Hi guys! I know it's been a very long time since I haven't blogged anything. It's been what? almost 2 years!

I've been very busy with work lately and haven't got that much time to blog. But anyway, I'll try my best to update this life blog of mine from time to time.

So, let's move on... To be honest I'm currently obsessed with this Japanese rock band 'One OK Rock'.

Truly, I'm starting to regret about the fact why I discovered them just recently (this band is already 10 years in the business! fufu T.T) when I've already watched the "Rurouni Kenshin" film last 2012. They were the ones who sang the OST for that movie, and yeah I've already heard about them like 3 years ago, but now, after I heard their song 'Heartache', I got hooked like I don't know any bands aside from them...kinda overrated huh? Just joking!

In this blog post, I'm not gonna talk about their whole discography, okay? If you're interested, you can search them in Google or in Youtube so that you can check out their MVs and other live performances, or you can also visit their website (click here ).

What I'm gonna share to you guys are my simple thoughts about this awesome band that I'm currently into right now. So, here it goes...

Thanks to Takeru Sato, I'm in love with this band. Just right after I watched "Rurouni Kenshin: The Legend Ends", the song 'Heartache' was played during the credits. I researched about the band via Google the very next day, and started to watch their videos in Youtube. The very first video I watched from OOR is 'Clock Strikes', the live version...and there it begins - MY OBSESSION!

I know the word obsessed is really negative for some, but I bet I'm just like any OOR fan out there, being obsessed about this band is NOT a bad thing after all! 

So there I was, listening and watching the video and I don't wanna move. Like I don't wanna miss a single second of the song. I was deeply moved by Taka's voice and the way he performs and the way he connects with the audience is just different. The sound of Toru's guitar is just amazing, and I really think Ryota's bass is sexy, and the way Tomoya plays the drums is really energetic and powerful. OOR's chemistry is different compared from the other bands that I've watched and listened to. During my adolescence, I always listen to alternative, pop-rock, mainstream, alt-rock, post-hardcore, punk and whatever genre that relates to rock. But now, I'm almost in my mid-20's and rock music is fading, because in this generation a lot of people, whether teenagers or adults, listen to a lot of trashy songs. Real artists nowadays are really hard to find, and as for me, OOR is one of those very few real artists that are left in this generation.

After watching the live version of 'Clock Strikes', I couldn't stop watching their videos - from MVs to live performances to documentaries. And then, finally I got a copy of all of their songs and now my day is not complete if I don't listen to them! Their music is irresistible! 

Almost all of their songs are written and composed by their vocalist, Taka. He's really good in writing songs. Trust me, when you start on listening to their songs, the next thing you'll know you'll be singing in Japanese, since most of their songs are in "Japlish" (Japanese/English). His English is really good and probably that's one of the reasons why they rise to fame not only in Asia, but also in America and Europe.

So now, I'm just gonna share to you guys my top picks from OOR.

If I were to rate all of their albums from what I like most to the least, it would be:

My top fave album is Jinsei x Boku = (2013). I get a lot of feedback from my fellow OOR fans that this album is mainstream, which for me I really don't think so, This album according to OOR is really special for them since they really tried to portray much more of themselves in this album. I really love all of the songs in this album. My top tracks would include The Beginning, Deeper Deeper, Juvenile, Clock Strikes, Be The Light, and All Mine. 

Top 2 on my list is both Niche Syndrome(2010) and Zankyo Reference(2011). Must-listen tracks in Niche Syndrome would be: Kanzen Kankaku Dreamer ('Perfect Sense' Dreamer), Liar, Wherever You Are, Riot!!, and Nobody's Home. And from the Zankyo Reference album would be: Answer is near, NO SCARED, C.h.a.o.s.m.y.t.h., Re:make, Pierce, Let's Take it Someday, and Kimishidai Ressha (Your own train).

3rd on my list is their latest album which was release last February of this year, 3xxxv5. My top tracks would include: Cry Out, Mighty Long Fall, Heartache, Memories, Decision, Good Goodbye, and Fight the night.

4th on my list is OOR's very first album, Zeitakubyou (2007). The tracks in this album are really raw, and they're really good. Listening to their tracks on this album made me regret big time for not discovering them earlier. Must-listen tracks are: Naihi shinsho (I keep it inside), yume yume (Dream), Kagerou (Heat Haze), Yokubou ni michita seinendan (Youth full of desire), and Etcetera. 

Top 5 is Kanjou Effect (2008). It's not that I don't like this album, I just happen not to listen really much from this album. But I have a few faves such as Kaimu (Nothingness), Living Dolls, and My Sweet Baby.

Don't worry guys 'cause if you really find this band interesting, I'm gonna post a detailed review on each of their album very soon :)

So, like I said I watched some of their live performances online, including the Mighty Long Fall in Yokohama Stadium last 2014. I so want a DVD copy of this haha. It's going to be on sale on April 29th but you can pre-order as early as NOW!

This is my fave live of them so far. Taka is sooo handsome!!! *fangirl scream*

I've already watched 29 J-dramas since January this year and I'm still searching for more. 

I'm going to share to you the top 5 J-dramas that I'm loving so far... :)

If you're looking for some action with a twist, then I'd recommend you'd watch Bloody Monday, which goes down to number 5 on my list.

Bloody Monday has 2 seasons, the first season was released last 2008, and the second one was on 2010.

The story revolves around a young hacker, Takagi Fujimaru a.k.a. 'Falcon' (played by Miura Haruma), trying to stop terrorists from spreading the 'Bloody X' virus. If I'd continue on talking about more of the synopsis of this drama, it'll be a total spoiler :p

Actually, Miura Haruma is indeed one of my favorite Japanese actors. He's really talented. I've watched like 7 of his dramas, but I really fell in love with him on Bloody Monday. Other famous Japanese actors, such as Satoh Takeru, Fujii Mina, and Narimiya Hiroki also stars in this drama.

Number 4 on my list is Gokusen. 

The star of 'Ring 0' Nakama Yukie plays a very interesting role as a homeroom teacher of class 3-D.

It's a lightweight drama full of laughs, lessons, a heart-warming relationship between students and teacher, and good-looking boys!

What I really love about this J-drama is the moral lessons you learn from Yankumi. Gokusen has 3 seasons since it was really popular not only Japan, but also in some countries, such as here in the Philippines. This drama made most of the Japanese actors popular as of today, like Matsumoto Jun, Oguri Shun, Kamenashi Kazuya, Koike Teppei, Mizushima Hiro, Matsuyama Kenichi, Miura Haruma, and so much more!

Next on my list which made to the 3rd spot is Nobuta Wo Produce.

Shuji (played by Kamenashi Kazuya), is a popular student, because he likes to play cool around his classmates whenever he is at school, until he met Akira (played by Yamashita Tomohisa), a happy-go-lucky classmate of his who discovers Shuji's true personality. The two of them help the transfer student who's bullied by most people named Nobuko (played by Horikita Maki) to make her the most popular girl in school.

A drama about true comradery, that's what Nobuta Wo Produce is all about.

Number 2 on my list is a romantic-comedy...none other than Last Cinderella!

I've been tweeting, posting on Facebook and Instagram about this drama a LOT! This drama was just released last April 2013. The perfect drama for spring!

Sakura (played by Shinohara Ryoko) is a 39-year-old single woman who is solely dedicated to her work. She doesn't even have time to find the love of her life. Until she met the 24-year-old Hiroto (played by Miura Haruma), who made her feel what was like to be in love again, but made her really confused because of their age difference. 

A drama full of 'kilig' moments and laughs. I'd never get tired of watching this drama over and over again. Plus Miura Haruma is really hot on this one ;) If you're tired of all the serious romantic stuff of some Asian dramas, and looking for a fun, daring, funny, and mature drama, then this is the one!

...and the number 1 drama that's truly a classic is...

*drum roll please*

Nodame Cantabile!

If you're into music, then this is the drama for you. 

Nodame Cantabile is a lightweight drama that's full of laughs, funny and cute moments, and classical music.

I love, love, love, Ueno Juri on this drama! She's definitely one of the best actresses of Japan as of Today.

What's up everybody? I suddenly missed blogging. Sorry if I haven't been updating my blogposts lately...blame my job! Yes guys, I finally have my job as a hospital pharmacist! Well, enough chit chat now because I've prepared another food posts for y'all.

I'm not finished with my HK and Macau food-scapades yet, so here's one that I'm sure you'll love! Who can resist Italian food anyway? I'm sure I can't!

Pizzeria Toscana is known to be Macau's authentic Italian food destination in the city. 

The restaurant's atmosphere is so Italian! Their decor is simple and warm, with wine barrels and signed photos of the restaurant's famous patrons, adorning the walls.

hmm...can't wait to taste their sumptuous food! I'm so glad that my cousin and her husband brought us here and gave us the chance to taste their bestsellers.

Familiar? Italy is famous for their Sangria. It's this wine punch mixed with chopped fruit, such as lemon and apples.

On the left, my cousin ordered margherita pizza for the kids, and on the right, their famous antipasto. 

I know the Carbonara looks weird because the egg was cooked well, but this tastes really good! Two thumbs up for that!

This one is also popular in the resto. It's Risotto with squid ink. They also have the pasta with squid ink, but my cousin preferred this one instead. Truth is, I don't really eat this stuff because...

...I don't like squid! I hate the stinking smell of it really! But hey! The experience will not be complete if I haven't tried, right? So, I was brave enough to taste it, and I must say, it's one of those resto's must-try dishes. Surprisingly it's sweet, but I won't recommend this one as a date food. HAHA!

I don't really get this at first, but the Italians drink a shot of some alcoholic drink after they eat. In my case, I had a shot of Limoncello. Served chilled as an after-dinner digestivo.

...and last but definitely not the least - dessert! The profiterole, or also known as cream puff, is oh so good! I feel like I could die just right after dinner. The chocolate is not that sweet, just enough to balance my taste buds right after the very delicious dinner.

Actually, the locals love to go here because of the great food and reasonable price, with a budget of MOP/HK$ 100-250 (Php 510.00-1,275.00), you can get a decent dinner.

aaah! And that's all for this food post.

I hope you'd get to visit Pizzeria Toscana Restaurante when you visit Macau.

Located at G/F 2A Calcada da Barra, Sao Laurenco, R/C Macau.

Phone: 2896 3145/ 2872 6637

'till next post! - k*

Ni Hao! Here's another food trip post for you all.

Ever heard of the famous Beijing street crepes? They are also known as 'jianbing' or Chinese breakfast crepes. It's one of China's favorite street foods of all time, and I'm glad that they're bringing this popular local delicacy in HK.

There's this small place somewhere in Central, and I can see a lot of people down there and they all look like enjoying these freshly made sandwiches. Turns out they're not serving sandwiches after all, instead they serve crepes!...and that's what made me curious.

Mr. Bing just recently opened last December 2012 and they are not really that known to so many locals yet! Tsk!(Lucky for me, I stayed in Central haha :p). Well, I can see tourists from all over the world who are also curious, like me, eating these famous street crepes.

The place is actually small, so it's best of you just get the food for a take-out.

let's see...hmm...what to eat???

As you can see they have a variety of jianbings in their menu. They have the Savory Jianbings (Original jianbing, Pecking Duck bing, Char siu bing, and Shanghai bing) and the Sweet Jianbings (HK Cha Chaan bing and Singa-bing).

You could also choose the flour of your crepe, either green bean (standard), purple rice, millet, or buckwheat.

So I ordered the Original Jianbing worth HK$ 30.00 (Php 157.18)

The Original Jianbing is composed of the green bean flour, filled with their 'house sauce', chili paste, tofu sauce, cilantro, black sesame, leek, and egg crisp. This is actually the traditional one.

mmm...my very first jianbing!

So far, I'm lovin' it! I'm a huge fan of crepes but I never get to taste something like this before. Actually great for a first-time.

I also get to try one of their sweet jianbings since I never get contented to try just one from their menu of course! I tried the HK Cha Chaan bing, made with purple rice flour and filled with peanut butter condensed milk, and egg crisp. 

*sighs* when I get back here, I'd definitely try the Pecking duck bing or the Char Siu bing! HAHAHA! *evil laugh*

So when you walk in the streets of Central, make sure you visit and try these authentic jianbings from Mr. Bing. They are located at G/F 83 Wellington street, Central, HK (entrance on Cochrane street, under the escalator)

You can also visit their Facebook page for more details and updates.

'till next post! - k*