Asakusa Souvenirs

Various items for sale in Asakusa

For me, the best place to shop for souvenirs in Tokyo is in nakamise-dori, which a street that leads to senso-ji, Tokyo's oldest temple. These were taken on January 14, 2006.

First Day of Snow

First day of snow in 2006

It wasn't my first time to ever experience snow but it was my first to experience it in Japan and as an adult. It was a Saturday and we were supposed to leave for Manila the following day. Knowing that it could be our last business trip to Japan, we scheduled a trip to Tokyo Disneyland. Unfortunately, we had to change our plan because of the snow. According to some news that day, it was one of the heaviest snowfall Tokyo had experienced in years. This was taken on January 21, 2006.

Ichiran Ramen

Ichiran's Customizable Ramen

My first taste of Japan's popular ramen. This was officially introduced to me by, if my memory serves me right, Henrison. He was also in Japan at the time on a 2-year intra-transfer contract. This was taken on January 14, 2006. Four years later, I brought some of my AOTS classmates to the same shop. Jenny, Metz, and Metz's classmate were also there to join us.

Ameyoko Chocolates

Chocolates

In NSP, it's tradition to give chocolates or sweets from Japan to the whole office (or at least the teammates) whenever an engineer is sent to Japan either for training or business trip. Back then, I would give the boxes (Pocky) to my family and a few close friends. I would then distribute the packs of chocolates to the rest of the office (2 to 4 pieces each). This photo was taken on January 10, 2006.

Sunday Work

Sunday at the Office

Here are some photos of our workplace in Mita Kokusai Building. You won't see any other employees in the photos since these were taken on a Sunday (January 8, 2006). We were "requested" to come to work since we were already delayed on our testing and bug-fixing schedule.

Strike Freedom Gundam

Strike Freedom Lightning Edition

One of the two model kits I bought from Japan during my first business trip. This is my largest Gundam model kit (1/60) to date (not that I'm planning to buy another one). These photos were taken on January 1, 2006.

UST in 2005

UST in 2005

Before the Quadricentennial Square, there was Colayco Park, where students during our time would hang out with their friends, practice dance numbers and other similar performances. These photos were taken on Christmas Eve of 2005. At that time, the two-level car park was still under construction and Plaza Mayor is non-existent.

Recycled Lanterns

Christmas lanterns made from recycled materials

These parols were hung along the covered walk near UST High School during a visit on Christmas Eve of 2005. The lanterns were made out of recycled materials by, presumably, students.

Local Train

Local train to Narita Airport

Here's a photo of a local train (stops at every station) taken while I was waiting for a limited express train (stops at major stations only) at Aoto station going to Narita Airport. This was taken on December 10, 2005.