BLOG OF THE WEEK - AN UPDATE WITH TOTOMAI

You are in for a treat today, fellow poets. Our friend Totomai, of Totomai.net has popped up again, after a move from Japan to Abu Dhabi, and he has sprinkled this visit with his breathtaking photos. Prepare to be thoroughly entertained as we catch up with him in his new location. As a special treat, we have included one of Totomai's videos of Bantayan Island in the Philippines, where we will be swept away to an island paradise!

Sherry: I am so looking forward to this visit! Would you bring us up to date with all that has happened since we last spoke to you in 2016 ? I know you had to leave your beloved Japan, and are now working in Abu Dhabi. We can't wait to hear all about it.

 Abu Dhabi

Totomai: Hi Sherry, I can’t believe that our last conversation was almost 2 years ago. Yes, as you may have known, I was out of a job at the start of 2017. I tried looking for  possible employment in Japan but I couldn’t find one. I decided to go back to the Philippines while waiting for my application results. After 10 months of being  unemployed, a company in United Arabs Emirates, located in Abu Dhabi, handed me a job offer. The position offered is the same as my previous position – a Process Engineer in an oil and gas industry.

It’s my third month now in Abu Dhabi, and so far the weather is not bothering me. But I am not sure if I can handle the temperature reaching 50 deg C during summer. 

Sherry: Goodness, that is way too hot! I know you loved Japan very much.

The Four Seasons

Totomai: Well, I miss Japan – the food, the seasons. But I believe I can adjust soon and very well here. 

Last photo in Japan

I am trying to explore the city during weekends and one thing I noticed is that there are lots of Filipino restaurants here, so I won’t be missing much the Filipino cuisine. Of course, lots of Filipinos too. It’s like a little Philippines near my apartment.

Sherry:  It sounds so beautiful there! And it's lovely that you have a Filipino community around you. What are the wonders of Abu Dhabi that you are exploring, camera in hand? Would you tell us the most amazing place you have seen there so far? Are there others you are keen to check out?

The Grand Mosque

Totomai: I brought my Nikon D7000, but I only have two of my lenses. Sometimes, I wish I have carried all of them. I went back the other day to The Grand Mosque, I blogged about it 3 years ago. I also joined the Desert Safari before  2017 ended. In Abu Dhabi, I want to visit the Louvre Abu Dhabi; it recently opened last November.

I am also planning to visit Dubai, a 2-hour drive from Abu Dhabi. I heard that it has more tourist attractions than Abu Dhabi.

If time allows, I would like to visit the neighboring countries too.  Those countries which are only 2-4 hrs flight away from Abu Dhabi.

Sherry: I am so enjoying this armchair journey and look forward to your future travels. Thank you for sharing your adventures with us! You recently announced winning an award for one of your wonderful photos. Tell us about that, and let’s include the photo as well. 

The Winning Photo 

Totomai: It’s an online photo contest, and the topic was illumination. I appreciate the prize but what touched me is the comment from the judge.

“The reasons I chose his piece are because the photo is clear, the composition is there and I can feel that he is having fun. Believe it or not, I can tell whether the photographer was having fun or not by looking at his photos.”

I kind of agree in what he said. I don’t take photos if I am not in the mood. I tried before and I ended up not liking my shots. I was very frustrated scanning the photos I took. I even hid my camera for a month.

Sherry: I can't imagine you ever taking a bad shot. Your work is amazing. How is your writing going these days? Have you settled into your new location enough for the words to come?

  

Totomai: I have been struggling with my writing. Well, I have been struggling even with my photography too. I guess, I need more time to settle down in this new environment.

Writing one blog post per month is already difficult for me. Most of the times, I can only include a haiku on it. I wish I could write longer poems too.

This old poem of mine sums up the above question.

On A Poet's Desk During Winter

The raspberry candle

melts the web off the unexplored volumes,

warms the green tea in manila cup.

Paper balls fall from the desk,

but avoid the slumber of cigarettes;

the quill remains silent

its ink

frozen. 

/totomai

Sherry: One does need time to settle into a new location. I certainly did for the better part of a year. Haiku and your photos are wonderful enough for those of us lucky enough to visit your blog.

You have a most beautiful book of poetry and photographs, entitled “filtered precipitates”.  It must have been so satisfying to see that book come together. Do you have plans for another?

Totomai: Thanks Sherry. I made one after that via flickr. I called it Colors. The book showcases the colorful photos I took. No poem was included on this one though. I only printed one copy for trial.

Sherry: On your sidebar, I see that people can also purchase your photos and t-shirts. Very cool.

Totomai: By the way, I just remembered one time, Sumana sent a message on Facebook informing me that my four seasons photo was used by a Facebook page with 16M followers without any credit. I sent the page a message and after some time they finally removed not only my photos but other photos they have used without permission.  I am fine to share my photos as long as I am informed.

Sherry: I am glad they complied and removed your work.  But 16 million people saw it! Wow! Do you have three poems you would like to share with us? 

"Japanese Doll" is for my ex-girlfriend, so I think it is self-explanatory. Honestly, This is one of my favorite poems.

Japanese Doll

The glass room protects your porcelain skin 

against the rays of the rising sun; 

bends them to my eyes. 

That rainbow halo, a magic of light, 

on your face begins my day.

Each morning, before traditional duels with the teacup, 

I crawl, over the futon, 

toward you to become enthralled 

by the kanzashi on your hair. 

The pink hue on your face mirrors 

the floral kimono you wear.  

How I wish I was the pillow on your back 

or the paper fan that your delicate hand holds. 

When the moon is out, 

your silhouette assures me of a good night's sleep.

In dreamland, I could be a Japanese doll too, 

with a heart-shaped forehead and a katana to safeguard you. 

Under the cherry blossoms, 

you whisper

sayonara 

that word wakes me up; 

now, pieces of glass and porcelain cover the wooden floor;

only the kanzashi, paper fan 

and kimono remain whole. 

/totomai

Sherry: Oh my goodness, my friend. It is my new favourite of yours as well. So beautiful, and bittersweet.

Totomai: As you know, I love Japan and the cherry blossoms. This was the inspiration of the next poem.

While Lying Under the Sakura Tree

I paint the clouds carnation

invisible against the pink skies;

the tilted horizon frees

a feathered tribe 

to sing the songs 

of spring.

Petals fall

at a rate of 

five centimeters per second --

chase the transparent umbrella

I held earlier.

I watch an artist sketch

her dreams in color,

or was it mine?

Somewhere, a train 

hums, roars then fades

away with the songs

of springs;

bringing along

my dreams.

/totomai

Sherry: So lovely!

Totomai: The last poem, "Madonna and Child", is based on an actual observation after I went to church in the Philippines. I am not sure if this is a common scenario in other countries too.

Madonna and Child

There is a painting

of a mother and child,

in black and white

leaning against the aged bricks

of the cathedral.

There is a painting

of a mother and child

with blank eyes and cracked lips,

stained by the changing seasons.

There is a painting

of a mother and child

outside the church,

lifeless,

yet breathing and begging.

/totomai

Sherry: This is very moving, Totomai. Is it far for you to get home to the Philippines from Abu Dhabi? 

Totomai: I stayed long enough in the Philippines during the time of my unemployment. I think my family was very happy to send me away. Haha. During those times, I visited four of the popular beaches / islands in the Philippines. I have blogged about them as a way of inviting the readers to come and visit the Philippines.

Calatagan

Boracay

Bantayan

Sherry: It is so beautiful there, my friend. Let's take a little tour right now!

How lovely it is, Totomai. Thank you for taking us there!

Lakawon

Totomai: Abu Dhabi to Philippines is a 9-hour travel. Almost twice than Japan to Philippines. I plan to go home in June or July after my 6-month stay here.

  

Sherry: What are your plans for the year ahead, Totomai?

Totomai: My friends here are pushing me to join a photography contest in Abu Dhabi but I haven’t registered yet. Maybe if I am in the mood.

I also found a poetry group that does an Open Mic per month. I would love to do it but I have a terrible stage fright, I may collapse on stage.

Sherry: I get nervous, too. But the more you do it, the easier it gets. 

Totomai: Of course, I would like to travel to the neighboring countries. If that happens, wait for it on my blog.

If you don’t mind, I also started my youtube channel for my travel, I called it Juan-Eyed Juanderer . Feel free to subscribe. 

        

Sherry: Yay! It looks like fun! We always love visiting your site, for your photos are a feast for our eyes. We see things we would never see otherwise. And we love your poems and travel notes too.  Personally, I think National Geographic should snap you up!

Mudpack Festival 

Totomai: Thanks Sherry. I feel I need to study more about photography before I can make it to National Geographic level. I am a lazy photographer, actually. Haha. One of my photos (Mudpack Festival) was chosen by a National Geographic editor as one of  its twelve photos of the day last year.

As I always say, I hope Poets United will outlast all of us. I mean, it may continue to be a source of inspiration to writers, poets of all levels. I keep visiting the site even if I don’t post frequently.

Sherry:  And we are always so happy when you do! Thank you for this lovely visit, Totomai, and for keeping on coming back to Poets United. We love it when you pop in! All the best in your career, both professional and photographic. And may all roads lead home.

Wasn't this a delight, my friends? Do come back and see who we talk to next. Who knows? It might be you!

BLOG OF THE WEEK - AN UPDATE WITH TOTOMAI

My friends, I think this is the most energetic poet I have ever interviewed. Fasten your seat belts, it might be hard to keep up. Smiles. Our friend  Totomai, who blogs at Totomai.net, and whose spectacular photos we enjoy so much, has just spent the most incredible year. I managed to latch onto a coattail and slow him down long enough to bring us up to date, and it is exciting, amazing and will leave you breathless. Buckle up, and hold on tight. You are about to have a really good time!

Sherry: Totomai, you recently celebrated nine years of blogging. Congratulations! We last spoke in 2014 – bring us up to date on what’s new in your life since then, won’t you?

Totomai: Hi Sherry. I can’t believe that I’ve been blogging for almost a decade already.  Not so much has changed  in my life since our last chat, though I can say I am 25 kgs lighter than before.  

Sherry: Wow! You look great! That's fantastic, kiddo. Way to go!

Totomai: My professional life is still the same, been working in and out of Japan despite the crisis in the oil and gas industry. As long as I still have my work, I think I am more than fine.

Sherry: I have gathered from your posts that you are into fitness/adventure in a big way. Would you like to tell us a bit about that? 

Saudi Arabia

Totomai: After my assignment in Saudi Arabia last year, I realized that it’s time to change my lifestyle. I am categorized as obese (as per our medical check-up) and working at site was a challenge for me. I easily got tired and could barely move. In August 2015, I started my low-carb diet. I thought it was going to be hard but it wasn’t. 

As for those adventures, I wanted to experience many things in Japan. I am afraid of heights, and in order to counter it, I guess I have to do crazy stuff. 

Preparing to jump

Paragliding was fun.  I thought I had frozen tears after the jump. 


Climbing Japan's Tallest mountain, Mt. Fuji, was extraordinary. I never climbed a mountain before. I just told my friends, okay, count me in.

The climb

Mt Fuji

 

Sherry: "What's new? Oh, nothing much.  Learned to paraglide, climbed a mountain".....LOL. Your photo of Mt. Fuji is extraordinarily beautiful, Totomai. And you made it to the top! You are unstoppable!

Totomai: I’ve been curious about skydiving, so when I heard that one of my office-mates is a licensed skydiver, I asked a lot of questions on how I can experience it. She arranged everything and wow, that was an amazing adventure. I will try to save money to jump again. 

Sherry: Afraid of heights? Sure, let's jump out of a plane! Seriously, kiddo, you are brave! And I read that you participated in a lengthy 45 km marathon. That sounds intense!

Totomai: Last month’s marathon was for charity. It didn’t have strict rules other than to finish it within 12 hours. Our team clocked 11.5 hrs. It was also a good chance to explore Tokyo. 

Sherry: It's an achievement to have completed it. I am so happy to see you have published a book of your photography, titled Filtered Precipitates. How was it, putting it together? Tell us how you felt, holding it in your hands for the first time.

Totomai: We talked about photobooks during our last conversation. You have encouraged me to make one. I found it tough, though. Maybe because I wanted it to be perfect and I had it in monochrome. It felt great; some of my friends bought a copy and asked me to sign it.  It is a self-published book with my photos and poems. I am planning to make one next year, but this time, only photos (in color) to celebrate my 10 years of blogging.

Sherry: It will be beautiful, and then you will have two! Yay! You have traveled a great deal in your life. Is there anywhere on your Bucket List that you’ve been to since we last spoke? 
 

Ecuador

Totomai: I thought I could go to Galapagos Island during my business trip in Ecuador, but it was impossible. So it still remains on my bucket list. I went to United Arab Emirates (Abu Dhabi) and Kingdom of Saudi Arabia since we last spoke. It was my first time for these three countries. 

The Grand Palace
in the United Arab Emirates

Sherry: Wow, you are seeing the whole world! I love the palace. It has hints of Russian architecture. Is there a place still on the list you are most keen to see?

Totomai: Maybe Switzerland. Or Slovenia. I heard some great stuff about these countries.

Singapore

Sherry: In our next chat, I would not be surprised to hear you had scaled the Alps, LOL.

Totomai: I am also trying to visit all of the 47 prefectures in Japan. So far, I have been to 23. And if I decide to return to the Philippines, I plan to go island hopping. You know, our country has 7,107 islands. 

Sherry: I didn't know that! That is a lot of very beautiful seashore. I notice you are writing haiku lately. Tell us a bit about that. What is the difference, for you, in writing haiku or a longer work?

Totomai: I am currently reading Basho: The Complete Haiku.  I wanted to be like him and I am trying very hard. Anyone can dream, right? The more I read about Matsuo Basho’s works, the more I realize that writing haiku is not that easy.  There’s more to it than the 5-7-5 scheme.

I also enjoy writing free-verse poetry.  The degree of difficulty for both literary forms is quite similar. But for the time being, I want to focus on improving my haiku skills, if there are any. Ha ha!

Sherry: I think you are perfecting the art, my friend. I find such brevity very challenging, but should give it a try. Would you like to choose three of your poems to share with us? And tell us a bit about each?

Totomai: "Colorful Smile" is written to honor our city’s MassKara Festival. Our city has been struck with tragedies and the local government decided to ease the pain by having this celebration. Everyone’s wearing a smiling mask to hide tears and the pains.

Colorful Smile

I bought a colorful smile

for a peso or two

when the mermaids invited

the mortals to be part of their choir

I bought a colorful smile

for a peso or two

when the sugarcane juiced out

salt crystals

I bought a colorful smile

for a peso or two

when the sky flooded

the town black

I bought a colorful smile

for a peso or two

to hide

a colorless soul

/totomai

Sherry: The poem is wonderful, Totomai, and your gorgeously colorful photo captures the emotions perfectly. I am always saddened to hear of the tragedies in Japan. 

Totomai: "Lullaby of the Ocean" was written after I slept on the shore, waiting for the Hamaorisai Festival. It was a very relaxing feeling.

Hamaorisai ~

a festival celebrated in the ocean

Lullaby of the Ocean

i sleep

on a sandy crib

watch by two stars

and some planets

like musical mobiles

the curtains above

quickly change

from blue to black to blue

somewhere

i can hear a lullaby

it is without words

like a hum

of a mother

to a child

thumb sucking

the sound grows

louder and drowns

my spirit

i sleep

on a sandy crib

protected by the mists

coming from the ocean

the lullaby lingers

/totomai

Sherry: Sigh: I can hear the waves. Your poem makes me feel very peaceful, too. And your photos are incredibly beautiful.

Totomai: "Dream House" is a poem for the homeless.

Dream House

I can make my own ---

not the houses sketched

by architects and arranged

by interior designers.

I do not need a thermal roof,

a couple of rusty GI sheets

with used rubber tires

as weights would do.

I care less about marble floors,

French windows and sliding doors;

I'll use smoked plywood

and discarded hollow blocks.

This is the dream I have every night

as I curl like a fetus,

in the careless womb of the city

wrapped in a blanket of newspapers.

/totomai

Sherry: Yes, to a man wrapped against the chill in newspapers, the simplest shelter would seem more than adequate.

Totomai: Finally, here is a haiku in honor of Matsuo Basho.

fragile syllables

over rice cakes and green tea

the soul of Basho

/totomai

Sherry: I love this one, love the rice cakes and green tea. Thanks, Totomai. Is there anything else you’d like to share?

Totomai: I also enjoy designing shirts using UNIQLO application to do them. Some of them are available online in Japan. Check them out.  http://bit.ly/1sZWdoM

Sherry: That's cool. I see you have them for sale on your website, and they are great. I saw one with  cherry blossoms, too. Kids, you can WEAR Totomai's photos! How cool is that? 

Just before this feature posted, Totomai, I understand you received some recognition for your talent for photography. 

Totomai: I submitted photos to the National Geographic Travel Photographer contest. While not one of the winners, two of my photos were picked as editors' favorites (sort of a shortlist in choosing the winners), during the contest. It inspired me to take more photos and explore the world.

[The link to the gallery of winning photos is here and, kids, they are amazing! And here are the two photos that the editors took notice of: one in the Cities category and one in People. Both are amazing.]

[Can you see Totomai with his camera in the centre?

He looked up and saw his reflection in the lights.]

Sherry: Congratulations, my friend! You are hitting the big-time. Next year, I am sure you will be among the winners. (We'll do another update!) You are so talented!

In closing, is there anything you'd like to say to the good folks at Poets United?

Sakura

Totomai: Poets United is one of the reasons why I kept on writing poems.  Words are not enough to express how thankful I am for discovering this site and bringing me back again to my first love – poetry.  As I mentioned before, I hope Poets United will outlive all of us and may continue to inspire poets all over the world.  Keep on writing everyone!

Sherry: It is the reason I keep writing poems, too, kiddo. I started writing them again after my writing had slowed to a trickle for lack of support in the real world. It is why I remain so dedicated - and grateful.

Thank you, Totomai. A visit with you is always wonderful, for both eyes and heart. We can't get enough of your poetry and I am stoked to know one can WEAR one of your photos, now. Smiles. It doesn't get any better!

Well, my friends, wasn't this enjoyable? Totomai is the man to watch: jumping out of airplanes, climbing mountains, producing books,  working full time and turning out wonderful poems and photos. He makes it look easy. Do come back and see who we talk to next. Who knows? It might be you!