Jeepney Press 88 July - August 2017

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

Celebrating The Journeys Of Filipinos In Japan July - August 2017

Tokyo’s Rainbow Bridge by Danny Dungo

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 Life Is A Journey

by Glen Gypsy 10 Short-Cuts

by Farah Trofeo Ishizawa 15 Kapatiran

by Loleng Ramos

16 Advice Ni Tita Lits

by Isabelita ManalastasWatanabe 18 Isang Araw Sa Ating Buhay

by Jeff Plantilla 20 Kwento Ni Nanay

by Anita Sasaki

22 Signpost

by Karen Sanchez 24 On The Road To:

by Neriza Saito 26 Musings Of A Gardener

by Rogelio Agustin

30 Kansai Crusade

by Sally Takashima 31 Notes2Life

by Marilyn Rivera

04

JULY - AUGUST 2017

JULY-AUGUST 2017 32 Traffic!

by Alma Reyes 34 Moving On

by Jasmin Vasquez 36 Japan Journey

by Rob Dizon Yalung 40 Food Trip

by Irene Kaneko

Cover Photo by: Danny Dungo

EDITORIAL:

by Dennis Sun Ah! Warm weather.

But it could be a swarm weather. As in a swarm of insects!

Ewan ko ba. Pagdating ng summer sa Japan, bakit kaya lagi akong kinakagat ng mga lamok? My friends cannot imagine that there exist mosquitoes in this concrete jungles of Tokyo. Kahit maraming building, bakal at semento sa Tokyo, marami rin mga parks.

Remember, nag-hanami kayo during the cherry blossoms? There are a lot of greens in Tokyo despite its modernity and high-tech fame. The gardens, the parks and forests become good breeding grounds for mosquitoes and other insects.

And if you think dengue only exists in the Philippines, think again. A few years ago, quite a few people were reported to have suffered from dengue fever in Japan.

And not just in the far away places of Japan. It’s right here in the middle of Tokyo in Yoyogi Park.

The news even cautioned people to refrain from

06

visiting parks in Tokyo for fear of getting bitten by dengue mosquitoes.

Ako nga, malapit lang ang tirahan ko sa nasabing park. I had to close my windows everyday at baka may makapasok ng univited guests like mosquitoes.

Shinjirarenai, deshou?

Inaakala ng mga imbestigador na galing daw ang lamok sa ibang bansa at dinala ng mga dayuhan dito sa Japan.

Napisa, lumaki at dumami na lamang. Kaya nang dumami rin ang mga kaso ng mga taong nagkaroon ng dengue fever sa Tokyo, pina-exterminate ang mga lamok sa Yoyogi Park sa pag-spray nito ilang araw.

Naku! Baka sa susunod, bigla na lamang magkaroon ng Zika fever cases dito.

mosquitoes stay away.

Popular po ang KATORIKI 蚊取り器 na de-kuryente na pwedeng gamitin buong araw o habang natutulog. Maraming scent itong available at meron din scentless sa mga maseselan ang pang-amoy. Meron din MUSHI YOKE spray 虫除けスプレー para hindi ka lalapitan ng mga lamok. Be sure to read how many hours effective the spray is.

Siempre, available pa rin ang very famous KATOL na tinatawag na KATORI SENKO 蚊取り線香. Inday, mag-ingat lang sa paggamit nito at kung sakaling hindi ka man makagat ng lamok, baka ma-uwi naman sa sunog ng bahay mo. Aray ko po!

Kaya whether you live in urban areas like Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya or rural areas, we should now how to protect ourselves.

Pero Inday, kailangan ka pa rin mag-ingat. Why? Dahil ang mga devices at spray na ito ay hindi maganda para sa ating mga katawan. Naku, ingat ka kung buntis ka o kung mayroon kang maliliit na anak.

Salamat na lamang, there are various mosquito repelling products sold at local drug stores that will help you keep

Iyang mga katol, vape mat o liquid mat ay may mga chemical ingredients na nagdudulot ng cancer.

Prolonged use is not

JULY - AUGUST 2017

advisable.

Lalong hindi rin maganda ang mag-spray ng kwarto para patayin ang mga lamok.

Kasi ang hangin na iyan ay ang sinisinghot mo sa loob habang natutulog ka. Kahit hindi mo naamoy yung spray, nasa loob na ng bahay iyan.

Kahit buksan mo man ang mga bintana, hindi lubus-lubusan maalis ang mga poisonous chemicals sa hangin.

Pati na rin yung spray sa katawan. Mayroon ingredient na tawag ay DEET. Ilan sa mga harmful effects ay: rashes, skin irritation, nausea,

Let s study!

headaches, and difficulty in concentrating.

Mag-ingat lang po kayo.

So, ano po ba ang mga safe options natin?

Marami ang mga available natural and safe oil products tulad ng lemon eucalyptus, citronella, peppermint oil at iba pa. Ipahid mo iyan sa katawan mo every 4 hours.

Ngayon, merong mga citronella candles you can use. Again, mag-ingat sa apoy! Mag-happy-birthday blow-the-candle before sleeping.

ginawa ni Inday. Kumain ng maraming bawang at alam niyo ang nangyari? Biteless ang skin niya. Wala ni isang kagat ng lamok at ang kanyang mga kapatid ay pinag-piyestahan ng mga lamok. Ay! Pero nang gabing iyon, iniwan siya ng boyfriend niya. Dahil hindi masikmura ni boyfriend ang amoy ng bunganga ni Inday.

Kawawang Inday. Kung ganyan ang ginawa mo, hindi lang mga lamok at mga lalake ang iiwas sa yo. Pati na rin siguro ang mga aswang at obake ay matatakot na rin sa yo!

Sabi ni Lola Puring, kumain daw ng maraming bawang at sibuyas para iwasan ka ng mga lamok. Kaya ganyan ang Awoooo!!!

勉強しましょう！

BENKYOU SHIMASHOU!

蚊 虫 虫よけ or 虫除け 防虫 忌避 殺虫剤 蚊取り 天然成分 室内用 屋外用

か ka むし mushi むしよけ mushi yoke ぼうちゅう bouchuu きひ kihi さっちゅうざい sacchuuzai かとり katori てんねんせいぶん tennen seibun しつないよう shitsunaiyou おくがいよう okugaiyou

Mag-aral tayo!

mosquito insect insect repellent protection against insects avoid, evade insect killer/insecticide remove mosquitoes natural ingredients indoor use outdoor use

Design and illustrations by Dennis Sun

JULY - AUGUST 2017

07

Life is a Journey Glen Gypsy

Kay sarap ng ihip ng hangin Kay bango ng amoy ng dagat Kay ganda ng ulap sa langit Dahil ngayon hindi na ako nakatali Libreng lumipad saang man lupalop Parang ibon hanggang langit Walang hangganan

08

JULY - AUGUST 2017

APIVA in cooperation with NAKAMA and supported by the Philippine Embassy, Tokyo present

2017

Arigatou Shizuoka!

Arigatou Nihon!

PHILIPPINE FESTIVAL

フィリピン フェスティバル September 3, 2017

9月３日２０１７年

A thanksgiving charity festival promoting the Philippine culture in Shizuoka City for the kindness and generosity the city extends to Filipinos living in Japan.

AOBA SYMBOL ROAD, 2 CHOME, AOI WARD, SHIZUOKA CITY, SHIZUOKA

by Farah Trofeo Ishizawa

I have disappeared for awhile from Jeepney Press.

This is the reason why.

Meet Uni, our baby boy. Yes, he is our two year old human-dog.

Ever since he came into our lives, we became so much happier.

He is the reason we come home early.

The reason we cannot live our home for long trips. He has to be with us wherever we go.

We named him Uni because of his color. "Brownie Uni" which had more of the shades of the sea-urchin color at the time we got him. One day, as I was writing his name, I realized, that UNI spelled backwards, reads INU. (dog in Japanese) Voila! This made his name even more special.

Uni understands both English and Japanese. He tries to communicate with us in his

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own little way. For example, when we are upstairs, and he barks that would mean"please clean my toilet" or "please bring me, upstairs" depending on the sound of his bark.

We spend our days and nights together. I cannot imagine my world without Uni anymore. I pray each day, that God will let him stay with us until we grow old. We thank God for our little pooch.

JULY - AUGUST 2017

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 and Japanese OK!

03-5292-2340

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

Hosted by: Samahang Pilipino Public Alliance Iwate Japan Venue: Odashimagumi Hall, Morioka Aiina Center 7th Fl.

9 July 2017 Winner: Hazel Villarante Yamada with Sayang na Sayang

Top 3 Winners with Ms Mila Mukai (L), PAIJ Founder and Chairman and Ms Irene Kaneko (R), UTAWIT National Execom Chairman 1st Place Winner (center): Hazel Villarante Yamada with Sayang na Sayang

by Aegis 2nd Place Winner (2nd fr L): Mary Jane Villarin Kikuchi with Ako ang Nagwagi, Ako ang Nasawi by Dulce

The 3 Masters of Ceremonies (fr L to R): Kristine Claro, Rie Mukai & Julie Ann Bernardo Acabo The 10 Contestants

THE BOARD OF JUDGES Ms. Irene Kaneko Mr. Tsuyoshi Sato Ms. Dianalyn Java Ms. Azusa Ito Mr. Yoshinori Yoshida

Like us in Facebook

3rd Place Winner (2nd fr R) Mary Ann Sabellina Sasaki with Kuchizuke by Fayray

We offer Hair, Facial & Hilot (Full Body) Massage.

50% DISCOUNT on SELECTED SERVICES for NEW CLIENTS! CALL:

03-6885-8141 for more information and reservation

133-0057 Tokyo, Edogawa-ku, Nishi Koiwa 4-1-22 Takeda Bldg 6th Floor

Just 4 mins walk from JR KOIWA Station on Sobu Line (Ito Yokado Exit)

Meow!

Prrrrrrrrrr, Kapatid! How's life? Kimochi ba? “Purring” ang isa sa mga pagpaparamdam ng pusa kapag masaya sila. Paano ba naman hindi sila sasaya, pagkain ang lumalapit sa kanila. Hindi nila kailangang maghanap.

Marami ang mga nagbibigay ng cat food para sa mga pusang kalye. Wala akong nababalitaan na nilunod sa kanal o tinapon sa ilog, panay nagtatabaan, spoiled, pampered, well loved. Kung nilikha ako bilang isang pet, sana sa Japan ako ipanganak.

Heaven ba ang Japan para sa kanila?

Dito sa Land of the Rising Sun, medyo tahimik ang buhay ko kasi siguro malayo ang mga kaibigan.

Sa facebook ko lang sila nakikita pero hindi naman ako lubos na nalulungkot. Meron lang isang beses ako na nakaramdam ng

sobrang pangungulila, noong sabay sabay na dinala sa veterinarian ang tatlo naming pusa para sa bakuna. Sanay naman akong maiwan ng mga tao sa bahay pero iba pala kapag wala ang mga muning, very lonely!

Paano ba naman, para ko silang anino, heto kinuhanan ko ng picture si “Huge” habang sinusulat ko ito, umakyat sa ibabaw ng printer at dito natulog para lang makatabi ako. Ang babaw ko ano? Pero malalim palagi ang nagiging relasyon ng isang hayop at ng nagmamahal sa isang hayop. Sa aking paniwala, kapatid ko rin sila, iba lang ang anyo.

Si Huge at si Tiny, pulot namin sila sa harap ng hokensyo. Bakit ba nasa harap ng health care center

ang mga kuting na sila noon? Doon pala dinadala ang mga unwanted pets, mula doon dinadala naman sila ng mga staff workers sa mga tinatawag na “dream boxes” o gas chambers, poison gas ang kikitil ng kanilang buhay. Para namang si Hitler, ang lupit din pala dito.

Karaniwan sa mga taong nagdadala ng kanilang pets sa hokensho ay mga taong bumili ng hayup para lang pang-display, para sumunod sa uso ng kung anong cute breed, pag sawa na sila o sagabal na sa buhay ang mga pets nilang ito, dadalhin na lang nila sa Department of Public Health.

Legal ang “culling” o pagpatay sa mga hayop dito dahil sa “Rabies Prevention Law” ng Japan.

Ang mga hayop na walang nag-mamay-ari ay dapat i-dispose, itapon, at yon na nga tanggalan na lang ng buhay.

Hindi yata tama na boom ang pet industry sa Japan. Mabenta ang signature brand collars, fashionista outfits, expensive trimmers at pet parlors gayung marami pala ang gina-gas sa bawat araw. Kung makikita lang sana ang higit sa ganda ng mga hayup, humihinga sila, may pakiramdam, nasasaktan at marunong magmahal. Kapag nag-alaga ka ng isang hayup, ang katapatan nila ay maasahan mo hanggang sa kanilang kamatayan.

Pero sa maraming tao, hanggang sa may silbi lang sila, parang dito nagkapalit ang karakter na tao at hayup ano?

Nakakatakot isipin ang kahihinatnan ng mga cute at wala pang muang na mga tuta, kuting, kuneho at iba pa na binibenta sa mga pet shops. Kapag lumaki na sila at hindi na cute para mabenta, gas din ang naghihintay sa kanila o di kaya sabi, pet food din.

Malupit ang industriya ng pet trade, disposable sila. Kung gusto mong mag-alaga o magmahal ng isang pet, pinaka-maganda ang mag-ampon mula sa mga animal shelters, naghihintay sila doon, ng mga taong magmamahal at mag-aruga sa kanila...ito rin ang maasahan mo mula sa kanila!

JULY - AUGUST 2017 MARCH -APRIL 2017

15

Take It Or Leave It!

by Isabelita Manalastas-Watanabe

Dear Tita Lits,

ng payo sa inyo.

Gusto ko lang po i-share ang nangyari sa buhay ko at humingi

May mga 20 taon na po ako sa Japan.

Dati po akong talento sa Hiroshima at tumakas sa omise namin dahil hindi na po kami binayaran ng mama san namin doon. Nagpunta po ako sa Nagoya at nagtrabaho sa ibang omise at nagbilog na rin. Doon po sa bago kong omise, may isang Hapon na tumulong sa akin at tuloy ay pinakasalan ako. Napakabait po niya sa akin. Sa totoo lang po, ayaw na rin niya akong mag trabaho sa pang-gabi. Kahit nasa bahay na lang po ako mag-stay. Minahal ko po siyang talaga at alam ko po ay mahal rin niya ako. Kung hindi po niya ako mahal, hindi niya ako ibabahay at pakakasalan, di po ba?

Maganda naman po ang sex life namin.

Ngunit hindi lang po kami ma-swerte sa anak. Hindi po kami makabuo. Pero OK lang sa amin kahit wala.

Minsan po, lagi siyang late umuuwi sa bahay. Sabi ng friend ko, natural lang daw po sa mga salaryman sa Japan.

Minsan midnight na po umuuwi.

Minsan, sa capsule hotel na lang daw mag-stay. Ayaw ko pong mag-isip ng masama pero masama po ang nangyari sa akin.

Na-discover ko po na lagi siyang nasa mga clubs, cabaret, bars at soapland.

Akala ko po noon, ito ay dahil sa trabaho niya. Ngunit sa palagay ko po ay may mental sickness ang asawa ko sa sex. Nagtatalik pa rin po kami ng asawa ko pero minsan, dahil meron akong naramdaman, pumunta ako sa clinic at sinabihan ako ng doktor na may sakit daw ako ng STD. Walang ibang tao ang nakahawak sa akin kung hindi ang aking asawa kaya alam ko kung saan galing ito. Payo po ng doktor na pagsabihan ko rin ang asawa ko para malaman niya at makapag-ingat. Deny lang po ang aking asawa at iba't-ibang rason na lang ang mga sinabi niya.

Sa loob ng 10 taon, tuloy pa rin ang

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pagtatalik namin. Kahit maganda ang sex life namin, laging meron away-away.

Naging masakit lang sa akin ang pagiging babaero niya. Iba't-ibang mga babae. Minsan, pang raos lang niya.

Minsan, na i-in-love. At doon siya laging wala at hindi umuuwi sa bahay. Ako, para na lang isang martir. Pagbalik niya, umiiyak dahil wala na sila ng girlfriend niya. At pagkatapos, OK na naman kaming dalawa. Masaya na naman.

Pero, pabalik-balik na lang ang mga nangyayari sa buhay ko. More than 10 times niya itong ginawa sa akin. More than 10 times ko rin siyang pinatawad.

Kaya after 10 years, I made a decision na. While we were still OK, as in hindi nag-aaway, I told him, I want to move on alone na. I decided na i-divorce ko siya habang nasa good terms kaming dalawa. At wala rin po kaming anak.

Umiyak siya ng todo. Siempre po, umiyak din ako pero gusto ko ng mag-move on. Ayaw ko ng masaktan.

Nag-sign naman po siya ng divorce papers.

Umalis po ako ng Nagoya at sa tulong ng aking mga kaibigan, nakakuha po ako ng trabaho sa hotel bilang tagapag-linis sa isang business hotel sa Tokyo. After many years, ngayon nasa reception na po ako.

Heto po ang nangyari, 3 months ago, nakasakay po ako sa subway pa-uwi, nakita ko po siya sa loob ng tren.

Maraming tao kasi oras na ng uwian.

Nabigla po ako dahil alam ko nasa Nagoya siya. Tumibok na naman ang puso ko dahil siempre, hanggang ngayon, meron pa rin pagmamahal ang natitira sa akin. At nang maghiwalay kami, mahal pa rin namin ang bawat isa.

Hindi ko po alam kung ano ang gagawin ko. Hindi ko rin po alam kung nakita niya ako dahil nakatingin lagi sa keitai niya. Pinabayaan ko na lang po itong nangyari. Baka may business trip lang siya sa Tokyo.

Pero, nangyari na naman ito ng dalawang beses na nakita siya sa loob ng train. Hanggang dumating sa punto na nagkita na naman kami sa loob ng isang department store. Nasa kahera po siya at nagbabayad. Sabi ko sa sarili ko, chance na ito para makipag-usap sa kanya. Pero biglang may lumapit sa

JULY - AUGUST 2017

kanya na isang Haponesa. Feeling ko po ay magsama sila at baka bago niyang asawa.

Ano po ang advice ninyo? Kung sakaling magkita kami ulit na aksidente, OK lang po bang kausapin ko siya at kumustahin? Kasi, gusto ko lang kumustahin kung OK lang siya sa buhay niya. O pabayaan ko na lang kaya?

Masama po bang buksan ang nakaraan?

Salamat po ng marami.

Tina Tokyo

Dear Tina: Obviously, mayroon ka pa ring pagmamahal sa iyong dating asawa. Tingin ko din, exciting ang naging physical relationship ninyo ng former husband mo. Pero baka insatiable ang kanyang sexual desires? Kaya hindi naging sapat na isa lang ang partner niya, para siya ma-satisfy?

Pwede akong mag-bet: 100%, kapag binati mo siya, tuloy kayo sa isang love hotel. Kung may asawa na siya, ikaw ang magiging sanhi or isa sa magiging sanhi ng kalungkutan ng kanyang asawa, katulad ng naramdaman mo noon, na naging sanhi ng inyong paghihiwalay. Gusto mo ba ito to be in your conscience?

Palagay naman nating hindi siya married. Then ikaw ang bahala. You are both adults, at pareho kayong single, so whatever will happen when you greet him, then let it be.

Just be prepared with the fact that hindi mo siya masosolo, kahit as a boyfriend, or even as your husband for the second time around.

JULY - AUGUST 2017

17

ni Jeff Plantilla Ang araw ng mga tatay ay aking ipinagdiwang sa pamamagitan ng isang hapunan kasama ang nanay ng tahanan. Kulang na lang ang anak, na nag-aaral sa malayong lugar.

Isa sa hinahangaan sa isang tatay ay ang kanyang pangangalaga sa pamilya. Ito ay hindi lamang sa kanyang paghahanapbuhay para masuportahan ang mga mahal sa buhay, kundi ang kanyang pagbibigay ng panahon sa pamilya.

Nakakatuwang marinig ang mga sabi-sabi dito sa Japan na kapag na nagretire na ang tatay na Hapones, at magsimulang tumigil sa bahay, nabibigla ang mga kapamilya na may "bisita" sila na nakaupo sa sala.

Kaya sa imbes na tumigil sa bahay ang asawa at mga anak, sila naman ang umaalis. Naiiwan si tatay mag-isa. Sa tagal ng panahon na hindi tumigil ang tatay sa bahay dahil palaging may trabaho (kahit Sabado at Linggo), nagiging estranghero na ang tatay sa kanyang mga kasama sa pamilya.

Dahil sa trabaho, hindi din sila nakakasama sa mga gawain ng mga kasama sa bahay sa school at komunidad.

Maraming taon na ang lumipas nang ako ay ginabi ng uwi sa bahay mula sa trabaho. Pagbungad pa lang sa pinto, may tanong na sa akin ang aking maybahay: Gusto mo bang sirain ang pamilya?

Pero, nung tumagal, ang tanong ay nagbago: Gabi ka nang darating

18

mamaya ano? Napagod sa paghahanda ng pagkain kaya OK lang na sa labas na lang ako maghapunan.

Tatay sa Abroad Ang problema sa Japan ng mga hardworking na mga tatay (o mga economic warriors) ay hindi nalalayo sa mga Pilipinong tatay (o magulang) na hiwalay sa pamilya dahil sa trabaho sa abroad.

Nasasanay ang pamilyang iniwan sa pagtanggap na lang ng pera mula sa tatay na nasa

malayo.

Nasasanay ang mga anak na lumaki sa ina o sa lola/lolo/tiya lamang.

Ang Pilipinong tatay na uuwi sa bahay dahil retired na ay maaari ding magka- problema.

Hindi na rin sila sanay na nasa bahay kasama ang kapamilya. Hindi na rin nila kilala ang ugali ng mga kasama sa bahay. Paano mo babaguhin ang ugali ng kasama sa bahay kung ang dahilan ng pagkakaroon ng ganung ugali ay ang iyong pagkawala sa bahay nang mahabang panahon?

May isang kaso akong alam na ang kanyang pagreretire ay hindi naging pahinga sa mga problema sa trabaho kundi

JULY - AUGUST 2017

pagsisimula ng problema sa bahay.

Hindi na niya mabago ang mga nakahiligang pagpapalipas ng oras sa labas ng bahay ng asawa. Siya mismo ay wala nang ginagawa kaya sa bahay na lang palagi. Sa kalaunan, siya ang nagkasakit hanggang mamatay.

Sa kaso ng Japan, ang mga taong retirado na may malaking naipon o pension ay malayang maging busy

Paano pa nga ba magiging tatay, kundi ang pagiging ama sa mga anak, o mga batang itinuturing na anak?

muli sa ibang gawain pagliliwaliw - pamamasyal (puwedeng kasama ang asawa o buong pamilya), pagiging aktibo sa volunteer work sa komunidad, pagsama sa mga paghahanda sa mga matsuri ng komunidad, pagdalo sa napakaraming seminar o study meeting o forum na nagaganap sa mga malalaking syudad, at iba pa.

Yung mga kulang ang ipon o maliit ang pension ay limitado ang magagawa.

Sakripisyo ng Magulang

Pagiging Tatay Sa mga medyo matagal nang tatay, naiisip kaya nila kung paano sila matatandaan ng mga anak?

May mga tatay na natatandaan dahil sa malaking impluwensiya sa anak. May mga natatandaan dahil sa kabaitang ginawa sa anak. May mga natatandaan dahil sa pagtulong sa iba, o sa ginawa na kinikilala ng lipunan.

Pero tulad ng sabi ni Freddie Aguilar, alam nilang may pagkukulang sila na kailangang mabawi. Kay Freddie, ang paggawa ng kantang “Anak” ay isang paraan para mailabas niya ang pagsisisi, sa iba naman

humahabol sa “quality time” sa pamilya. May isang dating pulitiko na umaming hindi maganda ang kanyang relasyon sa kanyang ama.

Nung magkaanak siya na lalaki, pinabayaan niyang mapalapit ang anak sa Lolo (tatay niya), bilang paghabol sa oras na hindi nilang mag-ama naranasan. Kaya’t nung mamatay ang Lolo, malakas ang hinagpis ng apo (na sa tingin ng tatay, ang kasayahan na naranasan ng anak bilang apo ay parang kaligayahan na rin niya sa kanyang ama).

Kaya maswerte ang mga tatay na ngayon pa lang ay maligaya na silang kapiling ang anak. Wala nang sasaya pa sa pagmamahal ng mga anak sa tatay.

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Karaniwang nakikita dito sa Japan ang mga batang differently-abled o may ibang disabilities na malayang nakakakilos.

Merong iba naman na hindi puwedeng iwanan kaya palaging kasama ang magulang.

Hindi na ikinahihiya ngayon ang mga tinatawag nating special children.

Ipinaglalabanan na natin ang kanilang karapatan kung sila ay hindi iginagalang o minamaltrato.

Dito lumalabas ang pagmamahal at pagmamalasakit ng magulang sa anak. May ilang amang Hapones ang nakikita kong nag-aalaga sa anak na may kapansanan sa pag-iisip. Kasa-kasama sila sa pagpunta kung saan.

May ilan ay matanda na ang anak, at ang tatay ay mukhang lolo na. Maiisip natin ang haba ng panahon ng kanilang pagmamahal sa anak.

Kaya ang pagiging tatay ay hindi madali sa taong gustong gampanan ang role bilang ama.

Sa araw ng mga tatay, ginugunita ang masasayang yugto ng buhay nila.

Binibigyan ang mga tatay ng halaga.

Salamat sa araw na ito, nakakataba ng puso na maging mahalaga sa mga taong nakapaligid sa iyo.

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KWENTO NI NANAY EVERY GISING A BLESSING !!!

This has been my constant greeting everyday.

And to wake up in itself is already a big blessing! It’s a blessing that we are given another day to serve and be a blessing to others.

Before June 17, 2017, I had many surprises coming to me that amazed me daily. Months before, my heart doctor had been telling me that he is willing to make home call service for me because he could see how much difficulty I am having going to the clinic. But I always take it for granted knowing it will be impossible and expensive. But to my surprise I was given the go signal and I was immediately visited by my care manager. Then our welfare officer of our city ward office came to see how I can use my welfare insurance or the "kaigo hoken". We had meetings and it was so fast. My doctor went to my place for home service visit immediately.

Nurses came to visit me twice a week. A caregiver was assigned to visit me weekly. Portable toilet and walker were delivered. Garbage collector from our ward office came to tell me they will get my garbage.

OMG! Para akong donya bigla!!! Sa Pinas, malaki na ang gastos po pag ganito ang lifestyle mo pero wala akong masabi kung hindi "Maraming salamat po, Lord!"

Another thing I am having a hard time is going home because the driveway going to my house is very bumpy with sharp stones from the entrance to my house. My knees get shaky everytime I go home so I hate it when I go home. But to my surprise, the owner of the apartment in front was the one who had it asphalted! Wow! Without asking for anything, God knows what we need. Grabe po talaga!

Amazing po!

M I R A C L E S po talaga! That was a week before my birthday. God is so good! He gave me a lot of surprises before and on my birthday. What else can I say? What else can I ask?

What I feel now is that it is my harvest season already.

So here is the only thing I can say: to all my family, friends, colleagues, anak-anakan, apos, who greeted me, prayed, remembered the day when I said my first shouts of joy on earth... you have blown me terribly.

Photography: Marisol Kudo

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by Anita Sasaki It was a Big Bang! All of you made my day!!! Taos pusong pasasalamat po sa inyong lahat! Ang kasiyahan ko ay hindi matutumbasan ng ano mang halaga. Marami pong salamat! Di ko po masambit lahat ng mga pangalan ninyo dahil nakaukit na sa aking puso. Love you all malayo man o malapit! Basta mahal kayo in nanay Anita also known as Alice, Lola Gorgeous, Great Gorgeous Granny.

Nanay Anita will always be here for you, in flesh and spirit! As long as I can do anything for my fellowmen, I will do my best to be of help.

The goodness you all have showered me, I shall remember all my life. As what St. Teresa said, “Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are really endless.”

By Karen Sanchez

Filipino “Shotgun� Wedding Wedding is a marriage ceremony especially considered as including the associated celebration or union, commitment ceremony or marriage.

Marriage is the intimate union and equal partnership of man and a woman.

Marriage is honourable in all and the be undefiled: but whoremogers and adulterers God wil judge. Hebrews 13:4 Fixed marriage or arranged marriage is a marriage planned and agreed to families or guardians of bride and groom, who have little or no say in the matter themselves or it was arranged by a man and a woman for their own reasons and purposes.

Shotgun wedding is a wedding that has to take place quickly, often because the woman is pregnant or both parties are having difficulties.

I was laughing when I heard from a friend that he was forced to marry his wife or he was at a shot gun wedding and suddenly I realised that I, too, was in a fixed 22

or arranged marriage. And because of that I wanted to write these things for you, kababayan, to know or realise which one are you into.

Konnichiwa, minasama! Kumusta na naman po? Medyo kakaiba po ang aking isinulat ngayon. Dahil isang araw sa aming resto may kumaing isang mag-asawang Americano at Pilipina na ang topic nila ay tungkol sa uri ng kasal. At sila mismo, tulad ng inyong lingkod ay ikinasal ng hindi nagmamahalan gaya din po ng iba sa inyo. At ang mga magulang ng Pilipina ay ikinasal sa pamamaraang pikot o shotgun wedding. At may isang kaibigan akong nakilala na siya din daw ay pinikot lamang kaya napagpasyahan ko pong gawing paksa ito.

Natutuwa akong naririnig ang pag-uusap nila dahil bata pa lamang ako sa mga lolo at mga lola ay uso daw ito noon. Na kapag nakita ng mga magulang nilang magkahawak lang ang mga kamay, ipapakasal na agad.

At ibang-iba din po ito sa panahon ngayon, hindi po ba?

Ngayon mas marami na ang praktikal na tao sa mundo.

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Minsan nalilimutan na din ang pagiging Kristiyano. Na ang kasal dapat ay sagrado, ikakasal dahil sa pagmamahal. Manunumpa sa hirap at ginhawa na magsasama.

Ngunit hindi naman po lahat ay nagtatagal. At papaano po kami na di namin alam ang ganyang sumpa-sumpa? At di ikinasal sa simbahan? Masisisi nyo po ba kami sa mga paraang aming napili?

Diyan po sa Japan, alam ko marami sa atin ang kagaya namin o ang iba naman ay involved sa uso kekkon or kunwaring kasal sa mga Hapon para sa mga praktikal na mga kadahilanan. Ang iba, labag sa loob ang pagpapakasal ngunit sa kagustuhang magtagal diyan at matulungan ang pamilya, ginawa nila ito. Mayroon din shoukai kekkon o pinakilala lang, konting usap tapos kasal kaagad.

Lahat po tayo ay may karampatang rason kung bakit natin ito ginawa. Kung bakit natin ito pinasok. Ang mahalaga ay hindi ka sumisira sa anumang usapan o napagkasunduan ninyo ng itinuring mong asawa o asawa-asawa. Hindi mo siya ginawan ng masama o ikakapahamak niya. At ganoon

din naman siya.

Kaya ang mga ikinasal sa simbahan po diyan, ibang usapan naman po yan! At yung mga ikinasal na nagmamahalan, dapat niyo po ito ipag bunyi, dahil napakapalad po ninyo dahil yan ang isang napakagandang regalo ng Diyos na nararapat dapat sa atin maliban sa anak.

Dahil kagaya ng nabanggit ko po sa una na hindi po lahat ay pinagpala kagaya ninyo.

Sa magulong mundo ngayon, pati same sex marriage ay ok na o tanggap na at parang wala tayong magagawa doon.

Kahit pilit na iwasan, nangyayari at nangyayari ito. At bawat isa ay may kanya-kanyang dahilan at sana huwag po nating husgahan. Dahil kahit nakagisnan natin na hindi ito nararapat, wala po tayong karapatan kwestyunin ito.

Tao lang din tayong nagkakasala at tanging Diyos lamang ang dapat humusga sa bawat isa sa atin. At sa pagdating ng panahon isa-isa tayong haharap sa Kanya upang harapin o panagutan ang anumang ginawa natin dito sa lupa.

Remember these guys: Marriage does not guarantee you will be together forever, it’s only paper. It takes love, respect, trust, understanding, friendship and faith in your relationship to make it last. So if you're happily married to the man you love, then you should be proud of it!

Hanggang sa muli po. Sana po ay nakatulong o naka himok ako ng ilan sa inyo na sa isang sitwasyon mayroon ka.

Lagi po nating tandaan na kailanman hindi po tayo nag-iisa.

Have a nice day to everyone!

God bless us all!

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Neriza Sarmiento - Saito's

On the Road to: the Genuine Selflessness of Fathers around the World

with the Sama -Sama Filipino Community in Tamatsukuri With this summer's sweltering heat, cooling off in the mountains can be very relaxing. When we were young, summers were usually spent in Baguio. It also gave us a chance to spend longer times with my father who was working there.

The sight of us, simply washed away his fatigue. After he passed away, I couldn't help but miss those days... had I been more of an obedient daughter and had I been more appreciative of his sacrifices for the family, and had I been more demonstrative of my affection for him, perhaps he would have been happier.

But at that stage of adolescence, most teenagers go through some of the most trying periods of their life.

So, when I became a parent, I realized why my own children would rebel at times and seem distant.

That is the reason why I make an effort to attend the mass in St. Mary's Cathedral on Father's Day in memory of my father. And Father's Day here is even made more special by Fr. Mario Colina.

Last June 18, after the holy communion, he asked all fathers to stand and asked the crowd to clap their hands to pay tribute to the great

way for absentee fathers, while mothers having full time or part time jobs have to take charge of the home front, too.

contribution of fathers to society while jokingly referring to himself as a FATHER also inspite of the fact that he cannot have children of his own.

In Japan, fathers are outshined by mothers because dads work long hours in the office, often coming home late at night drinking out with colleagues, or out of the country for business trips. Globalization has given

There is one TV program that makes me teary-eyed. A Japanese TV crew follows a child in a trip overseas to give a surprise visit to his father. The father gets interviewed by another crew from the same station to camouflage the plan. Unsuspecting fathers are filmed at work, mostly showing how they deal with cultural divides and occasionally suggesting how they miss their families in Japan.

Suddenly, in front of the cameras, his child appears visibly tired after a long journey. They are shown taking a bath together and eating dinner and then the child gives him his favorite umeboshi (pickled plum) from Japan.

And then, the cameras show them sleeping soundly together. After a day or two, when it's time for the child to go back to Japan, the father holds off tears and emotions as he watches them leave.

Two other movies from yesteryears deal with the agonies of fathers once separated from their children. One is "Kramer vs Kramer" starring Dustin Hoffman and Meryll Streep that deals with child custody, and the other is "Mrs. Doubtfire" starring the late Robin Williams. Having been divorced by his wife and having been denied custody of his three young children, he disguised himself as a matronly English housekeeper, cooked and clean for them and even helped with their homeworks. He was even invited to family outings with his wife's new lover. Inspite of the laughs and the humor, deep within lies the pain fathers have to bear when faced with those situations.

Although considered a patriarchal society, men's place in the

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leave Japan. Some of my friends have already availed of this and are now happily enjoying their retirement in the Philippines.

Japanese households gets more perilous once they retire. One book states that "Wives come to regard their newly retired husbands as wet leaves which stick to everything and are difficult to clean up." By the time the husbands retire, the children could probably have lives of their own or are already married. So the husband becomes nothing more than a nuisance to the wife who has finally declared her own independence!

With no friends or hobbies to pursue, and after working diligently to pay off house loans, insurance premiums and pension premiums, he is now bound to live alone, perhaps in a home for the aged, or a share home or if he is luckier, maybe a room in his son's house in exchange for looking after

his grandchildren or in worst case, living alone attached to a pacemaker, with some help from caregivers or being monitored 24 hours by his children working in the city.

But, there is good news to our Filipino long-time residents in Japan. According to a seminar provided by the Young at Hearts Club in Toyonaka given by Ms. Kayoko Yonetsu, a legal specialist, pensioners can request that their monthly pensions be sent to the Philippines should they decide to

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The Philippines and Japan are just one of the 40 countries observing this tradition including the USA, UK, Canada, France, China, Singapore and Vietnam. Russia celebrates it on Feb 23; Spain, Portugal, Italy, Switzerland on March 19; Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and New Guinea have theirs on the first Sunday of September; Indonesia on Nov 5 and Dec 5 in Thailand. After the touching story of how a Filipino father named Tatay Ryan became viral on FB, showing his selflessness feeding his two young girls while he ate nothing. After someone posted their picture, Jollibee gave him a surprise tribute. A free shopping spree and, a birthday bash and graduation party for his daughters. Indeed, a great tribute to the genuine kindness of fathers.

And as I said earlier, I would like to pay tribute also to all fathers not only on this special day but on all days of our lifetime. And thank you to the super-dads of the Sama-Sama Filipino Community especially to Fr. Mario Colina, Mr. Jun Silva, President of the Sama-Sama Filipino Community, Mr. Dan Vito, Mr. Rudy Quinal, Mr. Bimboy Latoja, Mr. Nonie and many other including the ladies of Sama-Sama, Nida, Wennie, Marian, Marie, Sonia, Rose and Sr. Benedicta and many others for the long years of support to the Filipino community in Western Japan and being the center of most of our community events, where our children were baptized and confirmed and where we always find solace and comfort and being considered like a family, like a father welcoming us home!

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MUSINGS OF A GARDENER Words and photos by Rogelio Agustin

Hiding my garden…

A few weeks ago, on a weekend afternoon, while doing some work in the garden, a small car came into my neighbor’s driveway and out came two ladies. I thought they were the neighbor’s visitors but they were not. To my surprise, they actually came to see my garden!

The lady told me she was shy to come alone so she took her friend with her!

I live in an old but quiet neighborhood so I don’t have a closed gate and that makes it easy to access my house. But I don’t know how they came to know about my garden because it is actually hidden and not easily seen from the road hidden behind my other neighbor’s old warehouse. Besides

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I have 2 cars parked in my driveway most of the time and I camouflage my front entrance with a very old worn out fence and untended planters. But still how did they know? So we were asking ourselves at home who told those 2 ladies? Could it be the newspaper guy? Was it the postman? Or either of the 2 guys who check our electric meter or the gas meter?

For a moment I was happy that people I don’t even know appreciated my garden and took the effort to come and visit it. But at the next moment I felt concerns about the security and privacy of my garden. To be honest, I don’t mean to be selfish or what, but my garden is not ready for public viewing yet. Not this year nor even in the next few years. My best excuse is that my garden is still a mess and I don’t want people to see my mess. Besides, I haven’t even decided on the final design yet because I am still busy researching and watching how different plants would grow and blend in with the rest. And it does takes years

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for many species to get established on the ground and sometimes it takes more years when I move them to different spots. In this busy world where people expect things to happen at light speeds, transformations in my garden takes place according to natural cycles that we are not used to anymore. You miss to see a bloom this spring and you wait for the next spring to see it again. My garden teaches me patience. To make the story short, I am not ready to show it yet. When, I don’t know. But you are free to see it if you know where it is!

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The glory of gardening: hands in the dirt, head in the sun, heart with nature.

To nurture a garden is to feed not just on the body, but the soul.

- Alfred Austin 28

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By Sally C. Takashima Ang bilis ng panahon. Eto, rainy season na naman.

Salamat at hindi na ako magdidilig ng mga tanim na halaman. This daily task can be boring unless you have a veggie garden.

time when one craves for halo-halo and all the delectable flavors of ice cream we have in the Philippines.

you can. Wearing a mask can also help.

What are the beverages choice in My friend is selling When it comes to summer? Tea is a (Moringa) Malunggay swimming, my diuretic meaning it seeds from the preferred choice is makes you urinate Philipines at 500 yen hotel pools if you have often than usual. for 20 seeds. A grown access. When we were Athough it can 2 inches tall of living in Shanghai, my quench your thirst, Malunggay cost 300 husband bought a water is still the best yen including postal membership at the and ion drink like cost.

Garden Hotel which Pocari Sweat, Aquarius meant me and my type of drink that It is indeed the season daughter's replenish the ions your for planting. One can frequenting the hotel body lost when you even raise veggies of to swim and relax. perspire. your choice in big Those times we pots. Veggies to make terribly miss.

Underarm deodorant your favorite dishes is a big NO! No, like pinakbet, tortang I had a horrible because this blocks talong, etc. A friend experience joining my your pores and is talks to her plants, kids to a beach here in unhealthy. Para hindi uses mineral H20 or Japan. Sa una umitim at hugas bigas to water mababaw at abot ng magmukhang negra her "babies." paa ang surface yun gumamit ng sun block pala biglang lumalim. I at kung maari, yung Nakakaaliw talaga almost drowned, I hindi malagkit sa mag tanim ng gulay think. I was scared stiff. balat. Another kung may free time ka It is good someone summer tip is to use na mag-alaga. Ano saw my predicament gloves and hats with naman ang gagawin and I was safe in no wide brim para hindi kung sobra dami ng time. maarawan ang mukha. harvest?

Kung payong naman The arctic-like ang paguusapan, Itong season ng temperatures in trains black or dark colored tag-init, bukod sa pag and buses can cause umbrella is the color taas ng electricity bill, respiratory problems. of choice. ganoon din sa water For people who are bill dahil puro pawis allergic to cold air, this Ayan ready na kayo na lang ang mga can cause a problem salubungin ang damit. because your lungs tag-araw. To all faithful may start readers of Jeepney Pag summer, malimit accumulating mucous Press, have a sizzling, akong mag shower at making it difficut to cool Summer 2017. talaga namang susuko breath. Get out of the Wherever you are ka sa haring araw cold place and inhale going, have fun but be especially in July and warm air as soon as safe!

August. This is the

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NOTES 2 LIFE

By Marilyn Rivera

A Forged Love - Happy Father's Day !

Like most fathers in my age group, they have mostly gone overseas, trying to provide the best possible life to their families. And my father is not an exception. He worked as a Senior Civil Engineer in the government of Papua New Guinea for more than 35 years.

Although I barely saw him when we started to live in the Philippines, it would have been hard to imagine my life without my Dad. He played a very fulfilling role in my life.

From the time that we had taken permanent residency in the Philippines, everything changed. We only got to see him, when once or twice a year, in our vacations and during Christmas season. But when we lived in Papua New Guinea, until I was 5 years old, I was very fortunate enough to see my dad everyday.

And spending time with him was definitely a treat. He always comes home with something with him. Most especially from his weekend hunting trips, he usually gave us crocodile meat for my mother to stew.

I can still remember the time when he brought home our talkative parrot and our two giant dogs. We were so atttached to them that we all cried when we had to leave them behind when we went back to the Philippines. Our pets taught us

to be caring, responsible and to enjoy the simplicity of life, which was what our Dad wanted to incorporate in our young years.

In our wonder years, we already understood the meaning of social involvement in a community. Both my parents, especially my Dad, were active members of our community in Kimbe, in social festivities, school plays and sporting events. Even though we lived in a community with mixed races (British, Irish, American, Indonesian, Chinese and Japanese), there were no barriers or insecurities among adults. And none at all among children. Our playmates, classmates and friends came from different countries with different cultures. And it was at that point in time, that I truly realized how living in an active and caring

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community really means.

Everyone is so humble, so generous and always willing to help. When everyone's husbands left to work. Their wives came together and taught each other their own baking specialties and techniques that they have inherited from their own countries.

This also included teaching each other how to make dolls, make their own dresses, children's clothes and planning the weekend beach day. My dad taught all of us how to swim. We were all seven, and I was the youngest. I learned, at a very young age, how to swim in the sea. He taught us how to fish and clean them up for dinner. He told us jokes and stories from his day traveling and working. Making sure we were hitting our marks in school and having time to help our mother at home. Our father is our leader and our supporter.

He may not have been the perfect Dad, but we all know he did everything he could for us to have a good future. And for that, we are very thankful. And I can very well say that my daughter, Wynterr, will also enjoy a wonderful and magical childhood growing up.

Because her Dad is also a magnificent father whom every child could ever want. And her Uncle Warren, like her Dad, is also her bestfriend that every niece can ask for. Happy Father's Day to all Dads and to all the father-figures in our lives!!!

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Alma R. H. Reyes

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I have met many foreigners living in Japan who have no appreciation for the Japanese language. True.

Basically they stick it out in this enigmatic land because of work, money, convenience, modernity and some of the exotic quality that goes into them.

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Personally, I have always believed that it is almost impossible to survive in a foreign culture without absorbing the language for language IS the people’s culture, and especially in Japan, so much about their language breathes in their actions, thoughts, emotions, and ways of not only communicating with each other in different ranks of society, but of how they perform the daily routine of family life, school, company, business and social relationships.

On the contrary, I am puzzled and amazed by how these foreigners who are simply content with learning the Japanese expressions for saying hello and goodbye can manage to live day to day in this

design/illustration: Dennis Sun

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society of many extremes without continuous frustration.

I began to guess, that maybe if they refuse to master the proper way of speaking, reading or writing in Japanese, they must be quite adept in Japanese slang or those hundreds of abbreviated terms that Japanese love to use, old or young.

The flexibility in language transformation can be attributed to the fact that the Japanese language consists of three writing systems: hiragana, katakana and Kanji. The permissibility to blend words in different writing patterns in one sentence would, therefore, allow Japanese to inject foreign words and curve them to the sound of their tongue. If you ever find yourself eavesdropping a bubbly chat among Japanese teenagers who don’t seem to speak in words but letters, try not to be KY (kuki yomenai—someone who cannot read the situation) not to notice that Japanese youngsters talk to each other in a potpourri of abbreviations. For example, if you crack a joke, and your friend who may be an OL (office lady) does not laugh, you can say she is NR (no reaction).

Or, maybe your joke was taboo, then it would be called NG (no good). Maybe your friend isn’t laughing because your joke makes you look H (“hentai”— a pervert).

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Meanwhile, you probably think you’re SP (special), but your other friend, who could be a JK (“joshiko” or middle schoolgirl) may think you are MM (maji de mukatsuku—really disgusting).

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Japanese, as shaped by their compact culture, love shrinking everything to minimalism. With the obsession for miniaturized iPads, tablets, cute little gadgets like tiny erasers, pins, or compact o-bentos (lunch boxes), conversations are likewise compressed for convenience and fashion. Pasocon (personal computer), sumafo (smartphone), Sutaba (Starbucks), digicam (digital camera), kombini (convenience store), rimocon (remote control), wapuro (word processor), PV (promotional video), Makudo (McDonald’s), BGM (background music), agepoyo (expression when excited), sagepoyo (opposite of agepoyo), torima (short for “toriaezu” meaning for the meantime), are just some of the shortened expressions floating in the air.

How about texting on your phones? Wow…Japanese are champions with their funny abbreviations. Texts like “w”—the Japanese “LOL” version that is taken from the word “warau” (laugh); “kwsk”—more details please,

taken from “kuwashiku” (in detail in Japanese); “55”—Go! Go!, from number 5 “go”; “ari”—short for “arigatou”; “owakon”—outdated contents, taken from “owatta kontentsu” (finished content/subject); “tsui”—short for “tweet”; “ome”—short for “omedetou” (congratulations); and one of my favorites, “wktk”—for “waku-wakuteka-teka” (get excited). Yes, let us wktk! And, don’t forget to say “ukeru” when you think someone has said something hilarious or having a strong impact, like this article…ukeru? Or yabai (extreme)?

Maji (serious)? Don’t worry, you can be bucchake (to be honest), just not donbiki (turned off ).

This is probably bad advise to foreigners who are lazy to learn “proper” Japanese…but if staying in trend or sliding with ease of word memory are your

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cup of tea, abbreviated language could be a fun way to connect with the current times and feel somewhat “groovy,” especially if you learn how to accompany the lingo with the right facial and hand gestures.

Have a “yuru-yuru” (loose, relaxing) summer!

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By Jasmin Vasquez

Paano nga ba nawawala o nababawasan ang aking Stress?

Sa araw-araw na routine ng buhay natin dito sa Japan, wala tayong ginawa sa kundi magtrabaho ng magtrabaho. Isang buwan mo paghihirapan at isang buwan ka ring maghihintay hanggang sa matanggap mo ang iyong sweldo na para bang isang bagyong dumaan na kay bilis din mawala. Matutulala ka na lamang sa isang tabi at iyong maiisip, at masasambit na, Anong nangyari? Halos wala ng natira para sa iyong sarili.

Dahil ibinigay mo ng lahat para sa kanila...

matatanaw mong may mga pambihirang isda sa ibaba ng sapa na dinadaluyan ng tubig. Parang ayaw mo ng umuwi dahil sa ganda ng mga tanawin sa paligid, dangan nga lamang ay sandali lang ngumiti sa amin ang napakagandang Mt. Fuji dahil sa maulap na panahon. Tunay na napakaganda ng kalikasan lalo na kung ito’y inaalagaan. Kung sana’y pati rin sa Pilipinas ay ganito din nila kamahal ang ating mga magaganda at pambihirang tanawin.

Nais kong minsan ay subukan niyo rin pumunta sa mga magagandang lugar katulad nito. Oo ngat may kalayuan dahil mula sa lugar namin dito sa Iida, Nagano, ay inabot din kami ng mahigit sa dalawang oras at kalahati bago namin narating ngunit sulit at napakasarap ng pakiramdam.

Ninais kong magkaroon ng magandang experience na makapasyal yung mga kasama ko lalo na yung mga bagong dumating na mga trainee bagamat hindi lahat nakasama dahil yung iba ay may sariling lakad na at dahilan na hindi naman nating pwedeng pilitin.

Minsan lang ang mga ganitong pagkakataon.

Maganda rin yung nagtatabi ka ng kalahati o ilang bahagi ng iyong pinaghirapan ng sa gayon ay kung may pagkakataong ganito ay ma enjoy mo ng kahit kaunti yung pag Halos Linggo lamang ang aming stay mo dito sa Japan. Minsan kasi pahinga dahil madalas may pasok yung iba, kapag naipadala mo na din sa araw ng Sabado. Kapag lahat-lahat ay kulang pa rin sa kanila. dumadating yung araw na may Samantalang dati rati ay maliit lang pahinga kami ng 2 o tatlong araw, ang iyong kita sa Pilipinas ngunit inaaya ko yung mga kasama ko na nagkakasya naman. Yung iba panay mga trainee na mamasyal. Pero padala lahat sa Pinas. Wala ng natira syempre, dapat yung kaya lang ng para sa sarili. Pag uwi ng Pinas, aming mga bulsa. At dahil may walang ipon. At sasabihin sa iyo ng magandang kalooban kaming uuwian mo sa Pilipinas, "Tatlong taon kaibigan na nag volunteer mag drive ka sa Japan at wala kang naipon?” ng libre sa amin, umarkila na lamang Hindi nila naisip na naipadala mo ng kami ng isang Microbus. Nagbigay lahat. Kaya maglaan ka rin ng para sa lang kami ng ¥3,000 bawa’t isa at iyo. Yung mayroong ka din maiuwing malayo na ang aming narating. kwento kung saan ka nakapunta. Na habang nagtatrabaho ka, nabigyan Napunta kami sa Yamanashi kung mo rin kahit paano ng konting saan may maraming magagandang kasiyahan ang iyong sarili nang sa tourist spot. Katulad ng Shibasakura, gayon ay maiwasan maipon o GreenPa at marami pang iba. Masaya palaging puro stress ang laman ng at sulit na sulit ang araw na iyon dahil iyong isipan. Ang hirap din yung unang beses naming lahat pumunta panay trabaho na ayaw mo mag relax doon. At talaga naman malilimutan at pag nagkasakit, kulang pa sa mo pansamantala yung mga iniisip pampagamot mo ang iyong kikitain. mo sa buhay. Iba talaga kapag nasa magandang lugar ka. Nakaka relax.

Tag init na! Palagi tayong uminom ng Lalo na nung napunta kami sa isang maraming tubig upang maiwasan waterfalls at kay sarap ng tama sa magkasakit. Hanggang sa muli! mukha mo ng tilamsik ng tubig na Mag-ingat po tayong lahat at God umaagos mula sa bundok. Sabay bless us all!!!

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Philippine Embassy, Tokyo H.E. Jose Castillo Laurel V Ambassador of the Republic of the Philippines to Japan

Ambassador JOSE C. LAUREL V presented his credentials to His Majesty Emperor Akihito on June 9, 2017 as Philippine Ambassador to Japan. A native of Batangas, he spent part of his childhood in Japan.

His father, JOSE S. LAUREL III, was the Philippine Ambassador to Japan from 1966-1971. Together with other illustrious members of the Laurel family, he has devoted his life to promoting cooperation, exchanges and mutual appreciation between the Filipino and Japanese peoples. He is married with four children.

BUSINESS & CIVIC AFFILIATIONS Chairman Board of Trustees, Philippines-Japan Friendship Foundation; Chairman, Board of Trustees, Philippine Institute of Language & Culture; Chairman, Toyota Batangas City, Inc.; Director, Philippine Petrochemical Products, Inc.; Director, Asian Chemical Corporation; Vice Chairman, Transworld Trading Co., Inc.; Member-Adviser, Philippines Japan Society.

Chairman, Executive Committee, YKK Philippines, Inc.; Vice-Chairman of the Board, YKK Philippines, Inc.; Governor, Province of Batangas, Republic of the Philippines; Chairman, Regional Development Council, Region IV; Chairman, Philippine Red Cross, Batangas Chapter; Chairman-President,

Lyceum Press, Inc.; Chairman-President, Jovir Trading Company, Inc.; President, Trans U & L Insurance Agency, Inc.; President-Director, Philippine Ace Lines; VicePresident, Transworld Trading Co., Inc.; Vice-President – Treasurer, Philippines Petrochemical Products, Inc.; Director-Assistant Secretary – Assistant Resident Manager, Tolong Sugar Sugar Milling Co., Inc.; Director-Treasurer, Larrgo Securities Co., Inc.; Member, Makati Stock Exchange; Director, Sta. Catalina Rural Bank; Director-Treasurer, Express Tours, Inc.; Instructor, De La Salle University; Assistant Professor, Siliman University; Member, Rotary Club of Batangas West; Member, Batangas Lions Club.

Senator, Junior Chamber International #26376; Member, Manila Jaycees Senate; Member, Knights of Rizal (Knights Commander); Member,

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Philippines-Japan Society, Inc.; Member, Alabang Country Club; Member, Mount Malarayat Golf & Country Club, Inc. EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND Masters of Business Administration, De La Salle University, Manila Masters of Graphics Arts (Special Studies), Dai Nippon Printing, Tokyo, Japan Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (Salutatorian), De La Salle University, Manila Bachelor of Arts in Social Studies, De La Salle University, Manila AWARDS RECEIVED The Outstanding Young Person of the World Award (For Public Administration)

by Jaycees International, 1984.

The Outstanding Young Man of the Philippines Award (For Public Administration) by the Philippines Jaycees, 1983.

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Summer Sojourn to the Rising Sun

by Rob Dizon Yalung

My family and I have always wanted to visit Japan. Faced with a few road blocks that have prevented us from going such as the harsh summer weather, the earthquakes, and the expensive airfare for a family of four. Last year, we decided it was time!

On July 9, 2016, after a 16-hour transpacific flight from San Francisco, California, we arrived at Haneda International Airport. Our journey, one that took several years to finally come to fruition began.

The experience was well worth it for all of us. Let me share the highlights from our trip:

During the Trip

Shibuya Crossing, a five point intersection of streets converging in a central area of Tokyo.

Crossing one of its sections, you join the many locals and

tourists alike going about their busy day. You all form a swarm like bees, the movement of which flows smoothly from all directions. I call it pure discipline! The area is home to many offices, shops and restau-

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rants with towering neon lights.

There’s even a Starbucks, too!

Tokyo Station, one of Tokyo’s main train stations and probably it’s the most popular. Here you’ll find boutique stores organized by its different streets or alleys such as Tokyo Ramen Street, Tokyo Character Street and Tokyo Okashi Land.

This bustling area is a food heaven for foodies. I’ve even found a Pierre Macolini, my favorite patisserie and have gotten a macaron fix.

Shinkansen, the famous bullet train system. Fast, reliable, and the most efficient transportation system in the world, in my opinion. It boasts an up-tothe-minute schedule reliability.

We took the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Kyoto and back. Each segment of the trip would have taken over 8 hours by bus, but we got to our destination in just a little over 2! It was a very comfortable ride and fast indeed. You’ll get a feeling of watching a movie clip showing you the sights between Tokyo

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and Kyoto via a reel of film moving swiftly on the Shinkansen.

Food, you won’t have a hard time finding food as it is everywhere! At the train stations, etc. At 7 Eleven, surprisingly, food is very decent. They carry a variety of rolls, sushi, ramen—all pre-packaged and ready for pickup apart from its usual grocery items. The Japanese take pride in their food.

Nothing is ever offered without having put much hard work

Rush hour - Train ride experience being in a crowded train car and being pushed to accommodate for passengers headed home.

And, who would want to miss Disney Sea? It was paradise!

coupled with art into it. You’ll notice when buying—mere cookies or pastries how elaborate the packaging used on it, and the colors, the clean lines!

This experience includes dining at a restaurant and placing your order through a “vending” machine where food choices are selected and payment is settled.

(Include vending machines for bottled water, juices and other flavored drinks, mocha, Dominique Ansel).

Still so much more to do! So much more to see! So much more to eat!

After the Trip

Our trip to Japan is truly a memorable one. It included many firsts for all of us. Sure, we find sushi, ramen and takoyaki in the US, but it doesn’t compare to getting it from its true source.

Ten-ichi, best tempura in all of Tokyo! We each ordered a 6-course meal all cooked and prepared by your own dedicated tempura chef, dined in a private room. Gingko seed, not your usual tempura food. Includes usual and not so usual choices fish, etc …

Ginza, Tokyo’s most expensive district. High-End shops, Prada, Gucci, Louis Vuitton. Others including Uniqlo’s flagship 12-story building. There are some items unique only to this location of the famous clothing

I am often asked if I’d ever go back. My firm and quick response is always going to be — “In a heartbeat!”

chain.

The Great Buddha - Kamakura, at close to 14 meters tall and weighing 120 tons, it is Japan’s second tallest bronze statue.

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Philip Dizon Torres Wear your culture wherever you go!

Fusing Fashion with Culture

Facebook: Philip D. Torres Mobile (Philippines): +63-91-7605-6366 Photography: Borj Meneses Model: Irene Sun-Kaneko Hair & Make-up: Vela Mua

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UTAWIT Donation Turnover By: Marlyn Importante

at San Martin Sibol School, Bamban, Tarlac 20 June 2017

shared her message to the group, “Kami po'y taospusong nagpapasalamat sa pagtulong n'yo sa mga batang katutubo rito sa San Martin. Napakalaking tulong po ng donasyon na ibinigay n'yo para matugunan ang mga pangangailangan nila sa pag-aaral. Pagpalain po kayo ng Maykapal at ipagdarasal po namin ang inyong tagumpay.

Gawad Kalinga - Sibol, Child and Youth Development has been the beneficiary for 9 straight years of UTAWIT: Himig ng Pinoy at Hapon, Isang Pagdiriwang, a prestigious charity singing competition organized by various Japanbased Filipino organizations. The UTAWIT Execom spearheaded by the Jeepney Press, Samahang Pilipino-Tokyo and Teatro Kanto turned over the proceeds of their charity event to our Aeta comm-

unity through a simple but meaningful ceremony last June 20 at the Gawad Kalinga San Martin Sibol School, Child and Youth Development in Bamban, Tarlac. Ms Irene Kaneko, Utawit’s National Execom Chairman and Ms Ofelia Ai

Kaneko, Utawit Execom member flew all the way from Japan to initiate the donation turnover. The momentous event was witnessed by the Sibol kids and their teachers, as well as Ms Jovy E. Santos, the Child and Youth Development Coordinator of Tarlac Gawad Kalinga Sibol. Also in attendance were the families and friends of the Sibol kids During the turnover, the students, parents, and community leaders showcased their traditional singing and dancing to their guests from UTAWIT. The word, UTAWIT is actually a blending of UTA, a Japanese word and AWIT, a Filipino word, which both means “to sing.”

Teacher Loida Punzalan, an Aeta GK Volunteer Teacher

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Aetas are an indigenous people who live mostly in mountainous areas of Luzon in the Philippines. Currently, there are a total of 8 Aeta GK Villages in Bamban, Tarlac that can be found in 3 sitios namely San Martin, Sta. Rosa, and Burog. The San Martin Sibol School, which has 20 students, is the recipient of the UTAWIT donation.

Ms Irene Kaneko mentioned during the turnover event, “After the agonizing traffic in Manila, the 32˚C heat, and the 4 hours or so long drive to the school, it was worth it when we were welcomed with the smiles of the kids and mothers. Otsukaresama deshita!”

Domo Arigato, UTAWIT!

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by Irene Kaneko I went home to Pinas last June for a week and one of the things I did was food tripping.

Since I am from Pampanga, I visited some of the most talked about restos in my hometown. Grabe talaga kasarap.

Pero wala pa ring tatalo sa luto ni nanay kaya sinamantala ko na. I asked for munggo na madaming malunggay. Bihira kasi ang malunggay sa Japan.

Food is fuel for the body - sweet, salty, sour, bitter - whatever taste it is, they give something good to our bodies.

“One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well.” – Virginia Woolf

I asked friends from all over Japan kung anong favorite food nila.

Let us start our food trip by discovering what and why they like their favorite food.

For Ofelia Ai Kaneko, living in Tokyo for almost 18 years now, it’s Mabo Nasu (eggplant) for her pero hindi siya makuntento sa isang putahe lang kaya ang Obento nya includes more like sausage, fried egg, fried fish with matching pineapple fruit for dessert and miso shiru. She wants a balanced diet. Ayaw daw nyang pumayat :)

From Obama, Fukui-ken, the ever loyal uploader of food pics she cooks everyday!

Emma de Guzman Yamamoto, 20 years in Japan, says that she does not eat in restos. Cooking is her hobby so she cooks for the family everyday. And she doesn’t only cook! She does detailed preparations which makes her dishes look fresh from the resto! One of her favorite Filipino food is Pancit Malabon. She uses seafood only without sauce.

Asked why it’s called Pancit Malabon. She said that the tuyo or dried fish or tinapa used is from Malabon.

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When it comes to food, wala daw siyang inuurungan. 25 years living in Hokkaido, Jolita Jaimes said that she had a hard time choosing her favorite food because she has so many. Like me, it’s “mother cooks best!”

Tinolang manok but she likes the native chicken with dark colored legs and head/neck. She said this is the best and only in the Philippines she can eat this.

This is what you call eating healthy for Cristy Quijano, living 15 years now in Fukuoka.

Sashimi, the most healthy food of all but it has to be eaten “fresh” as in not old baka ma food poisoning ka. Sashimi includes fresh raw meat, seafood or fish sliced into thin pieces. It is often served with rice and miso soup. Sashimi is dipped in soy sauce with other condiments like wasabi or grated fresh ginger and shredded long thin strands of radish.

From Ichinoseki, Iwate, the sempai of the group, 3 decades and 4 years in Japan, Lolita Moniwa, loves Ebi (shrimp) Chili. It’s stir fried shrimp in chili sauce. The spicier, the better. Chilies have been included in Ayurvedic medicines and are good for slimming down as it burns calories easily. This summer, eating food with chili may make

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you sweat but it helps you cool off due to the perspiration. Let’s stay in shape! :)

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Three decades living in Nagoya, Virj Ishii’s favorite food, fruit or snack is the Banana Turones or Banana Lumpia. In this busy life we have in Japan, she says it’s her comfort food.

It’s easy to prepare at home, it’s sweet and crunchy! Banana is not only very cheap! You can make the banana skin as face mask pa!

She loves anything banana so much she thought she’d die like a monkey! Ha, ha! She even named her FB account Banana but with a V!

The “baby” of the group, 9 years and 8 months in Japan, Jo-Ann Arcolas Suzuki lives in Miyagi, Sendai. Yes, they have a Takoyaki cooker but instead of tako (octopus), she cooks Sausage Yaki for a change. Although she still use tako powder, eggs and water for the cream, she adds onion, grated cheese, sliced mochi, sausage, small shrimps and katsuobushi and nori for toppings plus tako sauce and mayonnaise. Her daughter loves it very much!

An exercise fanatic and another pancit lover, Erlinda Castillo has been living in Yamagata-ken for

20 years now. Pancit Guisado naman ang love niya. Tastes good and it’s a complete meal by itself. Bihun are thin form of rice noodles

made from 100% rice.

The recipe is also very simple and you can put any veggies, meat or seafoods you want.

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Married to a Korean but been living in Nagano-ken for more than 9 years, Maria Melba Yoon, indulges in some kind of an expensive food. The largest size can cost around ¥9,000 and the cheapest one can cost around ¥5,000.

Simply cooked but tastes good. Buttered Creamy Lobster is her favorite food which she eats in Red Lobster restaurant. She’s lucky there’s one in Matsumoto and one in Yamanashi-ken. It’s a healthy source of protein, vitamins and minerals.

Another good if not one of the best cooks in the Filcom in Tokyo, Justina C. Hazama has been here for 22 years now. Her fave food is Sushi Maki (Rolled Sushi).

18 years in Tokyo, Japan and works as a housekeeper, Luisa Mendoza Inducal loves Filipino dishes most especially Sinigang. It can be served in different forms like pork, fish and prawn. But she loves Beef Sinigang the most because it gives more flavor to the sour broth. A one-pot dish, you can add your favorite vegetables to make it more nutritious. She always cooks at home. Although it’s an all-season food for Pinoys, it’s best during the winter.

Very healthy because you don’t need oil to cook. It’s generally cylindrical in shape and wrapped in nori (seaweed). Tastes good and simple and you can make

different variations. She said it brings out the artist in her.

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Hosted by: DAMAYAN & The KAPATIRAN Venue: 7F Sendai Mediatheque Studio Theater

23 July 2017 Winner: Jamaica M. Hoshino with Lipad ng Pangarap

Top 3 Winners with Ms Charity (L), DAMAYAN President and and Ms Irene Kaneko (2nd fr R), UTAWIT National Execom Chairman 1st Place Winner (center): Jamaica Hoshino with Lipad ng Pangarap by Dessa 2nd Place Winner (2nd fr L): Rie Mukai with M by Princess, Princess 3rd Place Winner (R) Corazon Nagaoka with Bukas Nalang Kita Mamahalin

The 11 Contestants

The Masters of Ceremonies Edgar Paolo Violan & Jonnah Gamutan THE BOARD OF JUDGES Ms. Irene Kaneko Engr. Gerwin Guba Ms. Aireen Oikawa Ms. Nobuko Sudo Mr. Tomoharu Kobayashi

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Jeepney Press, Samahang Pilipino, Teatro Kanto and the participation of various Filipino groups around Japan with the support of the Philippine Embassy in Tokyo

present

UTAWIT

Like us on Facebook Designed by Dennis Sun

iwate July 9 sendai July 23 nagoya July 30 oita August 13 tokyo-1 August 13 sapporo August 20 tokyo-2 September 2 Fukuoka September 10 kyoto September 10 nagano September 16 shizuoka September 17 okayama September 24 Grand final October 28