Godspeed Osaka Sunday

Day 2 First thing on the agenda is to go to church. Every chance I get to go to church in a different country I make it a point to go and attend the mass service in a foreign land. I distinctly remember the time in Fiji and in Madang Papua New Guinea. This time it is Osaka Japan. For this long 12 day trip a blessing for the travel to keep the family safe. The wind was crisp that spring morning. I had to secure the pashmina around my neck to keep warm. We plotted the way in google map and asked around for directions. Kind policemen trying to speak to us in Japanese and all I can say is Hai Hai and Arigato. Generating funny looks from the daily pedestrian. After a few turns and admiring the men and women in bicycles. We found the church and and fellow Filipinos as the choir and lectors...even one of the songs have Filipino lyrics infused into the English song. All the new people were made to stand up and introduce themselves to the community. After mass we met Sonny, he helped us with a few tips going to Osaka-jo and then he generously offered to take our first family photo. Such a blessing to be witness to this community. We walked back to the station and found our way to Osaka-jo where we spent the rest of the afternoon.

Hearton Osaka Japan

We arrived one full hour later than expected, we went out the arrival area excited despite the bumpy plane ride. After changing some dollars into yen, we made a beeline to the information kiosk and noted that there are no more buses going to the city. Finding our way to the train station at the Kansai airport was a breeze but the task of decoding the trains system and the ticket dispenser was like a puzzle to our weary traveler eyes. Hoping to get directions on "how-to" Amats fell in line at the JR office while I stood beside the ticket machines and eventually figured out how to operate it. Ha! One code cracked! We got into the train which chugged its way to Osaka and from the map I have in hand the nearest station is Fukushima near Hearton Hotel. We got off the station and since it is around 10:30PM we decided to take a cab to the hotel anyway it is near. Cab drivers are very courteous in their suits and clean cars with receipts. It was a short ride and we approach the hotel...until Amats said "Nanay Hilton ito" (This is Hilton). Oh I said to the driver ... we are going to Hearton (which I pronounced Hear-ton) showing him the map of the booking and then the driver was kind to stop the meter while calling his office trying to figure out the way he said Hearton correcting me (pronouncing the place as Heart-on). This is our first case of lost in translation. As literally lost (dahil nawala kami). The driver was so kind to bring us to our hotel without charging us extra to the 820 yen already in the meter. Good thing our hotel was a couple of block away from Hilton hotel. We really had a good laugh about Hearton! Love the comedy and opening salvo of this trip which made us smile and laugh. First night and we are off to a good start.

Ryōan-ji

Kiyomizu-dera, Kyoto Japan

An amazing colossal ancient structure in Kyoto is Kiyomizu-dera. There is not a single nail used in the entire structure. It takes its name from the waterfall within the complex, which runs off the nearby hills. Kiyomizu means clear water, or pure water.

Otowa-no-taki, the waterfall where visitors drink for health, longevity, and success in studies

Nijo Castle

The very first place we visited in Kyoto is the Nijo Castle. After almost half day train ride from Osaka we arrived in Kyoto mid-afternoon. It was alternately drizzling and raining at the time of our visit. While we were preparing to go to Japan, a good friend Joanna recommended that we definitely visit Nijo-jo. When she mentioned that the wooden castle floors were built to squeak, interest were. We later discovered that the floors were called nightingale floors.

Nijo Castle is a World Heritage Landmark

Bicycles of Osaka

One of the many amazing things in Japan is how the bicycle is indeed a way of life. It is something that they naturally tend to opt for instead of having a car. Having a baby or child including loads of stuff doesn't stop a mom from using her bicycle. Individual fashion sense is not lost when riding their bikes...super love the girl with the umbrella. Enjoy some of my favorite images.

Karuizawa Cherry Blossom Adventures

The family went on to an adventure in Japan during the cherry blossom season early this year. We were happily surprised that unknowingly, we booked our cheap tickets to Japan during the Golden Week Celebration where there is a long series of holidays in Japan. We did not get to see the full bloom because it was late in April. But our trip will not be complete without experiencing the hanami. Thanks to the kindness of Japanese friends who know, our adventure led us to Karuizawa. A beautiful, beautiful place considered a place where poets retreat. These moments are well spring of good memories. I love that I was able to experience these moments with the hubby and the little girl. Below are some of my favorite cherry blossom images.

Sakura

A new beginning

It has been a while since I posted photos in this blog and my other blog. Today, hopefully will be the beginning of another series of sharing thoughts and travels. My last post was around the early months of 2014. Many things happened in the past months. The pace was sometimes at a speed that I have to switch on survival mode which leaves nothing to pondering and creative process of any kind. I have tons of photos that I've been wanting to share as I have some travel stories I've written months back but still there in the folder of drafts still brewing and waiting. And now in the wee hours of the morning I just had to write and for posterity put up these photos.

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty

We all have our passion, our love and our dreams. I guess we all have an inner child who would just love to go out there and play. To live, to  explore, to discover. There is always the great outdoors waiting for us and it is there for the taking. All we have to do is to take that step.



I love photography and here a conversation between Sean and Walter (of  not taking that photo of the snow leopard) captures the exact feeling I cannot describe before:   Moments that I truly love and cherish, even with a camera on hand, I opt not to take the photo. I will say to myself--this one is for the memory. Up to now, I can still remember those moments and go back there and be replenished with joy and love.



of the time that I was alone exploring Nepal my first ever international flight... or just walking the streets of New York... of the time that we took a 5 day trip on a fishing vessel Poseidon going to Tawi tawi... of the time that we were walking on melting snow on Mt. Ruapehu in New Zealand... of the time we were climbing Mt. Pinatubo with the little girl... of the time that I was resting from riding my bike while watching other cyclist go by... of sunrises... and of sunsets... May you share many of these memories with your loved ones.

I rarely share videos here on my blog but for the record and those that haven't seen the movie may have a glimpse.

A celebration of love and art

Last January we have witnessed a very special wedding. It was indeed shared joy to see friends exchange their vows. We were indeed honored to be able to share these moments with Lex and Marielle. Every detail about the wedding have a stamp of made with love. Creative hands at work, two lovely people, joined and blessed to be together. We wish you grace filled life of togetherness.

"May all that is unlived in you blossom into a future graced with love 1.11.14"

great ordinary day

Today is a great ordinary day. Ordinary but unique enlightening and learning day. I felt alive again with the gift of knowing. Let me start by saying that I've been sick the past week since tuesday I think. It was a spiral downward feeling since then. On and off fever at night mostly, I can barely get up in the mornings as I feel feverish all the time. I just fought it with the usual self medication of sorts ( which I advise against). I felt weak the whole time, my asthma I felt is just about to attack at any moment. Amazing that I can still drive myself back and forth to work...I was waiting for Saturday to arrive so I can savor just sleeping in but my nasal drip is unforgiving. Its family day at the little girls school. I said maybe I won't be able to make it. But then, I said to myself I made myself work at work then not spend time with family? No. So, despite the weak body allergc rhinitis and fever and all I went...but by mid morning. I felt like collapsing. Vulnerable and weak...I haven't felt this weak in a long time. The program still not done but said to Tatay we should go. In the car I closed my eyes and mutterred...I am dying.(hayy drama ko)...that's how bad I felt. So for the longest time since I can remember..Amats brought me to the lung center. Never been there as a patient. I talked to a good doctor this morning.She gave right meds ...laughing with me I hope not at me but all the triggers of my allergy. Good thing it's not asthma. This afternoon I am feeling a bit better. While recuperating...I watched the movie About Time from the makers of Love Actually. And got the healing of a good cry and knowing a bit of the secret of life as it should be lived. It is a great day. A wonderful ordinary day of our extra ordinary lives. You have to watch it til the end to know. Thank God I have you in my life :)

Come out and play

Happiness can be found in the simplest of things. Find your happiness. You deserve your place in the sun. Come out and play.

Firefly Watching

It has been more than ten years since I lived and worked in Puerto Princesa. A long time ago, I thought it would be difficult to come back as the place have to much memory ingrained in my system. But as time would heal all sorts of aches and what-not became blurry. What remains still is the beauty of the place and good friends through out the years. Ecstatic to know that now there is a community based firefly watching in Iwahig we can experience as a family. It was on top of our itinerary to discover the fireflies in their natural habitat. This would be my second time to paddle down a river along a mangrove ecosystem and observe the way of life of these species. First time I did this was at the river in Donsol, Sorsogon the night before we went to go interact with the whale sharks of Donsol. We were not able to book in advance but we hired Mang Jolly's tricycle to bring us early. We are the 2nd group to arrive before sunset at around 5PM more than an hour early before the registration and boarding opens at 6:30 PM. There were alot of people expected and walk-in can only be accommodated at 6:30 just after dark and the next available boat schedule for walk ins will be at 11 PM that is how booked they are but there are only ten paddle boats that make the rounds.

We slathered on Ilog Maria cintronella oil and put on mosquito patches to protect us from lamok and other insects. We were 3rd in line. I was giddy happy. The little girl and Amats went to buy some noodles to warm up before the paddle boat ride. Just before we boarded there were picture taking by the official photographer similar to the Disneyland photo-ops and you will see yourselves after the ride. (I think it is a great idea and environmental friendly way of a souvenir since you cannot take your own photo just before you embark. Also its our small way to help the community raise some funds) Flash photography not allowed during the tour and even so it would be risky to bring your gear if it is not housed properly. It was a bit windy and during these conditions we were warned that about 15 to 20% of the usual number can be observed.

Mang Rading was our guide and he has this red flash light which he uses to point to the specific mangrove trees to locate the fireflies. I learned a lot from the tour, Mang Rading provided the background of the community project and details about the fireflies that I did not know before. We learned about their life cycle (did you know that they hatch from the mud? Oha!), the limited days they live, even the enzymes that make up their bodies that makes them light up. It's the best place to learn science in the great outdoors. When the paddle hits the river the water lights up as well because of the bioluminescence of the lifeforms present in the clean river. At the end of the tour, a mini star gazing session to see Orion and other constellation in the sky. All around it was a great experience. When you remain quiet, your eyes will adjust to the darkness and you will see the sky filled with stars and the outline of the trees. When you see the fireflies they pulsate together as if to warn intruders. A natural Christmas tree is what they look like. There is a sense of awe and respect for these creatures when you see them up close. They are indicators that the environment is clean and can still sustain the trees where they live.

Cycling a way of life

Finally did it! Rode my bicycle to work on my own! I've done it before for an experiment for about a week for my no impact experiment. But at that time, I am always with the hubby leading the way and acting as my own personal marshal. Why? Because there are no bike lanes in metro Manila not mention that the streets are one of the most unforgiving and chaotic...just to give context why it is a big deal for me. At that time am also a bit pressured to keep up vs just keeping my own easy pace.. Yesterday I was on my own. I had an early meeting and the car was coding. The best time to ride my bike to work. Every wednesday, I would be abit lethargic to move my arse out the door...but yesterday was different. Felt more alive as always when preping to ride out I am always excited. It was good ride to work. Its has defined a way of life. That cycling is not just for fun, but it is and can be a way of life if you choose it to be. Happy.

Riding alone together

This morning I watched the sunrise. The air was cool and crisp as I just stare out and watch the darkness melt away. I just stared...taking it all in...pondering the love in my heart. Nine years indeed. Thank God for today. There were events leading up to today...like our song goes...how do you measure a year in life? We just had our first ever his and hers medal for cycling. Why its a big thing for me? Because I only learned to ride a bike in my 20's. Ha! We spend these adventures together but also as individuals. This last tour we had, he was a marshal and I am just out there wanting to get photos, pictures that are truly mine. Unique and raw...something different and at some point thephotos took a life of their own and surprised myself. I also shared the insights and blessing of messages that came my way. Like in real life, we go our way and live our lives in the sea of humanity. Waves upon waves of bikers. Riding alone together. The peloton was huge, thousand bikers. I didn't see him during the ride. But I know he is there helping people. We arealone in our journey. But we are together. In our hearts we are together. To celebrate our anniversary, I pray to God and the Universe for more adventures together. Celebrating our own unique selves together. Loving Isay together. Sometimes you just dont realize how much I love you.

Community Ride

17 November 2013

My first photomarathon

Thank you Canon for the invitation to join...and most of all we do not have to pay anything. Happy to know the proceeds goes to the people affected typhoon Yolanda/Haiyan. 16 November 2013

adventure or nothing

Life is either a daring adventure or nothing. To keep our faces toward change and behave like free spirits in the presence of fate is strength undefeatable

Hellen Keller

Pilipinas kong mahal nawa'y maghilom ang mga sugat na dulot ng bagyong ito.

I can't sleep. Sad. As a friend aptly put...the cycle of helplessness must end.