Celebrating The Journeys Of Filipinos In Japan
115 ISSUE
ジープニー プレス
在日フィリピン人 向 け マ ガ ジン
January - February 2022 2022年1月-2月
Pahayagang pinoy sa japan
Art & Design by DENNIS SUN
Celebrating The Journeys Of Filipinos In Japan
Pahayagang pinoy sa japan ジープニー プレス
JEEPNEY PRESS welcomes articles of interest on Filipinos in Japan. Please email any photos, drawings, and other materials that you would like to accompany the article. Submissions can also be sent by postmail. 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 2022
JEEPNEY PRESS A sia Vox Ltd.
Takadanobaba Bldg. 701, 1-26-12 Takadanobaba, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 169-0075 Tel : 03-5292-2340 Fax: 03-5292-2341 e-mail: jeepneymail@yahoo.com http://jeepneymail.wix.com/jeepneypress
publisher ASIA VOX LTD.
IRENE SUN-KANEKO editorial & creative director
DENNIS SUN Editorial Board Contributors
Cover design and art: DENNIS SUN
Glen Atienza Jeff Plantilla Neriza Saito Karen Sanchez Anita Sasaki Wayne Sun Warren Sun Yellowbelle Duaqui Loleng Ramos Alvin Tagle Alma Reyes Lita Manalastas-Watanabe Richine Bermudez Lala Lopez de Leon Mae Grace Jerry Sun Arenas Jasmin Vasquez Alma Fatagani-Sato Arnel Sugay Marnie Chan Chris Yokoyama
contents 06 Yomu Editorial / Dennis Sun 08 Kusina / Chris Yokoyama 10 On The Road / Neriza Saito 12 Traffic / Alma Reyes 14 Isang Araw Sa Ating Buhay / Jeff Plantilla 16 Life Is A Journey / Glen Gypsy 17 Health Points / Marnie Chan 18 Take It Or Leave It / Lita Manalastas Watanabe 22 Dondake! / Karen Sanchez 24 Amazing Grace / Mae Grace 26 Days of Romance / Alma Fatagani-Sato 27 Quotable Quotes / Arnel Sugay 28 Kwento Ni Nanay / Anita Sasaki 30 Walk With Me / Lala Lopez De Leon 32 Moving On / Jasmin Vasquez
UP School of Economics
ATTENTION:
All alumni of the UP School of Economics now living/working in Japan. Would you like to be part of our community viber (called Pusong UPSE Community Viber) and connect with UPSE alumni all over the world? Please check out below link and register. PUSONG UPSE Membership Form link.
Patuloy ang pagtibok ng Pusong UPSE
https://bit.ly/PusongUPSEmember
VISA PROBLEMS?? VISA CHANGE VISA EXTENSION PERMANENT BUSINESS ELIGIBILITY KOSEKI JAPANESE CITIZENSHIP
TAWAG LANG PO SA AMIN PARA MATAPOS NA AGAD ANG PROBLEMA NATIN!
Mr. Ishikawa - Hinoshi, Tokyo Visa Lawyer (Gyouseisyoshi-Lawyer)
OK VISA OFFICE e-mail: pukykj2178@email.plala.or.jp
090-2908-5088 (SB)
読む
YOMU
means to read in Japanese
editorial by Dennis Sun It's 2022! Another year and another sparkling new issue for Jeepney Press is now in your hands! And as traditions go, this is the annual checkpoint when we reflect on what we have done in our lives thus far, and we wonder what the future holds for us next. It is always good to reflect, to learn and recalibrate, and to dream. This start of the year, as with the previous year, we have been mostly staying home challenged by another very contagious new corona variant, omicron. Most of us in Japan have been fully vaccinated, and we are now looking for the booster jabs in the coming months. I hope and pray that the pandemic that has been consuming us for almost two years will eventually lose its grip in 2022. The signs are there and with most people getting vaccinated the less probability that new variants will develop. Everyone should believe the science and be wary of the fake news that distort facts and endanger all of us. This year is also an election year for the Philippines, for better or worse. I fervently pray that Filipinos would study well the candidates who are running and vote for the betterment of the country. The Philippines have been beset with so much fake news, crime, and corruption. I hope all of these would eventually be eradicated, controlled and managed by the new government with honesty and transparency. We should never forget our history, and be wary of candidates trying to distort and rewrite history for their own evil ambitions. On a lighter note, I have been actively painting since the year started. I don't really paint angels but the first two paintings I did were angels. I think it's my guardian angel's way of telling me that everything would be fine. This coming spring on March, I will have a new art exhibition entitled, BLOOM, at Koyama Gardens in Nerima, Tokyo. It would be my second time to do a show at Koyama Gardens. My first time there was held last year at the height of the
06
delta variant pandemic. The Koyama Gardens management was delighted to see so many people from far away visiting my exhibition during the pandemic. That was a good sign. Thus, they invited me again this year to do an exhibition during the best time of the year of the cherry blossom season. Hopefully, this time, the omicron will have slowed down by then. I hope you get a chance to see my art. The greatest joy an artist get is being able to share thoughts and aspirations through art to friends and strangers alike. It binds us together into one community.
Moreover, at the end of last year, I also started attending a Japanese language class in my neighborhood community center. Being a community program, I pay only 100 yen per 2 hour class. I encourage everyone to check your community centers too and attend these classes. More than improving your Japanese, it is an excellent way of meeting new people from various cultures. The teachers are volunteers but despite not being professional teachers, they are extremely patient and passionate. One of the jobs I do is training Japanese Language teachers so I know how a professional teacher handles a class. My experience at work taught me the importance of having heart and passion behind whatever you do. Always. So my fellow kababayans, let us welcome the year with hope, art and learning! The Lunar New Year is also around the corner so let’s greet the Year of the Tiger with a resounding ROAR!
January - February 2022
KUSINA
Easy and delicious, seasonal recipes ni Tita Chris Yokoyama
Happy New Year 2022 mga kababayan ko! It’s usual for us Filipinos to make new promises and new beginnings especially making New Year’s resolutions that will help us achieve our goals. We start a year with a lot of positivity, good energy and good vibes. Sige lang, andar lang and never give up as I am always reminding myself that there is always another day to diet, LOL! Now, let’s start the year cooking something easy, healthy and classy. Hindi ka mauumay.
Steamed Meatballs
Ingredients 1. 800 grams mixed ground beef and pork (ground chicken will do) 2. 2 tbsp finely chopped ginger 3. 2 garlic cloves, finely grated 4. ¼ cup finely chopped coriander, plus extra to serve 5. 2 tbsp soy sauce 6. 2 tbsp Chinese Shaoxing cooking wine (optional) 7. 2 tbsp beef stock (chicken stock okay) 8. 1 egg 9. 1 tsp sea salt 10. 1 tsp sugar
08
Steps 1. Put all the ingredients 1~10 in a bowl then mix vigorously. Take small handfuls of the mixture and slap them against the side of the bowl and mix well. 2. Take 2 heaped tablespoons of the mixture and roll it into a meatball shape. Repeat until the mixture is finished. Place the meatballs onto a large plate that will fit inside a large deep-sided pan with a lid. You might need to do two plates and steam them one after the other if your meatballs won’t all fit on one plate. 3. If you have a steamer much better but if you
don’t have it, let’s improvise. Fill the pan halfway full with water and set it over high heat. Use a large piece of foil to form a coil that is just higher than the water level. When the water starts to steam, place the plate on top of the foil trivet. Cover with a lid and steam for 8-10 minutes or until the meatballs are cooked through. Garnish with extra coriander leaves and serve. NOTE: – To test if the meatballs are cooked, insert a metal skewer into the center of a meatball for a couple of seconds and then touch it with your top lip. If the skewer is warm, the meatball is cooked through.
January - February 2022
January - February 2022
09
Neriza Sarmiento - Saito's
On the Road to STARTING THE YEAR ON A HAPPY NOTE
“Being happy doesn’t mean that everything is perfect. It means that you’ve decided to look at the imperfections.“ - Gerard Way A very Happy New Year to our readers of JP! People all over the world welcomed 2022, the year of the white tiger with a spectacular display of fireworks around the world like along the Copacabana Beach in Brazil, Sydney Harbor in Australia, Dubai in the UAE and Bonifacio Global City in the Philippines with people blowing toy horns or torotot!! Regardless of race, color or religion, people have a universal wish at the start of the year - “Happiness“ which
can come in the form of a promotion at work, affection from one’s family or simply appreciating the beauty of nature. In my annual New Year message on FM Cocolo, I mentioned that in our younger days my parents made sure that we hung 12 grapes by the window, a tradition that we probably inherited from Spain, and we always had noodles for longevity - pancit guisado, bihon or spaghetti on our Noche Buena table along with embutido, relyenong bangus, kaldereta, leche flan and fruit salad. Looking back at those times, it was not only the abundance of food but it was more of the family togetherness that made those moments memorable.
10
January - February 2022
Even if those days are long gone, I tried as much as I could to have my children experience some Philippine traditions in the New Year while living in Japan. In the big jubako that my husband bought, I had one layer of it filled with Philippine dishes like adobo, lumpia or menudo. And the other two layers with the usual osechi dishes. More than 30 years after that, my old jubako needed to be replaced with a new one, so for this year, I chose a smaller silver and gold jubako, enough for a few dishes. My eldest son ordered osechi to save me the trouble of lavish preparations. So on New Year’s Day, we gathered for the traditional New Year family event with ozoni and only a few family favorites like oysters
and egg roll that my son cooked. Those were enough to have a good start of the year. Last year, I featured 2 babies born during the pandemic year. And here they are once more, robust and ferocious and I have to admit that their energy is so contagious. Now, I believe why psychologists say that holding a baby or looking at their pictures can elicit the release of oxytocin which interacts with our dopamine release system. That’s why I’m sharing with you these things that make me happy. That in spite of the uncertainties brought about by the pandemic and endemic, we can find ways to live with it and prioritize what’s more valuable in our life.
January - February 2022
11
by Alma Reyes
TRAFFIC
Chinzanso’s Magical Aurora As we enter into the New Year of the Tiger that ushers vivacity, dynamism and strong willpower, and yet continue to swim in the sea of this incessant pandemic, we are surely in dire need of hope and positivity. Sometimes, all we can do is dream and escape through the towering heights of trees and mountains, or gush of rivers and seas in search of calmness and healing beauty.
light projection filters different densities from six directions. It runs approximately every thirty minutes and lasts for five minutes, transfiguring the entire garden scenery into a surreal atmosphere. Chinzanso is one of Tokyo’s oldest hotels and garden aging from the 14th century when it was recognized as a haven of wild camellias that people called it "Tsubakiyama" or camellia mountain. The garden boasts 2,300 camellia trees from 100 different species. In 1878, former Prime Minister Yamagata tool possession of the property and built a large mansion on it with gardens that became known as Chinzanso. The garden landscaping was supervised by Katsugoro Iwamoto who was Tokyo's leading gardener. Chinzanso is blessed with splendid seasonal flowers and trees, historical monuments and statues, the red Benkei bridge with its summer fireflies, and the Gojo Waterfall. Climbing to the top of the mountain will take you to the Entsukaku Three-storey Pagoda relocated here in 1925 from a Hiroshima temple. Perhaps, it is not a bad preoccupation to dream amid these confusing times.The Chinzanso Forest Aurora may even open windows of revelations that have been waiting for you to see.
If you are such a dreamer, you can still catch the Forest Aurora event going on at the Hotel Chinzanso garden until March 18th. In celebration of the hotel’s 70th anniversary this year, the scenic attraction is a special recreation of the northern lights using stereophonic soundscape combined with advanced light projection technology and mist of artificial clouds. The dynamic color gradation projects an aurora borealis that passes through the walkway along the Yusuichi Pond and forest trees. The
12
Chinzanso Tokyo About 10 minutes by foot from Edogawabashi Station on the Yurakucho Line https://www.hotel-chinzanso-tokyo.com/
©Alma Reyes
January - February 2022
ISANG ARAW SA ATING BUHAY ni Jeff Plantilla
Ikinatutuwa ng mga tao sa ibang bansa ang mga videos ng biruan ng mga Filipino, lalo sa mga seryosong bagay. Ang isang video tungkol sa bagyo ay popular. Ito ay video tungkol sa mga ginagawa ng mga Filipino habang may bagyo, at may pamagat na “Bagyo Ka Lang! Pinoy Kami!” Ayon, may ilang hinarap ang hangin at ulan ng bagyo nang walang takot – o dahil may sira? Maraming litrato at video ang tungkol sa baha - may nagbabasketbol, nagsu-swimming, nag-iinuman sa gitna ng kalyeng binaha, namamasyal sakay ng lumulutang na sofa, nagkakape o nanood ng TV sa loob ng bahay na binaha at minsan ay may kasalan pa sa gitna ng baha. Kahit ang malaking pinsalang ginawa ng bagyong Odette ay hindi rin naging dahilan para maging lungkot lang ang sentimyento ng taong naapektuhan. Bangon muli, simula muli. Itinatayo muli ang bahay na nasira, ang kabuhayang nawala. Basta’t masagip ang buhay, kakayanin ang iba pang problema. May isang kilalang folk singer-writer na may kantang ang sinasabi ay tawanan ang problema. Isa pang folk singer-writer naman ang hindi sang-ayon, dapat daw ay siniseryoso ang problema. Tama silang pareho – siniseryoso ang problema pero hindi kailangang maging malungkot o di kaya ay depressed. Lakas ng loob at linaw ng isipan ay kailangan sa seryosong pag-aayos ng problema, at kung ang pagbibiro ay paraan para magkaroon ng lakas ng loob at maging kalmado – bakit hindi.
Living with the Virus
14
Nung unang lumabas ang AIDS,
kinatatakutan ito nang husto ng tao. Ito ay dulot ng isang virus – HIV o human immunodeficiency virus. Maraming namatay dahil sa HIV-AIDS na walang tamang gamot. Nguni’t pagtatagal, may gamot na nadiskubre at kaya maraming mga may HIV-AIDS ang namumuhay nang normal. Hindi na maaalis ang virus sa kanilang katawan, pero kayang pigilan ng gamot ang masamang epekto ng HIV-AIDS at maibabalik ang dating sigla. Ito ang sinasabing “living with the virus.” Tinatanggap na ang katotohanang ang HIV-AIDS ay bahagi na ng buhay – bagong buhay. Ganun rin ang iniisip na mangyayari sa COVID-19. Umaasa tayo na pagtatagal ang virus na COVID-19 ay magiging katulad ng karaniwang flu virus na taon-taon lumalabas. Tayo na lamang ang mag-iingat na hindi ma-infect, may bakuna na magagamit, o kung mai-infect, may gamot.
Psychosomatic effect Hindi ba kung tayo ay aburido o naguguluhan kung ano ang tamang desisyon, para tayong nanghihina? Pero kapag luminaw ang ating isip at may desisyon na, hindi ba biglang may sigla ang katawan? Ganito ang nangyari sa isang workshop nung hindi malaman kung para saan ang gagawing next activities. Nanglulumo ang mga tao, nanghihina. At nung nagdesisyon ako ng susunod na activity na nagustuhan nila, biglang bumalik ang sigla at para silang nabunutan ng tinik. May tinatawag na psychosomatic effect na ang ibig sabihin ay kung ang iyong pag-iisip ay hindi maganda, magdudulot ito ng masama sa
January - February 2022
katawan. Kabila nito ay ang pagkakaroon ng maayos, masayang mental condition na makakatulong sa paggaling kapag may sakit. Ito ay scientifically proven at nararanasan natin. Ito na rin ang maaaring batayan ng healing effect ng meditation. Ang pagkakaroon ng mapayapang isip ay nagdudulot ng mas mabuting kondisyon ng katawan. Samantalang, naririnig natin na may inaatake sa puso o iba pang sakit dahil sa sobrang stress. Ang isip at katawan ay magkadikit. Ang mapayapa nguni’t masayang isip ay makakatulong kung may sakit. Ang pagdarasal ay mabisang paraan para dito. Kaya gamit sa panggagamot ang spiritual belief. Sa panahon ng COVID-19 pandemic, ang mental health ay mahalaga para malampasan ang problema. Kailan lang ay may lumabas na joke: Noon: “positive ka? OMG! Get well soon! I’m here for you! You need anything?” Ngayon: “positive ka! OMG! Ako din! Anong day ka na?” Sa imbes na mag-alala, iniisip ang paggaling. Hindi na ikinahihiya ang pagiging infected ng COVID-19. Iniisip na lang na ang infection na ito ay lalampas din. Tulad ito sa payo ng isang Nanay na nagka-COVID kasabay ng anak na celebrity: “huwag masyadong damdamin dahil magiging negative sa katawan ninyo yon…para hindi [kayo] ma-depress.” Kaya naman din sa imbes na maging malungkot ang ilang nagka-COVID, nagsasaya. May mga nag-e-exercise,
nagsasayaw, nagti-TikTok. Positive thinking lahat. Ito na marahil ang pagbabago ng pagtingin sa COVID-19. Sabi nga “laughter is the best medicine!” Hindi naman natin inaalis na marami din ang tinamaan nang sobra. Nahirapang huminga, nawalan ng panglasa at pang-amoy, mataas ang lagnat, at hinang-hina. Sa ganitong kalagayan hindi natin masasabi na magsaya lang sila. Nakakalungkot na bigla na lamang nawawala ang ilan sa kanila sa buhay natin. Mayroon akong isang kakilala na ang sabi ay kaya daw pumanaw ang pinsan niya ay dahil sumurrender kaagad. Hangga’t kaya pang maging positive sa pag-iisip para mabuhay, laban! At kaya na rin, mahalagang suportahan ang mga na-infect. Medical, basic needs at moral support ang kailangang ibigay. Hindi araw-araw ang bagyo. May isang Filipinang may omise sa Osaka na may prinsipyong sinusunod tungkol sa negosyo niya. Sabi niya, kahit hima OK lang dahil hindi araw-araw ay may bagyo. Saan pa nga tayo papanig kundi sa pag-asa na magiging maayos rin ang lahat paglipas ng panahon.
January - February 2022
15
Glen Gypsy’s
16
Never allow waiting to become a habit. Live your dreams and take risks. Life is happening now. - Paulo Coelho
January - February 2022
Health Points By Marnie Chan Once upon a time, when the earth was still young, people were so backward that they could only strengthen their natural immunity to fend off diseases.
These days, we simply mandate citizens to avoid certain environments. We have mandatory inoculations to top this off as well. That's plural, btw. With an "s" at the end. For emphasis. You were told many things: take these jabs, take these pills, social distance, stay indoors. But you were never told to strengthen your immune system. Just for the records, nothing comes even close to government-certified, science-backed, big-pharma prescriptions. So there. I wrote that with free will. No gun on the head. On the other hand, the following are antiquated, devil-inspired, witchcraft-based treatments and practices. Do not, I repeat, do not attempt to do them at home when you feel the onslaught of the common cold, cough, and flu. You have been warned. - Do not see the sun for even at least 15 minutes a day, preferably from sunrise to about 9am. It's terrible for your gluta drip. Besides, vit D is readily available in capsule form. Depression, you say? We have Netflix for that. Stay away from the sun. You know what happened to the last sun people, right? Hiroshima and Nagasaki that's what. Stay indoors. Sun passports are coming soon, lojon. - Salt gargle. While witches swear to its efficacy (if done hourly for at least 4 times successively), your poor lost soul will certainly burn in hell if you practice this. The properties of the salt gets rid of inflammation in your throat. But burn in hell you will, pagan. - Ginger tea (salabat). Raw honey. Lemon drink (calamansi is even better). Garlic cloves. Apple cider vinegar (get Bragg. No, I don't get paid to endorse.).
January - February 2022
Zinc. Warm water. Take them separately or together. Doesn't matter. You are eternally doomed anyway. Behold, the devil's concoction straight from the infernal cauldron. These should be deemed illegal contraband. Not only are they not in the Bible, they also do not bring in profit - the paramount reason to all this human drama. - Steam bath. Steam inhalation. Another sorcery lacking highfalutin science. Your neighborhood Harry Potter may have tricked you into clearing your stuffed nasal passages this way. Why can't you be just like everyone else? Conform. See communist China's social merit system for details. Like Santa, it's coming to town. (Oh, I almost forgot... nasal lavage. Shhhh... don't read aloud). - Acupuncture. Oy vei! Voodoo dolls as pin cushions is how these devil worshipers will treat you. Repent! And give your offerings. (Here quickly: Master Tung's 88.07 known as Ganmaoyi or common cold first point. It is freakishly so potent that it works like magic. You should really burn in hell. Why don't you just accept the sniffles for a couple of weeks like everyone else? Such a trouble maker you are.) - Here's one honorable mention... Lianhua Qingwen Jiaonang. You didn't read that here. I never said anything. I swear in the lives of all corrupt politicians (wait, that's an oxymoron). I can't even pronounce such gibberish. Whew! And finally, to all re-labelled entities (i.e.: healthy = asymptomatic), go fund yourselves. Natural immunity, these days, come with a hefty legal price. Now tell me, you're tempted to some witchcraft tonight, huh? Weh, liars go to jail? #thehealingpowerofacupuncture
17
illustration: DENNIS SUN
Take it or Leave it!
ADVICE NI TITA LITS Isabelita Manalastas-Watanabe Dear Tita Lits:
Nabasa ko po iyong column ninyo about Pangkabuhayan. Akala ko po ay magbibigay kayo ng payo tungkol sa covid, kaya lang parang ayaw ninyo. Ang aking tanong po ay hindi naman tungkol kung ano ang pinsala sa ating lahat ng covid o kung dapat bang magpabakuna, o hindi. GUSTO KO LANG PONG UMUWI at baka naman during the pandemic ay nagkaroon kayo ng pagkakataon na makauwi, at magbigay ng payo kung ano ang dapat gagawin o dapat hindi kalimutang gawin. Tatlong taon na po akong hindi nakakauwi. Kasi normally once in two years lang po ako nakakauwi, dahil po sa gastos, di-lang sa ticket ng eroplano, pati na po ang paglabas-labas sa mga restoran kasama ang pamilya. At kung tumama pa sa Pasko ang pag-uwi, mga regalo pang dapat bilhin at bibitbitin. Pero sobra na po akong nalulungkot. Parang napa-praning na ako dahil sa pag-aalala na baka magka-covid ako, ma-ospital dito sa Japan, at di-ko man lang makita ang mga magulang ko at mga kapatid. OK lang po akong gumasta, dahil pinag-iipunan ko talaga ang twice a year kong pag-uwi. Ano po ba ang aking mga preparasyong gagawin para smooth naman po ang pag-uwi ko? Cris Chiba
January - February 2022
Dear Cris: Naku, parang pinagtiyap ng panahon ang sulat mo! Nasa Pilipinas ako ngayon – bigla akong umuwi ng walang pasabi sa aking asawa, nanay at ibang mahal sa buhay (na nasa Pilipinas, at ako naman ay katulad mo ring parang napa-praning na sa pagkakulong ng dalawang taon sa Japan dahil sa covid). Actually, hindi naman ako nagkulong sa aking super liit na mansion (bakit kaya mansion ang tawag ng Hapon sa ating tiny, tiny condos, ano?) – hindi lang ako kumakain ng dinner sa labas. Breakfast at dinner, sa mansion. Lunch, always late lunch, para hindi na marami ang tao sa restaurants na malapit sa aking opisina. Araw-araw akong nag-ko-commute sa train, at siyempre, takot ding mahawa o makahawa, kaya naka-mask palagi, pati sa loob ng office. Kapag naha-hatching ako, or uubuhin sa loob ng train, naku, pigil na pigil ako, dahil praning din siguro mga Hapon, lalo na at medyo sumikip na ulit ang mga densha natin sa pagbalik ng mga office workers sa kanilang mga kaisha. Uuyyy… lumayo yata ako sa pagsagot sa tanong mo! Sorry! Around the middle of December 2021, sabi ng asawa ko, green na daw ang classification ng Japan, per advisory from the Japanese Embassy in Manila. So ang mga
international travelers from Japan, maikli na lang ang hotel quarantine – hindi 10 days; hindi na 5 days; but mga 3 days na lang, then swab test sa quarantine hotel, at kung mabilis ang labas ng resulta, on the 4th day, pwede ng mag-check-out. Sus, mabilis pa ako sa alas kwatrong nag-book ng pinakamurang ticket at nakakuha ako ng Dec. 21, 2021 na flight to Manila. Dati, umuuwi akong malimit derecho sa Clark, kasi 10 minutes lang ang layo ng Clark Int’l Airport, sa retirement house namin sa Angeles City. Ang mahal pa rin ng ticket, kahit ito na ang pinakamura compared to other airlines (hindi direct flight sa Manila kasi – may lay over sa Seoul/Incheon). Heto ang experience ko, kung saan, hopefully, ay makapulot ka ng valuable lessons: 1. I-check mo ang bus or train schedules for your flight from Narita or Haneda.
19
• Dahil sanay akong mag-limousine bus from TCAT (Tokyo City Air Terminal) at malimit akong umuwi before the pandemic, memoryado ko na halos time table for my bus to the Haneda or Narita; • Dumating ako sa TCAT ng may palugit na 20 minutes para sa bus ko; • Pagdating ko, may umalis na na limousine bus – nagpalit na pala ang time schedule dahil sa pandemic! Sabi ko, next bus na lang – e, another 1 ½ hours or so pa daw, ang next bus - ma-le-late ako sa flight ko; • Bilis-bilis akong nag-taxi for Tokyo station, para mag Narita Express train na lang ako. All cancelled daw, at ang next train ay early evening na! • So ano pa ang choice ko if I have to be on time for check-in sa 1:20 pm flight ko? Taxi! (Lumipad ang aking almost JPY30,000 in the air, bayad sa taxi at sa toll fees!) 2. Bago flight, siyempre required ng Pinas ang RT-PCR test. So nagtanong naman ako sa aking kapatid na magpa-fly sa US, at sa isang Hapon na kaibigan ko na uuwi sa Pinas ang Pinay na asawa. Entonses, nakuha ko name and tel. no. ng clinic at nag-reserve na ako. Nong nire-review ko ang requirement ng airline ko (dapat within 72 hrs ng flight ang RT-PCR test required ng Pinas), I decided to call the clinic and postpone a little ang test. Noong nag-uusap kami ng receptionist, by chance ko lang nalaman na hindi pala acceptable sa Pilipinas yong ni-reserve kong test! Nakapag-bayad na pa naman ako in advance by credit card sa clinic. Clinic referred me to another clinic and I made another appointment; 3. Noong mag-tse-check-in ako, nasaan daw iyang QR code na kailangan before I can check in. Sabi ako, ano iyon? Dala ko naman hard copies ng aking vaccine certificate (issued by my ward office), and the negative RT-PCR Test result, and my confirmed flight/hotel quarantine booking sa Manila. Ang bait naman ng isa nilang ground stewardess, itinabi ako sa isang corner (para naman maka-check in na iyong nakapila behind me), at sabi, tulungan akong mag-download ng QR code where you will input all pertinent information, including uploading of your vaccine certificate and your negative RT-PCR test results; 4. Buti na-delay ang flight, kung hindi, hindi ako makakahabol sa boarding. Ako na lang ang last passenger sa check-in counter. Kasi ba naman, 4 times kaming nagta-try matapos ang pag-fill up ng data to get the QR code, pero nagha-hang,
20
and then ulit na naman kami. Finally, hay, lumabas din ang QR code at tumakbo kami ng ground stewardess para mag-immigration na ako at makasakay sa eroplano ko. 5. Pagod at gutom ako ng lumapag ang eroplano sa NAIA after lay-over sa Seoul/Incheon. Parang sementeryo halos ang Incheon airport na dati ay napaka-lively. Sarado kasi halos lahat ng shops pati yong 2nd floor na nandoon ang ibat-ibang restaurant. Impressive pa rin ang airport sa Seoul/Incheon at may sign pa na “This is a Covid-free Airport‘’; 6. Lumapag ang eroplano sa NAIA, mga 11 pm local time na. Nakarating ako sa aking quarantine hotel sa Ortigas ng 2:00 am, kasi 3 hours bago ako nakalabas sa NAIA. Not because may covid testing, but because super malas din siguro ako noong Dec. 21, at super grabe ang proseso sa NAIA; 7. Paglabas sa eroplano, may alcohol for arriving passengers. Siyempre, tayong nasa Japan, sanay na sanay ng makita kahit saan pumunta, ng mga alcohol disinfectant. So punta ako and pressed the container – empty! Hay, naku, ano lang ang magiging impression ng mga arriving passengers, particularly non-Filipinos sa bansa natin? 8. Then, may isang young female airport employee, para i-check ang QR code ko (na pinag-hirapan naming i-download ng ground stewardess sa Narita). So I showed it – hindi daw tama iyong QR code ko! Sabi ko, hindi pwedeng hindi tama, kasi ground staff mismo ng airlines ang halos gumawa at nag-kompleto ng pag-download. At hindi ako i-a-allow magcheck-in/board my flight without that QR code; 9. Sana nakuha ko ang pangalan ng NAIA lady employee – kasi ang bait-bait. I would have written a commendation letter sa NAIA airport authority. Nakita niyang senior citizen ako, pawis na pawis, at siguro mukhang lantang bulaklak na sa pagod at maraming malas na nangyari. Nag-volunteer na siya na lang gagawa ulit. After she downloaded it successfully sa kanyang mismong cellphone, sabi, I should just take a photograph as the QR code will be checked prior to immigration. 10. So pumila na ako for checking of that QR code. I was asked to show my QR code sa cellphone ko, my passport, hard copies of my vaccine passport and negative RT-PCR test; 11. Then, immigration na, and then, customs. Smooth naman; 12. Only to find out after exiting customs, pipila
January - February 2022
na naman, for checking of Tourism Authority, OF SAME DOCS I HAVE ALREADY PRESENTED before immigration PLUS proof of my confirmed hotel quarantine reservation; 13. Natapos ang pila sa Tourism, at lalabas na sana ako, when I was told, I need to queue again para naman sa Coast Guard. Coast Guard? Bakit? At ang dami nila, naka-uniform ng coast guard, nagku-kwentuhan. So pila ulit si Tita Lits, for checking naman ng Coast Guard. They asked me TO SHOW THE SAME DOCS AS THOSE ASKED BY TOURISM; 14. Kung hindi ako pagod at gutom, baka nagtaray na ako doon. In a weak voice, I asked one of the idle coast guards what is the use of having that QR code? Dapat ipasa na lang nila sa iba’t ibang departments, as all necessary info are there. Smile lang siya. Sabi ko, magkatabi lang ng upuan ang Tourism at Coast Guard, and checking same docs, sana isang pila na lang – after tourism, tuloy na sa coast guard, imbes na pipila ulit sa dulo ng pila for coast guard checking; 15. Hay, alas dos na ng umaga. Uhaw at gutom na si senior citizen Tita Lits. Nagmadaling pumunta sa exit to follow the direction of my hotel on where to find the hotel driver. Hinarang ako ng guard – sabi, dapat nasa harap na ng exit ang hotel car, bago ako palabasin.
3. Check the current schedules of buses and trains for the airport; 4. Make sure you upload/take screen shots of copies of your vaccine certificate and your negative PCR test sa iyong cellphone; 5. Download ONE HEALTH PASS, and complete the information, and make sure you get that QR code, which means, successful ang iyong proseso; 6. Have hard copies of proof of your confirmed quarantine hotel and car pick-up from NAIA. 7. Make sure you check on the updated rules and regulations of both the Philippine Government and Japan. (As of this writing, yellow na ulit classification ng Japan, so mas mahigpit kaysa noong nauwi ako.) 8. Of course, make sure you have your mask and some extra, at least for use during the flight, the quarantine duration, and almost everywhere after you are released from quarantine.
Naku, baka wala ng space si Tito Dennis, the ed-in-chief of Jeepney Press, i-conclude ko na.
Tita Lits
Ganda ng Marco Polo Hotel (I chose it kasi next door lang sa condo ng anak ko. Kahit hindi siya pwedeng dumalaw sa akin during my quarantine, psychologically healthy that I know malapit siya, kung ano mang emergency na mangyari sa akin). Sarap ng pagkain; ganda ng view (38th floor); very efficient service. Siyempre, at a cost (my pocket!). The swab test was done on the 3rd day of my stay, and I got the results on the 4th day, so I could go home to Pampanga for the Christmas dinner with my husband, my son, my mother, and the rest of the family. THANK GOD! Heto na finally advice ko: 1. Make sure tama ang kind of RT-PCR test mo, and it is the one acceptable sa Pilipinas. My original booking was acceptable for travel to Hawaii and the US, but not to the Philippines; 2. Mahal mag-travel during the pandemic, kasi siguro, may social distancing din and airlines, so hindi nila pweding punuin seats ng airplane. So search kang mabuti. Sa akin, I normally use Expedia.com;
Happy trip! Sana, mas maganda ang iyong maging experience sa pag-uwi. Sa akin, kahit ang daming abala at gastos na nangyari, sulit pa rin, noong makita ko ang nanay ko, shedding tears of joy, when she found out that at least one of her 4 children overseas was finally able to join her and the family during our traditional Christmas and New Year’s eve gatherings.
PS As of January 30, 2022, no more facility quarantine required for fully vaccinated arriving international passengers to the Philippines who could show proof of being fully vaccinated. Self quarantine at home, instead, will be required and other safety protocol in the place/s to be visited.
DONDAKE
BATCHIRI Happy New Year of the Tiger to everyone! Kotoshi mo yoroshiku onegaishimasu! Minasan, o-genki desu ka? I hope everyone is doing well and alright. May this 2022 will the best year for all of us and the universe. Here we are again, reaching and trying to steal the few minutes of your day by reading our columns and being part of your lives from this moment. From the new normal way of living, from the unexpected things that happened, from the hardships that we have been through, I could still say and many of our "kababayan" will agree with me for sure; that being here and living in Japan, "The Land of the Rising Sun" is perfectly, completely lucky, blessed or as they call it in Nihonggo as "Batchiri". Beside this pandemic and after the earthquakes, typhoons, landslides and flooding in some areas in Japan as well as with our mother land Philippines, seeing the rainbow the day after these things happened was an awakening experience. That reminds us to focus on the right track and do not stop on moving and live life as we must have to.
22
Now, I can feel the cold wind blazing as winter season has come. People at this point are still at adjusting stage of the new normal
life. What is important right now is, we can surely cope up and keep our lives with the help of our family, society, community and the Japanese Government which is "batchiri" for me (us) to overcome all of these challenges. Everybody knows even in different countries that Japan is one of the most disciplined and governed countries in Asia. And we can prove it in terms of their help, response and action from the moment we stayed here and during this pandemic. In which, they are willing to reach out to secure their people. And with the cooperation of everyone for sure it won't take long to rise up and start for much better life here in Japan. Living here in Japan is the best thing that happened to me and some kababayan I know. As Filipino migrants here, we are given the same privileges as the Japanese people. At this moment, schools, businesses and offices started to re-open. Almost 100% were vaccinated and more companies started to be on track and face this challenging moment on earth. Again with this new virus called OMICRON, still, we could see the positive perspective Japanese people have and by making their efforts to stabilize CORONA VIRUS and to prevent or secure the spreading of this new OMICRON VARIANT. Although life isn't perfect, no one is perfect and it is okay not to be perfect. Imperfections give us
January - February 2022
lessons not to stay with that mistake but how to deal with it and be successful in finding ways or solutions for the better. In finding our own strength, our own resources, talents and to show how resilient Filipinos and Japanese people are. Japan is a beautiful country. Japanese are more humble, loyal and fair. They are workaholic and generous but more cruel when you betray them. They never forgive and forget. The sleeping dragon inside is more powerful and scary. And they still practice the "hara-kiri" or honorary suicide or death when shame, honor and duty prevail in society. That is why they maintain this moral principle that the whole world knew about it. From the World War II, they survived and had the courage to rise up and be one the best countries around the globe. From their government officials, I've always heard this "jibun no kuni mamoru, jibun de ganbatte" which shows that you must work and you must take responsibility to take care of this place where you are living as citizen of this country. One thing I've known right now is you should be yourself. Don't bother if some people will not like you because no matter what you do, you cannot please everybody. Give what you have and what your heart and conscience want to. By these, blessings will come back and God will pay back the good deeds you did. As New Year 2022 started, let us spread the love and enjoy life. Remember to take care of yourselves, for our loved ones and for the country ‘coz we are so blessed. Let’s be thankful to God. Look around you and you will find all the reasons to say it’s "BATCHIRI".
The Beginning of An Ending by Karen Sanchez It’s a new day and a new beginning Where our life is more challenging That these viruses won't stop on mutating And we don't know when it will end on spreading In the day we have a morning In the night we have an evening Where our body rest as we are sleeping Preparing ourselves for the next day routine After the storm, we have sunshine In sadness, we have laughter Appreciate things that happen ‘Coz it will end and we will start new again This is the natural cycle of the universe We really don't know who came first We don't know all that exist But we could live life at its best
God bless us all.
January - February 2022
23
AMAZINGgrace
In Keeping With Meaningful New Year’s Traditions
by Mae Grace Happy New Year, everyone! January may seem a respite from the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, but not quite. Di pa po tapos itabi lahat ng mga Christmas and New Year’s decors dito sa bahay. Anyhow, it is so interesting to experience that every new year in Japan comes with it so much tradition and family practices that make us transition to the new year with confidence and faith in our God and in ourselves whatever the challenges that may lie ahead. This year, one of the traditions that hubby and I decided to experience was to take a peek at the plum trees of Kyodo No Mori in Fuchu City. We are just in the middle of this harsh winter and we didn’t expect to see any flowers at all. Imagine our surprise and joy to see little buds
24
growing so well and lovely from their bare twigs and seemingly dead branches! The sight was so beautiful it could make you cry. Plums are considered the first flowers of the year and are called, “the herald of spring”. They also
signify the end of winter and are admired for their perseverance and resilience for how they can possibly bloom in the freezing and harsh cold of winter. The light and dark pink colors represent purity and renewal. A good way to start the new year, right? Cousin to the plum blooms are the “robai” flowers that were already abloom in the park. “Ro” stands for their candle like smoothness and “bai” means they are related to the plums. A short stroll along the Tamagawa River just across from the park directed our gaze to the nearly setting sun just beside the magnificent silhouette of Mt Fuji, clearly visible because of the dry winter air. What a day, full of meanings, and hearts that are grateful!
January - February 2022
The Days of Romance in Japan By: Alma Fatagani-Sato February 14th is known all over the world as Valentine’s Day, a day for expressing the appreciation of love and relationships. In most countries, the day is celebrated by exchanging gifts, such as chocolates or roses, cute stuffed toys, and a romantic night out in the town. Originally a romantic occasion but also, school children often exchange Valentines Cards that may contain candy.
sometimes expensive, for both men and women to choose the appropriate chocolates to avoid offending the recipient.
However, in Japan, Valentine’s Day is a day that women show their appreciation of men in their lives. It’s celebrated by
Jibun choco 自分チョコ, literally means “myself chocolate”, this is the chocolate you buy for yourself. You will definitely be tempted to buy, if you see the nice and attractively designed displays of chocolates around town.
giving chocolates to the men, not limited to the one in romantic relationship only but to all the men around their lives. For further understanding, I will introduce some words related to Japanese Valentine: Giri Choco 義理チョコ, literally means “obligation chocolate”, and it’s a chocolate given to friends, bosses, co-workers, teachers, family members, and other men who doesn’t have any romantic involvement. Nowadays, the giri choco is discouraged by most companies, since it is too stressful, time consuming and
26
Honmei Choco 本命チョコ, literally means “real objective chocolate”, and this is chocolate given to a boyfriend, husband, or lover – or someone in that position. To avoid any awkward misunderstanding, this is usually more expensive, elaborate and sometimes, for a more heartfelt message, handmade (there are many shops that sell the chocolate making kit).
Tomo choco 友 チョコ, literally means “friend chocolate”, this is the chocolate women buy for their female friends on Valentine’s Day. It’s often very decorative or expensive, and many women like to get together to eat their chocolates and spend time together. Basically, Japan have the custom called Okaeshi お返し, it’s returning the gift received with another gift. Gift-giving in Japan is actually like an exchanging of gifts. Valentine’s Day is not an exemption. Every man who received some chocolates needs to return the gift. The White Day, which is on March 14th, exactly a month after, the role is reversed. The men give chocolates to women and it’s called the Gyaku choco 逆チョコ, literally means “reverse chocolate”.
January - February 2022
Quotable Quotes on Leadership By Arnel Sugay
As a workshop facilitator, I get to meet many supervisors and managers. Because of the nature of my job, I gravitate towards collecting quotes that talks about leadership. I use some of these quotes and post them after lunch for the leaders to ponder upon. Sometimes a quotation is all you need to explain a leadership concept with my participants. Below are some of the quotation I have used in my learning sessions: "If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader." - John Quincy Adams "The quality of the leader is reflected in the standards they set for themselves." - Ray Kroc "Not all readers are leaders, but all effective leaders are readers." - Harry S. Truman (italics is mine) "The first responsibility of a leader is to define reality. The last is to say thank you. In between, the leader is a servant." - Max DePree "Before you are a leader, success is all about growing yourself. When you become a leader, success is all about growing others." - Jack Welch "We must become the change we wish to see in the world." - Mahatma Gandhi Artvision, by Dennis "Where there is no theSun people perish." - Proverbs 29:18
"People buy into the leader before they buy into the vision." - John Maxwell "Live out your imagination, not your history." - Stephen R. Covey "The attitude of the leader influences the attitude of the team." - Arnel Sugay What is your favorite quotation on leadership?
January - February 2022
27
KWENTO NI NANAY ni Nanay Anita Sasaki
EVERY GISING IS A BLESSING Nandito po tayo para mag kuwentahan po. Bakit ang palaging usapan natin sa buhay ay ang walang kamatayan na problema sa PERA PERA PERA? Bakit laging ito ang problema? Hindi pa rin nabibigyan ng solusyon ang problemang ito. Alam nyo ba ang solusyon? Ito ay ang tiwala natin sa DIYOS. Paulit ulit na sinasabi ng Diyos sa atin. Huwag kayong mag alala. Do not worry, and yet we have not learned this lesson. Kapag na solusyonan ang problema natin, sino ang pinapasalamatan natin? Di ba ang DIYOS? THANKS BE TO GOD! ALLELUIA!!! Wala pa akong nakitang tao na kapag nasolusyunan o nagwagi sa problema ay nag papasalamat sa pera. THANKS BE TO MONEY. MY PROBLEMS ARE SOLVED. Wala di po ba? Kasi alam natin that there’s one reason that can solve all of our problems. That is money. And yet we keep chasing money. This is the trick of the devil. Hindi po ba ito din ang ginawang temptation ng devil kay Hesus. Sinabi kay Hesus, “I will give you all the possessions, all the kingdom, kung ikaw ay luluhod sa akin.”
28
Pag bata ka, problema mo ang pambili ng pagkain sitsiriya. Pag matanda ka na, problema mo ang pambili ng gamot at bitamina. Kapag buhay ka, problema mo pera kailangan mo pangtawid gutom. Kapag patay ka na, problema din ang pang kabaon at panglibing. Pero alam natin na hindi lang ang pera ang tanging solusyon sa lahat ng bagay. Ngayon posible bang mabuhay sa mundo na walang pera? Posible. PAPAANO??? It is possible to live without money if we live like Jesus. With a heart like Jesus. Kahit wala kang pera basta magtiwala ka kay Hesus. Hindi ka pababayaan ng DIYOS. Kung ang mga ibon nabubuhay, tao pa kaya? Ang tanong ay… do we trust God more than money? “HINDI MO KAILANGAN MAGING MAYAMAN O MATAAS NA PINAG-ARALAN UPANG MAKATULONG SA KAPWA MO PILIPINO.”
Kapag mayaman ka, problema mo kung paano mo mapapanatili ang pera. Pag single ka, problema mo ang pang lakwatsa at pang date.
January - February 2022
Walk with me: Hotel New Otani and Garden By Lala Lopez de Leon
January 17, 2022 A rare occasion, Monday in Akasaka-Mitsuke basking in the glorious sun couldn’t have been more perfect for a short, quiet stroll, after running some personal errands.
It’s been ages since I last stepped foot on Hotel New Otani, and I couldn’t hide my excitement at the thought of seeing their famous garden once again.
30
January - February 2022
Formerly a residence of a well-known samurai Lord in the period 1562-1611, the garden was first landscaped for his use during the early Edo period (1603-1868). It passed hands and when the late Yonetaro Otani, the hotel’s founder, acquired the land, he insisted that the garden in its current state be preserved and maintained. So, some of the trees, ponds, and stone lanterns date back to centuries ago, the Kamakura and Edo periods.
MOVING ON Bully sa Japan
ni Jasmin Vasquez
Hindi lamang sa mga school dito sa Japan ang maraming bully. Marami din sa loob ng kaisha kung saan ka nagtatrabaho. Lalong lalo na sa mga dayuhan katulad ko. Huwag nating hayaang apihin tayo ng mga sakang na yan, kahit pa sarili nila itong bansa nila. Katulad nila, tayo din ay mga taxpayer ng bansang ito. Mapa trainee ka man o may asawa, deborsyado o anu pa man, kabilang tayo sa mga residenteng naninirahan dito. Kung ang binabayaran nila sa gobyerno ay binabayaran mo rin at kung ang trabaho nila sa loob ng kaisha ay ginagawa mo rin ng tama? Aba! Eh, wala silang karapatang api-apihin ka at asarin ka. Karamihan sa atin, lalo na tayong mga Pilipino ay matiisin tayo. Tama naman iyon, kaya lamang eh huwag hayaang mamihasa ang mga ganyang klaseng pag-uugali. Lalo silang dumadami, lalong lumalala ang sitwasyon kapag palagi lamang tayo nag titiis na tayo ay saktan nila, masasanay na silang parating ganon. Hindi lamang sa pisikal maging sa berbal o pananalita lamang ay huwag nating hayaang gawin sa atin ang mga iyon. Wala ni isa man sa kanila ang may karapatang kawawain tayo sa trabaho.
32
Kamakailan lamang ay may napabalitang mga trainee dito sa Japan na sinasaktan ng kanilang mga kasama sa trabaho. Mabuti ngayon at nagkaroon na ng lakas
ng loob at nagsampa ng kaso. Ilang taon na pala syang nagtitiis. Kaya para maiwasan ang mga ganitong pangyayari, magsumbong agad sa iyong leader o sa agency na may hawak sa inyo. Kung hindi ka nila pakikinggan, maari kang lumapit sa Labor Office. Marami kang pwede lapitan. Ilan sa mga sumusunod ay makakatulong sa inyo kapag kayo ay naka encounter ng kahit anong problema tungkol sa trabaho. Kung may mga katanungan, dyan nyo malalaman ang mga kasagutan. Japan Institute for Labour Policy and Training JETRO – Information about Japanese Labour Laws translated into English for investors (useful for you, too). Hello Work – This is the office to go to if your company is doing something illegal and you need to report it. (Japanese) Japan Law Translation – An invaluable source if you want to look up specific laws to cite when you think your company is doing something illegal. Ministry of Justice PDF of Civil Code – Very useful, English and Japanese. Kailangan natin manindigan sa ating mga karapatan kahit saan man tayo sa lupalop ng mundo mapunta. Huwag tayong mag pa-api dahil yan lang mayroon tayo. Hindi man tayo mayamang katulad nila. Kailangan may prinsipyo ka sa iyong buhay.
January - February 2022
