Jeepney Press May-June 2019 Issue

Pahayagang pinoy sa japan Celebrating The Journeys Of Filipinos In Japan ジープニー プレス

在日フィリピン人 向 け マ ガ ジン

June - July 2019

2019年6月-7月

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.

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Jeepney Press is published online bimonthly by Asia Vox Ltd. All rights reserved. Copyright 2019

JEEPNEY PRESS A sia Vox Ltd.

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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 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

Cover design and art: DENNIS SUN

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 MARK WARREN DE LUNA Tokyo

CONTENTS

06 YOMU Editorial

by Dennis Sun 08 Life Is A Journey

by Glen Gypsy 10 On The Road To:

by Neriza Sarmiento-Saito 12 Palawan

by Melissa Luce-Borja

14 Isang Araw Sa Ating Buhay

by Jeff Plantilla 16 Remembering My Mother’s Prayer

by Marilyn Rivera 18 Kwento Ni Nanay

by Anita Sasaki

20 Signpost

by Karen Sanchez 22 Moving On

by Jasmin Vasquez

23 Kapatiran

by Loleng Ramos 24 Advice ni Tita Lits

by Isabelita Manalastas-Watanabe

MAY - JUNE 2019 26 pasaHERO

by Yellowbelle Duaqui 28 Traffic

by Alma Reyes

“The higher we soar, the smaller we appear to those who cannot fly.�

- Friedrich Nietzsche, Thus Spoke Zarathustra

Painting by Dennis Sun

読む

よむ “YOMU” means to read in Japanese

by Dennis Sun

The higher

we soar the smaller

we appear

to those who

lf y

cannot

— Friedrich Nietzsche

This is so true. As much as we want everyone to fly so that we could all fly together, in reality, that is not going to happen. And it’s a shame that not everyone could fly. And that even if some could fly, not everyone will fly at the same direction.

Some people are either born and doomed with weakness and poverty or born and blessed with will-power and wealth. Weak to fight and fly. They are stuck with no vision. No dreams. No ideas. No future. Others chase their dreams, hang on to their hopes, and live to their fullest potential.

Sometimes, the higher we soar, the more sacrifices we need to make. Most of us Filipinos in Japan have chosen to leave our families behind in order to feed them. We love them so much we needed to be apart from them.

Sometimes, we need to invest our times in study to improve ourselves, but in return, we have to lessen our time with friends who don’t understand your need to grow.

Sometimes, you have friends who act happy for you, but deep inside, are envious of your success.

Try to surround yourself with the right people.

And should you need to be alone, enjoy the company of yourself. In time, you will enjoy the quietness. Like a lonely eagle soaring high over the sky.

Go and take the adventure. Fly high and soar!

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07

Glen Gypsy’s

I never give up, even when people tell me that I can't do something. But if I believe I can, I really fight for it.

-- Leila Lopes

08

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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

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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.

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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

Neriza Sarmiento - Saito's On the Road to:

BRINGING HEARTS TOGETHER FOR HARMONY AMONG FILIPINO COMMUNITIES IN KANSAI With the Philippine Community Coordinating Council (PCCC) The first of May in 2019 will be remembered in history as the beginning of a new era in Japan REIWA which was derived from an anthology of 8th century Japanese poetry, Manyoshu.

Like most jubilant Japanese, Filipino residents in Japan including myself waited until the name of the new era was announced. Like a refreshing cool breeze in May, the meaning of REIWA is “Beautiful Harmony“.

In comparison to the other eras in the past, MEIJI (1868-1912) “Enlightened Rule “, TAISHO (1912-1926) “Great Righteousness”, SHOWA (1926-1989) “Enlightened Harmony”, and HEISEI (1989-2019) which means “Achieving Peace “, Heisei ended when Emperor Hirohito abdicated the Chrysanthemum Throne and his son, Naruhito ascended as Emperor and his wife Masako became Empress.

On this auspicious occasion, we also accepted new challenges and responsibilities as the new officers of the Philippine Community Coordinating Council (PCCC) for 20192020. The 2017-2019

10

officers headed by Atty.

Jeff Plantilla (Chairperson), Aya Hongo (First Vice Chairperson), Ma. Luz Shimizu (2nd Vice-Chairperson), Jorge Takara (Secretary), Sherill Torres (Asst. Secretary), Delia Nakashima (Treasurer), Annabelle Sosogi (Asst. Treasurer) and Herbert Benzon (Auditor), ended their term with laudable achievements and projects especially that of strengthening member communities.

As founder of PCCC, which was named then as Philippine Community Executive Council that started as an Adhoc Committee in 1998 and later elected as the first Chairperson in 2002, I felt a deep connection to the Heisei era, at that time when we were struggling

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to reach out to member communities and making efforts to improve the image of the Filipinos in Kansai, at least. We tried to connect to the local government by participating in events like the APEC summit, Midosuji Parade, local festivals in Osaka’s Naniwa, Takatsuki, Kadoma, Hirakata, Sakai, Kobe, Nara, Kyoto, Shigs, Minoo, Ibaragi, Suita, Yao, Kashiwara and as far as Hiroshima.

This year from 2019-2021, the following elected officers were inducted into office by Consul-General Ma. Ailynn Bugarin, of Philcongen Osaka at the International House in Osaka.

Chairperson - NERIZA SARMIENTO-SAITO (Kansai Nippi Tomo no Kai) First Vice Chairperson - MA. LUZ SHIMIZU (IFFIK, Hirakata)

Marie Rose Escalada from Tokyo delivered the keynote speech.

Second Vice Chairperson LARRY MACALALAD (Hikone -Shiga Filipino Youth Group) Secretary - KATRINA FUJIKAWA (Sacra Familia Filipino Community) Asst. Secretary - ANNABELLE SOSOGI Treasurer - DELIA NAKASHIMA

(Kusatsu Filipino Catholic Community) Asst. Treasurer - YORIKO HAYASHI (Kansai Nippi Tomo no Kai) Auditor - HERBERT BENZON (Kakogawa Filipino Community)

be in October in Shiga, a Christmas Jamming event on Dec. 1, a Financial Literacy Seminar on Jan 12, 2020, and Kapihan Part 4 in March.

As early as May 12, we went to a community outreach program in Okayama prefecture on an invitation from the Kurashiki Pilipino Circle. It was in commemoration of Japan -Philippines Friendship Day and a colorful and beautiful Santacruzan was held in the spacious garden of Ario Mall, complete with Reyna Elena, Emperatriz and Constantino and many more participants who are Japanese - Filipino children and some other nationalities. Thanks to Ms. Marjorie Oyama and the other leaders of the Okayama Kurashiki Pilipino Circle for their warm welcome and hospitalities.

Another function we attended was “Kalayaan 2019“ on May 26 hosted by the Philippine Consulate General in Osaka at Garden Oriental. POLO (Philippine Overseas Labor Office) and OWWA’s (Overseas Workers’ Welfare Administration) Labor Attaché

And on May 30, we were in Tokyo for the Meeting with the Filipino Community of President Rodrigo Duterte, who also attended an International Symposium on the Future of Asia. He was accompanied by Ms. Honeylet Avancena and several cabinet ministers like Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel F. Pinol and senator elect Bong Go, who also sang “Maging Sino ka Man“ with Robin Padilla and Philip Salvador. Several representatives of various Filcoms from all over Japan- Nagoya, Gifu, Toyama, Saitama, Ibaragi and Tokyo were present from as early as 8 in the morning, but some had to leave halfway through the program to catch the last “shinkansen“. I was one of those who missed my train. We were gasping for breath as we reached the bus terminal and luckily, I got a ticket just 5 minutes before schedule.

May, the fiesta month really did turn out to be a month of festivities but it was also a great opportunity to have met many compatriots from other parts of Japan, exerting efforts to bring goodwill and thus creating harmony among the people they meet along the way.

Culture can be a way to bring hearts of people together, and when hearts are together, harmony begins and when harmony begins, peace prevails! That is exactly the road PCCC aims to take!

Some of the activities that PCCC hopes to continue this year are Leadership Formation Seminar in August, Sportsfest which was started in 2010, and which will

MAY - JUNE 2019

11

PALAWAN

by Miles Borja

Summer is not yet over in the Philippines! Though we technically have only two seasons – wet and dry – Pinoys call the hottest three months (March, April, May) in the country “summer”! But due to the El Niño phenomenon, summer this year seemed to extend up to mid-June. Filipinos love to travel during these months not only because weather disturbances are rare, but also because this season coincides with the two-month school break. Some Pinoys in Japan choose this season to go home to the Philippines because it is less busy than the Christmas Holidays and plane fare is less expensive too.

I love summers in the Philippines. When I was younger, summer is always synonymous with a family trip to the beach.

So whenever we go home, a trip to the beach is always part of the itinerary. Of the many trips we had, one of my favorites was our trip to Palawan. We first thought there were not so many options for activities for families travelling with kids and babies but we were surprised. We had a fullpacked four-day tour. We even skipped some parts of our itinerary because there was not enough time. So for those who are considering a trip to the Philippines this season, I am sharing with you our Palawan experience to help you plan your vacation.

Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park (also known as Puerto Princesa Underground River)

12

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For all of us, our tour of the Puerto Princesa Underground River was the highlight of our trip. We learned that the park was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999, and voted as a New 7 Wonders of Nature in 2012. It also became a Ramsar Wetland Site in 2012.The kids were excited to be going inside a cave and see live bats in their natural habitat. The rock formations were a sight to behold and the more than 45-minute tour was very relaxing with only the

Horse Shoe Sandbar. This island was actually just a bonus. Our guide said it is very rare to see this sandbar. We were also able to snorkel in this area and relax for a few minutes on the floating platform before we headed back to our hotel.

boatman’s headlamp as guide.

We were asked to wear hard hats and advised to keep your mouth closed to avoid swallowing bat poop!

Crocodile Farm and Nature Park.

Before we headed back to the airport, we had a quick tour of the Puerto Princesa Town proper. This is our first stop as requested by the kids. They were all excited (and scared) to touch and feel a live crocodile.

We spent P2,000 pesos per person (P1,500 for the kids) for the tour which include transport from our Hotel to the Underground River and vice-versa, permits, the boat ride, a guide and lunch.

Honda Bay Tour We initially planned to squeeze in a trip to El Nido, but we realized that the 5-hour ride from Puerto Princesa would be so tiring for everyone, we just opted to spend an entire day for a tour of Honda Bay and island hop! We were glad we made the right decision! We also decided to DIY this tour instead of availing of the hotel’s package, we were able to save a lot. We only paid P2,000 to visit five islands.

Starfish Island. This island was so named because the whole island is littered by starfishes! My baby daughter was thrilled.

Luli Island. The island got its name from a combination of the Tagalog words “lulubog” and “lilitaw” as it sinks and rises as the tides. It is actually a sandbar which is more visible during lowtides.

Butterfly Farm and Tribal Village.

Though my girls liked the butterflies, if you are in a hurry, you can totally skip this from your itinerary.

Baker’s Hills. This is where we bought sweets and treats for pasalubong. It started to drizzle when we reached the area and was not able to go around the place.

Cowrie Island. This is where we stopped for our buffet lunch. The island was so named because of the abundance of cowrie shells in the island.

Pambato Reef. This is a marine sanctuary in the middle of the bay. This is where we get to snorkel after listening to a short lecture. A floating raft marks the location where people may get off from the boats.

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Some tips: *If you are travelling with children below three years old, it is best to bring your own life vest as vests available both for the Underground River tour and Honda Bay tour were all too big for our baby. *If you want to save, you can DIY your tour according to your preference. You can just hire a banca and your boatman may serve as your guide (with a little tip) instead of availing packages offered by hotels.

13

ni Jeff Plantilla Isang umaga, tumayo sa aking harap sa loob ng tren ang isang babaeng high school student. Sa una ay hindi siya

makapagdesisyon kung saan siya tatayo. Payat siya at maliit kung ikukumpara sa ibang high school students. Maaaninag sa kanyang kilos na meron

14

siyang intellectual o mental disability.

Sa iba pang panahon sa aking araw-araw na buhay sa loob ng tren, may mga tumatakbo, paroo’tparito, sumisigaw o nagbi- bigay ng announcement sa mga pasahero na dapat lumipat sa ibang bagon. Bahagi na sa karaniwang kalagayan sa loob ng tren ang taong may intellectual o mental disability.

Napaka-karaniwan na silang bahagi ng buhay sa tren na hindi sila kakaiba – ilan lang sila sa maraming pasahero ng tren.

Ikinahihiya Sa aking paglaki, nalaman ko na ang mga may intellectual o mental disability ay ikinahihiya ng pamilya. Itinatago sila sa pinakamadilim na bahagi ng bahay.

Itinuturing silang mga taong hindi dapat ipakita sa mga taong hindi kasama sa pamilya.

Nguni’t may mga taong may intellectual o mental disability na may kakayanang lumabas ng bahay at kaya nakakagala sa bayan. Ang iba ay

MAY - JUNE 2019

nakakapagtrabaho pa.

Nguni’t hindi sila nakakaligtas sa pangungutya o abuso ng iba.

Hinahayaan Dito sa Japan, sa loob ng mahigit na 20 taon, halos hindi pa ako nakakita ng mga bata o matandang may intellectual o mental disability na ikinahiya o kinutya. Sa mga mag-isang gumagala, hinahayaan lang sila.

Hindi sila pinapansin.

Malaya silang kumikilos – naglalakad, tumatakbo, kumakanta, nagsasalita.

Ang iba sa kanila ay pumapasok pa sa eskwela.

Sa isang school para sa kanila, nakita ko na may maayos silang facilities – tulad ng isang karaniwang school sa Japan. Ilang beses akong nagsalita sa kanila gamit ang aking isang dakot na nihonggo upang ipakilala ang Pilipinas at naging masaya kaming lahat!

Buti pa yung mga batang yon, naiintindihan ang aking nihonggo!

Special child Malaki na rin ang pinagbago sa pagtingin sa mga taong may

intellectual o mental disability sa Pilipinas.

Napanood ko ang isang TV commercial na ang bida ay si Kuya na may down syndrome. Inilibre niya ang mas batang kapatid dahil sa kanyang first salary. May pagmamahal at paggalang kay Kuya ang nakababatang kapatid.

Magandang mensahe ito sa mga tao – igalang, mahalin at ipagmalaki ang kapatid na may intellectual o mental disability.

May mga kaso na rin na ang magulang ay hindi papayag na ma-discriminate ang anak na may intellectual o mental disability. Ito ang nangyari sa kaso ng isang airline na hindi pumayag na isakay ang isang batang may intellectual o mental disability. Nagreklamo ang Ina sa discriminatory treatment na ito. Ang mga bata o taong may intellectual o mental disability ay ipinagtatanggol din kapag inaapi.

Sa isang college dito sa Japan, nagbibigay sila ng certificate para sa mga estudyante na may problema tulad ng depression o pervasive development disorder o attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Hinihingan nila ang

teachers na bigyan ng “reasonable accommodation” ang mga ganitong estudyante.

Reasonable accommodation Hindi dapat hadlang sa mga tao ang kanilang intellectual o mental disability sa pagkakaroon ng trabaho at maayos na pamumuhay.

May mga batas na nagsasabi na dapat silang bigyan ng pagkakataon na makapagtrabaho ayon sa kanilang kakayanan.

Sa ganitong sistema, dapat handa ang mga kompanya na tanggapin sila. Dapat ay nauunawaan at naniniwala sila sa tinatawag na prinsipyo na “reasonable accommodation.”

Ang “reasonable accommodation” ay isang international principle na ginagamit para matupad ang karapatan ng mga taong may intellectual, mental o physical disability.

Basta’t kaya ng mga taong ito ang trabaho, dapat hindi silang pagkaitan ng pagkakataong makapagtrabaho tulad ng ibang tao. May mga adjustment na kailangang gawin para sila ay makapagtrabaho

MAY - JUNE 2019

nang maayos.

Nguni’t ang “reasonable accommodation” principle ay para din sa mga may mga kapansanan sa katawan.

Dahil sa “reasonable accommodation” principle, kailangan din na ang mga facilities ay tama – para sa kanilang access sa building at mga gawain.

Ang “reasonable accommodation” principle ay isa lamang sa mga international principles na pinagsisikapang ipatupad sa lahat ng bansa. Kasama na rito ang mga prinsipyo ng “no one left behind” at “nothing about us without us.”

Pagbabago ng lipunan Ang mga prinsipyong ito ay bahagi ng pagbabago ng lipunan. Ngayon, ang paningin ay ito: ang lahat na kasapi ng lipunan ay dapat bigyan ng pansin at suporta. Bawa’t isang kasapi ay may halaga at mai-a-ambag sa pamilya, komunidad at bansa.

Sa darating na 2020 Paralympics sa Tokyo, ipagbunyi natin ang lahat na manglalaro na may physical disability dahil sila ang modelo ng galing, tapang ng loob at pagsisikap ng tao.

15

Remembering My Mother’s Prayer

An Everyday Lesson by Marilyn Rivera

“A mother is she who can take the place of all other but whose place no one else can take.” – Cardinal Meymillod and my siblings every morning when we came down the stairs. Normally, she would sense our hesitation to go to school if there were presentations in class or if there were exams.

And if I say, I would want liver spread. She would say to take it with mayo and cheese. Then she would have it toasted in the oven.

And if I say, I just wanted juice. She would serve it with small bits of apple and oranges making it a breakfast on its own. She Many of our relatives would taught me that it is up to us say that she may have lived a short life but she had lived her how we make something life to the fullest. She took care out of our life. She would always say that we deserve of us seven children with no more than what we want or hired help at all. She was a hands-on mom who dedicated get. We just need to trust in her life in rearing us in the best Him that His way is the only way and the best way. way possible. She would go Happiness is making out of her way just to help nothing into something and relatives and friends and cherishing it. She used to say would never expect anything that it is beyond the in return. She donated to vacations that we take out of charities and let us witness town, more than what we and take part in helping eat on the table and a lot people in all walks of life more than the clothes we through her gentleness and wear. Life is helping your soft-spoken words. siblings with something and Life is not only the sweet filling not expecting something in return. inside. The first bite on a filled-bread you would not yet reach the center. You would be Part of life is selfless giving.

You are happy when the clueless on what bread you people around you who you have until you reach the very care about are happy. And core and finally taste that sweet filling inside. My mother you can feel contentment in made sure that we understand your heart by helping people who needs it the that life is not only about most and placing this rewards, but it is our way experience as one of your getting to it and getting valuable accomplishments. through it. And be Life plays a role in helping appreciative that we were given bread instead of getting the poor. Being able to help and giving it without any none at all. attachment is a gift and should be passed down to “Ano yun palaman mo your children. ngayon?” she would ask me Celebrating the heroines of our life, Mother’s Day has become more than just a day to spend with your own family. It is also a day that floods our heart with delicate memories of the person who loved us unconditionally. This past Mother’s Day has stroked an empty space in my heart as always. She gave me life, prepared me for life, and showed me what life is meant to be.

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To most of us, all of our mothers are our superhero. For me, my mother was not. She was not perfect, she was not strong all the time and she did not save me when I needed her. But she was the best mother in my eyes. She was what I needed and God knew that. She showed me her flaws so that I can learn from them. She showed me her weaknesses to tell me that our weakness is not what defines us. She did not save me all the time because she wanted me to learn how to save myself and how to save others. She prayed for my happiness. She prayed for me to have a life that I can say that I have lived my life. Life is not measured by the breaths you take, but by the moments that take your breath away.

And through her, I saw what the world can offer and saw every possibilities and greatness that I am and the distance that I can reach. Life is limitless. It has no boundaries and has no manuals. You act at will and act with heart. She showed me kindness, love and compassion that my whole town cannot level with. And every time I see her in my mind, I know God lend me an angel on Earth to guide me and hone me in the best way He knows possible. For this, I am forever grateful.

To our Mothers in Heaven, you are our every day angels.

P h i l i p

D iz o n

T o r r e s

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

KWENTO NI NANAY

by Anita Sasaki Every Gising Is A Blessing!

18

Sa Mga Kuwento Ni Nanay, araw-araw ito po ang aking sinasabi. Pero noong Sabado ng umagang ako ay nagising, meron akong natanggap na message, na ang lagi kong sinasabi ay totoo - na “EVERY GISING IS A BLESSING.” I was crying because what I have been wishing for almost 3 years will come to reality without lifting a finger. This is between me and our God. Ito mga anak, mga apo, meron akong kuwento tungkol sa pangarap natin sa buhay. Noon, sabi ko gusto kong maging isang lawyer (abogado). Yon pala, pagtanda ko ay para akong abogado na walang “bofete“. Magmula nang pagdating ko dito sa Japan, hindi ko alam na meron pala akong mission. Na ang pagbigay ko nang tulong sa ating kapwa ang gusto nang Dios. Sa kaunti kong nalalaman na siyang nakaka bigay lunas pala. Sabi ko noon na habang ako ay nakakatayo ay di ako magsasawang ibigay ang aking tulong.

Ngunit ngayon, ako ay naka wheelchair na lamang at di na gaano lumalabas ay akala ko, ako ay inutil o walang silbi. Ngunit nitong nakaraang taon 2018 ay 2 ang kaso kong napanalo sa mga dumudulog sa akin na naghahanap nang AMA nilang Hapon.

Ito ay hindi mga bata ngunit mga “young adults” na. Ang isa ay 26 taong gulang at ang isa ay 30 taong gulang na. Pareho silang nanalo na sa kaso nila at pareho nang nasa kosekitohon ang pangalan nila.

Kaya wala akong masasabi kundi “MARAMING, MARAMING SALAMAT, PANGINOON!” Sa aking maliit na nakayanan na visahan ang isa na ako lang ang kanyang “Mimoto Hoshonin“. Sa aking kahinaan dahil ako ay hindi na nagtatrabaho kaya wala nang buwis na binabayaran. Pero sa milagro at awa nang ating PANGINOON, walang imposible! Kaya ngayon po, ang aking dalangin sa PANGINOON ay… “hanggang sa aking huling hininga ibibigay ko po ang aking tulong.” Kaya tulungan ninyo si Nanay na manalangin na makamit natin ang matagal nang hinihiling

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ko na TNN Tahanan Ni Nanay o ang ating Philippine Center / halfway house para sa ating mga kapwa Pilipino at ang ating mga kabataan lalo na ang mga nangangailangan nang tulong. Ito pa ang mga kahilingan dinarasal ni Nanay... Una sa lahat - the push and pull of migration and its effect on the families. Bakit nangingibang bansa ang ama o ina Bakit? What are the root cause? Ex.: Lack of employment.

Solutions? Ex.: Create more jobs in the Philippines so that people don’t have to leave our country for employment. Dahil dito nagsisimula ang problema ng ating PAMILYA. THE FAMILY... which is the smallest group in our society but it is this smallest group that makes the world!

I gave a picture of a globe to a 4year old child. Torn the picture like a puzzle. And in 5 minutes, he was able to put the picture back. I was amazed and asked him how he was able to do that. He answered, it was so easy because I put the father, mother, Ate, Kuya and me and finished, he said. I didn’t notice that at the back of the picture of the globe was a picture of a family. So from there, I said that the family which is the smallest group in our society is the one that makes the world. We would like to work together on the future of JFCs and marriage migrants in Japan in coordination with CFO's leadership- Chairperson, Francis Acosta, because the recent visit of CFO, we agreed to work on more projects for the Filipino-Japanese youth and marriage migrants to avoid bullying and human trafficking. We want to have the Sentro Rizal to be taught in the second generation about culture and heritage. Our bills and laws to help marriage of migrants divorced from abusive partners by making reforms on recognition of divorce process in the Philippines. Ito po ang Kuwento Ni Nanay, kaya huwag kakalimutan ang lagi kong sinasabi... “EVERY GISING IS A BLESSING “... “TUWING GISING AY PAGPAPALA.”

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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

English and Japanese OK!

03-5292-2340

pagdadaanan para sa iyong mga pinapangarap na marating sa buhay.

By Karen Sanchez

Mahirap ang Maging Mahirap Summer na naman at masarap na namang gumala at mag-outing kasama ang mga katrabaho, kaibigan at pamilya. At muli sa inyong abalang mga buhay, nais ko pong ibahagi ang aking salaysay kung bakit ang iba sa atin ay nandidito ngayon sa Japan o sa ibang bansa na nagtitiis na hindi makasama ang mga mahal sa buhay dahil "mahirap talaga ang maging mahirap," hindi po ba?

Hindi ko alam kung nasa guhit ba ng aking mga palad o nasa aking tadhana ang pagsusulat pero naalala ko noong ako'y nasa high school na inanyayahan akong magsulat para sa pahayagang pampaaralan at hindi ko ito tinanggap dahil hirap akong mag-Tagalog noon. At nung napunta ako ng Japan at nakilala ko si Tita Susan, isang manunulat sa Kababayan Migrant's Corner o KMC magazine at agad nya akong ininterview kung paano akong napunta ng Japan at ang tanging nasabi ko ay "mahirap po kasing maging mahirap, Ta" na iyon naman ang inilagay nyang pamagat sa kanyang column.

Kahirapan ang nagbigay daan sa akin upang mangarap at sumubok sa ibang bansa sa layuning gusto kong tulungang makapag-aral ang aking mga kapatid at maipagawa sila ng maayos na bahay. At masasabi kong ako naman ay pinagpala.

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hindi makapag-aral ang iba kahit sabihing libre na ang tuition ngayon. Dahil sa kahirapan, kapit sa patalim o napipilitan ang ibang gumawa nang hindi maganda para lang mabuhay at dahil sa kahirapan ay inaabuso nang may kapangyarihan ang ibang mamamayan. Naging dahilan din ito upang ang ibang kababaihan ay magbenta ng sariling katawan na ang kapalit ay panlalait, paghuhusga, pandidiri lalo na kapag minalas at nagkasakit ng STD or sexually transmitted diseases kagaya ng AIDS. At dahil nga sa mahirap, walang kaalaman at kahihiyan, mas pinipili na lang ng iba itong ilihim hanggang sa kanilang kamatayan. Na kung tutuusin ay may libreng gamutan at maari pa silang mabuhay ng mas matagal at normal. At dahil din sa kahirapan, karamihan ng mamamayan ay ibenenta ang dignidad o prinsipyo tuwing eleksyon.

Nakakalungkot makita na ang iyong kababayan o kaibigan o kakilala ay nagiging biktima dahil sa kawalan ng pera, kaalaman o kakayahang lumaban. Gusto mo man tulungan ay hindi sapat at hindi kakayanin dahil pati ikaw ay lulubog o mahihirapan.

Kung kaya nakakapanlumong isipin na minsan wala ka na talagang magagawa kundi tanggapin na lamang at pikit-matang manalangin para sa kanila.

Hindi maiiwasan ang kahirapan sa isang pamilya o bansa.

Ngunit kapag nagsikap at nagtutulungan, pwede ito maibsan o mabawasan o dili kaya ay tuluyang mabago ang Ngayon, gusto kong gamitin kinabukasan. At isang blessing muli ito dahil sa pamamalagi na maituturing kung may isang ko dito sa Pinas ay nanlulumo taong gagamitin ang Diyos ako na dahil sa kahirapan ay upang bigyan ka ng marami ang namatay, naloko at pagkakataong mas mapabilis nagdurusa. Dahil sa kahirapan, at mas mapagaan ang iyong

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Hindi hadlang ang kahirapan upang mangarap, ngunit upang mabago ito, kailangan natin ng matinding tatlong “Tâ€? sa ating buhay‌.. Tiis, Tiyaga at Tipid. Kapag ang tatlong ito ay nakumpleto at sabayan ng dasal ay wala nang dahilan upang ikaw ay hindi aasenso.

At sa oras na ikaw naman ay binigyan ng pagkakataong umasenso, sana ay huwag kang magbabago. Laging isipin na ang buhay sa mundo ay hiram at ang lahat ay pwedeng mawala sa isang iglap lamang. Kaya dapat din natin itong alagaan at igalang ang ating kapwa nang sa gayun ay mas gabayan at pagpapalain pa tayo ng Diyos na Syang makapangyarihan na nakikita ang lahat nating ginagawa o iniisip laban sa ating kapwa.

Minsan bilang tao, tayo ay nakakalimot. Nakakalimutan natin ang ating mga pinagmulan, ang ating mga nakaraan at ang masaklap, pati ang ating pamilya na kadugo dahil sa pera o kapangyarihan. At mas pinipili ang ibang taong inaakala mong mahal ka o nagmamalasakit sayo at malalaman mo na lang na nag-iisa ka at kapag wala na silang makita at ang bagsak mo sa pamilya mo pa rin. Kahit anong hirap ay siguradong tatanggapin at tutulungan ka sa kanilang makakaya pagkat mas matimbang pa rin ang dugong nananalaytay sa atin.

Hindi po ba na mas masarap ang pakiramdam ng tumutulong ng walang hinihintay na kapalit? At mas lalong masarap kapag ikaw na ang nakakatulong sa iyong kapwa? Kaya kung tayo man ay masagana sa ngayon, huwag natin itong ipagdamot pagkat napakarunong ng Diyos baka sa isang iglap, bawiin Nyang lahat at bumalik ka sa masaklap pa kaysa noong ikaw ay isang naging mahirap.

Hanggang sa muli po!

GOD BLESS US ALL!!!

By Karen Sanchez

Photo by Marisol Kudo Nagbabadya ang delubyo Saan sulok man ng mundo Marami nang sumanib sa Demonyo At lalong kawawa ang maliliit na tao Kapit sa Diyos tanging maipapayo ko Anumang delubyo ang darating sayo Tiyak ang Tagapagligtas ang sasangga dito Tanging Siya lamang may alam ng puso mo Kung tayo man ay ipinagkanuno Magdasal at huwag na huwag sumuko Pagkat wala naman permanente sa mundo At lahat ng ito ay maaaring magbago't maglaho Kabutihan panatilihin sa ating mga puso Magmahal ng kapwa kahit walang kapalit ito Dahil ang Panginoon ay ito ang gusto At dahil sa pagmamahal tinubos Nya tayo

By Jasmin Vasquez

Maglaan ng Oras para sa Pahinga Likas sa ating mga Pinoy ang kasipagan pagdating lalo sa pagha-hanapbuhay. Matyaga at matiisin. Lahat ay kakayanin lalo na kung para sa ating mga mahal sa buhay. Ganoon naman kadalasan.

Kung tayo lamang, para sa ating sarili ay hindi natin kailangan pagurin ng labis ang ating katawan. Pero dahil sa marami ang umaasa sa atin, kahit tayo ay nahihirapan na, sige pa rin sa pagkayod, matustusan lamang ang mga pangangailangan nila.

Ramdam ko lahat ng paghihirap na nararanasan ng ilan sa atin sapagkat katulad nila, isa din ako sa mga OFW na nagsusumikap para maitawid lahat ng pangangailangan ng aking mga mahal sa buhay na nasa Pinas. Kung hindi alam ng nakakarami sa inyo, sapat lamang ang aming kinikita para sa aming pang araw-araw na buhay at para maipadala sa Pinas. Kadalasan nga ay kinakapos pa kapag minalas malas ka. At huwag kang magkakasakit dahil hindi iyan sapat na dahilan para ikaw ay hindi mag trabaho.

Dahil kapag nag absent ka, mas kukulangin ang budget mo para sa isang buwan na gastusin.

Ikaw din ba ay mahilig mag overtime?

Hanggat kaya ay sige lang ng sige sa overtime? Nanghihinayang sa perang kikitain? Naku ganyan na ganyan ako.

Ang matindi pa doon, pagkatapos ng work, minsan kung saan saan pa ako napupunta dahil sa pakikisama sa mga kaibigan at kasamahan sa trabaho. Ilang taon din na ganyan umiikot ang mundo ko.

Photo by Marisol Kudo

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Hanggang sa hindi ko namamalayan, unti-unti na din nanghihina ang resistensya ng aking katawan. Madali na akong mapagod, mahilo at palaging masakit ang buong katawan. Siguro dahil umeedad na rin kaya hindi na katulad ng dati na malakas at agresibo.

Masyado ng naabuso ang aking katawan sa sobrang kakatrabaho at walang pahinga sa kakapunta kung saan.

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Kamakailan lamang ilang tao ang nabalita sa social media at sa news na may Pinoy na binawian ng buhay dahil sa sobrang pagtatrabaho at kalabisan sa pag overtime. Oo nga at malaki ang kita ngunit ito rin pala ang kikitil sa ating buhay. Aanhin mo ang pera kung mamatay ka naman? Akala ng ilan sa mga tao sa Pilipinas ay napakasarap ng buhay namin dito sa Japan. Lingid sa kanilang kaalaman na sobrang hirap ang pinagdadaanan namin para lang kumita.

At dahil sa balitang iyon nilimitahan ng gobyerno ng Japan ang pagtatrabaho ng overtime sa lahat ng kumpanya.

Upang maiwasan at hindi na maulit ang pangyayaring iyon. At dahil din sa takot ko, sinisimulan ko na din na limitahan ang sarili ko para na rin sa aking kalusugan. Hindi ko na pinipilit pumasok sa trabaho kapag alam kong masama na ang pakiramdam ko.

Nagsisimula na rin akong maglaan ng oras para makapahinga.

Humanap tayo ng trabaho na hindi natin kailangan na masyadong mahirapan. Dahil sa bandang huli ay tayo ang magdudusa. Huwag natin masyadong abusuhin ang ating lakas dahil hindi ito pang habambuhay.

Maglaan ng sapat na pahinga para sa ating sariling pangkalusugan. Habang bata mag ipon ng mag ipon para pagdating ng tamang panahon at maari ka ng magpahinga sa kakatrabaho at magbuhay relax sa bahay. Mag impok ng tama upang ma enjoy natin ang mga huling sandali na ilalagi natin sa mundong ibabaw.

Huwag nating hayaang mamatay tayo sa kakatrabaho. Palagi tayong magpasalamat sa Diyos sa paggabay nya sa atin sa araw-araw.

Huwag nating kakalimutan na mahalin din natin ang ating sarili. Sapagkat buhay natin ang nakataya sa lahat ng bagay na ating ginagawa.

Ni Loleng Ramos

Pipipipipit Kumusta, Kapatid! Maganda ba gising mo kaninang umaga?

Meron ka bang morning habit?

Iyong pag gising mo yon na agad ang ginagawa mo, andyan ang meditation, yoga, morning prayer o iba pang nakagawian mo na gawin sa pag-umpisa mo muli sa panibagong araw sa ating buhay.

pagkain pero ang kain ng ibon sa maghapon ay katumbas ng mga Âź ng bigat ng katawan nila kaya ang konti kong binibigay ay para lang easy snack. Kung nag-umpisa sila sa dalawang suzume, meron na ngayong sampu sila na 5:00am pa lang ay nag-uumpisa ng maghunihan, alarm clock ang dating!

Ako merong bago, nadiskubre ko lang ng isang beses ng naisip ko pirasuhin ng maliliit ang natira kong tinapay at iwanan sa isang paso ng halaman sa gilid ng bintana.

Ayun wala pang tanghali, naglaho na, kinain ng mga ibon.

Pero noong tinutuka nila, may kasabay na chirping sound, siguro na-excite sila na may free meal silang nakita. Ano kaya at bilhan ko sila ng talagang pagkain nila, pupunta kaya sila palagi para maggawa ng ingay na iyon na masarap pakinggan?

Simula na nga noon, paggising ko sa umaga, nilalagyan ko na sila ng bird seed. Sabi masama daw iyon gawin kase parang nawawalan sila ng sariling sikap na humanap ng kanilang

Kapag inoobserbahan ko sila, naaaliw ako, ang ingay, nagtutukaan, minsan nag-aaway, minsan merong sinusubuan siguro nanay nila iyon. Sa umaga kapag naglalagay na ako ng bird feed, tumatanaw ako sa malayo kase ito daw ang isa sa best exercise sa mga mata. Naisip ko kung hindi ko naumpisahan gawin ito, hindi ko maaalala mag-exercise ng mata.

Authentic nature sound ang alarm clock ko, free amusement pa ang panonood ko sa kanila.

Syempre kapag kumakain sila, magpoo-poopoo din at sa paso na sumasalo nito ay umuusbong na ang mga dahon mula sa mga buto na inilabas naman nila. Nakakatuwa di ba,

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iyong konting binigay ko sa mga bulilit na ibon na ito ang dami nilang binalik sa akin.

Sa napakababaw din na pagpapakain ko sa kanila, ang dami kong napag-muni-muni.

Ang mga ibon na ito, katulad pa ng iba pang hayup ay mas mababa sa mga tao, pero nabubuhay ang mga hayup sa mundo kahit sila-sila lang.

Samantalang ang mga tao, ang pangangailangan sa hayup ay lubos-lubusan. Hindi ko maintindihan kung bakit nagagawa ng tao magmalupit sa isang hayup. Kapag tiningnan natin silang mabuti, makikita natin kung paano sila kapareho natin, marunong magmahal, magalit, malungkot, matakot at sa iba pang hindi mabilang na paraan. Ang kaibahan lang, hindi sila kailanman magmamalupit sa tao.

Bukas ng umaga maririnig ko sila muli, isang morning routine na sobra-sobra ang balik sa akin.

Photo by Marisol Kudo

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Take It Or Leave It!

by Isabelita Manalastas-Watanabe Dear Akira: Maraming hindi clear sa iyong sulat:

Dear Tita Lits, Hello po. Half Japanese po ako. Tatay ko po, Hapon.

Nanay ko, Pilipina. Pero, ang dala ko po ay Philippine passport. Nasa Japan po ako ngayon under a student visa kaya meron lang po akong 2 years stay sa Japan. Over 21 years of age na po ako kaya hindi na raw pwedeng ilagay yung pangalan ko sa family register ng tatay ko.

At nag asawa na po ang tatay ko sa ibang Pilipina.

Gusto ko pong mag-stay sa Japan at dito na manirahan. Ano po ba ang pwede kong gawin? Saan po kaya ako pwedeng kumuha ng tulong sa mga tulad kong half Japanese pero hindi kinikilalang half Japanese?

Sana ay matulungan po ninyo ako.

Akira Nagoya

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1. Ikanasal ba ang nanay mo at ang tatay mong Hapon? Kung legally married sila, dapat nandoon sa kosehi touhon (family register) ang detalye ng kasal nila at ng iyong pagsilang; 2. Kahit hindi sila legally married, kung kinilala ka niya na anak niya, ay may dokumento kang magagamit para i-prove na of Japanese descent ka; 3. Kahit hindi sila ikinasal, kung i-a-adopt ka legally ng tatay mo, ma-so-solve ang problema mo; 4. Kung ayaw ng tatay mo to do anything with you and your mother, tanungin mo si nanay mo kung may proof siya na anak ka ng Hapon. Kapag na-prove mo sa Japanese authorities na of Japanese descent ka, you can be given permanent residence in Japan.

Dito, sigurado ako. But as I said, dapat may prueba.

5. Meantime, maghanap ka muna ng company na mag-ha-hire sa iyo bago matapos ang iyong student visa. Kapag ini-sponsor ang working visa mo, at least may pisi ka pa to stay longer sa Japan after you graduate. Pero ayusin mo ang mga dokumento mo to prove na talagang anak ka ng Hapon. Then apply to be in Japan as permanent resident which you rightfully deserve to get.

Tita Lits

How do we grieve for a loved one who we have lost?

My dear readers: I hope you would not mind me using you as my shock absorbers for the very deep sadness and grief that I have been feeling since the passing away of my father last March 23, 2019. Maybe writing about it, may somehow ease even just a little bit, the indescribable pain I still have in my heart.

During Deng’s wake (that is how my mother and us, siblings, address our father), we received many offerings of prayers, and one small, simple card, sent by one of the high school classmates of my sister, stood out, with its comforting words: “When you lose someone you love, the empty space in your heart feels like it will stay that way forever. But little by little, it becomes a place where you can keep favorite thoughts of happier times tucked away.

“Someday comfort will come and better days will follow. Until then, know that everyone who loves you is sending caring thought and keeping you close in heart.”

dinuguan, chicharon, sisig… I have asked friends how I could properly grieve, if I haven’t done it yet, as it seems that the loneliness and the emptiness persist even after almost 3 months now. Maybe I could not accept that Deng is not anymore there when I go home and visit his kubo, to kiss his hands (magmano). I cannot anymore, bring him his favorite food and take him out to eat in a nice restaurant.

I know that he is not anymore suffering from all those tubes inserted in many parts of his body while he was confined at the ICU of a hospital in my home province in the Philippines. I know that he is now in the company of our Lord in heaven, happy and without pain. I still talk to him after mass, or during my alone moments, asking him to please help me and my other siblings in whatever burdens that we carry.

I am not sure how I would have responded if someone else wrote that I have written above and asked for an advice. Maybe just to pray, and pray, and pray for strength.

Thank you, dear readers. Please offer a little prayer for me after reading this.

Thank you very much.

Tears suddenly fall when I see things that bring memories of Deng – his favorite

Tita Lits

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Lits

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PASAHERO

by Yellowbelle Duaqui

Daniel P. Tanciatco: The Running Engineer

On the wall of the living room of his home in a suburb southeast of Tokyo, Mr. Daniel P. Tanciatco’s medals from various top running marathons in Japan are proudly displayed. Each medal has a story to tell. If you are to get to know the man behind these medals more deeply, you will find out that the life of Daniel Tanciatco, our PasaHERO for this issue, is a reminder that we can always choose to change our life circumstances for the better through persistence, continuous education, and hard work.

Self-made Man The second of nine children, Daniel Tanciatco lost his father at an early age and had to support himself all the way through college doing odd jobs from plumbing to farm work. He graduated with a degree in B.S. Mechanical Engineering from Central Luzon Polytechnic College (presently known as Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology) in Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija in 1986. He reckons how he struggled with his studies since he had to do part-time work on the side. As a student, he had no books, no time for sports even when he wanted to since he must work to survive. He managed to put himself to school by himself and to graduate after six years in college. Soon after graduation, he opened his own refrigeration, airconditioning and metalworks shop in Nueva Ecija. Through this, he was able to help his mother support his other siblings.

While in college, he joined a fraternity, the Alpha Phi

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Becoming a Filipino Migrant Engineer in Japan However, during the 1990s, rampant electrical shortages plagued the Philippines, and this affected Daniel Tanciatco’s refrigeration, airconditioning and metalworks business.

This forced him to close shop and consider Japan for migration. A friend from the Unification Movement helped him find a job with a scaffolding company in Kanagawa, where he got his first job in Japan as a cleaner (a “gemba”), where he stayed on for a year and a half. After this, he worked as a driver for a door-to-door baggage delivery company in

Omega. He also joined the Philippine Collegiate Association for Research of the Principle (PCARP), an umbrella organization of the Unification Movement, a non-sectarian religious organization founded in Korea with membership extending to Japan and the United States. Under PCARP, Daniel Tanciatco volunteered as a student missionary focusing on teaching leadership to the youth. At that time, little did he know that this organization will lead him to migrating permanently in Japan.

In 1995, this religious organization sent him to Seoul, Korea for an international marriage ceremony, where he got matched to a Japanese lady whom he had seen only from a photograph provided by the organization, together with some personal details. Around 30,000 couples had been wedded on that day. That day, he met the Japanese lady who would become his wife and mother to his children, all boys,

who are currently doing university studies in Tsukuba University and in Hokkaido, respectively. It was in 1996 when they officially started married life when his Japanese wife migrated to the Philippines. It was in Nueva Ecija, where his eldest son Takuro, was born.

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Japan. A bit perturbed that his professional skills and credentials as an Engineer were seemingly ignored during his application to his initial jobs in Japan, Daniel Tanciatco continued to look for work.

Finally, he landed a job as a Service Engineer at the United States Embassy in Tokyo through the Pacific Architects Engineering (PAE), the agency that provided Engineering services to

the embassy which considered his qualifications as a Mechanical Engineer. This started his professional upgrade in the career ladder in Tokyo. A year after, he was promoted as Team Leader, then he went on to win awards as Employee of the Month, Employee of the Quarter, and Employee of the Year. In 2006, PAE transferred him to Northwest Airlines, where he became the Site Manager for the next six years.

Determined to broaden his skill set, he enrolled for online correspondence schooling in order to earn certifications as Heating, Ventilation and Airconditioning Technician, Boiler Technician and Pool and Aquatic Technician. This gave him economic stability and enabled him to help his siblings and some relatives in the Philippines.

In 2011, Delta Airlines took over Northwest Airlines. Due to his exemplary track record, Delta Airlines kept Daniel Tanciatco on his post, where he continued to perform as its Site Manager for facilities maintenance until 2017. From 2017, following the purchase of Delta’s hotel by a Chinese company, Daniel Tanciatco became part of the Engineering force of Radisson Hotel and Resorts in Tomisato City in Chiba Prefecture.

Multi-awarded Runner If Daniel Tanciatco’s career as a Filipino engineer in Japan is of any indication, nothing can stop this man from improving himself. Even what appears to be a misfortune to some, can be turned into an asset, as far as this self-made man is concerned.

In 2009, doing office work (a desk job) led him to develop a problem with scoliosis. At first, he tried to undergo rehabilitation with a chiropractor. But after a few months, Daniel Tanciatco felt it was not going anywhere and he felt that sports might be able to help

him. In 2010, he joined the Peace Riders Running Club International, where in the beginning he was only doing jogging and he could not even finish a 5K run. Despite this, he persisted and continued to challenge himself to do even better. By 2012, he started joining 10K marathons, which he all finished successfully. He also joined a running marathon sponsored by Northwest Airlines in Tomisato City.

Several months after running 10K marathons, his back pain was gone and his scoliosis cured.

For the first time, he joined a half-marathon (21K) last 2015 in Yokohama, where he finished but it was overtime. In 2016, he finally completed a 21K marathon on time at the Kawasaki International Marathon. During the 2017 Tokyo Marathon, he ran a full marathon (42K) on time for the first time. Also in 2017, he joined a Spartan Sprint Obstacle Race, where he successfully ran 5K and

hurdled 22 obstacles. Last 2018, he came full circle as he returned to Yokohama Marathon to run a 42K, this time accomplishing a successful finish on time. This same year, he also joined the 13th Shonan International Marathon, where he finished the 42K run on time. Also in 2018, he joined another 42K marathon during the Run Saitama 2018 -4th Saitama International Marathon, where he finished on time. This earned him a back-to-back victory, since he also finished well during the 3rd Saitama International Marathon in 2017. In 2018, he also ran for the Shibamata 60K Ultra Marathon, where he finished on time.

Never resting on his laurels, Daniel Tanciatco vows 2019 to be a phenomenal year as he prepares to gear up for his entry to the Shibamata 60K Tokyo Saitama Ibaraki Marathon this May 2019, aiming to become a Trifecta Finisher (winning three ultra marathons). He is also currently

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training for triathlons, where he will be running, cycling and swimming.

Seeing the health benefits of running, Daniel Tanciatco thought of a way to share this to fellow Filipino migrants in Japan. In October 2018, he enrolled as a Running Coach in an online course with the United Endurance Sports Coaching Academy (UESCA), in order the learn about running as a profession. Last December 2018, he received his official certification as a Running Coach by passing the UESCA certification exam.

Whether in his career or in sports, Daniel Tanciatco is a trophy of the human spirit to defy adversity. To his fellow migrants, his advice to attain success in Japan is to improve one’s Japanese language ability, to keep on educating one’s self, to develop a solid knowledge of one’s work, to build one’s capability through hard work, and most importantly, to relate well to others by respecting the elders.

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BY ALMA REYES

Azalea blooms of Nezu Shrine

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Remember the date..

NOVEMBER 16, 2019

NOVEMBER 16, 2019

June 30 – Fukuoka July 7 – Iwate July 13 –TYO1 Sep 15 – Kanagawa Sep 22 – Shizuoka Oct 6 – Kyoto

Nagoya (to be announced) TYO2 (to be announced)