PEDESTRIAN LANE
 by by Mylene Miyata

November - December 2008

It was a late Monday evening when my second year college sister, Maricar put me on the spot. Sleepy mode na ako that night pero I went online para kumustahin ang nanay ko sa Pinas. Suddenly, binigyan ako ng kapatid ko ng ice breaker. Nagulat ako pero I tried to be direct about it.

At first, siguro dahil nga sa panganay ako, para akong pari kung magsermon sa kapatid ko that night. Walang humpay na letanya ang alay ko sa kanya. Although I was like wondering "Bakit kaya ako parang ginu-good time nitong kapatid kong toh?!" Pa'no ba naman, sa dinami dami ng mga pinagsasasabi ko, parang puro thank you na lang ang nakita ko sa monitor ko at ang salitang "Opo, Ate." When she finally had the chance to give her say, she said, "Ate! Last na tanong na lang po bago tayo matulog." Sabi ko naman, "Sige, GO!" Then just like triggering a bullet gun, she asked, "Bakit po minsan hindi natin kayang gawin yung mga bagay na pinapayo natin sa iba. Kasi, ako ate halos ganyan din ako magpayo sa mga friends ko pero pagdating sa sarili ko---minsan diko naman nai-a-apply?"

That question gave me the shock of my life. Hindi talaga kinaya ng super powers ko yung tanong the moment it flashed right on my face. But out of nowhere, I was prompt to reply. Nag-type ako sa keyboard... "I don't regret that I am not able to practice what I preach at times. What matters to me ultimately is to be able to help others." Tama man o mali ang sagot na sinulat ko doon, I told myself, "Bahala na si Batman!"

Masaya ako kapag may ibang tao akong napapasaya. Kahit na minsan, people may take advantage of me. My intention is pure but some may take it wrong. If it is too good to be true, then, it's their prerogative. Kahit na sabihin ng mga kapatid ko minsan, "Ate, it's too idealistic!" Minsan, iisipin ng tao, parang ang hirap gawin o paniwalaan ang sina-suggest ko. Sasabihin ko na lang sa kanila, "Someday, maiintindihan nyo din yan!" Trying to reflect a little on this regard, minsan kasi some things have to happen pa talaga before it could be understood well. At times, hindi man ganoon kalinaw sa atin. We have to realize the fact that there is something special with the way we feel kapag nakakapagpasaya tayo ng ibang tao with the way we advise them. Yun nga lang, overdoing it will not be beneficial, diba? Kaya nga siguro kung tutuusin, chemistry is needed to balance the right formula for any human relationships. Kailangan laging nasa sakto o tamang timpla para smooth sailing ang bagay-bagay lagi.

They say we have to practice what we preach. That is true, certain as it is! But in cases when we don't, we must not feel bad 'cause the traces we made in the lives of other people will go a long way... a very long way. It will heal those with hearts which are wounded. It will enlighten those whose roads are on their gray paths, and you will be able to touch lives like no one else can. Ultimately, it goes back to you.

Stay inspired in spite of the few bruises you may encounter in life. People may not be happy 24 hours a day. But surely, even in a second or in a minute of each day, God will find a way to sprinkle some happy moments on us to ponder and live by each day. Christmas is everyday, believe me! It is on how we actually feel deep within our hearts! HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

FEEL THE SEASON IN YOUR HEARTS!

September-October 2008

T-4-2

Let's talk about relationship. Buhay mag-asawa, for instance. Lately, I tried to conduct a random interview just to discover few things on this regard. As expected, different points of view and different cases to base on. So as to narrow down my choices, sinubukan kong i-compare lahat ng narinig kong statements. Merong willing i-work out ang relationship no matter how chaotic it is... at meron din namang almost at the edge of giving it up already. The common thing I learned is the "on and off" approach of several challenges for a couple to overcome. At depende ito sa taglay na powers ng forces ng dalawang taong nagdesisyong magkaroon ng relasyon.

In most cases, according to common circumstances I have witnessed---napaka-inevitable na mawalan ng kahit konting misunderstanding between a couple. Laging nandyan ang "LQ" (lovers' quarrel). Whether nakukuha man ito by having "a kiss and make up" therapy or not... siguradong laging may next episode ang ganitong scenario. It is actually one of the secret spices for having a tough relationship! Well, they say you have to double your effort to make a relationship work raw if you happen to marry a foreigner! But if we try to realize things over---it is not merely the nationality issue. It's more on how we handle the communication inside the relationship that we got into. Minsan nga,sabi ng kakilala kong may asawang kapwa Filipino din ---"Away bati din ang drama namin sa buhay nyang asawa ko kahit iisa ang lenguaheng ginagamit namin. Madalas, di pa rin kami magkaintindihan."People say that as the relationship grows older, dapat tested by time na daw ito. But how tough could it be when you still hesitate to express exactly what you feel?Yun bang minsan, just to avoid few arguments to get worse---mananahimik ka na lang sa isang tabi? Si Aira kasi nakakatuwa. Napaka-nagger na asawa pero sabi nya, para sa kanila daw comparable to "mangga" ang scenario sa loob ng bahay nila. Kasi, she is vocal of her true feelings. Hakkiri nya daw sinasabi kung anong gusto nya. At times, we have the fear of expression, right? We are sometimes afraid not to be accepted for what we stand for. Pero kay Aira, I discovered that there is happiness within her. Matapang nya kasing sinasabi ang nararamdaman nya. At least, malinaw sa kanila ang bagay bagay. Ginagamit nya ang "freedom of expression" nya. Heehehehe....

Having Nihongo as our second language really makes big differences in our lives.Although in some ways, we still have to admit the fact that no matter how fluent we are in Nihongo, there are still certain instances when we cannot satisfy our feelings no matter how much has been said and done. Yung para bang... nasabi mo na lahat ng gusto mong sabihin verbally pero in some aspects wala pa rin yung fulfillment deep within you. Kaya naman in the process, some twists and turns do happen inside and outside marriage. Blaming each other may help to make us feel innocent or relieved for a while but ultimately goes back to conscience. Finally, we will realize that it does not help at all. We may also try consulting the rampant counseling thing everywhere but at the end of the road, the big answer lies simply within yourself. Regardless of all the influences which may surround you, you are still the king of your own kingdom. You make rules, so you follow it as well. Otherwise, never rule.

Love is given! Once you get married, it is understood that love has been engineering your relationship from the very start, right? However, in the process, things change. There could never be a constant other than change naman, diba? Nagulat pa nga ako sa mother-in-law ko last time we had lunch out together eh... Bigla ba naman akong tanungin ng "kenka shiteru desu yo?!" Syempre mabilis ko naman itong sinagot ng "Hai!" Then myÊmother-in-law utttered the words..."Jya! daijyoubu desu yo!" Reading between the lines... slightly ironic but true. One thing is for sure, in any kind of relationship in this world, we normally get what we give in most cases. If not, then circumstances could simply manifest the cause and effect we encounter along the process. Whether people desire to save or escape a certain relationship at hand--- try self reflection! It is known to be significant in most cases.

Minsan, no matter how much love there could ever be between two people, it may not just be sufficient enough to make a relationship last. Why? Because behind a lasting relationship hides two "brave" people---strong enough to overcome each struggle that shakes their good foundation! And in case whichever end finally lose the power to stand out and fight---it is of no value to call it a couple anymore!

"It takes two to tango!"

July-August 2008

STRESSED FOR LIFE?

Alam po ba ninyo na ang mga unresolved stress ay maaaring maging dahilan ng ilang uri ng karamdaman? Nan diyan na ang liver disease, heart disease, backache, obesity, headaches, diabetes, depression, insomnia o stroke. Iyan ang mga ilan lamang sa mga possibleng outcome ng pagwawalang bahala natin sa stress.

In everyday living, we have to admit the fact of being stressed at times, right? However, dahil sa responsibility natin to fulfill our duties, we tend not to recognize or deny our own stress. Na o-offset kasi ng daily chores ang personal desires natin kung minsan, di ba? So, even though we want to relax, sometimes we set them aside instead. More often than not, sa pagkain natin ito naibabaling. Unconsciously, we overlook our daily diet. Lalo na sa mga babae, when we are "stressed" out, we eat a little too much than usual. Also, we feel a certain craving for some "sweets" or "desserts" after meal. Taking a closer look---the word "DESSERTS" if to be spelled the other way would read as "STRESSED"! The relativity between these two words is hypothetical. May kaugnayan man o wala ang dalawang magkaibang salitang nabanggit ay kailangan pa rin nating i-prove personally. Or simply, let us do some inner reflections if possible before it may be too late. On the worse level, for some people, drinking a little too much of alcohol is their style. According to Ate Jane, the spirit of alcohol temporarily soothes her mind daw. We cannot blame people like her kasi that's the way they relax. Kasi nga naman, you are temporarily a little distant to worries during the tipsy or drunk moments.

These are just simple cases in life that are sometimes unknown to some of us. People may think that we just are fond of sweets or that maganda lang ang appetite natin. Pero, in the long run, when things go rough, only then will we realize that we haven't been doing the right thing.

It's okay to do anything that makes us feel comfortable. Pero, there are certain limitations in almost anything, di ba? Kaya naman kahit na gaano kasalimuot ang galit ng buhay, kailangan natin i-manage well ang bawat stress na pumapasok sa buhay natin.

There are so many ways on how to deal stress. Let me share with you some:
1. Become Organize: Use simple memos to avoid missing tasks. In this way, peaceful ang sked mo.
2. Have A Break: Relax! Unwind if needed. Just loosen up even for a few moments in a day. Listen to good music.
3. SMILE: Guess I need this! This brings priceless beauty to anyone daw. It heals the heart as well. Try natin?!
4. Pamper Yourself: Do what your heart desires as long as it's constructive and beneficial.
5. Get Moving: Stay active and be productive in your own simple ways. Shiawase ni naru yo!

CHEERS!!! Sabi nga ni Mother Teresa, "LIFE IS BEAUTY. ADMIRE IT!"

May-June 2008

Motherhood & Travel

One sunny Thursday afternoon, I was very lucky again to get a quick phone chat with my editor-in-chief, Mr. Dennis Sun. We rarely talk but I value these short phone talks we have. They are short quality conversations filled with creative ideas and wisdom on life. Along the conversation, we talked about the excitement of international travel.

For us Pinoys living in Japan, we are blessed with what this country can offer us. We get the chance to work and be paid well. We are given the financial freedom. From our extra earnings, we can always send money back home. At kung meron pang natitira, we can always use it for travel. Para naman we can enjoy our life. As you very well know, it's cheaper to travel outside Japan than to travel within. Siguro, you have noticed that many Japanese travel abroad during Golden Week. They go to Hawaii, Guam, Bangkok... Sana they would discover Boracay soon. So tell your Japanese friends about the beautiful spots of the Philippines. Mas maganda na rin kung samahan ninyo sila para meron na silang free guide.

Early in my married life, my husband always reminded me, "Mylene, you are not single anymore..." I don't know why but that is how I felt. I made sure I got what I wanted in life. Siempre, isa na diyan ang travel. I really love traveling and all the joys and learning I can get from it. I especially enjoyed traveling abroad. Imagine all the new places, different cultures, exotic food, and so on. Naalala ko tuloy ang sabi ng editor ko, "Diyan ka lucky!" True, before I met my husband, I had a series of unpleasant things in my life. Then came my husband who gave me everything. Siya yung taong kayang pagbigyan yung mga vanities ko sa buhay.

Well, that was yesterday. Now, I have a daughter. Everything changed when my daughter was born. Ang main priority ko ngayon ay ang anak ko. Although I still ask some things from my husband, I get them the hard way. Iba na ngayon ang mundo ko eversince I became a mother. Hindi na pwede ang pa-travel-travel like before. Again, like what Mr. Dennis said, "You can always leave your husband temporarily or permanently anytime for whatever reasons, but it's difficult to leave your child especially when they are so young." Yes, mahirap talagang iwanan ang anak. As a mother, I worry for her a lot. Kahit nasa kabilang kwarto lang siya, worried ako baka kung ano na ang kinakain. Kaya 100% nakatutok ang attention ko sa kanya.

My main goal now is to take care of my daughter. It is to become a responsible parent even if it would mean setting aside my career and even myself for that matter. Motherhood is now my new career! My child cannot depend on anyone except on his parents. Kaya we cannot just leave our child alone. I know how difficult it is to be a mother. Kaya sa inyong mga mothers diyan, "Ganbatte kudasai!" Talagang taihen. Pero paglaki na ng anak, balik single life again. And, balik travel na naman for me.

So for now, wala munang travel especially international travel. Kasi, when Mr. Dennis told me about his short travel in Bangkok where he even studied massage, I was inspired to do the same thing. Pero he had to remind me, "Pero paano naman yung anak mo?"

Celebrate Life... After all, we've got one chance to live!

March-April 2008
Hana!
It's springtime again! Time really flies! Ang bilis!
 
Pero, syempre masaya kasi the surroundings will be filled with beautiful blooming flowers all over na naman, diba? Flowers? As the saying goes... sure-pleaser daw ang mga bulaklak... These flowers can really make wonders to our mood... Personally, kapag nakakakita ako ng bulaklak, especially when it's springtime, parang biglang nae-empower ang buong system ko. I love that magical feeling it brings to me talaga.
 
My daughter, Martha, is also fascinated with beautiful flowers as well. Uhmmm... sabi nga ng anak ko, pag laki daw nya, she wants to have her own flowershop.  Why not, diba? If it would be so. By that time, lola na ako at nagdidilig na lang siguro ng mga bulaklak sa hardin. Hehehe... magandang tandem namin ng anak ko yon... Pero, it's still depending on my capability na magkaroon ng green thumb. I'm not blessed to grow plants or flowers kasi e... kamatayan lagi ang inaabot sa akin ng mga binibili kong halaman. But i still keep some of them at home. Hoping that I could be better each day.
 
Martha is in love with the nature especially flowers. I can see the calmness in her whenever she watches them all around. There is a specific happiness I can notice on her. Madalas nga uuwi sya from yochien, may dalang maliliit na bulaklak inside a small pouch. Then, I go asking: "Where did you get these, anak?" Her reply goes like -- pinulot nya raw from ground kasi magaganda daw. And everytime I attempt to ask kung para kanino yon. She would tell me again and again..."Kore wa mama no yo!" Suddenly, it feels so uplifting deep within... Simple pleasures as such comes so naturally with impact to me. Things which are so ideal to be locked in mind.
 
Suddenly, I start to recall what my husband keeps on reminding me of: to be always guided by that special feeling in life and to be inspired each moment. He always reminds me how important are we as parents in molding our child's growth.  That inspite of the barriers to overcome in the process of being a parent, things will fall into their right places in the long run daw. Nothing great has ever been achieved nga daw without sacrifice and effort, di ba? Kaya naman each day in life has to be a continuous learning process lagi.
 
Minsan, ang naiisip lang kasi ng ilang parents nowadays is the stress that they are undergoing each day in daily life. Pero, when we try to realize the situation in a different perspective at times, we will realize that we sometimes seem to forget the fact that even the children have their own offset stressors as well. One of the things that I observe from my five-year old child is on the "peer pressure" aspect. As a preschooler, I normally notice her vulnerability by what other children think and how these children surrounding her act. That to be able to conform to these standards and not wanting to be different from others, sometimes causes her to feel a little anxious.
 
Well, kahit nga tayong mga adult diba? Nasasabi rin natin minsan na sana katulad nya ako...ganito, ganyan or whatever to that effect. It's a human desire not to be different, perhaps for public acceptance in a way. Although I personally don't see anything wrong in being different from others. As long as you don't disturb their interest in any way. Lagi ko na lang sinasabi sa anak ko, "Anak, it's fine. Anak, it's going to be okay. You can be different from others as long as you are not
hurting or bothering them." sabay yayakapin ko na lang sya ng mahigpit para ma-subside yung feelings nya to make her feel she is loved and to make her feel she belongs. And that things will be all right.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, PAPA! We love you so much!
 
Celebrate Life... After all, we've got one chance to live...
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January-February 2008
Love!
If there's one thing in our past that is so lovely to recall, there's no other than our own love story. And this love story that led to marriage is what made the biggest change in our lives. Why? Simply because at this stage of our existence, we finally found that person whom we will be sharing the rest of our lives. Finally, here comes the person who will either make or break us.

Luckily, for my part, I was blessed to have a good husband. Because of him, I learned that in a relationship, one has to make a lot of compromises. Relationships is not an easy process so both parties have to possess a great amount of patience.

Memories... Kailan ba natin huling naisip ang love story ng buhay natin? Kung paano natin nakilala ang asawa natin? How did we know each other? And how did we develop the growth of love between us? I suddenly had a flashback of my past. When I took a short vacation to Pinas for the wedding of my sister, I started reminiscing my very own. I got married five years ago. It was not a church wedding so medyo hindi ganoon ka strong ang impact sa memories ko ang mismong kasal. Pero ang getting to know each other stage namin ng asawa ko? Hayan ang may impact!

Hay naku! Butterflies in my stomach! Sobrang sweet ang mga memories. Yun bang masarap siyang balik-balikan. I always consider my betterhalf as heavensent to me. He is the one who strives hard to inculcate humility in my attitude. He has the patience to teach me unconditional love by offering it to me first and becoming an example. Each move he makes is equivalent to a labor of love. And above all, because of this, we gave birth to the treasure of our lives, our daughter. Kada galaw niya, lagi niyang iniisip yung kapakanan ng anak namin.

There are moments kung minsan na akala ko nagbago na siya. Hindi na siya kasing sweet like before. Pero kung pag-iisipan ng maigi, nagiging unreasonable lang pala ako minsan. Kasi meron tayong characteristic na kung minsan na ang nakikita lang natin ay yung mga outside factors. Nakakalimutan nating i-take into consideration yung inside factors because of our ignorance. Sometimes, we need to know life in the married stage, life as the wife and life as the husband. Just like the old saying "it takes two to tango!" Love could never work out on a one-way street. We always need it to be a two-way street. Para at least, we can meet each other halfway. Meeting each other halfway is the meaning beyond loving. Some people may fall in love. Some do fall out of love. The thin line that defines the difference between these things relies on how people stay in love with each other. Without sufficient reason, things sometimes just happen to us. But worry not because there is always magic in love! I wish you all couples, married or not, the best of luck this year and the many years to come.

Celebrate life... After all, we've got one chance to live...

November-December 2007
Year end! New year's resolution? New hairstyle? New You? A lot of things such as these linger in our mind wheneverm the end of the year approaches. It has always been  exciting for each one of us, diba? Thinking how jolly Christmas could be this year; how new things will flow in the coming year for us. Could we be luckier? Happier? Healthier? Or what? Marami tayong expectations. Marami tayong aspirations. Well, human nature yan. So, go right ahead! Hope! Set your goals! Aim high! These are priceless anyway!

Common thing na yung kasabihang: "We are not getting any younger each year." There are people din naman na firm sa  pagsasabing "Forever young!" ang mentality nila. Well, either way, I'm sure these people are getting wiser each year. Kasi, the first factor that comes out of our mind is that another year will be added to our age. So there must be another wisdom to come along with it, right?  However, futile kasi if we will just let go of a year without any lesson learned, di ba? Big or small, importante lahat yan. Kaya naman kada taon, siguradong pahusay ng pahusay ang mga uri ng pamumuhay natin - tangible man o hindi. Life's lessons are always significant for making things happen in a better way, di ba?

Here in Japan, it is not practical to take life that slow. I mean, medyo fast pace ang buhay dito para sa ating mga Pinoy considering our goals set ahead when we were younger. Meron tayong kanya- kanyang plans na gustong ma-achieve.  Taking time to observe our kababayans here, they normally are so busy making themselves financially stable. Trabaho sa hiruma, tapos konting rocket sa arubaito. Wow! Iba talaga ang Pinoy - kayang- kayang makipagsabayan kahit saan mo dalhin! Dedicated at talaga namang goal-oriented.Why did I say this?  Simply because it shows that their hard-earned money is properly allocated. Imagine, nakakapagpadala sila ng pera regularly sa mga mahal nila sa Pilipinas. Perhaps, some for monthly house amortization? Some for some sort of investment? Some for daily expenditures? Yun bang kahit na malayo sila sa pamilya nila, they still are responsible and sensitive to the needs of their loved ones. Ganyan magmahal ang Pinoy. Because of that purpose, they give their best to every undertaking they have inspite of some emptiness within. Kahit na puno daw sila ng stress dito sa Japan, they still can afford to laugh out loud.  Plus, you'll still notice them working with a smile. Panlaban daw sa stress yon.

Out of work as well, talaga nga namang pambihira. Ibang role naman ang gagampanan nila. Role bilang isang ina, bilang isang asawa, kaibigan. Lahat
may kaukulang oras. Kaya naman pati ang daily, weekly o yearly plan nila ay malamang almost on target eventually. How inspiring, diba? Kaya naman kada taon, we could say that we are on our way to the top. Proud talaga ako to be PINOY! Always one step forward! No turning back!

So, how about this year end? Should there be any plans to be aimed? Set it!  Gradually work it out. Because each year is as precious it is. Hindi pwedeng sayangin kasi wala nang balikan. Financial aspect ba? Health? Love?  Finally, ask yourself: Did I finish the year right? How can I start a good
new year ahead?  Happy Holidays! ;-)

Celebrate Life! After all, we've got one chance to live.

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September-October 2007
Good Thoughts!
Talk.  Sheer talk. We discover a lot of things just by talking to people. Somehow, the whole personality emerges as one person opens his mouth and start to talk. Because of this, we are able to relate and reach out. The more we talk, the more we open up ourselves. Kaibigan man natin o hindi, once we open our mouth, we begin to open our minds and hearts. And once talk begins to be a two-way street, it all the more becomes more enjoyable. It becomes a conversation - a learning, a chance to grow up.

When we listen to other people's point of view, they show us the realities of their world. It could be constructive, productive or destructive. Whatever opinions they have on us, let us take the good and throw the bad away. We should take care of our thoughts always.

One common example people try to ask me is my life married to a Japanese. Paano raw ang buhay na may asawang Hapon? Ang mga Hapon daw ay magaling lang sa una - habang nanliligaw. Pero gradually, as time goes by, they become cold as ice. Tsumetai! Pero, hindi natin pwedeng i-generalize ang mga Hapon. Hindi lahat po sila ay ganoon. Meron pong iba pero hindi lahat. Sometimes, relationships get down the sink just like everything else: love, career, health, friendships, etc.

But how does one stay happy? Perhaps we think bad thoughts always. Sabi ni Andrew Matthews sa kanyang book, Happiness in a Nutshell, we can always change whatever thoughts we have. Kaya kung hindi maganda ang iniisip natin, dapat, agad natin palitan into something more positive.

All things start with thoughts. Bago maging action, dumaraan muna ito sa ating ulo bilang mga kaisipan. Lahat ng nangyari sa buhay natin ngayon ay galing sa ating pag-iisip - mali man o husto. Mind is so powerful so better be careful of your thoughts.

Powerful nga ang isip ng tao. So why not try to segregate good thoughts from the bad?  Only think of good thoughts, OK?


July-August 2007
Child Rearing
Funny but true! Lately, medyo naglalambing yata ng husto ang baby Martha ko. Gusto nya yatang sabay kaming mag-yochien!  Well, why not? Di ba? Kung pwede nga lang e. Marami yata akong matutunan do'n! At higit sa lahat, kasama ko pa anak ko...hahaha...

Usually, sa umaga, part na ng daily routine naming mag-ina ang halos magmistulang bingi sa lakas ng volume ng TV namin. Bakit kamo? Well, it
has never been easy for me to let her get up from bed. Hay! Kaya naman. Sorry na lang talaga sa kalapit kwarto namin kung naririnig man nila ang ingay namin sa umaga. Cartoon network, Animax o kaya naman yung channel 3 sa NHK, local channel. Pambata kasi ang program dyan pag umaga. This thing is quite a must kasi for me to establish her "gising mood." At around 6:30 AM kasi, my husband has already left home for work na. So, medyo kulang ang powers ko na i-motivate ang anak ko. About her daily schedules... I have to admit na I tend to be so dependent sa asawa ko to the extent na hindi ko mapasunod ang anak ko kung wala ang asawa ko. And now that she is already going to kindergarten, normally, I have to catch up with the daily chores to be able to go to my part time job from 9AM till 12 in the afternoon. At ang anak ko naman at around 8:45AM kailangan maka-catch sa yochien bus ride nya. Ganito kasi dito sa Japan, ano?  Like, as early as 3 years old, they are already having kindergarten. Too soon but a must in this society. Kung sa atin sa Pinas ay medyo... naglalaro pa at tipong nangangapitbahay lang ang mga bata for a social or personal growth development.

Dito sa Japan, they are already establishing a certain training ground for the kids to be able to get ready to mingle to the world... quite a great scope pero as I observe things here... parang ganoon. Well, not to forget also... merong mga working moms... so, they have to find a way to make time. Kaya din nga merong mga cases na... kahit zero year of age pa ang baby ay pinapasok na nila ang mga anak nila sa hoikuen. When I first witness these things here... medyo... naku... I can not explain talaga why such parents can allow such things to happen...When they should be having a great time enjoying the baby stage of their kids. Pero... hindi e... Everything here has to materialize... Merong mga bagay na kakailanganing i-sacrifice ang mga magulang for a better cause. Financial? Well, most probably is! But then, it's all up to them...

In my case, sabi ko noong una... ayokong mag-yochien ang anak ko at that early age! Sabi ko noon... Gusto ko... katulad sa amin sa Pilipinas. Children at the age of three have to enjoy their childhood playing all day. They have to maximize being a child. I said I have to be with her all the time. Pero ngayon, four years old na sya and she recently started yochien. Gradually, I am appreciating the essence of early schooling. Kaya din siguro ganon ka-majime ang mga Hapones, ano? Maaga kasi silang namo-mold into a person. Not the usual way gaya sa atin na nasa bahay lang till they reach the age of six. Dito, as early as 3 years old, they are set to learn things from school. They tend to learn things from teachers and not from the parents alone. It serves as the children's preparation for the proper schooling pagdating nila ng elementary. Iba kasi ang standard of education dito e. Iba rin sa atin. Kaya whatever it is na kinasanayan ko is not applicable to my child at some points.

I've come to realize many things! One of them is that our children will soon be acquiring knowledge and values in many ways. Panalo 'di ba?  That is why whatever time we have at hand, let us share and enjoy life with them.
 
Kahit na nagyo-yochien ang anak ko, pag nasa bahay, I do maximize time with her. I may not be the best mother but I know I'm trying to be one. I
may be having shortcomings at times but I know my child is full of love in her heart. 

Hindi po kasi ako ulirang ina. Subalit, bagamat,  datapwat... wala pong sino mang makapipigil sa akin na sumubok na maging mabuting ina at asawa. Though people may get it wrong most of the time... I'm on my way to learn all the time... Slowly but surely...

All these things shall eventually materialize in due time. At pag medyo makulit ako na mag-adjust sa pamumuhay dito sa bansang Hapon, sad to say but I know that my child will be the one to suffer my shortcomings in the long run. Oo! Makulit po talaga ako. Madalas ngang ipaalala ng asawa ko sa 'kin e..."Mama, you are not single anymore!"

Waaaaaaaaaaaaahhh.... Syang tunay! Alam ko naman e... Matututunan ko rin yan... Someday!
 
Celebrate life! Afterall, we've got one chance to live...



May-June 2007

"Sa Kilos..."

Being a parent has always been one of the great things to be dealt with in life. Among all the kinds of job I've ever done, this has to be one of the toughest. Tough as it is... I could also consider it the noblest among them all.

Sabi nga ng karamihan eh... "Hindi biro ang magpalaki ng mga anak!" True as it seems... hindi talaga biro!

It's not a simple thing that one could handle without being keen to each move or step to take ahead. Kase, hindi rin naman ito simple gaya ng inakala ng karamihan. Gaya ko noong mga bata pa kami. Literally, oo! yun bang pakakainin mo lang ng three times a day. Paliliguan. Bibihisan. Patutulugin o lalaruin. That's it! Oh yes! That's the literal aspect of it. However, on the other side of the coin. There is another very essential thing to portray pala bilang magulang. Mas importante kesa sa daily routine na isinasagawa natin sa pang araw araw na buhay. And that is what they deeply pertain to as "growing the children up."

Para sa akin - like three years ago, one year old ang baby Martha ko that time. "Simple lang yan!" Sigawan mo lang kapag ayaw makinig ng bata, tiyak matatakot yan at susunod sa kahit anong iutos mo. Naku, nakakahiya mang aminin, being the eldest among the siblings of my parents, gawain ko kase noon yan. Sigaw dito... Utos doon... Utos dyan. Traditional way sabe nga. That is the easiest way to do things kase on my part when I was acting as "One-chan" before getting married. Sobrang taihen kase ako noon imagine. Sampu kaming magkakapatid. panganay ako. Those times, normally, ako ang naiiwan sa bahay at nagpapastol sa mga napaka-cute kong mga kapatid. Well, I miss them a lot way back in my hometown.

And going back to reality. I am now a parent myself. Oh God! I discovered a lot of things. Luckily, kahit na lumaki sa sigaw ang mga kapatid ko, I am proud to say na mabubuting tao sila ngayon. Three among them are working abroad. And the others are still in school pursuing their dreams still.
Learning from the past, I always tell myself that anything which took part in the past that are not so good will hopefully be out on my agenda. Kapag nagkaroon na ako ng sarili kong family, I should not do things again which I did not like myself then. But I still fail at times. I still have that shortcoming when it comes to patience pa rin minsan. Fortunately, I am blessed to have a very responsible and loving husband. I really thank God for that. Kaya naman, kahit gaano ka-challenging ang other essential role ng parent to grow the child into a better person, medyo smooth sailing pa rin naman ang buhay at mga pangyayari at the end of the day. No matter how difficult the circumstances are. Number one rule kase ng asawa ko ay "Gawin mo kung anuman ang gusto mong gawin o maging pag-uugali ng anak natin." I admit that is the perfect scenario ever to realize. As a parent, we have to know a certain reality that our children are paying attention to
us. Hindi man siguro sa mga salitang binibigkas natin madalas sa kanila. Pero, siguradong naka-focus ang attention ng mga anak natin sa mga ginagawa natin. Remember the common saying..."Action speaks louder than words!" Kaya nga ako, kahit na alam kong may mga bad sides ako personally, pinipilit kong i-work out alang alang sa ikabubuti ng anak ko. Yowai din kase ako kung minsan pero I try to pick myself up for the sake of my daughter's goodness. Syempre, pray din ako lagi. Everything is futile kase without faith. Happy, Happy Mothers' Day! Being a mother itself is a gift from God. Let's try to treasure it.

Celebrate Life...Afterall, we've got one chance to live...



March-April 2007

Sa TAGSIBOL!
   Intense coldness is over now. It's that time of the year when the colorful and beautiful flowers all around enlighten each one of us out of nowhere. 
Blooming everywhere are these magical creations that seem to be a sure pleaser to everyone.  Masarap mag-sampo ngayon especially if you happen to be with your significant someone. Di ba? Uhmm... malamang!
    
   Spring scenery simply clears up our mind in a snap!  Meron something unexplainable kung bakit halos karamihan sa atin ay favorite ang season na "Haru."
Personally, I love flowers blooming all around during springtime. Plus, suzushi na ang panahon. It's not extremely cold and it's not extremely hot and humid, as well.
   
    Kaya naman siguro it follows din kung bakit kapag spring ay nandyan ang iba't-ibang bagay na pinag-kakaabalahan ng mga tao dito sa Japan. According
to my husband, para sa kanilang mga Hapones daw, March is comparable to a new year. During this month, busy daw ang mga real estate agencies. Marami daw kasi ang isogashi for moving into a new place to live.  This is also the graduation period sa schools and universities. Everybody is busy talaga. Kaya naman when you visit the department stores, maliban sa mga magagandang kasuotan for spring fashion ay nandyan din ang mga formal wears and suits for the parents.  Something to wear for the graduation ceremonies ng mga anak nila.

   Oo nga pala, I learned something from my mother-in-law that this is the perfect season for buying a new purse or wallet. Sabe nya sa akin, huwag na huwag daw akong bibili ng wallet during autumn... kase nga naman di ba, taglagas yon... baka malagas din ang laman ng wallet kapag "aki" mo ito binili.  In other words, hindi lucky. However, swerte naman daw ang magpalit o bumili ng new wallet during springtime.  Oo nga naman, just like the blooming flowers, malamang mag-bloom din ang pera sa wallet natin kapag "haru" natin ito bibilhin di ba? Anyway, this is just a belief. Walang masama kung susubukan natin diba? It's still according to reality in the end. Aba! eh, kung mag-gagambaro talaga tayo para kumita ng maraming  pera ay tiyak na siksik, liglig at umaapaw ang laman ng ating pitaka, diba?  Try?! 

     On clothing aspect naman... 'eto yung time kung kailan at peak ang fashion.  I personally enjoy it kapag spring. I simply love watching the Japanese ladies dress up like barbie dolls  kapag  tagsibol. Sarap nila panoorin everywhere. What I do is sit at a coffeeshop, watch them ramp on the street. It's like watching a fashion show for me. Nakakaaliw kasi silang manamit. They have to power to inspire us - motivating us to keep in shape no matter how busy we could ever be in life. Yan! Excited na tuloy ako. Makapag-Starbucks nga later! At makapanood ng mga walking barbie dolls along the busy streets around my premises. Tara!  Also, when you try to browse the pages of their fashion magazines... talaga namang kahit di ko nababasa ang kanji characters nila ay nag-eenjoy ako ng husto...

    Try din po nating ma-inspire in this aspect. Kase, in the long run, meron din po tayong mga kapaki-pakinabang na lessons sa mga simpleng bagay na ito... Unknowingly, we get the benefits out of nowhere.
   
     For the past few months during winter time, our clothes are so layered and tightened up to keep us warm, di ba? Sobrang ginaw kase... Kaya naman, ngayon na spring na, we are about to loosen up a bit para naman medyo mas comfortable na tayo kumpara sa pakiramdam natin few months before.
   
    Spring na! What's on your mind? Let's talk it over!

Celebrate Life...After all, we've got one chance to live...

-------------------------------
November-December 2006 issue

Merry Na! Christmas Pa!
November is here and of course the much awaited month of the year - December! Baket nga ba kapag sumasapit ang buwan ng December ay parang love is in the air ang mood ng scenario? Kaya naman kung pupunahin mo ang surroundings mo, eh tila ba you have the right to feel extra special than usual amidst the emptiness in some aspects in our lives,
di ba?
 
     One thing is for sure, lahat tayo ay merong inner happiness na nararamdaman during this time of the year. Not for anything but love - I believe. Many material things can signify the meaning of Christmas. It could be comparable to many different gifts we give and receive or the colorful decorations that we simply witness all around the streets, shopping centers and of course in our homes. But these things which our sense of sight can witness trigger our emotions to exude in happiness. This gives us the way to feel a little bit special deep within. Eventually kapag na - stimulate ng mga bagay na ito ang isipan natin, ay nareregister naman sa ating puso ang uri ng pakiramdam ng nababagay dito.  Which is --- mainly love --- Hindi siguro ganoon ka - obvious sa atin ang kadahilanang ito but when we try to scurutinize the root cause of it... It's all summing up to the love that simply originated from GOD --- which we inherited from Him.
 
     Pero bakit nga ba hindi pwedeng araw-araw ay pasko? Para sana, araw-araw ay full of love ang bawat isa. At kung merong love, malamang  merong happiness na mararamdaman ang tao. Ano nga kaya ang secret ng isang taong genuinely happy sa buhay? Meron man o wala, let me share to you. Something which I learned from Immanuel Kant. Ang sabi niya ganito. Dapat daw we have these three things in life as the rule for Happiness.
1. Something to do:  What do we normally do in life that brings happiness to us?  Something that we share with others? Something that we do for others?  But above all, that is exactly what we do offer to ourselves. It may seem like not but as far as the result is concern... We become happy in life simply because we are capable of making other people happy as well, katulad nga ng kasabihan, hindi mo daw maaaring ibigay sa ibang tao ang isang bagay na wala ka sa buhay mo. In fact, masarap  at walang katulad ang pakiramdam ng isang taong may  kakayanang  magpasaya ng kapwa nya, hindi ba? Try?! So  In everything that we will do in life, never forget that we do things for a cause, ooops ... dapat pala...  for a good cause para happy ang ending whatever it may be.
 
2.  Someone to love :  Umm... someone to love daw! Pwede kayang damihan? Kase, ako maraming love sa buhay, Mapagmahal na tao kase ako kaya pinadadami ko talaga sila eh! Una, si GOD! Dapat  kasi una siya lagi para i-reign nya ang buong buhay ko. Next family ko, asawa kong pinakaiirog at anak kong minamahal. Tapos yung mga magulang ko, mga magulang ng asawa ko at mga kapatid ko. At syempre, not to forget ... ang mga  pinakamakukulit kong friends, na walang  pagod pagtiyagaan ang kakulitan ko. Lalo na si Lilia Kobayashi na walang humpay ang  pag-eencode ng articles ko tuwing hindi functional ang laptop ko. At bilang kapalit niyan, ay kinakailangan kong mag-gym sa Konami sports club para sabay kaming magpasexy to the bone at mag-sauna hanggang maluto ng husto...hahaha! Ikaw? Sa dami ng taong nakapaligid sa buhay mo, sino naman kaya yung mga mangilan-ngilan na sa tingin mo ay nagpapasaya sa buhay mo at napapasaya mo rin? Marami siguro pero minsan we often overlook them due to our regular routine. But once you realize who they are, you'll be grateful enough to GOD that He surrounded your life with such blessings around.
 
3.  Something to hope for : Medyo lalayo tayo ng konti, kasi futuristic ang dating nito. We have to think a little advance now because hoping means a little of expecting plus executing. Kailangan Goal - setting siguro. Oo, para naman whatever it is that we are about to undertake or do in life with our loved-ones, eh medyo may aim tayo na makuha yung bagay na pinapangarap natin. Peaceful life, financial, freedom or happiness man yan, it's always good to have something to hope for in life. Because our  hope in life is comparable to our fuel to keep on going in our journey. Without it, everything will be futile in the end. Sayang lang di ba? Sayang kung mabubuhay tayo without a purpose in our existence.
 
SPREAD HAPPPINESS WITH LOVE THIS CHRISTMAS!!!
MALIGAYANG PASKO AT MANIGONG BAGONG TAON SA LAHAT!
 
Celebrate life.
After all,
we've got one life
to live...



September-October 2006 Issue
What comes into your mind when autumn starts? After the extreme hotness of natsu, here comes the cool breeze of autumn now.  It's sure that the humidity of summer really made each one of us sweat a lot...Plus, medyo naging hot din, ang ating mga temper diba?  Dulot ng kainitan ng natsu na tila ba pwede kang lusawin kung ice cream ka nga lang ba... At least fall is on it's way to rescue...
 
Kaya naman when the fall comes around, eh medyo pwede na nating i-relax ng konti ang sarili natin.  Let's just say that the cool air could make way for a cool temper din naman compared sa tag-init.
 
Mainit din sa atin sa Pinas pero it seems like that the humidity here in Japan has more im-pact.  That is why after letting the sun kiss you for a while... Why not grab the opportunity to slow things down?  Gaya ng mas matiwasay na paglalakad outdoors and while walking down the streets along, feel comfortable scrutinizing things down on your mind for a little while...
 
Syempre pa as we walk along comfortably on streets filled with golden leaves on the ground, let's all welcome the earth colours of fall, too.   After the bright hues of summer that is so enticing to our sight,  we will now go back to basic of  the shades like brown, black or red naman.
 
Come to think of it, the colors defying the four seasons could also be associated to life's circumstances in one way or another.  And when autumn hits, what comes into your mind?  On what aspect in your life could you most relate it with?
 
Hmmm... How about reflec-tion?  Pwede kaya nating i-compare ang autumn sa oras o panahon ng pag-rereflect natin sa buhay?  Dahil nga naman when it's fall... there's some sort of being solemn all around... Like what my friend said... Malungkot daw sya pag autumn kase it conveys a bit of sincerity daw sa pag-iisip nya... Autumn in New York daw ang first thing na naiisip nya...
 
Why not, diba?  As if we are draining the undertakings in our lives.  In this way, we could take the chance na suriin ang ating pagkukulang sa buhay o di kaya naman ay mga bagay na minsan ay na-o-over-do naman natin.  We could try recollecting our thoughts to examine our most precious life paminsan-minsan.
 
Considering questions like... "Do I need to give more importance to the people close to me?"  Kase, baka naman nababalewala ko na sila dahil nadi-divert ang attention ko sa ibang bagay?  On the job aspect naman... "Am I doing well sa work?  Or am I taking it for granted lately?"  "How can I build good camaraderie inspite of some intolerable attitude of my co-workers?"  Or simply asking yourself, "Am I focus to my purpose in life?"
 
Then, why not try gathering your thoughts this autumn, right?  Habang naglalakad on a street filled with beautiful golden leaves scattered all over, why not try to think a bit deeper than usual? Have you ever  wondered kung bakit ang mga dahon ng isang puno ay nag-iiba ng kulay tuwing autumn?  At eventually, nalala-gas sila at kusang lumalaglag sa lupa?  Things like these are but acts of nature itself. Perhaps we could associate it to the nature's own way of transforming after their reflection...
 
Life, sure, is a colourful voyage like what summer color signi-fies.  Pero,once in a while, we also need to reflect.  Meron ba tayong kailangang isaayos o pagmunimunihan para mas lalo nating mapagyaman ang ating pagkatao o likas na kabutihang taglay?
 
Sa pamilya? Sa kasamahan sa hanapbuhay? O sa sino mang malapit sa puso mo... At syempre sa Maykapal.
 
It's true that we can never be perfect pero the good thing is that we can be sure that we could always improve naman diba?  Tayo pa? " Eh pinoy yata tayo!" Sabe nga sa akin ni Ate Sally noon,  "Tayong  mga Pinoy,  walang hindi kakayanin!"  Oh, diba?!   That's the spirit of being Pinoy!
 
Likas sa ating mga Pinoy ang maging mabuti at matatag sa buhay.  But because of few  influences from our surroundings,  we sometimes head the wrong  way unconsciously.  And when unconscious changes aggraviates, it might be too late to transform ourselves already in  the end.
 
Mas lamang pa rin ang taong  may kakayanang suriin ang kanyang sarili once in a while.   Dahil ako mismo ay may kahinaang mag-improve sa iba't-ibang aspects ng buhay ko.  Pero once you are open to a room for some improvement in life, whatever it is that  you are not so good on will be the best point  in your life to progress to become a better person each day...As for me, I feel so blessed having my husband and our daughter, Martha. It pays to reflect! Believe me because I got my rewards myself.
 
Remember, there should be no other way to succeed in life  but to move forward.
 
So, tara na!  Sampo na tayo ngayong Aki at magmuni-
muni tayo with Jeepney Press, of course!



July-August 2006 Issue

SUMMERSCAPE!
Summer! This is the perfect time of the year for some refreshments! 
Physical, mental, emotional, spiritual... Name it!
 
We feel excited this season for so many different reasons. Masarap
kasing sulitin ang init ng araw kapag summer depende sa ating mga
kinagigiliwang bagay sa buhay.
 
For some of us, summer is the season for some fashion modeling.
We have been so excited to wear those little clothes hidden in our
closets for quite a while.  Kasi nga naman, it is the perfect time to
feel a little bit more sexy than usual minus the coat and the mufflers.
Now, we wear some clothes with spaghetti straps or plunging necklines.
Let's not forget those enti-cing footwears like strappy sandals and high heels.
So, I wish all those fashionistas a very good show this natsu.
 
However, for some people, this is the season to give attention on
some general cleaning stuff in the household. Lalo na tayong mga
Pinoy, we love cleaning so much! Kaya naman kapag natsu, we really
spend time to check on our household stuff more tediously than usual. 
Nandyan din naman kasi ang mga lamok na malahigante at maladragon
kung mangagat, diba? Kaya siguradong makatutulong din ng malaki sa
atin ang puspusang pagbubutingting sa mga kasulok-sulukan ng ating
kabahayan. Sa ganitong paraan mas iwas tayo sa mga iba't-ibang uri ng
mushi na akala mo noong una ay hindi uso sa Japan pero meron din
pala at naglalabasan tuwing summertime. Kaya naman ang sagot sa
lahat ng yan is general cleaning and proper maintenance ng bahay. 
Syempre, it will also be a help in the household kung meron tayong
mosquito repellant para naman armado tayo sa pagsalakay ng mga
malahiganteng lamok na yan, di ba?
 
Personally, I love washing the stuff toys using the washing machine
tuwing tag-init para makatipid sa dry cleaning costs plus the fulfillment
na napaliguan ko ang mga kalaro ng anak ko sa bahay. Well, if you've
got more time, basta't linis ka lang ng linis at siguradong happy ka when
you finally realize that you are losing excess fats. By simply exerting
effort in doing the household chores, exercise mo na rin ito. This would
help us burn those excess fats that we gained during the cold season. 
Sabi nga nila, during winter time, we normally gain weight to be able to
fight the coldness.  So, when summer hits, burn those fats. Mag-vacuum
ka ng walang humpay at siguradong tunaw ang ilang fats mo sa katawan
at no cost. Hehehe... Happy cleaning  while shaping up, fellas!
Always remember to put passion in what you do.  For this would make you
happy in one way or another.. Try to imagine this also.  Don't you want to
feel like more of being home while staying in Japan?  Like, it feels like we
are just in our hometown... Pinas!  Parang nandyan lang yung Malate sa
Shinjuku... Parang nandyan lang yung Divisoria sa Ueno... At higit sa lahat,
parang nandyan lang yung pamilya natin sa paligid na pwede nating bisitahin
by densha.  It feels like home, di ba?  Not only because it's humid and hot
but because we want to spend a quality summer at least kahit pa nasanay
na tayong bihira na lang pagpawisan. Kulang na lang e... maghanap tayo
ng Jeepney sa kalye kapag naramdaman natin ang tindi ng init ng araw sa
daan, di ba?  At kung meron nga lang bang Chowking dito sa Japan ay
malamang puno na ng mga Pilipino sa loob na ninanamnam ang lamig
at tamis ng halo halo... Haay! Sarap talaga ng halo halo... pwede rin
namang home made kung wala man tayong mahanapang restaurant
na nag-o-offer ng favorite Filipino delight natin na ito...
 
Kaya naman, para sa lahat ng kababayan natin... Huwag nating palampasin
ang tag-init ng hindi nag e-enjoy because we've got a lot of choices on how
to beat the heat of the summer.  In case our budget allows, hit the beach
and have fun under the sun. Let the sun kiss you! Di man yan Boracay, iba
pa rin ang pakiramdam ng tunay na saya kapag kasama natin ang mga
mahal natin sa buhay, di ba?
 
Enjoy summer!  Live well. Laugh often. Love deeply.


March-April Issue 2006
ASAWANG HAPON?

"Bakit pa 'ko kukuha ng panibagong asawa kapag natapos 'tong kaso ko?"
Galit na tinanong ng aking kaibigan na si Cielo, who is undergoing litigation
of her divorce. "Ano? Para kumuha ng panibagong batong ipupukpok ko sa
ulo ko?"  No comment na lang ako. Thinking all the things she had suffered
from her soon-to-be ex-husband, I replied her with a hesitant smile.

When I married a Japanese, maraming feedback ang natanggap ko sa lahat
ng taong nakapa-ligid sa buhay ko. Nandiyan na ang mga closest friends ko
who would comment on the pros and cons. Most of them would say,
"Ang swerte mo naman. Hapon ang hubby mo. Mayaman ka na!"  Well,
that is a common notion about many Pinays married to Japanese. But not
all common notion is always right. Akala kasi ng karamihan sa atin, marrying
a Japanese equals instant fortune and a life of luxury. Hay, sana ganoon ang
daloy ng buhay. Pero hindi. It does not apply to many particularly my life.

Yung iba, sabi sa akin, "Naku Mylene, yung pinsan ko, may asawang Hapon.
Pero after a few years, hiwalay na sila." Well, marami nga sa mga Pinay
na asawang Hapon ay  napupunta sa divorce eventually. Ito ay isang bagay
na kalimitan kong kinaka-takutan  na manggyari sa akin noon.

In five years of being married now, marami na rin kaming mga troubles
na pinagdaanan na kung saan malapit na akong mag-give-up. Since I didn't
work as an entertainer, hindi ako mahusay magsalita ng wikang Hapon.
If you live here and if you are a Filipina married to a Japanese, they expect
you to express yourself well in Japanese because they presume you came
from working as an entertainer. I didn't work as one but still, people expect
me to be good in speaking Japanese. These Filipinas have an advantge
because they can express themselves well in Japanese. I envy them. I
decided that to improve my life in Japan, I need to learn their language and
that's exactly what I did. Thus, I enrolled in some Japanese classes offered by
the city hall where I live.

Ilan taon na ang lumilipas at hirap pa rin ako sa Nihongo. Sa loob ng bahay,
Ingles ang gamit namin na salita. Sa ngayon, nasa hoikuen na ang anak ko
kasi three years old na siya.  I can't communicate well with the teachers
concerning my daughter's situation. Hirap talaga.

Well, ako naman, I find myself lucky to have very nice in-laws pero hindi ko
pa rin maka-usap ng mahusay dahil sa language barrier. Well, you can have
both the good and the bad things in life pero you can only appreciate the good
and depreciate the bad depending on your communication skills. At
talagang malaking factor ang language in terms of communication.

Swerte ka kung marunong mag-Ingles ang asawa mo. Swerte ka rin
kung nagsusumikap siyang mag-aral ng Ingles para magkaintindihan kayo.
Eh ang mga Hapon, mostly, they don't speak English. Kaya, mas maganda
na mag-aral ka na rin ng Nihongo. Anyway, dito ka nakatira kaya kailangan
mo talagang matutong mag-Nihongo.  Ang mga kagamitan sa bahay, lahat
nasa Nihongo. Paglabas mo rin ng bahay, puro Hapon ang mga kaharap mo.
Hindi sila ang dapat mag-adjust sa atin. Tayo dapat ang mag-adjust because
we live in their country.

If you really want to enjoy your life here, try to enjoy studying Japanese.
And if ever you are going to marry someone, do it for LOVE because when
there is love, you will both learn to conquer all kinds of challenges. Kahit
mag-sign language na lang kayo...