Until We Meet Again, Tokyo!

Tokyo, the capital of Japan, is one of the leading cities in the world. Its economy, modern technology, culture, history and, most especially, its people have made Tokyo and Japan, in general, to what it is today. It is one of the must-see places on earth.

Day or night, Tokyo is one marvelous city. Despite experiencing earthquakes day in and day out, it has remained steadfast. Its economy is robust and its people have become resilient come hell or high water.

It was my first time to visit Tokyo and I would say that I enjoyed it immensely. I did a show for the Designers Circle Philippines through the auspices of the Japan Philippine Cultural Exchange Organization (JPCEO) and Mr. Jan Michael Acaylar. The enjoyment comes from the success of the fashion show and the very well-prepared accommodations and hospitality extended by our hosts. Thank you, Jan and JPCEO.

Though there wasn't much time to go around the city due to work load, the sight of Mt. Fuji and a visit to Tokyo Disneyland should be part of any visitor's itinerary. Maybe in my next visit to the city, I can already see these two iconic places in Tokyo.

From where we stayed, two landmarks were within reach...the Kaminarimon Gate in the shopping area of Asakusa and the Skytree which is located in a business center just a stone's throw away from our house. Tokyo boasts of modernity but not to the sacrifice of culture and tradition.

We paid a courtesy call to the ambassador of the Philippines, His Excellency Jose C. Laurel V and he obliged to talk to us about a lot of things especially on some matters about our country's history and the Philippines' relationship with Japan. By the way, our embassy is located in the upscale district of Roppongi.

It's just unfortunate that the Tokyo 2020 Olympics has been reset to July 2021 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Tokyo has been preparing for the event and the Japanese people were already excited to host it. But it shall still push through next year when the threat to the health of the athletes as well as the spectators will already be okay.

A few weeks after we went back to the Philippines, sakura trees were in bloom. Actually, when we were still there, some of the trees have started to bring out flowers which marked the start of the Sakura Festival.

My first visit to Tokyo was a memorable one. I could not thank Jan Michael Acaylar and the JPCEO enough for the experience. Thank you also to Cindy Sotooka, Roses Tanaka, Chris Reyes, Elle Takeuchi, Viv Hira, Samara Umura and the other countless individuals who took care of us very well. Maraming salamat also to Tita Mel Kasuya for your big help especially in the technicals of the show. Thank you also to my friend Hikaru Segawa for watching the show and for the flowers and gift. A big thank you to Ivan dela Cruz for bringing me as your director for the show. It was a great trip together with your fellow designers Johnny Abad, Francis Calaquian, Gener Gozum, Dave Ocampo, Rey Lazaro and Rafael Gonzalez with the invaluable help extended by Jennica Castro and Alfie Ong.

Until we meet again, Tokyo. Domo Arigato Gozaimashita!

Credits to the owner of some of the photos.

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority After the Americans Left

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) was created after the US Naval Base closed and the Americans left the country after a historic vote of the Philippine Senate to end American military presence in our land. It is located in the province of Zambales in a parcel of land near Olongapo City.

Its perfect cove is ideal for navigation to the country and it is the reason why the Americans chose it as a naval base in earlier times. They also built an airport which has international standards since military planes also landed in the base. Now, it is a port which receives container as well as cruise ships. Chartered international flights also land in its airport.

Since it boasts of a very good docking area and blue waters, SBMA is home to the Subic Bay Yacht Club where boats and yachts of well-to-do families and expatriates are docked. There are also several water leisure activities for those who wish of avail of such.

They hold the annual Subic Bay Cup which is an Asian Yachting Race. Local as well as international tourists participate in the said sporting activity.

Several hotels and resorts have built their establishments inside SBMA. With the many tourists that go there, it is but right to built them. There are malls and department stores that can be visited inside SBMA.

Restaurants abound inside SBMA. The Waterfront is the most popular among the food joints inside the former base. Although, there are other food venues scattered there.

Whether during daytime or night time, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority has lots to offer. Whether going there for a family outing or just have dinner amidst sea breeze, SBMA is a delight to visit. Just three hours away from Metro Manila and an hour from Clarkfield, Pampanga, it is worth the trip.

Credit to the owners of some photos.

The City of Angels Called Los Angeles

Los Angeles, as its name suggests, is called the city of angels. For me, it is an angel of a city. Just like any other major city in the United States of America, it offers almost everything. It is another city that does not sleep. Action is open 24/7.

With a city as big as Los Angeles, governing it is definitely horrific. With lots of people from different races and walks of life, it is amazing that the city government is able to maintain its stronghold as a major contributor to the country's economy.

It is a city that is very homey in feel. Though vast in land area, it seems that the city is a place where you can live and work with much ease and comfort just like its image...casual yet chic. It is a vibrant place that offers amenities that locals and tourists enjoy.

Los Angeles is also called the entertainment capital of America. Disneyland has a vast property there. Hollywood also calls the city home. Big stars reside in some of the posh communities in Los Angeles. It is ordinary to see showbiz personalities in the whole city.

Familiar venues are just part of the city everyday life. The Los Angeles Memorial Stadium is where two summer olympics were hosted. Universal Studios holds office in Los Angeles. Obviously, it is a haven of the stars.

Given another chance to visit Los Angeles, I would not have second thoughts. How can I go wrong with a city of angels. Besides, I have two sisters who live there.

I leave everything to ones imagination. A trip to Los Angeles is must for one's lifetime.

Credit to the owners of the photos.

Boracay is Still One of the Best

Boracay, one of Conde Nast Traveler's top islands in the world, is part of the Municipality of Malay, Province of Aklan in the Visayas region. It is one of the Philippines' pride aside from Palawan. Despite its closure for six months, the island is still a favorite among local as well as international tourists.

Being one of the top means that amenities should be world-class. It should be perfect for everyone who wish to enjoy the island vibe that is typically Asian yet comparable to resorts in other Asian destinations such as Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia or Maldives.

The beauty of Boracay is mesmerizing. I am proud that it is in the Philippines and we have a gift from nature that we can boast to the world. With its recent closure and rehabilitation, it is more enticing to visit now more than ever.

Several events and activities can be done and offered in Boracay. Beach weddings are held there by those who want to veer away from the usual church weddings. Conventions are also held in the island. Activities such as banana boat ride as well as parasailing are only some that one can do in Boracay.

Good thing, the local government unit as well as the Department of Tourism and the Department of Natural Resources in coordination with the Department of Transportation and the Department of Public Works and Highways has devised a system of having routes in going to the island. A jetty port has been built so that the beachfront is not distracted with the sight of boats.

Whatever time of the day, Boracay radiates beauty at its best. As a Filipino, my wish is that it won't be spoiled by over-tourism and maintain its island mystique that can only be exuded by one the world's best that is BORACAY.

Credit to the owners of the photos.