Cha's Life in Japan

14/06/2026

June 14, 2018 🇯🇵

Eight years ago today, I boarded a plane to Japan as part of the 10th batch of EPA candidates.

Looking at this photo brings back so many memories—our days as trainees, the excitement, fears, uncertainty, and hopes we carried as we prepared for a new chapter far away from home.

Wala gyud ko kabantay nga 8 years na diay ang nilabay. It hasn’t always been easy. There were challenges, sacrifices, homesickness, and moments of doubt. But there was also growth, resilience, friendships, and achievements that shaped who I am today.

To my fellow batchmates, thank you for being part of this journey. And to my younger self who took that leap of faith back in 2018—thank you for not giving up.

8 years in Japan. Still learning, still growing, and forever grateful.

🇵🇭➡️🇯🇵✨


📸 Photo source: Preparatory Japanese Language Training Program for Filipino Nurse and Care Worker Candidates under JPEPA (10th Batch), June 2018.
Embassy of Japan 🇯🇵 in the Philippines 🇵🇭

11/06/2026

The other day at work, my colleagues kindly asked about my family after the earthquake. I could say that they were safe, but I struggled to explain the full situation—the landslides, blocked roads, communication problems, and the difficulties people back home are facing.

I felt frustrated with myself. There was a time when I studied Japanese every day—grammar, vocabulary, and kanji. But after passing the caregiving licensure exam and JLPT N2, I gradually stopped studying.

This experience reminded me that passing an exam doesn’t mean the learning journey is over. I want to be able to express myself better, especially when talking about important things that matter to me. It’s time to open my books again and start studying Japanese with renewed determination. 📚🇯🇵

I hope I can continue this journey and not let it become just another one-time burst of motivation. I want to make studying Japanese a consistent habit again, little by little, so that I can express myself better when it truly matters.
#介護 #日本語勉強中 #日本語学習 #継続は力なり

10/06/2026

We have a new care worker from China—24 years old, adorable, and amazingly fluent in Japanese. We somehow ended up talking about everyone’s ages at work.

Then she asked me:

“Chares-san, 28歳ですか？” (28 years old ba daw ako)

Me: “そう見えるの？嬉しい！” 😂 (I look that age? That makes me happy)

Even our 副部長 (fukubuchō) laughed.

Ewan ko sa inyo, pero ang saya pa rin mapagkamalan na nasa 20s pa. Hayaan niyo na akong kiligin sa simpleng compliment na ’to. 🤣✨

Course meal again today. The best part? Company-paid. 😌✨

Libre na, busog pa. Can’t complain. 😂🍽️

08/06/2026

Today was supposed to be a day of new beginnings and excitement for the first day of school. Instead, Mindanao was shaken by a strong earthquake.

Praying for the safety of everyone affected. 🙏🇵🇭

14/05/2026

Ilang beses na akong nabiktima talaga ng tungkod ng lolo namin dito 😭

21/03/2026

Thank you kaayu Lord 🙏

Wala ko katulog cgeg hunahuna asa na akong passport

昨日、部屋を掃除して整理していたときに、パスポートがないことに気づいて、本当に失くしたと思ってしまいました…😭

いろいろ考えすぎてしまいましたが、最後にコピーした記憶があるコンビニ（2月ごろ）に行ってみたら…なんとそこにありました！

受け取った瞬間の安心感は言葉にできません🥹

ずっと大切に保管してくださっていたスタッフの方に心から感謝です。
今回のことで、焦らずにもう一度よく確認することの大切さを学びました。

本当にありがとうございました🙏

Yesterday while I was cleaning and organizing my room, I suddenly realized my passport was missing… and I honestly thought I lost it for good 😭

After so much overthinking, I went back to the convenience store where I last remembered photocopying it (which was way back in February)… and IT WAS THERE.

I can’t explain the relief I felt the moment the handed it back to me. 🥹

So grateful to the kind staff who kept it safe all this time. Lesson learned: don’t panic too much, and always double check your things!

Thank you so much—this meant more than you know. 🙏

21/03/2026

昨日、部屋を掃除して整理していたときに、パスポートがないことに気づいて、本当に失くしたと思ってしまいました…😭

いろいろ考えすぎてしまいましたが、最後にコピーした記憶があるコンビニ（2月ごろ）に行ってみたら…なんとそこにありました！

受け取った瞬間の安心感は言葉にできません🥹

ずっと大切に保管してくださっていたスタッフの方に心から感謝です。
今回のことで、焦らずにもう一度よく確認することの大切さを学びました。

本当にありがとうございました🙏

Yesterday while I was cleaning and organizing my room, I suddenly realized my passport was missing… and I honestly thought I lost it for good 😭

After so much overthinking, I went back to the convenience store where I last remembered photocopying it (which was way back in February)… and IT WAS THERE.

I can’t explain the relief I felt the moment the handed it back to me. 🥹

So grateful to the kind staff who kept it safe all this time. Lesson learned: don’t panic too much, and always double check your things!

Thank you so much—this meant more than you know. 🙏

01/03/2026

A day trip to the Otsuka Museum of Art with my colleagues.
I wished I could linger a little longer before every masterpiece,but even in limited time, I saw the famous ones.
Lunch course at Resort Hotel Moana Coast to end the day beautifully.
Art, good company, and a fleeting kind of happiness.
All expenses paid by the company ✌🏼😊
2026.03.01(日)
#社員旅行

17/02/2026

Got an email from
Sakura 2026 is out! Grab yours now! char!
😂😂😂😂

Post ko nalang, walang budget eh 😂😂😂
#販売開始　 #スターバックス　 #桜2026