Quick Bite: Gelato Messina

The night was still young and a lot of us Filipino ADEs were itching to check out the local night life. Some of us had walked down the street to check out Chapel Street, a street filled with bars and everything else between (I didn’t go). One of our companions, Joe, suggested we head over to Fitzroy Street and try out Gelato Messina, in his own words “the best gelato I’ve tasted outside of Italy”. From a foodie’s perspective and that statement coming from someone well-traveled, it was a no-brainer for us. 

Bourke Street

After my early shopping trip to Queen Victoria Market, I went back to my hotel and registered for the Apple Academy. A quick lunch spruced me up and I was ready to explore another part of Melbourne. But as luck would have it and with the prodding of my fellow ADEs (Apple Distinguished Educators), I joined them on a quick trip to visit the city’s trendy shopping district: Bourke Street

Japan Travel Tips

It has been over a month since our trip to Japan and since then a lot has happened. For one, I proposed and I am now engaged to my girlfriend of nearly four years. I was able to pull it off in a country that I never thought I would get to visit, in a place that I have dreamt of going to in the past, and above all else, I got to see and experience the culture, heritage of Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto.

Now that we’re home, written a whole trove of experiences, and reflected on everything that has happened since then. I would now like to share some practical tips for surviving a trip to Japan.

Tokyo express experience

The time has come to finally say good bye to Japan. Staying in this wonderful country and saying good bye to it was a bittersweet moment. I had grown to love the country, all its quirks, its intrigue, and most definitely its allure. With only one full day left before our departure, we decided to focus on only one part of Tokyo: Shibuya and Harajuku. 

Ichiran Ramen

Our first day in Osaka was spent exploring the city, not for culture or amusement, but just to check out shopping stuff and what not. We made our way around a Don Quijote department store (known locally as Donki) and some random arcade filled with restaurants and shops that we decided it was time. Time for us try out what the world has been screaming and clamoring for the longest time: Ichiran Ramen. 

A Noodle Museum in Yokohama

On our second to the last full day in Japan, we took a side trip to the port city of Yokohama. Taking the bullet train from Osaka, we arrived at Shin-Yokohama station and proceeded further to Sakuragicho station via the local JR train. Over the past few days, I’ve noticed the weather tapering off, from the cold, rainy and freezing days and nights of Kyoto, to the moderate weather of Osaka, Yokohama was sunny and alive. Gone were our thick jackets and layered clothes, replaced by simple shirts, jeans, and not so thick socks anymore. The sun was out, the skies were clear, and the flowers were all blooming like there’s no tomorrow. 

Osaka Cultural Trip

iAfter that really exciting and enjoyable trip to Universal Studios and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, it was time for us to see and explore another part of Osaka. On our second full day in the city, we decided to devote the day learning all about the city’s history and culture. 

Universal Studios Japan

We’ve arrived in Osaka and we can’t wait to explore the city. Before we actually travel and go anywhere else, we had to make one important stop before the weekend: visit Universal Studios Japan and see the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. 

Diner on 16th

It’s been quite a while since my last Kapitolyo crawl. Honestly it’s getting harder and harder keeping up with all the new restaurants and changes in this once industrial barangay. Every now and then, Tricia and I get the chance to try our one of the numerous new places. 

Super Sushi Ramen Express

As you very well know, I am busy preparing for my trip to Japan. Tricia and I are in the final stages of itemizing each and every place we would be visiting. We’ve talked about the sights, the sounds, and most definitely the food we would be sampling. Like any good foodie and traveler, I’ve taken the liberty of doing my research beyond the usual Lonely Planet guidebook or food blogs, I’ve added a book as well to help me out.