UP Diliman had its dose of Japanese last month during their Japanese language month: JapFun. The moment I saw the JapFun tarp just along the road to the Sunken Garden - “Ang daya! Bakit sila may gano’n?!” - I immediately regretted not going to UP. What kind of J-addict like me wouldn’t want a month full of Japanese-related events?

But then Kami-sama 神様 might have heard my prayer and so Ateneo would be having its Japanese Studies Program Week 日本フェステイバル　on the first week of September. Yatta~! やった～！　＾＿＾ Maybe a week isn’t anything compared to a month but our student population is too small for such a huge event anyway.

JSP Week is a week filled with Japanese-culture events. I was so excited I dragged my blockmate who likes Shoujo anime with me to sign-up in the JSP Department. Being the J-addict that I am, I joined all the events that I could join. And no, I did not join the Sumo Wrestling competition.

I also signed-up for the Karaoke Contest although I’m feeling quite hopeless with it. I’ve never joined a singing competition before and the only time I sing is when we have practicals in Music class back in high school. The only reason I joined is because I love singing Japanese songs. ^_^ It’s a habit I developed everyday when launching my iTunes.

There’d be preliminary screenings before the actual competition and I’m not expecting much but I’ll still try to sing Life by Yui just for fun. ^_^ It’s the 5th ending of Bleach if you guys don’t recognize it.

For my fellow schoolmates who happen to be J-addicts too, as a member of Toujin (Touhou no Yuujin), it’s practically my responsibility to promote this event because as of now, only members of Toujin and students taking JSP classes know about this. ^_^ So, please participate if you can! ^_^ Onegaishimasu~ お願いします *bows*

I’m supposed to be in Manila today but because of this certain typhoon called Fengshen or for our westernized country’s sake, Frank, I’m stuck here in Pampanga thinking about Frank. Do I love Frank? Do I hate Frank?

Classes are suspended! Well, I used to love going to school back when I was in high school. I’m a fan of learning new things and all but I’m still adjusting to college life and I really don’t like having PE that is why I’d pass this time. I wouldn’t have to do my homework too. I can just do it tonight. I’m a crammer since high school days after all. Of course I love Frank… or so one might think.

So let’s say I love Frank. I wouldn’t be blogging about this if that’s what I felt. Besides, a stereotyped notion on a teenager is that he loves rainy days because of the same reasons I stated. There’d be nothing special about another teenager loving typhoons.

With the LRT lines down, properties wrecked, people killed, who would love such a monster that is Frank? Sure, I’m not directly affected. I’m perfectly safe at home having fun while watching SHINee videos. But no, I’ve had enough of the self-centeredess of people my age. Any conceited and immature teenager might love Frank but I don’t. I love having no classes but I do hate the Philippines being rattled by such disastrous things as Frank. So then…

Rain, rain, go away. Come again another day.

I would never let this day pass without acknowledging the 110th anniversary of my own country as an independent country.

I know I’ve always been dreaming of Korea and Japan and I feel like riding on clouds whenever I do but even so, I never failed to keep my feet on the ground - the same ground from which gave birth to the Filipino culture and the very same ground wherein blood was shed for the independence of the Filipinos of today.

Aside from the free MRT and LRT rides which I did not bother to patronize but, in behalf of those who did, am thankful for anyway, this day for me is special because it commemorates the freedom that our fathers have fought for the Filipinos of today.

The Philippines is not a hateful country. The only flaw I find in this country is the government but the Philippines itself is beautiful. The culture is beautiful. The land is beautiful. The people are beautiful. Even foreigners think so. I think we all need a break from these political issues and for once, let the natural beauty of the Philippines emanate from us Filipinos - with no tint of politics, hopelessness and depression. After all, we Filipinos are known for smiling even amidst the worst of scenarios.