Thursday, September 28, 2006

Drunk from Sake-The Fukuoka Diaries



Japan is as fascinating as the first time I visited Tokyo in 1991. The reason for my visit is the Focus on Asia -Fukuoka International Film Festival. This time it's a stay at Japan's gateway to Asia- Fukuoka. Traditional known as Hakata, Fukuoka is Tokyo without the stress. My top ten memories of the place are:
10. My impromptu stand-up comedy performance at the Directors' Dinner hosted by the Festival Director Tadao Sato.It was a fun and also tearful evening as the Satos announced formally their retirement to the festival. I only met them there but I feel as if they are my parents.
9. A visit at the Fukuoka Film Archives and a screening of Ozu's the Late Spring.Eat your heart out, Nolan Estacio.
8. The Signal No. 3 storm on my second day where in the hope of shopping, I braved the winds and the subway only to be told that all the malls are closed. Ngeeh!
7.My dinners with Rory Quintos and Tita Yoko- the director of the Tokyo Women's Film Festival.- The most authentic and flavorful Japanese meal I've had.Bar None.
6. The screening of Mr. Housewife- a Korean comedy na na-iyak ako...so much. I think it is, in a way,my story?
5. Shopping at Incube and Tenjin Core.Kiko and Bika will love this place.
4. Being given by an audience an Origami after asking for my autograph after La Visa Loca's screening.
3.Aoyama Book shop,Maruzen, Junkudo,Bagel&Bagel ,Iwataya Food Shop.
2. Cheap Miso Ramen with Riri Riza and his wife from Indonesia and Royston Tan of Singapore.
1.My High Tech Toilet Bowl where the seats have temp. control, push button bidet etc. (sabi ni leo Abaya para daw siyang ...mmm.)