renshuu shimasu

わたしのげつようびからきんようびまでのよていです。

わたしは7じはんにおきますから、まいばんねるのがおそいです。

すして、8じ15ふんにバスーのりばへあるいていきます。うちからバスーのりばまで15ふんぐらいかかりますね。バスでかいしゃへいきます。20分ぐらいかかりますね。ぜんぼ35ふんぐらいですね。

9時から6時まではたらきますね。ひる休は1時間だけ。私はいつもかいしゃのしょくどでたべています。しょくどのたべものがいろりろありますね。ときどきおいしいです。すして、やすいです。

6じにしごとをおわますね。だいたいデパートへいきます。うちのちかくにデパートがおおいです。だからべんりですね。かいものしませんから、わたしはびんぼですね。ＬＯＬ．

ばんごはんときどきセーパでオーべんとかいますから。わたしのりょうりがへたですね。

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Above is what one would hear when I’m asked about Monday-Friday routine. =P

Regarding my Nihonggo, I STILL need a lot of improvement, especially with my speaking skills. As a listener, my hearing skills vary considerably. Meaning, it depends on the manner and speed the speaker is using. Some tend to speak rapidly that I could not quite make out any word that sounds familiar.

In time, I’ll catch up. *crosses fingers*

Since my Japanese lunchmates knew about my willingness to learn their language. They would modulate their manner of speaking, therefore, allowing me to understand each word. They are very encouraging and patient towards my queries about vocabulary and grammar, which were never left unanswered. Bless them.

In my dire need to practice, I would often eavesdrop at random strangers talking beside me in the bus. Even in the office, I sometimes try to comprehend the conversation of my two seatmates (I know it’s rude but can you blame me?? It’s impossible not to hear them, anyway). So far, their conversations are work-related.

picture Sunday: Fall

Autumn is undeniably my favorite season. I just like how colorful the trees look prior to its 'hibernation' mode.

..And I'm back with my Flickr project 365. I did try last year but failed -- having missed a few days which, of course, ruined the main objective. Unlike others' 365 project, I don't take photos everyday. I do upload photos daily provided that such photo was taken from Nov 1, 2009 to present. Project ends Nov. 3, 2010.

Someone is making history

I am appalled with the recent events that shook my country. Nature's wrath last September left a lot of people homeless and distressed; the recent Maguindanao massacre that contributed much to Philippines ranking (next to Iraq) as a dangerous country for journalists; and of course, Madame President's announcement of her intention for a seat in Congress.

To be fair though, in between those, good news managed to surface: (Pacman and Efren Penaflorida's victories.) Their victories, especially Efren's, were a breath of fresh air from all the politics that are constantly reigning the headlines.

To turn a blind eye on the issues is tolerating the sad state of our government. One need not participate in rallies or an expert on politics just to air out an opinion. Awareness does help. I hope that people will learn the lessons of the past by not putting those corrupt people (or any of its cohorts) to office. This doesn't even sound as something new for an advice. We should know this just the same way we know our favorite color.

I sometimes think that the palace is cursed, that whoever resides awakens the inner evil in them. I know this is close to stupid superstitious belief. It's just that I can't help noting the trend. Or they could be evil incarnates all along, putting on a mask to deceive the public.

talking with strangers

Yesterday afternoon, while I was sitting and enjoying my strawberry milk (with sago) behind the ice-cream-truck-looking booth of Mother's Crepe at Morisia, I met two strangers. Actually, they're a total of four but I'm sorting them into two.

Strangers no.1 (Old man with an older lady -- his mom).

These two sat on my left. I was reading that Gilbert book when this 'older lady' distracted me and successfully took my focus away from my reading -- thus, I turned to face her. She was talking incomprehensibly while eating that crumbs of food (or cake) fell on her lap. I did try to decipher and understand a few words but I just lost it. Not to be rude, since she was talking profusely as well (making it impossible for me to say something), I just nodded and pretended to understand her.

Her son, having sensed mom was talking with someone, looked my way and made hand gestures to the right side of his head -- the way you describe someone who is crazy -- suggesting that his mom is not in good condition. He said something in rapid Nihonggo, so I replied '...Nihonggo sukoshi desu' (rough translation: I speak/understand few Nihonggo). He asked, in broken English, as to where I'm from. I said, Philippines.

Our conversation lasted about half an hour with his mom talking to herself between us. He asked me where I learned English and told him that it's almost considered the second language for Filipinos because we were taught with books in English since kindergarten.

To cut the story short: He assumed I worked in a bar or nightclub. As far as I can remember, he's not the first Japanese to stereotype Filipinas as such. I've met strangers before (not in bars) asking what I'm doing in JP. His assumption was probably brought out of ignorance, and he did acknowledge -- judging my outfit -- that I look smart: a huge pimple protruding just between my brows + Converse shoes + a book on hand = NERDY. Our conversation went through about my work, his mom (him, having to take care of her on weekends while on weekdays he brings her to a facility for old people), his family, and my on-going Nihonggo lessons. All ended when his mom started mumbling words of wanting to go home. They left and few seconds after, I met strangers no.2.

Strangers no.2 (A young mother and a baby)

They were at my right. They were sitting at my right all along -- close enough to hear my conversation with 'strangers no.1'. Young mom was feeding ice cream to her daughter when she commented on my English that it was good. I thanked her and said that hers was good, too. I added, 'it sounds American'. I asked if she studied there to which she confirmed as having stayed there five (5) years. I was expecting nothing to follow after that but she narrated her story of not having much friends because she stays home taking care of her babies (she also has a 2 month old infant). Our conversation was cut short because her daughter finished the ice cream so quickly that it was time for them to go. Before we said goodbyes, we exchanged formal introductions.

...Then they came back. She asked for my number saying that she'd love to talk to me someday to which I gladly gave. I added that I could have someone to practice my Nihonggo with. So, we exchanged numbers and emails...and hope our story doesn't end there.