Japanese Valentine

I have seen this in some Dorama and Korean Drama, and it is so kawaii. Valentine's Day in Japan and Korea is quite different from the usual Heart's Day in the Philippine. The ladys are the one who give gifts, specifically chocolates, to the guy that they like. The chocolate gifts, maybe hand-made or bought. Nevertheless, the guy maybe there husband, boyfriend and/or just a guy they like. The guy may or may not accept such trinket of love and adoration, so girls be careful or get ready to be put down.

Hey ladys! It is not our lost to spend on this day for a special guy, cause if it work out between you two. In return, he will be oblige to give you a gift thrice the value of the Valentine's day gift you gave him. The precious gift must be offered on the WHITE Day, which is on the 14th of March. So, he got a month to get to know and get ready for that fabulous offering.

GALS and GIRLS and all the bibi, get ready to whip up you chocolate recipes for your guy. Or your cash to buy him some. Happy Valentine's Day!!!

ITADAKIMASU

You may have read this phrase in the previous post, but I would like to formally introduce in this post a wonderful Japanese custom. The Japanese expression ITADAKIMASU is the very first phrase I learn by heart. Time and again, I always clearly hear it in most dorama or Japanese drama, jmovies and anime. And it is such pleasure to hear it before they enjoy their meal. They say it with such gusto, making our monotonous-rhythmic-lengthy Catholic prayers sounding mediocre.

A Japanese meal begins with this dining custom of stating this expressive phrase, ITADAKIMASU with a namaste gesture. Some would simple translate it as “let’s eat,” but the closes translations are “I receive,” or “I will have it/take it.” To be sure, I look it up in my Japanese dictionary; it says “I will take your life.” This is in reflection that we ask for permission and give gratitude for the lives or/and spirits that had been taken for the preparation and presentation of the food. Considering that all living things have spirit, and as the spirit of the living organisms are extinguish and offered to us in the form of food. The gratitude is extended for those who prepared the food, together with the farmers who toil the earth, the fishermen who brave the unpredictable sea and weather, the chefs who strive to extract the flavor and beauty of each plate for our palate, and all those who put their endeavor to provide a healthy and delicious meal.

Thus, please on your next meal offer a prayer to all who provide their time and their lives to give you energy. Maybe, just saying a short expression of ITADAKIMASU may suffice.

Oh! Upon finishing a meal, another polite Japanese expression is uttered "GOCHISOUSAMA DESHITA," which will be the topic of my next post.