Our Day 3, my nieces would be bringing me to Kyoto to visit the Kiyomizu-dera Temple, and the Hanami-koji Street. The latter in hope to catch a (real) Geisha.
Today, I would also be experiencing riding Japan's public bus. My nieces arranged that we take the train and the bus.
We walked our way to these landmarks. It is an uphill walk. The area has several stores--food stalls, souvenir shops, restaurants, etc.
On the way up, we paused for a snack. I tried a vanilla and matcha ice cream at Kyoto Kiyomizu Chigiriya.
We also stopped by Yuzen where I was able to buy chopsticks and have my name engraved on them. We will pick up the engraved chopsticks later.
Yuzen
We wanted to try Starbucks there because of the experience of drinking your coffee differently--while on the floor. But the coffee shop is full. It also has a different facade which matches with the area.
Starbucks
Took several photos near the Houkanji Temple and Yasaka Pagoda.
Yasaka Pagoda
For lunch, we ate at NinenzakaKamanza. I ordered the Teriyaki Chicken Bowl. ๐ It is also here where I tried using chopsticks. My niece taught me how.
Ninenzaka Kamanza
We then went back to Yuzen to pick-up our engraved chopsticks before proceeding to Kiyomizu-dera Temple, stopping from time to time to check stores and/ or buy items like in Kuroroku.
We entered the temple grounds and took several photos.
On our way out, there was a group of ladies donning the Geisha attire. Many people flocked around them and took photos.
Our next destination is the Hanami-koji Street where you can find real Geisha if you would be able to catch them. We walked our way there, stopping at Starbucks to refresh after all that walking.
Hanami-koji Street
We then went back to our hotel to rest a bit before having our dinner.
For dinner, we went to Fukutaro. When we arrived at the restaurant, there were already people waiting outside to be seated. We ordered their Negiyaki Mixed (pork, shrimp, squid) and Okonomiyaki Beef. ๐
The second day of our Japan vacation is to go around Namba area, buying the items in our wish list.
Before leaving the hotel, I ate my breakfast which we bought from 7-Eleven last night. My niece taught me how to eat it.
Mini-Altar at bedside table
Breakfast bought at 7-Eleven
Our first stop would be at Tower Knives. On the way, we stopped to take photos from time to time. That's when something untoward happened. Anyway, lesson learned. Maybe best to take photos with your cellphone (no sound) than a regular camera. Avoid taking pictures with people in them unless you are in โtouristโ areas.
When we reached Tower Knives, it was still closed. It opens at 10 AM. We decided to have coffee in one of the stores nearby. Chose cafe du petit.
At cafe du petit
Before 10 AM, we went back to Tower Knives. It is a good experience as I have learned something new about knives. My niece chose the Santoku (a Japanese knife), and petty knives with different handles. The way to choose a knife is to use it and see how it feels in your hands when you are using it. The lady who assisted us also did some demo and gave snippets of information.
Do not push the knife down when cutting.
When cutting "hard" food, slice the knife back (Asian style) or slice forward (Western style). Best is slicing backward.
When cutting soft food like tomatoes, slice back then forward.
You can also have your name engraved on the knife. My niece did it by putting the Japanese name.
Engraving at Tower Knives
Next goal is to buy my On shoes. We would be going and walking our way to Abeno Q's Mall where the main branch of the shoes is located. On the way, passed by Tsutenkaku Tower. It is a 103-meter-tall landmark in Osakaโs retro Shinsekai district that serves as a symbol of the city.
Tsutenkaku Tower
Back to my shoes. They do not carry my size.
Since we were already there, we had our lunch at the mall's food court--Q's Kitchen. The serving was so big that I did not finish my food.
We went back to the hotel first, dropping off our purchases and to rest a little before our afternoon activities. This is my first train ride in Japan via Osaka Metro. My niece taught me how to get the icoca card and have it loaded up. It can be used for trains and buses.
Our first stop is at a Kimono rental where my nieces already made an appointment for the kimono rental and our hair was done. We walked our way to Osaka Castle wearing Japan's traditional dress. ๐
Osaka Castle
This is where we had a lot of photos taken. We no longer entered the castle. It is enough that we explored the grounds outside the castle, usually the castle as a backdrop of our photos. On our way back to where we rented the kimono, it started to drizzle. Thank You, God, for the rain did not fall hard.
We then went to Dotonbori for some (window) shopping and to have our dinner. We ate at Tempura Makino Namba. My nieces have already researched where to eat so I can try them. It is my first time in Japan. They have been to Japan several times. I ordered their Tamago-Ten-Tsuki. ๐ It is a shrimp tempura set meal with egg tempura. The food is very good. I have not finished the food because I am already full.
Tempura Makino Namba
Inside the Tempura Makino Namba
For dessert, we tried the Strawberry Mania. Tried their Daifuku Daifuku. ๐
Strawberry Mania
I also had my picture taken in front of the Glico Man billboard. They said if you haven't done so, you have not been to Osaka. LOL. The Glico Man is a famous, 33-meter-tall LED billboard in Osaka's Dotonbori district depicting a runner in a victory pose on a blue track. Installed in 1935, it symbolizes the energy-boosting properties of Ezaki Glico's caramel candy, with the "running man" mascot representing the 300 meters of energy provided by one piece.
Glico Man
We passed by a Gashapon. My nieces wanted me to try it. They chipped in with coins and guided me how to do it (enter the three coins one at a time, turn the dial fully to the right, pick up your "prize").
Gashapon "prize"
Before going back to the hotel to call it a day, we passed by Don Quixote for some souvenirs. They said, it is a must to experience buying at Don Quixote. And again, we went to 7-Eleven.
Today, we (me and my two nieces) would be leaving for a Japan vacation. It is my nieces' gift for me. I am looking forward to this. This is my first travel after my retirement.
We should be at the airport for four (4) hours before our flight. So we left the condo around 9:30 AM with my niece, wearing my Casio G-Shock on my left wrist and my Apple watch on my right. We will be picking up my other niece in her condo.
Everything went smoothly on our check-in.
My two nieces have free access to the airport lounge. I don't have it. They paid (PhP 3,000.00) so that all three of us would be relaxed while waiting for the flight. Thank you! โค
PAGSStop Lounge at Terminal 1
When we are on our way to Gate 4, that is when we learned that it is the last call for the passengers in the flight. But we did not hear it announced at the lounge?! So we ran. LOL
I think our flight only took less than 4 hours.
Manila from the plane
While on the flight, it is when I remembered I forgot the PIN of my GCash Visa Card. Then, I forgot the MPIN of my GCash app!!!
Upon landing in Japan, the processing is efficient--everything is automated. My nieces also rented a WiFi we can use. The van who will bring us to our hotel is already waiting for us.
Kansai International Airport (KIX)
It is about a 15 minute ride to ChaYa Hotel. The instructions on how to get in our hotel room have been sent. There is no receptionist where we have to do our check-in. Nice.
ChaYa Hotel
After leaving our things, we went out to have our dinner at McDonald's. I tried their offering which is not available in the Philippines--the Bai Teriyaki McBurger.
McDonald's
We then crossed the street to 7-Eleven to buy food for breakfast. Our hotel room has a mini-kitchen. It is also here where I withdrew money using my GCash Visa Card. Be sure to choose "no forex conversion".
7-Eleven
Then, we walked back to our hotel where I tried to do some night photography.
I will be one of the principal sponsors for this March wedding. Thus, I asked my niece to help me buy a dress and accessories. It should be Filipiniana beige gown. Actually, last Saturday, when she was at the mall, she already looked for dresses.
Left the condominium past 10 AM with my Rado Captain Cook Automatic on my left wrist and my Apple watch on my right. Picked-up my niece at her condo before proceeding to Ayala Land.
We were dropped off at Glorietta and we went directly to SM's Kultura. My niece picked up the dresses ably assisted by the saleslady of Kultura. The saleslady is very good. Just by looking at me, she already knows my size. And her recommendations are also classy. And so are my niece's choices.
Not a gown but I really like it. One of the dresses picked by my niece.
Shared the images to my other niece. She said this is like Vietnamese but Filipiniana. LOL.
Also checked shoes and bought pink and old rose corsage.
For lunch, we went to Chili's at One Ayala.
Before going home, dropping first my niece at her condo, passed by National Bookstore.
Finally, the final computation has been approved. Now, I just have to submit a signed, notarized quitclaim so that my previous company can start processing to credit my separation pay. At least, everything in relation to my retirement has been completed, or for completion, prior to our Japan trip.
Brought the document to the Ortigas office.
What is funny, the guard assigned to the floor I went to knows me. He knows my office before at is North Tower but I am dropped-off/ picked-up at South Tower. He even asked if I still walk in place--which I do to meet the 10,000 steps. Must be because I like talking to guards, salesperson, janitor, etc. Often while walking in the mall, someone smiles at me. I smile back thinking what store/ shop did I meet him/ her. Hehehe!
Walked my way to SM Megamall where Edgar has the car parked, passing by The Podium. I also asked him to look for the medicine in the mall.
I was able to buy one and we had our lunch at Conti's.
Roast Beef in Mushroom Sauce
From Megamall, we went to Ayala Land. I was dropped off at Glorietta 5 so I can go to Uniqlo. I was able to buy additional shirts. I then went to SM Makati to go to Miniso where I was able to buy an eye mask. Bought permanent markers at National Bookstore. I was supposed to buy cloth marker; but it is not available. The saleslady suggested the oil-based Sharpie permanent marker.
Started my bullet journal (if you can call it that) on December 20, 2025. Why? Because I want to use my fountain pens as much as possible. LOL. And also, because of this video.
It is simple yet you already have your...
ย to-do list or actions;
- thoughts or learnings;
= feelings, both physical and emotional (this, I think, some items I cannot write in this blog); and
ยข events.
I make sure I write every day. I also write at the top of the page a Bible verse found in any of the (Catholic) Bible readings (reading/s and Gospel) for the day.
And with my thermal label printer, added pictures when necessary. I think this actually triggered again my interest in photography (although I don't think it really waned) especially instant printed images.
My instant cameras are:
instax mini 90 (I already own before the fire. I had to buy a battery charger so I can use.)
Since it is not grocery day and I have no plans in the morning, left around 2:30 PM with my favorite Omega Speedmaster 38 mm on my left wrist, and my Apple watch on my right, to attend the anticipated Mass at Greenbelt Chapel.
I was dropped off at The Landmark since there is still time to tick-off some of the items on my list that I plan to bring to my Japan trip. Went to the supermarket to buy those items. Then, visited the Mary, Mother of Hope Chapel.
After, proceeded to Greenbelt Chapel. I was able to pray the Precious Blood of Jesus chaplet and join the community to pray the Divine Mercy chaplet and the Rosary.
The anticipated Mass presider is Fr. Benny.
All the readings are connected.
The first reading gave the very context of the two readings to follow. This reading is on the sin of Adam and ever. The serpent tempted them. It is the story of our life: us wanting to be independent from God, we make ourselves as a god, a way of idolatry; disobey God and defy what God wants us to do; we want to attain want we want and not the will of God.
The second reading is about Jesus, and Mama Mary's, obedience. The second Adam and Eve. Through the disobedience of one man (Adam), many are made sinners. With the obedience of one (our Lord, Jesus Christ), many will be righteous.
The Gospel is the temptation of Jesus Christ by the devil. During Jesus' baptism, God's voice will be heard in (through) Jesus.
"Command the stone to become loaves of bread." The Scriptures may be used by anyone, including the devil. God's Word will make us contented in this life and beyond.
"Throw yourself down for the angels will protect you." "You shall not put the Lord, Your God, to the test." This is about popularity. Jesus does not want people to follow because of His popularity; but, for them to follow because they want to have a relationship with God.
"All things I will give to you if you prostrate before me." "Only the Lord, your God, you will worship."
All these temptations because Satan wants Jesus to disobey His Father, to be derailed of His mission.
Point of the Church for this Lent: repentance and obedience to the Lord.
After the Mass, went to Peri-Peri to buy food-to-go. While they are preparing my order, left to go National Bookstore and SM Stationary to buy pens I can use for my Instax film (Sharpie ultra fine point permanent marker) and for checks (uni-ball signo). Also went to Watsons to buy band-aid and medicine. The medicine is not available.
Since Edgar, the driver, is still not around since he brought my niece back to her condo, picked up my food and went to The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf where I had a frappuccino.
As soon as Edgar arrived, brought my purchases to the car. Left him to buy medicine. I went to Mercury Drug at The Landmark but there are many people on the queue. So crossed to the branch of Mercury Drug at The Link. The medicine is also not available. They kindly called other branches in the Makati area; the medicine is out of stock. (sad)
While waiting for the feedback which branch the medicine is available, I asked Edgar to go to me, get the receipt so he can pick up the bag I had repaired.
I asked Edgar to check in the Pasay area the availability of the medicine. Also on Monday, to remind me to check the Ortigas area since I will be going to (my former) office to submit the requirement for my separation pay so that they can process it already.
I will be attending the Friday Mass at Greenbelt Chapel. Left with my Tudor Black Bay 54 on my left wrist, and my Apple watch on my right.
I was dropped-off at Greenbelt.
I was able to finish my morning prayers, the Precious Blood of Jesus Chaplet, and joined the community to pray Sacred Heart prayer and the Rosary.
The Mass presider is Fr. Benny.
In the Jewish tradition, during weddings, even on the day of the wedding, people fast so that the groom will come and agree to the wedding.
In the Bible, the relationship between Israel and God is reflected as the relationship of husband and wife.
The disciples are not fasting while Jesus is with them. Since the Lord has ascended and we are waiting for His coming, thus, we fast.
Fast should be combined with prayer, fast should be combined with acts of charity. Fast should be letting God reign in our hearts and emptying ourselves of selfishness.
After the Mass, I took photos again using my Lomo'Instant Automat Glass. One is a multiple exposure with the images of Saint Joseph, Mama Mary, and the Sto. Niรฑo. The other is the altar up to the ceiling.
Holy Family (Lomo'Instant Automat Glass, multiple exposure)
Father and Son (Lomo'Instant Automat Glass)
Bought a toothbrush and small toothpaste at The Landmark. I will be bringing it to Japan. I went up the 5th Floor to visit the Mary, Mother of Hope Chapel.
And for lunch, my usual every Friday, Bacolod Chicken Inasal. I ordered Sinigang sa Batwan Bangus Belly (PhP337.00), Plain Rice (PhP45.50), Suman Fiesta (PhP173.00).
Suman Fiesta
Then, I went to beabi, to National Bookstore (looking for uni-ball signo ballpen), and to SM Stationary (where I was able to buy a black uni-ball signo pen). The reason I wanted to use this ballpen because it can serve as a security tool for your checks. I learned that checks can be "washed" with acetone; thus, removing what was written on the check--even allowing modification to the amount written on the check. The ink of this pen will withstand this.
While waiting for Edgar to pick me up in order to go home, I saw an e-mail from HR informing me that the final computation has been approved and referred me to someone I can discuss. Finally! Called her when I got home.
I will be attending the Ash Wednesday Mass at Sto. Niรฑo de Paz Greenbelt Chapel. Left around 9:20 AM with Swatch Greenshift Glow on my left wrist and my Apple watch on the right.
I know I would be late for the 9 AM Mass but very early for the 10:30 AM Mass. Instead, as soon as I arrived at the chapel, the Mass was about to end with the priest giving his blessing. Then people started queuing to have ashes put on their foreheads. Unlike what I did last December 25 and January 1, I proceeded to my favorite seat. I was able to finish my morning prayers, and joined the community to pray the Rosary and the Mother of Perpetual Help Novena.
The Mass presider is Fr. Ronaldo.
When Lent enters, we often think about our personal dealings with God. It reminds us of what things to let go, and things we should acquire. But Lend is not just about personal journey--it is also a relational journey. Conversion is the endpoint of this journey.
The three pillars of Lent: (a) Prayer intensifies our relationship with God. (b) Almsgiving and (c) fasting makes us go closer to one another.
We not only ask for Godโs forgiveness; but, we should also be channels of love and forgiveness.
Putting ash on our forehead: Ash reminds us who we are. And in spite of who we are, we are loved by God.
Ashes were placed on the foreheads after the Mass.
I passed by Mary, Mother of Hope Chapel at The Landmark. Then, to Besa's hoping that the camera bag I had repaired is already available. Nope. And for lunch, I ordered at MAiSEN and ate at Food Choices.
Before going, I have items in my list: lens tissue (to clean camera's lens), and mouse (not a logi mouse since my laptop is always encountering driver error with my current logi mouse). I went to Henry's Cameras (where a bought cleaning set which includes a blower, lens brush and microfiber), DataBlitz, PixelPlay, Silicon Valley, Octagon Computer Superstore, and Asus (where I bought an Asus mouse hoping that since my laptop is also an Asus, I would no longer have issue with my mouse).
A friend who is still in the camera club invited me to join them in their photo shoot today. Meet-up is at Starbucks of Pacific Center Building in Binondo around 12 noon. So, left the condominium around 10:30 AM with my Apple watch on my left wrist.
I arrived at the venue before 12 noon but I cannot find Sam. I was at the door of the coffee shop looking for him. Then, Kuya Nick saw me. Thus, joined them at their table. When they left to do more shooting, I stayed to wait for Sam. Actually, he was already at Starbucks since; but, at the second floor. And he has eaten his lunch already!!! And I thought we would be doing a food trip...
What is nice, the older members of the camera club still remember me. There was Nick, Edwin, Caloy, Chito, Nestor, and Lea.
Dragon for the Dragon Dance (instax mini Evo, vivid, vignette)
By the canal (instax mini Evo; light leak)
By the canal (Canon PowerShot SX70 HS printed in instax mini Evo)
When I was able to take my "fill", said goodbye to the group. I am truly hungry. Timing is important. If we left much later, we would not be able to leave the area immediately especially once the parade starts.
Using Canon PowerShot SX70 HS
Using Canon PowerShot SX70 HS
Went to Glorietta to have my late lunch at Nanyang.
Decided to look for a soap dish for travel as well as the Muji pouch to make my bag "organized". Went to beabi (will look around before I go back if I did not find a soap dish for travel), True Value, Nitori (where I bought a spray), and Muji (where I bought a pouch).
I left the condominium a few minutes before 10 AM, which means, I am late for my appointment. I am wearing the black Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical on my left wrist, and my Apple watch on my right.
My morning is spent at Coco Grace Salon at The Link. While "relaxing" ๐, I was able to finish my morning prayers and the Precious Blood of Jesus chaplet.
After, I visited Mary, Mother of Hope Chapel at The Landmark. Ordered take-out at Greenwich. Since my order will be ready in 25 minutes, I went to beabi to see if I can buy a soap dish I can use for travel. And of course, I bought a bottle of iced tea at Shakey's. Picked-up my order at Greenwich and called Edgar to pick me up at Glorietta.
Before going home, I passed by Cash and Carry Mall to buy ice cream at Dairy Queen.
Home, I learned that Lyn is having abdominal pains starting at 1 PM. Wanted to be sure it is not appendicitis else we have to bring her to the hospital. The pain is not stabbing and not in the lower right of the abdomen. She can't describe the pain. I remember when I experienced that, it was because of gas. Efficascent oil helps me to fart. ๐ I lent Lyn my recently bought electric heating pad and it seems to help her. I also asked Edgar, the driver, to buy a bottle of efficascent oil and bring it to us. I hope it will help her.
Left the condominium around 10 AM with my favorite Omega Speedmaster 38 on my left wrist, and my Apple watch on my right. I also brought my new camera bag to have it repaired--the snap at the side got broken.
As soon as we arrived at the parking lot, we went to Alterations Plus. They will have to bring the bag to have it repaired and will take about two (2) weeks. They can already do alterations at the shop. Two weeks is too long.
Next, I went to Besa's Footwear and Bag Restoration. It would take one (1) week. But somehow I trust this repair shop as I previously had one of my bags repaired. I was pushed back by PhP2,500.00. The question now is what camera bag would I be bringing when I do a photo shoot for the Chinese New Year? I can only get the bag on Thursday while the Chinese New Year shoot would be on Tuesday.
On the way to The Landmark Supermarket to buy some groceries, there is an event at the Glorietta Activity Center. There are set-ups you can use as background when you take photos for Valentine's. I took a photo of Edgar, the driver, as if he is calling inside a telephone booth which is decorated with flowers. He can then send the photo to his common-law wife who happens to be in the province to greet her on Valentines.
Aside from groceries, I also bought a small heart-shaped chocolate for the couple I met at Greenbelt Chapel and became friends with. It is Valentine's day.
I won't be able to attend the Saturday Mass so went for an early lunch. Will try the Karayama. It is at One Ayala and I have not tried it. It touts itself as Japan's crunchiest fried chicken.
Karayama
I ordered their Regular Karayama Set (PhP339) with sauces Gokudare and Ginger Sauce. Also tried their frizz drink Cherry Blossom (PhP170.00). The chicken is crunchy. And for the frizz drink, every time I take a sip, I burp. LOL.
Karayama Set
Cherry Blossom
Passing by SM Store, I bought a pouch which I can put the bottles of medicine I would be bringing to Japan. At one of the stalls at Glorietta, I bought a case for my iPhone 11 Pro. I hope this will last longer than the phone. ๐
Of course, I had a hot tea at The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf where I started this blog. It is the first time I have asked for their WiFi's password. LOL
By 2 PM, I went to Mary, Mother of Hope Chapel at The Landmark. I finished my morning prayers and prayed the Precious Blood of Jesus Chaplet.
I was able to pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet and the Rosary with the community at Greenbelt Chapel.
The anticipated Mass presider is Fr. Benny.
The Gospel is about our Lord Jesus wanting us not to sin.
The sermon is not just about the action but the root of the sin. Anger versus kill, look at others with lust versus adultery, do not swear at all versus false oaths. It is attacking our approach to temptation. It is not just confronting the sin but our response to temptation.
Valentines day is a situation of temptation.
Avoid temptation. If temptation comes to you, you still have a choice. What is being challenged is our relationship with God. Our faith is tested.
On every occasion we must be able to express our love for God.
Before going home, I passed by Lord Stow's Bakery to buy Bagnet Chicharon and Barquiron. Also bought banana bread at Baguio Country Club.
N.B. Today, I was putting the instax mini 99 through it's paces. Not happy. At least yesterday, I was able to get two out of two good shots (with three spoiled films as I did not load the film properly). Today, not one photo I liked. ๐
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