Flickr Pic #106: [Gyotoku Pageant] Maria Clara

[Gyotoku Pageant] Maria Clara
Originally uploaded by scion_cho

A Filipina candidate wearing one of the country's traditional costume.

--
Miss International in Japan (for Gaijins)
sponsored by NTT
Gyotoku, Chiba Prefecture, Japan


Taken on February 22, 2009
Location: Community center at Gyotoku, Chiba Prefecture, Japan

See Flickr post #105 (click link here)

Flickr Pic #105: [Gyotoku Pageant] Gyration

[Gyotoku Pageant] Gyration
Originally uploaded by scion_cho

Had a laugh as soon as I realized she was dancing "Itaktak Mo", a novelty song in the Philippines popularized in a noontime variety show.

--
Miss International in Japan (for Gaijins)
sponsored by NTT


Taken on February 22, 2009
Location: Community center at Gyotoku, Chiba Prefecture, Japan

See Flickr post #104 (click link here)

Flickr Pic #104: [Gyotoku Pageant] Point-to-Cheek

[Gyotoku Pageant] Point-to-Cheek
Originally uploaded by scion_cho

One of the Filipina contestants in the semifinals of the NTT Miss International in Japan pageant.

Taken on February 22, 2009
Location: Community center at Gyotoku, Chiba Prefecture, Japan

See Flickr post #103 (click link here)

Flickr Pic #103: [Gyotoku Pageant] Miss Thai

[Gyotoku Pageant] Miss Thai
Originally uploaded by scion_cho

Aside from the overall champion, there were separate awards per nationality (Philippines, Thailand and Nepal -- perhaps based on number of participants).

Contestant no.1 won the Miss Thai award.

Taken on February 22, 2009
Location: Community center at Gyotoku, Chiba Prefecture, Japan

See Flickr post #102 (click link here)

Flickr Pic #102: [SnowBoarding 2009] Rest

[SnowBoarding 2009] Rest
Originally uploaded by scion_cho

My very first snowboarding experience. It was fun, and the view... amazing!

I did not bring my DSLR with me, and so I have to manage with shots taken from my cellphone (Softbank - Panasonic 920P).

Taken on February 7, 2009
Location: Kita Shiga, Takaifuji, Nagano Prefecture, Japan

See Flickr post #101 (click link here)

Flickr Pic #101: [7 Lucky Shrines] Going Home

[7 Lucky Shrines] Going Home
Originally uploaded by scion_cho

It was on a Saturday and downtown Tokyo (Nihonbashi) was surprisingly empty. Shops were closed and only a few people were around.

Taken on January 31, 2009
Location: Shin Nihonbashi, Tokyo

See Flickr post #100 (click link here)

Flickr Pic #100: [7 Lucky Shrines] Mini Stop

[7 Lucky Shrines] Mini Stop
Originally uploaded by scion_cho

This shot taken from my very first photowalk with FTPS ( Flickr Tokyo Photo Session 'group').

I noticed the taxi having a mini-stop at the MiniStop. :D

Taken on January 31, 2009
Location: Shin Nihonbashi, Tokyo

See Flickr post #99 (click link here)

Flickr Pic #99: [Rico Bday 2009] Ruben

[Rico Bday 2009] Ruben
Originally uploaded by scion_cho

Being an expat here in Japan has given me more chance to meet and to mingle with different kinds of people. From any social gathering created via photography clubs, forums and even friends' birthday parties, it's a perfect way to gain acquaintances and friends.

People you suddenly meet tend to come and go, and that's why it's great to have a camera at hand on these social events.

Here is a picture of Ruben, a former military man during the times of the HUKBALAHAP. He has already shifted towards working in the corporate world as a consultant, and now officially resides in Australia with his family. It has been nice having a conversation with him regarding his life experiences, my hometown (Baguio City, as he was a PMAer) and others. I was particularly interested about his transition from military to corporate, as I had once dreamt of having a career in the military. =P

Taken on January 30, 2009
Location: Rico's mansion, Minami Senju, Tokyo

See Flickr post #98 (click link here)