The other day, Rico and his longtime friend from University were walking from work on their way to Tokyo Station. “Nung nasa university tayo ito na yung pinangarap natin no?” commented Rico. “Ang magtrabaho sa pinakamalalaking kumpanya sa isa sa pinakamalalaking financial centers ng mundo.“ “Kaya nga eh no.” his friend replied. There was a…
Category: OFW
Defending Japanese Companies
Being surrounded by a lot of people who’ve never worked for a Japanese company, I find myself in a weird situation when people around me start raising negative stereotypes about them. It’s true that compared to American companies, Japanese companies may appear rather undesirable. They’re known to have relatively low pay, relatively small desks, and…
Dried Mango Alternatives
On my recent visit to the Philippines, I decided to go against the flow and not go for the tried-and-tested Dried Mango omiyage. Success. Top 3. Pastillas de Leche. It is very popular among the Indians. It seems they have something very similar, also made from milk and sugar. It’s also popular among the Chinese…
My Japan Story
8 years ago today, I took a plane from the Philippines to Japan. Who would have thought I’d still be here 8 years later. Of the 9 people I was with on that plane, only 2 of us are still here and yes, we still work together, seated almost next to each other. Here’s my…
October 30, 2000
I was in Nagano Epson Dorm Room 206. Stephen was in Room 202 while Marlon was in Room 203. My photo archives are my treasure.
Merry Mutineers
Just this afternoon, a group of rebel soldiers trooped to a Makati hotel (again) to air their grievances against the Philippine government (again). Haven’t we had enough of this? It doesn’t worry people anymore. It’s all political masturbation, and Filipinos do it a lot. People are more concerned on how it will affect the peso….
Calling Philippine Mobiles from Japan
After doing some simple research, I’ve discovered Skype offers the cheapest way to call Philippine Mobiles from Japan at 33 yen/min. If you know of alternatives, do let me know. Right now, I use Skype when I’m home and Softbank otherwise.
Blow-out
One thing my non-Filipino friends find extremely weird about Filipinos is our little birthday tradition of “blow-out“. Aside from our definition of “blow-out” not being internationally recognized, they just don’t feel right about the idea of the birthday boy/girl having to dish out money (sometimes lots of money) to pay for his/her guests’ food. I…
A Stranger Comes To Me
A stranger comes to me, showing me his badge. Asks me where I’m going. Roppongi. Asks me what I’m doing there. Work. Asks me for my passport. Alien Registration Card. Thank you. Weird.
No Handkerchief
Just when I thought everybody in the world carries a handkerchief in their pockets, a Japanese friend told me he doesn’t, and most of his Japanese friends don’t, and I can only guess most of his friends’ friends don’t either. Instead they carry tissue paper, like the ones you get for free in front of…
Philippine Fiesta in Tokyo
For those in Tokyo, something to be excited about… This weekend (November 11-12), there seems to be a big Filipino Fiesta in Hibiya Park, Tokyo. Expected to be there are Cesar Montano, Sunshine Cruz, Rachel Alejandro, Mitch Valdez, Side A, among others. When in the Philippines, these events (except maybe a Side A concert. hehe.)…
Kainan with Yoko Shimada
Guess who I saw at a Filipino Restaurant in Roppongi (Kainan) today? Yoko Shimada (島田楊子)! Doesn’t ring a bell? Don’t worry, I didn’t even know she was a celebrity until she left and my Japanese friend asked me if I knew who she was. Even after we got her name, it didn’t ring any bells…
Enrico in Tokyo 