Jeepney press 87 may june 2017 issue

PAHAYAGANG PINOY SA JAPAN

ジープニー プレス Celebrating The Journeys Of Filipinos In Japan 在日フィリピン人 向けマガジン

May - June 2017

Photograph by Nick Santiago

PAHAYAGANG PINOY SA JAPAN

ジープニー プレス 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 2017

JEEPNEY PRESS Asia Vox Ltd.

Takadanobaba Bldg. 701, 1-26-12 Takadanobaba, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 169-0075 Tel : 03-5292-2340 Fax: 03-5292-2341 e-mail: jeepneymail@yahoo.com website: http://jeepneymail.wix.com/jeepneypress

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 MICHELLE G. ONG Osaka JEFF PLANTILLA Nara ABIE PRINCIPE Nagoya MARK QUIJANO Kyushu 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 MARISOL KUDO Oita

PAHAYAGANG PINOY SA JAPAN

在日フィリピン人 向けマガジン

ジープニー プレス

CONTENTS

06 YOMU Editorial

by Dennis Sun 08 Family Feeling

by Irene Kaneko 15 Kapatiran

by Loleng Ramos 16 Advice Ni Tita Lits

by Isabelita ManalastasWatanabe 17 Life is a Journey

by Glen Gypsy

18 Isang Araw Sa Ating Buhay

by Jeff Plantilla

20 Kwento Ni Nanay

by Anita Sasaki 21 Shoganai

by Abie Principe 22 Signpost

by Karen Sanchez 24 On The Road to:

by Neriza Saito 26 Sapporo’s Songbird: Esmie!

by Dennis Sun

28 Musings of a Gardener

by Rogelio Agustin 04

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MAY-JUNE 2017 31 The Best of Time: Thanks Mom!

by Marilyn Rivera 32 TRAFFIC

by Alma Reyes 34 Moving On

by Jasmin Vasquez 36 Japan Journey

by Peter Henson

Cover Photo by: Nick Santiago

by Dennis Sun Katatapos lang ng Abril. Katatapos din ng Golden Week sa Japan. Araw-araw, chine-check ko ang Facebook. Punungpuno ng mga bulaklak ang mga timeline ng mga kaibigan ko. Ume (plum), sakura (cherry), momo (peach), tulips, fuji (wisteria), bara (rose) at parating na rin ang mga ajisai (hydrangea) blossoms. Ang ganda talaga ng Japan, diba?

Panahon ngayon para bisitahin ang mga KOEN (park). Kabigha-bighani.

Nakakalula kapag nakita mo ang lahat ng mga puno ay sabay-sabay namumulaklak.

I started doing a new TV show for NihonTV last April. The first show covered Shinjuku Gyoen (National Park). Actually, walking distance lang sa bahay ang park. Kaya when I need some solitude and want to be close to nature, I always visit this park. It’s so huge

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and beautiful you won’t believe it’s right in the middle of Tokyo. Sa totoo lang, ang daming mga malalaki at magagandang park sa Tokyo. You don’t even have to travel far.

Hindi lang puro semento, glass at metal ang Tokyo.

The parks in Tokyo are the best you will ever see in your life. Going back to the TV show, we interviewed many tourists visiting the park. As usual, maraming mga Chinese at Southeast Asians like Thai, Malaysians, Indonesians and Pinoys.

Madali na kasing makakuha ng tourist visa ngayon ang mga Asiano.

Before, puro mga puti ang dumadalaw sa Japan.

Now, it’s the Asians who are invading Japan. Well, I don’t know exactly if that’s good news.

hinahawakan natin ang mga bulaklak. Sometimes, it’s not even good to walk around under the trees because we are disturbing the roots. Kaya minsan, naglalagay sila ng bakod around the trees to protect them.

Tinanong po ako ng TV director kung pwedeng hawakan ang mga bulaklak sa park sa Pilipinas. Sabi ko, kung walang babala na nakasulat, siguro pwede.

Sa Japan, bad manners po ang hawakan ang mga bulaklak. Alam po ng mga Hapon iyan kasi tinuruan sila nang bata pa sila kaya walang mga nakasulat na huwag hawakan ang mga bulaklak. Understood na sa kanila. Pero ngayong dumarami ang mga turista dito, naging malaking problema ito.

Part of the mission of the Kawawang mga bulaklak.

TV show is to focus on the Hinahawak-hawakan.

Pinipisil-pisil. Hinihila-hila. manners of the guests Inaalug-alog. Pinuputulvisiting the park. We wanted to tell the people putol at linalagay pa sa buhok. Na sa-shock ang that the flowering trees are so fragile and sensitive mga Hapon kapag nakikita nila ang mga that it is not good to touch the flowers nor the turista na ginagawa ang branches. Mayroon germs mga hindi magagandang asal tulad nito. at iba’t-ibang chemicals ang mga kamay natin at nagkakasakit daw po ang Before and after Golden Week, the TV cast and mga puno kung

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crew visited Ashikaga Flower Park sa Tochigi. Ilang years na po ako sa Japan pero first time kong binisita ito. Nakakabighani talaga ang mga bulaklak na Wisteria (Fuji hana). Mas maganda pa yata kung ikumpara sa mga sakura flowers. O baka nagsawa na ako sa mga sakura. Salamat sa TV show at nakarating ako dito.

Iba na talaga ang panahon ngayon. Walang tigil sa kakalitrato at selfie ang mga tao. Naalala ko tuloy ang ilang dekadang nakaraan. Kodak pa ang tawag noon. Bibili pa tayo ng film para isaksak sa camera.

12 to 36 shots lang ang isang film. Kaya kailangan talagang i-budget at magtipid sa pagkuha ng litrato. Di tulad

ngayon, shoot ka lang ng shoot. I-delete na lang yung hindi mo gusto. At noon, kailangan mo pang maghintay para dalhin yung film sa photo developing and printing shop. Usually, one week pa bago makita ang mga prints. Then, naging 3-days. Then, naging 1 day.

At naging 1-hour printing pa.

Ngayon, lumubog na ang business ng photo developing at printing.

Digital na kasi ngayon.

uso. Pero ang mga bulaklak, nandyan pa rin.

At ang Jeepney Press, nandito pa rin after more than 15 years. Hindi na papel ang Jeepney Press, digital na tayo! Mas mainam at nakakatulong tayo sa mundo dahil noon, pagkatapos basahin ng mga tao, tinatapon lang sa basurahan.

Ngayon, dahil digital at paperless, ecological and earth-friendly na. You can read Jeepney Press anytime and anywhere in your computer, smart phone or tablet.

Nag-iiba na talaga ang mundo. Sa music, wala na ang mga plaka. Wala na ang mga cassette tapes. Wala na rin yung MD kahit digital na Tuloy ang pagbabasa. Tuloy ang ligaya. The Jeepney yan. Ang CD, hindi na rin Press journey continues! masyadong mabenta.

Downloading na ngayon ang

Photograph by Warren De Luna

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07

FAMILY FEELING

by Irene Kaneko

Is there anything more important in the world than FAMILY? A house will not be a home without the love, trust & respect of the family living there. It is very hard to raise a family especially here in Japan for Filipinos and mixed marriages. Like the Philippines, Japan also puts importance in the family.

Japan not only celebrates Mother’s Day and Father’s Day but also Children’s Day and Respect-for-the-Aged Day (for senior citizens). Let us discover how some Pinoy families are doing here in Japan.

20 years married, mommy Daisy had surpassed and still undergoing a lot of trials and sufferings from daddy Teruji’s health condition – from heart surgery to throat operation and now colon cancer stage 3. A hardworking mom, she put’s everything in God’s hands. The love, goodness and power she receives from Above are what keeps her calm and grounded. Blessed with a beautiful daughter, Arara and sportsman son Ryuji, they are a source of inspiration in the family. Ryuji is an aspiring professional golfer and mommy Daisy is in every step for the success of her children. This is the Nozawa Family from Yamashina-ku, Kyoto.

A family of 4.5 from Beppu City, Oita, meet the Yajima Family – daddy Kaoru, mommy Carmen, oneesan Airi, otooto Ryosuke and the darling of the family, Rick!

Rick welcomes the whole family with a sweet bow-wow-wow especially when they get together only 4 times a year!

Daddy’s work is in Saitama, mommy’s working in Beppu, Airi is in Osaka and Ryosuke in Hakata. Rick binds everybody together in their outings and walking along the sea shore.

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Married for 34 years (sempai!), Carla has imbibed in her Japanese family the closeness and traditional culture her parents in the Philippines has taught her. A big family of seven, meet the Koseki Family from Tokyo – daddy Masaaki, mommy Carla, eldest son Masanari, daughter-in-law Erika, grandsons Rito & Saku and youngest son Seiya! Living in a big city like Tokyo may not offer the same scenario given Japan’s culture and demand for modern life.

But Carla makes it a point to celebrate birthdays, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Children’s Day, Christmas and New Year among many other occasions.

The Orbigozo is a young

family of four: daddy Mikey, mommy Mari and their 2 cute kids: Mezekiel Hiroyuki and Mikari Faith. They have named their children with mixed Japanese and Christian names to show what their family is. Mikey and Mari have been married for 4 years now and their love keeps getting stronger. They are best friends and keep the jokes rolling without end.

A family that loves hot springs, movies and driving, the Palad Family of four has survived one year and a decade already. Bernard and Eriko say that communication is their secret in making a strong family.

They have 2 daughters:

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Ayumi and Mirai Sophia.

This Father’s Day, nothing can beat the smiles, hugs and kisses from the family.

In return, papa Bernard will prepare food and he wants the Filipino way, “kamayan” style! And yes, they all love it! Hide the chopsticks please.

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Separated by approximately 2,995 kilometers from Tokyo to Manila, distance is not a hindrance to the Estolas Family.

Meet daddy Alden, mommy Tin and very active daughters Adee and Chichi. Alden works in Tokyo while mom and 2 daughters are all studying in Manila.

Mommy Tin is about to graduate Medicine at Ateneo and daughters are still in highschool and elementary respectively.

Regular connection through high digital technology brings the family closer and keeps them together. Plus, of course, loads of love and tons of understanding.

From the northern part of Japan and probably the coldest, meet the Momiji Family from Hokkaido. Daddy Kenji, mommy Nesie, kuya Satoshi and bunso Keigo. Married for 9 years now but they still feel like newlyweds. Every year, mommy Nesie always receives a letter from the kids on Mother’s Day and this is more than enough to feel love and gratitude.

Mommy Victoria is one lucky Filipina because she married a loving husband and now has a wonderful family. Her mother-in-law has treated Vic as her own since day one. It’s rare in Japan to have as loving & caring in-laws. This is the Ito Family from Nishitama-gun in Tokyo: papa Shigenobu, mom Vic, kuya Ryouma & bunso Jyouji always go out to eat every Sunday and loves onsen and crazy about karaoke, too!

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“…..for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do us part…..” is just so true for papa Kenro & mommy Mila who have been married for 25 years (silver na!).

There is no perfect marriage. They had their share of sufferings, adjustments & misunderstandings but the fruit of all their love, respect & trust are their 3 lovely kids: oneesan Rie, kuya Shiro and bunso Miki. The Mukai Family from Morioka, Iwate loves to go driving, sightseeing and eating out together.

“A family that prays together, stays together…” Going on their 20th year wedding anniversary, the Semizo Family from Hiroshima: papa Masafumi, mom Cheche and their kids: Sachi and Miku love to travel to different famous places in Japan as they love eating out in restaurants, go to onsen and amusement parks.

From Yokohama, meet the fashionista Takada Family: daddy Naoyuki, mommy Daniella, ate Nean and bunso Shiou. When they have the chance to be together, they love to go out & have picnic at the park. This is the chance they can catch up from their busy work and school. Asked about their secret on their twelve-year marriage? Their answer is simple. No secrets please.

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Let’s welcome the ramen-loving Komatsu Family from Yamagata: papa Shuichi, mama Marialyn, kuya Daisuke, Shuta & bunso Lily. Receiving flowers on Mother’s Day will make mommy Lyn very happy. They do get angry sometimes. But they make it a point not to get angry at the same time.

“What God has joined together, let no one separate…” 22 years married and now living in Tokyo, the Castillo Family: daddy Arnel, mommy Maricel and sons Arnel Cedrik, Arnel Jeric and Arnel Derick, like many families, put God first above all else. It is their love for Jesus Christ that keeps their family together.

The family with a “K”! Pwede na rin ang “karapatan” but moreso, all their 3 boys’ names start with a K: Klive, Keter & Klyno. It’s mommy Weena’s idea but she added some numerology to it (computing the parent’s name & their son’s) to equal to Foundation. How she did it? Even daddy Pex is perplexed! The whole family loves eating together, going to church together and kulitan together with the chocolate & ice cream lover Klive, the sports & music lover Keter and the smart & thoughtful Klyno. From Funabashi, Chiba, this is the Aguilar Family!

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

Moving company? Cable and internet connection?

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English and Japanese OK!

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

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Ang Puno!

Kumusta, kapatid? Alam mo noong isang linggo, napadpad iyong sinasakyan ko sa tabi ng bundok. Parang may humila, pero nag-enjoy naman ako kasi ang parang naaksayang oras sa pagkawala ng direksyon ay nauwi sa nature tripping at “conversation with the trees.” Iyon lang pala ang kailangan ko. Ang maligaw.

Para magkaroon ako ng pagkakataong makipag-usap sa kanila. O mas tama yata ang, pakinggan sila na nakikipag-usap sa akin.

Mahilig ka ba sa mga puno?

Sa paligid mo, nagbibigay ka ba ng oras para lang tingnan ito? Wala lang. Kasi, iba-iba ang hugis. May malaki at mataba. Mayroon din nakakamangha. May epekto ba sa iyo ang “shinryokou”?

Iyong nakakasiglang kulay ng mga dahon sa spring kasi ang kikintab ng pagkaberde.

Feeling romantic ka ba kapag “kouyou”? Kapag nagpalit ang kulay ng maraming dahon sa pula o dilaw. Sa autumn, di ba may hatid na lungkot habang unti-unting nalalagas ang mga dahon, ano? Sabi nga, kapag dinikit mo ang stethoscope sa puno, mayroon daw itong heartbeat. O di ba, talagang buhay sila? Ang tinatawag na xylem na tila ugat na nagdadala ng tubig at mineral sa kanyang mga sanga ang siyang nagbibigay ng tunog na ito. Pero katulad ng sa pagtibok ng puso nating tao, pinapatunayan lang nito na buhay na buhay sila at tahimik na nakakipag-usap sa bawat panahon ng ating buhay.

Nabasa mo na ba ang “The Giving Tree”? Istorya ito ng relasyon ng isang tao na mula pagkabata hanggang sa kanyang pagtanda ay patuloy na may kinukuha sa puno na kaligayahan naman ng huli na

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ibigay. Mahirap man lunukin ang katotohanan dahil parang kontrabida ang dating ng character sa librong ito.

Tulad natin minsan. Katulad ng pagkitil sa buhay ng isang hayup para maging pagkain ng tao. Hindi lamang prutas ang binibigay ng puno sa atin kundi ang buong buhay niya.

Prutas, lilim, gamot, bahay, mwebles, kabaong, hininga, kaligtasan, ganda, at sabi pa, marami pang hindi nadi-diskubre sa mga puno na kung bibigyan lang sila ng pagkakataon na manatili sa lupang kinatitirikan nila at pag-aralan ng husto, ang lahat daw ng sakit ng isang tao ay maaring nasa dahon, ugat, o prutas lamang ng katugmang puno ang lunas.

Tree hugger ka din ba? Ito ang tawag sa mga taong may malasakit sa kalikasan at gumagawa ng hakbang upang mapag-tanggol ito sa mga nang-aabuso katulad ng illegal loggers o sakim na mga corporation o businessman na walang pakundangang nananakop ng gubat para sa kanilang negosyo. Pero ang literal na kahulugan nito ay mangyayakap ng puno at kung nagawa mo na ito, ang sarap ng pakiramdam kasi mararamdaman mo ang koneksyon natin sa kanila, at para ka na ring nagpapasalamat sa lahat lahat ng binibigay nila sa atin. Hindi lamang sa mga bagay na kusa nating kinukuha mula sa kanila kundi pati na rin sa mga bagay na kusa nilang binibigay. Nandyan ang ating palitan ng oxygen at carbon dioxide, ng paglinis nila ng hangin, ang pagpigil nila sa pagguho ng mga lupa sa bundok, pati na rin ng baha, sa pagpapaganda ng kapaligiran, sa tahimik nilang pag-aalaga at pagmamahal sa atin. Puno, payakap nga!

Photo by Nick Santiago 15

Take It Or Leave It!

by Isabelita Manalastas-Watanabe

Dear Tita Lits, Lagi ko pong sinusubaybayan ang sulat ninyo sa Jeepney Press. Gusto ko rin po sanang humingi ng payo sa inyo.

Nag-utang po sa akin ang bestfriend kong tawagin natin sa pangalan na Malou. Siya po ang tumulong sa akin para makapunta sa Japan. Mahigit 10 taon na kami dito. Pareho po kaming nakapag-asawa ng Hapon at mayroon ng dalawang anak. Mahirap lang po ang pamilya namin sa Pilipinas at tinulungan ako ni Malou noong araw para mapag-aral ko ang mga kapatid ko at tumulong din siya nang magkaroon ng iba’t ibang pinansyal na problema sa Pilipinas. Pero nabayaran ko po lahat dahil maganda pa ang ekonomiya ng Japan noon. Mayaman po si Malou noon. Marami rin siyang hinawakan na omise at agency para magpadala ng Dear Agnes: Palagay ko, talagang nahihirapan si Malou.

Lalo na kung totoong nasalanta ang pamilya niya sa Pilipinas noong bagyong Yolanda, at nawalan ng titirahan na doon ang pamilya niya. Kasi noong sagana ang buhay niya, tinulungan ka niya ng walang kapalit na bayad. Bukal sa puso niya ang pagtulong sa iyo, na kanyang kaibigan.

Palagay ko din, ang naging trigger ng galit niya noong pinuntahan mo, ay hindi iyong dahil sinisingil mo siya (tingin ko, talagang hirap siyang makabayad sa katayuan niya ngayon), kundi iyong may narinig siya sa ibang tao tungkol sa utang niya sa iyo. Baka napahiya, dahil nga may pride siya sa sarili, dahil dating may kaya sa buhay. Baka itinatago niya sa iba ang kanyang present financial difficulties.

Hindi ko kinakampihan si Malou. Ang utang ay utang, at dapat bayaran sa pinagkakautangan.

Ngunit tingin ko, tahimik ka na lang muna, at hintayin mong medyo gumanda ang buhay niya, or medyo maging friends ulit kayo, at least nagbabatian na. It may take some time, pero palagay ko, no-choice ka. Hindi option ang demandahan – masisira na totally ang pagkakaibigan ninyo, at ang gagastuhin mo sa abogado ay baka sumobra pa sa utang niya sa iyo. Ano ang worst scenario for you? Hindi siya

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mga babae sa Japan. Sa kasawian palad, nakulong po ang asawa niya dahil nalulong sa masamang gamot at ngayon ay hirap na siya sa buhay hindi tulad ng dati. Ako naman po ay nakakaraos lang araw-araw habang mayroon part-time sa supermarket.

Lagi po akong tumatawag para maningil pero laging hindi siya sumasagot. Minsan, nakikita ko siya sa JUSCO na malapit sa amin at doon, laging pareho na lang ang katwiran na maraming problema at sa susunod na buwan na lang daw. Nangailangan din Ngayon, tatlong taon nakaraan, lumapit ako minsan at pinuntahan ko siya sa bahay niya. Biglang nagalit siya sa akin po si Malou para humiram ng pera, at sinisiraan ko daw siya sa mga ibang isang milyon sa Japanese yen. Savings Pinoy na kapwa kilala namin. Ang alam ko po iyon ng ilang taon. Ayaw ko po ko, meron akong pinagsabihan na sanang pahiram pero tinulungan po ibang Pinoy para kumuha ng advice niya ako nang ako ay tag-hirap at pero mukhang siniraan naman ako ng nangangailangan. Ngayon, gusto ko Pinoy na iyon sa kanya. naman makabawi. Promise po niya sa akin ay ibibigay niyang buo after 3 Tita Lits, ngayon, ako naman ang months dahil may darating na pera sa masama. Mukhang hindi na yata ako kanya. After 3 months, tinawagan ko mababayaran at galit pa sa akin si siya at umuwi daw ng Pilipinas at nagkasakit ang nanay. After 5 months, Malou. Pababayaan ko na lang ba ito?

Wala kaming kontratang sinulatan kaya tinawagan ko siya ulit, at pasensiya na raw at namatay si tatay. After one year, hindi naman pwedeng idemanda.

Payuhin po ninyo ako. Salamat po! tinawagan ko ulit at nagbigay naman ng 10 lapad. Gomen nasai daw at Agnes nawalan sila ng bahay sa bagyong Kanazawa Yolanda. makakabayad sa iyo sa balance niyang 90 lapad.

Matatanggap mo ba ito? Masakit. Pero isipin mo na lang na malaki din naman ang utang na loob mo sa kanya. Iyong pagtulong niya sa pagpunta mo sa Japan – kung hindi ka niya tinulungan, makakapunta ka ba dito? Bawi mo na siguro iyong 90 lapad, kahit papaano, kung susumahin mo ang benepisyong nakarating ka sa Japan at naging daan para makahanap ka ng trabaho, makaipon, at makatulong sa iyong pamilya. Hindi natutulog ang Diyos – babalik at babalik din sa iyo ang nawala mong pera, in some other form, in some other ways. At baka sa tulong din ng Diyos, ay hindi ka totally tatalikuran ni Malou, at magbabayad din kapag maluwag-luwag na siya.

In the meantime, kapag nagkikita kayo sa Jusco, batiin mo pa rin siya, katulad ng dati.

Pero huwag mo munang kulitin sa utang niya.

Tapos, kahit mahirap sigurong gawin, dahil galit ka sa kanya - isama mo siya sa iyong dasal, na sana ay maging masuwerte na ulit ang buhay niya, para makapagbayad na siya sa iyo.

At huwag ka nang magpapahiram pa ng pera, kahit kanino!

Mas masakit ang aking experience. Tatlong

MAY - JUNE 2017

Pilipina na ni hindi ko kaibigan (mga kliyente ng company kung saan ako nagta-trabaho), di-tulad ng relationship mo kay Malou, ang aking pinautang. Wala akong ibang intensiyon kung hindi makatulong - I expected nothing in return, except for them to keep their promise to pay me back. Naging tanga ako na hindi natuto sa una at pangalawa kong pinahiram.

Iyong pinakahuli, medyo malaki. Isang taon dapat niyang bayaran sa akin. Nakabayad lang ng 2 buwan, tapos hindi na. Tulad mo, I tried to collect from her at nag-promise na uunti-untiing bayaran. Hanggang ngayon ay hindi pa rin nagbabayad, at hindi na rin sumasagot sa aking mga text messages.

Ayoko namang tawagan, dahil baka magalit ako ng todo-todo, at makapagsalita ako ng masakit na hindi ko na mababawi pa, at makakasakit lang ako ng damdamin niya.

Siguro sa tindi ng galit ko na kinikimkim sa aking dibdib, parang maraming dumating na unos sa buhay niya. Unfortunately, ang lakas talaga ng negative effect sa taong may malaki akong galit o hinanakit. Parang nakakarma sila at nagiging malas sa buhay. Kaya pinipigil kong magalit at talagang humihingi ako ng tulong sa Diyos na sana ay hindi na ako magalit, at makapagpatawad din ako.

Let us both pray for strength to forgive those who have hurt us, and for them to also receive more blessings, so they can repay us.

LiGlenfeGypsyis a Journey Naalala kita. Ang nagdaan. Lumipas na kasakitan.

Noon akala ko’y napakahina ko.

Ngunit tingnan mo, nandito pa rin ako.

Paldak ng paldak sa aking bisikleta.

Alam ko. Nakayanan ko.

Gaano man kabigat.

Basta’t sige lang ng sige.

Kaya ko pa. Kaya mo rin.

Tuluy-tuloy pa rin.

Araw o ulan.

Lamig o init.

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ni Jeff Plantilla

Japanese NPOs ay nagbebenta ng ganitong bags dito sa Japan.

Pero ang kahalagahan ng ganitong proyekto ay hindi lamang dahil nakakatulong ito sa ating mga kababayan, kundi ang ating kababayan ay nakakatulong sa mga kabataan sa Japan.

Ang relasyon ng mga bansa ay lalong tumitibay kapag ang Aral mula sa Pilipinas relasyong tao-sa-tao sa May isang NPO na nabuo pagkatapos ng bisita ng isang mga bansang ito ay grupo ng mga Hapones sa Pilipinas. maganda rin. At ang Nagustuhan nila ang kanilang bisita magandang relasyon ay sa isang komunidad sa atin. May yung pantay, walang nakita silang maganda sa ganung nakaka-angat. karanasan at kaya nagdesisyon sila Ilang tinatawag na Japanese non-profit organizations (NPOs) ang nagpapadala ng mga kabataang Hapones sa Pilipinas upang makipamuhay sa mga Pilipino.

Pinupuntahan nila ang mga lugar na may mga mahihirap na komunidad. Tumutulong sila sa mga gawain ng Japanese NPOs para sa komunidad, tulad ng proyektong pangkabuhayan.

May proyekto ng paggawa ng mga bags na gamit ang tetra pack ng mga drinks sa atin.

Pinagdudugtong ang mga tetra pack para makabuo ng bags – malaki at maliit. Dahil sa maayos na pagkakatahi, ang mga bags ay matibay at tumatagal. Ang mga

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ay hindi nila napag-iisipan. Sa imbes na pahalagahan kung ano ang meron sila, parang wala silang paki-alam sa kanilang kinabukasan o sa kanilang kalagayan.

Sa mga naghihirap na komunidad sa Pilipinas, may mga nagsusumikap na makapag-aral kahit walang baon, o di kaya ay hindi man lang kumakain ng agahan. Hirap ang mga magulang sa pagpapa-aral kaya’t marami sa kanila ay naghahanap-buhay na rin para makapag-aral. May malinaw silang kagustuhan na makapagtapos sa pag-aaral dahil gustong maka-ahon sa kahirapan.

Sa gitna ng hirap, may pag-asa. na magbuo ng isang NPO na may Kahit buhay mahirap, may saya. layuning tulungan ang binisitang Sa tingin ng ilang Hapones ang komunidad at papuntahin doon ganitong pananaw ang nawawala ang mga kabataang Hapones.

Isang mahalagang layunin nila ang sa mga kabataang Hapones. Hindi na nila naiisip na napakaginhawa maranasan ng mga kabataang Hapones ang kanilang magandang ng buhay nila. Hindi na nila pinag-iisipan ang kahalagahan ng karanasan. pagsisikap para sa pansariling kagalingan. At ito ang dahilan kaya Gusto nilang makasama ng mga sila nagdadala ng mga kabataang kabataang Hapones ang mga Hapones sa Pilipinas. Ibig nilang Pilipinong may kakaibang pamumuhay at kakaibang pananaw malanitan ang pagmamahal sa buhay at pagkakaroon ng pag-asa sa buhay. sa kinabukasan ng mga Pilipino Marami sa mga kabataang Hapones (lalo na yung mahihirap) ang mga kabataang Hapones. ay may maayos na buhay. Hindi naghihirap at may malaking Dito nagkakaroon ng katiyakan na gaganda pa ang pagkakapantay-pantay ang buhay nila sa kinabukasan.

Nguni’t ang ganitong katotohanan relasyon ng mga Pilipino at Hapones. Meron tayong naibibigay

MAY - JUNE 2017

sa mga Hapones na may malaking halaga, para sa pag-iisip at pananaw sa buhay ng mga kabataang Hapones.

Musikerong mula sa Antique Nitong ika-7 ng Abril 2017, nagconcert si Adrei Kyan Condez sa isang community hall sa Kyoto. Magaling siyang tumugtog ng gitara at piano. Sa concert na ito, jazz ang kanyang inihandog.

Kasama niya sa concert ang isang kilalang Hapones na piyanista, isang jazz pianist, si Makoto Takenaka. Nag-aral si Makoto sa Amerika, at pagkatapos ay nagturo ng music sa ilang unibersidad sa Amerika. Sa Japan, si Makoto ay tumutugtog at nagrerecord ng jazz music.

Nagtuturo din siya ng music sa isang unibersidad sa

nakakapag-sulat.

Nakikinig lang siya sa klase.

Natuto siyang mag-piano kahit wala silang piano sa bahay.

Nakikipraktis lang siya sa isang organ ng tiyahin niya, na minsan-minsan inilalabas para linisin.

Hindi pangkaraniwan ang style ni Adrei. Sa galing niya, kaya niyang sabayan ang isang nag-aral sa Amerika na kilalang jazz pianist. Kaya niyang tugtugin ang jazz pieces kahit hindi naman yun ang paborito niya. Ang talagang gusto niya ay rock music at mga tugtog ng Beatles.

Si Adrei ay hindi lamang nakabisita sa papag-aralin sila nang mabuti sa musika.

Sariling pagsisikap lamang ang ginagamit ni Adrei nguni’t napakagaling na niya. Salamat sa isang Japanese NPO sa pagbibigay kay Adrei ng pagkakataong ito na marinig ng mga Hapones ang kanyang galing.

Maaaring mas malalim ang kahulugan ng relasyon ng mga bansa kapag ang mga tao mismo ay may maayos na relasyon. Si Adrei at ilang kabataang Hapones ang makakapagpatunay nito.

Kyoto.

Nag-jamming sina Andrei at Makoto sa concert. Ang pagkakaiba, si Adrei ay hindi nakakakita. Siya ngayon ay mga 15 o 16 anyos, at nasa Grade 12 sa Kalibo, Aklan.

Siya ay taga Pandan, Antique, at sa Kalibo nag-aaral ng highschool. Nakakapag-aral siya kahit hindi siya

Japan, kundi nakapagpakita pa ng kanyang galing sa musika dahil sa isang Japanese NPO sa Osaka.

May mga Hapones na hindi nakakakita na magaling sa piano o gitara pero may malaking suporta sila ng magulang na may kakayanang

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KWENTO NI NANAY EVERY GISING A BLESSING !!!

ANG KAILANGAN NG INA AY PAGMAMAHAL. Mommy, all my heartfelt thanks for your wonderful help especially in times of trial. You are the moving force behind our success. We owe it to you---all of yourself. Thank you so much always.

I love you.

Araw na ng mga minamahal nating INA... or Mother's Day. Meron akong isang kakilala na nasa Pink Sisters ngayon upang mag mongha. Ito ang kanyang pagtatapat noong lumabas siya. “Maligayang-maligaya ako sa loob pagkat natupad na rin ang aking pangarap. Nang dumalaw ang aking ina na payat na payat at nagtitinda pa rin ay hindi na ako nakatulog sa loob. Kailangan niya ang aking tulong.�

Kaya siya ay lumabas at muling nagturo. Kailangan siya ng kanyang Ina. "Insincere printed cards and

telegram mean nothing except that you're too lazy to write to the woman who has done more for you than anyone else in this world. You ought to go home and see your mother on "Mother's Day". You ought to take her out and make her happy. Ang nagsabi nito ay si Anne May Jarvis, awtor ng Mother's Day sa Amerika.

Gaano kadakila ang ating mga ina?

Tumigil tayo sandali at gunitain ang kanilang ginawang pagpapakasakit para sa ating mga kapakanan at kinabukasan. Masasabi kaya nating walang kapantay sila sa daigdig?

Iba kung sila ay magmahal para sa ating ikakabuti, para sa ating kalusugan, para sa ating kinabukasan, para sa ating kaligayahan. Ang taong ating pinanggalingan na nagkaloob sa atin ng buhay, nang una nating pagkain sa kanyang sinapupunan at ng gatas sa kanyang dibdib ay hindi naghihintay ng kabayaran. Makita lamang tayong matagumpay at maligaya ay nasisiyahan na sila.

Narito ang iba't ibang sitwasyon na aking pinagdugtong-dugtong sa ma drama nating mga pusong dakila na iisa ang ipinipintig: pagpapakasakit alang-alang sa kanilang mutyang mga anak.

Iuuwi ko na po misis itong meryendang bigay ninyo. Tapos na po akong mamalantsa. Ito po ay

Photography: Nick Santiago

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by Anita Sasaki mapagsasaluhan ng aking mga anak. Nagtatanong ka kung bakit ako naririto at nagtitinda ng aliw?

Kung sagutin kita na nais kong mabuhay ang aking mga anak maniniwala ka ba? Sandali po lamang ako, Senyora. Magpapadala ako nang money order, pang matrikula nang aking si Junior. Oo, anak ko siya. Ngunit higit na maganda ang kanyang kinabukasan sa aking Ate kaysa sa piling ko.

Inilihim namin ito sa kanya. Itong inutang ko sa inyo na pambayad sa ospital at doktor ay paglilingkuran ko sa inyo kahit ilang buwan.

Mabuti naman po at nabuhay ang aming bunso. Magpahinga muna tayo sa ilalim ng punong yon. Tapos naman, walisan natin ang ating teritoriyo. Yaong kumuha ng pera sa akin kanina ay anak kong panganay.

Oo, Kuya Eddie, napakasakit ikinahihiya ang sariling anak.

Tinatangap ko ang kanyang ginawa.

Maligaya na rin ako at napagtapos ko siya ng kurso at nakaahon siya sa pook namin.

Maraming aklat ang maisusulat hinggil sa mga tunay na pagpapakasakit ng mga ina. Hindi pa huli upang ipadama natin ang ating tender loving care. Hindi pa huli upang suklian natin ang kanilang di mailarawang paghihirap. Nang ating pag-alala sa maraming pagkakataon at sa ibat-ibang paraan habang kapiling pa natin sila sa daigdig. Hindi pa huli.

Fleeting Moments

By Abie Principe ang buong Japan sa panahong ito, ay ang sakura 桜 o cherry blossoms. Taun-taon naman merong Hanami, pero bakit kaya taun-taon din excited ang mga tao sa Hanami? Malamang dahil ito sa paniniwala natin that “fleeting moments are the most precious.” Karamihan sa atin, binibigyang halaga ang mga situwasyon, mga bagay, mga tao, na minsan lamang natin maranasan, makita or makahalubilo. A rare moment, a rare item, a person we rarely see. Ito ang binibigyan natin ng oras at atensyon. Wala naman masama dito, natural lang naman ito. Ngunit, di kaya sa pagbigay natin ng halaga sa Pero kapag malapit na matapos mga bagay na “fleeting” ang buwan ng Marso, at nakakaligtaan natin ang mga papasok na ang buwan ng bagay na tunay na bahagi ng Abril, ayan na. Labasan na at ating pang-araw-araw na tambay na sa park. Bakit nga buhay? Maganda sana na ba? Kung matagal ka nang magkaroon tayo ng balanced nakatira sa Japan, dear reader, appreciation of what is fleeting alam mo na kung bakit. and what is permanent.

Tuwing end of March and the beginning of April, ang buong Japan ay tila baga natataranta. Maraming nag-pa-plano ng picnic.

Maraming biglaang kinakailangan makalabas at tumambay sa park.

Maraming nagbibigay ng oras para lumabas ng bahay at maglakad-lakad sa tabing ilog. At itong mga taong ito, sila rin ang hindi naman gaanong mahilig sa outdoors, hindi naman madalas mag-picnic, o pumunta sa park.

minsan lamang dumating sa buhay natin. Bagama’t mayroong magandang impluwensya rin naman ang appreciation of things fleeting, sana bigyan rin natin ng halaga ang mga pang-araw-araw nating mga karanasan at kapaligiran.

Tulad ng Hanami, hindi naman nakasulat sa kanji na sakura lamang ang tignan, and kanji na hana 花 means flower, so maaring ibig sabihin rin ang tignan at bigyang halaga ang iba't ibang bulaklak sa inyong kapaligiran, at wala namang masama kung gawin natin ito, di po ba? Kaya sa susunod na mag planong maglakad sa tabing ilog, subukan rin natin na pansinin ang iba pang halaman at mga bulaklak na nakikita, bukod sa sakura. At sa ating buhay, bigyan nating halaga ang mga taong araw-araw nating kasama, hindi lamang ang mga taong Ito ang tinatawag na Hanami, sa paminsan-minsan lang natin Dahil sa ating buhay, kanji 花見, literal na ibig sabihin nakakahalubilo. Give time for napakaraming permanenteng ay “pagtingin sa bulaklak.” Ang bagay na minsan nakakaligtaan both people we rarely see and bulaklak, na kung saan umiikot natin, in favor sa mga bagay na the people we see everyday.

Photograph by Marisol Kudo MAY -JUNE 2017

21

By Karen Sanchez agandang araw na naman po mga kababayan. Kamusta po kayong lahat na nandiyan sa Japan?

Kamusta po ang inyong mga Sakura experiences ngayong taon?

Alam ko, kitang-kita ko at ramdam ko naman po sa inyong mga aura ang saya sa pinag-uusapang Cherry Blossoms sa buong mundo na maituturing "the big one events in Japan" taon-taon.

At dahil "The Big One" ang aking napusuang gawan ng kwento, nais ko pong ibahagi sa inyo ang mga mahahalagang mga pangyayari na aking napansin sa ngayon. Yung mga bagay-bagay na malaki ang epekto o ang magiging bahagi nito sa buhay natin at sa kapaligiran.

Klima- The Big One in Philippines " And the same hour was there a great earthquake, and the tenth part of the city fell, and in the

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earthquake were slain of men seven thousand: and the remnant were affrighted, and gave glory to the God of heaven. ( Revelation 11:13 ) Kung tayong nasa Japan ay medyo nasanay na sa mga pagyanig o lindol na naging

upang maiparamdam sa atin na kailangan na talaga nating magbalik loob sa Kanya. Marami nang mga pangyayari hindi lang sa Pilipinas kundi sa buong mundo ang pabago-bago at hindi na normal at minsan nakakapagtaka at hindi na

parte na ng buhay natin diyan, ngayon marami sa ating mga kababayan ang mga nag-aalala, kinakabahan o natatakot sa nagbabadyang parating na malaking lindol na maaaring magdulot ng malaking pinsala at maaaring magbuwis ng buhay ng iba nating kababayan. Ngunit dapat po natin itong alalahanin na ang pangyayaring ito ay sadyang nakatakda na noon pa.

Ang mga kababalaghang hindi na maipaliwanag minsan ng siyensya at sadyang ang tanging Diyos lamang ang makakagawa,

kapani-paniwala. Na kung minsan iniisip nating imposible pero talaga namang nangyayari sa kasalukuyan at wala tayong magawa kundi harapin, sumunod sa agos at magdasal para mga kababayang posibleng makaranas nito.

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Pulitika - The Big One Changes Ever "No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other;or else he will hold the one, and despise the other. Ye

cannot serve God and mammon. ( Matthew 6:24) " Thou shalt not kill." ( Exodus 20:13) Masyadong magulo at nakakatakot na ang mamuhay dito sa mundo. Dahil yung akala nating santo ay nagbabalat kayo lamang pala. Ang mga taong inakala nating makakatulong o makakapagbago ng bulok na sistema ay magdudulot ng marka na di maganda sa isip, gawa at sa mapa. At ang inaakala nating maglalapit sa atin sa Diyos ay sila pala ang magdadala sa atin sa kadiliman nang hindi natin ito namamalayan pagkat tayo na ay nabubulagan at nagiging sunud-sunuran na lamang dahil ang iba ay magaling magbalat-kayo at magmanipula hanggang ang karamihan ay napaniwala na.

Sa matagal na panahon ang Pilipinas ay kilala sa pagiging Kristiyano, dahil dito tinanggal na ang pagpatay sa mga napapatunayang kriminal. At sa ngayong panahon, balak itong ibalik... ang tanong magiging tama kaya ang hatol sa mga taong pagpapatawan nito? At nakakapagtaka at nakakagulat na ang mga sumusuporta pa nito ay silang nagsisigaw sa mundo na sila ay mga Kristiyano.

Mukhang nakakalimot na sila o baka natakpan na ang mga isip at mata ng pera, kasikatan at kapangyarihan at hindi na naaalala na tayo ay nabubuhay sa pagpapala ni Kristo o "grace period". Tinubos na ng dugo ni Kristo ang mga kasalanan ng tao.

Hindi pa ba sapat ang

taon-taong pagseselebra ng mahal na araw kung saan ipinako si Kristo para sa kasalanan ng mga tao? At mula sa lumang tipan ng Bibliya hanggang sa bago ay hinde pinahihintulutan ng Diyos ang pumatay ng kapwa maging makasalanan man ito.

May tamang panahon ang paghuhukom at ang araw na iyon ang dapat nating paghandaan. Naging maugong ang bansa sa patayang nagaganap para lamang masugpo daw ang mga droga.

Ang tanong: nasugpo nga po ba?

Sayang ang buhay ng ibang hindi na nabigyan ng pagkakataong magpaliwanag at ipagtanggol ang sarili sa tamang pamamaraan. At ang kidnapping sa Bohol na napapabalita na naman kung saan pinag-iingat ng ibang bansa ang kanilang mga taong dumayo dito at iwasang puntahan ang mga ilang lugar dito sa Pilipinas kapag nagtuloy-tuloy po ito, kaya po ba ng Pilipinas na maproteksyunan ang mga naninirahan dito nang walang tulong ng ibang bansa?

Nasaan na ang mas ligtas, maayos at mas ginhawang buhay para sa mga Pilipino?

Sports - The Big One in Antique Malaking kaganapan ang mangyayari dito sa maliit na probinsya ng Antique kung saan dito gaganapin ang Palarong Pambansa ngayong taon.

Makikita ang malaking pagbabago sa paligid sa maikling panahon.

Pinaghandaan ng mga taga rito ang palabas at ang mga bisitang dadayo dito na inaasahang nasa

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18,000 katao mula sa ibat-ibang panig ng bansa. At unti-unti na din itong nakikilala sa mga taglay na likas yaman at pasyalan na naggagandahan gaya na lamang ng Malalison Island, ang Nogas Island, ang Seco Island, ang Kawa Spa, ang Fish Spa at malilinis na mga ilog, mga batis at mga nagtataasang mga talon sa mga bundok at ang pinaniniwalaan ng mga sinaunang tao ang tinagong dagat kung saan walang sinuman ang makakapagpaliwanag kung bakit may nakatagong dagat sa tuktok ng isang bundok. At itinuturing ng mga tao na sagradong lugar ito dahil bukod sa kataka-taka ito, matarik at delikadong puntahan ang nasabing lugar.

Ang ganitong mga pagkakataon o malaking kaganapan sa bansa ay maaaring di na maulit muli o matatagalan pang mangyari uli kung sakali.

The Big One Hope "But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.

(Matthew 24:36) Mga kababayan, tanging dasal at tanging ang mga sarili natin lamang ang makakapagligtas sa anumang karamdaman, kahirapan, kapahamakan at iba pang mga bagay na di nais natin itong maranasan. Dahil ang Diyos lamang ang higit na makapangyarihan at higit nating maaasahan sa oras ng mas higit nating Siyang kailangan.

Hanggang sa muli po.... God bless us all :-)

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Neriza Sarmiento - Saito's

On the Road to:

Kapihan at Talakayan sa Kansai Our Lives in a Day over Coffee and An Exchange of Views in Kansai

A monumental event in Kansai last March 25th was something that can probably define the existence of Filipinos in Japan. "Kapihan at Talakayan in Kansai" was organized by the Philippine Community Coordinating Council (PCCC), the umbrella organization of 27 Filipino-Japanese communities in Western Japan was held at the Osaka International House. It was co-sponsored by the Osaka International House Foundation in collaboration with International House Osaka (operated by Convention Linkage Co. Ltd) and assisted by the Southeast Asian Community. The event was conceptualized to present the lives of the Filipinos in Kansai, engaged in different types of work, and their intrapersonal and interpersonal interactions in Japanese society.

The panelists were Mr. Alfred Ishita, an academician from Osaka (whose mother is the grand matriarch of the Filipino Community in Western Japan, Mrs. Bibiana Tuazon Ishita better known as Mommie), Mr. Marlou Pejana, an Aerospace engineer who worked from the ranks until he became a senior staff in his company, Dr. Jean Tanangonan, lecturer at the Department of Environmental Management of Kinki University, and

Sofiya Okumura, Filipino- Japanese senior high school student who passed the pre-1 Eiken exams.

Prof. Yolanda Alfaro Tsuda of the Global Communication Dept. of English of Kobe College served as the moderator.

In the middle of Mr. Ishita's presentation, his mother, 99 year-old Mrs. Bibiana Ishita, made a surprise appearance at the forum. She was presented with a certificate of recognition from the PCCC and a bouquet of flowers. All her 3 children and a daughter-in law joined her as she was applauded onstage.

Musical numbers were provided by Japinong Sessionista from Kyoto, Ms. Lorna Cifra, a well known jazz artist in Kansai and Mr. Joey Manalang from Tokyo who sang his award winning song from the POLO-OWWA songwriting competition, “Sabay sa Ihip ng Hangin.” Lorna and Joey have appeared at several events and musicals of the PCCC in the past and have released their own CD's. Aside from being the grand prize winner at the Tokyo Songwriting contest, Joey also won the bronze prize at the Global Music Awards and was recently nominated for his music video of "Sabay sa Ihip ng Hangin" at the 2017 World Music and independent Film Festival.

Results will be known in July.

The event was

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attended by close to 130 people from students to housewives, academics, social workers, educators, media, and representatives of the 27 Filipino communities from as far as Shiga, Hakone, Kyoto, Nara, Kakogawa, Hirakata, Takatsuki, Amagasaki, and Osaka. Ms. Pen Takahashi, mother of two famous models and actresses in Japan, Yu and Maryjun, also attended.

Two officials from the Philippine Consulate, Tourism Attaché Maria Leona Nepomuceno and Commercial Counselor, Eugenio Elevado, were the guests of honor. Also in attendance were a Roman Catholic nun "Sr. Benedicta and a Buddhist priest Mr. Kosyo Torii sat side by side at the audience. Mr. Torii is an adviser of the Southeast Asian Community and is particularly supportive of the PCCC. Ms. Rie Umemoto, who represented Osaka International House Foundation expressed her amazement about the vigor and indefatigable spirit of the Filipino Community in Osaka. Another

comment I overheard was "This is, indeed, unique! How did you get all of these amazing people in one event?" In an interview with Mr. Haru Ito of Mainichi Newspaper, reelected chairperson Jeff Plantilla and Maria Hiramatsu who helped with the event said, "The concept of this forum is to focus on the brighter side of living in Japan and how the Filipinos are contributing to the economic and cultural life here . Atty.

Plantilla and Mr. Jorge Takara also prepared a short video presentation on the story of Filipino migrants in Kansai from the 1970's to the present.�

Also on hand to assist me with

emceeing and interpreting for the open forum were Mr. Jorge Primavera of Cocowell Corporation and Ms. Yukimi of Atoms in Toyonaka.

PCCC officers like Marlon Mangila Aya Hongo, Marie Hashizuka, Delia Nagashima, Herbert Benzon, Elizabeth Kan and Anne Ostia and incoming officers Ma. Luz Shimizu, Jorge Takara and Sheryll Torres together with members of the Southeast Asian Filipino Community – Anita Lacamento, and Mariko Ito were in the organizing committee.

Members of the International Family Friendship in Kansai (IFFIK) were the usherettes. Mr. Rodel Estimada and Mr. Junji Higaki documented the event.

of 99 was still responding favorably to what was happening around her. Her three sons: Arthur, Edward and Alfred are now professionals with Filipino roots contributing to Japanese society.

Mommie's legacy can be compared to the life of a Samurai lady from Tokyo who lived in my hometown in the early 1900's, Kiyo-San. My grandfather was the biographer of her husband, Mariano Ponce, but little was written about her except that she helped save our town from sporadic bombings because the Japanese soldiers

respected her. She was so generous to cook some Japanese food for them.

The PCCC presented a Certificate of recognition to Mrs. Ishita in the presence of her children. Alfred later sent me an e-mail expressing gratitude for the very best memory they had at the forum.

PCCC wishes to thank those who made this event a reality: Asia Yaosho (Ms. Oyee Barro), Metrobank Osaka, Philippine National Bank, Socland, JP International Kyoto, and the Southeast Asean Community. Also we are grateful to Mainichi Shimbun, Mr. Fukui of FM Cocolo, Ms. Tamaki Kurita of ABC Channel 6, Mr. Torii and his staff and to all those who extended assistance. The incoming officers of PCCC for 2017-2019 are: Chairperson: Jefferson Plantilla First VC: Florentina Hongo Second VC: Ma Luz Shimizu Secretary: Jorge Takara Treasurer : Delia Nakashima Auditor : Herbert Benzon Asst. Secretary : Sheryll Torres Asst. Treasurer : Anne Ostia The Advisory Board is composed of the following past chairpersons: Neriza Saito, Sally Takashima, Noemi Itsukage, Jun Silva, Malou Sato and Joy Yoshitomi.

The greatest surprise was the presence of Mrs. Ishita, who at the age

MAY - JUNE 2017

25

must confess. I have a weakness for women.

Women who could sing. Women who could stand in front of complete strangers and capture their attention. Women who could articulate themselves in words and music.

Women who could soar high to follow their dreams. Women who could be strong yet sympathetic. I found one such a Filipino woman far north of Japan in Hokkaido.

Her name is Maria Takahashi but most people call her Esmie. She is originally from Baguio City but reveals that she is an interfusion of Pangalato and Ilokano. Seriousness and sincerity in singing started when she had to work while studying in college to support her education. Unfortunately, she wasn’t lucky enough to be born in an affluent family so she had to use her voice through singing to make ends meet. Her groundwork in singing for a band in college eventually paved the way to a significant singing career. After doing several singing stints in Malaysia and Singapore, she soon disembarked for other engagements in Japan where life suddenly blossomed for her.

From thereon, the songstress soared. And soon, she became Sapporo’s Songbird.

Playa) was born. It is a music lounge that produces live beautiful music with her husband on the piano and Esmie casting as the songbird herself playing standards, classics, jazz, gospel, soul and pop. Here, husband and wife duo team plus some of their musician friends jam to create just the perfect harmony of love and joy – music that expresses truth itself.

Esmie didn’t receive any formal voice training.

But she got the best advise from her musician friends who told her to listen and study the old standard music and singers like Sarah Vaughn, Ella Fitzgerald and Barbra Streisand, among others. One does hear all these great singers in Esmie’s performance. But Esmie has created her very own distinct style that when she covers someone else’s song, she ends it with her unique flair and seals it with her personal signature. Esmie’s voice is so rich with texture and warm with emotions that embodies a wide spectrum of musical colors and shades.

You just want to listen and listen.

Believing that her voice and talent are gifts from above, she

Her stars precisely aligned when she reached Sapporo and every thing in her life fell into the right places. She found the man of her life, a musician like herself, and started a family.

Esmie teaches English to Japanese in Sapporo by day. By night, Esmie, the songtress, becomes the songbird! She and her husband conceived of a new business for their musical creative output. Songbird (formerly called La

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selflessly offers her free time joining and producing events to charitable causes. Her recent concerts for the Tohoku earthquake and the Yolanda Typhoon are just two of the many events where she was able to involve not only the Filipino community but the Japanese and international community of Hokkaido, as well. She had produced one CD album before. And good news to her fans and followers, the next album is already cooking up! So while we wait for her next album to come out, you can always catch the songbird singing live music at, where else, the Songbird!

SONGBIRD Sapporo-shi , Chuo-ku, Minami 4 Jo Nishi 2 Chome, Minami 4 Nishi 2 Bldg. 6th Floor tel : 011 207 6639 Follow Songbird on Facebook or on Twitter (@SONGBIRD_spr)

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MUSINGS OF A GARDENER Words and photos by Rogelio Agustin

By the time you read this, spring should have been officially over and we will soon be heading towards the rainy season. But as usual the weather is getting more erratic than ever. Some days of the week would be

like summer and the some days are going to be either rainy or going back to winter-like cold. The unpredictable climatic changes do affect our daily activities and health but I worry more about my garden as if I left a small helpless child alone in the house. I am thankful when it rains because the trees and plants like it but I worry that the rains will also make the weeds grow faster. I also have been traveling a lot on long trips these days that my worry level goes up higher than ever! I guess I’m getting older that I become more worrisome.

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The reality is, I don’t have to worry at all! When I come back weeks of absence, the garden is in perfect shape! No dead plants (some were a bit dry though), not too much weeds. Thanks to my wife as well for watering the plants when she can after a long day of work and for pinching or deadheading old flowers.

There are many lessons in life that I learn from the garden for every minute I spend with it. One very, very important lesson is the ability to adapt to changes. In our daily lives and at work, we are always faced with so much uncertainties and unpredictable changes that the first step we take when things around us change is to react, rather than to adapt. In very short durations like within a day, it seems that plants in my garden react immediately to changes when I see them wilt, wither and finally shrivel especially during hot summer days. But at the end of the day, they all come back to full life as if nothing happened. On longer time spans like through the four seasons in a year and every year, the garden inhabitants have showed me how they adapt and adjust to small and major changes. Different plants in my garden never fail to amaze me when they go through harsh seasons of very hot summer and very cold winter (my place in Tokyo happens to be in the area with extreme temperature changes). That is probably the reason why I have tulips, daffodils, and lilies growing just everywhere around the house because I could have mistaken them for dead roots or dirt when I do replanting and replacing soil. They seem to have survived, adapted and adjusted to the environment where they ended up, grew and even multiplied each year. Plants do not talk but they can show signs if they are not able to survive or adjust, so it’s up to me if I’m able to understand their needs. Just like us, some of them are assertive and some are silent. The assertive ones can show you if they are happy or not satisfied with where they are and the silent ones tend to wither away and disappear forever. The best ones are those which adjust to whatever conditions they are put in, and amidst all the limitations, they show their best.

Aren’t they like us?

I am still learning whenever I am in the garden.

Every moment is a moment of discovery. When they are happy, I am happy, too. It’s a simple give and take process. I guess life should be as simple as that.

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The Best of Time - Thanks Mom!

By Marilyn Rivera

A Dedication to Mother’s Day This special day for all mothers is celebrated on the second Sunday of May. In some other countries, they have another version of this which is called Mothering Sunday in the UK which is in connection to Easter. For them, this always falls on the fourth Sunday during the period of Lent.

the material things that I had when I was a kid which made my childhood years my golden years. But it was because of my Mom. It was her attitude towards me that made me the luckiest child alive. I was the youngest of seven siblings. And usually when you belong to a big family, normally parents would hire nannies. But my mother only hires

Art by Dennis Sun

However, you call this day, our interest circles in on one person our “Moms”. This does not isolate those who could be your elder sisters as your mother, or your guardians or your aunties. Biological or not, whoever your mother-figure is or was, she or even he wins that special place in our hearts.

When I think about my Mom, warmth and happiness courses through me, she imprinted great memories in my childhood. So much that I would say I had one of the best childhoods among anybody I know. Now that I am also a mother, when I think about it, it is so clear to me that it was never

remember.

Despite of taking care of our daily needs, she was still able to be our unrelenting, loyal and faithful playmate, storyteller and disciplinarian. Even when I know at night, she would rather just sleep and rest. She never fails to make the time to play with me still, even just for a short period of time. We would roll over the sheets, on the carpet and beds, playing pretend. Fix each other’s hairs.

Folding shirts and blankets was never a chore when I do it with her. She taught me how to be responsible in a very young age.

She can be my loyal supporter and my toughest critic. For all these, I love her, through the best of times and the worst of times. I know you feel the same way with your own mothers, too.

On Mother’s Day, give them the best gift of all…

Remember them and be with them.

No matter how you do it, you know that they will always appreciate whatever extra time and effort you give them.

help for the house and never someone who will help raise us. She was our all that. She single-handedly did it on her own as my father was overseas for most that I can

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To the world, you are the Mother; but to your family, you are the WORLD. Happy Mother’s Day, Mom!

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Alma R. H. Reyes “…move on, and on again, because were she to die here they would cover her up with a stone, and in the mind of a woman for whom no place is home the thought of an end to all flight is unbearable.” - Milan Kundera’s

“The Unbearable Lightness of Being”

Having lived away from my motherland for more than twenty years—the land that I first opened my eyes to; the land that gave me my name, my color, my family, my mother tongue, my faith—I have traversed the passage of time that floats from childlike innocence to grand decisions and careless choices, blind achievements and irreparable errors; from trails of fervent loves to scar-etched losses, amidst a potpourri of mixed cultures, tastes, smells and twisted accents that have all remolded my inner senses into a distinct persona that now knows no borders across hemispheres. Suddenly, I possess no singular sense of nationality, belief, custom, language or social preference.

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I first left home that is called Manila at age 14 for Japan where I unexpectedly found myself savoring one month of mysterious sounds and odors. Between that supple age and the next giant leap I took in finally leaving home again, this time, for the longer stretch, I had witnessed spectral shades of clouds, fluctuating yellows of the sun, and prismatic greens of trees across the Pacific, Mediterranean and European borders.

Six months in the U.S. showed me a capitalist society’s propelled drive for wealth and status; two years in Senegal, West Africa taught me that poverty perseveres beyond lack of food or shelter, and beckons recognition, inclusion and the right to live; three years in France enriched my esteem for Europe’s resplendent care for history and tradition, and the breadth of cultural immersion; and the rest of my more than twenty years in Japan have declared, with a wayward pace, my position of independency and assimilation while being subjected inevitably to the ironies and contradictions of a repressive culture.

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Acquiring the languages that stem from all these geographical domains has allowed me to breathe through transparent walls that were once shielded, and opened doors for me to understand, appreciate and

accept that the all-embracing universe I live in is not confined solely to just one plain square box.

Who would say there should exist a so-called “national identity”?

Displacement is a term I often hear among traveling musicians who globetrot from one corner of the world to the other, or among expatriates who always find a new “home” only to be replaced by the next. Something happens when you are “displaced.” It is either of two things: you lose or you find.

Admittedly, I have been confronted by both and still continue to be so.

Life in another country always demands the choice to survive.

Many who have not allowed their selves to be transformed or multiplied by new words, food,

and habits easily plunge to resignation and hop aboard the next plane out. Some tragically take their own lives out of confusion and desperation. I have always believed that learning to live “gracefully” in one abode requires the choice of adaptation and open-mindedness to like, at least, one specific element in that particular new culture—whether it be the sights, weather, your work, the money, even the men or women, or other factors.

Yet, there is also a danger in adaptation, and this is the loss of self. In Japan, I have personally experienced penetrating a new culture, then sometimes forgetting who I really am. Japan may be a perfect case for this dark consequence of displacement, for the restrictions of norms, underlying implications of language, hyperbolic nuances of respect and civility have a stinging way of almost “brainwashing” your mental disposition, when in reality, they transcend beyond what meets the eye. You find your soul washed along with some muddy fumes of superficiality that begin to surface. Along the way, you soon realize fragments of yourself you had to sacrifice to reach where you are. Then, this notion of displacement sometimes begins to feel almost delusive.

For those who continue to search their place on earth, a moment arrives when the pivot of losing themselves shifts to a rebound— a return to the “old” self or self-rediscovery. However, it also entails giving up an entity of what you had engulfed yourself in in order to regain your foothold. You can dwell within multiple cultures, but you can never settle equally in all.

Looking back to my first fifteen years in my birth land, I could never imagine what I would have been made up of if I never “flew away”. I am the character in Milan Kundera’s novel who would think that “an end to all flight is unbearable.” The more vigorously I flap my wings to further horizons, the deeper my sensations become of what lies ahead, and the more freely my soul flows through infinite possibilities.

balance between the sense of placement and being out of it, or “trans-placement” to suggest merely a placement in time and space.

A step away from “home” (which, essentially is a mental existence) should incitingly take you on a courageous flight to discover or rediscover more openly and heterogeneously masked pieces of your soul that are merely waiting to be unmasked, to be freed, to explore WITH the bounteous world that eventually carves out the inner you.

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do.

So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor.

Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream.

Discover.”

—Mark Twain

I believe the term “displacement” should be freed of its negative prefix “dis” for it ironically exudes advancement and opportunity. Perhaps, it deserves a lighter positive “macroplacement” to connote a larger perspective, or “equi-placement” to indicate a

First Published in 2nd Opinion 2.O Magazine, April 2017

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By Jasmin Vasquez

“Iingatan ka Aalagaan ka Sa puso ko ikaw ang pag-asa Sa 'ting mundo'y May gagabay sa iyo Ang alay ko'y itong pagmamahal ko May nagmamahal aakay sa iyo Aking inay ikaw ang nagbigay Ng buhay ko Buhay na kay ganda Pangarap ko na makamtan ko na” Sa tuwing naririnig ang kantang ito ay hindi maiwasan tumulo ng aking mga luha. Talaga naman ang bawat titik at notang nakapaloob dito ay akmang-akma sa pakiramdam ng isang anak na tunay na nagmamahal sa kanyang Ina. Munting batang paslit pa lamang ako ng magkahiwalay ang aking mga magulang. Dahil nga musmos pa ay hindi ko pa ramdam noon yung pakiramdam na kulang, siguro dahil ang gusto ko pa noon ay puro laro, sayaw at kanta.

Hanggang sa unti-unti, lalo na kapag may mga activity sa school na dapat may nanay at tatay.

Madalas nga pareho pa silang wala kaya kung sino na lang pwedeng papuntahin o kaya wala na lang.

Si nanay, ang trabaho ay sa restaurant noon sa Savory Chicken sa may Kalaw malapit sa Luneta. At sa gabi, namamakyaw ng isda sa Fishport tapos, ititinda sa Blumentrit sa madaling araw. Isang araw may nag-alok sa kanya na magpunta sa Japan at ayun nga, madali naman siyang nakaalis dahil hindi pa kahirap umalis noong araw.

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Nung umalis na siya, madalas akong umiyak dahil syempre, wala na nga si tatay, umalis pa si nanay.

Pero naintndihan ko naman dahil para din naman sa amin kaya siya umalis. Una, umuuwi-uwi pa siya, at sa tuwing umuuwi siya, syempre sabik ka sa kanya dahil na miss mo siya ng bongga. Dangan nga lamang at nung umuwi sya, sa halip na mabigyan kami ng oras, eh palagi rin siyang wala at kasama ng mga kaibigan, pasyal dito at pasyal doon. Ako, palagi lamang naiiwan.

Hanggang sa umalis na ulit siya pabalik ng Japan. Hindi nagtagal, nakapag asawa siya ng Hapon na siyang naging dahilan para lalo siyang dumalang umuwi. At bigyan ako ng panahon.

Mabuti pa ang aking Ate na isinama niya dito sa Japan.

Hanggang sa nasanay na akong wala siya. Minsan umuwi siya kasama ng mga kapatid ko pero iiwan niya lang sa akin yung mga bata tapos aalis siya kasama ng mga friends niya. Dumating pa nga sa point na naibubulong ko sa hangin na sana hindi na lang siya umuwi kasi masyado siyang maingay at wala din naman siyang oras para sa akin.

Pinilit ko lamang makapagtapos ng high school at hindi na ako nag tuloy sa kolehiyo dahil pakiramdam ko magiging pabigat lang ako sa kanya dahil nga may iba na siyang pamilya. Ayokong maging pabigat pa sa kanila.

Lumipas ang panahon, nagkaroon na din ako ng sarili kong anak at naging single parent din ako. Nakapag trabaho ako ngunit hindi iyon sasapat dahil nga sa hindi naman ako nakapag tapos kaya ordinaryong work lang at minimum lang na sweldo ang pwede kong kitain kung kaya napilitan akong mag apply patungo ng Japan upang makipagsapalaran. Lingid sa pagkaalam ng aking ina.

Nalaman na lang nila nung mismong paalis na ako.

Ibinigay ko at pinaranas sa aking anak yung mga bagay na hindi ko naranasan at hindi ako nagkaroon noon. Ngunit tila ba parang may

MAY - JUNE 2017

mali, dahil sa halip na matutong tumayo sa sariling paa ay tila ba parang nasanay na siyang palaging umaasa sa iyo. Binigyan mo ng edukasyon na tanging kayamanan na kaya mong ipamana para sa ikauunlad ng buhay niya at magiging buhay ng magiging pamilya niya.

Sa lahat ng nangyari sa aking buhay at hirap ng mga pinagdaanan mula pagkabata hanggang sa ngayon ay hindi ko kailanman isinisi sa aking mga magulang, bagkus ginawa kong hamon ito upang malagpasan ang lahat ng pagsubok at mas maging matatag. Sa halip na mag tanim ng poot at galit sa kalooban ay mas tamang sabihin ko sa aking Ina na “Maraming Salamat” dahil naging matatag ako sa aking buhay na tinahak. Hindi man maganda ang nakaraan pero sa huli ay bumawi ka din naman. Maraming salamat sa masasarap na pagkain na niluluto mo para sa akin, at pag suporta sa aking mga anak kapag kinakapos ako. Happy Mother's Day, mahal na mahal kita.

At para sa aking anak: sana isipin mo na ang aking buhay ay parang isang kandila... na binibigyan ka ng liwanag upang magkaroon ka ng gabay sa iyong paglalakbay. Ngunit palagi mong tatandaan, anak, na hindi ito pang habangbuhay. Darating ang panahon na ako’y mauupos at matutunaw. Sana lang ay makita ko pa na maayos ang buhay mong tatahakin habang may natitira pang liwanag. Sana’y abutan ko pa ang pagsindi mo ng bagong kandila para naman sa iyong magiging anak.

Dahil kapag ako ay naubos na, hindi ko na kailanman makikita ang buhay mong tinahak. Kahit anong pagsisikap pa ang gawin mo ay hindi ko na kailanman makikita dahil tuluyan ng dumilim at pumikit ang aking mga mata.

Marami sa atin ang alam kong may katulad ng aking karanasan na napakahirap mawalay sa mga anak at ipa-intindi sa kanila na kinailangan mong gawin iyon para sa kanilang magandang kinabukasan. Na hindi madali ang mawalay sa kanila. At masakit na baliwalain lahat ng iyong pinaghirapan. Kaya sa lahat ng ina dito sa Japan at sa buong mundo, mabuhay po tayong lahat. Happy Mother's Day to all!

Facebook : Philip D. Torres Make-up : Bianca Vela

Mobile (Philippines) : +63-91-7605-6366 Photography : Borj Meneses

Model : Irene Sun-Kaneko Jeepney Press Publisher UTAWIT National Executive Committee Chairman Global 100 Most Influential Filipina in the World 2015 Awardee

OUR FIRST TIME VISIT TO JAPAN

by Peter Henson My wife and I love to travel.

We started our love for travel with our honeymoon in Singapore in 1996. Over the last 20 years, we have visited several places but never considered visiting Japan. Our impression of Japan probably sums up what most Filipinos feel about Japan until recently: expensive and problem with communication.

Before the Trip

Prior to our trip to Tokyo last May 2, 2017, I spent a considerable amount of time googling about Japan: how to get to our hotel from the airport, what mode of transportation to take around Tokyo, which places of interest to visit, what great food to eat, and what unforgettable experiences to try.

While I felt

unsure of what to expect once we get to Japan, I was assured of what other Filipinos say about Japan and its people. That Japan is a

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beautiful country (It is!). That Japanese are very courteous (They are!). That the food is great (It is!). That it is expensive (Oh, yes, it is!). However, if you do some research, you can actually save a lot on attractions, transportation, and food.

During the Trip

With our 72-hour Tokyo Metro Subway passes (which are sold to foreigners at an amazing price of ¥1,500 for adults and ¥750 for children), we were able to visit several places that took us from Shinjuku to Asakusa, Ueno, Roppongi Hills, Ginza, Akihabara, Tsukiji, Shibuya, and Tokyo. Of course, one should have the stamina to walk endlessly in between these places. It was good that we visited Tokyo when the

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average daytime temperature is 22 degrees centigrade, so walking was made more pleasant.

What I didn’t know and no one told us about Japan were: that most Japanese (at least in Tokyo area where we stayed for five days) understand and speak decent English; that the Metro Subway system is pretty easy to use if you just take time to study the maps; that food can be reasonably priced if you just look around; and that there are a number of ¥100 shops where you can buy cheap pasalubong.

One great place to visit while in Tokyo is DisneySea. If you have been to other Disneyland resorts, DisneySea is a must only because there is only one DisneySea around the world.

After the Trip

My brother went on a four-day trip to Japan which took them to Tokyo and Osaka. Having so much to see and experience in Tokyo alone, I will not recommend going to two different places in one visit. Our next

trip will most likely take us to Osaka, which my daughter fancies because of the Harry Potter attraction at Universal Studios.

However, there is one place that we would love to visit again the next time we go back to Japan. This is Hakone. The time we went to Hakone, it was foggy.

Thus, we were surprised after taking a subway, then a train, then a bus going up to Hakone (it reminds us of Baguio) that there was a lake up there. We faithfully followed the itinerary suggested in the brochure after we bought a Hakone Free Pass (¥5,140 for a 2-Day Pass for adults, 25% off for children) at the Shinjuku Station. So, after walking several thousand steps, we boarded a cruise which took us to the other side of the lake to ride the ropeway (we Filipinos will call them cable cars) but all throughout the entire time, Mt. Fuji has been very elusive because of the thick fog.

So, we took a bus to Gotemba Outlet Stores to maximize our trip to Hakone, and enjoyed the hundred or so outlets very similar to those found in the

US. On the way down, we took a cable car (similar to the one going up to The Peak in Hong Kong) and a train until we made it to the Odawara station for our final ride going back to

Shinjuku. This time, we took the Romance Car and paid additional ¥890 for adults and ¥445 for children hoping to get back to Shinjuku faster (which we did) and enjoy the view (which we didn’t because the lights inside the train were all lit up).

Now, it’s no wonder why some friends I know visit Japan regularly. We will probably do the same now that we have experienced Japan.

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