In a kimono mode

Am now a proud recipient of a kimono like this one, but there’s no picture of me wearing it since am still trying to figure out how to. Actually it’s a Japanese yukata (summer kimono) in a black and white fan-like design with an accompanying maroon obi. According to this website, the basic premise is to “wrap the right side of the kimono over the body, then overlap it with the left side.” But other than this, you also need to put on white tabi socks, Japanese sandals (most often the zori), the white collar that goes around the neck called eri-sugata, plus of course the obi and obi sash to keep the whole thing in place. It seems that wearing the kimono is a meticulous ritual that there are schools for this in Japan. Except for the fact that am so fascinated with it, am still trying to figure out my use for the kimono – maybe use it as a houserobe or don it for a costume party one of these days. I can’t wait to see Memoirs of a Geisha all the more!

The kimono was an unexpected gift from my Tokyo-based blog friend Atinna who is one fascinating person to meet and undeniably has a heart of gold.
Well, it seems that most of my pals who visit the Philippines have killer schedules and I could just sympathize. I had to meet the lovely Miss A in Starbucks Araneta Center en route to her next destination: Bulacan. Even though it was out of my location, I had no regrets since (aside from the meeting) it was my first time to see the newly-built Gateway Mall, an urban oasis in the heart of the Cubao jungle. I admired the landscaping that is like Greenbelt and I can’t wait to try all the restos and the state-of-the-art theater which reportedly boasts of La-Z-Boys for a unique viewing experience. Some of us can’t help but wax sentimental over the old Cubao which consisted of the Fiesta Carnival, Ali Mall and the Farmers’ Market but I could say the present one is definitely an improvement.

There were other gifts from Atinna and these were these cellphones for each of my kids. They’re real ones except that you can’t call or text with them, hahaha. Ms. A says they’re “decoy” phones, the ones you can find being displayed in mobile phone stores. Whatever, the twins had a fun time tinkering with them:)

Finally, here’s a picture of the twins being settled with their toys.

I concede that they’re more good-looking than the mom and super lovable, di ba? *smile

Arigato A….hope to see you in another part of the world soon!