The following are the things that I got hooked in for my entertainment while living here in Japan. These are things that I rarely or never do while I was back home in the Philippines. To my surprise, being home all the time made me do, watch, browse and research on things I thought I would never while in Pinas. Thanks to living in Japan, I got hooked on the following to entertain me:
1.Twitter (the social network)
When hubby gave me a smart phone for our wedding anniversary last October, this also started my frequent relationship with Twitter. I had my account for months already, but it was only when I had my phone where I regularly tweet and follow people both celebrities and personal friends.
I think Twitter is the venue for my being talkative. 
I don’t want to change Facebook status every time I want to share something. More often than not, what I have to share is not FacebookStatus-worthy, thus I tweet them away. 
I still check on my Facebook but not as often as I check my Twitter. I’m on Twitter almost 24/7; i check it almost every so minute, especially if my routine chores are already done. Hahaha! I know life is not a spectator sport, but if it is, I’m the champion. =))
2. Local (Philippine) Showbiz
Now, this one is brought about by the aforementioned Twitter. In the Philippines, I am not a fan of showbiz talk shows like Showbiz Central and The Buzz. Then, I got to follow celebrities’ tweets and got in on their personal lives; I got really curious with some of their tweets, especially when they are involved with some intrigues or scandals. Tsk. Tsk. Tsk. Not good, right? =))
There was one time I got so frustrated I couldn’t get a live stream of a showbiz talk show; they were about to air some revelation of some scandal. =)) Hahaha! I thought to my self, if only I was in the Philippines, I could just turn on the TV. But then again, if I were in the Philippines, I wouldn’t bother this much with these showbiz chizmiz. Bad Twitter! Turned me into this cyber chismosa. Hahaha!!! )
3. Radio
I was never a radio person; even way back in high school when some friends are into listening to our local radio stations and maybe idolizing some DJs. I was and still is (i’d like to think so) TV/Movie addict.
This changed last November when out of boredom I downloaded a radio application in my phone. While doing my kitchen duties that morning, I randomly tuned in to Magic 89.9′s Good Times. At first I didn’t know who were the hosts but I had an idea that one of the voice was of Mo Twister. Sure enough it was him together with GMA 7′s Grace Lee, Survivor Philippine’s Angelicopter and Mojo. The show just entertained me so much and kept me laughing, especially Mo Twister’s witty comments.
Since then, I see to it that I listen to them every 7:00-10:00am (6:00-9:00am Philippine Time). They make me smile and laugh like an idiot while doing my chores. Too bad though that the show’s only four times a week, Mondays to Thursdays. This also got me to listening to a few of Mo Twister’s podcast. It’s a bit green but still very hilarious. 
Yay to radio! If not for Japan, I wouldn’t have appreciated its value.
4. Gossip Girl (and other Hollywood TV Dramas)
When I got a little tired of watching Koreanovelas (watched a total of 4 while here: You’re Beautiful, My GF is a Gumiho, The Greatest Love and Mary Stayed Out All Night), I went back to my first love – Hollywood Dramas/Sitcoms and Movies.
I watched a few movies, and watched the series finale of my pre-loved dramas/sitcoms (The O.C., Boy Meets World, etc..) Then I started watching Dawson’s Creek for the first time ever. Hahaha… Got so hooked that I finished the entire seasons by focusing on the Pacey-Joey storyline. When I was done with all of these, I then was convinced by Ate Aileen (a Pinay PhD student) to start watching Gossip Girl. I watched season 1-2 religiously that I lacked sleep, grew big pimples and was groggy in the day. ) At this point i stopped.
Then last December, both Ate Aileen and Sol (another Pinay friend) convinced me to catch on because Dan Humphrey (a low-profile character) developed a thing for Blair (one of the queen bees of the show). This got me pumped and started watching from the point Dan and Blair got “close”, Season 4 Episode 11. Breezed through the episodes until I caught up with Season 5′s mid-season cliffhanger last year.
And just yesterday (Japan time), the 2nd half of the season started. Watched it, read reviews, viewers’ comments and spoilers for the upcoming episodes. I gotta say, I’m loving the writer’s angle for Dan and Blair! With the hopes that the writers give Dan and Blair a chance, I’ll be religiously watching each episodes. And oh! Their 100th episode is on the 30th. According to the producers and writers, a must-watch! ^_^
Back home, when I scan through the channels, I just jump through Gossip Girl. My thoughts then was the show is immature, bad influence, childish and nonsense. Now that I am in a foreign country, at some degree yes, the show at times can be those things but i look past them and just see its entertainment value to me. Hey, the show made me fell for the different characters, let me learn about them as if they were my friends (hahaha!) and I was just hooked. While watching I smiled, laughed and cried. A roller coaster ride, especially now that poor and good-hearted Dan is vying for Blair’s heart against two rich giants: a Prince and an Heir. ^_^
There you go. I have four so far. All thanks to mobile gadget, netbook and the Internet, i get to be entertained and at some point, be hooked.
