Our eastern foreign friends

About a decade ago, I can remember Japanese tourists swarming our humble province. They were prominent in the Mactan Island where world-class resorts were found. Slowly, these eastern foreigners were being replaced by the Koreans.

When the Japanese were still around most of the time, a lot of our fellow Filipinos flew to their country as entertainers; more often known as Japayukis. Again, this trend was replaced by the influx of medical staff that was needed in the west.

Admit it, the Japanese have a strong influence on us today especially with the emergence of pop culture. Their trademark anime has taken the young by storm. In an even higher level, some go for costume playing as in dressing up in an exact same manner as their favorite anime character.

Of course, their food has also penetrated our local culinary scene. Japanese restaurants keep sprouting up every now and then. Their yakiniku grill is sold to many because it's tasty food that you cook and eat all you can. Their takuyaki balls are a favorite among many because of its zesty flavor and cheap price most often found in food court stalls in our local malls.

There are also novelty Japanese stores which sell cheap quality goods. They are often flocked to by those who are on a budget but looking for durable objects. And who could forget to mention the infamous karaoke? This sing-along machine has already been part of every Filipino's home whether it's a family event or a simple day off, singing to the karaoke is always a must.

Last Saturday, I managed to visit a Japanese cultural exchange program where Japanese nationals organized a program for us Filipinos. They brought out their traditional costume and ornaments. On the spot, they made mocha - a traditional snack made out of sticky rice. Both Filipinos and Japanese took turns pounding the rice whilst exchanging laughs at the tedious chore.

Standing behind all the fun that the present was experiencing, I couldn't help but reflect on the many years the Japanese have colonized us. Although it was only for a short time, that short time has brought tremendous pain. They asked our forefathers to toil for them under the heat of the sun. Women were sent to their barracks for comfort and the economy was controlled by their power.

Those short years were a period of intense hardship. Most of our schools were closed and made into war quarters. Bombs were planted in almost every square kilometer. Every Filipino knew that to go against the ruling race was an act punishable by death.

Yet, time change. I once heard of a story where a Filipino exchange student in an international Chinese university who came into an acquaintance with a Japanese exchange student. As both of them were drawn into their conversation, the Japanese suddenly cried and apologized to our fellowman. She said sorry for what their people had done to the Philippines. It was a heart-breaking moment worth remembering. Even those who bore the fruit of the past know how to apologize for the mistakes of the forgotten.

Now here we are, presently having fun at the rich culture this eastern country brings.

Although we don't see them that much anymore, a number of Japanese nationals still opt to stay in Cebu. When asked why they stayed, they could only smile and say, "Buotan kaayo Cebu." In other words, they found us to be kind enough. I don't find anything wrong in that. In fact, having friends like them in our province makes us diverse and open to other cultural differences.

If there's one lesson worth sharing in seeing both the past and present, it's moving on and focusing on what lies ahead. The ties between the Japanese and the Filipinos will go a long way from here.

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