Japan 2014: Photoblog Day 1

I took a trip to Osaka, Japan recently with the family. Sadly, Jess couldn't make it out there because of conflicting schedules. We were on Viber with her the whole time though, but obviously it's not the same. I'm still, actually, on a post-Japan high and can't believe the trip is over. I can't wait to come back and maybe visit Tokyo this time?

Technically, the trip was 5 days but our flight came in early in the morning so it was more like 4 days. We settled in an apartment we rented at around 2 am because we took the train from the airport to the city. You could only imagine the trouble we went through with carrying our luggages up and down the stairs (in the cold, no less!). The apartment was lovely. It was well furnished and surprisingly really nice. It was really well designed and one of the most efficient houses I've been to. Also, it was really near a convenience store and pharmacy which was great for us cause all we did was eat. The owners also gave us a portable wifi to bring around while touring Osaka and let me just say, their internet is fast. 

Day 1: Osaka Castle, Cherry Blossoms, old Osaka and the Osaka Skyline

That basically sums up the itinerary for day 1 of our trip. We headed to Osaka Castle to look at the cherry blossoms. They were everywhere! The whole place was so picturesque and the day was just too beautiful that not taking photos would be a crime. The weather was great too because it was just the right amount of cool without the uncomfortable hand numbing feeling. Then we went to a museum which showcased old Osaka. They had a life-size replica of a village and you could even put on kimonos so you could experience the old Osaka lifestyle. After the museum, we headed to the Hanging Garden, which truth be told had no garden, to view the skyline of the city. 

That's the older brother in the backpack, right there!

Mandatory selfies

- K

February Favorites

 

Here are my favorites for the month of February:

1. Chapstick Lipbalm in Cherry

2. Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Crush 

3. Elizabeth Arden Green Tea Scent Spray

4. Aldo watch

5. Rotary watch

6. Forever 21 Shades

7. Claires Gem rings

8. Stone Pendant necklace from Soul Flower

9. Nike Free 5.0

10. A list of my favorite music of the month

<3 K

The Price of Responsibility and Legality

There are many excuses for my absence in this blog and I am completely sticking by them. First, I am drowning in school. College is crazy. Even if I consider this semester my most chill one cause of the lack of majors it still seems hectic. Given the remainder of the semester, it's crunch time for me. So, yet again, I will be on hiatus 'til I taste bittersweet freedom once again. Second, I am drowning in org work. Aside from my school work, I have become very active in my organization at school and have inherited a boat load of responsibilities. I am now part of the Executive Board for the next school year so I've been having continuous meetings. Third, I'm eighteen! Which is not an excuse but I just wanted to share that bit of information. I can now legally drink, get imprisoned and be accused as a pedophile but I don't plan on participating in the last two activities. My birthday was quit uneventful aside from the "surprise" gifts from the best people in the world. (I say surprised with a quotation mark cause I totally saw it coming. They can't out-ninja the ninja.) Fourth, I've been extremely lazy despite the many obligations I have to do. Yes, I suck, I know. Procrastination is my forte though and as much as I'd like to outgrow the habit it's been difficult and I always end up relapsing. Like now, for instance, I'm suppose to be writing a paper for my history class and yet, here I am, on the internet simultaneously clicking through different tabs. Fifth, I've decided to do actual physical activities rather than just sitting on my bed having movie marathons and watching Youtube videos. I've been going to Zumba classes and I must say I've been enjoying it. Sweating it out has been surprisingly fun. 

Anyway, I just wanted to write this quick post in order to tell y'all that I haven't dropped out the face of the earth yet and I continue to exist and breath the same air as you do. To add some visuals to this post, please enjoy this photo of a really cute cat that says forgive me for my lack of commitment. 

- K

Operation: Thrifting in Manila

Welcome to the wonderful world of thrifting! It's an amazing place where one can get lost in. (Literally) It's not for the faint of heart and it takes a good amount of experience and courage to get the hang of it. The first time I went thrifting was with Jess and it was pretty overwhelming at the beginning. Later on, I went thrifting more often and finally, after a few trips alone, got the hang of it. Although, thrifting alone here is not advisable for beginners. I suggest you bring someone who knows what he/she is doing. It's safer that way. Anyway, as I thrift my way through Manila I have picked up a few things, here and there, that would be useful for amateur thrifters to know. Thrifting is not complicated but not simple either. There is a middle ground between the two ideas in which lies thrifting. I'm going to take the dramatics down a notch and simplify things.

Equipment

Every time you go thrift shopping is pretty much synonymous to going out on an adventure. Slightly dramatic but true. Every trip is different because everything is so unexpected. You're not sure what lies ahead so it's best to be prepared.

1. Uniform

• Dress Comfortably - Wear something you can easily move in. Thrift stores can be cramped with racks which can make moving a challenge. It's going to be an even bigger challenge if you're constricted by your clothing. Leave the mini skirt at home and opt for a comfortable pair of shorts (or leggings!). You can also wear pants, just make sure you're comfortable in them. 
• Comfortable Footwear - This goes hand in hand with the "dress comfortably" tip I mentioned above. Obviously, you'll be walking a lot so it's important that you're in your best, comfortable footwear.
• Dress Down - Now's not the time to show of your inner fashionista. It's best to wear a simple outfit to avoid being too flashy. Showing off will make it difficult to haggle with the store keeper. These people know what they're doing and can spot the not from a mile away. I recommend a simple tshirt and shorts combo with sneakers or flats. 
• **Socks - Wear socks when you're planning to buy shoes. Although, many are very iffy about this idea but if you're not one of them then I suggest you wear an old pair of socks that you don't mind getting ruined. 

2. Reinforcements

• Water Bottle - It's very important to hydrate yourself through out the day. Take note that some of these thrift stores may not have airconditioning. Given the climate of this country, I can reassure you that it's going to be hot all the time, especially during the afternoons. Having a water bottle around comes in handy while thrifting. 
• Reusable Bag - Quezon City has a "no plastic" policy and, in my experience, some thrift stores follow this rule. It's better to have some sort of reusable bag with you so you wouldn't have to worry about where to place your loot. Also, reducing your carbon footprint does not hurt either. You can save money and save the world at the same time. 
• Backpack/Tote Bag/Cross Body Bad - You would want a hassle free shopping experience as much as possible. You can lessen the likelihood of encountering unwanted issues by completely making yourself comfortable. Leave the handbag at home and opt for a backback, tote bag or a cross body bag in order to achieve optimum movement. Avoid the possibility of constantly worrying about your bag so make sure you bring an appropriate one. 
• Small Bills - Avoid bringing big denominations of money. It's easier to convince the store keeper of the price you want when he/she can clearly see that you don't have wads of cash with you. This is more for the idea that you are able to create an image that does not scream bourgeois. Image is also key.
• Baby Wipes/ Hand Sanitizer - This is important for safety reasons. You're not really aware of where these clothes came from or what they've gone through. Also, thrift stores are not the cleanest compared to mall shops (obviously!). One time, I visited this thrift store that had a "sale" section at the back and the clothes were pretty dusty. Although, I did score a great denim jacket but that's beside the point. It's an extra precaution that won't hurt. 
• Umbrella - This is self explanatory.

Training

One can't set on to an adventure without the proper preparation for it. Next, I'm going to discuss some Manila thrifting etiquette. Yup, there's proper behavior for everything. Behavior is also pretty crucial with thrifting. Like I said before, image is important. 

• Speak in Filipino - Yes, as much as possible speak in Filipino. Not english, not taglish, not conyo  just straight Filipino. Store keepers are sharp and can point out those who have never actually done this before. It's best then to keep up this image.
• Blend in - Don't stand out. Try, as much as possible, to blend in with the other shoppers. It's more likely that they've done this before and know what they're doing. Act like you know what you are doing, like you've done this a million times. Fake it until you make it. Make sure that you don't give away signs that you're a total newbie at this.
• Ukay-ukay - This is the term used in the Philippines for thrift shops. It came from the term "halukay" which means to dig through. You will have to dig through the numerous amount of clothes before finding something to your liking. It's going to be tedious work.
• Patience - It's important that you develop your patience because it may take awhile until you find your "holy grail" piece. When you do find it though, all that digging would have been worth it. 
• Withdrawal - But, there will be times that you won't be able to find something you like. If you can't find something then don't force yourself to like something just so you can buy it. Try another store. Most thrift stores are clumped next to each other and if you can't find anything then move on to the next store. 
• Be picky - Now's the time to be super picky about your clothes. It's tempting to buy the whole lot when the prices are crazy cheap but you have to be wise about your purchases. Make sure you check the whole article of clothing. Check for runs in the stitches. Check for stains. Is there damage? Can it be fixed? Is there a stain? Can it be removed? As much as possible, avoid pieces with damage or stains. 

-K

Katsu Cafe

Lately, there have been a lot of these katsu places popping up around Manila. The most famous is probably Yabu. Being a student, I find it a necessity to look out for budget friendly meals. Obviously, Yabu is not budget friendly and is pretty expensive. Although, you do get what you pay for. But, I was told before that Katsu Cafe was a pretty good "rip off" of Yabu. I visited the branch by Marcos Highway with some friends and it said in their sign that it was a soft opening. I'm not sure how true the sign was but when we went there the place was empty. It was only me and my friends that were dining in so we made all the noise that we wanted! (HAHA) I loved the interiors of it but I wasn't able to take too many photos.

For the price I was paying for, I was already pretty satisfied with what I got. Although, the serving could have been a bit bigger. Also, no unlimited cabbage. :( Rice is unlimited though but I'm not really super heavy on rice. Obviously it's no Yabu but it was still good for a student on a budget like me.

I love this lamp! 

The overall experience was good. The staff was very friendly and accommodating and the service was efficient. For the price I paid (Php 215), it was a pretty good deal already. I was pretty full with the meal and left the place satisfied. I ordered the Pork Katsu Set and it had unlimited rice, cabbage, pork katsu and miso soup. Plus, you get to the grinding of the sesame thingies too.

- K

September Playlist

It's September and I have a playlist for you all! Just wanted to share the music I've been listening to lately, especially during my late night study sessions! Coffee and music are my best buds during the night. Anyway, it might not be everyone's cup of tea but I like it and I hope you guys enjoy it too.

September Playlist from ktechon on 8tracks Radio.

-K

On Trend: Drop-Waist Dress

I've been spotting quite a number of people wearing the drop-waist dress. The interesting cut and proportion hugs the body right and drapes down the body gracefully. Even in simple, plain colors it is already an interesting piece to own. You can dress it up or down which means it's a versatile article of clothing. Pairing it with more laid-back pieces can make it appropriate for everyday wear while adding jewelry and a pair of heels can definitely dress it up. Anybody can rock the look just as long as it's styled appropriately. 

Dress it down:

Forever 21 - "Dainty Floral Drop Waist Dress" ($17.80)

Dress this down by pairing it with a denim top to give it a more 90's vibe. The micro floral print gives off a grunge feel but the cut of the dress still keeps it modern. You can wear the denim top over it and let it hang open or you can tie it around your waist to really achieve the grunge look. Put on some combat boots or chelsea boots and you're good to go! 

Dress it up:

Asos - "Oasis Drop Waist Dress" ($35.44)

Dress it up by pairing it with gold jewelry such as necklaces that you can layer to give dimension. You can also choose to wear it without the accessories. You can pair the dress above with an oversized white blazer and nude ankle strap sandle heels. All you need to dress up an outfit is the right jewelry and the right pair of heels. The detailing in the dress above already makes it dressy and could be worn as is with minimal jewelry.

Here are some of my favorites:

Asos - "The WhitePepper Drop Waist Shirt Dress" ($52.32)

Asos - "Lipsy Drop Waist Dress in Lace Applique" ($92.82)

Asos - " Motel Parma Dress with Drop Waist" ($64.13)

Asos Petite Exclusive Floral Mini Dress with Drop Waist ($25.31)

- K
*This post is not sponsored by Forever 21 or Asos

Collective Haul

I've been doing some retail therapy over the past few weeks or so. School has been stressing me out and I chose to drown my sorrows in shopping. As I suffer from school stress, so does my wallet. I usually buy something for myself when I need some cheering up. It could be anything; food, a necklace, a pair of shades, a top. Not really a big haul but just some of the stuff I've accumulated the past few weeks.

Shades (NAVA)

Shades (Forever 21)

Floral blazer (Jellybean)

Blazer details 

Bow clip (Forever 21)

- K

Out and About at Katipunan: Kebabers and Picket Fence

As I write this, Jess is probably in her dorm room in Hong Kong taking care of university stuff or shopping, probably the latter. She's starting school in a few days so she finally flew over there and settled in. We're hoping with the sea as a gap between us, we would update this more and post more interesting content. Stay tuned for our future posts, we have loads of ideas.

Anyway, since she was leaving, we decided to eat out and hang. We originally just wanted to try Picket Fence but there was no parking, so we had to park in the establishment next to it which was Kebabers. Since neither of us have tried it, we decided to see what they had. The place is like a Taco Bell but Persian food version. They sold kebabs, shawarmas, etc. at relatively cheap prices. We weren't really hungry and we were really only after trying out Picket Fence so we decided to split something just to taste. We got the Beef Kebab Shawarma (Php 70) and the Beef Pichos (Php 95). We thought that the serving would be small but, boy, were we wrong. The Beef Kebab shawarma was relatively small and wouldn't be as filling if you were hungry but the Beef Pichos had large servings.

Beef Pichos

Beef Kebab Shawarma

The Beef Kebab Shawarma was nothing special but a decent snack. I did enjoy the garlic sauce though which was very flavorful. The Beef Pichos was like a Persian take on nachos. I was slightly craving for nachos that day which was why we got this. I thought it was the normal nachos but when we got it, we were quite shocked how big the serving was. They used pita chips instead of nacho chips which was a very interesting take on the nachos. Something different indeed! Although, maybe not everyone's cup of tea. The toppings though were just the normal tomatoes, cucumber, ground beef, cheese and the garlic sauce. The first bite was interesting since we were expecting a crunch to it like normal nachos but the pita chips were almost like flat bread that it had a little bit of a soft bread texture to it.

Next up, Picket Fence! We've been planning on going there for ages and the fact that Jess was leaving in a few days made us feel the urgency to go. So we finally planned it out. They serve normal food but they are more known for their desserts. The staff was really nice and accommodating. They let us taste the different flavors of ice cream and entertained our questions. We finally decided on two flavors, Bee Bee Honey and Rocky Chunky Choco (Single Scoop - Php 60, Double - Php 110). I liked the Bee Bee Honey because it was light and had the right amount of sweetness for my taste. Bee Bee Honey is like vanilla ice cream with honey and caramel bits. I usually go for chocolate but, surprisingly, I prefer this one. The Rocky Chunky Choco is very rich in flavor. It really is chocolate-y and it had this strange texture, as if it was almost powder like. It was a strange sensation but I liked it nevertheless. 

Rocky Chunky Choco

Bee Bee Honey

I enjoyed my overall experience at Picket Fence and would definitely recommend it! I have yet to try their other desserts and dishes. We were thinking of getting another dessert dish but it wasn't available at the time. I will be back though to try more stuff. I can't wait for that. HAHA.

-K

The Rainy Day Blues

Constant rainfall here in the Philippines. Classes have been suspended, even college! It's that bad! I hope everyone is safe and dry. Everyone is probably at home since it's pretty reckless to go out in this weather. So I thought why not blog about things to do when stuck at home during this weather.

1. Movie Marathons

You can have a certain theme for the day so that you have a basis for your choice of movies. You can have a chick flick fest, action movie day or even horror themed movie marathons. It's your choice. Also, this is a good time to catch up on your neglected TV series that you used to religiously follow. Instead of movies, why not TV series? You can probably finish a season in a day (although not advisable). This weather is the perfect time to just stay in bed under the covers and enjoy some films.

2. Bake

With all this extra time in your hands, why not try baking? You can try simple recipes that you can find online. There are tons of recipes available that make use of common kitchen ingredients, nothing too fancy. Plus, the delicious, warm smell can totally uplift the sad mood of the cold weather. Here are some of my favorite easy recipes.

• Homemade Brownies
• Nutella Mug Cake (kind of a cheat)
• Chocolate Chip Cookie
• Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread

3. Clean your room/closet

What better way to spend your time than by doing something productive? Always found excuses for not doing this? Then why not do it now. With all the time you have, you no longer have an excuse to not do it. Plus the cold weather wouldn't make the job so hot. It's time to run through the stuff in your room/closet, maybe even get a little nostalgic, and clean that mess up! A little cleaning might even make you feel less lethargic in this weather.

4. Give yourself a spa day at home

Pamper yourself today by creating your own home spa. You can find tons of DIY home remedies that make use of common household items/kitchen ingredients. You can make scrubs, masks, etc. Also, you can give yourself a manicure and pedicure. If you have one of those foot spa machine things then bust them out as well. You wouldn't have to miss a day in the spa when you can recreate one at your own home.

5. Read

Why not grab a book and dive into another world? Perfect time to catch up on some reading. All you need is a good book and a quiet corner to read by yourself. Maybe even a nice cup of coffee or hot chocolate to accompany the weather?

6. Do some crafts

There are a lot of DIY projects available online. This is actually one of my favorite things to do when I have time. If you have some supplies just lying around, why not make use of it? Who knows what might come out of it? Here are some of my favorite DIY projects that I have tried and yet to try.

• Flower Crown
• Dream Catcher
• Bleaching Clothes
• Cross Cutout Shirt

I hope these gave you some ideas on what to do on this rainy day and the possible rainy days to come.

-K

* I do not own any of the photos