An educational and enjoyable visit at the Manga Hokusai Manga exhibit at the Ateneo Art Gallery

17 June 2017

"Manga Hokusai Manga will explore the similarities and differences between modern Japanese manga and Katsushika Hokusai's manga and introduce the charms of this unique field of Japanese culture".  As soon as I read this blurb from a post on the Japan Foundation Manila's FB page, I was immediately intrigued and so penned in the date on our calendar.  Anything that will get us to learn more about our favorite manga is worth a visit.  Plus, admission is free!

At the center of the exhibit is Katsushika Hokusai's "Hokusai Manga".  Browsing through all the panels encourages you to understand, appreciate and discern just how their (Hokusai and his contemporaries) works contributed to the evolution of manga.

The exhibit runs from June 17 to July 28, 2017 at the Rizal Library Special Collections Building, Ateneo de Manila University.  This exhibit is presented by the Ateneo Art Gallery, the Japan Foundation, Manila and the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines.

The Hyundai Veloster, Ma Mon Luk and walking around SM Mall of Asia

23 April 2017

So Patrick has had the Hyundai Veloster for the week and this is the last day we're able to ride in it as a family.  We took it for a ride to the 2017 Trans Sport Show.  This post is about the day that we had - dining at Ma Mon Luk and stuff we bought while walking around SM Mall of Asia after we took a break from the Trans Sport Show.

Fun Finds at the Christmas Toys and Collectibles 2016

17 December 2016

As Christmas approaches, I pay particular attention to the bazaars and toy fairs that are being held.  I've already inked the Christmas Toys and Collectibles Fair 2016 on my calendar as soon as I saw their ads.   I didn't really have any particular toy in mind but it's always a joy to browse.   I just hated that it was in SM Megamall because parking is terrible there haha So, entrance was P100/head and off we went!

DIY: The kids and I apply wall putty and rig hanging posters

05 November 2016

Parents need to be creative when they want their kids to learn. For me, I like to teach them practical knowledge that they'll be able to use when they've grown up.  Things like applying wall putty on cracks on the wall :)  It's simple, easy to do and enjoyable.  At best, it's doing something that will make them appreciate and value their room more since they had a hand in beautifying it.

Meet and Greet with Joe Inoue at the Quezon City Parks and Wildlife Center

07 May 2016

The best way to be on "stalker mode" with your favorite celebrity is to set their posts to "see first" on your News Feed on Facebook.  Since we saw Joe Inoue at the Nihonggo Festival last February (related post here), Dana and I have taken to keeping updated with his meet and greet events for fans.  We were excited when we saw him post that he was in the Philippines and will be at the Quezon City Parks and Wildlife Center (he originally posted that the venue was to be at the Quezon Memorial Circle).  This was so doable since it was pretty accessible and we made sure that we'd make it.

Went to the Nihongo Festival and saw Joe Inoue Live in Manila

27 February 2016


Today was supposed to be an ordinary day until Patrick tagged me on this link.  Joe Inoue, the singer of "Closer", one of Naruto Shippuuden's ending songs, was going to be performing live in the afternoon at the Nihongo Fiesta 2016 sponsored by the Japan Foundation Manila at the Shangri-la Plaza for free!  Dana, Dylan and I were so excited because first, it's free! Second, the venue was accessible! Third, we had plenty of time to finish our chores before we go! :) yay! There was a moment of doubt because we might have a hard time coming home from there since I remember that area always being jam-packed with people during the rush hour.  But, what the heck, it's a rare opportunity so we went!

All things Japanese!

ok.. ok.. I admit I'm a fan of Japanese anime, especially Naruto!! I just love that guy.. he's so cute hahahaha oh and I love Jiraiya too.. what's good is that I also am beginning to learn how to speak in Japanese!! even my 4-year old girl is saying "Itadakimasu" before we eat hahaha

well, I also was able to watch a Japanese manga (their version of comics) turned live action. It's called Nodame Cantabile and I enjoyed it a lot!! It's kind of a sweet romantic comedy love story about a girl student-pianist and a boy student-conductor .. and how they find themselves and each other through their journey in life.

It makes you appreciate classical musical too :)

It's one of my newest favorites after Hana Yori Dango 1 and Hana Yori Dango 2 :)