It’s a leap year this year so thank you for the 366 days that we've shared. It was a memorable one. Like last year, numerous blessings and travel opportunities came into my life.
Let's look back and see what milestones we've crossed and achieved this year.
1. This year, there were 369 published articles (That's 187 more articles than last year 😄😄).
2. I have reached 4 million views (That's 420K new views this year).
3. I got my contract renewed as an ALT under the JET Programme. I’m officially in my 4th year as an ALT.
4. My Japan Residence Card, along with my family’s, has been renewed for another three years. I see this as a clear sign that Japan is truly where my family and I belong.
5. My family and I finally got to fly back to the Philippines during summer vacation to have Kai baptized and also spend quality time with my family and my in-laws in Mindanao. It was such a memorable time.
Congratulations Kanon and Sora!
6. Two students I trained from Rumoi High School, Kanon, and Sora, placed first and third respectively in this year’s Kobunren Hokkaido High School English Speech Contest for the Hokkaido District (高文連北海道高等学校英語弁論大会道北地区大会).
6. My family and I got to travel a lot around Hokkaido Prefecture. We visited 179 of the prefecture's 179 cities, towns, and villages. We have finally completed the #Hokkaido179 Challenge. We are now officially the First Filipino Family to Visit All 179 Municipalities of Hokkaido.
Team Nicerio was featured in Hokkaido Shimbun
7. We were featured in Hokkaido Shimbun for being able to visit all 179 municipalities of Hokkaido.
Featured in Manila Bulletin for being the first to visit all 179 municipalities of Hokkaido
8. We were featured in Manila Bulletin for being the first Filipinos to travel and visit all 179 municipalities.
Speaking of travels, here are the highlights of my travels for each month last year:
It is with a heavy heart that I share the sorrowful truth that this year has not ended without taking loved ones from us. We bid farewell to two dear souls who brought immense joy and love into our lives—our family dog, Bucky, and our beloved Tito Imbet.
Bucky
Bucky was more than just a pet; he was a cherished member of our family. His wagging tail and boundless affection filled our days with light. He had a unique way of sensing our moods, offering comfort during hard times and companionship during happy ones. His loyalty and unconditional love will forever hold a special place in our hearts.
Tito Imbet
Tito Imbet, on the other hand, was a guiding light in his family. He had a smile that could warm any room and a heart that embraced everyone. He shared his humor and unwavering support with all of us. Tito Imbet was the kind person who made everyone feel special, and his absence leaves a void that words cannot fill.
As we reflect on their lives, let us remember the joy they brought, the lessons they taught, and the love they gave so freely. While the pain of their loss is deep, the memories they left behind will continue to inspire and comfort us. May we honor them by carrying their love forward in our own lives.
Rest in peace, dear Bucky and Tito Imbet. You will be deeply missed but never forgotten.
With a heavy heart, I’m holding onto hope that 2025 will bring brighter days, as we have so much to look forward to and accomplish in the year ahead. Farewell, 2024, and thank you for the memories—both joyful and bittersweet.
Located in the municipality of Nasugbu in the province of Batangas, Munting Buhangin Beach Camp is one of the few privately owned resorts in the area that doesn't really require memberships for visitors to enjoy. Munting Buhangin Beach Camp Munting Buhangin Beach Camp Details Although Munting Buhangin Beach Camp doesn't have white sand to boast, it's quite an isolated place which makes the resort stand out. Its light brown sand, sprinkled with different kinds of shells, is cleaned daily by the dedicated staff of the resort. Sadly, during my visit, a broken piece of glass buried in the sand gave one of my toes a deep cut but I know that it's just a rare case (no one needs to be fired) and nobody wanted that to happen. Munting Buhangin Beach - Nasugbu, Batangas One of the best places to go camping... ...or rent nipa huts and treehouse You might want to try kayaking here too Going up: parking / Going down: beach Munting Buhangin Beach Camp is ide...
Akabira Tokugawa Castle ( 赤平徳川城 ) also called Akabira Castle or wrongly as Hokkaido Castle is a replica castle located along National Route 38 at 174 Horookacho, Akabira City in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan . Akabira Tokugawa Castle Akabira Tokugawa Castle details Akabira Tokugawa Castle may not be a real historical site, but its story is just as fascinating. Built in 1991 by Matsuzawa Yoroi Co., Ltd , a manufacturer of festival dolls, Akabira Tokugawa Castle has served as a showroom and manufacturing factory. It boasts four floors of unique and interesting attractions, including a souvenir and doll-making demonstration area on the first floor, an impressive doll display and sales area on the second and third floors, a Hina doll display and Japanese restaurant on the fourth floor, and an armored helmet exhibit on the fifth floor. The castle also has a sixth floor, which once served as an observatory tower. Akabira Tokugawa Castle - Akabira City, Hokkaido Prefecture Although the cast...
Located in Rosario in the province of Cavite, Casa Hacienda de Tejeros is famously known as the location of the historic Tejeros Convention of 1897. Casa Hacienda de Tejeros Casa Hacienda de Tejeros history Casa Hacienda de Tejeros was originally built in the 17th century. The hacienda and its surrounding lands were formerly owned by the Augustinian Recollects. The estate was once the largest and grandest estate in the country. It once covered as much as 1,125 hectares with the casa occupying 4 hectares of it. Casa Hacienda de Tejeros - Rosario, Cavite The NHI Marker of the Casa Hacienda de Tejeros The name tejeros came from the Spanish name tejer , which means "to weave". It's due to the fact that the weaving industry is one of the major industries of the municipality of Rosario. Going back to its historical importance, Casa Hacienda de Tejeros played an important role in 1897 when it hosted the assembly that the new leaders of the revolution were elected. ...
Kamay ni Hesus Shrine, or simply Kamay ni Hesus is a famous religious shrine and grotto. It is l ocated in Barangay Tinamnan, Lucban in the province of Quezon. Kamay ni Hesus Shrine Kamay ni Hesus Shrine History Also known as Via Dolorosa Grotto , Kamay ni Hesus Shrine was built under the initiative of Fr. Joseph "Joey" Faller in 2003. He is known as a gifted healing priest. Due to Fr. Faller's healing masses, Kamay ni Hesus Shrine became one of the country's most visited healing centers. Kamay ni Hesus Shrine - Lucban, Quezon Statues of saints can be seen in different areas of Kamay ni Hesus Shrine A replica of Pieta by Michelangelo Pilgrims look like ants from a distance. Kamay ni Hesus Healing Church Inside the Kamay ni Hesus Healing Church One of the highlights of Kamay ni Hesus Shrine is the 50-foot statue of Christ with his arm wide open found on the top of a hill. This statue is often referred to as the Risen Christ or Ascending ...
Located in Kawit in the province of Cavite, Aguinaldo Shrine is the ancestral home of General Emilio Aguinaldo, the first president of the Philippines. It is famously known as the house where the Filipino flag was formally unfurled to the public after the declaration of Independence on June 12, 1898. Aguinaldo Shrine Aguinaldo Shrine history Constructed in 1845, the house became a silent witness to the shaping of the Filipino nation. It all began on March 22, 1869, when Emilio Aguinaldo was born in one of its rooms. Years later, the house became a meeting place for revolutionaries. It was here that many of the most important revolutionary plans were made. Aguinaldo Shrine - Kawit, Cavite Contrary to popular belief this balcony was not there when the flag was first shown to the Filipinos. Lastly, the house became a symbol of freedom when the flag a hoisted and shown to the public during the declaration of independence from Spain. This event is known today as the Araw ng ...
Milk Garden Ebetsu also officially called Machimura Farm Milk Garden ( 町村農場 ミルクガーデン ) is a dessert restaurant located at 183 Shinotsu, Ebetsu City in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan . Milk Garden Ebetsu Milk Garden Ebetsu Details Winter The year 1882 marked a significant turning point for agriculture in Hokkaido with the birth of Machimura Takayoshi , the founder of Machimura Farm. This was also the beginning of a new agricultural paradigm that combined cattle and crop farming, perfectly suited to the region’s northern climate. Milk Garden Ebetsu - Ebetsu City, Hokkaido Prefecture Takayoshi, later known as the "God of Cattle Breeding," was born in government housing at the Makomanai Cattle Farm—the first state-run ranch in Hokkaido. His early years were spent in the barn, surrounded by cows and horses, laying the foundation for a lifelong dedication to dairy farming. Machimura Farm Milk Garden Milk Garden Ebetsu At just 25, Takayoshi set off for America, drawn by its advanced da...
Nishikiyama Tenmangu Shrine ( 錦山天満宮 ) is one of the main shrines of Ebetsu City. It is located at 3 8-1 Yoyogicho, Nopporo in Ebetsu City in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan . Nishikiyama Tenmangu Shrine Nishikiyama Tenmangu Shrine Details Winter Nishikiyama Tenmangu Shrine boasts a rich history that reflects the spirit of resilience and community. Established in 1885 and 1886, the shrine was founded by the Nopporo Tondenhei soldiers, who journeyed from regions such as Kyushu, Yamaguchi, Hiroshima, Okayama, and Tottori to cultivate the untouched wilderness. By 1889, the shrine had become a spiritual haven for these settlers, housing a branch of the deity from the Ise Grand Shrine, symbolizing hope and protection. Nishikiyama Tenmangu Shrine - Ebetsu City, Hokkaido Prefecture Originally known as Kinzan Shrine , it was revered as the guardian of the Nopporo area and the deity of bountiful harvests. In 1973, a branch of Sugawara no Michizane was enshrined, coming from the renowned Dazaifu Ten...
10 Things to Do in Ebetsu City Ebetsu ( 江別市 ) is a bustling city in the Ishikari Subprefecture of Hokkaido, Japan . There are various theories about the origin of the name of the city. It is believed to be a corruption of the Ainu language like “ ye pet ” which means “a river that is murky like pus” and “ ipe-ot ” which means “there are many fish” For those planning to visit the city to check what it has to offer, here are the 10 Things to Do in Ebetsu City : Ebetsu City manhole covers 1. Take a picture of the manhole covers of Ebetsu City . So far, I have seen 3 unique manhole covers in the city. They are common and can easily be found in the city. Ebetsu Shrine 2. Visit the Ebetsu Shrine ( 江別神社 ). It’s the main shrine of the city of Ebetsu. You can pay your respects and offer prayers here at any time of the day. Don’t forget to avail of the shrine’s goshuin if you are collecting them. Hotaru Park 3. Stroll around Hotaru Park ( ほたる公園 ). This unique park is a good de...
The Ebetsu Local History Museum ( 江別市郷土資料館 ) is a museum dedicated to promoting the rich history of Ebetsu City. It is located at 1 Chome-38 Midorimachinishi, Ebetsu City, Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan . Ebetsu Local History Museum Ebetsu Local History Museum Details Located in the heart of Hokkaido, the Ebetsu Local History Museum offers visitors an immersive journey through the historical evolution of Ebetsu City. Opened in 1991, the museum captures the city’s transformation from its ancient origins to its modern-day development, making it a must-visit for history enthusiasts. Ebetsu Local History Museum - Ebetsu City, Hokkaido Prefecture The museum is thoughtfully organized around several key themes, including " Hometown Ebetsu ," " Ancient Ebetsu ," " The Beginning of Development ," "T he Town’s Growth ," and " The History of Industry ." Each section offers detailed exhibits that paint a vivid picture of the city's progression o...
Day 505: March 21, 2023 Tuesday – Vernal Equinox Day Road Trip It's a holiday today, so we're heading out for another road trip Spring has officially arrived in Japan , marked by the celebration of Vernal Equinox Day on March 21st. It is a public holiday in the country, and many people take advantage of the beautiful weather to go on road trips and explore the natural beauty of the countryside. This year, my wife and I decided to embark on a road trip to the picturesque towns of Biei, Kamifurano, and Furano City. We drove along the Fukagawa - Rumoi Expressway towards Asahikawa City First stop: Moda Club Serufu Asahikawa to fill up our gas tank We then bought some food for breakfast at the nearby 711 We started our journey early in the morning from Rumoi City ( 留萌市 ), which is located in the northern part of Hokkaido. The weather was perfect, and we were excited to explore the countryside. Our first stop was at Moda Club Serufu Asahikawa in Asahika...
Congratulations on reaching the 4M views.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much!
DeleteCongratulations on all your achievements Neil.
ReplyDeleteAlso, Rest in peace to your uncle.
Thank you so much!
Delete