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

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!

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!

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.

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

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..."

Jose Miguel Parungao

BEEP-BEEP!
by Jose Miguel Parungao

Arleniks

WALANG SABIT
by Arleniks

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!

Candy Ledesma

SUNNY SIDE UP!
by Candy Ledesma

EVEN BAD THINGS CAN HAVE SILVER LININGS

“Mars, i-co-confine na kita. Huwag ka nang umuwi.”

     Hearing this left me stunned.

     I was at the doctor’s (my kumpare) for my routine blood work and check up every three months or so. What he told me absolutely threw me off balance. He wanted me admitted at once and ordered a blood transfusion for two bags of whole blood. Nayku! I didn’t like being confined. The word itself sends chills up my spine. This was going to be hell.

     Why a blood transfusion? I have heard horror stories about transfusions - people getting AIDS and other diseases from it was enough to make my skin crawl - parang kadiri noh? But what choice did I have?

     So there, I was wheeled to my room, needles don’t really bother me so they whip it out and stick it into my arm. First order of gratitude, my daughter, who’s a nurse, works at that hospital so somehow, I’m getting preferred status. The doctor is my kumpare so that adds another star to my chart. When the good doctor eventually descends in my room, he begins his litany of my health problems.  Apparently, there was a longish list of things that was wrong with me. I was anemic. My blood sugar has dropped to dangerous levels. My blood pressure has shot up - in a span of three months and stayed elevated. My creatinine was in the high 900s - danger, danger, danger! So anyway, with all the things going awry in my body, my doctor was slowly going into panic mode. He had only a few days to work on my problems or he’d have to break the news to my friends that I’m dying.

     Now, I’m not a fussy patient. I don’t really need someone to watch me 24/7 but an occasional visitor helps a lot in making the confinement bearable. Second thing to be grateful for: friends.  Dear friends who took time out to visit me and bring their bright smiles to that dingy hospital room. They not only took on the responsibility of keeping my spirits up but also, believe it or not,  the financial burdens of my hospitalization. To this day, I cannot believe what they have done for me. You can’t ask for a better bunch of friends, really.

     It took two weeks to normalize my everything levels in my blood. I was already looking forward to going home when I started feeling really bad. I couldn’t breathe; I couldn’t stand on my own two feet; I couldn’t lay flat on the bed; I had shivers - what the hell???

     The next day, the doctor comes in with another giant of a doctor.  I had a small room so these two guys literally filled up the room. They talked between themselves and doctor #1 begins with letting me know that I am scheduled for an ultrasound so they can take a better look at my kidneys.  Darn it - now what, I think to myself. Doctor #2 tries to explain to me what’s going on.  He says that my kidneys might be the cause of all this. So ultrasound date comes and the doctor doing the ultrasound begins making pretty negative comments as soon as the sensor hits my skin.

     I hear ultrasound doc saying to her assistant that my kidneys are pretty shrunk. Shrunk? - I think to myself, what are they, cotton fabric left in the dryer too long? So there, my first two doctors come to an agreement and order dialysis for me. Dialysis? Seriously? It’s the very thing I am scared of because I saw my uncle deteriorate from the time his doctor put him on dialysis. That was back in the seventies when a dialysis was equated with a death sentence.  These days, it’s a lot better but if you look at it from a financial point of view, well - it is in fact, a death sentence.

     Initially, I was adamant. There’s no way I was getting on dialysis. I’m barely getting by.  Add dialysis to the equation and I’d rather die than leave my family with heavy financial responsibilities.

     But like I said, even bad things have silver linings. Little did I know that I was going to get worse. The next day found me not being able to speak well, I was losing control of my movements. I was quickly becoming a vegetable. Eventually, I began drooling because I couldn’t swallow properly.

     So I was whisked to the dialysis center and fitted with an intra-jugular thingy for my initial dialysis sessions. Gastos na naman. Right after they stuck me with the intra-jugular thing, I was hooked on to a dialysis machine and thus began my very first dialysis.

     I was feeling a lot better after that. Breathing, talking, swallowing has somewhat returned to normal. Obviously, I was heavily congested before they brought me to dialysis. Water was beginning to clog up my lungs so I couldn’t breathe. There was no other way.

     But looking beyond what I’ve been given to this point, things became clearer to me. Somehow, I began to make peace with myself, accepted things that I could not change and tried to be a better version of me despite my new condition.

Sally Cristobal-Takashima

KANSAI CRUSADE
by Sally Cristobal-Takashima

Summer seems to have just started and now thunder with rain comes every other day to usher in the arrival of Autumn 2012.  By the time the JP Autumn Issue comes out, we would be having cool crispy comfortable evenings enjoying moon viewing and going to Harvest and Thanks-giving Festivals. 

To celebrate the changing of the seasons, to commune with nature is a valued part of Japanese culture. Rites observed in Japan in autumn include Higan which is 3 days before and after Autumnal Equinox. Spirits of the departed are honored with incense, candles, spirits (sake) flowers and water is poured on the ohaka. Memories of departed loved ones may fade and so celebrations were held by the living to help them remember and honor their lives.

Sports Day, a national holiday, is celebrated in mid September usually on a weekend. Elementary school children learn the value of sportsmanship, fairplay,
competitiveness, the value and joy of excellence as well as health and fitness. This event is also called Field Day and children spend time to learn their moves so as to present a good show to their parents during the special day. It is also a day to eat a lunch box  with friends and families.
     
Keiro no Hi or Respect for the Aged Day is another Autumn National Holiday to honor the elderly citizens and acknow-ledge their services to the community. In the church where I attend, the elderly citizens are asked to stand up and be recognized. To call attention to oneself is something a Japanese stay away from, they all feel hesitant to be recognized.

Taking the JR Shinkaisoku train to Kyoto is a breeze. After all it is the best place to take memorable pictures of the autumn foliage. It is also swarming with tourists who come for attractions like the Jidai Matsuri and to savor special  lunch boxes with chestnuts and matsutake (wild mushrooms).

A short express train ride to Osaka gives one a chance to see the famous Kishiwada Danjiri Shinto Harvest Festival. Actually there are two fests: one in September and the other in October. Did you know that most Japanese festivals have Chinese roots in them but has changed as they merged with local customs?

On a more personal note, I had the experience of being confined in a hospital for 6 days because of a minor knee surgery. I am up and about- okagesama de, arukeru yo ni narimashita. So part of Summer 2012 was spent doing rehabilitation exercises.  It has been a learning experience being confined in a Japanese hospital as a recipient of health care. The other patients in my room were mostly elderly women in their 70’s and 80’s with high level of tolerance for pain. They did not verbalize their true feelings to the nurses and other care givers but nevertheless were able to convey what and how they felt. 

The patients were court-eous and friendly enough with the nurses. If you ask me about the food and I thought you will never ask me about the food…. Yoku gambarimashita otherwise I won’t be able to sleep with an empty stomach. I had visions of my fave kaiten sushi, yaki niku, tabehodai meals, crispy pata, Serye’s tasty Kare Kare. Lahat na yata. Parang kyushoku sa shogako- maraming left overs sa food cart.

Being held captive in a hospital needs patience and a sense of humor otherwise one will go crazy.  Women visitors tend to hang around and run out their visiting hour privileges. They talk louder, cheer up the patients who most often need to rest. The men visitors are awkward in their conversations with the patient. It is the gentle, nurturing, assuring words and attitude that the male visitor fail to emote- engi demo to a female patient. These, however are the very qualities that a male when he himself becomes a patient look for. I have noticed that comfy pastel colored sports wear is the choice of the majority of patients for hospital wear.

Another summer has come and gone. Yearly pa din ang dakok ng bagyo taon-taon sa Pilipinas. Sana naman ay tunay na bigyan ng sapat na pansin ang isyu na better flood management at kung hindi ay baka maging Venice of Asia ang ilang parte ng Pilipinas. Mawawala na ang mga jeep- mga motor boats na lang or banca at gondolas. Ay! Huwag naman dahil pihadong late sa trabaho ang mga tao. Nabasa ba ninyo na mabilis daw ang pagtunaw ng yelo sa bandang Alaska at may posibilidad daw na lumubog ang ilang islas sa Asya. Dios mio salve Regina. Saklolo at Socorro. Huwag ninyong ipahintulot. Peace to men of goodwill.

Mga developers na nagpapatayo ng condos and buildings sa mga lugar na ipinag-babawal ngunit dahil sa fake building permits na nakuha sa suhol… alam ninyo kung
sino kayo.

Maari natin sigurong sabihin na kahit papaano ay umaangat naman ang buhay ng mga Pilipino sa Japan. Election year po next year．Please register for the Overseas Absentee Voting. Huwag po ninyong sayangin ang inyong karapatan na bumoto.

The much awaited Sports Fest 2012 of the Philippine Community Coordinating Council in Kansai will be held on Sunday, October 7, 2012 at the Higashi Yodogawa Park. Everyone is welcome to participate. Lots of sports activities, fun games, exciting prizes, delicious Philippine foods and various drinks waiting for you. FREE entrance. Raffle tickets for sale at 300 yen each. Get your tickets now. For details, kindly call Malou Sato at 0908-985-6635.

We wish one and all a happy, healthy Autumn. To all faithful Jeepney Press readers until next issue. Salamat po.

Marie Defeo

The Land of Personal Discoveries
by Marie Defeo

April 01, 2009 ang isa sa pinaka-memorable date para sa akin. Hindi dahil iyon ang araw na una akong nakasakay ng eroplano at nakatapak sa Japan na matagal ko nang pinapangarap, kundi iyon ang gabi na napaka-lamig at naglakad kami ng kapwa estudyante ko ng pagkalayo-layo sa gitna ng ulan mula Kintetsu Bus Station hanggang JASSO dorm ng Osaka dala-dala ang mga bagahe namin. Parang mahigit 20 minutes yata ang nilakad namin. Isang parusa iyon para sa isang tipikal na tiga-Manilang tulad ko na nasanay na may jeep o tricycle kahit saan mag-punta sa Manila. Pagkarating namin sa dorm, gustong-gusto na namin mag-shower ng mga kasamahan ko, ngunit napag-alaman namin na may bayad pala iyon at kailangang eksaktong 100yen lang ang ipapasok sa coin-shower o hindi pwede makaligo. Deluriyo iyon! Dahil wala kaming magawa, pumasok na lang kami sa aming mga kwarto at nag-ayos ng aming higaan na tipong pala-isipan ang dating. Halos hindi rin ako nakatulog noong gabing iyon dahil ang ingay ng mga uwak, uwak ng uwak! Kada-oras may duma-daan din na ambulansya sa kung ano mang kadahilanan.

Ngunit sa kabila naman ng lahat, lubusan din naman akong natuwa kung paano kami inasikaso ng mga tao from Osaka JASSO dorm. Naalala ko na sinamahan pa kami ng Resident Assistant para makabili ng tubig sa 7/11. Oo, 7/11! Akala ko talaga sa Pilipinas lang meron non kaya laking gulat ko na meron din pala sa Japan. Tapos sila din pala ang may-ari ng store. Tulad nga ng sabi sa kanta ng Eraserheads, marami daw namamatay sa maling akala. Nakakatuwa din sa Japan dahil makikita mo na kahit matanda, nagbibisekleta pa rin. Uso kasi dito ang bisekleta. Minsan nga, mas malaki pa ang chansa na masagasaan ka ng bisekleta kaysa kotse. At may mga lola at lolo din dito na rakista manamit. Meron nga gothic pa ang fashion. Iilan lang iyon sa mga bagay na dito lang sa Japan makikita. 

Sa totoo lang, unang beses kong mawalay sa aking pamilya noong pumunta ako dito sa Japan. At dahil mag-isa lang ako, "I'm on my own" ang tema. Doon ko natuklasan na marunong pala ako magluto! Nakakatuwa lang malaman na marami pa pala akong hindi alam tungkol sa aking sarili na nalaman ko lang simula ng mapalayo ako sa aking magulang. Sa dorm ko din naranasan na magsalita talaga in English dahil puro foreigners ang kasama namin. Medyo nahihiya ako nung una dahil hindi ako sanay na makipag-salamuha sa tao, lalo na at kung foreigner. Unang sabak sa giyera, International agad! Naturally shy kasi ako. Kaya sa mga panahong iyon, itinatak ko na lang sa aking isipan na isa ako sa mga taong may dala sa pangalan ng Pilipinas at tungkulin ko na bigyang liwanag ito sa mata ng ibang lahi. Kami daw ang magiging tulay upang makapagtayo ng strong foundation between other countries.

Nakakatuwa tuwing binabalikan o kinukwento ko ang mga naging karanasan ko ng mga unang araw ko dito sa Japan bilang mag-aaral. Pero aaminin ko na hindi ko talaga pinlano na mag-aral dito. Ngunit ngayon, lubos ang aking kasiyahan na sinubukan ko ang landas na ito kahit na takot na takot ako noon dahil alam ko mahirap at ayaw kong bumagsak. Marami man akong pag-subok na napagdaanan dito sa Japan bilang estudyante, mas nangingibabaw pa rin ang kagandahang naidulot nito sa akin. Hindi lamang ako nagbago para sa ikabubuti, mas lumawak din ang aking pananaw sa mundo at mas nadagdagan ang aking layunin sa buhay. Minsan hindi talaga natin malalaman ang kalalabasan ng mga bagay hangga't hindi natin ito sinusubukan. Marahil hindi sa lahat ng panahon ay magiging maganda ang kalalabasan nito. Ganoon pa man ang mangyari, huwag tayong matakot na harapin ang mga pagsubok, sapagkat ang mga pagsubok na iyon ang magbibigay daan sa atin upang makamit ang tunay na tagumpay. Isa ito sa mga aral na natutunan ko dito mula din sa mga taong nakilala ko.

Kung iisipin, mahigit tatlong taon na pala ang nakalipas mula ng una akong makatapak sa bansang Hapon. Grabe, napa-kabilis talaga lumipas ng panahon! Ni hindi ko man lang ito namalayan. Parang kahapon lang nangyari ang lahat. Marahil ay isang hudyat ito na napaka-halaga sa akin ng mga alaala ko dito. Na kung saan kahit gaano katagal na panahon pa man ang lumipas, mananatiling nakatatak ito sa aking isipan at damdamin. Kahit siguro magka-amnesia pa ako!

Mylene Miyata

PEDESTRIAN LANE
by Mylene Miyata

Autumn Surprise

All ready!
Set! Go!

After nating pagsawaan ang init ng ilang magdamag nitong nakalipas na summer, here comes the perfect time to embrace the sweetness of the tempting autumn breeze around us naman.  Lovely! :)


And when  autumn leaves start to fall,  who can resist the enchanting mood it brings nga naman? Sakura during spring? Maple trees, dahon sa taglagas at "iba pa" ang sorpresa this fall season!


First on the list pagdating sa ating autumn cravings?  Malamang, yun bang habang naglalakad ka along the streets covered with  golden leaves ay may mata-linghagang pakiramdam na naglalaro sa isip kasabay ng natural  na pagbabago ng panahon.  Leaves transformation from green to yellow, dramatically turning orange and red at its peak. Wow!  And when the season ends, balik berde sila. Talaga namang tuwing darating ka ay bigla na lang may certain moment na nakakakilig.  Pwedeng isa-pelikula. Kaya nga merong “Sweet November ”, “Autumn in New York”at “A Walk To Remember”, diba?


Tapos meron din "Chestnuts"!?... "Chestnuts roasting on an open fire... Naku, yan na nga ba sinasabe ko eh... “‐ber” month na kase kaya medyo may fast forwarding feelings na involve. Well, Christmas is next na nga talaga.  It is during these times din kung kailan sobrang ma-e-enjoy natin mag food trip. Halimbawa, food na may “kuri” o chestnuts.  Yummy!  Simulan mo sa gohan hanggang sa sweets!  Nandyan ang surprise na lasa para sa atin. Ikaw, ano paborito mo kainin when wind starts to blow in fall?  Autumn is here to make “some” of your wishes come true. At thankful tayong lahat for that, diba? 

Syempre kasama din sa listahan ang excitement for that thing!  Makakaligtaan ba naman ang “onsen” fun? Fun kase habang babad ang buong katawan sa init ay may konting bonus for cleansing the thoughts din while actually cleansing on the outside. Imagine kung nakababad ka sa isang onsen halimbawa dyan sa Hakone... Habang napapaligiran ka ng misteryosang “aki” moments of nature ?

Ilang ulit mang magpabalik-balik ang summer, fall, winter o spring, siguradong may hatid itong excitement para sa ating lahat.  We just have to be ready for that certain “thrill.” Akalain mo, di pa man Christmas eh, may sorpresa na! 


Huwag kukurap, dahil sa bawat panahon  merong hiwaga. Puno ng sorpreysa：）Gaya na lang ngayon. 


What could your autumn surprise be?... 

tippi delarosa

notes by tippi delarosa

dreams & destiny

my first ambition was to be a nurse. when i was growing up, i was fascinated with the white uniform nurses were wearing. i was to learn later that if there was one thing i liked least of all, it was the sight of blood and gore. besides, just thinking of a needle pricking my skin sends shivers down my spine. need i explain more why until now i don't know what my blood type is?

          having grown up amid parents who were both educators, i also once wished to become a teacher. my favorite game when i was a child was ordering my little brother to read books so i could give him a quiz. the books would come from my parents' extensive collection, and my brother hated me for it. later, i realized reading tolstoy and dante was not fun for a four year old. i was 23 when i tried it and i still didn't like the classics, much to nanay's chagrin.

          i was still a child when i met this woman who, upon looking at me, told nanay (with a sneer-like smile, or so i thought) that she hoped one day i would become a nun like her. i didn't know what a nun was at that time, but i didn't like the way she measured me from head to toe. at 22, i met her again at my uncle's birthday party. when told that i was lydia's daughter, she gave me that 'look' again and reminded me, "so, you don't really want to enter the convent?" i never saw my uncle guffawed that heartily again in his whole life. the nun, i was to learn later, was a grandmother... with two brothers who were priests. although i used to like playing the role of a priest (because i liked the 'communion part' when priests have to eat the bread and drink the wine), i never dreamed -- not even once -- of wearing the claustrophobic habit.

         on the other hand, i have always wanted to write. when i was small, i would spend a huge part of my free days imagi-ning things and writing about them. i had piles and piles of notebooks where i scribbled my thoughts and doodled shapes of any kind. i guess i gravitated towards the artistic side of life. i wove stories and loved writing letters to my friends. i even used to fill my pad of papers (to the consternation of my parents) with comic strips...complete with horror stories of witches and ghosts. i do remember this succinctly.

          my fascination with writing was strengthened when i finally understood my uncle's work. he was a (news) stringer for agence france press. i used to tag along with him when i was a child and i loved the way his typewriter sounded whenever he needed to write something for afp. and oh, i loved the smell of paper. i always have! this was the reason why i worked hard to be editor in chief of my high school publication: i wanted to be surrounded with the smell, sound...and power...of words on paper.

          fast forward. i am now working for the government in the agriculture sector, stationed in a foreign land. who would have thought i'd end up here? not i. i couldn't even remember seeing "two roads diverging" (my apologies to robert frost), so why am i where i am now?

          in college, i took up mass communication but had to be dissuaded by my adviser from taking up journalism as a major because "there's no money there." he convinced me to take up communication research as a field of study, instead. i feel that was the beginning of the end of my love affair with newswriting. like star-crossed lovers, our paths diverged at that point without my being aware of it. let me tell you that in u.p. i still harbored the ambition of covering war-torn areas in search of  human-interest stories. i dreamed of writing banner headlines and weaving life-changing editorials. that, i resolved, was going to be my career.

          i graduated, worked as a research associate in a non-governmental organization (because my thesis adviser asked me to join her in a project), dragged myself back into media work via employment in a film-producing company....and had the time of my life. in the mid of all the fun, nanay kept pestering me to go into public service for its security of tenure. you see, according to her, i was already "enjoying life too much" i seemed to have forgotten about the future. she was right: i loved the glitter and glamour of showbusiness as well as the odd hours, stress and hard work it entailed.

          one day, i woke up saying goodbye to the job that will always be dear to me and embarked on a seemingly uninteresting journey into the heart of public service. fortunately, it was to the credit of my government work that i was able to literally go around the philippines and appreciate its beauty.

          when i got trifle bored with my job, i decided to take up a master's degree in economics at tokyo's sophia university. after graduating, i went back to work and was transfered to our mother office. i got rigorously trained in agri-trade and policy work in a span of three years until i was unilaterally ordered to handle an overseas post thereafter.

          to make the very long story short, i did not become what i wanted to be. oh yes, i still write every now and then. i still dream of having my own book published (my brother beat me to it, fyi). sometimes i still marvel at events as they unfold before my eyes. but instead of covering war-torn areas, i am now immersed in boiling issues that have nothing to do with bombs and bullets.

          still, i don't complain.  after all that i have gone through, i have learned to dance to destiny's tune. in my rebellious moments (and they now come few and far-between), i still try to wrestle with fate but these tussles tire me needlessly. in the end, i have chosen to be more settled and attuned to the universe.

          this is the story of my career, and i have learned to give the same level of acquiescence to my love life. even if i  still believe in happy-ever-after endings, i am now convinced that sometimes the shreks are more loveable and easier to live with than the princes...no matter how charming they get. then again, this is just me...

        ...and this is my life.

Farah Trofeo-Ishizawa

Short-Cuts
By: Farah Trofeo-Ishizawa

To The King of Comedy!

Jeepney Press friends - I will not do my regular-numbered column this time. Instead, I will write about the one and only "King of Comedy in the Philippines", Rodolfo Vera Quizon, Sr. more popularly known as "Dolphy". His son, Ronnie shared with me the connection between his dad and Japan. "Dolphy was one of the original Filipino entertainers going in Japan, having performed here with the first batch of all-Filipino entertaining troupe that included Bayani Casimiro, Bimbo Danao, and other Filipinos in the late 40's until the early 50's. Dolphy had to discontinue his Japan stints when he signed a movie contract with Sampaguita Pictures, Inc., and the rest for him, as they say, is history. Bayani Casimiro found another dancing partner in Dolphy's place, and Bimbo Danao went on to become one of Japan's most popular and successful live performers in the 50's. While Dolphy was a performer in Japan, he had lots of fans and even became quite a ladies man, with Japanese women swooning after him. Before he signed up for Sampaguita Pictures, Inc., Dolphy also had bit roles playing a Japanese soldier in the late 1940's, under the production company of Fernando Poe Sr. and another small American Movie outfit."

Last July 10, 2012, Dolphy passed away. The Filipino people cried and mourned for him not only because he was our "King of Comedy",  but mainly because he was a great man. Although he was there at the top, he made so many people feel special because of his humility and kindness to almost everyone regardless of their place in society. Many of his family, friends and "fans" have attested to this. Tito Dolphy touched the hearts of many people in his very special way.
His children, Ronnie, Eric, Donna (Dana), and Epy were our neighbors. One summer day, we became friends - and from then on, we spent our summers playing tennis or just hanging out together.
As for my "Tito Dolphy moment" - one day, I was with Donna at their home. It was a Sunday. They were all going out to lunch with their daddy. As I was about to say "good-bye", Tito Dolphy told Donna "sama mo na siya" (bring your friend along). Donna smiled and invited me to join their family lunch. The boys also smiled, and before I knew it, I was in their car. I was going to have lunch with the one and only "Dolphy of the Philippines."  If I remember right, it was at Annabels restaurant. Tito Dolphy was a very quiet person. He was friendly and soft-spoken, no one would imagine that he was the King of Philippine comedy. His children enjoyed this time with their dad. As for me, I hope that I will never forget that lunch. As neighbors, we truly enjoyed those days, and the times we had parties at their home or at our home.

The Quizon's have left our neighborhood years ago but, I am happy that my siblings and I are still blessed with their friendship.

The second "Tito Dolphy moment" I had was when our family made the remake of his movie "Kalabog en Bosyo" (Strike again). I remember having so much fun at the set during the filming. One thing I regret, I never had a photo taken with Tito Dolphy because he "was always there." Knowing his children, I took it for granted - or shall I say, I knew that I would get the chance to meet him again.

Tito Dolphy, thank you for bringing your family close to us. Am grateful that my family got to know your family. Tita Babes, is a beautiful person in and out. Your lovely children will always be part of our family, I hope and pray that our friendships will remain.

Ronnie, Eric, Donna, and Epy, your father is gone. But his legacy will live on.
Stay strong and keep praying for each other. Take care of your mom. I hope to see you all again someday. Many know that Tito Dolphy spent his last 23 years with Zsa Zsa. I have never met her, but I hope that someday I will get the chance to say "hello".
God bless us all, Mama Mary loves you !

André Confiado

Heritage Lost, And Found
By: André Confiado

“Nosebleed ka, André” was one of the first new expressions I learned when I entered university here in the Philippines. I asked why, and they replied, “It’s because you speak straight English, and with a twang.” This in a university which, I soon learned, had a reputation for having many “English speakers.” Whenever I spoke in Tagalog I was made fun of because, according to my interlocutors, I sounded like I was 40 years old. I thought to myself, “This is going to be quite an adjustment,” in spite of the fact that I am, technically, a Filipino.

As a son of a diplomat, I grew up overseas because of my father’s job. I actually knew enough Tagalog while living overseas, but I rarely spoke it outside the house (there are few Tagalog speakers outside the Philippines). When my father’s tour of duty came to an end, I made a conscious decision to study in the Philippines when the time came, and I am often asked why…

One of the consequences of the Filipino diaspora is that children are left in the Philippines in the care of relatives while their parents toil in faraway lands, working as engineers, doctors, nurses, caregivers, teachers, or domestic helpers, in the hope of a better future for their family.

On the other side of this coin are the children of Filipino couples who live overseas as expatriates (or, in my case, as diplomats), of Filipino migrants, of single Filipino mothers, and of mixed-race couples. This is an entirely different situation altogether.

For those whose parents are both Filipino, or who have single Filipino mothers, they would hear at home Tagalog, Bisaya, Cebuano, Waray, Ilocano, or any other Philippine language. Yet, upon crossing the threshold of the family home, these children enter another world—that of their host country. They have to resort to the language of their adopted country in order to facilitate integration or assimilation into that culture.

For mixed-race children, more often than not it is the mother who is Filipino. They grow up with a lot of Filipino food at home, but their mother’s Filipino language and culture often take a back seat to the language of their father or that of their host country.

Growing up in such situations is not as easy as one thinks. Unlike those who go overseas as adults to study in university or to work, these children are often singled out and subjected to bullying in school because they are different—more so if they go to the local schools. They may speak like the natives or behave like the natives, but they look partly or entirely Filipino, and thus are not “exactly” like the natives. Upon visiting the Philippines, these same children are also singled out because they are different: They look partly or entirely Filipino, but they do not speak like the natives or behave like the natives. They are criticized—directly or indirectly—for being “inglisero” and being “nosebleed” (or worse, for not even knowing how to speak in English).

Thus, it is not entirely unexpected for these children to feel lost and to search for an identity. They belong to two, or possibly more, cultures, yet they do not entirely belong to any. They become what are called “third-culture kids.”

Upon entering adulthood, the majority of these “lost children” begin to feel that there is something missing. They yearn for something, a part of them that they do not really know. They grew up not knowing the Filipino language. They grew up not knowing Filipino cultural traits. They grew up not knowing their Filipino heritage.

It should come as no surprise then that 40 years after the phenomenon of the overseas Filipino worker emerged, many of the children of mixed marriages, of Filipino migrants, of expatriates and diplomats, return to the Philippines to study, to work, and to live in this country, in order to know what it is to be a Filipino.

They are doctors, lawyers, bankers, and young professionals in international organizations and institutions, multinational companies, nonprofits, NGOs. They are also singers, dancers, DJs, VJs, and actors. They are Olympic athletes, members of the Volcanoes Rugby Football Union team, the Smart Gilas basketball team, the Azkals football team. From Jessica Sanchez, Anne Curtis, to the Younghusbands, they are all “Fil-foreigners.”

These Fil-foreigners are in a unique position to act as bridges to different countries around the world, and assist in the improvement of the Philippines. In public policy, they can better analyze situations and provide alternative solutions that can work because their exposure to the policies of more developed countries has given them a different perspective. In diplomacy, they can facilitate discussions given their knowledge of various languages and of the behavioral norms and cultural intricacies of their host countries. In development, they can serve as a link between the donors and the recipients.

These are but a few examples. The opportunities are limitless.

Some of them may be criticized for being “not really Filipino.” Indeed, some of them are only 50-percent Filipino, while others, like myself, are 100-percent Filipino. But then again, is there really such a thing as 100-percent Filipino? The percentage of “Filipino-ness” notwithstanding, what the critics do not know is that these children have a stronger sense of being Filipino than they are given credit for. These children return to the Philippines because they want to learn about it. It takes a conscious effort and willingness to do so because criticism is always present. But by sticking to their guns, they find what makes them complete as an individual. They learn to love and represent this country with renewed fervor, and they are willing to help the country of their mothers and fathers with zeal and a sense of purpose, proud of their Filipino heritage.

André Confiado, 25, returned to the Philippines in 2003 and graduated from De La Salle University in 2009. He initially worked in development and is now employed by an international bank in Manila.

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*reprinted from Philippine Daily Inquirer with permission from the writer




reprinted from Philippine Daily Inquirer with permission from the writer

Nestor Puno

OAV

by Nestor Puno

Ano ba ang OAV?

Para saan, para kanino ba ito?

Ang OAV o Overseas Absentee Voting ay ipinatupad sa ilalim ng Republic Act 9189 noong Febraury 13, 2003, upang kilalanin ang karapatan ng mga migranteng Pilipino na naninirahan sa ibang bansa na makaboto sa pambansang halalan sa ating bansa at maghalal ng Presidente, Bise-Presidente, Senador, at Partylist.

Subalit, hindi namamaksimisa ang layunin ng OAV, sa kadahilanang marami pa rin sa mga migranteng Pilipino ang hindi nakarehistro at hindi nakakaboto. May tinatayang 9.5 M na OFW na nagtatrabaho at naninirahan sa mahigt 200 bansa.  Wala pang 8% ng lahat ng bilang ng OFW ang nakarehistro sa OAV, at ang problema pa, ilan lamang ang nakakaboto sa mga rehistrado. Ang unang eleksyon magmula ng maipatupad ang OAV noong 2004 lamang umabot ng halos 65% ng nakarehistrong botante ang nakaboto, pero sa mga sumunod na eleksyon malaki ang ibinaba ng porsiyento ng bumoto.

Taon ng Rehistrasyon	Rehistrado	Aktwal na Nakaboto	Porsiyento
2003	359,296	233,137	64.89%
2006	504,124	81,731	16.27%
2009	585,830	153,323	25.99%
2012 July	★161, 153

★ Bagong rehistrado mula Oct.2011 hanggang July 2012

Bakit ba mahirap magparehistro? Ang proseso ng pagpaparehistro ay hindi mahirap pero ang pumunta at personal na magparehistro sa embahada o konsulado ng Pilipinas sa inyong bansang kinaroroonan, ang malaking problema.

Dito sa Japan, mayroon lamang dalawang diplomatic post na maaari mong puntahan, sa Tokyo at Osaka. Mayroong 209,376 Filipino na nagtatrabaho at naninirahan dito sa buong Japan, pero mayroon lamang halos 5% o mahigit 9,000 libong rehistrado ng OAV.

Para sa halalan sa 2013, naglaan ang ating pamahalaan ng isang taon upang makapagpagparehistro ang malaking bilang ng mga OFW. Nagsimula pa ang rehistrasyon noong October 2011 at magtatapos sa October 2012. May malaking kakulangan ang ating pamahalaan sa pagpapabot at pagpapaliwanag sa ating mga Kababayan at marami pa rin ang hindi nakakaalam hinggil dito.

Para makapagparehistro, kailangan mong gumastos ng malaki sa pamasahe at pagkain, lumiban sa trabaho, at minsan ay kailangan mong maglaan ng dalawang araw para lamang maisagawa ang pakay.  At dahil mahirap din ang trabaho at pamumuhay sa Japan, hindi ito nabibigyan ng prayoridad ng ating mga Kababayan.

Ang isa sanang pamamaraan para marami ang makapagparehistro ay ang consular outreach. Malaking kaalwalan sa ating mga kababayan kung naging regular sana ang consular outreach ng embahada at konsulado. Sa Tokyo, nagkaroon lamang ng 3 beses na OAV outreach sa kanyang nasasakupan. Matatapos na ng ilang buwan ang rehistrasyon sa OAV pero wala pa ring nagaganap na OAV registration sa Nagoya, na may mahigit 41,000 Pilipino ang naninirahan sa tatlong (Aichi, Gifu at Mie) probinsiyang karatig nito. Bagamat may nakatakdang consular at OAV outreach sa Septyembre at Oktubre, sa Nagoya at Gifu.

Dapat tugunan ng ating pamahalaan ang mga balakid at problema sa OAV kung gusto talaga nating matupad ang mga mithiin ng batas na ito. Magtakda ng mga extension offices, maliban sa embahada at konsulado, para maging malapit at madaling puntahan ng mga Pinoy at maglunsad sa mga araw na walang pasok ang karamihan. Gawing tuluy-tuloy ang pagpaparehistro dahil pinatunayan na ang isang taon ay hindi pa rin sapat para maabot ang malaking bilang ng mga Pinoy. Maglunsad ng mga education drive para maipaliwanag ang kahalagahan nito sa bawat isa, at magbigay na sapat na impormasyon o anunsiyo para dito.

Maliit na nga ang bilang ng nakarehistro, marami din ang hindi nakakaboto. Bagamat mapalad tayo dahil “ligtas” ang mailing system dito sa Japan kaya pinahintulutan ito ng pamahalaan. Subalit, marami ang hindi nakakarating na balota sa hindi malamang dahilan. Madami din ang nagiging spoiled ballots dahil sa nakalilitong sistema ng pagboto. Madami ring nagrereklamo na hindi dumadating ang kanilang voter’s ID sa kabila ng may dumadating na balota.

Higit sa lahat, dapat maglaan ng sapat na budget para dito. Malaki ang kontribusyon ng mga OFW sa ating ekonomiya, dapat lamang na ibigay ng pamahalaan ang karapatan ng mga OFW. Imbes na dagdagan ang budget para mas maraming OFW ang makaboto, pababa ng pababa ang inilalaang pondo para dito. Noong 2004, mayroong P 300 million na budget, naging P 238.421 noong 2007, naging P 188.086 noong 2010, hanggang sa bumaba ito ng P 43 million nitong taon.

Ganunpaman, hinihikayat ko pa rin ang ating mga Kababayan na magparehistro at lumahok sa OAV. Mayroon pa tayong natititirang dalawang buwan upang makapagparehistro. Kung mayroon tayong sadya sa embahada o konsulado, bigyan na natin ng panahon na makapag-parehistro. Pumunta sa mga itinatakdang consular outreach upang doon magparehistro. Kung kayo naman ay nasa Pilipinas hanggang Oktubre ng taong ito at babalik dito sa Japan bago ang eleksyon sa May 2013, maaaring magparehistro sa election officer sa munisipyo ng inyong tinitirhan, o kaya sa NAIA airport bago kayo lumabas ng Pilipinas. Mag-fill-up na application forms, ihanda ang inyong pasaporte at photocopy ng data page nito. Ang OAV registration ay walang bayad at sila na ang kukuha ng inyong litrato.

Gamitin natin ang ating karapatan para maitayo natin ang ating sektor. Tayo ang bumubuo sa mahigit 10% ng ating populasyon at kung isasama pa natin ang ating mga kamag-anak sa Pilipinas, may kakayahan tayo na magbago ng ating lipunan at pumili ng ating lider na magbibigay solusyon sa ating mga problema bilang OFW at bilang mamamayang Pilipino. Kailangan nating pumili o magluklok ng ating representante sa kongreso na siyang magdadala ng ating sektoral na usapin. Umpisahan natin ang pagbabago mula sa atin, sa pamamagitan ng pagpaparehistro sa OAV at lumahok sa halalan. (nlp) ###