Tuloy Ang Pasada...
The Journey Continues...
Jeepney Press approaches its eight year in bringing Filipinos closer together in the Land of the Rising Sun. From less than a few dozen of writers on its maiden issue, we are happy that Jeepney Press now comprises almost half a hundred of volunteer staff of writers and artists--all dedicated to help work towards making a unified, diverse and responsible Filipino society in Japan.
This new year, we would like to let you know more about the people who writes for you every issue. Get to know more about the people you welcome into your lives even through the power of words in print and the web.
In this centerfold, we present to you bits and pieces of their lives, how they got involved with Jeepney Press and their advices and messages for all Filipinos traversing this tough terrain-life in Japan.
Happy Journey Filipinos! Sakay na kayo sa Jeepney Press!
Tuloy po ang pasada ngayong 2010 and onwards!
Dennis Sun, Editor-In-Chief and Creative Director
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Name: Alma Reyes
Name of column: Traffic
Occupation: freelance editor, layout designer
Time in Japan: 23 years (yikes!)
Where from the Philippines? Manila
Where do you live in Japan (and which places have you lived in Japan)? presently Tokyo; past: Osaka and Kyoto
What brought you to Japan? foreign studies; took my Masters in Kyoto
What was your first impression of Japan? clean, polite and disciplined people
What do you like most about Japan? efficient (though sometimes too much), convenient, fast service, Japanese food!
What's the worst/weirdest thing you have experienced here? physical assault by "chikan;" you have to change to a Japanese name to become a Japanese citizen; racial discrimination in some aspects; women as 2nd class citizens; I used to find the Japanese toilet and slurping soba loudly weird, but have gotten used to it...
If you could bring "anything" from Japan to the Philippines, what would it be? onsen; efficient train system, lots of mochi
If you were to be trapped for 3 hours inside the train or subway, what item would you like to have with you? phone, water, food
What do you think about the conditions of Filipinos in Japan? Filipinos survive just like other foreigners, but need to be recognized more positively
How would you advice Filipinos in Japan on how to improve their lives? Be honest. Avoid petty intrigues, follow rules and think of other good-natured Filipinos when you are tempted to do something illegal!
Name: Gino C. Matibag
Name of column: Pisngi Ng Langit (formerly At Your Cervix, Doc Gino)
Occupation: Physician-Researcher-Aspiring Writer and Blogger
Time in Japan: 7 years
Where from the Philippines? Manila
Where do you live in Japan?
Sapporo City, Hokkaido
What brought you to Japan? Higher education
What was your first impression of Japan? Very advanced, clean and quiet country. Most people are honest.
What do you like most about Japan? People are time-conscious. I feel safe walking anytime of the day. No air pollution. The drinking water in Hokkaido is one of the most delicious in the world.
If you were to be trapped for 3 hours inside the train or subway, what item would you like to have with you?
Fully-charged mobile phone.
How long have you been writing for Jeepney Press? 2 years plus
What do you think about the conditions of Filipinos in Japan?
In general, Filipinos in Japan live better economically. Understandably, most want to go back to the Philippines but the country does not offer any better living conditions.
How would you advice Filipinos in Japan on how to improve their lives? Be respectable always. Learn from the Japanese. Be good examples so that a good impression of our country will be left to the Japanese and the world.
Name: Renaliza Chavez
Name of column: Sa Tabi Lang Po
Time in Japan: in and out since 1995
Where from the Philippines?
Silay City, Negros Occidental
Where do you live in Japan?
Naka-Meguro & Ishikawa-Dai, Tokyo
What brought you to Japan?
My parents work here.
What do you like most about Japan? People are always on time. Also, people fall in line everywhere.
What's the weirdest thing you have experienced here? The Japanese toilet! It was difficult to do your thing and I get prone to leg cramps.
If you could bring "anything" from Japan to the Philippines, what would it be? All the people I love, the train system (it's just so convenient) and the whole Roppongi and Shibuya area.
If you were to be trapped for 3 hours inside the train or subway, what items would you like to have with you?
I would like to have a friend with me to talk to, my mobile phone, a laptop with internet, and drinking water.
How did you learn about Jeepney Press? I always read it because I love the covers.
How long have you been writing for Jeepney Press? About a year and a half
What do you think about the conditions of Filipinos in Japan?
It's not so bad. Although there is a bit of discrimination going on towards Filipinos in Japan, we still have good support systems here, like friends and family.
How would you advice Filipinos in Japan on how to improve their lives?
Do not bury yourselves in too much work because you are not machines. Go out and have some fun once in a while. Enjoy your life in Japan while you are still here.
Name: Christopher A. Santos
Occupation: Vice President for an American-based bank
Time in Japan: 2 decades
Where from the Philippines?
Pasig, Metro Manila
Where do you live in Japan? Tokyo
What brought you to Japan?
An invitation from my first Japanese firm
What's the weirdest thing you have experienced here? Conversing with fellow Filipinos in Japanese
If you could bring "anything" from Japan to the Philippines, what would it be? Their public record system.
If you were to be trapped for 3 hours inside the train or subway, what items would you like to have with you?
A good book, mineral water, and my mobile phone. Basically, my daily survival kit.
How long have you been writing for Jeepney Press? Since its inception. But recently, assignment-based.
What do you think about the conditions of Filipinos in Japan? Complacency still prevail among many. Only a few dares to make a difference or create their own share of legacy outside of the shadows of dependency.
How would you advice Filipinos in Japan on how to improve their lives? We live in a country with proven social and working ethics. Leverage on that.
Name: Yellowbelle Del Mundo Duaqui
Name of column: Arangkada Pinoy
Occupation: MA Student, Graduate School of Global Studies, Sophia University
Time in Japan: 1 year +
Where are you from in the Philippines? Santa Maria, Bulacan
Where do you live in Japan?
Setagaya-ku, Tokyo
What do you like most about Japan? Its people (hardworking, efficient, courteous, quiet, book & art lovers, doers, achievers, good planners, reliable, inventive, practical, rational)
What's the worst thing you have experienced here? Getting stopped by the police who check your status as a foreigner in Japan (a bit frightening and humiliating experience even for somebody who exists legally here)
If you could bring "anything" from Japan to the Philippines, what would it be? The predictable, inexpensive and efficient mass transportation system (because this will help industrialize the Philippines)
If you were to be trapped for 3 hours inside the train or subway, what items would you like to have with you?
A book, keitai, chocolate bar, water
What do you think about the conditions of Filipinos in Japan? Many Filipinos are not able to integrate in mainstream Japanese society and exist at its fringes maybe due to lack of social connections and mastery of the Japanese language. This can probably be solved by acquiring marketable skills and accumulating human capital to become selling points in the Japanese job market.
How would you advice Filipinos in Japan on how to improve their lives? Never do anything that would make them lose their trust and respect on you. Work hard and follow the rules. Strive to learn Japanese if you plan to work here. Save your hard-earned money. Focus and learn to prioritize. Don’t waste time in gossip and turn to reading good books instead. Nasa Diyos ang awa, pero nasa tao pa rin ang gawa.
Name: Rey Ian Pineda Corpuz
Name of column: Achi Kochi
Occupation: ALT (Assistant English Teacher)
Time in Japan: 2 years
Where from the Philippines?
Davao City
Where do you live in Japan?
Hanyu City, Saitama Prefecture
What do you like most about Japan? No dust, No pollution, No traffic, Food is the best!
If you could bring "anything" from Japan to the Philippines, what would it be? Countless Vending Machines
If you were to be trapped for 3 hours inside the train or subway, what items would you like to have with you? Iphone 3Gs, IPod, Cold Mugi Cha
How did you learn about Jeepney Press? From a Filipino Store in Kawasaki
What do you think about the conditions of Filipinos in Japan?
We are still unrepresented in the Japanese community. Many Filipinos still carry our bad habits in the Philippines.
How would you advice Filipinos in Japan on how to improve their lives? Live as true Filipinos by heart and think as Japanese in terms of work ethics and efficiency.
Name: Marty Manalastas Timbol
Name of column: Shitte Iru
Where are you from in the Philippines?
Pampanga.
Where do you live in Japan? I live in Nerima but before that, I used to live in Komazawa, Shinagawa and Saitama.
What brought you to Japan? I first came to Japan in April 1986 as a student. I was into the Japanese language course at the Kokusai Gakuyukai Nihongo Gakko as a scholar of my very generous, one and only sister. I left Japan after my graduation and worked for a while in the Philippines. I came back in July 1989.
What's the weirdest thing you have experienced here? Having to eat with chopsticks was a shock. It took me some time to learn how to use them. By then I had slimmed down because I could not eat much with the chopsticks. It was also big adjustment for me to use the "squat" toilets. The communication barrier can be a problem, but if properly hurdled, Japan is a very convenient place to live in.
What did you find as the most difficult situation living in Japan?
Nothing beats the language. It can be very daunting because Japanese language varies with basic & daily conversation, business terms, medical and technical terms, etc. Having learned formal Japanese, I still find it very difficult especially when conversing with doctors and nurses during my check-ups every week.
If you could bring "anything" from Japan to the Philippines, what would it be? Discipline, cleanliness, driving rules and regulations, fresh fruits & vegetables, transport system, technology, etc.
How would you advice Filipinos in Japan on how to improve their lives?
It is all up to us how to improve our lives. What is important is you are happy, you know how to share your blessings to your loved ones in the Philippines. Don't forget that even if you have stayed and lived long in Japan that we are still Filipinos.
Name: Robert Paul Arias Zarate
Name of column: Pagmumuni-muni sa Dyipni
Occupation: Catholic Priest
Time in Japan: 9 years
Where are you from in the Philippines?
Binan, Laguna
Where do you live in Japan (and which places have you lived in Japan)?
From Chofu to Suginami to Yotsuya in Tokyo, then to Yamato (Kanagawa), to Shizuoka and now living in Kamakura.
What brought you to Japan?
Bilang isang misyonero ng mga Salesiano ng Don Bosco.
What was your first impression of Japan? Walang emosyon at deretsong tumayo ang mga security guards sa arrival area ng Narita airport.
What do you like most about Japan?
Very efficient public services -- hindi nagtataray at kahit mukhang plastik ay nakangiti at maganda ang tono ng boses.
What's the worst/weirdest thing you have experienced here? Pinaginitan ako ng isang Hapon in his 20's sa isang overcrowded na train. Sinisiko niya at sinasadya akong banggain. Naghahanap talaga ng away! Nagtulug-tulugan na lang ako habang naririnig ko syang nagsasabing mukha akong baduy na ojisan. Hindi ko kasi pinatulan kaya bumaba na lang siya sa next station.
If you could bring "anything" from Japan to the Philippines, what would it be? Dalawa: ang train system nila at ang kanilang medical insurance.
If you were to be trapped for 3 hours inside the train or subway, what item would you like to have with you?
A fully charged laptop
How long have you been writing for Jeepney Press? Since its first issue!
What do you think about the conditions of Filipinos in Japan? Malalim ang dedikasyong magtrabaho, magkapera at tumulong sa pamilya pero kulang na kulang pa rin sa sense of integration into the Japanese society.
How would you advice Filipinos in Japan on how to improve their lives?
Pressure yourselves and the people around you to learn proper Nippongo well. That's the first step for us to be respected by the Japanese.
Name: Frances Saligumba
Name of column: Stopover
Time in Japan: 12 years
Where from the Philippines? Manila
Where do you live in Japan? Okinawa
What was your first impression of Japan?
Materialistic nation
What do you like most about Japan? Food!
If you were to be trapped for 3 hours inside the train or subway, what item would you like to have with you? A fully charged laptop
How would you advice Filipinos in Japan on how to improve their lives? Arm yourselves with: Flexibility, Courage and Integrity
Name: Anita Aquino Sasaki
Name of column: Kuwento Ni Nanay
Time in Japan: 15 years
Where from in the Philippines? From Quezon City
Where do you live in Japan? Tokyo-to, Edogawa-ku, Hirai
What was your first impression of Japan? Well it is a place where we have all kinds of people from all walks of life. It is like a jungle with all the wild animals.
What do you like most about Japan? Cleanliness, discipline of the Japanese.
If you could bring "anything" from Japan to the Philippines, what would it be? Cleanliness and the industriousness of the Japanese
If you were to be trapped for 3 hours inside the train or subway, what item would you like to have with you? WATER
What do you think about the conditions of Filipinos in Japan? Most of us, Pinoys, are still ignorant about our rights, benefits and privileges. But gradually, through different NGOs and Filipino media, we are getting more informed.
How would you advice Filipinos in Japan on how to improve their lives? To be more industrious, organized and make the most of it while they are here because nothing is permanent. Everything will just come and go and there is no better place than HOME specially when we cannot stand up on our own two feet.
Name: Stephanie Jones L. Jallorina
Name of column: Drive-Thru
Occupation: Sales Staff
Time in Japan: 2 years
Where from in the Philippines? Iloilo
Where do you live in Japan? I used to live in Setagaya-ku and then moved to Ota-ku and am bound to Minato-ku next year. Lahat sa Tokyo.
What brought you to Japan?
I needed a new environment and I had to be with my mother.
What do you like most about Japan? Peace and quiet.
If you could bring "anything" from Japan to the Philippines, what would it be? I would bring the Japanese sense and value of TIME.
If you were to be trapped for 3 hours inside the train or subway, what item would you like to have with you?
I would like to have a Paolo Coelho book.
What do you think about the conditions of Filipinos in Japan?
So far, I have seen and met Filipinos who are well and up to do financially, physically and spiritually. They have easily adapted to Japan and consequently are able to provide for the needs of their respective families back at home. They brought along their faith that keep and sustain them through hardships, loneliness and challenges.
How would you advice Filipinos in Japan on how to improve their lives? Save for themselves, for their families, for fellow Filipinos, for others and for God.
Name: Mylene Miyata
Name of column: Pedestrian Lane
Time in Japan:
about 7 years
Where from in the Philippines? Manila
Where do you live in Japan? Saitama
What brought you to Japan? family
What was your first impression of Japan? beautiful
What do you like most about Japan?
its nature
If you were to be trapped for 3 hours inside the train or subway, what items would you like to have with you? iPod, newspaper and magazine
How did you learn about Jeepney Press? I got a copy at Yotsuya church.
How did you start writing for Jeepney Press? I called to apply for a subscription and was lucky to talk to the editor and the rest is history.
Name: Joseph S. de Leon
Name of column: J-Way
Occupation: English Teacher (ALT)
Time in Japan: 5 Years (since 2005)
Where from in the Philippines? from the Asia’s Latin City, Zamboanga City
Where do you live in Japan? Tochigi Ken Moka City
What brought you to Japan? I was chosen together with other 20 teachers to represent the Philippines in the 2005 JICA International Youth Friendship Program for Education.
What do you like most about Japan?
I like Japan's Railway system. It's so systematic and punctual.
If you could bring "anything" from Japan to the Philippines, what would it be? I would bring the bullet trains and have its route from Manila to Zamboanga City.
How did you learn about Jeepney Press? I started reading Jeepney Press in 2007 and got my copies at Libis ng Nayon Pinoy Store in Ibaraki Ken.
What do you think about the conditions of Filipinos in Japan?
Filipinos in Japan are a great contribution to Japan's economy by being efficient hardworkers.
How would you advice Filipinos in Japan on how to improve their lives?
Always do your best to excel in your job and continue to show the great values we Filipinos do possess. Work and earn here but don't forget to share your blessings to the needy.
Name: Edward P. Labuguen
Name of Column: e-deshou
Occupation: consultant and director
Time in Japan: 8 years
Where from in the Philippines: Abra
Where do you live in Japan? Minokamo City, Gifu Ken
If you were to be trapped inside the train, what items would you like to have with you?
My rosary, keitai and wallet
What do you think about teh conditions of Filipinos in Japan? We are still under-represented. Look at the Brazilians, Peruvians, Chinese and Koreans. Even if we are as many as them, they are a stronger force in the Japanese society.
How would you advice Filipinos in japan on how to improve their lives? Earn and earn. Think of our situation in the Philippines. Avoid unnecessary spendings. Save money.
Name: Sally Cristobal Takashima
Name of Column: Kansai Crusade
Time in Japan: Over 20 years
Where from in the Philippines? Manila
What brought you to Japan?
I was living in New York attending graduate school. I needed a break and was offered to teach English for a year.
If you were to be trapped for 3 hours inside the train or subway, what item would you like to have with you?
A laptap and enough warm coffee mocha
What do you think about the conditions of Filipinos in Japan? Filipinos live in enclaves that are comfort zones for many. To experience life in Japan, one has to step out of these enclaves and interact with other people. One then sees through the veil of the beauty of Mt Fuji and Sakura and other images are viewed. Only then can a Filipino put the Philippine and Japanese cultures in comparative perspective.
Name: Arlene Dinglasan
Name of column: Mukha
Occupation: language teacher
Time in Japan: more than 10 years
Where from in the Philippines?
Balanga City, Bataan
Where do you live in Japan? Tokyo
What brought you to Japan?
Initially, to visit my parents. It has been a loooong visit!
What do you like most about Japan? the transportation system
If you could bring "anything"from Japan to the Philippines, what would it be? transportation system, super fresh food
If you were to be trapped for 3 hours inside the train or subway, what item would you like to have with you? Nothing. I'd take advantage of the time to catch up on sleep!
What do you think about the conditions of Filipinos in Japan? Knowing how prejudice and racist the Japanese society can be, the Filipinos in Japan sometimes have to struggle to be proud of being Pinoy. Add to that the "not-so-pleasant" image that unfortunately fellow kababayans have somehow built in one way or another, sometime in the past or even at present, we have to work extra hard to be seen in a better light. Fortunately, as slowly as it may be, more and more Filipinos in Japan are proving themselves deserving of a fairer treatment. Whether it accounts to the society's increasing open-mindedness or the Filipinos' hard work finally bearing good fruits, the conditions of Filipinos in general in the Japanese society has been showing some improvements in the recent years.
How would you advice Filipinos in Japan on how to improve their lives? Take each day as it comes. And bloom where you are planted. Plus, re-read "Florante and Laura" if you have the time. You'd be surprised by how rich it is on advice for people living outside their hometown/home country, and more! (My Panitikan teacher will surely be proud of me now! ;-) )
Name: Arlene Esperida
Name of column: Walang Sabit
Occupation: ALT, freelance designer, visual artist, yaya
Time in Japan: Matagal-tagal na rin... automatic na yung "bow" ko!
Where from in the Philippines? "You can take the girl out of Manila but you can't take Manila out of the girl"... tama nga ba itong pagka-sabi ko?
Where do you live in Japan?
Sa pusod ng Tokyo
What brought you to Japan?
Destiny! naaaks!
What was your first impression of Japan?
Bakit laging maputi ng mga linya sa kalye, at hindi na kelangang tumakbo para tumawid ng kalye!
What do you like most about Japan?
Libreng tissue paper!
What's the worst/weirdest thing you have experienced here?
Worst: Station pizza
Weirdest: Well-dressed salaryman delivering the station pizza!
If you could bring "anything" from Japan to the Philippines, what would it be? Godzilla to do some spring cleaning sa gobyerno natin!
How did you start writing for Jeepney Press? Sabi ni Dennis, may talent daw ako sa pag-sayaw...
What do you think about the conditions of Filipinos in Japan?
Kung direktor o scriptwriter ako, marami na akong award... FAMAS,Cinemanila...
How would you advice Filipinos in Japan on how to improve their lives?
Wag tumulad sa akin.
Name: Neriza Sarmiento Saito
Name of column: On The Road
Occupation: University Lecturer
Time in Japan: 28 years
Where from in the Philippines:
Baliwag, Bulacan
Where do you live in Japan? Osaka
What brought you to Japan? marriage
What do you like most about Japan?
I love the seasonal changes.
If you were to be trapped for 3 hours inside the train or subway, what item would you like to have with you?
I would like to have my best friends with me para yung 3 hours, magiging 3 minutes lang sa kwentuhan namin!
If you could bring "anything"from Japan to the Philippines, what would it be? I would like to bring the four seasons to the Philippines. I think because of the changes of the season, people get to be closer to nature and appreciate the beauty of nature. As nature changes its color, people get the chance to change their moods and emotions as well.
What do you think about the conditions of Filipinos in Japan? Compared to the Filipinos in the Philippines, I think they are more comfortable in here. Wherever you put the Filipinos, they would always be a happy people. I think the conditions are getting better.
How would you advice Filipinos in Japan on how to improve their lives?
Just have more adaptabilty and flexibility in life. Know that this is Japan and not the Philippines so we should act and live according to their laws and customs. We can only gain their respect if we show them that we are a responsible and able people. Let's show them!
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