Monday, October 02, 2006

Vintage Tokyo


This is a typical "gaado-shita", literally means under the tracks.
On my way to Hibiya Koen, I chanced upon an obscure part in this town, Yurakucho which is just next to swanky Ginza.

Most of these gaado-shita around Tokyo have been renovated into really boring bars, shops and restaurants with no distinct character at all since you'd also find them anywhere! I hope the city developers would not touch this nook!

You have these tiny bars all pressed together under the tracks with these treasures on the wall that will sort of tell you what was showing on the screens in those days. By looking at these posters, they might be from the 60s! Just as the Shinkansen (bullet train) debuted! The whole place rattles when a train thunders overhead, so it would not be hard to check on the last train if you go here on a nightout.


And this poster, I googled "Spawn of the North", a 1938 movie!



One more look at the gaado-shita as I emerged from the other end and into a modern part of Yurakucho where the Tokyo International Forum stands.

Sunday, October 01, 2006

Jose Rizal in Tokyo

I was on my way to an appointment at Hibiya Park this afternoon when I passed by a bust of someone that made me stop, as if it said "pssst!" Pinoy-style.
Ay, si Ka Jose pala!






I know that Jose Rizal lived in Japan for sometime and that he
had a Japanese girlfriend and what's that other rumor about a love child?! I just hope that that boy did not turn out to be one of those who eventually had a hand in WWII. That would definitely make Ka Jose
roll like crazy in his grave then!

Friday, September 29, 2006

dakulaon na maray!

There is "kalamansi" in Japan, mind you! My partner just brought home these organically-grown monsters. Para silang mga dalandan! I will try one of these tomorrow, tignan nga natin kung talagang kalamansi ito?! I think one fruit can make a glass of kalamansi juice!

Thai Manaco Fan


Found this while looking for something else,
I think I did this one at work as a part-time
english conversation teacher. There were times
when we have a lull, no "lessons" so we sit
in our cubicles, waiting.

Some of my favorite websites...

designboom
banksy- www.banksy.co.uk/ - cut and paste on your browser
tarako fightaaa!
tumami
this one I avoid really, you will know why

Monday, September 25, 2006

Sunday, September 24, 2006

Lutong Bahay

This is the avocado, tomato, mozzarella, broccoli sprouts, eringi combo...
Main dish is pasta peperoncino with eggplant, bacon, grilled pepper and basil.
Chilled Perrier with lime, and a Pinot Noir to drink.