…In my memories, I could
still feel the scorching coldness of the snow, the contamination of joy and
laughter that surround me. I could still feel the burning sensation
of friendship and warmth of the Japanese people…
It hurts deeply into my
soul that no cure could ease the pain, the pain of unbounded happiness that
crushes my stiff bones and rapidly flowing into my veins. It moves like a
tsunami of thick, wide and revengeful nightmare, as it goes up paralyzing my
entire being.
My heart stops beating,
as it gives way the paralysis to penetrate through…but then it opens
unselfishly because the pain of happiness deserves it to be.
Then my brain starts to
stop thinking, as it unknowingly waits this thoughtful paralysis invades these
tiny neurons of gratitude and humor.
Yes and still, these
ironical memories embrace me tightly, as if no space of air can find its way
out…
Yes and still, no price
can tag these golden memories of mine…
Yes and still I am
positive not because nuclear radiation contaminated my body…
But yes and still I am
positive, it is because I am grateful that I can share to you my humble
experiences which all of you deserves to read…
The cherry trees bloom
and find its way in giving hope to every Japanese people.
If you are there
to witness the progress of their recovery, you will definitely salute their
great efforts. People there are now standing tall, resilient enough to face
life as they deserve to be.
Physically speaking,
their recovery is very remarkable. Areas damaged by earthquake and tsunami were
already been cleaned. Likewise, houses and infrastructures were rebuilt so that
people will able to bring back little by little their normal life. But
emotionally and psychologically, they deserve our affection and sympathy to let
them feel that we Filipinos and other races will support them up to the
extent.
Yes, we all know
people think differently. People judge instantly. People react unknowingly.
People misinterpret seldom and act desperately. But most of all people help
unselfishly and love endlessly. We can make a change! We can make Fukushima fully
recovered! We can do it hand in hand.
"I have appreciated
very much the warmth of Japanese people when I spent one night in the farm.
During the farm stay, my host family let us experience some of the Japanese
cultures. And you know what? They were hospitable as Filipinos do to their
visitors."
"While looking at
my obasan's (aunt) eyes during our conversation, I asked her, How is she now
after the tragedy?...she answered no words. And what really made my heart broke
into tears was when I figured out in her eyes the truth of what she has
undergone and sacrificed for her to forget all these nightmares."
People who live in
Fukushima at the time the nuclear radiation scare spread all over the place
were discriminated. Inconsiderate individuals were frightened that these people
would spread diseases that might harm them. They don’t know, they suffered too
much, and this is the reason why people lose hope in exerting efforts in
building a new life. As it’s like, the dawn is yet a nightmare.
The rising economic condition
of Fukushima which mainly rooted from agriculture and tourism was distressed
not just because of the earthquake, tsunami and nuclear explosion which had
happened two years ago but because of harmful rumors which became the ultimate
reason of their sufferings. Yes, rumors do affect ones economy. It can
ruin lives of many people. It is disheartening to know, but it does exist.
Many people just say
that agricultural products in Fukushima are contaminated with high dose of
radiation. Their judgment is baseless. Our judgment is baseless.
"In fact, I tasted and have loved the food prepared for us during our stay. The ingredients mainly came from Fukushima, and all were very fresh and mouthwatering. Oishi!"
For the
information of everybody, Japan implemented a stricter policy on how much a
product should contain radiation level. This is much lower than the standard
set by Codex Alementarius Commission and European Union. Great efforts in
double checking the radiation level of products is likewise seen before they
reach the consumers.
"All was doing
well' "Everything goes smoothly"...It is indeed safe in
Fukushima!
True that people of
Japan especially in Fukushima need our understanding and attention. They need
it even more.
As Japan, we call as the
Land of the Rising Sun, let us all witness Fukushima stands and rebuild its
name again.
I hope that I have
sufficed little by little my gratitude to Japan by writing this article in
disseminating the right information and in dispelling harmful rumors.
*********************************************************************************************
My humble journey in
Japan is such a wonderful experience to treasure. From the time I have first
experienced to ride in airplane, to checked-in hotels with e-toilet, tasted
different Japanese cuisines, first to see beautiful tourist spots and landmarks
like the Tsuruga-jo Castle, Shinkansen, Tokyo Skytree and many more and play on
the snow were very meaningful to me. But what made it special were the study
tours which gave me a clear understanding to Japan especially Fukushima's efforts
in rising again.
*********************************************************************************************
More blogs to come…
P.S.
To the friendship that
started in Fukushima, I say “ Our bond is as thick as MOCHI, as sweet as
STRAWBERRIES, as strong as the foundation of TSURUGA-JO CASTLE, and
as pure as the thick SNOW of Minamiaizu”
 |
| (Photo courtesy of Daña Marie Perez) |
Let this grow for a
special purpose… for ourselves and for Japan where we owe this friendship…
************************************************************************************************************
When I arrived home, I
hugged my parents. They asked me how my stay is. I said it was fun and
worthwhile...and then they smiled… I again replied “Nay, Dy I am safe” 
My
friends really enjoyed my gifts and souvenirs
