My First Five Days in Okinawa, Japan

Okinawa Diaries: My First Five Days as a JICA Scholar

“From missed chances to magic moments—this was the start of my Japan story.”

Did I ever tell you that I was granted an international training scholarship by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) from 2007 to 2008?

Yes, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity — the training course was called “Application of Multimedia Technology for e-Education.” And let me tell you, my first five days in Okinawa, Japan were nothing short of unforgettable.

Day 1: From Narita to Naha – A Gentle Landing into the Unknown

The moment my feet touched Japanese soil at Narita Airport, I felt the weight of wonder and responsibility settling in. After the immigration formalities and retrieving my luggage, I was warmly greeted by a lady JICA officer who handed me a limousine bus ticket, along with precise instructions — the kind only the Japanese can give — to proceed to Haneda Airport. She even walked me to the bus stop. Imagine that!

From Haneda, I boarded another flight, this time to Naha Airport in Okinawa — the final stretch. There, another JICA staff welcomed me with a smile that felt like sunshine. She brought me to the Okinawa International Center (OIC), my new home for the weeks to come.

At OIC, I was handed my room key and meal card. The staff kindly explained how to use the facilities, and before I could even feel the sting of homesickness, two fellow Filipinos — Erik and Cris — came to the rescue. They told me hilarious and heartwarming stories of their first week. Instantly, I didn’t feel so alone.

I ended my first day in Room 235, curled under the blanket while the cold air outside whispered something new had begun. I called my wife and daughter back home with a newly bought phone card. My voice may have trembled from the chill, but my heart was full.

Day 2: Faces, Flags, and the Feeling of the United Nations

By 7:00 a.m., I was up and ready for breakfast at Tsukudo, the OIC dining hall. The moment I walked in, it felt like a U.N. convention was happening — participants from around the world sharing one meal, one roof, and one mission.

Cris-san showed me how to use the meal card like a pro. Later that day, I met with my course coordinator from MTEC who gave a thorough orientation — covering house rules, expectations, etiquette, and the whole nine yards.

I also met my classmates for the training course and other participants from different programs. It was electric — people from all walks of life, cultures, and professions, all gathered to learn and grow.

Day 3: When the Alarm Clock Fails and Redemption Speaks Japanese

This one hurt — I overslept. Yes, me! On the day of our big meeting with sponsors and Japanese company representatives. I rushed down only to see my colleagues receiving calling cards and handshakes. I felt invisible. Honestly? I was crushed.

I kept replaying my mistake in my head until my name was called to give a self-introduction. That was my moment to recover. I stood tall, pushed away the embarrassment, and delivered my prepared speech — in Japanese. That small win brought back my confidence. Redemption, served with grammar and guts.

Day 4: The Mayor, the City Keys, and the Aquarium Raffle

We visited Urasoe City and were formally introduced to the mayor. As a symbolic gesture of welcome, we were even given “keys to the city” and issued non-resident alien cards — our passport to blending in and becoming part of the Okinawan fabric, even if just temporarily.

That afternoon, JICA staff announced a raffle — a chance to visit the world-renowned Churaumi Aquarium. Out of over 80 participants, only 53 would be randomly selected. The odds were tight... but my desire was immense. I had heard only magical things about that place — “It’s like walking underwater without drowning,” one friend said.

I crossed my fingers. My heart hoped.

Day 5: Close to Defeat, Closer to a Miracle

I wasn’t chosen.

My name was not called in the raffle. Disappointed but not defeated, I remembered a simple truth: not all winners are drawn — some show up early. So, the next morning, I woke up before sunrise and rushed to the registration area, hoping someone would back out. To my surprise, five others had the same idea and were already lined up ahead of me.

Still, I waited. Two participants called in to cancel. Then three more. I lost count.

And then… I was alone in the line. Just me and the pulse of hope. My heart pounded — I could almost hear it echoing through the hallway.

Then the coordinator signaled the driver to start the engine.

Crushed.

I turned around, ready to leave with a sigh and a slouch… when I felt a gentle tap on my shoulder
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“Come on, join us, young man!”

It was one of the kind-hearted bus staff — they made room for me in a two-seater bench. I got in.

That bus ride to Churaumi Aquarium? It wasn’t just transportation. It was a miracle bus. A lesson on persistence. And proof that sometimes, if you just stay in line, the universe finds a way.

And the rest?

The rest was history — sea creatures the size of dreams, colors you thought only existed in stories, and the overwhelming sense that I was exactly where I needed to be.

Reflection:

In those first five days, I learned more than tech and training. I learned about timing. Humility. Community. And hope that refuses to give up — even when your name isn’t called.

Japan didn’t just welcome me — it taught me to wait with grace, act with courage, and believe in lucky second chances.

Happy Holidays to All!

The year has been tough and  the challenges have been mounting up but life has to go on.  I'm glad I was able to settle my debts before the year ends.

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The untimely death of a friend stirred my already crazy life.  Why him? not Napoles or JPE or GMA?  Those who were indebted to the Philippine coffers.  Those who caused pain to the Philippine economy.

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I can feel that my health has been deteriorating.  The medicines that I take continuously eat my muscles (lol). I changed all my doctors from Fortune Care Manila to Fortune Care Pasig.  Hopefully, my health will be better next year and the years thereafter.

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I realized that the more bad things you wish  for other people the more evil things would happen to you. I knew all along that typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) would hit the central part of the Philippines but I prayed that this typhoon would finally change its course and hit China instead (since this country had been bullying the Phillippines ever since).   Looked at what happened to my beloved country.  Sorry folks.

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I was not able to play chess competitively on the second half of the year.  Though, I was the Champion at the DepEd Central Office Tournament.

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Taking too much luck at the Casino Filipino raffle.  Bad decision.  Though, I've won twice it took much of my time instead of taking care of my wife and kids.  Bad me.

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Will the Victory Mine Tonight?

It will be my last chance today to win in a raffle draw at Casino Filipino (CF).  I have 2 dozens of gold tickets and a baker's dozen of silver tickets.  My wife and I will be going to Pavilion to try our luck.  I've won twice (90K and 30K) and hopefully I will win again.  CF has lots to offer including 10 3 Millions lucky patrons, and various laptops and professional cameras.  I can't wait to be there at the venue.  May the force be with me!

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Note:  

Not been as lucky as before.  Too many prizes but was not able to win any of them.  Maybe next time.

Almost Paid in Full

Alas, after several months of dry cash I was able to settle my accounts payable.  Few more days and I will be able to pay everything.  God is so good.

Funds diluted

Again, bills keep coming up.  Its above my neck.  'Hope I can pay everything before the year ends.

Not all good for Manny Pacquiao after all

Just after Manny Pacquiao annihilated Brandon Rios on their much anticipated fight in Macau another controversy popped-out from the media of his non-payment of back taxes from his previous fights in the U.S.  Unable to enjoy first the fruit of his labor, series of problems unfold after the BIR chief introduced serious findings that caused the boxing hero various problems.

I hate the timing of this direct but malicious accusation to Pacquiao as an attempt to destroy his name.  Why single-out a guy who, for so many times, brought honor to this country?  Why not pin down Napoles, or other senators and congressmen accused of tarnishing the images of various organizations?

This country is sick.

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Points to ponder:
1)  Why did it take more than two years for Pacquiao to submit a certification from the IRS that he paid taxes in the U.S. from 2007-2008?
2) Ms. Henares (BIR chief) said not all of Pacquiao's account have been garnished, Pacquiao's side proved otherwise.
3) It was Pacquaio's camp who revealed to media of the scenario of his tax's case not the BIR.  Out of respect to MP, BIR could have filed tax evasion case long time ago because he is a boxing hero.
4) Why for instance, BIR, cherry-pick Pacquiao and garnished his accounts while Lucio Tan who had long-standing battle on and off the court had not experienced the same.

It's your call folks.

Luck Strikes Twice!

As luck would have it, I again, won in the raffle at CF Ronquillo.  I only have 22 tickets which I got accidentally.  Before the draw, I saw people having hundreds of tickets - I thought that my chances of winning would be very slim.  However, God is so good that he allowed me to snare another victory.  Though, the amount I won was not so big I felt it was so special to win for the second time in a row.  Thank you my friend up there!

Lucky Again!

Whew!  I was so down last Tuesday (October 8, 2013),  I only have Php170 inside my wallet and I am bound to go home.  After reaching the LRT Avenida Station,   I remembered that I have raffle tickets from the Casino Filipino, Ronquillo Branch so I decided to stay for while. At exactly 7:45 p.m. I went to the 3rd Floor of the Ronquillo Arcade where the raffle was being held.   

I have been praying all along.  At 8:00 p.m. the first name was called, a senior citizen went to the stage and wheeled-in a roulette, he won a Php10,000 worth of pre-bet coupons.  I knew all along that only 3 lucky patrons will be called so I continued to hum my request, "Please Lord, please... call my name..."  and the second name was uttered.  My name was called!

I again prayed that I get Php100,000 worth of pre-bet coupons I adjusted the arrow and pointed it to ten times (10 x Php10,000) wishing that I could get the highest prize.  Unfortunately, God did not grant my request.  I only got Php90,000!  Yeheey!  Thank you Lord.

A new dilemma arose, I am not good at gambling and I might lose all the 9 pre-bet coupons without winning any of them.  Luckily, a man offered me to buy all my coupons at 40% cost.  I was now caught between GOOD and BETTER (lol).  I called my wife for a decision and suggestion but she came in late.  I have sold all 8 coupons for Php32,000 and retain only 1 so that I could play  thinking that I would win it at a cost.  Sadly, I lost that bet after I played it.  I told you, I am not good at gambling.  My wife told me that I should have sold it all.   What a missed opportunity.

Anyway, I went home Php32000 richer and was able to immediately pay my bills.  I would like to thank Casino Filipino for the opportunity and of course my friend up there for making impossible thing POSSIBLE!

Interview Questions Answered

I saw the following questions from Natalia Pogonina's site same questions I will answer as a chess player myself.

What was the earliest memory of playing chess?
I was a late bloomer.  I played chess at the age of 13.  At first everything was just for fun, but later got captivated by its beauty.  I ate, dreamed, worked, and played chess during my college days for the University of the East chess team.

What is your most memorable game?
It was a game I played at chess.com.  I am playing with a higher-rated opponent but outclassed him in such an artistic matter. Press this link about the game.

What was your worst defeat?
I was on the peak of my chess career and has had performed superbly in different chess tournaments here in Manila but had to stop full-time as I was beaten by this kid at the Divisoria Chess Tournament.  I was chess-struck for I just won a tournament at the same venue a month ago.  The defeat was a tough pill to swallow since I was trailing the leader of the pack by just a full point and currently on the 3rd to 5th place just below my San Beda and University of the East colleagues.  I was happy with my position and I felt that my friends were looking at me in admiration.  I show-boated during the game for my opponent has only few minutes on his time control.  I played with fire and got burned with it.  I lost a winning game.  I was not the same after that.

Which living player do you most admire?I
Magnus Carlsen.  He doesn't stop playing in an equal position.  He squeeze for more and more until everything turns into a battle!

Who is your favorite singer/composer?
Michael V.

Which book would you take to a desert island?
I Will Persist Until I Succeed by Og Mandino

If you could edit your past, what would you change?
The chapter in my life wherein I got madly in love with a girl who dumped me.  I alter that part.  I wish I did not meet her.  I am so devastated.
 

What makes you happy?
Existence

What was your biggest disappointment?
When I lost my first-born child.  So creepy.  I felt I was a tiny form surrounded by the head and foot of a parenthesis.

What is the most important lesson life has taught you?
There is no second chance.
 

Financial Mishap

I been experiencing financial mishap this month. My investments aren't working fine. I wish things would be better in the coming days!

Wish ko lang na mali ako!

Sa aking palagay may magpapakamatay na namang General, kasi sobrang nakakahiya iyong pagkakasangkot nya sa pork barrel scam. He will be a disgrace to the academy kapag hindi niya nalusutan ang kasong ito. Wish ko lang na mali ako!

Message for the 10,000th Okinawa International Center Participant

As a former JICA Scholar at Okinawa, Japan , I was given a task to make a special message for the 10,000th participant at the Okinawa International Center - a milestone that happened after 28 years.  Here it is:

Message:

To the 10,000th participant:

Like you, I was once a participant at the Okinawa International Center (OIC) from 2007 to 2008.  I had amazing experiences – I was able to work with talented Japanese teachers and employees, I met interesting classmates and friends from various countries, I learned varied cultures, and I reached places I never dreamed of visiting.  I thought everything was a dream!

Allow me to share with you what happened to me after my training at OIC sponsored by MTEC and JICA – I immediately got a morale-boosting promotion from Creative Arts Specialist I to my current position.  Not only that, I was able to share the learning I gained during the workshops in Okinawa International Center to my colleagues here in the Philippines.  I became a better person and a worthy individual.

You are blessed!  Not only that you reach a major milestone of becoming the 10,000th participant of the OIC you also had responsibility to be at your best during the training period for you are being watched and being envied by all. 

May you be able to surmount all the challenges that may come your way and may you be able to share your new-found knowledge to your countrymen after the duration of your training.

Again, congratulations and best wishes!

Philippines my Philippines

Just when I heard that some of our lawmakers have denied their direct association with Janet Lim-Napoles (the pork barrel queen) I came across with this blog complete with a picture and intricate historical details of PDAF transactions. The Filipino people deserve to know the truth. Read it to believe it. You have been warned!
http://dulzspeaks.blogspot.com/2013/08/anonymous-speaks-pork-barrel-scam.html