JAPAN (Jan – Apr 2008)

Last 2008, I was advised by my boss that I’ll be having my three months training in Japan. Mixed emotions perceived through me. I felt really excited knowing I will experience the coldest season (and the snow, of course) in my whole life. On the other hand, I felt quite nervous anticipating what will happen for the next 3months. Wondering how I can manage myself since that will be my first time being miles away from my family and friends. And also the homesick thing.

My destination was in Hitachi City, Ibaraki-ken, Japan. It is a 5-hours drive (I think) from Tokyo City. But could take 2 hours taking the Shinkansen or known as the bullet train. :)

Here are some of the joyful moments I had during my stay in Japan.

During our welcome party. (L-R) Jacek, Me, Geri and Morita-san (Kuddy)

The Red Team. Had our first Sunday @ the church.

@ The Gran Deco Snow Resort, I tried snowboarding and I stumbled more than 50 times reaching the finish line. Lolz.

This was during the Sakura Festival and he was so handsome. *wink*

Me and my Kuddy (Kuya and Daddy in one) after our tennis game.

During the Hanami Party, it is a tradition where in we eat, drink and have fun under the Cherry Blossom.

Had a cool shot before heading home.

Yummy pork sumthin'. (I forgot what was the exact name! Lolz)

Tunahiki (Long Jumping Rope), every year Hitachi held this competition just for fun (I think heheh). Those people who work in the factory won, of course they do exercise everyday. They made more than a hundred jumps. Wow!

Plum Festival

Me enjoying Choco Parfait! Yum yum!

Given the chance, I would definitely come back in Japan. My second home. :)

Cheers,

zynchi :)

FYI: E-Passport

Issuance of e-passports for Filipinos begins

Lily B. Libo-on

14 June 2010

DUBAI — A new electronic passport with far better security features is now ready for issuance starting today, June 14, at the Philippine diplomatic missions in Abu Dhabi and in Dubai to the over 400,000 Filipino expatriates here.

The e-passport will replace the old green passport and the brown machine-readable passports (MRPs) issued to the Filipino expatriates earlier after the validity of these passports ends.

Enrollment for the e-passport will be done from 8:30am to 5pm. But, payments are accepted at the cashier only until 4pm.

Vice Consul Edwin Mendoza at the Philippine Consulate General in Dubai advised those who will enroll for the e-passport to bring along with them their old passport, a photocopy each of the front, visa and back pages of their expiring passport, and Dh240 in cash.

“Passport enrollees are no longer required to bring photographs as their pictures will be taken using e-passport data-capturing machines which are cameras directly connected to the computers at the Philippine Consulate and signature to be made on signature pads so they do not need to bring photographs,” he said.

He explained that the payment for enrolling in the e-passport is costlier by Dh40 as compared to the two previous types of passports because everything needed to process the e-passport is done in security pages and imbedded in micro chips.

Consul General Mendoza said that applying for enrollment in e-passport is done on a first come first served basis since the two permanent staff assigned to do this will be on adjustment phase.

“We will be accommodating a maximum of 80 applicants during the 
first few weeks and those who cannot be enrolled for the day have to make an appointment with the Philippine Consulate personally.”

He said the integrated photograph of the passport holder or his digitised secondary photograph, the electronic print of the passport holder’s signature and the overt and hidden security 
features are among those data 
imbedded in the chip that render 
the passport tampered-free and difficult to be copied.

Mendoza clarified that those with the old green passport and the brown 
MRP may continue to use the same 
until six months before the expiry of their passports.

“International regulations allow travellers to enter other countries if their passports are still valid for the next six months. The same should be observed by Filipino travellers, who should renew or get the new e-passport six months before the validity of their passports ends.”

He said that since the applications for the e-passports will be sent to Manila, applicants can expect to receive their passports one month from date of application.

Interested persons may contact the Philippine Consulate General at 04-254-4331 or via email: mrpdxb@yahoo.com or pcgdxb@pcgdubai.ae

Fun: Dubai Invasion

Yesterday, me and four of my flat mates planned to invade Dubai just to look for a window curtain (lolz). I felt so excited because that was my first time to go to Dubai just for fun. I stayed in Dubai last month only for four days and I cannot bear travelling Dubai to Abu Dhabi every day. That’s why I came back here in Abu Dhabi hehehe.

Anyway, Dubai Mall was our destination. Since the mall is huge, we just looked for a few outlets (with a few picture takings lolz) and headed to Gold Souq where in we can have a good view on Burj Khalifa. Since I have no idea what will I spot outside, I felt in awe when I saw the world's tallest building. I was so amazed when the music started playing and the fountain nearby came into life. I wasn’t able to record it in a video, my bad.

Afterwards, we had our snack/dinner at Fridays.

And before I forgot, we can’t find a good curtain in Dubai Mall so we straight ahead in Khalidiya Mall in Abu Dhabi. Hehehehe. We came home around 12midnight and I started to catch up my laundry. I slept around 4am. Good thing, I have no work the next day, yippee!

Art: Design Portfolio

He’ya ladies!

Just want to share some of my brother’s design from his portfolio. By the way, he is a graphic artist. :)

If you want to arrange some business with him, feel free to contact me @ xwlafg@rocketmail.com.

Thank you!

Cheers,

zynchi :)

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