Silang mga Migrante

Migrante. Sila ang itinuturing na mga bagong bayani ng bansa dahil sa malaking ambag nila sa paglago ng ekonomiya dulot ng padalang remittance para sa kanilang mga pamilya sa Pilipinas.

Ayon sa Republic Act 8042, ang migrante ay tumutukoy sa isang tao na naghahanap-buhay sa ibang bansa at karaniwa’y tinatawag din na Overseas Filipino Worker. Karaniwan na’y nagtatrabaho bilang mga factory workers, domestic helpers, constuction workers, seamen at nurses, patuloy sa pagtaas ang bilang ng mga migranteng Pilipino, babae man o lalake. Hindi matatawaran ang kanilang pagpupursige na mai-angat ang estado ng kabuhayan ng kanilang mga pamilya kaya naman ito ang nagiging inspirasyon nilang upang ipamalas ang angkin nilang kasipagan at kagalingan sa trabaho na siya namang hinahangaan ng mga dayuhang kanilang pinagsisilbihan.

Ang pagdarayuhang ito ng mga Pilipino ay matagal ng kalakaran sa bansa ngunit ang kasagsagan ng paghimok sa kanila na magtrabaho sa lupang banyaga ay nagsimula noong kalagitnaan ng dekada sitenta (70s) nang dumagsa ang trabaho sa Middle East dulot ng pagtaas ng presyo at pangangailangan sa langis. Hinimok ng dating pangulo Ferdinand Marcos ang mga kalalakihan na walang pirmihang trabaho sa Pilipinas sanhi ng mahinang ekonomiya, na tanggapin ang mga oportunidad na ito. Itinatag ng pamahalaan ang Philippine Overseas Employment Administration o POEA upang mangasiwa sa mga pangangailangan ng mga Pilipinong maghahanapbuhay sa ibang bansa. May mga Philippine-based recruitment agencies din na pinayagang mag-recruit sa kanila.

Ngunit dahil sa tumataas na bilang ng mga kaso ng pagpapahirap at pang-aabuso katulad ng panggagahasa, pagpatay, pagmamaltrato at hindi tamang pasweldo sa mga migranteng Pilipino, samu’t-saring batikos ang natatanggap ng pamahalaan ukol sa kanilang kaligtasan sa mga bansang kanilang pinagsisilbihan. Ang mga kontrobersyal na kaso nina Flor Contemplacion at Sarah Balabagan ang nagpasiklab sa damdamin ng taumbayan na kuwestiyunin ang kakayahan ng pamahalaan kung kaya ba nitong bigyan-proteksyon ang mga migrante.

Sa kabila ng mga pangyayaring ito, hindi pa rin natitinag si Juan dela Cruz sa kagustuhang mabigyan ng magandang buhay ang pamilya. Sa katunayan, mahigit sa tatlong libong migranteng Pilipino ang umaalis ng bansa patungo sa 182 destinasyon araw-araw. Dahil dito, umabot sa $17 bilyon ang kabuuang halaga ng kanilang remittances batay sa Migration and Remittances Factbook 2008 ng World Bank na naglagay sa Pilipinas sa ika-apat na pwesto sa buong mundo na nakakatanggap ng malaking remittances. Una ang India na may $27 bilyon, pangalawa ang China na may $25.7 bilyon at Mexico na may $25 bilyon.

Sa laki ng remittances na ito, malaking pakinabang ang nakukuha ng pamahalaan dahil sa pumapasok na dolyar sa bansa. Idagdag pa ang binabayarang remittance fees. Hindi lamang ‘yan, hindi pa man nakakaalis ng bansa si Juan dela Cruz, sangkatutak na bayarin na ang bumubulaga sa kanya sa pag-proseso ng mga dokumentong kailangan sa kanyang pag-alis katulad ng birth certificate, passport, NBI clearance, medical certificate at iba pa.

Ngayong ipagdiriwang ang Migrant Workers Day, ano ba ang magandang handog sa mga migranteng Pilipino na patuloy na nagsasakripisyo upang maingat ang kabuhayan ng kanilang pamilya? Sapat na bang kilalanin lamang ang paghihirap nila sa pamamagitan ng pagbibigay-parangal sa kanilang mga sakripisyo? Hindi ba’t mas magandang regalo ang pagsasabatas ng mga panukala na magbibigay-proteksyon sa kanila? Higit kailanman, ngayon kailangan ng proteksyon ng bawat isang migrante Pilipino na nandito sa Japan at ibang bansa.

*published in the June '08 issue of "Beyond the Horizon", Philippine Digest*

Harajuku - Its Avant Garde Youth Fashion & Style

Diverting, riveting hub of young Tokyoites' fashion style and culture, the Harajuku area girds Harajuku station, between Shibuya and Shinjuku. Among a kaleidoscope of exorbitant youth fad and craze, some of the popular Tokyo landmarks, like the Meiji Shrine, NHK Studio Park and Yoyogi Park, abound as well. Here the old and the new Japan meet and blend for your senses.

Harajuku first burst onto the scene in 1964, the Olympic year, when the National Yoyogi Stadium served as the Olympic gymnasium. The anticipation of meeting someone famous enticed people from different parts of the metropolis to drop by the place, especially the youth who dreamt of sharing the glitz and glitter of the rich and famous.

There are two well-known streets that comprised the area. Takeshita Dori, a long street lined by shops, cafes, restaurants, and argueably believed to be the origin of a legion of Tokyo's fashion trends; Omotesando, a broad tree-lined avenue of designers' boutiques, restaurants, cafes and aspiring to be Tokyo's "Champs Elysees". Both cater to the exigencies and cravings of young Tokyoites.

Anyone can expect a hassle-free shopping spree in Harajuku at the very interesting interior designed six-storied Omotesando Hills, with its high-end shops, restaurants, cafes and beauty salons and even apartments; LaForet Harajuku with its chic and stylish shopping complex suited to every woman's fancy; Oriental Bazaar which is very popular among foreign travelers looking for Japanese souvenirs; Snoopy Town for a buy of Snoopy goods of all sorts; Kiddy Land that sells major toy brands like Disney, Barbie and Hello Kitty; Daiso Harajuku 100 Yen Shop which offers a wide array of consumer goods at very tempting and reasonable prices. More attractions include the Meiji Shrine which is surrounded by a stunning, dense forest consecrated to the deified souls of Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shoken; The NHK Broadcasting Center which gives the general public the chance to look behind the scenes of television broadcasting via the NHK Studio Park; Yoyogi Park which is considered to be one of Tokyo's most extensive leisure parks that features wide lawns, ponds and forested areas, great for family outdoor activities; Togo Shrine, a Shinto shrine hallowed to Admiral Togo, who defeated the Russian fleet in the Russo-Japanese War in 1905; The Ota Memorial Museum of Art which is limned as a small but elegant place that showcases more than 10,000 pieces of works of art; The National Yoyogi Stadium that was built for the 1964 Tokyo Olympics and hosted the Olympic swimming competitions.

Another popular hangout is the Harajuku Bridge where Japanese teens, especially the females dubbed as "Harajuku girls" are dressed in diverse fashion costumes like Lolita, Gothica, Gyaru, Ganguro and Kogal. They may also be dressed as characters from an anime, movie or manga known as cosplay. Basically, the teens who are dressed up are just hanging out with friends; many of them come with the hope of being photographed by the many magazine photographers who scan and merge with the crowd.

Other trendy shopping streets in Harajuku include Cat Street, Harajuku Street, Meiji Dori and Killer Street.

The street names alone are out of this world, but only in Tokyo. So, if you want to catch a glimpse or goggle at youth culture, Japan style, head for Harajuku on a Sunday and there you can be a mind-boggled witness of the now and the future in youth and fashion and style, Paris notwithstanding!

How To Get There:

On the JR Yamanote Line, two stations south of Shinjuku and one station north of Shibuya (130 Yen from either station). Also by the Chiyoda Subway Line, which stops at Meijijingu-mae Station, next to JR Harajuku Station; provides a direct connection to Otemachi Station (15 minutes, 190 Yen) near Tokyo Station.

*published in the May '08 issue of "Let's Tour Tokyo", Philippine Digest*

*photos by Din Eugenio*

Sad Plight of Modern-Day Heroes in Japan

Kahirapan, kakulangan ng oportunidad at trabaho, ito ay ilan lamang sa maraming dahilan kaya't patuloy na dumarami ang mga Pilipinong nangingibang-bansa.

Sa kasalukuyan, may 221,817 Pilipino ang naninirahan at naghahanap-buhay dito sa Japan, mahigit 25,000 dito ay undocumented (Source: Immigration Bureau, Ministry of Justice of Japan, 2007). Ngunit sa mga nakalipas na buwan, nasangkot at naging biktima ng mga insidente ng murder, rape at suicide ang ilan sa kanila.

Gumulantang sa atin ang pagpatay ni Masayoshi Nagano, 43, isang Japanese, sa kanyang mag-ina na sina Crisanta Mahusay Lopez, 33, at anak na si Naomasa Nagano, pitong buwang gulang, sa loob ng kanilang bahay sa Tokyo. Ayon kay Nagano, nagawa niya ang krimen dahil sa labis na pag-aalala sa kanilang utang at kanyang trabaho. Si Lopez ay nagtungo dito sa Japan noong 1995 bilang entertainer. Siya ang tumayong breadwinner ng kanyang pamilya sa Pilipinas magmula ng pumanaw ang ama.

Nahaharap naman sa kaso ng panggagahasa ang construction worker na si Luisito Cunanan Florendo, 40, at indecent assault ang metalworker na si Menandro Fermo Rafer, 42, matapos diumano pagsamantalahan ni Florendo ang isang 22-taong gulang na lasing na babae, sa loob ng isang karaoke room sa Gifu habang kinukunan ng cellphone video ni Rafer ang pangyayari.
Pagtalon mula sa ika-limang palapag ng isang apartment sa Nagoya ang ginawa ni Franco Juan Paul, 39, dahil sa takot na mahuli ng mga otoridad dahil sa pagiging overstay na naging sanhi ng kanyang pagkamatay. Si Paul ay ilegal na nanirahan sa Japan mula pa noong May 2003.

Hustisya naman ang sigaw ng isang 21-taong gulang na Pilipina na itinago sa pangalang Hazel matapos diumano pagsamantalahan ng isang U.S. serviceman sa Okinawa noong Pebrero 18, tatlong araw pagkaraan niyang dumating dito upang magtrabaho. Namalagi ng isang linggo sa hospital ang biktima dahil sa naganap na insidente at ngayo'y nananatili sa isang center para sa mga inabusong kababaihan upang maka-recover.

Kasalukuyang iniimbestigahan din ang pagkawala ng Pilipinang si Honiefaith Ratilla Kamiosawa, 22, na pinaniniwalaang pinaslang at pinutulan ng mga bahagi ng katawan at itinapon sa iba't-ibang lugar dito sa Japan. Isa sa mga pinaghihinalaang suspek ay si Hiroshi Nozaki, 48, isang Japanese, na sinasabing kasama sa bahay ng biktima. Si Kamiosawa ay nagtungo dito bilang entertainer.

Tulad ng ibang OFWs, hangad lamang nila na makaahon sa hirap at mabigyan ng magandang buhay ang kanilang mga pamilya sa Pilipinas, kaya't pinili nilang makipagsapalaran dito sa Japan. Ngunit hindi lahat ay pinapalad. Kung sana'y may mailalaan lamang na trabaho ang gobyerno para sa bawat isang Pilipino sa Pilipinas, wala na sigurong magnanais pa na malayo sa kanilang pamilya at makipagsapalaran sa ibang bansa kung mga ganitong pangyayari rin lamang ang naghihintay sa kanila.

Batid ng taong-bayan na may mga programa at proyekto ang pamahalaan para sa mga bagong bayani ng bansa ngunit pagkatapos matugunan ang mga pangyayaring ito, ang tanong ni Juan Dela Cruz, ano ang susunod na hakbang ng gobyerno? Hihintayin pa ba nila na muling maulit ang mga ganitong insidente bago umaksyon at bigyang-solusyon ang kakulangan ng trabaho sa Pilipinas na siyang pangunahing dahilan kung bakit napakaraming Pilipino ang umaalis ng bansa.

"Filipinos can be found anywhere in the world," sabi nga nila. Sa isang banda, may magandang epekto nga naman sa ekonomiya ng bansa ang pagdami ng mga OFWs sapagkat ang mga dolyar na kanilang ipinapadala sa kanilang mga pamilya sa Pilipinas ay nakatutulong upang maging matatag ang halaga ng piso sa pandaigdigang merkado. Ngunit kung iisiping mabuti, hindi ba't ang paglobo ng bilang ng mga OFWs ay ang siya namang pagkonti ng mga Pilipinong imbes na sa sariling bansa ibinabahagi ang sariling kakayahan ay lupang banyaga ang nakikinabang?

*published in the May '08 issue of "Beyond the Horizon", Philippine Digest*

A Need for a Philippine School in Japan

Hindi maitatangging maraming Pilipino ang naninirahan at naghahanap-buhay dito sa Japan. Kabilang sa mga ito ay ang mga kabataang may lahing Hapon o Japino na nagsisimula nang humabi ng buhay para sa katuparan ng kanilang mga pangarap sa pamamagitan ng pagkakaroon ng sapat na edukasyon.

Magiging mas madali para sa mga batang Japino na dito isinilang at nagkaisip ang pakikibagay at pag-aadjust sa school environment na kanilang pinapasukan, mga sensei, at kapwa mag-aaral. Subalit para sa mga batang Japino na lumaki sa Pilipinas at nagtungo rito, higit na magiging mahirap at komplikado ang adjustment period na kanilang pagdadaanan.

Philippine Schools Abroad
May 43 Philippine schools na ang naitatag sa 9 na bansa kabilang ang Bahrain, China, Greece, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Libya, Oman, Qatar at United Arab Emirates. 30 sa mga Philippine schools na ito ang may government permit mula sa DepEd, 9 ang may provisional permit at 4 ang nag-aaply pa lamang ng permit to operate. Aprubado ng DepEd ang educational curriculum ng mga Philippine schools sa mga bansang ito. Sa katunayan, mahigit sa 20,000 estudyante na ang nag-aaral sa mga paaralang ito mula elementarya hanggang hayskul.

Ang mga Philippine schools na ito ay itinatag upang matugunan ang pangangailangang pang-edukasyon ng mga kabataang Pilipino, may dugong banyaga man o wala na naninirahan sa ibang bansa. Ito rin ay magsisilbing daan upang magkaroon ng pagkakataon ang mga kabataang ito na maiakma ang kanilang mga sarili sa sistemang pang-edukasyon ng Pilipinas sa panahong naisin na nilang bumalik at dito mag-aral. Hindi lamang 'yan, ang mga paaralang ito rin ang magsisilbing lugar upang mapalawig ang kulturang Pilipino sa ibang bansa.

Establishing a Philippine School in Japan
May mga prosesong pagdadaanan kung magtatayo ng Philippine school dito sa Japan. Masalimuot kung iisipin ngunit kung maisasagawa ng tama at maayos ay tiyak na magiging maganda ang resulta at maraming kabataan ang makikinabang.

Ang Commission on Filipino Overseas (CFO) at Inter-Agency Committee on Philippine Schools Overseas (IACPSO) ang nakatalagang magsaayos ng mga programang gagamitin para sa pagtatag ng mga Philippine schools abroad at mapanatiling mataas ang kalidad ng edukasyon dito. (Para sa karagdagang impormasyon, mag-log on sa www.cfo.gov.ph). May Application Form, Information Sheet at Survey Form dito na kailangan para sa proposal ng pagtatag ng Philippine school dito at sa ibang bansa.

Advantages and Disadvantages
Ang pagkakaroon ng sapat na edukasyon ay napakahalagang sangkap sa paghubog ng pagkatao ng isang nilalang. Ito ang tutukoy sa posisyong uukupahin niya sa lipunang kanyang kinabibilangan. Kaya naman kung sakaling magkaroon ng katuparan ang hangaring pagtatag ng Philippine school dito ay tiyak na maraming kabataang Japino ang makikinabang at matutulungan. Mas magiging madali rin para sa magulang, lalo na para sa mga Filipino mothers ng mga Japino na maturuan ng leksyon ang kanilang mga anak. Idagdag pa ang maibibigay nitong oportunidad sa mga Filipino teachers na nagtuturo sa mga paaralan dito, maaari na nilang maibahagi ang kanilang kaalaman sa kanilang mga kapwa Pilipino.

Sa kabilang banda, may makikita rin sigurong disadvantages sa hangaring ito subalit kung ang isasaisip at isasapuso ay ang magandang kinabukasan ng mga kabataang Japino, walang makikitang hindi maganda sa hangaring magkaroon ng Philippine school dito.

Can We or Can We Not?
Posible sa marami ngunit imposible rin para sa ilan ang hangaring ito. Ngunit kung pag-iisipang mabuti, napakahalaga ng maiiambag ng pagkakaroon ng Philippine school dito sa Japan hindi lamang sa mga batang Japino na hanggang ngayon ay nakakaranas ng culture shock, identity crisis at bullying sa mga paaralang kanilang pinapasukan kundi pati na rin sa mga Filipino teachers at parents dito.

Kung nagawa nga ng mga Pilipino sa 9 na bansa na magtatag ng Philippine schools, kaya rin ng mga Pilipino dito sa Japan. Kailangan lamang na magkapit-bisig ang buong Filipino community para sa katuparan ng naisin na ito. Ika nga, "Education is a right not a privilege", kaya't bigyang pagkakataon ang mga kabataang Japino na mag-aral sa isang Philippine school dito sa Japan.

*published in the Feb '08 issue of "Education", Philippine Digest*

Shibuya - Hachiko ni Yokoso!

Long before Shibuya became Tokyo's birthplace of many of its fashions and entertainment fads, it was the lone place that witnessed Hachiko's unaltered loyalty and unswavering devotion to his beloved master, perpetuated by his bronzed sculpture emplaced at the hub of the cluttered and vibrant district.

In spite of its small size compared to the extensive bright lights of the city, Hachiko's statue is not uphill to find, as it is considered to be Shibuya's best known landmark and gathering point for millions of Tokyoites and tourists alike, since 1934. "Meet me by Hachiko", is a common joyous rejoinder when you ask one where to meet him at Shibuya.

If you have not waited by Hachiko, you are missing one of Tokyo's beloved legends and monuments.

It is a happy and safe rendezvous to wait for your date. Any time of day or night, there are always people sitting around the bronzed sculpture to wait for their friends, just like what Hachiko did for his revered master. They even take pictures of themselves together with the statue. Some also buy gifts and souvenirs of the faithful Hachiko at the Hachiko Memorial Store named Shibuya No Shippo or "Tail of Shibuya".

Story has it that Hachiko was born in Akita in November 1923, from the famous and admired bred of dogs, the Akita dog, and was a tiny pup when first brought to Tokyo in January 1924. He and his owner, Eisaburo Uyeno, a professor at the Imperial University, became bosom friends. Hachiko would accompany Eisaburo to the train station each morning, when he left for work. Upon returning in the afternoon, the professor would see the dog patiently waiting, tail wagging.

This gladsome routine lasted until one fatal day in May 1925, when the professor was taken ill on the job and haplessly died of stroke before he could return home. Without realizing what really happened to his beloved master, Hachiko continued to wait for him every single day at Shibuya station which made the stationmaster and onlookers to start feeding him and giving him shelter. At times, he wouldn't return home for days at a stretch. Thus, he became a familiar sight to daily travellers as he continued his vigil for over ten years.

On March 8, 1935, Hachiko died of heartworm on the very same spot he last saw his master alive. His death was big news all over Japan; and even day was declared in mourning for his passing. Contributions poured in from all over the country to commemorate the dog that had won the hearts of the entire nation, and left a heartwarming lesson and legacy of a dog's faithfulness for us faithless humans.

Well-known artist Ando Teru was commissioned for the original bronzed sculpture, which was actually melted down during the war. In 1948, his son Ando Tekeshi, formed the second statue which is still erected up to this day.

More than just a bronzed sculpture and a tale, Hachiko is a real-life dog whose faithfulness and undying love for his adored master has captured the interest, and has touched the lives of the people of Japan and the world. His life was portrayed in a book and a motion picture entitled "The Hachiko Story".

How To Get There:

You may take JR Yamanote Line, JR Saikyo Line, Ginza Subway Line or Tokyu Toyoko Line and in front of the station is the Hachiko exit.

*published in the Feb '08 issue of "Let's Tour Tokyo", Philippine Digest*

*photos by Din Eugenio*

Ueno - Ameyoko Market ni Yokoso!

If you're looking for a place in Tokyo that still offers the sounds, sights and smells of Asia, without getting on a plane, Ameyoko Market in Ueno is the place to go to, with its vibrant and bustling ambience, boisterous litter of stalls, friendly and lively vendors, and brimming crowd of international shoppers.

Legend says that the name "Ameyoko" is a short form for "Ameya Yokocho" which literally means "candy store alley". Candies flourished in the area during the difficult days right after the end of World War II when everything was in short supply; when Ueno thrived as a black market for imported goods. On the other hand, "Ame" also stands for "America" because a lot of American products were available on the black market.

Styled like an Asian bazaar, Ameyoko is lined with more than 500 discount stores and food shops selling various commodities such as cosmetics, apparel, fresh fish, vegetables, fruits, dried food, spices, herbs and condiments from all over Asia and all sorts of consumer perishables.

There are also many eating places in the heart of the market where sliced fruits like melon, pineapple and watermelon, ramen noodle, shawarma, curried rice, sushi, Korean barbecue and other typical Japanese dishes can be enjoyed.

Another attraction of Ameyoko is chocolate vendors selling packs of chocolates that come with tons of "omake" or bonuses, for only 1,000 yen.

During weekends, it seems that the entire Asian and foreign population of Tokyo, chattering in a multitude of tongues, which includes Filipinos, Chinese, Indians, Malaysians, Thais, Indonesians, Koreans, Russians, South American Latinos, and even the locals, to name a few, concentrate here for a buy of Asian favorites that is difficult to find in local supermarkets. You name it, Ameyoko has it. Plus the ear-filling sounds of stallkeepers and shoppers arguing and vying with each other for the best come hither sales persuasions this side of the East.

Ameyoko is remarkably popular for its jam-packed stores that offers unusual items, bargain prices and a no-frills shopping experience. It is open from 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. and is closed every third Wednesday of the month. The place is especially busy the last few days of the year as the locals and visitors flock its street to prepare for the new year. Who has not heard of Ameyoko and its year-end sales and shopping sprees!

How to Get There:

A minute walk from Ueno Station or Okachimachi Station on JR Yamanote Line, or Uenohirokoji Station on Ginza Subway Line.

*published in the January '08 issue of "Let's Tour Tokyo", Philippine Digest*

*photos by Florenda Corpuz*

Hopes for 2008

To see what other prominent Pinoys ponder and wish for the Holiday Season, our writer, reporter and photographer, Ms. Florenda Corpuz talked with several personages who grace Pinoy gatherings and events, and who are familiar to many of us, since they are the ones we run to when we have some vital businesses to attend to. Here are six of the most familiar persons whom you think you know, but do you?

Valentino L. Cabansag, Tourism Attache
Department of Tourism, Tokyo

Mr. Cabansag, lately arrived at his post as the chief of Tourism Tokyo, will strike you as soft-spoken and serene, a man who knows what he is talking about. Dedicated to his craft, Mr. Cabansag, wishes not for himself, but for the Philippines to have and to hold more attractions for tourists, making way for more arrivals from other countries, especially Japan. If countries surrounding the Philippines can do it to attract more visitors, the Philippines can do it, too!

For this year, he has one dear wish he holds near his heart, his 2008 goal: he is determined to further improve his language proficiency in Nihongo by immersing himself in more Japanese journals and books. Gambatte, Sir Val!

Danilo M. Lim, Country Manager
Philippine Airlines, Tokyo
He may be the highest ranking and only Filipino official of Philippine Airlines here in Japan, but that does not give him airs; he has his feet planted firmly on the ground. When you meet him for the very first time, you will be beguiled by his simple grin and firm handshake. But just like the ordinary Filipino, it never leaves his mind that he is a foreigner in this strange land and is here because his job is here and he has to work for the sake of his family. Perhaps, he has not stayed here long enough to feel at home or get used to the foreign ways and means so unlike at home.

His wish for the coming year would be for the Philippines to have new leaders who can really guide and bring us to where we should really be. He also hopes that sooner or later, the country finds its true and real place in Asia. Up there among the best! Mabuhay ka, Ka Danny, that is a dream worthy of all Filipinos; a dream every Filipino worth his salt dreams of!

Col. Danilo T. Estropia

Defense and Armed Forces Attache
Embassy of the Philippines, Tokyo

Bronze, stalwart and the image of a Filipino officer and a gentleman, Col. Estropia wishes nothing but peace and order all over the Philippines and to Filipino communities here in Japan. If peace prevails in the country, it is easy to imagine of peace on earth to men of goodwill. Col. Estropia might be trained as a disciplined warrior, but at heart he is truly a Filipino hoping for a progressive, peaceful and united Philippines, and a Filipino standing tall in the family of nations.

John O. Lugtu
Deputy Managing Director
Philippine National Bank, Tokyo

A poet at heart and a teacher's training for seeking the best in his fellowman, Sir John would have been a priest if a young boy's vocation had been fulfilled. But life has brought him to his present job, a banker, not the cold and calculating kind made famous in movies, but someone who tries to help the Filipinos he meets, forever wanting to give of himself and his work, in ways so gentle and kind.

Best described as a family-oriented man, Mr. Lugtu wishes to welcome the coming year surrounded by his family, clan and friends in his beloved Cagayan de Oro, Philippines. As for his new year's resolution, he intends to hear Mass every Sunday with his family, "a family that prays together, stays together." God is good to him because his desires were granted as he left for the Philippines last December, after his two-year stint at the Philippine National Bank in Tokyo.

Maria Anna Lilia L. de Vera
Third Secretary & Vice-Consul Cultural/Foreign Information Section
Embassy of the Philippines, Tokyo
Looking so young and so fragile, this reserved lady wishes prosperity for the Philippines, the Embassy, the Filipino communities in Japan and the Japanese institutions. Being the workaholic that she is, she couldn't find the time to think of any other resolution for the coming year but to just continue working and be more patient.

Our New Year's wish for her is that she shows more of the intelligent, capable woman that she really is, a demure diplomat perhaps, but with more spunk to reach out to the humble Pinoys who are too shy to talk to diplomats and government officials. Lady Anna, joys for 2008!

Lyra R. Cedeno
Marketing Manager
ABS-CBN Global, Japan
You cannot find a more lovely and simple woman than Ly. You cannot guess that she is an efficient executive of the Philippines biggest TV/Movie conglomerate just by looking at her, though pretty and sexy that she is. She keeps a low profile, content to work behind the scenes, doing her best in the background.

Ever loyal to her company's commitment to serve the Filipinos worldwide, Lyra wishes not for herself but for the Philippines to have a better year, and for the Filipinos to love their own country, more than any other place in the world. But, of course, Ly, a Filipino is forever a Filipino how far he may roam, wherever he may be, his dream Utopia is the Philippines forever!

*published in the January '08 issue of "Ang Pinoy", Philippine Digest*

*photos by Florenda Corpuz*