September-October 2012
Designed by Dennis Sun
www.dennissun.net
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Dennis Sun
DAISUKI!
By Dennis Sun
In Memory of Juanito C. Sun
DADDY IN DA PILIPINS
Sa nakaraang isyu, I wrote about “FUN” in the Philippines. Pero sa isyung ito, daragdagan ko iyong “FUN” into a longer word, FUN + ERAL. Just a few weeks after I went to the Philippines last June, I was back there again in July not to enjoy the “Fun in the Philippines” but to mourn my dad’s passing, as in a “Funeral in the Philippines.”
My dad was supposed to die 10 years ago. Sabi ng mga doctor sa ospital, pati na rin ang mga albularyo, manghuhula, psychic at faith healers, they all agreed that wala na raw oras ang ama namin. Tatlong buwan na lang daw. He was given a life sentence already. Kaya sabi ng mga doctor niya, ibigay na ninyo lahat ng gusto niya: mga luho at bawal kasi malapit na rin siyang pumanaw. Kaya hayun. Tuloy pa rin ang paninigarilyo. Tuloy pa rin ang sugal na kuwaho at sige pa rin sa puyat. Tuloy ang kain ng mga masasarap na lutong Kapampangan. Let your dad enjoy the remaining last months of his life. Kaya siguro lalong tumagal ang buhay ng daddy ko. Kasi, lalong nag-enjoy siya sa buhay niya. Wala ng kumokontra. Lahat ng gusto niyang kainin, binibigay.
At isa pa, hindi naniniwala sa mga manghuhula si Daddy. At hindi rin siya pwedeng kumbinsihin ng mga doctor na mamamatay na siya. Malakas ang will power ni Daddy. And surely, he proved both the psychics and doctors wrong. Imagine, 3 months became 10 years long! Actually, kung pwede pa rin i-extend yon, siguradong hahaba pa rin ang buhay niya. Subalit nag-give-up na ang kanyang katawan after all those years. Sabi nga, “The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Buto’t balat na lamang ang father ko later on. Bedridden na kaya kailangan ng 24 hours na pag-aruga ng mga caregivers na sumusuko sa kanilang gawain. Kasi, minsan, 24 hours din nag-babawas at nagsusuka si Daddy. Nakaka-awa talaga siya pero naaawa rin ako sa mga nag-aalaga sa kanya.
Actually, kahit sabihin kong nag-enjoy ang daddy ko, he suffered a lot and for a very long period of time. He was undertaking dialysis treatment twice to thrice a week for 10 years. Just in case you don’t know what this is, here is a very simple illustration: ipapasok ang malaking karayom sa ugat para kunin ang dugo na ilalagay sa isang makina. Lilinisin ang dugo at ibabalik ulit ito. Matagal, mahaba at masakit na proseso. Minsan, dahil sa haba, nakikita kong natutulog na lang ang dad ko. Noong una, nakikita ko na meron siyang nakukuhang ginhawa. Pero pagdaang ng mara-ming taon, parang wala na rin epekto. Nagsisigaw ang Daddy sa loob ng ospital. Alam naming masakit pero wala kaming magagawa. Minsan, sa kanyang tulog, kaila-ngan naming gisingin para masigurado na buhay pa rin ang tatay namin. Kaya sa loob ng sampong taon, kay raming mga pinagdaanang tusok ng karayom. Kay raming mga peklat at marami pa rin mga sugat na hindi pa nagkukumpa.
True. Once the doctors give your loved one a life sentence, you start prepa-ring for the worst. We waited for 3 months. After that, the family kept telling ourselves my dad will leave us any time soon. So prepare. Prepare. Get ready. Tumagal ng sampong taon sa ka ka-prepare. Akala ko nga, ready na rin ako once that time comes. Pero hindi. When my dad passed away, I was online in Facebook. My brother relayed to me the message. Dad is gone. Of course, I was not shocked anymore. I had 10 years of preparation, diba? Pero, hindi po. The reality is, masakit pa rin. I cried and cried that night. Naubos ang dalawang boxes ng tissue paper. Para akong nagka-kafunsho. Hindi ako natulog. Gising ako hanggang umaga. I was thinking of all the good memories I had with my Dad. At tsaka iyak lang po ako ng iyak na parang bata. I was missing my dad. I had to face the reality that even if I go back home to the Philippines, wala na siya.
This is actually a difficult article to write. Because I needed to cry, pause and stop many times to continue writing this. Hayan, naubos na naman ang tissue paper.
The night before the burial, my nephew did a film tribute to my dad. Afterwards, they all let us, his children and grandchildren, give our final messages.
During my turn, I told everyone present there that I did not lose my dad. That the one inside the coffin is not my dad anymore. My dad gave up his body already and is more alive now in spirit. And I had to tell my mom that my dad is not dead. That he is with us always and that we should always talk to him as he would appreciate it very much that we acknowledge his presence.
With my dad’s demise, I began to question our funeral tradition and compare it here in Japan. Dito, hindi dini-display ang mukha at katawan ng patay. Nasa loob lang ng kabaong. Sa atin, complete with make-up and hair style. Hindi ko alam kung sino ang nag make-up kay father. Nag mukhang bakla! Super kapal ng foundation and blush- on. At yung lipstick, shocking bloody red ang kulay! Ang cheap! Ayoko nang ganito. Mabuti na lang, yung pinsan kong babae, nag prisintang bawasan ng konti ang make-up at lipstick. Pero dumikit na ang kulay sa balat kaya masagwa pa rin.
Sa atin, uso ang paglalamay at pagpupuyat sa funenaria. Ewan ko kung bakit kailangan pa ito. Bakit ba kailangan pang bantayan ang patay, eh, hindi na naman siya aalis at magliliwaliw pa kung saan.
O kaya’y manakawan pa ang kanyang bangkay. Pwede bang lagyan ng deadline ng 8 or 9 pm? Wala naman ginagawa ang mga tao sa loob. Actually, puro tsismisan lang ang nangyayari. Nagkakasala pa ang mga tao. Patawarin! Yung iba, nakiki-kamag-anak kahit walang relasyon. Sila yung dere-derechong pupunta sa kabaong at iiyak ng malakas. Mga drama queens kuno! Gusto lang makikain at makisawsaw sa handaan. Ni isa sa mga kamag-anak ko, hindi sila kilala. Pag dating sa hapag kainan, grabe silang kumain. Pag busog na, eat and run!
Pero what I love about this is the sudden family, friends and classmate reunions. Yung mga hindi mo nakikita for so many years, biglang mag sisirati-ngan. And then you ask them, “Sino po sila?” Kasi you don’t recognize them anymore. Siya pala yung crush mo sa high school! Ngayon, “crushed” na siya kasi nag-iba na ang hitsura. May tumangkad, tumaba, pumayat, lumapad, umitim, nakalbo, gumanda, pumanget, tumanda, bumata, yumaman at isa pang hindi ko mapaniwalaan… meron pang nangungutang! Ano ba naman sila? Namatayan ka na nga at hindi pa sila nahihiyang mangutang sa yo?
At eto pa. The funeral house was not adjacent to the cemetery. Kaya imagine the traffic that the procession caused in the hi-way. This would definitely create trouble to so many people especially if they are in a rush. I think funeral houses should be placed strategically near the cemeteries.
On the day my dad passed away, he was calling all the names of his children who are mostly abroad. He remembered us all even we were so far away. Dad, sorry I was thousands of miles away to hear you call my name. But I wanted in all my life to hear you call my name again. And hear you say your good-bye.
I will always think about you, Dad, and cherish all the good things you have showered us. You have done so much to the world by raising the best kids who will carry on your legacy of helping other people. You may not have been the perfect dad, but you are the best dad!
By Dennis Sun
In Memory of Juanito C. Sun
DADDY IN DA PILIPINS
Sa nakaraang isyu, I wrote about “FUN” in the Philippines. Pero sa isyung ito, daragdagan ko iyong “FUN” into a longer word, FUN + ERAL. Just a few weeks after I went to the Philippines last June, I was back there again in July not to enjoy the “Fun in the Philippines” but to mourn my dad’s passing, as in a “Funeral in the Philippines.”
My dad was supposed to die 10 years ago. Sabi ng mga doctor sa ospital, pati na rin ang mga albularyo, manghuhula, psychic at faith healers, they all agreed that wala na raw oras ang ama namin. Tatlong buwan na lang daw. He was given a life sentence already. Kaya sabi ng mga doctor niya, ibigay na ninyo lahat ng gusto niya: mga luho at bawal kasi malapit na rin siyang pumanaw. Kaya hayun. Tuloy pa rin ang paninigarilyo. Tuloy pa rin ang sugal na kuwaho at sige pa rin sa puyat. Tuloy ang kain ng mga masasarap na lutong Kapampangan. Let your dad enjoy the remaining last months of his life. Kaya siguro lalong tumagal ang buhay ng daddy ko. Kasi, lalong nag-enjoy siya sa buhay niya. Wala ng kumokontra. Lahat ng gusto niyang kainin, binibigay.
At isa pa, hindi naniniwala sa mga manghuhula si Daddy. At hindi rin siya pwedeng kumbinsihin ng mga doctor na mamamatay na siya. Malakas ang will power ni Daddy. And surely, he proved both the psychics and doctors wrong. Imagine, 3 months became 10 years long! Actually, kung pwede pa rin i-extend yon, siguradong hahaba pa rin ang buhay niya. Subalit nag-give-up na ang kanyang katawan after all those years. Sabi nga, “The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Buto’t balat na lamang ang father ko later on. Bedridden na kaya kailangan ng 24 hours na pag-aruga ng mga caregivers na sumusuko sa kanilang gawain. Kasi, minsan, 24 hours din nag-babawas at nagsusuka si Daddy. Nakaka-awa talaga siya pero naaawa rin ako sa mga nag-aalaga sa kanya.
Actually, kahit sabihin kong nag-enjoy ang daddy ko, he suffered a lot and for a very long period of time. He was undertaking dialysis treatment twice to thrice a week for 10 years. Just in case you don’t know what this is, here is a very simple illustration: ipapasok ang malaking karayom sa ugat para kunin ang dugo na ilalagay sa isang makina. Lilinisin ang dugo at ibabalik ulit ito. Matagal, mahaba at masakit na proseso. Minsan, dahil sa haba, nakikita kong natutulog na lang ang dad ko. Noong una, nakikita ko na meron siyang nakukuhang ginhawa. Pero pagdaang ng mara-ming taon, parang wala na rin epekto. Nagsisigaw ang Daddy sa loob ng ospital. Alam naming masakit pero wala kaming magagawa. Minsan, sa kanyang tulog, kaila-ngan naming gisingin para masigurado na buhay pa rin ang tatay namin. Kaya sa loob ng sampong taon, kay raming mga pinagdaanang tusok ng karayom. Kay raming mga peklat at marami pa rin mga sugat na hindi pa nagkukumpa.
True. Once the doctors give your loved one a life sentence, you start prepa-ring for the worst. We waited for 3 months. After that, the family kept telling ourselves my dad will leave us any time soon. So prepare. Prepare. Get ready. Tumagal ng sampong taon sa ka ka-prepare. Akala ko nga, ready na rin ako once that time comes. Pero hindi. When my dad passed away, I was online in Facebook. My brother relayed to me the message. Dad is gone. Of course, I was not shocked anymore. I had 10 years of preparation, diba? Pero, hindi po. The reality is, masakit pa rin. I cried and cried that night. Naubos ang dalawang boxes ng tissue paper. Para akong nagka-kafunsho. Hindi ako natulog. Gising ako hanggang umaga. I was thinking of all the good memories I had with my Dad. At tsaka iyak lang po ako ng iyak na parang bata. I was missing my dad. I had to face the reality that even if I go back home to the Philippines, wala na siya.
This is actually a difficult article to write. Because I needed to cry, pause and stop many times to continue writing this. Hayan, naubos na naman ang tissue paper.
The night before the burial, my nephew did a film tribute to my dad. Afterwards, they all let us, his children and grandchildren, give our final messages.
During my turn, I told everyone present there that I did not lose my dad. That the one inside the coffin is not my dad anymore. My dad gave up his body already and is more alive now in spirit. And I had to tell my mom that my dad is not dead. That he is with us always and that we should always talk to him as he would appreciate it very much that we acknowledge his presence.
With my dad’s demise, I began to question our funeral tradition and compare it here in Japan. Dito, hindi dini-display ang mukha at katawan ng patay. Nasa loob lang ng kabaong. Sa atin, complete with make-up and hair style. Hindi ko alam kung sino ang nag make-up kay father. Nag mukhang bakla! Super kapal ng foundation and blush- on. At yung lipstick, shocking bloody red ang kulay! Ang cheap! Ayoko nang ganito. Mabuti na lang, yung pinsan kong babae, nag prisintang bawasan ng konti ang make-up at lipstick. Pero dumikit na ang kulay sa balat kaya masagwa pa rin.
Sa atin, uso ang paglalamay at pagpupuyat sa funenaria. Ewan ko kung bakit kailangan pa ito. Bakit ba kailangan pang bantayan ang patay, eh, hindi na naman siya aalis at magliliwaliw pa kung saan.
O kaya’y manakawan pa ang kanyang bangkay. Pwede bang lagyan ng deadline ng 8 or 9 pm? Wala naman ginagawa ang mga tao sa loob. Actually, puro tsismisan lang ang nangyayari. Nagkakasala pa ang mga tao. Patawarin! Yung iba, nakiki-kamag-anak kahit walang relasyon. Sila yung dere-derechong pupunta sa kabaong at iiyak ng malakas. Mga drama queens kuno! Gusto lang makikain at makisawsaw sa handaan. Ni isa sa mga kamag-anak ko, hindi sila kilala. Pag dating sa hapag kainan, grabe silang kumain. Pag busog na, eat and run!
Pero what I love about this is the sudden family, friends and classmate reunions. Yung mga hindi mo nakikita for so many years, biglang mag sisirati-ngan. And then you ask them, “Sino po sila?” Kasi you don’t recognize them anymore. Siya pala yung crush mo sa high school! Ngayon, “crushed” na siya kasi nag-iba na ang hitsura. May tumangkad, tumaba, pumayat, lumapad, umitim, nakalbo, gumanda, pumanget, tumanda, bumata, yumaman at isa pang hindi ko mapaniwalaan… meron pang nangungutang! Ano ba naman sila? Namatayan ka na nga at hindi pa sila nahihiyang mangutang sa yo?
At eto pa. The funeral house was not adjacent to the cemetery. Kaya imagine the traffic that the procession caused in the hi-way. This would definitely create trouble to so many people especially if they are in a rush. I think funeral houses should be placed strategically near the cemeteries.
On the day my dad passed away, he was calling all the names of his children who are mostly abroad. He remembered us all even we were so far away. Dad, sorry I was thousands of miles away to hear you call my name. But I wanted in all my life to hear you call my name again. And hear you say your good-bye.
I will always think about you, Dad, and cherish all the good things you have showered us. You have done so much to the world by raising the best kids who will carry on your legacy of helping other people. You may not have been the perfect dad, but you are the best dad!
Alma R. H. Reyes
TRAFFIC
by Alma R. H. Reyes
Beat the Heat
There is a lot to be said about the heat and humidity that swept Japan these past months. Despite coming from a tropical country, one never stops to complain about the heat… heat… heat… The extreme humidity is just so overwhelming that, especially for myself, I would find myself completely laid back, lethargic, not being able to function well, think well, nor eat well. Many Japanese actually develop a kind of sickness due to the heat, with some elderly people collapsing in their homes.
Last year, after the colossal nuclear plant explosion, there was the “setsuden” (electric power savings) mode that ruled all over Tokyo, especially. It was equally discomforting to go to shopping malls, stores, and train stations with air-conditioning controlled at 28 C; line up behind one escalator because the rest of the escalators were blocked; and crowd behind turnstiles because the rest of the turnstiles were also blocked. This year, however, the “setsuden” mode did not seem as harsh as last year. In fact, it felt like the Filipino “ningas cogon” wherein we start with something but don’t continue it later. Did the Japanese have enough of “setsuden?” Did they already learn from their mistakes? Of course, the answers are NO. But, whatever and however they plan to do to maintain social consciousness in energy saving, one can only hope they do it wisely and sincerely.
Japan, According to the Book of Jobs
You know how they say, when it rains, it pours? Japan’s economy is said to be going down the drain, with increasing unemployment in the air. Many people have been losing their jobs; many businesses have been closing down. And, many still cannot find job replacements. The first step in preparing for a job hunt in Japan is to organize your “rireikisho,” the Japanese curriculum vitae. Many of us may have seen this one folded sheet, with items listed that you just need to fill up. It is not like the Western-style curriculum vitae, where you practically have to draft it by yourself, enumerate your past work experiences and current potentials and credentials. In the Japanese rirekisho, the format is summed up to your educational profile, work profile, hobbies, and any certificates you may have garnered, with of course your address, date of birth and photograph. This format has been used for generations, without a single amendment; whereas in the Western-style curriculum vitae, the date of birth and photograph are sometimes omitted, and your personal profile is trimmed for a more customized outline to suit the specific company or establishment you are applying for.
Nobody likes job interviews. I’m certain, likewise, that many of us who work in this country, have had nightmare experiences with job applications. I certainly have. I can never forget one of my very first job interviews in Japan. I was fresh out of the university and had neither knowledge nor preparation on what a job interview in Japan would look like. In fact, on the same day of my job interview, I had an appointment to go to Kamakura to spend a day with a Japanese acquaintance working for Matsushita Corporation. As it was a pleasure trip to Kamakura, I merely wore a casual long skirt and blouse. Having badly estimated my train schedule back to Tokyo, I showed up late for my interview, in one of Japan’s biggest multinational companies, the Mitsubishi Corporation. I was on the phone several times informing my in-house contact at Mitsubishi that my train was running late. She started to panic for me and kept reminding me to hurry. When I arrived at Mitsubishi, I was sweating with a mix of anxiety and tension, knowing that I arrived late. My friend escorted me quickly to the interview room. I did not even have time to pass by the ladies’ room to groom and calm down myself. When I opened the door, I thought I would have a heart attack. There was a long table with about more than fifteen if not more, manager-looking businessmen in suits seated, looking and waiting for me impatiently. And, I showed up in a casual long skirt and blouse! My friend did not inform me it was going to be a panel interview. I imagined the whole time it was going to be a man-to-man interview. There was a single chair in the middle of the room, which was obviously my seat. I entered bowing with an apologetic face, feeling so small and timid, grossly embarrassed. After I expressed my apologies for my tardiness, one of the managers spoke, “So...how was Kamakura?” Ughhhhhh…… Do I have to conclude if I got the job or not?
You probably see how around February or March, many young women walk hurriedly in the streets, train stations and outside office buildings. They wear typical black business suits (skirt and blazer) and white undershirt, black shoes, and a black bag. For men, it is the same: black suits, white undershirt, and a black portfolio. This is a typical and standard “get-up” for a typical job interview for a typical Japanese company. You would not dare show up in any other attire as this, or Japanese would simply think you “don’t fit.”
School interviews are the same. Fathers and mothers dress up in business suit attires—for mothers, normally in dark blue color, and dark blue or black pump shoes. Their children, as young as kindergarten-age, likewise, dressed in crisp children’s suits: business-like short pants for the boys; and smart-looking black or dark blue dresses for the girls. Dress code is such an essential factor in formal interviews in Japan.
When you are over 30 or 35, the job market in Japan is very hard to penetrate; double the difficulty for women. Like in any other setting, you would end up with not what you know, but whom you know.
I did some part-time private English teaching when I was still studying in the university. During those years, one could earn an hour’s teaching job for twice the rate being given today. What a shame!
Yes, times have changed. And, no longer as rosy as we wish to imagine…
Motto gambarinakya!!!!
by Alma R. H. Reyes
There is a lot to be said about the heat and humidity that swept Japan these past months. Despite coming from a tropical country, one never stops to complain about the heat… heat… heat… The extreme humidity is just so overwhelming that, especially for myself, I would find myself completely laid back, lethargic, not being able to function well, think well, nor eat well. Many Japanese actually develop a kind of sickness due to the heat, with some elderly people collapsing in their homes.
Last year, after the colossal nuclear plant explosion, there was the “setsuden” (electric power savings) mode that ruled all over Tokyo, especially. It was equally discomforting to go to shopping malls, stores, and train stations with air-conditioning controlled at 28 C; line up behind one escalator because the rest of the escalators were blocked; and crowd behind turnstiles because the rest of the turnstiles were also blocked. This year, however, the “setsuden” mode did not seem as harsh as last year. In fact, it felt like the Filipino “ningas cogon” wherein we start with something but don’t continue it later. Did the Japanese have enough of “setsuden?” Did they already learn from their mistakes? Of course, the answers are NO. But, whatever and however they plan to do to maintain social consciousness in energy saving, one can only hope they do it wisely and sincerely.
Japan, According to the Book of Jobs
You know how they say, when it rains, it pours? Japan’s economy is said to be going down the drain, with increasing unemployment in the air. Many people have been losing their jobs; many businesses have been closing down. And, many still cannot find job replacements. The first step in preparing for a job hunt in Japan is to organize your “rireikisho,” the Japanese curriculum vitae. Many of us may have seen this one folded sheet, with items listed that you just need to fill up. It is not like the Western-style curriculum vitae, where you practically have to draft it by yourself, enumerate your past work experiences and current potentials and credentials. In the Japanese rirekisho, the format is summed up to your educational profile, work profile, hobbies, and any certificates you may have garnered, with of course your address, date of birth and photograph. This format has been used for generations, without a single amendment; whereas in the Western-style curriculum vitae, the date of birth and photograph are sometimes omitted, and your personal profile is trimmed for a more customized outline to suit the specific company or establishment you are applying for.
Nobody likes job interviews. I’m certain, likewise, that many of us who work in this country, have had nightmare experiences with job applications. I certainly have. I can never forget one of my very first job interviews in Japan. I was fresh out of the university and had neither knowledge nor preparation on what a job interview in Japan would look like. In fact, on the same day of my job interview, I had an appointment to go to Kamakura to spend a day with a Japanese acquaintance working for Matsushita Corporation. As it was a pleasure trip to Kamakura, I merely wore a casual long skirt and blouse. Having badly estimated my train schedule back to Tokyo, I showed up late for my interview, in one of Japan’s biggest multinational companies, the Mitsubishi Corporation. I was on the phone several times informing my in-house contact at Mitsubishi that my train was running late. She started to panic for me and kept reminding me to hurry. When I arrived at Mitsubishi, I was sweating with a mix of anxiety and tension, knowing that I arrived late. My friend escorted me quickly to the interview room. I did not even have time to pass by the ladies’ room to groom and calm down myself. When I opened the door, I thought I would have a heart attack. There was a long table with about more than fifteen if not more, manager-looking businessmen in suits seated, looking and waiting for me impatiently. And, I showed up in a casual long skirt and blouse! My friend did not inform me it was going to be a panel interview. I imagined the whole time it was going to be a man-to-man interview. There was a single chair in the middle of the room, which was obviously my seat. I entered bowing with an apologetic face, feeling so small and timid, grossly embarrassed. After I expressed my apologies for my tardiness, one of the managers spoke, “So...how was Kamakura?” Ughhhhhh…… Do I have to conclude if I got the job or not?
You probably see how around February or March, many young women walk hurriedly in the streets, train stations and outside office buildings. They wear typical black business suits (skirt and blazer) and white undershirt, black shoes, and a black bag. For men, it is the same: black suits, white undershirt, and a black portfolio. This is a typical and standard “get-up” for a typical job interview for a typical Japanese company. You would not dare show up in any other attire as this, or Japanese would simply think you “don’t fit.”
School interviews are the same. Fathers and mothers dress up in business suit attires—for mothers, normally in dark blue color, and dark blue or black pump shoes. Their children, as young as kindergarten-age, likewise, dressed in crisp children’s suits: business-like short pants for the boys; and smart-looking black or dark blue dresses for the girls. Dress code is such an essential factor in formal interviews in Japan.
When you are over 30 or 35, the job market in Japan is very hard to penetrate; double the difficulty for women. Like in any other setting, you would end up with not what you know, but whom you know.
I did some part-time private English teaching when I was still studying in the university. During those years, one could earn an hour’s teaching job for twice the rate being given today. What a shame!
Yes, times have changed. And, no longer as rosy as we wish to imagine…
Motto gambarinakya!!!!
Jasmin Vasquez
Ano Ne!
ni Jasmin Vasquez
Basurang Tinapon N’yo, Babalik Din sa Inyo!!!
Alam nyo po ba na pumapangalawa ang Pilipinas sa mga bansang may pinakaramaming basura sa buong mundo sa karagatan? Pinangungunahan ito ng Estados Unidos at pumapangatlo naman ang Costa Rica.
Ayon sa Ocean Conservancy, may 1,355,236 piraso ng basura ang na-recover mula sa mga bahagi ng karagatan at baybaying-dagat ng Pilipinas sa kanilang isinagawang International Coastal Clean-up noong Setyembre ng nakaraang taon. Nanguna sa listahan ang Estados Unidos sa pinakamaraming basurang nakuha, na umabot sa 3,945,855 piraso. Ikatlo ang Costa Rica na may 1,017,621 piraso.
Isa ito sa pinaka-malaking problema ng ating bansa. Ang kawalan ng disiplina at walang tigil na pagtatapon ng mga basura sa ating karagatan. Kaya namamatay ang ating mga yamang-dagat sanhi ng polusyon sa tubig.
Nangununa sa listahan ng mga bagay na nakuha sa dagat ay ang mga plastic bags, paper bags, at food wrappers, basura ng sigarilyo (gaya ng upos filter at kaha), at diapers. Gayun din ang ilang mga piraso ng damit at sapatos.
Dahil dito, tuluyan ng nangamamatay ang mga isda sa dagat at ilog na isa sa ating ikinabubuhay. Magtataka ka pa ba kung wala ng mahuling isda ang ating mga mangingisda?
Nakakatakot isipin ang hagupit ng dagat kapag tayo ay siningil sa ating pag-aabuso sa pagtatapon ng mga basura. Mayroon tayong kasabihan na kung ano ang iyong itinanim ay sya mong aanihin. Kung kaya ang mga basurang mga itinapon mo sa ating karagatan ay maaring bumalik sayo.
Katunayan unti-unti na tayong sinisingil ng dagat sa ating mga pag-aabuso. Ilang beses ng bumagyo sa Pilipinas at habang tumatagal pataas ng pataas ang level ng tubig sa umaahon mula dito kasabay ng mga basurang tinapon nang mga tao.
Huwag nating abusuhin ang karagatan. Simulan nating disiplinahin ang ating mga sarili mula sa pag hihiwalay ng mga basura ayon sa kani-lang uri. Paghiwalayin ang mga nasusunog at di pweding sunugin; ang mga plastic, papel, bote at lata na maari pang i-recycle at pakinabangan.
Maging aral sana sa atin ang mga larawang ito upang maiwasan nating mangyari ulit sa atin ang ganitong klaseng sakuna.
ni Jasmin Vasquez
Basurang Tinapon N’yo, Babalik Din sa Inyo!!!
Alam nyo po ba na pumapangalawa ang Pilipinas sa mga bansang may pinakaramaming basura sa buong mundo sa karagatan? Pinangungunahan ito ng Estados Unidos at pumapangatlo naman ang Costa Rica.
Ayon sa Ocean Conservancy, may 1,355,236 piraso ng basura ang na-recover mula sa mga bahagi ng karagatan at baybaying-dagat ng Pilipinas sa kanilang isinagawang International Coastal Clean-up noong Setyembre ng nakaraang taon. Nanguna sa listahan ang Estados Unidos sa pinakamaraming basurang nakuha, na umabot sa 3,945,855 piraso. Ikatlo ang Costa Rica na may 1,017,621 piraso.
Isa ito sa pinaka-malaking problema ng ating bansa. Ang kawalan ng disiplina at walang tigil na pagtatapon ng mga basura sa ating karagatan. Kaya namamatay ang ating mga yamang-dagat sanhi ng polusyon sa tubig.
Nangununa sa listahan ng mga bagay na nakuha sa dagat ay ang mga plastic bags, paper bags, at food wrappers, basura ng sigarilyo (gaya ng upos filter at kaha), at diapers. Gayun din ang ilang mga piraso ng damit at sapatos.
Dahil dito, tuluyan ng nangamamatay ang mga isda sa dagat at ilog na isa sa ating ikinabubuhay. Magtataka ka pa ba kung wala ng mahuling isda ang ating mga mangingisda?
Nakakatakot isipin ang hagupit ng dagat kapag tayo ay siningil sa ating pag-aabuso sa pagtatapon ng mga basura. Mayroon tayong kasabihan na kung ano ang iyong itinanim ay sya mong aanihin. Kung kaya ang mga basurang mga itinapon mo sa ating karagatan ay maaring bumalik sayo.
Katunayan unti-unti na tayong sinisingil ng dagat sa ating mga pag-aabuso. Ilang beses ng bumagyo sa Pilipinas at habang tumatagal pataas ng pataas ang level ng tubig sa umaahon mula dito kasabay ng mga basurang tinapon nang mga tao.
Huwag nating abusuhin ang karagatan. Simulan nating disiplinahin ang ating mga sarili mula sa pag hihiwalay ng mga basura ayon sa kani-lang uri. Paghiwalayin ang mga nasusunog at di pweding sunugin; ang mga plastic, papel, bote at lata na maari pang i-recycle at pakinabangan.
Maging aral sana sa atin ang mga larawang ito upang maiwasan nating mangyari ulit sa atin ang ganitong klaseng sakuna.
Marcial Caniones
ITLOG na PULA
by Marcial Caniones
‘Pinas Pa Rin!
Alam kong miss na miss ‘nyo na ang fish ball na nasawsaw sa maanghang na suka at sabay lagok sa malamig na gulaman.
Sigurado akong hindi ‘nyo rin makalimutan ang iyakan, bilinan at yakapan blues nuong hinatid kayo sa Airport sa Maynila. Sariwa pa rin sigurado sa inyong mga ala-ala ang umaa-lingasaw na amoy ng diesel ng mga jeep at ng ingay ng mga naghaharurutang mga bus na makabasag tenga sa EDSA.
Katakam-takam pa rin ang huling kurot mo sa balat ng litson at mamanti-mantikang napag-ipitang laman at taba na hinagod sa manamisnamis na malapot na sarsa. Na miss mo rin ba yung inihaw na bangus na may makapal na taba ng tiyan na nasawsaw sa toyo’t kalamansi na may dinikdik na siling labuyo? Ang mala-dagat na amoy ng grilled pusit na may maraming palaman na sibuyas at kamatis?
Parang nakakagutom, di po ba?
Sige mag himagas muna tayo.
Ang sarap ng halo-halo na may patong na halayang ube at leche flan at mara-ming gatas evaporada, at habang hinahalo ito ay dahan-dahang sumisi-ngaw pataas ang mala-usok na lamig mula sa pinong kinudkod na yelo na malumanay na humahaplos sa iyong mukha.
Miss mo na ang Pilipinas no?
Ako hindi!
Paano ko naman kasi mamiss ang Pinas eh, araw-araw kong naririnig ang matining na inagay ng mga busina ng jeep! May businang parang umiiyak na bata, may businang parang humahalak at may businang parang hagulgol ng kabayo! May mga jeep na nagbababa sa gitna ng kalsada. May mga pasakay na pasahero nag o-overtakan sa pila. Ika nga ‘Only in the Philippines’.
Araw-araw pa rin akong nakikipagsiksikan sa bus…“kuya kaunting usog po bandang likod… marami pa pong sasakay na pasahero” madalas sigaw ng kundoktor…hanggang na punta ako sa dulo at nang malapit na akong bumaba ay sumigaw ako ng “para...para!” at lumampas na ako ng dalawang kanto mula sa aking bababaan dahil kailangan ko muling makipagsik-sikan palabas ng bus at sasalubungin ang mga nakataas na kili-kili na nakaumang sa aking mukha na may halo-halong masangsang at makahimatay na amoy. Hay, naku po nga naman.
Araw-araw ko rin naa-amoy ang usok sa kalsada na hindi galing sa mga jeep at bus, kundi galing sa mga napakahabang hilera ng mga walang tigil na nagpapay-payang mga tindero’t tindera sa kanilang mga bina-bar-b-q sa kanya-kanyang mga ihawan sa side walk - bitukang manok, leeg ng manok, paa ng manok, ulo ng manok, balat ng manok, puso ng manok, atay ng manok, dugo ng manok, puwit ng manok, kahit nga palong ng manok; kulang na nga lang pati balahibo at kuko ng manok. Sa sobrang usok, mabubusog ka na sa amoy ng mga sari-sari bahagi ng iniihaw na manok.
Halos araw-araw din ay sardinas ang ulam ng mga kapit-bahay, mura na tipid pa sa Gasul. Ang teknik- bukas… tak-tak instant ulam na. Ihalo sa mainit na kanin gamit ang kanang kamay, pigaan ng kalamansi, kung walang kalamansi buhusan ng kaunting suka at budburan ng ga-kurot na asin, ipatong ang kanang talampakan at paa sa gilid ng upuan at isakbit ang braso sa tuhod, e halo ng mabilis ang sardinas sa mainit na kanin gamit uli ang kamay, at ihipan-hipan ang binilog-bilog na mainit at mausok-usok na kanin gamit pa rin ang kamay. Hayun... parang buhay Don at Dona kana… walang ka proble-problema.
Puro iyakan din ang mapapanuod sa TV lalo na’t wala kang cable at umabo’t ka sa bahay ng alas 6 ng gabi hanggang 9 na ng gabi. Lahat ng channel may drama. Ang mga karakter sa mga Telenobela ay hindi nagbago simula pa nuong panahon ng Flor de Luna- Ang Inay, iyakin; Ang Tatay, lasenggo; ang Anak, malikot; Ang Biyenan, matapobre; Ang Tiyahin, masungit; Ang kapit-bahay, tsismosa; Ang kapit-bahay na babae, malandi; Ang kapit-bahay na lalaki, rapist; Ang kapit-bahay na bata, abnormal; Hay, puro negatib ang napapanood!
At ang pampalubag loob at ang matinong karakter lang sa telenobela ay ang Aso.
Opo… ang aso lang ang matino! Siya lang po talaga…kasi ang may…MAGIC!
Siya po ang nagbigay ng swerte sa lahat ng mga karakter ng telenobela. At papaano ba naman ika ‘nyo? Tumatae siya ng ginto…siya ang nagpayaman sa lahat ng mga karakter at nagiging masaya ang lahat!
Wala ng- iyakin, lasenggo, malikot, masungit, tsismosa, matapobre, malandi, rapist, abnormal…dahil kung hindi sila lahat magtitino, hihinto siya ng kakatae ng ginto!
So… ‘nung pag alis mo, ganuon para rin ang Pinas…
Pero mayroon din naman unti-unting nagbabago, dahan-dahan na nagbabago, makatutuhanang pagbabago.
Yung mga padala mo:
Nabawi muli ang lupa na isinangla ni ‘Itay para ikaw ay makabiyahe.
Si Jun-Jun, natapos din ng Information Technology.
Hayun, pinapasada na ni Mister ang jeep na hinuhulagan mo.
Nakakakita na ng maayos si Lola Ising sa tulong mo sa pagpapa-opera.
Salamat daw sa wheelchair na binigay mo kay tiyo Edgar.
Ninang ka raw kay Ate Mila sa kanyang kasal, salamat daw sa bigay mong panghanda.
Yung laptop, tuwang-tuwa si lolo dahil nakausap ka niya sa internet kahit malayo ka.
Sa wakas matatapos na rin ang pangarap mong bahay.
Hiniram nga pala sa barangay ang Magic Sing na binili mo, fiesta kasi.
Na-operahan na rin sa atay si Binoy at malakas na siya ngayon.
Marami ring tambay ang nakakapag trabaho sa tinayo mong gawaan ng suman.
Hindi mo man wari,
hindi mo man ramdam,
hindi mo man alam…
Bahagi ka pa rin ng napakalaking pagbabago!
Una para sa pamilya... unti-unting…
dadaloy…
Para sa Bayan.
by Marcial Caniones
‘Pinas Pa Rin!
Alam kong miss na miss ‘nyo na ang fish ball na nasawsaw sa maanghang na suka at sabay lagok sa malamig na gulaman.
Sigurado akong hindi ‘nyo rin makalimutan ang iyakan, bilinan at yakapan blues nuong hinatid kayo sa Airport sa Maynila. Sariwa pa rin sigurado sa inyong mga ala-ala ang umaa-lingasaw na amoy ng diesel ng mga jeep at ng ingay ng mga naghaharurutang mga bus na makabasag tenga sa EDSA.
Katakam-takam pa rin ang huling kurot mo sa balat ng litson at mamanti-mantikang napag-ipitang laman at taba na hinagod sa manamisnamis na malapot na sarsa. Na miss mo rin ba yung inihaw na bangus na may makapal na taba ng tiyan na nasawsaw sa toyo’t kalamansi na may dinikdik na siling labuyo? Ang mala-dagat na amoy ng grilled pusit na may maraming palaman na sibuyas at kamatis?
Parang nakakagutom, di po ba?
Sige mag himagas muna tayo.
Ang sarap ng halo-halo na may patong na halayang ube at leche flan at mara-ming gatas evaporada, at habang hinahalo ito ay dahan-dahang sumisi-ngaw pataas ang mala-usok na lamig mula sa pinong kinudkod na yelo na malumanay na humahaplos sa iyong mukha.
Miss mo na ang Pilipinas no?
Ako hindi!
Paano ko naman kasi mamiss ang Pinas eh, araw-araw kong naririnig ang matining na inagay ng mga busina ng jeep! May businang parang umiiyak na bata, may businang parang humahalak at may businang parang hagulgol ng kabayo! May mga jeep na nagbababa sa gitna ng kalsada. May mga pasakay na pasahero nag o-overtakan sa pila. Ika nga ‘Only in the Philippines’.
Araw-araw pa rin akong nakikipagsiksikan sa bus…“kuya kaunting usog po bandang likod… marami pa pong sasakay na pasahero” madalas sigaw ng kundoktor…hanggang na punta ako sa dulo at nang malapit na akong bumaba ay sumigaw ako ng “para...para!” at lumampas na ako ng dalawang kanto mula sa aking bababaan dahil kailangan ko muling makipagsik-sikan palabas ng bus at sasalubungin ang mga nakataas na kili-kili na nakaumang sa aking mukha na may halo-halong masangsang at makahimatay na amoy. Hay, naku po nga naman.
Araw-araw ko rin naa-amoy ang usok sa kalsada na hindi galing sa mga jeep at bus, kundi galing sa mga napakahabang hilera ng mga walang tigil na nagpapay-payang mga tindero’t tindera sa kanilang mga bina-bar-b-q sa kanya-kanyang mga ihawan sa side walk - bitukang manok, leeg ng manok, paa ng manok, ulo ng manok, balat ng manok, puso ng manok, atay ng manok, dugo ng manok, puwit ng manok, kahit nga palong ng manok; kulang na nga lang pati balahibo at kuko ng manok. Sa sobrang usok, mabubusog ka na sa amoy ng mga sari-sari bahagi ng iniihaw na manok.
Halos araw-araw din ay sardinas ang ulam ng mga kapit-bahay, mura na tipid pa sa Gasul. Ang teknik- bukas… tak-tak instant ulam na. Ihalo sa mainit na kanin gamit ang kanang kamay, pigaan ng kalamansi, kung walang kalamansi buhusan ng kaunting suka at budburan ng ga-kurot na asin, ipatong ang kanang talampakan at paa sa gilid ng upuan at isakbit ang braso sa tuhod, e halo ng mabilis ang sardinas sa mainit na kanin gamit uli ang kamay, at ihipan-hipan ang binilog-bilog na mainit at mausok-usok na kanin gamit pa rin ang kamay. Hayun... parang buhay Don at Dona kana… walang ka proble-problema.
Puro iyakan din ang mapapanuod sa TV lalo na’t wala kang cable at umabo’t ka sa bahay ng alas 6 ng gabi hanggang 9 na ng gabi. Lahat ng channel may drama. Ang mga karakter sa mga Telenobela ay hindi nagbago simula pa nuong panahon ng Flor de Luna- Ang Inay, iyakin; Ang Tatay, lasenggo; ang Anak, malikot; Ang Biyenan, matapobre; Ang Tiyahin, masungit; Ang kapit-bahay, tsismosa; Ang kapit-bahay na babae, malandi; Ang kapit-bahay na lalaki, rapist; Ang kapit-bahay na bata, abnormal; Hay, puro negatib ang napapanood!
At ang pampalubag loob at ang matinong karakter lang sa telenobela ay ang Aso.
Opo… ang aso lang ang matino! Siya lang po talaga…kasi ang may…MAGIC!
Siya po ang nagbigay ng swerte sa lahat ng mga karakter ng telenobela. At papaano ba naman ika ‘nyo? Tumatae siya ng ginto…siya ang nagpayaman sa lahat ng mga karakter at nagiging masaya ang lahat!
Wala ng- iyakin, lasenggo, malikot, masungit, tsismosa, matapobre, malandi, rapist, abnormal…dahil kung hindi sila lahat magtitino, hihinto siya ng kakatae ng ginto!
So… ‘nung pag alis mo, ganuon para rin ang Pinas…
Pero mayroon din naman unti-unting nagbabago, dahan-dahan na nagbabago, makatutuhanang pagbabago.
Yung mga padala mo:
Nabawi muli ang lupa na isinangla ni ‘Itay para ikaw ay makabiyahe.
Si Jun-Jun, natapos din ng Information Technology.
Hayun, pinapasada na ni Mister ang jeep na hinuhulagan mo.
Nakakakita na ng maayos si Lola Ising sa tulong mo sa pagpapa-opera.
Salamat daw sa wheelchair na binigay mo kay tiyo Edgar.
Ninang ka raw kay Ate Mila sa kanyang kasal, salamat daw sa bigay mong panghanda.
Yung laptop, tuwang-tuwa si lolo dahil nakausap ka niya sa internet kahit malayo ka.
Sa wakas matatapos na rin ang pangarap mong bahay.
Hiniram nga pala sa barangay ang Magic Sing na binili mo, fiesta kasi.
Na-operahan na rin sa atay si Binoy at malakas na siya ngayon.
Marami ring tambay ang nakakapag trabaho sa tinayo mong gawaan ng suman.
Hindi mo man wari,
hindi mo man ramdam,
hindi mo man alam…
Bahagi ka pa rin ng napakalaking pagbabago!
Una para sa pamilya... unti-unting…
dadaloy…
Para sa Bayan.
Loleng Ramos
KAPATIRAN
by Loleng Ramos
Ang SEMI
Sa paglabas ng issue na ito, tapos na muli ang ingay ng mga “semi” o cicada. Malaki man ang pagkakaiba, katulad ng pagtatapos ng season ng Sakura, pareho ang pakiramdam na hinahatid nila sa akin, lungkot. Isang taon muli bago bumalik ang kantahan ng mga semi! Katulad ng mga mga taong mahilig mang-asar, hahanap-hanapin mo kapag nawawala pero kapag nag-iingay, kung pwede lang lagyan ng zipper ang bibig!
Bakit nga ba sila gumagawa ng ganyang ingay? Ito raw ang tinatawag na courting song, mga lalaking semi (male cicada) lang ang gumagawa ng ingay, harana baga at eto ang mag-aakit sa babaeng cicada. Kapag napasagot ng Floranteng semi ang babae, ang mabilis na pagaspas ng pakpak ng cicadang Laura ay nanga-ngahulugan ng matamis na “oo”. Kapag sabay-sabay silang umaawit, eto naman ang ‘cicada chorus’ at eto din ang ingay na kina-kagisnan ko sa bawat umaga ng Summer. Paano ba naman ako hindi malulungkot kapag wala na sila, ang ibig sabihin din nito, tapos na ang Tag-init at susulong na naman ang mahabang panahon ng Tag-lamig. Para sa akin din, nakakasaya ang ingay ng mga semi, nakakasigla at tunay na nakakamangha. Merong mga oras na pinapakinggan ko sila habang ako ay nagmumuni-muni; ilan kaya silang nagkakantahan (iba-iba ang banda, ang bawat uri ng semi ay merong sariling himig), hindi kaya sila namamaos? Bakit pati sa gabi ay meron pa ding maiingay na semi? Ang kantahan nila ay buong araw at magdamag, tumitindi ito kasabay sa pagtaas ng temperatura, dahil angkop ang init sa mga insektong ito, mas mainit ang panahon, mas ganado sila sa kanilang musika. Depende din sa uri, merong kumakanta sa umaga, sa katanghalian o sa gabi.
Binabalik din nila ang ala-ala ng aking kabataan, sa tuwing nagbabakasyon ako sa probinsya noon, ang ingay ng mga kuliglig (cricket) para sa akin ay music din. Gabi naman kapag marinig ko sila, sa pagtatapos ng aming paglalaro bago mag-hapunan, nag-uumpisa na silang magkantahan, para silang patrol na nagsasabing uwi na sa bahay at naka-abang na ang pamalo dahil madilim na ay nasa labas pa ng kami ng bahay. Subalit hindi lamang pamalo ang nawawala ngayon sa mga bata, pati na rin ang mga kuliglig. Sa aking mga pagbabakasyon habang ako ay lumalaki na (o tumatanda) kahit na inaabot na ako ng madaling araw sa kalye, wala pa rin ang mga kuliglig, hinahanap-hanap ko ang ingay nila na ‘music to my ears”. Siguro dahil nawala na rin ang bukid, subdivision na ngayon, siguro din dahil mas maingay na ngayon sa mundo. Ang mga batang nagpapatintero noon habang maliwang at bilog ang buwan sa gabi ay nasa loob na lang ng mga bahay ngayon at naglalaro ng Nintendo. Halos lahat ay wala ng panahon na makinig sa kanila. Nakakalungkot di ba kapatid? Sa ating tinitirhan ngayon dito sa Japan, ikatuwa natin sa halip na ika-inis ang ingay ng mga semi. Napakahabang panahon ang inilagi nila sa ilalim ng lupa, depende sa uri; merong isa, dalawa, labin-tatlo hanggang labing-pitong taon sa ilalim ng lupa. Sa kanilang pag-labas, handa ng mag-palit ng anyo, handa ng mag-pamilya, handa ng makita ang mundo sa buong kaliwanagan nito, tamasahin ang buhay!. Ito na nga ang umpisa ng sa kanila ay “Utawit”. Makisaya tayo sa kanila. Makidiwang tayo sa buhay nila, sa loob din ng napaka-ikling panahon pagkatapos mangyari ang sagot sa ‘utawit’, sandali lamang, araw o ilang lingo at tuluyan na silang mama-alam sa mundo, tapos na ang kanilang buhay. Nangyari at natapos na ang sa kanila ay layunin, ang bumuo ng susunod na buhay.
Sa molting (pagpapalit ng anyo) ng semi, iniiwan nila ang kanilang lumang talukap (exoskeleton o empty shell). Meron akong napanood sa telebisyon na artist na nangongolekta nito at gumagawa siya ng work of art katulad ng sculpture mula rito, nakakabilib! Kung sa iba ay medyo nakakakilabot ang pinaghubarang ito ng semi, sa kanya ay isang medium (paraan) sa pagpapahayag ng kanyang sining (Art). Maraming katulad niya na hindi sa ingay ng insektong ito tinutuon ang pansin kundi sa hinahatid nitong inspirasyon at simbolo. Hindi lamang dito sa Japan kundi sa maraming parte ng mundo, noon pa mang panahon ng sibilisasyon ng Greko, ang semi ay nagbibigay ng pagpapakahulugang malayo sa kung paano sila tingnan ng maraming tao. Reincarnation, Rebirth, o pagkabuhay na muli. Nong una akong makakita nito akala ko ay nakakalat na patay na insekto, lumang damit pala, lumang sarili.
Sa ating buhay, pwede din ito mangyari, kung tipong pakiramdam natin ay handa na tayo sa isang bagong hinaharap, sa isang pagbabago sa ating sarili, kailangan nating magbago din ng anyo. Kung dating mahiyain tayo at sobrang kiyeme na wala tuloy tayong nakukuhang kaibigan o ka-ibigan, panahon na iharap natin sa mundo ang taglay nating katangian. Kung sa ngayon naman ay sobra tayo sa pagpapakita ng ating katangian, mas maganda sigurong itama natin ang ating anyo, tamang pananamit, pananalita, pamumuhay, bagong ako!
O di ba kapatid, ang ingay ng semi ay isang kundiman, klasik! Libo mang taon ang nakaraan, ang kanta nila ay pareho pa rin, ang simbolo nila ay pareho pa rin. Ang mabuhay na muli ng may kahulugan, layunin, lalim!
by Loleng Ramos
Ang SEMI
Sa paglabas ng issue na ito, tapos na muli ang ingay ng mga “semi” o cicada. Malaki man ang pagkakaiba, katulad ng pagtatapos ng season ng Sakura, pareho ang pakiramdam na hinahatid nila sa akin, lungkot. Isang taon muli bago bumalik ang kantahan ng mga semi! Katulad ng mga mga taong mahilig mang-asar, hahanap-hanapin mo kapag nawawala pero kapag nag-iingay, kung pwede lang lagyan ng zipper ang bibig!
Bakit nga ba sila gumagawa ng ganyang ingay? Ito raw ang tinatawag na courting song, mga lalaking semi (male cicada) lang ang gumagawa ng ingay, harana baga at eto ang mag-aakit sa babaeng cicada. Kapag napasagot ng Floranteng semi ang babae, ang mabilis na pagaspas ng pakpak ng cicadang Laura ay nanga-ngahulugan ng matamis na “oo”. Kapag sabay-sabay silang umaawit, eto naman ang ‘cicada chorus’ at eto din ang ingay na kina-kagisnan ko sa bawat umaga ng Summer. Paano ba naman ako hindi malulungkot kapag wala na sila, ang ibig sabihin din nito, tapos na ang Tag-init at susulong na naman ang mahabang panahon ng Tag-lamig. Para sa akin din, nakakasaya ang ingay ng mga semi, nakakasigla at tunay na nakakamangha. Merong mga oras na pinapakinggan ko sila habang ako ay nagmumuni-muni; ilan kaya silang nagkakantahan (iba-iba ang banda, ang bawat uri ng semi ay merong sariling himig), hindi kaya sila namamaos? Bakit pati sa gabi ay meron pa ding maiingay na semi? Ang kantahan nila ay buong araw at magdamag, tumitindi ito kasabay sa pagtaas ng temperatura, dahil angkop ang init sa mga insektong ito, mas mainit ang panahon, mas ganado sila sa kanilang musika. Depende din sa uri, merong kumakanta sa umaga, sa katanghalian o sa gabi.
Binabalik din nila ang ala-ala ng aking kabataan, sa tuwing nagbabakasyon ako sa probinsya noon, ang ingay ng mga kuliglig (cricket) para sa akin ay music din. Gabi naman kapag marinig ko sila, sa pagtatapos ng aming paglalaro bago mag-hapunan, nag-uumpisa na silang magkantahan, para silang patrol na nagsasabing uwi na sa bahay at naka-abang na ang pamalo dahil madilim na ay nasa labas pa ng kami ng bahay. Subalit hindi lamang pamalo ang nawawala ngayon sa mga bata, pati na rin ang mga kuliglig. Sa aking mga pagbabakasyon habang ako ay lumalaki na (o tumatanda) kahit na inaabot na ako ng madaling araw sa kalye, wala pa rin ang mga kuliglig, hinahanap-hanap ko ang ingay nila na ‘music to my ears”. Siguro dahil nawala na rin ang bukid, subdivision na ngayon, siguro din dahil mas maingay na ngayon sa mundo. Ang mga batang nagpapatintero noon habang maliwang at bilog ang buwan sa gabi ay nasa loob na lang ng mga bahay ngayon at naglalaro ng Nintendo. Halos lahat ay wala ng panahon na makinig sa kanila. Nakakalungkot di ba kapatid? Sa ating tinitirhan ngayon dito sa Japan, ikatuwa natin sa halip na ika-inis ang ingay ng mga semi. Napakahabang panahon ang inilagi nila sa ilalim ng lupa, depende sa uri; merong isa, dalawa, labin-tatlo hanggang labing-pitong taon sa ilalim ng lupa. Sa kanilang pag-labas, handa ng mag-palit ng anyo, handa ng mag-pamilya, handa ng makita ang mundo sa buong kaliwanagan nito, tamasahin ang buhay!. Ito na nga ang umpisa ng sa kanila ay “Utawit”. Makisaya tayo sa kanila. Makidiwang tayo sa buhay nila, sa loob din ng napaka-ikling panahon pagkatapos mangyari ang sagot sa ‘utawit’, sandali lamang, araw o ilang lingo at tuluyan na silang mama-alam sa mundo, tapos na ang kanilang buhay. Nangyari at natapos na ang sa kanila ay layunin, ang bumuo ng susunod na buhay.
Sa molting (pagpapalit ng anyo) ng semi, iniiwan nila ang kanilang lumang talukap (exoskeleton o empty shell). Meron akong napanood sa telebisyon na artist na nangongolekta nito at gumagawa siya ng work of art katulad ng sculpture mula rito, nakakabilib! Kung sa iba ay medyo nakakakilabot ang pinaghubarang ito ng semi, sa kanya ay isang medium (paraan) sa pagpapahayag ng kanyang sining (Art). Maraming katulad niya na hindi sa ingay ng insektong ito tinutuon ang pansin kundi sa hinahatid nitong inspirasyon at simbolo. Hindi lamang dito sa Japan kundi sa maraming parte ng mundo, noon pa mang panahon ng sibilisasyon ng Greko, ang semi ay nagbibigay ng pagpapakahulugang malayo sa kung paano sila tingnan ng maraming tao. Reincarnation, Rebirth, o pagkabuhay na muli. Nong una akong makakita nito akala ko ay nakakalat na patay na insekto, lumang damit pala, lumang sarili.
Sa ating buhay, pwede din ito mangyari, kung tipong pakiramdam natin ay handa na tayo sa isang bagong hinaharap, sa isang pagbabago sa ating sarili, kailangan nating magbago din ng anyo. Kung dating mahiyain tayo at sobrang kiyeme na wala tuloy tayong nakukuhang kaibigan o ka-ibigan, panahon na iharap natin sa mundo ang taglay nating katangian. Kung sa ngayon naman ay sobra tayo sa pagpapakita ng ating katangian, mas maganda sigurong itama natin ang ating anyo, tamang pananamit, pananalita, pamumuhay, bagong ako!
O di ba kapatid, ang ingay ng semi ay isang kundiman, klasik! Libo mang taon ang nakaraan, ang kanta nila ay pareho pa rin, ang simbolo nila ay pareho pa rin. Ang mabuhay na muli ng may kahulugan, layunin, lalim!
Anita Sasaki
KWENTO Ni NANAY
by Anita Sasaki
Tahanan Ni Nanay
Ikinagagalak ko pong sabihin na meron na tayong Tahanan Ni Nanay (TNN)! We have transferred to the newly opened TNN last July 29.
Hindi po napakadali ang kwento ng tahanan. There were so many trials we have gone through but because God is with us, everything went out smoothly. When we saw this place last March of this year, they tried to save the place for us even after 4 months had passed. They waited until we had the money for deposit and advance. We got our Japanese friend to sponsor us but the owner of the building wanted the guarantor’s company. It means there would be an additional payment for the company. Then, they wanted us to give a copy of our bank account with at least 600,000 yen. Ami Banzon and Direk George said we don’t even have 10,000 yen. We thought that was the end of it. But God is good! We really have a good provider because there is no problem bigger than GOD! Suddenly, we got an answer to our problem. I told myself, “If God is with you, who will be against you?”
The place is very
accessible to visit as it is only 1 minute away on foot from the station, HIRAI station. The place and the location are perfect! Everything just came in the right places.
So, we are inviting the youth to come by and visit the Tahanan ni Nanay. Whether you are a full blooded Pinoy, Japanese or half, you are welcome to join us. We are open to help you in anyway we can. We would like to teach our youth the good side of life. We teach them different skills, motivate them to follow their dreams, and teach them the good Filipino values.
Dalhin po ninyo ang mga anak ninyo rito para mag-enjoy sila sa kanilang buhay sa Japan. Aantabayanan ni Nanay ang mga anak ninyo para magkaroon sila ng magandang kinabukasan.
Tuloy po kayong lahat sa Tahanan ni Nanay!
by Anita Sasaki
Tahanan Ni Nanay
Ikinagagalak ko pong sabihin na meron na tayong Tahanan Ni Nanay (TNN)! We have transferred to the newly opened TNN last July 29.
Hindi po napakadali ang kwento ng tahanan. There were so many trials we have gone through but because God is with us, everything went out smoothly. When we saw this place last March of this year, they tried to save the place for us even after 4 months had passed. They waited until we had the money for deposit and advance. We got our Japanese friend to sponsor us but the owner of the building wanted the guarantor’s company. It means there would be an additional payment for the company. Then, they wanted us to give a copy of our bank account with at least 600,000 yen. Ami Banzon and Direk George said we don’t even have 10,000 yen. We thought that was the end of it. But God is good! We really have a good provider because there is no problem bigger than GOD! Suddenly, we got an answer to our problem. I told myself, “If God is with you, who will be against you?”
The place is very
accessible to visit as it is only 1 minute away on foot from the station, HIRAI station. The place and the location are perfect! Everything just came in the right places.
So, we are inviting the youth to come by and visit the Tahanan ni Nanay. Whether you are a full blooded Pinoy, Japanese or half, you are welcome to join us. We are open to help you in anyway we can. We would like to teach our youth the good side of life. We teach them different skills, motivate them to follow their dreams, and teach them the good Filipino values.
Dalhin po ninyo ang mga anak ninyo rito para mag-enjoy sila sa kanilang buhay sa Japan. Aantabayanan ni Nanay ang mga anak ninyo para magkaroon sila ng magandang kinabukasan.
Tuloy po kayong lahat sa Tahanan ni Nanay!
Jeff Plantilla
Isang Araw sa Ating
Buhay
Jeff Plantilla
Paalis
na ako, isang araw, sa Kibo no Ie na lugar na ginagamit para sa mga
multicultural activities sa Kyoto shi, nang makita ko ang isang pamphlet na
ipinamimigay nang libre. Ang titulo ng pamphlet ay Paye=an Ro (Let’s Go). Kakaibang salita, dahil ito ay salitang
Ainu. Hindi ko sigurado kung alam ng marami sa mga Pilipino sa Japan ang
kasaysayan ng mga Ainu, ang kasaysayan ng pagpupunyaging patuloy na buhayin ang
isang lahi at kultura sa gitna ng malakas na agos ng kulturang Hapones at nang
mga Hapones mismo.
Ang Ainu
Sinasabing
minorya sa Japan ang mga Ainu dahil sila ay may tanging lahi (may naniniwala na
may lahi silang Caucasian), at may tanging kultura, paniniwala, pagkain at iba
pang bagay.
Ayon
sa kasaysayan, sinakop ang mga lupang Ainu ng mga Hapones mula pa noong 18th
century. Naging bahagi ang mga lupang ito ng imperyo ng Hapon. Ang pangalang
Hokkaido, kilalang lugar ng mga Ainu sa ngayon, ay bigay na pangalang Hapones.
Ang pagkakasakop na ito ay hindi naging mabuti para sa mga Ainu. Ipinagbawal sa
eskwelahan at pamahalaan ang kulturang Ainu kasama na ang kanilang mga wika
upang sila ay mapasama nang lubusan (assimilate) sa lipunang Hapones. Itinuring
ang kanilang kultura na mas mababa sa kulturang Hapones. At nakuha ng mga Hapones
ang marami sa kanilang lupa.
Dahil
sa ganitong kalagayan, maraming Ainu ang lumikas. Mas marami pa raw ang Ainu sa
Tokyo kaysa sa Hokkaido. Maraming nagtago ng kanilang tunay na pagkatao, dahil
natutunan na nilang ikahiya ang sarili bilang Ainu.
Discrimination
Hindi
nalalayo ang kalagayan ng mga Ainu sa Japan sa kalagayan ng mga katutubo sa
Pilipinas.
Naaalala
ko nung bata pa ako, madalas sinasabi ng mga matatanda sa aming mga bata na
kung hindi kami magiging mabait kukunin kami ng mga Ita (Aeta). Nguni’t
naaalala ko rin ang paminsan-minsang pagdalaw ng mga Ita (kadalasang mag-ina)
na naglalako ng mga katutubong gamot. Hindi sila kinatatakutan (maliban sa
ilang bata) at hindi sila itinataboy. Bagkus binibili ang kanilang mga panindang
gamot.
Yung
mismong bayan namin sa Laguna ay maaaring dating lupang Ita. Mas maraming
kalahi ko ang nanirahan sa lupang yon at kaya maaaring ang mga Ita ang nawala
daang taon na ang nakalipas. May mga lugar sa Probinsiya ng Aurora na ang mga
pangalan ay nasa wika ng katutubo dahil sila ang nagbigay ng mga pangalang yon.
Sa ngayon, ang mga lugar na ito ay barangay na ng mga hindi katutubo.
Sa
aking karanasan, iisa ang istorya ng mga katutubo sa Pilipinas mula Luzon
hanggang Mindanao. Pare-pareho silang naagawan ng kanilang lupa. May mga
katutubong sa nais na matulungan ang mga dumayo sa lugar nila ay nagpahiram ng
lupa. Nguni’t hindi na ibinalik ang mga lupang ito sa paglipas ng panahon.
Iniisip ng mga katutubo na nangangailangan din ng lupa ang ibang taong mahirap
kaya nagpapahiram sila ng lupa. Nguni’t hindi nila inakala na hindi igagalang
ang kanilang karapatan sa lupa. May mga nakatanggap ng isang karton ng sardinas
na akala’y regalo lamang, yon pala ay bayad na sa lupang kinuha. May isang NGO worker
na umakyat ng bundok sa kanyang probinsiya at nagulat nang makitang may
katutubo pala sa lugar nila. Tumanda na siya sa probinsiyang yon nguni’t noon
lamang niya nalaman ang mga katutubong naninirahan sa bundok. Kaya’t
paulit-ulit na ring itinatanong ng ilang katutubo na kung patuloy na aagawin
ang kanilang lupa, saan na sila pupunta? Sa tuktok ng bundok?
Iisa
rin ang istorya ng mga kabataang katutubo, nahihiya sila sa kanilang identity
bilang katutubo. Mabuti na lang at may mga programang nagbibigay ng lakas ng
loob sa kanila na ipagmalaki ang pagiging katutubo. Sabi nga ng isang
dalagitang Aeta sa isang TV report tungkol sa isang Aeta Beauty Contest sa
Central Luzon, hindi dapat ituring ang mga Aeta na mas mababang uri dahil sa
kulay ng kanilang balat. Sabi pa niya, sila ay tao rin na nasasaktan sa
panglalait ng iba.
Pagbabago
Matagal
na panahon bago nagkaroon ng pagbabago sa pagtrato ng pamahalaan sa mga Ainu.
Nito lang 1990s nagkaroon ng batas na kinikilala ang halaga ng kulturang Ainu.
Ito ay dulot ng patuloy na kampanya ng ilang lider Ainu at mga kasamang grupo
na naniniwalang hindi dapat manatili ang pagmamaliit sa mga Ainu dahil ito ay
labag sa kanilang karapatang pangtao. Nakarating sila sa mga pulong ng United
Nations sa New York at Geneva para mapilit na harapin ng pamahalaang Hapon ang
hindi tamang polisiya tungkol sa mga Ainu.
Sa
pagpapakahirap ng isang lider na Ainu na miyembro ng Diet, at ng mga kasamang
grupo, naisabatas nung 1997 ang pagkilala sa kulturang Ainu at pagtalaga ng
tulong sa pagpapatuloy at proteksyon sa kulturang ito.
Nung
1997, hindi pa rin kinikilala ng pamahalaang Hapon ang mga Ainu bilang mga
katutubo. Sila ay cultural minority lamang. Nung 2008 lamang nagpasa ng
resolution (hindi batas) ang Diet na kinikilala ang Ainu bilang katutubo o
indigenous people.
Museums
Nakasulat
sa Paye=an Ro ang mga museums sa
Japan na may display tungkol sa Ainu.
Mahalaga
ang mga museums na ito para sa pagpapakilala ng mga bagay-bagay tungkol sa
Ainu. At baka makatulong din ang mga ito sa mga Ainu mismo sa kanilang pagsisikap
na manatiling buhay ang kanilang kultura, uri ng pamumuhay, mga paniniwala, at
iba pang bagay.
Ang
Pilipinas ay may ilang museums o lugar na nagpapakilala din ng mga katutubo.
Isa na riyan ang Baguio Museum na nagpapakita ng mga materyales ng mga
katutubong komunidad sa Cordillera. Meron namang Mangyan Heritage Center sa
Calapan (Oriental Mindoro) na isang "library, archive, and research &
education center" para maipakilala ang yaman ng 8 katutubong komunidad sa buong
isla ng Mindoro. Ang bawa't isang komunidad na Mangyan ay may sariling
pangalan, wika at uri ng pamumuhay. Sa mga T'Boli sa Mindanao, ang Sta. Cruz
Mission sa Cotabato ay may record ng mga awit, sayaw, pananamit at pamumuhay ng
mga T'Boli upang lalo pa silang mapangalagaan, at nang maibahagi rin ang mga
ito sa ibang Pilipino.
Eskwelahan
May
isang ideya na dapat pahalagahan ang indigenous
knowledge at dapat maging malaking bahagi ito sa pag-aaral ng mga batang
katutubo. Ilang indigenous schools na ang naitayo na sumusunod sa ganitong
paniniwala sa iba't-ibang bahagi ng Pilipinas. Ang isang documentary tungkol sa
pagpupunyagi ng mga katutubo mismo ay nanalo ng 2003 Japan Prize ng NHK. Ito ay
ang documentary na may titulong "School of the Highlands." Nagustuhan
ng mga kasapi ng 2003 jury ng Japan Prize ang sinasabi ng mga matatandang
katutubo na ang pagkakataong makapag-aral ng mga batang katutubo ay iiral sa
pamamagitan lamang ng kanilang sariling pagsisikap. Ang mga eskwelahan na ito
ay sinusuportahan ng Asian Council for People's Culture (ACPC) sa pamamagitan
ng proyektong Schools for Indigenous Knowledge and Traditions (SIKAT). May ilan
pang indigenous schools sa ilang lugar sa Pilipinas tulad sa Mindoro (TUGDAAN)
at sa Davao (Pamulaan, na isang college na bahagi ng University of South
Eastern Philippines).
Katutubong yaman,
pambansang kayamanan
Sa
aking tingin, ang aking identity bilang Pilipino ay mas yumayaman kapag
lumalakas ang pagpapahalaga sa katutubong kultura ng Pilipinas.
Kaya
nararapat na ipagdiwang at ikagalak ang kulturang katutubo sapagkat ito ay
yaman ng bansa.
Sana
ay lumakas din ang pagtingin ng nakararaming Hapones sa kahalagahan ng
pagpapatuloy ng Ainu bilang isang komunidad at katutubo.
Renaliza Rogers
SA TABI LANG PO
Ni Renaliza Rogers
Waterproof
Medyo sumobra ata sa pag luha nitong mga unang araw sa buwan ng Agosto ang kalangitan ng Pinas. Umulan ng umulan hannga't sa bumaha sa karamihan ng lugar sa Luzon. Alam naman nating karaniwan na lang ang baha sa Pilipinas kaya't medyo carry lang naman. As usual, walang klase ang mga estudyante, uso ang mga evacuation centers at lumantad na sa publiko lahat ng nakatagong basura. Alam kong nakakalungkot ang bahain ng lagpas tao sa maraming lugar at meron ding mga namatay. Paumanhin po pero hindi ito ngayon ang focus ng sinusulat ko ngayon.
Nakakatuwa makita na kahit binabaha na at lahat ang mga kabahayan ay nagagawa pa rin ng mga Pinoy na ngumiti at magpa-picture. Andami kong nakitang mga picture ng mga taong nagkakatuwaan na lamang at ngumingiti sa kabila ng pagbaha sa kanila. Merong nagpapa-picture sa loob ng bahay nilang lubog sa tubig na wari mo'y proud na proud sa mga ari-arian nilang pa lutang-lutang sa loob ng bahay. Merong mga dalagang nagpapa-cute sa salamin habang may swimming pool sa kwarto pero abot tenga ang ngiti at naka peace sign pa. Mayroong lalaking nagsuot ng kumot na ginawang buntot ng sirena at umupo sa bato. Instant Dyesebel in floodwater. Uso ngayon ang Olympics kaya't may nagsuot ng swimming goggles, pumatong sa mesa at pumusisyong kunwari ay ready nang mag dive. At ang pinaka-nakakatuwa ay yung litrato ng dalawang lalaking nag-iinuman sa ulan habang nasa gitna ng baha.
O di ba? Kapag bumaha sa Pilipinas, wagas! Oo, nakakapanglumo kapag binaha ang kabahayan mo, pero wala ka na namang magagawa eh kundi ang maghintay na humupa ang baha. Alangan namang mag-mukmok ka na lang ng mag-mukmok, kaya't make the most out of the situation na lang ang mga Pinoy. Nagagawa pa rin magkatuwaan na parang wala lang.
Sa ibang bansa, kapag may dalubyo o baha, akala mo'y end of the world na. Wala kang makikitang picture na ngumi-ngiti or nagkakatuwaan sila. Puro umiiyak at wari ba'y napaka- helpless na nila. Kung tutuusin eh mas mayayaman sila kaysa sa atin pero hindi nila alam kung ano ang gagawin kapag may kalamidad kasi hindi sila sanay dito. Oo mas marami silang kagamitang pang rescue pero and mga tao halos sa rescue na lahat umaasa. Iba nga naman talaga siguro kapag sanay na sa kalamidad tulad natin, parang wala na lang. Parang usual na lang. Kanya-kanyang akyatan ng gamit para hindi mabasa, kanya-kanyang akyat sa bubong at makipag-sigawan sa kapit bahay kung mayroon pa ba silang gatas dahil si bunso ay kailangang dumede o di kaya'y extra sanitary napkin kasi meron si Nene.
Dito, lahat napapakinabangan. Walang bangka? Eh di gamitin ang interior ng gulong para lumutang, kahit kabaong na walang laman pwede na ring gawing bangka. Mga sanggol nilalagay sa labador o planggana habang naglalakbay sa baha para lumutang. Nakakatawa pero totoo. Dito lumalabas ang resourcefulness at camaraderie ng mga Pinoy. Wala nga kaming pera pero carry lang din...
Ngayon eh maiba naman ako, bakit bumaha? Oo, umulan ng umulan ng sobra sa isang araw lang. Pero ang totoo noon ay bumaha dahil sobrang barado na ang mga drainage system, punong-puno ng basura kaya't hindi na maka-agos ang tubig baha. Andaming nagreklamo at sinisi na naman ang gobyerno. Anak ng--! Lagi na lang gobyerno ang salarin! Ang tanong, naranasan mo na bang magtapon ng basura sa kanal dati? O di kaya'y basta na lang nagtapon kung saan-saan? Kung ang sagot ay oo, eh di wala kang karapatang magreklamo kung bakit bumaha!
Lahat siguro ng Pilipino sa mundo ay nagtapon na ng basura sa paligid. So ibig sabihin ay walang sinuman ang pwedeng mag-reklamo kung bakit bumaha. Nakakadiri ang tubig pero i-enjoy mo na lang at kasalanan mo rin naman eh. I-reserve mo na lang ang pagmumukmok once humupa na ang baha dahil kailangan mo nang linisin lahat ng putik sa bahay mo.
Haay, ang Pilipinas nga naman, mala paraiso pero puno naman ng mga taong matitigas ang ulo. Okay lang kasi ang tigas ng ulo din naman minsan ang nagbibigay sa atin ng kakayahang mag survive. Bagyo, baha at kung anu-ano pa, kaya yan basta Pinoy! Tulad nga ng sisasabi nila, "THE FILIPINO SPIRIT IS WATERPROOF."
Ni Renaliza Rogers
Waterproof
Medyo sumobra ata sa pag luha nitong mga unang araw sa buwan ng Agosto ang kalangitan ng Pinas. Umulan ng umulan hannga't sa bumaha sa karamihan ng lugar sa Luzon. Alam naman nating karaniwan na lang ang baha sa Pilipinas kaya't medyo carry lang naman. As usual, walang klase ang mga estudyante, uso ang mga evacuation centers at lumantad na sa publiko lahat ng nakatagong basura. Alam kong nakakalungkot ang bahain ng lagpas tao sa maraming lugar at meron ding mga namatay. Paumanhin po pero hindi ito ngayon ang focus ng sinusulat ko ngayon.
Nakakatuwa makita na kahit binabaha na at lahat ang mga kabahayan ay nagagawa pa rin ng mga Pinoy na ngumiti at magpa-picture. Andami kong nakitang mga picture ng mga taong nagkakatuwaan na lamang at ngumingiti sa kabila ng pagbaha sa kanila. Merong nagpapa-picture sa loob ng bahay nilang lubog sa tubig na wari mo'y proud na proud sa mga ari-arian nilang pa lutang-lutang sa loob ng bahay. Merong mga dalagang nagpapa-cute sa salamin habang may swimming pool sa kwarto pero abot tenga ang ngiti at naka peace sign pa. Mayroong lalaking nagsuot ng kumot na ginawang buntot ng sirena at umupo sa bato. Instant Dyesebel in floodwater. Uso ngayon ang Olympics kaya't may nagsuot ng swimming goggles, pumatong sa mesa at pumusisyong kunwari ay ready nang mag dive. At ang pinaka-nakakatuwa ay yung litrato ng dalawang lalaking nag-iinuman sa ulan habang nasa gitna ng baha.
O di ba? Kapag bumaha sa Pilipinas, wagas! Oo, nakakapanglumo kapag binaha ang kabahayan mo, pero wala ka na namang magagawa eh kundi ang maghintay na humupa ang baha. Alangan namang mag-mukmok ka na lang ng mag-mukmok, kaya't make the most out of the situation na lang ang mga Pinoy. Nagagawa pa rin magkatuwaan na parang wala lang.
Sa ibang bansa, kapag may dalubyo o baha, akala mo'y end of the world na. Wala kang makikitang picture na ngumi-ngiti or nagkakatuwaan sila. Puro umiiyak at wari ba'y napaka- helpless na nila. Kung tutuusin eh mas mayayaman sila kaysa sa atin pero hindi nila alam kung ano ang gagawin kapag may kalamidad kasi hindi sila sanay dito. Oo mas marami silang kagamitang pang rescue pero and mga tao halos sa rescue na lahat umaasa. Iba nga naman talaga siguro kapag sanay na sa kalamidad tulad natin, parang wala na lang. Parang usual na lang. Kanya-kanyang akyatan ng gamit para hindi mabasa, kanya-kanyang akyat sa bubong at makipag-sigawan sa kapit bahay kung mayroon pa ba silang gatas dahil si bunso ay kailangang dumede o di kaya'y extra sanitary napkin kasi meron si Nene.
Dito, lahat napapakinabangan. Walang bangka? Eh di gamitin ang interior ng gulong para lumutang, kahit kabaong na walang laman pwede na ring gawing bangka. Mga sanggol nilalagay sa labador o planggana habang naglalakbay sa baha para lumutang. Nakakatawa pero totoo. Dito lumalabas ang resourcefulness at camaraderie ng mga Pinoy. Wala nga kaming pera pero carry lang din...
Ngayon eh maiba naman ako, bakit bumaha? Oo, umulan ng umulan ng sobra sa isang araw lang. Pero ang totoo noon ay bumaha dahil sobrang barado na ang mga drainage system, punong-puno ng basura kaya't hindi na maka-agos ang tubig baha. Andaming nagreklamo at sinisi na naman ang gobyerno. Anak ng--! Lagi na lang gobyerno ang salarin! Ang tanong, naranasan mo na bang magtapon ng basura sa kanal dati? O di kaya'y basta na lang nagtapon kung saan-saan? Kung ang sagot ay oo, eh di wala kang karapatang magreklamo kung bakit bumaha!
Lahat siguro ng Pilipino sa mundo ay nagtapon na ng basura sa paligid. So ibig sabihin ay walang sinuman ang pwedeng mag-reklamo kung bakit bumaha. Nakakadiri ang tubig pero i-enjoy mo na lang at kasalanan mo rin naman eh. I-reserve mo na lang ang pagmumukmok once humupa na ang baha dahil kailangan mo nang linisin lahat ng putik sa bahay mo.
Haay, ang Pilipinas nga naman, mala paraiso pero puno naman ng mga taong matitigas ang ulo. Okay lang kasi ang tigas ng ulo din naman minsan ang nagbibigay sa atin ng kakayahang mag survive. Bagyo, baha at kung anu-ano pa, kaya yan basta Pinoy! Tulad nga ng sisasabi nila, "THE FILIPINO SPIRIT IS WATERPROOF."
Isabelita Manalastas -Watanabe
ADVICE NI TITA LITA
Take It Or Leave It!
by Isabelita Manalastas -Watanabe
Dear Tita Lita,
How do you forecast the value of dollars in the future? Would you advice to buy dollars now and save them until their value comes up again in the next few years? Or I would just stick with my yen, which is what I'm earning from my company?
Dory
Dear Dory:
Iyan ang one million dollar question! Kung masasagot natin iyan precisely, siguradong yayaman tayo (or mayaman na, if we could have predicted in the past what would have happened to the currency market in the future).
I was assigned in Europe for 4 years, from 2006-2010, and I was receiving Euro for my salary. I remember exchanging Euro for the Yen while I was there, and I received Yen 145, for my Euro 1.
If I still live in the Euro zone and spend in Euro – it does not make any difference for me whatever happens to the value of the Euro against the Yen or the US$. I earn in Euro, and I also spend in Euro.
But to convert my Euro savings now into Yen, that is where it will hurt, and hurt badly. I am back in Japan, and converted some of my Euro savings into Yen in July, and I got a little over JPY 90 Yen for Euro 1, or a loss of around 38% of the value of my Euro savings in terms of Yen.
If you earn in Yen, and you live in Japan and spend in Yen (for your apartment, for your daily living expenses, etc.), it does not make any difference whether the yen is strong or weak against the US$. Earn in Yen, spend in Yen.
Your savings in Yen is another matter. In terms of US$, your Yen 80,000 is now equivalent to around US$1,000 (@Yen/US$ = 80). If you think those who predict that the Yen will strengthen further against the US$, to Yen 50 (yes, JPY 50!!! – this prediction appeared in one Japanese magazine), then your Yen 80,000 will then be worth more in US$ - to US$1,600! (Yen 80,000 divided by 50). If the Yen/USD rate goes to JPY 100, then your JPY 80,000 will be worth US$800 (Yen 80,000 divided by 100).The same amount of Yen, but different equivalent in US$, depending on how strong or how weak the Yen is/will be against the US$. I personally think that Yen 80 = US$ 1 is already a very good exchange rate if you want to convert some of your savings into US$. But I also think you should go for not more than 20% of your current savings. This is the rule of thumb, when making “unsure” investments like stocks, etc. You should also be willing to wait for at least another 2 years, hoping for the US$ to regain its lost strength against the Yen, and then convert back your US$ back into Yen. Remember that there is at least a Yen 2 cost for every US$ currency conversion.
Always remember: currency speculation is really a gamble – you may win big, but you may also lose big.
Tita Lita
Dear Tita Lita,
Permanent resident na po ako ng Japan for more than 30 years. Naguguluhan po ako ngayon kung saan ako mag re-retire in a few more years. Gustuhin ko man sa Pinas, pero para na rin akong turista doon. Hindi ko na rin alam ang mga pasikot-sikot sa atin. Well-adjusted na po ako sa Japan at feeling at home na rin ako dito. Kapag umuuwi sa Pinas, parang hinahanap ko yung disiplina ng mga tao sa Japan, yung modern technology, cleanliness and safeness. Kapag nandito naman ako, miss ko naman ang pagkain, bonding ng family and friends, at kulturang Pinoy. Ano po ang advice ninyo?
Clarissa
Dear Clarissa:
Talagang ang buhay ay give and take – may dapat i-give up, to be able to get something in return, tulad na rin ng nasabi mo sa iyong sulat.
Ang hindi ko alam ay kung single ka or married na. Kung dito ka mag-re-retire, at wala kang pamilya sa Japan, sino kaya ang mag-aalaga sa iyo kung ikaw ay magkasakit, or kaya’y ma-ospital? Or kung retired ka na, at matanda na, willing ka bang tumirang nag-iisa sa iyong condo/apartment sa Japan? Paano kung mga 70+ ka na, at hindi mo na kayang alagaan ang sarili mo, willing ka ba, at kaya mo bang pumasok na lang sa old-age home sa Japan?
Hindi ko rin alam kung maganda ang sweldo mo sa Japan, at enrolled ka sa pension system dito sa Japan. If yes, e-di medyo malaki ang iyong magiging monthly pension. Kung ganoon, pwede kang mag-best of both worlds. Uwi ka sa atin kapag winter season dito sa Japan, dahil habang tumatanda tayo, mas bumababa na ang resistance natin to the cold weather (feel na feel na ng ating tired and ageing bones ang lamig!). November – February siguro, at doon ka sa atin mag-Pasko palagi, para masaya. The rest of the time, sa Japan ka.
Pero kapag tumanda ka na talaga at hindi mo na kayang magluto at alagaan ang sarili mo, uwi ka na sa atin. Kahit hindi ka alagaan ng pamilya/kamag-anak mo, you can afford to get your own private nurse, using your monthly pension.
Tita Lita
Dear Tita Lita,
Ganyan na ba talaga ang krus na dinadala nating mga OFW? Mukhang lapad na lang ang tingin ng aking mga pamilya sa akin. Bawat tawag, bawat e-mail at bawat text, siguradong humihingi ng lapad. Hindi naman umuulan ng pera sa Japan. Parang hindi nila alam ang pagdurusa at pagtitipid na ginagawa natin dito. Paano ko maipamumukha sa kanila na hindi ako isang bangko? Feeling guilty naman kung hindi ko sila bibigyan kahit meron akong konti. Saklolo!
Boy
Dear Boy:
Sinabi mo pa! Tama ka talaga diyan, Boy. Hindi tayo namumulot ng lapad dito sa Japan. Pawis at dugo (at maraming kalungkutan) ang ating puhunan para lang kumita ng Yen. At parang Pinoy na ugali talaga ang mag-remit ng walang sawa sa ating mga magulang, mga kapatid, mga pamangkin, pati mga apo! At tama ka rin, naririnig ko sa mga remitters namin sa Speed na may tawag lang sa kanilang pamilya/kamag-anak nila sa Pilipinas kapag may problema sila (generally money-related).
Ang sabi ko nga sa mga kliyente namin, huwag ipadala lahat, dahil ke kaunti, ke marami ang i-remit, ubos na ubos pa rin iyan. Kapag sinanay ng malaki palagi padala, wala ng incentive na mag-trabaho ang ating mga sinusuportahan sa Pilipinas – aasa na lang palagi sa ating dole-outs. Magandang kaugalian ang pagtulong, ngunit kailangan din naman nating matutong mag-save para sa ating sarili. Kapag tayo ang nagkasakit, sino ang tutulong sa atin, di-ba sarili lang natin?
So tulong tayo, pero huwag ibuhos halos lahat. Magtabi rin para sa ating sariling panga-ngailangan. At matutong tumanggi, at huwag ma-guilty, kung sa luho lamang mapupunta, ang padala nating pera.
Tita Lita
Take It Or Leave It!
by Isabelita Manalastas -Watanabe
Dear Tita Lita,
How do you forecast the value of dollars in the future? Would you advice to buy dollars now and save them until their value comes up again in the next few years? Or I would just stick with my yen, which is what I'm earning from my company?
Dory
Dear Dory:
Iyan ang one million dollar question! Kung masasagot natin iyan precisely, siguradong yayaman tayo (or mayaman na, if we could have predicted in the past what would have happened to the currency market in the future).
I was assigned in Europe for 4 years, from 2006-2010, and I was receiving Euro for my salary. I remember exchanging Euro for the Yen while I was there, and I received Yen 145, for my Euro 1.
If I still live in the Euro zone and spend in Euro – it does not make any difference for me whatever happens to the value of the Euro against the Yen or the US$. I earn in Euro, and I also spend in Euro.
But to convert my Euro savings now into Yen, that is where it will hurt, and hurt badly. I am back in Japan, and converted some of my Euro savings into Yen in July, and I got a little over JPY 90 Yen for Euro 1, or a loss of around 38% of the value of my Euro savings in terms of Yen.
If you earn in Yen, and you live in Japan and spend in Yen (for your apartment, for your daily living expenses, etc.), it does not make any difference whether the yen is strong or weak against the US$. Earn in Yen, spend in Yen.
Your savings in Yen is another matter. In terms of US$, your Yen 80,000 is now equivalent to around US$1,000 (@Yen/US$ = 80). If you think those who predict that the Yen will strengthen further against the US$, to Yen 50 (yes, JPY 50!!! – this prediction appeared in one Japanese magazine), then your Yen 80,000 will then be worth more in US$ - to US$1,600! (Yen 80,000 divided by 50). If the Yen/USD rate goes to JPY 100, then your JPY 80,000 will be worth US$800 (Yen 80,000 divided by 100).The same amount of Yen, but different equivalent in US$, depending on how strong or how weak the Yen is/will be against the US$. I personally think that Yen 80 = US$ 1 is already a very good exchange rate if you want to convert some of your savings into US$. But I also think you should go for not more than 20% of your current savings. This is the rule of thumb, when making “unsure” investments like stocks, etc. You should also be willing to wait for at least another 2 years, hoping for the US$ to regain its lost strength against the Yen, and then convert back your US$ back into Yen. Remember that there is at least a Yen 2 cost for every US$ currency conversion.
Always remember: currency speculation is really a gamble – you may win big, but you may also lose big.
Tita Lita
Dear Tita Lita,
Permanent resident na po ako ng Japan for more than 30 years. Naguguluhan po ako ngayon kung saan ako mag re-retire in a few more years. Gustuhin ko man sa Pinas, pero para na rin akong turista doon. Hindi ko na rin alam ang mga pasikot-sikot sa atin. Well-adjusted na po ako sa Japan at feeling at home na rin ako dito. Kapag umuuwi sa Pinas, parang hinahanap ko yung disiplina ng mga tao sa Japan, yung modern technology, cleanliness and safeness. Kapag nandito naman ako, miss ko naman ang pagkain, bonding ng family and friends, at kulturang Pinoy. Ano po ang advice ninyo?
Clarissa
Dear Clarissa:
Talagang ang buhay ay give and take – may dapat i-give up, to be able to get something in return, tulad na rin ng nasabi mo sa iyong sulat.
Ang hindi ko alam ay kung single ka or married na. Kung dito ka mag-re-retire, at wala kang pamilya sa Japan, sino kaya ang mag-aalaga sa iyo kung ikaw ay magkasakit, or kaya’y ma-ospital? Or kung retired ka na, at matanda na, willing ka bang tumirang nag-iisa sa iyong condo/apartment sa Japan? Paano kung mga 70+ ka na, at hindi mo na kayang alagaan ang sarili mo, willing ka ba, at kaya mo bang pumasok na lang sa old-age home sa Japan?
Hindi ko rin alam kung maganda ang sweldo mo sa Japan, at enrolled ka sa pension system dito sa Japan. If yes, e-di medyo malaki ang iyong magiging monthly pension. Kung ganoon, pwede kang mag-best of both worlds. Uwi ka sa atin kapag winter season dito sa Japan, dahil habang tumatanda tayo, mas bumababa na ang resistance natin to the cold weather (feel na feel na ng ating tired and ageing bones ang lamig!). November – February siguro, at doon ka sa atin mag-Pasko palagi, para masaya. The rest of the time, sa Japan ka.
Pero kapag tumanda ka na talaga at hindi mo na kayang magluto at alagaan ang sarili mo, uwi ka na sa atin. Kahit hindi ka alagaan ng pamilya/kamag-anak mo, you can afford to get your own private nurse, using your monthly pension.
Tita Lita
Dear Tita Lita,
Ganyan na ba talaga ang krus na dinadala nating mga OFW? Mukhang lapad na lang ang tingin ng aking mga pamilya sa akin. Bawat tawag, bawat e-mail at bawat text, siguradong humihingi ng lapad. Hindi naman umuulan ng pera sa Japan. Parang hindi nila alam ang pagdurusa at pagtitipid na ginagawa natin dito. Paano ko maipamumukha sa kanila na hindi ako isang bangko? Feeling guilty naman kung hindi ko sila bibigyan kahit meron akong konti. Saklolo!
Boy
Dear Boy:
Sinabi mo pa! Tama ka talaga diyan, Boy. Hindi tayo namumulot ng lapad dito sa Japan. Pawis at dugo (at maraming kalungkutan) ang ating puhunan para lang kumita ng Yen. At parang Pinoy na ugali talaga ang mag-remit ng walang sawa sa ating mga magulang, mga kapatid, mga pamangkin, pati mga apo! At tama ka rin, naririnig ko sa mga remitters namin sa Speed na may tawag lang sa kanilang pamilya/kamag-anak nila sa Pilipinas kapag may problema sila (generally money-related).
Ang sabi ko nga sa mga kliyente namin, huwag ipadala lahat, dahil ke kaunti, ke marami ang i-remit, ubos na ubos pa rin iyan. Kapag sinanay ng malaki palagi padala, wala ng incentive na mag-trabaho ang ating mga sinusuportahan sa Pilipinas – aasa na lang palagi sa ating dole-outs. Magandang kaugalian ang pagtulong, ngunit kailangan din naman nating matutong mag-save para sa ating sarili. Kapag tayo ang nagkasakit, sino ang tutulong sa atin, di-ba sarili lang natin?
So tulong tayo, pero huwag ibuhos halos lahat. Magtabi rin para sa ating sariling panga-ngailangan. At matutong tumanggi, at huwag ma-guilty, kung sa luho lamang mapupunta, ang padala nating pera.
Tita Lita
Elena Sakai 1
HALO-HALO
by Elena Sakai
Nina Fernandez
I met this wonderful woman, Ms. Nina Fernandez during my recent visit to Pinas. At first, I thought she was pure Japanese, because she looked and spoke just like a Japanese! I was very surprised to find that she was pure Filipino. However, she does resemble the mix of the two cultures, and has the good sides of both the Philippines and Japan. Nina is very optimistic, hard working and kind-hearted. She currently works in the tourism industry to bridge the two countries through tourism.
Please give a brief introduction of yourself.
I am Nina Fernandez, born in the Philippines but grew up in Japan. I am pure Filipina but I guess I somehow got the chinky eyes and Japanese aura because I spent most of my growing years in Japan.
I have one older brother and one younger sister. I love food, music, dance, people and I appreciate different cultures, which is why I love to travel. Most of all I love my country.
You currently live in Quezon City. How is the after-math of the typhoon and the flooding?
We are so blessed that our house did not get affected by the massive rains. More than half of the houses in Metro Manila got flooded and most of the people had to evacuate. The schools suspended classes for the whole week and even offices suspended work. It was pretty bad for just the monsoon, but I am still grateful that I am Filipino because I am proud of the optimism of my kababayans. And I believe that the strong faith of Filipinos in God is what gives us this confidence and optimism.
Where were you born? From what age till what age did you stay in Japan? Which parts of Japan did you stay in?
I was born in the Philippines. My family moved in Japan because of my dad's job at UNCRD in Nagoya when I was 5 years old. We returned to the Philippines without my dad after two years because of my mom’s job but we returned to Nagoya to rejoin my dad after a year. After I finished junior high school, we moved to Kobe and I graduated from senior high school there. We lived in Nagoya for 10 years, and 3 years in Kobe. It was very interesting to live in different parts of Japan.
What was is like to return to the Philippines after you've grown up?
It was pretty challenging for me at first. But it wasn't that bad at all because I had a lot of support from my family and friends. And actually I really wanted to come back to learn more about my own country. After all I am Pinay and it is pretty embarrassing if you don't know your own country.
I had to adjust to the culture, the traditions, the transportation--- everything was different from Japan. One of the challenges during my first couple of months was commuting. To tell the truth, I didn't like riding jeepneys at first because of the pollution and the heat. But I started liking it because I was touched by the kindness of the people. For example they helped me to say "para!" when I wanted to get off and were helpful when I asked for directions.
What were the differences that you noticed between the two countries? Did you have any difficulty blending in either country?
My impression of Japanese people is that they are very polite, well organized and reserved. But Filipinos are optimistic, friendly and straight-forward. I guess we can see the difference in how the town looks like. Shops or shotengai in Japan are very plain and somehow all the same, but in the Philippines, I see lots of vibrant colors and everything is very festive. There are so many people outside and of course inside the malls. Of course, Japan is cleaner and people are more disciplined, and that is something that we can learn from the Japanese.
I guess I can say that I am a person who can adapt easily. I am very flexible which is also a Filipino characteristic. Also, since Japan has Asian values, it is easy to blend in Philippine society. Perhaps, I also returned to the Philippines at the right time since I was more mature and could clearly see the good things we have in the Philippines.
You speak Japanese very fluently, like a native Japanese speaker. Was it difficult to speak and study in Tagalog or English?
Yes! Definitely it was a big challenge for me to recall my Tagalog and English. My mom teases me that I used to be a very "madaldal" (talkative) Tagalog speaking kid but after moving to Japan and growing up there, I am now more comfortable in Japanese. But I guess my parents' training helped somehow for I was able to understand and recall my Tagalog and English easily since my parents used to speak to us kids in Tagalog and in English at home in Japan, but our answer was all in Japanese. I guess you can imagine how "CHAMPON" our house was. I am still working to be a natural Tagalog speaker.
From your own personal point of view, what are your favorite points about the Philippines and Japan?
I love the optimistic and jolly Filipino attitude and the way they love and care for their families. We have a great sense of humor so even difficult situations become easier to bear.
In Japan, I love how polite and well disciplined people are. Everything is in order which makes life easier and more comfortable. Oh yes, there is one thing that I love in both countries---the FOOD!
You currently work in a Japanese travel agency in the Manila. Were you interested in tourism before you started the job? What are your roles in the company?
I took up Tourism in my undergrad course at UST because I wanted to promote the Philippines in every aspect. Growing up in Japan as Pinay, I deve-loped a strong feeling to change the negative image of the Philippines. And I believe that tourism, through travel and experiencing the culture of the place, will give people a chance to be more open-minded and understanding.
When we lived in Japan, we used to go back to the Philippines for vacation every year and we visited tourist spots. I just fell in love with the places and I realized that there is so much potential in the Philippines. I thought Japan was the best but there are so many places of natural beauty that Japan cannot offer. I saw the untouched beauty of our country that I wanted to share with people.
My work is basically arranging the local tours (in the Philippines) for Japanese travelers. I also assist them for their visa extensions in the Philippines and arrange air tickets for the Japanese expats here. Since our company is accredited by the Japanese embassy for the Visa application of Filipinos going to Japan, I also check documents for visa applications. We also started to arrange tours to Japan for Filipino tourists.
What are the attractions/strong points of the Philippines that you have found through your job in tourism?
We have many beautiful scenic spots here and our people are hospitable and cheerful. Our smiles are genuine, and that is a big attraction.
Do you have any future plans? What are your goals in your career?
I want to be a person who can be a bridge between the Philippines and Japan because I love both countries and I believe if we get the strengths from both countries, we can have a beautiful and happy society. I hope to be someone who can contribute in helping the poor in our country to have better lives, through tourism.
Please give a message to the Filipinos reading Jeepney Press.
My kababayans, enjoy your life and learn from what Japan has to offer! Let's join hands to promote the beauty of our country and be ambassadors of goodwill!
by Elena Sakai
Nina Fernandez
I met this wonderful woman, Ms. Nina Fernandez during my recent visit to Pinas. At first, I thought she was pure Japanese, because she looked and spoke just like a Japanese! I was very surprised to find that she was pure Filipino. However, she does resemble the mix of the two cultures, and has the good sides of both the Philippines and Japan. Nina is very optimistic, hard working and kind-hearted. She currently works in the tourism industry to bridge the two countries through tourism.
Please give a brief introduction of yourself.
I am Nina Fernandez, born in the Philippines but grew up in Japan. I am pure Filipina but I guess I somehow got the chinky eyes and Japanese aura because I spent most of my growing years in Japan.
I have one older brother and one younger sister. I love food, music, dance, people and I appreciate different cultures, which is why I love to travel. Most of all I love my country.
You currently live in Quezon City. How is the after-math of the typhoon and the flooding?
We are so blessed that our house did not get affected by the massive rains. More than half of the houses in Metro Manila got flooded and most of the people had to evacuate. The schools suspended classes for the whole week and even offices suspended work. It was pretty bad for just the monsoon, but I am still grateful that I am Filipino because I am proud of the optimism of my kababayans. And I believe that the strong faith of Filipinos in God is what gives us this confidence and optimism.
Where were you born? From what age till what age did you stay in Japan? Which parts of Japan did you stay in?
I was born in the Philippines. My family moved in Japan because of my dad's job at UNCRD in Nagoya when I was 5 years old. We returned to the Philippines without my dad after two years because of my mom’s job but we returned to Nagoya to rejoin my dad after a year. After I finished junior high school, we moved to Kobe and I graduated from senior high school there. We lived in Nagoya for 10 years, and 3 years in Kobe. It was very interesting to live in different parts of Japan.
What was is like to return to the Philippines after you've grown up?
It was pretty challenging for me at first. But it wasn't that bad at all because I had a lot of support from my family and friends. And actually I really wanted to come back to learn more about my own country. After all I am Pinay and it is pretty embarrassing if you don't know your own country.
I had to adjust to the culture, the traditions, the transportation--- everything was different from Japan. One of the challenges during my first couple of months was commuting. To tell the truth, I didn't like riding jeepneys at first because of the pollution and the heat. But I started liking it because I was touched by the kindness of the people. For example they helped me to say "para!" when I wanted to get off and were helpful when I asked for directions.
What were the differences that you noticed between the two countries? Did you have any difficulty blending in either country?
My impression of Japanese people is that they are very polite, well organized and reserved. But Filipinos are optimistic, friendly and straight-forward. I guess we can see the difference in how the town looks like. Shops or shotengai in Japan are very plain and somehow all the same, but in the Philippines, I see lots of vibrant colors and everything is very festive. There are so many people outside and of course inside the malls. Of course, Japan is cleaner and people are more disciplined, and that is something that we can learn from the Japanese.
I guess I can say that I am a person who can adapt easily. I am very flexible which is also a Filipino characteristic. Also, since Japan has Asian values, it is easy to blend in Philippine society. Perhaps, I also returned to the Philippines at the right time since I was more mature and could clearly see the good things we have in the Philippines.
You speak Japanese very fluently, like a native Japanese speaker. Was it difficult to speak and study in Tagalog or English?
Yes! Definitely it was a big challenge for me to recall my Tagalog and English. My mom teases me that I used to be a very "madaldal" (talkative) Tagalog speaking kid but after moving to Japan and growing up there, I am now more comfortable in Japanese. But I guess my parents' training helped somehow for I was able to understand and recall my Tagalog and English easily since my parents used to speak to us kids in Tagalog and in English at home in Japan, but our answer was all in Japanese. I guess you can imagine how "CHAMPON" our house was. I am still working to be a natural Tagalog speaker.
From your own personal point of view, what are your favorite points about the Philippines and Japan?
I love the optimistic and jolly Filipino attitude and the way they love and care for their families. We have a great sense of humor so even difficult situations become easier to bear.
In Japan, I love how polite and well disciplined people are. Everything is in order which makes life easier and more comfortable. Oh yes, there is one thing that I love in both countries---the FOOD!
You currently work in a Japanese travel agency in the Manila. Were you interested in tourism before you started the job? What are your roles in the company?
I took up Tourism in my undergrad course at UST because I wanted to promote the Philippines in every aspect. Growing up in Japan as Pinay, I deve-loped a strong feeling to change the negative image of the Philippines. And I believe that tourism, through travel and experiencing the culture of the place, will give people a chance to be more open-minded and understanding.
When we lived in Japan, we used to go back to the Philippines for vacation every year and we visited tourist spots. I just fell in love with the places and I realized that there is so much potential in the Philippines. I thought Japan was the best but there are so many places of natural beauty that Japan cannot offer. I saw the untouched beauty of our country that I wanted to share with people.
My work is basically arranging the local tours (in the Philippines) for Japanese travelers. I also assist them for their visa extensions in the Philippines and arrange air tickets for the Japanese expats here. Since our company is accredited by the Japanese embassy for the Visa application of Filipinos going to Japan, I also check documents for visa applications. We also started to arrange tours to Japan for Filipino tourists.
What are the attractions/strong points of the Philippines that you have found through your job in tourism?
We have many beautiful scenic spots here and our people are hospitable and cheerful. Our smiles are genuine, and that is a big attraction.
Do you have any future plans? What are your goals in your career?
I want to be a person who can be a bridge between the Philippines and Japan because I love both countries and I believe if we get the strengths from both countries, we can have a beautiful and happy society. I hope to be someone who can contribute in helping the poor in our country to have better lives, through tourism.
Please give a message to the Filipinos reading Jeepney Press.
My kababayans, enjoy your life and learn from what Japan has to offer! Let's join hands to promote the beauty of our country and be ambassadors of goodwill!
Elena Sakai
Traveling to Banaue
by Elena Sakai
Technically, it was not my first time to travel to Banaue, because I have been there when I was no more than 1 year old. Although there were no memories to recall, it was a place I always wanted to visit (again), to see the beautiful rice terraces of Cordi-llera.
A 10 hour ride from Manila, passing through Nueva Ecija and Nueva Viscaya, we arrived in the state of Ifugao, just before dusk. I was worried at first, that it would be raining, because we had passed through some heavy rain on the way, but luckily, the weather was fine and we even enjoyed the sun during our stay.
On the first morning, I was invited to have breakfast at a very special place. A place where you could look over the whole town of Banaue, and the great panoramic view of the rice terraces. We enjoyed eating rice from the rice terraces. I was surprised that this was almost the only place where you could eat purely native rice! The native rice was sticky, with a savory aroma of fresh rice grain. Now, off to the rice terraces!
Our first destination was a small barangay called Banga-An. Banga-An is a tiny village in the middle of the rice terraces, where people live in the Ifugao hut. A 15-minute walk down the mountain will bring you to this place. Here we were dressed in the native clothing. Then we took pictures pretending as if we were Ifugaos. Me, I fell in love with the gods of the rice terrace, the “Bulol”. I found one covered in moss, just like something you could find in a Ghibli anime.
After our visit in Banga-An, we also visited the Banaue View Point, where you could see miles and miles of rice terraces, endlessly. I really thought that this was a place worth visiting, and also thought that this beautiful place needed to be preserved for the future, as it is a World Heritage site in danger.
As we left Banaue, I promised myself, that I would come back again. Next time, hopefully, I could go up even further north, to Sagada!
by Elena Sakai
Technically, it was not my first time to travel to Banaue, because I have been there when I was no more than 1 year old. Although there were no memories to recall, it was a place I always wanted to visit (again), to see the beautiful rice terraces of Cordi-llera.
A 10 hour ride from Manila, passing through Nueva Ecija and Nueva Viscaya, we arrived in the state of Ifugao, just before dusk. I was worried at first, that it would be raining, because we had passed through some heavy rain on the way, but luckily, the weather was fine and we even enjoyed the sun during our stay.
On the first morning, I was invited to have breakfast at a very special place. A place where you could look over the whole town of Banaue, and the great panoramic view of the rice terraces. We enjoyed eating rice from the rice terraces. I was surprised that this was almost the only place where you could eat purely native rice! The native rice was sticky, with a savory aroma of fresh rice grain. Now, off to the rice terraces!
Our first destination was a small barangay called Banga-An. Banga-An is a tiny village in the middle of the rice terraces, where people live in the Ifugao hut. A 15-minute walk down the mountain will bring you to this place. Here we were dressed in the native clothing. Then we took pictures pretending as if we were Ifugaos. Me, I fell in love with the gods of the rice terrace, the “Bulol”. I found one covered in moss, just like something you could find in a Ghibli anime.
After our visit in Banga-An, we also visited the Banaue View Point, where you could see miles and miles of rice terraces, endlessly. I really thought that this was a place worth visiting, and also thought that this beautiful place needed to be preserved for the future, as it is a World Heritage site in danger.
As we left Banaue, I promised myself, that I would come back again. Next time, hopefully, I could go up even further north, to Sagada!
Ambeth R. Ocampo
Philippine History in Yokohama
By Ambeth R. Ocampo
There are two Chinatowns in Japan, one in Yokohama, the other in Kobe; both are memorable as balm to my homesickness. Unlike the entrepreneurial Chinese who open shops and restaurants in a particular place and carve Chinatowns in almost every great city in the world, Filipinos tend to mix with their adopted countries and become invisible.
Sometimes the Pinoys come out in big numbers, as I have seen on Sundays in Hong Kong, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur and Tokyo where the smell of adobo leads you to a hawker selling everything from sinigang mix and banana ketchup to Green Cross Rubbing alcohol and Eskinol. When homesickness struck on the other days of the week I would seek out the local Chinatown. When I lived in Kyoto a decade ago I would travel all the way to Kobe for the sheer sensory delight of being in a place that reminded me of Ongpin Street in Binondo. The smell of siopao, siomai, buchi and mami was in the air. (Comfort food for me and many Filipinos who harbor a Chinese immigrant somewhere in their family tree.) Tilapia and bangus were readily available from the Kobe fishmonger and while I never bought frozen fish in the land of sushi and sashimi, the mere sight of these conjured memories of relleno, sinigang or daing na bangus. One could even buy frozen banana leaves here for ironing clothes or wrapping inihaw or pinaputok na tilapia. Any trip to Chinatown brought back memories from my mother and my grandmother’s kitchen.
I was in Tokyo before the sakura bloomed this year and while I can get Filipino kakanin outside a nearby church on Sundays, Yokohama beckons whenever I have an urge for Chinese food. What makes Yokohama unique is that each time I look at its harbor I remember other Filipinos who lived here or made a stopover when it was still a transport hub for Filipinos on ocean liners off to other parts of the world. In Yokohama, I can retrace the steps of Jose Rizal, Mariano Ponce, Juan Luna, Artemio Ricarte and Manuel Luis Quezon, to name a few. If passenger manifests are available, we can probably see more Filipinos great and obscure who passed by Yokohama. A memorial to Ricarte has been set up in Yamashita Park where the Filipino fiesta will be held this coming September. No memorial has been set up yet for Rizal, who stayed in the Grand Hotel that maintains a Douglas MacArthur Suite just like the Manila Hotel. No memorial has been set up yet for Mariano Ponce, who lived in the outskirts of Yokohama and did public relations work for the cause of the Philippine-American War. All that will change because the present Philippine Ambassador, Manolo M. Lopez, is keen on the shared history that links Japan and the Philippines.
Mariano Ponce is a forgotten patriot who once formed a triumvirate, with Rizal and Marcelo del Pilar; they were the prime movers of La Solidaridad. In Japan, Ponce continued to write for the press often under an assumed name. In Spain, he was “Naning.” In Japan, he was “Robert Samper.” Ponce published in the Japan “637 Miyokoji Yama, Kitagata, Korakigun” on the outskirts of Yokohama, in a quiet place near a Buddhist temple. I have been invited to visit the site of Ponce’s home that was recently located by Kaz Matsunaga, whose interest in Philippine boxing and history is reinforced by his marriage to a Filipina named Nancy.
Visiting the site will hopefully provide some context to Ponce’s letters from the above address. From here, Ponce posted stamps and postcards to Litomerice (once part of Austria, now in the Czech Republic) for the collection of Ferdinand Blumentritt, a friend of Rizal and the Philippines. Here, Ponce arranged to purchase arms for Emilio Aguinaldo and his letters enriched my vocabulary to include brand names like: Mauser, Murata, Werndl and Gras. Here, Ponce negotiated good prices for khaki to be used in our military uniforms as well as printing paper for the newspaper La Independencia edited by Gen. Antonio Luna, who had years before collaborated with Ponce in La Solidaridad. In this place, Ponce hosted a prince, the second son of the King of Korea. In his home, Ponce hosted Dr. Sun Yat-sen, the acknowledged Father of Modern China, whom he first met in March 1899 after advising his compatriots that “malaking tulong ang manga reformistang inchik (the Reformist Chinese are a great help to us).”
Although Ponce’s home is no more, we can reconstruct what it was like based on his representation expenses. In a letter to Galicano Apacible on March 6, 1899, he requested decent furniture and décor for the sala where he entertained VIPs, journalists and others sympathetic to the Philippine cause. He also needed suitable clothes, a translator for texts and an interpreter for face-to-face meetings. Going through expense accounts may appear to be trivial but if they help us reconstruct the past or understand historical figures, we should indulge a bit more into microhistory.
By Ambeth R. Ocampo
There are two Chinatowns in Japan, one in Yokohama, the other in Kobe; both are memorable as balm to my homesickness. Unlike the entrepreneurial Chinese who open shops and restaurants in a particular place and carve Chinatowns in almost every great city in the world, Filipinos tend to mix with their adopted countries and become invisible.
Sometimes the Pinoys come out in big numbers, as I have seen on Sundays in Hong Kong, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur and Tokyo where the smell of adobo leads you to a hawker selling everything from sinigang mix and banana ketchup to Green Cross Rubbing alcohol and Eskinol. When homesickness struck on the other days of the week I would seek out the local Chinatown. When I lived in Kyoto a decade ago I would travel all the way to Kobe for the sheer sensory delight of being in a place that reminded me of Ongpin Street in Binondo. The smell of siopao, siomai, buchi and mami was in the air. (Comfort food for me and many Filipinos who harbor a Chinese immigrant somewhere in their family tree.) Tilapia and bangus were readily available from the Kobe fishmonger and while I never bought frozen fish in the land of sushi and sashimi, the mere sight of these conjured memories of relleno, sinigang or daing na bangus. One could even buy frozen banana leaves here for ironing clothes or wrapping inihaw or pinaputok na tilapia. Any trip to Chinatown brought back memories from my mother and my grandmother’s kitchen.
I was in Tokyo before the sakura bloomed this year and while I can get Filipino kakanin outside a nearby church on Sundays, Yokohama beckons whenever I have an urge for Chinese food. What makes Yokohama unique is that each time I look at its harbor I remember other Filipinos who lived here or made a stopover when it was still a transport hub for Filipinos on ocean liners off to other parts of the world. In Yokohama, I can retrace the steps of Jose Rizal, Mariano Ponce, Juan Luna, Artemio Ricarte and Manuel Luis Quezon, to name a few. If passenger manifests are available, we can probably see more Filipinos great and obscure who passed by Yokohama. A memorial to Ricarte has been set up in Yamashita Park where the Filipino fiesta will be held this coming September. No memorial has been set up yet for Rizal, who stayed in the Grand Hotel that maintains a Douglas MacArthur Suite just like the Manila Hotel. No memorial has been set up yet for Mariano Ponce, who lived in the outskirts of Yokohama and did public relations work for the cause of the Philippine-American War. All that will change because the present Philippine Ambassador, Manolo M. Lopez, is keen on the shared history that links Japan and the Philippines.
Mariano Ponce is a forgotten patriot who once formed a triumvirate, with Rizal and Marcelo del Pilar; they were the prime movers of La Solidaridad. In Japan, Ponce continued to write for the press often under an assumed name. In Spain, he was “Naning.” In Japan, he was “Robert Samper.” Ponce published in the Japan “637 Miyokoji Yama, Kitagata, Korakigun” on the outskirts of Yokohama, in a quiet place near a Buddhist temple. I have been invited to visit the site of Ponce’s home that was recently located by Kaz Matsunaga, whose interest in Philippine boxing and history is reinforced by his marriage to a Filipina named Nancy.
Visiting the site will hopefully provide some context to Ponce’s letters from the above address. From here, Ponce posted stamps and postcards to Litomerice (once part of Austria, now in the Czech Republic) for the collection of Ferdinand Blumentritt, a friend of Rizal and the Philippines. Here, Ponce arranged to purchase arms for Emilio Aguinaldo and his letters enriched my vocabulary to include brand names like: Mauser, Murata, Werndl and Gras. Here, Ponce negotiated good prices for khaki to be used in our military uniforms as well as printing paper for the newspaper La Independencia edited by Gen. Antonio Luna, who had years before collaborated with Ponce in La Solidaridad. In this place, Ponce hosted a prince, the second son of the King of Korea. In his home, Ponce hosted Dr. Sun Yat-sen, the acknowledged Father of Modern China, whom he first met in March 1899 after advising his compatriots that “malaking tulong ang manga reformistang inchik (the Reformist Chinese are a great help to us).”
Although Ponce’s home is no more, we can reconstruct what it was like based on his representation expenses. In a letter to Galicano Apacible on March 6, 1899, he requested decent furniture and décor for the sala where he entertained VIPs, journalists and others sympathetic to the Philippine cause. He also needed suitable clothes, a translator for texts and an interpreter for face-to-face meetings. Going through expense accounts may appear to be trivial but if they help us reconstruct the past or understand historical figures, we should indulge a bit more into microhistory.
Alvin Christopher Galang Varquez
Philippine Fiesta Shines in Yokohama
by Alvin Christopher Galang Varquez
It was a gloomy Saturday morning at the historical Yamashita Park with no sun in sight. Occasional rainfall was expected throughout the weekend according to weather forecast. In spite of the permanent and distressing weather projected for September 1 and 2, the energy could be felt growing across the area. Thanks to the event organizers, the booths, field, and stage were already set-up and decorated. Most of the designs used for publicity, the souvenir program and shirts, the mascots, and the stage were created by the famous Filipino artist in Japan, Mr. Dennis Sun. The bustling and excited Filipinos, devoted to the event's success, came early to get to their position. Music could be heard building up from the stage, where a test performance was conducted. The aroma of fresh traditional Filipino food from the stalls could be savored from a distance. Souvenir and commercial goods and services opening up for the long-awaited day. The Barrio Fiesta was about to begin.
The Barrio Fiesta, commonly celebrated as a devotion to Patron Saints in the Philippines, was brought to life at Yokohama city. Thanks to the united efforts of the Filipino community in Japan, Yokohama City, Philippine Embassy in Tokyo, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Japan. Yokohama is the place with the longest shared history between Philippines and Japan. In fact, the highlight of the first day was the commemoration of Gen. Artemio Ricarte (1866-1945). The Philippine revolution hero lived in exile at Yokohama during the early 1900's. During the event, his humble monument was adorned with fresh colorful flowers laid out similar to the Philippine flag. Along with the VIPs coming from the sponsoring units, special guests - such as Mayor Fumiko Hayashi from the Yokohama local government and Hon. Manuel M. Lopez, the Philippine Ambassador to Japan - graced the occasion with their presence.
Although the celebration differed from the original barrio fiesta in many ways, the event brought about one of the fiesta's purpose which was to provide a venue for Filipinos in Japan to unwind and reminisce of home. Yokohama being a popular place for excursions and tourists, Japanese, foreigners, and even curious bystanders also joined the festivities. Thus, the beauty of Filipino culture was also introduced to the world and was covered by local and Philippine media partners.
There were 11 food stalls, 41 commercial booths, and 4 special food stalls. Food served covered a wide variety of indigenous and modern Filipino cuisines. Among the favorites were the pansit palabok, pork sisig, leche flan, barbeque (or BBQ), and tropical fruit drinks like mango, coconut, calamansi. Like all fiestas, San Miguel beer and local Japanese alcoholic beverages were also popular among visitors.
A cultural parade showca-sing the year-round major parades of the Philippines was conducted in the morning. The cultural parade featured the "Higantes" (Spanish for Giant) festival and the "Flores de Mayo (Spanish for Flowers of May)" or the "Santa Cruzan". Two astounding multi-colored 12-feet height giant mascots, donated by Western Union, led the parade. Following them were the Filipino women dancing in their vibrant traditional costumes accompanied by native instruments. It ended with the "Flores de Mayo". The flow highlighted the Filipino/ Filipino-Japanese young women wearing delightful traditional dresses, such as the Baro't Saya, carrying with them floral offerings and symbols each representing tributes to Catholic saints and the Virgin Mary. The inaugural cultural parade was conducted during both days and was among the unique attractions of the festival.
While the shops were busy cooking their appetizing meals, the bustling visitors rushed for their seats near the stage to cheer and enjoy the performances of the talented Filipino Japan-based artists and talents. The performances comprised of the UTAWIT Champions, Magkantahan Tayo Artists, Allison Opaon, Carol Inagaki, John Alejandro, The Abraenians, Jazz Ramirez, Regz, Rex Angeles, Jenny Nishimura, and Charito. UTAWIT is a nationwide singing competition event conducted in Japan. Later in the afternoon, Filipino celebrities, fresh from the Philippines, swept the audience off their feet with their hilarious jokes and soft serenades. The celebrity guests who came were Giselle Sanchez, Ariel Rivera, Christopher de Leon, Lovi Poe, Allan K, and Pops Fernandez.
A lot was also happening around Yamashita Park while the program was going on. Thanks to the indigenous animals designed by the official Barrio Fiesta designer, Dennis Sun, mascots and give-aways were prepared which served as an added appeal for the minors who came with their parents. Photographs were allowed to be taken with the adorable mascots and the "higantes" as souvenirs. The characters were "dugong", "tarsius", "tamaraw", and "haribon".
Patterned after the traditional barrio fiesta, a thanksgiving and anticipated Mass was held at the Sacred Heart Cathedral on Saturday night. The solemn Mass was also offered to commemorate the good deeds and teachings of Sec. Jesse Robredo, former secretary of the Philippine's Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), who recently passed away from a tragic plane accident.
On the second day, around 3PM, kids were invited to join the sack race and the egg race. The sack race is a popular festival game in the Philippines wherein people have to outrun others as individuals or in groups with their legs in sacks, similar to the ones used to contain harvested bigas (Tagalog for rice). The egg race is another game wherein people have to compete with chicken eggs placed on spoons. Influenced by Spain, spoon and fork are the common eating utensils in the Phil. For the kids’ safety and sanitation, golf balls were used instead. The winners were given trophies care of Tina Hazama and Samahang Pilipino.
The event was highly supported by the embassy with Consul Hans Mohaimin L. Siriban as the acting Philippine Barrio Fiesta 2012 secretariat, and the rest of the consuls as committee advisers. The Barrio Fiesta was all under the close supervision and guidance of Minister and Consul-General Marian Jocelyn R. Tirol-Ignacio and Hon. Ambassador Manuel M. Lopez. The Philippine Barrio Fiesta 2012 chairperson was Ms. Jenavilla B. Shigemizu. The Philippine Barrio Fiesta 2012 coordinator was Ms. Joyce V. Ogawa.
This year's Philippine Barrio Fiesta 2012 was indeed an uplifting and remarkable sight. In the end, the participants, aloof to the bad weather, brought the sunshine into the park with their spirit of nationalism and pride for their motherland, Philippines.
For those who missed it, please visit the official Philippine Barrio Fiesta 2012 for more photos.
www.philbarriofiesta2012.weebly.com
by Alvin Christopher Galang Varquez
It was a gloomy Saturday morning at the historical Yamashita Park with no sun in sight. Occasional rainfall was expected throughout the weekend according to weather forecast. In spite of the permanent and distressing weather projected for September 1 and 2, the energy could be felt growing across the area. Thanks to the event organizers, the booths, field, and stage were already set-up and decorated. Most of the designs used for publicity, the souvenir program and shirts, the mascots, and the stage were created by the famous Filipino artist in Japan, Mr. Dennis Sun. The bustling and excited Filipinos, devoted to the event's success, came early to get to their position. Music could be heard building up from the stage, where a test performance was conducted. The aroma of fresh traditional Filipino food from the stalls could be savored from a distance. Souvenir and commercial goods and services opening up for the long-awaited day. The Barrio Fiesta was about to begin.
The Barrio Fiesta, commonly celebrated as a devotion to Patron Saints in the Philippines, was brought to life at Yokohama city. Thanks to the united efforts of the Filipino community in Japan, Yokohama City, Philippine Embassy in Tokyo, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Japan. Yokohama is the place with the longest shared history between Philippines and Japan. In fact, the highlight of the first day was the commemoration of Gen. Artemio Ricarte (1866-1945). The Philippine revolution hero lived in exile at Yokohama during the early 1900's. During the event, his humble monument was adorned with fresh colorful flowers laid out similar to the Philippine flag. Along with the VIPs coming from the sponsoring units, special guests - such as Mayor Fumiko Hayashi from the Yokohama local government and Hon. Manuel M. Lopez, the Philippine Ambassador to Japan - graced the occasion with their presence.
Although the celebration differed from the original barrio fiesta in many ways, the event brought about one of the fiesta's purpose which was to provide a venue for Filipinos in Japan to unwind and reminisce of home. Yokohama being a popular place for excursions and tourists, Japanese, foreigners, and even curious bystanders also joined the festivities. Thus, the beauty of Filipino culture was also introduced to the world and was covered by local and Philippine media partners.
There were 11 food stalls, 41 commercial booths, and 4 special food stalls. Food served covered a wide variety of indigenous and modern Filipino cuisines. Among the favorites were the pansit palabok, pork sisig, leche flan, barbeque (or BBQ), and tropical fruit drinks like mango, coconut, calamansi. Like all fiestas, San Miguel beer and local Japanese alcoholic beverages were also popular among visitors.
A cultural parade showca-sing the year-round major parades of the Philippines was conducted in the morning. The cultural parade featured the "Higantes" (Spanish for Giant) festival and the "Flores de Mayo (Spanish for Flowers of May)" or the "Santa Cruzan". Two astounding multi-colored 12-feet height giant mascots, donated by Western Union, led the parade. Following them were the Filipino women dancing in their vibrant traditional costumes accompanied by native instruments. It ended with the "Flores de Mayo". The flow highlighted the Filipino/ Filipino-Japanese young women wearing delightful traditional dresses, such as the Baro't Saya, carrying with them floral offerings and symbols each representing tributes to Catholic saints and the Virgin Mary. The inaugural cultural parade was conducted during both days and was among the unique attractions of the festival.
While the shops were busy cooking their appetizing meals, the bustling visitors rushed for their seats near the stage to cheer and enjoy the performances of the talented Filipino Japan-based artists and talents. The performances comprised of the UTAWIT Champions, Magkantahan Tayo Artists, Allison Opaon, Carol Inagaki, John Alejandro, The Abraenians, Jazz Ramirez, Regz, Rex Angeles, Jenny Nishimura, and Charito. UTAWIT is a nationwide singing competition event conducted in Japan. Later in the afternoon, Filipino celebrities, fresh from the Philippines, swept the audience off their feet with their hilarious jokes and soft serenades. The celebrity guests who came were Giselle Sanchez, Ariel Rivera, Christopher de Leon, Lovi Poe, Allan K, and Pops Fernandez.
A lot was also happening around Yamashita Park while the program was going on. Thanks to the indigenous animals designed by the official Barrio Fiesta designer, Dennis Sun, mascots and give-aways were prepared which served as an added appeal for the minors who came with their parents. Photographs were allowed to be taken with the adorable mascots and the "higantes" as souvenirs. The characters were "dugong", "tarsius", "tamaraw", and "haribon".
Patterned after the traditional barrio fiesta, a thanksgiving and anticipated Mass was held at the Sacred Heart Cathedral on Saturday night. The solemn Mass was also offered to commemorate the good deeds and teachings of Sec. Jesse Robredo, former secretary of the Philippine's Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), who recently passed away from a tragic plane accident.
On the second day, around 3PM, kids were invited to join the sack race and the egg race. The sack race is a popular festival game in the Philippines wherein people have to outrun others as individuals or in groups with their legs in sacks, similar to the ones used to contain harvested bigas (Tagalog for rice). The egg race is another game wherein people have to compete with chicken eggs placed on spoons. Influenced by Spain, spoon and fork are the common eating utensils in the Phil. For the kids’ safety and sanitation, golf balls were used instead. The winners were given trophies care of Tina Hazama and Samahang Pilipino.
The event was highly supported by the embassy with Consul Hans Mohaimin L. Siriban as the acting Philippine Barrio Fiesta 2012 secretariat, and the rest of the consuls as committee advisers. The Barrio Fiesta was all under the close supervision and guidance of Minister and Consul-General Marian Jocelyn R. Tirol-Ignacio and Hon. Ambassador Manuel M. Lopez. The Philippine Barrio Fiesta 2012 chairperson was Ms. Jenavilla B. Shigemizu. The Philippine Barrio Fiesta 2012 coordinator was Ms. Joyce V. Ogawa.
This year's Philippine Barrio Fiesta 2012 was indeed an uplifting and remarkable sight. In the end, the participants, aloof to the bad weather, brought the sunshine into the park with their spirit of nationalism and pride for their motherland, Philippines.
For those who missed it, please visit the official Philippine Barrio Fiesta 2012 for more photos.
www.philbarriofiesta2012.weebly.com
Neriza Sarmiento Saito
Neriza Sarmiento Saito’s
ON THE ROAD TO:
STILL A FAMILY ACROSS COUNTRIES
It was almost the end of August, but Osaka still sizzled and wiggled in the excrucia-ting heat. Dennis, my editor-friend, had always been patient waiting for my long overdue article while hooked to an intravenous drip.
Going through my incomprehensible notes, I saw the draft of what I was supposed to write, the UP Los Banos Choral Ensemble, the Philippine representative to the Takarazuka International Chamber Choir Competition and winner of two gold medals. Right after the concert, I wrote the draft, finished a page but due to a sudden flight home to take care of my mother, I forgot all about it! Sign of aging or just simple forgetfulness or something else? Respect for the Aged Day is on September 17, perhaps a very good topic to ponder upon and a good time to realize some difficulties faced by the elderly who are mostly alone and lonely.
Sa araw ng pagdating ko, normal lang... kuwentuhan at balitaan, kainan, tawanan at hagikgikan. Nang sumunod na araw napansin ko na nagkakamali ang nanay ko sa pag-inom ng gamot at posibleng nadodoble pa. Naroon namang panay ang kwento niya ng mga nostalgic events noong bata pa siya.
Minsan naman, tanong niya sa akin "E, sino ka nga ba talaga at taga-saan ka?” Tuwing hapon, nagbabago ang mood niya, binubuksan ang lahat ng kwarto at hinahanap yung "iba pa raw naming kasama sa bahay."
Until her retirement at age 65, she led a busy and fulfilling life as a schoolteacher. We were a big, happy family. One by one, we left the Philippines to live abroad. After my father passed away, she decided to live with my sister. Maganda raw kasi ang health services doon. Doon na rin siya nag-80th birthday. Mga 2 years after that, ayaw na ring masyadong lumalabas ng bahay lalu na kung malamig dahil sinusumpong ng arthritis! Pati na paborito niyang mga DVD ay di na rin pinanonood
dahil nalimutan yata ang pag-ooperate.
Suddenly, it dawned on all of us that dementia is setting in! She was going through the "twilight hour" usually in the late afternoons. Dazed and puzzled, she would be searching around for her lost items, or would forget her medications.
My sister was getting stressed! She needed a break so we arranged for my youngest sister and brother to look after her while I accompanied my sister to the Philippines for a short respite.
Our trip was not only a reunion with our folks but also an awakening about getting older gracefully. Our aunts in the province still lead an active lifestyle, enjoying their day to day schedule as if each day is going to be the last. On weekends they would go around shopping malls on wheelchairs. Ninang Precy and Tita Puring hold potluck parties, prayer meetings or reunions with former colleagues in Teachers' Camp in Baguio.
Compared with Japan's elderly citizens, Filipinos shun the idea of sending their parents to Homes for the Aged. Somehow and anyhow, a member of the family can be relied on. In Japan, where privacy is treasured, many single type mansions for retirees are now popular. They can enjoy recreational activities like walking clubs organized by the residents themselves, training in the gym, swimming facilities and many more.
Feelings of isolation are stronger in men because they did not have time to socialize while working. Community type housings like this will give them a chance to enjoy "their second life" and have new friends who they can consider family.
For Pinoys, the family is the center of life and the universe. It is where we all gather strength. In the recent 24 -hour live broadcast of Yomiuri Television, the family of pro-wrestler Keisuke Sasaki overcame sweat and pain in a marathon relay with words of love and encouragement for one another. With their young sons, they finished the marathon on time for the singing of the finale theme song "Sarai."
In the New York bestseller, "Still Alice," the Harvard professor heroine discovers one day that she is losing her yesterdays, her short term memory going in the downward spiral of Alzheimer's disease.
With her husband and children, she begins to live in the moment, to live for each day till her existence becomes a "symphony of discovery and renewal."
If there is any way we can show our appreciation for the elderly on Respect for the Aged Day, perhaps we can tell them “Thank you for being here for me..."
ON THE ROAD TO:
STILL A FAMILY ACROSS COUNTRIES
It was almost the end of August, but Osaka still sizzled and wiggled in the excrucia-ting heat. Dennis, my editor-friend, had always been patient waiting for my long overdue article while hooked to an intravenous drip.
Going through my incomprehensible notes, I saw the draft of what I was supposed to write, the UP Los Banos Choral Ensemble, the Philippine representative to the Takarazuka International Chamber Choir Competition and winner of two gold medals. Right after the concert, I wrote the draft, finished a page but due to a sudden flight home to take care of my mother, I forgot all about it! Sign of aging or just simple forgetfulness or something else? Respect for the Aged Day is on September 17, perhaps a very good topic to ponder upon and a good time to realize some difficulties faced by the elderly who are mostly alone and lonely.
Sa araw ng pagdating ko, normal lang... kuwentuhan at balitaan, kainan, tawanan at hagikgikan. Nang sumunod na araw napansin ko na nagkakamali ang nanay ko sa pag-inom ng gamot at posibleng nadodoble pa. Naroon namang panay ang kwento niya ng mga nostalgic events noong bata pa siya.
Minsan naman, tanong niya sa akin "E, sino ka nga ba talaga at taga-saan ka?” Tuwing hapon, nagbabago ang mood niya, binubuksan ang lahat ng kwarto at hinahanap yung "iba pa raw naming kasama sa bahay."
Until her retirement at age 65, she led a busy and fulfilling life as a schoolteacher. We were a big, happy family. One by one, we left the Philippines to live abroad. After my father passed away, she decided to live with my sister. Maganda raw kasi ang health services doon. Doon na rin siya nag-80th birthday. Mga 2 years after that, ayaw na ring masyadong lumalabas ng bahay lalu na kung malamig dahil sinusumpong ng arthritis! Pati na paborito niyang mga DVD ay di na rin pinanonood
dahil nalimutan yata ang pag-ooperate.
Suddenly, it dawned on all of us that dementia is setting in! She was going through the "twilight hour" usually in the late afternoons. Dazed and puzzled, she would be searching around for her lost items, or would forget her medications.
My sister was getting stressed! She needed a break so we arranged for my youngest sister and brother to look after her while I accompanied my sister to the Philippines for a short respite.
Our trip was not only a reunion with our folks but also an awakening about getting older gracefully. Our aunts in the province still lead an active lifestyle, enjoying their day to day schedule as if each day is going to be the last. On weekends they would go around shopping malls on wheelchairs. Ninang Precy and Tita Puring hold potluck parties, prayer meetings or reunions with former colleagues in Teachers' Camp in Baguio.
Compared with Japan's elderly citizens, Filipinos shun the idea of sending their parents to Homes for the Aged. Somehow and anyhow, a member of the family can be relied on. In Japan, where privacy is treasured, many single type mansions for retirees are now popular. They can enjoy recreational activities like walking clubs organized by the residents themselves, training in the gym, swimming facilities and many more.
Feelings of isolation are stronger in men because they did not have time to socialize while working. Community type housings like this will give them a chance to enjoy "their second life" and have new friends who they can consider family.
For Pinoys, the family is the center of life and the universe. It is where we all gather strength. In the recent 24 -hour live broadcast of Yomiuri Television, the family of pro-wrestler Keisuke Sasaki overcame sweat and pain in a marathon relay with words of love and encouragement for one another. With their young sons, they finished the marathon on time for the singing of the finale theme song "Sarai."
In the New York bestseller, "Still Alice," the Harvard professor heroine discovers one day that she is losing her yesterdays, her short term memory going in the downward spiral of Alzheimer's disease.
With her husband and children, she begins to live in the moment, to live for each day till her existence becomes a "symphony of discovery and renewal."
If there is any way we can show our appreciation for the elderly on Respect for the Aged Day, perhaps we can tell them “Thank you for being here for me..."
Madam Marivic Oyama
FORECAST
September-October 2012
ni Madam Marivic Oyama
TIGER
Ang total na sum-of-ten ay may dalang suwerte pagdating sa pananalapi. Nasa iyo rin ang Victory and Completion Luck. Anuman ang iyong pasukin ay magtatagumpay. Ito ang panahon para sa magandang negosasyon at gumawa ng magandang deal. Masaya din ang iyong buhay pag-ibig. In October, double celebration dahil doble din ang pasok sa iyo ng suwerte. Sumunod sa agos dahil lahat ay mabuti ang kahahantungan. Madali rin ang pasok sa iyo ng pera at ito ay hindi mahirap hanapin dahil kusa itong darating sa iyo.
SNAKE
Masuwerte ang buwan na ito sa iyo. Maraming darating na magagandang bagay na iyong ikakatuwa dahil nasa iyo ang Heaven’s Luck. Mula sa mga nakakataas, nasa iyo rin ang suporta nila. Huwag mag-atubili na tanggapin ang tulong ng iba dahil ito ang daan sa iyong tagumpay. Magkakaroon lamang ng hindi pagkakaunawaan sa isang kaibigan. Magpatawad at kalimutan ang nakaraan. In October, both good and bad ay nasa iyo. Siguraduhin na ikaw ay protected dahil double misfortune ang dala nito. Umiwas muna sa mga bagong proyekto at huwag papasok sa anumang negosyo.
ROOSTER
Ang iyong tagumpay ay tuluy-tuloy at ito ay magtatagal pa sa mga darating na panahon. Anumang pasukin ay may kaakbay na pag-unlad. Maraming pwedeng panggalingan pagda-ting sa pananalapi. Samantalahin ang mga magagandang oportunidad na dumarating dahil nasa iyo ngayon ang prosperity luck at annual star Wealth Luck. In October, you have a promising month, doble ang suwerting papasok sa iyo when it comes to work and business. Walang masasayang na panahon o oras sa mga kakausapin pagdating sa mga pagkakakitaan dahil tagumpay ang hatid nito at maganda rin ang relasyon sa mga kasamahan at pamilya.
HORSE
Ito ay buwan ng pag-iingat dahil sa mahina ang iyong katawan at madali kang kapitan ng anumang karamdaman. Umiwas sa mga long distance travel para maka-iwas sa aksidente at huwag din lalabas ng nag-iisa dahil madali kang makaramdam ng pananakit ng ulo at dibdib. Magpakunsulta agad sa doctor. In October, mahina man ang iyong karamdaman ay magiging masaya ka sa matatamo mong tagumpay sa larangan ng trabaho at pag-aaral. May posibilidad na tumaas ang iyong position sa trabaho. Ngunit huwag kaliligtaan na kung minsan kailangan din natin ang tulong ng iba upang makamit natin ang ating tagumpay.
RABBIT
Mahaharap ka sa mga problema partikular sa relasyong pam-pamilya o sa asawa. Marami din hindi pagkakasunduan na mauuwi lamang sa matinding away. Kontrolin ang iyong emosyon at huwag padadala sa galit. Hindi maganda ang mag-invest pagdating sa negosyo dahil malamang na magkaroon ng pagkalugi. In October, both good and bad energy ay nasa iyong direksyon, maaari mong labanan ang bad na darating at i-activate ang good na darating. May mga temptasyon sa inyo pagdating sa pag-ibig kaya mag-iingat ang mga may asawa. Para sa mga long distance relationship malamang na hindi mauwi sa maganda ang relasyon.
OX
Ito ang magandang simula sa pagbubukas ng bagong negosyo dahil puno ng sorpresa ang buwan na ito sa iyo. Nasa iyo ang Victory Luck at handa kang pumasok sa mga challenge sa buhay dahil alam mo na ito ay magtatagumpay. In October, go with the flow at ipagdiwang ang iyong tagumpay na natatamo dahil wala ng makakapigil nito. Meron mang dumating na mga hindrances, ito ay iyong malalagpasan. Marami ding oportunidad na nag-aabang sa iyo.
SHEEP
Mahina at distracted ka, na nagiging dahilan para ikaw ay mag sacrifice sa iyong trabaho. Hindi ka makapag-focus sa gawain at hindi gumagana ang iyong knowledge skills. Bagamat maganda ang iyong lovelife dahil puno ito ng sorpresa ngunit mag-iingat sa temptasyon lalo na ang mga may asawa. In October, ang # 3 Quarrelsome Star ay nasa iyong chart kaya madali para sa iyo ang mag hot-tempered at stressful ang buwan ng October sa iyo. Sampung salitang masama ang bitawan, sampung beses din itong babalik sa iyo kaya mag- ingat sa mga bibitawang salita. Dahil kung hindi mag-iingat, malamang sa hukuman o hablahan mauwi ang pagtatapos ng usapin.
RAT
Iritable at madali kang magalit maging sa trabaho, personal mong buhay at relasyon ay puno ka ng stress. Isipin muna ang mga bibitawang salita dahil kung ano ang lalabas sa iyong bibig ito ay babalik sa iyo. Huwag lalagpas sa mga limitasyon na alam mo hindi maganda ang kalalabasan. Mas mainam na magkaroon ng maraming kaibigan kaysa kaaway. In October, napakalakas ng hila sa iyo ng Illness Star. Madali kang mahapo at mapagod dahil sa kakulangan ng enerhiya kaya madali kang kapitan ng anumang karamdaman. Napaka-senstibo at emosyonal sa lahat ng bagay na nagiging daan upang ikaw ay humina. Iwasan ang pumunta sa mga sementeryo, libingan, o kulungan.
BOAR
Magtatamasa ka ng magandang buhay at sagana sa buwang ito, dahil nasa iyo ang Prosperity Luck at abundance na magbibigay sa iyo ng kaginhawaan lalo na sa pananalapi. Maging ang iyong karera ay puno ng papuri mula sa mga nakakataas sa iyong trabaho. Ang susi sa iyong mabilis na tagumpay ay ang paggawa ng mga charitable events at maging mapagbigay sa kapwa nang doble ang tamasahing suwerte sa buhay. In October, mag-ingat sa mga taong nasa paligid at huwag basta magtitiwala dahil nasa paligid mo ngayon ang mga taong mapagsamantala at manloloko. Pag-ingatan din ang mga importanteng bagay dahil posibleng mawalan ng gamit o pera.
DOG
Pag sinabing “Prosperity Luck” means masuwerte ka ngayon. Maraming magagandang bagay ang mangyayari at magtatagumpay ka sa lahat ng iyong mga binabalak. Maganda ang daloy ng iyong career. Good ang pakikisama sa lahat at maganda ang pasok sa pana-nalapi. This is a good time to cash out for investment dahil your luck is on high kaya maging generous sa lahat. In October, mag-iingat sa mga manloloko. Huwag magsusuot ng mga puti dahil mas lalong pinalalakas ang bad chi energy nito. Ang magandang kulay na paglabas ay red, black or dark blue para makontrol ang double Burglary 7 Star. Mag-ingat sa mga nasa paligid. Huwag magpapa-abot ng dilim. Huwag mag-mamaneho ng mabilis at umiwas muna sa mga long distance travel.
DRAGON
Ito ang isa sa masuwerte mong buwan. You are blessed dahil na sa iyo ang Heaven’s Luck at Mentor’s Luck. Maraming oportunidad na darating at nasa iyo rin ang mga taong handang tumulong. Kaya kung kinakailangan mo ng tulong, huwag mag dalawang-isip. Panatilihin lamang ang pagkakaroong tiyaga at sundin ang iyong niloloob. Maging matapang sa mga desisyon. Ang annual # 5 Misfortune ay nasa iyong direksyon maging ngayong buwan ng October. Ibig sabihin nito ay mahaharap ka sa mga problema at mga pagsubok. Umiwas muna sa mga bagong proyekto at hindi ito ang tamang panahon para sa pagbubukas ng bagong business. Huwag din pupunta sa mga sementeryo, hospital o kulungan dahil malakas ang hatak sa iyo ng yin energy.
MONKEY
Mas mag-i-improve ang iyong relasyon sa buwan na ito ngunit marami ang mga distraction sa mga gusto mong gawin na magiging daan sa iyong mga pagkakamali at malamang na malagay ka sa trouble. Magiging maganda ang samahan sa mga ka-trabaho kung ihihiwalay mo ang iyong personal na buhay. Maging ang iyong boss ay nakikita ito “nothing personal”. Kung gusto mong umangat ang iyong position, kailangan mo itong paghirapan at maging mabuting empleyado. Dahil sa dala mo ang # 3 Quarrelsome this year, ito ay na doble ngayong October, at ito ang dahilan nang pagiging mainitin mo ng ulo. Kontrolin ang iyong galit dahil ang gulo ay malapit sa iyo. Malamang na masira ang iyong reputasyon dahil sa pera. Mag-ingat!
September-October 2012
ni Madam Marivic Oyama
TIGER
Ang total na sum-of-ten ay may dalang suwerte pagdating sa pananalapi. Nasa iyo rin ang Victory and Completion Luck. Anuman ang iyong pasukin ay magtatagumpay. Ito ang panahon para sa magandang negosasyon at gumawa ng magandang deal. Masaya din ang iyong buhay pag-ibig. In October, double celebration dahil doble din ang pasok sa iyo ng suwerte. Sumunod sa agos dahil lahat ay mabuti ang kahahantungan. Madali rin ang pasok sa iyo ng pera at ito ay hindi mahirap hanapin dahil kusa itong darating sa iyo.
SNAKE
Masuwerte ang buwan na ito sa iyo. Maraming darating na magagandang bagay na iyong ikakatuwa dahil nasa iyo ang Heaven’s Luck. Mula sa mga nakakataas, nasa iyo rin ang suporta nila. Huwag mag-atubili na tanggapin ang tulong ng iba dahil ito ang daan sa iyong tagumpay. Magkakaroon lamang ng hindi pagkakaunawaan sa isang kaibigan. Magpatawad at kalimutan ang nakaraan. In October, both good and bad ay nasa iyo. Siguraduhin na ikaw ay protected dahil double misfortune ang dala nito. Umiwas muna sa mga bagong proyekto at huwag papasok sa anumang negosyo.
ROOSTER
Ang iyong tagumpay ay tuluy-tuloy at ito ay magtatagal pa sa mga darating na panahon. Anumang pasukin ay may kaakbay na pag-unlad. Maraming pwedeng panggalingan pagda-ting sa pananalapi. Samantalahin ang mga magagandang oportunidad na dumarating dahil nasa iyo ngayon ang prosperity luck at annual star Wealth Luck. In October, you have a promising month, doble ang suwerting papasok sa iyo when it comes to work and business. Walang masasayang na panahon o oras sa mga kakausapin pagdating sa mga pagkakakitaan dahil tagumpay ang hatid nito at maganda rin ang relasyon sa mga kasamahan at pamilya.
HORSE
Ito ay buwan ng pag-iingat dahil sa mahina ang iyong katawan at madali kang kapitan ng anumang karamdaman. Umiwas sa mga long distance travel para maka-iwas sa aksidente at huwag din lalabas ng nag-iisa dahil madali kang makaramdam ng pananakit ng ulo at dibdib. Magpakunsulta agad sa doctor. In October, mahina man ang iyong karamdaman ay magiging masaya ka sa matatamo mong tagumpay sa larangan ng trabaho at pag-aaral. May posibilidad na tumaas ang iyong position sa trabaho. Ngunit huwag kaliligtaan na kung minsan kailangan din natin ang tulong ng iba upang makamit natin ang ating tagumpay.
RABBIT
Mahaharap ka sa mga problema partikular sa relasyong pam-pamilya o sa asawa. Marami din hindi pagkakasunduan na mauuwi lamang sa matinding away. Kontrolin ang iyong emosyon at huwag padadala sa galit. Hindi maganda ang mag-invest pagdating sa negosyo dahil malamang na magkaroon ng pagkalugi. In October, both good and bad energy ay nasa iyong direksyon, maaari mong labanan ang bad na darating at i-activate ang good na darating. May mga temptasyon sa inyo pagdating sa pag-ibig kaya mag-iingat ang mga may asawa. Para sa mga long distance relationship malamang na hindi mauwi sa maganda ang relasyon.
OX
Ito ang magandang simula sa pagbubukas ng bagong negosyo dahil puno ng sorpresa ang buwan na ito sa iyo. Nasa iyo ang Victory Luck at handa kang pumasok sa mga challenge sa buhay dahil alam mo na ito ay magtatagumpay. In October, go with the flow at ipagdiwang ang iyong tagumpay na natatamo dahil wala ng makakapigil nito. Meron mang dumating na mga hindrances, ito ay iyong malalagpasan. Marami ding oportunidad na nag-aabang sa iyo.
SHEEP
Mahina at distracted ka, na nagiging dahilan para ikaw ay mag sacrifice sa iyong trabaho. Hindi ka makapag-focus sa gawain at hindi gumagana ang iyong knowledge skills. Bagamat maganda ang iyong lovelife dahil puno ito ng sorpresa ngunit mag-iingat sa temptasyon lalo na ang mga may asawa. In October, ang # 3 Quarrelsome Star ay nasa iyong chart kaya madali para sa iyo ang mag hot-tempered at stressful ang buwan ng October sa iyo. Sampung salitang masama ang bitawan, sampung beses din itong babalik sa iyo kaya mag- ingat sa mga bibitawang salita. Dahil kung hindi mag-iingat, malamang sa hukuman o hablahan mauwi ang pagtatapos ng usapin.
RAT
Iritable at madali kang magalit maging sa trabaho, personal mong buhay at relasyon ay puno ka ng stress. Isipin muna ang mga bibitawang salita dahil kung ano ang lalabas sa iyong bibig ito ay babalik sa iyo. Huwag lalagpas sa mga limitasyon na alam mo hindi maganda ang kalalabasan. Mas mainam na magkaroon ng maraming kaibigan kaysa kaaway. In October, napakalakas ng hila sa iyo ng Illness Star. Madali kang mahapo at mapagod dahil sa kakulangan ng enerhiya kaya madali kang kapitan ng anumang karamdaman. Napaka-senstibo at emosyonal sa lahat ng bagay na nagiging daan upang ikaw ay humina. Iwasan ang pumunta sa mga sementeryo, libingan, o kulungan.
BOAR
Magtatamasa ka ng magandang buhay at sagana sa buwang ito, dahil nasa iyo ang Prosperity Luck at abundance na magbibigay sa iyo ng kaginhawaan lalo na sa pananalapi. Maging ang iyong karera ay puno ng papuri mula sa mga nakakataas sa iyong trabaho. Ang susi sa iyong mabilis na tagumpay ay ang paggawa ng mga charitable events at maging mapagbigay sa kapwa nang doble ang tamasahing suwerte sa buhay. In October, mag-ingat sa mga taong nasa paligid at huwag basta magtitiwala dahil nasa paligid mo ngayon ang mga taong mapagsamantala at manloloko. Pag-ingatan din ang mga importanteng bagay dahil posibleng mawalan ng gamit o pera.
DOG
Pag sinabing “Prosperity Luck” means masuwerte ka ngayon. Maraming magagandang bagay ang mangyayari at magtatagumpay ka sa lahat ng iyong mga binabalak. Maganda ang daloy ng iyong career. Good ang pakikisama sa lahat at maganda ang pasok sa pana-nalapi. This is a good time to cash out for investment dahil your luck is on high kaya maging generous sa lahat. In October, mag-iingat sa mga manloloko. Huwag magsusuot ng mga puti dahil mas lalong pinalalakas ang bad chi energy nito. Ang magandang kulay na paglabas ay red, black or dark blue para makontrol ang double Burglary 7 Star. Mag-ingat sa mga nasa paligid. Huwag magpapa-abot ng dilim. Huwag mag-mamaneho ng mabilis at umiwas muna sa mga long distance travel.
DRAGON
Ito ang isa sa masuwerte mong buwan. You are blessed dahil na sa iyo ang Heaven’s Luck at Mentor’s Luck. Maraming oportunidad na darating at nasa iyo rin ang mga taong handang tumulong. Kaya kung kinakailangan mo ng tulong, huwag mag dalawang-isip. Panatilihin lamang ang pagkakaroong tiyaga at sundin ang iyong niloloob. Maging matapang sa mga desisyon. Ang annual # 5 Misfortune ay nasa iyong direksyon maging ngayong buwan ng October. Ibig sabihin nito ay mahaharap ka sa mga problema at mga pagsubok. Umiwas muna sa mga bagong proyekto at hindi ito ang tamang panahon para sa pagbubukas ng bagong business. Huwag din pupunta sa mga sementeryo, hospital o kulungan dahil malakas ang hatak sa iyo ng yin energy.
MONKEY
Mas mag-i-improve ang iyong relasyon sa buwan na ito ngunit marami ang mga distraction sa mga gusto mong gawin na magiging daan sa iyong mga pagkakamali at malamang na malagay ka sa trouble. Magiging maganda ang samahan sa mga ka-trabaho kung ihihiwalay mo ang iyong personal na buhay. Maging ang iyong boss ay nakikita ito “nothing personal”. Kung gusto mong umangat ang iyong position, kailangan mo itong paghirapan at maging mabuting empleyado. Dahil sa dala mo ang # 3 Quarrelsome this year, ito ay na doble ngayong October, at ito ang dahilan nang pagiging mainitin mo ng ulo. Kontrolin ang iyong galit dahil ang gulo ay malapit sa iyo. Malamang na masira ang iyong reputasyon dahil sa pera. Mag-ingat!
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