Celebrating The Journeys Of Filipinos In Japan
Pahayagang pinoy sa japan
ジープニー プレス
在日フィリピン人 向 け マ ガ ジン
July-August 2022 2022年7月-8月
118 ISSUE
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 Geraldine Limpo
contents 06 Yomu Editorial / Dennis Sun 08 Kusina / Chris Yokoyama 10 On The Road / Neriza Saito 12 My Number 1 / Geraldine Limpo 14 Health Points / Marnie Chan 16 Isang Araw Sa Ating Buhay / Jeff Plantilla 18 Traffic / Alma Reyes 20 Take It Or Leave It / Lita Manalastas-Watanabe 23 Moving On / Jasmin Vasquez 24 Dondake! / Karen Sanchez 26 Amazing Grace / Mae Grace 28 Obon Festival / Alma Fatagani-Sato 30 Kwento Ni Nanay / Anita Sasaki 32 Walk With Me / Lala Lopez De Leon 34 Work & Time / Arnel Sugay 35 Kansai Report / Neriza Sarmiento
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
090-2908-5088 (SB)
読む editorial by Dennis Sun Today, I woke up at 4:00am. I thought I was just going to the toilet to relieve myself quickly so I could go back to sleep, but nature had other plans. When I looked outside the veranda and saw the beautiful breaking of dawn and a stunning sunrise (see the photo I took), I decided to go out and do my early morning walk for an hour around my neighborhood, and then proceeded to the gym for another hour of workout. I went back home and took a cold shower. While checking my email, I laid down in bed and rested in my bedroom.
06
Suddenly, my ears picked up some strange noises. My morning walk took me past a cemetery earlier, and I even saw a black cat passed by, so perhaps some sociable spirits must have followed me. My next thought was that the noise was coming from either upstairs or downstairs. However, as the sound grew louder, it became more disturbing. The sound came from inside the house. I opened the
YOMU means to read in Japanese
door and I saw a strange figure of a man moving right inside the living room, messing with my already disorderly things on the shelves. I
have felt, heard, smelled and seen ghosts before, but never have I seen one so real and alive as this. It was not a ghost I see, but a real human being right inside the living room. Now I wonder which is scarier: a ghost or a real human being you don't know inside your house? I realized then it must be a burglar? Here in Japan? In my
July - August 2022
place? I was in a state of shock! He looked like a hobbit with Albert Einstein's hairdo. My adrenaline surged up and I shouted at him at the top of my voice in Japanese to scare him, "Who are you?! What are you doing here?!!" While I was panicking, freaking out, and shouting at him to distract him, I was also contacting the police on my
lives here and even advised me to leave and escape before the police shows up to catch me. About 5 minutes after notifying them, the police officers arrived one by one. Seven policemen came, and were interrogating him, but he seemed out of touch with reality, as if he were living in a different world. Finally, they
is generally harmless and poses no threat to those around him. Come to think about it, I now felt sorry for how I treated him. In retrospect, maybe I should have been gentler and kinder. Moreover, I do not intend to press any charges of trespassing. I suspect his parents are already in their 80's or 90's and finding it difficult to deal with him, let alone their advancing years. Oh, well. It's only 9:00am. And the morning isn't over yet. I wonder what is in store after lunch.
Photo by Dennis Sun mobile phone. This is multi-tasking at its finest! On the other hand, he wasn't moving and was so calm and composed. He seemed a bit different. He wasn't physically aggressive and didn't even try to run away. I slowly noticed there was something wrong inside his head. He told me he
brought him to the police station. Less than an hour later, one of the police officers came back and informed me that the guy already had a record with the police. He actually lives two floors downstairs in the building with his elderly parents. He does have a mental illness but
July - August 2022
Over the past 30 years of living in Japan, I have never locked the door at night, even when I went to bed. However, this occurred during the day when I was already awake. I couldn't even imagine this would happen to me in Japan. I have lost my wallet and other things outside many times in the past in Japan and ended up finding them. I still believe Japan is a safe place. But things do change... somehow. It's the small things in life that often have bigger consequences. Simple lesson of the story: just lock the door. And the irrefutable lesson of life: The sunrise and sunset will always remain beautiful no matter what happens. However, despite what happened today, I still look forward to watching and witnessing the golden sunset later this evening after shooting and savoring the early morning sunrise this morning.
07
KUSINA Easy and
plum vinegar. On day 4, open the pickling container, set aside the plum vinegar. Pour enough Akazu level to the pickled ume, put the lid and weight again.
delicious, seasonal recipes ni Tita Chris Yokoyama
Hello again, mga kababayan! It’s summertime of 2022 that comes in full force with strong sunshine, hot, hot days lingering ahead, darker green of trees, the shimmering sea, and the shrilling of cicadas in chorus. Summer is a season one can experience both the intensity and calmness of Japan. Now, I would like to share with you the easiest method of making umeboshi (Japanese pickled plum), that’s a century old superfood known for its intensely sour and salty taste! It has been said that you do not need to see a doctor if you eat one umeboshi a day. The effects of citric acid contents on plums are said to be good for restoring energy, preventing heat stroke, and keeping obesity in control. However, it’s also recommended not to take too many, as umeboshi is quite salty. Everything in moderation, as they say. From mid-May, June and July are the best season for ume plums. Basically, all you need are 3 ingredients: 1. Choose the ripened, yellow, blushed ume plums 2. Sea Salt (arajio) (15% to 18% of the weight of the ume plums) 3. Akazu (can get from groceries and amazon)
08
Optional: Honey (for making Umetsuke) THE BEST in my trial making. You will need any airtight containers and homemade plastic drop lids and weights. You must clean all the equipment with alcohol. First: 1. Rinse the ume under cold running water. If you see blemishes or damages on ume, Do not use it because they can start growing mold from there. 2. Using a toothpick, remove the woody bits. It’s the troublesome (mendokusai) part, but please do not skip. Gently dry the ume with a kitchen paper towel. 3. Sprinkle salt on top followed by 2 layers of ume. Then continue salt and ume alternately. Drop the lid and place the weights on top. Write down the date on the cover, leave the container with the ume and salt in a dark, cool place. After a few days, the ume will start releasing moisture called
July - August 2022
NOTE: 1. If you want a soft umetsuke (that usually sold at the grocery store), this is the timing that you mix the honey (1 kilo of ume to 550g honey) with the Akazu and soak the ume. Store in the refrigerator for at least 1 month. 2. If you want the dry type, after 7 days of soaking to Akazu, sun-dried the pickled ume for 3 days in a bright sunlight. The left over red-color ume plum vinegar (umezu) can be use for beni shoga (pickled ginger), salad dressing, or for coloring ingredients. This by-product is unique and the fruit of your hardwork, so don’t throw it away. We often serve umeboshi with steamed rice, ochazuke, okayu, sometimes as a filling inside onigiri and even in Japanese-style pasta, fish nimono and drinks. Umeboshi can last 2-3 years with 20% salt content stored in a container and cool place. You must try this and experience for yourself! Beat the summer heat!
July - Augut 2022
09
Neriza Sarmiento - Saito's
On the Road to
POLO -OWWA and PCCC’s Leadership Training Seminar in Mt. Rokko Can you imagine Summers without the shrill of “cicadas“? Known as “semi“ in
photo credits: Mr. July Bartiquin, PCCC Auditor
10
Japanese or “kuliglig“ in Filipino, these insects, that are often mistakenly referred to as crickets could be annoying for many because of the endless sound they produce. In Japan, the shrill depend on its type, whether they are “min min semi “ or “the tsuku tsuku boshi”. In the Philippines, some years ago, a mysterious sound was said to have been heard in Mt. Makiling, and others thought those were elves or something else. A scientist proved later that it wasn’t a ghost but a “kuliglig“ that made the sound of “hi hi hi” so it was named “the laughing kuliglig”. When we went
up to Mt. Rokko by cable car for a Leadership Training Seminar on July 17-18, I was expecting to hear some mountain cicadas, but there weren’t any around yet as the place was still pleasantly cool, like Baguio. The Philippine Community Coordinating Council in joint action with the Philippine Overseas Labor Office ( POLO) Osaka headed by Labor Attache Elizabeth Marie Raquel Estrada and the
from Hyogo, Shiga, Nara, as well as individuals interested in forming new communities. Consul-General Voltaire D. Mauricio and Deputy Consul General Melchor P. Lalunio of the Philcongen in Osaka were the guests of honor. DCG Lalunio gave an inspirational message to the participants on the importance of leadership and developing the identity of one’s group. He reiterated the importance of building trust and forging loyalty in the group. He advised leaders to avoid the so-called “Rashomon effect“ where an event is given different or contradictory interpretations by the members involved.
Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, represented by Welfare Officer, Ms. Pilipina Clemente Dino organized the 2 day seminar from July 17-18 at Corres Resort. It was attended by representatives of Filipino Communities in Kansai
The three resource speakers were Ms. Pilipina Clemente Dino on the topic “Interpersonal Skills“ and how it can enable leaders to foster meaningful relationships with their teams, motivate members, navigate setbacks and address the root cause of poor performance. Mr.
July - August 2022
Glen Oliver Santos’ topic was the Importance of Social Media to the communities and keeping the members connected and engaged! After the sessions, they were delighted with Consul General, Voltaire D. Mauricio’s surprise arrival. He had 2 other events that day but he made it a point to meet and interact with the group. In his short arrival message, he was able to explain the roles and functions of the Consulate General and the Embassy as well as those of the attaches of the government agencies. The Consul -General has already been to 11 out of the 23 prefectures in their jurisdiction and has met with the city mayors and now in the process of arranging sister city
partnerships with the Philippines. Another objective of their visit to different prefectures is for the governor or mayor to be aware of the Filipino residents in those areas who might be in need of assistance in times of disaster or calamities.
leadership styles: Autocratic, Democratic and Laissez -faire. In a workshop that followed, groups were formed to make a presentation on plans for an imaginary Philippine event that will showcase ideal Philippine culture with a limited budget, preparations and participants. As Ms. Pilipina Dino and Herbert Benzon, PCCC’s first Vice -Chairperson and head of the Leadership seminar that started in 2017 in Himeji. In the first leadership seminar, Dennis Sun, the Jeepney Press’ Creative Director, was our guest speaker. Next, 2018 in Shiga, 2019 in Kyoto and now 2022 in Rokko, after we presented certificates of participation to the
attendees, we all heaved a sigh of relief that the seminar can be labeled successful. PCCC Adviser, Noemi Itsukage, raffled off giveaways to the participants. As for me, I just realized how much the pandemic has affected our activities these past two years but after the seminar, it gave me renewed energy as the current chairperson to work harder for our community. We need to be like the chorus of cicadas, determined to wake up their members. Like the cicadas that stay underground for 2-17 years before flying out like nymphs, motivating communities towards taking the leap for changes that can be beneficial to the Filipino Community in Japan. Up there in Rokko, we were the “kuligligs” among the pine trees!
Day 1 was capped with a sumptuous barbecue party among the pine trees prepared by PCCC’s head chef and treasurer Delia Nakashima from Mie assisted by July Bartequin, leader of the Kishiwada Filipino Community and auditor of PCCC and Katrina Fujikawa, 2nd Vice -Chairperson. Day 2 started with Ms. Ma. Theresa Pamaong’s “Shifting in Leadership style“ and Kurt Lewis’ theory of Leadership with 3 types of
July - August 2022
11
by Geraldine Limpo
MY NUMBER 1 (FOR THOSE NUMBER 2s)
Warning: Please do not read while having a meal. Among the gadgets at home, the one that impresses me the most is the smart washlet. Albeit located within a small space within our flat, the smart washlet senses movement and opens its lid automatically. (Lifting the lid manually becomes an unnecessary action.) Come to think of it, one never has to touch the smart washlet during use; the remote control that fits most hands commands all its actions. Significantly more hygienic. Its seat is kept warm even during cold winter nights. How many of us remember holidays overseas during cooler climes and visiting the toilet in the middle of the night only to be jolted out of sleepiness when our buttocks and thighs recoil upon contact with cold seats of urinals? In contrast, the seat of the smart washlet can be programmed to a comfortably warm temperature. The power deodorizer/air purifier is another amazing feature. Gone are excuses to smoke in the toilet to rid the odor, or lighting a candle (which may be a fire hazard). Combined with using a spray (such as Air Wick) or hinoki oil diffusers that neutralizes odors, the toilet is refreshed more quickly for the next user (potentially life-saving, I joke my family members…)
12
indulgence. Not only does this save toilet paper previously used to dry bottoms, activating the dryer supports the 21st century habit of multi-tasking. According to the May 26, 2021 edition of the Huffington Post, 72% of Brits take their handphones to their toilet breaks to seek entertainment, catch up with correspondence, or find a date. Oh wow. Fairy tales speak of magic wands; however, the only one I have encountered in my lifetime thus far and am fairly satisfied with is the wand of the smart washlet. The nozzle’s length can be adjusted to one’s preference for forward- and rear-cleaning. So can the water strength and temperature be via the remo-con. What’s more? These preferences can be saved! Furthermore, the wand can sanitize itself. This means one less chore for the homemaker! In addition, studies have shown that jet water coming from (clean) nozzles is kinder to sufferers of hemorrhoids, skin rashes and urinary tract infections. The dryer function is another
The auto-flush feature is triggered when I conclude my toilet break and finally stand; it reminds me of applause that rewards a job well done. The smart washlet potentially is a homemaker’s best friend; thanks to a mist of water that is automatically sprayed on the bowl to resist staining, the innovative flushing system using tornado-like jets of water whirling across the interior surfaces which reduce the volume of water required to flush via a regulated flush valve, and the anti-bacterial UV light that signals disinfection taking place. Certainly, weekly manual toilet cleaning (with a brush and
July - August 2022
cleaning solution) is a healthy habit; nevertheless, this self-cleaning function that is carried out every eight hours by the smart washlet has significantly simplified this otherwise unpleasant chore.
Private toilets have little use for this, unless the water sounds prod certain users to void more completely, and/or when certain users are too embarrassed to hear the sounds that voiding the kidneys and bowels makes.
The smart washlet sounds like a dream. However, some question the energy and water supply it requires. According to a study among electric bidets in the US, the most efficient models consume 14 kWh/month (USD 1.85) while the least efficient ones consume about 160 kWh/month (about USD 20), with the average cost ranging between USD 5-10/month. Let’s contrast this cost with the savings proposed by manufacturers of the smart washlet. A Japanese brand advertises models that use a mere gallon of water per flush— this is less than the 3.7 to 7 gallons of water per flush using American-made urinals that do not require electricity. When we take the difference and multiply the figure by 365 days that a year has, we realize significant cost savings in water supply. Secondly, we consider that the reduction in consumption of toilet paper translates to saving the trees (and thus, our environment). Feel free to refer to https://eu.toto.com/en/ washlet/sustainability. Thirdly, there are hygienic considerations. In the era in which we live where viruses abound and medical costs are high, reducing contact with human wastes is preferred, isn’t it?
Scientific studies continue to bring improvements. Sometimes, I wonder how else the smart washlet can evolve.
These said, there are minor features that strike me as superfluous. This include water sounds that, in my opinion, are relevant only in securing privacy in public toilets.
From a wellness centre in Koh Samui where we enrolled for a weeklong detox programme three years ago, my daughter picked up a new habit: By placing her feet on the stool while sitting on the urinal, in this way mimicking a squat, she empties her bowels more easily and satisfactorily than planting her feet on the ground while on the usual seated position. Could a future washlet design provide this option (i.e.;
automatic foot stool)? A recent buzzword is ASMR, which stands for Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response. Specific auditory or visual stimuli designed to mediate between mind and body are believed to trigger certain responses such as positive feelings and sleepiness. I wonder if there ever will be a model incorporating ASMR content
that relaxes users of the smart washlet so they are “in the mood” to void satisfactorily. And how do we feel about a self-cleaning seat? The Toto website describes a rotating seat that presents each user with a freshly sanitized section. Truly, man has gone a long way from digging a hole in the ground.
Health Points By Marnie Chan
INQUIRE WITHIN A contest was once held to lie in a coffin for 30 hours. Winner gets $300, two gold season passes to a famous water park in sunny California, and other prizes. You may cringe at the idea. Novice if you did. Death and things related frighten most. Heard of sensory deprivation? I'll try to convey the experience in words. ...despite the adage "words do not teach". Venice Beach, California: inside a metal isolation tank or what is sometimes referred to as sensory deprivation floatation tank. It's pretty much like a closed coffin. You will lie down naked on heated water of about 98.6°F (or 37°C) which is also about a foot or so high. Don't worry you won't drown in 12 inches of water. Soon enough you can't even tell your skin from the water. Both share the same temp. So goes your sense of feeling. A thousand pound of Epsom salt is poured in that water to make your body bouyant, meaning you will literally float like a cork regardless of your weight. You are now weightless as if floating in space. You lose sense of direction.
14
It is also pitch black inside the tank. It doesn't matter if you shut close your eyes or keep them wide open. You see void. Since your ears would be submerge in water while you are floating, a pair of silicon ear plugs are provided. Hence, you cannot hear anything outside but your own heart beat, or breath perhaps. Silence here is deafening. You'd hear the faintest. Yeah, I reckon... I'd say even the "still, small voice" propagated by the world's religions. Then I remembered: experts now agree that consciousness goes on even after the clinical death of the physical body. HA, what do I care about experts? Here's my non expert experience: I was awoken by a gentle
nudge of vibrations. The shop owner gave me a generous extension. I only paid for a 30 minute session. He made me linger for an hour and a half in the tank. And I thought, I really, really thought, the whole thing was only 5 minutes long. Like a wrinkled prune, I emerged from the cocoon. Now, I want to tell you about peace that transcends all understanding. But man, words do not teach. Chinese acupuncture has a somewhat similar take on this using the following points: shen men, nei guan, and tai yuan, coupled with some equally powerful scalp acupuncture dao ma. Those may be foreign to you. But so is peace, ain't it? Inquire within.
July - August 2022
Glen Gypsy’s
July - August 2022
15
ISANG ARAW SA ATING BUHAY ni Jeff Plantilla Isang katangian ng mga bansa sa tinatawag na rehiyon ng Northeast Asia ay ang kanilang napakatatandang documents. Mula nang maimbento ang papel, panulat at pang-sulat, hindi na tumigil ang pagtatala ng mga bagay-bagay sa lipunan sa rehiyong ito. Napakaraming bagay ang naisulat na sa loob ng libong taon. Kaya sa ngayon, maaaring alamin ang kasaysayan ng mga tao at kabihasnan sa China sa mga kasulatan na mahigit na isang libong taon ang gulang. Bagama’t hindi kasing tanda, ganun din sa Korea, at sumunod ay sa Japan. Naging bahagi na ng buhay ng mga tao ang magsulat ng mga bagay na nakikita, o pinag-uusapan sa paligid nila. Kasama na rin dito ang mga official records ng mga pamahalaan noon. Bahagi ng kasaysayan ng Filipinas ay malalaman natin sa mga Chinese records na sinulat mula pa nung 970s AD. Nguni’t tulad din ng mga kasulatan ngayon, hindi natin masasabi na lahat ay tama at accurate ang pagkakarecord. Maaaring may pagkakamali din.
16
Kasaysayan ng mga Filipino sa Japan
Ang kasaysayan ng mga Filipino sa Japan ay mahaba-haba na rin. Isang bahagi sa kasaysayang ito si Hideyoshi Toyomi, ang sinasabing nagbuo ng Japan bilang bansa pagkatapos ng isang daang taong giyera (sengoku jidai - 戦国時代). Sumulat siya nung 1592 sa mga Kastila sa Maynilad at sinabi na dapat magkaroon ng ugnayang pangkalakalan ang Japan at Luzon, at kung ayaw ng mga Kastila, sasakupin niya ang Luzon. Dito nagmula ang isang kabanata ng relasyon ng Filipinas at Japan. Sino dapat ang magsusulat ng kasaysayan ng mga Filipino sa Japan?
July - August 2022
Walang iba kundi tayo rin. Dapat nating isulat ang iba’t-ibang uri ng ating pamumuhay sa Japan. Ito ang dahilan kung bakit may Filipinos in Kansai: We are Here! Stories of Diverse Existence ang Philippine Community Coordinating Council (PCCC). Inilabas ang documentation report na ito nung March 2019 sa kanilang blogspot http://pcccwestjapan.blog spot.com/. Ipinaliwanag ang dahilan sa pagkakaroon ng documentation na ito sa Introduction: Each Filipino in Kansai has a story to tell, and each story reveals a feature of the existence of Filipinos in the
region. This report puts together the different stories of Filipinos in Kansai. By doing so, it portrays to some extent who the Filipinos are in this part of Japan. Many of the stories reveal links between the Philippines and Japan, diversity of occupation, status and role of Filipinos in Japanese society, and numerous engagements of Filipinos in Japanese socio-cultural initiatives. This report invites the Filipinos to appreciate the layers of engagements they have been involved in Kansai. It entices them to ponder on the considerably long period of Filipino existence in the region.
• Artists Chapter Four. Academics and Corporate Professionals • Academics • Corporate Professionals Chapter Five. Trainees, Nurses, Caregivers and Domestic Help • Trainees • Nurses and Caregivers • Domestic help Chapter Six. Students, Youth, JFCs and Nikkeijins • Youth Organizations • Japanese-Filipinos • Parenting the
Filipino Food • Local Festivals • Philippine Dances • Independence Day Celebration • Filipino Food Chapter Nine. Contests and Sports • Singing Contests • Beauty Contests • Sports Chapter Ten. Messages to the Japanese Public • Theatrical Productions • Kapihan at Talakayan sa Kansai • Photo Exhibits • Radio Programs Chapter Eleven. Issues
Chapter Two. 1920s to the 1970s – Jazz, Sports and the Pioneers • Jazz Musicians and Champion Sprinters and Boxers • Pensionados and the Pioneers Chapter Three. Musikeros, Entertainers and Artists • Musikeros and Entertainers
Isa sa mga pinagkunan ng information para sa documentation na ito ay ang Jeepney Press. Nguni’t maraming mga Filipino sa Kansai ang nagbigay ng mga dokumento, litrato, istorya at iba pang information na bumubuo sa documentation na ito. Tuloy pa rin ang pagdo-document ng buhay ng mga Filipino sa Kansai. Inilalabas lang ang mga documented na:
Meron itong 12 chapters: Chapter One. The Philippines and Japan • Historical Ties • Past in the Present
iba’t-ibang buhay (diverse lives) at karanasan ng mga Filipino sa Kansai. Malamang ay sinasalamin nito ang buhay ng mga Filipino sa ibang bahagi ng Japan.
Japanese-Filipino Children • Nikkeijins
Faced by Filipinos • Problems and Other Issues
Chapter Seven. Communities, Organizations and Churches • Communities and Organizations • Community Networks and Churches
Chapter Twelve. Responding to the Needs of Filipinos • Filipino and Japanese Institutions and Organizations • Filipinos and Charity Work
Chapter Eight. Festivals, Celebrations and
Mababasa sa mga chapters na ito ang
July - August 2022
While the existence of the Filipinos in Kansai continues to evolve, this report starts telling stories of that existence that have unfolded. Panahon na para malaman natin ang ating sarili bilang mga Filipino dito sa Japan. Panahon na para isulat at ipahayag ang mga istorya ng ating buhay sa Japan hindi lamang sa kapwa Filipino at sa mga Hapones, kundi para sa mga kababayan sa Filipinas at sa mga tao sa buong mundo.
17
TRAFFIC by Alma Reyes Fear Without Truth On July 8, 2022, around 11:30 a.m., Japan stopped breathing for the rest of the day. The assassination of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe jolted the entire world like a vicious thunderbolt. Chaos, confusion, anger, grievance, fear—this flurry of emotions was enough to spiral in every single person’s heart and mind, Abe supporter or not. Naturally, the first word that spurted out was “WHY?” The nation’s unprecedented political icon who strived determinedly to build Japan’s economy for more than eight years has even been compared to John F. Kennedy and what he had meant to the U.S. I, myself was not an Abe follower, but his demise burrowed a deep hole inside me. Is it the surprise of death that steps in unhesitatingly without invitation? Is it sadness that hatred lurks so vengefully in humans? Is it fear that people have reached no limit to deliberately destroy a person’s life, his family and aspirations to make meaning of this temporary life he has been given? Every act of premeditated murder is, after all, personal. Motives may range variably from money,
18
jealousy, contempt, revenge, to mental disability, but stems out of personal choice. When agitation, rage and desperation summit the ultimate peak of hopelessness beyond the inability to suppress one’s emotion, murder becomes a spiteful tool for defying self-control. Consequently, it translates into a declaration of a statement, which observers often never understand. What did former Prime Minister Abe’s assassination mean to
the Japanese people? Firstly, an article was published about how the word “assassination” was never used in the Japanese media to pertain to this horrific incident. Instead, the words that echoed were “shot” or “died,” but not “assassinated.” The article analyzed that in Japan “assassination” usually refers to “foreign” occurrences, such as the shoot-down of JFK, Martin Luther King, Malcom X, and others—but, not for Japanese figures. Oxford Dictionary defines “assassinate” as
July - August 2022
“to murder (an important person) for political or religious reasons.” Could it be, perhaps, that the motive for the former prime minister’s shooting could not be labeled as “political nor religious”? Out of curiosity, I have asked some Japanese about
their thoughts on the subject. Most of them said that the word somewhat implies a “too heavy” impact, which the media may not wish to inflict on the people who mourn profusely as it is. As always, the citizens’ feelings fall prey to what seems to be the authorities’ civic obligation to protect them. Someone remarked that the word sounds “ancient,” like belonging to the Edo or Meiji eras. The article also stressed the natural flow of ambiguity in Japan, marked by “grayness” (instead of black or white) in so many facets of the culture. Playing subtle, subdued and vague is often the rule of decorum. Expectedly, international reactions commonly expressed disbelief for a “safe” country that has one of the world’s strictest laws on gun control. Yet, times have changed aggressively since the age of the Internet. Free access to global information and the mayhem of abusive use of social media has woven a web of mind manipulation influencing people’s sense of mature judgment. Over the years, Japan has been witnessing sporadic crime incidents
July - August 2022
largely by knives, such as random stabbing inside trains, train stations or shopping malls, or killings of young children, and arson. Guns are admittedly almost invisible in the country, but the July 8 incident has apparently presented the painful evidence that with the borderless Internet platform dictating the rhythm of our everyday life, surely, ANYTHING could be possible. Certainly, the level of “safety” and security in Japan can no longer be equated to that of the good old days. The sooner Japanese society accepts this unfortunate change, the better it can devise pragmatic measures to step up security efficiency and protect innocent lives. Evading the factuality of an assassination only further encourages repression and concealment of the truth. Recently, the media seems to advertently focus on the religious group that the suspect had pointed to for his personal vendetta, camouflaging somehow the stage of politics. Whether the intention is to safeguard the reputation of political parties and former Prime Minister Abe himself (and his family) or to cushion the emotions of the people (or something else), veracity is hence, sacrificed. Or, perhaps, the truth no longer matters? There is so much we need to reflect on from this historical phenomenon beyond simply the act of violence itself. It may have served as a catalyst in the need for recognition of shame, banality, change, and human weakness; yes, even in a society like Japan that the world naively perceives as a “utopia.”
19
Take it or Leave it!
ADVICE NI TITA LITS Isabelita Manalastas-Watanabe
My Dear Tita Lits readers: I committed to make a part 2 of the Pag-IBIG benefits offered to OFWs – the first one, on loans, during the 2022 summer issue of Jeepney Press.
It means, you first pre-determine how much you intend to spend for the month, make total is less than your total earnings. Then of course, you will be able to generative positive savings!
Well, be in for another (pleasant) surprise.
Alisin muna sa list of expenses mo, things that you do not absolutely need – new shoes, new dress, new bag, and such other material goods. You will be able to survive without these, or if you are really gung-up on acquiring such “luxuries”, you can probably just postpone for a while, after you have achieved your savings goal.
In Japan, we do no earn interest for our savings – we even have to pay a fee to make deposits to our bank accounts!
What is your minimum savings goal to be able to take advantage of good interest returns on your Pag-IBIG savings?
Pag-IBIG offers very good interest earnings for saving money through them. But first, YOU MUST HAVE SAVINGS, right?
For as low as PHP500 monthly savings, or even PHP1,000 monthly (kayang-kaya nating mga Japan OFWs ito!), you can already earn good dividend payments.
I remember getting feedback from many readers on their surprise upon reading my opening line: OWN A HOUSE FOR ONLY JPY10,700 - 12,000?
I have a different definition on how to save your money. It is not the usual: Savings = Earnings – Expenses. I say: Expenses – Earnings = Savings.
20
Php1,000, a much bigger accumulated savings of or 5 years, you will be entitled to Php70,444.70. Medyo mabigat na iyong 3rd option - PHP1 million one-time savings. Pero baka naman marami sa atin ang pwedeng buksan ang ating mga baul kung saan natin itinatago ang savings natin and then decide to earn by placing these in MP2* Savings Plan of Pag-IBIG: Maraming siguradong magtatanong, SAFE bang ilagay ang pera sa Pag-IBIG? Ang dami kasi nating naririnig na mga anomalya sa ibang mga government offices, at siyempre, pawis at dugo ang puhunan nating mga overseas workers para makapagtabi ng kahit kaunting halaga, in the hope na kumita and pera natin, at hindi mawalang parang bula!
For example, for monthly MP2 savings of only Php500 (isang lunch lang iyan sa Tokyo), with compounded dividend payment option, your accumulated MP2 savings at the end of the 5th year will be Php35,222.35.
While I cannot personally guarantee na walang magiging problema, ginagarantiyahan ng ating gobyerno ang dividend rate Pag-IBIG savings. In 2021, ang government-guaranteed dividend rate was 5.50%. Not bad at all, di-ba?
For monthly MP2 savings of
*Modified Pag-IBIG2. MP2
July - August 2022
Savings earn higher dividend rate than the Pag-IBIG regular savings. In 2021, there were13.69 million active Pag-IBIG members. From the webinar conducted by Pag-IBIG in Japan, presentors showed below, a SNAPSHOT on Pag-IBIG Fund for year 2021. Those 14 million can’t all be wrong, can they? With total assets of Php742 million and a net income of Php35 million, we can’t go wrong. (But my conscience dictates that I should say, sana the Fund will continue to be managed well and no corruption will seep in). To learn more on how to save thru Pag-IBIG: • Visit www.pagibigfund.gov.ph • Click the “Be a Member” button, followed by “apply for MP2” • Get your MP2 Savings Account Number and start saving! Should you have questions about your Pag-IBIG Fund benefits, contact them directly via these service channels: • Tel. +63 2 8724-4244 (standard rates apply). • Email: contactus@pag-ibigfund.gov.ph • Chat: www.pagibigfund.gov.ph • Fb: /PagIBIGFundOfficialPage
• death; • critical illness of the member of any of Pag-IBIG member’s relatives within the 2nd civil degree of consanguinity; • any other reason for prior approval of the Pag-IBIG Board of Trustees. Sige, kapag nakapagbukas na kayo ng inyong regular Pag-IBIG savings, or better still, your MP2 savings, you can remit your monthly savings/contributions thru several channels in Japan, including thru: SPEED (Speed Money Transfer K.K.) Tel. (03) 6869-8555 (regular charges apply); Viber: 080 4143 9494; Line: 080 3508 8555; Facebook: SPEED SMTJ; fb messenger Fax: (03) 3635-8625; URL: www.smtj.co.jp Tita Lits
Isang paalala: Kailangang long-term ang inyong pag-se-save sa Pag-IBIG to get full benefits. Mag-withdraw kayo either upon • membership maturity (20) years; • your retirement; • permanent total disability or insanity; • termination from service by reason of health; • permanent departure from the Philippines;
July - August 2022
21
MOVING ON
ni Jasmin Vasquez
Covid kailan ka matatapos?
Iilang buwan pa lamang na unti unting bumabalik sana sa normal ang takbo ng buhay natin, eto ngayon, dumarami na naman ang nagpositibo sa corona virus na iyan. Dahilan ngayon marami na naman ang apektado at kabilang ako doon. Ilang buwan at araw na naman akong magtitiis halos walang sweldohin. Kulang pa pambayad sa apartment na inuupahan ko. Sobrang aray na sa bulsa. Ang trabaho ko ay mga parts sa loob ng car. Madalas hinto ang production. Maraming company car ang napipilitang ihinto ang trabaho dahil hindi makapasok sa Japan yung mga inaantay na parts galing labas ng bansa. Kaya ang ending, ubos na naman ang ipon ko. Kahit naman sino, siguro ay mauubusan pag ganitong napakatagal na pandemic. Madalas sa work kundi yasumi eh parating half day. Kung iisipin paano na? Saan ka kukuha ng pang tutustos sa lahat ng iyong mga bayarin. Pero salamat sa Diyos kahit paano ay nakakaraos pa rin.
22
Nais kong mag patotoo na ibahagi sa inyo ang isa sa aking mga karanasan nung ako ay nagkaroon ng malalim na relasyon sa Panginoong Jesus. Mas higit na marami syang ginagawang pagpapala sa buhay ko ngayon kung ikukumpara sa buhay ko noon.
Una sa lahat, maraming nabago sa aking pagkatao mula sa aking pag-uugali. Mas nagkaroon na ng magandang direksyon ang aking buhay. At kahit ano pang unos ang dumating sa buhay ko, dahil nagtitiwala ako sa Panginoon, alam kong andyan lang Sya at hindi Nya ako o tayo pababayaan. Noon, halos hindi ako nagpapahinga dahil puro ako trabaho kahit Linggo. Malaki ang aking sahod ngunit palagi pa ring kapos. Parang dumaraan lang sa aking mga palad ang pera. Napupunta lang sa lahat ng bayarin. Palaging nasasaid ang laman ng aking bulsa. Sabi ko sa sarili ko, bakit kahit anong sipag ko wala pa din, kulang pa din. Matagal na akong naglilingkod sa Diyos ngunit hindi gaanong malalim ang relasyon ko sa Kanya. Umaawit ako, tumutugtog at nagtuturo ng kanta na akala ko sapat na iyon bilang isang paghahandog sa Kanya. Marami pa pala akong bagay na hindi alam. Sabi ko pa noon, bakit kailangan ibigay mo yung ikasampung bahagi ng iyong pinaghirapang kitain. Isa sa mga bagay na ginagawang paninira ng iba sa church para ikaw ay matisod. Hanggang sa isang araw ay pinatunayan Nya sa buhay ko at pinaintindi na lahat pala ng bagay sa mundong ito ay sa Kanya. Lahat ng meron ka ngayon ay galing din sa Kanya na sa isang iglap ay kaya Nyang kunin. Isang araw, ako ay nagpunta sa Seiyu supermarket. Namili ako ng mga chocolates at noodles at iba pang mga pampasalubong na aking dadalhin dahil dalawang araw na lamang ay uuwi na ako sa Pilipinas. Lahat ng aking iuuwing pera ay andoon sa aking wallet na daladala kasama ng
July - August 2022
mga lahat ng importanteng card at atm’s. Pagkatapos ko mamili ay umuwi na ako sa bahay. Kinabukasan na ng malaman kong wala ang aking wallet. Ako’y biglang kinabahan sapagkat sa susunod na araw ay flight ko na. Ang residence card ko paano? Ang lahat ng aking pera na iuuwi ay andoon. Halos maiyak ako. Pumunta ako sa Seiyu ngunit masyado pang maaga at yung staff na mga andoon ay kokonti pa lang para mapagtanungan. Lahat ng aking pinaghirapan parang isang click lang pwedeng mawala. Naisip kong magdasal, sabi ko; “Lord, patawarin mo ako sa aking mga nagawang pagkukulang. Please sana makuha ko pa ang wallet ko. Nung mag 9:00 am na, sinubukan kong bumalik uli ng Seiyu, and thanks God Jesus, may wallet daw na nag abot sa kanila. Nakuha daw sa parking lot sa lagayan ng mga cart. Sa panahon ngayon, bihira na ang nagbabalik ng wallet kapag may ibang nakapulot lalo pa at maraming laman na pera na nakakatuksong kuhain. Alam kong kumilos ang Diyos para sa akin, upang ipaalala at ituro Nya sa akin ang isang bagay na hindi ko pa lubos na maunawaan noon. Sa tagal tagal kong naglilingkod sa Panginoon, ang susi lang pala sa ating buhay para tayo magkaroon ng buhay na mas pinagpala ay yung unahin natin si Jesus Christ sa kahit ano pa mang bagay. Katulad ng pag aalay Nya ng lahat lahat sa Kanya para sa ating lahat. Matthew 6:33 “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” So, nakauwi ako ng Pinas, at nung ako ay makabalik na, iyon yun start na masaya na ako na nagbibigay palagi sa church. At sa hindi maipaliwanag na pangyayari, kung kailan hindi naman kalakihan ang aking kinikita, madalas walang trabaho, pero hindi ako nasasaid na katulad dati. Minsan nga may
naitatabi pa ako. Hindi na ako masyadong napapagod, wala ng pag alala kung paano na bukas. Sa buhay natin, need din natin magbigay sa Panginoon upang sa tuwing tayo’y mangangailangan eh hindi mo na kailangan mag alala dahil sobra sobra ang iyon aanihin. Galatians 6:7-9 Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. Malaki talaga ang kaibahan ng buhay kapag may relasyon ka kay Jesus, kaya baka ikaw kapatid nais mong mabago din ang iyong buhay. Baka ito na ang calling mo? Kung noon, panay tanong ko kailan matatapos ang Corona virus? Walang nakakaalam. Pero ang tanging alam ko ay andyan si Lord Jesus na magpoprotekta sa atin sa lahat ng bagay lalo na kung unahin mo Sya sa iyong buhay. Huwag maging madamot at hayaan nating Sya ang manguna at kumilos sa lahat ng desisyon na ating gagawin, na ang nais lamang nya ang mangyari sa ating buhay. Muli salamat sa inyong pagbasa. Ako po ay nagpasyal sa Suwa Lake dito, ang sarap isigaw na “Mahal tayo ng Diyos Ama”!!! Minsan ay binibigyan tayo ng problema at pagsubok na singlaki ng barko.
Huwag nating kalimutan na lumikha din ng malawak na dagat ang Diyos para ikaw ay patuloy na maglayag. Magandang buhay po para sa ating lahat!!!
DONDAKE these, I started to choose who should I keep or remove in my life and move on.
Turning Point Konnichiwa, kababayan! Hope everyone and everything is all right despite the chaos in some places and the misfortunes that we encountered which became our eye-opener and turned as our turning point. Turning point is a critical time in our life where big decisions could lead to big change both in work and in life. It is a time in which a decisive change in a situation occurs, especially when it can lead beneficial results. Politics and this 2022 election was my huge turning point so far and truly changed my perspective in life. It made me understand why despite of your kindness and good deeds to the people you cared for, they will leave you behind, making a fool out of you, insult, mock, brag and drag you down. It seems that morality does not work anymore. It is so sad that even your family, relatives and friends do not value you during those times. They forgot everything you did and they showed their selfishness, true values and character. And I realized if people could do these to GOD then what more for an ordinary man. From
24
When the pandemic started and we were on lockdown stage, I had a chance to study and know about ABBAH YAHAWAH(GOD) and YHWH/ YAHAWASHI (SON OF GOD) and understand that deceptions, manipulations and corruptions existed even before we came to this world. Studies and scholars have different explanations and understandings but one thing that sank into my mind was that our body is the temple of GOD. What we eat or put into it, what we did to our body is what we have become. So by doing good and fully understand those things, I could say that, happiness, heaven and hell are within us and it depends on how and what are our perspectives in life are.
LAKAS NG BAWAT PAHINA It was disappointing and devastating that some of our kababayan did not see and just ignored the chance of having the true leaders for good governance. Living here in Japan and traveled in some countries made me see the huge differences of having those. I noticed what was really the problem in our country and it was the greed for power and money mostly in public seats. Thus, willful-ignorant practices, unfair and selective judgment are shown; that depends mostly on who you know in position; clearly showing and feeling the difference of rich and poor. This way, I am so thankful of having this chance of living here in Japan. I have experienced the fair and good governance which I am longing and dreaming for our beloved country, the Philippines, to have. Now, I am dreaming to be rich one day and go back to Philippines so that, I could face all the misfortunes that could happen while staying there. I know that money and love are powerful things but not until this 2022 election happened which is like a slap on my face that love can be sometimes ignored and it really hurts when money is involved and become their only choice.
Being good and kind sometimes lead us to scammers and thieves. And being too trustful to others could also lead you into danger so be careful because life is getting so hard and difficult that some people may cause chaos in every community. I will leave these two quotes or bible verses as a reminder to everyone. "Be honest even if others are not, even if others will not, even if others cannot". "You reap what you sow". And this is the rule of KARMA. A blessed day to all!
July - August 2022
by Karen Sanchez
Gintong Panahon Heto na tayo sa panahong animo'y lahat ay ginto Pababa ng papaba ang halaga ng ating piso Pataas ng pataas naman ang mga bilihin sa merkado Kaya pa kaya ng kapwa nating ordinaryong mga Pilipino. Gintong panahon na kanilang inaasam-asam Talaga nga naman atin na itong nararamdaman Nagulat ang lahat dahil taliwas sa inaasahan At mukhang tuluyan na lang tayong masasadlak sa kahirapan. Ang iba sa ating mga kakilala'y baun na baun na sa utang Limas na ang ilang taong sinikap na mapag-ipunan Dahil hindi sumapat ang kinita sa araw-araw na pangangailangan Nauuso na rin ang manlamang at ang modus ng mga kawatan. Ilang taon pa kaya natin itong papasanin at mararanasan Makakaahon pa kaya tayo at atin kaya itong malagpasan O mamatay na lang sa hirap at isa na namang kabiguan Sikapin mo man ay hindi sasapat ang iyong kakayahan. Kapos na kapos pa rin kahit pagod na pagod ang katawan Sa trabaho na may maliit na sweldo ay pinagtitiyagaan Maitawid sa gutom ang pamilyang pinahahalagahan Nawa Diyos Ama, huwag mo po kaming pababayaan Dahil tanging Ikaw lamang ang lubos naming maaasahan.
July - August 2022
25
AMAZINGgrace A Rainy Summer in Japan by Mae Grace Di nyo ba napapansin, mid-summer na pero ulan pa rin nang ulan? Does that mean, we will be saying goodbye to summer this year without even trying on that new beach wear that we just bought recently? Trips to the beach and pool day at school have been canceled already but don’t worry! There will always be hundreds of things to do in the summer no matter what the weather would be. How do we beat the summer rains? Let me count the ways! The month of August is a busy time for grape picking and many other kinds of fruit picking and harvest including those of peaches, blueberries,
26
Japanese pears, water melons, among many others. Years ago, one had to go out of town and take long trips to the countryside to find grape vineyards and peach orchards. Quite recently, grape vineyards have bloomed within and around the cities and picking could be enjoyed within the confines of the big metropolis. I-google mo lang and go na kayo ng pamilya o mga amigas mo. I did that and found three blueberry orchards just inside my own city. What! No way! I felt ecstatic walking towards one of them while talking to google map, “go find blueberry!”
Then, there’s always the trip to the onsen, or a picnic by the river, or picnic and barbecue at home while pretending you are somewhere in an Okinawan beach. How about whitewater rafting and kayaking somewhere in Okutama? Climbing up atop a mountain or camping near Mt Fuji would be awesome! Whatever you choose to do, make sure you do it with your family and loved ones. This makes any activity all worthwhile and memorable. Meanwhile, keep safe and stay blessed.
July - August 2022
By: Alma Fatagani-Sato
O-bon Festival (The Festival of the Dead) O-bon (お盆) or Bon (盆) Festival is a Japanese Buddhist summer festival celebrated in Japan for more than 500 years and usually includes a dance performed at night, called the Bon Odori (盆踊り). It is also a time wherein people return to their hometown to gather and celebrate with other family members. It is actually a very lively and joyous festival filled with dancing, street food, and many other things.
28
During the Meiji Era, the Lunar calendar was changed to the Gregorian calendar which resulted in different times of O-bon: • Shichigatsu Bon – celebrated around July 15th, in Kanto region (such as Tokyo, Yokohama) and Tohoku region, and occurs simultaneously with the O-chugen, which is giving summer gifts to their superiors and acquaintances. • Hachigatsu Bon – celebrated around August 15th, and the most commonly celebrated time. • Kyuu Bon – celebrated between August 8th and September 7th, in areas such as the northern part of the Kanto region, Chuugoku, Shikoku and Okinawa. The date of celebration usually differs every year since it is based on the Lunar calendar.
It is believed that during the O-bon, all the spirits come back to visit their families. O-bon Festival is mainly a summer event honoring the spirits of ancestors by cleaning their graves and leaving a variety of food offerings at the Buddhist altars. Fish and meat should be avoided for the offering. But, if possible, should include cucumbers shaped into horses and eggplants shaped into cows, which act as some kind of transportation for the spirits to comeback and return. Near the places where people dance the Bon Odori, many stalls on the streets sell variety of foods like Takoyaki (breaded octopus balls with sauce, dried seaweed and sometimes may include mayonnaise), Yakisoba (Japanese fried noodles), Yakitori (chicken skewers), Okonomiyaki (Japanese savory pancakes), and many other stuff to refresh your body from the summer heat. There are also games and entertainment for very young children to enjoy. Young and old, men and women gather at the nearby Bon Odori venues, wearing the Yukata (a light, casual cotton kimono worn only at summer festivals) to perform the O-bon dances. There are many varieties of Bon dance depending on the region. Some use different kinds of fans, small wooden clappers, or use small towels with colorful designs. The dance step also varies. Although this festival is not a public holiday, most companies close down to give their employees some time to honor their ancestors.
July - August 2022
ni Nanay Anita Sasaki
KWENTO NI NANAY
EVERY GISING IS A BLESSING
30
Ito po ay usapan nang nagkakaedad ika nga. Isa lang pong paalala. Most of us are now in the last quarter of our life and should read this interesting piece of advice. Ito po ay isang magandang paalala. Wala pong POLITIKA, WALANG RELIHIYON, WALANG RACIAL ISSUES … JUST FOOD FOR THOUGHT PO. Maganda po ito. Kadalasan, mabilis ang pag-ikot ng mundo at hindi natin namamalayan ito. Nakalipas na pala ang mga araw at taon. Parang kailan lamang bata pa tayo at wala pang kamuwang muwang sa buhay. Parang sa bilis, hindi natin napansin itong mga araw na lumipas. Parang saan na yon mga araw na lumipas napunta? Parang kailan lamang bata pa tayo. Parang kailan lamang puno tayo ng mga pangarap at magagandang panaginip. Ngunit ngayon, ito na ang mga nalalabing mga araw natin sa ating buhay? Paano ba tayo nakarating dito ng kay bilis? PARANG KAILAN LAMANG PO. Naaalala ko ngayon parang kailan lang nakikita natin ang mga nakatatandang mga tao sa atin. Ngunit ngayon, ito na, tayo na ang mga matatanda. Hindi po ba? Parang noon parang napakalayo pa. Pero ngayon, tayo na ang mga matatanda. Parang hindi ko lubos maisip. Ang bilis ng panahon. Pero nandito na tayo. Yong mga kaibigan natin puros nagretiro na. Mapuputi na mga buhok nila. Meron mga mabagal na kumilos. Makikita natin ang malaking pagbabago sa kanilang anyo at kilos.
Meron mga maganda pa rin ang mga lagay. Meron mga marami na ang tumanda. Hindi na paris noon na mga masigla at mga bata pa sila. Parang ako, lumilitaw na ang pagtanda. Na akala natin hindi tayo darating sa pagtanda. Hay, buhay! Araw-araw nakikita ko na kailangan nating maligo at magpahinga o matulog ng tanghali. Kailangan na nang katawan natin kasi kung baga “mandatory” na. Kaya pumapasok na tayo sa panahon na ang buhay nating hindi handa sa mga pananakit nang ating pangangatawan. Panghihina ng ating lakas na hindi natin akalain ngayon na ba ito? Panahon nang pagsisisi na sana noon ko pa ginawa ang mga iba’t ibang bagay na dapat ko pang gawin. Hindi pala ito pang habangbuhay. Kaya kung tayo ay nasa dapit hapon na ng ating buhay; kaya kung tayo ay nasa huling yugto nang ating buhay, paalala na ito pala at kay bilis naman dumating. Kaya kung meron pa tayong gustong gampanan, gawin na natin agad at napakabilis nang araw. Sadyang matulin ang daan ng araw. Huwag na tayo magpabukas bukas pa at napakabilis dumaan ang mga araw. Hindi natin maipapangako na kung ano man ang gusto nating gawin sa ating buhay ay gawin na natin agad ngayon at baka hindi na dumating ang bukas. LIVE FOR TODAY FOR TOMORROW MAY NOT COME. You have no promise that you will see all the seasons of life. So, live for today and say… ‘LIFE’ is a gift to you. Be Happy! Have a great day! Remember, it is health that is the real wealth
and not pieces of gold and silver. You may think: Going out is good - but coming home is better! Minsan nakakalimutan natin ang kani kanilang pangalan, ngunit sila baka hindi din nila maalala kung sino tayo. Marami tayong mga damit sa closet, pero halos hindi na natin nasusuot. Kasi lagi natin sinasabi baka pumayat pa ako at baka masuot ko pa? The things you used to care to do, you aren't as interested in anymore - but you really don't care that you aren't as interested. You sleep better on a lounge chair with the TV on than in bed – you call it ‘pre-sleep’! You miss the days when everything worked with just an ‘On’ and ‘Off’ switch! You tend to use more 4 letter words – ‘what’ and ‘when’. ANO? KAILAN? Old is good • Old is comfortable • Old is safe • Old songs • Old movies • …… and best of all, • Friends of old! So, stay well, ‘Old friend!’ Have a fantastic day! Have an awesome quarter – whichever one you’re in! Take care. It's not what you gather but what you scatter that tells what kind of life you have lived. “HINDI MO KAILANGAN MAGING MAYAMAN O MATAAS NA PINAG-ARALAN UPANG MAKATULONG SA KAPWA MO PILIPINO”
July - August 2022
"It's a smile, it's a kiss, it's a sip of wine ... It's summertime!" — Kenny Chesney
Irene Sun-Kaneko wears Pidayit.
By Lala Lopez de Leon
Walk with me:
The Road to Mitsubishi Ichigokan July 16, 2022 The Marunouchi area is probably the most cosmopolitan office and shopping district in Tokyo, or Japan for that matter, and I have likened it to our Makati central business district. When the opportunity to spend a Saturday afternoon at a museum in Marunouchi came along, I was all smiles imagining the airy feeling that I get every time I traverse those wide streets branching out of Tokyo Station. This area exudes charm, history, romance, sophistication. There’s just no other place like it in Japan. The way to Mitsubishi Ichigokan Museum must be easy…or, so I thought! Its being in the compound of the Marunouchi Brick Square got me thinking it should be really quick to find it. There’s a pocket park with a rose garden, and it’s a favorite spot for coffee or gelato break for me and my friends!
32
July - August 2022
But I got tricked again…as it often happens for so many of the unique spots that seem to have been made elusive on purpose. There it is, at one end of the oh so familiar Marunouchi Brick Square, hidden by lush greenery, right behind the rose bushes! Mitsubishi Ichigokan Museum As its name suggests, this was Mitsubishi’s first Western-style office building in Marunouchi, designed in 1894 by an English architect. It used to house the Mitsubishi Group’s banking department. It was torn down in 1968 but reconstructed/ reproduced as faithfully as possible, on the same lot some 40 years later, reusing some of the original building’s interior components, such as the handrails for the staircases. There’s so much joy in discovering a new gem! A new urban, weekend destination! Next time, I’ve got to try their in-house café, the original location of the banking department Café 1894! Today’s accomplishment, other than discovering this charming place: 12,265 steps on the pedometer. Bravo!
July - August 2022
Photos by Lala Lopez de Leon
33
More work and less time? By Arnel Sugay
Bob, not his real name, unconsciously snoozed his alarm clock. When the alarm sounded off the second time, he leaned to one side to check the time. With a surge of energy, he bolted out from his bedroom to take a shower. After his quick shower he did not have the time to prepare his breakfast. His tumbler with coffee will be his pick-me-up drink in the office. Meandering through the streets of the city, his car slowed down. He was caught in the rush hour of Monday morning. While stalled in the thoroughfare, he thought of what he needs to accomplish for the day and for the rest of the week. His heart beat quickened. Bob, looked at himself in the mirror. He saw a how-will-I-be-ableto-complete-all-these-pressingpriorities look. Can you relate to Bob’s situation? Bob has a lot of learning and unlearning to do on how he manages his time if he needs to be productive. The time management hacks that he may want to ponder upon would include some of these techniques:
34
1. Urgent and Important. Many of the things listed in our To-do List are not all urgent. Others are important. What is the difference? Urgent tasks would require immediate attention. Examples: return the call of a client, emergency. Important tasks do not have a deadline and would not necessarily need to be
taken care of immediately. However, if delayed for too long it can become urgent. 2. Know your priority. When you visit an Emergency Room (ER), your medical condition will be assessed by a doctor to determine who among the patients in ER needs to be given a priority. This is called triage. Below is a guide.
Want to do and have to do
Want to do but don’t have to do
Don’t want to do and don’t have to do
Have to do but don’t have to do
3. Know your timewasters. What prevents you from focusing at your deliverables? According to a research by Career Builder, the number one cause of timewaster among workers is the use of smart phones and followed by internet. If you are guilty of this, keep your smart phone away from you to eliminate distraction. 4. Pomodoro. This app can be downloaded whether you are an iPhone or Android user. If you need to finish a report, set the timer of Pomodoro to 30 minutes. Do not do anything else so you stay focused. After 30 minutes, take a break for about 10 minutes. Then focus on the next task and set the timer again. Which of these techniques have you tried before? Which one do you think will make you more productive moving forward? Email me at arnel.sugay@gmail.com
July - August 2022
Neriza Sarmiento
KANSAI REPORT:
Last July 8, the whole nation, as well as the rest of the world, was shocked and saddened by the assasination of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. Before he became Prime Minister, I had the opportunity of hearing him campaign for LDP candidates in Takatsuki City, in front of the train station. Coincidentally, he met his tragic fate while campaigning in Yamato Saidaiji Station in Nara.
In a fitting tribute to the late former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, three Consul Generals of the ASEAN Consular Corps, offered prayers and flowers at the site where the former Prime Minister fell. Another photo shows Consul General Voltaire D. Mauricio of Philcongen Osaka bequeathing the white carnations and lilies as a final gesture of respect on behalf of the Filipino people. Former Prime Minister Abe was the first Japanese Prime Minister and the first head of state to visit the residence of former Pres. Duterte in Davao in 2016.
July - August 2022
35
小さな幸せあちこちに 2022.09.01 (木)~10.30 (月)
DENNIS SUN A Little Happiness: Here & There
A R T
E X H I B I T I O N
2022. September 1 (Thur) ~ October 31 (Mon)
Tullyʼs Coffee Shinjuku Ni-Chome Branch
