Jeepney Press / Neriza Saito

Neriza Sarmiento - Saito's

On the Road to:

Languages that connect, connections that bridge gaps and gaps that bond people with Alvin Tan, Assistant Manager, Planning & Communication Section Osaka International House Foundation

When Expo ‘90 was held in Osaka, a special edition of a major newspaper was published. I was one of the foreign residents asked to introduce an area that best represents globalization.

So, I chose “International House” and a British Tea house beside it. In those days, the Filipino community gathered for a reception with former President Fidel V. Ramos and on some occasions watched a famous Filipino musical and other cultural events.

Many foreigners feel good about the place because of the friendly atmosphere where they can have a place to stay comfortably and they can have access to library and video facilities as well as a recommended list of translators and interpreters.

One of them is a Filipino named ALVIN TAN, whose parents hail from Batangas and Mulanay, Quezon, although he admits that he rarely visit his parents’ hometowns.

In spite of his many responsibilities in the planning and communication section of the International House Foundation, he also visits schools around Osaka to give lectures on culture. Alvin is always composed and cool. Perhaps it is his fascination for the Philippine traditional board game “SUNGKA“ which he brought in with him from the Philippines that made him what he is now, someone with an accumulated series of experiences.

After studying at the University of the Philippines in Diliman, he taught Japanese language to university students. It was very instrumental when he applied for a study tour sponsored by the Japan Foundation. He was accepted because his score was high in Japanese proficiency.

In 1998, Alvin started to settle in Japan with his SUNGKA and his parents advice - to be diligent always. Unlike others who would naturally be homesick, Alvin says that he did not feel so. He was so engrossed with savoring the adventure in Japan. He wasn’t homesick about food in the Philippines but he was homesick about the people close to him.

One thing that he likes about the Japanese is their hygiene. Everything is clean, even the air smells good. “Napakalinis ng kapaligiran kahit ang hangin mabango ang amoy!”

Life in a foreign country is not “always a bed of roses“ for all. Language barriers as well as cultural differences can be very taxing for newcomers.

Alvin hopes to be, not only a bridge to connect people of all races and creed but also eventually, they should use their connections to bond and be of assistance to those who are in need.