On The Road To: THE FACEBOOK CONNECTION
by Neriza Sarmiento-Saito
Summer 2010: one of the most sizzling summers in Japan is officially over. All that are left of it are vivid moments captured on digital cameras and I-phones of “Hanabi” (Fireworks Festivals), barbecue parties by the beach, dolphin nights shows, a day at Universal Studios Japan or simply relaxing in the countryside with your folks. Whether the memories are pleasant or unpleasant, it makes summer another season to look forward to.
My students at the Osaka University are still halfway with their summer break so their interview will not be appearing in this issue. This gave me the chance to get updated on what the rest of the world is doing as much as what the rest of my friends are doing in this world. No better way than FB… Henry and Shirlene in Texas are expecting a baby girl in mid-November, Pia in Honolulu finally found a ZAIZU (Japanese legless chairs to fit into their Japanese-inspired living room, Susan in Dubai sent her 16 year-old daughter Catherine to a culinary arts school in the Philippines to master intricate Philippine cuisine so that she can help manage their Philippine restaurant in the Emirate nation. My niece Sandy in Australia, went on a 40-hour fasting to generate donations for famine-stricken children around the globe, one of their projects at school.
Then there was one interesting update from my adventurous friend Joey… “Just 15 minutes ago, dinukot cp sa bag ko. Kitang-kita ko kamay niya. Biglang pumara, tangay CP. Hinila ko damit niya at saka sinigawan na ibalik CP ko. Nagambala lahat pasahero. Natakot at ibinalik CP ko. WOWSKI… GRABE ...” He was on holiday in one of the most beautiful cities in the Visayan Island and was enjoying the sights and sounds of the place along with local delights like taho and halu-halo. He took a sentimental ride on a jeepney when the incident happened. Many commented that he was tough enough to get even with the thief although such a reaction could have endangered his life. Although the quick-thinking driver drove quickly to the nearest police station the guy slipped away and disappeared in the crowd.
Filipinos who are accustomed to the peaceful living conditions and conveniences in Japan could be at a loss if faced with similar situations. But whatever happened, he got the CP back and his journey continues on Facebook.
A poem for “Respect for the Aged Day“ written by my late grandfather, Dalmacio C. Ramos (Excerpt)
AKO’Y MATANDA NA’T WALA NANG LAKAS
UUGOD-UGOD PANG PANGIT NA LUMAKAD
MATA’Y MALALABO’T AANIANINAG
BUHOK AY MAPUTING PARA NANG BUSILAK
HUMPAK ANG PISNGI KONG KULUBOT ANG BALAT
NA SA KAPANGITAN SIYANG NAPARAGDAG
IKAW… KABATAANG NASA AKING LIKOD
PINAGKAKAUTANGA’Y HUWAG MALILIMOT
KAHIT ANONG ANYO HUWAG MAYAYAMOT
GUMANTI KA SANA NG UTANG NA LOOB
KUNG DUMATING NAMAN ARAW MONG MALUNGKOT
HINDI PALALAKI ANG IYONG HIMUTOK
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