CENTERFOLD: September - October 2008

Fr. John Seland: Building Minds, Building Hearts

by Linda Taki and Abie Principe

Sabi nga: "Many are called, but few are chosen." Tulad sa mga maraming dayuhan na tumutulong sa mga nangangailangan sa Pilipinas, kakaunti lang talaga ang masasabing nagluluwat dahil ang pagtulong nila ay bukal sa kanilang kalooban. Hindi biro ang maging isang charity worker. Hindi rin madali ang maging isang Mother Teresa. Pero sa kabila ng lahat, paminsan-misan, meron sa atin ang nabubuksan ang mga mata at puso sa mga katotohanan sa buhay at ilan din sa kanila ang masigasig at masayang nagpapatuloy sa kanilang adhikain para makatulong lamang sa kapwa tao lalung-lalo na sa mga nangangailangan.

Isa na siguro rito si Fr. John Seland. Siya ay pari sa Nanzan University, at mula pa noong 1999 ay tumutulong nang magtayo ng mga eskuwelahan sa iba't ibang lugar sa Pilipinas. Hindi man siya Pinoy, pero sa mga biyayang ibinahagi niya sa ating mga Pilipino, masasabi nating may puso pa rin siyang Pinoy. Mas malaki siguro ang karapatan niyang maging isang Pinoy ikumpara sa mga ibang Pilipino na ikinakahiya ang kanilang pagka-Pilipino. Sana, sa pagbasa ninyo ng kwento ni Fr. John, mabigyan kayo ng inspi-rasyon para lalo tayong tumulong sa mga nanga-ngaila-ngan sa ating kapwa-tao.

Pero una sa lahat, siya mismo ang nagsasabi na wala siyang expertise sa paglunas sa mga social problems sa Pilipinas at pati na rin sa mga problema ng mga Pilipinong naninirahan dito sa Japan. His field is literature and religion. Iyon ay ang mga subjects na tinuturo niya sa Nanzan University for the past 29 years. Subalit dahil sa pagtuturo niya dito, he was able to gain a considerable experience in one particular yet important area: organizing and leading Japanese volunteer groups.

Fr. Seland has set up a volunteer group here in Japan called RASA: Rural Asia Solidarity Association. They started their activities in Thailand and then, it was moved to the Philippines. Explained Fr. Seland, "In 1985, I redirected the program from Thailand to the Philippines, due to the fact that it would be easier to communicate with the people through English. Also, the group that I belong to, the Society of the Divine Word, has no involvement in Thailand, while there are several hundred of our priests working in the Philippines. Making contacts would be easier."

RASA was organized in 1982 but it was from 1999 when the group began to build schools in various areas in the Philippines. At present they have constructed nineteen schools already. They are also giving scholarships to Filipino children, while supporting micro-financing projects.

Fr. John Seland was born in Saranton, Pennsylvania. He is a member of the Society of the Divine Word. He was ordained a Catholic priest in 1963. He received his Ph. D. degree in English Literature from the University of California (Riverside Campus), after which he came to Japan and began to teach English and religion at Nanzan University. He retired as a full-time professor in March 2007 but continues to teach there and at the Aichi Shukutoku University part-time.

Asked about his experiences with RASA, Fr. John says, "Because of this, I have learned how to organize and guide volunteer groups. At the same time, I have been able to form several beliefs which I feel are important for anyone involved or interested in this kind of activity." He explains that the benefits of activities like RASA are numerous. "The Japanese volunteers learn a great deal about the values of the people by having a home stay while they are building the schools. And of course, we are able to help the children and their families through our programs," he adds. Fr. John believes the benefits are mutual: "The good will that is created through this kind of program is inestimable, and a mutual respect for each other becomes the basis for strong and lasting friendships."

It was actually his first visit to India when Fr. John's eyes were awakened to the realities of life. He was spending a night in a hotel in Bombay when he decided to take a walk around the neighborhood. And there, just behind the hotel, was a large slum. He was shocked to see the naked truth. "People were living in tiny shacks surrounded by pools of dirty water; children were running around naked, and garbage was piled up everywhere," recalls Fr. John. Right there and then, he began to wonder if ever he could help these people.  After that journey in India, he went home for a short vacation in America. While he was home, many questions went through his mind. Can he do it? Where will he get the money? Will volunteers join him? Will he have enough time? Then he thought, "Well, if I don't do it, who will?" Just then, a passage in the Bible occurred in his mind: "Nothing is impossible with God." So he wanted to check that out. He told God, "I'm going to go ahead! But I will need Your help - lots of help!"

Indeed, God works in mysterious ways. When his father passed away, the family was left with a large amount of money which his mother divided equally among all the children. From this, for the next few years, Fr. John received a check each year for $10,000, which of course, was a great help in building schools each summer.

But now that he got funds, what about the volunteers? Who will help him? Again, they were fortunate from the start. Fr. John was in charge of a large club of volunteers at the Logos Center. It was quite easy for him to convince some of them to come with him every August. Along with the students in the club, they would put up large posters here and there on campus and also pass out leaflets advertising their tours. "At first, the numbers were small. But little by little, the numbers increased." According to Fr. John, there are usually 30 volunteers who join them every summer.

Still, it was a difficult start. Fr. John did everything by himself. He was the chef, the butler, the chauffeur, and the bookkeeper! But he is thankful that more of the volunteers began taking on some responsibilities and were able to manage things together. And because of some media exposure, they were able to manage to increase their staff of volunteers and members.

Now as Fr. John recalls the early beginnings, he can truly say that he has learned many things. "It's true: it does take some time and effort. But none of those little sacrifices could ever compare with these people whom I have met and the experiences that I have had doing this kind of work over the past twenty-six years."

"As I look back on my involvement in RASA, I see a pattern, just as if God were preparing me and helping me step by step for this kind of work by allowing me to have certain experiences and be guided by certain people. It has all been a blessing. It is difficult to describe the feeling of joy that I have when I see how the volunteers and Filipinos mingle in so well with each other. Even after a few seconds, when they meet at the Welcome Party, it is as if they are all in the same family. I also learned one more important thing. Whenever people come together in community in order to help each other, good comes from it."

"As we all know, the basic community is the family. And it takes little imagination to realize that the best family is one where each member cares for the other. The same is true, I think, with larger communities. The more we care for each other and work for a common purpose, the healthier and stronger our group becomes."

"Many years ago, St. Augustine put it very simply: 'A community is a group of people united by the common objects of their love.' I think that is very true. When we have a common goal, and when we work together in love, we have a healthy, strong community. Paradoxically, where the community is strong, so too are the individual members. Their love and dedication to the community reflects back on them, making them loving, strong, and good. I have seen this over and over with my own eyes. I know it is so."

For more info on RASA:

http://rasa-japan.com/philippine/

CENTERFOLD: July-August 2008

Fanny: First Of All!

by Irene Sun-Kaneko

Sa wakas, the long wait is over. The First Lady among the Pinoys in Japan have agreed to grace our humble publication. Kung meron mang deserving na maging royalty sa mga Pinoy dito, walang ibang magre-reyna kung hindi and kanyang Royal Kindness, Madam Fanny Minda Maranon Mirasol Kyo.

For more than four decades na nilagi niya sa Land of the Rising Sun, never siyang tumigil na itaas with utmost pride ang bandera ng Pilipinas. Kahit saang sulok man siya mapunta, kahit sino pa ang kanyang makaharap, no one can deny and help but admire, the regalness that surrounds her, and doubt her genuine concern about her kababayans.

While interviewing her as she reminisce a life in time that spans more than half a century, we just sit back and take heed of all the stories that have been buried in her memory tank and keep on surfacing out one by one screaming out for attention. Likewise, we suggest that when this First Lady speaks up, just sit up and take notice for there is so much wisdom and color from the vast range of experiences our first lady have gone through.

It took us ages to convince her to share her remarkable story to Jeepney Press' readers. Subalit ilang beses din niya kaming tinanggihan dahil sa kanyang patuloy na pagpapakumbaba at minarapat na lang manatili sa kanyang munting paraiso na kaganapan ng lahat ng tagumpay na kanyang patuloy na tinatamo.

But she has given in to our request, and now, we are priviledged to take a ride with her as our elusive "First Lady" shares her soap-opera-like journey from her early life back in the province to her many accomplishments as one of the pioneers in this foreign land.

Mahiwagang pangalan. Panahon pa ng giyera ng isilang siya. She was named Fanny after the American nurse friend of their family. Pero during her time, hindi enough na isa lang ang pangalan. It was a trend to have long dramatic names. So after Fanny, they added Minda for Mindanao. Wala pa raw masyadong tao doon and her father had a logging business in Cotobato. Sabi niya, "Ang Davao nga, nasa dagat pa noon. Hindi pa tinambakan ng lupa."

Those were very sensitive times. And romantic times as well. "Kapag may kakatok sa pintuan, labas kaagad ang rifle ni Papa habang tinatanong kung sino ang mga bisita." And one of their frequent visitors then became a suitor of Fanny and happens to be a Japanese. It was really not a good time for a Japanese to be in the Philippines. "Nanliligaw noon sa akin si Mr. Kyo, ang unang representative at kaisa-isang Hapon na marunong mag-Ingles, na business client ni Papa sa logging business," she recalls.

Sino nga naman ang makaka-resist sa charm and beauty ng ating future 'First Lady'? Not only is she a dedicated elementary school public teacher, but also a choreographer and ballet teacher all rolled into one. Ika nga, she was a good catch and only deserved nothing but the best.

With her upbringing and childhood spent like a princess, ayaw na ayaw ng kanyang papa sa Hapon. He was simply afraid na gagawin lang siyang isang muchacha sa bansa nila. Pero umiral pa rin ang sigaw ng puso at determinasyon na ipakita na she will create and write her own destiny. Little did she now how much difference she would be contributing to the betterment of the Filipino welfare in Japan.

Ikinasal si Fanny sa Pinas na hindi dumalo ang kanyang papa. After three years ay biniyayaan sila ng dalawang daughters, nagdesisyon silang mag-asawa na manirahan sa bansang Hapon.

Dumating si Fanny sa Japan noong1962. Na-shock siya sa liit ng mga bahay dito sa Japan. Ang napakabait niyang asawa ang nagturo sa kanya ng mga lutuing Hapon. Walang na-feel na discrimination si mommy Fanny noong henerasyon niya. Mababait daw ang mga Hapon sa kanya at humihingi pa ng tawad sa mga kagaslawang ginawa ng Japanese Imperial Army noong panahon ng giyera sa Pilipinas. Very friendly & they bow to her apologetically.

Sa henerasyon ngayon, malakas ang discrimination kasi nakaka-angat na sila sa atin. Langit at lupa ang agwat natin, but mommy Fanny remains to be the protector of everyone. Everytime she gives a speech in any gathering, palagi niyang tinataas at pinupuri ang mga magagandang qualities ng mga Pilipino. "Hindi ako binabastos. Nasa tao na lang yun, nasa pag-dadamit at sa kilos."

Pero bakit nga ba naging "First Lady of Pinoy" si Mommy Fanny? Let us count the many "firsts."

Tumulong siya sa pag-organize ng very first FAMILY DAY sa Philippine Embassy na nasa Nanpeidai, Shibuya pa noon. Sa katagalan ng panahon, hindi na rin sigurado ang ating first lady kung anong year pa iyon.

She also organized the very first Filipino fashion show in Tokyo kung saan bilib na bilib ang mga Hapon sa ganda ng ating terno. Even until now and several decades later, she still continues to bring
Filipino fashion designers to promote Philippine culture through our native costumes.

Siya rin daw ang first Filipina to get married to a Japanese after the war. She remembers when she went to the city hall to register their marriage, "Galit na galit sa akin yung civil registrar sa pagpapakasal ko sa isang Hapon pagkatapos ng giyera..."

Si Fanny rin po ang first Filipina president of the Association of Foreign Wives in Japan and the first Filipino member of ASIAN LADIES. Her association with these two groups gave her special access to befriend many diplomat ladies of different nations and royalties in Japan.

She was also one of those who first organized the Tokyo International Pastoral Center (TIPC) which was renamed later to Catholic Tokyo International Center (CTIC). Wika ni Fanny, "Ako lang ang makasalanang organizing member. Lahat ng mga kasama ko ay puro mga pari at madre. Ako lang ang hindi naka-belo."

Ang kauna-unahang celebration of International Day ng St. Mary's Cathedral sa Mejiro, Tokyo, mommy Fanny had a special task in organizing the program and bazaar. Siya na rin daw ang nag-choreograph ng mga sayaw ng mga Pinoys. She has also been collecting things that she could sell and donate to charities.

Si mommy Fanny rin ang first and only English teacher sa Chiba prison. "Una, ayaw ko sanang magturo sa kanila kaya lang nagpaunang bayad na sila sa akin kaya hindi na ako makatanggi. Nabigla nalang ako sa unang araw ng aking pagtururo ay hindi lamang mga gwapo ang mga prisoners kundi mga kilalang tao sa showbiz at mga high-ranking head at leaders ng mga Yakuza ang tinuturuan ko ng English. Napaka maginoo nila at palagi silang very attentive lalo na kapag ang kinukwento ko ay about international news at life outside the bars. Una, mga Hapon lang ang mga estudyante ko. Gradually, naging international na. Yung mga foreigners kahit marunong na silang English, sumasali sa class ko kasi ganyan nila kinagigiliwan ang mag-attend because I only tell them happy news. Then I became so busy with my other extra-curricular activities, I had to stop English teaching. Nag-recommend pa nga akong native English teacher para pumalit sa akin pero after 2 weeks, pina-alis din siya kasi ako raw ang gusto ng mga tao. Nagmaka-awa sila na bumalik ako at magturo sa kahit anong araw at oras na gusto ko. It has been 28 years now since I started teaching them. Meron ngang isa diyan, alam kong nakalabas na siya sa bilibid at bumalik na naman. Mas gusto daw niya ang buhay sa loob!"

And according to her school, she was the first Filipina to be a licensed Ikebana teacher.

And because of all the things she has done for her prefecture, fellow Pinoys and fellow residents in Chiba, she was the first Filipina awardee of Chiba Prefecture as civic worker. "Bigay ako ng bigay sa kawanggawa. Tapos may mga panahon na ako mismo nauubusan ng pera. Pero I am not afraid of having no money kasi matalino at marunong ang Diyos. Darating ang pera sa hindi inaasahang pagkakataon. Minsan nung ako'y pauwi sa Narita Airport, yung Amerikano sa likod ko ay nahimatay. Nakita ko nag-iisa lang siya. Pina-ospital ko at ako ang nagbayad sa ospital ng mga Y50,000. Hindi ko iniwan ang pangalan ko. Nang ipagtanong ng Amerikano kung sino ang tumulong sa kanya, "a civic worker from Goi Church" lang ang nakuha niyang impormasyon. Tapos nalaman ko nalang na nag-donate yung Amerikano, na isa palang mayaman na duktor sa Amerika, ng about Y500,000 sa Goi Church namin."

Hindi paaawat. Walang makakahadlang kahit sino kahit anong sakit sa isang taong may ginintuang puso. At 68, very active parin si mommy Fanny hanggang ngayon sa Goi Church. Lagi silang may pakain pagkatapos ng Misa from 12 PM to 1 PM. Kahit sino welcome sa Goi Church. May problema kayo na gustong ikonsulta? Punta lang kayo sa Goi Church at hanapin si mommy Fanny at hindi ka magsisising dumalo. Iyan ang formula for success ni mommy Fanny: "Dapat marunong kang makisama. Be friendly at matulungin sa kapwa."

Malakas at mahaba talaga ang staying power ng First Lady natin. Imagine kung nakailang ambassadors na rin ang dumaan while she has been there working to help uplift the lives of many Pinoys. If ever there was an event in history of Pinoys in Japan, siguradong first, Fanny was there. She gave her time, her energy and her whole self. Not only the Filipinos but even the high ranking Japanese people recognize the authority and respect she commands. Hers is a story that merits recognition, a saga of passionate hearts against all odds, a tale of triumph and celebration of the Filipino spirit. She deserves to be first. Mabuhay to our First Lady in Japan!

CENTERFOLD: May-June 2008

BRIDGING CULTURES THROUGH DANCE

Many thanks to Ms. Leith Casel-Schuetz for providing the materials for this centerfold feature.

"I am grateful that you are very active in promoting Philippine culture," said Tourism Secretary Ace Durano to the Philippine Cultural Dance Troupe
of the Tokyo University of Foreign Studies, when they visited him last March in his office in Manila. It was on the occasion of the start of their performance
tour of Dumaguete and Bacolod , which was sponsored by the Department of Tourism. Secretary Durano was so impressed by what he saw when he witnessed the group perform during the Philippine Festival in Tokyo last year, that he readily supported the group to do performances in several universities in Dumaguete and Bacolod.

"Are you sure they are Japanese? They look Filipino... How come they can dance Philippine folk dances very well?" These are common comments given to this group of dancers when they are seen performing on stage. Whether the audience is in Tokyo, Manila or New York, the audience is always baffled
and amazed. Be it Uya-uy, Singkil, Jota de Manila or Tinikling, the group performs with the precision that is required of a good dance troupe,
more so when the audience is Filipino. Because it is something Filipino that they are performing, they are aware that the audience would be more critical. What is this group? Who are its members? How did it come to be?

Jeepney Press is honored to feature this dance troupe composed of young and gifted Japanese students. We salute these students for learning our culture and promoting our dance wherever they go... all around the world. We appreciate how much time and effort they give in order to show to the Filipinos and the world that Filipino culture is beautiful. And hopefully, may they inspire all of us Filipinos to cherish and value our cultural treasure in dance and make us proud of our cultural identity as Filipinos.

History and Background of the Dance Troupe

The Tokyo University of Foreign Studies is one of two universities in Japan which offers Philippine Studies as a major in its curriculum. The Philippine Studies program was one of three newest area studies programs offered in the university in 1992. One of the unique activities of the Philippine Studies program is to adopt Philippine folk dances and songs as a medium to understand the cultural and social aspects of the country. The program tries to depart from the traditional way of learning area studies, which focuses mainly on the economic and political aspects of the country, rather than its diversified and unique culture and people.

The Philippine Cultural Dance Troupe is an offshoot of the universityÕs annual cultural event, and since its first performance in a musicale in 1994, has been a venue for extra-curricular activities of students majoring in the program. The troupe does not receive any funding from the university or any organization, but the troupe members have dedicated themselves to learning Philippine folk dances and songs enthusiastically. By doing so, the students acquire a deeper understanding of the Philippines and learn to view the country and its people with respect and appreciation. Furthermore, in order to present proper folkdances with authenticity and maintain a high performance level, the troupe regularly goes to the Philippines for training. This kind of hands-on training has taught the students to be able to mingle with people from all walks of life and made them realize the importance of humility. This characteristic is essential especially for those who are in the field of Southeast Asian Area Studies.

The Philippine Cultural Dance Troupe of the Tokyo University of Foreign Studies consists of students and graduates of the Philippine Studies Program of the university. It had its beginning in November 1994 when the Philippine Studies Program presented an original Filipino musicale at the university's annual cultural festival. The presentation included a number of folk dances and songs. However, it was the troupe's performance at the farewell party for then Philippine ambassador to Japan, Domingo Siazon. Jr. (who is again the present ambassador), as well as at a seminar sponsored by the Tokyo office of the Philippine Department of Tourism in 1995 that gave the impetus for the formal organization of the dance troupe.

The troupe has been active in Japan since then and has performed in about 150 programs organized by both foreign and Japanese organizations. Most of the troupe's performances in Japan have been mainly organized by the Philippine Embassy in Tokyo, to introduce the variety and uniqueness of Philippine culture. Local Filipino communities, Iocal governments, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and schools have also invited the troupe
in many of their cultural events.

Overseas Performances

In April 1997, the troupe had its first overseas performance in the Philippines during the International Dance Day Festival sponsored by the National Commission on Culture and Arts (NCCA) of the Philippines, held at San Carlos University in Cebu City. It was during this event that the troupe met National Artist Mr. Ramon Obusan of the Ramon Obusan Folkloric Group and since then, he and his dance masters have given valuable advice and assisted the troupe in technical training and repertoire.

Ever since the performance in Cebu in 1997, the troupe has been annually performing in the Philippines. The performances have been in connection with the Japan-Philippines Friendship Month sponsored by the Japanese embassy in Manila, as well as the Arts Month by the NCCA, in February and March. The troupe has performed not only in Metro Manila but also in major cities such as Davao, Iloilo, Bacolod, Tacloban and Baguio. Part of the troupe's overseas repertoire included several Japanese folk dances and songs, and a Japanese drum performance aside from the usual repertoire of Philippine folk dances.

In June 2002, the troupe was invited by then Philippine ambassador to Singapore, Jesus Yabes, to perform for the Philippine Independence Day celebration there. It was the first overseas performance of the troupe outside the Philippines and Japan.

In March 2005, the troupe was invited to perform at the Philippine Culture Night sponsored by the Filipino Cornell Association of Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. The troupe also performed in Queens, New York City upon invitation of the Foundation for Filipino Artists shortly after that. In March 2006, the troupe performed in Singapore for the second time upon the invitation of the Southeast Asian Studies Programme of the National University of Singapore. The troupe also performed at the RCBC Plaza in Makati in connection with the 50th anniversary of the friendship between the Philippines and Japan. This performance was sponsored by the Japanese embassy in Manila. In March this year, the troupe once again went to the Philippines upon invitation of the Philippine Department of Tourism for a performance tour of the Visayas, particularly in Dumaguete, Bacolod and Iloilo. In September this year, the troupe is invited to perform in several colleges in the Chicago area in the United States.

Repertoire

The general repertoire of the dance troupe consists of 4 parts, namely the Cordillera dances, dances influenced by the Spanish era, dances from Muslim Mindanao and other minorities there, and the more popular rural or barrio fiesta dances.

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CENTERFOLD: March-April 2008
MISSION POSSIBLE: TEACHING IN JAPAN

l-r: Maria P. Makabenta Ikeda, Rex Angeles, Eugenia A. Medrano
Neriza Sarmiento-Saito, Fr. Joaquin R. Ferrer, Jr., SVD, Jean Beran Tanangonan
Casilda E. Luzares, Fidel Nemenzo, Celia L. Umali

by Alma Reyes-Umemoto

"Wise education, vital breath
Inspires an enchanting virtue;
She puts the Country in the lofty seat
Of endless glory, of dazzling glow,
And just as the gentle aura's puff
Do brighten the perfumed flower's hue:
So education with a wise, guiding hand,
A benefactress, exalts the human band."
            —Jose Rizal, "Education Gives Luster to Motherland"

When Jose Rizal stepped on Japanese soil in the spring of 1888, and arrived in Kyushu, he commented on the industrious workers, "How swiftly they worked! And... as they worked, a sing-song chant with a note of melancholy in it rose and fell upon the dust-laden air." Rizal should have lived long enough to see Japan now and say the same thing about his "kababayan" who are spreading education to various schools and universities across this country, mind you, not teaching co-Filipinos, but Japanese and foreign students as well. As April marks the beginning of the schoolyear in Japan, Jeepney Press is happy to honor these admirable Filipinos and Filipinas, who in Rizal's words, "light the living flame of good." Let's get to know them and learn about their interesting teaching experiences in Japan.

(Note: JP is not able to feature all the current Filipino teachers and professors in Japan due to space limitation. Likewise, the list of teachers presented here is based on limited search and resources. I would like to thank all these wonderful teachers for their gracious time and cooperation. I also wish to thank Tony Fernandez, Nanette Fernandez, Boots Angeles, Janet Fuentes and Salvador Sabanal of STAC-J, Science and Technology Advisory Council-Japan Chapter, for their valuable help in providing information about our academicians.)

(By alphabetical order)

Rex Angeles
Ohana English Preschool, Minatomirai and Nakamachidai, Yokohama
Administrator/Director*
My main job responsibility is to run the entire school operations and facilities, including hiring and training of Japanese staff and foreign teachers. I have developed a curriculum for a program I named "LTM" (Learning Through Music), which has been a very effective way for children to speak in English without difficulty. I also teach and guide the foreign teachers on how to apply "dramatic play" activities in a class. *I work at Ohana ("ohana" means family in Hawaiian) on the side of my acting and singing career, which has helped in the speedy completion of the programs I exclusively create for the school. For our childcare section, I've introduced the inter-generational approach of having Hawaiian senior retirees come to our school every three months to volunteer as children's mentors, side by side with our regular English teachers. The program bridges the gap and develops harmony between the kids and the elderly, and is deeply appreciated by Japanese parents, since it brings their children closer to their grandparents. This job requires me to visit Hawaii to attend early childhood education seminars and meet with local preschools and prospective senior volunteers, just when my showbiz engagements are few. Many people say you can't enjoy the best of both worlds—I do.

Fr. Joaquin R. Ferrer, Jr., SVD
Nanzan University, Nagoya
Assistant Professor, International Management A and B, Business Ethics, Faculty of Business Administration; CSR and Environmental Management; Christian Studies; World Religion and Workplace
Since April 2006, I have been teaching at Nanzan University, a Catholic institution widely known as one of the top private schools in Japan. Nanzan Gakuen, which includes the University, was founded in 1932 by my religious-missionary congregation, the Society of the Divine Word (SVD). Even if I am an SVD priest, and hold PhD and MBA degrees, I still had to pass through the normal stringent process of screening for teachers. Quality teaching and research, or learning with and from my students, is a very enriching experience that requires time, long hours of preparation, ongoing reflection and research, and deep sacrifice and commitment as well. With a wide range of subjects I have to teach that require specialized knowledge and expertise—mostly taught in Japanese—plus, many other non-academic responsibilities, only faith and love for my work hold me together. Thank God, I am also blessed with inspiring students, and very dedicated and supportive colleagues, staff, and confreres.
Message to our kababayans in Japan: Be strong. Because we are all God's children, we can speak our words to anyone, and they will understand. Be missionaries of hope and love. There is so much goodness and human dignity in each person, and we need to recognize that in one another, including ourselves. May our Blessed Mother always draw us closer to the Missionary Heart of the Triune God.

(Note:  This is the correct text version of Fr. Ferrer, Jr.'s message. We deeply apologize for the mistakes made in the printed publication of Jeepney Press. - Editor)

Maria P. Makabenta Ikeda
Kyoto College of Graduate Studies for Informatics, Kyoto Computer Gakuin, Kyoto; Associate Professor, Asian Economics, Kentei Eigo
After I obtained my PhD degree from Kyoto University under the Monbusho scholarship grant, I taught Asian Economics at the Kyoto College of Graduate Studies for Informatics (KCGI) in 2004, the first IT professional school in Japan. I was also a part-time lecturer of Introduction to Economic Policies and International Economics at Ryukoku University, Kyoto in 2007. I saw growth potential in KCGI's course lineup, which consists of an interesting mix of IT core subjects and Business electives, or the so-called Management of Technology (MOT) curriculum. I found it very challenging to be the only female instructor, and be part of a faculty coming mostly from the engineering sciences and the corporate sector. There have been bumps in the beginning, but what mattered to me more was to feel good about being part of a big project, and initiating a change. Our mixed face-to-face and e-learning courses can be made possible through the use of a classroom environment equipped with cameras, projectors, audio equipment and video storage network systems. Getting up in front of a class with cameras, remote controllers, and having your lessons uploaded online is pretty daunting. Just last week, we concluded our first live video conference online with the University of Pardubice, a national university in the Czech Republic. The effort was very successful. Both our faculty and students are open about keeping up with new developments in technology—not for the sake of using its availability—but, for improving the quality of education provided to students and faculty development as well. My future goal as a teacher is to maintain a positive attitude towards change in the workplace in order to uncover the numerous opportunities, in terms of research and faculty development activities. So far, I have learned a lot and grown in experience, and I must say that I am pretty much proud to be part of our group.

Casilda E. Luzares
Doshisha University, Kyoto
Professor, Linguistics, Second Language Acquisition, ELT Methodology, Intercultural Communication, Culture and Language, English Department  
I came to Japan in September 1989, attended Japanese language school for five months, and started teaching at Doshisha University in April 1990. I was the first non-American to be appointed to this position by the United Church Board for World Ministries (UCBWM) of the United Church of Christ (UCC), U.S.A. In the English Department, for some courses, I am free to decide the content of my lessons, the teaching materials and the methodology. One course is on Women’s Issues, including Japanese military sexual slavery or comfort women issues. This schoolyear, I will teach a course on Women in the Bible, from the feminist perspective. There is a lot of ignorance about the Philippines so I make it a point to talk about the country, the culture and the people in my discussion-based classes. I live just across the university campus, so I gather students at home to discuss social issues, share Filipino food, and deepen friendships. My students are polite and cooperative, but many of them are only interested in passing the course. The teachers are very helpful but it is difficult to cultivate friendships. I taught at De La Salle University in Manila before I came to Japan. The teachers worked hard there, and also had fun together. Teaching in Japan has been a form of awareness or consciousness-raising for me, while in the Philippines, it was more geared to widen or deepen knowledge, and to build or improve skills. My husband and I host an ecumenical Bible Study/Worship/Fellowship event at home for the Kyoto Association of Pinoy Scholars (KAPS). We are also members of the Filipino Pag-asa Community in Kyoto, the Doshisha Church, and the Kamogawa Church. Before I retire in three years, I want to continue doing the best that I can to witness my role as a woman, Christian, professional, Filipino, and a citizen of the world through my teaching and my association with my students.

Eugenia A. Medrano
Temple University, Japan Campus
Director, Continuing Education
I first came to Japan in 1973, and after fifteen years of raising a family, went back to school, obtained my master's degree, and started teaching at Temple University in 1990. In 1996, I was asked to start up and direct the Continuing Education program, an adult education program focusing on professional development courses for working professionals. As an American university, Temple University has an international environment that provides an exciting mix of intellectual stimulation in an atmosphere of varied cultures. Certainly, dealing with a diverse student body can be quite challenging, but re-directing these differences to ultimately expand students' perspectives or ways of thinking is one of the most gratifying aspects for anyone in the field of education. A lot of my work has to do with interacting with people, and that is what keeps me busy and happy (most of the time). I also play tennis every week, go to concerts, plays and art museums, watch movies, read books, socialize with friends, and try to find “space” in a small “apaato” for one more item that I absolutely "can not do without!" My future goal as an educator in Japan is to impart the philosophy, that it is only through constant learning that one gains the confidence and power to make better decisions in work and in life. I love every minute of my stay here (except during the cold season), and will continue to create wonderful memories that I can look back to many years from now.

Fidel Nemenzo
Sophia University, Tokyo
Visiting Professor, Mathematics
When I was a masteral student of Mathematics at Sophia University from 1990-1992, I worked part time as a teaching assistant for computer programming courses for engineering majors in the university. After a semester, I was asked to be a teaching assistant for computer-related courses offered in English for the Ichigaya campus students. I was not very much older than some of the students then, and even got to know some of them quite well. After obtaining my MS and DSc degrees, I returned to the UP Institute of Mathematics. Seventeen years since then, I continued to stay in touch with my students in Sophia. Thanks to our almost weekly nomikai, I had the opportunity to interact with students beyond the classroom and build friendships. Two years ago, I was invited by Sophia University to teach mathematics science and engineering majors. I taught in English, which was easy for me, but agonizing for my Japanese students. Fortunately, there was another language—mathematics—that mediated between our different linguistic backgrounds. What is most frustrating about Japanese students is that they don't speak out, and almost never ask questions in class. Filipino students interact, make comments, ask questions, and sometimes, challenge my assumptions. The Japanese classroom is very dull! Students expect professors to deliver everything to them, and they are expected to receive information and absorb them. Minsan, inaantok nga ako habang nagtuturo. Not only do the students not talk, but their faces are also blank. When I am inside the classroom of Japanese students, I miss the glow, the smiles, as well as the smirks on the faces of my Pinoy students in UP. Teaching is also a learning experience for the teacher, but I admit I learn less in the Japanese classroom than I do in UP.

Neriza Sarmiento-Saito
Osaka University, Osaka
Lecturer, Creative Self-Expression in Filipino, Department of Philippine Studies, School of Foreign Studies
I arrived in Japan in 1981, and taught English in 1986 for the Osaka Prefectural Board of Education. In 1989, I was recommended by my late friend Emmie Ueno to the head professor, Prof. Mamoru Tsuda, of the Filipino Dept. of Osaka University of Foreign Studies (Osaka Gaidai) to teach there. (In October 2007, Osaka Gaidai was officially immersed with Osaka University.) Teaching at the Filipino Dept. is very challenging due to the wide cultural and behavioral gap among the students. For their final exams, my third year students presented a play in Filipino about a street child. This made them realize the dominant social problems in the Philippines and helped them change their attitude and outlook about our country. Now, they are even becoming more Pinoys than us! Some of our former graduates have landed jobs in the mass media, travel industry, hotels, banks, other private companies in the Philippines, or in the teaching profession. Some also work in the Philippine Consulate, the Trade Office, and the Dept. of Tourism in Osaka. When I taught drama at the Philippine Normal State University in Manila, my classes had more role playing, presentations and debates. Filipino students feel more at ease with oral communication, but Japanese students focus more on written tests and passing them. I also teach English and hope that we can be more competent in this teaching profession dominated by Westerners. I have taught for twenty-five years at all levels, from kindergarten, elementary, junior and senior high school, to the university level, and surprisingly, my students have been my greatest teachers in life. On certain Sundays, I record my regular portion of teaching Filipino at FM Cocolo's Tinig Pinoy. I also attend meetings of Manila's sister city, Takatsuki's International Association and the Human Rights Advisory Panel, where I am the only foreigner on the board. I also attend meetings of the Philippine Community Coordinating Council, where I served as Chairperson until 2005, and am concurrently an adviser, and assist at some of the Osaka Department of Tourism's activities, like the Midosuji Parade and the Naniwa Festival. I am also happy to have been the only Filipino judge these ten consecutive years, at the Osaka Prefectural Speech Contest for the Takamado Trophy held yearly by the Yomiuri Shimbun. I like listening to music, sitting in a park with my favorite book, chatting and relaxing with a few close friends, or appreciating nature's lush greenery.

Jean Beran Tanangonan
Kinki University, Nara
Professor/Thesis Adviser, Coastal Ecology/Coastal Conservation/Field Study and Experiment on Environmental Ecology, Undergraduate Course; Seminar on Enviromental Ecology, Graduate Course, Department of Environmental Management, Faculty of Agriculture
I arrived in Japan in April 1979, and started teaching in April 1991. Most professors at the Faculty of Agriculture in Kinki University are graduates of Kyoto University, my alma mater. I was introduced to the head professor of the concerned laboratory, and eventually got the job to teach. I enjoy the flex time in the university—no time-card—and the interaction with young people makes you feel young. I can pull a drinking buddy from the senior class, do field work in coastal areas to enjoy the sea, go diving, and do study tours and research abroad. But, I do have some stressful moments with young, beautiful students, or get hassled by unpleasant teachers or snobbish office staff—although, we have a tennis club composed mostly of teachers, and play tennis almost every Saturday afternoon. It's really disappointing, though, after putting in so many hours in a Powerpoint presentation, you find students sleeping in class. But, they are generally obedient. I reprimand them for smoking in school, and since April 2007, the whole campus has become a non-smoking facility, except for three designated areas. Teaching in Japan can be difficult, especially having to write all that Kanji on the board! Also, because of the decreasing birthrate in Japan, the number of students are also decreasing, and we have to make utmost efforts to lure students to our university to ensure our economic viability. Every year, I bring students to the Philippines around Negros, Dumaguete, to Silliman University so they can gather data on corals and mangroves to finish their graduation theses. In 2006, I was able to bring 25 students for a one-week study trip to Cebu and Negros. Last year, I brought 24 students with me. They can see that the Philippines is not just a place where Japanese outlaws escape to, but a country with beautiful corals and beaches and ordinary people with the same aspirations, dreams and morals. I have also been chaperoning students to Chiangmai University, Thailand since 1993. I hope I can save money for my retirement, and buy a small, beautiful island where I could invite all my former students—like a "Fantasy Island!"

Celia L. Umali
• Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Kyushu
Professor, International Business, Undergraduate Department; International Agribusiness, Masteral Course; Economic Development, Doctoral Course, Faculty of Economics/International Development Economics, Masteral Course, Graduate School of International Health Development
• Nagasaki University of Foreign Studies (Gaidai), Nagasaki, Kyushu
Professor, Japanese Business and Japanese Management
I came to Japan in 1984 as a Monbusho scholar at Nagoya University. After graduating from Nagoya University, I joined the United Nations Center for Regional Development, where I was offered the post to teach at Nagasaki University. I started teaching at the Faculty of Economics in 1994. Since I come from Los Baños, a small university town, I have always wanted to join the academe. I did not expect though, that I will have this opportunity and privilege to teach in a Japanese university. Japan is a very conducive place to teach and do research, which is practically a continuous learning process. In the future, I would like to return to the Philippines and teach there. The Nagasaki city center is very small with many historical and interesting places to see. During my free time, I like to walk leisurely around the town. There is a small Filipino community here in Nagasaki, and the Filipinos usually meet in church. 


Other honorable teachers/professors (by alphabetical order):
•Teresita Calantas, Lecturer, Education: English as a Second Language, Nanzan University, Nagoya
• Maria Reinaruth D. Carlos, Professor, Basic Economics, Asian Economics, International Economics, Economic Policy, Migration Studies, Ryukoku University, Kyoto
• Ely Diaz, High School and Elementary School Assistant Librarian, Seisen International School, Tokyo; English Communication Skills teacher
• Cynthia Endo, Substitute teacher, Physical Education, Seisen International School, Tokyo
• Loreto B. Feril, Jr., MD, PhD, Senior Assistant Professor, Gross Anatomy and Medical English, Undergraduate Course; Radiation Cell Biology, Graduate Course, Department of Anatomy, Fukuoka University School of Medicine, Fukuoka, Kyushu
• Agnes D. Garciano, PhD, IB Mathematics & IGCSE Mathematics, Seisen International School, Tokyo
• Lessandro Estelito O. Garciano, PhD, IB Economics, St. Mary's International School, Tokyo
• Nieves F. Godinez, Lecturer, Japanese Politics, Kyoto Sangyo University, Kyoto; Lecturer, English Language in International Relations and Social Science Departments, Ritsumeikan University, Kyoto
• Dr. Ferdinand Maquito, PhD, Professor, Japan in the Global Economy, Forecast on East Asian Economic Development/Microeconomics Principles Thru Games, Temple University, Japan Campus
• Bernardita B. Barcellano-McFarland, Professor, Filipino Language Studies, Sophia University, Tokyo
• Fr. Felipe Muncada, SVD, Associate Professor, Labor Migrant Issues, Faculty of Policy Studies, Nanzan University Seto Campus, Nagoya
• Fr. Jose Rizal, SVD, Nanzan Junior College, Nagoya
• Cyril Glenn P. Satuito, Associate Professor, Fisheries Biology, Faculty of Fisheries, Nagasaki University
• Yolanda Alfaro Tsuda, Associate Professor, Comparative Globalization Theories and Border Polices of Europe, United States and Asia, Kobe Jogakuin Daigaku, Kobe
• Teresa Gan Velez, Music teacher (1989-1999), Head Teacher (present), Aoba Japan International School Meguro Campus, Tokyo

(We apologize that this list of teachers does not appear in the printed version due to space limitation. - Ed)
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CENTERFOLD January-February 2008:
CHARITO: THE ARTIST
by Christopher Santos

There is a fundamental distinction between a singer/performer and an artist. And then there are certain dues to be paid in order to be welcomed in the league of the internationally acclaimed. Seldom would one rise above the challenges to be successful in the field of music, and only those that have passion and discipline for their craft can command a well-deserved and sustained respect. A true artist is measured not by a mere celebrity status but with the quality of her work, the timeless effect of her music, the recognition of other established musicians, and the tireless support of a following. It is an observable fact that Filipinos are well known for having good vocal pipes. They come and they go. However, only a uniquely gifted few can ensure the milestones that perfect their calling.  And only one has earned that place here in Japan as she consistently brings forth achievements after accomplishments each year.

Charito is an artist. A true one.

Known as the jazz superstar in Japan, her recent works have twice in a row been awarded by the Tokyo Swing Journal. With Asian tours in one side of the globe, she receives overwhelming accolades in Europe. Recently, she landed in the highlight pages of German newspapers with an entire column dedicated to detail the astounding reviews on her live performance. Not so many months passed and her face then graces the billboards of Nice in France as she performed in Pierre Cardin’s very own Palais Bulles. Her participations are much appreciated in international jazz conventions just as her appearances are much awaited in various international jazz festivals in Asia, Europe, and Latin America. With 11 albums to her name, recorded in Tokyo, New York, Brazil, and France, she probably has set history and trends in becoming a first to collaborate with so many respected international icons in the business. For one, she is the very first vocalist in the world ever to have been accompanied by the Manhattan Jazz Orchestra as attested by her Nica’s Dream album. She has either collaborated in recording or performed with a powerhouse group of caliber musicians such as Ivan Lins, Sarah Vaughn, Herbie Hancock, and Marcus Miller. Nothing less can be expected from someone who has performed in front of a 70,000 audience in Montreal or one who actually conducts a workshop in Poland for one of the most disciplined genres of music. At home, she has been featured in ABS-CBN’s Bravura and other documentaries before being a pioneer guest of the Philippine International Jazz Festival where she will appear again in March 2008. Shortly after promoting her latest album “Now and Always”, she produced and appeared in a Christmas Concert last December as part of the annual project of her “Because We Care” foundation geared to help complete its own village for the homeless in the Philippines. This was done with her own Voice Club group that she would, by the way, be spearheading again for their next series of workshop performances. 

Charito is a world-class talent. And as such, a very busy one. Still, her schedule (mostly booked even half a year in advance) still juggles to accommodate charity works and supporting jazz awareness in the Philippines. She is every inch an international artist yet every millimeter a Filipina at heart. And we are very fortunate to have her based here closer to us!

It would take an entire biography to cover her every single triumph. We have visited her wesbite (www.charito.com) and know personally that it’s still a humble chronicle of her inspirational feats. Jeepney Press has featured her twice and reported countless updates on her but here we are again, still at awe and with so much to share with our readers as the streams of her formidable stints and charity works are as consistently forthcoming as the artist herself.

Charito’s albums are available in HMV, Amazon, and Tower records. After her big band release, her latest album, “Now and Always” is dearly personal to her as it is a special edition that embodies her best moments in her music career. The album also is a synergy with her band she fondly refers to as the Music Virus. Carrying past works with Terumasa Hino, Wallace Rooney, Toki Hidefumi, the album features some of the best interpretations of standard songs.

2008 is expected to be a grand year for Charito. Even with lined up European tours, international jazz festivals and recordings, she is already in the works with new international collaborations and other exclusive initiatives that would further solidify her position in the international jazz arena.
They say that a sure way to make your dreams come true is to wake up. With
a tower of talent like hers, Charito’s challenge is to find time to rest. But as
a steward of jazz, an international persona, and a flag bearer for us, Charito is simply doing what she enjoys best anyway.

And for this, Charito is an artist. A true one.

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CENTERFOLD: NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2007
Caesar Saloma, PhD: Conquering the World Through Science
Interview by: Tony Fernandez and Alma Reyes-Umemoto

"The whole of science is nothing more
than a refinement of everyday thinking."
                   - Albert Einstein

Have you ever met a young Filipino Einstein in person?

Last summer, I was in Manila and happened to pass by the U.P. College of Science building. I didn’t even know what building it was until I saw a huge banner with bold letters waving across the building that said, “Congratulations, Dr. Caesar Saloma!” I told my friend in the car, “I think I know that guy.” My friend said, “Yeah? Dean ng CS? Multi-awardee yan…sikat yan sa U.P.” Then, three hours later, I met some “ex-Japan” friends for coffee and dinner, and behold, walking across the room to join us was the “multi-awardee” and Mr. Sikat himself. “Caesar!” everyone cried. Then, I thought, “Ah…so it was Caesar on that banner,” the Filipino Einstein (or close).

Caesar Saloma, PhD, presently Dean of U.P. College of Science, Professor (Rank 12, highest ranking title in the entire U.P. system) at the U.P. National Institute of Physics (NIP), and Scientist III (one of only three awarded appointments) of the U.P System was only 21 years old when he earned his first teaching position at the NIP.  At 29 years old, he escalated rapidly to Assistant Professor, then Associate Professor and finally to full Professor at age 37. In 1987, he came to Osaka (where I met him) as a Monbusho scholar to fulfill his PhD research in Applied Physics at the Osaka University.  After eighteen months of extensive study in Japan, he returned to the Philippines and spearheaded his career so fast that Einstein would have laughed at himself if he saw how a Filipino scientist could be sitting right on his chair. Is that too much? Well, if you saw Caesar’s long list of 19 scholarly awards plus his five-page “condensed” curriculum vitae enumerating his what-looked-like over a hundred achievements, activities and publications, you wouldn’t think it’s an exaggeration.

As published in The Philippine Star, last September 7, "Honoring Quintessential Mentors":
"Saloma contends that the continued success of the scientific enterprise to shape human civilization depends greatly on the capacity of mentors to train the next generation of productive scientists.  As the only Filipino and ASEAN scientist to have received the prestigious Galileo Galilei Awards, his achievements should encourage the next generation of scientists in the difficult but vital task of developing a scientific tradition in the country."

Let’s find out how a young and energetic achiever like Caesar could have attained his present position after his Japan experience, and learn how our life in Japan could benefit our country the way his short stay has.

So, you lived in Osaka for one year and a half from October 1987, right? The university environment must have been different then compared to our colleges in the Philippines. Kamusta naman ang atmosphere noon, and how was it like to interact with your fellow Japanese colleagues?
The environment was not like what we had at that time in the Philippines. Ibang-iba. In the corridors, it was normal to encounter personally the authors of technical papers that I just read in the library.  At Osaka University, I experienced for the first time an environment that was conducive to productive research. The Japanese students whom I interacted with were generally helpful and kind. Mababait naman sila. However, my conversations with them were superficial or limited to general routine (e.g. how are you, how to operate the photocopying machine, etc.) because of my inability to communicate in Nihongo. 

Hindi naman siguro panay aral sa Japan. How did you spend your leisure time in Osaka?
Basically, lagi akong nag-aaral noon because I only had eighteen months to do my dissertation research and was determined to do it well. But, I enjoyed my stay and made lasting personal friendships. I joined social activities that were organized by Filipino students in the Kansai area. I went back to Japan in the 1990s and 2000s for work. Those visits were short but I gained many pleasant but dissimilar experiences in those two occasions.

I spent a considerable part of my late 20s and 30s doing research in Japan and those years were crucial in the early development of my career. Now, I am in my 40s and my duties and responsi-bilities have changed. I could no longer engage in long research stays in foreign countries. My family and I live in a faculty housing unit inside the U.P. Diliman campus, and my two, young daughters are growing up in an academic environment.

And, how do you compare that with your leisure time now in Manila? How do you spend your weekends with your family? At, ano’ng masasabi ng pamilya mo tungkol sa mga achievements mo?
I conduct research meetings in my office during Saturdays since I could no longer meet my advisers during weekdays unlike the time before I became Dean. I tend our garden at home during late Saturday afternoons, Sundays and holidays. I also walk around the academic oval (2 km circumference) of U.P. Diliman. During Sundays, if I have time, I play basketball with my two daughters (ages 2 and 6) in our garage.

I have to say that the support of my wife who also studied in Osaka University, and who is now Associate Professor at the National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, College of Science, U.P. Diliman, has been crucial in keeping me focused on my work these past fourteen years.

At that time in Osaka, were you considered young (by Japanese) for your age to engage in scientific research, considering you were already then a Physics instructor back in the Philippines? Can you describe how the Japanese and Filipinos in Japan at that time approached you in relation to this?
My purpose for coming to Japan was to carry out my PhD dissertation research for a degree that I wanted to get from U.P.  From the very start, I did not intend to become a graduate student in a Japanese university. I got my PhD degree when I was 29 years old, but a conscientious Japanese graduate student now can earn his PhD degree at around 27 or 28 years old, just like graduate students in the Philippines, earlier than during my time, because the state of scientific research at the NIP is significantly better now than it was twenty years ago.

What memories do you have about your trips within Japan and the people you met there?
Well, I am truly grateful to my professors for giving me a chance to do research in their laboratories.  Their encouragement and support helped me continue the research laboratory I started to put up at the NIP. Despite the fact that I could not understand Nihongo, my stay in Japan was generally pleasant and filled with fond memories largely to the kindness and understanding of many friends.

What did you like best about living in Japan?
I have always admired the industry, punctuality and sensitivity of the Japanese people.  Their ability to innovate and make things better seemed natural to me. Sayang lang na hindi ako masyadong nag-aral ng Nihongo.

And, how about aspects of Japanese life that did not please you or that discontented you?
Wala yata. No society is perfect. I still wish though, that the Philippine society can become more meritocratic and achieve a higher level of understanding and appreciation of the meaning of professional excellence.

Becoming a Physics instructor at age 21, then accelerating to Dean of U.P. College of Science at age 46, how do you relate your success to your youth? What do you believe motivated you to succeed so rapidly? Puede bang mangyari ito sa Japan?
Maybe I attribute my success (if you consider it as one since everything is relative) to industry, focus, self-discipline, good strategic visioning and insistent executional diligence. I was also fortunate to work with excellent scientists and students in the course of my career. Now, it is already possible in leading Japanese universities and depending on academic disciplines to become a full professor at late 30s or early 40s.

Looking at your extensive and highly impressive background, such as having been the Director of NIP, being elected to the National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST), which is the highest award-giving body of the Philippine government in science and technology, and being the first and only ASEAN scientist to receive the Galileo Galilei Award, International Commission for Optics, you must have a secret for reaching where you are now considering your young age. Where do you get your energy or inspiration?
I have done nothing that is really extraordinary. Hindi naman ako genius. Clint Eastwood once said that a person who is great at doing things that he loves to do is not a genius.  A genius is one who excels in doing things that he hates to do. I believe in what Eastwood said.

What do you do for relaxation or to relieve stress?
Gardening, car washing, dog bathing, just being at home or writing general interest articles.
 
Marami ka sigurong plano sa pagbalik mo sa Pilipinas galing Japan. Where did you put your energies to when you went back to the Philippines?
I spent a considerable amount of energy building a research laboratory and recruiting students to do research with me under unfavorable socio-economic conditions. I wanted to provide a better environment to young Filipinos who wanted to become scientists.

Did it help to collaborate continuously with your Japanese professors?
For many years now, Professor Kawata of Osaka University and I have been exchanging graduate students under an academic exchange agreement between the Osaka University and U.P. Diliman.  The presence of Japanese graduate students in my laboratory at NIP has led to an improvement in the level of understanding and mutual respect between young Filipino and Japanese researchers.

So, you could say that your stay in Japan influenced your career back home tremendously, right. Did it influence you to be what you are now? You recently garnered the Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Teacher award.
While I was in Japan, I trained in the methods for carrying out advanced research in photonics (study of light intensity at the retina). I was also able to observe how Japanese professors guide their graduate students and learned how to run a productive research laboratory.  I applied these lessons when I went back to the Philippines to pursue my scientific research and train graduate students at NIP.  Kulang na kulang tayo sa PhD mentors, and this is the most serious problem plaguing our higher education system in the Philippines even to the present time.  The migration of talented Filipino researchers to foreign countries happens after they obtain their BS degrees, and this is primarily due to the dearth of viable local graduate programs in the sciences and engineering, not due to the lack of patriotism.

Has the development of science and its teaching changed you since you came back to the Philippines? Ano ang mga bagay na dapat gawin para sa kinabukasan ng bansa natin?
The search for a better understanding of how nature works is never-ending. It is always fascinating to examine the physical world successfully. The generation of new scientific knowledge is also vital to the economy. It is the fuel that drives technological innovation.  The state of scientific research in the Philippines, at least in the areas of photonics and complexity science, has unmistakably improved in the last twenty years.

If you had stayed longer in Japan, or if you envision yourself still in Japan right now, how do you imagine your life there would be?
Hindi ko naiisip yon. But, I guess it will be difficult, at least professionally, because I cannot communicate in Nihongo. I would never be integrated into the Japanese way of life. There is no American dream in Japan.

Would you consider going back to Japan for work or research either on temporary/ contractual or permanent basis?
Hindi ko rin naiisip yan. I am so busy here in the Philippines. There is so much work to do.

Many Filipinos in Japan feel reluctant to return to the Philippines because they think they will no longer be able to readjust to the Filipino way of life in all aspects. Ano’ng masasabi mo sa kanila?
I understand and respect their position. Ang payo ko sa mga estudyante, kasamahan at mga kaibigan ay lumakad sila kung saan sila higit sasaya. Happiness is not about salary, material possession, or awards and professional recognition. Happiness is about being able to make choices. It means different things at different points on one’s life journey. And, Filipino scientists who are studying in Japan should improve themselves everyday and consider returning back to do science in the Philippines. I wish them luck and good fortune.

Well, good fortune to you, too, Caesar  - and, it seems you already have it.

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Caesar Saloma Trivia:
Favorite word: Boondoggle
Least favorite word: Mediocrity
Favorite expression: "No, go away." ((But, I do not verbalize it to people.)
Least favorite expression: "You are doing well." (But, I say it quite often.)
Idol: None. Growing up, I admired the songs of Jackson Browne, the novels of Gabriel Garcia Marquez and the scientific works of Albert Einstein.
Most disliked person: The incompetent reviewer who rejects my submission to a scientific journal
Person you want to be: None, because I do not have an idol. I just celebrate or learn from the singular accomplishments and failures of others with the understanding that no one is completely perfect or imperfect in this world.
Favorite place in the world: My home and my workplace
Least favorite place in the world: An international airport (and embassy) where the employees are impolite and/or condescending—worse, if they cannot speak understandable English
Best Philippine President:  I believe that all of them did their best to serve the Filipino people.
One single wish if you were granted one: Peace on earth and goodwill to all mankind.
Sexiest actress/celebrity in the world: Dorothy Michaels
Favorite Japanese food: Lahat ng klase gusto ko.
Career/profession you would choose apart from your present one: To be a coach of an NBA team that will win the championships, at least ten times. Impossible wish, diba?

AWARDS & RECOGNITION*
Most Outstanding Ph.D Graduate, College of Science, U.P. Diliman,—1989-1990
Outstanding Young Scientist  (Applied Physics) NAST—1992
Achievement Award (Physics), NRCP—994
Third World Academy of Science Prize in Physics—1997
Best Researcher (S & T) Gawad Chanselor, U.P. Diliman—1995, 1997, 1998,1999
Best Publication (S & T) Gawad Chanselor, U.P. Diliman—1996, 97, 01, 02, 03
Elected to Hall of Fame (Researcher in S&T), Gawad Chanselor, U.P. Diliman—1999
DOST Outstanding R & D Award for Basic Research (E Quisumbing Medal) —1999
Best Invention/Innovation, Gawad Chanselor, U.P. Diliman—2001, 2005
1st Concepcion Dadufalza Award for Outstanding Achievement, U.P. System—2001
Elected to Hall of Fame (Best Publication), Gawad Chanselor, U.P. Diliman—2004
National Winner, 1 CHED Republica Award—2004
Galileo Galilei Award, International Commission for Optics—2004 
Advanced Technology Award, University of the Philippines — 2005, 2006
Elected Member, National Academy of Science and Technology, Philippines—2005
Natatanging Guro, Gawad Chanselor, U.P. Diliman—2006
Scientist III, University of the Philippines—2006
US Patent No. 7,235,988  (C Saloma, VR Daria, JJ Miranda) —26 June 2007
Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Teacher Award (Higher Education) —2007

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CENTERFOLD: SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2007

Tonette Binsol: A Living Memory of Uncoditional Love and Service
by Arlene Dinglasan

July 10, 2007. The Philippine community was shaken by very shocking news. Tonette Binsol, whose name was not at all unfamiliar to anyone in Tokyo, died that morning. There was going to be a Mass intended for the repose of her soul that night, and those who, in one way or another, were touched by Tonette were invited to come.

Beginning two days before, mass emails had begun filling up inboxes asking for prayers for Tonette because she was in critical condition.  No real details were given but when one gets a prayer request for a Filipino in Japan, it’s always taken seriously. It seems to be one of the strong bonds that keep the community together – whatever the religious orientation of the various people might be.

The emails came repeatedly… forwarded from different groups in which Tonette usually had a significant role – the founder, an officer, an active member, a teacher, a friend.  Phones rang…nobody was ready for the news so they had to confirm from whomever they could reach that the emails were talking about one and the same person that they knew, saw, heard of, worked with. Tokyo air was filled with a palpable sense of loss and sadness.

In the end, after the initial stage of shock, the community started grieving the loss. Meguro Church was filled with mourning people, staring at her picture on the overhead projector with teary eyes and hearing her familiar name in utter disbelief – their organization’s founder…their officer…their active member…their teacher…their sempai…their friend had met the reality of death.

But who was…is...Tonette Binsol? Why did the news from concerned email users and phone callers spread that fast? How come such an enormous church as St. Anselm’s, more commonly known as Meguro Church, was filled with heart-broken mourners?

Surely, it could not have been merely the statistics, the facts of her passing:
Antonina A. Binsol
Time of death: 10:26 am, Tuesday, July 10, The University of Tokyo Hospital
Cause of death: multiple cerebral infarction (also known as stroke)

Since 2003, sick with anti-phospholipid syndrome (APS)
which causes clotting within arteries or veins resulting in impaired blood flow.

Perhaps the answer can be found in the words of Mark Binsol, Tonette’s brother, as he described growing up under her shadows, but how he never felt bad about it.  Tonette was his inspiration and his standard, almost like a quality control figure. She taught him how to be competitive, and feel that she wanted him to be the best that he could be. In his words, “I owed my life and everything to her.”  He said that she was, for him, living proof of honor, competence and professionalism. 
 
Or perhaps the key to the person that Tonette was lies in the description of her supplied by Philip Nemenzo of Philippines Today in his article, “The Mover Moves On: My Thoughts on Tonette Binsol”. He tells us that she was a former Japanese government scholar, and that she held a BS degree from DLSU and an MS degree from UP Diliman, both in statistics. In elementary school, she was the salutatorian, and in high school, the valedictorian. She was a tenured Assistant Manager at Mizuho Securities and a former mathematics professor in top universities in the Philippines. She was an IT expert, a web designer, a videographer, an artist and a scientist.

Not only that, he tells us that she was always at Meguro Church every Sunday, praying and attending mass, and that her messages in various mailing lists and online forums often hint at a deep religiousness without sounding fanatical or self-righteous.
Maybe we can find a hint of who she is in her own words, as she talked about the Tulong Pinoy movement in the interview with Butch N. Talorete of Philippines Today.
“My inspiration for Tulong Pinoy Movement are the deserving poor young ones who have a positive outlook in life, respect for oneself, concern for dignity and fear of God. I pity the children who were born without too many choices in life. This statement is an open challenge. I don't think that it's that easy to just close your eyes, close your mouth or not do anything especially if you believe that there is hope.
Partnership for poverty alleviation is the strategy of Tulong Pinoy.
That was 1998 when I started looking at this perspective. Those were the days when I had the time to surf the internet after my regular meeting with my sensei or after a research work at Keio University.  At that time, El Nino caused forest fires and unexpected deaths of tribal people. I saw malnourished children in Mindanao and read sad news about children who died after eating "kayos" which is a root crop with poisonous skin. For me, that kayos-craving symbolizes hopelessness and lack of care.”  (Retrieved September 2, 2007 from http://www.philippinestoday.net/
2002/October2002/interview1_1002.htm. Printed with permission.)


But perhaps all we need to do to learn more is to take a look at the words from a fraction of the people whose lives Tonette has touched…

... Why is it that the most productive among us have the shortest time on earth? Why is it that those who only wanted to live for others have their lives viciously taken away from them?
... Perhaps she didn't always do things right, and perhaps not everyone is satisfied with what she had done. But tell me, who should be the rightful judge of that? From where I stand, she did great things that only few of us could ever hope to emulate. And for that, she is damn special.
-  taken with permission from the blog entry of Katherine Develos Bagarinao
http://bmblog.bagarinao.com/index.php?/archives/183-Goodbye,-Tonette-Binsol.html

... Despite all her blessings, she was modest and self-effacing. She did not hog the limelight for limelight’s sake. She held the microphone only to rally people behind her causes and to remind them to believe in their own strength, not to trumpet her own personal achievements. She would shudder over sincere compliments, even if she deserved them.
- taken with permission from the article, The Mover Moves On: My Thoughts on Tonette Binsol by Philip Nemenzo/ Philippines Today
http://www.philippinestoday.net/index.php?module=article&view=462.

Tonetsky and I were not just schoolmates in LaSalle, we even finished the same course (although at different times, as she was a few years older than myself). Pareho kaming BS Math, and pareho rin kaming scholars. So, we really have the same background, kaya naman mega-close agad kami from the start. And "the start" was even before I came to Tokyo in 1999. After I learned that I got accepted at Waseda, I tried looking for scholars who could be friends/guides/advisors. And I'm so glad I did that, because that's when I found Tonetsky. A LaSalle professor gave me her email address. Nag-aaral na sya dito sa Japan at that time; we began exchanging emails, and she naturally became my "instant sempai", giving me tons of precious advice (without even knowing who I was or how I looked like). She answered all my questions, and even assured me that she will "take care" of me pagdating ko sa Tokyo. Because of Tonetsky, I got deeply involved in Tokyo's Filipino community. Soon as I arrived in Tokyo, pinasok nya ako agad sa Phil Embassy - my very first "arubaito"!!! :-) I was happy coz I'd be earning extra money, hehehe :-) We were teaching Basic Computer Classes to OFWs, Pinay wives, etc. That was really fun, and very fulfilling. I'm so proud to claim that most of our students back then are now able to use the internet, MS Office etc. And that also jumpstarted my life in Japan. From that point, I literally got to know the Pinoy community here, got a chance to write for Silangan newspaper and Jeepney Press, was able to meet friends who would later on help me establish a career here. _
- Bonifrank Lorenzo, long-time friend

... At 36,  you are  a good  Samaritan on life’s roadside. You have  helped many people, especially the poor and the powerless, founded “Tulong Pinoy Movement”, a cyber NGO and propelled many charitable projects and undertakings. You  brought out the idea of the “Feeding Program” of the NGO I founded called  Life Improvement Network for Grassroots Assistance and Progress (LINGAP) by requesting a charitable Filipina living in Japan to donate rice for the indigent children. You  also encouraged the idea of a scholarship for poor children and coordinated the donation of used clothes and shoes for the poor people of LINGAP. There are countless acts of charity  you  performed like sending the remains of  poor OFW back home and people who know you  well would attest to the fact  that  you donated not only your time and efforts to charity and worthy causes, you  donated your  whole life actually to them.  Self-effacing as you were,  you extended help even to strangers  and your  kindness is consistently felt everywhere. You are  God’s gift to humanity and with your  short time on earth,  made a real difference.
- Elvira P. Galang is the secretary of the Breast Cancer Society of Manila, Inc. (BCSMI) and the founding president of the Life Improvement Network for Grassroots Assistance and Progress (LINGAP). She was a research fellow of the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science when she met  and forged partnership with Tonette in Japan.

A woman of passion. If I recall, that was my first impression of Tonette -- and that stayed with me after I've gotten to know her. She was always so eager to reach out to people and to initiate something that would benefit the greater lot. Her selfless service, her undying commitment to the welfare of the Filipinos, especially the oppressed have definitely manifested in her countless involvement in charity and service-oriented projects. That is one picture of her that will forever be etched in my heart. But just the same, I will also remember Tonette also for being my good sister in SFC. She joined SFC in 2000/2001 and she had much stories and insights to share sa household meetings and gatherings. And I saw that beneath the woman of passion, the woman of energy, the superwoman Tonette was a simple, good-hearted friend who shows her friends she cares and who opens her heart to make kuwentos about lovelife, dreams, etc. She loved to chat endlessly on the phone and she never ran out of stories. It was inspiring and fun to be with her. And I know that she would have been a great wife to the man whom God has prepared for her because she was one person who not only loved but loved lavishly.
- May Masangkay of Singles for Christ

... Sometime a few weeks after her burial, she appeared in my dreams. I saw her with her visions of hope, love and perseverance. She told me to be strong and promised that she will always be with me wherever I will go. She also told me to go on with life and continue what she had started. She will give me her energies, and will guide me in every step of the way. She never really left us; her spirit and memories are with us. They are all with me for I will be her living shadow making her spirit and visions alive.
- taken with permission from MORE THAN YOU’LL EVER KNOW, A Post Mortem on the Life of Antonina A. Binsol by Mark A. Binsol

And in the words of her friend and fellow officer in Science and Technology Advisory Council (STAC-J) 1998-99, Mel Kasuya...
After having survived two bouts of cancer, (cancers of uterus and kidney in 2000 and 2007, respectively), I almost thought that death is a remote reality.  Not until the morning of July 10.  As I look at the lifeless body of Tonet in her room, reality sank in. Life is short, too short for some. We all will die - some sooner, others later. But we all have a choice as we tread our own journeys in life.  Tonet chose to live the kind of life she was born to live - faithfully, selflessly, passionately and joyfully. She was determined to take the lead, to create meaningful changes and to make things happen, even the seemingly impossible.  Death took the life of Tonet but the inspiration she left will continue to live in our hearts.  For touching our lives in a fleeting moment and in a way you only can, iroiro arigatou gozaimashita.  And for a life well lived dear Tonet, taihen ostukare sama deshita.  


-------------------------------------------
CENTERFOLD: JULY-AUGUST 2007

MARLENE: THE MUSIC and MAGIC 
by Dennis Sun

From championing the fiesta singing competitions in Manila to collecting accolades from all over the world as she performs at distinguished music festivals, Marlene has certainly been living her dream.
 
Her transition from a veteran singing siren besting nationally televised singing competitions such as the Tita Betty Show, Student Canteen, and Tawag ng Tanghalan at a tender age to a singing sensation all across the Pacific is nothing short of inspirational. In a time when the Philippines was regarded by the Japanese as a sex destination, she single-handedly showcased another facet of the Filipinos – the talent and artistry deeply embedded in our identity – by storming the Japanese music and movie industry in an unprecedented manner, and lifting up the Philippines' reputation along the way.
 
Japan, more than three decades ago, was a big void for foreign talents. Producers were on the look-out for the next big thing, painstakingly discovering the next pop idol. The Philippines needed representation. Along came Marlene dela Pena Lim.  
 
With her powerful vocals and captivating charisma spellbinding the discriminating audience, she was immediately signed under CBS/SONY producing more than a dozen albums that went to top 5 hits in the jazz charts for several weeks. She became a hot material - having her own TV and radio shows, endorsing various products for TV and print ads, guesting at different TV shows, singing at all major events all around Japan. She has established herself as a Jazz/Fusion/Pop idol. The Chinese had Teresa Teng whose enka songs were a big hit in Japan and Asia. There was Judy Ong from Taiwan and Agnes Chan from Hong Kong. Despite being foreigners, they all became big time sellout singers in Japan. But while most of them had to sing in Japanese to penetrate the mainstream market, Marlene and her managers didn’t see the need to. Her unique Filipino charm, sultry voice and beautiful English diction were more than enough to ensure a smash sensation. All these started to come at the amazingly young age of 21.
 
She transformed herself into a serious jazz performer. She has a musical style that is so diverse that after over a span of three decades, her repertoire has included pop, blues, ballads, and show tunes to standards. She is well known for her outstanding ability to sing songs with emotive vocal power seductively matched with such clear enunciation of words. Finally, from a pop princess post, she has evolved to a deserving diva disposition.
 
Being an international star who radiates a cutting edge meaning to the word versatile, Marlene has distinguished herself in music, theatre, film, and TV. She has performed around the world and given concerts at huge jazz festivals in USA, Canada, Japan and the rest of Asia. You'll see her singing at music programs on TV one night and most probably hear her singing if not endorsing products in several TV commercials. You'll laugh with her as she does a guest spot on a TV talk show. Or perhaps you will be amazed with her thespian talents in a TV drama or musical stage. She epitomizes an artist in its deepest core.
 
Marlene, who is known as Mariin in Japan, and endearingly regarded as the Filipina Superstar in Japan, Pop Idol, Japan’s First Lady of Songs, and Jazz Diva, has proven them right on target from the start. Indeed, she deserves all  these recognition and more for her career in Japan has survived three long decades of evolving music and artistry. She is still very active in the music and recording industry, making waves and headlines wherever she sings.
 
After doing concerts, recording almost 30 albums, marrying the love her life, and mothering two adopted kids, she is back in fresh form with another hot new recording album, JAZZ 'N OUT, under BMG-Japan. This album is a musical collaboration of Masato Honda & the B. B. Station showcasing Marlene's full vocal spectrum of experiences coming from a three decade career in music. Only someone like Marlene could deliver unique twists and magical excitement to fresh and familiar songs.
 
If you haven't seen Marlene perform live, don't miss the opportunity to do so. This dynamic performer has mellowed down to doing around 60 major and minor concerts a year. Only through live performances could you see the best of what this Filipino legend in Japan has to offer. Go and see for yourself. Witness her music. Wonder at her magic. Watch her and welcome her to your world. Be proud. She's Marlene and she is one of "our" kind -- a true Filipino at heart.

INTERVIEW:
How was it when you first came here to Japan?
At the beginning of my career I was marketed as an idol. There wasn’t any challenge for me personally. I just had to smile and do my thing. I wanted to sing well and most of all prove my vocal ability. That’s why I wanted to go back to the Philippines then.
 
But, of course, you didn’t.
Yes. I thought about this matter so hard whether to go back home or not. But I told myself that if ever I go back, I needed to have at least achieved something in order to show my family so that they would be proud of me. You know, I didn’t want to go home empty handed.
 
So what happened?
Something inside me was telling  me to stay for something bigger and right after that, I was offered to do a movie. And then, CBS/Sony gave me a recording contract. Offers came one after the other. It was such a blessing!
 
How did the Japanese people accept you then?
I remember my managers then told me I was the symbol of the traditional Japanese woman they call YAMATO DESHIKO. For whatever reason, they saw in me an image of a woman with high moral values. Maybe, it is the same as the traditional Filipina.
 
And what made you so popular with the Japanese?
Maybe, because I was singing in English which they thought was cool and I speak to them in my broken Japanese and they thought I’m cute. I tried so hard to learn and speak their language. I came here with zero knowledge of their language. I studied every night before I go to bed and in a few months time, I was already “pera-pera” to the point of debating on different matters.
 
What about your image as a Filipina? Did that deter you?
When I first came to Japan, the image of the Filipino women was at its worst. I remember during that time, most Japanese tourists were male. That was really a bad time. When I do interviews even back then, I never hid the fact that I am a Filipino. Everyone knew I am one. And my success was never a question of my nationality. I just did my best and whatever image they had about Filipinos did not affect me at all. Once I remember talking with some Filipino women several years ago and they told me that my success in Japan brought high hopes for them as Filipino women. That really made me feel good.
 
Let’s now talk about your marital life. You married at a late age?
Yes. It was the day I turned 40 when I got married. I was really so busy with my career. But I really didn't close my doors to love and marriage. It just came.
 
So who is this lucky guy?
His name is James and he is an American computer engineer. We met 17 years before we got married. We started out as friends and after helping him mend his broken heart, we eventually fell in love with each