Happy 26th Birthday, Masa!

Happy 26th birthday, Nakagauchi Masataka.

The year went by so quickly!

I’m wishing you all the best, and even more!

Keep dancing, singing, and doing what you love.

Your smile shines bright when everything feels dark, and your songs have always hoisted me back on my feet.

I’m sure they touch many people’s hearts too.

Your dream of being famous all over the world will become reality!

君は僕の太陽　今もずっと変わらない。

You are and will always be my sun.

And you will forever be my hero, and my idol.

I can only hope I will be as successful as you are, someday, whatever I become.

I love you!!!

Lately...

I've been getting a lot of headaches (^^;)

Must be the weather, it's been very hot recently...

I called the Japanese-American Society as I said I would, and thankfully they told me to send over my resume. However, they would be closed on August 1-8, so if I get an interview, it would have to be after that. I hope things go well(>_<)

Somehow, when it comes to organizations or places like this, I feel more confident answering people's questions about it. Maybe because I know it better, or I know what I want? (笑)

I find that I am very happy whenever I am allowed to immerse myself in Japanese culture and art. Of course, I have other things that I like, but somehow, reading about it or seeing pictures makes me feel very happy. I guess I really do like Japan, even if I have never been there.

I think that everybody has their own silly little dream, and for me, I guess it's being a star of some sort, like a performer, that is my silly little dream.

I mean, I blog like a Japanese actor/singer, and even fashion my blog after them. (笑)

Realistically though, I want to be known someday as an artist/designer and blogger. I think that my skills fall under these, and these are skills I can hone, and market to others. It may take some time, and I don't mind that as long as I can chase after my dreams.

I posted before about the things I wanted to do directly after getting a job, and I honestly think I would stick to it. I want to make my life better, but most of all, I want to make myself better.

I saw a quote of Confucius on Twitter earlier: "When it is obvious that the goals cannot be reached, don't adjust the goals, adjust the action steps."

I think this is very relevant to me, since there are so many things I want to accomplish. Many times, I think we are forced to abandon most of our dreams because we think they can't be done, but all we have to do sometimes is rethink the situation and find another way towards that dream.

I think my problem is that while I have a goal, I never clearly set out the steps that I need to take for it. (笑) It's real proof that I need to think more about what my goals need, huh?

I have some of my steps laid out, but I need to get to those stages before I start seeing what needs to be adjusted.

For now, I've been reading a lot of books and sources on art and other subjects, and I hope to emerge a more knowledgeable person. I'm also trying to start a comic or story, so I'm looking forward to the moment I set my first few pages out.

頑張ります!(笑)

Tension.

Right now, I'm basking in the aftermath of a family gathering.

Since some of my relatives heard that I might be called for a job interview soon, they gave me a lot of advice about it. There were a lot of laughs too, considering how much I banged my head on the desk in mock frustration at all the pressure.(笑)

Sometimes, I wonder what I really want in my life...

I'm very certain that I love the work involved in the major I studied, especially after my experience as an intern in an advertising company. I was quite happy about what I did and I honestly want to pursue a creative path...

But I think that Advertising might have been an excuse for me, to continue doing the things I love, like drawing. Sometimes I wonder if my path really lies in the Advertising world. I do love it, no matter how high-pressure it always seemed to be...

But after talking with my relatives, and after they pointed out how heavy the Japanese influence was on my resume, I started to wonder what was more important to me.

I mentioned the following things on my resume: that I could read, write and speak basic Japanese, that I headed a Japanese appreciation org, and even made a thesis based on Japanese culture in the Philippines. It almost very quickly overshadows the advertising experience, although in a creative aspect, I am very much inspired by Japanese art and culture.

I love the idea of a creative path, and I think I also mentioned somewhere that there were so many things I wanted to accomplish. But is it the idea of the creative path, or the creative path itself, that I want?

I'm just so drawn to Japanese culture as well that I also feel that I'm using advertising only as a means to pursue my dream of furthering Japanese culture studies. I mean, if your dreams need so much to fuel them, why not take a path to get that fuel, even if it's slightly off the dream path?

I'm really confused. (笑)

I feel bad for not seeing the road that leads to my goal, or the goal my road leads to.

One of my relatives suggested that since I was that involved in Japanese, I should try volunteering or looking for employment at a Japanese organization if I could find one. I could also work as a website maintainer, somehow.

On that whim, I looked up the Japan Society in New York, and while I didn't find any employment opportunities, I did find some nice internships. I was particularly interested in an internship on Performing Arts. There are so many events in the Japan Society that I wish I could go to, and programs I wish I could take, but I guess it will have to wait until they start employing again.

On another hunch, I looked up Japan organizations in my area, and I found the Japanese-American Society of New Jersey. Lo and behold, there were job opportunities, maybe even something I'm qualified for.

I got excited by the idea, surprisingly, a lot more excited than I ever was for the other interview that I may or may not have. My mother says I should try calling them to ask about the job openings.

Sometimes I wonder why I'm this excited for it...I hope I'm doing the right thing.

I'll give them a call this Monday.(笑)

Please wish me luck!

Alive again~

I arrived in New Jersey on the same day Osama Bin Laden died. I find it very ironic. (笑)

Some of my friends joked that I was to be his replacement. (笑)

Since I'm pretty much over my jet lag, I'm adjusting a little to life here.

There were many things I experienced on my way here. It took several connecting flights for me to reach home: one from Manila to Tokyo, a second from Tokyo to Seattle, and a final one form Seattle to New Jersey.Here are several highlights of my trip:
-I actually met the first dean of my university's school of management and his wife. They were wonderful people. His wife treated me like her own granddaughter. I felt very touched. They treated me to Mcdonald's while we were in Narita airport in Japan.

-Speaking of Japan, I have finally been there! To the airport at least. I pretty much bought random things in the airport shops, and got a free taste of mochi~ ♪
I was very excited about it--Japan is really, really beautiful, when you view it from the airplane window. The trees, fields, and buildings that you can see...they just look amazing, almost unreal. I couldn't stop staring out the window when we landed in Japan, and when we took off from it.

-Japanese toilets are also very interesting. So many buttons! (@_@)

-While I was in the airport, the dean's wife asked me to draw this bearded man in a turban sitting several rows away from us. This was the first time I'd ever been requested to do such a thing, and with realism in mind.

-Shifting across timezones is very freaky. If I think about it, I'd been traveling for more than 20 hours, I think, and yet I landed in New Jersey on the same day! (Which makes sense if you remember than there are 24 hours in a day, but still, it's a little freaky.)(笑)

-Static can be a little alarming.(>_<) I experienced it with my hair and clothes, which caused my hair to go haywire on the plane. Also, whenever I touched certain things, i would feel electrocuted. Static electricity is (for lack of a better word) shocking!

-I lost my chocolate cake dessert somewhere on the floor due to my own clumsiness. I felt very very depressed afterwards since I was really looking forward to a sweet. (>_<)

-Also, for the first time, I felt displeased with service on the airplane, because I was not given my pre-arrival snack. Again, I felt a little depressed as my seatmate ate his snack, while I had none. I had to press the button for service, and it took more than twenty minutes for them to notice and respond. (>_<) I got my snack in the end though. (笑)

Ah, I haven't adjusted the time zone here yet. To be honest, I'm reluctant to change time zone settings on my laptop. I like to be reminded what date and time it is at home. No matter, I'll figure it out eventually.

For now, I will rest again. I have so many things to adjust to!

私♥日本

I actually painted this for fun a couple of weeks ago, but I guess it only became a lot more relevant now.



In the face of all the disasters and things they've been through, they've always survived.

Stay strong, Japan.

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)

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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....

I will make this the end~!

Working on a last extra credit paper and some Japanese homework. I can do this!

Just watched Hayao Miyazaki's "Spirited Away"~ ♪

It was a really good movie! I can only hope I can make an equally good critique that will impress my teacher. I really owe my teachers this semester--they went out on a limb for me. I must not fail them (>_<)

Now to finish it all off~

頑張ります～

試験がある～

心配しています。。。
勉強すればよかったです（；＿；)
日本語が難しい！

お久しぶり～

ブログに書きなくてごめん！
先月はめちゃ忙しいんだ（＾＾；）

そして、今週にたくさんの試験があるんだ～
もう疲れた～

これは私のスケジュール。ああああああああー


There are no words in Japanese that allow me to express how dead I am. (笑)
SO THERE.

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!

New York!

12:44AM @NJ


Went into New York City for the first time yesterday. It was an interesting trip, though some parts of New York still seriously remind me of home for some reason. Some things are just the same.

LIKE THIS SANRIO STORE (^^)

Sadly, I couldn't go in; we didn't have time. (>_<);

We had lunch at Yoshinoya~ Though it isn't the same as back home, it's more of a rice bowl place here. Then again, I have never tried Yoshinoya back home.


We went to many places, other toy stores and such. It was really cold!!!
What I did find enchanting about the city, though, was how their sidewalks seriously glitter at night.

2nd Live (笑)

Had our second performance at The Aerie in Cervini Caf near Ateneo's new University Dorm. I have to say, We were quite successful in a sense. Ochibi and Kin-chan came to watch us. (笑)

Kae and I made a mistake in singing 1/3 no Junjou na Kanjou, since it was a last minute change to our play list. None of us had mastered "You"/"Dear You" just yet. In addition, Sarah couldn't sing with us as her throat started to hurt something fierce.

Not that Kae and I were any exception--we were also suffering from colds and cough, but we were a little less strained than Sarah--she'd already performed earlier. Mou~

At least we got a good response from the audience, and a lot of ideas. Yaaaaay~ (笑)

I was subjected to a lot of madness from the Toujin Boys though. I swear, those guys are insane.

TILL THE NEXT PERFORMANCE!! Please continue to support us till the very end~

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

Aaaaaah!

It's been a long time, hasn't it. (笑)

Not to worry, I'll be updating again with past events (笑) if you guys want to check back sometime feel free~

TODAY IS THE DAY!!

Our band, Ongaku Intersection, will be performing later!!!

DEBUT PERFORMANCE!!!

So nervous~ (笑)

My hoarse voice is mostly recovered. I will be able to sing later!!

Promise~ (笑)

Everyone!! Please support and cheer for us till the end~

お誕生日おめでとう、中河内雅貴！

お誕生日おめでとう、中河内雅貴！！君は僕の太陽。（笑）あなたに信じている。
頑張ります！！

Happy 25th Birthday, Nakagauchi Masataka!!
You will always be my idol.
Your songs and the way you dance will always inspire me to be stronger.
----------
Since today was Masa's birthday, I had to do a little something to celebrate.（笑）
I finally bought myself some new earphones!!

Kin-chan and I went to Wakuwaku today. Kuya Joma was kind enough to open up the store for us, even though he was supposed to be closed today. Oh Kuya. You're so kind. (>_<)

Of course as with all Wakuwaku trips, there was much teasing.（笑）
It's not my fault Kin-chan has a tendency to be a stalker.（笑）
Still though, I'm very glad. Kin-chan bought me some Gundam artbooks because it was Masa's birthday. Nyaha~

Thank you, Kin-chan!

I will try my best not to bully you so much in the future~

----------
Though sadly, it wasn't all happy...
Because later that day we got news about the hostage taking (>.<)

It is a very sad day.
Please say a little prayer for the victims of the hostage taking.

EA's Birthday celebration (笑)

Last night was EA's 19th birthday! Earlier that afternoon, he had pizza and coke delivered to our Toujin hangout. We kampai'd. (笑)

Happy birthday, EA! No one could ask for a better guitarist for our band.
...Just work on getting past those TV-sizes, okay? (笑)

On a side note, it rained quite heavily that evening. While waiting to go out, I danced in the rain for the first time. (笑)It wasn't very long, but it felt awesome. (^^)

We were supposed to watch Inception, but I wasn't allowed to go out for a movie. However, I did manage to hang around with EA, Geline and Anna at Eastwood.

We knocked ourselves out at the arcade and ate dinner at a Euro-Japanese restaurant, Mr. Kurosawa.

The food is awesome, though, I will have to admit, rather pricey. (>.<) The sushi platter had a bunch of things I'd never tasted before, like octopus and SEA URCHIN!


I like sea urchin nao. (笑)
But, like genuine takoyaki, it will definitely be a rarity here. (笑)

I also got to drink sake for the first time. Strawberry-flavored sake! I wish I had taken a photo.(笑)

I'm a very careless drinker though. (^^;) I gulp instead of sipping. (笑)

It was a very fun night and I hope to spend more time with everyone soon~♪

History~

I got to see an actual piece of what they called "Mickey Mouse Money" from the time of the Japanese Occupation here in the Philippines. ♪

Sometimes pieces of history like this are hard to come by~

I feel very fortunate (笑)

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！

Auditions finished safely~

No, I have no picture from the auditions. (笑) I was too nervous to take a photo~

I'm still not good at something as simple as the minuet on the violin. (>_<)
At least I know I didn't do too badly on the interview, they looked okay with me at the very least. Aaaaa~ I really want to get better at violin. As it is, I'm not particularly good with any of the skills I'm trying to develop (dancing for example, or singing), so i couldn't join the university's dance company or the music pool. (>o<) They're all very intense in their training and won't accept anyone below par (at least, the dance group is).

I would love to be a dancer! But as of now, I kind of suck. (笑)

Anyway!!

I'm excited about tomorrow!!!



Yamato: Drums of Japan is here in Manila for a three-night performance, and tomorrow is their last night here! Thankfully they're at a venue that isn't too far off--I can actually go and see them!!!

I'm so excited!!! I have always wanted to see a Taiko performance (>w<) This is the chance of a lifetime for me!!