Yamato Drums of Japan Experience

I had to apologise about my Yamato rantings on my previous post.  I'm sorry.  You see, after I wrote that, I immediately contacted the Japan Foundation and ask them where I can get the tickets.  Turns out, it's free and you have to come there on a first come, first serve basis. 

Here's what happened on the day:

I met up with my friend Doris.  Actually, I've been meeting with her during the week and I've met all her immediate family apart from her brother.   We then went grocery shopping and walked around the shopping centre taking the piss out of everyone, reminiscing about our pole/ledge dancing days in the UK and how we wish we were back there with our girlfriends dancing in the clubs and drinking.  

We queued up for 2 hours.  During that an hour and a half queue, people aren't piling up.  I thought we were in a good place.  Turns out, people can reserve tickets online.  I wasn't informed about this when I emailed them.  It just seems unfair that it's free, you can go on a first come first serve basis and people can reserve tickets online???  The Invitational performance happened on the 8th and open field happened on the 9th.  I was worried that we weren't able to get in.  I was really excited to see them and been hyping the show to Doris.  After all the people with reserved tickets got in, we were given tickets.  So annoying that people can use their power to get in.  One men took at least 6 tickets whilst not in queue.  

The performance is just as I've expected.  It was similar to their London performance.  Although the stage is smaller, they were able to perform just as good.  Doris would normally talk during films or performances running a commentary but she was actually behaved.  I was worried that she might not be able to enjoy herself.  She actually liked it.  I loved it too.  It was very entertaining, the crowd is cheering, laughing and clapping.  The person next to me talked so much on the first 2 performances but stopped on the third.  Thank God!  I only give 3 hits to people until I speak with them.  

I love live performances!  Just brings the best out of artist.  If they are to come here again next year, I would definitely go again especially if it's free.  :)

With my good friend Doris.  I'm so happy that she's back.

Flyer for the event.  Earlier on the queue.

I was ecstatic when I received my tickets.

This was just half of the people watching the show.  We were seated on the left bleachers.

And after their show, they were nice enough to take photos with their fans.  Usual Doris fashion, she called one of the drummers and shouted, photos on this side please.  Which the guy obliged.  After she had her photo taken with the guy, she asked for another photo.  He was shocked but Doris is serious about her photos being taken.  Hahaha!

Follow my blog with bloglovin

Taiwan Visa Approved

So, I applied online for my Taiwan Visa just to make sure that I have it before we go.  I didn't realise that as soon as you get approved, your visa starts the same day.  Mine is expiring on the 4th and we are not leaving the Philippines until then.  I kept my composure and called the Taiwanese Embassy.  She said that there is a guarantee that I'll be able to get another visit visa.  I just have to reapply on the 29th of July cause there is a 7 day reapply period until my visa expires.  Taiwan, here we come!?  

Follow my blog with bloglovin

Yamato in the Philippines!

OMG!  The Japanese have arrived!  The Yamato, Taiko Drummers from Japan are here!  

People always get the wrong impression on me.  Because I dress differently (on Filo Standards), people automatically assume that I am a party girl.  Well, I am not.  I'd rather go on trips, dine out, watch films or do anything cultural.  I've seen the Yamato Drummers about 3 years ago in Peacock Theatre in London.  I remember sitting in centre and was actually in front of them.  I remember feeling kilig while watching their performance.  I have a confession, I like guys with good arms and defined back.  Defined back?  Who would love that?   I am weird that way.  They were topless all the way.  I was pinching my ex through out the whole show.  I can't help it!  Asians, good arms and back, I couldn't ask for more.  :P

I hate it when Filos do this.  They always have the invites only thing.  The other day, I passed by Topshop having private sales.  WTF!  The store is small.  Not even a floor bigger than the Flagship store in London.  It annoys the hell out of me that everyone doesn't enjoy the same privileges as the rich people here.  We need to change people.  Poor people are cultured too.  

There is no way I'm getting an invite to this event.  Argh!!!

Follow my blog with bloglovin

China, Korea, Taiwan: What's my best option?

CHINA

Dear boyfriend and I are planning on another Asian Tour.  The initial plan was for him to go to the Philippines for 3 days then we fly to Hong Kong then take a sleeper train to China but the Chinese Visa is impossible to get.  For Filipino passport holder, the REQUIREMENTS are long and obtaining a visa is difficult.  So we are keeping our options open which now brings me to our next country of choice, South Korea.

SOUTH KOREA

I've spent the whole morning calling 3 embassies today.  I called the Chinese Embassy but it was either engaged or no one's picking up.  I then researched the South Korean Hotline, rang them and was slapped in the face with cold hard fact - I can't apply for a visit visa cause I am not working at the moment.  I asked if I can go with a sponsor, they said no.  How about if I'm a student? They said my parents can sponsor me.  I am neither a student(not yet) or working.  Obtaining a visa would have been easy.  Here are the requirements:

1.  Application Form

2.  1 Passport Size Picture

3.  Passport

4.  Employment Certificate

5.  Bank Certificate

6.  ITR(Income Tax Return)

TAIWAN

Taiwan doesn't interest both me and dear boyfriend.  I suggested it 'cause it's the nearest country from the Philippines.  Japan's visa is as difficult as China's so we crossed that out for now.  Taiwan is surprisingly easy.  I am qualified to apply for my visa online cause I am a US Visa Holder.  Thanks Mum for getting one last year!  Here's the link.

Hope this helps everyone who's planning to go on an Asian Tour.  Good luck Darlings!  :)

Follow my blog with bloglovin