Osaka Expo 2025: Worth the Chaos of the Final Days

 There's only 3 days left before the expo ends, and i mistakenly assumed that the crowd would die down by the time we came to visit. I was totally wrong. The minute we got off the station, the sheer sea of people dawned on us. I tried to stay optimistic, thinking, "Maybe it's just people here at the station". But as we snaked our way through the entrance, I saw from afar that there was a huge line of people just there, apparently waiting to get in.

Osaka Expo Manhole and Stamp Passport

The Sensory Overload

After what felt like forever-around 45 minutes- we finally got in. There were just endless streams of people on all sides. It was pure sensory overload. The moment we saw The Grand Ring, we were in awe. There was so much to see, so much to do. Pop-up merchandise/souvenir stores were all over the venue underneath The Ring, and they had lines too. Every major booth had a line, and we quickly realized we had absolutely no strategy.

 

Thailand Pavilion

The Philippine Pavilion Mission

Our main goal was to go and see the Philippine Pavilion. We were incredibly lucky because they accepted walk-ins, as most of the other major international pavilions needed reservations. Even so, we still had to wait for almost an hour, and we were inside for only maybe 10 minutes tops. We managed to buy a few pieces of souvenirs and then headed out to see which other pavilions didn't have any lines.

Outside of  the Philippine Pavilion

The Price of Admission (and Lunch)

We got there at 12 noon, and by around 3 PM, we started to get hungry. Since we were inside the massive grounds, we did not have any choice but to pay premium prices for food. They were good, but then again, they were undeniably pricey.

A Day is Not Enough

Around 5 PM, we came to our humbling realization that one day is simply not enough. We hadn't even scratched the surface and probably experienced about 10% of the entire expo. We were still just glad that we got to go. A World Expo does not happen every five years, and everyone should at least be able to go to one in their lifetime.

Eulogy to my dad

I remember when the Family Computer arrived in the 80's. In those days, video games were the center of our world. Every weekend, all of us cousins would flock to Tita Nilda's house to play, typical kids back then. But my dad, he wanted that joy to be in our home. So he bought the latest thing which was a Family Computer. He couldn't afford many games, but the ones he did buy were treasures. Suddenly, our house became the weekend destination. And his efforts didn't stop there. He built a makeshift pool in our backyard with a deep well pump at its center, gurgling water to fill it up. It was hilarious, the water was never more than knee-deep, but to us kids, it felt like a resort. He gave us that.

Manila, Vikings circa 2011

He worked hard from Monday to Friday, but he made sure the weekends belonged to the family. Looking back, I didn't appreciate the magic he wove into those days until I was much older. He would fill our home with the most wonderful smells, preparing his specialties like Kare-kare, embutido, and baked macaroni. And every Sunday night, without fail, there was monggo. I have to admit, I still hate it to this day. Papa knew . He knew the only way I'd even touch it was if it was filled with little pork bits, so he'd always add extra, just for me. It was his quiet way of showing his pagmamahal, his love.

Los Angeles, LAX circa 2014

It wasn't all fun and games, though. Little did I realize, Papa was quietly teaching me about discipline and character. Every Sunday night, he made sure that I cleaned and polished my shoes for the week ahead. When he came home from the office, he'd bring the latest issue of Newsweek or The Manila Bulletin, unknowingly planting a love for reading in me that I carry to this day. It's because of him that I sometimes blurt out, "That's common knowledge," after sharing some random trivia.

Las Vegas, Flamingo Hotel circa 2018

He was a man of routine and service. He'd wake up at 4:30 every single morning to have a pot of boiling water ready for our baths and breakfast on the table before school. He prepared our baon too. I remember feeling so embarrassed when he would pack me bacon that wasn't crispy like on TV. My classmates would tease me that it was raw. But he later explained that if he cooked it until it was crispy, there would barely be enough left for the whole family. Everything he did, every single thing, had a reason rooted in love and necessity. So much of what I thought was him being cruel back then, I now see was him being a protector. When the whole clan would gather in Cabanatuan, he would never want to stay overnight. As a kid, I found it frustrating. As an adult, I understand. He was protecting the little we had, afraid something might happen to our home. He was a man who carried the weight of his family's safetyon his shoulders, always.

San Diego, USS Midway circa 2008

It would be easy for me to stand here and say I hated my dad at times, because in my immaturity, I did. I hated that I couldn't understand his brief explanations. I hated that in these last two years; his illness created a silence between us that we could never quite fill. I hated that he refused our help when Christie and I were trying so desperately to make him healthier, to keep him with us longer. And I hated him for leaving when I wasn't there, for making me feel so helpless.

San Diego circa 2010

But I see it clearly now. That "hate" was just a mask for my fear. It was shield for the overwhelming love I felt for a man I couldn't fix and was terrified to lose. It was my way of trying to make sense of regrets he admitted he had.

Grand Canyon, Arizona circa 2014

My dad was not a perfect father. No one is. But he was a good man who tried his absolute best. He provided whatever he could. He was selfless, always, always thinking of us before himself. He may not have been vocal about how he felt, but hislove was in the polished shoes, the extra pork in my monggo, the home he protected so fiercely.

Las Vegas circa 2018

In one of his last breaths, I was able to tell him that I love him. And I hope, whereever he is, he can hear me now. "Papa, mahal na mahal kita. And salamat po for everything." Thank you for making me the person I am today.

I'm lost in the world of fencing

 For many kids, typical after-school activities involve soccer, basketball, or dance. But for my daughter Happy, her interests have always veered off the beaten path, leading her to the intriguing world of fencing. Since the tender age of six, she's been captivated by the sport, a passion that, for a long time, felt out of reach. Here in San Diego, most fencing programs were tucked away in exclusive neighborhoods, making the already expensive hobby even more of a luxury.

Thankfully, things have changed! Recently, one of the recreational facilities here in Chula Vista started offering fencing classes. While it's still an investment, the cost is much more manageable than before, though the essential equipment remains. as expected, quite pricey. Despite the expense, seeing Happy pursue her unique passion is incredibly rewarding.

I finally had the chance to take Happy for her third lesson, and I was completely new to the sport, Coach Sergei patiently explained the fundamental mechanics and basics to me. I was struck by how technical and refined fencing is. It's not a high-energy, all-out sprint like some other sports; instead, it demands precision, strategy and mental agility. It truly brought to mind the intricate swordplay training of ancient soldiers - though  thankfully, without the kingdom-conquering part!

Japan on a Budget: Your 8-Day Tokyo Adventure Awaits

"Is Japan expensive?". This is the question I hear often from friends and fellow travelers dreaming of a trip to the Land of the Rising Sun. Many are held back by budget concerns, but I'm here to put my 2 cents and plus our own personal experience: an incredible trip to Japan is absolutely achievable, even on a tight budget.

Shinjuku

For this budget-conscious itinerary, we're focusing on an 8-day deep dive into Tokyo. Japan is a country where even a single city offers an endless array of experiences. While many first-timers try to hit the "Golden Triangle" of Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, sticking to one city like Tokyo allows you to immerse yourself without the added cost and time of inter-city bullet train (Shinkansen) travel. Trust me, 8 days in Tokyo will fly by, and you wont regret dedicating your time to this vibrant metropolis.

Let's break down the essential expenses.

1. Flights: Landing in Tokyo 

First things first: booking your flight. We're based in San Diego, but I have two primary options: flying directly from SD International (SAN) or making the short trip to Loas Angeles International (LAX) for potentially more direct and competitive fares.

                

SKYSCANNER

The key to scoring affordable flights to Japan is booking early. Aim to secure your tickets 6-10 months in advance. Websites like Skyscanner and Google Flights are your best friends for comparing prices.

From San Diego, round-trip flights typically average around $800-$1000. However, with careful planning and flexibility, you can sometimes find deals as low as $600-$700 with a single stop.

            

Google Flights

2. Accommodations: Smart Stays in the City

Tokyo offers a wide range of accommodation styles, from luxurious hotels to unique capsule experiences. For our budget trip, we'll focus on the most cost-effective options: capsule and business hotels.

A Ryokan in Osaka

* Capsule Hotels: These offer a uniquely Japanese experience and are incredibly budget-friendly. Expect to pay around $15-$50 per night. They provide a compact, private sleeping pod with shared bathroom facilities, and may are surprisingly comfortable and modern.

 

9H Nine capsule Hotel in Tokyo

* Business Hotels: Often a step up from capsules, business hotels provide small but efficient private rooms. Prices can range from $35-$90 per night. They are clean, well-located, and sometimes include basic amenities like free Wi-Fi.

For your 8-day trip (7 nights of accommodation), a good mix would be 3 nights in a capsule hotel and 4 nights in a business hotel. Assuming an average of $80 per night for this mix, your cost would be approximately $560

3. Food: A Culinary Adventure on a Budget

Eating well in Tokyo doesn't have to be expensive. While familiar Western fast-food chains like McDonald's and Dominos are available (and often offer unique Japanese menu items), Japan has it's own fantastic and equally affordable fast-food options. Look out for:

      

Dominos Menu Japan

* Gyudon Chains: Yoshinoya, Sukiya and Matsuya offer delicious and filling beef bowls for a hundred yen (a few dollars)

* Ramen and Curry Shops: You can find incredible ramen bowls and Japanese curry for around ¥800 - ¥1500 ($5-$10) per meal.

*Combini (Convenience Stores): 7-Eleven, Lawson, and FamilyMart are lifesavers for budget travelers. They offer a vast selection of fresh, tasty, and incredibly affordable food, from rice balls (onigiri) and bento boxes to sandwiches and hot snacks. You can easily get satisfying meal for under 500yen ($3-$4).

A Lawson near Osaka Castle

For a budget traveler, a realistic daily food budget is around ¥3000- ¥4000 ($20-$30). For an 8-day trip, this totals approximately $160-$240.

4. Local Transportation: Navigating Tokyo

Tokyo's public transportation system is world-class, efficient, and surprisingly affordable. You'll primarily use train and subways. Individual fares for short distances within the city are generally around ¥180 - ¥300 ($1.20-$2) per ride

        

Trains of Japan

Instead of buying individual tickets, consider getting a refillable IC card like Suica or Pasmo. These cards make travel seamless across all major train and subway lines and can even be used at convenience stores and vending machines.

While you won/t be taking the Shinkansen on this budget trip (a single short-distance Shinkansen trip can easily be $35+), expect to spend approximately ¥750 - ¥1,000 ($5-$7) per day on local transportation, depending on how much exploring you do. For 8 days, budget around $40-$56.

5. Shopping & Miscellaneous: Indulge (Responsibly!).

This is where your budget can fluctuate. Tokyo is a shoppers paradise, from trendy fashion and electronics, to quirky souvenirs and luxury thrifting. While we're on a tight budget, it's essential to set aside some money for experiences and a few treats.

 

From Cutesy to Luxury

I'd recommend allocating at least $200-$300 for shopping, entry fees to attractions (like temples, museums, or observation decks), and other unforeseen expenses, You can adjust this based on your personal priorities. If you're a serious shopper for "cutesy Japanese goodies, " you might want to increase this.

Putting It All Together: Your 8-Day Tokyo Budget Estimate

Here's a breakdown of the estimated expenses for an 8-day (7night) trip to Tokyo from San Diego, on a tight budget:

Flight: $784

Accommodations: $466

Food: $240

Transport: $91

Shopping & Misc: $300

Total: $1,881 

For the flight, I chose January 2026 (1/20-1/28). I included a straight flight vs with a layover

       

Japan Air (non-stop)           VS         Hawaiian Air (with lay-over)

For the hotel. We'd be looking somewhere the Ueno area, since this is relatively in the center of everything. I would be booking the month of November instead of January because the dates are still too far off. To look for the lowest rates, search on Google. I chose Expedia because it has the lowest rates compared to other platforms.

For the capsule/hostel, I chose Hostel JAZ located near Ueno station. Booking date is from Nov 12-15 (4D/3N) for $76. 

                                                     

For the business hotel, I chose Hotel Guest1. Booking date is from Nov 15-19 (5D/4N) for $390.

Important considerations:

* Yen Exchange Rate: Keep an eye on the yen to dollar exchange rate. A favorable rate can make your trip even more affordable.

* Inflation: While Japan has some increases in prices, it generally remains a very reasonable destination for travelers, especially compared to many Western countries

* Peak Season: Traveling during off-peak seasons (late autumn, winter outside of holidays) can often lead to lower flight and accommodation prices

* Bring or better yet, buy a good pair of shoes when you get there in Japan. Transport is cheap because you'll be doing a lot of walking. We would average 60k steps per day. 

Surprise Detour Into Hollywood Magic

  My cousin Roxanne had her Los Angeles itinerary all planned out, but we couldn't resist adding a surprise stop she'd never forget: the Warner Brothers Studio Tour! It was the perfect detour, as Anna is a massive Friends fan and been wanting to go, while Roxanne could almost quote every episode of The Big Bang Theory.

Mock set of The Big Bang Theory

 Our adventure began on a guided tram, cruising through the iconic 110-acre backlot where our knowledgeable guide pointed out familiar facades of banks, city halls, and coffee shops that served as the backdrop for countless movies and TV shows. From the early days of classic cinema to becoming a television juggernaut, the history felt alive as we navigated the very streets where Hollywood legends have worked.

  

DC Comics movie props from Batman and Aquaman

The tour, which took about three hours, culminated in the most exciting part; stepping onto the actual sets of our favorite shows! Anna's excitement was palpable as we sat on the iconic orange couch, unfortunately it was a mock up set out in one of the parks in the lot and is made out of fiber glass, and Roxanne was thrilled to see Sheldon and Leonard's apartment from The Big Bang Theory, which was also a recreation of the set specifically made for studio guest. Seeing intricate details, props, and costumes up close truly gives you a newfound appreciation for the incredible work that goes into creating these on-screen worlds.

The infamous orange couch of Friends

 For anyone planning a visit, it's essential to book your scheduled tour in advance, as they fill up quickly; general admission for the Studio Tour is currently around  $70 per adult, with on-site parking available for an additional $15 fee.

That's all folks!

Hunting for Mini Parts in a Junkyard: An Unexpected Adventure

 I never considered myself much of a mechanic, aside from the basics-changing a flat tire or installing a sound system like I did back in the day on my 1978 Super Bettle in the Philippines (but that's another story). However, when my Mini Cooper started leaking coolant, I was suddenly faced with he choice of paying the dealership over $1k for repairs or figuring out a way to do it myself. The leak was discovered during a routine oil change when the dealer did an inspection and handed me the dreaded repair estimate. Knowing the dealerships charge a premium, I started wondering if this was something I could tackle on my own. When I mentioned it to my friend Owen, he confidently said, "Bro, you can do it. That's an easy fix, and paying that much is crazy". I agreed-so did my wallet.

The entrance to the junkyard

Determined to save as much as possible, I decided to go even further and hunt for the needed parts in a junkyard. Buying used parts from a salvage yard sounded like a great way to cut costs while also adding a bit of adventure to the process. I asked my son Adi, who's into cars, to tag along. Unfortunately, we learned that there was an age restriction for entry, and he didn't meet it. That meant I had to return the next day solo, ready to navigate the maze wrecked cars in search of Mini Cooper gold parts.

A wrecked Mini Cooper Countryman 

Upon arrival, I paid the $5 entry fee and received a list of available cars. That's when I hit my first roadblock-the most recent Mini they had was from 2013, and my car required a newer part. Still, I decided to make the most of my visit, wandering through row of cars, peeking inside wrecked interiors, and marveling at the variety of vehicles that ended up here. There was something oddly fascinating about it all. yet a bit sad too. Many of these cars had been in accidents, their stories ending abruptly. Some even had personal belongings and documents left behind, a reminder that each one had a past before landing in this metal graveyard.

   

   
A Nissan 300ZX in a sad state

Despite not finding the part I needed, the experience was worthwhile. I t was my first real foray into junkyard scavenging, and while it didn't yield the results I had hoped for, I walked away with a newfound appreciation for the process. It was eye-opening to see firsthand how many usable parts are still out there for the taking -if you're willing to loo. Plus, the was something satisfying about the idea of fixing my car with my own hands rather than throwing a pile of cash at a dealership.

 

A butchered Mini Cooper Hardtop

Now, with the junkyard search proving unsuccessful, I've move on to the next phase: hunting for the part online. While the adventure didn't go as planned, it sparkled something in me/ Who knows? Maybe this won't be my last dive into DIY car repair. For now, though, it's time to fire up my browser and see if the internet can succeed where the junkyard couldn't. 

An 80's Toyota Corolla GT-S