Jeepney Press #106 July - August 2020

Celebrating The Journeys Of Filipinos In Japan

Pahayagang pinoy sa japan

ジープニー プレス

在日フィリピン人 向 け マ ガ ジン

July-August 2020

106 ISSUE

Art & Design by DENNIS SUN

2020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.

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by Asia Vox Ltd. All rights reserved. Copyright 2020

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 staff

ROGER AGUSTIN Tokyo MIRIAM SUN-ARENAS, MD Philippines MILES BORJA Tokyo GLEN GYPSY Tokyo FARAH TROFEO-ISHIZAWA Tokyo JEFF PLANTILLA Nara ABIE PRINCIPE Nagoya MARK QUIJANO Kyushu MARILYN RIVERA Philippines NERIZA SAITO Osaka ELENA SAKAI Tokyo KAREN SANCHEZ Kanagawa ANITA SASAKI Tokyo WARREN SUN Tokyo WAYNE SUN Philippines SALLY CRISTOBAL-TAKASHIMA Osaka ALVIN TAGLE Tokyo ALMA REYES Tokyo JASMIN VASQUEZ Nagano LITA MANALASTAS-WATANABE Tokyo RICHINE BERMUDEZ Tokyo

creative staff

ARLENE ESPERIDA Tokyo JERRY SUN-ARENAS Philippines NICK SANTIAGO Tokyo DANNY DUNGO Tokyo MARISOL KUDO Oita MARK WARREN DE LUNA Tokyo

Cover design and art: DENNIS SUN

contents 06 YOMU Editorial

by Dennis Sun 08 LIFE IS A JOURNEY

by Glen Gypsy 10 ON THE ROAD

by Neriza Saito 12 TRAFFIC

by Alma Reyes 14 ISANG ARAW SA ATING BUHAY

by Jeff Plantilla 16 MOVING ON

by Jasmin Vasquez 17 ETHICS, ANYONE?

by Arnel Sugay 18 ADVICE NI TITA LITS

by Isabelita Manalastas- Watanabe 20 DONDAKE

by Karen Sanchez 22 KWENTO NI NANAY

by Anita Sasaki 24 MY NEW NORMAL AS A COLLEGE LECTURER

by Yellowbelle Duaqui 26 ONLINE BARTER

by Warren Sun 27 MINE!

by Richine Bermudez 28 THE MAN BEHIND THE CLOTHES

by Dennis Sun

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

Moving company? Cable and internet connection?

“Our Mission is You! Let us support your life in Japan.�

English and Japanese OK!

03-5292-2340

Only 1-min. walk from Takadanobaba Eki (Yamanote Line or Tozai Line) Very near Big Box and Donki

1-26-12-701 Takadanobaba, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo

www.asiavox.com

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

読む

YOMU

means to read in Japanese

editorial

by Dennis Sun

Every child is an artist.

The problem is to remain an artist once they grow up.

- Pablo Picasso

Dennis Sun: An Interview

Love, Light & Laughter Art Exhibition After 2 years of absence in the Tokyo art scene, Dennis Sun comes back in full force doing a 3-month long show of his artistic creations. Going to his latest art exhibition, Love, Light & Laughter, one gets transported into a different world filled with a kaleidoscope of bright vivid colors and jolly jubilant creatures. His works fill the whole place with warm sunshine, charming smiles and tender affections. This time, Dennis Sun collaborates with Tully’s Coffee, a giant coffee company that rivals Starbucks in Japan.

Q: Why didn’t you do art shows for the past 2 years?

Dennis Sun: I was very busy with my work for the Japanese government in labor and education. It took so much of my time and energy that, after work, all I wanted was relax.

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Q: Isn’t making art relaxing?

DS: Well, it is to a certain point. Once I start to paint, it would be unstoppable that sometimes, it becomes too much like work itself. Once I get high with the creative spirits, I sometimes forget to eat. And the worse thing that could happen is I tend to paint even after midnight that lasts till the early morning dawn. I had been like this for a long time and it was not healthy. It was taking a toll on my health.

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I do. It’s the small painting hanging on the wall along the stairs. I was painting one time not knowing what to paint, and suddenly, when I finished it, I fell in love with the results.

My title for it is “Calm After The Storm” and it shows a few bees going out after a rain.

Whenever I look at it, I feel a sense of peace.

Q: You always do exhibitions at coffee shops and restaurants?

That’s true. Not that I hate doing shows at galleries. I just feel that galleries are a bit too intimidating for people to enter. They have this image of being indifferent, expensive, and unwelcoming. I want to show my art to different kinds of people especially to people I don’t know. I want to create new friends and new fans of my work.

Also, in a gallery, one cannot stay for a long time. Even I feel a pressure when I enter a gallery to see some works of other artists. It’s hard to stay long and relax because I am not a buying client.

I just go there to appreciate and enjoy the art. Whereas, if it’s in a café setting, people who come to see your artworks can relax, take their time and enjoy the visual feast the artist had prepared for them.

Q: What made you choose Tully’s Coffee this time?

It was referred to by my friend and I applied. When they saw my work, they fell in love. Instead of giving me the usual one-month duration, they said I could do a show for the whole year. 12 months is quite too long for an exhibition as I wanted to do shows at other places as well, so I opted for 3 months that would coincide with the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics. And the shop location is so perfect that it is conveniently located in central Tokyo in Shinjuku, a minute away from Shinjuku Gyoen National Park, and also very near where I stay.

Q: What do you do when you don’t like the painting you finished?

For me, technically, a painting is not finished as long as it’s Q: How is this exhibition different from the other shows you did before? still with me even if I have signed my name on it already.

This one is an interactive exhibition. I If I am not satisfied, I continue wanted the people to join the fun. I to change or add different didn’t put titles on the paintings. So anyone could make a title and send it to things. Sometimes, I see one painting during exhibition and me. If I choose the title, I will give a I feel it’s lacking of something. signed poster to the winner. Also, I When I bring it home, I change encourage people to take selfies with it again. my paintings and post them on FB or Instagram. The more “likes” they get, the Q: What's next after this more chance they can get a special exhibition? prize!

Right now, I am preparing for an outdoor exhibition in Q: Your exhibition’s title is “Love, Light & Laughter”. What’s it all about? Shinjuku. I have been talking with the Shinjuku government I wanted to help in my small way office in Tokyo and we are through my art in giving hope to the planning something exciting. I people in this time of uncertainties. really wanted to show my Because of the pandemic, I wanted artworks to as many people as people to see my work and focus and I can so I think the next venue spread positive energies of love, light will help me do that. and laughter.

Q: How would you describe your work? What is the message of your work?

The theme of my work is The Inner Child. I use plenty of bright colors and happy characters of animals and toys to invoke the inner child of everyone. I want their inner child to come out, and become childlike even for a while…to be happy and have fun. I know there is a little child inside of us that wants to play!

Q: Do you have a favorite work in the exhibition?

I love all my works like my own children. But since you’ve asked, maybe,

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The show runs until October 22, 2020. Order an ice-chilled cafe latte and enjoy a different kind of experience that the exhibition will bring you into. And Dennis invites, "Please come anytime you are free. Wear your mask and practice social distancing." Finally, Dennis adds with a smile, "Don't forget to bring your INNER CHILD with you!"

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Glen Gypsy’s

-

“Do not follow where the path may lead.

Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.”

– Ralph Waldo Emerson

08

JULY - AUGUST 2020

133-0057 Tokyo, Edogawa-ku, Nishi Koiwa 4-1-22 Takeda Bldg 6th Floor

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

“Our Mission is You! Let us support your life in Japan.�

Only 1-min. walk from Takadanobaba Eki (Yamanote Line or Tozai Line) Very near Big Box and Donki

1-26-12-701 Takadanobaba, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo

www.asiavox.com

English and Japanese OK!

03-5292-2340

Neriza Sarmiento - Saito's

On the Road to:

HIMAWARI

DR. REINARUTH DESIDERIO CARLOS Professor, Ryukoku University

Sunflowers, the harbinger of summer started to bloom at the end of July and now these radiant flowers called “HIMAWARI“ in Japanese, adorn train stations, department stores, offices and recreation areas. I am fond of sunflowers... not only because it is my mother’s favorite flower but also because it exudes warmth and energy.

That was exactly how I felt when I met Dr. Reinaruth Desiderio Carlos at a seminar for Filipinos at the Kyoto Pag-asa Filipino Community. She was very

approachable, considerate and with a good sense of humor.

She reminds me of another townmate, Consul General Senen Mangalile who is now based at the Philippine Embassy in the UK. Like Congen Senen, our families are not strangers to one another in our town, Baliuag, where one of our national heroes, Mariano Ponce and his Japanese wife, Kiyo Udangawa (or Odagawa) lived.

My late grandfather, who was Ponce’s biographer used to tell us stories of how “O-Kiyo-san“ helped save our town from military attacks because the Japanese soldiers respected her.

That was how I began to be interested in Japan.

In the 1960’s, some Japanese

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JULY - AUGUST 2020

diplomats began to study Filipino at our local college.

Some researchers did fieldwork and a Japanese professor began to teach Japanese once a year. Ruth’s grandfather hosted them at their home. It was a big influence on young Reinaruth a few years later.

After taking up AB Management at the Ateneo de Manila University, she received a Monbusho undergraduate scholarship in 1987. She studied Japanese at Tokyo University of Foreign Studies. After taking up a course in Economics from 1988 - 1992, she went on to finish her M. A. in Economics at Kobe University. In 1994, she went back to the Philippines and was given a position at the Consular Section of the Japanese Embassy as an interpreter at the Assistance to Nationals desk. Her boss was a former prosecutor in Japan. On some occasions, she visited prisons to talk with Japanese detainees. While working at this ATN section, it made her see the other side of the Japanese when it comes to relationships once the family image is tarnished.

So, in 1995 she resigned and was

hired at De La Salle University’s Apostles Creed) Yuchengco Center as a researcher.

Just before the year ends, communities are that goingRuth to keep But it seemed had the holiday mood deep inside developed a strong affinity with us. Whether it’s a big group or Japan or perhaps she missed not, Filipinos have to hold Christmassushi parties complete Japan’s and unagi.with Two years games and exchange gifts. later, she returned as a Monbusho We were invited to Prof. scholar athome Kobethis University Miyawaki’s week for afor her Christmas Party withIn theMarch 2001, doctoral degree. sophomores and dissertation some third she wrote her on the year students. Homemade “Impact of International adobo and pinakbet as well as well as our hearts with the warmth of the Miyawaki family.

Asaka chan sang Jingle Bells for us. Mrs. Miyawaki recalled that once her son asked her why people get Christmas presents, gift for the baby Jesus. Then, Kenji kun asked why she doesn’t allow them to eat a cake for Christmas. Then his mom replied that sweets aren’t good for their teeth. But then the boy said again, “But it’s going to be my gift for the Baby Jesus”!

In spite of the grief we had this year over the loss of some members of our community this year- Bimboy Latoja, Mr . Bibiana “Mommy“ Ishitain and Annabelle Remittances the Economic Sosogi, the little boy‘s comment

by the PCCC. Her researches also keep her on the go and last year before her scheduled interpreting job for a group of mothers and some representatives of the Commission on Overseas Filipinos, she went directly to the venue from the airport after her research trip to Okinawa. She is not even worried about walking on the streets late at night or taking public transportation because it is safe and convenient.

However, there were some things that bothered her before... the Honne and Tatemae. Once, when she was invited by a Japanese family to have New Year with them

Development and Income Equality.“ of hope and celebrate the birth of our true love... Jesus Christ!

That same year she started her job MALIGAYANG PASKO AT as Associate at the MASAGANANGProfessor BAGONG TAON SA INYONGSchool LAHAT!!!of International Graduate Cooperation Studies Development and at the Economics Department until 2003.

In 2003, she joined the faculty and Graduate School of Intercultural Studies of Ryukoku University in Kyoto as a full-time professor. Her other tasks also include visiting High Schools to give demonstration lessons and introduce their faculty. They also join big career guidance events to give orientation lectures about their university.

Coincidentally, we bumped into each other in YUME NAVI held at Intex Osaka. She explained her University’s course in flawless Japanese to a group of students. I was awed! After that, she was the moderator of Kapihan 2 organized

and said that she could bring friends along. But, when she arrived with more than 5 friends, they were served some New year delicacies, and apparently, it was not enough for all. She thought that it was alright to bring her friends as what is accepted as normal in the Philippines as it was in her own family who love to entertain as many guests as possible.

JULY - AUGUST 2020

So, whenever she feels homesick, she always think about her mother and grandmother’s merienda treats like puto, camote cue, binatog na mais and carioca!

Her parents also taught them to be sensitive to the needs of others and to prioritize those in need.

Aside from her teaching loads in the university, she conducts researches about migrants in Japan, and the recent one was a survey on COVID 19.

Dr. Ruth is the kind of educator who encourages her students to enjoy the outside world and urges them not to confine themselves in the 4 walls of the classroom. But she can be very strict to some students who cannot fulfill their tasks. “Try to be observant.

Exposure to the outside world and experiencing inconveniences in life can make students realize that there are many things to be thankful for... and can make them better persons!“ Ruth says.

Just before the pandemic, Ruth and some of her students were in Milan and Venice.

So, they went into quarantine. This year, Dr. Ruth is on sabbatical leave and had it not been for COVID 19 she would have been spending her time abroad. But now, she spends her time cleaning using the “walis tambo“ and “walis tingting” that she brought here from the Philippines.

Like the “himawari“ she hopes that someday through her researches, the plight of many of our migrant workers will be brought to light.

“KAHIMANAWARI“

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TRAFFIC by Alma Reyes

A Walk in the Woods Many of us have probably never spent so much time in the company of nature as we do today eversince the world turned upside down with the current pandemic. One discovery of nature’s secrets hides in Seta 4-chome Former Kosaka Ryokuchi Residence forest woods in Seta, Setagaya. The old house belonged to Junzo Kosaka, who served as director of the Shinano Bank and president of the Shinano Mainichi Shimbun, and later a member of the House of Representatives and a member of the House of Lords.

Kosaka’s sons Zentaro Kosaka and Tokusaburo Kosaka, were former Foreign Minister and Minister of Transportation respectively, and his grandson Kenji Kosaka was also former Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology. Today, the residence stands as a villa of the Kosaka family, built in 1938, and has been designated as a cultural property by the Setagaya Ward. From the house on the cliff, stylized in Japanese Showa architecture, steps lead down to the forest park surrounded by huge trees, including bamboo trees, bushes, and flower patches. There is also a small pond in the lower ground and tables

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for resting or a picnic. It is said that Mt. Fuji can be seen from the highlands and spring water flows in the lowlands. It is almost unimaginable that such a vast forest can be found right in the middle of a residential neighborhood in Tokyo. If you are anywhere around Futako Tamagawa on the Denentoshi line, a walk in these woods is a truly refreshing experience and a healer for these troubled times.

Access: 20 minutes on foot from Yoga station, Denentoshi line or Bus to “Seikado Bunko” (Seikado Bunko Art Museum) from Futako Tamagawa station, Denentoshi line

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ni Jeff Plantilla

Resulta ng survey

Nagkaroon ng isang webinar ang Ryukoku University Global Affairs Research Center (GARC) tungkol sa kalagayan ng mga Filipino sa Kansai sa gitna ng COVID-19 pandemic noong ika-12 ng Hunyo 2020.

Ang nakasulat sa baba ay bahagi ng report ng pinag-usapan sa webinar na ito.

Lumalabas sa survey na ang mga problema na dulot ng COVID-19 ay hindi lang pang-ekonomiya o pangkabuhayan kundi psychological din. Sa epektong pang-ekonomiya o pangkabuhayan, 64.73% ng mga sumagot ay nagsabi ng pagbabago sa kalagayan/kondisyon ng kanilang trabaho at 24.07% ang nagsabi na hindi na matugunan ang mga pangunahing pangangailangan ng pamilya.

Survey ng mga kababayan sa Kansai Dahil sa state of emergency para sa COVID-19 pandemic, naisip na alamin ang kalagayan ng mga kababayang Filipino sa Kansai.

Pinangunahan ito ni Dr Ruth Carlos ng Ryukoku University. Ang survey ay nagtanong tungkol sa mga bagay na ito: • Pinagkukunan ng impormasyon tungkol sa COVID-19 crisis; • Mga problema/pag-aalala kaugnay sa COVID-19 crisis; • Mga epekto ng COVID-19 crisis sa kalagayan/kondisyon ng trabaho; • Suporta sa pagharap sa mga problema at pag-aalala kaugnay sa COVID-19 crisis; • Plano sa paggamit ng 100,000 Yen na perang ibibigay ng pamahalaang Hapones bilang ayuda.

May 241 na mga kababayan ang nakapagbigay ng tamang sagot sa survey. Sa mga nakasagot: 1. Tirahan: 35% ay taga-Osaka; 23% - Kyoto; 21% - Shiga; 11% - Nara; 6% - Hyogo; 4% - iba pa at walang sagot tungkol sa lugar na tinitirhan; 2. Visa status: 51% ay permanent residents; 14% - long-term residents; 14% - working visa (hindi kasama ang mga technical intern trainees at yung nasa designated activities); 8% - technical intern trainees; at 9% - dependents ng Japanese o permanent residents na Filipino; 3. Trabaho: 14% – hospitality; 3% - care workers; 10% - English teachers; 9% education/research development/information technology; 8% - manufacturing; 18% - iba pang sectors (full-time); 21% - iba pang sectors (part-time); 6% - walang trabaho/walang sagot.

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Samantala, ang problemang psychological ay nakikita sa mga sagot sa mga pag-aalala tungkol sa kanilang kalusugan, pamilya at kinabukasan (74.27%), sa stress (33.61%) at hirap sa pagko-concentrate sa trabaho (25.73%). Ang iba pang mga inaalala ay ang nami-miss ang pamilya (34.44%), problema sa pag-uwi sa Filipinas (33.20%), at kakulangan ng impormasyon tungkol sa pandemic (15.77%).

I cannot sustain daily needs

Figure 1: Mga problema/pag-aalala tungkol sa COVID-19 Crisis (n=241, multiple answers Ang mga long-term residents at dependents ng mga Hapones o mga Filipino permanent residents ay naapektuhan nang husto sa kanilang kabuhayan dahil sa pagbabago sa kalagayan/kondisyon ng kanilang trabaho (74.55%) at nahihirapang matugunan ang mga pangunahing pangangailangan (34.55%), kumpara sa mga permanent residents at naturalized citizens at yung may working visas.

Samantalang ang mga may-asawa (81.2%) o mga hindi nag-asawa (69.3%) ang may pinakamaraming nagsabi ng pag-aalala dahil sa takot sa COVID-19 infection.

JULY - AUGUST 2020

Ang mga divorced o widowed/balo o separated na mga Filipino ay may pinakamataas na dami ng nag-aalala dahil sa pagbabago sa trabaho o employment status (76%).

media. Marami din sa mga sumagot ay nakakakuha ng impormasyon mula sa kanilang pamilya sa Filipinas (24.48%). Ang ibig sabihin nito ay ang kanilang impormasyon tungkol sa COVID-19 ay mula sa ibang bansa at hindi sa Japan.

embre 24, 2019. Sakai city ang huling lugar na dinaanan nina Padre Pedro Bautista Panghuling pananalita sa survey sa pag-alis sa Kansai.

Idinidiin ng mga resultang ito ang report pangangailangan na mabigyan ng agarang Bilang Fransiskanong tulong ang mga ito. misyonero, nagtayo si Padre Pedro Bautista Ang resulta ng survey na ito ay ng kapilya sa noon ay nagbibigay-diin sa pangangailangan ng Ang masamang epekto sa kabuhayan ay suportang pangkabuhayan at psychological liblib na lugar na malinaw na nakikita sa mga ganitong sagot: tinawag na San (kasama na ang makakatulong at 62.65% ang bumaba ang income, 30.12% ang Francisco del Monte napapanahong impormasyon) sa mga nabawasan ang oras ng trabaho, at 22.89% ang Filipino sa panahon ng COVID-19 crisis, lalo na (sakop ng Quezon natanggal sa trabaho. city, at ngayon ay may sa mga nasa mahinang kalagayan simbahan na) at isa (vulnerable) na natukoy sa survey na ito.

Ang mga hindi masyado na-apektuhan sa siya sa nangalaga sa trabaho ay mas kokonti: 14.46% ang mga Hapones sa Ang pagtulong sa kanilang pangangailangan Maynila bago siya nagtatrabaho sa bahay (telework); 12.65% ang ay mabuting gawin sa lokal na komunidad mas naging busy sa trabaho; 6.63% ang ipinadala sa Japan nung 1593 ng kung saan kumikilos ang mga nadagdagan ang oras ng trabaho; at 3.01% ang pampamahalaang at pribadong institusyon at Governor General ng tumaas pa ang kita. pamahalaang Kastila organisasyon. sa Maynila para maiwasan ang banta Bagama’t may ni Hideyoshi na limitasyon ang sakupin ang Filipinas.

Ukon sa Maynila kasama ang pamilya ayuda, ang paggamit ngPag-aaral mga serbisyong ng mahabang Toyotomi. at iba pang Kristiyanong Hapones ay nung Disyembre ng 1614. Namatay si lokal relasyon ng Filipinas at Si Sen Rikkyu ay malamang na may Ukon makalipas ang 40 araw dahil sa makakatulong Japan na ruson no tsubo para iimbak ang hirap ng biyahe sa dagat at tanda na maibsan kahit paano dahon ng tsaa na ginagamit niya sa rin. ang paghihirap ng maging malalim ang Isang paraan para chanoyu. mga FilipinongsaFilipinas at Japan ay ang ugnayan Si Ruzon Suzekaemon at Sen Rikkyu Kansai, lalo na pag-aaral ngyung kasaysayan ng ugnayan ng 2 May konting relasyon si Sen Rikkyu sa ay ipinagmamalaki ng Sakai city. May nasa bansa, lalo na ang kasaysayan ng ugnayan mahinang Filipinas dahil isa sa kanyang disipulo estatuwa si Ruzon Suzekaemon sa ng mga tao. kalagayan ay si Ukon Takayama. Natuto si Ukon port ng Sakai city, habang may (vulnerable). Ang kay Sen Rikkyu na maging chanoyu museums naman para kay Sen suporta mula sa pamahalaan ng Filipinas ay master. Alam natin na si Ukon ay Rikkyu. At may private museums sa mahalaga rin at makakadagdag sa mga Sakai city na Figure 2: Epektong pangkabuhayan ng programa ng pamahalaan ng Japan sa ipinakikita ang mga COVID-19 crisis (n=166, multiple answers) pagtugon sa pangangailangan ng mga nasa natitirang ruson no mahinang kalagayan tsubo, iba pa doon(vulnerable). sa museums sa Ang kasama dito sa Figure 2 ay yun lamang at ibang mga sumagot ng “nabago ang AngKyoto agarang gawain ay ang pagkalap at lugar na kalagayan/kondisyon ng trabaho ko” o “hindi pamamahagimay ng ruson tama at napapanahong no tsubo din. na matugunan ang mga pangunahing impormasyon, lalo na tungkol sa mga

pangangailangan” sa Figure 1.

Lumabas sa survey na ang TV, internet at social media ang pinaka-pinagkukunan ng impormasyon ng mga sumagot sa survey (73.44% to 78.01%).

Pero ang TV ay yung dito lamang sa Japan, na nihonggo ang salita at kaya hindi makakatulong sa mga hindi gaanong nakakaintindi ng nihonggo.

suportang serbisyo na ibinibigay ng Ang pinakahuling pamahalaan (nasyonal at lokal) at iba pang istorya ay ang institusyon tungkol paglalakbay ninasa COVID-19 pandemic, sa mgaPadre Filipino.

Ang paggawa nito ay ang unang Pedro hakbang upang Bautista mulamaibsan Kyoto ang hindi lamang pangkabuhayan kundi ang epektong patungong Nagapsychological krisis. saki bilangng isa kasalukuyang sa kilalang 26 Martyrs

na namatay sa krus survey report sa GARC Mababasa ang buong sa Nagasaki nung website: 1597. Dahil dito, https://www.ryukoku.ac.jp/nc/news/entry-59 ipinatapon ni Hideyoshi sa Filipinas naging santo 00.html. si Padre Pedro Bautista dahil ayaw kasama ang 25 iba pang martyrs. Ang Ang karamihan ng mga impormasyon nakanilang martyrdom ang dahilan ng Ingles oitakwil Filipino aykanyang mula sa pananainternet at social niyang ang pagpunta ni Pope Francis sa Nagasaki mpalatayang Kristiyano. Dumating si

26 martyrs memorial nitong Noby-

JULY - AUGUST 2020

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MOVING ON

by Jasmin Vasquez Stay away from negative people.

Everyday we meet different people in our lives. Some are our relatives, friends colleagues, sometimes a stranger who we meet in different places such as restaurants, bus, train, shops and in the street, etc.

It is better to stay away from negative people because if we continue to engage with such negative people, some of their bitterness and inexplicable anger will stick on us.

Interacting with negative people will leave you feeling cynical, in a bad mood and drained of energy.

We never come away feeling motivated and happy. That is why it is important to remove toxic people from your life.

Negative people will halt your personal growth, blocking any chance of self-improvement. If you want to grow as a person, it is imperative to associate with positive people who also wish to become better people.

Negative people can affect our attitude. It can trigger the same emotional response in yourself. If you spend enough time with a person in a bad mood, you’ll end up with the same feelings.

Spending a lot of time with

negative people can impact your thinking. You’ll soon find your positive thoughts are becoming negative thoughts.

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Have you noticed that being in the company of positive, inspirational people can raise your energy levels and leave you feeling upbeat and refreshed? Negative people do the opposite. They suck the motivation, positivity, and energy right out of your life.

Spend a few hours with a negative person and afterward, you’ll feel exhausted and probably a little depressed.

Inuubos ng mga taong negatibo ang ating energy. Sobrang laki ng epekto nito sa ating buhay.

Lalo na ngayon na halos lahat sa atin ay apektado ng pandemya sa buong mundo. If we continue to meet and spend time with those negative people lalo lang tayong ma-stress, ma-depress dahilan na kung minsan kung ano ano na rin pumapasok sa ating isipan. Parang sobrang heavy na sa dibdib.

If we want to live long life, we should avoid those kind of person. Instead, join people who can help you refresh your mind your heart and soul.

Recently, I joined a group of Bible study, and I can surely say that it was a good medication for me. My life, my attitude are slowly changing into positivity.

My everyday life ay parang gumaan. People surrounding me now are better than before.

Nagkaroon ako ng parang mga bagong kapatid na parang araw araw puro kapayaan lang buhay mo. Ang sarap ng feeling na may peace of mind. Yung kahit pa minsan may dumarating na problem ay parang gumagaan pa rin ang buhay, hindi mo masyadang ramdam.

Kaya if you want to have a peaceful life, avoid and stay away from negative people.

JULY - AUGUST 2020

Ethics, anyone?

In this time when moral decadence is rife, it is appropriate to talk about the issue on ethics.

Following this drift, I would recommend the book "The Power of Ethical Management" by Kenneth Blanchard and Norman Vincent Peale.

Lifted from the recommended book is an article "It's OK, Son, Everybody Does It" penned by Jack Griffin, which appeared in Chicago Sun Times: When Johnny was 6 years old, he was with his father, when they were caught speeding. His father handed the officer a twenty dollar bill with the driver's license. "It's OK, son," his father said as they drove off.

"Everybody does it."

When he was 8, he was present at a family council presided over by Uncle George, on the surest means to shave points off the income tax return. "It's OK, kid," his uncle said. "Everybody does it."

When he was 9, his mother took him to his first theater production. The box office man could't find any seats until his mother discovered an extra $5 in her purse. "It's OK, kid," she said. "Everybody does it."

When he was 12 , he broke his glasses on the way to school. His Aunt Francine persuaded the insurance company that they had been stolen and they collected $75. "It's OK, kid," she said. "Everybody does it."

When he was 15, he made right guard

By Arnel Sugay on the high school football team.

His coach showed him how to block and at the same time grab the opposing end by the shirt so the official couldn't see it.

"It's OK, kid," the coach said.

"Everybody does it."

When he was 16, he took his first summer job at the supermarket. His assignment was to put the overripe strawberries in the bottom of the boxes and the good ones on top where they would show. "It's OK, kid," the manager said. "Everybody does it."

When he was 18, Johnny and a neighbor applied for a college scholarship. Johnny was a marginal student. His neighbor was in the upper 3 percent of his class, but he couldn't play right guard. Johnny got the scholarship. "It's OK, son," his parents said. "Everybody does it."

When he was 19, he was approached by an upper class man who offered the test answers for $50. "It's OK, kid" he said.

"Everybody does it."

Johnny was caught and sent home in disgrace. "How could you do this to your mother and me?" his father said. "You never learned anything like this at home."

His aunt and uncle were also shocked.

If there's one thing the adult world can't stand, it's a kid who cheats.

How does one know that his or her decisions are ethically sound? Ask yourself: 1. Is it fair?

2. Is it moral?

3. Is it legal?

4. If what I did is published and printed on the front page of the newspaper, how would I/my family feel about it?

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Take it or Leave it!

ADVICE NI TITA LITS

Isabelita Manalastas-Watanabe

Dear Tita Lits, Magandang araw po!

Ako po ay isang 35 year old housewife, may dalawang anak, at nakatira sa Nagoya.

Mahilig po akong magluto ng Pinoy food tulad ng lumpia, adobo, pansit - yan ang mga paborito ng mga pamilya kaya na master ko nang lutuin.

Ngayon po, dahil sa corona, nawalan po ako ng trabaho sa pabrika.

Nagkaroon ng corona sa ilang staff sa aming work at pinasara po agad ng gobyerno ang factory namin.

Wala rin po akong magawa sa bahay at na pag-isipan kong magluto ng iba't ibang pagkain. Noong una, pa isa-isa lang po hanggang dumarami na po ang mga orders. Nagustuhan siguro ang luto ko ng iba kaya dumami ang mga kliyente bigla. Marunong din akong manahe ng mga damit, at na pag-isipan ko rin gumawa ng mga facial masks mula sa mga nabili kong mga reta-retaso sa shop. Noong una, sa mga kaibigan ko lang po

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binigay. Ngayon, ang dami rin pong nag-order sa akin.

Lahat po sila ay sa Facebook lang. Nag e-enjoy po ako sa ginagawa ko ngayon at gusto ko pong palaguhin.

Buti na lang po at huminto kami sa trabaho. Parang nakita ko na po ang tunay na tawag para sa akin.

Gusto ko na pong gawin itong pagluluto at pananahe na maging main business ko sana.

Ang problema ko ay hindi ko alam kung saan ako magsisimula para maging legal na business ang ginagawa ko. Saan po ako dapat pumunta at ano po kaya ang dapat gawin?

Wala po akong alam sa taxes, resibo, accounting... baka lusubin po ako ng tax office dito.

Pwede rin po bang humingi ng mga tips para sa pagpapalago ng business?

Salamat po!

Lisa Nagoya

JULY - AUGUST 2020

Dear Lisa: Good day din sa iyo!

Sana ikaw at ang iyong pamilya ay ligtas sa kumakalat na Covid-19 virus.

Tuwang-tuwa ako noong mabasa ko ang sulat mo. Isang magandang istorya, na hindi mo inaasahan, dahil dapat sana ay isa ka sa mga libo-libong malungkot dahil sa pagkawala ng trabaho dahil sa Covid-19.

Blessing in disguise ang pagkawalan mo ng trabaho – nakita mo tuloy ang tunay mong calling - pagluluto at pananahi pala.

Subukan mo munang pumunta sa iyong local ward office para magtanong. May help desk normally, na mapapagtanungan.

Mag-search ka rin sa internet, tungkol sa setting up ng business in Japan.

Kung hindi ka makahanap ng sapat ng tulong sa iyong ward office, o hindi fit sa iyo ang mga information mong makukuha sa internet search mo, maaari kitang i-refer sa isang napakabait na abogadang Haponesa, na marunong mag-English at may

puso para sa mga Pinoy. Nakakaintindi rin siya ng Tagalog.

Hindi siya mapag samantala (hindi naniningil ng mahal), at kaya niya/ng kumpanya niya na sila na lang mag-set up ng iyong kumpanya.

Hindi mo kailangan ng malaking kapital.

Kinunsulta ko na siya bago ko isulat itong advice ko sa iyo, pero wala akong permission niya/ng kumpanya niya, na i-publish ko ang pangalan nila at contact number.

Pwedeng ako na lang ang tawagan mo?

Pagkatapos, ibibigay ko sa iyo ang pangalan niya at contact number, at magtawagan na lang kayo.

Call me at 03-6869-8555, Sunday – Thursday, from 10:00 am – 6:00 pm, except Japanese holidays.

Tungkol naman sa pagpapalago ng iyong business, palagay ko, ituloy mo lang ang kalidad at sarap ng pagluluto mo, sa presyong kakayanin ng buyers mo, at siguradong patok ang business mo. Sa pananahi, ang pagsusuot ng masks ay magtatagal pa sigurado, tuluy-tuloy pa ang mga order

mong matatanggap. Medyo mag-research ka rin ng kaunti regarding masks, kasi baka hindi talaga effective sa virus ang ginagawa mo galing sa retaso. Para rin sa security ng mga gumagamit ng masks mo, na talagang protektado sila at ang ibang nakakasalimuha nila.

Meantime, i-record mo lang kahit sa isang notebook, and iyong gastos at ang iyong sales. Simpleng pag-re-record lang, basta’t intindi mo. Para alam mo magkano ang inilabas mong pera, at magkano naman ang pumasok na pera.

Siyempre, kung ano ang difference ng sales amount mo, at ng iyong ginastos doon sa sales mo, iyon ang iyong tubo (gross income – kinita bago tax).

Good luck and all the best sa iyo, Lisa. Am so very happy for you!

Tita Lits

Making Pandemic As Your Source of Dicoveries

Hi everyone and thanks God for this another journey. Thank God that after months of Covid19 Pandemic hit us, we are still safe, without illness, having our loved ones safe, our jobs, money to spend in our daily necessities, to pay the bills and time to read this article. Bless us all!

Some people suffered, past away, and still fighting for Covid 19 at the hospitals and we are honored to have these dedicated frontliners who are taking care of our "kababayans", our relatives, friends and collegues. A salute to everyone with a kind-hearted and willing to sacrifice and risk themselves and their families to the call of duty. God bless you all.

When we heard "Pandemic", we always thought its negative effects. And yes it is, but in other way around, some beautiful things happened, too. Discovering our true self-identity, you discover your siblings and your parents characteristics.

And the most important thing that we discovered was how to be strong in facing our own weaknesses, our own fears, how to earn during this very difficult and limited type of living with a limited sources

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that we have in our society.

Limited because most of the stores were closed, people ages 21 and below and 60 years old above are not required to go out unless it’s emergency, necessary or too important but you have to present some documents such as Covid 19 rapid test or swab test result, a police clearance, health certificate from Municipal Health Office, etc. And when everything is clear, that’s the only time they allowed you to travel. Sometimes rules and protocols are inconsistent depending on the situation in various places or provinces and their Governors to decide about it.

It is sad to see people dying, people are hurting, hungry, fighting for everyone's right. But who are we to take all these responsibilities when we, our families are one of those who are suffering? It is hard and painful. In these, you will realized that only you and your relation to God that matter. Appreciate things that we should be thankful for. Pray for His guidance, His gracious mercy for keeping us safe and our families. Being alone during lockdown is a time for reminiscing the things we did in the past. With this, we discover our mistakes and strength.

During lockdown families are bonded together. Having time to eat, watch tv or movies together, talking about the news and this pandemic, having coffee and snacks, cooking and washing clothes, cars, etc. with kids or hubby. That before this pandemic happened everyone was so busy in their own fields. Parents were busy and some of them working far away from home like seafarers,

businessmen, and OFWs. Children are busy at school, friends, gadgets and some of them are addicted to computer games like Mobile Legends which their parent even knew about but had nothing to do because they are busy too and leave everything with their maids or "kasambahay".

When people closed their home, we did not expect that at this moment our beloved earth is healing, too. No poisonous air from cars and factories were seen.

Garbages in surroundings lessen.

The old beauty of heaven was seen. Amazingly beautiful places appear when polluted air disappeared.

And as we noticed, people are so resourceful. Some of them used their talents or even discovered their hidden talents to make a living. They used these to earn while at home. Online selling was all over the country or even abroad using this tagline "pm is the key". These shows that people are fighting and never give up.

They take whatever chances and opportunities they have. People are eventually independent by their own perspectives in life.

People looked back and became connected to nature especially those who are living in rural places or in provinces. They adopted indoor plants, vegetables to sell, consume or even bartering those with canned goods, laundry and bath soaps, coffee, milk and others that money can buy. And also, it helps us to get rid of anxiety and mental distresses brought about this Covid19 Pandemic.

And living alone far away from anyone because of this Covid19 was the most tragic thing happened to anyone else. You are dying without anyone at your side. You are fighting alone and just find your own strength within yourself and dedicate this to someone whom you most preferred to. Living alone is the loneliest thing we could experience. But when you overcome all these negative

JULY - AUGUST 2020

things happened alone was a victory. Completeness and most satisfying moment that happened. In these, you will never be afraid, you are guarded with your faith and strength, you will always be prepared that no matter what will happen you will overcome such things. And it’s a wonderful feeling deep inside our heart.

This tear-jerking pandemic opened our wilderness. In our undisturbed consciousness, there are things we can do without imagining we could.

Seeking positive things in negative situations is the best way to recover. In simple way, we are sometimes an instrument to other lives, without intentions and analyzing it.

By giving them a piece of hope to go on in life.

In obvious ways, we cannot lean or depend everything on our Government.

Imagine in this midst of pandemic, the huge ABS-CBN was not allowed to renew their franchise and about 11,000 Filipinos lost their jobs. What will happen to our kababayan and their families? But as I said, Filipinos are resourceful, we just hope and pray that may our kababayan and all of us in this world will overcome this horrible trials. May they find their new jobs ASAP so that their burden will be lessened. May our leaders find ways in creating and making Philippines a country we could be more proud of and the place we could feel safe and cared.

God bless us all.

God bless the Philippines.

God bless the universe.

Mata ne.

Kaya Pa, Kapit Lang ni Karen Sanchez

Sa araw-araw nating pakikibaka Minsa'y gusto nating sumuko't mamahinga Isip natin ay nalilito at gulong-gulo Sa isip natin tayo ay bigo't tuyong-tuyo Mga suliranin ay sunod-sunod na umaatake Ni hindi ka na makahinga at maka-abante Ngunit wala kang magawa kundi ang lumaban At harapin ang lahat ng may tatag na kalooban Kaya pa ba, oh kapit ka lang Lahat ng ito ay dadaan lamang Huwag ka lang sumuko at bumitaw Ang problema ay tila yelo itong magugunaw Magmasid, mga mata ay ituon sa paligid Tingnan ang maganda't malayang himpapawid Mga ulap na kaaya-aya sa ating mga mata Makakalimot, makakaisip at makakaginhawa Kung nais mo mang mata ay iyong ipikit At damhin ang iyong pusong pumipintig Pag-asa ng buhay ang syang dala at madadama Lalo na kung kasama mo ang ating Amang Maylikha Tiyak lahat ng ito ay ating malalampasan at makakaya

KWENTO NI NANAY Anita Sasaki

EVERY GISING IS A BLESSING! EVERY GISING IS A BLESSING!!! As I always say.

This year 2020, they call it perfect vision for eyesight. But look what we have this 2020 as early as January.

Pagnilayan nating mabuti.

Hindi kaya meron gustong ipahiwatig sa atin ang Diyos?

Na walang makakatulong o makakalutas sa ating mga problema kundi SIYA, ang Diyos! Na SIYA lang ang dapat nating lapitan.

Hindi natin maipagmamalaki ang ating karangyaan, kapangyarihan, trabaho, yaman, dunong, lakas! Diyos lang ang ating PAG-ASA dahil “God is in control“. Ang Diyos ang namamahala.

Ang Diyos ay laging nasa tabi natin. Na laging nagpapaalala sa atin na may bagay na mas mabuti pagkatapos ng buhay na ito. Sa mga panahon binibilang natin kung ano ang mga kulang o wala sa atin kaysa mga biyaya nating natatanggap sa araw araw.

Pansamantala lamang ang buhay na ito. Hindi natin mahahanap ang seguridad sa ating kapangyarihan, yaman, trabaho, lakas kung hindi sa Diyos na ating Kanlungan (Refuge).

Dahil ang Diyos ang namamahala. God is in control. Siya ang lumikha ng lahat. Maliban sa kasalanan. Dahil siya ay makapangyarihan. Kaya hindi tayo dapat mawalan ng pag-asa.

Hindi ipinangako sa atin ng Diyos na aalisin Niya ang ating mga sakit o paghihirap.

Ngunit ipinangako Niya sa atin na malalampasan natin ang mga ito.

Kaya DASAL pa more... DASAL pa much. Ipagdasal natin ang buong mundo.

Ang mundo natin na nangangailangan ng pagpapanumbalik (restoration) at pagtubos (redemption).

Lahat tayo ay nangangailangan ng pag babalik loob at pagtubos.

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Pasalamat tayo at buhay pa tayo dahil meron pa tayong misyon sa buhay.

At lagi tayong magpakumbaba. Mga paalala po para sa magaan na paglalakbay sa ating buhay.

1. Ang pera ay nahahanap yan. Huwag natin pahirapan ang sarili natin.

“MONEY CAN BE EARNED.” Don’t burden yourself with money.

2. Mga walang kuwentang awayan, pabayaan mo na.

Pabigat lang yan sa ating buhay. Itapon mo na.

“HUMILITY IS THE KEY.“ Pagpapakumbaba. “STUPID QUARRELS CAN BE RESOLVED.” 3. Ang pagmamahal sa isang minamahal ay di kayang palitan.

“THE LIFE of a LOVE ONE is IRREPLACEABLE.” 4. Ang mawala ang iyong kaluluwa ay malaking kabiguan. Ano ang pakinabang ng isang tao kung makamit niya ang mundo ngunit mawawala ang kanyang kaluluwa.

“THE LOST OF YOUR SOUL IS YOUR GREATEST FAILURE.” “WHAT DOES A MAN PROFIT IF HE GAINS THE WHOLE WORLD BUT LOSES HIS SOUL.”

MAY - JUNE 2020

Philip Dizon Torres Wear your culture wherever you go!

Fusing Fashion with Culture

Facebook: Philip D. Torres Mobile (Philippines): +63-91-7605-6366 Photography: Borj Meneses Model: Irene Sun-Kaneko Hair & Make-up: Vela Mua

Yellowbelle Duaqui

MY NEW NORMAL AS A COLLEGE LECTURER Just like fellow teachers all over the Philippines and the world today, my new normal is sitting in front of my computer to conduct online classes. I’ve heard of newly coined phrases on social media like #zoomfail or #zoomfatigue and I know how that happens, and how that feels too, as I try to carry out my teaching duties each day. Doing remote teaching comes with challenges – from student resistance (sometimes even viewing teachers and schools as their antagonists in this pandemic) down to power outages and technical issues (i.e. poor Internet connection, costly Internet plan upgrades, among others). Most importantly, the socio-psychological and emotional impact of hearing people die of corona virus each day -- with some mortalities hitting very close to home – makes teaching difficult during a bleak period like this global pandemic. After all, teaching, just like singing or acting, is a performance. Doing it when your heart is too heavy with sadness, fear and anxiety can be too taxing.

But we must soldier on. There are students who want to move forward with life by doing their

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coursework and to somehow take control of their academic lives in these uncertain times.

Even teachers try to cope by working remotely in order to get some semblance of normalcy in their daily lives. As they juggle multiple tasks inside the home, both students and teachers feel a new level of stress they have never experienced before. The blurring of home and study/work boundaries has resulted to a psychological toll on working professionals who are also moms and dads with babies or toddlers at home.

This is a situation that many people all over the world face nowadays, in addition to caring

for sick family members.

Even with these daily difficulties, I know that I am lucky to be alive and to be able to keep my job in this pandemic. Many of our kababayans at home and all over the world have lost their jobs to mass layoffs due to the closure of their companies brought about by the global economic meltdown produced by the pandemic. Some of the worst-hit industries are the airline, hotel and recreation, banking and finance, and entertainment industries.

Small- and medium-sized businesses are also closing shop, while some are forced to

JULY - AUGUST 2020

cope by offering house delivery or pick-up only services of their product offerings. In the name of social distancing or sadly, due to an ailing business performance, many business establishments had to scale down their operations and close many of their branches. Many people are suffering not only due to the corona virus, but the economic impact of the pandemic as well on their livelihood.

For those who were given more time due to this pandemic, I hope that you are able to spend time wisely by making loved ones and family members feel your care by cooking for them and sharing the household chores, taking up self-care activities like meditation and exercise, and cultivating personal talents and hobbies like writing, singing, playing instruments or baking.

This is the time to go back to your core self, which somehow got lost in the frenetic schedule you had during pre-COVID days. It is not too late to envision a new future, and each new day is a chance to set things right, to pursue things you’ve set aside in the back burner, and to ponder on what else in life you would want to accomplish before we face the Creator one day.

To our health care professionals in the Philippines, Japan and all over the world today, I say thank you from the bottom of my heart, for taking up the challenge to face this health care crisis head on, even when your own lives are at stake. Many of your fellow health care professionals have

faded into the night as this pandemic raged, but you still chose to work in the trenches to save lives, even if sometimes you risk losing your own while your own children worry about you at home. Like many of the

Ms.Yellowbelle Duaqui is an Assistant Professorial Lecturer of Sociology with the Behavioral Sciences Department of De La Salle University, Manila. She was a Japanese government scholar from 2008 to 2011 and pursued a master’s degree in Global Studies from Sophia University, Tokyo.

She was also a Japan Foundation Japanese Studies fellow from 2018 to 2019.

people I know, I consider you as our heroes in this pandemic. I am behind you in your clamor for decent wages and benefits and better social protection given the risks and hazards you face each day as you fulfill your duty to heal the sick. I know that praying for your safety is important, but I also believe that fighting with you side by side for health care reforms will produce the concrete social impact we need to avert future crises.

To you who is reading this, my fellow kababayan, I feel your stress and worries even from miles away. Know that I am praying for your strength and resilience in these difficult times. Nothing lasts forever – even the bad times. So hold on, and this too shall pass. We are all in this together, in spirit and in prayers. May you always be safe and well in your corner of the world today.

by: Warren Sun

ONLINE BARTER: Modern Bayanihan Spirit In order to understand fully the inner purpose of barter, I actually joined a lot of barter communities in my hometown in Angeles City.

Remember during the olden times when money was not yet invented? Our earliest ancestors lived through bartering with neighboring islands and nearby nations.

This old custom was reborn at the emergence of the pandemic. During the start of the lockdown, millions of people lost their jobs.

Eventually, people were stuck in their homes and had to find ways to survive without work.

And in this digital age, it came about as online barter.

Something that one person considers non-essential may be considered valuable by someone else. As the saying goes, “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.”

For people who are not familiar with online barter, transaction between barter communities happens on Facebook. You need to be aware of the guidelines in order to be a member.

The birthplace of online barter started in Bacolod City in May this year. Few weeks after, the popularity spread so fast as hundreds of barter communities were established in different islands of the Philippines. To top that, Pinoy communities abroad adopted this online barter as well.

Hardly few people know that in Tawi-Tawi, located on the southernmost part of the Philippine islands, traditional barter still does exist between tribes and surrounding islands that come together every Saturday to exchange goods. But this event had been closed temporarily due to the pandemic.

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Since I have found a great interest with gardening, I finally decided to concentrate with collecting and bartering mostly snake plants.

Surprisingly, there was a rise with plant appreciation amongst people since they learn to value nature and their surroundings.

I have tried doing online selling of plants but it never gave me a sense of contentment because the conversation mostly ends right after the cash payment. In bartering, there is more compassion with the transaction. You are actually reconnecting with your community, rekindling spirits with friends and building new connections from all walks of life. And it is through online barter where I met great people where we all share a common goal.

Moreover, successful barters also lead to referrals.

A famous chef in Iloilo City bartering her oven toaster with a bag of organic tomatoes.)

I try to be very observant at first on how the process go about. I am taken aback because the possibilities of bartering of things can be really amusing, unimaginable and endless.

Imagine, people bartering toys for canned goods, clothes for a tray of eggs, Xbox for a vintage Volkswagen car among others. Other people who cannot offer goods offer their professional services: a lady offering her party clown services in exchange of groceries; a guy offering his tattoo services for a sack of rice and so on.

Online bartering has evolved in many ways. Other people found a bigger purpose with what they call three-way barter. For example, a lady received a sack of rice from a specific barter and she will eventually donate the sack of rice to a poor family.

To see how practically effective barter can be during this pandemic, I started doing barter on the first week of July and I have been doing it for a month now. It can be a way for decluttering things in the house for some. But for others, it has been a vital means for them to survive and live by the moment.

I realized that this crisis had given the best out in every people to come up with an alternative career. Come to think of it, Pinoys are very creative and resourceful when it comes to running a small-scale business. No one can tell when this crisis will end so we should start channeling our alternative talents to move forward towards a new normal life.

Bartering my set of snake plants with liters of cooking oil and laundry needs

JULY - AUGUST 2020

MINE!

By Richine Bermudez

pumatok at tumatak ang business nila!

Kasabay nang pagbabago ng madaming bagay, nag bago na din ang ibig sabihin ng salitang MINE, kung dati, ito lamang ay ginagamit bilang endearment call ng mag Jowa o magkasintahan, ngayon gamit na din siya sa pag-sho-shopping.. pag sho-shopping sa FB LIVE SELLING! Isa sa mga kinahiligan ko magsimula ang pandemia e ang panonood ng FB LIVE SELLING! Bago pa man sumiklab ang pandemia, usong-uso na ang LIVE SELLING sa FB. At hindi naman lingid sa kaalaman ng lahat, na ang Pinoy ay likas na mahilig sa mga “branded stuff”, at isa na ako doon!

Hindi ko alam kung saan nag mula ang hilig natin sa mga mamahaling bagay. Pero sa aking kuro-kuro, malamang isa ito sa ating mga paraan upang mapaalala natin sa ating sarili na may narating na tayo sa buhay. Ang ating mga branded stuff ay ang ating TROPHY o titulo kung baga.

Pero, baka mali din ako.

Kung dati ay puro branded bags at damit lang ang kalimitan na i-binebenta sa FB LIVE SELLING, ngayon eh pati alahas at maging grocery eh binebenta na din.

Kani-kaniyang diskarte nga ang ating mga kababayan upang kumita. Kaliwa’t kanan ang LIVE SELLING sa FB, kani-kaniyang pakulo upang

Isa naman ito sa talagang hina-hangaan ko sa ating mga Pilipino, ang pagiging maging ma-diskarte! Kahit mahirap, kahit parang imposible e lahat tayo

magnanakaw!

Ang mga bogus buyers naman ay ang mga ONLINE manloloko, mag bi-bid ng mag bi-bid at pag dating ng bayaran ay mawawala nalang ng parang bula! Kawawa ang seller na mega salita at promote ng products niya sa LIVE, tapos aasa lang sa wala!

Kasama na siguro ng NEW NORMAL ang FB LIVE SELLING at wala akong nakikitang masama dito.

lulusob para lang makamit ang ating tagumpay!

At dahil tayo ay nakatira sa imperpektong mundo, hindi maiiwasan ang pag sibol ng mga kawani at mapag samantalang tao! Sila ang mga kontrabida sa mga ating nag susumikap na mga kababayan.

May dalawang klase ng mga salot sa online live selling: SCAMMERS at BOGUS BUYERS! Scammers, sila ang iyong mga ONLINE magnanakaw. Ito ang systema nila: manonood ng LIVE, mag babantay sa mga makaka-bid na customer, after that, i-pri-private message nila ang bidder at magpapangap na ka-partner nila ang seller, tapos bibigay sa customer ang sarili nilang bank account at parang instant mami, mayroon na silang pera. Hindi lamang businesses ngayon ang online, pati na din

JULY - AUGUST

shopping!

Mas convenient din ito para sa mga mamimili dahil hindi na nila kailangan lumabas pa para mag

Sa kabila ng kinahaharap na kahirapan ng buong mundo, hindi pa din tayong mga Pilipino paaawat sa pag sho-shopping, maging offline man o online.

Kani-kaniyang diskarte nalang humanap ng paraan para tayo ay lumigaya at dagliang makalimot sa totoong nangyayari sa ating mga buhay ngayon.

Hindi na nga natin mapipigilan ang pagbabago ng panahon, wala na tayong magagawa kung hindi sumabay sa agos ng buhay at sumama kung saan tayo dadalhin nito. Mahirap man pero sa mga panahong katulad nito, may iisang bagay tayong dapat pinanghihinawakan lagi at ito ang pagiging positibo sa buhay!

Nawa’y lahat tayo ay sabay sabay itong i-MINE! :)

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The Man Behind The Clothes During their graduation day, the class gifted me with a pair of t-shirts labeled BAYANIHON. I felt surprised as the name is a combination of Filipino and Japanese elements. I also loved the fabric and the shirts fit my body well so I have been wearing the shirts whenever I go out during summer season.

Actually, the creator of Bayanihon is one of my students in the Japanese class. His name is Norman Nicolai Olandez Afuang. Wow! That’s four names. You see, in Japan, people have only two names. So if you have more than two, that’s a lot for them already. So for new parents, try giving your children one given name and a family name. So they won’t have a hard time filling up forms just writing their names––especially in katakana.

by Dennis Sun

they found good-hearted friends who helped them adjust with their new life in Japan.

Like some people who started small and started online, Bayanihon was actually made for personal use only. Norman sadly said that it never got a good feedback in Japan the way it did with Filipinos in the Philippines. After so many help from friends and influencers, Norman now created the Bayanihon Clothing brand.

Norman considers himself more of an artist than a businessman. He explained that for him, to see people wearing his clothes is more than a reward in itself.

As one of my former students, I wish Norman the best on his business and creative venture. I feel happy when my fellow Filipino is working hard to capture his dream in this land. Ganbatte, Norman!

And speaking about names, according to Norman, Bayanihon comes from Bayani sa Nihon. At first, I related the title to Bayanihan and Nihon. But now that I know where the name came from, (Filipino) Heroes in Japan, I thought it was even a better idea.

Norman thinks that Filipinos who come to Japan suddenly realize how to become good ambassadors of their country here by projecting a good image to their new adopted home.

Suddenly, Filipinos here become good citizens. They don’t throw their trash out on the streets. They follow the traffic signs of this country. They try to come on time. Several things that they don’t follow at home but suddenly, they changed for the better.

Norman and his son went to Japan after his wife found a job in Japan. Unlike in the Philippines where there is help everywhere, in Japan, they faced their first hardship in life.

Life was difficult at the start but gradually,

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JULY - AUGUST 2020

デニス サン

D E N N I S

S U N

Love, Light & Laughter ART EXHIBITION

2020.7.22~2020.10.22 危機と混乱のいま、 愛と光と笑顔をひろめるアート展 An art exhibition to spread love, light and laughter during these times of crisis and confusion.