Jeepney Press 2011 November-December Issue Page 19

DAISUKI by Dennis Sun

"No one wants to die. Even people who want to go to heaven don't want to die to get there. And yet death is the destination we all share. No one has ever escaped it. And that is as it should be, because Death is very likely the single best invention of Life. It is Life's change agent. It clears out the old to make way for the new. Right now the new is you, but someday not too long from now, you will gradually become the old and be cleared away. Sorry to be so dramatic, but it is quite true."

- Steve Jobs

Today, I lost a friend.

It’s so difficult to write when you are still filled with profound emotions. But they say it’s better you express these feelings soon while they are still fresh and raw before they get rooted badly and deeply inside and thus, difficult to throw away.

A strong force in the Kansai area, Tita Mely didn’t let anything stop her to achieving her mission. A year and a decade of going in and out of the hospital taking all kinds of medications and radiation therapies to battle her continuous cancer illness, she pursued her final task as president and organizer of Mother Earth Connection with their UTAWIT regional competition. Despite her prolonged and recurring illness and deep pain, she continued to call on their regular meetings and held them inside her room at the hospital. There was no finding for excuses for her to quit. She made her members worry a lot about her health condition. Not even her sickness and pain could stop her from retreating. During the event itself, she forgot to bring the oxygen tank but she graced the hall with all smiles just to show her presence in Utawit and that to prove that she was the super-ready and always prepared girl scout.

My relationship with Tita Mely was grounded within the frontiers of helping the Filipino community in Japan. We talked about the situation of the Filipinos and what we could do about it. However, a few months ago this year, I was hospitalized for my lungs. Since both of us were in the hospital, we both shared the same world and lifestyle. Our free schedule had made us closer together even more. We talked about our medications, the doctors and nurses, the treatments, and especially the flavorless food. We became so much closer and spent more time talking over the phone. Gradually though, she was losing her voice so we had to resort to texting instead. Although at the start, I was the one who wasn’t able to talk much because of my throat problems. But when I gained my voice back, she started losing hers.

Although I wanted to write about her, I simply cannot. Her life is a story of an epic proportion! I know she had done so much help to so many Filipinos directly and indirectly of which I am still not aware of. It would be an injustice to her if I would not be able to cover all her good deeds in paper.

I felt she didn’t have much time left so I had been looking for people near Kyoto to interview her in length and depth. Maybe, let her talk about her life for a week or so. I asked her who she wanted to write her life. She wanted me. Much as I wanted to, I live so far away from Kyoto and I am not sure my health would permit me to. When I visited Kyoto to be one of the judges in UTAWIT, I was planning to stay a few more days just so that we could start on some writing. But I declined when I saw her physical condition already. She needed to rest more.

Tita Mely, I will not write your story. I will let the people you helped thank you and let each of their voices serve as the pages and chapters of your life.

Today, I may have lost a friend... but from today, I found me an angel!

--------------------

WE LOVE YOU, TITA MELY!

“... I am here because of you. No amount of money can pay what you have done to me. You really made me tougher through the years. You helped me in almost everything in best way you can. You helped me whenever I have problems in my documents for my family. You’ve been a peacemaker between me and my better-half. Not only that I turn to you but the whole Filipino community as well. You’re everybody’s strength, aide and need. Thus, no one hesitated to approach you to seek for your guidance in our community because you never fail to soothe the unwary and troubled heart.”

– Emi Arai

Kyoto, Employee

Kyoto Mother Earth

Connection, Inc.

“Para kay Madam, maraming bagay-bagay talaga ang natutunan ko sa kanya: ang pagiging magalang at malambing. Pinasasalamatan ko sa kanya unang-una bilang isang talento nuong araw, lalo na't ako ay kailangang maikasal na sa isang Hapon na ngayon ay aking mabait na esposo na. I SALUTE YOU MADAM!”

- Sofia Reiko

Kyoto, Employee

Kyoto Mother Earth

Connection, Inc.

“Salamat po madam, dahil po sa tulong nyo ay nanalo po tayo sa kaso na isinampa natin laban sa ama ng anak ko. Sapagkat itinanggi niya ang pagiging ama sa anak nya dahil siya daw umano ay sterile. Ngunit dahil sa napatunayan sa DNA test na siya talaga ang ama ng anak ko at ngayon nga ay mayroon nang kinikilalang ama ang anak ko at nakare-histro na ang aking anak sa pangalan ng tatay niya. Bukod dun ay nagkamit din ng mananahin ang anak ko na magagamit nya para mapaganda ang kanyang kinabukasan...”

- Shiela Michibata

Kyoto/Philippines Employee

“May sakit na sya noon. Lagi na syang nag-che- chemo. Tumawag ako sa kanya sa dahilang naghahanap ako ng work. Sabi nya sa akin may kakilala daw syang nanga-ngaila-ngan ng staff. Kahit na may karamdaman sya, nakipagkita sya sa akin sa Umeda Hankyu station. Nakipagkita kami sa taong kakilala nya para i recommend ako sa work. Nagpunta kami sa Kobe at doon na rin nagsimba. Malayo ang biyahe pero wala akong narinig na sya ay napapagod o anumang reklamo samantalang may karamdaman sya. Masaya pa syang kumakain kasama ang yumaong kaibigan din namin na si Tata Frank. Kalahating araw din kaming magkasama. Iba siya talagang tumulong, di kita makakalimutan...“

- Katrina Ibanez

Osaka, Employee

Tita Mel, you have been such a source of strength and courage to me and a treasured friend. Thank you for being so honest and helpful. I am holding your hand in spirit and prayer as you have done for me along this journey. I Love you! In loving memory of you my friend, a kindred spirit. I miss you so much, Tita Mely. I will continue to keep your memory alive by sharing your story.

Love you friend,

Daisy Nozawa

Kyoto, Business woman

To my dearest Amelia Kohno,

Ako'y taos pusong nagpapasalamat sa iyo sa 25 taon pagsasama natin (KPC) sa hirap at ligaya tayo ay magkasama bilang magkapatid o mag-ina o magkaibigan. Ikaw ay nasa aking puso. Salamat sa iyo, Mama Mel.

- Chesca Kawa

Kyoto, Owner Sakura Restaurant ; Kyoto, Mother Earth Connection, Inc.

Ate Mely: mabait na tao at matalino. Para na po namin siyang magulang sa simbahan. Para sa amin the best po sya dahil marami po sya naitulong sa amin at sa simbahan naming. Mahal na mahal po namin siya talaga kaya maski wala na po at nagpapahinga na po siya, pero sa puso namin nanjan pa rin sya sa alaala namin. Ate Mely, we all love you. Thanks for everything.

- Vilma Teiji Furusawa

Kyoto, Employee

Maraming salamat po sa mga suportang binigay niyo sa akin. Hinding hindi ko po kayo makakalimutan dahil naiiba po kayo sa lahat. Hindi po kayo marunong tumanggi sa mga taong humihingi ng tulong o advise niyo at ang magaganda nyong ngiti kahit alam nyo po ang sitwasyon nyo hindi po kayo nanghina at nawalan ng pag-asa.

-Sarah Takeuchi

Kyoto, Business owner

When I first arrived in Kyoto Japan in 1993, I was introduced to the Kyoto Pag-asa Community by Madame Amelia Khono. With all my heart, I am very grateful and thankful for her. She helped me get a job in JPICC; she guided me for being a SECRETARY of the Kyoto Pag-asa Community. I also thank her for all the trust she extended to me.

- Maryjane Redito Juntilla

Kyoto/Philippines, Housewife

It was year 1992, when I first met Ate Mely during a small party celebration hosted by both friends of ours. She was such a nice person, very down to earth, aside from being jolly, you can always see that big smile on her face even until the last days of her crisis fighting for that dreadful disease, still she was able to manage and show no sorrows and pains, she remained brave and strong. A woman of courage, a person with "Palabra De Honor" that's Ate Mely for me, one of the greatest person that I admire most! Her favorite and most requested song at the KARAOKE is, "Have you ever seen the Rain?” She told me this song inspire her a lot through Life's Journey!

-Carisa Cabanero Patrimonio

Kyoto, Employee

Jeepney Press 2011 November-December Issue Page 20

Remembering Tita Mely

K!

by Amelia Iriarte Kohno

In the English alphabet, K is the eleventh letter. How about that for a starter? Since I cannot easily find the right words to put my thoughts for an important occasion like this, especially if it is for my first column, I will just begin by citing identical events. It is not that I am a great believer in "de ja vu," or that my experiences tell me otherwise... that it is already written in our book, before it came to be (Psalm 139).

Well, here are some:

1. my name (sans Iriarte) has 11 letters,

2. I was born on November, the 11th month, National Holiday pa dito sa Japan being "Labor Thanksgiving Day,"

3. married to a Kohno (K),

4. lived in Kyoto (K) for the past 30 years now, and

5. K was my good friend Dennis' first suggestion for the title of this column. And I think it is a great idea!

Having lived here in Japan for half of my life has its rewards and most of my soul-touching experiences are the ones I spent "journeying into the world of the Filipinos" as the JP cover says. Of course, they are not all a "bed of roses" (one of my favorite expressions) when confronted with questions like: were they happy ones, do you enjoy the encounters, can you find fulfilment, meaning, joy, enhancement, and so forth. I am simply a believer in doing good to others, in sharing God-given talents to people who need them, just by being there, and thankful for whatever blessings we have. That is the "enjoyment" I find in my life. Guess, I am sounding a bit trite so I will just share one personal story which I call "a grateful heart anecdote" from the volumes I have now, which is a product of having lived here for a long time.

Some years ago, when our president, Gloria M. Arroyo, was still a senator, she visited Kyoto with her family and mother, Mrs. Eva Macapagal. I had the pleasure of showing them this beautiful city. After a hearty dinner mostly of raw fish and meat at the famous "Gion" area where the red lights and geishas are, she asked to be shown one of the nightclubs nearby where our "kababayans" worked. At short notice and after some calls, we were able to arrange a hasty meeting with some of them. It was a very memorable night. The following year, she visited Osaka, and again I had another happy encounter. On behalf of the Filipino community leaders of Western Japan, I was asked to give the bouquet of flowers at the Welcome Reception. When she saw me, she gave a familiar smile and even mentioned that night in Kyoto during her speech. Good deeds do not go unnoticed, di ba? Till next time. God bless.

-------------

ON THE ROAD TO...

ARASHIYAMA

in KYOTO

Where A Thousand Fans Cool the Hot Summer Days with

MELY IRIARTE KOHNO

by Neriza Saito

Kyoto, Japan’s ancient capital, is an all year-round tourist destination not only for tourists from abroad but for locals as well. It is cold and damp in winter but hot and also damp in summer with temperatures soaring high in July and August. April is the favorite

month for cherry blossoms viewing but the best season of all is autumn. However, Kyoto is always “in-season.” The choir of crickets and the twinkling of “furin” (wind bells) and the beautiful Kyoto fans provide a respite from the heat.

Twenty-six years ago, Amelia Iriarte Kohno, from Tacloban,

Leyte, landed in Kyoto and has made the scenic Arashiyama her home. Every time dignitaries from the Philippines visit Japan, Mely is always on hand to guide them to the famous shrines and temples from Kinkakuji to Kiyomizu to the Heian Shrine or to watch the gigantic Gion Festival, then walk through the old streets of Gion scene of the movie “Memoirs of a Geisha.” Some of the VIPs she toured include Ambassador Siazon’s mother, the late Foreign Affairs Secretary Blas Ople’s sister, Sec. Mar Roxas, the Venecia family and no less than Pres. Gloria Arroyo when she was still a senator.

A busy woman herself, Mely, finds time for everyone because she is genuinely interested in people. During her tenure as President of the Kyoto Pag-asa Community, a strong church- based Filipino Community in Kyoto, they extended social and legal services to many Filipina victims of domestic violence. With the help of the Filipino sisters, they provided shelter to many of them or gave orientation to new-comers in Kyoto for almost a decade in the late 80’s to the late ’90’s. At present, she serves as adviser of the group and is in-charge of the social services committee.

Mely is a Chemical Engineering graduate from the University of Southern Philippines. Later, she joined the regional tourism office as Promotions Officer until her marriage with Mr. Kohno. Their only daughter, Aimi, acquired much of her mother’s charm and

friendliness. Mely loves to entertain at home and the Kohno residence is always full of Filipino friends of her mom --- Catholic nuns and other churchgoers or some Ikebana enthusiasts. Mely is a member of Ikebana International and in many of their events, she has showcased the best of her country by using tropical orchids and local “Vanda” using a huge “Anahaw” fan for dramatic effect.

Five years ago, she was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent an operation. But soon after, she was up and about again even traveling here and abroad with her students. Last year, she was in the Philippines again at the seminar of the “Mother Earth

Connection,” another group she founded with Sr. Agneta Lauzon of St. Joseph’s College who helped Mely in Kyoto some years ago.

Unknown to many except for a few close friends, the dreadful disease has spread to her skin and lymph nodes that she had to undergo chemotherapy. "After each treatment, I get so nauseated but I know that I have to bear this and never give up. I have to go against the odds,” says Mely with the usual chuckles that has inspired over a thousand people she has met in Japan and elsewhere. Soon after, she has received letters of encouragement, phone calls and prayers, she adds, “I was thrilled to know that so many friends cared for me.”

On quiet days, she sits by the Katsura River in Arashiyama and watch people strolling along. As time passes by, she reminishes about her beloved Tacloban, so serene and majestic, very much like MELY.

WHERE ARE YOU FROM?

Tacloban, Leyte

WHAT IS YOUR OCCUPATION/ PROFESSION?

Freelance Interpreter.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU LIVED IN JAPAN? 26 years.

WHAT DO YOU MISS MOST ABOUT THE PHILIPPINES?

The food, of course! I really miss the sumptuous family breakfasts we have with our family and relatives in Leyte… with lots of native delicacies!

WHAT IS THE WEIRDEST THING THAT YOU HAVE EXPERIENCED IN JAPAN?

When I spent my first new year in Japan with my husband’s family, I was surprised to see that the men have to be served first. I thought it was odd because our womenfolk in the Philippines enjoy equal opportunities. Later on, I also found out that at home,

men take a bath ahead of all the female members of the family.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE BEST ABOUT JAPAN?

The people. They really work hard. And when they start any project, they work hard on it from beginning to end.

IF YOU CAN CHANGE ONE THING ABOUT JAPAN, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

The family life. There seems to be so much formalities even among immediate family members and their traditional duties as a member of the family affect even their personal decisions.

IF YOU CAN TEACH THINGS YOU HAVE LEARNED FROM THE JAPANESE, WHAT WOULD THEY BE? DILIGENCE and CLEANLINESS. Japan is one of the countries in the world with an ecological friendly garbage disposal system.

PLEASE TELL US ABOUT YOUR RECIPE FOR A SUCCESSFUL LIFE IN JAPAN.

It took me some time to completely understand the Japanese way of life as in the winning strategy formulated by a great samurai warrior named Musashi Miyamoto. This is why I learned how to act appropriately when dealing with the Japanese.

I also do not compare people but rather understand their complex differences as human beings. However, once you get absorbed into the ways of the Japanese, it can work both ways as they will begin to like you as a person regardless of who you are.

Jeepney Press 2011 November-December Issue Page 21

The Epitome... That is Tita Mely!

by Henry Tabao

Women Power! These are perhaps the best two words that describe the women of today. Through the evolution of time, women became at par with the wits, the guts, and the strength of men. Though selectively, there are women out there who surpass the expectations of men in general. I am so honored to know one exceptional being, a woman of strength, of vigor, of wisdom, of guts and of faith... AMELIA IRIARTE KOHNO!!

A fruitful woman:

Amelia Iriarte Kohno was born and raised in Tacloban City, LEYTE. She earned her Chemical Engineering degree from the University of Southern Philippines. She did not only excel in the academe but was also a Chess champion, awarded a Certificate of Honor, Ten Best Chess Players of the Philippines, Women's Division, 1976 National Chess Championship.

"Chess intrigues me even now. It is really amazing how 2 people play with their minds from the opening, middle and end strategies. Of course, masters can play alone. When I was young, I always took pride in knowing that my father was playing chess with then Philippine President Carlos P. Garcia whenever he came to Tacloban. They were friends from the University of the Philippines, Diliman. It was my father who taught me and my 7 brothers how to play chess and win. And I started to love playing then. We had chess boards all over the house. I often compared a chess board with my life. There are 2 sides and somebody up there is telling us that we can overcome whatever trials, problems and sorrows we encounter in our journey through life. If we master and skillfully plan our moves, we can win. Playing chess is 'seeing things even with our eyes closed' as winning in chess is capturing the king. A chess player must remember that there is always a way to surmount whatever difficulties come his way."

She joined the Department of Tourism as Promotions Officer until her marriage with her Japanese husband, Mr. Kohno. Their marriage was blessed with a beautiful and charming girl named, Aimi, who is at present a mother herself. Her grandchild, Angie, is her joy inspiring her to regularly visit her daughter's family in Tokyo.

"I met my husband at the same University in Cebu where I was studying. Having lived in the Philippines, he was familiar with our customs, traditions, etc. But when we started to live in Japan, I entailed many problems in communication, difficulties in understanding the different Japanese customs, traditions, social norms and values."

A public servant:

Tita Mely, as we all call her, has made the beautiful and historic Kyoto her second home. This is where she mastered her Ikebana and her skills in tour guiding. She has accompanied many dignitaries and famous personalities who have visited Kyoto. Tita Mely has been a Kyoto resident for nearly 30 years now and for so many years has been involved and very active in many civic organizations.

"My husband's first job was in Kyoto 30 years ago and we have lived here since then. I love Kyoto because it is beautiful all year round in the spring, the cherry blossoms, summer for its festivals, autumn for the maple trees and snow in winter. It is also rich in history and culture."

She has an undying quest for public service. She is not only a former President of the Philippine Ladies in Japan but also of Kyoto Pag-Asa Filipino Community, a church-based Filipino organization that aims to provide social, emotional, and legal aid to Filipinos in distress and in dire need of assistance. For instance, she provides bi-lingual interpretation for people who have no knowledge of the Japanese language, especially those who are incarcerated and being investigated by the Japanese authorities. She also provides counseling to victims of domestic violence together with the kind-hearted and approachable Catholic nuns in Kyoto, Shiga, Nara and Mie Prefectures.

"As I have lived in Kyoto for almost 3 decades, I have seen and I am happy to be part of the growth of the Kyoto Pag-asa Filipino community. I am now the adviser after serving as president for 7 years."

Before becoming one of the advisers of the Philippine Community Coordinating Council (PCCC), a network of Filipino organizations in the western Japan which aims to uplift the image of Filipinos, she chaired the core group and was known to be a feisty yet intellectual and persistent individual. As an adviser or as an individual, she is still very visible in the community, continuously offering her assistance when needed without any expectations of material gratitude in return.

An achiever:

Her professionalism and dedication has earned her numerous recognitions from people who believe of her exceptional contribution to the society. She participated in the Beijing NGO Forum on Women in 1995. She was invited as one of the speakers at the 4th Global Filipino Networking Convention on 29 September 2006 in Honolulu, Hawaii. She founded Mother Earth Connection together with Sr. Agneta Lauzon of St. Joseph College, a non-government environmental organization that coordinates and interacts with individual community, government as well as non-government institutions in an effort to save Mother EARTH.

"The year 2000 was when I had my first breast operation. I thought it was a very good way to helping people raise awareness on environmental pollution which is one cause of cancer. We registered Mother Earth connection with SEC that year. Besides we had already been sponsoring seminars on recycling technology using organic waste and other indigenous materials for livelihood projects promoting environment protection."

Humble as she is, she does always feel so grateful and very thankful for the very rewarding achievements she had. You will see her as a seasoned individual with lustrous silver hair, petite frame with a very sweet smiling face.

A fighter:

Though behind that sweet face and fragile frame, Tita Mely is a fighter! She stands for what she construes as justice and fights for what she believes as injustice. She fights against the odds. All through these years that we have known Tita Mely, never for an instance did we notice that she succumbed to the challenges she was facing, even the challenge most of us would think as a very helpless condition... the battle against CANCER. She defied the medical prognosis of 6 months

to live when she was diagnosed with the devastating cancer. Through faith in God, her willpower to live longer, and with the support of her family and friends, she fought her very best to beat the odds. Through the help of medical science and of course, the healing power of the Almighty, Tita Mely is currently living a fruitful life. She said, with a smile in her face, "Cancer is not to be feared of. Just have faith! I was not scared of death until 3 years ago when my medical doctors told me that my tests showed I only have 3 -6 months to live. It was really painful at first but I gradually accepted that cancer was a reality in my life. When I realized and felt deeply that my family and friends loved me and that God must have a special plan for me. The thought of my many blessings made the difference. I thank God for this sickness because I can help people with cancer feel better just by talking to them. Even healthy friends ask questions on how to deal with breast cancer operations, radiation and chemo. At present, I have cancer in my lymph nodes so I cannot have another surgical operation in case my cancer transfers to another part of my body. Radiation is also not advisable because I already had it. My only medical therapy is chemo and I see my oncologist every 3 weeks. I may be physically sick but I do not think so. And I am thankful for the 'strength' I have to live each day with joy and belief in the goodness we can give and receive."

A sister:

Amelia Kohno may not be a real Catholic nun but you will always see her surrounded by or tagged along with nuns most of the time. She is the heart of the group of Catholic nuns in Kyoto, Shiga, Nara and Mie Prefectures, specifically the members of the Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate Conception of the Holy Mother of God (SFIC) assigned to the Kyoto Diocese. One would think that she must have dreamt of becoming a nun in her younger years. Her association with the religious group has made her stronger emotionally and mentally and has also deepened her relationship with God. Her presence in their midst made the nuns become more fun-loving and open to whatever it is that would come their way.

"Being Filipinos, our main priority is 'family' and even in Japan, we have what we call extended families. In our community, Filipinos come to church to 'feel at home' to lessen the pain of separation from their families, friends, and country. I think it helps improve our lives here in Japan by working together in a community and give whatever help we can. At our church gatherings, we announce job opportunities, offer counseling and networking with other groups offering services to help people having problems with living in Japan. It pays to have friends who care."

For the rest of us, Tita Mely, is an aunt, a mother, a sister and a friend. She is there for you through thick and thin. She will go beyond her limits to be of help to others. That is why she is an icon and has been an inspiration for all of us.

"I wish that we Pinoys can cope up with the current increasing global economic problems and be able to overcome financial difficulties. Our world is still a beautiful place to live in!"

She made many of us realize that there is nothing impossible in God-- that faith and belief will always lead us to truth and salvation.

"I want to write a book not only about cancer but also on 'human interests' readings - a book that can help and make people happy and bring hope to those who have given up on life. My one dream now is to form a a 'support group' for people with cancer specially foreign residents seeking medical treatments in Japan."

From her life, you can say that there is always enlightenment and joy in sincerity and kindness. Bravo Tita Mely! You are indeed an epitome of a woman. Mabuhay ka!

Jeepney Press 2011 November-December Issue Page 22

KANSAI CRUSADE

by Sally Cristobal-Takashima

Nandito na tayo sa pang-anim na pasada ng Jeepney Press sa taong 2011. Malamig na ang simoy ng hangin. Panahon ng ilabas ang mga long sleeved clothes, warm socks at siempre pa ang mga jackets and mufflers. Napakabilis ng

takbo ng panahon. Mga kababayan sa Japan: o-kawari nai desu ka?

Kung panay ang hagupit ng bagyo sa Pilipinas, malaking biyaya na tayo ay malayo sa sakuna. But, our hearts go to the people, especially Bulacan and Pampanga who are still recovering from the damages of typhoons Pedring and Quiel. Maraming nasirang palayan, nasuspinde ang mga klase sa paaralan at isinagawa ang pangsapilitang pagpapaalis ng mga tao sa kanilang tirahan at sila ay nasa evacuation centers ngayon. Nawalan ng kuryente at malinis na tubig at ang ibang mga tao ay nanghuhuli na lang ng mga palaka, ahas at pagong para may makain. Malayo ang karamihang tao sa ospital at walang sapat na gamot para sa may sakit. Tunay na napaka seryosong problema ng gobyerno ang mga pinsala ng bagyo na umabot sa humigit kumulang na 14 bilyong dolyares. Paano na nga ba aasenso ang ating bansa? Is this why Darwin said “Survival is for the fittest.”?

You must have read articles in the newspapers that the world may be coming to an “end” lalo na kung sunod sunod ang nangyayaring natural disasters kagaya ng lindol, baha, tsunami, pagguho ng bundok at ang mabilis ng pagtunaw ng yelo sa Antartica and the rising of sea level.

Naiulat din sa media na posibleng lumubog ang ilang isla sa Asya. Huwag sanang mangyari! God Bless the Philippines! It is interesting to know that available maps sa Internet called “Possible New Maps of the World” shows what the world would be like after a deluge or dilubyo. Ang mga mapa ni

Gordon Michael ay ipinakikita ang mga safe and habitable areas sa iba’t

ibang parte ng mundo.

But, how safe are we really in Japan? Tunay ba tayong malayo sa sakuna dahil sa radiation. Katotohanan kaya ang lahat ng iniuulat sa mga

pahayagan tungkol sa resulta ng mga radiation test. Ano naman po kaya ang tunay na kalidad ng mga pagkain natin ngayon sa Japan?

Mabalik po tayo sa nakaraang bagyong Pedring at Quiel. Para po sa mga gustong tumulong sa mga taong nasalanta ng bagyo, kung maaari po lamang ay makipag-ugnay sa Philippine National Red Cross. Please email fundgeneration@ redcross.org.ph Ang kasalukuyang Chairman ng PRC and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) ay si Richard J. Gordon. Isa din po siyang

myembro ng ating Senado. Those who want to donate in peso currency may do so through Metro Bank, Account Number 151-3-04163-1228 or at Philippine

National Bank, Account Number 3752-8350-0034 and at Bank of Philippine Island, Account Number 4991-0036-52.

For Japan based Filipinos who want to do short term volunteer work with the Philippine Red Cross while visiting the Philipppines, puede po kayong tumulong. Mag email po sa volunteer@ redcross.org.ph at least one month before your arrival in Manila.

I was in Manila recently and while shopping sa supermarkets ay nag-comparative shopping na din ako at nag-usisa tungkol sa mga “bagong” food items. Rustan’s Shopwise Supermarket imports/sells tasty, fresh salmon heads from Norway. Ideal for Fish Sinigang an ideal source of collagen and fish oil. Also Silky Tofu (Kinu) and Momen Tofu is always available and is stacked near the Pandan and Lemon Grass Section. “Red” salted eggs are bigger and tastier at the Robinson Supermarket. Next to the cans of Coconut

Cream now available. Great for desserts and mas masarap than Coconut Milk. Giron Foods, Inc. has come up with powdered 100% ube called Purple Yam. It comes in a 120g box and you just need to soak the ube

powder in water and it’s ready for cooking. The 2 recipes are on the box for

you to try and enjoy.

Makati Landmark’s Via Mare serves great tasting Crispi Pata for about 600 pesos. Good for 2 persons but you pay extra for rice salad and drink. The sizes of the sandwiches at Seattle’s Coffee (NAIA 3), where I often go before almost boarding time, has shrunk due to cost cutting.

Another exciting new find is the TOKI Fusion Dining in Taguig, a classy Japanese resto owned by a Tokyo based Japanese. Social dito and many known celebs have dined and wined here. Among them were Imelda

Marcos, the Aquino Sisters, Noli de Castro, Manny and Jinkee Pacquiao nado nado. Lunch items costs from 500 pesos for a Teishoku. Dinner is pricier but the Sashimi, Tempura and Miso Shiro taste like the ones served

in Japan. When my husband and I took my brother for lunch at TOKI, it was 11:00 a.m. but the place filled up fast by noon. I recommend TOKI to everyone who likes to eat honkaku tekina Nihon ryori. It is a walking distance from the newly opened and famous St. Luke’s Hospital.

Last but not least, many Kansai based Filipinos mourn the passing of Amelia Iriarte Kohno (1943-2011) of Tacloban Leyte and a resident of Kyoto. She was a dedicated community leader, a friend, volunteer worker,

women’s rights advocate, language interpreter, chess player, writer and a loving mother and grandmother. Your zest for life, willingness to extend a helping hand to those in need, your generosity in sharing your time and knowledge, your courage in the face of adversity, your smile inspite of the pain caused by your long illness, your love for your family have all been an inspiration to all of us. We will never forget you. Rest in peace now.

To all the kababayans spending the holiday season in the Philippines, enjoy po and take care. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you and your loved ones. See you all in 2012!

Thank you from Jeepney Press!

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KANSHA AL KANSHA

by Ping-Ku

Mariwasang Pamumuhay: Kaya Ba?

Binabati po namin ang mga tagatangkilik ng Jeepney Press ng Maligayang Pasko at Manigong Bagong Taon! Nawa’y maging maligaya at masagana para sa ating lahat ang 2012!

Kada-365 na araw ay may panibagong taon at pangkaraniwan na napapaisip tayo ng mga paraan upang mapabuti ang ating kabuhayan. Kung meron lang kurso na nagtuturo kung paano makamit ang matiwasay na kabuhayan, siguradong lahat tayo ay mag-aaplay. Maraming nag-aaral ngayon ng “Positive Psychology” upang mabuo ang teorya ng kariwasahan or “theory of well-being” na naglalayong suriin ang mga sanhi at pamamaraan ng mariwasang pamumuhay. Binasa ko ang librong “Flourish” (2011) ni G. Martin F. P. Seligman, ang taong nagpasimula ng positive psychology sa University of Pennsylvania at nais kong ibahagi sa inyo ang aking natutunan mula sa bagong libro ni Seligman:

Kasiyahan vs. Kariwasahan

Ang praktis ng positive psychology ay di lang para makamit ang kasiyahan sa buhay or life satisfaction ngunit para ma-maximize or mapabuti ang lahat ng haligi ng kariwasahan or well-being. Ang team ni Seligman ay nag-collaborate sa mga researcher sa Cambridge at gumawa sila ng surbey upang masukat ang kariwasahan. (Ang talaan sa baba ay isinalin mula kay Seligman, 2011, p. 27.)

Positibong damdamin (Positive emotion)	Masaya ka ba sa iyong pamumuhay?
Pagmamalasakit at interes sa pagbabago (Engagement, interest)	Interesado ka bang malaman ang mga bagong bagay?
Kahulugan at layunin ng buhay (Meaning, purpose)	Kapaki-pakinabang ba ang ginagawa mo?
Pagpapahalaga sa sarili (Self-esteem)	Kanais-nais ba ang tingin mo sa iyong sarili?
Optimism	Umaasa ka ba sa mabuting kinabukasan?
Resilience	Natitiis mo ba ang mga pagsusubok sa buhay?,
Mga Positibong Relasyon (Positive Relationships)	May mga tao ba na tunay na nagmamalasakit para sa iyo?

Nagsurbey ng mahigit na 2,000 tao sa 23 na bansa sa EU at ang resulta ay ang Denmark ang may pinakataas na share ng populasyon na mariwasa (33%), sinusundan ng Inglatera (18%) at ang Russia ang may pinakamaliit na share (6%).

Ano nga ba ang relasyon nito sa ekonomiya o pamumuhay ng tao sa isang bansa? Si G. Daniel Kahneman, isang psychologist sa Princeton University ay nagkamit ng Nobel Prize sa Eonomics noong 2002 para sa kanyang pag-aaral sa prospect theory na inaaplay ang mga konsepto ng psychology sa “risk at real-life decisions that lead to well-being”. Hanggang ngayon ay maraming mga research tungkol sa “well-being and happiness” at ang relasyon nito sa kaunlaran at ekonomiya. Maraming nagtatanong kung ang gross domestic product (GDP) ay sapat na panukat ng kaunlaran ng isang bansa: “Ano ang ibig sabihin ng kasaganaan?” “Para saan nga ba ang kayamanan o wealth?” Ayon kay Seligman ang layunin ng kaunlaran o pagyaman ay di para maghanap ng paraan upang magpayaman muli ngunit upang makaranas ang mga tao sa bansa ng mariwasang pamumuhay.

Praktis ng Positive Psychology

Ang layunin ng positive psychology ay para mag-flourish o maging mariwasa ang buhay ng tao. Maraming mga exercises na nirerekomenda si Seligman sa kanyang libro at kabilang dito ang: (a) gratitude visit (b) three-good-things exercise

1. Bumisita sa isang tao upang magpasalamat

Ang layunin ng activity na ito ay upang maranasan ang taos-pusong pagpapahayag ng pasasalamat. Mag-isip ng isang taong di mo pa napapasalamatan ng sapat para sa kanyang pagtulong o impluwensiya na mapabuti ang iyong buhay. Kailangang buhay pa siya at maaring makipagkita face-to-face sa kanya sa pagitan ng isang linggo. Magsulat ng liham ng pasasalamat (mga 300 words sa haba) at ihatid ito ng personal. Ipaliwanag ng husto sa liham kung paano naapektuhan ng taong ito ang iyong buhay. Isulat mo kung ano ang kalagayan mo sa buhay at ang mga ginagawa mo ngayon at ipaalam mo sa kanya na palagi mong naaalala ang mga sinabi o ginawa niya para sa iyo.

Gumawa ka ng appointment upang makipagkita sa kanya. Mas mabuti kung masosorpresa mo siya sa pakay ng iyong pagbisita sa kanya. Sa araw ng inyong pagkikita, marahan at taos-pusong basahin ang iyong liham. At kung may mga katanungan siya, pakiusapan mo siya na hintayin kang matapos bago niyo pagdiskusyunan ang mga nilalaman ng liham at iyong dadamin para sa isa’t-isa.

Tinitiyak ni Seligman na pag ginawa mo ito, “you will be happier and less depressed one month from now.” (Seligman, 2011, p. 31)

2. Araw-araw sumulat ng tatlong mabubuting bagay na nangyari sa loob ng isang linggo

Maraming nagtatanong kay Seligman kung maaaring turuan ang tao mamuhay ng mariwasa. Ayon kay Seligman, may Positive Psycology Program siyang nilikha sa University of Pennsylvania upang turuan ang mga kabataan tungkol sa well-being o kariwasahan. Isang exercise ay ang pagsusulat araw-araw ng tatlong mabubuting bagay na nangyari sa loob ng isang linggo. Sa bawat pangyayari na ito, sagutin ang mga katanungan: (a) Bakit ito nangyari? (b) Ano ang kabuluhan nito para sa akin? (k) Maari ba itong mangyari uli? Paano ko mapaparami ang mga mabubuting pagkakataon na tulad nito sa susunod?

Ayon kay Seligman ang pagpraktis ng positive psychology ay napapabuti ang pamumuhay ng tao sa pamamagitan ng pagpapatibay ng pagkatao (character strengths) tulad ng pagiging tapat (honest, loyal), matiyaga (persevering), malikhain (creative), mabuti (kind), marunong (wise), malakas ang loob (courageous), makatarungan (fair) atbp. Ilan sa mga naging resulta ng programa ni Seligman ay ang paglinang ng pagnanasang matuto at makalikha ng bago (love for learning and creativity) at napabuti rin ang mga social skills ng mga estudyante tulad ng empathy, cooperation, assertiveness, self-control na natutunan ng mga bata sa pakikipaghalubilo sa isa’t-isa.

Ang mga ito ay ilan lamang sa mga gabay sa paggawa ng mga desisyon upang mapabuti at maging mariwasa ang ating pamumuhay ayon kay Seligman. Sana naman ay maging mariwasa ang 2012 para sa ating lahat na naninirahan dito sa Japan at para sa ating mga pamilya sa Pilipinas.

(Mga sipi ay mula kay: Seligman, Martin F. P. Flourish. Free Press Books, New York, 2011).

　　　　

Jeepney Press 2011 November-December Issue Page 24

DRIVE THRU

by Stephanie Jones Jallorina

People and Places

Two of the most interesting and complex of topics are people and places, people at certain places and places with people from different walks of life. These are two of my favorite subjects to write about. I will always be in awe how to meet and know how beautiful God created one person, and unique from others. In the same way, I will always be amazed at how wonderful God painted each place, a haven for each soul. By "beautiful" to a person I meant that beauty is beyond one's physical attributes. By "wonderful" to a place I meant that immovable as it is, the wonder never wane.

For more than three years, I’ve grown to love so many people here in Japan. I, too, have grown to love the place itself that there in fact was a time when I thought of not going back. Here, the people we meet at church, in an event, across the street, at the embassy, at Immigration are mostly the same kind of people we grew up with back in the Philippines hence familiarity bridges the gap so easily. Besides the fact that we are hospitable and warm peoply by nature, we too without much difficulty can adapt to our working environment, and with our temporary relocation and condition. Hence, we can overcome homesickness almost unnoticed. Consequently, we build extended familial relationships over time that comes difficult to miss when goodbyes have to be said. This may generally apply to all OFW in any part of the world. Sabi nga nila, saang lupalop man ng mundo may Pilipino.

But it is also an undeniable trend that people on a "temporary" assignment come and leave places with no strings attached for commitment imposes time, resources and effort. Understandably, it is more convenient to remain uninvolve in any group and in any community no one has to dictate that you have to belong in something at their time, or at their “whims;” for you own your own person. It is safer to be at a place you'll come in and out whenever and however you please. So, imagine a world that each mind its own. It is no Filipino culture is not it? A Filipino is a family-knit. A Filipino is a nation. Japanese may have influenced an all day, all work habit but a Filipino always has a home to go to, a friend in times of need, and joy.

Just imagine how diverse we are as Filipino, a mixture of races from our ancestors. We have different traits, speak different dialects, and raised through different culture and traditions and we are Philippines here in Japan. Just imagine how people become a place. We are our country here in Japan. When we engage with other people, we do not only represent ourself, we represent our country. Hence, when we do good, or bad, our actions affect our country.

Filipino people as we are will only change, for the better, in similar way that there is still hope for our country. We are a beautiful nation, of rare race to pride on. We have won the Miss Universe crown not only once but twice. We have box out so many other countries through sport particularly Manny Pacquiao.

People, our thoughts, our imagination, our creation are all inspired by how beautiful we are created by our Father. The places we have been to are nurtured because of us, just like how we have been cared of and loved by our Father. This just sounds so good if we are not challenge with our current state. But wherever points we are at our lives now and no matter how worse our conditions may seem everyday, we should think that trials are not there to punish us but are God’s mysterious ways to manifest His love. We continue to love everyday and spread that love everywhere.

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KWENTO Ni NANAY

by Anita Sasaki

Ang ibabahagi ko po sa inyo ngayon ay ang madalas kong marinig sa aking ina (dahil ang aming ama ay maagang namayapa na kaya sa aming ina kami nabusog nang mga pangaral. Gaya nang - “Lagi lang kayong magpakumbaba at ang Diyos ang siyang magtataas sa inyo."

Ito ay aking napatunayan muli nitong dumating ang ating mahal na Pangulong Noynoy Aquino nitong September 25. Dahil sa dinami-dami nang mga samahan or organizations dito sa Japan ay nahilingan ang aming ambang grupo, ang CASTLE na ngayon ay ang CASTLE YOUTH upang sumayaw at kumanta. Na ang napiling awitin ay ang SANA na theme song nang grupo. Laking gulat namin pareho nang nag request sa ating embahada. At nahilingan pa ang inyong abang lingkod na magbigay nang konting mensahe tungkol sa aking pagtulong sa mga kabataan or ang JFCs (Japanese- Filipino Children and the Full blooded Pinoy Youths). Ito ay hindi coincidence. Ito ay plano nang ating Lumikha or ang tinata-wag na Divine's plan.

Ngayon po ay napili ang buhay at pag-ibig nang inyong abang lingkod at ang aking asawang Hapon na si Hideo Sasaki na ipapalabas sa MMK (MAALAALA MO KAYA) sa kanilang 20 Anibersaryo.

Sa dinami-dami nang mga istoriya ay ang aming istorya pa ang napili. Sana po napanood ninyo itong MAALAALA MO KAYA noong October 29.

Sana naibigan ninyo at napulutan nang aral at maging inspiration sa ating mga Pilipinang nag asawa nang Hapon. Ganoon din sa mga Hapon.

Kung ang mga bagay na atin nakikita at nahahawakan ay may katapusan . Maging ito ay YAMAN, ASAWA, MAGULANG, ANAK , KAPATID O KAIBIGAN. Nguni't ANG HINDI NATIN NAKIKITA O NAHAHAWAKAN NGUNI'T ATING NARARAMDAMAN ITO ANG WALANG HANGGAN.

Ang aga nang aking Pamasko. Kaya wala po akong masasabi kundi MARAMING, MARAMING SALAMAT PO SA ATING LUMIKHA!!!

Jeepney Press 2011 November-December Issue Page 26

November-December FORECAST

ni Madam Marivic

HORSE

Hindi sasang-ayon ang magandang kapalaran sa larangan ng pakikipag-usap. Try to control your temper at iwasan ang magalit o masangkot sa gulo. Iwasan ang maging irritable at stressed. Hindi maganda para sa iyo ang buwang ito. Kailangan mo ang suporta ng iyong allies ngunit kung kaya mong kontrolin ang iyong sarili at kaya mong maging kalmado, magiging masaya ang buwang ito para sa iyo. In December, your energy level is very low and the illness star brings you more weakness. Go out together with someone who really makes you happy and enjoy the rest of the day with that person.

RABBIT

Ang buwang ito ay masuwerte sa iyo. There is a mentor luck who will give you assistance for help and opportunity will be open and coming to you. Doon sa mga may goal sa buhay at determinasyon, kayo ay mag-tatagumpay sa buhay. At para naman doon sa hindi, they will be facing some setbacks to their own goals. Pag-ingatan ang buwan ng December, may posibilidad na ikaw ay mawalan o manakawan. Keep safe at huwag magpapa-gabi sa daan. Iwasan ang pumunta sa mga sementeryo o kulungan. There is too much yin energy that brings you bad luck. Wear lots of gold jewelries to protect you from any harm.

SHEEP

May mga taong sumisira sa iyo ng patalikod. Hindi mo ito malalaman kaya mag-ingat sa mga taong kinakausap at binibigyan ng impormasyon. Kontrolin ang sarili pag may narinig dahil hindi ito makakabuti sa trabaho. Stress at pressures lang ang ibibigay nito sa iyo. Mababawasan ang mga backbiting, politicking sa trabaho ngayong buwan ng December at magagawa mo ng maayos ang iyong trabaho. Kailangan mo lamang pag- ingatan ang mga bibitawang salita ng hindi ka makasakit ng damdamin ng iba. Iwasan din mag-bigay ng mga ideas at huwag din mag-i-intimidate ng kapwa dahil baka sa iyo bumalik. Iwasan ma-involved sa may asawa. There is a possibility to have a sexual scandal.

BOAR

Nasa stage ka ngayon ng pag- subok sa relasyon o sa buhay may asawa. Ito ang buwan para mag-desisyon kung kayo ay magsasama o mag- hihiwalay. Kung ito ay ayaw mong mangyari, you have to make an effort para lumago at magpatuloy pa ang inyong pagsasama. Ito ay kung may pagpapahalaga ka pa sa inyong pinagsamahan. In December, your relationship is doing well. Maging sa mga kaibigan, may makikila ka na magpaparamdam sa iyo ng sinasaloob. Just sit back and enjoy the attention at pag- nakakita ka na ng someone special, you have to move first before it’s too late.

DRAGON

This is a busy month at marami kang kailangan ayusin sa trabaho na nakaka-apekto sa relasyon ninyo. Nakalimutan mong maglaan ng oras at pag-ukulan ng attention ang iyong partner. Marami kayong mga bagay na pinag-tatalunan at nauuwi sa paghihiwalay. Kailangan mo ng peaceful mind, flexible na pag-iisip at iwasan ang pagiging stubborn. December is the month for love, passion and romance. Marami ang manliligaw sa iyo ngunit ang iyong puso ay nakalaan na sa taong mahal mo at kung hindi ka pa makapag-decide, do it now at huwag nang patagalin or else you may miss this chance. Magkaroon ng tiwala at paniniwala sa sarili.

MONKEY

Maging handa sa mga darating na pagtatalo. Hindi mo kailangan manalo sa lahat ng bagay dahil may kanya-kanya kayo ng opinion. Mabuting manahimik keysa makipagtalo. Your luck this month is not good so you better take a rest when you feel tired at baka ikaw ay mag- kasakit because your energy level is very poor. Avoid exposing yourself to viruses. In December, iwasan ang tsismis at huwag pababayaan na masangkot sa sex scandal. Huwag sasabihin ang iyong nasa loobin maging sa kaibigan kung meron kang mga daing or grievances sa iyong partner. Mas mabuti isa loob na lamang ito dahil kung ito ay malalaman ng iyong partner, this may create misunderstanding and worst you will be hurting each other.

OX

Illness star ang magpapahina sa kalusugan mo this month. Mag-ingat din dahil you are prone to accident or getting hurt. Umiwas din sa mga taong may mga sakit at madali para sa iyo ang mahawa. Huwag masyado mag- papagod sa trabaho dahil it could cause some over fatigue or stressed. Avoid also long distance travel. Auspicious month ang December para sa iyo. And you can make your own decisions when it comes to business. You can invest or expand because this month, everything will go well. You can take a risk without any danger but you have to be very careful.

ROOSTER

Victory comes your way and brings you happiness. This will transform your bad luck to good luck. At ang iba sa mga year of the ROOSTER ay mag- kakaroon ng pagbabago sa kanilang buhay and this much going better. Make some parties or attend some any event to invite or create some good chi energy. In December, magiging abala ka sa trabaho at sa iba pang bagay dahil heto na ang huling buwan ng taon. At magiging maganda ang pasok ng bagong taon sa iyo. It gets better and better.

TIGER

Komplikado at mahirap sa iyo ang buwang ito lalo na pag dating sa trabaho. Bigyan ng sapat na oras at panahon para planuhin ang mga bagay bago gawin maging focus lang sa mga gagawing desisyon sa buhay dahil hindi maiiwasan ang mga sagabal na darating sa iyo. Huwag magpatalo. Super busy ang buwan ng December dahil marami kang project na gagawin at dahil doon hindi maiiwasan ang mga competitors but you will win over them dahil nasa iyo ang victory star. May mga pag- babago sa buhay na magiging maganda ang kalalabasan.

SNAKE

Hindi maganda ang buwang ito pagdating sa relasyon. Sa mga may asawa, mag-iingat sa third party who wants to enter and make trouble to your marriage life. Kahit gaano pa katibay ang inyong pag- sasama, magagawa nitong sirain ang inyong magandang samahan. This is very risky pagdating sa usaping may asawa. To those single snakes, beware to enter a new relationship for this could be a love triangle. Excellent ang buwan ng December sa iyo. Mentor luck gives more good in your career. You will have some good opportunities. Nasa harap mo lang and you will have nothing to do but to open your eyes and mind. Some obstacles will be dissolved at makakatulong sa iyo ang mga taong may connection to accomplish your goals.

RAT

This month gives you happiness and this is a good timing to go to the next level of your relationship. Maganda rin ang pasok ng iyong karera at sa larangan ng negosyo. You are facing some quarrels. In December, kahit maging tahimik ka, sasabak ka pa rin and this time you need to control your temper dahil may mga taong gagawa ng gulo kahit wala kang kasalanan. There could also be some lawsuit or ma-involve sa mga legal matters. You cannot control this situation but to lay low and spend your time quietly and don’t make any effort to have some reconciliation as this will not work out. The best thing to do is to be quiet for the time being.

DOG

Patuloy ang suwerte sa iyo and you can afford taking some risks. Lalabas din ang pagiging creative mo at marami kang magagawa. Your tongue also is so sharp at walang mananalo sa iyo sa pakikipag debate. Huwag lang makikipag argue. Kung gusto mong irespeto ng iba, earn that respect. End of the year is very exciting for you. All good things will happen this month of December. Ano man ang gusto mong ma–achieve, you will have it effortlessly. Lalabas din ang mga brilliant ideas mo. You will rejoice this month. Happiness will also come from work and business. And also, your personal life will get better at magugulat ka na lang one day, may taong masaya para sa tagumpay mo!

Jeepney Press 2011 September-October Issue COVER page

Art and design by Dennis Sun

Jeepney Press 2011 September-October Issue centerfold

The Gift of Crosses

by Maria Carmelita Z. Kasuya

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

Deny Yourself

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

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

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

Take Up Your Cross

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

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

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

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

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

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

Follow Me

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jeepney Press 2011 September-October Issue page 05

TRAFFIC by Alma R. H. Reyes

AS GRAY AS IT GETS

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

- Daisaku Ikeda, Japanese Buddhist philosopher

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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YIELD by Christopher Santos

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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