“Like the winds of the seas are the ways of fate as we voyage along through life ... ‘Tis the set of a soul that decides its goal and not the calm or the strife ...”

— Ella Wheeler Wilcox

KAIZEN—the pursuit of continuous improvement—and IKIGAI—one’s passion that gives meaning and value to life—are undeniably two of the most important words in Japanese culture.

When baseball legend Ichiro Suzuki received his Hall of Fame Award last July, he was applauded not only for his remarkable achievement as the first Japanese player inducted into the Hall of Fame but also for his heartfelt acceptance speech. Delivered fluently in English, sprinkled with wit, and even a playful jab at the lone judge who didn’t vote for him, the speech left a strong impression worldwide.

Ichiro embodies the best of Japan: consistent, hardworking, and disciplined. His teammates bore witness to his strict daily routine—relentlessly refining his baseball skills while also dedicating himself to learning English. Out of respect for his homeland, however, he used Japanese in interviews. That devotion itself could well be called Ichiro’s IKIGAI.

Last summer, my husband passed away suddenly, leaving us devastated. In many ways, he was like Ichiro—committed to his routines: waking up early, exercising, and working long hours. He polished his English during his university years, which served him well when he joined an international trading company. Later, after establishing his own business, he pursued opportunities abroad and even began learning Italian. His passion for mastering languages to expand his business was his IKIGAI.

On September 15, Japan celebrates Respect for the Aged Day. This year, the country will honor about 36.25 million people over the age of 65—nearly 29% of the total population. Many of them, even after retirement, remain active in work or meaningful pursuits that fuel their reasons for living.

As for me, my IKIGAI is to treasure each moment of life, knowing that every moment shapes our future. I strive to make each day worth remembering!

Through this column, I also want to highlight the determination and passion of my colleagues and students, who continue to exemplify these virtues. Their stories are truly inspiring.

UT Gakuen Students and Their Halo Halo Nippon Mini Expo

On July 8 this year, more than 500 students of Uenomiya Taishi Gakuen went on a day trip to preview Expo 2025. The experience inspired the first-year students to recreate their own version of an international pavilion at their school festival.

After visiting the Philippine Pavilion “WOVEN,” the class of Mr. Hirokazu Tanaka designed their own “HALO HALO NIPPON” pavilion, unveiled on September 7.

Despite limited preparation time, Mr. Tanaka and Ms. Kanon Mano rallied the students at the end of July, ensuring that everyone was involved—from brainstorming to execution. No one was left behind.

A survey led to the selection of five countries to feature: Africa, Australia, Brazil, France, the USA, and the Philippines. To make their Philippine corner more authentic, Mr. Tanaka, school principal Mr. Yoshihide Maruyama, and the student committee visited the Philippine Consulate General in Osaka last August. There, they interviewed Consul General Voltaire Mauricio, Vice Consul Christy Conta, and Cultural Officer Ms. Anna Liza Alcantara.

The meeting was unforgettable. Though initially awed and speechless, the students quickly felt at ease as Consul General Mauricio warmly encouraged them—saying he hoped some might even pursue diplomacy one day. Vice Consul Christy spotted the cheerful Jollibee design on their proposed T-shirt, while Ms. Alcantara suggested creating a jeepney replica for photo opportunities, as well as teaching visitors a few Filipino expressions. The students left with souvenirs and even enjoyed a refreshing stop for halo-halo.

Back at school, preparations kicked into high gear after summer vacation. A jeepney was crafted from cardboard boxes, a huge Philippine flag was displayed, and information about the Philippines was shared with visitors. There was an accessory-making corner, a Japanese torii gate for Nippon, and colorful balloons for the Philippine entrance. A stamp-making corner and a Superball game offered prizes that included snacks and goods from both the Philippines and Japan.

In the end, the Halo Halo Nippon Pavilion became one of the festival’s most popular attractions. It was KAIZEN and IKIGAI in action—constant improvement, teamwork, and purpose.

Mr. Tanaka’s patience and trust in his students were remarkable. Unknown to many, he and Ms. Mano often stayed late after school to finalize details. Like graceful swans, they appeared calm above the water while paddling tirelessly beneath the surface. Their example reflected KAIZEN’s golden rules: respond to every team member, understand the process, and stay close to those involved.

The results were transformative: once uncooperative students became engaged, the quiet ones started sharing ideas, and even the lazy ones found new energy.

For all of us, it was more than just a school project—it was a discovery of our true IKIGAI: living with passion and purpose.

“The heights by great men reached and kept were not attained by sudden flight, but they, while their companions slept, were toiling deeply in the night.”
— Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

What single word can stir a deep sense of patriotism among Filipinos abroad? Is it kababayan—or simply Filipino? Believe it or not, just hearing the word Filipino can melt the heart of any Pinoy living far from home.

During the Spanish colonial era, the term Filipino (or Insulares) actually referred to Spaniards born in the Philippines, while native inhabitants were called Indios—a label laden with discrimination.

Thanks to national heroes like José Rizal and Marcelo H. del Pilar, this narrative was challenged and transformed. Today, Filipino proudly refers to the citizens of the Philippines, and our national language—based on Tagalog—is also called Filipino.

At the Philippine National Day at Expo 2025 on June 7, Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco introduced the Cebuano word PINAGHIUSA, meaning “unity in diversity.” The cultural showcase titled Hinabing Hiraya (“Woven Imagination”) featured some of the finest Filipino artists and performers.

National Living Treasure Rosie Godwina Sula, a T’boli culture bearer, opened the Hinabing Gunita segment with haunting chants, followed by the elegant performances of the Ramon Obusan Folkloric Dance Group.

In Matatag na Kasalukuyan (“Resilient Present”), the Alice Reyes Dance Company performed a lively Jeepney Medley, while singers like Sofronio Vasquez captivated the crowd.
Hiraya ng Kinabukasan (“Vision of the Future”) energized audiences with the spirited performances of Lumad Basakanon, the Youth Arnisadors of Lapu-Lapu Arnis de Abaniko, and the angelic voices of the Loboc Children’s Choir.

And then there’s PISTA—arguably the most beloved word among Filipinos. Derived from the Spanish fiesta, it once meant a gathering to freely feed the poor. Today, a pista is a joyful celebration where everyone—rich or poor, local or foreign—is welcome to eat, dance, laugh, and simply be.

On June 21 and 22, Pistang Filipino lit up Sakai City in celebration of Philippine Independence Day and Migrant Workers’ Day. Organized by the Philippine Consulate General and the Sakai Philippine Exchange Association, with support from OWWA, MWO, DTI, DOT, and the Department of Agriculture, the two-day celebration featured a vibrant parade of Filipino communities led by the Philippine Community Coordinating Council. A Santacruzan with a bevy of beauties was a sight to behold!

Consul General Voltaire Mauricio opened the festivities, introducing the special guests and dignitaries onstage.

While celebrity performers from GMA 7 brought in by One Network Co. Ltd. drew a massive crowd, the real star for many was the lechon, barbecue, and halo-halo—with long queues of Filipinos and Japanese braving the summer heat just for a taste.

I couldn’t help but notice one Japanese family in particular. They had driven all the way to Sakai for a very special reason: to try halo-halo. Their story is heartwarming.

It all began when their eldest daughter, just five years old, saw a picture book in kindergarten and became fascinated with halo-halo. Although she had never tasted it, the image stuck with her. The family soon fell in love with the Philippines, watching YouTube videos, trying out recipes like sinigang, ginataang manok, and bilobilo.

When they learned about Pistang Filipino, they packed up and made the trip. And finally, the little girl had her first taste of authentic halo-halo! She said the macapuno reminded her of sweetened udon!

Now that is cultural connection.

And to affirm their love for the Philippines, a group of students, school officials and teachers from Uenomiya Taishi Gakuen who went to Cebu this year had a “Meet and Greet” with Vice Consul Christy Fe Conta at the Philippine Pavilion. They were warmly welcomed by Tourism Promotions Board represented by Ms. Raquel Tria Joya and Ms. Ronileen Bauto.

Capping off the month-long celebration was a Meet and Greet with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and First Lady Louise Araneta Marcos. It was a meaningful gathering with OFWs, long-term residents, and community leaders in Japan. Many OFWs came in their work uniforms, accompanied by their employers.

Two long-time Filipino residents, Edwin Bunales and Vivian Hernaez, sang for the President and his entourage. Edwin’s rendition of Eric Clapton’s “Change the World” brought a warm smile to the President’s face:

If I could reach the stars,
Pull one down for you,
Shine it on my heart, so you could see the truth…

In his speech, President Marcos emphasized the word SAKRIPISYO—the quiet, relentless sacrifice of Filipinos abroad who work without complaint from dawn to dusk. These sacrifices, he said, have earned Filipinos global admiration—from kings to commoners. He called OFWs the Bagong Bayani (New Heroes), urging them to continue being bridges of goodwill in the countries where they work. He also encouraged Filipino-Japanese children to learn the Filipino language—so they can appreciate the deep value Filipinos place on the struggles of their ancestors, which paved the way for the freedom we all enjoy today.

As the colors of the Philippine flag bathed the hall in blue, red, white, and yellow, one line from that Eric Clapton song lingered in the air:

“And I can change the world… I’ll be the sunlight in your universe…”

Indeed, words can inspire.
Words can connect cultures.
Words can uplift.
And yes—WORDS can truly change the WORLD.

Photo Credits:   Diego Genobisa

My fascination with world expositions began 55 years ago. I was a teenager when my aunt, who was stationed in Tokyo for a Philippine-affiliated agency, visited EXPO ‘70 in Suita City. She sent us care packages filled with items she bought in Osaka: psychedelic watches, square umbrellas, beautifully designed clothes, Japanese rice crackers, and colorful candies. The distinct Japanese aroma of seaweed and soy sauce that wafted out as we opened the boxes remains vivid in my memory.

Perhaps this early exposure helped plant the seed for my eventual life in Japan. I could never have imagined that one day I would take part in a Santacruzan parade at the 1990 Flower Expo in Tsurumi Ryokuchi Park, featuring designer Renee Salud’s models as queens. The air was perfumed with sampaguita leis flown in from the Philippines as we, representatives of the Filipino community, proudly paraded through the Expo grounds.

In 2005, I joined a busload of Filipino community members on a trip to Aichi Prefecture for the “Nature’s Wisdom” Expo. The Philippine Pavilion was named USBONG (meaning "sprout" or "young coconut") and featured a tarsier mascot called Coco!

Twenty years later, I never imagined that EXPO 2025 would call out to me once again—this time like a Maneki Neko, the beckoning lucky cat.

On a rainy April 13, I was among the thousands of eager visitors. I entered the Philippine Pavilion: WOVEN feeling ecstatic, almost surreal—as if I were experiencing self-transcendence. Walking inside felt like becoming a single thread woven into a living tapestry. The sensation was heightened by the pavilion's immersive design: 3D mapping projections, the soft rustling of natural fibers, and the architecture itself echoing the intricate art of weaving.

With the theme “Nature, Culture, and Community: Woven Together for a Better Future,” the Philippine Pavilion has become one of the most anticipated attractions. Local television networks featured WOVEN in live broadcasts, and Consul General Voltaire Mauricio was interviewed on opening day. Philippine Ambassador Mylene Garcia-Albano, along with other dignitaries, graced the event.

The success of WOVEN can be traced back to meticulous planning. As early as December 2024, it was one of only three pavilions—out of 150 participating countries—to receive a certificate of completion. According to Tourism Attaché Jerome B. Diaz of the Department of Tourism (DOT) Osaka Office, selecting the right Project Management Company (PMC) was critical in the early phase of the project.

With guidance from the Tourism Promotions Board, led by COO Margarita Montemayor Nograles, construction proceeded on schedule. The PMC’s role went beyond managing timelines or design alignment—it was like that of a symphony conductor, ensuring harmony among architects, engineers, curators, and builders to bring the vision to life.

Tourism Attaché Jerome Diaz added, “That kind of collaboration and groundwork doesn’t happen without having the right team from the very beginning.”

DOT Osaka’s Diego Genobisa and Mr. Koji Kakihara also shared that the Hilot (traditional Filipino healing) sessions have become a major draw, along with daily performances by the Ramon Obusan Folkloric Dance Group. Coming soon are the Habi gift shop and Hain take-out corner, which promise to offer more Filipino culture and flavors.

For me, the true message of WOVEN is found in each carefully handcrafted item that showcases the artistry of women from different regions of the Philippines. These threads represent not only culture and heritage, but also the lives and livelihoods of those who wove them.

My fascination with expositions continues to thrive—and it will always hold a special place in my heart.

"You are never too old to reinvent yourself." - Steve Harvey

When I woke up on the first day of 2025, I didn’t gaze at the first sunrise of the year but at the sunflower painting beside my bed—a gift from my sister, Alice. She took up painting a year ago as a hobby, but it quickly became her passion. Now, her home is adorned with more than 30 paintings, capturing flowers, fruits, landscapes, churches, and even portraits of our grandchildren.

We had never realized her artistic side before. Though she was hesitant at first, I encouraged her to share her paintings as gifts for family and friends on Christmas and other special occasions. With that encouragement, she has blossomed into a more confident and expressive version of herself.

The year 2024 was marked by significant elections across many countries. In Japan, Shigeru Ishiba assumed office as Prime Minister, ushering in a new political era. Meanwhile, in the United States, Donald Trump’s inauguration this January attracted a notable audience, including numerous tech CEOs. During his speech, Trump pledged to send U.S. astronauts to Mars and plant the American flag on the Red Planet. Elon Musk’s reaction—a simple thumbs-up—was a moment that captured attention globally.

This moment resonates with the themes of the 1969 hit song “In the Year 2525” by Zager and Evans. Written in the same year as the historic Apollo 11 moon landing, the song envisions a future where rapid technological advancements lead to dire consequences for humanity. As we navigate through 2025, it’s striking to observe how rapidly the world is transforming, echoing some of the concerns expressed in the song.

No matter what challenges we face, the arrival of the New Year brings hope for better days ahead. In Japan, people prepare osechi dishes, symbolizing longevity, happiness, and family unity. In the Philippines, traditions include eating round fruits and wearing polka-dotted clothing to attract good fortune. Across the globe, vibrant fireworks displays light up the skies, bidding farewell to the old year and welcoming the new with optimism and celebration.