more tickets were left, I think!

I reserved us the last time slot, which is 4pm. I’ve read online that this is the best because: 1) You can take your time in getting there, which would also allow you to explore the area. 2) You don’t have to rush in going around the museum since there is no next batch. You only have 2 hours to tour Studio Ghibli.

You can only stay outside while waiting for the exact time. We found a giant Totoro!

Ghibli Museum!

Right outside the museum is a huge park. The tree is so beautiful! And we took advantage of the autumn color palette...

Good thing there was a picnic table we can put the camera on top of.

Jong and his falling leaves effect...

Date bench with a view of the museum.

We lined up to get in. No taking of photos or videos allowed! Almost everything was in Japanese, so I didn’t really get most of the displays. But they were appreciated 120%! What amazed me most is how detailed the stuff were. The windows, doors, and each corner, they were adorned with Ghibli designs! A middle-aged Japanese couple took our photo. 

We can only takes pictures outside. Still beautiful. It was freezing cold but I got warm eh.

This was a must visit for our trip.

Ghibli flags! That tent is an extension of the cafe. There was a really long line, I thought that by being in the last slot for the day, we would have a chance to eat there! I was mistaken!

It’s the Jong pose.

But at least I was number 1. We just ate hotdog in a bun. Not really food from the Ghibli Cafe! :(

There were a lot of entries and passageways and stairs you can take to get to all these rooms. Here we are after spending a lot of money in the gift shops and bookstore. I think this is where my spending went wild.

Went to the rooftop, where you can see this!  IT WAS 2 DEGREES CELSIUS BY THEN. AND WINDY TOO. 

SO COLD.

Merry Christmas! 

Just casually pumping water to that the design on the floor will appear!

This was a very nice trip. For only 1000Yen each! 

Love love love.

The bus! Let’s just imagine that it’s the catbus.

Went back to Shinjuku Station! I really wanted to go to Fuji Q, but we had no tickets left! Thank you Google Maps for letting me know that this is where we can purchase tickets to go there! SO HOORAY! We spent 7,000Yen to go to Fuji Q the next day!!!!

[thethingsthatamuseus-blog]

Tokyo Day 3 (Part 1) - Tsukiji Fish Market

For our third day in Tokyo, we decided to go to the Tsukiji Fish Market since we were already settled into the airbnb where we will be spending 3 days in. It was a decent sized apartment where we had a complete kitchen, living room, washing machine, and two rooms! And nice lighting, too!

The 5 minute walk to the train station is really picturesque. 

Just look at how pretty the trees lining the street are! You can see the train station at the end of the street.

The Den-en-chofu station!

By this time, riding their trains still feels new. Why can’t we have this in Manila?! Everyone minding their own business, trying to be as quiet as possible in consideration of others...

Obviously enjoying the commute.

Love you Jong!

Transferring lines. Why can’t we have this?

Even their ads are so artsy.

The place where the Tsukiji Fish Market is! I wonder what this building is? It was a 10 minute walk from the train station of Tsukiji to the fish market. We even stopped by kitchen stores on the way.

TSUKIJI FISH MARKET! We didn’t bother attending the fish auction because we read that you have to be there by around 3-5am for it. And how can we tourists go there? The trains start at 4am or 5am, and taxis are crazy expensive! We just settled at looking at videos of the fish auction the night before. 

FIRST BUY: This matcha mochi with strawberry! HOW COME THEIR STRAWBERRIES ARE SO SWEET? We loved it!

We saw this in videos tours for must eats. We didn’t buy! Looks good though. Maybe when we return later this year.

JONG’S EXCITED FOR THIS: Big oysters.

We were surprised at how small the food area of the market really was. Felt like we were in divisoria. 

We have footage of these guys saying that I was kawaii. But we think they were just being dirty old men. Hmmph.

But they were serving one of the best food we bought there that day. A medley of seafood! Look at how happy Jong is! Love!

There was tuna, uni, oyster, and some other things on that shell.

I loved the side streets, though! Lots of packed food that you can take home to cook. Or as pasalubong!

Minimal English, minimal Japanese! I love how business works!

I believe that this was squid? He only ordered it because he thought that it was crispy; it wasn’t.

HOW FRESH CAN SEAFOOD GET? WE WERE IN THE TSUKIJI FISH MARKET! ONE OF THE BEST IN THE WORLD!

No shame in being a tourist here! 

For the whole trip, I think Jong ordered Kobe/Wagyu beef not less than 8 times. 

Grilled eel....Mhmm.

CHANTAL FACT: Did you know what uni is? Sea urchin GONADS! 

There were lots of alleys you can enter. Lots of hidden restaurants. But most were expensive.

They were also very generous in giving away free samples. There was a nut store where I got full just because the guy kept on refiling the bowls. 

Tamago! It was really sweet. And it was only 100Yen. 

There were lots of gachapon machines and vendo machines inside. Hello touristy photos!

Lots of authentic dining ware for sale. I want!

The real Tsukiji Fiish Market. Somewhere there is where they hold the fish auction.

We went to Tenfusa, a favorite food place of one of our favorite food vloggers, Mark Wiens! Of course, there was a line and we had to wait for a while to be seated.

When we got inside, we were informed that their stocks were already running low. It was already late by their standards! We only got to order tempura.

It was a really humble place. So simple. There were only 3 people serving and cooking.

The walls had maps of the Tsukiji Fish market, old newspaper clippings of features on Tenfusa, etc.

According to Jong, this is the BEST MEAL we had in our 8 DAYS IN JAPAN.  LOOK AT HOW CRUNCHY THAT IS. THE SAUCE WAS ALSO PERFECT. THE RICE AS WELL. 

LOOK AT THAT HAPPY GUY.

WHY DID WE ONLY ORDER ONE?

SIMOT!

We were very satisfied with the food and the experience. 

Took a few pictures, then we were off to Studio Ghibli/ Ghibli Museum!

[thethingsthatamuseus-blog]

Tokyo Day 2 - Ueno Zoo and Shibuya

The start of our Tokyo adventure officially begins! The first day was only just like a bonus round. Pre-gaming at its finest!

For the second day we decided that we’d go to the Ueno Zoo, which was only 10 minutes away from our place. Here’s Jong being happy that we’re in JaFun.

I woke up really early for someone who’s on vacation. So I walked to the corner and bought us breakfast from 7 Eleven. In my sleeping shorts. With just a jacket. And it was 4 degrees Celsius.  Look, another panda!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By the entrance of Ueno Zoo. It only cost us 600Yen each to see all our favorite animals! There were pandas, polar bears, rhinos, otters, a tiger who jumped towards kids, and a whole lot of others. Unfortunately, it was Jong who had the camera. So being the filmmaker that he is, he just took videos of the animals. The whole day. (And he hasn’t edited the thing. It’s been two months already.

Eating onigiri in the middle of the zoo, with my butt on a very cold stone bench. 

I have an edited copy of this photo wherein I made those people disappear. Sorry! Too lazy to edit again! 

During our first night, we joked about Jong’s daily OOTD. He says that all his outfits for all our 8 days will all look the same because he only brought one jacket. Hahahahahah so here we are!

Jong and one of his many favorite animals: the rhinoceros. I drew him a rhino before.

Jong and the rhino butt.

We spent the whole day in the Ueno Zoo! 

We then went to Shibuya to eat some ramen. This is Ichiran’s ramen bowl! It was so tasty and flavorful.

Look at Jong showing this plate of meat. Which he almost, ALMOST ate all by himself. He only remembered that he was with someone when there were only 3 little bits left.

Why is Japan so obsessed with everything matcha? It was good though.

After finishing our bowls, we explored Shibuya! You wouldn’t miss where Hachiko’s statue was, due to the hoards of people around it.

The ever famous Shibuya Crossing. I guess it is kinda special, since the Japanese people are normally so disciplined? It looked like a wide road in Manila on a regular day. Hehe.

THE AMOUNT OF MEDIA AND STORE ADS WAS BEYOND 9000!

Went to Bic Camera! And played the crane games! I am a crane master! We got white Pooh and Ted!

The alleys of Japan are so interesting. We found bars, pachinko places, love hotels, and lots of vendo machines.

We got our luggage and hopped on a train to our next airbnbn area: Setagaya! 

We could tell that this area was more posh, given than this was outside the train station. It was like Beverly Hills or BGC. 

With our 2 trolley bags, backpacks, and shopping bags, we walked all the way from the train station to our new apartment. We went back outside and bought a couple cans of Japanese alcoholic drinks. Beer is the best! I don’t like Suntory products though.

Japan day 2! Over!

[thethingsthatamuseus-blog]

Tokyo, Japan - Day 1 (Arrival and Ueno Park)

We booked tickets for Japan on a whim. That’s all you need to know. Hahaha crazy!!!

Arrived in Narita Airport on December 10, 2017. 

Excited to start my Japanese trains/subway adventures!

It only took us an hour to get from the airport to our first airbnb in Ueno. Life is so convenient here compared to the Philippines. A taste of how life is in a first world country!

We deposited our luggage, and because we didn’t want to waste precious time, we walked out and explored the area. I was in charge of looking for our accommodations, and I had two criteria: cheap and near interesting places.

UENO PARK IS SO BIG. It was a Monday so most of the museums were closed. Doesn’t matter though, caught special pokemon and took nice Instagram stories.

Lying on some pretty ginkgo biloba leaves. I liked the weather, it was still fall going into winter. Just perfect!

SO MUCH LEAVES! In the Philippines, why don’t we think of our fallen leaves as lovely backdrops for photos?

The red wooden gates toward a Shinto shrine. Called torii.

Japanese kids are so lucky they have wide open spaces, and fun playgrounds! My most favorite animal in the whole world: the panda.

We just walked on and on, until we got to a shopping district. 

Believe it or not, it was only 5pm and it’s this dark already.

It was so cold. Soooooo cold.

Anywhere with you Jong! <3

Went inside several stores. Saw owl cafes. 

Temples/shrines in the middle of a busy shopping district? I love the Japanese!

You can find food places on every corner.

Why are all food items look like they’re premium items?

We were getting hungry, and our feet already hurt, so we went inside a kobe beef standing up restaurant! Which only fits six people since.

You pick out which level Kobe beef you want, and you cook it on the grill in front of you.

I think I took pictures with my phone only because Jong was too busy eating. The beef was so expensive! We should’ve ordered their packages instead of a customized set. The chefs barely spoke English. But all is good. 

Saw a lightbox on a wall so yay artsy pictures!

GACHAPONS FOR THE ADDICT.

To be honest, the toys were so cute and nicely made. Unlike the toys we get in the Philippines locally. And with the 200-500Yen pricetag for each; while it can be considered affordable, it can become a problem if you don’t stop! And trust me, you’ll always want MORE.

I got my panda phone charm here.

It was already so dark, and so cold. Good thing we were prepared with our thick jackets and gloves/mittens!

I love how the Japanese are so mindful of other people. And how disciplined they are.

It’s true that the best places are inside train stations. Hihihi pandas!

A majority of our expenses went to trains tickets. Be prepared, these will add up and you’ll be surprised that by the end of your trip, you wouldn’t have any money left and you’ll have to withdraw cash from an ATM again. 

JAPANESE RUSH HOUR IS TRUE. It was late already, but can you just imagine how full the trains were during their going home time?

We couldn’t help it. We were still hungry. I was surprised at how delicious their 7Eleven meals were. I LOVED THEM. Here we are watching Youtube videos of people exploring Tokyo.

Our first airbnb was a backpackers hostel, hence the obvious PD for Japanese things and the small area.

I LOVED OUR FIRST DAY IN TOKYO!