Treasure Find 14 -- Family First!

Treasure Find 14:

Fast paced lifestyle.  That's how you define the people living and working in the metro.  And I am no stranger to that mode of living.  With my very demanding job and tons of activities lined up for me each week, I really have less time for myself and the people important to me.  But wait, don't get me wrong.  I am not complaining, oh well generally speaking hehe.

My work may be difficult and stressful but it is fulfilling.  It has answered my thirst and hunger for creative expression and strategic thinking.  My activities (blogging, photography, travel, watching movies) may eat up my time but how can I complain with the enrichment I get by doing all these?  If there's just one thing that's making me feel guilty is my inability to spend more time with my family and old friends.  But I made a commitment this year that I will address that deficiency and strike the balance between all the things that make me happy and the things I can do to make other people happy.  

From left: my mom (Zeny), Tita Elvie, my niece Angel and Tita Malou.

A few weeks back, after my trip to Japan, my mom called me up and talked to me about the her concern on her knees.  And without any hesitation, I assured my mom that I'll take a day off and accompany her to her doctor.  Although I can always depend on my helpful and loving relatives (Thank you from the bottom of my heart Tita Malou, Tito Rio, Ate Haydee, Virgie, Tita Elvie), I felt I needed to do it this time around to show my mom that I do care.  And sometimes, do you know that feeling when your parents want you to accompany them but are too shy to ask you?  Kick out machismo, I'll do this for my mom!  :)  She has been so worried and with no "too much about myself thought" intended, I just think that with me around, I can somehow help take her worries away.  Well, they won't be around forever so  I guess, for me, it's ought that we give the best time we could give to our folks.

Treasure Find 13: Can't Take No for Ueno -- Our Trip to Ueno Zoological Gardens (Japan Naman part 2)

HELLO WORLD:

If you've been an old-time TaDi reader, I guess you'll know by now that I aside from digital media, movies and heritage, I am an enthusiast of the wildlife.   In fact, as I shared before, this passion has prompted me to dream of becoming a part of National Geographic.  :)

Oh well, that was just a childhood fantasy but I can still feel the remnants of that dream.  During my recent trip to Japan, I learned that Ueno Zoological Gardens, the oldest zoo in Japan which was founded in 1882, provides home to two new giant pandas!  Its original panda Lingling, which was brought to Japan in 1972 together with another panda, died in 2008 due to old age.  I've actually saw pandas already in 2003 during my visit to Hong Kong's Ocean Park.  But I guess, these creatures have really a soft spot in my heart and I can't afford not to see them again when there's a chance.  I just can't take no for Ueno!  :)

Treasure Find 12: Japan, Naman! (Japan This Time Around!) -- The TaDi Japan Special

HELLO WORLD:

New World in 2012.  When I crafted this battlecry for 2012, I didn't expect that the turnout will be that fast.  January 02 is when I heard the good news about our Japan trip!  And woah, it was just a great way to kick off the year!  After Hong Kong, Dongguan, Shenzhen, Asian Cruise in HK, Sanya City and Vietnam, Shanghai, and Singapore, foydi is now headed to a little much farther place.  This year, it's Japan Naman! (Japan This Time Around!)

At first I can't believe the trip in Japan but I guess dreams really do come true.  Finally, I'll be in the land where Godzilla, Voltes V, Ghost Fighter and even Sadako came from!  :D  I suddenly thought of what Japan has to offer (aside from the snow in Mount Fuji! hehe) -- a marvelous culture both ancient and modern (think of ninjas, shoguns, geishas, sumo wrestling and then of animes, manga, game shows, toys and hit movies), an amazing technology plus transport system, a laudable way of life and of course a great cuisine!

But bundled with the excitement is the pressure of preparing for the trip.  Applying for VISA was quite a long process but our trip's travel coordinators / agency helped us in every step of the way.  And then since we are up for a winter vacation, we needed to gear up in terms of clothes and toiletries.  It was a month long search for winter clothes but I only managed to focus on the preparation a week for the actual trip.  (Yup, blame it to my January load hehe).  I looked for winter jackets, clothes for layering, walking shoes fit for the weather, thermal underwear, lip balm, moisturizer, sunblock, and medicines among many others! 

Treasure Find 11: iPad2 or Batanes?

Treasure Find 11:

Last December, something good and challenging came to my senses.  As I ended my 2011, I became ready then to fulfill one major item in my goals for 2012!  'But the problem was choosing between two items to be fulfilled.  Shall I buy an iPad2 or shall I go to Batanes?  

It was a struggle.  As a social media enthusiast, iPad 2 will be of big help. With iPad 2, I can stay connected, blog or post anytime, take fun shots and of course enjoy apps and games (and document the travel hehe)!   But as a culture junkie, Batanes is equally appealing.  It will be a great break from stressful life at the city and a perfect opportunity to discover not only an awesome place but myself.