5 Famous Japanese songs from the 90's

The 90's was my time! This was the time I discovered Sailormoon on ABC5, now TV5. Those were the days! I miss it a lot. Things were a lot more simple then, yap I'm that old. So with that Let me talk about the 5 songs that opened that doors for me to love J-music!

1. Sweet Soul Revue by Pizzicato Five

   I don't remember much on how this became popular in the 90's. I do know that it was a dance craze before. It was played on local radio stations at that time. Since the net did not really exist at that time. Most people will sing to it even if the words did not make sense.

I wanted to play this song all day, so I tried to get the album in cassette form as CD's were expensive for the elementary student me. Which brings us to the next song:

2. Feel Like Dance by Globe

   Malls were still scarce at that time. That if you want to visit one, you will need to go to SM Makati or Landmark. I don't remember everything well but I know we were at Landmark to but school supplies. Lucky the record store/area was close. I was looking for the album of Pizzicato Five, however, the saleslady did not know what it was and I did not know the title of the song at that time. 

She presented Globe's self-titled album, she said it is the one Japanese album they have. For them, I have loved the band so much! I think this was also played on local radio stations. 

3. Automatic by Utada Hikaru

   How did I learn about this song? MTV, I think but it was played late at night so it did not get the popularity it needed for Hikki to be known as a household name in the Philippines. I don't even remember how I got her album. I love her to this day. Her lyrics are just so relatable.

4. Hohoemi no Bakudan by Matsuko Mawatari

   Is known in the Philippines as the opening song of Ghost Fighter or Yu Yu Hakusho. It is that danceable song that made kids run to the TV set as they knew it was time to watch Eugene and the gang on another adventure.

5. Zankoku na Tenshi no Tēze by Yoko Takahashi

   This is from the series, Neon Genesis Evangelion. If you have watched it on ABS-CBN, you need to watch the series again as there were so many scenes that were cut for it to be aired on local TV. It's one of the most mind-boggling anime I have ever watched. For me, it is the closest to real life well minus the angels and technology. 

If you are wondering why Sailormoon's and Magic Knight Rayearth's opening songs were not included, if it because it was sung in Tagalog. 

Eiga Sai: Tasteful Japan

It is that time of the year again a chance for people that likes or love Japanese movie to enjoy free screening of 11 movies from July 9 to July 19 This year’s theme is Tasteful Japan, divided to two categories SAVORY JAPAN are the movies about food and JAPANESE CONTEMPORARY FILMS that are live action film based on manga or anime.

I have been following this event since 2010, I have seen a few movies and animated films during the event. The movies for this event always leaves a mark in my mind and heart and to be able to plan to go again this year,  feels good. I just hope that the rain does not stop me from going to the event.

I hope more events like this happen in the country. It is a great way to learn more about Japan and it is great way to meet other people that like or love Japanese culture.

Here is the schedule:

For more information you can check out the official Site: Click here

Melon Pan!

Shana telling you how to eat Melon Pan

This is a food post. I love food it is obvious with how my body is XD

I am a self confess Japanholic. This post is about that bread I first heard of the animated series called Shakugan no Shana. Melon Bread or melon pan is bread that smells and taste like melon. Based on series it looks like a normal bun on the top part you will see criss cross markings. I am not really sure how the original melon bread is made but we found one from a Japanese restaurant called JiPan Cafe and Bakeshop in Glorietta. However, when my partner ate it is contained no melon flavor nor cream. It contained raisins. So the search continues.

Just recently, my sibling went to Japan and they came home with MELON PAN! It was legit melon pan! The small was awesome and the cream I love it! I was sad that the only brought home two, one was the orange one and the other was green. I will get more if I can ever go back to Japan.

Here is what it looks like:

Have you ever wanted to eat something based on Anime or manga?

Food Tripping: Banzai The Great Teppanyaki Theater Review

Yes this is about food again! So me and my partner when to Banzai: The Great Teppanyaki Theater, I have first read about this place from Hana (a friend’s blog). As you know I’m a self confessed Japan-holic, I just have to go and check it out. The ambiance is great! You walk in and you are greeted by the one of the attendant, then they will show you the art gallery, where you can take photos in costumes. The place feels like its right from Japan.

He is lost in Time

There are a variety for Japanese food served, okonomiyaki, tempura, sushi, sashimi, ramen, takoyaki, miso soup, yakisoba, yakitori, gyoza, Japanese Inspired Pizza, and of course Teppanyaki. It was dessert heaven too. What I like about Banzai, is that it’s huge! You spend a few minutes of walking to get to what you want and I think that helps you digest for more food later XD

Takoyaki

Sushi and Sashimi Bar

Salmon, tuna, and squid teppanyaki

Gyozas! (Vegetable, Chicken and pork)

Japanese Style Pizza

Kaniyaki

I love this place I will back soon after I try other eat all you can restos XD

Have you been here? Did you like it?

White Day in Advance

You have read my post about Valentine’s Day Japanese style. Last Saturday me and the crazy people of POS, celebrated White day in advance, white day is celebrated every March 14. This is the time where the boys are the ones who give out chocolates.
I was at the meeting place by 3 pm in Philippine time, I was early because as I have said in this post

I will be giving chocolates for the girls too. I had to pick up the chocolate cake balls I bought from a Yani Cakes, read more about them in this post 

I had so much Japanese food that day. Me and my partner ate at Tempura for lunch and dinner was at Oki Oki. It was all fun, the fireworks and the free ice cream for someone pretend birthday, you know we love you Bell right?

I enjoyed the fireworks, as I saw colors that is not usually use like pale orange, purple and green. Also I got this

Ej's Gift

Someone gave me something last Saturday that made me hyper. Thanks to Ej I have something to add to my collection of Jack Skellington as seen in my post Jacks Everywhere

I am not meticulous about what goes to my collection as long as I see Jack I am fine with that it does not matter where you got it as long as it is not stolen. I was told this was brought from a thrift shop. It is a cap with Jack and Boggie man

The moment it was given to me, I wore and only removed it during dinner and while I was on my way home. Until now I still do not know if I want to use it every day or just hide it like the rest of my collection.

Either way I am super happy it was given to me. One of the best White day gift to me

More photos

Confessions of a Japanholic

I am not really sure why there are a lot of Japanese related event this month but basically I’m torn by it today there is an ongoing free film screening in Shangri-la Plaza EDSA, Mandaluyong called 2014 Nihongo FiestaFilm Mania.

2014 Nihongo Fiesta Film Mania at Shangri-la Plaza EDSA

The films line up

February 22 (Saturday)
11:00 a.m. Howl’s Moving Castle (119 mins.) Shang Cineplex, Premiere Theater
01:30 p.m. Howl’s Moving Castle (119 mins.) Shang Cineplex, Premiere Theater
04:00 p.m. Howl’s Moving Castle (119 mins.) Shang Cineplex, Premiere Theater
07:00 p.m. Robo-G (111 mins.) Shang Cineplex, Cinema 1

February 23 (Sunday)
01:00 p.m. The Voices of a Distant Star (25 mins.) Shang Cineplex, Cinema 1
02:00 p.m. Brave Story (111 mins.) Shang Cineplex, Cinema 1
04:30 p.m. King of Thorn (109 mins.) Shang Cineplex, Cinema 1
07:00 p.m. Robo-G (111 mins.) Shang Cineplex, Cinema 1

As you can see it is for two days but I wanted to go today, I wanted to watch Howl’s Moving Castle in the big screen. However, It is now late and I decided to pass for the event tomorrow at a place called Little Tokyo called Sunday Fiesta. Little Tokyo is a small area with I think six plus restaurants all serving Japanese food and they are surrounded by Japanese Groceries. Have you heard of this place?

I have been there for number of occasion but tomorrow will be the first time that there will be an actual event organized by the people of Little Tokyo so I am excited about it.

Deciding factor for not going out today is that I have watched Howl’s Moving Castle at home and I still have the copy I can watch it anytime so yah.

The weekend is now here, what are you doing?

Cross posted here