Gorgeous Figure of Dion Wiyoko

Hello all, do you have any idols ? 

Talking about idols, I admire only my parents for they always lead toward a better life. I never thought admiring an actor before. But, after I watched so many films, there is one actor who really took my attention. While handsome and charming, I think Dion Wiyoko also an actor who inspires his fans. This time I could say that one of my idols is an actor whose hobbies are photography and riding his vespa motor bike.

Dion Wiyoko is an actor who taught me so much about the way of life. He is a man with a strong resolve. By some references I know that he was chosen as an employee of a certain bank, but he let go of the opportunity, so he can starts career as an entertainer. As far as I know he started his career as a model. Despite being an entertainer he put his education above his career. He started it all from a scratch and by now he has been graduated from college and has a bright career as an entertainer. We may call him a success for his achievements in both of his career and education. One of his achievements is the trophy ‘Asian Model Star Awards 2012’ in Asia Model Festival Award 2012 held on Olympic Stadium, Seoul, South Korea. He is also appreciated by his alma mater proved by the invitation for him to be guest star for a talk show titled ‘Begin at the Lowest to Reach the Highest’ held by his alma mater.  

I still remember one of his really deep quote “Setiap hal yang saya alami adalah pembelajaran untuk ke depannya” which means every one thing I’ve been through are guides for what to come.

I’ve been dreaming about going to Japan since a long time ago. I don’t know if this is a coincidence or not, but when I saw Dion Wiyoko’s instagram it really encourages me as he is able to did what I’ve been dreaming. Then, it made me try even harder to achieve my dream. I signed for tests to become a representation in International Seminar held on Fukuoka, Japan for ten days. Finally, I managed to become a representation of Universitas Gadjah Mada and Indonesia for the International Seminar. Therefore, I’m sure that having idols can arouse us to reach higher for our dreams. Not to mention that I myself can watch Dion Wiyoko’s films, and rewatch his FTV (Films aired on TV) via YouTube as my new hobby.

For me admiring someone can be inspiring as we may appreciate their works and achievements, so that we can take those as a good example and inspire us to do more. The precious thing I got by admiring Dion Wiyoko is 'Life is a choice so it’s up to us to choose and keep to our choice.'

This is my story about my idol, how about yours? 

Finally, Japan !

What’s on your mind when you hold your dream?

Perhaps you will just throw it away, you will think that your dream is so impossible or you can’t face your own dream. How vain is our life without dreams. Dreams are more than flowers within our sleep. Since long before, I always thinking if I fitted for a dream so high. Then, I mumble to myself whether I’m fitted or not it depend on myself. 

I have a big dream, to be able to go to Japan. I hold this dream for a long, long time. I always promise to myself and my best friend, Shabrina Hazimi Putri to keep this dream. I took any chances, but I didn’t make it. God has different scenario for me. I didn’t even expect to had the chance to went for Singapore, and there I talked about the arts of my country, Indonesia. I spent my time enjoying the city for free. I even had the chance to visit Singapore for the second time along with my boyfriend and his parents. I was so lucky. But, I still have a bigger dream, to feel the sunrise on Negeri Matahari Terbit. Not before long, I took selection for representing Indonesia in All-Asia International Seminar held on Fukuoka, Japan.  I went through multiple selections, and finally God answered my prayers. I went to Japan for the first time as representation of Indonesia and my beloved alma mater, Universitas Gadjah Mada. To be short, this is the most wonderful 10 days in my life up until now.

Arrival at Fukuoka University 

Our visit to NHK. We got to aired on TV :)

 I prayed at this Shrine.

We went to places within Nagasaki. It was so Amazing ~

This is the Fukuoka Tower. I saw entire Fukuoka from the top of the Tower. 

Such a beautiful view. 

I took this picture because I think dream an love are connected :D

Had a lunch together :) Oishikatta ~

 Posing before the presentation. I was soo... nervous !

Farewell party and awarding :)

The reward for my precious 10 days :) 

I acquired many things, new friends from different countries, gifts from many different countries, and in valuable experiences. At last I felt the sunrise on Negara Matahari Terbit :) 

This is my story, how about yours ?

Now, I want to continue my dream, and I will not stop dreaming. Keep on dreaming, guys !

Zangrandi ; The Legendary Ice Cream

At times like now, when the rainy season came, a season that reflect my feeling right now, I tend to feel blue… out of the blue. When I’m feeling blue just like now, I can’t put my mind off from ice cream, my favorite sweet stuff. Even on rainy days, it stays my favorite. Somehow it reminds me when I went to Surabaya to attend my boyfriend’s graduation ceremony. We stopped by an ice cream café. The café is none other than the famous and legendary Zangrandi. The place is so cozy, with bamboo curtain covering it at noon, and street lamps enlighten the place at night. Not forget to mention the classic-style seat. 

We were enjoying our time together at the corner of the café with ice creams of our choice, Grandma's Pie and Banana Split. 

Grandma's Pie is an ice cream that has been served for generations. They made some really uniquely flavored ice creams that other ice cream bars don’t have. The heat, humidity, and other annoying things I endured on my way with train from Jogja paid off by soft scoops of the ice cream. 

I will definitely go back for Surabaya to spend the overheated daytime at Zangrandi. How about you ? :)

Say Hello from Singapore :)

Hello... I'm back. A new post guys, but it will be short without much words.

This is my short trip to Singapore. Dancing make me through the mill. 

I spent my time to take a stroll, walking around the city, looking at the sturdy buildings, bought fancy souvenirs for gift. The most important thing is none other than take picture. The city was so clean and the road was quiet. The people prefer to walk and ride the MRT for going around.

After went to Indonesia embassy to introduce a little about Samantraya, I took the time to visit the USS to had some fun. Fortunately, I came across Koreans and I take along with them. My favorite ride was the Transformer. I recommend it.

In Singapore just had few hours to doing things by the embassy. I use the rest of my time to please myself. It was my greatest experience up till now. I’m looking forward for my big dream which I put on the brightest star in the sky. Someday it will show its light toward me. When the time come the star will come into my sky, I’m sure of God’s plan. Everything will turn out nice at the right time :)

I'll be back :))

Trip to Prambanan and Ratu Boko

Hello June, be nice please :) How's life guys ?

Ugh, one thing I think increasing day by day in my life is none other than my weight. I wonder why this year I got raise in laziness. Too lazy to do anything, including sport. Reader, don’t you dare to do what I did, okay. Hmmmm…. But the good point is, I’m starting to awake and just begin the finger sport by writing the blog. As usual, what else will I write if not about my story with the Japanese?

The last Saturday I went to Prambanan and Ratu Boko with Yasuyo-san. Yasuyo-san is my acquaintance who helped me a lot with my speech contest. Though, I wasn’t the winner, the most important thing is I have known her and learnt a lot of thing from her.

at Bangcok, FIB with Yasuyo-san

Well, let’s talk about our trip.

Not only Yasuyo san, Lili, Fachri, Ratih, Andi also came along. We got to prambanan by transjogja. That was second time I ride the transjogja. We were so excited by then.

As we arrived by the bus stop we took some pictures.

At Prambanan we went to meet Yayan-sensei and his son named Bintang. We ate together at a Reataurant. Our favorite menu was Nasi Soto. Yummy. As soon as we finished our lunch we went for Ratu Boko, but without Yayan-sensei and his son, since his son had to take swimming lesson. What a shame, considering how excited he was to come with us.

at Prambanan 

It doesn’t take long to go from Prambanan to Ratu Boko. At the Ratu Boko we took a lot of pictures with as many pose we can do that time. We did some kind of picnic. Yasuyo-san brought us so many snacks. She is so kind, she made us speechless.

 Before entering we wore Batik clothes.

The evening we went back to Prambanan and took more pictures. Just before the sunset came we took the last picture and went back home. Unfortunately, the rain came down but we were very happy. :)

We stop by a food stall before separating. We learned  so many things with the trip. Thanks for the exciting experience. See ya Yasuyo-san. May my dream to meet with Yasuyo-san at the place with beautiful lake will be realized.

Happy June, readers :))

Become an Interpreter

Hello all... Glad to be back writing again :)

I write this because someone told me to wake up from my loss for something. >.<

One of my best moment as student at Japanese Literature of Universitas Gadjah Mada is when I was become a member of TOEGAMA. TOEGAMA is abbreviation for Tomodachi Egao Gadjah Mada. Tomodachi is Japanese for friend while Egao is Japanese for smile. I know it sounds weird but that doesn’t make us feel down at all. But I think the name is just fine. The whole thing began on the 4^th term when 2 of my senior, Mbak Pijar and Mbak Safi came to me, and asked me whether I want to join TOEGAMA or no. As soon as they finished explaining about TOEGAMA I eagerly accept the offering. I felt so lucky but on the other hand I felt just like a victim of SUPERTRAP. :D But honestly I will never ever forget that moment. 

Our activity within TOEGAMA is none other than accompanying the students and sometimes the professors of Ritsumeikan University, Japan on their research. They formed a team named CheRits. They set up activities concerning natural disaster within Kalakijo, Bantul, Yogyakarta. By the way the project was made because Mr. Tatang Hariri, one of my lecturers is an acquaintance. They are doing the project up till now. The activities hold by spring (haru) and summer (natsu) each year. Which mean twice a year. Each year there are new members from both TOEGAMA and CheRits. I have been come along with them twice. Each times with different team. The first one was last year’s summer and the second was this year’s spring. My role is as companion whose job is translate the project’s plan and help them to communicate with the locals. They can’t speak Indonesian at all. But they really give their best to say thanks, good morning, good evening and the other simple words.

dinner at Gajah Wong Restaurant

 Ari Wijaya, Risa-san, Me

Me, Tasuku-san, Mbak Safi

Matsubara-san at Kalakijo

Mikihiro-san at Kalakijo

Me and Kubo-san at Museum Gunung Merapi

Me and Nanako-san at Museum Gunung Merapi

The activities usually take about a week up to 10 days. We do the preparation at MM UGM by hold a meeting. On the meeting we talk about our plan and preparing everything for activities in Kalakijo, Bantul. Usually at the 3^rd day the Japanese students go for some home stay in Kalakijo. They adapt pretty well with the environment and condition within Kalakijo. The first time I came along I stay with Nanako and Risa. The owner of the house was very kind. They gave a considerable amount of foods for us, lent us comfortable beds and gave us warm welcome. The following day we meet at a room in an elementary school to set up the Special Field Trip plan which is one of our projects. We work together with the residents of Kalakijo start from the youngsters, teachers, house wives, and children. They are really cooperative. The Special Field Trip was held at March 12 this year. Unfortunately, I was unable to join because I came home to Bali for Nyepi. So I can’t tell you things about the Special Field Trip. But as far as I know it was ran successfully.

Meeting at MM UGM

Meeting at Kalakijo

I myself learnt a lot of things like speaking Japanese for example. Beside that I learnt how to interpreting Japanese, understanding the character of Japanese People, etc. At the end of the project we usually hold a farewell party which called ‘Sama-Sama Party’. Beside from having dinner we also present performances both from TOEGAMA and CheRits. At the time we come closer each other, but in the other hand we have to say farewell because the Japanese students have to come back to Japan the following day. We are always waiting for them to come back to Yogyakarta. 

 Sama-Sama Party

at Adi Sucipto Airport 

Chiby~Chiby~

*mbak = Javanese for Older Sister

*san = Japanese for Mr/Miss

もし夢を実現させたいのなら、挑戦を続けなさい。

(If you want to make your dreams come true, keep on trying)

Quote

It's Saturday already.... Yey, don't you all love Saturday? I bet you do, guys. So what you usually do on your weekend ? 

So, well.. Nothing special about this post. I just feel like expressing and sharing a small thing but it has great meaning to the whole wide world. :)) 

"Much of the success of life depends upon keeping one's mind open to opportunity and seizing it when it comes."  - Alice Foote MacDougall

"No one can possibly know what is about to happen: it is happening, each time, for the first time, for the only time." - James Baldwin
                                                   

Have a nice weekend, readers :)) 

Teaching Pendet Dance to Japanese

How was your April in 2013? Mine was great :)) and...... It's May already :) By the way, the weather is fine in Yogyakarta, not too shabby, but not too clear either.

Like I told you before in my post titled 'Become a Japanese Language Tutor'. Aside from being a Japanese tutor at LBJ or Hotel, I also being Indonesian Language Tutor for foreign students at INCULS (Indonesian Language and Culture Learning Service) Faculty of Cultural Science. Not only Indonesian language but they learn Indonesian cultures and arts too. I would like to tell you about one of our activities, when 30 students from Konan Women University, Japan came to Yogyakarta. They were doing some activities while home staying in Yogyakarta. The activities were mostly held within INCULS. By that time I had the opportunity to teach Pendet Dance, which is one of traditional Bali dances. They were so excited to learn the dance. Because there were so many of them, I asked my friends who were although not INCULS tutor but have proficiency regarding Pendet. They are Novi, Keke and Dewayu. How kindly of them to willing to lend me some hands. Thanks, guys ((:

The next day I accompany them for Indonesian language class. There was professor on duty and I’m just being a facilitator. Here we were establishing some kind of mutual relationship. They learnt Indonesian language while I learnt Japanese language. After the class end, we went together for lunch and then played Javanese traditional game, Cublak-Cublak Suweng. They were addicted to the game. 

At the farewell party, before they went home to Japan, me and my friends showed them the Pendet dance. We were feeling like some big artist, because they were asking a lot of photograph of ours. But, I think it’s because we were wearing some traditional clothes. Even though, I look so chubby, but that won’t stop me from showing the picture to all of you. >.<

I was chosen as Bali dance instructor at INCULS. I’m glad that I was given the chance to do that. I know it will give me experiences and another chance to remember my childhood. I’m so happy to be able to work with people from INCULS, because they are kind and friendly. The most important thing is not the fee. It’s the chance to meet plenty of wonderful persons. :))

By the way, only as an additional, my first Pendet performance in Yogyakarta is on a great show called Dharma Santhi from KMHD UGM. It was so amazing…..

Okay, don’t hesitate to leave critics and comments, I don’t mind ^^ If there’s something you don’t agree with, feel free to let me know (: Have a great May, readers !!

教訓よりも実行が大切

(An ounce of practice is worth a pound of precept)

Batik and Borobudur

Time to close April 2013 \^.^/

I think I will start with some of question words. When? Where? How? What? Why? No! That’s not Indonesian Language lesson for making a good paragraph. Those are the questions that I really need to be answered in my life. Well, I guess you will never know what’s going to happen next.

Sometime, I feel like I’m the luckiest person alive, to be given different and wonderful opportunities :)

When I was in 4^th term, I don’t remember the date exactly. I had a great chance to accompany professor and students from Chubu University, Japan. They were doing some research about Indonesian teenager in Yogyakarta. The research was mostly done within the Faculty of Cultural Science Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM). Just as I thought, they came not only for the research but also to have fun in their spare time. Well, I was a lucky second grader to have been assigned with my seniors, whose skill is far beyond my reach, to accompany them. That time, one of my sensei asked me “Sansan, could you accompany Aoki sensei and his students to have some tour around Yogyakarta?” That was an unforgettable request. Of course because I didn’t want to miss the chance, I answered “Yes, I can” with cheerful smile ((:

The first trip was to visit the Batik factory located at Kaliurang. Just for information, on October 2, 2009, UNESCO designated Indonesian Batik as a Masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. Only in the late 19^th century that this art began to reach its finest form in Java, Indonesia, my beloved country!  Thus Indonesian Batik has become very popular throughout the world.

 At Kaliurang, Batik factory

That was one of the most exciting moments in my life, to have the chance to learn about Batik. Batik is a complex art of drawing and dyeing on fabric, and not as simple as your everyday printing. The word Batik derived from Javanese words for ‘writing’ and ‘dots’, which is the art of drawing beautiful patterns with canting and melting wax. The first step is drawing a pattern on the fabric with pencil. By using canting and melting wax, we produce the color by re-draw the pattern on the ones drawn earlier. The wax part on fabric will remain white. That’s how to make one-colored Batik. For two colored-three colored (or more) Batik, you need to dry the fabric and cover all the part with the melting wax, except the part you want to dye. More colors means you need to repeat the methods, and will take a lot of time to make it. That is why handmade Batik worth the price because it’s made by traditional Batik artist and totally different from a modern fabric-printing with Batik motives.

My own made

The second day we went to Borobudur. It’s located at Magelang, Central Java. Borobudur is the oldest Buddhist temple and one of the 7 wonders of the world. The view was so wonderful, that was my second time visiting Borobudur since my high school trip. It remains wonderful despite the incoming heat wave from the sun at the noon.

So sweet :3 With Professor Aiko Sumio

*The legend said that if you fine one particular Stupa with sitting Buddha in it and you can reach Buddha’s crossed feet, any of your wish will come true.*

After we got tired walking around Borobudur, and of course after the photo session with various poses, we went to grab some grub. We went to Jejamuran where all the food made from mushroom, start from tongseng, satay, etc. The foods were really tasty and delightful. Maybe because I was too hungry I forgot to take the picture of the foods. For the dinner we went to Pizza Hut. Yummy :9

Itadakimasu ! Kanpai ~

That’s my exciting days with the good Professor and his friendly students. I learnt many things from Japanese language to Japanese people characteristic. Next time I will tell you about my other experiences with Japanese people.  See you on next post :))

日本人礼儀正しいと考えられています

(Japanese people are considered to be polite)