SSDD

A decade ago, we were in Tokyo Midtown with Mark's friends - Derek, Trina, Diego & Rondel, and we had our photos taken at the bridge that connects the park to the mall.

During our Tokyo trip last week, we were able to take our photo on the same bridge.

So, this qualifies as a SSDD - Same shot, different decade - post.

Soba so good

One of the shocking things that happened during my last trip to Tokyo with Mark was the fact that Komoro Soba in Roppongi was closed!

Yup, that small, hole-in-the-wall shop where they sell super affordable Japanese fare is no more. 

Thankfully, Komoro Soba is still around in Megamall! And because of my Zaru Soba cravings, this is today's lunch place.

As usual, it's good as it is affordable.

Don't go anywhere, Komoro Soba!

Refreshing

Back when Mark and I would spend our Easter Vigils in the Franciscan Chapel Center in Roppongi, there were 2 hymns that they'd usually.sing.

First is "Go down, Moses." And this is a song I've written about before.

The second is a hymn entitled "Come to the Water."

This is part of the 5th reading, and they would often sing this song as part of the scripture. 

As we commemorate Black Saturday and hear the vigil mass, it's refreshing to hear this song once again.

Vigil Mass Memories

This is the 3rd time that i’m attending the Easter Vigil Mass online.

While the feeling is very different compared to attending Easter Vigil Masses face-to-face, there’s still a sense of community even I’m just behind the screen.

And as each of the 7 scripture readings are read, I can’t help but remember our Easter Vigil Masses with Mark at the Franciscan Chapel Center. An activity that’s well-documented and well-talked about on my blog.

One of the highlights of tonight’s Mass was the baptism of an adult. Again, the brings back memories of Japan where adults are baptized during the Vigil Mass. 

When Mark was still in Urasa, we even witnessed the baptism of a 90-year old woman! That was truly heartwarming to watch.

Hopefully, next year, Mark and I will get to relive our tradition and attend Mass in Roppongi again. The thought of the woman singing “Go down Moses” in her strong and well-rounded voice is enough to make us want to witness it again.

Paneer or far

Indian food is a go-to for both Mark and me.

Whether it’s nearby like New Bombay in Podium or Naan in Mandaluyong, or far away like the Naan-all-you-can restaurant in Roppongi or the Indian restaurant near the ADBI Tokyo office, we both enjoy a good Indian meal.

Unfortunately, we haven’t had an Indian meal together in a while. But I got my fix of Naan and Masala a few weeks ago, thanks to Ia who sent New Bombay my way.

But the past few days, i’ve been craving for Indian food again.

Which led me to this:

Instant Palak Paneer!

Mark and I usually order this at New Bombay and it’s great! Now, I’m wondering how the instant variety would taste like.

Let’s see how it goes.

Oh (no) Ootoya!

Ootoya will always have a special place in my heart.

It's one of the first places where Mark and I had dinner in Japan, and it's also a place where we'd bring friends who were visiting. It's also a go-to dinner place for the Filipino gang at GRIPS, especially the branch in Roppongi.

They have a wonderful selection of dishes, but my usual order is the grilled mackerel. Since it's in Japan, the fish is always so fresh and slightly sweet. The meat is tender and almost melt in your mouth. And the rice - well, it's Japanese rice. No explanation needed.

Because of this affinity with Ootoya, it was a bit disheartening to see this piece of news.

Forwarded this to Mark so he'll also be updated about one of our food haunts. And our reaction is the same. We both hope that Ootoya will still be there by the time the travel restrictions are lifted and we can go back to visit Tokyo.

And again, we're both hoping that'll happen soon.

Turning Japan-eats

When Mark and I spoke last week, we were both waxing nostalgic about our hunt for eating places in Tokyo.

Usually, after church or after his classes, we would roam around Roppongi, Shibuya, Shinjuku, Ginza and Ueno, looking for new places to eat. And in the few times I went with him to his office in Omiya, he introduced me to this nice, hole-in-the-wall sushi and nigiri place that was simply top notch.

When all this is over, and when Japan starts to accept visitors from the Philippines again, Mark and I will definitely go back. And when we do, I've spotted two places which will definitely be on our agenda.

A sushi place:

And a "monster ramen" place.

Just watching these videos make me hope that we can fly to Japan next week!

Staying Vigil-ant

For several years, our Easter Vigils were spent in this church - The Franciscan Chapel Center in Roppongi.

I've written about it many times, and I'll write about it again. Spending Easter Vigil in this church is truly a rewarding, enriching and emotional experience.

From walking into the chapel in the dark and getting our candles. To the opening prayers held in the chapel gardens. Then walking to the main chapel where everything is dark and only lit by candle light. The scriptures are then read, along with beautifully sung hymns. (Hello, Go down Moses!)

And when the Alleluia comes, the lights all come on and the chapel is filled with life, joy and music!

After the gospel and homily, we then proceed to the basement for the traditional baptism of the new Catholics - an inspiring mix of young and old Catholics.

These same Catholics are then welcomed upstairs by the congregation though song and greetings. This part always wells my heart and leaves me teary-eyed.

The mass then concludes, and Mark and I walk off to Roppongi to have dinner.

It's been years since we spent Easter Vigils this way. We were hoping to do it this year. But this will have to wait when all this is over. For tonight, Easter Vigil was spent hearing mass on-line at The Manila Cathedral.

Until then, I have these memories to bring a smile on Easter night.

Vigil-ance

For more than 5 years, Mark and I had this Holy Week tradition of hearing Easter Vigil mass at the Franciscan Chapel Center in Roppongi. And while it's been 2 years since we last went there, I still remember the vigil mass as if it were yesterday.

When we arrive, the entire chapel would be dark. The parish goers are then asked to wait by the corridor for the official start of the vigil. They would hand us candles, then we're led to the garden for the first part of the ceremony. Since it's Springtime, the cold air mingles nicely with the warmth from the flames.

Then, the congregation would head back into the building and into the main chapel. Oftentimes, people would go inside in a rush since the seats are limited and the mass is long. Mark and I would usually take the same spot, which is on the left side of the altar. (Although we sat on the right side during our last mass in 2016.)

The chapel is still pitch dark by the time we arrive. It gives the chapel a feeling of serenity and calm. They would have the traditional 7 readings, and somewhere in between is my all-time favorite "Go down, Moses." (Which I've written about several times already.)

Here's my super duper favorite part. For the first time in 40 days, the congregation once again sings the "Gloria", and all the lights in the chapel come on. This is always a breathtaking and emotional moment for me.

After the readings and the gospel, the Litany of the Saints is sang. This signals the procession to the basement where the Easter baptism occurs. Again, this is another emotional highlight for me.

Everyone then takes a short break to let the new Catholics change clothes, and everyone heads back up to the main chapel for the resumption of the mass. Once it begins again, the new Catholics walk around the chapel, hand-in-hand, amidst songs and applause from the mass goers. This is the part when my heart really swells with joy, seeing new Catholics - young and old - proudly joining our family.

Then, the mass concludes, and we all greet each other a Happy Easter. And usually, the priests will also be in front of the Chapel to greet everyone as well.

After that, we have dinner in Roppongi, or go back to Nakano.

That's how we usually spend the Easter Vigil, and I look forward to doing it again soon.

Mark's double celebration

Yesterday was Mark's birthday, and we decided to continue tradition and spend it together. We've always been doing it since 2006 - whether it's in Tokyo or Manila - but we skipped it last year.

So, we had to make it a double celebration! (To make up for last year's skip.)

First, we had birthday lunch at TGI Friday's in Roppongi. The folks were so awesome that they gave Mark a free birthday sundae, a dance number, and a cool card with our photo in it.

Then, for dinner, we had a celebration at Pau's room in IH2. I whipped out the cake that Ate Bullet made for his birthday, and it was awesome!

Happy, happy birthday again, Mark! Looking forward to the next celebration!

Very Vegan

 When deciding where to eat, it's always a toss up between the old reliables and something new.

For lunch yesterday, we decided to try something new.

It was a quaint, vegan cafe in Roppongi, and it served most of the regular fare, but with a vegan twist.

 They had vegan burgers, vegan rice bowls, even vegan desserts!

I tried the vegan teriyaki burger, and it was pretty good. The sauce was a bit salty, though, but overall, it didn't feel like eating veggies. Then again, I'm used to eating vegetarian burger, and I think Triple O's still makes the best one.

On to the next new restaurant!

Oh my Maman

Even though I've been to Japan several times, I haven't really explored Tokyo that much since most of my time was spent in the "province." And if ever I'm in Tokyo, my time would be limited. So, I'd end up going to the places that I'm very familiar with: Shinjuku, Shibuya, Ueno and Akihabara.

Now that Mark is in Tokyo, I was finally able to spend time really exploring the city. There's Odaiba, Omotesando, and Roppongi.

While we were going around Roppongi Hills, Mark introduced me to its most famous resident, Maman. 

Yes, Maman is a giant spider sculpture who resides in front of one of the high end malls in that area. Because of her size, Maman is a very intimidating figure. But the way, I'm assuming Maman is a she because she has little spider eggs in her belly. That's what I'm pointing to in this photo.

I'm assuming that Maman is to Roppongi what Hachiko is to Shinjuku. A sculpture that people take time out to visit, marvel at, and be photographed with.

And finally, I've had my time with Maman as well.