About heavenliner

a twisted little soul... people see me to be so delicious they sometimes want to eat me...

Takoyaki

Posted on April 22, 2013 by heavenliner

Aside from having the ardent desire to revisit my dear nieces and nephew, destiny concurred and recognized that I return to Osaka, Japan because during my first visit I failed to eat Takoyaki.

Everybody knows that a trip to Osaka won’t be complete without eating the tastiest Takoyaki in the face of the universe. The best and most delicious is in Osaka for a simple reason that this lip smacking dish was invented right in the heart of the city.

cooking takoyaki

that’s my order…

It’s actually easy to find a good Osakan Takoyaki. Simply look for a store with a long queue selling this Japanese street-snack. Then you’re in the right place!

my niece (kim) behind her is one popular takoyaki store near don quixote

the popular takoyaki store along dotonbori street

the often blockbuster takoyaki store along dotonbori street

Truly, a trip to Osaka won’t be complete without trying at least one ball of hot savory Takoyaki!

Pogita bols!!! Yum Yum!!

Inari Shrine & Inari Sushi in Fushimi

Posted on April 19, 2013 by heavenliner

Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto, Japan is probably one of my favorite shrines. I love this temple of worship because of its aesthetics. The color of the structures contrasts very well with nature. It’s vermilion in color. The red-orange color of the torii gates mixes well with the bright blue pigment of the sky as well as the lush green fauna surrounding the area. It’s visually rich!

the gang entering the main gate

nengkoy in fushimi inari shrine

beautiful and impressive

i love the colors…

Maybe another reason why I unconsciously came to like this shrine is because it is dedicated to Inari, the Shinto religion’s God of Rice. I guess I adore it because I myself is a rice lover. Close friends know that given a few numbers of meal periods, I will go nuts if there would be no rice served in any of my meals.

smile …

After going around the beautiful shrine, me and my family headed towards right beside the shrine’s local village where there were quaint restaurants aligned along the narrow street. We entered one of the charming restos to have lunch. Luckily, my nephew cleverly ordered the specialty of the village, the Inari Sushi.

inari sushi with a bowl of ramen

yum!

Another landmark experience I had in Japan was my tasting of the authentic, original and genuine Inari sushi. I have tasted Inari sushi in the past but never in my wildest dream would I get the chance to eat this rice-stuffed dish in a tofu pouch in the place it was named after.

It was a no brainer! For me it was the best Inari Sushi!

Pinaghalong ganda, hanga at sarap!

Kamehameha Powers Of My Monster Nieces & Nephews

Posted on April 14, 2013 by heavenliner

These photo memes are starting to become so popular here in Japan. Since me and my family have limited time, I and my silly nieces and nephews might as well do what typical Japanese are doing. It`s called Kamehamehaing. This photo technique is based on Dragon Ball Z`s kamehameha powers.

inside the fukoshima inari shrine (with monster nephew dennis, photo taken by monster niece thatcher)

kobe tower as the background (with monster nephew luis and niece erika, photo taken by monster niece kim)

erika kicking my butt in kobe harbor (with monster niece erika, photo taken by monster nephew luis)

In the western world the photo meme that is starting to become viral is called Vadering, based on Star Wars` character Darth Vader.

our vadering version… (with monster nephew dennis, photo taken by monster niece thatcher)

Both are basically the same, but I like the drama of Dragon Ball Z better.

I`d rather do this than the silly planking or the catatonic like owling…

Nakikiuso…

A Siopao In Kobe

Posted on April 13, 2013 by heavenliner

Food has always been an integral part of my travels. Though I have a limited ability to explain my wondrous experience about food in all of my travels, I try as much as possible to describe it.

Just like what I just had. It`s about the tastiest siopao (pork meat buns) in the face of Kobe, Japan. Thanks to my niece Erika for bringing me and my family to have this amazing palatal experience. At first I had doubts when she told me that we should try the best pork meat buns in Kobe.

But when we reached the middle of Chinatown of Kobe, I was surprised. I was surprised to see that there was actually a long queue and these people were patiently waiting for their turn to have the chance to enter the very small yet infamous Rosyoki store.

blockbuster!!! pila balde ang peg!

waiting in line with kim and luis (two of my monster pamangkins)

how i wish i can bring all of these back to manila

packing the taste of heaven

happy and excited with our purchase (with erika & luis)

what a palatal surprise!!!

Rosyoki store only sells siopao (known in Japan as butaman). It is a bite-sized pork meat bun with taste that can actually bring you to the doors of heaven. On my first bite, I knew that Erika and the people who fell in line were all correct. It was one of the worthy waiting that I had to do in my life.

Walang sinabi ang asado ng mamunlok at chowking…

Hanami in Osaka

Posted on April 7, 2013 by heavenliner

Some people believe that blossoming of flowers at the start of spring is one of life’s simple pleasures. But not in Japan, because here in Japan, the blossoming of cherry blossoms (known as Sakua) is such a BIG DEAL! It is such a big deal that they were able to establish one fantastic tradition known as Hanami Picnics.

hanami

During limited number of weeks when the Sakura are in full bloom until the latter days when it falls of from its branches, people of Japan gather under the cherry blossom trees to watch and appreciate the beauty of cherry blossoms. This tradition of barbeques, bento boxes and Japanese alcoholic drinks in the park ushers the start of colorful spring.

notice the ochiba (fallen sakura petal) at the left side of the blue plastic mat

me and my niece (japan’s ms. congeniality)

Today, I personally experienced what it is to experience an Hanami Picnic. Thanks to my niece (Japan’s Miss Congeniality) who brought me and my family along to the Hanami Party organized by her Brazilian-Japanese friend. Our picnic spot was at a park around the Osaka Castle in Osakajo. I can definitely say that Hanami is one rare experience. Yes I can have a picnic anytime in any part of the world, but this event is one authentic adventure.

Piknik na ibang level…

Happy Morning In Osaka

Posted on April 6, 2013 by heavenliner

Its my first morning on my second trip to Osaka, Japan. The mood is great. The morning is fine with cool drizzle outside.

I`m so happy to be back, I want to dance to this fine tune…

Ang soyah soyah…

A Letter to North Korea

Posted on April 2, 2013 by heavenliner

Dear North Korea,

What the hell have you been thinking?! I know you are upset with South Korea for having closed a mighty deal with USA to hold a joint military exercise. But try to think again if you are really pursuing your stupid plans of annihilating the South. Because I am pretty sure you won’t succeed.

Why? Here’s why…

First, the problem with you is that you have shunned yourself to the world. You basically have been living under the rock that is why you don’t know that in the past couple of years there has been what is known as the “Korean Wave”. Which actually should have been coined “South Korean Wave” since this phenomenon has totally nothing to do with you.

You should be aware that (South) Korean Wave refers to the increasing popularity of South Korean entertainment and culture all over the planet. And part of this wave is the migration of South Koreans in various parts of the world. They are everywhere for goodness sakes! Therefore, even if you smash and rupture the vast lands of South Korea into smithereens, South Korean genes, populace and ethnicity will never be gone. It will remain on this planet. I just hope you learn from the equally dim-witted soul-less Nazis who thankfully flopped in annihilating the Jewish people.

jo in-sung

Second, if you fight the South Koreans people of other nations will detest and abhor you. This is because when South Korea will be at war their popular boy bands as well as their superstar actor-celebrities Jo In-sung, Hyun Bin and Lee Min Ho will be required to be enlisted to join their armed forces. People of the world would definitely don’t want these cutesy looking idols getting hit by a bullet or even crawl on muddy messy ground.

dara: pambansang krung krung

Lastly, if you fight South Korea, Dara of girl-band 2NE1 who is popularly known as Sandara Parks here in the Philippines will be sad and agitated. You must know that Filipinos love Dara, she is the pambansang krung-krung (Philippine icon for weird yet adorable silliness). And of course, you don’t want to mess up with the krung-krung Filipinos. We don’t need to go there in your country to physically fight and be at war. We have lots of expert mangkukulam-s (voodoos) and the mambabarang-s (withcrafts and sorcerers) who can easily cast a curse or spell on your brain-washed people.

That is why you should think again. Anyway, getting into war is so ancient, obsolete and very out-of-style. My final advise to you, you should get out of your shell, be current, be modern, be cool!

Your Would Be Nemesis If You Don’t Straighten Up Your Act,

The Delicious Earthling

Umayos nga yang Nort Koreya na ‘yan! Di naman kagandahan!

My First Visita Iglesia

Posted on March 29, 2013 by heavenliner

I have been to Bangkok, Thailand three times. And in all those times I with friends tour their well known Buddhist temples in a day. I even coined it Visita Buddhista. This made a tinge of guilt because in my homeland and with my very own religion, I’m too lazy to pull off the Filipino Catholic Lenten tradition known as Visita Iglesia (Seven Churches Visitation).

But I’m guilty no more because in this year’s Holy Thursday, I have completed my very first Visita Iglesia. I did this pious tradition not with friends but with my family. We did not chose the grandest and tour-worthy churches and cathedrals found in Metro Manila but instead we settled on visiting the houses of prayers that are in a way close and connected to our hearts. Five of which are located in Pasay City, 1 in Makati and 1 in Manila.

Here they are…

The Shrine of Jesus, The Way, The Truth and The Life

Located near SM Mall of Asia, my family calls this MOA Church. It’s literally is close to our family because it is the nearest church to Nengkoy’s house. That is why it is so obvious that it is the first church we visited.

Our Lady of Sorrows Parish Church

This church is very special to me and my siblings. We consider this place of worship as the “Binyag Church” (Church of Baptism) because all of our catholic baptism rites when we were still infants were held in this very church.

San Rafael Parish Church

This is my family’s Parish Church. In 1962, this was the very church where the glorious wedding ceremony of my parents was held. Nengkoy was all smile when she entered and left this very quaint church, she feels like she’s so part of it. Also, this was the very church that I was scolded by a priest (mind you, it was during the homily) for wearing shorts when I heard a Holy Mass one early morning a couple of years back.

Sta. Clara De Montefalco Parish Church

This is the house of prayers of Nengkoy when she was a young girl studying in St Mary’s Academy.

San Isidro Labrador Parish Church

This one is the personal favorite of my nephew Luis. The adjacent catholic school is where he studied in high school. Anyway, I personally like the drama of this church… the holy cross was placed outdoor and visible indoor through a clear glass wall.

St. John Bosco Parish Church

This is the church where my elder sister and her husband claimed to have first met. Ewww super cheesy! As for me, I always wonder why every time I pray inside this church my prayers are in straight English. Is it the location, is it the minimalist modern interiors or is it the stylish well-dressed church goers? I don’t know why. (I think it’s the “pa-sosyal” in me. hahaha!)

Our Lady of Remedies Parish Church

This very old yet majestic church was the venue of my elder sister’s wedding. This church is a very popular church for Visita Iglesia aficionados. It was full packed! That is why when we entered to say our prayers the first thing I uttered was “Wow blockbuster!” Anyway, Our Lady of Remedies otherwise known as Malate Church is a special church for me. It is a stone throw away from my office. That is why this is the church I go to for me to say my morning prayer every time I came too early for work.

Nanikip ang dibdib ko sa bisitang yan hah! Muntik na ko matunaw!

Dilemma On Quaresma: The Modernized Pabasa

Posted on March 28, 2013 by heavenliner

Its Maundy Thursday today and the traditional Pabasa Ng Pasyon (Chanting of Christ’s Passion) literally kept me up all night. Not because I joined the bandwagon this year of chanting in monotonous tone the narratives of the life, passion, death and resurrection of Lord Jesus but because a community right beside the building where I live chose to chant the Pasyon in loud and proud manner utilizing a microphone with humongous sets of speakers.

I know Pabasa Ng Pasyon is considered to be a unique Filipino communal tradition which would run during the whole span of the Holy Week. But do devotees today really have to use a microphone to fulfill this religious meditation? What about those who opted to follow the tradition of shutting their mouth and ears to find peace and serenity during the observance of the Holy Week?

I am not saying that Pabasa should be stopped in all corners of the land what I am trying to point out is that this tradition should be kept and observed in the traditional manner, that is, speaker-less, microphone-less with merely raw, genuine and unprocessed chants.

In my personal opinion, using microphones and speakers in Pabasa denotes artless, insincere and contrived expression and profession of the Catholic faith. It no longer sounds the way I used to hear it – exotic, bizarre and mysterious. For me, using these modern technological equipments turns the “modernized” Pabasa into nothing but a thoughtless, vain and immodest show.

It’s the Holy Week no one should be playing or making loud music for Pete’s sake! I just hope the ear fatiguing sound from the nearby colony of human beings would stop while I write this post otherwise this week is turning out to be one unholy week.

Mataimtim na kwaresma para sa lahat…

A Letter to Akihito (Again)

Posted on March 27, 2013 by heavenliner

cherry blossoms from my last year’s adventure

Once again, to His Royal Highness who sits on the Chrysanthemum Throne,

Ohayou gozaimasu.

I, the Delicious Earthling is writing you again to let you graciously be aware that I will visit your splendid empire for the second time. No worries must be felt for I don’t intend to inflict harm nor wreak havoc towards your courteous dwellers.

In fact I, the Delicious Earthling, totally adored and fancied the experiences and adventures the last time I was in your delightful kingdom. However, in my upcoming trip one worry has been lingering since the time I decided to be back.

It’s your ever famous Cherry Blossoms. I learned and led to believe from various readings and manuscripts that the full bloom of these illustrious flowers has already fallen off the branches on the day of my arrival. Therefore and unlike my previous correspondence (press LINK) to you when I demanded three requirements that your dwellers need to ensure, I instead will be petitioning for only one single yet simple demand.

I want your kingdom to ensure that fresh Cherry Blossoms are still on the sturdy trees right in its proper branches. If not then I guess you will have to make use of your powers to impose that fresh cherry blossoms are glued and fixed on their respective branches.

I suggest you summon your people to stick and glue these flowers with cooked grains of your sticky tasty rice to keep it in their respective places. Otherwise, this will be the source of disappointment by the Delicious Earthling.

Your Comrade in Wealth,

The Delicious Earthling

nengkoy from last year’s trip

As yuswal di paiiwan ang Nengkoy

Nengkoy

ruminations & travesties of the favorite yet naughty son of Nengkoy

Author Archives: heavenliner