KANSAI CRUSADE
by  Sally Cristobal-Takashima

September-October 2008

Welcome back to all the viajeras who went on a trip this Summer vacation. Hindi sana naman naubos ang Summer bonus ni Mister and the usual questions to those coming back home to Japan from the Philippines or other countries abroad are: Are the kids okay, hindi ba naman nagka-sakit ang mga bata or hindi ba kinagat ng lamok ang baby toka saan kayo namasyal toka or Which resort did you go to nado nado. Ay, ay kalisud. Nakaraos na tayo sa hottest time of summer in Japan. Today, napakasarap ng simoy ng hanggin, no more paypay at naka-off na ang aircon.

For some of you out there who wants some information about Philippine schools overseas. As of November 30, 2007, 43 Philippine schools overseas have been established and made operational in 9 countries. These countries are Bahrain, China, Greece, Kuwait, Libya, Oman, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates. More than 20,000 students are currently enrolled in Philippine schools overseas at various levels from pre-school to high school. Philippine schools overseas may be established by the Philippine Embassy, Filipino communities, private individuals. Nature of ownership can be individual, partnership, corporate or community owned. If incorporated it can be a stock or non-stock corporation. To determine a need to establish a Philippine school overseas, it is necessary to do a survey to determine the need, determine the ideal place based on peoples' opinion and how much parents are willing to pay for matriculation fee per year. The principal must have a MasterÕs Degree in Education and the teachers must be Filipino college graduates. Other nationals may teach subjects allowed by the host government like local language, culture and history. Ano ang palagay ninyo mga Jeepney Press readers, kailangan ba ng mga batang Pilipino or children of Japanese and Philippine parentage ang Philippine schools in Japan?

And now for our news from Kansai. The Kyoto Pag-asa Filipino Community, Kyoto Association of Pinoy Scholars (KAPS) and Mother Earth Connection Inc. presented the Kansai Utawit Singing Contest on the 17th of August at the Villion Hall of the Kawaramachi Catholic Church. Among the people whose efforts wouldnÕt have made the events possible are, first of all, Amelia I. Kohno, ace master of ceremonies Henry Tabao and Dennis Sun, Nicole Comafay, the KAPS members, Magdaleno Vasquez, Rowena Hikasa. Rosanna Imano and Daisy Nozawa. The members of the Board of Judges were Consul Senen Mangalile, Ms. Shiho Minato and Julius Joseph Santillan. The funding for the successful event was made possible through the generosity of among others ACT Tourist Co. Ltd., Lisa Kumai of Amore Group, Philippine National Bank, Metro Bank, ABS-CBN Japan, Philippine Community Coordinating Council (PCCC Western Japan), Delia Nakashima, Prof. Casilda Lazares-Nebres and of course special thanks to the Philippine Consulate General, Sisters Alta and Josephine. Also thanks for those who came and watched the show like, Vicky Wakiyama. Choreographer, Director and Founder of the famous Kansai based Philippine Dance Company, Belle Futatsugame, Interpreter for the Osaka City Board of Education, Marlon B. Hernandez, Osaka Branch Manager of Metro Bank, Lorelei D. Cruz, Administrative Officer of the Osaka Department of Tourism, Caroline Yoko of Nail Art, Dorie Takamine of KDDI Telephone, Susan Fuchizaki, Sally Yamamoto and Arlyn Miyashita. They will always be a part of the legacy of the Kansai Utawit Singing Contest. The 3 lucky winners were Julima B. Lomocso (3rd prize), Yoko Castro (2nd prize) and June Kay Collada (1st prize).

On the 13th and 14th of September, organizations including the Kyoto Medical Associations, Kyoto Prefecture and Kyoto City held the 35th Exhibition of Life and Health-Overcome Metabolic Syndrome at Kyoto Trade Fair Center (Kyoto Plaza).

I would like to introduce some Filipinos who are active in different parts of Western Japan. First is Dr. Loreto B. Feril, Jr. of Fukuoka University, School of Medicine who is a member of the Filipinos and Friends in Fukuoka (FFF). This reminds me that his group flew to Osaka from Kyushu to attend the Family and Friends Day held not so long ago. Also, Evelyn B. Miyamoto, President of Hokuriku Philippines Association who lives in Kanazawa does not fail to join Filipino Kansai events as long as schedule allows her to. We also have Mary Jane Tsudo, President of Osaka Mabuhay Community in Hirakata City. Her dance group participates in various cultural events in Kansai. I ran into Evelyn Lopez , the efficient Secretary to the Osaka Hilton Hotel Manager. Through her we have received gift donations for various events in the past. Maria Jhing Hiramatsu, a Japanese-Pilipino-English translator whose networking activities has helped cross cultural understanding between Japan and the Philippines. Yukari Enoi, Program Director of Toyonaka Association for Intercultural Activities and Communication has supported various programs to help Filipinos in Osaka to adjust to their lives in Japan and last but not least is Shigeru Nishiyama, Executive Director of the Takatsuki City International Association. This group conducts an annual� group tour to the Philippines to promote friendship and understanding between Philippines and Japan. Incidentally Manila is one of the sister cities of Takatsuki City.

Through this column we would like to say Good Luck to Professor Pia Arboleda. She was a Visiting Professor at the Osaka University of Foreign Studies for a few years. We heard she has accepted a teaching post at the University of Hawaii. We will always remember our Pistahan sa Kyoto event celebrating the Japan-Friendship Year.

And so another Summer has come and gone. Again, it is the Japanese feeling of "aware" (pronounced ah-wah-rei) that I feel and I think most of you feel the same way too. You know the mixed emotions when you see somebody off at the airport or at the train station.

To all our dear readers, take care and until our next issue.

July-August 2008

Through this column in Jeepney Press, we send our thoughts and prayers to the people in the Philippines affected by the recent typhoon (Frank or Fengshan) that hit several provinces. The death toll as of June 27th officially surpassed 500 persons. Roger Bracke, delegation head of the International Federation of Red Cross in a GMA news article said that "the typhoon defied all predictions made by the weather models in the Philippines and other parts of the world as it changed paths and and crossed unforeseen parts of the country."

Another headline news that many Japan based Filipinos have probably heard by now is about the ill fated MV Princess of the Stars that capsized off the coast of Romblon on June 22. This is the 5th Sulpicio Lines owned ship involved in a mishap. It was later discovered that there was an unreported cargo of pesticides used in pineapple plantations. Because of this, the Department of Health advised residents living near the area where the ship sank not to eat fish that may have ingested the pesticide which in turn would harm the health of the people who ate the fish. The good news is the government is doing its best in providing evacuation centers, food, water, medicine, clothes to all those affected by the disaster. Even private groups are extending help like divers to work together with government rescue teams. Donations are currently being received from different countries and let's hope that these funds are wisely allocated for their intended purposes.

Toki no nagare totemo hayai desu ne! (Time flies) Summer 2008 has come. And in another 6 months it will be 2009. Let's treasure each moment of each day. The recent Kansai event, Kalayaan 2008 was a record breaking success just based on the approximately 1000 people who found their way to the Shin Mido Kaikan Hall in Honmachi, Osaka. Kababayans traveled by bus, train and some by plane all the way from Nagoya, Mie ken, Gifu ken, Shiga ken, Nagahama and Fukuoka. Isang malaking kagalakan na makapiling ang halos isang libong mga kababayan upang ipagdiwang ang araw ng kalayaan ng mahal na Inang Bayan.

Mga kababayan, let's not forget to read not just for pleasure but to read to widen our knowledge about different branches of learning. The prices of computer have become affordable and marami na din Pilipino na magaling ng gumamit ng computer dahil sa tiyaga na matuto at mag attend ng Computer Classes. Ambassador Siazon also praised the Philippine Community Coordinating Council of Western Japan in assisting the Philippine Consulate General in its community oriented programs and activities. Consul General Ma. Lourdes V. Ramiro Lopez in her Independence Day Message "salutes the spirit of volunteerism of the various Filipino organizations in Western Japan through their various activities. She reminds us of the long lasting and tested traditional values of "pakikisama, pakikiramay at pakikipagkapwa tao." Among the many exciting prizes given away to lucky winners were cash, gifts, cameras, food baskets, gift cards, electrical appliances, hotel dinner coupons and 2 round trip tickets to the Philippines.

On the 17th of June, the Philippine Business Mission 2008 was held at the Hilton Hotel, Osaka. The program started with a Philippine Information Seminar followed by Travel Mart and a Cocktail reception. Thirty four establishment in the Philippines were represented in this event. Among them are Hyatt Casino Hotel, Plantation Bay Resort and Spa, Eden Island Resort, Discovery Shores Boracay, Baron Travel Corporation and Shangrila Mactan Resorts.

Filipinos in Kansai will miss the Kitano Catholic Church which from what we heard from Father Mario Colina and Sonny Sator is due to be demolished sometime in the autumn to give way for the construction of a commercial building that is income generating. We still don't know the details but the many Filipinos who attend the 9am Sunday mass know that while the construction is going on they will have to hear mass at a church in Sakuranomiya. In the commercial building that will be built, adequate space will be provided for a church and most likely for church functions and events.

Many Filipinos in Kansai are looking forward to viewing a new film "Caregiver" starring Sharon Cuneta. Church based Kyoto Pagasa Community will view the movie first followed by the Nara Mabuhay Club and later viewed by the Philippine Community Coordinating Council (PCCC) at the Abeno Kumin Center in Osaka.

Let me mention that when Filipinos want to view a film, hold a meeting, an event or a party- there is always the question of where to hold it. In short, the Filipino Community in Japan needs space and at present they pay exhorbitant prices to rent halls for community and organization events and parties. They also have vie with the Japanese to rent space to hold their meetings, dance practices, cooking demos, computer classes or beg churches to lend their rooms. That is why a community almost always do not profit from an event because of expenses incurred for room charges. I think different heads of Filipino community organizations should take the lead in voicing the common concern to the government. Since most Filipinos in Japan are Overseas Foreign Workers that are called modern day heroes helping the economy stay afloat and are courted during election time, can't we say "Help us find a Philippine Center for our own." How long will it take to construct a skyscraper on the Philippine property that was leased to a Japanese businessman a few years ago in Kobe. In this development, facilities for the Japan based Filipinos should at least be incorporated after consulting with them as to their needs and priorites.

Well, who knows maybe a philantrophist in Japan will knock on our door and offer the use of a building or even one floor of a building. The dwindling population in Japan means that there will be most likely many empty school buildings unless they all convert them into Senior Citizens homes. If you ask me, I'd rather send the money used for renting halls to the Philippines to provide scholarship to poor but deserving students, or to contribute it to Gawad Kalinga to buy computers for schools in the provinces, for example. Just before the former Consul General Antonio Villamayor retired, one of his messages was: "Try to have some kind of a Philippine Center for all your activities." And he meant it because he has seen what the Filipino communities in other countries have and he compared it with Japan. The Filipinos in Hongkong have their own Philippine Center with a library and facilities for all their activities and so why not Japan.

Last but not least, setsuyaku (thrift) suru tameni, a trip to the Philippines does not have to be every year. Nevertheless,
to all of you, have a great summer vacation!!!

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May-June 2008

Walang kaparis at walang kasing ganda panahon ng tagsibol sumaatin na. Makukulay na bulaklak para bagang humahalakhak at ipinagbubunyi at ipinagdiriwang ang kalikasang naidlip sa nakaraang taglamig. Salamat... tagsibol ay dumating na at sa katotohanan tunay na nakakainip panahon ng niyebe at taglamig.

Sumainyo ang masiglang pagbati at sana naman po ay kayong lahat ay nasa mabuting kalagayan. Here in Kansai, the different Filipino community associations have started to map out their schedule of activities for the coming months.

The Sama Sama Filipino Community based in St. Mary's Church in Tamatsukuri, Osaka will hold their annual International Day on Sunday, May 18. The event will start with a mass and followed by festive feast of native dishes, flea market and a musical program. The current President of this group is Rudy Qibal and among its active members are Mari Hashizuka and Letty Konishi.

The San Lorenzo Ruiz Community based in Suita City will participate in the forthcoming Suita International Friendship Association's (SIFA) inter-cultural 2 day event in May 10 -11. This is an annual event that everybody looks forward to. It will be held on the grounds of the Suita City Cultural Center. Filipino members will offer popular native delicacies for sale. The current President of this group is Mr. Hiro Iwashita. The San Lorenzo Ruiz Community held their annual Sakura Hanami at the Minami Senri Koen and for the first time invited the Kitano Christian Community, another Osaka based group. The outdoor mass was officiated by Father Mario Colina. It was later followed by a Yaki Niku Feast and a sharing of home made delicacies brought by members.

The Philippine Community Coordinating Council will hold a concert and has selected the theme "The Music in Me." The chosen venue is the Abeno Kumin Center and the date, lest you forget is July 20. There will be a raffle draw, exciting musical numbers and prizes.

The Knights of Rizal. Osaka Chapter held their Bingo Social gathering in April 20, Sunday at the St. Mary's Church in Tamatsukuri, Osaka. The Commander of the group is Gelacio "Jun" Silva who has held the rein of the group for several years.

I think many Kansai based Filipinos must have heard that there will be no Midosuji Festival in Osaka this coming Autumn and most likely for several years to come because Governor Toru Hashimoto has chosen to ax the event as one of his cost cutting measures to get the Osaka Prefectural Government out of its current financial predicament. It is indeed a very sad news since for the past many years, the different Filipino organizations have looked forward to participating in this annual grand affair. In case there are people out there who would want to watch the You Tube Midosuji Parade held last year, you may do so via google and enter Midosuji Parade 2007. Talagang we, in Kansai, are and will always be proud to have been a part of the celebration of the joie du vivre that is Midosuji Parade.

In case anyone of you would like to know more about Mr. Toru Hashimoto, he won a landslide election in January 2008 and took the highest office in Osaka and officially became the youngest governor of Japan at age 38. He was born in Shibuya, Tokyo but moved to Osaka when he was in the 5th grade of elementary school. He returned to Tokyo to attend Waseda University. He passed the bar in 1994, became a lawyer in 1996. He had been a regular guests in many popular television programs mostly speaking about legal topics where he gained many admirers and followers. He has 3 sons and 4 daughters.

The Japan's Department of Foreign Affairs will start accepting Entries for the 16th Annual World Children's Picture Contest from June 1 to September 3, 2008. Any participant who is between 6-15 years old may join. Any painting style is acceptable as well as painting medium. For those who have children with talent in drawing pictures, this is an opportunity for them to join a picture drawing contest. For more details you need only access www.ienohikari.net The Ie no Hikari Association's address is #11 Funagawara-ch, Ichigaya-ku, Tokyo 162-8448. Their phone number is 03-3266-9038 and the fax# is 03-3266-9337.

Napakarami naming nababasa tungkol sa pagtaas ng halaga ng mga pagkain - hindi lang ng bigas at hindi lang sa Pilipinas kundi sa buong mundo. Nakakatakot ang ibang mga news at ang advice ng iba ay mag stock ng extrang bigas, oatmeal, canned foods, oil, mineral water at iba pa sa bahay upang makasiguro. Over-populated na daw ang mundo at dahil marami na daw ang tinatawag na "Useless Eaters" kaya magiging "Survival of the Fittest" na lang ang name of the game. Si Charles Darwin ang unang nagsabi niyan. Maaaring maging dahilan ng guerra ang kakulangan ng tubig at pagkain at ito na nga ang nangyayari sa bansa ng Haiti at Egypt. Por Diyos por Santo, how can the Philippines run out of rice since we have so many dirt cheap farms for sale? Farms yes but no farmers? Or yes, there are farmers but not enough money to run a farm sa kamahalan ng presyo ng fertilizer o ng iba pang farming machineries like tractors. A farmer needs so many hectares to make a profit and many young Filipinos don't want to be farmers and would prefer na makipagsapalaran sa akogare ng Metro Manila. Naku po, talagang hardest hit ang Pinas sa current rice crisis so the alternative will be cassava, potato, corn, yam etc. The Philppines has halted conversion of agricultural land for property development to make available paddy fields to meet the rice demands of the Philippines 88 Million people. As a precautionary measure, India and Vietnam have already banned exports. I'd say lets update ourselves on current news. Let us not be indifferent.

Last but not least. The year 2010 marks the 1,300 aniversary of the founding of Nara (Heijo Kyo). To commemorate this special occasion, various events will be held starting year 2008 to encourage many people to visit Nara, Japan's ancient capital. For more information in English, please access www.kansai.gr.jp/kansaiwindow.html.

The Tale of Genji Millenium Exhibition will be held in Kyoto from April 26th to June 8th. Kyoto Gion Matsuri will be held in July 17th and the Osaka Tenjin Festival in July 25th. Really, one will always find something to do, somewhere to go in Kansai - never a dull moment.. I even know somebody who goes to different churches on Sunday with her family- a sort of Bisita Iglesia all year round.

To celebrate the 110th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence as well as to honor all community organization of Filipinos in Western Japan, The Philippine Consulate General, in cooperation with Philippine Community Coordinating Council and TFC Ko will hold the Philippine Family and Friends Day 2008 on 15 June 2008 at the Mido Kaikan Hall in Chuo-ku, Osaka. Some kapamilya stars from ABS-CBN TFC-ko will provide entertainment. There will be cultural presentation, a bazaar selling authentic Pinoy food products and a raffle draw with many exciting prices. A Negosyo Seminar will also be offered for Filipinos who are interested in starting their own business. Other activities for promoting cultural exchange and tourism is specially organized for everybody's participation.

I guess it's time for my afternoon snack now and so sa muling pagniniig to all Jeepney Press readers.
Ja ne.

January-February 2008
Happy Year 2008 to all Jeepney Press readers.
Early December, I took a 9:55 am PAL flight out of Kansai to Manila and
as usual, had to be up by at least 5:00 am to make sure that at least I get a light breakfast, go through my nimotsu, see to it that there is enough food in the fridge and the notes and reminders for those who will be rusuban are understandable and written legibly. The usual: You don’t live in a barn therefore, see to it the doors are locked; Never sleep with dirty dishes in the sink; nado-nado. Even with clear instructions, mothers always worry even with the father home and a last minute mobile phone call has to be made from the airport. At this point, I tell myself: “Relax, you are starting your winter vacation.” Then I began looking at the faces of people waiting to board the plane wondering if there would be anyone I know. Watching the expression of Pinoy’s faces on their way home for Christmas vacation amuses me and even though some of them have poker faces after having lived in Japan for a long time. I know in my heart that they are filled with joy and happiness as they look forward to celebrating the holidays with their families in the Philippines.
                             
I always wonder who would I be sitting next to and I hope there will be empty seat(s) next to me for a more comfy flight. I sat next to an Imee from Masbate. Marami siyang M na katanggian: maganda, magalang,
masipag, marunong ngunit malungkot. Almost during the entire flight we were able to sustain a conversation na medyo naging Dear Abby ng kaunti. I praised her for the sacrifices that she is doing for her family, marrying an old widower only to stay in Japan and be allowed to work. Tunay na nakalulugod bigyan pansin ang Pilipinang kagaya ni Imee and siya ay naniniwalang gaganda ang bukas para sa kanya at sa pamilya niya.

Soon we reached Manila. It was the 29th of November and the
vehicles were unusually slow in coming in. Halos maabutan ang mga
tao ng bukang liwayway at unang tilaok ng manok sa tagal ng paghihintay. My inquiry as to the reason of the delay was just “Magulo daw sa Makati.” No one wouldn't have guessed it was the day of Mutiny 2, a fiasco of a coup pulled out by Senator Antonio Trillanes and Brig. Gen. Danilo Lim. As I got on the vehicle that was to take me home, the radio was reporting non stop the siege of the Peninsula Hotel. Ano na naman ito, I thought, a real coup attempt? During Christmas season? It turned out to be true. Senator Trillanes expected much support from those who voted for him but few came perhaps the truth is those who voted for him did so in form of protest for the present administration instead of genuine support for him. And this is why the coup attempt failed and many were aware that there is no credible alternative leadership to replace Pres. G. Arroyo. Tunay na nakakagulat ang aksyon ni Senador Trillanes at hindi na niya naisip ang mga taong maaring masugatan. Mga panauhing tiga ibang bayan na tumitigil sa Peninsula Hotel.  Subalit kahit hindi matagumpay ang coup na ito, ay huwag nating isipin na lubos na nakalimot ang mga Pilipino sa mga akyusasyon nila sa pangkasalukuyang administrasyon. To think that there is no longer dissention among the people with the failure of the recent coup will be underestimating the innate intelligence of the Filipino people. From what I have read, the staff of the Peninsula Hotel turned the crisis into their finest hour. They were able to successfully manag this unexpected crisis and put their spirit of teamwork to a test to which they passed with flying colors. When the hotel opened on December 3, it was business as usual.

Ang isa pang news na sinundan ng maraming tao ay ang pagpapa-
hayag ng mga resulta ng 24th Southeast Asian Games na ginanap sa
Nakhom Ratchasma, isang syudad sa Thailand. Inalay din ang event na ito sa araw ng kapakanakan ng kasalukuyang Hari ng Thailand. In this event 620 Philippine athletes participated in 41 different sports. Sinuerte ang Pilipinas na makapanalo ng total of 228 medals, second only to Thailand. Ngunit hindi sa dami ng napanalunang medalya ang ranking but sa dami ng gold medals. The Philippines ranked as sixth among all the countries who participated -- Beijing Olympics 2008 beckons. Let’s hope that the best of our Philippine athletes will bear in mind the quality of their performance instead of running around just chasing medals. Sasagupain ng top Pinoy athletes ang mga matitinik na athletes from China and Korea sa Beijing Olympics to be held in August 8-24, 2008.

Also, I want to mention that during the holidays, I was able to watch several YouTube Videos, many of which I found rather entertaining. May I share the YouTube Video about the beauty and power of a common man with a dream who won the Grand Prize in “Britain Has Got Talent” competition. His name is Paul Potts, a mobile phone salesman, who has been chasing a dream to be an opera singer. Unassuming, modest and humble looking, you will see how he fulfilled his dream.
Please watch and enjoy: www.youtube.com/watch?v=1k088yxu57NA 
 
Also, even if it’s not Christmas anymore and you feel like watching Elvis Presley looking lean and mean in his black leather jacket singing Blue Christmas, please access:
www.9poundhammer.blog.spot.com/2007/12/blue-christmas-html
 
In case you haven’t yet discovered a Karaoke Online, this site will offer you the chance to sing along or record countless number of musical selections in the comfort of your living room. There are also Children Songs to choose from for your bulilit. What a fun time you will have but register for FREE as a member first. Choose a User Name and a Password and you are on the road to Online Karaoke not only during rainy days and Sundays. Baka makauwi pa ng maaga si Mister.

O, kayo ba ay nag-enjoy ng Christmas and New Year? Dumating siguro ang lahat ng inyong inaanak. Siempre pa walang kasing saya ang Pasko sa Pilipinas. Dito naman sa Kansai ay marami din mga pagdiriwang. Ang iba ay na miss ko dahil sa aking paguwi. Ipinagdiwang ang Christmas ng Shiga Christian Community, Pag-asa Kyoto Community at Philippine Dance Company and Elim Bible Study group ng 4th week of December. The Nara Mabuhay Community headed by Carmen Matsushima was held early in the month. The Philippine Community Day 2007 with Access TV was held at the Les Lumieres Shin Osaka Event Hall on Nov. 25th. Access TV, brings those entertaining TV programs para hindi tayo ma homesick, sponsored the event starting with a Morning Mass. On the 25th of November, the Osaka Yokoso Kapamilya was held in the Enkei Hall of MID Plaza (beside the building where the Philippine Consulate General is located.) Sam Milby and stars of Pangarap na Bituin including Jericho Rosales and Maja Salvador gave a musical performance. This event was sponsored by ABS-CBN for TFCKo subscribers and would-be subscribers. A raffle was also held offering many exciting prizes.

Indeed, 2007 has been another great year. Let’s look forward to the abundant
blessings of the New Year.

November-December 2007
     We safely returned to Osaka from Sydney, Australia in September where we attended the annual Global Filipino Networking Convention. Visiting another country for the first time is like walking into a new shop.
     One is full of great expectations not knowing what surprises and attractions awaits. Flying to Sydney via Philippine Air Lines requires a transit waiting time of 8 hours in Manila so we made sure we secured our Boarding Passes for our flight to Sydney. With the pass in hand, we made our way out and headed to the Asia Mall where we had a leisurely lunch at the Aristocrat’s Restaurant and we still had plenty of time for a massage, foot spa and a manicure. I have never felt so relaxed during a transit flight. We trouped back to NAIA 2 where we joined a long queue of passengers being subjected to strict baggage checks. It was early September and the flight was full with no empty seats to transfer where one could stretch and forget you are on an economy flight. There is no direct flight to Sydney from Manila.The plane had to stop in Melbourne for 45 minutes where all passengers disembarked and were enticed to see the Duty Free Shops. We found a Money Changer mini bank but the lady behind the counter was not as nice as the ones in Japan but she duly changed our yen to Aussie dollars. I saw many beautiful woolen sweaters, mufflers, socks - the ones I buy in Daimaru only when they are on sale.
   Upon arrival in Sydney, again passengers were strictly inspected. My small can of tuna fish and 1 cup of Nisshin noodles were confiscated but to my surprise, they missed my bottle of green tea. That’s fault free system check for you!
   According to a news article that I’ve read, Australia needs nurses, engineers, farm and construction workers. The construction boom in New South Wales presents employment opportunities to Filipino job seekers. Job applicants who would qualify would be entitled to work permits for a duration of one to three years and an opportunity to apply for immigrant status after one year residency. So for those of you who are disenchanted sa buhay sa Japan-chance na ito. Give it a try and live your dream. Why wait? For your information there are about 160,000 Filipinos residing in Australia and roughly 70,000 live in New South Wales.
     The 5th Global Filipino Networking Convention convened. It was efficiently chaired by the Filipino Community Council of Australia and the Global Filipinos Australia. Among the many topics discussed were Remittances and Beyond, Labor Pains and Gains, Transparency and Governance, Winning in Australian Political Arena, Assistance Straight from the Heart and Retiring in the Philippines. Among the speakers were Ambassadors Libran Cabactulan and Francis Chua, General Edgar Aglipay, Loida Nicolas Lewis, Dr. Dante Juanta and Atty. Rodel Rodis.
      To give you an idea of the extent of the presence of Filipinos in Australia, there are 100 affiliate organization of the Philippine Community Council of New South Wales alone so I guess one will never feel homesick in this country. Mga Pinoys in Japan do check out migrating Down Under!
      So all in all we had a productive and educational trip networking with other global Filipinos but due to time restraint we were not able to travel to New Zealand but it will definitely be in our forthcoming trip.
      And now, let me share some Kansai happenings. Yours truly had a good fortune to be invited to the Autumn Home Party in Sagano held at the villa of the Takeda Family in Sakyo-ku, Kyoto. The villa and its vast traditional Japanese garden is located in a famous site around Arashiyama and Sagano which is depicted in the classic novel, The Tale of Genji and Heiki Monogatari. The owner, a Japanese socialite and a medical doctor, was gracious enough to have international guests at her home for a traditional Japanese lunch and a shakuhachi (Japanese flute) performance. Mr Hozan Murata, an international known flutist performed for the guests and he also gave a talk on making shakuhachi. Kamogawa Kai organized the event to propagate the appreciation of Japanese culture.
     The next event will be our visit to the Urasenke Center’s Chado Research Gallery. Urasenke is one of the main schools of Japanese Tea Ceremony which originated in China and refined by Sen Rikyu in the 16th Century. For students of tea ceremony, it is vital to learn its history as well. A tea ceremony teacher will give a demonstration of the fine art of making tea.
      World Cultural Forum 2007 will hold various Panel Discussion like Cultural Heritage and Earthquakes and Art Empowering People in Kyoto, Tokyo and Fukuoka. For details, please call 03-5478-8320.
      Aba, Christmas na so marami din sa mga Japan based Pinoys most likely will spend their holiday season with their loved ones sa Pinas. Why not book the flight in November for cheaper flights? I always get my tickets at the same friendly travel agency. Be aware of the Bureau of Immigration’s new entry procedures which went into effect November 20, 2007. All foreign nationals entering Japan will be fingerprinted as well as photographed and interviewed by immigration inspectors. Even foreigners with re-entry permits are not exempted. Exemptions are made for those who are under 16 years old, permanent residents (Eiju ken holders) and those carrying a Diplomatic Visa. Foreign nationals who refuse to be fingerprinted and photographed will be denied entry. For details, please access www.immi-moj.go.jp/ index.html
 
  Another reminder is, if you have a family member who is 60 years old, please make sure you know that this person no longer needs to have a Senior Citizen Card to get her 20% discount for medicines, medical exams food and other daily needs. ID cards like passport, drivers license and other official proof of age will be honored. Senior Citizen’s 20% discount can be obtained either with cash or credit card purchases. However, they still must pay the 20% Value Added Tax (VAT). So if you buy food for P100.00, you only pay P80.00 but still have to pay P9.60 for VAT so your total purchase costs P89.60. If you want to download RA 9257 or commonly called Expanded Senior’s Citizen Act which was signed into a law in 2004 by President Gloria M. Arroyo, please do so and access: www.ncimb.dswd. gov.ph or www.doh.gov.ph  There was a time when Mercury Drug Store was only giving the 20% discount for cash purchases but not anymore. Violation of RA 9257 by commercial establishments will cost them fines from P50,000 to P200,000. So for those with Senior Citizens in their households, remind them of their rights and report any violations to the OSCA (Office of Senior Citizens Agency). Find their branch office nearest you and buy a Shopping Record Booklet.
     I almost forgot to mention that the Ninth World Chinese Enterpreneurs Convention was held in Kobe in September with participants from 32 nations. The convention aims to foster exchanges among Chinese
people around the world. During the closing ceremony held at the Osaka International Convention Center, the official banner was handed to taipan Lucio Tan who headed the Philippine delegation. Manila will be the site of the Tenth World Chinese Convention to be held in 2009.
      Luckily I was on the same flight with billionaire Lucio Tan and the rest of the delegates so I was able to chat with some people about the convention but it was Ambassador Francis Chua who gave me a special copy of the program. Also to all the readers of Jeepney Press and those who patronize Philippine Air Lines, I took some photos of the famous billionaire, Sir Lucio Tan (see page 15).
      Salamat sa inyong lahat at sa panahon na inuukol ninyo sa pag-babasa ng aming mga articles sa taong ito. Sana po ay patuloy ninyong tangkilikin ang Jeepney Press at patuloy din ang supporta ng maraming mga sponsors. Nawa sumainyong lahat ang walang hanggang kapayapaan at kaligayahan sa taong 2008.
       Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year.

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September-October 2007

   I hope all of you had a great summer vacation. I just got back from what it seemed like the longest ever stay in Manila. It was Christian's (my nephew) wedding. We also had to check out the extension work done on our house. I love weddings and I think everybody does. All the women look beautifully dressed, the men all equally handsome and the children looked liked little angels. I remember my own wedding. Doesn't everyone think of it as the most memorable time in one's life?
   There were 3 typhoons in a span of 3 weeks? Well at least there were nice, sunny days. Otherwise my entire natsu yasumi would have been a total disaster.
   If you are having a new house built or having some extension work done, you will be able to check if there are any leaks in high places where you don't expect it. Also don't pay your architect's bill in full until you are assured that everything is in good condition otherwise you will be charged with extra labor costs later. Painters, electricians, plumbers are not suppose to be moonlighting and when caught by the Master Architect – malaking gulo so stay on the safe side and also make sure you stay within a prescribed budget. It also helps to have a good relationship with everybody building your house. Treat them well – with the scorching heat, at least give the workers cold drinks and light merienda. Well, I think Leo, our architect, did a good job and the few pieces of Chinese furnitures we bought when we lived in Shanghai for 3 years has finally found its permanent place to be.
   Why is it that the end of summer makes one feel kind of sad? I do, don't you? Maybe because one feels alive in the sunshine, doing sports, eating Razon's halo-halo in Greenbelt, wearing comfy shoes, listening to Blue Hawaii, strolling near Manila Bay. For us Japan based Pinoys, autumn awaits and it will be harvest time. I hope all of us were able to store enough sunshine in our bodies to last through the winter months. Gendai no ningen wa, dan dan yowaku naru - yoku iwaremasu ga. Naze nara, natsu ni reibo, fuyu ni danbo. Honto desu ne! And you know what living in a country with 4 seasons makes one feel the Japanese sentiment of "aware" the here now and later gone feeling, got to go and can't stay any longer but till next year when summer comes again. The essence, I think is to capture each moment and make each moment matters. What then if you have the sun all year round? That's for you now to ponder over.
   We braved the unpredictable weather to go to San Juan, Batangas to look at Mango Farms for possible investment. It took almost 2 hours from Alabang to Lipa and another 45 minutes to San Juan. We had a pleasant ride and before we knew it, we were already in front of the first farm. We walked on almost clay like earth and soon we had amorseko needles all over our trousers. To make it short, we saw the 4 farms and thought the 7 ha was the most beautiful as it was a developed farm. But it was not generating an income to be a wise investment. The owners were just buying and selling land because they live nearby. It may be a hassle to be Japan based and find a good and trained katiwala. We plan to visit again just before the mangoes are harvested next year. I will welcome any comment from any Jeepney Press readers regarding buying a mango farm.
   Nga pala, mataas pa din ang value ng peso kaya kailangan medyo dagdagan ang padala. Because of this, mga ilan na rin negosyong may kinalaman sa import-export ang nagsasara. One kalapad was worth Php3,745 so more or less this is the exchange rate up to today. It's good to be a wise consumer at mahirap kumita ng pera. Is it any wonder there are people who have 2 jobs to make ends meet and those who work when they know legally they are not supposed to. Ay buhay!
   Philippine Community Coordinating Council headed by its current Chairperson, Noemi Itsukage honored Professor Jorge V. Tigno, Associate Professor at the Department of Political Science, University of the Philippines with a Despedida Party at the Department of Tourism Visitor's Lounge. "Jojie" as many people call him was a Visiting Researcher at The Center for Southeast Asian Studies, Kyoto University. He presented his research finding at a seminar held in Osaka recently. The title of his presentation was "Serialized Filipino Identity in Japan". We wish you all the best in your future endeavors. Thanks for your support to PCCC's events.
   The many Philippine Communities in Kansai are in the midst of preparing for the annual and the most sought after Midosuji Parade. The main organizer is the competent staff of our Osaka Department of Tourism led by veteran Lorly Cruz in whose office one can see the various awards given to the Philippine Community for various categories through its many years of participation. Each year is a better year and hopefully hareru desho.
   Till next issue and naka coat and sweater na tayo next time. Take care. Believe ako sa iyo, Pinoy ka. Ano pa ba? Siempre pa, kayang kaya kung sama sama. Ja ne!
 
July-August 2007
Isang malaking kaligayahan sa muling pagni-niig. Sana po ang Jeepney Press no minna san ay nasa mabuting kalagayan. Nandito na ang tag-ulan and so far tsuyu has been mild and just the same, looking at transparent beads of rain gives me such joy. Rain drives away any pain so when it rains, just let it rain.

       The election held in May 14th has come and gone.  You might want to know the rankings by country as to the number of persons who voted. The Overseas Absentee Voting Secretariat compiled the Top Ten Post.  Singapore had the MOST number of voters with 4,574, followed by Brunei with 1,780. Osaka ranked 7th with 518 voters, Sydney, 512; Bang-kok, 332. In the United States the top three cities with the most number of patriotic Filipinos who casted their votes were San Francisco, Washington DC and New York. In Europe the top three were Paris, London and Madrid. Let's hope more over-seas based Filipinos  vote next time.      (ref: www.dfa.gov.ph/ oav/stats)

        The Flag Raising Ceremony to comme-morate the 109th Philippine Indepen-dence Day was held on the grounds of the Twin 21 Plaza, Osaka City in the morning of June 12th. It was a sun shiny morning. The message of Her Excellency President Gloria M. Arroyo was read by Consul General Maria Lourdes V. Ramiro Lopez. Breakfast, courtesy of the Department of Tourism, followed at the Philippine Consulate General Office.

         For all music lovers out there, you will be happy to know that the Takarazuka International Chamber Chorus Contest will be held in July 28-29 in the Vega Hall, Takarazuka City, Hyogo Prefecture. The Philip-pines will be represented by Novo Concertante Manila, a chamber choir composed of talented singers from all walks of life. This group was originally formed as a recital choir. It has evolved into an ensemble  and has represented the Philippines in various international choral competitions and festivals. Novo won a Gold Medal in the Mixed Chamber Choir category and two Silver Medals in the Folk Music and Music Sacra acappella categories at the 2nd Choir Olympics held in Busan, South Korea in 2002. The Novo Concer-tante Manila has also won the Grand Prize at the 1st ever Voyage of Songs International Choral Competition held in Malaysia in 2003. The group won 1st prize in the Folklore Cate-gory and 3rd prize in the Open Mixed Choir Category. Fresh from its Malaysian Tour, the Director for International Affairs of Novo, Virgilio C. Costes hopes to continue in its pursuit of excellence and bring glory to the Philippines by winning the choir competition in July. This event is organized by the Takarazuka City Foundation for Cultural Affairs. For details, please call 0797-85-8844 or email ticc@takarazuka-c.jp. Novo Concertante Manila would like to perform again in different cities in Japan in the near future if they can find sponsors. For those interested in a Christmas Concert, for example, please send me an email. (sally@oregano.ocn.ne.jp)

          All Global Filipinos are invited to come join us in Sydney for the 5th Global Filipino Networking Convention. It will be held from 6-8 Septem-ber 2007 at the Holiday Inn Rooty Hill. This networking convention brings together not only global Filipino community leaders but all concerned Filipinos interested in sharing, discussing shared issues, bringing up solutions to urgent problems. It is also an oppor-tune moment to celebrate triumphs of Filipino diaspora. There will be a stellar line up of speakers who would want to engage the members of the Global Filipino Community in a relevant discussion that would lead to lasting outcomes. This year's convention theme is "Fair Go for Filipino Empowerment". Participants are expected to come from Europe, Asia, Middle East and North America. So sama na kayo and the more the Filipinos from Japan, the better. Hopefully, maka 3 tables tayo. Also expected is President Gloria M. Arroyo who will be attending the APEC Summit in Sydney in September. Meron din sight seeing, musical number, dancing and feasting during the Gala night. If you already have an Australian visa, all you need is book your ticket and accomodation and register to attend the convention by July 3rd for an Early Bird Fee of only AU$200.00, a savings of AU$50.00 from the regular charge of AU$250.00. Sydney, here we come.

          Since tomorrow is June 19th, the birthday of our renowned hero, Jose Rizal, I gather from the Net that Noli me Tangere is now included in the list of Penguin Classics alongside other world literary masterpieces and can be bought anywhere around the world. It is now part of the literature studies and required reading of 15 universities in the United States including Harvard University, University of California in LA, San Diego State University, University of Hawaii etc. Indeed, a well deserved distinction.

           And YES, we were in Tokyo to welcome President Gloria M. Arroyo who was in Japan for bilateral talks with top government officials. Secretary of Finance Hon. Margarito B.Teves gave a talk on the State of the Philippine Economy. Central Bank Governor Hon. Amando M. Tetangco, Jr. Madame Miriam Santiago , Investor Relations Executive Director, Renato G. Pizarro was with the Presidential
entourage. The meeting with Community Leaders was held in the Tokyo Imperial Hotel.

           JP's next issue will be for Sep/Oct already so while it's summer, try to get all the sunshine that you can get. Besides it's free and it's good for you. So dear readers, see you in Sydney?



May-June 2007

As I am writing this, my thoughts and prayers are with the 3 Philippine women who
will be climbing Mt. Everest in two days time. The Kaya ng Pinay Mount Everest expedition members are Carina Dayondon, Janet Belarmino, Noelle Wenceslao. They successfully completed their training by climbing Gokyo Ri, a 5,500 meter peak in the Everest Region and not only are they prepared physically but mentally as well by their leaders and group physician. With the weather permitting, the group will wave the Philippine flag on the summit of Mt. Everest by May 11th. Galing talaga!

Sino kaya ang magwawagi sa eleksyong ito. Talagang mahirap pumili ng kandidato para iboto and siempre naman you want to choose a winner or else sayang naman ang boto.  Sure, Overseas Absentee Voter na tayo pero are our common concerns really being represented by our elected government officials or are they just interested in our hard earned remittances.  What if we withhold sending money until they listen to what changes we want done in the government. That will be conditional remittance. But, will it work and how will we know if we don’t try it.  Do you know that a senator earns roughly 35,000 pesos a month? But wait.  How can they live a life of luxury? Without pork (barrel fund), they can’t unless they were really rich from the beginning or they have a successful investment or family business. Some people say the rich only want to work for the government to protect and/or propagate their family’s and friend’s business interests. What if the flow of foreign remittance into the Philippines start to dwindle? Has the government already a “game plan” as to how to tackle the enormity of what this problem could be.  How about us, Filipinos, based in Japan? How do we put life in the  right perspective? Ang lalim yata at parang mahirap intindihin. Isa na sigurong senyas ang pagbabago ng buhay sa Pilipinas sa pag-akyat ng tatlong Pilipina sa Mt. Everest.

I will now try to update you as to the action and event pulse here in Osaka. First of all, we successfully celebrated the 2007 INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY with a music, sharing and a Panel Discussion in March 17th at the Osaka shiritsu Chuo Seinen Center. Sponsored by the Philippine Consulate General and the Philippine Community Coordinating Council, it was a day to salute women and their role in society.  Ignorance of Civil Laws as well as Human Rights among women were discussed. Kailangan talagang magsunog ng kilay para mapag-aralan ng kababaihan ang mekanismo ng batas as well as human rights para maipagtanggol ang kaapihan sa lipunan. Ang sarap talagang mag-attend ng Forum lalo na kung ito ay makakadagdag sa ating knowledge.  Many people agreed that we should follow this event up at a later time with more sharing about the lives of Filipinos living, loving, working and raising families in Japan.

The 37th Annual Kobe Matsuri will be held in May 12 with stage performances in Harbour Land, Shin Kobe Oriental Avenue and other places.  The Grand Parade on Flower Road continues to attract visitors from different parts of Kansai.  When the
Philippine Consulate General was still based in Kobe, several Filipino community group use to join the parade but now that the Consulate is in Osaka, it is the Midosuji Parade that everybody is looking forward to in Autumn. Honto ni natsukashii ne!

Regarding passports , even if it’s not set to expire anytime soon, I heard that it’s better to renew it now to avoid the RFID chip. The chip will contain all your personal informations and is readable at a distance and even if you wrap it in plastic, the worst that can happen to you is an "Identity Theft" and intrusion in your privacy.  This already started in the United States and when I told my daughter, Mari, about this, she was not surprised at all because actually many Japanese passports have RFID chips already including her own passport.  Also, I wonder if cards like SUICA , the train pre-paid cards available in East Japan and our own Kansai version, the ICOCA train cards are actually tracking or surveillance cards for who? Foreigners or terrorists?  Let’s help make Japan a safe country to live in.

HUMAN RIGHTS, OSAKA is co- organizing a human rights seminar with Tokyo-based
NGO group with Professor Philip Alston, New York University School of Law Professor at the Osaka Municipal Shimin Gakusho Center. Professor Alston was also in the Philippines to look into the increasing number of deaths of journalists in the past few years.

Medyo napadpad ako sa www.filipinoinvestigator.ph. Ito ay isang kakaibang website
dahil dito pala nagtatanong if you want to check out a philandering husband or
if foreigners want to check out the identity of Filipinas they got to know sa Chat Mail. I’ve read cases where Filipinas sent forged identities to foreigners looking for Asian brides. Shameless Pinay adbentureras asking for money from would be grooms, sending pictures of local movie stars or fashion models instead of their own pictures. It's good that the foreigners contacted these private investigators.  Other services that they render are installing tracking devices in cars, tracking phone calls from land lines or cell phones.  Para talagang nasa Ian Fleming’s James Bond movie.  Not only can you go shopping online sa www.007spyfactory.com/products, puede ka pang maging amateur spy or protect yourself if necessary from any undesirable persons who may want to harm you. To give you some idea, they sell,  products like ladies' wristwatch recorder, mace dog repellant (to keep the dogs away), pepper spray for everyone, room bugs, magnetic door window alarms, ear piercing blast alarm, electronic barking canines, etc.  I don’t know perhaps Tokyo may have shops selling these type of products.  You may want to check it out.  Now that even children in Japan carry cell phones and cases of child abuse are increasing, perhaps we should look into product informations for our own security.

We hope to meet some of you in Tokyo. Tuloy naman siguro the visit of her Excellency President Gloria M. Arroyo this month to discuss bilateral talks with some Japanese Government officials and kasama na siguro ang issue of sending Caregivers from the Philippines.

And siempre pa, if you are visiting Kansai, tawag naman kayo if you want to know where the shops selling clothes, bags etc. at wholesale prices are. Siempre and like me pasalubong to the Philippines during the Obon Summer vacation is a a must.

I must sign off now to all of you faithful readers of Jeepney Press. Be good and see yah all next time. Wow Summer na! 





March-April 2007
Sa inyo pong lahat ay ipinaha-hatid, masiglang pagbati - panahon ng tag-sibol, ating ipagbunyi. Aba Marso na, mga tao ay naka-coat pa. Sa tag-lamig nahimbing kong mga tanim, ng masulyapan ko’y marami ng usbong at nakaka-tawag ng pansin.

Panay pa din ang cyberspace trips ko at naka-ilang oras din ako sa www.gonegosyo.net. Talk of the town yata si Joey Concepcion III recently and everybody wants a copy of his exciting new book, the “Go Negosyo 50 Inspiring Enterpreneural Stories.”  This newly published book promises to unleash the go get it tiger enterpreneural spirit in every Pinoy from Aparri to Jolo. There is nothing more energizing than reading true success stories of Pinoys young and old. In the future the next success story could be YOURS so shake your leg and Joey comes with a whiplash but with a big brother’s arms around your shoulder. Supporting him are government agencies like the Department of Trade and Industry and Department of Agriculture and Go Negosyo mentors who will help anyone turn business plans and ideas into reality. That’s right folks, people will be taught how to fish instead of depending sa tulong and awa ng kamaganak at Maykapal. Kaya Mo. Go Negosyo. Magisip na tayo ng magandang negosyo. There’s a big market out there for just about any products and or services. Get together with your friends to form an alliance and in doing so you will unleash the power of group energy then start outlining your business plans then if you're abroad, just email Sir Joey Concepcion at joey@gonegosyo.net.

Naglayag din ako sa www.goodnewspilipinas.com This is a website that features success and triumphs of Global Filipinos which we probably missed reading in the newspapers.  I jotted down only a few names with the hope that you will visit the website so you can cruise as leisurely as you wish.

Chris Gajilan, a CNN Senior Medical Program Producer, won an Emmy Award for a TV feature she co-produced for the US television network. Shiela Coronel, an award winning investigative journa-list is the Inaugural Director of the Toni Stabile Center for Investigative Journalism at the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism in New York City.

A book about a Filipino who made it big in the stock mar-ket is making headlines in the largest online bookstore (Amazon.com) Erwin Bogs Rempola writes about his success story in his book Discovery of True Wealth. Cebu based designer Kenneth Cobonpue makes won-der with rattan. Time Magazine calls him Rattan’s First Virtuoso. Seven years ago, Cobonpue developed a strong following in the highly competitive world of upscale class home furnishings. Among his latest client is Brad Pitt who purchased choice pieces of furnitures. Warner Brothers has asked him to do a casino set for the forth-coming movie “Oceans Thirteen.” His designs have appeared several times in the prestigious International Design Yearbook as well as in major design and furnishing publications worldwide.

Lastly for the Kansai report, I was invited to a trip to Okutanigumi Museum sponsored by the Kyoto based Kamogawa Kai, an NPO group, that organizes group tours for foreigners as well as English speaking Japanese who appreciate Japanese Culture. Okutanigumi have been for generations building and rebuilding shrines and temples in Japan. They also do repair works that requires traditional skills of master carpenters whose knowledge is handed down from one generation to another. Unlike Western type churches that are made of stone, wood is the preferred material in building shrines and temples. Pieces of wood with squared joints require precise measurements. Connecting them together without the use of nails is an excellent way to assure the durability of the structure because nails weakens the structure as nails rust. Many shrines and temples in Japan of outstanding artistic value are registered in the UNESCO World Heritage List

Last week, we went to Arima Onsen, one of the oldest hot springs in Japan. The history of Arima Onsen includes frequent visits by Emperors of bygone eras. Many stories regarding health rejuvenation and recovery from ailments after visiting this hot spring have spread all over Japan and people continue to troup here all year round. Recently tourist groups from Korea and China come to enjoy not only the hot springs but the natural beauty of its surroundings. There are also many souvenir shops and restaurants. There is a special shuttle bus from Osaka that will take visitors to Arima in an hour’s ride. For those who plan to visit, the Arima Hot Spring Tourist Office is located at 790-3 Arima-cho, Kita-ku, Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture 651-1401.

Last but not least, you maybe interested to know that it is thought that the Kinsen
(Gold Hot Spring) of Arima Onsen (Hot Spa) was created by water originating from the Philippine Sea Plate which lies (40-80 km) under the Japanese Archipelago and surfaced as a hot water spring without being heated by magma. (Reference: Arima Onsen Tourist Information)



November-December 2006 Issue
As we approach the year- end festivities of the holiday season, we begin to look back at what made 2006 a special year. October 29th was a special day in Kansai. We celebrated the Philippine Family and Friends' Day in Osaka and everybody felt like one big happy family. Everybody left their problems and worries behind and had a great time. We salute the efficient organization of the Philippine Consulate General headed by our Consul General Ma. Lourdes V. Ramiro Lopez. This event was also held to celebrate the 50th Aniversary of Philippine-Japan Diplomatic Relations wherein Consul General Lopez announced the slogan "Kayang-Kaya Kung Sama-Sama," a call for unity which was heard by over 400 guests. There were booths offering products and services as well as tasty Filipino delicacies. Dennis Sun and Lola Jena were both ace MCs and entertainers as well. Later in the evening Ogie Alcasid serenaded everyone with his famous and endearing love songs. Pogi talaga si Ogie. Singer song writer na, great host pa and really may pagka comedian pa. Talagang love siya ng lahat. Hopefully magkita-kits tayo ni Ogie again sa Kansai, ne?
 
The Global Filipino Networking Conference 2006 held in Honolulu, Hawaii was a grand gathering of Filipino community leaders from all over the world attended by about 500 people. Seven delegates from Kansai and all members of the Philippine Community Coordinating Council represented Japan. This annual gathering provides a podium for discussing common concerns and pressing issues that concern Filipinos living in different countries. It was also the Centennial Celebration of Filipino migration in Hawaii. After viewing the award winning documentary "Untold Triumph" which portrayed untold stories of successful Filipino Americans in the United States, perhaps we can come up with our own documentary on untold triumphs of Filipinos in Asia. Among the many issues taken up were related to health, education, community building, investment opportunities in the Philippines, dual citizenship,  tourism, children in prison, philanthropy, veterans issues, racism and empowerment. It was a pleasure meeting again the Chairman of the National Asssociation of Filipino American Association (NAFFAA), a Filipina global power house, Loida Nicolas Lewis who heads this annual gathering. Other notable guests included Ma. Luisa Mabilangan Haley, former adviser of Ex President Bill Clinton on Asian Business Affairs, Former Hawaii Governor Ben Cayetano, Congressman Mike Honda and Ex-President Fidel V Ramos and Mrs. Amelita Ramos. The 4-day event was held at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Hotel.
 
The Pistahan sa Kyoto 2006 headed by Professor Mamoru Tsuda of the Osaka University of Foreign Languages was a great event that will always be remembered. It brought together Filipino scholars, community leaders, Japanese and Filipino educators as well as university students to come up with this year's Kansai celebration of Philippine-Japan Friendship Year. The turn out was more than expected being a long weekend. Guest Speaker was no other than Dr. Orlando Mercado. There were panel discussion by NGO groups on health issues, trade, labor, immigration, intercultural communication, etc. 

The last but not least on our Kansai happenings is the Asia Culture Forum 2006. It seems that Kyoto is really tops on where to hold a conference or any gathering.  You're right, autumn is not only a season for playing golf in Japan but also for holding meetings. May I say that I juggled my work sked not because Ex-President Fidel V. Ramos will be giving the Opening Remarks but because the theme of this forum was on Globalization and Asian Values. It's time to study and listen to the views and ideas of the stellar lineup of panelists from all over Asia representing Religion, Economics, Social Research, Theater and Drama and Social History. In closing I'll let you ponder on the negative aspects of Globalization on Asian Values. Asia is diverse but it helps to think of how similar we are instead of how different we are. Let us be a strong and United Asia.
 
If you are visiting Kansai and you don't know what places to visit, you may want to give us a call. We maybe able to help you. To one and all Happy Holidays. Oops, Christmas gift list o kakunin shite ne!



September-October Issue

As a cool breeze brushes my cheek, I feel sadness, a quite solitude of another summer that has come and gone. How time flies and I thought of what have I accomplished during the vacation and made a list of what I must do not only for the autumn but for the rest of Year 2006.  Wasn't just New Year a few days ago, it seemed? There are still warm days left and I reminisce the Indian Summer we had when I lived in New York.
 
But I have been living in Osaka for what seems to me like almost a lifetime now. Not even my own mother has thought that I will marry a foreigner and more so, raise 4 children in Osaka, of all places. Well folks, guzen no koto wa nai datte.  There is a grand design for each and everyone of us.  Don't forget it's your life, it's your stage and you are the main of the star of the show. So glitter and shine.
 
This Autumn ushers in a lot of exciting events and celebration in
Osaka as well as in Honolulu, Hawaii. As I'm wiring this, the endless news from the TV next room about Princess Kiko's birth of her third child, a baby boy, who will be the third in line in succession to the Chrysantemum Throne, fills the air. What a happy occasion, prayers were heard and it will be  grand celebration of the whole country. On behalf of the Philippine Community Coordinating Council, Osaka (PCCC) I have sent a Congratulatory Letter to the Imperial Household Agency. I only hope they received it and I will let you know if they answered back.
 
To get back to what I was writing, the Kyoto International Community House was the venue for the gathering to support the Filipinos in Kansai who want to be caregivers. What makes an efficient caregiver that we can be proud of? What does the job entail, requirements necessary?  What will be the benefits of working as a Care Giver? How about the working hours and what kind salary will I be offered? All these questions and more were answered in the CARE GIVER'S SEMINAR  held on Saturday, 16th September. The seminar was spon-sored by NPO Japan-Philippines Cultural and Industrial Development Association. They have also conducted Care Givers' Seminar in Tokyo and Nagoya. For details, please call: 072-240-0900 If you want to have a seminar in your area, just call Mr. Denda.
 
The NANIWA PHILIPPINE FIESTA 2006 was held on Sept. 10 at the Naniwa Park, Motomachi, Osaka. The Mayor of Osaka and Consul General Ma. Lourdes V. Lopez were the guest of honors. Philippine music, fashion show, dances and native foods, San Miguel beer were main features of the event.
 
The Annual MIDOSUJI PARADE will be held in October 8th. Although we will not enter a parade float this year, an exciting participation was nevertheless meticulously prepared for all of Osaka to watch and enjoy by the efficient staff of our Department of Tourism, Osaka Regional Office.
 
Everybody will surely have a great time at the forthcoming  FAMILY DAY to be held at the Naniwa Kumin Kaikan on 29th  of October. It will be a special gathering of Filipinos and friends from the Kansai area. Don't miss it. We heard that Regine Velasquez was invited to grace the show.
 
The 4th Global Filipino Networking Convention will be held in Honolulu, Hawaii from Sept. 28th - October 1, 2006. Filipinos from all over the world will celebrate their accomplish-ments and meet on issues of concern. The conference is part of the centennial celebration of the arrival of the first Filipino migrants in Hawaii. Notable Filipinos will give speeches. A Centennial Festival will cap the convention. As far as we know seven delegates from Osaka, all PCCC members, will represent Japan but hopefuly there will be other attendees from Tokyo. I will give you a conference report next issue. Please wish us a nice trip.
 
Last but not least on our list of X-citing happenings will be the much awaited PHILIPPINE - JAPAN FRIENDSHIP FORUM: PISTAHAN SA KYOTO 2006 to be held on 03 November 2006 at the Kyoto Campus Plaza from 10:00 am. This event commemo-rates the restoration of Philippine-Japan diplomatic relations in 1956. Come and join us in this golden celebration. There will be panel discussions by various groups as well as NGOs on topics like developmental cooperation, labor issues, international marrriage, etc. Lunch will be available for sale. Day care center/play room for children will be available in Japanese tatami room for FREE. We invite everyone, not only those living in Kyoto, but from other cities as well. For details, please call Professor Mamoru Tsuda, Tel./Fax. 072-730-5273. We are looking for volunteers to run the play room preferably those who love children. Just call us.
 
So there you are, that's how exciting it is living in Osaka. Isn't Christmas already in the shopping malls in the Philippines? Till next time.