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!

My haaaaair

The hairstylist didn't want to cut it at first (笑)

She kept saying, "But your hair! You have beautiful hair!"

I think I'm happy enough with this length (> <)

I might cut it very short someday, though!

We'll see. (笑)

Speaking of cutting it very short, the stylist also suggested that if I were to cut it short after growing it so long, I may as well donate my hair to make wigs for cancer patients. (笑)

I would actually be very glad to!

I would even consider shaving my head (笑)

Adventure in Manhattan!

I'm surprised at my own daring!
Today, my mom and aunt were working at East 61st street in Manhattan, New York. They let me tag along, and told me that if I wanted to, I could go explore the city while they were working. So, I took the opportunity to have an adventure!

They probably expected me to look around Bloomingdale's or something. (笑)

I'd done a search on Google Maps of the area, and the thing was, I was looking for a new age or occult store, because I had been unable to buy a set of tarot cards for myself before. The nearest store, Enchantments, was on East 9th street, which is actually 2.6 miles from East 61st. I would need to walk down 1st Avenue, which was around the corner from my mom and aunt's working place. Still though, I had enough confidence in myself, so I prepared myself for the walk.

I was actually really shocked by the distance. I walked past so many things--by the time I'd hit East 46th street, I'd passed the UN Headquarters! I slowed down when walking past the Philippine flag...It really reminded me of home.

While I was doing that though, I noticed how empty the streets were and the number of NYPD officers out on the road. Then motorcycle officers passed, along with several black cars, and later, a limousine with the American flag on the hood.
I realized that all the security was because of President Obama! (笑) He was scheduled for a speech at Ground Zero that afternoon. I was amused that I was able to see his car pass by.

I walked on, and the rest of the walk was pretty uneventful until I reached 9th street. I found the store, but was dismayed since it would open at 1pm, and I had arrived at 12 noon. Still, I was there, so I waited. I hung around a nearby herb and root shop called Flower Power, which sold such a wide variety of herbs, spices and oils that I was fascinated. It reminded me a bit of an apothecary, or a potion ingredient shop. Actually, I wouldn't be surprised if it catered to that, too. (笑)

Eventually though, I came back out to wait outside Enchantments, until a blonde girl came up to open the shop for me and another waiting customer, who said he was a beginner at magic. Of course, I immediately went to look at Tarot cards, and I was happy that the people who ran the shop were friendly and helpful. I suppose it really did come with the territory. They seemed very down to earth despite what they practiced, and I appreciated that very much.

I bought my own deck of tarot cards (at last). I decided to buy a smaller, pocket-sized deck, since my hands are pretty small. (笑) The shop also carried herbs and roots, like Flower Power, but I appreciated the staff here--back in Flower Power, the people there seemed rather stiff and unfriendly. Here in Enchantments, they were very accommodating and I didn't feel shy about asking things.

I took one of their cards for future reference. Perhaps I'll use a money order service to get another item from them someday! I hope to visit this shop again.

Still though, I had to make it back to East 61st, and there was little time. I had promised to be back by 2pm, and since I has waited and spent some time there, I needed a faster way to go back, and a taxicab was not an option. The blonde who had opened the shop for us told me about a bus that ran down 1st Avenue, and, since I didn't have a Metrocard, even offered to change my bills for quarters, so I would have fare for the bus.
But before I could hand over my money, the other customer who was waiting with me offered to give me his Metrocard. He said there were still a few dollars in it, and he was willing to give it to me. I was overwhelmed, of course, and was a little shy about accepting it, but he told me to take it anyway. After all, he said, it was good karma.
I thanked them profusely, left a a dollar in the shop's tip jar, and later took the bus back to East 61st. While I sat there in the bus, I reflected on how eventful my day in Manhattan had been, and just how accomplished I felt, even if all I had done was wander about on my own. My mom was impressed at how far I walked and how I had made it back without getting lost.

Overall, this day has been good. It's just one of those days that really make me believe that not all is lost in the world. Whenever I go out on my own, even when I am nervous, or even if it's my first time to be somewhere, I always feel like I am surrounded by angels who guide me. It's an oddly comforting feeling. It's a belief I've always held that even people who cross the street with you, so that you can cross with them safely, are like angels. People who help you when you are in trouble, too. People who pick up that thing you dropped. Really. I feel very blessed. It's these little things, every day.

I hope to have more days like these.

some old photos!

This was taken during "One Big Lay", a mini-event at the university when we were all invited to lie down on the school field and reminisce about the four years we've spent as college students. I swear, we had a pretty nice time. Ran into random friends on the field, and we even saw a floating lantern, like in Tangled! There should have been more lanterns. ♪


These, on the other hand, were some posters I made as props for this seminar:

It was basically a seminar on the promotion of Children's Rights through media, and it was actually quite informative and rather inspiring. I wish I'd been able to help some of the students out with their dance though--it looked as though they really could have used it. Oh well. (笑)

The past few days have actually been telling and convincing me to stay here where I love the things I do and experience. I'm not afraid to be on my own, but of course, family is important too. I wish there was a way to reconcile everything...

I need a job! (笑)

Though, my jewelry designs have been a little popular among people lately ♪

Plus, I have this new jewelry book. Maybe I should really open a shop? (笑)

Wish me luck!

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.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Best wishes for the rest of this year and the next~!

Immersion!

This was the setting for my so-called "wilderness sabbatical". (笑) We went to Mexico, Pampanga; we spent three days and two nights there. We planted rice, leveled the field, and basically immersed ourselves in farm life.


However, what really kept us busy was the children. As you can see, I practically got buried here. (笑) It was fun playing with them, and honestly, out here, they have a chance for a real childhood, playing and running, and I find them really, really lucky to be able to have that. Our last night was spent playing with the children and putting on a show. Practicing for that, singing random things and just feeling the bond between us in our immersion group was cool. Honestly. I'd never felt happier. (^^)


What amused me most, though, was the turkeys. I've never seen turkeys before, so yes. The turkeys crossed the road. (笑)

THE NUTCRACKER!

Oh, ballet~! How I missed you~ ♪


I can't believe I was able to catch The Nutcracker last night! (笑)
The performance was amazing, to say the least. I'm really glad that Ochibi and Kin-chan invited me to watch, as I had nothing better to do anyway, and this felt like the chance of a lifetime. And I was glad, too. (^^)

Some random moments after the performance:


Me trying to pose against a backdrop of Lisa Macuja. I never made it to toe shoes back when I was still taking ballet, so this pose was difficult to hold, and had to be repeated several times. (笑) My ankles will never be the same way again. (^^;)


Kin-chan, Ochibi and me against one of the curtains of the ALIW Theater during one of the intermissions. Now that they had seen part of the ballet for themselves, my old ballet training was so much more evident, according to them. I kept getting teased all night.(笑)


After the performance, we went to CCP in order to buy Fanta from the gift shop. I had told Ochibi about it some time back and now that we had the opportunity, we got her the Fanta she always wanted. I ordered a Dr. Pepper, and regretted it: it really tasted like medicine! I will never drink it again. (>_<);;


One of the best moments of the evening: Kontra-Gapi's performance at the CCP Night Market! As it turns out, every first Saturday of the month, CCP holds a Night Market. Sometimes there are guests invited to perform, and we saw Kontra-Gapi that night. Kontra-Gapi stands for Kontemporaryong Gamelan Pilipino, and they're an ethic music and dance ensemble from UP Diliman. Their music was wonderful, and it was a good end to a culture-ridden night. (笑)

Although they wanted to pressure me to dance. (笑)

And before I forget:
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, NIOU MASAHARU!
Your trickster ways will always live on in my heart.

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!

FINALLY HOME.

I could not be happier to be back in the Philippines. ~♪

I missed the humidity, the water, the climate, everything.

Also the silliness that Toujin brings. (^o^)/

In the meantime, here is a fail picture of someone other than me. (笑)

My bags are almost packed...

As most of you probably already know, my flight to the US is today, Oct. 17. I haven't been blogging lately due to all the preparations for finals and other problems!

So tiring~ I just came from a Toujin party, and I swam probably for about 5 hours. (^_^;)

It was a day filled with madness. This kind of madness, love and insanity, I would never exchange for anything. 東人! 大好き!本当にありがとう！

In addition, Ochibi came to visit, and we had our last moments of fangirling, and she gave me a gift for me to remember her and Kin-chan by.

There is only one thing I can say--THEY ARE INSANE. And I love them.

No rest for me tonight though. I have to finish packing the things most important to me, and finish certain forms.

To all my loves in the Philippines, I WILL MISS YOU ALL.

Please support me till the very end~

My next post will be made from NEW JERSEY!!! I will make sure to document my stay.

EDIT [10.20.2010/3.06AM @NJ]Last shot with Ochibi:

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~

Injuries?!

Today, Kin-chan came to visit me (笑)
She wanted me to help her with math. Again.
Even though I barely know anything about math. (笑)

And she forgot her math book. (笑)

But yes, somewhere in the middle of the "tutoring" and the bullying, she somehow slammed the side of her hard head against my face.

IT HURT!! (笑)

So we ended up going to the infirmary for bags of ice. (笑)

We look seriously fail, don't we. (笑)

Descpicable Me!

Watched it in 3D last night!

Awesome movie, made us all laugh like crazy. I haven't gone to the movies in a while, it was kind of refreshing to get out and go to the mall.

And since we were in Shangri-la, I got to get noodles at my favorite noodle stand there. I love these kinds of food stalls, I swear. Its like street food, only cleaner.

Now that I think about it, I kind of miss hanging around a mall. But first I need money to spend. Muh.

Hopefully I will be able to do this again soon! I miss the arcade too. (笑)

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~♪

TOUJIN GA AFTERMATH.

LEXIE!! ♪

I never thought I would see you again *sobsob*

Shocking as it was, a lot of people came to eat in Mcdo after the Toujin GA even though I was worried that people wouldn't fit or wouldn't be able to eat or...I don't know. (笑)

I think that, thanks to a couple of quick lessons, I might be able to get my drawing groove back. (笑)

Lucky?! Hahah. I miss drawing~

What.

What is this I don't even.

It's not every day that I get clung to for nearly an hour.