Yosuke Saigo (西郷葉介) - rising star of Japanese music

12:00 AM EXPERIENCE, JAPAN, LOVE AND LIKES, MAKIKO VOICE, MUSIC, TOKYO, YOSUKE SAIGO, 西郷葉介 No Comments

It is no question about me loving Japan (and everything about it). My love for Japan music and entertainment industry has been too intense ever since I was in high school. Although K-Pop invasion in the past few years has affected my personal interest, I must say it is a hard act to make me let go my first love.

Having said so, I got one of the most memorable present for my birthday while I was in Japan - I fell in love once more. This time, after so long, I became addicted to a rising and talented singer - or should I say, performer. That short moment was somehow like those we see in drama or movie - I was getting a nervous attack trying to figure out how to survive the big city when I was charmed by the beautiful music heard. I follow the sound and immediately fell in love with the music that guy was performing. 

Enough with my melodramatic story. I am here to actually share some information about this rising star. The first time I saw him, there is this image of an average cute young guy wearing casual shirt and pants, passionately playing his keyboard while singing in the public. On the floor, sat a super cute squirrel-bunny holding a small box - so people could chip in decent contribution for the performance of this young man.

Charmed by the song and performance, I actually bought his CD - which is actually this young man's first single. This cute and talented young man is Yosuke Saigo (西郷葉介). I was seriously mesmerized by both songs performed - this is an honest statement because I have been listening to the songs again and again for more than hundred times in the past couple of weeks. If given the chance again, I would stay longer at the site and try to get more information from the singer, himself, for this blog entry. However, as usual language is the barrier; yet I am determined to write something - as a support to being his new fan.

A check on his official website (http://www.yosuke-s.com/index.html) is now showing his second single promotion that is due for release in June 2012. As of now, the website is only done in Japanese. I hope naturally when he is going global, an English version will be made available. Born in 1984, Yosuke Saigo is from Tokyo, who likes sashimi and everything about Dragon Ball. It is said in his website that he is aiming big for the upcoming year, and he enjoys performing music. For anyone who wants news from this talented singer, check out his official blog (http://ameblo.jp/yosuke-saigo/); or find him on Twitter (@yosuke_saigo) and on facebook (https://www.facebook.com/yosuke.saigo).

In the name of the love for music I would like to take this opportunity to thank Yosuke Saigo for making me special through your musical touch.

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MOBAL NARITA: Cheap and Easy Phone Rental

1:47 AM JAPAN, PRODUCT AND SERVICE REVIEW, TIPS, TOKYO, TRAVEL 1 Comment

Despite confirmation from the telco-provider of mine, it was double disappointment when I ended up not able to using my mobile phone in Japan. Roaming in Japan is not only expensive, and for those who does their homework, but also difficult to find usable mobile phone models to support local providers. Of course in my recent travel I had opted for phone rental, instead of relying on the chance of getting my phone roaming in Japan.

There are numerous phone rental services available upon touch-down in Narita Airport. For those who are looking for a cheaper option (i.e. no deposit and flat call/message rates), I am recommending Mobal Narita; especially to travelers who are confined to a limited budget. After searching on the internet and read reviews, I decided to give Mobal Narita a try. 

Deposit free - you wouldn't need to worry about 'pocket burning' deposit as the company offers no deposit for the phone you are renting. Of course, there is option to insure the phone, but at a very low daily rate. I ended up only paying 800 yen for the insurance upon collection - no other amount required.

Online booking - it took me no more than 10 minutes to complete the online form and obtain booking confirmation. Included together was the local mobile number, so you could immediately use the number to inform anyone in Japan or in your country of your designated contact number. I was able to notify my friends in Japan about the number even before I reach the country.

Friendly customer service - although I had to collect my phone in Terminal 1, it was a quick and clear procedures. It was all done in English and within 10 minutes, I was already using my phone. Thanks to the online booking, they have prepared the phone in advance; less hassle and saving time ultimately. Even returning the phone was just as easy as collecting.

Self tracking of phone usage - aside from their great deals on call and messaging rates, you could also do your own tracking online. The invoices are made available and the charges are automatically debited from your credit card. Although I was informed that it will take about 4-6 weeks for the total bill available, I was impressed to see it available in less than 2 weeks after my return. Furthermore, I was able to see itemized billing for the usage of the phone.

In total, I spent a reasonable amount of money for both local and international calls/messaging expenses. Surprisingly, as compared to my last experience renting phone in Japan, it was only a fraction of the amount although I was using the phone for a longer duration and more. I would definitely use the same service when I am in Japan again, the next time. Visit Mobal Narita for more information.

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[Japan Travel] Experience Onsen in Hakone

3:10 AM ACTIVITIES, ASIA, CULTURE, HAKONE, JAPAN, TOKYO, TRAVEL AND JOURNEY 1 Comment

If you are looking for unique experience while visiting the land of the rising sun, Japan, brace yourself to have a dip in their interesting and beautiful hot spring pool - locally known as ONSEN.

Credit to Tenkai-Japan

My previous short trip to Tokyo in late April 2012 had allowed me to spend some cheerful time with fellow Japanese friends in Hakone. Situated in Kanagawa, it is about 1 1/2 hours of express train ride from Shinjuku. There are few options for travelers to discover the beauty and interesting sceneries in Hakone. Check out Odakyu official page for more information on sight seeing in Hakone. (Detailed story on my Hakone adventure in my future entry)

After a whole day journey discovering Hakone, my girlfriends and I decided to find a place where I could experience outdoor onsen. It was not supposed to be difficult since Hakone area provides excellent choices of onsen for people to choose. A quick taxi ride brought us to a relatively medium sized building, squeezed in between ryokan and hotels, where I was informed that the outdoor onsen is quite nice. While my girlfriends were making inquiries at the reception, I noticed people walking to this building in their yukata. I believe they were from the nearby ryokans or hotels.

You can just walk in without bringing anything, as many onsen places provides basic stuffs for you to use or rent. I was advised to bring my own towel in order to save up a bit on the entrance fees, and if you must use any specific type of bath or shampoo, you may bring them together. Whether it is an indoor or outdoor onsen, they do split bathing area for male and female patrons. At the place we went, I also noticed area or rooms for family (which I believe is for the indoor bath).

Before anyone could jump into the water, please make sure that you have cleaned yourself thoroughly at the designated place. Nudity is common here, so brace yourself once you entered the changing and bathing areas. This was my first time going to an outdoor onsen, so I was a bit doubtful of what am I supposed to do or not. Lucky I had my friends to explain the onsen's etiquette.   

Since I came from a tropical country, taking a dip in hot water is not something easy - my body had to take some time to adjust to the water temperature. However, soon enough, I had found myself being pampered and comforted by the warmth of the hot water in one of the pools at the bathing area. Obviously onsen is one typical activity of Japanese people that involves interaction. You don't simply go to hot spring alone. Many of the patrons were in groups. While my girlfriends were explaining about the art and beauty of hot spring in Japan, I found myself engaged in few other casual conversations with them. 

Just like a sauna, please do not attempt to stay in hot water for long time. After about half an hour, and of course trying all sorts of different pools, we decided to leave the place and head down to grab a drink and snack. Compensating the heat is of course a dash of cool drinks (which includes beers - everyone else was having that on the table). 

I knew from my friends that not many people, especially those from muslim countries, are fond of trying onsen. Since Japan has so many beautiful onsen, I would highly recommend travelers to give it your best shot, for those who are adventurous. 

I would certainly do it again when I am in Japan, next time. If it was not because of the nudity, I would definitely snap few pictures to post it on this entry. Nonetheless, the picture is pretty much the same as what I have experienced recently.

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Finger food versus sago worms

1:28 AM ACTIVITIES, CULTURE, KOTA KINABALU, PRODUCT AND SERVICE REVIEW, SABAH No Comments

One of many things I learned, off my travelling passion, is the idiotic urge to try local delicacies - as much as the ones I could consume. I have been in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah for many years and still I often feel like I am here for vacation - when it comes to food hunting. Sabah and Sarawak are known for the uniqueness due to the hundreds aborigines who have been living for as long as anyone could remember; unlike the West Malaysia (aka Malaysian Peninsular) that sees the majority of Malay, Chinese and Indian residing.

KK is a big city. So, it is natural to easily find known Malaysian and international dishes. Out of all side dishes' outlets I have tried, there is one located in Lintas called "Luk Luk", that I particularly kinda like the ambiance. This small shop sells fried finger food - excellent for night snacks. Every piece sold in the shop is RM1 and you can select as much as your stomach could take, while enjoying the snacks with your friends.

I love trying new dishes or food. Ever since I walked the land of Borneo, I have always wanted to taste the 'sago worms'. I knew all along that the worms are a good source of protein and fairly famous among the aborigines in Sarawak and Sabah. So, for many years I scouted highs and lows and noticed that, unlike Sarawak, it is not easy to find a place who sell dish with sago worms here in Kota Kinabalu. However, the raw and living worms are sold in the fresh market.

My crazy urge of the sago worms has finally caught the attention of my housemate. Her father had bought the sago worms for me yesterday. So, this evening for the first time, I googled for recipe - can't help it because all the worms were pretty much squeamish and full of live in the plastic bag. Using a simple recipe from someone in Sarawak, I cleaned up the worms and tossed them into a frying pan.

The end result - a nicely done dish to be served with rice. Me and my housemate had a unique and fulfilling dinner. She always said to me that when she was small, her grandmother used to cook it for the family. I can understand why the sago worms can be one staple dish for the locals here. It tasted somewhere between chicken and prawn. I will definitely give it another go in the future especially if I can eat the dish the way it is originally made.

Either it is made from the factory or comes directly from the bark of a tree, it is an honour for me to have a piece of the local culture. Now I can proudly say to others, "I have eaten and tasted worms, have you ever tried it?"

*Fun fact: Sago worms are also known as Mulong worms; they lived in the sago trees' bark. 

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[Hotel Review] Beringgis Beach Resort and Spa

1:25 AM ACTIVITIES, ASIA, HOTEL REVIEW, MALAYSIA, SABAH, TRAVEL No Comments

At the end of March 2012, I had a chance to join an activity organized by aspiring students of International Business Club from UMS. It was a two days and one night 'rendezvous' session at one of the most beautiful resort that I have ever experience while I am in Sabah. 

Located in Papar, it is actually not so far from Kota Kinabalu. However, you would need to hire a transport in order to reach the place. It was my first time driving alone, so naturally I ended up going the wrong way. However, after making a u-turn and finally found the place, traveling time by car from the city center of Kota Kinabalu is estimated to be about half an hour to 45 minutes. Please take note to those who is driving, do not take the old road heading deeper to Papar. 

Resort Name
Beringgis Beach Resort and Spa

Website Address
http://www.beringgis.com

Facilities Review
There are several types of rooms available. The one I had was spacious and very comfortable. Each wing has several rooms on both levels. However, because the building materials are mostly wood, do take note that you may be mildly disturbed by sound either from outside or from your next door neighbours.

There is no internet or wireless available in rooms and other areas, but there is internet facilities provided in the lobby. Since I wanted a quiet time, no internet access is just what I needed ^_^. 

I am sure the restaurant served delicious foods. As I joined a group of people, we were served at the open deck area. From breakfast to dinner, the dishes served were tasty and just nice for my appetite. 

The swimming pool, which is located at the center where all the rooms are, is a nice place for you to do sun bathing and of course take a dive. However, please be aware of safety since there is no lifeguard stationed at the pool. 

...AND of course they have awesome beach. I could not swim in the water since the wind was strong and the waves were pretty rough. Nonetheless, there are small benches and huts for you to sit or lie down and relax while enjoying the sea.

Room Rates
Please refer to the website.

Personal Rating
4 stars

Pictures from the scene

(Photo Credit to UMS IB Club)

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[Tokyo Tower] Glimpse of Japan from above

3:19 AM ASIA, JAPAN, TOKYO TOWER, TRAVEL AND JOURNEY No Comments

Credit to Best Travel Destination

The first time I was introduced to Tokyo Tower was when my dad came back from Japan - I was still in kindergarten. The next time I saw Tokyo Tower, I was immediately fascinated and promised myself that I would one day see with my own eyes this beautiful structure. Of course, the whole idea of falling in love with Tokyo Tower came from a favourite J-dorama, Over Time.

Because of such passion towards the iconic structure, once I landed in Tokyo for the first time in 2002, I said to myself, "You must, definitely, find a way to go to Tokyo Tower - no matter how." During the early days of my stays in Japan, often I could see the tower from far - catching a glimpse while moving in bus or train. Almost at the end of the stay, I traded Disneyland for Tokyo Tower - there is no regrets. My dream came true.

Tokyo Tower - Once the tallest structure in the mega city, the tower stands at 333m tall. It is still the world's tallest self-supporting steel structure. At night, the lights on the structure shines magnificently, making it one of the most eye-catching point in Tokyo. While most things in Japan are expensive, a visit to Tokyo Tower is considered to be one of the most reasonably charged, compared to what you will gain. Check the rates at the website. 

If you get a chance to view the whole city from the observatory floor, you'll be amazed with what you see. I had the chance to see the city from above twice, once in during a clear blue sky and another in the evening. The first time I went to Tokyo Tower, i can still remember the moon was clearly seen on the sky. The excitement I had in my heart and mind was overwhelming as I scaled up the tower. Although there was many people around, all I could remember was me walking and taking my own sweet time to adore the beauty scenes of Tokyo which I could see clearly from the above. There was so many flashing lights in different colours and different distances. My eyes caught attention to the super big ferris wheel decorated with colourful neon lights, somewhere not so far from the city.

The second time I visited Tokyo Tower was in 2006. The sun was still up when I went up with a dear friend of mine. I liked the gentleman so much. But, even my crush on him could not steal the love I have for Tokyo Tower. This time I caught a glimpse of the city in clear blue sky. The tremendous sight of buildings saw made me realized that I was in the middle of, certainly, a mega city. From the above I could not see the rush or the fast phase that I was struggling to grasp while on the grown. Yes, there were thousands of buildings and structures, but I could also see many greens such as parks, rivers and trees.

I wish I could meet the love of my life here at Tokyo Tower. It would be extremely special as this place is considered one of my favourite places in the world.

I wonder how would Tokyo Tower reacts this time? Definitely I will put this in my list for my upcoming trip to Japan. Anyone care to join me here to celebrate my birthday?

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[Hotel Review] Lanjut Golden Beach & Golf Resort

5:54 PM ACTIVITIES, HOTEL REVIEW, MALAYSIA, TRAVEL AND JOURNEY No Comments

If you are looking for a quiet and luxurious style of holiday, there is no need to travel away from Peninsular of Malaysia. While Mersing is a known gateway to Tioman Island, Kuala Rompin also offers the same. However, if you wish to be on the mainland and still have the opportunity to leisure around white sandy beach, Kuala Rompin has everything to offer.

You should look for Lanjut Golden Beach & Golf Resort when you head to Kuala Rompin.

My family & I went for a short escapade in December 2011 and we were informed that the place had just finished refurbishment. A drive from Kuala Lumpur would take about 5 hours while if you are taking a southern route (via Mersing) I would be slightly more than 8 hours. Although it is a long journey, the view you would see will compensate everything once you reach the place.

After check-in we realized that with the price we pay, the room is extremely spacious, neat and clean. The rooms we had were facing the sea, with swimming pool view just below our balcony. This is a resort. Thus, you get everything in one place.

Activities
From golfing to karaoke to beach and sea activities, you can never get enough of them here. Since the vicinity is kind of secluded, you can enjoy the atmosphere and privacy here. They also have outdoor team building activity which you can enquire at their reception desk.

Food
The restaurant knows the best of what to recommend. They serve fresh water prawns and many other tasting delicacies. The service crews are also good at recommending places in the area for you to go for food hunt.

Personal Rating
4 out of 5 stars

Price
Check out their website at http://www.lanjut.my/

Pictures from the scene

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Going to Japan: Searching for Ideas

4:09 AM ASIA, JAPAN, MAKIKO VOICE, TRAVEL AND JOURNEY No Comments

My first experience traveling abroad brought me to the land where the sun rise - Japan. When I first landed in Narita International Airport, about ten years ago, it was beyond my expectation. As I walked down the escalator with another 27 fellow comrades, it was the biggest turning point of my life - witnessed by the Japanese morning sky.

Japan welcomed me in a unique way - I could smell the autumn wind immediately after I left the airport for our bus. Soon, I was in a big hall surrounded by hundreds of strangers.

45 days later, those strangers became my friends.
*****

This year marks the 10th year anniversary of that first journey.

Thus, I am heading back to Japan for another kind of experience. What do you think I should do this time? Let me know for ideas so I could go and explore more. In other words, the more I see and experience, the more stories I can share with all of you.

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