The Fire Sisters at Bon Odori 2017

Bon Odori this year was earlier than last year's and I was glad it happened because I was able to spend Bon Odori for the first time with my second sister. My sister was back home for my first sister's wedding and the timing was just right. We call our tandem as the "fire sisters" taken from the fire sisters in the anime Bakemonogatari.

My sister really looks like a Japanese now that she has cut her hair short and spent around three years already in Japan. Most people mistook us as Japanese since they would speak in English slowly when requesting to take photos with us haha.

So these were our yukata ensembles:

This was a manual assembled obi and my sister did this for me!

The Fire Sisters. <3

We just attended the first day since the next day, my sister flew back to Japan already. Overall, the event was fun. I got to sing with the anime songs the contestants sang for the karaoke contest and the comedian trio Hapon3 were totally hilarious. :D

Hoping to enjoy my next Bon Odori again soon. :)

My Eldest Sister Is Finally Married!

My eldest sister and the eldest sibling just got married this month. She's 38 and I have a high respect for her of not giving into the pressure of my family and relatives to get married earlier. She is like my living proof that no matter what your age is, you will eventually find your true love at the perfect time. I was one of the bridesmaids and my other sister was the maid of honor. I wasn't able to give a speech during the wedding but this would probably be what I have said. I'm just too happy for her and I almost cried when she walked down the aisle but I controlled my tears because I don't want to mess up my beautiful make up.

Anyway, I would like to share some beautiful photos during the wedding. I love the color motif my sister and her husband chose; the color champagne. Also the dresses where intricately made with flowing long skirts. So here are some of the photos:

The beautiful bride with the proud parents.

Mother of the bride and the maid of honor.

Me as the bridesmaid with our parents.

The three amazing sisters. <3

To my eldest sister, I wish you the best in your married life. I am super happy for you!

First Holy Week Getaway

I've never been away for vacation during holy week but we found cheap flight tickets to Ilo-Ilo and Boracay so I said yes right away although it was okay for me not to go since I have been in Boracay last 2014. It turns out, this was a different experience or should I say, a more memorable one.

It was almost a week long vacation, departing on Thursday and getting back on Tuesday. We first spent a day in Ilo-Ilo where we had island hopping in Isla de Gigantes. The waves were crazy but the beautiful islands were worth it. 

Here are some photos during the Isla de Gigantes island hopping:

The next day, we drove for four hours to Boracay island where we stayed until Tuesday. The travel was a breeze despite of many visitors especially foreigners. We stayed in a front beach hostel. The weather was gloomy during Easter Sunday but we continued to do our water activities like banana boat and boat sailing. At night, the owner of the hostel where we stayed had a free booze party at the rooftop where we socialized with other hostel guests. I got really dizzy but I can still remember everything.

The next day, I woke up late but I still managed to eat brunch and do the most heart racing activity, the flyfish.

Anyway, here are some photos during our Boracay activities:

boat sailing with the gang

Puka beach

enjoying the beach even with algae

Boracay sunset

This was such an enjoyable trip. I never get tired of Boracay. Until my next trip adventure! ;)

Power Of Hugs

Today, I attended a recollection in celebration of the Lent season. The priest had a very simple teaching: to hug your love ones. As we feed our bodies by eating meals three times a day, we also need to feed our emotional needs and hugging is the best way to fill the void in our hearts. It is with hug that our heart is closest to the heart of our love ones, so close that no evil can get in. Then I realized, yes of course, now I know the reason why hugs will always be my favorite form of affection. I never really thought about why I really like hugs. I just feel safe and loved every time I hug or I'm hugged by somebody but my experience with the recollection has made it clear why hugs have become my favorite. Hugs bring happiness to one's heart and when there is happiness, there is nothing more you could ask for.

Now I share this to everyone; when you go home, hug your love ones. Hug your parents, your wife or husband, your children, your siblings, your grandparents, your cousins, your grandchildren, and your dog. Hug the people you know you love and who loves you. Hug them as often as you can.

My Short (And Late) Review About Fifty Shades Darker

I'm not a huge fan of the franchise. I haven't read the books. And like the first movie, Fifty Shades of Grey, I watched the movie because my sister is a fan, she read all the books (which are displayed in a cabinet in our living room) and she didn't want to watch it with her fiancé.

My usual theater to go didn't play it, even the first movie, due to its R-18 rating so me and my sister had to watch it in one of the cinemas that is screening the movie. I had to take a cab since I was running late but I'm glad my sister was able to purchase tickets ahead.

After watching the film, I think I liked it. I mean, for me, it was way better than the first one because I can see that there is love. I didn't see love in Fifty Shades of Grey however, I am happy to see it in Fifty Shades Darker. Another thing I like is that part when the couple Ana and Christian have a conflict which was about Ana going to NYC with her boss and Christian didn't want her to go and they compromised by just talking it over. You see, I believe that in a relationship, if there are conflicts or problems, you need to talk it over with your partner and not just decide on your own. I think this was the most important lesson in the movie about relationships. I also liked the cute jokes they had like Christian's new favorite ice cream flavor and Ana's comment on Christian's tying skills on his yacht. The R-18 parts were bearable since they cut the scenes short but may not be for the faint-hearted. You must be open-minded when watching a film like this so that it won't disturb you.

Overall, the movie was great. It's a cliché story however the characters where interesting especially Christian because we don't see a guy like him often in the movies. I will most likely watch the third film just because I want to know how it ends. I recommend the film for open-minded and mature people only. Of course, 18+ age is a default requirement.

Strolling Alone at Otakufest X The Matrix

Yes, you read that right. For the first time within the 10 seasons of Otakufest, I was alone. Oh well, I'm used to being alone anyway although I think it would have been much better to attend the convention with some friends. Looks like this was a change of my usual routine during Otakufest. Anyway, I still enjoyed the event even though I kind of felt that I am getting old with this cosplay hobby of mine. A couple of my co-founders were there but as always, they still put their heart and soul in helping the event so I missed spending time with them. I was glad though to see two former coworkers, my gunpla modeler friends and their exhibits, and a few college schoolmates.

I didn't plan ahead for my costume so I decided to wear one of my sister's sweet lolita dress. I was not cosplaying a character in particular but I would describe my getup as "cosplaying myself if I am in Akihabara or Shibuya" lol.

Anyway, here are some of my photos during the event:

A photo taken by a Good Samaritan stranger. Thanks dude!

Yes, the dress is full of desserts and if you're wondering, the shoes hurt a little.

A Unicorn Gundam girl.

Some cosplayers.

My friends in the exhibit wanted me to take a photo of this gay pose of Sephiroth and Cloud lol. 

Gunplas.

Cosplay winners.

Special Guest: Korean boyband AxisB

I'm thankful that Otakufest has grown to be one of Cebu's most anticipated convention. It makes me reflect on life in general and that as long as there are people who will be there to support you, you'll grow and become a better person. Until the next convention! :)

US Trip Adventure 2015 Video

After a year of coming back to the Philippines, I have finally compiled my videos I have taken from my US trip last 2015. Congrats me! Most of the videos were recorded by my GoPro. What took me long to create this compilation was that I didn't have a song in mind. After listening to some music in Spotify, Ben Rector's Brand New played and it was definitely the song that describes my feelings every time I am in the US. So here is my video and enjoy watching!