Tokyo Trip – Odaiba

The afternoon we spent in Odaiba was very, very tiring! Odaiba is a man made island in Tokyo Bay. Ang dami naming nilakad! There are several malls in Odaiba and we went inside all of ’em.

Before heading to Odaiba, we passed by the Nippon Television Tower and saw this yellow thingie that Miko called PIKACHU. No kids, that is not a Pokémon. I have no idea who that is. :p

Odaiba was initially built for military purposes in the 1800s, and  expanded as a seaport district in the late 20th century, and has developed since the 1990s as a major commercial, residential and leisure area

One of the most popular things to see is the Rainbow Bridge. This is the bridge by day–

The first mall that we visited (because it’s the closest to the train station) was Decks. Ang ganda. Mukha talagang decks with its wooden flooring. :D

We had snacks at Anchors,

just some assorted sausages, juice, and cola.

But because my newbie legs and feet were aching from all the walking, I begged Miko that we stay a little longer and we had more refreshments. :P

When I got some of my strength back, we went to Aqua City

and we saw a replica of the Statue of Liberty. According to Wiki, The French Statue of Liberty came to Odaiba in the late 90’s in commemoration of “The French year in Japan”. Because of its popularity, in 2000 a replica of the French Statue of Liberty was erected at the same place.

I don’t remember if LEGOLAND is inside this mall, but we decided not to visit it anymore, because there was still so much to see in the area. Like this Hello Kitty Store.

Akalain mong pati dried fish at dried squid meron si Hello Kitty?

Look at this Kitty Geisha! Ang cute cute!

In Diver City Plaza, there’s the famous 18 meter tall Gundam statue!

Katuwa kasi even the locals seemed excited to see the humongous robot.

 

There’s this golden structure of some sort that caught our attention. Don’t know what it is, but it’s just magnificent.

Here’s a better shot. Better kasi may sunflowers. I love sunflowers! :D

And there’s a kiddie program being shot in the area. No, babe. That’s not Mojacko. :p

 

And this architectural masterpiece is the Fuji television Headquarters. The building was designed by world-renowned Kenzo Tange. he also designed St. Mary’s Cathedral in Bunkyo. (I’ll be blogging about that soon.)

Walang pinipiling lugar ang Minions. Pati pala sa Japan, popular sila!

Hello there, Stuart, Bob and Kevin!

Here’s our family portrait. Charot! :p

Of course, Dragon Ball is popular here.

And lucky cats.

And this blue dog that’s called LAUGH THE DOG, No, baby. Hindi siya si Snoopy na nalubog sa asul na jobos. :p

Miko looked for Tekken, but didn’t find the game in the arcade. (Naging successful naman siya when we went to Shinjuku a couple of days after.)

And look! There’s Astroboy again! Ang sarap iuwi at isabit sa kwarto ko!

Do you remember the Monchhichis? They used to have an animated tv series in the 80’s. Ang tawag ko nga sa kanila Ewoks. Hahaha. Eh baket ba, pareho naman silang furry.

Saw this shop that stationery, fans, toiletries, etc. I took a photo of it because I like the store name. Wabi-Sabi is a Japanese concept that deals with  one of beauty that is imperfect, impermanent, and incomplete. It is also a noodle shop at The Collective. :p

Then finally, darkness fell and we saw the lights of the bay and the Rainbow Bridge.

Unfortunately, we didn’t see the bridge’s rainbow colors, but the view was still stunning. The towers supporting the bridge are white in color, designed to go with the skyline of central Tokyo. Lamps are placed on the wires supporting the bridge, which are illuminated into three different colors, red, white and green every night using solar energy obtained during the day.

The rainbow lights we got to see were from the Daikanransha, located at Palette Town. It is one of the biggest ferris wheels in the world. The wheel is brightly lit by neon tubes programmed to display multiple patterns in over 100 colors.

Hay Odaiba, nakakapagod kang galaan! But oh so fun!

Next stop– Shibuya!

*featured image from Wikipedia

// listening to Adele – Hello

Heneral Luna

I was pretty bummed that Inside Out isn’t showing anymore and that I’d have to wait several weeks for the next Bond film. Miko wanted to watch a movie so when he asked, “Mahilig ka ba sa History?” I was confused what he was referring to. Then I remembered I saw several posts on my Facebook Timeline about Heneral Luna. I haven’t seen a single negative review about the film so I said yes to watching it, and I’m happy I did! Palakpakan kaming audience pagkatapos ng movie eh! Akala ko sa mga John Lloyd movies lang nangyayari ‘yon! :p

The only things I remember about the fiery general before watching the film: he’s a brother of the painter Juan Luna, that he almost had a duel with Rizal because of a girl, and that he’s a hothead. Kudos to the cast and crew of Heneral Luna for showing who Antonio Luna is as a historical figure and as a man. I haven’t enjoyed a Pinoy film in such a long time and it’s definitely my first time to enjoy a historical piece.

I loved how they were able to insert humor in a story that deals with serious topics like patriotism and treachery. Praises to the excellent actors– John Arcilla, Epi Quizon, Mon Confiado, and Nonie Buencamino cast as Antonio Luna, Apolinario Mabini, Emilio Aguinaldo, and Tomas Mascardo respectively.

I really hope we will have more intelligent films like this. because seriously, enough of mistress movies.

—–

Synopsis from the Heneral Luna official site–

Set during the Philippine-American war, a short-tempered Filipino general faces an enemy more formidable than the American army: his own treacherous countrymen.

In 1898, General Antonio Luna ( John Arcilla ), commander of the revolutionary army, is spoiling for a fight. The Philippines, after three hundred years as a Spanish colony, has unwillingly come under American rule. General Luna wants to fight for freedom but members of the elite would rather strike a deal with the United States. The infighting is fierce in the new cabinet but General Luna and his loyal men forge ahead even as his military decisions are met with resistance from soldiers who are loyal only to President Aguinaldo ( Mon Confiado ). Ultimately, it is the general’s legendary temper and pride that bring him to his death when a pack of presidential guards assassinate him in broad daylight. While American newspapers are quick to point the blame to Aguinaldo, the mystery has never been completely solved and the General’s killers were never put to justice.

—–

Images used in this entry are from the film’s official site.

// listening to David Essex – Rock On

Hand-Painted Postcards From Vietnam

I’m a sucker for well-put together and thought out gifts, doesn’t matter if the gifts are inexpensive or extravagant!

Imagine my glee when I received these hand-painted postcards from Vietnam! My friend, Charm, went there for a vacation recently and she painted her favorite memories of her solo trip.

She, of course, remembered me when she was eating pho, banh mi, and spring rolls. If only I could eat the postcard without getting an indigestion! :P

// listening to Des-ree – You Gotta Be

Art Fair Philippines 2015

Two floors of The Link Car Park were temporarily transformed into galleries filled with contemporary local art last February 5 to 8 for the 3rd Art Fair Philippines.

Below are some of the pieces that Miko and I saw on the last day of the exhibit. I did not get a chance to take note of the pieces’ names and artists, because I was overwhelmed with the crowd.

This reminds me of the numerous Barbies I had when I was a kid that I leave on the floor unnoticed and unloved because I liked playing with lutu-lutuan better or reading cookbooks.

These photographs made me want to look for interesting stuff in the streets, if only I weren’t this lazy.

This is my favorite painting. I love that there are dead birds on the floor. Baka may sa maligno yung girl!

I asked Miko to pose here because bagay yung “art shirt” niya sa paintings. :p

Here’s Miko with Wolfie.

Here’s Wolfie alone in the spotlight. :p

Here’s something na kayang-kaya ko rin gawin.

This one if my 2nd favorite piece. This made me remember my most favorite piece in Pinto Art. Same artist kaya?

I like the foreground better than the background. :p

Lights can create art instantly.

Ay bashtush! (I like this a lot though! Hehe.)

I took a photo of this just because I like the text next to the Maria Clara-looking lady. *swoons*

Igan of Phil Star’s art…

This is very disturbing. Naalala namin dito si Donnie and dave, ang friends naming na self-declared unicorns. Siguro ganyang klaseng unicorns sila. Hehehehe!

This is my 3rd favorite piece. It’s from the Alice in Wonderland booth.

Shempre ako rin kelangan may picture with Wolfie. Just in case you’re wondering, may inside joke kami ni Miko about Wolfie. I will just share it someday when the time is right. Heehee.)

Basta ako kung hindi sweet, salty.

Needless to say!

Batsy!

Creepy Sto. McDo. Damn, I hate clowns.

Overall, it was an interesting experience seeing contemporary creations from fellow Pinoys. It has inspired me to include one thing on my bucketlist: have one of my paintings included in a premier exhibit. Kelan kaya ito? Practice-practice muna!

Hope to attend next year’s Art Fair Philippines too.

// listening to Hairspray OST – (You’re) Timeless To Me

Pinto Art Museum – Antipolo, Rizal

I said, “Huwag naman puro kain na lang ang gawa natin!”
Miko said,”Culture-culture rin ‘pag may time!”

And so we went to Pinto Art Museum in Antipolo. With its white-washed walls, wide spaces, lovely gardens, classic and contemporary displays, it’s the perfect place to visit if you’re into art, want photo-ops, and do not want to travel too far from Manila.

I like art. I like looking at paintings and sculptures, but I will not even attempt to try to interpret any of the pieces we saw at Pinto. :p

Just want to share some photos of the artworks that stirred my interest.

There’s this wall with washed out watercolor paintings in sepia.

And this terracotta sculpture of a pregnant woman in ecstasy. I wonder if she’s ecstatic o manganganak and in pain na pala siya?

This has got to be the most luscious lips I’ve ever seen on canvass. I’m inspired to paint something like this!

The lips painting is in the same room with the boobs and legs paintings.

Out the first gallery we entered, was this enormous metal rocking horse that Miko rode in a heartbeat.

Near the horsey was one of the dozens of beds around Pinto. Shempre, kelangan may chill pose. :p

Marami ring mga cute birdies sa mga hawla. This colorful beaut is my favorite. :)

Love this sundial in the garden. Parang hirap na hirap si kuya sa paglipas ng oras.

They have a small chapel with statues and sculptures of Jesus and the saints inside.

Here’s Jesus at the altar. I wonder if they conduct weddings here. Well, we saw a couple having their prenup photoshoot.

We saw the couple having their photo shoot in this part of the museum, so we thought of having our couple selfwe here, too. (Nyahahaha, gaya gaya.)

Ganda eh o. Poolside. :)

Before we went upstairs, we saw something that reminded us of my bestfriend, Donnie! Baboy!

And then, at the rooftop, lounging on the sofa was a cat that reminded us of my other bestfriend. Jap!!!

There’s also this mamang hubad na nakatambay sa may dried herbs and flowers. And, no. I don’t have a photo of me harassing him.

And like what I said earlier, there are a lot of beds in Pinto. Eto pa isa.

There was a group of youngsters at the rooftop as well. Nagkakagulo sila paano sila mag-gu-group picture na kumpleto without using a monopod. I wonder kung na-solve nila ang napakabigat na problema na ito. :p

We got a bit hungry and we went to the café thinking we can relax and rest from all the walking while having some pasta and pastries.

Unfortunately, the place was packed and the waiting list was kinda long. Sabi rin nung waiter, desserts na lang daw ang meron. Sayang, mukha pa namana masarap yung choco lava cake.

That was disappointing considering it was only 4:00pm when we went there and their café ran by Bizu closes at 5:30pm. Anyare? :(

Anyway, continuing our afternoon of visual treat!

More paintings and sculptures! I want that pony in my garden!

I want this turtle with all its bling-bling, too!

Here’s Miko saying, “Kaya ko rin gumawa nito!”

And here’s Miko channeling his inner pornstar.

And this… I don’t know what he’s exactly trying to do here. LOL

The last wing we visited was my favorite. It’s the most spacious and has the most interesting pieces, at least for me.

There are works that are just so nice to look at.

Especially the colorful, quirky ones!

There are also some that require you step back…

for you to see the (really) big picture.

And some that also serve as a nice background to yet another couples shot. :p

And of course, a shot with this infamous graffiti is a must.

On our way back, we saw this cow mosaic piece…

That Miko felt like harassing. Poor cow! In Tagalog… Cowawa! *ba dum tsss*

There’s another cow in Pinto. Miko calls it “Puti” in reference to the Batibot song that goes, “Alagang-alaga namin si Puti Bakang mataba, bakang maputi…” (Nabuking age namin doon ha.)

Near the cows is my most favorite piece…

Isn’t she visually stunning?

We had some buco juice and lemongrass tea (30php each)

and checked out the gift shop before leaving Pinto.

That was a delightful date! We would like to go back, maybe after a few months when there are new pieces on display.

We saw some casitas under construction, and hopefully they’ll be done by our next visit. bed and breakfast in Pinto is definitely an awesome idea.

Pinto Art Museum
#1 Sierra Madre Street, Grand Heights,
Antipolo City
9:00 AM – 6:00 PM from Tuesdays to Sundays
Closed on Mondays
(632) 703 44 53
(0917) 608 67 54

* Directions: From Ortigas Extension, pass by Cainta-Junction, then Tikling. Take the uphill road going to Antipolo. When you reach Ynares Center, take a right to a hill, and follow the road to Grand Heights.

// listening to Arctic Monkeys – All My Loving (Beatles cover)