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SHORT CUTS
By Farah Trofeo-Ishizawa
July-August 2008
In the last article I wrote, "Life is short - let us make each day meaningful."
On June 7, 2008, actor, action star, and our family friend Rudy Fernandez passed away. His wife, his sons, his closest friends were with him until that morning when he ended his fight against cancer.
Farah with Lorna Tolentino and Rudy Fernandez in Tokyo
First Cut
Life for Rudy was short, and yet it was a well lived life according to Lorna Tolentino, his wife popularly known as LT. He has been in and out of the hospital, for treatment and confinement these past two years. And all the time, LT, was there by his side. I admire how she has been taking care of her beloved husband. Her devotion as a wife is unquestionable. LT, you are indeed so special, and I salute you.
Second Cut
In April 1995, LT and Daboy together with their two sons, Raphael and Renz, came to Tokyo for a short visit. I was so happy because I had the chance to take LT and Daboy to mass at the church in Yotsuya. I cannot forget how kind Daboy was, and how sweet they were as a couple, "laging naka-akbay."
Third Cut
There was a time, Daboy also showed me his funny side, and I cannot forget when we saw the "Ishi yaki imo" the "camote" being sold at the road side... both of them, LT and Daboy were so amazed - Daboy smiled and said "ang mahal ng kamote dito" - commenting on the price of the sweet potato which was about 700 yen at that time.
Fourth Cut
We will never know when Our Creator will call us back home. Our friend Rudy has gone ahead of us, but am sure he is now with Them in Heaven. Why? Because he was a good person. Most people - who have known him - have only good things to say about him.
Fifth Cut
Proof that he was well respected and loved, was the number of people who attended his wake at the Heritage Park Memorial Chapel. Family, friends, fans, stars and non-stars... all people from different walks of life - gathered and prayed for him.
Sixth Cut
"Daboy, thank you for being an inspiration and for being so kind and generous to so many people. LT has an angel now by her side. Please continue to watch over your family and friends."
I am happy to have met you.
Seventh Cut
You have showed us the meaning of life, to give value, to make each day more meaningful.
And most of all, you have taught us how to love our family.
Dear readers, please say a prayer for the soul of Daboy. And most specially for LT and her family.
So, till next issue -
Keep healthy always... dear readers and friends...
Ciao for now, and again I say, God Bless - and Mama Mary loves us !
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May-June 2008
As promised in the last issue, Short-cuts will deal on why we are lucky to be in Tokyo, public transportation wise.
First Cut
Ngayon ko lang na-realise how convenient the public transportation system is here in Tokyo. I used to take it for granted, and thought that - it was atarimae (to be expected) that the system be convenient and "user friendly."
Second Cut
America is really a kuruma shakai - society of cars, for cars. To move around there, one must have a car. "No car" means you are "stranded" at home or you will have to depend on the public transport... which is not really that dependable when we speak of buses being on time compared to the buses here.
Third Cut
The train schedules are not that regular compared to the Japan railway schedules, or the subway schedules in Tokyo. If you miss your train, you have to wait for a while before the next one comes. We were at Newark going to Fanwood, and the train left by the time we bought the tickets, we had to wait for almost 30 minutes for the next train. Yes, they do have a time schedule, but it is not that regular as here in Tokyo, where the Yamanote line train comes at least every three minutes, right?
Fourth Cut
Buying the tickets was also difficult for first timers like us. The machines are not "user friendly" -- even our friend who lives in the US, had a hard time buying the tickets for us. She is used to buying the monthly pass instead.
Fifth Cut
Then we got on the train, we noticed that the announcements on the train are not so clear. In the trains in Tokyo, we have the written announcements, the small t.v. monitors, and the regular announcements telling us, "the next stop is ~ station," or the "door will open on the left side," or the regular announcements we take for granted. The subway in New York, they just say the name of the station most of the time, twice, when you get there and before the doors will close so we do not know if we are there, or if it will be the next stop. I guess, it is a matter of getting used to it.
Sixth Cut
Another thing, no one can beat the cleanliness of the trains and buses in Tokyo. Let us continue to keep them clean.
Seventh Cut
Even comparing the train stations, I think the stations in Tokyo are much cleaner.
So we are back in Japan, and I realize all these wonderful things and it feels good to know that we can commute here safely, and continue to ride the clean trains, buses, and taxis.
Again, till next issue! Life is short so let us make each day meaningful.
Stay healthy. Pahabol, for the women, please go have your regular check-up specially the cancer tests for breast and uterus. Keep healthy, for this is wealth. Ciao for now, and again I say, God Bless and Mama Mary loves us !
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March-April 2008
Before anything else, I would like to thank Jeepney Press. Please read this letter below…
Dear Jeepney Press,
May I please ask for a forwarding address for one of your featured
person's in the November-December 2006 issue? She is a friend
that stayed in my home in Florida USA. Any help would be truly
appreciated.
I love the Jeepney Press and all it stands for, Kudos!
My long lost friend from the USA- did an internet search – typed in my
first and last names, and was directed to the “Mukha” corner.
Salamat JP, my special friend and I have re-established communication,
since her computer crashed and got destroyed in 2002. What a nice way
to start the year 2008.
First Cut –
We just got back from a very short trip to America. Now I think “I’m
turning Japanese” because I enjoyed that short vacation. Usually our
vacations are more than two weeks. I used to say, “ why do the Japanese
go to Hawaii or Europe for only a few days?” Hindi ko alam, ako rin
pala… New York and New Jersey for five days. Very tiring, but it was
fun. Double jet lag- we have not adjusted to the time in the US, eh
balik Japan na.
Second Cut-
It was not the first time we visited the USA, pero nalula pa rin ako sa
kanilang mga servings – sa food. Ang dami nilang mag- serve for one
order. Kung i-compare natin sa Japanese servings, ang laki ng isang
order, diba? No wonder, kaya pala malalaki ang mga tao sa Amerika..ne?
Can you imagine if you stayed in the US for more than a month?
Third Cut-
We were having dinner at a hotel, buffet style. We were amongst the
last customers who were still there when they started to clean up,
closing time na. We were so shocked to see, they were literally
throwing the food into the plastic buckets - trash bins. Bina-basura
nila all the left-over foods. The piece of roast beef –“plok” (sound
effects) into the trash - ahhh sayang! Then, everything else – even the
cakes, ice-cream, tinapon nila lahat, all the food. Shock !
(pronounced –ala-Japanese- sho-kku!)
Fourth Cut-
After talking with the waiters, I found out that is how it is in
America – hotels, restaurants, fast food chains – they all throw the
left-over foods during closing time, my friend worked in a chicken
restaurant and told me, every night – they would throw lots of cooked
chicken… I guess that is how the food business is over there. With all
the starving people in so many countries, I felt so sad. But
“shoganai”, for those non-Japanese speaking readers- that means- “there
is nothing we can do about that.”
Anyone with any bright suggestion?
Fifth Cut-
Come to think of it, hindi lang sa Amerika ang maraming “sayang na
food.” Even in Japan, right? All those food that they throw away –
those from the convenience stores – those that have “expired” – hindi
ba they throw them away. Kawawa nga the homeless, they cannot even get
these because they are disposed in such a way that we cannot see them.
Sixth Cut-
I felt so sad, for so many people are deprived. Pero, wala tayong
magagawa – that is the system here in Japan, in America, and maybe
other countries too. But I just pray that someday, they find a way to
make use of all those “left-over foods” or so called “expired food”
kasi diba pwede pa silang kainin?
Seventh Cut-
This May, please watch the movie “Aibou” – this television series is
now a movie. Some shots in the movie were taken in the Philippines.
However, do not expect to see scenes of our country for it is just used
as a different country in the movie. : ) I was the
production coordinator for the Philippine location. : )
There are so many things to write about, mostly reflections about our
short trip to the USA. Next topic, how lucky we are to be in Tokyo –
how convenient the transportation system is – compared to the US train
system and subway. Ciao for now Jeepney Press Readers - Have a nice day
and remember to make each day count. Life is short- let us make each
day worthwhile. God Bless – and Mama Mary loves us!
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January-February 2008
It is December 25th, Christmas Day -
Merry Christmas to everyone and I hope you had a wonderful celebration.
Yes, Merry Christmas pa rin ang greeting ko sa ating mga readers-
because the spirit of Christmas should be in our hearts everyday.
Of course, the appropriate greeting would be "Happy New Year to everyone!"
First Cut -
We usually do not drink alcoholic beverages - but last 24th, my husband
and I bought some sparkling wine - naubos namin yung one bottle. Sa
sunod na araw, pag-gising ko, "aba, my complexion was so much better
and my face looked so pretty". Lasing ba ako, but then I realized- wine
does improve blood circulation- right? Kaya, mula ngayon -
one glass of wine before I go to bed.
Second Cut-
The wonder of the internet and cyber-space continue to amaze me - how
it can bring people together, family and friends - Nowadays there
are lots of social circle sites that make you find your friends and
vice-versa.
Through the internet and email, communication is now so much easier and
faster. Isang click lang, send mo na your message.
However, there is one art that is fading or "going extinct" - that is the art of letter writing.
Third Cut-
When I went home last August for another movie project - I had some
time at home and I cleaned my drawers and cabinets and found some
letters. Hand written letters from my grand-father and grandmother,
letters from my mama, my papa and members of my family then I realized
"internet and email" has "killed" the art of letter writing.
Fourth Cut-
Reading these letters brought me back to that dimension and time when I
received the letters from the postman, opened the letter, and read it.
It made me shed a tear - remembering how much my grandfather and
grand-mother loved me - and how we kept in touch regularly. Back then,
five days to a week was the regular waiting time for the next letter.
That was normal then. Hinihintay ko lagi yung postman para
i-deliver yung mga sulat nila.
Fifth Cut-
But again, patuloy pa rin ang improve-ment of technology. Life goes on
and we are now in the "high tech world". - Salamat ngayon sa email-
malapit na ang pamilya, at mga kaibigan. Isang click lang nga, may
email ka ng na send.
Sixth Cut-
Oo nga at marami ng mga forums, social sites - there are again, pros
and cons. Not everything is good about it, I also wish to warn you,
dapat mag-ingat kayo. Be careful - not everyone in those sites are as
friendly as you may think or perceive them to be. Marami diyan
mga "plastic" - do not expect to find real friends there.
Remember the
user names are just their characters in that forum, some are real
people, while some are out there to deceive you. Just do not trust
anyone so easily.
Seventh Cut-
Para sa akin, better pa rin ang meeting people face to face. Anyway you
judge by yourself, use your discretion, take care everyone - and again
- Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year - and hope you enjoy Cyberspace
as much as I do.
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November-December 2007
This article is based on some thoughts taken from the book “Moments” by my very dear friend, Father Jerry Orbos, SVD.
First Cut -
I decided to write this because of our recent meeting in Tokyo. We met
Fr. Jerry in his hotel in Ikebukuro. He was with a tour group going to
Akita. Alam ng marami sa atin, na sa Akita, makikita natin ang Mother
Mary of Akita. Do you remember that she was the one who shed tears of
blood many years ago?
Second Cut-
Mama Mary loves you. That is what Fr. Jerry always says in most of his
masses, or even his daily conversations. Yes, para sa atin mga
Pilipino, si Mama Mary ay very special sa atin lahat. Sa kanya tayo
madalas magdasal, diba? Yes, keep it up, pray to her and say the Rosary.
Third Cut-
About love, do not waste time. Say “I love you” to those you care for
before they are called to the other life. We should express our love to
our parents, brothers, sisters, and everyone we care for before it is
too late. Sabi nga ni Father, hug your mom and your dad now that you
can. Hug those you love. I have always wanted to tell them how much I
love them, but my living in Tokyo has changed my way of expressing
love… I have become less expressive about my feelings compared to when
I was living in the Philippines… But rest assured, Father Jerry, this
time I go to Manila, I will surely give my parents a warm and big hug.
Fourth Cut-
Sabi pa ni Father, give flowers to those you love habang buhay sila.
What are all the flowers for at the wake – doon sa burol? Eh,
hindi naman ma-appreciate ng namatay ang flowers o mabasa kung kanino
galing… Give the flowers to people you love habang sila ay buhay.
Fifth Cut-
Love is forgiveness – “forgive those who have hurt you” – before it is
too late. I have learned that from Fr. Jerry, say I am sorry – do not
end the day without asking forgiveness. There was a couple, they fought
and went to sleep without talking. The husband died in his sleep,
and the wife regrets that until now. Na-imagine ba ninyo ang
feeling? Kaya, tayong lahat ay dapat marunong mag-pakumbaba, and
learn to ask for forgiveness. Sa opinion ko, bihira lang sa Filipino
ang marunong mag “I am sorry.” Marami sa atin ay mataray… (Isa na ako
doon, lalo na kapag alam kong tama ako…) Oooops mali iyan….be
humble… I remember Father again.
Sixth Cut-
Spread joy. Be happy with everyone. Huwag maging kill-joy.
Share happiness, your smile can make someone happy. Huwag
mag-sunggit. Nakakatanda din ito.
Share a smile.
Seventh Cut-
What is your mission on earth? Ilang taon na ba kayo? May nagawa na ba kayong mabuti para sa kapwa tao?
What is our purpose here on earth?
Reflect on this during the Christmas season.
I am sure Fr. Jerry will be happy that I am sharing some of his thoughts.
Maybe this is part of my mission for now.
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September-October 2007
Summer’s almost over. Enjoy it while it is here. Before we know it, the cold months will be here.
First Cut -
This summer was super hot with temperatures reaching 40 degrees C.
Iba na talaga ang global warming.
Second Cut-
Did you see the news noon naputol yung leg ng isang motorcycle rider
who was touring with some of his barkada. He continued for almost 2
kilometers & he did not even noticed he lost part of his leg. Ahhh,
afraid! Kaya be careful everyone.
Third Cut-
I was in Manila last month. We went to the money changer at
Mega-Mall. Imagine, we were in line. The left side was only
open at that time. Two women in each window. There were
about 10-15 people behind me. Then, the guard shouts “bukas na
dito” (referring to the two windows on the right side).
Third Cut- part 2
All the people behind me, were gone in a jiffy. Parang mga ipis
na nagtakbuhan. Unbelievable! The people at the end of the line
were now in front. Foul!!! I cried out inside my head.
Of course, I wasn't ok with that. I reprimanded the guard and the
women at the windows. They should not do that “improper
way”. They should pull the people out from the line and take them
to the newly opened windows, in that way may kabubulahan ang
pag-lilinya ng mga tao. Some people in my line agreed that there
should be some system..
Fourth Cut-
Still in Manila – nasira nanaman ang aking araw when I went to the DFA
to renew my passport. I decided to renew my passport by myself
para mas-mabilis. (Travel agencies usually take 5-7 working
days.) I was there before 7 a.m. to avoid the crowd but when I reached
the line, there were already almost 150 people in front of me.
That was okay. I followed everyone and before 8, we were
already in the other building for the second step - the filing of forms
and paying. Again, everything went smooth at sunud-sunod kaming
nakapila.
Fourth Cut- part 2
But not for long, there was one guy who slipped out of the line, and
went to the window where there was only one person in line. That was
the line for missing passports or something I do not remember exactly
what it was.
Anyway, I went to the man and asked him "Bakit ka nandito, eh nakapila
naman tayong lahat na maayos?" He looked at me and said, "Sinenyasan
ako ni boss (pointing to the man in brown – guess he was a supervisor)."
Again I did not take that well. I spoke out loud, “So ganyan pala
dito, palakasan. Kung may-kilala ka na boss sa loob eh pwede kang
mauna.” The man in brown just looked at me and went inside. Nakakahiya
talaga, hindi talaga uunlad ang Pilipinas dahil diyan. Anyway,
like the others, I waited patiently, and I was done by 8:20 a.m.
But it felt good just being in line, just like everyone there.
Fifth Cut
Gusto ko lang sabihin, iwasan nating ang palakasan, huwag mag-cheat ng
kapwa tao. Be fair. And we should learn to form a line. Line up tayo
mga kababayan. Matuto tayo dito from our Japanese brothers and
sisters.
Okay, that is it for now. So till next issue, ciao!!!
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July-August 2007
First Cut
Summer is here. Windows are open, fresh air comes in.
Ah sarap matulog, reminds me of the Philippines.
Relaxed summer afternoons, drinking juice, having a manicure or just staying by the poolside.
Second Cut
Ooops, but we are in Tokyo, I open my windows, warm air, a little wind
once in a while, pero ang naririnig ko ay yung iyak ng bata sa kabilang
unit. Ay Diyos ko!
Third Cut
Ice cream, iced- candies and shaved ice drinks or “kaki-gori,”
mabenta na naman. Sa akin lang naman, simple ang gusto kong
“ice.” Thanks to that brand that came out with the super
yummy “Tiramisu” flavor. Iyan ang “my boom” ngayon.
Fourth Cut - part 1
With summer comes the change in fashion. Women wearing shorts,
mini-skirts, and whatever is in fashion. Kaya naman lumalaki na
ang mga matang singkit ng mga men in Japan.
Fourth Cut - part 2
Kaya lang pansinin ang young Japanese women, bakit kaya they wear their
sandals or shoes one size bigger? Parang tsinelas ang dating. So
if you are in the subways or train stations – kapag meron kang
naririnig na parang kabayo ang sound ng footsteps… look at the way they
wear their shoes.
Afraid! Plaka, plak, plak!!!
Fourth Cut - part 3
Isa pa, I still do not understand why they wear dresses with
jeans. Fashion – you may say, or maybe they are young…. But for
me, a dress is still a dress. And jeans is still jeans… they are
worn separately… Mag-dress ka, show off your legs. That is a feminine
dress. Jeans, you wear it anyway you like it, except with a
dress… please.
Of course iba, ang tunic type blouses with leggings – that I can wear.
Fifth Cut
Fruits – watermelon, grapefruits, pineapple, mangoes, oranges, melons –
you name it, summer time fruits. Of course, dito sa Japan – kahit
seasonal ang fruits we may have them all year round dahil sa kanilang
“covered gardens” o “vinyl houses.” Strawberries, grapes – fruits
in Japan are so delicious. Not to forget the “sakurambo” or
Japanese cherries… hmmmn, oishii sou ne!
Sixth Cut
Ooops, do not get me wrong.
I love the fruits in the Philippines - specially if they are ripened
from their trees. How I love the mangoes, pineapples, bananas…
and also, specially if they are made into fruit shakes. Mango
shake by the beach – perfect!!! (or mango puree with those tiny
sago balls…kore wa oishii!)
Seventh Cut
Halo-halo, kapag umuuwi sa Pilipinas. Kailangan kumain ng halo-halo.
Bakit? Iba ang lasa ng halo-halo kapag kinakain ito sa road-side,
or kapag binili ito sa Philippines. Whether it is the halo-halo
at the kanto store, or the one from any five star hotel. Masarap
talaga ang halo-halo sa atin.
Eighth Cut
Can you hear those chimes? The Japanese wind chimes – maganda ang
sound ng mga chimes – yung land lady namin sa fourth floor ay may wind
chimes, or tinatawag na “Furing” Ting, cling, ting cling chimes –
at dahil dito, naantok na ako. Sounds so relaxing.
Sorry but I have to go, the chimes and the wind are making me sleepy.
Ciao for now mga readers… don’t forget to go out and have fun in the sun, get tanned.
But don’t get burned… till next issue.
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