CMK EATS : WHAT ARE THE MUST TRY FOOD IN OSAKA, JAPAN?

Konnichiwa! It's seat sale season once again, perfect time to schedule your trip for the next coming months (or probably next year). It's always been my dream to step in a Japanese territory. Maybe because of their rich culture, yummy food and it's where my cartoon crush lives? Sinichi Kudo aka Detective Conan, that is.

What better way to enjoy your vacation than to feast your tummy with these treats. Just a heads up {as early as now} that not everything is super yummy for me, however, there's no harm in trying, right?

I've heard that Osaka is more like a province compared to Tokyo. I can't compare really since I haven't been to Tokyo just yet. Here's a rundown of Maya and I's food trip on our Osaka journey.

Japanese Halo Halo

I forgot its original name but this is Japanese take on our local halo halo. We've eaten in a hole-in-the-wall restaurant.  It has sweetened beans, peaches, mochi (buchi), cherry and nata de coco. It's a refreshing and filling treat. Sweetener comes separately so you can decide how sweet your concoction be. It also comes with an iced cold green tea. This alone will make you full for the next 2 hours.

Takoyaki and Chicken Karaage

Authentic Chicken Karaage, ladies and gentlemen, is my ultimate favorite! What's strange is that we discovered this in an unlikely place. A supermarket food court just a gander from our hotel (Kishibe Station Hotel). I love how tender the chunks are. Add the tasty broth and Japanese mayo, tadaan! Heaven! Takoyaki in contrast is something that I didn't fancy. It's a soft waffle like ball with octopus filling inside. Not my type, but that's just me.

Chicken Teriyaki + Chocolate Mousse
Sukiya is my favorite restaurant! Their chicken teriyaki and chocolate mousse is to die for. I am lost for words but this is on top of my list. Japan is known for their chocolates not being too sweet, and it's true! Typing this post alone makes me want to eat this combination again.

Ramen

Another authentic dish that Japan is known for. The broth is so tasty. I don't know how to use chopsticks, good thing there's a ladle at hand. I also appreciate the fact that they do have ready spoon and fork for foreigners. One experience I had was when we're in Taipei, there's no cutlery, only chop sticks! How can I eat? Lol. But that's by the bay. Pork is tasty but they're few for me. Slurp. Slurp.

CMK TRAVELS : BSA TOWER HOTEL (MAKATI) REVIEW

I know every Filipino can very well relate to the recent typhoon that came past our country (Rammasun, locally known as Typhoon Glenda, to be exact). Pardon the rather contrast introduction, however, this is the reason why yours truly opted to stay in a hotel alone for the first time! Speaking of first time, it was our first time to experience a 5-day straight power interruption in the south! Looking at the bright side of things, we had water all right, but no power supply and proper connection. Just the same, it was a super inconvenient week for us, but GOD is good, He made us appreciate our normal life more, specially for me, who's missing so many things and people these days {insert emo songs here}!

That Friday, I found myself awoke at 3:30 am in the morning, feeling grumpy and all. I knew it! I had to check-in a hotel to do away with all the stress. I searched the web (luckily, there's a tinge of signal from our veranda) and found a couple of hotels that suit my need. One of those is BSA Tower.

CMK HAPPY THOUGHTS:

♣ Spacious Loft. Talk about massive space! I am surprised on how big the whole area is. It reminds me of my service apartment when I stayed at Prague, Czech Republic. Room has a dining room for 3, sofa and a big floor area that you can practice yoga or dance lessons inside! 

♣ Location. It's just across Greenbelt 5. Convenient for moi since I have to get my facial and laser session at Slimmers Makati (more scoops HERE) and meet my friends for dinner. Not entirely relevant but they have microwave and fridge inside too. It's really a serviced apartment and a hotel in one.

♣ Globe (LTE) has a strong signal there! They have their own wifi but I'm finding it hard to connect, not to worry since Globe has a full signal even on 21st floor! I got to watch and catch up with my favorite soaps care of iWantv (some scoops HERE). They also have a complete cable TV.

♣ Cute bed. I love the bed. Just across the bed is a window where you can see Makati Skyline. Come morning, you can see rays of sunshine but if you want to, you can close their super thick curtain and be on the snooze zone to your heart's content.

♣ Inclusive breakfast. Adobo + Egg + Brewed Coffee + Watermelon. Not bad for the price tag, more story below on that! Mean time, take a peek on what I had that glorious, Sunday morning (after the jump).

SCRIBBLED NOTES #26: CAN I WALK WITH YOU? (ON REPEAT)

I've been randomly doing one of my favorite past times, which is Pinterest-ing. This is where I get my blog inspirations lately. It was then that I came across this poster and smiled from ear to ear because this hits the nail head on! Maybe it's because of my changed perspective lately on lots of things. But one thing's for sure, that "moments" are usually unplanned and nameless, and they happen with someone who's important to you. As I've shared on my most recent Scribbled Notes on what life is NOT about (HERE), God wants you happy! Don't feel guilty when you're happy nor over analyze things and dread for the lonely days.

FASHION ALERT : MEMOIRS OF KIMONO AND OSAKA, JAPAN

First time I sensed the Kimono craze coming was a few months back, I saw various style from Cotton On and Uniqlo, Japanese boutiques, no other. However, who would've thought of outfit layering in such a ghastly summer? I self-talked. Yet, this idea is dangling over my mind as I defer buying one.

Fast forward June 2014. I was haplessly window shopping on one of London's thrift shops, guess what I've found? Kimono! Maybe it's meant to be! {Having one, that is.} ☺And so - after trying on this piece, few good OOTD combinations automatically ran over my head. I bought the black tank top and Kimono from Primark (GBP 13, less than Php 1,000). All the other pieces are the same as my last outfit post HERE.

Osaka, Japan is such a lovely place. If you love vintage and tradition, this is your paradise. Summer can be very humid in this place, though. Make sure that if you'll be sporting a kimono - it's made of a light material. Feeling thirsty? No worries, Green Tea abound on this side of planet. I particularly grew fond of their Green Tea ice cream in no time. My fashion peg after the jump!

CMK EATS : A SIP AT JUICING LIFESTYLE

One Saturday afternoon, Maya and I are hanging out at Mary Grace Cafe, discussing things here and there when our conversation shifted towards healthy lifestyle {and inevitably, losing unwanted fats}. She mentioned that she's trying juicing - which is making buzz for quite some time now. I've been meaning to try this however, the stingy side of me screams to try blending instead, that way, I won't need to buy another gadget.

However, curiosity got the best of me and next thing I know, I'm dying to try this craze. So - here's what happened, Mom & I bought a cheaper juicer for Php 1,800 (from SM Department Store). Good thing we tried it that night, we weren't happy with the result since the fruit pulp was so wet - it's such a waste of juice, really :(

I decided to buy the same product Maya bought. There's this online shop called Lazada and that's where I ordered. Mind you, this is NOT a paid advertisement, truth be told, I'm not a fan of deal coupon and web store sites, as obviously, their goal is for you to spend more. But, if you really NEED to buy something in a most convenient way, I'd reckon it's a way to go.

A run down of my experience after the jump!

aaa

SCRIBBLED NOTES #25: WHAT LIFE IS "NOT" ABOUT

Life is not about mere survival. People don't live just to survive. Life is not about duty. People should be able to focus on what's truly important for them. Be free from duties and commitments. Better yet, do your duties ASAP and move on.

Life is not about career. Remember, not everybody on the top is happy. There will always be someone greater or lesser than yourself. Careers, in itself, do not define life. Life is not about pride, honor or image. Aanhin mo ang image kung hindi ka naman masaya. Ang mahalaga ay ang mga taong kapag natumba ka ay magtatayo sa'yo (What's important are those people whom when you fall, they'll be the ones who'll help you up). 

Never mind the bystanders and gossipers. Life is not about gathering treasures. In gaining treasures, we pay time and relationships. Know when to stop. GOD wants to give you people and things - just in time. So that you'll depend on HIM alone. Bukas, nandiyan ulit ang Diyos.

Don't exchange people for things. Riches alone won't make you safe. Poor may also mean people who are without peace, pleasure, safety. The wisest man on earth (King Solomon) has completed his thesis about life and he concluded: 

Live to do God's will, enjoy and be happy. This is what life is about.

Enjoyment, rest, peace, love and Godliness are the essentials of life

Ecclesiastes 12:13 answers What life is about? That we respect and obey GOD.

JESUS says:

♣ Come to me and I will give you rest.

♣ My yoke is easy, my burden is light.

♣ I came that you may have life, and have it to the full.

Hindi sadista ang Diyos. GOD wants you happy. Whenever you have the chance, be happy! Create good times. Do not intentionally do things that make you sad. 

CMK READS : 2014 BOOKS {YET} TO READ

There's no denying it. Yours truly is experiencing a massive attack of writers block. Gone are  the days when creative juices are consistently flowing and my drafts folder are oozing with posts yet to be published. I've read that people experience this once in a while, at any rate, I hope I will recuperate from this hush mode soon enough.

Would like to share with you a random list of the books I'd been wanting to read the past months.

Cashflow Quandrant and Rich Dad, Poor Dad are both written by Robert T. Kiyosaki. They came from one of my mentors from a previous company. I feel bad that I haven't got the chance to meet him when I visited London last month, but I promise to make it up to him given a chance. The books are popular and someone shared that they've even made a game (like Monopoly type of game) out of it. Since I haven't brushed up on my financial literacy prowess this year - this might be a good start.

CMK TRAVELS : MY HILLSONG CHURCH (LONDON) EXPERIENCE

It was one of those days, days when so many things were going on my mind. Decisions to be thought of and made, plus so much more. Good thing it was a Sunday and my long lost friend and I planned to meet and go to church. It's a pretty sunny day but the wind was just the same chilly, at least for someone who grew on a tropical country like me. Place is festive, it's one of the concert places where Michael Jackson performed.

The moment I stepped into the theater, so many people were welcoming us. But the most touching part was when we finally got a seat, I looked in front and I found two words that I'd never forget. The words? WELCOME HOME. I've never felt so reassured. I suddenly realize that as much as there's only one moon (whether we're in Manila or London) there's only ONE GOD wherever we are. And HE is in control. And as long as we are with HIM, that's home.

Here's some bits and pieces of my experience:

MUSIC.

Theirs are the most contemporary beat I've ever heard. My younger brother is a drummer and I recall that these are some of the songs he's been asking me to listen. I'm more of the mellow ones but hey, it's not that bad pala. I came to appreciate the drums, beats and sounds. Most importantly, the meaning of each song. One of my most favorite lines came from their song entitled OCEANS, it goes: You {GOD} never fail, and You won't start now. Hashtag: Powerful!

WORD.

It's not altogether different. It's more concise than what we have here (at least from my local church) but the effect is the same. To encourage us (and afflict us, if needed). I recall that the preaching that time was about adjustment and contentment. I've been receiving so many confirmation as I hear the message and it's such a comfort knowing that we have His guidance wherever we may be.

MONEY MATTERS : PERSONAL FINANCE TIPS? A YOUNG PROFESSIONAL ASKS

Hi Rhea! As promised I'll be featuring your question on MONEY MATTERS series. Firstly, it brought me so much joy that someone spent her whole afternoon reading my blog. Thank you kindly! :) Going head on with your query, we've all been there. To start as a young professional with a meager salary, but remember: It's not about how much you earn but how much you save (or invest) that matters! You can earn so much but if you're living beyond your means - that would spell credit card disaster. I'm sure you've heard those horror stories. Good to know that as early as now, you're thinking of saving and investing! I've prepared some notes for you to think and consider.

♣ Diversify. You're right! Don't rely on only one investment. Diversification may mean opening a trust fund account (UITF) or investing directly through online brokerage (like COL Financial). Best way to start is little by little. You have all the time in the world with you being 23. I wish I came up with the same realization when I was your age! :) Time is by your side so no rush.

♣ Speaking of blue chip companies, my favorites are what you've just mentioned. Jollibee, PLDT, etc. Going back to your time horizon - which is about 5 to 10 years, it's optimum to invest on companies that you personally use. Like if your savings account is on BDO - why not buy their shares? Or if you are always shopping at SM malls, why not invest in SMPH?

FASHION ALERT : WHITE CAMI AND DENIM JACKET (OSAKA, JAPAN EDITION)

Hello! :) Let me re-introduce myself just in case you guys don't know me anymore. My name is Kristine of Call.Me.Kristine. I know it's customary to explain how come blogs have been on a hiatus mode for quite some time and I won't be breaking that tradition. I've been thankful to the Lord and lots of people that I have this rare opportunity to be in 3 countries last June! And pardon me for being a bit too busy in the background. I reckon the best way to come back is to have another Fashion Alert addition. I'll try to keep it short and sweet. 

When you're not sure about the weather in a specific country (albeit researching via net) - it's best to have something to keep you covered. This combo serves its purpose. It's summer in Osaka, Japan when we visited the Bamboo Forest but don't be fooled! Weather can be bipolar in this side of the world. Outfit post for today is nothing grand, matter of fact, it's casual and wearable. Here are the deets:

White Camisole and Blue Denim Jacket from Primark (London)

Black Pants from H&M (Oxford, London)

Red Flats from Payless (Glorietta)

Shades from Dickies (SM Makati) 

Here comes my fashion (and location) peg!