Archive for November, 2007

Energy and Energy Drinks

November 9th, 2007
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It’s Friday and my energy level is at its minimum. It’s more likely I’d end up banging my head on the table. I’m still having trouble sleeping early and I don’t want to rely too much on alcohol to sleep (I’m really unreasonably terrified of turning into an alcoholic). So now, I feed on Lipovitan but I’m also scared of becoming too dependent on it. Besides, it’s just a waste of money without having any effect on me at all! Or perhaps it acts like the Battle Pill in Naruto. It just sort of gathers and uses my reserved energy. If this is the case, then, no wonder why Lipovitan is not helping me at all – I am energy-drained! Need to get more sleep … but how? I desperately need to get over this a.s.a.p. before I lose my brain efficiency and my sanity!

I’ve been ranting about not finding Red Bull here and I think I know why. I’ve read from Wikipedia that some countries banned Red Bull due an untimely death of an athlete after consuming four cans of the drink. If I had an easy access to Red Bull here, I might have ended up like that athlete.

By the way, I’ve found at least 4 types of Lipovitan here (can’t name them all because they were in Japanese characters) – as expected from the country where Lipovitan originated, from as early as 1960′s.

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At work

Heed the Expiration Date

November 8th, 2007
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As much as possible, I don’t drink tap water. I had lots of misfortunes which resulted to amoebiasis and other kinds of stomach-related illnesses. So even if I’ve been staying here in Japan for more than a year, I often drink bottled water.

However, when it comes to food I’m not as cautious. I still cook meat or fish about a week after the specified expiration date. “Why care about it now? In the Philippines, there’s no expiration date especially on food bought from the wet market. I’m in Japan… the food here is always fresh. It was frozen and all those unwanted organisms should be dead once I cook it.”

That’s what I’ve been telling myself… until recently. I’ve been eating bread 1-3 days after the specified “Best Before Date“. Hours later, I’d get an upset stomach. But I don’t usually blame it on the bread. I’d always find other excuses because truth be told, my stomach easily gets upset. After countless incidents of upset-stomach-after-eating-expired-bread, I guess I’d just have to take the expiration date seriously and stop thinking about the wasted money. After all, it’s my fault.

Right now, I have an upset stomach, and I’m running out of Diatabs (medicine from the Philippines). And yes, I ate an expired piece of bread this morning…

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Ooopppssss

Lost?

November 7th, 2007
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Today, I took a different route and a completely different train line. As expected, I got lost and spent a total of 30 minutes finding my way between and around stations. While trying to figure out how to get to the office, I realized that I like the feeling of being lost and it’s more gratifying to finally arrive at my destination.

Life is definitely not a straight road. There are times that we have no other choice but to tread an unfamiliar path. In worst cases, there’s not a single arrow or map that would lead us to where want to go. I think this is where all our previous experiences comes in, in the form of instinct, combined with spiritual guidance. No matter how lost we are, there seems to be a tiny voice deep inside us, guiding us and urging us to keep going. We might opt to retrace our steps and start all over again. But as long as we keep our eyes to our destination, and as long as we keep on going, then we are not lost.

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Sentiments

What awaits me?

November 6th, 2007
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As our last day here in the current company approaches, I’m constantly hounded by questions of what awaits me in the next company. Most likely, I couldn’t access blogs because most of the companies here no longer give internet access to their employees if there’s no need for it in their projects. How am I gonna fight off sleepiness? Then, there’d be additions to my food budget. In here , there’s an unlimited supply of tea, coffee, and water. Most companies don’t offer these treats and mind you, a 500ml bottle of water costs around 100 yen. Then I’m gonna need more business attire! I just wear jeans and t-shirt here and my old business clothes are now too big for me. I complain too much, don’t I? Honestly, I’m mostly excited.

We were interviewed in a company with an office that’s so much alike to a previous employer’s and it is located in a place like Makati City! I am already calling it Makati in Osaka.

Then there was another interview this morning. The office was really gorgeous (I repeat, just the office and not the interviewers, ok?), especially the receiving area. It’s adorned with big and impressive furnitures – so rare in a country where every space is of utmost importance. I was already nervous before the interview and then my stomach happened. Just one piece of bread for breakfast and too much walking left me starving before we even reached the place and my stomach growled in the middle of the interview! haha! Then while I was painstakingly trying to explain a project in Nihongo, we were distracted by an earthquake! It seemed like Mother Earth was telling me that my broken Japanese was also giving her a headache!

Well, I hope we’d be able to hear from those companies this week. I believe, though, that the next opportunity is best for me. ^-^

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At work, Ooopppssss

Fun Sunday

November 5th, 2007
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I went out with Akane-san yesterday and went to an Asian Festival held somewhere near my apartment. There were only representatives of Korea, China, India, Indonesia, and Mongolia (I’m sure I missed mentioning a couple of Asian countries). Yup, no Philippine representative. I think I was the only Filipino there! If I’d only known, I would have voluntarily perform “Pandanggo sa Ilaw” – solo (as if I know the dance hehe).

I really enjoyed the performances. There were children dancing a Korean dance and a Chinese lady singing and playing an instrument (dunno what’s that called). But the most popular of all, the one that caught everyone’s attention and made all the men enter the hall: belly dancers!



I met two of Akane-san’s colleagues and had a great time chatting with them.

Then we went to the theater to watch Stardust (adapted from Neil Gaiman’s novel). The movie is a total knockout! The story was slightly modified but it was still amazing! It was so magical with occasional humorous scenes. I loved all of the casts – they played their roles really well. My favorite was Robert De Niro (watch the movie and you’ll find out why). If I were in the Philippines, I’d definitely watch the movie again.

Once again, thank you, Akane-san! It was really a fun Sunday!
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Things I love

PhotoHunt: Classic

November 2nd, 2007
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Really had a hard time deciding what to post today. I got about a dozen of choices, and the word classic, has lots of synonyms!
SYDNEY: also a classical city
St. Mary’s Cathedral
Queen Victoria Building – a shopping center!

Too bad I only got this from a colleague. I only had 2 disposable cameras during my 2-month stay there! Anyway, this is one of the many reasons why I fell in love with Sydney. Beautiful classical buildings, coexisting with the modern ones.Though still unfinished, I’m inviting you to visit my other blog: Unforgettable Sydney for more pictures.Once again, thank you very much for dropping by. Will drop by your place later… but I have to sleep first. Have a nice weekend!
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Photohunt, Things I love, Travels

Candles In My Path

November 1st, 2007
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“No one’s death comes to pass without making some impression, and those close to the deceased inherit part of the liberated soul and become richer in their humanness.”
- Hermann Broch

In the Philippines, November 2nd is The All Souls’ Day. Most Filipinos flock to the cemeteries to visit their departed loved ones. As I am miles away, I’m writing this as a tribute and prayer to the people who became my candles in this journey…

Uncle Victor passed away last June. Despite the hardships he and his family went through, he always put up a brave front and never fail to give cheers to those around him. He’s been sick for many years and I was hoping to let him see his family emerge from the harsh lifestyle they’re in now, but he left too soon. I was not even able to say my thanks to him and let him know that I’m proud of him.

Uncle Sonny may be very stubborn but he cares deeply for his family. His cheerful disposition made him everyone’s friend. After 6 months of suffering from brain cancer, he died May last year. I was in Manila at that time so I wasn’t able to say my farewell, too. I failed to tell him that despite my indifferent facade, I’ve always wanted to tell him I’m so blessed to have him as my uncle.

Aunt Paz was aloof at times but she’s often ready to extend her help. Her laughter would usually reach our room as we’re just a fence away. She’s also such a dedicated and hardworking homemaker. I secretly wanted to be as hardworking as her.

Aunt Paz and Lola (Grandma) Charing were very much alike. They even looked alike. She’s as hardworking and she loved all of her grandchildren. We often visited Bohol when she was still alive and I’ve treasured each of those short times we’ve spent with her.

Aunt Cris was a special person. She was mentally handicapped but what a joy it was when she could identify who we were! Lola Charing patiently took care of her and she died a few months after Lola Charing died.

Fighter Wine was Lolo (Grandpa) Tosoy’s favorite drink and he always buy one at our store. I frequented their farm when I was still a little girl. He taught me some farming stuffs, making my childhood days a lot more wonderful!

Years ago, Tatay (Grandpa) Maning always visited our home. He’s gay but he got married and had two children. He made the best cupcake in the whole world! I always looked forward to his visits because he always had interesting stories up his sleeves.

Ritchel is my older brother whom I’ve never met. He was premature, born at 7 months like me. But he was also home-incubated and lived only for a week. My mother always told me that they learned from their mistakes in incubating him. Basically, he’s the reason why I now live. I’ve always wondered how great it is to have an older brother. I’m sure he’d be a cool older brother if he’s still around.

I’ve also never met my grandfathers (my parents’ fathers). I’m sure they’re such great parents, having raised beautiful beings like my mama and papa.

I was not able to say my farewell to these wonderful souls, but I’d like to think that they’re not gone. They will always remain in my heart and I would always be forever grateful to them for making such special and remarkable imprints in my life… I miss and love you all!

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Family, Sentiments
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