Tomorrow is the start of 9 dawn masses in the Philippines, also called Misa de Gallo. To be honest, I have never completed all nine masses. Sometimes, my flight to Zamboanga would be the dawn one and I would miss that day. Sometimes during college, I would be too tired from studying and won't be able to get up on time. After I got married, it was even more difficult for me to get up in the early morning and hie off to church. I know, I know, too many excuses. To be honest, I am quite ashamed of myself for this. Had I been determined and resiliant, I know that I could not have missed a single morning of Misa de Gallo.
Now that I am in Japan where the church is around 10 train stations away, I am even more saddened at the situation. Not only is this very difficult, but very expensive as well. Makes me think that it was not so bad getting up in the morning back home with the church only a few streets away. Makes me think that at least, back home, you would not need a ride to get to church. It makes me think that at least you don't have the inconvenience of wearing 6 pieces of clothing just to be warm to attend mass. Yes, sometimes, it takes something like this to give you a reality check.
So, what am i supposed to do? I guess I could do all my prayers here at home for the moment. For sure we'll be hearing mass on the 24th in preparation for Christmas. I am hoping (not promising) that next year, I'll be able to attend all 9 masses. I know it will be hard and I know it will be difficult. But I want to do it and I want to see it through. After everything God has done for me, this is the least I could do, right?
Friday, December 15, 2006
Thursday, December 14, 2006
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CHRISTMAS
1. Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate?
Hot chocolate because well, it's chocolate. Although I never tried egg nog.
2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree?
Just sits them under the tree. His elves do all the wrapping.
3. Colored lights on tree/house or white?
White. Well, maybe not all around, but I still like a uniform color around the house.
4. Do you hang mistletoe?
Yes. The fake kind. =D
5. When do you put your decorations up?
After All Saints' and Souls' Day. But I would rather start decorating by September.
6. What is your favorite holiday dish (excluding dessert)?
Lechon.
7. Favorite Holiday memory as a child.
Family pictorial at Mamang's house every Christmas day. We would all be dressed up and Mamang would have the pictures framed.
8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa?
I'm a smart kid. I figured it out. I don't remember what age though...
9. Do you open gifts on Christmas Eve?
No, we always open on Christmas Day. Usually after Noche Buena.
10. How do you decorate your Christmas Tree?
I prefer to decorate it with Filipino themed ornaments like sinamay and small buri fans with a lot of lights and a gorgeous star or angel on top.
11. Snow: Love it or Dread it?
Love it. Only because I have never experienced a white Christmas and because I think it would be great.
12. Can you ice skate?
I think. I can balance well.
13. Do you remember your favorite gift?
All my presents from Ruther.
14. What’s the most important thing about the Holidays for you?
Celebrating with Ruther and the boys.
15. What is your favorite Holiday Dessert?
Mommy's chocolate cake, hands down.
16. What is your favorite holiday tradition?
Decorating the house and the Christmas tree.
17. What tops your tree?
A cute, tiny golden star.
18. Which do you prefer giving or receiving?
Definitely giving.
19. What is your favorite Christmas Song?
Christmas in Our Hearts
20. Candy Canes! Yuck or Yum?
Yum! Yum! Yum!
Hot chocolate because well, it's chocolate. Although I never tried egg nog.
2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree?
Just sits them under the tree. His elves do all the wrapping.
3. Colored lights on tree/house or white?
White. Well, maybe not all around, but I still like a uniform color around the house.
4. Do you hang mistletoe?
Yes. The fake kind. =D
5. When do you put your decorations up?
After All Saints' and Souls' Day. But I would rather start decorating by September.
6. What is your favorite holiday dish (excluding dessert)?
Lechon.
7. Favorite Holiday memory as a child.
Family pictorial at Mamang's house every Christmas day. We would all be dressed up and Mamang would have the pictures framed.
8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa?
I'm a smart kid. I figured it out. I don't remember what age though...
9. Do you open gifts on Christmas Eve?
No, we always open on Christmas Day. Usually after Noche Buena.
10. How do you decorate your Christmas Tree?
I prefer to decorate it with Filipino themed ornaments like sinamay and small buri fans with a lot of lights and a gorgeous star or angel on top.
11. Snow: Love it or Dread it?
Love it. Only because I have never experienced a white Christmas and because I think it would be great.
12. Can you ice skate?
I think. I can balance well.
13. Do you remember your favorite gift?
All my presents from Ruther.
14. What’s the most important thing about the Holidays for you?
Celebrating with Ruther and the boys.
15. What is your favorite Holiday Dessert?
Mommy's chocolate cake, hands down.
16. What is your favorite holiday tradition?
Decorating the house and the Christmas tree.
17. What tops your tree?
A cute, tiny golden star.
18. Which do you prefer giving or receiving?
Definitely giving.
19. What is your favorite Christmas Song?
Christmas in Our Hearts
20. Candy Canes! Yuck or Yum?
Yum! Yum! Yum!
CHRISTMAS IN JAPAN
Last night Mommy and Daddy gave me a call. I suppose they are missing Nikki and Ethan a lot. They usually call once a week to hear the boys' voices and to see if we are doing all right. I love that about them. They always take the time to keep in touch with family.
Anyway, Mommy asked me how Japan celebrates Christmas. I told her that they don't actually celebrate it because December 25 is a workday here. She asked me if the streets are decorated and I said I didn't see much decorations around the streets but at the malls, they have Christmas decorations and beautifully adorned Christmas trees. They also sell various kinds of Christmas ornaments, cards and decorations probably for foreigners and those celebrating the Yuletide season. But that's about it. She also asked me if the homes were decorated and I said so far, I haven't seen a single house with Christmas decors. Well, I don't know inside, but outside the houses, there definitely are no lights or decorations whatsoever. Makes me kinda miss the colorful lights around the subdivision back home. Mommy also asked me if I decorated our place and I said "yes of course!" Ako pa. I looooove to decorate for Christmas. I love our tiny Christmas tree with its 10 tiny lights, i love our Disney themed Christmas - Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy and Stitch in Santa outfits - (Ruther got those from the UFO catchers here so I used them for decorations), i love our Christmas countdown banner and I love our huge Merry Christmas stocking hanging on our wall. It's definitely not much but it says Christmas still. Mom also asked how we were gonna celebrate it and I said Noche Buena, presents and picture-taking. She was asking if we were going to church and I told her we will be attending morning mass. Ruther is planning to bring us somewhere post-Christmas so I'm looking forward to that. Hopefully it won't be too cold or rainy then.
I am looking forward to Christmas. Although I know it will only be the 4 of us, it'll still be a great one I'm sure.
Anyway, Mommy asked me how Japan celebrates Christmas. I told her that they don't actually celebrate it because December 25 is a workday here. She asked me if the streets are decorated and I said I didn't see much decorations around the streets but at the malls, they have Christmas decorations and beautifully adorned Christmas trees. They also sell various kinds of Christmas ornaments, cards and decorations probably for foreigners and those celebrating the Yuletide season. But that's about it. She also asked me if the homes were decorated and I said so far, I haven't seen a single house with Christmas decors. Well, I don't know inside, but outside the houses, there definitely are no lights or decorations whatsoever. Makes me kinda miss the colorful lights around the subdivision back home. Mommy also asked me if I decorated our place and I said "yes of course!" Ako pa. I looooove to decorate for Christmas. I love our tiny Christmas tree with its 10 tiny lights, i love our Disney themed Christmas - Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy and Stitch in Santa outfits - (Ruther got those from the UFO catchers here so I used them for decorations), i love our Christmas countdown banner and I love our huge Merry Christmas stocking hanging on our wall. It's definitely not much but it says Christmas still. Mom also asked how we were gonna celebrate it and I said Noche Buena, presents and picture-taking. She was asking if we were going to church and I told her we will be attending morning mass. Ruther is planning to bring us somewhere post-Christmas so I'm looking forward to that. Hopefully it won't be too cold or rainy then.
I am looking forward to Christmas. Although I know it will only be the 4 of us, it'll still be a great one I'm sure.
SUFFOLK RIPPER
I have been following the news about the Suffolk Ripper in England. It is a bit disconcerting that there is another probable serial killer on the loose in that area. The police are thinking that since all the victims were protitutes, it could be a serial killing.
I have no idea what it would feel like living in an environment where you don't feel safe. I read the 1970s exploits of another serial killer in England, Peter Sutcliffe, and what he did to all his victims were horrifying and very inhuman. Most of the victims who survived were deeply affected by his attacks that they wished they had been killed instead of being alive and being so fearful of the world.
I hope this Suffolk Ripper gets caught before he adds more victims to his list.
I have no idea what it would feel like living in an environment where you don't feel safe. I read the 1970s exploits of another serial killer in England, Peter Sutcliffe, and what he did to all his victims were horrifying and very inhuman. Most of the victims who survived were deeply affected by his attacks that they wished they had been killed instead of being alive and being so fearful of the world.
I hope this Suffolk Ripper gets caught before he adds more victims to his list.
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
MYOB (MAKE YOUR OWN BOOKS)
After visiting many bookstores here, I noticed that only a handful of books are in English. So, it's pretty hard to look for books for the boys to read. They have already become quite saturated with the ones I brought with me so it was quite a dilemma for me a few days back. But being the resourceful me, I checked the internet for online books and found my solution there. So, all I did was make books for Nikki and Ethan. I chose particularly age-related stories and printed them. Not only were there many to choose from but I found some rhyming stories as well which helps me a lot with rhyme lessons for Nikki. Another plus? The books are so cheap. I just print them on regular bond paper, put them together with binger clips and voila! A storybook at your fingertips. Good thing Ruther has a printer here and a stack of bond papers as well. So now, I try to get at least 3 stories for the boys a week. Nikki's latest favorite? The story of the Lion and the Mouse.
THE MARIO GAME
Nikki has lately become so interested in playing Mario Bros. on the pc and on Ruther's DS. It's amazing how he manages to know what to do and where to go. I know that for game experts it's pretty much nothing but I am talking about my 5-year-old here! Ruther teases me sometimes that Nikki is a better player than I am. Well, I won't deny it. He really is. I have only accomplished World 1 in the old Mario game. (I know, I know... shameful.) Nikki has done several Worlds already in Ruther's DS. I always shriek, panic and freak out when I play these games. Even when the ghosts in the pacman game are still far from me, I panic and hand the controls over to someone else. Well, I didn't want Pacman to die, you know! Besides, I want this game to be the bonding time for Nikki and Ruther. Already, I see they have so many things in common being eldest male kids.
Although Nikki is addicted to this game, I let him enjoy it. Like all things, I know he will later on find something else that will interest him just as he got over his Blue's Clues, Sesame Street and Baby's First Impressions. Besides, he's a good boy. When we tell him to stop playing to eat or to read or to study, he does so without much prompting. He does not put up a fuss or gives us a hard time. Yes, he's a good boy.
As a mother, I still read about the effects these games have on kids. But as long as I know I can still control Nikki's game time and as long as my son is having fun and learning from it, then for the moment, I won't let him stop playing the Mario game.
Although Nikki is addicted to this game, I let him enjoy it. Like all things, I know he will later on find something else that will interest him just as he got over his Blue's Clues, Sesame Street and Baby's First Impressions. Besides, he's a good boy. When we tell him to stop playing to eat or to read or to study, he does so without much prompting. He does not put up a fuss or gives us a hard time. Yes, he's a good boy.
As a mother, I still read about the effects these games have on kids. But as long as I know I can still control Nikki's game time and as long as my son is having fun and learning from it, then for the moment, I won't let him stop playing the Mario game.
FRIES PRICE
The cost of an order of McDonald's french fries in:
Manila: $0.38
Shanghai: $0.74
Bangkok: $0.86
HongKong: $0.97
Singapore: $1.17
Tokyo: $1.70
Paris: $1.95
Rome: $2.21
(via The Wall Street Journal)
Manila: $0.38
Shanghai: $0.74
Bangkok: $0.86
HongKong: $0.97
Singapore: $1.17
Tokyo: $1.70
Paris: $1.95
Rome: $2.21
(via The Wall Street Journal)
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
FOOD, FOOD, FOOD
I know it's a bit tacky, but i made a list of the things i miss eating back home. Well, don't blame me. One can only take so much foreign food. Especially me, when i looooove Filipino food and well, some of the things i've become so used to and grown so fond of. So, bear with me...
IN MANILA:
McDonald's hot fudge and caramel sundae - I'm not really a fan of the strawberry sundae here. Not even the soft ice cream will do. I really miss the real thing. I'll make sure the moment we head home, i'm getting a caramel sundae for take-out.
Red Ribbon cakes - Not only are they affordable, but they taste reeeeeaaally good! I miss the mango cake, chocolate mousse, blueberry cheesecake, coffee crunch, choco mocha crunch, banana cake, and sansrival. Am bringing home a jr. chocolate mousse on the way home from the airport for sure!!
Goldilocks leche flan, choco slice, brownies, special ensaymada, chiffon slice, mocha mamon, caramel popcorn and my favorite of all, brazo de mercedes - Yes, there are some Goldilocks products at the Filipino store here but well, they don't look ... fresh. So, although i would loooove to eat some, i don't want to risk a trip to the hospital. So, gotta wait til next year to let my fork cut through the yellow custard of the brazo de mercedes. Sigh... talk about torture.
Jollibee chickenjoy, palabok, burger steak and mais con hielo - Best chicken for me and my boys. Love the palabok too. The burger steak makes a great lunch and what else could beat the heat but ice cold, mais con hielo. yummmmm...
Dampa - Am thinking of bringing my sis and brother and the rest of the family here again when I get back. I miss the inihaw na pusit, ensaladang mangga, camaron rebosado, baked tahong and inihaw na liempo. Is that my tummy rumbling?
Tender Juicy Hotdogs - Nothing else for me and my boys. =D Really the best! (mababaw lang kaligayahan namin...hehehe...)
Pan de sal/Pugon pan de sal - An essential. What else can I say?
Chowking black gulaman - I miss this one too, although not as much because it's pretty cold here right now...
Max's buko pandan - My favorite dessert. Very Pinoy and very delicious. Two orders for me please...
Dunkin Donuts and Gonuts Donuts - Well, i find the latter a little too sweet (and this coming from a sweet tooth!!) but still, on occasion, i find that donuts make a yummy snack. Miss these soft, sweet buns.
Sbarro baked ziti and New York pizza - Ahhhh! Looooove the full flavor of their pizza and pasta dishes. Although not that cheap, it's still worth an occasional visit. =D I miss Rob Place...
Sugarhouse cakes - I used to buy cakes here after an especially difficult exam during college. Really great comfort food. A slice of one of their special cakes is enough to make me feel better. The power of confection.
kakanin - This i'm sure I can get any time outside our subdivision. Sooo looking forward to it.
IN ZAMBOANGA:
Mommy's chocolate cake - Nothing tastes as moist, as chocolatey as delicious.
Eggpie - Ruther found the eggpie in Zamboanga a bit too orangey but it tastes heavenly so i told him to just close his eyes and take a bite. You can guess the rest.
Lechon - I grew up with lechon as a part of every family occasion. My lola saw to it. And now, I miss this so much! Lechon, Mang Tomas and hot steamy rice. Perfect. (Miss you, Mamang!)
Buko pie - Yes, I have tried the Collette's version, but i like the Zamboanga version better because it's not dry, the buko meat is really soft (and cut into slivers) and you can really taste the sweet yummy custard in the pie.
Mona Lisa bread - My mom and dad said that I was pinaglihi sa mona lisa bread. The burned ones. Which explains why I'm morena daw. But I like the freshly baked ones. It's very soft in the center and a bit crunchy outside. Ethan loves this bread too. He discovered this bread this year when we went to Zamboanga and it has become his favorite as well.
saging rebosao - We usually eat this in the afternoon around 4. But last year, we noticed that around 230pm, the rebosao is usually all sold out so we moved our merienda time to 3pm. =D Super yummy! I'm actually quite good at making this. If not for the saba shortage here in Japan, I would be having this for merienda all the time.
cheese bread - Ruther's favorite. We buy this in the city. There's a bakery there that you'd have to scream to be heard because of the many people who buy from them. But well, the pila is well worth it.
Myrna's Bakeshop goodies - My favorite are the napoleons and the chocolate confections. My cousin Ritche and I love to eat here when we need a sugar fix. =D
“If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world.” J.R.R. Tolkien quotes
IN MANILA:
McDonald's hot fudge and caramel sundae - I'm not really a fan of the strawberry sundae here. Not even the soft ice cream will do. I really miss the real thing. I'll make sure the moment we head home, i'm getting a caramel sundae for take-out.
Red Ribbon cakes - Not only are they affordable, but they taste reeeeeaaally good! I miss the mango cake, chocolate mousse, blueberry cheesecake, coffee crunch, choco mocha crunch, banana cake, and sansrival. Am bringing home a jr. chocolate mousse on the way home from the airport for sure!!
Goldilocks leche flan, choco slice, brownies, special ensaymada, chiffon slice, mocha mamon, caramel popcorn and my favorite of all, brazo de mercedes - Yes, there are some Goldilocks products at the Filipino store here but well, they don't look ... fresh. So, although i would loooove to eat some, i don't want to risk a trip to the hospital. So, gotta wait til next year to let my fork cut through the yellow custard of the brazo de mercedes. Sigh... talk about torture.
Jollibee chickenjoy, palabok, burger steak and mais con hielo - Best chicken for me and my boys. Love the palabok too. The burger steak makes a great lunch and what else could beat the heat but ice cold, mais con hielo. yummmmm...
Dampa - Am thinking of bringing my sis and brother and the rest of the family here again when I get back. I miss the inihaw na pusit, ensaladang mangga, camaron rebosado, baked tahong and inihaw na liempo. Is that my tummy rumbling?
Tender Juicy Hotdogs - Nothing else for me and my boys. =D Really the best! (mababaw lang kaligayahan namin...hehehe...)
Pan de sal/Pugon pan de sal - An essential. What else can I say?
Chowking black gulaman - I miss this one too, although not as much because it's pretty cold here right now...
Max's buko pandan - My favorite dessert. Very Pinoy and very delicious. Two orders for me please...
Dunkin Donuts and Gonuts Donuts - Well, i find the latter a little too sweet (and this coming from a sweet tooth!!) but still, on occasion, i find that donuts make a yummy snack. Miss these soft, sweet buns.
Sbarro baked ziti and New York pizza - Ahhhh! Looooove the full flavor of their pizza and pasta dishes. Although not that cheap, it's still worth an occasional visit. =D I miss Rob Place...
Sugarhouse cakes - I used to buy cakes here after an especially difficult exam during college. Really great comfort food. A slice of one of their special cakes is enough to make me feel better. The power of confection.
kakanin - This i'm sure I can get any time outside our subdivision. Sooo looking forward to it.
IN ZAMBOANGA:
Mommy's chocolate cake - Nothing tastes as moist, as chocolatey as delicious.
Eggpie - Ruther found the eggpie in Zamboanga a bit too orangey but it tastes heavenly so i told him to just close his eyes and take a bite. You can guess the rest.
Lechon - I grew up with lechon as a part of every family occasion. My lola saw to it. And now, I miss this so much! Lechon, Mang Tomas and hot steamy rice. Perfect. (Miss you, Mamang!)
Buko pie - Yes, I have tried the Collette's version, but i like the Zamboanga version better because it's not dry, the buko meat is really soft (and cut into slivers) and you can really taste the sweet yummy custard in the pie.
Mona Lisa bread - My mom and dad said that I was pinaglihi sa mona lisa bread. The burned ones. Which explains why I'm morena daw. But I like the freshly baked ones. It's very soft in the center and a bit crunchy outside. Ethan loves this bread too. He discovered this bread this year when we went to Zamboanga and it has become his favorite as well.
saging rebosao - We usually eat this in the afternoon around 4. But last year, we noticed that around 230pm, the rebosao is usually all sold out so we moved our merienda time to 3pm. =D Super yummy! I'm actually quite good at making this. If not for the saba shortage here in Japan, I would be having this for merienda all the time.
cheese bread - Ruther's favorite. We buy this in the city. There's a bakery there that you'd have to scream to be heard because of the many people who buy from them. But well, the pila is well worth it.
Myrna's Bakeshop goodies - My favorite are the napoleons and the chocolate confections. My cousin Ritche and I love to eat here when we need a sugar fix. =D
“If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world.” J.R.R. Tolkien quotes
Monday, December 11, 2006
CHRISTMAS CAROLS
I hope, one day, to sing these songs with Nikki and Ethan when they are bigger and go caroling...
KAY SIGLA NG GABI
Kay sigla ng gabi, ang lahat ay kay saya!
Nagluto ang Ate ng manok na tinola,
Sa bahay ng Kuya ay mayroong litsonan pa!
Ang lahat ay may handang iba't-iba.
Tayo na giliw, magsalo na tayo!
Meron na tayong tinapay at keso.
Di ba Noche Buena sa gabing ito,
At bukas ay araw ng Pasko!
PASKO NA NAMAN
Pasko na naman, o kay tulin ng araw.
Paskong nagdaan, tila ba kung kelan lang.
Ngayon ay Pasko, dapat pasalamatan.
Ngayon ay Pasko, tayo ay mag-awitan.
Pasko, Pasko, Pasko na namang muli,
Tanging araw na ating pinakamimithi,
Pasko, Pasko, Pasko na namang muli!
Ang pag-ibig naghahari!
SA MAYBAHAY ANG AMING BATI
Sa maybahay ang aming bati
Merry Christmas na maluwalhati!
Ang pag-ibig pag siyang naghari
Araw-araw ay magiging Paskong lagi!
Ang sanhi po ng pagparito,
Hihingi po ng aginaldo.
Kung sakali't kami'y perhuwisyo
Pasensya na kayo pagka't kami'y namamasko!
ANG PASKO AY SUMAPIT
Ang Pasko ay sumapit
Tayo ay mangagsi-awit
Ng magagandang himig
Dahil sa ang Diyos ay pag-ibig
Nang si Kristo ay isilang
May tatlong haring nagsidalaw
At ang bawat isa ay nagsipaghandog ng tanging alay
Bagong taon ay magbagong-buhay
Nang lumigaya ang ating bayan
Tayo'y magsikap upang makamtan natin ang kasaganaan
Tayo'y mangagsi-awit habang ang mundo'y tahimik
Ang araw ay sumapit ng Sanggol na dulot ng langit
Tayo ay magmahalan ating sundin ang gintong aral
At magbuhat ngayon kahit hindi Pasko ay magbigayan
KAMPANA NG SIMBAHAN
Kampana ng simbahan ay nagigising na
At waring nagsasabi na tayo'y magsimba
Maggising at magbangon tayo'y magsilakad
At masiglang tunguhin ang ating simbahan
Ang kampana'y tuluyang naggigising
Upang tayong lahat ay manalangin
Ang bendisyon kapag nakamtan na
Tayo'y magkakaroon ng higit na pag-asa
Kinagisnang simbang gabi huwag nating limutin
Pagka't tayo'y may tungkulin sa panalangin
Ang kampana ng simbahan ay nanggigising na
Tayong lahat ay manalangin habang nagsisimba
HIMIG NG PASKO
Malamig ang simoy ng hangin
Kay saya ng bawa't damdamin
Ang tibok ng puso sa dibdib
Para bang hulog ng langit
Himig ng Pasko'y laganap
Mayroong sigla ang lahat
Wala ang kalungkutan
Lugod sa kasayahan
Himig ng Pasko'y umiiral
Sa loob at labas ng tahanan
Masaya ang mga tanawin
May awit ang simoy ng hangin
MANO PO NINONG, MANO PO NINANG
Maligaya, maligayang Pasko kayo'y bigyan
Masagana, masaganang Bagong Tao'y kamtan
Ipagdiwang, ipagdiwang araw ng Maykapal
Upang manatili sa atin ang kapalaran
At mamuhay na lagi sa kapayapaan
Mano po Ninong, mano po Ninang
Narito kami ngayon
Humahalik sa inyong kamay
Salamat Ninong, salamat Ninang
Sa aginaldo pong inyong ibinibigay
KAY SIGLA NG GABI
Kay sigla ng gabi, ang lahat ay kay saya!
Nagluto ang Ate ng manok na tinola,
Sa bahay ng Kuya ay mayroong litsonan pa!
Ang lahat ay may handang iba't-iba.
Tayo na giliw, magsalo na tayo!
Meron na tayong tinapay at keso.
Di ba Noche Buena sa gabing ito,
At bukas ay araw ng Pasko!
PASKO NA NAMAN
Pasko na naman, o kay tulin ng araw.
Paskong nagdaan, tila ba kung kelan lang.
Ngayon ay Pasko, dapat pasalamatan.
Ngayon ay Pasko, tayo ay mag-awitan.
Pasko, Pasko, Pasko na namang muli,
Tanging araw na ating pinakamimithi,
Pasko, Pasko, Pasko na namang muli!
Ang pag-ibig naghahari!
SA MAYBAHAY ANG AMING BATI
Sa maybahay ang aming bati
Merry Christmas na maluwalhati!
Ang pag-ibig pag siyang naghari
Araw-araw ay magiging Paskong lagi!
Ang sanhi po ng pagparito,
Hihingi po ng aginaldo.
Kung sakali't kami'y perhuwisyo
Pasensya na kayo pagka't kami'y namamasko!
ANG PASKO AY SUMAPIT
Ang Pasko ay sumapit
Tayo ay mangagsi-awit
Ng magagandang himig
Dahil sa ang Diyos ay pag-ibig
Nang si Kristo ay isilang
May tatlong haring nagsidalaw
At ang bawat isa ay nagsipaghandog ng tanging alay
Bagong taon ay magbagong-buhay
Nang lumigaya ang ating bayan
Tayo'y magsikap upang makamtan natin ang kasaganaan
Tayo'y mangagsi-awit habang ang mundo'y tahimik
Ang araw ay sumapit ng Sanggol na dulot ng langit
Tayo ay magmahalan ating sundin ang gintong aral
At magbuhat ngayon kahit hindi Pasko ay magbigayan
KAMPANA NG SIMBAHAN
Kampana ng simbahan ay nagigising na
At waring nagsasabi na tayo'y magsimba
Maggising at magbangon tayo'y magsilakad
At masiglang tunguhin ang ating simbahan
Ang kampana'y tuluyang naggigising
Upang tayong lahat ay manalangin
Ang bendisyon kapag nakamtan na
Tayo'y magkakaroon ng higit na pag-asa
Kinagisnang simbang gabi huwag nating limutin
Pagka't tayo'y may tungkulin sa panalangin
Ang kampana ng simbahan ay nanggigising na
Tayong lahat ay manalangin habang nagsisimba
HIMIG NG PASKO
Malamig ang simoy ng hangin
Kay saya ng bawa't damdamin
Ang tibok ng puso sa dibdib
Para bang hulog ng langit
Himig ng Pasko'y laganap
Mayroong sigla ang lahat
Wala ang kalungkutan
Lugod sa kasayahan
Himig ng Pasko'y umiiral
Sa loob at labas ng tahanan
Masaya ang mga tanawin
May awit ang simoy ng hangin
MANO PO NINONG, MANO PO NINANG
Maligaya, maligayang Pasko kayo'y bigyan
Masagana, masaganang Bagong Tao'y kamtan
Ipagdiwang, ipagdiwang araw ng Maykapal
Upang manatili sa atin ang kapalaran
At mamuhay na lagi sa kapayapaan
Mano po Ninong, mano po Ninang
Narito kami ngayon
Humahalik sa inyong kamay
Salamat Ninong, salamat Ninang
Sa aginaldo pong inyong ibinibigay
Sunday, December 10, 2006
TALKING JAPANESE
After staying in Japan for a few months, I have learned some Nihonggo words. Although I am still quite dependent on Ruther, at least I don't get scared when I go to the supermarket or the nearby store. Still, with my very limited vocabulary and even if I get around okay, I'm still not so confident about my speaking skills. So, when I encounter a person who talks to me or wants to talk to me, I just smile and say sorry. What else can I do?
sumimasen (sorry, excuse me, thank you) - This word has a LOT of uses. I practically say it ALL the time: when getting into a crowded train, when calling the attention of a shop employee or waitress, when someone offers me a seat in the train, when i bump into someone or the stroller accidentally hits something or someone, etc. I think I'm quite an expert on saying this... =D
gomen nasai (sorry) - According to my handy Japanese pocket book, this is a less formal "sorry" so usually, this is said to close friends or family. But I encountered some cases when some women say this, especially when they bump into me accidentally.
shitsurei shimasu (excuse me) - I usually say this when I need to get off the train PRONTO. To me, it may be something like, "Move aside, people and let me through!" Well, it IS hard to get off a full train with a stroller, you know...
arigato gozaimasu (thank you very much) - I can always say arigato but I prefer to be thoroughly thankful so I always add the gozaimasu. Besides, the Japanese people have been very kind and very understanding to me and my very limited Nihonggo so why not say thank you the best way I know how?
ohayo gozaimasu (good morning) - It's wonderful when I say this and the person I'm talking to reciprocates with the same greeting and a smile. I wish all sales people at department stores back home are the same...
konnichiwa (hello) - I only say this when people say it to me first. Not because I don't want to, but because I'm scared that people would think I'm a crazy tourist saying hello to everyone I meet. Besides, according to my handy book, I should not just say it to anyone. So, lest I commit a faux pas I wait until someone says this to me before saying hello.
dozo (go ahead) - This is not the literal meaning of the word but I use this when I'm in line at a cashier and want someone to go ahead of me (maybe the shopper has 2-3 items only) so, wanting to be a good person, I say, dozo (with a wave of my hand toward the cashier of course). Sometimes too, i say dozo when I offer a lolo or lola a seat on the train.
wakarimasen (i don't understand) - Some people think I'm fluent in Nihonggo and stike up a conversation with me. I just smile and say wakarimasen and hope with all my heart that they won't feel bad or disappointed that I can't converse with them.
daijobu/daijobu desu (okay/it's okay) - "Do you want dry ice for your ice cream?" "Okay, thank you. (Daijobu, arigato gozaimasu)." This one, I just started to use recently. It's fun to use. Especially when people ask me if I'm okay and I reply, "Daijobu." =D
Nihonggo wakaranai (i don't understand Nihonggo) - After 3 (separate) situations where people came up to me to ask for directions, Ruther told me to say this when a similar instance occurs. Russell said that maybe it's because I'm starting to look like a Japanese these days.
mochi-kairi desu (take out) - My latest lesson. After I ordered a cheeseburger at McDonald's and the woman behind the counter spoke to me lengthily, I just stared at her and said wakarimasen. She then showed me a take-out bag and i got it and said hai. So, I asked Ruther to teach me what to say when I'll have to order another take-out. This time, no more blank stares for the poor order-taker.
sumimasen (sorry, excuse me, thank you) - This word has a LOT of uses. I practically say it ALL the time: when getting into a crowded train, when calling the attention of a shop employee or waitress, when someone offers me a seat in the train, when i bump into someone or the stroller accidentally hits something or someone, etc. I think I'm quite an expert on saying this... =D
gomen nasai (sorry) - According to my handy Japanese pocket book, this is a less formal "sorry" so usually, this is said to close friends or family. But I encountered some cases when some women say this, especially when they bump into me accidentally.
shitsurei shimasu (excuse me) - I usually say this when I need to get off the train PRONTO. To me, it may be something like, "Move aside, people and let me through!" Well, it IS hard to get off a full train with a stroller, you know...
arigato gozaimasu (thank you very much) - I can always say arigato but I prefer to be thoroughly thankful so I always add the gozaimasu. Besides, the Japanese people have been very kind and very understanding to me and my very limited Nihonggo so why not say thank you the best way I know how?
ohayo gozaimasu (good morning) - It's wonderful when I say this and the person I'm talking to reciprocates with the same greeting and a smile. I wish all sales people at department stores back home are the same...
konnichiwa (hello) - I only say this when people say it to me first. Not because I don't want to, but because I'm scared that people would think I'm a crazy tourist saying hello to everyone I meet. Besides, according to my handy book, I should not just say it to anyone. So, lest I commit a faux pas I wait until someone says this to me before saying hello.
dozo (go ahead) - This is not the literal meaning of the word but I use this when I'm in line at a cashier and want someone to go ahead of me (maybe the shopper has 2-3 items only) so, wanting to be a good person, I say, dozo (with a wave of my hand toward the cashier of course). Sometimes too, i say dozo when I offer a lolo or lola a seat on the train.
wakarimasen (i don't understand) - Some people think I'm fluent in Nihonggo and stike up a conversation with me. I just smile and say wakarimasen and hope with all my heart that they won't feel bad or disappointed that I can't converse with them.
daijobu/daijobu desu (okay/it's okay) - "Do you want dry ice for your ice cream?" "Okay, thank you. (Daijobu, arigato gozaimasu)." This one, I just started to use recently. It's fun to use. Especially when people ask me if I'm okay and I reply, "Daijobu." =D
Nihonggo wakaranai (i don't understand Nihonggo) - After 3 (separate) situations where people came up to me to ask for directions, Ruther told me to say this when a similar instance occurs. Russell said that maybe it's because I'm starting to look like a Japanese these days.
mochi-kairi desu (take out) - My latest lesson. After I ordered a cheeseburger at McDonald's and the woman behind the counter spoke to me lengthily, I just stared at her and said wakarimasen. She then showed me a take-out bag and i got it and said hai. So, I asked Ruther to teach me what to say when I'll have to order another take-out. This time, no more blank stares for the poor order-taker.
Friday, December 08, 2006
I MISS...
Aside from family and friends, i sometimes miss the following things:
... our walis tambo. It's kind of hard to keep the house clean using the vacuum cleaner. Not only is it bulky (our place is small) and difficult to use around corners, it's very inconvenient. It's hard to dispose of the dirt and dust. With a broom and a dust pan, it's sweep, pick up, throw in the trash and done!
... our cheese. The cheeses here are so disappointingly tasteless. I miss our cheddar cheese. My goodness, even the SM Bonus cheese tastes wonderful compared to most of the cheeses here. Sigh.
... our cakes. Same as above. Not only are they matabang, but they seem to be... lardy. I miss the Red Ribbon and Goldilocks cakes. The cakes here are also super expensive!
... our sari-sari stores. I could get anything from there, from soy sauce to sanitary napkins. From ulam to bleach. From chichirya to analgesics. Wish there was one here right now.
... our tricycles and jeepneys. The trains here are fast but they are not necessarily located everywhere. When you have to go somewhere that is some distance from the train station, the only way to get there is to walk (another alternative is the bicycle but of course, we don't have that option). It can get pretty bothersome especially when it rains and the destination is far away.
... our tv shows. I even miss the commercials too. Some of the Japanese commercials on tv are weird. I miss watching ABS-CBN. I feel like I'm out of the loop.
... Discovery Channel, National Geogrpahic, AXN, Star Movies, and Star World. I miss my shows!!
... my room. I miss my cozy den. I miss everything about it.
... my magazines. Not only is it difficult to come up with ideas on how to keep the boys busy but it gets pretty tiring sometimes to spend an entire afternoon checking the 'net for lessons, crafts and activities.
... Baclaran. Shopping there is like therapy for me. Not only is it cheap there but it's nice to visit the church and light some candles.
... kakanin. I really miss this when it's mid-afternoon. Back home, I could just go out the subdivision and i could take my pick from pichi-pichi, puto, kuchinta, palabok, ginataang halo-halo, ginataang mais, buchi, and many more. I am so fed up of rolls and waffles!!!
... the beaches. I already asked Ate if we could go to the beach when we get back. Hehehe... Gotta get my tan back.
... our walis tambo. It's kind of hard to keep the house clean using the vacuum cleaner. Not only is it bulky (our place is small) and difficult to use around corners, it's very inconvenient. It's hard to dispose of the dirt and dust. With a broom and a dust pan, it's sweep, pick up, throw in the trash and done!
... our cheese. The cheeses here are so disappointingly tasteless. I miss our cheddar cheese. My goodness, even the SM Bonus cheese tastes wonderful compared to most of the cheeses here. Sigh.
... our cakes. Same as above. Not only are they matabang, but they seem to be... lardy. I miss the Red Ribbon and Goldilocks cakes. The cakes here are also super expensive!
... our sari-sari stores. I could get anything from there, from soy sauce to sanitary napkins. From ulam to bleach. From chichirya to analgesics. Wish there was one here right now.
... our tricycles and jeepneys. The trains here are fast but they are not necessarily located everywhere. When you have to go somewhere that is some distance from the train station, the only way to get there is to walk (another alternative is the bicycle but of course, we don't have that option). It can get pretty bothersome especially when it rains and the destination is far away.
... our tv shows. I even miss the commercials too. Some of the Japanese commercials on tv are weird. I miss watching ABS-CBN. I feel like I'm out of the loop.
... Discovery Channel, National Geogrpahic, AXN, Star Movies, and Star World. I miss my shows!!
... my room. I miss my cozy den. I miss everything about it.
... my magazines. Not only is it difficult to come up with ideas on how to keep the boys busy but it gets pretty tiring sometimes to spend an entire afternoon checking the 'net for lessons, crafts and activities.
... Baclaran. Shopping there is like therapy for me. Not only is it cheap there but it's nice to visit the church and light some candles.
... kakanin. I really miss this when it's mid-afternoon. Back home, I could just go out the subdivision and i could take my pick from pichi-pichi, puto, kuchinta, palabok, ginataang halo-halo, ginataang mais, buchi, and many more. I am so fed up of rolls and waffles!!!
... the beaches. I already asked Ate if we could go to the beach when we get back. Hehehe... Gotta get my tan back.
Thursday, December 07, 2006
YOU ARE THE ONE
Ruther and I watched this movie the other day. It stars Toni Gonzaga and Sam Milby. Baduy na kung baduy, but I liked the story a lot. It was funny, light and talagang Pinoy yung kwento. Ruther was teasing me throughout the movie kasi nakikilig daw ako. I really enjoyed the chemistry between Sam and Toni. Plus, I really like the way Toni speaks Tagalog. Unlike other artistas who speak Taglish, she could babble a mile a minute and not get bulol. I miss watching flicks like this. When I was in Zamboanga, I used to watch Tagalog movies on Cinema One. Not only does it help with my Tagalog (okay, somewhat), but I really enjoy watching Filipino life in the movies. In Manila, I watch PBO and I catch some good movies from time to time. I'm not much of a Pinoy action movie fan because of a) the poor plot, b) unsatisfying stunts and effects and c) cheesy good guy and bad guy lines. I still go for the drama/romance/light comedy genre. So far, I enjoyed watching Milan, Abakada...Ina, Bata Bata Paano Ka Ginawa?, Dubai, Anak, Ang Tanging Ina and of course, most of Sharon Cuneta's movies. There are actually more movies but these are all I can remember. I forgot the last Tagalog movie I watched and enjoyed so when I watched You Are The One, I was glad that there's another Tagalog flick worth watching.
Wednesday, December 06, 2006
CHRISTMAS PREPARATIONS, OUR PAROL AND RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER
Malapit na ang Pasko! I am so excited!! Now that Nikki's birthday is over, I can focus on the Christmas preparations. Okay, sure, I'm making a big deal out of this but this is CHRISTMAS!! My favorite time of the year! Besides, this Christmas will make up for the miserable one I had last year. So, as early as mid-November, I was already decorating our apartment with little Santas here and there. I also got us a small Christmas tree and Nikki helped me decorate that. The pine cones we picked at Sankeien Garden ended up in the tree too. It's a tiny tree but very cute and Christmas-y. I have to remind myself to take a picture of it one of these days. Last week, I started making a list of what to prepare for Noche Buena. I'm thinking fried chicken or chicken barbeque (for the boys), baked macaroni (for Ruther and me), leche flan (another one of Ruther's favorites) and maybe another chocolate cake, similar to the one I made for Nikki's birthday. I would love to have suman sana, as we always do in Zamboanga, but well, I don't know where to get banana leaves here. The coconut milk is readily available in cans at the supermarket so that's not a problem but I'm still hesitant to try to make it here and just waste all the ingredients. I miss the lechon that my lola sends to all her children every Christmas eve (she buys a whole one and chops it up and divides it into several bags). It's so yummy especially with Mang Tomas. Yum yum!
Anyway, am hoping to buy some of the groceries for Christmas eve next week. I still have to wrap the presents for the boys, and decide what color our clothes are going to be for the Christmas pictorial. Hehehe... I'm sure it'll be a Merry Christmas this year indeed...
...
I miss our parol. It's so Pinoy. Now that I'm out of the country, there isn't a parol in sight. Kaka-miss talaga. Whenever we pass those vendors selling lighted parols along the road near NAIA it always gives me a joyful feeling. They look really cheerful and colorful, lalo na sa gabi. The paper lanterns are wonderful too but the big lighted ones really brighten the house. I like those the best.
My mom told us stories of how, when she was a little girl, she and her cousins would go caroling and bring these paper lanterns with them. The parol in those days had candles inside them to provide some light for carolers. She said that every night when they went home, their paper lanters would be singed or burned from the candle. Sometimes they would have burns from the hot wax that dripped on their hands and fingers. It really is nice to hear these kind of stories. Makes me wonder what kind of stories I'll be telling my kids when they are older.
...
Do you remember watching Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer in your childhood? Remember that stop-motion animation? Sam, the snowman is the narrator of the story. Of course, there's Santa Claus. Rudolph leaves the reindeer games because of the teasings about his nose and he meets Hermey, an elf who wants to be a dentist. Then, there's Yukon Cornelius the prospector and the Abominable Snowmonster. It's such a cute story. I used to watch this all the time, every Christmas as a child. I think I watched this as faithfully as I watched "The 10 Commandments" every Holy Week. A few days ago, I asked Ruther about it and he remembers the story too. He downloaded it and now, the boys, Ruther and I can watch this together. Isn't that great? Another tradition formed. Watch it again and relive your childhood...
Anyway, am hoping to buy some of the groceries for Christmas eve next week. I still have to wrap the presents for the boys, and decide what color our clothes are going to be for the Christmas pictorial. Hehehe... I'm sure it'll be a Merry Christmas this year indeed...
...
I miss our parol. It's so Pinoy. Now that I'm out of the country, there isn't a parol in sight. Kaka-miss talaga. Whenever we pass those vendors selling lighted parols along the road near NAIA it always gives me a joyful feeling. They look really cheerful and colorful, lalo na sa gabi. The paper lanterns are wonderful too but the big lighted ones really brighten the house. I like those the best.
My mom told us stories of how, when she was a little girl, she and her cousins would go caroling and bring these paper lanterns with them. The parol in those days had candles inside them to provide some light for carolers. She said that every night when they went home, their paper lanters would be singed or burned from the candle. Sometimes they would have burns from the hot wax that dripped on their hands and fingers. It really is nice to hear these kind of stories. Makes me wonder what kind of stories I'll be telling my kids when they are older.
...
Do you remember watching Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer in your childhood? Remember that stop-motion animation? Sam, the snowman is the narrator of the story. Of course, there's Santa Claus. Rudolph leaves the reindeer games because of the teasings about his nose and he meets Hermey, an elf who wants to be a dentist. Then, there's Yukon Cornelius the prospector and the Abominable Snowmonster. It's such a cute story. I used to watch this all the time, every Christmas as a child. I think I watched this as faithfully as I watched "The 10 Commandments" every Holy Week. A few days ago, I asked Ruther about it and he remembers the story too. He downloaded it and now, the boys, Ruther and I can watch this together. Isn't that great? Another tradition formed. Watch it again and relive your childhood...
HEAT VS. COLD
Some people may call me crazy but I really miss the Philippine heat. Sure, it can be sweltering, annoying and irritating but at least you can remedy that with a bowl of halo-halo or a cold bath or a slurpee or a visit to the air-conditioned mall. Here, it gets so uncomfortable sometimes. At night, I can't sleep properly. I get rashes from the cold and itch all night. I'm running out of antihistamine tablets. I can't get comfy because my feet get too cold and my upper body is too warm. It's like a losing battle. I can't get warm enough or it's too cold. It's just like Goldilocks and the Three Bears with too cold, too hot and just right. Only, in my case, I can't seem to get the "just right" just right.
In the Philippines, even if it gets too warm in the summer, it's nothing an air conditioning unit can't fix. At least I can regulate that. Besides you can always go with shorts and a sleeveless tee when in the room. After the summer, it gets pleasant with the rains and the cool air. I especially love the cool December mornings back home in Zamboanga. Perfect jacket weather. I'm thinking, the moment I get back to Manila, I'm going to hit the beach right away. Mommy and Daddy are already urging me to go home to Zamboanga the moment we arrive in February so I suppose the boys and I will be spending the summer at the beach. Well, I really hope so.
The sun seems to be my only source of heat here. The heater in the room barely warms the entire place and once i get into the kitchen, it's cold feet once again. Since we can't very well leave the heater on the whole day (or night), it's back to warm clothes again.
It's not so bad though. I mean, it IS winter so it should be cold. I guess I'm just not used to it. But it's nice for warm cuddles and hot chocolate. It's just difficult to appreciate the cold weather when you have allergies and itch all over or have cold feet that does not seem to warm up at all (even when I wear socks). But don't get me wrong. I still appreciate the experience. It's not an entirely enjoyable one but it's all right. After all, even if I do have a warm soul, it is a hardy one at that. So, I'll just have to grin and bear it and hope that when I go back home, I'm not a frozen icicle.
In the Philippines, even if it gets too warm in the summer, it's nothing an air conditioning unit can't fix. At least I can regulate that. Besides you can always go with shorts and a sleeveless tee when in the room. After the summer, it gets pleasant with the rains and the cool air. I especially love the cool December mornings back home in Zamboanga. Perfect jacket weather. I'm thinking, the moment I get back to Manila, I'm going to hit the beach right away. Mommy and Daddy are already urging me to go home to Zamboanga the moment we arrive in February so I suppose the boys and I will be spending the summer at the beach. Well, I really hope so.
The sun seems to be my only source of heat here. The heater in the room barely warms the entire place and once i get into the kitchen, it's cold feet once again. Since we can't very well leave the heater on the whole day (or night), it's back to warm clothes again.
It's not so bad though. I mean, it IS winter so it should be cold. I guess I'm just not used to it. But it's nice for warm cuddles and hot chocolate. It's just difficult to appreciate the cold weather when you have allergies and itch all over or have cold feet that does not seem to warm up at all (even when I wear socks). But don't get me wrong. I still appreciate the experience. It's not an entirely enjoyable one but it's all right. After all, even if I do have a warm soul, it is a hardy one at that. So, I'll just have to grin and bear it and hope that when I go back home, I'm not a frozen icicle.
Tuesday, December 05, 2006
RAMEN
After Ruther took the JLPT exam last Sunday (I hope and pray he passes), he asked me if I wanted to go to Yokohama. Of course, I knew we were going to eat at Ruther's favorite ramen shop there so I said, "yes". It was an enjoyable gastronomic experience indeed. And I especially love the ticket machine where you simply pick what you want to eat and just press the button/s. (They don't have that at the ramen shop here at Tokaichiba.) No more cashiers, no more lack of change. Hassle-free...The first time I ate ramen here in Japan was the night we arrived - September 1. Ruther brought me to the nearby ramen shop (about 8 minutes away from home by foot) and got me the small bowl. When I tried it, I found it salty but flavorful. The noodles were tasty and the addition of n
ori (I did not like this at first, but got used to its taste eventually), vegetables and meat were yummy. Ramen is eaten using chopsticks and a Chinese-style spoon but i have not mastered both yet. When the spoon is not available, drinking the soup from the bowl is all right. After several ramen bowls these past months, I eventually got used to the strong tonkotsu taste and now, when it's particularly cold outside, I ask Ruther if we could go get a bowl of hot steamy ramen. I still have to practice the slurping (they say it helps cool the soup and the noodles) but I'm sure I'll get it pretty soon...Ramen is basically soup, noodles and add-ons. The secret of ramen's popularity is in the soup. The main types of soup are: (http://www.world66.com/asia/northeastasia/japan/food/ramen)
Shouyu - a dark, relatively clear soup that gets its color from soy sauce. Shouyu soups are often made from fish stock. The flavor can range from strongly fishy, to mild and salty, to lightly sweet and tangy.
Shio - a thin, light, slightly salty soup made with pork. This is the least popular but has the least fat.
Miso - a cloudy, salty and strong soup that derives its flavor from a fermented soy-paste called miso.
Tonkotsu - (Ruther's favorite) a thick, cloudy soup made with pigs bones. The color can range from pale white to light brown.
A visit to the Ramen Museum at Shin-Yokohama taught me that ramen noodles can be thick, thin, wide, curly, or straight. However, the noodles used for ramen are either yellow egg noodles or white flour noodles. During early years, the egg noodles were more popular but now, flour noodles are widely used.
And now, the toppings ("gu"):
Cabbage - either chopped into large pieces or shredded
Chashu - slices of grilled pork (Ruther's favorite and mine; usually we order the one with several slices of pork meat)
Corn - boiled separately and just added later on
Hourensou - spinach
Menma - soft, brown bamboo shoots
Moyashi - bean sprouts
Naruto - a white fish cake, usually featuring a red spiral pattern on the inside. It is served in thin slices. (whenever I see this I remember Ranma 1/2)
Negi - Japanese leek, cut very fine and served raw or fried
Nori - squares of dried seaweed
Tamago - hard-boiled egg
Ramen, they say, is best eaten extremely hot. But I can't do that. Aside from being a poor slurper, I burn my tongue quite easily. They also say that in an average bowl, there is about 5 grams of salt in there and the fat content makes nutritionists cringe. So I suppose ramen-eating has to be an occasional thing only.
Ruther once told me, "Love, once you try the ramen here, you'll never go back to instant ramen any more." He was right. Call me a ramen lover from now on...
5 DEGREES
I check the weather regularly now. Not only is it essential for my survival (yes, i know, i know. i mentioned the cold maaaany times now), but it helps with the household chores as well (how else will i know when it's the best day to wash?). Plus, Ruther has an idea what to wear/bring to work.
I check the weather, yes, but i rarely check the temperature. So, imagine my surprise when i saw this morning that the coldest temperature today is 5 degrees. Minus 5 and it'll be zero! Can't wait to tell my dad! This morning, when Ruther went out the door to leave for work, he showed me how cold it was by blowing out his breath. It was really misty! I was so excited, i went out to try it even though my feet were icy after a few seconds. I can't remember the last time i experienced this so please excuse my childish excitement. If my memory serves me right, I think the last time i experienced cold breath was when my family and I went to Baguio when I was a little girl. But that was waaay back when Baguio was so much colder than now. (Okay, maybe it was in the 80's). So, really, it was nice to see my breath come out in mists once more. Maybe tomorrow, I'll let the boys experience this too. I'm sure they'll love it!!!
Mufflers and jackets, check! Gloves, check! Cold breath, check! Next stop... snow!
I check the weather, yes, but i rarely check the temperature. So, imagine my surprise when i saw this morning that the coldest temperature today is 5 degrees. Minus 5 and it'll be zero! Can't wait to tell my dad! This morning, when Ruther went out the door to leave for work, he showed me how cold it was by blowing out his breath. It was really misty! I was so excited, i went out to try it even though my feet were icy after a few seconds. I can't remember the last time i experienced this so please excuse my childish excitement. If my memory serves me right, I think the last time i experienced cold breath was when my family and I went to Baguio when I was a little girl. But that was waaay back when Baguio was so much colder than now. (Okay, maybe it was in the 80's). So, really, it was nice to see my breath come out in mists once more. Maybe tomorrow, I'll let the boys experience this too. I'm sure they'll love it!!!
Mufflers and jackets, check! Gloves, check! Cold breath, check! Next stop... snow!
December 2, 2006
OBSERVATIONS PART 3
PEACE SIGN IN PICTURES. I noticed that the Japanese loooove to do the peace sign when getting their pictures taken. How do i know this? I see it all the time, everywhere. It can be cute occasionally but I wonder sometimes who started this trend...
.....
TOILETS. One would never think 
of this in a tropical country but here, warm toilet seats abound. I think it's a cute touch. Especially for someone like me, who feels cold quite easily. Sometimes though, you wonder what all the buttons on the side are for. I can't very well bring Ruther in the Ladies' Room to ask for instructions. The small illustrations beside the buttons help a bit, but I'm still scared of trying them out lest a spray of water hits my face and i die of embarrassment. P.S. They also have the other kind of toilet, the latrine which is more common here.
.....
BROCHURES. They never run out of it. In some frequently-visited sites, they also have English versions. Want a floor guide? Just grab one. How about a restaurant guide? A site map? Maybe even a description or photos of the place? Yup. Very handy indeed-y. And makes good souvenirs as well.
.....
"IRRASHAIMASE." Next to sumimasen, this is the most frequent word I hear here. The moment you enter a store or retaurant or boutique, you are endlessly greeted by this. It means welcome, what can i do to help, please come in. The first time i heard this it sounded like wasai-mas because they spoke so fast. I thought they were scolding me or something. After I found out what it meant, i appreciated it, but sometimes, it can be grating especially when it's screamed at you a lot.
.....
INEXPERIENCED DRIVERS. They put this green and yellow sticker on the front and back of a car to warn other drivers about their inexperience. When I saw the sticker, I thought it was a University logo. But of course, Ruther told me what it really was for.
.....
DISABLE-FRIENDLY. Japan is disable friendly. They have ramps everywhere as well as escalators and elevators. Once, I saw a station employee wait patiently for a train. When it arrived, he put this small ramp beside the train to allow a passenger in a wheelchair to get off without mishap. Also, they have this yellow tiles for the blind. This way they can walk independently without worries of getting lost or getting hurt. Braille is also used.
.....
PETS. Japanese take good care of their pets. I sometimes see dogs with cute accessories on them or sporting a trendy "shirt". Also, they look healthy and their coats, shiny. One couple had their dog in a doggie stroller! So cute! When we went to Nissan Stadium to see the flea market there, a store owner's dog wanted a pat so i rubbed its ears and just petted it. Wish I could have a cute doggie soon...
.....
ANOTHER ARTICLE. Again, not an observation but an interesting little tidbit: "More companies are encouraging employees to work productively and go home on time, according to the Daily Yomiuri. One underwear maker fines its employees up to Y50,000 if they are caught working overtime." Metropolis, May 5, 2006.
Maybe(?) more next time...
PEACE SIGN IN PICTURES. I noticed that the Japanese loooove to do the peace sign when getting their pictures taken. How do i know this? I see it all the time, everywhere. It can be cute occasionally but I wonder sometimes who started this trend...
.....
TOILETS. One would never think 
of this in a tropical country but here, warm toilet seats abound. I think it's a cute touch. Especially for someone like me, who feels cold quite easily. Sometimes though, you wonder what all the buttons on the side are for. I can't very well bring Ruther in the Ladies' Room to ask for instructions. The small illustrations beside the buttons help a bit, but I'm still scared of trying them out lest a spray of water hits my face and i die of embarrassment. P.S. They also have the other kind of toilet, the latrine which is more common here. .....
BROCHURES. They never run out of it. In some frequently-visited sites, they also have English versions. Want a floor guide? Just grab one. How about a restaurant guide? A site map? Maybe even a description or photos of the place? Yup. Very handy indeed-y. And makes good souvenirs as well.
.....
"IRRASHAIMASE." Next to sumimasen, this is the most frequent word I hear here. The moment you enter a store or retaurant or boutique, you are endlessly greeted by this. It means welcome, what can i do to help, please come in. The first time i heard this it sounded like wasai-mas because they spoke so fast. I thought they were scolding me or something. After I found out what it meant, i appreciated it, but sometimes, it can be grating especially when it's screamed at you a lot.
.....
INEXPERIENCED DRIVERS. They put this green and yellow sticker on the front and back of a car to warn other drivers about their inexperience. When I saw the sticker, I thought it was a University logo. But of course, Ruther told me what it really was for......
DISABLE-FRIENDLY. Japan is disable friendly. They have ramps everywhere as well as escalators and elevators. Once, I saw a station employee wait patiently for a train. When it arrived, he put this small ramp beside the train to allow a passenger in a wheelchair to get off without mishap. Also, they have this yellow tiles for the blind. This way they can walk independently without worries of getting lost or getting hurt. Braille is also used.
.....
PETS. Japanese take good care of their pets. I sometimes see dogs with cute accessories on them or sporting a trendy "shirt". Also, they look healthy and their coats, shiny. One couple had their dog in a doggie stroller! So cute! When we went to Nissan Stadium to see the flea market there, a store owner's dog wanted a pat so i rubbed its ears and just petted it. Wish I could have a cute doggie soon...
.....
ANOTHER ARTICLE. Again, not an observation but an interesting little tidbit: "More companies are encouraging employees to work productively and go home on time, according to the Daily Yomiuri. One underwear maker fines its employees up to Y50,000 if they are caught working overtime." Metropolis, May 5, 2006.
Maybe(?) more next time...
November 30, 2006
THREE MORE MONTHS...
Today is November 30. We should be on our way home to Manila by now if we were not granted extension visas weeks before by the immigration office. Today, I would have been crying my eyes out. Today, my heart would have been so heavy or even breaking. Today, I would have felt like I could not breathe, that I died once more and would just wait to be with Ruther once more, to be able to function, to be able to love life and live life. When I think about today, I feel like I am very very lucky and very very blessed.
Three more months. It seems like such a short time. A little longer than a summer vacation, the length of a season, a quarter of a year. Three months. It may be short but I gladly receive it. Three months means spending Nikki's birthday here, having Christmas and New Year together, celebrating Ruther's birthday and just spending time as a family. Three months of togetherness. Three months of joy, of love, of celebration. I am glad I'm not on a plane home today. Yes, very very glad. I don't know what I have done in this universe to deserve this wonderful gift. Trivial it may be to some people, but for someone who values precious family moments, I am extremely - EXTREMELY - happy, nay, overjoyed that i will still be beside Ruther, that I would be taking care of him, loving him and making memories with him for three more months. If this is my early Christmas present, then i don't want anything else, anymore. This is enough. And i am forever grateful.
Today is November 30. We should be on our way home to Manila by now if we were not granted extension visas weeks before by the immigration office. Today, I would have been crying my eyes out. Today, my heart would have been so heavy or even breaking. Today, I would have felt like I could not breathe, that I died once more and would just wait to be with Ruther once more, to be able to function, to be able to love life and live life. When I think about today, I feel like I am very very lucky and very very blessed.
Three more months. It seems like such a short time. A little longer than a summer vacation, the length of a season, a quarter of a year. Three months. It may be short but I gladly receive it. Three months means spending Nikki's birthday here, having Christmas and New Year together, celebrating Ruther's birthday and just spending time as a family. Three months of togetherness. Three months of joy, of love, of celebration. I am glad I'm not on a plane home today. Yes, very very glad. I don't know what I have done in this universe to deserve this wonderful gift. Trivial it may be to some people, but for someone who values precious family moments, I am extremely - EXTREMELY - happy, nay, overjoyed that i will still be beside Ruther, that I would be taking care of him, loving him and making memories with him for three more months. If this is my early Christmas present, then i don't want anything else, anymore. This is enough. And i am forever grateful.
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