Day 3: Light n’ BreezyI’ll begin with the bad news: Surf lessons got cancelled today. According to Thomas the Surf Guru (he’s blonde, muscular, wore a tan and a tank top), the waves were too huge, hence not conducive to learning basic surfing. I was bummed out ‘cause I was so ready to get my cowabunga on.  I spent some time exploring the area on my own, familiarising myself with the streets and avenues for future reference. So far, I’ve learned about Paoakalani Ave, Kuhio Ave, Ulunlu Ave and Koa Ave. I’ve promised myself to be more aware of my surroundings when it comes to new places. I used to be aloof with these things and would usually end up helpless upon getting lost. Now that I’m older and wiser, I intend to change that. On to the good news: When I got back to the hotel room, I was delighted to see my dad. He had just flown in from Manila. As of today, we’re complete as a family. We were pretty sure that he was on Zombie Mode (aka deprived of food, sleep and energy) so we decided that today would be light and easy. We spent the rest of this day pigging out. Had lunch in Maru Kame Udon, a Japanese noodle place. If ever you find yourself in Hawaii, do try it here. The waiting line would extend until the outside, along the sidewalk. This got us curious so we gave MKU a shot and discovered why this place is so in-demand. Their couches are fantastic. Obviously, it’s the food. I ordered their Niku Noodles and wow, how succulent it was. The noodles were thick and juicy, the soup and the beef, flavourful. It possessed a saltiness that wasn’t overpowering and the regular serving was more than enough for me. I can imagine finding comfort in such a bowl during times of sickness or foul weather. The ambience is simple and homely, enhancing the overall dining experience. We had dessert in Cold Stone Creamery, a rather hip ice cream parlour. We had some of the Cold Stone Originals. I ordered the (roughly recalled names) Mint Mint Chocolate Chocolate, dad got the Chocolate Devotion and my sister, Cookie Dough [Something]. One ingredient they all share is the brownie. Generous bits of brownie are slabbed together with the ice cream, making the treat richer and thicker. Sadly, because of the decimated space in my tummy, I struggled with finishing my ice cream. Nevertheless, it was a delectable experience. I also like how the crew was very friendly and funny. I can imagine hanging out and getting along with these guys. We’re hip like that. As I type, my dad asks for the Manila time. It’s 3:45PM over there right now and here he is, slipping into the sheets, attempting to catch some winks. It’s weird and I feel him. Time Zone Shift - 1, Dad - 0. Still, I’d like to think that we had a great day. Reunited miles away from all things familiar, we celebrated by feasting on noodles and ice cream sprinkled with stories and laughter. This was Day 3. As I conclude this entry, I hear my dad lightly snoring away. Just like that. Time Zone Shift - 1, Dad - 1. Think I’m done here. Time for a snack. - - - - - - For visual aid, check out Betina’s photos documenting our misadventures and all things weird and cool via Timetravelling.
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Day 3: Light n’ Breezy

I’ll begin with the bad news: Surf lessons got cancelled today. According to Thomas the Surf Guru (he’s blonde, muscular, wore a tan and a tank top), the waves were too huge, hence not conducive to learning basic surfing. I was bummed out ‘cause I was so ready to get my cowabunga on. 

I spent some time exploring the area on my own, familiarising myself with the streets and avenues for future reference. So far, I’ve learned about Paoakalani Ave, Kuhio Ave, Ulunlu Ave and Koa Ave. I’ve promised myself to be more aware of my surroundings when it comes to new places. I used to be aloof with these things and would usually end up helpless upon getting lost. Now that I’m older and wiser, I intend to change that.

On to the good news: When I got back to the hotel room, I was delighted to see my dad. He had just flown in from Manila. As of today, we’re complete as a family. We were pretty sure that he was on Zombie Mode (aka deprived of food, sleep and energy) so we decided that today would be light and easy.

We spent the rest of this day pigging out. Had lunch in Maru Kame Udon, a Japanese noodle place. If ever you find yourself in Hawaii, do try it here. The waiting line would extend until the outside, along the sidewalk. This got us curious so we gave MKU a shot and discovered why this place is so in-demand.

Their couches are fantastic.

Obviously, it’s the food. I ordered their Niku Noodles and wow, how succulent it was. The noodles were thick and juicy, the soup and the beef, flavourful. It possessed a saltiness that wasn’t overpowering and the regular serving was more than enough for me. I can imagine finding comfort in such a bowl during times of sickness or foul weather. The ambience is simple and homely, enhancing the overall dining experience.

We had dessert in Cold Stone Creamery, a rather hip ice cream parlour. We had some of the Cold Stone Originals. I ordered the (roughly recalled names) Mint Mint Chocolate Chocolate, dad got the Chocolate Devotion and my sister, Cookie Dough [Something]. One ingredient they all share is the brownie.

Generous bits of brownie are slabbed together with the ice cream, making the treat richer and thicker. Sadly, because of the decimated space in my tummy, I struggled with finishing my ice cream. Nevertheless, it was a delectable experience. I also like how the crew was very friendly and funny. I can imagine hanging out and getting along with these guys. We’re hip like that.

As I type, my dad asks for the Manila time. It’s 3:45PM over there right now and here he is, slipping into the sheets, attempting to catch some winks. It’s weird and I feel him. Time Zone Shift - 1, Dad - 0.

Still, I’d like to think that we had a great day. Reunited miles away from all things familiar, we celebrated by feasting on noodles and ice cream sprinkled with stories and laughter. This was Day 3. As I conclude this entry, I hear my dad lightly snoring away. Just like that. Time Zone Shift - 1, Dad - 1.

Think I’m done here. Time for a snack.

- - - - - -

For visual aid, check out Betina’s photos documenting our misadventures and all things weird and cool via Timetravelling.

Day 2: Wartime Artefacts I remember seeing the film “Pearl Harbor” as a child. I was thoroughly freaked out by the violence, which the movie is obviously rank with. I couldn’t sleep for nights because my imagination and memory would be caught in the crossfire and crashing planes. Trauma. Yay. What first came off as a scare eventually morphed into a point of interest. We tackled the Pearl Harbor attack during history class back in high school and visiting the USS Arizona Memorial was today’s main event. The sole purpose of a memorial is to make the past real and significant to its visitors. I wasn’t around during WW2. How to get the message across to those like myself and the next generations so that we appreciate the history more deeply? Answer: Put together the artefacts and place them in a museum. Engrave the names of the perished in stone. Give us a real submarine to touch and examine. Give us portable and playable audio tour guides. We’ll take care of ourselves. I had a ball touring the USS Bowfin. I’d always wondered about the experience of boarding a vehicle that can submerge itself underwater and fire torpedoes. You know, like a submarine. The tour involved entering the actual sub and examining all its chambers. I was intrigued to discover that some beds were set up literally on top of the stored torpedoes in the torpedo room. Claustrophobia aside, there was a certain old charm in seeing the pieces of machinery idling in the engine rooms. While hardware nowadays is streamlined and sleek, such things back in the day were sturdy beasts in their build. They deserve spots in history’s “Top 101 Badass Things You Must Operate Before You Die.” Or something like that. The museum features several interesting things: journals, letters, medals, ship replicas and uniforms. A personal favorite of mine is a set of primitive diving gear, which is reminiscent of the imagery employed in “Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea.” The tour was well worth it, despite the bus ride. That torturous bus ride. I’m actually okay with riding the bus. Nothing against it. But going over long distances with countless stops? Please. Take me to the asylum instead. I had my iPod but my ears grew tired, so I had to rest my them from prolonged listening. My behind hurt from all the sitting, too. Yup, my behind hurt. From all the sitting. The trip took that long. Thankfully, a Waikiki shuttle service picked us up from the Memorial and drove us straight back. I even got to converse with an old British couple during the trip. Love their accent! That’s it for Day 2. Hopefully the surf lessons push through on Day 3. Later! - - - - - - For visual aid, check out Betina’s photos documenting our misadventures and all things weird and cool via Timetravelling.

Day 2: Wartime Artefacts

I remember seeing the film “Pearl Harbor” as a child. I was thoroughly freaked out by the violence, which the movie is obviously rank with. I couldn’t sleep for nights because my imagination and memory would be caught in the crossfire and crashing planes. Trauma. Yay.

What first came off as a scare eventually morphed into a point of interest. We tackled the Pearl Harbor attack during history class back in high school and visiting the USS Arizona Memorial was today’s main event.

The sole purpose of a memorial is to make the past real and significant to its visitors. I wasn’t around during WW2. How to get the message across to those like myself and the next generations so that we appreciate the history more deeply?

Answer: Put together the artefacts and place them in a museum. Engrave the names of the perished in stone. Give us a real submarine to touch and examine. Give us portable and playable audio tour guides. We’ll take care of ourselves.

I had a ball touring the USS Bowfin. I’d always wondered about the experience of boarding a vehicle that can submerge itself underwater and fire torpedoes. You know, like a submarine. The tour involved entering the actual sub and examining all its chambers.

I was intrigued to discover that some beds were set up literally on top of the stored torpedoes in the torpedo room. Claustrophobia aside, there was a certain old charm in seeing the pieces of machinery idling in the engine rooms. While hardware nowadays is streamlined and sleek, such things back in the day were sturdy beasts in their build. They deserve spots in history’s “Top 101 Badass Things You Must Operate Before You Die.” Or something like that.

The museum features several interesting things: journals, letters, medals, ship replicas and uniforms. A personal favorite of mine is a set of primitive diving gear, which is reminiscent of the imagery employed in “Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea.”

The tour was well worth it, despite the bus ride. That torturous bus ride. I’m actually okay with riding the bus. Nothing against it. But going over long distances with countless stops? Please. Take me to the asylum instead. I had my iPod but my ears grew tired, so I had to rest my them from prolonged listening.

My behind hurt from all the sitting, too. Yup, my behind hurt. From all the sitting. The trip took that long. Thankfully, a Waikiki shuttle service picked us up from the Memorial and drove us straight back. I even got to converse with an old British couple during the trip. Love their accent!

That’s it for Day 2. Hopefully the surf lessons push through on Day 3. Later!

- - - - - -

For visual aid, check out Betina’s photos documenting our misadventures and all things weird and cool via Timetravelling.

Day 1: Hawaiian AirAfter a dreadfully long flight with insufficient food to ease my appetite and no sleep, we finally reached the islands of Hawaii. Being the red-eyed zombie that I’d become, I dragged my legs up to our hotel room and had a late but delightful lunch at The Cheesecake Factory. Or was it dinner? Ugh. Time Zone Shift - 1, Ace - 0. I took a stroll along Waikiki Beach. Inhaling the cool air, the realisation that I was in unfamiliar territory became increasingly palpable with each breath. My bewilderment was toying with me and for once, I didn’t find this irksome. A couple of weeks ago, I was envious of my friends who lived it up in Boracay. Now, I find myself among tikis, ubiquitous ABC shops and surfer folk. Aloha, indeed. By flying to a place 18 hours behind my homeland, I technically travelled in time to extend my birthday. The trip may have messed up my sleep, but in exchange, I had my longest celebration ever. Plus, that makes me some sort of a time traveller, doesn’t it? hah! Time Zone Shift - 1, Ace - 2. Armed with beachwear, aviators and a sense of wonder, I’m set to make memories in this region of the planet. Keep you posted! - - - - - - For visual aid, check out Betina’s photos documenting our misadventures and all things weird and cool via Timetravelling.

Day 1: Hawaiian Air

After a dreadfully long flight with insufficient food to ease my appetite and no sleep, we finally reached the islands of Hawaii. Being the red-eyed zombie that I’d become, I dragged my legs up to our hotel room and had a late but delightful lunch at The Cheesecake Factory. Or was it dinner? Ugh. Time Zone Shift - 1, Ace - 0.

I took a stroll along Waikiki Beach. Inhaling the cool air, the realisation that I was in unfamiliar territory became increasingly palpable with each breath. My bewilderment was toying with me and for once, I didn’t find this irksome. A couple of weeks ago, I was envious of my friends who lived it up in Boracay. Now, I find myself among tikis, ubiquitous ABC shops and surfer folk. Aloha, indeed.

By flying to a place 18 hours behind my homeland, I technically travelled in time to extend my birthday. The trip may have messed up my sleep, but in exchange, I had my longest celebration ever. Plus, that makes me some sort of a time traveller, doesn’t it? hah! Time Zone Shift - 1, Ace - 2.

Armed with beachwear, aviators and a sense of wonder, I’m set to make memories in this region of the planet. Keep you posted!


- - - - - -

For visual aid, check out Betina’s photos documenting our misadventures and all things weird and cool via Timetravelling.

ϟ Pleasant Morning

I’ve been up since about 730 am and I can’t help but feel weird about it. I’m eating a proper breakfast while typing this entry, which isn’t common for me nowadays. It’s quite a pleasant Sunday morning, though. The rest of the world isn’t quite awake yet and I take comfort in the fact that for once, I’m not lagging behind everyone else. For once, I’m not “the lazy” one. I know I can never take the past mornings back and that makes me a bit sad but at least this Sunday morning is mine. Local Natives is playing on the stereo and I’m (sort of) taking in the morning light. Life is good. Cheers!

I’m on the April issue of Metro Society! I am honoured and grateful to be chosen as this month’s bachelor. Thanks so much to Jenny Chan, Migi Soriano and ABS-CBN Publishing for the opportunity. Grab a copy, why don’t you? :) PS. Above is a candid photo of myself looking out into the window, planet-hunting sans a telescope. Planet count: 0

I’m on the April issue of Metro Society! I am honoured and grateful to be chosen as this month’s bachelor. Thanks so much to Jenny Chan, Migi Soriano and ABS-CBN Publishing for the opportunity. Grab a copy, why don’t you? :)

PS. Above is a candid photo of myself looking out into the window, planet-hunting sans a telescope. Planet count: 0

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