Ever since I met my husband, it had been my desire to wear a kimono. I wanted to know the feeling of wearing a kimono.

Fortunately, last New Year my mother-in-law gave me a kimono. After we ate ‘osechi ryori’ or 'festive food' (which is served every New Year in Japan) she helped me put the kimono on. It was not easy to put on because it has many layers and accessories. It's a full-length garment, T-shaped, straight-lined robes that fall to the ankle, with collars and full-length sleeves.

According to what I learned about kimono, on special occasions unmarried women wear kimonos with extremely long sleeves that extend almost to the floor. The robe is wrapped around the body, always with the left side over the right. It is only wrapped with ... Read More

Last year was my first Christmas in Japan together with my husband. My husband told me that in Japan every Christmas they prepare cakes to celebrate the day. I saw Christmas decorations in some establishments and houses but I still missed the Christmas environment in the Philippines. I missed the Christmas carols, lantern, 'simbang gabi' which I used to attend, 'paputok', kids going from house to house to ask gifts, and of course my family in the Philippines.

The day before Christmas, we went to church to attend Mass and Filipino Christmas Party. The party was lots of fun and I ate Pinoy foods such as pansit, spaghetti, afritada, Chopsuey, Biko, Pineapple, etc. I was grateful at that day that at least I could feel Filipino Christmas spirit.

When we arriv... Read More

Japan has a wonderful cultural twist on how to celebrate Valentine’s Day. February 14th is not for women. It’s for MEN! On Valentine’s Day, women will give men chocolate. Isn’t that fantastic!? As an English teacher, many students and co-workers gave me chocolates, flowers and little cakes on Valentine’s Day. TV dramas about high school often have a Valentine’s Day episode, such as boys competing to see who will get the most chocolates.

Don’t worry girls; you’ll get some chocolate too! On March 14th, Japan celebrates “White Day. White Day is for men to return gifts to the women who had given them chocolates a month earlier. This is why it is very important to remember who gave you chocolates on Valentine’s Day. I’ve read on some ... Read More

March 3 (3/3) is “hina matsuri” which means ‘doll festival’ is more commonly known simply as ‘girls festival’. The month or so leading up to March 3, families decorate their homes with a collection of beautiful dolls. A complete set would have seven levels or steps. Having a complete set is both expensive and rare. The topmost level holds the emperor and empress. Some people only display these two figures. I’ve seen some emperor and empress sets for 2,000 yen and other for 200,000 yen! The second step has three court ladies holding sake. The third step has five musicians holding instruments, except for the singer who holds a fan. The fourth step usually has the two court ministers as well as some furniture. The fifth step has three servants an... Read More