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.