|
SHITTE IRU ?
 by Marty Manalastas-Timbol
November - December 2008
Maligayang Pasko at Manigong Bagong Taon sa inyong lahat. Nawa'y maging masaya ang inyong pasko at salubong sa bagong taon.
ALAM NYO BA...kung ano ang Geisha? They are known by some people as professional hostesses dito sa Japan. Sila ay mga professional and traditional, female Japanese entertainers and do traditional Japanese dance, singing and playing of instrument, the shamisen (a three-stringed musical instrument played with a plectrum called a bachi). Ang geisha ay hindi mga prostitutes at hindi rin mga ordinaryong hostesses. Ang pinaka direct translation ng geisha sa English ay "performing artist." Geisha ay mga kababaihan na tinuruan ng mga Japanese traditional skills. Kasama na rito ang pagturo sa kanila ng Japanese ancient dance, singing, playing of the shamisen, ikebana, pagsuot ng kimono, tea ceremony, pag serve ng mga drinks, paano magsalita sa harap ng mga guests, etc. Extensive training ang kailangan upang maging ganap na geisha. Hindi ganoon kadali para maging isang ganap na geisha. Kahit geisha na sila, patuloy pa rin ang kanilang pag-aaral sa pagsayaw, pagkanta, etc., para ma- improve ang kanilang mga skills. Yung iba tinuturuan din ng Ingles para sa mga bisita nilang mga dayuhan.
ALAM NYO BA...na recently nauso sa Japan ang BANANA DIET? Kaya kung napapansin ninyo that since last month madalas walang banana sa mga supermarket ninyo, it is because boom ang banana sa mga kababaihan dito sa bansang Hapon. I myself wondered why palaging walang saging sa may Seiyu. Kaya pala, because nowadays, banana diet is the latest and new weight loss craze dito sa Japan. Mura na at healthy pa. Sa may amin kasi ang isang cut or five pieces of banana is only 97 yen. Sa totoo lang, ngayon lang nauso sa Japan itong so-called banana diet. Ako, I have been doing this, kasi hindi ko naman alam that it helps with the diet - but has been part of my system for many years na. I eat one banana in the morning and a glass of tap water (no ice) kung maaari nga medyo lukewarm water. Nabasa ko rin that a maximum of three bananas a day is okay. If you really want to make sure na di ka tataba or gain extra weight, bawasan ang junk food, softdrinks and no more meals or merienda, as much as possible after 8 p.m.
ALAM NYO BA...na ang Pangasinan is derived from the word "asin" or salt dahil Pangasinan is a place vast in salt making. Pangasinan is a province 250 kilometers north of Manila. Ang pinaka-popular na tourist attraction ng Pangasinan ay ang Hundred Islands National Park, off the town of Alaminos on the Lingayen Gulf. May mga iba pang tourist attractions sa Pangasinan: The Cape Bolinao Lighthouse in Barangay Patar, the Port Bolinao Lighthouse in Guigui-wanen in Barangay Luciente, the Tara waterfalls in Bolinao, the pristine Balingasay river, Antong Falls in the town of Sison, the Urduja House in Lingayen, the Salasa Church in Bugallon, Mount Balungao, Manleluag Spring National Park in Mangatarem, Bolinao Museum, Sanctuario de Se–or Divino Tesoro in Calasiao, Redeemer's Cross, Agno Umbrella Rocks and the Lingayen Gulf War Museum.
(Source: Philippine Travel Guide)
ALAM NYO BA...na ang muscle na tumutulong sa pagkurap ng ating mga mata ay ang pinaka-mabilis na muscle sa katawan natin? Bakit nga ba? Sa pagkurap kasi ng ating mga mata, it allows you five times sa isang secondo. Kaya ang average na pagkurap natin ay fifteen thousand times sa isang araw. Sabi pa ng mga scientists, ang mga kababaihan blink twice as much compared sa mga lalaki. (Source: Wikipedia)
ALAM NYO BA...na noon ang ating mga Asian neighbors like Thailand, ay pumunta sa ating bansa to learn more about rice? Ang mga ito ay nag-aral sa International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) in Los Ba–os, Laguna. Nowadays, ang mga Asian neighbors natin have successfully improved their rice commercially at lalo pa nilang pinagbuti. Ngayon, tayo naman ang may problema sa rice, which we now import from our Asian neighbors.
ALAM NYO BA...na mula pa noong 1980, maraming bansa na ang nagsimulang gumamit ng Machine Readable Passport or known as MRP? Sa ibang bansa tulad ng Amerika, ang MRP ay kung saan lahat ng personal information ay nasa identity page na encoded in optical character recognition format. Karamihan ng mga travel passports world-wide ay MRPs na. Ito ay standardized by the ICAO Document 9303 (endorsed by the International Organization for Standardization and the International Electrotechnical Commission as ISO/IEC 7501-1). In 2006, ang Pakistan ang unang bansa sa buong mundo ang nag-issue gamit ang MRP at ang Automated Finger Identification and Facial Recognition systems biometrics technology.
(Source: Wikipedia)
---------------------------
September - October 2008
Salamat at tapos na rin ang Summer. Super init talaga. O kayong mga madalas sa labas o di kaya'y trabaho ay sa labas, taihen siguro sa inyo kasi sakit sa balat ang init ng araw. Di bale, tapos na ang Summer, hello naman sa Autumn then ilang tulugan lang ayan na ang winter. Sabi nila, kung naging masyadong mainit ang summer, baka daw super lamig naman ang winter....grrrrrr. Well, basta enjoy life kasi we will only live once and there's no turning back. God bless.
ALAM NYO BA... yung sinulat ko sa last issue dito sa Jeepney Press, kung kayong mga OFWs ay may mga ipon na? Sana yung ibang mga nakabasa nung sinulat ko, sana nakapag-start na kayo. Kung maraming utang, ang priority ninyo dapat is a TRIP TO FINANCIAL FREEDOM. It is important na wala na kayong utang, as in really get out of debt --- magbayad ng utang kung kaya naman. Educate yourselves and have a plan. Sa 100 percent ninyong kita, ang gawin ninyo 70 percent lang ang gastusin, inclusive na rito ang personal enjoyment, then yung natitirang 30 percent ay para sa ipon, for savings. When you buy something, think twice or even three times and make sure it's for the right reason. Live on CASH and not on CREDIT. Kung ikaw ay may gustong bilhin at di kayang bayaran in cash o di kaya cannot afford ka dahil limitado ang budget or if you think na makakahiram ka naman sa mga kapitbahay o mga kaibigan, think again, ibig sabihin you really can't afford it kaya tanggapin mo na lang at pag-ipunan kung ano man yung gusto mong bilhin.
ALAM NYO BA... na ang Autumn Foliage front ay nagsisimula sa Hokkaido? In Hokkaido it starts around September because it is where winter's chill arrives
first. Dito naman sa Tokyo, the best time to view the foliage is around mid November. May mga interesting places where you can view the best Autumn Foliage.
1. Hakone, this includes Lake Ashinoko (Kanagawa) --- pwede ninyong makita yung mga foliage either on a cruise boat or in a cable car. Best to see fall foliage in November.
2. Oirase (Aomori) --- you can enjoy the fresh green leaves or di kaya yung autumn foliage while soaking in a hot spring in the area.
3. Kyoto --- Kiyomizu Temple, the Kyoto Gyoen and boating at Hozugawa River --- enjoy the autumn foliage of the Hozugawa River while floating downstream habang kayo ay nakasakay sa bangka. Best fall foliage in November.
4. Kamakura --- enjoy the foliage while you enjoy visiting the Engaku Temple and the Tsurugaoka Hachimangu. Best to see the foliage end of November.
5. Akiyoshidai (Yamaguchi) --- go and visit the Akiyoshidai plateau consisting of limestone rocks, a scene of wild autumn where you will find dots of white limestone protruding from the ground
6. Nikko --- best to see the foliage end of October. You should not miss a trip to the Iroha-zaka & Chuzen-ji Lake.
(Source: Japan Guide)
ALAM NYO BA... na sa mga Japanese toilets, lalo na sa toilet for girls, kung minsan mayroon sound na parang flush, kung minsan a whistling sound --- or most Japanese women do is to use the flush three to four times. This is to provide a continuous covering noise for privacy.
ALAM NYO BA... or baka alam nyo na ito, the Lanzones Festival is a celebration of bountiful harvest which is scheduled on October 25-28 at Camiguin Island. Ang lanzones fruit ay isa sa major source of Camiguin Islands' livelihood. During the Lanzones Festival, ang mga bahay, mga puno, street poles and even yung mga tao are decorated with lanzones and lanzones leaves. There are many other tourist attractions in Camiguin pero the tourists always look forward to the Lanzones Festival na ginaganap dito tuwing third week of October. Ang Lanzones Festival ay isang pagdiriwang ng pasasalamat ng mga taga Camiguin not only for lanzones but other agricultural products too.
(Source: Lakbay Pilipinas)
ALAM NYO BA...na in Chinese culture, may mga numbers that are believed to be auspicious or inauspicious? Ang mga numbers na auspicious or inauspicious ay depende sa Chinese word that the number name sounds similar to. Mga lucky numbers based sa mga Chinese words that sound similar to other Chinese words -- 6, 8 and 9 are believed to have auspicious meanings because their names sound similar to words that have positive meanings.
(Source: Wikipedia)
ENJOY LIFE... ENJOY READING THE JEEPNEY PRESS.
July-August 2008
Summer na naman po dito sa Japan. Ay naku, ito ang season na di ko talaga gusto kasi masyadong mainit at mangingitim na naman ako...hehehe. Well, just enjoy the summer!
ALAM NYO BA... there are countless local festivals (matsuri) in Japan because almost every shrine celebrates its own one? Karamihan sa mga festivals are held annually thru processions of the local shrine's kami (Shinto deity). Ito yung time of the year na tinatanggal ang kami sa shrine. Yung ibang festivals nila, may mga decorated floats pulled through the town, may kasamang drum at flute music.
ALAM NYO BA... na pag over expose ka under the sun, it will make the skin age faster? Ay, totoo daw iyan according sa mga experts, that constant exposure sa sun makes the skin age prematurely, lalo sa mukha. Ito ay ang tinatawag na dermatoheliosis or extrinsic aging. Itong condition na ito ay mas makikita mo among North American and European people who really love or mahilig sa sun bathing. Mga Japanese women are among those noted to have younger looking skin kasi gumagamit sila ng payong or hats para protektahan ang mukha from the direct sunlight. Also, avoid staying too long under the sun. Kaya during summer, make sure you protect your skin to reduce the incidence of ultraviolet-induced skin cancers. At para maiwasan ang summer fatigue, drink plenty of water, at kumain ng healthy food. (Source: Philippine Inquirer and Living Information in Japan)
ALAM NYO BA... na during summer, food poisoning is a health issue? Kung may tira kayong pagkain lalo na pag may halong kamatis, ilagay ito sa refrigerator. Iwasan kumain ng mga pagkain that has been left on the table for a long time. Maganda rin to sterilize your cutting boards at regular na magpalit ng kitchen towels, at least siguro after every two days.
ALAM NYO BA... that June 12 is a memorable date lalo na sa ating mga Pilipino? It was the celebration of the 110th Philippine Independence Day o ang Araw ng Kalayaan. Sa Pilipinas it was celebrated noong June 9 which is a Monday for an extended holiday. Pero dito sa Philippine Embassy in Tokyo, we celebrated it on June 12. Ang June 12 kasi yung officially proclaimed date para sa Araw ng Kalayaan, our own Independence Day. Ang Philippine Embassy in Tokyo lang ata ang Philippine foreign post na nag-celebrate ng Philippine Independence Day last June 12. Ang Araw ng Kalayaan dito sa Philippine Embassy was celebrated with a Holy Mass which was officiated by Fr. Bob Zarate, SDB, followed by the flag raising, speeches from some of our officers and from H. E. Ambassador Domingo L. Siazon, Jr. A song was then rendered by the administrative section. They sang "Ako ay Pilipino" and later on joined by every one. It was a very simple and a very meaningful and unforgettable commemoration of the 110th Philippine Indpendence Day. Napakaganda rin po ng homily ni Fr. Bob, at talagang nadama ng karamihan the peace and harmony during that day.
ALAM NYO BA... na pag ikaw ay may galit o tampo sa kapwa mo, you feel depressed. Maganda talagang mamuhay kung ikaw ay walang nasasaktan. Magaan ang pakiramdam mo at iwasan maging negatibo sa mga ibang tao. Kaya smile and be positive at all times.
ALAM NYO BA... at siguradong you know na that Rudy Fernandez, or called by his colleagues sa industry as Daboy, passed away last June 7, 2008 at the age of 56. Siya ay na-diagnosed two years ago with stage 4 periampullary cancer, a very rare form of cancer. Na-confine siya sa Cardinal Santos Medical Center in San Juan and had surgery called the percutaneous transhepatic billiary drainage. Ang tunay na pangalan ni Daboy ay Rodolfo "Rudy" Valentino Padilla Fernandez. Siya ay anak ng isang film director na si Gregorio Fernandez. Ang mga magulang ni Rudy ay mga taga Lubao, Pampanga, which he considered his hometown. Three years old si Rudy ng siya ay magsimula sa pelikula, appearing in Luksan Tagumpay which was directed by his father. Lumabas din siya sa pelikulang Emily, another film directed by his father. Nagsimula siyang maging active sa film career habang siya ay nag-aaral sa University of Santo Tomas, kung saan siya ay pumirma ng kontrata sa Sampaguita Pictures in 1970. Sumikat si Rudy bilang isang action star sa pelikulang Bitayin si Baby Ama (1976). Rudy is one of the vigorous actors in Philippine movie industry. Siya ang nagpasikat sa katagang "Trabaho lang, walang personalan," in the 1992 movie "Markang Bungo." Nanalo siya ng dalawang FAMAS awards for best actor. Siya ay binigyan din ng parangal ng Philippine Movie Press Club as Ulirang Artista Lifetime Achievement Award. Rudy ay kilala bilang isang mapagmahal na asawa at ama sa mga anak. Isang very humble at mahilig magpatawa. Isang mabait at tunay na kaibigan according kay Senator Jinggoy Ejercito. Alam nyo naman lahat na ang asawa niya ay si Lorna Tolentino who is nine years younger kay Rudy. Lorna is from Concepcion, Tarlac and theyÕve been married for 25 years. Tatlong lalaki ang mga anak ni Rudy, si Mark Anthony with former partner Alma Moreno at sina Raphael and Renz Marion with his wife, Lorna Tolentino. Maraming dumalo sa libing ni Rudy aside from his family, kasama na rito ang kanilang mga kaibigan na sina Senators Jinggoy Estrada and Bong Revilla, Philip Salvador, Robin Padilla, Tirso Cruz III, Amy Austria, Sandy Andolong, Alma Moreno, Gina Alajar, Robin Padilla, Sharon Cuneta, Susan Roces, among others. Former President Joseph Estrada was also present during the funeral. His burial was last June 12, 2008 and laid to rest at the Heritage Memorial Park at Taguig City.
May-June 2008
ALAM NYO BA... mga kabayan, lalo na sa mga OFWs kung nakaipon ka na ba? Kung di pa kayo nakapagsimula sa pag-ipon, kailangan simulan mo na Kabayan. Tandaan, mabilis ang takbo ng panahon. Kung ikaw ay isang OFW dito sa Japan, may ipon ka na ba? Ang mga padala mo sa mga anak mo, sa asawa o kahit sa extended family mo, nakakaipon ba sila? Karamihan sa mga nakausap ko, hindi raw nakakaipon ang pamilya sa padala nilang pera. Kasi karamihan sa kanila, they think since yen ang kita mo, when they convert it sa peso, malaking amount na. Hindi lang iyon, iniisip din nila na tutal every month ka naman nagpapadala at siguradong meron silang tatanggapin. Kasi kung wala, kukulitin ka nila by calling you at napakaraming reasons para maconvince ka na magpadala. Pag tanggap ng sweldo mo, ano ang una mong ginagawa sa pera mo? Yung iba lalo na dito sa Japan, siyempre you will subtract na yung pambayad sa renta ng apartment mo. Yung natira sa sweldo mo, ano ang iba pang ginagawa mo? Pambayad sa cellphone? Pambayad sa mga naipon na utang sa kaibigan? Padala sa pamilya sa Pilipinas? Pambayad ng house and car loans mo sa Pilipinas? SAAN nga ba napupunta ang sweldo mo after subtracting lahat ng gastos at mga bagay na binili na di naman kailangan, et cetera. Karamihan kasi sa atin mga OFWs, we look forward at laging iniisip na "Di bale, may sweldo naman uli ako sa katapusan." Pero di lubos maisip ng iba ay kung saan napunta o nagastos ang sweldo. Biglang nawala na parang bula. Di nyo matandaan kung minsan where you spent your money or how much ang ginastos mo for things or items na di mo naman talagang kailangan - for things na pwede na bilhin kung ikaw ay may sobrang pera o savings. Di ka rin sigurado kung ikaw ay may trabaho pa o baka biglang maglay-off ng staff ang kumpanya nyo. Kung undocumented ka naman, di mo alam kung hanggang kailan ka dito. Tanong ko sa inyo mga Kabayan - besides sa padala mo at mga gastusin o mga financial obligation mo, may sariling ipon ka ba? Kabayan, kung maaari lang o kung kaya naman, huwag ipadala lahat ng sweldo mo sa kamag-anak, loved ones or even sa extended family nyo. Mag-ipon ka rin para sa sarili Ð para sa emergency funds mo na kung ikaw ay biglang magkasakit, may pera ka at di na kailangan mangutang pa. Sabi nga nila, kung di mo matulungan ang sarili mo lalo na pag baon ka sa utang Ð you wonÕt be in a position to financially help someone. Tayong mga Pinoy, maraming excuses pag dating sa pag-ipon ng pera. Others would say makakaipon din ako later on. May pension naman ako... et cetera, et cetera. Kaya magplano na kayo how to start saving your hard earned sweldo. What if one of these days magkasakit ka? You get fired by your boss? Di makakuha ng extension ng visa? Kaya maganda talaga kung may ipon ka, ready ka. Mga Kabayan, mag start na kayong mag-ipon. Pagkatanggap mo nang sweldo mo, save kahit 5,000 yen muna. Then dagdagan sa susunod na sweldo. Let's say isang lapad every month, so that is 120,000 yen for one year. Sa susunod mong sweldo, yung 1 or even 10 percent of your salary should be for you. Pag nasanay ka na in doing this every month, it will be easier for you and it will be exciting kasi magkakaroon ka na nang goal kung magkano ang maiipon mo in a year. Later on, di lang mga ipon sa bangko, mag-invest din kayo. Pero when you invest, make sure na sigurado yung kung saan ninyo i-invest ang pera ninyo, as in ingat when investing your money. Siyempre nag-iipon ka for your retirement and again for emergency, but you should also reward yourself for your hard earned money for saving for things you really want.
ALAM NYO BA... that the Philippine ripe mango is now being introduced at Denny's Restaurant? Masarap at siyempre da best pa rin ang mango natin. I tried the fresh ripe mango which is only 480 yen, mahal kung mahal, pero sulit ang bayad kasi masarap. They have other desserts using Philippine ripe mango. You can try the grilled ripe banana with coconuts and mango sauce which is 380 yen. Some refer to Philippine mango as the "Fruit of the Gods," kasi Philippine mango is well-known sa buong mundo for its best qualities. Hindi talaga kayang talunin ng ibang variety of mangoes sa ibang bansa.
ALAM NYO BA... na according sa mga experts limang salad veggies ang may antioxidant? Ang mga ito ay: 1) Artichokes; 2) Radishes; 3) Broccoli; 4) Red chicory; 5) Leeks. Sabi ng mga experts, itong mga veggies na ito can help defend you against everything from wrinkles to heart disease. Remember to include these five veggies sa pagkain ninyo and kung as salad ninyong kakain, season it with some olive oil and vinegar at samahan ng konting herbs and spices.
(Source: RealAge)
ALAM NYO BA... sa Chinese astrology, most of 2008, simula sa February 7 ay mag-overlap sa Year of the Rat, at kung before February 7 ay Year of the Pig. Ang susunod na year of the Rat ay sa 2020. Itong year 2008 ay ang year in the 21st century na two dates correspond sa perfect numbers. Ang June 28 (which is composed of 6 and 28) ay ang date na palaging may perfect numbers. At ang August 12 (na ang perfect numbers niya ay 8128, as in August 12, 2008). Paano nalalaman na perfect number? In mathematics, ang perfect number is defined as a positive integer which is the sum of its proper positive divisors, that is, the sum of the positive divisors not including the number itself. Equivalently, a perfect number that is half the sum of all of the positive divisors. Ang unang perfect number ay ang 6, kasi 1, 2 and 3 are its proper positive divisors and 1+2+3=6. Ang sumunod na perfect number is 28 = 1+2+4+7+14. The next are 496 and 8128. Itong apat na perfect numbers na ito ang kilala lang during the early Greek mathematics. Ang susunod na taon na kung saan may two dates na may perfect numbers ay sa taon 3008.
(Source: Wikipedia)
ALAM NYO BA... na bumalik na sa Pilipinas si Gabby Concepcion? O chika iyan para sa mga hindi nakakaalam at sa mga avid fan ni Gabby. Sa totoo lang, imagine after 13 years, umuwi din si Gabo sa Pilipinas. Actually, umuwi raw siya dahil nga may sakit ang kanyang ama. I am still a big fan of Gabby Concepcion. Ang gwapo talaga niya. He is now preparing para sa kauna-unahan na TV series niya under ABS-CBN. May offer din sa kanya ang GMA na kung saan ay balak i-partner sa kanya si Jolina Magdangal. Naku please lang huwag sana si Jolina kasi di sila bagay. Kung gagawa si Gabby ng first movie niya, sana with his ex-wife, the mega star Sharon Cuneta and with his daughter na si KC Concepcion. Sigurado ko na it will be a hit at siyempre magkakaroon ng mga intriga. Exciting!!! Sabi nila, kulang ng mga magagaling na leading actors sa movie industry natin. Kaya good timing talaga ang pag-uwi ni Gabo. O tsismis yan!!! Pero baka huli na ako kasi noong March pa raw dumating si Gabby sa Pilipinas. He, he!
Be happy and enjoy life!
God bless you all.
March-April 2008 Issue
Mga kabayan, maganda ba ang salubong sa inyo ng bagong taon? Basta, be
positive, kung walang pera magkakapera ka rin, kung di kayo nagkikita
ng love mo, magkikita din kayo. New year na, kaya new challenge, new
hope and dreams... wishing all a better life and good health. Let us
pray that things will get better.
ALAM NYO BA... na during the
Lenten season ito yung magandang time to develop or strengthen a
discipline of daily prayer. Share ko sa inyo yung nabasa kong mga
Lenten Reflections -- na kahit hindi Lenten season, mga magandang
paalala sa atin.
Give up complaining --- focus on gratitude
Give up pessimism --- become an optimist
Give up harsh judgments --- think kindly thoughts
Give up worry --- trust Divine Providence
Give up discouragement --- be full of hope
Give up bitterness --- turn to forgiveness
Give up hatred --- return good for evil
Give up negativism --- be positive
Give up anger --- be more patient
Give up pettiness --- become mature
Give up gloom --- enjoy the beauty that is all around you
Give up jealousy --- pray for trust
Give up gossiping --- control your tongue
Give up sin --- turn to virtue
Give up giving up --- hang in there!
ALAM NYO BA... whenever
something stresses you up, try walking for 30 minutes, mag-stretch,
mag-yoga or tai chi. Ang importante, get up and move... as in
mag-exercise ka, because exercise is one of life's greatest stress
relievers.
ALAM NYO BA... na kapag tayo ay
takot or anxious, we try to avoid things; kapag malungkot tayo o
depress o may problema, we withdraw, at kapag galit tayo, ang tendency
pag-nagsalita tayo pasigaw at masasakit na salita ang masasabi mo. Kaya
if you feel bad, malungkot o feeling mo galit ka sa paligid mo, try
doing the opposite. Kung galit ka, huwag idaan sa sigaw o masasakit na
salita, try to be emphatetic. Depressed? Huwag kang magkulong sa
kwarto, go out and walk or call your love ones or even your friends.
You will make things better by doing the opposite action. After all, if
you know that you feed this negative feelings it will conquer you, so
might as well conquer it - be positive if not at all times, as much as
possible. Hindi lang iyon, kasi good feelings can help reduce levels of
cortisol, a stress hormone na related sa high blood pressure. Ang sabi
ng mga researchers, neural reactions people have to positive thoughts
and feelings may help keep all of the body's various systems in
balance. Basta, enjoy your journey in life - live each day one day at a
time, huwag magmadali. Look on the bright side and be with people who
are happy and positive.
ALAM NYO BA... sa mga di pa
nakakabayad ng utang, sana unti-unti na ninyong bayaran ang mga utang.
Mahirap kasi pag marami kang utang at inutangan. Masakit talaga sa ulo
at kung minsan parang gusto mong magtago dahil sa hiya kasi pakiramdam
mo pinag-uusapan ka na. Kailangan lang na laging open ang communication
sa mga taong inutangan ninyo so they know kung ano na ang status. Sa
mga nagpahiram, huwag masyadong problemahin o dibdibin at baka kayo
magkasakit.
ALAM NYO BA... ang hirap pag di
makatulog sa gabi, di ba? Mahirap lalo na pag maraming iniisip, like
mga cash loan, house loan and car loans and pag super busy sa trabaho.
Ang sabi ni Dr. Ben Kim kung may problema sa pagtulog, try eating a
dietary source of TRYPTOPHAN with a healthy carbohydrate rich food. Ano
nga ba ang tryptophan at bakit importante ito? Ang tryptophan ay isang
amino acid na di kayang gawin ng ating katawan. Ito ay nanggagaling sa
mga kinakain natin. Tryptophan is used to make a hormone called
serotonin which acts within our body to promote feeling of sleepiness,
calm and relaxation. Kaya kung walang masyadong tryptophan within our
brain, di rin makakapag-produce ng serotonin. Ano ang mga healthy foods
that are naturally rich in tryptophan: beans, whole grains including
rice, lentils, chickpeas, hazelnuts, peanuts, eggs, sunflower seeds,
sesame seeds, miso (fermented soy beans), unsweetened soy milk, raw
dairy products.
ALAM NYO BA... na ang mga
computers are straining our eyes? Yes, this is so true at ang tawag
dito sa condition na ito ay Computer Vision Syndrome. More than sixty
million na ang mga may problema sa mata dahil sa computer work. Pero
kung ang computer ay parte ng iyong trabaho at ng buhay mo, ang maganda
ay matutunan alagaan ng husto ang iyong mga mata. Pag madalas talaga sa
computer, mayroon stress sa eye muscles gayon din that the keyboard
causes in your wrists. Marami ang may Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS)
but they are not so aware that they have it. Symptoms are dry, red,
irritated eyes, kadalasan masakit ang ulo, likod, leeg at batok at
hirap sa pag focus. Para maiwasan ang CVS, you try the following:
1. Bumili ng computer na ang screen ay 20"-24"
2. Yung computer screen should be slightly below eye level
3. Gumamit ng eye drops to soothe irritated and dry eyes
4. Adjust ninyo yung light to minimize glare on the screen
5. Take a break every 15 minutes - maglakad away from your computer o di kaya tumingin or focus on a distant object
6. Blink frequently
(Sources: Baush & Lomb / RealAge, Inc.)
ALAM NYO BA... na according kay
Patrick Moore, ang mga keitai have changed the way we live? Bakit
nasabi niya ito? Sa observation ni Moore, dati-rati kasi, people can
spend time walking with friends or have coffee with friends and
colleagues. Nowadays, mas gusto ng karamihan to be connected via text
or tawag sa cellphone. Sa Pilipinas nga kadalasan text lang so bihira
lang talaga na marinig ang boses of the other party. Di ba, wala naman
masama to have a keitai as long as you know or have some keitai
manners. For example, kung nasa restaurant ka with friends or business
partners, huwag ipatong ang keitai ninyo sa taas ng mesa and
siguraduhin na naka manner mode or the best is to turn off muna your
keitai - unless you are waiting for something really urgent; huwag din
munang mag text ng text; if you will be doing these, it will only mean
o isang senyales na di mo masyadong type ang mga ka-lunch mo or mga
ka-meeting mo, ito ang sabi ni Ms. Greco. You also have to be very
professional in using your keitai as in pag nasa isang conference ka,
switch sa silent mode and do not answer your phone inside the
conference hall. Kung ikaw naman ay nasa office, medyo ingat lang sa
pakikipag-usap sa keitai baka marinig ng mga officemates mo about your
confidential business deals or about personal life mo - baka matsismis
ka pa. Dito sa Japan, may mga negative aspects when it comes to using
your keitai sa mga lugar na di dapat. For them, parang isang violation
of public etiquette when people answer yung keitai nila sa mga public
places. Talking on a keitai sa train, sa bus, even in restaurants and
hospitals is rude in some aspects of Japanese culture. In hospitals,
turn your keitai off. Karamihan sa mga Japanese follow keitai rules,
kaya most of them naka-manner mode ang phones nila in order not to be
annoying to others. Kayo ba lalo na sa mga nandito sa Japan, do you
have keitai manners? Kung mayroon, remember, when answering your
keitai, try to be polite, not by shouting.
ALAM NYO BA... na masarap ang
feeling when friends and love ones greets you on every special occasion
like birthdays, Christmas, New Year and Valentine's Day. Karamihan sa
atin malayo sa mga kaibigan at mga mahal sa buhay. Masarap talaga ang
feeling when your best friend o di kaya'y yung mahal mo sa buhay gives
you a call sa birthday mo or any special occasion just to greet you or
just to let you know that they care, that you are remembered and that
they love you. Kaya kayo na malayo sa mga mahal sa buhay, some of us
got used to just sending an email or electronic greeting, next time,
tawag naman kayo. Iba talaga ang feeling.
Till next issue po. Spring na, cherry blossoms viewing (hanami) na naman. Enjoy each day and God bless.
---------------------------------------
January-February 2008
ALAM NYO BA… na kung kayo ay may New Year’s resolution, di ba wish nyo
na matupad ito? O sa mga new year’s resolution na sila ay magbabayad na
ng kanilang mga utang, sana makabayad na kayo. Sana makabawi na kayo ng
mabawasan ang problema. Di ba, problema at sakit sa ulo ang maraming
utang. Sa mga nagpautang naman, sana matupad din ang wish ninyo na
makabayad ang mga may utang sa inyo. Sa mga may utang, di ba mas masaya
at masarap ang feeling kung wala kang utang… gambatte, unti-unti kayong
magbayad ng matapos lahat ng utang, at kung maaari, huwag na munang
mangutang kung di pa nababayaran yung iba pang utang. Good luck sa
pagbayad at sa mga nagpautang, konting tiis at dagdagan pa ng pasensya.
ALAM NYO BA… ng mauso ang mga keitai, karamihan ng mga tao naging
dependent na sa keitai? Pero huwag lang kakalimutan ang cell phone
manners. Karamihan kasi sa atin naging very dependent sa cell phones.
Pero medyo ingat lang lalo na when you are driving. Yung iba naman
which I also encountered sa Pilipinas, nakikipag-usap sa loob ng
sinehan at yung iba naman, text ng text. The blinding glare of an
electronic screen in a darkened movie theater, ang cell phone can cause
giant conflicts. Ingat din sa pakikipag-usap when using your cell
phones in a public place, huwag lalakasan ang boses lalo na when what
you are discussing is something confidential or personal. Just be
polite, think of others and get real about your needs.
ALAM NYO BA… na yung ibang mga fathers who have children outside of
their marriage have forgotten about their children? Yung iba naman and
very few of them ay nagbibigay suporta sa kanilang mga anak sa labas. I
met a few in the Philippines who have children outside of their
marriage and they are still giving support to their children. Yung isa
nga, he visits his children from time to time. Yung isa naman,
tumatawag or nag-tetext sa ina ng mga bata at kinukumusta ang mga anak,
kung baga, nakikibalita kasi mahal niya yung mga anak niya. Mahirap
talaga ang ganitong situwasyon, sacrifice talaga for both the parents
and siyempre pati na sa mga bata. Some fathers mas gusto nila na di
malaman ng mga anak para daw di na lang magulo… so talagang big
sacrifice at masakit para sa isang ama not to be with his own children
or di man makausap ang mga anak. Tiis lang mga tsong, kaya pa iyan… and
be strong para sa pamilya.
ALAM NYO BA… na marami sa ating mga kababayan na kahit na nasa abroad
like USA, London or even dito sa Japan ay hirap sa buhay? Akala ng mga
kamag-anak sa Pilipinas na pag tayo ay nasa ibang bansa ay masarap ang
buhay at maraming pera. Di nila alam na tayo ay hirap din lalo di natin
sariling bansa. Sa mga nakausap ko na nasa America, hirap din sila
doon. Yung iba, tatlo or apat ang trabaho para lang makaipon o
makabayad ng mga loans. Kaya nga yung iba na nasa America di
nakakauwing madalas sa Pilipinas dahil mahal ang pamasahe, at di lang
iyon, di rin nila maiwan ang kanilang mga trabaho. Kaya, masarap sa
Pilipinas kung ikaw ay may magandang trabaho at ipon. There is really
no place like home, the Philippines. If you are abroad, mag-ipon ng sa
ganoon, pag-uwi ng Pilipinas, may savings ka at di kailangan mangutang.
ALAM NYO BA… that the summer capital of the Philippines which is Baguio
City ay ma-traffic na rin? Ay naku, super traffic talaga and I was
surprised kasi it’s been a long time since I last visited Baguio at
talagang surprised ako sa heavy traffic. Surprised, kasi di naman
summer season ng magpunta kami ng family ko. Mga public comfort rooms,
may bayad na ngayon. Pag kayo ay nasa Baguio, hanapin lang yung may
sign na “CLEAN COMFORT ROOMS”, medyo malinis naman kaso nga lang may
bayad. Five pesos per use of the toilet. Mas mura ang bayad kung “wiwi”
lang, times two ang presyo kung alam nyo na…… hehehe!!!
ALAM NYO BA… mas masaya talaga ang mag-pasko sa Pilipinas? After eight
years of spending Christmas in Japan, there is really no place like
spending Christmas in the Philippines. Magastos nga lang, pero super
saya lalo na when you are with your family. Maganda rin yung mga giant
lanterns sa San Fernando, Pampanga. We were able to watch the giant
lanterns sa may Paskuhan, Pampanga. If you will be home for Christmas
itong year 2008, try checking the schedule of the giant lanterns
festival, siguradong your kids will enjoy at kakaiba talaga.
ALAM NYO BA… marami na ang mga na-deny ng entry sa Narita Airport?
Since November 20, 2007, when the finger printing and photographing
foreign nationals at airports and seaports all over Japan started,
around 95 foreigners na ang na-refuse entry sa Japan and were asked to
go back to their home country. Karamihan kasi yung fingerprints nila ay
matched with those who were deported in the past. Mag-ingat sa may mga
previous cases and take legal action.
ALAM NYO BA… na ang Mister Donut dito sa Japan ay magtataas ng presyo?
Nine of its 37 chains ng Mister Donut ay magtataas ng about 8% on the
average by February 1, 2008 dahil sa pagtaas na rin ng presyo ng wheat.
Have a Blessed New Year 2008! Huwag sanang magsawa sa pagsuporta at pagbasa ng Jeepney Press. God Bless!
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
November-December 2007
Merry Christmas and Manigong Bagong Taon sa inyong lahat!
ALAM NYO BA… na fifty years ng nakakatanggap ng Japanese Government
scholarship (Mombusho) to study in Japan ang mga Filipinos? This is so
true, dahil ang mga ibang kakilala ko were also recipients of the
Japanese Government scholarship program. Our very own Ambassador to
Japan, H.E. Ambassador Siazon, my sister, my husband, my mother-in-law
and some of our good friends were Mombusho recipients. According to the
Japan Information and Cultural Center, that for the past several years,
an annual average of one hundred scholars from the Philippines have
been sent to study in Japan under six different scholarship categories.
Kaya for those interested na mag-apply, go and visit the Japan
Information and Cultural Center in Manila or visit the website of the
Japan Embassy in Manila <http://www.ph.emb-japan.go.jp/>
ALAM NYO BA… na madaling magpahiram ng pera sa isang kaibigan or
kakilala ngunit napakahirap naman maningil? Sa mga iba diyan na
nagpautang at nahirapan maningil sa pinahiram na pera, you know what I
mean. Pero ika nga ng isang good friend ko, "Pag ikaw ay nagpautang, it
is because you want to help or you want to be good. Kaya pag di ka
nababayaran or nagtatago sila dahil walang balak na bayaran ka, let the
good karma stay within you by letting go. Kalimutan mo na lang." At
sabi rin ng friend ko, "Gawin mo what a good christian would do: Pray
for them na sana maisipan nilang bayaran ka." Kaya next time, mag-ingat
sa pinapautang or di kaya, huwag ka na lang magpautang para less stress
and headache.
ALAM NYO BA... na ang Repubic Act No. 9255 allows illegitimate children
or mga anak sa labas (children born out of wedlock) to use the surname
of their father? Yes, under Republic Act No. 9255 (RA 9255) pwede ng
gamitin ng mga anak sa labas or illegitimate children ang family name
or apelyido ng kanilang ama. RA 9255 was approved last February 24,
2004, under Article 176 of the Philippine Family Code. Kaya kayong mga
daddy, papa, itay, tatay or otosan... kung may mga anak sa labas kayo,
tandaan po ninyo that your children born outside of your marriage or
kahit na anak ninyo sa pagkabinata, pwede na pong gamitin ng mga anak
ninyo ang inyong apelyido or family name.
(Source: Philippine Family Code)
ALAM NYO BA… na marami na rin sa mga married Filipino men ang mga may
anak sa labas? According sa isang survey na marami na rin sa mga
Filipino men who fathered children with another women, are married to
at least one of the women involved. About 60 porsiento sa mga lalaki na
nagkaroon ng anak with multiple partners, ay may mga asawa at the time
na isa or more of the children were born. Ang sabi one in seven men
experience multiple partner fertility sa edad na between 30 to 35. Ang
iba ay kinikilala at nagbibigay ng financial support sa mga anak nila
sa labas, yung iba naman, as if nothing happened. Well, yung iba ay
kinikilala at nagbibigay ng financial support sa mga anak nila sa
labas, yung iba naman, as if nothing happened. Ang mahihirapan talaga
sa ganitong situation are the children born under these circumstances
kasi mas konting attention, supporta and encouragement ang maibibigay
ng kanilang ama. Kaya kung ikaw ay isang daddy, tatay, papa, ama or
otosan, isip-isip...
ALAM NYO BA... na marami na ang nagtatanong or interesado to know more
about annulment? Bakit kaya? Well, divorce ay di pa rin allowed sa
Pilipinas, ngunit ang ating law provides for annulment means na mayroon
meritorious instances na pwedeng ma-justify yung annulment ng kasal.
Maraming kailangan para maka-file ng annulment. Magastos din. Kaya yung
iba, bago magfile, ang unang tanong ay magkano ba ang annulment
procedure? Kadalasan na sagot ng mga lawyers ay “depende”. Depende
talaga ang presyo, dahil depende rin sa ground or grounds for annulment
or declaration of nullity. If you have absolutely limited resources,
you could file the petitions as a pauper litigant (for filing fees) and
seek free legal aid. Mas mahal kung may private lawyer ka and ang
estimate nila is about fifty thousand pesos (Php50, 000). Sabi ng isang
kakilala, hindi daw biro ang magfile ng annulment, magastos, matagal at
nakaka-stress. To seek an annulment, this is a personal decision na
hindi dapat ipagwalang bahala, if you think na kailangan talaga. Ang
tanong, should you or not seek an annulment? Malaki ba ang problema
ninyong mag-asawa? Think again.
ALAM NYO BA… na according to the Department of Trade and Industry, may
karagdagang diskwento para sa mga senior citizens? May dalawampung
porsiyentong (20%) discount sa mga senior citizens. Limang porsiento
(5%) na diskwento sa pagbili ng mga sumusunod na produkto:
a. Coffee
b. Tinapay
c. Canned sardines and tuna
d. Cooking oil
e. Instant noodles
f. Evaporated, condensed and powdered filled milk
g. Luncheon meat, meat loaf and corned beef
h. Frozen, preserved ready to cook na baboy, beef and manok
i. Anumang liquid, bareta o pulbos na sabong panlaba
The privilege for a senior citizen ay kung mamimili lang sa isang
supermarket, grocery and panaderya. Hindi kasama ang mga binibili sa
sari-sari store, wet market and sa talipapa. It should not also be more
than six hundred fifty pesos every week ang pinamili. Hindi rin
maaaring idagdag sa susunod na linggo ang maximum halaga na dapat sana
ay nagamit na.
(Source: Department of Trade and Industry)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
September-October 2007
Ang bilis talaga ng panahon... autumn na naman, parang kailan lang, sa
pasukan this September ang mga anak ko si Kayla 3rd grade na, si Kuya
Gian 4th grade at si Kuya Nico naman ay high school na, 7th grade.
Nakatutuwang isipin dahil last May ng mag 1st Holy Communion si Kayla
ang mga Kuya niya ay mga altar boys... ganoon kabilis ang panahon,
parang kailan lang... next time you'll discover 50 years old ka na
pala. Aray ko po!
ALAM NYO BA... na pwede kayong maging isang volunteer para sa mga
kabataang nangangailangan sa Pilipinas? Isang NGO known as ViDES
Philippines Volunteers Foundation, Inc. helps women and children in
five locations sa Pilipinas. Ang office ng ViDES sa Pilipinas is in Don
Bosco School, Manila sa Sta. Mesa. ViDES is an international volunteer
organization of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians (Salesian
Sisters of St. John Bosco). Projects and activities are initiated
and implemented by lay collaborators, mostly working professionals. Sa
tuwing Sabado, mayroon silang project known as "Busina Mo, Dunong Ko."
Visiting street children and providing them Catechesis, games, literacy
activities, attend mass together, singing, provide merienda at marami
pang iba. Sa kasalukuyan, the volunteers conduct such activities sa
Delpan, Manila from 9:00 a.m. till noon and sa Cabrera Street, Pasay
City from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. Mayroon silang isang mobile library (isang
van donated by Jo Tankers, a foreign company - see photo) that has a
lot of donated books inside and is equipped with audio visual
equipment. Also, see photo with a Salesian Sister of Don Bosco, Sr.
Jojo, teaching the Sunday gospel. You can donate books,
dictionaries, especially story books and reference materials like
educational toys and games and school supplies. Since nandito po
tayo sa Japan, at siyempre inconvenient para sa iba ang magdonate ng
used books, pwede rin ang cash donation together with a note for what
purpose you want it to be used. You can send your donation to the
following bank account details:
DOLLAR Account: 8061-00031-5
Account Name: ViDES Philippines Volunteers Foundation, Inc.
Name of Bank: RCBC Savings Bank Branch: N. Domingo Branch
Address: N. Domingo cor. Araneta Avenue, San Juan, Metro Manila
PESO Account : 1061017507
Account Name : ViDES Philippines Volunteers Foundation, Inc.
Name of Bank : RCBC Savings Bank Branch: N. Domingo Branch
Address: N. Domingo cor. Araneta Avenue, San Juan, Metro Manila
Taon-taon simula noong 1998 ay nagkakaroon ng isang malakihang activity
ang ViDES sa Negros. About 2,000 children of sugarcane workers, child
laborers, and children at risk from twelve different haciendas
participate in the one-day affair. Maliban sa program at gift giving,
mayroong free medical clinic and medicines, libreng haircut, livelihood
demonstration and contests. Halina't sumali at maging isang volunteer
or a supporter of ViDES... well, I just did! Siguradong maraming bata
ang mapapasaya ninyo.
ALAM NYO BA... na may isang NGO established in Japan last 1994
supporting people living in poverty in the Philippines? Ito po ang
I-CAN FOUNDATION PHILIPPINES, INC, registered po ito sa Securities and
Exchange Commission (SEC) and with the DSWD. I spoke with one of their
staff during my trip to the Philippines few years ago about the
programs of I-CAN at ang isang vision nila is for a peaceful community
where men, women and children can enjoy a quality life. May mga
programa at services sila para sa mga mahihirap.
1. Medical Program - free consultation; medical assistance, immunization, training of community health volunteers
2. Nutrition and Feeding Program - ito ay para ma-improve ang nutritional status ng mga malnourished children.
3. Vocational Training Program - tinuturuan nila ang mga women of
Payatas the skills to make dresses, stuff toys, handicrafts at kung
paano nila ito ibenta sa local market. See photo, sample of stuff toys
made by the women in Payatas.
4. Livelihood Program - Capability building; seminar, training and
workshop; remittance and savings. This program is to provide the
community with socio-economic project or alternative source of
livelihood.
5. Children and Youth Program - Art Workshop; team building; educational trip; sports and games.
6. Community Organizing Program - Community exposure and integration; formation, training and workshop, etc.
Para sa karagdagang impormasyon, kindly check the I-CAN website: http://www.ican.or.jp (information in Japanese only)
(Source: ICAN Foundation Philippines, Inc.)
ALAM NYO BA... or have you heard about the Japanese-Filipino Youth
(JFY) Education Program? Any Japanese-Filipino youth na interesado na
matutunan ang Japanese and Filipino culture ay welcome to join pati na
rin ang mga mothers and fathers. Ang vision ng JFY is to see the youth
confident of their identity, able to make purposeful and responsible
decisions and have faith in God. JFYs activities and programs:
1. Cultural Programs - Theater Workshops; cultural exchange; exposure to Japanese and Filipino indigenous cultures
2. Values and Faith Formation - Children and Youth camp and choir
3. Immersion Program - Educational Tours; prolonged exposure
4. Social Outreach Program - Fund raising to support charitable projects
5. Parents Foundation - Parenting workshops; retreats/recollections; self-awareness & self development sessions
Ang JFY organized a Charity Concert in cooperation with the Philippine
Embassy; Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Japan;
Metrobank and PNB. The concert is for the benefit of the
Japanese-Filipino Youth Education Program, entitled "Another Evening
with the Songwriter JOSE MARI CHAN," with his children, Liza, Joe,
Michael and Franco. There will be three concerts which will be held on
September 29, 6:00 p.m. at Kitano Catholic Church (06-6458-0045);
September 30, 3:00 p.m. at Nanzan Junior College (090-8557-4230) and on
October 7, 7:00 p.m. at Kasai Catholic Church.
For further information regarding the JFY and the Charity Concert, please contact Kasai Catholic Church at 03-3689-0014.
(Source: JFY Education Program)
ALAM NYO BA... na masarap ang feeling pag ikaw ay nakakatulong sa mga
less fortunate and special children? Oh yes, masarap talaga ang
feeling, the blessings that you have, if shared can make others smile.
The more you share, the more you make others happy. Sa Manibaug,
Pampanga may isang apostolate mission to the handicapped children. It
was in the year 2002 when the congregation of the Dominican Sisters of
Our Lady of Remedios from San Fernando, Pampanga decided to open the
Holy Trinity Special Education Foundation, Inc. where Social Action and
Pastoral Ministry of the Dominican Sisters is based. For the past years
these special children stays at the Holy Trinity Special Education
Center with Sr. Letty Espiritu (who happened to be my batchmate from
elementary to high school) as the head, to offer a holistic and
integrated approach which includes physical, medical, educational,
psychological and spiritual activities. Ang Holy Trinity Special
Foundation, Inc. ay isang non-profit mission apostolate so the
Dominican Sisters resort to other creative means to be able to support
the children. I visited the special children for three times already.
The last trip to their place was last July with my family and some of
my high school friends (see photo above). I even call them my children.
It was a wonderful experience as you will see them dance or even sing
for you. You can dance & sing with them, hold hands, talk with them
and you even get big hugs. Masarap ang feeling lalo na pag may
napapasaya ka. I will see these children again this September 1, 2007.
Any support to these children will be of big help... siguro sa may
lugar ninyo may mga special children din... kaya ano pa ang hinihintay
ninyo, we are so blessed, so let us all be generous enough to share our
blessings without waiting for any reward.
You will be remembered, not for what you have, but for the good deed you made for others. God bless you all.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
July-August Issue 2007
Alam nyo ba… na ang Commission on Higher Education (CHED) provides
educational opportunities para sa mga mahihirap but deserving students
sa ibat-ibang student financial assistance programs (STUFAPs). CHED is
the governing body covering both public and private higher education
institutions as well as degree-granting programs in all tertiary
educational institutions in the Philippines. The CHED was established
on May 18, 1994 through Republic Act 7722 or the Higher Education Act
of 1994. Ang mga sumusunod ay mga local scholarships at student
financial assistance programs ng CHED.
1. State Scholarship Program (SSP)
2. Selected Ethnic Group Educational Assistance Program (SEGEAP)
3. National Integration Study Grant Program (NISGP)
4. CHED-DND-NPUD Study Grant Program for MNLF Officer-Integrees
5. Private Education Student Financial Assistance Program (PESFA)
6. Study Now-Pay-Later Plan
7. College Faculty Development Fund (CFDF)
8. CHED Special Study Grant Program for Congressional Districts (CHED-SSGD)
9. OPAPP-CHED Study Grant Program for Rebel Returnees
10. Student Loan Program (SLP) for Centers of Excellence
11. Student Scholarship Program in Bachelor of Secondary Education,
Major in Science & Mathematics for Selected State Universities and
Colleges (SSP-BSE-SSUC)
12. Student Loan Fund for Region V (SLF-R5)
13. CHED-Senate Study Grant Program
For more details of the above, please check the following URL: http://www.ched.gov.ph/scholarships/local.html
(Source: Commission on Higher Education)
Alam nyo ba… na matagal ng ipinagbabawal ng ating government ang
pag-uwi or pag-register ng mga vehicles with right-hand steering wheel?
Under the Republic Act No. 8506 or otherwise known as, “An Act Banning
the Registration and Operation of Vehicles with Right-Hand Steering
Wheel in any Private or Public Street, Road or Highway, Providing
Penalties Therefore and for Other Purposes”, it is unlawful for any
person to import, register, use, or operate any vehicle with its
steering wheel right-hand side thereof of any highway, street or road,
whether public or private or of the national or local government except
such vehicles that are acknowledged as vintage automobiles,
manufactured before 1960, and/or are to be utilized exclusively for
officially and legally sanctioned motor sports events, and off-road
special purpose vehicles. Kung gusto ninyong mag-uwi ng sasakyan,
the following are the allowed motor vehicles and qualification of
importers:
1. Left-hand drive
2. Not to exceed 3,000 kgs. GVW
3. Registered under the name of the qualified importer for at least six
(6) months prior to the submission of the application to the Bureau of
Import Services
4. Applicant in Japan should have a valid visa
5. Motorcycles and scooters
6. Returning residents who have resided abroad for at least one (1)
year and who arrive in the Philippines within the effectivity of the
guidelines for the no-dollar importation of second-hand motor vehicles
Importation of motor vehicles are subject to payment of taxes and
duties. Personal appearance of applicant at the Bureau of Import
Services is required.
(Source: Philippine Bureau of Import Services)
Alam nyo ba… na may isang town sa Zamboanga del Sur called Alicia? The
town Alicia was named after Alicia Syquia Quirino, wife of then
President Elpidio Quirino who signed Executive Order No. 468 creating
the municipality of Alicia on August 22, 1951, located on the
southwestern part of the province of Zamboanga del Sur.
(Source: Department of Trade and Industry)
Alam nyo ba… na pwede ng malaman ang mga prevailing prices ng mga
bilihin sa mga piling palengke sa Pilipinas? Kung gusto ninyong malaman
ang presyo ng mga bilihin sa inyong mga palengke sa Metro Manila, Cebu
at Davao, mag-text lang kayo sa DTI PRESYO. How to send the text at mga
halimbawa para malaman ang presyo at kung ano ang sagot na makukuha.
I-text ang:
DTI-space-PRESYO-space-Palengke-space-Bilihin
Send 2256 sa Globe, Sun or Smart (may charge na Php2.50 per text message)
Halimbawa: Para malaman ang presyo ng luncheon meat sa Agora Market sa
San Juan, send the following text: DTI PRESYO AGORA1 LM (Send to
2256)
Ang sagot na makukuha: Ang Prevailing Price ng LUNCHEON MEAT sa
Agora Market: Maling (397g) – P40; Purefoods (165g) – P20
Ang mga sumusunod na palengke are monitored by DTI: Caloocan City
(BONIFACIO and SANGANDAAN); Mandaluyong City (MANDALUYONG); Parañaque
City (BICUTAN and LAHUERTA); Manila City (DAGONOY, PACO and PRITIL);
Pasay City (LIBERTAD); Marikina City (MARIKINA); Pasig City (MUTYA);
Muntinlupa City (MUNTINLUPA); San Juan (AGORA1); Navotas (AGORA2);
Valenzuela City (MARULAS); Quezon City (COMMONWEALTH and GALAS);
Malabon City (MALABON); Makati City (GUADALUPE); Las Piñas City
(NEWLP); Davao City (BANGKEROHAN); Cebu City (CARBON and TABUNOK)
Ang mga prices ng mga ibang bilihin are updated weekly. Hindi lahat ng
bilihin ay pwedeng malaman thru text. Ang mga sumusunod na mga
bilihin with code and mga maaring malaman ang presyo thru text.
Bilihin Code
Canned Fish CN
Corned Beef CB
Luncheon Meat LM
Meatloaf ML
Coffee Refills CR
Powdered Milk PM
Evaporated Milk EM
Condensed Milk CM
Instant Noodles IN
Iodized Salt IS
Patis PA
Soy Sauce SS
Vinegar VI
Laundry Soap LS
Detergent Bar DB
Toilet Soap TS
Candles CA
Matches MA
Batteries BA
Para sa karagdagang impormasyon, tumawag lang sa DTI hotline for Metro
Manila (02)751-3330; for Cebu (032)254-5317 and for Davao (082)224-0511.
(Source: Department of Trade and Industry)
May-June 2007 issue
Alam n'yo ba... na ang buwan ng Mayo ay pinangalan sa isang Greek
goddess Maia? Maia ay na-identify with the Roman goddess of
fertility, Bona Dea, na ang mga festival nito was held in May. Sa
Japan, and buwan ng Mayo is so-called May sickness. This is the
month where new students at mga bagong pasok sa mga companies starts to
be tired of their new task, schoolwork or jobs.
Alam n'yo ba... that the month of June was named after the Roman
goddess Juno, asawa ni Jupiter and equivalent to the Greek goddess
Hera. Si Juno ay ang guardian goddess of marriage life, kaya may
kasabihan na ang mga kinasal sa month of June will have a married life
blessed with happiness. Kaya nga the famous term is "June bride"
which derives from June, that is Juno wishing this legend becomes true
by getting married in the month of June.
Alam n'yo ba... kung ano ang birthstone mo or birthstone of your friend and relative?
January - Garnet
February - Amethyst
March - Aquamarine
April - Diamond
May - Emerald
June - Pearl
July - Ruby
August - Peridot
September - Sapphire
October - Opal
November - Topaz
December - Turquois
Alam n'yo ba... na kung may katumbas na birthstone ang bawat buwan, may
birthday flowers too? With the birthday flowers, I will also
include the meaning for each flower.
1. January = Carnation, the flower of fascination (Pink - always on my mind; Red - passion and
White - sweet, lovely, good luck) = Daffodil - respect
2. February = Violet - faithfulness, virtue
3. March = Jonquil - desire for affection returned
4. April = Sweet Pea - thanks for a lovely time
5. May = Lily - beauty, gaiety, coquetry
6. June = Rose - The flower of love (Red - love, passion; Pink - happiness; White - purity, innocence and Yellow - friendship)
7. July = Larkspur - fickleness
8. August = Gladiolus - Strength of character, remembrance, infatuation, splendid beauty, give me a break,
9. September = Aster - symbol of love
10. October = Calendula - grief, jealousy
11. November = Chrysanthemum - you are a wonderful friend
12. December = Narcissus - stay as sweet as you are
Alam n'yo ba... na kung ano ang isang magandang wedding gift lalo na
for us na nandito sa Japan? How about a very special handcrafted
and personalized Japanese gift? Well, sabi nila "Kotobuki daruma"
is often used as a wedding gift. Ito kasi symbolizes praying for
the long and happy marriage life of the newly weds. Mas maganda
kung ang mga pangalan ng mga couples ay hand-painted on the
daruma.
Alam n'yo ba... na marami na rin sa mga lalaki ang favor sa make up for
men? Here in Japan, marami na sa mga Japanese men ang gumagamit ng skin
care, eye contour and under eye shadows, for spots and blemishes,
eyebrows and eyelashes, etc. For skin care, first of all, the face,
kahit na mas less sensitive ang skin ng mga lalaki kaysa sa mga girls,
it is good to apply a day cream every morning with a UV protection
factor 10 or 15 (at least in the summer). May kilala nga ako na isang
Pinoy na who was here in Japan and observing yung mga skin ng mga
Japanese men. He then found out na gumagamit sila ng UV protection.
That Pinoy got himself a Shiseido UV protection and even recommended it
sa isang Pinoy na kaibigan. For the lips naman, it is always nice to
keep a lip balm handy, kasi lips need to be protected from external
factors like wind, sun and cold weather. Nowadays, uso na ang make up
for men and do not worry, hindi ka na pagkakamalan na bading.
Alam n'yo ba... na ang usong SUICA ay isang rechargeable contactless
smart card na magagamit hindi lang sa JR trains kung hindi sa maraming
bagay tulad ng pagbayad sa bus and subway? Pwede rin gamitin sa ibang
convenience stores like Family Mart at tsaka sa Bic Camera. Pwede rin
kayong bumili sa mga JR kiosks using this card. Pwede rin siya sa mga
vending machines with the SUICA scanners.
Ang SUICA ay isang acronym for "Super Urban Intelligent Card" at ang
pronunciation ay tulad ng salitang watermelon sa Japanese. SUI also
comes from "sui-sui" meaning smooth and KA is an abbreviation for the
word card (ka-do) in Japanese. You can buy these SUICA cards at any JR
train stations. Pwede na rin kayong mag-apply ng credit card sa inyong
SUICA cards para all in one na talaga.
A new card costs 2000 yen, which includes a 500 yen deposit that will
be refunded if the card is returned. The remaining 1500 yen is
immediately available for train rides, and more money can be charged on
to the card (in 1000 yen, 2000 yen, 3000 yen, 4000 yen, 5000 yen, and
10000 yen increments), up to a card maximum of 20000 yen, at similar
ticket vending machines or fare adjustment machines displaying the
Suica logo inside each station.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
March-April Issue 2007
ALAM N'YO BA… na ang personality ng isang tao ay pwede rin malaman sa
kanyang pagsulat? Tignan natin kung paano tayo magsulat at kung paano
ito natutukoy sa ating personalidad.
- Kung ang mga letra ay slanted to the left, it indicates introspection at malakas ang emotional control.
- Kung sa right naman, it reveals na ikaw ay isang outgoing, friendly, impulsive, at emotionally open.
- Straight up and down, this is a sign of someone who’s ruled by the head, at hindi ng puso.
- Kung slanted in more than one direction, versatility and adaptability.
- Erratic slant, lack of flexibility
- Heavy pressure writing, the writer is agitated.
- Moderate pressure, shows ability to deal with stress.
- Light pressure, indicates someone who seems to take life in stride.
- Tiny letters, the writer is somewhat low self esteem but is intelligent.
- Small letters, the hallmark of quiet, introspective types – generally detail oriented and have good concentration.
- Large letters, sign of a confident, easygoing individual.
- Huge letters, someone who is theatrical, usually loud, and needs to be the center of attention at all times.
- Wide letters (width and height are about the same), someone who is open and friendly.
- Narrow letters, someone who is somewhat shy and inhibited but very self disciplined.
- Letters that do not touch, person is impulsive, artistic, sometimes impractical free thinker.
- Some letters connecting, means the writer’s personality blends logic and intuition.
- All letters making contact, sign of someone who is highly cautious.
- A curved first mark, shows a person who is traditional and plays by the rules.
- A straight beginning stroke, reveals someone who is rigid and does not like being told what to do.
- A final stroke straight across, the writer is cautious.
- An end mark that curves up, reveals generosity.
- Perfect penmanship, the hallmark of a communicative person.
- An indecipherable scrawl, indicates a person who is secretive, closed up and likes to keep his thoughts to himself.
ALAM N'YO BA… na noong unang panahon, ang Pilipinas ay may sariling
alpabeto? Ang tawag sa ating lumang sulat ay ang BAYBAYIN.
Tagalog was written in an abugida called Baybayin. Maraming di
nakakaalam ang lipunang nadatnan ng mga Espanyol noon ay higit na
maunlad kaysa sa ilang kalat sa tribong mangmang. Ang nadatnan ng mga
Espanyol ay isang kabihasnang buo na at ibang iba sa kanilang lipunan.
Ang Baybayin ay ginamit nang mahigit sa nakaraang isang daang taon. Ang
salitang Baybayin ay isang lumang katagang pangkahalatan sa wikang
Tagalog which describes to all the letters used in writing a language,
that is, an alphabet. Ang Baybayin ay isang syllabic na paraan ng
pagsulat ibig sabihin, every letter ay katumbas ng isang buong pantig
sa halip ng isang payak na tunog gaya ng sa ating present
alphabet. The pre-Hispanic Filipinos wrote on many different
materials, mga dahon, palapa, saha, banakal at balat ng iba't ibang
prutas, ngunit karaniwan ang kawayan. Ang mga panulat naman ay
matutulis na patalim o sundang, o ibang maliliit na piraso ng bakal.
Nang dumating ang mga Espanyol, Filipinos adopted the use of paper,
pluma at tinta. Ang sabi ng mga dalubhasa na Baybayin may have
descended from the Buginese script or, maari ring galing sa isa pang
kaugnay na alpabetong or the lost script from the island of
Sulawesi. Whatever route or anuman daang nilakbay ng Baybayin,
malamang na dumating ito sa Luzon around the 13th or 14th
century. Also, Baybayin shares similarities with the Old Kiwi
script of Java.
(Source: Article by Paul Morrow and Baybayin links)
ALAM N'YO BA… ang mga klase ng pagdiriwang sa Pilipinas? Mayroon tayong
tatlong klase ng pagdiriwang, ito ay ang Pambansang Pagdiriwang,
Pansibikong Pagdiriwang at ang Panrelihiyong Pagdiriwang. Alamin
natin kung anu-ano ang mga pagdiriwang pambansa, pansibiko at
panrelihiyon.
Unahin natin ang Pambansang Pagdiriwang – Ito ay ang mga okasyong
ipinagdiriwang na napakahalaga sa kasaysayan ng Pilipinas at
lipunan. This celebration is announced as an official or special
holiday kaya kadalasan walang pasok sa mga opisina at paaralan.
Mga holidays or mga araw na Pambansang Pagdiriwang: Bagong Taon,
Day of the EDSA Revolution, Araw ng Kagitingan, Araw ng Mangagawa or
Labor Day, Araw ng Kalayaan, Araw ng mga Bayani, etc.
Mga Pansibikong Pagdiriwang naman ay isinasagawa sa iba’t ibang buwan
ng buong taon. Kabilang dito ang katangian at ilang kaugalian ng mga
Pilipino. Ang Pansibikong Pagdiriwang ay karaniwang araw, we have work
and school. But for some areas, like ang Lunsod ng Quezon, they
declare August 19 a holiday, as in walang pasok sa mga opisina at
eskwelahan within Quezon City only, dahil ito ay ang araw na
pagkakatatag ng Lunsod ng Quezon. Mga halimbawa ng pansibikong
pagdiriwang ay: Linggo ng Wika, Araw ng Maynila, Araw ng Lunsod
ng Quezon, Araw ng mga Puso, etc. And lastly, ang
Pagdiriwang na Panrelihiyon. Ito ay isinasagawa sa iba’t ibang
buwan sa buong taon. Since majority sa atin ay Katoliko or Kristiyano,
marami tayong mga religious celebration. Kasama rito ang Pasko,
Ati-atihan, Mahal na Araw, Pahiyas, which is a celebration of San
Isidro de Labrador, ito ay santo ng mga magsasaka; Santakrusan; Pista
ng Peñafrancia which is held in Naga, Camarines Sur; Todos los Santos;
Ramadan, isang pagdiriwang ng ating mga kapatid na Muslim; etc.
(Source: Seasite)
ALAM N'YO BA... na ang Jeepney Press ay kakaiba sa mga ibang
publications? Kasi po, ang Jeepney Press ay NON-COMMERCIAL and
NON-PROFIT. Lahat po kaming nag-susulat at nagsusumikap upang mabuo ang
Jeepney Press ay mga volunteer workers. Ginagawa po namin ito para
makapagsilbi sa aming mga kababayan dito sa Japan para mapaunlad po
natin ang ating kabuhayan. Gusto po namin makatulong sa inyo sa aming
munting pagbigay ng konting kaalaman na sana'y makatulong sa inyong
pamumuhay dito sa Japan. Sana po ay suportahin natin ang mga tumutulong
na advertisers na kung hindi sa kanila ay hindi mailalabas ang bawat
isyu ng Jeepney Press.
Lastly, huwag po ninyong makalimutan mag-observe ng Holy Week!
-----------------------------------------------------------
November-December 2006 Issue
Pasko na naman…ang bilis talaga ng panahon. Parang it was only
last year when I wrote something about Christmas. But this time,
I will not be writing about Christmas, para maiba naman. Enjoy
reading!!!
ALAM N'YO BA… na ang bawang ay
member ng sibuyas family? Alam n'yo naman na ang bawang has been
used throughout history for both culinary and medical purposes?
Sabi nila, na ang bawang originated from Central Asia. Ang bawang
ay may distinctive odor. According to researchers, yung odor daw niya
ay isang defense mechanism to protect the plant from birds, insects and
worms. Nawawala ang sharp flavor ng bawang when you chop, chew or
crush the bawang. Pag maraming nakain na bawang, amoy ito for about 8
hours in both the eater’s breath and sa pawis din natin. Bakit?
Kasi, the garlic’s strong smelling sulfur compounds are metabolized
forming allyl methyl sulfide that cannot be digested and is passed into
the blood.
ALAM N'YO BA… na maraming gamit
ang coconut? Lahat ng parte ng coconut palm ay useful – dahon,
buds, fruit, sap, ugat, shells. In two countries where coconut is
cultivated, like in Malaysia, ang term nila “the tree of a thousand
uses” at sa Philippines naman, “tree of life.” Ang mga sumusunod
are examples of how the various parts of the palm are used:
- The white, fleshy part of the seed is edible and used fresh or dried in cooking.
- Dried fibers of the nut can be shredded as stuffing for pillows and mattresses.
- The liquid inside young coconuts can be used as an intravenous fluid.
- The trunks of old mature trees provide building timbers.
- The leaves provide materials for baskets, thatching materials for roofs and matting for floors.
- The coir fibre is used in ropes, mats, brushes; it is also used in horticulture for making potting compost.
- The dried shell of the coconut can be made into many forms of bowls, cups or storage containers.
- Copra, the dried meat of the seed, is the source of coconut oil.
- The roots are used as a dye.
- Coconut sap is fermented to produce toddy.
- The dried husk makes good firewood, while the smoke of the burning husk is a natural mosquito repellent.
- Half shells are used to create the sound effect of a horse hoofbeats.
ALAM N'YO BA… kung saan talaga
galing ang kiwi fruit? Ang unang kiwi fruit seeds ay dinala ng
mga missionaries from China to New Zealand in the early 20th
century. Ang tawag sa kiwi fruit then was “Chinese
gooseberry.” After several years, at lumaki ang demand ng kiwi
fruit, pinalitan ng mga New Zealanders ang pangalan and renamed after
the kiwi, the national bird of New Zealand. Ang kiwi fruit is
rich in vitamin C. It also contains vitamins A and E, calcium,
iron and folic acid. Ang hilaw na kiwi fruit is rich in protein
dissolving enzyme actinidin, na nakakatulong sa digestion.
Besides being rich in vitamins, pwede rin gamitin ang kiwi as a meat
tenderizer. Maglagay ng slices of kiwi fruit over the meat or by
rubbing the meat with the kiwi pulp. After 10 minutes, kailangan
alisin ang kiwi, kasi yung enzymatic action niya will be
excessive. Ang kiwi branches and leaves, if boiled, the liquid is
used for treating mange in dogs. Ang cull kiwi fruits naman is
made into wine.
ALAM N'YO BA… na ang chocolate
is also good for prevention of cancer? Ang sabi kasi ng mga
researchers, chocolate contains antioxidants, known as phenols, which
is believed to help prevent cancer and promote cardiac health. The
darker the chocolate, the more phenols it contains. Contrary to
popular belief, chocolate contains only a limited amount of caffeine.
An average chocolate bar contains about 30 mg of caffeine, while and
isang tasa ng coffee contains 100 mg. As a reminder lang, huwag
masyadong maraming chocolates ang kainin, at least, one to three slices
(bite size) lang a day.
ALAM N'YO BA… kung ano ang mga
top anti-cancer vegetables and fruits? Marami kasi sa mga
kakilala ko ang may cancer, kaya gusto ko lang i-share sa inyo ang mga
sumusunod which I read sa isang site sa internet.
Anti-cancer vegetables: Broccoli, brussel sprouts, cabbage,
cauliflower, eggplant, green beans, kale, onions (red), peppers,
radish, soy, squash, sweet potatoes, tomatoes and yams.
Anti-cancer fruits: Apricots, blueberries, grapefruit, grapes,
lemons, mangoes, oranges, papayas, peaches, persimmons, strawberries
(organic) and tangerines.
In addition, may nabasa din ako na 10-step anti-cancer program:
1. Reduce stress
2. Stay lean
3. Increase exercise
4. Limit dietary fat to 20 percent of total calories, with less than 10
percent of total calories as saturated fats. Eliminate hydrogenated
fats.
5. Increase fiber to between 25 and 35 grams a day
6. Eat lots of fresh fruits and vegetables
7. Eat foods high in antioxidants beta carotene, vitamin C and vitamin E
8. Switch from red meat to seafood and soy products
9. Eat foods high in calcium
10. Consider daily supplements of vitamin C, 500mg; Calcium, 500mg;
Flaxseed mean (ground flaxseed), 30grams; Acidophilus powder, 1
teaspoon; Vitamin E, 200 IU and Selenium, 100mcg.
Sa dami ng nakakain natin, make sure lang po that what you eat is
healthy, for good nutrition is one way of many ways you can help your
body. Enjoy your food and your health!
ALAM N'YO BA… na ang olive oil
is an oil extracted from the fruits of the olive tree? Ang olive
oil lang ang only vegetable oil that can be created simply by pressing
the raw material. Ito ay ginagamit natin sa pagluto and
cosmetics, and according to researchers, as a healthful dietary oil
dahil malaki ang content of monounsaturated fat. Ang quality standard
ng olive oil is set by the International Olive Oil Council based in
Madrid, Spain. In the US, the olive oil standards are set by the
Department of Agriculture. Ang best at maganda na quality ng
olive oil ay ang extra-virgin oil. Ang extra-virgin oil ay
obtained from the first pressing of the olives solely by mechanical or
other physical means.
ALAM N'YO BA… kung ano ang
flower of November? Chrysanthemum po! Ang pangalan ng chrysanthemum ay
galing sa Greek word na chrysos (meaning gold) at anthos (meaning
flower). Chrysanthemums had been cultivated in Chinese gardens for more
than 2,500 years before being exhibited in England in the late 18th
century. Ang mga Chrysanthemums ay considered the flower ng mga Chinese
noble class. Kaya pag ikaw ay considered as lower class sa China,
hindi ka allowed na magtanim or magkaroon ng chrysanthemum sa garden
mo. Ang Chrysanthemum ay ang national flower ng Japan. Sabi ng
mga Feng Shui enthusiasts or sa kanilang paniniwala na ang
chrysanthemum ay nagdadala ng kasiyahan at kaligayahan sa mga
pamamahay. Sa ibang parte naman ng Asia, ang mga chrysanthemum
flowers are boiled to make chrysanthemum tea which is believed to help
recover from influenza.
ALAM N'YO BA… na kung saan gawa
ang Botox? Yung mga mahilig sa Botox, ito ay isang additional
information para sa inyo...that is if you are not really aware kung ano
at saan gawa ang Botox. Ang Botox ay gawa from “botulinum toxin
type A”, a poison produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum,
which causes botulism, a severe form of food poisoning. Yung mga
mahilig sa Botox, take note lang po. Siyempre pa, sa mga sanay sa
Botox, alam nyo na kung paano ito ginagawa, pero let me share the info
para sa mga gusto pa lang at may balak magpa-Botox. Ang Botox is
injected into the muscles used in frowning and raising the eyebrows to
paralyze them and thus smooth out the wrinkles. The botulinum
toxin is eventually metabolized by the body after three to four months,
and many prefer to repeat the injection once in a while in order to
maintain a wrinkle-free look. In the US, Botox is more popular
than breast enhancement surgery. According to the American Society for
Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), more than 1.6 million people
received injections in 2001. In the UK, 50,000 Botox injections
were made in 2003. Botox first began to be used in the 1980s to
treat uncontrollable blinking (blepharospasm) and misaligned eyes
(strabismus). Cosmetics treatments were pioneered by dermatological
surgeons in 1987. Bakit kailangan ang Botox, ok lang kung may wrinkle,
natural lang iyon as we grow old, what is important yung ugali or your
inner self. Outer beauty is nothing kung masama naman ang
ugali. And isa pa, how we look is God’s gift to us, kaya let us
love who we are.
ALAM N'YO BA… na si Saint
Nicholas of Myra who lived in 4th century in Lycia (modern Turkey),
became the prototype for Santa Claus? The name “Santa Claus” ay
modification of Dutch Sinterklaas and Sint Nikolaas. Nakikila si Saint
Nicholas sa kanyang kabaitan and acts of charity. Para sa mga
ibang tao, si Saint Nicholas ay patron saint of seamen, merchants,
archers, children, prostitutes, pharmacists, lawyers, pawnbrokers and
prisoners. Nakilala rin si Saint Nicholas sa kanyang style na
secret-gift-giving. Ang pinaka-famous legend about Saint Nicholas
ay yung pagtulong niya sa tatlong unfortunate young sisters who lacked
dowries for their marriages. As each girl reached a marriageable
age he dropped the bags of coins into the house at night through the
chimney. Kaya nga yung naging tradition sa America tuwing sasapit
ang pasko is to hang Christmas stockings by the fireplace. After Saint
Nicholas died, people in the region continued to give to the poor
anonymously. The remains of St. Nicholas were seized by the Italian
sailors in 1087 and moved to a crypt in Bari, Italy. Ang St.
Nicholas Day is celebrated on December 6, presumably the date of his
death.
ALAM N'YO BA… kung ano ang
traditional Christmas decoration (sorry, but not in the
Philippines)? Ang Holly (Ilex) has long been used as traditional
Christmas decoration. Ito ay a genus of about 400 species of
flowering shrubs and trees that grows wild and is cultivated in Asia,
Europe, northern Africa, and Americas. It can be either deciduous or
evergreen depending on the species. Yung flowers ng Holly open up
in May or June, and develop on the female plants into pea-sized,
red-berries which remain through the winter. These berries are very
bitter kaya di kinakain ng mga ibon until late winter when frost makes
them softer and edible. Ang Holly berries are poisonous to
people, kaya pag nakakain ka ng ilang piraso, siguradong sasakit ang
tiyan, and will cause vomiting and diarrhea. Yung hard white wood
ng Holly is used for cabinet making. The leaves naman of Holly
are reputed to have astringent, diuretic, expectorant and febrifuge
properties. Sa Druidic culture, ang Holly was considered as a
holy tree.
Source for my topics: TrendsToday network & its contributors
Mga kababayan, Maligayang Pasko
at Manigong Bagong Taon!
September-October 2006 Issue
Alam n'yo ba... pagkatapos ng
tag-init at humid summer, Japan is in its coolest? Ang Japan ay may
four distinct seasons, ito ay ang winter, spring, summer and autumn.
Ang sabi ng mga Japanese friends ko, ang best season and best time to
go and make pasyal in Japan, autumn is a good choice. Autumn is the
transition from summer into winter. This is the season din na karamihan
ng mga crops are harvested and deciduous trees lose their leaves.
Autumn is often defined din as the start of school year, gaya dito sa
Japan, it begins end of August or early September.
Alam n'yo ba... na dito sa Japan maraming festivals na related to the
agricultural calendar and regional autumn festivals are held? Dito sa
Japan, they celebrate the autumn with festivals dahil ito ay isang
paraan rin ng pasasalamat sa ani or harvest nila. Marami at iba't-ibang
klase ng festivals throughout Japan from September to November tulad ng:
September
7-9 Kakudate Matsuri (Kakudate City, Akita)
12-14 Hanamaki Matsuri (Hanamaki City, Iwate)
12-14 Towada Fall Festival (Towada City, Aomori)
14-15 Kishiwada Danjiri Matsuri (Kishiwada City, Osaka)
14-16 Morioka Fall Festival (Morioka City, Iwate)
14-16 Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Festival (Kamakura City, Kanagawa)
22-24 Aizu Autumn Festival (Aizuwakamatsu City, Fukushima)
October
4-6 Nihonmatsu Chochin (Lantern) Festival (Fukushima)
7-9 Nagasaki Kunchi (Nagasaki City, Nagasaki)
9-10 Takayama Fall Festival (Takayama City, Gifu)
10-12 Nagoya Matsuri (Nagoya City, Aichi)
11-13 Naha Matsuri (Naha City, Okinawa)
1-11/25 Nihonmatsu Kiku (Chrysanthemum) Matsuri (Fukushima)
17 Nikko Toshogu Fall Festival (Nikko City, Tochigi)
17- Hirosaki Castle Fall Foliage Festival (Hirosaki, Aomori)
22 Jidai Matsuri Heianjingu (Kyoto)
30- Saga Baloon Festival (Saga)
November
1-3 Shuri Castle Festival (Naha City, Okinawa)
1-24 Yahiko Kiku Flower Festival (Yahiko Town, Niigata)
2-4 Karatsu Kunchi (Karatsu City, Saga)
3 Hakone Daimyu Parade (Hakone City, Kanagawa)
9 Arashiyama Japanese Maple Festival (Kyoto)
Alam n'yo ba... na ang Fall is an alternative English word para sa
Autumn? Ang Fall ay ginagamit na lang ngayon sa North American English.
Di malaman kung saan ang exact derivation of the word FALL, from the
Old English it is FEALLAN and the Old Norse naman is FALL. Pero sabi
nga nila, Feallan and Fall all have the meaning "To fall from a
height." The term Fall only came to denote the season in the 16th
century. Ang Autumn naman comes from the Old French AUTOMNE, and
ultimately from the Latin AUTUMNUS. The usage of Autumn only became
common in the 16th century, halos kasabay ng Fall, these two words
appear to have been used interchangeably. Pero alam nyo ba na before
the 16th century, they used the word HARVEST to refer to the season,
because this refers to the actual activity of reaping kaysa sa time of
year. Times change and more people moved from working the land to
living in towns, Fall and Autumn began to replace it.
(source: Encyclopedia)
Alam n'yo ba... kung saan makikita ang mga most brightly colored autumn
foliage? Ang mga known autumn foliage can be found sa tatlong regions
dito sa mundo, karamihan sa Canada at United States; mayroon din sa
isang maliit na area of central South America at sa may Eastern Asia,
kabilang na dito ang China at ang Japan. Kung ikaw ay isang turista na
ang gusto lang makita ay ang fall foliage, you will be referred to as
"Leaf Peepers."
Enjoy autumn, the brilliant orange of sunlight autumn trees and fiery red fall leaves, very beautiful talaga.
Alam n'yo ba... na kung saan kayo dapat mamasyal dito sa Japan na may
three sacred sites and pilgrimage routes and granted World Heritage
status noong July 7, 2004? Sa Kii Mountain Range ng Wakayama
Prefecture, makikita ninyo dito ang three sacred sites, ang YOSHINO
OMINE, isang lugar for self training; ang KUMANO SANZAN na center ng
Kumano belief. Ito ay located southeast ng Kii mountains na matatagpuan
ang tatlong shrines: a) Kumano Hongu; b) Kumano Hayatama; at ang, c)
Kumano Nachi, which are 20 to 40km apart and two temples Seiganto-ji at
ang Fudarakusan-ji at ang isa pang sacred site ay ang KOYASAN, a place
for Shingon esoteric Buddhism and the pilgrimage route connects those
places. Ang Koyasan is located in about 30km west southwest ng Yoshino
Omine mountains. Ito ay isang sacred site whose head temple is
Kongobu-ji, gawa ito in 816 bilang isang training grounds in mountains
for Shingon esoteric. Dahil sumikat ang tatlong sacred sites, yung
tatlong tinatawag nilang Pilgrimage roads called Omine okugake-michi,
Kumano sankei-michi at ang Koyasan choishi-michi were improved. Ang
Wakayama Prefecture ay isang lugar na kung saan kayo mag-eenjoy ng
kanyang natural blessings and historical assets. Ito ay located sa Kii
Peninsula, isa sa pinakamalaki sa Japan. Makikita dito ang mga natural
features created by greenery mountains, coastline showing magnificent
scenes with Kuroshio Current spreading more than 600km, at ang
napakalinis na river which goes through them allures people throughout
the year. In addition, ang mga sumusunod makes Wakayama Prefecture
proud din:
1. Nandiyan ang Wakayama Castle na may isang famous na maple tree garden sa loob ng castle known as Momijidani garden.
2. Kimii-san Kongouhou-ji Temple Gokoku-in, in short known as the Kimii-dera Temple.
3. Tosho-gu Shrine, also called as "Kansai Nikko"
4. Kokawa-dera Temple, an old temple built in 770.
5. Negoro-dera Temple, a famous temple built in 1130
6. Niutsuhime Shrine, has beautiful vermilion colored arched bridge over mirror pond in the precints.
(Source: Wakayama Prefectural Government)
Alam n'yo ba... kung saan nakuha ang pangalan ng Clark Air Force Base?
Ito ay ipinangalan kay Harold M. Clark, isang U.S. Army Signal Corps na
born in Minnesota and reared in Manila. Siya ay isang second lieutenant
of Cavalry in 1913. In 1916, nag-transfer siya sa Aviation Section of
the Signal Corps, and in 1917 na rate siya as Junior Military Aviator.
Si Major Clark ay namatay noong May 2, 1919 sa isang seaplane crash sa
may Panama Canal Zone.
Alam n'yo ba... na sa may SM Mall of Asia, may isang Filipino
restaurant na malinis, mura at masarap ang food? Ang restaurant
na ito ay ang kALyE jUAn.
Ang KALYE JUAN's main branch is located at the Ground Floor CKB Center,
Tomas Morato corner Scout Rallos, Quezon City. Ang kanilang house
specialty is the Sisig Kalye. This is grilled pork served with fresh
onions, chicken liver, and fresh peppers on a sizzling plate. Mayroon
din silang Sizzling Pusit grilled to perfection on a sizzling plate.
Kaya pasyal na at dalhin ang buong pamilya sa kALyE jUAn. Ang Morato
branch nila is open 20 hours a day, except on Mondays from 11am - 2pm
and 6pm - 11am Kaya kung kayo ay isang balikbayan, try ninyong pumunta
sa KALYE JUAN at magugustuhan ninyo dahil napaka-cozy at talagang
affordable ang presyo ng pagkain.
Until the next issue, take care!
"Offer happiness, wherever you see gloom.
Pity is demeaning, but happiness, offered without imposing it, can be a lifeboat on a stormy sea."
July-August 2006 Issue
ALAM N'YO BA…na ang summer dito sa Japan ay very hot and humid?
Ay super talaga sa init at nakakaitim....aray ko! Tinamaan ata ako doon
sa word na nakakaitim…dahil sa totoo lang naman. Nowadays, karamihan
ay gumagamit ng air conditioners, pero may mga traditional Japanese
ways of making summer more comfortable. Some of these ways use the
sensations of sight, sound and taste. Itong mga traditional methods ng
mga Japanese ay galing daw sa wisdom ng kanilang mga ancestors, dahil
noong unang panahon wala pa silang mga aircon or refrigerators. Para
malaman din ninyo, let me introduce some special customs for summer
na very unique to Japan.
1. Ways to keep cool visually: Kasama rito ang Hanabi (Fireworks);
Uchimizu (Sprinkling Water); Sudare (Bamboo Blinds) at ang Goza
(Rush Mats). Alam nyo na ang tungkol sa fireworks known to many as
Hanabi, kaya let me just focus on Uchimizu, the Sudare and the Goza.
UCHIMIZU (Sprinkling Water) – karamihan sa mga Japanese sprinkle
water sa mga gardens nila or on the road sa harap ng kanilang bahay
to cool the ground. Sabi nila, it lowers the temperature by about 1 to 2
degrees Celsius.
SUDARE (Bamboo Blinds/Shades) – ito ay ginagawa by lining up bamboo
or reeds or of slats of decorative wood or other natural materials at tinatali
lang ito with a string to put them together. Ang Sudare is sometimes called
Misu as well. Nilalagay ito sa between rooms used in many Japanese homes
as shades indoors or shield the verandah and other openings of their homes
to keep the sunlight out. Inilalagay ito tuwing spring and taken down again
in autumn. Sudare protect inhabitants of the buildings not only from the
elements, but also from the eyes of the outsiders. Alam nyo rin ba na ang
Sudare ay ginagamit in imperial audiences? Kasi po, noong unang
panahon, pinagbabawal to look directly at the Tenno (heavenly ruler).
The dawn of modernity, ang production ng sudare went into decline
at naging traditional handicraft na lang siya, pero some companies
still sell and shipp sudare abroad.
GOZA (Rush Mats) – Ito ay mats na gawa from rush (known as the IGUSA
Stem). Itong GOZA ay nilalagay sa taas ng futon for sleeping instead of
sheets, allowing for a cool feeling tuwing summer lalo na sa gabi.
Ang GOZA ay may cool appearance at texture.
2. Ways to keep cool with sound: The Lion Scarer (Shishiodoshi) at Wind
Chimes (Fuurin). Alamin natin kung ano ang mga ito.
SHISHIODOSHI (Lion Scarer) –Ang Shishiodoshi was originally used na
parang scarecrow sa farm. Ito ay gawa sa cut bamboo cylinder na
suportado siya ng fulcrum. Habang napupuno ng tubig sa taas nung
bamboo cylinder, it begins to lean to one side from the weight of the water.
When it becomes too heavy, yung bamboo bangs pababa against sa isang
bato below it and makes a sound. Ang well-known na shishiodoshi ay nasa
Kyoto’s Shinsendo Temple.
FUURIN (Wind Chimes) – Ito ay nakasabit lang sa labas ng mga balconies
or mga porches, making a pleasant sound as they ring in the breeze. Ito
ay gawa sa clay, sa glass, sa bamboo or di kaya’y made from iron.
3. Ways to keep cool with taste: Cold Noodles in a Stream (Nagashi Somen);
Soft Azuki Bean Jelly (Mizuyokan) at ang kilalang-kilala nyo ay ang Shaved
Ice (Kakigori). Karamihan sa atin ay alam na kung ano ang Kakigori.
Let me explain the other two.
NAGASHI SOMEN (Cold Noodles in a Stream) – Ito ay manipis na white
noodles that are usually served cold with a soy-based sauce. Itong Nagashi
Somen is served using a bamboo trunk na hinati sa half and tilted so that
the noodles slide down with water. People scoop the cool noodles out of the
stream and then dip sa soy-based sauce and eat them.
MIZUYOKAN (Soft Azuki Bean Jelly) – Ito ay isang dessert or panghimagas
made with agar and Azuki bean paste, in a similar way to Yokan. Ito ay
very smooth and prepared with more water and salt. Pag naging matigas
na yung jelly, it is then chilled and served on or binabalot ito sa isang cherry
leaf.
4. And lastly, Ways to keep cool with clothing and accessories: Cotton
Kimono (Yukata); Round and Folded Paper Fans (Uchiwa, Sensu); Wooden
Clogs and Sandals (Geta, Zori) and Straw Hat (Mugiwara Boshi). Yukata is
known to many which is worn during summer or sometimes after bath.
Ang UCHIWA, SENSU....sa madaling salita, Pamaypay.
GETA, ZORI (Wooden Clogs and Sandals) – Geta is a Japanese footwear
that resembles both clogs and flip-flops. Ito ay isang Japanese sandal na
may elevated wooden base held onto the foot with a fabric thong. Pag suot
mo ito, it makes a clattering noise as one walks in them. Ang Geta is normally
worn with kimono or yukata. Kung minsan, Geta are worn tuwing tag-ulan
or snow to keep the feet dry, dahil sa extra height and impermeability kumpara
sa ibang shoes. May iba’t-ibang styles of Geta. Ang pinaka-familiar na style is
made of an unfinished wooden board na ang tawag dito ay DAI that the foot
is set upon, with a cloth throng (HANAO) that passes between yung big toe
and next largest toe. Ang DAI ay pwedeng oval to rectangular ang shape.
Yung dalawang pieces below the base board, is called HA (ngipin) na gawa
din sa wood kaya nga may clacking sound while walking: KARANKORON.
Ang Ha, pwede rin to vary in style, halimbawa, TENGU-GETA, ito ay may
single centered na HA. Sabi ng mga matatanda na ang namimiss nila in
modern life ay yung sound of the Geta.
Ang Zori naman is similar sa Geta and is also worn with Kimono. Kadalasan,
ito ay sinusuot wearing a Tabi (known as Japanese socks). Ito ay gawa sa
rice straw or other plant fibers, lacquered wood, at sa ngayon, mas marami
ang gawa sa synthetic materials. Ang Zori came about because of Japan’s
humid climate lalo na tuwing summer.
ALAM N'YO BA…na may isang Catholic Church at English mass sa may
Toshima-ku area? Ito ay ang St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, located at
1-28-22, Nagasaki, Toshima-ku, Tokyo. Ang English mass ay tuwing araw
ng Linggo from 11:30 a.m. Kung minsan, walang misa or di kaya’y iba
ang schedule nila, kaya tawag muna kayo sa 03-3957-2540. Malaki ang
St. Patrick’s Church at medyo conservative ang mga church goers dito.
Dito sa St. Patrick’s Church, people still observe the genuflect or
kneeling, lalung-lalo na during the consecration of the body and blood
of Christ. Ang mga choir members during the English mass, majority
ay mga kababayan natin. If you find time, try visiting St. Patrick’s Church
and welcome po kayong lahat.
O summer na po at super init talaga at napaka super humid. Pawis na
mabango, pawis na maasim, pawis na may halong amoy, et cetera,
et cetera. Magdala ng pamaypay at panyo at siguradong kakailanganin
ninyo. Sa mga Kababayan natin na nagtatrabaho sa construction or
genba, magdala ng extrang t-shirt, towel hindi panyo dahil di kakayanin
ng panyo ang inyong pawis, drink plenty of water and make sure to rest
during your break. Sa mga ladies naman, dalhin ang payong o di kaya
ang summer hat ninyo to protect your beautiful skin....at ang pinaka-
importante, MALIGO araw-araw!!!! Enjoy your summer in Japan.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
May-June Issue 2006
Alam n'yo ba... na ang Philippine Independence Day used to be celebrated
on July 4 - same date as the American Independence Day? It was former
president Diosdado Macapagal who spearheaded the change of date saying
July 4 was not the proper independence day for Filipinos and should be changed
to June 12 -- the date General Emilio Aguinaldo proclaimed the independence
of the Filipinos in Kawit, Cavite, in 1898. He also thought that a celebration of
a common Independence Day with the United States on July 4 caused
considerable inconvenience. Siempre, their celebration dwarfed that of
the Philippines. And to make things look much worse, July 4 seemed
tantamount to the celebration of Philippine subjection to and dependence
on the United States.
Alam n'yo ba... na "Lupang Hinirang" at hindi "Bayang Magiliw" ang pangalan
ng ating pambansang awit? Actually, our national anthem first came out as
an instrumental march commissioned by then President Emilio Aguinaldo
to composer Julian Felipe. It was first called Magdalo Philippine March.
Later on, it was changed to Philippine National March. Then in August
1899, a young poet-soldier named Jose Palma wrote the poem Filipinas
in Spanish. It became the lyrics of the national anthem. When the Americans
came, they wanted a translation of our national anthem from Spanish to
English which was entitled "Philippine Hymn." Then during the 1940's,
different Filipino translations started appearing. The most popular one was
called "O Sintang Lupa" until "Lupang Hinirang" became the official Filipino
national anthem.
Alam n'yo ba na... the year 2006 marks the 50th anniversary of the
normalization of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Japan
with the ratification of the Peace Treaty and Reparations Agreement between
the Philippines and Japan on July 23, 1956. The Golden Jubilee Year is
proclaimed as Philippines-Japan Friendship Year and Sunday, July 23, 2006
as Philippines-Japan Friendship Day by Her Excellency President
Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. The Philippines-Japan Friendship Year exhibits
the strong cooperation between the two countries. Let us join hands for
a dynamic and ever-expanding partnership of our two countries.
The Embassy of Japan in Manila and the Graduate School of the University
of Santo Tomas invite Filipino citizens living in Japan or abroad to join the
HAIKU CONTEST in commemoration of the Philippines-Japan Friendship Year
2006. The theme is: "Pinoy Haiku: Verses for Mother Nature." Deadline
of submission: Not later than Saturday, August 2nd, 2006. For further
inquiries, please contact: Japan Information and Cultural Center Embassy
of Japan -- website: www.ph.emb-japan.go.jp
Alam n'yo ba na... the law in Japan refuses nationality to children born
to an unmarried foreign mother and Japanese father unless the father
recognizes the child as his before the birth. However, a Japanese court
in a landmark judgment ruled last April that a law which refuses nationality
to children of unmarried Japanese men and foreign women is unconstitutional.
So mga kababayan, ipaglaban ninyo ang mga anak ninyo!
Alam ny'o ba na... ang "BAYANIHAN" ay galing sa salitang "BAYANI"
meaning "hero" -- and it is the Filipino spirit of pooling together to get a
job done as a team. So para sa ating mga Bagong Bayani, kailangan natin
ang bayanihan! Hindi lang tayo nabubuhay bilang isang tao. Magbuklud-buklod
tayo sa anumang suliranin at siguradong gagaan ang problema.
Alam n'yo ba na... dito sa Japan, maraming mga elderly people na either
tamad o walang lakas para ilabas ang kanilang mga basura ay pinababayaan
na lang nilang dumami sa kanilang loob ng bahay? Actually, meron ng bagong
term na bininyag dito. Ang tawag nila sa mga bahay na basurahan
ay "GOMI-YASHIKI."
Alam n'yo ba na... seventy percent of Japanese people live in fear? Sabi ng
isang government survey, hindi lang takot ang mga Hapon sa lindol, isali na
rin dito ang mga typhoons, heavy snow, train accidents at asbestos
poisoning. Recently, apat na trabahador ang nag-collapse due to carbon
monoxide poisoning habang gumagawa sila ng lumpia sa factory.
Alam n'yo ba na... meron ng available na odor-free natto? Opo, walang
ng masamang amoy pero still very nutritious pa rin! Kaya sa inyong
mga nanghihina, kumain kayo ng odor-free natto para lumakas kayo!
Alam n'yo ba na... idineklara ng Newsweek magazine na "Endagered Wonders
of the World" ang mga Japanese ryokan? Only the foreign tourists are keeping
the old ryokan alive and going with foreigners comprising 80 percent of the
guests at some inns.
Alam n'yo ba na... sa Japan, hindi basta-basta pwedeng magpatayo ng
high-rise buildings? Dito nga sa Shinjuku, Tokyo, meron mga 10 lawsuits
to block construction of high-rise buildings. In Sapporo, Kyoto and Nara,
they have legislation on the books to limit the height of new buildings.
I am just wondering kasi alam naman natin na earthquake-prone ang Japan.
Eh, bakit gusto nilang magtayo ng matataas na buildings? Well, siguro nan
diyan na ang status symbol... Japan, being a rich country. Pag nag-collapse
iyan during a strong earthquale, sige kayo!
Alam n'yo ba na... the more kids you produce, the lower tax you will be
paying? The Japanese government has decided that this would be a good
way to encourage couples to have more children.
Alam n'yo ba na... lumalaki na raw ang market ng cosmetics sa mga
Japanese men? More Japanese men are using make-up foundation,
skin moisturizers and skin lighteners. Sales of men's cosmetics at
Takashimaya in Nihonbashi have been growing 20-30 percent a year.
Alam n'yo ba na... during the Turin Winter Olympic Games, nagpadala
ang Japan ng 113 athletes pero, take note, 127 officials. Eh, bakit mas
marami ang officials nila kaysa sa mga athletes? Baka gusto nilang
magbakasyon sa Italy. No wonder isang gold medal lang ang nakuha nila.
Alam n'yo ba na... based from a recent report that Japanese words such
as MAJI? (Are you serious?), KAWAII! (cute!!) and YAMETE! (Stop it!) ay
popular na sa mga kabataan sa France and Germany? Siguro, sa Pinas
naman, aside from ARIGATOU, SAYONARA, BANZAI, marami na rin
ang nakakaalam sa mga Japanese words like GENKI, DAIJOUBU at
OKANE CHODAI. Hay naku, GOMEN NASAI!
Alam n'yo ba na... ang rainy season in Japan ay tinatawag na TSUYU?
It actually means PLUM RAIN because it coincides with the season of
plums ripening. I know marami sa atin ang may ayaw lumabas when
it is raining. Pero this could also be a good season to travel kasi walang
mga tao sa labas. It's a good time to have the whole place all to yourself!
Rainy weather and fog make a nice atmospheric scene specially in the
mountains. And there is nothing more relaxing than sitting in an open air
hot spring while viewing the cloudy landscape and listening to the patter
of the rain.
Pumapatak na naman ang ulan sa bubong ng bahay... Panahon na naman
ng KABI (molds) kaya once nag-stop na ang ulan, buksan ang mga bintana
sa bahay and let the sunshine in! Keep your home dry and pleasant during
this season!
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2006 March-April Issue
ALAM N'YO BA... na according to Mr. Francisco J. Colayco, kaya ng mga
OFWs na makaipon at maiwasan ang mga walang kwenta or unnecessary
demands ng mga pamilya natin sa Pilipinas? Katulad ni Mr. Colayco sa
kanyang librong "Pera Mo, Palaguin Mo," ako ay naniniwala sa true stories
about brothers and sisters who gave up their own happiness or ang
pansariling kaligayahan para lang sa mga younger siblings and pamilya nila.
Ang gusto kasi nila ay makatapos ng pag-aaral ang mga kapatid o
makaahon sa kahirapan ang pamilya. Kaya si Kuya or di kaya si Ate goes
abroad and becomes an OFW. Nagpapakahirap itong si OFW while yung
mga kamag-anak spend time doing nothing. Yung iba sitting pretty.
While others spend time going to malls enjoying their lives. Come remittance
day of the OFW, parang fiesta at maligayang-maligaya ang pamilya.
Yung pera na dapat para sa edukasyon ng kapatid o di kaya'y pera para
sa negosyo ay napupunta lang sa walang kwentang gastusin like drinking
session with barkada at pinagmamalaki na may anak o di kaya'y kapatid
na nasa ibang bansa, sugal (casino o sabong at iba pang sugal), good time
at shopping dito at doon, etc. The poor OFW will only discover after she/he
comes home na ang perang pinaghirapan ay napunta lang sa kung saan.
At hindi lang iyon, pag ang OFW umuuwi sa Pilipinas, everyone expects
a pasalubong. Kaya ang naipon at pinaghirapan na pera quickly disappears.
Agree kayo sa akin na mahirap maging OFW, at hindi talaga ito biro dahil
mahirap na ang trabaho, malayo ka pa sa mga mahal mo sa buhay.
Sabi nga ni Mr. Colayco, anyayahan ang iyong pamilya sa isang tapat na
talakayan ng kahalagahan ng pangsariling planong pinansyal. Tulungan
silang unawain ang iyong kalagayan at ang iyong layunin sa pagtatrabaho
sa ibang bansa upang ang buong kamag-anakan mo ay magkaroon ng
tamang pang-unawa. Huwag ipadala lahat ng kinita at magtabi ng fix
amount buwan-buwan para sa emergency funds mo or kung ikaw ay may
edad na, for your retirement (ng di ka umasa sa mga kamag-anak mo).
ALAM N'YO BA... na kung ikaw ay isang OFW na nandito sa Japan,
ang tingin sa iyo ng mga kamag-anak mo ay isang mayaman, na kung
minsan tawagin ay donya o milyonariya, di ba? This is true enough dahil
when they convert the isang lapad (\10,000), malaking amount ito sa
peso. Kabayan, tingin mo rin ba sa sarili mo okay ka na sa pinansyal or
pwede na bang tawagin na you are financially independent? Ika nga ni
Mr. Colayco, okay ka kung ikaw ay hindi baon sa utang at ang antas ng
iyong pamumuhay ay hindi mataas. Hindi kailangan ng maraming pera
o salapi upang magkaroon ng tunay na kayamanan. Sa madaling salita,
kung ang iyong mga napamuhunanan ay kayang tustusan ang iyong
pamumuhay sa nalalabi mo pang panahon sa mundong ito, considered
ka as financially independent.
ALAM N'YO BA... na malapit na ang Holy Week or what we also know
as Lent? Lent is a time when Catholics remember the crucifixion and
resurrection of Jesus Christ. Maraming paraan to celebrate the Lent.
Simulan natin ito sa Ash Wednesday, the Wednesday after
QUINQUAGESIMA SUNDAY, which is the first day of the Lenten fast.
(By the time mabasa ninyo ito, tapos na ang Ash Wednesday, oks pa
rin, at least we will know kung ano ang Ash Wednesday). Sa araw ng
Ash Wednesday, the priest, dipping his thumb into ashes previously blessed,
marks the forehead the sign of the cross na sinasabi ng pari "Remember
man that thou art dust and unto dust thou shalt return." Karamihan sa
mga Catholics and some Christians, we treat Ash Wednesday as a day
for remembering one's mortality. May mga misa held on this day na kung
saan na ang bawat attendees are blessed with ashes by the priest
celebrating the Mass. Alam n'yo ba kung saan gawa ang mga ashes na
ginagamit tuwing ash Wednesday? Karamihan siguro sa atin hindi alam
kung saan galing ito. Well, the ashes used are made by burning the
remains of the palm leaves blessed on the Palm Sunday of the previous
year mixing them with olive oil as a fixative. Kaya kung may mga palm
leaves kayo na nakuha sa simbahan noong nakaraan taon, pwede itong
ibalik sa simbahan para magamit ito for the Ash Wednesday, not for this
year kasi baka too late na, baka for next year na lang. Ang Ash Wednesday
ay pweden |
