Jeepney Press / Neriza Saito

On the Road to

TWO DECADES TRAVELING WITH JEEPNEY PRESS

“Your story is the greatest legacy that you will leave to your friends. It’s the longest lasting legacy you will leave to your heirs!“ - Steve Saint

Masaganang 2023 po sa inyong lahat! This is an auspicious year for Jeepney Press as we commemorate our 20th anniversary. Thanks to the perseverance and dedication of our publisher, Irene Kaneko and Dennis, our creative editor. Personally, they are my inspiration whenever I go through the process of writing my articles for each issue. It’s like embarking on a trip when I start to think of a topic and then reaching my destination as I finish the article. So, for this first issue, please join me on an exciting “Jeepney Press“ ride with my story!

Last year, the year of the Tiger was a year I can label erce, fearless and ferocious. One of the highlights of 2022 for me started when my son sent a message:

“Mom, are you afraid of heights?”

“Of course not, why?”

“Then, join us on a helicopter ride!“

“What???”, I answered back!

So, before the end of 2022, I embarked on one of the most exciting rides in my life!! Of course, I had second thoughts about going. Afraid that what if something happened or if the engine suddenly stops or... But I trusted my son so I went with him and his girlfriend. Up there in the sky, I remembered an episode in my childhood.

In the late sixties, I was one of those innocent school children, who watched a helicopter carrying Japanese Prime Minister Eisaku Sato land in our school grounds. We were selected for the rare visit because our school was in First Lady Imelda Marcos’ hometown. For me, it looked magnanimous, a symbol of authority and power. Little had I imagined that decades later I would have a chance to fly on a helicopter.

For me, it wasn’t the thrill of going on board a helicopter but the sense of accomplishment it gave me. I wasn’t afraid anymore to try new experiences. It was the same feeling that I had when Dennis and Irene asked me to start this column. I thought I couldn’t do it. But each time I nish writing, there’s always a feeling of accomplishment, like a ower blooming again.

Another inspiration for me are the two babies, born during the pandemic who were still infants when I featured them in this column. Now, they are growing up fast and robust! Like Alice in Wonderland, let us follow the rabbit to more exciting adventures and stories in this column. I have included here some pictures and a write-up of “Paskong Kansai-Ya”, one of the main projects of Philippine Community Coordinating Council with the full support of the Philippine Consulate General in Osaka, in association with POLO, OWWA and the Department of Tourism.

“Paskong Kansai-Ya“

Close to 500 Filipino expatriates in Kansai and their Japanese family and friends attended a pre-Christmas event, Barrio Fiesta style at Osaka’s Taisho Kaikan on Nov. 27, 2022. The number of attendees considering the situation in post pandemic days was unprecedented, making it one of the most exciting pre-Christmas events and Barrio Fiesta rolled into one. The Philippine Consulate General (PCG) in Osaka headed by Consul General Voltaire D. Mauricio, represented by Deputy Consul General Melchor P. Lalunio at the event and the Philippine Community Coordinating Council (PCCC) in partnership with POLO Osaka - Labor Attache Elizabeth Marie Estrada, Asst. Labor Attache Miguel Castriciones, OWWA Officer, Ms. Pilipina Dino and DOT Osaka Tourism Attache Jerome Diaz. The Philippine Community Coordinating Council (PCCC) is the umbrella organization of more than 25 Filcom groups from Osaka, Hyogo, Kyoto, Nara, Mie, Shiga, Kishiwada, Takatsuki Hirakata, Kadoma Wakayama and other areas in Kansai.

A cultural dance competition was the crowd drawer of the event that featured a consultation corner of POLO OWWA afforded many OFW’s to consult directly on labor matters. A beautiful church-inspired-booth complete with “parols“ was the DOT’s contribution to the festive Christmas atmosphere. There were also different stalls offering Philippine food and goods, reminiscent of our simbang-gabi in the Philippines. The nation’s ag carrier Philippine Airlines raffled off a round trip ticket. In between the dance performances were song numbers by Filipinos who have made names for themselves in Japan. SBI remit headed by Julie Garced was one of the major sponsors.

PCCC, formed in 2002 is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. Its major events are the Leadership Training Seminar in August, the Sportsfest in September, Christmas event in November and a Panel Discussion in March 2023. Paskong Kansai-Ya was conceptualized after the Seminar for community leaders in August. Ms. Katrina Fujikawa (Vice-Chairperson for Cultural events) and her committee together with the officers of PCCC sought the advice of the consulate and POLO about the event.

The winner of the Dance Competition was the church-based Sacra Famiglia Filipino Japanese group. Second place went to the Akashi CFC Community and the 3rd place was awarded to the Philippine Dance Company. The Officers of the PCCC are Neriza Saito (Chairperson), Herbert Benzon (Vice Chairperson - Social), Katrina Fujikawa (Vice Chairperson - Cultural), Larry Macalalad (Secretary), Delia Nakashima (Treasurer), July Bartequin (Auditor), Yoriko Hayashi (Asst. Treasurer), Maria Hiramatsu (Asst. Sec).

Neriza Sarmiento - Saito