Admin, Author at Philippine Nikkei Jin Kai, Incorporated

Nov

2015

34th General Assembly Election and Araw ng Nikkei Jin By: Emiko Escovilla

By Admin

Last May 10, 2015 the Philippine Nikkei Jin Kai Inc. held its 35th Araw ng Nikkei Jin at the PNJK-IS Gym with the theme “Achievement of the goals of the association through the concerted and sincere efforts of the members and valuable support from the Japanese Society”. It was a whole-day event where over two hundred Nikkei Jins from different chapters gathered to be apprised of the organization’s progress and achievement over the year 2014, as well as elect new members of the Board of Directors.

The program was jumpstarted with an acknowledgment of the participants and a welcome message. Congratulatory messages from the Director of the Consular Office of Japan in Davao, Hon. Consul Tomoko Dodo; the former President of the Japan-Philippines Volunteer Association, Mr. Masataka Ajiro; the President of the Japan-Philippine Industry Council; and the President of the Philippine Nikkei Jin Kai Rengokai, Mrs. Ines P. Mallari.

Afterwards, reports from the different institutions under the umbrella of the Philippine Nikkei Jin Kai Inc. were given by the competent officers responsible for each department. The reports covered the reading of last year’s minutes, the President’s report, as well as financial reports from the PNJK Inc., PNJK Polyclinic & Diagnostic Center, PNJK-IS Calinan, the Japan-Philippine Industry Council and the PNJK Cooperative.

After the reports, photos were taken with the Second Generation of the Nikkei Jins, who were also given tokens as an appreciation for their attendance. Before breaking to lunch, the elections were conducted.

A plenary session was held in the afternoon to entertain questions from the Nikkei Jins. Intermission numbers were presented as well, and the Nikkei Jins participated in the games prepared by the organizers. A raffle draw was had, and prizes were given to the winning member.

The newly-elected board members were announced and inducted that afternoon. The Board of Directors for the years 2015-2017 are as follows:

Chairman: Ines Mallari Treasurer: Anita P. Iwamoto
President: Ret. Judge Antonina B. Escovilla Auditor: Elizabeth M. Tagud
First Vice President: Rodrigo M. Suemitsu P.I.O: Nelma N. Adachi
Second Vice President: Juseven S. Austero Director: Felipe C. Hiquial, Jr.
Secretary: Carmen C. Apigo Director: Adelaida S. Panaguiton
Asst. Secretary: Noellyne R. Fernandez

SPORTSFEST 2015
PNJK Inc, PNJK IS and MKD Family

The Sportsfest is the most awaited event for us employees. This event is participated in by PNJK Inc., PNJK IS, PNJK Polyclinic and MKD family. Each Team is named after colors. The colors consist of (4) four namely; Blue Team, Red Team, Yellow Team and Green Team. Membership in the team is done by draw lots.

Every year, we have different organizers. This year’s Sportsfest was organized by the PNJK IS family, headed by Mr. Jun Velasco, the Elementary Department Head, with active participation of Mrs. Ruelyn Bobilies, a building and ground Supervisor. The attendance was strictly monitored.

The first day of Sportsfest began with an opening prayer and was formally declared by Mr. Rodrigo Suemitsu, a PNJK Board of Director, with the participants declaring their oath of sportsmanship. Thereafter the Torch Relay was witnessed where each team was represented.

The events on the first day were Banner Raising, Mass Demonstration performed by not less than 25 participants, Modern Dance performed by 5 participants, Singing contest solo and duet, and Parlor Games played by 10 participants. The organizer introduced the new contest, Zumba which was performed by 3 entities PNJK INC, PNJK IS and MKD family.

There were individual games such as scrabble, word factory, dart, chess, table tennis and badminton, all played for men and women. The mind games, scrabble and word factory can be played by both the young and old generations.

There are Group game sports such as Basketball for men and volleyball for women. To replace the slot for Softball, the organizer introduced the new game Basketball for women. It is fun, but to us women the ball game is so tiring and dangerous for injuries.

The sportsfest ended with excitement. Everyone was guessing who will be the Champion. Before the declaration of the winners, a fellowship lunch was held at PNJK IS Gym. It is noticeable that the table cloth of each team matches the shirt of each team. There were intermission numbers rendered by the winners of the singing contest and dance contest. The final declaration of winners were as follows: the overall champion of the Sportsfest is the Red Team, followed by the Green Team , 3rd place the Blue Team and 4th place the Yellow Team.

To the participants who exerted much effort to their team, congratulations. This is one way of developing our capacity on time management. Our sportsfest is for fun and camaraderie; winning is the secondary goal, participating and supporting our team is the main goal.

Nov

2015

“REPORT ON THE TRIP TO JAPAN TO APPEAL TO THE JAPANESE GOVERNMENT” Inclusive date: July 20~24, 2015 by: Mrs. Ines P. Mallari

By Admin

Objective: To make an appeal to the Japanese Government for the Recognition of the remaining 282 Second generation unrecognized Japanese descendants, on the occasion of the 70th Year Anniversary after the War.

July 20 – I arrived in Manila with Judge Antonina B. Escovilla and met with the other members of the delegation, former Federation Presidents, Mr. Carlos Teraoka and Mr. Ben Onari; Mr. Lemuel Yoshimura(GenSan Nisei); Mrs. Estelita Roales (Cotabato) with her chaperone, Ms. Melissa Roales; Mr. Stephen Buñi (Manila); Atty. Sim Zuniega; and Ms. Yuka Kanamaru.

In the afternoon, we paid a courtesy visit to Consul General Amano of the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines, where Consul Amano expressed his desire to support the cause of the Nikkeijins in the Philippines. Thereafter, we attended the Media Conference at the Shalom Center.

July 21 – The 10-member delegate left Manila at 8:55am and arrived in Japan at 1:55pm. We were met by TV news media at the airport together with Ms. Toshiko Takano and Mr. Norihiro Inomata. After our dinner, we had a briefing with Dr. Shun Ohno regarding our respective roles during the Forum at Waseda University.

July 22 – The delegates paid a courtesy visit to the Chairman of Nippon Foundation, Mr. Yohei Sasakawa and President, Mr. Takeju Ogata together with some of their staff. The show of support and genuine desire of Mr. Sasakawa to help the Nikkeijins was overwhelming. After the lunch, we were serenaded with a Piano performance at the lobby of Nippon Foundation. Afterwards, we had a Press Conference with the Japanese media. The focus of the discussion and the articles published on the next day, were more on Mr. Yoshimura, who is not yet recognized until this time.

The delegates during the Courtesy Meeting with Nippon Foundation President, Mr. Yohei Sasakawa

During the Press Conference held at the Nippon Foundation Building.

Meeting with members of the Japanese Diet and other government officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Labor and Welfare, and other government agencies.

During the meeting with Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe with the Parliament Members.

After the Press Conference, we proceeded to the House of the Diet for a meeting with the Parliamentarians in relation to our position paper. Immediately after the official statements of the politicians were heard, we transferred to the office of Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe for the turning-over of the position paper containing 27,943 signatures. Prime Minister Abe showed his willingness to help the cause of the Filipino-Japanese descendants.

In the evening, the delegates had a dinner with PNLSC lawyers, staff, and supporters, headed by Atty. Hiroyuki Kawai and JPIC officials namely, former presidents, Mr. Akira Sekino, Mr. Hideo Ito and the NISVA officers Mr. Oka and Mr. Tanabe, among others.

July 23 – We paid a courtesy visit to the Philippine Ambassador to Japan, Mr. Manuel Lopez. Subsequently, we visited the Chidorigafuchi National Cemetery in Tokyo, the resting place of those who died outside of Japan during the WWII. It was an emotional visit since some of our forefathers may have been buried there. After that, we sat as the panelists during the forum at Waseda University, entitled “70 Years after the War-Invisible Japanese”. Each delegate was given the time to speak on his/her experiences either before, during, after the war, and on the future of the Filipino-Japanese descendants. We are thankful to PNLSC for the kind arrangements and accommodation all throughout the duration of the trip and to the Nippon Foundation for providing the funds used during the trip.

Pictures taken during the courtesy meeting with Philippine Ambassador to Japan Manual Lopez at the Philippine Embassyin Roppongi, Tokyo

Nov

2015

“EIGA SAI a link between Filipinos and Japanese” by: Noellyne R. Fernandez

By Admin

In line with the celebration of Philippine – Japan friendship month, Eiga sai : the Japanese film festival was held on July 24- 25, 2015 at the cinemas of Abreeza mall and Cinematique in Davao City. It recorded 1,655 viewers with almost two hundred in number per viewing of three different titles each day of the festival.

The festival adheres to instill the positive effect and benefit to socially and academically receptiveness to learning of culture, values as well as the relative importance of art forms such as music, film, literature, visual art, and the like.

Six Japanese contemporary films selections acclaimed with different International awards respectively were shown with English subtitles in the cinemas for three days for free to the audience in a first come first serve basis The films, title include “Wa- Shoku (Beyond Sushi)”, “Terumae romae II (Therame Romae II)”, “Ramen yori taisetsuna mono (The God of Ramen)”, “Bushi no kondate (A tale of Samura Cooking – a true love story)”, “Bokutachi no kazoku (Our Family)”,“Kamusari naa naa nichijo (Wood Job)”, “Mahoroekimae kyosokyoku (Tada’s Do-It-All House: Disconcerto)”, “Kiseiju (Parasyte)”, “Kuragehime (Princess Jellyfish)”, and “Jinsei irodori (it’s a beautiful life)”.

The event was a success indeed where the purpose on the sense that film takes a very important role in the promotion of learning, awareness and getting an every inch of a link to our country friend in Japan. The organizers deserve the handful claps and applauses for this initiative. Till next Philippine- Japan friendship celebration.

Nov

2015

“HOMECOMING TOUR 2015″By Helen Escovilla

By Admin

More than a decade of searching their father, finally they are going to Japan to visit the Homeland of their father. The visit is to appeal to the Japanese government for them to be recognized as Japanese national. The lucky candidates
as of this year Homecoming Tour are the children of Mashimura Marumoto namely, Pacita, Roque and Estodi. The other family is the child of Hotohori Abe named, Dorina Abe. There are three children of Hotohori Abe who are alive but due to health condition, they were not able to join the Homecoming Tour thus Dorina Abe represents her two siblings.

In preparation to our departure, we asked them to prepare themselves to be in good health. You will be questioned in family court. Upon our arrival in Japan, you will face the media, who could help us in looking your relatives in Japan.

October 15, 2016- Departure from Davao to Manila.The group arrived in Manila safely then proceeded to Shalom Center Hotel. Mr. Norihiro Inomata and his two staff arranged the welcome dinner at Mr. Poon Restaurant. I did not know that Mr. Inomata will leave ahead of us, until that night he informed me that I am the only person who will bring the group to Japan. I am nervous but got no choice but to be strong.

October 16, 2015 at 10:00 A.M. Personal Appearance at Japanese Embassy in Manila for our visa. It did not take us long to receive our visa. 2nd Gen appeared at Japanese Consul for signature purposes.

October 16, 2015 at 1:00 P.M. Interview conducted by Ms. Narumi Tateda from Manila Shimbun. The reporter of Manila shimbun speaks English well, so I spoke in Visayan to the 2nd gen and interpreted their answers into English. The Press interview lasted for 2 hours and after the interview, PNLSC staff was around to distribute our ticket and give reminders to everyone.

October 17-18, 2015. 2 days stayed at the Hotel with delicious food provided by Ms. Emie Billiones. During these days, the 2nd gen cannot go out to go to Mall due to Typhoon Lando. The wind is so heavy outside and I advised them better not to go out to avoid accidents. Let us pray for our safe travel on Monday.

October 19, 2015 at 9:00 A.M. Departure bound for Japan. We left Shalom Hotel at 5:00 A.M., had check in at PAL counter bound for Haneda. I get forms of Immigration and fill it up. Then we fall in line to the Immigration Officers. There were few questions asked but I can explain to them the purpose of our travel. We safely pass at Philippine Immigration without hassles then proceeded to the waiting area for boarding. When boarding time, I informed Mr. Inomata through text that we are on board. At the plane, I noticed that the olds were nervous and excited. While on plane I filled up the forms of their Japan Immigration card and Customs. During the flight we did not experience any turbulence, it was a smooth flight, that the olds said it was a good flight no “lubak lubak” unlike
a travel to their place full of “lubak lubak”. I thank God, he heard our prayer for good weather.

Upon our arrival, we proceeded to Japan Immigration, I am nervous because I am not confident with my Nihongo, I spoke to Immigration Officer and I understand her question, I told them that I cannot leave them and
shown to them the Travel Document, they immediately brought us to the office of Immigration where the officer put stamped, requested us for finger printing and removed our disembarkation card then proceeded to Custom area to claim our baggage. I thanked God again, we succeeded that no difficult questions asked to us.

When we met Mr. Inomata and Mr. Kobari, he brought us to the Haneda Excel Hotel Tokyu where the media men are waiting for press conference. During the Press con Atty . Hiroyuki Kawaii and the Executive Director of Nippon Foundation, Mr. Yuji Mori gave speech after his speech the 2nd Gen was introduced by Mr. Inomata. There were questions asked by media’s to the 2nd Gen but they answered it well. After the Press conference, Tatay Estodi got dizzy, he seated for a while hoping he could get back but he was not, Ms. Kyoko Ishii requested wheel chair from the hotel, so we brought him to the car, going to the Hotel. Mr. Inomata assisted Tatay Estodi in going up and down from the car to the hotel. Ms Takano, Ms Kyoko and Mr. Inomata brought Tatay Estodi to his room. We stayed for a while hoping Tatay Estodi could join dinner with us. But it was not, we asked Benedict his grandson to stay with Tatay Estodi while the rest will have dinner. Mr. Inomata bought food for Benedict and Tatay Estodi. Mr. Inomata advised me if in case Tatay Estodi’s condition get worst, I will call him so that we could bring him to the hospital.

Oct. 20, 2015 Schedule of Court Appearance. Dorina Abe was assisted by Mr. Inomata with Mr. Kobari as interpreter in court. While the Marumoto family, Ms. Kyoko Ishii and I assisted them in Court. It was my first time to be in court in Japan, and it was also the first time of Ms. Ishii that there were 3 investigators handling the case of Marumoto siblings. As interpreter I know the family background but I cannot answer for them because the court needed their answer. It took us 3 hours in court but we are hoping for the best result since the documents of Tatay Estodi, the name of his father was indicated as Mashimura Marumoto and the nationality is Japanese. That is one strong evidence of the Marumoto siblings and the family photos taken before the war.

Oct. 21, 2015 Senate Appearance to the Office of Senator Kensuke Miyazaki. The 2nd Gen together with Atty. Hiroyuki Kawaii, Ms. Takano, Ms. Ishii, Mr. Inomata, Ms. Okubo of Nippon Foundation and Ret. Judge Antonina B. Escovilla have a courtesy meeting with the Honorable Senator Kensuke Miyazaki. He said to the 2nd Gen that he will try his best that the Category C will be interviewed by Japanese Consul in Manila in support to our shuseki petition. Another promise is that he will request that during the visit of Emperor in Japan to the Philippines, the Nikkei community will be given a slot. He said when he was 2 years old until 7 years old he lived in Manila.

At Nippon Foundation Office. After the courtesy call to the office of Senator Kensuke, we proceed to the office of Nippon Foundation we were served lunch and after a sumptuous lunch we met Mr. Ogata, the President of Nippon Foundation. All 2nd gen extended their thanks and gratitude to the President. He even gave advice to the 2nd Gen not to stop working even if they are old.

Sky Tree Tokyo Tower. After our courtesy visit at Nippon Foundation, they brought us to Sky Tree Tokyo Tower. In this place you can see the overview of Tokyo. Everyone were so happy while watching down the building.

October 22, 2015- Flight back to Davao. We checked out at Tokyu Stay Hotel. Ms. Takano was around to bid goodbye to us while Mr. Inomata took us to Haneda Airport. When in the airport, we checked in at the counter of ANA Airline. I showed to them our tickets and Travel Document, but to my dismay they refused to accept the Travel Document of the 2nd Gen. The officer of the check in counter said to me, that she will refer this to her supervisor because it is new to her. Mr. Inomata explained to the Supervisor as I understand, they have no nationality and they were stateless (in Japanese “Kokuseki nai”) so they were issued Travel Document that will serve as their passport. The Supervisor left then came back and refused us again. She did come back I think 3 times to refuse the Travel document.

This time Mr. Inomata got mad. The check in counter advised me that to those holding a regular passport can go ahead. I said to her, NO ma’am, I cannot leave without them. After 1 hour and 30 minutes of waiting she finally accepted the Travel Document. The boarding pass was issued to the 2nd gen, the Supervisor try to apologize, but we ran out of time, so we left from the check in counter going to Immigration. It was almost 9a.m our flight time. We did not request for wheelchair for the old because we think we have so much time walking to our gate no. for departure.

At the Immigration we have no hard time presenting our Travel Document. The officer stamped the Travel Document without question. When we arrived at our Gate no. it is good that the Flight was delayed for 30 minutes. We left Japan at 9:30 A.M.

When we arrived in Manila at Terminal 3, we went to Immigration and I showed to the officer the Travel Document. The Immigration Officer brought us inside their office to fill up the forms of the stateless 2nd Gen. There were questions but I explained to them the purpose of our travel in Japan. We picked up our baggage and proceeded to the Transfer desk for Terminal 2. Our flight is 5:00 P.M., and we arrived at Davao at 8:00 P.M. We separate ways at Davao Airport.

The visit of the 2nd Generations to Japan will not be possible without the people behind this project. The PNLSC President, Mr. Hiroyuki Kawaii and his ever supportive staff Ms. Takano, Ms, Ishii and Mr. Inomata, we are really grateful for the time and their dedication to their work for the approval of the 2nd Gen Shuseki Petition. The PNLSC staff in Manila, who work hard for the Travel Document and visas of the 2nd Gen. The Nippon Foundation President, Mr. Ogata a very compassionate person. His sincerity to help the Nikkei jins to be recognized as Japanese national had promised to continue its financial support to them. The presence of Ms. Okubo during our visit will always give me a smile to her being a jolly person. The ever active PNJK President, Ret. Judge Antonina B. Escovilla, despite the distance from Ibaraki to Tokyo, she was around to support the Nikkei jins.

To all the supporters in this project, the happiness you give to the 2nd Gen and to their companions will always be remembered and forever be grateful because of your good deeds.

As an assistant to the 2nd Gen. thank you for your trust to me. I am happy and forever be grateful to experiencethis meaningful kind of work.

Blessing of New Building at Calinan, September 17, 2015

Okinawa Visit, July 26, 2015

IRESAI, AUGUST 15, 2015

Nov

2015

Ayako Uchida’s 16th Death Anniversary, March 4, 2015

By Admin

March 4, 2015, the PNJK Family observed the 16th death anniversary of our most distinguished benefactor Ayako Uchida san. The celebration was held at the foot of the statute fronting PNJK building housing the MKD and PNJK offices. In attendance were the PNJK-IS key personnel, MKD faculty and staff, the work force of PNJK Inc. Some closed friends from other entities came to pay due respect to someone whose generosity and noble idealism is beyond question. She
indeed left a legacy that could not be compared with other civic oriented people. Her vision for quest of proper education is bearing fruits more so with the MKD graduates who are now practicing their profession in the land of the rising sun. We salute you, Ayako san, may you find complete joy in the kingdom of our creator.