After three months of silence, I am back to the net. I moved from Yamagata Prefecture to Mie Prefecture last April and started my first official work in Japan. I am a company employee in a car wiring manufacturing firm. Working in Japan gives me both the challenges of fitting in with the Japanese workplace and at the same time the excitement of working abroad.
In the company, we are not allowed to use the internet for personal perposes. So I waited until I got internet connection in my new place. I am now living in a company dormitory. Actually, it looks so similar to my old apartment in Yamagata except that it is bigger and the toilet is now separated from the bathroom. I am thinking of touring you around in my later posts.
Working for three months made me think of a couple of things. Working in Japan turned my former student life upside down. What I mean is that before, I used to have lots of time lazying around but have little to no money at all. Now, it is the opposite. I have some money but I have no time to travel or have fun somewhere. Good thing that I have internet now so I can simply sit down and relax at home while watching local (Filipino) TV programs through streaming video.
Another thing in my mind is that I work double everyday. I need to accomplish all my daily tasks and at the same time, I need to cope up with the language. I've been in Japan for three years already but I still find Japanese difficult for me to understand. I can speak, read and write in Japanese for a certain degree but I am frustrated that my Japanese skills are not yet enough.
Living and working in Japan is so comfortable. Commuting is simple as the railway system is quite efficient and always on time. The company provides almost everything that I need-a place to stay, utility fees, transportation expenses, food and family allowances that not even the "prestigeous" companies in Manila is willing to provide.
Living in country like Japan makes you adjust not only to the locals but to the other foreigners as well. In my three-month stay in Mie Prefecture, I felt that some people from C are quite not pleasant. I know a batchmate who always pester me for favors to the point that he's now annoying me every time he rings my phone. In times that I can't comply to his [obviously selfish and "magulang na"] requests, he makes some "parinig" and petty threats. Oh, what a bum!
Anyway, I'll just continue filling my list on my next post. I am now a bit sleepy and I need to go to bed soon. Japan is a place where tardiness is being frowned upon so a bit of advice to my fellow "kababayans" out there who are aspiring to work and live in Japan, get rid of the so-called "Filipino time". Till then!
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Saturday, March 17, 2007
Sana Maulit Muli
(I Wish It Could Happen Again, 繰り返したらいいな)
I won't write about ABS-CBN's soap but let me borrow its title for today's entry. Looking back to the days that passed, I can always say to myself, "I wish it could happen again." Not because I want to relive the moments, but to correct something in the past so that the present and the future will take a different course. Yeah, I refer to the things in the past that I consider my mistakes. Who would want to change happy moments in their lives? Do I sound pathetic? Yeah, may be in a way.
I've been slacking for three years ever since I came to Japan. I came here to study but circumstances led me not to exert my fullest efforts to finish my program. I've been a carefree student and I feel so much ashamed for that. Knowing that I will be graduating next week assured me that somehow I have completed all my requirements but deep inside, I feel discontentment as I wasn't able to put up a good fight. I just let myself go with the flow and just finish things just for the sake of merely completing them as they were required. This is one of the things that I always wish na sana maulit muli.
Another thing was my interpersonal relationships. Being away from my family led me to seek friends in Japan. I felt blessed having many friends, most of them were my Filipino acquiantances in the church. However, as friendships get deeper, my involvement with them had gone deeper as well... and involvement meant not only getting caught into good stuffs but with the not-so-good experiences as well. I won't elaborate more but one sad incident concerning me, and a Filipina friend spoiled everything. We had an argument in which news about what happened reached other people as well. I saw several reactions and I tell you, not all of those reactions were sympathy on my side. I came to the point of severing my ties with other friends as well. I started to see disadvantages of having them as friends. I started complaining that they do ask more and greater favors from me as compared to what favors I received from them. It was not my nature to count favors against favors but I really turned out to be that superficial. Good thing was, it didn't last long. I came to my senses and felt that not all of my friends are like that other friend who treated me bad. Suddenly I came to realize that more people are concerned about me. I felt so touched and I appreciated all the concerns so much.
Another thing was with my lovelife. I was loved and loved in Japan and even in the Philippines before coming to Japan. I really want to go back to the past and do something. Supress love towards the wrong person and wait to love until the right time. It may be so vague but somehow, these are also things that I regret doing in the past.
Anyway, tomorrow is always a new day and a fresh new start. Maybe instead of sulking and wishfully thinking that the past may be changed, I should focus more on the present to make way for a better future. 決まった！
I won't write about ABS-CBN's soap but let me borrow its title for today's entry. Looking back to the days that passed, I can always say to myself, "I wish it could happen again." Not because I want to relive the moments, but to correct something in the past so that the present and the future will take a different course. Yeah, I refer to the things in the past that I consider my mistakes. Who would want to change happy moments in their lives? Do I sound pathetic? Yeah, may be in a way.
I've been slacking for three years ever since I came to Japan. I came here to study but circumstances led me not to exert my fullest efforts to finish my program. I've been a carefree student and I feel so much ashamed for that. Knowing that I will be graduating next week assured me that somehow I have completed all my requirements but deep inside, I feel discontentment as I wasn't able to put up a good fight. I just let myself go with the flow and just finish things just for the sake of merely completing them as they were required. This is one of the things that I always wish na sana maulit muli.
Another thing was my interpersonal relationships. Being away from my family led me to seek friends in Japan. I felt blessed having many friends, most of them were my Filipino acquiantances in the church. However, as friendships get deeper, my involvement with them had gone deeper as well... and involvement meant not only getting caught into good stuffs but with the not-so-good experiences as well. I won't elaborate more but one sad incident concerning me, and a Filipina friend spoiled everything. We had an argument in which news about what happened reached other people as well. I saw several reactions and I tell you, not all of those reactions were sympathy on my side. I came to the point of severing my ties with other friends as well. I started to see disadvantages of having them as friends. I started complaining that they do ask more and greater favors from me as compared to what favors I received from them. It was not my nature to count favors against favors but I really turned out to be that superficial. Good thing was, it didn't last long. I came to my senses and felt that not all of my friends are like that other friend who treated me bad. Suddenly I came to realize that more people are concerned about me. I felt so touched and I appreciated all the concerns so much.
Another thing was with my lovelife. I was loved and loved in Japan and even in the Philippines before coming to Japan. I really want to go back to the past and do something. Supress love towards the wrong person and wait to love until the right time. It may be so vague but somehow, these are also things that I regret doing in the past.
Anyway, tomorrow is always a new day and a fresh new start. Maybe instead of sulking and wishfully thinking that the past may be changed, I should focus more on the present to make way for a better future. 決まった！
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Work! Work! Work!
In the next few weeks, I will be saying goodbye to my student life. Also, in the next few weeks I need to face the consequence of bidding goodbye to that academic chapter of my biography--I need to work.
This past few days I've been thinking what kind of work I should do this time. Three years ago, I quitted my jobs as a software engineer--a computer programmer in layman's terms. I worked by developing softwares for our clients who happen to be big international companies. Well, for two years, I shed time, sweat, blood and tears just to accomplish every task that was laid before me. Those two years were so full of experiences--both enriching and hurting intertwined. Enriching because I developed my interpersonal skills and my skills in programming. Hurting because all of my efforst seemed to be unappreciated. That was my brief stint in the information technology world.
A few weeks ago, I had a number of chat sessions with a former officemate. Of course, old stories like the perenial overtime work and the infamous team leads were not spared during the trip to memory lane. My friends sighed his sentiments as to what lead him to quit his job--despite the fact that he has been promoted to team lead status. Well, I also had my own share of sourgraping but what made me ponder more was when I replied to him that I still love my work and I enjoyed the time I had been in the firm. I know I said that with vindiction but we all know how painful my last year in the company had been. To make the long story short, due to some incompetent people labeled as our superiors, my performance was under assessed which lead to my annual income increase to be put on hold that same year which hurted me so much. As a protest to that, and to other wrongdoings of our so-called superiors, our senior team members left the team one by one, with me leaving the firm itself as the third member. News from teammates left behind kept me posted as to who left the team or the company afterwards. Right now, the team seems to have become stable again but still when talks between us former colleagues start, we still recall how happy we were eventhough we were experiencing physical and emotional stress during and beyond our working hours.
Having that not that sweet two years in the IT field made me think again... and again whether I should engage myself again in an IT-related work. Looking at the simple reasons, I still want to work in Makati. I still want to hit the computer keyboard. I still want to code and debug computer programs. I still want to do testing and maintenance. I still love my work. But, ooops! There are also some other things to consider like the pay and the career path. These things never crossed my mind the first time I signed my contract with them. But it seems that these are the more important things to consider when signing in again for a job. Anyway, right now I haven't decided yet what work I'll be doing in about a month's time but definitely, IT is still on the list.
This past few days I've been thinking what kind of work I should do this time. Three years ago, I quitted my jobs as a software engineer--a computer programmer in layman's terms. I worked by developing softwares for our clients who happen to be big international companies. Well, for two years, I shed time, sweat, blood and tears just to accomplish every task that was laid before me. Those two years were so full of experiences--both enriching and hurting intertwined. Enriching because I developed my interpersonal skills and my skills in programming. Hurting because all of my efforst seemed to be unappreciated. That was my brief stint in the information technology world.
A few weeks ago, I had a number of chat sessions with a former officemate. Of course, old stories like the perenial overtime work and the infamous team leads were not spared during the trip to memory lane. My friends sighed his sentiments as to what lead him to quit his job--despite the fact that he has been promoted to team lead status. Well, I also had my own share of sourgraping but what made me ponder more was when I replied to him that I still love my work and I enjoyed the time I had been in the firm. I know I said that with vindiction but we all know how painful my last year in the company had been. To make the long story short, due to some incompetent people labeled as our superiors, my performance was under assessed which lead to my annual income increase to be put on hold that same year which hurted me so much. As a protest to that, and to other wrongdoings of our so-called superiors, our senior team members left the team one by one, with me leaving the firm itself as the third member. News from teammates left behind kept me posted as to who left the team or the company afterwards. Right now, the team seems to have become stable again but still when talks between us former colleagues start, we still recall how happy we were eventhough we were experiencing physical and emotional stress during and beyond our working hours.
Having that not that sweet two years in the IT field made me think again... and again whether I should engage myself again in an IT-related work. Looking at the simple reasons, I still want to work in Makati. I still want to hit the computer keyboard. I still want to code and debug computer programs. I still want to do testing and maintenance. I still love my work. But, ooops! There are also some other things to consider like the pay and the career path. These things never crossed my mind the first time I signed my contract with them. But it seems that these are the more important things to consider when signing in again for a job. Anyway, right now I haven't decided yet what work I'll be doing in about a month's time but definitely, IT is still on the list.
お母さん、日本へようこそ! (Mama, Welcome to Japan!)
２月２０日。僕は東京に行ってきた。主な目的は母を成田空港で迎えに行くことだが、途中で、旅券を返信しに六本木にある在日本フィリピン大使館へ行った。そちらに一度も行ったことがなかったので、行き方がわからなかった。大使館の公開ホームページを参考にしたのに、アクセス情報がわかりにくかったため、自信がなかった。友だちに行き方を聞いたが、友だちも詳しい情報を教えてくれなかった。まあ、周りの人に聞こうと思いながら、旅立った。
東京駅からの路線情報をインターネットで検索して、ノートにメモした。やはり、東京の複雑な鉄道はすごかった。電車の中はひどく込んでいて、本当に都会にいるという感じがした。自分のこの先の働く姿をイメージしながら、電車から電車まで乗り換えて、麻布十番駅に到着した。
ここからはどうするのと自分に聞いた。駅を出てから、すぐ前に麻布十番周辺地図が見つけた。地図を従って、１０分ほど歩いた。大使館から少し歩きすぎたが、やっと見つけた。用事がすぐ済んでしまった。用事がもう住んだので、今はそちらへ向かっているよと友だちの阿部さんに電話した。麻布十番駅に戻るとき、雨が降ってきた。近くのコンビニーで、５００円のビニール傘を買った。
今回は大使館へ行くときのルートと違うルートをした。やはり、今朝のルートは高くて簡単じゃなかった。今朝のルートは：東京ー（東京メトロ丸ノ内線）ー＞赤坂見附ー（東京メトロ銀座線）ー＞青山一丁目ー（都営大江戸線）ー＞麻布十番。今回は：麻布十番ー（東京メトロ南北線）ー＞四ッ谷ー（東京メトロ丸ノ内線）ー＞東京。時々、インターネット検索にも信頼しないほうがいいときもあるんだようね。
東京駅から、さいたまの吉川駅までの行き方を阿部さんから聞いたんだけど、そのとき、電車の事故があったので、違う行き方になってしまった。ドキドキしながら、周りを見て、電車に乗った。電車が止まってる毎回のときが緊張していた。ここで降りるかなという悩んでいる気持ちだった。でも、いよいよ、阿部さんと会った。
阿部さんのお宅に、阿部さんのお母さんもいた。２時間、吉川図書館でスタジオジブリの「耳をすませば」といアニメーション映画を見た。その映画は昔から見たかったので、嬉しかった。最初は眠くなってしまったが、映画の後半のときは真剣に見た。映画は面白くて、僕は感動して。
阿部さんのお宅に戻り、晩御飯をご馳走になった。阿部さんが吉川駅から成田空港までの行き方を教えてくれた。成田駅で成田空港行きの電車に乗るのが遅刻してしまったので、２０時３０分の電車に乗ることになった。母の飛行機の到着予定時刻は２０時１０分だった。
すべてのお客さんが成田空港第一ターミナルから出ると思ったので、そこのターミナルに母を待っていた。１５分が経つと、母の飛行機の便名がまだディスプレーに出てこないので、案内デスクに問う合わせした。母の飛行機は２０時ちょうど到着して、第二ビルにいるとわかった。
第一ターミナルから第二ターミナルまでの連絡バスがあって、本当によかった。バスに乗って、急いで第二ターミナルに行った。もう一時間が経ったので、母を待たせたので、自分が悪かった。第二ターミナルに入り、周りの人の顔を見て、母を捜した。母は何処にもいなかった。泣いてしまうほど心配していた。警察に行ったのかな?もう一回到着口に戻ると、母が立っていた。僕が走って、母を抱きしめた。母は到着口を出たばかりということがわかって、安心した。母が無事に日本に来て、本当によかった。しかし、もう遅いので、成田エクスプレスの切符の販売はもう終了だった。リムジンバスで東京へ行った。
たっぷり時間があって、山形行きの夜行バスに待っていた。一緒に山形に帰った。母の日本での一日目だった。
Mama in Japan pictures/ママの来日ギャラリー
Mama in Japan picture gallery! I'll keep on uploading more pictures so visit it often.
ママの日本での冬休み！これからも新しい写真をアップロードするので、また来てくださいね。
http://ebdeguzman.multiply.com/photos/44
ママの日本での冬休み！これからも新しい写真をアップロードするので、また来てくださいね。
http://ebdeguzman.multiply.com/photos/44
Thursday, February 22, 2007
Seasons in the Sun
Seasons in the Sun
by the Westlife
Goodbye to you my trusted friend
We've known each other since we were nine or ten
Together we've climbed hills and trees
Learned of love and ABC's
Skinned our hearts and skinned our knees
Goodbye my friend it's hard to die
When all the birds are singing in the sky
Now that spring is in the air
Pretty girls are everywhere
Think of me and I'll be there
We had joy we had fun we had seasons in the sun
But the hills that we climbed were just seasons out of time
Goodbye Papa, please pray for me
I was the black sheep of the family
You tried to teach me right from wrong
Too much wine and too much song
Wonder how I got along
Goodbye Papa, it's hard to die
When all the birds are singing in the sky
Now that the spring is in the air
Little children everywhere
When you see them I'll be there
We had joy we had fun we had seasons in the sun
But the wine and the song like the seasons have all gone
We had joy we had fun we had seasons in the sun
But the wine and the song like the seasons have all gone
Goodbye Michelle, my little one
You gave me love and helped me find the sun
And every time that I was down
You would always come around
And get my feet back on the ground
愛しミシェル、さよなら
君が愛をくれて、太陽を見つけるために助けてくれた
いつも僕が落ち込んでいるとき、
君がやってきて
僕が落ち着けるまで付き合ってくれた
Goodbye Michelle, it's hard to die
When all the birds are singing in the sky
Now that the spring is in the air
With the flowers everywhere
I wish that we could both be there
愛しミシェル、鳥たちが空に歌っているときに
死ぬことが大変だよ
花が何処でも咲いていて
春の香りがもうやってきたので、
二人で、そこに一緒いることを望んでいる
We had joy we had fun we had seasons in the sun
But the hills that we climbed were just seasons out of time
We had joy we had fun we had seasons in the sun
But the wine and the song like the seasons have all gone
We had joy we had fun we had seasons in the sun
But the hills that we climbed were just seasons out of time
We had joy we had fun we had seasons in the sun
But the wine and the song like the seasons have all gone
*The name "Michelle" used in this article is just fictional. Actually, it is used in the original lyrics.
*ミシェルという名前ははフィクションです。
Thursday, December 14, 2006
How Can I Thank You?
I've heard this song many times before I didn't notice it that much until a Japanese friend told me that likes it so much. She heard the song and came to like the melody even without undestanding the Tagalog lyrics. For her to appreciate the song better, I provided a draft Tagalog to Japanese translation and in turn, I also came to like the song.
The song has very simple lyrics yet ironically, it is very meaningful. For someone learning our language this may be an easy and at the same time, a very inspiring song.
I am posting here the lyrics. I will update the Japanese translation once I get from her the necessary corrections.
The song has very simple lyrics yet ironically, it is very meaningful. For someone learning our language this may be an easy and at the same time, a very inspiring song.
I am posting here the lyrics. I will update the Japanese translation once I get from her the necessary corrections.
Paano Kita Mapasasalamatan?
どうしたら感謝することができるか？
Doshitara Kansyasuru Koto ga Dekiru Ka?
Doshitara Kansyasuru Koto ga Dekiru Ka?
作曲：George Canseco
Original by Kuh Ledesma
Revived by Sarah Geronimo
Paano kita mapasasalamatan?
Paano kita mapasasalamatan?
Sa puso mong sa ‘kin ibinigay
パアノ キタ マパササラマタン
サ プス モン サ キン イビニガイ
パアノ キタ マパササラマタン
サ プス モン サ キン イビニガイ
私に与えたあなたの心のために
どうしたら感謝することができるか？
Doushitara kansyasuru koto ga dekiru ka?
Doushitara kansyasuru koto ga dekiru ka?
Watashi ni ataeta anata no kokoro no tame ni
Ngayon lamang ako nagmahal nang tunay
Sa tanang aking buhay
ンガヨン ラマン アコ ナッグマハル ナン トゥナイ
サ タナン アキン ブハイ
ンガヨン ラマン アコ ナッグマハル ナン トゥナイ
サ タナン アキン ブハイ
今、私の人生で
本気に愛するのは初めてです。
Ima, watashi no jinsei de
Honki de aisuru no wa hajimete desu.
Ima, watashi no jinsei de
Honki de aisuru no wa hajimete desu.
Sapat na ba ang ako’y mangakong
Mananatili ka dito sa aking puso?
サパット ナ バ アン アコイ マンガコン
マナナティリ カ ディト サ アキン プソ
サパット ナ バ アン アコイ マンガコン
マナナティリ カ ディト サ アキン プソ
ずっと私の心にあなたを保つという
約束をするさえ十分なの?
Zutto watashi no kokoro ni anata wo tamotsu to iu
Yakusoku wo suru sae juubun na no?
Zutto watashi no kokoro ni anata wo tamotsu to iu
Yakusoku wo suru sae juubun na no?
Paano kita mapasasalamatan?
Sapat na bang mahalin lang kita
Magpakailan pa man?
パアノ キタ マパササラマタン
サパット ナ バン マハリン ラン キタ
マッグパカイラン パ マン
パアノ キタ マパササラマタン
サパット ナ バン マハリン ラン キタ
マッグパカイラン パ マン
どうしたら感謝することができるか？
永遠にあなたを愛するだけで十分なの?
Doushitara kansyasuru koto ga dekiru ka
Eien ni anata wo aisuru dake de juubun na no
Doushitara kansyasuru koto ga dekiru ka
Eien ni anata wo aisuru dake de juubun na no
Ngayon lamang ako nagmahal nang tunaySa tanang aking buhay
ンガヨン ラマン アコ ナッグマハル ナン トゥナイ
サ タナン アキン ブハイ
今、私の人生で
本気で愛するのは初めてです。
Ima, watashi no jinsei de
Honki de aisuru no wa hajimete desu.
Ima, watashi no jinsei de
Honki de aisuru no wa hajimete desu.
Sapat na ba ang ako’y mangakong
Mananatili ka dito sa aking puso?
サパット ナ バ アン アコイ マンガコン
マナナティリ カ ディト サ アキン プソ
サパット ナ バ アン アコイ マンガコン
マナナティリ カ ディト サ アキン プソ
ずっと私の心にあなたを保つという約束をするさえ十分なの?
Zutto watashi no kokoro ni anata wo tamotsu to iu
Yakusoku wo suru sae juubun na no?
Zutto watashi no kokoro ni anata wo tamotsu to iu
Yakusoku wo suru sae juubun na no?
Paano kita mapasasalamatan?
Sapat na bang mahalin lang kita?
Sapat na bang mahalin lang kita?
Sapat na bang mahalin lang kita?
Sapat na bang mahalin lang kita?
Magpakailan pa man
パアノ キタ マパササラマタン
サパット ナ バン マハリン ラン キタ
サパット ナ バン マハリン ラン キタ
サパット ナ バン マハリン ラン キタ
サパット ナ バン マハリン ラン キタ
マッグパカイラン パ マン
パアノ キタ マパササラマタン
サパット ナ バン マハリン ラン キタ
サパット ナ バン マハリン ラン キタ
サパット ナ バン マハリン ラン キタ
サパット ナ バン マハリン ラン キタ
マッグパカイラン パ マン
どうしたら感謝することができるか？
永遠にあなたを愛するだけで十分なの?
永遠にあなたを愛するだけで十分なの?
永遠にあなたを愛するだけで十分なの?
永遠にあなたを愛するだけで十分なの?
Doushitara kansya suru koto ga dekiru ka?
永遠にあなたを愛するだけで十分なの?
Doushitara kansya suru koto ga dekiru ka?
Eien ni anata wo aisuru dake de juubun na no?
Eien ni anata wo aisuru dake de juubun na no?
Eien ni anata wo aisuru dake de juubun na no?
Eien ni anata wo aisuru dake de juubun na no?
Magpakailan pa man
マッグパカイラン パ マン
永遠に
Eien ni
Saturday, October 07, 2006
The Mid-Autumn Festival
The sudden coldness of my daily autumn life rendered me as a hibernating squirrel staying in my room all day long every day except Tuesdays and Wednesdays when I need to be in school. I just spend each day surfing the net, listening to online Philippine radio or watching streaming videos of Philippine TV programs, aside from my perpetual task of preparing for my seminar and reading literatures for my thesis.
Yet today was different. My Japanese friend, Abe-san, called me and asked me if I want to go with him in Sendai to see the full moon. In traditional Japan, people used to celebrate full moon viewing (cf. cherry blossom viewing). They have on the calendar, one year for each year, when the moon is on its fullest, brightest and biggest possible view for the whole year. Having just slacking around for a number of days already, I agreed to go.
It was so cold in Sendaitoo. I made the most stupid mistake of wearing just a thin polo shirt under a windbreaker. I felt so cold especially during the times that cold wind blew towards us.
Abe-san had this idea of going near the sea to catch the moon during its moonrise. According to him, the nearer the moon from the horizon, the bigger we can see it. We took a train from Sendai and dropped of at Tagajo Station, which is one of the many stations of the Senseki line overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
It seemed that Abe-san didn’t know the way to the sea as well. I told him not to leave me as I wouldn’t be able to go back. After around half an hour walking, we reached an area where all we could see were warehouses and we realized that we were nearing the port.
While walking he asked me if we also celebrate full moon viewing in the Philippines. I said not really but I recalled my childhood memories with my siblings whenever the moon was full, we go outside and do some singing and dancing. We even had a name for our unique event-“Night Moon”. (Justified as we can sometimes see the moon during daytime.. especially in the morning.)
We reached Sendai port just in time as the moon was rising and showing its face after being covered by thick clouds. I felt this sudden closeness to nature upon seeing the vast ocean. Should I be alone at that time, I would not hesitate spending a few more moments by the sea. Anyway, the moon was so beautiful and it was so bright. I could even see its dark spots which are the moon’s crater. Unfortunately, I don’t have a telescope to look at it closely. But I am sure many amateur astronomers out there would indulge in viewing the lunar surface.
It was then time to go back but it was already dark and Abe-san seemed to forget the way that we took to reach the port. We just relied on both of our instincts and finally, were able to reach the station after several times of feeling that we’ve lost our way.
I realized another mistake that I did for today. I shouldn’t have worn leather shoes. Should I’ve been informed that we’re about to walk that far, I would have had my rubber shoes instead. My feet felt blistered already on our way home.
On the bus, Abe-san called my attention many times to look through the window for the moon. At one instance, the moon was just there on top of us, without any obstructing cloud. The view was enchanting. I caught myself just staring at it, without thinking about any other things. Indeed, one of the best things in life is enjoying it like you don’t have anything else in mind. Both the experiences of enjoying the full moon and walking by the sea made me felt so right.
Yet today was different. My Japanese friend, Abe-san, called me and asked me if I want to go with him in Sendai to see the full moon. In traditional Japan, people used to celebrate full moon viewing (cf. cherry blossom viewing). They have on the calendar, one year for each year, when the moon is on its fullest, brightest and biggest possible view for the whole year. Having just slacking around for a number of days already, I agreed to go.
It was so cold in Sendaitoo. I made the most stupid mistake of wearing just a thin polo shirt under a windbreaker. I felt so cold especially during the times that cold wind blew towards us.
Abe-san had this idea of going near the sea to catch the moon during its moonrise. According to him, the nearer the moon from the horizon, the bigger we can see it. We took a train from Sendai and dropped of at Tagajo Station, which is one of the many stations of the Senseki line overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
It seemed that Abe-san didn’t know the way to the sea as well. I told him not to leave me as I wouldn’t be able to go back. After around half an hour walking, we reached an area where all we could see were warehouses and we realized that we were nearing the port.
While walking he asked me if we also celebrate full moon viewing in the Philippines. I said not really but I recalled my childhood memories with my siblings whenever the moon was full, we go outside and do some singing and dancing. We even had a name for our unique event-“Night Moon”. (Justified as we can sometimes see the moon during daytime.. especially in the morning.)
We reached Sendai port just in time as the moon was rising and showing its face after being covered by thick clouds. I felt this sudden closeness to nature upon seeing the vast ocean. Should I be alone at that time, I would not hesitate spending a few more moments by the sea. Anyway, the moon was so beautiful and it was so bright. I could even see its dark spots which are the moon’s crater. Unfortunately, I don’t have a telescope to look at it closely. But I am sure many amateur astronomers out there would indulge in viewing the lunar surface.
It was then time to go back but it was already dark and Abe-san seemed to forget the way that we took to reach the port. We just relied on both of our instincts and finally, were able to reach the station after several times of feeling that we’ve lost our way.
I realized another mistake that I did for today. I shouldn’t have worn leather shoes. Should I’ve been informed that we’re about to walk that far, I would have had my rubber shoes instead. My feet felt blistered already on our way home.
On the bus, Abe-san called my attention many times to look through the window for the moon. At one instance, the moon was just there on top of us, without any obstructing cloud. The view was enchanting. I caught myself just staring at it, without thinking about any other things. Indeed, one of the best things in life is enjoying it like you don’t have anything else in mind. Both the experiences of enjoying the full moon and walking by the sea made me felt so right.
To ask or no to ask
I want to share this very informative article. It's about food terms commonly seen in restaurant menus. I recall that before I had breakfast with a cono friend in a hotel and my friend asked the waiter, "What do you mean by 'a la carte'?"
How I wish I'm just like Elsie... she got the best of both worlds!
Learning the language of food
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/storypage.aspx?StoryId=51596
HIGH ON E(TIQUETTE)
By PATTY BETITA
Picture this: A guy, looking dapper in a black suit, and his date, a gorgeous woman in a sophisticated red dress, step into a fancy restaurant for a dinner date. They are ushered to the best table in the house complete with the most exquisite table appointments, and with a string quartet ready to serenade them.
Sounds like the perfect dinner date. But wait. What if you’re the man or the lady in this situation and the waiter gives you a menu of unfamiliar French or Italian-termed dishes?
Some restaurants have menus that carry English translations to foreign terms, but what do you do when there’s none?
Three things: Do not pretend to know what you don’t in the attempt to look smart and impress your date, because there is a greater chance of failing. Second, if there are terms on the menu that are not familiar to you, it is always wise to ask the waiter or Maitre d’ to guide you in making the right choice. Last, start getting acquainted with some of the common foreign culinary terms and their pronunciations. The Internet, as well as cookbooks, will provide you with enough reference.
Below are some commonly used French and Italian terms that you may encounter when going to a fancy restaurant.
French
Agneau—Lamb
Aubergine—Eggplant
Au Gratin—with cheese usually covered with crumbs and browned
Au jus—with natural (meat juice) gravy
Bearnaise—a sauce of butter and eggyolks flavored with tarragon, shallots, vinegar and chervil, used as sauce for steaks or salmon.
Bechamel—a well seasoned white sauce (ex. Lasagna, mousakka)
Bisque—a thick soup (ex. Lobster or tomato bisque)
Beouf—beef
Bouillabaisse—a thick soup made from various seafoods
Filet mignon—small steak usually circled with a slice of bacon
Flambe—in flames (food is cooked in flames and done in front of the guests table)
Foie Gras—finely chopped goose liver, used often as spread with appetizers
Fromage—cheese
Hors’ d’ oeuvres—appetizers
Canard—Duck
Champignons—mushroom
Consomme—clear soup
Crevettes—shrimps
Entrecote—rib steak
Escargot —snail
Moules—mussels
Poisson—fish and other fish dishes
Poulet—chicken
Potage—soup
Salade—salad
Patisserie—pastry
Ragout—stew
Potage d’ jour—soup of the day
Soufflé—a light airy dessert made of beaten egg white and mixed with a liquor.
Vischyssoise—a cream of potato and chives soup usually served cold
Italian
Agnello—Lamb
Melanzane—eggplant
Sugo di carne—with natural (meat juice) drippings
Con vino blanco—with white wine
Con vino rosso—with red wine
Manzo—beef
Caramella—candy
Gratinati—with cheese covered with crumbs and browned
Salsa bernese—a variation of hollandaise used for meat (steaks or prime rib)
Zouppa di pesce—thick seafood soup
Caffe latte—coffee with cream
Anitra—Duck
Funghi—mushroom
Bistecca di manzo—beef steak
Gamberi—shrimps
Costata di manzo—prime rib of beef
Entrecot di manzo—rib steak
Lumaca—snail
Formaggio—cheese
Gelato—ice cream
Jambon—ham
Torta—cake
Dolci—pastry
Pesce—fish
Pollo—chicken
Crema di zuppa—cream soup
Brasato—stew
Vellutata—a white sauce with cream and chicken stock
* * *
Source: The Compleat Filipino: by Conchitina Sevilla—Bernardo
* * *
For office and school lectures e-mail paching_betita@yahoo.com
How I wish I'm just like Elsie... she got the best of both worlds!
Learning the language of food
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/storypage.aspx?StoryId=51596
HIGH ON E(TIQUETTE)
By PATTY BETITA
Picture this: A guy, looking dapper in a black suit, and his date, a gorgeous woman in a sophisticated red dress, step into a fancy restaurant for a dinner date. They are ushered to the best table in the house complete with the most exquisite table appointments, and with a string quartet ready to serenade them.
Sounds like the perfect dinner date. But wait. What if you’re the man or the lady in this situation and the waiter gives you a menu of unfamiliar French or Italian-termed dishes?
Some restaurants have menus that carry English translations to foreign terms, but what do you do when there’s none?
Three things: Do not pretend to know what you don’t in the attempt to look smart and impress your date, because there is a greater chance of failing. Second, if there are terms on the menu that are not familiar to you, it is always wise to ask the waiter or Maitre d’ to guide you in making the right choice. Last, start getting acquainted with some of the common foreign culinary terms and their pronunciations. The Internet, as well as cookbooks, will provide you with enough reference.
Below are some commonly used French and Italian terms that you may encounter when going to a fancy restaurant.
French
Agneau—Lamb
Aubergine—Eggplant
Au Gratin—with cheese usually covered with crumbs and browned
Au jus—with natural (meat juice) gravy
Bearnaise—a sauce of butter and eggyolks flavored with tarragon, shallots, vinegar and chervil, used as sauce for steaks or salmon.
Bechamel—a well seasoned white sauce (ex. Lasagna, mousakka)
Bisque—a thick soup (ex. Lobster or tomato bisque)
Beouf—beef
Bouillabaisse—a thick soup made from various seafoods
Filet mignon—small steak usually circled with a slice of bacon
Flambe—in flames (food is cooked in flames and done in front of the guests table)
Foie Gras—finely chopped goose liver, used often as spread with appetizers
Fromage—cheese
Hors’ d’ oeuvres—appetizers
Canard—Duck
Champignons—mushroom
Consomme—clear soup
Crevettes—shrimps
Entrecote—rib steak
Escargot —snail
Moules—mussels
Poisson—fish and other fish dishes
Poulet—chicken
Potage—soup
Salade—salad
Patisserie—pastry
Ragout—stew
Potage d’ jour—soup of the day
Soufflé—a light airy dessert made of beaten egg white and mixed with a liquor.
Vischyssoise—a cream of potato and chives soup usually served cold
Italian
Agnello—Lamb
Melanzane—eggplant
Sugo di carne—with natural (meat juice) drippings
Con vino blanco—with white wine
Con vino rosso—with red wine
Manzo—beef
Caramella—candy
Gratinati—with cheese covered with crumbs and browned
Salsa bernese—a variation of hollandaise used for meat (steaks or prime rib)
Zouppa di pesce—thick seafood soup
Caffe latte—coffee with cream
Anitra—Duck
Funghi—mushroom
Bistecca di manzo—beef steak
Gamberi—shrimps
Costata di manzo—prime rib of beef
Entrecot di manzo—rib steak
Lumaca—snail
Formaggio—cheese
Gelato—ice cream
Jambon—ham
Torta—cake
Dolci—pastry
Pesce—fish
Pollo—chicken
Crema di zuppa—cream soup
Brasato—stew
Vellutata—a white sauce with cream and chicken stock
* * *
Source: The Compleat Filipino: by Conchitina Sevilla—Bernardo
* * *
For office and school lectures e-mail paching_betita@yahoo.com
I hate lemon scent
As compensation to my weak (yet many people say that they are beautiful) eyes, I feel like I had this over sensitive sense of smell. I still recall how I often complain having our office's air conditioner shutting off around six o'clock in the afternoon despite the fact that we still need to stay longer. It was just I always smell the odor of the wood furniture. I also refrained myself from entering our university's microfilm section as I easily get pissed off by the sour smell of the microfilms being preserved. Give more space and I can tell you more incidents of this nose that seemed to inherited Superman's krypton Ian powers but for the time being, let me give you another instance as I narrate what happened to me just recently.
Last Saturday, as I promised myself, I prepared pancit bihon to celebrate my youngest sister's birthday. Be it due to getting homesick or just being that thoughtful, ever since I came to Japan, I always celebrate mine and my family member's birthdays by cooking and sharing something to my friends here. This time, as I had no friend visiting me, I felt a bit lazy on cooking but not breaking my so called birthday tradition, I started cooking around 11:30 in the evening.
I enjoyed cooking this time and found myself eating my hearty meal around 2 o'clock in the morning. With tomorrow's church bazaar, I went to bed with the scent of the lemon that I used as a substitute for calamansi in the pancit still lingering inside my room.
As I woke up the following morning, I felt too much cold. Is my room thermometer fooling me by showing a reading of 24 degrees Celsius yet my body was shivering? I quickly pulled up my thickest blanket to cover me yet I felt another sick feeling after another.
My bowels seemed to be moving around my tummy. Had I too strong peristalsis to feel my insides slipping past themselves as I toss and turn on my bed? These said movements were accompanied by pain in my tummy that made me gain consciousness immediately as I open my eyes. I also felt dizzy and at the same time, nauseous. After a few minutes, I found myself in the restroom throwing up. I thought to myself, "Is this how morning sickness feel?" (Eventually, I crossed out the idea of me getting food poisoned as I felt better without taking any medicine or seeking any medical help.)
Returning to my bed, I adjusted the alarm to sound again after half an hour, giving me less time to prepare for the bazaar yet still enough time to do my morning rituals. I turned the room heater for the first time (this year) to combat my shivers (though it is still officially autumn!) I immediately fell asleep again and was woken up again by the alarm clock.
Today, I had the similar symptom of my almost revolving insides. Yet I felt so irritated by one particular entity that I found to be existing again-the scent of lemon. Now I pretty much understand that I got this what they call mental conditioning-for my case I associated my nausea to that same lemon scent. Whoa! Got to get rid of this lemon on the top of my table before I feel like I want to puke again. (-_-;)
My gosh, I already put the poor lemon out of my room yet I still smell traces of it in the air. Now I really feel like my insides will eject what's inside of them anytime soon. Now I feel something like a not-so-warm-anymore porridge (lugaw) and a calamansi on the side.
Yayks! I noticed another culprit-my already washed clothes in the laundry basket. Forgot that I put them in the basket right after getting them out of the washing machine. It has this distinctive scent from the laundry soap that claimed to be eliminating the need for fabric conditioners. On ordinary days, I love that same scent but now it's bringing the worst in me. Oh, well, got to hang these clothes outside now... May be I got a super sensitive nose though my mind sometimes delegates its discerning task to the good performers. It can't be helped so I think that's all for today. Till then.
Last Saturday, as I promised myself, I prepared pancit bihon to celebrate my youngest sister's birthday. Be it due to getting homesick or just being that thoughtful, ever since I came to Japan, I always celebrate mine and my family member's birthdays by cooking and sharing something to my friends here. This time, as I had no friend visiting me, I felt a bit lazy on cooking but not breaking my so called birthday tradition, I started cooking around 11:30 in the evening.
I enjoyed cooking this time and found myself eating my hearty meal around 2 o'clock in the morning. With tomorrow's church bazaar, I went to bed with the scent of the lemon that I used as a substitute for calamansi in the pancit still lingering inside my room.
As I woke up the following morning, I felt too much cold. Is my room thermometer fooling me by showing a reading of 24 degrees Celsius yet my body was shivering? I quickly pulled up my thickest blanket to cover me yet I felt another sick feeling after another.
My bowels seemed to be moving around my tummy. Had I too strong peristalsis to feel my insides slipping past themselves as I toss and turn on my bed? These said movements were accompanied by pain in my tummy that made me gain consciousness immediately as I open my eyes. I also felt dizzy and at the same time, nauseous. After a few minutes, I found myself in the restroom throwing up. I thought to myself, "Is this how morning sickness feel?" (Eventually, I crossed out the idea of me getting food poisoned as I felt better without taking any medicine or seeking any medical help.)
Returning to my bed, I adjusted the alarm to sound again after half an hour, giving me less time to prepare for the bazaar yet still enough time to do my morning rituals. I turned the room heater for the first time (this year) to combat my shivers (though it is still officially autumn!) I immediately fell asleep again and was woken up again by the alarm clock.
Today, I had the similar symptom of my almost revolving insides. Yet I felt so irritated by one particular entity that I found to be existing again-the scent of lemon. Now I pretty much understand that I got this what they call mental conditioning-for my case I associated my nausea to that same lemon scent. Whoa! Got to get rid of this lemon on the top of my table before I feel like I want to puke again. (-_-;)
My gosh, I already put the poor lemon out of my room yet I still smell traces of it in the air. Now I really feel like my insides will eject what's inside of them anytime soon. Now I feel something like a not-so-warm-anymore porridge (lugaw) and a calamansi on the side.
Yayks! I noticed another culprit-my already washed clothes in the laundry basket. Forgot that I put them in the basket right after getting them out of the washing machine. It has this distinctive scent from the laundry soap that claimed to be eliminating the need for fabric conditioners. On ordinary days, I love that same scent but now it's bringing the worst in me. Oh, well, got to hang these clothes outside now... May be I got a super sensitive nose though my mind sometimes delegates its discerning task to the good performers. It can't be helped so I think that's all for today. Till then.
To be or natto be
I came across this web log thesneeze.com on taboo foods. I found it so hilarious yet very detailed in describing each featured food per article.
You may see the web log by clicking this link:
http://www.thesneeze.com/mt-archives/cat_steve_dont_eat_it.php
I don't know who wrote the articles but I admire his being so witty. I think he is the handle "sneezesteve".
Here is the article about natto (Japanese fermented beans): (Sorry not to credit you properly but I am pasting one of your articles here. m(-_-)m )
Natto
I recently came across a container of fermented soybeans in the supermarket. I don't mean an old container of soybeans some stockboy forgot to toss. These are fermented-on-purpose soybeans from Japan. That's what Natto is.
I remembered hearing about this stuff on Iron Chef one time when it was the secret ingredient. The judges in the show were commenting on what a great job the chefs had done to "supress the smell" of the natto. I'm no Iron Chef, but I've got a clever way to supress the smell. Don't put it in your fucking food. I might not win "Battle Natto," but I promise you my dinner won't smell like stank-ass soybeans.
I found it slightly unsettling that the sealed styrofoam container had creepy little airholes in it. As if what was inside needed to breathe. I dared to lift the lid, which made me regret that I needed to breathe. The natto was coated in some kind of sick slime and had the complex yet playful aroma of a dumpster in July.
Actually, the little pile inside looked kinda like baked beans. It also smelled kinda like baked beans. If they were baked in the filthy heat of Satan's asshole.
This particular batch was made by a company in Japan called Shirakiku. I haven't been able to determine if Shirakiku is a food manufacturer, or just a store that sells gag gifts and practical jokes. It might be both.
Not unlike Michael Jackson, these harmless soybeans had undergone some kind of hideous transformation. They were now a freakish version of their former selves. (Which, coincidentally, should also be kept away from your children.)
The most disturbing aspect of this stuff is it seems to get "activated" when you stir it. What I mean by this is, (and I may actually weep, but...) the slimy coating on the beans develops into stringy, stretchy, marshmallow-like strands that will forever haunt my dreams.
Basically, if you move it back and forth enough, you're left with a gross, sticky mess. (Hey, natto and I have at least one thing in common!) And now that I think about it, that's exactly what it looks like the pranksters back at Shirakiku did into my beans. You guuuys!
I force-fed myself a big ol' spoonful, and found it to be slightly rancid and extremely bitter. Unfortunately, swallowing didn't help dissipate the flavor because the strings of bean jizz melted, coating my mouth and lips with a glistening sheen of sadness.
The entire experience is difficult to describe, but if you can remember back to the very first time you made out with a hobo's ass, it's a lot like that.
What I find most hilarious is that there is an expiration date on the package. What could they possibly expect to happen to the product on this date THAT HAS NOT ALREADY OCCURRED?!!!
Also, nestled in this mound of compost was a li'l packet of mustard. In its place, I would strongly suggest a written apology.
I do have one last theory about the date on the package. It may be an expiration date, but not for the beans. If you finish the container, that's the day you die.
This particular batch was made by a company in Japan called Shirakiku. I haven't been able to determine if Shirakiku is a food manufacturer, or just a store that sells gag gifts and practical jokes. It might be both.
Not unlike Michael Jackson, these harmless soybeans had undergone some kind of hideous transformation. They were now a freakish version of their former selves. (Which, coincidentally, should also be kept away from your children.)
The most disturbing aspect of this stuff is it seems to get "activated" when you stir it. What I mean by this is, (and I may actually weep, but...) the slimy coating on the beans develops into stringy, stretchy, marshmallow-like strands that will forever haunt my dreams.
Basically, if you move it back and forth enough, you're left with a gross, sticky mess. (Hey, natto and I have at least one thing in common!) And now that I think about it, that's exactly what it looks like the pranksters back at Shirakiku did into my beans. You guuuys!
I force-fed myself a big ol' spoonful, and found it to be slightly rancid and extremely bitter. Unfortunately, swallowing didn't help dissipate the flavor because the strings of bean jizz melted, coating my mouth and lips with a glistening sheen of sadness.
The entire experience is difficult to describe, but if you can remember back to the very first time you made out with a hobo's ass, it's a lot like that.
What I find most hilarious is that there is an expiration date on the package. What could they possibly expect to happen to the product on this date THAT HAS NOT ALREADY OCCURRED?!!!
Also, nestled in this mound of compost was a li'l packet of mustard. In its place, I would strongly suggest a written apology.
I do have one last theory about the date on the package. It may be an expiration date, but not for the beans. If you finish the container, that's the day you die.
Friday, September 22, 2006
Crocodile Jaws
I happened to watch tonight's edition of TV Patrol World and I was shocked at the last news that they had. A certain zoo in Negros is feeding live animals to their crocodiles. Preying on live animals can be an inevitable scene in the wild but having it in a zoo is another thing.
The culprit is the so-called Zoo Paradise World in Zambuanganita, Negros Oriental. (Oh, I never though there is a little Zamboanga in the Visayas.) The zoo was started years ago by the Spaceship Foundation which calls themselves as the "Barefoot Apostles". In 1993, the group's founder died and the administration of the zoo was transferred to the remaining members.
The news was brought about by a group concerned on animal welfare which had a video of actual feeding of the crocodiles with live goats and cats. TV Patrol crews disguised as a group of tourist and after making donation of P500.00, another live goat was dropped inside the crocodiles' lair. One crocodile immediately seized the defenseless prey.
The zoo staff denied the allegations but the video footage is such a loud cry. The administrator, in turn, blamed some policemen shooting stray dogs and forwarding the dogs to them as food ration.
I couldn't bear watching the crocodile devour the still crying goat. The reptile, the goat still between its teeth, brought the wailing animal into the water. The poor goat was still crying in pain in the water.
Oftentimes, goats were contrasted to sheep and were portrayed as the bad animals yet this particular video was so disgusting that I didn't finish watching the show. This incident is a clear violation of Republic Act 8584 or the Animal Welfare Act stating that no live animal should be subject any torture and pain. I hope the poor animals get the justice they deserve soon.
The culprit is the so-called Zoo Paradise World in Zambuanganita, Negros Oriental. (Oh, I never though there is a little Zamboanga in the Visayas.) The zoo was started years ago by the Spaceship Foundation which calls themselves as the "Barefoot Apostles". In 1993, the group's founder died and the administration of the zoo was transferred to the remaining members.
The news was brought about by a group concerned on animal welfare which had a video of actual feeding of the crocodiles with live goats and cats. TV Patrol crews disguised as a group of tourist and after making donation of P500.00, another live goat was dropped inside the crocodiles' lair. One crocodile immediately seized the defenseless prey.
The zoo staff denied the allegations but the video footage is such a loud cry. The administrator, in turn, blamed some policemen shooting stray dogs and forwarding the dogs to them as food ration.
I couldn't bear watching the crocodile devour the still crying goat. The reptile, the goat still between its teeth, brought the wailing animal into the water. The poor goat was still crying in pain in the water.
Oftentimes, goats were contrasted to sheep and were portrayed as the bad animals yet this particular video was so disgusting that I didn't finish watching the show. This incident is a clear violation of Republic Act 8584 or the Animal Welfare Act stating that no live animal should be subject any torture and pain. I hope the poor animals get the justice they deserve soon.
Monday, September 18, 2006
Lackluster Star (Grand Showdown)
Seemed like the "Grand Showdown" in our favorite soap has brushed on me and my friend as we had our own stints involving Dorina Pineda.
Thursday, and as per Roselle's web log, Jo won two tickets for the "Bee2win sa Bituin" Grand Showdown to be held in Araneta Coliseum on September 19. How I wish I am still in Manila to watch it with Jo. She even made a joke that I should go back just for the showdown. Oh, if only I had the means. I have the time though I don't have the resources to fly back. Anyway, I wish to express my congratulations to my friend and may you fully enjoy your free ticket and the showdown itself. I watched ASAP two days ago and I realized that there would be so many guests gracing the event so I am sure that watching its taped version in BWN would never quench my desire to be physically present in Araneta on Tuesday.
On the other side (naks! actually I really intended to say "On the other hand"), I immediately phoned home last Sunday to check whether my little sisters really went to SM North to attend Ms. Geronimo's mall tour. My mom answered the call and happily informed me that they went to SM and my album was signed by no other that Dorina herself! Wow! I was elated and so eager to have my album sent to Japan. It's really a nice timing since one of my friend in Japan who happened to live nearby our place in Bulacan is about to go back here in Japan at the end of the month so I asked her if she could bring my album here. She agreed so that completed my part of the "grand showdown". My little brother also sent me pictures taken during the mall tour. Sobra po akong masaya!
Thursday, and as per Roselle's web log, Jo won two tickets for the "Bee2win sa Bituin" Grand Showdown to be held in Araneta Coliseum on September 19. How I wish I am still in Manila to watch it with Jo. She even made a joke that I should go back just for the showdown. Oh, if only I had the means. I have the time though I don't have the resources to fly back. Anyway, I wish to express my congratulations to my friend and may you fully enjoy your free ticket and the showdown itself. I watched ASAP two days ago and I realized that there would be so many guests gracing the event so I am sure that watching its taped version in BWN would never quench my desire to be physically present in Araneta on Tuesday.
On the other side (naks! actually I really intended to say "On the other hand"), I immediately phoned home last Sunday to check whether my little sisters really went to SM North to attend Ms. Geronimo's mall tour. My mom answered the call and happily informed me that they went to SM and my album was signed by no other that Dorina herself! Wow! I was elated and so eager to have my album sent to Japan. It's really a nice timing since one of my friend in Japan who happened to live nearby our place in Bulacan is about to go back here in Japan at the end of the month so I asked her if she could bring my album here. She agreed so that completed my part of the "grand showdown". My little brother also sent me pictures taken during the mall tour. Sobra po akong masaya!
Monday, September 11, 2006
Lackluster Star
My vacation to the Philippines last year got me hooked again to Philippine television. After depriving myself indirectly of watching tv since I started staying in the dormitory around five years ago, then working till the very late hours of the night, I certainly lost track of what's happening in showbiz and what shows had been shown on TV already.
So what I did once I came back to Japan was to get a subscription from ABS-CBN Now to view streaming videos of their selected shows online. I was able to see soap operas like Kampanerang Kuba, Gulong ng Palad, Sa Piling Mo and my latest favorite, Bituing Walang Ningning.
It was through the latter that I grew fond of its lead star, Ms. Sarah Geronimo. I knew even before I left Japan that she was getting famous in the Philippines as a very talented singer but I never knew anything beyond that. The way she portrays her character in the soap was a clear reflection of herself that made me know her better (not personally though...)
It was just a few days that I was back in Manila that we passed by a National Bookstore branch when I saw Bituing Walang Ningning's sound track on sale. I immediate urged my mom to get me one copy. She hesitated as it cost P250.00 yet I still convinced her that I had been that homesicked that I really wanted a copy. Shooking her head, my mom granted my wish.
Having the album in my hand, I thought of having it autographed by Ms. Geronimo herself. Perhaps I could go and watch ASAP on a Sunday then ask her to sign my album. A pretty tough undertaking but not that impossible. So I collaborated with one of my friends who is another Dorina fan and we planned how to get the coveted autograph.
Just a few days after acquiring the album, the same friend told me that the recording company repackaged Bituin's sound track, now including two additional tracks. I felt sorry for myself for having low E. Q. but who would have thought that the album would be repackaged? I even asked my friends if I could still go to the store where I purchased the album and have it replaced with the repackaged one. Well, that's business here in the Philippines so I must know it by heart that my request would be futile. I just resorted to hoping that I could download the additional tracks online whether legally or through P2P. (Guess how I managed to get the two tracks then...)
My friend inquired to ABS-CBN but sadly got the information that those who are planning to watch ASAP should reserve three months in advance. I thought it was so ridiculous as I only have less than two weeks before I return to Japan. Well, maybe I am a different case as I am a balikbayan but still...
I visited another friend who had worked with ABS-CBN before to get some more info and he told me that I could try my luck by falling in line before the audience gate, bring my passport and claim that I am indeed a balikbayan. Having a new light of hope on the way, I told my co-fan friend of the plan. Yet, I forgot to ask for directions how to go to the studio which was my fault, so my friend was still hesitant in going. Feeling that the only hope that I had just the day before slowly fading infront of me, I never mentioned ASAP again until me and my friend parted ways.
The following morning, the morning that I should wake up too early to line up the queue for the audience, I found myself waking up around 9 o'clock. I just accepted to myself that I should give up then. Luckily, we had too much fun the night before watching "You Are The One"'s last full show enough to make me reach home around one in the morning. So feeling less regrets, I just waited on TV for ASAP.
ASAP on that day would be such happiness for me should I be there in the live audience. Ms. Geronimo had at least three song numbers which was unlikely of the past episodes where in she was out of the country and just had taped song numbers-once for every week that she was away. Yet, I might be really blessed as there would be a mall tour, one quite near our place though after my departure for Japan. My mom and siblings suggested that they can have my album autographed and then send to me in Japan afterwards. I said that I am fervently requesting for that and requested that they take a picture of Dorina during the mall tour. That should do at least.
So what I did once I came back to Japan was to get a subscription from ABS-CBN Now to view streaming videos of their selected shows online. I was able to see soap operas like Kampanerang Kuba, Gulong ng Palad, Sa Piling Mo and my latest favorite, Bituing Walang Ningning.
It was through the latter that I grew fond of its lead star, Ms. Sarah Geronimo. I knew even before I left Japan that she was getting famous in the Philippines as a very talented singer but I never knew anything beyond that. The way she portrays her character in the soap was a clear reflection of herself that made me know her better (not personally though...)
It was just a few days that I was back in Manila that we passed by a National Bookstore branch when I saw Bituing Walang Ningning's sound track on sale. I immediate urged my mom to get me one copy. She hesitated as it cost P250.00 yet I still convinced her that I had been that homesicked that I really wanted a copy. Shooking her head, my mom granted my wish.
Having the album in my hand, I thought of having it autographed by Ms. Geronimo herself. Perhaps I could go and watch ASAP on a Sunday then ask her to sign my album. A pretty tough undertaking but not that impossible. So I collaborated with one of my friends who is another Dorina fan and we planned how to get the coveted autograph.
Just a few days after acquiring the album, the same friend told me that the recording company repackaged Bituin's sound track, now including two additional tracks. I felt sorry for myself for having low E. Q. but who would have thought that the album would be repackaged? I even asked my friends if I could still go to the store where I purchased the album and have it replaced with the repackaged one. Well, that's business here in the Philippines so I must know it by heart that my request would be futile. I just resorted to hoping that I could download the additional tracks online whether legally or through P2P. (Guess how I managed to get the two tracks then...)
My friend inquired to ABS-CBN but sadly got the information that those who are planning to watch ASAP should reserve three months in advance. I thought it was so ridiculous as I only have less than two weeks before I return to Japan. Well, maybe I am a different case as I am a balikbayan but still...
I visited another friend who had worked with ABS-CBN before to get some more info and he told me that I could try my luck by falling in line before the audience gate, bring my passport and claim that I am indeed a balikbayan. Having a new light of hope on the way, I told my co-fan friend of the plan. Yet, I forgot to ask for directions how to go to the studio which was my fault, so my friend was still hesitant in going. Feeling that the only hope that I had just the day before slowly fading infront of me, I never mentioned ASAP again until me and my friend parted ways.
The following morning, the morning that I should wake up too early to line up the queue for the audience, I found myself waking up around 9 o'clock. I just accepted to myself that I should give up then. Luckily, we had too much fun the night before watching "You Are The One"'s last full show enough to make me reach home around one in the morning. So feeling less regrets, I just waited on TV for ASAP.
ASAP on that day would be such happiness for me should I be there in the live audience. Ms. Geronimo had at least three song numbers which was unlikely of the past episodes where in she was out of the country and just had taped song numbers-once for every week that she was away. Yet, I might be really blessed as there would be a mall tour, one quite near our place though after my departure for Japan. My mom and siblings suggested that they can have my album autographed and then send to me in Japan afterwards. I said that I am fervently requesting for that and requested that they take a picture of Dorina during the mall tour. That should do at least.
Sunday, September 10, 2006
My Longest Birthday
August 6, 2006. The night before I leave Japan for the Philippines. My friends held a despedida for me and at the same time, a birthday celebration for me as one of them would not see me until December. We had Japanese-style spaghetti then.
August 26, 2006. Roughly two weeks before my birthday. We went to Taliptip, Bulacan for swimming. My family and college friends were there. It was supposed to be held on my sister's birthday 10 days ago but it was decided to be a double birthday celebration to include mine. We had hamonado (yum yum), pancit bihon with canton, fried chicken and a black forrest cake from Ate Hanie.
September 4, 2006. The night before I go back to Japan. My family and college friends had a despedida-cum-birthday party for me. We had bird's nest soup, pork asado, pancit canton and lumpiang shanghai, plus a another black forrest cake, this time from Pamela. I left Manila with a full stomach enough to make me not eat anymore except the meals from the plane.September 10, 2006. My birthday. As I woke up, I merely said to myself, "Happy birthday!" I was to prepare pancit bihon for today but for some unknown reason, I didn't have the will to do it. I just though that there might be some food in the church and so then there had been food. Two babies were baptized today and there was food after the mass. (The baptismal rite was incorporated in the mass.) There was yakisoba (stir fried noodles), fried chicken, bola-bola, lumpiang shanghai, donuts, ice cream and cake. I ate a lot and ended up with a full stomach again.
Festivities for my birthday wasn't over yet as we went to a yakiniku (grilled meat) house in Sagae City. This time I was with my friends Elmer, Abe-san, Ate Kaye and her husband. We had tonzoku (steamed pork feet), yakiniku (grilled meat) and beer. I went home almost incapable of walking due to my heavy tummy.
I called home tonight and I heard that mom prepared pancit bihon to celebrate my birthday. Another good news was that my sisters won the Marian contests in Obando, for birthday card and poster making contests. I am very proud of them, partly because I was the one who composed the message in the birthday card which was just an impromptu poem.
This year I had the longest celebration of my birthday. Food was not the basis for it but the people greeting me and celebrating my birthday with me. The well wishers and the birthday songs that I heard. Not the birthday candles that I blew, but the wishes that I made and the wishes that I made last year that came true. Of course it rained today, as every year. But I was showered too with a loving family and caring friends. God showered and will continue to shower me with His blessings, as I received a special birthday blessing today in the church. It is the longest and perhaps the happiest. Thank you very much to everyone!
Friday, September 08, 2006
Isolated from "the world"
I was so happy and excited to be back. I could see my family and could meet my friends. I prepared a detailed itinerary weeks before my departure but I was about to scrap it off as I had been locked up at home as our landline phone became unusable for three weeks. As a sad consequence, I could surf the internet at home. I, being an internet addict, suffered withdrawal symptoms the day I arrived.
I had no choice but to stay at home. I don't know all of my friends' mobile numbers but one who didn't reply a single SMS. To top it all, all of my planned errands were plagued by the intermittent rain in Metro Manila. The rain caused floods to emerge again in our little town of Obando, its neighboring cities of Kalookan, Malabon and Valenzuela, causing the agony of travelling to Monumento in Kalookan.
I resorted to use the broadband of my cousin, but unfortunately, a few minutes after he left, the connection was cut off and I could bring it back anymore. Feeling sorry for what happened, I rented internet in a computer shop at about 11:30 pm after wading all the way to the shop from our home via a road less travelled-for it was flooded by rainwater and mixed soy sauce and vinegar factory wastes. I was reminded by my mom of the lethal leptos pyrosis only to realize that I had a small cut in my toe from my last nail cutting event. Apparently, I didn't catch the disease and I was even able to write about it here.
But one thing I realized in my almost two-week isolation to "the world" was I spent time with my family alone. And it was so touching. I missed them so much so I was too happy being with them again.
I sent e-mails to my pals inviting them to our family excursion to a swimming resort. Some e-mails bounced back to me due to already non-existing users or mailboxes that already reached their quota. Hopefully, one would read my e-mail and contact me thru the mobile number that I included in the e-mail. I would just wait and see then...
I had no choice but to stay at home. I don't know all of my friends' mobile numbers but one who didn't reply a single SMS. To top it all, all of my planned errands were plagued by the intermittent rain in Metro Manila. The rain caused floods to emerge again in our little town of Obando, its neighboring cities of Kalookan, Malabon and Valenzuela, causing the agony of travelling to Monumento in Kalookan.
I resorted to use the broadband of my cousin, but unfortunately, a few minutes after he left, the connection was cut off and I could bring it back anymore. Feeling sorry for what happened, I rented internet in a computer shop at about 11:30 pm after wading all the way to the shop from our home via a road less travelled-for it was flooded by rainwater and mixed soy sauce and vinegar factory wastes. I was reminded by my mom of the lethal leptos pyrosis only to realize that I had a small cut in my toe from my last nail cutting event. Apparently, I didn't catch the disease and I was even able to write about it here.
But one thing I realized in my almost two-week isolation to "the world" was I spent time with my family alone. And it was so touching. I missed them so much so I was too happy being with them again.
I sent e-mails to my pals inviting them to our family excursion to a swimming resort. Some e-mails bounced back to me due to already non-existing users or mailboxes that already reached their quota. Hopefully, one would read my e-mail and contact me thru the mobile number that I included in the e-mail. I would just wait and see then...
Thursday, September 07, 2006
Homecoming 2006
What I hate most during trips is packing my things up. I know how to maximize space as I experience every time I send a balikbayan box to the
It was Sunday, August 6 and it had been arranged that my friend from
I asked Ate Rachel to go with me to the supermarket to buy last minute pasalubongs. Good thing was, I was invited by some primary school teachers as an informal guest speaker in their cultural exchange program a few days ago and they handed me 5,000 yen (approx. 2,500 pesos) as royalty. So I bought a few famously branded Japanese chocolates and looked for my siblings' request-what they call as the "tatak barko". It was actually Bourbon's chocolate-filled cookies with ship imprints as the design.
Having no time to eat lunch, we proceeded to the church after unloading the stuffs that we bought from the supermarket. Afterwards, we dropped by the souvenir shop in the train station to buy another set of last minute pasalubongs. My night was spent with Ate Rachel, Ate Hanie and (Kuya) Elmer eating spaghetti as my despedida and a month-in-advance birthday celebration. Ate Rachel helped me packed my things and we went to the bus station together with Elmer.
I reached
We had a stop over at
With my mind already relieved regarding that allowance, I reached
After Pamela's day at work was called off, we took the LRT to Monumento. We had dinner at Chow King in Monumento. (Thanks Pamela for that one!) We went home around 10 pm and that concluded my first day in
Thursday, July 20, 2006
Sleepless in Yamagata
Kung kailan ko pa kailangang matulog nang maaga, saka naman ako dinatnan ng sari-saring pag-aalala na naging dahil ng hindi ko pagkakatulog hanggang ngayon. 7:06 na nang umaga at hindi pa talaga ako nakakatulog. Patutunugin ko sana ang relo ko nang ika-9 ng umaga subalit nang mapagtanto kong ika-7 na ng umaga ay minabuti ko nang idire-diretso ang aking paggising at matulog na lang mamayang hapon.
Bakit ko nga ba kailangang makatulog sana nang maaga? May pasok kasi ako ngayong umaga nang ganap na ika-10:30 ng umaga. Pero bago iyon, kailangan ko munang plantsahin ang aking puting long sleeves, ang aking amerikana at ang katerno nitong pantalon. Final interview ko kasi mamayang hapon sa isa sa aking ina-apply-ang trabaho dito sa Japan. Sa dinami-rami ng mga in-apply-an kong trabaho, at sa dinalas-dalas ng pagluwas ko sa Tokyo, kasama pa doon ang ilang lapad kong ginastos sa kaluluwas nang halos linggu-linggo sa loob ng dalawang buwan, ay mantakin mo bang dito pa ako sa lungsod na isang oras lang ang layo sa amin ako makakapasa sa exams at interviews? Sabagay, may final interview pa nga mamaya kaya hindi pa ako nakakasiguro, pero kahit paano, may pag-asa na sa isang ito.
Nahihirapan kasi ako sa exams ng mga Japanese companies kasi nga naka-Japanese ang lahat ng mga tanong at kahit nakakaintindi ako ng Hapon to a certain degree, hindi pa sapat iyon para masagutan ko nang mabilis at maayos ang mga tanong sa exam.
Ang pinakadahilan kung bakit hindi ako nakatulog kagabi ay ang aking mga bayarin na patung-patong na at akala ko ay hindi ko mababayaran sa oras. Kabilang diyan ang bayad sa gas, sa telepono, sa internet, sa kuryente, sa upa sa bahay, sa credit card at maging sa TV. Oo, isa ako sa mga tapat na mamamayan ng Japan na nagbabayad ng bi-monthly NHK reception fee. Kahit hindi ako nanonood ng Japanese TV dahil nga sa may subscription ako sa ABS-CBN, dahil may TV ako sa bahay ay required akong magbayad ng NHK reception fee. Wala na akong nagawa noong puntahan ako sa bahay ng collector. Alangan namang huwag ko agad siya pagbuksan ng pinto para maitago ko kung saan ang TV ko. Eh, ang bulky kaya nun kahit 14 inches lang.
Anyway, bumalik tayo sa mga bayarin ko. Dahil nga sa magastos kong jobhunting na nagsimula pa noong May, at dahil sa naantala ang aking monthly stipend noong April, no choice ako kundi gamitin ang aking credit card. Muntik-muntikan nang ma-max ko ang aking credit limit sa loob ng isang buwan. Kung dating dala-dalawang lapad (approx. P 10,000) ang binabayaran ko sa credit card company, this time, magkasunod na tumataginting na 5 lapad ang bill ko! Grabe! Hindi ko akalaing aabot sa ganun. Ilang beses ko chineck ang statement ko kung mayroon bang fraudulent transactions pero wala talaga. Tinawagan pa ako ng customer rep kahapon para sabihing baka bawalan akong bumili ng ibang bagay thru my credit card, tulad ng plane ticket. Eh iyun nga ang susunod kong balak bilhin at gagamitin ko ang aking credit card dahil kakapusin ako sa cash na maiuuwi ko sana sa Pilipinas.
I did some computations bago sana matulog and the figures revealed na mas mataas ang liabilities ko kaysa sa aking assets. Pinilit kong tulugan pero hindi talaga ako mapakali. Bumangon ako ulit bandang 5 am at nag-compute ulit. Buti na lang this time, na-realize ko na may mga balances pa pala yung mga bank accounts ko na pandagdag din sa pambayad. Now, huhusto na ang pera ko para sa mga bayarin ko at para na rin makauwi ako sa Pilipinas. Siguro, kailangan ko lang manghiram ng konti para may konting leeway.
Ilan pa sa mga inaalala ko ay ang report ko sa school na deadline sa katapusan ng July, at ang thesis ko na kailangan kong matapos sa February 2007 pero hindi ko pa nauumpisahan hanggang ngayon. Napag-isip-isip ko na kung hindi naman ako makakapag-bakasyon sa Pilipinas ngayong summer vacation, baka mas lalo akong ma-burnout at tuluyang hindi makatapos ng thesis. Eh, di ang saklap naman nun.
O siya, medyo may idea na siguro kayo kung bakit hindi ako nakatulog. Mamamalantsa muna ako. God bless me mamaya sa final interview.
Bakit ko nga ba kailangang makatulog sana nang maaga? May pasok kasi ako ngayong umaga nang ganap na ika-10:30 ng umaga. Pero bago iyon, kailangan ko munang plantsahin ang aking puting long sleeves, ang aking amerikana at ang katerno nitong pantalon. Final interview ko kasi mamayang hapon sa isa sa aking ina-apply-ang trabaho dito sa Japan. Sa dinami-rami ng mga in-apply-an kong trabaho, at sa dinalas-dalas ng pagluwas ko sa Tokyo, kasama pa doon ang ilang lapad kong ginastos sa kaluluwas nang halos linggu-linggo sa loob ng dalawang buwan, ay mantakin mo bang dito pa ako sa lungsod na isang oras lang ang layo sa amin ako makakapasa sa exams at interviews? Sabagay, may final interview pa nga mamaya kaya hindi pa ako nakakasiguro, pero kahit paano, may pag-asa na sa isang ito.
Nahihirapan kasi ako sa exams ng mga Japanese companies kasi nga naka-Japanese ang lahat ng mga tanong at kahit nakakaintindi ako ng Hapon to a certain degree, hindi pa sapat iyon para masagutan ko nang mabilis at maayos ang mga tanong sa exam.
Ang pinakadahilan kung bakit hindi ako nakatulog kagabi ay ang aking mga bayarin na patung-patong na at akala ko ay hindi ko mababayaran sa oras. Kabilang diyan ang bayad sa gas, sa telepono, sa internet, sa kuryente, sa upa sa bahay, sa credit card at maging sa TV. Oo, isa ako sa mga tapat na mamamayan ng Japan na nagbabayad ng bi-monthly NHK reception fee. Kahit hindi ako nanonood ng Japanese TV dahil nga sa may subscription ako sa ABS-CBN, dahil may TV ako sa bahay ay required akong magbayad ng NHK reception fee. Wala na akong nagawa noong puntahan ako sa bahay ng collector. Alangan namang huwag ko agad siya pagbuksan ng pinto para maitago ko kung saan ang TV ko. Eh, ang bulky kaya nun kahit 14 inches lang.
Anyway, bumalik tayo sa mga bayarin ko. Dahil nga sa magastos kong jobhunting na nagsimula pa noong May, at dahil sa naantala ang aking monthly stipend noong April, no choice ako kundi gamitin ang aking credit card. Muntik-muntikan nang ma-max ko ang aking credit limit sa loob ng isang buwan. Kung dating dala-dalawang lapad (approx. P 10,000) ang binabayaran ko sa credit card company, this time, magkasunod na tumataginting na 5 lapad ang bill ko! Grabe! Hindi ko akalaing aabot sa ganun. Ilang beses ko chineck ang statement ko kung mayroon bang fraudulent transactions pero wala talaga. Tinawagan pa ako ng customer rep kahapon para sabihing baka bawalan akong bumili ng ibang bagay thru my credit card, tulad ng plane ticket. Eh iyun nga ang susunod kong balak bilhin at gagamitin ko ang aking credit card dahil kakapusin ako sa cash na maiuuwi ko sana sa Pilipinas.
I did some computations bago sana matulog and the figures revealed na mas mataas ang liabilities ko kaysa sa aking assets. Pinilit kong tulugan pero hindi talaga ako mapakali. Bumangon ako ulit bandang 5 am at nag-compute ulit. Buti na lang this time, na-realize ko na may mga balances pa pala yung mga bank accounts ko na pandagdag din sa pambayad. Now, huhusto na ang pera ko para sa mga bayarin ko at para na rin makauwi ako sa Pilipinas. Siguro, kailangan ko lang manghiram ng konti para may konting leeway.
Ilan pa sa mga inaalala ko ay ang report ko sa school na deadline sa katapusan ng July, at ang thesis ko na kailangan kong matapos sa February 2007 pero hindi ko pa nauumpisahan hanggang ngayon. Napag-isip-isip ko na kung hindi naman ako makakapag-bakasyon sa Pilipinas ngayong summer vacation, baka mas lalo akong ma-burnout at tuluyang hindi makatapos ng thesis. Eh, di ang saklap naman nun.
O siya, medyo may idea na siguro kayo kung bakit hindi ako nakatulog. Mamamalantsa muna ako. God bless me mamaya sa final interview.
Thursday, April 20, 2006
正夢？(僕は自分の心に裏切られた)
僕はいつも友だちに「親友のことをこれから忘れるようにするよ」と言って、一所懸命、毎日の生活に親友のことを考えないようにしてがんばっている。今回はがんばっていることは成功する気がしているが、きのう見た夢で、心は自分を裏切られた。あの人のことをまだ気にしているがきっとわかった。
きのうはちょっと変な夢を見た。僕は日本にいたが、場所は僕のハイスクールのような学校だった。驚いたのは、僕は親友と一緒にいた。真実と全然違って、僕たちはすごく仲良くしていた。しかし、前にあの人と仲良くしていたようにいつも一緒で、いろいろお世話になっていた。しかし、夢の中で、いたのはあの人だけじゃなくて、他の知り合いもいた。山形大学に在学している留学生たちもいた。覚えているのは3人で、一人はアフリカ人、もう一人は中国人で、3人目は韓国人だ。
好きな友だちとちょっとはなれて、アフリカ人の友だちにどこかに行こうかって言われて学校内のある場所に誘われた。僕たちは学校の2，3階に行った。しかし、アフリカ人は僕をいじめられて、屋根まで行かせた。そして、屋根をサポートしている部分から何か外して、僕は屋根から戻れなくなってしまった。そのかわいそうな状態で、あの3人の山形大学の留学生たちは僕に笑われた。僕は泣いた。そして、自分の携帯電話を出して、スピードダイヤルして、すぐ出たのは親友の電話番号だった。あの人と電話で話して、今の条件を説明して、すぐ僕がいるところに来た。屋根から戻られるように助かってくれた。まだ泣いている僕を抱きしめて、もう大丈夫よって言われた。やはり、あの人がいなければ、僕はどうなるのかな？
こんな甘い夢を見たままで、気がついて、起きた。僕は自分の一日を嬉しく始めた。今夜は寝ると、またその夢の続きが見られるのか？できたら、いいなぁ。
今回はこの甘い夢をしばらく僕に勝手に味わわせてもらうけど、友だちに約束していたことを忘れずにがんばるよ。おやすみなさい。
きのうはちょっと変な夢を見た。僕は日本にいたが、場所は僕のハイスクールのような学校だった。驚いたのは、僕は親友と一緒にいた。真実と全然違って、僕たちはすごく仲良くしていた。しかし、前にあの人と仲良くしていたようにいつも一緒で、いろいろお世話になっていた。しかし、夢の中で、いたのはあの人だけじゃなくて、他の知り合いもいた。山形大学に在学している留学生たちもいた。覚えているのは3人で、一人はアフリカ人、もう一人は中国人で、3人目は韓国人だ。
好きな友だちとちょっとはなれて、アフリカ人の友だちにどこかに行こうかって言われて学校内のある場所に誘われた。僕たちは学校の2，3階に行った。しかし、アフリカ人は僕をいじめられて、屋根まで行かせた。そして、屋根をサポートしている部分から何か外して、僕は屋根から戻れなくなってしまった。そのかわいそうな状態で、あの3人の山形大学の留学生たちは僕に笑われた。僕は泣いた。そして、自分の携帯電話を出して、スピードダイヤルして、すぐ出たのは親友の電話番号だった。あの人と電話で話して、今の条件を説明して、すぐ僕がいるところに来た。屋根から戻られるように助かってくれた。まだ泣いている僕を抱きしめて、もう大丈夫よって言われた。やはり、あの人がいなければ、僕はどうなるのかな？
こんな甘い夢を見たままで、気がついて、起きた。僕は自分の一日を嬉しく始めた。今夜は寝ると、またその夢の続きが見られるのか？できたら、いいなぁ。
今回はこの甘い夢をしばらく僕に勝手に味わわせてもらうけど、友だちに約束していたことを忘れずにがんばるよ。おやすみなさい。
Tuesday, April 11, 2006
Canto Alla Vita
Ever since I was a child I'd loved singing. It was on my fourth grade in primary school that auditions for the school choir was held. The qualifying members would be singing in the school's monthly First Friday masses and to other church services that our school would be participating. Most of us in the fourth grade tried out in the auditions but unfortunately, on my first attempt, I wasn't still aware of the proper breathing while singing and adding to that, my perennial stage fright, known since time immemorial, hindered from from being chosen. My audition piece at that time was "Alleluia, Wikain Mo".
I never gave up, come Christmas season and Ms. Joy had me in a special audition. I recall there were only two of us who tried out. This time I sang Jose Mari Chan's "Christmas in our Hearts" which gloriously made me grab home the bacon.
Being a member of the choir gave me access to the church's loft at the back, a place where I really longed to be ever since. Aside from the regular vocalization before the choir practice, we had fun playing around with my classmates. Though I wasn't able to perform the most coveted role of singing the solo of "Papuri Sa Diyos". That part was always given to boys (never to girls, which made me wonder that time). Now it makes me recall the castratis of the early church. Hence at present I don't regret not being chosden to sing that part. Really!
After a few months, Father Von announced that he would be having another audition. This time within the choir members ourselves. We were afraid that Father Von would trim down the list and personally, that I might be laid off. During the audition, he asked us to sing in the loft and with a microphone. My piece for this audition was "Awit ng Paglaya".
Luckily, I was still in... and Father Von disclosed the reason for the urgent audition. The church would be having a fund raising concert. We performed for two days with matching sailor collared costumes and stuffs. Out of the three pieces that we performed I can barely recall two of them: Lea Salonga's "Tagumpay Nating Lahat" and "A Whole New World". Now it makes me think that the one who chose the songs (whoever he or she was) was a big Lea Salonga fan. Anyway, so it was my debut as a group singer/performer.
I really wanted to pursue singing when I entered high school but for some reason I got intimidated with my new school's glee club. Be it with the instructor or the glee club itself I couldn't think of anymore but unfortunately, the highest step I was able to climb at that time was just as a page turner.
Our school then had a homecoming concert. I was part of the production but on a the back of the stage. I was in charge of preparing the introductions for each guests and I was also able to interview celebrities like Ms. Amy Perez and the like. If I am not mistaken, she was the first celebrity that I have ever met face-to-face. Yet, at the backstage, I felt a bit envious of my schoolmates that made it to the stage, especially those who had solo performances.
My singing career-college edition was too umimpressing for my part though there were two instances, as I recall that I was able to sing. One was during theh freshman orientation, where I sang Westlife cuts with some friends. We had "Flying Without Wings" and "Uptown Girl". Perhaps that performance gave us some credit to back us up as we had Christmas carolling the following season. We "serenaded" some of our professors' homes for two nights ("Pasko Na Sinta Ko", is worthwhile mentioning) and of course, we received some fat(?) amount.
I never realized that my corporate life would give me more exposure to singing than those days that I was still in school. One of my batchmates, Michelle, volunteered me to our project's Christmas party. I was paired up with Mr. Arnel Agbay and we interpreted Rachel Alejandro's "Paalam Na"" for our outgoing manager, Ms. Jennie Chug. This I consider, my formal debut as a solo performer.
The following year I was also lined up for the project's Christmas party. This time I performed a duet with Ms. Hannah Pineda. We sang "Cruisin'". During the performance, Hannah had a bit of a sore throat while I forgot most of the line of the song. Yay!
My MS CS gimmicks just made me sing in front of the videoke with my classmates. No special performances worth mentioning though, they were amazed that I could (could really I?) sing Mandarin songs. Now don't ask me what Mandarin songs, OK?
Landing on the land of the rising sun even gave mo more chances to refine my craft (naks!). It was December 2004, and I was part of our church's choir who performed in the annual Christmas Charity Concert. I was also asked to sing in front of the Yamagata City Lion's Club members where I belted Ken Hirai's "Life Is...". I realized Ken Hirai's genre suits my voice quite well so I chose another Ken Hirai song, "思いがかさなるその前に" (Omoi ga Kasanaru Sono Mae ni - Before the Memories Pile Up), as my entry piece in the first singing contest that I participated in. (See picture above.) For the record, the first singing contest I ever joined was in the Japanese language. Unfortunately for me, I didn't bag any major prize but I won many of the audiences encouraging comments. Most of them even approached me to tell me that they knew how difficult to sing my piece but they were surprized that I was able to sing the piece well.
Oh, I almost forgot (actually I'd rather not mention these but anyway) to mention that I have two unreleased albums. The first one was with Joanne recorded during my vacation in Manila last September and the second one was with Janice when we attended the mathematics conference in Sendai City.
Last December 2005, I sang "If We Hold On Together" with Ate Ligaya at the Fil-Jap Association Christmas Party. This Easter Sunday, I am also part of the group that will sing Josh Groban's "You Raise Me Up" during the Easter Sunday mass.
Let's sing to life then!
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