http://erlich78.tigblog.org/ What's on the minds of young leaders from around the globe? en-us http://erlich78.tigblog.org/post/347605
I have already adjusted to the culture and way of living in Japan. I can understand and speak the language already but not as good as a native speaker, of course. It will take a long time to master the Japanese language.

We had separated from my husband's parents and moved to an apartment in the city. I learned to take care of household matters and my husband.

I had been to some places in Japan, all by myself while carrying a map and trying hard to read Kanji characters. I had been lost to some places but managed to find the way home.

I have joined an organization and found my talent appreciated.

When I first came to Japan, the thing that struck me the most was the Japanese fashion. Everytime I was out on the street, watching the people, I felt amazed of their taste of fashion. They are very creative and confident to dressed up themselves according to their mood or personality. It seems like there is always fashion show on the streets and other public places. That's why I made up my mind to follow their fashion sense otherwise I will be considered behind the times. I went shopping and chose the dresses and accessories that I think best suit me and here I am, dressed like one of them. Some Filipinos whom I met, told me that they couldn't recognize me as a Filipino.

I had gone to some job interviews and fortunately I got a job recently as an office staff in an English School and a language teacher in an international language school. In my free time, I also have online job and I still attend Japanese class.

I have to keep going, there are still more years to face for challenge and learning.
]]> Mon, 24 Mar 2008 04:04:00 EDT http://erlich78.tigblog.org/post/347605 http://erlich78.tigblog.org/post/347229 When you first stepped on Japan’s ground, you felt a mix of excitement and fear. Excitement for doing new things and fear of being treated as an alien. At first, you have been introduced to many acquaintances, brought to many beautiful places and exposed to cultures and traditions of Japan. Then, you have tried to accept the new environment and system and acted as if everyday is a normal day. You have tried to acquire a job not related to your field and felt disappointed because you were not accepted. You have decided to learn the language and culture seriously because it is a must. You have restrained yourself from doing things that will disappoint other people. You have behaved as if you were a saint because you don’t want others to criticize you and give impression that all people from your country are same as you. You have told them your own culture, food, language, etc. but they just simply said they are all strange. You tried to be friendly to anybody, but you couldn’t find real friendship. You were once treated unjustly because you are an alien.
There were moments that you felt alone and disappointed of the things that were happening to you. You realized that you lost your career and felt unfruitful in this land. You believed that you haven’t done what you ought to do because there were barriers.
However, there were more happy moments than sadness, because your companion, who gives you inspiration to hang on, doesn’t forsake you. This land is fertile so you have to keep in mind that there will come a time that you will become fruitful.
]]> Sun, 23 Mar 2008 10:27:00 EDT http://erlich78.tigblog.org/post/347229 http://erlich78.tigblog.org/post/347227
Fortunately, last New Year my mother-in-law gave me a kimono. After we ate ‘osechi ryori’ or festive food which is served every New Year she helped me wear the kimono. It was not easy to put on kimono, because it has many layers and accessories. It was a full-length garment, T-shaped, straight-lined robes that fell to the ankle, with collars and full-length sleeves.

According to what I learned about kimono, on special occasions unmarried women wear kimonos with extremely long sleeves that extend almost to the floor. The robe is wrapped around the body, always with the left side over the right. It is only wrapped with the right side over the left when dressing the deceased for burial and secured by a wide belt (obi) tied in the back. Kimonos are generally worn with traditional footwear (especially geta, thonged wood-platform footwear; and zori, a type of thong-like footwear) and split-toe socks (tabi).

The belt was so tight and wide that it pressed my flab. The lower part of the dress was a little bit tight too. Even so, I managed to wear it for 2 hours. We walked down the road to a ‘Jinja’ or Shrine while I was pigeon-toeing. I was often left out by them while walking because I couldn’t walk in my normal way of walking. When we got to the shrine, I saw only few people wearing a kimono. But I was pleased to wear the traditional clothes of Japanese.

Even though, I am a Christian, I respect the Buddism beliefs and traditions. I paid respect to the shrines by washing my hand and mouth before entering. Then, in the evening my husband’s nieces arrived and we gave them ‘otoshidama’, money given as a gift at the New Year.
]]> Sun, 23 Mar 2008 10:25:00 EDT http://erlich78.tigblog.org/post/347227 http://erlich78.tigblog.org/post/347225 The progress of one’s country depends on its culture. In my 7 months of stay in Japan, I have already witnessed some of its culture. I could say they have very impressive culture. I will mention some of it in the following:

Business:

In business, when Japanese meet for the first time in business meeting, they usually give each other a ‘meishi’ or business card. The card tells your name, your job title, the organization you work for, your address and telephone, etc. By looking at the card one can know who will use more polite words. Do not put it in your bag or keep it as soon as you received it, and if there is table you have to put it on the table in front of you.

After work, they usually say “Utsokarisamadeshita”, and bow to each other many times. While I was at the train station, I happened to see a group of people who bow many times, before parting. “Why is it that there bow seemed like endless? Once is enough. They are overdoing it.” I told my husband. He replied, “You cannot understand Japanese spirit”.

Japanese bow when they say "Thank you", "Sorry", "Hello", "Good bye", "Congratulations", "Excuse me", "Good Morning", "Good night", , etc. To bow to an older person or with higher position in the society, is to bend longer and deeper. Men usually bow with their hands on their side, while women bow with their hands touched in front of their thighs. The left hand must cover the right hand which signifies humbleness. In Western countries, they used to shake hands to greet people but Japanese feel uncomfortable of physical contact so they just bow their head instead.

The services in private or public offices are really satisfying. The employees behave very refined and friendly. Probably because of competition every employee are trained to behave the best.

In parties or meetings, Japanese usually pour drinks for each other. They cannot leave each other’s glass empty unless one says, “Iie, kekko desu!” But traditionally, women are supposed to be the one who should pour drinks to men.


Home:

When you visit somebody’s house, you have to say “Ojamashimasu” which means “I am here to disturb you”. At the entrance of the house which is called ‘genkan’, there is step and you have to take off your shoes before stepping up. After you take off your shoes, the resident of that house will then turn your shoes facing the door, so that when you leave the house it is ready for wearing. It is their way of service to the visitor. When you leave the house, you should say “Ojamashimashita” which means “I have disturbed you”.

Language

While I am learning the Japanese language, I noticed that they have polite reference to many things. They add ‘O’ or ‘Go’ in the beginning of the word, such as ‘Osara’, means plate, ‘Oshuyu’ means soy sauce, Gokyoudai, refers to somebody’s sibling, ‘Goshujin’ refers to somebody’s husband, and more. I realized even small things in the house they have polite reference for it.

Transportation:

In a train or bus, elder people, pregnant woman and handicapped are given the priority to have a seat. If you are sitting and some old people are standing everybody will stare at you.
]]> Sun, 23 Mar 2008 10:20:00 EDT http://erlich78.tigblog.org/post/347225 http://erlich78.tigblog.org/post/69433
It was a cloudy and cold morning. I went to hospital with Ken and his mother for check up for some unusual conditions that I feel in my body. We filled up forms and proceeded to the rooms for check up. Since I have three different areas of concern to be check up, we have to go to different rooms. While we were going to escalator I felt nervous and so I hold to my mother-in law's arm, because I treat her as my real mother. I was touched when I hold to her, I felt my mother is with me. While I hold to her, she said "It's going to be all right!" When we arrive the second floor, we sit and waited that my name be called. While we were waiting I realized Otosan, my father-in-law, were left in the house and nobody will cook lunch for him. I heard that the check up will take long time, so we decided to let Okasan, my mother-in-law, go back home. Ken and I had our lunch in the nearest restaurant and after that we went back to hospital again. Then at last, my name was called and I was being checked up. I went through several check ups and apparatus. One of the apparatus I encountered made me cry, it really hurt me so much. It was kind of X-ray for breast, I don't know the technical name, maybe Mammogram. It was the worst experience I ever had. Imagine, my breast being pressed side by side, it was to painful. After it was done, I told my husband, "It's better to die, than to suffer like this." But he responded "It is just temporary pain, it is better than you die." I told him that kind of statement because I thought that what if they found out that I have a cancer, it means I have to get into these painful experience again. Thanks God, I was relieved when I heard the result is negative. The two concerns in my health were no need to be worried about but the third one made me disturbed. The doctor told us that we have to be back after two weeks because they have to examine it throughly. When we were in the car going home, I was quiet and I can't think of anything but my health. My husband kissed me because he noticed I was not ok, it's his way to comfort me.

I need to have a strong faith, strong spirit so that I can overcome this kind of trial in life. Sometimes when I get into problems I almost give up but I manage to control my depression and tried to fight. And now, what I have to do is to think positively, I should believe to okasan that it's all going to be alright. Things will turn to happiness again. I believe in God, he won't forsake me.

]]> Thu, 23 Nov 2006 01:57:00 EST http://erlich78.tigblog.org/post/69433 http://erlich78.tigblog.org/post/51305
My husband and I went to church today. The mass was done in japanese language that is why I couldn't understand the gospel. However, I realized that the sequence of mass is almost the same in the Philippines. There were only two things that are different with the mass in the Philippines, such as, they doesn't kneel and they doesn't hold hands while praying the "Our Father". We were introduced to the priest by one of the officer of the church. The priest told us that there is a Filipino priest in Yamato.

In the afternoon, Ken and I, together with his parents went to the hospital where my husband's grandmother stayed. I felt dizzy after one hour of travel from their house up to the hospital. When we arrived at the hospital, I felt the cold weather in that place. Ken took pictures of us. I met his grandmother for the first time. I greeted her in japanese. She told me that I look like her granddaughter who are the same age with me. I was glad to meet her, despite her age, 93 years old, she was still smart. We returned home then my mother-in-law and I cooked dinner. Her mother taught me how to cook japanese food.

I am pleased to be part of this family.




]]> Sun, 15 Oct 2006 10:21:00 EDT http://erlich78.tigblog.org/post/51305 http://erlich78.tigblog.org/post/50997
I went to Manila to meet my husband and we stayed in a hotel. When I saw him for the first time after we were separated for 4 months I felt he's a stranger again. But I got over that feeling after we caressed each other. The next day we went to the embassy and submit documents. Next day we took up an examination for TOEIC. The next day we received the result and it was a good result. We went back to our province to have our 'despededa party'. Almost 200 guests attended the party, most of them were my relatives. Then on that midnight, tatay and nanay,Uncle Cesar, Auntie Dorie kuya and ate, jojo went with us to the pier because we will go to Cabanbanan, Romblon,Romblon. We cried because we will be apart in a long period of time, from Romblon we will go directly to Manila then fly to Japan. Ken had his scuba diving together with a diving instructor in Romblon. After two days we return to Manila. Fortunately, we had a time to pass Odiongan, Romblon our town, before going back to Manila. When we were in Manila we met Ms. Balse and Mr. Maehara, JICA officers, in a Japanese Restaurant. Our flight was 8:20 in the morning. We arrived Narita Airport at 1:20 pm (Japan time). I was so happy to see Japan and to be together with my husband. When we arrived his parent's house, we were so tired because of three hours travel from the airport. His parents welcomed us. They were very kind to me. His mother prepared a food similar to Filipino food and I was so full.

I realized that Japan is really a clean and a beautiful country. I hope my stay here will be better than Philippines. I hope I can make use of my talents and abilities to land a good job.




]]> Thu, 12 Oct 2006 10:15:00 EDT http://erlich78.tigblog.org/post/50997 http://erlich78.tigblog.org/post/42802
At first, I did not like the hair setting that the make up artist did, so I told her what I want for my hair. And she did it fine for the second time. My bride's maids, flower girls and others who were part of the bridal entourage arrived in the hotel, so the make up artist and her two assistants started to put on make up to them, while I ate my breakfast. When they were already finished putting make up on them, we went to our suite room, where Ken was waiting with the photographer and videographer. While we were in the elevator, I met my husband's friend and his wife, I noticed they seemed surprised because I was not yet ready, I was just wearing a shirt and jeans. When we got to the suite room, they were all set. They took pictures and videos and the make artist helped me wear my gown. After some poses we went down the lobby and the photgrapher took more pictures. I went to the church with my parents, and Ken beside me on a mercedes benz. We arrived a little late at the church because of the traffic. When I was walking the aisle, I can't explain the feeling. It seemed like I was a superstar, the happiest woman on earth. I smiled to every guest that I passed as I was walking, I want to tell them how happy I was. The ceremony started and ended fine. Our photographer and my cousin, who is a photographer, took pictures of us and our family, friends and relatives. Our guests got on our service bus until the reception and we had great fun there. We did some of the wedding traditions done in the reception. My brother, my father, my uncle Cesar and Ken's mother gave a message to us. We were also given a chance to render our speech. We thank the guest which were mostly friends and close relatives. I cried while I was making my speech because I was thinking of the fact that I will be separated with my parents soon. However, I thank God for this day of our life that He finally tied our red string.]]> Sun, 03 Sep 2006 06:12:00 EDT http://erlich78.tigblog.org/post/42802 http://erlich78.tigblog.org/post/42800 Sun, 03 Sep 2006 06:02:00 EDT http://erlich78.tigblog.org/post/42800 http://erlich78.tigblog.org/post/42798 So, they decided to unite their lives so that the red string that link them to their destiny will be kept strong. They promised to themselves that the string will never break despite of times and trials. In September 3, 2005, Ken and Jen asked the blessings of their parents for their wedding plans. And the wedding plans become a reality in May 26, 2006.
]]> Sun, 03 Sep 2006 05:34:00 EDT http://erlich78.tigblog.org/post/42798 http://erlich78.tigblog.org/post/42797
While we were sleeping, a knock awakened me. When I opened the door it was my make up artist and her assistant. She asked me if she can stay in the hotel so that she can set my hair early in the morning, otherwise, she will be late tomorrow from Novaliches. So I allowed them. Then, I returned to sleep again and after a little nap, Ken called me on the telephone. He told me that we have to go down the lobby to meet his parents, brother and Aunt. When we arrived at the lobby they were not yet there, so we waited a little longer and finally we saw them approaching. Ken introduced me and I did "Mano" and greeted them. We went with them in their room and left after they were settled. Ken told me that they will go to our room in few minutes to give some gifts for us. I returned to bed while waiting them,then I heard a knock so I woke my parents up and when I opened the door it was them. They greeted my parents, while I was knocking at the door of the connecting room where my brother's family were staying. I knocked many times but still no response so Ken's parents noticed it and told me to never mind waking them. After that, my brother and his wife went out the room and greeted them. I was surprised with ate, my brother's wife, because after doing "mano" she kissed Ken's mother and Aunt on their cheek which for them, it is unusual. Usually, Japanese people avoid contact with other people, thus, instead of shaking hands they bow their head for respect. I was worried of their impression, but I hope they did not mind it. They gave us their gifts and we thank them for it. They left and we returned to sleep. I stayed in my parents room while Ken stayed in our suite room. I did not have enough sleep at that night because I was thinking of the things happened the day and the things that will happen on the day of our wedding. I prayed that it will turn out fine.
]]> Sun, 03 Sep 2006 04:46:00 EDT http://erlich78.tigblog.org/post/42797 http://erlich78.tigblog.org/post/42796 Sun, 03 Sep 2006 04:24:00 EDT http://erlich78.tigblog.org/post/42796 http://erlich78.tigblog.org/post/42792 ]]> Sun, 03 Sep 2006 03:29:00 EDT http://erlich78.tigblog.org/post/42792 http://erlich78.tigblog.org/post/38221
To make myself busy, I went to Tutuban Center to buy materials for making give aways. I made the giveaways and added beads to my bridal gown. I sent wedding invitations to our guests and money for the transportation of my Aunt Lynda from Davao and Aunt Lydia from Bohol.

When I was done with the things to settle in Manila ,I went back to our province, Romblon. I financed the renovation of our house. I was always busy at that time. I made the misallete and program. My mother sewed the gowns of bridesmaids and I put beads on each gowns. I want to take a beauty rest for my wedding but I have to help doing household chores. Ken called me from Japan through our telephone and sometimes chat with me through internet just to keep in touch. While our wedding becomes near it becomes more stressful.

]]> Fri, 05 May 2006 09:14:00 EDT http://erlich78.tigblog.org/post/38221 http://erlich78.tigblog.org/post/36528
I remember, when I was a kid even until now my mother always gives time, money and effort just to make me happy in my birthday. When I was in elementary until College, she did not missed to prepare delicious foods for my friends, classmates, and teachers in my birthday. Even she doesn't have enough money at that time, she tried her best to give me a good birthday party. But when it was my brother's birthday, there were only few times that he had a party with various foods served on the table because sometimes my parents don't really have money. But my brother did not show any jealousy for that. My mother told me lately that the party and celebration is one way of thanking God for giving them healthy and kind children.

I realized that it was time for me to give back the blessings and happiness that I have received. I should ignore the selfishness that lingers in my heart, but I should always use the generousity that God implanted in it.

Jojo is very happy in his party and with the gifts he received. I realized his father, my "manong", did not experienced that kind of party so I have to help him to let his son experienced it.
]]> Sun, 12 Mar 2006 17:30:00 EST http://erlich78.tigblog.org/post/36528 http://erlich78.tigblog.org/post/35512 Wed, 15 Feb 2006 04:04:00 EST http://erlich78.tigblog.org/post/35512 http://erlich78.tigblog.org/post/34759
I felt so hurt with what had happen in my web site, which I worked for maybe 2 years and updated for 1 week. It was just put to waste by an unfair and inconsiderate people. I promised someday I will prove to them that I really have that ability that they rejected once. So, right now, I will just ask guidance from God.]]> Tue, 31 Jan 2006 05:04:00 EST http://erlich78.tigblog.org/post/34759 http://erlich78.tigblog.org/post/34031 Mon, 16 Jan 2006 03:41:00 EST http://erlich78.tigblog.org/post/34031 http://erlich78.tigblog.org/post/33862 ]]> Tue, 10 Jan 2006 03:48:00 EST http://erlich78.tigblog.org/post/33862 http://erlich78.tigblog.org/post/33663
I am like going back to the basic, from my grade school, because I have to learn also the Nihonggo. I have to learn Japanese cooking, and many things... It's really challenging to be engaged in a foreigner boyfriend. Although its difficult, I will do it for the sake of my love for my bf.]]> Tue, 03 Jan 2006 04:51:00 EST http://erlich78.tigblog.org/post/33663 http://erlich78.tigblog.org/post/33662
I laughed at myself because I realized that Asian people and Europian people met in Cabanbanan.

Thanks God for this experience.


]]> Tue, 03 Jan 2006 04:23:00 EST http://erlich78.tigblog.org/post/33662 http://erlich78.tigblog.org/post/32537
I am working as computer instructor in Romblon State College and Romblon College for almost 5 years now...after I graduated in the year 2000 with the degree of B.S. Information Technology. I am experiencing things that make me become strong in facing life such as the following;

Face students with full-confidence to lead them and teach them.
Work overtime to check for exams,quizzes,etc.
Attend to the student's activities and motivated them to cooperate.
Use my resources for the sake of my students.
Reprimand students who don't showrespect and discipline.
Misunderstanding with my co-teacher.
Become sick, because of too much workload.
Made a project but rejected.
Blamed of things regarding student's mishap
etc...

Those are the circumstances in my life that made me become what I am now.

Thanks God for these experiences.


]]> Tue, 29 Nov 2005 04:38:00 EST http://erlich78.tigblog.org/post/32537 http://erlich78.tigblog.org/post/29911 Wed, 21 Sep 2005 05:58:00 EDT http://erlich78.tigblog.org/post/29911 http://erlich78.tigblog.org/post/29910
Thanks God I met him. He makes my life complete and colorful.]]> Wed, 21 Sep 2005 05:54:00 EDT http://erlich78.tigblog.org/post/29910 http://erlich78.tigblog.org/post/11388
http://www.arttech.vze.com
]]> Wed, 08 Oct 2003 07:44:00 EDT http://erlich78.tigblog.org/post/11388