Beauty Internationale

The still unbearably cold spring (honestly, I still can't feel the difference against winter), somehow got warmed up Sunday, where the Search for Ms. International (foreigner) Japan was held.

As the title clarifies, the pageant features gaijins or foreigners in Japan - mostly Asian and of Japanese descent. The ladies for this year's batch came from Thailand, Philippines, India, Bangladesh , Vietnam and Kazakhstan.



It was no different from the beauty contests we all are familiar with - only that this time, there was one candidate that stood-out from everyone else. Ms. Kazakhstan (pics above) was the only caucasian in the group and the most poised. Most beautiful? I don't want to be accused of having a colonial perspective so I'd rather that the pictures be the judge.

But if the crowd reception was to be used as the gauge, she really was the overwhelming favorite to win the crown. She did.

Below were my other bets, at least for the runner-up slots, he he.

Will Your Money Grow Here?

Money must indeed be ailing these days. Want to resuscitate it? Let this Bank handle the job. :-)

Hold Your Horses, Folks!

Was it a staged summary execution? Apparently not. No one has yet questioned the claim that the policemen chased the suspects before they reached that Q.C. area where the encounter happened. Note that the shooting occured in a busy street, with thousands of spectators and possible witnesses.

But was it an overkill? Did the policemen kill the then immobilized suspects? Or was there still apparent threat on the lives of the policemen forcing them to neutralize the source of the threat? Given what media is showing, everything is hazy. An independent probe is therefore necessary.

As a lawyer, I am sworn and I am committed to upholding every man’s right to life. No one, premised on prevailing laws, has the right to exact justice on his own volition. Every alleged transgressor of the law must be presumed innocent until the requisite processes are observed and the courts of law declare him otherwise.

But then again, in the case of the now-controversial incident, the same presumption must be applied to the accused trigger-happy policemen. What’s happening now, is that media, particularly ABS-CBN which prides itself of having taken an exclusive footage of the shootout, rams down the public’s throat, its own version of what happened. ABS-CBN now takes it as its own crusade to lead the viewers to the conclusion it has reached. And we all know how influential media is in shaping public opinion. Regardless of what transpires in the investigations, the guilt of the policemen are already ingrained in the public mind.

Disappointingly, on the same boat was the head of the Commission on Human Rights which has yet to conduct an investigation but has already displayed melodramatic reactions on-cam. True, the mandate of the CHR is to ensure utmost respect for human rights, but it doesn’t command partiality to the dead or the complainant.

The public deserves to know the truth on this matter. Let the formal investigations begin and let’s draw our conclusions only when all the facts have been laid out.

* * *

I have to admit I am an interested party to this case. As a lawyer, I do push for the observance of the due process of law regardless of the circumstances. But as a victim of carnapping, I too would be relieved to know if indeed those killed were part of the syndicates operating in Quezon City and that somehow there are now less of them prowling our streets.

Reflections of a DOVE

All too suddenly, winter seems gone in Tokyo.

While yesterday was still as cold as usual, temperatures this morning hovered in the 20s.

If this was to happen some other day, I would have surely celebrated. But I just can't help thinking that nature is taunting me. Why right in time for Valentine's Day? Could it be that the collective passion of mankind has caused global warming?

Alright, I admit I am whining. With all the hoopla that's going around for days, I have yet to figure out where to place myself in the scheme of things.

All I am quite certain of is that at this very moment, I am....

alone....

cold ...

grey ...


and downright envious ..

Yup, I have just been elected as Chairman of DOVEs, Intl. (Dateless On Valentine's Eve). Recruitment is still open until 11:59 tonight.

(The pics were taken during our snow trip last Sunday to Minakami, Gunma-ken)

=====================================================================

Happy Valentine's Day, folks!

Young Husband

He sauntered to the public faucet with a playful smile. Many eyes were on him, mostly teasing.

He then took a confident squat and examined the task in front him as if confronting a school science project. True, it was quite a challenge - cleaning his firstborn's soiled diapers.

But not like any "fear factor" episode, he proceeded like a natural . He brushed off the remnants of the baby explosions and washed the linens amidst the friendly neighborhood heckling.

In no time, the mission was accomplished.

Just another day of fatherhood....

Meantime, one of those in the sidelines captured the scene as a human interest photo. Initially.

But later, as he looked at himself, it became a poignant reminder of the few things he failed to experience as of yet and would now love trading anything for. Strangely, he wishes to be on the very spot where the young man was and be just as proud of his communion with the world's future generation.

For days hence, the scene flashed incessantly in the photographer's mind and brought him to asking - did he pursue the wrong priorities early in life?

Until today, the wondering continues ... and hopefully, it will end as Valentine's Day passes.

(The pic is of Andrew, a neighbor, taken during my "istambay" moments in our town last December).

Ukay-Ukay: Japanese Style

Known for their affluence, it is hard to imagine the Japanese being practical - or frugal. They may not all be filthy rich, but their average incomes are much higher than many other nationalities. That they have always been among the top targets for expensive branded merchandise simply confirms the thickness of their wallets.

It is thus interesting to find flea markets in some areas here. I'm not sure if the recession has in some ways contributed to their proliferation, but as I was told, this scene has been going on for some time. There were many "shoppers", i tell you. And while some sellers are regular businessmen, many seem to be there just to clear their closets.

Last Sunday, I was brought by a friend to Sendagaya and was immersed in a sea of second-hand goods. Some were actually still pricey, but if one's patient enough to search around, he could actually get some astonishing bargains. My friend snatched two original Levi's jeans (still in good condition) for Yen 500 or about Php 250.00. I saw a pair of Armanis worth Yen 800, only that they were a little too small for my post vacation waistline.

Some items however could make one smile as they are already cousins to garbage. But then again, "buyers beware" remains as a primary market principle, so it really is up to the market players to decide whether an item get sold or thrown to the recycling shops.



Note: "ukay-ukay" is Filipino slang for second-hand merchandize (disaster relief items actually) being sold in specialty stores.

Enjoying Solitude in Boracay

Of the thousand and one travel plans I envisioned as I went home, only the trip to Boracay came true.

I went there alone, and remained alone the entire time. It may sound strange, but honestly, I had fun.

It was fun taking pictures of the beach, the sunset, the night scene and yes.. the people.

It was fun reading a book under the ample shade of coconut trees.

It was fun walking the kilometric stretch of powdery sand, with no one in tow but my fake crocs.

It was fun taking a boat ride with raucous strangers, who made sure they show everyone that life is best lived with buddies.

It was fun having a sumptuous dinner with only a candlelight to converse with and listening to a MYMP-sounding gal while enjoying intimate moments with a gang of San Mig lights.


And it was fun retiring to the resort cottage where once again I had the pleasure of meeting old idols in Pinoy Box Office movies.

I tell you, am going back there.

Heat Me Up, Baby! :-)

If there is one thing I dread as I return to Japan, it is the harsh winter. I know, it's not comparable to the cold in Alaska, Canada or some other parts of the globe where temperatures tread the celsius by the negatives, but it is cold enough for me to be a source of great discomfort.
And it's not even snowing yet!

I am naturally a tropical person and I think my body is no longer capable of evolving or adapting to this environment - it's just so different from its normal habitat. Call it a case of the spirit being willing but the body protests.

Actually, I would not really be complaining if the winter cold assaults me only when I'm on the streets. Problem is, I have been quite unfortunate too in my choice of living quarters where I usually end up with those with faulty heating systems (or maybe it's really just my body). Thus, even while I'm home, I feel like living in a freezer where I lose control of my motor functions (imagine a recurring epileptic fit). Going around is painful as the icy wooden floor numbs my feet. Cooking is not as fun as it used to as the water could be just as piercing. And let's not even talk about washing clothes.

How I wish there's a fast forward button to life so I could skip this season.

The Return

The apartment floor and my furniture were covered with thin films of dust as I arrived – a testament to the fact that I’ve been gone for quite a while. A month and 10 days to be exact.

That for sure was one long furlough (it was not pure vacation though), but for me who thinks that the Philippines is home and where I ought to be, that stretch of time is painfully short. Not just due to the normal sentimental reasons, but more because I left with still a lot of concerns hanging.

But of course, I have to wake up to the hard fact that I have to work to earn my keep, and must thus pursue with passion the professional goals that were laid on my shoulders. I too have a lot of things to work on here and it will also be to my personal satisfaction if I were to accomplish my mission.

So, even if I left the Philippines with a heavy heart, I shall now move forward, and grasp this reality with the positive thought that there will be time for me to actualize my plans. Time will fly fast, and much sooner than I think, I shall be back to the place I call home.

I am back.

Trapped by the Waves

The downside to living in an island is the effect of unpredictable weather. Once in, it's unsure how one could get out when nature suddenly throws a tantrum.

During the December breaks, it has become normal for us islanders to be wary of the sea. If it displays its mighty waves at the time one is scheduled to leave, there's nothing else he can do but to wait until it settles to navigable levels.

A few days ago, I almost missed most of my new year appointments when no boat was able to cross the sea for two days. As I show you the pics below, you'll surely understand why.

A Christmas Like No Other

Ei, pips! I’m back in Manila.

It’s been quite a while, huh! For more than two weeks, I was stuck in my island-hometown (Capul, N. Samar), re-bonding with family, friends and neighbors. I have not spent Christmas and New Year there since probably six years ago, so my presence really meant a lot of catching-up.

That meant primarily two things: getting a daily dose of liquor from parties all over town and making-“tambay” in the neighborhood “tong-its” and “chismisan” venue. I tell you it was fun.

But while most of my time in the island was admittedly spent in hedonistic pursuits, I did try to put a deeper meaning to my Christmas celebration. This I did by organizing a caroling-with-a-twist, where instead of soliciting funds from those we sing to, we gave modest gifts instead.

What we handed out wasn’t really much, but I know our recipients, who were mostly the elderly, truly appreciated them. The vibrant smiles we triggered and the appreciative prayers we received confirmed that.

And for me and the rest of the young singers I asked to join me, it was a heart-tugging experience, an emotional ride to a reality we didn’t realize, exists in our place. So as we sang the standard Christmas hymns with more meaning than usual, I’m sure we all realized that despite the many challenges we face, we still are a lot more blessed than some of our brethren.

With that, I guess I could say that I did have a complete Christmas vacation.

Quezon Memorial Circle

This is one place I regularly go to for a morning jog capped by a glassful of taho. But until last weekend, I haven't yet laid a close look at the monument that immortalizes one of the country's greatest leaders.

It's just now that I can say it actually is a captivating work of art.

Home Now, No Doubt About It!

I am home.

The trip back to the country was perfect. Fast counter service at Narita; on-time flight out. Upon arrival, I was first in the immigration line and as soon as I got past it, my name was already being called through the public address system, directing me to where my "insider guide" is waiting. The baggage came out fast. Driver was ready just as I got out of the customs area.

But the trip from the airport took more than two hours. It could have been just 30 minutes during better times. Hmm.

Monday, I renewed my expired driver's license. I sneaked out of the office during lunchtime, only to find the LTO office closed until 1:00 p.m.. No problem of course, the employees eat too! But right in front of their clients, many of whom have abstained from lunch just to stay on the line? Hmm.

I was first on queue, but somehow, two other persons were called ahead of me. I complained. But nonetheless, the transaction took "just" about 3 hours. Fast?

Then I went to the Nokia Customer Center at the SM Mall of Asia to buy new casing for my cellphone. I was number 65 and one of the counters was already attending to number 56. I decided to wait - for two hours! When my turn came, I was told that I should leave my celphone as it should only be them who should install the parts. I asked if I can I get in a while. Nope, I had to get it the next day. I had no other phone, and for pete's sakes it was just a casing! I left fuming mad, but not after delivering a sermon to the moronic staff.

I indeed am home!

Homeward Bound

I am now checking the passage of time, no longer by weeks or days, but by mere hours. Soon enough, I will be tugging my luggage to the train station and board the earliest trip to the airport. A few more tick-tocks and i will be cruising above the clouds. Then it will be home.


There are uncertainties to this trip, particularly with regard to my continuing stay in Japan, but truth is, I am not in any way concerned. I am just dying to be home - where life is how I want it to be. Add of course the fact that at Christmastime, there really can no better place but where your heart rests comfortably in the presence of relatives, friends and other loved ones.

See ya all folks!

****

Let me leave you some of the photos I took from our recent trip to Lake Inagako in Yamanashi Prefecture, as we tried to capture the last moments of autumn. I hope that with this set of pics, I would be able to convey the peace and calm that I hope we will all feel this Christmas.

Flying Without Wings!

I now know how it feels to fly.

True, the paragliding experience I had wasn't as exciting and as risky as that done by fellow blogger and flickr celebity-fotog Totomai, but it was the experience of being suspended in the air, by my lonesome, that was by itself, the end I sought. The short ride already gave me memories that would be etched forever in my thoughts.

And because of the adrenaline-rush that it brought, I am now more convinced to go for the mountain-top jump when the opportunity presents itself someday.

It never is too late to try more dangerous stunts, eh. :-)

***

As I mentioned in my previous post, the ascent to the paragliding jump-off base was like courting danger, but I still can't help but salute the course engineers for their ingenuity. You see, the mountainside was steep, probably about 70 degrees in slope. There seemed to be no way around it, so they just deviced a way to go straight up! That they did by installing an improvised train, a monorail actually, through a railway pegged to the ravine. It operated like a giant zipper, where the car's teeth get slowly implanted in the rail's holes as it moves. It was powered by a motor that reminded me of the Briggs & Stratton type used in the province for motorboats. I tell you, the ride was shaky, like riding a roller-coaster that has seen better days.


And mind you, it was an open ride - no seatbelts to harness the guests. I'm sure, falling from where we went (400 feet high up) would have left anyone with no bones unbroken. But then again, those who go up are supposed to fly down - if they can face that prospect, falling through a ravine wouldn't really be scary anymore, right?