I admit that I may not know completely, but I refuse to be silent.

Ignorance is a choice. This is a problem that affects everyone. If you do not see it, you act privileged. If you do not speak about it, you stand with the oppressor. At this time of age, we have all resources available to educate ourselves. They are all one click or tap away.

However, it does not simply stop there. This issue has existed way back and it needs to cease to exist. Changing the system may be highly unlikely but if we all just try to start within ourselves, maybe we can. As an Asian, I have never experienced anything comparable to discrimination faced by those of people of color. So I try to empathize, and by empathizing, I mean I stand with everyone who are victims of racism. I grew up with traditional and conservative parents and whenever a sensitive topic is brought up during our dinner, it never ended well, but neither did I stop convincing them with what I thought was right. Finally, they listened to me after all the tears I poured as I passionately persuaded them with my arguments.

It is difficult to change people’s way of thinking, but it is not impossible. I encourage everyone to do the same by starting within yourselves.

I am not perfect. In fact, I may be lacking in many aspects, but this is not about me. This is a global issue that needs to be tackled regardless of your background, culture and nationality. It will continue to be an issue if all of us choose to ignore or be silent about this matter.

While I know this platform may not be as big as others, I just felt the need of writing this blog especially after seeing how other people responded (with no response) to this problem. Thank you for taking the time to read and I hope I changed your mind at least a bit.

As have a lot of people, I will create more content, instead of only photos on my website! My plans are creating blogs about living in Japan, studies, my projects and anything that comes to mind that I think are worth sharing.

With the current situation, I hope that you are able to cope despite how difficult that may be. If you need someone to talk to, do not hesitate to contact me!

Happy Mother’s Day! I am more than glad and proud to have you as my mom. I don’t think all the struggles you went through can be compared to anyone (or at least to people I know). No one would understand until they see it.

I was a witness.

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Maybe to people who are acquainted with my mom or those who barely know her would see her as a beautiful and talented person. It is true and it is quite disappointing that I did not inherit those genes, but she is way more than just appearance and talent. She is a very hardworking person. She has been working day and night, more than 12 hours 5 times a week, and she does not complain about her work because she loves them. She is also very organized, sadly the opposite of me. I would say she might be in the same level as Marie Kondo. Our home is basically a folded origami, all spaces used efficiently and proportionately. In just a span of 2 days, she was able to organize everything on her own after moving houses. It’s great to say I have a “home sweet home” after having to live somewhere on my own, and as you might have guessed, my place is very unorganized. If you also did not know, my mother is very talented in singing. A lot of men (and women) have fallen head over heels for her because of her exceptional voice. She can sing a wide variety of genre. May it be ballad, rock, pop, Japanese, R&B, or OPM, she can easily pull it off. Among all these, she is the best in being a mother.

As a widow with 5 children, it is beyond amazing how she managed to raise all of us well. From serving very good (but too much) food, providing more than just our basic needs to being a great parent, I express my gratitude. My biological father passed away when she was just in her mid-20’s. It is the saddest love story I know but the more interesting story was how she picked herself up despite the great pain and the lack of support from everyone she thought would care. She went through it alone, while having to raise me and my siblings. Since then, her life had become a rocky road. But, never did I hear my mom complain. Rather, she picks herself up every time she falls no matter how much strength it requires to do it. Looking back, it is nice to see how far she has come especially the difficult chapters she had to walk through her entire life. I do admit I take my mom for granted but know that, of all people, I look up to you the most.

Happy Mother’s Day to my mom, and to everyone’s moms!

It has been almost half a year since I took these photos, in case you are wondering when the event was held. It took place somewhere in Koedo in October. I went with some friends, walked around, took photos, and most importantly, ate A LOT. I heard that this festival is quite famous because of its grandiosity so I recommend to those who plan to visit Japan sometime in October.

A few neon lights I found in the streets of Harajuku and Shibuya.

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