Celebrating The Journeys Of Filipinos In Japan
Pahayagang ジープニー プレス pinoy sa 在日フィリピン人 向 け マ ガ ジン japan November - December 2021 2021年11月-12月
114 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 2021
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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 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 The Black Friday Craze / Richine Bermudez 18 Take It Or Leave It / Lita Manalastas Watanabe 20 Dondake! / Karen Sanchez 22 Acupuncture / Marnie Chan 24 Amazing Grace / Mae Grace 26 Japanese Movies / Alma Fatagani-Sato 27 Why Trust is Important / Arnel Sugay 28 Kwento Ni Nanay / Anita Sasaki 30 Walk With Me / Lala Lopez De Leon 32 Moving On / Jasmin Vasquez
UP School of Economics
ATTENTION:
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読む editorial
YOMU
means to read in Japanese
Photos by Dennis Sun Location: Koishikawa Korakuen Gardens
by Dennis Sun
The autumn season has arrived already! With your jackets to keep you warm, you delight on the beautiful fall foliage of red, brown, orange, and yellow colors. On social media, you see the usual posts and poses. How lucky are we to be enjoying the four seasons. In a sense, having four seasons do seem to make the year go fast. In a blink of an eye, they will all come and go. So fast...that we won’t even know they’re gone. Halloween, All Saints Day, All Souls Day and Thanksgiving have already passed. Did you even notice? Now, we are approaching Christmas, Bou Nen Kai (Year End Parties) and O Shou Gatsu (New Year). Notwithstanding that the pandemic is still here and deadlier than ever with the new variant, Omicron, life goes on, day in day out. We wake up, go to work, and then go home and dream about the holidays. Nevertheless, we have to celebrate holidays differently with more precautions: staying at home, wearing masks, washing our hands. Though holidays are about people gathering together, we are advised not to meet and gather to prevent the spread of coronavirus. So, how shall we celebrate the holidays? We weren’t prepared last year with this new dilemma. We were caught off guard with the pandemic.
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Now, we know better about virtual celebrations. We still can’t have another normal holiday this year. Not yet. It is truly good that we are living in the future of high technology. We still can create the spirit of the holidays through face-to-face video chat, a telephone call, an e-mail, or even a text message with emoji hugs and kisses. But please, forget the fax! In addition, for the traditional in us, we can still write and send Christmas cards or Nen Ga Jou (New Year’s postcards). The celebration goes on. But in a different way, of course. We can still raise our glasses on a virtual kanpai. Of course, it will all depend on the situation, place and what’s happening in our part of the world at the moment. It doesn’t have to be the same all the time. The meaning of the holidays remain constant. I’m definite that we will continue to laugh and love. And live.
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Photos by Dennis Sun Location: Koishikawa Korakuen Gardens
“Life has many seasons. Learn to adapt to the environment around you and learn from the wonders of nature. Be like a tree!” - Judith Wardell
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Neriza Sarmiento - Saito's
On the Road to
C marks the Spot for Connection, Community and Camaraderie with CONSUL-GENERAL VOLTAIRE D. MAURICIO Philippine Consulate General OSAKA - KOBE
“T’was the night before Christmas, and all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a.... but alas, someone... so jolly and bright comes out from the kitchen with a chopping board laden with holiday delights!!” Oh.... Christmas is a time to fantasize and a time to get-together and I was only trying to put our featured personality as a parallel to St. Nicholas or Santa Claus, who can bring a smile to any child and to any other person of any age. Consul-General Voltaire D. Mauricio, his wife, Bell and their family arrived in 2021 for his new post at the Philippine Consulate General in Osaka-Kobe. When the officers of the Philippine Community Coordinating Council paid him a courtesy call on June 10, they were in the middle of moving to their new residence and their road bikes were still unpacked. “Our family likes to go cycling together that’s why we brought our bikes here from the UK. That’s my wife’s passion. We hope to see as many places in Japan where we can meet more Filipinos,” he said. Despite his magnanimous presence, Congen has a way of putting anyone at ease by simply asking about where one is from and amazingly, he would know the specialty of that place. That’s another passion of the Mauricio family - good food. For instance, he knew where to eat the best “Serkele“ in Baliuag or the best “Bagnet” in the Ilocos region or the most famous place to have “Sisig” in Pampanga. There’s a special way
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by which he makes his listeners savor the taste and aroma of any dish through words. A big fan of the late writer on Philippine theater, cultural historian and food critic Doreen Fernandez, Congen Voltaire brings anyone to a journey beyond Epicurean delights and the process of partaking of the meal. It’s more than “pagtikim” (tasting) that later turns into a memorable experience when the food is not simply “masarap” (delicious) but also “malinamnam” (delectable). That meeting was the beginning of more memorable experiences with Congen Mauricio and his family and staff at the
Philcongen for meetings with other Filipino communities in other parts of Japan. He explained several issues commonly asked by Filipinos in Japan clearly and simply such as Dual Citizenship,
Absentee Voting and judicial jurisdiction of divorce. That can be attributed to his strong background in law and politics having graduated from the University of the Philippines in Diliman (Bachelor of Law) Ateneo de Manila University. Former Consul in Osaka, Senen Mangalile was on the same Sigma Rho fraternity in the College of Law. They belonged to the batch of young diplomats in the DFA under the tutelage of Ambassador Antonio Villamayor who was also the Consul-General in Osaka in 2003 and was the moving force in the transfer of the consulate office in the OBP. “Consul-General Senen Mangalile was my boss in the Embassy in London. I was the First Secretary and Consul, so we were on several outreach missions together. First and foremost, we must know our Filipino community in our area and respond to their needs. They should be treated with respect, as being individuals not as statistics.“ True to his word at the first exploratory meeting with the PCCC in Mie Prefecture, Congen Voltaire and Bell and their two
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young daughters and the Consulate staff have been on the road almost every other weekend for consular outreach to Hiroshima, Fukuoka, Kyoto, Kurume, Hyogo, Mie, Shiga, Takamatsu, Yokkaichi and Nagasaki. Congen has already met with some mayors of those cities. His goal is to visit all the 23 or more prefectures. And so what makes Congen so admirable aside from his being a connoisseur of good food, a food bon vivant, a lawyer of high caliber? His wife, Bell was quick to say that any experience with him is so memorable because he can talk about topics for hours without you getting bored at all. Then I asked him, “Had you not decided to become a diplomat, what profession would have been good for you?” He answered, “A teacher because I’d like to be an inspiration to young minds.” Meanwhile, as the Mauricio family gets ready for Christmas in Japan, Ms. Bell will be busy putting up the traditional Filipino lanterns and will be cooking their Noche Buena in her favorite set of kalderos. Congen will be chopping and serving guests. Like Santa, a caring Congen doesn’t need to unlock doors to get into the hearts of people. MALIGAYANG PASKO AT MASAGANANG BAGONG TAON! More from Congen and Mrs. Voltaire D. Mauricio Where are you from in the Philippines? V: Davao City and Manila B: Calamba, Laguna and Silang, Cavite What activities were you involved in before being assigned in Japan? Department of Foreign Affairs’ Legislative Liaison that coordinated with the House of Representatives and the Senate First Secretary and Consul at the Philippine Embassy in London
sensor, etc. B: They are very fashionable and trendy. I also love the changes in seasons and the Japanese know how to blend with the colors of each season, as if they are also part of the natural landscape. When you are lonely and you long for the Philippines, what do you do to overcome those? Well, by meeting our kababayans. By engaging with other Filipinos we re-engage with things we miss. Sharing the food we like is essentially going back to things we miss back home because food brings back memories of our beloved Philippines. What is one good Filipino value that your parents taught you? Pakikipagkapwa-tao, Paggalang sa nakatatanda, at pakikisama ng tunay. One long-lost tradition that we have taught our children is “pagmamano“ or “kissing the hands of our elders“. That was one of the most treasured tradition that my grandmother taught us and of course, the use of “Po” and “Opo“ when talking with people older than us or with our superiors. What thing from your province or from the Philippines did you bring to Japan? V: Sangkalan from Surigao called Magkuno (real heavy one) because I want to serve people at parties and break bread together with them because it’s the best way to get acquainted quickly.
When you arrived in Japan, did you notice something different in behavior, attire, way of talking or relationships with other people? V: I noticed their sense of meticulousness on matters that other societies take for granted. For instance, things that we use everyday in our daily life, the toilet, has been elevated to that of a shrine of modern technology - the flushing sound, music, the lid with
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B: Kaldero at Kawali because my family enjoys cooking. What items did you bring home as a souvenir from Japan on your first homecoming there? A lot of Japanese sweets, the Japanese corned beef in a tiny can, canned sardines and mackerel and of course, instant ramen. Which places of interest in Japan have you visited since your assignment here? V&B: Nunobiki Herb Garden in Kobe, a grape farm in Kashiwara, and a garden in Mie Prefecture. In your present position as a diplomat, were there some experiences that are truly unforgettable or memorable for you? While in the UK, there was one special occasion that we were invited to a High Tea with her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth. At the last moment, I decided to wear a “Barong Tagalog“. As we were having tea and exchanging pleasantries with other guests, Prince Phillip came up to me suddenly and said “Your Barong is exquisitely beautiful!!!” He surely knows that it is made from pineapple fiber. I was absolutely elated as he really singled me out among the many other guests present and at the same time proud of our Barong and wondered also that he must have been worried that I wasn’t dressed warm enough for the garden tea party.
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by Alma Reyes
TRAFFIC Japanese Christmas = Illumination Christmas time means different things for different people. For many of us who are separated from our families and loved ones during such a festive occasion especially during this pandemic, Christmas in a
“foreign”? More baffling is why Christmas Eve in Japan connotes some pressure to find a partner to spend that supposedly romantic evening with; thus, restaurants on the Eve are usually swarmed by couples, whereas I have always understood traditional Christmas in our country as the precious time for family togetherness. It’s no wonder that Japan concentrates profusely on illuminating the streets as its sole perception of the holiday celebration. For a culture that parties on Halloween and Thanksgiving even if these holidays are not part of the traditional customs, it is not entirely surprising that Japanese would find any reason to celebrate any world festival.
faraway land can bring about a sentimental and low-spirited mood. I admit often carrying a
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strange feeling seeing Christmas celebrated in Japan by local people who are not knowledgeable of Christian practices, that I wonder inevitably what Christmas decorations, gifts and that incomprehensible Christmas cake and chicken really mean to them. In many parts of the world, we witness singing angels or mangers as part of the Yuletide decor. However, I’ve realized that I hardly find these symbols in “Japanese Christmas,” which is rather filled with Santa Claus and pine trees. Do they put up a Christmas tree just to be “in the trend” or hope to feel
Here are some collected shots of Christmas illumination around Tokyo over the past years. A healthy and loving Christmas season to all!
©Alma Reyes
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ISANG ARAW SA ATING BUHAY ni Jeff Plantilla
Noong “peace time” (bago mag-giyera), kilala ang mga Filipinong manglalaro sa track and field. Nananalo ang mga Filipino sa Far East Championship Games mula pa noong 1917. Kasama sa Games na ito ang Filipinas, Japan at China. Kilala sa Japan ang galing ng mga Filipino sa Games na ito dahil nanalo sila ng first place sa iba’t-ibang laro sa track and field. Isa dyan ay ang sprinter na si Fortunato Catalon (ng Leyte) na nanalo ng mga ginto sa 5 sunod-sunod na taon ng Games (1917-1925). Lumaro siya sa Games na ginanap sa Tokyo nung 1917 at Osaka nung 1923. Lumaro din siya sa special tournament ng Filipinas at Japan sa Osaka nung 1917 (pagkatapos ng Games sa Tokyo).
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Sinundan ito ng boxing na kinilala din ang galing ng mga Filipino bago pa mag-giyera. Sa katunayan, kinatatakutan ang mga boksingerong Filipino ng mga boksingerong Hapones. Ang pinaka-sikat ay si Baby Gustilo (Loreto Buhat ng Iloilo). Siya ay nagsimulang manalo sa mga boxing matches bago mag-giyera. At naging featherweight champion siya ng Japan nung August 1947, kauna-unahang boxer na hindi Hapones na naging champion sa weight division na ito.
Pagkalipas ng 70 taon Makalipas ang maraming dekada, muling naging sikat ang mga manlalarong Filipino dito sa Japan. Dahil nakilala ang galing ng Filipino volleyball players, inimbitahan sila na maglaro sa Japan Volleyball League (V League – panglalaki at pangbabae). Sa ngayon si Jaja Santiago ng Ageo Medics, at sina Carrie Ann Pronuevo, Javen Sabas at Shirley Salamangos ng Kurashiki Ablaze ang naglalaro sa women’s division. Sina Marck Espejo ng FC Tokyo at Bryan Bagunas ng Oita Miyoshi Weisse Adler ang sa men’s division. Hindi kasing popular ng basketball ang volleyball sa Filipinas. Pero dahil sa collegiate tournaments (National Collegiate Athletic Association at University Athletic Association of the Philippines) nakilala ang volleyball sa Filipinas at maraming players, babae at lalake, ang gumaling sa paglalaro ng game na ito. Sinundan ito ng “Filipino invasion” sa Japan Basketball League (B League). Nagsimula ito kay Thirdy Ravena ng San-en Neophoenix nung 2020, tapos ay biglang dagsa noong 2021 kasama sina Ray Parks (Nagoya Diamond Dolphins), Kiefer Ravena (Shiga Lakestars), Kobe
Paras (Niigata Albirex BB), Dwight Ramos (Toyama Grouses), Matthew Aquino (Shinshu Brave Warriors) and Javi Gomez de Liano (Ibaraki Robots), sa Division I at Juan Gomez de Liano (Earthfriends Tokyo Z) and Kemark Carino (Aomori Wat’s) sa Division II. Tulad ng mga volleyball players, kinikilala ang galing ng mga batang basketbolistang ito. Dagdag pa diyan ang football players na sina Sarina Bolden ng Chifure AS Elfen Saitama at Quinley Quezada ng JEF United Chiba na nagsimulang maglaro sa kauna-unahang professional football league ng Japan para sa kababaihan, the Women Empowerment League (WE League). Isama na rin natin dito si Caloy Yulo, na bagama’t hindi nakakuha ng medalya sa Tokyo Olympics 2020 ay nakakuha ng isang gold at isang silver sa 50th FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Championships na ginanap sa Kitakyushu nitong Oktubre 2021.
Viral YouTube vlogs Maraming Filipino at Hapones ang nagba-vlog tungkol sa laro ng mga Filipinong atleta. At marami ang nanood sa mga vlogs na ito na nagpapakita ng galing nila sa paglalaro.
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Libo-libo ang dami ng mga nanonood sa mga vlogs na ito sa YouTube dahil sinusubaybayan nila ang mga games ng mga Filipino. Ang laro sa B League ay mapapanood sa Filipinas, ang kaisa-isang broadcast ng B League games sa labas ng Japan. Nangyari ito dahil sa alam nilang maraming Filipinong manonood ng laro sa B League na may Filipinong players.
Pagsikat ng mga manlalarong Filipino Gusto ng mga organizers ng B League na maging popular ang basketball dito sa Japan tulad ng football at baseball. Kaya ang pagdami ng mga nanonood sa mga games ay mahalaga. Dito nakakatulong ang mga Filipino imports. Dahil sila ay magaling maglaro, sumisikat sila sa mga manonood. May balita na sa B League, ang mga manonood ay dumadami dahil sa pagdagdag ng mga Filipinong fans na may kani-kaniyang paboritong Filipino basketball players. Kasama na dito ang pagiging popular nila sa social media tulad ng YouTube. Kaya may gimmick ang mga teams. Isa diyan ang pagpo-promote ng “sibling rivalry” ng magkapatid na Thirdy at Kiefer Ravena. Sa kauna-unahang paglalaro ng kanilang magkalabang teams noong Agosto 2021 sa Shiga, “sibling rivalry” ang theme at libre ang ticket para sa mga Filipino. Nung magbirthday si Kiefer, 500 Yen na lang ang ticket. Gumawa ang Shiga
Kiefer after game in Shiga Lakestars ng mga posters, mugs at iba pa na ang magkapatid ang nasa litrato. Meron ding isang page sa website ng Shiga Lakestars na para kay “phenom” Kiefer. Maaaring ganun din sa ibang teams na may sumisikat na Filipino players. Kinilala ng Presidente ng B League na si Shinji Shimada sa isang interview sa Philstar ang halaga ng Asian imports sa pagpapasikat pa ng liga. Nagkaroon ang B League ng Asian Players Quota para sa mga players mula Asya. Sa ngayon, sa 14 na Asian players, 8 ay Filipino (at isa pa na hindi import, kundi local player dahil meron siyang dugong Hapones – si Matthew Aquino).
Dagdag na imahe ng Filipino sa Japan
Ang pagkilala sa mga manlalarong Filipino sa volleyball, basketball, football at gymnastics ay magandang dagdag sa pagkakakilala ng Filipino sa Japan. Maganda ang lumalabas na pagtingin ng mga Hapones sa ganitong imahe dahil hinahangaan nila ang mahusay na manglalaro. Ipinakikita sa mga Hapones ng
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ating mga manglalarong Filipino ang ating kakayahan at pagmamahal sa sports. At sa pagsali nila sa mga sports ng Japan, tumutulong ang manglalarong Filipino sa magandang libangan ng mga Hapones. Tulad sa naisulat ko nung Oktubre, ang sports ay mahalagang bagay tungo sa pagkakaisa ng mga tao, pagpapahalaga sa magandang kondisyon ng katawan, at ang paggalang sa kapwa. Ganito rin ang sports sa Japan, at kasama tayo sa adhikaing ito. Ang ibang impormasyon tungkol kina Fortunato Catalon at Baby Gustilo ay mababasa sa PCCC blogspot: http://pcccwestjapan.blogspot.com/
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Glen Gypsy’s
“It isn’t enough to talk about peace. One must believe in it. And it isn’t enough to believe in it. One must work at it.” —Eleanor Roosevelt
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The Black Friday Craze! by Richine Bermudez
Have you ever thought about why November is the most beloved month for people who love shopping? Tag along as we discover the month where people splurge and make some of their dreams come true! Back before the pandemic was known to everyone, I had the chance to have a November to remember in the land of the free. The experience was indeed an unforgettable one because it was that time when I was able to go shopping
in the middle of the night. I was invited to spend the Thanksgiving holiday with the family of a long-time friend. I was so surprised to see how people in the states celebrate this holiday. The whole house was decorated, the table was well presented, everyone was dressed up for the dinner and enjoyed sharing the sumptuous food with lots of stories from everybody. I thought it was a very peaceful, joyful, and solemn night reminiscing and celebrating the things that we are all thankful for.
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After the lovely dinner and endless chitchats, everyone got up and buckled up for we were
going to journey to the highlight of the night, the BLACK FRIDAY SHOPPING! According to my host family, they usually don’t go and participate in this craze, for not only it is crowded but also since all the stores in the town offer big discounts, people go really crazy and sometimes violent, so to avoid this they prefer shopping online or wait till the Cyber Monday, the extension of the BIG SALE in the malls, but a bit lesser than the Black Friday Sale to shop. The journey going to the outlet was not easy. The roads were packed with cars all heading to their favorite malls to avail the Sale offered by their favorite stores! The place we went to was indeed crowded, the lines were long, people were wrapped with their jackets brazing the cold just to get the best deal in town! Thankfully, there was no violence or anything like that happened, so we were able to enjoy the night and shop a lot! So, it’s not just you who wonder why is it called Black Friday. I have asked the same question then, and the answer I got was: It is called Black Friday because you shop in the middle of the night on Friday after thanksgiving which is held on a Thursday. Plain and simple! It is probably not accurate but I thought it made sense, so I chose to believe it up to this day. Yes, despite the pandemic and how crazy the world is now, I still make sure that I enjoy the most awaited day in fall, the Black Friday Craze!
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Take it or Leave it!
ADVICE NI TITA LITS Isabelita Manalastas-Watanabe
My dear readers: Many questions being asked/discussed nowadays pertain to covid vaccination, and also who to support in the next Philippine presidential elections in May 2022. Frankly, I would not like to give my opinion and advice on both topics, for the following reasons: 1. I am not an expert on the pandemic, the covid virus, or the pros and cons of being vaccinated. I am not also sure if what I read in various sources (basically the internet, and other social media forums) are fake news or accurate news; 2. It is risky to make an advice related to vaccination as I am also not an expert on the efficacy of each of the vaccines in the market, and if I should push for people to take it, and then be sued afterwards, for giving the advice that may have caused side effects to the reader. It is everyone’s own personal decision, hopefully based on science, and not hearsay or advice from lay people like myself, or possible fake news from various sources;
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3. On the presidential elections, I cannot forget one incident some years ago, when President Duterte visited Japan and met with Filipinos in one hotel in Tokyo, together with a full line up of top government officials/Cabinet Ministers. He was unable to come on the appointment time, so to fill in the time, the organizer of the event showed a video on the Philippines, a good one and which I thought was educational. And then, when Vice President Leni appeared in one scene, I heard some noise from the full capacity crowd of OFWs – at first I thought they were cheering, only to realize, they were booing the Vice President of the Philippines! I thought it was very disrespectful to do that to any of our top government leaders, whoever he/she may be. I decided I could not continue to sit down and be in a crowd of kababayans who disrespect our officials. I told a friend, seated beside me, that I would like to leave. She said, “Do you want to lose your clients?”. I sat down. I thought it is better to help, even just one OFW who approached me personally, if I could again organize another Livelihood Seminar. I then decided I will devote my advice column to something which is productive and help our OFWs if and when they decide to return home to our country, and start anew there. I organized one Pangkabuhayan Seminar before the pandemic, at my own personal cost, as I did not want it to be a commercial event,
putting the name of my company as the sponsor of the project. A retired missionary from the United Church of Christ, and now the head of SEELS Academy, assisted me fully in the successful seminar, offering his office for free, and also gave some assistance in hotel and local transportation expenses. It was a labor of love, which made the project more special. One of the main speakers was Mr. Jose “Pepz” Cunanan, PhD. Doc Pepz is now 80 years old, but is still very active in pursuing the mission and vision of the company he set up – Golden Bahay Kubo*. Gusto ba ninyong maglakad under a beautiful canopy of a TRELLIS OF VARIOUS VARIETY OF CLIMBERS LIKE KULABASA? Or harvest ONE METER LONG UPO? Even in a small plot of land, you can plant your own vegetables, for your own consumption, without fear of ingesting chemicals that are normally sprayed in commercially grown veggies. In other words, pwede ka ng mag-organic farming kahit on a very small scale. Kung may idle land ka naman (tulad ng nag-approach sa akin – mayroon daw ang pamilya niya sa probinsiya), then it may be worthwhile to study first before you decide what to plant. I met Doc Pepz when I was invited by to have lunch at Flor’s Garden in Antipolo, by the owner. My husband and I were the only ones who were not farmers or experts in something related to farming. There was an expert on green toilet; on the use
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of bamboo; propagation of native bees, which will produce not only honey, but will also help other plants/trees in your farm bear more fruit and do not sting, making compost, etc. During the discussion over lunch (harvested from the farm, and lechon cooked in a native oven invented by a Pinoy), one of the experts on growing hard wood related his family’s experience in planting hard wood without proper study, and later on, decided to destroy all those they originally planted, because the spacing of the trees was not correct, and re-planted new seedlings. Anyway, what was very interesting to me during the talk of Doc Pepz to our OFWs during that seminar we had was to consider not only eating, or selling your vegetables as is, BUT also preserving the seeds, and consider selling the seeds to a seed bank, or doing barter, your seeds, for other farmers’ seeds. This will not only also provide earnings for the farmers, but ensure that we will have other people get the opportunity to acquire those seeds from the seedbank, and use them to diversify as they grow in their farm. NO FILIPINO SHOULD EVER GO HUNGRY!!! The Philippines is an agriculture country. Let us put to good and scientific use our vast idle and fertile to propagate fruit trees, vegetables, climbers, herbs, flowers, etc. Sing the song Bahay Kubo, to get to know some of the many variety of vegetables we can grow.
*NOTE: I can put you in touch with Dr. Pepz, and provide you more photographs (power point presentation) of Golden Bahay Kubo. Please email me at: isabelita.manalastas@smtj.co.jp All the above photos are courtesy of Dr. Pepz Cunanan, Golden Bahay Kubo.
DONDAKE SINAG NG PAG-ASA Konnichiwa mga Kababayan! Kumusta po kayong lahat? Ramdam nyo na rin po ba ang malamig ng simoy ng hangin? Ang paparating na Pasko o Bagong Taon at naaaninag nyo na po ba ang "sinag ng pag-asa"? Sa tuwing sumasapit ang 'bre o ber-months" ay nagagalak na ang mga tao. Pakiramdam natin ay malapit nang matapos ang hirap na dinadanas natin, na magkakaroon na tayo ng pera o bonus, pamasko at mababago na ang takbo ng buhay natin, hindi po ba? Ito ay nakaugalian na nating mga Pilipino. Ngunit sa pagkakataong ito, na tayong lahat ay humaharap sa pagsubok ng pandemya, ano po ba ang naiisip natin? Ano po ang hiling natin? Nararamdaman po ba natin na may pag-asa pa? Ang mundo ay nasa isang laban na halos lahat tayo ay talunan, maliban na lamang sa mga makapangyarihang may kakayahang iligtas ang sarili sa kanila ding kagagawan. Nahaharap tayo sa makabagong hamon, pagsubok at giyera gamit ang makabagong teknolohiya. Tayong mahihirap ay lubos na naghihirap at naaapektuhan sa ganitong digmaan. At wala tayong magawa kundi hanapin o sikaping makita ang gahibla na sinag ng pag-asa upang magkaroon ng lakas ng loob na harapin ang mga bagay na hindi natin nasisiguro kung atin ba itong makakaya. Ngunit, bilang isang Pilipinong may dugong matapang sa pakikipaglaban, kasama ng mga mahal natin sa buhay ay sabay-sabay tayong nakikipagbuno sa hamon na ito. Tayo-tayo ang nagtutulungan upang maitawid ang pang araw-araw na mga pangangailangan. Ngayon, hindi lang pagkain sa hapag-kainan ang ating iniisip bagkus pati ang ating kalayaan, kalusugan at pangkabuhayan. Hanggang kelan kaya natin ito haharapin? May pag-asa pa kaya itong baguhin?
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Maraming mga katanungan na sa isip lamang nananatili. Dahil, sinuman sa atin ay hindi nakakatiyak sa maaaring mangyari. Ang mahalaga ay nairaraos natin ang bawat araw sa buhay natin. Wala nawang namamatay na dahil sa pandemya na nagpahirap sa marami at nagpayaman sa mga mapang-api na sa mga katungkulan o kapangyarihan ay nagkukubli. Sa pagtatapos ng taong 2021, ang sinag ng pag-asa ay unti-unti na nating nararamdaman, hindi po ba? Ang pagbaba ng kaso ng Covid19 Pandemic, ang unti-unting pagbubukas ng mga paaralan, mga opisina at mga pabrika na kung saan ay malaki ang maiaambag sa ating ekonomiya. Maraming mamamayan ang makakapagsimula nang muli dahil may mga trabaho nang bukas at makakatulong sa pag-ahon ng karamihan at maipag-patuloy ang naudlot na buhay dahil sa pandemya. Sa mga katoliko, ang pasko ay isang pag-asang may magliligtas sa ating mga tao. Maaring ito ay gawa-gawa o nilikhang kwento na pinaniniwalaan na ng sanlibutan. Ngunit ang katotohanang pag-asa ang dala nito ay isang maituturing na sandata para sa buhay ng isang Kristiyano. Kaya bago tayo tuluyang malunod sa kumunoy ng kasinungalingan ng kasaysayan, suriin po muna nating mabuti kung ano, saan, paano at bakit ito nangyari. Sa bawat pagtutuklas ay maging malawak po sana ang
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inyong isipan at humingi ng gabay sa Diyos para sa kaliwanagan. Ang mundong ito na ating ginagalawan ay punong-puno ng panlilinlang. Lahat ay may kakayahang gumawa ng mga bagay-bagay para sa pansariling kapakanan at gagamitin kasangkapan ang mga taong walang alam o mangmang. Kaya, ang payo ko mga kababayan, suriing mabuti maging ang sarili dahil ang pagmamahal sa sarili, ang maging totoo at mapagmahal ay isang bagay na mas makapangyarihan sa lahat. Kung napapansin natin, nabigo man tayo o nawalan kapag pinakita mo ang totoo mong nararamdaman, tiyak hindi mo ito pinagsisihan, hindi po ba? At ang higit sa lahat ay ang karma bumabalik, mabuti man o masama ang ating ginawa. Kapag puso ang iyong gabay tiyak ikaw ay pagpapalain at hindi pababayaan ng ating Diyos Amang Maylikha. Sa muli, ang buhay natin ay walang katiyakan. Sa madilim at masalimuot na kapaligiran, hanapin ang sarili at aninagin ang "sinag ng pag-asa" na magbibigay sayo ng lakas upang bumangon muli at magkaroon ng lakas sa pakikipaglaban sa hamon ng buhay na ating kinakaharap. At lagi nating iisipin na katulad ng araw, buwan at taon, ito ay natatapos at nagbabago. May liwanag sa dilim at ang higit sa lahat, may Diyos na nagmamahal sa atin ng lubos at hindi nakakalimot sa ating lahat. Hanggang sa muli mga kababayan.
Feel My Love by Karen Sanchez I may be too far and alone And my life may have went wrong But my love for you is so strong That I can't wait to be with you for so long Feel my love that is so genuine and true Thus, I forgot what I have been through Giving me strength to face all of these Especially when I saw that smile on your face I am sending you my love through the wire I am writing it in a piece for a while Then when everything is okay and fine You could feel it all alive and define This unique love that have been proven and tested That some people had forgotten and wasted With you and I who could appreciate Whom understand love, not to hesitate
God bless us all.
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Health Points Chemistry Of Happy "I have been young and now I am old. I have seen that there is nothing better than that man should be happy in whatever he is doing." Nothing better, huh? Got a clue which smart ass said that?
By Marnie Chan
Happiness as the ultimate good. Philosophy 101. You recall? Or, was it Religion 101? See, I always get those two mixed up. Could it be because we always get the same teacher teaching two different subjects? He could have at least changed shirt when he re-entered the classroom. But anyway... I recall happiness as the 'summum bonum'. Science, modern man's new-found religion, broke down for us in cellular level the nitty-gritty details of what happens in our bodies when inflicted with the condition called "happy." It's in the chemistry. And I betcha a billion dollars [which I don't have] that you didn't learn that in Chem 101 either. Up front, without having to beat around, the brain fires up a hormone and neuro transmitter called dopamine when you are happy. It is your feel good drug. It is not injectable. It is not prescription nor over-the-counter. Your brain secretes it. For free. No scam here. No catch either. You heard it right when someone said your body is a pharmacy of sorts. The brain secretes dopamine when you feel pleasurable sensations, oxytocin when you are in love, endorphin when you need to block pain or when having sex. [See, I made sure to include sex to keep you glued.]
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When you enjoyed eating a delicious Kapampangan dish, dopamine and endorphins can be triggered for release. Sharing that meal with someone you like/love can boost oxytocin. Getting laid after that sumptuous meal will cause the release of oxytocin, endorphins, and dopamines as well as other forms of
Photo by Anthony Tran
uncatholic-friendly releases. An overload of happy chemistry, I say. Here's the caveat though: if your attitude towards sex is such then your brain will produce these natural feel good drugs in your system. But, and here's a ginormous BUT, if your spouse is stressed out every night time you request for a dose of marital oxytocin, your dearly beloved's brain would secrete the hormone called cortisol. Shucks, see the correlation between cortisol and cancer. Chinese acupuncture has a peculiar way of hacking the secretion of these hormones. [Oh no, the Chinese again, you'd say! I know huh. Could there still be anything in this material universe they have not thought of yet? Is there anything not made in China?] Back to acupuncture and these hormones... In acupuncture, specific points in the anatomy are needled to elicit the release of these powerful hormones. Anyone who have even slightly dabbled with acupuncture have crossed paths with hegu, for example. Once needled, this point (on your back hand) causes the release of endorphins which reduces if not completely stops pain. It's just like flicking a light switch. Stressed out and anxious? Needle shen men (it's at the ulnar side on the crease of your wrist) and the brain will ooze dopamine and serotonin to relax and calm you down. And the smart ass who we quoted here at the start? No, more of a wise ass than a smart ass. No, he was not Chinese either, otherwise his book Ecclesiastes would have been written in funny looking alphabets. Marnie Chan #thehealingpowerofacupuncture
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AMAZINGgrace
Picture Perfect Autumn is Just a Stone's Throw Away
by Mae Grace
It has been said that autumn is the season when leaves bloom! Others call it the ‘second springtime’. If spring brings the heart to excitement and dynamic activity, autumn prepares us for the harshness of winter by enkindling in our hearts peaceful acceptance and quiet serenity. The Japanese have been enamored with momijis all throughout their history and have always spent time in quiet contemplation when admiring these fiery phenomenon in autumn. Thus, parks would usually have viewing decks, benches and even tea ceremony mats for this purpose. Have you ever seen autumn colors of surreal beauty? Tonogayato Park in Kokubunji is a prized discovery for me. It used to be owned by a rich family who sold it to the city and has been preserved for its beauty, naturally hilly topography and stunning momijis. One can spend the whole day in its traditional viewing deck and get lost in the amazing scenery. So Zen. Another favorite momiji spot which is popular among the Japanese and photographers alike is the Kyodo no Mori Museum Park, located in Fuchu City, which is admired for its man made water falls that provide perfect background to the fiery red and pink momijis, and create a landscape that would take your breath away. Photographers visit this spot everyday for a different ambience, and to catch stunning colors at their own perfect time. Both parks offer simple tea ceremony for those who want to sip their macha tea in quiet contemplation of the glorious, fiery phenomenon known as the momijis of Japan.
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For inspiration, visit these well-loved parks, which are just around Tokyo, where autumn is at its best and at its most colorful. Because, my dear, every year, it is not going to be the same. Nature is always full of surprises!
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Japanese Movies about Death By: Alma Fatagani-Sato Maybe many would think that this topic is quite inappropriate at this time of the year, when people are very ecstatic enjoying the view of the beautiful autumn leaves all over Japan. I still feel the sadness and tiredness brought about by the sudden demise of my beloved father-in-law last October. Besides, November 2nd is The All Souls’ Day in the Philippines. When I was still living in Thailand, and studying the Japanese language, my Japanese teacher recommends some Japanese movies for his students to watch. The genre would always be too serious, difficult to bear, and morbid for my taste. At that time, I didn’t know anything about dying in Japan. For me, funerals should be happy and a time to look back at the happier times of the deceased.
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The Funeral is a movie written and directed by Juzo Itami. This film shows the preparations for a traditional Japanese funeral. It mixes grief at the loss of a husband and father. In the story, a difficult 69-year-old married man dies suddenly of a heart attack, and his daughter and son-in-law have to organize the funeral at their house. Among other things, the family has to choose a coffin, hire a priest, hold a wake, learn formal funeral etiquette and hold the service itself. During the three days of preparation, various tensions within the family are hinted at. After the service, the long-suffering wife delivers a dignified speech to the family regretting that the hospital would not let her be with her husband as he died. Okuribito (Departures) is about a devoted cellist, Daigo Kobayashi, in an orchestra that has just been dissolved and now without a job. He decides to move back to his old hometown with his wife to look for work and start over.
He finds an advertisement for a job "assisting departures". Assuming it to be a job in a travel agency, he goes to the Now that I’m living in Japan, interview and learns that the job is actually for a "Nokanshi" and experienced the or "encoffineer," a funeral situation of a loved one passing, I became fully aware professional who prepares deceased bodies for burial and that death in this country is entry into the next life. He will such a heavy matter and be preparing bodies for taken way too seriously. Not cremation in a ceremony to mention the exorbitant known as encoffinment. costs of even the most Though reluctant, he is hired on simple funeral arrangement. the spot and receives a cash advance from his new boss. I suddenly began to think about the movies, that I have While his wife and others despise the job, he takes a watched long time ago, certain pride in his work and namely – The Funeral begins to perfect the art of (1984), Antoki no inochi "Nokanshi," acting as a gentle (Life back then; 2011) and gatekeeper between life and Okuribito (Departures; death, between the departed 2008). These movies tell a and the family of the departed. story about death in Japan. The film follows his profound
and sometimes comical journey with death as he uncovers the wonder, joy and meaning of life and living. (The Japanese encoffineer and the Western undertaker may have similar role, but their jobs are totally different from each other.) Antoki no Inochi (Life back then) is about two misfits and outcasts whose histories are filled with tragedy and trauma begin to come into their own as they become acquainted at work where they clean out the belongings of the deceased. Their past experiences, current encounters and the communication of it with each other helps the process of catharsis as they grapple with the memories that cannot be ignored or suppressed. The two not only bring into focus their dismal pasts, but also highlight the selfishness and inattentiveness of current society and its citizens. (This summary is from IMDB web https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1 848784/) Having watched those movies and experienced some of the situations depicted on it, made me admire the way the dead body is handled and prepared for the funeral in Japan. Funeral arrangements are very detailed and carefully planned. I now realized the reason my Japanese teacher wanted us, his students, to watch those movies-- they are quite near to reality, and definitely show a very admirable part of the Japanese culture. Being a language teacher and having the need to learn many foreign languages, I always say to my students that “To study and
understand a foreign language, you also have to learn about the culture of the country.”
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Why trust is important By Arnel Sugay
George, not his real name, asked me, “Tell me the truth. I want your honest feedback. How do you find my attitude?” “What do you mean, George?” I asked. “Well, nobody likes me in my department,” exclaimed George. I have known George since I started working in my first job. I suggested that he evaluates his relationship and trust level within his team. If the trust level is low, then this should give him an idea on what is happening between him and his team mates. Be it personal or professional, trust is a foundation of all relationships. It can take years to build it, but it can be destroyed in seconds. In the article “The Neuroscience of Trust” by Paul J. Zak, the writer discussed the benefits of high trust in organization. Research shows the following: • 74% less stress • 106% more energy • 50% higher productivity • 13% fewer sick days • 76% more engagement • 29% more satisfaction with their lives • 40% less burn out I was sharing the idea of improving trust to some work associates. I likened the idea to two buckets. I asked my associates to imagine an invisible dipper. When we add water to a bucket we are a bucket filler. When we remove water from the bucket we are a bucket dipper. Bucket Fillers are adding trust in a relationship while Bucket Dippers are removing trust. How? The small things that we do may add or subtract the trust level in a bucket. To build on trust, Bucket Fillers do the following: show kindness, exhibit patience, keep promises, clarify expectations and apologize sincerely. Bucket Dippers reduce the amount of trust at home
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or work with the following behaviors: not apologizing when a mistake is made, not giving undivided attention during a conversation, bad mouthing a co-worker when they are not present and not delivering what you promised. Before we attempt to improve the trust level at home or in your department, we need to make an inventory on the amount of trust in a relationship. Ask yourself, are my behaviors a bucket filler or a bucket dipper? If the trust level is low, what do you need to do to improve trust? What have you shown to the people around you? Is the trust level okay or is it depleted? The good thing about trusting a person is that the act itself will be reciprocated. Many years ago, I read from travel magazines and blogs about the Honesty Store in Ivana, Batanes. The last book that I have read on trust mentioned the store, too. I finally made a decision that I should visit Batanes and personally experience the now famous Honesty Store. At Honesty Store, no one is attending the store. You get an item you like and leave your money and get your change if needed. Or you can knock on the next door for a change. In this part of Batanes, you can leave your front door open. Crime is almost unheard of. At this day and age where trust is needed, it is a sigh of relief that is possible to trust and extend the trust to others. may not be ArtItby Dennis Sunan easy task to do but with the intention and grit, one can create a family or village of men and women who can trust one another.
“Trust is like the air we breathe – when it is present nobody really notices; when it’s absent everybody notices.” - Warren Buffet
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KWENTO NI NANAY ni Nanay Anita Sasaki
EVERY GISING IS A BLESSING Andito na po si nanay Anita para sa MGA KUWENTO NI NANAY. EVERY GISING IS A BLESSING TO ALL PO!
Malapit na po ang Pasko, lumalamig na po ang simoy ng hangin. At marami ng mga palamuting pang pasko. Maski sa mga panoorin sa television, masasayang awitin ng pasko ay ating naririnig na. Lalo na sa Pinas sa buwan palang ng Septiembre nag papatugtog na sila ng mga awiting pamasko. Kay saya sa atin. Sabi nga ang haba ng pasko sa Pinas. Kaya tayong mga malayo sa atin gaya ng mga OFWs, miss na miss na natin ang pasko sa Pinas. Na pag-uusapan na ang pasko, pag-usapan din natin ang 13th month bonus. Balikan natin ang mga libu libo o baka milyong pesos na natangap natin 20-30 years ago. Kung tayo ay employee o manggagawa, meron ba tayong matandaan kung saan natin nadala o ano nabili natin o na invest mula sa ating bonus o 13th month pay sa nakaraang 5 taon man lang. Meron kaya makaalala? Kung sakali nag-ipon tayo mula sa ating 13th month bonus maski sa loob ng 7 taon lamang meron na tayong mga more or less 4 milyon pesos. Kung tayo ay nagsakripisyo, nabago na natin ang ating buhay.
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Meron kasabihan na “PLANT WHAT YOU LIKE TO HARVEST“. Kung gusto mo ng manga, magtanim ka ng mango trees. Kung gusto mo ng bayabas o guava, magtanim ng
bayabas or guava trees. Kung gusto natin ng pera or money, magtanim tayo ng pera. O mag-ipon tayo ng pera. “If we want to harvest money. Learn to plant money“. Napunta na ang usapang pera. Ngayon tanong ko, kino-kontrol mo ba ang pera? O ang pera ang nag kokontrol sa iyo? Forwarded by Xuan Nyuyen of World Financial Group Does money control you? Or you control money? Everyday people go to work to make a living but, no matter how hard we work and how much we earn, money seems to control us. So many people are in debt. In rich and poor countries, debt has become the way of life for many people. We don’t have much and we don’t know. Nobody teaches us to manage our money in school. Most people have trouble balancing their budget or reading a financial statement. We use credit cards and don’t always know the hidden charges. We want to have good health care and save for our retirement, but many of us do not have a plan. When it comes to securing and saving their future, many people fail. Many hardworking people fail. Many smart people fail. Many young people fail. Many old people fail. Many teachers fail. Many engineers and doctors fail. Many end up retiring without enough savings.
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These people don’t set out to fail. They do because they fail to plan and manage their personal finances. They lack financial education. Many people believe that financial education is only for the wealthy. Many think that the only solution to financial challenges is only to borrow money. Some say that because they are poor, they don’t need to save. Many Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) work for years still end up retiring poor. OFWs are heroes who sacrifice a lot just to be able to send money and gifts back home. In many cases, the families take for granted just how hard it is for an OFW to earn the money they remit. The families do not know that many OFWs send balikbayan boxes filled with brand new clothes and shoes that they themselves do not have. So it is a reality that many OFWs who worked for 20-30 years still end up retiring poor. Bill Gates said, “If you were born poor, it’s not your mistake, but if you die poor, it’s a mistake.” Nobody should be more interested and invested in your financial future than you yourself. The government or your employer will not do it for you. It’s your own responsibility to learn the simple rules of how money works. Understanding it is part of taking care of your family. Financial education and discipline can help you become wealthy. You can do it. Control and save for your future. Financial independence is not only a dream. It’s a priority that every person shall aim. Take control of your future by learning how … To make money To save money Grow money Protect money
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No one else can do this for you. Most people spend money and save what is left. Wealthy people save money and spend what is left. Most people consider healthcare and insurance as an expense. Wealthy people consider healthcare and insurance as an investment. Most people work hard for money. Wealthy people let money work for them. The difference between the wealthy and most people is the way they think about planning their future. You will always have an excuse not to save or invest. No matter what your excuse is, one thing is for sure. You are going to get old next year. No matter what your excuse is, your child will grow up and enter college and you would need money for his/her education. No matter what your excuse is, you will eventually retire and stop earning active income. You have to be prepared for this kinds of situations. Be with a group that inspires you. When the members of your group save, they will also inspire you to save.
Kelan mo ba huling naranasan ang Pasko sa Pilipinas? Kakaiba ang PASKO sa PILIPINAS! TARA NG MAMASKO SA PINAS NA KASAMA ANG ATING MGA MAHAL SA BUHAY! MASARAP AT MASAYA MAGSALO-SALO TAYO SA PASKO. MASARAP ANG BIBINGKA, PUTO BUNGBONG, LECHON, HAMON, QUESO DE BOLA, LECHE FLAN, FRUIT SALAD AT MARAMI PANG IBA. IPAGDIWANG NATIN ANG KAARAWAN NG ATING BABY JESUS NA KASAMA ANG ATING MGA PAMILYA. MALIGAYANG PASKO SA INYONG LAHAT! MANIGONG MABIYAYANG BAGONG TAON SA LAHAT!
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Walk with me: Kiyosumi Shirakawa By Lala Lopez de Leon
autumn would have it, and best of all, there was no crowd at the garden that would have otherwise made us nervous. Heaven blessed us! “If a picture paints a thousand words…” I’m just mesmerized by the serene beauty of it all. November 23, 2021. Labor Thanksgiving Day.
Kiyosumi Gardens is known to be one of the best
Everyone of us claims this day as all our own, a full day to unwind and put work out of our minds…at least until the day is over. So, off I went to meet up with dear old friends, who share the same passion for walking - particularly, exploring the least “touristy” spots about town. That passion also means love for all things beautiful, everything that stimulates the five senses...everything that tastes good! All this we savored at our walking tour of Kiyosumi Gardens and the town of Kiyosumi Shirakawa! That day couldn’t have been more perfect! The sun was up, the air cool and crisp as
examples of a Meiji Period “Teien” with elements of the classic style of the Edo Period garden for a Daimyo – basically, a strolling garden centered around a large pond abound with trees. To me, what makes this garden even more enticing is its hosting a boulder inscribed with the most famous “Haiku” poem of Matsuo Basho (1644-1694). 「古池や蛙飛びこむ水の 音」＝Furu ike ya, Kawazu Tobikomu, Mizu no Oto. My own literal translation would be: Unto an old pond, a frog leaps in...the sound of water.
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I wish I were more articulate to convey the exact emotions of the
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moment spent amidst this beauty! I do think Kiyosumi Gardens is an idyllic setting for love and romance, too. I wonder if any man had used this as a backdrop to get down on one knee and propose to his lady love? No chance for romance that lovely day, we took one last group selfie, and ventured out onto the neighborhood of Kiyosumi Shirakawa. I wonder how the garden looks in winter, and in spring? Hasta la vista!
MOVING ON ni Jasmin Vasquez Discover the Natural Beauty of Kamikochi in Nagano
Ang Kamikochi ay isang magandang lambak, na matatagpuan sa taas na 1,500m sa Nagano Prefecture. Ito ay nasa pagitan ng Matsumoto at Takayama city, kaya naman isa itong sikat na side-trip mula sa dalawang lungsod. Kung titingnan mo ang mapa, ito ay nasa gitna mismo ng bansa kaya ang distansya sa Kamikochi mula sa Tokyo at Nagoya ay halos pareho. Gayunpaman, ang pagpunta sa Kamikochi mula sa Tokyo ay medyo mas maginhawa dahil sa mas madalas na direktang serbisyo ng bus. Ang Kamikochi ay hindi bukas para sa mga bisita sa buong taon. Ang opisyal na panahon ng pagbubukas ay mula Abril 17 hanggang Nobyembre 15 ng bawat taon at ito ay nagsasara sa panahon ng taglamig dahil sa mabigat na snow. Sa panahon ng pagsasara, walang mga tindahan o restaurant na mananatiling bukas sa loob ng parke, na nangangahulugang siyempre walang bus na papasok, alinman. Ang tanging paraan upang pumunta doon ay sa pamamagitan ng paglalakad.
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Kung iniisip mong magrenta ng kotse at mag-isa na magmaneho, kailangan mong malaman na hindi pinapayagan ang mga pribadong sasakyan sa loob ng Kamikochi. Ang mga dahilan ay upang maiwasan ang ingay at polusyon sa hangin, at gayundin upang maibsan ang trapiko at pagsisikip. Ang mga bisitang may pribadong sasakyan ay dapat pumarada sa Sawando parking kung
sila ay manggagaling sa gilid ng Matsumoto, o sa Akandana parking kung sila ay nanggaling sa Takayama side. Pagkatapos, gumamit ng pampublikong bus para makarating sa Kamikochi. Katulad ng aking nabanggit kung nais mong maglakad hanggang doon sundan mo lamang ang map na ito. Para lang iyan sa mga mahilig mag hiking at kung kaya mong tumagal sa lamig. Isa itong malaking challenge lalo na sa mga mountaineer. Kung ako siguro ay bata-bata pa lamang baka sakali palagi akong andyan. Ang daming napakagandang nilikha ang Diyos dito sa aming bayan. Amazing talaga. Kung nais nyo po naman na maghotel doon mismo ay medyo may kamahalan dahil 2 hanggang 6 na lapad per night. Ang isa pang pagpipilian ay ang manatili sa kalapit na downtown tulad ng Matsumoto o Takayama at bisitahin ang Kamikochi bilang isang day trip. Makakatipid ito sa iyo ng maraming paggastos sa hotel na may mas maraming iba't ibang hotel na mapagpipilian. Ako ay mahina sa lamig kaya naman hindi po ako tatagal dito. Maaring pagtapos na lang ng snow o winter saka ako pupunta hehehe. Tamang tama may isa akong kababayan na pinay na doon nag tatrabaho. Balitaan ko ulit kayo pag nakapunta na ako dito. At para naman sa mga mahilig sa adventure, hiking, etc., tara na sa Nagano.
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FROM ALL OF US IN JEEPNEY PRESS
