Islander in the City

Hongkong Quickie

r-yo — Sat, 06 Aug 2011 01:13:34 +0000

If I were superstitious, I would have looked at the series of delays in the flights to Europe as a foreboding of bad things to come. But I have learned to follow the more positive outlook – when thrown lemons, make lemonade.

We missed our connecting flight to Rome and was informed that the next one out would be after almost a day. That’s a sad prospect, (one way to look at it), but it could also be an opportunity for some exciting adventure. For one, the hotel assigned to us by the airline was one of the best airport hotels in the world – and it does offer some nice photo subjects. Or better yet, with so much time to spare, why not get out of the airport and check-out Hongkong instead?

And so I did. With gusto! It must have been 5 years since my last visit. And one funny thing I discovered, I was then booked in a hotel that was just a stone’s throw away from Victoria Harbor and I never even knew it! Now I have tons of photos to prove that I really had been there. He he.

For more photos, please check the album.

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Tokyo SkyTree – Redefining Tokyo’s Skyline

r-yo — Wed, 02 Mar 2011 02:18:18 +0000

“One day, Japanese authorities thought that the Tokyo skyline – while admittedly spectacular, has become too drab and unexciting. They realize it has been like that for years. While they have erected new Ferris Wheels to spice up the scene, still these structures did not command the same awe as the London Eye would. The good old Rainbow Bridge still gives picturesque background to the photographs of tourists, but they all say it reminds them of the Golden Gate Bridge. And of course, the Tokyo Tower still stands proud and sparkly in the midst of the rival skyscrapers, but the Japanese can only sheepishly grin when reminded that it is a poor copy of the Eiffel Tower.

So they decided to come up with something all their own – an icon that would remind people of nothing but Tokyo. Thus came the idea to build a tower that will touch the sky. And they called it the Sky Tree.”

That of course, was a joke (corny!)

The Sky Tree was actually built as a tower for terrestrial digital broadcasting (analog broadcasting will end in July 2011). Standing at 634 meters, it now is the tallest tower in the world, recently beating China’s Canton Tower. Located at the Narihirabashi/Oshiage area of Sumida Ward, it diverts attention from downtown Tokyo and is already attracting a daily bevy of tourists.

It is now nearing completion and has already spruced up the Tokyo skyline. It is expected to be operational by spring of 2012.

For more pics, please check the album.

Australia car hire is essential for visitors down under. It is all so big and spread out under the blue sky, you need your own wheels. You will be able to explore more.

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Shuri Castle, Okinawa

r-yo — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 13:02:41 +0000

I was in Okinawa for less than a day – arrived noon and left early morning the next day. I know the place has more to offer for photography enthusiasts, but what can a man on a mission do? Luckily, I was referred to one generous lady who exerted all efforts to make my visit organized and quick-paced. She took time out to fix my schedule and made sure that I get a brief moment to capture one of Okinawa’s famous landmarks, the Shuri Castle.

This 14th century castle was built during the Ryukyu Kingdom (a territory independent from Old Japan) . It served as the residence and administrative center of its ruling royalty. It was however almost completely destroyed during World War II, as it was used as military headquarters by the Japanese army. It was restored only from 1958 to 1992.

Regular tours of the Castle feature traditional Japanese theater performances and a tea ceremony showcasing famous Okinawan sweets.

For more Okinawa pics, please check out the album.

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Snapshots of Seoul

r-yo — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 11:42:57 +0000

My airplane mileage card shows that I’ve been to Korea more than 10 times. But I don’t think I could already claim fully-knowing the country, as those were normally short visits – primarily spent on countless meetings with local bankers, embassy officers and Filipino communities.

But I did have a few chances to move around Seoul and capture whatever my camera fancies. A number of old Korean Palaces are located right within the city so these are the most accessible photo opportunities. My Korea photo folder is thus filled with shots of old Korea’s royal residences.

I guess I’ve told some friends before that I felt more at home in Seoul than in Tokyo. It’s probably because it is not as huge a metropolis as Tokyo, but it is just as grand and modern. Being compact, it is easier to tour around and yes, taxi fare is way cheaper than in Tokyo.

One place I like most is downtown Seoul. It is a bigger and more organized version of Makati’s Business Center. But while the area hosts expensive tastes and merchandize, one will be surprised to find out that just around the corner are humongous markets selling bargain items.

One last note, Korea, just like Tokyo, could surprise unassuming tourists with weird goings-on. Here’s one I caught on-cam. This slimy grimy woman was walking in one of Seoul’s busy avenues, with two men carrying a sofa. Once in a while they would stop and the woman will strike various poses. But her assistants didn’t have cameras. What that was for, I really did not get it.

* for more pics, please visit my photo album.

Have you been to Cape Town, Durban or the Kruger Park? With south africa car hire you get to see more of this wide country.

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Into The Light

r-yo — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 02:24:15 +0000

I remember I was in Taiwan when Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo was sworn to office in the aftermath of EDSA 2. And I can still remember the shivers that ran thru my spine when coverage of the event was flashed through CNN – our only source of live feed then.

My Filipino friends and I, who spent several days monitoring the tumultuous political developments in the Philippines prior to that high point,were one in claiming overwhelming pride for country. Had we been braver (or probably less sober), we would have danced through the streets of Taipei shouting “that’s our country!”.

That of course would have been embarrassing, if we were to be held accountable for what came after. For it did not even take long for the disappointments to start flowing in. While we envisioned a crusade against corruption and abuse of power (why GMA got there in the first place), what came about was a calculated assault to every ideal Filipinos fought for. Block by block, brick by brick – the GMA administration built a huge monument to bad governance. And consequently, national pride quickly dissipated.

The last election provided us with an opportunity to take charge of our destiny and regain our belief in ourselves. Armed with nothing but hope, we deciphered the best clues from the cacophony of voices offering change for our lives. I too took time going to the polls to say my piece. And I was elated that my singular vote turned out to be reflective of that of the majority.

I am now in Japan. But with improved communications media, I will be sharing the same TV screen with the other citizens of the Philippines. For sure, CNN and other foreign media will cover it for a few seconds, drowned probably by the hoopla of the World Cup and other more universal news.

But just like that fateful day nine years ago, the rest of the world will today know that we are once again entering a new phase in our endless search for national salvation. That is enough source for overwhelming national pride.

Nope, I will not be dancing in the streets of Tokyo. Not that my enthusiasm this time is less, but I just would like to temper my expectations. It’s never easy recovering from the ravage of a tempest.

All I ask now is for us to savor this moment and for us to realize that the next six years require our individual contributions to nationhood. Let us party now, because the work ahead will be less fun.

Congratulations to President Noynoy and the new leaders of the Philippines! Congratulations to the Filipinos! And let’s wish each other the best of luck!

Pahiyas 2010: An Amazing Visual Treat

r-yo — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 03:21:35 +0000

Just like all my previous vacations to the Philippines, my recent trip home was filled with planned visits – this time to Sagada, Batanes and Bohol.

And as usual, I made none of those travels. There just were so many things that needed attention when I was there, that traveling far would take much time from my already limited stay.

That’s why I was truly happy when one blogger-friend invited me to join their group going to Lukban, Quezon for the Pahiyas Festival. I haven’t been there but I have already heard and read much about it. I guess no tourism brochure on the Philippines is without a colorful spread on the Pahiyas.

Admittedly, I was a little disappointed when I found out that the decorated houses would run only one entire stretch. I thought all along that all the houses in town would be filled with kiping and other adornments.

But when I saw just how grand and intricate the designs were, I realized it really would have burdened the residents much if they all spent for the decorations. Indeed, designating specific streets for the displays (I don’t know if they have this on rotation basis) would be the practical route.

So how was the experience? I could say with conviction that the Pahiyas is amazingly unique. Lukban is so lucky to have a festival that is truly its own. It is a showcase of Filipino ingenuity and artistry and this is one experience that makes you proud being Filipino. I hope this event gets all the support it needs from the government and the private sector so that it grows to meet international standards.

(Please check my Photo Album for more pics.)

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Give The Guy A Break!

r-yo — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 06:07:18 +0000

Tiger Woods (who has, for a thousand times, been mistaken to be my brother, hehe) is back!

But the press still won’t stop hounding him about his admitted marital infidelity and sexual indiscretions. In his recent pre-tournament press meet-up, all questions were still focused on the controversy and the tone of the reporters seemed rather accusing instead of simply being evocative.

For chrissakes, can’t they just let this episode end? The guy has said his mea culpa and has even undergone therapy just to appease his critics. Truth is, he didn’t even have to. For if the accounts on his philandering were true, then his escapades were far from what would fall under the abnormal category. I bet many of his accusers now have more active and sleazier sex lives than what he’s had and they would never admit to being sex maniacs.

Whatever it is that Tiger had is now between him and his wife. The public has no more business prying into how things would get resolved. He has been punished enough.

Now let’s just let him play. And I wish his comeback gets off well so he could silence the pestering hypocrites.

Go Bro!

*Photo credits: Not mine, of course!

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A Season of Hope

r-yo — Sat, 03 Apr 2010 02:33:38 +0000

For the Philippines and the rest of the Christian world, tomorrow signals the break of a new dawn … the passage from a tomb of darkness to the bright light of salvation.

For the Japanese, Koreans and other peoples with spring in their midst, they too will rise in jubilation for the bursting of flowers that signal the rush of forthcoming summer.

Two different cultures … two parallel symbols of Hope.

Happy Easter and a fun-filled Hanami to everyone!

For more pics, please check my photo album above.

Tulip Fest: Korea Everland

r-yo — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 00:41:52 +0000

It was still chilly cold when I was in Seoul last week. It was snowing in fact.

Going around when free time comes is thus not fun. But then again, loitering in the office of our consultant would be more inconvenient, so I decided to heed to Korea’s version of Disneyland – Everland.

Luckily, my visit coincided with the launching of the park’s tulip festival. While there were not as much flowers as a regular tulip garden in Japan would have, their presence was enough to put color to an otherwise drab backdrop of bare trees and melting snow.

For more pics, please check my photo album. For best results, please use PicLens and enlarge.

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Toyota’s Reply

r-yo — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 12:29:28 +0000

Warm greetings!

We would like to confirm the receipt of your complaint from Toyota Motor Philippines.

As our valued customer, we empathize for whatever inconveniences this has brought you and as part of our commitment to serve, your concern will be dealt accordingly.

I have already informed your Marketing Professional, Mr. ******, his immediate head, MS. *********, OIC, and Mr. **********, General Sales Manager regarding your concern.

I have also inquired for any recommendation from our Service Department specifically concerning the Vios’ fuel consumption. According to Mr. *****, the Service Manager, there are a lot of factors that affect the amount of fuel consumption:

1. Accessories at use while driving (e.g. airconditioner)

2. Type of fuel used

3. City driving or out of town

Anyhow, our Service Manager is asking if we could perform a test that would be conducted by the TMP-Technical Team with your unit so as to profoundly address your concern. Should you agree with the said recommendation, please do inform us of your most convenient time so that we can make the arrangements for you and with the TMP-CSO Technical Team.

Should you have any clarifications and questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us at Customer Relations Department (02) 3392238 or trunkline numbers: 5641811-20 Loc. 180-181.

Thank you very much.

Sincerely yours,

*****

Customer Relations Officer

Toyota Otis, Inc.

******

This of course is the proper way to handle customer concerns. It would have made a world of difference if I heard this type of reply early on.Thank you Toyota Philippines for checking the link to my blog and forwarding it to Toyota Otis.

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Dear Toyota

r-yo — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 10:39:43 +0000

(I am posting this letter just to vent my frustration over Toyota Otis’ useless customer service)

The Manager

Customer Relations Department, Toyota Otis

I bought a Vios from your branch by the end of December last year. While I earlier planned to get a Honda City, I finally chose the Vios because of its much-touted fuel economy. My impression was that a liter of gasoline could last for about 16 kilometers.

However, based on my gasoline consumption monitoring, my car’s engine performance was clearly far from the promise. A liter only lasts for 8 to 10 kms. on the average.

I have relayed this concern to my agent last month but my issue was summarily dismissed. I was curtly told that this was the first time a concern of this nature was raised, or if it were true, it must be because I was a clutch driver.

While that cold treatment disappointed me, I gave my car a few more test runs, hoping that its performance may improve after it had its first oil change. I also had my brother, who is a driver by profession, drive it. Apparently, the results were the same.

This now places me on good footing to react on the manner with which you handle feedback from customers. Based on how your agent replied to me, these are the thoughts that now run in my head: if I were a clutch-driver, there surely would be many others like me who are currently driving a Vios. They too would have observed that they’re not getting maximum fuel efficiency. I bet I would not have been the first one to bring this concern, if it were the case. But since it was claimed that I was the first to do so, would it not have been prudent to at least consider that maybe, my car is indeed worth looking into?

To immediately dismiss my concern is to say that your machines are perfect and any resulting fault must be due to the rider. That idea is preposterous – noting the on-going worldwide recall of defective Toyotas. I’m not saying that my car belongs to the same league. I simply would have appreciated an offer to have it checked.

For now, I really do not know what to you expect from you, customer service-wise. I am only writing to formally inform you of my predicament, with not much hope of a response (but an acknowledgment of your receipt of this e-mail will be appreciated).

Note: I heard nothing from Toyota Otis after sending this. Prospective buyers: don’t say you were not forewarned.

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Palawan’s Underground River

r-yo — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 02:47:05 +0000

When the search for the 7 New Wonders of the Nature was launched, it did not surprise me that many of the Philippines’ natural beauties figured prominently in the race. I have to admit, my reaction had a tinge of cynicism to it, knowing fully well that Filipinos would normally flood every internet contest with votes in order to win global accolade.

But I realized I may just be jumping the gun on a legitimate contender so I made a vow to at least check the nominated places and see for myself if they were worth the hype. But since Palawan’s Underground River already made it as a Finalist, I decided to focus on it during my recent vacation.

And my verdict? I am proud to say that the cave that hosts the river is indeed one of nature’s best creations (it may not be as magnificent as the Grand Canyon but I was just as awed). It is an amazing showcase of how nature’s random acts can result into something spectacular. It strongly reminds everyone who visits it that the best artist is a Force beyond all of us.

And one thing that adds to the attractiveness of the place is the way it is being handled by its caretakers. There is discipline in the way it is being managed – from the booking of the tours to the maintenance of it’s sorroundings.

And boy, the boatmen/tour guides are all well-trained. They speak good English and have apparently mastered their educational and humorous scripts. As soon as they start their spiels, you forget the fear of riding a small boat that barely rises above the water level.

I swear, it is one place that will make you feel proud being Filipino!

(for more pics please click my Photo Album)

Slowly Coming Back

r-yo — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 06:06:30 +0000

It has been about three months since I last came out with a note for this blog. Yup, it has been that long and I too can’t believe that I was able to completely shut myself out of blogville for such a long period. Apparently, I did lose interest.

At first it was just because I was focused on maximizing my vacation in the Philippines (tying myself up to the computer chair was the least in my priority list). But after accumulating just about enough memories and stuff to keep the blog afloat for some time, I still seemed to lack the drive to go back and write.

But I don’t want to let this little nook of mine die just as unceremoniously as that. That’s why I’ll be flogging myself awake from hereon and strive harder to be back. The muse hasn’t returned yet but I’ll find and hijack her once more.

And of course, I have found a new home. This site was developed by friend and officemate, Gary Bacarra, who took pains complying with my requests. That effort by itself should inspire me to maximize the use of this space.

So, here again folks is the Islander in the City, offering a fresh handshake.

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Silence

r-yo — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 02:02:25 +0000

Vacation has come and gone, but I have yet to make a decent post in this blog. Seems like I’ve already ran out of drive to express more detailed statements to the world. Must be because I could make simple shout-outs through my facebook updates anyway.

I was hoping to transfer to my own dotcom site at the onset of 2010 but even that takes the backseat for now. It’s all fired-up, just a few more tweaks from me and the developer and it will be off and running. But then again …

Bahala na si Batman. Maybe when I get back to the cold and lonely arms of Tokyo I will be able to summon the muse to blog again.

(pic taken during sunrise in my hometown, Capul N. Samar)

Irony Philippines

r-yo — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 07:14:45 +0000

I am currently handling an international project, the completion of which has long been overdue. Why? Because every time we approach the end, a new bureaucratic requisite sprouts which consequently throws the finish line farther away.

This confounds our foreign partners since the same initiative has been implemented in many other countries and so far, it is the Philippines that has asked for the most number of documents/ requirements.

Actually, there’s really nothing wrong with that. It is simply exasperating when one gets to think that while we belabor ourselves with so many formal traps for possible shenanigans, our country is still tops in corruption. Hayz…

Islander in the City

Hongkong Quickie

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