Jeepney Press #110 March - April Spring Issue 2021

ジープニー プレス

在日フィリピン人 向 け マ ガ ジン

March - April 2021 2021年3月-4月

110 ISSUE

Art Object & Design by DENNIS SUN

Celebrating The Journeys Of Filipinos In Japan

Pahayagang pinoy sa japan

Celebrating The Journeys Of Filipinos In Japan

Pahayagang pinoy sa japan ジープニー プレス

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

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

We reserve the right to edit or omit any submissions.

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

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

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

Jeepney Press is published online bimonthly

by Asia Vox Ltd. All rights reserved. Copyright 2021

JEEPNEY PRESS A sia Vox Ltd.

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

publisher ASIA VOX LTD.

IRENE SUN-KANEKO editorial & creative director

DENNIS SUN Editorial Board Contributors

Cover design and art: DENNIS SUN

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

contents 06 YOMU Editorial / Dennis Sun 08 Kusina / Tita Chris Yokoyama 10 On The Road / Neriza Saito 12 Traffic / Alma Reyes 14 Isang Araw Sa Ating Buhay / Jeff Plantilla 16 Life Is A Journey / Glen Gypsy 17 Rewarding Good Behavior / Arnel Sugay 18 Take It Or Leave It / Lita Manalastas Watanabe 20 Dondake! / Karen Sanchez 22 Kwento Ni Nanay / Anita Sasaki 23 Acupuncture / Marnie Chan 24 Amaezing Grace / Mae Grace 26 Love During Pandemic / Richine Bermudez 27 Food for Doll’s Festival / Alma Fatagani-Sato 28 Moving On / Jasmin Vasquez 30 Footnotes / Lala Lopez de Leon 32 PASADA Shizuoka-Kyoto-Miyagi-Fukuoka 38 The SUNny Side of Happiness / Ching Pangilinan

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

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VISA CHANGE VISA EXTENSION PERMANENT BUSINESS ELIGIBILITY KOSEKI JAPANESE CITIZENSHIP

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OK VISA OFFICE

090-2908-5088 (SB)

editorial by Dennis Sun More than a year into the coronavirus pandemic, we are still being advised to stay at home as much as possible, and if we ever go outside, practice social distancing. But staying inside for an extended period of time goes against human nature and impactful to our mental health.

Everyone must now be familiar with the anxiety and stress.

Inside our homes, we watch too much TV and spend much time online, resulting into information overload. Being informed via news and social media can be beneficial but too much information, or worse, fake news, can be detrimental.

We have to limit excessive exposure to media coverage and block the negative ones.

One effective way of dealing with stress is being in tune with nature. We are living

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読む

YOMU

means to read in Japanese

breathing creatures of nature after all. For almost a year now, I have been “nature bathing” to keep me well. I wake up early in the morning to commune with the plants and trees, with flowers and bees and butterflies, and the obaasans and ojiisans that I meet on the pathways.

And perhaps the spirits that abound in nature, as well. In Japanese, even rocks can be imbued with spirits! Being one with nature is my stressbuster in this pandemic.

And it’s free!

If you are old enough, you may remember this wellness trend actually emerged during the 1980s. It was called SHINRIN YOKU, meaning “forest bathing” which is a practice of mindfully walking through the woods and taking it all in through our senses.

There are a lot of good forests around Japan where you can do hiking or mountain climbing. In fact, some of the senior citizens living in our condo go on a mountain hike every season. I envy them because even at their age, they are still physically active.

March -April 2021

And they enjoy life. Perhaps this is the true fountain of youth!

But we don’t have to go to the faraway forests since there are numerous huge and beautiful parks and gardens even in the middle of the metropolis. Take Tokyo as an example. There are several noteworthy enormous parks like Shinjuku Gyoen, Ueno Park, Yoyogi Park, Hibiya Park, Inogashira Park, Imperial Palace East Garden, and lots more. And in Tokyo, every neighborhood has a designated park for families to spend time to bond and play.

The best place to go, of course, is to visit your nearest park. Because it is there where you can practice your “nature

bathing” everyday. If you don’t find a park, a garden will do. If you don’t find a garden, how about enjoying your balcony? Buy some potted plants and turn your balcony into a nice cozy garden.

No balcony? You can still get your daily dose of nature by simply opening or looking out a window!

Enjoy the sights and sounds of nature.

See the sunrise and sunset.

Watch the stars and follow the clouds.

Listen to the songs of the birds. The swaying of the trees and the flapping leaves.

Enjoy the beauty of spring! No one can stop the spring; not even this pandemic.

Photos by Dennis Sun

If you wish to know the divine, feel the wind on your face and the warm sun on your hand.

—Buddha

March - April 2021

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KUSINA Easy and delicious, seasonal recipes ni Tita Chris Yokoyama

Ang Kimchi, ang pambansang pagkain ng South Korea, ay isang maanghang at sari-saring fermented na gulay.

Ang Kimchi ay ayon sa tradition na ginawa sa pamamagitan ng pagsasama ng pechay baguio, scallion, o labanos sa isang brine na may bawang, luya, powdered or chili paste, at patis, then allowing the ingredients na mag-ferment.

Ang Kimchi ay may isang mayamang kasaysayan sa South Korea na nagsimula pa sa higit sa dalawang libong taon na ngayon ay adapted na sa buong mundo.

Ayon sa tradition, ang kimchi ay fermented sa mga cool na hukay sa lupa upang makatulong na makontrol ang bilis ng paglaki ng bacteria. If properly made, tumatagal ito ng isang taon.

Ang Kimchi ay isang malutong, masarap na pagkain na maaaring magbigay ng kamangha-manghang mga benepisyo sa kalusugan.

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Health Benefits: Ang mga vitamins, mineral, at antioxidant sa kimchi ay maaaring magbigay ng mahalagang benepisyo sa kalusugan.

Ang Choline, na matatagpuan sa kimchi, ay isang natural na compound na mahalaga sa pagpapanatili ng iyong mga cells, kalamnan, nervous system, at maging ang iyong mood.

Mahalaga ang Choline para sa pagpapanatili ng iyong memory.

Ang Kimchi ay mayaman din sa Vitamin K, which helps your blood clot and keeps your bones from becoming brittle.

Ang Kimchi ay isang fermented na pagkain, na ginagawang isang mahusay na PROBIOTIC. Ang parehong bacteria ng lactobacilli na matatagpuan sa yoghurt at iba pang mga fermented na produkto galing sa gatas ay matatagpuan din sa kimchi. Ang pagkonsumo ng tinatawag na "good bacteria" sa kimchi ay makakatulong sa iyo na mapanatili ang isang malusog na pantunaw.

Ang pagkain ng mga PROBIOTICS na matatagpuan sa fermented na pagkain ay maaaring makatulong na mabawasan ang mga negatibong sintomas ng maraming mga gastrointestinal disorder,

MARCH - APRIL 2021

tulad ng Irritable Bowel Syndrome at pamamaga ng colon. Ang pagpapanatili ng isang malusog na “gut flora”ay mahalaga sa iyong pangkalahatang kalusugan.

Ang mga PROBIOTICS ay ipinakita upang mapabuti ang kalusugan ng puso sa pamamagitan ng pagbawas ng kolesterol at pamamaga.

Ipinapakita ng mga pag-aaral na ang kimchi ay maaari ring mabawasan ang iyong panganib ng atherosclerosis sa pamamagitan ng mga antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cholesterol lowering properties.

Ang vitamin C na matatagpuan sa kimchi ay maaari ring makatulong na mapalakas ang iyong immune system.

Ang Kimchi ay mayaman sa beta-carotene at iba pang mga antioxidant compound na makakatulong na mabawasan ang peligro ng malubhang mga kondisyon sa kalusugan tulad ng stroke, cancer, diabetes, at sakit sa puso.

Ang Kimchi ay isa ring excellent source of vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, Folate, Beta-carotene, Choline, Potassium and calcium

Let's try to make our own version of "Homemade Kimchi" Napakaraming mga recipe para sa paggawa ng iyong sariling kimchi sa bahay.

Ang pinakamahalagang bahagi ng paggawa ng kimchi ay panatilihin ito sa isang cool, stable temperature to allow it to ferment before unwanted bacteria can grow.

KIMCHI（1kilo or more） 1000 ml. water 3/4 cup sea salt / rock salt 1000 grams pechay baguio (Napa cabbage) 1 bundle nira（cut 10cm.） 1 pack shiitake daikon（optional）diced cut carrot（optional）julienned 2 Apples（1 julienned 1 blender） 1clove garlic 1 pack ginger 3/4 cup gochujang (Korean Red Chili Paste) 3/4 cup chili powder 2 tbs. powder dashi 3 tbs. patis 3/4 komekoji 4 tbs. suka 2 tbs.brown sugar（optional） Ibabad sa water and salt mixtures ng 2 hrs ang pechay（hakusai）diced cut daikon. Banlawan sa running water at salain mabuti para hindi watery and salty.

I-blender ang garlic, ginger, apple（1）at komekoji, Ihalo sa mixture ng gochujang, chili powder, patis, dashi, suka at sugar.

I-mix lahat ng veggies sa mixtures ng kimchi sauce.

Ilagay sa tupperware or any kinds of lalagyan, stay for a day sa table（outside ref）.

I-refrigerate sa vegetable corner. Serve after 2 days or more mas malasa.

Here are some ways to add kimchi to your diet: • Stir fry Pork kimchi • Tofu toppings • Use kimchi as a filling in an omelet.

• Make bibimbap with kimchi.

• Nato kimchi • Hotpot with kimchi • kimchi mix with vegetable salads • Stir kimchi into homemade fried rice or any savory grain bowl.

• Add kimchi as an ingredient on your next sandwich.

MARCH - APRIL 2021 2021 JANUARY - FEBRUARY

09

Neriza Sarmiento - Saito's

On the Road to A Bird’s Eye View On the Plight

Of Airline Companies MR. RAPHAEL G. ROMUALDO Area Manager PAL, Western Japan

On March 27th, I joined a live zoom session called Fiesta Filipinas organized by the Department of Foreign Affairs.

Fiesta Filipinas is a series of online events featuring Philippine festivals, culture and tradition. The 3rd event was “Visita Iglesia“, coinciding with the Lenten season. As a matter of fact, I felt very nostalgic especially when various churches in Iloilo were shown in the virtual tour. It has been more than a year since I got on a plane, and now wondering when I’ll ever get a chance to travel back home again.

As temperatures get mildly warm and cherry blossoms are in full bloom, it doesn’t

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seem to suffice my desire to smell the scent of flowers and candles at Processions on “Miyerkules Santo” and “Biyernes Santo“ and the sound of neighbors singing at a “Pabasa“.

There’s really nothing more satisfying than being in the Philippines to enjoy our festivals once the pandemic is under control.

The airline industry is one of the many businesses that suffered a big blow and many lost sources of livelihood. After some months of uncertainties, I am finally able to convince Mr. Raphael G. Romualdo, the Area Manager of Philippine Airlines, Western Japan to be featured here.

It has been years since a new Filipino manager has been assigned in Kansai after Mr. Antonio Herrera, who retired as Asst. Vice-President of Philippine Sales. When Mr. Tomoyuki Nagao,

MARCH - APRIL 2021

the former Area Manager in Western Japan was promoted to Country Manager in Tokyo, Mr. Romualdo was assigned in Osaka.

The soft-spoken and quiet Mr. Romualdo arrived in Kansai on a freezing winter night with his wife Donna and young son, Noah. Neatly tucked inside his luggage was a rosary and a crucifix and with that he was ready to meet the challenges of his first ever assignment abroad.

The young manager’s father is from Cavite and mother is from Pampanga. His parents were very pious, a trait he has passed on to his son. His parents always told him that “Nasa Diyos ang Awa, nasa tao ang gawa“. After graduating from Colegio de San Juan de Letran, he worked in several domestic branches of Philippine Airlines before being assigned as Branch Manager in Laoag, Kalibo and Clark.

He met a young staff in one of PAL’s ticketing offices, Donna, romance bloomed and they tied the knots. It was after 6 years that their son Noah was born. Raphael says that “Becoming a father made me realize that I am not only a provider to my family but also a partner in raising a God-fearing and responsible child.“

Apostles Creed) Just before the year ends, communities are going to keep the holiday mood deep inside us. Whether it’s a big group or not, Filipinos have to hold Christmas parties complete with games and exchange gifts.

We were invited to Prof.

Miyawaki’s home this week for a Christmas Party with the sophomores and some third year students. Homemade 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 When COVID-19 brought a that sweets aren’t good for their teeth.crisis, But then thetravel boy saidindustry global the again, “But it’s going to be my suffered a setback. They had to gift for the Baby Jesus”!

adapt business practices to the In spite of theIn grief webeginning, had this new normal. the it year over the loss of some wasmembers too difficult for him this to cope of our community yearBimboy Latoja, On Mr . Bibiana with the changes. top of that, “Mommy“ Ishita and Annabelle he Sosogi, was terribly homesick the little boy‘s comment because his wife and son could of hope and celebrate the birth notof come Japan our trueback love...to Jesus Christ!because of the pandemic until finally MALIGAYANG AT they before the endPASKO of 2020, MASAGANANG BAGONG TAON were finally reunited.

SA INYONG LAHAT!!! It was a relief for him to have his family by his side at a time when he

and in Japan.

had to make important decisions.

Their tasks became more crucial because aside from safety standards as top priority, they have to monitor travel and quarantine restrictions in the Philippines

April in Japan is a time for a fresh start, that’s why school begins in April, new workplaces, transfer to new homes. Cherry blossoms bloom after a long, cold winter. And most of all, it’s Easter, a very significant celebration of the resurrection of Jesus and a chance for us to reflect on life!

We also hope that our country’s foremost airline can recover from these adversities.

The following are Mr. Romualdo’s response to Jeepney Press’ Questions: When you first arrived in Osaka, what were your impressions?

I noticed that it is a foreigner-friendly place. Aside from English translations in many signages, the people are kind and helpful especially when you ask for directions. They also talk in a calm and polite manner.

When you are homesick, what do you remember most about the Philippines and what do you do to cope with this?

When I’m in the Philippines, I look forward to Sundays. After hearing mass, our families gather and enjoy a meal together. Also the “Ber” months make me feel more homesick because over there, people start to play Christmas songs and start decorating for Christmas. To take my mind off homesickness, I joined a group of other foreigners who play basketball at sports centers all over Osaka. This helped me see other places where I can bring my family.

Would you like to give a message to our kababayans in Japan?

I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to all Filipino communities in Japan for supporting and patronizing PAL. Rest assured that PAL will continue to serve its purpose and that is to be of service to the Philippines and the Filipino people.

MARCH - APRIL 2021 2021 JANUARY - FEBRUARY

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TRAFFIC by Alma Reyes

“Ryosaikenbo” for Eternity A couple of months ago, women’s status in Japanese society was the spotlight of so much hullabaloo in the media.

Former Prime Minister Yoshiro Mori, who was then Olympic organizing committee chief, lit himself in fire for carelessly stating in public that women talk too much causing board meetings to drag on endlessly. Perhaps, if such a remark was proclaimed in the 1950s~60s, Japanese may have taken it nonchalantly. However, as we slide closer to the middle of the 21st century, Mori’s “slip of the tongue” rampaged television and social media across the globe as crude sexism. For a country like Japan that has always been protective of its national and international image, the attack on female discrimination had to be dealt with like greased lightning.

What better solution to camouflage women’s helpless position in Japanese society than to push Mori out of the door like punishment and lay the red carpet for a woman replacement in former Olympic medalist Seiko Hashimoto. To further add glitter to the carpet, twelve new female members now occupy seats in the Olympic committee

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executive board—a far cry from Prime Minister Suga’s cabinet with only two female ministers.

Consequently, the action may have silenced social media, and probably made Japanese women relieved and even proud that finally, they can be deservingly recognized for their capabilities rather than continually carrying the flag of “Ryosaikenbo.” But, was that really enough?

“Ryosaikenbo,” (良妻賢母) literally “good wife, wise mother," was first coined in 1875 and identified the ideal womanhood in Japan: a woman who was expected to master domestic skills and develop moral strength and propriety to raise strong, intelligent children. Traditionally, childbearing was viewed as a “patriotic duty,” and although the modern age has witnessed more women entering into the workforce, many female workers still feel obligated to serve their superiors, quit work after marriage or childbirth, or refrain from asserting one’s ambition too aggressively—an action that is still, even today looked upon as “unladylike.”

In my own experience having worked in Japanese companies, I was not unique among female employees who had to make and serve tea to

March - April 2021

colleagues and guests.

“Normal” tasks unrelated to my scope of work included buying milk at the convenience store or buying stamps at the post office. A study has shown that despite the Equal Employment Opportunity Act enacted in 1956, only 8% of the 1.2 million Japanese companies as of April, 2020 attained position of female president. According to the World Economic Forum’s report on Global Gender Gap in 2018, Japan ranked 114 of 144 industrialized nations.

On the domestic front, “Onna wa sanpo sagatte,” (女は三歩下がっ て) is still very much a cultural practice in marriages and households. The saying connotes that the wife maintains three steps behind her husband at all times, and never to walk side by side. This applies as well to the company setting where often women are seen walking a few steps behind their higher ranking male executives. Where “ladies first” is practiced in many countries, “men first” is omnipresent in Japan. Surely, the modern era has tried to progress beyond this archaic tradition, and has even assigned the label “Nikushoku-kei” (carnivorous) for active women in society. Yet, despite such recent developments in gender equality, seeing sexism scrapped off from the Japanese scene appears to be merely a fictional ideal; wishful thinking, if put more accurately.

Finding employment in Japan for women above 35 years old is excruciatingly harsh; moreso for married women and mothers.

Female television reporters and announcers are expected to be young, charming, and attractive to some degree. Some TV variety and talk shows use young women as “props,” dressed in “pleasing” attires, such as short skirts or school uniforms, seated in the background behind the main commentators, with no apparent roles. The term “companion” is reserved for female usherettes or guides in events or fairs, who are again, young, attractive, sometimes dressed like stewardesses or in anime-like attires.

Although few feminist groups exist, the general consciousness itself for women’s rights is evidently weak. A resigned sentiment of “shoganai” seems to be the most peaceful way out of conflict and confrontation, which many Japanese dislike. This, perhaps, is living proof of a firm and solid tradition that Japanese believe needs to be guarded to preserve their cultural identity—like a permanent chain that many Japanese, young and old, are less willing to unfasten so easily. And, whether Japanese women feel either content or powerless with such an unalterable gender system can only signify that their pursuit of happiness may linger somewhere else.

ISANG ARAW SA ATING BUHAY

ni Jeff Plantilla

Sa panahon ng COVID-19 pandemic, ang borders ng mga bansa ay nagsasara.

Pinipili ang pinapapasok. Sa ilang bansa, kailangan ng certificate ng negative result ng test para sa COVID-19.

Ganun din sa Filipinas.

500 Taon ng Kristiyanismo Ipinagdiriwang ng simbahan ang ika-500 anibersaryo ng pagkakaroon ng Kristiyanismo sa Filipinas sa taong 2021. Ang 500 na taon ay binilang mula 1521 na taon ng pagdating ni Ferdinand Magellan sa Visayas.

Isa sa mga naitulong ng simbahan sa mga tao sa Filipinas ay ang pagtatayo ng mga ospital, na gumagamit ng gamot at uri ng panggamot mula Espanya o Europa. Halos lahat ng mga grupo ng relihiyosong misyonero ay may kaugnayan sa pagtatayo ng ospital sa Filipinas.

Ang mga Kastilang Pransiskanong misyonero ang unang nagtayo ng European-type na mga ospital sa Japan. Itinayo ito sa Kyoto nung 1594-1595 - isa ay ang ospital Sta Ana para sa mga may Hansen disease (leprosy), at pangalawa ang ospital San Jose para sa mahihirap.

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Sa Maynila, nagtayo ang mga Kastilang Pransiskanong misyonero ng ospital para sa may sakit kasama yung may Hansen disease. Nagtayo sila nung 1578, pagkarating na

pagkarating nila sa Maynila, ng isang maliit na bahay para sa mga mahihirap.

Ang unang ospital ng mga Pransiskanong pari ay tinawag na Hospital de Naturales sa loob ng Intramuros na itinayo nung 1580.

Ito ay pinupuntahan hindi lamang ng mga tao sa Maynilad kundi ng mga taga-ibang bansa tulad ng mga Hapones, Chinese, Thais, Cambodians, Borneans, at Africans.

Sinasabi na bago pa dumating ang mga Kastila, maraming tao na ang may sakit ng Hansen disease sa iba't-ibang lugar sa Filipinas.

Paghiwalay ng mga may Hansen disease Sinabi din na ang mga may sakit ng Hansen disease bago dumating ang mga Kastila ay pinatitira sa mga malalayong isla na para lang sa kanila. Dahil nakakahawa ang Hansen disease, dapat ilayo ang mga may sakit ng ganito sa karamihan ng mga tao.

Nung dumating ang mga Kastilang misyonero, dala nila ang panggagamot na ginagamit sa Espanya nung 16th at 17th centuries. At sinasabi na nung mga panahong yon sa Europa, ang mga Pransiskanong pari ang may pinakamaraming ospital para sa may Hansen disease.

Nung 1630s, 150 Hapones na may Hansen disease ang ipinatapon sa Maynilad. Sinasabing ipinatapon sila sa Filipinas, malamang sa utos ni Ieyasu Tokugawa, dahil sila ay mga Kristiyano. Ito ay panahon na

March - April 2021

ipinagbabawal na ang Kristiyanismo sa Japan.

Nguni’t sa imbes na sila ay pagdirihan o itaboy, sila ay malugod na tinanggap ng Maynilad. Dinala sila sa ospital ng mga Pransiskanong pari para sa may Hansen disease at ginamot. Pinalaki ang ospital na ito, na pinangalangang Hospital de San Lazaro, para magamot ang mga Hapones. Sinuportahan din ng pamahalaang Kastila ang kanilang gastos sa pagpapagamot dahil sila ay itinuturing na mabuting Kristiyano na tinanggap ang parusang pagpapatapon sa Filipinas dahil sa kanilang paniniwala sa relihiyong Kristiyano.

Quarantine sa panahon ng pandemya

minsan sa bahay.

Mahalaga ang ating mental state sa panahon ng pandemya na mahigit isang taon na ang tagal. Kaya mahalaga na meron tayong pinaglilibangan. Pero hindi dapat mawala ang pag-iingat, at ang social distancing ay mahalaga kahit pansamantala sa ating paglilibang.

Natutunan sa 500 taon ng Kristiyanismo May mga taong hindi natutuwa sa 500 na taon ng Kristiyanismo sa Filipinas dahil sa mga bagay na nawala (tulad ng katutubong paniniwala sa relihiyon o spirituality) at sa mga abuso ng simbahan at pamahalaan nung panahon ng Kastila.

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

Bilang Fransiskanong misyonero, nagtayo si Padre Pedro Bautista ng kapilya sa noon ay liblib na lugar na tinawag na San Francisco del Monte (sakop ng Quezon city, at ngayon ay may simbahan na) at isa siya sa nangalaga sa mga Hapones sa Maynila bago siya ipinadala sa Japan nung 1593 ng Governor General ng pamahalaang Kastila sa Maynila para maiwasan ang banta ni Hideyoshi na sakupin ang Filipinas.

Ukon sa Maynila kasama ang pamilya Nguni’t anongHapones natutunan natin sa at iba pang Kristiyanong Pag-aaral ng mahabang nung Disyembre ng 1614.

Namatay si paghihiwalay sa mga infected ng Kristiyanismo na mahalagang relasyon ng Filipinas at Si Sen Rikkyu ay malamang na may araw dahil Japan COVID-19. May quarantine period Ukon makalipas gamitinang sa40 panahon ngsapandemya? ruson no tsubo para iimbak ang hirap ng biyahe sa dagat at tanda na pag-uwi sa Filipinas.

At kung dahon ng tsaa na ginagamit niya saserious rin.

Isang paraan para maging malalim ang chanoyu. ang kondisyon, kailangang may Maaaring ito: huwag umasa sa ng Filipinas at Japan ay ang ugnayan Si Ruzon Suzekaemon at Sen Rikkyu pag-aaral ng kasaysayan ng ugnayan ng 2 special treatment sa kanila para milagro.

May konting relasyon si Sen Rikkyu sa ay ipinagmamalaki ng Sakai city. May bansa, lalo na ang kasaysayan ng ugnayan hindi makahawa sa mgadisipulo Filipinas dahil isa sa kanyang estatuwa si Ruzon Suzekaemon sa ng mga tao. ay si Ukon Takayama.

Natutoat si Ukon gumagamot na doctor nurse. port ng Sakai Huwag city,nating habangisipin may na pipigilan kay Sen Rikkyu na maging chanoyu museums naman para kay Sen kaagad ng Diyos ang paghawa ng master. Alam natin na si Ukon ay Rikkyu. At may private museums sa Kailangan na rin ng personal virus sa Sakai mgacity tao,nabasta’t hihiling borders. May social distancing at tayo. May nabalitang Pastor sa ipinakikita ang mga natitirang ruson facemask (at face shield na rin) para Amerika na nagsabi sanomga kasapi doon hindi magkahawahan. niya na tsubo, hindi iba siyapatatablan ng sa museums sa COVID-19 dahil sa Diyos. Hindi Kyoto at ibang na may siya rusonng COVID-19 May nagsabi sa akin na sa cathedral tumagal,lugar na-infect no tsubo din.

Sa ngayon, mahalaga din ang Toyotomi.

sa Osaka, wala silang magawa kundi palabasin sa simbahan ang sinumang sumisimba sa misa na walang facemask. Ito ang alintutunin ng simbahan sa misa.

Karamihan sa ayaw sumunod sa alituntunin ay mga may lahing puti.

Bakit nga ba mahirap sumunod sa alintutunin ng isang institusyon na para naman sa ikabubuti ng lahat?

at namatay.

anumang okasyon – minsan sa isang restaurant, minsan sa karaoke,

Sabi nga “We Heal as One” – samasama, walang iiwanan.

Ang pinakahuling

istorya ay ang At ito pa:

paglalakbay nina Padre Pedro “Nasa Diyos ang awa, nasa tao ang Bautista mula Kyoto Nagagawa” –patungong Kaya gawin ang dapat saki bilang isa sa gawin. kilalang 26 Martyrs na namatay sa krus “Ang sakit ng kalingkingan ay sakit sa Nagasaki nung 1597.

Dahil dito,– Kaya hangga’t ng buong katawan” ipinatapon ni Hideyoshi sa Filipinas naging santo si Padre Pedro Bautista may25taong hindi safeAng sa infection, dahil ayaw kasama ang iba pang martyrs.

Mayroon din tayong mga kababayan rin tayo lahat. kanilanghindi martyrdom angsafe dahilan ng niyang itakwilang ang pagpa-party kanyang pananana patuloy para sapagpunta ni Pope Francis sa Nagasaki mpalatayang Kristiyano. Dumating si 26 martyrs memorial nitong Noby-

Glen Gypsy’s

Breathe it all in.

Love it all out.

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March - April 2021

Rewarding Good Behavior

By Arnel Sugay

This is a story about a

frog, a snake and a fisherman.

One weekend, a f i s h e r m a n decided to relax and go fishing.

After a few minutes, he saw a snake near his boat, with a frog in his mouth. The fisherman felt bad for the frog. He reached for the snake and plucked out the frog from its mouth. The fisherman was happy. The frog was happy not to be eaten alive. The snake gave the fisherman a sad look.

Feeling sorry for the snake, he looked at his picnic basket and took a bottle of beer and poured it into the snake's mouth. Now the snake, the frog and the fisherman were all happy.

T h e fisherman went back to fishing, waiting for a fish to bite his bait.

Half an hour later, he saw the same snake and this time the snake has two frogs in his mouth.

What can we learn from the story above? A behavior that is rewarded gets repeated. Make sure that we are only rewarding good behaviors.

Something similar happened in one of my workshops. The training runs for a few days. I started on time and I did not wait until everybody showed up. When others showed up I continued with my training without going over the material that they missed.

The next day, all my late participants showed up on time.

I rewarded those who came in early by respecting their time.

What are we rewarding both at home and at work? What behaviors would you like to see repeated?

Send your comments arnel.sugay@gmail.com

illustration: Dennis Sun

March - April 2021

to

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Take it or Leave it!

ADVICE NI TITA LITS

Isabelita Manalastas-Watanabe

Dear Tita Lits Readers, and all other OFWs in Japan: Last Feb. 22, 2021, a zoom meeting for Filipinos/OFWs in Japan was arranged by our Philippine Embassy in Tokyo, to discuss investing in Retail Treasury Bonds (RTB). I joined that meeting, as I thought I could help in disseminating the information, at least to my company’s remittance clients, if not to all OFWs in Japan.

However, as you can see from the above marketing collateral introducing RTB25, we cannot anymore participate in the offering as the deadline was last March 4, 2021 already.

Those who joined that Feb.

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22 zoom meeting had only a window of less than two (2) weeks to make a decision to invest, much less to understand better what an RTB is, and to complete various requirements to be able to participate. I asked the head of our Bureau of the Treasury if the offering could be extended, but the answer was no.

There may be succeeding offerings in the future, so I would like to assist our OFWs in making very basic and simple explanation on whether it is worth investing in RTBs or not.

1. As you can see in above marketing collateral, the annual interest rate offered is 2.375%, higher than the prevailing savings rate (or even time deposit rates) offered by Philippine banks,

and super high as compared to interest rates in Japan (almost zero, to negative!).

2. Note, however, the maturity of the investment – three (3) years. It means you are expected to hold on to the RTB for at least 3 years, to be able to enjoy the full 2.375% annual interest; 3. You have to remember that if you are earning in Yen, then you need to remit your Yen to your acceptable RTB settlement Peso savings account in the Philippines, to be able to purchase, or sell your RTBs; 4. If you are in the Philippines, and earn in pesos, then you do not have to worry about foreign exchange (FX) risk. Invest in Pesos; earn in Pesos; 5. But if you are using foreign currency like Yen to remit to your designated bank settlement account in the

March - April 2021

Philippines, you have to think of the possibility of an FX loss (or gain).

Example: (1) The Yen has been relatively weak recently; whereas we used to get PHP4,600 or more for our JPY10,000, now we get much lower (current exchange rate as of this writing is around 0.4350, or PHP4,350 for your JPY10,000); (2) PHP5,000 is the minimum amount you need to purchase one (1) RTB. So if you remit PHP5,000 to your settlement bank account in the Philippines, and the JPY/PHP exchange rate you got was 0.4350, you will need to remit JPY11,495 (PHP5,000 divided by 0.4350); (3) So you bought one (1) RTB, investing JPY11,495 for this; (4) Your annual interest earnings for your PHP5,000, @2.375, will be PHP118.75 if you will continue to keep your RTB and not terminate it; (5) So you have earned PHP118.75 for the first year; (6) The JPY/PHP rate can rise to 0.4600 very easily a year from now. So your original investment for your RTB of JPY11,495, will be worth PHP5,287.70 (JPY11,495 x 0.4600), without doing anything.

Your Yen has gained by

PHP287.70 as compared to PHP118.75 interest on your RTB (which you still have to hold on for another 2 years); (7) Of course, it can also happen that the JPY/PHP rate can go down by 0.4250 for example. If this happens, your JPY11,495 original investment will be worth PHP4,885.38, less than the PHP5,000 original investment.

I think you get the picture.

It means that when we invest from one currency to another currency, our exposure to possible loss (or gain) is always there. A Peso to Peso investment will give you Peso earnings, so no need to worry about FX loss. But of course, there is also inflation that will affect the real value of your Pesos.

If inflation goes up after one year of your investment, your pesos will be able to buy less amount for the same commodity. Inflation rate should then be lower than your anticipated interest earnings, to be able to have a net gain from your investment.

Below are useful links that our Embassy circulated when they invited participation to that zoom meeting last Feb. 22, 2021. www.treasury.gov.ph link https://www.treasury. gov.ph/rtb25/ FAQs about RTB: https://www.treasury. gov.ph/wp-content/upl oads/2021/02/RTB-25 -FAQs.pdf Flyer about RTB: https://www.treasury. gov.ph/wp-content/upl oads/2021/02/RTB-25 -Flyer.pdf To open an Online Overseas Filipino (OF) Bank Account, please check this link: https://www.ofbank.co m.ph/products-service s/e-banking/retail-inte rnet-banking In the event that there will be another RTB offering for OFWs in Japan, you will be more prepared to make an intelligent decision.

LOVE SCAM How are you in this new normal-- which is a totally "abnormal" way of living so far?

How was your valentine? Well, I am hoping that everyone is okay and living as normal despite this current situation all over the world where everyone is getting scammed one way or the other.

covid19 patients or places which Corona virus are at high risk.

Scam is a deceptive scheme or trick used to cheat someone out of something.

3. Dating and Romance Scammers are taking advantage of people looking for romantic partners often via social media, dating apps websites by pretending to be prospective companion. They play on emotional triggers to get you.

They will promise everything just to make you believe them. They will tell you sweet honey sugary words for you to provide money, gifts, personal details or even sex.

Their social media accounts will be deactivated, sim cards, phone or cell phone numbers changed and cannot be reached. They are lost and cannot be found. In short, you are scammed!

Scammers take advantage of people looking for romantic partners and pretend to be prospective companion.

They are professionals in terms of manipulating people and you can hardly determine or recognize that they are.

SCAM

We can be victimized easily because they use emotional words like love. And we, as fools easily believe it.

ALERT scammed.

I want to share with you a few examples on how scammers do and why many of the people around the world were

1. Covid19 Scam People are using this pandemic situation to collect money for the

2o

2. Buying and Selling Scammers prey on consumers or businesses that are buying or selling products or services that not all of their transactions are legitimate like gold, diamonds etc.

4. Fake Charities Scammers impersonate genuine charities to collect donations or contact you claiming to collect money because of the natural disasters, calamities or major events and give to the victims but in reality, it goes to their own pockets and investments.

5. Investments Sometimes we are looking for fast way to make money and scammers invented all sorts of fake money-making

March - April 2021

opportunities to prey on enthusiasm and get hold of your cash.

6. Jobs and Employment As of today, many of us have lost our jobs, businesses have been closed and many scammers have tricked people into handling their money by offering a "guaranteed way to make fast money or a high paying job for little effort.

There are many more ways how scammers or cheaters do. It just like how many times we fall in love with the wrong people. We give everything we could. We love them whole heartedly, but in the end, we are still back to zero and again, longing for love and happiness, praying for our "forever." Despite the heartaches or broken hearts and failures, we don't stop searching for what we want in our lives. We try again and again. Some people continue to fail. A few may be successful, but broken hearted.

Lucky are those who found their partners, and those who are giving without doubt and without expecting something in return.

Blessed are those who did not suffer that much to have what they dreamt of and to those who did not experienced this "love scam."

Again, every thing that happened in this world has a good reason, and only our Lord God knows what’s the best for us. We pray for the fast recovery of the world in YHWH's name.

HAWAKKAMAY

ni Karen Sanchez

Sa oras na ako ay nalulumbay At ang buhay ko na ito ay nanamlay Nais kong maramdaman ang hawak-kamay Mula sa taong nagmamahal sa ‘kin ng tunay Sa magulo at masalimuot na daigdig At sa bawat kulog, pagyanig at nginig Takot at pangamba ramdam sa dibdib Sa isang hawak-kamay alab ang nananaig Pag nawawalan na ako ng pag-asa At para bang ako ay nanghihina na Kapag hawak ng kamay mo'y ramdam ko pa Nagkakaroon ako ng tiwalang lumaban pa Sa panahong ngayon may pandemya Hindi lahat ay pwede hawakan ang kamay nila Ngunit maramdaman lamang na sila'y di nag-iisa Maiibsan hirap at lungkot na nadadarama

KWENTO NI NANAY Anita Sasaki

EVERY GISING IS A BLESSING! Bagong Hinaharap. Nakikita mo ang mga ningning sa kanilang mga mata. Kaligayahan. Ngiti sa kanilang mga labi.

EVERY GISING IS A BLESSING TO ALL! Ang bati ko po sa mga mambabasa ng Mga Kuwento Ni Nanay dito po sa ating JEEPNEY PRESS. Hindi na gaanong malamig ang panahon ngunit paiba-iba pa rin ang temperature at mahangin. Kaya dagsa naman ang meron “kafun” or allergy dahil sa pollens.

Unti-unti na ring mamulaklak ang mga Sakura. Pag namulaklak ang mga yan... Hay! Anong ligaya ng mga tao, hindi lamang mga Hapon, lahat po! Ngayon nga palang na halos sumisilip palang ang mga bulaklak, tuwang tuwa na sila. Ngayon pa lamang wala na silang pinag uusapan kundi ang pamumukadkad ng Sakura. Parang sa pakiwari mo, meron silang inaantabayanang bagong bukas, bagong buhay, bagong pag asa. Parang yon mga bulaklak meron dalang BIYAYA.

Ganyan ang mga napapansin ko sa aking pinupuntahang “Day Service.“ Parang pangyayari sa ating buhay. Dumarating ang panahon sa buhay natin minsan okay tayo, pag dumarating ang mga problema o pagsubok sa buhay parang maihahambing natin sa mga puno nang Sakura.

May panahon na napakaganda ang tindig ng mga puno, green na green ang mga dahon.

Pagdating ng autumn, dahan dahan nag iiba ang kulay ng mga dati berdeng dahon, maya maya ang mga dahon ay nag kulay orange, yellow gold at magiging brown na parang lantang mga dahon na mag uumpisa ng malagas.

Ang dating matipunong punong kahoy ay biglang wala nang natirang dahon. Parang ang tingin natin sa puno ay nalanta na. Napakalungkot na tanawin.

Biglang walang kabuhay buhay ang mga puno. At ito ay panahon na nang tag lamig o “winter.”

Malungkot na tanawin ang mga punong nalagas na ang mga dahon. Parang wala nang buhay.

sanga ng puno. Sa bandang kalahatian ng Marso hangang katapusan, ayun meron nang namumulaklak na mga puti or light pink na bulaklak. At, wow biglang sunod sunod na halos sabay sabay ang mga nag gagandahang mga Sakura o ang Cherry Blossoms na mamamangha ka sa GANDA. At masasabi mong “God made all things beautiful.” Napakaganda po talaga. Parang milagro. Ang sa tingin mo’y parang patay na puno ay biglang makikita mo ang mga bulaklak naggagandahan sa iyong paligid na napaka gaganda.

Ayan ang dulot sa ating nang mga naggagandahang SAKURA O CHERRY BLOSSOMS! Parang ganitong Mahal na Araw or Holy Week. If there is GOOD FRIDAY for sure we have EASTER SUNDAY. May the meaning of Easter reflect in your life and you along with your family, experience the renewal of love and happiness! May we all rise to glory with Christ!

At pagdating ng buwan ng Marso, dahan dahan meron tayo nakikita mga bubot na nasa mga

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March - April 2021

ACUPUNCTURE Health Points

SEASONAL ALLERGIES, HAY FEVER, & FLU four horses or si ma

sanchasan

By Marnie Chan So, you are 'under the weather', eh. You present yourself with runny nose, teary eyed, sore throat, cough, fever, muscle aches & joint pains all over, splitting headaches the whole shabang!

- Si ma [or four horses T88.17, 88.18, Sounds like you?

88.19] = this is a 6-needle [3 needles on each thigh] powerhouse against These days, you'd rather cough. A go-to treatment against keep mum and not colds and flus. It is an excellent choice announce it [on social for seasonal allergies and immune media or elsewhere] unless system weakness. All things sinus, si you don't mind others ma treats. Name it: loss of smell, nasal casting the stones of polyps, nose bleeding... The only Covid-19 label [and stigma]. thing si ma can't do for your nose is make it pointy should you were born Here's to a drug-free with a flat one. approach to treating such conditions!

Unbelievably, it can treat nearly all kinds of skin disorders -- pruritus, Three [3] acupuncture acne, shingles, psoriasis, eczema, etc. points [involving 10 Si ma is Master Tung style practitioneedles] that would work ners' favorite point for fibromyalgia, wonders on your favor: multiple sclerosis, hemiplegia, facial [This is not to say they are paralysis, ear infection, deafness, the only ones effective tinnitus, thyroid issues, goiter [heck, I against these illnesses. just treated someone's goiter recently.

There are a lot more It just disappeared after several acupoints that can be used sessions. Drug-free. Just needles.], effectively for such coronary heart disease, chest pains, conditions.] asthma, emphysema, bronchitis, even sciatica. Whew! Now, that's a tall order.

March - April 2021

Add sanchasan T22.17 [1 needle] into the treatment protocol, plus LI20 [bilaterally which means 2 needles], and last but not the least, fenjin T44.01 [1 needle].

LI20 immediately unclogs nasal congestion. Special technique is applied so it won't be painful for the receiver. Fenjin and sanchasan both stops even severe coughing.

You want a drug-free, exceptionally quick recovery? There, you got it!

Be well. Enjoy the seasons.

Marnie Chan #thehealingpowerofacupuncture

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aMAEzing GRACE ! by Mae Grace Springs of Hope!

I can understand why the Japanese are going gaga over sakura blooms in springtime no matter how they witness them bloom year after year after year...

What makes the sakuras so special is that they are so fleeting. We enjoy them for a little while and then there they go, gone with the wind, but leaving wonderful memories, and tons of pink carpets everywhere. They are like signs of hope, that no matter

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March - April 2021

how fleeting, will keep on blooming every time, same time, next year. That after the freezing cold of winter while looking gray and barren, they will wake up from their sleep in the spring and scatter indescribable beauty and colors everywhere! Eternal hope! Like Easter is to Lent.

We had lost Hanami 2020 to pandemic last year, but not all flowers and sakuras are fenced off inside famous parks. These flowers which I photographed were all taken from my daily walks in spring. Many are from a nearby park, some are specially propagated and preserved, the rest are just some lowly weeds. In spring, kahit mga damo, nagpapakitang gilas. So, there. Look out the window, smell the fresh spring air. Take a step outdoors, and may it lead you to discover the beauty not just among the flowers, but more importantly, the beauty that is in every creation.

March - April 2021

25

Richine Bermudez

Are you single or in a relationship?

Ever since the pandemic, the number of "lonely women and men" has risen to the limit. There are more single people now compared to the days before Covid-19.

Prior to this dilemma, people were free to attend parties, have dates here and there, travel, etc. thus allow them to find the possible other half to become the love of their lives.

But now, that's not easy to do anymore. We all have to be careful of our decision and be always vigilant with our actions.

Is there still a chance to find love during these times? How? Dating apps are still famous, young men and women, use different dating apps nowadays to meet people. But is it still worth it?

On dating apps, you’d exchange Hi’s and Hello’s, then exchange “lines” which means, you passed the first level and now on to the

26

second level of the game, then finally, plan to have an “eyeball” or meeting in person.

Meeting new people, whom you have not met yet, but already have a relationship with is very thrilling, it’s exciting, BUT risky at the same time. All the more during this covid time, when you meet people, even your own family or friends is very risky.

So, is it worth doing it? Would take the risk of being infected with Covid-19 in search of the love of your life? Or would you be willing to wait until this pandemic is over?

Art by Dennis Sun I wish that we’d all surfaced victoriously in this battle! I can’t wait to go back to the “old normal” where we gather and have fun without the fear of getting infected by the virus.

But for now, along with those men and women who are waiting for their future sweethearts, I’d hide in the safety of my room while contemplating and asking the

question: Where is the love?

March - April 2021

Special Foods for The Doll’s Festival (Hinamatsuri) By: Alma Fatagani-Sato Chirashizushi (scattered sushi) is a type of sushi made with fish, shrimp, raw vegetables, The Doll’s Festival denbu (pink colored fish floss) (Hinamatsuri) also known as and kinshi tamago (thinly The Girls’ Day is a special day shredded egg) on the top of celebrated every March 3rd to vinegared rice. wish for girls to grow up in The Dodomese of Fukuoka of good health and happiness.

Bizen Province (Setouchi City) is said to be the very origin of this The days preceding the festival, young girls hold parties with their type of sushi. There are various styles of chirashizushi and as friends and enjoy eating these such, the ingredients may also special foods prepared for the vary depending on each region, festival while playing the traditional game called Kai-awase. namely-- Edomae (Edo style), This is a shell-matching game (kai Gomokuzushi (Kansai style), Sakezushi (Kyushu style), meaning clam and awase Tekonezushi (Mie Prefecture), meaning matching) played and Barazushi (Okayama originally by nobles in the Heian Prefecture). It is also called Era. The inside of the shells were Okayama-zushi, Bizen-zushi painted with a picture and the and Matsuri-zushi (which are rule of the game is to find the the commercial names of matching shells. It’s very similar barazushi box lunches). to the western Memory Game, the only difference is that, cards Hishimochi is a multicolored are used instead of shells. The rhomboid-shaped rice cake typical special foods are: layers, which represents fertility. The colors of the three Arare (also known as kakimochi in other countries like Hawaii) are (3) layers from top to bottom three-colored, small bite-size rice are red or pink, white, and green. The red layer is colored crackers that shaped like pellets of snow, which makes it different using the gardenia fruit, the white using the water caltrop from the Japanese senbei (rice and the green using mugwort. crackers). They are made of Depending on region, the red popped glutinous rice and may be substituted with yellow, flavored with soy sauce. Each or it may have 5 or 7 layers color of these rice crackers have instead. meaning: White represents the earth of the winter, pink and red Amazake literally means sweet represent life, while green alcohol but is safe for children represents the green shoots in to drink since it has less than 1 the spring. It is believed that if percent of alcohol in it. It is a you eat each color, you will be traditional Japanese drink healthy during the year. made from fermented rice.

Nowadays, it comes in many People usually drink it hot colors, sizes and varieties. during the cold winter days.

March - April 2021

You can buy it anywhere usually packed in glass bottles, cans or tetra bricks.

Sakuramochi is a pink-colored rice cake (mochi) with a red bean paste (anko) filling, wrapped in a pickled sakura (cherry blossom) leaf. Different regions of Japan have different styles of sakuramochi.

Kanto-style uses shiratama-ko (refined rice flour) to make the rice cake, and Kansai-style uses dōmyōji-ko (glutinous rice flour).

Sakuramochi is usually eaten during the spring season, especially on Girl's Day (hinamatsuri) and at flower viewing parties.

Ushiojiru (clam soup) is a clear soup with clams as the main ingredient, flavored with salt and sake (Japanese wine). Since the symmetrical shells snugly fit each other, it is a symbol of unity and peace of a couple.

Some other foods enjoyed during the Doll’s Festival may also include the ichigo daifuku (soft, chewy rice cake with strawberries wrapped in red bean paste filling) and inarizushi (deep fried sweet tofu pockets, filled with rice).

My personal favorite is the amazake. It’s low on calories since there’s no sugar content and it gives the energy boost you need whenever you feel tired. Drinking it is also believed to keep your skin and hair beautiful. If you happen to be in Japan during this festival, try to enjoy the taste of these special foods.

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MOVING ON ni Jasmin Vasquez

pag-asa kapatid sapagkat lahat ng mga pagsubok na darating sa ating buhay ay kakayanin nating lahat. Kapit ka lang at magtiwala kay Jesus.

Naalala ko noon trabaho ako ng trabaho kahit palaging panggabi sa kaisha ok lang dahil mas malaki ang sweldo. Kahit araw araw o gabi ako mag overtime ok lang. Basta kikita ka ng malaki. Ang sarap tingnan ng mga payslip ko dahil ang lalaki ng kinita ko.

Pero wala pang isang linggo wala ng laman ang wallet ko. Natira puro resibo na lang ng mga bayarin ko dito sa Japan maging sa Pilipinas.

He’ll do it again!!!

Ikaw ba ay nawawalan na ng pag-asa sa buhay? Na pakiramdam mo ay para ng walang kulay ang iyong buhay?

Yung feeling na wala ng sigla at wala ng kwenta at gana sa lahat ng bagay?

Trabaho ka ng trabaho ngunit bakit hindi pa rin sapat sa lahat ng iyong pangangailangan ang perang iyong kinikita? At dalasan ay sasayad lamang ng ilang saglit sa iyong mga palad ang natamong sweldo ngunit sa isang iglap ay biglang naglaho at matatanong mo na lang sa iyong sarili na “Saan napunta ang aking sinahod?”.

Pag minalas malas ka pa ay wala ka ng sasahurin dahil na advance mo na ang pera o nakapangutang ka na.

Sunod-sunod na pagsubok na para bang wala ng katapusan.

Nag iingat ka naman sa iyong pangangatawan pero sa di inaasahang bagay, ikaw ay dinapuan pa ng isang sakit na malubha. Dahilan para mas lalo kang ma depress sa buhay.

Huwag kang mawalan ng

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Sobra akong nag woworry sa lahat ng bagay na kapos ako. Lalo din pag dadating na si Judith (due date) hehehe... Pero hindi ko naisip noon na sa kabila ng lahat ng mga nangyari sa buhay ko ay sobrang daming blessing na naibigay sa akin at naituro sa akin ng mga trials na binigay Niya.

Nagkaroon ako ng sariling bahay, napag-aral ko ang aking mga anak.

Minsan ay nagkakaroon ako ng sakit ngunit hindi naman malubha. Salamat sa ating Amang nasa langit.

Na realize ko na bakit ba ako nag woworry pa eh lahat ng mga trials na pinagdaanan ko eh nakayanan ko naman. Lahat naman ng aking hiniling ay binigay nya sa tamang oras at kung talagang will ni Lord na ibigay ay ibibigay Niya. Sabi nga sa isang kanta, “you may not know how and you may not know when but “He’ll do it again”.

Paulit ulit Niya tayong tutulungan sa ating mga pangangailangan.

Kapatid, kung ikaw ay may karamdaman, walang imposible sa ating Panginong Jesus. Lahat ng ating kahilingan ay ibibigay Niya. Sabi nga sa bible: Matthew 7:7-12 Mateo 7:7-12 MBB05 “Humingi kayo at kayo'y bibigyan; humanap kayo at kayo'y makakatagpo; kumatok kayo at kayo'y pagbubuksan.

Sapagkat ang bawat humihingi ay tatanggap; ang bawat humahanap ay

makakatagpo; at ang bawat kumakatok ay pagbubuksan.

Bibigyan ba ninyo ng bato ang inyong anak kapag siya'y humihingi ng tinapay? Bibigyan ba ninyo siya ng ahas kapag siya'y humihingi ng isda?

Kung kayong masasama ay marunong magbigay ng mabubuting bagay sa inyong mga anak, gaano pa kaya ang inyong Ama na nasa langit?

Bibigyan niya ng mabubuting bagay ang sinumang humihingi sa kanya!

Gawin ninyo sa inyong kapwa ang nais ninyong gawin nila sa inyo. Ito ang buod ng Kautusan at ng mga isinulat ng mga propeta.”

2 Corinthians 1:10, ESV: "He delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will deliver us again." 2 Corinthians 1:10, NLT: "And he did rescue us from mortal danger, and he will rescue us again.

Kaya kapatid, kaibigan pagagalingin ka ng panginoon. Magtiwala ka at manampalataya sa Kanya. Hindi ka Niya pababayaan. Pinapanalangin ko sa ating Panginoon na pagalingin Niya ang lahat ng may sakit, Hipuin mo sila at bigyan ng kalakasan upang matagal pa silang makapaglingkod sa Iyo. Panginoon, biyayaan mo po sila ng mga pagkain at inuming pupukaw sa kanilang gutom at uhaw. Naway matapos na ang pandemic na kumakalat sa buong mundo. Alam naming hindi mo po kami pababayaan. Maraming salamat sa lahat ng biyayang kahit hindi namin hinihiling ay iyong ipinagkaloob sa amin.

Maraming salamat sa pagpapatawad, sa pagkalinga at kalakasang iyong ibinibigay sa araw araw. We love you, Lord for all the mighty and amazing things you do for us each day. These things we ask and pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

I would like to take this opportunity to invite everyone near Iida, Nagano-ken. If you have time on Saturday, April 24, 2021 at 2pm, please join us, for we are celebrating the 6th year anniversary of JTG Iida.

March - April 2021

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

footnotes Lala Lopez de Leon Walk with me: Photographing Trees

We simply cannot let our guard down, not yet. We haven’t even received any news about the vaccine for the rest of us in Japan.

We continue to strictly observe the health protocols, while we try to go about our lives as “normal” as we possibly can, day by day.

A challenge to our physical and mental health, really, as tough and restricted our lives have become. In a way, this situation we are in now has forced us to take the “simple” route: just take life slow and easy, do things the simple way to avoid stress and use whatever energy you have to care for yourself!

That would include the occasional outing for a breath of fresh air and to indulge in simple pleasures like people-watching while munching on oh-soyummy Takoyaki or Kebab at a bench by the roadside.

These outings have also suddenly made me realized

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how much I have missed looking at trees!

“I think that I shall never see, a poem lovely as a tree.” (Trees by Joyce Kilmer)

The following days will turn our surroundings into a canvas splashed with a lovely hue of pink! We see the blossoms now half-way peeking out of buds to greet

March - April 2021

the sun! Watching it grow, seeking out the sun, and braving the wind, we find renewed hope. Life goes on…and nature never fails to remind us that!

Until I am able to visit my favorite parks and gardens, the streets of Asakusa and nearby areas are my garden!

PASADA

shizuoka with Melinda Yamashita

Shizuoka City has many beautiful places to visit and Nihondaira Yume Terrace is definitely one of them. It is located at the top of Nihondaira plateau in Shimizu District. This spot is an observatory facility which offers visitors an amazing view of surrounding area, all blend beautifully with its impressive modern, wooden design architecture. The main feature of the facility is the octagonal observation deck where you can enjoy the stunning 360 degree panoramic views of Mt. Fuji, Shizuoka City, Suruga Bay, Japanese green tea fields and many more. There is also an observation gallery that explain the history

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and culture of Nihondaira. You can also enjoy seasonal flowers and greenery all year round at the 1,200 square meter garden. Don't miss Nihondaira Yume Terrace if you are visiting and looking for a panoramic view of Shizuoka City.

- Melinda Yamashita, Shizuoka City

March - April 2021

PASADA kyoto with Emi Arai

Kiyomizudera literally "Pure Water Temple"is one of the most celebrated temples of Japan. It was founded in 780 on the site of the Otowa Waterfall in the wooded hills east of Kyoto, and derives its name from the fall's pure waters. The temple was originally associated with the Hosso sect, one of the oldest schools within Japanese Buddhism, but formed its own Kita Hosso sect in 1965. In 1994, the temple was added to the list of UNESCO world heritage sites.

Kiyomizudera is best known for its wooden stage that juts out from its main hall, 13 meters above the hillside below. The stage affords visitors a nice view of the numerous cherry and maple trees below that erupt in a sea of color in spring and fall, as well as of the city of Kyoto in the distance. The main hall, which together with the stage was built without the use of nails, houses the temple's primary object of worship, a small statue of the eleven faced, thousand armed Kannon.

- Emi Arai, Kyoto City

March - April 2021

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PASADA

MIYAGI with Charity D. Sato

Masamune and Aoba Castle On the ruins of the famous Aoba Castle in Sendai City is a statue of a samurai on horseback with an eye patch and a crescent-moon-bearing helmet overlooking the city. He is not just any samurai. He is Date Masamune (1567-1636), the founder of Sendai and the most powerful feudal lord of the Tohoku region. Highly skilled and ambitious, he was feared throughout the land as "The One-Eyed Dragon" due to his missing eye. Under his rule, Tohoku soon became a popular destination for tourism, trade and prosperity. Aoba Castle was home to the Date clan. The castle was also known as Sendai-jō or as Gojō-rō. In 2003, the castle ruins were designated a National Historic Site.

This is a must-see when you’re visiting Sendai.

- Charity D. Sato, Sendai City

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March - April 2021

PASADA

fukuoka with Rosemarie Aritaka

The 41m long reclining Buddha at Nanzoin Temple in Fukuoka The main sight at Nanzoin Temple is Shakanehanzou or the Death of Buddha statue.

It is the world's largest bronze statue of the Shakyamuni as he reclines and passes towards Nirvana; this statue is 41 meters long, 11 meters tall, and weighs roughly 300 tons. It is the same size as New York's famed Statue of Liberty.

When you visit Nanzoin Temple, make sure to hold the cords tied to the hands of the Buddha statue. Many people pray while holding the strings. According to believers, through these cords, you will receive the power of the Buddha. See for yourself the next time you visit Fukuoka!

- Rosemarie Aritaka, Fukuoka City

March - April 2021

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