It’s been a while since I last created a blog entry. Prior to this site, I used to blog on everything and anything on multiply until I became engrossed with Facebook and went into microblogging mode. I now resume blogging (finally) after a couple times attempt to do so but failed. Herein, you will find practically anything under the “rising sun.” As much as I’d like that expression to mean as things and experiences “in Japan,” unfortunately I can’t for I’m in here in Manila and being in Japan would have to wait, (>_<) so that expression would mean everything and anything Japanice through the eyes of a self-professed Japanophile who is still struggling to learn Nihongo and is forever loving Japanese culture.
As for my first blog entry here, I would like to encourage everyone qualified to apply for the Japan Airlines (JAL) Foundation Scholarship Program 2012 by sending an essay entry. I was one of the two delegates from the Philippines in 2009. Allow me to say that the experience was once in a lifetime. To describe it, I will be republishing below my essay-report on my experience back in 2009. (^_^)
“I am overwhelmed by the experience – enthralled by our sightseeing… controlled by my feelings…” This is how I describe the life-changing experience I had during my 17-day journey in Japan. Visiting and experiencing Japan “in-the-flesh” is after all a dream of mine. A dream brought to reality by JAL and the JAL Foundation in a timely manner. At a time when I am struggling to explore what my heart truly desires and how I can find my rightful place in the world, I was able to meet other people from various cultures. I heard their stories, I was inspired of their lives and I was motivated by their words. I loved Japan way before but I love it now even more. I adore its entrancing culture but what made my trip even more fruitful was that Japan became instrumental for me to be familiar of other youth in the Asia-Oceania region and to earn true friends in the process.
The JAL Scholarship Program made me realize that the world is indeed so big and yet very small. It is very big because there are so many pressing concerns that beset peoples – hunger and poverty, health problems, environmental degradation, economics, peace and security, and intercultural relations, among others, that are all on regional and world-wide scales; hence, we should not be confined to addressing only the issues in our own countries. It is so small because peoples from various cultures can converge and confer not only because of professional mandate but more so to establish genuine friendship and to touch one another on the personal level. With all these in mind, I now take action and responsibility not only as a Filipino but also as an Asian and as a citizen of this world.
International cooperation does not only mean economics, politics and the like. It is also about being compassionate. It starts not only by earnestly acquiring the proper perspectives so one can start to work towards creating a kinder world but also by observing acceptable values so people can appropriately continue their efforts to sustain the harmony and mutual aid that they genuinely extend to one another. Sacrificing by disregarding one’s interests, pride and prejudices as well as being empathic while trying to understand other people regardless of whatever cultural background they have is a step to reap achievements without fear of any drawbacks.
I also learned that language barrier is not a hindrance to sincere communication. During the program, some participants may have been unable to fluently speak English but it did not necessarily mean that they fail to convey the messages they want to send across. With empathy and prudence, we made productive discussions and reached consensus. With effort and patience, we enjoyed each other’s company. Effective communication is not necessarily fluency in English as even English speakers, ourselves, have various cultural connotations in the manner we choose and say our words that differ in context and understanding so we also exert effort in being thoughtful of our differences. We used the language of our hearts to learn from each other with respect, sincerity and enjoyment.
In relation to this and as a grateful recipient, I feel that it is imperative for me to give a constructive criticism for the improvement of the program. I hereby suggest that in the succeeding batches, the use of vernacular should be minimized, if not discouraged, especially during group discussions. The results of speaking in the vernacular may range from the simple impression of inappropriateness or issues of etiquette up to taking grave offense or inkling of rudeness by other participants. Scholars should also be encouraged, if not officially partnered, to spend time with other scholars of not only with different nationality but of different ethnicity. Such should be done not only during official group activities but also during free time. Participants must be advised to step beyond their comfort zones. They must go out of their shells; otherwise, it defeats the objectives of the program.
The program may have been short but as I always believed in – the amount of knowledge one imbibes depends neither on the length of time nor on the duration of occurrence but on the quality of the experience and on the genuineness of interaction one has encountered. All the lectures were very engaging that I have to further inquire. Our host families were very thoughtful that I was so appreciative. The field trips were awe-inspiring that I was moved. My “rakugo” performance was unforgettable. My birthday celebration in Hakusan City was memorable. Experiencing tea ceremony, bathing in an “onsen” and wearing “yukata” was pleasurable and fulfilling. Watching and playing “taiko” was breathtaking. The Asia Forum in Kanazawa was gratifying. I returned to my home country with a renewed resolve. My life changed… Allow me to express it in haiku…
Nippon sparked my thoughts
Struggling for my heart’s desire
I’ll now live my dream
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