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HORSEPOWERED SURPRISES IN 2026
by Neriza Saito
January - February 2026
“Your story is the greatest legacy that you will leave to your friends. It’s the longest-lasting legacy that you will leave to your heirs.”
— Steve Saint
When the clock struck midnight on January 1, I welcomed the New Year in the usual, modest way—osechi ryori, cheese bread with ham, and a small plate of grapes.
On New Year’s Day, my eldest son treated the family to his signature dishes. There was, however, an empty seat at the table—for my departed husband—the very reason our celebration was subdued.
2026 is the Year of the Fire Horse—said to be sensitive yet trustworthy and dependable. Coincidentally, it is also the 70th anniversary of Japan–Philippine relations, officially established on July 23, 1956, following the ratification and exchange of reparations agreements. The theme this year is “Weaving the Future Together.”
Was it merely coincidence that I was born that same year? Or was I somehow destined to witness history—like seeing Prime Minister Eisaku Sato land by helicopter on our school grounds back in 1967?
On my birthday, I flew to the Philippines on an official trip with our school administrators to meet counterparts from De La Salle Santiago Zobel School (DLSZ). Given the milestone year for both nations, the timing felt auspicious.
I hadn’t been feeling well throughout the holiday season and almost thought I wouldn’t make the trip. Worried, my son personally saw me off at the airport. I was relieved to be greeted by the warm smile of Mr. Kanuka, PAL’s KIX Manager, at the boarding gate. The flight was smooth and relaxing, and my excitement grew at the thought of seeing family—and indulging in all the food I had been craving.
The scorching heat at the airport pickup area felt kinder to my body than Japan’s bitter winter. Since it was my birthday, we celebrated with my favorites: a huge crab, pampano fish, and kangkong—Surprise No. 1.
Surprise No. 2 came in the form of a bouquet of flowers from a cousin in the US, a heartfelt birthday message, and a cake waiting in my room. I’m not one who enjoys being feted, but I felt deeply loved. I had a feeling my sister Alice orchestrated it all.
The next day, I prepared for a late-afternoon meeting arranged by my brother with a school official. There was a light drizzle and moderate traffic when my brother casually mentioned that the venue had changed. We drove to a retro-style restaurant in San Juan.
As I entered, the room was dark. Then—suddenly—the lights came on.
I froze.
Why were my other brother and his wife there when they had said they were dining elsewhere? As I scanned the room, I recognized familiar faces—relatives I hadn’t seen in years, a university classmate, and friends all the way from Osaka.
Then I saw two men in Barong Tagalog, standing beside their wives.
Hallucination?
No. My two sons were right there.
They had taken an early-morning flight to make it in time for a surprise party masterminded by my brother Louie, in joyful connivance with my sisters, brothers, nephews, and nieces. My son later told me they had been planning it since October.
The party was emceed by my niece Rachel—my alter ego—beautifully coordinated with Ruth and Jocor. Heartwarming messages were shared by dear friends Mr. and Mrs. Val Cabansag, Noemi, Norma, Mr. Tony Herrera, and representatives from the Ramos and Sarmiento sides of the family. My son sang a song, and my brother Gus prepared a nostalgic video that brought smiles, giggles, and laughter throughout the evening.
We enjoyed a sumptuous spread by Chef Laudico, and I felt immense gratitude for everyone who came despite distance and time constraints. My apologies to those who weren’t contacted—it was, after all, a surprise.
Moments like these—bonding over good food and precious people—are deeply Filipino. And because they are special, they deserve to be shared. That is precisely why I chose to write about this in the first issue of my column.
Let me end by sharing a touching message from my sisters Alice and Cherry:
“You are indeed a big sister with a big heart. You lavished us with care, service, and generosity, even when you needed it most.”
Someday, the youngest members of our clan—Jordan, Lewis, Duncan, Cade, and Renny—will carry forward these family traditions of caring and sharing.
MASAYANG BAGONG TAON PO SA LAHAT!
News from Osaka …
News from Osaka …
Breakfast at Bessie’s… Cocktails and Dinner at Canopy’s at the Hilton
Bessie Vicente, a long-time caterer in Kansai, celebrated the grand opening of her restaurant in Shin-Imamiya, Osaka, last November 30. Alongside Chef Bessie’s signature dishes, the restaurant also serves well-loved Filipino breakfast favorites such as tapsilog and many more. Since opening, the venue has become a popular choice for large gatherings, hosting year-end and New Year parties as well as various special occasions.
From December 4 to 19, Philippine cuisine was also showcased at the Jaja Bar of the Canopy Hotel at the Grand Green North Tower. The photo features Mr. Jerome Diaz, Tourism Attaché of DOT Osaka, together with Mr. Koji Takehara, Mr. Diego Genobisa, and former staff of the Woven Pavilion at Expo 2025, enjoying classic Filipino dishes including adobo, lumpiang Binondo, and lechon sandwiches.
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