Sally Cristobal-Takashima

KANSAI CRUSADE
by Sally Cristobal-Takashima

Scenes and images of autumn is amidst us. Weren't we just planning our Shinen Kai a while ago. Now, most of us are winding up our skeds, taking reminder notes on what to do for the holidays and early next year.

Kumusta po? Suma inyo ang bagong sikat ng araw. Wala pong gabi, puro araw. Autumn has come and I love this season for the yummilicious persimons that it brings. Yes, already we had our Matsutake gohan when our daughter came over to visit from Tokyo. There are still cicadas that can be heard. Famous for what can be irritating high decibled songs. This requeim of songs usher in the coming of winter which can be depressing. Good gracious, taglamig na naman. Luma na yata yun aking Ugg Boots. Also got to check out this season's heat tech by Uniqlo. I wish they would come up with underwears made of light wool and a bit of silk.

In Japan, the autumn foliage starts to be visible in the north (Hokkaido) and on to Osaka then all the way to the South (Nagasaki). Do you know that the word "koyo" literally means red leaves, oyo refers to yellow leaves and katsuyo are brown leaves. 

In the olden days in Japan until now, taking a leisurely walk to enjoy the beauty of autumn has been a custom. Looking for golden leaves are depicted in scenes of the Genji Monogatari (Tales of Genji), a classic tale of the leisurely lives of the women and men of nobility during the Heian Era.

Autumn is also a reminder to clean up, pay up any atrasos, debts, favors received and take stock of what things to buy or to dispose.

I notice that extreme cold weather drive people to the library and department stores to warm themselves.

Mapunta naman tayo sa mga balita galing sa Pilipinas. O, hindi lang Manny Pacquao meron tayo. Meron din tayong Nonito Donaire who defeated Toshiaki Nishioka in a technical knockout in October 13th. Business Watch, a business website referred to the Philippines and Indonesia as the new "Tigers in Asia” based on its fast recovery from the recent Asian financial crisis, high potential for growth. Nakatawag ng pansin ng iba't ibang investors ang Pilipinas dahil sa patuloy na pag-unlad nito.

The canonization of Filipino martyr, Pedro Calungsod in Rome was held in October. He is the second saint to be declared by Roman Catholic Church after St. Lorezo Ruiz. Si Sto. Calungsod kaya ang magiging patron ng mga Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW)? His Feast Day will be April 2nd.

Last but not least, you may want to know about the recently implemented K-12 Educational System in the Philippines lalo na yun mga taong may mga anak na pinag-aaral sa Pilipinas. Ang sistemang K-12 ay isang taon sa Kindergarten, anim na taon sa Elementary School, apat na taon sa Junior High School at dalawang taon sa Senior High school. The first batch of graduate who completed the requirements will graduate Year 2024.

And now the buzz from Kansai.The Philippine Community Coordinating Council recently held its much awaited Sports Fest 2012 with many Filipino communities in attendance. Blessed with good weather, various sports competitions and games were held. Lucky winners got their well deserved prizes. Consul Jerome John O. Castro gave a most inspirational talk. Our sincere thanks to Joy Mizutani who beautifully sang the Philippine National Anthem, to Beth Kan, our Emcee, to the PCCC Officers headed by Malou V. Sato, to the Sports Fest Committee Coordinators: Jorge Takara, Eunice Hashizuka, Carisa Sugiama and Joy Yoshitomi. Also to Head Facilitators Marlon Mangila and Katrina Fujikawa and Members: Bong Yamaguchi, Bernard Latoja, Roland Sekimoto, Aya and Tadao Honggo, Chris Macam and Myrna Takao. PCCC also sincerely thanks all the sponsors, supporters, attendees and all who helped - alam ninyo kung sino kayo. Until next year po.

San Lorenzo Ruiz Filipino Japanese Community and Amagasaki Filipino Community recently held their anniversary parties. The groups are headed by Marlon Mangila and Maritess Kita respectively. The Sama Sama Community hosted the Immigration Seminar initiated by the Philippine Consulate General. The Shiga Filipino Community held their Recollection Day and participated in the International Day Festival in Shiga Prefecture.

The Kyoto Pag-asa Filipino Community held their first Divine Mercy Crusade in Kyoto. Also the KPFC periodically hold Tsunagaru Kai, a Study Group for Youth who are at least 12 years old, in Wings Kyoto. The Samahan sa Kitano held a Farewell Party for Nixon Cacao, an active community leader and friends to many Filipinos in Kansai. He immigrated to Canada. The Kurashiki Filipino Circle welcomes Marjorie Oyama as its new leader. It was a pleasure to have all of you - Mirasol Furuya, Daisy Kojo among the many who attended Thank you sa uulitin. See you all sa December 2 for the celebration of the 10th Anniversary of the founding of the Philippine Community Coordinating Council.

Everybody out there - let's all watch the NHK drama "Jun to Ai" that is aired daily at 8:00 -8:15 am and 12:45-1:00 pm daily. Mariya is played by Maryjun Takahashi born in Shiga ken and daughter of Filipina Pen Takahashi. For details pls. contact Pen who is in Facebook.

Marjun has appeared in various TV shows and commercials and often participates in Tokyo fashion shows. "Jun to Ai" is an NHK drama filmed in Miyakojima in Okinawa.

Journey to Year 2013 about to begin. Destination Unkown. You chart your own itinerary. Plenty of food and drinks on board. Reserve your seats now. Year 2013 will be the best year.

To all the faithful readers of Jeepney Press , have a Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year. See you!