PAHAYAGANG PINOY SA JAPAN
ジープニー プレス Celebrating The Journeys Of Filipinos In Japan 在日フィリピン人 向けマガジン
January - February 2017
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
JEEPNEY PRESS welcomes articles of interest on Filipinos in Japan. Please email any photos, drawings, and other materials that you would like to accompany the article. Submissions can also be sent by postmail. Photos, drawings and other materials will not be returned unless sent with a self-addressed, stamped envelope. Deadline is one month before publication. We reserve the right to edit or omit any submissions. Disclaimer: Jeepney Press is not responsible for the transactions between its advertisers and their clients. Publisher does not endorse or make any representation or warranty, express or implied, with respect to any of the products or services advertised herein. We recommend that you independently evaluate all products/services before purchasing. Jeepney Press is not accountable for any claims on the articles in this magazine. They are purely the writer's idea and opinion. The views expressed herein are not necessarily representative of those of the publishers'. Public and private parties approached by those claiming to work for or on behalf of Jeepney Press should call our office to confirm truth of any such claim, especially where money may be involved. Jeepney Press is published online bimonthly by Asia Vox Ltd. All rights reserved. Copyright 2017
JEEPNEY PRESS Asia Vox Ltd.
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publisher ASIA VOX LTD. IRENE SUN-KANEKO editorial & creative director DENNIS SUN editorial staff
ROGER AGUSTIN Tokyo MIRIAM SUN-ARENAS, MD Philippines RENALIZA CHAVEZ Tokyo GLEN GYPSY Tokyo FARAH TROFEO-ISHIZAWA Tokyo MICHELLE G. ONG Osaka JEFF PLANTILLA Nara ABIE PRINCIPE Nagoya MARK QUIJANO Kyushu MARILYN RIVERA Philippines NERIZA SAITO Osaka ELENA SAKAI Tokyo KAREN SANCHEZ Kanagawa ANITA SASAKI Tokyo WARREN SUN Tokyo WAYNE SUN Philippines SALLY CRISTOBAL-TAKASHIMA Osaka ALMA REYES Tokyo JASMIN VASQUEZ Nagano LITA MANALASTAS-WATANABE Tokyo
creative staff
ARLENE ESPERIDA Tokyo JERRY SUN-ARENAS Philippines VAL AMOR C. PALO Tokyo JOSE MIGUEL PARUNGAO Philippines CHINO MANDING CADDARAO Tokyo NICK SANTIAGO Tokyo DANNY DUNGO Tokyo MARISOL KUDO Oita
PAHAYAGANG PINOY SA JAPAN
在日フィリピン人 向けマガジン
ジープニー プレス
January - February 2017
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Januarys And New Beginnings Text by Dennis Sun Photos by Nick Santiago KAPATIRAN: Trabaho Lang by Loleng Ramos
Advice Ni Tita Lits by Isabelita Manalastas-Watanabe Isang Araw Sa Ating Buhay by Jeff Plantilla
Kwento ni Nanay ni Anita Sasaki
SHOGANAI by Abie Principe
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SIGNPOST By Karen Sanchez
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On The Road... by Neriza Saito Carol Inagaki: Penetrating The Power by Dennis Sun
26 The cover photo this issue was illustrated and designed by Dennis Sun. The theme is a fusion of a Japanese daruma doll and the Philippine flags’s golden sun with decorative illustration of the rooster for the year 2017.
28 36 32 38 40 34 Musings of a Gardener: Art In The Garden by Rogelio Agustin
KIZUNA Dr. Mel Kasuya
Filcom Sports Fest by Irene Sun-Kaneko
New Year's Resolutions
2017 WiSHES by Jackie Murphy
Moving On by Jasmin Vasquez
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by Dennis Sun Photo by: Nick Santiago JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2017
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by DENNIS
SUN mag-reduce. Ang hirap din mag-diet. Ilang taon na nga akong member sa gym pero wala pa rin pagbabago. Nasasayang lang yata ang binabayad ko. Ikain ko na lang kaya at masasarapan pa ako.
Inside the airplane from Bangkok to Taipei
30,000 feet across the sky, the flight attendant asked me, “Would you like to have fish rai or paku rai?” I was startled. Was she talking to me in English, Thai or Chinese? So I reacted, “Huh?” Thinking I don’t understand English, she said it again but this time in either Chinese or Thai. Since I didn’t understand either language, I asked her to say it in English, “English, please.” She annoyingly said it again, “Fish rai or paku rai?” I know most Thais cannot speak the “S” sound so “rai” could mean rice. Then, it should be fish rice. Since I am not a fish person, I wanted to know the other one. “What’s the other one aside from the fish?” I asked. She said it slowly, “Paaku Rai!” I haven’t heard that kind of food in my entire life. So I replied in confusion, “Paaku rai? What is it?” She was losing her temper thinking everyone should know it. Besides, she still needs to feed other hungry passengers in the plane so she said hastily, “Paaku as in pig meat!”
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Ahh! Ganoon? So, it’s pork then with a different accent. I have never felt so moronic in my life. Every New Year, I go out of Japan mainly to escape the intolerable freeze. I don’t want to be the next snowman. Super lamig ng paa at kamay ko. Grabe ang lamig kaya doon na ako sa mainit. I usually celebrate Christmas and New Year outside of Japan. Kasi wala naman talagang Christmas sa Japan as it’s not a Christian country. It’s an ordinary working day here. And New Year is such a boring holiday in Japan. But it’s actually the safest country to be during New Year’s day kasi walang putukan. Kung gusto mo ng masaya pero maingay at medyo mapanganib, uwi ka sa Pinas at magsunog kayo ng lusis, labentador, trianggulo, plapla, roman candle at trompillo. Swerte mo kung maaga kang napunta sa ER ng ospital at may natira pang isang daliri mo! Iyan ang Happy New Year mo! Imagine mo, 2017 na! Tatanda na naman tayo. Dumadami na ang puting buhok. Lumalapad na ang katawan. Ang hirap
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Wish ko sa inyo for the new year? Siempre, I wish everyone the best of health. Grabe ang stress sa Japan lalo na sa mga may trabaho. Take advantage of the many relaxing onsen in Japan. Magbabad kayo! Maganda na sa katawan, maganda rin sa kalusugan at siempre, sa kutis. And my second and last wish for everyone… mag-aral kayo ng Nihonggo. Dito tayo nakatira kaya dapat matuto tayong magsalita ng tamang Hapon. Magsulat at magbasa. Ilan taon na ba kayo sa Japan? No-read and no-write pa rin ba? Mag-invest kayo sa pag-aaral ng Japanese. Kung wala talagang oras, kahit once a week. Ang maliit na malasakit, malayo rin ang kahihinatnan. Mahal ang mag-aral sa mga Japanese language school, pero meron naman libreng kurso na binibigay ng gobyerno. Just google! Balik tayo kay flight attendant. I hope that she would study more English as that is her line of work. Kailangan niyang pag-aralan ang tamang accent at i-neutralize niya kung ano man ang meron niyang strange accent. As for my lunch, “Paaku rai, puhleaze!”
Photo by Nick Santiago JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2017
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Singer This year, I want to be more honest to myself and I want to be able to say, “Stop!” I have given thought of people’s feelings before mine! Enough is enough. I’ve learned that being nice is not always nice!
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white dreams by Alma Reyes
a long wait footprints in the snow hide under leaves of glitter from dawn to dusk of crescent fever soon they cloud, these lush emotions and the heap of years abound the uncertainties surround fate without control cold rays peek through the white numb on a slender stride caught by a silver rainbow in the chill of yearn though each year the road misleads each fall from here, the light alone breaks forth for the night is fair; time is tender it awaits‌the morn is here‌
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Trabaho lang! Ang lamig!!! Sarap matulog! Di yata ako papasok ngayon, sick leave? Tatamad-tamad bawal yan! Pero pag may dinaramdam, ok lang, dapat pinapakinggan ang katawan kasi, ito mismo ang nagsasabi kung ano ang kailangan natin. Pahinga ba? Tulog ba? Break? Bakasyon? Dapat lang, kung nagtrabaho kang mabuti! Kung hindi naman, ay naku, trabaho ka pa, bawi!
Militia est vita hominis super terram et sicut dies mercenarii dies eius. Hi
kapatid! Naintindihan mo yon? Ako din hindi, Latin ba naman. Pero nalaman ko na din ang ibig sabihin, “Man's life on earth is a warfare, and his days are spent under the burden of work.� Ang buhay daw ng tao ay isang pakikipaglaban, ang bawat araw ay ginugugol sa bigat ng trabaho. Ganito nga ba ang buhay? Kayod!!!! Hindi nga ba sabi din, “He who does not work, neither shall he eat.� Kung hindi ka daw magta-trabaho, hindi ka din kakain! Gutom!
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Totoo di ba? Pero may mas malalim na kahulugan. Hindi lang para kumain ang dahilan ng pagta-trabaho ng isang tao, para kumita ng pera pambayad sa utang (bakit ang dami?), kuryente, tubig, renta, matrikula, sustento, luho. Pwede bang makuha ang gusto natin ng walang trabaho? Kung swerte mo na manalo sa lotto o makamana ka sa hindi mo kakilalang lolo sana pero kapag pinilit mo ang hindi para sa iyo, nanghunghang ka ng kapwa, nagnakaw, nandaya, pangit naman yon saka gusto mo bang wasak na pangarap ang kasama mo sa loob ng preso? Trabaho na lang! Ito din ang dahilan bakit ganito tayo nilalang na kakambal ang trabaho. Sa pamamagitan ng ating mga gawain sa buhay, maipupundar natin ang ating kinabukasan. Hindi lamang ito ang paraan ng pagtupad ng mga pangarap natin sa ating sarili at pamilya, dito rin tayo nagkakaroon ng pagkakataon na makihalubilo sa iba-ibang tao, magkaroon ng pagkakataon na sumilip o lumabas sa maraming bintana at pinto na dala nito. Nasa sa atin kung paano natin hahawakan ang ating mga ginagawa. Baka sabihin mo eh wala ka naman trabaho, sa bahay ka lang, iyong mga ginagawa mo sa bahay, di ba trabaho pa din
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iyon? Kung gusto mo ng mas masarap na pagkain at wala ka naman budget, ikaw na mismo ang magluluto at mamimili ng mga sangkap na kaya mong bilhin. Kung isa kang estudyante, ang trabaho mo ay ang pag-aaral ng mabuti, kung isa kang mananayaw, mas malimit kang mag-ensayo at magbigay ng oras sa talino mo, mas huhusay ka. Hindi lang dito natatapos ang lahat, sa bawat tao at pangyayari na nakaka-enkwentro natin, may mabuti bang nangyari dahil sa maayos mong paghawak at pag-gawa ng trabaho mo? Presidente ka man ng isang kumpanya, wala itong diperensya sa isang janitor, trabaho lang! At kung paano mo ito hawakan ang siyang magbibigay ng direksyon sa buhay...at kamatayan. May naka-sabit bang Last Supper na painting sa kumedor o dining area ninyo? Ang pintor nito na si Da Vinci, nang malapit na siyang mamatay, pinagsisihan niya ang hindi niya pagbigay ng lubos na panahon sa kanyang sukdulang galing sa pagpinta, marami ang hindi natapos. Si Aling Areng naman, na ginugol ang buhay sa paglalaba habang naninigarilyo ng nakabaliktad na sigarilyong alhambra ay namayapa ng may ngiti sa bibig, napag-aral niya ang siyam niyang anak mag-isa, naging kaibigan niya ang lahat ng pinaglabhan niya. Trabaho lang!
Photo by Marisol Kudo
Philippine Festival Chairman Ngayong taon, balak kong maging winner palagi. Kaya kailangan kumain lagi ako ng healthy food...more vegetables. Kapag healthy ang feeling, winner lagi ang dating!
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Take It Or Leave It! by Isabelita Manalastas-Watanabe
Dear Tita Lits, Thank you always for your wonderful advices. Since you work in the financial field, I want your advice regarding money. I want to know whether it's better to have multiple bank accounts at different banks rather than putting all my savings in one bank. Would that be safer, and better with interest? Would you advice to have separate Dear Rose:
Bank A’s main branch in Manila, for example, and Each bank has its own another at its branch in your requirements to open a bank province, your maximum account, and also its own insurance coverage is only policies on how much interest PHP500,000. rate to offer for its various bank products like savings Re separate US$ and Yen accounts, checking/current Account. It is again up to you accounts, time deposits, etc. to open a US$ A/C and a Yen It is completely up to you if A/C. If you are in Japan, you would like to open please understand that when accounts with different banks. you open a US$ A/C using Yen, then your bank will The advantage of having convert your Yen into US$ accounts with different banks guided by the existing is, you will be covered by the JPY/USD rate. If you use US$ Philippine Deposit Insurance notes to open a US$ A/C, Corporation (PDIC) for max of there will be charges to be PHP500,000 deposit levied by your Japanese bank. insurance for each of the It means, if you deposit banks where you maintain US$500 cash, what will be accounts, in case any of your credited will not necessarily banks fail. In other words, if be US$500 (Bank will first you have a bank account with convert your US$ into Yen and Bank A, another with Bank B, then again convert the Yen another with Bank C, for into US$) – it will be less than example, your accounts at US$500. Bank A will be insured for maximum of PHP 500,000. You have the option to open Same for your accounts at your US$ and JPY A/Cs in the Bank B, and also at Bank C. Philippines. Although Philippine banks will normally Note however, that the have US$ A/Cs, not all have deposit insurance is per Yen A/Cs. For those who offer depositor. Meaning, even if Yen A/Cs, there is a minimum you have different accounts required amount of Yen to with Bank A – one savings open the A/C (JPY 50,000, or account, one current account, depending on the bank). You one time deposit account – will also be required to sign a your maximum coverage is waiver wherein when the only for PHP500,000. Please bank does not have available also remember that this is per Yen notes, then the bank may depositor, per bank. It means, pay you in other currencies if you have an account with other than Yen (like US$).
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dollar account and yen account? Also, would you advice that I create another peso account in the Philippines? Would you please advice also that I get multiple credit cards or just one? Yun lang po and have a Happy New Year! Salamat po! Rose Sendai
As to opening of a Peso A/C in the Philippines – why not? When you go home, your peso A/C will come handy. For convenience, maybe an ATM savings A/C will be better than a passbook account, as you can withdraw your funds from an ATM machine even beyond banking hours, even on Saturdays, Sundays and Philippine holidays. You do not have to go personally inside the bank, as you will have to do, if you only have a passbook account. On the other hand, the advantage of a passbook A/C is, you will be able to have written record of all debits and credits to your account as these are printed in your bankbook, including interest earned, if any.
accounts – you may not be able to monitor all of them very closely.
As to multiple credit cards, max of two should be enough. Choose the ones that are most widely used. In Japan, for example, JCB credit card is widely recognized and accepted, but not in some foreign countries. While AMEX, on the other hand, is both widely recognized and accepted in Japan and overseas, I have had the experience (in Hong Kong), wherein the store where I was doing purchases with my AMEX card asked if I have another card. This is probably because AMEX charges higher fees to the stores that accept AMEX cards, as Do not also forget that in the compared to other cards like Philippines, banks normally VISA. Other widely used and require maintaining balances widely recognized cards are for various accounts you MasterCard and Diners. If you open. Whenever your account would like to have more falls below the maintaining number of credit cards, just balance, there is some kind of be prepared to pay the penalty (charge) which your annual membership dues for bank will deduct from your each of the cards you choose. account. Also, if there is no It is also not easy to monitor movement in your account your credit card bills if you use for a period of two (2) years, many credit cards. meaning no deposit or withdrawal is made, your I hope I have sufficiently account may become answered all your dormant, and again, some questions/concerns. charges/penalty will be levied by your bank, and deducted Tita Lits from the balance of your account. This is one disadvantage of maintaining many
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Glen Gypsy I have experienced pain. I have learned from its lessons. I have learned when to stop and when to start again. It could be difficult. But it could also be easy. It could be tough. But you could always learn to enjoy!
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ni Jeff Plantilla Paminsanminsan ay may biyaheng hindi lang isang trabaho kundi isang masayang paglalakbay. Sino ang hindi mae-enganyo sa pagpunta sa isang bansang di karaniwang pinupuntahan Shangrila? Sa TED Talk sa Vancouver nitong Pebrero 2016, sinabi ni Tsering Tobgay na ang Bhutan ay hindi Shangrila. Hindi ito isang bansang puno ng mga monasteryo at mga masasayang Buddhist monks. Ito ay isang bansang paunlad pa lamang, sabi niya, nguni’t maayos naman ang kalagayan ng mga tao. Si Tobgay ay ang Prime Minister ng Bhutan, isang bansang napapagitnaan ng dalawang napakalaking bansa – China at India. Hindi pa man yata nakaka-isang milyon ang dami ng mga Bhutanese. At ang gross domestic product nito ay maliit lang. Nguni’t ang pag-aaral, pagpapagamot, mga serbisyo sa pamahalaan at iba pang mahahalagang bagay ay libre sa Bhutan. Hindi nakaranas ang mga Bhutanese ng
paghihirap dahil hindi umabot sa Bhutan ang World War II. Hindi rin ito tahasang naging colony bagama’t ito ay nasa impluwensiya ng mga British. Sa kaharian ng Bhutan, ang hari ay dapat magretire kapag 65 anyos na. Kung sakaling gusto ng tao, puwedeng ma-impeach ang hari. Ito ay nasa kanilang Constitution. Kakaiba ang uri ng kahariang ito, moderno kumpara sa ibang bansang may kaharian tulad ng Japan. Sabi ni Prime Minister Tobgay, hindi hiningi o ipinaglaban ng
mga Bhutanese ang demokrasya, ito ay pilit na ibinigay ng hari nila sa pamamagitan ng Constitution. Paaralan Sa kalsada sa bundok papuntang airport, may dinaanan kaming isang tindahan ng mga prutas at gulay. Bumili ako ng isang supot ng oranges sa isang babae. Sa kabila ng tindahan, dalawang batang lalaking wala pang sampung taon ang gulang ang nagtitinda. Tinanong kung magkano ang isang supot ng mansanas, at kung may sukli sila sa aking pera. Lahat ng mga tanong ko ay Ingles. At ang mga bata ay
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sumagot din sa Ingles nang walang problema. Napahanga ako dahil hindi sila nahiyang makipag-usap sa Ingles. Ganito kaya sa marami pang batang Bhutanese? Tulad ng Pilipinas, malalayo ang mga tirahan ng mga tao sa mga paaralan. Tulad sa Pilipinas, bundok ang lalakarin para makapag-aral. Nalaman ko na sa Bhutan, may solusyon sila sa ganyang problema. Mayroon silang boarding schools. Yung mga estudyanteng malalayo ang bahay ay makakatu-
loy sa dormitory ng school, doon sila matutulog at kakain. Maaaring lingguhan o minsan isang buwan ang uwi. Maganda ang ganitong sistema para sa mga mahihirap na pamilya. Ligtas ang mga bata dahil hindi na sila aakyat ng bundok o tatawid ng ilog. May pagkain din silang makakain sa dormitory, at may lugar para makapag-aral nang maayos. Sa ating problema sa paaralan sa Pilipinas, mabuting magkaroon ng boarding school system para masiguradong makakapag-aral nang maayos ang mga bata. Hindi
ito bago sa karanasan ng ilang lugar na may katutubong Pilipino. Nabibigyan ng pag-aaral ang mga batang katutubo ng mga paaralang pinalalakad ng simbahan dahil sa boarding school system. Nag-aambag ang mga magulang sa pagkain ng mga bata. Kung ito ay nagagawa sa ganitong mga lugar, dapat ay sikaping magawa din ito ng pamahalaan sa mga batang nasa liblib na lugar at mula sa mahihirap na pamilya.
kukunan nila ng kuryente. At kaya pa nilang mag-export ng kuryente sa India. May plano silang magtayo pa ng maraming hydroelectric plants at mag-export pa ng maraming kuryente
Malamang na magastos ang boarding school system, nguni’t ang kinabukasan ng mga batang mahihirap ang nakataya. Dapat silang mabigyan ng tamang tulong.
Ang mga Bhutanese na nakilala ko ay tulad din ng sinumang tao sa mga siyudad saan mang bansa. Smartphone, Line, Facebook, mataas na pinag-aralan, professionals, at kotse sa iba ay mga karaniwang bagay. Popular ang K-Pop at Korean telenovelas sa Bhutan, kahit bata natututong magsalita ng Hangul dahil dito. Ang mga kabataang Bhutanese ay hindi naiiba sa ibang kabataan sa ibang bansa – naka-jeans, namamasyal ang barkadahan, at naglalaro ng basketball o football.
Dito sa Japan, nagsasara ang mga elementary schools dahil kulang na ang bata. Sa atin, hindi makapagbukas ng elementary schools kahit marami ang batang nangangailangang makapag-aral. Internet sa Bundok Isa pang magandang bagay na natutunan ko sa Bhutan ay ang pagkakaroon ng kuryente sa maraming bahagi ng bansa. Puro hydro-electric plants ang pinag-
Sa hotel na aking tinitirhan, maayos ang internet. Malakas ang signal ng wifi, at hindi humihina. Hindi ito five-star hotel, nguni’t talo nito ang wifi signal sa isang business hotel na aking tinuluyan sa Ortigas Center.
Ilang katangian Ngun’t sinisikap ng pamahalaan ng Bhutan na hindi mawala ang kanilang sariling kultura. Ang mga
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bahay at buildings ay kailangang may traditional Bhutanese design (kaya magandang tingnan) at hindi dapat lumampas sa 6 floors. Ang mga tao ay dapat nakabihis ng traditional dress (goh sa lalaki, at kira sa babae) kapag magtatrabaho o pupunta sa pamahalaan at ibang upisina. Kinokontrol din ang dami ng turista. Bawal daw ang backpackers. Dalawang airlines lang, parehong Bhutanese airlines, ang nakakapasok sa Bhutan, at maliban sa Indians at Bangladeshi, visa ay kailangan ng lahat. Sa kalsada sa bundok, maraming poetic signs para sa mga motorista. Ito ang ilan: • If you are married, divorce speed; • Speed thrills but often kills; • Drink and drive, dangerous cocktail; • Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished. Sa isip ko, hindi lang ito mga mensahe para sa motorista kundi sumasalamin sa pag-iisip ng mga namamahala sa Bhutan. Gusto nilang umunlad tulad sa ibang bansa. Nguni’t ayaw nilang malasing at magmadali sa pag-unlad dahil ito ay “dangerous cocktail.”
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KWENTO KWENTO NI NI NANAY NANAY by Anita Sasaki
EVERY GISING A BLESSING... Happy New Year to all!!!
I hope you had a wonderful Christmas. It’s hard to believe it has already come and gone. It’s around this time that so many people start looking ahead to 2017 and wondering what the future holds. Tuwing simula nang bagong taon ay maraming tao ang may kani-kaniyang "New Year resolutions." ... starting an exercise routine…getting out of debt…losing some weight…strengthening relationships. These are all well and good, ok po lahat ang mga ito... But there’s another resolution I encourage you to put at the very top of your list today: Resolve that in the coming months you will develop a more intimate personal relationship with the Lord! Ang magkaroon ng maganda o personal na relasyon sa ating PANGINOON. Kahit ano mang panahon sa ating buhay ang dumaan. Ang gusto nang Diyos ay magkaroon tayo nang matatag na spiritual foundation para kaya natin ang tumayo at di basta mabuwal sa kahit na ano mang bagyo ang dumating sa ating buhay. Hindi natin kailangan hintayin ang madilim na ulap
na dala nang bagyo bago tayo gumawa nang matibay na relasyon sa ating Diyos. Ang hamon sa atin nang Diyos :
“Forget the past. Forget the failures. Forget the mistakes." Kalimutan na natin ang mga nakaraan, ang ating mga kabiguan at mga pagkakamali. Lumapit lamang tayo sa Kanya bibigyan Niya tayo nang bagong simula at tutulungan Niya tayong magtagumpay patungo sa kasaganahan. Ibig bang sabihin na nangangako ang Diyos na magiging madali ang ating bagong simula? Hindi po! Ang mga bagyo ay patuloy pa rin na darating sa ating buhay... sa ating pamilya... sa ating bansa at sa buong mundo. Subalit maitatayo o maitatatag natin ang matibay na pondasyon nang ating pagmamahal at pagiging tapat kay Kristo. Kaya kahit na ano mang bagyo ang dumating, hindi tayo mabubuwal bagkus tayo ay matibay na nakatayo nang dahil sa ating kaalaman, na tayo ay nakasiguro at protektado sa pagmamahal nang ating Diyos. Ito ang salita nang Diyos sa atin para sa taong 2017. Tinatawag Niya tayo upang bumangon dahil tapos na ang panahon nang tag-lamig o "winter season" at parating na tayo sa panahon nang... "springtime"of new beginnings… new life… and joyous singing!
Photography: Nick Santiago 20
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By Abie Principe
Musika mula sa Nakaraan
Maraming music lovers na Pilipino. Sigurado akong walang kokontra unang linya ng article na ito. Maraming magaling kumanta, sumayaw at mag-perform na mga kababayan natin. Minsan nga, naiinggit ako sa mga may kakayahan sa musika, dahil sa totoo lang po dear readers, wala akong musical capability.
Panginoon.
Nakakatuwang alaala. Lumakad ang panahon, at mula plaka, naging cassette tape, at CD. Ngayon, karamihan ay digital na, o downloaded. Kaya nang ilagay ay mahigit 500 kanta sa napakaliit na player. Ngunit parang iba pa rin ang tunog ng plaka. Marami rin pala ang ganito mag-isip, at kamakailan lamang, nag-uuso na naman ang mag-kolekta at mag patugtog ng plaka. Ang mga taong mahilig sa plaka ngayon ay tinatawag na “vinyl enthusiasts.” At para sa mga vinyl enthusiasts, ang tawag sa record player at speakers na naka-set-up para magpatutog ng plaka, ay “set-up.” Maririnig silang nag-uusap tungkol sa kani-kanilang mga “set-up.” At nakakatuwang isiping may revival ang pakikinig sa plaka. Talagang ang mundo ay bilog, dahil kahit ang mga bagong musicians tulad nila John Meyer at Lady Gaga, mayroong na ring vinyl records.
Natutulog po ako nang nag sabog ng musical talent ang Nasubukan ninyo na bang balikan ang musika mula sa inyong nakaraan?
Kaya hanggang sa pakikinig na lang ako. Ang hilig ko sa music, medyo kakaiba, noon pa man, mahilig ako sa British music, lalo na mga new wave. Natuwa rin ako sa mga alternative rock bands. Pero ang hindi ko talaga makalimutan ay yung mga plakang pinapatugtog ng tatay ko noong bata pa ako. Nandyan sina Frank Sinatra, Connie Francis, The Beatles, Elvis Presley at iba pa. Nagkaroon pa yata kami noon ng plaka ni Victor Wood, at Pilita Corales. Natatandaan ko na magpapatugtog ang tatay ko, tapos sasayaw kami, kasama ate ko, at nanay ko. The family that dances together, stays together! Lumaki ako sa mga kanta ni Elvis Presley, at ang idea ko na isang gwapong lalaki ay kamukha ni Elvis.
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By Karen Sanchez
Lahat May Rason "To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven, A time to be born and a time to die, A time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted, A time to kill, and a time to heal, A time to breakdown, and a time to build up, A time to weep and a time to laugh, A time to mourn, and a time to dance, A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together, A time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing A time to get and time to lose, A time to keep and a time to cast away, A time to rend and a time to sew, A time to keep silence and a time to speak, A time to love, and a time to hate, A time of war and a time of peace. (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8) Happy New Year Everyone! Akemashite Omedetou Gozaimasu! Maligayang Bagong Taon mga Kababayan! Bago na naman ang taon, bagong umaga, bagong pagasa, bagong pakikibaka na naman. Pero bago po ang lahat, kamusta po ang inyong pasko at ang bagong taon? Naging abala na naman po tayong lahat! Pero napansin ko
lang po mukhang kakaiba ata ang okasyon ngayon. Ito po ay batay sa aking pagmamasid sa kapaligiran kung saan nandirito po ako sa maliit na bayan sa kanlurang parte sa Bisaya. Mapapansing kakaiba ang pasko ngayon. Maaring dala na rin ng naging resulta ng nagdaan at nakaupong mga politisyan sa ngayon. Marami ang di na dinadamdam at pinaghahandaan ang pasko at ang kanilang noche buena dahil mas gusto nilang magtipid para sa pag-aaral ng kanilang mga anak. Sa pagpasok ng Enero bayaran daw ng matrikula sa kolehiyo at sa ganitong pagkakataon, di ko na maiwasang maikumpara ang buhay diyan sa Japan at maswerte o mapalad kayong nandiyan dahil mas nadarama ninyo ang mas komportable o maginhawang pamumuhay mayroon ang Japan.
pinaaalahanan na huwag sumuko o tumigil sa hamon ng buhay. Magmatyag, magsaliksik o magmuni-muni. Bigyan ng sarili ng pagkakataong mapag-isa at nang makapagisip para sa nais mangyari sa inyong buhay Dito sa mundo ay walang "forever", lahat tayo ay mamamatay. Lahat tayo ay may maiiwanan. Una-unahan lang yan! Kaya dapat nating pahalagahan ang mga bagay mayroon tayo sa ngayon. Dapat nating lasapin ang regalo o pamaskong handog ng Diyos sa atin.
At sa pagpapalit-palit man ng mga okasyon, kaganapan, taon o panahon sa mundong ito, mananatiling mangyayari ang dapat mangyari sa kahit kanino o kahit sino, nasaan ka man, hindi natin ito maiiwasan dahil lahat tayo ay may kanyaNgunit anuman daw ang mga kanyang tadhana o laban na pangyayari, kung saan madalas dapat nating harapin nating sabihin na nagkataon lamang lahat ng ito ay may Hanggang sa muli, sa paulit-ulit rason, may dahilan o naming pagbabahagi ng aking kinakailangang mangyari sa munting kakayahan. Marami atin maging positibo o pong salamat sa isa na naman negatibo man ang mga ito, taon ating nalagpasan ang lingid sa ating kaalaman, ang mga pagsubok at mga bagay Panginoong Diyos lamang ang na nakapagpaligaya sa atin sa tanging nakakaalam kung nagdaang taon. bakit nangyari ang mga ito. Good luck po sa ating lahat! Ayon dito sa bersekulo sa Pagpalain po nawa tayong Bibliya, lahat ay may karampa- muli! tang rason. Dito muli tayong
Photo: Marisol Kudo
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Entrepreneur Hilig ko talaga ang kumain ng yummy food. Pero nang na diagnose ako as diabetic, kailangan i-control ko ang food intake. This year, sisikapin kong bawasan ang timbang ng katawan ko. This year, good-bye to Leche Flan. Paalam sa ube. Sayonara sa Maja Blanca. Farewell Ginataan at Halo-halo! Aray ko po!
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Neriza Sarmiento - Saito's
On the Road to: "COMING OF AGE DAY ! " With Philippine Studies Students of Osaka University in Minoo
TIK-TI-LAOK !!! The mighty crowing of the Philippine TANDANG (rooster) was enough to waken me up from a deep slumber on weekends in my hometown in Bulacan, exhausted from university studies and the bustle and rustle of city life. But it was a sound that did not annoy me at all. I lay in bed listening to the sound of the hissing of the geese and the clacking of the turkey and then as the first ray of sunshine kisses the trees, the sound of the pandesal vendor's horn can be heard from a distance. The rooster is the first animal that wakes me up to
appreciate another beautiful day. 2017 is the year of the 10th animal in the Chinese zodiac, the rooster. This is the year of those born in 1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005 and 2017. In my long years of living in Japan, I have probably overcome the loneliness of spending Christmas and New Year without the usual trimmings and funfare and the Noche Buena with my family. With the passage of time, I have learned to appreciate how the Japanese give values to simple things in nature. The first sunrise of the year, the first snow of the year, and even the first dream of the year. It is said that of all countries in the world, the sun rises first in Japan. That is why it is called the Land of the Rising Sun. Many Japanese climb Mt. Fuji on New Year's Day for the best view of the New Year Sunrise! "Coming-of-Age Day" is also celebrated in January, and this year, it is on January 9 which
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is also the Feast of the Black Nazarene in Quiapo. In Japan, 20 year-olds gather in a formal ceremony after which, they celebrate by having their first alcoholic drink. So, I thought of featuring these 20 year-old students of Osaka University's Minoo Campus who are majors of Philippine Studies of the Research Institute for World Languages. They are : Akira Osaki (Hiroshima) Aoi Ueshiba (Osaka) Kenichiro Kurusu (Kagoshima) Daiki Horii (Toyonaka) Erina Tsuda (Kyoto) Hideaki Murata (Nara) Misaki Kitano (Wakayama) Rika Okabe (Osaka) Sakiko Doi (Toyonaka) Shun Ikemoto (Nara) Yu Matsumura (Kyoto) Yuriko Sakamoto (Aichi) Yusuke Nakagawa (Osaka)
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Some of them were in Tokyo recently during the visit of President Rodrigo Duterte on Oct. 25. They traveled from Osaka to Tokyo eager to listen to the speech of the President, but were dismayed when they could not be accommodated at the hall, due to some mishandling of invitations at the reception inspite of the fact that their attendance were confirmed. They were asked, instead to join the other Filipinos at the hotel's entrance to wave flags as the President entered the hotel. What could have been an experience of a lifetime, was suddenly gone. When they turned sophomores,
they were in many events of the Filipino Community in Western Japan including the Philippine Independence Day Celebration in Kobe.
In November, they presented a play at the drama festival at the university with a translated version of High School Musical in Filipino. The director was Kurusu-San from Kagoshima, who has also done volunteer work for the earthquake victims of Kumamoto Prefecture in 2016. The lead roles were played by Erina Tsuda and Daiki Horii. They also prepared the initial translation together with Yuriko after which Misaki got the subtitles ready. The first one to memorize his lines was Yusuke. Aoi was the narrator. Yu choreographed the dance part while Shun and Sakiko were in-charge of lights. Rika was responsible for some props used
in the play. The boys, led by Kurusu, Hideaki and Akira made a big basketball ring.
them more confidence to compete in a broader and bigger stage of life!!
The preparation time was short but they were able to put the play together. It was a big success mainly because there was cooperation among them. This project brought them closer to one another and gave each of
Professors Masanao Oue, Satoshi Miyawaki and Joey Baquiran are also happy with the enthusiasm these students have for studying the Filipino language. They are serious in the way they immerse themselves in our language and culture. Many of them have been to the Philippines more than once.
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These are the kind of young people that Japan needs: independent, creative and global most especially in the year of the Red Fire Rooster!!! MASAGANANG BAGONG TAON SA INYONG LAHAT !!!
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Penetrating the Power Photo by: Bonbon Garbanzos
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by Dennis Sun lectrifying, dynamic, animated, powerful and jolly! Iyan ang mga adjectives na pwedeng i-describe kay Carol Inagaki, ang veteran Pinoy singer na based sa Tokyo. Si Carol ay isang total performer. Nasa kanya na lahat sa isang package. Hindi mo na kailangan pa na kumuha ng ibang entertainers. Hindi lang siya kumakanta, gumigiling, sumasayaw, nag ku-kwento, at nag jo-joke. Kung pwede lang nga, tumambling at kumain ng apoy, gagawin niya ang lahat para lang mapaligaya ang mga tao. Ibang klaseng performer itong si Carol! Nasa kanya na talaga ang lahat. Pero kahit napaka talented niya, grabeng kabait nitong Pinay na ito.
Sa Japan, naka ilan balik din siya simula sa Ibaraki, Chiba hanggang sa Tokyo kung saan may isang Hapon na naging great fan ni Carol. Linigawan si Carol hanggang mapadpad sa simbahan. Ilan taon na rin silang naging mag-asawa at masaya si Carol sa kanyang naging kapalaran sa bawa’t isa. Hindi na rin siya active as pag-kanta. Paminsan-minsan, sumasali siya sa mga Pinoy at ibang charity events para ma i-share ang kanyang talent. Pero, ang focus niya sa buhay niya ngayon ay mag-travel at mag-enjoy sa buhay nilang dalawang magasawa. Ang payo niya sa mga baguhan na singers dito sa Japan ay maging natural sila. Dagdag pa ni Carol, “Ibigay kung ano ang nasa loob nila habang kumakanta. Mag-enjoy sa kanilang ginagawa. Hindi enough na magaling kang kumanta. Kailangan makuha mo ang atensyon ng mga tao.�
Tubong Davao si Carol. Anim na taong gulang pa lang, hinasa na siya ng kanyang tatay na kumanta at sumali sa mga singing contest. Napakataas ng pangarap ng kanyang tatay sa kanya. Hanggang nang maging 22 gulang na siya, doon nalasap ni Carol ang pagiging isang professional singer. Naging singer siya sa General Santos na kung saan may naka discover sa kanya at pinapunta sa Manila para mag-audition para makarating sa Japan.
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Iyan si Carol! Kumakanta siya na parang huling kanta na niya kaya ibinibigay niya ng todo, sobra-sobra at walang kulang. Kaya kung nasa stage na si Carol, wala kayong magagawa kundi makinig lang sa kanya! Ilabas ang mga maiingay!
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MUSINGS OF A GARDENER by Rogelio Agustin
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While my garden sleeps in the winter, let me write about a different garden than my own. When my son told us his wedding would be held in Yonago, Tottori prefecture in November and I had to bring the family there to attend, I also had to plan for a day tour for ourselves because we were arriving early. It was easy to plan tours for temples and sightseeing spots but one special place that I wanted to visit myself was the Adachi Museum of Art. I saw it once on pamphlets but I wasn’t that interested because it was just showing a garden and an art museum in the middle of nowhere! Until I saw a TV program featuring the museum and how it came to be, I thought it would be worthwhile to see the place even once.
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The Adachi Museum of Art is situated in Yasugi, Shimane Prefecture (a 30-min car ride from Yonago, Tottori). Indeed, it has an art museum showcasing their collection of the works of Yokoyama Taikan and many contemporary Japanese paintings. But the real art of the place are not the paintings hanging on the wall. They are the spectacular natural Japanese-style gardens surrounding the museum. There are small gardens along the tour path where you can walk through them and there are gardens that you can view from the glass windows as if they are on a picture frame. The museum’s gardens are ranked as #1 by the Journal of Japanese Gardening for 13 consecutive years (among more than 1,000 places throughout Japan. It is also rated as a three-star site in the Michelin Green Guide Japan. There is no off season
because the gardens will transform themselves throughout the 4 seasons and I only saw the Autumn version of it with colorful maples. It is interesting to note that the vast area (165,000 square meters) of the gardens are maintained by only 7 dedicated professional gardeners. And that to make sure that there are no man-made objects seen from any angles, the museum spent or borrowed millions to buy the neighboring mountains that are a part of the scenery! I can’t find better words to describe the magnificence of the view, so I will just share some of the pictures I have taken. I can only wish to have the same garden but I have now some idea to at least re-design my own garden. May we all have a Prosperous and Happy 2017 ahead of us!
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New Year’s Resolutions
Natividad Ernest Dave Aguilar Zinampan Acson Plan My New Year’s resolution is to be CALM. No matter what happens, no matter what the outcome is, basta lagi akong calm at meron peace of mind, OK na ako! The older we get, the harder the problems become. Kaya I want to be more relaxed starting this year.
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When I am surrounded by good things, I should be greatful for my good fortune - big or small. But I should question what I might do with myself and others... how I can help those who need it. I should call upon the Lord to be with these people and comfort them in this year 2017 as my New Year’s Resolution!
My 2017 resolution is to be a wise spender! I should learn to know the value of money and how hard I had worked for it. So, I should know how and when to spend my hard-earned money this year!
Mercy Lolet Belason Minoza Pondoyo My resolution is “less” shopping. Kasi addict ako sa mga gamit. Wala na rin space sa bahay. Saka, hindi na ako mag-se-selfie. LOL! Well, I will try my best! Kaya ko kaya? Pakuha na lang ako sa iba!
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My new year's resolution is to continue to better care of my health overall and no longer sacrifice my well being beyond my own limitations.
New Year’s Resolutions
Lorna Roble
Edith Bautista
My New Year’s resolution... is to give more time to be with my family. All I want is to gather my whole family as much as possible especially on my 50th Birthday this coming February. Maybe it's impossible but I'm praying & asking Lord God the possible situation that it will happen.
Let us welcome the year of the rooster with a smile, warm hearts and energetic feeling of love. God is good all the time. My New Year's resolution is to be closer to God. I believe that if God is with you nobody will be against you.
Teresa Ai LB Kaneko My New Year Resolution is to give myself another chance to accomplish the incomplete resolutions that I made last year. 1. To keep my diabetes under control, and 2. To keep my blood sugar level as close to normal as possible.
My New Year resolution is to be healthy. Kailangan na medyo diet ng konti (hihihi), traveling, be positive, at iwasan ang mga fake na friends. Always smiling face, iwasan magkaron ng stress...
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Bernard Palad Yung ipagpatuloy ko yung pagkanta ko at hindi lang focus sa trabaho at madagdagan ko pa yung maging part of charity concert para makapagbigay saya sa mga ibang tao.
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By Jasmin Vasquez kay bilis talaga ng panahon. Parang kailan lamang ng ako ay magsimulang magtrabaho sa kumpanya kung saan tayo ay unang nagkita at nagkakila-kilala. Natatandaan ko pa nga noon na ang akala nyo sa akin ay masungit at mataray dahil hindi ko kayo kinakausap at kinikibo. Dahil ako'y sadang seryoso kapag ako ay nag tatrabaho. Katulad din ng iba ang unang impression ng tao sa akin ay ganoon din, ngunit kalaunan ay malalaman din kung ano ang tunay kong pag-uugali at mapapaisip na lang kayo na sadyang ganoon lamang ako.
mag-withdraw ng inyong pera sa ATM machine kapag wala kayong oras lumabas ng trabaho dahil sa sobrang busy ng trabaho natin. Marami tayong napasyalan at napuntahan na talaga namang mahirap makalimutan, madalas pa nga tayong magkakasama kesa sa
akong mail 5:00am (Ate jas, pwede po mag onegai? Wala pa kasi akong bag na pang handcarry). Kaya pagka galing ko sa work from nightshift. Punta ako sa kanila para makabili kami. Kahit antok na antok na ako hindi na ako natulog, hanggang sa huling oras bago pa sila pumunta ng Airport.... ng
Farewell to you, my friends...
Paano nga ba ako makipagkaibigan? Maliban sa pag-ibig, wagas din ako kung makipag-kaibigan. Buhos at todo effort kung makisama. Higit pa sa tunay na kapatid kung ako ay magbigay ng atensyon. Kapag ako ay may masarap na pagkain, nais ko palaging ibahagi ito upang tayo ay sabay na kumain. Kapag may gustong umaway sa kanila o kung mga may taong pumipintas sa kanila, ako ang unang nasasaktan, at magtatanggol para sa kanila. Kapag kailangan mo ako, just one call away, darating kaagad ako. Kesehodang wala akong tulog o ano pa man. Ganyan ako kapag ikaw ay nais kong maging kaibigan. Yun nga lamang, katulad din ng sa pag-ibig, madali rin ako masaktan o mag selos kapag madalas naagaw ito ng iba at masakit din kapag may time na naabuso ang iyong kabaitan. Kay rami nating pinagsamahan masasayang sandali tawanan, kasiyahan at di maiiwasan tampuhan. Na para bang tunay na magkakapatid, kung minsan ay nagkakaagawan pa sa isang bagay na iyong nagustuhan. Naging mistulang ate sa inyong lahat, na nakikinig sa damdamin ng bawat isa kapag mayroon kayong di pagkakaunawaan. Naging isang running woman na taga hulog at
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hindi magkasama, hahaha! Ang inyong bahay ay para ko ring bahay, madalas ako ang magluto at sabay-sabay tayong kakain. At pag inabot ng antok, ayun werlog muna sa bed hehehe. Sa ilang taon ninyong namalagi dito ganyan tumakbo ang buhay natin bilang magkakaibigan kasama sa trabaho at bilang isang parang tunay na magkakapatid. Tatlong taon, dalawang taon, isang taon, anim na buwan...... untiunting paikli ng paikli ang panahon na tayo ay magkakasama-sama. Ninais kong sa mga buwan na natitira ay mas marami pa tayong masasayang bagay at panahong magkakasama, nungit inaagaw pa ito ng mga taong kailan nyo lamang naging kakilala at kaibigan. Kapag inaaya ko ang iba sa inyo ay madalas busy busyhan, kesyo magbabagahe etc.... Ngunit makikita ko na lamang nagpunta sa isang lugar kasama si ganito kasama si ganyan. Hanggang sa huling buwan, huling linggo... Akala ko makakapag bonding pa tayo sa karaoke, ngunit bigo ako kayong nakasama kaya nga "Farewell to you my friend, we’ll see each other again, don’t cry cause it's not the end of everything. I maybe miles away but here is where my heart will stay. With you, my friends with you." Mag isa ko na lang ito kinanta nirecord ko sa karaoke at yung video nilagay ko na lang sa facebook account ko para mapakinggan nyo. Hanggang sa tatlong araw, dalawang araw, at eto na, ang pinakahuling araw... mayroon
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huling mga minuto na bago sila umalis papuntang Chubu, andyan na ang picture picture yakapan sa una tawanan pa ng tawanan, hanggang sa.... iyakan na. Ang sabi nila sa akin. "Di ka ba iiyak? Umiyak ka naman di mo ba kami mamimiss?" Ang totoo mami miss ko kayong lahat. Pinipigil ko lang umiyak. Pero nauna na akong umiyak nung mga panahon na palaging iba ang kasama nyo nung mga huling yasumi natin... Malungkot dahil mawawala na yung malaking bahagi sa buhay ko dito sa Japan na kasama kayo. Pero gayun paman, masaya ako para sa kanila dahil makakasama na nila ang kanilang pamilya at mga mahal sa buhay. Itabi nyo sana yung copy ng Jeepney Press na ginawa kong column about "Kenshusei". Swerte nyo inabot pa kayo ng may copy at meron kayong souvenir, kasi ngayon online E-magazine na. Sabi nga nila kapag may umaalis, may bagong dadating. Pag-kaalis nila, mayroon naman bagong batch na dumating. Hindi pa kami masyadong nagkakasama-sama dahil sa sobrang busy at medyo di pa maka move on sa pag-uwi nila... Pero welcome sa mga bagong trainee ng Yamagishi Aic. Gusto ko lamang malaman nyo na kahit nagkalayo man, ay hindi dito nagtatapos ang lahat. Magkikita pa rin tayo sa ibang panahon at hindi ko kayo malilimutan. At sana ganoon din kayo, hindi nyo sana ako malimutan. Goodbye for now sa inyo and hello sa mga bagong dating.
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By Dr. Mel Kasuya
In commemoration of the 60th anniversary of the normalization of ties between Japan and the Philippines, the FilCom Chorale, together with the Tokyo University of Foreign Studies (TUFS) Cultural Dance Troupe, staged “KIZUNA” last December 1, 2016 at 7 pm at the Sakura Hall of the Shibuya Cultural Center Owada, Tokyo. Although a working day, the hall was almost filled to capacity and the audience was entertained by the world-class performance of both groups. The first part featured dances from different regions of Japan as well as songs during one’s formative years and traditional love songs. The program commenced with Akita Daikoku Mai, Ushika Haiya Bushi and Sansa Odori by the TUFS dance troupe. Dressed in kimono, the FilCom Chorale sung Akatombo, Furusato, Hana wa Saku, Kawa no
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Nagare no Youni, Nada Sou Sou, Haru Yo Koi and Kokoro no Hitomi. The second part is a collection of dances from different regions in the Philippines (Ragragsakan, Malaguena, Kinakulangan, Kadal Taho and Binasuan) and Filipino classics such as Libis ng Nayon, Pobreng Alindahaw, Paru-parong Bukid, and songs that express one’s true love for the motherland (Bayan Ko and Ako ay Pilipino). An early Christmas treat included the Pastores de Talisay by the TUFS dance troupe and the FilCom Chorale rendition of the famous Christmas choral pieces “Pasko na Sinta Ko”
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and “Simbang Gabi” of maestro Lucio San Pedro. The finale (Isang Dalangin) by all the performers was a message/prayer for peace and unity among nations. In solidarity with the victims and survivors of typhoon “Lawin”, part of the proceeds of the concert went to the Abraenians Association in Japan (AAIJ) for the rehabilitation programs of affected
provinces. Organized in 2010, the FilCom Chorale is a group of Filipino men and women from Tokyo, Chiba and Kanagawa prefectures that promotes the richness of Filipino culture through concerts that feature immortal Filipino classics. The group was formed primarily to sing for the mass – the first gathering of President Benigno Aquino
III with the Filipino community in Japan. Driven by the passion for music and service, the members are committed to excellence in sharing the Filipino music and culture while keeping in mind the mission of Amare et Servire (To love and serve the Lord). “Kizuna” is the fourth major cultural project of the FilCom Chorale. The three previous concerts (Nostalgia: A Concert of Filipino Classics (2014) and Kay Ganda ng Ating Musika: Isang Pagbabalik Tanaw (2013) showcased the well-loved and immortal Filipino classics, while “Pasko Na” (2015) shared the Filipino Christmas experience by presenting traditional English and Filipino Christmas songs. The Philippine Cultural Dance Troupe of the Tokyo University of Foreign
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Studies consists of students and graduates of the Philippine Studies Program of the university. It had its beginning in November 1994 when the Philippine Studies Program presented an original Filipino musicale at the university’s annual cultural festival. Since then, the group has performed in several programs organized by both foreign and Japanese organizations. In April 1997, the troupe had its first overseas performance in the Philippines where they met Mr. Ramon Obusan of the Ramon Obusan Folkloric Group and since then, he and his dance masters have assisted the troupe in technical training and repertoire. The dance troupe has also performed overseas such as Singapore and New York City. The FilCom Chorale and the Tokyo University of Foreign Studies Cultural Dance Troupe would like to express their sincerest gratitude to everyone who helped make KIZUNA possible. Maraming, maraming salamat po!
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2nd FilCom Sports Festival By Irene Kaneko YELLOW! YELLOW! YELLOW! It’s as if I can still hear the jubilant scream of the Yellow Team until now. It’s still fresh in my mind....... Right after the UTAWIT Grand Final on 22 Oct 2016, I was telling myself, now I can relax and unwind with my participation as one of the members of the Yellow Team. Teams were so named by colors. When I saw the list of the Yellow Team members, I only knew about 5 people out of the 40 members. Ghie Taguchi was the appointed leader. So, I FB messaged her in no time, only to find out that she was out of the country and will be back to Japan a few days before the Sports Festival. I got so worried and told Ghie that we need to start mobilizing the Yellow Team already. Ghie started the Yellow Team Group Chat. I didn’t even know, Remy Cambay, the asst. leader until Ghie introduced her to me. Knowing that Ghie will have a hard time contacting the members because she was on the other side of the globe with a different time zone, the leader in me, who was almost about to relax, was awakened to work again thinking of the plight of the Yellow Team. So, with the help of the Fil Group leaders, Remy and I tried to contact the members and friend requested them to join the group chat. It was not easy you know because we are all working, in different days and time at that. And when we finally have the time to call, it was wrong no. and need to go back to the Fil group leaders again for the correct information. The group chat was for the purpose of knowing the members in the team. Surely, most of them I know only by names, which Fil group they belong, etc. but I do not know them on a “personal” level. It was very difficult especially to appoint somebody to play a game which I was not even sure if they can do it. I don’t know if they have any health issues. The games were the Tug-ofWar, 100-Meter Dash, 800-Meter Dash Relay, Walk Race Relay & Dodge Ball. There was a Pinoy Style Relay also which included Luksong Tinik, Sack Race, Hoola Hoop, Chinese Garter and Kadang sa Bao. So, after sharing with eveybody how each game goes, then I asked for volunteers to join in the game they excel at. This was the part
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Photos courtesy of Randy Yonaha, Innie Ramos, Bonbon Garbanzos and friends.
when everybody was so engrossed in the discussion. Some members did not mind to act as post in the Luksong Tinik or the Chinese Garter. So, we were beginning to see the shape take its form The big day came. It was our first “eyeball”. A mix of excitement and thrill. The Second Filipino Community Sports Festival was held on 20 Nov 2016 at Komazawa Olympic Park, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, the site of the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. That’s why Ma’am Raquiza, our POLO Welfare Officer, had been calling all participants as “Olympians”. The FilCom Sports Festival was organized by the FilCom in Tokyo in coordination with the Philippine Embassy - Philippine Overseas Labor Office, Tokyo, Japan. This year’s theme was Palarong Pinoy sa Japan. Morning saw all the Color Teams (Orange, Navy Blue, Yellow, Pink, Green, Red, White, Light Blue and Maroon) march the Olympic Track for the formal introduction to the Philippine Embassy Officials present that day - Charge d’Affaires Marian Jocelyn R. Tirol-Ignacio, Minister Josel Ignacio to name a few. Games took all the afternoon just before the Awarding around 5pm. In the span of one day, the bond between all the team members was so strong. In fairness to Ghie, she
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did her best coordinating with everybody that day. We can feel the care and trust for each other. There was so much cooperation and encouragement in the team. Even after the event, we were all still clinging to the group chat that we decided to have a Victory Party. Where else? To the sponsor written at the back of our Yellow Team t-shirts – at New Nanay’s in Roppongi! Yellow Team, I am so proud of you! Thank you for all the effort. We are so blessed we all had each other in the team! See you again next year. Sana teammates pa rin tayo. The best ang Yellow Team! YELLOW! YELLOW! YELLOW!
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New Year’s Jackie Murphy asked her friends their wishes for this new year. And so, they answered.
WISHES
What Do You Wish For 2017?
LOVE Evelyn Fontanilla
Marilyn Belen
Peace
Miracle
John Alejandro
Luzviminda Viloria Austria
UNITY
Forgiveness Kristine Mae Jacob
Health Grepa Gem Belandres Sunio
Anita Sasaki
Presidential Awardee and Nanay ng Lahat
To give forgiveness more to those who have wronged me, to help more those who are in need, to understand more those who have neglected me, to love more and to serve more...
JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2017
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Model: Irene Sun-Kaneko Make-up Artist: Bianca Vela Photographer: Borj Meneses Graphic Designer: Dennis Sun Designer & Stylist: Philip D. Torres
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Celebrating The Journeys Of Filipinos In Japan
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ジープニー プレス PAHAYAGANG PINOY SA JAPAN