Jeepney Press 2010 November-December COVER

Cover Art and Design by Dennis Sun

Jeepney Press 2010 November-December Centerfold

centerfold:

UTAWIT GRAND FINALS 2010 by Chris Santos

"Boy! Boy!" The audience was responding loudly to the emcee’s provoking question whether the winner will be a boy or a girl for this year. It was an intimate frenzy of excitement and anticipation that is expected to build up from the usual rapport of the Filipino audience with its favorite master of ceremony - Dennis Sun, Editor-in-Chief & Creative Director of Jeepney Press, the brain parent of UTAWIT, and prime Filipino show host. The event flourished from one competitive performance to the next. Then it was just moments before the grand winner of UTAWIT 2010 was to be announced. With the opening of the envelope, you were either silent with baited breath or preempting your winning bet at the top of your lungs. The time finally came. Mr. Sun teases, "Drum roll, please..."

It was October 10, 2010. The Akasaka Kumin Center was packed even with its 420-seat capacity. Even before the show started, the reception hall was already flooded with music enthusiasts, supporters, photographers, sponsors and the likes. Amidst of it all, one would definitely realize they're in the annual UTAWIT grand finals event.

The rain was pouring seriously hard that morning. Not a good way to start a day trip. People were forecasting some unfounded news about a global internet collapse because of the date 10-10-10. Trying hard to get a good sleep the night before for his voice, he could not prevent the anxieties from creeping in. He cannot afford to be grumpy. Not that day. He fought the negative vibes to reduce it to just wondering as he got the 13th row on his train ride to Tokyo. Bad sign? He just shrugged his shoulders.

Anyway, if numerology were to collect its toll, he would be the first one to pay as the assigned 13th contestant. Can a day that started the way it did end up getting worse? Well, they say that the only way to go when you're down is up. For one guy, it was about to zoom up. 13. Again, a number that's not usually related to good fortune. Usually but not always. Probably but not if you have NAIS KO, one of Basil Valdez's most challenging signature songs, for a contest piece to match a powerful vocal timbre and an unintimidated performance. That night talent won. The dreaded numeric symbol simply dwindled down to nothing more than just a sequence number when love for music was more powerful than omens. That night when it was announced as the number of the contestant awarded as the newest grand champion of UTAWIT, 13 was the lucky number. And it was his. Dave Aguilar. Our UTAWIT 2010 crowned prince.

Dave is based in Osaka and represented Kyoto in this year's UTAWIT. One of the younger contestants at 27-years of age, he was also young in terms of Japanese residence. Being in Japan short of 3 years, this native of Hagonoy, Bulacan has a Bachelor of Science degree in Commerce major in Computer Science. Currently, he works as a managing grinder in Osaka. He was already a mainstay figure in competing at various amateur singing contests in his Philippine hometown. He used to just watch the contests but found challenging himself with the question "Am I capable to be like them?" At the beginning, just to gather the guts to be on the stage was already a challenge. Winning required more than guts, though. Fortunately, he got the music sense. Better yet, he got talent as later proven by the 10 wins out of 15 contests he joined. In Japan, his top hobby remains to be singing power ballads and R&B, followed by his love for cooking. He also loves surfing the net which was exactly what he was doing the night after he bagged the grand prize award. If he had trouble sleeping the night before with jitters, he had trouble sleeping the following night as well but as a singing champion responding to well wishes that poured into his Facebook wall. At the end of the day, he was happy. Not only as the emerging winner but because he was part of a cause he believed in. "I would like to help this organization. The intention of this foundation is very nice that's why I got encouraged to join," Dave said of UTAWIT. He adds, "I also would like to experience different singing contests here in Japan as I would like to establish trademarks." Dave is a loving husband to his very lovely wife. He considers his marriage as one of the most fulfilling challenges he has ever had that makes him face the disciplines of life for an ideal work-life balance.

In second place was Marlita Abangan-Ishioka. Singing enka songs is something that would require serious thought for any Filipino competing in a singing contest. Aside from the concentrated responsibility to retain its intense emotionality, enka demands credibility. It is, in the spirit of Japanese music, an art. In the night of the grand finals, representing Morioka dolled up in her golden kimono, Marlita gave a stellar performance delivering Amagi Goe, which is one of the defining songs of the enka genre. And with respectful guts and steady vocals, she nailed it. With a degree in Communications and an education work background, Marlita is now a dedicated wife and loving mother to three children. An advocate of the works and life of Gabriella Silang, Marlita is a humanitarian at heart with deep yet simple dream of providing a bright future for her children. She started her love for singing ever since she watched her father perform at a municipal fiesta. Aside from being an avid karaoke fan, it’s an endearing trivia to know that Marlita is a serious ramen lover.

Placing third was one of the most anticipated contestants of the event. Marianie Kondo's rendition of Bukas Na Lang Kita Mamahalin was both powerful and heart wrenching. Donned in her silk jade green gown, this year's representative of Fukuoka was a vocal force to be reckoned with. Yanie, as fondly known to friends, hailed from Davao and residing in Fukuoka for almost two years now. Yanie comes from a family of music lovers as she shares the love for singing with her 7 other siblings. Currently a band singer, she holds a degree in Marine Transportation. Very Filipino at heart, her priorities is providing for her family. Just as powerful as she can belt out a song, she has a strong sense of core when it comes to outlook in life and how she deals with everything if offers. "There is no security in life. Just opportunities," she affirms.

All in all, UTAWIT this year, as always but more specially so, was a great show with the collective efforts from all its supporters housed into one memorable event under the leadership of its Chairman and Jeepney Press publisher Ms. Irene Kaneko and the directorial flair of Ms. Glenda Tabata. The event boasts of being the initial public event in Japan this year to be graced by Honorable Belen F. Anota, the Philippine Embassy's Charge d'Affaires, a.i. in Japan. May Takahashi, president of Fil-Jap Association in Yamagata, accepted on behalf of her association the Best Charity Group Award for bringing in the most funds raised this year. The event had one of its firsts and most memorable moments as all leaders of the various UTAWIT regional organizations were in attendance and called on stage to give the trophies of appreciation to each of their respective representatives. Consequently, UTAWIT had the additional honor to have its Adviser, Minister & Consul-General Sulpicio M. Confiado with Madam Precie Confiado, present the Certificate of Appreciation to all the Regional Organizers nationwide and to the Executive Committee members.

As years pass and more champions are welcomed on its stage, UTAWIT is in essence a manifestation of a legacy and a history in the making about the Filipinos and our host friends in Japan. We congratulate all the people who gave relentless contributions in its continuing formation, from its leadership to supporters in and out of the annual productions. UTAWIT is popular as a grand music event but only as its platform. UTAWIT, in all its heart, is about helping children from poor families to enable them to study at Sibol School inside Felicity Village of Gawad Kalinga in Paranaque, Manila.

See you next year on UTAWIT 2011!

Jeepney Press 2010 November-December Page 02

pasaHERO by Jade Pangilinan

DENNIS SUN: GLOBAL PINOY

In this issue of the Jeepney Press, let me pay tribute to the man who started it all – Kuya Dennis Sun. Last September 2, SM City Pampanga organized the opening of the SM Global Pinoy Center and recognized top achievers among Kapampangan expatriates and overseas workers. One of the outstanding Global Pinoys is our very own Dennis Villanueva Sun, who was honored for his contributions in the fields of arts and journalism.

Kuya Dennis, our Jeepney Press Editor-in-Chief and Creative Director, is a native of Angeles City and spent his growing up years in Pampanga. He finished his Fine Arts degree from the University of the Philippines in Diliman, with honors. Today, he has a flourishing career in the arts in Japan as a widely recognized artist and a journalist.

SM Global Pinoy Centers are located in different SM branches all over the Philippines to cater to the expat Pinoy for their various needs. SM Global Pinoy highlighted, among kuya Dennis’ many achievements, Jeepney Press and UTAWIT as great contributions to upholding Filipino pride in Japan.

I had the opportunity to interview Kuya Dennis on his views on the award that he recently received and on the Global Pinoy experience.

Jeep Trips: How would you define a true Global Pinoy?

Dennis: For me, a true Global Pinoy is a Filipino who represents the best of being a Filipino to the world.

Jeep Trips: What inspires you to be proud as a pinoy in the Land of the Rising Sun?

Dennis: When I see successful Pinoys in Japan and the world, I tell my Japanese and foreign friends that they come from the Philippines. And why do I tell them that? Because most Japanese and foreigners think nothing good comes out of our country. It's always bad news in the papers and the news on TV. Kaya when good Pinoys come out in the media making waves, I tell my Japanese and foreign friends immediately. They deserve to know.

Jeep Trips: What does the Global Pinoy award mean to you and to your family?

Dennis: Of course, the Global Pinoy award means a lot to me. The award reminds me that what I have been doing is on the right track and it keeps me moving forward to my goal in helping other Pinoys. My family is proud of me. The award means so much to them as it is to me. So I would like to thank SM Global Pinoy for reaching out to our kababayans and give meaning to their global journey away from the Philippines.

Jeep Trips: Your art themes show a bright and happy side of life. Does your being Filipino contribute to that?

Dennis: My art presents only the good and positive in life. This is why, ever since, I have explored the theme of "inner child" to tell everyone that in order to enjoy life, one has to tap the child within oneself. I do use plenty of bright colors and perhaps the Filipino in me could have contributed to that.

Jeep Trips: How did you come up with Jeepney Press and Utawit? And how did our kababayans respond to this?

Dennis: Since I work in the media especially the publishing industry, I am very particular with the quality of publications which are out in the market especially the Filipino ones. I saw that most Filipino publications were too commercial. They only cater to tabloid news, showbiz gossips, and their company's needs in selling their services and products. Thus, Jeepney Press was born out of the need to help the vital needs of Filipinos in Japan. Jeepney Press is manned by a staff of volunteer Filipinos aiming to uplift the image of Filipinos.

Before Utawit was born, most of the contests held in Japan every year were beauty contests. When the entertainers were gone, they couldn't find anymore contestants. It was during this time that I thought of having a Filipino music festival and a singing competition. Have you realized that because of the entertainers pouring in Japan then, that most of the best singers from the Philippines came here? Those who didn't make it big in the Philippines came here. You go to one Philippine pub after another, you hear their singers sing. I would say Japan is so blessed with lots of great Filipino singers! After more than half a decade now, UTAWIT has become a yearly nationwide event helping the less fortunate children through Gawad Kalinga-Sibol.

According to Kuya Dennis, one of the barriers that may hamper the success of Pinoys in other countries is the language or cultural barrier. In Japan there are a number of Filipinos who have been staying for more than twenty years but still do not know how to speak, read or write in Japanese. Kuya Dennis stresses that Filipinos, wherever they go, should make an effort to study and know the culture of their host country. This could help break the negative image that Pinoys have in other countries, too.

For aspiring Global Pinoys, Kuya Dennis shares, “Put your heart in whatever you do, then just follow your heart. If there is no heart, it means nothing even if you accomplish something.”

Isang masigabong palakpakan para kay Kuya Dennis! You are a great pride of the Kapampa-ngans and Pinoys in Japan and a true-blue Global Pinoy!

I salute you!

Jeepney Press 2010 November-December Page 03

K by Amelia Iriarte-Kohno

Sa mahaba at mainit na panahon ng tag-araw at sa kalagitnaan na ng buwan ng Setyembre, ay isang ginhawa ang maimbita ng iyong mag-anak na mag-bakasyon ng isang linggo sa Okinawa, lugar na kung saan ang kalikasan, lalo na't ang dagat at buhangin ay isang kaaya-ayang pasyalan. Pinaunlakan ko ang imbitasyong ito na sumama sa pamilya ng aking anak upang kasama silang lumayo sa nakakapagod na pang-araw-araw na mga gawain sa siyudad.

Isang kaginhawaan din ang makita at makasama ang malambing, mapagmahal at kagiliw-giliw kong apo na mamasyal sa isang lugar na napapaligiran ng kalikasan. Relaxing in a natural environment would be a welcome experience only a "happy soul" could describe. At dahil katatapos lang ng "radiation" ko sa lalamunan, I had to keep healthy (physically and mentally) for the next "chemotherapy" of my lymph nodes, scheduled for October.

Ang isang linggo ay madaling lumipas sapagkat masaya kaming naglalakbay at dahil sa kagandahang loob ng aking anak na si Aimi, na staff ng isang travel agency, ay maayos ang lahat na araw-araw naming schedule. Malaki din ang naitulong ng sasakyan na ginamit namin during our stay. Takaomi, my son-in-law, and Aimi took turns driving- visiting tourist spots, looking for souvenir items, eating at places serving traditional and local delicacies like the "agu" pork dish, usually served with "orion" beer or the sophistica-tedly made local white wine. It was relaxing by simply driving through Okinawa's mostly two-way roads where the beautiful sea view was everywhere. We were lucky it was "sunny" all the time.

Noong makita ko ang mga magaganda at iba-ibang pulo mula sa talampas/bangin ng Manzamo Cape, ay naala-ala ko ang ating "Hundred Islands " sa Pangasinan. Madali naming mapuntahan ang magandang tanawin na ito dahil malapit sa Meditteranean-style Resort Hotel na tinitirahan naming hotel.

At habang ang mga magulang ni Angie ay abala sa snorkeling, wake-boarding, and other marine sports, na hindi puedeng isama ang batang wala pang tatlong taon, kami at ang Auntie ni Takaomi na si Hatsue, ang in-charge sa bata. The three of us were spending a wonderful time either at the white, sandy beach or sa paligid ng hotel. Marami din palang nakakatuwang magagawa ang mga Lola kapag ang kasama mo ay isang cute at madaldal na bata. Nakalimutan ko tuloy na katatapos ko pala ng aking pagpapagamot sa aking karamdaman at kinakai-langang mag-rest. I even joined a 4-hour fishing cruise after a half-day of "reef-walking." Ang dami talagang mapipiliang tours, if one had the energy!

Aside from our own tours like visits to the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, Emerald Beach, Shurijo Castle Park, and others, we joined almost all activities mentioned in the hotel's brochure - an evening of dancing, singing with local people on the beach, making candles near the turtle pool, dolphin watching, snorkeling, cruising to a designated marine area to watch and feed the beautiful and colorful fishes. With such daily tours, no wonder the fish were fat and actively moving with the sound of boat-loads of hotel guests approaching.

At isa sa mga karanasang di ko makakalimutan sa aking buhay ay ang pagkakataong makasali sa "sea walking" tour. Ito ang isa sa mga pinili ng aking anak na gawain sa aming pamamasyal sa Okinawa, ang ipasubok at makita ang pusod ng dagat. Wala akong ideya kung ano itong pinili ng anak ko. Ng isuot sa aking ulo ang isang malaki at mabigat na helmet (tumitimbang ng 35 kilos) ay parang gusto ko ng umurong.

Di ko lubos maisip na ako na may karamdaman, at paminsan-minsan ay hirap huminga, ang makakaranas ng napakayaman at kakaibang pangyayaring ito. Para akong nasa ibang mundo. Nakita ng aking mga mata ang kailaliman ng napakagandang karagatan sa loob ng dalawampung minuto. Ang Poong Maykapal lamang ang may Kapangyarihang gumaya ng kaiga-igayang bagay na kagaya ng dagat!

Jeepney Press 2010 November-December Page 05

TRAFFIC! by Alma R. H. Reyes

Ritualizing the Rituals

Oh yes, here we are again, down the lane, to another close of another year. Wasn’t it just sometime ago that Ondoy swept the entire country by shock? Why doesn’t it feel like everybody has recovered from it? We go through rituals of prayers, only to encounter a new set of challenges…like, having a new president, a new prime minister!

In Japan, nobody recovers from rituals either. Hay, dami! This is really one country that has a ceremony for everything—in the way they hold a cup of tea, the way they hold their bags in the train, and even in the way they say “sorry” when they don’t really mean it. Don’t worry, you’ll get there.

Here are just some of those common Japanese rituals we encounter from autumn to winter, and let’s see if you can keep up with them!

Shichi-go-san ritual

Come around November 15, we’ll see those cute, little boys and girls dressed up in elegant kimonos and hakamas, flocking shrines with their equally all dressed up parents. This festival marks the auspicious ages of 7 (shichi), 5 (go), and 3 (san) to celebrate boys and girls reaching periods of maturity. Traditionally, boys aged 3, who used to shave their heads, could start to grow their hair. At age 5, they can start to wear the traditional hakama. Then, a girl who turns 7 years old can replace the cord around her kimono with a ladylike obi.

O-seibo ritual

Are you a shacho-san (company president)? Or, married to a Japanese and had a “nakodo” (go-between) for your wedding? Equivalent to the o-chugen gifts in summer, the o-seibo gifts at the end of the year are given to people you feel you owe your entire life to (exaggeratedly). Check out supermarkets and you will see gift packages of cooking oil, ham, beer, jelly desserts, o-senbe, even detergents. So many things in Japanese culture are “giri” (obligation), and o-seibo is certainly one of them.

Bonenkai ritual

Oo-la-la. Eto na ang mga amoy. Smell the liquor inside trains? See the red-faced salary men? Noticed your husband not coming home any longer? (Ha!) Bonenkai is the season for getting merry and getting drunk (admit it) towards the end of the year to, as they say, to forget all your troubles of the past year, and celebrate new beginnings for the next. I say, it’s the season to drink, period.

Shimenawa, Kagami-mochi ritual

“Real” Christmas is not generally celebrated authentically in Japan, so I will skip that and move to New Year. The Japanese o-shogatsu swarms with a heap of rituals. But, unlike Christmas that starts early—diba sa atin Christmas music is already playing by October—Japanese New Year rituals are timed just before December 30th or so. The shimenawa and kadomatsu, green pines and bamboo, are displayed outside front doors of homes to symbolize good luck and agelessness. Kagami-mochi is the mochi layered on top of each other with a small mikan orange at the very top. It usually sits on a table or shoe cabinet in the genkan of your home. It marks the going and coming of years, and continuation of family generations.

Nengajo ritual

I don’t know about you, but I hardly get Christmas cards by post now since most people are greeting by e-mail or by e-cards. Surprisingly, Japanese still maintain their diligence in sending nengajo New Year postcards, and do spend a lot of money for making them, too. However, a part of it is also again, “giri”—if you get a card, you send a card.

O-soji ritual

Someone asked me why Japanese only clean their homes thoroughly by the end of the year when they should do it everyday, every week, every month! Well, it’s just a ritual! Keeping your home spic-and-span by December 31 means you have wiped off all the dirt of the year behind you, and ready to open your sparkling home to more dirt…oops, sorry, I mean, more hope and a cleansed spirit for the coming year – la-di-da….

O-toshi dama ritual

Boy, this must be the worst “giri” custom in Japan! And, children’s most loved, ano pa. It’s a custom in New Year to hand “small” money to children, especially among your family and relatives. The small money envelopes come in pretty designs, and you can see children feeling the thickness of the envelope to guess if they got only one paper bill or more…ha! (no joke)

Everything O-shogatsu ritual

When December 31 falls, everything from morning to midnight and after is one whole ritual parade. First, the family becomes so occupied preparing the o-sechi New Year food. Okusans rush to supermarkets to buy sushi, sashimi, and all kinds of condiments. Children are being asked to clean their rooms. Husbands are being asked to clean the yard, scrub the walls, gas range exhaust, clean the air conditioner... you know, the stuff that wives don’t like to do. When the husbands are done, they will be asked by their okusan to go buy lots of beer and saké for the big dinner. Don’t forget o-soba, because after midnight, you have to slurp soba or udon to feel (or pretend) your life will be longer. Oh, and also the mikan oranges—because, no kotatsu (heated low table) or dinner table looks “proper” without a bowl of mikan oranges. Before dinner, everybody is asked to take a “ritual” o-furo bath (eventually called hatsuburo or first bath), because it is believed that your body needs to be clean to welcome the new auspicious year. (Of course, nobody believes that….) By 7:00 p.m., everybody is gathered around the television because the Kohaku all night TV program is about to begin. All of Japan’s celebrated singers put up a show every New Year, dividing themselves into red and white teams, and family members get to vote, too, if red or white team wins. They judge this while peeling off the mikans. (Do you understand now why the mikan is important?) There is so much noise and celebration in the Kohaku program. But, by 12 midnight, it’s like a funeral just took place, and all the noise and laughter disappear. The program switches to a big bell in the shrine that is being struck for the midnight countdown. People are already lining up in the shrines for the hatsumode (first visit to the shrine). The young folks are getting drunk in the izakaya (night bars and restaurants), the children are dreaming of their o-toshidama, the wife is thinking how she will be able to clean up all the dishes, and the husband is already snoring…after a long, tiring day of being asked to do this and do that.

Oh yes, just another year, just like the rest….

Maligayang Pasko at Mapayapang Bagong Taon!

Jeepney Press 2010 November-December Page 06

DAISUKI! by Dennis Sun

Paano Na Ang Pasko?

Tanong ko sa ‘yo, “Paano ang pasko mo?” Kung wala ang pamilya mo dito sa Japan, siguradong ang say mo, “Napakalungkot.” Buti na lang ang kaibigan kong si John, halos buong angkan, nandirito na sa Tokyo. Tuwing pasko, lahat sila, nakasuot ng pula at sabay-sabay pumunta sa simbahan. Parang Christmas at Valentine season na pinag-sama! Si Ryan naman, mag-isa lang siya sa Tokyo. Mga magulang niya, nasa South Korea. Kaya kung nalulungkot siya, fly agad sa Seoul. Buti na lang at hindi masyadong malayo at mahal ang pamasahe. Sa dalawang oras at sa halagang dalawang lapad na ticket, nasa Seoul na siya!

Pero bakit nalulungkot tayo tuwing pagsapit ng Pasko? Kasi, we are reminded by what we see and hear everywhere that Christmas is a time to be with the family and it’s a season to celebrate. Kaya kung wala ang mga loved ones sa piling mo, depressed and lonely ka. Eh, paano naman ang mga OFW natin? Nakaka-awa talaga. Hindi lang sa pag-gambaru sa trabaho kung hindi, kung paano natin pala-lampasin ang kalungkutan lalung-lalo na tuwing okasyon na ganito.

Si Susan, sampung taon na siya sa Tokyo nakatira. Mag-isa lang siya pero pagdating ng Pasko, gumagawa siya ng paraan para makita niya lahat ng kanyang kaibigan sa Tokyo. Nagtitipon sila sa restawran at nag-chi-chika to the max. The best way nga is to surround yourself with friends. Paano naman yung walang friends? Hay naku, hindi pwedeng wala kang friends. Kailangan, bago sumapit ang Pasko, dapat magkaroon ka ng friend kahit isa man lang. Hindi mo na kailangan ang marami. Basta’t meron kang isa, maligaya ka na. Ang hirap ngang makatagpo ng best friend. Kaya kung meron dumating sa buhay, i-treasure mo ang friendship! Siguro, iyon na ang gift mo sa sarili mo.

Si Vivian, nagbo-boluntir siya to serve meals to the homeless. Project daw ng simbahan nila. Nakaka-awa raw ang mga homeless sa Tokyo. Wala na silang tirahan, makain at minsan, namamatay na lang sila sa super-lamig dito sa Tokyo. Para kay Vivian, itinuturing niyang pamilya ang mga taong nakapaligid sa kanya at sa pagtulong niya sa mga kapus palad, nawawala bigla ang kanyang kapanahunang lungkot. Sometimes, the best way to make yourself feel better is to fill the needs of others.

Sabi ni June, “Kung lonely ka at miss mo sila, eh di, tawagan mo at mag-telebabad!” Swerte ka na lang June kung ma-connect ka tuwing Pasko. Kasi, lahat na yata ng Pinoy all over the world ay tumatawag sa mga pamilya at friends nila sa Pinas. Booming ang business ng mga telephone companies this time. Complain ni Carlos, “Paano naman kung wala ka ng pera pang-tawag kasi ubos na sa pagbili ng mga regalo?” Well, isa lang ang payo ko diyan. INTERNET! Kung may internet connection ka, pwede kang mag-telebabad sa pamilya mo sa Pinas or anywhere in the world. You can e-mail them. You can chat with them. Even call them and see their faces on your computer screen, as in video-call. Basta’t meron silang internet, you can call, chat and e-mail all of them for as long and many times as you want. Inday, wala ka pa rin computer? Inday, nasa Japan ka, high-tech tayo dito kaya mag-internet ka na!

How about treating yourself with a nice gift? Kung meron kang ina-asam-asam for the last few months na ayaw mong bilhin, go and get it! Minsan, kailangan mo rin bigyan pansin at halaga ang iyong sarili. Mag-pa-ayos ka sa beauty shop. Pa-facial ka, manicure at pedicure. Mag-spa o kaya mag-onsen for your health and beauty. Baka naman pag-uwi mo sa Pilipinas, hindi ka na mahitsura ng asawa mo dahil mukhang losyang ka na! Inday, mag-pa-ganda at mag-pa-sexy ka! Para ka na ngang kalabaw kung mag-trabaho. Kahit man lang sana sa Pasko, bigyan pansin mo rin ang sarili mo. Indulge yourself! Ikaw naman Dong, bilhin mo na yung computer, camera, iPod o iPhone! Mag-over-time ka na lang ng few days o mag-part-time para maka-save ka ng pang-bili. Minsan, ang tao, kahit matanda na, kailangan pa rin meron siyang laruan. Sa kakakulikot mo diyan, ubos ang isang araw at linggo mo. Hindi mo akalain, lumipas na pala ang Pasko at Bagong Taon. Valentine na!

Nasa labas ka na rin, manood ka kaya ng sine? Find a feel-good movie. Going to the movie theatres will keep your mind off of being alone, kasi, you won’t actually be alone! Kunin mo yung last full show para pag natapos, direcho kang umuwi at straight to bed.

This year, 2010, buti na lang at Sabado pumapatak ang Pasko. Kaya Biernes pa, nasa Simbang Gabi na tayo. Siguradong maraming gi-gimmick after that! Remember: huwag masyadong uminom at kung nasa bahay kayo, huwag masyadong maingay. Yung volume ng music at mga boses natin, i-turn down lang. Kasi ang mga kapit-bahay nating mga Hapon, natutulog na po sila. Magbigay galang po tayo sa kanila.

Pero ask ko sa ‘yo, “Gusto mo ba talagang umuwi sa Pasko? Handa ka bang maging isang Santa Klaus? Handa ka bang mag-walgas ng pera sa mga miembro ng pamilya, malapit sa pamilya at malayo sa pamilya?” Unang-una, mahal ang airplane ticket tuwing Pasko. Peak season po during this time of the year simula mga ilang araw bago mag-Pasko hanggang ilang araw pagkatapos ng Bagong Taon. Imagine, starting pa lang ng taon, ubos na ang pera mo. Hindi lang ubos, pati credit card mo, nag-re-reklamo na sa over-usage! Buti na lang si Cora, ang gamit niyang credit card ay ang sa husband niya. Pero sana maintindihan ni Cora na kung magiging gipit ang asawa niya, siya rin ay magiging gipit. Kung anong mangyari sa asawa mo, sa yo rin mapupunta ito! Kaya dapat, pahalagahan natin ang bawat isa.

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Shoganai: Gaijin Life By Abie Principe

Malansa Pa Sa Isda!

Magandang araw mga minamahal na sumusubaybay sa Jeepney Press. Bagama’t matagal nang natapos ang Linggo ng Wika, tila baga marami pa ring nagnanais na mabasa ang ating salitang Filipino, sa halip na ang banyagang pananalitang Ingles. Kun sabagay, isa rin sa mga “shoganai” o mga bagay na di-maiiwasan, dito sa Japan, ay ang hindi paggamit ng sariling wika. Dito, kung hindi Hapon, e Ingles. Kasi nga naman wala na tayo sa Pilipinas, di da?

Internasyonal na komunidad na ang ginagalawan natin kaya nararapat lang na maging internasyonal din ang wikang gagamitin. Kaya nga naman, halos lahat ng Pilipinong napapadpad dito e gumagaling mag-Hapon, o di kaya mag-Ingles. Lalo na ang mga nagiging English teachers. Aba, kung magtuturo ka nga naman ng Ingles, e dapat magaling kang mag-Ingles! Kaya tuloy, nawawala na halos ang abilidad na magsalita ng lenguaheng kinapanganakan.

Madalas nga, ang mga naninirahan na ng matagal sa bansang ito, tuluyan nang hindi ginagamit ang Filipino. Madalas ay Hapon na lang ang salitang ginagamit. Lalo na kung ang asawa ay Hapon, at ang mga anak ay dito na lumaki. Ang mga anak nila mismo, hindi mo mai-isip na kalahating Pinoy, dahil Hapon na Hapon ang pananalita at pananamit. Malaking porsyento sa mga anak ng Pilipino na lumaki dito ay hindi na marunong ng salitang Filipino. Kahit Ingles minsan, hindi rin marunong. Salitang Hapon lang ang alam nila. Nakakalungkot, pero “shoganai.” Madalas kasi, lalo na sa mga bata, pag na-iiba sa mga kaklase, napag-iinitan. Kaya yung mga bata mismo, ayaw nila na iba sila, ayaw nila na malamang ang isa sa magulang nila ay dayuhan, hindi Hapon. At ayaw nilang kilalanin na ang pamamahay nila ay mayroong dalawang kultura at pananalita. Nakakalungkot talaga.

Pero sana maintindihan ng karamihan na ang pagkaroon ng pamamahay na dalawa ang kultura ay isang mabuting bagay, hindi ito dapat ikinahihiya, at lalung-lalo na hindi ito dapat na itago. Ang mundo ngayon ay hindi na sarado, tulad noon. Ngayon, “global” na ang pag-iisip ng karamihan, at ang magkaroon ng isang internasyonal na pamamahay at isang bagay nga na kinaiinggitan ng maraming taga mayayaman na bansa, tulad ng Australia at Canada. Sana maintindihan ng mga Pilipino na ang pagiging internasyonal ay hindi pagkalimot sa kinagisnan sa sariling bansa. Hindi dapat na ipag-palit and sariling kultura para sa iba. Mas nararapat na ang dalawang kultura na kinabibilangan ay pagsamahin. Kunin ang magagandang aspeto sa bawat kultura at ito ang palawigin. At ang paminsan-minsang paggamit ng sariling wika ay nakakatulong din, ito ang nag-papa-alala sa atin na tayo ay mga Pilipino, may sariling kultura, mayroon malalalim na kasaysayan, mayroong sariling pananalita, na bagama’t naiiba sa bawat isla, nananatili pa ring katibayan ng ating pinang-galingan.

Ang taong hindi marunong

magmahal sa sariling wika

ay higit pa sa mabaho

at malansang isda.

- Jose Rizal

Jeepney Press 2010 November-December Page 07

PAGMUMUNI-MUNI sa DYIPNI by Fr. Bob Zarate

did u studIED ENGLISH beri wel?

Nang dumating ang FACEBOOOK, biglang dumami sa buong mundo ang gumagamit ng Social Network site na katulad nito. At dahil sa social network na ito, marami sa buong mundo ang nakakakita ng mga inilalagay na post or “shout-out” sa ating mga pages. May mga napansin ako hindi lamang sa mga Pinoy facebook friends ko, kundi sa mga friends ng mga friends din nila ang mga common English mistakes na kalimitan ay naririnig ko rin sa mga Pinoy dito sa Japan. Matagal na akong nagpipigil. Hindi na ako makatiis. Nagtataka ako kung kulang ba sa pagka-istrikto ang kanilang mga English teachers o talagang hindi lang sila nakikinig sa klase noong araw na iyon. Kaya lulubus-lubusin ko na ang pagkakataong nakakasulat ako dito sa Jeepney Press upang itama ang 5 sa mga kalimitang pagkakamali ng mga Pinoy sa English. Bato-bato sa langit... tamaan sana kayo!

1. “Thanks God!”

Huwag mag-alala. Maraming Pinoy ang nagkakamali dito. Kung sa bagay, malapit ang "Thanks God!" sa sinasabi nating Tagalog na "Salamat sa Diyos!" lalo na sa Santa Misa kasi ang English nito ay "Thanks be to God!" Mali ang "Thanks God!" Ang tama ay THANK GOD!... THANK... kahit isang pasasalamat lang tama na sa Diyos 'yon! Huwag mo nang gawing plural pa ang pag- Thank You sa Diyos. Tandaan, THANK GOD!

2. They're... Their... There

Ma-elementary, ma-high school, ma-college pa nga, hindi ko talaga maintindihan bakit nagkakamali dito. Easy lang naman ang guideline nito:

Sila ay = They're

(Sila ay mababait sa akin. They're nice to me.)

Ang kanilang = Their

(Ang kanilang boses ay magaganda!

Their voices are good!)

Doon = There

(Magkita tayo doon.

Let us meet there.)

3. To + verb ... Walang -ed!

Kapag gumagamit ng TO at sinusundan ito ng verb (isang salitang nagsasaad ng pagkilos) huwag nang lagyan pa ng -ed sa huli lalo na kung ang gusto mong sabihin ay nakaraan na.

Ang bait-bait mo at pinakinggan mo ang problem ko!

You were very kind to listened to my problem! (MALI!)

You were very kind to listen to my problem! (TAMA!)

Tandaan, kapag gumagamit ng TO, walang past tense na kasunod!

4. Did + verb... At wala ring -ed!

The same problem. Dahil ginagamit natin ang DID na ka-partner ng isang verb na nakaraan na (past tense), may tendency talagang lagyan ito ng -ed. Di bale sana kung wala namang DID. Pero kung gagamit ka ng DID, as is lang ang verb, walang change, walang buntot.

Pinanood mo ba yung pelikula?

Did you watched the movie? (MALI!)

Did you watch the movie? (TAMA!)

Kaya hindi “What did I done wrong?” ha!

5. Watch your spelling!

Kung ang problema ng mga Japanese ay pagkalimot nila kung paano isulat ang ilang kanji nang dahil sa computer at cellphones, ang Pinoy naman ay humihina na sa good grammar at lalo na sa spelling. "Hir na me, wer na u?" ika nga ng text message. Naaalala ko tuloy ang sinabi ng mga anak ng yumaong Cory Aquino. Si Cory daw kung mag-text, walang shortcut at proper grammar pa! Imagine, at her age, ang tiyaga niyang mag-text ng tamang grammar at spelling kahit mahahabang words. Ang mali kasi,

pag nakasa- nayan, lagi siyang mali. Pero ang mali, kayang-kaya pa ring itama. Be careful! Check your spelling!

Siguro naiisip ng iba, “Bakit ba pakialamero itong si Fr. Bob sa English ko! Eh, mga Pilipino naman tayo! Hindi naman tayo Amerikano! Pati ba naman spelling papatulan! wat nman pkalam nya?! dis s me! aq ang mgddcyd sa say k!”

Well, language is language. And language is evolving. Pero what is important is that we must also have respect for the language. Maraming nagagalit kapag mali ang spelling o pronunciation ng pangalan niya. Ganoon din ang language. Language is the mirror of the people who use it. People treat you well if you use the language well. Kaya, ganbatte kudasai! Itaas ang bandila ng Pinoy! Ipakita sa mundo na seryoso tayo sa mga napag-aralan natin... at kasama na diyan ang English!

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SHITTE-IRU? by Marty Manalastas-Timbol

ALAM NYO BA…na beauty can be defined differently from different cultures and ages? Sa ancient Chinese literature, ang tinatawag nila magandang binibini o beautiful woman ay yung medyo payat and fragile. Ang paa ay maliit, looks frail na parang may sakit. Pero nung T’ang Dynasty na, ang isang ideal and beautiful woman o isang magandang binibini is someone voluptuous at mukhang genki, healthy looking. Kahit naman sa ibang bansa, they see plump women to be beautiful. This may mean differently for countries na kung saan ang mga matatangkad at payat na models ay siyang tinatawag nilang beautiful. In Japan, ang definition ng beauty seems to vary din. Noong panahon ng Edo era, ang magandang binibini had long faces, thin eyes and malapad and protruding chins. But after the World War II, elegant and well-proportioned women were considered attractive. For all the women out there, sometimes you get confused why there are such different standards in a society regarding women’s beauty. Basta, to all the women out there, stay beautiful, and most importantly...always be beautiful inside.

ALAM NYO BA…na I had an opportunity to meet and see in person the owner of Mikimoto, the originator of cultured pearls? Their main shop or honten is located in Ginza 4-chome. It’s one of the shops that I try to visit whenever I am within the vicinity of Ginza. Baka magtanong kayo bakit ko na-meet in person? Madame Sumiko Mikimoto hosted a buffet dinner in honor of Ambassador and Madame Domingo L. Siazon, Jr. This is a welcome party for them, not as diplomats but as good friends. The party was by invitation only and nabigyan ako ng privilege to be part of the party. Madame Sumiko Mikimoto is very down to earth woman, a woman with grace and very simple. She is already 85 years pero di siya mukhang 85. Here are some photos taken during the event.

ALAM NYO BA…that as we grow older and lalo na pag maraming problema o maraming obligasyon sa buhay, people tend to be very sensitive? No man is an island, walang perfect na tao kaya ok lang to be sensitive pero mas maganda if you can control being very sensitive lalo’t may mga nasasaktan kang mga tao. So medyo cool lang po tayo, think muna before you react or say something bad…what if sa iyo gawin iyon, ano kaya mararamdaman mo?

ALAM NYO BA…na according to the book of God’s little lessons on life, happiness flow from within? Sa mga taong feeling nila na end of the world na at palaging malungkot o parang galit sa mundo, bakit di na lang ninyo try to be happy, choose to smile and think of good things. You will not be happy when you have a bitter heart, galit ka sa kapwa mo, galit ka sa mundo, sa mga bagay-bagay na di maganda na nangyayari sa buhay mo…forget about that. Instead na magalit o sumimangot ka o umiyak, try harder to be happy. You yourself can make you truly happy. So kaibigan, ano ang gusto mo – to be happy or not to be happy….well, for me, decide to be happy and be thankful for all the blessings that you have.

ALAM NYO BA…that it is hard, challenging pero masaya to be a mother? As a mother of three children, I found that it is really not an easy task to be a mother, lalo na for me with a full time job. As my children grow to be teenagers, I sometimes experienced difficult things hard to understand. But one thing that makes me strong to deal with them is through prayer and hearing mass every Sunday. I am glad that with God’s help, my children know that the important factor in their life is their Catholic faith, learning about Jesus Christ and with constant reminder (kahit na makulitan pa sila) that they pray all the time.

ALAM NYO BA…that we had a very successful Philippine Investment Seminar that was held last October 6, 2010 at Hotel New Otani? The main speakers were DTI Undersecterary & BOI Managing Head Cristino L. Panlilio and PEZA Director General Lilia B. de Lima. The presentation of Undersecretary Panlilio covered a brief description of current key macro-economic indicators, on how the Philippines particularly the economy continues to move forward as the world economy recovers from the recent financial crisis. He also talked about why it is good to invest in the Philippines, etc. while Director General de Lima talked about the investment incentives and advantages of locating in the Philippine Economic Zone Authority. We had a total of 300 participants.

Jeepney Press 2010 November-December Page 08

bahAI kubo by Maria Concepcion Pidelo-Ona

F-O-O-D Buying and Cooking Secrets for Busy Moms

No time to shop? Only got a few minutes to cook? Do it the F-O-O-D Way!

F-freeze, O-order, O-one shop, one-dish and D-delegate.

Busy, working moms Suzanne Umemura, earthquake engineering expert and mom to two small preschool kids and a newborn and Connie Ona, freelance magazine writer and mom to a second grader reveal that these are their secrets to keeping their family healthy and have lesser stress in their households after a hard, long day at work.

F-Freeze food

When planning and cooking meals, make big dishes and stretch these out for 2 days. Freeze leftovers and "re-package" in a different form such as making into an omelette, soup or adding canned sauces. Serve these for breakfast or just microwave on days when "I hate to hang out in the kitchen."

Buy and freeze fish that has been cleaned, deboned or cut. Cook it simple -- grill, fry or broil.

Buy frozen cut veggies or when you have time on weekends, cut vegetables you will need for dishes needed for weekday meals, freeze and label. For meats, buy cut meats and chicken, marinate and freeze. Meats needed for noodle and pasta dishes can be prepared ahead of time by sauteeing before putting in the freezer.

O-Order

Do online food shopping by browsing the catalogues of these big online netshops:

www.netgrocer.com

www.theflyingpig.com

www.costco.com

or if in Japan, visit online stores of shopping giants Aeon Jusco and Apita. Ordering is easy and food is delivered fresh and fast to your door. Online food shops have a recurring order system and items you regularly order are stored in the store's computer so you need not input information everytime you order. Pricey? As more and more people discover the convenience of shopping online for food, prices become more and more reasonably competitive across stores and most importantly, they give generous discounts for bulk orders.

O-One shop and one-dish meals

Shop for food only once-a-week to give you more time for family commitments and me time. If an ingredient is missing, don't stress out, find a substitute or do without it.

Make one-dish meals such as soups, curries, stews and pasta dishes.

To bring some excitement to usual family dinners, cook once a week a new recipe or something exotic from a tried and tested source of information such as a work colleague or a favorite recipe website.

D-Delegate

Never be afraid to delegate. This makes it easier for you to focus on your cooking after a long day at the office. Involve family members in dish washing, preparing the table for dinner and hollering out, "Dinner is ready!"

For a busy mom's peace of mind, a good measure to check if the family is getting their weekly dose of healthy food is when they get to finish their weekly ration of fresh fruit and vegetables. So, practice doing F-O-O-D weekly and mommy's role in the kitchen can be easier and stress-free.

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Hopeless Romantiks! by Jackie Murphy

My true love... miles away from me... A TRUE STORY (part 2)

Ayaw namin magpaawat. Araw-araw long distance, oras-oras chat sa Facebook hanggang naisipan naming magkita nang personal, meaning: face to face sa computer. So we finally agreed to closely communicate more through video calls getting ready for Skype.

Kinagabihan pa lang natatagalan na ako sa oras. Di mapakali, di makatulog nang maayos, excited eh. Andun pa kaya ang magkabilang dimples niya? Di kaya siya madismaya at magulat sa pagmumukha ko ngayon? Kinakabahan na na-e-excite na di ko mawari ang pakiramdam ko nung mga panahong yun.

Super-aga kaya akong nagising nung araw na yun! Maaga pa lang nag-ayos na ako. Nung una hindi ko nagustuhan ang ginawa kong ayos sa buhok ko (sobrang wavy like the 80s). Binasa at blinower ko ulit. Sunod naman sobrang unat at tigas (sa dami ba naman ng spray net na ibinuga eh). After trying another hairstyle medyo um-okey nang konti. Gumamit pa ako ng mouth freshener, nagpabango at nagsuklay ng kilay. I just want to look my best on our first screen meeting. Pinaghan-daan ko talaga: “First impression is lasting,” `ika nga! Nag-practice din akong mag-ngiti-ngiti sa harap ng salamin para yung anggulong yun ang una kong ipapakita sa kanya. I also checked on my best modulated voice. Naghagilap ng mga linyang pwedeng gamitin to start an interesting conversation. "How are you?", "Ang cute mo naman!” ang mga nauna kong usual starters na naisip. Biglang parang nanindig ang balahibo ko naasiwa at nakornihan. Alam ko namang gasgas na gasgas na ang mga linyang yun kaya isip uli ako ng iba. Di pa rin ako mapakali. Ang tagal ng oras. Halos mangawit na ako sa kaaantay sa Skype biglang may nag-text yun pala nagda-download pa. Lumipas pa ang isang oras, nang may marinig akong tawag, sa wakas... eto na! Maryosep, nanginginig ang daliri ko palibhasa pasmado halos magkamali pa ako sa button na iki-click. At noong makita ko siya: I was stunned. I was breathless. I was falling in love... AGAIN!

Before I knew it I found myself saying: "How are you? Ang cute mo naman!" Parang di ko narinig ang sarili ko sa nabigkas ko na yun. Bigla akong natauhan parang gusto kong habulin ang mga nabitawan kong salita. Too late! Wala na akong magagawa andun na, eh. Dedmahin ba daw! Buti na lang a very modest "Thank you," ang sagot niya. I was not so sure kung pinaghandaan din niya ang first meeting naming yun kagaya ng paghahanda ko. Napaka-simple niya pero very gorgeous ang dating at halos maupos akong parang kandila sa kanyang “killer smile” and yes, nandoon pa rin ang magkakambal niyang dimples! I couldn’t be wrong: tuluyan na niyang nabihag ang puso ko. Very light but down-to-earth conversation ang naging takbo ng usapan namin. Hanggat nang ako’y makatiyempo naging medyo seryoso ako and candidly offered: “Pwede bang maging tayo ulit?” Halos maputol ang hininga ko sa isasagot niya. Tumingin siya sa akin...matagal... ngumiti... sabay sabing: “Sige...tayo na ulit!” Yes! Yes! Yes! Muntik nang mahulog ang computer ko kung saan ito nakapatong sa sobrang tuwa ko at ang microphone tumabingi na animoy antena ng natapa-kang tipaklong. Ang pinakamahalaga ay... naging “Kami na ulit.” Yatta!!! (I made it!)

Paano ba nagsimula ang “love story” namin noon? We were in high school then. I was 4th year siya naman 1st year. Isa siya sa mga hinaha-ngaang mukha sa campus namin noon. Tahimik, masayahin at mabait. Ako naman kalog, palakaibigan at seryoso sa pag-aaral. Dahil talagang mahal namin ang isa’t isa, we became lovers. Kilala siya ng family ko, kilala din ako ng family niya. Dahil ako ang unang naging kasintahan niya, siyempre ako rin ang “first kiss” niya. Na madalas niyang itanong sa akin kung siya din daw ba ang “first kiss” ko... “Ano kamo?” Nagbibingi-bingihang sagot ko sa kanya palagi. Naging masaya ang takbo ng relationship namin and there were times noon, mag-cut classes kami makapasyal lang sa paborito naming beach... just to have a date. Akalain mo, sa tinagal-tagal ng panahon, tandang-tanda pa niya hanggang ngayon ang exact place kung saan ang pinaka-unang date namin - sensiya na tao lang... pilitin ko man di ko talaga matandaan. Palibhasa high school, ramdam namin ang pagtingin at pagmamahal sa isa`t isa pero inaamin ko hindi masyadong seryoso ang tingin ko sa aming relasyon dahil ang babata pa namin noon. Nagpatuloy ang aming relasyon ng halos 10 buwan. Naging maayos at masaya ang aming pagtitinginan pero minsan andun yung nasasaktan ko pala siya tuwing may nakikita siyang kausap o kasama kong iba. Naging dahilan para magdamdam at magtampo siya sa akin at yun na rin ang naging daan para magsimulang maging matamlay kami sa isa’t isa. Nagpatuloy ito hanggang nauwi sa di inaasahang di namin pagpapansinan.

March came, Graduation Day, hindi na rin kami nabigyan ng isa pang pagkakataon para makapag-usap hanggat tuluyan nang naputol ang aming communication. No letters, no goodbyes, nothing. (Kanashi-katta desu. It was so sad).

(to be continued...)

Jeepney Press 2010 November-December Page 10

CONNECTIONS by Richard Diaz Alorro

Nobel Mania

Oktubre 6, 2010, Martes, nang i-announce ng Nobel Prize Committee ang Nobel Prize for Chemistry para sa taong 2010. Ang buong Hokkaido University, or perhaps even the whole of Japan, ay nagalak nang napabilang sa mga napara-ngalan si Prof. Akira Suzuki, emeritus professor ng Hokkaido University. Si Prof. Suzuki ay naging propesor sa Department of Applied Chemistry ng Hokkaido University noong 1973 at nagretiro noong 1994. Kasama ni Prof. Suzuki sa award na ito sina Prof. Richard F. Heck ng University of Delaware (USA) at isa pang Japanese na si Prof. Ei-ichi Negishi ng Purdue University (USA). The three Nobel Chemistry laureates were awarded for their work on "palladium-catalyzed cross couplings in organic synthesis." Naging instant celebrity si Prof. Suzuki at ang Hokkaido University dahil sa parangal na ito. Isang press conference ang ginanap sa Hokkaido University na dinaluhan ng iba’t ibang TV stations at media personnel.

Si Prof. Akira Suzuki ang kauna-unahang Nobel laureate na nanggaling sa Hokkaido University. Ang pagkapanalo niya ng Nobel Prize in Chemistry ay naghatid din ng kauna-unahang Nobel Prize sa unibersidad. Lubos na natuwa at very proud ang buong unibersidad sa parangal na ito at nagmistulang piyesta ang pagsalubong kay Prof. Suzuki nang ito’y dumalaw sa university upang i-meet ang mga staff at students. As of now, Hokkaido University takes pride as one of the few universities and institutions in Japan with Nobel laureates. Kabilang na ang Hokkaido University sa hanay ng mga unibersidad na may Nobel winners, gaya ng University of Tokyo, Nagoya University, Kyoto University, Tokyo University of Education, University of Tsukuba, at iba pa.

Ang buwan ng Oktubre ay sinasabing buwan ng Nobel Prize dahil sa buwang ito pinipili at ina-announce ang mga winners para sa prestigious na Nobel Prize. Ano nga ba ang Nobel Prize at bakit itinuturing itong pinaka-mahalagang parangal sa buong mundo sa larangan ng physics, chemistry, physiology or medicine, economics, literature, and peace building?

Kada taon simula noong 1901, ang Nobel Prize ay iginagawad sa mga tao o institusyon na nagtagumpay sa larangan ng physics, chemistry, physiology o medicine, literature and for peace. Ang Nobel Prize ay isang pandaigdigang parangal na pinangangasiwaan ng Nobel Foundation sa Stockholm, Sweden. Noong 1968, itinaguyod ng Sveriges Riksbank and Sveriges Riksbank Prize in Economic Sciences in Memory of Alfred Nobel, na ngayon ay mas kilala sa Nobel Prize for Economics. Aside from honor and prestige, ang mga Nobel winners ay nakakatanggap din ng medal, personal diploma at cash award depende sa income ng foundation sa nasabing taon (about 10 million Swedish Kronor or US$1.5 million para sa taong 2009 at 2010) na paghahatian ng mga nanalo sa bawat kategoriya. Ang Nobel Prize ay itinaguyod ni Alfred Nobel, isang Swedish chemist na nag-imbento ng dinamita. Nakasaad sa last will and testament ni Alfred Nobel na nilagdaan niya noong November 27, 1895, na ibigay ang malaking bahagi ng kanyang kayamanan sa pagpaparangal sa mga dakilang kontribusyon sa larangan ng physics, chemistry, medicine at literature. Iginawad ang kauna-unahang Nobel Prize noong 1901 at hanggang ngayon ay patuloy na kinikilala sa buong mundo at minimithi ng mga scientists, economists, politicians, at mga peace advocates. Sa ngayon, umaabot na sa 840 ang mga Nobel laureates (817 individuals at 23 organizations). Maliit na bahagi lamang ng bilang na ito ang mga babaeng nabigyan ng Nobel Prize (41). Kabilang sa hanay ng mga Nobel winners ay sina Albert Einstine (1921, Physics), Barack Obama (2009, Peace), Nelson Mandela (1993, Peace), Marie Curie (1903, Physics; 1911, Chemistry), at Mother Teresa (1979, Peace). Idinadaos ang awarding ceremony para sa lahat ng Nobel Prizes sa Stockholm, Sweden, usually sa ika-10 ng Disyembre, ang anibersaryo ng pagkamatay ni Alfred Nobel. Ang Nobel Peace Prize naman ay ginaganap sa Oslo, Norway.

Masasabing labing-walong (18) Nobel Prizes na ang nakamit ng bansang Hapon kung bibilangin ang lahat ng winners na may Japanese ethnicity. Kasama na sa bilang na ito si Prof. Suzuki. Sa mahigit isandaang taon ng gawad Nobel, wala pang Pilipino na nabigyan ng prestihiyosong Nobel Prize. Ang yumaong Pres. Corazon C. Aquino ay sinasabing naging nominado para sa Nobel Peace Prize at karapat-dapat na nanalo ngunit di nagawaran ng award.

Ang Nobel Prize ay simbolo ng estado ng isang bansa. Isinasalamin ng parangal na ito kung gaano pinapahalagahan ng isang bansa ang scientific development at peace advocacy. Karamihan sa Nobel laureates, lalo na sa larangan ng siyensya, ay nanggaling sa mga mauunlad na bansa tulad ng USA, UK, Germany, at Japan. Ang mga bansa ding ito ang nangu-nguna sa advancement ng science at technology at naniniwala na ang paglinang at pagtaguyod ng aktibong research and development ay isang mabisang paraan para sa kaunlaran. Ang isang unibersidad na may Nobel laureate ay tumataas ang antas at nakikilala sa mundo. Nagiging mabenta din ang isang institusyon kung saan nabibilang ang isang Nobel laureate at maaring maraming estudyante ang maghaha-ngad na makapasok sa pamantasan na ito. Ito’y iilan lamang sa mga mabuting nagagawa ng Nobel Prize sa akademya.

Sa kasalukuyang estado ng Pilipinas, malayo pa ang ating lalakbayin upang makasungkit tayo ng Nobel Prize. Mayaman sa talented and skilled scientists and technologists ang Pilipinas ngunit mas piniling mangibang bansa upang malinang at magamit ng husto ang naangking kahusayan. Kulang ang Pilipinas sa facilities para maigawa ang isang world-class na research na pwede nating maikumpara sa mga outputs ng developed countries. Iilan lang din ang mga published papers ng Pilipinas sa mga international scientific journals kumpara sa ibang mga bansa sa Asya. Kung ipagpatuloy ng ating pamahalaan ang pagbawas sa budget ng edukasyon, agham at teknolohiya, darating ang panahon na maiiwan tayo ng ating mga kapit-bansa sa Asya. Sabihin na nating mahusay ang mga Pilipino sa paglikha ng mga alternative procedures, ngunit sa panahon ngayon, hindi na pwede ang pwede na; dapat may maayos na pasilidad at policies para sa pagsagawa ng research. Kaakibat ng pag-unlad ang aktibong research and development. Naway maging inspirasyon natin ang Nobel Prize, hindi lamang para sa karangalan kundi para maiahon ang nalulugmok nating science and technology status.

Source: www.nobelprize.org

Jeepney Press 2010 November-December Page 11

Kansha Alkansha by PING-KU

大感謝祭 From San-in, with thanks (part 1)

Each jeepney plying the streets back home is extremely unique in terms of design and color but there are two things that the passenger will find in common among these mighty minis—the coin box like an alkansha in front of the driver and the words “Judas does not pay. Thank you, ride again!” printed across the ceiling or the tacky buntings that decorate the interior. Customer relations management has never been so blunt and yet I think it perfectly matches the jeepney. We all know how nerve-wracking driving in Manila is, and that in itself takes most of the driver’s energies with very little left for remembering which passenger came in where. The driver has no recourse but to trust and be thankful for passengers who pay the exact fare and those who honestly reveal where they got in and their destination. I am thankful to be given this space and I hope you will trust me to take you to different destinations and in the process enjoy reading about the people, events and places discussed in this space.

This article is the first installment of an account about my first trip to Tottori and Shimane in the San-in region.

What should one expect from her first trip to the San-in region? After a 5 1/2 hour drive with my husband and in-laws in tow, I was expecting a lot. And boy, Tottori and Shimane sure delivered. We left at 7AM one fine Saturday morning to get a good head start and to take advantage of the low toll rates. Alas, we were not the only ones with that agenda: the highway as well as the roadside service areas from Osaka all the way to Tottori was teeming with cars! Unfazed, we (or more exactly my husband) patiently maneuvered through the traffic and headed towards our first stop: Sakaiminato-shi, for a good kaisendon and to see its yokai. The yokai are supernatural creatures that feature prominently in old Japanese folklore and in some historical accounts. Yes, this small port city town is known for its saki-ika or dried squid and is the birthplace of GeGeGe Kitaro manga artist, Shigeru Mizuki. From the Mizuki Road to Sakaiminato ichi-ba, right beside the port, Mizuki’s yokai creatures lurk. With the nationwide boom attributed to NHK’s GeGeGe no Nyoubou, Mizuki’s characters like Hakaba Kitaro, Medama Oyaji, Ittan-momen and Nezumi Otoko have been enjoying immense popularity. But the Japanese are not the only ones going gaga over Mizuki’s yokai -- Chinese, Korean and a sprinkling of Caucasian tourists were also aiming their cameras at the bronze yokai statues and interesting shops along Mizuki Road. A guidebook cum stamp book which sells for 100 yen has a map and describes all 139 yokai creatures. Amused children and adults alike raced towards the stamp stations in front of shops to complete the stamp rally and exchange their stamp books for some yokai goods.

Sakaiminato has clearly succeeded in turning Mizuki Road as Japan’s smallest theme park, ranking third after Tokyo Disneyland and Osaka’s Universal Studios. This summer alone, the 800-meter long Mizuki Road welcomed over 2.5 million visitors making tourism as one of its bankable industries to date. But like all success stories, the road was not at all smooth-sailing. Way back in the late 80s, this sleepy port town was on the brink of urban decay with problems of depopulation and small fishing family-owned businesses threatened by big retailers. The city council quickly organized a public forum seeking the advice of prominent townspeople. One of them was Mizuki Shigeru and there he expressed his desire to assist in the revitalization of the town or 地域活性化through his works. But he said that his works are one-dimensional on manga. This gave the hint to the council to make bronze sculptures of Mizuki san’s characters to line the shopping arcade near the station. As blueprints were drawn, council officials went to consult and seek the permission of Mizuki san in Tokyo. Mizuki san not only gave his go signal but also decided that he will allow the Sakaiminato city government to replicate his characters in bronze without charging any royalty fees.

Things were going well until the council got intense opposition from the businessmen who heard about the plan to build yokai statues all over the shopping arcade. They were angered by this project that they imagined will push their fast-declining town into decay by giving it a creepy yokai image. Some of the reactions were: Yokai are creepy and scary creatures, how can that attract people to come? 「妖怪＝気持ち悪い、不気味っていうイメージから、それで人が来るの」This ailing and aging city does not need yokai. There are enough living yokais among the town’s old gizzards. 「妖怪はいらない。年寄りが多い街生きた妖怪がいるから、いらない。」The city council busily did the rounds in the city to explain directly to the people the merits of the project. It took a while to convince the people to warm up to the yokai project concept and it was in 1993 that a number of these bronze statues were set up. Mizuki san himself visited the town during the early stages of the project and the advice he offered to the businesses who sought him was 「遊んでください。」Have fun with my characters. He thought this was the best way for good ideas and innovation to emerge in this town. It took another three years to finally complete the project and in 1996, the Mizuki Road project with all the 139 bronze statues was completed.

(To be continued)

Jeepney Press 2010 November-December Page 14

ACHI-KOCHI by Rey Ian Corpuz

Conquering Mt. Myogi

One day, our Japanese friend, Mr. Harada, told us that he planned to go to Mt. Myogi in the western side of Gunma Prefecture, bordering Nagano Prefecture. We thought that the trip was just a simple and leisure sightseeing but we were caught off-guard on what was ahead of us and thought that it was my scariest experience here in Japan.

It was quite a chilly early morning when we headed out for Gunma. We were all dressed in flat shoes, jeans, and thin jacket. It was a typical autumn attire. After exiting the Matsuida Myogi interchange in the Joshinetsu Expressway, we finally arrived at the side. First stop was Myogi Shrine.

Myogi Shrine

Upon walking uphill towards the main shrine, you could see the majestic beauty of the mountains covered in yellow colors. Autumn has just started that time and it was truly breathtaking. Cool breeze of fresh air, colorful scene, a DSLR camera on-hand, and it was just truly amazing. Visitors are always greeted with huge entrance gates before entering shrines. But this gate was of pale brown color unlike the bright red oranges ones in Kyoto. From the shrine, you can see the jagged-edged rocky and bald mountain nearby. The leaves of trees nearby already turned to yellow, red and orange and have fallen already. Anyway, I don’t want to elaborate further about the shrine. I know you find shrines in Japan boring if you have been here for a long time. To summarize our so-called spiritual journey, we did not ascend further because during that time, a typhoon has just passed several days ago and the park rangers did not assess yet if the hiking course was still safe or not. To our surprise we all said, “You mean we have to walk from here going to that mountain over there?” And our host said that it was his plan to do that leg of the trek. We were like “Ooopppss…” Luckily, the course was closed so we have to take an alternative route.

Alternative Route

Wind was quite strong and leaves flew around as we head towards the starting point for our hiking trip, which we thought initially was just a sightseeing trip. We were worried. We didn’t have the right shoes, gear and we did not physically prepare for it. All of us did not have much sleep and barely ate breakfast and we were just loaded with coffee. We did not even bring bottled water or any food to quench our thirst and hunger. There we are, standing in a huge parking lot viewing the rocky mountain which looked like hell to me. But we did not have a choice but to go. Along the way, it was fun to take a lot of pictures. We were all thrilled. Beside the rocky mountain was a deep ravine. “Goodluck,” I said.

Then our agony started. Upon ascending a few meters from the highway, our 1st hurdle appeared in our eyes. A very tall cliff with nothing but huge chains only attached! No ropes but only chains. Most of the rocks which we used to step on were etched so we could fit our foot on it. My colleague, Rose, was a bit hesitant to go. Me either. One or two maybe enough but considering there are 5 so-called hell trails like that which are more difficult to climb proved futile for us who did not prepare. All of us just went anyway. After that, I felt my hands and feet shaking because of the intense grip and footwork. “Yosh!” One down…. But Mr. Harada said there is another difficult one. “Alright,” I said.

Devil’s Arch

It was indeed a scary trail. Probably the scariest and even as I imagine it up to now, I do not want to go back there ever again. Rose said that she wanted to back-out but we said “shouganai.” Even if you go back, you’ll be lost on the trail and you still go back to the 1st trail we passed by. The worst, there is no keitai signal there, so there is no way of contacting each other if she backs out from the pack. On this trail, I was even more hesitant to go because the trail was so dangerous. The steps were just an inch and beyond it was a deep gorge. Really, really deep gorge! The worst, the trail was not wide enough to accommodate both ascending and descending hikers. The trail was about 50 meters up and roughly 100 meters down. The ascend was approximately a-70 degree steep while the descend was a 50-degree rugged slope. Then, as we progressed, I felt that it was my end. I regret having to push through with the trek. Our cameras were shut-off and we never had the chance on taking any pictures because we were focusing on how to survive the pesky trail. My other colleague, Ernest was the last on the trail, while Mr. Harada’s son, Ryo led the team. Ryo is an experienced hiker just like his father. Rose was behind me. I was in the middle. We were stuck in the middle and we even caused traffic in the trail. Impatient “ojiis” and “obaas,” who were dressed to kill in their hiking outfits, were eager to get ahead of us. One hiker even scolded us that it is prohibited for two persons to hold to a single buried metal chain, which held the chains in the trail. Rose said she wanted to back out. I said you can’t go back because there are hikers behind us and it was difficult to change our direction already. Also, along the way, we couldn’t find any rock to step on. There was really no choice but to use our survival skills to step and cling to any rock we could. My stomach was already trembling and my heart was pounding in fear. My sweat was cold and my throat was dried up. My fear overtook me during that point. I figured out that if someone fell into the ravine, how can the rescue team save people?

With absolute determination, we defied everything. Upon getting down, we could not again see any near rock that we can step on. It was really an instinct for survival. One thing we did was to tightly hold to the chain to carry our body weight and let our foot progress and step onto whatever rock we could. Finally, after 30 minutes of being stuck, I was able to arrive in the safe zone. I just took a video of it. Sadly, there were no pictures. Our experience was really awful but rewarding as everyone made it.

Afterwhich, we urged Mr. Harada that we take the easiest route. He was smiling at us because we looked terrified and exhausted. Admittedly, I am not a fan of mountains and have even never climbed Mt. Apo nor trekked any mountain in my entire life in the Philippines. This was my second and probably the last after Mt. Yunomaru two years ago.

Arriving at the summit, the scene was breathtaking. Mr. Harada taught us where is Mt. Asama, Mt. Fuji, Mt. Tsukuba, Mt. Takao, etc. We noticed that all who went up brought bentos and drinks with them. And they were all in hiking attire; high-end hiking shoes, gloves, hiking canes for support, hiking suits. When we got off, Mr. Harada told us that there was a route where we don’t need to climb those tracks. While descending, we really did not have to go again through those trails. It was just rock staircase. We felt like tricked on. But despite that, we were still thankful to have made that trail where only a few people could do. It was indeed a milestone in my stagnant mountaineering career.

After that, we had apple picking in Komoro City for the 2nd time and went home in our hacienda Hanyu. Before the final stop, we had okonomiyaki before finally retiring to our beds. It was indeed a terrific autumn, after all.

Jeepney Press 2010 November-December Page 15

Neriza Sarmientot Saito's

ON THE ROAD TO:

Collecting Erasers with

JENNY MENDOZA YOSHIZAWA

About Daichi and Shori: Shori and Daichi (nicknamed Chiri-Chiri) are now 3rd year students at Osaka University Minoo Campus, School of Foreign Studies, majoring in Filipino. Shori plays the guitar in his band and is interested in Chinese Literature. Someday, he hopes to work in a trading company that will serve as a bridge between Japan and the Philippines. Daichi, a nature lover, on the other hand, has his mind set on becoming famous someday using his unique nickname Chiri-Chiri and his skill in judo. Shori and Chiri-Chiri have been to the Philippines a number of times. One of their Filipino teachers at the Toyonaka campus, when they were in their freshmen year, was Jenny Yoshizawa. They were fascinated with the light green erasers she always carried in her pencil case. Jenny explained: “I was in Grade 5 then and we found some cute erasers at the National Bookstore. I can’t remember well if my sister bought some for me. There was one that was shaped and sized like a biscuit. I showed it to my father and he bit on it thinking that I offered him a real one. That was really funny! That is how I started really collecting erasers especially the ones that look real. Here in Japan, I found a wonderful maker of erasers –IWAKO, and they make delicately-crafted erasers. I love them so much that when I went to Tokyo with my husband, we were given a mini-tour of their factory. I can fairly say now that most of my erasers are made by Iwako.”

At one moment and at one time in our lives, little mementos are meant to bring back some phases of our interactions with loved ones just like Jenny’s treasured collection of erasers.

Interview with Jenny:

Taga-saan po kayo sa Pilipinas?

Manila

Ano po ang inyong propesyon?

Tagasalinwika sa Ingles at Filipino at nagtuturo rin ako ng wikang Hapon sa mga batang Filipino

Gaano na po kayo katagal naninirahan sa Japan?

Mula pa noong 1992

Ano ang pinakagusto mo sa Osaka?

Sabi nila, friendly raw mga taga- Osaka, pero sa palagay ko lahat naman ng mga Hapones ay “friendly.” Pero kung ang pinakagusto ko ang pag-uusapan, siyempre, ang pagkain lalu na ang TAKOYAKI AT OKONOMIYAKI, bukod sa masarap talaga ay madali pang lutuin.

Kung may isang bagay kang nais mabago sa Japan, ano iyon?

Imposible pero kung may mas malawak na lugar, siguro di magiging masyadong “stressful “ ang buhay.

Ano naman ang gusto mong malaman ng iba tungkol sa mga Hapones?

Alam naman ng lahat na eksakto sa oras ang mga Hapones. Mahigpit nilang sinusunod ang iskedyul ng mga tren at iba bang transport system. Dumarating sila mga sampung minuto bago magmiting at lagi silang nasa oras. Kaya nga kung minsan. Lagi akong nagmamadali kung may appointment ako sa mga Hapones.

Ano po naman ang inyong sikreto para sa magandang pamumuhay rito sa Japan?

Sa palagay ko ay mahalaga ang pag-aaral ng wikang Hapon. Karamihan sa kanila ay di nagsasalita ng Ingles kaya kailangang matutuhan mo man lang ang mga salitang ginagamit sa araw-araw. Kahit na may mga balita sa wikang Ingles, mas marami pang mahahalagang impormasyon na nasa wikang Hapon lamang. At sa pangwakas, lahat tayo’y nakakaranas ng homesickness at kalungkutan kaya kailangang magkaroon tayo ng mga kaibigan. Kaya naman malaki ang pasasalamat ko sa mga kaibigan kong nakakasamang kumain, magkuwentuhan at magpalitan ng impormasyon.

MALIGAYANG PASKO AT MASAGANANG BAGONG TAON SA INYONG LAHAT!

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SAYONARA CONSUL SENEN!

It is going to be a bleak Christmas for many communities in Kansai because our adorable Consul Senen Mangalile, who, for years has religiously attended several community Christmas parties, will end his tour of duty in November after almost 8 years with the Philcongen Osaka. One of the first in a series of sayonara parties for him was held last Oct. 16 with Consul General Maria Lourdes Ramiro Lopez heading the list of attendees. Other attendees were DOT's Ms. Araceli Soriano, Mr. Masahud of the Phil. Trade Center, Fr. Mario Colina, Mr. and Mrs. Miyagawa of Act Tourist, Mr. Tomiyama and Atty. Jeff Plantilla. PCCC Chairperson Mr. Jun Silva presented a certificate of appreciation to Consul Senen. The party was coordinated by Katrina, Nixon, Libye, Jessica, Margie and others. Meanwhile, the staff of FM Cocolo's "from overseas Philippines” also held a party in his honor at the Asean Trade Center with DJ Cindy, Mina, Kazumi-San, Fuse-San, some Filipino students in Handai -- Joaquin, Eric, Susan, Taffy, Tet, Joyce No and Nirianne Palacpac, community leaders like Sally Takashima, Delia Nakashima and Linda Sakai. Good luck and we will miss you, Sir!!!

Jeepney Press 2010 November-December Page 16

KANSAI CRUSADE by Sally Takashima

Viewing the Autumn foliage is such a great delight but the sight of hibernating leafless trees is a sober sight. Panahon na ng taglagas. Maraming naniniwala na hindi angkop na magbukas ng bagong negosyo sa panahong ito dahil malayong suertehen ang taong nagbukas ng negosyo. Kapag naman daw ikaw ay tumayo sa ilalim ng puno sa panahon ng taglagas at maghintay na sumalo ng dahon, ikaw daw ay hindi sisipunin at malalayo ka sa trankaso. Okay ito diba dahil hindi ka na gagastos sa pagbili ng gamot. So, kumusta na kayong lahat diyan? May natira pa ba kayong suntan? Marami naman siguro kayong mga litratong nakuha ng inyong pagbabakasyon, ng nakaraang undokai, side trips during the long weekend (renkyu) at ng mga paggagala ninyo sa iba ibang lugar.

So it’s already autumn and what have you done? Soon another year will be over pero hindi pa nagtatapon ng mga bagay na hindi na kailangan. Isang artikulo ang dinala ng dati kong Nihonggo sensei tungkol sa 10 bagay na para sa mga babaeng Hapones ay mahirap itapon. Kasama na dito and mga lumang litrato, mga magandang paper shopping bags, mga sulat ng kaibigan, mga mahal na damit na hindi isinusuot.

Panahon din ng pag-liligpit at pag-uumpisa ng pag-lilinis upang salubungin ang darating na bagong taon. Starting to declutter would be a wise move otherwise gahol ka sa pag- aayos ng bahay. Isa na ako at talagang dadalhin ko na ang mga disposables ko sa shotengai where there is a non profit recycle shop whose sale proceeds are donated to a charity organization educating handicapped youths.

Hubby and I had a great time in Puerto Princesa, our first time ever to visit Palawan. Looking at the map it seemed so far away- like an entirely different country. Typhoon hardly ever passes by Palawan nor has there been any earthquakes. The Palawenos in Puerto Princesa speak Tagalog with hardly no accent. Malumanay ang mga tao at mura at masarap ang gulay, prutas at seafoods. Nakakaenganyong magbakasyon dito ng pangmatagalan. Matamis ang simoy ng hanggin, nakakatawag pansin at nakakaakit ang paligid. Our island hopping tour of Honda Bay took us to Snake Island, Starfish Island, and Luli Island. They have shallow reefs where children can feed fishes or gather sea shells while others can go snorkeling, exploring dive sites, after picnics organized by travel agencies. The paradise that is Puerto Princesa also prides itself in offering all kinds of jungle eco tours and the visit to the Crocodile Farm is one unforgettable site where endangered crocodiles are bred, raised until they are ready to be returned to their natural habitat. The Japanese Government is funding this eco site which also has a nearby eco park where endangered birds are protected and raised. The highlight of our trip was the tour of the Subterranean River National Park, a short hike from the town of Sabang which is about 2 hours from the city of Puerto Princesa. The underground river can be reached by boat after wearing an orange and colorful helmets. Limestone mountains surround the entrance of the river which cuts through a cave of stalagmites, stalactites in all kinds of formation. As the boat moved quietly, birds and bats swooped here and there. Our friendly, efficient, entertaining

well informed guide answered our questions as he propelled the boat that carried 7 passengers. Touring the underground river is like going back in time when earth has not been explored yet. It seemed like a portal to the interior portion of the earth.

Palawan will remain to be one the premium tourist destination that will continue to draw tourists, divers, adventu-rers, eco researchers from all over the world. Inspite of Puerto Princesa’s natural attractions, it has kept commercialism at bay and hopefully whatever development in infrastructures Mayor Edward Hagedorn may have in mind, will be environmental-friendly.

Recently talagang mataas ang presyo ng mga bilihin at dito malalaman ang galing ng mga kababaihan sa pamimili at pagtitipid. Like the wise and persevering workaholic ants, have we stored enough for the rainy days? Nakapagtabi at nakapagtipid ba tayo para sa panahon ng pangangailangan o o-share (fad) na lang at puro bili dito at bili doon, na addict na sa Starbucks, panay ang alak, gaishoku at good time. Para sa nalalapit na bagong taon, sana naman magkabati na ang mga Pinoy na may mga complicated relationships, makakuha na ng trabaho ang mga jobless, makakita na ang mga “bulag” at makarinig na ang “bingi” at ano pa ba? O tama ka diyan- na magkaroon ng masayang pagsasalo-salo ang mga Japan based Pinoys na magdadaos ng Pasko at Bagong Taon sa ating bayang Pilipinas.

Oops, allow me to mention about cases that has been happening in airports in other countries. Mayroon daw pumupunit ng importanteng pages sa passport pag hindi nakatingin ang pasaherong may-ari at pagkatapos ay dadalhin ka sa isang office for interrogation and mas grabe pa- a stiff penalty is imposed. Nabasa ko ito sa Internet and just for your info, mag-ingat po tayo at pay attention pag nag-check-in. Pagbalik ninyo sa Japan at kung NAIA 3 ang lalabasan ninyong airport, take care po sa mga locks ng bagahe and suit cases ninyo. Ayaw ko sabihin na baka may mga sindikato na nagbubukas ng suit cases at naghahanap ng mga valuables na makukuha. Nawala ang lock ng suitcase ng isa kung kakilala ng dumating kami sa Palawan. Whether this is just an occurrence in domestic flights - pero the point to remember is sa NAIA 3 kami nag check-in．Paalala lang po.

And now for our news from Kansai. Our Consul Senen Mangalile has started his round of despedida parties as he is being recalled to Manila. He will be posted after 2 years to another country. We wish you all the best and we will always remember you. His 8 year posting at the Philippine Consulate General, Osaka-Kobe has grealy contributed to the success of many events and activities of the Philippine Community. His kind and friendly support brought the various Filipino community groups closer by emphasizing cultural cohesiveness and a common goal to succeed in Japan. Consul Senen Mangalile together with Consul General Lourdes Ramiro V. Lopez has reminded the Filipinos in Kansai time and time again to treasure our cultural heritage, draw strength from the virtues and wisdom of our Filipino heroes as it is in rediscovering our strength as a Filipino can we truly stand tall and be proud and honestly say “Kaya ko dahil ako ay Filipino.” Maraming salamat po, Sir Senen.

The Sports Fest organized by the Philippine Community Coordinating Council for this year was attended by various Filipino groups including Kyoto Filipino Pag-asa Community, Osaka Mabuhay Group, Suita San Lorenzo Filipino-Japanese Community, Nara Mabuhay Association, KAFFA, Kadoma Filipino Friendship Association, Himeji Filipino Community, Yagi Philippine Community, Nara Catholic Filipino Community, Kitano Filipino Christian Community and Knights of Rizal. Various Filipino dishes were prepared and offered for sale by Bessie Vicente assisted by Libye Suzuki. Among the sponsors were the Philippine Consulate General, Department of Tourism and Metro Bank, Osaka Branch. The lucky winner of the round trip ticket to the Philippines donated by ACT Tourist was Mila Mukai.

Congratulations to Dave Aguilar who topped the 13 grand finalist during the recent 2010 Utawit Grand Finals Singing Competition held recently at the Akasaka Kumin Center in Tokyo. His singing rendition of “Nais Ko” was his winning piece and he proved that walang talo ang isang Osaka based Pinoy sa paligsahan ng pag-awit. Again, omedeto Dave and wishing you more success in the near future. We are proud of you.

Famous Philippine historian from Ateneo, Ambeth Ocampo is currently in Kyoto University, Department of Southeast Asian Studies as a Guest Researcher. He has heard Sunday mass at the Kyoto Cathedral, enjoyed leisurely walks along the Kamo River and and has been taking photos of interesting sights in Kyoto to show his students who are all eager to have him back in Manila for the next school semester.

Do you know that we have many scholars from the Philippines doing their graduate studies in famous universities in Kansai. Many of them lend a helping hand during community cultural events and attend celebrations as well. Among them are KAPS (Kyoto Association of Philippine Scholars) members like Michael Delno, Nicole Comafay Heinrich, Jong Vasquez and Gennie Ramos and from Osaka University, we have Susan Aspera, Rafael Cabredo, Joaquin Moreno and Eric Donya.

The Amagasaki Philippine-Japanese Christian Community celebrated their anniversary with a mass and a party at the Amagasaki Catholic Church. Maritess Kita and her able staff organized the successful affair.

Some members of the Kyoto Pag-asa Christian Community prove that Filipinos can wear beautiful Japanese kimonos elegantly. By joining the Kyoto YWCA Japanese Cultural Experience, Vilma Furuzawa, Daisy Nozawa, Carisa Sugiyama Gloria Takahashi and Jay-r Toque had an opportunity to have pictures taken properly wearing a Japanese kimono as well as a pair of tabi and sandals. Enjoy sila!

Next time you take a (CEB) Cebu Pacific Air flight, you might still see the dance performance of the flight attendants as they show the safety features of the aircraft. One passenger video taped the performance and posted in You Tube - in case anyone want to watch it. CEB Vice President for Marketing and Distribution says in an interview of GMA News Philippines: “We were looking for something new and different to show that flight safety doesn’t have to be boring. Iyog adds that CEB even hired professional choreographers to help the (FA) flight attendants perfect their routine. However, the Flight Attendants‘ and Stewards’ Association of the Philippine says: “It might look like a harmless publicity stunt to attract passengers but it may have a negative and sexist impacts on the mind of the public” thus the FA association

is hoping CEB will reconsider the gimmick for the sake of gender sensitivity and professionalism.

Last but not least, may I mention that there is a 21 year old upcoming Filipino-Japanese Sumo wrestler. At such an early age and by watching his YouTube videos, makikita ninyo ang kakaibang gilas ni Akira Takayasu sa larangan ng Sumo. Taga-Davao ang kanyang ina at pinanganak siya sa Ibaraki Prefecture. After you watch his YouTube videos, maaaring masabi din ninyo na malayo ang mararating ng batang ito.

Ito po ay pang-anim na pasada ng Jeepney Press. Thank you to all our dear readers. To those traveling during the holiday season, let’s spend our hard earned yen wisely. Watch out for the glass doors. Ano pa ba? Don’t over-eat at hirap mag-diet. Most of all - to you and your loved ones, a very Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year from all of us here at Jeepney Press.