Simple joys in life

I stayed in America for 3 years. well if you ask me if I liked it, I would say not much! Working overseas is just taking it as it is, all work. You would be missing the simple joys of life. One thing that I didn't like is the food, too bland for me, it's all the same for the most part. I can't blame them for that though as we have different taste buds.

So, when I got back home, the first thing I did was  to eat at a local carinderia or local eatery and enjoyed locally cooked filipino dishes! I finished it off with a favorite filipino dessert/snack.

The famous Banana Cue - fried bananas coated in caramelized brown sugar!

Most of the times,  we are too busy working and thinking big. And often, we miss smelling the flowers and enjoy the beauty that's right before our very eyes.The simplest things are sometimes the great things, don't let it pass you by.

Kultura, everything Philippines

I was at Megamall and the Kultura brand caught my attention, Can't resist checking out the store

It's all Philippine souvenir items and memorabilia, "I love Manila "or "Philippines" logo are printed on shirts, cups etc. 

Filipino native songs are constantly played in the store, making the experience really Filipino!.

They also have pearl-studded jewelries in their glass estantes. Philippines will always be the Pearl of The Orient, that's why. 

They also sell T-shirts with Philippine logo print, available in different colors and designs.

It's a must stop for Balik Bayans alike, bring back a piece of home for pasalubongs  for loved-ones abroad!

New tires for my Yamaha Fz

     I bought a Yamaha FZ in 2016. And, despite it being 3 years old now, I only used up 9 kilometers (this is due to my work stint overseas, depriving me of my passion to do road trips in 2 wheels, which was a sad reality.)


And that time of the year came again, when I finished my contract, and would have some time again to go back to my country and take a break, rest my mind, and yes, do a road trip or two, yes!

I have been thinking of a road trip in my bucket list for a long time -- Baguio in 2 wheels. Why not try it now when I still have the chance? And I indulged.

In preparation for a long ride going to Baguio, I decided to change my rear tire, to 150 x 17 size one.

My choice is getting the Pirelli 150 x 17, which is a bit thicker than the stock tire which is just 140 x 17. And I had a go for it. 

It's done, and yes, you'd find me having the time of my life doing my road trip to Baguio in one of my posts am sure. Changing the tire to a thicker one will add more stability and more control when you maneuver cornering as you drive. It made me feel more confident as well, believing my 2 wheels would get me safely on my destination. 

Now what are we waiting for? Let's go to Baguio, yes! (you'll see it in my post!)

Toilet seats in Japan

    As I go back home to the Philippines (I finished my work stint in the US), I chose a ticket that would allow me to have a layover in Japan (just making my money's worth and to input some refreshing things to do in the humdrum of long flights) . Why Japan? I have heard so many good things about this country. after satisfying my taste buds by having an authentic Japanese dish as soon as I landed, my stomach complained with my being a glutton (lol). I had to use the restroom, in Japan! I wonder how it looks like.. Is it similar to the ones we use in the US, or maybe in the Philippines.. Or am I going to have a culture shock because of overthinking about what? a restroom ,whew! Anyway, my needs can't wait, so I let myself in one of the nearest restrooms I could find.

Tadaaaaaa! Aren't they spectacular?? They're so neat! Everything is automated; from the time you finish and need a wash, to the time you need some drying up after washing ( I felt so royal hahaha!), You just then have to place your hands on a sensor and it'll flush by itself, not much effort is needed wow! Amazing!            

Japan public restrooms are so clean! It looks so simple, but they have everything you need to keep you and the space you use as clean as it was before you came in. The bar that you see on the tissue side is for the elderly users who may have been lacking some balance when they sit (because of their age). They even have that in mind so, these people can hold on to that rail to regain some balance as they sit, and when they need some effort to stand as they finish. Public service at its finest! That's how Japan makes life comfortable for their people. They even have a special restroom areas for mothers with babies in tow who needs diaper change (they have that compact baby bed in the restroom where the baby can be laid and moms would find it easier to change their babies' diapers or clothes).

It was just a simple thing I did today but I've experienced Japanese "omotenashi", their unparalleled, incomparable way of serving others in a way that would make life easier for the people. It's a thing to beat, and I'll never forget their toilets ever, they made me feel like a royal, even for a few minutes. Just wowww!!!

Tropical hut

Tropical Hut sandwiches has been one of my comfort foods when I was in our country; didn't have this for a long time and I have considered it luxury because it's when I know I'm home, when I get to eat it.

I visited one of their branch here in Ever Gotesco Commonwealth when I got the chance.

My favorite is the clubhouse sandwich so I ordered it as my mind went to memory lane, the times when I can eat it as often as I could because you'd always find a branch nearby when you're in our beloved Pilipinas. This combo meal comes with small fries and a medium sized soda, priced at  Php150.00. 

I really miss eating foods that I grew up eating...