Jeepney Press 2011 May-June page 17

Doc Gino’s Pisngi Ng Langit

Sexually Transmitted Infection

Tanong: Drop ko na lang ang facts.

Sept. 28, may nakatalik akong babae na naka-chat ko lang sa Facebook. Well educated siyang babae pero hindi ako naniniwalang ikalawa lang ako sa mga naka-sex niya.

Oct. 13, nag-sex kami ng girlfriend ko while having her period. After noon eh nakaramdam na ako ng tila mabigat na pakiramdam na parang namamaga sa kaliwang bayag ko.

Oct. 14, di nawala yoong sakit at tila lalo pang lumala dahil pti kanang bayag ko eh sumasakit na rin.

Oct. 15, masakit na pareho pati kaliwa't kanang bahagi ng puson ko.

Oct. 16, nagpa-check-up ako sa doctor. Sinabi ko lahat ng nararamdaman ko then he asked me if masakit ba ang pag-ihi ko. Sinabi kong hindi dahil wala naman akong nararamdamang ganoon. Pinablood-test at urine-test ako nguni’t sinabi niya na normal naman daw. Baka daw luslos na daw itong nararamdaman ko. Niresetahan niya ako ng OFLOXAXIN at CELCOXX for a period of 5 days then bumalik daw ako sa kanya.

Oct. 17, hindi na parehong bayag ang sumasakit sakin Doc kundi pati kaliwang bahagi ng puson, at kaliwang bahagi ng ari ko na ang sumasakit. Tila parang namamaga at mainit na ang pakiramdam ko.

Based on my research Doc about sa HIV eh pumapasok ako sa 1 to 3 weeks before magkasymptoms ako nakaramdam ng mga ito. Ang girlfriend ko naman eh from October 13 na nag-sex kami eh namamaga ang lymph nodes niya sa may leeg na naramdaman lang niya kahapon (Oct. 16). Noong Oct. 13 lang kami ulit nag-sex since nakatalik ko ang isang babae noong Sept. 28.

Here are my questions doc,

Sir, what percentage po na mayroon akong HIV at girlfriend ko?

Kung STD-related case itong nararamdaman ko eh ano po kayang uri ito ng sakit and virus na nakainfect sakin?

Doc Gino (DG): I wouldn't know what percentage. HIV does not occur fast. It can take several months to years before it manifests. There are too many kinds of STDs. Laboratory tests such as urinalysis, urine culture, blood tests can confirm what infection is present.

T: Follow-up question sir. With relation to the facts I cited this morning sir, may possibility ba na na-infect ko na rin ang girlfriend ko when we had sex? Should I stop having sex with her for the meantime?

Umiinom na ako ng gamot since yesterday sir, walang nagbago sa pakiramdam ko Doc imbis eh lalo pang sumasakit. Should I finish the 5-day treatment instructed by my doctor or bumalik na ako sa kanya? Tnx sir in advance...

DG: It is possible to have another person infected if you were infected to begin with. I recommend consuming your medications, after which, seeking a follow-up medical evaluation with your doctor.

-----------------------------------------------------------

PEDESTRIAN LANE

by Mylene Miyata

SAAN KA PUPUNTA?

Isang araw makalipas ang May-June issue deadline ng Jeepney Press, nag-mail sa akin ang editor-in-chief namin na si Mr. Dennis Sun. Sabi nya, "Mylene, deadline natin kahapon, di ko pa natatanggap yung article mo." Naalala ko tuloy! Oo nga! Pero, sabi ko pasensya na sa abala. Paano ko nga ba ipapalagay ang isip ko na makapagsulat? Ganitong puro lindol ang laman nito? Ganon pa man, sinubukan kong mag-isip ng bagay na pwedeng talakayin para sa aming mga mahal na mambabasa. Sana ay pagtibayan natin ang ating pananalig sa ating Lumikha. Anuman po ang nga kasalukuyang kaganapang nararanasan natin sa ngayon, ang pinakamahalaga ay may matibay tayong pananalig sa Maykapal lamang.

Sa mga nakalipas na araw na halos makapagpigil hiningang lindol at tsunami, meron kaya sa atin ang hindi nababahala? Subukan man natin isipin na okay lang tayo... reality check, e medyo... hindi naman talaga okay ang sunud- sunod na malungkot na pangyayari dito sa Japan, di po ba?

Sa araw-araw na balita pa lang ay siguradong manlulumo tayo sa lungkot at pag-aalala. Pero, may choice ba tayo? Ilan sa mga kasamahan ko sa pinapasukan kong pabrika ay nagsipagbalik na sa kani-kanilang bansa. Nagulat na lang ako nang biglang nagsipaglaho ang karamihan. Tanong nga sa akin ng isa, "Di ka ba uuwi ng Pilipinas?" Gustung-gusto kong umuwi. Isa pa, ilang beses na din akong tinatawagan ni nanay at sinasabing "Umuwi muna kayo dito anak!" Madali sanang sabihin, "Sige, bukas 'nay, uuwi ako." Yung mga kapatid ko sa Singapore, sa Canada, at sa Malaysia, lahat sila walang tigil sa kakatawag sa "viber" sa akin. Sobrang nag- aalala. Doon na muna daw kami sa kanila tumira. Haaay! Kung ganon nga lang ba kabilis mapag-desisyunan eh! Pero, reality check ulit... di naman po ganoon kadaling magdesisyon, di ba? Una sa lahat, Hapon ang asawa natin. Sabi pa ng asawa ko, kung natatakot daw ako, punta muna daw ako sa Singapore. Sya na daw bahala sa bahay muna. Sabi ko, "Kung hindi ka sasama, kahit na sobrang natatakot man ako, dito lang ako!" Sabay ngumiti at nanahimik sya. Isa pa na madalas kong marinig sa karamihan na kababayan natin dito "Anong kabuhayan naman ang naghihintay sa atin pagbalik ng Pilipinas?!" Bagay na sya din naman pinupunto ng asawa ko sa akin. Hindi daw madaling iiwan basta- basta ang bagay-bagay. Maraming ganitong uri ng konsiderasyon.

At dahil din sa kapangyarihang dulot ng "media" at teknolohiya sa panahon natin ngayon, iba't ibang klase ng ispekulasyon ang maririnig, makikita at masasaksihan natin hinggil sa mga kaganapang ito. Bagay na talaga naman nagdudulot ng karagdagang pag- aalala sa atin, di po ba?

Sa dami ng kuru-kuro, paniniwala at impormasyong inilalatag sa atin, medyo malilihis, malilito at maguguluhan talaga tayo kung iisipin. Nandiyan ang "Mayan Calendar, Nuclear shelter, Doomsday Prophecy 2012, UFO plus NASA" at higit sa lahat ang pinagtagpi-tagping kaisipan ng tao ukol sa mga kasalukuyang kaganapan dulot na din ng ating malikhaing kaisipan.

Kahit ako, sobrang naguluhan sa mga impormasyong ito. Hindi po ako taong palasimba. Gaya ng ilan na linggo linggo ay nasa Holy Eucharist. Pero, ang lahat po ay alay ko sa Diyos na lumikha sa atin. Naniniwala po ako sa kagustuhan ng Lumikha. Nagpapasalamat sa kung anumang impormasyon ang inilalahad ng kapwa tao natin. Pero, gaya nga ng sabi ng ilan sa kababayan nating balisa, "Kung oras na natin, wala tayong magagawa." Tandaan na lang natin na wala po sinuman ang may alam kung ano ang meron bukas. Tanging ang Lumikha lamang sa ating lahat ang nakakaalam.

---------------------------------

KWENTO Ni NANAY ANITA

Kung mayroon BFF (Best Friends Forever), meron din BFHM (Best Friends Hanggang Maypakinabang). Mayroon diyan napakalaking kompanya sa atin sa Pinas nang dinala ang kalakal sa Japan ay isang matandang di naman nakapagtapos nang mataas na antas sa paaralan ang ginamit upang sila ay makipag-ugnay sa Pilipino community. Ang babaeng naantasan magbukas dito sa bansang Hapon upang i- introduce ang produkto ay nakiusap sa isang Pilipina na tulungan siyang magtawag sa Pilipino community. Kaya ang nilapitang Pilipina ang siyang nagtawag sa community at ginanap din nila sa lugar niya. Doon dumating ang mga matataas na tao nang kompaniyang ito. Marami galing sa Pinas at sa America (na may mga katungkulan sa kompaniya). Doon nagbigay sila nang mga introduksion tungkol sa produkto nila. Nakapag- umpisa sila dito sa bansang Hapon. At nang nagkuhaan na nang mga ahente ang taong pinakiusapan nilang magtawag nang kommunity ay di man lang ginawang ahente nguni't sub-agent lang. Kahit sub-agente lang siya iprinomote din niya ang produkto dahil ang katuwiran niya ay hindi yong kikitain niya, kundi ang ma-enjoy nang kapwa niya Pilipino sa bagong serbisyo.

Nang ito ay kasalukuyang nilabas na sa market, ang babaeng ginawang kontact nila nang sila ay nag-umpisa ay naalis na rin. Dumaan ang ilang taon at ang produkto ay lumago na. Dumating ang panahon na merong paraan para magamit ang produkto nila sa ibang systema.

At awa nang Diyos napakiusapan na naman ang babaeng nagamit noong unang magbukas sila dito. Halos ayaw noong una noong pinakiusapan nilang babae dahil alam niya mayroon na silang tanggapan dito sa Japan at mayroong problemang iniwan ang dating may hawak na tanggapan, na nagsara at kunuha lang nang pera sa mga customers pero wala namang ibinigay na serbisyo. Dahil sa pakiusap at dahil sa gusto niya ang produkto o serbisyo at sa pagmamahal niya sa mga kababayan niyang mga Pilipino, tumulong ulit siya. So sa awa nang Diyos, minumura siya at ang ibang mga staff dahil sa ginawa nang dating kompaniya. Pero sige lang at maayos lang ang pagpapaliwanag at maiintindihan ka rin nang mga customers. Pero di birong galit, mura ang kanilang natanggap. At naiayos na rin makalipas ang isang taon mahigit nawala na ang ibang galit na customers at dahadahan bumalik ang mga nawalang mga customers. Gaya nang inaasahan... kinuha na nang kumpaniya ang serbisyo na ayos na kahit papaano... at gaya nang inaasahan... di na kailangan ang babaeng pinakiusapan.

Yan ang buhay dito sa mundo. Pero di nila malilimutan ang babaeng pinag-umpisahan nila dito sa bansang Hapon. Di man siya Master’s Degree or MBA graduate, nagamit niya ang kanyang mga God-given talents, sarili niyang dunong at karisma.

Do you wake up every morning expecting favor and blessings on everything you do? Do you plan for what is good? When we plan for what is good, the scripture tells us that we find love. We know that God is love which means that when we plan for what is good, we will find God in the midst of our plans. So, don’t let the negative voices of the world steal your focus or get you off course. Don’t start planning for a bad day; choose to plan for good. The scripture doesn’t say, “Plan for good as long as the economy is booming.” It doesn’t say, “Plan for good as long as the housing market is strong.” It doesn’t say, “Plan for good as long as you aren’t facing any adversity.” No, we can plan for good because we serve a God who is good, and He is ready, willing and able to bring us through any adversity we face! Boldly plan for good today and watch God show up in the midst of your plans!

Jeepney Press 2011 May-June Page 18

Unknown Unconventional Filipinos in Nagoya

Second of a Three-Part Series

Off A Beaten Track …

by Maria Concepcion A. Pidelo-Ona (with Charles Cielo)

To some, he may sound like a mad scientist; but to me and to others who care passionately about having a better world and a better Philippines in the future, I think some of his specific, concrete ideas show promise... who knows, some of them just might actually work :)

We can only watch and wait.

To those who might be interested in following a similar path, he offers up one word as a form of advice - "Invictus."People react to unfamiliar places and climes in different ways. There are those who subsist within a small clique of friends of similar backgrounds, shutting off the unfamiliar environment with a familiar comfort zone. Then again, there are those who take to strange environments like a fish takes to water, letting the new environment in and letting it transform them completely.

One such person is Charles Cielo, a native son of Manila as he is a hodge-podge of Spanish, Indian, and Chinese bloodlines within a common Filipino frame. When you first meet him, you realize that he leaves a unique first impression. At best, you will remember his strange theories. At worst, he will leave you wondering whether you should alert the authorities about a madman on the loose. For within a conventional exterior hides an unconventional passion burning so hot as to make the sun a poor comparison for his soul.

Who is this man? What makes him tick?

As a child

Charles was born in Manila, the first of a brood of four, to a civil engineer and a medical student/ chemistry teacher. His parents enforced a pact with their children: That the parents would sacrifice to send the children to the best primary schools, provided that the children will subsidize their higher education by scholarships. It was thus he attended Colegio de San Agustin, Makati until he completed his elementary education at the age of 13 in 1997 and went on to publicly-funded high schools – the Manila Science High School and the Philippine Science High School, Diliman Campus.

His household was atypical. His mother stayed up with him late into the night preparing him for his first grade examinations until sixth grade. He was also trained very early in writing and speaking in English, since his paternal grandmother (a high school teacher) was extremely adamant that her first direct grandchild should be proficient in the language. Perhaps it was then Charles’ inborn streak of rebelliousness first manifested itself: He gained proficiency in the English language to escape having to use the polite expressions “Po” and “Opo” when talking to his elders.

His parents nurtured his love for reading early in his life. It was the boredom of being a single child trapped in an isolated and Internet-bereft Marcos era (His siblings will be born several years after), that set those first bookworm-infested flames blazing into a wildfire. His love of reading became a voracious habit which explains his tendency to spout insanely fun ideas. He remembers even now that surge of joy he felt when he first got hold of his library card in first grade. He reminisces about that particular library: "In the next seven years, I devoured practically every single book in that weird little Catholic school library. It housed such an incredible variety of books, from natural science and fiction to magic and the paranormal. Boredom was my constant enemy, and reading gave me a brief respite from the boring, mundane world."

As a young academic

Charles attended three years of pre-medicine at the University of Philippines, Manila until he managed to attain the Japanese government undergraduate scholarship which brought him to the Tokyo University of Foreign Language Studies for intensive training in the Japanese language. Upon graduation, he entered Nagoya University, to take his undergraduate degree in the field of Biological and Chemical Engineering. This is when I first met him.

I first met Charles at a Spring 2001 gathering that my husband and his more senior colleagues hosted for the most recent batch of Filipino Japanese government scholars assigned to Nagoya. The air was crisp with the promise of fresh new possibilities and verdant life. I remember that he was quite an unusual chap: quiet when others were lively and lively when others were quiet.

Certainly, the path he had traveled so far was one far removed from the straight and easy, that specialized road to comfortable employment favored by most of his peers. He was the only under-graduate in those Filipino student get-togethers but he did not limit himself socializing with his own kind (if such ever existed). He actively participated in international student activities, primarily as a member of the Nagoya University Foreign Students Association, but also through other venues.

Diversity of experience seems to be an abiding obsession for him. Aside from being a student, he took on a sur- prising variety of part-time jobs in his decade-long stay in Japan: From manual labourer in a chair factory, to focus group analyst working for a regional Japanese radio station, from translator/ interpreter working for various public institutions, to a job as a parking attendant for an event held by a major Japanese electronics company, to a lucrative stint as a consultant in the world's largest pharmaceutical company.

All this he did as he worked to get his undergrad, master's and (currently) doctorate degrees. He is also the only Filipino scholar in recent memory who entered Nagoya University as an undergraduate student, attained his undergraduate degree and continued on, still under the Japanese government scholarship, until attaining his Master's degree in Biological and Chemical Engineering in 2007. He is the only foreign student in Nagoya University to take a year-long leave of absence (LoA) to work full-time with a major multinational corporation, only to return to college student status upon returning to his doctorate program.

Recently, I asked him why he did all of this. He answered with a single word: "growth."

"What defines my life most succinctly is 'boredom', and the only way I have been able to deal with it is encapsulated by the word 'growth.' I get bored easily, so I need to grow to keep myself interested in the world.

Further, I have no real defenses against empathizing with the people and animals around me - to the point of being labeled an Internationalist (the diametrical opposite of a Nationalist, I suppose. It implies that in my mind, the best way to improve my people is to learn from the successes and failures of other people.). I've found that personal growth is the best way to understand how people work and find out the best way to help/hinder them. And the best way to attain personal growth is to expose the mind and body to diverse environments, and to allow those environments to make selected positive changes in me. Of course, my individuality sometimes wins out (I still have quite a few bad habits), but I'm confident that the approach is both valid and doable.

Fundamentally, I am a Christian transhumanist who dreams about completely understanding the world one day, and using that to acquire great power so I can take that world and remake it into the more balanced image I hold in my head.

By far, my life isn't an easy life... and I certainly don't know where my current path will take me. Given the chance to retake my choices, I would surely, sorely be tempted to take the easy path. However, I've never been a conformist to the demands of society or tradition - and I don't think I would be satisfied with a stagnant state of being, no matter how comfortable or lucrative it may be."

Invictus

(負けざる者達)

OUT OF THE NIGHT THAT COVERS ME、

BLACK AS THE PIT FROM POLE TO POLE、

深い暗闇に包まれた(今の)僕は

I THANK WHATEVER

GODS MAY BE、

FOR MY UNCONQUERABLE SOUL.

我に潰れない魂を頂き、実在する神々に感謝する

IN THE FELL CLUTCH OF CIRCUMSTANCE、I HAVE NOT WINCED NOR CRIED ALOUD、

運命の悪戯と気まぐれを黙って受け止めた我は、

UNDER THE BLUDGEONINGS OF FATE、

MY HEAD IS BLOODY、

BUT UNBOWED.

人生の打撃を受けたものの、我は倒れやしない。

BEYOND THIS PLACE OF WRATH AND TEARS

LOOMS BUT THE HORROR

OF THE SHADE、

怒りと涙に溢れた今生の果ては、

死という影が待ち伏せしている

AND YET THE MENACE OF THE YEARS FINDS、 AND SHALL FIND、 ME UNAFRAID.

だが、幾ら去ってゆく年の数が重ねて積もっても、我は死を恐れない

FOR IT MATTERS NOT HOW STRAIT THE GATE、

HOW CHARGED WITH PUNISHMENTS THE SCROLL、

何故なら、

どれだけ天国への道が狭く、

どれだけ我に当たる罰が有っても

I AM THE MASTER OF

MY FATE:

I AM THE CAPTAIN OF

MY SOUL.

本当に重要なのは:

我は我が運命の主

我は我(が魂)の支配者なのだ。

-- William Ernest Henley (1849-1903)

(何とか出来た和訳

by Charles Cielo)

Jeepney Press 2011 May-June Page 20

Discovering God In The Tragedies Of Life

By Fr. Restituto Ogsimer

It’s been over a month since the triple tragedy devastated the Northeastern part of Japan. I have been asked to write a reflection on my involvement with the evacuees from the Tohoku region. Since I am a priest, I am often asked questions that are related to God, like, Why does God allow tragedies to happen? Where is God in all these calamities? Is he punishing us for our sinfulness? I find it normal to ask questions of this kind when something terrible or tragic happens and my answer has always been the same: calamities and tragedies are never God’s doing. It is not caused or inflicted by him. He is also not punishing us. Otherwise, that would contradict God’s nature because fundamentally his message is about love. Someone who truly loves us would never intend to destroy us. But one thing is certain though -- calamities, sickness and death are real and they happen to both good and bad people. They happen to remind us of our rightful places on the face of the earth. If dying is our greatest fear and our final end, look at it this way: death has already been conquered by God. When God died for our sake, it was for our salvation, a life in eternity with God. Therefore, death has no more power over us because God has already redeemed us.

What is God’s plan?

I am convinced that whatever happens to us, there is a reason and purpose. The only problem is, we can only truly discover this in hindsight, that is, after things have unfolded, when things have settled and we look back, we come to understand and see his well laid-out plans. For example, I am strongly convinced that God had a hand on how I got involved in the evacuation work. March 15-31 was the peak of the rescue operations carried out by the Philippine Embassy. On March 14, I had a planned overseas trip, a very crucial one, so I was torn between leaving and staying in Japan. Both choices were of equal importance and urgency. But as an obedient priest, I decided to leave it to God to decide my fate. With a heavy heart, I headed to Narita Airport only to end up missing my flight because there were no rapid trains operating on that day. Subsequently, I went back to our convent and braced myself for the unknown. There was one thing that I remember very clearly -- I had a deep sense of peace in my heart in spite of the missed flight and the hurdles I went through that day. Then, it was in the same evening that I received information about the evacuees from Fukushima. The following day came the official request from the evacuees for a Tagalog mass and that they needed a Filipino priest. And the rest is history!

The Evacuation Centers

The first evacuation center was Kichijoji Church, followed by the Franciscan Chapel Center, the Tokyo Light House and the Wesley Center. The Filipino network was very organized. A coordinating body composed of representatives from the Philippine Embassy, the Catholic Tokyo International Center (CTIC), the Philippine Assistance Group (PAG), church groups, FilCom and volunteers was organized to better respond and attend to the needs of our displaced kababayans. It was an emergency situation and most of the evacuees had nothing with them. The evacuation centers had no available resources. We had to depend and ask help from kind hearted and generous individuals and concerned groups for everything. Everyone was willing to get involved, share and contribute in many ways from volunteer work to monetary and donations in kind such as food, clothing and medicines. It was inspiring and uplifting to see how the Filipino community was cohesive. The support was overwhelming and phenomenal!

Thanks to Facebook

For a long time, I have never taken FB seriously. A lot of people I know would talk about it with so much gusto and I would simply listen to their stories with a sense of indifference. It was in May last year, while taking a 1-month course in the Philippines, that I finally created a Facebook account, through the promptings of my professors and classmates. It was only the beginning of this year that I decided to officially use Facebook in my ministry. I had a good number of followings in my daily shout-out and it never crossed my mind that my Facebook account someday will serve as the “bulletin board” that would play a pivotal role in dissemina-ting information and making announcements for all the needs of the evacuees and those who wanted to help.

The Final Day

March 31 was our last day at the Franciscan Chapel Center (FCC). We organized a simple closing ceremony attended by the staff and volunteers of the Catholic Tokyo International Center as well as the FCC, Consul- General Sulpicio Confiado, representing the Philippine Embassy, and Fr. Russel Becker, OFM, the Parish Priest of the Franciscan Chapel Center. The purpose was simple: to thank and acknowledge all the key players who contributed in successfully managing the evacuation program. We heard for the first time, Fr. Russel’s reflection about the situation. His message was heartwarming. That, in the midst of the chaos and devastation, God was moving in mysterious ways. He recounted that when the first earthquake hit, he rushed outside the front door of the church and prayed that the church would collapse. The reason being, he wanted a new church building. He would later retract by saying that it is good that God does not listen to all our self- centered prayers, otherwise, the church would have not been available for the evacuees. Interestingly, a few weeks before the tragedy happened, Fr. Russel ordered the renovation of the children’s play room located at the basement of the church. This facility was designed to be of great use for children for their activities such as drawings, English lessons, and their time for play. And it served its purpose when the evacuees came because almost half of the evacuees were children. During their stay at the FCC, we saw how the young evacuees' drawings were all bright, colorful and joyful, as if to reflect how happy and at peace they were. As an evacuation center, FCC was a happy and grace-filled place to be.

Uncertain Future

What lies ahead is very uncertain. But these happenings have opened and made us aware of the necessity of being prepared both externally (emergency kit, food provisions, etc.) and internally (heart). We cannot foretell tomorrow but we do hope that no matter what the unknown has in store for us, we will not be caught off-guard. Instead of blaming God for all these happenings, I have chosen to discover him in the tragedies and see how God moves in the midst of all these happenings. I pray that what we have experienced in Japan may help us realize and discover the things that truly matter, of what is most important, and discover who we are without God in our lives.

Jeepney Press 2011 May-June Page 21

K

by Amelia IriarteKohno

The massive disaster of March 11, 2011 was really a great shock. Also, these daily media announcements on the increasing nuclear radioactive levels which could cause health hazards is now a growing "anxiety" to residents here in Japan and the other parts of the world. Indeed, Japan was badly affected by the Intensity 9 quake and the enormously destructive tsunami which rose to 23 meters at some places, leaving communities totally wiped out and thousands dead and missing. It was an unimaginable, unpre-cedented calamity and more will suffer in the years to come. It will be a lingering crisis.

For environmenta-lists, writers or simply nature lovers, we can easily say that things were better in the old days, when our world had industries only powered by clean natural energy. We start asking ourselves what is happening to our Mother Earth. For the once beautiful nature...green mountains, valleys, hills and clear waters... sea, rivers, streams. The air was breathable with the clear skies we could look at for hours. Now we see, devastation, bareness, ugliness and destruction. What is humankind doing to you? Are we not grateful that our ancestors enjoyed the joy of your natural blessing of bountiful harvests where there was always food on the table? We believe we can still inherit all these God-given treasures. As children, fond memories were of using fallen fruits for toys, or bait for catching fish in the nearby rivers, climbing trees, watching animals grazing, playing hide and seek among the sugarcane or abaca plants. It was just pure joy lying on the hilly ground watching the sky at sunrise , sunset or a rainbow go by. And how I loved the evenings because I could touch the rice birds that came to sleep at our santol tree.

Well, it was my Lola's (maternal side) ancestral house and garden that feel us with great happiness and endless joyful memories. I always remember my summer visits to my grandmother's hometown. Burauen, a town famous for its serene "Mahagnao Lake" and the source of hydro power of many towns in Leyte, is only 50 km. from Tacloban. In those days, the distance seemed so long with the un-paved roads, rows of hedges and fewer vehicles. We enjoyed the lovely natural scenery- green majestic mountains with rice fields at its foothills. Perhaps, its dense lush forests and terrain is also a reason it was a favorite hide-out for the battle fighters during World War II.

Lola's garden, not only included fruit-bearing trees- banaba, banana, guava, avocado, makopa, atis, jackfruit, star-apple, even coconuts to name some but it had all the organic vegetables and herbs we needed for our daily cooking. In between, she had flowering plants which served as fences reaching the balcony which gave us a full view of the main road and passers by. It was one good place to relax.

Now, with all these natural disasters happening, we at Mother Earth are more challenged with supporting the purposes of our organization we started more than a decade ago. To help save our Earth from further destruction and to recover the riches which have been lost to humankind's selfishness, greed and indifference to the natural environment. We must all work hard, share ideas, expertise and skill in putting back harmony and order to this planet, to save what is still left of our natural resources.

We live in a different age now and perhaps it would be too difficult to bring back most of our world's natural riches and bio-diversity but we can always try. We can still dream of a cleaner life where people are healthy and free to share the natural rewards that this world can offer. Let this latest natural disaster in Northern Japan, be a lesson to remind us that we can still restore our Mother Earth and bring back the pleasure and treasure of a "green" heaven on earth!

--------------------------------------

DAISUKI

by Dennis Sun

Shake it to the right. Shake it to the left... Roll to the front... And roll to the back... And rattle up and down!

This is not a dance step. Hindi po ito sayaw. Ito po ang nangyayari kapag dumarating ang malakas na yanig ng lindol sa Japan. Siguradong mapapasayaw ka kahit hindi ka marunong sumayaw! Pag sabi ng lindol, “Sayaw!” Sunod agad!

Saklolo! Saklolo! Ito siguro ang sigaw ng bansang Hapon pagkatapos lumisan ang triple mega-tragedy: earthquake, tsunami and nuclear radiation. Akalain mo, hindi lang isang trahedya. Tatlong katakot-takot at nakakakilabot na napakalubhang dilema ang lumipas sa bansang ito.

Dito sa Tokyo kung saan ako nakatira, walang nangyaring malubhang pinsala. Pero ramdam namin ang lakas na pagyanig ng lindol. Kasi ba naman, akala ng buong mundo, lumisan ang disaster sa buong Japan. Hindi po! Ang trahedya ay nangyari lang po sa dako ng TOHOKU region. May ilang libong Pilipino rin ang naninirahan doon. Ito po ay nasa north-eastern Pacific coastal side of Honshu island. Kaya sa may dakong Nagoya, Osaka, at Kyushu, hindi na po nila ramdam ang tindi at galit ng lindol.

Pero dahil sa pangyayaring ito, nakiki-usap po ako sa mga kapwa kababayan ko dito sa Japan. Sana po ay tulungan natin ang bansang nag-ampon sa atin para bumangon at tulungan ang ating mga pamilya sa Pilipinas. Alam ko, marami po sa atin ang gustong tumulong pero hindi alam ko paano ang gagawin.

Inaanyayahan ko po ang mga iba’t-ibang samahang Pilipino sa buong Japan. Magka-isa po tayo at gumawa ng fund raising event. Yung maliit na maibibigay ng grupo ninyo ay napakalaking halaga kapag lahat tayo ay nagbigay.

Pwede po kayong mag-konsulta sa ating Embahada. Tanungin po ninyo sila kung paano makakatulong ang grupo ninyo. Pinansiyal man o material na bagay, malaking tulong na rin ang maidudulot nito.

Pwede rin po kayong mag-donate ng dugo sa Japanese Red Cross. Marami po ang nangangailangan ng dugo sa mga napinsala. Mara-ming mga blood station ang Japanese Red Cross all over Japan. Just drop by and ask if you can donate blood. Tumatanggap din po ng pinansyal na donasyon ang Japanese Red Cross.

Makakatulong din po kayo sa Japan sa pagtitipid ng kuryente. Tayong mga Pinoy, sanay na sanay dito. Sanay na tayo sa mga blackout every year lalo na tuwing may bagyo. Please switch off unnece-ssary appliances and unplug power-draining devices. Sa Tokyo, mapapansin na medyo madilim ang mga department stores and highways. Yung mga ibang electric billboards, nagpahinga muna. Kailangan po mag-conserve ng electricity. Sa ating bahay-bahay, siguro pwede natin patayin ang ilaw o TV kung hindi naman kinakailangan. Kung pwedeng huwag na munang sumakay ng elevator kung ilang floors lang naman, hindi ka lang makakatipid ng kuryente. Matutulungan mo pa ang katawan mong mag-exercise sa pag-akyat sa hagdan.

Huwag po tayong mag-panic buying. Nauubusan ang stock sa mga supermarket dahil bumibili tayo ng sobra-sobra. Actually, marami pong stock pero kung lahat tayo ay bumibili ng sobra, mauubusan po ang stock. Si Andrea, hayun, bumili ng maraming gatas. Nasira lang daw after a few days kasi hindi niya mainom lahat. May expiration date po ang pagkain kaya hindi ninyo makakain o maiinom lahat iyan. Bilhin lang po natin ang ating kailangan.

We really need to think as a community, as a group and not as individuals. If we are to survive, we need to think of each other. Kung nag-iisa ka lang, madali kang mamatay. Pero kung sama-sama tayong magtutulungan, malaki ang chansa na tayo ay maliligtas. Sa panahong ito, huwag po tayong maging sakim at makasarili.

Ooops! Eto na naman ang yanig! Kailangang sumayaw, gumiling at yumugyog sa tugtog ng lindol. Araw-araw na lang ang pag-sasayaw. Sumayaw man o hindi, nakakapayat ang mga yanig na ito. Nakakataas din ng blood pressure.

Jeepney Press 2011 May-June Page 22

Short-Cuts

By Farah Trofeo-Ishizawa

“Atarimae”

CNN blog featured an article “Why is there no looting in Japan?” I started to think about the Japanese people and why the whole world is admiring them and learning so much from them during this tragic event. Then I started asking the people around me – “Why is there no looting in Japan?” Here are some answers that will help you understand and appreciate the Japanese people.

My husband:

He just smiled back and said, “Why are people so amazed? It is “atarimae” --- meaning, it is natural. (NOT to loot…) Instead he posted the question back at me and said – “Why should we loot? Why would people take advantage of this situation?” It is more amazing to hear that the world is “amazed” by something so natural.

An elderly man I met at the doctor’s clinic:

“That is “atarimae” he says again, that is within each Japanese. It is us, our nature.” It is natural to line up. It is natural to be patient. It is natural “not to loot.” It is nice to hear that people are admiring the Japanese for being themselves.

Two old women at the bread shop line:

I told them that the world is learning from Japan – and then I also asked them again the same question about looting. They said, ” Ehhhh, futsu deshou.” Translation: “Ahhh, that is just normal, or the regular thing to do.”

After the tsunami washed away these merchandise outside the Kirin factory, people were picking up the beer and putting them back.

I have always questioned my friends about lining up for a long time just to buy something, or to eat ramen, or even line up to buy a donut. I did not like that idea of lining up, not until March 11, 2011. Now I get it that this is part of being Japanese. And that after all these years of being in Japan, I now appreciate this concept of lining up. :)

I hope many people will learn to follow the discipline and the way of the Japanese people. Let me end this by what my husband told me earlier.

“You cannot write about this because words are not enough to explain why Japanese do not loot or steal. Stop watching the TV news, stand up and get out of that sofa, imagine standing in the middle of the earthquake and tsunami stricken area… you see families, children lost their parents, loved ones dead, their homes gone. There are so many things around them – will you steal from them?”

Jeepney Press 2011 March-April Issue COVER

Cover art and design by Dennis Sun

Jeepney Press 2011 March-April Issue CENTERFOLD

THREE AMBASSADORS

By Priscila R. Confiado

We arrived in Tokyo on January 12, 2006. Little did I imagine that in a span of four and half years we will get to work with three ambassadors. But mind you, the fast turnover came only in the last 4 months. Having served with several ambassadors in the past, one can’t help but ponder on the last three. They come from different backgrounds, upbringing and interests. “Amba” as we fondly call them: Siazon had the reputation of being the more intellectual one not to say that he is the most intelligent, pero yung dating niya ay ganun. Amba Anota was the more spiritual and deeply religious one and Amba Lopez, is the business tycoon with a “heart and malasakit” for our kababayans.

In Modern Diplomacy, an ambassador is defined as the highest ranking diplomat who represents a nation and is usually accredited to a foreign sovereign or government, or to an international organization. For us Filipinos, our ambassador is not only the highest ranking diplomat, but the official representative of the President of the Philippines to the host country.

The Philippine Embassy in Tokyo, Japan is one of our most important foreign posts. Japan, being one of our major trading partners, the largest source of investments and development assistance, and home to 224,558 Filipinos, the fourth largest foreign community in Japan.

From 1944 to the present (a span of 57 years), we have had 14 Heads of Posts, each one of them leaving their mark in the embassy, each one of them leaving their legacy.

I first met Amba Siazon when we were posted in New Delhi, India. He was attending the Non Aligned Movement or NAM meeting. I was awed by what I had heard and read about my husband’s boss, a scholar and accomplished diplomat. At that time, 1998, he was serving as Secretary of Foreign Affairs. So it was with great anticipation that I looked forward to an evening with him.

We were riding in the “old” Mercedes car of the embassy. We were requested to take care of Secretary Siazon, pick him up from his hotel, the Oberoi, and bring him to the Ambasador’s residence in Channakyapuri (New Delhi’s diplomatic enclave). While on the way, he asked Solphie if the driver could turn on the car’s air conditioning. Apparently he was starting to perspire, owing to the intense heat (summers in New Delhi could heat up to 48-50 degrees). Solphie then proceeded to talk to our driver, and he replied, “No Saab, if I turn on the air conditioning the car will stop!” Then the three of us started laughing and I gamely said, “Welcome to India, Sir.” He gamely replied, “Oh no, please don’t turn on the aircon, I don’t want to push!” and proceeded to take off his coat.

Domingo L. Siazon began his love affair with Japan as a Monbusho scholar at the Tokyo University of Education in 1964. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree majoring in Physics. He not only mastered Japanese but did so by marrying one of their own, Kazuko I. Siazon. They have 2 sons, Dan and Ken.

Jun Siazon, as he was called by his friends, was always supportive of Filipinos and scholars wanting to study in Japan, and learning their culture and language. He felt that this was one of the best ways to foster our relations with the Japanese people, when we take the time and effort to learn their ways. It was also a way for paving the way for “future” diplomats to serve in this post. On several occasions, he encouraged our son Andre to take his masters degree on Asian studies at the Waseda University.

Also on many occasions, Amba Siazon can entertain you with his wit, his stock knowledge of politics and politicians, society figures, golf and songs!! Because of his experiences in the service and his long memory, he can tell you stories about prominent figures in our government and society. An important advice when you are with a man like Amba Siazon is that you listen, one can learn a lot just by listening to him.

And oh yes, he can belt out a tune, him being a former member of the Ateneo Glee club. One Christmas party, I remembered having great fun singing Christmas carols the whole night with him!!

Because the “amba” is our premier representative of the country, it is most important that the person chosen to be the ambassador truly cuts a figure of respectability, in other words “kagalang-galang.”

Para sa akin, lubos na kagalang-galang ang ating ambassdor kung magaling siyang “magdala” sa ating Philippine dress o Barong Tagalog kung tawagin. Ah, dito masasabi ko na lubos na kagalang-galang si Amba Siazon dahil matipuno at magiting siyang magdala ng ating Barong.

Our second Ambassador is a woman diplomat, Belen Fule Anota. We remember Amba Belen fondly with her saying that she is an “Ambassador for Christ!” She was appointed Charge’ d’ Affaires of the Embassy from October 2010 to mid-January 2011, following the retirement of Ambassador Siazon and prior to the arrival of Ambassador Manuel M. Lopez.

In diplomacy, chargé d’affaires (French for “charged with (in charge of) matters”), often shortened to simply chargé, is the title of two classes of diplomatic agents who head a diplomatic mission on a temporary basis.

She arrived in October amidst the flurry of preparations for President Benigno S. Aquino III’s first visit to Japan last November to attend the APEC Leaders’ Meeting in Yokohama. Prior to Tokyo, Amba Belen served as Head of Post in Israel then in Singapore, very tough assignments for a mother of two. From her stories, Amba Belen seemed to have visited every corner of Israel, most especially the Holy Land, a must for the Catholic faithful. Her transfer to Singapore was unexpected, but providential because as she said it was in the city-state that she found a more suitable school for her son.

We had a special affinity to Amba Belen because she is a sister in the community, them (she and her husband), being members of the Catholic renewal community called Couples for Christ or CFC. I believe that this is one of her legacy to our embassies, her deep faith has always guided her in the decisions she made and the kind of leadership she asserted in the embassy.

She will be remembered as the ambassador who pulled the embassy together during the “Guen Aguilar” saga in Singapore in 2005-2006. The Singapore Supreme Court (SC) sentenced her in 2006 to ten years imprisonment for killing fellow Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) Jane La Puebla in September 2005. She narrowly escaped the death penalty. The Flor Contemplacion case was still fresh in the minds of everyone and apparently Secretary Blas F. Ople was known to have said that he wanted someone in Singapore who has the heart and faith that will move mountains. I will never forget her response to the question, “How did you manage it?” and her response was, “With a lot of prayer.”

In the preparations for the PNoy’s visit, two memories come to mind. The first was her support for the choir. Solphie organized the choir coming from ten different parishes and we began rehearsals 2 months before November 14. She made it a point to attend some of our rehearsals and on the first time she came, she told us that she wanted to speak to the members, and this is what she said, “Please sing with all your heart and soul, because you will not only be singing to our kababayans and our President but most specially because you will be singing to the Lord!” All of us in the choir became doubly inspired to sing our best.

The second memory is from our preparations for the “Children’s Segment,” Amba Belen amazed me with her attention to details. First, she said the number of origami should be significant to the Pnoy and she was so concerned with how the 2 boys will carry the origami and how the President will receive it. Truly, a woman can be so meticulous about the details and specifics. But it was because of her “pangungulit” about how it will be handed over to the President that we got it right. So I guess she was the best “woman” for the job!!

Amba Belen also had a lot of trivia about the Nativity or what we commonly call “Belen.” While having dinner with Bishop Bacani who came to Japan to attend the anniversary celebrations of El Shaddai, her first question to us was, “Why does the ox and the ass merit a place in the Belen?” Bishop Bacani paused for a moment and said Isaiah 1:3, “ An ox knows its owner and an ass its masters manger” (NAB). Obedience, said Amba Anota, is one of the great lessons of the Nativity story.

Just before leaving for Manila during the December holidays, she invited a small group of us to view her “Belen Collection,” and enthralled us the whole evening with anecdotes about each set and the role of each character or animal in the nativity. Oh it was a nice and wonderful evening that will long be remembered. Amba Anota shared with us that she has more than 100 sets of Nativity in her personal collection. She has nativities from all over the world! I guess having a name Belen prompts people to gift her with them. “Belen on Belen,” that is the title of the book she hopes to write one day when she retires from active diplomatic service. I wished we had more time with her because I always learned something new each time we got together.

Amba Belen, we wish you the best in your next posting!!

I got a glimpse of Ambassador Manuel M. Lopez years back when I attended a function to honor Fr. Fernando Suarez (the healing priest) at the house of Greg and Paz Monteclaro. Fr. Edo requested me to be one of the emcees during his birthday celebration and Amba Lopez with Mrs. Marites Lopez were amongst the guests. Little did I know that I would meet them again today.

Ambassador Manuel Moreno Lopez, known to his friends as “Manolo Lopez,” is married to Maria Teresa Lagdameo Lopez and they have four children; Maria Margarita L. Lichauco, Manuel Eugenio L. Lopez, Miguel Ernesto L. Lopez and Martin Antonio L. Lopez. To date they have 7 grandchildren. Amba Lopez said to us one time that he hopes to bring his grandchildren to Tokyo for the summers. I am sure that the residence in Kudan will surely echo with the laughter and voices of children, a sure way of warming up those cold corridors Sir!

Tokyo is his first assignment as an Ambassador and as a government official. Prior to this posting, Ambassador Lopez is known for his 45 years experience in being a successful businessman and a distinguished corporate leader. He is a respected and admired visionary leader of Meralco. His stewardship propelled the premier electric distribution company into its highest operational efficiency and very impressive operational results. Compassionate leadership has endeared him to all his employees.

Amba Lopez started his career as a management trainee in MERALCO or Manila Electric Company in 1965, he worked his way up in this company until he became its President and COO and eventually its Chairman and CEO from 2001 until his retirement last July 2010. In an interview with the Daily Inquirer, Lopez said ”I won’t be happy retired, Lopezes don’t retire. Geny was the same. We die with our boots on.” “Geny” is Eugenio Lopez Jr., the late oldest brother of Manolo.”

It is said that if one goes to the Manuel M. Lopez Development Center or MMLDC in Antipolo, one can see written the core values that this business tycoon turned Diplomat lives by; malasakit, honesty, integrity and hard work. I still remember fondly what he said to Solphie over coffee last November, “Pagdating sa consular services, importante na maayos ang pakikitungo sa lahat, dapat maramdaman ng ating mga kababayan na mahalaga sila!”

As it turned out, the Pnoy had other plans for Manolo. He has brought Manolo to Japan and I can feel winds of change brewing in the horizon.

I believe each of the three ambassadors mentioned in this article came to Japan for a reason. Each of them had a role to play and a mission to fulfill at that particular time. To be called to serve in Foreign Service is not a job but a mission. You have to have the heart for it because if you don’t, then your presence will not be meaningful.

The profile of the Filipino community in Japan has changed. We are not just OFW’s or contract workers anymore, we have become a migrant community. Our women have married into Japanese families, bore children, built their homes, planted their roots here and they will be here to stay. We have a growing second generation of half Japanese and half Filipinos whom they fondly call double. As such our Embassy will have to fully respond to this changing profile and changing needs and pressing concerns of our kababayans. As such the formation of the proposed Philippine Center or “Tahanan” is indeed providential and responsive to the call of the times.

I believe that a Divine intervention has brought Ambassador Lopez to Japan at this perfect time because we need someone like him. A man with his business acumen to further deepen the ties we have in trade and development aid, a man with his love for our country and our kababayans, specially his “malasakit” principle in order to relate in a very humane way with our kababayans here in Japan and lastly his deep and abiding faith in God which will be the measure by which he will be measured. “A man after God’s own heart” as David was known to be, we welcome and look with much anticipation the days to come when we will walk tall because our ambassador cares for us, when our ambassador shares not only his knowledge and experiences with us but more importantly his heart. Amba Lopez, allow us to journey with you in the days to come and we will match your dedication with ours.

Maligayang pagdating po Amba Lopez!!!

Jeepney Press 2011 March-April Issue Page 03

DAISUKI

By Dennis Sun

Good-bye Kitty!

Kawaiiiiiii!!!!

Kawaiiii!!!!!

Kawaiiii!!!!!

Aray ko po! Baka sumabog na yata ang mga eardrums ko sa mga tili at sigaw ng mga high school girls sa Harajuku. Tandaan, we live and work in the Land of the CUTE! Sa mga Hapon, basta't cute ka, you are big and popular. They make everything look cute in all kinds of ways. Lagyan lang ng maraming ribbon and flowers. Mag-suot ka lang ng maraming pink: from pink sunglasses, pink bag, pink shoes, pink mufflers, pink manicures, pink socks…pati na rin pink contact lens! Ano ba yan? Nalito na ako at tuloy hindi ko na alam kung anong ibig sabihin ng salitang CUTE.

Bakit ganito ang nangyari sa bansang Hapon? Bakit nga ba? Bakit biglang naging Land of the CUTE? Kung susuriin natin ang kanilang nakaraang kasaysayan, hindi naman CUTE ang naging popular noon. HIndi naman cute ang mga samurai. Gwapo, pwede pa. Tsaka ang mga ninja at yakuza, nakakatakot ang mga iyan. Even the geishas, they are not cute---they are beautiful! Ang mga sumo wrestlers naman, cute ba ang mga iyon?

Even in their philosophy of zen, everything should be made simple and minimal. Hindi dapat nagnanakaw pansin ang mga kasuotan at mga dekorasyon sa bahay. Simple lang dapat para magkaroon tayo ng tamang focus sa buhay. Hindi naka focus sa materialismo kundi sa bagay na espirituwal. Iyan ang zen!

Subalit nawalan ng landas yata ang mga Hapon. Naging mayaman ang kanilang bansa. Kaya ba tayo naparito ay dahil gusto natin makihati sa kanilang yaman? Well, hindi lang sana sa yaman ng pera kundi sa yaman sa iba't-ibang kaalaman at karanasan.

Tinanong ko ang matalik kong kaibigan na Hapon, si Hiroki. Nande? Naze? Doushite? Hayan, tatlong "bakit" na iyan. At baka makulitan pa sa akin. Sabi ni Hiroki, isa lang daw ang may kasalanan sa lahat ng kawaii-ness na ito. Ang dapat sisihin ay ang SANRIO company, the creator of Hello Kitty. Inday, look at Sanrio now. Huwag mong isnabin! They have a line of more than 50 cute characters that generates more than $1 billion a year. Ilang zero yon? And Sanrio is a global corporation already.

Sabi naman ni Kyoko, kasalanan daw ni Seiko Matsuda. Siya ang famous pop singer during the 80's na ikinukumpara kay Madonna sa Amerika. Siya ay may kasalanan kaya kung umawit ang mga Hapon, ipit na ipit ang mga boses. Parang Mickey Mouse! Siya kasi ang ginagaya ng mga babae at baklang Hapon lalo na kapag kumakanta sa karaoke. Kahit ang mga maton na lalakeng Hapon na iyan, isang tagay lang ng tequila, aba, nag-iiba. They transform into another "cute" personality. Nagiging Pikachu bigla! Pikachuuuu! Look at ‘chuu!

Tanong naman ni Taro sa akin, "Eh sa Pilipinas, wala ba kayong cute?" Na-tememe bigla ako. Baka naman ako ang tinutukoy niya? Hindi naman siguro. Ano ba ang mga cute sa atin? Nag-isip bigla ako. Brain, help me out naman. Kailangan kita ngayon because this is a major-major kweschon.

Nag-isip muna. Well, ang cute sa Pilipinas ay crime and corruption. Hayan na ang hostage, kidnapping and carnapping. At ang mga milyon na pagnanakaw sa mga pera ng taong bayan. Hindi pa nga nakita at dumating ang perang galing sa mga dayuhan, eh, ninakaw na! Eto pa ang mas-cute: massacre! Aray ko po! Patawarin tayo ng Maykapal! Siempre hindi ko na lang sinabi kay Taro ang mga iyan. Sa atin-atin lang ang mga bagay na ito. Nakakahiya at nakakadiring isipin na kapwa natin mga Pilipino ay nagagawa ang mga ganitong bagay nang dahil lamang sa pera at posisyon. Imbis na maging cute tayo, nagiging “acute” ang mga Pilipino. Instead na KAWAII, we are becoming KOWAII (nakakatakot)!

Kaya nga natatakot ang mga turistang dumalo sa ating bansa. Sabi nila, "Kowaiiiii!!!" Scared sila siempre. Ako nga, when I am in Manila, takot na rin mag-taxi. Ang dami kong naririnig na "kowaii" na kwento kasi, eh. I am sure, alam na rin ninyo.

Pero sa Japan, op cors, meron din corruption na nangyayari dito. Kaya nga ang mga corrupt na opisiyales sa gobyerno nila, once na buking, agad-agad, they resign. Sa atin, sige pa rin sila ng sige. They want to cling till the very end. Sa Japan, kahit may corruption, hindi masyadong masakit at obvious dahil maraming middle income people. Sa atin, napakasakit dahil mas marami ang mga pobre na lalong naghihirap sa buhay dahil lalong yumayaman ang mga rich.

Tanong ko sa inyo ngayon, "Meron pa bang pag-asa ang Pilipinas? Paano kaya makakabangon ang ating bansa? Kailan kaya tayo magiging KAWAII sa tingin ng mga dayuhan para pumunta sila sa ating bansa tulad ng Thailand, Malaysia at Vietnam? At ikaw, kailan ka kaya uuwi ng bansa na walang takot kapag nasa loob man o labas ng bahay?"

----------------

Shoganai: Gaijin Life

By Abie Principe

Big Fish, Little Fish

Naiisip niyo na ba kung gaano karaming pera ang 34.49 million yen? Para sa marami sa ating mga simpleng tao, mahirap maka-relate sa ganito kalaking halaga. Ang mga naiisip ko kapag ganito kalaki ang halagang pinag-uusapan ay bahay at lupa, sariling negosyo o di kaya isang magarang bakasyon sa Europe. Pero ano sa tingin ninyo ang nagkakahalaga ng 32.49 million yen sa Japan? Ang sagot sa tanong na yan… isda. Opo mga kaibigan, ISDA as in fish o sakana. Hindi ito typographical error, talagang isda ang nagkakahalaga ng 32.49 million yen.

Ayon sa Associated Press, (Giant bluefin tuna sells for record $396,000), ito ay isang bluefin tuna na nahuli sa may bandang Hokkaido. Ibinenta ito sa isang auction sa Tsukiji Fishmarket, isang napaka popular na fishmarket sa Japan. Ibinenta ito noong unang araw ng trabaho sa taong 2011.

Bukod sa napakalaki ng isang ito, 342 kilos, isang importanteng bagay rin na ibinenta ito ng first business day of 2011, kasi para sa karamihan ng mga tumatangkilik sa Tsukiji Fishmarket, ito ang pinaka-masuwerteng araw para sa kani-kanilang mga negosyo, at lahat halos ay gusto mabili ang pinakamalaking isda na nahuli sa pagpasok ng bagong taon. Ang nakabili nito ay dalawang restaurant, ang isa ay ang high-end na Kyubei Restaurant sa Tokyo, at ang isa naman ay isang Hong Kong-based Itamai sushi Chain.

Sa totoo lang, hindi ko ito maintindihan. Bakit ba ganoon ka-mahal ang isda na yun?

Bakit parang ang saya-saya pa nung mga nakabili, e samantalang milyung-milyong yen ang ginastos nila sa isang bagay na mauubos rin lang naman agad. At hindi ko rin malaman kung paano sila kikita ng malaki mula sa isang isda na yun. Pero, isa na naman ito sa mga hindi maiiwasang bagay dito sa Japan. Dito, ang mga tao malakas ang paniniwala sa swerte sa negosyo, at marami rin ang hindi mag-aatubili magbayad ng malaki kung ang makukuha nila ay kakaiba at high-quality. And dalawang paniniwalang ito, ang dahilan kung bakit nag-uunahan bilhin ang unang “catch for the year” at kung bakit umabot sa 32.49M yen ang halaga ng bluefin tuna na ito. Para sa kanila, kapag nabili ang unang isda, sa unang araw ng bentahan ay magbibigay ito sa kanila ng swerte sa buong taon, at kapag inihain nila ang isdang ito sa kanilang mga customers, hindi mag-aatubuling magbayad na hanggang 2,500 yen para sa isang piraso ang mga ito. Dahil nga na ito ay napaka espesyal na isda. Isa itong napaka-Hapon na pag-iisip.

Kung sa bagay, kung talaga nga naman napakasarap ng sushi na yun, e talagang magbabayad ang customers ng mataas. Pero, kung tulad ninyo ako, malamang ay magkita-kita na lang tayo sa pinakamalapit na 100 yen sushi restaurant. Hindi naman dapat na sa mamahaling lugar magpunta para maranasan ang pagkain ng sushi di ba? Masarap naman sa 100 yen sushi, mura pa, at masaya dahil kasama ang barkada. So, tara na at mag-sushi!

Jeepney Press 2011 March-April Issue Page 05

YIELD

By Christopher Santos

On TECHNOLOGY

Spending my entire career as an IT and corporate person, I grew up appreciating in amazement the technological advancements we now enjoy. Iba na talaga ang panahon. At kahit sa Pilipinas, kahit gaano kamahal ang mga gadgets higit na nauuna pa itong pag-ipunan ng iba kaysa ibang higit na importanteng bagay. Pagkatapos nasa huli ang panghihinayang kung bakit hindi nauna ang pag-ipunan ang bahay or educational investments. Yun e kung hindi lang mauuwi sa pagkasira ng pinag-ipunan mo, ang mabwisit ka sa customer support or, worse, ang maholdap. Some of my friends feel na at least ilang buwan lang nila pag-i-ipunan ang gadgets unlike and compared to sa ilang taong commitment sa isang investment. I think it's all about discipline. If you are not afraid to work hard for it, igagapang mo talaga ang commitments mo. Well, that's what a commitment is to start with. You just need to decide if it's really worth striving for. You need to define its importance sa buhay mo o ng pamilya mo. Sa isang banda naman, I don't blame people for going bananas on the gadgetry fads. In a lot of ways, it reflects our evolution. Aaminin ko din na hindi ako exception. I myself have those electronic contrivances. However, I still value being part of that time when we can focus on tapping our raw skills and talent, not exploring the functions of PSPs and PS2s; when we can open up to real friends and not Twit with them; and when we learn to know each other with the expression on our faces and not what we put on Facebook. Kahit sabihin pa na conservative ako and I may be so, but I still consider myself fortunate for having known what it was like to interact and not interface. There's a difference in as much as there is one between convenience and indolence.

On PENSIONS

As of October 2010, Japan's total population stood at 125.77 million and by 2050, 40% of the population will be aged 65 and older. Presuming na yung kalahati nung natirang 60% ay mga trabahador na nagbabayad ng pension (and that's if there is 0% unemployment, which is next to impossible), ang ibig sabihin ang isang empleyado dito sa Japan ay nagbabayad para sa pension ng 1.5 katao na paretiro pa lang in 40 years time. He's not even paying for his own retirement now and will have to depend on the fast shrinking future Japan population to be able to claim his share of the benefits when his turn comes. Dito dapat pumasok ang appreciation ng mga Hapon for foreign workers. Sabi sa City Hall ng Minato-Ku, sa ngayon ang policy is that we need to complete 300 monthly pension payments before you can avail anything. At kahit may pera ka pa to pay in lump, hanggang isang taon lang ang pwedeng payagan for advance payment. Tapos, we can only avail when we reach 62 (or 65 daw if the law changes). So even before the time na makumpleto mo yung 300 months or reach the qualified age, nakakatakot isipin kung gaano na kababa ang benefits since paunti nang paunti ang mga nagbabayad either because of the declining population or unemployment.

On SPEAKING JAPANESE

Alam natin lahat na ang Japan ay isang lugar kung saan pwedeng takasan ng ilang kababayan natin ang naging buhay nila sa Pilipinas. Lalo na kung dito sila umasenso. Alam ko na maraming problema sa atin. Kahit saan naman. Kahit sa Amerika pa nga. Pero meron tayong mga kababayan na kung magtanong e parang talagang walang alam sa Pilipinas. Parang hindi sila nanggaling dun. O kaya naman kung magsalita ay para ba ang Pilipinas hindi na kahit kailan umasenso at wala na silang pakialam dahil nandito na sila. Sa mga tatamaan, hoy, gising! That's not a proof na Japanized ka. That's a sign na clueless ka lang ! There's a difference. At kung hindi mo alam kung ano, may tawag diyan. I understand that one method to learn the Japanese language is to actually speak it. Kahit naman kami dito sa JP, we encourage it with some of our works. I also understand that language becomes second nature to most. Pero tulad ng kahit anong bagay, may ibinabagay sa okasyon. Katulad na lamang sa kaso ng isang Pilipino na nagpakilala sa akin at sa ilang turistang Pinoy din. Tama ba naman na mag-Japanese ka kahit wala namang Hapon sa paligid at ang kausap mo ay hindi marunong mag-Hapon na kababayan mong bumibisita lang? O minsan naman maayos na pagha-Hapon na ang gamit ko sa pakikipag-usap sa isang Hapon, nagpipilit pa din yun Pilipina na i-translate sa akin yung sinasabi nung asawa niya. May mga pagkakataon na hindi naman kailangan mag-Japanese e talagang trying hard lang yung iba. Barok naman. Iba ang nag-aaral sa nagpapanggap. Iba ang gustong matuto sa nagyayabang. What actually irritates me is that these baseless ego-stricken Filipinos are not even aware that Japanese is a very disciplined language. There are tones for it: colloquial, formal, corporate. And then there's their "street" Japanese. Alam sa buong mundo na Filipinos are good learners by ear. Magsalita ka man ng maling Japanese pero kung ang tunay na pakay mo is to communicate, higit na acceptable yun. Otherwise, some are just desperately trying too hard to fit in or lose their old identities. And that's just sad ! Nakakalungkot talaga. More so, it's stupid !

----------------

K

by Amelia Iriarte Kohno

I have been talking about “cancer” a few times in my “K” articles and perhaps you wonder why. Well, it's not that I am just telling you my daily struggles from years of having cancer, the bad side-effects from medications, remissions, transfers, recurrences, and others, but I want to share my experiences because I know that some of you or your loved ones have been suffering from this serious illness at unexpected times in your lives. Sa ganitong paraan ay maari ko rin mapukaw ang iba na nakakaunawa ng aking damdamin, o kaya, ng aking malalim na pag-iisip mula sa kaibuturan ng aking pagkatao, na pilit kumakapit at nakikilaban sa buhay sa pagkalat ng ganitong nagpapahina at nakakalungkot na sakit. Noong Oktubre 2010, nang sabihin ulit ng aking doctor ang tapat hinggil sa katotohanang aking sasapitin sa pagkakaroon nitong karamdaman, napakahirap humanap ng salitang magpapaliwanag ng lahat ng aking nararamdaman lalung-lalo na pag naiisip ko ang kamatayan at paglalayo sa mga mahal sa buhay. The factual possibilities explained by my doctor was really shocking at first. Thanks to God I have now accepted this reality. And my “faith” supports me for I know it's all in His hands!

Each time I experience a sad moment in my troubled health life, a church-friend happens to be with me. In 2000, when I was first diagnosed with breast cancer, a good friend, Sr. Alta was with me. I still remember her puzzled look on hearing me ask Dr. Sawai if he was sure I had cancer and he answered, “100 % sure and you need surgery right away!” Some years later in 2006, when I had my first PET Scan after malignant cancer cells had spread from the original tumor of my breast to other parts of my body, again a Sister was with me. Sr. Malou already had tearful eyes while I was still looking amused at the different scan images of blue, yellow, and pink colors which were like lighted christmas tree decorations. A few minutes later my doctor said my cancer was already very difficult to treat. Only then, I realized the seriousness of my illness. Sr. Lou, another SFIC sister was also present last December, when I had my chest CV Port Implant. Surely, God sends angels to share difficult moments with us!

But sickness does not always mean suffering or endless anxiety over the thought of this life-threatening state. Nor giving up hope can be a solution to this most difficult time in your life. Instead, getting sick with cancer has given me more hope and determination to relate to others, to those who need friends to cheer them up at unhappy moments. And I need them, too. Now, I know how people feel when they have cancer. At Sawai Breast Cancer Clinic where I have my latest cancer treaments, our first meetings often start with: where's your cancer, when did you have it, what's your chemotherapy drug, how are you coping, can I contact you after you're out of the hospital? A special friendship is often started. My notebook is now full of names and pictures of people I have met in the hospitals!

Having cancer has given me more time to connect with people, write, and share my experiences both happy (because I realize that many people care and know I have countless blessings) and sad, to appreciate the value life, become stronger physically, emotionally, and spiritually. I will continue writing as long as time allows. Sino man ang nagnanais na maki-ugnay sa akin, puede ninyo akong padalhan ng email through Jeepney Press.

Ibahin ko naman ang paksa. Atin naman ngayon pagnilayan ang mga nangyayari sa ating mga samahan o komunidad dito sa Japan. On a recent regular monthly meeting of our church-based Filipino community, there were off-agenda critical and personal issues directed at some members. It was a common indication of conflicts existing in any organization, group or community. We know that issues can be resolved if all members concerned show sincerity in correcting what needs fixing. More often, it is not easy. Listening with open hearts and forgiving when we are hurt takes time for some of us. But we should go beyond the limits of our emotions and make peace with ourselves and with others.

Remember the gospel on “Light and Darkness?” At moments when the light of truth is hidden, we should keep in mind that in God's time, the truth will eventually come out and set us free. Which side are we?

Jeepney Press 2011 March-April Issue Page 06

OKAASAN JOURNAL

by Cleo Umali Barawid

Thoughts About Home

Lately, I’ve been thinking about home a lot. By home, I mean my parents’ house in Nueva Ecija, the one I grew up in. Hindi ko alam kung ako ba ay naho-homesick o may pinagdaraanan lamang na existential angst kaya ko ito naiisip.

It’s been six years since we first set foot here in Sapporo. Sa panahong ito, dalawang beses pa lang ako nakapag-bakasyon sa atin sa Pilipinas. My last vacation with the whole family was on March-April of 2009.

Impressions about going home to the Philippines last time

Prior to going home, I was so excited. Iniisip ko na yung mga gagawin ko pag-uwi. I made an itinerary of where to go, what to eat, whom to see. I, with my husband, spent hours upon hours searching for the perfect pasalubong for family and friends. Suffice it to say that my expectation was really high. When I was finally home I realized that if you set super high expectations, you’re bound to be disappointed. When the plane landed at the NAIA, I couldn’t help but compare this airport sa mga airports sa Japan. Naitanong ko sa aking sarili kung bakit kaya hindi natin kayang gawing mukhang world-class yung paliparan natin. Ito ang unang makikita ng mga banyagang turista pag lapag sa Pinas, dapat that instant pa lang, mapa-wow na sila sa galak, sa excitement. Pero I doubt if this is the case. NAIA is dirty and not at par with other international airports, plus there are shady characters in it, too. Hindi ito tsismis, I experienced being victimized by fixers, rude employees, and what have yous dito.

I was happy to see my family again especially my parents. They’re not so young anymore. I was happy to also see my pamangkins na nuon ko pa lang nakita. Masaya din akong ipinakilala ang aking mga anak sa mga pinsan at kamag-anak nila. It was the height of summer that time at hindi ko akalain na ganun kainit sa amin sa Nueva Ecija. Natural na nanibago lalo na ang aking mga chikiting sa pagkakaiba ng temperature--from the freezer that is Hokkaido to the fiery furnace that is my hometown. Walang exaggeration, mga limang beses maligo ang mga bata...ayaw na ngang umahon sa malaking drum na puno ng tubig.

Nung nasa Japan ako, I couldn’t help dreaming about stuffing myself silly with Pinoy foods. I would eat papaitan sabi ko, saka inihaw na tilapia na may sawsawang bagoong, lechon, kare-kare, halo-halo, balut—madaming madaming balut at isaw. Kakain ako ng mga paborito kong kakanin—kutsinta, sapin-sapin, bibingkang kanin. Dadalhin ko yung mga chikiting sa Jollibee dahil hindi pa sila nakakapunta dun. I would introduce them to my childhood favorite that was Jollie spaghetti. These foods occupied my waking and sleeping hours. Yup, nakain ko naman sila lahat. In fact, I really did stuff myself silly. But after a while, pakiramdam ko para akong naha-high blood sa lahat ng kinain kong mamantika at matamis. Biglang parang gusto kong kumain ng sushi, soba, miso shiru—ang mga pagkain ng Hapon na mild ang lasa at walang mantika. Namiss ko bigla ang pag-inom ng tea, mugicha, ang aking paborito dahil bigla akong nasuya sa iniinom kong C2 drink (yumei drink sa Pinas) na tea daw pero hindi mo malalasahan ang tsaa dahil sa sobrang tamis. Nagugulat ako sa busina ng mga sasakyan at natatakot akong tumawid dahil walang shinggo sa daan. At ang mga public toilets, yung mga nasa malls, hay! It was hard to explain to my children why there were no tissue paper sa loob at kung bakit maraming nakasulat sa pader ng CR. Yung panganay ko naghahanap pa ng bidet. These were all a bit nega pero hindi naman lahat, marami pa ding kaaya-ayang bagay sa Pinas. We went to Baler, Aurora and my kids were impressed by the cleanliness of the place. Ang ganda at ang linis din ng mga beaches. Compared to the prices of commodities sa Japan, mas mura pa din naman sa atin.

Leaving the Philippines

Before we knew it, our vacation was over and it was time to go back again to Japan for work . Was I sad to leave Pinas? Of course. Hindi pa man kami umaalis, namimiss ko na yung parents ko. Leaving them was the hardest kasi hindi ko alam kung kailan ulit ako makakauwi sa amin. Was I happy to leave Pinas? I’d have to admit yes din... because na miss ko ang Japan. I missed the cleanliness, the weather, the food, my friends. I could tell from my kids’ faces that they were happy to be back, too.

Where is home?

I remind my children all the time that we are not Nihonjins and that eventually we will go back to the Philippines for good. With every passing minute that we stay here, we become more and more adapted to the culture. I used to think of our house in Nueva Ecija as home, but I realized something just now--that home is not just a place or a structure but it is also the person I was when I lived there. My stay in Japan has altered my tastes, my world-view, my concept of self. This is why I’m having this feeling of displacement.

I look at my three kids and my husband—my very own family and the confusion as to where home is, evaporates. Kasi naisip ko na magiging masaya naman ako kahit saan kami tumira, dito man o sa Pinas, basta buo kami at sama-sama.

-----------------------------

DRIVE-THRU

by Stephanie Jones Jallorina

Ako Si Heidi, Taga-Loob!

“Gurang, tamad, ma-politika, bureaucratic, tsismisan, bundy clock, pasahod lang.” Ang mga ito ang kalimitang ipakahulugan at ikinaiinisan natin sa mga taong nagtratrabaho na kaakibat ang pangalan ng ating bansa. Papipilahin ka, tapos papabalikin lang dahil kulang daw ang dalang dokumento, o di kaya sabihang dito ka pumila, ganito ang gawin mo, pero bandang huli, mali pala, o ang mas nakakalungkot ito, “Ah anak ka ni Mayor, sige pasok ka na?”

In this people issue of Drive-Thru, I am a government employee, the good government employee. My aunt delivered me the news that my uncle told him about “some” Philippine Embassy staff complaining I have failed to mention them in my centerfold article of Meeting PNoy in last issue. Foremost, I am personally, and Jeepney Press is so sorry for failing to mention all of you who helped and may have had sleepless nights just to make the occasion a huge success. And, more importantly, taos puso kaming nagpapasalamat for this shows that you are taking time to read our publication that aims to inspire and be accessible to all Filipinos here in Japan. AND, as an additional morale boost, let me have this shoutout article to cheer on all government employees who stand up for truth and committed public service. Mabuhay kayo!

Honestly, I don‘t like talking about politics. Pero nang dahil sa kasalukuyang takbo ng ating gobyerno, hindi maiwasang hindi ito bigyan ng pansin. Sabi ni Jim Paredes, yes, ang miyembro ng kilalang APO Hiking Society, at instrumento sa Edsa Uno, “Suicide is cowardly. Whistle Blowing is heroic, yes, but also suicidal.” Marami na rin ang naglakas loob na isa-boses ang katotohanan pero parang di umuusad ang mga kaso. Ganito pa rin tayo. Nakaka-frustrate na ding mabalitaan na may malulungkot na nangyayari para patuloy tayong igupo sa karimlan. Alin ba ang dapat unahin? Sino? Pero kaysa magturuan, bakit di tayo kumuha ng inspirasyon at manalangin para sa mga lumalantad para maging ilaw ng pag-asa para sa ating lahat. Ako ay sobrang napabilib kay Heidi Mendoza, hindi lang dahil babae siya, kung di dahil isa siyang “government employee.” Alam ko, marami pa din namang matiti-nong empleyado ng gobyerno, yun din ang nais ipaalam ni Heidi sa mga Pilipino. Pero isipin natin, para ang isang taga-loob maglakas loob na lumaban ay lakas nating mamamayan na matagal ng lantarang bumabatikos sa katiwalian at di nagtatagumpay. Ang mga gurang, tamad at ma-politika na pagkakilala natin sa daang-daang empleyado na nilagak ni mayor o kung sinong politiko sa puwesto, bigyan natin ng pagkakataon na magbago. At sana ang tsismisan ay ilagay sa tama, isiwalat ang korupsyon. Magtrabaho sa tamang oras dahil ang sahod ay nanggaling sa buwis na binabayad din natin.

Much as every government employee need to step up and get going good, we, Filipino people should know that we also contribute to our current state. Sana kahit nasa Japan tayo, huwag sana nating kalimutang, una tayong naging Pilipino. Baka gusto nating simulan sa pagiging isang Heidi Mendoza, dahil ang empleyado ng gobyerno, matino magtrabaho, serbisyo publiko. Gaano man kalaking problema ang kinakaharap ng ating bansa o haharapin sa darating na mga araw, walang malaki o maliit sa bawat Pilipinong bumabangon para sa bagong Pilipinas. Simple at parang napakadali lang ng aking mga iminungkahi para ikumpara sa mga ginagawang mga hearing na di naman natin personal na nasasaksihan, pero kung sa bawat pagkakataon na meron tayo para magtrabaho ng wasto, pasasaan ba’t giginhawa din ang bawat isa sa atin.

Ayoko sanang ibahagi ito, mas lalong di ako binayaran para i-endorso sila pero sa tingin ko ay mahalagang maibahagi ko sa ating mga Pilipino dito sa Japan. Noong isang linggo, nagpunta ako sa PNB para “mag-inquire.” Kahit meron akong mga “kakilala” mas minabuti kong mag-antay. Linggo, maraming tao, pero gaya ng sabi ko, mas minabuti kong mag-antay, dahil yun ang tamang sistema – ang sumunod sa pila. Makisiksik pa ba naman ako lalo na sa mga nanay na yun lang ang tanging oras na makapag-remit para sa tuition ng anak, o sa kapatid ng kuya na manganganak ang misis. Mas ok din yung nag-aantay ka dahil makaka-kilala ka ng mga taong maiiyak sa palabas sa TV. At hindi ka nagtatanong dahil nakikita mong may inaasikaso naman ang taong nasa harap mo. It was an honest misunderstanding but I was telling PNB na it was not their fault. I could really wait and I had enough time, though I think it was one of the odd times I blushed or the only time I realized I could blush and feel my ears warm. That scene was telling me and hopefully is telling us that, “It takes two to tango.” Sana ibalik natin ang tiwala natin lalo na sa empleyado ng gobyerno. Magtulungan tayo!

Jeepney Press 2011 March-April Issue Page 07

PAGMUMUNI-MUNI SA DYIPNI

ni Fr. Bob Zarate

NAKAKASUKA

Corruption.

Korupsyon.

Kahit anong spelling pa yan, pareho rin ang sinasabi.

Pandaraya na nagsimula siguro noong bata pa siya.

O baka nagsimula sa kinupit na sukli sa biniling suka sa tindahan ni Aling Isang. Ito kaya'y nagsimula sa pagbukas ng pitaka ni nanay o

ni tatay nang hindi sila nakatingin o walang paalam?

O baka naman kasi dati ay pinayagang ibulsa ang sukli kaya ang akala niya ay laging OK iyon.

Korupsyon ang isa sa mga nagiging balakid ng ating bansa kaya hindi naeenganyong magtayo ng business ang ibang mga big companies sa ating bansa. Mas gugustuhin pa nilang magtayo sa mga bansang mas kulang ang kalayaan kaysa sa Pilipinas gaya ng komunistang Vietnam o China at mas istriktong Muslim na bansa ng Indonesia at Malaysia. Mas malaya tayo at mas relihyoso sana... pero laganap naman ang corruption.

Allow me to share kung ano kaya sa ating pagka-Pilipino ang nag-e-encourage ng corruption sa ating kultura.

"Pwede na" Attitude at lahat ng Palusot

"Masisira rin naman kaagad yan kaya yung mura na lang ang bilhin!" "Marami pang kailangang matutunan yan kaya kahit yung cheap muna, ok na yan!" Pagkatapos, magmamayabang ka pa at sasabihin mong naka-mura ka at may natirang pera para pang-gastos ng ibang bilihin. Eh paano kung may pera naman talaga? Bakit kailangan pang ibaba ang quality kung may proper budget ka naman? Ang problem dyan ay walang proper budgeting... at ang walang sawang pagpapalusot na nakakatipid, nakakatulong ka at nakaka-mura ka pa. Prepare your budget and stop saying "naka-mura"... gawa nang kung someday wala namang pag-gagastusan ang sobrang pera eh baka naman ikaw ang murahin!

"Wala namang nakakaalam" Attitude

Ang hilig kasi nating pansinin ang mga sinasabi ng iba. Kaya kapag alam nating mali na ang ginagawa natin, para mabawasan ang feeling guilty, ang consolation na lang natin ay, "OK lang, wala namang nakapansin eh!" Pero, come to think of it, mahilig din nating sabihin pag malakas ang loob natin, "Wala akong pakialam sa iba, basta ako masaya sa ginagawa ko!" Hay naku, sana iyang attitude na yan, ginagamit natin sa kabutihan.

"Ang Sariling Atin" Attitude

Naaalala nyo pa ba ang nakalagay sa textbook ng Araling Panlipunan (o Sibika nga ba?) na dapat nating linisin ang harapan ng ating bahay o bakuran? Kaya ayan, laging sarili na lang ang iniisip. Nililinis nga ang sariling harapan pero doon sa mga lugar na walang nagmamay-ari katulad ng big parks, public comfort rooms, ilog o sa beach, ang kalat-kalat! At ganuon na rin ang attitude natin sa work... kaya nawawalan tayo ng teamwork, atin-atin at kami-kami na lang. Nawawalan tayo ng sense of the bigger community, sariling pamilya na lang, sariling barkada, sariling-sarili!

"Kasi ginagawa naman ng lahat" Attitude

Nagkaroon ba ng panahon sa kasaysayan ng Pilipinas na bigla na lang tayong nawalan ng sense of responsibility at dignidad? Sa lahat ng mga pagkakataong maaari tayong masabihang mali ang ginagawa natin, agad-agad na nagiging palusot ay "Eh ginagawa naman iyan ng lahat eh!" Aba, sumusunod ka na rin pala sa uso... Sa masamang uso!

"Takot ng Pakikisama" Attitude

Kahit noong maliit pa tayo, takot tayong maiba. Kasi pag naiba ka, pinagtatawanan ka, pinagkakatuwaan at bina-balewala. At nung nag high school ka na, pati sa kalokohan, kailangang katulad ka ng iba. OK lang sana kung malinis na kalokohan. Pero kung ayaw mo nang makisama sa masamang kalokohan, o di kaya'y ikaw na lang ang gumagawa ng tama, ikaw pa ang pinapahirapan. Lagi na lang tayong kailangang makisama, kahit na alam nating mali na ang ginagawa nila. Bakit ba kailangang dumepende pa tayo sa isang grupo para mabuhay? Pati tuloy sa kasalanan nasasabit tayo!

Lagi nating sinisisi ang corruption sa ating bansa. Pero kailangan din nating tumingin sa sarili natin. Baka meron tayong mga qualities na nakasulat sa taas na maaaring humila sa atin in the future para gumawa rin ng corruption. Ayaw kasi nating malamangan, kaya may tendency din tayong gumanti. Adventurous daw tayong mga Pinoy, kaya kahit alam nating mali, gagawin natin kasi maliit na bagay lang daw... Pero ang tao, kapag na-realize nyang may nagawa siyang adventurous, may tendency siyang gustuhing gawin ang mas higit pa doon!

Bilang isang pari, marami na akong naririnig at nakikilalang mga taong magtataka ka kung bakit ang yayaman nila. Bakit nga kaya? Iyon lang naman ang trabaho nila? Ganoon ba kalaki ang bonus nila kaya ang gagara ng kotse nila? Paano sila nakakabili ng mga napakamahal na bagay when at the same time, wala nang matirhan at makain ang mga tao sa ilalim nila? Sabihin pa nilang pera nila iyon, sana man lang may delicadeza sila. Sabihin pa nilang naiinggit ako, hindi ako papayag. Kasi, kung naiinggit ka, hindi ka masusuka!

-------------------------

SHITTE IRU?

by Marty Manalastas-Timbol

ALAM NYO BA…my friend Francis Tan says “FISHYTARIAN, ” he is referring to people who loves to eat fish and vegetables. He is now a fishytarian if I may say and very conscious about his health nowadays. So, are you a “Fishytarian”?

ALAM NYO BA… na noon in Japan, mga Haponesang may maliit ang mata, medyo round puffy ang face and plump body were considered attractive features?

ALAM NYO BA…na sa Japan, some traditional Japanese companies conduct morning exercise for all the workers and kasama rin ang mga boss? They do this para ma-prepare sila for the day’s work. I still see this every morning when I go to work in a factory near our house.

ALAM NYO BA…na ang national flag ng Japan is called the Hinomaru. Yung red circle ay simbolo ng rising sun. Ang word na “Nippon,” Japan’s name in Japanese, means “origin of the sun.”

ALAM NYO BA…na ang Japanese poetry consists only of 3 lines and they call this “Haiku”?

ALAM NYO BA…na ang mga Japanese people are extremely courteous people? Kahit na busy sila or in a hurry, if you ask them for a direction, they go out of their way at talagang

tutulungan ka.

ALAM NYO BA…na ang Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd. announced last January 31, 2011 na mag increase sila ng production capacity ng Yokohama Tire Philippines, Inc. to 10 million tires a year from current 7 million as the first phase of their expansion? Yokohama Tire Philippines, Inc. (YTPI) is located in the Clark Special Economic Zone, producing quality tires and 96% of its production is exported in Europe, North America and ASEAN countries, while the other 4% is for local sales in the Philippines.

Jeepney Press 2011 March-April Issue Page 08

SA TABI LANG PO

Ni: Renaliza Rogers

Bakit May Ganun?

Mag tatatlong buwan na rin makalipas ang bagong taon at maka ilang beses ko na ring sinira ang isa sa mga new year resolutions ko. Isa sa mga resolutions ko ay ang maging mas pasensyoso at maunawain sa ibang tao. Pilit kong kinakaya, kaya lang may mga tao talagang ang sarap sabunutan at kutusan. Eh kasi nga naman, may ibang tao na sadya nga namang nakakainis at kulang sa tinatawag na kunsiderasyon at common sense. Sa Pilipinas lang ba yun at Pilipino lang ba ang ganun?

Kung mapapansin niyo, may mga tao na kahit alam namang public toilet ang isang lugar ay maiinis at magpaparinig pa ng kung anu-ano pag alam nilang merong umeebak sa loob ng cubicle. Bakit, may nakasulat bang “Ihi lang pwede, bawal tumae dito” sa pinto? Kung magsalita, akala mo naman kung amo’y CK One ang dumi. At ewan ko kung meron din sa ibang sulok ng mundo nito, pero sa Pilipinas ko pa lang nakita ang may naniningil sa labas ng kubeta ng P2.00 pag iihi lang at P5.00 pag tatae. Eh paano pag utot lang? “Ay, pabawi ng P2.50 ko kasi di naman pala ako tumae, umutot lang.”

Meron naman akong isang kamag-anak na bigla na lang naghalukay ng aking maleta tsaka ipinasuot sa apo niya ang aking shorts dahil daw wala itong dala. Tama bang mahuhuli ko na lang sila sa kwarto ko na nagfa-fashion show na ng mga damit ko? Bakit sila ganun? Meron din akong kaklase na hiniling na sana’y masunog ang malapit bar/club sa bahay nila at mamatay na ang may-ari para wala ng ingay. Tama bang humiling ka na ikapapahamak ng iba, kahit na naiinis ka sa kanila?

Bakit kaya may mga tao ding hindi marunong rumespeto? May nasakyan akong jeep na sobra kung manglait ang driver nito sa isang pasaherong mataba. “Umusod kayo at may sasakay na baboy! Kasya ka ba baboy, este, miss?” Hiyang-hiya ang malaking dalaga. At nang nagbayad na ng pamasahe, “Baboy, este, miss…kulang to! Dagdagan mo, tatlong tao ka eh!” Tama bang gawin niya yun? Nakikita mo namang malaki siya, kailangan mo pa bang ipamukha sa kanya yun at ipahiya siya sa publiko?

Meron din namang iba na sobra magmaliit ng kapwa, katulad na lang sa eskwelahan ko. Pumapasok ako sa isa sa mga prestihiyosong unibersidad dito sa Pilipinas. Dito, libre mag-aral kapag anak ka ng isang empleyado ng unibersidad. May mga kaklase ako ditong sobra magmaliit sa kapwa. “Baka anak lang yan ng janitor or sikyo kaya nakapag-aral dito. Mukhang katulong. Itsura pa lang, parang di na kayang mag-aral kahit sa public college.” Tama bang maliitin mo ang isang kapwa tao dahil hindi siya mukhang mayaman? Tama bang maliitin mo ang mga trabahong kahit maliit ang kita ay disente at maipagmamalaki?

Mayroon din namang mga taong walang kunsiderasyon. Yung mga taong nang-aagaw ng linya kahit na ilang oras ka nang nakalinya diyan. Sarap itulak noh? Iba naman eh uutot sa loob ng elevator. Huwag naman dito please. Ilang palapag na lang lalabas ka na, pigilin mo na lang. May iba naman na sarap na sarap sa pagkain ng hotdog sandwich at coke habang nakatayo katabi ng pulubi. Nagbigay nga ng piso, pinaglaway naman sa inggit ang kawawang nanglilimos.

Ang pinaka-masahol na pagpapakita ng kawalan ng kunsiderasyon na nasaksihan ko ay sa isang pampublikong ospital. Nag-iiiyak ang dalaga ng sabihing “Mam, bakit hindi niyo man lang pinump ang dibdib ni tatay pagdating?!” Sumagot ang head nurse ng, “Aba day, patay na yan pagdating dito noh!” Patay na kung patay, pero sana sinubukan niyo man lang na bigyan ng first aid o nagpakita man lang ng kaunting awa sa mga namatayan ang mga hospital staff. Sa halip, may mga nurse pa sa emergency room na nagtutuksuhan at nagtatawanan sa tabi habang ang pamilya ng namatayan naman ay nag-iiiyak at nagdadalamhati sa kabila. Hindi ba pwedeng mamaya na lang ang chismisan at tuksuhan? Wala man lang ba ni kaunting kunsiderasyon?

Madali lang naman yun. Kadalasan, common sense lang naman ang kailangan para gawin kung anong nararapat na pag-uugali at siyang tama. Maging sensitibo tayo sa ibang taong nakapaligid sa atin. Tulad na lamang ng kapatid ko na inubos lahat ng ulam kaya’t hindi tuloy ako nakapag-hapunan. Sabi pa niya’y bigyan ko naman daw siya ng kahit konting kunsiderasyon man lang kasi gutom na gutom siya sa buong araw na pag-aaral. Hayy…nasaan ang kunside-rasyon dun?

-----------------

Hopeless Romantik

by Jackie Murphy

THE FINAL CHAPTER

Part 1

After 29 years na di kami nagkita, ayun at biglang bumulaga na lang isang umaga ang aking true love sa screen ng Facebook: nagkakumustahan, nagka-chat-tan at nagkamabutihan.

Part 2

Wala ng paligoy-ligoy pa at naging….kami na… ULIT… pramis…. (yatta!!!…I did it!!!) Talaga naman, nandoon pa rin ang tamis ng aming pagmamahalan. Binalikan namin ang aming nakaraan noong kami ay nasa hayskul pa: ang aming madalas na pagdi-date noon at ang tahimik niyang pagtatampo sa akin tuwing may kausap akong iba na kalaunan bago sumapit ang graduation day ko ay nauwi rin sa di pagpapansinan hanggat tuluyan na kaming inilayo ng tadhana. Ipinagpagtuloy ko ang pag-aaral ko sa kolehiyo sa kalakhang Maynila at sinubukang tuparin ang sinumpaang pangarap sa buhay.

Part 3

Maraming taon ang ginugol namin sa paghahanap at pangungulila sa isa’t isa. Nang dahil sa di ako noon maka-move on dahil sa kanyang pagkawala sa buhay ko na dinagdagan pa ng di inaasa-hang pagkawala ng aking ina ay nabaling ang panahon ko noon sa alak, na naging matalik kong kaibigan at naging tulay noon upang may kasalo ako sa dalamhati at matinding sama ng loob at kalungkutan. Dumaan ang maraming taon at marami ring pagsubok ang dumating sa buhay ko.

Part 4 (The Final Chapter)

Sa loob ng dalawang taon, inom dito, inom doon, halos ganito linggo-linggo ang eksena sa buhay ko. Wala akong pakialam kung may naiipon man ako o wala basta ang sa akin, gusto kong makalimot at magsaya: ganun lang ka simple. Hanggat naka-move on na ako. Ngunit isang simpleng araw may isang bagay na umagaw ng pansin ko. Padalaw-dalaw, padaan-daan ang mga kakilala`t mga itinuring kong mga kaibigan sa buhay pero pag wala silang nakitang nakalatag na case ng alak parang sibat din silang nagpapaalam animo`y may hinahabol na appointment. Pag malayo pa ang sahod siyempre wala pang pambili ng alak. Aba wala ring dumadalaw. Baka busy silang lahat. Baka nagsimba. Baka nagbakasyon. Tawagan ko nga sila sa telepono. Walang sumasagot. Wala ring text, walang return calls man lang. Baka walang load. Palagi lang akong may dahilan noon para sa kanila. Pero isang hapon, natigilan ako. Nakahalata. Nagmuni-muni. Nag-isip-isip nang malalim. Dito na ako nagpasya: kailangan ko nang umiwas. Hindi totoong ako ang kanilang dinadayo at dinadamayan. Hindi totoong nakikisimpatiya sila sa aking kalungkutan. Ang totoong sadya nila ay hindi ako kundi ang salu-salong handog ko palagi para sa kanila. Iniba ko ang diskarte ko sa buhay at nagpasyang magpakalayo-layo na muna.

Sinubukan kong mangibang-bansa. Nangarap ako nang panibago. Nagsikap. Nagtiyaga at nag-ipon. Iginugol ko ang halos lahat ng oras sa trabaho. Malungkot man ang buhay sa ibang bansa dahil hindi kapiling ang mga mahal sa buhay pero kailangang magpakatatag at tibayan ang dibdib.

Lumipas ang maraming taon, sobrang nalingat naman yata ako sa trabaho at parang ang halos tatlong dekadang lumipas ay ganun-ganun na lang.

Hindi na ako naghahangad at lalong di na ako umaasa pang may darating pang isang himala sa buhay ko. Tanggap ko nang hindi ako ganun kasuwerte sa pag-ibig dahil pagkatapos na naman ng isa pang unos noong nakaraang taon nauwi lang din sa hiwalayan ang akala ko`y huling yugto na ng aking buhay-pag-ibig. Napagod na rin ako sa dami ng mga pinagdaanan ko. Andiyan yung ireto ako ng mga friends ko for a blind date. Na-e-excite naman daw ako sa araw na yun ah pero, maryosep, minsan, muntik akong mawalan ng ulirat: yung una wala man lang bakod! Yung mga sumunod naman na iba may bakod nga uusli-usli naman ang pustiso! Hindi tuloy ako mapakali palagi akong nakaabang sa kanyang sinasabi baka sa akin kasi tumilapon ang pustiso niya at malay mo baka masalo ko pa...siyempre kasama na ang laway...yaikks…hmmmp! Kaya nawalan na ako ng ganang maglabas-labas. On weekends naman, sinanay ko na ring regaluhan na lang ang sarili ko ng cold beer, punuin ng makukukot ang lamesa at manood ng movies from the internet then solved na ang weekend ko. Ihanda na ulit ang katawan sa susunod na namang linggong punumpuno ng pressure sa trabaho.

Hindi nga ba`t mangilan-ilan lang sa atin ang naniniwalang 'sadyang mapagbiro ang tadhana'? Walang sinuman sa atin ang may karapatang magreklamo sa itatakda NIYA para sa atin. Tanggapin natin kahit na ano pa man ang manggaling sa Kanya. Kaya sa ordinaryong araw na yun na pinagtagpo NIYA kami, buong puso naming tinanggap yun lalo na ang espesyal na araw na naging 'kami na ulit'... MGA KAPATID SA PANANAMPALATAYA: may HIMALA!!!

Sa halos araw-araw na video calls namin, unti-unti naming binalikan at hinimay-himay isa-isa ang aming nakaraan. Kung ano ang mga nangyari sa mga buhay-buhay namin sa matagal na panahon. Sobrang nalungkot siya nang nabalitaan niya ang pagpanaw ng aking ina (kasi gusto siya ng Nanay ko para sa akin noon). Tumulo rin ang luha ko sa kanyang mga kuwento. Hinanap din niya pala ako noon nang matagal, ipinagtanong-tanong. Taon din ang binilang niya at noong di niya na ako mahagilap tuluyan na rin siyang sumuko at nag-asawa na lang. Nagsisi man siya huli na ang lahat.

Sa loob ng halos tatlong dekada, ano ba ang nabago sa mga buhay-buhay namin? Wow...may mga tsikiting na siya (Oo...ako wala pa...hmmmp...) at take note: yung youngest daughters niya: beautiful, smart and loving TWINS, aged six. Mga mapagmahal na mga anak at may takot sa Diyos na sa pagdating ng tamang panahon ay tunay na magbibigay ng kaligayahan at kalinga sa amin hanggang sa pagtanda namin.

Just six months ago nang dahil sa nandoon pa rin ang takot na baka sa isang iglap ay mawala na naman namin ang isa't isa, we decided to get 'engaged' lalo na't tuluyan na siyang naging malaya. Lubos na kaligayahan ang aming nararamdaman ngayon at para sa Kanya, ang aming walang katapusang pasasalamat.

Sa kasalukuyan, nakatakda na ang araw ng aming pag-iisang dibdib sa susunod na dalawang buwan...ang araw na minimithi naming matupad noon pa man:

when Japan weds Honolulu in Toronto; our ultimate gift for our golden treasures: Silver, Angelica and Ashley.

And to Facebook and Skype, a MILLION THANKS to you, my love....muah!