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How I got my driver’s license in Japan – My Driving Story
Back in my hometown in the Philippines, there was no reason for me to drive a car. Obviously, I can’t afford to have and maintain a car (with the meager salary of a public school teacher). My place of work was just a walking distance from my house anyway. About 5-6-minute walk. Who needs a…
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Weaning my two-year old is harder than I thought
I didn’t know that weaning is harder than when I was starting to breastfeed. More than the physical pain I felt in my breast when I started breastfeeding, weaning is breaking my heart seeing my baby, my then baby, now a toddler, struggling to let go. Tonight, more than ever, I felt really sorry for…
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My 7 Years Life in Japan: A review
( I found this in my draft folder and realized it’s looong been overdue. I am almost 9 years here in Japan already. Reading this took me to memory lane so before this “evaporates” or sleep again in the draft folder, let me share it to you. It is incomplete and unedited yet, but, oh…
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A Diary I Found
Tonight, as I was searching for my research paper in my hard drive, I found an untitled document with the first line saying “nine months have passed and nine months…” and when I opened it, it was an essay, or more like a diary I wrote more than seven years ago. I can`t believe I…
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13 Months and 13 Days Being A First-Time Mom
Today, Friday, December 4th, year 2020, while sitting in the reclining with baby in my arms, I figured that it’s already been 13 months and 13 days of me being a first-time mom. How time flies. Now, she’s no longer a baby – baby. Although I still call her baby and she will always be…
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My Baby Boss
I always react when somebody says I DON’T work. I DO work! I just don’t leave the house. I don’t do paperwork. I don’t teach a bunch of children but I do one-on-one teaching. And my baby is my student. And my student is not just any ordinary student. She is also my boss. She’s…
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Coronavirus Effects in our Society
Covid-19 has been flooding the news headlines everyday. We see the number of cases and death tolls go up. As of this writing, there are already about 114,000 cases around the world with about 4,000 deaths. (More detailed information here ) We see different reactions and opinions from people – ordinary folks and politicians alike.…
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11 Common Questions Students Ask the ALT
In Japan, being the only foreigner in school, an ALT (Assistant Language Teacher) gets the attention other regular teachers normally don’t. In the beginning of the school year when you do your self-introduction, during lunch time or when junior high school students practice their English, many questions are raised to the ALT. Here are some…
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How I learned Japanese in 3 months
Before coming to Japan, I only knew two words. Oishi (Yummy) and arigatou (thank you). When I came to visit for one month in 2011, I learned a few more words. Words that are used in everyday life: ohayou gozaimasu (good morning) konichiwa (hello) konbanwa (good evening) oyasumi (good night) itadakimasu (grace before meal) gochisosamadeshita…
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Valentine’s Day in Japan and the Philippines
There is a huge difference between how the Philippines and Japan celebrate Valentine’s. What to give/receive In the Philippines, Valentine’s is more on flowers – roses as the main star. With matching teddy bears and chocolates on the side. And love letters too. In Japan, it’s mainly chocolate. Not very much on flowers. Who give…