27 November 2008
It was December 1941 when the combined Japanese air and naval forces surprisingly attacked the sleeping Pearl Harbor. It was less than four years later when Enola Gay dropped what was later to be the root of the world’s first nuclear strike. It was also the day we entered the Nuclear Age.
I remember watching Pearl Harbor (the 132 million-dollar budget film directed by Michael Bay) and discovering just how fearless and ruthless the Japanese were at that time. Also, I was so convinced that they were the villains in the story and having two of their cities bombed was just a reasonable enough payback. I was wrong. I didn’t exactly know what the real deal was and I was blinded by my feeble presumptions and personal bias. Little did I know, the story didn’t really have a fair ending.
The enlightenment occurred when I visited the wonderful prefecture of Hiroshima. I was looking at the city’s brochures and maps to look for amusing sights to explore. And then, there I saw the boldly printed HIROSHIMA PEACE MEMORIAL MUSEUM. I didn’t think twice but I just pulled my friend’s hand and off we go to a tour that would later change my entire perspective regarding the “things” that happened between U.S. and Japan during the 1940’s. It completely turned my outlook 180 degrees and what was before seemed an appealing ending to me was now a tragedy that I still cannot fully digest.
Walking through each part of the museum was unearthing saddening facts that left me dumbfounded throughout the whole tour. Every glass case contained a horrifying past; every image mirrored a haunting memory.
But what I cannot seem to forget was this huge image of a wristwatch (that stopped exactly the time the bomb exploded) and the short message printed just below it:
“A dragonfly flitted in front of me
and stopped on a fence.
I stood up, took my cap in my hands,
and was about to catch the dragonfly
when......”
It was depressing enough just reading it but it was dreadful imagining it. My eyes welled up with tears.
What’s more is that I was able to touch objects that are now surviving bits and pieces, and I was also able to view Hiroshima on the day of the atomic bombing which was just as spine-chilling. Seeing the replica of those people with their dissolved skin, those ashes, and even the imprinted shadow of a man sitting on a porch made my insides jolt. Everything was due to radiation. Everything was due to the atomic bomb.
A-Bomb Dome: A symbol of hope for World Peace
Now, it appears to me that my opening line does not really offer that much clarity in expressing its intensity. By merely describing it as “the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki,” just like in high school history books, cannot substantiate or give justice to the indescribable horror that actually took place. At least to me, that was the impression.
To those of you who are not familiar with what really happened more than six decades ago, let me give a few facts.
AUGUST 6, 1945 8:16 A.M.
Hiroshima City - The atomic bomb exploded directly over the Shima clinic. The temperature reached 50 million degrees centigrade and flash heat fired miles away, burning skin and vaporizing people. Approximately 80,000 people were instantly killed or severely wounded. Almost 70 percent of the buildings were destroyed. (data from the book, Enola Gay)
Just a mile away from the epicenter, the effects of radiation and tremendous heat were unbearable – skins were burned, imprints were left on the skin as well.
The after-effect was equally disastrous. Black rain poured over Hiroshima, making things become worse than it already was. The effects of radiation were terrible – diseases, scars, etc., people were left damaged forever as they were probably passed on to the next generations. Caused by the bitter history, I’ve even heard sad stories about some Japanese who are against marrying someone from Hiroshima. I strongly resent this mind-set.
AUGUST 8, 1945
Nagasaki City – A plutonium bomb, which was more powerful than the uranium one (the one used for Hiroshima), exploded just above the northwest part of the city. However, there was less damage and fewer casualties.
It was only then that I realized that Japan was not the villain after all. It was also a victim. I regret being so narrow-minded and offensive. I am seeing the whole picture now. The way I considered the war and the attacks was also not quite right. It was not supposed to be looked at as a derby fight between the two nations – that one should retaliate or get even, but as a possible means to an end. The war had to end. It just had to.
And through all of these I made myself vow to be an instrument of peace and I extend all my prayers to the victims, their families, and to each and every one of you who has a vicious war within his/her own heart. We cannot let this happen again.
Yay for world peace!
For those who want to learn more about the Hiroshima Bombing – detailed accounts of the World War II and the after-effect stories, you can these out:
Enola Gay by Gordon Thomas and Max Morgan-Witts
Black Rain by Masuji Ibuse
PEACE,
D
25 November 2008
So, anyhoo, let's talk about the music video. When I first saw it, I was like "Freakin' Macaroni!" The video was just as equally powerful as the song. I loved it! It made sense and it spoke for itself. The storyline was moving. I was like "Guys should really watch this." hahaha! It's not 'coz I was cheated on or something. I mean, the guys I know, especially my brothers, they're not one of "those guys." It's just that I speak for all the women out there who are in a crappy situation like this.
Now, I wanna share this extremely raise-roofing performance from Beyonce as she sings "If I Were A Boy" live on Oprah. Enjoy!
24 November 2008
As the communion song comes to an end, this man stood with his back facing me. In stunned disbelief, I stared at him and subtly studied his figure from top to bottom. I realized that it was pathetically bordering on stalker-ish still I couldn’t help myself.
With his hair cut extremely short, his broad shoulders, a military dog tag hanging on his neck, his well-built body, and his confident stance, he reminded me of a man I used to know – a man I used to care about. Now, the memories just keep on coming in…
Our paths first came across in a church as well. Searching for a vacant seat, I instantly thought he was good-looking as we met each other’s eyes. He grinned adorably at me and I smiled back then giggled as I headed to an available seat next to my friend. When the mass ended, he daringly approached me and we had a little chat. Honestly, I was a bit frantic when he asked for my number, thinking if it was for real – if he was for real.
The answers came when he was right there, standing outside my dormitory, with his black motorcycle alongside. He took me to the most riveting food trips and enchanting sights. Together, we enjoyed viewing a vivid lake from the top of a mountain, tearing down the dullness of the night; lounged on an abandoned boat at the pier, merely trading sweet silence and long pleasant conversations; and watched the most extravagant fireworks display, just the two of us standing in the middle of a bridge. Needless to say, I had a blast with him. And this is why I couldn’t seem to forget him.
For a few years, he trained for the army. That made him who he is – a man of strength, determination, and order. I adored him for being so self-assured and I felt secured whenever I’m with him. Sometimes, though, he will act like an overly sensitive little kid and I would hit him for that. Growing up and being close with his mom and his sister, he was also gentle and chivalrous in some ways. I did not love it but it was cute anyway.
But what I cannot understand is how cowardly and lame he is when it comes to dealing with his emotions. He needed time and I offered space for him to mature. At that moment, I just did not have the patience to deal with it. It was effortless for me to let go but it wasn’t necessarily painless. And now, it’s clear to me, sometimes you can fully understand and appreciate the beauty and importance of a thing if you look at it from afar. Like the breathtaking lake and the fireworks, for me, he remains to be a lovely yet distant memory.
21 November 2008
Kyoto is what some people say “the best place on Earth” and being able to stay here for almost a year was quite an unsurpassable chance and experience. As I go out of the dormitory, walking a few steps you will be greeted by a narrow river with flowers blooming on both sides and trees weeping closely to the surface of the water. In spring, the cherry-blossoms; during summer, the brightest flowers and the greenest trees; in fall, the red maple trees; and as winter comes, the snow-covered pine trees come into view. What a serene sight. More like hypnotic. From a crossroad nearby my university, just decide on a direction and you will arrive at a temple or a shrine somewhere. However, these are not just ordinary spots but are considered as “World Heritage Sites.” Yeah, wow. Also, there are 17 of them all-in-all around Kyoto. What can I say? Kyoto is the place to be when you are someone looking for relaxation and a stress-relieving trip.
Kyoto is not only known for its beautiful nature, it also carries a historical legacy as it was established as Japan’s capital under the name “Heian-kyo” in 794 A.D. It may have adopted the most advanced standards of time but until today, the impression of Kyoto as a past capital is still undaunted. As you visit ancient temples, shrines, and various museums, you will witness a unique culture and properties that are testimonials of time.
One hot summer day, I had nothing to do and just thought of dilly-dallying around the city. I walked to the nearest bus stop, got on a random city bus, and bought an ichi-nichi or one-day bus pass. As I ride along, one building caught my attention and this is the Kyoto City Archaeological Museum. I immediately got off at the bus stop in front of it, went inside and thereupon started a very interesting trip.
Traveling To The Past
The museum was opened in November 1979 and its goal is to, needless to say, make known to the people, the important archaeological remains of each period which had been discovered in excavation projects. A wide range of people are able to utilize the facilities. In fact, activities such as lectures, summer school, and training as a curator are being held there.
On the first floor, just at the entrance, is a large glass panel imprinted with a reconstructed picture of Rajomon – the main south gate. The dazzling two storied wooden structure served as the front entrance of the original Heian Capital. Also as you go left to the Current Archaeological News section, you will be informed of the Kyoto City Archaeological Research Institute’s conducted excavations in sites dating from the prehistoric age and continuing to this time. The findings are being exhibited publicly several times a year in the museum. The information section consists of personal computers and image projection equipment in order to present up-to-date information. A video library and history/archaeology quizzes can also be enjoyed.
It is said that there are approximately 700 archaeological sites in Kyoto City. Photographs are displayed to show these sites and remains. To end the first-floor tour route, you head to the Special Exhibition Section wherein displays of research excavations and investigations of buried cultural properties are shown. This corner is considered as one of the most important projects in the museum.
Going up the second floor, you will be welcomed by an island case of the different types of ceramics used in Kyoto during the Heian period. Green-glazed wares, ash-glazed wares, sue wares, Haji wares; smoked Haji wares, Ga wares and a variety of celadon and white porcelain imported from Korea and China are displayed. The 96 examples of bowls, cups, and dishes in display show the changing styles developed from the 9th to the
12th century.
Next to the wide case is an exhibit of a cast site. It was from somewhere around the JR Kyoto Station (the biggest station in Kyoto). From this site, a cast for a mirror, a statue of Buddha and coins were uncovered.
Just behind the case is a huge exhibit that caught my attention. It is the life-sized replica of the Initial Jomon (8,000 - 8,500 years ago) Pit House. It is said to be discovered for the first time in Kyoto. Being a capital from the Heian period, Kyoto has trade articles such as celadon (Yue, Longguan, Tongan, etc). This is an attestation that Kyoto has had foreign contacts. According to history, Japan was the last staging post of the Silk Road which was given proof by the excavated fragment of Persian glass.
Some of the objects in display are free to touch. You can freely handle the fragments of pottery like wares and roof tiles, and Sanukaite andesite which is supposedly the raw material used for making early stone implements.
The wall cases around the gallery exhibits the cultural and social history of Kyoto from the pre-earthenware period through the Edo period. They divided the exhibit into six themes, each illustrating a historical period in the development of the city. These are the: “Kyoto in the Proto-history,” “The Ancient Tomb Age,” “The Nagaoka Period,” “The New Capital in the Heian Period,” “Kamakura – Muromachi Period – The Middle Ages,” and “The Prosperity of the Momoyama Culture.”
Last Glance
20 November 2008
I just wanna share some of my thoughts so, yeah, here are my picks for the Perezzies 2008:
| Hottest Hookup | Biggest Breakup |
| Lindsay Lohan and Sa... | Joe Jonas and Taylor... |
| Favorite Jonas | Breakout Star of the Year |
| Joe | Katy Perry |
| Baddest Bad Girl | Biggest Scandal |
| Sienna Miller | Sluttyiena Miller's ... |
| Best Dressed | Worst Dressed |
| Anne Hathaway | Aubrey O'Day |
| Hottest Hottie | Cutest Celebuspawn |
| Chace Crawford | Suri Cruise |
| Most Improved | Worst Trainwreck |
| Britney Spears | Amy Winehouse |
| Most DVR-worthy Series | Biggest Box Office Blowout |
| Gossip Girl | The Dark Knight |
| Celeb of the Year | |
| Rihanna | |
08 November 2008
The simple story goes like this: Last week, my brothers and I went for a quick visit to the mall to look for some carpentry stuff. As we all know, for safety measures, malls assign these security guards by the entrance to inspect people as they go in. I lined up and went for the ladies (w/o bags, etc.) area. I passed through hurriedly but then this lady guard reached out for me and checked my pockets. I snapped at her saying, “Don’t touch me!” It was incredibly nasty that I, myself, was shocked with what I just did. Horrible me! I did not even dare look back at her to see how she may have reacted. It is possible, though, that she glared at me and wished that I may perhaps trip any second. Hahaha!
Whoever you are, Lady Guard: I am deeply sorry. You became the unfortunate victim of “one of those days.”
30 October 2008
We were having this little tête-à-tête while my other friends were at the surfboard section and that’s when I felt uncomfortable. His questions began to alarm me. I excused myself and came over to join my friends. Two of them signed up on the shop’s logbook for them to be updated about the surfboards. So I just stood there, with all of my buds in front of the cashier, waiting to leave any second. Out of the blue, the sales guy walked in front of us and pointed at me saying, “That girl wearing black (which is obviously me) seems like a skilled surfer…” followed by a kinda-hard-to-decline request: “Why don’t you sign up?” I told them that I’m not much of a surfer so I’m not really sure if I’m interested. With that, he jumped beside me and gave me these skateboard blah-blah event fliers and offered me his mobile number just in case I wanted a heads-up. I did not buy it though. He was very insistent but then resorted with the just-give-us-your-number trick (could you be any more obvious?) and I went along with it and wrote down my name (which he repeated as I write) and mobile number. I felt awkward and I knew what he was really up to but I was too damn nice to let it happen. That clever guy! Haha. So anyway, now he’s sending me messages (so unprofessional, eh?) but I’m not replying. Now, who wins?
*A goofy character in the MTV reality series Laguna Beach
xoxo
D
28 October 2008
To give in? Or to give up?
To give in to something that is incredibly wonderful in some aspects but hopeless in oh-so many ways? Or to give up that incredibly wonderful "something" and try out something new? If I try to look at it, it's a lose-lose situation. Either way, I'm gonna be hurt. Either way, someone will end up in an effed-up situation. It's been crazy for me just thinking about this. At first, it really did not matter for I never thought I will care. And all this time I never showed I care. I was unfair, I admit. I was selfish, I think.
Now, going back to the day before yesterday, like I said, I did some deep thinking. The day after, there came an inkling. It's just a simple clue which led me to re-evaluate some matters. Maybe it was not a good enough reason but it sure did make an impression. Was it too early for me to give up? The good times we shared flooded over me as I was sitting on a couch, watching Mana Tancia cook dinner. "He used to cook for me," I told Mana with a wide smile across my face. Yeah, it was nothing extravagant but he has a way of making it seem very special. I thought he was a bit clumsy too, like a little boy, but it was adorable. Sigh. I wish we had more time. Maybe it was not meant to be. Still we tried.
It's just nothing for me, now. At least, nothing really serious. I just enjoy the talks and jokes. We're like two little kids just hanging around, waiting for the other one to grow up. I'm sure I'm still naive. I still got a lot to learn especially with this "thing." haha. But I'm not rushing, just waiting for the right time. And who knows, maybe it'll be someone else who's better or, simply, him.
For now, I'll say goodbye. I'll just let the chips fall into their proper places. It's better that way, right? Here's a song I want to share. It perfectly describes my feelings at this moment. :)
Song lyrics | Almost Lover lyrics
xoxo
*I call you a "loser" but you won my heart*
26 July 2008
I read an e-mail from a friend and I couldn't stop laughing. It was just too hilarious that I decided to share the joy to you folks. Anyhoo, here they are:
"Please Keep chair on position & Keep table cleaned after dying. Thanks for your corporation."
I do not wanna comment. This is just too much! lol XD 
"If you are stolen, call the police at once."
Hahaha! This is just silly!
Can someone teach me how to slip carefully???
20 July 2008
15 July 2008
Stay safe and God Bless! mwah!
14 July 2008
Everyone, 76 of us, assembled at Takeda Station and we were asked to join our assigned groups. We had two buses. One bus carries all SKP peeps while the other one seats some SKP students and Japanese peeps. I was in the former bus so, yeah, it was fun 'coz your movements are not limited. With gaijins, you could do almost anything. The ride on the bus was fun. We took several stops for meals and toilet breaks. I get to play around and blab a lot on the bus. 
And after hours of blab, laughters, and sleep, we reached our destination: 5th Station of Mt. Fuji. We had dinner and then changed into our climbing outfit. Of course, we took a lot of pictures before the actual climb. haha! So, we then headed uphill and at first, the route was smooth and easy but little did we know that we were just about to start the "real climb." 
Then we reached the 6th, 7th, and finally the 8th Station where we are going to take an hour and a half of sleep and be given our breakfast. This was around 11:45pm. We had to start climbing again by 1 am if we want to see the sunrise on top of the mountain. We dealt with some problems but at that moment our goal was to reach the top. Our group left a little late so we were having concerns to whether we will be there on time, etc. Anyhoo, we just kept on going, amidst pain and all those high rocks. I should tell you, climbing is not a joke. It was extremely dangerous. One wrong step might risk your life and the life of others. We were guiding one another all through the journey. And then, SUNRISE came! Everyone was rejoicing, taking photos, videos, and all that. The sunrise was the best I've ever seen. It was sooo wonderful!
THE GOAL !
What we did not know was... Going DOWN was sooooooo much harder that climbing up! We assumed since we are descending, the effort to be used would be less. The rocks on the path were loose. The route was steep and curvy. We were slipping here and there. I even hurt my ankle 'coz I couldn't control my speed as I was going down and my foot landed the wrong way. We had to take breaks... like a lot! It was just not how we expected. But hey, we climbed Mt. Fuji so... Who cares now?!? WE MADE IT!!! 
日本人が変えたほうがいいと思うこと。あるいは維持したほうがいいと思うこと。もし何か提言できることがあれば、日本のある考え方を変えたほうがいいと思いますが、日本人はすごくやさしいんですね。それはいいところでしょう？しかし、日本人は時々やりすぎだと思います。たとえば、私の個人的な場合は、大学でいっぱいサークルに入って、やっぱり日本人は競争があまり好きではないという気持ちに気づきました。私はスポーツマンですが、スポーツはただお遊びではなく、真剣なものだと思っています。私、どんなゲームでも絶対に負けないと言う気持ちを持っていますけれども、日本人の私の友達はスポーツをするときも、いつも平和的です。でも、フィリピンではスポーツをするとき、攻撃的（こうげきてき）になります。日本人はうまくないということではないんですが、日本人がもっとまじめにスポーツをするのがいいんではありませんか？いつもいつもスポーツはおあそびだけとしてすると、うまくなるのができません。これは私の意見ですが。。。また、日本人は勤勉な国民だそうですが、日本人は仕事をもっと簡単にしたほうがいいんじゃないでしょうか？たとえば、私は家庭教師というバイトをしていて、私の生徒たちは全員会社員で、レッソンのとき、仕事の話になると、かれらはいつも悲しそう顔つきになります。仕事のせいで、大変ストレスを感じていて、残業しなくちゃ、休憩を取られないといういろいろな文句を聞いています。私がこの状態をちょっとかわいそうに思います。たぶん、無理なんですけれども、日本人がもっとレラクスしたほうがいいんじゃありませんか？
しかし、日本人は維持したほうがいいところもあります。たとえば、日本人は本当に心の温かい人ですね。それはよかったです。たとえば、私、問題があれば、日本人の友達はいつも手伝ってくれます。さらに、日本人は創造力があると思います。というのは、日本のテクノロジーやファッションを通じて、日本の思考を表現できて、それはすてきだと思います。
やっぱり日本は悪いところもあれば、いいところもあるということです。でも、私にとって、日本は本当にきれいな国で、すばらしい人々がいて、すごい文化や習慣もあると思います。これで、終わります。
13 July 2008
12 July 2008
- Marie Digby - GIRLFRIEND
You wear, your hair
like it's your best accessory
and I don't want to
ever have to compete with that
I know, you'd be
nothing but excessively sweet
cherish me, sing to me, love me
but I can't belong
to anybody else right now
though it is not much of an excuse
i can't belong
to anybody else when I've got
so much figuring out to do
I don't want to be a girlfriend
I don't want to talk about my feelings, yeah
I don't wanna be some girlfriend
I don't wanna have to explain
what I'm thinking
I go, alone
to watch stupid romance movies
and I sit, wishing
it was your arms wrapped around me and
I just deny
that all i want is a piece of you
but I guess it's true
don't want to talk on the phone
don't want attachments, don't wanna
be your girlfriend..
I just can't belong
to anybody else right now
though it is not much of an excuse
I can't belong
to anybody else when I've got
so much figuring out to do
I don't wanna be a girlfriend
i don't wanna talk about
my feelings, yeah
i don't wanna be a girlfriend
i don't wanna have to explain
what i'm thinking
is it wrong for me to want you
just for a day?
i don't want to be that kind of girl
but i can't help myself
24 June 2008
Let's head to the rough seas, ladies!
Photos courtesy of Gap and LuvKlein
xoxo
D
