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SavingSupergirl

A storyteller. Writing since 2004.

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Finding the Way to Otaru Canal: Understanding the Complex Address and Transpo System of Sapporo, Hokkaido

February 27, 2020February 27, 2020 Renel

It’s almost 4PM, and we all agreed to meet up in the lobby. We’re off to see Otaru Canal, a popular tourist spot here in Hokkaido, and right now I have no idea what’s so special about it. We went … Continue reading Finding the Way to Otaru Canal: Understanding the Complex Address and Transpo System of Sapporo, Hokkaido

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Exploring Sapporo, Hokkaido: Hoping For A Snowfall

February 20, 2020February 27, 2020 Renel

Even though I just slept during the entire flight, I still found myself very sleepy inside the cab. Maybe it’s the calming sight of the snow on the streets of Hokkaido that lulled me to sleep. I have no idea … Continue reading Exploring Sapporo, Hokkaido: Hoping For A Snowfall

Music6 Comments

Song 002

February 15, 2020February 15, 2020 Renel

I’m taking a break from the Japan travel series and decided to share with you guys an original song. This one is a love song, inspired by, of course, my husband. Hahaha. I used to dream of writing songs when … Continue reading Song 002

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First Glimpse of Snow: Touchdown Hokkaido

February 11, 2020February 27, 2020 Renel

I looked outside. Everything, except for the runway, is covered in snow. I just woke up from an hour and a half flight and the first thing I did was to get my phone and took a photo of the … Continue reading First Glimpse of Snow: Touchdown Hokkaido

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Another Morning At The Airport: Leaving For Hokkaido

February 6, 2020February 27, 2020 Renel

After 4 hours of sleep, more or less, because it took us quite a while to figure out how to be really “winter ready” before going to bed last night, we’re finally back at the airport, this time in the … Continue reading Another Morning At The Airport: Leaving For Hokkaido

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Inside A Konbini: First Meal In Japan Is From A Japanese Convenience Store

January 31, 2020February 27, 2020 Renel

I have always enjoyed going inside convenience stores in the Asian countries I have visited in the last few years, like those in Taiwan and Korea. For me, there’s an unexplainable charm in it that will just keep you drawn … Continue reading Inside A Konbini: First Meal In Japan Is From A Japanese Convenience Store

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It’s almost 4PM, and we all agreed to meet up in the lobby. We’re off to see Otaru Canal, a popular tourist spot here in Hokkaido, and right now I have no idea what’s so special about it. We went out of the hotel and started walking. We have decided to take the bus going to Otaru because cab fares are so expensive, so the first thing we need to do is to get to Otaru Eki Mae Bus Terminal. What we didn’t know is that Japan has a not-so-easy-to-understand address system, especially in Sapporo. . Google Maps pointed us to walk towards a specific location and the only English word we could make out from the directions was “4 chōme”. So we thought, “Okay, let’s just follow the walking directions and we’ll get there safe and sound”. When we got to the place which was supposedly be 4 chōme, we cannot find any signage indicating that we are indeed in 4 chōme. So we continued to walk, and walk, and walk, until we realized that we’ve been walking for almost an hour already and we still cannot find the bus terminal. . It was getting frustrating, because we know that we’ve been following Google Maps and yet we have no idea if we are really getting to the right place. I later found out that chōme is just an indicator of the distance of the block from the city center – the east-west distance to be more specific, while the north-west distance is indicated by jō. No wonder we cannot find a place called 4 chōme. I also later found out from a friend that Google Maps isn’t really reliable when you’re in Japan. But that was after we got lost too many times in this trip. . It’s almost 5 o’clock in the afternoon and we are now in Tokeidai Mae bus stop after numerous lefts and rights on the random streets of Sapporo. I guess Google Maps re-routed us to this bus stop instead because we are nowhere near Eki Mae bus terminal. But who said our dilemma already ends here? We now have to figure out what specific bus to ride in this bus stop. There are no English signs on the bus, so that means we will just depend on the arrival time of the Otaru... (continued on the blog) . . // Finding the Way to Otaru Canal: Understanding the Complex Address and Transpo System of Sapporo, Hokkaido //
It's a blessing to witness my grandmother celebrate her 90th birthday, together with my husband. Trivia: I'm the 2nd apo who got married. At her age she's still physically strong, and her memory is still very sharp. Still witty too! Praying for more wonderful years ahead of you, inay!
What a privilege to be secondary sponsors at #ChrisMoSiAngel's wedding! It was a good and beautiful day to witness Chris and Angel's union, and at the same time to channel my inner Seo Dan. Hahahaha. . How to be Seo Dan: 1. Long black hair 👩 2. Ribbon tie blouse 🎀 3. Hair clip ✨ 4. Boots 👢 5. Bote ng alak 😂 6. Find yourself an Alberto ❤️ . Also, can I just say that my skirt has pockets? Haha. I live for dresses with pockets! Thank you, ate Salve (who doesn't have an ig) for making it on such short notice. I'll definitely use the top again and again because these are separates! . . #CrashLandingOnYou #SeoDan
Even though I just slept during the entire flight, I still found myself very sleepy inside the cab. Maybe it's the calming sight of the snow on the streets of Hokkaido that lulled me to sleep. I have no idea how far the hotel is, so I thought it might be good to just seize the moment for a quick nap. I know. I've already had lots of it this morning. But when you're in a vacation, there's no such thing as too much sleep - - for me, at least. . I was still hesitant at first, because my sister-in-law, who was sitting beside me at the back seat, is already fast asleep, and now I don't know if my husband, who was sitting in front beside the driver, have plans to take a nap as well. And so I was worried. In the country where I am from, it will never be a good idea to fall asleep in a cab, whether you're a foreigner or a local. But this is Japan, I thought. What could possibly go wrong with the three of us sleeping all at the same time? So, I risked it. . I was not surprised when the cab finally pulled up outside the hotel. I knew it. The 2019 Global Peace Index wasn't kidding when they said that Japan is on the list of the Top 10 Peaceful Countries in the World - - the 9th to be exact. Meanwhile, my country, the Philippines, is ranked 134th. Good job. We're still safer compared to 29 other countries, with Afghanistan being the most dangerous. We should all visit Iceland though. They're the number one when it comes to safety. Also, yes. I'm talking about GPI just because of a sleeping in a cab incident. . After the driver assisted us with our luggages, he said his thanks, and so did we. I faced the hotel. It's a large building with revolving doors for its entrance. I quickly went inside because I am beginning to feel the cold, and I do not have my coat on. I took it off earlier inside the cab. I did not have enough time to have a glimpse of the surrounding buildings because I was thinking I could do that later, after we have checked in to our rooms . Once you enter the hotel, you'll be greeted by a very spacious lobby with a high ceiling. There's a planter box separating the... (continued on the blog) . . // Exploring Sapporo, Hokkaido: Hoping For A Snowfall //
Didn't know we'll be matchy matchy today. Tulog pa ko ng umalis siya eh. Haha. 💕
Remember the sample song I uploaded yesterday here on IG? It's finished! If you're curious, you can head over to my blog and listen to it. . Disclaimer: Not a singer. Just in love with the piano and writing stuff. . . // Song 002 //
Happy Valentine's Day, @djnajjj ❤️ . Bawal masyado kiligin ha. . Nakaka inspire pala maligo. Nasa banyo ako nung sinimulan ko 'to eh. Hahahahaha.
I looked outside. Everything, except for the runway, is covered in snow. I just woke up from an hour and a half flight and the first thing I did was to get my phone and took a photo of the view from the aircraft’s window. It was a pretty sight. And even though I’m still a bit dazed, I could tell that the weather is kinda sunny. . Or, I could be wrong. . My phone says it’s – 9c out there. And it’s only 9:30 AM. . I have zero experience or knowledge when it comes to snow, so while waiting for our turn to disembark the plane and also while watching the behind the scenes of ANA’s in-flight safety video, all I have in mind are the questions: How come snow doesn’t melt under the sun? And is it really possible to feel too cold when it’s actually supposed to be warm because of the sun? Well, Science isn’t really my favorite subject so I don’t want to give myself a headache trying to understand this thing. All I know is that it’s quite interesting and magical to see that such phenomenon exists. . I stepped out the plane, following my husband. It was a long walk before we could claim our luggages, and we all know that walking isn’t my thing. But I didn’t mind. I was too busy admiring the yellow green lounge chairs facing the windows and the nicely put monochrome shades of brown carpet on the floor. I remember, I once tried designing an airport. It was actually a major requirement for our Design class in Architecture school, but now I can barely remember what my design looked like. I haven’t been to a lot of airports back then, and since one of the principles of good architecture is form following function, I think I got quite lost in figuring out the right function so my form kinda suffered too. But it’s all good. I still passed the class. . As we made our way down to the lower floor, we kept reminding ourselves of the escalator etiquette in Japan: and that is to stand on the left side instead of on the right. It took me quite a while for that to sink in because it’s the total opposite of what I’m used to. My thoughts as of the moment? Well, the excitement of actually...(continued on the blog) . . // First Glimpse Of Snow: Touchdown Hokkaido // . #Hokkaido #Japan
After 4 hours of sleep, more or less, because it took us quite a while to figure out how to be really “winter ready” before going to bed last night, we’re finally back at the airport, this time in the domestic terminal. We availed the hotel transfer, avoiding any possible commute mishap and to make sure that we will not miss our 8 am flight. . When we have checked-in our luggages and got our boarding passes, I started to remove my coat and decided to just carry it with me. I was starting to feel a bit hot as we move inside, thinking where to get breakfast. I shouldn’t be surprised though because I was already wearing an ultra warm heattech crew neck shirt under a white fleece turtle neck pullover, with heatteach denim leggings on top of an ultra warm heattech leggings; all purchased in every Filipino’s favorite clothing store: Uniqlo*. I was too concerned in not being ready enough for whatever temperature we will be facing when we get to Hokkaido so I had to gear up so bad. The forecast says -9c. Who knows how cold would that be? . Finally, breakfast. . I wasn’t really hungry. It was only after 6:30 am, and on normal days, my appetite at this hour would still be asleep. But still, I ordered a set meal composed of ramen and some rice toppings. I might need energy for the day, I thought. When my food arrived, my husband was still in the restroom, removing his heattech layers because apparently, it was too hot for him. It was taking him forever so I decided to start eating while enjoying the view of the sun about to rise. I was seated across the window and I can see the airplanes on standby outside. Wait. Is that a ship behind one of the aircrafts? I mean, is this airport right beside a body of water? I later figured out that yes, Tokyo Haneda Airport is right beside Tokyo Bay*. . After the heavy breakfast, which I’m not used to, we managed to find good seats near our departure gate. I took out a book from my bag since we still have plenty of time, but suddenly remembered to put on my contact lenses first. I’ve had a lot struggle last night with the... (continued on the blog) . . // Another Morning At The Airport: Leaving For Hokkaido // . #Hokkaido #Japan #Tokyo

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