There is Hope with Pope Francis as Our Pope

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 Pope Francis is the most famous Rock Star The world is blessed to have him- a very active and dynamic figure that leads by example. I have never seen a more effective Pope than him during my lifetime. Our country is blessed that he chose to come and visit us. I was waiting and hoping for an opportunity for me to meet Pope or be in one of his events but did not get any. But yesterday I went out to go to the hospital and grocery and while on the road – realized that only the Pope can do what he did in our country – call off classes and work for 4 days, close roads and even cut cellphone signals! Our country stood still and people were screaming and crying just to see the Pope and his smile Just amazing to see the photos, videos and stories He’s probably the only leader (at least in our country) that majority will follow!!! Pope Francis for PRESIDENT!!!!!! 🙂  Imagine if we had a President who everyone will scream for and follow.  No one beats the power of GOD!

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There is Hope with Pope Francis as our Pope!

It’s not only seeing the Pope that touched my heart, but the messages and how it affected each and everyone of us.  Sharing here some stories out of the million beautiful ones people shared.

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My best friend Eds, had a close encounter with the Pope and I asked her if she felt something and she said “I was tearing the whole time.  I was just praying Jesus stay with me, stay with us the whole time.  I did not know na what to say.”

Eds Pope Encounter

And later on she told us this which really shows how effective the Pope is and how he makes us want to be a good person.  That is definitely not only sending a message from God – but the message touched our hearts and makes us want to act on His word/message!

Eds pope

God sends His word through the Holy Mass, through the Bible and through the Pope. The Pope is the closest physical being that can represent God. Pope Francis has done such a great job interceding and connecting with the people.   The messages of his quotes are not new but he makes us understand it and want to follow.  So many hearts  have been touched whether it be in big or small ways!  I cried and I converted my best friend’s message it into a quote. I want to read it to myself always so I too will become a better person and I want to become closer to God. As Pope Francis said “ The Word of Christ in us grows when we proclaim it, when we give it to others.” So I am sharing it with all of you who view my instagram. Hoping for all of us to want to become better persons.  It’s not only being able to see the Pope but being able to grasp his message and transform our lives to what God wants us to be and do in this world. It’s not anymore enough to just admire him but what we will do and what we will become after he has left

quote eduarda genuino pope francis

Another encounter I would like to share is by a friend, Marlu.  After reading all of this, what touched me most was the message he sent through Marlu who is very good in writing and documenting.  God really chose her – I am very sure.  Because she has a talent of sharing also – and I am glad I read her story.  Pope asked her if she prays the rosary ( as she was carrying plenty rosaries which probably called Pope’s attention ) and she said YES and Pope told her – PRAY WITH YOUR FAMILY 🙂  What a beautiful message!  Marlu Pope Story 1 Marlu Pope story 2 Marlu pope story 3 Marlu pope story photo I loved Tita Millet’s post!!  Millet Mananquil Pope And Tita Thelma said it so well – A POPE WHO CONNECTS TO EVERYONE.  That to me is very important because that is what we need to connect with GOD!  God talks to us through the Pope and the important thing is it is working because people respect the Pope and follow him.  HE IS THE ULTIMATE ROCKSTAR! PDI front story Pope

God has a reason for everything…. and we wonder why Yolanda happened. Now I know why. It’s because of Yolanda that Pope Francis came to the Philippines and it is because he came to the Philippines that we want to be closed to Him. God is so smart! GOD LOVES US!  GOD LOVES THE PHILIPPINES!!!  Mission accomplished!

Yolanda and pope visit heart2heart

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Haneda Airport

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This was our first time to land and depart from Haneda airport.  I love it because it is only 30 minutes aways compared to an hour or more from Narita airport

These are photos from the departure area already.  Before you go inside the terminal – make sure you go around first.  There is a whole world of Japanese products and experiences – shops, restaurants, entertainment –Haneda Airport (25)

haneda restaurantsThe shopping is all local products from Japan!  Haneda Airport (3)

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And many many restaurants to choose from!!!Haneda Airport (2)

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If you like ice cream or green tea – a must is to try Saryo Itoen – Match, Brown Tea and Premium Fresh cream ice cream.  Aside from the usual matcha- the Premium fresh ice cream ( the white one ) was particularly very creamy and very yummy!!  Ask for a tasting if you are not sure -it’s worth a try 🙂

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SpaHaneda Airport (24)

More areas to exploreHaneda Airport (8)

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Go up the 4th and 5th floor and there is much more and even for kidsHaneda Airport (9)

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Viewing deck where you can watch planes take off and arriveHaneda Airport (5)

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Andaz Tavern Countdown Dinner

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New Years Day is a very important holiday in Japan.  “New Year (shogatsu or oshogatsu) is the most important holiday in Japan. Most businesses shut down from January 1 to January 3, and families typically gather to spend the days together.” ( Japanguide.com )  So it is hard to book a restaurant – either it is closed or full.  But you can always rely on hotels to have something.  At Andaz they had a New Year’s Day Countdown
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Fantastic dinner.  Blessed for 2014 and welcoming another fruitful and blessed year
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What a dessert!!! It did not only look nice but it tasted good tooAndaz Tavern Countdown Dinner (10)

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Jayde Bhattachraya, the restaurant managerAndaz Tavern Countdown Dinner (8)[email_link]

True Generosity

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Little girl went to an ice cream shop & asked:

How much a large cup cost?

waiter: 15

Girl started counting how much she had in her pocket then she asked:

How much a small cup cost?

waiter: 12

Girl asked for a small cup. She had it, paid bill & left.

When the waiter came to pick the empty cup,
he had tears in his eyes to see that the girl had left 3pesos tip for him.

Generosity and kindness is not about the amount, it’s the heart that counts.

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Teketeke Yakitori

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We wanted yakitori so we are happy we found a place with the help of the concierge at Andaz and it is so near Andaz!  Its called Teketeke haha!! 🙂  There’s no name outside  Teketeke Yakitori (2)

Heart2Heart loves appetizers! Teketeke Yakitori (4)

Cold sliced tomatoTeketeke Yakitori (10)

Thick cut french fries ( not really thick 🙂 ) Teketeke Yakitori (11)

Fried Potatoes with Anchovy butter- now you know why I have acid reflux – everything is fried!! :-OTeketeke Yakitori (18)

Karaage ( fried chicken)Teketeke Yakitori (14)

Japanese chicken wings

Red-  Red Chili PepperTeketeke Yakitori (16)

 White – White Pepper with Teriyaki sauce – It’s like Bonchon 🙂Teketeke Yakitori (1)

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Chicken gyoza!! First time for me to try Chicken gyoza like this and it was really good!!!!Teketeke Yakitori (17)

Double Smoked bacon – expected more but it was okay 🙂Teketeke Yakitori (12)

Smoked rich cream cheese – same with thisTeketeke Yakitori (20)

This was the most popular page for our familyTeketeke Yakitori (6)

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TsukuneTeketeke Yakitori (15)

When this arrived we did not know what it was – we thought it was complimentary appetiser haha!!  They don’t speak English so it was quite difficult.  So we all ate cabbage and dipped it in the sauce!!
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Apparently it is for display haha!!!  When the yakitori came they rested it on the cabbage 🙂 LOVE! Negima was very popular!Teketeke Yakitori (13)

Chicken skinTeketeke Yakitori (19)

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Tokyo Sightings 2014

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So happy to see the Santos family at the airport also going to Tokyo 🙂  Good friends of my parents, Tito Ochie and Tita Malyn!  They too like travelling with the whole caboodle 🙂
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Arrived at Haneda and saw more Pinoys!  🙂  Jay, Carmen and their kids!! 🙂Tokyo Sightings 2014 (5)

Dondi and Liza Santos who are part of Tito Ochie and Tita Malyn’s group 🙂Tokyo Sightings 2014 (6)

And Monique and cute curly haired Mikel – also part of the Santos family groupTokyo Sightings 2014 (8)

New Apple Store in OmotesandoTokyo Sightings 2014 (3)

Tokyo Tower from the TaxiTokyo Sightings 2014 (4)

Tokyo Scenes while in the taxiTokyo Sightings 2014 (9)

More Scenes passing through the bridge over the Sumida RiverTokyo Sightings 2014 (7)

A gigantic Pink rose at Dover Street MarketTokyo Sightings 2014 (10)

A gigantic fly at the Dover Street MarketTokyo Sightings 2014 (11)

A beautiful view from one of the rooms at Andaz Hotel Toranomon Hills!  Tokyo Sightings 2014 (12)

 Echire ice cream!echire tokyo

Green men at HarajukuTokyo Sightings 2014 (13)

I love Daiso!! Its 108 yen ( not 100 yen ) so with the exchange rate of 120 yen per 1US$ – it comes out to P 40.00.  And not only is it cheap but they have so many trinkets and unique things!!! LOVE!! I could just shop here everyday while in Tokyo 🙂 Plastics and ziplock in all sizes and colors with designs! I hoard!!plastics at daiso WASHI TAPE!!! This is a new section!!washi tape at daiso harajukuTakoyaki balls with cheese sauce at OmotesandoTokyo Sightings 2014 (14)

Iggy, Cholet and kids at Church!  There were around 8 or more Filipino families at church – so you can imagine the number of Filipinos in Tokyo/Japan during the holidaysTokyo Sightings 2014 (15)

In Isetan Dept. store.  I am not sure if it is just an artwork or it was for saleTokyo Sightings 2014 (16)

Pretty in Pink 🙂  at the Metro.  Japanese like the color pink – maybe I am Japanese! hahaTokyo Sightings 2014 (21)

More pink outfits at Harajuku Takeshita streetTokyo Sightings 2014 (17)

Flavored Sugars at Daiso
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Ladies department at Isetan department storeTokyo Sightings 2014 (18)

Isetan Men’s.  A five floor department store dedicated for MEN!!!  Usually Men’s departments are a neglected part of a department store -but in Tokyo, Isetan has a whole department store just for MEN!  ( photo from www.jtripper.jp)isetan mens tokyo

Almond Leaf!  YUM!  Found at department stores Food hallTokyo Sightings 2014 (20)

Burrata al TartufoTokyo Sightings 2014 (22)

In Japan, they sell beef by 100 grams!  They also display the owners and the farm where it comes fromTokyo Sightings 2014 (23)

Free Wifi while walking in Ginza 🙂 YIPEE!ginza free wifiFree wifi in the Metro ( not inside the train ) in the stations and in the stopsmetro tokyo free wifiJapanese rice!!! at The Best in the world!  at Ito Yokado supermarketTokyo Sightings 2014 (1)

Scoop as many erasers as you can for 300 yen 🙂 at Tokyu Hands erasers at Tokyu hands tokyoLawson store 100!! YAY!! Like Daiso 🙂  but convenience store type.  There was one right across Andaz Hotel Toranomon Hillslawson 100 yen tokyonew flavour of Pino which I could not understand but did not try it because I like mine plain!new pino flavor tokyo Pino that comes in big sizes and assorted flavours pino assortment tokyo[email_link]

Rooftop Bar at Andaz Hotel

By | Proud to be Pinoy!, Travel | One Comment

Our friends, Mike and Roselen told us to check out the rooftop bar, so we did.  When we got up this is the first thing we saw.  They knew I was arriving!!! haha!!  This is the chapel where you can get married.  I am sure there is a more beautiful view during the dat since it is all glass aroundRooftop Bar at Andaz Hotel (7)

Thanks to Adrian, the Manager, He toured us around Rooftop Bar at Andaz Hotel (1)

Kenneth Cobonpue chairs!!!!  This is what Roselen told us to look for.  BEAUTIFUL!! There were more on the other side of the bar but I could not take photos since there were people seated.  Rooftop Bar at Andaz Hotel (2)

Beautiful view of the cityRooftop Bar at Andaz Hotel (3)

Adrian took us to another area which is only open for private eventsRooftop Bar at Andaz Hotel (4)

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And from here there is a beautiful view of the Tokyo Tower!!!  NICE!!!Rooftop Bar at Andaz Hotel (6)Click below to go to the website

Rooftop bar andaz tokyo

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Toranomon Hills

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By Andaz Hotel, there is not much around the place.

Previous entry:  Andaz Hotel Toranomon Hills January 12, 2014

Andaz Hotel Room January 12, 2014

But the hotel is in a complex called Toranomon Hills.  Its connected to the hotel so it is convenient.  And here there are several restaurants, a few shops and some servicesToranomon Hills (3)

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 Day spaToranomon Hills (6)

Coffee shop, bookstore and convenience storeToranomon Hills (7)

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Udon restaurantToranomon Hills (10)

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Dry Ageing Beef Restaurant which looked interestingToranomon Hills (12)

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Peek through the windowToranomon Hills (14)

Toranomon Hills (1)Click below to go to their website for more info

toranomon hills website

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Tempura Kondo

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We all love tempura and I am sure many of us grew up ordering tempura and it comes to you in a bamboo plate and we would just gulp it down 🙂  But in Japan, tempura is a serious thing 🙂  We tried 2 last trip

Previous entry:  Tsunahatchi January 14, 2014

Ten-Ichi January 18, 2014

and one new one this trip

In Japan, they serve your tempura one by one – so you get to eat it straight and fresh from the pan.  If you get the bar seat – you see them preparing and cooking it right in front of you

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Chef Fumio Kondo a Two Star Michelin Chef

Tempura Kondo (1)His wife who is also in the restaurant Tempura Kondo (29)

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Shrimp headTempura Kondo (9)

Shrimp tempura – squeeze the orange 🙂Tempura Kondo (11)

Scallops – this was my order 2 pcs. of this.  So big, so fresh and so yummyTempura Kondo (12)

SquidTempura Kondo (15)

Preparing the ingredientsTempura Kondo (10)

Kisu and AubergineTempura Kondo (16)

AsparagusTempura Kondo (13)

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UniTempura Kondo (19)

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 Megochi ( Flathead fish )Tempura Kondo (21)

 AnagoTempura Kondo (25)

One of their specialties – Sweet Potato – it took them 45 minutes to cook this.  I was watching the whole time 🙂
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Kakiage- also one of their specialties.   It can served two ways –  pouring of tea and pickles or served as tendon – soaked in sauce, on a bowl of rice

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Even Obama had a hard time getting a reservation here 🙂
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Obama Kondo Tokyo (38)[email_link]

Butagumi

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James has been talking about this place for many years and finally we were able to get a reservation!  JC Bernardo told us about this and about the pigs that look like sheep 🙂 They are called Mangalitsa, Mangalitza or Mangalica  ( photo from www.becuo.com ).  It’s a natural breed of pigs from Europe that are descended directly from….wild boar populations.  The Mangalitsa pig is unusual as it grows a hairy fleece akin to that of sheep.  It was a pity they did not have it that day we ate there.  A good reason to come back because we love Butagumi

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It’s in a residential area which felt secluded but later on I found out it is by Omotesando area- just keep going straight up to the road of Omotesando.  So you can say it is nearby a favourite Tonkatsu place, Maisen Butagumi (2)

There are plenty choices of Tonkatsu, around 50 kinds, but not all are available everyday. They have Tenderloin-taste light, flavourful, taste rich or taste super rich.  Or Sirloin- taste light, flavourful, taste rich or juicy and taste super rich  Butagumi (3)

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Love the collections of little pigs by the entrance of the restaurantButagumi (5)

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More pigs around the placeButagumi (30)

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cute ones on top of the cash register 🙂Butagumi (33)

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Piggy nose logo all over 🙂Butagumi (9)

Tomatoes which were very good with al the condiments for tonkatsu – Himalayan pink salt, mustard, and two saucesButagumi (13)

Love the appetisers!Butagumi (10)

 The sausage which was so tasty!!
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Caesar saladButagumi (16)

 CroquettesButagumi (17)

Getting ready for the tonkatsuButagumi (18)

Only those with green marks are available for the dayButagumi (11)Butagumi (12)They all came together, they explained each one and then after we ate it, we  could not identify anymore because we just ate it as soon as it arrived haha!!  They were all good and of course the one with more fat you can really tell tastes really good compared to the lean cutsButagumi (19)

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Brown Sugar Jelly syrupButagumi (29)

Butagumi (6)Click below to go to their website

butagumi website

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