Jeepney Press 81 May-June 2016

May-June 2016

PAHAYAGANG PINOY

e-magazine

PINOY JOURNEYS in JAPAN

Let’s send our love and prayers to

kumamoto!

Kumamoto means "origin of the bear", and its nickname is Hi No Kuni (fire country), because of the nearby giant volcano (Mt. Aso) and Mori no Miyako (capital of the forest).

Two powerful earthquakes, a day apart, shook K YUSHU, Japan, on APRIL 2016.

Student? Just arrived in Japan? Lipat bahay? Bagong opisina?

Moving company? Cable and internet connection?

“Our Mission is You! Let us support your life in Japan.�

English, Tagalog, Japanese OK!

03-5292-2342

Only 1-min. walk from Takadanobaba Eki (Yamanote Line or Tozai Line) Very near Big Box and Donki

1-26-12-701 Takadanobaba, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo

www.asiavox.com

Nishimachi is...

Academically rigorous.

A Pioneer... in English and Japanese language education in Japan.

Multicultural... with a student body of 390 children representing some thirty countries.

Small and intimate... which enables us to promote the optimal well-being and growth of each individual.

Co-educational and non-sectarian... Kindergarten through Grade 9.

Accredited... by the Council of International Schools, Western Association of Schools and Colleges, and recognized by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government.

Conveniently located... in a residential area of central Tokyo favored by the diplomatic and expatriate communities.

090-2908-5088(SB)

Visit our campus and experience the warm atmosphere of Nishimachi!

2-14-7 Moto Azabu, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-0046, Japan Tel: +81-(0)3-3451-5520 Fax: +81-(0)3-3456-0197

www.nishimachi.ac.jp

PAHAYAGANG PINOY

e-magazine JEEPNEY PRESS welcomes articles of interest on Filipinos in Japan. Please email any photos, drawings, and other materials that you would like to accompany the article.

Submissions can also be sent by postmail. Photos, drawings and other materials will not be returned unless sent with a self-addressed, stamped envelope. Deadline is one month before publication. We reserve the right to edit or omit any submissions.

Disclaimer: Jeepney Press is not responsible for the transactions between its advertisers and their clients. Publisher does not endorse or make any representation or warranty, express or implied, with respect to any of the products or services advertised herein. We recommend that you independently evaluate all products/services before purchasing. Jeepney Press is not accountable for any claims on the articles in this magazine. They are purely the writer's idea and opinion. The views expressed herein are not necessarily representative of those of the publishers'. Public and private parties approached by those claiming to work for or on behalf of Jeepney Press should call our office to confirm truth of any such claim, especially where money may be involved.

Jeepney Press is published online bimonthly by Asia Vox Ltd. All rights reserved. Copyright 2016.

JEEPNEY PRESS Asia Vox Ltd.

Takadanobaba Bldg. 701, 1-26-12 Takadanobaba, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 169-0075 Tel : 03-3200-2559 Fax: 03-5292-2341 e-mail: jeepneymail@yahoo.com website: http://jeepneymail.wix.com/jeepneypress

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publisher ASIA VOX LTD. IRENE SUN-KANEKO editorial & creative director DENNIS SUN editorial staff

ROGER AGUSTIN Tokyo MIRIAM SUN-ARENAS, MD Philippines RENALIZA CHAVEZ Tokyo GLEN GYPSY Tokyo FARAH TROFEO-ISHIZAWA Tokyo JEFF PLANTILLA Nara ABIE PRINCIPE Nagoya MARILYN RIVERA Philippines NERIZA SAITO Osaka ELENA SAKAI Tokyo KAREN SANCHEZ Kanagawa ANITA SASAKI Tokyo WARREN SUN Tokyo WAYNE SUN Philippines SALLY CRISTOBAL-TAKASHIMA Osaka ALMA REYES Tokyo JASMIN VASQUEZ Nagano LITA MANALASTAS-WATANABE Tokyo

creative staff

ARLENE ESPERIDA Tokyo JERRY SUN-ARENAS Philippines VAL AMOR C. PALO Tokyo JOSE MIGUEL PARUNGAO Philippines CHINO MANDING CADDARAO Tokyo NICK SANTIAGO Tokyo DANNY DUNGO Tokyo

PAHAYAGANG PINOY

e-magazine 05

Chasing Cherry Blossoms

by Danny Dungo

COVER PHOTO Taken in Mitaka, Tokyo

photo by Danny Dungo photo by Danny Dungo

It is spring time now!

While the world looks for a new war to fight, you look for a cherry blossom to watch!

Let the stupid seek the violence; you seek the elegance!

Mehmet Murat Ildan

08

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Look at the cherry blossoms!

Their color and scent fall with them, Are gone forever, Yet mindless The spring comes again.

Ikkyu photo by Danny Dungo

STOPLIGHT

ni Karen Sanchez

Angel In Disguise

Magandang araw po mga kababayan! Kamusta po kayong lahat diyan na nasa Japan. Dito po sa Pilipinas ay masaya, maingay at magulo.

Malapit-lapit na po ang eleksiyon dito at diyan o sa ibang bansa at nagsimula na ang botohan at dahil sa eleksiyon o halalang ito ay naging masigla ang mga kalsada sa kahit saang sulok ng bansa sa ngayon maging sa mga maliliit o liblib na mga lugar o mga kabaryohan ay nakakarating ang mga politisyan upang mangampanya kung saan naging dahilan ito ng mabagal na pag-usad ng mga sasakyan o nagsanhi ng matinding trapik sa mga daan lalo na sa Kamaynilaan. At babala po mga kababayan na mag-ingat po tayong lahat at baka tayo'y ma “Angel In Disguise. “ Ang anghel ay isang sugo ng Diyos sa paniniwala ng karamihan sa atin. Ngunit hindi lahat ay tulad ng pinaniniwalaan nating sila'y mababait bagkus ang iba o karamihan ay mga huwad, nagpapanggap, traidor o sugo ng kadiliman o sa kilala nating si Satanas, isa ding anghel na bumaba sa lupa at pinagharian ng kasamaan o inggit sa utak at gustong maging mas mataas pa sa ating Maylikha.

Lahat po tayo ay may itinuturing na mga anghel sa ating buhay. Sila ang mga espiritu o nagkatawang tao o literal na

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mga tao. Sila ang mga taong sumagip, tumulong, gumabay o dumamay sa oras na tayo ay nagigipit o nangangailangan ng tulong.

Sila ang mga personal na pinagkakautangan natin ng loob na malaki at naging parte sa kung anong mayroon tayo sa ngayon. Sila din ang mga taong naging dahilan kung bakit tayo at nasa tamang landas, masaya, maligaya o kontento na. Sila ang maituturing nating mahalaga sa ating buhay.

Ngunit sa kabila ng pagkakakilala natin sa iilan sa kanila ay kasabay nating nakikilala ang mga tinatawag nating si “Angel In Disguise”.

Sila naman ang mga taong naging malapit sa atin, mga taong pinagkatiwalaan na natin, itinuring na kapatid, kapamilya o kadugo, inakala mong kakampi, karamay, kaibigan o ka-ibigan, na inisip mong makakatulong sa iyo ng malaki ngunit kabaliktaran pala. Lalo na sa panahon ngayon na naglipana ang mga kagaya nila. Mga taong nangangako o nagpapanggap na mabait, na sila daw ang makakatulong sa karamihan lalo na sa mahihirap at salat sa kaalaman nating mga kababayan. Mga huwad na nagbibigay pag-asa kuno na maiahon sa kahirapan ang mga tao. Sila daw ang karapat-dapat na pagkatiwalaan ngunit sila ang mga taong gustong-gusto kang ibagsak at gagamitin nila ang mga bagay na alam nilang kahinaan mo. Mga taong may personal na interes o galit sa

iyo. Na minsan ipinagtataka mo kung bakit niya o nila nagagawa ito sa iyo.

May ibat-ibang dahilan naman din kung bakit nangyayari ang mga ito. Kung ikaw ay namumulitiko, malamang ay gusto mo lang ang isang pwesto, maluklok, makaupo sa posisyon at gusto mong makinabang, kumapit o ibulsa ang kaban ng bayan, na inaakala mong pinakikinabangan ng kapwa mo politisyan.

Kung ikaw ay simpleng mamamayan lamang at nakakagawa ka ng di karapat-dapat sa iyong kapwa, malamang ikaw at tinubuan na ng inggit sa katawan dahil ang inaasam-asam mong mangyayari sayo ay di nangyari at nangyari ito sa kapwa mo lalong-lalo na sa kakilala mo. At dahil sa inggit ay kaya mong mag-imbento ng kwento na ikakasira ng kapwa mo. Gagawa ka ng paraan para pabagsakin ang taong kinaiinggitan o katunggali mo hanggang sa mapasama siya o sila sa mata ng ibang tao.

At sa mga ganitong tao na nakakalimot na ay may mga tanong po ako. Hanggang saan ang kaya mong gawin?

Hanggang saan ang kaya mong patunayan? Hanggang saan ka dadalhin ng inaakala mong tagumpay na? Paano mo haharapin ang hinaharap kung ang kasalukuyan ay isang pagkakamali na? Paano ka haharap sa mga taong siniraan mo dahil lang ikaw ay

naghangad ng higit sa inaakala mo? At higit sa lahat, paano ka haharap sa Diyos sa oras ng iyong kamatayan o kapag ikaw ay pumanaw na?

Mga kababayan, ang lahat po ng kasagutan ay nasa sa inyo po. May kasabihan na tayo ay ipinanganak na 50% ay kapalaran o destiny at ang 50% ay nakasalalay na sa ating mga kamay. Tayo pa rin ang gumagawa ng ating kapalaran. Tayo pa rin ang nagdedisisyon sa kung anong buhay ang gusto natin o maging. At siyempre, mas napapadali ito kapag may tamang gabay o direksyon tayo sa gusto nating marating.

At sa panahong ito, para din po sa ating lahat, lagi po tayong mag-ingat, maging mapagmatyag at kilatising mabuti ang mga taong dapat nating pagkakatiwalaan. Sa pagboto, mangibabaw sana ang ating mga prinsipyo, huwag magpadala sa mga boladas ng mga kandidato at higit sa lahat, huwag magpadala sa iilang sentimo o daandaang piso dahil kapalit nito ay buhay at pagkatao mo! Maging wais po sana tayo sa pagpili ng mga ilalagay natin sa pwesto.

Maging aral sana ang mga pagkakamali na natin, ng ating mga ninuno o ng mga una nang namuno dahil malaki ang magiging epekto nito sa buhay natin sa ngayon at sa susunod na mga henerasyon. Kaunting munimuni at baka tayo'y ma �Angel In Disguise“ na naman!

Hanggang sa muli po!

Sabay-sabay po tayong manalangin, humingi ng gabay at malinaw na kaisipan na nawa'y maging tama, maka Diyos, maka-tao, matagumpay at mapayapa ang darating na halalan ng ating bansa. Maging responsable nawa tayong lahat sa mga desisyon na ating gagawin. Bigyan pa nawa tayo ng mga mababait na anghel upang gumabay sa atin nang sa gayun maging kaaya-aya ang mga buhay natin nitong buong 2016.

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Send us a word. Tell us what you like and enjoy or tell us what you want us to cover in Jeepney Press.

PAHAYAGANG PINOY

e-magazine

jeepneymail@yahoo.com

WE’VE GOT MAIL! April 12, 2016 To Jeepney Press and all its staff, First of all, THANK YOU VERY, VERY, VERY MUCH for sending all those free issues po. Just like what your Editorial & Creative Director said, “There should be more editorial pages as opposed to the ad pages. This balance should not be neglected but instead be pursued.” I second the motion.

10 Feb 2016 Marami pong salamat, Jeepney Press!

Ako po si Carmelita Dizon Siblon, 64 years old na po ako.

Ang Jeepney Press ay lagi kong inaabangan. Gusto ko po ang mga jokes nyo at gusto ko rin yung si Dennis Sun na kolum nya. Eto po ang aking email address para sa susunod na e-magazine ng Jeepney Press. Lagi kong sine-send sa asawa ko sa Pinas pagkatapos basahin.

Thank you! Huwag nyong kalimutan ang inyong Lola Carmelita!

Your paper is the kind that after reading every detail on every page, you’ll save it so you can read it again on a “rainy day”.

Secondly, sad to say that I am still in an analogue place and it’s going to take a few more years before I can read your paper online.

Anyway, CONGRATS! Welcome to the Digital World!

I hope that your publication may touch and reach more Filipinos here and beyond. For 13 years and 79 issues printed – not bad! More power po!

I wish that your paper will still be around when I’m out. I promise to look you up from time to time.

Lastly, I’m wishing your success “online”. You have been a part of my life, even if it’s only for a while and it was good times. It’s so nice to read something you can fully understand and relate because it lowers the everyday stress of this huge invisible language barrier.

Break a leg!

Bye for now.

Sincerely, Moonshine (not real name)

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TRIPLE TREAT!

By Dennis Sun

IT WAS MARLENE’S latest CD debut live concert at Blue Note Tokyo last April 26. But she was not alone. It was a back to back... to back concert with her two equally great musician friends: Jiro Yoshida on guitars, and Makoto Kuriya on the piano.

The album and concert is entitled THREESOME Cubic Magic. These three artists are veteran musicians in their own musical genre.

Undoubtedly, each one of them is a superstar in his own right and has their own huge fan base at their disposal. They can always do a solo show but this time, they have demonstrated that a threesome can also be more fun!

THREESOME is the perfect title. All the three artists shone in their brightest musical expertise. The piano playing of Makoto Kuriya and the guitar picking and strumming of Jiro Yoshida are a display which a master musician alone can do. The vocal interpretations of Marlene, however, are an envy to other singers. Indeed, Marlene is not just your ordinary singer. Having surpassed more than 3 decades in the music industry, she has mastered her craft inside and out. She is the epitome of a total entertainer. Marlene

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has a certain calculated magic and she puts everyone under her spell.

I have followed Marlene year after year and have always been amazed by her antics when she gets onstage. This time, she was definitely at her best form and shape. Her voice was clear and strong. She was singing her long notes longer and her high notes get higher. She uses her various vocals techniques that give an almost brawny power: a quick voice break, a consternated yell, a flirty whisper and a powerful belt at the end. In every song, she uses all these ingredients. A song is always like one drama episode and she becomes the character as she either falls in love or becomes a victim of one.

Threesome is jazz as we know it with all its free form and improvisation. There is no exact note to follow. Each of them channeled some musical entity and no one expected what could happen next. If “Threesome” were about making love, it surely would have been multi-orgasmic! Threesome is perfection, beauty and class!

KOTOWAZA Kotowaza is a Japanese proverb that may take the form of a short saying, an idiomatic phrase, or a four-character idiom.

Literally: Even monkeys fall from trees。 Meaning: Anyone can make a mistake.

by Isabelita Manalastas-Watanabe Dear Tita Lits, Dahil po sa election this year, nag-aaway po kami ng aking best friend dahil kay Duterte siya at kay Roxas naman ako. I respect her po if she wants to vote for Duterte pero recently, parang naging cold siya sa akin. It seems that we have been losing friendships because of an election.

Paano ko i-explain sa kanya na meron tayong freedom to choose who we want? I mean, kung sino man po ang mailuklok sa pagkapresidente, kailangan din tayong magka-isa para sa ating bayan kaya dapat din natin tulungan ang bagong presidente natin. Hay naku, minsan, hindi ko po ma-gets ang ibang tao.

Lilia Hiroshima

then your friendship will surely become warm again, as your friend would have won, and surely you are the type of person who is humble enough to accept defeat. It may be a different story though, for your friend if your candidate Roxas wins. The friendship will be more at risk, as your friend seems to be over passionate as to who she wants to win, and may not accept defeat gracefully. If neither of these two candidates wins, then both of you will be even, and surely, no more friction expected.

Just a matter of time, and then we will know if your friendship goes back to where it was before this “election fever conflict� between you and your friend erupted. I will be most interested to know from you!

Tita Lits

Hello, Lilia: Wow! A friendship at risk dahil sa choice of who will be President of the Philippines?

Kung kailangan ninyo ng advice, mag e-mail lang po kayo kay Tita Lits sa jeepneymail@yahoo.com

I think both of you are intellectuals - passionate about discussing matters affecting our nation, and what each one should do to help. I give that to both of you. But for a friendship to be destroyed just because of differing opinions? Unthinkable for me. By the time this advice goes online, we have all voted already for our choice of President, Vice President, Senators. If Duterte wins,

Dear Tita Lits, Isa po akong trainee dito sa Japan at may isang taon na rin nagta-trabaho. Nakita ko po na very shy ang mga Hapon. They don’t talk much and they are very polite. Pero na shock po ako nang pumunta kami ng mga kaibigan ko sa isang onsen.

Naku, hubad sa mundo ang mga Hapon at wala silang hiya sa ibang tao kahit kitang-kita ang kanilang katawan! Meron naman silang twalya ngunit hindi naman nila ginagamit para

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takpan ang kanilang maselan na parte sa katawan.

Hindi ko po alam kung tatakpan ko ang sarili ko.

Usually po, tinatakpan ko pero sabi ng mga friends ko, wala naman daw titingin sa akin. Pero hindi naman kasi kagandahan ang hugis ng katawan ko at hindi rin maganda ang balat ng kutis ko tulad nila na napakaputi at kinis. Kung ipapakita ko naman ang buong katawan ko, para naman kaya akong isang exhibitionist?

nag-e-explain ang professor namin, I felt very shy to raise my hand. Nahiya akong ako lang ang hindi maka-intindi.

Later on, I found out, hindi rin pala naintindihan ng iba kong classmate na Hapon. I found out later din, parang ayaw nilang i-challenge ang kanilang professor by asking questions. Tapos, parang hindi nila gusto na mag-stick out ka, by being very vocal. Parang gusto nilang mag-blend ka dapat. Kasi kung mag-blend ka, walang conflict.

Dina Nagano

Iyong pagiging polite, oo.

Kahit sa lenguahe nila, mayroon levels of politeness. At complicated din ang vertical levels of hierarchical order dito sa Japan, dahil how low or high you are in the hierarchical order, or how senior you are (in age) will also determine the level of politeness that is expected of you, when you talk to your superior, to your superior’s superior, to someone much beneath you in the pecking order.

Dear Dina: Obviously, bago ka pa rito sa Japan. Kapag medyo matagal-tagal ka na, at medyo makakabasa ka ng more information about Japan, the Japanese and their culture, baka mag-iba ang iyong current impressions sa kanila.

Not talking too much may not be an indication that a Japanese, or even any other person for that matter, is shy.

Sa America, dapat maging vocal ka palagi, to be heard, to be recognized. Kung tahimik ka masyado, iisiping hindi ka magaling. So, sa school sa America, dapat listo kang magtanong sa iyong teacher, or sumagot sa tanong ng iyong teacher. Ganoon din sa atin. Kasi kung active ka sa discussion kunwari, madali kang makilala at mag-stand out sa buong klase, at baka mas magiging mataas ang grades mo. Iba sa Japan.

Noong estudyante ako sa Japan, may dini-discuss na mathematical equation iyong professor namin. Hindi ko talaga ma-gets ano iyong equation at gusto kong magtanong. Pero noong lahat tahimik lang habang

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Regarding onsen – naku, hindi lang literally paliligo para sa Hapon ang pagpunta sa onsen. Parang ritual ito sa kanila. Parang sacred na rin, in a sense. Tama ang friends mo – walang titingin sa iyo.

Just do the ritual and follow the onsen rules, and you will have a most enjoyable time.

Of course, kahit naman hindi tayo hubad, kahit sa train lang, medyo hindi pa rin sanay ang maraming (karamihan, older) Japanese, sa mga taong very different ang hitsura sa kanila – like dark-skinned people. Pwede talagang mag-stare sila. Pero tayong Pinoy/Pinay, hindi kalayuan ang ating kutis/physique sa Hapon, kaya I do not think you have to be conscious about your nakedness when you are in the

onsen. Next time you go to the onsen, just enjoy that long, nice, relaxing bath. And don’t stare, as well!

Tita Lits Dear Tita Lits, Recently, lumalakas na naman ang value ng yen against the peso and other currencies. Nang bumaba ang yen, medyo talo ako sa mga binabayaran ko sa Pinas. Ngayon tumaas na, medyo nakahinga ng konti.

Ano po ang prediction ninyo this year sa Japanese yen?

Continue po kaya ang lakas ng yen? Do you recommend that I buy more pesos now para pambayad sa mga utang sa Pinas?

Yen po kasi ang sweldo ko.

Rico Hokkaido Dear Rico: If anyone with a good amount of Yen funds can predict with 100% accuracy ano ang mangyayari sa JPY/PHP exchange rate, kahit for the next day lang, that person can make money! But as it is, the JPY/PHP rate is dependent on many factors – a war somewhere in the world, crash of stock markets in some countries, the fall of oil prices, a terrorist bombing in one country, natural calamities, etc.

I am in the remittance business. Ang daming clients namin ang tatawag, tapos magtatanong, “Tataas ho kaya ang Yen bukas? Kasi magpapadala ako sa atin”. So standard palagi ang response ko – “Sa ngayon ho, parang pataas, pero mamayang gabing natutulog tayo, posibleng may mangyari sa isang sulok

ng mundo, na bigla makaapekto sa Yen exchange rate, at bumaba bigla”. And my final advice: “Kung masaya na ho kayo sa rate ngayon, ipikit ang mata, at ipadala na”.

Accept that on that time you sent money, iyon ang halaga ng Yen mo. Kung ano mang mangyari bukas, let it be.

Ako, personally, dahil na-experience ko na bumaba kung kailan lang last year ang Yen/PHP rate to around 0.33, meaning, PHP3,300 ang isang lapad, happy na ako kung makakuha ako ng at least 0.40 na rate (or PHP 4,000 sa isang lapad). Anything over this rate is already a bonus for me.

Huwag mo ng isiping “Sayang, sana hindi ko muna ipinadala”.

Huwag magpa-stress. It is not worth it.

Tita Lits Dear Tita Lits, I am a permanent resident of Japan living here for more than 15 years already.

Hindi po ako sure pero baka babalik rin ako sa Pinas sa pag-retire ng asawa kong Hapon. Gusto ko pong tanungin about the PhilHealth Insurance. Ano po ba ito at paano po kayang mag-apply. Ano po ang requirements? Magagamit ko po kaya ang National Health Insurance ng Japan kapag tumira kami ng asawa ko sa Pinas?

Mina Kawasaki Dear Mina: I advice you to kindly search on-line about PhilHealth and how to become a member.

You will find on-line inquiry, forms download, benefits, contributions, etc.

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http://www.philhealth. gov.ph I cannot determine from your letter if you are working, or a full time housewife. I have some information on OFW’s Membership and Validity of Premium Contribution, which was sent to my office as a PhilHealth Advisory No. 06-02-2011. It means, the information is already at least 4 years old – thus, my advise to do on-line search for any updates. Anyway, here is what I have: • Membership Registration Land-based OFWs register only once. The assigned PhilHealth Identification Number (PIN) is permanent and should be used when changing membership categories.

Initial registration requirements are: • Two (2) copies of properly accomplished PhilHealth Member Registration Form (PMRF), together with supporting documents for declared legal dependents (e.g., birth certificate, marriage contract); and • Any proof of being an active OFW *Copy of existing employment contract *Copy of work permit/visa *Employment certificate from existing employer *Valid Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) or e-Receipts issued by POEA • Premium Contribution Premium contribution is PHP 900.00 annually (please check website for updates). The OFWs may pay their premium in advance if the duration of the employment contract is more than one year to ensure continuity of coverage.

A family member or author-

ized representative of the OFW may pay their annual premiums provided they can present any proof that the member is still an active OFW. Payments may be made in any of the partner banks of PhilHealth, remittance companies and their foreign tie-ups.

Speed Money Transfer Japan can process your PhilHealth contributions which will be credited directly to PhilHealth.

PNB and Metrobank branches in Japan can also assist you.

Re national health insurance ng Japan. Ang alam ko, hindi magagamit sa atin para magpa-medical check-up.

Kung dumalaw ka or ang asawa mo sa Pilipinas, tapos bigla kang/siyang magkasakit sa atin, pwedeng magbayad muna kayo doon, tapos may form na dapat i-fill up ng iyong doctor sa Pilipinas, i-submit iyong form na iyon sa pertinent office sa Japan, para mag-file ng refund, under certain conditions. Best siguro, to ask your Japanese husband to call the Japanese health insurance office na member siya/kayo, and clarify kung tama nga itong information na ito.

Tita Lits

T

s t i L a it

WATCH & JOIN!

1st WORLD CLASS EXCELLENCE JAPAN AWARDS (WCEJA) AN INTERNATIONAL RED CARPET BENEFIT DINNER TRIBUTE TO INTERNATIONAL ARTISTS/ OUTSTANDING ACHIEVERS & COMPANIES/ PRODUCTS FOR THE BENEFIT OF JAPAN AIWO AGETAI SCHOLARS, EMCOR VOICE OF AN ANGEL FOUNDATION & SCHOLARS OF OUR LADY OF FATIMA DE SAN PEDRO SCHOOL Hotel New Otani Hakata Fukuoka, Japan November 7, 2016 Monday, 6pm Organized by: NPO Houjin AIWO AGETAI (I Wanna Give Love) Foundation in partnership with ASIA PACIFIC AWARDS COUNCIL +819050255991 +819045116943 ( Japan ) +639175511127 +632-8472428 (Philippines ) E-mail : voaamusic@yahoo.com / worldclassexcellence@yahoo.com www.worldclassexcellence.com

EMCOR VOAA MUSIC INTERNATIONAL http://www.emcormusicbar.com/ Exclusive Awards night to International Directors, Governors & VIP Delegates of International Lions Clubs Convention on June 22,Wed June 23,Thu June 26, 2016 Sun 6pm at the VOAA Studio International.

Watch EMMA’S coming shows May 18 at Emcor Jazz Music Bar May 31 at Hotel New Otani June 9 at Kokura Comen Center June 19 at EMCOR Birthday Show June 28 at Hotel New Otani July 26 at Hotel New Otani 6pm Aug 23-28 in Los Angeles, USA Aug 29 -Sep 6 at Hotel W Guangzhou in China

Tel/Fax 092-724-3386 / 090-4511-6934／090-5025-5991

email address: voaamusic@yahoo.com

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810-0003 Fukuoka-ken Fukuoka-shi Chuo-ku Haruyoshi 3-21-28 Romanesque Resorts Nishi Nakasu Bldg. 7F

On The Demise of the Honorable Domingo L. Siazon Jr., Former Secretary of Foreign Affairs and Former Ambassador to Japan

The Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines in Tokyo mourns the passing of the Honourable Domingo L. Siazon, Jr., former Secretary of Foreign Affairs (1995-2001) and Philippine Ambassador to Japan (1993-1995; 2001-2010), on the 3rd of May, 2016.

A towering, revered figure in the annals of Philippine public service and diplomacy, he leaves behind an indelible mark in national, regional and global affairs. He served as the first Director-General of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (1985-1993). As Foreign Secretary at a time of growth and change within ASEAN and the larger region, he worked assiduously with foreign counterparts, who sought his support and counsel, in the service of the goals of regional peace and prosperity.

Secretary Siazon was one of the Philippine Foreign Service’s most distinguished and beloved sons. It was in this Embassy that Secretary Siazon started and closed his illustrious Foreign Service career in 1964 and 2010, respectively, a source of great honour and pride for this diplomatic mission. He worked tirelessly to advance Philippine-Japan relations. His demise comes at a time when relations between his motherland and his adopted second home have attained unparalleled heights. Secretary Siazon’s lasting legacy and contributions to diplomacy with Japan live on, a vigorous stream from which the river of Philippine-Japan relations will continue to flow and draw strength in the coming years.

The Embassy shares in the grief of his beloved family, and conveys its most profound condolences.

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by Chino M. Caddarao

Catching the Beauty o

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Through the ages, cherry blossoms or Sakura to Japanese, played a role in almost all aspects of Japan's way of life.

It's not just an ordinary flower, it is Japan's symbol and identity.

f the Cherry Blossoms The Sakura blossoming in Japan is spring itself, it depicts the passing of a cold winter season.

It is also the start of rice sowing season.

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Every year at the start of spring, that is at the end of March or first week of April, depends on the weather condition, Japan is visibly covered with cherry blossoms flowering, laying out a white and pink carpet in parks, avenues and shrine and temples everywhere. Because of its landscape beauty, almost all are drawn to these places to do a Hanami.

In ancient times, Hanami is the viewing of the flowering plum trees. It's a tradition limited to noble people. During the Heian period, not only plum flowerings were celebrated, cherry blossoms viewing and feasting became more popular.

Nowadays, Hanami is mostly consists of having an outdoor party beneath the sakura during day or night time in parks and places where there are abundant presence of these Japanese cherry tree.

Visiting some of these places is quite interesting as viewers have their own preferred distinctive way of celebrating.

Photos and text by

Chino M. Caddarao 25

Life is a Journey with Glen Gypsy

Life is good when you are happy. Life is better when other people are happy because of you. But life is best when everyone is happy. Be an inspiration! Share your happiness. Make someone happy today!

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by Josie Nistal Savoury cake Ingredients: 2 eggs 90 grams of cheddar cheese 1/2 juice of lemon 3 tbsp. Olive oil 150 grams flour 1 tsp. Baking powder 50 ml milk Filling : 2 tbsp. Olive oil 100 grams / small courgette grated 1 small clove garlic 1 spring onion chopped 80 grams feta 2 tbsp fresh mint chopped Salt & pepper to taste!

Strawberry ice Cream

Procedure: Mix all the first 7 ingredients in a bowl. Set aside , meanwhile in other bowl mix this filling , & combine with rest !

Place in a cake pan, & bake for 350F for 30 minutes or until golden brown!

Bon appetite!

Strawberry ice cream! It's in season now!

300 grams fresh strawberries trimmed 1 1/2 cups whole milk 3/4 white sugar Pinch of salt 1 tsp. Vanilla extract 1 cup heavy cream

Place the berries into a food processor & purĂŠe until smooth add the sugar, pinch of salt.

Blend until mixed well.

Add milk, cream & vanilla extract & blend for 10 seconds.

Then place into your ice cream maker!

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KOKORO KARA ni Jasmin Vasquez *ang mga litrato ay kuha ni Jasmin Vasquez

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May pinag-aralan o wala, mahirap man o mayaman, importante ang pagkakaroon ng magandang-asal

April 16, 2016 - Araw ng aking pag-uwi sa Pilipinas upang mag attend ng graduation ceremony ng aking anak na gaganapin sa PICC. Dahil nagtrabaho ako hanggang April 15, pag uwi galing sa work, doon ako nagsimulang ayusin ang aking mga gamit tuloy mga bagahe para sa pag-uwi sa Pilipinas.

Naisip kong sa eroplano na lamang magpahinga at matulog.

Umalis kami ng bahay bandang mag aalas 3 ng hapon papuntang Chubu Centrair at nakarating kami doon ng alas 6 ng hapon. Open na ang counter ng aming sasakyang eroplano kaya't dali-dali kaming nag check-in. Mabuti na lamang hindi lumagpas ang timbang ng aking bagahe kaya naka-iwas sa dagdag bayarin. As usual, mapapansin mo sa mga Pinoy kapag umuuwi ng Pinas, hindi maiwasan na hindi magbitbit ng Ramen (Nissin Seafood Noodle).

Isa iyan sa mga paboritong omiyage o pasalubong ng mga Pinoy pag-uuwi ng Pinas bukod sa chocolate.

Kapag tayo ay may e-ticket na, malinaw naman doon at nakadetalye kung ano ang mga rules lalo na pagdating sa ating mga bagahe.

Nakasulat doon, kung ilang kilo lamang ang pwede mong i checkin at ilang piraso at kilo lamang ang iyong hand-carry bukod sa

iyong personal bag. Kapag sinabi nila na one hand-carry lang, ibig sabihin, isang bag or isang lalagyan lamang, meaning kapag bumili ka sa duty free ng iba, dahil nakabukod na ito ng ibang lalagyan, ibig sabihin hindi na one piece hand carry. Ang linaw linaw, kayat para maging isang one bag hand carry lamang ipasok mo sa loob ng hand carry mo yung binili mo sa duty free o kung ano pa man. Hindi mo kailangan ipagmalaki sa tao na marami kang binili sa dutyfree. A rule is a rule that we should follow. Nung time na magboboarding na kami, paglabas namin ng gate, sumakay pa kami ng bus papalapit sa airplane namin. Reklamo dito, reklamo doon. Bakit daw ganoon?

Sisingilin daw sila ng 6000 yen kapag di pinasok sa loob ng hand carry yung iba pa nilang bitbit. Hindi na daw sila mauulit sumakay doon dahil mahigpit daw masyado. Sa aking palagay, dapat lamang na sumunod tayo na ayon sa kanilang patakaran.

Unang-una, hindi nila tayo pinilit na sumakay sa kanilang eroplano. Naghahanap tayo ng mura at maayos na masasakyan para makarating tayo ng safe sa Pilipinas, so kailangan nating sumunod sa patakaran nila. At huwag din tayong mag expect na maraming service katulad ng sa mga malalaking airline. Ang sakit natin kasing mga Pilipino ay yung reklamo ng reklamo.

Pasalamat na nga lang at may mura ng masasakyan. Kung marami kang reklamo, doon ka sumakay sa mamahaling eroplano.

Pagkatapos ng ilang minuto, nakarating din agad papunta sa airplane ang aming sinasakyang bus, isa-isa ng nagpanikan sa hagdan, hanap ng kani-kaniyang seat number. Ayun, nakita ko din agad ang aking upuan. Kami ng aking kasama ay inaantok at gustong magpahinga. Wala naman kaming binayarang meal kung kayat hindi nila kami gigisingin kung kami ay makatulog para lamang kumain.

Pinikit ko ang aking mata ng

kami ay nakalipad na. Gusto ko talagang matulog dahil sobra ang pagod ko. Ngunit hindi ako makatulog dahil sa isang Pinay na ang ingay-ingay. Kwento ng kwento sa katabi at ang lakas lakas pang tumawa. Napakawalang pakiramdam na marami ang gustong bumiyahe ng tahimik. Bukod tanging siya lamang ang napaka-ingay. Gusto ko nang sigawan at sabihan na magpatulog naman siya kung ayaw niyang matulog. Sobrang napaka-ingay talaga at non-stop ang bibig kaka-kwento at kakatawa ng malakas. Hanggang sa napalingon iyung katabi niya na lalaki. Sinenyasan ko na maingay katabi niya. Ni relay niya sa katabi niyang Pinay na maingay siya nakaka istorbo na, ngunit sinagot siya ng "wala akong pakialam"!!!! At pagkatapos mas nag-ingay pa siya.

Napaka-walang gandang asal at pag-uugali ang ganitong gawain. Aminin man natin o hindi, isa ang Pilipinas sa mga tao na madalas walang disiplina sa sarili. Mapa densha (train), bus o ano pa mang sasakyang pangpubliko. Mahiya tayo dahil sila mismo sa sarili nilang bansa ay may disiplina sila, mas higit at nararapat na tayo ay sumunod din sa mga rules nila. Hindi naman lahat pero may mga tao din namang sumusunod at may disiplina pag andidito sa Japan o sa kahit saang bansa. Wag sanang umastang pang kalye o walang modo.

Babae, lalake, mayaman man o mahirap, may pinag aralan man o wala, dapat mayroon kang good moral at values sa sarili saan man lugar ka man magpunta na siyang gagayahin ng iyong magiging anak at susunod pang mga henerasyon.

pagkakaalam ko, bawal na ngayon sumakay sa airplane yung lasing, mabuti nakasakay pa siya. Pagkatapos ng mahigit apat na oras na pagtitiis, ayun malapit na kaming bumaba.

Noong nakalabas na kami ng airport habang hinihintay ang aming sundo, nakita namin yung lalakeng katabi niya. Napagalaman namin na hindi pala sila magkasama, at doon lamang nakilala sa loob ng eroplano at nung bago daw lumabas ng airplane nawala daw yung pera nung babae, na siya daw ang pinagbibintangan. Kung ano man yung totoo sa kanila, sana maging aral doon sa babae na kumilos at gumalaw ng tama at magkaroon ng tamang disiplina sa sarili. Kung totoo mang nawalan ka ng pera, kawawa ka.

Sana’y magtanda ka sa mga nangyari sa iyo. Next time, huwag kang ba-byahe ng lasing para hindi ka nakakabulahaw ng tao at hindi ka naloloko.

Saan mang sulok mg mundo, importanteng marunong tayong makibagay, sumunod sa mga patakaran at magkaroon ng disiplina sa sarili. Upang sa gayon ay maiwasan ang kahit na ano mang trouble na posibleng mangyari sa buhay natin. Muli maraming salamat at magandang araw po sa inyong lahat.

Ilang minuto pa bago kami makarating ng Pilipinas, tiis tiis pa ng konti, maya-maya ay tumayo siya at nagpunta sa comfort room. Pagtapat niya sa amin susmaryosep, sobra ang amoy ng alak.

Mabuti na lamang napigilan ko ang sarili kong patulan kasi lango pala sa alak ang babaeng iyon. Sa

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KANJI KORNER

大

GOAT NAPPING

READINGS: ookii, dai, tai MEANING: big 大きい (ookii) BIG 大学 (daigaku) UNIVERSITY 大人 (otona) ADULT

by Val Amor C. Palo

by Anita Sasaki It’s graduation time here in Japan and in the Philippines!

Thoughts of my first case on sponsoring a mother and her child to the Bureau of Immigration came back to me recently.

The Immigration officer asked me if I was being paid by this mother and child. I was shocked and surprised by his question. My answer was that the mother just gave birth and she is undocumented. Now, how can she even pay me without work? Who will accept her without proper documentations and who will take care of her baby?

In Japan, isn't it that, no work, no pay? I have a job but because I have to guarantee them, I have to absent myself from the office to accompany them. I even have to dole out for their train fare. I am here to help them. I do not even know them. A friend told her that she can ask me for help.

What I am doing is just like giving my hand to this mother and child so they can cross the bridge to have new life. It’s just giving them a lift.

Reading the thank you note of my granddaughter, Ardelette, I remember my purpose of helping.

I will share you her message: Today, I was born to soar, born to fly above all obstacles. God is my strength and in Him I always have SUCCESS! (Isaiah 40:30) There are times in life when we are called to be bridges, a simple bridge which opens the way for on-going journey. To all those who became bridges for me to reach this point, I will not be wearing this "toga" (my first toga sa buong buhay ko) if not because of you, my simple bridges. All of you have helped me a lot to cross the bridge. To my mama, Pinky. I know all your hardships of being a father and mother to us just to give us the best education. Ma, ganbatta yo! Saisho kara mama no koto kanggaeteru kara. Anata inai to, kore

dekinai yo! And to my Ate Mariye, who gave way for me to finish first and sacrificed herself to help mama to give the best for her siblings, thank you Ate for being mama's partner. To my idols lolo Manny and lola Anita, thank you for inspiring me!

To my Tita Peachy, thank you for always motivating me! To beng Angelo, please be like ate Allet! Please. And of course, THANK YOU LORD for listening to me and answering all my prayers!

To you all! Thank you so much for being my bridges! Words are not enough to tell you how I feel and how grateful I am. Love you all and maraming salamat po! Mabuhay po kayo! God be the glory!!!

Roa, Ardelette Marie Bachelor of Science in Psychology Batch 2016 Student # 20120554 now signing off...

Dito napatunayan ko po na ang kasabihan: “What goes around, comes around".

If I were like a bridge to those whom I have helped, a lot of bridges came to help my granddaughter!

Whatever difficulties you may confront today, don't be afraid. Have faith and don't be dismayed. Stand your ground, be faithful come what may.

The Lord will give you strength and wisdom all the way!

"HINDI MO KAILANGAN MAGING MAYAMAN O MATAAS NA TAO PARA MAKATULONG SA KAPWA MO PILIPINO." Nanay Anita

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by Alma Reyes

THE SOUND OF NON-SILENCE NOISE is defined as “a series or combination of loud, confused sounds, especially when causing disturbance” (Oxford Dictionary). It is also described as “irrelevant or meaningless data or output occurring along with desired information” (MerriamWebster Dictionary). We can also use “noise” in metaphors, like the “noise” of Smartphones pointing at a throng of sakura trees, that we just witnessed last spring. Surely, at least ten of you are “conspirators” in this affair.

It occurred to me that each time I encounter travelers coming to Japan, the subject of “noise” in Japan is bound to arise. In fact, having lived in Japan for so long (too long), just like a typical Japanese, I hardly even took notice of sounds so pandemic all over the country enough for them to be labeled as “noise,” until I left Japan for five years and lived in Africa and Europe. When I returned to Japan, suddenly, the all-day music blasting in electronic stores, pharmacies, supermarkets, cafés and train stations have become a bit more than just “pleasant” music to the ears. Piped-in music—classical, pop, jazz, lounge, and easy listening—may have chances for tolerance.

When they are combined with screeching announcements, shouts of sales, bargains, or promotions of latest products, the repertoire just sounds like noise.

Train stations are probably the worst venues for noise since you find an orchestra of simultaneous repetitive announcements left and right, and flashing lights and signal alarms competing with each other in a marathon.

When I told some tourists about this, some of them were not bothered at all and I realized that was because they did not speak Japanese; and therefore, had no idea what the loudspeaker narratives were about. If you pay

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illustration: Dennis Sun

attention to these verbal proclamations, they are pounding minute-byminute alerts in your brain that the next train is approaching for X destination, is almost arriving, has finally arrived, about to close its doors, about to depart, is departing, and has departed—in this order. All of that is coupled with flashing red lights, possibly a kind of music chime, and a loud buzzing alarm (one or more).

Other announcements remind you if the train is express or non-express, and continue to inform you what stations it will not stop at. More loud, buzzing alarms. The train manager might call loudly at people trying to push themselves madly through the doors that are already closing, or to a few stepping beyond the yellow line.

In fact, it is not just a noise from hearing, but a noise of sight—of so many station personnel standing by the pillars, by the front of the cues (checking that you file in twos or threes) or by escalators and stairways, observing (or pretend to) a multitude of desperate passengers dashing to have a “proper” place in cues. Yes, a daily train station scenario in Japan can be a mad experience.

The noise is also prevalent in the exaggerated splash of TV screens in every corner of Shibuya, for instance, the over-fed information of instructions in toilets, the constant alerts of bus drivers reminding passengers to hold on to their seats at the next turn.

Seriously? Not much difference can be seen in electronic stores or pharmacies (that are getting to be like them eventually). Loud in-house music vibrating with shouts of latest camera options, Smartphone package promos, and staff in their hapi coats either fussing around like bees, or standing at every product corner holding placards of latest bargain notices—bowing, smiling and

repeating sales pitches…and the lights, lights, lights! It all looks like a towering over-sweetened whipped cream cake over-decorated with too much icing.

Well…maybe that is only a paranoid observation from a foreigner in Japan who needs a bit of silence and calm movement. After all, I do not experience such disarray of sound and sight in other countries (except maybe in wet markets). Interestingly, some tourists say they like the circus because it is different, or it shows an active lifestyle that bends on super-efficiency. It also impresses them that customer service is valued.

From a contrasting perspective, the degree of such “noise” in Japanese commercial establishments and train stations equates to as much silence in a business setting where arguments in meetings are almost inexistent; in schools where students sit silent for 45 minutes without a raise of hand or a question for the teacher; in “social” company outings where wives remain voiceless among discussions by their husbands; or sometimes in live concerts where the audience prefers to sit, listen and feel rather than stand up and “shake their booty.”

One can say that everything in Japan is exaggerated: noise and silence in all forms and extremities. You can try explaining silence in the cold in temples during New Year when hundreds file to pay respect to their gods vs. the noise of a huge company drink-out of businessmen, half-undressed, halfcursing, singing and laughing boisterously with an unconscious mind.

Earplugs or sunglasses?

Enjoy the sights and sounds this season.

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Finding More Flowers! photography by Nick Santiago

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On Sunday, May 29, 2016 at the Nagoya International Center, Annex Hall, the 32nd International Philippine Festival is a whole day event, starting at 9:30 am until 8:00 pm.

There will be special guests from Osaka and Tokyo. This year, we will again have iTalks, a lecture/seminar discussing issues that affect Filipinos in Japan. Our speakers include Consul Geronimo C. Suliguin, Jr., who will talk about Consular Issues.

Mr. Jitsuya Sano, who will talk about New Changes in the Immigration Rules and Regulations in Japan. Mr. Arnel Concepcion, of the Department of Tourism, who will talk about Studying English in the Philippines.

We will also have a visiting lawyer from the Philippines, Atty. Herminigildo Linsangan, who will talk about Important Issues of Filipinos in Japan. The iTalks series promises to be both interesting and informative.

Of course, CPFA will also have fun and games for all the guests. This year, there will be a karaoke challenge, called Sing! Sing! Sing!

Participants can have the chance to show their karaoke skills and might even win a prize! There will also be a BINGO game, food booths and an art exhibit, titled Zentangle Art: Yoga for the Brain.

Details are available at the CPFA Facebook page: cpfa.nagoya@gmail.com Hope to see you in Nagoya!

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Chubu Philippine Friendship Association would like to cordially invite you to the 32nd International Philippine Festival

PASYAL-PINAS

by Marilyn Rivera

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Relaxation… What do you find relaxing? How do you expel all your stress out of your mind and body? Some people cook or bake, run a mile, read a book, play video games, surf the net, clean the house or… simply sleep.

For me, sometimes I cook to relax, but more often, I find myself sleeping much more than needed. For me and my husband, every weekend is very important. Like other families, this is the only time that we get to recharge and possibly fully-rejuvenate ourselves to prepare for the coming Monday.

Since it was now officially summer time, we thought about making the first weekend of summer special. Although we only had the weekend to spare, we want to make the most of it. So it has been decided, we will have a short road trip for the coming weekend. We gathered up the brochures that have been piling up in the other room. These brochures have been there for quite a while now. We promised ourselves to visit these places some time in our life. We never realized that we have been actually compiling our somewhat of a bucket list. I guess it will do some good for the both of us to start crossing out some of the entries.

So for this weekend, my family (my husband, mother-in-law, daughter with her nanny) decided to try this new water park, details below: Name: Amana Waterpark Location: Pandi, Bulacan (Barangay Bagong Barrio) Most Advertised Attraction: Biggest Artificial Wave Pool (in the Philippines) Adventure Date: March 26, 2016 (Holy Saturday) We left the house around 6:30 AM, hoping to reach our destination at 8:00 AM. We were now driving to our usual exit near Marquee Mall out to the North Luzon Expressway. This has always been our exit out of Angeles, Pampanga. In the

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first hour of our travel, the usual debate takes place amongst us.

Would there be a lot of people? Is it as good as it was shown online?

We have been checking out the pictures online the past few days making us more than eager to visit this place and debunk any advertisement that made its way through the web. Better get there fast because we were burning daylight and there are still a lot to see. Last year’s Holy Week, they have already been featured on TV and recorded more than 30,000 visitors.

On our way there, we kept thinking if maybe some of their themes have already changed from what we saw online. Hopefully the minions are still there, as well as the dinosaurs.

There were so many questions running in our head. Will they charge more because it’s summer? Will there be a long line?

Will it be so crowded that the water would be yucky to swim in?

But of all of the questions that ran through our heads, this became the most urgent: Are we lost? Did we just pass our exit (where is Balagtas exit)? I have been reading the exit signs and swear to saw it a while ago. We now have been driving for more than an hour and much to our enthusiasm, we faced our first challenge.

For most travellers, the journey is far more sought after than the destination. But in our case, we were dreading to reach the park as soon as possible. If there was a best time to get lost that would be in some time where the sun is not torching your back and definitely not with a daughter who is now showing signs of impatience to borderline tantrum.

The sun was starting to pierce our vehicle's air conditioning. We were not able to have a decent breakfast since we were all in a hurry to beat the heat in the morning. So now, we were all hungry and a bit

lost. The term "lost" may be overbearing, I would rather say that we were misled with the directions we saw online.

Our road trip, transformed now to an adventure. I have never imagined that we were so prejudice when asking people for directions. It was so hilarious! “Honey, patabi muna, tanungin ko na lang

yun manong na yan.” He drove past and said, “Mukhang walang alam naman yan, sandali, yun banda doon na lang.” Another one, “Ma, tanungin ko na lang yung lalaki sa kanto?” She replied, “Huwag, yung medyo matanda na lang, baka hindi nya alam maligaw pa lalo tayo.” And another one, we asked someone in a tricycle terminal, “Manong, saan po papunta Amana?” “Ah yun sa Pandi ba yan?” “Opo, yun water park?” “Diretso lang kayo, tapos may gas station, tapos kanan, tapos kanan ulit. Pagkatapos kanan ulit bago nyo abutin un sumunod na exit.” Wait that led us back to where we began, keep turning right then we just circled in. After two blocks, we asked again but now we asked someone with a bike. He looked like he lives here, with a plastic bag full of bread in his hand, maybe food for breakfast for his whole family. A woman was behind him, probably his wife, holding another plastic bag, looks like linen or cloth inside her bag. They looked happy because they smiled to us as we closed in on them. We asked them

the same question and they provided us a very easy direction.

It is straight ahead, just keep going forward and you will see their posters along the way, just follow that. Well then, we are now on our way.

We reached Amana Waterpark after two and a half hours travel mostly asking for directions.

Although we arrived an hour late, there would still be loads of fun things to do. One tip that I would advise is to call at least a week ahead to make a reservation. You only need to deposit at least Php 500.00 to their bank account for confirmation. And they would also call you the night before your confirmed date to remind you of the reservation you’ve made.

Good thing we were able to make a reservation because it saved us from the very long line outside the ticket booth. Aside from that, we were able to upgrade to the next size rental which was a surprise and definitely a blessing; since it was the last one available.

The first thing that would greet

you as you enter the water park is the giant statue of "The Hulk." To the right in the parking area is a giant globe rotating with their name. Once you entered the long drive way to their main entrance, you would see an anaconda wrapped around the cave’s opening. After passing a colourful weeded tunnel bridge, before seeing the first pool, you would see the Avengers’ statues and the Justice League statues and

Dragon Ball statues as well.

Further in, the first pool you would see is the Philippines’ biggest artificial wave pool. Unfortunately, at that time there were no waves. It seems to be under maintenance. No problem, very well, there are still other things that could occupy our time. To the right side of the water park, you would be entering the Jurassic World theme park. Hands up to the creator of Jurassic World, everything was so right in its place. The showers, as well, were designed as dinosaur ribs.

The eggs, dinosaur statues and the welcome arc were really worth the travel. We really had a great time taking pictures and find it difficult to leave this theme park. It was a great thing that the Minion’s theme park was still there. Being near the children’s playground pool, it was easy for us to enjoy the best of both worlds. There is also the Bat Cave with Batman’s statue and big shower in the middle. They also have a Mushroom Cave. These caves are covered pools for children. They have a lot of pools for adults with magnificent slides. There are over a hundred accommodations, from nipa huts to gazeboes to a studio-type room to an apartment style (up and down) rentals. One good thing about this water park is that even if you didn’t bring anything you would still be able to get what you need within their perimeters. There are a lot of food stalls spread out through the park.

You would find ice cream stalls, barbecue stalls, shawarma stalls, hamburger stalls, and convenient stores all around the place and many more. They have zip line rides for a really affordable price compared to others I’ve gone to.

The price was fairly reasonable.

And lastly, this park also has a 4D ride. They give you the experience of the real thing. We stayed until 5:30 PM and reached home around 7-ish in the evening. We all had a great time.

The next morning, at breakfast,

we talked about the water park.

We joked about having my mother-in-law’s next birthday there. We all laughed. It was really a tiring travel and the direction was not as easy as it seemed. She had one heck of an experience going there, we all did. The water park was really awesome but to the extent of visiting it sometime soon would be a little bit of a debate. But this is a water park that you should not miss most especially when you have kids with you. This water park adventure was worth the time and effort. It is a water park and an amusement park - full of food stalls, convenient stores and souvenir shops, all with affordable prices and perfect for the whole family.

Pidayit

Philip D. Torres

Contact through Facebook: Philip D. Torres

mobile (Philippines) : +63-91-7605-6366

by Rogelio Agustin

You as the Investment

Spring is almost over! The sakura blossoms in Tokyo have fallen and fresh greens are sprouting. The busyness of the month of April should have subsided and everybody’s supposed to be back to the normal pace although I can imagine the young freshmen are too tired and experiencing the May depression syndrome.

If I have to give an advice to young freshmen, it would be “to invest”. Invest in what? Stocks?

Currency? Property? It could be one of those, but in this age of uncertainty I mean something different. Invest in Yourself.

Investment is the act of putting money, effort, time, etc. into something to make a profit or get an advantage. So investment is not only about using money to gain more.

I wish I knew about this thing called investment when I was young. They always say start investing when you are young, because the longer you invest, the lower the risk and the effect of compound interest grows overtime. I am not an economist or a financial expert so I would stop here.

But applying the concept of investing to one’s self is not a new thing. It is simply investing in human capital – yourself. And you are your most valuable asset.

I once read, imagine if you strip Bill Gates of all of his assets and dump him on the streets…he would be back to living a comfortable life with plenty of income in a week. It’s no wonder he would recover quickly because he has lots of what we call “human capital”!

In Wikipedia, “Human capital is the stock of knowledge, habits, social and personality attributes, including creativity, embodied in the ability to perform labor so as to produce economic value. It is a collection of resources—all the knowledge, talents, skills, abilities, experience, intelligence, training, judgment, and wisdom possessed individually and collectively by individuals in a population. These resources are the total capacity of the people that represents a form of wealth which can be directed to accomplish the goals of the nation or state or a portion thereof.”

So going back to the example of Bill, if he becomes homeless and penniless for a day, he could just walk into any headquarters of any major company and offer his services for consultancy and could easily earn more than six figures in a year! His human capital is so valuable that he himself becomes a very valuable asset to any company or any organization that can use his knowledge and talents.

We have an impression of investment as a big thing, something that can make you rich and famous. But it doesn’t have to be.

It can be big or small. It doesn’t have to be about money but what you would value most in the end.

For young freshmen at work, invest your time and effort in learning and honing different skills and talents that would add to your value as an employee and as a member of the society as well. Gone are the days when companies and corporations invest heavily in developing their most valuable asset – employees.

The business environment of today has been experiencing endless cycles of negative

changes like economic downsizing, restructuring, offshoring and outsourcing, that while they decrease the chances of moving up to hierarchical positions, the demand for increased productivity for an individual is ever increasing, along with keeping up to speed with the continuously changing technologies used in the workplace. All of these changes make the workers busy enough to even think of finding extra time to invest for self-improvement activities. My own son, as always, laments about being too busy at work that he has no time for anything else other than sleeping after a full day of work, or overwork I should say. My advice is always the same though – if you don’t put an effort to find that time, you will never have the time. But the most important thing is what to do with the time to make it worth the investment. What if you spend five to ten minutes a day reading a book on learning a skill you can use at work, like learning short cuts on Excel or on computer applications you use daily? At the end of the week or a month, that five to ten minutes of time could have resulted to more extra time for yourself because you are more productive now and that can continue to gain you more time and maybe extra peace of mind and comfort.

Investing in oneself is a continuous process, like continuously reinventing yourself. After all, it is YOU who you are improving so there are no limits. In these challenging days full of uncertainties, those who are able to adapt themselves to changing circumstances succeed. Think big but start with small steps and sooner they will become giant leaps. Good luck to all freshmen!

43

Pidayit

Philip D. Torres Contact through Facebook: Philip D. Torres

mobile (Philippines) : +63-91-7605-6366

By Sally Cristobal-Takashima sasakyan, may pakain na at may envelope with cash pa. Pambihira talaga.

Religous groups, I heard, often have their leaders choose the candidates for them as a sign of respect as well as for the sake of unity.

Ating balikan ang iba't ibang comment ng mga mambabasa ng Manila Times, for example.

Huwag iboto si Binay.

Ugong ng eleksyon Sagot naman ng ilang kahapon at ngayon. readers: -- Ano raw? Wala Nalalapit na ang Elek- namang papatayin si Duterte kung walang syon 2016 at oo nananabik ang kay daming kasalanan diba? Kaya kung ako sa iyo NogNog (Binay) tao na sa wakas ay magpakabait ka na. Kung malaman ang kinalaba- si Duterte ang maging san ng halalan ng Presidente ayos ka na.

bansa sa pagpili ng bagong Presidente, Bise Presidente at labing dalawang Senador.

Ating aalahanin ang mga kampanyang naisagawa ng mga kandidato upang ipadama, ipahayag ang kanilang iba't ibang plataforma. Punta dito at punta doon upang hikayatin, himokin ang mga taong bayan na piliin at iboto sila.

Sira ulo mo Binay. Ikaw dapat ang hindi iboto. Ayos lang yon kung papatayin ni Du30 ang mga taong lumabag sa batas. Huwag ng ikulong.

They are in and out of jail and akalain mo nagluluto pa ng shabu sa loob ng bilibid.

Mukhang wala sa tamang pag-iisip si Binay sa sobrang takot siguro na kapag si Du30 ang manalo makukulong ka Binay kasama ng maraming miyembro ng pamilya mo.

Kung sasamain ka baka ma death penalty ka sa sobrang pangungurakot. It is a matter of life and death na sa iyo Binay. Tsk tsk. Huwag mong gawin bobo ang mga Pilipino.

Para sa akin ay isang Hala, ang dapat mong sabihin especial na panahon na ay: Mga kababayan, huwag makinig sa mga iba't ibang ninyong iboto si Duterte, kandidato at saksihan ang maawa kayo sa akin. Gusto iba't iba nilang katangian ko pang mabuhay na masamagsalita. Ano ang mga gana sa buhay kaya nagawa pamamaraan ang ginagamit ko ang magnakaw. Malinis ang hangarin ni Mayor ng bawat kandidato para Duterte na baguhin ang dumami ang boboto sa gobyerno at sistema. kanila puera na lang yun

mga bumibili ng boto ng mga taong hikahos.

Mayroon daw klase ng kandidato na sundo na ng

Mas maganda ang plataforma niya. Wala siyang milyon milyon para sa kandidatura niya. Ang katotohanan ayaw niyang tumakbo pagka

Presidente at may edad na siya ngunit hindi niya matiis ang pagpapahirap sa taong bayan. Hiyang hiya si Mayor Duterte sa iyo VP Binay. Mas masahol ka pa sa kaniya.

Kawatan ka. Mas magsisisi ang mga Pilipino pag ikaw ang naging Presidente. Kahit ano pa sabihin mo, hindi ka pa rin mananalo Binay.

More readers comment from the Manila Times. You want to know what Grace Poe's vision for the Philippines is?

Unplug your computer and stare at the monitor. Direct to the point Grace Poe has no experience in governance.

That's all. She used to teach Science to pre-school kids under an American certified teacher. Grace Poe has ZERO performance in the Senate.

Ang tunay na kulay ni FPJ ay lasenggero na tulad ng matalik na kaibigan na si Erap.

Mar Roxas did not realize how important the role of weather forecasters from the Philippine Atmospheric & Astronomical Services Administration. He proceeded to Tacloban without them and later realized how the weather forecasters are critical to assess the deluge that is Yolanda. The monstrous typhoon struck the previous evening of the predicted date.

Roxas almost died. Revealed again Roxas' boo boo in Tacloban.

Miriam Defensor Santiago comments that what the Filipinos need is a sense of shared destiny. The problem is everybody wants the government money. She was asked during the Pilipinas Debate 2016 why she is running inspite of her health.

She replied that the work of a senator is much more difficult if you really do your job whereas in the case of a President, everybody surrounding him just say "Hail, Halleluiah" to him.

Sen. Santiago claims she does

not want to stay in bed and feel sorry for herself. There is work to be done and her Guardian Angel will protect her.

More on Rodrigo Digong Duterte. His first wife is Elizabeth Zimmerman of Phil-German descent, a former Stewardess. They have 3 children, Sara Inday, Paolo and Sebastian. Their marriage was annuled without Mayor Duterte contesting the case.

Mayor Duterte is now living with his common law wife, Honeylet, with whom he has a daughter. His first wife is a Cancer surivor but is in the campaign trail. It is rumored that if elected President, his First Lady wil be his oldest daughter Sara Inday, a lawyer.

We wish Rodrigo Duterte all the luck and blessings that he needs. Wala sanang dayaan is a wishful thing. Mar Roxas maybe resting on unliquidated funds under his direct control even if he lost. Kahit yung mga natalo meron din perang matitira from the bulk of donations they received.

Lahat gamit ang sense of preservation, bakit nga ba naman hindi.

Derecho sa FREE food and FREE accommodation those who are convicted of crimes in the previous administration. Tonight 4/25 is the last debate of the candidates prior to the Meeting de Avance at 6pm.

Hindi ba kayo excited wth this carnival atmosphere of the election slowly building up to a momentum? Haaay!!!

Aren't we approaching a new era? It feels kind of we are about to step into something NEW. Sana nga, sana nga para ikakabuti ng lahat at ng bansa. At ang mga corruptsend them all on a slow boat to China, strip them of their honor, if they have any left.

Mabuhay mahal na Inang Bayan. Mabuhay tayong lahat.

Philip D. Torres

Pidayit Contact through Facebook: Philip D. Torres

mobile (Philippines) : +63-91-7605-6366

KANJI KORNER

毎

WALANG SABIT

READINGS: まい MAI MEANING: every 毎日 (mai nichi) everyday 毎月 (mai tsuki) every month 毎年 (mai toshi, mainen) every year 毎朝 (mai asa) every morning

by Arlene Esperida

Neriza Sarmiento-Saito's - Exclusive Interview for Jeepney Press

ON THE ROAD TO...

"Ang Dulo, Gitna at Simula ng Walang Forever�

With Dan Villegas, Antoinette Jadaone and Jericho Rosales

May isa akong kakilala na may nakilalang isang dayuhan at na-in love. Siyempre pa, tigib sa pag-ibig, tumibok ang puso, umaapaw ang kaligayahan! Di na niya pinagalinlanganan ang magiging buhay sa lupain ng "rising yen".

Sa araw ng kanilang maringal na kasalan, nag-compose pa siya ng isang awit, "Magpasawalang hanggan". Ayun, makaraan ang ilang taon, nagkahiwalay. Sabi niya, “Ay, di na ako naniniwala sa "magpasawalang hanggan".

Kaya nga nang mapanood ko ang "Walang Forever" sa Osaka Asian Film Festival, naalala ko ang BFF ko. Kahit sino ay kikiligin sa mga linyang "Every road I take goes back to you" sabi ni Ethan kay Mia ng magkabalikan

sila. Nang muli siyang magpropose, "Ang ganda rito, kita

natin ang lahat!" At saka yung, "I love you enough to let you go" at higit sa lahat na parang ipu-ipong iikot sa bawat sulok ng puso: "IKAW ANG DULO, GITNA AT SIMULA NG BUHAY KO".

"Walang Forever" is one of the three films from the Philippines that was featured at the 11th Osaka Asian Film Festival held last March 4-13. It garnered 14 nominations at the Metro Manila Film Festival in December 2015 with Best Original Story for Antoinette Jadaone and Director Dan Villegas, and Best Actor for heartthrob Jericho Rosales! After the press screening at ABC Hall, the organizers of the film festival

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graciously gave me the privilege of interviewing them.

Dan, graduated from Ateneo de Manila University, has trained in cinematography and also attended classes in filmmaking of the late director Marilou Diaz Abaya. He won best director's award for "English Only, Please�. He recalled that he started as a clapper in one of Jericho's films until he became one of the most respected directors in the movie industry.

Antoinette graduated from UP and was in the class of Prof. Roland Tolentino, former visiting professor at Osaka University. Her stories, which are based mainly on her own experiences, are charmingly woven in simple narratives, something that we say naturally in actual situations. So anyone, regardless of backgrounds can easily relate to it.

Jericho's characterization of a man torn between family obligations and the woman he loves, made him win the Best Actor Trophy. Jericho's presence at the Film Festival drew crowds not

only from his kababayans but also from the Japanese young "office ladies" who sat in the front rows during screenings to get a better view of Echo. He spoke on behalf of the other stars and directors from various countries at the welcome party held at Nakanoshima Kokaido.

They were also featured at a symposium held at the National Museum of Art in Osaka with Prof. Hiroyuki Yamamoto of CIAS Kyoto, as the moderator.

According to Mr. Sozo Teruoka, programming Director of OAFF, he was particularly interested in "Walang Forever" because of its light romantic theme, usually favored by Osaka audiences.

However, they were worried that it won't make it to the festival because the subtitles were only completed at the end of January.

Dan and Antoinette, say that Walang Forever has a message that will linger on as time goes by.

As long as there are Pinoy expats all over the world, who will be telling tales of their existence that has "Dulo (end), Gitna (middle) and Simula (Beginning) in a never ending cycle called FOREVER! P.S. Jeepney Press would like to acknowledge the support and assistance of the OAFF Publicity Manager, Ms. Aya Otoi, Ms. Akie Yano and to Ms. Nakano and Ms. Kurita of Asahi Broadcasting Corp.

Maraming salamat sa inyong lahat!

ISANG ARAW SA ATING BUHAY Ang pagtupad sa pananagutan bilang lider ay isang mahalagang gawain para manatili ang tiwalang ito.

by Jeff Plantilla

Nasa dyaryo ang isang balita tungkol sa pagsugpo sa bidrigging ng mga Japanese construction companies sa pagkuha ng kontrata sa mga public work projects sa Tohoku. Sa bid-rigging, ang mga proyekto ay pinaghahatian ng mga kompanya, kaya tuloy wala nang competitive bidding.

Sabi ng isang Japanese commentator, ang bid-rigging ay mahirap maalis dahil malalim na ang ugat nito sa kultura ng mga construction companies.

Ang ilan sa mga kompanyang kinasuhan ng pamahalaan sa paglabag ng batas ay kasama sa isang grupong pinangalanang “Dove Club.” Kalapati ang ginamit bilang simbolo ng kapayapaan para ang mga construction companies ay hindi maglalabanan at may harmony sa pagne-negosyo.

Maganda ang ibig sabihin ng peace at harmony, kaso tama ba na ito ay gamit din sa pagnenegosyo na labag sa batas?

Kung komunidad ang paguusapan, ano ang kailangan para makamit ang peace at harmony?

TIWALA Sa aking maraming biyahe sa Oriental Mindoro, may isang pagkakataong nagpakita sa akin ng kahulugan ng tiwala.

Naroon ako sa isang komunidad ng Mangyan upang magbigay ng tulong. Nagdala ako ng isang dokumentong kinakailangan nilang pirmahan. Hawak ng isang binatang Mangyan ang aking dinalang dokumento at lumapit sa kanilang adviser sa komunidad (isang dating misyonera ng simbahan na nagbitiw sa tungkulin upang patuloy na

50

makatulong sa mga Mangyan) at nagtanong: “Pipirmahan ba namin ito?”

Sumagot ang adviser: “Hindi naman kayo lolokohin niyan.”

Yung “niyan” ay ako.

May ilang tanong sa aking isipan.

Ako ba ay dapat magalit dahil walang tiwala sa akin ang binata? Dapat ko bang isipin na hindi ako sino lamang na hindi dapat pagkatiwalaan?

Nguni’t meron din akong mga sagot. Hindi ko dapat asahan na ang binata ay magtitiwala kaagad sa akin. Hindi niya ako kilala nang lubusan. At para na rin sa kanilang ikabubuti, hindi talaga dapat silang magtiwala sa mga taong mula sa labas ng kanilang komunidad nang ganun-ganun lamang.

Naisip ko na ang tiwala ay binubuo hindi basta lang hinihingi. May mga dapat gawin sa pagbubuo ng tiwala ng iba. May mga dapat maipakitang batayan ang iba bago magbigay ng tiwala.

Kaya hindi ako nagalit o kahit man lang nainis sa kakulangan ng tiwala sa akin. Sa imbes, natuwa na rin ako na ang binata ay maingat, nag-iisip at nagtatanong bago magbigay ng tiwala.

PANANAGUTAN Minsan, pagkatapos ng isang conference, sumama ako sa pamamasyal sa isang kilalang lugar. Sumakay kami sa isang bus na may tour guide, isang bata pang babae.

Nung kami ay pabalik na sa aming tinutuluyan, ilang kasama ang hindi nakabalik sa bus sa

tamang panahon. Sa kahihintay, nagsabi ang ilang nakatatandang kasama na puwedeng iwan na lamang ang mga hindi nakabalik dahil kaya na nilang umuwi sa aming tinutuluyan.

Nguni’t ang batang babaeng tour guide ay sumagot nang malinaw: “Hindi ko sila maaaring iwanan dahil sila ay aking pananagutan.” At tuloy siyang bumaba sa bus para hanapin ang mga nawawalang kasama.

Hanga ako sa tapang nung tour guide. Bagama’t bata pa siya, hindi siya nagdalawang isip na sumagot nang malinaw at buo ang loob sa mga nakakatatandang bisita.

Hindi siya galit, imbes malinaw ang kanyang mensahe: ito ay pananagutan ko na hindi ko tatalikuran. Sa ingles, ang pagsasalita niya ay polite but firm.

Mula sa bata pang babaeng iyon natutunan ko ang ibig sabihin ng pananagutan.

Nakita ko rin ang kanyang tapang na manindigan.

PANININDIGAN Maraming uri ang paninindigan. May paninindigang batay sa pag-iisip na kailangang ituloy ang kailangang gawin kahit katumbas nito ay hirap, ang mahabang pagpapagod upang makamit ang hinahangad.

Isang Japanese scientist na nanalo ng Nobel Prize for Chemistry nung 2008 ay matiyagang nagresearch ng maraming taon dahil sa kanyang paninindigang makukuha niya ang kanyang hinahanap. Libo-libong jelly fish ang kanyang hinakot sa dagat (katulong ang kanyang pamilya at kasama sa laboratory) sa loob ng maraming

taon upang magawa ang kanyang pinaninindigang paniniwala.

Ito ang paninindigang nagdulot ng malaking tulong sa medisina sa buong daigdig. Isa siya sa tumuklas at nagdevelop ng green fluorescent protein.

“We will never make it”.

Hindi kompleto ang pelikula kung walang kontrabida.

Nung 1970s, may isang cartoon character na ang palaging sinasabi ay “We will never make it.” Siya ang palaging kontra sa mga solusyon ng mga kasama niya sa hindi matapos-tapos na problemang hinaharap nila.

Hindi siya maniwala na “they can make it.” Nguni’t siya rin ang palaging mali.

Palaging nalulusutan ng grupo ang anumang problemang hinaharap.

masyadong mabusisi, lahat ng detalye pinag-uusapan nang matagal. Gusto natin aksyon kaagad.

Tulad ng sinasabi sa Bangkok – mai pen rai - it’s OK/no problem.

Kung hindi naman talaga mahalaga ang mga detalye, diretso na, aksyon na. Dahil dito, may nagagawa, may resulta.

PEACE AND HARMONY SA KOMUNIDAD Dito natin paghaluin ang tiwala, pananagutan, paninindigan at pagiging lider ng komunidad.

Kung ikaw ay isang lider ng isang komunidad, nakasalalay sa iyong balikat ang pananagutan na tumupad sa iyong tungkulin, at sa tiwalang sa iyo’y ibinigay.

Kailangang mapanatili ng lider ang tiwala sa kanya ng mga kapwa lider at ng mga miyembro ng komunidad.

Kailangang patuloy niyang patunayang siya ay mapagkakatiwalaan.

Naisip ko na ang tiwala ay binubuo, hindi basta lang hinihingi.

Nakakadagdag siya sa kulay ng istorya ng cartoon series dahil para siyang kontrabida. Sa totoong buhay, maaaring hindi siya makadadagdag sa solusyon kundi pasanin pa.

Kung wala siyang ibang sasabihin kundi “We will never make it”, hindi siya makakatulong.

Mas gugustuhin natin na maging positive ang outlook, kaysa sa maging pessimist.

Alam nating hindi madali ang mga bagay-bagay kaya kailangan nating mag-isip nang mabuti kung ano ang magagawa. Hindi natin gusto ang “negative vibes.” Hinahanap natin ay encouragement, pagbibigay tulong – “sige pag-isipan natin,” “kakayanin natin ito,” “OK tayo na!”

Hindi rin natin gusto ang

Ang pagtupad sa pananagutan bilang lider ang isang mahalagang gawain para manatili ang tiwalang ito. Aakuin niya ang pananagutan hindi para sa pansariling interes kundi para sa ikabubuti ng kanyang mga kasama sa komunidad.

Pananagutan din ang dapat isipin ng isang lider sa paggamit ng kanyang kapangyarihan.

Mahirap ang katayuan ng lider na may kasamang mga taong nagsasabing “we will never make it.”

Nguni’t ang isang lider ay dapat manindigan na ang lahat ng napagkasunduan at gawain ay para sa ikabubuti ng lahat – hindi ng iilan – kahit may kontra pa diyan.

Matatag na pamumuno ang kailangan upang makamit ang peace at harmony sa komunidad.

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JAZZER Maria Lourdes

PINOY JOURNEYS

WHERE ARE YOU FROM? I'm from Los Banos, Laguna WHAT ARE YOU DOING IN JAPAN? My family lives in Shizuoka. I'm a jazz singer performing in various locations in Japan and I have a small School “MES SCHOOL”, Maria's English & Singing School.

WHEN AND HOW DID YOU COME TO JAPAN? I married my Japanese husband in 1997 and I came here on May 1998 HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN HERE? I've been here for 17 years since I got married.

WHAT IS THE MOST BEAUTIFUL PLACE YOU’VE SEEN IN JAPAN? Tokyo Disneyland and Disney Resort. Their hotel accommodation was very good!

IF YOU CAN BRING ANYTHING FROM JAPAN TO THE PHILIPPINES, WHAT WOULD IT BE? Well, I want to bring snow. Also, tofu! Tofu in Japan is very delicious & very clean! I would like

to introduce green tea to our kababayan and learn to drink it always.

IF YOU WERE TRAP IN A SUBWAY DURING AN EARTHQUAKE, WHAT 3 THINGS WOULD YOU LIKE TO HAVE? (1) Small bag or backpack will make more convenient to carry.

(2) Lots of bottled water in the bag. (3) And lots of HOPE that I should always carry in my heart.

WHAT IS YOUR MOST FAVORITE JAPANESE SONG? Koibitoyo IF YOU WERE TO SING YOUR LAST SONG BEFORE YOU DIE, WHAT WOULD IT BE? “You'll Never Know” is the theme song of my parents and I love this song, too. I love the lyrics so much.

ANY ADVICE TO OTHER SINGERS IN JAPAN? If you have a dream, give your best to make it come true. Just practice a lot & don't give up.

Study all forms of singing techniques to make yourself more flexible to any types of music.

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KANJI KORNER

本

READINGS: hon, moto MEANINGS: book, origin

本 (hon) BOOK 日本 (Nihon) JAPAN 本屋 (hon ya) BOOK SHOP 山本さん (Yamamoto san) Mr. Yamamoto

BEEP-BEEP!

by Jose Miguel Parungao virtual reality : augmented reality headset

ni Abie Principe

Galimgim Maraming usapang umiikot ngayon sa mga bagay-bagay na kamakailan lamang nangyayari. Tulad ng eleksyon, at ang lindol sa Kumamoto. Dahil sa napakainit na usapan ng eleksyon, at napakalungkot ang lindol, iibahin ko ang tema ng aking isusulat para sa inyo.

Napansin ba ninyo ang title? Naisip ko na sumulat tungkol sa mga naaalala natin mula sa ating kabataan. At kamakailan lamang nakabasa ako ng artikulo sa magasin, “Nostalgia Sells.” Naisip ko

tuloy, ano nga ba ang “nostalgia” sa Filipino? At salamat sa Google Translate, yan ang title ng kolum ko ngayon.

Galimgim. Parang horror movie. Sa totoo nga, merong isang movie na ginawa ang isang taga San Sebastian, na ito ang title, horror nga.

Medyo iba ang nuance nito sa nostalgia, pero siya ang lumabas sa diksyunaryo.

Bakit nga ba ang laki ng epekto sa atin ng galimgim?

Kapag nakakakita tayo ng bagay na mula sa ating nakaraan, may halong tuwa, lungkot, pagnanasa, at minsan, pati panghihinayang.

Yan ang nostalgia. Bakit mayroong mga taong tuwang-tuwa sa mga bagay

na “vintage?” E, luma lang naman ang mga yun. Pero sa mga taong ito, kalakip ng lumang bagay na yun, ang feelings of nostalgia.

Karamihan siguro sa atin naramdaman na ito. Para sa akin, nararamdaman ko ito pag ukol sa mga laruan mula sa aking kabataan.

Noong nasa elementary ako, nag umpisa na akong manood ng TV, at gustong-gusto ko yung mga cartoons ng robot, sina Voltes V, Mazinger Z at iba pa. Habang lumalaki, naging sina Voltron at Transformers. Pero kalakip na ng mga alaala ko ang mga robot na yun. Noon rin, gustong-gusto ko magkaroon ng laruan na robot, lalo na kung Voltes V, pero dahil daw sa mahal, hindi ako naibili ng magulang ko.

Hindi ko naisip noon na sa pagtanda ko, dadalhin ko pala ang pagnanasa na yun.

Dahil noong high school at college naman, hindi ko na inisip ang mga laruan na

gusto ko nung bata ako, iba na ang aking mga interes. Pero, ngayong may trabaho na ako, minsan napadaan ako sa isang vintage (ayan na naman ang salitang yan) toy store, at nakita ko ang iba’t ibang laruan na uso noong bata ako.

At naramdaman ko na ang waves of nostalgia. Nagumpisa na rin akong mangolekta ng mga laruan, na halos pang museum, hindi talaga laruan na pang bata. Masaya naman ako, pero minsan iniisip ko, masyadong mahal ang mga “vintage toys” na yan, pero tulad nga nung nabasa ko sa magasin, “you can’t put a price on a memory.”

Nostalgia sells. Dahil ngayong kaya nating bilhin ang mga bagay na hindi natin mabili nung bata tayo, tuwang-tuwa tayo kolektahin ang mga ito.

Maging ito pa man ay laruan, plaka, libro, o accessories, kapag ma-trigger ang nostalgic feelings, minsan hindi natin mapigilan ang bumili.

Magandang marketing strategy, di po ba?

KOTOWAZA

Not knowing is Buddha. Meaning: Ignorance is bliss. / It's better to not know the truth.

What’s happening at...

PHIL-JAP ASIA TOMO NO KAI, Kani Shi, Gifu Ken, March 26, 2016 and their pilgrimage in Korea

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What’s happening at...

Pinoys in Kyoto at the Multicultural Charity concert for the less fortunate children in Asia (Philippines and India) on February 2016

Pinoys at a Labor Rights Seminar (3 April 2016) - Verite/PCCC/KPFC, organizers

Upcoming Event: August 28, 2016 (Sun) UTAWIT KYOTO REGIONAL QUALIFYING ROUND hosted by Mother Earth Connection Kyoto, Japan at Wings Kyoto.

For those interested to join as contestants and for sponsorships, please contact 090-3486-4663, 080-6168-4463.

What’s happening at...

NARA

Justo Takayama Ukon annual celebration at Haibara, Uda shi, Nara

58

What’s happening at...

Pinoys in Hirakata-shi, Osaka: at a “rogin” home and hanami celebration

New graduates of the Philippine Studies Department of Osaka University in Minoo Campus with their professors and guest Consul Shirley Nuevo on March 30, 2016 at Hotel New Otani in Osaka.

What’s happening at...

IWATE

SAMAHANG PILIPINO - Philippine Alliance Iwate Japan Outreach Program “HANDOG- Pang Eskwela Project” for the poor children in the Philippines.

Landoseru school bags with some school supplies were sent to Laguna and Pangasinan coupled with a feeding program. Musical instruments "PIANICA" were also sent to Leyte.

Next time, the group is heading to Negros Occidental and some needy areas who are requesting for help.

Announcements: June 12, 2016 (Sun) Celebrating 118th INDEPENDENCE DAY at Ichinoseki Nano Hana Plaza 3rd Flr. 10:00 am - 3:00 pm and have Boodle Fight with fun games and presentation!

UTAWIT IWATE Regional Qualifying Round is on

and members.

PHILIPPINE EMBASSY CONSULAR OUTREACH MISSION in MORIOKA Saan: Morioka Aiina Building 1-7-1 Morioka Station West, Morioka City, Iwate Prefecture

kina: Cecille Nishimura 090-5847-6774 ceznishimura0809@gm ail.com Ofelia Takahashi 0903125-0137 ruiofyanna@gmail.com

Mila E. Mukai 0806007-8718 milamukai@yahoo.com August 14, Sunday at Lolita Moniwa 080Aiina Building Hall, Kailan: Hulyo 16, 2016, 1371-0219 3 mins walk from Sabado, 8th Fl., Rm 811 jmoniwa@icloud.com Morioka Eki, North Exit.

Hulyo 17, 2016, Mga serbisyong For those interested to Linggo, 7th Fl., Rm 702 ibibigay: join as contestants and 9:00 AM - 5:00 - Passport for sponsorship, please PM - Civil Registration contact Birth, Marriage and SAMAHANG PILIPINO Para sa mga katanun- Death Philippine Alliance gan, makipag-ugnayan - Legal Capacity to Iwate Japan officers

Contract Marriage, etc.

- Pagnotaryo ng mga documento, Authentication, NBI clearance renewal application - Konsultasyon Mailing Address: Iwate International Association 5th Fl. Aiina Center 〒020-0045 Morioka-shi Morioka Eki Nishi Dori 1-7-1 〒020-0033 Morioka-shi Morioka Ekimae Kitadori 9-18-510

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What’s happening at...

KAGAWA Hanami at the Ritsurin Garden Takamatsu on April 3rd.

The Kagawa Filipino Community officers and members know how to change an ordinary day to a special day chilling out together.

Announcements: Asian Festival on May 14 at Takamatsu Mitsukoshi and on May 15, St. Lourdes Fest at Sambonmatsu Catholic Church.

UTAWIT KAGAWA Regional Qualifying Round on August 28, 2016, Sunday at the Kagawa

Museum.

For those interested to join as contestants and for sponsorship, please contact Kagawa Filipino Community officers and members.

What’s happening at...

NAGANO

Famous festival in Nagano: ONBASHIRA MATSURI or Sacred Pillars Festival is held once every six years for over 2 months as it consists of 2 segmenta: YAMADASHI (coming out of the mountains) and SATOBIKI (the symbolic placement of the new logs to support the foundation of the shrine buildings). This year, it’s from 2 April – 15 June 2016.

Japan-Philippines Migration Realities Seminar-Workshop on 16 Jan 2016 at Matsumoto Catholic Church with Sr. Dale Saavedra, RGS as speaker.

UTAWIT NAGANO RQR : Please wait for futher information.

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What’s happening at...

OITA

PCG-Osaka in cooperation with OitaPhilippines Friendship Association held their emergency assistance for Filipinos affected by the succeeding earthquakes in Kyushu.

Activity was held in Oita International Plaza on May1.

Batch 4 of Kaigo, Orientation on April 28, 2016 held at Oita International Plaza. School will start from July -October.

It has been over 1 year ago now since Miss Rhodora Yoshitake started this Nursing Assistance course training. Definitely a very successful milestone project of the OPFA.

Announcements: Consulate General of the Republic of the Philippines Osaka-Kobe Consular Mission in Oita is postponed to June 18 & 19 at the Oita International Plaza, Oasis Hiroba Basement 1.

Address 2-33 Takasago-machi, Oita City 870-0029.

UTAWIT OITA Regional Qualifying Round October 2, 2016 (Sun.) at the Legend For those interested to join as contestants and for sponsorship, please contact Oita-Philippines Friendship Association officers and members.

What’s happening at...

April 16, 2016 Sendai Mobile Consular Mission by: The Philippine Embassy Tokyo headed by: Third Secretary and Vice Consul Domini Kitade at Sendai International Center April 10 , 2016 OHANAMI kai at tsutsujigaoka koen with DAMAYAN & Family friends

Announcements: May 22, 2016 (Sun) You are cordially invited!

What: Tohoku University Foreign Students Association International Festival When: May 22, 2016 Sunday Where: Kawauchi Hagi Hall June 12, 2016 (Sun) Celebrating 118th INDEPENDENCE DAY at Sendai International Center with BOODLE FIGHT!!!

July 17, 2016 (Sun) UTAWIT SENDAI Regional Qualifying Round at Media Techque Building, 4F For those interested to join as contestants and for sponsorships, please contact Damayan and the Kapatiran officers and members.

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What’s happening at...

SHIZUOKA

May 7, 2016 Jesus Christ our Banner, Shizuoka Outreach JACOB's Praise Explosion − UNLIMITED WORSHIP

March 29, 2016 HANA Matsuri Kokusai Koryu Concert at Shizugin Yufonia with the special participation of the Philippine NAKAMA Kids and members.

Upcoming Event: July 30, 2016 (Sat)

ABE KAWA HANABI TAIKAI PICNIC 2016 Time: (gathering) 5:30 pm; (starts) 6:00 pm Place: Abe River bridge ground, Tamachi area Things to bring: Food and drinks to share, garbage bag and sheets.

Please bring home your own trash.

If it rains, the event will be postponed. Please wear yukata or jinbei or NAKAMA t-shirt if you have.

Contact: 090-1768-9624, 0906082-6244

July 31, 2016 (Sun) UTAWIT SHIZUOKA REGIONAL QUALIFYING

ROUND Miraie Hall at 12-4 Shichikencho, Aoi District, Shizuoka. For those interested to join as contestants and for sponsorships, please contact PHIL NAKAMA at 090-1786-9624, 090-60826244.

What’s happening at...

TOKYO

Miss Philippines, Thai and Vietnam in Japan 2016 organized by Life Support Com on May 1, 2016 at Gyotoku Bunka Kaikan Hall in Chiba. This event aims to exchange cultures & traditions and build a good relationship among these nations.

Congratulations to our very own: Mrs Philippines : Maria Colico Mrs Best in Talent : Lolet Belason Mrs Best in Gown : Lolet Belason Mrs Popular : Fely Hato Mr Philippines : Akatsu Ryo Most Popular Vote : Akatsu Ryo Mr Best in Talent : Genki Kudo Miss Philippines : Jordana Dacayana Little Miss : Mika Milan Arai Little Mr Most Popular : Ken Onodera

UTAWIT TOKYO Regional Qualifying Round will be hosted by AAIJ. Please wait for further instructions.

The newly elected officers of the Abraenian Association in Japan (AAIJ) headed by their Presdient Mr. Alden Estolas were inducted by our Labor Attache Ma’am Maluz L. Talento during the Hanami Party with POLO, OWWA and the FILCOM in Tokyo on 27 March 2016 at the Ukima Park, near the Ukima Funado Station.

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Labor Attache Ma’am Maluz L. Talento, WelOf Ma’am Carmelita Raquiza and the FILCOM during the Hanami Party in Tokyo on 27 March 2016 at the Ukima Park, near the Ukima Funado Station.

PAHAYAGANG PINOY

e-magazine

Advertise in Jeepney Press and reach thousands of Pinoys in Japan online!

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and the participation of different Filipino groups all over Japan with the support of the Philippine Embassy, Tokyo

The only nationwide singing competition for Filipinos and Japanese!

The Regional Qualifying Rounds

2016

UTAWIT goes around Japan!

Iwate AUG 14 TBA Nagano Sendai JUL 17 AUG 28 Tokyo TBA Kyoto Shizuoka JUL 31 AUG 7 Fukuoka Nagoya Be the TBA Kagawa NEXT UTAWIT AUG 28 Oita OCT 2

CHAMPION! Ikaw na!

www.utawit.com

For sponsorships and regional participation, please contact jeepneymail@yahoo.com for details.