PAGMUMUNI-MUNI SA DYIPNI by Fr. Bob Zarate

PAGMUMUNI-MUNI SA DYIPNI by Fr. Bob Zarate

CONFESSIONS of a Priest... Mga Angal ng Isang Pari Part 2

Happy New Year sa lahat! I am sure marami tayong mga projections and plans for the year. Marami rin tayong mga prayers and wishes for sure. Ako rin. Deep within, bilang isang pari, mayroon din akong mga “sana” wishes sa puso ko... na lagi ko na lang ginagawa every year kasi walang nangyayari! Kaya, eto pa rin po ang mga angal ng isang pari after 10 years in Japan. Let them not ruin your 2012. Rather, sana ay makapag-gabay ito sa inyo as we all start another year of blessing from God.

Pag Nagalit ang Pari

Bakit nga naman ba kapag nagagalit si Father, o kahit pag naging istrikto si Father, ay bigla na lang aangal, “Pari ba yan!” O kaya, “Pari pa naman, tapos ang sakit niyang magsalita!” Naku naman... tama na ang drama! Hindi naging pari ang isang lalaki para magpa-cute. Nagiging pari siya para ipagtanggol ang katotohanan. And sometimes, the truth can really hurt.

Madalas nating i-compare ang pari kay Hesus na nakasulat sa Bibliya (yung pagkabait-bait na may awa sa lahat ng mga maysakit, mga makasalanan, mga humihingi ng tulong sa Kanya). Pero dapat tandaan din nating nagalit si Hesus. Want to check it? See your Bible... sa Matthew 21, 12-13. Doon nagalit si Hesus dahil dinadaya ng mga nagtitinda ang mga timbang nila. Grabe ngang magalit si Hesus... pati ba naman mga gamit ng mga nagtitinda, tinumba pa Niya! Ayan, napako lang kasi tayo sa mga paintings at statues ni Jesus na maamo at mabait. Pero kapag katotohanan ang pag-uusapan, fired up si Hesus!

Ganyan din ang pari. Kapag may sinabi si Father na medyo “Aray!” at tagos sa puso, huwag kaagad mag-react. Isipin muna natin kung totoo ang sinasabi niya. Especially kung pigil pa ang tono ng boses ni Father at ramdam mong ayaw niyang sumigaw, ibig sabihin noon ay pinag-isipan niyang mabuti ang sasabihin niya -- yun bang kailangang tatarok talaga sa puso. He has to say these things for your own good. Trabaho niya yon. Walang personalan sa loob ng puso niya para saktan ka.

Sinabihan ka na ba ni Father pag late ka sa Misa? Nagsalita na ba siya laban sa damit mong super casual pag nagsisimba? May mga comments ba siya pag sintunado kayong kumanta, magaslaw ang iyong kilos, o parang palengkera kung magsalita? Kung hindi ka pa sinasabihan ni Father, mag-ingat ka na. Baka nagpapa-cute lang siya!

Iwasan ang mga paring nagpapa-cute!

Mga Bangag na Kristiyano

Yes, I know I have to be sensitive and caring to people who need help, lalo na iyong mga lumalapit sa mga pari kasi super depressed sila o talagang lubog na lubog sa problema. Honestly, nakakapagod makinig sa kanila. Meron silang tendency to shift everyone’s attention to themselves -- na para bang sila lang ang may problema sa mundo! Pero, sa totoo lang, mas madali silang i-direct kumpara sa mga wala nang ginugol kundi mga bagay na espiritwal.

Don’t get me wrong. Totoong malaki sa trabaho ng isang pari ang spiritual matters katulad ng Grace of God, Blessings, Presence of God, at marami pang iba, pero hindi kami nakapako sa mga bagay na espiritwal lamang. Ang tao ay katawan at kaluluwa. Kung katawan lang siya, siya ay isang bangkay. Kung kaluluwa lang siya, siya ay multo. Pero ang taong buhay pa dito sa lupa na walang inatupag kundi espiritwal na bagay... bangag na Kristiyano!

Our Christian Faith is not our escape from our problems. Ang ating Pananampalataya bilang Kristiyano ang siyang dapat mag-gabay sa atin upang humarap sa realidad ng buhay dito sa mundo.

Halimbawa, may mga nanay na nagdadasal sa simbahan at pinapabayaan ang mga anak nilang magtakbuhan sa loob, mag-games, o kumain. Oo, mahal ni Hesus ang mga bata, pero gusto din ni Hesus na i-train natin ang mga bata na galangin ang simbahan at magdasal sa loob nito. Minsan nga sinagot ako ng isang nanay, “Eh Father, ang dami-dami ko nang problema! Dito na lang nga ako nakakapagdasal kasi kailangan kong alagaan ang anak ko lagi!” I had to tell her, “May problema ka o wala, hindi ka magkakaroon ng break from your being nanay sa anak mo. Habang bata pa ang anak mo, lahat ng lugar at oras ay chance to train him para paglaki niya, alam niya kung ano ang gagawin... kahit sa loob ng simbahan.”

Nakakagulat lang talagang isipin na kayang iwanan ng isang tao ang kanyang dapat gawin sa buhay (like pag-aalaga ng bata o pagluluto ng pagkain sa bahay) at pupunta sa simbahan, tapos sasabihing, “Ginagawa ko naman para sa Diyos ‘to eh!”

Naku, Neneng, huwag mong gawing takasan ang simbahan. Rather, pumunta ka sa simbahan, magdasal nang taimtim, makinig sa Salita ng Diyos, tumanggap ng Komunyon, at umuwi dala ang Kanyang biyaya upang lalo mong kayang harapin ang realidad ng buhay.

Samahang Simbahan, Nagiging Barkadahan

Philippine community... here, there and everywhere! May mga grupong Pilipino na hango sa probinsya o sa wika. May mga grupong Pilipino na hango sa trabaho. May mga grupong Pilipino na hango rin sa relihiyon. Ang dami-daming Philippine communities around Japan na kapag tinanong ka ng Hapon kung mga ilan ang communities dito, sagutin mo na lang ng tanong: “High tide or low tide?”

Of course, pati sa mga Catholic churches dito sa Japan, tiyak may Philippine community din -- mga matagal nang naitayo, o yung bago pa lamang... at iyong naghihingalo dahil sa mga away-away nila!

Bakit ba ang tawag nila dito ay Philippine community? Hindi naman sila ang buong Pilipinas. Hindi rin naman sila ang kalahatan ng mga daan-daang Pilipino na nagsisimba pag may English o Tagalog Mass. Hindi rin naman sila ang mga representative ng mga Pilipino kasi hindi naman nila personally kilala ang mga ito. Tapos, organize pa sila nang organize ng mga activities at fund-raising na pagdudulutan pa ng away, tampuhan, back-biting at hindi na pagpunta sa simbahan. Sayang.

Tinawag tayong lahat ng Diyos upang maging anak Niya. Tayo ay nabinyagan upang maging Katoliko. Tayo ay tinipon ng Diyos upang maging Bayan Niya. Yes, upang maging Community NIYA... hindi barkada nyo! Kapag hindi “based on faith” at hindi “Christ-centered” ang inyong pagiging Philippine community, someday, magwawatak-watak din kayo. I really get turned off kapag may mga nalalaman ako o nakikita sa facebook, o mismong nakikita ng aking mga mata ng mga Philippine communities na based sa simbahan, at kung mag-party ay lasingan galore! Tapos kung anu-ano pang kabastusan na ang nangyayari. Ang nagiging impression tuloy ay: nagkakilala sa simbahan, naging barkada, naging party people!... Ayun, naiwan si Hesus sa simbahan!

Kapag nagsama-sama ang mga Pilipino sa simbahan, panatilihin sana ito sa simbahan. Huwag nang dalhin ang samahan sa mga clubs diyan o pub doon. Huwag nating bahiran ang samahan sa simbahan ng mga bagay na dala ng kamunduhan. Samahang simbahan ito, hindi ito samahang lasingan with for-adults-only parlor games.

Let our church communities be based on the Gospel. Let our communities be faith-communities. Kung magpaplano ng any activity, always think kung paano ito makakapagpalalim ng ating pananampa-lataya, kung paano ito makapagbibigay sa atin ng chance para i-apply ang Gospel sa ating buhay. Pray more. Learn more about our Faith. Share more with each other your Faith Journey. Kung ganito lang sana ang ating mga Philippine communities sa simbahan, tiyak hindi to maghihingalo.

Philippine-Japan Migration Story by Carmelita Nuqui and Jeremaiah Opiniano

New Plot To The Philippines-Japan Migration Story

by Carmelita Nuqui and Jeremaiah Opiniano

Philippines-Japan NGO Partnership (PJP)

JAPAN offers lots of memories —good and bad— to Filipinos, not just its rising sun that is an economic magnet for Filipinos to go there.

There’s former overseas performing artist Maricris Sioson who, exactly 20 years ago, was mysteriously killed by alleged Yakuza elements five months after arriving in Tokyo. Sioson’s mysterious death never stopped a wave of migration by Filipinas doing the same kind of work which, to advocates for migrant workers, is tantamount to trafficking and to putting these women’s homeland into shame. That kind of migrant worker deployment even had processes and documents to be acquired, as well as a large-scale recruitment business which the Philippine government regulated. The tide changed in 2005, when Japanese immigration law changed and tightened the entry requirements of those wanting to work as OPAs. The amendment included provisions that anyone seeking such a visa must prove that he or she has education or experience as an entertainer. Certification from another government is no longer enough. This resulted in a steep drop in the number of entertainers being sent by the Philippines from about 80,000 in 2004 to about 38,000 in 2005. In 2010, the number of Filipino women deployed to Japan as entertainers was only about a thousand.

There is now an increase in the number Filipinas marrying Japanese, that being a means to escape poverty (as some departing young Filipina spouses married to elderly Japanese admitted).

Japan-Philippine relations surrounding overseas migration also evolved. The bilateral relationship became economic, resulting in an economic partnership agreement that has, among its terms, deploying Filipino nurses to Japan. Only two of over 200 deployed nurses passed the Nihongo-laced nurses licensure examination in Japan, and currently the nurses deployment provision of the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement is being evaluated. While distant from a matter that concerns Filipinos’ migration to Japan, the relationship between the two countries is beyond overseas migration.

Japan is among the Philippines’ major source countries of official development assistance, in which civil society groups hope that such development aid undergo transparent and accountable processes. Nevertheless, the aid from Japan led to bridges, light railway transit systems, and even emergency relief for people in Mindanao.

Japan-Philippine economic relations will not be complete without the Japanese companies heading to the country —from vehicles to electronic equipment, some of which became household names among Filipinos (e.g. Toyota, Sony, among others).

The relationship between the two nations even led to the reverse, i.e. of developing country Philippines helping Japan. Images of the waves that splashed eastern Japan given an 8.9-magnitude earthquake and tsunami last March simply touched Filipinos’ hearts to help (for example, the Philippines-Japan NGO Partnership, a group of non-government groups here that has a partner NGO network in Japan, donated some money to Japanese NGOs providing disaster relief in tsunami-struck areas in Japan). Even Filipinos affected by the quake and tsunami had to be helped. There are stories of cause-oriented groups coursing their donations to the Philippine embassy in Tokyo and to some Japanese NGOs directed at the Filipino families victimized by the quake and tsunami. Still, Japanese maintained their resolve even in the midst of tragedy, and Filipinos learned from it.

But Filipinos, thanks to the opportunity of being in Japan for work, study and permanent residency, extend themselves to help the Philippines through philanthropy. Filipino groups of all sorts in Japan—scholars in Japan, Filipinos based in Japanese communities, migrants’ rights associations, and many more— have been noted to be helping social development causes in the homeland. Of some P2.5 billion of donations coursed through the Lingkod sa Kapwa Pilipino (LinKaPil) program of the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO), some P33.65 million came from Filipino and non-Filipino donors based in Japan. These are on top of the remittances that Filipinos in Japan send back home: From 2001 to 2010, the US$5.349 billion is way, way ahead of Japanese development aid and foreign direct investment coming from Japan. Even in the last three years when the world faced a global economic crisis, Filipinos in Japan sent record-high amounts.

With these episodes surrounding Philippines-Japan relations and the Filipino migration to Japan that went with it, what future is in store? Japan might need to continually depend on foreign labor given their declining birth rates. It might also compel Japanese authorities to be more open to the contributions of foreigners and, if possible, respect foreigners’ (and Filipinos’) rights. For the Philippines, under a new chapter of citizens emigrating to Japan, it might mean that the episodes of forced migration to Japan —a la Sioson— should be over. Probably, helping more Filipinos in Japan and decrepit compatriots in the Philippines, as well as fostering better mutual relations between Japanese and Filipinos, may be the next steps. But for both countries, Japanese and Filipino vigilance to collaborate and help address the welfare of Filipinos in Japan and in the Philippines is a logical next step. This is where, for example, the Philippines-Japan NGO Partnership (PJP) is working with the Japan-Philippines NGO Network (JPN, a network of Japanese NGOs with projects in the Philippines) is doing something about it. Or Philippine rural communities welcoming Japanese citizens and enjoying their company and friendship in areas with visible concentrations of Japanese. The migration story concerning Filipinos heading to Japan is evolving, with development outcomes affecting both countries and their citizens. Opportunities abound from this evolution, and these can excite the Filipinos in Japan and the compatriots at home who are concerned about their welfare and of a homeland’s hopes for a better future.

DAISUKI by Dennis Sun

DAISUKI by Dennis Sun

BRING YOUR OWN SUNSHINE!

Wherever you go, no matter what the weather, always bring your own sunshine!

- Anthony J. D’Angelo

Remember the time with the waiting for the coming of the year 2000 millennium? People in the computer and financial industry were so worried about the breakdown of the computer system all over the world. People had to stay in the office on new year’s eve to see what will happen exactly with the entrance of 2000. Baka masira raw ang data nila sa computer. Kasi hindi yata naka program ang computer data system beyond the millennium. Pero anong nangyari? Wala. Tuloy pa rin ang ikot ng mundo.

This new year, whatever your situation, whatever you do, wherever you are, always look for the goodness in someone or something no matter how small it is. Try to find joy in your life even in the hardest of times. Joy is the ultimate gift of life. Natatandaan pa ba ninyo kapag bumabagyo sa Pinas noong bata pa tayo? Diba ang saya natin? Kasi we didn’t have to go to school. Sa bahay lang tayo. Walang exams! We just watch TV or Betamax or VHS. Wala pang DVD noon. At kung naputulan man ng kuryente dahil sa lakas ng hangin, masaya pa rin tayo dahil tuloy pa rin ang laro nating magkakapatid. Scrabble, monopoly at iba’t ibang card games.

Kaya minsan, it’s good to be like children when facing problems. Ang bata, iiyak because he feels the pain. Pero bigyan mo lang ng kendi o laruan yan, tatawa na bigla. Sana tayong mga matatanda, ganoon din. Tingnan ang mga bata sa daan sa Pinas, naglalaro sa labas tuwing bagyo. They enjoy the rain. Umulan man o umaraw, ang mga bata, masayang naglalaro.

Marahil, marami sa atin dito sa Japan ang umuwi sa mga kani-kanilang probinsiya nung nakaraang Christmas. Ang isang taon na pinaghirapan ni Mario, biglang mawawala na parang bula sa kanyang mga gastos sa kanyang pamilya. Wika ni Mario, “Diyan ako masaya… Makita lang ang aking pamilyang maligaya at maginhawa. OK lang mawala ang pera. Babalik rin iyan next year!”

Wala naman akong nakikitang problema sa pag- gastos ng pera. Hindi forever, darating ang pera sa buhay natin. Tao lang po tayo. Tumatanda at nagkakasakit. Kailangan din natin i-plano ang bukas natin. Paano kung wala ka na? Sino ang magpapakain sa mga anak mo? Paano ang kanilang edukasyon? Isipin mo ito habang genki ka pa.

Tanong at obserbasyon ng mga ma-intrigang tao sa Pinas: “Bakit daw napakaputi at makinis ang kutis ng mga Pinay na galing sa Japan?” Sagot ni Elsa na isang caregiver sa Tokyo, “Kasi hindi kami lumalabas ng bahay. Kapag winter, super lamig kaya it’s better to stay at home. Pareho rin tuwing summer. It’s super hot! Kaya it’s better to stay inside the house na naka full blast ang aircon!” Ganoon ba? Talaga? Bigla akong napatingin sa mukha ni Elsa. Oo nga. Parang namumutla yata si Elsa. Parang anemic na kulang sa dugo. O baka naman sa make-up niya? Elsa, wala ka na sa omise! Isa ka ng caregiver kaya hindi mo na kailangan pang gumamit ng makapal ng make-up at lipstick!

Ito naman si Aruray, ang napaka-beautiful kong kaibigan. More than 12 years na rin siya sa Japan at ang alam lamang niyang Nihonggo ay “Irrashiaimase!” (with a strong Visayan accent). Kahit ganyan yan, mabait naman. Nasa Shinjuku kami at nag sha-shopping. Ewan ko ba at pina-pa fill-up ng form si Aruray. Biglang humarap sa akin at nag-dramang, “Dennis, paki-sulat mo naman ito at medyo masakit ang aking mga daliri.” Hay naku, Aruray, sana this year, kahit man lang ang pangalan mo, maisulat mo sa katakana o hiragana.

For now, just feel good about yourself. If you’re in Japan, how about having a dip in your nearest ONSEN? Aba, kailangan mo ng relaxation para hindi ka magkasakit at tumanda ng bigla. At Inday, para pag-uwi mo ng Pinas, hindi ka mukhang garutay. Feeling fresh and beautiful ka pa rin!

Have a great 2012!

PISNGI NG LANGIT by Doc Gino

PISNGI NG LANGIT by Doc Gino

Sa kolum na ito, ating tatalakayin ang mga pang-araw-araw na karamdaman na maaaring dumapo kanino man. Nasa inyong pagpapasiya kung nais ninyong sundin ang payo ng inyong abang lingkod. Bisitahin ang kanyang blog site: http://doctorsronline.blogspot.com/

Mga ugat sa bayag (Varicocele)

Tanong (T): Hi po, ‘yung isa ko pong egg eh mas malaki kesa sa isa at parang may ugat ugat na lumalabas pero wala po akong sintomas ng hernia.. Ano po ba ito?

Doc Gino (DG): Sa tingin ko, ang iyong kondisyon ay ang tinatawag na "varicocele". Ito ay kapareho ng "varicose veins" na nakikita sa mga binti. Ang "varicocele" ay nangyayari kapag ang dugo sa mga ugat ay hindi nadaloy ng lubusan kung kaya't ito ay naiipon na nagreresulta ng paglaki ng mga ugat sa bayag.

Kung wala namang ibang sintomas na nararamdaman gaya ng pana-nakit o pagkabaog, ito ay hindi naman kailangang gamutin. Kung ito ay magsanhi ng pagkabaog, kinakailangan itong operahan ng isang "urologist" o espesyalista sa ari ng mga lalaki.

Ang operasyon ay maaaring gawin ng ilang oras sa OPD. Maaaring malaman ang dagdag impormasyon mula sa iyong "urologist."

T: Delikado po ba ang sakit na yan? Ako po ay 17 taong gulang pa lamang po! Mga magkano po ang nagagastos sa pagpapa opera sa luslos? Estimate price lang po?

DG: Mas mainam kung sa ospital o clinic magtanong at sila ang nakaaalam kung magkano ito.

FORECAST by Madam Marivic

January-February Forecast

by Madam Marivic

SHEEP

Sa pagpasok pa lang ng taon ay mararanasan mo ang stress. Madaling uminit ang iyong ulo at maikli ang pasensya. Iwasan ang magalit. Control your temper and you need more patience. Don't put yourself in a dangerous situation. Stay in the house, calm yourself and be relaxed. In February, watch your health! You are prone to getting sick and accident. Avoid long travel and don't drive too fast. Iwasan din matulog sa Southwest direction at kung maaari iwasan din ang pumunta sa hospitals, prisons or police headquarters and cemeteries.

RABBIT

This month is excellent in entering new relationships. If you are looking for romance, you will find it easily. Marami ang magpaparamdam sa iyo at mahihirapan kang mamili. For students, rabbits will improve their special skills and good timing to take exams. February is the time you have to undergo since it is your stressful month. Don't let yourself get affected and stressed out. It would help if you are going to take a vacation and relaxation. Bring your family or friends and spend more time with them.

HORSE

Maganda ang pasok ng taon. Good fortune will come your way. This is the time to follow your instinct and don't hesitate to make a decision. You don't have to worry about your problems. It will disappear easily. Just trust your instinct and enjoy. February would be fabulous and would bring a lot of good news. Ang lahat ng projects na nasimulan ay mag- tatagumpay at aangat ang posisyon ng iyong karera.

MONKEY

You will feel irritated and always get a bad temper. Mahaharap ka sa mga gulo. Ang iyong relasyon ay maaapektuhan dahil sa mga maling paratang. Don't take it seriously since life is too short. Enjoy. Try to laugh and crack some jokes. In February, illness will start to visit you. You have to be watchful with your health. There is danger related to travel. If you have long distance travel, cancel it! Kung di maiwasan wear some protection amulets. Avoid also some dangerous sports like mountain hiking, snowboarding and so forth.

PIG

You will encounter losses when it comes to money matters. May possibility na ikaw ay mawalan ng mahalagang bagay or maloko sa pera ng isang kaibigan. Kaya mag- ingat sa pagtitiwalaan. Don't take any risks kung alam mong walang patutunguhan. Hintayin ang tamang panahon. In February, you may get many opportunities so stay tune. Just go with the flow and wait for the good fortune. Everything you make would be best for you in a positive way. Your relationship is going well. Focus on your career and your mentor will be on your side.

DRAGON

Sa pagpasok ng taon 5 yellow stars will come to your chart and you will be dealing with some problems and obstacles. Ngunit maiiwasan mo ito kung maglalagay ka ng 5 element pagoda with tree of life sa Southeast sector and avoid staying in the Southeast. You are in a company of new friends and acquaintances on the month of February but this will bring in trouble to those who are married. May mga temptation sa inyong married life or current relationship. Don't let someone enter into your relationship. Build a new friendship. Clients are very important so make sure not to have a romantic feeling.

ROOSTER

Sa pagpasok ng taon ay mararamdaman mo ang ganda ng year of the dragon para sa iyo. Nasa tamang oras, panahon at pagkakataon ang pasok ng suwerte sa iyo. There will be some opportunities coming to you. Don't hesitate to take it! Your personal life and career will be exciting. In February, dahil sa ganda ng pasok ng taon sa iyo, may isang kaibigan ang maiinggit sa iyo and this will bring you into trouble. She's one of your dishonest friends. Puwedeng ito ay kasamahan sa trabaho. Pag-ingatan ang mga mahahalagang bagay sa iyo and be careful not to trust easily.

SNAKE

Be alert to misfortunes that would come your way. Huwag munang gumawa ng anumang plano ngayon. Avoid taking risks to those who are in a business. Avoid staying in the Southeast direction and try not to overspend your money. Hindi man gaanong maganda ang pasok ng pera sa buwan ng February but you will enjoy the good relationship. May dumating man na problema, your friends and allies are always there to support you. Don't be arrogant and accept help coming from someone. You have a charm to make your enemies into friends. Be happy and contented in your life.

OX

Everything you started is becoming successful because you have the completion luck. Career and personal life will be more exciting, dumalo sa mga events, parties or any occasion that will make you enjoy. In February, opportunities will come and this would make you busy. You are full of positive energy to do some new ventures and projects. You are starting to enjoy your wealth luck and there is some kind of help coming from your friends and allies.

TIGER

Start of the new year is a promising month. You have a lot of power to bring you good fortune and wealth luck. Maraming oportunidad na darating na hindi mo babaliwalain. Your personal life is also promising and you will find what you are looking for because there is a lot of passion in your life this month. Prosperity luck and wealth luck this month of February is coming your way. Ito ang magandang simula ng mga bagong projects, launching new products and putting some plans. Trust your instincts and your intuition is your best guide to make you successful.

DOG

There is burglary and money loss. One of your friends will betray you so be careful when it comes to trusting people. Huwag ibigay ang buong tiwala ng lubos lalo at hindi gaanong kilala. In February, you have the heavens luck, there are helping people which makes you the best thing to give some freedom to choose for the next four weeks. Whatever you do is your choice and there is nothing wrong with that because you have a strong success luck. There is also a mentor luck that will give you a good advice at magbibigay ng oportunidad para sa iyo.

RAT

Take some rest and be careful with your health. You are prone to sickness or catching common cold from weather. Umiwas sa mga mataong lugar lalo na at alam mo na madali kang mahawaan ng mga virus. Don't take some risks. Kung alam mong delikado, huwag nang ituloy. February 4 is the first month in the Chinese calendar, so in the first month you have the powerful number 1 white star that will bring you in a good competitive pursuits maging ito ay sa business, school or sports. Malalagpasan mo lahat ng competition because you are surrounded with supportive people. Ano man ang dumating na pagsubok, malalagpasan mo.

SAVINGS by Isabelita Manalastas-Watanabe

EARNINGS – EXPENSES = SAVINGS

by Isabelita Manalastas -Watanabe

Marami sa atin ang nagko-complain, na hindi maka-save, dahil sa ang dami at ang laki ng ating mga gastusin.

Di-ba, kapag gumagawa tayo ng family budget, unang gagawin ay ililista natin ang mga anticipated na gastos sa isang buwan? Pagkatapos, titingnan naman natin kung magkano naman ang papasok na pera. Kung mas malaki ang anticipated na gastos kaysa anticipated na income, e-di “shoga nai” – wala munang savings sa buwan na iyon. Kasi nga, Earnings minus Expenses = Savings, di-ba?

Buwan-buwan, ganito ng ganito. Kamot ulo na lang tayo – shoga nai, sasabihin natin, walang magagawa, kasi laki talaga ng gastos at mas maliit ang kita.

E kung baguhin natin ang formula?

Gawin nating:

Earnings – Savings = Expenses

Ang ating gagawin, ay mag-aim ng kahit maliit lamang na halaga na gusto nating i-save, basta’t siguraduhin lang na hindi tayo papalya.

Kunwari, kahit kalahating lapad (JPY 5,000) lamang sa isang buwan. Mas mabuti na iyong maliit lang ang ambisyunin natin, basta’t 100% nating gagawin ang pagtatabi ng pera, kaysa mag-ambisyon ng mas malaki, at magawa ito ng ilang buwan lamang, tapos papalya na. At kapag pumalya ng minsan, mas malaki ang posibilidad na magpapalya na naman.

Saan natin kukunin ang JPY 5,000 sa isang buwan? Heto ang posibleng magawa natin:

1. Mag-skip ng pagkain sa labas. Kahit JPY 1,000 lang per eating out, kung dalawang beses sa isang buwan ay sa bahay na lang kakain, o kaya’y mag-prepare ng obento para hindi kakain sa labas.

Savings: JPY 1,000 x 2 times = JPY 2,000

2. Huwag mag-coffee and/or dessert kahit 2 beses lang sa isang buwan.

Savings: JPY 200 x 2 = JPY 400

3. Mamalengke ng 15 minutes bago magsara ang department store kung saan ka namimili ng isda, gulay, prutas, etc. Karamihan, may mala-king discount na ibinibigay, dahil nga ayaw na nilang itago pa ang mga ito, para ibenta ulit sa next day. Potential savings: JPY 500. Gawin itong pamamalengke ng almost closing time, ng isang beses sa isang lingo.

Savings: JPY 500 x 4 = JPY 2,000.

4. Kung 2 bottled/ canned juice normally ang binibili mo sa vendo sa isang linggo, gawing isang beses na lamang.

JPY 150 x 4 times = JPY 600

Total savings: JPY 2,000 + JPY 400 + JPY 2,000 + JPY 600 = JPY 5,000.

Parang ang liit-liit lang ng JPY 5,000 na savings sa isang buwan, pero kung consistent tayong maka-save ng kahit ganito lang, ay mayroon na tayong JPY 60,000 sa end of 2012, di-ba?

JPY 60,000… Mga PHP 33,000 pa rin ito @JPY/PHP = 0.55.

Parang namulot ka lang, kasi effortless naman ang ginawa mong paggawa ng target monthly savings mo.

So, sa December 2012, bahala ka kung ano ang paggagamitan mo nitong pera – i-remit sa iyong savings account sa Pilipinas? Mag-travel sa Korea, ng 4 days 3 nights? (pwede, kasi mga ganito lang gastos kasama na ang eroplano, hotel, at ilang meals). O kaya’y magpunta sa Kyoto, o kaya’y sa Hiroshima? Kahit mag-bullet train ka, at mag-hotel, kasya na itong savings mo! O i-pamper mo ang sarili mo, at pumunta sa esthe salon?

Kahit ano pa ang plano mo sa naipon mo at the end of 2012, mayroon ka ng spare cash bago mag-bagong taon ulit, at bago mag-umpisa ka na namang mag-ipon, buwan-buwan.

JACK'S TIPS by Jackie Murphy

Jack’s TIPS

by Jackie Murphy

Paraan Para Lalung Ma-in-Love Siya Sa ‘Yo!

Ngayong tapos na ang pasko at mahabang pagsasalo-salo ng mga magkakapamilya at mga magkakaibigan, paano mo naman ngayon haharapin para mas mapagbigyan ng solong pansin ang iyong minamahal na kabiyak?

Walang mahirap gawin kung mag-e-effort ka lang. At para sa mga taong mahal natin upang lalong mapalapit ang puso mo sa kanya kailangang alamin mo rin kung paano siya i-please. Marami sa mga kababaihan mas mahalaga ang mga materyal na bagay para kainggitan pero para sa mga kalalakihan, simple lang ang pangangaila-ngan. Mas gusto nila ang mas may karagdagang effort at atensyon. Narito ang 10 simpleng paraan para lalo silang mapalapit sa puso mo:

1. Mag-ayos kung kasama siya sa public places.

Gusto ng mga guys na iparada ang kanilang mga ladies. Hindi kailangan ng sobrang make up. Yun tipong hawakan mo siya sa braso, maging confident sa sarili at magkaroon ng maaliwalas na ngiti.

2. Kaibiganin at barkadahin mo siya. Hindi sa lahat ng oras gusto ng guys ang sobrang romantiko o sobrang nakapulupot. Kaya mas madalas para maiba naman mas gusto nila sariling barkada na mag-inuman ng beer kesa makipag-kampai sa wine glass mo. Sa madali't sabi, subukan mong alamin kung ano ang mga hilig niya at ng kanyang mga kaibigan - hindi mo man masyadong gusto pero to make him special, gagawin mo yun para sa kanya.

3. Hingin mo ang kanyang payo.

Kahit di mo masyadong kailangan ang advice niya sa ibang bagay subukan mo siyang kunsultahin dahil nakakadagdag yan sa kanyang ego. Sobrang gusto nila yan kung nangangailangan ka ng tulong. Puwedeng tulong emosyonal o kaya'y tulong para ayusin ang sirang tubo. Minsan kailangang maramdaman nila na sila ang natatakbuhan mo minsan o tuwing may problema.

4. Magbigay at magsabi pero huwag sobrahan ang compliments.

Batiin mo siya sa kanyang magandang pananamit at bagong gupit. Mainam na gawin ito nang madalas at huwag sobrahan nang di magmistulang pang-uuto o pambobola.

5. Batiin siya sa kanyang magandang pag-uugali sa harap ng kanyang pamilya.

Isa na marahil ito sa pinakamahalaga sa kanya. Karamihan sa mga kalalakihan ay humihingi ng pagsang-ayon ng kanilang pamilya pagdating sa kanilang nagawa.

6. Ihanda siya ng masarap na almusal. Imbes na ordinaryong itlog at tinapay bakit di mo subukang maghanda ng masarap na hotcake w/ maple syrup ngayong weekend? Mga maliliit na bagay kagaya nito ay nakakapag-pasaya sa kanya upang lalong mapalapit ka sa kanya dahil napapataba mo ang kanyang puso.

7. Sorpresahin siya.

Sa araw-araw na bahay-trabaho bahay-trabahong routine ay maaaring maka-bore sa buhay-pag-ibig. Hindi ito magagamot kung hindi pag-uukulan ng pansin. Mag-alay ng bulaklak o maghanda ng masarap na inumin o di kaya'y sopresahin siya ng isang pelikulang pareho ninyong mapapanood sa home theater dagdagan pa ng bucketful of popcorn.

8. Bigyan siya ng suwabeng masahe.

Di naman kailangang ikaw mismo ang magmasahe kung di ka masyadong magaling sa larangan na ito. Maari rin namang bigyan siya ng gift certificate para sa isang spa therapy session. Nang sa gayon ay lalo niyang ma-appreciate na pinapahalagahan mo ang kanyang kapakanan para makapag-relax paminsan-minsan. Kung mapansin mong sobra siyang pagod sa isang pagkakataon bigyan siya ng suwabeng aromatic massage at pansinin ang kanyang kakaibang energy.

9. Maging interesado sa kanyang mga leisure activities o hobbies.

Ipadama sa kanyang sinusuportahan at napapahalagahan mo ang mga nagpapasaya sa kanya. Puwedeng makinig ka sa uri ng kantang paborito niya o maki-jamming sa tugtog na nakahiligan niya, mga sports na sinusubaybayan niya o di kaya'y mga librong kanyang binabasa. I-update ang sarili sa kanyang mga bago pang makakahiligan.

10. Ipagtanggol mo siya.

Mas madalas mga kalalakihan ang siyang nagtatanggol at pumuprotekta sa mga kababaihan ngunit kailangang maramdaman din nila na ipinagtatanggol din sila. Kung may marinig kang sinisisi siya, sinisiraan siya o kaya'y binabastos siya, pagkakataon mo nang ipagtanggol siya sa mga tumutuligsa sa kanya. Makakadagdag ito sa respeto niya sa iyo.

Maraming mga bagay ang puwede nating gawin para sa ating mga minamahal na mister at boyfriend. Ipadamang mahalaga siya sa iyo. At sa simula pa lang nang taon nawa'y lalo pang tumibay ang tunay na pagmamahalan at samahan na laging minimithi.

A PROSPEROUS AND A BLESSED NEW YEAR TO ONE AND ALL! ....woot...woot...

ISANG ARAW SA ATING BUHAY by Jeff Plantilla

ISANG ARAW SA ATING BUHAY

by Jeff Plantilla

Habang nakapila ako sa money exchange counter sa isang airport, may isang babae na nagtanong sa akin kung ako daw ay marunong mag-Ingles. Dahil naramdaman kong siya ay Pilipina sumagot ako ng Pilipino. Nabigla siya at pabulong na nagpasalamat. Bibili daw siya ng softdrink kaso Philippine Peso ang dala niya, hindi puwedeng gamitin. Papunta daw siya sa Hiroshima, nagta-transit lang siya sa airport na yon.

Dahil may local currency na ibinalik sa akin nung nasa money exchange counter, ibinigay ko na lang sa kanya ang natirang pera (kasama ang natirang mga coins). Sabi ko sa kanya, yon na lang ang gamitin niya. Tuwang-tuwa naman niyang tinanggap ang aking pera. Hindi na niya pinapalitan ang kanyang dalang mga piso. Mabilis siyang umalis at nawala.

Mukhang ngayon lang siya nagbiyahe sa labas ng bansa. Marami pa siyang aalamin, kasama na ang pagpapalit ng pera mula pa lamang sa Pilipinas.

Siya ang isa sa mga Pilipinang makakaranas ng buhay sa labas ng Pilipinas. Nagsisimula siya ng buhay na malayo sa pamilya, kaibigan at mga kakilala. Pupunta siya sa lugar na hindi pa niya kabisado. Magsisimula siya ng buhay sa Japan bilang gaikokujin, o bilang estrang-hero.

Saan kaya siya pupunta? Kung siya ay talagang sa Hiroshima pupunta, may mga residenteng mga Pilipino kaya siyang makikilala? May komunidad kaya ng mga Pilipino siyang mapupuntahan, na makakatulong sa kanyang pamumuhay sa Japan?

Sa mga taong sanay na sa pagbibiyahe, hindi na siguro problema ang paghahanap ng grupo ng mga Pilipino na maaring kaibiganin. Sanay na sila sa buhay estranghero.

Pero paano ang mga bagong salta? Lalo na kung nag-iisa silang nakikipamuhay sa ibang bansa? Hindi kaya sila mahirapan sa pag-a-adjust sa bagong buhay na ito? Malamang may mga hindi sinasadyang pagkakamali silang magawa. Maaari silang magkaproblema nang mahigit sa kanilang inaasahan.

Pilipinong Hindi Nakikita

Minsan sa isang forum ng mga Hapon, sinabi ko na iba ang komunidad ng mga Pilipino. Wala tayong sariling lugar tulad ng China Town o Korea Town. Hindi tayo visible, paminsan-minsan lamang tayong lumalabas o nakikita bilang mala-king grupo. Pero mahigit na 200,000 tayo dito sa Japan – saan tayo napapunta?

Ang pinaka-karaniwang nangyayari ay ang pagkakakaroon ng komunidad sa isang simbahan o sa isang lugar. Minsan, may mga grupo na binuo ayon sa isang gawain (sports), issue (grupo ng mga kababaihan), o status (grupo ng mga students o alumni ng mga universities sa isang lugar).

Nguni’t hindi pa rin ito sapat para tayo ay maging visible sa mga Hapon.

Ang tingin ko, marami sa atin ay hindi nakikita dahil kabilang tayo sa kani-kaniyang pamilya sa Japan. Kahalo na tayo sa mga pamilyang Hapon. Ang gawain natin ay hindi na kakaiba sa gawain ng mga Hapon – mula sa pag-aalaga ng mga anak, sa pakikipamuhay bilang mga asawa, pati na rin sa pagtatrabaho. Sa pang-araw-araw na buhay, hindi tayo nagkakasama- sama dahil sa ating kani-kaniyang pinagkaka-abalahang pamilya at trabaho.

Mukhang ito ang nagi-ging kalagayan ng marami sa atin, abala sa pamilya at sa trabaho. Kaya hindi na nagkakaroon ng panahon sa makasali sa mga grupo ng Pilipino.

Bagama’t bahagi ito ng normal na buhay may-asawa o buhay trabaho, may magandang dahilan pa rin na mapasama sa komunidad ng mga Pilipino.

Komunidad ng mga Pilipino

Para saan ba ang ating mga komunidad ng mga Pilipino? Ito ba ay pang-relihiyon o kung anumang dahilan?

May mga mabuting nagagawa ang mga komunidad ng Pilipino sa iba’t-ibang bagay. May mga komunidad na nagiging tulay sa pagitan ng mas mala-king komunidad ng mga Hapon at ng mga Pilipino. Sila ay maaa-ring katulong din bilang tulay sa mga Hapon at iba pang hindi Hapon, tulad ng pagdaraos ng international activities.

May mga komunidad na tumutulong sa mga nangangailangan sa Pilipinas. May mga scholarship funds na itinatayo, may mga school supplies na ginagastusan, may tulong sa mga naapektohan ng mga disasters tulad ng bagyong Ondoy. May nagagawa din ang mga komunidad para sa mga Pilipino dito sa Japan.

Sa mga Pilipinong matagal nang hindi nakakasama ang pamilya sa Pilipinas, ang mga komunidad ang nagiging shelter para mawala ang lungkot, para maging Pilipino muli sa kilos at salita. Kahit isang beses lang sa isang buwan, malaking tulong ang mapasama sa isang komunidad. Ang ilang oras ng tawanan at kwentuhan ay malaking tulong para muling lumakas ang spirit at katawan na nahihirapan sa pang-araw-araw na buhay dito sa Japan.

Kaya ang halaga ng mga komunidad ay hindi lamang upang tayo ay maging visible, kahit konti, sa lipunan ng Japan. Ito ay hindi lamang para makilahok sa lipunan ng Japan. Ito ay hindi lamang para makatulong sa kapwa Pilipino sa Pilipinas. Ito ay para rin sa pangangailangan ng mga Pilipino sa Japan na makabalik sa dating kalagayan – kilos Pilipino, salitang Pilipino, kaing Pilipino.

At sana ay maunawaan ng ilang Hapon na ang komunidad ng Pilipino ay mahalaga sa pamumuhay sa Japan bilang dayuhan. Hindi natin inihi-hiwalay ang ating sarili sa mga Hapon, sa imbes araw-araw tayong nabubuhay na kasama sila. Konting break lang ang ating ginagawa, break sa araw-araw na saya, lungkot, pagod sa buhay sa pamilya at sa trabaho.

Kaya sana yung Pilipinang aking sandaling nakausap sa airport ay makakahanap ng komunidad na kanyang masasalihan. Hindi na niya kailangang danasin muna ang hirap kung kaya namang sabihin sa kanya ng kapwa Pilipino kung ano ang magagawa para maging maayos ang buhay niya sa Japan.

Sana ay nagdala din siya ng makapal na coat para hindi siya lamigin sa unang tapak niya sa lupa ng sumisikat na araw.

ASIAN HARMONY IN SERBIA by Leith Casel-Schuetz

Asian Harmony in Serbia: A Tokyo University of Foreign Studies Cultural Dance Troupe Performance

by Leith Casel-Schuetz

Serbia is one of the last places you would ever expect to find a student-driven non-professional dance troupe that specializes in Philippine folk dance performances. But the Tokyo University of Foreign Studies (TUFS) Cultural Dance Troupe, composed of talented Japanese students and graduates of the university’s Philippine Studies Program, actually went to Serbia on a mission! In fact, the troupe returned from a highly rewarding tour to Belgrade in early December 2011.

The opportunity arose when Madame Etsuko Tsunozaki , wife of the Japanese ambassador to Serbia and a personal friend of Prof. Michiko Yamashita, the professor-in-charge of the Philippine Studies Program at TUFS, learned that the dance troupe also performs Japanese folk dances. And so the invitation arrived for the troupe to perform in Serbia under the theme Asian Harmony, with three distinct goals: (1) to acknowledge the sympathy and solidarity shown by the people of Serbia toward victims of the Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami, (2) in celebration of the 35th anniversary of the Japanese Studies Program at the University of Belgrade, and (3) to demonstrate a strong ASEAN presence in Serbia. The troupe was given the name Silangan Cultural Dance Troupe for this particular trip, in order to emphasize the Oriental background of the performers and their dances, since they were performing in Europe. Remaining true to the theme of the trip, the troupe demonstrated considerable versatility by performing Japanese, Indonesian and Philippine folk dances.

The first performance took place at Sajam, a large festival hall where an annual international charity bazaar was held, sponsored by the International Women’s Club (IWC) of Serbia (chaired by Madame Tsunozaki), whose members are the wives of diplomats in Serbia and Serbian women who hold important positions. There were 39 booths from different countries and it was the very first time for a Philippine booth to be present. Dance troupe accessories and stage props were used to decorate the booth, which was manned by Ms. Verica Milakovic, Honorary Consul of the Philippines in Serbia, (the Philippines has no diplomatic relations with Serbia currently) with the assistance of other members of the TUFS group. In order to even have goods to sell at the bazaar, some members of the dance troupe flew over from Manila loaded with Philippine products such as banana chips, polvoron, dried mangoes, dried guayabano, etc. and native products such as accessories made of capiz shell and wood, all of which were financed from the common fund of the troupe. Most products sold out midway during the bazaar. Meanwhile, the dance troupe did 3 separate performances at the bazaar according to the country represented: Japan, Indonesia and the Philippines.

Other performances were held at the Japanese Ambassador’s residence, the Sumice Sports and Cultural Center, and the University of Belgrade. The performance at the Sumice Sports and Cultural Center was attended mainly by members of the largest opposition political party in Serbia including its leader, Mr. Nikolic, and members of the diplomatic community. University officials and members of the diplomatic community, attended the performances at the Japanese Ambassador’s residence, and the same audience including students attended the performance at the University of Belgrade.

The dance troupe fulfilled its mission very well. A representative of the dance troupe thanked the people of Serbia at each performance for their help during the Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami last March 11, while short footage of the disaster was shown. During a couple of performances, one of the members did introductions in Serbian, which were admired and applauded warmly by the audience.

The Japanese dances performed by the troupe highlighted the 35th anniversary celebration of the Japanese Studies Program at the University of Belgrade. It was also an opportunity for Serbian students not only to practice their Japanese conversation skills with members of the troupe and have a direct Japanese experience, but also to start lasting friendships across the seas.

Among ASEAN countries, only Indonesia, Malaysia and Myanmar have embassies in Serbia. So it was with considerable pride that the dance troupe help set up the first Philippine booth at the International Women’s Club bazaar together with said countries to form the ASEAN section of the bazaar. The addition of a traditional Indonesian dance to the repertoire won the admiration of the Indonesian ambassador, who was always present during any performance. The Philippine booth aroused Serbian public interest toward Philippine products, while Philippine dance performances heightened their admiration for Philippine culture. In addition, several Filipinos living in Belgrade proudly attended each performance and enjoyed rare visual reminders of their cultural heritage.

The troupe’s first tour in Europe was very fulfilling because their performances proved that they were not only ambassadors of goodwill for Japan, but also for Asia at large.

KAPATIRAN by Loleng Ramos

KAPATIRAN by Loleng Ramos

UTOL KITA

“Manigong Bagong Taon!“ Ang bilis, ano ang nasa sa isip mo kapag New Year? Hindi na siguro ang putukan kasi sa Summer iyan dito eh, Hanabi! Media Noche ba? Osechi-ryori sila rito pero sa almusal mo pa kakainin. Soba na lang muna sa bisperas ng bagong taon. Sa new year’s eve sa Japan, walang barilan, walang torotot, walang busina, pero merong kalembang; sa atin sa Pilipinas, sa pagkatapos ng midnight mass at sa pagtunog ng alas-dose ng gabi, dito, midnight din ang 108 na beses na pagtunog ng kampana ng mga Buddhist monks. Baka tanungin mo bakit 108, kase iyon daw ang dami ng pwedeng maging kasalanan ng isang tao, hmmmm. Tama kaya iyon, ikaw ba naka-ilan ngayong taon? Tatanggalin daw kasi ng bawat tunog ng kampana ang mga kasalanang ito.

Iba-iba ang selebrasyon sa bawat bansa pero para sa lahat, ang bagong taon ay naghahatid ng bagong pag-asa ng mas mabuting buhay, mas maunlad, mas masaya; na sa lumipas na taon, nadala na din nito ang lahat ng mga pangit na pangyayari, pati na ang lahat ng kapangitan sa ating sarili. Ang bawat taon din ay nagpaparamdam, na umiksi din ang chapter ng libro ng ating buhay… dapat sa bawat taon, umaasenso tayo, sa pagka-tao. Paano na lang kung wala ng next year, saan na tayo pupunta? Saan ba tayo pupunta?

Narinig mo na ba ang salitang “Beatific Vision”? Eto ang sandaling pinakahihintay ng bawat nilalang. Sa katapusan ng ating buhay, makakamit ba natin ang sukdulang ligaya, na makaharap ang Diyos na lumikha sa atin? Teka, kilala mo na ba Siya? Kilala, kinikilala pa? Baka mamaya dahil nilisan mo ang Pilipinas, pati relihiyon mo nilisan mo na rin. Baka mamaya sobrang cute ang dating sa iyo ng pag-hila ng kampana sa Shinto Shrine tapos may pag-palakpak, doon ka na rin nagdadasal hah? Sa pagyuko natin sa Shrine at Temple, nagbibigay galang lang tayo sa sinasamba ng ibang relihiyon pero para makidasal tayo, naku naliligaw ka na nyan! Tingnan mong mabuti ang nasa altar!

Ang bilis ng New Year, ang bilis din ng buhay! May mali ba sa iyo? Wala naman perpektong tao pero alam mo din kung meron kang dapat itama, umpisahan mo na ngayon. Marami tayong magkaka-patid na nakakalat sa Japan, kung kailangan mo ng tulong, lumapit ka lang, kung talikuran ka man ng marami, hindi pwedeng wala kang kapatid kay Kristo na dadamay sa iyo. Magpakatatag ka at manalig na hindi lang Bagong Taon ang pwedeng ibigay ng Diyos, Bagong Buhay din! Hawakan mo ang iyong buhay na merong takot na isang araw, matatapos din ito. Matatapos din ang buhay. Ito na siguro ang unang bagay na ayaw nating isipin. Basta, bahala na! Bahala na?

Isang magandang New Year’s Resolution (pero syempre mas higit pa dito ang pwede nating baguhin o maging resolution para sa ating sarili): Isipin mo ang Diyos sa bawat araw. Kung hindi ka makapag-dasal o hindi ka marunong mag-dasal, wala kang oras makapag-simba, walang malapit na simbahan, pagod ka na, sa kung anumang dahilan… kahit isang minuto lang, isipin mo na nakikita ka Niya, nadidinig ka Niya. Itong saglit na ito, sa bawat araw pa ng ating buhay, dadami din, parang nag-iipon lang tayo sa alkansya. Para when our time comes kumbaga, may dudukutin din. Kapag tinanong ka na ni San Pedro, “Nasaan ang credentials o katibayan ng kakayahan mo para sa Final Interview?” Pwede ka agad makasagot ng “Eto lang pong alkansya ko eh.” Sabi ulit ni San Pedro, “Sige, timbangin natin kung pwede na.” Hahaha. Kapatid hindi biro ito hah? Kaya kung ‘bahala na’, ikaw din, sige ka!

Bago natin makalimutan, syempre dapat magpa-salamat tayo sa Taas para sa lahat ng biyayang natanggap natin at para sa lahat pa ng darating ngayong Bagong Taon. Gamitin nating mabuti ang 2012, para sa Kanya, sa ating sarili, sa ating bayan, sa bayang nag-a-ampon sa atin, sa ating kapwa.

Kapatid, Happy New Year sa iyo, and a Happy New Life!

CANDLES by Maria Carmelita Kasuya

CANDLES: A Season For A Reason

by Maria Carmelita Kasuya

It was Holy Thursday. I left school early to make sure I could hear mass from the beginning. That was one occasion that I did not want to be late with my date with the Lord. As planned, I left the laboratory early, took the bus to Shibuya and the Yamanote Line to Meguro. I arrived about 30 minutes early but eating at a restaurant would not permit. So, I grabbed some bread (the ham and cheese was really good) and went to Aling Cora’s to buy “turon” and had my “supper” there since it was too cold to eat outside of the church. I arrived early, saw a friend at the entrance and we decided to sit together in front. At first, I was not comfortable sitting next to friends because it gives room to conversations inside the church. In my opinion, it is not appropriate and besides, I wanted to pray and prepare myself with my encounter with the Lord reflecting on His passion. Anyway, I decided to stay until I was asked to do the First Reading. Joy engulfed me as I have not done that for ages…all the more on a Holy Thursday.

I went near the Perpetual Help and lighted a candle and as I did, I whispered: "Lord, this is me." And went back to the pew and got ready for the mass. I joined the processional and when I reached the altar and my seat, I saw my candle with its light OFF. I was stunned since I declared it as representing me, Mel. At first I thought that it meant death. Was I ready for it? Maybe yes. Will it be this year? Who knows? Anyway, I decided to light my candle when the time permits, probably after the mass at the latest. As I heard mass, looking at my candle brought a tiny tinge of sadness as all the other candles were lighted and burning brightly. Mine was at the corner in front and dark. There were many times when I wanted to go down and light it myself. During the washing of the feet, during offertory and other instances but I did not want to make a scene as I was seated up in front. Until communion time came and all the candles were consumed except for one…my candle and it stood straight, alone without light!

The mass will soon be over, I thought and by then I could light my candle. But, lo and behold! One of the 12 apostles stood up and lighted my candle!!! He noticed and lighted it. And my candle lit the entire corner…only one candle…my candle lighted and burning brightly. It was such a joy. Somebody noticed it. Without me doing anything, somebody from nowhere noticed it and lit it and he was an apostle, an angel I supposed. And the mass continued until the proce-ssion to the altar of repose. After the mass, we all left and before I did, I took notice of the corner and saw my candle lighted and giving light to other candles!!!! Yes, my candle that was dead in oblivion at one time is now burning brightly and a source of light to everyone.

REFLECTION:

The candle represented me, my life. There were occasions in the past when I was just behind, standing in a corner, working but unnoticed, quiet but present, patiently enduring, persevering when all the rest were loud, bright and beautiful. Nobody noticed my presence, my work, my goodness, my passion, my capacity and my talent. Until God sent people to notice the light I have and bring it out so I may shine like all the rest. Yes, my time came. People noticed and I was able to shine so brightly that the entire room was lighted by only one candle. Yes, my time will surely come. When all the rest are “dead and done,” I will shine and I will give light to everyone. Yes, someone notices or better yet, God’s spirit moves someone to notice and bring out the best. That is how God works. I would have been like all the rest. Brightly lighted like all the rest. But I had to die to myself to wait for my time when I will be useful to everybody. Somehow, I am different from the rest. But as always and in all ways, God comes to rescue in perfect timing…for a season and a reason.

SHITTERU! by Marty Manalastas-Timbol

SHITTERU! by Marty Manalastas-Timbol

ALAM NYO BA…if you are really in love? Paano nga ba talaga malalaman kung in-love ka? Should you trust your intuition, do you listen to your heart or rather your mind? It’s really difficult to know if you are really in love. Sometimes, it is hard to even think about it. Pero masarap to be in-love lalo na if the person you love, loves you in return. But how will you know that he/she loves you? Marami ang mga tanong pag dating sa salitang “love.” You will experience pain, you become stronger but what is important, you will learn the real meaning of love, which sometimes di mo ma-explain. Na gets nyo ba ang ibig kong sabihin? Oh well, masarap ang umibig and be loved in return, just like it would be nice to be ”loving someone” and “being in love.”

ALAM NYO BA…na totoo yung kasabihan na love is blind. Some psychiatrists say that “Love needs to be blind.” Love is blind daw kasi when you are in-love, kahit alam mo na di na dapat ang ginagawa ng iyong love, you pretend not to see the bad side, but instead, you continue to love him/her wholeheartedly or unconditionally. You commit to love him/her, no matter what.

ALAM NYO BA…when you want to give up or let go of something, it will not just happen kung kailan mo gustong mangyari, but it will, sa tamang oras at pagkakataon.

ALAM NYO BA…that when you lose someone you love, it will really hurt you? Marami sa mga kaibigan ko ang mga namatayan na. For others, it was really very difficult in letting go kasi nga mahal nila yung namatay na kamag-anak o kaibigan. Yung iba, mas gusto nilang mapag-isa dahil nga masakit sa kanila ang nangyari. Others will just cry from time to time remembering their lost.

ALAM NYO BA…na habang kaya pa raw o malakas pa kayo, go and enjoy travelling and visit places you have not visited or yung mga lugar na gusto ninyong bisitahin. Sabi rin daw na paminsan-minsan, mag get-together with friends dahil hindi rin daw naman ito dahil sa pagkain. Ito raw ay dahil na rin sa wala ng panahon at nagkaka-edad na lahat. Kaya mga kaibigan, let’s enjoy life with the company of our families and friends as long as we can.

ALAM NYO BA…na kung kayo ay may pera, might as well use it and enjoy it. We are not getting any younger just to keep your money in the bank. Spend it wisely and make sure that you don’t spend everything in useless things…yung tama lang na may savings ka pa rin for emergency at para sa pamilya.

ALAM NYO BA…na may Yen to Yen door to door delivery na ang SPEED Money Transfer Japan? It started two months ago. So yung iba na gusto ay Yen pa rin ang pera na matatanggap ng mga kamag-anak sa Pilipinas, tumawag na sa SPEED at 03-6268-8010 for more details at sa iba pa nila mga offers.

Happy New Year po sa inyong lahat. God bless you all!

PEDESTRIAN LANE by Mylene Miyata

PEDESTRIAN LANE by Mylene Miyata

SPARKLING 2012

Welcome 2012!

Ano kaya ang meron para sa bawat isa sa atin this 2012? Exciting! Enti-cing! Enchanting!

Talking about the next twelve months to come would mean so much... Again, gaya last year, we either learn or get better. Apart from the "hula" thing last year na malapit na daw ang katapusan ng mundo, heto sabay-sabay nating i-celebrate ang bagong taong 2012.

Kada sasapit ang bagong taon, napakaraming pumapasok sa isip natin. Bagay na gustong baguhin, simulan o iwasan. There are so many things each one of us are aspiring and looking forward, wishing ...praying each year. Maraming marami. Natural po iyan dahil kada sasapit ang bagong taon, halos para na ring nagbe-birthday ang bawat isa sa atin ng sabay sabay. Panibagong taon, panibagong simula. Sabay sabay na nagbaba-bye sa nakalipas na taon. Nagpapaalam sa kung anuman ang hindi kagandahang parte nito. At naghahanda sa panibagong simulang dala ng panibagong taong parating. Pagkakataon para isaayos ang hindi kaayusan sa nakalipas na 2011. That is how blessed we all are no matter what po! Ang magkaroon ng pag-asa.

For 2012, nag-uumapaw na pag-asa at pasasalamat lamang ang hiling ko para sa ating lahat, lalo na sa atin dito sa Japan. In case we may feel we have wasted some chances last year?... Cheers! Because here comes another sparkling year, another chance to make things happen the way we want them to. Something to look forward to and be thankful for, di po ba?

Traditionally, kapag sinabing new year, dapat may kasunod na--New year's resolution, di ba?

Ano nga ba yung new year's resolution natin nitong nagdaang 2011? Hmmm... may mga ilang taon na din akong hindi naggaganon eh. Naging sapat na kasi sa akin ang salubungin ang parating na taon ayon sa kagustuhan ng Lumikha.

The simple thought na merong panibagong taon should already fill our hearts po. Beyond all other things, good health para sa bawat isa sa atin this New Year. Masyado kasing redundant kung paulit ulit na lang magsasabi ng ganito at ganyan ang gusto kada new year eh. The simple, the better siguro. Kayo po? Merong panibagong labing dalawang buwan. Paano nyo po ito gustong gamitin? Para iwasto ang hindi kagandahan? Ipagpatuloy ang kanais-nais? Magsimula ulit? Natural po na magkamali kahit sinoman sa atin, kaya wala pong dapat ikabahala kung sakaling sablay man tayo minsan. Huwag lang gawing bisyo ang pagiging sablay. Dahil sayang naman ang 2012 kung sakali, di ba? Live it wisely para sakto. Try ko din po. Try natin.

Malusog, maligaya at makinang na 2012 po para sa ating lahat!

ON THE ROAD by Neriza Sarmiento

Neriza Sarmiento's

ON THE ROAD TO:

Re-aligning History, Religion and Tradition with

FR. MARIO ICO COLINA

And The Sama-Sama Filipino Community

As early as November, papier mâché makers in Koriyama, Fukushima Prefecture have been making blue dragon dolls in preparation for 2012, the year of the mighty dragon. Residents of the tsunami stricken areas believe that blue dragons will protect them from natural calamities.

Dahil nga sa March 11 disaster sa Tohoku area, napili ang character na "KIZUNA" ng Japan Kanji Testing Aptitude Foundation na ang kahulugan sa Ingles ay "BONDING" at “pagsasama-sama” sa Tagalog. According to a TV news program, the Japanese kanji or characters chosen every year through a nationwide survey are "those that reflect the mood and situation" of the times.

Dahil na nga sa trahedyang ito, nadama ng marami ang kahalagahan ng pagtutulungan at pagsasama-sama upang maibsan ang lungkot sa pagkawala ng mga mahal sa buhay at ari-arian.

Bukang-bibig ng mga Pilipino ang salitang "bonding" lalu na kung pasko at bagong-taon at kung magbabakasyon sa Pilipinas o dadalaw sa mga kaanak sa ibang bansa. Kaya nga siguro tayo ang may pinakamatagal na pagdiriwang ng pasko sa buong mundo ay upang magkaroon ng mas mahabang bonding ang pamilya. Maaring ganoon rin ang Japan sa mahabang bakasyon sa bagong taon. Although traditions differ between Japan and the Philippines, still the need to bond with families and friends are very much the same.

Filipinos begin Christmas with the simbang-gabi and herald the new year with loud bangs of firecrackers while the Japanese view Christmas as a mere prelude to "O-shogatsu" (New Year).

Nick Joaquin, the foremost Filipino literary writer and national artist said that: “Pinoys look Asian, dress like westerners, speak like Americans and worship like Spaniards.”

In Japan, many church-based communities have provided spiritual solace to Filipino expats and has made networking easier. In addition to regular Sunday masses, recollections, confession, baptism, confirmation and others, simbang-gabi was introduced in Osaka by FR. MARIO COLINA with the knowledge of the collaborative ministry group of the parish council. Knowing the significance of the simbang-gabi to every Filipino, he initiated to have the first "simbang-gabi" at the Sakuranomiya Church. Instead of the usual "dawn masses" in the Philippines, the masses were said at 7:30 followed by some light meal contributed by attendees. Somehow, it alleviated the loneliness of homesick Filipinos who could not go home to the Philippines during the Christmas holidays. Siyempre pa, mayroon ding arroz caldo, puto at iba pa pagkatapos ng misa.

A few months ago this year, Fr. Mario was assigned to the St. Mary's Cathedral in Tamatsukuri enabling him to reach out to many kababayans as the spiritual adviser of the Sama-Sama Community which was founded 25 years ago. Hulog nga siguro ng langit ang pagdating niya sa Japan. Kaya lang ng dumating siya sa airport, he was detained for an hour because the immigration officials got suspicious of him when he assisted a kababayan but later apologized to him.

By nature, Fr. Mario is helpful even to strangers most especially with his fellow Pinoys. He comes from a brood of 9 children of Regina (now 93 ) and Andres, who perished in a car accident. His family went to Sunday masses together before the break of dawn. Having a grandfather, who was in the guerilla movement during the war, he first wanted to be a soldier but instinct and inspiration guided him to enter the seminary at the age of 12. He excelled in history as well as in sports like soccer, volleyball and tennis. In 1981, he was ordained as a member of the Congregatiom of the mission at the St. Vincent de Paul Parish at San Marcelino Ermita on March 14, 1981. After a year in Iloilo, he was transferred to their major seminary in Angono to be the Director of students.

Meanwhile, his sister, who was an ICM nun passed away at age 34 after arriving from a mission in South Africa. That was also why he wanted to go there but was assigned to Maiko in Kobe at the Daughters of Charity. After a few years there, he was assigned to work as assistant to Fr. Murata at the Center for Migrants at the old seminary now housing the Archdiocese bishops and staff. Aside from the introduction of the “simbang-gabi” and re-envigorating the multi-cultural members of the congregation, he was also one of the founders of the Filipino Missionaries in Japan. With about 100 members nationwide, the group meet to share views and to offer assistance to members.

What keeps Fr. Mario happy these days is the warm atmosphere during Sunday masses at the Cathedral. The choir members practice on Saturday evenings with Rudy Quinal, Mari Hashizuka, Joanne Kawamoto, Liberty Puno and many new members who are also working in the day as language teachers. Many of them are also very musically inclined, proof of which was their superb rendition of Filipino Christmas Carol medley with Fr. Mario singing solo. And they already have the next generation of talented members like OJ Solon and Julia and Siphia Pelaez who will probably continue the great "Sama-Sama" tradition and history! The 26th anniversary of the group was held last December 18 with Consul General Ma. Lourdes V. Ramiro Lopez as guest of honor.

Very few can recall that in the 80's, Sr. Remedios Locsin arranged to have masses in a room in the seminary. Mrs. Bibiana Ishita, fondly called Mommie by some of us, first called the group of Filipinos there Ylang-Ylang. Later on, the group was called “Sama-Sama” with Edwin Bunales as its president in 1985. I fondly remember the first mass we had in the former Room 101 of the seminary where we also had my second son's baptism. When it could no longer hold the growing number of Filipinos going to masses, finally we could use the big cathedral. Much water has gone under the bridge for 26 years.

A new set of officers was elected last year with Jun Silva as President, Cris Macam (Vice-President), Jessica Puno (secretary), Joanne Arellano (Asst. Secretary), Gloria Completo (Treasurer), Bong Arreza (Asst. Treasurer).

Fr. Mario hopes that the Sama-Sama Community can initiate projects that will benefit not only the Filipino community but the people of Japan, as well. "We have to be models in the practice of our faith, so that we can gain the trust of the Japanese. If they trust us, then we can all live harmoniously," remarked Fr. Mario. He adds, "NOT WHAT WE SEE, BUT WHAT WE LIVE. THESE ARE THE THINGS THAT BUILD AND BLESS THAT LEAD TO HUMAN HAPPINESS."

Where are you from? Mandaue City

What is your occupation/ profession? Catholic Priest

How long have you lived in Japan? Since 1989

What do you miss most about the Philippines? The way Filipinos bond with each other.

What is the weirdest thing you have experienced in Japan? When we went to a public bath with my classmates in a language school. Of course, I was shocked.

What do you like best about Japan? Majority of the people are well-disciplined.

If you can change things about Japan, what would it be? I wish they can be more open about their feelings.

If you can teach things you have learned from the Japanese, what would it be? To be time-conscious.

Please tell us about your recipe for a successful life in Japan. Prayers, prayers, prayers and kneeling everyday for God's blessings!

MASAGANANG BAGONG TAON !!!!

SA TABI LANG PO by Renaliza Rogers

SA TABI LANG PO

by Renaliza Rogers

pasaporte

Nag o-OJT ako (on-the-job training) sa Department of Foreign Affairs sa Bacolod bilang requirement para makapagtapos. Oo, tunog bigatin nga naman ang jobsite, pero dahil nga ahensya ng gobyerno, walang allowance ang trainees. Alam nyo naman, hirap na hirap ang gob-yerno ng Pilipinas ngayon, kailangan pang i-allocate ang pambayad sa golf club ng mga nasa pwesto.

Nakaka-enjoy dito, marami kang matututunan. Mababait ang mga empleyado sa DFA at nakakatuwang kasama. Una kong naging gawain ay mag file at sort ng mga papeles at passport application forms. Maaliw ka sa mga picture ng mga aplikante. May magaganda, may gwapo, may mga maaliwalas, may duling, may parang iiyak, at merong mga aakalain mong ibuburol. Kaya’t konting paalala: pag nagpa ID picture kayo, ugaliing magsuklay ng konti at medyo ngiti ng konti para huwag mapagtawanan ng mga nag fa-file. Minsan naman sa passport processing ako naka assign. Gawain kong mag process at mag interview sa mga aplikante at i-check kung tama ang mga papeles nila o pinepeke nila ako. Halos yata every week may eksenang madrama sa DFA. Minsan merong nagwawala, nakaha-handusay at umiiyak, at mga sumisigaw ng “Bakit ba ayaw ninyo akong palabasin ng Pilipinas?!” o “Talk to my lawyer!” Hindi ko minsan maintindihan kung matatawa ba ako o maaawa kapag ini-eskortan sila ng mga guard palabas.

May mga aplikante ding pasaway. Minsan kahit magkaiba ang nakasulat na “place of birth” sa baptismal at birth certificate nila at kailangan muna itong itama, ipagdidiinan pang sadyang ipinanganak daw sila sa dalawang magkaibang lugar. Ay ano yun, omnipre-sence? Diyos ata… Meron ding hindi raw nakaapak ng kolehiyo pero may bagong college school ID galing sa mga unibersidad, laminated pa! Kadalasan, sila’y galing probinsya at hindi naman nila intensyong manloko ngunit naloko lamang sila ng mga mapanlokong recruiter. Langya, hindi na kayo naawa!

Sa pagte-train ko dito, naintindihan ko na din kung bakit minsan ang susungit ng mga processor o interviewers, hindi lang sa DFA kundi kahit na sa ibang ahensya. Mababait naman talaga sila, pero kaila-ngan ding magsungit paminsan-minsan. Bakit? Kapag kasi peke ang papeles mo, kadalasan ay kakabahan ka sa gagawin mo. At kapag ginisa ka na ng processor mo, dun ka kadalasang magpa-panic at mahuhuli. Kaya’t sa mga may plano diyan ha, beware!

Minsan, bilang empleyado, kailangan mo ding magpakita ng lakas para respetuhin ka. Nung inassign akong mag assist ng mga aplikante sa pag aareglo ng mga papeles nila, inabisuhan ko ang isang aplikante na kumuha muna ng affidavit dahil kakailanganin niya ito. “How sure are you, inday?” sabi pa ni sir sa akin at naki argumento pa, in English ha! Malumanay akong nag-eexplain ngunit masyado siyang pilosopo at namemersonal dahil ako’y estudyante lamang. Gusto ko nang mamutla sa tension, pero never show weakness in front of the enemy, ika nga. Kaya’t lunok ng laway Renaliza! “Sir, all applications come through me before they get processed. If you don’t get that affidavit, I cannot accept your application and you can come back some other time when you already have it. Next!” Sabay ngiti para laging service with a smile.

Dito, tuwang-tuwa ako kapag makakarinig ng mga batang doon na ipinanganak at lumaki sa abroad ngunit marunong magsalita ng Tagalog, kahit konti, kahit pa nahihirapan. Nagpapakita lang yun kasi na pinapahalagahan ng mga magulang nila ang pagiging dugong Pilipino. Tuwang-tuwa din ako kapag may mga senior citizens na kumukuha ng passport dahil sila’y dadalhin ng kanilang anak para mag tour. Ang sarap kasi pakinggan pag proud na proud silang ikwento na ang anak nila’y isa na ngayong nurse or engineer, etc. sa Japan or Canada or saan man at ipapasyal na sila doon. Ang sarap ding pakinggan ng mga Pinay na kahit pa utal-utal ang English ay proud na proud na kini-kwento na dadalhin na sila ng kanilang fiancé abroad. May mga taong naiinis makinig sa ganitong mga kwento, nayayabangan daw. Pero ako, natutuwa akong makinig sa mga masasayang kwento nila. Kadalasan kasi, ang dahilan ng pag-aabroad ay kailangang kumita ng pera sa ibang bansa kahit na mapalayo sa mga minamahal sa buhay.

Maraming mga nanay ang iiwan ang kanilang mga anak para mag trabaho bilang Domestic Helper sa Hong Kong or Middle East at kung saan-saan dahil walang makitang trabahong pagkakakitaan ng sapat sa Pilipinas. Maraming ama ang iiwan ang mga asawa’t anak para bumalik sa Saudi o sumakay ng barko. Nakakalungkot isipin na milyon-milyong Pilipino ang kumukuha ng pasaporte at naghaha-ngad makalabas ng bansa dahil sa hirap ng buhay sa Pilipinas.

Oo, masaya nga namang makapunta sa ibang bansa, sino ba namang ayaw? Ang mahirap lang dun ay ang pananabik mo sa mga naiwang minamahal sa buhay sa Pilipinas. Pwera na lang siguro kung ang minamahal mo ay nandun sa ibang bansa syempre. Sa sobrang sabik siguro, pati si manang janitor sa DFA sasabihan mo ng, “Mag-aapply ako ng passport kasi kukunin na ako ni Joe!”

KANSAI CRUSADE by Sally Cristobal - Takashima

KANSAI CRUSADE

by Sally Cristobal - Takashima

Sumaatin po ang pagpapala nitong bagong taon, bagong umaga at bagong buhay. We hope everyone had a great vacation and welcome back to the land of rising prices. Puno na naman ng Philippine groceries ang kusina natin. Did you buy enough to last for at least a few months? I wished I bought a case of instant lugaw when I was in Manila in November. I bet you will never buy the conveniently packed Japanese okayu again once you have tried this product.

Wow, 2012 na! Ang mga bata ay tumatanda at ang mga matanda ay nagiging isip bata. Sa taong ito ay may mag-aasawa, maghihiwalay, magtatapos sa paaralan, papasok sa paaralan, magiging lolo at lola at mayroon din naman na susu-wertihin at mananalo sa Takarakuji (sana isa na ako doon sa mananalo). Life is most uncertain and life never stands still because change is a law of life. Humawak na kayo sa bagong ikot ng buhay at heto na.

Time to make your New Years’ resolutions o kung tawagin ay panahon ng pagpasiya. Pagpapasiya ng ano? Ng iba’t ibang bagay na ikauunlad at ikakabuti ng ating buhay. Magiging makabuluhan lamang ang listahan ng ating New Year’s Resolution kung ito ay nakasabit sa dingding, sa lugar na malimit makita. Sa ganoon, ay palaging naisasaisip at naisasagawa.

Patuloy na bigyan natin ng halaga ang panahon. Ang pag-aaksaya ng maraming oras sa Facebook ay isang mabuting ehemplo na narapat bigyan ng pansin. Kung hindi ganap na itigil ang bisyong ito ay bawasan ang oras na nilalaan at sa halip magbasa ng mga librong may kinalaman sa iyong trabaho, mga istoriya ng buhay ng iba’t ibang kilalang tao upang intindihin ang dahilan ng kanilang tagumpay sa buhay o ang kanilang pag-ahon sa kahirapan. Public city libraries lend out books for about 3 weeks and one can apply for a library card at no cost. Ang wastong pagpili ng TV programs ay atin ding bigyan pansin. May mga programa na wala namang naibi-bigay kundi saya at aliw. Maging pihikan din tayo at isipin ang setsuden (pagtitipid) ng kuryente.

Bakit ba minsan ay parang may mga pakpak ang pera. Lumilipad sila at kung saan-saan nagsisipunta. Ay! Lumang kantahin na iyan. Lalo na kung bagong sweldo - pero yung mga barya ay hindi gaanong lumilipad sa kabigatan siguro. Supilin natin ang pagbili ng mga bagay na hindi naman kaila-ngan ngunit dahil mura at 50% discounted ay ready na ang pag-gasta. Huwag din natin gawing aliwan ang malimit na gaishoku (eating out). Kasama na siempre ang pag-inom ng beer, sake, shochu o di kaya karaoke at mga babaeng iinumin ng mga drinks and food na binayaran mo. Ipagdamot paminsan-minsan ang perang pinaghirapan mo. Enjoy ka nga sa mga jokes ng mga babae sa kurabu or snack bar pero tignan mo naman – nakaka-ipon ka ba? Buti na lang at taglamig at nakakatamad lumabas o mag window shopping.

Babawasan ko na ang uwi sa Lupang Hinirang. Kahit na may murang Promo Ticket, may gastos din para sa shuttle bus to and from the airport. Sa Pinas naman ay aabutan mo din ng pang gasolina ang naghatid sa iyo. I make sure I am out of the country by November when everybody is still not in the Christmas mood. This way, they are the ones who feel guilty by not giving you any X’mas presents but you gave a big box of chocolates for everyone to share.

Last but not least and the one I consider most important and most challenging- Keeping healthy and to live a long, healthy life. Let us regularly read, update ourselves on practically anything that concerns our health and our loved one’s health. Let us also update our understanding on the truth that HEALTHY FOODS AND NOT MEDICINE CURES DISEASES. Practically all doctors did not study foods and nutrition in medical schools. In Japan, doctors receive FREE family trips abroad for selling and promo-ting drugs from Big Pharmaceutical companies.

Years ago, a doctor writes you a shohosen (prescription) for what medicines to take for about 3 days or so. But OMG, now we hear people buying medicines for maintenance which means the body is no longer capable of healing itself back to health. YES, we are all capable of healing ourselves to health given the right conditions (avoid eatingdead or cooked foods as opposed to fresh foods with living enzymes, regular exercises which I myself should look into, less stressful lifestyle, sitting under the sun while relaxing, meditation, drinking alcohol in moderation nado nado. Let us not CROSS THELINE and ask your doctors questions about these drugs before you start taking maintenance drugs because once you start this regimen you may not be able to take a normal U-turn down the road.

Let’s love life and value our health. Could there be anything more important? You may want to say as often as you can “I am whole, healthy and perfect as my Father in heaven is.”

To one and all Prospero Ano y Felicidad. Happy New Year po sa inyong lahat!

DRIVE-THRU by Stephanie Jones Jallorina

DRIVE- THRU

by Stephanie Jones Jallorina

Mission Possible

By the time you read this article, I’m already out of Japan, and if you still see me somewhere here, that is a part of my soul still trapped in goodbyes.

Yes, after four years, I have come to decide that I have to go back in Pinas for good. I never planned to stay here in the first place; my mother just invited me and I was one of those few who were lucky to easily get a job here, thank God; and rest is history. However, just when I fell in love with Japan and thought about settling down here, I was called to come home for a very personal mission. It is so personal to me that my life turned 360 degrees and like soldiers in battlefield, it is something that I cannot raise a white flag with - retreat and surrender - once I pledge myself in.

I was at war with myself and with the one who called me for this mission, because I believed he knew what I wanted to become ever since and where he is leading me is a total opposite of it. When my mission was revealed to me, I became very mad for I knew myself better that even though I may be stubborn at first, in the end I still obey just as I am told. With such a life-changing call, it took me a while to gather myself; I detach myself from the sociable me to a quiet and contemplative me. I tell you for your life to turn 360 degrees, it does not mean, it has to turn around over night, it has to start baby steps, somewhere. Parents would know it is not easy during toddler years of your children how you worry they might probably get bruised and all. With God’s grace and guidance, I am thankful enough because I was prepared to go home with so much care and love that when ED Dennis told me to share something like my anxieties in going home, I cannot remember any, none anymore. It started with madness yes, but it is a phase you have to go through in any trials in life. The phase that would surely follow is acceptance. You just have to accept things because like I always said, trials are God’s mysterious way of teaching us virtues in life. When I have come to accept my mission, I moved onto the next phase which is preparation; in love, this is equivalent to the getting-to-know other stage, open to dating, meeting people. For elders I guess, when they think about their Philippine retirement, they prepare for it – a house, a lot, an earning-business, or enough money to enjoy the rest of their lives with their family and loved ones. For as young as me though, I just needed to prepare my heart and soul for the mission, and I did! I know, we have different coping mechanisms when challenged. It worked for me that I confided to a few people about my mission in this way, I have to stand by it, do it; though 90% of them totally disagreed that I pursue, it was enough for me that I told them. God knew where I will be, I just have to trust Him.

After the getting-to-know stage, is the falling in love stage; sorry if my concept of love is still much conservative. The more I fall in love with my mission, the more I get inspired, the more I get excited to go home. I guess one of the anxieties ED Dennis was referring to, is the anxiety of how it feels like when, after living so many years in Japan, finally, you get back home and you seem like a total stranger in your own home, or in your community.

And, before reaching home, you have to go through this sad phase of goodbyes, and it has always never been easy. As of this writing, it is not sinking in because I have not yet bid any “formal” farewell to anybody and I think I’ve to pass, again. But who knows I might reconsider for on second thought, I would be seriously focused on, during mission, and I’d be totally, totally missing you all. It is just that now, I put enough space between myself and people I meet at last minute here or lessen the time I spent with people I always meet to avoid further longing when the day comes and I’ve to leave.

What I would like to impart is that we drop the notion of Mission Impossible and hit 2012 with a Mission Possible attitude. When you put your mind, heart and soul into something you want, you need and you must do, everything is possible. You just have to set your priorities straight and pray, you’ll go fine. Cheers to 2012! God bless Japan, God bless us all!

DOUBLE VISION by Warren & Wayne Sun

DOUBLE VISION

by Warren and Wayne Sun

Bubble Gang Boy Pick Up Lines

Ang mga Pinoy Pickup Lines ay sikat na sikat ngayon sa school, street, house, movies at sa mga politicians. One very popular of them is the Pick up Line Battle in TV Show Bubble Gang, two contestants ay magpapa-impress sa isang pretty woman moderator or simply Neneng B. (Neneng Bakit), played by Sam Pinto by using their pickup lines. In the end, Boy Pick (played by Ogie Alcasid) still remains "undefeated" Pickup Liner and will be cheered and get audience impact.

Sample pick up lines:

Boy Sukli: Ang Hapiness hindi nagsisimula sa letter H.

Neneng B: Bakit?

Boy Sukli: Dahil nagsisimula ito sa Letter U!!!

SAYO LANG AKO BABAGSAK!!!

************ *

Boy Bagoong: Kaylan ba kita tutubusin?

Neneng B: Bakit?

Boy Bagoong: Kase ang laki nang INTEREST ko sayo!

************ *

*Boy Pickup: Hindi kita kaya sa Baseball…

Neneng B: bakit?

Boy Pickup: Kase…favourite color ko ang Yellow!

************ *

Boy Bagoong: Crystal ball ka ba?

Neneng B: Bakit?

Boy Bagoong: Kase…nakikita ko ang Future ko SAYO!

************ *

Pushback: OK lang kahit “TAKEN” ka na!

Neneng B: Bakit?

Pushback: aalisin ko lang ang “T” AKEN ka na!!

************ *

Boy Pickup: Hindi Ikaw yung tipong Sinasaktan!

Girl: Bakit?

Boy Pickup: dahil MATAMIS ang Champorado!!!

Audience: ANG BANGIS MO BOY PICKUP!!!

Warren comments: Ang nakakatuwa kasi dito is that walang ka kone-connection ang mga hirit ni Boy Pick up pero siya pa rin and laging undefeated. And that alone gives humor to it.

Wayne comments: Not only that kasi nakakatuwa din yung image na pino portray ni Ogie as Boy Pick up. Para siyang retarded na hip hop gangster! Haha.

LET IT SNOW! LET IT SNOW! LET IT SNOW!

Pag sapit ng December, alam natin na masarap at lumalamig na ang simoy ng hangin dahil parating na ang Christmas. When you say Christmas, a lot of people would think it snows in a lot of countries and sa mga Pinoy, they want to experience winter season where it snows. Dito sa Pinas, hindi muna kailangan mag abroad just to actually feel winter because you can go to two places in Manila where they have snow attractions: Snow Village in Manila Ocean Park and Snow World in Star City. The Snow Village is a 5-minute change of atmosphere and environment. Gumagamit sila ng snow maker and they provide winter jackets due to the extreme cold temperature.

Warren comments: You heard it right. No need to go abroad just to witness the coldness of Antarctica. Makakapaglaro kapa ng snow and create snowman and snowballs. San kapa.

Wayne comments: Balita ko mas maganda daw yung slide sa Snow World in Star City and yung snow nila is like ice and hard. Pero mas maganda ang snow ng Snow Village sa Manila Ocean Park because it is like snow, flakey and soft.

TILAPIA + ICE CREAM = ?

Mahilig kumain ng ice cream ang mga Pinoy lalo na tropical country ang ating bansa. Pag sinabi mong ice cream, usually favorite ice cream natin ay chocolate and vanilla. Yung iba naman ube and cookies and cream. Ang hilig mag-imbento nga ng mga Pinoy kahit sa ice cream. Paano kaya kung ang paboritong tilapia na kinakain natin with rice ay magiging flavor ng ice cream? Naging hit ang tilapia ice cream when it was presented and offered for tasting sa Tilapia Food Festival sa Central Luzon State University (CLSU).

Dana Vera Cruz came and gumawa ng version ng ice cream na ito. “It can be done at home. It can be a boost to the tilapia market,” she said. All one has to do is to steam the tilapia, flake its meat, and mix it in all-purpose cream, condensed milk, ground walnut and cheese, she said. Lahat ng mixture ay kailangan frozen overnight and served in cones or cups.

Warren comments: Don’t worry to try tilapia ice cream kasi daw walang fishy aftertaste ito, and best of all, yummy.

Wayne comments: Hindi lang tilapia ice cream ang latest creation but I heard meron din bagong ice cream made from rose petals. Malamang flowery taste yan. Iba talaga ang Pinoy!