Jeepney Press #112 July-August 2021

Celebrating The Journeys Of Filipinos In Japan

Pahayagang pinoy sa ジープニー プレス 在日フィリピン人 向 け マ ガ ジン japan

112 ISSUE Art & Design by DENNIS SUN

July-August 2021 2021年7月-8月

Celebrating The Journeys Of Filipinos In Japan

Pahayagang pinoy sa japan ジープニー プレス

JEEPNEY PRESS welcomes articles of interest on Filipinos in Japan. Please email any photos, drawings, and other materials that you would like to accompany the article. Submissions can also be sent by postmail.

Photos, drawings and other materials will not be returned unless sent with a self-addressed, stamped envelope. Deadline is one month before publication.

We reserve the right to edit or omit any submissions.

Disclaimer: Jeepney Press is not responsible for the transactions between its advertisers and their clients.

Publisher does not endorse or make any representation or warranty, express or implied, with respect to any of the products or services advertised herein. We recommend that you independently evaluate all products/services before purchasing.

Jeepney Press is not accountable for any claims on the articles in this magazine. They are purely the writer's idea and opinion. The views expressed herein are not necessarily representative of those of the publishers'. Public and private parties approached by those claiming to work for or on behalf of Jeepney Press should call our office to confirm truth of any such claim, especially where money may be involved.

Jeepney Press is published online bimonthly

by Asia Vox Ltd. All rights reserved. Copyright 2021

JEEPNEY PRESS A sia Vox Ltd.

Takadanobaba Bldg. 701, 1-26-12 Takadanobaba, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 169-0075 Tel : 03-5292-2340 Fax: 03-5292-2341 e-mail: jeepneymail@yahoo.com http://jeepneymail.wix.com/jeepneypress

publisher ASIA VOX LTD.

IRENE SUN-KANEKO editorial & creative director

DENNIS SUN Editorial Board Contributors

Cover design and art: DENNIS SUN

Glen Atienza Jeff Plantilla Neriza Saito Karen Sanchez Anita Sasaki Wayne Sun Warren Sun Yellowbelle Duaqui Loleng Ramos Alvin Tagle Alma Reyes Lita Manalastas-Watanabe Richine Bermudez Lala Lopez de Leon Mae Grace Jerry Sun Arenas Jasmin Vasquez Alma Fatagani-Sato Arnel Sugay Marnie Chan Chris Yokoyama

contents 05 Yomu Editorial / Dennis Sun 06 Art & Sun / Ramil Mendoza 08 Kusina / Chris Yokoyama 10 On The Road / Neriza Saito 12 Traffic / Alma Reyes 14 Isang Araw Sa Ating Buhay / Jeff Plantilla 16 Life Is A Journey / Glen Gypsy 18 Take It Or Leave It / Lita Manalastas Watanabe 20 Dondake! / Karen Sanchez 22 Acupuncture / Marnie Chan 24 Amazing Grace / Mae Grace 26 Tanabata / Alma Fatagani-Sato 27 Pandemic Blues / Richine Bermudez 28 Kwento Ni Nanay / Anita Sasaki 29 Moving On / Jasmin Vasquez 30 Walk With Me / Lala Lopez De Leon 32 PASADA

Friends in FB have been showing their pics of having taken the first and second jab of the vaccine.

Whereas, I couldn't show anything because I haven't been vaccinated yet. Not even the first dose. I have been having a hard time getting a reservation over the phone and online. Lines are jam packed, and then supplies ran out. I need to wait patiently and try again. But, hey! I got this bandage today. Not on my arm but on my elbow.

editorial by Dennis Sun (as this wasn't the first time), I was cleared. I took the taxi home with the dull cold pain still lingering on my heart.

called, the ambulance arrived in less than 10 minutes!

If you are suddenly injured or ill, you may be Many foreigners living in at a loss as to whether you should call an ambulance Japan still think that the ambulance service is very or go to the hospital right away, you can call the expensive in Japan. It’s heart area which lasted all Emergency Relief Center actually FREE! Actually, throughout the day. I at #7119. This is a free we are paying for it thought it would go away telephone consultation through our taxes. but it didn't. By nightfall, I service where you can called the emergency receive advice from number for advice about my Ambulance number is situation and was told to call 119. Be ready to tell them experts. Specialists such your exact address, and if as doctors and nurses will the ambulance. Thus, I was provide emergency you can talk more, give rushed to the nearby consultation over the them information about This morning though, I had hospital. They took all the telephone. necessary tests, and as always your condition. When I chest pains right over my

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ART AND SUN

By Ramil Mendoza I wish I had a dog like Dennis Sun’s.

This one had on a four-pointed court jester’s hat, with stars and bells. He also looks like he had a pirate’s eyepatch, only it is not a patch. His left blue eye shines brightly through the patch in a mischievous smile as his black-spotted white body seems to float through a heart-shaped hole in a tree, as two mystical peacocks watch. Pink butterflies flutter above sunflowers, as snail-shaped clouds float in a painted background, framed by velvet curtains. This dog is pulling off a trick, and he is enjoying it.

In another painting, this dog is laughing as he watches the fairy princess float with her snake wand between checkerboard worlds filled with castles and minarets, smiling flowers, sun and moon, stars, rainbows, cacti, banderitas and a grinning cat.

In Dennis Sun’s paintings, I can feel my early childhood visions and wishes come to life worlds filled with color, smiling giraffes, trees, kings and queens, flowers, and a dog with a four pointed, star-studded jester’s hat.

In his new exhibition “Pieces of Dream”, which opened on June 27, 2021 at the Koyama Gardens in Nerima, Tokyo, Dennis Sun showcases his work during a difficult period of his life, when he just moved to Japan from the Philippines, alone, without family and friends.

No one knew him, and he found life difficult, as he did not speak the language. The culture was entirely different from what he knew. The challenges he faced were daunting and frightening to say the least.

Dennis said ‘I painted a lot during these times.

And what resulted in my paintings were perhaps what my “inner-self” was trying to tell me. I wasn’t in a happy place and time then.

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July - August 2021

And I think my art is giving me positive messages. Comforting me. Though it was dark outside, it seemed inside me, it was so bright and colorful. And that went straight right into the canvas.’

Art is a conversation, where ideas, thoughts and feelings are expressed and received in a manner unhindered by the barriers of language, culture and social background. The artist communicates with his audience, connects with them. In creating his art, the artist also connects with himself - art as an act of self-discovery.

At this time in his life, Dennis was clearly deep in conversation with himself, with the canvas transcribing everything that was spoken. And the product was eloquent, elegant and bright as sunlight.

In this crucible, the artist discovered himself.

Dennis does not consider his paintings finished until they are sold or given to someone. As long as they are in his possession, they are still changing, evolving.

His paintings would undergo transformation, depending on the theme of his exhibition. In his two previous exhibitions during the COVID 19 Pandemic, he added masks to some of the characters in his paintings and one art collector was so amused that he said he wanted to have a souvenir artwork that would remind him about the pandemic. In that way, Dennis is also a chronicler of this age.

But more than a record of the present, his art is about hope. Dennis says that he had many paintings in storage which he has not exhibited before, and he thought it was right timing during this pandemic to show his works to add more positivity to the world. As an artist, he thought it was the best way that he could help make the world a better place.

Dennis adds “And maybe, it’s timely now during this pandemic that the paintings I made then wanted to show themselves to other people, as messages of hope and happiness.”

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A critic once told him that he could see bits of Marc Chagall in some of his works. Dennis likes Gaugin more, and is studying his use of colors.

Dennis grew up watching Disney, and truly adores Salvador Dali. But the light in his work is truly Dennis’ own - it is about joy that lives and breathes within each of us.

Art touches and moves us. For most people, the experience is something that is hard to put into words. Whether it is a song, a play, a poem, a novel, a painting, it can express the feelings and thoughts of the artist, and evoke feelings and emotions that we probably knew were there, but unaware of the depth and breadth of.

I am aware, however, of how Dennis’ paintings make me feel. I know that I can look at Dennis’ masterpieces, and remember how it was to be truly happy as a young child, lying down on soft grass on a cool day, looking at the clouds and daydreaming of castles and rainbows, kings and queens, meadows and forests…and yes - a smiling dog with a four-pointed star-studded jester’s hat.

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KUSINA Easy and

delicious, seasonal recipes ni Tita Chris Yokoyama

Mga Kababayan, kumusta po kayo?

Nandito na naman ang inyong Tita Chris na nais mag share ng napakadali at healthy dessert.

Para sa ating mga love ones craving for sweets but health conscious.

Our main ingredient today is carrot which we all know na napaka healthy at accessible.

Health benefits of carrots · Reduced risk of cancer. Diets rich in carotenoids may help protect against several types of cancer. · Lower blood cholesterol. High blood cholesterol is a well-known risk factor for heart disease. · Weight loss. For this reason, they may be a useful addition to an effective weight loss diet. · Eye health. Eating carrots is linked to a reduced risk of cancer and heart disease, as well as improved eye health.

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Carrot Cake Recipe Ingredients： 1 cup all-purpose flour 3/4 tsp. baking powder 3/4 tsp. baking soda ½ tsp. cinnamon powder (vanilla essence okay) 1/3 tsp. table salt 1/4 cup coarsely chopped walnuts and raisins

Pour into a bunt mold coated with oil. The figure below uses a 5-inch bunt type. You can use any type you like!

Bake in a preheated (160-170C) oven for 40 minutes.

Baking time depends on the

100 ml. Vegetable oil 1/2cup brown sugar 1 1/2 eggs 1 grated carrots 1/3 grated pineapple 1/4 cup fresh milk Cream Cheese Frosting: All ingredients in room temperature ！ 1/2 cup cream cheese 1/4 cup salted butter 20 g. Powdered sugar How To Prepare: Wash the carrots.

It would be easier if you use a fork to hold the smaller carrot Combine all the ingredients in a bowl except the all-purpose flour and walnuts ＊ Use a whipper, to mix the ingredients.

Using the whipper, add the 1 cup all-purpose flour 1/4 cup coarsely chopped walnuts and lightly mix the batter Stop when the flour disappears.

JULY - AUGUST 2021

size of the mold you use.

Therefore, you can adjust.

Let it cool.

Cream cheese frosting: All at room temperature!

1/2 cup cream cheese, 1/4 cup salted butter 20g. Powdered sugar Mix with a hand mixer and use a piping bag to design as you like. Let it cool for a few hours and it will be even more delicious!

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Neriza Sarmiento - Saito's

On the Road to

A Midsummer’s Sunflower with

Glen Oliver and Aileen Santos

The summer of 2021 is probably going to be one of the most unforgettable summers of our lifetime. After a year of uncertainty, the 2020 Tokyo Olympics was finally held.

At exactly the same day of its opening, Dr. Lilia F. Antonio, asked me to write some memoirs on the late Dr. Severino Montano, foremost playwright, stage actor and director known for his works such as “Parting at Calamba“ and “The Ladies and the Senator“ and “But not my Sons Any Longer “. She said that she would like to use it for the book launching of her translations of Dr. Montano’s plays.

While writing it, suddenly, his sturdy physique and powerful voice flashed back into my mind. His presence was magnanimous, overpowering and simply great. Dr. Montano and Prof.

Naty Crame Rogers were two of my mentors who influenced my whole life.

And for our summer issue, I would like to feature two young people who are in the field of education and who also symbolize the vigor and indefatigable spirit of the Olympics: GLEN OLIVER and AILEEN SANTOS. Although they aren’t athletes, they are aiming for gold in their lifetime and they are willing to work hard for it.

They tied the knot a day after

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Christmas 2020 in what they admit was a wedding ceremony beyond their imagination, in the not so normal way.

Glen was born in Malolos, Bulacan and his parents are from Concepcion, Tarlac. Aileen is from Pangasinan and Caloocan City.

Glen used to be in Multilevel Marketing, and helped their local youth group and Baranggay leaders organized community events. Aileen taught Computer Science at a high school in the Philippines. They met at a church in Japan and were together in many of their youth activities. I

remember meeting them at a singing contest they organized. The petite and vibrant emcee was Aileen and Glen was the Production Manager.

Glen worked at a hotel as the front manager and Aileen as an English teacher. When the pandemic began, Glen had to look for another job.

Luckily, he found an opening in a school.

After a year and a half, they found out that they were meant for one another, or something I can conveniently say “Mutual attraction at first sight“ that later bloomed into a beautiful romance. With a handful of friends, they planned and

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organized a live Zoom wedding since their parents and most of their relatives in the Philippines could not come over for the ceremony. “It was indeed an experience of a lifetime”, says Glen.

“Nakakatawa pero kahit may pandemic, nagawa naming maayos.

Mas okay rin kasi mas marami kaming mga kamag-anak at kaibigan na nakapanood!“ Aileen says, “Kakaiba rin kasi sa halip na reception sa isang hotel o restaurant, nagpamigay na lamang kami ng “obento“ sa ilang naroon sa room“.

Actually, they have long range plans already and the first is to have their first baby, second is to build their own International school, and the third is to be active members of the community in Japan as well as in the global community.

So, like the Athletes in the Olympics, Glen and Aileen are aiming for gold medals. The sunflower bouquets given to the

Settling into their new roles as husband and wife, they are never idle and not afraid to explore possibilities despite the pandemic. So after the special emergency situation is over, they will hold lectures and training events for teachers from the Philippines on how to teach English effectively to Japanese students.

winners have a strong message to the world because it symbolizes hope and happiness despite the pandemic!

Here are Glen and Aileen’s additional message to our readers: Anong bagay na galing sa Pilipinas ang unang dinala mo rito?

Glen: Jacket mula sa mother ko.

Aileen: Bible Anong pasalubong naman ang dinala ninyo sa unang pag-uwi sa Pilipinas?

Glen: Nissin seafood instant ramen at mayonnaise Aileen: Omochi kasi parang kalamay.

Anong kaugaliang Pilipino ang namana ninyo sa inyong mga magulang?

Both: Pagmamano bago umalis ng bahay at sa pag-uwi.

Ano ang mga unang napansin ninyo sa buhay sa Japan noong una kayong dumating rito?

Both: Magagalang ang lahat.

Maayos manamit kahit pupunta lamang sa kapitbahay. Kaya lang, hindi sila madaling magtiwala o magpahayag ng nasasa loob. Sa ating mga Pilipino, mabilis makapag palagayan ng loob kahit bago pa lamang mag kakilala.

Glen says that of all his jobs, now he realized that teaching is indeed a fulfilling profession. Aileen added that “Real happiness is when you see your students able to express themselves in English, then you feel fulfilled too that the hours you devoted teaching them has borne fruit!“

Ano naman ang masasabi ninyo sa Tokyo Olympics?

Both: Masaya siyempre at natuloy rin! Kahit ilang beses di malaman kung itutuloy o hindi, nagawan rin ng paraan. Malaki ang kahulugan nito para sa mundo.

PAG-ASA ang ibinigay ng 2020 Olympics sa sanlibutan upang makapaghanap ng paraan para matupad ang pangarap.

The Tokyo Olympics signifies HOPE for the world because mankind will always find a way to rise up again!!!

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TRAFFIC by Alma Reyes

Why Japan is Far from Globalization We hear the common phrase “people don’t change.”

Even Einstein said,

“The world as we have created it is a process of our thinking. It cannot be changed without changing our thinking.” In

that sense, maybe Japan cannot change either. To the casual eye, time may have witnessed some perceptible changes in the Japanese lifestyle and behavioral trends over the last twenty years. More Westernized fashion styles, food preferences, and home living standards, for instance, appear more apparent today.

However, what dwells underneath those visible trends may have not altered much. Certainly, Japan has moved upwards from post-war impoverishment to one of the world’s strongest economic powers. Yet, is this enough to view the country as “globalized”?

Concerning the implementation of the English language and assimilation with foreign cultures, Japan still lags far behind many of its Asian neighbors. This comes as bewildering as we approach the middle of the 21st century.

I recall my student days back in Kyoto more than twenty years ago when many Japanese then would stare at foreigners walking down the streets. I remember a Japanese stranger walking up to my American friend saying, “You have such long legs.” Inside trains, foreigners reading books in English would get intent scrutinies. Yet, after twenty years those scrutinies haven’t exactly faded.

No wonder the foreign resident card is called “alien card”.

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illustration by: Dennis Sun

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Teaching English in Japan is itself a somewhat ungratifying task when we all know that English is not omnipresently adopted into the system and the people’s daily lives. Many English schools in the country are textbook-based and train students merely to pass the Eiken or TOEIC tests. Japanese can read well, and many are able to comprehend written language. When asked to speak, they cringe like beavers in a hole. This may be a weakness in the educational system, but may also be a failure of the cultural system to embrace English as the country’s second language so that the people may be able to immerse with global cultures more realistically.

One may say that this is not necessarily so if an interpreter is present.

However, I believe that language is culture. With Japanese culture, this is particularly evident. Many facets of the culture are not easy to grasp without understanding the language and its profound meanings.

Language is the core of Japan’s spirit. They have lived on doctrines of Zen philosophy for centuries, are inspired by their Haiku and Waka poetry, and express themselves more directly by verbal expression rather than by emotion or gestures. Likewise, studying English conversation may be a helpful tool to increase the knowledge of the language, but without being able to use it in everyday life and taking interest in foreign cultures, it remains futile.

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Many Japanese economists have been using the word “borderless” to pertain to Japan’s future role in the world. Over the years, the culture may have succeeded crossing the borders in the areas of tourism, food, traditional culture, manga and anime.

However, many foreigners (not tourists) living in Japan still face inevitable hurdles in adapting to the cultural system. These are office workers who feel discrimination in the workforce, foreign spouses who feel neglected by the family of their Japanese spouses, or mixed-race children who are bullied in schools.

Many foreigners struggle in claiming welfare and employment benefits, processing bank transactions, receiving adequate health care, or maintaining their homes because of the lack of English communication in hospitals, municipal wards, banks, and most service facilities. Generally, many foreigners in this country will always feel less privileged than the local people. A simple fact, such as income tax forms that have no English version can be frustrating to foreign residents who pay their taxes dutifully.

Waiting for years for Japan to act bi-laterally and considerably of foreign residents’ welfare, I have selfishly come to believe that Japan will never allow itself to fully swim in the global sea because ironically, that barrier renders them absolute autonomy of their culture and identity that they have always been proud of and need to protect. Not surprisingly, there is also an air of subconscious animosity towards foreigners who speak flawless Japanese, since this notion imbues an “invasion” of their native identity. The symbol of the monarchy and the remnants of the Edo culture, which reign over the nationalistic mentality have carved deep lines in the Japanese mind and spirit. This can be exemplified in the militaristic rigidity practiced in schools and conservative Japanese companies, which to an exaggerated degree, has not changed since the feudal era. History is not easy to forget. Foreigners may never feel ideally united with the Japanese people (and vice versa), but we can only appreciate the depth of their traditional culture and art, intimacy with nature, and humility of their inner spirit, and hopefully learn from them.

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ISANG ARAW SA ATING BUHAY ni Jeff Plantilla

Photo credits: Dennis Sun Hindi tayo napahiya sa ating bagong facilities sa Clark. At ang inayos na iba pang venues sa Metro Manila ay hindi rin nakakahiya.

Kakaiba din ang opening ceremonies, na dinaluhan ng Sultan of Brunei at ni Pangulong Duterte.

Imbes na stadium, sa isang indoor facility ang opening ceremonies. Ang nakakamanghang Philippine Arena ang venue at kaya naging show ang opening ceremonies na puno ng kanta at sayaw.

Mahalaga sa kalusugan ng ating isip ang pagbibigay ng pansin sa mga bagay na nagdudulot ng saya.

Nagdadala ng saya ang mga kaisipan na may magandang kahulugan o layunin.

Isa sa mga magandang kaisipan ay yung nagtataguyod ng kabutihan ng lahat, o yung nagbubuklod sa lahat.

SEA Games: Saya bago ang pandemya

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Ginanap sa Filipinas ang 30th Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games). Hindi ito kasama sa orihinal na plano ng gobyerno.

Ito ay isang emergency plan dahil nag-back-out ang Brunei sa paghost ng SEA Games. 2 taon lang ang panahon sa paghahanda ng Filipinas para sa SEA Games.

Kaya ba natin? Handa ba ang ating stadiums at iba pang facilities? Marami tayong stadiums sa ngayon nguni’t handa ba para sa international competition ang ilan sa mga antigo nating facilities tulad ng Rizal Memorial Stadium?

Mas nakakapagpasaya ang mensahe sa SEA Games 2019.

Binigyan ng halaga ang samu’t-saring kultura at lahi ng mga tao sa Southeast Asia.

Imbes na dahilan ng pagkakahiwalay, ang mga ito ang ipinagdiwang.

Hindi natin inaasahan na may maitatayong bagong facilities sa loob lamang ng 2 taon.

Lalong hindi inaasahan na hindi 1 kundi 2 facilities at saka Athletes Village ang kayang itayo sa maikling panahon.

Unity in diversity.

At ganun nga ang nangyari.

Isang world-class stadium ang nagawa na may kakaibang design – halaw sa isang bulkan – Mount Pinatubo. May isang swimming facility na certified ng international swimming body (Fédération Internationale De Natation FINA) as Olympic standard.

Hindi closed-facility, kundi bukas sa magandang kapaligiran ng Tarlac at ang bubong ay may design ng pangingisda. May dagdag pa na Athlete’s Village na innovative din ang design.

Lalo pang makahahulugan ang motto ng SEA Games 2019: “We Win as One!” Ang SEA Games ay hindi lang competition, pagalingan ng kakayanan, kundi isang pagkakataon para magkasama-sama ang mga magkakapitbansa. Panahon para ipagdiwang ang spirit of sportsmanship.

Ang motto na “We Win as One” ay may malalim na kahulugan.

Ang SEA Games 2019 ang naging pambansang kasayahan bago dumating ang pandemya. Nguni’t ang kaisipan ng SEA Games ay hindi nawala. Ang “We Win as One” ay naging “We Heal as

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mai-infect ng COVID-19 ang pinaka-issue sa Olympic Games Tokyo 2020. Takot sa mga taong darating mula sa iba’t-ibang bansa na baka infected at makahawa pa sa iba.

One.” Sama-sama nating lalampasan ang pandemya, walang iiwanan. Ito ang kailangan sa panahong lahat ng tao sa mundo ay apektado ng pandemya. Walang makakapagsabi na siya ay lubusang ligtas sa COVID-19 – mayaman man o mahirap, saan mang sulok ng daigdig.

Mabuti na ring banggitin na sana ay maayos ang nareport na issue tungkol sa mga Aeta na napalipat ng tirahan mula sa lugar na ngayon ay stadium at swimming facility sa Clark. Hindi magiging lubusang “We Win as One” ang SEA Games kung hindi mabibigyan ng karapatdapat na pagkilala sa mga karapatan ng mga Aeta sa kanilang lupang ginagamit na ngayon sa sports.

Olympic Games 2021: Saya sa panahon ng pandemya Samantalang masayang idinaos ang 30th SEA Games, ang pagdaraos ng Olympic Games ay kakaiba. Dahil sa COVID-19 pandemic, hindi natuloy ang Olympic Games nung 2020. At dahil sa patuloy na COVID-19 infections, maraming Hapones ang hindi sumang-ayon sa pagpapatuloy ng Olympic Games. Bagama’t 2021 na natuloy, Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 pa rin ang official name ng biennial games na ito.

Takot sa pagdami ng mga taong

Ganun din naman ang pagtingin ng mga tao sa ibang bansa. May takot din na baka magkahawahan ang mga tao dahil sa malaking event na ito.

Kaya ang Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 ang kauna-unahang Olympic Games na bawal manood sa mga laro. Sa TV

Olympic Committee (IOC), ang goal ng Olympic Movement is to contribute to building a peaceful and better world by educating youth through sport practiced without discrimination of any kind and in the Olympic spirit, which requires mutual understanding with a spirit of friendship, solidarity and fair play.

Mahalaga na ang mga kabataan, na siyang pinakamaraming manglalaro sa anumang sports event, ay matuto at maranasan ang “mutual understanding with a spirit of friendship, solidarity and fair play.” At ayon nga sa IOC, layunin ng Olympics na maturuan ang mga kabataan ng sports na “practiced without discrimination of any kind and in the Olympic spirit.”

Nguni’t dahil sa COVID-19 pandemic, hindi masyado binibigyan ng diin ang pagdiriwang ng Olympic Games. Pero ang tuwa ng mga manglalaro ay mahalagang maipakita bilang suporta sa kanilang pagpapakahirap na makamit ang karangalang dulot ng Olympics.

o sa internet lang makikita ang mga performances ng mga manglalaro.

Ang isang malaking dahilan kung bakit mabuting ituloy ang Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 ay ang kabutihan ng mga athletes. Pinaghandaan nila ng ilang taon ang pagsali sa Olympic Games. Ito ang kanilang pangarap.

Malaking kawalan sa kanila kung makakansela ang Olympic Games Tokyo 2020.

Kaya, sa pamamagitan ng pag-iingat, natuloy din ang Olympic Games Tokyo 2020, kahit halos walang nanonood.

Nagpatuloy ang pagtupad sa Olympic spirit. Ayon sa International

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Maraming magandang kaisipan ang sports – disiplina, pagsasanay ng mahabang panahon, pag-iingat sa katawan, paglalaro nang malinis at walang daya, at sportsmanship. Mahalagang karanasan sa sports ay maging gabay sa buhay.

Mabuhay ang lahat na Filipino athletes sa Tokyo Olympics!!

Sa wakas may Olympic gold medal na ang Filipinas, at baka may sumunod pa. Salamat kay Hidilyn Diaz at Team HD. Siya ay role model ng mga tao, lalo ng mga kabataan.

Gold din ang kanyang message: Gusto niyang maging inspiration, na kailangang-kailangan ng mga Filipino sa panahon ng pandemya, ang kanyang gold medal. Sinabi din niyang natuwa siya at nagkaisa ang mga Filipino para sa Filipino athletes.

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Glen Gypsy’s

“A winner is someone who recognizes his Godgiven talents, works his tail off to develop them into skills, and uses these skills to accomplish his goals.” —Larry Bird

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Take it or Leave it!

ADVICE NI TITA LITS

Isabelita Manalastas-Watanabe Dear Tita Lits, Magandang araw po!

Lilipat po kaming mag-asawa sa Tokyo in a few months from Osaka.

Hindi naman po kalakihan ang aming problema pero we would like to ask your advice.

Pinag-iisipan namin kung ano ang bibilhin namin sa bagong apartment: kama o futon?

Considering the convenience, health benefits, financial factor, I was thinking of getting futon for sleeping. Pero mas masarap daw po ang kama? Pero when I looked around at the shops, medyo expensive to buy beds in Japan. Hindi naman naming iuuwi sa Pilipinas when we decide to go back home. Sabi ng isang friend ko, mas madaling itapon ang futon at since we are living in Japan, na lagi ang paglilipat ng residence, mahirap daw kung kama.

Alam kong beterano na kayo sa Japan at siguradong na-experience ninyo na gumamit ng futon at kama for long periods of time. Ano kaya ang magandang gawin?

Thank you po!

Robert and Lily Osaka

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Dear Robert and Lily:

mura sigurago ang bayad.

May isang regular reader ng Tita Lits column na nag-comment: “Puro ba problematic mga OFWs natin sa Japan?”. Sunud-sunod na mabibigat na problema ang mga humingi kasi ng payo in the past, except yong last column ko bago ito, na medyo nakatutuwang problema ang isinang-ayo sa akin. I was hoping, sana hindi masyadong mabigat na problema ang mapipiling letter para sagutin ko sa next column ko.

Importante lang na ang bago ninyong mansion or apartment sa Tokyo ay may bintana/veranda na kung saan ninyo pwedeng i-air ang futon ninyo, at allowed din to do so by the mansion. Kasi importante na ma-expose sa sunlight at mapagpag ang futon, para hindi pasukan ng mga insekto, or hindi mangamoy ng molde.

Answered prayers! Parang ito na ang pinaka-magaan na problema ang aking natanggap in so many years of writing this column sa Jeepney Press.

The key to the answer to your question is your statement: “…lagi ang paglilipat ng residence, mahirap daw kung kama.”

Ewan ko kung anong gamit ninyo ngayon sa Osaka. Tantiya ko, futon, kasi parang alam na ninyo how it feels to sleep using a futon, pero hindi sa kama, kasi sabi mo sa sulat mo “…mas masarap daw po ang kama?”.

Kung sa trabaho ninyo sa Japan ay malaki ang posibilidad na lilipat-lipat kayo, definitely, mas madaling ilipat ang futon kaysa sa kama, at mas

Buti bata pa kayo (sa tantiya ko).

Ako, hirap ng tumayo kapag nakahiga na sa futon (para jumingle sa gabi, for example). Kapag pupunta kami ng asawa ko sa Japanese inn sa mga hot spring resort, generally, futon ang gamit. I developed a technique where I could stand without too much strain on my knees – roll back sa side ko, push the tatami with one hand to help me kneel and then stand.

Good luck sa inyong move to more expensive (but more exciting?)

Tokyo!

Tita Lits

DONDAKE It’s Okay Not To Be Okay It’s Not Okay To Be Not Okay

"God's promises to make something good and of the storms that bring devastation to your life".

Romans 8:28

Days are passing by so fast and seems like we have to live with the Covid-19 like the flu, tuberculosis, polio and others although in some places in this world, they may have returned back to normal or what they call the "new normal". Tokyo Summer Olympic 2020 has started from July 23 until August 8 and the Paralympic Games will simultaneously start from August 24 to September 5 after it was suspended due to State of Emergencies and amidst the Covid-19. Then the new strands of viruses occurred which pushed Japan to ban some countries in entering the country for safety purposes.

And so, I would also like to ask you, kababayan about Mr. Boy Abunda’s Q&A at the Binibining Pilipinas. The question was "It’s okay to be not okay or it’s not okay to be not okay”. I find it very interesting and intriguing question.

For me, “It’s okay not to be okay” is when you have given or tried everything you could and it hasn’t changed the situation despite the efforts, time and energies you spent.

When you are in a relationship and you knew you are betrayed and deeply hurt, then it is better to leave, move on and forget than still finding all the reasons to stay and the same outcome at the end. This time, you should know your worth.

Find the courage to live as we,

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with the Hebrews blood running into our veins which make us so special and blessed for being resilient. This pandemic is just an example to say it’s okay not to be okay sometimes.

When you get sick or you have cancer and the Doctor told you how much more you can live, what will you do? Are you going to cry all the time? Are you going to commit suicide or are you going to accept the fact even it feels you are dying, just enjoy the time left. Just like the The Voice Contestant Nightbirdie battling with cancer with only 2% chance to survive, she said "When I moved, changed my name, thinking about it changed my mind. And all my problems would stay behind. I was sick like dynamite, and in just a matter of time... It’s okay, it’s okay when we are lost sometimes and it’s alright". For embracing the situation when you have nothing to do with it and be glad that even though it’s just a hair strand of hope, at least you have time to realize, to reminisce, to pray and to be thankful.

“It’s not okay to be not okay” is like a warning sign what you must do in one situation. That you know it’s no longer good for you, for everyone or your surroundings. It is giving up to someone or something that may cause or cost you. It is our turning point to say it is not okay. If you are angry, hurt,

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dying, abused by man or drugs, liquors etc. then maybe it is the time to leave it and say this is not okay.

When politicians wanted you to vote for them, they will say so many sweet words of promises. They will lie as they can. They will deceive you to win.

And after voting them, after their winning, they will act as if they are much superior and untouchable creatures in this country. They act as if we owe them a lot. They wanted us to follow, to dance, to vow and kneel before them sometimes.

So after you knew their character, are you still going to vote for them again? The answer is for you to decide kababayan.

Besides, God gave us the most grateful gift ever among all creatures living in this world- the ability to think and make our own choices or decisions for as long as we live and analyze when to say "It’s okay to be not okay or it’s not okay to be not okay”.

Again, everything happens for a reason. It may be the worst but remember that God will not give you things or burden that you cannot carry. It will be for the better for you or for your loved ones. Just keep your faith in Him.

WALK THROUGH

by Karen Sanchez In our lives, we have different battles to fight In darkness, we search for our own light Sometimes we are left alone and lonely For no one wanted to be with us So I choose to walk through these To rise up and wipe my own tears Living from that moment through the years Still searching for my own happiness and peace Walk through the obstacles in our path Walk through the storm without halt ‘cause turning back and running is not the way out Walk through the path of our dreams Walk through the pain to gain Where our destiny still remain For God can do things we can’t imagine

Keep safe mga kababayan and God bless us all.

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ACUPUNCTURE Health Points

involves the illustrious xia san huang, taixi, and other great points to nourish the kidney Yang. You know, Yin Yang, that kind of thing you've heard of but never really understood.

Have you ever heard your tummy grumble in the middle of an acupuncture treatment? Your acupuncturist will take it as a compliment. A hallmark sign that you have just hit "rest & digest" mode, where your parasympathetic nervous system kicks in and switches your body to a more relaxed state.

By Marnie Chan

ADRENAL FATIGUE ...or, burnout.

Interestingly, Chinese medicine tells us that the brain, its cognitive ability, and brain chemistry are all controlled by the Kidney organ system. Hence, adrenal fatigue's symptoms of anxiety, depression, brain fog, hormonal imbalance, sleep issues, light-headedness, sensitivity to light and sound are all addressed by the Kidney meridian.

Could this be you? You wake up feeling tired and has absolutely no zest for life on most days. You are unmotivated. You like afternoon naps. You crave for caffeine and sugary treats as well as salty foods. You feel your tank is perennially empty. You feel you've squeezed every ounce of energy already. Stressed out for so long, you got nothing left to give. Deathly exhaustion. Your blood work screams volume about your cortisol, TSH, and other tests.

Consider divorcing what wears you down. Lifestyle Change! Or, cultivate a healthier relationship with your stressors where you are in control.

Sometimes to find balance on our wellness we must employ a multi-perspective, multi-faceted, multi-modal approach. Prescribed meds, healthier diet, yoga, acupuncture, walking barefoot in nature, healthy sleep habits... It takes a village, sometimes...

Go ahead Google will tell you more about it.

There are doctors who do not subscribe to the idea of adrenal fatigue as its non-specific symptoms are all too common with other illnesses.

In Chinese medicine, conditions like adrenal fatigue is a deficiency in your kidneys. Work on said meridian initially

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We may end up being grateful to everyone - great and small - for our wellness. And in the end we find ourselves saying what the Chinese said, "how can a blade of grass ever thank the sun?"

Photo by Anthony Tran

Marnie Chan #thehealingpowerofacupuncture

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AMAZINGgrace

Appreciating the Koi Fish would always come home refreshed, energized and not an annoying nag to my family (hehehe!).

by Mae Grace Parks and gardens are some of life’s most important inventions. It is not a coincidence that life started out in a Garden. We are meant to live in nature and to appreciate all of creation in this wonderful setting. Presently, what we have though are just glimpses of the original Eden. Nonetheless, these places are where we go for fresh air, to unwind, to go back to our most pure and unaffected nature, and to quiet down and ease the heart and mind.

When I came to Japan, I have developed this habit of passing by parks after work just to sit at a bench and quiet my mind. I discovered that admiring flowers also have left me saturated with happy hormones that I

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Recently, on one of my visits to a nearby park, I noticed a huge fish tank, surrounded by ornamental plants, shrubs and small trees behind an old and traditional sweets shop that I often visit. Funny that I never noticed it here before.

Coming closer, I was in for a surprise. Koi fish!!! Huge Koi fish in varied and amazing colors! It was a breathtaking scenery that left me in awe, as I just stood there quietly watching them swim so peacefully in their clean and pure habitat. I was probably so enthralled by them and their quiet, peaceful

demeanor, that I spent a long time just gazing at them and feeling my emotions and body totally relax.

Koi in the Japanese psyche is often associated with strength of character, perseverance, accomplishment and success. They also symbolize good fortune and probably because of their long life span are also associated with longevity.

Now I understand why Koi would often be the common subject among tattoo enthusiasts young and old because of what they represent. A Japanese garden wouldn’t be complete without a Koi pond.

There are Koi breeders all over the world but nothing compares to the best breeders found in Japan, especially in the Niigata area where Koi breeding is taken very seriously.

What makes Koi so special is their coloring and lineage. Did you know that an average Koi fish sells from $10 dollars to more than a hundred dollars?

That a Koi colored white with large red patches would cost $3,000 while a

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similar-sized one colored golden metallic would only fetch for a hundred dollars? That the most expensive Koi was bought at an auction here in Japan last year for a record $1.8 million by a Taiwanese woman? Wowww!

Many Koi enthusiasts keep Koi ponds for years and years because Koi fish have an average life span of around 25 to 35 years. Many experts, however, believe that Koi breeders inside Japan keep them for even as long as half a century. The most common varieties raised here have names such as kohaku, showa, sanke and kosanke. There are 22 major Koi varieties identified but actually, there are more than 100 types of Koi that have been recorded.

In Tokyo, you can visit these parks where one can enjoy Koi watching: Happo-en in Shirokanedai, Gajoen in Meguro, Sensoji

Temple in Asakusa, Yasukuni Shrine in Kudanshita, and Ikedayama Park in Gotanda.

Koi in Japanese is also a homophone for another word which means ‘love’ and ‘affection’ in a romantic sense. When you tell someone you love, ‘Koi ni Ochita’, it means, you fell in love with the person. I fell in love with Koi fish when I first saw them in the fish tank. “Koi ni koi ni ochita”! Visit a park and fall in love!

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Tanabata (The Star Festival ) By: Alma Fatagani-Sato

This festival, which originated from China, was introduced to Japan in 755, by Empress Kōken (the 46th monarch of Japan and later known as Empress Shotoku.

Originally, the date of Tanabata was based on the Japanese lunisolar calendar, and therefore, about a month behind compared with the Gregorian calendar. As such, the celebration of Tanabata varies depending on the region, between July 7th and sometime in August. The celebrations and decorations also vary in every region.

The most popular and the biggest one is the Sendai Tanabata Festival.

Tanabata is one of the highlights of Japanese summer. During summer, many areas in Japan looked so beautiful with colorful decorations and lots of food stalls, where you can enjoy tasting different soul foods of Japan. There are also dancing, parades and even fireworks. You can also see many people wearing the Yukata (summer kimono) walking along the streets during the festival.

Tanabata is celebrated by writing wishes onto colored rectangular strips of paper called Tanzaku, and tie them onto the branches of a Wish Tree, which is usually a bamboo tree.

These wish trees can be found all over Japan decorating streets, supermarkets, stations, etc.

Anyone can write and participate in the celebration.

There are many legends about the story behind the Tanabata but the most popular one is the story of Orihime and Hikoboshi which is based on the Chinese folktale “The Cowherd and the Weaver Girl”, which is as follows: Princess Orihime, daughter of Tentei (the Sky King), wove beautiful clothes for her father everyday by the bank of the Milky Way (Amanogawa). Her father loved the clothes that she wove, so she worked very hard but she was lonely. Upon noticing, Tentei arranged for her to meet the local cowherd, Hikoboshi, who lived and worked on the other side of the Milky Way.

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The two quickly fell in love with each other and got married. However, once married, they both forgot their duties. Orihime no longer weave clothes and Hikoboshi let his cows stray. This angered Tentei and as punishment, he

separated the couple and forbade them to meet again. Orihime was heartbroken and asked her father to let them meet again. Moved by her daughter’s tears, Tentei, allowed them to meet on the 7th day of the 7th month, if she worked hard and finished her weaving. However, the first time they tried to meet, they found out that there was no bridge and they could not cross the river.

Orihime cried so much that a flock of magpies came and used their wings to make a bridge.

It is believed that if it rains on Tanabata, the magpies could not come and make a bridge, and as such, the two lovers must wait for another year to meet. The rain on Tabanata, is called “The tears of Orihime and Hikiboshi”.

Therefore, if that happens, it is said that your wish could not come true, simply because Orihime and Hikiboshi couldn’t meet. Well, don’t despair, there’s no limit to the number of times you can write your wish. You can write it as many times as you like in the next Tanabata, which comes every year.

Tanabata is also known as The Star Festival since the stars Vega (Orihime) and Altair (Hikoboshi) meet in the night sky on the 7th day of the 7th month in the lunar calendar. The river separating them is the Milky Way and the magpie bridge is the star Deneb.

Hopefully, we could enjoy the Japan summertime festivities next year.

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Pandemic Blues

Richine Bermudez

What is it? This was the same question I asked myself. Before discovering this new word, I used to feel down a lot. I experienced staying in bed for the whole day and did nothing.

Planned something in the night, but ended up not doing it the following day because my body did not just let me. I even thought I was depressed and had no hope.

When I was sad, I’d treat myself to shopping online, and the next thing I know my bills were over my monthly limit, thus caused me another reason to be down. This pandemic was not easy, not at all.

Then one day, I watched this interview on You Tube and they mentioned and talked about Pandemic Blues. I was so surprised that everything they said, their stories, and their experiences were like mine.

world, someone can’t cling to something that is known to be “corny” and old style.

But it is true! I have a regular schedule of bible study and a regular schedule of worshipping God. Having this schedule and being firm to not to miss any of it helped me see the reality and understand why these things are happening now, thus helped me avoid being anxious and unstable. Most importantly, it gave me hope and strength to be prepared for the things that are yet to unfold.

Shopping, planting, going out, or talking with friends also helped me, but the effect was not as refreshing as studying the bible and cultivating a strong relationship with God.

In the interview, they did not mention the cure, the solution to the problem, or how to not to have it. They did not give any advice on how to avoid it.

It has been two years now since the pandemic started. The experience was not easy. Surely, it drove everyone nuts.

Before the pandemic, I thought I knew the meaning of melancholy, I thought I have already experienced being down and low, but I was wrong.

The pandemic taught me that there is a worse feeling than that: the Pandemic Blues.

I respect everyone's individuality and opinion and I’m not trying to impose anything on anybody; I just thought of maybe sharing how I keep myself buoyant in this drowning situation would So, how did knowing about this inspire others to try what has help me? helped me and see if they will experience and have the same Knowing the problem helped me joy and happiness I get from it.

Artme bynot Dennis Sun to control myself. It helped After all, it’s free and very to overthink and conclude without accessible. And it’s promoting any basis. It helped me realized the thing that we all need and that I needed to balance myself to want: a peaceful and happy life! not be eaten up or be overwhelmed by this feeling. But how?

As cliche as it is, I study the word of God, the Bible. Some may raise their eyebrows and think that it’s not true; that in this modern

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May we all be joyful in running the race of life and be victorious in our battle with this pandemic.

Worse is yet to come, but having a strong faith will help us be saved and have a magnificent life, a life that does not include “ Pandemic Blues”.

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KWENTO NI NANAY ni Nanay Anita Sasaki

EVERY GISING IS A BLESSING Narito na po ang MGA KUWENTO NI NANAY… Nandito po tayo sasakay sa JEEPNEY PRESS MANILA, MANILA, PINAS, PINAS! Sakay na po!

Hayys, buhay po! Palibhasa mahigit na pong isang taon hindi po tayo nakapag travel gawa nitong pandemic. Bago mag pandemic lagi tayong busy.

Parang kailan lamang problemado tayo sa COVID-19.

Ngayon naman sa “vaccine“ o bakuna. Magpapa vaccine ba tayo o hindi? Maraming agam-agam. Iba-ibang Istoriya na kinatatakutan naman natin ang bakuna. Ayan TAKOT, TAKOT at TAKOT pa more. FEAR, FEAR, FEAR pa. Dapat alisin natin ang takot. Chillax lang tayo dahil nandiyan lang ang Diyos. Hindi NIYA tayo iniiwan.

Kapit lang, huwag bibitaw. Gusto ng DIYOS relax lang. Dahil ang daming galit, puot, selos, inggit sa ating mga puso. Wala na tayong panahon makinig sa Kanya. Listen long enough, slow down naman tayo. Spend daily prayer with God. Kaya pag gising sa umaga mag “log in“ tayo sa DIYOS bago ang lahat. Mag “recharge“ din tayo

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para hindi tayo ma “burnout“.

Dahil nag over thinking din kasi tayo. “Over thinking“ kasi hindi tayo nagtitiwala sa DIYOS. Bakit parang pagod tayo? Ito ay sa kadahilanan…. hindi tayo nagpapatawad, kaya puro galit, puot, selos... Mabigat ang ating bagahing dala dala.

MARAMING SALAMAT PANGINOON SA NAPAKAGANDANG OPENING NG 2020 TOKYO OLYMPICS. Maituturing kong napakalaking biyaya at akin pa pong inabot ang napakalaking pagdiriwang na ito na ang buong mundo po ay kabahagi sa pagbubuklod ng KAPAYAPAAN (PEACE)!

Nabaha ang ilang dako sa Maynila dahil sa ulan at nakaramdam ng 6.7 magnitude na lindol kamakailan lang.

Ngunit ang sabi ng Pilipinobaha … tubig ka lang, lindol ka lang, wala ka magagawa sa DIYOS NAMIN NA MAS MALAKI AT MALAKAS SA INYO! GOD IS IN CONTROL. MARAMING SALAMAT PO SA PAGMAMAHAL NYO SA AMING INANG BANSA. “HINDI MO KAILANGAN MAGING MAYAMAN O MATAAS NA PINAG-ARALAN UPANG MAKATULONG SA KAPWA MO PILIPINO.”

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MOVING ON ni Jasmin Vasquez I had heat stroke!

Dahil summer na naman grabe ang init ng klima ngayon dito sa Japan. At ayon sa MOE (Ministry of Environment), halos every year lumalaki ang bilang ng mga itinatakbo sa hospital gawa ng significant heat stroke. At nagpayo sila ng mga bagay na pwedeng gawin kapag ganitong sobrang init na. Ayon din sa kanila, hindi lamang sa labas ng bahay ka pwedeng ma heat stroke kundi maging sa loob ng bahay ay maari ka ring makaranas ng ganito.

At dahil pandemic nga ngayon nakakadagdag init pa yung palagi kang naka suot ng face mask. Ang hirap huminga. Lalo ako medyo mataba mas risky. Sobrang nahihirapan ako matulog pag nasa bahay na. Panggabi kasi ang work ko sa kaisha. Pagnasa bahay na ako nakakatulog lang ako halos 3 to 4 hours lang kasi sobrang basa na ako ng pawis.

Hirap na uli matulog. Wala kasi akong aircon sa bahay. Sandali lang naman ang summer, tiis tiis lang muna ako. Pero kung talagang hindi ko na makayanan baka mapilitan na din ako bumili ng aircon. At dahil nga konti lang tulog ko pag breaktime ko sa work, ayon natutulog ako lagi kahit saglit lang at least medyo ok doon may aircon.

Nung isang gabing nasa work ako, feeling ko babagsak ako pero nilabanan ko lang medyo makirot kasi sa bandang puso ko tapos tulo ng tulo ang pawis ko.

Napakainit dahil ang uniform ko sa trabaho ay sobrang balot ang buong katawan mo, mata lang ang kita. Kahit sabihin na naka aircon ka may doble ka pang damit sa loob. Kaya tiis ng konti hanggang sa mag breaktime na, dali-dali akong uminom ng maraming tubig upang maibsan

ang init sa buong katawan ko at iniisip ko mawawala ang sakit ng sa may bandang puso pag nakainom na ako ng maraming tubig, at syempre may kasamang faith at prayer na aalisin ni Jesus ano mang sakit ang aking nararamdaman. Ginawa ko din nag basa ako ng tubig sa buong leeg ko at saka naghilamos ako ng malamig na tubig. Ayon nga ilang sandali lang at nag ok naman ang pakiramdam ko. First time ko naramdaman yung ganon mahirap pala. Tamang tama naman na nag start na rin ako mag papayat dahil ayokong magkaproblem sa health ko.

Parang unang stage pa lang ito kung babalewalain ko baka ma tegi agad ako. Gusto ko pang mabuhay ng matagal. Ngayon pa

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nga lang nahihirapan na ako what more pa kaya yung ibang mas malaki kesa sa akin.

Ayokong umabot sa ganoong stage. Kaya ngayon pag Saturday at Sunday na lang ako nag rice saka madalas tubig na lang imbis na cola.

Iwasan natin na matuyuan tayo o ma dehydrate. Dahil ito ang isa sa main reason bakit nagkakaroon ng heat stroke. Lagi tayong uminom ng tubig kahit hindi tayo nauuhaw. Pumunta tayo sa mga lugar na magiginhawaan ang ating

pakiramdam. Mainam ang fresh na lamig galing sa mga bundok kesa palagi nakababad kayo sa aircon. Kung makaramdam kayo ng kakaiba, maglagay kayo ng malamig na bimpo pwede nyong lagyan ng yelo or lulub sa malamig na tubig, pigain saka nyo idampi sa inyong leeg.

Malaking tulong ito sa atin.

Sa panahon ngayon bawal ang matigas ang ulo dahil kapag hindi mo iningatan ang iyong sarili, ay ikaw din ang magdudusa sa bandang huli.

Tara na at magpalamig sa bundok at sa falls. My favorite place kapag gusto ko ma refresh.

Ok din mag meditate dito, sobrang relaxing.

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Walk with me: Hiroo / Shibuya and Discovering Freyja no Sekai

By Lala Lopez de Leon It’s the first day of the long weekend towards the one-year delayed Tokyo 2020 Olympics, and the perfect time to catch up with friends, for another “just us” outing! No boyfriends or husbands – their lunch and dinners prepared in advance, so no complaints expected.

First stop was the Courtyard Hiroo, a truly chic property that houses an art gallery, a café, a yoga studio, and Freyja No Heya art and English classroom, and the venue for Milena’s artist friend Freyja Dean’s SACHI Solo Exhibition 2021 (July 2nd – 24th).

The first time I saw Freyja’s paintings, I gasped…Fantastic! Today was a reconfirmation of how fantastic her works really are, as well as the stories they tell. For the rest of us non-artists,

these stories serve to guide us into Freyja’s world and help us see and feel the works as she created and intended them to be.

Rowena said the Lung Ta painting seems to pull her in and up onto the clouds.

Freyja has amazing stories to tell, and this Demeter and Persephone painting was a subject of one such story; which is apparently very personal to her. I may be partial to this one, though, for a childish reason - my fascination for dragonflies.

But I have to admit, this one is my favorite piece in her Sachi collection. The Rich Old Chestnut Forest painting has drawn me into it with all of my senses. I see no green in this canvas, but the sense of the forest was just as strong.

And, these lines that Freyja chose to caption this particular work affected me even more.

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July - August 2021

“To be poor and without trees is to be the most starved human being on earth, “To be poor and to have trees is to be completely rich in ways that money can never buy.”

From The Faithful Gardener by Dr. Clarissa Pinkola Estes.

It was time to move on to the next affair of the day, but these fantastic works got us pausing and stalling to no end.

I forgot to mention, Freyja studied BA Scientific and Natural History Illustration, and Forensic Facial Reconstruction. More gasps!

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www.freyjadean.com I have avoided Shibuya for too long, and I think everyone could guess why.

For most of this little circle of friends, Shibuya was a witness to the many beginnings in our life in Japan; so, you simply cannot go on ignoring it.

Well, I got the surprise of my life! Getting off the bus from Hiroo, I felt like a provincial girl stepping on to the big city for the first time!

It’s not the Shibuya that I knew! Obviously, it’s still Tokyu Corporation territory - but what a difference a year makes!

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PASADA

SHIZUOKA The Yume no Tsuribashi Bridge (Dream Suspension Bridge) is simply stunning and not to be missed when visiting Shizuoka Prefecture. This 90 meter-long, eight meter-high suspension bridge that extends over the Oma Dam Lake is located in the area of Sumatakyo Gorge, Kawanehon Town.

This place is also famous for hiking and walking around the valley wherein you can capture the extremely beautiful view of the bridge and the amazing scenery of the emerald green lake surrounded

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by mountains. Make sure to try it if you have the energy.

People say that your dream about love will come true when you wish for it on the bridge. Don’t forget to make your wish when you are in the middle of the bridge!

You will also enjoy the hot springs and nostalgic steam locomotives on the Oigawa Railway in this area.

Melinda Yamashita, Shizuoka

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PASADA

fukuoka The Nokonoshima Island Park is a natural park of about 150,000 square meters stretching out in the northern part of Nokonoshima Island. The park is filled with blossoming flowers such as cherry, broccolini and cosmos all year round.

The broccolini and cosmos at this park are especially popular. The riot of flower colors contrasting with the blue of Hakata Bay is just magnificent. This island, rich in nature, just sits in the middle of Hakata Bay. There are restaurants, a barbeque house and Fureai Petting Zoo where visitors can get close to animals.

The Omoide-dori is a reproduced small, old, traditional town where you can buy molded confections and toys found in Japan a long time ago. You can also use rental cottages and bungalows in the camp village.

-Rosemarie Aritaka, Fukuoka

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July - August 2021

KINKAKUJI TEMPLE Kinkaku-ji, officially named Rokuon-ji, is a Zen Buddhist temple in Kyoto, Japan. It is one of the most popular buildings in Kyoto, whose top two floors are completely covered in gold leaf, attracting many visitors annually.

PASADA

Kyoto

One of the most famous spots in Kyoto, the golden temple shimmering in the sun really does not disappoint. From across the pond, from up close, or any angle, it is truly beautiful. Pictures don't do it justice. After paying to enter the garden, though, the temple is the first thing visitors will encounter. This is unfortunate as everything else on the short path through the garden will never impress as much as the temple. Also, many paths are inaccessible and all guests must follow one path. The overall experience is a relatively short one for the price.

Emi Arai, Kyoto

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