Jeepney Press 2011 September-October Issue COVER page

Art and design by Dennis Sun

Jeepney Press 2011 September-October Issue centerfold

The Gift of Crosses

by Maria Carmelita Z. Kasuya

Crosses are gifts wrapped differently. Big or small, heavy or light, a cross is a symbol of love. Crosses are good teachers and the pain included in the package enriches the learning experience. How we accept the crosses determines how we respond to the giver and the invitation to love. “If you truly love me, deny yourself, take up your cross and follow me.”

Deny Yourself

I wanted to be a nun to love the Lord with all my heart, my mind and my strength. I thought the religious life was the best way to love God and to make Him loved. Pinag-iisipan ko noon kung ako ay papasok sa Carmelite Monastery at maging isang mongha, o kaya ay sa Daughters of St Paul. Pero iba ang plano ng Panginoon. Pinadala niya ako dito sa Japan para mag-aral. He sent me to the land of the rising sun where there are only a few Christians.

Having been raised in a Christ-centered family, loving and serving the Lord were instilled in me early in life. My father was a lay minister, my mother was the prioress of the Third Order of Mt Carmel for several years and my three brothers served the church in different capacities. The physical separation from the family I love so dearly has made me realize that if I truly love the Lord, I should deny myself and follow Him wherever He leads me. Masakit man sa kalooban ko sa umpisa, nagtiwala ako na ang plano ng Diyos ang pinakamabuti. Kailangan kong tuklasin kung ano ang mission ko sa bansang ito. When I accepted Japan as my second home, the Lord honored my decision and His grace poured in. I was given a scholarship grant in 1991 for my graduate research at Waseda University. Dito ko rin nakilala ang gwapo at super bait na husband ko, si Hiroaki.

After the wedding, I moved to Tokyo Institute of Technology where I obtained a doctor of biomolecular engineering degree through a Monbusho scholarship grant. After my post doctoral fellowship, I acquired an academic post at the prestigious The University of Tokyo that opened opportunities to present my research in international scientific conferences annually, all expenses paid. Despite occasional bouts of loneliness and the challenges of living in a foreign land, I was always filled with gratitude because the grace of the Lord was always sufficient. Masayang masaya talaga ako sa takbo ng career at personal life kaya minsan iniisip ko kung ano kaya ang plano ng Diyos dahil sobra-sobra ang biyaya niya.

Take Up Your Cross

In 1996, I joined the Handmaids of the Lord of the Couples for Christ. Dito nag-umpisa ang pagiging involved ko sa maraming activities sa iba’t-ibang simbahan. While research and academe occupied my weekdays, pastoral work and evangelization filled my weekends. At home, I fulfilled my duties to Hiroaki, hoping that he would be evangelized by my steadfast faith, dedication to service and love for him. Having found my purpose, I was happy and fulfilled. Kahit super dami ng mga activities, parang hindi naman ako napapagod. Enjoy ako sa trabaho pero mas enjoy ako sa mga volunteer work sa parish at sa Filipino community. Nakakawala ng stress at kalungkutan ang pagse-serve sa simbahan at pagtulong sa mga kababayan.

In 2000, the Lord surprised me with a CROSS so that I could pause, reflect and focus. I was diagnosed with cancer of the uterus. The impending realities such as giving up career, accumulating medical bills, not bearing children and coping with cancer left me with no other choice but to live one day at a time relying on God’s providence. I was only 36 years old then. Ang dami ko pang plano sa buhay. Pero nung ipina-ubaya ko sa Panginoon ang buhay ko, nakadama ako ng kapayapaan at lakas para harapin ang bukas.

Marami akong natutunan sa karanasan na ito. Truly, the Father in heaven knows best. Cancer was a blessing in disguise. It was God’s precious “gift of cross” – a gift of faith. Cancer was a “good teacher” that taught me the virtues of obedience, patience and perseverance. Pina-alala rin sa akin na maikli ang buhay. Kaya anuman ang kabutihan na pwedeng gawin, huwag ko ng ipabukas. Na-realize ko rin kung gaano kahalaga ang isang masayang pamilya na nagmamahalan.

Picking the cross was a humbling experience that anchored me on sure foundation. By His grace, I remained joyful and peaceful amidst trials and difficulties. He did not only journey with me, He carried me. The Lord was faithful to His promises. Hindi Niya ako iniwan. He healed me completely. So after recuperating from surgery, I found myself pursuing the work of the Lord with even greater passion in gratitude for a new lease on life. Surely, we have crosses to bear, but these should not impede growing in holiness. Kahit na may mga krus tayong pinapasan, hindi ito dapat maging sagabal para tayo mabuhay na may pag-asa. May kabuluhan lamang ang buhay kung ito ay iaalay para sa kapwa at sa bayan. My hospital stay was a breather to introspect, to recognize my inadequacies, and to rise above my weaknesses by relying on His power. A wounded soldier I may have been but the cross transformed me and prepared me for even greater challenges ahead.

Picking up a cross was easy. Embracing many crosses was difficult. It required surrender and submission. In 2004, I was again diagnosed with malignant tumor – not metastasis of the previous one but a new cancer – cancer of the kidney. I never asked the Lord why. I believed everything happened for a purpose. To understand the ways of the Lord was not my job. To accept His will wholeheartedly and remain faithful to His commandments should concern me. This new gift of cross drew a response with conviction. “I am the handmaid of the Lord, be it done unto me according to His word.”

Kahit pangalawang cancer na ito, hindi ako nawalan ng pag-asa dahil may awa ang Diyos. Hindi ako susuko. Lalo pa akong magiging matapang at determinado na mabuhay para bigyan ng pag-asa ang mga nasa katulad kong sitwasyon. There is a higher purpose that I have to fulfill. Embracing the cross and entrusting my whole life to God ushered in peace and strength beyond human understanding that allowed me to be an even more effective witness. By God’s grace, healing came the second time after a good fight of faith and a successful surgery. Truly, all things work for good for those who love the Lord. With the Lord in control of my life, I need not fear nor worry. I have what it takes to be victorious. God is enough.

Follow Me

In one of my prayer times, I sensed the Lord asking, “Mel, do you really love me?” I replied, “Lord, you are my God and my all. I will give my life to you. I love you and I will gladly offer everything for the glory of Your Kingdom.” I love the Lord, and I always will.

After giving a talk about healing for the Singles Weekend Retreat in 2006, a phone call informed me that my husband was rushed to the hospital by an ambulance because he suffered severe brain haemorrhage - aneurysm of a major artery. What an irony! I was giving a talk on healing when my husband, my closest neighbor, needed my healing presence. Pagdating ko sa Intensive Care Unit (ICU) ng ospital, wala na siyang malay and slowly, he slipped into comatose. Pinaliwanag sa akin ng doctor kung gaano kadelikado ang kalagayan niya. Kung maka-survive man, malaki ang posibilidad na maging gulay (vegetable state) na siya habang buhay.

Surgery was carried out as a last ditch option but prognosis was very poor due to multiple organ failure. A month later, he suffered a second haemorrhage - a usually fatal one and only a miracle will allow him to survive the next 24 hours. I stormed heaven with prayers. I took a leap of faith believing that with God everything was possible. I kept my hope alive considering the immense possibilities borne with faith. I asked for a priest to administer the sacrament of the sick. But I was told that the sacrament could be given only to Catholics. So, right there and then, Hiroaki was baptized John Paul Kasuya in honor of the late pontiff whose intercession I had been imploring. Although unconscious, a tear rolled down from his eye affirming that the Holy Spirit has descended to breathe in new life in Christ. Answered prayer para sa akin ang binyag niya kasi matagal ko ng ipinapana-langin na sana ay maging Kristiyano din siya.

His stay in the hospital spanned for almost 2 years marked by uncertainty. Kaya nung naging stable na ang condition at ligtas na ang buhay niya, laking pasasalamat ko. When he regained consciouness, I was overjoyed. But, the painful reality that the right side of his body was paralyzed and that he was suffering from amnesia almost ripped my heart into pieces. Hindi niya ako nakilala!! Wala siyang naaalala sa nakaraan. Hindi nga niya alam kung sino siya at kung ano ang nangyari sa kanya. Super sakit pero at least, gising na siya at buhay.

I survived cancer twice because Hiroaki took care of me. It was my turn to take care of him while keeping a full time job in the university that also demanded much of my time and energy. With this latest gift of cross, I realized that I myself may have been wounded, but I can be a healer – a wounded healer. These were really trying times but I remained steadfast. I derived joy by serving the community. I drew strength by staying connected to the Source of all grace and mercy through prayer and scripture reading.

We have an awesome God – a God of perfect timing and always full of surprises. The Lord could have healed Hiroaki at once so my joy would have been made complete. Instead, he manifested His healing power through little miracles that happened daily. Slowly, Hiroaki regained his memory and through therapy, he could now speak, read, eat and write with his left hand after 5 years. He could even sing to me “Dahil sa iyo” again. And in God’s time, I believe Hiroaki will be able to stand and walk again.

Last year, the Lord prepared the way and I explained to Hiroaki the sacrament he received. Ipinaliwanag ko na siya ay isa ng Kristiyano. Nagulat ako nung sabihin niya sa akin na dalhin ko siya sa simbahan para magsimba!! On July 25, 2010 (Sunday), Hiroaki’s 46th birthday, we went to Meguro church for the 12 noon mass. It was his first mass as a Catholic and our first mass together after more than a decade. God is so good. May He be glorified!

Mabait talaga ang Diyos. Hindi niya tayo pinababayaan. Kahit na gaano kabigat ang mga krus na dumarating sa buhay natin, tinutulungan niya tayo na buhatin ito. Laging sapat ang grasya na ibinibigay niya. And because he loves us, we can always remain peaceful and happy. We just have to be aware of his loving presence, count the blessings and share them.

The gift of crosses made me realize that nothing can truly separate us from the love of God. He knows what we are going through because He embraced the fullness of our humanity. When alone and helpless because of life’s daily struggles, I recall His passion and death on the cross and the times He helped me carry my own crosses. Whenever I gaze on His cross, I feel His great love for me, and my own crosses become my humble offering of love. Lord, thank you for the gift of crosses.

Jeepney Press 2011 September-October Issue page 05

TRAFFIC by Alma R. H. Reyes

AS GRAY AS IT GETS

“It is important to remember that aging and growing old are not necessarily the same thing. “

- Daisaku Ikeda, Japanese Buddhist philosopher

“Ojisan,” “Obasan,” Obahan,” O-san,” “Ba-ba,” “Ji-ji,” “Ba-han”…

These are some names you may hear Japanese use for elderly people, some with positive or negative implications. As Japan celebrates the Respect for the Aged Day (Keiro no Hi) on September 19 (September 20, this year), I’ve begun to grow sentimental about how it would be to grow old in Japan.

The whole world knows that Japan has the highest longevity record—with a few elderly reaching above 100 years old. Statistics also show that there are more than eight million Japanese over the age of 80. We always hear the term, “graying society,” referring to a population that sees more age than youth. With life becoming more and more sophisticated each day, and Japanese lifestyle becoming more and more materialistic, the tradition of bearing children has become such an old-fashioned notion that many young people brush it with a “who-cares” attitude. The DINK (double-income-no-kids) lifestyle is still very much alive, as it has been more than ten years ago. Despite the Japanese government offering incentives, such as child allowances, many young Japanese still value their independence, freedom and luxury.

Lately, elderly people catch my attention more than it did a few years back. Only in Japan I can find such contrast in how elderly people here cope with modern life. There is the kind that often ends up like a vegetable after retirement. Falling under the typical one-company-for-life syndrome, a typical salary man in this category dedicates his entire life to his company. When he retires, he has nothing else to do. He loses contact with his “friends” who are only his company colleagues; he has no hobby or social form of leisure; and often spends the rest of his days at home, sleeping, watching TV, reading the newspaper, eating, and being nagged by his wife to do something else than occupy space. He will die this way as well.

On the other hand, there is the elderly Japanese who goes out to the society after retirement, plays golf, goes hiking, joins community affairs, and goes to the gym regularly. It’s true that in Japan, you can find so many community activities for the elderly. City halls provide programs for elderly people to participate in, such as ikebana, tea ceremony, “Go (board game using black and white stones), “Shoji (board game with wooden chips),” classes in haiku, tanka (Japanese poetry), Shigin (chanting Japanese poetry), or more modern crafts, like decoupage painting, knitting, Nihonga painting, calligraphy, and more. There are even academic classes offered for the elderly who wish to learn about Law, Medicine, Business, etc.

Did you notice during summer festivals in your neighborhood, that most of the community organizers are Japanese over 50, 60, 70 years old? Volunteer organizations in Japan are generally spearheaded by elderly people. When you go to the park, you would even be sure to bump into at least one, a pair, or a group of avid photographers, wearing those photographer vests and camping hats, all around 50-70 years old. Mountain hiking is a favorite among the graying society. It is always easy to spot them, because they are all wearing the “elderly-fashion” hats, and carrying thermos bottles hung from their shoulders.

Sometimes, I look at all the staircases in train stations and everywhere else, and often wonder how excruciating it is for elderly people to survive in this country. Then, train stations have started to use touch panels, which even makes it more confusing for the elderly. Soon, vending machines will have touch panels, too. Adding to that, it is also a rare sight to see an average Japanese offer a seat to an elderly in the train or the bus, or to help an elderly cross the street, or carry a heavy grocery bag.

No wonder the Japanese elderly have to exert greater effort to rebuild their lives, take care of themselves, and enjoy their remaining life without dependence on their children. I myself go to the gym regularly, and am continually amazed to see so many elderly members there, with such strong, sturdy bodies, using the machines, or attending yoga. Hanga ako talaga sa kanila!

I wish the elderly in the Philippines were the same, but Filipinos are known for paying less attention to exercise and sports. Our elderly back home live with their children, who are often obliged to take care of them. In contrast, Japan does not have a very strong family kinship unlike the Filipinos’, and depending on their children is considered “meiwaku” (nuisance) so they would rather live alone, or be taken cared of by an elderly home, which, by the way, costs a fortune.

Oh no…I don’t wish to grow old in Japan! Will I find myself one day sitting in those community halls, learning ikebana, playing card games, sitting in the ELDERLY ONLY section of trains, and being called “Obahan!” Yaa da ne…!!!

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YIELD by Christopher Santos

I usually have 3 sections in my column. However, this time again I will dedicate YIELD solely to a significant topic deserving of due focus. My editor and friend, Dennis Sun, told me I could write anything that’s good. So if truth does set us free, I think even a bad news will be justified.

Two days before writing this article, all paper assets experienced a shock when the Dow Jones plummeted, coupled with the historic downgrading of the US credit rating. Add the European currency woes to that and what do we have – a wakeup call? Nope, to those who really understand what it’s all about, it’s a simulation drill to say the least.

I’ve written in my comeback article about investing in precious metals based on my financial mantra “If you can’t touch it, you don’t own it.” What about it? Well, even Gold was affected by the recent event as it was used to cover for risked margin calls. However, if you bought your Gold here in Japan, with the strength of the Yen, you would have enjoyed the all-time record high value of the silver metal regardless of the fact that Nikkei went down as a reaction to US. Gold is always a safe investment haven. This was an overlooked fact during the good times. But when Reuters published recently that China stated the “good old days” of borrowing is over, no Senate nor Congress approval on raising the US debt ceiling can help anymore. What good is borrowing without a lender? Gold will then be back as the real currency, a direction some major economies are already considering over fiat currencies as discussed in the last G20 summit. By the way, I also wrote in that article that investment timing is a crucial element and, in this case, it really backs up the saying: “Talo ng maagap ang masikap.” So go figure.

The global economic gloom, just as dark clouds can signal impending storm, is a real indication that we need to prepare in case the actual storm sets in at its peak. The storm is here as you read this article, and we are just praying that we still have time to brace ourselves until we can fully take cover or, better yet, we collectively shift that storm into a different direction by

realistically making global financial sense. Or, at least, in our country. Our own homes. Or even in ourselves.

The digital age clobbered so many businesses. Take for instance, the CD business. How many businesses got affected by the consumers’ ability to just digitally download only selected songs? Printers, cover designers, physical record distributors, casing people – all on the verge of extinction! But when you come to think of it, we made it without these things decades ago. We were even happier, probably. Hey, I’m a technologist in career and at heart. And I’m all for optimism and faith. But there is no positive thinking strong enough that can combat what God wants us to experience in order for us to admit that we need to reset ourselves back to basics.

The main problem in the US according to my financial guru, Peter Schiff, is production. Ever since the then-almighty dollar released its peg on gold, a real physical asset, and US started focusing on paper ones than on real production, it gradually relinquished its power to those that actually produce. There are now more resorts and hotels than farm and livelihood lands. Nature is disrespected. And laborers are looked down on.

For us Filipinos, if we can collectively make this understanding strong enough to motivate our citizenry and make them realize what advantages we have today as a resource-gifted nation of hardworking people, only then we can convert these truths to real good news. And it will, in a practical way, set us free.

Jeepney Press 2011 September-October Issue page 06

DAISUKI! by Dennis Sun

Takot! Duwag!

O sige na nga, aaminin ko na: takot ako at duwag ako! O, masaya ka na?

Daikirai ko ang pumupunta sa ospital. Hate it! Lalo na kung pumunta ka sa malaking ospital, siguradong kulang ang tatlong oras bago ka matapos. Kaya dahil dito, nagpupunta ako sa mga maliliit na pagamutan kung saan pwedeng matapos na hindi hihigit pa sa kalahating oras.

Takot akong ma-ospital dahil duwag ako. Iyan ang aking lingid na pangu-ngumpisal. Duwag ako sa ospital kaya sobra ang takot kong ma-ospital. Hate ko talagang pumasok sa loob. Ang feeling ko, baka anong mikrobyo pa ang masasagap ko at lalo pang lumala kung ano man ang sakit na nararamdaman ko.

Pero ngayon, no choice ako. Kailangan akong ma-confine sa ospital. Pero, bakit ba kailangan pang ma-ospital? Di ba pwedeng sa bahay na lang? Naku ha, as if naman meron mag-aalaga sa atin sa loob ng bahay, mansion or apartment. Alam mo naman na dito sa Japan, we are always on our own. Di tulad sa Pinas, pag nagkasakit ka, buong barangay nasa bahay mo at nakikikain sa bigay ng mga ibang may dala. Parang piesta! Ano ba yan? May sakit ka na nga, pinag-pipiestahan ka pa! I remember, yung isang tito ko, nag-lechon pa nga ng magkasakit siya! Aba, kung ganito ang laban, wala ng magugutom sa mundo kung meron nag-kakasakit. ‘Di ba? “O, pare, hindi ka pa ba linalagnat? Kasi, gutom na ako, eh!”

Pero bakit ko hate ang hospital? Kaya nga hindi ako nag-pursue ng medical career. Sige na nga, sasabihin ko na ang real reason: afraid ako sa injection! Makita ko pa lang ang karayom, nahihimatay na ako. Kapag sinasaksak na ang karayom sa katawan, hindi ako tumitingin. Pikit lang ang mga mata o tumingin sa kabilang dako.

Sabi ni friendship, you have to face what you fear. That’s why face I did. Eh kung karayom man lang, eh di, sa maramihan na! Nagpa-acupuncture ako. Hindi ko rin gusto ang umiinom ng gamot so my friend recommended acupuncture. Face your fear, Dennis! Sa first session pa lang, mahigit na kalahating daan na acupuncture needles ang tinusok sa iba’t-ibang parte ng katawan ko... from head to toe! How was it? Wala lang. And I was looking forward to the next session already. Did it work? Well, after 10 sessions, I was up and genki without taking the medications!

At kung ma-confine ka sa ospital, you have to eat the hospital food. Totoo nga ang tsismis na walang lasa ang pagkain sa ospital. Kaya FYI, hindi tsismis ito, it’s a fact! For a month and a half, the hospital food is my daily diet. OK lang sana kung limatado ang calories pero at least naman sana, lagyan ng lasa ang pagkain. Pero in fairness, they always serve balanced diet. They see to eat that you eat the right food for your health. Hindi na lang puro o-bento, Matsuya, Yoshinoya at McDo ang laman ng tiyan mo!

Kaya kung may bibisitahin kayong mga kaibigan na may sakit, magdala kayo ng malakas at mahiwagang gayuma. Bigyan ninyo sila ng toyo o patis! Magdala na rin ng lemon o kalamansi. Kung sanay na sa pagkaing Hapon, eh di umeboshi, wasabi at iba’t-ibang klaseng furikake. At kung pwede man, magdala ka na rin ng matapang na Datu Puti at malansang bagoong! Hayan, naglalaway na ako!

Kapag na confine ka sa loob ng kwarto at meron kang roommates, maghanda ka sa orchestra! UTOT dito, utot diyan, utot ngayon, utot mamaya! Ito ay dahilan sa mga iniinom na gamot. Pero ibang klase ang mga utot sa loob ng ospital. Yung isa, parang baril kung umutot. Speedy! Minsan, parang armalite. Tuluy-tuloy at walang patlang! Yung ojisan sa tabi ko, parang canyon. Talagang sabog sa pagsambulat! Magigising ka sa tapang ng tunog at bantot ng amoy! Parang gera ng mga utot sa ospital! O, lalaban ba kayo sa utot ko?

But I have another confession to make. Mali ang lahat ng akala ko sa ospital. It’s not scary. It’s not dirty. In fact, kalalabas ko pa lang ng dalawang araw sa ospital at na mi-miss ko na.. Bakit? You get the attention of your team of doctors handling your case. The nurses pamper you with everything you need. They give you your food, shampoo your hair, take your body temperature, measure your blood pressure, oxygen level, etc. They change your beddings. They clean the room. Mas bongga pa sa hotel ang service. Para kang naka bakasyon grande! Stress-free pa kasi they refrain you from working. And you have so much time to reflect about life. You get closer to God. Mawawala ang katarayan mo…kung mataray ka. Ako, mabait daw kaya lalong bumait! Naman! Pagbigyan ninyo ako kahit this time man lang.

That’s why I love the hospital! DAISUKI!

PS: Thanks to all those who visited me and prayed for my speedy recovery! I won’t mention your names at baka magalit at magtampo pa ang mga makakaligtaan ko.

Ha, ha! :-) Honto ni, arigatou!

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SA TABI LANG PO

Ni Renaliza Rogers

Lalaban ba ang Pinas?

May mga narinig akong balita na ang U.S. daw ay magpapadala ng isang Aircraft Carrier na barko sa Pilipinas para sa kung anu-anong exercises. Hindi ko alam ang buong detalye dahil hindi naman ako nanonood nga balita araw-araw. Pero ayon sa mga narinig kong balita sa propesor ko, yung nga ang plano.

Kung anu-anong teorya agad ang nabuo sa isip ko. Hindi ako isang conspiracy theorist at hindi naman ako against sa pagpapadala ng isang aircraft carrier na bapor sa mga baybayin ng Pilipinas. Yun nga lang, bakit kaya?

Masyado lang sigurong imaginative ang isipan ko kaya kung anu-ano ang naiisip ko. Hindi kaya na inihahanda na ang Pilipinas para sa laban, sakali mang hindi maganda ang kahinatnan ng issue tungkol sa Spratlys na ngayon ay pinag-aagawan ng Pilipinas at China? Is the Philippines being prepared for war? O baka panakot lang ng U.S. yun sa China? Huwag kayong papalag at malapit-lapit lang kami…

Oo nga at walang binatbat ang sandatahan ng Pilipinas sa China. Pwedeng agawin ng China ang kahit anumang gustuhin nito sa Pilipinas kung lakas lang ang pag-uusapan. Pero hindi pwedeng balewalain ang mga bansang kaalyado ng Pilipinas, katulad na lang ng U.S. na siyang World’s most Powerful Nation. Ang U.S. kasi ay mayroong espesyal na relasyon sa Pilipinas. Sakali mang masali ang Pilipinas sa isang giyera kalaban ang ibang bansa, ang U.S. ay obligadong kampihan at tulungan ang Pilipinas sa abot ng makakaya ng buong sandatahang lakas nito, pwera na lang kung ang Pilipinas ang nagsimula nito. Kaya, yun nga, hindi tayo pwedeng maghanap at magsimula ng gulo dahil hindi natin ito kakayanin at walang tutulong sa atin.

Nakasaad din naman ito sa ating Constitution na itinatakwil ng Pilipinas ang anumang pakikipaglaban sa ibang bansa, tulad na lang ng gyera pero hindi nito hahayaan na agawin na lamang ang kahit anumang talagang pag-aari nito at hindi ito aatras kung may maghamon ng away. Hindi tayo magsisimula ng gulo pero hindi tayo aatras pag tayo na ang kinawawa. O ha, bongga!

Eto naman ngayon ang issue tungkol sa pinag-aagawang Spratlys ng Pilipinas at China. Maraming isla ang Spratlys at ilan na nga lang naman ang isla sa Spratlys na pinag-aarian ng Pilipinas sa ngayon tapos gusto pang agawin ng China. Bakit? Isa sa mga dahilan ay ang mga isla na pagmamay-ari ng Pilipinas ay siyang mga islang mayaman sa langis. Kaya agaw kung agaw ang China! Pero the Philippines will not buckle down kasi atin ito. At sino ba namang loko ang papayag na lang na agawin ang isang islang mayaman sa langis?

Balik ngayon sa issue ng aircraft carrier na ipapadala ng U.S. sa Pilipinas… Mayroon kayang isinisikreto ang gobyerno sa atin para huwag tayong mag panic? Huwag naman sanang humantong sa ganoong eksena kung saan nga maglalabanan ang dalawang bansa pero mabuti na nga ring handa tayo sa anumang pwedeng mangyari. Ang aking haka-haka ay pinalakas pa ng nakaraang SONA ni pangulong Noynoy. Hindi ba’t kakabili lang ng Pilipinas ng isang Hamilton Class Cutter na bapor na pinangalanang BRP Gregorio del Pilar para i-upgrade, kahit papano (dahil hindi naman ito gaanong modernong barko), ang Philippine Navy? Diyos ko! Inihahanda na ba talaga tayo sa laban? Huwag naman po.

Pero anyways, dapat nga naman nating ipagmalaki ang ating bansa sa tapang nito at dapat din tayong magpasalamat na kaibigan natin ang pinakamalakas na bansa sa mundo na hindi tayo pababayaan sa panahon ng digmaan. May mga taong magsasabing dahil mayroon din namang mga personal na interes ang U.S. sa Pilipinas, pero wala na ako doon. Ang sa akin lang, huwag naman sanang maging totoo ang aking mga haka-haka at sana’y likha lamang ito ng isang amateur na utak tulad ng sakin. Nawa’y masyado lang active ang aking imahinasyon. O baka gutom lang to. Makakain na nga…

Jeepney Press 2011 September-October Issue page 07

PAGMUMUNI-MUNI SA DYIPNI

ni Fr. Bob Zarate

CHEAP Ka Ba?

“OK lang basta masaya ako!” Ito ang usual na palusot ng mga makakapal. Nakakatakot ito. Kasi nawawalan na ng halaga ang mga dapat pahalagahan sana sa buhay. Kung hindi ito maagapan, tuluyan na tayong magiging CHEAP na tao at CHEAP na Pilipino. We have to be more alert na nagiging CHEAP na ang pagtrato sa mga tao, bagay at kaisipan na dati-rati ay hinaha-ngaan at pinapahalagahan natin. Here are some examples:

1. Ang attitude natin sa loob ng simbahan o sa anumang lugar ng pagsamba at pagdarasal.

Ang ingay! Daldalan. Tsismisan. Bungisngisan. Nagpapa-cute kahit hindi naman. Tapos yung iba kung magpapicture sa loob ng simbahan, dederetso sa lugar ng altar, ang iingay at kung mag-pose ay daig pa si Venus Raj.

Oo, agree din ako na ang Panginoon ay present kahit saan. Pero alam din naman natin na ang simbahan ay isang espesyal na lugar na kung saan dapat nating galangin ang pagkabanal nito sa pamamagitan ng tamang pananamit, paggalaw at katahimikan.

Kaya next time na pumasok sa simbahan, mag-bow nang malalim o lumuhod sa isang tuhod bago pumunta sa upuan. Pagdating sa upuan, batiin ang Diyos sa isang silent prayer at maghanda nang tahimik para sa misa. At pagkatapos ng misa, lumuhod o mag-bow sa Diyos bago lumabas.

Kapag ang simbahan ay para na ring nagiging palengke, eki (train station) o minkan-horu (town hall), ginagawa nating CHEAP ang simbahan.

2. Ang attitude natin pagdating sa pari, madre o mga tao sa simbahan.

Mas malimit ito sa mga pari.

“Father, ang pogi-pogi mo!”... “Father, nagka-girlfriend ba kayo?”... “Ay si Father mahilig sa baby oh, siguro gusto niyang magkaroon ng sariling anak!”

Puwede ba!

Alam naman nating tao rin ang pari at may sarili rin siyang mga kahinaan. Ngunit alam din naman natin na banal ang kanyang ginagawa lalo na kapag sa sarili niyang boses at kamay ay nagiging Katawan at Dugo ni Hesus ang tinapay at alak na inaalay sa Santa Misa.

Kaya huwag tayong matuwa kung si Father ay pumoporma (sa buhok o pananamit) para magmukhang “cool”, “jeprox” o “cowboy”. Huwag tayong matuwa kung si Father ay parang lalabas sa ASAP or Party Pilipinas dahil kumakanta at sumasayaw siya. Huwag tayong matuwa kung si Father ay pa-embrace-embrace o pa-beso-beso pa.

I really sound conservative here. Pero I think dapat nating tulungan ang mga pari na ito na maging conscious sila na hindi sila naging pari para magkaroon ng pogi-points sa mundo.

At kung sige pa tayo sa pagsuporta sa kanilang parang ordinaryong-matandang-binata ways, eh di ginagawa nating CHEAP ang kaparian.

3. Ang attitude natin tungkol sa sex.

Imagine, nang dahil sa sex tayo ay ipinanganak. Nang dahil sa sex, may mga anak kang handa mong ialay ang iyong buhay. Napakahalaga ng sex sa buhay ng isang tao, sapagkat dahil sa sex, may bagong buhay, may bagong tao na dumarating dito sa mundo.

Pero tingnan natin ang ating mga biruan. Ang daming sexual undertones. Para bang lagi na lang dapat may sexual jokes para maging katawa-tawa. Ang mga comedy shows na pinapanood natin, lagi na lang may reference sa mga parte ng katawan, kung malaki nga ba, o mahaba, o masikip, o wasak na. Ang mga parlor games natin sa ating mga parties, pati ba naman sa harapan ng mga bata, mga games na may kabastusan at ang mga nagtatawanan ay ang mga matatanda.

Ang hirap na tuloy magsalita. Mga ordinaryo o banal na salita ay may kasama nang malisya: “Nagpaputok sa piyesta.” “Hinipo ng Diyos.” “Kumalong ka na lang.” “May goma ka ba diyan?” (kung may rubber band ka daw!). Isang araw nga, may isang babaeng nagtanong sa akin at kitang-kita mong may malisya ang mga mata at ngiti niya, “Father, bininyagan ka na ba?” Sinagot ko siya, “Alam kong may malisya ka. Pero, oo, bininyagan na ako... noong December 25, 1970 pa!”

Let us educate our kids by showing that we respect sex at hindi lang ito isang parausan o hobby na parang katumbas ng facebook. Kung hindi, ay naku, tuloy-tuloy nang nagiging CHEAP ang sex.

4. Ang attitude natin sa ating kultura.

Nagulat ako nung makita ko ang isang video upload ng mga Pilipina na nagpa-Pandanggo sa Ilaw. Hindi man sabay-sabay at sumisigaw pa ng “Huuuuu!” habang pinapaikot ang baso na may lamang kandila. Hmmm... parang hindi ko yata narinig yan kahit sa Bayanihan Dancers. Siguro sa Tinikling, puwede pa siguro, o sa mga sayaw na mas magalaw. Nawala tuloy ang grace ng sayaw. Ano kaya ang dating nito sa mga Hapon? Hindi kaya maisip nilang pareho din ito sa mga sayaw ng mga girls sa club? Matuto sana tayo sa mga estudyante ng Tokyo University of Foreign Studies. Mas mahusay pa sila kaysa sa atin at kitang-kita ang paggalang at pagpapahalaga nila sa Kulturang Pilipino kahit sa mga kasuotan nila.

Ah, speaking of kasuotan, kung may mga kilala tayong Hapon na may Polo Barong o Barong Tagalog, sana naman ay ituro din natin ang tamang pagsuot nito. Pag summer sa Japan, makakakita ka ng mga Hapon na naka-barong tapos naka-rubber shoes, o naka-maong. Meron pa ngang tina-tuck-in ang barong niya! Akala siguro nila dahil manipis ang barong, kahit ano na lang ang pagsuot nito. Kung isuot mo ang kimono nang hindi tama, ma-o-offend din naman sila, di ba?

Dapat lang na ipagyabang natin ang Kulturang Pilipino. Pero gawin natin ito nang mahusay, maganda at kagalang-galang. Huwag tayong makuntento sa “puwede na yan” o “we tried our best naman” na mga pa-konswelo na pananalita. Kultura natin ito. Pahalagahan natin ito. At kung hindi, tayo na rin ang nauuna upang maging CHEAP ang Kulturang Pilipino.

5. Ang attitude natin sa ating sarili.

Kung hindi natin kayang galangin ang ating sarili, ano pa kaya ang maaaring matirang kagalang-galang sa puso natin? Kapag nasubo tayo sa problema, sino ang una nating kinakawawa? Sarili din natin, di ba? Kaya kahit pagod na, sobra-sobra kung magtrabaho. Kahit alam nating masama sa katawan natin, sige pa sa paninigarilyo, sige pa sa kaiinom... yung iba nga diyan, drugs pa! (At nandadamay pa ng iba!)

On the other hand, akala natin, may paggalang tayo sa ating sarili sa mga bagay na akala natin ay uso, “cool” at ginagawa ng marami. Kaya, kung mag-party, “the wilder the more fun”. Yung iba naman, pilit magpapa-sexy sa damit at kilos para lang mapansin. Yung iba naman, sinasadyang maging magaslaw o magaspang sa pananalita o sa pagkilos, kasi kulang sa pansin. O kaya kahit may asawa na, niloloko natin ang ating sarili na ok lang magkipag-ON sa iba.

Tapos ipasok pa natin dito ang mga nakikipag-chat sa internet sa mga hindi naman kaanu-ano, na kalimitang nagliligawan at nauuwi sa pakitaan ng mga parte ng katawan na hindi naman natin usually pinapakita. Kalimitang nangyayari daw ito sa mga OFW at mga nalulungkot na Pilipinong nakatira sa ibang bansa. Ganoon na ba talaga tayong kababa na sige na lang tayong magpapakita o makikipag-chat ng malalaswang bagay sa iba?

Galangin natin ang ating sarili. Let us have self-respect... at baka maging CHEAP ka na lang.

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SHITTE IRU? by Marty Manalastas-Timbol

ALAM NYO BA…

na karamihan sa mga Japanese ay hindi mahilig magsuot ng relo, not even bracelets or necklaces. Yung mga kabataan siguro lalo na yung mga girls, siguro yun ang makikitaan ninyo na may suot na bracelets or kung anong mga burloloys. Observe and you know that I am almost 60% correct.

ALAM NYO BA…na may mga taong ayaw masanay sa mga bagay-bagay na pwede naman wala sa buhay nila. Gaya dito sa Japan, well, palibhasa mahirap ang parking at mahal din ang mag maintain ng kotse, for them it’s ok lang na walang kotse. Sabagay, ok naman kasi ang transport system nila.

ALAM NYO BA…na ang sarap ng feeling when you find and meet your friends again. I’d like to thank Facebook for that, too, kasi I finally found and reconnected with long lost friends and most of them are my dear and good friends.

ALAM NYO BA…na pag kayo’y nagpapadala ng pera sa Pilipinas, mas ok kung mataas ang exchange rate at mura ang charge, di po ba? Kung malaking pera ang pinadadala ninyo, malaki ang difference ng exchange rate at remittance charge. Kung kayo’y madalas magpadala, subukan ang SPEED Money Transfer Japan. Mas nakakalamang sila ng konti sa exchange rate compared sa iba. SPEED is now partnered with BPI, BDO, RCBC, LBP, AUB and Ventaja International. Pwede rin ipadala ng SPEED ang pera ninyo sa Cebuana Lhuillier, pwede rin sa M-Lhuillier, One Network Bank, Globe, Smart, etc. SPEED will also be able to service SSS payments, Philhealth insurance payments, pati na rin mga bills gaya ng Meralco, PLDT, etc. Pwede rin ang door to door (hatid sa bahay) at claim over the counter. Nakakasiguro po kayo sa rate, makakatipid sa remittance charge, at napakadali lang pong magpadala through SPEED. Kaya, ano pa ang hinihintay ninyo, sa SPEED - serbisyong Pinoy, sa presyong Pinoy!

ALAM NYO BA…na binabalak na gawin September ang simula ng mga klase sa Pilipinas. Actually, matagal ng issue ito at sabi ng karamihan dahil daw sa tag-ulan ang July and August. Kadalasan kasi walang pasok dahil nga sa typhoon o konting ulan lang baha na. So kung kayo ang tatanungin, ano sa palagay ninyo?

ALAM NYO BA…na si former Philippine President Fidel V. Ramos ay nandito sa Japan last August 3, 2011? Siya ay inimbitahan ng J.F. Oberlin University sa Yotsuya campus, para sa conferment ng kanyang Honorary Doctorate in International Studies. Ambassador and Madame Lopez, and some officers and staff of the Philippine Embassy attended the ceremony.

ALAM NYO BA… dito sa Japan, pag summer, ang mga lalaki ay mga dalang pamaypay? Yes, as in fan, not only an ordinary pamaypay o di kaya’y cardboard lang, Japanese men use folding fans. Pag malapit na ang summer, you will see in department stores folding fans of different designs and shapes. Mayroon for men and for women na folding fans. When I first saw the folding fans for men, I was amazed. The folding fan was invented in Japan around the 6th to 8th century. Ang tawag nila dito ay court fan or called as the Akomeogi named after the court women’s dress Akome. Yung mga simpleng Japanese paper fans are known as Harisen – are featured in anime at mga graphic novels. The folding fans continue to be important cultural symbol and souvenirs. Sa sobrang init ngayon sa Japan, hindi lang folding fans ang makikita mo na dala o gamit ng mga Japanese o ng karamihan, kundi, face towel din, dahil na rin sa sobrang pawis.

(Some info from Wikipedia)

Enjoy the remaining days of summer and

God bless you all!

Jeepney Press 2011 September-October Issue page 08

ARANGKADA PINOY ni Yellowbelle Duaqui

Kilalanin ang “Entrepreneur”

“Leadership, moreover, involves the capacity to think the new, to grasp the essential, to act quickly, to understand by intuition. The leader acts more through his will than his intellect, more with personal authority than with original ideas; he must be willing to forgo the psychological resistances and social criticisms that always arise when new and innovative behavior is regarded as deviant and dangerous.”

--Alberto Martinelli, The Handbook of Economic Sociology

Sa Tagalog, iba-iba ang katawagan para tukuyin ang isang “entrepreneur”: negosyante, mangangalakal, mamumuhunan, kapitalista, manininda, atbp. Hindi sa lahat ng oras ang “entrepreneur” ay hinahangaan ng mga tao. Halimbawa, ang mga maliliit na entrepreneur ay madalas ituring na “eyesore” ng Kamaynilaan at dahil dito’y tinataboy sila ng mga pulis o ng MMDA sa kalye. Kinakamkam din kung minsan ang kanilang mga paninda kaya’t nahihirapan silang muling makapagsimula. Ang mga malalaki namang entrepreneur – kadalasa’y tinitingnan nang may pagkamuhi ng iba bilang taga-api ng mahihirap.

Iba-iba ang imahe ng “entrepreneur.” Ngunit sino ba talaga sila? Anong uri sila ng mga tao? Ano ang kanilang mga katangian?

Maaaring magulat ang karamihan kapag natuklasan na ang etimolohiya ng salitang “entrepreneur” ay yaong “kapitan na umuupa ng mga bayarang sundalo upang maglingkod sa mga prinsipe o bayan” noong ika-16 siglo sa Pransya. Ayon kay Martinelli sa The Handbook of Economic Sociology (1994), sa pagpasok ng ika-18 siglo lamang nagsimulang maiugnay ang salita sa mga ahenteng nangongontrata sa pampublikong paggawa, mga taong nagpapasimula ng mga makabagong pamamaraan sa agrikultura, at mga taong sumusugal ng kanilang kapital sa pamumuhunan – o sa simpleng salita, mga taong may kinalaman sa mga ekonomikong aktibidades.

Sa dinami-dami ng mga ekonomista, sosyolohista, historyador ng negosyo, at mga antropolohistang nag-aral ng “entrepreneurship” bilang isang sosyo-historikal na penomenon, ang ekonomistang si Joseph Schumpeter ang itinuturing na “theorist of entrepreneurship par excellence.” Ayon kay Schumpeter, ang pagninegosyo ay nangangailangan ng isang “partikular na personalidad at pag-uugali, na lihis sa kagawian at higit sa rasyunal na kaisipan ng isang ordinaryong tao.” Dagdag pa ni Schumpeter, bihasa ang isang negosyante sa pagtuklas at paggamit ng mga elemento ng kanyang kapaligiran tulad ng pera, agham at kalayaan upang mapakinabangan ng mga tao. Rasyunal din ang mga pagpapahalaga ng isang negosyante at kanyang kalkulasyon ay kadalasang nakatuon sa pangmatagalang bentahe. Siya rin ay may kakayahang mamuno. Ngunit kung minsan, siya ay tinuturing na isang banta ng ilang mga tao sa kanyang paligid dahil ang kanyang pagka-malikhain ay maaaring sumalungat sa kulturang umiiral. Angat sa ordinaryong mga indibidwal ang “entrepreneur” dahil kaya nitong gumawa ng paraan upang lampasan ang mga sagka o mga suliranin at matupad ang kanyang mga layunin.

Nauunawaan ng isang “entrepreneur” ang pangangailangan ng kanyang kapaligiran at kumikilos batay dito. Isang halimbawa nito ang karanasan ni John Gokongwei na kanyang inilahad sa kanyang talumpati sa 20th Ad Congress na tinanghal noong Nobyembre 2007 sa Pilipinas. Maagang naulila sa ama at nailagay sa sitwasyon na maging breadwinner ng kanyang pamilya, tinahak ni Gokongwei ang landas ng pangangalakal sa gulang na 13. Ito ay isang sipi mula sa kanyang talumpati:

“…I opened a small stall in a palengke. I chose one among several palengkes a few miles outside the city because there were fewer goods available for the people there. I woke up at five o’clock every morning for the long bicycle ride to the palengke with my basket of goods. There, I set up a table about three feet by two feet in size. I laid out my goods—soap, candles, and thread—and kept selling until everything was bought. Why these goods? Because these were hard times and this was a poor village, so people wanted and needed the basics—soap to keep them clean, candles to light the night, and thread to sew their clothes.”

Ngayon, si Gokongwei ang nagmamay-ari ng Cebu Pacific, Robina Gokongwei Corp, Sun Cellular, at marami pang ibang negosyo na naka-headquarter sa Pilipinas. Malayo ang narating ng batang tindero sa palengke ng Cebu na gumigising ng alas singko ng madaling-araw.

Ang laganap na isteryutipo sa “entrepreneurship” bilang isang abilidad o talentong nakareserba lamang sa iilang kakaibang tao o sa elitistang lipunan ay dapat hamunin. Napatunayan na ng aktwal na karanasan ng maraming tao na ito ay puwedeng anihin sa tulong ng kasipagan, pagiging malikhain at pagtitiyaga. Lahat ay posible kung ito ay pagsisikapan.

Sanggunian:

Niel Smelser and Richard Swedberg, eds. The Handbook of Economic Sociology. Princeton, New Jersey: Princeton University Press, 1994.

http://www.universalrobina.com/2008/01/12/john-gokongwei-speech-at-the-20th-ad-congress/

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A Cup of Coffee by Richard Diaz Alorro

Si Harry Potter at ang mga Aral ng Buhay

I must admit that I am an avid Harry Potter fan. Simula nang mabasa ko ang Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, ang unang libro ng Harry Potter series, ay napabilang na ako sa milyon-milyong nagsubaybay at nag-abang sa paglabas ng pangalawa hanggang panghuling libro na sinulat ng British author na si Joanne Kathleen (J.K.) Rowling. I was also among the millions who was excited when the news came out that Harry Potter and his world will be put into life, through film. Pinanood ko ang lahat ng Harry Potter movies hanggang sa final installment, lahat sa big screen.

Harry Potter is a series of fantasy novels that chronicles the adventures of the young wizard Harry Potter and his bestfriends Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger, all of whom are students at the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Naging sentro ng kwento ang pakikipaglaban ni Harry sa dark wizard na si Lord Voldemort na nais sumakop sa wizard world. It may not be known to everyone, but the first HP book was intended initially for children and was even awarded a best children’s book award. Sa paglipas ng pahanon, hindi lamang mga bata ang nabighani sa istorya at mga characters ng nobela. Si Harry Potter, ang ibang mga karakter at ang Hogwarts ay naging kilala sa halos lahat ng tao of every age. Naging isa sa mga most beloved stories of all time ang Harry Potter. Harry Potter has become a global brand and has placed JK Rowling to the list of the world’s billionaires and most influential people.

The 7th and the final book was divided into 2 movie installments. Pinalabas ang Part 1 noong November 19, 2010 at ang Part 2 noong July 15, 2011. For an almost a decade, most of us have witnessed the evolution of Harry Potter. Sa paglipas ng mga taon, Harry Potter evolved from a mere novel or movie character to a hero, an icon.

Ang 7 libro at 8 pelikula na bumubuo sa kwento at buhay ni Harry Potter at ng kanyang mundo ay nagwakas na. As we turn the last page of the 7th book, as the lights in the theater are turned on, may we realize that there is more to Harry Potter than magic and fantasy. Maraming makabuluhang aral sa buhay ang mapupulot sa kwento ni Harry Potter.

1. LOVE

If there is one word that would aptly describe the Harry Potter series, it would be LOVE. Mula sa unang libro hanggang sa panghuli, naging makabuluhang bahagi ng plot ang kapangyarihan ng pag-ibig. When the dark wizard Lord Voldemort attacked Harry’s family, Lily (Harry’s mother) sacrificed herself to save her son from the killing curse. Because of this great sacrifice and love, Harry was spared from death, making him the one and only ever who survived the wrath of the dark Lord Voldemort, one of the most powerful wizards of all time. The love of his mother protected Harry and guided him to destroy Lord Voldemort and to save the wizard world. Surely, love defeats even the most powerful of evils.

2. FRIENDSHIP

“No man is an island.” Isa rin sa pinaka-importanteng aral ng HP series ay ang kabuluhan ng pagkakaibigan. Maraming mga hard battles and almost impossible tasks na napagwagi-an ni Harry ang isinalaysay sa 7 books. Ngunit sa lahat ng tagumpay ni Harry Potter, naging malaking bahagi ang kanyang mga kaibigan. Hindi naging posible ang lahat without the help of his friends. Ilan sa mga halimbawa ay ang pagtulong ni Ron sa paglaro ng chess para makuha ni Harry ang sorcerer’s stone, ang pagkatuklas sa Chamber of Secrets at basilisk nang dahil sa karunungan ni Hermione, at ang pagkakuha sa diadem ni Rowena Ravenclaw nang dahil sa tulong ni Luna. We must definitely treasure our friends who are always by our side.

3. CHOICES AND ABILITY

Pinili ni Harry Potter na mapabilang sa House of Gryffindor, ang house kung saan naging kabilang din ang kanyang mga magulang na si Lily at James noong sila ay nag-aaral sa Hogwarts. Taglay ni Harry ang ibang mga katangian na angkop para mapabilang siya sa House of Slytherin kung saan galing si Lord Voldemort, but he chose to be in Gryffindor, which values courage, bravery, nerve and chivalry. He could be like Lord Voldemort but Harry chose the good side. As what Prof. Albus Dumbledore have said, “It is our choices that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.” Our abilities may make us name but it is our choices that will define who we really are. Gaano man ka-maabilidad ang isang tao kung ang pinili niyang landas ay hindi naaayon sa kabutihan, hindi rin magiging mabuti ang kahihinatnan.

4. LOYALTY

Isa sa mga pinakadakilang katangian na mahirap mapantayan ay ang katapatan. In the story, loyalty was best exemplified by Prof. Severus Snape to Prof. Albus Dumbledore. Naging matapat si Prof. Snape kay Prof. Dumbledore mula simula hanggang sa kamatayan at matiyagang nagbantay sa kaligtasan ni Harry Potter lingid sa kaniyang kaalaman. With bravery and courage, Prof. Snape joined the league of dark Lord Voldemort just to protect Prof. Dumbledore and Harry Potter, even to the point where everyone was convinced he is a villain. He pretended to be on the dark side and sacrificed his life for love and loyalty. Definitely, in the darkest and most down moments we can see loyalty at its best.

5. COURAGE AND CONVICTION

Harry Potter was 11 years old when he discovered he is a wizard. More to that, he is the famous “the boy who lived” after surviving the killing curse by dark Lord Voldemort. Sa murang edad, the world of witches and wizards expected great things from him. He encountered enormous tasks and challenges that a child could have never imagined – troll, basilisk (giant snake), Triwizard tournament, dementors, death eaters and Lord Voldemort. But Harry Potter emerged triumphant from all of these battles. Hindi man taglay ni Harry ang lahat ng mga malalakas na magic powers, spells and curses, naging matagumpay siya sa lahat ng laban dahil sa kaniyang courage and conviction. Bilang isang bata at kasisimula pa lamang mag-aral ng magic, wala siyang ibang sandata maliban sa tiwala sa kaniyang sarili at lakas ng loob na makakaya niya ang lahat ng pagsubok na kaniyang haharapin. Strength and ability may make us go through a challenge, but it is courage and conviction that will bring us victory.

Jeepney Press 2011 September-October Issue page 11

ENDAKA by Isabelita Manalastas -Watanabe

Endaka – bukang bibig ng mga businessmen, ng mga economists, ng mga politicians.

Endaka – Yen Takai – Yen Expensive.

Iyan talaga ang translation sa wikang Ingles ng Endaka. Imaginin mo na ang Yen ay isang bagay na tinitinda sa isang department store. May Yen 10,000; Yen 5,000; Yen 1,000 na papel. Kung bibilhin mo, at ang pera mo ay Yen din, walang problema. Kasi, kung may Yen 10,000 ka, makakabili ka ng isang Yen 10,000 na papel, o kaya’y dalawang tig-pa-five thousand, o kaya’y sampung tig-isang libo.

Kung turista ka naman sa Japan, at ang baon sa pag-tour mo ay US dollars, at gusto mong bumili ng isang Yen 10,000 na papel, magkano sa pera mo ang isang Yen 10,000? Kung ang palit ng US dollars sa Yen ay 78, katulad ng sa kasalukuyan, magkano ang halaga sa Yen ng iyong US$1,000 na baon?

US$1,000 x 78 = Yen 78,000 – iyan ang halaga ngayon sa Japan ng iyong US$1,000.

Noong ang exchange rate ng US dollars sa Yen ay 120, magkano ang halaga ng US$1,000?

US$1,000 x 120 = Yen 120,000, di ba?

Same US$1,000 na pera ng turista, may palit na Yen 120,000 kung pumunta siya sa Japan noong ang exchange rate ay 120. Ngayon, Yen 78,000 na lang ang palit ng kanyang US$1,000!

Siyempre, para sa turista na ito, pagkamahal-mahal lahat ng gusto niyang bilhin sa Japan, di-ba? Kasi, ang taas (takai) ng Yen kumpara sa US dollar. So yung En Takai - Yen Expensive – iyan ay depende sa kung anong currency mo ikukumpara. In other words, ang US dollar ay napakahina, kumpara sa Japanese Yen, sa kasalukuyan.

Kung wala naman palang epekto sa ating nandito sa Japan na nagsusuweldo ng Yen din, e ano naman ang pakialam natin kung Endaka man o hindi?

Heto naman ang tingnan nating example:

Kung ikaw naman ang mag-tour sa America, e di ang laki ngayon ng balor ng Yen mo against the dollar. Baligtarin lang natin iyong example sa itaas. Ikaw ang turista at may dalang Yen 78,000 na baon sa pag-tour mo. Sa exchange rate na US$ 1 = Yen 78, Isang libong dolyar na ang equivalent ng iyong kulang-kulang na walong lapad lang!

Entonces, masarap mag-abroad at mamili sa abroad, sa bansang mahina ang currency against the Yen, kapag Endaka.

Ano pa ang ganansiya nating mga tumatanggap ng Yen kapag Endaka?

Mas kaunti ang ating kailangan i-remit sa ating mga mahal sa buhay sa Pilipinas, kasi mas malaki ang palit ng Yen sa Peso, kapag Endaka at kung mahina din ang Peso against the Yen. Kung may buwan-buwang sustento si Nanay na Php 10,000.00 kunwari, at ang palit ng Yen/Peso ay 0.54, kailangang magpadala lang ng Yen 18,519 (Php 10,000 divided by 0.54). Kapag bumagsak naman ang rate, dahil humina ang Yen or lumakas ang Peso or both, kunwari 0.50 na lang, mangangailan ka ng mas malaking halaga (Yen 20,000) para makapagpadala ng same halaga na Php 10,000.

Tayong mga migrant workers dito sa Japan na kumikita ng Yen ay mara-ming ganansya kapag Endaka. Pero ang mga Japanese exporters naman ay hirap-na-hirap kapag Endaka, kasi nagiging mahal ang Japanese exports in terms of the local currency sa bansa kung saan nag-e-export ang Japan.

Halimbawa: Nag-e-export ng Japanese car sa America. Ang halaga sa Yen ng kotse ay Yen 1.5 million. Kahit noong mahina ang Yen, ganoon pa rin ang halaga. Kahit ngayong Endaka, ganoon pa rin ang halaga – Yen 1.5 million pa rin. Pero kapag ang bumibili ay isang Amerikano at US$ ang pambayad niya, nagiging napakamahal ng Japanese car na ito:

Yen 1.5 million = US$19,231 @ exchange rate of US$ 1 = Yen 78

So hindi lahat masaya kapag Endaka. At kahit tayong mga Yen earners ay masaya ngayon, kung maging masama naman ang ekonomiya ng Japan dahil sa Endaka, baka ma-apektuhan din tayo in the long-term. Kung maraming exporters ang mahirapan dahil hindi na competitive ang kanilang mga exports dahil nga nagiging mahal ang products nila kapag Endaka, posibleng magbawas ng mga workers itong mga kumpanya na ito, or magbaba ng sweldo ng mga tauhan nila. Kung isa tayo sa mga empleyado ng mga hirap na Japanese exporters, siyempre, nenerbiyosin din tayo.

Pero ke Endaka o hindi man, dapat tayong matutong mag-plano ng ating mga gastusin, mag-plano paanong mag-save, dahil bukas, makalawa, hindi natin alam kung saan naman bubuhos ang ulan.

Jeepney Press 2011 September-October Issue page 15

ON THE ROAD TO: Legacy to Filipino Expatriates in Kansai

with the Philippine Community Coordinating Council

by Neriza Sarmiento-Saito

The autumn season reminds me of a beautiful story about a leaf named Freddie. It has fascinated me through the years which in turn has given me a more philosophical view in life.

"Freddie was born on a branch of a tall tree ..." so goes the story. He was born along with other hundreds of leaves in spring. An elder leaf kept him company through the changes of seasons -- they got soaked in the rains, dried up by the sun ,and got tossed by the wind. In winter, the old leaves fell one after another until Freddie fell on the ground, too. But as he fell, he saw new leaves coming out. Freddie closed his eyes, feeling confident that these new leaves will grow and continue to give shades to people.

In the course of my life as an expatriate here, there has been remarkable achievement in the growth of the Filipino community in Kansai. From church based communities to groups that address specific needs of long-term residents and newcomers.

Exactly 30 years ago when I arrived in Japan, most community events were potluck parties, bazaars, and variety programs that I co-emceed with Danny Alvez. Occasionally, we participated in the Kobe Matsuri and the Midosuji Parade where we had a chance to introduce unique Philippine traditions to the locals and at the same time instilling a sense of national pride in us.

On rare and priveleged occasions, there were interviews I had with former President Cory Aquino for Pinoy magazine, one of the first newspapers published in the Kansai area in the early 90's, sat side by side with Joseph Estrada at an event in KDDI Hall in Osaka, emceed at receptions honoring former President Fidel V. Ramos during his official visits to Japan and at the APEC summit. On behalf of the Filipino community in Western Japan, I was tasked to present a resolution to former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo during her visit in 2002.

At that time, our group was known as the PCEC or Philippine Community Executive Council, an offshoot of the AdHoc Committee that organized the Centennial Celebration of Independence held at the Asian Trade Center. In a display of patriotism, several Filipino community groups joined the two-day event that included a Rigodon de Honor, Bb. Kalayaan pageant, drawing, singing and dance competitions, a centennial parade. A powerful cast performed an original musical tableau that I scripted "Ang Kasaysayan ng Pilipinas" with the invaluable support of the Philcongen staff and a handful of Filipino community leaders and academicians, who would later be the pillars of the present PCCC: the late Frank Catajoy, Bibiana "Mommy” Ishita, Prof. Masanao Oue, Mely Kohno, Carmen Matsushima, Amy dela Cruz, Vicky Wakiyama, Malou Sato, Noemi Itsukage, Ellen Takeuchi, Joy Yoshitomi, Henry Tabao, Roman Santos Jr. , Joey Manalang, Susan Fuchizaki, Mari Hashizuka and many more.

The need for networking among the communities in Kansai was also brought about by experiences in the 1995 Great Hanshin Earthquake. Another objective of the PCEC was to promote positive images of the Philippines through original musicals depicting the hopes and tribulations of Filipino expats in Japan like " The Gaijin."

In 2002, after the preparation of a new set of by-laws, I was elected as the first Chairperson, followed two years later by Sally Takashima. Noemi Itsukage was the 3rd Chairperson and Jun Silva was the 4th.

In March 2011, under a revised set of by-laws, the new set of officers is headed by Ms. Ma. Lourdes V. Sato. Even before their oath-taking ceremony May, 2011, the officers have already lined-up events like a charity concert on Aug. 21 for the victims of the Great Tohoku earthquake and the 3rd PCCC Undokai (sports event) on October 10. The performers for the charity concert are composed mainly of those who have helped PCCC since its infancy. Vicky Wakiyama will direct and choreograph the concert. Vicky graduated from the Southwestern Univ., major in Physical Education. As founder and director of the Philippine Dance Company, Vicky has introduced Philippine dances at various international and local events in Japan. Ellen Flores, of the Tanglaw Filipino Community is the musical director of the charity Concert. She is the daughter of the late comedian Nanding Flores of the famed Mr. Baltic and Co. of Philippine television in the 70s. She has also performed in all events of the Filipino Community and won

First Place in the Asian Charity Music Festival some years ago.

Another talented singer Jhoanne will be joining Ellen onstage. She has represented Osaka in the Utawit finals in Tokyo about 5 years ago. Lorna Cifra's original composition will be the concert's theme music. Another highlight of this concert will be the participation of some Japanese-Filipino children led by Miho Sato, Malou's youngest daughter. Band music will be provided by the Tardy Boys.

Decades ago, the first batch of expats in Kansai can be likened to young leaves sprouting out of branches, bravely facing the rain, the sun and the wind. We were all striving to instill pride in our identities as Filipinos. We were all undergoing experiences living on foreign soil. But, what matters most is what has become of us out of those experiences. Wouldn't it be nobler if the fallen leaves can be lighted to keep the blaze alive for their compatriots?

Jeepney Press 2011 September-October Issue page 16

ACHI-KOCHI

by Rey Ian Corpuz

Journey into Fatherhood

I would like you share to you my experience being a father. It was the early morning of April 5th when our little angel was born. Despite the never-ending aftershocks and gruesome 18-hour delivery of my wife, our kiddo was successfully delivered by suction method. Thank God because they are both safe. When I first saw our child, tears fell into my eyes. So this is it, a true feeling of being a father. A Japanese friend of us always call me “shinmai otousan” (literally new rice father 新米お父さん) or a newbie dad. He was so fragile that I am even afraid to touch or carry him at first. His eyes rarely opened as he was 2-weeks induced. And that I could always remember how difficult for my wife to give birth to him. For those who have undergone induced labor here in Japan, I am sure you are familiar with “laminaria,” a kind of algae that is in form of small sticks used to speed-up delivery (Thanks to Doc Gino for this information).

Since he was born, I was terribly concerned over the issue of water safety after the nuclear accident in Fukushima. By the time we went home, I hoarded three boxes of mineral water for his water. And over the growing concern of my wife’s nutrition, I did not buy any vegetable and fruit coming from Tohoku, Ibaraki and Chiba. I bought extra packs of diapers because during the disaster, even baby diapers were out-of-stock. I really panicked. And maybe, this is really how a “shinmai otousan” behaves. I am now even more concern of what my baby eats, wears and feels rather than what I feel. In the past, when I browse Amazon Japan’s website, I used to buy things for me, but now, I always browse for diapers, baby wipes, milk, feeding bottles and nipples and anything about baby goods and stuffs. Every parent wants only the best for their child. With his milk, we chose Icreo, which is the most expensive brand here in Japan. Apparently, this is the only milk that he has no problems with pooping.

Since he was born, we barely have the usual 8-hour sleep. A four hour sleep for us is already normal. The first tip I heard from most people was that, when the baby sleeps, you should also sleep. Yes, it’s really effective but there are times that you still have errands to do or simply you are not in the mood to sleep that is why I and my wife sometimes end up almost having no sleep at all. During the first trimester, I and my wife take turns to take care of him. But my wife does most of it during the weekdays and I took the responsibility on weekends so that she can rest. Changing diapers was one of the most challenging part for most fathers. I have been “peed” at twice when I changed his nappies. Sometimes, when changing his diapers, poop suddenly comes out so the bed mat becomes stained again. Feeding him is more difficult especially recently. Marking his fourth month last August, two of his rear teeth came out. He kept on crying and his drinking pattern was irregular. Another thing about feeding him was that how to have him burp or “geppu” in Japanese. It’s really, really frustrating sometimes when he just throws up everything he drank. The technique was to feed him around 30-50ml of milk then let him burp. Or in some cases, induce the burping. Burping techniques here in Japan is different from the Philippines. In Japan, you have to tap his upper back to let the air come out but this thing is not practiced in the Philippines. Sometimes if he regurgitates the milk, we ended up changing clothes 2-3 times, giving us heavy-load of laundry during the weekend. Whew! Another ordeal I cannot forget was when he cried until the wee hours of the morning. Then we discovered that he needs to fart (おなら). Funny but it’s painful for little ones. Thanks to my friend Clabel, who is now in Spain, for teaching me the bicycle method on how to release the gas from his tummy.

Well, despite all of these, I am still very happy to say that our baby is teaching us things that we have never thought of. From him, I learned to be more patient and more understanding of what he feels and his needs. Sometimes, his wants too are granted. It’s true that when you arrive at home feeling stressed with work and travel, and then when you see those cute smile and laughter in your baby’s face, all of those stresses will be gone. Hearing your son’s laughter and even his gibberish babbling eases your feelings and makes you smile, too. Since then, I always have this urge to go home immediately from work just to be with my son and wife.

I am also glad that most of our friends and colleagues have given us a lot of “hand-me-down” items. A baby grows too fast, so why buy a lot of new clothes? In Japan, babies are lucky because they can wear designer clothes like GAP, Diesel and many more. Right now, we are talking to our child in three languages: English, Filipino and Japanese. We hope to impart our Filipino heritage by teaching him first our language, where more Filipinos here in Japan neglect. We also want him to learn English so that he can compete globally and of course Japanese so he can blend into the Japanese society well. How about Bisaya? Hmmm, I’ll just talk to him secretly.

In this regard, I would like to thank a lot of people who have helped us during the 1st trimester of our child-upbringing. We wouldn’t make this far if not because of your advices and help. Maraming salamat po.

And oh by the way, I forgot to say his name! He is Adrian Yusuke.

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Shoganai: Gaijin Life By Abie Principe

Highway Blues

Halos lahat ng Pilipino sa Japan ay naranasan na ang matinding trapik sa tinubuang bayan. Noong nag-aaral pa lang ako, madalas tinatahak ko ang kabuuan ng EDSA mula Pasay hanggang QC. Pero mula nang dumating ako ng Japan, lalo na sa Nagoya, tuwang-tuwa ako sa dali ng pag-commute! Sumulat na nga ako noon, dito rin sa Shoganai: Gaijin Life, ukol sa nakaka-aliw na pag commute dito sa Japan.

Kahit highway nila dito, madaling daanan, walang pot-holes at hindi binabaha, (maliban na lang kung may tsunami). Pero isa rin sa hindi naiiwasan, sa kahit saang bansa, ay ang magkaroon ng aksidente sa highway. Sa Pinas, kung merong nagka-banggan, siguradong ubos ang oras mo sa paghintay na gumalaw ang mga sasakyan, at kakanta ka na lang ng “highway blues.” Dito sa Japan, mayroong efficiency na madalas ay wala sa Pinas (pati na rin siguro sa ibang bansa). Napansin ko, na kung mayroong aksidente, ay magkakaroon din ng traffic jam, pero kung ang aksidente ay walang kumplikasyon, halimbawa, lahat ng involved sa aksidente ay naroroon para magbigay ng statement at kausapin ang mga highway patrol, OK na. Hindi siguro tatagal ng isang oras, balik sa normal na ang traffic. Pero, kung halimbawa ay hit-and-run ang nangyari, talagang hindi titigil ang mga highway patrol hangga't hindi napupulot ang lahat ng ebidensya sa kalsada, at hindi rin sila mag-aatubili na kuwestyunin ang mga duma-daang sasakyan na nagmumula sa pinangyarihan ng aksidente, upang mahanap kung sino ang nang hit-and-run. Efficient talaga sila, pero, mabusisi pag dating sa krimen. Minsan pa nga isa-sara nila ang highway, para lang mahuli kung sino man ang may kasalanan ng aksidente.

Naranasan ko ito first-hand, noong huli ako bumisita sa Tokyo, nagkataon na kotse ang sinakyan ko, dahil matipid ito kung ikumpara sa shinkansen, lalo na kung shared expenses. Dumaan kami via highway syempre, para mabilis. Maganda ang umpisa ng travel namin, maagang naka-alis ng Nagoya, at walang problema hanggang sa service area malapit sa Gotemba. Doon nag-umpisa ang problema namin, dahil nakatanggap ng traffic report na ang highway ay halos sarado, dahil sa isang hit-and-run. Lahat ng sasakyan na nandoon, trapped na at hindi gumagalaw, mula pa daw noong alas-sais ng umaga. Nandoon kami ng alas-nueve sa service area. Wala kaming nagawa kung hindi mag-hintay hanggang sa magkaroon ng traffic report na nagsasabi na bukas na uli ang dadaanang highway. Hindi rin naman nakakabagot maghintay, dahil mayroong coffee shops and gift shops sa service area. Isa pa, madalas dumarating ang updates ukol sa aksidente, kaya, nalaman agad namin noong matapos na ang imbestigasyon. At mabilis namang nabuksan uli ang highway, ni hindi mo mahuhulaan kung saan nangyari ang aksidente, dahil sobrang linis ng lugar na pinangyarian. Isa na rin itong sign ng efficiency ng mga Hapon.

Learning experience ito para sa akin, dahil, kahit na ang tagal ng delay, at nahuli na kami sa aming appointment, kahit paano, hindi kami na-trap ng matagal sa gitna ng daan na hindi alam kung aandar pa o hindi ang mga sasakyan. Ibang-iba ito sa experience ko sa Manila noong student pa ako, na pitong oras sa EDSA dahil sa kung anong parada meron. Mahal ko ang Pilipinas, kahit ano pa ang sabihin, pero klaro talaga sa isip ko na transportation-wise, mas magaling talaga ang Japan. Kaya kahit na mayroon delay sa daan, hindi ko pa rin kinanta ang “highway blues.”

Jeepney Press 2011 September-October Issue page 17

Doc Gino’s Pisngi Ng Langit

Panunuyo ng Pwerta

(Vaginal dryness)

Tanong:

I'm already in my late 40's, single, menopause for the past 4 years. Whenever I make love with my current boyfriend, it really hurts and I feel dry. My old friend told me that there could be no secretion inside. What could be the remedy? Is there a supplement that I can take or do I have to resort to injection. I tried putting ez gel but it won’t work. Where can I consult and buy? I'm so desperate.

Doc Gino (DG):

Menopausal women experience vaginal dryness due to lack of estrogen--a kind of female hormone--in their body. Hormonal replacement therapy (HRT) is an effective solution to this problem. Because HRT is not without complications, a thorough gynecologic evaluation is essential. I suggest that you seek medical consult to a doctor who

specializes in this field.

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PEDESTRIAN LANE by Mylene Miyata

A Summer Affair Confession...

It's autumn. But let me share a summer affair with you. Mga bagay na masarap gunitain anumang season ng taon.

Summer oh summer!

There are some people na ayaw na ayaw ang summer. Hotness and everything really turns out most of us. For some reason, naiintindihan natin ang mga bagay na ito.

Nagmamantika kapag nasilayan ang araw. Ang iba naman ay ayaw mawalan ng bisa si glutathione na pagkamahal mahal nga naman.

Pero, come to think of it, kapag summer, we are given the joy to experience the following:

1. Fruits and vegetables: Ilan kaya sa ating mga kababayan ang sobrang saya kapag merong pakwan sa gitna ng tag-init? Sarap non! Gaano kaya kabuti sa kalusugan ang kumain ng ampalaya na sa tuwing tag-init lamang natin nabibili ng mura sa pamilihan dito sa Japan? Ang mga naglipanang mamula-mulang kamatis na tiyak magbibigay ningning sa ating kalusugan? Here, there and everywhere po ang mga ito, di ba?

2. Detox: Sauna? Love siguro ng karamihan sa atin ito. Our editor in chief, Mr. Dennis Sun in particular. We have to admit na kapag nandito tayo sa Japan, limitado lang ang chances nating makapagpawis. Madalas malamig. Bihira tayong natural na pagpawisan sa loob ng isang taon. Kaya naman kinakailangan pa nating sumugod sa mga lugar na merong sauna para lang maglabas ng toxic ng katawan. Pero kapag summer! Ayun! Halos parang sauna na din, libreng magmantika ang lahat at "no cost" pa po. Lalo na ngayon na kinakailangan nating mag-save ng energy. Big check ito para sa ating kalusugan needs.

3. Socialization: Aba! Tuwing summer, ang uri ng social gatherings dito ay "priceless". Kasing init din ng panahon ang damdamin ng halos karamihan kapag nasa isang salu-salo. Talaga namang gumagawa ng ingay ang tao ng walang pag-iimbot habang nag-iinuman at nanonood ng hanabi kasama ang mga mahal nila sa buhay. Maririnig natin silang nag-eexpress ng happy feelings nila ayon sa nakikita at nararamdaman sa mga ganoong pagkakataon, di po ba?

4. Quenching Beverages: During this time of the year, kakaiba talaga ang impact ng iba't ibang inumin sa merkado. Makukulay, masasarap at healthy din! Sa dami ng choices, talaga nga namang malilito tayo. Gusto nating inumin lahat. Kung susuriin, we are given the opportunity to benefit a lot from it. Japanese are known to be health conscious in general. Kaya naman pati beer natin dito halimbawa, kung hindi non-alcohol ay zero calorie ang katapat ng beer-lovers na nagmo-monitor ng weight nila, di ba? For the ladies, nandiyan naman ang vitamin or collagen concentrated drinks pampatid uhaw at pandagdag ganda points in one!

5. Cleansing: Be it physical or what. Hotness brings the privilege for all of us to cleanse in one way or another. Thank goodness for summer. Kailangan lang siguro nating i-discover what aspect would need some cleansing for us. After all, para sa sarili din naman po nating kapakanan ang bawat choice na piliin natin.

And now it's about time to make the autumn memories. What kind of autumn affair would you make? Realize that it is not how much we like doing something that matters all the time. Minsan, it is how much we actually enjoy each moment that we will be blessed with that counts more.

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Short-Cuts By Farah Trofeo-Ishizawa

First Cut

I have been racking my brains out thinking of what to write during this very warm day. First of all, let me greet everyone out there - Kamusta na Kabayan? Kahit mainit dito sa Japan, I hope you are all surviving the hot and humid summer despite the “energy conservation program” going on. But if you come to think about it, we had lots of rain this summer. A big blessing!

By the time you read this, it will be September, and hopefully cooler, diba?

Second Cut

My sincerest “Congratulations” go to the successful launching of CoFFET, the new group of English Teachers in Japan, that acronym stands for, Community of Friendly Filipino English Teachers in Japan.

Last August 6, 2011, they had their launching event at the Kawasaki International Center. The event was very well attended by several English teachers coming from Tokyo, Kanagawa, Chiba, Saitama, Ibaraki, and even as far as Yamanashi prefecture. Once again, thank you to everyone who joined.

Third Cut

For those who know my column, I usually split the topics – per cut, thus the title “Short Cuts.” This time I have to write a bit longer.

Here goes:

Also as an English teacher in Japan, it is always a big welcome for other teacher’s group.

According to the Philippine Embassy, there is only one registered organization, and that is the Filipino English Teachers in Japan or FETJ.

CoFFET, is in the process of applying at the Embassy as of this time.

There may be other unknown Filipino Teachers groups here in Japan, wouldn’t it be nice if everyone if not all can register at the Cultural Section of the Philippine Embassy?

It is wonderful to know that there are many Filipino organizations spearheading get-togethers, seminars, and activities for teachers.

I have been living in Japan for the last 20 years and it has always been my dream for all Filipinos to be one in heart, mind, and in spirit.

Regardless of your affiliation, group or community, as professionals we should all be loving, caring, and remain supportive of each other.

For this article, I would like to address my co-teachers.

Be the best teacher that you can become.

We are all away from our homes, and we have been brought together in this country to serve. We have chosen this role to be teachers - to mold, to shape minds and hearts.

Keep on learning, be open to change and accept new techniques in the process of educating. Be a role model.

It is never an easy task but if we empower one another, encourage and stimulate one another to do one’s best then we can be a community that is a center of joy, comfort and inspiration to many.

In union there is strength. Even amidst seemingly problems and diversities in this, our journey through life, we are all Filipinos. Therefore, we must hold each other’s hand as we move on.

We believe we can reach our destinies beyond our dreams.

Let us all work for the future of the Filipino English Teacher in Japan.

Mabuhay tayong lahat ! Thank you.

Jeepney Press 2011 September-October Issue page 18

KWENTO Ni NANAY

by Anita Sasaki

DO YOU BELIEVE IN MIRACLES?

Narinig nyo na ba ang sinabi ni Hesus sa Matthew 28:20 na: “AKO AY KASAMA NINYO HANGGANG SA DULO NG PANAHON” (I am with you alway, (EVEN) unto the end of the world. ) Amen! If we keep these words in our hearts, we will not forget the Ascencion. If we believe that Jesus will not abandon us, we can face our struggles, problems and conflicts, full of hope, and enthusiasm.

Noon pa man, ako ay sadyang naniniwala na mayroong milagro, ngunit mas lumakas ang aking paniniwala sa milagro dahil sa aming naranasan noong nakaraang 3/11 tragedy na hanggang ngayon ay hindi ko pa rin lubos maisip kung paano nakauwi ang aking pamilya sa Pilipinas. Dahil sa trahedya na ito, nag e-mail ang aking doktor na kapatid at nagtanong lang ng: “Where are you?” at sinagot ko naman siya ng “in the house.” Sinagot lang nya ako ng, “Go to the airport and e-mail me when you’re already there.”

Isang malaking palaisipan sa akin kung paano kaming makakauwi sa Pilipinas sa napakaraming balakid na halos imposibleng mangyari. Unang-una, papano kami makakarating sa airport ng walang trains, or any public transportation, wala rin kaming sasakyan at kung meron man, malaki rin ang kakulangan ng gasolina kaya kailangan pang pumila at maghintay ng matagal. Kung makarating man kami ng airport ay wala naman kaming plane tickets at wala rin kaming mga re-entry permits, at higit sa lahat ay hindi pa rin kami sumusweldo. Lahat ng ito ay naglalaro sa aking isipan na “PAPAANO TAYO MAKAKARATING NG AIRPORT?”

Noong March 14, nakatanggap ako ng tawag mula sa aking anak-anakan dito at nag-alok na ihatid kami sa airport bago siya maubusan ng gasolina. Nagpasalamat na lang ako sa kanyang alok, sa kadahilanang wala kaming plane tickets. Kinagabihan ay tumawag muli siya at pinaalalahanan niya ako na kung hindi pa kami magpapahatid ay tuluyan na siyang mawawalan ng gasolina kaya nagtakda siya ng oras para sunduin kami kinabukasan.

Alas singko ng umaga ay sinundo niya kami ng halos mga walang gaanong dalang gamit. Dalawang gasolinahan ang hindi kami napagbentahan habang kami ay papuntang airport. Kaya kami ay nagdasal ng rosaryo habang nasa daan, at nagulat na lang kami na nasa airport na pala kami sa loob lamang ng 45 minutos na kadalasang tinatahak namin ng isang oras o mahigit pa kahit na ikumpara mo sa isang express train na isang oras at 15 minutos. Ganon pa man, kahit kami ay nasa airport na ay hindi pa rin namin alam kung anong gagawin dahil wala naman kaming plane tickets. Agad akong nag email sa kapatid ko at sinabi kong nasa airport na kami. At ang laking gulat ko dahil ang sagot sa email ko na ang departure date sa ITINE-RARY TICKETS namin ay kinabukasan pa ng umaga.

At dahil nasa airport na kami, doon na rin namin inasikaso ang aming mga re-entry permits na napakaraming tao rin ang mga nag-a-apply kaya kailangang doon na kami matulog. At kinabukasan, lumipat na kami sa terminal 1 dahil doon ang sasakyan naming eroplano.

Pag check-in namin, doon namin nalaman di kami lahat makakasakay dahil ang stopover ay GUAM. Di makakasakay ang 4 sa amin dahil wala kaming US visa. Agad kaming nag-e-mail sa agency sa Canada na nagpadala ng aming tickets at sa

awa ng Diyos ay agad naman niyang napalitan ang aming tickets ng PAL via Cebu

at naibalik din ang binayad ng aking kapatid. Hindi bale nang via Cebu, ang mahalaga ay makalipad kami papuntang Pilipinas.

Alas sais treinta ng gabi, nasa Terminal 2 na kami para mag check-in. Pero sadyang napakadaming tao sa may immigration. At doon lamang nila ma-pro-process ang re-entry permit. At dahil na rin sa dami ng mga umaalis na foreigners, napatagal lumabas ang aming mga passports.

Diyos ko po! Yan ang aking nasambit sa sobrang nerbiyos ko dahil last call na ng aming eroplano, wala pa rin sa kamay namin ang aming mga passports. Nagtatakbo na kami dahil last call na ng last call. At nang kami ay papasok na sa eroplano ay ayaw na kaming pasakayin at ibinaba na ang aming mga bagahe. Dahil dito ay hindi ko na napigilan ang aking sarili at nagwala na ako at mabuti naman nang sabihin nilang maghihintay sila. At sa awa nang Diyos, pinapasok na rin kami at isa pang pasahero na maiiwan din sana. At ng nakasakay na kami, doon lang talaga ako nakahinga nang maluwag. At nang nakarating na kami sa Cebu, doon napansin nang anak ko na ang laman ng kanyang coat sa bulsa ay ang maliit na SANTO NINO DE CEBU. Doon lamang niya naalala na noong pag-alis namin ng bahay, nagmamadali kaming sinundo at dala na rin siguro ng biglaang gising namin, basta na lang siya kumuha nang imahen sa altar namin at doon namin nakita na ito pala ay ang SENOR SANTO NINO DE CEBU. Isang oras lamang kami naghintay nang eroplanong nagdala sa amin sa Manila. At pagkalapag na namin nang Manila, doon lang talaga ako nakahinga nang maluwag at walang ibang nasambit kundi: MARAMING, MARAMING SALAMAT PO SENOR SANTO NINO!!! Dahil SIYA ang nag-uwi sa amin sa Pinas.

Kaya kung noon, ako ay naniniwala sa milagro, ngayon ay sampung beses pang humigit ang aking paniniwalang TALAGANG MAYROONG MILAGRO. At ang pangako nang Diyos na sinasabi NIYA .... "AKO AY KASAMA NINYO HANGANG SA DULO NANG PANAHON." (I am with you always unto the end of the world.) Amen!

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KANSAI CRUSADE

by Sally Cristobal-Takashima

Lubos ang pagpakitang gilas ng Haring Araw sa Taong 2011 ng tag-init. Angkop naman at nabigyan ng sapat na lakas at enerhiya ang mga binhing itinanim ng nakaraang Tagsibol. Magaganda ang mga bulaklak na naialay sa simbahan, mga wedding bouquet ng mga June brides ay puno ng mga kulay na wari ko ay ipinagbubunyi ang kalikasan, katiwasayan at pag-iisang dibdib ng mga bagong kasal.

Naririto na po tayo sa ika-limang pasada ng Jeepney Press. Sa madaling salita ay nakaraan na ang kalahatian ng isang taon. Sa bansang Hapon, panahon na para harapin ng mga estudyante ang hamon ng high school and university entrance examination. May kinalaman na matanggap sa isang de alta eskwela or unibersidad sa magiging estado ng isang tao sa lipunan ng kanyang kinabibilangan. Kaya naman, hindi lamang sa Japan ngunit pati na din sa maraming kalapit na bansa ang seryosong nagbibigay ng pansin sa masinop na pag-aaral ng mga bata magmula pa lang sa murang edad. Ngunit, papaano naman kung walang naghihintay na magandang trabaho. Ano naman ang masasabi ninyo? Siempre naman, there are better chances to find a job if you are luckier than most.

Nitong nakaraang pagbabalik ko sa Japan matapos magbakasyon sa lupang hinirang (via Cebu Pacific Air, siempre naman) ay nakaupo ko ang isang Japan based Tsinoy from Cebu at ang kanyang unico hijo na nasa anim na baiting ng mababang paaralan. Malumanay ang ina at mild-mannered, walang cleavage o pusod na ipinakikita para makatawag pansin.

Dahil kakaunti na ang mga Filipina na nagtatrabaho sa mizu shobai, karamihan ng mga biyaheras na nakikita natin sa mga airports ay wives of Japanese nationals. Angkop sa lugar ang kanilang asal, hindi malakas magsalita na parang bingi ang kausap. May angkop na kamalayan na ang mga taong nakaupo sa loob ng eroplano ay pare-parehong pasahero na nagbayad ng kanilang pamasahe. Ang mga Hapon pag-nagbiyahe sa ibang bansa ay madaling malito dahil siguro sa kanilang kakulangan sa pagsasalita ng wikang Ingles at sa kaalaman ng tamang asal na nararapat pairalin. Ganoon pa man, sila ay maingat sa loob ng kanilang makakaya na huwag ikahiya ang pagiging Hapon. Reputasyon at mukha ang nakataya. Balikan natin ang mag-ina na nakatabi ko sa eroplano. “Talagang masarap magbakasyon,” ang sabi ko.” Enjoy din siya

kahit na halos maubos ang 300,000 yen na dala niya at kung hindi sa pagiging caregiver niya ay marahil hindi siya sapat na makakaipon ng pera. Dahil bata pa si, tawagin natin siyang, Jacky ay hindi pa niya naaaninag ang panahon ng pagtanda. Hindi pa niya naiisip kung ano ang

hinaharap niya kung sakaling maiwan siya ng kanyang asawa. Maraming Filipina na kagaya ni Jacky na hindi iniisip na sumangguni sa isang Financial Adviser para mabigyan siya ng kaalaman para mapalago ang kanyang pera. Tama ka, even children in kindergarten know the story of “The Ant and the Grasshopper.” Which one was left in the cold when winter came, hungry and begging for something to eat. Sochira no Kikoy at Kikay, gumising at magsunog ng kilay. Huwag kagawian ang ma- short sa pera at malubog sa utang. Sayang naman ang sinanlang lupa o alahas kung ito ay hindi matubos. Bukod sa nakakayamot, nakakainis at tunay na nakakababa ng self-esteem. Siempre pa nakakahiya din. Puede din naman siguro gawing simple lang ang buhay. Tigilan na ang regular trips to Starbucks, bawasan ang shopping kahit na mag-bargain sale. Huwag paunlakan ang bawat yaya na kumain at uminom sa labas. Iwasan ang mamahaling cosmetics. Ay naku marami pang ibang paraan upang mabawasan ang gastos.

Gumising sa bagong umaga. Ang kadalasang dahilan ng paghihiwalay ng mag-asawa ay masamang bisyo - pagsusugal, paglalasing at pambababae. Lahat ay may kaugnayan sa pera. Kawawa ang mg bata. Maaaring masira ang relasyon ng anak at magulang. Masisira ang pagtitiwala sa isa’t isa. Ito na siguro ang tinatawag na complicated relationships. Bato-bato sa langit ang tamaan ay buti nga.

Maiba tayo ng usapan. Naitanghal na ang pinakahihintay ng maraming Filipino sa Kansai. The “One Heart, One Soul for Japan Charity Concert,” a fund raising project to raise funds for the March 11th Great Northeastern Earthquake which was held on August 21st at the Osaka Abeno Kumin Kaikan. Many Japan based singers, musicians, Philippine cultural dancers have donated their talents for the success of this event. The officers and members of the Philippine Community Coordinating Council put their best effort in putting up this exciting concert. The musical program was followed by a dancing program in order to give everyone a chance to show all their dance moves. The major sponsors are ABS-CBN Japan, Inc and NTT Communications. We also take this opportunity to thank most especially Cebu Pacific Air for donating 2 Osaka-Manila-Osaka air tickets and ACT Tourist for 1 r/t air ticket to Manila and back for the raffle portion of the program. Also our sincere thanks to WOW Phil-International Co. Ltd., NT Total Care, KJenet Communications, KKubo Restaurant, Speed Money

Transfer, D & K Company World Prepaid Cards, Metrobank and Philippine National Bank for their contributions. Thank you also to Kyoto Pag-asa Filipino Community, Amagasaki Japanese Filipino Community, Knights of Rizal, Sama-Sama Community, Nippi Tomo no Kai, San Lorenzo Ruiz Japanese, Filipino Community, Philippine Womens’ Community, Nippi Tomo no Kai, Nara North-South Filipino Community, Samahan sa Kitano Community, Kayumangi Filipino Community, Kurashiki Pilipino Circle, Okayama Beautiful Family for Peace and Harmony, Tanglaw Filipino Community, Filipiniana Community, Philippine Dance Company and Mikuni Filipino Christian Community. We extend our appreciation for the contribution of Malou Mizuzawa of Sunflower Cargo, Jorge Takara of Jorex Door to Door, Susan Solon of Lapu Lapu Resto, Lisherbeth Sari Sari Store, Olie Ramos of Kubo-Phil Resto, Jose Alba Jr. of Bamboo Resto, Nora Nogami, Sonia Shigebayashi, Olive Kawaida, Bessie Vicente and Bulaluhan Resto.

Lastly, to Philippine Consul General Maria Lourdes V. Ramiro Lopez for her Inspirational Speech, Father Mario Colina for leading the Group Prayer, Jun Silva, Joy Mendez, Vicky Wakiyama, Marlon Mangila, Nixon Cacao, Maritess Kita, Carisa Sugiyama, Amy Ooi, Melvie Miyazaki, Ellen Takeuchi, Rose Kasai, Yoriko Hayashi, Susan Fuchizaki, Julima Lomocso, Katrina Fujikawa and Naito San of Cebu Pacific Airways, Osaka Office and Candice A. Iyog VP-Cebu Pacific Airways, Blessie L. Cruz and Stacy Ybud of Cebu Pacific Airways - Manila.

To one and all, let’s welcome the beauty of Autumn’s foliage. The Christmas holiday is just around the corner.