On the 15th of August, 2013, the Philippine Nikkei Jin Kai Inc., together with the Consular Office of Japan in Davao, and with the participation of Barangay Mintal, celebrated the Ireisai Annual Memorial Service at the Mintal Cemetery.
The Ireisai is a memorial service that honors and remembers the Japanese who died in Davao before and during World War II, as well as the Japanese Immigrants who came to live in Davao and other parts of Mindanao. It is equivalent to the Philippines’ All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day celebration on the 1st and 2nd of November.
Reverend Bernardo Fernandez was the officiating minister of the ceremony. Mrs. Adelaida Panaguiton led the invocation, which was followed by the floral offering of several institutions.
Hon. Ramon Bargamento, the Mintal Barangay Captain, then delivered a message in behalf of Barangay Mintal, a consistent participant in the Ireisai. Hon. Koichi Ibara, from the Davao Japanese Consul, conveyed his memorial message thereafter.
The PNJKIS FACULTY & STAFF holds Spiritual Enhancement
By: Mr. Rodrigo B. Velasco, Jr. Elementary head,PNJKI
Teachers really need a break and after a hard day’s work, a good rest and a good bonding moment with colleagues is a welcome treat sans the lesson plans, school paper works, and other related school activities.
Last October 29 – 30, 2013, the faculty and staff of the Philippine Nikkei Jin Kai International School had their much- needed break and ecumenical retreat. It was held at Brothers of the Sacred Heart, Catalunan Grande, Davao City. The place is so peaceful that is really conducive for the scheduled activities. The place is so green because of the beautiful plants and garden that make it so refreshing to the eyes. The female teachers and staff were housed at the big rooms on the second floor while the male teachers and staff were at the first floor.
The two-day affair made them closer to each other because they had more moments without the usual hassles of their school work and most of all for the spiritual enhancement making them closer to God.
The speaker, Brother Paul H. Andoy, SC, stressed about the power of prayer. Prayer can really help us because we could communicate with our Creator through it. We sang songs of praises that benefitted our souls. We also watched inspiring videos that lifted our spirits and enabling us to mind not only ourselves but also think of others. Series of activities were done and the creativity of each group presented to the enjoyment and amazement of everybody. Truly, the PNJKIS community is a group of talented and creative people.
We would like to thank, the School officials for their support, the Department Heads, the Guidance counselors of Elementary and High School who spearheaded the activity, and the Faculty and staff. We would also like to thank the staff of the place and the delicious food that they served.
And most of all, we give praises to our Almighty God who always guide and protect us. And along with the tag line, TAYO AY MAY GAWAIN, TAYO AY MAY MISYON, we were inspired not only to touch the lives of our students but to extend it to everyone.
Faculty and Staff in the Ecumenical Retreat 2013 held at Brothers of the Sacred Heart, Catalunan Grande, Davao City.
As part of the 10th Anniversary celebrations, with the theme “Achieving bright future for the Nikkei Jins, the Philippine Nikkei Jin Legal Support Center, Inc. held such event considered special at Bay view Park Hotel, Manila, last November 03, 2013. Activities lined up on that day were as follows:
Newly Elected Officers of PHILIPPINE NIKKEI JIN LEGAL SUPPORT CENTER, INC. (PNLSC INC.) effective November 2013, were Chairman of the Board: Mr. Stephen Querico Buni, Board of Director: Mr. Norihiro Inomata, President: Mr. Juseven Austero, Vice –President: Atty. Hiroyuki Kawai, Secretary: Atty. Emmanuel Pacsi, Treasurer: Ms. Yuka Kanamaru, Auditor: Ms. Araceli Tan;
Updating Shuseki Projects: As of 2013, PNLSC Filed 13 Petitions, Approved 30, Withdrawn 4: Overall since 2003, Filed 173, Approved 101, Withdrawn 21, on going 41, Located 622 and since 2004 up to 2103 we have 30 approved Shuseki for Davao Chapter. Shuseki Filing Schedule
2012 – 175; 2013 – 13; 2014 – 20; 2015 – 20; Total: 228 Approved Shuseki as of 2013, Kyoko Watanabe (Davao City) Approved: June 28, 2013; Yaiko Toyama (Davao City) Approved: July 23, 2013; Hatsue Akaboshi and Sadako Akaboshi Approved: January 10, 2013; Matilde Fumiko Ogawa Approved: September 10, 2013
The program for the 10th Year Anniversary Celebration started with the singing of the National Anthems’ of both Philippines and Japan led by Mr. Ruben Darauay and by Atty. Hiroyuki Kawai respectively atty. Kawai welcomed the participants. An invocation was followed led by Ret. Judge Antonina Escovilla (Secretary, FNJK). Mr. Norihiro Inomata (Director, PNLSC, Inc). Acknowledged the presence of invited guests such as Atty. Cris Villalobos (Acting Chief, Legal & Investigative Bureau of Immigration),Hon. Yuji Fuki (Vice Consul, Embassy of Japan in the Philippines), Atty. Roussel Reyes (Passport Director- DFA), & Mr. Akira Sekino (PNLSC Member). Mr. Sekino delivered his Congratulatory Message to those behind the success of PNLSC.
Ms. Ines Mallari (FNJK President) & Atty. Emmanuel Pacsi (FNJK Chairman) presented the Plaques of Appreciation to the following:
Atty. Hideshige Aoki (Board of Director, PNLSC) & Mr. Stephen Querico Buni (Chairman, PNLSC) on the other hand presented the Plaque to the Government Officials who were around. 2nd Generation Descendants had their own video Congratulatory Greetings more from those whose Shuseki Petitions were finally approved. We heard the talent presentation of no less than Atty. Hiroyuki Kawai as well a dance number from the Baguio Chapter members. Closing Remarks was given by Mr. Juseven Austero (President- PNLSC Inc).
PNLSC INC. will continue to uphold its mission in helping the war displaced Japanese descendants in the Philippines recover their identity and nationality, further, it commited to contribute the development and prosperity of Nikkei-jins and Nikkei-jin communities in the Philippines.
April 14, 2014, in the evening, PNJK-IS team arrived at Kansai Airport, Osaka, Japan. In a few minutes, the bus owned by the Japan Foundation Japanese Language Institute, Kansai, came on schedule.
Upon reaching the Institute, each was handed an envelope containing instructions as regards the schedule of classes, trip to Kyoto, the use of our IDs and meal time.
The following day, we underwent orientation and self-introduction ceremony. Hee-jeong Shin san was our emcee and took the liberty of introducing to us the composition of the staff in the Learning Section. Her English is flawless but of course Nihongo was used most of the time.
The Vice-Director of Japan Foundation Akihiko Murata San gave his welcome address. The word “lucky” was given emphasis in his message. Truly, we were lucky because not only was the weather very cooperative but the sakura flowers were still in full bloom. You see along the avenue trees bearing sakura flowers of various colors.
The next was the tour of the center. We were ushered to two storey buildings where classes are held. You see students from other countries in the classroom and even in corridors during their free time. We then proceeded to the canteen and how to order food during meal period. The security area was part of the tour as well as the exterior part of the edifice. The facilities are so impressive that all basic needs are within your reach.
In the afternoon classes intended for our group commenced. What is admirable is that all of the staff and teachers can speak English. You will be amazed how good they are and so courteous, kind and accommodating. Evening of the second day the group went out of the Center. A bus is there for the use of the occupants of the center. There is a schedule when the bus leaves the Center and the time it goes back. The ride was free provided the destination is the Namba area. It was fun to explore in unfamiliar area and how to put into use the little knowledge that you have in Nihongo.
April 16, 2014 was the trip to Kyoto. Shin san was with us, so gorgeous that you feel baffled why a native of Korea is in Japan working just like any ordinary Japanese without any qualms. We had a tour guide. A good one and can crack joke without changing facial expression. At times you find yourself believing in what he just said.
My task is the visit to Golden Pavilion in Kyoto. The other name of the Golden Pavilion is Kinkaku. The visit took place on April 16, 2014. It was an exciting and enjoyable trip with a lot of souvenir shops lined up along the pathway going to the site. We were forewarned by the tour guide before proceeding to the temple that we should be alert at all times lest one or more will be lost due to the presence of hundreds of tourists composed of students who were on field trip, group of Japanese adults and foreigners like us.
Kinkaku (The Golden Pavilion) originally was known as Rokuon-ju Temple. It is a zen Buddist temple. Because of its fame the former US President George Bush visited the site and took photos of a very unique heritage of Japan.
The Golden Pavilion is surrounded by a man-made lake and can be seen at a distance. The temple is a three-storey edifice and each floor has different designs. Koto Nobu residence style can be found at the
first floor while the second floor is samurai style and the third is zen style. The ceiling is covered with gold. About 20 kilos were used. Installed on the floor is black lacquer and because of its reflection goldis very prominent. On the side of the floor ashes are kept. Buddhist ashes and bone are stored on that side. Looking closely at the Golden Pavilion square miniature carved on the wall is noticeable. Those represent about 200 thousand set of real gold leaf weighing 20 kilos assessed at more than 700 million yen.
The Golden Pavilion is accessible only to the King and the Prince. No other person is allowed to enter the said temple. On top of the temple is an oriental phoenix, a symbol of happiness. According to some, Phoenix represents shogun that looks after Japan.
After the temple we were ushered to a bonsai tree which is 600 years old. In the beginning it was so small but shogun loved it so much that he planted it on the spot as photographed and has grown that big yet still considered as bonsai.
There is a tea house right within the area where the Golden Pavilion is located. The kinkaku is especially beautiful when seen from the tea house late in the afternoon sun. This view is reflected in the tea house named Sekkatei (Place of Evening Beauty).
At the temple is a statute of the Buddhist Deity Fudo-Ryo-o. It is believed that the statute was made in the 9th century. Though hidden from the public view, the image has long been revered for its miraculous powers. Open door rituals are held on Setsubun early February and on August 16.
April 17, 2014 was the day of proving to all of the success of the learning session. All participants were asked to state in the Japanese language the experience encountered in Kyoto. Though not perfectly delivered, there was, to my assessment, 80% satisfaction of the performance of everyone. Our graduation came to an end with memories that will forever be cherished by each. The generosity of Japan Foundation Japanese Language Institute in allowing the group to stay is highly appreciated. We have witnessed the patience and understanding demonstrated by the teachers and staff to all who are still struggling in learning the language as well as embracing the culture that we aim to inculcate to our students and even to our members of the family. Preserving the heritage is one and what is most important is time consciousness. To me time is gold. We can more if time management is well observed.
Let me thank the management of Japan Foundation Japanese Language Institute for this rare opportunity allowing us the use of the center and study the language even for such a short stint and the chance to see Osaka, Japan more so the preserved heritage in Kyoto. Thank you so much – from the PNJK International School Group and we hope to see you all in one of your visits in our place.
It is a happy occasion when friends come home— and indeed, it was a joyous day when the Philippine Nikkei-Jin Kai family had the opportunity to celebrate
Uchida-Otoosan’s return to Davao.
Through the concerted efforts of the different departments headed by President Antonina Escovilla, MKD and PNJK-IS President Ines Mallari, and Mr. Shuji
Honda, a welcome party was organized for Otoosan. The party was held at Insular Hotel, and was attended by the faculty and administrative officers of the Mindanao Kokusai Daigaku, Philippine Nikkei-Jin Kai International School, Philippine Nikkei-Jin Kai Inc., as well as several of Otoosan’s second generation Nikkei-Jin friends.
Lunch was filled with plenty of wonderful and heartfelt messages from people close to Otoosan. PNJK President Antonina Escovilla expressed her elation for Otoosan’s return to Davao, while both Mrs. Carmen Apigo and Mrs. Adelaida Panaguiton relayed how grateful they were for Otoosan’s generosity to the school.
In response, Otoosan gave his own message. First, he expressed his gratitude for the warm welcome he’d received. Second, and as his own way of lightening the sentimental mood, he shared stories of his childhood and how he used to be friends with famous boxers. He shared that he was quite the ‘bugoy’ when he was a child, in contrast to how he is viewed by people at present.
Songs were also rendered for Otoosan. Among them were his favorite songs, Dahil Sayo, which he sang along to, and Besame Mucho, which to everybody’s surprise, he even danced to. Everyone was delighted to see such display of energy from Otoosan, especially his son and grandson, who later on said that they had really hoped to bring Otoosan back to Davao to make him happy.
The party ended with everyone in high spirits, and with the hope that Otoosan’s return could be celebrated more
frequently.
