So, just as my luck would have it, I flew into Tokyo, Japan literally the day before the big earthquake hit up north in Sendai. I would be there on business for 1 week, with TV show bookings, magazine interviews and meetings. As it turns out, on March 11 – I left my friend’s place 20 minutes prior to the earthquake. I was supposed to meet another girl friend Sharon aka “Shay” for lunch in Roppongi. We met at the Nikkei Youth Conference that I was a guest speaker at, in Tokyo last October.

20 minutes prior to the earthquake, I started out for the train. But, an eerie feeling crept inside of me. Something told me to go back immediately. I couldn’t figure out why – I hadn’t forgotten anything back at my friend’s place…..but I returned anyway since the feeling was so overwhelming. Upon returning within 2 minutes, the earthquake started. It was so scary…..not only did it feel like airplane turbulence at its worst, but it rocked up and down, side to side, diagonal. Thank God I was with someone though. I would’ve died if I was alone in that subway train, because I heard they were stuck inside for 4 hours, being forced to walk the railway tracks home. Everything went out – no electricity, running water, or cell phone reception. I know all my friends and family were calling frantically from the states, but we were unreachable for so long. Not my fault….sorry!

When power did come back, we learned about the tsunami up north in Sendaifor the first time. Shocked and devastated was all I could feel.

Although, I had a performance booking on Tokyo MX for Monday, March 14, my show got cancelled – understandably of course, and it seemed like the whole country shut down operation.

My mother’s side of the family is from Japan, so I was so worried, but they are all okay. Phew~ it’s been one helluva week. I must say, I feel like I’ve been in a warp zone. All this feels so unreal. My prayers are with all of the families in Sendai, and I do plan to return to help, once the radiation levels are safe.

Usually, Shibuya crossing is very crowded, but it was sorta scarce….

Girl time w/Shay, days later….we just needed to get some air! at Roy’s Hawaiian Fusion in Roppongi Hills

Japan Airlines out of Haneda airport….the fastest 10 hr flight ever, I slept the entire way!