Akibahara Adventure

Akihabara was probably the most visited place in all of our business trips to Japan. We went there almost every weekend, looking for new toys, exciting gadgets, and anything that looks interesting. The place is practically heaven for geeks and nerds. Unfortunately, these photos don't do justice to the place, since I was more concerned covering more grounds than taking pictures. These were taken on November 13, 2005 and November 20, 2005.

Fire Juggler

Here's a short video of a street performer, a fire juggler to be exact, showing off his amazing skills. This was taken during our visit to Yokohama on November 13, 2005.

天丼

My very first tendon (tempura bowl) from てんや, served with miso soup and Japanese green tea. After accompanying us in buying pasalubong from Ueno, Henrison brought the group (Edmond, Gloi, Rajah, and ?) to this popular tendon shop. These photos were taken on November 20, 2005.

Tokyo Tower

After a week of consecutive daily overtime, we finally got a chance to escape early (half past 8 in the evening) and see Tokyo Tower up close. It took us around 15 minutes to get there from Mita Kokusai building by foot. These photos were taken on November 17, 2005.

World's Largest Leather Snoopy

The world's largest leather Snoopy can be found in Snoopy Town Shop, Yokohama.

World's Largest Clock

Cosmo Clock 21 is also considered the world's largest clock. The display of the clock is mounted at the center of the Ferris wheel.

Cosmo Clock 21

The Cosmo Clock 21 is giant Ferris wheel in Yokohama. It's impossible to miss. This photo was taken on November 13, 2005.

Nippon Maru

Yokohama was my first sightseeing destination outside Tokyo. Our group, composed of Rinnel, Mark, and me, were accompanied by Gloi, Henrison, Edmond, and two other guys from Cebu. Gloi was there for AOTS training, Henrison for a 2-year intra-transfer, and Edmond was on a long business trip. This photo was taken by Gloi on November 13, 2005. Behind me is the Nippon Maru, a retired sailing ship which was built in 1930.

三田国際

Mita Kokusai Building is where we stayed for an average of 12-14 hours a day during weekdays. We would usually arrive at the office around 9 in the morning, just in time for our daily progress meeting, then leave around 11 in the evening, giving us just enough time to walk to the train station and catch the last train to Nishi-Magome.

三田

This photo was taken on our way to Mita Kokusai Building on November 13, 2005. Not very far away from MK is the easily recognizable Tokyo Tower.

Coin Laundry

One of the most important places to know when you're staying in Japan for more than week. Coin-operated washing machines and dryers are very common in Japan. I think they're an integral part of Japanese life. It's also not unusual for Japanese people to leave their clothes unattended in one of these machines and just return to get them later. This photo was taken on November 12, 2005.

ゆかた

I definitely looked younger here, but for some reason, a little chubbier. Probably because I just came from a long stay in Cebu. In this photo, I'm wearing a simple yukata, provided by the hotel. This was taken on November 11, 2005.

Sashimi and Sake

My very first authentic sashimi experience. This was served during the welcome dinner hosted by our Japanese counterparts on November 11, 2005. Incidentally, it was also my first time to drink sake, and actually the first time I drank an alcoholic beverage in my life.

Techie Toilet

You know you're in Japan when even the simplest act of relieving yourself requires reading instructions, turning a dial, and pressing at least 2 buttons. This photo was taken on November 11, 2005 at Tokyo Inn.

Room 707

This photo was taken on November 10, 2005 at Tokyo Inn during my first business trip to Tokyo, Japan. My room assignment was 707. A number which is somewhat significant to my favorite Anime, Neon Genesis Evangelion (see Code 707). My first trip lasted a little more than 3 weeks.

My Lovely Sisters

This is a photo of my sisters, Yang-Yang, Lin-Lin, and Pitsi. Leng-Leng is not in the picture. This was taken on October 30, 2005 during our visit to Angkong (grandpa) and Ama's (grandma) grave in Holy Cross Memorial Park, Novaliches, Quezon City.

Cebu Lechon

Nothing beats eating lechon (roasted pig) from Cebu on a boat in the middle of the sea. I took this photo from Melissa's set. This was taken on October 1, 2005, on the way to Nalusuan Island Resort.

The VSGW Team

The VSGW team (Manila members), during our trip to Nalusuan Island Resort and Marine Sanctuary. This photo was taken on October 1, 2005. I took this from Melissa's photo set.

Red Santan

As kids, we would usually go to our "terrace" to play. We would pretend to prepare and cook burger patties made out of dampened soil that we took from the flower pots of my aunt. She's been taking care of the plants there since the beginning of time. This is a photo of a red santan (Ixora) which I took on October 16, 2005. These flowers are very common in the Philippines and they would come in different colors. Most kids in the Philippines during that time would pull the stamen then suck the nectar covering it. In some cases, it would turn up dry and disappoint the eager child.

Lapu-Lapu Shrine

NSP Manila employees visited the Lapu-Lapu shrine in Mactan, Cebu in one late afternoon. Then went back to the hotel for Cheann's birthday surprise. The photo was taken on October 14, 2005 by Jecal. Some people are noticeably thinner back then.

Blossom

This is a photo of my office mug taken on October 14, 2005. I brought it with me during my first project assignment in Cebu. You've got to love how its color matches the wallpaper of my company-issued notebook running Fedora Linux.

Ding Qua Qua

Located in JY Square Mall, just a few minutes away from Cebu Northwinds Hotel, Ding Qua Qua is one of our favorite all-you-can-eat buffet places in Cebu. I remember Mike (Baltisoto) telling us that it's his favorite restaurant. And, it's also one of the very few places that would make Ben (Chan) join us for dinner. This photo was taken on October 12, 2005.

Rotting Watermelon Slices

Our room in Cebu Northwinds Hotel

This is a photo taken from the Cebu Northwinds hotel room I shared with Dennis during the last couple of weeks of our first business trip to Cebu. We transferred to this room after Gloi and Jas returned to Manila. This is right about the time I discovered rotting watermelon slices inside the refrigerator which I believe were left there for weeks (or months maybe) and together with a can of whipped cream. Don't ask me why they needed something like that. This was taken on October 11, 2005.

A Birthday Surprise

The NSP Manila group, led by Jecal and Edong, decides to throw a simple birthday surprise for Cheann. This video was taken on October 14, 2005 at Cebu Northwinds Hotel. Other people in the video include Niña, Jeddy, Sally, Jecal, Edong, and Sir Mike. The same group went to visit the Lapu-Lapu Monument earlier that evening. Unfortunately, the cake didn't quite survive the transportation and heat.

Overtime

A fruit fly on our OT request form

Overtime during weekends was a normal routine for us when we were assigned in Cebu. This photo shows a portion of the overtime request form that employees need to fill-up and get signed by their supervisor or manager for approval. For Saturday and Sunday work, your name must be registered before the security personnel would let you in. This was taken on October 10, 2005.

Bigby's Cafe

A half-slab of our favorite baby back ribs from Bigby's

Still my favorite restaurant in Cebu, Bigby's Cafe & Restaurant is located at Ayala Center Cebu. We used to dine there when we were celebrating the birthday of a team member, or an anniversary of the batch. At one point, we ordered their signature massive dessert called the "Titanic Treat" and we just couldn't finish it. This photo was taken on October 5, 2005, when we celebrated the fake birthday of Dennis.

Nalusuan Island Resort

Stitched photo of Nalusuan Island Resort

Stitched photo of Nalusuan Island Resort

These two stitched photos were taken at Nalusuan Island Resort, Cebu on October 1, 2005. The managers organized a sight-seeing tour for the Japanese guests and luckily, out team got to tag along for free. It was my first official sight-seeing adventure in Cebu with my newly acquired camera.

Continuation of Exile

On my way to Lahug in 2005

After 4 days in Manila, I found myself on my way back to my hotel (Cebu Northwinds) in Cebu to continue my 6-month project assignment in Cebu. This photo was taken on September 28, 2005, on my way from Mactan International Airport to Lahug.

First High School Reunion

Sakya Batch 2000 Reunion in 2005

The first ever reunion of our high school batch since year 2000. This photo was taken on September 24, 2005. I just got back from Cebu, dropped by our office to pickup my first camera, a Canon PowerShot S2 IS, which Marvin bought from Japan. I went to Glorietta to buy rechargeable AA batteries and a charger before going home to test the camera. After that, I proceeded to the venue to see my classmates who I haven't seen for a little over five years.

Back from Cebu

Sisi in 2005

This a photo of Sisi, our cat. It was taken on September 25, 2005, the day after I returned from my first ever business trip to Cebu. I was away from home for three months. It was the first time in my life that I was away for more than a week.