Jeepney press 80 online

PAHAYAGANG PINOY

No. 80, 2016 March-April

e-magazine

Designing Dreams

Welcome to the New Jeepney Press!

Cover Photo by Chino Manding Caddarao

PAHAYAGANG PINOY

e-magazine 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 2016.

JEEPNEY PRESS Asia Vox Ltd.

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publisher ASIA VOX LTD. IRENE SUN-KANEKO editorial & creative director DENNIS SUN editorial staff ROGER AGUSTIN Tokyo MIRIAM SUN-ARENAS, MD Philippines MARCIAL CANIONES Philippines RENALIZA CHAVEZ Tokyo REY IAN CORPUZ Tokyo NANETTE FERNANDEZ Philippines HIROKI FUJITANI Tokyo PING-KU IKEDA Kyoto FARAH TROFEO-ISHIZAWA Tokyo CRISTINA KANAKUBO Saitama MAY MASANGKAY Tokyo GINO MATIBAG, MD PhD Sapporo ALEX MILAN Tokyo MYLENE MIYATA Saitama JACKIE MURPHY Fukuoka CONNIE ONA Nagoya JADE PANGILINAN Philippines JEFF PLANTILLA Nara ABIE PRINCIPE Nagoya NESTOR PUNO Nagoya LOLENG RAMOS Kyoto NERIZA SAITO Osaka ELENA SAKAI Tokyo FRANCES SALIGUMBA Okinawa KAREN SANCHEZ Kanagawa CHRIS SANTOS Tokyo ANITA SASAKI Tokyo WARREN SUN Tokyo WAYNE SUN Philippines MARTY MANALASTAS-TIMBOL Tokyo SALLY CRISTOBAL-TAKASHIMA Osaka ALMA REYES-UMEMOTO Tokyo MARIKA UMEMOTO Tokyo JASMIN VASQUEZ Nagano JENA V Tokyo LITA MANALASTAS-WATANABE Tokyo Fr. BOB ZARATE Kanagawa creative staff ARLENE ESPERIDA Tokyo JERRY SUN-ARENAS Philippines JOSE MIGUEL PARUNGAO Philippines CHINO MANDING CADDARAOTokyo

Sa dinami-dami ng mga sinubukan kong alagaang hayop, pinakamadami doon ay pusa.

Sagana kasi sa mga kuting ang mga kalye ng Pilipinas. Kung gusto mong magkaroon ng alaga, maglakad-lakad ka lang ng kaunti,

usually sa mga malapit sa basurahan, damuhan o sementeryo, at may mga maririnig kang mumunting mga "meow" ng mga kuting na itinapon ng ibang tao dahil marami nang anak ang kanilang mga pusa.

Kaya naman sa dinamidaming pusa na nagdaan sa buhay ko, puro pulot silang lahat, pwera na lang kay James. Si James ay ang "the original" kumbaga dahil siya'y dito mismo ipinanganak sa bahay. Anak siya ng

gustong anakan siya.

Si James ang naging bunga ng panggagahasa ng kitten-murderer cat na ito kay Ursula. Mula nang si James ay ipinanganak, hindi ko siya masyadong nahawakan dahil siya'y itinatago ni Ursula sa takot na siya'y muling patayin ng malaking pusang gala. At dahil dito, tinuturuan din yata ni Ursula si James na laging magtago at tumakbo tuwing may banta. Kung anong amo ng kanyang ina ay siya ring ilap ni James.

Sa kasamaang palad, nasagasaan si Ursula sa labas ng bahay nang si

aking alagang pusa na si Ursula. Ikalawang batch na siya ng mga anak ni Ursula, yung naunang batch namatay lahat dahil pinatay ng malaking pusang gala na

James ay isang taong gulang na at nawalan siya ng ina at makakasama. Siguro ay nagdadalamhati din ang pusa dahil siya'y meow nang meow habang aming inililibing ang kanyang ina sa ilalim ng malunggay. Lalong naging mailap si James at matamlay nang wala na siyang makasamang pusa sa bahay kaya't nagpasya ako na maghanap ng makakasama niya.

Nagkaroon ulit ako ng mga dagdag na alagang pusa na pinulot ko sa kalye. Naging masigla si James at mapagmahal sa mga mas nakababata niyang mga kasama, big brother kumbaga. Kapag kumakain sila sa kanilang malapad na pinggan, hindi siya kakain hangga't hindi pa natatapos at nabubusog ang mga kuting.

Kakainin lang niya kung anong matitira

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Ni Renaliza Rogers sa kanilang pinggan. Nakikipag laro siya at mahimbing na natutulog kasama nila. Ngunit ganoon pa rin siya, mailap at ayaw pahawak.

Ang past time lang niya sa buhay ay tumambay sa kusina at manood sa aming matandang kasambahay na si Tita Lilia habang nagluluto.

Hindi siya nanggugulo o nag iingay. Mapagkakatiwalaan din siya; kahit iwan mo ang iyong lulutuing isda, hindi niya ito pakikialaman. Minsan siguro nakakalimot siya na hindi pala siya nagpapa hipo, kusa niyang ipinapahid ang kanyang katawan sa aming mga binti. Pero pag siya'y tiningnan mo at pinansin, kakaripas na siya ng takbo.

Si James ay malaki ang bulas at mataba, gwapong pusa kumbaga.

Malusog at well-fed kahit mailap. Kahit siya'y hindi namin mahawakan, ang sarap sa pakiramdam na mayroon kang kasama sa kusina habang nagluluto, nakaupo siya malapit sa pinto at tahimik na nagmamasid. Minsan kinakausap namin siya at siya'y sumasagot ng mahinang "meow." Sa lahat ng aking naging alaga, si James ang pinaka-sabik kong hawakan, kung sana'y papayag lang siya.

Feb. 26, ng gabi ay naisip kong bilhan ng regalo ang mga aso ko at pusa gamit ang aking nakuhang gift certificates. Tuwang tuwa si James sa binili kong laruan sa kanya. Natuwa din ako dahil first time ko siyang nakitang kalmado at aliw na aliw sa kanyang laruan.

May edad na siyang pusa ngunit nagmistula siyang bata ulit sa kakalaro. Pagulong-gulong sa sahig at pa talon talon pa. Sa wakas, napasaya ko rin ang aking mailap na si James.

Feb. 27 ng umaga nang ako'y gisingin ng aking anak at umiiyak na sinabing, "si James, patay na."

Hindi ako nagulat dahil ako'y antok pa. Ngunit bumangon ako at nagtanong kung nasaan siya.

Umuulan noon at nandoon si

James nakahiga sa gutter sa labas ng bahay. "Nandiyan lang naman siya nakaupo sa gutter natin nang umalis ako papuntang palengke," kwento ni Tita Lilia. "Sabi ko pa nga sa kanya, 'diyan ka lang James ha, bibili lang ako ng pang ulam ninyo.'

Wala ngang isang oras. Pagbalik ko, nakahiga na siya diyan."

Nandoon lang ako nakatayo sa tabi ng kanyang basang katawan, nakapayong sa ilalim ng ulan.

Habang pinagmamasdan ko ang walang buhay niyang katawan na nababasa ng ulan, doon ko pa lang naramdaman ang lungkot. Nakadapa siya, parang natutulog lang.

May dugo sa tabi niya galing sa kanyang bunganga at tenga. Sa ulo ang tama niya, walang tama sa katawan. Hindi ako sigurado kung

nabangga ang ulo niya ng dumadaang motor o hinampas sadya ng walang pusong tao.

Siguro ay sinubukan pa niyang gumapang papasok muli sa bahay kung saan siya ay ligtas na makakapag tago at walang mananakit sa kanya, ngunit hindi na kinaya ng kanyang munting katawan. Tinatawag ko ang kanyang pangalan baka sakali siya'y gumalaw ulit, pero wala na.

Umiyak ako nang umiyak dahil matagal ko nang hinintay na mahawakan ng mabuti at mayapos ang aking alaga, ngunit mangyayari lang pala ito kung kailan wala na siyang buhay. Maingat ko siyang dinampot at ibinalot sa lumang t-shirt at ipinasok sa bahay.

Hindi ko matanggap na ang aking palaging gwapo at malinis at simpatikong pusang si James ay duguan ang bunganga at maputik ang mukha. Sa una at huling pagkakataon, maingat at buong pagmamahal kong hinugasan ang kanyang katawan, inalis lahat ng dugo sa kanyang bunganga at lahat ng putik sa kanyang mukha.

Hindi ko mapigil umiyak habang siya'y aking nililinis at hinahaplos.

Mabigat pala siya at napakagandang pusa. Ang aking inalagaan ng mabuti, minahal at inasam na balang araw ay mahawakan at mayapos ngayon ay wala nang buhay. Kagabi lang nakita ko pa siyang masaya at nag eenjoy, ngayon ay ililibing ko na.

Napakasakit mawalan ng alaga.

Kahit ito'y hayop, pakiramdam mo'y nawalan ka ng kapamilya. Ang mga hindi nag-aalaga ng hayop ay hindi ako maiintindihan, baka nga pagtawanan pa nila ako. Pero sa mga nagalaga na ng hayop, nagmahal at namatayan, siguradong naramdaman na din nila ang aking nararamdamang lungkot at sakit. Hindi ko lang matanggap na ang maingat kong inalagaan at minahal na parang pamilya, bigla na lang babanggain o sasaktan ng kung sinong estranghero at iiwanan sa gutter na basa, madumi at wala nang buhay. Matapos kong malinis ang kanyang katawan ay niyakap ko siya at sinabing, "salamat sa naging presensiya mo sa bahay, James.

Mamimiss ka namin."

Inilibing namin siya sa ilalim ng malunggay, katabi ng kanyang ina.

Sa wakas, makalipas ang mahigit anim na taon ay magkasama na din sila. Napakalungkot ng araw na iyon, pati langit ay mistulang lumuluha para sa isang inosenteng pusa. Okay na sana ang pag eemote ko nang biglang galit na galit na nagsalita si Tita Lilia ng, "sige lang James.

Kakarmahin din ang nag hit and run sa iyo. Nine years na malas, 9 years!"

Hindi ko na napigilang matawa.

05

ni Abie Principe

Free Will

Ano nga ba ang tinatawag na “free will?� Ayon sa Theopedia, free will is the "ability to make choices without any prior prejudice, inclination, or disposition." Sa madaling salita, ito ang kapasidad natin bilang tao na mag desisyon hiwalay sa impluwensya ng kapaligiran.

Maraming issues ngayon ang lumalabas sa social media, at madalas, mayroong mainit na debate tungkol sa mga issues na ito. Isa nang halimbawa ang sangkatutak na reactions ng ating mga kababayan tungkol sa sinabi ng isang boxer.

Totoo na mayroong mali sa kanyang sinabi sa media, ngunit totoo rin na may

posibilidad na deliberately misquoted siya. Totoo rin na may karapatan magreact ang miyembro ng komunidad sa sinabi niya.

Napakaraming katotohanan, di po ba?

Dyan po pumapasok ang free will. May karapatan po tayo sa ating mga desisyon. Lahat naman po tayo may personal opinions. But we do have the free will to decide kung kelan tamang ipaglaban ang ating opinion, at kung kelan tama rin ang tumahimik at mag muni-muni muna bago mag bitaw ng salita. Mayroon rin tamang paraan ng pagtatanggol ng ating paniniwala, at kadalasan, hindi ito dinadaan sa away, insult, o pagyurak sa paniniwala ng

iba.

Ito po ang opinion ko, matagal na rin naman akong guro dito sa Japan, at bilang guro, naniniwala po ako na edukasyon ang sagot sa marami nating problema. Sa loob ng classroom, kapag mayroong may pagkakamali ang isang estudyante, dapat po turuan at hindi ipahiya. Parang classroom rin po ang mundo, di po pa?

Let us all do our best to educate each other, as forward thinking global Filipinos. We have the free will to do this.

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Nishimachi is...

Academically rigorous.

A Pioneer... in English and Japanese language education in Japan.

Multicultural... with a student body of 390 children representing some thirty countries.

Small and intimate... which enables us to promote the optimal well-being and growth of each individual.

Co-educational and non-sectarian... Kindergarten through Grade 9.

Accredited... by the Council of International Schools, Western Association of Schools and Colleges, and recognized by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government.

Conveniently located... in a residential area of central Tokyo favored by the diplomatic and expatriate communities.

090-2908-5088(SB)

Visit our campus and experience the warm atmosphere of Nishimachi!

2-14-7 Moto Azabu, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-0046, Japan Tel: +81-(0)3-3451-5520 Fax: +81-(0)3-3456-0197

www.nishimachi.ac.jp

Philippine Embassy Tokyo Commemorates 30th Anniversary of People Power (25 February 2016) The officers and staff of the Embassy of the Philippines led by Philippine Ambassador to Japan Manuel M. Lopez held a simple ceremony today to commemorate 30th Anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution.

The ceremony started with the singing of the national anthem, followed by the reading of the message of President Benigno S. Aquino III by Consul General Marian Jocelyn R. Tirol-Ignacio.

The highlight of the ceremony was the remarks given by Ambassador Lopez.

Noting that some Embassy personnel had not yet been born when the People Power Revolution occurred, the Ambassador shared his personal experiences of the events leading to and during this momentous event in Philippine history.

Ambassador Lopez recalled that his brother was put to prison during Martial Law, and that they lost their family-owned businesses to the dictatorship.

His family strived hard to survive during those times. “The assasination of Senator Benigno Aquino in 1983 became the catalyst for EDSA,” noted Ambassador Lopez, who was present, together with other members of his family, at EDSA from day one.

He expressed the hope that Filipinos will never forget EDSA and will always cherish the freedom we now all enjoy, living in a democratic society. The ceremony ended with the singing of “Bayan Ko” by all Embassy personnel while a video clip of scenes from the People Power Revolution was being shown.

Student? Just arrived in Japan? Lipat bahay? Bagong opisina?

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03-5292-2342

by Anita Sasaki Emotions are like a roller coaster. Sometimes you're up, sometimes you're down; sometimes you're upside down for a minute, then right side up the next. Normally, when people achieve their goals, their outlook in life is bright and cheery. They burst with positive emotions. However, when disappointment and frustration come their way, high enthusiasm dampen in a flash.

Senses of contentment, belonging, and purpose also bring happiness. Our attitude towards life in general, and the satisfaction we get, contribute to our happiness and health. When we are satisfied and are able to accomplish our goals and dreams, then we are happy.

Try to remember the last tragedy that happened to you. Reflect on what it was and what your emotions were at that time. How did you feel the following day? How did you feel after a week? After a month? Now repeat the exercise, but think of a wonderful event instead. How long did the happiness last from the moment? Think about this - why do you sulk longer than you glow?

As we work hard, we should also play hard. Involve yourself in the community and keep in touch with your network of friends to maintain positive health.

It's because as we achieve more accomplishments and material possession, we tend to lift our expectations up a notch.

We ask for greater accomplishments or more money. We are no longer satisfied with what we have. This applies to the rich and the poor.

Studies show wealth does not equate to happiness. However, being happy is similar to being healthy.

Too much stress can make the person unhealthy. Living in the 21st century led to a technologically advanced way of life, but we still experience stress through our anxieties. We are anxious on petty concerns - financial worries and rush thus making us eat and sleep less.

Sometimes, we are not in the proper mental disposition; this affects our professional and personal lives. When we ourselves are anxious, there is a tendency to be impatient with those around us.

The choices we make each day affect our whole outlook on life. Healthy habits are necessary for good health. Health and happiness are related and can affect each other. Good feelings can come from simple pleasures. Anything you enjoy doing, when done, makes you happy.

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We get an additional boost of confidence when we receive positive feedback on our efforts. Constructive criticism brings into our attention what we should work on for improvement. It is necessary that we receive feedback even if it weren't given on a regular basis.

There are some people who possess the "No Worries" attitude when dealing with life. They are usually optimistic and generally see the glass half-full, rather than half-empty. They live in the present, and are not stuck on the past. They accepted that the past couldn't be changed. Neither do they worry about the future. They do know that the present shapes the future and that is why they seize the day.

With this open attitude, it is easier to meet new people, have new ideas, and gain new experiences. Happiness is all about living for the moment, being optimistic, and accepting the realities of life. From there, one feels healthier and ready to face life's challenges.

When one finds happiness in his or her life, the whole body chemistry is affected and the bodily systems function well.

There's more time for family and friends, lessening the stress from work. When the person is an animal lover, playing with the pet (dog or cat) can relax him or her more.

He or she can also make time for a holiday. Vacation is the remedy to stress.

Besides, people are more than willing to shell out for experiences.

In a nutshell, doing activities that you enjoy can be the best way to have a fulfilling and healthy life.

After traveling to Palawan & Boracay in the south, nag decide akong pumunta up north kasi I still have 4 days left from my month long vacation in the Philippines, I always see to it that I utilize every single day by traveling anywhere and take photos. Sabi ko, yung medyo malapit pero scenic and rugged.

Kaya naisip ko ang town of Dingalan in northeastern Aurora Province, a fishing village town nestled below the Sierra Madre mountains along the Pacific coast, 2 hours ride from Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija. Then, I called a banker friend from Cabanatuan and asked him if I could stay overnight in his house & invited him to go with me in Dingalan. I opted for Saturday & Sunday para di ma disrupt ang schedule ng friend ko.

Early Saturday morning, I traveled to Cabanatuan City, a 4 hours drive from Manila. Then we drove to Dingalan on Sunday morning. While on the mountain top highways of Sierra Madre, he asked me if I want to take a cold dip in a waterfall before proceeding to the town proper of Dingalan. Sabi ko mas ok para makapag photography. The name of the falls is Tanawan falls. On our way, we stopped midday of the route kasi hindi na kayang akyatin ng car dahil sa rough road. We asked people living in nearby houses how to get there. Luckily, a man who happened to be one of the caretakers and the entrance fee collector of the park volunteered his son and his 2 friends to accompany us to the place. I teased and tempted the kids to go with us & offer them a monetary reward if they will guide us, kaya go agad sila.

And nasa isip ko ay gagawin ko rin silang subject ng aking photos.

Words & photos by: chino manding caddarao

Bilin ng parents nila never to take a bath because the running water is deep. So we proceeded climbing up more, passing on our path wild cogon grasses, huge stone rocks, a variety of floral plants which includes the Kakawate plants with its blooming flowers. I remembered this plant using their leave stalks as a hair curlers of my girl

siblings, and the hair really curls in its glory. Its flowers can be mixed with other veggies for salad & cook food. I thought I could use them as props. So I planked 2 branches of leaves and a flowering branch. I gave each branches to them. I told them to use it as a shield from the searing heat of the sun. At 10am, the heat of the sun

was really intense. The smallest kid complained how small the flowers are and that they cannot even cover his face. But I told him that there will be other purposes of the bunch of flowers. Sabi ko basta hawakan lang niya kung gusto nyang may pang meryenda mamaya.

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running out of time. When we went back, I gave the 3 of them a 100 peso bill and asked the eldest to subdivide it to the 3 of them.

Running like a wind, they went towards the direction of a sari-sari store. Before we left the place, I thanked the father of the kid and I gave him the 40 pesos entrance to the waterfalls park, and I gave him 50 more for offering the kids to accompany us. With a smile on his face, he also thanked us for visiting and invited us again to come back.

When we drove down, I heard the 3 kids running after our car with ice candies in their hands and shouting, "Salamat kuya! Balik kayo ulit!" I

From then on, I started taking photos of them, passing narrow paths, slippery ravines, and dense forested area on both sides of the path, until we reached the falls.

From the falls, I took more photos of them in a hurry kasi they were eager to swim na. Naghubo't hubad na sila after the photoshoot at naligo. Nakalimutan ang bilin ng parents na wag na wag maliligo. It ended up me looking after their safety. They never stopped hopping from one boulder stone to another and jumped to the cold water, walang takot, walang ginaw ginaw. Sabi ko nga it's the kids world. I missed my childhood life in the province. I enjoyed taking photos of their happiness & innocence. Walang humpay na kaligayahan ang buhay sa rural areas. After the photo ops, my friend & I decided to swim & dive the pristine cold emerald water of the falls. We swam with the kids for an hour and took selfies before we decided to proceed back because we're

10

opened the car window and wave my 3 fingers “i love you� sign to them.

While on our way down the Sierra Madre mountains toward the town proper of Dingalan, my friend asked me if "sulit ang segway trip." Sabi ko, the heat, the long trekking, it's nothing. I got the best photos, but without the kids, it would have been just a photo of a nature. I owe it to them. The photoshoot reminds me of my memories when I was a child in my hometown in Pamplona, Cagayan Valley. My only regret, I do not even know the names of the kids. I forgot to ask, bu promised myself, I will be back.

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by Jeff Plantilla Nabigla ako nung matagpuan ko ang showroom ng Department of Tourism (DOT) sa Seoul. Ang showroom ay halos tapat lamang ng Seoul City Hall at nasa first floor.

Ang labas ay may mga display ng signs ng “It’s More Fun in the Philippines” at sa kabila ay may display ng iba’t-ibang materyales na gawa sa capiz.

At meron pang isang malaking monitor na nagpapalabas ng CM ng “Visit the Philippines Again 2016.”

Mukhang may mga Koreanong kasama sa CM. Sa loob ng showroom ay may mga display ng mga libro at brochures tungkol sa Pilipinas, at mga handicrafts kasama ang isang trike na sabi ng staff ng showroom ay gawa ni Kenneth Cobonpue, isang kilalang furniture maker ng Cebu. Mas malaki ang DOT showroom na ito sa showroom nila sa Osaka; pero may free coffee sa Osaka.

Sa gabi ay umiilaw ang mga naka-display na parol na gawa sa capiz sa showroom sa Seoul, tulad din sa Osaka.

Maaaring may mga showrooms ang DOT sa iba’t-ibang bansa tulad ng sa Seoul at Osaka.

Kahit sa Inchon airport ng Korea ay merong ipinalalabas na DOT video – kasama ang video ng gobyerno ng Korea tungkol sa kanilang pagtanggap sa mga dayuhan sa kanilang lipunan.

Nakakatuwa na may mga promotion ang Pilipinas sa Korea. Sana ay mas positive ang tingin ng mga Koreano sa Pilipinas kumpara sa mga naririnig dito sa Japan.

Pilipino sa Korea Ang dahilan ng aking pagpunta sa Seoul ay para dumalo sa pag-uusap sa kalagayan ng ilang Pilipina sa Korea. Sila ay yung may tinatawag na enter12

tainer visa. Tulad sa Japan, ang gawain ng entertainer ay ang kumanta at sumayaw sa entertainment places.

Nguni’t kakaiba ang entertainer visa na ibinibigay sa mga Pilipina. Ang kanilang trabaho ay para lamang sa mga lugar sa paligid ng US military bases. Hindi sila pinapayagan na maging entertainer sa labas ng mga lugar na ito. At ang mga taong pumupunta sa lugar nila ay karamihan mga sundalong Amerikano.

Sundalong Amerikano sa Korea Maraming US military bases sa Korea. Sa unang pagpunta ko sa Seoul nung mid-1990s ay napansin ko kaagad ang dami ng mga sundalong Amerikano sa airport. Meron silang sariling immigration procedures.

Ang karaniwang TV sa Seoul (nung mid-1990s, hindi ko alam kung ganun pa rin ngayon dahil may cable TV na) ay nakakasagap ng US military TV programs. Mapapanood doon ang mga emergency drills ng mga sundalong Amerikano.

Naaalala ko ang sabi noon ng aking kaklase na napapanood din daw nila sa La Union ang mga TV programs mula sa US military base. Malamang na ito ay mula sa Clark Air Base.

Sa gitna ng mga balitang krisis sa relasyon ng North at South Korea, parang bale wala lang ang mga ito sa karaniwang Koreano. Parang sanay na sila sa mga sinasabi ng pamahalaan ng North Korea na giyera laban sa bansa nila.

Mas mahalaga sa kanila ang krisis ng ekonomiya. Sa financial crisis nung 1998, nag-adjust ang mga Koreano

sa pamumuhay nila dahil sa pagkawala ng trabaho. May mga nagsuicide, may mga nagpilit na maka-ahon. May mga pagkaing tinawag na “IMF meals” ang restaurants na mas mababa ang presyo, para sa mga karaniwang Koreanong apektado ng krisis. Kaugnay na rin siguro ito ang pagdami ng mga Koreano sa Pilipinas para mag-aral. Ang ilan daw ay may balak na mag-migrate sa Amerika at doon mag-aral muli o magtrabaho; kaya English education sa Pilipinas ang hinahabol nila bilang paghahanda.

2 ng US State Department Trafficking in Persons Report nung 2004. Sa listahan ng mga bansa sa Tier 2, itinuturing na hindi sapat ang ginagawa ng bansa na sugpuin ang sinasabing trafficking in persons. Hindi matanggap ng Japan na nasa Tier 2 ito. Biglang hinigpitan ang requirements para sa entertainer visa kaya biglang umunti ang entertainers na pumapasok sa Japan mula 2006.

Kahit isang

Ngayon, balik ang sigla ng ekonomiya ng Korea, at lalo pang naging sikat ang mga Koreano dahil sa K Pop. Bilang entertainer sa Korea Nalaman ko sa mga Koreano ang mga problema ng mga Pilipinang entertainer sa Korea.

Mas kokonti sila kumpara sa mga Pilipina entertainer sa Japan, dahil siguro sa limitado ang kanilang mapupuntahan.

Nguni’t halos pareho ang kanilang problema – mahabang oras ng trabaho, mababa ang sahod, at pagiging “entertainment receptionists” na ang gawain ay painumin nang marami ang mga customers. Taliwas sa ipinangako sa kanila ng recruitment agencies sa Pilipinas ang kanilang dinadatnan sa Korea.

Ang isyu ay kung ano ang dapat baguhin sa entertainer visa ng Korea. Dapat bang sundan ang pagbabagong ginawa ng Japan?

Hindi ako ayon sa pagbabago ng entertainer visa sa Japan dahil sa tingin ko ay ginawa ito para lamang maalis ang classification ng bansa sa Tier

ang

libong entertainer visa na lamang ang ibigay (inabot ng 30,000 to 60,000 entertainer visas ibi-

nibigay sa mga Pilipina taon-taon mula nung 1998 hanggang 2004), ganun pa rin ang problema (pagsasamantala sa kanila sa trabaho) kung hindi babaguhin ang pagpapatupad ng batas laban sa mga may-ari ng omise sa Japan. Ganun din, kailangang panagutin ang mga recruit-

ment agencies sa Pilipinas sa panloloko nila sa kapwa Pilipino.

Sinabi ko rin na ganito ang problema ng mga Pilipinong trainees at caregiver sa Japan. Iba ang nadatnan nilang kalagayan sa trabaho sa sinabi sa kanila sa Pilipinas.

Nguni’t lahat sila ay nagtiis sa kanilang kalagayan. Tinapos ang kontrata at umuwi ng Pilipinas. Sa maraming entertainers, nakuha nilang manatili sa Japan.

Pilipina sa Lipunang Hapones Ipinaliwanag ko na marami sa mga Pilipinang entertainers sa Japan ay naging ina ng mga batang Hapones, naging asawa ng mga lalaking Hapones, naging manugang ng mga magulang na Hapones. Sa madaling salita, sila ay naging malaking bahagi ng pamilyang Hapones.

Marami din ang nagsikap na magkaroon ng sariling negosyo, naging professionals na nagtatrabaho sa companies, naging teachers, nagtrabaho sa mga factories, naging caregivers, naging staff ng mga non-profit organizations (NPOs) at iba pang gawain. Sa madaling salita, sila ay naging productive members ng lipunang Hapones.

Bago pa man nagkaroon ng showrooms ang DOT sa Japan, marami nang nagawang promotion ang mga dating entertainers sa mga Hapones. Marami na silang naipakitang kagandahang ugali at paningin sa buhay na hinangaan ng mga Hapones.

Ang pagsayaw at ilan sa ating enternaga-

pagkanta sa dating tainers ay gamit ngayon upang arugain ang mga nagtatandaang Hapones. Dito lumalabas ang tunay na kahulugan ng ating kanta at sayaw: ang pagdiriwang ng buhay.

Guhit ni: Dennis Sun 13

by Josie Nistal Savoury cake Ingredients: 2 eggs 90 grams of cheddar cheese 1/2 juice of lemon 3 tbsp. Olive oil 150 grams flour 1 tsp. Baking powder 50 ml milk Filling : 2 tbsp. Olive oil 100 grams / small courgette grated 1 small clove garlic 1 spring onion chopped 80 grams feta 2 tbsp fresh mint chopped Salt & pepper to taste!

Procedure: Mix all the first 7 ingredients in a bowl. Set aside , meanwhile in other bowl mix this filling , & combine with rest !

Place in a cake pan, & bake for 350F for 30 minutes or until golden brown!

Bon appetite!

2 eggs 90 grams of cheddar cheese 1/2 juice of lemon 3 tbsp. Olive oil 150 grams flour 1 tsp. baking powder 50 ml milk

2 tbsp. olive oil 100 grams / small courgette grated 1 small clove garlic 1 spring onion chopped 80 grams feta 2 tbsp fresh mint chopped Salt & pepper according to taste!

Mix all the first 7 ingredients in a bowl.

Set aside, meanwhile in other bowl mix this filling, & combine with the rest!

Place in a cake pan, & bake for 350F for 30 minutes or until golden brown!

Bon AppĂŠtit!

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by Dennis Sun

Not confident with your Japanese? Cannot read and write? Hindi niyo alam magsalita ng business and formal Japanese? Gusto ninyong mag-aral ng Japanese para makahanap ng mas magandang trabaho? Gusto ninyong mag-aral ng seryoso pero wala kayong perang pambayad dahil napakamahal ng mga Japanese language schools? Pwes, malulutas na ang problema niyo. JICE has something great to offer!!!

:

Dennis Sun interviewed Ms. Yuki TANNO, Japan International Cooperation Center: JICE, Social Integration Division, International Training Department

Please tell me something about JICE. What are the different activities of JICE? Ever since its establishment in 1977, Japan International Cooperation Center (JICE) has participated in Japan’s ODA activities for developing countries. JICE has been contributing to the development of the international community through various supports to enhance the mutual relations between Japan and other countries, collaborating with the Japanese ministries, foreign governments, international organizations, and universities.

JICE has not only managed Japanese language courses, but also offered “Overseas student programs,” "International training programs” and “International exchange programs.” Being human resource development professionals, JICE has been endeavoring to fulfill duties for the international community aiming at the dynamic development as one of Japan’s lead agencies in the field of education for sustainable development (ESD).

Please tell us more about your Japanese language programs?

Our training courses, conducted by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, target those foreign residents who have difficulties in finding stable employment due to insufficient knowledge and necessary skills for employment, including Japanese communication skills, even though they are actively engaged in job-hunting activities with high level of motivation. There are three types of courses as follows;

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- Basic course (from level 1 to level 3) - Specialized course (Specialized course for long-term care/ Specialized course for stable employment/ Specialized course for vocational training) - Preparatory course for Japanese language qualification (N2/ N3) Schedule for FY2016 (from Apr. 2016 to Mar. 2017) will be placed on our website by the middle of March.

Who can avail of these programs (qualifications, conditions, eligibility, location)?

Qualification: spouses or Japanese nationals, permanent residents, spouses or children of permanent residents, and long term resident foreigners.

This is a free course. What have you been doing to promote this to foreigners living in Japan?

We’ve been promoting our training courses with various organizations such as Hello Work offices, embassies, consulates and local governments. (Ex. linking with their homepage, presentation at “One-Day Consular Service” in a local area by consulate, etc.)

Moreover, we have local staff in each location where the classes are held. They have an important role to promote JICE’s training courses in the area.

Are there other courses besides Japanese language?

No. Can foreigners request for special Japanese courses that

would specifically address their needs like for example Basic Kanji course or advanced Kanji course. How about other foreigners who live very far from your office/classes?

Unfortunately, it will be impossible for us to accept such proposal.

How are the past graduates of JICE doing after their courses?

Participants who finished their course get a job. But many of participants move up to a higher level class while searching a stable job, so that they can use Japanese more freely in workplace in their future. The other participants who finished their course apply for a vocational training course provided by Hello Work.

Can you please tell us which places in Japan that you offer your courses?

In FY2015, we managed to offer the courses in 15 prefectures.

The locations of the training courses are decided by the HMLW. Can you please tell our readers how to contact JICE about the free Japanese courses? Do you also have a website where we can get the new schedule?

■Information 03-6838-2723 (Japanese) 070-1484-2832 (English) ■Website URL: http://sv2.jice.org/e/jigyou/tabun ka_jisshi.htm

PARTICIPATING AREAS COVERED

BY JICE Ibaraki-ken: Tsuchiura-shi Joso-shi

Malaking pasasalamat ko sa JICE! Halos anim na buwan na araw-araw na pag-aaral ng Japanese kaya ang dami ko pong natutunan. Kung noon, hindi po ako marunong magbasa ng Japanese, ngayon, nakakabasa na kahit konti. Malaking ginhawa kung na-iintindihan mo kung ano ang nakasulat sa mga notice board, at kahit na sa mga bilihin. Hindi na rin ako nahihiyang magsalita sa mga PTA meetings ng aking mga anak.

Sa class namin, ang dami ko rin naging kaibigan na mga Pinoy na tumulong sa aking buhay.

Nagkaroon din akong mga friends sa buong mundo.

Ang mga teachers ay puro mga propesyonal at beterano. Magagaling magturo at detalye pa kung mag-explain ng mga lessons. Napakabait din nila at kahit nagkakamali ako sa mga sagot, hindi sila nagagalit.

Sana, magbigay panahon din po kayo para ma-upgrade natin ang ating Japanese level.

Balak ko pong pumasok ng magandang trabaho at tinutulungan din po kami kung paano mag-sulat ng bio-data sa Japanese at kung paano ang gagawin sa pagdating ng interview.

Irene Koga housewife Tokyo

Ang pangarap ko sa buhay ay magtayo ng sarili kong restoran dito sa Tokyo. Gusto kong kumuha ng lisensiya sa pagluluto pero hindi ako masyadong marunong magbasa ng kanji.

Pumasok ako sa mga iba’t-ibang kurso ng JICE. Ang dami kong natutunan. Araw-araw akong pumapasok habang nag-pa-part-time work sa isang supermarket.

Suportado naman ng mister ko ang pag-aaral ko ng Japanese sa JICE. Tinutulungan din niya ako sa mga homework ko. Lalo kaming nag-babonding dahil sa kanyang pagtulong sa akin.

Malalaki na rin ang mga anak ko kaya gusto ko naman bigyan ng pansin ang sarili ko. Magandang investment para sa future natin ang magaling magsalita ng tamang Japanese. Paunti-unti, lalong dumarami ang nababasa kong kanji at alam ko na rin ang ano ang dapat o hindi dapat gamitin sa pag-uusap ng Japanese. Tuloy lang ang pag-aaral para makabasa pa ng maraming kanji!

Siempre, libre po lahat ito dahil sa JICE! Salamat po sa JICE!

Mariafe Hirozane part-time worker Tokyo

Tochigi-ken: Moka-shi Oyama-shi Utsunomiya-shi Gunma-ken: Isesaki-shi Ota-shi Oizumi-machi Saitama-ken: Sayamal-shi Kawagoe-shi Hanno-shi Saitama-shi Kasukabe-shi Chiba-ken: Chiba-shi Yachiyo-shi Tokyo-to: Shinjuku-ku Edogawa-ku Tachikawa-shi Kanagawa-ken: Yokohama-shi Kawasaki-shi Hiratsuka-shi Atsugi-shi Aikawa-machi Yamato-shi Fijisawa-shi Hadano-shi Matsuda-machi Ishikawa-ken: Komatsu-shi Nagano-ken: Ueda-shi Iida-shi Matsumoto-shi Nagano-shi Shizuoka-ken: Kosai-shi Hamamatsu-shi Iwata-shi Fukuroi-shi Kakegawa-shi Kikugawa-shi Yaizu-shi Fijieda-shi Fuji-shi Fujinomiya-shi Numazu-shi Gotemba-shi Shizuoka-shi Gifu-ken: Gifu-shi Ogaki-shi Kani-shi Minokamo-shi Toki-shi Aichi-ken: Toyohashi-shi Toyokawa-shi Ozakashi-shi Toyota-shi Miyoshi-shi Chiryu-shi Anjo-shi Nishio-shi Hekinan-shi Kariya-shi Nagoya-shi Toyoake-shi Komake-shi Iwakura-shi Inuyama-shi Seto-shi Mie-ken: Yokkaichi-shi Kameyama-shi Suzuka-shi Ysu-shi Kuwana-shi Matsuzaka-shi Iga-shi Shiga-ken: Konan-shi Higashiomi-shi Nagahama-shi Osaka-fu: Sakai-shi

17

Neriza Sarmiento-Saito's

ON THE ROAD TO...

"Making Everyday a Saturday Night With The SABADO Boys Band" featuring: MANDY MONTES, IVAN MARTINEZ, and NICKY SASAKI

Welcome dear readers to As to winning the contest in Kobe, our first online issue of Nicky recalls that "Di namin inaasaJeepney Press. Whether hang manalo! Noong una ay we like it or not, the alanganin kaming sumali pero dahil online world will probably sa pagkapanalo namin, naging mas inspired kaming tumugtog ngayon. be indispensable in our Nicky also says that "Do what you lives. In spite of that, love and love what you do!" music will perhaps remain very important to people.

IVAN MARTINEZ (drums) is from So, I will introduce a San Pedro, Laguna and is a Hotel group of music makers.

The Sabado Boys!!!

erly advice to other bands - Treat one another well!

MANDY MONTES is from Panda-

can and Antipolo, and is of Filipino and Australian descent. He came to Japan in 1995 and works at a company making belts. He is now a single father to his Junior High School daughter, Jhazmeen. As a hands-on dad, Mandy attends most of his daughter's activities in

TGIS!!! Thank God it's Saturday and the SABADO BOYS are going to make your weekend really wacky!

This group of macho "Pinoys " are making theirkababayans excited after they bagged the first runnerup in Kansai's Battle of the Bands held in Kobe last Sept. 2015 ! They were recommended by the Hard Rock Cafe where they also perform occasionally. After submitting their video for audition, they got into the contest.

From 16 multicultural entries, the number dwindled to 8 until the four Finalists competed in the final battle - The Mist Acoustics, Union Trouble, Sabado Boys and Contagion.

The All American Band, Contagion, were proclaimed Champions only an edge over the Pinoy Boys who placed first runner up. The members of Sabado Boys are in their 30's - Ivan Martinez (Drums) Nicky Sasaki (Bass and Vocals) and Mandy Montes (Guitar and Vocals).

NICKY SASAKI hails from Las

Pinas and works in a company in Osaka. His Filipina mother who is married to a Japanese was once a singer in a band. Aside from Bon Jovi, who seems to be the Sabado Boys idol, Nicky also likes Brian Adams, Mr. Children and Spitz.

Nicky also says that one of their most applauded songs in their shows is Ed Sheeran's "Thinking Out Loud".

18

Restaurant Management graduate from the UST. At an early age, he used to listen to music that his parents liked - mostly oldies. He came to Japan in 2004. Later on, his interest changed to the American Rock Band - Incubus and named his only son after one of the members, Brandon. Five years, ago he met Mandy in an event after being introduced by Dan Vito. After performing in many events together with other Filipino musicians, he honed his skills in drums through an American drummer, Eric Wigman who also plays with the Tardy Boys at HRC. "Mahusay ang samahan namin nina Mandy at Nicky. Open ang communication kasi di naman kami para magcompete! We play to enjoy!" Broth-

school. "Nakikiusap ako lagi sa teacher ng anak ko na medyo late na ang oras ko for “kondan-kai " or consultation. Sa palagay ko kasi importante na bigyan ng oras ang pagpapalaki sa anak. Wala akong nakagisnang ama, dahil 6 years old pa lang ako ng iniwan kami ng daddy ko.

His uncles in the Philippines performed in bands so at an early age, his ambition was to be in a band. After watching a show of the Filipino pioneer band, The Tardy Boys - Jun Silva, Edwin Bunales and Olson Solon at the Cellar Bar, his interest was further ignited.

His first performance was at Tamatsukuri Church in 2007. At first, they didn't have a name. Filipino TV

entertainer, Lloyd Umali, of Eat Bulaga and ASAP asked that they perform with him at Hard Rock Cafe. They thought of the name "Sabado Boys" because Lloyd usually said "Ayan na ang Sabado Boys" because their common day to rehearse is Saturday.

and staffďź Sabado Boys perform regularly at Club Makati every other Saturday.

Once in a while they perform at Elgracia's Music House, the Blarney Stone and the IZNT in Kobe.

They will perform on March 18 at 7:30pm at Hard Rock Cafe, Osaka.

Their live performances are also available on You Tube.

The Sabado Boys will rock you!

Mandy is a big fan of Bon Jovi and Aerosmith and most of their hit songs are in the Sabado Boys repertoire. At the International Day in Tamatsukuri last year, the Sabado Boys sang the finale "We are the World. " They are also very much in demand at many international and Filcom events.

Eric, Mandy and Nicky look up to the Tardy Boys as their icon from the moment they first heard them up to now. They really have paved the way for the new generation of musicians.

From the late 1970's to the 80's and 90's, they brought quality band music to people in Japan! They are real role models not only as a band but as persons!

JUN SILVA of Tardy Boys has this to say to the Sabado Boys: "Sa kabila ng inyong inaaning tagumpay, sana ay magkaroon kayo ng magandang samahan! Keep on improving through constant practice.�

The Sabado Boys would like to acknowledge the support and encouragement of the following: Olson Solon, Jose Alba, Martin Alba, Lloyd Umali, Henry Pevlin, Roy Lopez, Elmer Mercado, Robert Illano, Erik Diao and Club Makati

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20

Fashionable handbags from scrap woods to shine at the 81st Tokyo International Gift Show The Philippines have endured numerous typhoons of great strength. Heavy downpour and floods have ravaged the country, but the Filipino spirit rises above calamities, and recuperates in interesting ways.

This is exemplified by TIXXI Handbags Manufacturing, a Philippine company that manufactures wooden handbags from scrap wood.

“Due to typhoons hitting the country, lots of acacia trees fall.

Instead of burning them to use as firewood, the locals sell them to craftsmen to make different kinds of home accents and furniture,” Ms. Tessa Nepomuceno narrates.

“Here in our factory, we transform these scrap woods into unique pieces of art—beautiful

and fashionable bags,” she adds.

The handbags, embellished with exotic skins, fine leathers, crystals, pearls, shells and gemstones. Lacquered to seal the natural grain of wood to produce an elegant luster, these handbags are wearable pieces of art and exquisite craftsmanship. The insides are lined with suede fabric, juxtaposing the handbag’s wooden exterior.

Nepomuceno recounts starting her business in 2006 under the brand name ROCIO, with just plain wooden clutches.

In 2014, she re-opened the business under a new company name Tixxi, and came up with her own brand CALLI. This signaled the infusion of variety in her handbags, with

designs made with carving, hand painting, and beading, which made the brand well-

known.

The brand also offers handbags woven from Philippine natural fibers such as abaca, buntal, rattan, and sabutan.

Tixxi Handbags Manufacturing will bring their brand and intricately designed handbags to the 81st Tokyo International Gift

designs that convey divine architecture.

The 81st Tokyo International Gift Show (TIGS) Spring Edition will run on 03-05 February 2016 at the Tokyo International Exhibition Center. SpearTixxi will introduce the headed by the Center for International Trade natural finish in the Expositions and Missions aforementioned trade (CITEM), TIXXI Handbags event. Inspirations are Manufacturing, along culled directly from with two other local nature, as buyers and manufacturers, will guests will see mostly floral designs. There will showcase handmade home and holiday décor, also be textures and and fashion products. patterns incorporated into the handbags’ Show (TIGS), the largest international trade show in Japan.

EMCOR JAZZ MUSIC BAR EMCOR VOAA Music Studio http://www.emcormusicbar.com/ Watch "WORLD CLASS EXELLENCE JAPAN AWARDS" Tribute dinner red carpet Hollywood style on June 22, 2016 at the Hotel New Otani, Hakata, Fukuoka Watch EMMA’S coming shows March 14, 2016 at Emcor Jazz Bar show April 11 & 29 & May 2 at Grand Hyatt Hotel, Fukuoka

Tel/Fax 092-724-3386 / 090-4511-6934／090-5025-5991

email address: voaamusic@yahoo.com

810-0003 福岡県福岡市中央区春吉 3-21-28 ロマネスク西中州ビル 7F

810-0003 Fukuoka-ken Fukuoka-shi Chuo-ku Haruyoshi 3-21-28 Romanesque Resorts Nishi Nakasu Bldg. 7F

by Rogelio Agustin

To Rest is Evil It’s spring again! The yearly Spring “Shunto” wage negotiations have begun between unions and companies. It should be the season of hope coinciding with the spring blossoms. But given the recent ups and downs in the economy, it is ironic that the hope of getting a wage increase may vanish as quickly as the sakura blooms fall to the ground. It is also time to use up one’s unused paid vacation days because the unused days over a certain limit will expire by April. I wish the “shunto” negotiations do not only focus on wage increase but also on enforcement of taking vacation for employees.

After decades of living and working here in Japan, the concept of taking a vacation is still a mystery.

Or rather, taking a vacation is not really a positive culture in the land where hard work is considered a virtue. One of the fundamental reasons why working long hours and not taking a break has taken a strong foothold in the Japanese society has something to do with the idea that rest is equal to idleness or even laziness. Let me say it straight to the point, here in Japan, To Rest is Evil!

Every week I hold meetings with my Japanese clients and my French counterparts and we always have a very interesting discussion about taking vacations. While my clients work for a company who ranks No. 1 in Japan for employees taking their annual leave, they are still amazed when the French guys are taking straight two to three weeks of vacation every year.

Given the abundance of public holidays in Japan and an ave-rage of 18 paid vacation days granted to employees, it would seem that the overworked and exhausted Japanese worker stereotype is more relaxed these days. Not really.

Every year, Japan always comes dead last in a survey among developed countries on how much annual paid leaves are taken by

workers. In 2014, Japan workers were only taking an average of 47.6% (it is 10% up though from the previous year). And Japan ranks the highest though for the percentage of workers who do not take any vacation at all! Besides, most Japanese use their paid annual leave days differently from their foreign counterparts. It is very common for the Japanese to go on vacation for family errands (attending wakes or funerals, school activities, weddings, etc) and believe it or not, even when they are sick! To go on vacation for fun while everybody else is at work is still a taboo. The best to do is go on vacation during office shutdowns on Golden Week or O-bon, when everybody else is also on leave!

In the Land of the Rising Sun: - Those who work longer hours are rated highly.

- Those who don’t take vacation or breaks are also rated highly.

- The quality and volume of work is only secondary.

No wonder why Productivity is a word seldom heard to be associated with Efficiency and Quality. I know that Japanese workers are known for attaining the highest Quality in products, and even with the highest efficiency, but at the expense of productivity because overworking and exhaustion do not lead to productive work at all.

To rest is evil, is not only an epidemic in the workplace but a sort of a virus that became a part of the worker’s DNA. In Japanese companies, this mindset is generally accepted. “To Rest is Evil, To Work is Divine” is a unique Japanese workplace atmosphere, which becomes a breeding ground for sleeplessness, sleep disorders, physical exhaustion and the more serious mental disorders like

depression which could lead to “karoshi”. As long as the workplace is not improved, no kind of treatment can cure this lingering social disease. Of course there are sound economic reasons for justifying long working hours, but more than that, there are two simple reasons that are lurking in the workplace that makes it very difficult to take a break. First, the worker itself suffers from the feelings of self- guilt thinking that “How can I take a rest when everybody else is busy?” and the air of aggression from the other side, “How could you take a rest when everybody else is busy!” But I also think there is a bigger source of fear among workers to stand up and be the first to break the chain called “wa” meaning harmony. Sometimes I think that the real concept of “wa” is more leaning towards sharing the pain than allowing individual comfort above the rest. The culture of “Mura-Hachibu (ostracism)” finds it way in the workplace as a quiet punishment for those who don’t go with the flow.

Anyway, this culture may not change overnight, even with aggressive government directives and amendments to labor laws. I worry about my son, who is a young sarariman, who always laments about excessive working hours at work and getting frustrated at the thought of when it will ever end.

Sadly, I can only tell him to hang in there a bit more and stay within his physical and mental limits. As for me, I don’t mind to be the evil next month when I use up my remaining annual leave. For the rest of the sararimen out there, use it or leave it.

Happy Spring to all!

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By Sally Cristobal-Takashima citizen of the Philippines, at least 40 yrs of age, a resident of the Philippines 10 years up to the day of the election. He must also be a registered voter.

Halalan na. Halalan upang piliin ang nararapat na mamuno sa Pilipinas. Sino kaya ang uupo sa Malacanang para sa ikauunlad ng ating bansa?

Ang eleksyon ay para iboto ang may-kakayahan na isulong ang pag-unlad ng Pilipinas, di po ba?

Ang eleksyon ng isang bansa ay hindi katulad ng pagpili ng presidente ng isang student council sa unibersidad. Ayon sa ating mga karanasan, pipiliin natin ang pinakamatalino, mabait, matulungin, marunong makisama at maari din pinakamayaman.

Tunay na seryoso at mahalaga, mas maselan at may kabigatan ang dibdibang pagboto sa darating na Mayo 2016 upang piliin ang magiging bagong Presidente ng Pilipinas.

Kahit na tayo ay naninirahan na sa Japan, Pilipino pa rin tayo sa isip, kung hindi man sa gawa kaya gusto natin ang ano mang ikakabuti at ikauunlad ng ating mahal na Inang Bayan, di po ba, at huwag ninyo sabihing hindi.

Let me share with you some information regarding the presidency. Haba o tagal ng pamumuno ay anim na taon without re-election. The President is the Head of State and Head of the Government.

He leads the Executive Branch and is the Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces. He is referred to as His Excellency and his salary is about 120,000 pesos a month (2012 info.)

Who is qualified to run for President? No person can be accepted as a candidate unless he or she is a natural born

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The newly elected President takes his Oath of Office at noon on June 30 following the election. A 21 gun salute is fired to salute the new Head of State and the Presidential Anthem (Mabuhay) is played. He delivers his Inaugural Address and proceeds to Malacanang to climb the Grand Staircase, a ritual which symbolises the formal possession of the Palace.

He then inducts the newly formed Cabinet into office.

Sa ngayon ay puno ang mga pahayagan ng iba't ibang lathala tungkol sa mga kandidatong tatakbo sa darating na eleksyon.

Unahin natin si Mar Roxas, mataas ang pinag-aralan sa University of Pennsylvania, Wharton School. Pinauwi siya ng kanyang ina ng namatay ang kanyang isang kapatid na lalaki.

Since nobody else will follow the footsteps of his father and grandfather as politiicians, hinikayat siya ng ina na pumasok sa pulitika.

Anak mayaman si Mar Roxas.

Buhay mayaman at may malaking interes sa mga negosyong may kinalaman sa Mining. Kaya naman siya binabatikos at dahil sa milyonmilyong donasyon na natatanggap niya upang patakbuhin ang kanyang kandidatura. Siya ang tanging kandidato na pinakamalaki ang ginugugol upang manalo. Kaya naman sabi ng iba ay gustong makabawi. Ang mga tao daw ay may karapatan na malaman kung saan nanggagaling at sino ang mga financial suppporters ni Mar Roxas.

Tinakbuhan daw ni Mar Roxas ang mga taong nasalanta ng bagyo sa Tacloban. Nasaan daw ang milyon-milyong perang donasyon ng mga bansang nagbigay ng magandang loob sa mga taong nasalanta. Some people say Mar Roxas is a wimp at may kahinaan ang paninindigan. Maraming mga taong ayaw na maging First Lady is Korina.

Instead of being an asset to the President, she most likely will be a liability. Naalala pa ng maraming tao ang banggaan ni

Korina at Anderson Cooper, a famous journalist/TV anchorman in the United States. There was also a comment by Korina on "the earthquake might as well go to Japan" which reached Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's ears which did not go well with him.

Patuloy ang malakas na dating ng mga paratang laban kay VP Jejomar Binay. The recent one is the transfer of about 16 billion pesos from his Philippine accounts to a bank in Canada recently. Gerry Limlingan and Ebeng Baloloy are the alleged partners in this yet another Hocus Focus.

This supposedly took place even before the Freeze Order of Binay's assets during the investigation of the Makati Parking Lot Building. Sobrasobra na yata itong dami ng accusations kay Binay. As usual, Binay denies everything.

Marami din daw na ginagamit na dummys si Binay sa kanyang mga obras under the table. So the reason he badly wants the Presidency is the immunity from persecution once he wins. If you ask me who I will vote for definitely not El Negro.

Eh si Duterte naman? There was a time when Miriam Santiago was not sure whether to run for presidency or not. At that time he promised to instead support Duterte. Now everybody knows that Miriam Santiago will run under her own party, the People Reforms Party. Malacanang welcomed Santiago's entry in the Presidential race because it will provide voters a wider choice. Miriam Santiago has also carried a public service record for more than 2 decades in all 3 branches of the government.

Miriam and Duterte are both known for strict governance.

Rudy Duterte favors death penalty. Galit siya sa human trafficking, droga, crime, graft and corruption as well as oppressing people. If he wins the Presidency, he advises people that there will be no fancy celebration at the Quirino Grandstand. Gastos lang daw ito at magiging sanhi ng traffic.

Leila de Lima criticizes Duterte on openly making annoying and disturbing statements like killing drug pushers, rapists,

criminals etc.

Miriam defends Duterte. Open and prangko siya. Sabi naman ni Joma Sison na dating propesor ni Duterte: Maluwag ang bunganga niya. Miriam added that Duterte exaggerates to attract attention. Hyperbole ang minsan tawag diyan.

If you watch many You Tube videos sa Internet, you will see and hear Duterte easily making statements how he woud kill all the drug pushers, rapists, corrupt law enforcers. The rule of law is definitely being enforced in Davao. Now, it's police force boasts of high integrity and discipline.

Enter, Grace Poe Llamanzares na sinasabing love child daw ni Rosemarie Sonora (younger sister of actress Susan Roces) and Ferdinand Marcos. Ngayon, siya naman ay hinahamon ni BongBong Marcos na magpablood test siya to find out the truth. Pumayag naman daw ang Rosemarie pero after the election na daw. Bakit kaya? Eh di mawawalang bisa yun claim niya na itutuloy niya ang inumpisahan ng adoptive father niya as the defender of the poor which as many knows is just a fictional character in the movies (Fernando Poe Jr.) Maraming nagsasabi na napaka-ambisyosa daw ni Grace, gusto agad maging Presidente wala naman masyadong karanasan sa politika. Maraming mayamang mga negosyante ang mga backer ni Grace and most of them have their own agendas.

May kaguluhan ang kaso ni Llamanzares. Tignan natin kung ano ang kalalabasan nito. O, alam na ba ninyo kung sino ang iboboto ninyo sa susunod na eleksyon, ladies and gentlemen of the "jury"?

Siguro naman na after all the You Tube films, newspaper articles and commentaries that you have read, more or less meron na kayong insight or feeling kung sino ang nararapat na iboto ninyo sa darating na May Presidential election. May you all be guided in your choice of candidates who will serve the people of the Philippines by giving them a better future.

Successful shoe miniature exhibitor in New York sets foot in Tokyo Through the years, owning a pair of shoes by iconic designers such as Alexander McQueen, Vivienne Westwood, Christian Louboutin, and Elsa Schiaparelli can cost an arm and a leg, much more an entire collection of these. In an interesting twist of fate in New York, a Filipino manufacturer was able to miniaturize these classic and luxury shoe designs for everyone to collect—socialite, heiress, or not. Now, this manufacturer is taking its latest collection to Tokyo.

Frances Theresa Hernandez is the youngest of four girls in her family. While her sisters focused on their culinary skills, Frances took interest in making clothes and accessories. She attended seminars and training workshops and started making stuffed toys, candles, figurines, and other giftware items. It was in 1997 when Frances started to dream big and later on, established Mary Kel Co., Inc., together with her husband Edwin Hernandez. Mary Kel was named after their children Mary Catherine, Maria Erika, and Michael Timothy.

Mary Kel manufactures

and supplies miniature collections to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, widely known as The MET, for almost 20 years now. It all started in February 1996 when Frances met with Mr. Richard Stevens, the manager of 3D reproductions of The MET. Frances presented to Mr. Stevens a16-inch high and twofoot long shoe covered with plastic cabbage leaves. The materials used and the intricacy and realness of the cabbage leaves caught Mr. Stevens’ interest. He then requested Frances to craft two to three inches long shoes. Hence, the idea of miniature shoes materialized as Christmas tree ornaments, table setting decorations, and unique giveaways. The launch caused a sales frenzy, setting the record for the best-selling object in the history of The MET’s catalog and 15 other stores in the US.

of solid, vibrant colors and glitters, leaving a clear gloss finish. Because of the high demand for miniature shoes, Frances makes sure to craft eight new shoe designs every year. She has so far produced more than a hundred styles of shoes and other customized items for the collection.

The miniature shoes are not just ornaments. They have evolved into becoming favorite collectibles worldwide. Today, Mary Kel supplies items to Dubai, Australia, London, and Paris.

Mary Kel’s road to success in New York is a story of perseverance, talent, and constant innovation. Now, the brand is on to its next destination. Mary Kel will step into the 81st Tokyo International Gift Show Spring Edition (TIGS), the largest international trade show in Japan, on 03-05 February 2016 at the Tokyo International Exhibition Center. Spearheaded by the Center for InternaThe process of crafting tional Trade Expositions miniature shoes is laboriand Missions (CITEM), Mary ous. Each shoe is shaped Kel will exhibit new shoe fastidiously. The shoe is collectibles together with plastered, complete with their other giftware items buckles, flowers, bows, such as miniature bags, shells, studs, and other materials before painting it birds, and chairs. with non-toxic acrylic paint

by Jose Miguel Parungao

23

by Isabelita Manalastas-Watanabe

Kung kailangan ninyo ng advice, mag e-mail lang po kayo kay Tita Lits sa jeepneymail@yahoo.com 24

Dear Tita Lits,

Dear Vilma:

Lagi ko pong binabasa ang mga payo niyo sa Jeepney Press. Hihingi rin sana ako ng payo tungkol sa aking buhay.

Yung asawa ko pong Hapon ay isang chain smoker at lasingero. Hindi po ako nagsisigarilyo at umiinom ng alak. Ilang taon na rin akong nagtiis. Mahigit 10 taon na po. Bihira na rin kaming magtalik kasi nandidiri na po ako sa kanya. Para akong nakikipag-halikan sa ashtray.

Minsan, kung umuwi galing sa inuman, puro suka na lang ang sahig sa bahay. Minsan, gusto pa niyang makipagtalik sa akin habang ako ay natutulog kahit amoy sigarilyo, alak at suka siya! Feeling ko po ay na re-rape. Minsan, tumatakas na lang po ako at nakikitulog sa mga kaibigan.

Ilang beses na po niyang sinabi sa akin na magbabago na siya pero pabalik-balik din po. Permanent resident na po ako at wala po kaming anak.

Sabi po ng mga friends ko, i-divorce ko na lang siya.

Naawa naman ako sa kanya dahil walang mag-aalaga sa kanya. Tinulungan din po niya ako dito para magkaroon ng kekkon visa nang ako ay nangangailangan. Ano kaya ang magandang gawin?

Sasabihin ko na sana sa iyo na i-divorce mo na siya, noong sinabi mong permanent resident ka at wala kayong anak. Naisip ko kasi, dahil permanent resident ka na, kahit mag-divorce kayo, hindi na mawawala ang visa mo sa Japan. Tapos, kung wala naman kayong anak, much easier namag-desisyon na mag-divorce. Kaya lang, biglang sa latter part ng sulat mo ay sinabi mong naaawa ka naman sa kanya dahil walang mag-aalaga. Bilib ako sa ganda ng iyong puso marunong kang tumanaw ng utang na loob sa kanya, noong nangangailangan ka ng visa at pinakasalan ka niya, at ngayon nga ay permanent resident na. Palagay ko, kapag sober siya, which means iyong week-end na wala siyang trabaho, at nasa bahay kayo, kausapin mong mabuti.

Sabihin mong bibigyan mo siya ng ultimatum. Either magbago siya, or idi-divorce mo siya. Sabihin mong matagal mo ng gustong iwanan siya, kaya lang, gusto mo ring may mag-alaga sa kanya. At least alam niyang may caring ka sa kanya, at least fair ka din sa kanya. And be firm – siguraduhin mong naintindihan niya na hindi ka nagbibiro. Kapag dumating iyong deadline mong ibinigay (mga three months siguro, pinakamatagal na dapat) at

Vilma Osaka

hindi nagbago, hindi ka na siguro magi-guilty na iwanan mo na siya, at mag-start ka ng panibagong buhay mo as single, at hanap ka na rin ng iyong pagkakakitaan, dahil allowed ka namang magtrabaho with a permanent residence visa.

Tita Lits Dear Tita Lits, I'm 45 years old and divorced from my Japanese husband with a permanent visa. Umuwi po ako 3 years ago to attend our high school reunion. Nakita ko po yung dati kong boyfriend. Biyudo na raw siya at mayroon 3 anak. Pagbalik ko sa Japan, lagi po ang contact namin sa facebook hanggang na-develop ulit ang pag-ibig namin sa bawat isa. Ilang beses na rin kaming nagkita kapag ako ay umuuwi sa Pilipinas.

Meron din po akong isang anak na kasama ko pa sa bahay. Gusto ko po sanang magpakasal kami para matulungan ko siya para magsama kami at sabay makakuha siya ng magandang trabaho dito sa Japan.Mahirap po bang magpakasal ang mga divorced Filipinas dito sa mga single o biyudong Pinoy sa atin? At kung makasal man kami, pwede

ko ba siyang makuha at pati na rin ang kanyang mga anak? Salamat po!

Catherine Fukuoka Dear Catherine: Happy naman ako sa iyong story! Hindi mahirap magpakasal ang divorced Filipina dito sa isang single or biyudong Pinoy. At kung makasal kayo, pwede mo siyang makuha siyempre.

I-adopt mo ang kanyang mga anak after your marriage to him (hindi rin mahirap itong gawin) para mas mabilis ang pagkuha mo sa kanila. You just have to be patient, dahil siyempre, it may take time bago mo ma-achieve lahat ng ito.

Good luck and I wish you a very happy life with your high school boyfriend!

Tita Lits

Dear Tita Lits, Malapit na po ang eleksiyon! Hindi ko na lang po tatanungin kung sino ang iboboto ninyo. Napakahalaga po kasi kung sino man na mailuklok sa mga matataas na pwesto at sa kanila maibabahagi ang buhay ng bansa natin.

Hihingi na lang po ako ng gabay sa inyo kung ano ang dapat namin gawin para suriin maiigi ang mga kandidato. May mga payo po ba kayo?

Lester Gunma Dear Lester: I hope nakapag-register ka sa absentee voting na ginawa ng ating Embahada, otherwise hindi ka makakaboto.

Napanood mo ba ang first of three debates involving the 5 Presidential candidates na ginawa noong Feb. 21, 2016, sa Capitol University, sa Cagayan de Oro? Iyong second debate, sa March 20 gagawin, sa Cebu, at iyong last, ay sa Luzon, on April 24.

Televised. Pwede mong ma-access din sa internet.

Maganda sigurong mapanood para makita papaano silang sumagot sa mga tanong sa kanila. From their answers, magkakaroon tayo ng inkling kung ano ang kanilang kakayahan at kung ano ang kanilang plano kapag nanalo. Ako, kapag tinatanong kung sino ang gusto kong manalo, ang palagi kong sagot, kahit sino, huwag lang corrupt.

Tita Lits

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26

KANJI KORNER

今

今 ima now 今週 kon shuu this week 今月 kon getsu this month 今年 ko toshi this year 今日 kyou / kon nichi today 今晩 konban tonight 今夜 konya tonight 今朝 kesa this morning

READINGS: ima, kon, ko MEANING: now, present

Walang Sabit

by Arlene Esperida

Goodbye my dear friend, Krissy

by Farah Trofeo Ishizawa

Last January 20th, I received a message on my Facebook saying "Farah, with great sadness I wanted to let you know first that Krissy passed away in her home on January 15th. She had a seizure while watching TV." - Kim. That message from Kim, Krissy's sister, was there in my mail box.

I stared at it, wondered, and just continued to stare at it until I decided to call Gaby, who just went online.

Gaby, Krissy and I are good friends who met online because our baby angels guided us to each other.

Gaby and I talked for a while but we were both too shocked to even think properly. So, I bid her goodbye.

I did not know if I was dreaming... Suddenly, I remembered Krissy and her sweet voice. I really cannot remember the exact year, but I think it was late 1997 when I met Krissy online.

There were no social media sights then. We only had the "net", web pages, homepages, and emails to get in touch.

It all started in December 1996 when we lost our one and only beautiful baby girl, Marie Kei. We made a special webpage for her. To our surprise, we received so many letters from various parts of the world, from people who cared and comforted us.

Krissy was one of those who wrote me. Her letter was different because she too lost her baby boy Tyler in March 1997. (hope my memory is right) Krissy and I got along right away. There were lots of times I tried my best to comfort her. She often told me how much she wanted to be with her baby Tyler. But I do remember telling her, "please live for him, continue to live for him - he would be sad to see you that way." (grieving and sulking) There were times, she would tell me that she would take out all his toys and other stuff,

and just look at them, and cry.

"Krissy, don't do that to yourself", was what I often told her then. I believe that I slowly helped her recover from her loss.

We got very close because we were there for each other in our saddest days. We sent video letters, hand written letters, and emails to each other. She sent me lots of things from Florida. She wanted me to know Florida, specially Fort Myers, the place where she lived. She sent me post cards, stickers, and the fad then-stuffed toys known as Beanie Babies. Krissy was one kind, happy and generous soul. In return, I sent her pictures and videos of where we lived, and some Japanese goodies and pictures that aroused her interest in Japan.

One time, she said, why don't you come visit me?

In 1998, I took a plane to the USA. I clearly remember the first time we met at the airport- there she was standing, and so shy. We hugged and then we laughed and were so happy to have finally met in person.

Here is a photo of that memorable trip.

Krissy was very smart and talented, and she knew how to make people laugh.

I stayed at their place during my stay at Fort Myers. Krissy welcomed me to their home with Bart, and I believe I slept at her angel son's room.

of the closest, sweetest couples I have ever known. They both enjoyed being together, flying kites, going to the beach, and most of all they just loved each other so much.

She told me that he cradled her heart and opened her eyes to see everything that is beautiful around her, and that included herself. They were so much in love, and had a life full of love, fun and laughter.

But one day, Drew got very sick and passed away in 2014. Krissy was devastated. We all were, we did not know if she would be okay. But she was a fighter, she showed us that she was doing well with Stella, their cute little Pug, on her side. Stella was her best buddy, but that was only until June 2015, because Stella went to dog heaven. Again, Krissy's world collapsed.

Krissy showed us she was "surviving".

She showed the world she was a survivor. But somehow, deep inside, I felt that Krissy was very lonely and yet she made everyone laugh with her very unique humor that touched us all to cover that sadness. We remained in touch through Facebook. She always said that one day, she will visit us in Japan. January 15, 2016 - the day you left us.

It is strange, but in a way, am glad that you are with your beloved Drew, Stella, your baby Tyler, your parents, and sisters... smiling from above.

Please pray for us - your dear friends.

And most of all, please give a hug to Gaby's pretty Diana, and my love Marie Kei. So long - till our next meeting someday...

We'll miss you Krissy.

I will not forget those days with Krissy. She loved surprising me with American sized food servings and loved my reactions. She had some advice from me about cooking at home and cleaning too. And that made Bartman very happy, that he wrote me a note the day I left.

We were like kids and we enjoyed those days in Fort Myers. The years dried our tears ...

Krissy eventually parted with Bart. She re-married childhood sweetheart, her love of her life, Drew. They were one

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Why Can’t Earthquakes Knock Down Five Storey Pagodas

by Yuji Kato

Japan is famous for its old wooden buildings and one of them which we can call ancient high-rises are five-storey pagodas at temples in places like Kyoto and Nara. Pagodas were first built in India as stupas to enshrine relics of the Buddha.

The stupa was transmitted via China through the Korean peninsula to Japan more than 1,300 years ago. In Japan, the shape became the distinctive five-storey pagoda. Throughout history, earthquakes occur frequently in Japan but fivestorey pagodas keep standing as dignified today as they were centuries ago. Japan experiences many serious earthquakes. However, there is almost no record of the pagodas being knocked over before.

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The Great Hanshin Awaji Earthquake of 1995 brought down many modern tall buildings in the Kobe area but not one of any pagodas in Hyogo Prefecture was damaged.

What secrets does the five-storey pagoda have, protecting itself from seismic force?

The first secret is the material. Every structural part of the five-storey pagoda is made of wood.

When wood is subjected to a force, it may warp, but it does not break easily.

And after the force is removed, the wood returns to its former shape. This is because wood is flexible and it can absorb seismic stresses.

The second secret is the structural complements.

The timbers are fastened together without nails, by inserting carved thin and narrow ends of some timbers into slots of some others as joints. So if the ground begins to tremble, the wood’s surface in these joints twist and rub against each other. This helps prevent the seismic energy to travel up to the whole tower. There are about a thousand mortise joints in a five-storey pagoda, making the entire structure practically flexible.

The third secret is the layered structure of the five-storey pagoda. The pagoda has five cubed pieces placed in diminishing size one on top of the other. In English we say “Five-storey pagoda” but the Japanese word “go-juno-to”, which means “five-layer tower” is more accurate. The five cubed pieces are fastened altogether with mortise joints. When the ground shakes, each of the cubed

layers sways independently from each other.

The fourth secret is the wobbling effect of each layer. During an earthquake, when the bottommost layer swayed to the left, the one above it sways to the right and the one above that sways to the left and so on. The structure was doing a kind of snake dance, maintaining the balance.

With the wobbling, the different sized cubed layers sway in opposite directions from one another, then returns to the upright position after.

The final secret is the central column which is known as “Shinbashira” in Japanese. The central column does not physically support any of the pagoda’s storeys but instead it acts as a counter weight while the rest of the building structure vibrates.

Now the proven accuracy of the “Shinbashira Center Column Vibration Control” used in a fivestorey pagoda has been applied to the Tokyo Skytree with a combination of today’s cutting edge technology. This new hybrid earthquake residence technology makes the Skytree as safe as no other building with a similar height. In addition, the “Shinbashira” is a typical element of Japanese pagodas facing earthquakes but cannot be found in China or Korea due to not being frequently hit by earthquakes.

So to everyone: Come to Japan and check out both Japanese traditional and modern technological structures and see it with your own eyes.

Kayamanan na aking Pamana: Edukasyon ni Jasmin Vasquez Taong 1995 ng ako ay mabuntis sa anak kong babae. Nagdalawang isip ako kung ito ba ay itutuloy ko o hindi sa dahilang napakahirap ng naging buhay ko sa kanyang ama na halos palaging walang trabaho at kung mayroon man, mahilig pa rin itong makipag barkadahan. Nang dahil na rin sa takot sa Diyos, nagpasya akong ituloy ang aking pagdadalangtao sa pananalig na hindi ako pababayaan ng mahal na Panginoon.

Ano man ang hirap, pipilitin kong kayanin.

sonic Digital piano, organ, agad nila akong pinapunta dahil need nila ng mag de demo ng mga piano. Masuwerte naman at agad nila akong tinanggap at tamang-tama, kulang din sila ng mga instructor at teacher sa studio nila para sa mga nag-aaral ng organ lesson. May dagdag din kita bawat estudyante.

Pagkatapos ng ilang buwan, nakasali din ako sa sales para kung makabenta ako, meron din akong insentives na makukuha.

Ngunit sa liit ng sweldo sa Pilipinas, parang hindi sasapat para sa aming mag ina.

Inisip ko din ang kinabukasan ng aking anak kayat Mayroon napilitan akong akong kaba sa aking magbakasakali na mag apply pagbubuntis sapagkat kahit as talent papunta isang beses man lamang ay hindi ako nakapagpacheck-up dito sa Japan. Swerte ulit, singing audition sa doctor kung ok ba ang aking nasa sinapupunan. Wala lahat take one lang. kasi kaming pera para ipampa Problema lang wala akong pambayad sa doktor. Kaya inantay ko na passport. Naawa lamang ang araw ng aking naman ang Operapanganganak at dinaan sa dasal ang lahat. Pina-anak ako tions Manager ng isang komadrona (midwife) namin at pinahiram na malapit lamang ang bahay nya ako ng pera.

Pinalabas nya nag sa aming tirahan. Salamat sa Diyos at normal at maayos ko marketing ako sa field kaya wala ako namang nailabas ang bata. sa office. PagkataWalang ano mang sakit o pos ng 3 months, diperensya ang sanggol na kinailangan ko ng aking ipinanganak. mag resign kasi lumabas agad ang Inakala kong lalong visa ko papuntang magpupursige na magsikap Japan. ang kanyang ama para sa aming kinabukasan ngunit Malungkot na masaya na taliwas dito ang nangyari. Oo nabigyan akong pag asa na nga at nagkaroon na siya ng magkaroon ng katuparan ang magandang trabaho ngunit lalong tumindi ang pakikipag- lahat ng mga pangarap ko.

Ngunit sobrang hirap sa barkada niya at nahaluan pa kalooban na maiiwan mo ang ng pambabababae. Ito ang anak mo para maghanapbunaging dahilan upang ako ay hay sa malayong lugar. magdesisyon at tuluyan ng Ngunit wala akong magagawa hiwalayan ang ama ng aking kundi magsakripisyo para sa anak. ikabubuti naming lahat.

Nagbakasakali ako na Halos lumaki sya na wala maghanap ng trabaho upang ako sa kanyang tabi. May mga mabuhay ko ang aking anak. pagkakataon na alam kong Pagtawag ko sa isang branch kailangan nya ng nanay pero ng Technics National/ Pana-

palagi akong wala. Madalas katulong lamang ang nakakasama nya. Nang dahil doon, lumaki syang may pagkapasaway at maldita at parang minsan ay mas gusto nya pang wala ako sa Pinas dahil hindi sya nakakalayas at di nya nagagawa ang mga gusto nya dahil palagi ko syang pinagbabawalan.

Dumarating yung mga pagkakataon na mas gusto nya pa kasama ang mga barkada nya na naging sandigan nya sa mga kasiyahan man o sa problema.

nung tatlong taon ka pa lang, bigla ka na lang kumanta ng kanta ni Jessa Zaragosa (Bakit Pa) na may kasama pang pag arte ng mukha hahaha. Kaso lang nagagalit ka kapag nirerecord ko wala tuloy tayo souvenir. Hanggang sa ngayon, nahiligan mong kumanta na sabi mo sa akin ka nagmana hehehe. Di naman ako papayag na sa iba ka mag-mana ng boses, lalo Habang tumatagal, palaki na ng itsura. Ilang tulog na ng palaki ang gastusin lalo na lang matatapos ka na. Gusto ng dumating sya sa kolehiyo. kong malaman mo na kahit Halos lahat ng extra na palagi tayo nag aaway at trabaho na pwede kong gawin palagi ako nagagalit sayo, ginawa ko para lamang sobrang proud ako sa iyo. makaraos kami. Nag arubaito Yung mga bagay na hindi ko ako sa omise, nag manicure, nagawa, ayan ikaw ang pedicure, tinda minsan ng tumupad. Masaya ako para kung ano ano, luto ditto, luto sayo dahil yan lang ang kayamanan na maibibigay ko sayo, ang mapagtapos ka hanggang kolehiyo. Sana gamitin mo yang pinag aralan mo para magkaroon ka ng magandang kinabukasan at maibigay mo rin at ipamana sa magiging mga anak mo in the future. Ilang araw na lang malapit ka ng mag marcha sa PICC upang tanggapin ang iyong Diploma. Sa wakas makakahinga na rin ako ng konting luwag sa gastusin at kailangan na rin bayaran ko ang mga utang ko. Sana kung palarin ay makauwi ako bago man lang dumating ang iyong graduation. Proud doon. Ilang beses na sinubu- ako sayo! kan kong sumali sa singing contest upang kahit paano Salamat, salamat ng marami magkapangalan at makilala na Panginoong Hesukristo!!!! maging daan para makakanta ako sa ibat-ibang lugar at Napakabuti mo aming kumita para pandagdag sa Diyos sa lahat ng pagkakataon pang araw-araw na gastos sa na kinailangan kita at alam pag-aaral ng anak ko ngunit mong hirap ako, hindi mo ako palagi akong nabibigo. Inisip kailan man pinabayaan, ko na lamang na baka hindi kasama ng mga anak, iyon para sa akin. Maaring kaibigan lalong lalo na ang may ibang plano ang Diyos na aking ina na tumulong din mas maganda para sa amin. para mairaos ko ang hirap ng buhay. Hindi ko ito lahat Napakabilis ng panahon na makakaya kung wala Kayo. parang kailan lang eto ka anak Amen. Maraming salamat sa napakaliit mo pa. Naalala ko Inyo.

29

Philip D. Torres Contact through Facebook: Philip D. Torres

mobile (Philippines) : +63-91-7605-6366

Philip D. Torres Contact through Facebook: Philip D. Torres mobile (Philippines) : +63-91-7605-6366

What’s happening at...

Hiroshima Assistance For Filipino Community (HAFFC) On March 20th we are going to have an oath taking of officers.

HAFFC OFFICERS 2016- 2018 President: Gemma (Mimi) Kusaka Vice President: Arlina Nakami Second Vice President: Perly Ishida Secretary: Maricel Murase Ass. Secretary: Honeylyn Watanabe Treasurer: Liezyl Takagi Ass. Treasurer: Noemi Cruz Auditor: Lala Kawamoto PRO: 1. Mark Glen Guisando 2. Miko Portez 3. Yoch Otochi 4. Linda Imahori 5. Gina Harigawa EVENTS PERSONNEL: 1. Maridy Fukuoka 2. Janet Suzuki 3. Mila Goto 4. Lily Yasuishi 5. Fely Hisayasu 6. Emily Mallari

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ANNOUNCEMENT

Advisers: 1. Rachelyn (Cheche) Semizo 2. Evelyn Ujita 3. Christine Oda 4. Ruby Badayos 5. Roterry Shimono

Hiroshima Assistance For Filipino Community (HAFFC) is going to hold Mr. & Miss Little HAFFC 2016 at Fukuyama Jinken Hall on May 1, 2016. Before the coronation day, we are going to have First and Second Counting.

The children will prepare their talents on March 20 and April 17, 2016. Entrance is free so everyone is welcome. By doing this event, we want the Japanese people know about our culture.

What’s happening at...

Samahang Pilipino ng Hokkaido (SPH) Samahang Pilipino ng Hokkaido is composed of more than 300 active and non active Filipino members.

Catholic lay missionaries to reach the Filipinos in towns and villages far from Sapporo.

In winter, Hokkaido is as Recently, it has a governing white as snow covering its whole area. People are four main positions: president, vice-president, secre- always looking forward to tary and treasurer and core see the snow festival which consist of huge snow active members serve as representatives of their own statues and ice sculptures. districts. We coordinate closely with two PLM

February 21, 2016: SPH Meeting

We would like to welcome you to come and visit our Narnia-like place in winter.

You will surely love the freezing temperature with a good combination of hot Hokkaido Ramen and soothing hot spring (onsen) of Hokkaido.

ANNOUNCEMENT: MAY - Hanami Party

JUNE - Walk for Health Event JULY/AUGUST - Bonding visitation to far places of Hokkaido to strengthen the friendship among Filipinos living in Hokkaido SEPTEMBER - Consular Service Mission

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What’s happening at...

Samahang Pilipino Philippine Alliance Iwate Japan President & Founder - Ms Mila E. Mukai

February 29, 2016: Kokusai Koryu in Ichinoseki It's an honor to be in this event as special participation of SP-PAIJ. This is the first time this kind of gathering happened here in Ichinoseki.

Representatives from Japan, Philippines, Indonesia, Mongolia and Brazil presented their culture through Costume and Traditional, National Dance and using some native musical intruments for their performance exhibition.

There was discussion about ones own country’s culture and our very own SP-PAIJ, Ms. Lolita Moniwa, represented the Philippines.

PANAWAGAN sa lahat ng mga FILIPINO sa IWATE, AKITA, AOMORI at kalapit na mga Prefectures Ano: PHILIPPINE EMBASSY CONSULAR OUTREACH MISSION in MORIOKA Mga serbisyong ibibigay: Saan: Morioka Aiina Building - Passport 1-7-1 Morioka Station West, Morioka City, Iwate Prefecture - Civil Registration - Birth, Marriage and Death - Legal Capacity to Contract Marriage, etc.

Kailan: Hulyo 16, 2016, Sabado, 8th Fl., Rm 811 - Pagnotaryo ng mga documento, Authentication, Hulyo 17, 2016, Linggo, 7th Fl., Rm 702 NBI clearance renewal application 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM - Konsultasyon

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Para sa mga katanungan, makipag-ugnayan kina:

Mailing Address:

Cecille Nishimura 090-5847-6774 ceznishimura0809@gmail.com Ofelia Takahashi 090-3125-0137 ruiofyanna@gmail.com

Iwate International Association 5th Fl. Aiina Center 〒020-0045 Morioka-shi Morioka Eki Nishi Dori 1-7-1

Mila E. Mukai Lolita Moniwa

〒020-0033 Morioka-shi Morioka Ekimae Kitadori 9-18-510

080-6007-8718 milamukai@yahoo.com 080-1371-0219 jmoniwa@icloud.com

What’s happening at...

kyoto

25th anniversary celebration of the presence of the Mission Society of the Philippines (MSP) in Japan, St Francis Xavier Cathedral, Kyoto city, February 11, 2016

Japinong Sessionista Concert, Kibo no Ie, Higashi Kujo, Kyoto, February 13, 2016

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What’s happening at...

ANNOUNCEMENT

Oita Philippines Friendship Association donated used sewing machines to our less fortunate countrymen in Novaliches, Quezon City. This is one of the Livelihood Projects of OPFA in the Philippines.

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OPFA had the orientation today in preparation for the April 30 Outreach Mission of PCG-Osaka.

There were 100 people who attended this activity and i would like to say Otsukaresama deshita to all the dedicated officers who are always there to lend a helping hand.

There will be an Outreach Program of PCG-Osaka hosted by Oita-Philippines Friendship Association (OPFA) on April 30, 2016. For those who want to renew your passport here in Oita, please read this information carefully.

What: Passport Renewal Where: Oita International Plaza Oasis Hiroba B1 2-33 Takasago machi Oita shi Oita ken When: April 30, 2016 (Saturday) This program is open to all the Filipinos and we do hope we could share this blessing to all. All the complete requirements should be sent to Philippine Consulate General Osaka not later than April 22. Prior to this, OPFA is holding an Orientation on February 16, 2016 (Tuesday) at the same place. Welcome po ang lahat na kababayan natin na gustong magpunta sa orientation.

Marami po kasi ang nagre-request so we are here to assist everybody on February 16 from 1:00 to 5:00 pm.

What’s happening at...

January 27-February 3, 2016: an International Drawing Exhibition participated by the Filipino children at Kuzuha Hall in Hirakata-shi, Osaka

The Filipino community joined the Southeast Asia Community Association and Seika Community Activities Council at their event, Music Care last January 30, 2016 at Namba, Osaka.

A bingo social and fundraising was held by the San Lorenzo Ruiz Filipino Japanese Community at the Suita Catholic Church, Suitashi, Osaka on February 7, 2016 37

What’s happening at...

Samahang Pilipino celebrated its 40th year Anniversary at Meguro Kumin Center on January 31, 2016 with the Search for Ms. Samahang Pilipino 2016 Beauty Contest.

Samahang Pilipino Classroom Donation at San Jose National High School, Camarines Sur

Hon. Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel lll meeting with the Filipino Community at the Philippine Embassy on March 7, 2016 Mrs. Vilma Raymundo's lecture: "Pagpapalaki ng ating mga anak sa wikang Filipino" at the Philippine Embassy on 6 Feb 2016 38

What’s happening at...

February 21, 2016: Joining a fund raising for TAIWAN...A Shout for Help with the Kapatiran and SenTia "Sendai Tourism, Convention and International Association"

Upcoming Events: April 16, 2016 Sendai Mobile Consular Mission by: The Philippine Embassy Tokyo headed by: Third Secretary and Vice Consul Domini Ketade at Sendai International Center April 17, 2016 Hanami at Sendai Tsutsujigaoka Koen Potluck everyone is invited....

May 22, 2016 TUFSA: "Tohoku Foreign Student Association" Festival Please come and join us!

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January 17, 2016: THE JAPAN AND INTERNATIONAL CAREGIVER SEMINAR at Sendai Aero Building conducted by: MIA (Miyagi International Association) represented by our kababayan Ms. Charito Ito from Kabayan Kessenuma Filipino group.

What’s happening at...

January 29, 2016 at Emma Cordero’s successful charity concert at the Hotel New Otani attended by her friends and fans

Global Filipino-Japanese Friendship Association sends first aid donations to the fire department in Las Pinas, Paranaque

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LISTEN

Ms. Emma Cordero would like to say thank you to Mr. Masatoshi Morinaga for spending time with the children and teachers of Our Lady of Fatima de San Pedro School on 24 Feb 2016.

KANJI KORNER

日 READINGS: hi, ka, nichi, jitsu MEANING: day

日 hi sun, day 毎日 mainichi everyday 日本 Nihon Japan 休日 kyuujitsu holiday 今日 kyou/konnichi today 日の出 hinode sunrise

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and the participation of different Filipino groups all over Japan with the support of the Philippine Embassy, Tokyo

2016

www.utawit.com For sponsorships and regional participation, please contact jeepneymail@yahoo.com for details.