Mi Vida!!!

College language lessons are the least that we remember a decade or more after graduation. I had my Spanish, Chinese and Nihongo classes for a total of 15 units if added together. I never expected that almost a decade after graduation, I would be diggin into my old books to review my language electives. But certainly, that’s what happened to me.

Currently working for a Japanese firm where my two immediete superiors (President and GM) are both Japanese with a job that regularly interacts with Japanese managers and presidents of big companies to present total IT solutions, I found myself less effective because of the language barrier.Why, coz I only remember the basic counting, self-introduction and greetings. whew!

Then i realized, I need more than just a review of Nihongo! So i checked on the website, asked around until my boss gave me a good idea. Enroll in JITSE /PhilNits classes.. What the…. !!! JITSE??? Sounds like I am getting myself into hot waters. They have some really good classes but you need to undergo screening and compete with people from all over the country to be able to get a slot… and take note of the standards..  but then, I tried..

After a few revisions of the application form and the screening that goes with it (there are more than a hundred applicants nationwide)  I was one of the 30 trainees chosed to undergo Special training for Filipino IT professionals with Nihongo lessons. I was so happy!!! But then, when I got home and the idea sinked into my being, I was nervous and quite apprehensive with the demands of the training, I want to backout!!! It has three phases: Online Japanese Language and Reading Class (preparatory for the Classroom Training), Classroom Training (done entirely in Nihongo as medium of instruction) and the Japan exposure..

So here comes all the books and CDs that I have to study before the regular classes begin. 24 Lessons, 8 tests. and when i started browsing, it was HIRAGANA, KATAKANA reading, writing and conversation.. exciting, challenging and a bit hard but then, I have to do this…

Now I am on my 7th lesson and got 90% average for my 2 tests so far.. Im having a headache memorizing the characters and the pictures that relates with it but i am at ease now with the thought that I am backed up by people who believe in my capability to succeed.. people who have given me their trust, confidence and support..

I am aiming for good grades. This way, my company will not regret in backing me up (considering that the class is everyday, Mon-Fri 9-12NN). Second, I will be able to do my job more effectively and third, to prove that we, Bisdaks, Cebuanos can excel and make it here in Makati.. the country’s Central Business District.. oooppsss… did i mention that I am the only Cebuana chosen for the training? This is life’s test (Tesutu)… a challenge that I would want to take and hopefully, get through it.. all for the love of work, commitment to the company and professional advancement.

Come! Let’s go to northern Cebu. To a place called Danao City. Known for its well crafted guns, potteries and delicious "tinap-anan" and fresh seafoods. No, we are not going for a food trip or shopping for one of those "paltik" as most people call it. Today, let me take you to KARANSA".

If Cebu City has Sinulog, Carcar has Kabkaban, Danao City has its Karansa!!! A carribean inspired street dancing event that happens every 3rd Saturday of the month of September. A day before it’s fiesta celebration in honor of its patron saint, Señor Sto. Tomas de Villanueva. A saint known for giving bountiful blessings to the needy. For thanksgiving, residents and visitors of Danao flocks to its major streets to witness this annual street dancing festival.

Come, let’s celebrate and do the KARANSA!!!

We took some of our Japanese friends to scenic Tagaytay last saturday. They came here for a month as part of their exchange program sponsored by a JODC, a japanese foundation that our company is doing business with. They spent a lot of money touring around the islands to study Philippine culture, tradition, language and business relationship with Japanese firms.

The supposedly "site seeing" trip to tagaytay became a food trip because the rain never stopped. We took some good pictures when the fog cleared up and showed the posh high-end village overlooking the Taal Lake. We had some espasol for snacks and some Mc Donalds. The Bulalo and mixed seafood was heavenly, providing warmth in the cold weather. The People’s Park offers a very beautiful view of the Lake but sad to say that it is not well maintained nowadays.

This picture was taken in the  Casino Lobby. Sad to say the photographer focused on the beautiful lights rather than the beautiful ladies up front.. hehehehe…

One of the good things that our friends experienced is th e warmth of the Filipino people. They say that their experience exceeded their expectations. 

Farewell Anna, Yukari and Noriko… See you guys soon and let’s go backpacking and some more nature tripping!!!