It's a Filipino Thing

By: Sachiko Sasaki

Being a Filipino is nothing like any other nationality especially when it comes to their beliefs and cultures. Filipinos are very superstitious with everything they see particularly with everything that is around them, which I find it very imaginative and creative. I have encountered some of these Filipino superstition beliefs from my relatives who lives in the province of Samar and Cebu. They tell me a lot of stories and information on why should and shouldn't do, because for some reasons, then me eventually would follow it since I also somehow believe in it.

Here are some of the superstitious Filipino beliefs and cultures that Filipino people think to be true:

1. "Sleeping with Wet Hair"

I like taking a bath every night then eventually, I would feel really sleepy after taking a shower. My relatives would tell me that it is bad to sleep while the hair is still wet because it could cause blindness.

Retrived from: http://www.healthyfoodhouse.com/you-will-never-sleep-with-wet-hair-again-after-you-read-this/

2. "Twin Bananas"
The Filipino elders say that if a pregnant woman ate some twin bananas, then there is a chance that the mother will have twins due to the eating of bananas that are stick together which actually looked like twins. Twin bananas are rare to produce and find that is why the person who eats it is fortunate.

Retrieved from: http://www.seriouseats.com/2010/01/have-you-ever-seen-a-double-banana.html

3. "Pagpag"
After going to the funeral, the elders would say and believe that one should go to different place first before going their respective home like mall because they believe that if someone didn't do this practice which is the "pagpag", the soul of the dead person whom they had just visited will follow and haunt them.

Retrieved from: http://www.lionheartv.net/2013/12/pagpag-siyam-na-buhay-cliche-pinoy-horror-movie/

4. "Usog"
Usog is a Filipino term when a child usually an infant or a toddler got sick or fever after a visitor or stranger greeted the child. The elders believes that the guardian of the child should say "puwera usog". After saying puwera usog by the guardian, the guardian would asked the visitor or stranger to placed their saliva on their finger then rub it on the child's forehead or abdomen to prevent the child from getting sick.

Retrieved from:  http://www.mommytopaz.com/2010/12/voodoo.html?m=1

5. "Garlic"
Garlic is one of the famous weapon for Filipinos especially in the provinces. It is used as their protection so that the evil creatures can't go near to them.

Retrived from: http://missosology.info/forum/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=75027&start=19170

6. "Langis"
I have never seen one of these but I have seen one in a Filipino horror film. Langis is a thing that helps a person to determine if there is an "aswang" or evil creature near them. The langis would create some bubble or it even looks like a water boiling inside the small bottle as a symbol of evil creature is coming near or beside the person who owns the langis.

Retrieved from: http://kapangyarihanglihim.blogspot.com/2014_05_01_archive.html

7. "Paglilihi"
Paglilihi is a Filipino term and belief that every pregnant woman always craves on a certain food. Adults says and believes that if the husband didn't get or buy the food that his wife is craving for, then the baby will die inside the mother's womb.

Retrieved from: http://mypregnancyafterloosingone.blogspot.com/?m=1

8. "Thread on the Forehead"
I have seen a lot of people especially Filipinos who puts a small strand of thread on the forehead of their child whenever the child has hiccups. The reason why they put a strand of thread and wet the thread with their saliva before putting on the child's forehead in order to lessen or luckily get rid of the hiccups.

Retrieved from: https://mikeagner.wordpress.com/

9. "Sukob"
This is one of the famous superstition in the Philippines. Sukob means that if two sisters or two brothers get married on the same year, the one will have a fortunate and successful life and considered as the "Lucky" one. While the other one will have a sorrowful and unsuccessful life or also known as the "Unlucky" one.

Retrieved from: http://multuhan-ph.blogspot.com/2012_03_01_archive.html?m=1

10. "Black Butterfly"
If a Black butterfly enters or all of a sudden appears inside your house, it means that either one of your loved ones who have passed away is visiting you or one of your family member will die. The black butterfly will also serve as a signal that someone is going to die and it is also similar to the mythological character which is the "Grim Reaper".

Retrieved from: http://texasbutterflyranch.com/category/moths-2

If you guys want to know more about the Philippines' superstitions, then watch these videos that was made and posted by Filipina in the US. Here are the links of the videos:

Outrageous Filipino Superstitious Beliefs Vol. 1

Go to this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dyslMBw2Wm0

Outrageous Filipino Superstitious Beliefs Vol. 2

Go to this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LqDivFhgoEw

Sources:
http://www.filipiknow.net/filipino-superstitions/website

5 Things That You Should Avoid Doing When Using Chopsticks in Japan

By: Sachiko Sasaki

After sharing an article about my top 5 most preferred Japanese food, I thought of sharing about the things or habits that you should not do when using chopsticks in either Japan or around Japanese people because for some reasons, it might be rude for them if you are doing it without any idea about it or why it is a bad manner. I also posted some GIF's that I made so that you guys would have a better visualization about the things that I listed in this article. This article is basically a Japanese manner etiquette guide and give you more idea on when you should and should not do such habits or activity with chopstick on certain situations.

Retrieved from: blog.joinsmsn.com/minddr

Chopsticks are one pair of thin stick that are used for picking or eating food. Chopsticks are popular in Asia particularly in Eastern Asia just like China, Japan and Korea. Chopsticks existed long time ago, China has been using chopsticks since 1200 BC and Chinese culture made its way to expand in Japan through Korea then had migrated and adopted to other Asian countries. Now, chopsticks are popular in Eastern Asian people as their eating utensils and now it is part of their daily routine as well. As for now, I am going to share you about the cultures and beliefs of Japan in using chopsticks, but I also believe that some of the Japanese beliefs are also part in other countries' beliefs as well because they share the same religion which is Buddhism. Here are the top 5 that you should avoid doing when you are using chopsticks in Japan:

1. Don't get the bowl or plate using chopsticks

Don't ever get the bowl or plate closer to you using chopsticks because it is considered as a inappropriate manner. Chopsticks are not invented to get a bowl or a plate, it is for eating and picking food purposes. Instead of using chopsticks to get your bowl or plate closer to you, just use both of your hands to get it and it will be easier and more formal to get your desired dish.

2. Don't pick or dig in the food

You should not be picking food because it is not a formal type of manner when you are eating with friends especially when you are in public. You should not browse for food or dig in the dish to look for something good but get what is on the top of the dish.

3. Don't stick the food using chopsticks

On the picture that is shown, you should never stick or skew your food on chopsticks just like that. Although, I know that it is hard to pick food using chopsticks especially when you are getting for a small portion or a small piece of food like peas and beans. However, it is also important to have right manners and be polite by doing what is acceptable to the eyes to whom who are around you.

4. Don't pass food from chopsticks to chopsticks

Passing food from chopsticks to chopsticks is considered as a bad habit and manner because this is significantly done for a reason. This is forbidden because you can only do this when a person died and being cremated, the funeral attendees will pass the dead persons bone from a pair of chopsticks to another pair of chopsticks as a part of Buddhist funeral ritual and ceremony.

5. Don't stick your chopsticks in the middle of the rice

In Japan, you can just usually do this when you mourn your loved ones who is dead. Putting or sticking chopsticks upright in the middle of the bowl of rice is a way of offering food to the spirit of loved ones. That is the reason why this is a big no when people do this for no reason at all.

Source: http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chopstick
http://www.tofugu.com/2013/09/02/unearthing-the-mysteries-of-japanese-chopsticks/ http://www.japan-talk.com/jt/new/10-golden-rules-for-japanese-chopstick-manners http://justhungry.com/your-guide-better-chopstick-etiquette-mostly-japanese

Top 5 Authentic Japanese Foods

By Sachiko Sasaki

Konnichiwa minna or hello to everyone. After the Christmas break, my Mom told me that we are going to Japan for our summer vacation then I thought of posting some interesting information regarding to Japan's mouthwatering dishes which is uncommon to other countries dishes in the world. I really want something to share to you about Japan, specifically Japanese foods. Basically I will be talking about my top 5 most favorite foods in Japan that I want you guys to try. I posted the links of the dishes that shows the simple ingredients and teaches the procedures as well so that you guys could give yourself a try then let me know about your opinion and thoughts concerning the listed foods that I will be sharing with you guys in the comments below.

First things first, Before we get started I want you guys to know that Japan has one of the most famous cuisines in the world. The way they prepare their specialties food are different from a regular cooking. There are no doubts that they are really fantastic and creative in making their own dishes. If you go in a Japanese street food or a Japanese restaurant, you will be amazed on how they cook and serve their specialties not only because of how their dishes tastes and looks like but it is also because that these Japanese people are devoted with their wonderful and humble culture. They apply the beauty of their culture in their way of cooking and designing their dishes that is why the dishes there in Japan are surprisingly unique.

Retrieved from: http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/food-and-drink/japanese-restaurant-bans-couples-on-christmas-eve-to-stop-single-customers-feeling-lonely-9921081.html

OKAY. LETS START!

1. Sukiyaki (すきやき)

Retrieved from: http://articles.latimes.com/2010/jan/27/food/la-fo-hotpotsrec27c-2010jan27

- Sukiyaki is a popular Japanese hot pot dish which is often cooked and served at the table. Sukiyaki certainly reminds me of Shabu Shabu (しゃぶしゃぶ) as well because they almost look alike but it also has difference, Sukiyaki is richer and sweeter when it comes to flavor while the Shabu shabu is more on savory than sweet compare to Sukiyaki. The reason why I love this dish because of my Dad's way of cooking and preparing it, he visits here in the Philippines once a year and usually on the month of May. He goes here so that he could celebrate my birthday with my Mom and I. I started loving this dish when my Dad served this on us for the first time. I could say that was actually my love at first taste. My dad is a great businessman and I am really impressed to him because knowing the fact that he is a fantastic cook as well.

GO TO THIS WEBSITE: http://articles.latimes.com/2010/jan/27/food/la-fo-hotpotsrec27c-2010jan27

2. Yakisoba (やきそば)

Retrieved from: http://www.timetravelturtle.com/2013/04/yakisoba-japanese-food/

- Yakisoba is well known as one of their street foods in Japan. Yakisoba is a Japanese dish of fried noodles, vegetables, meat and served with some sweet sauce. Yaki means "cooked, grilled or fried" while soba is a thin type of noodle, therefore it is also called Japanese fried noodles in English. Yakisoba is a great quick and light meal that you guys should eat if you don't want to eat heavy dishes..

GO TO THIS WEBSITE: http://norecipes.com/recipe/yakisoba-recipe

3. Katsudon (かつどん)

Retrieved from: https://pinkpensandhighheels.wordpress.com/tag/katsudon/

- Katsudon is also one of my favorite Japanese food because it has egg and vegetables on it. I'm a type of girl that really loves to eat any type of vegetables because of my dad who also really loves to eat vegetables. Our breakfast, lunch and dinner would not be the same without any vegetable dish on our table, like literally. Tonkatsu and Katsudon are somewhat similar because of the breaded fried pork cutlet. However, the Tonkatsu is served with sweet sauce while the Katsudon is served with vegetable stir-fry and a small amount of omelette on top of the Katsudon. A brief definition of this in English is Pork in a bowl because Katsu means pork while Don is a short word for Donburi which means "bowl".

GO TO THIS WEBSITE: http://norecipes.com/recipe/katsudon-pork-cutlet-rice-bowl

4. Onigiri (おにぎり)

Retrieved from: http://jpninfo.com/27798

- I am sure you guys are familiar with Sushi. In my opinion, my fourth favorite Japanese food is more likely similar to Sushi but I am not that fan of eating Sushi. Like sushi, the Onigiri is a rice that can be shaped like a triangle or circle and it is stuffed with some freshly cooked tuna inside the rice then it is wrapped with seaweed as well. However, the Onigiri is a lot more bigger compare to a piece of sushi. I would want to thank the person who invented Onigiri because it is very creative and very handy that you can just eat it without using any utensils. Onigiri is a good way to bring and eat when you guys are in a hurry.

GO TO THIS WEBSITE: http://www.japanesecooking101.com/rice-ball-onigiri-recipe/

5. Miso Soup (みそしる)

Retrieved from: http://afcsoyfoods.com/recipe/miso-soup/

- Miso soup or Misoshiru is a traditional Japanese soup consisting of dashi and miso paste. From what I have observed, when we ate in one of the Japanese restaurant, the miso soup in a bowl is always served with some steamed rice. It is actually basic to make miso soup because all in all the ingredients are easy to find while the preparing time is 5 mins and the cooking is time is just 5 mins as well, so all in all it is just 10 mins in order for you to have it. Time saver isn't?

GO TO THIS WEBSITE: http://afcsoyfoods.com/recipe/miso-soup/

THAT IS ALL FOR NOW GUYS. HOPE YOU GUYS LIKED IT AND I ALSO HOPE THAT YOU GUYS WOULD TRY IT AS WELL. I SUGGEST ALL OF YOU TO TRY IT AND YOU WILL ALSO LOVE IT, I SWEAR. DOMO ARIGATO GOZAIMASU!

Sources:
http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/us/definition/american_english/yakisoba

http://norecipes.com/recipe/katsudon-pork-cutlet-rice-bowl

Pinoy's Uniqueness

By: Sachiko Sasaki

Culture is way of living. It is also a path of believing that something or someone exist. You will know that it is a culture as long as a group of people agree with the idea of it and apply it with their daily basis. Culture is very significant, because I believe that culture represents what type of nationality and people we are by observing its knowledge, habit, manners, values, beliefs, law, etc. People could be aware what nationality we are and what country we were born and raised to. One of the examples of this is being a Filipino. There are a lot of amazing yet weird different types of cultures and practices that makes Filipinos totally unique.

Photo Credit: cherrymangos.blogspot.com

Filipinos appreciates and gives importance to their practices and traditions despite the fact that some of their practices these days are just inherited from the colonizers of the Philippines before, these are the Spanish, American and Japanese people. There are also some practices that came from the ideas of the Filipino ancestors. There are two magnificent examples that I will tell and show you about Filipino cultures that Filipino people still applies it right now. These are the 'Pagmamano' and 'Po and Opo'. Pagmamano is simply a gesture while Po and Opo are the noun words. Pagmamano is a practice of Filipino people to show respect to the elderly, same goes to saying Po and Opo to the elderly. Po is a polite word often used together with the sentence or statement whenever you are talking to someone that is older than you, while Opo is a nice and polite way to say 'yes' in terms of Filipino language. Filipinos are known as being hospitality and respectful type of people because of their delightful characteristics. Such as being kind, friendly and generous to their families, friends and to the people that they do not know as well.

Retrieved from: http://www.mommypracticality.com/2013/08/teaching-good-manners-and-values-to-children.html

PO AND OPO

I am a half Filipino and half Japanese 16 year old girl that is more fluent of being a Filipino rather than being a Japanese. I was born and raised in the Philippines, that is why I have adopted the Filipino type of attitude from what I have seen, heard and experienced from the people that was around me. Since I am living with my Mom here in the Philippines, I am with my Mom's family side as well and we have a provincial type of family. My family respect each other by treating and caing each other right. Especially doing pagmamano and saying po and opo to each and everyone to our family members. That is why I learned to apply these practices in my daily life with my family and friends that are always around me. Whenever I talk to someone older than me and especially to strangers, I talk to them with respect by adding Po and Opo on my statements, and of course the tone of how I speak should sound nice and sweet so that they would not misunderstood the feelings that I am trying to express and wont offend them.

Retrieved from: http://definitelyfilipino.com/blog/2013/05/wag-nang-mag-opo-part-ii/

PAGMAMANO

In Pagmamano, I usually do this every time I arrive from school to my house or from church to home and every time I visit my Lola's (Grandmother's) house as well. As soon as I get in to the house, I do this pagmamano to them by gently striking my Mom and my Lols's right hand onto my forehead as a sign for respect then they would eventually say "Kaawaan ka ng Diyos" which means "May God have mercy on you" in English. For me, this tradition is beautiful and very appropriate for the youth because it is basically asking for God's blessing and guidance. 

Retrieved from: http://tekapnoy.blogspot.com/2008/01/respecting-elders.html?m=1

Filipino people is rich in customs and traditions because modern Filipinos still apply it on their daily lives and make the most out of it and in my opinion that shows the real spirit of being a Filipino. How about you? Do you also do pagmamano and say po and opo to the elders? What do you think of the Filipino's cultures and practices?

Retrieved from: http://cherryblossoms24.deviantart.com/art/APH-The-Many-Philippines-256657245

Sources:

http://www.livinginthephilippines.com/culture-and-people/philippine-culture/culture-and-traditions/415-filipino-culture-customs-and-traditions

http://tekapnoy.blogspot.com/2008/01/respecting-elders.html?m=1