Jeepney Press November-December 2019 Issue

Celebrating The Journeys Of Filipinos In Japan

Pahayagang pinoy sa japan

ジープニー プレス

在日フィリピン人 向 け マ ガ ジン

102 ISSUE

November-December 2019 2019年11月-12月

Celebrating The Journeys Of Filipinos In Japan

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.

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

ROGER AGUSTIN Tokyo MIRIAM SUN-ARENAS, MD Philippines MILES BORJA Tokyo GLEN GYPSY Tokyo FARAH TROFEO-ISHIZAWA Tokyo 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 ALVIN TAGLE Tokyo ALMA REYES Tokyo JASMIN VASQUEZ Nagano LITA MANALASTAS-WATANABE Tokyo

creative staff

ARLENE ESPERIDA Tokyo JERRY SUN-ARENAS Philippines NICK SANTIAGO Tokyo DANNY DUNGO Tokyo MARISOL KUDO Oita MARK WARREN DE LUNA Tokyo

Cover design and art: DENNIS SUN

CONTENTS 07 YOMU Editorial

by Dennis Sun 08 Life Is A Journey

by Glen Gypsy 10 On The Road

by Neriza Saito 12 TRAFFIC

by Alma Reyes 14 Isang Araw sa Ating Buhay

by Jeff Plantilla 16 My Christmas Rythm

by Marilyn Rivera 17 MOVING ON

by Jasmin Vasquez 18 Advice ni Tita Lits

by Isabelita Manalastas- Watanabe 20 DONDAKE

by Karen Sanchez 22 Kwento Ni Nanay

by Anita Sasaki 24 UTAWIT: The Winners 26 KAPATIRAN

by Loleng Ramos 27 A Tale of Two Christmases

by Yellowbelle Duaqui 28 My Never Ending Thank You’s

by Irene Kaneko

Whatever is beautiful.

Whatever is meaningful.

Whatever brings you happiness.

May it be yours this holiday season and throughout the coming year.

- Og Mandino

Painting by Dennis Sun

よむ

by Dennis Sun editorial The Rizal Monument in Hibiya Park, Tokyo, Japan

SADNESS IN THE SEASON There is happiness in this season—for us, Christians, celebrating Christmas Day! Then, there is excitement in this season—for us, people, around the world welcoming the brand New Year! But, there should be sadness—for us, Filipinos, for forgetting and failing to genuinely celebrate Rizal’s Day.

Yes, we know Rizal, our national hero. But on this day, for most of us, I bet that we are more thankful for this extra day-off to prepare for the coming New Year, than reflect on his martyrdom.

Rizal Day is a Philippine national holiday commemorating the execution of Jose Rizal in Bagumbayan (present day Rizal Park) on the 30th day of December. On this momentous day in our history, marked by laying wreaths of flowers at monuments of Rizal around the country and captured for a few inconsequential minutes on TV, we troop to the pop-up stores to buy illegal firecrackers, and go crazy with buying anything “round” for good luck. If our own leaders cannot find the time to celebrate this day, why

should we even care about the value of reflecting on what Rizal stood for, about the value of education, integrity, and the value of truly caring, heck, dying for our country against foreign interests.

And that is truly, truly unfortunate. We now have a current generation that is failing in education. We are ranked lowest (yes that is correct, lowest) in international rankings in Math, Science and Reading in a survey that recently came out. We have mountains in Zambales that have been carved out for sand to be used for reclamation in the West Philippine Sea by China.

Unthinkable isn’t it? And don’t get me started in the hypocrisy of our politicians who go to Holy Mass every Sunday but steal from the poor. This is a key moment in our history where reflecting on Jose Rizal and his life, his books, and the values he stood for, should provoke a national soul searching, and a call to real action by the national leadership, and not just lip service. We need a Rizal in our lives if we are to move forward with pride and dignity.

It is sad because Rizal Day happens during the Christmas season when most Filipinos continue celebrating this happiest day of the year. And it will not reach its climax until New Year’s eve when it becomes the noisiest and most dangerous night of the year. It’s not a best time to be aware that one is a Filipino but a time to be together with family and friends no matter what country or nationality they are.

A sad day for Rizal? A sad day for the country it is! We have lost this chance to reflect on the life of a great Filipino.

For all of us Filipinos living in Japan, we can reflect on the life of Rizal on his travels abroad.

Like Rizal,

読む

“YOMU” means to read in Japanese

we all have experienced difficulties living in lands so different from ours.

Rizal actually went to Japan and stayed for a month and a half. It was one of his happiest moments having been charmed by the natural beauty of Japan, the picturesque of the temples and shrines, and especially the manners and discipline of the Japanese people. Rizal wanted to learn more about Japan so he studied the language and was able to speak it in a few days time!

I wonder if Rizal were alive today. Perhaps, he wouldn’t waste anymore time writing another sequel to his books (Noli and Fili), but would rather create posts that would become viral in Facebook, Tweeter, Instagram and Youtube criticizing and condemning fake news, killings, incompetent and corrupt leaders, intimidation and vulgarity in the government, and so on.

And as for those who should be shot at the park, let them be those corrupt and bad leaders destroying the country into ruins to be the first in line.

Dennis Sun as Jose Rizal

You only die once, and if you do not die well, a good opportunity is lost and will not present itself again.

NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2019

07

Glen Gypsy’s

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“Today is a brand new day. A fresh start.

Replace any negativity with positivity. Think happy thoughts.

Exercise. Drink lots of water. Fill your body with fuel.

Healthy is happy.

Inspire yourself.

Create. Laugh. Play.

Love. Learn. Give someone a compliment. Make a new friend. Do a random act of kindness. It creates good karma.

Take chances and finally start living life to its fullest. But no matter what’s thrown at you today, smile and remember, tomorrow’s always a fresh new start.”

NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2019

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

Moving company? Cable and internet connection?

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www.nishimachi.ac.jp

Neriza Sarmiento - Saito's

On the Road to:

THE 12 MONTHS BEFORE CHRISTMAS One starry evening, three years ago at the PCCC Christmas Party in Toyonaka, Marie Hashizuka asked the officers and advisers to sing “The twelve days of Christmas“. We were not prepared but the song came alive naturally. T’was a big hit!! Everyone in the audience was visibly enjoying the familiar rhythm as much as we were! From “A partridge in a pear tree“ to “twelve drummers drumming“. Each one assigned was singing to his or her heart’s content. From an opera version to a hip-hop then something jazzy. It was amazing!

Perhaps only a few knows that this song would make us understand that Christmas is not only a one-day event but it covers a period of 12 days after Jesus was born in Bethlehem until the coming of the 3 Kings.

Composed in the early 20th century by Frederic Austin, who got the inspiration from a traditional folk song, Austin made a few alterations to it and wrote it like a code to encourage people to begin a wider study of the teachings of religion. And so the first line goes like this: ON THE FIRST DAY OF CHRISTMAS, MY TRUE LOVE SENT TO ME...

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A PARTRIDGE IN A PEAR TREE (the TRUE LOVE and the PARTRIDGE both represent JESUS, who was born on

Christmas Day to be the Savior of mankind).

In parallel to the 12 days of Christmas, I also coined my own 12 months before Christmas in 2019 as something very amazing, energizing, inspirational as well as outstanding and unbelievable! #1 a partridge in a pear tree (Jesus being the Savior of mankind) In January this year, I spent New Year with my sisters to commemorate our mother’s death anniversary. In spite of the grief that we all had, we found solace in each other and felt the bond of family. It cannot be denied that our family is the “partridge in our own pear tree“.

#4 colly (calling) birds Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John From Heisei to the new era Reiwa, affirmed our dedication to serve the Filipino community in Kansai as I accepted the position of PCCC chairperson for the second time since year 2000. #5 golden rings (the first 5 books of the Old Testament) We had the PCCC Officers’ 2019 -2021 first outreach program in Kurashiki in Okayama upon the invitation of Ms. Marjorie Oyama. It was a Santacruzan organized by the Filipino Community there, a typical Filipino fiesta complete with arches of flowers and the beautiful season queens!

#2 turtle doves are the Old and the New Testament In February, Prof. Masanao Oue of Osaka University was honored at his retirement party, attended by former students of the Department of Philippine Studies (Minoo Campus) who were under his tutelage since the early 90’s.

Often referred to as “matinik sa Filipino“. I am deeply indebted to Oue sensei for giving me the chance to co-author my first book on “Filipino Conversation“ and for trusting me to handle classes in Filipino in Minoo Campus.

#6 geese a-laying (the 6 days of creation) The month of June was the time for the new PCCC Officers to expand horizons and explore possible areas where we could discover or rediscover. We were invited to the celebration of Philippine Independence by Consul-General Aileen Bugarin.

We also travelled to Tokyo to attend President Duterte‘s meeting with the Philippine Community with some Officers, 2nd Vice-Chairperson Larry Macalalad and Treasurer Delia Nagashima.

#3 French hens (faith, love and hope) The 3rd Kapihan (Panel Discussion on the Lives of Filipinos in Kansai) was held on March 9, at the International House in Osaka with Dr. Jovelle Fernandez VP of Takeda Pharmaceuticals, Masaki Laborte, chairperson of a Labor Union and Keith Micah Rillon, leader of 2nd base project. As the moderator, I felt a sense of faith for the efforts being made by our fellow Filipinos in their respective fields, love for being a part of the PCCC and hope that the younger generation would be able to continue and improve on what we have done.

#7 swans a swimming (seven gifts of the Holy Spirit) Doshisha Women’s College Prof. Lisa Rogers and her students invited us three Filipinas - Prof Nieves Godinez (Kyoto), Ms. Mila Resma from Nara and me (from Osaka) to introduce our country in an event called “Windows on the Philippines”. #8 maids-a-milking (represents the 8 beatitudes) blessedness Summertime was unbearable but somehow, we managed to hold a despedida for Mr. Koji Ueno, former President of KNTNK (Kansai Nippi Tomo No Kai), the oldest Filipino

NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2019

Japanese organization in Kansai which was established in 1984 before he left for the Philippines to be with his family. #9 nine ladies dancing (nine fruits of the Holy Spirit) PCCC Leadership Seminar was held in Uji Nara with the attendance of some young Filipinos like Luigi and Aileen, those from as far as Wakayama like Marjorie Oyama who joined this year, especially Director Leona Nepomuceno of DOT Osaka who shared her valuable insights into what really makes a good leader. #10 lords a leaping (to commemorate something) represents the 10 Commandments When a strong typhoon was predicted to hit Kansai on the first week of October, we were worried that our Sportsfest might be cancelled. But thanks to everyone’s positive attitude, the 3rd Indoor Sportsfest and Basketball Tournament with overall coordinator Larry Macalalad, was a success.

The four teams and their captains are the Kyoto Ballers (Michael Lleno, Osaka Knights (Rhogel Cabrera) Mandirigma Team Hikone (Mickle Alan Saturno) and the Ogawa team (Jay R. Valderrama). We are really grateful for the support of DOT Director Leona Nepomuceno in all events of the PCCC and the generous donation of a round trip ticket to the Philippines from Philippine Airlines, Mr. Raphael Romualdo, General Manager, PAL Western Japan. #11 Pipers Piping (the 11 faithful apostles) In November this year, the sophomore students of Osaka University in Minoo, presented an adaptation of “Little Red Riding Hood”. With very limited time, they were able to write the scenario and translate in a couple of months. #12 drummers’ drumming (the 12 points of belief in the

Apostles Creed) Just before the year ends, Christmas parties of the different communities are going to keep the holiday mood deep inside us. Whether it’s a big group or not, Filipinos have to hold Christmas parties complete with games and exchange gifts.

We were invited to Prof.

Miyawaki’s home this week for a Christmas Party with the sophomores and some third year students. Homemade adobo and pinakbet as well as kuchinta filled up our tummy as well as our hearts with the warmth of the Miyawaki family.

Asaka chan sang Jingle Bells for us. Mrs. Miyawaki recalled that once her son asked her why people get Christmas presents, she explained that it signifies a gift for the baby Jesus. Then, Kenji kun asked why she doesn’t allow them to eat a cake for Christmas. Then his mom replied that sweets aren’t good for their teeth. But then the boy said again, “But it’s going to be my gift for the Baby Jesus”!

In spite of the grief we had this year over the loss of some members of our community this year- Bimboy Latoja, Mr . Bibiana “Mommy“ Ishita and Annabelle Sosogi, the little boy‘s comment was enough to give us a flicker of hope and celebrate the birth of our true love... Jesus Christ!

MALIGAYANG PASKO AT MASAGANANG BAGONG TAON SA INYONG LAHAT!!!

NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2019

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TRAFFIC

By Alma Reyes Chrysanthemums in the New Era The chrysanthemum or kiku is Japan’s noblest flower that blooms in autumn. As a symbol of Imperial monarchy, it particularly holds an auspicious significance this year as the country moves into the new Reiwa era under the new Emperor Naruhito.

Not many people may notice that the flower consists typically of 16 symmetrical petals both on the front and the rear side—the perfection of its proportion which rightfully suits the ideals of the monarchy. The colorful blooms in yellow, white, pink, red and other varieties are known to represent longevity, vigor and nobility.

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NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2019

ni Jeff Plantilla Ang ugnayan ng mga tao (o yung tinatawag na “people to people” relationship) ay isang bahagi ng ugnayan ng mga bansa. Kahi’t may konting gusot sa ugnayan ng mga pamahalaan, kadalasang tuloy-tuloy pa rin ang ugnayan ng tao ng mga bansang ito.

Ang ugnayan ng Filipinas at Japan ay nagmula sa ugnayan ng mga tao mahigit sa 500 taon na ang lumipas.

Pangangalakal sa Filipinas Naglalayag sa dagat ang mga Hapones para pumunta sa Luzon mula pa siguro nung 15th century para mangalakal. Dala nila ang silk, cotton, harina (flour), silver, copper at mga gamit sa bahay.

Ipinapalit ito sa honey, bees wax, balat ng usa at iba pang mga bagay. Kinakalakal din nila ang mga silk na dala ng mga negosyanteng Chinese sa Maynila.

Ilan sa kanila ay pirata tulad ni Shogo, na tauhan ni Limahong sa pag-atake sa Maynila nung 1574, at ni Taifusa na nagtayo ng sariling komunidad sa may Cagayan river (Cagayan province ngayon) nung 1582.

Isang negosyanteng kilala sa Japan na taga-Sakai city ay si Naya Sukezaemon. Nagpunta si Naya sa Luzon at namili ng 50 maliit, luma at gamit ng banga at dinala sa Sakai city. Sa mga Hapones, ang mga lumang bangang ito (“ancient earthenware jars (tibores) which are brown in color and not especially attractive to look at” – ayon kay Antonio Morga) ay napakainam na lagayan ng mga dahon ng tsaa – dahil napananatili nito ang kalidad ng tsaa.

Dahil popular ang bangang ito na ibinebenta ng mahal, yumaman si Naya. At dahil sa Luzon galing ang banga, pinalitan niya ang kanyang pangalan at naging Ruzon Suzekaemon. Ang mga banga naman ay pinangalanang ruson no tsubo (bangang galing sa Luzon).

Sino ang gumawa ng ruson no tsubo?

Hindi alam kung sino ang gumawa o saan nanggaling ang ruson no tsubo. Basta’t ang mga ito ay mga lumang bangang ginagamit ng mga taga-Luzon.

Sabi ng iba, ang mga ito ay mula

Mukhang tumigil ang biyahe ng mga Hapones sa Luzon ng maging “closed country” ang Japan mga kalagitaan ng 17th century.

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Isa sa mga lugar na napupuntahan ng mga negosyante ng Sakai city ay Luzon.

ang putik (o clay) na ginamit ay sa Luzon lang matatagpuan.

Ito ang isang photo ng ruson no tsubo sa Japan. Pero may ilan pang uri ng ruson no tsubo na makikita sa Japan.

Naalala ko ang ruson no tsubo nung makita ko ang photo ng isa sa 4 na estatuwa ng La Madre Filipina sa bagong ayos na Jones Bridge sa Maynila. Hawak ng bata sa estatuwa ang isang banga na parang kamukha ng ruson no tsubo. Tingnan ang larawan.

Ibig sabihin nito ay kaugalian natin sa mahabang panahon ang paggamit ng banga, tulad ng ruson no tsubo, sa ating panghanap buhay pati sa bahay.

Tea ceremony master – Sen Rikkyu

Sakai city Ang Sakai city ay isang port city sa Osaka prefecture. Ito ay may malaking ugnayan sa pakikipagnegosyo sa labas ng Japan nung 16th century.

Ruson no tsubo sa Sakai city

Lumang photo ng ruson no China, o kaya man ay Vietnam.

Pero may nagsasabi din na ito ay gawa ng mga taga-Luzon dahil

NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019

Mas kilala pa kay Ruzon Suzekaemon ang isang tea ceremony (chanoyu) master na taga-Sakai city din. Siya ay si Sen Rikkyu na kinilala dahil sa tsubo kanyang uri ng chanoyu.

Dahil sa galing niya, si Sen Rikkyu ang nangunguna sa chanoyu para sa mga lider ng Japan nung 16th century – na sina Oda Nobunaga at Hideyoshi

Toyotomi.

Si Sen Rikkyu ay malamang na may ruson no tsubo para iimbak ang dahon ng tsaa na ginagamit niya sa chanoyu.

May konting relasyon si Sen Rikkyu sa Filipinas dahil isa sa kanyang disipulo ay si Ukon Takayama. Natuto si Ukon kay Sen Rikkyu na maging chanoyu master. Alam natin na si Ukon ay

Ukon sa Maynila kasama ang pamilya at iba pang Kristiyanong Hapones nung Disyembre ng 1614. Namatay si Ukon makalipas ang 40 araw dahil sa hirap ng biyahe sa dagat at tanda na rin.

Si Ruzon Suzekaemon at Sen Rikkyu ay ipinagmamalaki ng Sakai city. May estatuwa si Ruzon Suzekaemon sa port ng Sakai city, habang may museums naman para kay Sen Rikkyu. At may private museums sa Sakai city na ipinakikita ang mga natitirang ruson no tsubo, iba pa doon sa museums sa Kyoto at ibang lugar na may ruson no tsubo din.

embre 24, 2019. Sakai city ang huling lugar na dinaanan nina Padre Pedro Bautista sa pag-alis sa Kansai.

Bilang Fransiskanong misyonero, nagtayo si Padre Pedro Bautista ng kapilya sa noon ay liblib na lugar na tinawag na San Francisco del Monte (sakop ng Quezon city, at ngayon ay may simbahan na) at isa siya sa nangalaga sa mga Hapones sa Maynila bago siya ipinadala sa Japan nung 1593 ng Governor General ng pamahalaang Kastila sa Maynila para maiwasan ang banta ni Hideyoshi na sakupin ang Filipinas.

Pag-aaral ng mahabang relasyon ng Filipinas at Japan Isang paraan para maging malalim ang ugnayan ng Filipinas at Japan ay ang pag-aaral ng kasaysayan ng ugnayan ng 2 bansa, lalo na ang kasaysayan ng ugnayan ng mga tao.

Ang pinakahuling istorya ay ang paglalakbay nina Padre Pedro Bautista mula Kyoto patungong Nagasaki bilang isa sa kilalang 26 Martyrs Memorial para sa pagdaan ng 26 na namatay sa krus Nagasaki Martyrs sa Sakai city sa Nagasaki nung 1597. Dahil dito, ipinatapon ni Hideyoshi sa Filipinas naging santo si Padre Pedro Bautista dahil ayaw kasama ang 25 iba pang martyrs. Ang kanilang martyrdom ang dahilan ng niyang itakwil ang kanyang pananapagpunta ni Pope Francis sa Nagasaki mpalatayang Kristiyano. Dumating si 26 martyrs memorial nitong Noby-

NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019

15

My Christmas Rhythm

By Marilyn Rivera Christmas lights are on display.

Colors of the rainbow are on the play.

Wreaths and mistletoes begins to sway.

Oh Christmas, so soon, makes its way.

The sweet scent of custard, brownies and pies.

Cookies and cupcakes high up in a pile.

Chestnuts, almonds, pecans and pines, Roasting on the fire, "Such smell is so divine!"

Let us also not forget, The hot bibingka and puto-bungbong set.

Our Simbang-gabi will not let us forget, The reason why Christmas is always the best.

I open the radio and hear a familiar tune.

Pumping my heart like a toy balloon.

Jose Mari Chan, your song is so true.

I feel like a child again, singing a chorus with you.

Christmas is more than those snowy places.

It is more than what we brag in facebook pages.

What is less is much more when you track the paces.

Since what really counts are the ones filling those empty spaces.

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Truly, we all get what we give.

But more importantly, are those that we can't wrap in a gift.

It is not the Chanel nor the Gucci that beams.

No, it is not the prices nor these fancy things.

Season's greetings from my family to yours.

Enjoy your noche buenas and party galores.

Just remember that Christmas is not only a day.

But a feeling that should last through the year in every way.

MOVING ON by Jasmin Vasquez Maligayang Pagbabalik sa Ating Bansa, Baon ang Ngiti sa Inyong mga Labi Sa dami ng mga taong nagnanais na makatungtong dito sa bansang Japan, mapapalad kayong nabigyan ng pagkakataong maranasan ang buhay OFW bilang trainee o intern sa iba’t ibang company. Sa umpisa ay mahirap pero dadaan ang panahon na makakasanayin mo rin ang kultura at ang pakikisama sa ibang mga kalahi. Hanggang sa isang araw, parang na enjoy mo na ang buhay dito sa Japan. Dahil sabi nga nila kapag ikaw ay maraming tinanim ay marami ka ring aanihin.

Ngunit ating palaging tatandaan ang lahat ng sobra ay nakakasama sa buhay natin. Kaya huwag nating masyadong isipin ang puro trabaho ng trabaho kahit araw ng iyong pahinga. Dahil kadalasan, diyan naiipon ang stress at sakit ng ating katawan. Kailangan din natin mag laan ng panahon para magpahinga o paminsan minsan na mag enjoy o

mamasyal sa mga lugar na matagal na nating gustong mapuntahan.

Marami akong nakasama na mga trainees dito sa aming lugar sa Nagano-ken. At dahil sabik ako na magkaroon ng maraming kapatid, tinuring ko sila bilang isang tunay na kapatid.

Palagi ko sila sinasamahan kapag ako ay may oras.

Kapag medyo may mali silang ginagawa ay madalas ko din silang pagsabihan upang malaman nila na mali na yung mga ginagawa nila.

Pero minsan, may mga taong talagang ayaw nilang napapagsabihan sila. Kaya ok lang din kung

mong mag refresh para naman ma relax ka paminsan minsan o parang maiba ka sa routine ng buhay mo kahit isa o dalawang araw lang bago ulit sumabak sa trabaho.

Ang dami na naming napasyalan tulad ng Tokyo Disneyland, Universal Studio Osaka, Skytree etc.

At itong huli bago umuwi ng Pinas ang ilan sa kanila, kami ay nagpunta ng Mie-ken sa Nagashima at sa Nabana no Sato.

Nais kong hanggang sa kanilang pag uwi nitong buwan ng Disyembre ay baunin nila ang hindi nila maintindihan na ngiti sa kanilang mga labi concern ka sa kanila eh at bitbit nila pauwi ang walang magagawa. mga masasayang alaala nila habang sila ay Katulad ng aking nandirito sa Japan. nabanggit kanina, kapag may mahabang bakasyon Sana kahit sa simpleng at kung may pagkakataon bagay na ito ay may isang need mo ding mag alis ng bahagi sa kanilang buhay stress. O di kaya ay need na naging part ako ng

NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019

kanilang masayang alaala habang sila ay nandirito sa Japan. Bilang isang ate nyo, andirito din sa puso ko na naging masaya din ako kasama ninyong lahat. Salamat sa ilang taon nating samahan masasayang alaala, kulitan at marami pang iba. Ma mimiss ko yung pag nagluto kayo eh pinagbabaon nyo ako. At syempre yung pinagluluto ko rin kayo.

Salamat! Sana ay makabalik kayo kaagad dito sa Japan para madagdagan pa ang masaya nating samahan.

Sa ngayon, gusto ko lang na makauwi kayo ng ligtas payapa sa ating sariling bansa na bitbit ang tuwa at saya na inyong naranasan habang kayo ay nandirito sa Japan. Alam ko na rin na kayo ay masaya dahil makakasama nyo na ang inyong mga pamilya lalo na sa araw ng Pasko.

Maligayang paglalakbay pauwi ng Pilipinas! Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all!

17

Take It Or Leave It!

by Isabelita Manalastas-Watanabe Dear Tita Lits, Pasko na naman! Hindi ko alam kung gusto kong tumawa o umiyak. Ito ang pinakamasayang panahon ngunit ang pinakamasakit at matindi sa bulsa. Paano po kaya pwedeng pag handaan ang pasko?

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Halos nauubos na yata ang mga savings ko dahil sa Paskong minimithi taun-taon. Super sa gastos! Hindi ka pa nakaka-uwi, sa airplane ticket pa lang, patay na ang bulsa. Kailangan mo rin bumili ng mga omiyage. Kahit magtipid man ako na bumili sa 100 yen shop, ayaw na nila iyon. Magaling na rin sila.

Meron na ring mga Daiso shops sa Pinas ngayon.

Meron pa rin silang mga request na mga mamahaling branded fashion products na gustong ipabili tulad ng sapatos, bag at mga electronic gadgets. At siempre, iba na naman ang kwento pagdating sa

Pinas. Walang katapusan dinner, lunch, merienda halos araw-araw. At meron pa rin dagdag shopping galore at pasyalan to the max.

Ewan ko ba, feeling ko, nag ta-trabaho yata ako sa Japan para lamang sa mga gastusin pag-uwi ko tuwing Disyembre.

Kung hindi naman ako uuwi, siempre, hindi rin dapat makalimutan ang mga padalang pera na mas mataas ikumpura sa mga buwanan na padala.

Iba dapat ang halaga tuwing December. Perang pang handa sa Christmas and New Year's eve ng family. Perang pang regalo sa lahat sa pamilya. Ekstrang pera para sa mga ina-anak. At iba pang gastos na hindi mo inaasahang darating.

Tita Lits, umuwi man o hindi, grabe ang gastos.

Tulungan po ninyo ako!

Minda Tokyo

Dear Minda: Pakiramdam ko, parang mas masaya ka, kaysa malungkot (naiiyak) kapag dumarating na ang “ber� months, at nagbibilang na tayo ng ilang araw na lang at Pasko na.

Ramdam na ramdam ko sa sulat mo ang excitement mong umuwi, kahit alam ko ding, worried ka sa malaking gagastusin mo sa air ticket, sa pasalubong, sa pagkain sa labas sa restaurants, sa paghahanda ng medya noche at noche buena.

Tingin ko din, gusto mo pa ring umuwi, kaysa dito ka sa Japan mag-Pasko. So kung talagang every year ay umuuwi ka, heto suggestions ko sa iyo: 1. Maaga kang mag-book ng air-ticket mo. Habang lumalapit and departure date mo para umuwi ng Disyembre, lalong nagiging mahal ang iyong air-ticket; 2. Marami ng budget airlines ngayon - mag-monitor ka sa kanilang websites at mag-book ka agad kapag nakakita ka ng mura at pwede

NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019

kang mag-leave sa trabaho on the dates na on sale ang ticket; 3. Sa next mong pag-uwi, huwag kang magdala ng pasalubong from Daiso or from any other store in Japan. Tingin ko, bumili ka na lang ng envelopes kung saan isisilid mo ang iyong Christmas gift na peso cash; 4. Sa atin, PHP1,000 is still a big amount. Sa Yen, a little over JPY 2,000 lang iyon. Sa mga bata, malaki na ang PHP500 na cash – a little over JPY1,000 lang ito. Actually, PHP100-200 sa bata (a little over JPY200 – 400), ok na ok na.

5. Hindi masamang sabihin hindi ka mag-tse-check-in ng bagahe, dahil magba-budget airlines ka.

Kasi, sa mga budget airlines, may charge ang check-in baggage. So sorry na lang, hindi mo bibilhin ang sapatos or mga ibang bilin. Hand carry lang ika mo ang iyong bitbit (7 kgs normally allowed); 6. Kapag kasi sinanay mo sila, aasa every year ang mga iyan. Kapag nakapag-start kang hindi na magbigay ng mga sapatos and the like, siguro maghihinanakit, pero may cash naman na ibibigay ka. Bahala ka kung magkano, pero tingin ko, malaking-malaki na ang PHP1,000.

Pinakamaliit ng bigay mo ay PHP100 siguro; 7. From January of each year, mag-umpisa ka ng

mag-alkansiya ng tig-500 yen coins. Hanggang mapuno mo. Ang isang maliit na alkansiya, kayang JPY50,000 ang maipapasok. Hindi mo mapapansin na nakakaipon ka kapag coins lang ang hulog mo sa iyong alkansiya. Bili ka sa any post office ng alkansiya (colored red, shaped like a mail box).

Get the one that can fill up to at least JPY100,000.

Hay naku, ganyan talaga ang buhay. Kung mas masaya kang umuwi ng Pasko, ipikit mo na lang ang mata mo sa gastos.

Isipin mo na lang na marami kang napaligayang mga kamag-anak at kaibigan.

Pero dapat din nilang malaman na hindi rin madali ang buhay nating mga OFWs – hindi tayo namumulot ng pera.

Pawis at dugo ang puhunan sa ating sobrang pagta-trabaho para lang mabuhay at makatulong sa ating mga mahal sa buhay.

Smile, Minda. You are blessed, kasi binigyan ka ng Diyos ng grasya (good work and good earnings).

Sharing with others your blessings will bring you more blessings.

Tita Lits

Nagkataon O Itinadhana

2o

hirap tanggapin. Dahil hindi lahat ay naging kaaya-aya o mabuti at mas madalas ay kabiguan o katapusan o kamatayan.

Nangyayari ang mga ito sa lahat ng bagay dito sa mundo nang hindi natin inaasahan o pinaplano. Kagaya ng Konnichiwa, buhay pag-ibig, minnasan! negosyo, trabaho o Kamusta po anupaman. Kadalasan kayong lahat? maari natin itong Alam kong na magkatulad marami sa ating masabi ang dalawang mga kababayan ito ngunit kungsalitang ang naging abala susuriing mabuti,ating at naging masaya marami ang pagkakaiba o nagalak sa mga nito at ito ay naayon sa mahahalagang pang-unawa o pangyayari diyan ating pag iintindi. sa Japan. Lahat ay Bilang isang manunulat naghintay, ay nagkakathang isip nag-abala at lamang. Para po sa akin, dumayo pa sa ang mga bagay na halos lamang ay magkasunod na nagkakataon mga bagay na malaking nang kaganapan para nangyayari panandalian lamang at sa ating mga hindi tumatatak sa ating kababayan na mga puso at isipan. naninirahan Kusa itong nalilimutan diyan sa Japan. sa maiksing panahon. At Nagkataon o itinadhana ang itinadhana ay mga ang pagdating ni Pope bagay na nagkataong nangyari at pinalawak, Francis at ang pagkakapanalo ng ilan pinagtibay, pinalago, nating mga magagaling pinayaman o binigyan halaga ng isa o na kababayan sa dalawang tao. At "championship ng maituturing o masasabi UTAWIT" kung saan nating ito ay may nagpakitang gilas and basbas mula sa Itaas o bawat representante o ng ating Panginoong kinatawan mula sa ibat-ibang lalawigan ng Diyos.

Japan.

Base sa aking karanasan, ang mga Nagkataon man o nagkataong nangyari na itinadhanang mga itinadhana ay mga pangyayari sa buhay natin, kung minsan and bagay na magbibigay

pag-asa, leksyon, tibay at lakas para mabuhay sa mundong ito.

Ibat-ibang karanasan na minsan ang hirap maipaliwanag at unawain ngunit kailangan nating tanggapin. Sapagkat wala na tayong magagawa, wala tayong choice dahil may mga bagay sa mundo na hindi natin kontrolado.

Ayaw man o gustuhin natin at mangyayari at mangyayari ang mga ito.

Sa bawat pagkakataon na ating naranasan o nalampasan patuloy tayong nabubuhay na umaasa sa mga bagay na pinagkakataon o itinadhanang mangyayari. Dahil dito tayo nagkakaroon ng "chance" na baguhin o ibahin o yakapin ang kasalukuyang pangyayari sa ating buhay. Dito din tayo nagkakaroon ng "chance" na mamili ng mga bagay na naaayon o sa tingin natin ay nararapat sa atin.

Nagkataon man o itinadhana, ang mahalaga ay kung paano ito hinarap o isinabuhay. Masama man o mabuti, masaya man o malungkot, masarap man o pasakit, dapat handa natin itong tanggapin at hanapan ng solusyon kung ito man ay nagdulot ng pahirap, problema o suliranin dahil lahat naman ng nangyayari sa mundo ay may dahilan.

At minsan, hindi natin agad napapansin kung ano o bakit nangyayari ang ganoong bagay.

Ngunit pagdating ng panahon, doon natin ma-re-realize at minsan ipinagpapasalamat pa natin na ang inakala nating kabiguan o kalungkutan ay naging daan tungo sa mas maganda at kaaya-ayang buhay.

Sa mga tao na nagkataon o itinadhanang makikilala natin at sa mga pangyayaring ating dinanas at dadanasin, lagi na lamang tayong magdasal at humingi ng Sa bawat pagkakataon gabay o basbas sa Panginoong Diyos. o tadhanang nangyari Dahil tanging Siya ay naiiwan tayo na lamang ang may alam lumago o natuto na.

May mga bakas nito na kung ano ang nararapat sa atin. Tiwala lang at dala-dala na natin hanggang sa pagtanda isabuhay ang mga bagay na naayon sa o sa ating pagpanaw.

May mga bagay din na kagustuhan Niya.

Hanggang sa muli mga nanatiling isang alaala na lamang at ang iba ay kababayan! tuluyan na natin itong nakalimutan.

NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019

Balik-Tanaw Sa aking pagbabalik tanaw Damdamin ngayon ay napukaw Mga alaalang pilit na binabalikan Samo't-sari aking nararamdaman May ligaya, pait at mga pasakit Inakala sa puso at isip ay nawaglit Ang iba ay nakakapang hinayang Ngunit kailangang tanggapin at iwanan Pagtanggap na tila isang kalayaan Ramdam sa aking puso at isipan Sadyang ang buhay ay ganyan Kailangan lang matuto kang lumaban Laban na sa Diyos inilalaan Tiyak kaligayahan ay walang hanggan Tahimik na puso at kapaligiran Na sa ibang bagay hindi natin ito makakamtan

Photo by Marisol Kudo

By Anita Sasaki EVERY GISING IS A BLESSING!!!

Christmas is in the corner. Only a few more days to go. It’s the season to remember our friends and families, our loved ones.

Family especially, because this is the time to make or build memories. Like my great grandchildren.

22

things. Wow, they are big boys already to remember those things.

Akala ko hindi nila naalala yon. Ngayon sila na nagtatanong.

Christmas are for children and our elders alike. I have a story to share.

Mga anak, ito po ang KUWENTO ko.

the Father again asked his Son the 4th time, “What is this?”

This time the Son shouted at his Father, “Why do you keep asking me the same question again and again, although I have told you so many times ‘IT IS A CROW’. Are you not able to understand this?”

A little later, the Father went to his room and came back with an old tattered diary, which he had maintained since Now at the age of 4 yrs. his Son was born. On old they remember opening a page, he things already. Our Twin asked his Son to read Angels asked me : that page. When the The Father asked his “Granny, where are the Son, “What is this?” The son read it, the followsocks you hanged on Son replied “It is a crow”. ing words were written the wall last year? So After a few minutes, the in the diary:Santa can put our Father asked his Son the candies and gifts.” I was 2nd time, “What is this?” “Today, my little son surprised they remem- The Son said “Father, I aged three was sitting bered those with me on the sofa, have just now told when a crow was sitting you “It’s a crow”.

After a little while, on the window. My Son asked me 23 times what the old Father again asked his it was, and I replied to him all 23 times that it Son the 3rd time, “What was a Crow. I hugged him lovingly each time is this?” At he asked me the same this time, question again and some expression again for 23 times. I did of irritation not at all feel irritated I rather felt affection for was felt in my innocent child”. the Son’s tone when he While the little child said to his asked him 23 times Father with a rebuff. “It’s a crow, a “What is this?”, the Father had felt no crow”. A little after, An 80 year old man was sitting on the sofa in his house along with his 45 year old highly educated son. Suddenly a crow perched on their window.

NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2019

irritation in replying to the same question all 23 times and when today the Father asked his Son the same question just 4 times, the Son felt irritated and annoyed.

So, if your parents attain old age, do not repulse them or look at them as a burden, but speak to them a gracious word, be cool, obedient, humble and kind to them. Be considerate to your parents. From today say this aloud, “I want to see my parents happy forever. They have cared for me ever since I was a little child.

They have always showered their selfless love on me.

They crossed all mountains and valleys without seeing the storm and heat to make me a person presentable in the society today. Say a prayer to God, “I will serve my old parents in the BEST way. I will say all good and kind words to my dear parents, no matter how they behave.

This is the cycle of life.

Di po ba? So, Christmas is not only for children but also for the old ones. You are LOVED SO MUCH! Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year to all!!

Facebook : Philip D. Torres Mobile (Philippines) : +63-91-7605-6366 Model: Irene Kaneko Photography: Borg Meneses Art Direction: Dennis Sun

2019

Tokyo, Japan

2nd PLACE

Eva J. Takanashi Kanto Ikaw Ang Lahat Sa Akin

3rd PLACE

Sev "Rino" Amorte Eleferia Nagoya Muling Buksan Ang Puso

VOICE of the CHAMPION

I'm Marijane Villarin Kikuchi, 50 years old, currently residing in Yokohama. I have always had a great passion in singing eversince I was young at school programs, inter-school singing competitions, different amateur contests. I also competed in Philippine television when I was 12 years old at Turn On 13 Christian Music Competition. I sang my sister's composition. I won at the weekly and monthly but, unfortunately, lost at the grand final.

I continued my singing career here in Japan performing at clubs and hotels. Eventually, I stopped when I got married. I just sing at karaoke box whenever I'm stressed. Due to depression, I gained some pounds and lost confidence and completely forgot about my passion in singing. But when we transfered to Sendai, I met some friends at the Sendai Catholic Church. I sang with the choir and joined the events and parties of the community group. One of the members asked me if I wanted to join Utawit. She is Hazel Yamada, 2014 Utawit 1st runner up. I hesitated at first but decided later to join. I was so excited but so nervous, as well. I was not aiming to win. Just to sing in front of a big crowd is such a great opportunity for me. Luckily, I won the second place. Two years later, I joined again, and won second place for the second time. I quit joining the Utawit because I thought it's not meant for me. I just continued to sing at events whenever I got some invitations.

I have been here for a year already when my friend told me that there will be an UTAWIT Kanagawa RQR

in Yokosuka.That was just weeks before the competition and I was busy at work and didn’t have time to practice so I declined. My friends kept pushing me to join, so though unprepared, I joined. This time, I encouraged my daughter to join, too. I got the second place for the 3rd time! Since then I called myself "eien no ni i" or "forever the second placer".

Out of the blue, a very unexpected call from Ms. Irene Kaneko came informing me that the the winner of Kanagawa’s RQR couldn’t make

it to the Grand Final so, being the second placer, I was next in line. I got mixed emotions because I only got few hours to decide and only two days to prepare. I asked for God's guidance. Is this the answer to my prayers? To finally sing at the Grand Finals? It was the best and toughest decision i ever made, and it's worth it! The moment you're ready to quit is usually the moment right before the miracle happens! So I am telling everyone, “Never give up!”

Marijane Villarin Kikuchi UTAWIT Grand Champion 2019

KAPATIRAN Happy Old Years Maligayang Pasko, kapatid! Kung bibigyan ka ng wish ngayong pasko, ano ang hihilingin mo?

Madami ba? Kung isa pa akong bata, magpapakabait lang ako at hihilingin ko kay Santa Klaus ang mga gusto ko. Pero hindi na materyal na bagay ang gusto kong aginaldo katulad ng pinangarap kong doll house noong maliit pa ako, ng Gucci na relo noong medium size na ako, at ng sarili kong loft noong full-size na ako. Wala ding natupad sa mga ito pero hit na hit pa din ang bawat pasko ko kase hindi naman sa materyales ang happiness, di ba? Napansin ko din na sa aking paglaki, lumiliit si Santa hanggang sa siya at ako ay iisa na at nag-umpisa nang matupad ang bawat Christmas wish

26

by Loleng Ramos

kanya. Hindi pala lubos na totoo ang kawikaan na ”suntok sa buwan”. Naisip ko din habang tinitingnan ko siya na merong bagong taong dadating, parang nakakapagbigay ito ng lakas, ng inspirasyon na kahit anong gusto natin ay maari nating maabot, kung hahawakan natin ng mahusay ang bawat oras sa ating buhay. At para din makarating tayo o maabot ang gusto natin, alamin “Sad Old Year” ba ang lilipas muna natin dapat kung ano iyon. Ngayong 2020, na taon? Nakakalungkot alamin natin saan at alin lang kase di ba lahat ang mahalaga sa buhay, naman ng natatapos ay doon tayo pumunta, nakakalungkot? Pero sa gamitin natin ang mga magagandang alaala mahahalagang oras na na nangyari sa kahapon, bigay pa sa atin at para maraming salamat sa huwag tayo maligaw, dumaang taon. Kaninang magpagabay ka sa Kanya, mga alas-sais ng umaga na magbi-birthday nga noong tumingala ako sa pala! veranda, ang lapit ng buwan na parang kaya Have a Blessed Christmas kong abutin, ang laki, ang and A Wonderful New Year! ganda. “Cold Moon” ang pangalan ng full moon sa buwan ng December.

Marami na nga palang nakapunta at nakatapak sa ko. Ngayong taon, ang gusto kong regalo ay oras!

Madaming-madaming oras.

Ang dami kong gustong gawin, gustong matapos gawin pero parang ang bilis matapos ng bawat oras, ng bawat araw. Hindi ko pa tapos o ni hindi pa ako nakakapag-umpisa ay gabi na pala. Tapos na naman ang isang araw, ang isang taon. “Happy New Year” nga pala, ha?

NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2019

A Tale of Two Christmases: Personal Reflections on Celebrating Christmas in Japan and the Philippines by Yellowbelle Duaqui company gatherings.

Like me, I know that a typical Filipino, whether born and raised in the city or in the province, celebrate Christmas this way.

Being away from home as a Filipino graduate student in Japan in 2008, I celebrated Christmas at the foreign student dormitory in Setagaya Ward, together with other foreign students. While some students organized a ski trip to the Japanese Alps in Nagano and Niigata Prefectures, I opted to join other students who trooped to sites in Tokyo with winter illumination like

Filipino-style Christmas illumination, which usually involves an explosion of many colors. While meandering in Tokyo’s illuminated streets taught me that subtlety in color meant soulfulness, class and sophistication, Manila’s lighted thoroughfares on Christmas reminds me of crackling joy and infectious laughter.

As a Catholic, my soul yearns to hear Mass on Christmas day. I experienced this in Seijo Catholic Church in Setagaya Ward, in Saint Ignatius Church in Yotsuya and in the Franciscan Chapel Center in Roppongi, where I appreciated the way Japanese Catholics quietly heard Mass, read their own

Having spent four Christmases in Japan during my graduate student years in Sophia University in central Tokyo from 2008 to 2011 and during a research fellowship in the same university from October 2018 to May 2019 allowed me to experience Christmas in two societies -- Japan and the Philippines.

As a Filipino Catholic, I am able to feel the spirit of Christmas by hearing the Christmas Mass on December 25th or the nine-day Misa de Gallo from December 16th until the 24th, sharing a meal with family members during the Noche Buena on Christmas eve, listening to Christmas carols, giving gifts, engaging in charity works, and joining reunion parties with family and kin, school mates and

Shinjuku, Roppongi, Shibuya, Shiodome, and Ebisu. I found winter illumination in Tokyo very magical and enchanting.

With the usual blue and white combo, Christmas lights in Tokyo are minimalistic but chic. This is, of course, a departure from

liturgy booklets, and respectfully bowed before the altar. I also experienced hearing Christmas Mass in Tagalog at Koiwa Church and Matsudo Church, where Filipino compatriots would kindly offer and share Filipino food and play

NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019

Christmas carols, making every Filipino migrant newcomer feel so welcome.

In December 2008, perhaps because it was my first experience of winter, I went down with flu and was unable to leave my dorm room. A Filipina friend, who lives right across the dorm, texted me to check up on me and found out I was sick. With her Japanese-Filipino kid in tow, she visited me in the dorm and brought me hot soup. From there, I recovered and was able to enjoy Christmas in Tokyo with her family. Together, we went to Sensoji in Asakusa during O-Shogatsu (New Year’s Day), and I was again amazed at the Japanese people and foreigners in Tokyo at how disciplined and how solemnly they all lined up to pay respect at this Buddhist temple. We then rode the Himiko, a futuristic Tokyo cruise ship designed by Japanese manga artist Leiji Matsumoto, from Asakusa to Odaiba Seaside Park.

At this point, with the friends I’ve made in Tokyo, spending Christmas in Japan is as meaningful as spending Christmas in the Philippines. The spirit of Christmas, after all, is all about an encounter with the Lord in our own unique and meaningful ways, whether at home or abroad.

27

My Never Ending Thank You’s...

By Irene Kaneko

Jeepney Press Publisher/UTAWIT Execom Chairman

The Utawit Grand Final on 16 Nov 2019 at the New Sanno Hotel in Tokyo, has been the most dramatic on its 15th anniversary. Please allow me to express my deep gratitude to all of you who made this year’s Grand Final another success!

To our very own Philippine Embassy in Tokyo, thank you very much for the support you give not only to UTAWIT but to the Filipino community in Japan.

My gratitude also goes to the regional groups who

28

hosted Utawit this year: 1. Samahang PilipinoPublic Alliance Iwate Japan under Ms Mila Mukai 2. Para Sa Kapwa Program (Kanagawa) under Ms Judith Oki 3. Philippine NAKAMA Organization (Shizuoka) under Ms Pamela Colanding Miyamura 4. Philippine Society of Japan-Nagoya under Mr Nestor Puno 5. Mother Earth Connection Kyoto-Japan under Ms Emi Arai 6. Global Philippine-Japan Friendship Association (Fukuoka) under Ms Rosemarie Aritaka 7. the Execom – Samahang Pilipino-Tokyo under Ms Josie Nistal, Ms Justina Hazama 8. Teatro Kanto Organization under Ms Glen Atienza 9. Association of Abraeni-

ans in Japan under Mr Alden Estolas 10. The Jeepney Press under Mr Dennis Sun Thank you also to our beloved Board of Judges: Prof. Charles Abing (Chairman of the Board of Judges), Philippine Embassy DCM Robespierre E. Bolivar, Dr.

NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019

Maria Kasuya, Prof. Leith Casel-Schutz and Utawit Grand Champion 2009 Ms Mercy Pondoyo, who had a difficult time deciding the well deserving winners.

Utawit 2019 Grand Champion: Ms Marijane V. Kikuchi representing Kanagawa (See her

20. ACCESS 21. Abby Music Bar - Ann G. Orlanda 22. Going Restaurant in Chiba 23. Power of Feng Shui Yuri Saito 24. Magkantahan Tayo Glen Atienza 25. Asia Yaosho - Oyee Barro

UTAWIT story in this issue) 2nd Place winner: Ms Eva J. Takanashi representing Kanto 3rd Place winner: Mr Severino A. Eleferia Jr. representing Nagoya 4th placer: Ms Kimi Faith Calamonte representing Shizuoka 5th placer: Mr Yuki Maeda representing Kyoto 6th placer: Ms Mira C. Kunii representing Tokyo 7th placer: Ms Arcelyn Sayson representing Iwate 8th placer: Mr Emmanuel Feliciano representing Fukuoka

7. Daisy Paredes Nozawa Balikbayan Box 8. Joyful Learning Interna-

Beauty Salon by Joey Maeda in Fukuoka 14. BeautyMate in Koiwa,

tional Language School Edith Bautista 9. IHAWAN Asian Food, Karaoke and Disco Bar of Mama Aki in Shinjuku 10. Robinsons Land Corporation in Kurumeshi, Fukuoka - Vanessa V. Yoshida 11. JRF Remit Cards 12. YM Travel & Tours in Fukuoka – Yukina Murata 13. Light Up International

Tokyo – Raquel Nakamura 15. HILOT Therapy School – Ritsuko Yamaguchi 16. PIDAYIT by Philip D. Torres 17. Frich Revo Filinvest Josie Nistal 18. World of Beauty International Celebrity Secret - Luisa Kondo 19. Asia Vox Ltd. & Plaza Housing Real Estate Horiike San

Thank you also to: 1. Fotographia by Bonbon Garbanzos 2. Pinoy Rondalla 3. Pinoy FM Radio 4. Ms Luzminda Palulay Yamazaki 5. Mr Kim Rockell 6. Ms Merissa Ocampo

Congratulations to Ms Mira C. Kunii for winning the People’s Choice Award.

Congratulations to SP-PAIJ Ms. Mila Mukai for winning the Charity Award.

I will be forever grateful to all our Dear Sponsors: 1. Philippine Airlines 2. Cebu Pacific 3. Solaire Hotel and Casino in Manila 4. ACT Tourist in Osaka Ms Joy Miyagawa 5. Lounge Kokomo in Ikebukuro, Tokyo – Chris Yokoyama 6. Jeepney Press – our Filipino online magazine – Dennis Sun

NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019

Thank you very much to all friends and families who attended the grand event! See you again next year!

Wishing you all A Very Merry Christmas and A Prosperous New Year!

15

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Autumn Shot by Marisol Kudo

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You need to have the courage to risk mistakes.

But once you are on that road... run, run, run, and don't stop til you've reached its end.”

- José N. Harris

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