辺りは静かで音もありません。

For 20 years at least, the Japanese words or sentence or phrase was in my head – etched in my brain for life by someone I don’t remember who, or in what circumstances.   I do recall my cousin who was living in Japan visiting our home when I was ten years old.   

I knew every syllable, though neither the spelling nor the Japanese characters.  

Say it out loud “ATARI WASHI SUKA DEOTOMO ARIMASEN”

But no Japanese I met through those decades recognized the words or sounds.  Until this January 15^th, 2016 my friend Yuki Watanabe (from Kazo, Saitama, Japan) took the time to unravel what I was uttering.  He said the phrase differently.  Yuki pointed out my intonation was misplaced, and I was pronouncing Su in Shisuka with an S when it should be a Z as in ShiZuka

He wrote in Japanese the characters

辺りは静かで音もありません。 (in Kanji and Hiragana to read)

あたりはしずかでおともありません。 (in Hiragana to pronounce)

Yuki said the phrase meant  “It is silent around here.”

Yuki said:

ATARI means “around here”  

WA is a pronoun like I or he or it

SHISUKA  means silent  or quiet

DE OTOMO  refers to sound

ARI  is the “be” verb

MASEN is  “not”

So my take on translation is “Around here it is very quiet , no sound at all.”

Now say it the right way:   

Atariwa Shee zu (long like zoo)  ka De Oto mo Ari masen

I repeated the phrase to Saki Hagato and guess what: she can’t understand what I was saying …

 

K-Café at Keremeos British Columbia Canada

A week earlier on my way to Penticton, I walked into the café realizing it holds more promise for breakfast than dinner.

So on my way back to Vancouver, I wasn’t sure it will be open that early, i.e. before 9 am because in most BC small towns, life takes a snooze on Sundays mornings.

But Keremeos is the Fruit Stand Capital of Canada.  People do drive along Highway 3 between Vancouver and the wineries of the Okanagan Valley on Sundays, and the fruit stands were ready just as flowers are to bees.  So was K-Café.  The K actually stands for somewhat of a K-shaped clearing on the mountain overlooking the town.  Look south for it.

After a tipsy week of sophistication (at least I want to think it was), that is wine tastings, cheese, pate, and petite baguettes in the Okanagan Valley, I was looking for comfort food in a no-snobbery cafe.   

My Breakfast Special order at K-Cafe was CAD$ 7.25 plus tax.  It arrived within 10 minutes in spite of four other tables waiting.  The key here is to order what you think is the most popular – the basics – because the kitchen will cook them en masse – hence you will get it quicker.

Janet with a smile served me the substantial plate of golden hash browns (potatoes), bacon, two eggs and buttered toasts.  It was good, diner-style filling breakfast – translation: all that tasty fat and grease in acceptable amounts.

Later I had a chat with the cook Violet who warmly showed me her frying tasks in the sizzling hot plate griddle.  

Everyone was friendly even John the cashier .  The place is open 7 days a week 8 am to 6:45 pm.  Closed on Christmas.  Located on the only main street, 7^th  Avenue (which is Highway 3) at Keremeos – you won’t miss it with a big K sign on its roof.  Tel. 250 486 1324

No need for reservations.

K- Café gets my vote as genuine Canadiana.

Across K- Café is a (the only) Thai Restaurant in town.  People in Osoyoos (also part of the Okanagan) were raving about Benja Thai.  I tried their Pad Thai sometime in the middle of my trip when I drove a circle route late afternoon – but the noodle dish was not outstanding.

The Genuine Panettone

My second Panettone was more expensive CAD$12.50 (at 50% sale) partly due to it coming in a nice round Christmas tin. It had also more fruit: candied orange, orange/citrus peels, and sultanas.  The brand name was Borsari – a Classico style – from Italy of course.

True Panettone – the ones made in Italy, particularly in the city of Milan must be made by law from butter and beer yeast.  But the rules do not apply for those shipped outside Italy, like the two I got were made from butter and natural yeast (wheat flour).

See Panettone makers want to keep Christmas cake Italian

Do not confuse Panettone (also spelled Panettoni) with another Italian Christmas sweet bread Pandoro (also spelled Pandori) – see Panettone or Pandoro: An Italian Christmas Dilemma

DEBUTANTE PARTY PROGRAM

This is a program I structured in consultation with the debutante, her older sister and occasionally an input from their mom Sue.  I was also the emcee.  Note: the part where there is a surprise wedding anniversary celebration of Mom and Dad - we had to give it a secret coding "to request Justin Bieber"

Debutante Joanne Turns 18 (with a surprise 25^th wedding anniversary for Mom Sue and Dad Ed)

Saturday January 9, 2016 from 5 pm to 1 am

Royal Palace Banquet Hall, 7845 Edmonds Street Burnaby BC Canada

Banquet Hall Manager/Owner Harun - Tel (604) 521-6969

Harun’s e-mail  royalpalace7845@gmail.com

RSVP 778 xxx xxxx Mom Sue or Sister Chelsea  778 yyy yyyy
 

Date/Time	Program	Announcements	Audio
Two weeks before	Research on history of debut, debutante, cotillion, why we blow birthday cake candles after making a wish – trivia that will help emcee during lulls in the program – break awkward pauses
Wednesday  January 6, 2016		Emcee get Haircut Emcee iron clothes and prep suit, accessories (belt, hanky, watch, ring, cuff links), shine leather shoes
Thursday January 7		Give copy of draft program to Debutante and sister for review and discuss Get address of Costco Richmond + Costco card + note – Louise is bakery contact ordered wedding anniversary cake Monday night Jan 4, 2016 to be picked up Saturday Jan 9, 2016
		Emcee practice names of people in program
Friday January 8	Get garbage bags or boxes for transporting stuff to and fro Print at least  5 copies of final program (two for emcee in case you lose one, one for DJ with music cues, one for photographer, one for banquet hall) Sparklers for wedding anniversary cake – Joanne will buy Things to bring: Guest Book, matches (for sparklers), Safety pins, Cloth Stain remover, First Aid Kit, Debutante lobby Banner, Table Numbers for draw on which table goes next to line up for dinner and vase or box – Emcee prepares Get Costco card and note from Chelsea (emcee is not Costco member but will pick up cake) Flower receipt from Winnie’s Florist Recharge Emcee cell phone Prepare Emcee’s wallet Water bottle for Emcee Emcee to bring suit, shirt, toothbrush, toothpaste, cologne, mouthwash Matches for assistants Saki and Yuki      Vase for 18 roses Bough and sashes for Cotillion De Honour guys and gals including guys of 18 Roses and gals of 18 candles Small easel for Signing Tree 25th wedding anniversary frame
		Emcee buy bananas (carbs) for breakfast on January 9th
		Emcee Treadmill for one hour – burn fat/calories
		Emcee Juice Diet, No Salt, No Sugar to Cut waistline
		Try clothes, prep accessories and toiletries
E-mail DJ Hi JayR  (DJ) I was thinking a song before the program starts would be a good signal to everyone that the program is starting as well as to warm up the audience.  I will cue you. A suggestion: “Party For Two” by Shania Twain with Mark McGrath Another good song appropriate for you as a DJ is “Can You Hear Me” by Enrique Iglesias. An upbeat Pilipino song is “Halika Na” by Maja Salvador featuring Abra Only if you have time to incorporate the above songs
Saturday January 9
8 am		Emcee eat heavy natural carb breakfast e.g. Bananas Juice Diet, No Salt, No Sugar to Cut waistline
9 am		Emcee get rental car
		Make program copies at Staples 110-2780 Sweden Way, Richmond, BC V6V 2X1 604-303-7850
12 Noon		Pick up cake at Costco 9151 Bridgeport Rd, Richmond, BC V6X 3L9
		As per Sue’s request pick up puto (rice cakes) at Amy’s:  140 East 61st Avenue (between Main and Ontario) 604 726 5643
1:00 pm		Pick up Flowers at Winnie’s 41st and Victoria Drive  - Hanson 1983 E 41st Ave, Vancouver, BC V5P 1L1 Phone:(604) 327-7566 Make sure thorns have been scraped from 18 Roses Bouquet – roses, lilies gerbera daisies, baby breath stargazer,
	Emcee to take in rental car: Sashes, boughs, souvenir mementos, table assignments, banners, 18 Roses, Bouquet, 18 candles, boutonniere, programs, puto, cake, liquor/beer, guest book, etc. etc.
		Emcee shower, dress up
1:45 pm		Emcee pick up assistants Saki and Yuki and drive to Royal Palace Banquet Hall
2:15 pm		Drive to Banquet Hall to be there by 3 pm
		At Banquet Hall, park car closest to the door – easier carrying stuff back and forth
		Remind Chelsea to constantly check on sister Joanne during party – see what Joanne needs
		Get key for Banquet Hall dressing room and train Saki/Yuki to watch dressing room door– inform Sue and cotillion - about security measures
		In Banquet Hall ask Floor Captain Adam to hide secret wedding anniversary cake  and set it up later on tray – bring out on appointed time
		Tell Yuki to get plate dinner for emcee
	Tell DJ, photographer Roland Benjamin, and Photo Booth staff when to get dinner and coordinate with emcee. Photo Booth is a vendor who sets up a photo corner where people can wear accessories (fedora/sunglasses provided), get their pictures taken and the free photos are printed right away as memorabilia
	Connect with DJ, discuss music, check microphones, troubleshoot, IMPT: get code for phones if music is coming from cell phones or androids
	Check slide show re debutante with Arun is the banquet hall techie guy.
		place Guest Book in table 1/position banner/place pens/ scotch tape/yellow markers in strategic
		Position Easel for signing tree frame (for secret wedding anniversary) in cake table
		Request Cake knife from Banquet Floor Captain Adam – position on debutante cake table
		Talk with Banquet kitchen about timing of dinner
		Check Seat of Honour or Grand Chair for debutante
		Check Debutante’s cake table (the debutante has a special 3-layer cake to be picked up by mom), special box for gift money envelopes
		Position vase with dinner table numbers near emcee
		Position Debutante’s Seat of Honour or called Grand Chair
	Liquor Bar – announce rules? – make sure the liquor license is available (BC law); BAR Service – 2 pieces of ID required; The legal drinking age in British Columbia is 19 years of age.
	Talk with four talents singers/dancers about their number; Check names of talent, practice names
	Request cotillion member Donna Castro to introduce emcee to everyone – other Cotillion members
		Distribute Bow Ties and sashes to guys and gals who are in dressing room
		Request Yuki to keep an eye on Gift Envelope boxes throughout party
		Get 8 x 2 table near power outlet for Photo Booth (for their accessories)
	Tell songstress Shella Beinito when only two tables are left to be called for dinner – she will be called to sing, then that is the cue for dancers Jean-Beau Bagunu and Olivia Luo to change to their dancing attire
		Put vase with draw numbers on table near emcee
	Reserve in one table seat emcee’s name.  Always have the emcee’s toast glass ready with water or wine
		Get keepsake (if you are talking about it), matches in emcee’s pocket
		Tell Saki and Yuki we will be checking for Lost and Found all over at the end of the
		Connect with photographer, DJ, Photo Booth person, Abel and Adam catering floor captains
		Emcee to change into stage attire
Throughout the program, always consult with debutante, her parents, her sister regarding changes in the program or unplanned announcements
4 pm	Re – rehearse entrance  of 18 Roses (guys), 18 candles (gals), and the Cotillion De Honour
5 pm	Opening Remarks	Guests arriving Photo Booth sets up Find out where public washrooms or restrooms or CR Are appetizers at all tables? Chelsea hand in dressing room key and guest book to Saki Make sure red roses and candles in dressing room Position Seat of Honour on dance floor/stage	Find out when Photo Booth opens, takes a break, and closes Guest Book –Saki Jake Emcee go to Photo Booth
5:50 pm		Chelsea hand in bouquet to mom Sue before intro procession
5:55 pm		DJ play warm up song	Suggested Song “Party For Two” by Shania Twain with Mark McGrath
		Emcee get wine toast glass ready – Move seat of honor center stage – Always have wine toast glass near emcee STAND Where all can see you as EMCEE Introduce Yourself
6 pm	Grand Entrance	Entrance of Cotillion de Honour : SISTER of DEBUTANTE Sister Ilocos escorted by Michael Kolasa ---------------- Taryn Howard escorted by Francis Sediego ------------------ Michelle Mendez escorted by Michael Montana -------------------------- Tiffany Epistola escorted by Kristofer Deguzman ------------------------------ Vanessa Estanislao escorted by Jr Villena --------------------- Danielle Bato escorted by Mario D'Rozario ----------------------- Rebecca Berenger escorted by Arthur Raymundo ---------------------------- Donna Castro escorted by Jean-Beau Bagunu BROTHER of DEBUTANTE  Brother Ilocos PARENTS OF DEBUTANTE Edwin and Susan Ilocos carrying bouquet Good Evening ladies and gentlemen: Ladies and Gentlemen, let us welcome our Debutante and Her escort.  Please rise and applaud Joanne Ilocos escorted by Mark Escort The debutante is often escorted to a seat of honor by members of the cotillion court to symbolize her entrance into breaking out into as a grown woman.	Music by DJ ? Where do they go? Seat of Honour moved center Nothing On You By Bruno Mars
	Bouquet	Hand in Bouquet  from Mom to Debutante - emcee to explain symbolism “Mom telling daughter she can take care of matters of life but Mom will always be there for advice”
	Toast For Debutante	Jake Emcee Families and Friends – may I request you to fill up your glasses .... Ladies and Gentle, may I request you to remain standing and raise your glasses (whether  wine or beverage or water) Joanne, May this 18th year and more years to come bring you the very best of happiness health and blessings! To our Debutante     Cheers	Joanne seated with Cotillion group How do the Cotillion members get their glasses for the Toast?
	Slide Show re Joanne	Please Be Seated 4 minutes	Joanne Seated in Seat of Honour
6:30 pm	Dinner Prayer	Our Father In Heaven We give thanks for the pleasure of gathering together for this occasion We give thanks for this food prepared by loving hands We give thanks for life, the freedom to enjoy it all and all other blessings As we partake of this food We pray for health and strength To carry on and try to live as you would have in us Bless our debutante Joanne Ilocos as we celebrate her 18th Birthday We ask all of this in the name of Christ, Our Heavenly Father  Amen Dinner Guidelines – so we will be fair We will call on parental table first – take a picture – then they can proceed to the dining spread Followed by the Cotillion – a picture – with the debutante and her escort – then they can walk over to our selection The food will be out there all night – so no worries I will ask Joanne to pick first number (like a draw) to indicate next table.  That table will have a picture with our celebrant but before lining up – choose one family member to have a souvenir – a gift from the Ilocos family – only one souvenir per family, and then pick the next table and then dinner Describe Memento or a Keepsake as a gesture of thanks for your attendance, a memento of the occasion The memento will now be in a table – no announcement – people will be told at the end of the evening’s program by word-of-mouth. Photo Booth	Photo Booth/ Guest Book -where? Joanne Seated in Seat of Honour with Mark Escort
		Joanne to hand over bouquet to Saki to store back in dressing room
	Dinner	Joanne and Mark to take pictures with everyone	Guest Book where? – Saki Sister and friend to get food for Joanne and Mark
		Parental Table
		Cotillion De Honour
		Draw tables # 2 -21
		Souvenirs – only one per family
		Picture Taking Proper With escort first With Family second With Cotillion third Table Chosen – Picture – Souvenir - Dinner	Roland: Joanne and Mark to take pictures per table, with family, with cotillion, with Emcee
6:30 pm	Song by Sheila Benito Bautista during dinner	When last 2 tables: advise Sheila Benito Bautista, Beau and Olivia to get ready Sheila Beinito Bautista sings ?	Photo Booth/ Guest Book
6: 40 pm	Dance by Jean-Beau Bagunu and Olivia Luo	Jean-Beau Bagunu and Olivia Luo dances to ?	Photo Booth Joanne  and Mark to move to table – grab something to eat
7 :20 pm	Cotillion de Honour Dance	One of the main events: a 2015 take on GRAND  Cotillion De Honour Dance (not waltz): Rebecca Berenger & Arthur Raymundo ------------- Vanessa Estanislao& Jr Villena ------------------ Sister Ilocos & Michael Kolasa ------------------------ MiSister Mendez & Michael Montana  ---------------------- Taryn Howard & Francis Sediego --------------------- Tiffany Epistola & Kristofer Deguzman ---------------------- Danielle Bato & Mario D'Rozario ----------------------------- Donna Castro & Jean-Beau Bagunu ------------------------ Joanne Ilocos & Mark Escort The debutante is often escorted to a seat of honor by members of the cotillion court to symbolize her entrance into breaking out into as a grown woman.	Photo Booth closes? After dance cotillion group return to their tables Pictures?
		Move chair for Joanne
7:30 pm	18 Treasures	We have now reached the stage where our debutante shall be given meaningful gifts by friends of the family who were 18 once and know the aspirations of a debutante, as starts to live as a young woman. Ladies and gentlemen, let us welcome former debutantes themselves our 18 Treasure Bearers: Mom Sue to provide names for last minute replacements. Magdalena Montana Erlinda Escort Lorraine Hicban Jane Tolentino Shirley Apostol Violeta Fernando Marie Barroga Nova Ocampo AvelinaDioces Rose Balmer Linda Oandasan Eva Dyrda Maribel Ganal Espie Nixon Edna Caliboso Rose Macuday Luz Delos Santos Nancy Retuta  Note: some ladies would like to go together	Music? Request all to go one side for group picture later Solo Pictures only Saki and Yuki to collect gifts and bring to dressing room – lock later Guest Book - Saki in charge to circulate
7:45 pm		18 Roses and 18 Candles go to the Lobby to prep
8 pm	Father and Daughter Dance	PICTURES	Song: Dance With My Father Time: 4:19
8:10	Father’s Speech	Saki get roses in dressing room and hand in to Sister to hand in to boys PICTURE of DAD with Joanne
8:20 pm	18 Roses	A Rose has many meanings but one of its meaning is a combination of Respect and Friendship Brother  Ilocos Gilbert Ortiz Christian Costales Dylan Viray Albert Camales Tomaso Loschiavo Jarod Turallo Matthew De Ocampo Jr Villena Francis Sediego Mario D Rozario Kristofer Deguzman Arthur Raymundo Michael Kolasa Jean-Beau Bagunu Philip Montana Michael Montana Mark Escort PICTURE with Roses	Music Group Picture Saki to get roses when too many and bring to dressing room
		Saki gets roses from Joanne and store in dressing room.  Lock dressing room please.
9:10 pm	18 Candles	Candle lits up darkness, gives direction in the journey of life, warmth, a symbol of worship to God If a candle is never lit, it never fulfills its purpose. Eighteen women who play a prominent role in the debutante's life take turns lighting candles that symbolize their commitment to guide and support the young woman through her life. Kathleen Ferrer Mariel Operana Romanne Hall Teresa Seo Trisha Lictawa Emma Bernabe Karissa Cheng Nicole Yuen MiSister Lam Lauren Gavilan Tiffany Epistola MiSister Mendez Taryn Howard Danielle Bato Vanessa Estanislao Rebecca Berenger Donna Castro Sister  Ilocos PICTURE WITH CANDLES	Music? Guest Book
9:30 pm	Mother’s Speech      Mrs. Susan Ilocos
9:35 pm		PICTURE WITH MOM
9:45 pm	Blowing and Cutting of Cake	The blowing out of the candles on the birthday cake originated from an early tradition that believed that the smoke from the candles would take one’s wish or petition up to God. Make a wish! HAPPY BIRTHDAY SONG! TOAST A WISH COME TRUE FOR JOANNE!
9:50 pm	Dance by	Dance by  Mikayla Malabuyoc and Jordan Linsangan dances to  ?	Move Joanne’s Seat of Honour
9:55 pm	Song by	Roland Eslava sings ?	Seat of Honour Back for Joanne
10:00 pm	Debutante’s Speech	Ms. Joanne Ilocos
10:05 pm	Invite Sister, debutante Joanne and Brother for surprise announcement of wedding anniversary	Surprise Wedding Anniversary Announcement of Mom Sue and Dad Ed Emcee talk with Abel and Adam re surprise wedding anniversary  cake when to bring out Sparklers Lit	Yuki to position cake
10:10 pm	Wedding celebrants Mom and Dad might dance	PICTURE OF Wedding Anniversary couple Mom Sue and Dad Ed Please rise up and raise your glasses again!
		Toast To Wedding Anniversary Celebrants TO The ______________  DATE .... SIGN FRAME, GUEST BOOK
	Closing Remarks by	EMCEE  - Are You Ready To Party?  (to the guests) repeat with more oomph - - Are You Ready To Party?
10:30 pm	Everybody Dance	Uptown Funk by Bruno Mars Last Call for Dinner. SIGN Wedding Anniversary Signing Tree Frame	MUSIC, MUSIC, MUSIC Guest Book
		Emcee EAT
		Request people again to SIGN FRAME and GUEST BOOK
01:00:00 AM		PICTURE TAKING? WRAP UP   (Party Over at 12 Midnight –earlier than planned)
	DJ’s name	Jay or JR 778 929 6734
	Catering Hall contacts	Manager Harun says to contact Hall Captains Abel and Adam  (604) 521-6969 Nilufar – Afghan lady prepping tables
	Washrooms	Where are they?
		Facebook announcement
		Twitter Hash Tags
	Pick up Remaining Food, cake, drinks/wine, souvenirs to car
	Pick up Gifts, Candles, Roses, vases, Money Envelopes, mementos to car
		Pick up remaining Liquor to car
	Check for Lost and Found all over – Saki and Yuki
		Get banner/guest books to car
		Get Sign Frame  and EASEL to car trunk
	Thank you in person  DJ, photographer Roland, Royal Palace Banquet Staff (Sid, Adam, Abel and kitchen crew, servers)
A few days after	E-mail Banquet Hall Owner and others to express gratitude