Jeepney Press March-April 2023

Art & Design by Dennis Sun

Pahayagang pinoy sa japan

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 retur ned 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 confir m 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 2023

publisher

ASIA VOX LTD.

IRENE SUN-KANEKO

editorial & creative director

DENNIS SUN

Editorial Board

Contributors

Glen Atienza

Je 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

Geraldine Limpo

Joey Manalang

Dennis Fernandez

Liza Barte

Cover design and art: DENNIS SUN

ATTENTION:

All alumni of the UP School of Economics now living/working in Japan. Would you like to be part of our community viber (called Pusong UPSE Community Viber) and connect with UPSE alumni all over the world? Please check out below link and register.

PUSONG UPSE Membership Form link.

Patuloy ang pagtibok ng Pusong UPSE https://bit.ly/PusongUPSEmember

by Dennis Sun editorial

I've spent more than half of my life in Japan. In fact, I've been in Japan longer than I've been in the Philippines.

I must admit that the most di cult challenge we face as foreign residents in Japan has been the Japanese language. As for the rest, we could just ignore, let them pass by and just accept them.

The majority of the Filipinos I know can get by with everyday conversational Japanese. They are married to a Japanese and have Japanese children, thus they must communicate with them in Japanese even if they did not attend proper Japanese language school. And when it comes to business Japanese, though, they all fail to communicate.

I've been collaborating with the Japanese government for several years now on our objective to provide business Japanese courses, fundamental Japanese language instruction, and job preparation skills to foreign nationals living in Japan in order to assist them obtain secure and stable employment.

Even though I work for a Japanese corporation, I feel compelled to continue learning the language. The Japanese I use at work is

YOMU means to read in Japanese

con ned to the scope of my job. The Japanese I previously learnt but never used is mainly gone or progressively going away.

So if I wanted to remember what I learned, and continue to improve my Japanese, I decided to enroll in weekly lessons with an instructor to learn Japanese. It’s actually a class run by volunteer Japanese teachers. It doesn’t cost much as it’s actually almost free.

My teacher is a retired Japanese in his late seventies or early eighties. He teaches like a father and is very strict with his students. He doesn’t like people coming in late especially those who didn’t notify him. Being late is not something the Japanese usually do, and if one arrives late, one must provide notice and apology.

Well, a month ago, my instructor urged me to participate in the city’s annual Japanese speech convention. He wanted me to introduce my country, Philippines, as the theme of my speech. He stated that many Japanese people are unfamiliar with my nation, therefore this is the perfect opportunity to promote it.

Though it is in Japanese, I am sharing my speech with everyone here. If you wish to read it in your native language, you may use Google Translate. Please go to this link.

https://sites.google.com/view/dennis-sunart/contact/dennis-sun-speech-japanese?authuser=0

And I am also sharing with you the beautiful pictures I took around my neighborhood during this year’s spring.

"The limits of my language mean the limits of my world."

~ Ludwig Wittgenstein

A Travelogue of the Heart (in Japan)

By RD Aquino

Japan’s charm is e ortless. You can go around the country anytime within the year and would still get the most Instagrammable photos. I am not new to Japan having been in grad school here and later, coming back to become a full- edged OFW. Yet every time I go out, even from just a few steps o my place, I see profound beauty that equates poetry. I love taking travel photos. And while I don’t have the expensive gadgets, I am quite satis ed shooting with my phone, capturing moments everywhere I go.

Just recently, while I was trying to free space and move les to the cloud, I started this seemingly arduous (and emotional) task of going over tons of pictures. I didn’t know that I have taken tens of thousands of photos within four years after coming back to Japan. Also, I didn’t expect that this task would indeed force me to go over each of my albums, in fact, each picture, and make me re ect about life. At that moment, I realized that it was not just a collection of photos but a journey of emotions, a travelogue of my own heart.

I am not an extensive traveler, but I de nitely love the outdoors. Whether they are planned or spur-of-the-moment travels, I

have learned to value each place, each moment because they were not just destinations, but they are precious life events with so many di erent people, most of them I carry deeply in my heart.

When I returned to Japan to leave my life in the Philippines, there were mixed feelings of excitement and fear: excitement for the new adventure but fear of the uncertain. I was clinically diagnosed with panic disorder, and I had to battle it out for a year. With the help of family and friends, I was able to overcome it. Within that period, I traveled a lot with my sister and her amazing family. And up until now, they have been my best travel buds, bringing me to every breathtaking location one would dream of.

I also travel with colleagues and friends to catch up and to take a break from work. These are the times that I get extra crazy but would still be successful capturing both the funny and the heavenly. The photos give me a di erent mood, maybe, more of the silly side.

And then, I traveled with the person I loved so dearly. These were the pictures that gave me the strongest feelings especially now that they have left. Going over our photos seemed to have brought me back to those very moments, as if I was transported back in time, letting me

reminisce each second, and making me feel both the joy and the pain. It’s a bittersweet experience, reliving the seasons past, wishing that the happiest of them never ended.

Looking at every photo made me realize that my travels truly represent my heart’s journey in this country, with each place carrying stories with the people I am or have been with –whether they are family, friend, or lover. Swiping and scrolling on each the albums, I fathomed deep that the memories I have captured carry the emotions so clear as if they were an elaborate montage of memoirs and a detailed journal of my life lessons.

Just like the sceneries captured by my phone’s camera, this travelogue of mine carries both the vibrant and the dark hues in my heart: the good (and the not so good) memories of my life. I am grateful that it carries not just the blissful days but even the times when I needed to cry, to take a break from everything, and to just be with myself and breathe. Because they make me whole and they complete my story, my journey so far.

Indeed, it was a grueling task, but it was all worth it. And while I deleted some pictures (mostly sel es), I decided to preserve most and to move them to the cloud. I know that one day, I would be happy to look back and browse them again. For now, I am excited to capture more and make new memories.

How about you? Are you running low on your phone’s memory? Have you opened your phone’s albums recently? Why not try to do a little journey back in time? Start from the oldest picture, re ect about the people and the places, and make your own travelogue of the heart. #

Why Every Filipino Should Watch

It is not every day that we see a Filipino actor take a lead role in an international lm. But, this is not the sole reason why every Filipino should watch the captivating lm “Triangle of Sadness” by multi-awardee Swedish director Ruben Östlund. Garnering the Palme d’Or 2022, European Film Award for Best Film 2022, and more awards and nominations for directing, screenwriting, costume design and acting performances, this aesthetically crafted lm conveys so many overlapping messages that may hurt, anger, or enlighten us, and awaken the ba ing realities of our daily existence.

In a gist (spoiler warning), the story involves two young millennial fashion models, Yaya and Carl, who win an all-expense-paid cruise trip in exchange for social media promotion, and mingle with the bourgeois and oligarchs on board the yacht. Amidst the sexism and social and work hierarchy visible on the yacht, the passengers succumb to seasickness and possibly food poisoning during a stormy dinner, causing havoc, electricity failure, and sewage ood. Pirates from nowhere bomb the yacht and leave eight passengers and crew trapped in an isolated island.

backgrounds prepping up for an audition speaks of a delusive diversity and inclusion. The shot of the single Asian judge seated at the table of judges, physically and verbally secluded from the “white” judges, mocks the concept of racial equality. On the humor side, the models are coached to look serious for a high-class brand (Balenciaga) and smile for a lower-class brand (H&M)—a metaphor on how lower classes of the society appear to have a happier outlook in life than the more stoic and formal upper class. Don’t we Filipinos know this too well.

Then, there is the gender equality issue when Yaya and Carl argue about footing the dinner bill. Intriguingly, Yaya, who is a a more high-end successful model than Carl (therefore, earns more income), admits that she had been manipulating Carl and enjoys the thought of being his “trophy wife.” We ask ourselves if women truly play secondary roles in the society, making them exert more e ort (than men) to be recognized, and whether power play between men and women can be the root of relationship issues. Can Filipino marriages and corporate systems relate to this?

by Alma Reyes

TRAFFIC

Every scene in this movie is important and worth scrutinizing because it satirically represents every fragment of our distorted social structure and human relationships. The opening scene with the shirtless male models of varied ethnic

Let’s go back to the Filipino casting in this lm. The boat scene tries to open our eyes to class segregation, and what a better scenario to show it than on a cruise where the fancily dressed ultra-rich behave like royals sipping champagne on the upper deck, while the minorities (enter Filipino crew) labor as cleaners, dishwashers, technical engineers, and so on in the lower deck. Here, we meet Abigail (played by award-winning Dolly de Leon), the toilet manager, who later transforms into the heroine of the movie. She is fastidious, e cient, and diligently able to manage her

© Alma Reyes

“Triangle of Sadness”

co-workers, in contrast to the American captain (Woody Harrelson) who is drunk and unmindful of his passengers’ welfare. He exchanges political and intellectual combat with the lthy rich Russian Dmitri—a plain ridicule of US and Russia capitalism and socialism. Furthermore, even within the Western system, the white-collar crew must heed the wealthy passengers’ commands—again, denoting unequal treatment and hierarchy abuse by bosses towards subordinates. They cheer enthusiastically “money, money, money,” signifying their synonymous desire with that of the lower deck crew’s.

The most entertaining part of the movie is the island scene. Abigail claims her position as the new “captain" since she is the only one in the group who can catch sh, cook it, and set up a re—an indication of the upper class’ inferior survival capability. She exercises her new power to set rules and undermine the group who, in turn, now falls as slaves to her in order to survive. The hilarious scene of Abigail distributing cooked octopus bits one by one to the group with her getting the bigger share epitomizes the sometimes, false distribution of wealth we witness among governments. Abigail sleeps comfortably inside the lifeboat while the others su er out on the sands. Moreover, she exploits Carl to be her lover (reverse labor abuse)—something that she would never be able to do if she were living in the real world. This reminds us of many Filipinos who choose to work abroad to enjoy bene ts of luxury and status that cannot be attained back home.

The open ending leaves puzzled viewers imagining what Abigail would nally do after Yaya discovers an elevator on the other side of the island that leads to a hotel resort (therefore, the “normal” life), and pulls Abigail to join her. Instead, Abigail picks up a rock and attempts to kill Yaya, but that nal act is not shown. As a Filipino like Abigail, do we empathize with her disposition? Naturally, if the others learn that there is a way out of the island, Abigail would lose her attained power. She would resume her unprivileged status, and be disrespected and ignored once more. What would you do in Abigail’s shoes? Is it

enough for lower-class Filipinos to remain in their rank as long as money secures them? Could there be an end to feudalism in the Filipino society, which continues to encourage the outspread gap between the rich and poor?

We applaud Dolly de Leon for her wonderful performance. She is the only Filipino actor, so far, who had been nominated at the BAFTAs and Golden Globe Awards. Her awards and nominations are countless among lm associations in Los Angeles, Portland, Vancouver, London, and more. Be sure to catch the movie and feel the Abigail in you.

Kirie: Japanese Art of Paper Cutting

If you are someone who likes to try your luck on creativity, you might nd Japan an interesting place to be in.

There are many shops that o ers handicraft kits that already include all the materials you will need and an instruction manual, which unfortunately, only in Japanese.

I have tried so many of the said kits and I nd the “kiri-e” (Japanese paper cutting) very interesting. A paper can be cut in many ways, by using scissors, knife, cutter, or just by tearing them. However, the one that interests me is cutting paper using a special type of blade that has a pointed triangular edge.

Almost every country around the world engages in the art of paper cutting. In the Philippines, there is the “parol” (a lantern made of paper), the “banderitas” (bunting) esta decoration and the wrappers used to cover the “pastillas de leche” (milk candy) are all products of paper cutting.

Paper cutting rst appeared during the Han dynasty in 4th

century AD after the Chinese o cial, Cai Lun invented paper in 105 AD.

In Japan, it is believed to have started after 610 AD when Tesuki Washi paper, invented in China, was brought to Japan by Doncho, a Buddhist monk from Korea. By 800 AD, the Japanese perfected the skill of paper making and it became commercialized, it is called Sekishu washi. During the Edo Period (1603 – 1867), there was an abundance of Japanese washi, as such “Kamikiri” (papercutting performance)

was developed.

Presently, paper cutting continues in Japan in many forms such as greeting cards, framed art, paper cut sculptures, etc.

Traditionally, the Japanese art of paper cutting uses only one sheet of paper and cut into any design from simple to the most intricate ones.

Nowadays, there are many di erent styles that have developed throughout the years.

KUSINA

Easy and delicious, seasonal recipes ni Chris Yokoyama

Hello again, mga Kababayan! Kumusta po?

Our favorite season of the year here in Japan has come! As Spring is called the Season of Budding, the most awaited cherry blossom owering would be on March 21st and full bloom on March 29th according to the latest forecast here in Tokyo. Sakura season is truly a magical experience. Let us go out and view the stunning shades of pink Sakura and photograph them. Love and peace will ll your heart.

Well, well, let me share to you a Filipino well-loved dish Chicken Tinola that I have collaborated with the Japanese ingredients. A perfect match with di erent kind of noodles in it! Super easy, healthy and diet t recipe for you.

Chicken Tinola ala Hapones

INGREDIENTS

1) 2 Tbsp veg. oil

2) 2 Tbsp garlic, minced

3) 2-piece small onion, minced

4) 2 Tbsp ginger, crushed and sliced into strips

5) 1 kg. assorted chicken cuts

6) 1.5 Liter water

7) 1/4 daikon (raddish), cut into small pieces

8) 1 spinach (horenso)

9) 1 tsp iriko / inago dashi

10) salt, pepper, and sh sauce

11) a noodle of your choice (pre-boiled udon, ramen or harusame)

12) Spring onions or leeks as topping

13) Fried garlic in oil

PREPARATION

1. Heat the oil, then sauté garlic, onion, and ginger. Put some salt and pepper and sh sauce in a stockpot.

2. Add chicken and daikon, add dashi.

3. Add water and bring to a boil before lowering to a simmer for 30 minutes, until the daikon is soft but not overcooked.

4. Turn o the heat and add the spinach.

5. Pour the Chicken soup into the bowl with your favorite noodles.

6. Add some toppings

NOTE: You can arrange and try the following:

1.Tinola shabu-shabu (lettuce) udon

2.Tinola salt yakisoba ramen

3.Tinola shabu-shabu (lettuce) ramen

4. Buta kimchi Tinola udon

5. Buta kimchi Tinola yaki udon

Isang maganda, mapagpala at maligayang araw ng mga kababaihan sa lahat. Naririto na naman po kaming umaasang

maging bahagi ng inyong abalang buhay. Isang taos-pusong pasasalamat po sa lahat na patuloy na sumusubaybay sa loob ng dalawang dekada na hindi nagsasawang

sumuporta at nag-aabang sa panibagong isyu ng Jeepney Press. Nawa ay ligtas po ang lahat.

Dahil katatapos lang ng

Valentine's Day, ngayon

naman ay para naman sa ating mga babae. Ngayong

buwan ng Marso 14, Martes ay araw nating mga

kababaihan dito sa Japan. Kung ang mga babae ang nagbibigay ng tsokolate sa mga kalalakihan noong

Valentine's Day, ngayon

naman ay baligtad o ang

mga kababaihan naman ang makakatanggap ng espesyal na bulaklak, mamahaling

tsokolate, mismong gawa (may e ort) o cake. Kung saan ay dito ko lang din sa

Tara Na!

White Day

Japan nalaman na mayroon palang ganito. In short, hindi uso sa atin sa Pinas ang "White Day". At sa kasalukuyan, maliban sa Japan ay nakikiisa sa pagdiriwang nito sa kanila ang Taiwan at South Korea. Ano ba ang "White Day" at paano ito nagsimula?

Ayon kay Google, ito ay nagsimula noong 1978 dito sa Japan na itinatag ng International Confectionery Industry Association bilang pagtugon o ganti ng nga kalalakihang nabigyan ng mga babae noong nakaraang Valentine's Day o tinawag nila itong "Answer Day".

Tulad ng "Valentine's Day", maliban sa tsokolate, cakes at bulaklak ay nakakatanggap din ang karamihan ng ibat-ibang bagay gaya ng marsmallows, kendi, cookies, mga puting burloloy, bags, lotions at lingerie. Ito ay depende din sa taong magbibigay o sa hilig na makakapagbigay saya o alala sa binibigyan. Bilang pag-alala na rin sa mga babaeng binibigyan nila ng halaga. Ngunit ito ay mga pamamaraan lamang upang maipadama ang kahalagahan

ng kababaihan. Mas mahalaga pa rin na matuto tayong rumespeto sa anumang aspeto natin sa buhay, maging babae man o lalaki dahil iba pa rin ang kaligayahang mararamdaman ng bawat isa kung tunay ang ating pakikipag kapwa-tao. Anumang kulay, araw o okasyon ay manatili sana sa atin ang pagtanggap na lahat tayo ay hindi perpekto at may kanya-kanyang pagkakaiba. At iwasan din nating magpanggap at makapanloko lalo na sa may mga mapupusok o may malalambot na puso na mabilis ding magtiwala sa kakilala.

Isipin natin palagi na ang karma ay laging nandiyan lamang at babalik pa rin sa ating lahat kung ano man ang ating ginawa kagaya ng "White Day" o "Answer Day". Maging daan din sana ito upang magkakaayos ang mga nasirang pagkakaibigan o anumang relasyon dahil ang puti ay sumisimbolo pa rin ng kapayapaan, kalinisan at katapatan. At sana ay umabot pa sa ibang bansa ang imahe o impluwensya nang totoong layunin nito sa buong mundo.

Hanggang sa muli mga kababayan. Nawa ang kapayapaan, kaligayahan at pagpapala ay mapa sa ating lahat.

Pag-ibig Pa Rin ni Karen Sanchez

Ang tao nga naman sa mundong ito

Kahit pauli-ulit nang nabibigo

Ay hirap na hirap pa rin namang

matuto

Minsan pa nga ay hindi makontento

Kahit ilang beses nang

ipinagpalit

At pauli-ulit ang

nararamdamang sakit

Pero pilit pa rin sa pag-ibig

kumakapit

Sa tila laging hayok at sabik na

sabik

Minsan nga ay iniiwan pang

luhaan

Lugmok na at walang

masandalan

Ngunit kapag siya ay muling

binalikan

Tatanggapin kahit siya ay nasasaktan

Patunay na pag-ibig pa rin ang

mananaig

Kahit punong-puno ng

pag-aalala at ligalig

Katwirang walang sinuman ang

makakalupig

Dahil pinaglalaban ang

nararamdamang pag-ibig

Na tanging sarili lang natin ang

nakakabatid

photo: Roberto Nickson

ni Jeff Plantilla ISANG ARAW SA ATING BUHAY

Bago naging uso ang “leave no one behind” o “no one left behind," meron na tayong “walang iwanan.” Madalas itong ginagamit ng isang barkada o grupo na nangangako ang lahat na kabarkada o kagrupo na magsasama-sama kahit anong hirap ang danasin.

Magandang gamitin ang ganitong salita para sa lipunan. Pag sinabing “walang iwanan” ang lahat sa lipunan ay magsisikap na mapabuti ang bawa’t isa. Nguni’t alam natin na ito ay napakahirap gawin sa kasalukuyang kalagayan ng lipunan. Nagkakahiwa-hiwalay tayo dahil sa maraming dahilan tulad ng pulitika. Iba-iba rin ang katayuan ng mga tao dahil sa sistema ng kabuhayan.

Naisulat ko na ito sa Jeepney Press dati na maganda ang slogan na “We Win as One” para sa 2019 SEA Games – pagkakaisa sa sports. Sabi nga nila, ang mahalaga ay hindi ang panalo kundi kung paano nanalo. Kung malinis at magaling ang laro, hinahangaan ka. Kung nandaraya, halos walang halaga ang gintong medalya.

Ito ay naging “We Heal as One” –mensaheng pagkakaisa sa panahon ng pandemya.

Beggar Thy Neighbor?

Sa karaniwang buhay, natural na ang pagtawad sa pagbili sa palengke. Nguni’t hindi maaring ang pagtawad ay kumain sa

kapital ng nagtitinda. Kaya sabi nila “kapital na po” para sabihin na hindi na kayang ibaba pa ang presyo.

Ito rin ang aking karanasan nung nakikipagtawaran ako sa isang printer ng aming libro. Sabi niya sa akin, magtulungan tayo. Medyo napahiya ako sa sinabing yon. Naramdaman ko na sarili ko lang ang iniisip ko, at wala akong pakialam sa taong tutulong sa aking proyekto.

Bakit nga hindi magtulungan?

Bakit hindi “live and let live”? Bakit hindi “win-win”?

Bakit natin gugustuhin na hindi gumanda ang kalagayan ng iba, at sarili lang natin ang mahalaga?

Bakit “beggar thy neighbor” at hindi “prosper thy neighbor”?

Ang pagtaas ba ng bilihin sa atin sa Pilipinas ay dulot ng “beggar thy neighbor” na pag-iisip? Sa sibuyas, sino ang kumita nang sobra-sobra – importer? trader? smuggler? government o cials –o all of the above? Sino ang namulubi – magsasaka ng sibuyas? Malamang. Sino pa ang apektado? Mga karaniwang mamamayan.

Endanger Thy Neighbor

Ang isang halimbawa ng pagnenegosyo na makakasama sa tao ay yung kaso ng Theranos. May blood analysis service ang Theranos na gamit ang isang

maliit na gadget na makakapag-analyze daw ng isang patak lamang ng dugo. Dito humanga ang mga tao –isang maliit na gadget na may kakayanang malaman ang iba’t-ibang sakit gamit ang isang patak ng dugo. Nagsikap ang may-ari ng Theranos na si Elizabeth Holmes na makipag-usap sa mga taong mayayaman sa Amerika.

Lumaki ang Theranos dahil sa milyon-milyong investments na nakuha niya. Ginawang star si Elizabeth ng media; sinasabing siya ang katumbas ni Steve Jobs sa larangan ng medisina. Pero ang kanyang

gadget ay hindi naman pala totoong makakapag-analyze ng dugo.

Dumami ang nagpa-analyze ng dugo at napadalhan sila ng questionable blood analysis.

Hindi lamang nagbayad ang mga tao sa serbisyong may depekto, kundi binigyan sila ng maling impormasyon tungkol sa kanilang dugo na naging batayan ng pagbabago ng gamot na iniinom na hindi dapat inumin o nagdulot ng takot at pag-aalala sa kanilang kalusugan.

Dahil sa milyon-milyong investment fund, inilagay sa peligro ang kalusugan ng mga tao. Ito ang halimbawa ng "endanger thy neighbor" na mas malalang pangloloko

kumpara sa pagbebenta ng fake na gamot. Kinasuhan si Elizabeth dahil dito at nasentensiyahan na makulong nang mahabang panahon.

Prosper Thy Neighbor

Ang “prosper thy neighbor” ay kaisipang ipinalalaganap tungkol sa pag-unlad ng mga bansa. Hindi dapat umunlad

community. Ito ang pilosopiya na itinuturing na pinagmumulan ng Japanese version ng “corporate social responsibility.”

Walang Iwanan

ang isang bansa sa pamamagitan ng pagpapahirap sa ibang bansa. Halimbawa, mababa ang pasahod sa trabahador sa factory sa ibang bansa kaya mura ang benta ng produkto sa sariling bansa. Hindi dapat “dog eat dog world,” kundi “prosperity for all.” Hindi dapat “matira ang matibay,” kundi sama-samang pag-unlad.

Dito sa Japan, naging bahagi ng traditional business philosophy ang “Sanpo Yoshi.” Sa ingles ito ang “three-way satisfaction.” Ang benepisyo ng negosyo ay dapat hindi lamang sa nagtitinda kundi sa bumibili at sa local na komunidad rin. Prosperity for all – seller, buyer and local

Ang “walang iwanan” ay nagpapahiwatig din na tayo ay magkakaugnay. Hindi tayo hiwa-hiwalay. Sabi nga natin, ang “sakit ng kalingkingan ay sakit ng buong katawan.” Ito ay kuha sa bibliya, at kaya isang napakatandang kaisipan – baka kasing tanda pa ng old testament. (If one part su ers, every part su ers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. 1 Corinthians 12:26) Bakit ganito na ang kaisipan noong unang panahon? Marami na ang naiiwan noon pa man – mga balong babae, may sakit, mahihirap, matatanda at iba pang hindi maayos ang katayuan sa buhay. Kaya nga

“blessed are the poor” ang sabi sa bibliya dahil sila ang naiiwan at nangangailangan ng tulong. Kaya na rin may “preferential option for the poor” sa simbahan dahil ito ay pagsasabuhay ng sabi sa bibliya na turo ni Hesus.

Simula sa ating sariling

bakuran – sa pakikitungo natin sa mga taong nasa ating paligid – pairalin natin ang “prosper thy neighbor” at “walang iwanan.”

“We Prosper as One.”

MOVING ON

ni Jasmin Vasquez

Ano ba ang paki mo sa pribadong buhay ng iba?

Marami sa atin ay nagkakaroon ng mga alitan dahilan sa mga issue na gawa at dala ng mga marisol at maritess sa paligid. Kadalasan ay narinig lang naman sa iba, hindi naman alam ang tunay na pangyayari ngunit mahilig makisawsaw sa buhay ng iba. Ang masama pa minsan nag imbento pa ng issue at ikakalat pa sa iba.

Naiinggit ba o may galit? Sabi nga nila pag inggit, pikit!!!! Kung may galit wag ka mamersonal. Focus on your life. Kung hindi natin sariling pamilya o kamag anak man lang, pwes hindi natin hawak ang buhay nila at lalong hindi natin sila pwedeng ma-control ayun sa gusto natin. Oo, bilang matalik na kaibigan na tinuturing nating hindi iba sa atin, ay maari tayong mag payo pero hanggang doon lang. Wala tayong karapatan pagsabihan ng masasamang salita o siraan sila sa ibang tao dahil lamang hindi sila sumunod sa gusto natin.

Una mong dapat gawin tingnan mo muna ang iyong sarili kung ikaw ba ay malinis bago mo siraan ang isang tao. Pangalawa, alam mo ba ang puno at dulo at kung ano ang tunay na nangyari o narinig mo lang, o di kaya ay may nag hatid lang din sa iyo ng isang tsismis na hindi totoo? At pangatlo, may napala ka ba sa iyong paninira? Tumaas ba ang tingin sa iyo ng ibang tao dahil siniraan mo sya sa maraming tao? Kung iyon ang palagay mo, naku

po nagkakamali ka kabayan. Ang mabuti mong gawin ay manahimik ka na lang kesa manira ka ng kapwa mo.

Kahit saan yata tayo mapuntang lugar, marami ang ganito. Huwag nating manipulahin ang mga tao. Hayaan nating gawin nila ang gusto nila dahil sila naman ang aani mabuti man o masama ang kanilang gagawin. Maari kang tumulong sa kanila kung hinihingi nila ang iyong payo o opinyon o ng tulong kung kailangan nila.

I am sure busy ka din sa iyong sariling buhay. Sa iyong sariling pamilya ay may dapat kang mas bantayan at gabayan kesa i-focus mo sa buhay ng ibang tao. Or even sa iyong sarili kabayan, kung may dapat kang baguhin sa iyong sarili unahin mo muna iyon bago ka makialam sa buhay ng may buhay.

Maging magandang halimbawa

tayo sa lahat lalo na sa sarili nating pamilya upang ganoon din ang gawin ng ating mga anak o magiging anak sa mga darating na panahon.

Kawikaan 13:3

Siyang nagiingat ng kaniyang

bibig, nagiingat ng kaniyang

buhay: nguni't siyang

nagbubukang maluwang ng kaniyang mga labi ay magkakaroon ng kapahamakan.

Let there be peace on earth! Hanggang sa muli….

EVERY GISING IS A BLESSING

ni Anita Sasaki

March & April means it is SPRING! Cherry Blossom is here! Kuwentuhan po tayo sa

MGA KUWENTO NI NANAY.

Pag nakikita ko ang mga bulaklak na sumisibol, hindi ko maiwasan na pag-usapan ang pinaka-maganda at pinaka-mahalagang tao sa ating buhayang ating INA. Meron po akong naala-alang kuwento tungkol sa isang INA

Ang huling habilin nang INA. Ang pagmamahal nang isang INA ay walang humpay at ito ay hanggang sa huling hibla nang kanyang hininga ay ang pagmamahal niya sa kanyang mga anak ang laging laman ng kanyang puso at isipan.

Last wish of the Mother. Mother's love is unconditional and lasts for entirety of life. Get inspired with this beautiful story about a Mother's love for her child.

Meron isang anak na nakatanggap nang trabaho sa kabilang lalawigan. May layong mga ilang oras mula sa kanila. At napagkasunduan nilang mag ina na ilalagak niya ang ina sa paalagaan nang mga matatanda o ang tinatawag na “local nursing home.”

Sa mga unang tatlong buwan, ang anak ay lumuluwas tuwing Sabado upang dalawin ang ina. Ngunit naging busy siya sa trabaho. At inalok na kung papasukin niya ang Sabado ay malaking karagdagan sa kanyang buwanang sahod. At ang Linguhan pagdalaw niya sa kanyang ina ay naging pabigat sa kanya. Kaya hindi na halos nadadalaw nang anak ang ina.

At isang araw ay nakatanggap ang anak nang tawag galing sa nursing home. Kaya ang anak ay dali daling lumuwas upang puntahan ang ina. At nabigla ang anak nang makita ang ina na malubha na. Habang siya ay abalang naghahanapbuhay para kumita. Tinabihan niya ang ina, hawak ang mga kamay na walang lakas.

At ang tanging tanong sa ina ay, “Sabihin mo po kung ano ang gusto mo na gagawin ko.” Ang puso niya ay puno nang pagsisisi at lungkot sa nakitang kalagayan nang ina. At nakita niya na hindi na ito magtatagal. Mahinang mahina na.

Ngumiti ang ina. Ang sabi nang ina, “Anak, puwede bang kabitan mo ng mga electric fan ang nursing home at bilihan mo nang refrigerator sila. Kasi meron mga gabi na hindi ako makatulog at walang pagkain.“

Nagulat ang anak sa narinig na sinabi nang ina. Ang sagot nang anak, “Bakit Inay habang naririto ka ay wala ka pong reklamo sa kalagayan mo po dito. At ngayon hindi ka na magtatagal ay iyan po ang inyong sinasabi. Bakit po ito ang sinasabi nyo po ngayon? Ngumiti lang ang ina. “Ako, kaya kong tiisin ang init, gutom at ang sakit. Ngunit ikaw, pag dumating na tumanda ka at dadalhin ka nang mga anak mo dito, ayaw kong mararanasan mo ang dinanas ko. Baka hindi mo kayanin.” At doon humagulgol ang anak. At humingi nang tawad.

Kaya kayong mga anak, mahalin ninyo ang inyong mga magulang. Arugain, mahalin ninyo sila. Ipadama ninyo ang inyong pagmamahal. At sabihin ninyong MAHAL NINYO SILA HANGANG NARIRINIG PA KAYO NILA. KAYSA MALALAMAN NINYO ANG HALAGA NILA PAG WALA NA SILA. AT HINDI NA KAYO MARIRINIG.

Love your parents and treat them with loving care. For you will only know their value when you see their empty chair.

Children:

When our parents were there, we never cared. When we wanted to take care of them, they aren’t there.

Before it’s too late. Love and care for them.

Walk with me:

Nihombashi-Kabutocho

By Lala Lopez de Leon

March 13, 2023

It was really not my intention to visit this place - it’s way out of the way from my commute to work. But a clumsy, peculiar incident had led me to this old side of Nihombashi.

A little over a week ago, I nished work on time and decided to stretch my legs out for a much-needed walk – from Kyobashi to the Takashimaya side of Nihombashi, which is just one straight stroll along the main thoroughfare. It has started to get warm that day and I felt inspired enough to go for it.

At the Takashimaya annex I came upon a popular Italian chocolatier and bought a few pieces that I was looking forward to enjoying with

The lovely evening went by just ne…until I got home and realized the little bag of chocolates was not on me!! Aww, I had left it behind!! What else can one do, but give up and consider it gone!

But what a surprise to nd the other day a letter from the Central Police Department in Nihombashi Kabutocho! Someone had found my little bag of chocolates and kindly handed it over to the Lost and Found O ce. It was a puzzle to me at rst though…how did they know it was mine? Well, as it turned out…I had unknowingly left a utility bill in that little bag!! Oh, dear me!!

So here I am at the Central Police Department, Lost & Found O ce to pick up my little bag of chocolates and the utility bill.

co ee while I do work from home. It was getting close to dinner time and with no hesitation whatsoever, I headed right away to my favorite Soup Stock at COREDO Nihombashi.

Nihombashi Kabutocho is much more than I expected. With the Tokyo Stock Exchange and several securities companies in the area, it is no exaggeration to say it is the equivalent of New York’s Wall Street.

The name Kabutocho literally means town of Kabuto or helmet. There is apparently a

legend that a Minamoto clan samurai had buried his helmet in this area in the 11th century. Such Kabuto helmets are displayed with pride as Omikoshi or Portable Shrines carried around the town during festivals.

While being a prominent nancial district, Nihombashi Kabutocho shows collective e orts of the government and the community to keep a well-balanced environment. There are pockets of greens and open spaces.

I also saw that some of the back streets are lined with Sakura trees. That, I think would be one good reason to come back in a few weeks or so!

Accomplishment for today’s walk: 10,324 steps.

Photos by Lala Lopez de Leon

HEALTH POINTS

by Marnie Chan

HYPERTENSIVE CRISIS

This is a true story. 56-year old female, 5 feet tall, 103 lbs, not on any medication, non smoker, non alcohol drinker, exercises occasionally, complains of severe headache and dizziness. Blood pressure registered at 173/109. Heart rate [HR] at 64 beats per minute [bpm]. She reported that her heart rate went as low as 44 bpm prior in the day. No typo errors here. You read all those gures right.

Make no mistake, this is a hypertensive crisis. Should this happen to you or a loved one, seek immediate medical attention. Do not delay. This is stroke-level. This is a life-threatening situation.

You will be rushed to the ER. The rst goal is to bring down your blood pressure as quickly as humanly possible to prevent further damages to your organs. An IV infusion of sodium nitroprusside is the traditional drug of choice in ERs in western countries like the US.

This is not meant to frighten. It is intended to sow hope. Hypertension, the silent killer, can be averted after all.

Let us mince no words. The next life that could be saved could be yours.

The following interventions are what saved this lady in our story:

1] Acupuncture. It took a total of four 45-minute sessions to nally stabilize her BP and HR done successively in two-day’s time [once, during the night of the crisis and thrice the following day].

2] A concoction that melts plaque in arteries and promotes vasodilation [or opens up your arteries]. Props to Dr. Howie Mendell for sharing this concoction of cayenne pepper powder, turmeric powder, ground black pepper, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, raw honey, warm water. Capsaicin, which is present in cayenne pepper, reduces high blood pressure.

3] A clove of garlic. Garlic has an active compound called allicin that lowers blood pressure.

Long story short… as of this writing, it has been day 6 since this incident and all BP readings done three times a day are within normal limits.

Lesson to take here… Do you know why the monicker “silent killer”? Because we all brush it o as just a headache or just a stomach ache. Unbeknownst, it is a one way ticket to the great yonder. Or worst, to paralyzing stroke.

On the Road to

Kagawaran ng Manggagawang Mandarayuhan The Department of Migrant Workers ( DMW) with the Honorable Secretary Susan ‘ Toots” Ople

Rise from winter’s nap Stretch to feel the Sun’s warm rays Spring is among us...

- Shannon Scho eld

Spring is in the air... as many say but unfortunately for those with pollen allergies, this season could be worrisome.

The arrival of spring has various connotations for di erent countries. In Japan, it’s the Sakura or Cherry Blossoms. Although in reality, it is the “Ume“ or plum blossoms that herald the arrival of Spring.

In the Philippines, since we have only

2 seasons — the dry and the wetMarch and April are associated with the Lenten season. The date of Easter Sunday was decided in ancient times by the Council of Nicaea that it would be held on the rst full moon on or

after the Vernal Equinox. So this year, it will fall on April 9.

Despite the shivering and chilly February this year, our hearts were warmed by the visit to Osaka of the Secretary of the newly created Department of Migrant Workers, the Honorable Susan “ Toots “ Ople.

At the ”Meet and Greet” meeting in the o ce of the former POLO now O ce of the Department of Migrant Workers and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, Consul General Voltaire D. Mauricio of Philcongen Osaka introduced the Honorable Secretary and Undersecretary PJ Caunan. Leaders and representatives of the Filipino Communities led by the o cers of the Philippine Community Coordinating Council and its member communities in the umbrella organization such as the Kansai Nippi Tomo no Kai, Kakogawa Filipino Community, Sacra Famiglia Catholic Community, Shiga Filipino Christian Community, St, Joseph Catholic Church Hikone Filipino Community, Kishiwada Filipino Community Sama-sama Filipino Community, Kawachi Kayumanggi, Kyoto Pag-asa Filipino Community, Yagi Filipino Community, Nara North Filipino Community , SEAC, and IFFIK. The new government o ce was speci cally mentioned by President Ferdinand “Bongbong “ Marcos when he met with the delegates of various Filipino Communities in Tokyo last Feb. 12. He also said that the Department of Migrant Workers and the Department of Tourism with its

new Secretary, the Honorable Christina Garcia Frasco have launched a travel incentive program for OFW’s and Overseas Filipinos... Bisita: Be my Guest Philippines.

Like her late father, former Labor Secretary and also Secretary of Foreign A airs Blas Ople from Hagonoy, Bulacan, the Secretary is also an advocate of the rights of the OFW’s and promises that with the DMW, their mission in Osaka is geared towards a more robust Philippine Japan Manpower Resource Agenda. Before joining President Marcos’ meeting with the Filipino Community in Tokyo, Secretary Ople held very productive meetings with Employers of

Filipinos in Osaka with Consul General Voltaire Mauricio and Labor Attache Elizabeth Marie Raquel Estrada.

by Geraldine Limpo

ANIME THROUGH THE EYES OF AN ADULT

Like many of his peers, my son loves watching anime. Thinking no more of them than animated cartoons (previously presented as manga), it never occurred to me to watch anime until my son introduced my family to Assassination Classroom (manga written and illustrated by Yusei Matsui) during the infamous lockdown of pandemic years. Almost magically, we were hooked to the lovable and witty multi-tentacled Koro-sensei who was assigned to mentor a class of “underrated” junior highschool students through unconventional means. Amusing though the episodes were, I thought that the idea of introducing violence to young children is simply bizarre. What relevance does the topic of assassination have with education? It is only while I watch the concluding episode wherein the erstwhile motley crew of youngsters confront identity and learned to work together to achieve the bizarre goal that I nd the answer.

Takagi’s playful teasing of her shy classmate Nishikata in Teasing Master Takagi-san (manga written by Soichiro Yamamoto)

transported me to my youth. How many times have I self-selected due to a strange case of inferiority complex so I grew too dense to the idea of a member of the opposite sex actually liking me? Chuckling as Nishikata does 100 push-ups, I think of how many times I punished myself for never being “enough”. Seeing Nishikata’s face turn beet red when he blushes from awkward kilig encounters with Takagi arouses the little girl in me. Takagi’s constant teasing of Nishikata moved me to ask myself how many times I masked infatuation for another person so I am never found out.

A sucker of romcoms, I take a liking too for Komi Can’t Communicate (manga written and illustrated by Tomohito Oda). The protagonist Komi is a charming and intelligent headturner who excels in sports and academics; she also su ers from extreme social anxiety so she cannot utter a single word with ease. Her seatmate Tadano—awkward, average in most respects and shy, is her (unexpected)

Knight-in-Shining-Armour. What is the probability that the much-admired high school goddess falls for the average Joe? How can one of the minor characters Najimi keep her gender from her classmates for so long? Is Japan ready for the dialogue about queers?

The adventures of the tall, well-built and handsome lineage of the Joestars in Jojo’s Bizarre Adventures (manga written by Hirohiko Araki) sends me swooning and, at the same time, renders me confused. Genteel

This is the front cover art for the manga Blue Lock written by Muneyuki Kaneshiro and illustrated by Yusuke Nomura. The manga cover art copyright is believed to belong to the publisher, Kodansha, or the cover artist.

and kind-hearted Jonathan Joestar has “ripple” to heal. Ingenious Joseph Joestar who can intimate bits of the future discovers his “stand”. Pensive and fearless Jotaro Kujo discovers how to stop time with Star Platinum. Araki also presents the most evil of villains—gruesome Yoshikage Kira, diabolical Kars, heartless Dio, and also the most unforgettable—Wamuu, Hol Horse, Esidisi—simply because they are named after some of the iconic bands of the 80s (Wham, Hall & Oates, ACDC, respectively). The ghts are unbelievable, and the level of evil rises exponentially as the plot thickens. I think about how “stands”, though powerful, need to be understood and mastered—pretty much like each of our human “strengths”. I am reminded that the testosterone-heavy Joestar heroes are vulnerable as real men are; for example, Joseph falls in love and fathers a child

with a woman other than his wife.

Presently, my family is hooked on Blue Lock (written by Muneyuki Kaneshiro and illustrated by Yusuke Nomura). Plot and character development evidence deep research and creative writing. The chief protagonist Yoichi Isagi knows he is lacking in many aspects, and is relentless at introspection and self-improvement. His fellow strikers training in Blue Lock are just as inspiring-- Bachira is light-hearted and e cient (and also wrestles with the real reason he plays soccer), and

become comrades-in-training —Nagi and Isagi learn instinctively to move in synch; Chigiri and Kunigami and Reo develop awesome teamwork; self-centered Barou rises from strength to strength. Episodes cast the spotlight on how individual ego is formed. The games investigate the delicate balance of ego and cooperation when playing a team sport. When does ego rear its ugly head, and when do we rely on it?

It is said that a good story creeps into the minds and hearts of its audience and stirs it. The other night, I was roused from sleep and found myself thinking about how Isagi’s team with Chigiri, Nagi and Barou measures up to Rin’s formidable foursome. I am simply awed at Ego’s design of Blue Lock even as I suspect that no such training exists.

Perhaps the unique advantage of anime lies in the limitless potential of plot and production, and the expressive visual images of human emotions that not many real-life actors and sets can convey as e ectively.

Chigiri overcomes his fear of breaking his injured and rehabilitated knee. Foes

Didn’t imagine that I will ever say this about an anime but the truth is: I can’t wait for Sunday’s episode 23 of Blue Lock!

ADVICE NI TITA LITS Take it or Leave it!

IsabelitaManalastas-Watanabe

Franchising Galore thru SIKAPPINOY ASENSO!!!

Dear Tita Lits:

Naririnig ko po ang franchising business pero kahit nag-google search na ako, hindi ko pa rin po maintindihan masyado. Pwedo po bang ipaliwanag ninyo sa isang simpleng paraan lang?

Normita, Koiwa

Dear Normita:

Napaka-gandang timing ng inquiry mo. MALAPIT NANG I-LAUNCH DITO SA JAPAN ang SIKAPPINOY ASENSO. Kailangan mong magkaroon ng ATM/Debit Card ng SIKAPPINOY ASENSO para mag-qualify ka sa franchising program.

1. Ano ang franchising?

Business relationship ito between a franchisor and a franchisee. Yong franchisee (ikaw iyon) ay bibigyan ng rights ng franchisor (yong owner ng brand), in exchange for an initial franchise fee, to use the brand. Additionally, pwedeng mag-charge si franchisor ng franchise fee for marketing, royalties, etc.

In doing franchising, si franchisor ay makaka-expand ng business niya in the form of many branches na magiging “pag-aari” na ng bawa’t franchisee. Franchisor is expected to assist and support the small franchisee to succeed dahil kapag kumita si franchisee, kita din naman ng extra ang franchisor.

2. Ano ang responsibilidad ng franchiser? Establishes the brand’s trademark or trade name and a business system; training para sa franchisee at sa mga sta niya; advertising; etc.

3. Ano naman ang sa franchisee? Depende sa franchiser. Siyempre, capital para sa business; mayroong mag-re-require na mag-share ng certain percentage ng iyong kita sa franchiser; mayroong hihingi ng goodwill money, bago ka pa makapg-umpisa ng business; various paper work/documentation, etc.

Very simple actually itong above explanation ko. Para lang magkaroon ng general idea. In reality, there are at least around four (4) basic types of franchising:

Single-unit; Multi-unit; Area development; Master franchising.

Most common ang single unit, so dito na lang tayo muna mag-concentrate. Yong single unit, ibig sabihin, bibigyan ka ng franchisor ng franchise rights para magbukas, at mag-operate ng isang single franchise unit. Kapag successful ka, doon ka na mag-move up sa Multi-unit –several branches ng iyong franchise.

Di-kadalian kumuha ng franchise lalo na at bagito tayong lahat dito sa business na ito. Hintay pa ng kauting sandali - by the time the next issue of JP comes in summer, mas marami na akong maituturong proseso.

Habang naghihintay pa si Tita Lits ng more information, UMPISAHAN NA NATIN ANG PINAKA-UNANG REQUIREMENT NG BANKCOM:

branch nation-wide, at MAGBUKAS KA NA KAPAG NAUWI KA NG IYONG SIKAPPINOY ASENSO ATM/DEBIT CARD. Sabihin mo OFW ka sa Japan at PHP100 lang, Yes, PHP100 lang ang kanilang initial deposit!!!

– Dalhin mo ang iyong passport plus isa pang valid, acceptable ID;

– Kung di-ka makauwi, pwede mong sabihan ang iyong pinagkakatiwalaang bene ciary na magbukas na ng SIKAPPINOY ASENSO account. Initial deposit lang, tapos, later mo na padalhan dahil kailangan kang mag-save ng certain amount corresponding to the requirements ng gusto mong franchisor;

– May authorized remittance company si BankCom sa pagpapadala mo ng iyong iipunin sa iyong SikapPinoy Asenso Account (to be announced in next issue kapag kumpleto na ang information ni Tita Lits). You can also call me at (03) 6869-8555 for initial information.;

– BankCom encourages that the remittance partner nila ang gamitin mo at sana derecho sa BankCom ang pag-re-remit ng iyong savings;

– TUTULUNGAN ka ng BankCom sa pagkuha ng franchise kapag nabuo mo na ang minimum amount.

Heto right now ang mga logos ng possible franchises ready for o er to OFWs in Japan. SUPORTADO NG SAN MIGUEL CORPORATION ang BankCom so very safe ang ipon mo at ang iyong planong mag-franchise.

Until next issue, my dear readers, for more complete information – like magkano ang katapat na savings ng iyong gustong franchise, etc.

(Note to JP/Tito Dennis – huwag mo

akong sisingilin sa pag-advertise ko ng programang ito ng BOC ha? Tulong naman sa ating OFW sa Japan. Thank you!!! Bayaan mo, I will talk to BOC baka sakaling gusto nilang magpakilala dito sa Japan, in the form of a paid ad. No promises, though!)

Tita Lits

by Mae Grace

AMAZINGgrace!

The Forest of the Emperor

Somewhere at the foot of Mt. Takao in Hachioji, Tokyo, is a wide expanse of Sakura preservation forest known as the Tama Forest Science Garden.

Designated in 1966 as the preservation forest of genes of famous cherry trees collected nationwide.

The area is an 8 hectares of owering cherries and can be considered a living encyclopedia of Japanese cherry trees. More than 20 thousand visitors come here during April to see 500 beautiful kinds of sakuras in bloom.

All numbered trees of this research forest institute have already undergone DNA sequencing to study their traits. Cultivated owering cherries have their lifespan of 50 to 100 years and replacing decaying trees must be with trees of the same DNA, that is, with their clones!

Cloning is not easy for many of these trees. But Emperor Hirohito, who was famous as a botanist wanted to make sure that the Japanese cherries will be enjoyed by his people for many generations to come! Please come and visit the “garden” in Hachioji and you wouldn’t know that the beauty that you see is certainly all in a highly scienti cally controlled environment. The Forest of the Emperor, indeed!

Enjoy these photos I took from the Tama Forest Science Garden and from other sites as well! It’s April! It’s HANAMI Time!!!

8

NEW MOCHI FLAVORS INTRODUCED IN THE

“PHILIPPINES X MOCHI TOWN ICHINOSEKI” EVENT

6 March 2023

Philippine Ambassador-designate Mylene J. Garcia-Albano with other o cials of the Philippine Embassy attended the press launch of the “Philippines x Mochi Town Ichinoseki” event held at Jingumae, Shibuya-Ward, Tokyo on 2 March 2023. The food event highlighted Filipino dishes complemented with Ichinoseki mochi.

Mochi is a popular product and part of the food culture of the City of Ichinoseki. It is said that there are more than 300 di erent avors of mochi in this city. 8 new avors inspired by Filipino dishes were introduced during the event. The attendees were treated to mochi avors such as coconut cream pumpkin mochi croquettes, beef “pares” with roasted mochi, “palitaw” (big round at bottom mochi), purple yam chewy cookies, pork meat balls and yakimochi skewers in 3 di erent “adobo” sauce varieties, “tortang talong topped with mochi cheese and mango chili sauce, fried cheese and mochi spring rolls, and oating mochi in toasted coconut milk curd and jackfruit sauce. Philippine products like “calamansi” drinks were also available during the event.

In her message, Ambassador-designate Garcia-Albano congratulated the organizers of the event as well as the four Filipino chefs in Japan who created the 8 delicious dishes. They are Chef Mareve Inomata, Chef Loida Oris Ozaki, Chef Jan “Mickey” Alca, Chef Catherine Aratake. The Ambassador mentioned that the event provided an opportunity for the attendees to learn more about the Philippines through its food.

The “Philippines x Mochi Town Ichinoseki” event was a project of Mr. Kazuma Matsumoto of Ihatov Tohoku in collaboration with the Philippine Embassy’s Tourism Section. The proceeds of the event will be donated to the victims of the Great East Japan earthquake in Tohoku.

Glen Gypsy ’s

“In your darkest hour, give thanks, for in due time, the morning will come. And it will come with a ray of sunshine.”

- Michael Bassey Johnson