Tamagetamonda (たまげたもんだ)

              Tamagetamonda is a Japanese word that would best describe the whole experience I had with the homestay program. Homestay, I believe, is one of the most incredible opportunities that a foreigner should not miss. Opportunities only come once, and it should be grabbed without hesitation or else it will not pass again. I came to Japan not only to study but also to learn its cultures and tradition. In order to learn those things, one needs to live them. Experience is the best teacher and the three (3) day homestay program I sure did learned a lot.

Everything is New

I am totally new to homestay so I do not know what to expect or how to prepare myself whether mentally, emotionally or physically. However, what motivates me to be excited about was the whole new experience that I could get out of this activity. New people, new friends, new place and new family, everything is new in a sense that I have never experienced such a rare opportunity to live like a Japanese living in the countryside.

Going to Takahagi City not knowing what lies ahead spells excitement. I experienced playing Koto, a traditional musical instrument, strumming to the tune of Sakura. After that we went to see how a traditional tea ceremony is prepared, served and actually making one.

The evening came, and we still do not know who our homestay parents would be and that made me more anxious. Looking at the stage, where a bunch of families gathers, one of those are possibly my homestay family. After a few minutes, they announced the family and were excited in finally meeting them. I saw how nervous they were, but, at the same time, I saw that they were happy to have finally met me. The same goes with my feelings towards them.

The Challenge

Staying in Japan is the most challenging experienced that I have ever encountered in my life. I easily adapt to every culture, food and traditions to different countries that I have ever been into but not on language. Communicating in Japanese is a challenge of my adaptability skills. I tried to prepare myself for this program, but I failed on learning the communication part. I know how to read and write but not on conversing in Japanese. However, that challenge gave me even more motivation to learn Japanese and to apply everything that I have leaｒned by heart. It may not be an easy road to marvel, but the whole experience gave me enough strength to muster and accept the greater challenges that lie ahead.

My Homestay Family

All my life, I have lived with relatives. They reared me as their own. I have never felt the love of a mother and father, although, that love was filled by my Aunts. However, this experience is a totally different one. It gave me an opportunity, not only to live like what a typical Japanese family lived, but to experience what a father and mother do to their children. In a short amount of time staying with my おかあさん and おとおさん,　it gave me a glimpse of love a child could get out of their parents. Although I have to process everything what they have told me (they only speak in Japanese); however, the experience is really worthwhile. One advice from my おとおさん　that I won’t forget is not to worry about life or what it brings. Everything happens for a reason, and I need to accept that. In order to grow, we must live by these reasons and allow oneself to be strengthened by the circumstances in life.

One thing that helped me get through my Japanese was my homestay brother who helped me understand the things that my parents were telling us. I am the youngest in our family so I have not experienced in having a younger brother. This experience gave me another opportunity to be an older brother. I could not ask for a better family than my homestay family – the Tobita Family.

My homestay family lived near the coast. I could still hear the rushing sounds of the waves, the whistling hum of the shells and the cool breeze it brings. Being there and experienced all of these made me really happy. To end the family bonding was a beautiful rainbow floating at the sky wishing us well and happiness.

I may not have thanked them enough, but I wish to thank them again for the splendid hospitality that they have shown. I would like to thank also the Takahagi City government for having such an incredible program and for the Internal Christian University for taking part on this program. I will certainly treasure every bit of this these experience all my life.

Mapanuring Mata: A Changed Man: A year after the great Tsunami

Mapanuring Mata: A Changed Man: A year after the great Tsunami:         “One is not defeated by a great struggle of life; instead, one is defeated if he ceased on living”. I do not know where this phr...

A Changed Man: A year after the great Tsunami

        “One is not defeated by a great struggle of life; instead, one is defeated if he ceased on living”. I do not know where this phrase came from or was it just a product of watching movies or reading novels, but I do know that this was the summary of what I have gotten out of the SINTAP Experience. A year ago, I am just a viewer who watched the tsunami that hit Japan on television. It is an experience where, in some way, you just sit there and do nothing. I wanted to do something, but the question is how? I wanted to be a part of something that could make a change – even just a small, simple yet meaningful change. A few days after, I got a call saying that i'll be staying for two (2) years in Japan. Could this be it, the significant change that I long to do? Now I am ready to go to Japan with a simple thought of making a significant difference.

     The thought of making a significant change excites me. A change of uplifting other people's burdens, seeing them smile and having a joyful spirit kept me on looking forward to this day. SINTAP created that opportunity for me to realize such a simple dream. However, that was not the case. Instead of I creating a significant change, It changed me. Change in a sense of seeing my perspective in a different light - a change of self and purpose.

           March 5 - 8, 2012, almost a year after the tsunami incident that hit Japan, ICU SINTAP group went to Oshima Island, Kesennuma, Japan to lend a hand. We volunteered to help unload stuff that has been washed away by the tsunami, hear stories of the survivors and even play with school children. One of the activity that we had was to interview families and hear them tell stories of their life after the tragedy. Our group was assigned to interview the Komatsu family in a temporary shelter meeting room.

           Interviewing Mr. Komatsu gave me a thought to ponder. After the tsunami, Mr. Komatsu said that he seems to have no aim or purpose at all. It was only after joining Obakatai that he sensed his purpose – that is to help others. It is unheard of to see people who were the victim and yet are able to help build and motivate others in putting their feet back together. For a man, who lost everything – a home, a job and a purpose – gathering enough courage to stand up and help is the greatest inspiration. It inspired me not to wait for an opportunity to appear but instead to create that opportunity. Not to wait for others to help you stand but for you to try to stand up on your own. It does not mean that they were not struggling inside, nor the pains were already gone. Instead, they replaced those struggles with optimism, hope and love. One Zulu proverb says “A person is a person because of people”. Mr. Komatsu became a man of purpose because of people. He became a true person because of people that surrounds him that needs his service and people that have the same heart as he does – the volunteers. He had an opportunity to stay with his children in Sendai, but he chose to go back. Mr. Komatsu never ceased on living his life, on what he believes in and on what he does. This is what makes a person, person.

          One of my favorite quotes is of Thomas Merton: "If you want to identify me, ask me not where I live, or what I like to eat, or how I comb my hair, but ask me what I think I am living for and ask me what is keeping me from living fully for the things I want to live for. Between these 2 answers, you can determine the identity of the person. The better answer he has, the more a person he is - I have all the time trying to make the answer as I go on living." I believe that Mr. Komatsu is living his life fully for the things he wanted to live for.

         A former owner of a sushi restaurant, Mr. Komatsu was asked about the comparison of his sushi with the rest of sushi restaurants in the island. “Mine were the best”, he exclaimed. One thing struck me was the next sentence that he said. “All sushi are the same, but what makes it best is when it is made from the heart”. I took that phrase in a different light. It may sound foolish of me to interpret such a simple sentence in a totally different manner. I never saw it as a sentence that talks about sushi alone. Rather, I took it as words from Mr. Komatsu's life's journey - full of wisdom and truth. The volunteers came from different parts of the world. Volunteers who has the passion to help, serve and create a significant change. Although we came from different backgrounds, beliefs, struggles and point of views, like the sushi, we are all the same. We are in this group for a purpose of helping and uplifting people's lives. What makes us best is the sincerity and pureness of our hearts. That's what makes this experience a memorable one - an experience of victory over downfall, joy over pain, life over death. Before Mr. Komatsu bid us farewell, he had spoken to me and said “make your sushi from your heart and continue to smile, it helps”.

           I remember the boys of Room 231 sang the song “Sakura” by Naotaro Moriyama. In such a short time, like the sakura, the experience has to end. It seems that three (3) days were not enough. I wanted to stay longer in order for me to know more about the lessons of life. Furthermore, I wanted to grasp the wisdom that I could get from the stories of people's lives and to deepen friendships with fellow volunteers.

       To end, I stumbled upon a japanese drama series that featured the song “Sakura”. In one of the episodes, the actress/actor read a poem entitled “Be not defeated by the rain” (this was the english translation).

Be not defeated by the rain;

Be not defeated by the wind.

Succumb not to the snows of winter,

Not be bested by the heat of summer.

Be strong in body. Unfettered by desire.

Not enticed to anger. Cultivate a quiet joy.

Count yourself last in everything. Put others before you.

Watch well and listen closely. Hold the learned lessons dear.

Go forth and nurse him to health.

Go forth and relieve her of burden.

Go forth with words of courage to dispel his fear.

Go forth and beg them to stop such a waste of effort and of the spirit.

In times of drought, shed tears of sympathy.

In summer's cold, walk in concern and sympathy.

Better be dismissed as humbled, than flattered as a great man.

This is my goal, the person I strive to become.

Mapanuring Mata: Staying in Japan has never been this good

Mapanuring Mata: Staying in Japan has never been this good: "It has been a week since I arrived in Tokyo, Japan. Upon arrival late at night, I hurriedly went to Shinjuku Washington Hotel where I was bi..."

Staying in Japan has never been this good

It has been a week since I arrived in Tokyo, Japan. Upon arrival late at night, I hurriedly went to Shinjuku Washington Hotel where I was billeted. The first time I entered the lobby,smiles of the Japanese greeted me and it felt so warm. My tired body just went energized as they smile all the way until the time I entered my room. Japanese politeness was so catching that eventually I managed to even smile and bow at the same time to everyone I meet.

The hotel is so near the Shinjuku Station and the Tokyo Government Tower. From where I am at, I can see the beautiful view of Shijuku-ku and its surroundings. The place is so clean and very orderly. The staffs clean your room and changes all toiletries, sheets etc everyday so you won't have to worry about the cleanliness if you are concern of your hygiene. Internet connection is also provided though you have to configure it yourself.

Worrying about food and grocery needs? You don't have to. All of those are available at the 1st floor and basement area. You can find all sorts of restaurants for your different cravings. Family Mart and Mini Stop is also available 24 hours.

Staying in Japan has never been this comfortable. Have a pleasant stay in Japan. Ja Mata.

JDS Batch 9 Send Off - Japan Embassy
20 JDS Fellows had their send-off ceremony last August 4, 2011 at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Makati City. It was well represented by the representatives from the Embassy of Japan, NEDA, DFA and JICA. After the send-off two fellows who will be studying at the International Christian University will go ahead of the pack on August 5, 2011 and have their separate orientation in Tokyo, Japan while the remaining eighteen scholars will leave on the 29th of August. Surely this is a great challenge and opportunity to represent our country and show to the world that Filipinos are made to excel.

Mobile Video on the Go: 50 First Dates

Here's my take on a classic love movie 50 First Dates. Henry Roth is a man afraid of commitment up until he meets the beautiful Lucy. They hit it off and Henry think he's finally found the girl of his dreams, until he discovers she has short-term memory loss and forgets him the very next day.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=12g7ZPDVrIU

isohunt.com/

Here's a mobile video for you to watch it on your phone. Be inspired and relax.

Travelogy: Koronadal City

Koronadal City - a place known for Hinugyaw Festival. I will not be talking about its festivities, however, I will be talking about a place where  you could stay in a budget. Budget hotels, inn or motels are very hard to find nowadays.

If you're looking for a budget inn in Koronadal City, then go to Villa Princessita. Strategically located that is not far from the city proper, malls and restaurant and still find an oasis to rest and relax.

Their rooms are cozy and nice. Cable TV, beds can be in pairs, or by fours. It terms of place? really cheap so can enjoy most of your money to the local delicacies of Koronadal.

Pasalubong ba hanap mo? Buko pies in this Inn is a must. Buko pies, once tasted, is heavenly so don't check out without buying the pie.

The crews are all friendly and are willing to attend to all your needs. They even serve breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks. What more could you ask for in a budget inn.

Life and Love

Life must go on...

Like a tree that is planted in my heart
It needs to be nourished and watered;
Like a flower that blooms every spring
Like my heart pounding in a boxing ring.


But love cannot be love without someone to be loved
I may be foolish but I know it's true;
That falling in love with you
Is the greatest feeling even when I am blue.

Could love be there when the rain starts to pour?
Could love still be there even when it's broken?
Could love still be there when you're not around;
No it isn't
because Love, your Love is the Love when Love isn't there.


5/30/2004
5:30PM

Fate: A Sassy Girl Story

fate and love

What is fate? as most people may ask. It is building a bridge of chance for someone you love. There is one thing that love strongly suggest that if you love someone, set her free. What is wrong with someone whom you do not love marry?. Ironic, however, true.

What is love? Ask yourself. Do you love her? I think not. If you want to find love, stop being foolish and start living. If she comes back to you, she's all yours.

Love is blind they say
But what can't you see states;
That falling in love is a hearsay
This feeling of mine obliterates.

sassy girl movie

a sassy girl

Can you see this ache in my heart
How I wish this wouldn't last;
But what can I do, I love you so
God, help me to find a cure fast.

fate? what is it?

Why can't I erase you in my mind
I am full of you;
Please stop this at once
Or else I may be blind.

I want to lose you  but I can't
I want to slap you but my hands got tied up;
I want to squeeze you hard until you pop
But this love mine keeps stronger in an instant.

fate controls

O, how I love you so
Please get out of my sight;
I don't want to be hurt again
But I can't help it, I'm a fool for you.

I love you with all my heart
I love you no matter what;
O, how I wish you will be a part
Of my life 'til the very last drop of my blood stops.

Travelogy - Travels to Luzon

In one of my travels going to Manila, a place i rarely go to, who knew that there's a budget hotel that every Juan can afford. Though it's not in Metro Manila per se, however, its accessibility to almost anything is commendable. I am talking about Gohotels in Mandaluyong City. It is located near MRT-Boni Station, right beside the Robinsons Mall Forum.

When I first arrive there during the holidays, ignorance just crept in, I couldn't open their front door. It was locked from the inside and in order for you to go in is to swipe their guest cards and I don't have that. Luckily one of the crew saw me and  opened the door from the inside. I later found out that you have to push the buzzer button to let them know. It amazes me to have such security system in a budget hotel.

A friendly staff greeted me with a smile. A smile on their faces felt so warm that really invites you to really check in. That's a way to start your day in a hotel. Security is their primary concern as all floors have CCTV cameras.

side table lamp is also provided

two beds, clean sheets

bathroom

Their rooms are cozy and minimalistic. A good place to rest and relax after long day of travel and shopping (just outside the hotel is a mall to go shopping in). All floors are WIFI ready so better bring along your laptops or do your reports without worries of not submitting it on time while enjoying their beautiful lounge.

a window or not? Guess?

me at a huge mirror

massage anyone?

After a tiring day at the mall or just frolicking around the metro, a massage booth is located on the fifth floor at a very affordable price is a steal. Just imagine, Right at the comfort of the hotel is a massage parlor right at your doorsteps.

Hungry? No problemo. At the lobby, you could access to the wondrous and sumptuous meals of Tokyo Cafe. Try their Bento or breakfast meals for an affordable price. Try Loco Moco and a taste of their Tokyo blend, it will energize you for the day.

Forgot some goodies, toiletries or maybe a mid night snack, then go to the Mini Stop right beside Tokyo Cafe. A variety of groceries to choose from. If your in a hurry, try their microwaveable sandwiches and meals, complete with rice, eggs and coffee in a few seconds.

 
It was fun staying in a budget hotel where all your needs are met. To know more about gohotels and promos just click the link: Gohotels

Travis Ryan sings He's Been Faithful

In Christ Alone gospel karaoke / accompaniment

O.C. ba ako? Ikaw?

Dokyu ni Sandra Aguinaldo link

While watching the documentary of Ms. Sandra Aguinaldo (GMA 7), I wondered if I have Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Efren, the guy Sandra interviewed, washes his hands almost every minute. Even brings alcohol in his pocket to clean his (filthy/dirty) hands. We may find it weird, however, some of us (1 million Filipinos, i might add) is suffering from this yet they hide for humiliation. It's a brave thing Efren did for coming out that He has this disorder.

What is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder anyways?. One friend said that I was OC. It's strange how he find me being obsessive or compulsive. Anyways, OCD is a psychiatric disorder characterized by obsessive thoughts and compulsive actions, such as cleaning, checking, counting, or hoarding. Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), one of the anxiety disorders, is a potentially disabling condition that can persist throughout a person's life. The individual who suffers from OCD becomes trapped in a pattern of repetitive thoughts and behaviors that are senseless and distressing but extremely difficult to overcome. OCD occurs in a spectrum from mild to severe, but if severe and left untreated, can destroy a person's capacity to function at work, at school, or even in the home.

 
How to know if you have OCD:

Step 1: Rate your anxiety

Rate your anxiety level. Many people are worrywarts, but OCD sufferers have persistent and disturbing thoughts, images, and impulses that they can’t suppress.

Step 2: Look for a pattern

Ask yourself if your obsessions have a theme. Common ones include an intense fear of germs; needing things to be symmetrical in order to feel calm; and violent or sexual thoughts you can’t control.

Step 3: Consider how you handle your fears

Consider how you handle your obsession. People with OCD try to control their worries or distressing impulses with rituals like constant hand-washing, counting in certain patterns, cleaning excessively, double-checking for safety hazards, and making sure objects are aligned.

Most adults with OCD recognize that their rituals are out of the ordinary, but most children with the disorder do not.

Step 4: Weigh how much your rituals interfere with your life

Weigh how much your rituals interfere with your life. OCD sufferers spend more than an hour a day performing their repetitive behaviors. Some are so controlled by their compulsions that they interfere with their ability to hold a job or sustain a relationship.

Step 5: Get diagnosed

See a doctor if you suspect you have OCD. A combination of medication and therapy can relieve symptoms in most sufferers.

(reference: how to know OCD)

DSWD rolls out Conditional Cash Transfer Program

Money matters – this phrase rings true in the daily lives of hundreds of poor Filipino families nationwide. Poverty alleviation has long been a government program in the Philippines, where, according to a 2010 Social Weather Stations report, 49% of families rated themselves as poor. The rate of hunger incidence among 3.4 million families is up by more than 2%, from last year’s 15.1% to this year’s 18.1%*.Increase in poverty and hunger in 2010 is attributed to the high prices of basic commodities. In a Business World article, Presidential Communications Development Secretary Ricky Carandang was quoted as saying, “The fact that there was some increase makes it all the more urgent for us to get our social programs in place. We’re hoping that some of that will be felt this year.” - CSC January 2011 issue

To know more about the cash transfer fund, kindly click the link below.


DSWD Cash Transfer Program Download file

DSWD Cash Transfer download file

Career Executive Service (Third Level Eligibility)

 The Civil Service Commission has released MC 2, series of 2011 on the decision of the Supreme Court on CSC versus Court of Appeals and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, G.R. No. 185766 dated November 23, 2010 (Third Level Eligibility). This Memorandum Circular will clear the issue on the coverage of the Career Executive service(CES). To find out more of the decision kindly click the download file below.






third level download file

Aubrey Pagarigan sings Saving Grace

When it comes to gags, jokes and on the spot comedic performance nobody can beat Aubrey. But who knew that inside of that fun and laughter lies an angelic voice. Once you hear her sing, you just stare in awe of her Alto voice. Here's a sample of her singing.

aubrey pagarigan singing



 

Sing me a Song 2

The title of the song is Beauty of Your Grace. As I led the music ministers in singing this song, we just want to praise God for the wonderful grace that He has given us.

travis singing beauty of Your Grace

Sing me a Song

My family are singers except for me though. I struggled a lot to find the right tone and pitch. So I joined our church choir and music team and started out as a projectorist (if there is such a word). So while practicing for the sunday's worship service, one member video taped me practicing some of the songs. Here's one of them.

click me singing

Humility

i came down for you to see
the love i have received with glee
but disgrace and distrust was upon you
now who i am to give this love, i woe.

i gave up my position for my friends
but you never noticed, as if you’re my fiend
i am willing to give up even my life
but you broke my heart like a cut of a knife

but love in me didn’t stop
though you ignored me, it breaks my heart
unconditional love i give, that’s for free
receive it in your heart truthfully, i plea.
-JESUS-

humility