neil gaiman movie "Caroline"

Wala lang. Asteeg... media and article from Wired.com.

Yes, We Did! Elections Final Moments in Two Minutes - SlateV

Yes, I know, you probably already know and read and seen tons of media about Obama's historic win as the US President-elect.

However, for those who still need a power recap, here is a video from Slate V... enjoy!

The Way I am - Ingrid Michaelson- Lyrics and Chords included!

I can't seem to remove the sweet sound of Ingrid Michaelson from my head. This indie artist became famous with her hit song, "The Way I am" which was also played in the hit series Grey's Anatomy.   

Included with the music video is the lyrics to her song with guitar chords and video tutorial. Enjoy!

The Way I Am by Ingrid Michaelson

 

Directed by Autumn de Wilde (Rilo Kiley, Death Cab for Cutie, Elliott Smith), from the debut album "Girls and Boys".

Lyrics and Guitar Chords

Intro/Verse:

F - Bb - Dm - C

Chorus:

Bb - C - F -Dm -Bb- C# -F

If you were falling, then I would catch you.

You need a light, I’d find a match.

Cuz I love the way you say good morning.

And you take me the way I am.

If you are chilly, here take my sweater.

Your head is aching, I’ll make it better.

Cuz I love the way you call me baby.

And you take me the way I am.

I’d buy you Rogaine when you start losing all your hair.

Sew on patches to all you tear.

Cuz I love you more than I could ever promise.

And you take me the way I am.

You take me the way I am.

You take me the way I am.

Guitar Tutorial by seed52

The Economist: Changing US Electoral Map

Explains how the US states change their votes based from the latest issues and stories affecting the campaign. More than just saying that Obama is leading the electoral college race, it explains how various issues, such as Sarah Palin's VP nomination and the economic crisis, has turned the tide between the candidates.

Basketball Jones Podcast now on Video!

For all NBA Fans out there, the Basketball Jones podcast is back! 

Here is their first video podcast, also available at their website.  

While I usually listen to their audio podcast while riding my bicycle to school or during commutes, I welcome this new medium. 

It's really incredible how these two are such good commentators. Better and more fun than some sports networks (although I enjoy the columns at the Yahoo! NBA sports website).

Which teams am I rooting for this season? Simple.

West: HOUSTON ROCKETS and of course from the East: BOSTON CELTICS!

Ep. 330: Video Killed The Podcastin' Star from The Basketball Jones on Vimeo.

Random Weirdness 01

WTF?!!! What the hell is this creature? 

Can you guess what this is? The answer below....

It is the South American Alpaca! They're quite cute really. Similar to the Llama but much smaller, these creatures are not used to carry heavy loads like their Llama relatives. They are raised for their wool, much like sheep.

Wala lang! Hehe.

From the Last Debate to the Final Weekend Before the Elections

With the US presidential elections about to culminate this coming Tues, Nov 4, much has been said about the presidential race between Barack Obama and John McCain.

For those who haven't been able to keep pace with the recent news, here is Slate V's two and a half summary of what has happened in the US presidential campaign from the last presidential debate until late this week.

You may view the video and other interesting article at Slate.com.

John McCain's bid for the White House looks doomed: The Economist

Here is an interesting article from the Economist, discussing how McCain, in spite of the odds against him, is still optimistic of his chances in winning the 2008 US Presidential Elections. The bigger question the article asks is whether people share his optimism.

You may also view the article through this link.

Behind but unbowed

John McCain thinks he can win, but too few voters agree

Oct 28, 2008

JOHN MCCAIN has survived against long odds before. But, despite a stubborn televised interview on Sunday October 26th, in which he touted a poll showing him just a few points behind Barack Obama in the race for the White House, soon he may have to tape up his windows to keep out bad news. Pollster.com, a website that aggregates poll results, suggests that the Republican is now behind Mr Obama by an average of just over seven percentage points. Other pollsters give Mr Obama a slightly smaller lead. Intrade, a betting website, indicates that those risking money on the election result believe that the Democrat has nearly a 90% chance of victory next week.

Mr McCain’s own schedule indicates the difficulties that he faces. He is appearing, almost entirely, in states that George Bush won in 2004. If he could hold all those states, he would replicate Mr Bush’s narrow victory. But he faces an onslaught from Mr Obama in states such as Iowa, Ohio and even Indiana. The Democrat tours such places while barely making an effort to defend states that are currently in his column. Mr McCain’s best shot may be triumphing in Pennsylvania, while limiting his losses elsewhere. But most polls show him behind by double digits in that state.

The best news for Mr McCain is that he discovered two genuinely effective arguments in his last debate against Mr Obama. He has since tried to drive them home on the stump. One is to emphasise how different he is from Mr Bush. He taunts Mr Obama by saying that if his rival wanted to run against Mr Bush, he should have done so in 2004 (thus reminding voters of his opponent’s youth and short service). He criticised the Bush administration harshly in a newspaper interview last week. Mr Obama has fired back, saying that in the Senate Mr McCain voted in favour of Mr Bush’s agenda 90% of the time.

The second of Mr McCain’s arguments has also gained some traction. Mr Obama’s comment to a plumber in Ohio that it would be good to “spread the wealth” in America may have cost him some support. Mr McCain is warning that his opponent would be unduly redistributive. The Republican wants to cut taxes on business and on capital gains, which he says would create more wealth. He supports keeping Mr Bush’s tax cuts even for the richest earners. His running-mate, Sarah Palin, has pleased core Republican supporters by calling Mr Obama “socialistic” in his thinking and voting. Mr Obama responds that he merely wants those making $250,000 or more to pay the tax-rates they did in the booming 1990s. Most Americans, though they do not like taxes, do not regard Mr Obama as a raging leftist, and the tactic smacks of the McCain-Palin ticket's desperation.

Perhaps the biggest indication of Mr McCain’s problems is given by early voting, which some states allow. Anecdotal evidence around the country shows unprecedentedly big numbers of people taking advantage of the opportunity. The Obama team has released numbers showing that more registered Democrats have turned out to vote early (relative to the Republicans) than in 2004, pointing to both greater motivation and the Obama team’s better organisation and mobilisation efforts. More striking, Zogby, a pollster, has Mr Obama winning by perhaps as much as 24 percentage points among early voters. And the more who vote early for Mr Obama the fewer doors his team have to knock on come election day, allowing them to concentrate resources on those yet to vote.

The early voting numbers show that there is intense interest in the election. Turnout will almost certainly be higher than America’s usual (dismal) showing. Mr McCain’s problem is that most enthusiasm is directed towards his opponent, and some Republicans are jumping ship. Mrs Palin's circle and Mr McCain's advisers are leaking criticism of each other to the press. She has endured an embarrassing flap over $150,000 spent on clothes for her since she became the vice-presidential candidate. Mr Bush’s former spokesman, Scott McClellan, has said that he would vote for Mr Obama.

Another blow was delivered at the weekend by the Anchorage Daily News. The most popular newspaper in Mrs Palin's home state thanked her for drawing attention to Alaska but endorsed Mr Obama instead. And Republicans suffered a further setback on Monday in their fight to stop the Democrats winning a filibuster-proof majority in the Senate. Ted Stevens, a long-serving Alaskan senator, may well lose a bitter battle to retain his seat after his conviction on corruption charges over gifts he received from supporters.

The finger-pointing among Republican operatives, and the infighting among conservative pundits about the future of the movement, shows that even committed Republican partisans do not expect Mr McCain to win. Nevertheless Mr McCain seems still to believe strongly that he has every chance of emerging as the victor. But the circle of people that share his unfounded optimism seems to be tightening.

Philippines Declares War to the US!

George Bush and the Philippines before the War declaration

George Bush was sitting in his office wondering whom to invade next when

his telephone rang.

'Hello, Mr. Bush!' a heavily accented voice said, 'This is Ka Menong from
Baranggay Langgas, Infanta, Quezon Province. I am ringing to inform you
that we are officially declaring war on you!'

'Well, Ka Menong,' Bush replied, 'This is indeed important news! How big is
your army'.

Protest movements against US invasion of the Philippines prior to the escalation of war...

'Right now,' said Ka Menong, after a moment's calculation, 'there is
myself, my cousin Tasyo, my next door neighbor Entong, and the entire
Langgas team from the pakatan. That makes eight.'

Bush paused. 'I must tel l you, Ka Menong that I have one million men in my
army waiting to move on my command.'

'Aray..' said Ka Menong. 'I'll have to ring you back!'

Sure enough, the next day, Ka Menong called again.

'Mr. Bush, it is Ka Menong, I'm calling from Alitas, the war is still on!
We have managed to acquire some infantry equipment!'

'And what equipment would that be, Ka Menong?' Bush asked.

'Well, we have two jeepneys, a carabao and Tasyo's tractor.'

Bush sighed. 'I must tell you, Ka Menong, that I have 16,000 tanks and
14,000 armored personnel carriers. Also, I've increased my army to 1-1/2
million since we last spoke.'

'Ay naku naman....' said Ka Menong. 'I'll have to get back to you.'

Sure enough, Ka Menong rang again the next day.

'Mr. Bush, the war is still on! We have managed to get ourselves
airborne.... .. We've modified Tasyo's tractor by adding a couple of
shotguns, sticking on some wings and the baranggay's generator. Four high
school boys from Alitas have joined us as well!'

Bush was silent for a minute and then cleared his throat. 'I must tell you,
Ka Menong, that I have 10,000 bombers and 20,000 fighter planes. My
military complex is surrounded by laser-guided, surface-to-air missile
sites. And since we last spoke, I've increased my army to TWO MILLION!'

'Susmariosep. ...' said Ka Menong, 'I'll have to ring you back.'

Sure enough, Ka Menong called again the next day.

'Ganyan ka pala, Mr.Bush! I am sorry to tell you that we have had to call
off the war.'

'I'm sorry to hear that,' said Bush. 'Why the sudden change of heart.'

'Well,' said Ka Menong, 'we've all had a long chat over a couple of alak,
and decided there's no way we can feed two million prisoners of war!'

NOW THAT'S CALLED FILIPINO CONFIDENCE

Obama in Rural White America

Senator Obama in a Tavern in Florida

With the US economy continuing into a downward spiral, Pres. Bush's popularity still at an all-time low, it would seem natural that voter's would be going for a Democrat in the upcoming US presidential elections this November. 

Yet in spite of Obama's eloquence and charm, polls conducted during the early periods of the campaign showed that Obama was really behind white voters, especially those who were not college-educated. Most people would attribute this to America's racism and their fear of voting for a black president.

The New York Times' Matt Bat in an October 19, 2008 article called "Working for the Working Class Vote" (full article available here) shares his experience being with Obama in his recent campaign trail in rural Virginia to court white voters.   

He starts his article by describing Obama's weakness to the blue collar white male: 

 

Given the fact that he is not, in fact, a white male, Obama would seem to face an even-less-forgiving landscape among white-male voters. While voters overall give Obama the advantage over John McCain when asked which candidate is better equipped to navigate these tumultuous economic times, Gallup polls throughout the summer and into the fall consistently showed McCain with a double-digit lead among white men who haven’t been to college.           

The author then talks about how Obama sees this as being more than just race. It was in fact an issue of cultural values. Since rural Americans have been feeling that they are gradually being phased out by mainstream America, it is natural that they would have reservations with a candidate that the McCain campaign has dubbed as an elitist. This was best exemplified when Obama was misquoted in a San Francisco fundraiser as saying "It's not surprising then they get bitter, they cling to guns or religion or antipathy toward people who aren't like them or anti-immigrant sentiment or anti-trade sentiment as a way to explain their frustrations." 

What Obama in fact was trying to say is that urban Democrats are viewed as being snub elitists who condescendingly view their rural counterparts as "getting bitter and cling to guns or religion" during economic difficulties, when they should work towards showing them that they all share the same values and concerns. 

  

"Bittergate": Obama in a San Francisco fundraiser  

In was for this reason that Senator Obama was campaigning not only in battleground swing states but also traditional Republican states as well. In visiting towns such as Lebanon,  where a Democrat hasn't campaigned since 1976, he was at least taking the first step of being there and showing that he was not so different from them.

In spite of Obama's low poll ratings in Virginia, the author argues that there should be a distinction between race being a determining factor vs it merely a factor among many issues that voters are concerned with:   

"No one should be surprised to learn that racial stereotypes exist, particularly among lower-income and less-educated white men, or that such stereotypes affect the way voters see Obama. The more important question is not whether race is a factor in people’s votes but whether it is a determinative factor — that is, whether Obama’s being black is the disqualifying fact for white voters that it might have been 20 years ago or whether it has now been reduced to one of those surmountable obstacles that any candidate has to overcome".

Senator Obama then expounds on the issue of race and being different. 

“I’m not making an argument that the resistance is simply racial. It’s more just that I’m different in all kinds of ways. I’m different even for black people. I went through similar stuff when I ran against Bobby Rush on the all-black South Side of Chicago. It’s like: ‘Who is this guy? Where’d he come from?’ ”. 

Although I am not familiar with US politics, I find this article interesting in that it refutes the simplistic claims of some people that Obama will lose this presidential campaign on the basis of being a Black candidate. I wouldn't hide that I am a big fan of Obama but I do agree with the author's argument that Obama is not addressing white rural Americans' racism but rather fear that their rural values will be taken for granted by a candidate who seem so different from themselves. In spite of the McCain campaign's portrayal of Obama as an out-of-touch elitist, Obama is pushing back into traditional red states, showing that he is after all not so different from them. 

Phil Gov't response to Global Financial Crisis: Keep the OFWs abroad

I don't know what hit me but when I came across several news articles from the Inquirer entitled "RP assumes 'worst case scenario' " (Oct 14, 2008), I was really disappointed that the goverment's response to the financial crisis was simply for PGMA's to order the formulation of a contingency plan "to cushion the impact of the global financial crisis on the overseas Filipino workers". In the first place, is the country really affected by the global financial crisis? Some would say that the country is doing well financially.

Of course the country has more things to worry about and although OFW's jobs abroad is a genuine concern in the short term, I would really like to hear what this "contingency plan" is about. If OFWs are to be layed off, would this plan simply find new "markets" for the so called 'Global Filipino' to work? Government rhetoric has consistently discussed reintegration programs for our returning migrant workers but it does not go beyond the creation various government agencies, such as the National Reintegration center for OFWs, and assigning VP De Castro as Presidential Adviser on OFW affairs (I wonder what skills made him into a capable adviser?).

Filipino migration and government policy are indeed complex issues that more people should be concerned about. Hopefully we can have more interesing and informed discussions in the future.

Frontline World: Philippines under Siege (PBS) June 5, 2003

ARMM Map

When the word Mindanao is mentioned, the first thing that comes to my mind is my hometown of Davao City. Although I was raised in Manila, I frequently visit my relatives at least once every other year. For me Davao represents calm and beauty. Yet I remembered being asked by my Manila friends if Davao was dangerous when I was living there as a boy. It was at that moment that I realized that there is more to Mindanao than just Davao.  

I came across this wonderful and thought provoking documentary in a class I am taking this semester on South and Southeast Asian Conflict and Peace resolution. This documentary although a bit dated (it was shown in June 5, 2003) reflects the continuing problems and issues that Mindanao still face. 

Hopefully you will find it as interesting as I did. 

You may view this excellent and thought-provoking documentary through this link.

For more of this video and other interesting articles and documentaries, visit the Frontline World PBS website through this link. 

Here is the write up of the documentary below:

Early this year, amidst military preparations for a war in Iraq, the United States announced it was sending 3,000 soldiers to Mindanao, the southernmost region of the Philippines. FRONTLINE/World correspondent and reporter for PRI's The World, Orlando de Guzman, a Filipino reporter from the north, journeyed to Mindanao, where Muslim rebels are fighting a guerrilla war against the Philippine government -- a war in which the United States may soon be embroiled.

De Guzman's first stop is the port town of Jolo, where the United States has just announced the commencement of joint exercises with the Philippine army. As he enters town, de Guzman is greeted by a sign that reads, "We will not let history repeat itself. Yankees back off." At a local radio station, tribal singers protest the turn of events, singing, "Americans do not follow the divine law. They will steal our independence."

Once a Spanish colony, the Philippines is 90 percent Catholic, but the southern region of Mindanao has a sizeable Muslim minority and has long resisted the government in Manila. During the Spanish-American War in the Philippines, U.S. troops fought the Muslim, or Moro, population and committed massacres that are remembered to this day as a central part of the region's collective memory.

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front, or MILF, is by far the largest and best-armed Muslim rebel group in the Philippines. Tension between the MILF and the government has been escalating since February, and de Guzman is attempting to meet with the group directly. As he waits, he hears word of a battle being waged in a nearby village, so he heads there.

The area is thick with jungle vegetation reminiscent of images from the Vietnam War. In a strange scene, a crowd of villagers, mainly children, follows the Philippine army as a form of entertainment, cheering when they fire artillery shells. In the village itself, de Guzman finds that not the Philippine military but a civilian militia is in control. The captain tells him they're waiting for the national military to arrive, but does not seem confident. Even when the military does come to aid such villages, they seldom do more than keep the MILF at bay.

Not only are Muslim rebel groups keeping up the steady pressure of attacks on villages and even civilian farmers, but they're also making their presence known in the cities. De Guzman travels to the major port city of Davao, where the previous day a bomb exploded, killing 16 people. The government claims that the MILF is responsible, with help from Jemaah Islamiya, the same group responsible for the Bali nightclub bombing in October 2002. The MILF denies the claim.

Attacks such as the one in Davao, de Guzman notes, increase religious tension in an already volatile community and often result in counterattacks. Indeed, a few hours after the bombing, unidentified men in fatigues attacked three nearby mosques with hand grenades.

Fighting between the Philippine military and the MILF has resulted in the displacement of tens of thousands of Muslims. They seek refuge in evacuation centers set up by the government. The refugees now number 350,000, and some have been in an evacuation center for three years. De Guzman visits a center and finds life to be miserable and provisions scarce. Last month, he hears, more than a dozen children died from dysentery.

De Guzman receives word that the MILF is finally ready to meet him, so he and his producer Margarita Dragon travel into the jungle, into MILF-controlled territory. He ends up in Abubakar, a camp that spans 12,000 acres and was once home to 25,000 people. It formerly was a working model of the MILF's vision of an Islamic state, with a mosque, a school and a sharia court. But in 2000, in what was called "the all-out war," the Philippine government overran and destroyed Abubakar, which they said had been used as a terrorist training center. Though pushed underground, the MILF still controls most of their former territory by the use of a rotating volunteer force.

Most of the villagers have fled, but on his trek into the mountains, de Guzman meets a 70-year-old man who has refused to leave. When asked why he hasn't moved to the city like so many others, he says there's nothing for him to live on in the city -- no corn, no cows, no money, no living. So he stays, armed with the gun he recently bought and is prepared to use against the military. De Guzman asks him if the people here feel that they are fighting for their land. "No," the man says. "They are fighting for their lives."

After an uneasy night sleeping in hammocks to the sound of artillery fire, de Guzman and his escorts press through the rugged terrain to the former headquarters of the MILF. Only a broken-down cement structure remains, but the MILF show it off as a symbol that they have reoccupied the territory the government forced them to leave three years ago. De Guzman meets the local field commander, code-named "Congressman," who has been fighting with the MILF for 30 years. In an unusual moment, Congressman breaks down crying, as he says he would rather die fighting in the mountains than give up the dream of a separate Islamic state.

De Guzman is ordered to leave not long after he arrives. Back in the city, he waits two days, then receives word he will meet Al-Haj Murad, the MILF's chief military commander. This will be the first interview Murad has given in three years. De Guzman and Murad meet a short distance from a heavily guarded highway.

One of the founders of the MILF, Murad is the man in charge of its military operations. Like many MILF leaders, he is a former Mujahideen who fought the Soviets in the late 1980s in Afghanistan, where he met Osama bin Laden. The Philippine government has a $1 million bounty on Murad and other key MILF leaders. He is wanted for murder and for suspected involvement in bombings throughout Mindanao.

Surrounded by MILF soldiers, Murad talks to de Guzman over lunch. De Guzman asks him for his take on the joint U.S.-Philippine military exercises. Murad says he hopes the United States will realize that not all Muslims are terrorists, and he says the MILF is trying to avoid being labeled as such. "They cannot equate Islam to terrorism," he explains. "And the problem here in Mindanao cannot be a part of the fight against global terrorism."

De Guzman points to the links that security and intelligence analysts have made between the MILF and known terrorist groups like Jemaah Islamiya. Murad concedes that while some MILF members fought in Afghanistan and may have developed personal relationships with terrorists, there is no organizational connection. He states plainly, "We are fighting on our own. Our objective is to achieve the aspiration of the Moro people. We are not concerned with the objective of the brothers in Indonesia, in Malaysia or in other regions in the Middle East." Murad labels the problem in Mindanao a domestic problem. U.S. intervention, he says, will only complicate the situation.

In the two months since de Guzman left Mindanao, joint U.S.-Philippine military exercises have commenced near Manila and will be starting in the southern Philippines soon. The MILF has responded with more attacks on Christian villages. On the eve of her recent visit to Washington, President Macapagal Arroyo ordered more attacks on MILF strongholds, including the same positions Orlando had visited. An additional 50 civilians have been killed and 30,000 more residents have been displaced. If history is any guide, de Guzman says, a U.S.-Philippine war against the MILF will be "long and dirty." He concludes, "For the people of Mindanao, a protracted war will certainly mean more suffering and deepening hatred between Christians and Muslims."

Viral: Star Wars Gangsta Rap

For Star Wars fans who like Gangsta Hip Hop, this one is for you!

Lyrics from the video's author below:

Admiral:
This is Admiral Biatch to base camp,
it seems the stormtroopers have gone on strike
and I have no experience with this type of shit.
Who should I call for help?

Vader:
It's the V to the A to the D-E-R (Vader!)
Reconstructin' the Death Star!
With my slick suede suit that's black like tar,
Fucking you up no matter who you are!

Palpatine:
Tell them motherfuckers 'bout this here Dark Side!
Pull up on your planet, Death Star drive-by!
And we'll beat the Rebels 'cause their skills ain't shit!

Vader:
And in my TIE Fighter, Zig-zags stay lit!

Yoda:
Oh, shit! Yoda on the scene,
900 year fiend smoking Dagobah green!
Bitches on my tip, like Lando on liquor.

Lando:
Ah, you're just jealous 'cause my black dick's thicker.

Chewbacca:
*Wookie yell*

Lando:
Yo! Tell 'em Chewie, last night
I had Leia all drunk wanting to do me.

Luke:
Shut the fuck up man! Leia's my sister!
The only thing you're getting is a beat-off blister.

Ben Kenobi:
Luke! Use the force before
intercourse, but Luke!
Don't forget! Bitches ain't nothing but hos and tricks!

(Ohh!)

Luke:
Obi-Wan, I'm the top gun! (top gun)
The chosen one, hotter than both suns!
Vader ain't shit, his head's cut up and split!
He's slower than the first Pentium chip!

(Dark Side!)
Vader:
No one brings it worse to this fuckin' universe!

(Rebels!)
Luke:
You know we'll fucking win, 'cause we'll fight to the end!

(Dark Side!)
Palpatine:
I can feel the anger dwelling within you!

(Rebels!)
Yoda:
You also feel Vader's dick in you. BIATCH!

*Incomprehensible Huttese Jabba rap*

Han Solo:
Jabba, you ain't nothing but a fat-ass slug!
Fake gold chains? You sorry-ass thug!
Sittin' in your palace with your blue-headed whore,
trap door to the Rancor. *sound of someone falling*

C3PO:
Oh, my, goodness gracious me!
I'm a gay man's golden fantasy!
Programmed for homo-ecstasy,
ten million forms of gay positioning.
For my golden shower, you must pay a fee,
but R2-D2 gives it up for free. *R2-d2 squeaks*
R2-D2, watch your language!
Always having sex with robotic strangers!

Jar Jar Binks:
Meesa like to drink and smoke all night!
Meesa like to fight and fucka yo wife.
Meesa no care 'cause meesa so dumb.
Meesa will fuck you with me tongue.
Yousa wants a meesa cause meesa wants some.
Yousa wants a meesa cause meesa wants some.
Yousa wants a meesa cause meesa wants some.
Meesa wants some cause meesa wanna cum! 

US Presidential Campaign in Three Minutes

With the US presidential elections in full swing, much has happened since the formal nomination of Sen Obama of the Democratic party and Sen McCain with the Republicans. Here is a very informative and interesting video from Slate.com, a socio-cultural and economic ezine, compressing the presidential campaign in just three minutes. 

Barberong Police Chase! Asteeg!

Came across a hysterically funny news report in Las Vegas of a man who after failing to steal a car, runs away from the police in the fastest get-away vehicle in the area- a freakin golf cart! Champion!

Here is the complete video with funny commentary from news anchors (best seen while eating pop-corn):





Sobra! Mas mabilis pa ang tricycle sa Pinas!

Twin Trouble in Tokyo

Although it was the middle of the semester, my baby bro Bene visited me here in Tsukuba during the third week of April, 2008. We were quite busy during that week- I had 3 graduate seminars, a graduate course, TA (teaching assistant) work plus nihongo classes to boot! Bene meanwhile was with his sempai visiting AIST and various research centers in Tsukuba. Although our schedules were tight, we managed to spend our last day in Tokyo.


Super Sunny Diner- Kita Senju, Adachi Ward


From the Tsukuba Express we got off at the Kita Senju station and had lunch in our favorite burger place in Japan. Sunny Diner is a small yet cozy diner serving great burgers, franks and milk shakes. Rocking with Ska music and decorated with American pop culture memorabilia, it had a real American feel to it. Although their burgers are relatively expensive (1000 yen for burger, fries and a drink) it is really good. A far cry from your average ultra-globalized commercial burger chain.

Sunny Diner in Kita Senju


After discovering the place by accident, Bene and I always go here whenever he visits me. Suki (otokui sama) na nga kami ni Bene eh! Hehe. Plus the Tencho (store owner) knows how to say "Salamat Po"! It turns out he has been to Manila before. That explains the Jollibee paraphernalia that they have in the diner. Asteeg!


After lunch we passed by a small boutique with a very dainty yet unfriendly cat. Sungit talaga!

Sungit Cat


Ameyoko in Uber Ueno
After saying goodbye to the Sungit Cat, we took the train to my favorite place in Tokyo, Ueno Park! First stop, my favorite Takoyaki (Octopus balls) stall in Ameyoko, Ueno. For just 200 yen, you get 4 Takoyaki balls, unlimited mayo, aonori, katsuo boshi and sauce! Hehehe. No kidding, this is the best Takoyaki I ever had in Japan!




After Takoyaki, we went to biggest hobby store in Ameyoko, Yamashiroya. It has 7 floors full of novelty items, toys, anime goods, models, puzzles and our favorite Otaku staple, the Gacha! Toy vending machines. I am not sure whether it got its name from the sound of the small capsules as you turn the knob (gatcha gatcha) or from the english word "Gotcha". Better ask my Japanese friends again.

Gambatte! Bene with a Gatcha machine
Beside the Gatcha vending machines, a Yamashiroya staff was demonstrating a radio controlled toy Tank, complete with BB round shooting action! (Otaku operator not included) Sorry for my annoying laugh, I was like a schoolboy during Christmas. Hehe.

RC Tank, Beware!


Here are other fun things from Yamashiroya:

Gundammit! Ang Mahal Mo!

Bene with an almost adult size Gundam scale model. It is available for the very affordable price of 350,000 yen (approx $3500 or 200,000 PhP). You can already get a nice compact car in Japan with that price!




Wanted! Beheaded Hollywood Actors! No, those aren't beheaded actors from Hollywood, they are merely model replicas for model maniacs. Models range from Horror movie figurines, Jet Li and Jackie Chan martial arts sculptures, and in this case, the freakishly accurate action hero faces of (from left) Brad Pitt, Bruce Willis, Robert De Niro, Clint Eastwood and Jean Reno (he is very popular in Japan). My favorite is the De Niro one. Too bad it was out of stock. For those interested, you can get the Brad Pitt (circa Seven) and Clint Eastwood for 3675 yen ($40 or 2000PhP). Creepy deshou?



Asteeg Akiba
After our sojourn to Ameyoko and Ueno Park, we went to Akihabara for dinner and last minute sight seeing. Since we have already been to Akiba many times before, we just passed by the side streets and came across the KFC Akiba branch. People were crowding outside. As we took a closer look, we saw what the fuss was all about, Colonel Sanders was dressed in a signature Akiba Maid costume! For those who can read Katakana, his apron says カーネル or Colonel in Japanese. A few days later Bene sent me a picture, this time from a KFC branch in Kyoto wearing a Samurai armor! Hehe.

Maid in Akiba and Colonel Samurai





After our dinner in Akiba, I finally sent off Bene to the Shinkansen terminal at Tokyo Station. It was a busy week but we really had a great time in Tokyo.

Sa uulitin! Kita kits!


San Jose Twins in Tokyo, April 26, 2008

700 Yen Cold Shoulder

I never intended my Blog to be a place to rant and complain but sometimes one has to let out some steam.

Spring in Japan is such a wonderful season. The Sakura are starting to fall with the early spring rain but the beauty of its cascading petals are incomparable. Having been in Japan for three years already, I thought today was going to be another beautiful spring day. I was mistaken, all it took to make it one of my worst was just 700 Yen.

After meeting my professor during the morning, I decided to try this French restaurant near his place. I saw their ad in a local newspaper and seeing that they had reasonable lunch menus, I decided to try it out. Since I was planning on going to the gym later in the afternoon, I was just wearing a light windbreaker and jogging pants. Well, since it is just a casual lunch, I thought that it wouldn't be a problem. I was wrong.

After patiently waiting for it to open by 11:30, I entered the restaurant and wasn't noticed at first. The first greeting that came to me wasn't the usual "Irrashaimase" (Welcome) but a seemingly perplexed chef saying "Okyaku sama iru soudesu" (There seems to be a customer) to the waitress. A middle aged woman then asked me if I was a customer. I said, "Hai, hitori desu" (Yes, I am alone) in polite Japanese. The lady seemed unfriendly and cold, but then I thought maybe she had a rough morning (although the restaurant just opened). In spite of being the first customer, it took a while for her to serve me some water and bring my menu. Again I thought that when a restaurant opens, the service is always slow. Well, that's how small restaurants are, they are not always fast but they give personal service.

After going over their menu, I decided on Lunch C - Grilled Chicken in a special french sauce with rice, soup and salad. As I gave my order, I asked her how the chicken was served. I was expecting a small smile from the lady and a bit more explanation on their gourmet dish but all she gave me was a frank and disconcerting answer, "the chicken is grilled" in very plain nihongo. Well, no harm done; yes, I will have the chicken please.

The soup was good and the grilled chicken, tender and deliciously sauteed. The sauce was good as well, very subtle but it really went well with the chicken. As it was my habit when dining alone, I always read something while having my meal. As I was going through a short history of development theories in economics, another Japanese couple came for lunch. They were wearing nice sweaters and khakis, they looked like they were going to golf later. It was at this moment that I realized I was a bit under dressed for this restaurant. Oh well, that's what you get for trying new places.

Feeling awkward, I quickly finished my meal. It was too bad, I was planning to have some coffee and some dessert while finishing my required readings. As I stood up and went to pay at the cashier, the lady gave me the customary "Doumo arigatou gozaimashita". Funny, it was the coldest thank you I received in my whole life. Still not maintaining any eye contact, she said that my bill was 700 yen. As I payed my bill, I decided to give the biggest denomination I had, a 10,000 yen bill in plain view of all the other 1000 yen I had in my wallet. Finally I saw a hint of emotion in her facial expression even as she avoided my gaze. Her look of irritation as she gave me my 9,300 change was not enough to remove the anger, disgust and pain I felt in my heart. Never have I been insulted in my life as much as today.

Of course I don't blame and generalize the Japanese for being cold and inhospitable. To the contrary, they are the warmest and kindest people I have met in my whole life. I love and miss my host parents, my colleagues, my churchmates and my special someone. Although I take pride in Tsukuba being one of the most foreigner friendly cities in Japan, I guess there are always exceptions to the rule. It was too bad that the restaurant had such bad service. The food was excellent but I would rather have a bentou from our corner Combini with our warm and smiling obaachan (grandmother) anytime. The food was cheap, all it took was 700 Yen for a cold shoulder. Gochisou sama deshita (thank you for the meal).

"Photograph your food for Healthy Lifestyle!"

Following the footsteps of Dr. Yoshiro Nakamatsu, who won the 2005 Ig Nobel Prize for Nutrition "for photographing and retrospectively analyzing every meal he has consumed during a period of 34 years", I was inspired to heed his words when he said during his acceptance speech to "Photograph your meal for a more healthier lifestyle".



At first I thought it was a load of bull, but after trying it out with the help of my Cellfone Camera
, photographing my everyday meals have become a habit. Others find it weird (especially when I dine out) but after uploading my pictures last night, I found that for the past 10 days that I had my share of healthy meals and junk food as well.

Let me now present a collage of what I had from March 26 to April 5, for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner!


Why don't you try it too? After the "experiment" my findings include:

1. I need to cook more healthy meals and...
2. Eating out is very expensive!

Pretty common sense right? But you will really understand your lifestyle, appetite and recent moods by simply documenting your meals.

Just like what they say, "You are what you eat".

Barberong Haiku 1 - Debu Neco (Fat Cat)

デブ猫 by Benja

デブ猫だ！
あれっ？飛べないか？
重いから。。。

Debu Neco Da!
Are? Tobenaika?
Omoi kara...








Takaw Myaw by Benja

Anak ng Pusa!
Ano? Deins makatalon?
Takaw mo kasi...

Dining Alone 1: Nattoko (Natto Otoko)

Welcome to the Dining Alone Series where we feature things I eat when I am alone. We will showcase Japanese, Filipino and Unknown mixed cuisines that will tickle (or even disgust?) your taste buds. Sometimes we will show some recipes but more often than not, this series is just a way to share some interesting dishes that you might have not tried yet.

Today's theme is SOYA! Being from Asia, we always use Soya in our dishes and sauces although we might not be aware of it. Our favorite Filipino sauce, Toyo is called Shoyu in Japan. Both are soy sauces and they really differ per region and maker. In the Philippines we call Japanese Toyo as Kikkoman! Hehehe.

Here is my lunch today. Although I had this during lunch, it is commonly eaten by the Japanese during their breakfast or asagohan. Today's menu includes:


Rice with Natto -fermented soy beans.
Miso Shiru - soup from miso which is a by product when they make soy sauce.
Tofu with Katsuo Bonito Flakes- different from the Philippine Tokwa which has a harder texture. Tofu refers to Japanese soft tofu.
and my favorite Oolong Cha! Yeah!


I have to admit that during the first few times I tried Natto, I really didn't like it. It was gooey, sticky and had a funny smell. For those who would like to try it or would like to know more about it check this link. As a small anecdote, I heard that Natto was originally a regional food product in the Kanto region of Japan. My host father who comes from Hiroshima told me that he learned about Natto when he was a university student in Tokyo. Nowadays Natto can be found everywhere in Japan and is a frequent topic in Japanese television.


Here is proof that I finished mine. Oishikatta! Gochiso sama deshita.
See you next time!

Sundays with Sensei

I never really liked Sundays. While some viewed their Sunday as precious moments to relax and spend time with their families, I saw it not as a day of rest but the start of another week. I detested Sunday the same way that people have the Monday Blues. Let me explain. I grew in a family where education was really valued. After a week of studying, our weekends would start by Friday well until Saturday. We would then start Sunday with Mass at church, and then lunch in a restaurant. Once we got home, it was straight to our school books. We would study well into the night to prepare for our Monday lessons. Thus our Sunday was not part of the weekend, it was the start of the week!


As we got older, our Sundays gradually changed. Our parents weren't as strict anymore and we spent much of our time going out to the mall and dining out with the family after church. Sunday was turning into a real rest day. However in spite of that, I didn't value Sunday as the Lord's day as I ought to. For me Sunday was about going to Mass, and after an hour go straight to the mall (and sometimes having Mass at the mall).


That changed when I went to Japan three years ago. After being invited by a special friend, I was introduced to the Tsukuba Kibou Kyoukai (Tsukuba Hope Church). Growing up a Catholic, I found the church service quite different. Being Presbyterian, it gave emphasis on bible readings, worship and prayer. Compared to the Catholic Mass, the service was significantly less in rituals. At first I had a hard time since the services were all done in Japanese and Korean. I could barely follow the teachings and songs.
I have to admit that under normal circumstances I would not have stayed if not for our wonderful pastor, Park Sensei. Sensei did not fit my image of what a reverend should be. For one, although he is married and has two kids, he has this boyish charm that made him seem like a big brother to us. Further more he was an electronics geek, loved sports and was really into music. During service he would be very passionate in teaching us the scriptures, but after service he was like one of the guys. Although he also had his moods, he was the type of guy that you could joke around with.

After faithfully building our community for 12 years, Park Sensei is finally leaving our church for another assignment in Tokyo. It has been decided that he would take care of another flock.

Looking back this past three years I find it a blessing that although I could barely understand let alone speak proper Japanese, I was able to understand God's teaching through sensei here in Japan than when I was attending English church services in the Philippines. Sensei taught me that beyond language and culture, faith was truly more powerful than words.

My Sundays have never been the same. Sundays are not workdays anymore, I have already started looking forward to Sunday service as the best way to start my week. That's all thanks to our Sensei, Samonim (Pastor's wife in Korean) and his wonderful kids Jifun and Chihi.

To you Park sensei, Doumo Arigatou Gozaimashita...

Kancho Dame!

Got this pic from a friend's blog. It is a very funny shirt that says "Kancho Dame!" (Kancho Not Allowed). Kancho literally is Japanese for enema. However in Japanese slang this refers to a childish prank where you position your two hands in a shooting position and use it to quickly prod your victim's as*. According to my Japanese friend, this has been a popular prank since the 1980's.

I really want to get this shirt. Maybe they have it in Tokyo. Hehe.

Haru Ichiban and Densha Otoko

We have been experiencing very good weather for the past days here in Ibaraki. It was sunny the whole week and daytime temperatures were quite warm. Of course the evening is still cold but you can really sense the coming of spring.

Today has also been sunny but the afternoon brought forth very strong winds called "Haru Ichiban". These are seasonal winds which mark the coming of Spring. Pretty soon we will be enjoying the sakura viewing or Hanami by the first week of April.

Anyway since it was windy outside, I spent most of my day watching a Japanese drama called Densha Otoko (Train Man). It was based from a viral internet bulletin board in Japan wherein a self-confessed Otaku helps a beautiful lady in a train. Having no experience with the opposite sex, he asks advice from fellow members of the bulletin board for advice.

Due to the popularity of this viral web board, it evolved into a manga series, tv drama, novel and movie. I have been watching the TV drama from Crunchyroll. You need not register to watch the drama but I recommend it so that you have full access to their superb selection of tv dramas, movies and anime from Asia. The story is really touching and sweet. I really recommend this drama even for those who are not into romantic comedies. I personally enjoy the interactions and reactions of the bulletin board members - ranging from jocks, otakus, businessmen, single old men and OLs.

For those who want to see the original threads, you can check this site which posts the original thread in Japanese and English (translated). Enjoy!

Don't just take my word, go ahead and watch the 1st episode. Don't worry it has english subtitles.

Let me also post the opening theme video and some few portions of episode 1 in my multiply front page - video portion. Enjoy!


High: Finished Densha Otoko
Low: Spent the whole day inside my apartment :(

Filipino-Japanese Words

Came across this wiki entry describing Filipino words which were taken from Nihongo:

• Barabara - scattered; disperse
• Dahan-dahan (Nihongo: Dandan) - slowly; gradually
• Dorobo (Nihongo: dorobou) - criminal, especially a thief or burglar
• Haba - length (width or breadth in Nihongo)
• Kaban - sack of rice (bag, satchel, basket in Nihongo)
• Katól (Nihongo: katōru) - mosquito coil

Totoo kaya? Well definitely the Japanese words are correct, but I am not so sure about "Haba". Any thoughts on this from our friends from Ling (Jap) and Filipino studies?

Touching Interview

During my undergrad socio courses we discussed the value and importance of doing a proper interview. You really have to be there and try your best to get the most out of your interviewee.

Every time I listen to podcasts or TV interviews, those lessons return to me. Too bad whenever I do interviews for fieldwork research, I find my voice to be really bad and weird. Hehe.

Here is an interesting interview from Slate.com's "50 cent interviews" where they interview interesting people in busy places. This was a spontaneous interview of a Filipino American talking about receiving the gift of a liver transplant.

Watch it here.

Docu Projects

My videographer and blogger friend Jing Villareal and I am planning to make short documentary segments featuring various stories of Filipinos living in Japan. Of course these are all proposals and it really depends whether we can get funding.

I have always had an interest in photography and video making after taking courses during my university days. Now I have a new sensei to teach me! Hehe.

Here are the proposed stories which will be made into 5 min. segments:


"Bilog" - The story will revolve around the experiences of real-life "bilog" T. Hernandez a migrant worker and community leader here in Japan. A "bilog" is the term used by Filipinos here in Japan to refer to undocumented migrant workers, of which hundreds are now languishing in Japanese detention centers.

"A is for Apuru" - With the increase of demand for English teachers, many Filipinos find themselves working as Assistant Language Teachers (ALT) in various elementary and middle schools in Japan. These Eigo Senseis discover the challenges and rewards of teaching regardless of their previous backgrounds.

"20 min Visit" - Fr. Serate together with Lay Missionary N. Codog of the Urawa Open House has been visiting and counseling Filipino detainees in various detention centers while they await their migration hearings. Although they are only allowed 20 minutes, their visits always bring stories of sadness, despair but also hope.

"Furusato (Hometown)" - "Philippine Zanryuu Nihonjin" refers to the children of Japanese who were left behind in the Philippines after the Second World War. Facing discrimination and the constant fear of retaliation by Filipino guerillas, they hid their Japanese identity. After several decades, they are now finally visiting the land of their fathers to rediscover their heritage and to appeal to the Family Courts for their citizenship.

"Ballads in Wood" - E. Robles is a visual artist, musician, and cancer survivor currently doing a sculpture art concert called "Ballads in Wood". Having lived in the Philippines, the US and Japan, she is in a constant search for inspiration and ideas. Although targeting mainly a Japanese audience, she is reaching out to the Filipino community -showing that Filipino art is beyond Adobo and Tinikling.

"Tagalog Hanasanai (Can't Speak Tagalog)" - children of the Filipino diaspora face many challenges in Japanese schools. For those who just came from the Philippines, learning Nihongo is difficult. Equally problematic for Filipino kids who have been living and studying in Japan, is speaking Tagalog. This segment explores the dillema of multi-lingual families and the role of the children's spoken language to their identity, dreams, and aspirations.


What do you think? Hehehe.

Winter Blues

Although I am tired after today's presentation, I am afraid that I won't be able to sleep well tonight. Probably because I feel a bit sad.

Of course my neco is away so that is natural. However more than that is the feeling of being cooped up and trapped in my apartment. If you have been to Japan, you are familiar on how small and cramped it gets. My apartment is not really 'semai' but with the cold winter weather, you can't help but spent most of your time inside your warm apartment.

Although I can keep myself busy with my studies and the internet, it really feels good just to stay outdoors. Of course, that is the problem. Since it is winter, it is really cold outside and the sun sets quite early by Philippine standards (it dark out by 5pm).

*Sigh* Life inside my Capsule Apartment can really be suffocating. I'll try opening the windows a bit just to let the stuffy stale air out.

Anyway, will be sleeping soon.

You guys have a pleasant and good night!

Benj

My back hurts!

Just finished a presentation in class. It was quite long and my voice became tired after a time but the article itself was very interesting. I should really prepare for my papers and presentations well before the deadline. Hehehe. Manana habit strikes with a vengeance!

Anyway the article discusses how various factors affect the level of corruption in Southeast Asia. It was really a literature review of sorts. It was a bit long but I learned a lot. Life as a budding academic sure is challenging yet interesting.

After staying up all night preparing and cramming for the presentation, my back really hurts. I thought that once I get a decent chair it won't a problem anymore. Guess I was wrong.

Perhaps a hot shower and a nice soak at the Ofuro will do.

After that, just hang out and chat with my loving neco.

De wa, mata!


Benj


High: Happyou went well!
Low: Back Hurts, Winter Blues

Welcome to Kuwentong Barbero ni Benja!

Hi! This is my first blog so pardon me for being such a blog newbie. Hopefully something useful can come about from this blog. Well at least it's good writing exercise right? Hehehe.

Kita kits!

Benja