Nihon no Yume (Japanese Dream)

Nihon wa totemo omoshiroi desu, ne?

Yes, it is Japanese or Nihon-go as the local people would call it in their mother tongue. What I said simply means "Japan is a very interesting country, isn't it?"

Ever since I discovered anime, I've been a big fan of this country, Japan. It will be a dream come true for me to step in Tokyo's busy streets, feel the chilliness of the wind in Sapporo, wear crazy anime-like costumes in Harajuku, sightseeing in Mt. Fuji as Sakura blossoms falls on the ground, or just simply ride a jitensha or Japan bike as I cycle my way beside the stream of glistening water as it reflects the beautiful and melancholic sunset.

Tokyo Lights

Sapporo Snow Festival

Harajuku Fashion

View of Mt. Fuji

Japan Bike or jitensha

I've been dreaming of living a la Japanese lifestyle up to now (like those seen in anime series or movies), like riding my bicycle going to school, wearing the typical long sleeved, all-black pair of uniform with my black, leather handbag inside the basket attached to my bicycle. As I pass by my old Japanese neighbor who I fondly call obaa-chan, I would happily greet her, "Ohayou Gazaimasu!" (Good Morning!!!) as I make my way to school as a koukou-sei (high school student) even if in reality, I'm now a college student. LOL!

(Let's just say this is me. ='3)

In school, I dream of having the coolest sensei in the world. It could be a he or a she, but I prefer a Kumiko Yamaguchi of Gokusen-like teacher. A teacher who has an alter ego would be so cool, beating up bad guys despite of her lovely and sweet appearance.


I also imagine having leader-like classmates such as Hayato Ike of Shakugan no Shana, Tomoyo Sakagami of Clannad, and Yuusaku Kitamura of Toradora!. Geek classmates such as Kotomi Ichinose of Clannad and Ami Mizuno of Sailormoon. Athletic-type classmates like Minori Kushieda of Toradora! and Kyou Fujibayashi of Clannad. Bully, yet kind at heart classmates like Hanamichi Sakuragi of Slam Dunk and Eugene of Ghost Fighter. Pretty yet frail classmates like Aya Ikeuchi of 1 Liter of Tears and Nagisa Furukawa of Clannad. Hopeless classmates like Nobita of Doraemon, Youhei Sunohara of Clannad, and Jiro Kitamura of Boku no Kanojo wa Saibogu. Overly rich classmates like Tsumugi Kotobuki of K-0n and Akira Toudou of Special A Class. And heartthrob yet snob classmates like Zero 0f Vampire Knight and Ryuu Tsuji of Special A Class. (Too much anime in my head! LOL!)

Since I've been talking (or should I say writing) about schooling in Japan, I would never want to miss participating in their cultural festival where every class has to prepare something such as horror house, cafeteria with cute waitresses, school play, or even a takoyaki stand. It would surely be awesome to create cool props and costumes after class. Personally, I would like my "imaginary" class to do a cafeteria, where we would make sweets and different beverages, while wearing a cute, customized waiter/waitress costume. I would volunteer myself as the baker because it would surely be fun baking cupcakes and decorating it with icing and candies. Our stand, of course, will be the cutest one. And at the end of the day, exhausted we may be, we are still fulfilled and happy as we help in cleaning our mess. (Too much imagination again! LOL!)

I have also been imagining of a typical, minimalist Japanese house, and what it feels to live in there. I imagine sliding doors in every part of the house. A wooden floor wherein you'll hear small, creaking sound as you walk over it. A small living room with no sofa, only a low table where you kneel as you sit. Spacious, well-organized rooms where many stuffs, even the mattress are placed inside the cabinet. A small garden outside decorated with bonsai, fish pond filled with koi, and a mini fountain where you get to here the echoing of the dripping water. During windy days, you also get to here the relaxing and peaceful sound of the wind chime hung in the front door. And of course, personally, I want my Japanese dream house to always have lit incense sticks for aroma because it soothes my senses.

I've always been telling my friends and even my parents that I dream of having one of those cool, techie, cute, and sophisticated looking ketai denwa or Japanese cell phones like these...

See? Isn't it attractive and hip?! I always imagine myself flipping my own ketai denwa as I walk through the busy streets of Tokyo, surfing the internet and updating everything I have to update--social networking or e-mails. I find it really pleasurable whenever I hear the clicking sound as I flip this kind of cell phone. That's why I couldn't help myself flipping it as long as it is in my possession. I'm just scared to face the fact that Japanese clam shell phones are, unfortunately, prone to wreckage in the hands of a certain person in the name of... me. LOL! But who cares, right? As long as I enjoy the services that Japanese phones could offer me. If I could just have one of those Japanese phones above... I just want it really, really bad!!!

Moving on... I would also love to catch a glimpse of every geisha walking in the narrow streets of Kyoto. I don't know why geishas are just so attractive. I can't understand the mysticism behind the innocuous faces that they portray. Their snow white faces and blood red lips are just irresistible and tempting. They are purely seductresses not just in the era where they are most prominent, but also in the modern era. Upon watching the movie "Memoirs of a Geisha," starring Zhang Zi Yi, Gong Li, and Michelle Yeoh, I was really amazed by the kind of upbringing to little girls who are said to be "destined" to become a geisha. Being a geisha is not just simply putting make ups, wearing beautiful kimonos, and putting decorations in the hair, but being a geisha means dedicating your life to it. A geisha must learn the art of music, dancing, singing, and even poetry. She should also be intelligent and wit enough as she converses with clients. And what really surprise me is the ritual they called mizuage, or simply bidding ones virginity to become a full-pledge geisha. Many sees geishas as whores, prostitutes, but if they would just understand what it means to become a geisha, they would surely look up to them. And for the benefit of the doubt, the term geisha simply means artist.

(Gong Li as Hatsumomo)

(Zhang Zi Yi as Nitta Sayuri)

What I wouldn't forget to do in Japan is to visit the Shibuya train station, where I could see the statue of Hachiko, the most loyal dog I've ever met. Hachiko was adopted by a Japanese professor, and became very close to each other. Every time the Japanese professor would return from work, Hachiko always wait for him in the station... on a regular basis. But an unfortunate incident happened to the professor--he had a heart attack and suddenly died. Hachiko didn't want to believe that his owner died that's why he still waits for him to arrive at the station even if it will take forever. Hachiko has waited for him for 9 years, and now he is happily reunited with his loving owner. Hachiko became a symbol of loyalty in Japan that's why they erected a statue in remembrance of him. There are actually a remake of the movie entitled "Hachiko" starring Richard Gere. I've already watched the movie and it was really moving yet inspiring. 5 star for that!

And lastly, who would want to miss Summer Festivals in Japan. It would surely feel nice to wear yukata on the night of the festival with your friends. I sometimes imagine myself feeling so excited as I browse every stand in the festival finding a scary demon mask, a cute smiley cat mask, or even a hello kitty mask. I will really buy one and put it in the side of my head (just like what Japanese kids do! LOL!). I will also try to catch a goldfish in a mini pool using a mini paddle made of paper, and shoot wooden figures using water gun. I will also buy a water balloon, which I find really cute and bouncy! I will also try their sweets like apple dipped in caramel and cotton candy on stick as I wait for the fireworks in the middle of the humid night. Well, since it's kind of hot, I will buy a circular fan with handle (and sometimes, printed are the photos of Japanese actors and actresses doing the most prominent Asian V sign).

(mask beside the head, wearing yukata. =D)


(Trying to catch a Japanese goldfish!)

(water balloons)


(cotton candy on stick! yum!)

Now there you have it, my Nihon no yume or Japanese dream. I actually did this blog in order to impart the readers of my perspective regarding Japan, and my possible plans if ever I was given a chance to visit the place or even to live in Japan. Jaa mata ne? Arigatou Gozaimashita! (^.^)V

Items got from:

• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tm0dwrtRMuM

• http://ecobike.files.wordpress.com/2009/08/tokyo01.jpg

• http://images.smh.com.au/2009/09/08/720016/Sapporo-Snow-Festival-600x400.jpg

• http://lh6.ggpht.com/_n7wvHC-Fuk8/Sl-b1IRSpFI/AAAAAAAAAkc/CfdHP8zjcKU/s800/harajuku-fashion.jpg

• http://images.fanpop.com/images/image_uploads/JAPAN-LANDSCAPE-japan-419442_1600_1200.jpg

• http://www.japaninfoswap.com/blog/uploads/bicycle.gif

• http://img1.ak.crunchyroll.com/i/spire3/06282008/6/6/c/7/66c780fb8c2f90_full.jpg

• http://wakaweb.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2007/12/gokusen04.jpg

• http://www.wordpress.tokyotimes.org/archives/japanese_maid05.jpg

• http://www.uptodatedesign.com/wp-content/uploads/online-design/2009/02/interior-japanesse-house-concept.jpg

• http://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/photo-s/01/20/6e/d6/japanese-garden.jpg

• https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixhT7Pz6OKt-2SsAuzREthP3iRlIY2NT7d7-RYZn1g8shsPWL268nMqvKw8nDFwpukx8aBgAAsjwmZUOejKTvA9cr41PYh30-gJ1NJxknEypAZkAjSLaT80rlqBQiVl397Vmphe-I4iks/s1600/sb10065751af-001.jpg

• http://www.japan-incense.com/images/incense_background_quote.jpg

• http://www.mobilemonday.it/uploaded_images/2005.11.21_japan_mobile-707308.jpg

• http://www.mineral-makeup-help.com/images/geisha-makeup-30473.jpg

• http://www.aceshowbiz.com/images/still/memoirs_of_a_geisha_30.jpg

• http://www.animefringe.com/magazine/2005/12/feature/geisha00.jpg

• http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee121/Roine-Gunnar-Sangenberg/Hachiko.jpg

• http://www.timeidol.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/hachiko-5.jpg

• http://insanelysanereviews.files.wordpress.com/2010/03/154775-hachiko-statue-shibuya-tokyo-famous-meeting-point-tokyo-japan.jpg

• http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4015/4424869190_4b51bb8a4b.jpg

• https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZKTZaBgdCrtL4mLXZ20X0STRszFfI10Axm4Kxv9_F7TOEi1nTjuP06R4HTeP0LLpJy0aO2EAll3rZynpplT2rlh7E-pwP6lmD7uWF_5TJZaX0JbAlSbANzccSF3ton-l5q8RQakkIlq6O/s400/fluffy+8a.jpg

• https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjohfXgFgHLAXnl1MfWQ9bTsCHT2exBSEROaQXUYiXOBaS9gUVwT-Kdm5BhjGcMnGT6JAJCmUN7V4QdeV33OFydNa4HVO-od4umL_aKl33kfN3r4E0Wy5B1pm_RChHMD4gzIQ09md4hBao/s400/HPIM2893.JPG

• http://www.chemistryland.com/CHM107/Water/CottonCandyJapan-w.jpg

The Atrocity of "SM on Sale"

I have been an avid customer of SM (Shoemart) in Bicutan because I live near the vicinity of the said mall. Ever since it opened when I was still in 5th grade, I started patronizing the mall. Weekly, I never miss going to SM because it is necessary for us to purchase grocery items for the incoming week. It is also where I buy my clothes, shoes, and even my gadgets. I've watched movies there, ate almost to all the food stalls and restaurants situated there, and even window shopped is many boutiques there. I actually am starting to fall in love with the place because everything that I needed is already in there. As their jingle would say, "Here at SM, we got it all for you!"


Every time SM Bicutan is on sale, I just feel excited and my stomach starts to churn uncontrollably because every sale would mean it's like a fiesta in there! The presence of large number of people, the hoarded stocks would be available, there're strange balloon creatures in the entrance of the mall (which I find really creepy), cellular phone stands are like mushrooms, sprouting anywhere as long as there's a space, plastic containers (such as familia & orocan) will always be buy 1 take 1, and yellow tags would really glow from ground to 4th floor.

I was really thrilled whenever SM would have a grand sale, but everything has changed because of an incident that I would surely never forget. Here's the story:

It was, obviously, sale in SM a year ago. I was really bewildered by all the stuffs in a much lower price, clothes & bags (particularly in bench/--I'm a bench person), cell phones (from Wellcom and Hello), shoes (such as Fila and Nike, which I still find really expensive), and CD's (from Astrovision and Videoking). I strolled around at SM, hoping to find a real bargain! Then suddenly I realized that I need to buy a socks for my new shoes which is quite big so I need a thicker socks. When my family and I headed to Hypermaket to purchase grocery items, I went to the socks area--it was also on sale! I tried shoving and digging the socks container and...voila! I found a thick socks in the brand name of Puma. It was in a yellow tag. Price? 199.75 php. I didn't hesitate to buy it because it's on sale! Actually my mother was kind of hesitant about the price in the yellow tag, which seems wrong. I just told her that Puma is an expensive brand that's why it's not cheaper compared to other brands, even on sale.


We have bought the socks, and as we reached home, I was really engrossed by the socks that I bought so I explored it a bit. I am an O.C. person, and I couldn't stand seeing the yellow tag not aligned with the white tag behind--it disturbs my psychological make-up. So I tried removing the yellow tag and guess what I saw! The price on the white tag, which is the same as the yellow tag!!! Both are in 199.75 php!!! I was really startled! I really felt cheated, but what can I do? I couldn't just refund it. Besides I really like the socks.


After that incident, I have never believed SM going on sale. It was heartbreaking that they've cheated their loyal customer, which is me. And I do think that there are still many customers that have been cheated by the said mall. Next time, I will try not to fall for their fiesta like event, and I will not be deceived by their so-called "Grand Sale." But of course, I'll still be an avid customer they used to know, and I still love them.

"Here at SM, we got it all for you" (^.^)V

Image got from:

• http://www.smprime.com/smprime/uploads/image/mallList/bicutan.jpg

Facebook is ruining my daily routine!

Don't get me wrong. I don't hate facebook, nor am against it. The truth is I am so into facebook!!! I am so into it, and it so happen that it's starting to invade my daily routine!!!

I usually eat my meals on time, breakfast, lunch time, and dinner, but now I don't. I sometimes forgot to eat. I do have a healthy regimen before, I must say. But now, every time I wake up in the morning, around 8 or 9, what I do (imagine me doing it in an aggressive manner, as my heart throbs. LOL!) is I press the "turn on" button on our laptop, as well as the internet connection, and... TA-DA!!! type the most prominent word in this era "FACEBOOK," waiting to appear the most distinguishable logo on earth:

Funny isn't it? I bet many of you have experienced the urge of always logging in to your account in facebook, and just let it open until the day ends. I don't know with you, but as for me, I always feel butterflies in my stomach whenever I log in to my account. LOL! Much worse, it is starting to enslave me.

I would say I have a mild addiction to facebook (unlike those who are very, very, very obsessed with it to the extent that their eyes're glued to the so-called LCD of their computers) because I can still control, like not logging it to my account for a day or so. But I think I'm starting to become a slave. A slave not only to facebook, but also to the internet, or the right term would be this era's unimaginable technology!!! (I'm just exaggerating. LOL!)

Going back to the-facebook-trying-to-enslave-me, oh yes, I think it is. You know how it started?! Everything started when I discovered the facebook mobile. At first I was really astonished by that, so I tried it. Besides it only ate 20.00php from my load. I thought it was really awesome that I was logged in to facebook for the WHOLE DAY, afraid that the load eaten would be worthless, so I took it for granted. If you can just imagine me holding my cell phone for the whole day, as I clean our house, defecate in the toilet (if you happen not to know the term, it only means "to poop"), as I eat my meals, and so. It was really insane!!! From then on, I was magnetized by facebook to the extent that it affects my daily routine.

Now that I've discovered an application called Airline Manger, I was so so eager to try it out because it was like a real airline operation where you are the manager of your own airlines. As you know it, I'm an airline crew wannabe. Everyday, morning, afternoon, evening, I check out my facebook to update my flights. In filipino, I would say "masyado kong kinakarir!" LOL!

There are also times when I feel the urge of logging in my account even if there are no notifications. Especially if you look gorgeous in your profile picture. LOL! Have you ever experienced that? =)

Moreover, it is also the fault of facebook that my yahoo messenger is stagnant at the moment because now I chat more in FB than YM using their chat box.

Well, to compensate everything that I've said about the MANIPULATIONS of facebook to its users, I can still say that it is better than friendster (does it still exists? LOL! Kidding!). Moreover, it is also multitasking! It has chat box, tagging of friends, cool applications, personal messaging, and it also helps people find their long lost relatives (which has happened to me. ='3) because I believe there are many facebook users than any social networking sites, if I'm not mistaken.

Don't worry facebook, I still love you, but you can never control my Simple Life.

Image got from:

• https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRDjBhueq-kzwbWsihxPxWTHQSg_Jb1xxNWu80YtEXCmJ7FMCypCucb8xffQkmyNyihjurYZdKpI3CaWTC915fHCl35dIhMMmbjTuIRextz4ppNEPNkqEVRfiKhsniWa_Z_nZlqCRa_zE/s1600/facebook.jpg

The reason I took up B.S. Toursim

Hello again world!!!

At this moment, I feel like blogging about one choice that I made as I make my way to the world of adulthood. And that is the course that I've chosen--B.S. Tourism.

It's like telling the origin of my dream--to become a flight attendant.


I wouldn't forget one moment in my life that inspired me to become who I want to be. During Christmas break of 2003 (when I was still in 6th grade), my family and I visited my province, Aklan (in the Visayas region of the Philippines), to celebrate Christmas with our relatives there. We went there via Cebu Pacific. I have been riding the airplane as a mode of transportation from Manila to Kalibo eversince I was a kid, but this was the only time when I saw two beautiful flight stewardesses and a handsome flight attendant. I could compare the beauty of the other stewardess to Song Hye Kyo (Korean actress who starred in Endless Love 1 and Full House). I was really mesmerized by their beauty, stance, elegance, and personality. They were always smiling, they answer the passengers' question intelligently, and they were so accommodating. They were really professional! Honestly, I was enjoying the whole duration of flight because I can't take my eyes off of those flight attendants.

(This is not the original aircraft that we rode, I just want to pin point that it was Cebu Pacific. ='3)

From that moment, I told myself that I want to be like them, I want to become a flight attendant too, not because there are a lot of beautiful women in that industry >:P, but because I also want to be as professional and classy as those flight attendants that I've seen during my childhood days.

High School came. During my first year, I wouldn't forget the time when we had to say in front of the class what we want to become in the future. As for me, I told them proudly and with conviction that I want to become a flight attendant. Some of my friends even suggested that I take B.S. Tourism in college, and that was the first time that I heard the course, and I really thought it was interesting. From then on, my mind was set, I will take up that course.

4th year High School came, the most and ever crucial part of my teen life because it was the time of choosing. Choosing the field of study that we want to pursue in college. We even had career assessment day way back in high school. One of the speakers that time was the mother of my classmate who is a flight attendant at Philippine Airlines. She told us the joys of being in the airline industry--that she has traveled the globe, seen the peak of Mt. Everest and the Swiss Alps, been to Buckingham Palace in the U.K., seen Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt in Hardrock Cafe, and so many wonderful things. Because of her, I was really inspired to become a f.a.

Many people had raised their brows on me whenever I tell them that I'll be taking up B.S. Tourism. At first I wondered why? Because they say that it is only for people who are bimbo (f)/mimbo (m). In short, beauty without brains. I really didn't believe on that until now. But people around me discourages me to take up that course because they say that I'm better as a doctor, lawyer, engineer, dentist, nurse, etc. You know, jobs with titles. Honestly during those days, I had a dilemma--I didn't know what to do. There were also times that I doubted myself and did not believe in my capability. I received indirect mockery, raised eyebrows, and questions like "eh?," "why?," "how come?," and phrases like "you're better than that."

Time went really fast and I received the results from the Universities that I took exams. Fortunately, out of 3 (UP, La Salle, UST), I passed 2 Universities--La Salle and UST. I didn't bother to enter the La Salle because, let's face it, it is one of the most expensive schools in the country, so I ended up in this Royal Pontifical Catholic University of the Philippines--UST, in which I passed B.S. Tourism--where I'm currently enrolled.

Going back to my 4th year High School days, I wouldn't forget what a teacher had told me when I was summoned to the Faculty room. Let's just hide her in the name of Ms. Coke. This Ms. Coke asked me, "What is your course?" I told her, "B.S. Tourism Miss." She replied "Why?" Then suddenly I felt embarrassed then I said, "Don't worry miss, I'll shift to B.S. Bio." Take note that Ms. Coke is a Science teacher/coordinator. WTH!!! From that moment, I thought of shifting to another course, such as B.S. Bio, in due time.

Summer before college came. I had an interview, bought uniform, and still enrolled myself to B.S. Tourism.

First day of college, I wore this airline-looking uniform, trying to figure out how to tie the necktie, but still failed. Before going to school, I prayed to God. "God, do you really want me to pursue this course? If you do, please show me signs. Thank You." And in a matter of second, I saw a commercial in the TV--it was the Department of Tourism commercial saying "may trabaho sa turismo." From then on, I said to myself that this course is really for me. =D

(Yes, it is this one.)

I wouldn't forget what my mother told me a year ago, taking from a book entitled Tough Times Never Last, But Tough People Do!

"The me I see is the me I'll be" --Robert Schuller

As I grow up in this course, I've discovered that people were wrong about this course, It's as hard as other courses. As my blockmates and friends would say, "Wala namang madaling course, eh." I agree to that, and I am one of the living proofs who's witnessing it right now. Who said we don't have math? WRONG! We still have because we are in the field of business too. We even have Science subjects and foreign languages. Despite of those subjects being hard, we Tourism students still find our days in school enjoyable. I've had friends, loved the course, and proud of it.

(My classmates, and I love them.)

From then on, I stood for what I believe no matter how hard those obstacles will be. I know that someday, I will become a part of an airline company as I offer them my utmost service. =)

And for the record, we are not only flight attendants or tour guides, we can also be somebody people expect the least.

No matter how people discourage you, saying bad things or even misconceptions of what you believed, always remember that you can never pleased everybody, but as long as you do what you think is right, then continue it. And as long as your passion is burning, there is no doubt that you will succeed in whatever path that you will take. =)

Now I will answer their question, "why Tourism?" I would say, "and why not Tourism?" with conviction.

No regrets at all. Very satisfied. <3

Images got from:

• http://static.timesofmalta.com/media/serve/20081005---bus_11.jpg

• http://www.boracay-budgettravel-tips.com/images/cebu-pacific_640x480.jpg

• http://i553.photobucket.com/albums/jj378/forworkpics/DOTfair.jpg

Why did I suddenly decide to become a Blogger?

Greetings to the Colorful World of Fun and Happiness!!!

Hi! My name's Carl Ernest (and of course for privacy I wouldn't spill out my surname. LOL! But if you do know, well that's fine.) And I'm a Proud Pinoy--yeah right.

(...and yeah, that's me. ='3)

I'm a student at the "Very" University (as what my 1st year English teacher would say, and judging by my uniform, you would easily recognize the University in which I attend), taking up B.S. Tourism because someday I would love to be a part of an Airline Company and savor all the travel benefits included. LOL!

So why did I suddenly decide to become a Blogger?

First, I want to tell many different stories--of my life or anything under the sun. I tell you, I love to talk and talk to my friends and family. And in order for me to preserve those random ideas that suddenly pops out on my mind, why not just blog it? Besides it's also like telling stories to the people. Right?

Second, I want to hone my talent in writing. In this way, I could review my past blogs and see compare how I write before (if it sucks or if it's strangely composed). And did you know that by doing stuffs like this will stimulate your brains, making you mentally healthy because

"our minds are like gardens, as we tend it well, abundant plants and beautiful flowers will bloom, but if we degrade our minds with the seed of knowledge, nothing will happen."

Agree?

Third, it would be likely awesome if I would be able to inspire some people who has read my blogs. Besides, this blog, as I planned it to be, would be inspirational, optimistic, as well as my (ehem!) Simple Life (as what my blog title would suggest).

Fourth, this would surely keep me preoccupied during my stagnant times. LOL! And will make me a functional person in the society! (WHAT?!) LOL!

God Bless us all!