My time in Sapporo was just wonderful. I had finally seen and touched lots of snow! Strange but my very first snow encounter was in Beijing few years ago however, it wasn't that much of a writing piece.
I wanted to catch the tail of Japan's winter and so what a better way to do that is fly to the island of Hokkaido. It is already spring in Tokyo (in fact almost about to end) but in Hokkaido, I could still get a taste of its winter season.
Hokkaido is the second largest, northernmost and said to be least developed of Japan's four main islands. Temperature on winter can be unforgiving with lots of snowfall, below zero temperatures and even frozen seas (Let it go, Elsa), while in summer it does not get as hot and humid as in other parts of Japan.
Because I decided to travel to Japan very late for the new year (I'm spontaneous like that!), most hotels during this period were all booked. The ones left were either too pricey and way above my price range or far away from the city center. If you are a seasoned traveler, you would know that staying out of the center has its own disadvantages.
For one, you'll likely to end up spending more on train, bus or taxi fares which can potentially make your travel more expensive. You will also need to wake up extra early during a day of sightseeing to account for travel time. You will need to check the availability of any transportation means after a certain time, say 11pm to 12am in the event that you plan to extend your hours of strolling or shopping around.
I just came back from a 10-day trip in Japan covering two cities, Tokyo and Fukouka. Tokyo is more cosmopolitan being the capital while Fukouka is more laidback. I was told by someone that if you plan to excel professionally, go to Tokyo as there are more job opportunities over there. On the other hand, if you want to raise a family and have a work-life balance, then Fukouka could be your best bet.
If you are wondering how difficult it is to get a Japan visa if you have a Filipino passport, don't stress yourself too much because it is actually easier than you thought. The rule of thumb is this: Have all your documents/ requirements ready and be detailed about them.
If you are wondering how difficult it is to get a Japan visa if you have a Filipino passport, don't stress yourself too much because it is actually easier than you thought. The rule of thumb is this: Have all your documents/ requirements ready and be detailed about them.
2012= 20/12.
Sorry-- that's not some mathematical equation I am trying to solve. This is how I describe the current state of my 2012 year to which I now have a 20/20 vision (well my post op shows I got 20/12 vision even better than 20/20).
I am officially announcing that after years of wearing prescription glasses and contacts (well almost half of my adult life), I have finally put them to rest after undergoing IntraLasik surgery almost 3 weeks ago at Shinagawa Lasik & Aesthetics Center. It is a famous Japanese center which was brought here in the Philippines few years ago.
If you remember, I blogged about the recent Cosmetologie 2012 event here and I happen to be "sweet talked" by one of their agents (hihi!) and was offered a huge discount being at the said event.
Someone I knew underwent Lasik procedure some fifteen years ago using the old technology called Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) and was begging me to do it too since there has been a huge improvement in the technology since then.
Since 2 yrs ago, I was considering Lasik to get rid of my glasses and contact lenses. I am nearsighted with -4.50 grade + 175 astigmatism so you can imagine me literally blind without my glasses. However, this procedure as you all know does not come cheap. Sans the hefty price tag, I was imagining all the benefits of being a normal human being.
Traditional Lasik is different from IntraLasik as the former uses "blade" while the latter is called "bladeless" thus more expensive if you check in all lasik centers.
I decided to undergo IntraLasik though more pricey since I was told this one has lesser downtime.
Okay-- SOLD!
Intra LASIK or Blade?
The current traditional LASIK at Philippine centers are using blade machine called Microkeratome for cutting out the flap from the cornea. The Microkeratome is a hand-held instrument which contains a steel blade that moves back and forth and creates a cut as it travels across the cornea.
A Microkeratome is only capable of making a single, one-dimensional cut across the cornea. As it cuts, the blade oscillates back and forth, which can leave an irregular surface after the flap is lifted. This can affect the quality of your postoperative vision. But Microkeratome physical blade have limitation and its capability of cutting range of the cornea is less than with Intra LASIK, therefore its range of curing myopia (a refractive defect of the eye) is also less.
With Intra LASIK Method, it creates a smooth surface after your flap is lifted and the blade never touches your eye. It decreases the risk of inflammation and infection from the surgery.
THE CONSULTATION:
I was asked to stop wearing contacts for at least a week. I had to undergo series of eye tests going from one machine to another. There would also be a chart test to further assess how terrible your eyesight is. And this is not your usual chart wherein the letters of the alphabet can be memorized. Instead a symbol is shown and you would then be asked about the position of this symbol (left, right, up, down).
And in the morning of my assessment, they told me I was qualified for the procedure! Yey!
THE DAY OF THE SURGERY:
All I could remember was that it wasn't painful however be prepared to feel as if there was a foreign object in your eyes after the surgery. The actual procedure didn't even last 60 secs for each eye! You need not worry because the staff are well trained and very accommodating making you feel at ease despite the fear of being in the operating table, lol.
You will be brought to a secure room, be asked to wear their gown, and off you go to the table. You will be asked to return to their clinic the next day for a follow up check.
AFTER THE SURGERY:
I was able to see though blurry right after the surgery. You will be then given a small package which contained all eyedrops you need while recuperating plus a soft pair of glasses you can wear as you may experience sensitivity to light. There was also another pair of "goggles" to wear every night for 7 days.
Some DON'Ts after the surgery:
- No swimming for 1 month-
- No rubbing of the eyes
- No wetting of eyes for 1 week (this was a torture, lol)
- No eye makeup (okay, I can deal with this) for at least 7 days
Overall, I am very happy I am feeling soooo normal like most of you by not wearing contacts or glasses. I read about all the negative reviews of Lasik procedures but then I had my mind set on getting this and no amount of negativity changed my mind.
By the time I will be in my 40's, I will probably be getting some reading glasses like most forty-year-olds do.
The pain after the surgery (foreign object inside your eyes) is a very small price to pay considering its benefits, in my honest opinion.
Special thanks to the following kind people who helped me get through this milestone (naks!):
- Dr. Brian Sulit (Shinagawa)
- Rhonie (Shinagawa)
- All Shinagawa Staff
- Tin and her mom (for being generous with chikas, time and you know what, lol)
- My boss (who understood I had to skip a day of work as I couldn't see clearly after spending too much time in my office computer few days after the surgery)
- Friends and family for prayers
Special thanks too to my cat for the support and weird looks at me while I wasn't my usual self during this period:)
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| My Persian cat is soooo cute:) |
TIP: Be sure to follow your check up schedule with their doctors. Remember that they know best so be like a dog for a while and say yes to everything:)
Shinagawa is located at Mezzanine, Tower 2, The Enterprise Center,6766 Ayala Ave. cor. Paseo de Roxas, Makati City, Philippines.
Shinagawa Lasik & Aesthetics Center offers a comprehensive 3-year enhancement warranty that can be taken up either in the Philippines or Japan. In the rare event that you require another procedure (even years later), there is no additional consultation or surgical charge in terms of enhancement for short-sightedness and astigmatism. All you need to pay for is the cost of consumables.
For all questions about my procedure such as costs, etc. please email me at: theredlippie@gmail.com.
Ciao!
Love,
Miss J
PS: Mom-- if only you are here (and not in heaven), I'd gladly pay for your IntraLasik too (sob!). Miss you, lots:)
Don't you just love anything Japanese on earth? Because I do. I love those girls from Shibuya (click here). There is something so colorful and vibrant which makes me happy just seeing them. And the Japanese fashion is one thing I really fancy and I wished I can rock it one day!
One morning after work, JRNunez and yours truly decided it's time for some noodle experience. I was craving for Kowloon siopao (aka steamed buns) but he said he was just too lazy to be at Park Square so we settled for this small yet homey nook in Glorietta 4.
Jipan
2nd Level, Glorietta 4
The result?!?!?
I used to buy yummy pandesals here long time ago but I don't think I ever tried to sit and have a meal here. It is a small Japanese place with a twist I guess. See the pasta menu in the above pic?
We saw some Japanese older ladies actually checking these pastries. They looked so pretty even that I wonder what these Jap ladies are made of hehe. Must be the genes I guess.
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| Photo from: http://s624.photobucket.com/albums/tt322/kamuiboy/xcosplay_fashion/?action=view¤t=DokoDoki-Girls-Shibuya-02-13-2010-0.jpg&mediafilter=images |
One morning after work, JRNunez and yours truly decided it's time for some noodle experience. I was craving for Kowloon siopao (aka steamed buns) but he said he was just too lazy to be at Park Square so we settled for this small yet homey nook in Glorietta 4.
Jipan
2nd Level, Glorietta 4
The result?!?!?
I used to buy yummy pandesals here long time ago but I don't think I ever tried to sit and have a meal here. It is a small Japanese place with a twist I guess. See the pasta menu in the above pic?
We saw some Japanese older ladies actually checking these pastries. They looked so pretty even that I wonder what these Jap ladies are made of hehe. Must be the genes I guess.
Overall, the noodle soup made me Php 200 poorer and I wasn't happy, hehehe. I wanted some siopao and I was too unhappy I didn't get what I wanted. But obviously JRNunez enjoyed the meal.
I would love to come back and try something else in the menu. In the meantime, I need some siopao! I shall get it first thing tomorrow!
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| Photo from : http://blogs.inquirer.net/talesofthenomad/aklan/ |
Ciao Gorgeous!! See you soon!
