It looks like there won't be any hanami partying for me in Japan based on the Cherry Blossom Forecast. I'm going to miss them in every city based on my current itinerary:
April 7-10: Tokyo
April 11: Himeji
April 12: Miyajima/Hiroshima
April 13: Osaka
April 14: Kyoto
April 15: Nara
April 16: Narita
*SIGH. On the brighter side, at least the tourist spots will be free of blue tents/crowds for picture-perfect shots.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Road to Recovery
I'm a recovering addict.
In the 1980s, my mom and titas brought me to Sanrio Gift Gate in Greenhills and Ali Mall one too many times. I kicked the habit soon after we moved to the US.
But just like any addiction, mine came back in the mid-90s to early 2000. I even worked part-time at a local Sanrio store to satisfy my urges (I basically paid Sanrio to work there because all of my paychecks went straight back to the store, thanks to my 25% employee discount).
Nine years later (minus a couple of moments of weakness), I've been Sanrio-free. I've sold most of my collection on eBay through the years and I only have about 15% of my old collection left.
With my pending trip to Japan (a pilgrimage, if you will), you can imagine the "threat" that comes with it. I can handle a day at Sanrio Puroland. I'm a grown woman afterall. But this might be too much. Four whole floors full of Sanrio stuff?! Not to mention a complete list of Sanrio shops all over Tokyo?!
Oh my, I might be in big trouble.
In the 1980s, my mom and titas brought me to Sanrio Gift Gate in Greenhills and Ali Mall one too many times. I kicked the habit soon after we moved to the US.
But just like any addiction, mine came back in the mid-90s to early 2000. I even worked part-time at a local Sanrio store to satisfy my urges (I basically paid Sanrio to work there because all of my paychecks went straight back to the store, thanks to my 25% employee discount).
Nine years later (minus a couple of moments of weakness), I've been Sanrio-free. I've sold most of my collection on eBay through the years and I only have about 15% of my old collection left.
With my pending trip to Japan (a pilgrimage, if you will), you can imagine the "threat" that comes with it. I can handle a day at Sanrio Puroland. I'm a grown woman afterall. But this might be too much. Four whole floors full of Sanrio stuff?! Not to mention a complete list of Sanrio shops all over Tokyo?!
Oh my, I might be in big trouble.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Change of Heart
Maybe I've been asking God for the wrong person in my life.
God, I've always asked you (when I remember to ask you) for a pogi, straight, tall, funny, witty, promdi, God-fearing, twenty-something boyfriend. Yes, this has been going on for ages. Today, I admit that I've been asking you for the wrong person. I've realized that more than anyone in this world, I'd like to have a boss/supervisor who doesn't make my life a living hell. Hopefully, you'll let me have this person in my next career move. Yes, You heard it right: no more Piolo; just a boss worth working for.
God, I've always asked you (when I remember to ask you) for a pogi, straight, tall, funny, witty, promdi, God-fearing, twenty-something boyfriend. Yes, this has been going on for ages. Today, I admit that I've been asking you for the wrong person. I've realized that more than anyone in this world, I'd like to have a boss/supervisor who doesn't make my life a living hell. Hopefully, you'll let me have this person in my next career move. Yes, You heard it right: no more Piolo; just a boss worth working for.
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Family Outing is In
Since 2004, Korean television shows to me mean Korean dramas like FullHouse, MyGirl, and MyLovelySam-soon. But after almost five years of English-subtitle-reading marathons, I'm now addicted to a new Korean show called FamilyOuting.
"Residents from the countryside are picked and given a free vacation for one night and two days. During this time, the [cast] and various additional guests form a 'family' and look after their house, experiencing the lives of these people. They must complete different chores and jobs, and play fun & hilarious games while they're at it."
And the show is hilarious indeed. So hilarious that I've found myself spending the weekends catching up on episodes (YouTube rocks!) and laughing out loud like a lunatic.
See, this is why I dig Korean TV shows more than Filipino TV shows: they're so original. While Philippine TV networks pride themselves in bringing home localized versions of foreign TV shows (like PinoyFactor, BigBrother, and Tagalized versions of Korean dramas), Korean TV networks seem to always think outside the box. I mean, take the concept for FamilyOuting. Who in the Philippines would've thought of bringing eight celebrities together, sending them off to the countryside for the weekend every week, and having them do chores that they wouldn't normally do on a regular basis? Genius. Add in a philanthropic spin to it and voila: one can't help but find meaning amongst all the craziness that goes into the show.
Pilipinas, get with the program and quit making foreign production companies richer. If you're really serious about all this network rivalry that's been going on forever, then do something about the quality and originality of your shows. Otherwise, I might be stuck in Korean TV land for a little while longer.
"Residents from the countryside are picked and given a free vacation for one night and two days. During this time, the [cast] and various additional guests form a 'family' and look after their house, experiencing the lives of these people. They must complete different chores and jobs, and play fun & hilarious games while they're at it."
And the show is hilarious indeed. So hilarious that I've found myself spending the weekends catching up on episodes (YouTube rocks!) and laughing out loud like a lunatic.
See, this is why I dig Korean TV shows more than Filipino TV shows: they're so original. While Philippine TV networks pride themselves in bringing home localized versions of foreign TV shows (like PinoyFactor, BigBrother, and Tagalized versions of Korean dramas), Korean TV networks seem to always think outside the box. I mean, take the concept for FamilyOuting. Who in the Philippines would've thought of bringing eight celebrities together, sending them off to the countryside for the weekend every week, and having them do chores that they wouldn't normally do on a regular basis? Genius. Add in a philanthropic spin to it and voila: one can't help but find meaning amongst all the craziness that goes into the show.
Pilipinas, get with the program and quit making foreign production companies richer. If you're really serious about all this network rivalry that's been going on forever, then do something about the quality and originality of your shows. Otherwise, I might be stuck in Korean TV land for a little while longer.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Kaartehan Strikes Again
I had already told myself that I was going to stay at a hostel (for the very first time) in Seoul. $30/night for a private room in an expensive city? That's definitely a score. Plus, I'd get to meet new people, find a travel buddy or two, or at the very least, have someone to eat lunch with.
But, I researched too much and found a picture of the hostel's bathroom on flickR and now I'm considering the $70/night option at a hotel instead.
Tsk. How much does an arm or a leg sell for these days? ;P
But, I researched too much and found a picture of the hostel's bathroom on flickR and now I'm considering the $70/night option at a hotel instead.
Tsk. How much does an arm or a leg sell for these days? ;P
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