Tsutaya DVD Rental Near Panasonic in Gunma Japan

Have you ever tried renting DVD's when you visit Japan? I've tried once, I think, but not this time!

In Japan, Tsutaya is the largest DVD and CD rental, game and book store in Japan. They've got many stores around the country.

There's a Tsutaya store near our company. And during the weekend, I go there for a look but I never rented any DVDs. Instead, I just take some photos!

Roaming Around Sanyo Denki By Bike

The last time I go to Japan was on the year 2005. That was 7 years ago! And i missed some of the places near Sanyo Denki.

Today I decided to roam around by myself. Before going to Ota, I dropped at Hard Off again to check out new items. Unfortunately, I didn't find anything interesting (^-^).

I go to Ota to buy some toys again in Toy Planet! And I was lucky to find a remote controlled car that is kinda cheap. So I picked it up for my daughter. I also bought some Naruto stuffs and small cars.

It's my plan to go to PC Depot but I have changed my mind and decided to go to a Brazillian Store named Si.

Since I don't have too much energy, I feel thirsty and decided to drop at Fressay to buy some snacks. Luckily there's a waiting area where I could eat and have some rest.

Now, time to move to Si store. There's a lot of stuffs for souvenirs but they are quite expensive. But they have good selections of display items and electronic devices too. Here I have bought some wrist watched for my 3 kids. My kids will surely love it because of the cute designs.

The day is still long and I still have time to go to Aizawa and to Sanki and Daiso (a Hundred yen shop).

Oh, that was a good experience roaming around by myself. Only by biking, I can go wherever I wanted.

I hope I could go to other places in Ota as well. Let's see... (^-^)

Leo Palace Japan

In our Department, every time there's Japan training, trainers usually live in Leo Palace.

Leo Palace residence in Japan is completely non-smoking environment. It is a fully furnished apartment where we can enjoy cooking Japanese viand. It's fully air-conditioned and include a flat-screen TV and fridge. The kitchen has a microwave and stove, and showers are open 24/7.

In other words, we can feel at home away from home!

Ken's Steak at Aeon in Oizumi, Gunma Japan

Looking for a great place for lunch or dinner? Ken's steakhouse is a nice place to dine. Together with Ogawa-san (our former President of our company) and Grace (a PDC member also), we dine at Ken's.

At Ken's they've got the best steak in town, I guess. I ordered their special sirloin beef steak (about 150 grams). Oh, It was delicious!

I have also enjoyed their different ice creams. I have tried many varieties like grapes, kiwi, pineapple, mixed berries, green tea, lemon, and mocha flavor. And the're great, except for the lemon ice cream that is very sour. (^-^)

Aside from the steak and ice cream, I have liked their salad. I have tried potato, cabbage, lettuce, small tomatoes, and other vegies for salad too. Although I was not able to try their coffee, I had a good zip on their ice tea.

Thanks to Ogawa-san for the treat. It was a great day with you! (^-^)

Hard Off in Oizumi Japan

Yesterday, I visited Hard Off to check what's on their shop for this month. Hard Off is the place for you if you wanna buy used music, audio, and computer gadgets. You can also find bags, kitchen wares, and other stuffs.

Although these gadgets are second hand, they are in good condition yet in reasonable price. Each week you can find new items on their shelves. I can say that things there really go fast, that there's no coming back for hot items. Many people come to this place, foreigner or even Japanese. I didn't buy anything though... (^-^)

Japan Airlines Menu

When flying to Japan, I do not sleep on the plane. Instead I usually watched 2 movies. I am also enjoying drinking juices while on board. I took apple juice or orange juice, not tomato juice.

And here's my lunch. I ordered the fish menu with pasta. I forgot to take the picture. But after eating the main dish I remember to take photo! It's delicious.

I also love this nuts provided by JAL. I'm sure I'll buy this kind of snack when I return to my country on August.

Bus Going to Oizumi-machi, Gunma Prefecture

Here we wait for our bus goin' to Oizumi Town Hall. Bus trip is at 4pm. This is the last trip going to Oizumi. If we missed the bus, we'll take the train and I don't know how to go to Gunma prefecture by train! Good thing we haven't miss the trip! In Tatebayashi, it's a hard rain in our way. Sharp lightnings and thunder frightens us. My umbrella is in my luggage that is placed in the storage of the bus... Luckily after about 45 minutes from Tatebayashi, the rain suddenly stopped. Upon taking off the bus, 4 layout members are already waiting for us.

Flying with Japan Airlines

This is just my 3rd time flying to Japan! At this moment, I am just excited to meet my new group in GDC. Of course I am so excited to meet my old friends in the Development section. Today, there's a typhoon in between Philippines and Japan. So just praying to have safe trip to Japan. Our flight is at 9am flying with Japan Airline! See you Japan (^-^)...

A Pair of Shoes

I just got this new pair of shoes at a very affordable price. I got this from an enterprise that sells many stuffs from furniture, appliances, electronic gadgets, to small stuff toys. They have used items as well as new items. You have many choices and options.

Just tonight, after office hours, we go to the shop to check what's new. And the first time I saw this shoes I felt to have it right away (haha). And so I buy it immediately before someone will get it. They've got many customers and almost all items were reserved already. They also have some Yamaha piano, which I'm planning to buy also. Aside from this shoes, we also bought a set of coffee table for two persons. And we got some kitchen wares which we'll be using this coming Sunday.

Luggage Bag for Japan Trip

After 6 years, it's time to flight to Japan again!

I first traveled to Japan in September of 2003 when I have an OJT at Gunma Design Center of Sanyo Electric as a circuit design engineer. It was so exciting that time because almost all members of Development section were sent to Japan for about 2 months length.

The second time I go there was in October of 2005. It's kinda boring that time because I always render overtime just to finish our project. I don't have enough time to tour around Japan.

And now, 1 week more to go, I'll be off to Japan for the third time. I'm getting excited each day because I'll be meeting my old friends again (from Development section) and will have the chance to meet new friends from Layout section. I'll be having an OJT as a layout design engineer this time. With this new responsibility, I am challenge to do the best I can be. I'm just glad to have this opportunity. Thanks to the management of Philippine Design Center!

Oh so I decided to buy this new yet affordable luggage bag from SM City Tarlac. I bought this in less 10% of its original price. Just a wise buy I guess!

Starbucks Around The Globe

Do you love coffee?

When I was younger, I never drink coffee. I never wasted money going to Starbucks because coffee is so expensive. Instead of going there, I just ought to be in any restaurant near my place.

I started liking it about 5 years ago. I am so curious why Starbucks is very popular. So I tried their coffee. I first had a zip when I was in Taiwan. I think Starbucks work hard on its brand and image. Whether I'm in Taiwan, Philippines or in any part of the world, you'll know you're in Starbucks! A caramel macchiato looks and tastes the same!

My husband and daughter loves strawberries and cream. I love caramel machiato, Java Chip frappucino, and Mocha Cream!

Magnum Ice Cream Craze in Philippines

The first time I tasted Magnum ice cream is to find out what is this Ice Cream that is making a craze in the Philippines!

So it's finally here in the Philippines! This famous Belgian ice cream is made accessible and affordable. And in a week, I've already tried the different flavors: Classic, Almond, and Chocolate Truffle. I like most the Classic! (^-^)

At Starbucks Tarlac City

One of my favorite international coffee company is Starbucks. There's a lot of interesting stuffs here from drip brewed coffee, espresso-based hot drinks, other hot and cold drinks, coffee beans, salads, hot and cold sandwiches and panini, sweet pastries, snacks, to items such as mugs and tumblers.

We go here for a lot of reasons such as to celebrate birthdays, success in career, or just want to drink coffee...

Tonight we just celebrated our friend's promotion to managerial position. It's nice to have some Oreo cheesecake, French croissant, sandwich and coffee...(^-^)

Extending Deepest Sympathy

After seven years of not seeing my relatives in San Jose, Binalonan, Pangasinan, I, together with my family, went there to extend my condolences to my cousins and especially to my uncle.

Yes, sad to say, my uncle's wife passed away due to cardiac arrest. That was the second time she had attacked. The first one happened last June or July, and her healthcare provider said that when she will have a second heart attack, maybe she can no longer bear it or it will be hard for her.

After seven years, I never had any communication with them. But two months ago, I was glad to see them in Facebook. At least we can chat and exchange some messages to greet, ask help, and other stuffs through the Internet.

I was just shocked when bro Juni chatted me about their loss. Of course, it would certainly be hard for us who love and care for her because we'll surely missed her warm smiles and the like. I know, her memories will definitely remain in our hearts and she will be remembered by her kindness...

Best Nursing Scrubs

I do believed that it is indespensable to have a high quality, durable and captivating nursing uniform. There are many people in the health care profession who are persistent in finding and spending more time and money in their nursing scrubs. They are keen in searching for those scrubs clothing that is comfortable and affordable.

Having known in providing cheap scrubs and adorable hospital uniforms, there is no doubt for Blue Sky Scrubs to have millions of customers from around the world. The uniforms are not only affordable but they are made from the highest quality cotton fabrics. Moreover, you can have many variety of unique designs, which they proclaim to change the way women look in the emergency room or in operating room. If you would like to see innovative scrub designs and unique fabric selections, just seach Blue Sky Scrubs in the Internet.

Why don't you try purchasing one? They will surely provide you with the hottest accessory for nurses, surgeons, doctors and other medical professionals. Not only these uniforms are for women but there are also executive, urban and sport collection for men. Purchase now and grab a special offer. Get the perfect nursing uniform you always dreamed of.

Different Accommodations Available

There are different kinds of accommodations available in my place from simple apartments to luxury hotels. Each of the accommodations has its own advantages and disadvantages as well, which I will list below.

Tourists always find peace and comfort from hotels with variety of amenities such as cozy rooms, neat and clean bathrooms, restaurants serving scrummy delicacies, relaxing swimming pools and sauna, gymnasium equipped with cutting edge facilities, and the like. Staying in the hotel gives you more time to unwind from daily activities resulting unwanted stress. One does not have to bother to go to the market to buy and cook for his food, to bring extra bed sheets and other bedding materials, and to clean the rooms. However, hotel rates are more expensive than other kinds of accommodations.

Families travelling to other tourist attractions prefer to stay in rental properties like apartments and houses for rent because it provides them more space. They can have bigger bedrooms, extra rooms for playing and watching movies, good kitchen, and wider bathrooms with bathtub. Some individuals more likely to prepare their own food than going outside to dine in restaurants. They want to experience how locals live in that particular place by driving to the market to buy their necessities and interacting with others by asking for directions. Aside from the comfort and sound living they can get, they can save some bucks because rentals are cheaper that hotels.

For me, I'd rather choose to stay in a hotel for the comfort and safety I can experience despite the extra cost. Whenever I go to other places and need to stay overnight, I prefer checking in hotels that is accessible and near to other establishments and landmarks.

Japan Nuclear Horror

I thanked God for keeping all of my friends in Japan safe and sound. God is really good every time and every time God is Good!

A week ago, I've read and heard some of their stories. There were panic buying, that every individual take all food stuffs, and other necessities of life. Leah, one of my comrades there, told me that she can't even find toilet tissue paper in any of the convenient stores she tried purchasing. Well, she had a hard time searching for rice that day. Since almost all people in Japan have lots of money so they can buy all what they need, unlike in the Philippines that you can still find something valuable in the store when there is panic buying.

Aside from that, there was a rotational power cuts outside central Tokyo. They have experienced dark environment with fears of aftershocks. Brownouts is due to the blast of the Fukushima Daiichi Power Plant, which is more scary because of possible nuclear radiation leakage. Residents living near the power plant site are advised to evacuate in order not to be exposed with this fetal radiation.

It is hoped and prayed that Japan will be stable soon.

Nuclear Radiation Dose Effect

The radiation levels from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant have fallen back from a great spike on Tuesday, Japanese authorities say. Japan government has advised residents living within 30km or 18 miles to leave the area.

Now let's take a look at the effects of nuclear radiation to humans. A sievert is essentially equivalent to a gray, but tends to be used to measure lower levels of radiation, and for assessing long-term risk, rather than the short-term acute impact of exposure.

Based from World Nuclear Association, here is the radiation dose effect:

2 millisieverts per year (mSv/yr)
Typical background radiation experienced by everyone (average 1.5 mSv in Australia, 3 mSv in North America)

9 mSv/yr
Exposure by airline crew flying New York-Tokyo polar route

20 mSv/yr
Current limit (averaged) for nuclear industry employees

50 mSv/yr
Former routine limit for nuclear industry employees. It is also the dose rate which arises from natural background levels in several places in Iran, India and Europe

100 mSv/yr
Lowest level at which any increase in cancer is clearly evident.

350 mSv/lifetime
Criterion for relocating people after Chernobyl accident

400 mSv/hr
The level recorded at the Japanese nuclear site, 15 March

1,000 mSv single dose
Causes (temporary) radiation sickness such as nausea and decreased white blood cell count, but not death. Above this, severity of illness increases with dose

5,000 mSv single dose
Would kill about half those receiving it within a month

image credit: all voices

Find Hotels First

I love traveling! Well, travelling is a fascinating way to discover the world much more than reading geography, history and local culture on books or in the Internet. There are lots of benefits of traveling. I did not start traveling until I was in my 20s. Perhaps it was the fear of flying but since I went for my first travel abroad to Taiwan, i have never looked back.

TRaveling offers great gains for the body and mind. It gives us the opportunity to relax and time to reduce our stress. It is the time to break from the norm. Did you know that it's therapeutic to make a change from your daily routine? A trip of any kind prevents your mind and body from stagnating. We are more likely to be outside instead of being trapped inside an office, which means we can have fresh air enjoying the outdoors and we'll be breathing more deeply to re-oxygenate our blood. Moreover, traveling is the time to enjoy our food because we'll probably trying different food abroad like sushi, moussaka or couscous. It is also a time to meet people from all over the world. We know for the fact that socializing is great therapy and helps us learn about other cultures. There are so many other benefits of traveling and I can't list all here. It is one of those activities that should never be taken for granted.

For me I always plan ahead to make sure we'll be having a good trip and nice vacation. I also check for Discount Hotel Rates so that we can save some bucks. I am just glad that we can now find great hotel prices at the comfort of our home. And making hotel reservations have never been easier these days.

My family is planning to go to France in April. That is why I am now searching hotels in France from the most luxurious to the least expensive. I am also checking out hotels in Paris, hotels in Lyon, hotels in Marseille, hotels in Cannes, and all the main destinations in France. It is also nice to know some exclusive deals and last-minute offers all around France, so I can book at the best price.

So if you are planning to travel, plan it well and then enjoy the ride. It is time to take advantage of the opportunity to travel and welcome the good effects to your body and mind. If you are planning to have a vacation to Costa Rica, start your search on Costa Rica hotels now. Research, plan, pack your bags and go!