Being 25

September 22, 6 AM, I was awakened by the torrential downpour of rain that seems to get past our roof. It was so strong that I wasn’t able to get back to sleep again. But I wasn’t supposed to be sleeping! I should be doing something special or something different from the usual routine (as I always do on my special day) because it’s my birthday. The bad weather however, got me pull my comforter back up to my face and get buried underneath. The cold weather and the splashes of rain outside made me shrink in my bed.

Turning to a quarter of a decade in my age is quite different. The day before this, I almost forgot I am turning 25 the following day (seriously!). It was very ordinary despite a few advance greetings along the way. In the past years, days before my birthday were filled with excitement, anticipation and looking-forward-to feelings that made me feel special at least for a day. But this time, I just felt it was like any other day. That morning, I started to wonder though. Have I become so pathetic or it’s just that greetings have not yet poured on and I am just starting to get the hang of it? I waited until my cell phone started beeping.

One, two, three… greetings, well wishes, words of encouragement and blessings from friends and family flooded my inbox. Somehow, I felt special that a bit of attention from my friends and family were directed to me. However, I was still looking for something. I realized I was missing the feelings of excitement in awaiting for this one special day in the year. Days were so busy and flew so fast that counting the days before my birthday and wondering who would miss greeting me became a very non-essential thing for me.

Minutes and hours went by but the strong outpour of rain showed no signs of abatement. In fact, it got stronger until power went out. My plans of cooking and swimming with my family is now buried in the rain and made me snuggle in my bed all the more. I went on thinking instead.

Perhaps the very reason why I did not feel so much excited about the coming of my special day was because I had somehow grown more mature and more “adult” to put it simply. Being 25 brings me so many realizations about life. How much of life have I seen for the past 25 years that I have been living in this earth? Perhaps not much but I could say I’ve taken at least a leap from being a child to a grown up, independent and mature individual that I am now.

For the last 5 years, when I finished college and started working, the world around me spinned a little faster and more complicated. I had become a more responsible daughter and elder sister. I had become a better citizen and public servant. Even in the trivial issues of daily living, I had become wiser and more responsible of my actions.

No more bad feelings if I wasn’t greeted by a close friend on my birthday. No more sorry feelings if I haven’t received any gift from my bestfriend or my sisters. Instead, there is the feeling of being the one responsible for others. Not that you are obligated to make them feel better but being watchful of your actions that you would not, as one of my friends says, hurt people unnecessarily. No more having to depend on the opinion of others and always being influenced by what they will say about your choice but being able make a stand of your own. However, it always comes with being responsible and accountable of your actions or decisions.

Being 25 is perhaps just the jump start of a more complicated, more independent, and more matured adult life. I am happy to have felt this way (“pathetic”), interestingly on my birthday. It gives me the essence of growing up.

It’s almost evening yet the rain is still pouring on. Even the bad weather did not make me feel bad that my plans did not happen. It simply made me smile realizing that it sometimes happens…

Hospitality bridges traditions

 

Finding yourself in a country where you know no one is quite scary (at least for me). On the other hand, being treated like you are “one of them”, amongst the people in the heart of that unfamiliar place is really comforting and not to mention admirable.

 

Before coming to Thailand, I asked help from some Thai students in our university in finding a good apartment where I can stay for two months. Without hesitation, a kind Thai schoolmate had me in contact with her mom (actually half-Filipina) who is in Bangkok.

 

With somehow similar roots, I easily felt comfortable with her besides her being able to speak English very well. In fact, she had me call her Tita, which literally means Aunt but is commonly used to address a woman far older than you, usually a friends’ mom, aunt, neighbor or even a colleague.

 

Frequent email exchanges run through our inboxes while I was still in Japan. She contacted several apartment and indeed made all the inquiries and necessary information gathering about good places to stay even to the extent of traveling all the way to the far end of the city (from her place) to where UN is until I finally got a reservation. A week before coming to Thailand I was able to meet her as she and her husband attended their daughter’s graduation. It was another thing for me to be thankful as she gave me a detailed guide and instructions (some even in Thai, which I can show to the taxi driver) when I get to the airport in Bangkok. This, I could say, truly helped me get to my apartment smoothly.

 

But everything didn’t end after I got a place to stay in Bangkok. After staying in Tokyo for about a month, she came back to Bangkok and arranged for a weekend tour with her husband, which I never expected. Their hospitality both as a couple was overwhelming. One Saturday morning, they picked me up in my apartment and we drove off out of Bangkok for a trip to nearby towns where I really enjoyed and engaged myself in discovering more of Thailand.

 

Floating Market

Situated in the Mekong region where the great Mekong river flows, Thailand is kept with many canals, small rivers and other bodies of water such that boats have become part of their culture and tradition. The Damnoen Saduak floating market is, according to Tita Tui, one of the original and unspoiled rural floating market. Indeed, even in this seemingly small canal, business and lifem, above all abounds. Residences can in fact be found just along the canal. Fruits, vegetables, souvenirs, cooked food and so many other things are sold in the boats and in the stalls that line the canal. I can imagine that even in the ancient times, as people live along the waters, they also made a living through trade with perhaps other people in other town. 

 

Walk with Nature: My Adventure to the North

If there is one thing that really pleases and amazes me when traveling, it would be the marvelous and stunning beauty of nature and the experience of enjoying myself in its cradle.

 

Last weekend, I traveled to Chiang Mai, northern province of Thailand. This province is mountainous, have a far cooler temperature and less congested than Bangkok. It boasts of a lot of tourist destinations and activities which are perfect for the adventurous and the nature lovers. 

 

I arrived in the early morning of Saturday after a nine long hours of travel. Though long, I was not really that tired as their bus service, I should say, is really excellent. I thought I was in a plane. There was a gorgeous “bus attendant” all in uniform, that inflatable head and neck rest we usually see in planes and a snack to go with the trip for just almost 600 baht, a quarter of what you have to pay for a flight. It was indeed incredible! I slept comfortably in most of travel time and had no complaints. Everything went smoothly.

 

Upon arriving, I immediately looked for a place to stay as I was a bit worried I might not be able to find a good and affordable guest house as this is a long weekend in Thailand and it is expected that many will be taking their holidays also away from the hustles and bustles of Bangkok. I went to a guesthouse recommended by a friend and was lucky enough to get a room considering that they allow no reservations.

 

On top of the city and meeting Panda

After settling, I did not waste time and got to the places in my list. For sure temples are all around but I did not spend so much time in them. Visiting so many temples in Bangkok had given me the impression that they are somehow similar in style and architecture. One temple though that is very interesting and they say is a must-visit for every tourist landing in Chiang Mai is Doi Suthep. Situated at one of the highest point in Chiang Mai city, this temple is perfect for a breath of fresh air, quiet meditation, and an excellent view of the city. Looking at it reminds me of my city back home, also in the northern part of the Philippines. Somehow, this place made me feel at home.

 

The much-visited temple on top of the mountain. Dare to climb! Only 306 steps.

Angels without wings

 

My idea of adventure is not really to be traveling alone. However, time and circumstances caught me in this situation where I did not have a choice but to go on my own to a place I’ve never been. In this however, I found out that the world can always offer a friend whenever you need one and you’ll never be alone.

 

Having had to exit Thailand in order to renew my stay there for another month, I had an unplanned trip to Cambodia and visit the famous Angkor Wat as well. After all, I’m an enthusiast of historic relics.

 

Early Saturday morning, I readied myself for a long trip to Siem Reap, home of the famous Angkor Wat. Before leaving, I prayed like a child that God would send me angels to help me and guide me on my trip.

Pride of Thailand

 An edifice of exquisite royalty, an evidence of enduring and intricate Thai architecture, a walk around the Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha is indeed worthwhile.

 

Last Saturday, I visited this famous landmark of Bangkok and truly felt “enchanted” with the magnificent structures built around me. I felt like I was brought back to the ancient times of kings and queens, which I only see on TV or read in my fairytale books. Growing in the Philippines where there is an absence of monarchy, I had a hard time believing those things were real. Well, standing on royal ground itself made me feel like a princess J.

 

Royal residence for over a hundred years

Remembering 1990 earthquake

 

July 16, 1990, exactly 18 years ago, I was a witness to the monstrous disaster, a 7.8 magnitude earthquake, that hit the Philippines, particularly my town, where more than a thousand people died. I was six years old then and yet the horrible pictures of this event are still vividly etched in my mind until now.

 

It was a lively Monday afternoon. After my class (I was in grade one then) I dragged my three-year old brother to visit my Ninang (godmother) at the other end of the village and play with other kids in the neighborhood. Our small village is mountainous and we had to walk quite a long way to reach that place. Shortly after finding my Ninang’s home and playing for a while, the ground began to shake. It was weird for me as I have never felt that before. I don’t understand what was happening. Second by second, the shaking of the earth only gets stronger and stronger. Everybody started to panic. Then people started running from here to there.

 

Tribute to my senpais

Imagine life in IUJ without the senpais?

 

Hmmm just unimaginable! It’s like walking on a hanging bridge without handrails over a raging river, scary isn’t it? L

 

In Japan, “senpai system” is a tradition of seniority particularly in martial arts like Karate. It pertains to a person who has gone ahead in training and therefore gain respect from the “younger” or newly trained participants or also called kohais.

 

In IUJ or perhaps in any other university in Japan, this is used in a much similar way.   Among the scholars/students across different nationalities, this system is established, a system of respect and responsibility that governs harmony and good relationship among students. The second year students make the group of the senpais and the first year students make up the kohai group, though this may be very particular among different nationalities. For example, we Filipinos call our Filipino seniors senpai but not the other senior students of other nationalities. On the other hand, Chinese first year students would call their seniors senpais but not the Filipino second year students.

 

This time of the year, the senpais have finished their degree as well as their task of being senpais to us as they are going back home or other places to fulfill other responsibilities. As the time for parting draws near, I took time to realize how much they have been a blessing to us.

 The first time I stepped into IUJ, I felt like a lost kid. I don’t know how to start, much more where to begin. Scared and ignorant of Japan’s unfamiliar culture and society, I thought I would be dependent on my natural instincts to survive. But my senpais came to the rescue. They gave me guidance and support as I made my way to adjustment and eventually until I was able to do things on my own. Thus, I come this far, finishing a year, the most difficult year, (I hope) successfully. Here are they are, a little tribute for my dear senpais.

 

 

 

 

 

ANGEL – A real angel in providing assistance, first days in JUSCO, first sinigang dinner at IUJ, how well do I remember those days. Very talented especially in making you laugh, whenever and wherever. There’s no boring time with him. And yes, how could anyone forget your really good voice, “Long and winding road” I’ll surely miss that.

 

 

 

 

 

   

    

 

 

 

FRANCIS – The Math wizard. Integrals and derivatives even in the wee hours of the morning was an experience I will not just forget but more importantly treasure. I learned to appreciate Math because of those tutorials (see other post “Loving Math”). I know those times were a sacrifice for you and I truly appreciate it. You are definitely a part of my success and the future that is to come. Thank you so much Francis for unselfishly  sharing your time with us.

 

 

 

Arriving in BKK

 (Late posting)

 

After battling over whether or not to turn down a UN internship offer, I finally made up my mind to risk and take action for my words.

 

Six months ago, I was so excited and looking forward to be a part of one of the largest organization working for world development. I wrote a passionate and very convincing application letter to the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) based in Bangkok, which later was “unfortunately” proven convincing as I got the acceptance a month after.

 

This internship was all on my own as UN does not pay interns a single cent. It was an absolute volunteerism. I managed to save a little for this internship and decided to “charge it all to experience” after all, it would be “plus” in my resume J.

 

The UN experience was not the only thing I am after in fact. It was the Bangkok experience that gave me a push for this endeavor. After taking up economics classes in my Masters, which brought me to Japan, I became aware of the economic standing of the Philippines relative to other countries. I was never allured by the beauty of Thailand and know nothing about this place as tourist destination in fact. Then I got updated by how it’s economy was fast rising while ours was pretty slow. I started to get interested with how this country, much more intrigued why it is flocked with tourists.

 

Thai massage: a stress-reliever

I never had a massage in my entire. That’s because I’m so ticklish. But today, I conquered every tickling sensation just to experience one of Asia’s best and most sought-after massages by every tourist, the Thai massage.

 

After not being convinced by Laura to have a full body treatment spa, I decided I will try the traditional Thai massage. With a wide grin on my face, I followed the lady who is going to do the massage in a nice little cozy room inside the spa center. She gave me a pair loose and comfortable clothes to replace my shirt and jeans. There, at the floor, is a mattress which I suppose is where I’m going to lie. The room was dimly lit with incandescent. An instrumental music of violin and piano plays at the background. After a few minutes, the lady came with a basin of hot water to wash my feet.

 

She asked me to lie on the mattress and told me I could sleep if I wanted to. While lying, I was already thinking of ways how to keep myself from being tickled. She started wiping my feet with towel dipped in hot water then, started massaging my sole, pulling my toes, pressing and pushing my feet. Slowly, she goes up to my legs, with harder push and squeezing of the muscle.

Rules in buying

Have you ever tried buying the wrong thing because you were so excited with the item and forgot to think what you are actually buying?

 

Today was a very frustrating day for me. On a Friday evening, it should have been a nice time to unwind after a long week of work, however it turned out to be a very sad way of ending the week.

 

I and my friend went to an electronic shop after work this afternoon to have our cell phones unlocked as it doesn’t work in Thailand. After quite a lot of tries, we concluded they don’t really work here. Aside from this purpose, I also intend to buy a camera as it is really so “smart” of me not to buy a camera in Japan, (sigh). But anyway, I really need one so I thought I should better get myself one.