Teatro Akebono Tour 2016
Teatro Abebono team left for Japan last May 14, 2016 for
the Crane Dog Musical Play. It includes 6 Japanese Filipino Children (JFC) age from
11 to 21 years old, accompanied by the DAWN Executive Director Carmelita Nuqui,
staff, and a volunteer. The team was welcome in Narita Airport by Nat-chan,
Kaoushou and university students. Stayed in Aichi Prefecture and in the morning
attended the Holy Catholic Mass in Kozougi Church.
Teatro Akebono spent 18 days in Japan. They performed in Kyoto
University headed by Wako-senshai, Kansai University Yochisda-sensai, Saitama
University Imagawa-sensai, Chiba University Tamura-sensai, Kanda University for
International Studies (KUIS), Ferris Women University and Yutorito Higashi-Osaka
and Aichi prefectures.
The performances got a good review from the students,
professors and other participants. They were touched and teary-eyed not only by
the performances but the story itself because it has a personal attachment for
the JFC. During the questions and answers portion the audience asked how they
cope with their situation, what are the lessons they learned growing up and how
they blend with other children. They were surprised because the JFC didn’t
abhor or have any ill-feelings towards the father but they long for their
presence and the desire to create priceless moment with them. Travelling to
Japan provides the benefit of sightseeing and a chance to experience the
customs and culture of the counterpart country. The children also had a chance
to share the Philippines traditions and cultures. It gives scope to have
firsthand knowledge of variegated people inhabiting the world. During the
University tour, JFC had the opportunity to mingled with the professors and
college students, share experiences and what are the things they look forward
to. These activities open doors for friendship and future partnership not only
with the children but for the organization.
On the tenth day, we had a courtesy visit to Philippine
Embassy in Japan. We were received by Ambassador Manuel Lopez. The JFC had a
dance performance. We also visited Peaceboat, they were received by warm
welcome from the organizer.
JFC visited Rose Garden too. They were amazed how beautiful
the garden was and roses were nurtured and cultivated well. During the stay in
Saitama they were also given an opportunity to experience farming. They even
had a small portion in Natchang farm name Akebono, each JFC participate in
gardening, they planted strawberries, Zucchinis and pumpkins. Farming is a good
activity for the children becauseit helps them appreciate the old lifestyle of our ancestors.
The group of Chiho-sensai treats Akebono team to visits the
Yokohoma Tower, everyone enjoyed and thankful for the experience. The JFC also
went to Osaka Zoo thru the initiative of University students, joined the
barbecue party with the professors and another one with the religious leader in
Saitama.
DAWN meeting with volunteers
took place @ Tetsudo Kosai Kaikan, Tokyo last May 28, 2016 attendees were
Executive Director Carmelita Nuqui, Chiho Ogaya, Kazuo Inoue, Natsuyuki
Imagawa, Miki Kuroyanagi, Ai Fujiwara, Sumire
Usui, Philip Sasaki, Momoka Osakabe, Fumiko
Kuramochi, Kyutoku Hisae, Tsuyoshi Imai, Mary
Joy Barcelona and Gemma Comiso. The group
discussed the status of the organization, possible partnership with other
organizations and what to look forward in the future presentations of Teatro
Akebono. Over-all
the Akebono Tour was a success.
Personal Reflections as a Volunteer
Traveling is the kind of activity I enjoyed most for it is my opportunity to relax and be
detach from my busy schedule even just for a while. Japan is in the top of my bucket
lists in country of destination I dream to visits. My planned to see the place
was hampered because some of my friends failed to get the visa, I was
discouraged to try. I told myself perhaps in my retiring years my bucket list
will be fulfilled not knowing 2016 will be my lucky year. When I found out that
I was part of the Akebono Team I was so excited, hundred questions stampeded
through my mind.
I couldn’t even get a good sleep, but I just kept it to myself. I was so
excited to see, observe the way people of other cultures and mentality live.
They say,
one cannot appreciate the work of art created by master hands unless one visits
places and enjoy things. Japan never failed my expectations. It was a trip of a
lifetime. Visiting Yokohama Tower, Chiba Park, Yokohama Temple and China Town bring the kid
inside me. Having to enjoy the nature, see the entire city, experience their
faith and strolled in the biggest China Town in the world is unexplainable.
Japanese are well-mannered and discipline, women are extremely shy but once you
know them you’ll realize how hospitable and friendly they are. One thing I
appreciate in Japan is how they’re ‘’obsessed” with cleanliness. The
transportation is very convenient and stress free. No heavy traffic. Shinkansen
is the superb experience that I wish my own country has it. There’s just one
thing I find it awkward, the “oporo” moment bathing together naked. I am not
used to being exposed in such environment.
How would
you feel meeting your father after 16 years? I could not fathom why a father
could abandon his child for so long. The unforgettable moment happened when I
had witnessed the reunion of JFC with their fathers. We travelled to Northern
part of Japan, 4 hours trip to Kumamoto from Osaka. The 2nd one
happened in Chiba. It was so touching and emotional encountered because it was
the first time for the JFC to meet her father. I can see on the child that the
longing was intense, and I could see in father eyes the unspoken love for the
child. It was 16 years of uncertainty for the child but now her life is
complete. The void and apprehension in the split of seconds evaporated. I had
also a chance of bonding with her and somehow asked how it was like growing up
with up without a father. She told me that her life had a missing piece which
she could not understand, there is a void in her heart that only a father could
fill. I cried in silence seeing them together, that finally the child dream is
now a reality. I realized how blessed I am, for I had experienced a complete
family. It was an eye opening for me, that life has full of burdens and
struggles but every hardship is a path way to a better life, to become a better
person and appreciate the Divine Wisdom. I must admit too, in my younger years
I envied my playmates who lived in luxury, and pampered by parents but now I
value them more than ever. I also become closer to the JFC and build friendship
with them.
Lastly, I considered my Japan trip as a blessing. I will be
forever grateful and thankful to DAWN especially to Ma’am Mel because it was a
life changing experience, it ignites my desire to serve and embrace the
volunteerism I am into. This is the life I chose now, so I promise to do it
with all my heart and offer everything to Him.
