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.
Shari Shrine ( 斜里神社 ) is one of the main shrines of the town of Shari. It is located at 44-2 Honmachi in the town of Shari, Shari District in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan . Shari Shrine Shari Shrine Details Shari Shrine stands as a testament to the town's rich cultural and spiritual heritage. Founded on August 21, 1795, by Murayama Denbei , a sushi restaurant contractor, the shrine has been a symbol of protection and prosperity for the community. Shari Shrine - Shari town, Hokkaido Prefecture A Shrine Rooted in Maritime Tradition Initially revered as a guardian deity for bountiful catches and maritime safety, Shari Shrine ’s significance grew alongside the town’s development. In 1836, stone lanterns were donated by Mikami Banshichi and Sumiyoshimaru Seiroku , subordinates of Tonoju, further solidifying the shrine's place as a spiritual anchor for the fishing community. Shari Shrine 's main torii gate 斜里神社 One of Shari Shrine 's chozuya Shari Shrine 's choz...
10 Things to Do in Rankoshi Rankoshi ( 蘭越町 ) is a town situated in the Shiribeshi Subprefecture of Hokkaido, Japan . The town is an agricultural town with around 3,000 hectares of farmland. The cleanest river in Japan, Shiribetsu, also flows through the town. The name Rankoshi originates from the Ainu word " ranko-us-i, " which means a place with many katsura trees. For those planning to visit this laid-back agricultural town to check what it has to offer, here are the 10 Things to Do in Rankoshi : Rankoshi manhole covers 1. Take a picture of the manhole covers of Rankoshi . So far, I have seen 2 unique manhole covers, which are both common around the town. Rankoshi Menahachiman Shrine 2. Visit the Rankoshi Menahachiman Shrine ( 蘭越 目名八幡神社 ) , the main shrine of Rankoshi. You can visit at any time of day to offer your prayers and pay your respects. If you're collecting goshuin (shrine stamps), be sure to get one from this sacred site. You can also get the goshuin of th...
Lucky Pierrot Bay Area Main Store ( ラッキーピエロ ベイエリア本店 ) is the oldest and first Lucky Pierrot store in Hakodate. It is located at 23-18 Suehirocho in Hakodate City in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan . Lucky Pierrot Bay Area Main Store Lucky Pierrot Bay Area Main Store Details Lucky Pierrot , a beloved fast-food chain in Hakodate, has become an iconic part of the city’s food scene, with 17 locations scattered throughout the area. Among them, the Lucky Pierrot Bay Area Main Shop holds a special place in the hearts of both locals and tourists. Opened in 1987 as the very first Lucky Pierrot store, this location offers a delightful combination of nostalgia and fun, reflecting the unique character of this long-standing restaurant. Lucky Pierrot Bay Area Main Store - Hakodate City, Hokkaido Prefecture The Bay Area Main Shop is the oldest Lucky Pierrot store and, true to its origins, it still retains a slight retro charm. Originally a take-out-only shop, it has expanded over the years to beco...
Kuriyama Park ( 栗山公園 ) is a spacious public park in the town of Kuriyama. The park is located at 2 Chome-38-16 Sakuraoka in the town of Kuriyama, Yubari District in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan . Kuriyama Park Kuriyama Park Details Located at the foot of Mt. Daishi in Hokkaido, Kuriyama Park is a scenic and family-friendly destination that attracts over 102,000 visitors annually. Spanning an impressive 24 hectares—roughly the size of five Sapporo Domes—this expansive park offers a delightful mix of nature, recreational activities, and seasonal beauty, making it a must-visit spot for anyone exploring Hokkaido. Kuriyama Park - Kuriyama town, Hokkaido Prefecture Key Attractions at Kuriyama Park Welcome to 栗山公園 Kuriyama Park map Kuriyama town 's tourist map Nakayoshi Zoo: A Fun, Free Experience for All Ages Nakayoshi Zoo Animal feeding activity in Nakayoshi Zoo A major highlight of Kuriyama Park is the Nakayoshi Zoo , which offers free entry and is home to a var...
Fugoppe Cave ( フゴッペ洞窟 ) is a cultural protection and exhibition facility located at 87 Sakaemachi in the town of Yoichi, Yoichi District in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan . Fugoppe Cave Fugoppe Cave Details Tucked into the quiet hillside of Maruyama near National Road 5 in the outskirts of the town of Yoichi, Fugoppe Cave is one of Japan’s most mysterious and historically significant archaeological sites. Designated a National Historic Site on November 14, 1953 , this ancient cave offers a rare glimpse into post-Jomon period life through more than 800 rock carvings etched into its sandstone walls. Fugoppe Cave - Yoichi town, Hokkaido Prefecture What makes Fugoppe Cave truly exceptional is its rarity— only one other site in the entire Japanese archipelago , Temiya Cave in nearby Otaru, contains similar carvings. Among the more than 700 known cave sites across Japan, Fugoppe stands out as a unique treasure of prehistoric artistry and cultural expression. Location and Discovery ...
10 Things to Do in Kaizuka City Kaizuka ( 貝塚市 ) is a city in Osaka Prefecture, Japan . Kaizuka City was established on April 1, 1889, and became a city on October 1, 1943. The city is historically known for its production of wooden combs made from boxwood. The kanji used for its name kai ( 貝 ) means shellfish and zuka ( 塚 ) means mound. For those planning to visit the city to check what it has to offer, here are the 10 Things to Do in Kaizuka City : Kaizuka City manhole cover 1. Take a picture of the manhole cover of Kaizuka City . So far, I have seen 1 unique manhole cover. It is common around the city. Kanda Shrine 2. Visit the Kanda Shrine ( 感田神社 ). It’s located near Kaizuka Station and can easily be reached on foot. It’s a popular shrine among locals so please make sure to keep the peace or the place. This shrine also celebrates the Taikodai Festival so if you time your visit in July then you might be able to witness it. You can also pay your respects and offer praye...
Bifuka Roadside Station ( 道の駅 びふか ) is one of the 128 roadside stations all over Hokkaido. It is located at 307-1 Ote, in the town of Bifuka in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan . Bifuka Roadside Station Bifuka Roadside Station details Conveniently located on National Route 4, Bifuka Roadside Station offers visitors an enchanting experience with its medieval European castle-style building, designed by a renowned Italian architect. Situated against the backdrop of Bifuka Forest Park and the flowing Teshio River, this station boasts numerous outdoor amenities including hot springs, campgrounds, and cozy cottages. Bifuka Roadside Station was one of the first to be registered as a roadside station in Hokkaido. It was registered on April 22, 1993, giving it registration number 5. Bifuka Roadside Station - Bifuka town, Hokkaido Prefecture Bifuka Roadside Station takes pride in its extensive selection of local delicacies, highlighting specialties like "Mori no Shizuku," a refreshing ...
Asahiyama Zoo ( 旭山動物園 ) is a top-rated zoological park and wildlife conservation center located on the outskirts of Asahikawa City. It is located at Kuranuma Higashiasahikawacho in Asahikawa City, Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan . Asahiyama Zoo Asahiyama Zoo details Asahiyama Zoo stands as the northernmost zoo in Japan at present. The zoo was completed and opened to the public on July 1, 1967. Asahiyama Zoo - Asahikawa City, Hokkaido Prefecture Asahiyama Zoo ’s conception began in 1964 when then- Mayor Kōzō Igarashi allocated funds for the Asahiyama Zoo project and selected Mount Asahi as the site, considering its geological suitability and convenient access. Construction commenced in April 1966 and concluded in June 1967, totaling an expenditure of 250 million yen. The inauguration took place on July 1, 1967, featuring 75 species of animals, including 200 common carp. In response to dwindling attendance, a steel roller coaster was erected but later d...
Located beside Calle Marcela Marino Agoncillo in the town of Taal in Batangas, Marcela Agoncillo Museum is the ancestral house of the principal seamstress of the first Philippine Flag. Marcela Agoncillo Museum Marcela Agoncillo Museum History The Marcela Agoncillo Museum / ancestral house is a bahay na bato built sometime around the 1780s and is one of the oldest houses in Taal . The house was built by Dona Marcela's grandfather, Don Andres Marino . Dona Marcela inherited the house after the death of her grandfather and she chose to live in the house even after being married in 1889 to Felipe Agoncillo who would later on become known as the "First Filipino Diplomat". Marcela Agoncillo Museum / Heritage House - Taal, Batangas The historical marker of Dona Marcela Marcela Agoncillo statue found outside her house Read: The Republic Act 8491 contents Museo nina Marcela Marino at Felipe Agoncillo The ownership of the house was then passed on to the ...
Amgaleyguey Vegetable Terraces is a little-known place of culture and history. It is l ocated in Barangay Amgaleyguey in Buguias, Benguet in the Philippines. Amgaleyguey Vegetable Terraces Amgaleyguey Vegetable Terraces Details Overshadowed by the fame of the Banaue Rice Terraces , the Amgaleyguey Vegetable Terraces are rarely visited by tourists. As a matter of fact, you won't see it in any travel blogs or tourist books. To those who have seen this place, they can attest that it is equally beautiful as its counterparts in Ifugao. Amgaleyguey Vegetable Terraces - Buguias, Benguet What makes Amgaleyguey Vegetable Terraces unique is the obvious fact that vegetables are the crops planted on the terraces instead of rice. What makes it more unique are the above-ground tombs that dot the terraces like dandruff on a green shirt from a distance. A perfect view from the view deck The culture of burying relatives on the terraces dates to the pre-Spanish period. Practical...
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!
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