Jeepney Press #108 November-December 2020 Issue

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

November-December 2020 2020年11月-12月

108 ISSUE

Art & Design by DENNIS SUN

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 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 Board Contributors

Glen Atienza Jeff Plantilla Neriza Saito Karen Sanchez Anita Sasaki Wayne Sun Warren Sun Marilyn Rivera 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 Cover design and art: DENNIS SUN

contents 06 YOMU Editorial / Dennis Sun 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 17 What Is your Ikigai? / Arnel Sugay 18 Take It Or Leave It / Lita Manalastas Watanabe 20 Dondake! / Karen Sanchez 22 Kwento Ni Nanay / Anita Sasaki 23 The Leap / Marilyn Rivera 24 aMAEzing Grace / Mae Grace 26 Christmas In The New Normal / Warren Sun 27 Staycation Sa Hakuba / Richine Bermudez 28 Footnotes / Lala Lopez de Leon 30 End of the Year in Japan / Alma Fatagani-Sato 31 Kapatiran / Loleng Ramos 32 Moving On / Jasmin Vasquez

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

VISA PROBLEMS??

VISA CHANGE VISA EXTENSION PERMANENT BUSINESS ELIGIBILITY KOSEKI JAPANESE CITIZENSHIP

TAWAG LANG PO SA AMIN PARA MATAPOS NA AGAD ANG PROBLEMA NATIN!

Mr. Ishikawa - Hinoshi, Tokyo Visa Lawyer (Gyouseisyoshi-Lawyer)

OK VISA OFFICE

090-2908-5088 (SB)

“So be sure when you step, step with care and great tact.

And remember that life’s a great balancing act.

And will you succeed? Yes! You will, indeed!

98 and ¾ percent guaranteed! - Dr. Seuss

Art Objects: Dennis Sun

読む

YOMU

means to read in Japanese

editorial

by Dennis Sun I can count the days, and soon, Christmas is here! And a few more days, this year would come to an end. To say this year is memorable is an understatement.

Oh, what a year 2020 is!

No year comes close to what this year has been for most of us—there were natural disasters, political shenanigans, work disruption, and we all shared the collective trauma of the pandemic. But with all these challenges that we face, we should also take the opportunity to reflect upon what we have been doing to the world—to ourselves.

We were supposed to start work on April but since we are working on a government education program, we have to follow the memorandum to cancel the classes, stay at home and be safe. For 4 months, I was in work limbo and the uncertainty was unnerving. Fortunately, another school that continued to operate took me in. I feel lucky to continue working. We followed safety protocols, but you can never shake off the fear during commute that you can catch the dreaded virus.

This year has been challenging for me health wise as well—asthma attacks with chest pains that made breathing difficult, and that tendency to second guess if you have caught COVID-19. My blood sugar levels have been problematic, too, that made me lethargic at times.

Good thing, I found solace at the park. I took advantage of the fresh clean morning air at the mountain park nearby. Waking up daily at 4 AM, I did long walks, stretching, deep breathing and meditation. It was all that I could do for myself.

And it was more than enough. Nature always heals.

Then, exactly a month before the year ends, another drama has arrived. My landlord

NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2020

terminated my apartment’s lease.

Moving to a new place, specially for foreigners in Japan, can be most stressful and demeaning.

Beyond, the ordeal of packing and unpacking, there is that potential trauma from being discriminated because you are a foreigner (and a Filipino, at that). Many real estate people and owners in Japan can be very cold and unwelcoming, to say the least.

On the bright side, I had a successful 3-month long art exhibition at Tully’s Coffee and Gallery in Shinjuku.

It was supposed to coincide with the Tokyo Olympics and was looking forward to show my art to the many people from around the world. But I was happy that despite the pandemic, there was a good crowd, and a lot of friends came over to view my artwork spreading “Love, Light & Laughter,” the title of my art exhibition.

So here am I, doing my last piece for Jeepney Press for 2020. No more dramas, please!

I wish you all a great end to this bizarre and tumultuous year 2020. Let’s focus on the bright promising future and new possibilities ahead.

Bring it on 2021!

07

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: Some ideas for a Perfect Christmas away from home!

Elizabeth Marie Estrada Labor Attaché, POLO Osaka

A while ago, before sitting down and writing the Christmas edition of my column, I pondered upon the gist of the presentations of the webinars on “Trabaho, Negosyo, Kabuhayan” jointly organized by the Philippine Consulate General in Osaka and the Philippine Franchise Association coordinated by the new Philippine Overseas Labor Office in Osaka and the Department of Trade and Industry Osaka in cooperation with the Philippine Community Coordinating Council (PCCC).

The first webinar was held last Nov. 8 with presentations of well-known franchisers such as Richard Sanz, Chris Lim and Sheryll Quintana and famous franchises like Bibingkinitan, Citrus Zone, Big Smile Bread Station among others.

The second series was held today (Nov. 29) with presenters: Director Jerry Clavesillas of the Bureau of Small and Medium Enterprises, DTI., Ms. Noreen Marian Bautista, an entrepreneurship advocate and Mr. Clarke Nebrao, President of the Association of Laguna Food Processors.

10

Coincidentally, I was listening to Jose Mari Chan’s “Perfect Christmas“ and I realized that many Filipino workers abroad will not be able to spend The Yuletide Season with their families in the Philippines because of the pandemic.

And then again, I thought that the webinar would encourage many of our expatriates to think about starting a franchise business or get started on entrepreneurship to help their families back home as well as to generate income for those who have lost their jobs.

Because it is our Christmas edition, we are very honored to have an interview with the Labor Attache of the new POLO Office in Osaka - Ms. Elizabeth Marie Estrada. Our first meeting with her was in January 2020 at the Philippine Consulate General when she was first introduced to the PCCC by Consul General Aileen Bugarin.

The new Commercial Counselor, Mr. Emmanuel Ang was also present at the meeting. A few months later in October, we were invited to their new office along Midosuji Avenue in Osaka. Like a gracious “hermana mayor”, she was very accommodating, gracious and charming. Anyone would easily feel at home at their office.

It was there where we had the meeting to discuss plans for the webinar series.

After today’s webinar, I realized that even if we cannot be reunited with our families in the Philippines this Christmas, we can think of alternatives to make Christmas and all other Christmases as meaningful for our loved ones by starting a franchise business or an entrepreneurship to keep the economy going. Although Jose Mari Chan sings “My idea of a perfect Christmas is spending it with you,“ some will probably say: “My idea of a perfect Christmas is investing in something for you!“ If we don’t do it NOW, we cannnot OWN anything. And if we OWN something, then that’s the time we can say...WE WON!!!

MALIGAYANG PASKO SA INYONG LAHAT!

NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2020

Where in the Philippines do you come from?

Apostles Creed) I ambefore a full-blooded Ilocana. I spent my Just the year ends, childhood days in Cagayan Valley, in the very scenic coastal town of Claveria. Both communities are going to keep the deep inside myholiday parentsmood are Ilocano and I am the 3rd us. it’s aI big group or of Whether six children. spent my elementary and not, Filipinos have to hold high school years in Claveria and left Christmas parties complete with only when I started my college years at games and exchange gifts. thewere University Philippines in We invitedof tothe Prof.

Miyawaki’s home this week for a Diliman, Quezon City.

Christmas Party with the sophomores and some third What position did you hold prior to year students.

Homemade your assignment towell Osaka? adobo and pinakbet as as

The last position I held prior to being

well as our hearts withAttaché the appointed as Labor was that of warmth of the Miyawaki the Regional Director offamily. the Overseas Asaka chan sang Jingle Bells for Workers Welfarerecalled Administration (OWWA) us.

Mrs. Miyawaki that - National Region once her sonCapital asked her why (NCR). At one people point, Iget wasChristmas also the presents, Program Manager of

the Medical Care Program for OFWs, also

gift forOWWA, the baby Jesus.the Then, with before advent of the Kenji kun asked why she doesn’t PhilHealth. allow them to eat a cake for Christmas. Then his mom replied that sweets aren’t good foryou theirassigned Which countries were teeth. first?But then the boy said again, it’sstill going to be my When“But I was with gift for the Baby Jesus”!

however that Japan has become more “friendly” to foreigners as exhibited by an abundance of signages and instructions in the English language and that the locals no longer cringe or run away from a foreigner when approached for directions. The Japanese have always been and remained fashionably dressed, if not a bit formal. I notice that their dressing is still dictated by the season such that I would not dress in something colorful during winter for fear of drawing attention to myself. Courtesy and politeness are still part of their nature, but they have become less formal and more friendly and accommodating.

When you are homesick, what in your childhood in the Philippines do you

OWWA, I was designated as

Welfare first In spite ofOfficer, the grief weinhad this year over the loss of some Tokyo, Japan (1998-2000) members community and thenofinour Seoul, South this yearBimboy Latoja, . Bibiana Korea (2006). From Mr Seoul, I “Mommy“ Ishita and Annabelle was transferred to Taiwan Sosogi, the little boy‘s comment (2008) as the Philippine

of hope and celebrate the birth Labour Director-designate of love...

Jesus Christ! atour thetrue Manila Economic

and Cultural Office (MECO)

MALIGAYANG PASKO AT in Taichung. In 2010, when MASAGANANG BAGONG TAON I got my appointment SA INYONG LAHAT!!! as

Labor Attaché, I was again transferred to our mission at the United Arab Emirates in Abu Dhabi. I returned home to the Philippines in June, 2012 and was assigned at the National Reintegration Center for OFWs (NRCO) where I was the Officer-in-Charge prior to my assignment as Labor Attaché to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia from February, 2014 to August, 2019. After my tour of duty in Malaysia, I reported back to Manila. I was assigned to re-open the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) in Osaka, Japan and came here to head the POLO-Osaka in November, 2019.

When you first arrived in Japan, did you notice something different in behavior, dressing style, way of talking or relationships with other people?

My assignment to Osaka was not my first posting to Japan so you could say that I knew, more or less, what to expect when I arrived here. I was pleasantly surprised

remember the most?

I must admit that I sometimes get homesick as my family is not with me and because of the restrictions imposed due to the pandemic. When I get homesick, I reminisce the good times from my childhood when the internet has not pervaded our entire lives. I grew up in Dole Secretary Bellodo not rely aWith generation whenBebot children on the internet to entertain themselves, so our plays revolve around other children and siblings, playing hide and seek under a full moon, umbrella races, bathing under the pouring rain and taking long walks along the beach.

What is one good Filipino trait that your parents taught you?

Being respectful to others, especially to the old and the elderly, stands out from among the many good Filipino traits that

NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2020

my parents taught me, and which I also taught to my son. I believe that the world would be a better place to live in if only everyone respects everybody else.

What thing from the Philippines did you bring to Japan?

I brought some souvenir items for our give aways like pamaypay, picture frames made from capiz and tinalak as well as tinalak notebook covers. For my personal use, of course I brought my native Filipino attire, some South Sea pearl earring and necklace sets and accessories made from buffalo horn and semi-precious stones.

What items did you bring home as pasalubong from Japan when you went back home to the Philippines?

I brought home Kobe beef, Ichiran ramen and Royce chocolates.

11

TRAFFIC by Alma Reyes “WE, THE PEOPLE” NEEDS MORE WORK IN JAPAN Something remarkable happened on November 7, 2020.

While many non-Americans view the victory of President-elect Joe Biden (or defeat of Donald Trump) as an isolated triumph solely for America, I believe this sentiment to be significantly erroneous.

While listening to and watching Biden address his country so proudly with his powerful message of unity, dignity, respect and human values, I admit to have fallen to a gripping emotion, feeling the profound impact of his humble

proclamation particularly on the immigrants (whom the current President have often belittled), who comprise nearly 45 million of the national population. It was a clear reminder of reawakening to the world that needs to abhor violence, prejudice, and misjudgment by race, gender, religion, status and disability. “Character Matters.”

Biden’s words poignantly echoed in the ears of billions of people across the globe. Yet, while these simple words have long been grappled with by every citizen of any country, they continue to be disproportionately abused in more ways than permissible—from political and religious wars to racial prejudice. I felt deep empathy especially for the African-Americans who, not just by the past months’ display of inexcusable brutality that resulted to BLM (Black Lives Matter) protests, but by the mortifying scars of racial injustice they have awoken to and slept with for too many centuries, wrestle relentlessly in despair for human recognition.

Still, it is a despair shared by all minorities in every part of the world.

That weekend event provoked me to contemplate on this matter as it applies to Japan. I have been living in this Asian country with my Asian roots for over twenty years, yet the

12

NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2020

feeling of harmony, recognition and acceptance, as an individual remains quite benumbed, despite Japan’s forced struggle to assimilate with the rest of the world and anything foreign beyond their cultural heritage. Common Japanese expressions, such as “kankaku ga awanai” (incompatible sense), “kangaekata ga wakaranai” (incomprehensive mind), “yappari chigau” (obviously different), “Gaijin dakara” (because he’s a foreigner), or worse “Nihonjin dakara” (because we’re Japanese) are over-diluted and stereotyped jargons that should be considered passé and completely irrelevant in today’s borderless world of mixed marriages, mixed children, international schools, Internet and digital communication.

How many of us, foreign residents in Japan have experienced at least once, segregation in companies, schools, or within Japanese families, because in Japanese’s eyes, we don’t (and for them, never will) understand the Japanese social system; or rejection by landlords or even restaurants just because “gaijin dakara”; or indignation by silent and disturbed glances for merely speaking a foreign language they cannot comprehend; or discrimination towards non-Caucasian English teachers who possibly receive less salary than Caucasian teachers; or disguised mockery for simple actions not habitual to their customs, such as eating inside the train, or wearing a different attire during a job interview, school graduation ceremony, or first day at work.

When will this steep curb of social pressure “to fit in” ever hear the epigram of today, “flatten the curve”?

In a country where being different internally is more of a liability than an asset, the ideal of individualism and intercultural unity will always be a far-fetched and abstract figure of imagination. Ironically, the Japanese stature of difference from the rest of the world cradles their national pride. “Nihonjin dakara” exists to be one of the most dangerous and unilateral mental ingredients of social education, which only serves the Japanese self-absorbed right to be unique and superior for the society’s own benefit, regardless of empathy towards others. It is for this reason that the society continues to float as an enigmatic and secluded island, suppressed and deviated from openness and possibilities. “We are the People”, as Biden had raised in his acceptance speech, needs more work in Japan if the country believes it to be deserving of the role as Host to the upcoming Olympic Games, and consequently, if it truly wishes to include itself in the heart of universal diversity.

It is my hope that what we have witnessed on that 7th

day of November would not be the only catalyst to heal the wounds of division.

Awareness and information are not enough stimulants to post witty comments on social media to broadcast what the world already knows. The most challenging process is practice, and practice, indeed, is a process for it needs to begin from oneself. And, by making others feel that we endeavor to cross bridges to accept and connect without thinking of where we had come from, but where we are now in this very moment, we would have shared the most cherished gift we could ever give to someone.

Perhaps, in some rhetoric future, all we may need is one universal passport void of nationality identification in order to reach each other unconditionally.

ni Jeff Plantilla

Dahil sa bagong teknolohiya, bago din ang mga gawain at mga salita.

Isa na doon ang salitang “vlogger.” Sa napakaraming uri ng videos sa YouTube, isa sa naging paborito ko ay yung videos ng mga vloggers.

Marami ding uri ang vlogging – depende sa kakayanan ng vlogger.

Halos nakaka-addict na yang YouTube dahil sa hindi maubos-ubos na videos ng mga vloggers na mapapanood mo nang libre. At dahil online, puwede mo ring panoorin ang paboritong videos nang paulit-ulit.

Mga Payo at Opinyon

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May napanood akong mga videos ng 2 vloggers na ang topic ay tungkol sa kanilang profession. Isa ay pharmacist na tinalakay ang issue ng sinasabing “Fabunan vaccine.”

Ang tinutukoy ko ay ang vlogger na si Modern Mulan, isang batang pharmacist. Sa malinaw na paliwanag, lumabas ang maaaring dahilan kung bakit hindi pa rin na-a-aprubahan ang “Fabunan vaccine” laban sa COVID-19.

Sinabi niya ang pangangailangan ng maayos na testing ng anumang vaccine bago ito payagang gamitin ng Food and Drug Administration.

Pagkatapos ng research sa vaccine, kailangang matesting ito sa maraming tao. Sabi nga niya, yung mabuting epekto ng vaccine sa isang tao ay maaaring masama sa iba, dahil iba-iba ang katawan ng tao.

Kailangang alamin kung may side effects, at kung bakit may side effects. Sabi niya na baka ang side effects na ito ay maka-apekto sa puso, atay, bato at iba pang organs sa katawan, o magdulot ng diabetes, hypertension at iba pang sakit.

Nagpayo din siya, bilang pharmacist, na huwag magself-medicate dahil baka hindi tama ang gamot sa sakit.

Naisip ko rin ang halaga ng mga pharmacists dahil alam nila ang chemical ingredients ng mga gamot at effects nito sa katawan, na hindi maaaring alam ng mga doctor. Yan kasi ang linya ng pharmacists, ang

kaalaman sa chemical ingredients ng gamot.

Tulad din ni Modern Mulan, may isa pang vlogger na profession din ang topic ng usapan. Ito naman ay isang architect.

Napaka-informative ng kanyang mga sinasabi dahil ipinakikilala niya ang iba’t-ibang modernong materyales, kagamitan, at technology na ginamit sa mga bagong gawang bahay.

Simple at humorous ang kanyang paliwanag – kasama ang mga simpleng drawing at photos at magaling na editing ng video. Dahil sa magaling siyang magpaliwanag, may nagcomment na dahil sa mga sinasabi ng vlogger, gusto na rin niyang maging architect. Ganyan naging attractive ang pagiging architect dahil lumalabas ang kahalagahan ng arkitektura sa vlog na ito.

Ang vlogger na ito ay si Pinoy Architect. Tulad ni Modern Mulan, may mga payo siya sa mga tao, sa mga may planong magpagawa ng bahay.

camera (hindi ka mahihilo), matingkad ang kulay at magaling ang angles (yung puwesto ng pagbi-video – mula sa baba, mula sa isang sulok, etc.). Dahil sa mga ito, mararamdaman talaga ang lugar. Throw-back sa aking kabataan sa isang maliit na bayan ang video ng isang lugar na tahimik na tahimik tulad ng oras ng siesta ng

Video bilang portrait

May isang vlogger na ang videos ay tungkol sa mga lugar. Naipapakita ng mga videos niya ang magagandang lugar sa Metro Manila. Kahit ang isang karaniwang kalye ay nagiging maganda sa mata ng kanyang video camera.

Ang sikreto? Ang mga videos niya ay parang portraits – malinaw, mabagal ang galaw ng

mga tao. Kung nasa park, para kang naroon na relaxed na relaxed – nararamdaman mo ang hangin at ang lilim ng mga puno. Nakaka-kalma ang videos niya. Ang pangalan ng vlogger na ito ay “he bok.”

NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2020

kahit walang puno. Ang vlogger na tinutukoy ko ay si SEFTV. Hindi lamang sa nabi-video niya ang maraming lugar sakay sa kanyang motorsiklo, kundi maayos ang embre–24, 2019. Sakai kanyang information city huling lugar well-researched angang mga sinasabi na dinaanan nina niya. Dahil sa drone shots niya, Padre Pedro Bautista nakikita natin ang mga bagay na sa pag-alis sa Kansai. hindi makikita kung nasa kalsada Bilang Fransiskanong lang tayo. At magaling angnagtayo kanyangsi misyonero, drone shots, well-edited.

Padre Pedro Bautista

ng kapilya sa noon ay

Ang pangalawaliblib ay isang vlogger na lugar na na nagmomonitortinawag ng mgana malalaking San Francisco del Monte public works projects.

Kasama sa (sakop3,ng Quezon projects ang Skyway MRT 7, NLEX city, at ngayon ay may Harbor Link, Laguna-Cavite simbahan na) at isa expressway at iba pang ginagawang Daang Kalikasan, Pangasinan (SEFTV) siya sa nangalaga sa highways. Wala siyang sinasabi, ang mga Hapones sa breath-taking drone shots niya ang itaas ng mga nakalbong bundok.

Drone shots Maynila bago siya nag-i-istorya. Sinasabayan niya Ginawa ng mga logging companies Maliban sa mga magagandang digital ipinadala salang Japan ang videos ng magandang music ang makipot na daan at iniwan cameras ng mga vloggers, may drone nung 1593 ng background ngGovernor mga Japanese nang maubos na ang mga puno. din sila na may camera at pinalilipad.

General ng composers – napamahalaang parang operatic ang Naging two-lane concrete road na Kastila tunog o pang pelikula.

Paborito sa Maynila para ko ngayon ang daan at lumabas ang Dalawang vloggers ang hinahangaan maiwasan banta ang kanyangang drone ni Hideyoshi na ng shot ng paggawa sakupin anghindi Filipinas.

Skyway 3 na lang Ukon sa Maynila kasama ang pamilya nakikita ang ginagawa Toyotomi. at iba pang Kristiyanong Hapones Pag-aaral ng mahabang sa elevated highway nung Disyembre ng 1614. Namatay si relasyon ng Filipinas atna kundi ang mga lugar Si Sen Rikkyu ay malamang na may Ukon makalipas ang 40 araw dahil sa Japan dinadaanan (mga ruson no tsubo para iimbak ang hirap ng biyahe sa dagat at tanda na bahay at buildings), at dahon ng tsaa na ginagamit niya sa rin.

Isang paraan para maging malalim ang ang view ng Metro chanoyu. ugnayan ng Filipinas at Japan ay ang Manilang naugnayan hindi dating Si Ruzon Suzekaemon at Sen Rikkyu pag-aaral ng kasaysayan ng 2 May konting relasyon si Sen Rikkyu sa nakikita.

Ang na ay ipinagmamalaki ng Sakai city. May bansa, lalo na ang kasaysayan ngvlogger ugnayan Filipinas dahil isa sa kanyang disipulo estatuwa si Ruzon Suzekaemon sa ito ay si DmitriValencia. ng mga tao. ay si Ukon Takayama. Natuto si Ukon kay Sen Rikkyu na maging chanoyu master. Alam natin na si Ukon ay

port ng Sakai city, habang may museums naman para kay Sen Rikkyu. At may private museums sa Sakai city na ipinakikita ang mga natitirang ruson no tsubo, iba pa doon sa museums sa Kyoto at ibang lugar na may ruson no tsubo din.

Kahalagahan ng mga Vloggers

Ang mga vloggers tulad ng mga binanggit ko dito ay mahalaga dahil may mga information silang ibinibigay sa tao.

Very articulate sila sa kanilang pagpapaliwanag at sa Ang pinakahuling kanilang videos. istorya ay ang Nagpapakita ang mga paglalakbay nina vloggers ng ibang Padre Pedro perspective sa mga Bautista mula Kyoto patungong NagaSmokey Mountain (kaliwa) at Manila Pier mula NLEX Harbor Link (DmitriValencia) issues, at sa mga lugar. saki bilang isa sa Nagrerecord sila ng kilalang 26 Martyrs mga bagay na makahulugan. ganda ng tanawin.

Datingsahindi ko na gumagamit ng drone. Una ay na namatay krus alam ng mga sa tao, ngayonnung ay Nagasaki isang vlogger na nagpupunta sa Sa aking tingin, ang halaga ng videos 1597.

Dahilspot. dito,Ito ang biglang popular tourist iba’t-ibang sulok ng Filipinas gamit nila ay yung recording ng mga ipinatapon ni Hideyoshi sa Filipinas naging santo si Padremula PedrosaBautista Daang Kalikasan ang motorsiklo.

Pinupuntahan niya pagbabago sa lipunan – bagong dahil kasama ang 25 ibaPangasinan pang martyrs. Ang Mangatarem, ang mgaayaw lugar na may bagong public pag-iisip, bagong pananaw kanilang martyrdom ang Zambales dahilan ngat papuntang Sta Cruz, works project. Pumunta siya sa (perspective), bagong facilities, at niyang itakwil ang kanyang pananapagpunta Pope Francis sa Nagasaki Daangni Katutubo na mula sa Aguilar, Mindanao at nai-feature niya ang bagong sistema o pamamaraan. mpalatayang Kristiyano. Dumating si 26 martyrs memorial nitong NobyPangasinan. Napakagandang bagong flyover sa Davao. Nagmotor Sila ang mga vloggers na tingnan ang mga tanawin sa siya sa Pangasinan para ipakita ang kinagigiliwan ng mga netizens. dalawang mountain roads na ito bagong gawang mountain road sa

Glen Gypsy’s

-

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NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2020

“Life is like a mirror.

Smile at it and it smiles back at you.”

– Peace Pilgrim

生き甲斐

What is your Ikigai?

By Arnel Sugay

My best friend asked me, through SMS, what I am being busy with. I told him that I am reviewing for my next training and I will be helping another trainer by giving feedback on how the training is conducted.

As I went on with my task, I got another SMS from him asking "Don't you ever get bored of your job?"

In Japan, the word ikigai means your reason for getting out of bed. I remember seeing a commercial of Nescafé using the concept of ikigai. In that commercial, the viewer is asked: "What is your reason for getting out of bed?"

When looking at the concept of ikigai, it begs the question: "What are you passionate about?" In the book "How to Ikigai" by Tim Tamashiro, he posts four things to consider: 1. Do what you love.

2. Do what you're good at.

3. Do what the world needs.

4. Do what you can be rewarded for.

The first two questions will be related to one's interests, talents and skills. Tamashiro calls this half ikigai. Full ikigai is connecting your interests, talents and skills to something bigger like how it will impact

the world and eventually how you will be rewarded by it.

Finding your ikigai is soul-searching. One needs to be alone in reflecting on your purpose or mission.

It took me several months to write down my ikigai. I love calling it My Personal Mission Statement.

Attending the workshop, The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, compelled me to examine my life and seriously consider what my purpose is. I edited my draft a few times until it was recommended that I keep it to one sentence so I can easily memorize it.

Finally I came up with "to facilitate the growth and development of people around me." This is not limited to training employees but it will also encompass the growth of my friends and loved ones.

What is the difference between someone doing a sloppy job and an extraordinary job? When people know their raison d' etre, the passion can be felt by anyone.

Because it flows from within, it cannot be faked. If you try to fake it, people will know even if you are a mile away.

Whatever your job is, do not let your job description define you. "You are not your job. It is the person who makes the job," my previous boss used to remind us.

If you have not discovered your ikigai yet, ask yourself as your alarm clock sounds off, "What is my reason for getting up? What is my purpose?" Trust the process and it will come. Or, like Steve Burns of Blue's Clues would do, he would sit on his Thinking Chair armed with his handy dandy notebook.

You can reach me at arnel.sugay@gmail.com

NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2020

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Take it or Leave it!

ADVICE NI TITA LITS

Isabelita Manalastas-Watanabe

Dear Readers: I have been doing this Dear Tita Lits column for several years now, and my past two (2) columns (letter from Maryjane of Tokyo, and Alice of Fukuoka) were the ones which have generated a lot of reactions from readers from various countries.

Letter from Maryjane of Tokyo: JP has already published readers’ comments/reactions to the letter of Maryjane. Maryjane came to Japan without good education and worked as an entertainer. Now in her 40’s she continues to work in the evenings, because she can earn better than other jobs she has tried and found out that her friends working in those other jobs (maybe like doing obento?) became fat and old because they need not take care of themselves anymore.

The biggest problem of Maryjane was the feeling of shame she sensed from his son, who was not proud about the work of her mother.

I received a “pahabol” reaction from Pinoy-Canadian from Toronto, who calls himself Lolo Henry, who got to read Tita Lits’ advice to Maryjane: “Hi Lita.

I read your advice column quite fast a few days ago and now while relaxing after dinner, I read it again slowly, digesting my food and at the same time the essence of your advice. I must say that you were born to do this - very impressed with the very practical insights you shared with MaryJane calling a spade a spade. I am so entertained with your conversational Pilipino. Parang nakikinig ako ng radio kay Tia Dely nung araw sa probinsiya.

Hopefully, one of these days, matelevise sa Ngayon, Bukas at Magpakailanman yung one of your advice stories. Until the next issue - Tita Lits, from Lolo Henry.”

Letter from Alice of Fukuoka: Alice was the reader who asked for advice on what to do with her three (3) credit cards from which she seems to

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have been addicted to using, especially when she feels lonely and gets the highs when she goes shopping uncontrollably, using her 3 credit cards which she also flaunts in a sense, to her friends, as if these 3 cards uplift her image and dignity.

This column also generated many readers’ reactions/comments. Not all are as inspirational to Tita Lits, as the one given by Lolo Henry above. Like the one below: “You always give good, sound advice like this. But why do you this? If you are doing it to promote your business there may be justifications. But if you are doing it just to help others, I suggest you reconsider. It takes up a lot of your precious rest time and I guess gives you lot of stress. If it does not stress you, by all means go ahead.” - Mr. M, one of the top 40 richest Filipinos.

“Very well written Ma! Great advice to a serious problem.

Some people talaga just don't know how to handle money, and I like how you addressed the discipline side but also the (potential) psychological side”.

- JC (my son), Philippines “I hope she realized everything you said.

But go and advise directly - maintain only one card (she cannot do as you, I believe). (And my hats off to you!). Or do what the other guy did who gave up all cards. It has become a very, very dangerous habit - spending galore.

Advise her to sell all her branded etc. etc. etc. and give up all cards (except one) (actually if she is serious, give up all). I don’t think she can do what you are doing. I can’t. We only use one card not desiring more annual fees. Yes, she has to be diligent in tracking her expenses and curtailing expenses after having spent her limit- monthly limit of expenses she should impose on herself.

The best for her is one-time payment only. Finances will be easier to manage and control without the interests plus keeping your finances in order (not everyone is like you). Just thinking

though...these Pinoys with CC- They can all read the monthly statements and expenses (Nippongo). Great!

- Marilyn Nii, Tokyo “Good advice, Lits. Palagay ko, maraming mga Alice dyan.”

- Milu, former banker, Philipppines “I hope this will help...The key to using credit cards is discipline and self-control.

Know your limit. Don't spend more than you earn. Pay on time to avoid late fees, penalties and exorbitant interests. Get credit cards that don't charge annual fees. Find credit cards that give back or offer cash back instead. Use credit cards for convenience only. I'm proud to say that CC companies never made money from me. I collected from them instead.”

- Ras, United States “If you work in a school, you would be a very good guidance counsellor”.

- Milagros T. Manalastas (my mother), Philippines “Personal finance experts spend a lot of energy trying to prevent us from using credit cards—and with a good reason.

Many of us use credit cards irresponsibly and end up in debt. However, contrary to popular belief, if you can use the plastic responsibly, you're actually much better off paying with a credit card than with a debit card and keeping cash transactions to a minimum.

When you need to make a purchase or pay a bill, credit cards can offer both convenience and the potential to save money if you're earning back some of what you spend in rewards. At the same time, you can also use credit cards to build credit history through healthy financial habits.

“Credit cards can help you build credit, but they can also work against you if you use them incorrectly. When comparing cards, be sure you understand what you'll pay in interest and fees, as well as what you stand to gain from any rewards and other card benefits. Once

you begin using a credit card, check your free credit reports periodically to make sure your account activity is being reported correctly. That can also be a good way to spot potential fraud or identity theft if your card is ever lost or stolen.

capture eyeballs. Let me show you an article I once wrote meeting Jo Koy. Do you know him? Look him up. I was probably one of the first if not the first to write about him in the Pinoy community here. Now he is a huge star. Those were the crazy times.

Credit cards are best enjoyed by the disciplined, who can remain cognizant of their ability to pay the monthly bill (preferably in full) on or before the due date. If you already know how to use a credit card responsibly, shift as many of your purchases as possible to your credit card, and don't use your debit card for anything other than ATM access. If you do, the combination of rewards, buyer protection and the value of cash-in-hand will put you ahead of those who pay with debit, check or cash.”

- Bert G., Philippines

You are welcome to put my name. No need to reference my past though. I just shared to you so you get an idea where my comments come from.”

- Jay Ortega, California, USA

“Hi Lits. Read your column. Alam mo opening statement pa lang you made Alice feel you are with her. Feel ko ang empathy at sincerity. To that is very powerful. You were able to address her issue and pointed out probably root of the problem yet you still left her to make the choice. You were able to inject the faith dimension in a very subtle way.

Para sa akin napakagandang closing yun. Galing... 2 thumbs up.”

- Nela, Medical Doctor, Philippines “I have to share that I was a writer or columnist (but far from a journalist) for a Pinoy newspaper here in LA. It was more entertainment than news. We had comic strips, articles, some news, etc. Our target market was Pinoy business here in LA. I was the first editor of the paper since I was co-owner. Another partner was in charge of graphics and the art.

Our staff was contracted in the Philippines but we printed and circulated in LA. We were popular to the community. Anyway, it was a fun run until the recession of 2007 hit the USA. I had a crazy column ala Dear Abby (and my pen name was Dr. Phil Osopo, M.D. (Mukhang Doktor). It was a column like yours but this one was all kalokohan. We talked about anything from love, relationships and sex advise in a funny way. We were a crazy bunch. And the Pinoys here loved and were always in a look-out for our news magazine paper.

Anyway, I thought I share this cause you may be wondering why I freely chimed in when you asked for comments. Back then we had the “secret formula” to

“I agree to your advice, Tita Lits.”

- Erwin, USA “I don’t use credit card, I don’t have credit card, kasi wala akong pambayad he he he, siguru Alice cut mo iyong credit card mo, para wala ka nang pang shopping.

Discipline, budgeting lang talaga.

Personal opinion ku lang po....walang magagalit...” - Priscilla, USA “Ms Lita, good evening po. Maganda po yung column ninyo because you can give a motherly advice to OFWs who are in Japan. Somehow it provides a level of comfort for the OFWs. I hope the Philippine Embassy acknowledges your noble act of caring for Filipinos who are longing for affection. More power to you Ms Lita.”

- Belitte, former banker, Philippines “Very good advice Lits. For me budgeting your monthly expenses is important. We cannot shop dahil sa emotion natin. We need to stop for what we need and not what we want. Maybe sometimes we can surprise our self but not always.”

- Elaine, United States.

“Hi lits!

1) Siguro gupitin nya muna ang dalawang credit card nya until ma fully paid nya ang utang nya doon total pwede naman sya request ng replacement if nakaahon na sya sa utang nya. Iwan lang sya ng isa yong may medyo mataas ang credit limit nya for emergency purposes.

2) Direct deposit nya salary nya para automatic payment nya i-deduct ang payment nya sa card nya. Mapipilitan syang i-control ang expenses nya dahil automatic deduction - agad ang bayad nya. Apply sya ng loan na mag pay off ng credit nya at doon nya i-apply ang auto deduction ng pagbayad ng bills nya.

NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2020

3) Huwag sya dala cc if labas sya para di sya mapilitan gumamit 4) Ipagbili nya sa on line/e-bay ang mga signature nya mga gamit para ipambayad nya if may bibili. Ganyan ginawa ng kakilala ko na same ang problem sa kanya.

5) If may kilala sya na magpautang sa kanya para bayaran nya credit cards nya at doon sya magbayad ng ibinibayad nya sa cc nya (if may makita sya which is malabo) 6) Iwas labas with friends or sabihan nya mga friend nya ahead of time, hati hati sila sa gastos if labas sila. Maging honest sya sa kanila baka ma-understand sya.”

- Lolo Henry (Henry Tacorda, Canada) “I have read the letter and your reply. You do sound genuinely willing to help and give logical and level-headed advice.

Nasa tao iyan if susundin or kayang gawin ang advice mo. Hindi madaling gawin! Had d sane problem when I first got to Stanford University. It did not take me long to realize and card charges have to be paid sometime... Dream ko nga noon card na hindi binabayaran! hehehe! Bago natapos the first term, ginupit ko na yung card and only went shopping when I had cash!”

- Violy Laraya, Philippines Thank you to all the regular readers of my Dear Tita Lits column. It really takes time and effort to continue doing a regular advice column, as per the comment of the rich businessman. But it is not only money that matters in this world. It is also sharing whatever we have, be it in the form of material things, or as simple as a shoulder to cry on…

Tita Lits

Bibigay o Ibibigay Konnichiwa, minnasan!

Nandito na naman po tayo sa huling mga araw ng taong kasalukuyan at hindi pa rin natatapos ang pandemyang Covid-19 kung saan naminsala at patuloy pa ring namiminsala sa iba’t-ibang lugar sa buong mundo. At sa kabila ng pakikipaglaban natin dito, hindi pa rin mawala-wala at natatapos ang paghihirap ng nakakarami. Bagsak ang negosyo, ang kabuhayan at ekonomiya. At sa panahon ng magpapasko at madalas na pag-uulan at pagbagyo marami sa mga magsasaka ang higit na maaapektuhan at siempre dahil na rin sa pandemya ay dagdag pahirap o pasakit ito sa ating mga kababayan lalo na dito sa Pilipinas.

Sa mga panahong ito makakapag isip ang iba sa atin kung "bibigay o

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susuko o kaya ibibigay ang iyong buong puso sa pakikipaglaban o pagharap ng kasalukuyang pinagdadaanan.

Mahirap magdesisyon at lalong mahirap harapin ang kalalabasan o resulta ng magiging desisyon na gagawin natin dahil sa panahong ito ay para tayong nagsusugal na alam nating mas malamang ang pagkatalo natin. Ngunit sa oras na bumigay tayo wala ng maraming usapan pa sapagkat tinapos at pinigil na nating lumaban pa. Bumigay na tayo at tinanggap na natin ang ating pagkatalo.

Sa kabila ng pag bigay o pagsuko ng iba ay mas marami pa rin naman sa atin ang gusto pang ibigay ang lahat ng makakaya, mas gustong lumaban at harapin ang mga suliranin o problemang kinakaharap. Na mas pinili ang ipagpatuloy ang buhay at mamuhay ng may tatag at tapang sa pagharap ng lahat ng ito.

Kagaya ko at ng ibang kababayan natin, mas pinili kong magpatuloy kahit pakiramdam na lugmok na lugmok at nanghihina ka na.

Malaking tulong ang pagmamahal ng pamilya at mga kaibigan na sumusuporta at handang sumalo sa oras na tayo ay lumagapak pababa o sa panahong tayo ay mabigo.

Sa mga taong nanatiling nagtitiwala at may simpatya sa

atin ay maituturing nating sila ay biyaya o mga anghel na ipinagkaloob sa atin ng Diyos Amang Maylikha upang gumabay at umalalay sa atin upang makabawi sa kinasasadlakan nating sitwasyon.

Sa pagsapit na Paskong ito, nawa'y mapasa ating lahat ng kagalakan, kasayahan o kaligayahan, ang kapayapaan sa ating puso at isipan, magkaroon ng pag-asa at lakas ng loob na lumaban at harapin ang anumang pagsubok na ating kinakaharap. Isipin nating palagi na ang lahat ay may katapusan. Ang lahat ay nagbabago sa gusto o ayaw natin pagkat may mga bagay na hindi talaga natin mapigilan kahit anuman ang ating gagawin bagkus mas nararapat natin itong tanggapin at isabuhay na lamang. Nawa'y maging dagdag tatag ang ating pinagdadaanan sa ngayon dahil hindi tayo nag-iisa sa panahong ito. Lahat tayo ay apektado ng makamundong nangyayari sa paligid. Ang mundong punong-puno ng kaguluhan, inggitan, kasakiman, pang-aapi at mapanglalamang.

Sa Pasko at sa pagbabago ng taon, ihanda na natin ang ating mga sarili sa mga panibagong hamon na ating haharapin. At sa pagpapalit ng taon ay siguradong

NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2020

Regalo

ni Karen Sanchez magpapalit din ang sitwasyon.

Kagaya ng mga pagpapalit ng mga namumuno sa mga nasyon. Ang mahalaga ay binigay mo ang pinaka "best " mo sa mga bagay na ginagawa mo. Nang sa gayun ay hindi mo pagsisihan balang-araw dahil ang bawat minuto na nangyayari sa buhay ay hindi na kailanman maibabalik pa.

Kagaya ng pagmamahal na lagi pinaaalala sa ating lahat tuwing Pasko at pagbigay ng Diyos Ama sa kaisa-isa nyang Anak para tayo ay iligtas at pagbayaran Nya ang kasalaanan ng mga tao dito sa lupa. Marapat lamang din siguro na ibigay din natin ang taus-pusong pananampalataya sa Kanya na magbibigay sa atin ng kaliwanagan at katahimikan na kailanman ay hindi natin nararamdaman sa mga materyal na bagay na napasa atin o atin nang naangkin sa buhay.

Hanggang sa muling hamon ng buhay, mga kababayan.

Hanggang sa panibagong pakikibaka...tuloy lang ang ating buhay!

Pagpalain nawa tayong lahat at magkaroon ng Maligaya at Masaganang Pasko kasama ng ating mga minamahal sa buhay.

Sa panahon ng Paskong ito May inaasahan ba tayong regalo?

Sa kabila ng biglang pagbabago ng mundo Tila pag-ibig na huwad na naglaho Lahat ay gulong-gulo Iba'y litong-lito at tuliro Bakit ganun, bakit ganito?

Hanggang kailan tayo kayang ganito?

Ngunit pagdilat ng aking mga mata Sa pagsapit ng bagong umaga Wari isang regalong kakaiba Nabubuhayan ang puso at umaasa At kapag takip-silim ay dumating Pikit-matang sa Diyos Ama ay nanalangin Taus-pusong nagpapasalamat ng taimtim Dahil ang regalong buhay ay aking naangkin

KWENTO NI NANAY Anita Sasaki

EVERY GISING IS A BLESSING! Yan po ang lagi kong sinasabi pagkagising ko po.

As of today, November 21, 33 days BC (Before Christmas), 8 months AQ (After Quarantine).

At ngayon po, mag PQ (PAS”Q” na Sinta ko)!

Grabe ang dala ng 2020, nandiyan ang pagputok ng Taal, dumating si Virus, at sunod sunod na mga bagyo.

Kaya lahat ng mga itong masasamang pangyayari iwan na po natin sa taong 2020. At harapin natin ang darating na 2021 na puno po ng PAG-ASA! Focus tayo kay Hesus, huwag sa virus at sa mga kaiyos, political, religious issues na puro takot at

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pangamba lang ang idinudulot sa atin.

DASAL, DASAL lagi tayo at lahat ito ay lilipas din.

Walang bagyo na hindi natatapos.

Maiksi lang ang buhay kaya huwag natin ipagpaliban pa ang pagmamahal natin sa Diyos at sa ating kapwa.

Para hindi tayo magsisi na sana mas nagbigay tayo, o mas nagmahal pa tayo.

Habang may buhay, ibigay natin ang pagmamahal na kaya nating ibigay.

I-maximize na natin. Sundan natin si Hesus sa krisis na ito sa ating panalangin, pagpapakumbaba, at ibigay sa lahat ang pagmamahal sa ating mga puso.

Pagsapit ng “Final Accounting,“ hindi tayo tatanungin kung magkano ang yaman mong naipon, ang mga plaque mo o mga parangal, mga koneksiyon o ginawa ng iyong mga kamay.

Kundi ang pagmamahal na iyong inialay sa Diyos at sa kapwa mo, ang pagmamahal sa atin mga puso.

Noon, ang mask ay ginagamit lang kung tayo ay may sipon, sakit, mga may cancer, nag ki-chemo o dialysis. Ngunit ngayon, pang araw-araw na dahil sa virus na ito. Natakpan ang ating mga ngiti na nagpapasaya sa ating kapwa.

Ngayon, palitan na natin ang “face mask” ng FAITH MASK ang ating pananalig sa Diyos!

If we think of the past, we should have GRATEFUL HEARTS. If we look forward, we should have HOPE in our HEARTS. Kaya sa paggunita natin sa pagsapit ng kapanganakan ni Hesus, dapat ang puso natin ay punong-puno ng PAG-ASA dahil PAS”Q” na Sinta ko!!!

MALIGAYANG PASKO SA ATING LAHAT!!!

NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2020

The Leap He was gone and I am still here.

"Take the leap," my father said. "But I am scared of failure," I quietly added. "Don't be afraid to fail," he keeps repeating. "It is a prerequisite for success. That is life when you’re living it." With these words, my father's voice still echoes in my ears.

My world was full of standardized restrictions. It revolves around strict rules of what was expected of me. I was in a form of a bubble full of expectations, certainties and quantifiable outcomes. However secure I felt inside that bubble, I can also feel that it was about to burst sooner if not later.

When my father died, I told myself not again. I find myself in that same vulnerable spot where I feel so weak like a twig in the middle of a storm. It was exactly how I felt eight years ago, when my mother passed away. I was so angry then when my siblings asked me to arrange my father's clothes for his burial. I already did it for my mother and the pain was agonizing. No! Not for the second time. Yet again I told them yes, it would also be best that I do it for both of them. So I can choose something for him that matches what I bought for my mother in her funeral before. Both will appreciate the matching dĂŠcor.

by Marilyn Rivera my mind.

Days earlier before his demise, we had a short conversation in his hospital bliss. He moved his hand to get my attention. I looked at him and he looked at me, he did not say anything. But I know that stare he makes so I said, "I'm okay, just get well and be well-rested in bed." Not a word from him until an hour later when I heard his voice like a worn out tape recorder, "You should do what feels right. Take your leap. Then after, you would know why."

One day, my daughters will also sit right in front of me as they see my life rolling like an indie film.

In the back of their minds, they will also construct my list of wrongs and my list of rights.

My wrongs may be longer than my list of rights.

But I pray that they will also figure out why and slowly add my wrongs into my list of rights.

"I'm jumping in with everything I have.

I am taking my leap so hold steadfastly instead.

Eyes forward with hands on the helm.

No bitterness, no sad letters, and with no regrets.

Hold on, hold on! You bold and brave!

You can only learn to fly when you start to fall."

- marilyn r.

Sitting quietly in front of him, I saw his life rolling in a film played in front of me.

From when I was a child until I become an adult, happy and sad moments with him, fights and making peace with him. And in the back of my mind, I was also constructing his list of rights and his list of wrongs.

And the list of wrongs definitely was almost twice as long as the good things in his life.

Why did he do these things? The pain he caused and the things he lost. Was it all worth it at all? In a split second, so many things ran in my mind, then I finally realized why. Suddenly his list of wrongs slowly added to his list of rights. Yes, all these were worth it for him. No doubt in

NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2020

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aMAEzing GRACE ! by Mae Grace

Celebrating Autumn in the Midst of This Pandemic

Early Sunday morning, the door suddenly burst open and inside the house came little feet with little shoes and little adorable voices calling out, “Nona, we’re here!” “Oh, hey little ones! Come in here and let me give you a very tight hug.” I answered back. I then put on my mask as my two grandsons ran towards me and then turned around so I hugged them tightly from the back as I gently planted a kiss on top of their heads. This has been our ‘new normal’ kind of showing affection since this pandemic had turned our lives upside down early this year.

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Limiting interactions in the home for our little visitors without

becoming too overly cautious could be daunting to say the least. Little kids need to move, they need lots of hugs, they need to play outdoors and run with the wind! This is where my job as a teacher comes in handy. The house has a stock of crayons, watercolors and paints. We discovered that Aiko, the kids’ mom is actually the one who is very skillful at drawing! Her boys were wide eyed with glee! Wow! Doraemon!

Mickey! Totoro! Mom can draw anything! Oftentimes, we would also do balloon art, and at times, they would help out in the kitchen by counting plates and identifying utensils. Outside in the veranda, they would water plants, blow soap bubbles and get crossed eyed from watching the caterpillars eat up the leaves too quickly. Who needs toys? Everything could be an interesting item to manipulate and learn from.

Then autumn came like a cool, refreshing breeze. Great grandma’s yard is the best place to go for fruit

NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2020

picking and running after her pet cats who used to be stray cats - a mother cat with her two little kittens. Here, in great grandma’s garden, the ‘apos’ have learned how to be gentle with other living creatures and at the same time, both our little boys developed love for nature, especially for those beautiful flowers and sweet fruit-bearing trees.

You should see them eat mandarin oranges non-stop as if those oranges would disappear if they’d stop eating.

They would collect colorful leaves and

choose the best one for a present to give to Nono, their grand pop, when they get home.

Autumn is celebrated in Japan as the best time for the outdoors owing to its beauty, cool and relaxing climate and an ambience that whets the appetite (‘shokuyoku no aki’). But of course, the little ones learn that early on in life. We would walk with them in forest and nature trails and young as they are, they could walk for hours, too, while we talk endlessly about everything! They have come to love the leaves and observed how they change their color and fall from trees like beautiful confettis.

Autumn warms the heart not only with its stunning colors and sceneries, but with heartwarming memories of family walks and autumn color hunting, of food and cooking which aftertaste work their way to the heart and soul of the beloved from the lover. Covid or not, life continues to be a celebration with our loved ones, everyday. Covid or not, autumn is here. Autumn is blessing! Autumn is thanksgiving! Autumn is love in its glorious hues and colors. Covid or not.

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Christmas in the New Normal By: Warren Villanueva Sun

Pinoys are known to celebrate the longest Christmas season in the world.

But with the emergence of the pandemic, would there be a huge adjustment and bigger challenges Pinoys will be facing for the coming holiday season? We never thought that the Covid-19 virus would stay longer than expected. There would be a lot of changes for sure living in this new normal like wearing of masks, face shield will still be on place, social distancing, sanitizing hands and all the safety protocol applicable.

With all the recent natural calamities like super typhoons that came and the existing pandemic, a lot of people are claiming that this could be their loneliest Christmas ever to celebrate.

But knowing the Pinoy resiliency, we can easily bounce back and do whatever we could to fully enjoy the Christmas season no matter what.

The traditional Christmas caroling might still be there but for the most part, will be prohibited because of social

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distancing. Huge family gatherings would still be avoided. Since the start of the lockdown, people started resorting to online selling, shopping and even bartering.

Christmas shopping would definitely make a detour this 2020. People would be more practical and would come up with the most useful presents that would be timely and perfect. Instead of giving luxury items, most people would be

opting with a suggestive gift set of facemasks, pocket of alcohol spray and other sanitizing products. We also had noticed some movements to support local products over international counterparts.

Buying locally produced products would not only benefit our fellow Pinoy entrepreneurs but this will also generate employment at the same time.

Nevertheless, Christmas shopping in malls and bazaar would still be permitted provided that health protocols would be observed. Amidst the existing global pandemic, Pinoys will still find a way to celebrate Christmas. There may be lesser family gatherings and exchanging gifts can be easily done now via Zoom and delivery service.

Simbang Gabi might be postponed for now but nothing would change in terms of Christmas illumination that you see on the streets and inside homes. And the sights of special bibingka and puto bumbong stands on the side streets would still be really delightful and inviting. Most of all, the season of gift-giving is here to stay in our hearts and extend a help to those in need.

NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2020

By Richine Bermudez

Staycation sa Hakuba!

Super blessed nga ang Nagano, kung saan ako nakatira, ng magagandang tanawin.

Kamakailan, kasama ng pamilya ko, nagpunta ako sa Mountain Harbor sa Iwatake, Hakuba.

nakasakay sa swing ng kaniyang feelings, sa pamamagitan ng pag sigaw ng YOO-HOO!!

Pagkatapos namin mag picture-picture at maglakad-lakad, eh tumungo na kami sa famous na bakery ng Hakuba, ang “THE CITY BAKERY�. Ito ay naitatag sa New York noon 1990 at dinala dito sa Japan! Dahil sa napakasarap nilang tinapay at kape, sila ay binabalik-balikan ng mga tao, kahit pa kailangan pang umakyat ng bundok para lang marating ang bakery na ito.

Ito ay sikat na tourist spot dito sa Nagano. Ito

Dahil sa pandemia, hindi kami nakapag out-of-the-country ng family ko. Cancelled muna ang annual tour namin.

Nakakapanghinayang, pero hindi pa din naman malungkot, dahil kahit sa malapit na lugar puede pa din naman kaming magsaya. Ang mahalaga, sama-sama kami!

Masaya, nakakalula at super memorable, kaya naman hinding-hindi ko makakalimutan ang aming Staycation sa Hakuba!

ay may taas na 1,289 above sea level. Sa terrace na Ito, ma-eenjoy mo ang breath-taking view ng Japan Alps - Heaven talaga ang feeling.

Para makapunta sa itaas ng bundok, sumakay kami sa Gondola, mga nasa 5 hangang 10 minuto ang tinagal bago mareach ang peak. Kung takot ka sa height, ang suggestion ko is: Always look up and just enjoy the scenery! Sa view

na makikita mo sa itaas, sulit ang pagtitiis ng takot at lula, kaya go lang!

May mga ilang-ilang attraction sa mountain resort na ito, at isa na dito ay ang, Yahoo swing.

Ang swing na ito ay may taas na 3.6 meter na naka posisyon sa summit area ng Mount Iwatake. Sa murang halaga, mararanasan mo ang makapigil hininga at nakakalulang swing na ito. Ang pinaka inaabangan sa ride na ito, ay ang pag express ng customer na

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27

footNOTES

Lala Lopez de Leon

Walk with me: Meiji Jingu Gaien - Ichou Namiki Saturday, November 21, 2020

The past week had seen an alarming increase in Covid-19 cases in Tokyo, compelling the Japanese Government to raise the alert to the maximum level 4.

Color my November vibrant yellow!

For a moment, time seemed to have stood still in the city – people stayed home, worked from home.

Is there any other spot in Tokyo more popular than this?

None, in my opinion. For a great many of the locals and long-time residents, this is the “Go To” place in the metropolis for viewing the changing of the colors in autumn.

This beautiful avenue leads to the Meiji Memorial Picture Gallery. This, I need to visit next time.

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NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2020

But the days that followed had the sun out shining brightly, as if to cheer people up!

The three-day weekend turned into a glorious display of yellow hues!

Nervous as I was, not really expecting to see such a heavy crowd that day, I thought well, who can blame them, and me, for crawling out of our caves for a glimpse of the sun and all this glory? I hid my fear beneath my face mask and face shield.

Even these pretty furry friends are having the time of their life!

If all around us was a feast for the eyes, the dishes at Kihachi were a mini-feast for our tummies. My friend Dorothy or Dorts (actually my soon to be niece-in-law) were seated on the terrace and had a really wonderful time catching up!

Autumn will always be my favorite season, and I still have over a month to take the most of it!

The day’s total was 7,485 steps. Hmm..not yet, not enough. 10,000 steps in a day is the goal!

End of the Year in Japan Alma Fatagani-Sato

All over the world, each country has its own way, of preparing, to welcome the New Year.

In Japan, the official working day ends on December 28th (it may vary depending on each company). Most of the people in Japan start the preparation on that day, but some may start a few days earlier. Everyone is quite busy, since there are many activities to be carried out before December 31st, the New Year’s Eve. The kagami-mochi (special mirror rice cakes) with daidai (Japanese bitter orange) on top, is used for offerings and eaten between January 7th to 15th (dates vary depending on which region). First appeared during the Muromachi period, these rice cakes were made manually. But, nowadays, these rice cakes are available commercially in vacuum-sealed packaging.

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The mochitsuki (rice cake making), which is a kind of special event. Family members, relatives and sometimes even friends gather and pound glutinous rice using a big wooden mortar and pestle. After pounding, they eat the freshly-made rice cakes

Year’s Eve, it’s the evening of December 31st. The family members get together and eat the toshi-koshi soba (end of the year buckwheat noodles) with shrimp tempura (deep-fried, batter-coated shrimps), while listening to the sound of the chiming bells, from the nearby temple, resonating through the crisp and cold winter air.

The shrimp having its back curved, and the buckwheat noodles that are usually long and thin, are both representation of long life.

Buckwheat noodles can be eaten all throughout the year in Japan but, the toshikoshi soba has a together. This custom seems different texture. These special noodles are easily to continue up to this time cut, which represents the all over Japan. If you are quick release from illness lucky, you may see Sumo and debts. The custom of wrestlers in some places eating buckwheat noodles, doing the mochitsuki on on New Year’s Eve, began this special event. around the middle of the Edo period.

The o-souji (general house cleaning), is a very important activity. All the corners of the I’m not very fond of mochi, but I love eating the house are cleaned and tidied-up. Most of the time, toshi-koshi soba especially with the shrimp tempura. all the members of the The taste of each dish family are quite busy with compliments each other, their own activities – work, that it creates a feast for the studies, hobbies, etc. The palate. And for me, that o-souji, promotes particular taste is special. It togetherness in the family, since every family member is makes me feel relaxed to a part of the cleaning team. end the current year and to welcome the coming of the New Year.

The o-misoka, the New

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Loleng Ramos

Pamilya

Kapatid! Merry Christmas at Happy New Year sa iyo! Excited ka na bang salubungin ang bagong taon? Masaklap lang na madadagdagan ang edad ko pero pakiramdam ko, magiging masaya at maliwanag ang 2021 basta katulad ng isang ox, kalabaw ng bukid sa Pilipinas, na siyang bidang Zodiac sign sa taong darating. Sipag lang, tiyaga, at paghawak ng mabuti sa mga responsibilidad, mangyayari ang great new year! Ilang araw na lang, tapos na ang taon pero kung may gusot sa ating buhay, may panahon pang mag-linis at mag-plantsa nito. Di ba nga Osouji (general cleaning) time na ulit!

Pero bago pa man tuluyang magsara ang taon, meron pa tayong pinaghahandaan, ang Maligayang Pasko! Nakakasaya na sa bawat Disyembre isang sanggol muli ang Diyos, nalalapitan natin at nakikita sa pagdiriwang natin ng kapanganakan Niya. Nagbibigay ng saya, ng pagbubuklod-buklod, ng pag-asa, ng kahulugan sa buhay. Nararamdaman mo din ba ang pagiging isang pamilya ng buong sangkatauhan kapag Pasko? Kahit na sa mga hindi Kristiyano, kasama din sila sa selebrasyon, dahil iba man ang nagisnan nilang paniniwala, kasama pa din sila sa isang pamilya.

Nakakatuwa nga sa pag-aayos ko ng Belen, nakikita ko ang unang pasko na binuo ng Banal na Pamilya, at miyembro ako ng pamilya nila, ikaw din kapatid, tayong lahat. Di ba si Maria ay Ina nating lahat? Palagi nga natin Siyang kasama eh, henerasyon sa henerasyon. Alam mo bang mahigit na 2,500 na apparition Niya ang nakatala simula pa ng matagal nang

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KAPATIRAN

panahon? Palagi Niya tayong inaalagaan, pinoproteksyunan, naghahatid ng mga mensahe para hindi bumaba ang parusa ng Diyos na nagagalit na sa ating mga kasalbaihan. Palagi Niya tayo sinasabihan sa kanyang mga mensahe sa iba’t-ibang parte ng mundo na kailangan nating magdasal, magsisi at humingi ng tawad sa Diyos. Sabi Niya na ang Rosaryo ang pinakamalakas na sandata laban sa demonyo. Si Fatima, pinakita niya sa mga visionary ang Impyerno kung saan nagdurusa sa apoy ang mga taong hindi kumikilala sa Diyos at ang katotohanan ng Langit na naghihintay sa atin kung mabubuhay tayo sa tamang landas.

Sa Medjugorje lang nung November 25, sabi ng Our Lady na ‘Siya ay pinadala ng Diyos para magbigay ng kasiyahan at pag-asa.

Ngayon ay panahon ng pagmamahalan, pagdarasal at galak. Ipagdasal natin na ipanganak si Jesus sa ating mga puso, buksan natin ito para makapasok si Baby Jesus na nagbigay ng Kanyang sarili para sa bawat isa sa atin. Kung wala ang maliit na si Jesus sa atin ay hindi natin alam ang pakiramdam ng

langit na nakatago sa mga bagong panganak. Kailangan nating ayusin ang ating sarili at basahin sa Bibliya ang istorya ng kapanganakan ni Jesus dahil matatagpuan natin Siya dito at ang kagalakan. Makipag-sundo tayo sa Diyos, pagsisihan ang ating mga kasalanan at ayusin ang ating sarili at makikita natin ang mga milagro sa ating paligid’. (Sa tuwing 25th ng bawat buwan mula pa noong January 25, 1987 nagbibigay ng mensahe ang Our Lady of Medjugorje sa visionary na si Marija Pavlovic Lunetti).

May nararamdaman ka bang kasiyahan kapag tumitingin ka ng mabuti sa isang Nativity Scene display? Ano mang garbong palamuti ang idagdag dito, ang nagniningning ay ang abang lugar na pinagpanganakan ng Inang Birhen sa Sanggol na Diyos, nandoon Siya. Ito nga ang tunay na kasiyahan sa buhay, hindi ang kung anu mang materyal na walang halagang bagay. Ang Diyos lang na nasa sentro, madaling lapitan, nag-aanyaya. Halika na kapatid, kargahin at i-kiss na natin ang Baby Jesus sa misa ngayong Christmas.

Simula sa New Year, tandaan natin na may Banal tayong Pamilya na kasama natin sa buhay, hanggang sa susunod na buhay kung makikinig tayo sa ating Banal na Nanay.

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MOVING ON Kailan pa kaya tayo magbabago?

by Jasmin Vasquez

Dahil sa importanteng dahilan, napilitan akong umuwi ng Pilipinas nitong nakaraang buwan. Bagamat napaka delikadong umuwi dahilan sa patuloy pa rin ang pagdami ng mga positibo sa corona virus, suntok sa buwan ang aking pag uwi ng Pilipinas. Kailangan kong mag ingat at maging alerto sa bawat kilos at sa bawat bagay na aking mahahawakan.

May suot akong face mask, face shield na talagang required kapag andoon ka sa paliparan at sa loob din mismo ng eroplano. Bawat bagay na aking mahawakan ay maya’t maya akong nag papahid ng alcohol sa aking kamay.

Pagpasok ko sa loob ng eroplano ay napilitan akong mag suot ng gloves para kung may mahawakan ako, maari kong itapon kaagad pagkatapos.

Paranoid na kung paranoid, pero kailangan kong ingatan ang aking sarili upang sa aking pag-uwi sa aking mga mahal sa buhay ay siguradong ligtas at walang kakalat na virus. Sabi nga nila, huwag mahawa at huwag makapanghawa.

Matapos ang apat na oras, lumapag ang aming sinasakyang eroplano, ngunit mga ilang minuto rin muna ang ginugol namin sa loob upang makinig at ma orient kaming lahat kung paano ang dapat namin gawin at malaman ang mga patakaran bago namin lisanin ang airport at pumunta sa hotel na aming destinasyon.

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Pag-labas ng eroplano, derecho papunta sa bayaran ng swab test at pagkatapos ay maisalang ka na.

Ngunit kinakailangan na

naka-ready na ang iyong QR code na ni-register bago ka sumakay ng eroplano mula sa Japan. Doon kasi nakatala ang lahat ng information tungkol sa iyo upang mas mapabilis ang proseso.

Pagkatapos mong bayaran sa halagang Ph4,000 ay napakabilis lamang ng swab test. Hindi pa nga siguro umabot ng 2 minutes eh tapos na ako. Doon ko na lamang hihintayin ang resulta sa hotel kung saan ako mag stay. At sa email ko na lamang ipapadala ang resulta kung ako ba ay negative or positive.

Pagkatapos ay derecho na immigration, wala namang naging problema kaya madali ko ding nakuha ang aking mga bagahe. Actually, mas mabilis pa nga ngayon makauwi at proseso sa airport kumpara noon na palaging maraming tao at sobrang bagal. After sa baggage counter, meron doong mga booth

kung saan yung registered number or booking number mo ay doon mo ipapasa yung papel mo na pinirmahan bago ka bumaba ng airplane. Tinanong ako ng isa doon kung mayroon na akong service papunta sa hotel. Ang sabi ko ay

wala di kasi ako nag pa-reserve. At dahil hindi ako pwedeng sunduin ng aking pamilya sa airport pumayag akong sila ang maghatid sa akin sa halaga daw na Ph1,300 kahit sobrang lapit naman ng hotel.

Medyo nakakadismaya dahil hindi ka man lang tulungan nung lalake na maghahatid sa amin palabas ng airport kahit hirap na hirap ka na sa pagtulak. Pagkatapos naming makalabas ng airport saka may lumapit na tutulong sayo tapos akala mo libre may bayad agad Ph150 eh wala pa yatang 30 steps nasa harapan mo na ang van na sasakyan mo.

Bago ako sumakay sa van, binibigyan ako ng resibo at kailangan bayaran 1,980 pesos. 20 pesos na lang kulang 2K na. Sobrang lapit lang naman ng hotel. So, I asked them why so much high fare. Ganoon daw talaga ang bayaran. Samantalang sinabi sa akin sa loob na Ph1,300 so kahit mahal na

NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2020

nga sa rate na iyon pumayag na ako. Parang feeling ko masyado na silang abusado. May pambayad ako pero hindi ako papayag sa ganoon. So I cancelled them. There’s a man who assisted me and helped me book airport metered taxi, and told me that it’s pretty much cheaper than the first one. I gave him tip (money) and saw happiness in his eyes how thankful he was.

While inside the taxi, binabantayan ko yung metro hahaha. His meter was a little bit faster than normal but its ok, dahil the hotel was near and I don’t think it will cost more than 500 pesos.

Luckily, when I arrived at the hotel, my fare only cost of Ph270. I gave him Ph500. He was so thankful and said if I want him to fetch me next time in the future to just call him. So I got his number. Imagine 200 pesos plus 500 pesos less 1,980 pesos. I saved 1,280 pesos. I can buy 3 buckets of Jollibee chicken joy. I am only generous to people who deserve it.

Bago ako umuwi ng Pinas, 2 persons messaged me if she can ask a favor for her baby’s milk. And another one asked to lend her money so she can start a small business. I sent them both money. Sa totoo lang, I really don’t know the first person but I want to help. And then the second one, I said to her that she does not need to pay me back, it’s my love gift to them. I am not sharing this para magyabang, gusto ko lang i-share yung pakiramdam na masaya yung palagi kang may nagagawang kabutihan. Na kesa yung pera

masayang sa walang kwentang bagay eh mas magandang mapunta sa may kabuluhan. Kesa mapunta sa mga abusong tao, mas dapat doon sa worthy na tao.

Maraming mga tao sa Pilipinas na aminin man natin o hindi eh mas lamang ang mahilig magsamantala. Porque alam nila na galing ka sa abroad, akala nila sobrang yaman mo na para abusuhin ka. Hindi nila alam kung paano mo pinaghirapan yung mga perang inuwi mo. Lalong lalo na dyan sa mga airport. Hindi naman lahat masama pero pinagdadasal ko yan na sana ay mabawasan at paunti unting mawala ang mga taong mapang abuso. Napakaganda siguro ng mundo kung Diyos at puro kabutihan ang mangunguna sa ating puso.

Kailan pa kaya tayo magbabago?

Simulan na natin ngayon. Gamitin natin sa tama ang mga biyayang ipinagkaloob sa atin. Lalo na sa panahon ngayon na napakahirap at mas lalo pa tayong pinahihirapan ng pandemyang nangyayari sa buong mundo. I pray na sana maging maayos na ang buong mundo.

Mag-ingat po tayong lahat.

Thank you Lord sa kaligtasan ng bawat isa. Sa mga biyaya na kahit hindi kami karapat-dapat at hindi namin hinihiling ay iyong ipinagkakaloob ng labis labis. Naway gabayan mo kaming lahat sa araw-araw.

Ito’y idinadalangin namin sa pangalan ni Hesus. AMEN! Shout Out sa mga naghatid sundo sa akin sa airport at hotel. Love you all!!!!

IHAWAN: 11th ANNIVERSARY!!!

Dear Friends of IHAWAN,

It has been 11 years since we followed our dreams and took the leap of faith in opening the first Asian Restaurant and Disco, Bar and Entertainment at the heart of Kabukicho, Shinjuku, Tokyo.

the performers, who gave time and shared their talents during our 3-Day Anniversary Celebration on November 27, 28 and 29, 2020. Cheers to Year 11 and to all of you, supporters of IHAWAN Shinjuku.

I would like to extend my overwhelming thanks to all of you who have supported IHAWAN these past 11 years.

We are truly blessed with your unconditional love and support that we have grown to become the place we are today. We promise to give you a better and cozy place that you can always call “home�.

Again, on behalf of my staff who also did a great job, maraming, maraming salamat po! Thank you so much for your continued loyalty and love as we move into another year filled with pure fun, local entertainment and a great time! Wishing you all a blessed season of hope and much love. See you soon on your next visit! God bless!

I would also like to thank all

Mama Aki

P h i l i p

D iz o n

T o r r e s

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