Thursday, February 22, 2024
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| Sanju-no-to (3 storied pagoda) which enshrines statues of Shakanyorai, Kasho-sonzya, Anan-sonzya and Manekineko-kannon |
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Today, February 22 is National Cat Day Japan or Neko no Hi (猫の日), a day fittingly chosen as 2-22 sounds like nyan nyan nyan in Japanese or meow, meow, meow for the rest of us. Japan is home to the most cat loving culture in the world with felines being an integral part of the annals of Japanese history Today I take you to Gotokuji Temple in Setagaya, a special ward in the Tokyo metropolis.
Google Maps tells you Gotokuji Temple is about a 13 minute walk from Gotokuji Station. In reality, it's a 30-45 minute walk if you want to soak in the sights or stop for a manekineko-themed baby castella cake and hot/iced matcha latte at Rarasand. Of course, you'd want to stop for some roasted sweet potatoes at Baked Sweet Potato Fuji along the way.
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Towering pine trees rustle in the wind amidst the sound of birdsong as one approaches the stone gate leading to the main temple gate. I expected to see those mystical temple cats loitering near the gate but instead we saw a native Japanese dog (probably a Shikoku) guarding the gates.
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One feels a sense of peace walking around the temple grounds. Each temple, shrine or hall is framed by trees changing colors in the four seasons. Perhaps the most striking area of Gotokuji Temple is the Shofuku-den where you can see an overwhelming number of Manekineko dolls in all sizes. The lucky cats are left by visitors after offering prayers for good luck and prosperity, family happiness, health and healing as well as blessings for pet or companion animals. Manekineko souvenirs and amulets are available to buy at the temple office from 8am to 3 pm. Too bad we didn't get to buy any as the temple shop closes at 12nn. However, we got some manekineko pins at the Japanese castella cake shop on the way home.
Unfortunately, we were not able to tour the temple grounds in its entirety due to time constraints hence no sighting of any real, live temple cat. I would have loved to see one! Gotokuji temple cats are considered sacred and therefore cannot be adopted. Maybe in my next visit to the lovely Setagaya neighborhood, I might chance upon seeing one. Gotokuji Temple is worth visiting over and over again in all the four seasons.
On this note, I say Happy National Cat Day! May Manekineko luck be with us!
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May Manekineko bring you good fortune and luck! Happy National Cat Day!
Sunday, February 18, 2024
It's difficult to not think of food all the time when you live in a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy like Iloilo City. Aside from the homegrown Ilonggo dishes and delicacies that have titillated the palates of both local and foreign visitors, there's also a myriad of food choices available for people who crave a certain cuisine or are nostalgic about flavors that they associate with youthful, happy times. Notably, Pinoys love to eat but Ilonggos have an even deeper relationship with food. A certain dish may remind them of their grandmother's cooking in the dapog (dirty kitchen), all the while conjuring a string of happy memories. Likewise, a dish may remind a person of favorite cities and countries travelled locally and abroad. Truly, there's nothing like food to open up a magical baul (treasure chest) of memories.
We all have our comfort food to turn to when we want our bodies and spirits to feel bolstered. My favorite comfort foods are not necessarily homegrown but I do crave them regularly as I have a preference for certain flavor profiles:
1. Authentic Chicken Mandi Biryani and Chicken Tikka Masala from Mong’s Kitchen
2. Full English Breakfast from Cafe Augusto
3. Ramen ftom Hakata Ramen Bar
4.Dimsum and Salted Egg Calamares from Spring Palace
What about you? What’s your favorite comfort food?
Thursday, February 15, 2024
“We love films because they makes us feel something. They speak to our desires, which are never small. They allow us to escape and to dream and to gaze into the eyes that are impossibly beautiful and huge. They fill us with longing. But also. They tell us to remember; they remind us of life. Remember, they say, how much it hurts to have your heart broken. -”Nina LaCour, Everything Leads to You
I’ve always been a movie buff since my college days in UP Diliman. Most of my vacant time was spent watching free or twenty peso movies at the UP Film Center which was just a 10-minute walk from my dormitory. I had a penchant for obscure, subtitled foreign movies, experimental or cult classics. Given my choice of movies, I would always find the theater either empty or find two or three lonely souls strategically dispersed in the 800- seater movie theater.
I knew that despite the communal nature of cinema, we still tend to view movies as a highly personal, guarded experience hence we draw an invisible line between ourselves and other movie goers. Yet, the vicarious emotions that cinema allow us to feel are all too well universal. So we laugh, cry or feel intense bursts of rage and ecstasy while a visual narrative plays before our eyes. Whether it’s pathos, pain, pleasure, or parody we share in the same thematic unfolding brought about by the human condition. I enjoy watching movies on streaming media but there’s still nothing like cinema to bring our splintered, emotional selves together.
My Film 100 (Intro to Film) elective class under Prof. Rolando Tolentino also deepened my love for film analysis which has its roots in literary criticism. I remember the agony of having to sit through Citizen Kane, Gone with the Wind and other notoriously long movies with nary an eye blink or a bathroom break with the fear of missing a critical subtext. Film 100 introduced me to starter kit movies that encompassed all cinematic genres and subgenres.
On the homefront, one of the pleasures that an Ilonggo cineaste can enjoy is an occasional, free Sunday movie at the 77-seater UPV Cinematheque-Cinema Exmundo at the UP in the Visayas Iloilo campus. A fellow cinephile friend who particulatly loves bygone Hollywood films always send me invites. Schedule permitting, I would trade a Sunday afternoon otherwise devoted to bottomless laundry or ironing to a few hours at UPV Cinematheque to screen a classic film noir I haven’t seen before. Compared to a commercial movie house, the crimson walled cinematheque has a ceiling with tiny strobing lights reminscent of a constellation filled summer night sky and vintage lacquered chairs upcycled from the now defunct Allegro Theater. Of course, the heavy red velvet drapes add an authentic vintage ambiance to the cinematic experience. In the theater, I sit quietly like an old soul in the company of senior citizens who long for bygone love, life and romance like a sweet rewind to the ardent days of youth. Only cinema can transport you to another time, another place.
Just this Sunday, I got invited to attend a cinema themed 100th posthumous birthday celebration of my friend’s father, a war veteran who loved the movie Fiddler on the Roof when he was still alive. Sunrise, Sunset taken from the soundtrack of the said movie along with You are my Sunshine were two of his favorite songs and the guests fittingly sung them at the end of the screening. The family also prepared a special snack box for the guests filled with nostalgic treats with home baked cookies and chips. It was my first time to witness a posthumous birthday celebration done in very memorable, heartwarming way. To celebrate the 100th birthday of a dearly departed loved one with his favorite movie and songs while trading memories and reminiscing good times is probably the best way to celebrate a life well lived.
Monday, February 5, 2024
I'm a relentless cat person. I don't mind being called a crazy cat lady at all. It's a badge of honor to be loved by felines. Of all God's creatures, cats are purrfection and there's no single problem in life that can't be soothed by the gentle purring of a cat resting on one's lap or belly.
Ever since becoming a cat lady, I've been a hopeless collector of all things kitty-themed. Give me anything with a cat on it and I'll definitely buy it. I cannot resist, rawr!
This page is also on Instagram and on my spare time I love to endlessly scroll down looking for cute and funny cat videos. The IG algorithm probably knows I love cats too much that my feed is full of sites selling cat merch or celebrity cats taking the Internet by storm. Talking of cat art, I was lucky to score the framed cat artworks pictured above--Karma is a Cat, inspired by the ultimate cat lady of them all, Taylor Swift. Of course there's the cheeky artprint of Fat Cat Art featuring the dearly departed Zarathustra (bless his soul in Kitty Heaven). He is apparently doing his best imitation of The Scream by Edvard Munch. The chonky ginger kitty is screaming for tuna or maybe he is yawning. If you are into repro art check out Rustic Cottage PH on Instagram for collectible art. Tell them I sent you!
This vase in the shape of a cat doing the downward kitty was sourced from SHEIN! All the while I thought SHEIN was all about cheap, fast fashion. They are also a treasure trove of fun novelty treasures and decor. They are relatively cheaper than Shopee and LAZADA so SHEIN it is!
The best enemies turned besties. These cats are actually sisters. Luna, the cat on the left is a temporary guest to keep Biscuit company after Macky passed away. Here they are in their Maneki Cat neckwear.
If you're a Daiso regular like me you have probably seen merchandise featuring the Guiness world record holder for being the most watched cat on YouTube- Motimaru (or Mochimaru). Check out his YouTube channel here.
If you're not a cat lover, you'll probably turn into one after you're done reading this article. After all, cats are the cure-all!
Sunday, February 4, 2024
-Anthony St. Maarten
With a collective sigh of relief we say goodbye to the longest January ever. Kidding aside, it’s not that days were added to the calendar but it’s the relative boredom that we feel after a month of merrymaking in December that makes the first month of the year seem unbearably slow and long.
January is all about psychological and physical reset. Like all new beginnings, January sets the pace of how healthy, happy and optimistic we will be in 2024.
I recently stumbled upon Revive Self Talk, a Spotify channel that features affirmations, positive autosuggestions (or mantra if you will) to bring about positive change into your life. I call it systematic brainwashing to replace all the embedded negative self talk with nurturing, inspiring mindset. I’m a big believer in the thoughts become things phenomena. What we think of most of the time manifests in due time into physical reality so we must be careful of what we think about. Clearing our mental cache of everything that does not serve us physically, mentally and spiritually takes time and it usually takes 21 days to acquire new habits or absorb new thought patterns. Starting and ending our day with positive self-talk is like starting a new year. January is a trial period so February is all about real, meaningful reset.
My fave affirmations from the channel are these potentially life-changing thoughts that bring us back to our divine nature:
“My eyes are God’s eyes.”
“My mind is God’s mind.”
“My body is God’s temple.”
Everything starts and ends with God.That may just be the best life compass we will ever need.
Saturday, February 3, 2024
Sometimes the coziest cafes can be found right in your own neighborhood! That’s the case of Brews and Bites located at MV Hechanova just along the highway, a few steps away from the landmark 7/11 in Gran Plains. This cafe is designed in the classic Gen Z aesthetic--neutral colors, minimalist artwork, and eclectic decor. Aside from the comfy ambiance, the coffee menu choices are substantial as well. There are classic coffee blends, latte drinks, frappe, smoothies, lemonade and matcha recipe drinks that are popular with today's generation.
I always order the Toffee Nut iced latte and Korean cream cheese bread on warm days. Their hot chocolate is distinctively good, so wonderful on rainy afternoons.
They have an al fresco set-up as well if you want to relax and just watch the world go by. If you are in the neighborhood, Brews and Bites is a wonderful place to unwind en route to your trip to the nearby talipapa or after Sunday church.
Brews and Bites
MV Hechanova, Jaro, Iloilo City
Store hours: 10 am- 8 pm
Thursday, February 1, 2024
What a fun Dinagyang weekend! As a local, I realized weekends in the City of Love can be doubly fun if you pretend you are a tourist or a tourist guide. I spent the weekend with my sister from Manila who was in town to attend an important family affair. It was great timing as the Dinagyang festival was in full frenzy and there were lots of sights and sounds to enjoy. Amid the throbbing of sound systems blaring everywhere and the beat of warrior drums, exploring your own city through the eyes of a tourist can make you appreciate your own fishbowl.
From happy holidays to Dinagyang daze! The Iloilo Provincial Capitol threw a big visual bash with its Dinagyang themed light display. What a wonderful way to soak up the Dinagyang spirit with a stroll along the capitol grounds amidst the cool, Amihan weather. Please leave the lights on until Valentines, pretty please? We'd love a Valentine's themed light display.
Dinagyang colors in full bloom showcasing the inherent creativity of Ilonggos.
The Food Festival at Megaworld Iloilo was the kind of al fresco set-up we wanted. The food choices were great! We discovered Mong's Kitchen and their delectable, tongue curling dishes like Tikka Masala. The British/Indian dish of super tender grilled chicken in spicy, aromatic tikka masala gravy served on basmati rice was absolute perfection.
For hearty breakfast fare, we headed to Cafe Augusto for their big boy servings of Full English Breakfast and Classic Pinoy Breakfast plates. The rosemary scented homemade sausages were amazing. As Ilonggos would say, halamdumon nga sabor.
K-Town in Festive Walk Parade is a must-see. So many snacks, food and drinks to try. It's a mini Korean town with amazing restaurants and coffee stands.
We are not big fans of sinugba or inihaw dishes so we headed to Balay Remedios to try other dishes we haven't tried before like the Chicken Binakol, Lumpiang Hubad and Ceviche with a tasty twist.
When in Iloilo, you gotta have a bowl of heartwarming Pancit Molo from Kap Ising's. Truly Iloilo's best, Kap Ising's pancit molo (and other dishes like Dinuguan with puto) feels like a warm welcome hug if you've missed Iloilo City long enough.
What better way to burn off the calories after 2 days of non-stop eating and feasting than a brisk walk at Iloilo River Esplanade. The cool January breeze complemented the serene river scenery.
Dinagyang is the perfect time for a relaxing staycation in an accommodation that's right smack where the festive attractions are. SEDA just beside Atria Ayala Mall is a great choice!
Lastly, there's the super fun Uno Cat Cafe that's perfect for cat themed coffee and cuisine. We had to try the hamburgers that were whimsically presented. I can absolutely say the juicy burgers were complete with all the works-pickles, caramelized onions , tomatoes in a soft bun. Hamburger cravings satisfied! I hope they have a plan-based version though.
Wednesday, January 31, 2024
Finally, McCafe has landed in Iloilo Business Park to brighten our mornings! It's quite overdue but as the cliche goes better late than never. This time we can enjoy other coffee preparations aside from the brewed coffee that goes with the regular McDonald's breakfast meals. For one, I'm very happy my favorite espresso based drink Flat White is on the menu. That's one reason to go back to McCafe this weekend.
Monday, January 29, 2024
Pop-up shops were aplenty during the Dinagyang Festival held over the weekend. Wherever you go, you will surely find little street shops, craft and food bazaars to capture the imagination of old and young alike. I spent my weekend at SEDA Hotel with my Manila-based sister and we got the chance to explore some of the cute pop-up shops at the nearby Atria Ayala Mall.
I know I'm too old for toys and trinkets but I couldn't resist the kawaii wares for sale like little plush toys, stickers and novelty items. Of course, I love the fact that most of the little handmade things like stationery items were made by real artists themselves with some of them coming from nearby Bacolod City.
If you're a booklover/crafter who always has her head in the clouds, you will love the dreamy art of Jenina Benitez of Jenina's Art + Stories. I had to get a few of her super cute magnetic bookmarks so I'll start reading the still unopened books I bought at the Big Bad Wolf Sale last October. Then there's Morluck with his kitschy cute and very cheeky collectibles like stickers, postcards and pins. Love the Ilonggo humor that adds appeal to his products.
I didn't have time to check the other stalls but I always visit the kiosk that sells authentic San-X and Sanrio stuff. Everyone knows I'm a big Rilakkuma and Natsume Yujin-Cho Nyanko fan so I definitely didn't go home empty handed.
I hope these guys join more of the bazaars here in Iloilo City. I'd love to get my hands on more of their cute products. Like the saying goes, buy it if it makes you happy.
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