Blast from the Past: Reconnecting with Old Friends

Life moves fast. One minute you're glued to your best friend's hip, giggling over inside jokes, and the next, you're navigating careers, families, and different cities or even countries. But the funny thing about getting older – those friendships from your youth, the ones forged in shared experiences and late-night talks, take on a new kind of importance.

Maybe it's because the constant churn of new faces makes you appreciate the ones who've known you at your worst (and hopefully, your best!). Or perhaps it's the realization that the foundation of a good friendship is something precious and rare.

Whatever the reason, I've found myself reaching out to some of those old friends lately. It's not about asking for favors or rehashing the past – it's more about a simple "hello" and a chance to reminisce about the fun times we shared. 

Remember our grueling YDT/CAT trainings under the scorching sun? Or that crazy Christmas party where we had exams the next morning?How about those times when we laughed until our sides ached. And how our idyllic field trip took a frightening turn when unidentified people began throwing stones at us. Who can forget trying to "howl," er, sing at the Alleluiahan? I know our voices are more suited to poetry than melody and harmony.

Those memories are golden, little time capsules that hold a special place in my heart.

Life has undoubtedly taken us all on different paths. We've grown, changed, and maybe even become a little (or a lot) different from the people we were back then. But that shared history, that foundation of friendship, is still there. So, to my old friends – the ones who knew me before social media filters and adulting existed! – I'd love to reconnect. Let's catch up, share stories (both old and new), and maybe even create some new adventures together. Who knows, maybe this time, we'll actually nail that "Sana'y Wala ng Wakas" duet!

Cherry Cloud Bliss: My Tokyo Hanami Extravaganza

The air crackled with anticipation as I joined the throngs of people headed towards Araiyakushi Park in Nakano City. It was finally happening – my supposed to be first ever hanami, Japan's legendary cherry blossom viewing party! Unfortunately, the iconic trees are not in bloom yet. I can only imagine, how their delicate pink petals would have started forming a canopy overhead like a soft, fragrant cloud.

Despite the unfortunate delay of the Sakura Blossom, a lot of people still showed up at the park according to schedule. Finding a spot in the maddening crowd proved to be an impossible feat. There are plenty of vendors selling potatoes, hotdogs, cotton candy and other feast. Bento boxes are overflowing with colorful delights, fluffy onigiri rice balls, and of course, sakura mochi – sweet rice cakes filled with red bean paste, a special hanami treat – were all available for sale at the park to tempt your taste buds.

The park was a vibrant tapestry of activity. There is a dance presentation. The dancers were consist of several older ladies and a young child. Families and their friends picnicked under the weeping cherry trees with not a single bloom in sight. Yet, you can see friends laughed and chatted, and couples strolled hand-in-hand, taking in the fleeting beauty of the weather that day. Music drifted from portable speakers, and the air was filled with the excited chatter of children chasing each other.

As we tried to scout the food stalls to choose our lunch, a sense of serenity washed over me. I was imagining delicate petals fluttered down like pink snow, creating a magical atmosphere. The beauty of the blossoms would have been fantastic have they bloom according to the prediction of the weather bureau of Japan.

With no bloom in sight, my brother, his girlfriend and I were really disappointed. We paid a premium room rate for our home stay. The owner Annie Cheng justified the rates as just for the season. Of course she enticed us about the 2 kilometers stretch of Cherry Blossoms she said was there because it was supposed to be the height of Cherry Blossoms.

Her accommodation is just around 2 to 3 minutes walk to Araiyukushi-Mae station. We stayed there for 7 nights. So imagine our disappointment when not a single blossom appeared.  All we can do is sigh. The first 3 nights, we find it weird that there is no heater during night time until morning. I complained it to the owner to no avail. So, on our third night with still no heater, I was fed up and would like a reimbursement so we can change to another accommodation with heater.

The only redeeming factor for choosing that area is seeing how hanami was done. I was bowled over by the sense of community by the Japanese people. 

I was in awe with their shared appreciation for nature despite the absence of ephemeral display of the cherry trees.  It made our very first hanami so special.

Spring evening would have been perfect with yozakura, the nighttime cherry blossom viewing according to my research. The trees were supposed to be illuminated by soft lanterns, casting an ethereal glow on the scene. The atmosphere was supposed to be more subdued, with an air of quiet contemplation. It would have been a perfect way to end the day, reflecting on the beauty I could have witnessed.

My first hanami experience was more than just a picnic under the no show weeping cherry trees. It was a glimpse into Japanese culture, a celebration of the fleeting beauty of spring, and a reminder to slow down and appreciate the simple things in life. I can't wait to experience the real deal next year, maybe under a canopy of a fully bloom cherry blossoms in a serene Kyoto garden, or perhaps amidst the lively crowds of Ueno Park.

Have you ever experienced hanami? What are your favorite traditions or memories? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Kyoto Kaleidoscope: A Wanderer's Blog

Hey everyone,

Just got back from a whirlwind adventure in Kyoto, and let me tell you, it was pure magic. This city is like a living museum, where ancient temples brush shoulders with bustling streets, and serenity hides around every corner.

I wasn't sure what to expect. Kyoto is famed for its history and tradition, but there's a modern energy here too. One minute I'm sipping matcha tea in a charming teahouse garden, the next I'm browsing quirky anime stores in Nishiki Market.

But for me, the true charm of Kyoto lies in the little moments. Getting lost (happily!) on cobbled backstreets lined with traditional wooden houses, stumbling upon hidden gardens tucked away behind unassuming gates, or sharing a smile with a local in a perfect little tea shop.

Speaking of food, Kyoto is a foodie paradise! From melt-in-your-mouth okonomiyaki to delicate kaiseki meals, my taste buds were on a constant journey. Wandering through Nishiki Market, the "Kitchen of Kyoto," was an assault on the senses in the best way possible. So many colors, smells, and the freshest ingredients you can imagine!

The Arashiyama Bamboo Grove was pure tranquility, sunlight filtering through the towering stalks creating a peaceful, almost mystical atmosphere.

Of course, the temples and shrines are the stars of the show. Kinkaku-ji temple with its iconic golden appearance was breathtaking. 

Kyoto is a city that stays with you long after you leave. It's a place that whispers stories of the past, vibrates with the present, and leaves you wanting to come back for more.

This is just a taste of my Kyoto adventure, I've got more stories and photos to share in the coming posts. In the meantime, if you're thinking about a trip to Japan, Kyoto absolutely deserves a spot on your itinerary.

Stay tuned for more Kyoto Kaleidoscope!

P.S. Any recommendations for must-see sights or hidden gems on a future visit? Leave a comment below!