Just a quick post to show my support for Tracyねえちゃん and her cute couture brand, Tiara by Tracy Dizon!

Her designs are now available at the “Harajuku Girls’ go-to point for legwear!” right in the heart of HARAJUKU… MAM avantgarde! 

Check out TokyoFashion.com‘s store feature about Avantagarde Harajuku here! AMAZEBALLS GUYS.

HUHUHU Such a dream come true for Tracyねえ〜！

Super happy to be part of this project! I was the photographer & videographer in 1 whole day of fun shoot with Emikaちゃん & Yukaちゃん！

Please check out Tiara by Tracy Dizon works in the store itself if you come visit Tokyo! :-)

UNI-URCHIN See Sick,Sea Sick! 

Modeled by Yuka Matsumoto

Styling by the Designer herself ~

And Liley (her sister) as the Associate Stylist too! 

Our favorite photo from this set hehehe 

Don’t forget to tag #tiaraintokyo on instagram /  twitter / fb once you get your own.. designer EYEBOW! hahaha~ yay!!

Omedetou again, Tracyねえちゃん！

カイラ

- the first ever kawaii lifestyle workshop here in our shores. 

(Logo by Little Miss Paintbrush  )

✧Kawaii in Manila✧ is an intimate, whole day affair that aims to promote

and recreate the Japanese kawaii culture here in Manila, through an interactive, experience-driven workshop.

It’s an event that wishes to foster close ties with fellow Japanophiles through a variety of kawaii related activities such as DIY sessions,

beauty and styling workshops, and a much-anticipated kawaii photo-shoot for all participants!

Kawaii in Manila hopes to share and spread the love for all things cute, happy and child-like, by constructing a world of cupcakes, Barbie dolls, stickers and Pocky sticks for the kawaii girl to frolic in – *even if only for a day!*

(ﾉ◕ヮ◕)ﾉ*:･ﾟ✧彡

For every girl who loves Japanese fashion & lifestyle.
Experience Kawaii in Manila.

Kawaii at home.

Photography by Justin De Jesus 

Click here to view the embedded video.

Videography by Mary Anne Collantes (Shutter Panda Photography; Instagram); Editing by yours truly ~ 

Just a week of impulsive planning, random brainstorming & new friendships!  :cool:

Manila, get ready!

As one of chosen Kawaii Leaders in the world (by NHK World’s Kawaii International program),

I will do my very best to bring Japan’s Kawaii culture straight from Tokyo with my Manila-based powerhouse team:

Anne (Kyary PH head admin), ChiChi, Reese, Tracy, & Liley!

Our REALLY BIG DREAM is to create a FUN & exciting Kawaii convention (Kawaii CON) in the future & this is our FIRST brave step (Kawaii Experience Workshop) towards that ambitious goal. Please don’t forget to check our facebook page for live updates regarding this once-in-a-lifetime event! 

Wish us all the best with all the crazy arrangemenst~ 

カイラ

By the way, if you haven’t watched the NHK episode yet, here’s a video link! I don’t know until when it will be available here in the web so watch it as soon as you can! Thank you Isisさん for the tip!! 

First off, I would like to introduce Kawaii.i to all fellow kawaii fashion lovers like me! I’m pretty sure most of my new readers got to know me because of this facebook page though. Hehe~

Kawaii.i (www.facebook.com/KawaiiiOfficial) is a Facebook page that spreads Japanese “Kawaii” (means cute and pretty) culture to the world and provides a place of communication to the people who are interested in Kawaii fashion, people, and things which include Manga and Anime. It introduces popular Japanese fashion brands, shop stuff coordinates, and the latest J-pop information etc.

Accessory gear for the first day as a Kawaii leader~

Wearing Rainbowholic x Enji “がんばってます” necklace! Don’t forget to get ENJI updates from facebook and instagram!

I had a hard time to pack everything in one suitcase! I prepared 5+ outfit sets for the Kawaii Tour! *_*

YAY! Decided to design my plain red suitcase as well with these stickers~

Got a surprise text + photo from my sissies from another mommy! Thank you Ate Tracy, Liley, Theia & Atreyu for all the support! I was getting nervous the night before the actual day & getting such support all the way from Manila (when the project was still a secret) is just … ;________;

I recreated my plain denim overalls~ I added a Philippine map patch + Rainbow doodle + Heart! <3

Left: My place was left in a total chaos before I left for my Kawaii Tour in Tokyo~ look at the background *_*

Right: I’m addicted to SWIMMER’s luggages! :O ヤバイ！

I make sure that when I present myself to people, everything that I’m bringing with me also represents who I am… hehe~

Since I’m the only who is living in Japan, my brother & I went to Shibuya by Rainbowholic Kuruma-chan while the other girls were fetched from Narita Airport. :)

During the short meeting / briefing with NHK World Kawaii International producers, directors, staff, Japan Tourism Board members.. we had these kawaii Domo-kun themed snacks!

Trying out the Panasonic camera JTB has generously sponsored for each Kawaii leader!

The adorable Marie Zannou & ultracool Eva Cheung!

After our meeting in NHK office, we headed out to have our first dinner together. My brother (turned manager??) also came with us!

 They let us eat everything we wanted to try! Got super full that day & the excitement for the whole tour was just overflowing…

With the loveliest girls!  Marie, Eva, Stella & Mio!

Hotel Room

NHK had us booked in Dormy Inn Premium Shibuya!

Couldn’t pack light ;_;

FINALLY HUHUHU wanted to sleep right away but had to take photos of everything first, haha!

Before it all turned into a chaotic nightmare :))

I thought I could take an outfit photo everyday with my tripod & slr.. but I was wrong. :))

The tripod was only used during that night, haha! What is fail :))

And after these snaps, I had  shower & went to bed.. still feeling nervous & excited for tomorrow’s next events! :”)

More stuff to share later on~ yayay!

カイラ

]]> http://the.rainbowholic.me/kawaii/kawaii-leaders-in-tokyo-day-1-meeting-everyone/feed/ 11 http://the.rainbowholic.me/personal/there-is-no-place-like-home/ http://the.rainbowholic.me/personal/there-is-no-place-like-home/#comments Sun, 02 Jun 2013 01:04:56 +0000 Kaila http://the.rainbowholic.me/?p=15752 Hello, hello, hello!! :”)

Yup, I’m still in Manila and enjoying every moment with my family and friends. Even though the primary reason of my sudden visit was for my annoying gallbladdie (gallbladder haha), I thought I should extend my spontaneous vacation longer so that I could spend more time with the people I love here. :”) I’ll come back again for other reasons but I should take advantage of everyone’s vacation period (it’s summer here!).. hehehe. OH btw, we confirmed that I currently have zero gallstones!! In Japan, we visited two doctors and they told me “they couldn’t see the stones” (but they didn’t want to confirm that those were gone).. and for the last doctor we visited here, he told me I was able to flush away~ (lololol) the stones! What a miracle seriously ;_; I just continued to opt for healthy eating / food moderation + Aloe juice & fish oil capsules (the reason why I left the hospital earlier last October) ^^ Super super ureshii (happy)! It’s kinda symbolic for me because I’m feeling genuinely happy these days + my health is getting better and better! :”) Life is great!

As some of you know, last December, I spent Christmas here as well but it was a really tough time for me. Even on my birthday, I was pretty down..? and I swore to myself that the next time I go back home, I will really have a blast. And so far, everyday is just.. even if I still have a lot of stuff to work on TT_TT… Anyway, more stories later! :))

- end of real-time life update, haha -

Kaila in Manila

Though I have some Philippine-related posts here on my blog, I don’t think I have properly introduced my home yet. For some reason, I don’t know why a few of my readers didn’t know that I came from Philippines. :))) You guys.. WHY :))))

I have so much love for Japan (hai JapanLover.me) but there is something about Philippines that makes me want to come back every now and then (ask any Filipino who works abroad & I’m 100% he/she will agree!!). Even it’s a third-world country & the kind of lifestyle I live in Japan is waaaay different here.. I would still consider Manila (Philippines) as my #1 home. This place taught me how to be independent, adventurous, street-smart, etc. There is something about the warm smiles of the people here, the feeling of being welcomed.. the hospitality, the yummy & inexpensive food, everything. I have my own share of horrific commuting stories but.. crime is everywhere anyway, regardless of what country it is. I believe. :D

I lived in Manila for almost all my life & this place really taught me how to be “smart” when it comes to traveling to places alone hehe~

I ride jeepneys just like anyone else. :)

(lololol I can’t act candid :)) )

Hello Manila heat… you just melted my useless makeup. :))

Went to U.P. COOP (cooperative) because I missed this place. This is where I get my overused bags / shoes fixed, photocopy books I couldn’t afford (too expensive :)) ), etc. etc. :))

Tracy nee-chan introduced this yummy fruit shake stall before~!! We would go here & get our shake fix! Can I haz cold banana shake forever huhuhu

My company for that day was Justin! Thank you for all the photos!! ;____;

We first met again (after such a longgggg time) during his family’s Tokyo trip last month! Remember the Toy Shopping / Nakano blog entry?

TAPSILOGGG from Rodic’s!!

BANGUSILOG ;_;

(on a different note, i love the camera lens he used here hahahaha ok)

SUPER HUNGRY mode haha~

I’m the kind of girl who can eat everywhere just as long as the food is yummy and that my gallbladder won’t have reasons to annoy me again. :))

Picture with Ate~

(ate = pronounced as “a-te”; older sister)

KARIOKA (according to google, it’s called Filipino Chewy Balls lolololol) :)))!!

HUHUHUHU saraaaaaap (oishii)!

Food photographer working on it again :)))

Fishballs, squidballs, kikiam huhuhu tummy why you full so fast, I wanted to try out everything!

My favorite, buko juice!!

Such a lovely day to have picnic with friends!!

Kaila and food =)))

Lol guys I brought props =))

Gave a balloon to this kid selling hair ties ^^

~dirty~ icecream time!! Don’t ask why we call it dirty, haha!

For aesthetic purposes, I really did prepare some balloons lololol

The perks of having a photographer to hang out with you = facebook profile pic-worthy photos hahaha

We were looking for the sunflower spot.. but it was gone ;___; ON MY NEXT VISIT!!

What :))

Weeeeee~

Me enjoying my second buko juice. Hahaha!! I want a buko tree :))

Giving out these balloons because we couldn’t carry these inside the jeepney.

BUNGISNGIS mode (haggard look) :)))

Hehehe~ 

Hope you enjoyed witnessing this side of me! More Rainbowholic in Manila entries~ I have to finish the Kawaii leaders project first! Hahaha!

Thank you again Justin for the lovely photos ^^

カイラ

To those who waited and watched the Kawaii Leaders project episode, thank youuuuu! :”)

Here’s a short update regarding the successful project with the girls ^^ I think I’ll have 5+ more entries and hundreds of photos to post because the episode that aired was really just 20% of everything! *_* I’ll do my best to recount our special days together… haha!

I took some sceenshots of the episode ~

Hello Stella Baby!!

Wow, my Kawaii D.I.Y. website got featured as well :O

Recaps~

Yay! フィリピン represent!

Please don’t forget to like Kawaii.i!

Stella again~

Mio!

Eva!

Super Kawaii hosts. I really love Mariさん’s nautical look!!

We all had our own Kawaii Missions!

Those nails *_*

Yep, blame Kyary’s “eyebags” :)))

Mio in her alterego..? :)))

Really love these temporary tattoos!

Mio and Misha-san trying out the Purikura machines!

Ever so sweet Marie! I think that she’s the sweetest Lolita I’ve ever met!!!

Her mission was to create clay accessories. She got mentored by Kinakoさん!

Remember my last photoset entry?

Hair became dry & weird because it was raining outside huhuhu ;_;

My love for Ota-cute fashion hehe~

With Domo!

My favorite Pikachu kigurumi hehe~

My contest piece that brought me to many places, hehe~

AMAZING COSPLAYERS IN ACTION ;_;

You guys, it’s Kikiwan huhuhu ;_;

Really really love this studio in Tokyo!!

She made my whole cosplay dress!!! *_*

I have so much respect for cosplayers ;_;

She told me she really has 200+ costumes!! *_* HANDMADE Y’ALL

Lol, I never thought that the “hair sticking up” has a name. Aho-ge :)))

OMG LOLOLOLOL

OHNOEEEEEEE :))*DOKIDOKI*

I might try cosplaying again.. probably haha :))

Eva for her Kawaii Mission :)

MOST INEXPERIENCED in modelling :))))))))

:)))

HUG HUG HUG lololol at my sister Marie :))

Where Kyary Pamyu Pamyu had her concert ;_; Look at all those Kawaii fans!!!

DOKI DOKI DOKI DOKI :)) the camera caught me randomly dancing out of nervousness :)))

When in doubt, show confidence :)))

Super love my whole outfit here. HEART SHADES ;_;

Stella~

Marie!

Us dancing while wearing the GALAXXXY collection!

After the fashion show…

YATTA YATTA YATTA!!

This was during our Kawaii Tour ^^

Went to Angelic Pretty in LaForet with them <3

RILAKKUMA KIDDYLAND!! Toilet time haha~

Amazing candy art!! *_*

While making our photo collage~

Mio’s Pastel Heart <3

Eva’s theme was something colorful + 80′s style!

My voice was so husky in this part. Actually, I got a bit sick during the Kawaii Tour that I almost lost my voice! *_*

I sacrificed my Domo toy for this heart collage .. ;_;

Dun dun dun dun..

For me, Kawaii is anything that makes you smile & that cheers you up during a bad day! :-)

Thank you for watching~!

Kawaii Leaders in Tokyo (Behind-the-scenes!)

Click here to view the embedded video.

カイラ

]]> http://the.rainbowholic.me/kawaii/nhk-world-kawaii-international-episode-screencaps-and-kawaii-tour-behind-the-scenes/feed/ 5 http://the.rainbowholic.me/kawaii/sassy-crazy-silly-me/ http://the.rainbowholic.me/kawaii/sassy-crazy-silly-me/#comments Mon, 27 May 2013 12:08:58 +0000 Kaila http://the.rainbowholic.me/?p=15595 Hello, hello!

Just wanna share this funny set of photos we took in a super oshare (fashionable) studio where I accomplished my mission for the Kawaii International episode last weekend! I’m still preparing the special blog entry series of the Kawaii Tour with Stella, Mio, Eva & Marie that happened in April. 

For the meantime, enjoy these wacky photos first.. haha!!

It was break time so my brother and I figured we should mess around… haha~ 

Wearing this rei plugsuit dress from JSG x Eva Store collection!

I love incorporating random / favorite characters to my fashion style which I call “ota-cute” fashion.

Otaku + kawaii = <3

I just goofed around and did funny poses :))

“A Hard Day in Eva” as captioned by a Rainbowholic reader.. haha!!

After my EVA video shot, I changed into another attire. 

Me and Sakura

I’m a huge, huge fan of the anime Cardcaptor Sakura.

When I was 12 or 13, I really looked up to this magical girl named Sakura Kinomoto. It’s so funny how she was really my “peg” on what type of person I would like to be when I grow older (and I’m now 22.. wow 10 years after?!).. *_* For some reason, her bubbly & cheerful personality in the series became the major reason why I got so hooked!!! You guys, I even cut my hair short + colored it auburn before just so I could feel like Sakura… omg.. . Hahaha!! I don’t know why but sometimes, I feel like I also got my crazy / bright personality from my Sakura addiction.. *true story* 

Wore my Kawaii DIY graphic top + Cute Parade star key!

:P

My new Sakura figures I bought for 200 yen each! ;_;

Just playing around :))

WHUT

LEFT PHOTO: BRB GUYS..

Step out of the frame! :))

Then there was this special / super cute diner-inspired set in the studio! Future RAINBOWHOLIC CAFE!!! ;_;

*AMAZED*

“Okay let’s do this..!”

YUMMY-looking plastic cupcakes!!

Can I take home all the props???

Sorry, my (minimal / useless) make-up was starting to fade here haha.. :)))

….

Awkwardly posing hehehehe

…….

I DON’T KNOW

LOL guys

Making a kawaii chaos?? :))

My cousin Kuya Jonathan also came to the studio shoot hahahaha I think everyone’s gotten used to my craziness :)))

WTF

My face when somebody catches me during my midnight snack trip in the kitchen..

“Hehehehe…”

I can’t act. :))

What the.. :))

Cannot be explained. :)))

Hope you enjoyed this funny photoset! More stories later~ Hopefully my unstable internet connection will finally cooperate! ;_;

I’m back in Manila for a short vacation & enjoying every minute of it! 

This is really my HOME.

カイラ

Just a quick updaaate!

I’m actually in Manila right now (for health concerns + business matters)…

… and my internet is super unstable so I’ll just do this announcement brief (before my pocket wifi dies)!

This coming weekend (May 25 & 26), NHK World’s Kawaii International program will finally air its FIRST Kawaii Leader Project!

Online Streaming (if you don’t have NHK World Cable):

www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/w/movie

Helpful Link: How to Watch?

*doki doki doki doki*

Airing Schedule

In Philippine Time:
May 25, Sat. 23:10
May 26, Sun. 3:10/7:10/11:10/15:10/19:10

In UTC or Universal Time Coordinated:
May 25, Sat. 15:10/19:10/23:10
May 26, Sun 3:10/7:10/11:10

In JST or Japan Standard Time:
May 26, Sun. 0:10/4:10/8:10/12:10/16:10/20:10

Teaser photos from Kawaii.i’s facebook page.

Wore GALAXXXY items for the KAWAii!! Matsuri runway show!

Click here to view the embedded video.

Will release the full video after the episode airing~ 

There were so many kawaii fans & lovers in the event! This was where Kyary Pamyu Pamyu also performed! *_*

Thank you Kaoriさん and Marikoさん for the photos! ^_^

www.facebook.com/KawaiiiOfficial

Kaila. Stella. Eva. Marie. Mio.

Please don’t forget to watch us okay? ^^v

Thank you 皆様〜！

カイラ

This is where I sleep, eat, work, roll my lazy ass around….

and yes, JapanLover.me was born here. Haha!

Characters everywhere, hehe~

Pinned some of the letters and postcards I received from Rainbowholic readers from different parts of the world ^^

Rilakkuma keeps me company. :-))

Previous room-related entries can be found here.

My be@rbrick addiction is.. getting worse..??  :what:

Workplace.

I may be 22 years old already but the kawaii lover child in me will be forever young! :-) *proud*

Don’t be fooled though, most of my stuff here were given as gifts + from a second-hand toy shop!

Whole view.

Little Miss Paintbrush‘s art yay <3

Sorry for the lack of -focus- in the photos (I’m so OC huhuhu), I was taking snaps at 3-4:00 in the morning because I had to submit these somewhere. And I was too stressed to retake. :P

カイラ

Last year, around October – November, I was having a personal dilemma with Rainbowholic. Yep, this blog. 

I have always loved sharing. I like taking time snapping photos, whether the subject is just a new pocky flavor released in 7-eleven or just a random sticker on a wall in Harajuku. I love taking videos from my perspective and making a music video out of it– with the exact feel when I was in that moment of capturing. Thanks to TokyoFashion.com, I was able to have opportunities to produce freely… and making people feel that they were with me in those fashion-related events.

Another thing that I like doing is working with like-minded people. I love pooling people together, leading a group, and having a goal with everyone. Nothing beats the feeling of surpassing a target dream.. and having people with you to celebrate its sweet success. Back in college, I was the VP for Creative for my course (Advertising Management)’s official organization (AdCreate Society)… and we jumped from the 17th place (can’t remember) to the Top 4 org list in the whole campus. After that life-changing experience, I felt that working with the team / bringing out the best in everyone was really something that I’d like to do in the future.

And then it happened, that future has become “now”… huhuhu. *tears* *hugs JapanLover.me*

As much as I’d like to work with a team, my current job as an overall assistant / right-hand person for my brother  in his Japan-based company which he built from scratch, I am unable to do that. I also just couldn’t see myself working for another company and make it earn (lol) so I’ve got to find a way where my brother can allow me to do the kind of work I like.. and still being home-based.

I had thoughts of “expanding” Rainbowholic but no matter how I think of another way to do it, it’s just not right. I cannot do that. Rainbowholic will lose its personal charm and I don’t want that to happen. At the same time, I also want Rainbowholic to grow in another way… I don’t want it to become that kind of blog that is being bombarded with sponsors (I think it’s quite stressful to deal with lots of sponsors every single day, and my blog will just turn into a visual magazine full of ads..). I don’t want just to become a “blogger”, when I know within me that I can do so much more. I had been spending too much time inside my room and sharing what happened for the past days/weeks.. it was real fun but at some point, I realized that I’ve got to move forward & do something more challenging. I can’t just say “I want to do this, do that” while staying still… I had to doodle a venn diagram so I can figure out how I can make everything work out the way I like it, without sacrificing my initial responsibilities.

And that was when I finally realized that I should just create another outlet. Another outlet that would use the advantage of me having so much love for Japan + being in Japan as well.

And at the center of the diagram, I came up with www.japanlover.me.

JapanLovin’

During the start of www.japanlover.me, I only thought of having “Kawaii” and “Otaku” as the two kinds of JapanLovers (fyi, “otaku” is a widely-accepted term already so self-proclaimed japan culture experts.. please -_-). After contemplating & brainstorming on my own for so many days because I knew there was something missing.. my brother then told me that a Japan culture enthusiast (not necessarily into cute or anime stuff) is definitely a JapanLover. And for me, modern & traditional Japan are both “COOL“. Hence, Cool JapanLover became the third addition to complete my initial JapanLover.me concept.

At first, I only commissioned my talented online twin / illustrator friend ChiChi, who is currently based in Manila. I thought I could do everything on my own, and I did try too… After nights and more frustrating nights, I suddenly had a creative block and I almost gave up on this website. Actually, my direction for JapanLover.me had changed so much. If I wrote down all the ideas on a scratch paper, my room at that time would be filled with crumpled papers everywhere.

Then during late November until the start of January, I was feeling pretty depressed that I simply had no inspiration nor motivation to continue it. I was pretty down, and only two words can describe what I was feeling that time– deep sh_t. :)) So true, haha.

After talking to my brother (who during that time, was so concentrated in arranging papers for a bank loan), I thought I should jumpstart this project again. It took so many effort just to get myself up early in the morning, to constantly remind myself that “this will be worth it, this will be worth it…“.. You guys, I had to ask myself over and over again “How much do you want this, Kaila?” .. of course, my answer would be, very very very very x 10 much.

Day by day, my ideas were turning more ambitious. I needed someone who will actualize it with me. After chatting with ChiChi for a couple of minutes on Facebook, I got her as my partner & official illustrator for www.japanlover.me. I knew our “tandem” would be a hit and I really want to introduce her kawaii art more.. to the WORLD (not just in Manila, wherein she is not being treated the way she deserves to be.. as an artist). Since I was distracted also because of my previous matters of the heart (omg haha wtffffff), I asked her if she could help me deactivate my personal Facebook account so just I can hibernate well while concentrating on this project 10000%. My mind had to be focused on other stuff, or else my eyes would suffer because of unintentional crying moments. :)))) For 3 months or so, I was using another Facebook account (my friends wondered why I disappeared, woops) for easier chatting with ChiChi and of course.. I need to update my Rainbowholic fan page regularly as well. I would say that during the creation of JapanLover.me, it was a life-changing experience for me. I realized so many things… who my real friends were, my paint tolerance brought upon gallstone attacks (caused by stress), and so much more. Personal bootcamp, anyone? 

For a month or so, we would wake up early, sleep late, talk about our big dreams… we used different platforms to connect & list our tasks well. We have lots of google doc spreadsheets & it was enjoyable for us whenever we would highlight a completed task. There was almost never a day I didn’t talk to ChiChi / send emails to possible collaborators. During that time, I asked favors from friends as well. For their inputs & additional ideas.. I even asked my college best friend Gracie (who isn’t really that into Japanese culture) to help me with copywriting. My family members were very supportive as well, my sis-in-law & cousin helped me setup some pages in the website, since I’m always running out of time to do the job. I thought I could present and launch www.japanlover.me last February, and then it got moved.. and moved for so many times. It was simply not enough, and I don’t like present half-baked / half-hearted projects. It is not my style. Kaila style is always her 1000000% BEST.

Then one time, I just tweeted what I was feeling that time. I was so overwhelmed because my mentors / idols from TokyoFashion.com shared me their insights about this + Anggy Cempaka of Enji agreed to collaborate with JapanLover. There was this great chance I could talk to my mentors from TokyoFashion.com… and our conversation really struck me. I was feeling a bit at a loss that time because my head was in chaos (too much ideas but the direction was twisted) but when Mori-san told me that “You just gotta keep going, try out everything.. and see what works.”.. and everyday, it was my mantra. KEEP GOING.

Anyway back to that tweet. After I posted that random tweet… I received a response from a friend / colleague in college. It was from Mishie!

She told me she wanted to do something to help out or contribute.. and it was just perfect timing because ChiChi and I were having problems with copywriting / overall text. I am not really confident with my English (my grammar is just so-so). So I narrated everything to her, it was such a long email full of excitement, ideas.. and it felt like I was back in college, brainstorming with a group. Actually, I had worked with Mishie before at AdCreate Society. She has always been competent and I didn’t have problems with her because when she’d deliver work for the org, she’s always been so professional! And she is so good with words + she has talent in illustrating as well..!  So from ChiChi and Kaila’s twinship, it became “Dream Tweam” for the three of us. Twin + Team =… Tweam. HAHAHAHA omg

I can’t remember how long we worked for this website after Mishie got in as well. I think it was around 2 months or so.. You guys should read Mishie’s own JapanLove narration here, you would be surprised & shocked! 

Can you imagine how we all worked together when we are all in different places (and timezones)? You could say that because we share the same passion, all the sacrifices we made (sleepless nights, friday nights and weekends at home.. in front of the computer -_-).. we knew it would be all worth it in the end. This is why I am very thankful to meet and find these people to build my dream.. that became a shared dream for all of us. And no, we don’t earn from this website yet , but later on.. we will strategize so that we can make this a better platform for every Kawaii / Cool / Otaku JapanLover out there. :-)

(JapanLover.me Milestones Page)

(this was a very emotional moment for me, haha!)

Even after we launched successfully (we got 11k likes during our soft launch campaign?!), the challenges just kept coming. As the head troublemaker in the team, even if I had personal obligations that I needed to attend.. I had to be responsible to juggle everything since JapanLover.me was still very ripe and new. Everything was happening to me all at the same time and it was the busiest time in my life! I was having this Kawaii Leader tour with NHK World (Kawaii International program) for a week, and every night I would check updates for this project-turned-fun-work & need to make sure we are going in a steady / improving phase. Kawaii “leader” by day, dedicated JapanLover.me team leader by night. And of course, I had to help my brother in his work from time to time! 24 hours a day wasn’t / still isn’t enough… *_* But what the hell, if you really want to make it happen, there’s got to be a way. There has to be. ^^

Arigatou Gozaimasu!

Click here to view the embedded video.

I know it is still early to say that JapanLover.me is a real success project but I just can’t help but feel thankful to everyone who has shown support from the very start.

Talking about this >> Likes = WIN!

Funny how I was just sharing this vision of mine to Emika-chan before (while we were having a date in Doraemon Museum, haha!), and now.. I can’t believe I’ve collaborated with her for many photoshoots already (I’ll treat you many cheeseburgers when we see each other again). My Tracy-neechan & bestfriend Aya saw and witnessed how much I struggled to pull myself together, to restart this passion-filled dream. I cannot thank these people enough for always pushing me, saying “Gambatte” almost every day, keeping my mind off from the things that used to make me sad. There were so many days I would relapse to my frustrated self.. and having friends to lift each other’s spirits up, it’s really something to be thankful for. 

My Indonesian best friend Leen fully showed her support and took time to write about her vacation as a contribution for Cool Japan Lover’s travel guide…. my high school friend Reese created a wonderful visual letter for her love for Japan. Jin, one of the people whom I look up to (and stayed humble for all of these years in the cosplay scene in Manila), willingly agreed to be featured ;_;. I remember Justin posting photos from his Japan trip with his family and I thought that his photos are super share-worthy + would be a great addition for JapanLover.. and he willingly obliged to send hi-res photos of his Kyoto trip..

Christina, my fun friend from Harajuku Fashion Walk, shared her life as a fashion student here in Tokyo. We even met up so I can introduce this idea to her.. *_* My brother Eric’s Vietnamese best friend Huy-san, filled my empty external harddrive with all the Japan photos that he has with him. My brother told me it took a whole day just to rearrange all the photos, etc.. omg ;__; Ashley, who I just met via twitter and currently residing in Kobe, came up with a Kobe travel guide article. Iida-san, my brother’s Japanese business partner, helps me with Japanese-English translation… ;_; There are sooooo much more people involved, you wouldn’t believe it. ;_; *bows down to everyone*

JapanLover.me was not only built by me… nor my “dream tweam” only. It’s a love project fulfilled between the team & friends / collaborators who believed that this would turn out something great. And boy.. everyday, it’s just amazing how much it grows. :”) *tsunami of tears*

I know you guys are probably tired of reading my thanks or whatever (hahaha) but I can’t help it. ;___;

I would like to express my deepest & sincerest thanks to every Rainbowholic reader out there who generously gave me lots of motivational comments & cheers for www.japanlover.me! Before, I was just telling you about this “secret project” I was slaving for (sorry for the term, haha).. now, it’s been a month or so! ;_; I consider you guys are the initial supporters & super ARIGATOUUUUU for helping me spread the worldwide JapanLove. ;_;

I shall “motto gambarimasu” (do my best more),

カイラ

(To ChiChi & Mishie.. someday, both of you will witness everything I’m seeing in Japan too. I will do my best to bring you guys here. )

Even after the week-long  Kawaii Leader project with NHK / Kawaii International, my first week of May was also packed / “fully booked”! So many friends coming over during the Golden Week! I think I was outside almost everyday… ;_; It was so tough and challenging since I have to juggle so many responsibilities (real work / JapanLover.me / Rainbowholic ) all at once. *_* I think I need to divide myself into 3 more. 

Anywaaaaay, I’m still very grateful because my friends from Manila came to visit! It was so funn and I almost forgot all of my obligations..! :”) Wish I could do this more and more.. 

I’ve been collaborating with Tracy姉ちゃん for a couple of projects together. For the work x fun meeting, we both decided to go to Koenji since we love the overall vibe in this place~! We also planned to visit the SPANK! store… which explains our matching SPANK! -inspired fashion looks here.

So pop and pastel~y! 

Work it work it

Perfect weather + not so many people + streets with lots of hidden treasures..

She’s rocking the tights from SPANK!

Thanks to my friend Chris, we found Floresta! Such a perfect chill place.. :O

Our noms

HOW CAN YOU EAT THAT *_*

After our dougnut break, we took photos around the area~ will reveal more pics once the project is already finished ^^

Wore the stewardess hat again for this special day~

I love blazers so much + my wanderlust backpack is forever my favorite

SPANK! time <3

With CHOCO!! <3

I can’t write a caption for this haha

Highlight of the day: Ate Tracy met SPANK’s designer/owner, Tavuchiさん！ <3

Dropped by NUDE N RUDE as well!

Then we went to Harajuku after to just enjoy the rest of the day… seriously, catching up together for just 1 day wasn’t enough. *_*

Proud Tiara muse right here. ;_; Slowly, my own design / illustration by Ate Tracy is coming true huhu!

Trying it out~

So COOL! I love the pop art price tag!! <3

EYEBOWS ! :))

Purikura time~!

Thank you for the awesome day <3

Now you know why Tracy-neechan and I get along so well.. haha!! Kawaii bonding!! :))

These cute doughnuts ;_;

See you again soon~! <3  More stories to write about us later hihihihi. Early congrats for “Tiara in Tokyo” success!

Maidreamin’ & Toy Shopping @ Nakano with Justin~

After my day with Ate Tracy (again, “ate” means older sister in Tagalog, hehehe)~ I got to spend a whole day with Justin! Super random day I swear haha~

Anddddd he contributes photos for JapanLover.me btw. Kyoto photo stroll part 1 and 2, please check these out hehehe. (Lol, segue much??) :))

We first had our brunch at Maidreamin’ cafe. I originally wanted to take him to @home cafe but because I have poor navigational skills… we just opted for Maidreamin’. We saw a random maid giving out flyers & thought it would be best if we get escorted, haha.

He ordered this kawaii kuma curry and I ordered a neko omurice. :D

It was also my first time to eat at a Maid cafe in Akihabara! It was so fun hahaha.. we also encountered a “wild maid” with crazy dancing skills omg =))

First time to see “Akibacars” around! We were lucky enough to ride and take some photos haha.. tourist mode on. :))

(on a different note.. for some reason, Akihabara is becoming my #2 Harajuku too. Blame the toys >_>)

Next time, we shall do some photostrolling together for real, haha! I was feeling so tired the whole week that my camera also decided to take a rest. D:

My poodle boots for comfy traveling in Tokyo..

WANT

We went to many stores / buildings for some toy window shopping~ and after that, we finally moved to Nakano! :D

Nakano Mandarake! *_* The biggest/largest 2nd-hand toy shop I’ve ever been!!!

Will be posting a report about Nakano Broadway on JapanLover.me! ^^v

PEKO-CHANNNNN

WTF, 13,000+ tamagotchi?? *_*

Still in Nakano Broadway, I found these matcha noms from Okashi Machioka~

Justin and his brothers + me :)) Kawaii experience!! Hahaha!!

NOT BAD :”D

After that, I got invited for dinner! HUHUHU so happy I got to eat unagi!! Now I’m craving for it again.. >_>

This photo is too painful to look at. ;_;

After the delicious dinner, I was on my way home when I saw this from a store..

A

Japan why you have so many yummy desserts ;_; Seriously ;_;  ;_:

And after that depressing encounter with desserts I cannot eat for health reasons.. I finally reached home! :”)

.. and I turned into this:

Rilakkaila time yay!

じゃあ〜　More updates later~!

カイラ