I've always thought of myself as a crafts person, as opposed to an artist. These "basketry" pieces are wonderful, and I think you can see them in one of my earlier posts of the main Tops viewing plaza. The same esthetic of lines and curves and different materials created by crafts persons, artists and structural/ architectural engineers are here. The curly cue stairwell image is looking back at the plaza. If you look close at that image, you can get see people on top of the upper level of Tops...tiny people :)

These images were shot from our Quarantine hotel window when Covid was starting to wind down in 2021. We had a mandatory 5 day Quarantine with this view had from the 10th? floor. We could see our own place which was only 5 blocks away. It was interesting to be confined to a hotel room and have meals delivered to our door for 5 days. Another interesting view was the building under construction across the street from us. I went "whoa!" when I saw the guy taking a break on an outside ledge and looking at his phone.

The building under construction then, the "Citadines Cebu Hotel", is the tallest building on the right side in the photo, and the smaller Blue one left of it is the Bayfront Hotel where we spent our 5 day Quarantine.

I got out on one of my "walking" photo shoots this morning. I wanted to get some shots of this year's Fuente Circle xmas tree. I'm not a video person, and I enjoy going through the still shots and editing later. I want to express my love for Cebu City before I type the following words. I've trained myself to focus 85% on the path in front of me when I'm walking around this area, and I try to remember to stop walking when I'm thinking of a good shot and pulling up my camera. This older area of Cebu and it's sidewalks are like a mine field of trips and stumbles for an older person like me. Almost 1 year ago to the day I caught my foot on a 1" high square concrete base of a street lamp. I was maneuvering myself by some other people and thinking about my next shot, and...Nose Plant!! Fast! Anyway, sprained wrist from protecting my camera, and other injuries that didn't go away for weeks... End of rant. That said, I like that I'm taking photos again. ps - The tree design is different every year, and I'm looking forward to the tree lighting ceremony Monday evening. ps ps - the small white bus in the next to last photo is called a "modern jeepney", and the large metal leaf design structure in the last shot is part of the new "Cebu Bus Rapid Transit (CBRT)". A big question is will it help the traffic problem here? Many of us think not, but I like it because this stop is by our front door.

27Nov2015 - These photos were taken with one of my older cameras, from the "Jose Rizal Bridge" just south of the International District and downtown Seattle.

It's been 32 years since my first visit to Cebu. In 1993, when I was wandering around Cebu City during those 3 weeks, I could count the number of "foreigners" I saw on one hand. It's a very different Cebu now. When I was out on my morning walk today, I was greeted by a "Buon giorno!" I replied with my own "Buon giorno".

Three images from my FB Memories this morning: a close up of the skyline shot I shared the other day, a favorite painting of mine - a collaborative effort by some Bohol Island artists, and a side street near where we live in Cebu.

The painting was one of my favorites from the 2024 Visayas Art Fair. It was a collaborative effort of the photographer and other Bohol Island artists. One of the artists was Joseph Jjawzip Ingking, who did this painting.

SM Seaside Mall #4: Xmas decorations come out early here. The large black thing is a digital screen thing hanging down from a higher floor. I haven't eaten there, but I had to take a photo of the "Kenny Rogers Roasters"! I purposely go Early on my photo shoots at Malls and such. There are usually a gazillion or so more people later in the day, and I wouldn't be able to take many of the shots I like.

Hailing from Ukraine, Aonishiki is a promising sumo wrestler

𝐀𝐎𝐍𝐈𝐒𝐇𝐈𝐊𝐈 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 𝐛𝐲 𝐈𝐢𝐳𝐮𝐤𝐚 𝐒𝐚𝐤𝐢 (𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐭) AONISHIKI was interviewed by Iizuka Saki on Dec.20, 2024, here the translation by Italianozeki (repost). Aonishiki of Ajigawa Stable made his debut in the Juryo division at the Kyushu Basho, marking his rise as a new Juryo wrestler with an impressive 10-win record. Hailing from Ukraine, Aonishiki is a promising wrestler expected to carry on the technical legacy of his mentor, Ajigawa Oyakata (former Sekiwake Aminishiki). In this first interview, we explore his journey along with comments from his mentor. [Keys to growth: body transformation without losing speed] ――Congratulations on your ten victories in your Juryo debut at the last tournament. Do you have any particularly memorable matches? “There are two that stand out. One was my bout against Oshoumi, where I lost. It was a long match, and while I gave it my all, I ended up losing, which was frustrating because it was my first defeat in Juryo. The other was the match where I secured my kachikoshi on the 12th day against Wakaikari. That match was a relief. I had been worried about the possibility of a losing record, which would mean returning to the Makushita division, wearing the black mawashi, and going back to the shared quarters. Securing the kachikoshi gave me peace of mind.” ――What kind of sumo do you aspire to perform? “I aim for a style where I hit low and attack forward. I want to grab the front of my opponent’s mawashi, then either drive forward from there or execute a pulling throw to attack from the side.” ――Watching your matches, it’s clear that your mentor, Ajigawa Oyakata, has taught you technical skills extensively. Your approach of keeping your elbows in, bending your knees, and attacking skillfully stands out. “I’m not that big physically, so I have to rely on techniques like that to win. And I’m thinking of incorporating even more techniques moving forward.” ――That’s impressive. Are there any new techniques you’ve recently mastered? “For example, when I have one hand on the front mawashi and the other reaching underneath for a grip, if I simply try to drive forward, it becomes easier for my opponent to grab my belt on the upper side. That causes me to lose leverage and get countered. Ajigawa Oyakata has always told me that in such situations, I should pull my arm out, pivot my body, and execute a pulling throw before launching an attack. Lately, I’ve finally been able to do that. By pulling out the underhand grip, I can move freely, and it also distances my opponent’s grip on the upper belt.” ――That’s real technique. You mentioned your physical size. I’ve heard you’ve been working hard on building your physique. What’s your target weight? “I’m around 138kg now, but I want to reach 145kg. I’m focused on adding muscle while maintaining my speed, eating well, and training hard. I go to the gym four times a week. My favorite exercise is bench press, and my max is 200kg. I also love saunas, but I’ve been avoiding them lately because I feel like they might make me lose weight.” [Training in his hometown and aspiring to join the sumo world] ――As a wrestler from Ukraine, what made you start sumo? “There was a facility in my hometown where you could practice boxing, wrestling, judo, and other sports. When I was six, I started going there to learn judo. While waiting for my mom to pick me up after practice, older kids would lay down mats and start sumo wrestling. I thought the rules were simple, the matches were fast, and it looked fun, so I asked my mom if I could try it. From then on, I quit judo and started learning sumo and wrestling instead.” ――That’s interesting. It’s rare to find such multi-purpose facilities in Japan. How did you first encounter professional sumo? “When I was about 12, I saw videos on YouTube and learned about the world of professional sumo for the first time. Until then, I didn’t even know there was a professional league. I watched matches between Takanohana and Asashoryu and thought, ‘Wow, this is amazing.’ From there, I started researching more and dreamed of becoming a sumo wrestler myself and going to Japan. In 2019, there was a world tournament in Osaka, and that was my first time coming to Japan.” ――And at that tournament, you made a connection with Kansai University. “Yes, I met Mr. Yamanaka, who is now a coach at their sumo club. We immediately exchanged Instagram accounts and started communicating. I also practiced at his alma mater, Hotoku Gakuen, and through him, I was introduced to Ajigawa Oyakata, who helped me join the stable.” ――When you first came to Japan and met Mr. Yamanaka, how did you communicate, especially since you exchanged Instagram accounts? “Oh, I couldn’t really speak at all (laughs). I didn’t know any Japanese at the time, and neither of us was very good at English. But somehow, we managed to talk, and we understood each other.” ――It seems like you had a great connection. Now your Japanese is very fluent. How did you learn? “At first, I just listened to the conversations of the university students I trained with, but I learned the most after joining the sumo stable. Living and practicing with everyone, I picked it up by listening. As for reading and writing, I can only write my shikona (ring name) and the stable’s address so far, but I’ll work on it from now on.” ――Even so, it’s impressive that you’ve become this fluent in just two years. You must be a fast learner. “Hmm, maybe I’ve been hit too hard at the tachiai and I’m getting stiff (laughs).” [Aiming for the techniques of Aminishiki, Wakanohana, and Wakatakakage] ――What’s the most delicious Japanese food you’ve discovered since coming here? “Japan has so much amazing food, doesn’t it? Sushi and yakiniku blew my mind the first time I tried them. But more than anything, Marugame Seimen’s meat bukkake udon! It’s so delicious, I was shocked. It’s cheap, tasty, not junky, and fills you up, which is rare overseas.” ――That’s true. You’ve adapted very well. Have you had any issues with food or daily life? “I don’t like umeboshi (pickled plums) or chicken skin (laughs), but other than that, not really. I’ve been here for three years now. Moving from the communal room to a private room was nice, but sometimes it feels lonely. Here, the private rooms are right next to the communal room, so it’s fine. But in Kyushu, the lodging quarters had private rooms that were more spread out, so I felt lonely and would call someone to ask them to come over (laughs).” ――Even as you aim higher, do you have anyone you admire? “Of course, my mentor. Also, I admire the techniques of Wakanohana and Wakatakakage.” ――What kind of sumo wrestler do you want to become in the future? “I want to put on matches that make the fans happy. Even if I end up with a losing record, I want to leave a lasting impression on the fans and be a wrestler who is loved by everyone.” ――It seems you haven’t returned to your hometown since joining. Your success as a professional must also be a way to repay your family. “Ukraine is dangerous right now, so my mom is living in Germany. She had already been working there before. So I could visit her anytime if I wanted to, but I’m waiting until my ranking stabilizes a bit more.” ――I see. By the way, there’s a tour in London next year, which is also in Europe. “Yes, but to be part of that, I need to be in the top division at that time, right? So I’ll work hard so I can participate in the London tour and see my mom.” [Ajigawa Oyakata's Comments] "Aonishiki is currently working hard on training and building up his body. As his muscles develop, for instance, the way he closes his armpits during moves might not work as it used to because the increased muscle mass gets in the way. So I teach him fine adjustments, like moving his elbow forward before closing his armpit. These are subtle details where his perception and physical reality might differ. Also, he always takes the initiative to ask questions when he doesn’t understand something. He’s very motivated, and I think all wrestlers should be like him. Honestly, at first, I hesitated a little about accepting someone from another country. But as soon as I met him, I thought, ‘This kid will be fine.’ He behaves properly, and I hope he continues to stay focused and work hard. He’s always considerate, wondering what the oyakata might be thinking and trying to understand. After reaching the sekitori rank, he even asked me if it would be okay for him to guide the younger wrestlers in my absence. I told him to absolutely go ahead and do that. It seems like he’s also taking care of their daily needs. What? Does he already have skills like Aminishiki’s? That’s an insult. He’s nowhere near there yet (laughs)." #italianozeki #大相撲 #sumo #相撲 #力士 #お相撲さん #grandsumo #sumoday #sumowrestling #相撲が好きな人と繋がりたい #相撲が好き #相撲好きな

from a cold winter walk in the small Washington St town of Snohomish, 6 years ago - 25Nov2019

SM Seaside Mall #3: More curves and lines, but with some curlycue stuff going on...

I wanted to try some light oiling with Tung oil this morning...a work in progress. The acacia wood I've been using for my plates has been changing over the years, and/or I have to try some different oils. I don't like lacquers, even most of the non-oil based ones. I enjoy the Hand and small brush oiling. ps - the lighting here is Not the best.

SM Seaside Mall #2: Not the best photos (my Canon is acting up), but I like the curves and lines of the interior architecture here, and the lighting. They're pulling out their xmas decorations throughout the Philippines now. I'll post some of them tomorrow. The SM Seaside Mall is one of the 4 largest malls in the Philippines, and I can walk like Forever it seems, in a circular walk, one floor at a time using the escalators or their curly cue stairwells with different colors to make the 4 main entrances to the mall. I forgot to mention the number one attraction - AC!! :)

This is a Post of an earlier Post I made in FB, from 2021:

https://youtu.be/E1NgPuDf2FA?si=OIedwiIY4qLsyj8e Typhoon Tino and Cebu...

I worked at a small English Language School in Japan in the early 80s, located in Yamaguchi Prefecture in Western Japan. Last night I was watching "Masterpieces of universal painting" on Amazon Prime, and part of their early Asian Art touched on Japanese Ink paintings. I remembered one of my favorite Japanese artists - Sesshu (1420-1506)- retired in the Yamaguchi area. Our school's Supervisor took us to a Temple associated with Sesshu. From https://www.britannica.com/biography/Sesshu "After many trips through northern Kyushu and other sections of Japan, Sesshū again returned to Yamaguchi in 1486 and rebuilt his studio. It is not certain whether or not he also lived in Iwami, as some sources suggest. Several temples claim the honour of being his burial site." Also, Sesshu was a Buddhist Monk. I'm doing this on my phone. Our internet today is being cranky.