Atlantic City and Manhattan!

It was a pretty hectic two days for me (笑)

I honestly don't have too many photos from Atlantic City, but it was an enjoyable trip all the same~
It was a very long drive from home to there though!
It took us around three to four hours just to get there, so by the time we arrived, we were so hungry!(笑) We stuffed ourselves with food at a buffet. (^^)
We were also given some coupons worth ten dollars that we could use in the different slot machines.We didn't really win anything though. (笑) Oh well, it wasn't so bad~ I'm not a very big fan of gambling, really.

I was supposed to blog about it yesterday, but because we finished so late, and got home so late, we didn't have the energy left to do anything except go to bed. (笑)

Then, the very next day, we woke up to hit Manhattan~

We intended to go and see the Statue of Liberty, but, again, since we started so late, we ended up eating at Yoshinoya and just going around the city for interesting places to take photos at. Of course, I had to take some shots in the busy, busy Times Square. (^^)

We drove around and around the city, but I think most of our time was wasted on looking for a free parking space near any interesting area.(笑) We went to the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts~

I really like their steps, it flashes "Welcome" in several different languages, including Tagalog (which is not in the photo, haha), as well as the different theaters, organizations and schools associated with it. I wonder if I'll ever make it here someday?(笑)

I would be more excited for ballet seasons if I could afford to watch them (笑) But really, I think it's great. Someday, someday!


I was actually quite excited to pose underneath this sign, but, because we thought we didn't fit the whole sign into the photo, I kind of got embarrassed and flailed around. (^^;) My dignity, lost forever! (笑) I am no longer the ballerina I used to be.

I'm still not sure how I will manage to continue living here in the United States, far from everything and everyone I love, but maybe my perspective will change after I have landed a job and started accomplishing the things I want to...well, accomplish. (笑)
Until then!

頑張ります!

I'm finally home~

And I was just given a most expensive gift @_@

This little crystal Buddha is a Baccarat. It's a crystal glassware imported from Baccarat, France; it's known for its quality and its...well, price. According to the little pamphlet it came with, "Baccarat is a master of light, creates objects that infuse the everyday with a scintillating atmosphere of enchantment", and "light becomes substance in its purest form". So yes, I take that to mean that they're good at what they do, have been at it for generations, and that this crystal is major quality. (>_<)

I was given one by a family friend, telling me that she had heard that Buddhas should be given, not just bought, and that it was for good luck.

Of course, I appreciated the gesture, but I was really amazed. For those who have read the book Ella Enchanted (I stress: the book, not the movie), it was like receiving an Agulen work. Agulen is said to be the master of pottery among the elves, and his work is most coveted. So when Ella is simply given an Agulen work just by admiring it and appreciating it from the bottom of her heart, she is overwhelmed. I think it was that same feeling, the feeling that you can't accept such a valuable gift, but your hands close around the gift anyway.

Then after realizing what it is, it becomes that moment in The Princess Diaries where Mia is given the locket with the Genovian crest, along with a jewelry box that belonged to her grandmother's great-grandmother. That part where she's all, "I will keep this safe. I will take good care of it." And proceeds to stuff the jewelry box in her bag, with all the clanking and shaking and basically, mishandling. (@_@)

Of COURSE I knew better than to just stuff the Baccarat box in my bag, I fixed my stuff around it and everything. But still. An overwhelming moment for me, thank you. (@_@)

But yeah. I'm finally home from nearly four days of staying and cleaning out my grandparent's apartment with Aunt#1, so admittedly, I'm a little tired. But I have to do a little cleaning of my own, in my bedroom. My mom and Aunt#3 did some work in my closet, and now I'm clearing away most of the things. Also, I do need to make space for some stuff on my desk.

Also, the highlight of today: I FINALLY KNOW WHERE NINTENDO WORLD IS. YAAAY~

At the end of it all, I'm still alive, and that's what matters~

Aaaah!

Guess what I saw on a spontaneous trip to Gateway?



PIRATES 4~ ♪

I cannot wait to watch it! Although sadly, I will not be able to watch it with my usual movie-watching group--I will be in the United States by then. I hope I still have fun though!

Sorry for the lack of posts!

As it is, I can't seem to find my card reader for my phone's memory card.

I have a lot of things to share!!

But until I can find my card reader, the photos will have to wait. (笑)

For now, enjoy this cover of 1/3 no Junjou na Kanjou by FLOW! One of my favorite bands covering one of my favorite songs~ ♪ So happy~ (笑)




Had some drinks last night so a little crazy (笑) Also played Rockband yesterday! ♪

Will post pictures soon! Going out with friends today. (笑)

----------
Also heard about the tsunami that plagued Japan just yesterday. I sincerely hope that everything will turn out all right despite all the damage it caused. (>_<) Of all the places to get hit...
Hopefully all the people we love and admire are all right....

Happy New Year!

明けましておめでとうございます、みなさん！

I spent January 1st at Ochibi and Kin-chan's house. (笑) We wore our yukatas and watched Dream Live 7th, fangirled, and basically had fun. All things considered, it was a wonderful day.

Thank you, Ochibi, Kin-chan. I hope this year started off well for you both, too.

WakuWaku's First Anniversary!

A big thank you to Kuya Joma for inviting us :D

We really enjoyed their tea time, snacks, and fun games.




It was really cool, despite the major pressure put on me (and pressure I put on Kae) to sing at the event. (笑) ごめん、けいーちゃん～

There were major moments of hilarity, like when Kae was thrust into a game of Pinoy Henyo with Miguel Mercado, a very popular cosplayer who had been invited to the event, along with Jin Joson. Our friend Leslie was incredibly starstruck. (笑) She's been a big fan of Jin since forever. She looked ready to pass out. :))

Some priceless moments of lulz during Kae's game of Pinoy Henyo with Miguel:

Miguel: "Does it have to do with Japanese culture?"
Kae: "Yes."
Miguel: "....porn?"
Everyone else: *bursts out laughing*

Miguel: "Does it have anything to do with food?"
Kae: Uhhhm. Pwede. Yes?
Miguel: "....Malaki? Masakit?" (...Big? Painful?)
Everyone else: *starts laughing again*
Kae: *while laughing* No!

When it was all over, we got to keep our teacups from the event. I had made a poster for Kuya Joma, and he asked everyone to sign it before they left. I'm pretty much proud of my handiwork.(笑)

Until the next event, Kuya Joma! Wakuwaku!

HARRY POTTER 7 PART 1!!

I have nothing else to say except: AWESOME.

I cannot wait for Part 2~

ALSO I GOT MY EARS PIERCED. ACHIEVEMENT!

IN THE HEIGHTS!

1:19AM @ NJ
I watched a musical on Broadway for the first time!


IN THE HEIGHTS!!!!!

It was an amazing performance. I could not believe my eyes or my ears. Everyone, down to the very last dancer, had so much talent, so much energy. I have never seen such an amazing performance!!

The feeling is indescribable. The musical had an amazing blend of hiphop, rap, salsa, and just...awesome singing. It really struck a chord in me, and it hit me close to home. It was about the life of immigrants in Washington Heights. I have never seen such life in a performance. The professional level is just so high above me, I can hardly believe what I'm watching is real. It feels so much like a dream.

The dance numbers, the songs, the acting...If only I could unleash that much force and energy in life.

FIRST LIVE SUCCESS!!!

1st LIVE finished safely~ (笑)

Ongaku Intersection!! You're the best!!

We got an awesome response from the audience!! I'm really happy~ ♪
Thank you, band members!!
Thank you, everyone!!

Please keep supporting us~ ♪

Here's a video from last night's performance. Enjoy!!



We went out drinking after. (笑) I don't think I will ever drink beer again. XD

YAMATO!!!

All I can say is: EPIC.(笑)

It was the last night of Yamato in Manila and their performance was AMAZING. (^o^)

It was a performance I won't soon forget. They're more than just talented and hardworking musicians, they're skilled entertainers who really know how to get an audience up and excited and cheering. They were very funny, very focused, and very free-spirited--the best thing about their performance was the fact that they performed with sincere, heartfelt smiles. They really enjoyed what they were doing, and I loved that. What I love in performers is the amount of heart they put into their act, and they truly showed a spirit behind Taiko that I had never seen before.

This was a chance of a lifetime, and I am so glad I took it. I wasn't as lucky as some of the people near the stage though--they got to take photos with the performers themselves. They were kinda pushy though (^^;) Ahahaa. Nonetheless!!! It was fun, and it was all definitely worth the trip.(笑)


Ochibi was able to make it, and I yoinked my friend Yanna to watch it too. (^^)
But I owe a big, big thank you to Yanagi-senpai (Celiiiine!!!) and her uncle. It was because I ran into them at the line for the performance that she pulled us into their line and gave us their extra tickets. It was also the reason why we got such good seats, instead of being so far out into the audience. I am eternally grateful.

On a side note though, after it was all over, the sole of my foot was in absolute pain. I wonder why? I didn't strain it or anything. (><)

I will have to limp until it feels better. (笑)

I shall sleep now.　おやすみ！

Saturday Trippings

I went to visit Ochibi and Kin-chan todaaaay~ I brought them some pepperoni from home. Hee hee~ ♪

As usual, we fangirled over Tenimyu and teased Ochibi about Zukki.

Pausing a video when Zukki is onscreen makes her react really wildly. (笑)

me: *pauses video*
Kin-chan: ????
Ochibi: WAAAAAAAH!!! *hits me*
me: Ow! (>o<)
Ochibi: You're so MEEEAN!
Kin-chan: *plays video and pauses again on Zukki* Oh LOOK it's ZUKKI! 8D
Ochibi: EEEEEEEH!!! YOU'RE BULLYING MEEE!

I played the piano at their place again. Ever since my own piano was taken away (temporarily, they said) I've been missing it, since I do still like to learn things by ear. And speaking of that, I was able to play Nakagauchi Masataka's song "Sing Away" on the piano. Well, i got most of the basic notes, which means I can also play it on the violin. (笑)

It's all good since Sing Away has a violin solo version. ♪

We really had fun that day, even though we were all too lazy to move because of the intense heat. I swear, these days it's been ridiculously hot, I don't know what to do anymore. Muh~

Mother's day tomorrow! I'm worried~ What can I do (>_<)

My "junjou baby loves". XD

Monday was quite an entertaining day, too. (笑)

I had gone to ADMU to meet with Justin, intending to figure out what to do with the shrine that we had built for the KiraKira☆Matsuri. Since the Japanese Studies Department could not take it (they had no more space), we will have to dispose of it during the clean-up week set for orgs, to clear their org rooms of junk. Looks like that will be my duty for next week.

Well, since we had that cleared up, I went to meet Ochibi and Kin-chan, who'd gone to Cello's. As usual, when all three of us are around, Kin-chan gets herself into trouble with me, i pretend to ignore her, and in the end forgive her anyway. (笑)

Nikki also passed by all of a sudden. (笑) I hadn't expected to see her today, and it was a nice surprise. (^^) We also managed to contact EA--I was to face him in a Pokemon battle!!

Well, admittedly, he had the upper hand because I don't have enough battle experience. (笑) However, I did have my crowning moments of awesome!! Even if I only won once out of three different battles. ...And all this happened while Nikki tried to "rape-tickle" both of us. (>o<)

Still!!

I have discovered my hidden potential as a Pokemon trainer!! (笑)

My hidden skill will be a secret for now though. (笑) Fssshu! (笑)

I will conduct my research and face EA once more in battle!! And next time I will emerge victorious!! (笑)

頑張ります!!(笑)

POKEMON SOULSILVER FTW!!

I have been waiting for this all week. (笑) I've taken the photo on the highest resolution my cellphone can offer, that you may all bask in its awesomeness. (笑)

I got it at Shangri-la this afternoon. Martin managed to get it at a small discount, on account of the carelessness of the store personnel regarding his reservation. (笑)

I started playing a little bit, and I probably will take more photos (using my cellphone camera, for lack of anything better) after Wednesday, since my last exam will be on that day.

All I can say is: IT'S SUPER SPECIAL AWESOME!!

It's really like the very first time I've played on a console--the first game I've ever played was Pokemon Silver on the GameBoy Color, and now, my first ever original game for the DS...Pokemon SOULSILVER!!

I'm so thrilled. (笑)

Still though! I have to lock it away. I need to get through my last two exams!!


I love this old man. He gives you so much stuff! And is so much more amusing this time around. (笑)

Oh and as a final post, I've got a new ring!

I love dragons. This is the first time I've come across such a ring, and so cheap too, for its detail--It cost only 109 pesos, and Maita was the one who bought it for me, too. (>_<) She snatched it out of my hand and took it to the counter and paid for it for me. (>o<)

Well, enough fangirling--it's time for me to study!!

Theology and Philosophy Oral Exams await!

頑張ります!

RECESS!!

Last night was our last event for our Events Management class. "RECESS!!" was supposed to be a party themed around "reliving the best of high school". Not that I personally wanted to...my high school had a lot of drama.(笑) And Ochibi came to the event! She really helped out. (^o^)/ and she was going to sleep over at my house later that evening.

Erm...this is just me being brutally, painfully honest...but I *did* expect the bands to play songs that were popular in our high school days. I didn't hear any, except for the acoustic performances where Raizza and Nika sang, and Didi too...(>_<)
Although I admit the bands were quite talented (props to Skinny Jeans Kaboom and Death&Strawberry), I wish they had kept the self-promotion of their original songs to a minimum...though I suppose it's only fair. Still, I wanted to hear old high school hits.

In any case, after the bands had finished performing, the floor was open for dancing~

Not that many people danced. (>_<) But Sir Sev danced around with us! Ochibi was the source of our energy, really.(笑)We need to dance more often!

On a random note, it took a while before the name Death&Strawberry clicked in my head. It turns out that several of the band members were into BLEACH! Their band's name was actually taken from the first chapter of the manga.(笑) I was like, "It all makes sense now!!"

In any case, it was still a fun night. I never thought that dancing around like that (even if i wasn't that good) could be so much fun.


Ochibi and I came home and freshened up, brushing our teeth before going to bed. We felt like Aiba.(笑)
It really was very tiring! I'm not particularly sure what happened between the end of the party and us going to sleep at 4am. I remember nearly falling asleep with my glasses on, and Ochibi's cellphone alarm going off at around 5am.

We fangirled for a while earlier this afternoon. It really was a weekend well-spent. Till next time, Ochibi!!

Alice in Wonderland!

We watched Alice in Wonderland earlier! OPENING NIGHT~ ♪
It was a really good movie, haha. Johnny Depp is awesome, just awesome! The entire movie gives Wonderland a whole new dimension, and Alice a whole new dimension too. (^^)

I LOVE THE MAD HATTER!!! And the Cheshire cat, too!!


Haha, a photo taken before leaving school to watch Alice in Wonderland. I lay down on the low wall surrounding the library's fountain. It's a very cozy place to nap, if you're up for it. The stone is warm from the sun, but the area is vary shaded thanks to the large building. Also, the water from the fountain makes everything cool.

I think it's a great spot. (>_<)

Sleepy...

Masa's new album is out today~ ♪
----------
I just got out of the shower~ it really is refreshing...

So far, today was a slightly better day in terms of preparation~
The "Conquer Japan!" Game that Gem and Justin organized really was good! I hope to incorporate the mechanics in the year to come~ (笑)

Kin-chan also visited today!

Tomorrow, we do Samurai Wars~! (笑)

I can't wait to see the armor tomorrow and see if we can fight in them~ (笑)

頑張ります(笑)

Aaaaah!!

MASA'S NEW ALBUM COMES OUT MARCH 3~
He posted pics on his blog--

Hi JUMP!!!

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

NAKAGAUCHI MASATAKA I LOVE YOU (>_<)

I really can't wait to hear it. (>_<) I am seriously considering ordering this online!!
----------
The Pokemon Tournament will be tomorrow afternoon! (笑)

I'm actually really nervous. (笑) I've never been in a competition before!

I really hope I do well in it. (^^;)

The prize money can go to my funds to buy Masa's album! (笑)

頑張ります！(笑)

Another Saturday with Ochibi

It really is starting to become tradition..(笑)
As usual, Ochibi came over to my house for another afternoon of catching up, as well as fangirling. (>_<)

We went through several backstage videos and laughed at certain parts of Tenimyu. We also had a bit of a heart-to-heart. It was a really nice afternoon ~ ♪

We were also able to watch Masa's "PATI NIGHT" episode in full! It really was cool, though again, I was freaking out at the song translations and how it just seemed to speak to me. (笑)

Oh, and when we took her home earlier, I waited until someone opened the door for her at her house before leaving. Who else should open the door but Kin-chan? She immediately started squealing and waving her arms frantically at me (^_^;)

Kin-chan: askfldgasd; TESSANYAAAA~! ♪
My Uncle: Who's that? (He was the one driving)
Me: My fan.

You have to admit she was acting kind of like one. (笑)
Saa, let's have another nice Saturday together, Ochibi~ ♪
Next time we should have photos! (笑)

SHERLOCK HOLMES!

Finally watched Sherlock Holmes, after a very long wait! Since I no longer have any more exams to study for, Kae and I went off to the mall so I could FINALLY watch the damned movie. (>o<)

It was really epic. The music was very fitting, and the movie was overall very witty and action-packed.

I really appreciated how different and more self-sufficient Watson was portrayed by Jude Law, as well as Robert Downey Jr's quirky and mad-genius interpretation of Holmes. They had a good relationship with each other and played the roles so naturally. Casting was good for them. (^^)

"Relax, I'm a doctor."
Jude Law's Watson kicked so much ass. His wit and intelligence as a medical man came out here in the movie, which isn't as heavily shown in the original books, since Watson was nothing more than a recorder of details and an observer. Here, he willingly participates and openly helps Holmes not just with his revolver, but his great faith and belief in his friend, despite his obviously heavily strained relationship with Mary, and his amazing clash with Holmes.

Also, the dynamic between Holmes and Watson both as friends, partners-in-"crime", and colleagues, is very well portrayed. Watson's patience regarding Holmes' usual crap is virtually almost endless. Some weaknesses of Watson are shown too, like his apparent habit for gambling, and his desire to keep a clean reputation sometimes becomes an obsession. Overall, a very fresh and very , very engaging profile of Watson right here. (>_<) ♥

"You've never complained about my methods before."

Robert Downey Jr. was an excellent Holmes. The movie!Holmes goes beyond what we normally see in books, and most certainly beyond what we expect him to be. Holmes has been seen too often as someone who never gets his hands dirty, smokes a pipe and is all refined. Sadly, that isn't the case. He's a dramatic, crazy genius who depends on cocaine (or terrorizing the house on Baker street with his experiments) when he's not working on a case. And when he works on a case, he really goes all the way, down and dirty with evidence and other messy details. The greatest difference between Holmes and his brother Mycroft (mentioned very briefly in the movie) Is that Holmes has the energy and the drive to actually go out and look for the truth. Robert Downey Jr. certainly showed all this: the madness, the strength, the intellect, and the tenacity of Holmes, from the hair on his head to the overused soles of his shoes. ♥

Overall, an epic movie filled with romance (just enough to kee p certain things juicy), mystery, action (tons of it), and even comedy. Totally worth the price of going to see it.

I'm going to get my hands on the soundtrack if it's the last thing i do! ♪

Morning in the House of Sanada and Atobe

I'm still sick! (/blows nose)

I'm okay though, I just need some rest and a little medication.

In the meantime, for those who still haven't found it yet, here is a link to onemanga and New Prince of Tennis! And they updated just yesterday!

http://www.onemanga.com/New_Prince_of_Tennis/

The two latest chapters as of now aren't really chapters, per se, they're kind of like random fillers. So that's what it means when a chapter is called "18.5" or "18.6" or something. LOL.

I'm too lazy to get the pics out and I'm not sure Onemanga appreciates hotlinking images, so i will link you to the hilarious parts.

http://www.onemanga.com/New_Prince_of_Tennis/18.5/00/

18.5 is Morning in the House of Atobe, and i swear it is ABSOLUTELY RIDICULOUS.

http://www.onemanga.com/New_Prince_of_Tennis/18.5/02/

http://www.onemanga.com/New_Prince_of_Tennis/18.5/03/

SKYDIVING BATMAN ATOBE, PEOPLE. JUMPING FROM HIS VERY OWN BAT-JET OR WHATEVER YOU CALL IT. (O___o)

http://www.onemanga.com/New_Prince_of_Tennis/18.5/05/

After a spectacular fall from the sky, he finds out that he didn't need to hurry after all. (=_=;)

http://www.onemanga.com/New_Prince_of_Tennis/18.6/01/

18.6 however, is Morning in the House of Sanada, and while it makes a lot more sense, it is also completely ridiculous as well. He's moving...soybeans?! (O.o)

http://www.onemanga.com/New_Prince_of_Tennis/18.6/02/

We meet his adorable nephew! So cute~ (^o^)

(Though i have to wonder about Konomi's naming skills....)

Also, is anyone disturbed that Sanada's nephew looks like a younger Renji? O_o

http://www.onemanga.com/New_Prince_of_Tennis/18.6/03/

"OLD MAN!, OLD MAN!"

Oh, Sanada. Your straight face will get you into so much trouble. XD

http://www.onemanga.com/New_Prince_of_Tennis/18.6/05/

"TEZUKA!!"

Such hilarity, I'm so glad I found these in the morning. (^o^) A great way to start the day? XD

Now, to move those 100 soybeans...

Kidding, kidding !!

I suppose that exercise by Sanada was to improve concentration, as well as get better at handling chopsticks? Haha~

Oh oh! And did you see those little chibi!Rikkai members along the top of the page?! SO CUTE!

I have to wonder sometimes which school Konomi Takeshi prefers the most. I hope it's Rikkai~!!

After all, he did say that the most powerful player in the series was actually Yukimura (even if Echizen won the Nationals in the original Prince of Tennis. LOL. I LOVE YOU, YUKIMURA-BUCHOU~!!)