Possessed by Sisa and Don Tiburcio De Espadaña

In the novel Noli Me Tangere written by the Philippine National Hero, Dr. Jose Rizal, two colorful yet secondary characters were Sisa and Don Tiburcio De Espadaña.  The former is a loving mother with sadomasochistic tendencies who turned nuts when her two accused of theft sacristan children, Crispin and Basilio, has vanished and were nowhere [...]

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Las Casas De Filipinas

It is so far the most magnificent and most historically significant “jigsaw puzzle” I have ever seen in my life!  Who on earth would have the idea of putting together parts of very old, decaying and abandoned heritage houses in one place and create a magnificently beautiful nostalgic paradise?  I guess it is in the [...]

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Pussy of Namba Parks

On our way to Namba Parks shopping complex in Osaka, me, my sister Joecel and my niece Erika passed by a store named Kiki.  “Kiki” being a word that means vagina in Tagalog – out of fun – took the opportunity to take a photo with the store’s banner.  Don’t be too assuming on what [...]

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Sakura in Osaka

Late in the afternoon on our way to Super Tamade, a local store in Sennichimae Dori in Osaka to buy food stuffs to be cooked for dinner, I asked my nephew Denden if Japanese people are still amazed with and still looks forward to Sakura (the blooming of cherry blossoms).  Since it is a yearly [...]

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Hey Japan, I’m A Fan

It’s official.  I’m a fan of Japan! The anime-ish hairstyles; the remarkable efficiency; the tranquility of the intricate subway trains; the quietness of train stations despite presence of swarms of people; the matchless technology yet preserved rich culture and heritage; and the unrivaled fashion. The cute Japanese school uniforms; the efficient weather bureau; the smart [...]

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Eating Art

May it be pieces of priceless art found in the famous museums, unique chunks of architecture or praiseworthy monuments my usual tour out of the country always includes finding good or amazing pieces of art of the place I visit. But in Japan, pieces of admirable art can be found right on the dining table.  [...]

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Instant Ramen Overload

One of the exciting places me and my family visited is the Instant Ramen Museum in Ikeda City, Osaka, Japan.  The instant digestive solution of the hungry may it be a quick emergency snack, a late-evening nibble or after hunting for giant dinosaurs an emergency meal instant noodle no doubt has become indispensable in our [...]

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A Letter to Akihito

To His Royal Highness who sits on the Chrysanthemum Throne, Good morning. Let me take the pleasure of sending you a word and your imperial army that the most delicious earthling is due to arrive in your splendid land and noble empire anytime soon.  In so doing, your gracious directive and decree is hereby in [...]

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We Were Like A Rolling “Bulanglang”

The benefit of being with your mother is that you are allowed to simply be yourself and say whatever you like to the point of throwing tantrums.  That is what I exhibited when my family was travelling back to Manila after an overnight stay at the hometown of my father in Pangasinan last weekend. And [...]

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Thanking the Lady of Manaoag

Devotees from around the world would usually go to the magnanimously divine Shrine of Our Lady of Manaoag to ask for a holy intercession.  I did not.  After travelling more than 200 kilometers by land from Manila to Manaoag, Pangasinan and as soon as we settled on the seats of the church the only thought [...]

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