TICKER TAPES.

The throwing of colorful ticker tapes when leaving a Port of Call is definitely in every PY’s list of

the most memorable experiences in SSEAYP. No doubt, all PYs have shed a tear in at least one port of call, if not in all.

Ticker tapes to others are nothing but continuous paper ribbons, but to a PY, it is sentimentally different.

This has been instrumental in our bidding of goodbye to the once strangers,who eventually became our families.

As we throw the ribbons, we carry in our hearts the hope that one day our paths will cross again.

As we shed tears while throwing those ribbons, we remember sweet and wonderful memories we shared in the span of two days

that made us closer to everyone we encountered.

As we look at the other end of the ribbon, we are assured that there will always be a family who will welcome us should we visit the place again.

The colorful ribbons will always remind us of the wonderful memories and the special “BOND”

that we consciously allow to linger for a lifetime.

PYs will never see a ticker tape the same way again, never.

Our present is greatly influenced by the great visionaries of the past,people who create worthwhile encounters that can last a lifetime.

SSEAYP has once just been a big dream, but is now a defining reality to countless people.

We dedicate this book to all the BIG Dreamers in the world who unceasingly find means to realize the desires of their hearts.

This is also for the generous people who, without hesitations, go out their way to help every dreamer carry out his dreams.

We especially dedicate this book to the men and women of International Youth ExchangeOrganization of Japan and the Japan Government,

who tirelessly find means to make each year’s SSEAYP a tremendous coming together of the youth in Japan and ASEAN.

Thank you! Salamat! Arigato! Khob kun ka! Xie xie! Terima kasih!Orkun! Khob chai! Cam on! Chezu tinbade!

My warmest and sincere appreciation to everyone who made this Book Project possible especially to the following:

To my dear SSEAYP Batchmates who are contributors to this book, for going out of your way to write your SSEAYP stories and share your photo essays. Your generosity of time and effort mean a lot. May you never cease to inspire and bless the world with who you are and

with what you do.

To SNL Desmond (Boey Tien Cheong) and PNL Jing (Jocelyn Patrice Deco), for the encouragements to pursue this project. May you touch more lives, especially that of the

youth that you cross paths with.

To Facilitator Tong-Tong (Ari Yuda Laksamana), for your very significant contribution to this book. May you tirelessly support projects of the succeeding batches and

may you be an INL soon.

To fellow PPY Basil Sali, for your generosity in providing funds for the printing of the initial copies of this book. May your cup overflow for a lifetime!

To SPY Jed (Jed Senthil Jivaraju), for giving our batch the venue to virtually convene through the FB group you made. This project was conceived and materialized through our

exchanges there . May your foresight bring more wonders.

To my friend, Jackner John Borja, for your kindness in sharing your skills and ideas to concretely realize this book.

To the National Youth Commission (NYC) and SSEAYP InternationalPhilippines (SIP), for your ardent love for the youth as shown by your unwavering

commitment to youth programs especially to SSEAYP.

To my family, especially to Mama Charit and Papa Bert, for allowing me to nurture my dreams and for being there with and for me when I make them happen.

To God who works wonders, glory to you forever!

Office of the President of the PhilippinesNATIONAL YOUTH COMMISSION

The Malacanang Palace

Mabuhay!

The National Youth Commission extends its congratulations to the writers and editors of this book led by the highly energeticMalou Eudela. It is a great compilation of the countless narrativesthat make the SSEAYP a truly life-changing experience. Now on its 38th year, it is but timely and fitting to document theamazing stories that the Participating Youth have to share. Storiesof adventure, friendships, families, and leadership challengessurface along with the sense of fulfillment in having to represent the country as a young ambassador.

SSEAYP has produced a number of leaders in different areas in our country today and most of them, if not all, are career officials serving the government while others are corporatemanagers. But without a doubt, all of them continue to serve their country in their own fields of influence. Having been part of SSEAYP is both a privilege and a responsibility. It is a privilege offered to a limited few. And since only a few gets to partake in this journey of partnership and teamwork, it carries with it the responsibility of not only representing the country onboard the ship, but to continue to take on the reins of service and leadership even after one has reached the final port of call.

The Fuji Maru and Nippon Maru have both become the icons of friendship in the Pacificregion. The ship forever reminds us that the journey is far more important than the destination. SSEAYP brings more than an album fraught with wonderful memories. SSEAYP brings with it a lasting legacy of friendship, respect, and camaraderie.

The National Youth Commission remains the voice and advocate of the youth!

Mabuhay ang SSEAYP! Mabuhay ang Kabataang Filipino! Long Live the youth of Japan andASEAN!

Yours truly,

LEON G. FLORES III, CSEEUndersecretaryChairman and Chief Executive Officer

SSEAYP INTERNATIONAL PHILIPPINES, INC.Alumni Association of the Ship for Southeast Asian Youth Program Philippines

Aristotle tells us that we are the sum of our actions andmotivation. In all the 38 years of my SSEAYP experience, his words resonate deeply in my heart.

In our trainings at SSEAYP, I have learned to appreciate thepremise that an individual’s cumulative actions leads to surprisingresults… and you have taken this even further, when youauthored this book and I can only pay tribute to the outcome. Through this undertaking, you have indeed grasped with both hands the clear-cut opportunities made available to you and SSEAYP batch 2010. You have all worked hard and have been exemplary ambassadors ofgoodwill and most importantly proved to yourselves that the experience was worth all the anxieties, sacrifices and joys that brings about encounters to be relived over and over again.

I totally believe in your sincerity and commitment towards social responsibilities where the Ship for SOUTHEAST ASIAN PROGRAM is concerned, therefore, I am totally committed to put value to each and every stakeholder’s inputs and motivation in the specific needs of the program and in a broader sense, towards the progressive development of the SSEAYPcommunity.

Congratulations, may your tribe increase.

The SSEAYP Jargons:

SSEAYP - Ship for Southeast Asian Youth ProgramPY - Participating YouthNL - National LeaderAdmin - Administrator/Administrative StaffFaci - FacilitatorCOC - Cruise Operating CommitteeOBSC - On Board Ship ConferenceROB - Reunion on BoardPOC - Port of CallSG - Solidarity GroupDG - Discussion GroupCA - Club ActivityBPY - Brunei Participating YouthCPY - Cambodia Participating YouthIPY - Indonesia Participating YouthJPY - Japan Participating YouthLPY - Lao Participating YouthMaPY - Malaysia Participating YouthMyPY - Myanmar Participating YouthPPY - Philippines Participating YouthSPY - Singapore Participating YouthTPY - Thailand Participating YouthVPY - Vietnam Participating YouthASEAN - Association of Southeast Asian NationsJASEAN- Japan and ASEANEx-PY/XPY - Former Participating Youth

FOREwORD

If there is one topic I cannot run out of things to say, it would be SSEAYP! I have countless experiences which a lifetime cannot accommodate for story-telling. Some are left unsaid. Some are better kept in the heart and memory.

This may sound unbelievable and quite ironic for we have this book already, but one of my fears is to write a story about SSEAYP. Curious? It is because I am fully aware that no amount of words put together can ever encompass the beauty of everything we have felt and encountered throughout the program. I am afraid not to give justice in conveying the bliss, love, laughter, realizations, awe, kindness, sacrifices, and many others, which we came across with in every family we stayed with, in every activity we shared together andpractically in everything we experienced in SSEAYP.

I reckoned however that fears should never hinder us from sharing something wonderful andsignificant to us. Thus, my batch, the 37th Ship for Southeast Asian Youth Program, has bravely attempted to give everyone a picture of our youthful cruise towards a closer Japan and ASEAN.

This book is a compilation of stories and photo essays contributed by PYs from allparticipating countries, National Leaders (NLs) and Facilitators. These are real accounts

from the people who experienced it firsthand. Some are funny yet some are serious, some may sound crazy but most of which can cause a teardrop, not really because the stories are sad, but they allow readers who have been part of any SSEAYP journey, to flashback andsavor the bliss brought by the program to their own lives.

This is a celebration of our significant encounters and experiences in the program. This is ourconcrete keepsake, our way of thanking everyone who made it all possible for us. We hope to relive the SSEAYP memories of the batches ahead of us. We also hope to inspire the youth that are aspiring to be PYs in the coming years.

We wish to convey our heartfelt gratitude to Japan for generously funding this nobleprogram. We also thank all the countries in ASEAN – Brunei Darussalam, The Kingdom of

Cambodia, The Kingdom of Thailand, The Republic of the Philippines, The Socialist Republicof Vietnam, The Republic of Singapore, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, The Republic of the Union ofMyanmar, Malaysia, The Republic of Indonesia, for without your support, we surely have notexperienced SSEAYP.

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WELCOME ABOArd! Ari Yuda Laksmana

Congratulations for now you are part of my family! Please allow me to introduce myself, my name is SSEAYP. well that is the most familiar way people call me. But if you see my birthcertificate, you will notice my full name is “The Ship forSoutheast Asian Youth Program” (and I am sure you are curiousto know which is my surname). I was born in January 1974 based on the respective Joint Statements between Japan and the Republic of Indonesia, Malaysia, the Republic of thePhilippines, the republic of Singapore, and the Kingdom of Thailand. When I was 11 years old, in 1985, Brunei darussalam joined the family. And when I became 22, I have a new moreparent, the Socialist republic of Vietnam that joined in 1996. Two years after, in 1998, Lao People’s democratic republic and the Union of Myanmar also joined as well. Furthermore in 2000,

the Kingdom of Cambodia became the youngest parent that joined the family. I have been taken care by the Government of Japan (i.e. through the director General for Policies on Cohesive Society of the Cabinet Office) and raised with the active participation and cooperation of my parents, the ten Southeast Asian coun-tries.

I was born with a purpose topromote friendship and mutualunderstanding among the youths of Southeast Asian countries and Japan. I could also broaden their perspective of the world, as well as to strengthentheir motivation and abilities ininternational cooperation byparticipating various activities both on-board and in the countries to be visited.

I grew up from one country toanother within Southeast Asia and Japan. I travel in a big ship which I call home - the M/SNippon Maru. Although there are three different ships bearing the same name that are serving for me, still they made the same good feeling of friendship and mutual understanding among young people in the family. After they served me for more than 30 years, now (since 2009) I have a new home, she is M/S Fuji Maru. She was the first of two near identical sister ships built for the Japanese Tokyo based Mitsui OSK line. The 21,903-ton Nippon Maru entered service in 1990. These two ships were built at the Mitsubishi shipyard with the same hull design. The only difference between them is that Fuji Maru was completed with eight decks compared toNippon Maru’s seven. My new home has 1 pool, gymnasium, casino, movie theatre, a two-deck high multi-purpose room that can be used as a sports hall or hold 600 seats for corporateconferences and entertainment shows, 164 cabins all with sea views, can carry over 320passengers and a crew of 190. But for me, whatever the ship is, still the spirit of young people inside are always the same, sharing friendship and mutual understanding.

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For more than 3 decades I

have grown and witnessed manyextraordinary young people whocreated an ideal world as if there is no real world apart of the family. Some were falling in love to each other (and in the real world they got married), and believe it or not, I know many of those young people now became Great Persons as they have always been great since joining the family. But do you know that when I was 2 years old, earlier in my childhood, I witnesed an unforgettable event that continues to

inspire me and all the batches after that. It is the creation of a Nation called “PYAESS”, and since then, the life of the nation began. Let me share this story as what Mr. Hideaki Terashita delivered during his keynote lecture to open the discussion program back in November 14, 2005, the year of the first discussion program held with the presence of Discussion Group’s Facilitators. He was the Discussion Program Advisor at that time.

He came onboard as the NL on the 2nd Program in 1975. And in that year, the NLs from six countries created the COC, or Cruise Operating Committee. Together with the Administrator and the Ship Captain, they had a thorough discussion for one week from Japan to the port of assembly in the Philippines. The theme was a philosophical one - what is the Ship for Southeast Asian Youth Program. They finally concluded with a name of the country.

Once, there was a British novelist by the name of Samuel Butler, who was born in 1835. He lamented over the state of society and wrote a utopian novel, “Erehwon.” This name for his utopian country is the reverse spelling of “nowhere.” From his example, they took the acronym for the Ship for Southeast Asian Youth Program, SSEAYP, and read it bakwards and created a new country name,PYAESS. It is pronounced just like the Latin word for sacred, “pious.” They likened the ship to one community or one country. The youths who cometogether for this program are allcitizens of the country, PYAESS, and have the responsibility to realize a Southeast Asia where co-existence and co-prospertity are realized and build a sacred “utopia.”

The realm of this country PYAESS is the ship, “Nippon Maru,” and the accomodation deck is divided into eight radiating territories with the bow of the ship as north. None of the PYs share cabins with someone from the same country of origin, living together regardless ofdifferences in religion or personal background. The 30 of them created 6 groups composed of

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representatives from 6 countries. The group names were taken from the 6 virtues of the PYAESS nation, Amiable, Brotherly, Courteous, Disciplined, Exemplary, and Friendly.Representatives from each group formed the Lower House, the COC was the Upper House, the COC Chairman (the NL of Indonesia) was the Prime Minister, and the Administrator too on the role of the President. As the voyage progressed, they agreed upon a Constitution, a Flag, A National Anthem, and Major National Ceremonies. The “Nippon Maru” Song, which has been passed on from year-to-year, was a folk song of PYAESS written and composed by Mr. Kitt Mier from the Philippines. Of course, during the long voyage, all these decisions caused divisions and friction, with each PY having different interpretations, opinions and thoughts. There were heated discussions. But the wealth of sensitivity towards each other, positive efforts, and the openness of hearts eventually created a “new community” onboard in the form of the PYAESS nation. They called it the Reneaissance Days of the PYAESS nation. To this day, He Hideaki-san said that “I look back upon them like a dream.”

I agree with Hideaki san that the idealsand the grand aspirations of the early days of my life, exemplified by the PYAESSnation and the song, “Nippon Maru,” are tremendous cultural assets that should be passed on from batch to batch. He shared these events with you, PYs who will be new members of the family, in the hope that you could feel the “passion” that the previous participants hold for thisprogram. And as he mentioned in his speech that the SSEAYP alumni spread

throughout Asia, still share this “passion” as they kindly watch over this ideal ship for your new era, the Ship for Southeast Asian Youth Program.

Now on my 38th year, your journey with me will begin, and it’s your time to vitalize thenation again, spread the passion after, and make your dreams real. Again, I welcome you to my big family because You are now the citizens of friendship and mutual understanding. Enjoy and I see you in Fuji Maru.

Bon Voyage...

References: - The 32nd Ship for Southeast Asian Youth Program, International Youth Exchange 2005 -Report-,Cabinet Office, Government of Japan. - www.asseay.org

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Angelica Demillo, PPY

This was the announcement from the administrator: “Be careful in using the stairs. Nopushing and running. when you hear the sound of the gong, that’s the time you throw the other end of your ticker tapes down”. The scene that followed was a complete opposite.

Participating Youths, or in SSEAYP jargon “PYs”, rushed into the stairs running. Once on the deck, PYs threw the ticker tapes down even before the gong sounded. with each PY holding different colored tapes, a beautiful display of varied and bright hues of ribbons floated in the air. It was a lovely sight to behold; something that was worth capturing through a camera lens. Yet these tapes were not made for such aesthetic purpose. These ribbons served as a tie; a tangible thing that connected the gap between the PYs on the ship and their foster families down the port. And the tapes didn’t just make up the distance that separated the two parties. They too, reconciled the more subtle and impalpable gap that existed between them - the differencesin citizenship, culture, language,religion, tradition, and the manyelements that make just everynation and its people different and unique.

The unending exchanges of tears, smiles, goodbyes, thank you’s, and I love you’s from the PYs and from the families different from their nationalities, were testimonies of bond and acceptance. It no longer mattered from which country a PY came from. The host country and families were willing to accept and welcome them in their homes. The hosts were willing to show them what they have and in return, the visitors were willing to keep an open mind and show respect to what theirhosts had to offer. Such acceptance and bond were demonstrated in the way PYs and their families held on to the ticker tapes, the only tangible thing that kept them connected during the port-departure occasion. As the ship slowly departed the port inch by inch, ticker tapes snapped one by one, cutting the link that each party held on. Tears gushed more as the vision of the people left in port got smaller and smaller in the PYs’ sight until they spotted them no more. I thank though that the collected tears from the PYs couldn’t sink the Fuji Maru ship.

Beside seasick days, ticker tape goodbyes was one of the hardest times to be onboard the ship. It meant leaving the families, friends, and the country who adopted PYs, like me, for a time. And unlike seasickness which can be experienced by the ship passengers any time as long as we miss taking our contra-seasick pills, ticker tape goodbyes meant an uncertainty on the chance and time of meeting the ones we left behind again. Seasickness can be cured by pills and sleep; missing SSEAYP families and friends had no antidote.

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I remember going into the sun deck after each port-of-call departure. In those moments, I tried to keep a picture of the horizon and print into my mind the memories of my family and my experience in the country that I had just been. while I knew that the bond with them will always remain, the opportunity to be with them might not just come any soon. I felt that the only way to relive the beautiful moments was to keep a picture of them in my mind.

I was in my 1st month at work when I first knew about SSEAYP. I was a fresh graduate and was at my first employment. While I did enjoy the benefits of having a job, I did long forsomething different and exciting. When I first read about SSEAYP in the net, I just knew it was what I was looking for.

From the moment I learned about SSEAYP, I checked almost everyday the site of theNational Youth Commission Philippines on the updates regarding the 2010 SSEAYP application. I wanted badly to experience SSEAYP such that when the application time came, I booked a flight to my hometown in Tacloban to work on my requirements. I did file a leave to attend the regional interview and I did resign from work to attend the actual program. while I still hear a lot of people say that resigning from work in exchange for a short term program such as SSEAYP was an unwise decision, I cannot help but smile knowing that SSEAYP was indeed worth the tradeoff. SSEAYP was one of the best things that happened in my life. Manyindividuals dream of traveling, some think of meeting new people, some long for adventure, others hope for better societies, and all want to live their lives at best. SSEAYP made all these possible for me and more. It taught me a lot of things which I wouldn’t normally learn in the secured walls and corners of school and work. It gave me a unique kind of experience and a fresher perspective. It brought me to new heights in my life.

with SSEAYP, I met and traveled with people who, like me, share the dream and passion for a better world. It introduced me to different country’s culture and tradition. I was able to try the local foods, walk into the places’ streets, greet using the country’s language, and be a stranger in a foreign land! I didn’t come just a tourist in the place taking pictures and posing in land marks though, I actually lived and experienced the local life! And yes, the program also allowed me –for the first time in my life- to hold in my hand a hundred thousand-close-to-million amount of money (talking about Indonesia’s rupiah and Vietnam’s dong of course)! Even seasickness and vomiting added “flavor” to the whole SSEAYP travel experience by giving PYs a little kind of challenge to overcome. I learned to stay on bed the whole day because of it.

SSEAYP also made my world smaller yet my individual home bigger by belonging to a familylarger than what I used to have in my country. The program gave me people whom toassociate each place with. When I think of Japan before SSEAYP for example, I used to picture an archipelago located above Taiwan. I used to associate it with manga, samurai, cars, electronics and robots. After SSEAYP however, I already pictured Japan and each of the ASEAN member country with faces of the families and friends whom I met during the program. I no longerassociate countries to landmarks, foods, or products. Instead, I think of people who I know are from the place. And unlike gadgets or foods which do not stir fondness, faces and relationships do. I am now attached to a place because of the people whom I know there. I am missing my SSEAYP family crazily again as I am writing this. *Sniff* I think I will never get over SSEAYP and the experience will be something I’ll treasure for the rest of my life.

I leave everyone with a picture of the scene I always love to see while on the ship. I love it be-cause it tells me that while the horizon may draw a line to the vast ocean, the boundary it creates

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is not real. Horizons are just illusions and just like any perceived limits, they are only created by the mind and sight.Horizons may signal an end to the sea but beyond that perceived border, a new territory is actually waiting to be explored and discovered. Beyond the horizon is a promise of limitlesspossibilities and opportunities. And not any farther, beyond the horizonis actually a place where a home and family await. I hope that just like the horizon, we will all be reminded that there is really no limitation to where we should belong. Elements of

citizenship, religion, language, culture, and tradition are only imaginary limitationsthat hinder us to reaching that destination called UNITY.

DGs and SGs in SSEAYP have proved that oneness can be possible even with members of diverse background. They were able to create a sense of “oneness” by making an otherwisediverse group of individuals work towards a communal goal like to win in SG activities and to present solution in DG sessions. Unity can be achieved if everyone looks beyond theboundaries of our country, religion, and whatever it is that limits our thoughts of belongingness. I hope that everyone, especially from SSEAYP, wears a new brand of identity and perspective:

we are not citizens of our small countries, but of the bigger world. we are not of ourfamilies, but of humanity. we are not different, but are created equal in the hands of a Supreme Being. And being one, our commitment and responsibility should not be limited to our native soils but should be extended to the world.

Afterall.. we share the same sun, we share the same ocean, we are unity…

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Throwing of ribbons, remember? This is the moment when everyone will leavefamilies/foster families. This is a very unforgettable SSEAYP tradition.

Goodbye is one of hardest words to say. I remembered I cried so much when I did this in Thailand. How about you? which country did you cry the hardest?

Jnah, BY

TICKEr TAPES: More than just colorful ribbons thrown when the ship leaves from a port of call, it’s more of a BOND we hold on to... yes, a special bond that bridges our gaps; one that defies distance and differences :)

Malou, PPY

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THE DAY I FELL IN LOVE wITH THE SEASCarl Michelle Ong, PPY

I have always loved the seas – whether they were calm or not. I love looking at the waveshitting each other – making that refreshing and soothing sound.

I have always been in love with the ocean – the natural marvel that it is.

But now the seas and the oceans carry a different story. They are not just mere relaxing sights that I would always love to see. The deep blue waters are not just my simple fascinationsanymore.

From here on, every wave that I see reminds me of a journey that entrenched in my heart a very sweet memory – a lasting memento of young voyagers who fell in love with the sea and lived a life full of joy and fantasy.

Every sunrise will take me back to a special place – a place where love, friendship, and happiness truly reigned.

Every sunset will constantly tell a story of young men and women falling in love while sailing across the Pacific.

Every seagull that I see will paint a picture in my mind – a picture of blissful moments of friends sharing stories about the different wonders of the places where they came from.

Every moonlight will bring me to a nostalgic mood – reminiscing the times when young sailors laughed and cried the night away.

Every rainbow will remind me of the joyful experiences that added more color into life.

The wind will always whisper into my ears about the journey where I sailed the seas with young strangers who braved the uncertain and discovered a world full of wonders and surprises.

I have fallen in love with the seas not because of the beautiful waves or the splendid sunset but because the seas are the sole witnesses of a beautiful story that will forever be told and kept in our hearts. The seas will be a constant reminder of a friendship that will last for a lifetime.

whatever it is that brought me to this journey, whatever it is that brought us together, I will forever sing songs of gratitude because my life took a better turn by making me spend 53 wonderful days with all of you. You, who became my friends.

You, who became my FAMILY.

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HOMESTAY LESSONSMa. Lourdes “Malou” Eudela

I want to believe that the heart of SSEAYP is the Homestay Program in the countries of the ports of call. Nothing beats the direct immersion to a home in learning the culture of people and the society where they live in.

I am deeply overwhelmed by my homestay experiences. Thus, I feel the need to share this with others. I used to keep a journal on this SSEAYP journey but I always fail to update it during homestays. well, it is not that I am too busy that I do not have time to jot down what happened on those days and what my insights were, but it is more on my fear - I am afraid not to give justice to the experiences and encounters I have, for no amount of words could encompass what my heart truly feels. But then again, here I am trying to put words together to at least give others a picture of my overwhelming experiences in the countries I have visited.

In Japan, where my first homestay was, I have learned hospitality and kindness. My foster mom has been a host to more than a hundred foreigners visiting Japan. She never ceases to offer her home to strangers. I bet she has mastered the art of hosting and still able tomanage to transmit the warmth of her love everytime. Through her, I have affirmed howaltruistic Japanese people are.

In Malaysia, I have learned concern and sincerity. The family that hosted us was not actually the original host family assigned to us, but upon learning that our host cannot make it, they brought us home together with the two male PYs they are hosting. They allowed us to experi-ence Malaysian culture in the best way possible. They never made us feel less favored than the first set of PYs they have. They treated us equally and they have loved us unconditionally.

In Thailand, I have learned love and the importance of quality time for the family. My hostinspired me more to build a family of my own. My foster parents always give top priority to their family even if they have their own preoccupations. My younger sister realizes how blessed she is and that she develops a very good disposition in life. The premium given to family proves to be all worth it as good relationship amongst members is clearly manifested.

In Indonesia, I learned sisterhood, enthusiasm towards life and love for learning. My family together with my two other Ibu’s (mothers) went out their way to bring us around,;we had a lot of exchanges on the car while waiting in the heavy traffic jam. Those delays have been a blessing for us to have a lot of time to get to know each other more and learn from each other’s differences and similarities.

In Singapore, I have learned patience and faith. My family might have a couple ofpreoccupations but they still manage to make things work for their children. In everything that they do, what they have in mind is what’s good for their children; special concerns are being dealt with accordingly. By the way, this is the only country that I had the chance to visit a church and I am very happy about it.

In Vietnam, I have learned friendship, adventure and importance of community. Truly, things

are a lot better when done with a group. I appreciate it very much when people pull their

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resources together to make things possible for us. My dad is accompanied by his friends and sometimes of the local youth in touring us around. I am deeply overwhelmed by the the strong sense of community of the people in Ho Chi Minh.

Looking back, I reckoned that I am so blessed. Sometimes I am still crazy to ask whether I deserve such bliss or not. It leaves me on recalling how have I dealt with others, was I this good enough to deserve the outpour of blessings? But, yes, this is all from God, I should not be questioning in the first place.

I am a whole lot better person with this whole trip. Truly, no amount of material gifts can

match the TIME consciously devoted by my foster families just to let me and my homestay sisters fit in on their very busy schedules.

May God unceasingly bless them all. Amen.

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Homestay is one of the programs that made me deeply understand another lifestyle, enjoy food and tradition, and be one of the family members of another family. I believe that one day, I’ll meet them again.

I love and I always miss my big beloved family in Indonesia.Viengsavanh “Meenoi” Bouttanavong, LPY

I had fun even though we have different cultures. And even if sometimes we speak in different languages, we can understand each other. I feel the warmth, kindness and concern from my foster parents. It was only three days that we spent time together, but it will surely be the most memorable three days in my life. Anoulack “Ai” Sangnalyving, LPY

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MY HOMESTAY ExPERIENCES. Nuruljannah “Jnah” Hj Mohd Zakaria, BPY

I feel really blessed when it comes to homestay for everything turns out to be always fine. Though I have always worried about communicating with my foster families especially inThailand, Vietnam and Japan. Guess what, in the said countries, my homestay mates have actually been my translators. In Japan, I have Natsumi aka Natchan (JPY), in Vietnam I was with Thao (VPY YL) and in Thailand we have Meenoi (LPY) who can actually understand Thai language. So I was lucky enough. Here, I want to share my unforgettable memories in some of the countries SSEAYP37 visited.

SGK stayed in one of the hotels for about 2 days in Kobe and met the Local youths who will guide us till we meet our foster family and after family hosting. we visited a lot of beautiful places like Harbor Land which is said to be one of the most romantic place in Japan!

The next day,we did something fascinating;we had the chance to wear Kimono and any other costumes, we learned Japanese caligraphy and Origami.

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Nguyen “Jenny” Tuyet Nhung, VPY

It’s been nearly a year since I’ve been chosen as aVietnamese Youth Ambassador for the SSEAYPprogram. Until now I’m still overwhelmed by all the flashback of that life – as I called it “Another life in Paradise” – Fuji Maru life. That’s a life full of fantasy and happiness, a life filled with joyful experiences, amazing surprises and sweetest memories. However, that life has also brought me the saddest moments, when I tried to reach out to hug my friends for the last time, when my tears kept streaming down my face

for we had to say goodbye...

I took countless of photos during the program, each photo was a precious moment of friendship that I tried to keep; each photo always reminds me of how life was on board. I’ve tried hard to bury those memories in my heart to move on and ease my soul from waves of nostalgia, but they keep blazing up by just a blow. I wish to live that time again.

Looking at this photo, I could imagine myself and all my friends were staying on Fuji Maru, singing together “To be one”, “We are unity”..

we started as strangers but we ended up as a family. SSEAYP has brought us together, it has allowed us to share knowledge, the joyful and sad times, and even the beauty brought by the times when we were sick. Those unending stories will be told and treasured in my heart forever.

Thank you Fuji Maru, for being my home, for giving me a remarkable turn in life. I’m immensely happy and grateful to spend my unforgettable 53 days in life with all of you - my friends, my family...

I may be miles away, but here is where my heart will stay.

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Pasith “Addy” Vilavathana, LPY

SSEAYP2010 is a place that I call “Home”, with those people in SG-F that I call “Family.” 53 days of our journey is not enough for us to say Hello to each other. we had wonderful time together under a tight schedule everyday, but never did I feel boredom because althroughout there have been a lot of activities provided for us. we’re having fun through cheering and through working in teams. with those, we can see smiles on everyone’s faces to which I consider as my most wonderful memory.

I have learned many things in the program such as languages, cultures, the way of practices, values: helping, love, caring, happiness, kindness, sadness, forgiving and new ideas. I fell in love to those countries we visited: Japan, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore and Vietnam. I had fantastic Homestay experiences where I got in touch on the harmony of the people, visited beautiful places, tried delicious foods and experienced unique traditional culture and lifestyles. I would love to visit them again and again as my experience gave so much excitement and left a very good impression on me.

Even if we are already back to our respective hometowns, I still hear your Morning and Night calls every day and every night; your voice is always on my mind. And I want to go to morning exercises and enjoy dinner with you - my friends, and my SSEAYP family. I am missing you so much that if there is a real Doraemon, I will ask him for a Time Machine so that we can go back to those beautiful and memorable days and start our awesome journey one more time. I am sure that most people, including me, would get SSEAYP sick but I always feel happy that once in my life, I had those beautiful days with our SSEAYP family.

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Jacobus January “ Jack Loloin” Abia, IPY

I am so grateful that I was able to join SSEAYP. It’s an experience that I will always remember. It’s my childhood dream to represent my country, and SSEAYP made it real! Well, I actually thought I’d never go to SSEAYP and I thought it would remain as a dream because my slot was actually CANCELLED as they did recruitment when there’s no quota for my province. I was so disappointed back then, but my faith is much greater than my disappointment. Even upon knowing the said cancellation, I still prepared everything for SSEAYP. I wrote my papers and the pre-assignment. You would call me crazy but as for me, it’s a step of faith and guess what, one month before the Pre-departure Training, I got a call from Jakarta telling me that I’m going to SSEAYP. Whooaa!!! Unbelievable! haha!

It’s good to be a part of the SSEAYP family, especially SG-E and dG-5. What contentment was it when I wrote some songs onboard and the PYs liked it. I am working on the CD and hopefully it will be a great contribution to the SSEAYP family. I love you all!

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Chisato “Sato” Sakagami, JPY

It has been a year now since our SSEAYP journey has finished.

I appreciate having that good opportunity, and I was able to decide one thing through it- I will be a teacher. I would like to share with the children how to make a better society together with others all over the world.

I did get a skill to work cooperatively with friends who have different opinions, religions and languages. Sometimes it was hard for me to discuss or make something for each activity, but I recognized that it’s important to understand and to accept the person for who he/she is,despite our differences. Thus, we could spend a great time appreciating each other.

I hope that the children at present will accept differences and strive to make a better future to which I strongly support.

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“drEAM, BELIEVE ANd MAKE IT HAPPEN”Muhammad Ardiansyah Lastianur, IPY

who believes in a dream? who does the best effort to make a dream come true? Peoplehave rights to set their dreams and put their hands on the wheel to make their dreamstangible. History says, there are many people in this world who bend over backward through a long journey for the sake of their visions. We know how Barrack Obama finally became the President of United States after his tough struggles breaking the walls separating races, tribes, and nations. We also know the story of Helen Keller who endeavored for her life and humanity regardless of her condition; deaf, blind, and dumb. Those stories were born from something called “dream” and a value from the power of dream that I call “believe”, where I adhere myself to admit that there is nothing that will happen if we do not make a move to reach our dreams. I am the same as anyone else, having lots of visions. I keep telling myself that no matter how hard I try and how long I wait, I must always believe and strive to hitch my wagon to a star; to make my dreams come true.

Since I was a young boy, I have been acquainted to many movies, cartoon characters, and comics from a country where cherry blossoms come, Japan. I have learned the custom andrecognized that a good aggregate of modernization and traditional culture, life’s spirit, hard work, discipline, punctuality, and various advances in technology which have always fascinated the world are things that have impressed me and become motivation for me to see Japan with my very eyes. Going to Japan has always been my dream. When we are determined toaccomplish one dream, it equals to how much we are committed to our efforts followed by mental and material support. I realize there is no such thing as a free lunch; there is always a price for everything. Going to Japan might be easy for some people, but not for me. I live in Indonesia where the prosperity has been the daily anxiety. Income per capita is still decumbentunder the people’s expectations, which means not all men have a congenial financialpredicament. And I am one of them. Once, it made me doubtful if I could bring my dream into reality considering that I was still a student. But I decided to acquire a way where the door was open for me.

I went through the process to sharpen the skills and abilities given by God to be eligibleto reach my dreams. I got accustomed to victories and defeats; success and failure haveaccompanied my steps. I nevermore stopped to look for scholarships to go to Japan. In 2008, I got the information about SSEAYP (Ship for South East Asian Youth Program), a youth exchange program which has the main purpose to strengthen friendship among ASEAN countries and Japan. I prepared myself and joined the selection in 2009. But, as people might imagine, I failed. I never gave up, I did not want to give up. I followed the selection in the year 2010. with God’s blessings, I finally got it. I was drowned in the undescribable heartwarming emotions when I stepped my feet down for the first time in Japan. Along with other 27 youths from my country, we became Indonesia’s representatives of SSEAYP-Japan 2010. I was so grateful and I thanked God for this incredible experience. It has not only completed my dream, but also inspired me to participate in such aspect as a global youth and led me to comprehend more about young generation, cross culture understanding, and friendship among countries.

In this lifetime, there are many great things that come and start from a dream. Had Thomas Alfa Edison not created a light bulb, people would just have lamps today. There would be no

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phone if Alexander Graham Bell never had any willingness to create such communication tools. My story does not end here. I still have a lot of dreams to pursue and scratch to fetch my dreams in the future. Dream is an inspiration as well as a motivation for me. People may doubt and tell us that our dreams are impossible to be true, or we may become the ones who doubt about ourselves because we lack material support. Nevertheless, do not lose our hopes or fall by the wayside. Keep Believing and Keep Struggling. Nothing is to be despaired. If something is meant to be, it will be. In that we can trust. we cannot control the wind, but we can control our sails. Seize the days, and we will be someone who could not only dream, but also do more than what it takes to make it come true. So, dream, believe, and make it happen.

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I dedicate this picture to all the children, to all the youth, and to all the people in Japan, and to everyone in the world as well-

we will survive from this catastrophewe will unite for the entire of world

Because, we are onewe are unity…

(Japan, March 11th 2011)

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Suttinee “Bow” Jamniyom, TPY

what is SSEAYP? I had never heard about SSEAYP before until I got to know SIGA 2010. By that time, I was a third year student at the university, attending the class of ASEAN Studies. My lecturer was a TPY and he told us about his wonderful experiences during his program in 2002. I am the kind of person who is really interested in exchange programs, especially International ExchangePrograms. I therefore applied as a volunteer for SIGA 2010 which was held in AyutthayaProvince, Thailand. while I was a volunteer, I saw many Ex-PYs came see one another. They shared and talked about their experience after the program and also the activities they had done together on board. That made me wonder how could just in a short period of time on a big ship called Nippon Maru, make people feel like they are close-knit family like this.

Two months later, I passed the written examination and I went for the interview toparticipate in SSEAYP 2010. When the result was announced, I was so happy. I am finally a PY!

I got to know new friends who are PYs like me. we have prepared and done so many things together. I am so happy to be with them.

Before October 25th 2010, I was very excited for the new journey. True enough, I love every part of SSEAYP: the home stays, institutional visits, discussion programs and many others. My favorite one is the Solidarity Group (SG) Activity; I really had a lot of fun playing games and doing activities with PYs from ASEAN countries and Japan. I also like the cultural performances very much. One of the most wonderful nights was the Thai Night of course. when the show ended, people began to cal me “Alice”, it felt great as my role marked in them. Singing songs and dancing with the PYs made me feel like I was living in a dream, like when Alice was in the wonderland and did not want to wake up.

Morning calls and morning exercises were great too. I had never skipped any of thoseactivities. Everyday, I wake up early in the morning and go to Sports deck to see the sunrise and hear the crashing waves of the blue ocean. The 53-day journey was such a great and memorable time in my life. All memories, love, and happiness will always be with me.

Finally, I’d like to thank everyone who fulfilled my SSEAYP life. Thank you to all the host families in Japan (Tokyo and Iwate), Malaysia, Thailand (my parents ), Indonesia, Singapore, and Vietnam.

I would like to thank my lovely cabin mates, Thao VPY and Ethel SPY of room 504. We laughed together a lot. Thank you Noon Aroonlak TPY, for sharing noodle cups. Thank you SG-A members, DG-CCUP members, facilitators, and all administrators too. Thank you Min MyPY, for a very good friendship. Lastly, thank you to PPY Malou who gave me a valuableopportunity to share this experience.

To all of you whom I haven’t mentioned here, please don’t be upset. If I list all the names of the PYs I really love, I am pretty sure that I can write my own pocket book. Thank you to the destiny that brought me to know SSEAYP.

Until we meet again. I miss you. Always remember that “Once a PY, Forever a PY” .

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Abdul Muiz Bin Misri, MaPY

My SSEAYP story is almost like my love story. Falling in love with the most beautiful girl and couldn’t stop thinking about her. How to pull out everything from my head? So how and where do I start my story? Can anyone help me? Anyway, the story that I am about to share shows that there is a relationship between beautiful girls and my SSEAYP story. do enjoy it!

SSEAYP changed me a lot. Before this, I’m lazy to speak in English because I’m not good in communicating through it. So I took the opportunity to talk in English at all times in thisprogram. I took the initiative to sit with PPYs during breakfast, lunch and dinner. I would have to say that this effort paid off as I’m getting better in the language and at the same time I got to know more about the Philippines. Talking about killing two birds with one stone, yes, I did such thing. Right now, I am using the language all the time. Not only in communicating verbally but also in writing.Believe it or not, the first letter that I received from my contingent was actually a warningletter reminding me not to forget my fellow teammates from my home country. Isuppose this happened because of my interest in spending and getting to know people from other countries that I unconsciously forgot to spend more time with my own teammates.

One of my personal missions in SSEAYP is to have good friends from other parts of the world. I’ve always been interested in the Japanese culture as well as its people. So I took the opportunity to know more about these things when I befriended a Japanese girl. I’ve heard that Japanese girls are known to be loyal friends. I got to know a girl whom I have met at Hakodate. Unfortunately, we didn’t get the chance to know each other well as both of us were busy with our own duties. Nevertheless, the short duration of friendship was a priceless experience.

Later, I got to know PYs from the Philippines and I’m glad that I’ve met a few that I could call friends, and until today we are still in touch with one another.

I could still remember well my night activities during the program, most of the time I would be in room 447. I stay most of the nights there until the wee hours in the morning. The best part is that, I was never caught by NL. There, I would spend time talking about things thatmatter in life. Personal stories about love, relationship and friendship were poured out without any embarrassment. However, the best memory would be spending all night long dancing until we got exhausted. It was indeed a fun and exciting experience.

My last word is that - after you have been selected for SSEAYP, put a mission so that you will stay focus on what you want to gain from it and at the same time enjoy the program. This is a once in a lifetime experience that you won’t forget forever. Jumpa lagi!

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Spectacular SEAexperience You’d Proudly share. Hannah Quijano, PPY

An experience of a lifetime. I don’t know how SSEAYP changed me, all I know is that the experience is so overwhelming that I couldn’t even measure the depth of SSEAYP sickness up to now. SSEAYP was just a dream that I didn’t think I could achieve. I still get teary-eyed while watching the videos and pictures. The experience is still so fresh that carves wonderful memories that I will forever bring with me. The whole experience was so deeply-rooted that it’s just too hard to remove from my system. I have gained so much, not just friends and family but including weight (guffawed ^__________^).

I miss everything about the program and my words aren’t enough to explain in detail how it changed my life. I have friends who will be joining the 38th SSEAYP and the joy that I felt having known that they made it, was the same feeling I had when I was chosen to be a part of SSEAYP last year. The feeling of excitement lingers in my nerve that I wanted to shout and jump for joy.

Just as the deep blue sea, my SSEAYP experience is just so deep that I don’t know how to start my stories and how to end it. I don’t know how to express everything into writing. I don’t know how to share it to others. All I know is that I am so proud that I’ve been part of the program and that I’ve learned so much from it.

My 53 days aren’t enough to share my stories, not even 53 years because during the journey, I did not only gain friends but I have gained a new family. Even it would take me 53 years or more, my SSEAYP stories will never come to an end and my SSEAYP journey will continue as long as I am living in this world. To the next batch, all I can say... It’s your time to shine!

LET YOUr JOUrNEY BEGIN...

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Chihiro Watanabe, JPY

what I learned and experienced through SSEAYP is too much to describe. So I will tell you shortly by using 6 letters, “SSEAYP”!!

SeasicknessSolidarity with peopleEnjoy every momentAmbassador of youthYouth powerPart of a big family

SEASICKNESS. How many people experienced seasickness? we were always in danger of facing sea sickness. But I enjoyed various faces of the ocean every day. One day, it was so calm and we could see the cobalt blue ocean yet the next day, it was so cold and have caused storm. Strong winds and waves crashed against our M/S. Fuji Maru that made us seasick! Anyway, Ireally enjoyed the cruise with seasickness. In fact, even after SSEAYP, I still have someseasickness medicines in my shelf. I hope I will be able to use them again on Fuji-Maru in the near future.

SOLIDARITY wITH PEOPLE. SG stands for Solidarity Group. Actually, we cooperated on SG activities. we experienced solidarity everytime. It feels good that there was someone who shared the same feeling as I do. whenever I needed help, someone was always there beside me. I was so moved it happened not intentionally, but naturally. Yes, we could unite so naturally.

ENJOY EVErY MOMENT. Every moment was marvelous for me; I enjoyed everything, even in facing difficult matters. I never thought I wanted to go back home! I never felt homesick during my journey. Those 53 days were just like yesterday which is why I have a serious SSEAYP sickness until now.

AMBASSADOR OF THE YOUTH. One of the advantages in joining SSEAYP is to be the Ambassador of the Youth. whenever we do courtesy calls, we realize that we are youthambassadors of our respective countries. And as a Japanese Youth Ambassador, I am inspired to love my country more and to think about the situation of Japan in the present world.

YOUTH POwER. I guess each PY realized the youth power we all have, and how to make

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an action. If we are alone, we cannot accomplish a big project. If we gather only by contingent, we cannot take an action in a big scale. However, if the youth from 11 countries gather at one place and try to make a united move, we will surely realize our plans. we have proven this many times onboard, especially during voluntary activities where we made our plans into real actions. I believe that the youth power will continue and will be manifested in our future post program activities.

PART OF A BIG FAMILY. At the beginning of the 53-day journey, we were strangers to each other. However, at the end of it, we became a part of the big SSEAYP family. I cannot fullyexplain this well, but I got stronger and deeper bond than friendship. Now, we are a true family!

These six things are the most memorable ones for me.

I will remember everything forever. I love you all whom I have met during SSEAYP! See you soon!!

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Dear SSEAYP,

I should not be wondering anymore why is it that I cannot stop smiling whenever people ask me of you, or whenever I share to others about you. You have brought so much bliss to my life. You have been instrumental in molding me to become a lot better citizen of this world. You have given me venues to be friends with the youth of Japan and ASEAN countries.

As I recall my journey in realizing my SSEAYP dream, I feel that I deserve a tap on theshoulder. I cannot imagine how rigorous the process was. Everything related to you has its own beauty to reveal. The journey was never a walk in the park for there were times that I felt pain, I got frustrated and I even had thoughts on giving up. I have to thank the people who have pushed me to where I really want to be; I am aware that not everyone is as fortunate as I am to have the strongest support system there could be.

we always have to be tougher than our dreams and though you are tough to reach, I equipped myself to be a little tougher that you! You might have felt how hard I tried, true enough you gave in and conspire with the whole universe to enable me to embrace you.

SSEAYP, you were a dream come true!

when I came across you, you were so distant then, but through perseverance, I am veryhappy to note that I had you and I will forever have you! The friends and families youintroduced to me were amazing! Even if we speak in different languages, we can surprisingly understand and relate to each other. we have developed a special bond that will envelop us for a lifetime. I am deeply overwhelmed by the love and warmth we share, it has crushed the differences we have. It also proved that bonds need not be formed in years for just in days, I have felt that our lives have been intertwined.

SSEAYP, even if I try to put millions of words together, I cannot capture what I truly feel for you. Some people think I am crazy to talk about you over and over again, but I tell them that they will never understand and they will never have any clue why I act this way until they experience YOU!

Some others tell me to move on, but that is just so silly. How can I move on from anexperience that will forever be part of me? Should I decide to move on, it is a step forward to greater feats, and it is definitely with you- my dear SSEAYP, in my heart.

I am a PY, and forever I will be a PY!

Ma. Lourdes “Malou” Eudela, PPY

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Dear AH1N1,

I HATE YOU!!!

How can I not when you ruined our so-called “journey of a lifetime”?

why should it be our batch?

You came at the climax of our preparation for the final week of our 53-day cruise. You caught us by surprise. You visited our ship like you were an invited guest. were you either one of the alumni, homestay families, country program coordinators, local youth, or governmentdignitaries? who gave you the permission to be on board Fuji Maru? Neither were you one of the participating youths nor any of the national leaders, discussion facilitators, OBSCrepresentatives and administrators. don’t tell me you’re a member of the ship crew! Simply, your presence was not sought. You did not have the right and the reason to cause havoc to our lives, especially the 26 participants who had to be quarantined because of you. Were you happy to see us in double surgical face masks? Your virions must have wiggled like a worm when you learned that we were not able to hold our Farewell Festival. why, oh why should we be punished like this? It was so hard to understand you, much more to appreciate your existence.

Exactly after a year, I thought of you. when my hatred towards you subsided and was replaced by SSEAYP sickness, I got to contemplate and calm my mind. I asked myself, “What’s AH1N1’s purpose?” As they say, there are no mistakes or failures, only lessons. So, let me enumerate what I painfully determined as your significance. Have the pleasure to correct me if I’m wrong.

1. Be still and know. If your intent was for us to have a break from our very busy sched-ule, you succeeded. Life on board the ship was as busy as the angry waves crashing our ship. You name it -- from discussion programs, club and solidarity group activities, national presentations, introduction to each country, lectures, meetings, to all sorts of voluntary activities. Hardly was there a free day. If we had one, it would be intended for laundry and other personal stuff. Even when on land we are very busy as the country program covers courtesy calls and receptions, interactions with the local youth, institutional visits, homestay, and send-off ceremonies. Did you feel we were depriving ourselves with qualitytime and real interaction with our fellow participants? You must have told the Admin to stop all the remaining activities to prevent you from spreading your virus so that you could semi-quarantine all of us. we’re left with talking to our roommates, our SG-mates and ourselves. In the process, you taught us to seize every moment because it might not come our way again.

2. Be thankful. Did you observe that we’d been overwhelmingly preoccupied by the sud-den euphoric series of events and eventually lost connection with the Almighty? we becameforgetful to offer every single day of our voyage to Him? You wanted to serve as a wake-up call. If so, you got me there. I don’t want to appear hypocrite because I know that there were days I got too tired to even say, “Thank you, Lord.” When you extensively infiltratedour ship, I unconsciously found myself kneel down and pray. Did you notice that we showed lack of concern to others? That we had been individualistic rather than collective in our pursuit to prove one’s worth as a cultural ambassador of one’s country? Did you want to

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prove that an outbreak could solidify the bond among the eleven contingents? If so, you’re a winner again. I observed that we became closer, more compassionate, and more united because of you.

3. Be positive. despite the trauma inflicted on us, I learned to stay positive and see the beauty out of your punishment. Hard as it may be at first, I have learned to appreciate everything, both pluses and deltas. You made our journey more memorable. In a sense, you made it complete. If there is one thing I am grateful to you of, it would be that you unleashed your virulent wrath when all the ports of call were visited and all the country programs were done. I can’t imagine cancelling all the activities from the first day of our cruise had you come very early in our journey.

Some people might not agree with me, but I now understand your purpose. You made me realize, in a hurtful way, to know the true value of time, to thank God for everything and to see the light amidst the darkness. Oops! This letter is getting rather long. I will write to you when I become SSEAYP sick again. Allow me to end by saying:

Allow me to end by saying:Sorry for pissing you off.

why not our batch, anyway?

THANK YOU!

Sincerely,Basil V. Sali, PPY

P.S. --- Please don’t visit Fuji Maru ever again. It’s a ship, not a floating hospital.

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SICKrOOMKhasmin Ismael, PPY

It sounds so terminal and contagious, sentenced to be isolated from the rest of the world. A prison for some, and a rest for others. whatever their perception is, nobody was brought there on their own accord. And they can’t leave just like that, for whoever brought them there has the sole right to bring them out - and that would be no less than the doctor of the ship. whoever you are, you may be a lawyer, a nurse or even a doctor, you are a PATIENT to him. Therefore you will follow, or else you might be deported, which is a nightmare of every PY.

For PYs who are very active and outgoing, they might feel imprisoned and it is already a

nightmare staying inside this room. You rarely see people except the nurses checking on you, making sure you’re taking the pills and the crew who brings your meal three times a day. Thanks to them.

Inside the room, you will feel bored, weak, and useless. You will be longing for phone calls from your friends, so every ring of the phone is like music to your ears. Sightseeing in yourwindow is suddenly a pleasurable hobby, especially if you see somebody or somethinginteresting. The craving to go out and be free again is increasing every minute. You suddenly feel the urge to go out just to feel and smell the fresh air and to see and hear the waves.

For the not so outgoing PY, this is also a vacation for them. Therefore, a blessing in disguise. This is a time to be alone, to reflect and to contemplate. In SSEAYP, being alone is a rarescenario, therefore to experience such at some point, seems to be precious and priceless. It takes health to have it. Killing the time during this period is a big NO. So every minute andevery second count. This is the moment where you can do things you weren’t able to do because you lack time and opportunities, like to sleep some more, to wake up late, to eat whenever you want, to write more in your journal, to think some more of the life after SSEAYP, to organize your laptop, to read some book/articles, or to just enjoy the silence and solitude, or even take your time inside the toilet, not worrying that someone is waiting to use it. It’s a breather from all the activities and busy schedules. No time is wasted.

Indeed, staying inside the SICK rOOM for few days is not an absolute bad after all, it just depends on how the sick PY views it.

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BLUE wAVES Khasmin Ismael, PPY

A beautiful sequential dance of the ocean, it’s as if they have their own mind.

It mesmerized anyone looking at them. This enchanted masterpiece of God is beautiful but can be very tricky and dangerous. It caused a whole Titanic to flip over, but that doesn’tconcern the admin of Fuji Maru. what concerns them more is the seasickness of PYs. This sickness causes you to vomit, to lose appetite, and to stay on your bed, which is notencouraged by the way, because it will make you more sick. This can also be mild or severe, which can last for few hours to days. It’s not a good feeling and your utmost wish during those times is to disembark in any island nearby. But what is more dangerous and worries much the NLs is the “feeling seasickness” of some PYs for it became an excuse for some if they don’t want to attend DG sessions, morning assemblies or other activities. Hence, they might be anywhere doing something that might give their NL heart attack or make them lose some hair.

***

SSEAYP MEMORY. I cannot go outside from the cabin because I have beensuspected to be infected with AH1N1. what can I do is to just stay in the cabin and put the banner outside to let PYs who happen to pass by my cabin sign and write anything

Abdul Muiz Bin Misri, MaPY

Photo by Fong Yoong Kheong, SPY

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2010 PNL FLAGHOISTING SPEECHPNL Jocelyn Patrice Deco

Ship Administrator, Admin staff, OBSC representatives, co-NLS and Participating Youths, magandang umaga!

Today, the last official flag hoisting for the 37th SSEAYP, I am proud to stand here before you, the honored participants of this Ship for Southeast Asian Youth Program, to salute to each of you for a job well-done!

Congratulations to my colleagues, the administration and national leaders of the different Japan and ASEAN countries, for holding the fort - with only 6 of the 53 days to go.

The sailing of the Fuji Maru, that has come to be our home away from home for these last 47 days, was one full of wonderand amazement. The endless sea became a source ofinspiration for any young imagination. Figuring out what to do and what is expected of us at the start of the cruise was

hard enough, what with all the preparations leading to the voyage. But what became morechallenging was when we were getting ready to dock into port. There was always anexcitement that accompanied the sight of land because we knew we would meet new families, and feel the cultural divergence. Indeed, what all of us experienced broadened international outlook that no travel book can ever offer.

I speak for all of us when I say, that the 37TH SSEAYP is all about new friends, newdiscoveries and new experiences. The time we spent with each other brought us new friends who will remain in our personal memories. SSEAYP gives each participant a chance to widen one’s network, horizons and knowledge. Young brilliant minds are given a valuableopportunity to express their ideas, to share their talents, to showcase their exceptional works and to enrich their cross-cultural experiences. Opportunity to share one’s culture andheritage and an opportune time to meet and mingle with diversified people having different languages, religions and customs are the very core of SSEAYP. For me, meeting and making new friends is and was the best part of this program. There is always something new that we learn from our conversations, even if sometimes there is a language barrier. The simplest of solutions to break this barrier are smiles as well as laughter.

SSEAYP really changes the course of life of any youth participant. It is here that one finds true friends, learns a lot about neighboring JASEAN cultures, and life in general. I’m sure that we will forever remember the after-11pm noodle and beer parties at the cabin or shipcorridors, that make our work as NLs in the night patrol, more difficult. There would also be the guessing games of who’s dating who… the casual conversations, the games, the parties, and the debates on any kind of topic under the sun or being engrossed with another person’s life stories, there’s the guitar jamming, or the piano-playing at the lounge.… Some of you had to do a little bit sacrifice in terms of sleeping hours to witness the glorious sunrise at dawn (some with a special someone), I know because I was there with you.

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The SSEAYP experience is different for every person but one thing is for sure – it hasbecome a rite of passage where one matures fast and learns much about the ways of the world. Some of you may have tried to learn a Philippine dance or two, attended a Japanese teaceremony, had a Vietnamese nail spa or a Singaporean henna tattoo, and maybe even a Thai body massage. More of you, I am sure, tried other traditional dances, costumes, rituals and songs. All of these were part of the SG and DG ship activities which were opportunities for the PYs to appreciate other people’s culture. The interaction is what allows us to learn aboutanother person’s way of life. This in turn allowed us to share the culture that is uniquely our own.

The home stay program has enhanced every PY’s acculturation further. Beyond the touring and sightseeing, each of you had homestay families who not only introduced you to the culture of their country, but gave you the opportunity to delve deeper into it. They treated you as one of their own and tried their very best to share their homes and their hearts. For most of you, it was easy to fall in love with other cultures because it may be very near your own. It only takes one to adapt and respect the other so as to realize that beyond the differences, what mattered was the sincerity to accept and understand one another.

To my Philippine Pangkat Sulo contingent, you do me proud as National Leader of among the brightest and innovative young leaders in the Philippines. I have seen your transformation from since Pre-departure and nearing this program’s end, let us pay forward all that we have learned in this program.

Lastly, we thank the Cabinet Office of Japan, the principal sponsor of this program, and the different member-countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. In behalf of the SSEAYP 2010 - Philippine Contingent, on this joint flag hoisting ceremony with TheUnion of Myanmar, I re-affirm our group’s mission to “concretely translate our SSEAYP learningexperiences to youth formation geared towards nation-building.”

I know that for all of us, the future will continue to be adorned with the wonderful, beautiful and handsome faces of the friends we have made in this SSEAYP journey. with uncontrolled emotions, I say to each of you –

I love your face, for it reflects our own uniqueness of race and culture.

I love your smile, for it sends a message of respect and appreciation.

I love your voice, for it imparts words of friendship and love.

I love your eyes, for it mirrors my own message of love and peace.

I love your laugh, for it is the sound of understanding and openness.

Lastly, I love you, for who you are and where you come from. Thank you for this opportunityto know you - and most especially, thank you for this friendship that will last a lifetime.

MAHAL KO KAYONG LAHAT…MABUHAY ANG MGA KABATAAN! Long live the future leaders of today!

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dISEMBArKATION ANd SAdNESSMarielle Aznar, PPY

December 16, 2010

I take a shower and get ready. I put on my final A1 uniform. A blue polo, black brooch, skin tone stockings, my skirt, coat, pearl earrings, right-sided bun. My roommates are only starting to wake up. As my watch ticks 5:30am, I prepare to go down. I bring my carry-on hand luggage. My black duffel bag, black portrait case bag, and black suit bag. I hug Jennifer1 goodbye. No tears there, as if I’ll see her again tomorrow. Trisya is in the bathroom, I knock at the door and tell her I’m going down. She says she’ll see me downstairs. I go down. I meet some BPYs along the way. They seem tired. Sleepy, and emotionally exhausted. we don’t speak in the elevator. 2F elevator opens. I’m in a rush as I’m running a bit late. There are already people downstairs, all in A1. From different contingents. Many did get up early to see us off. I saw some PPYs hugging other PYs in the corner. I go into the Dining Hall quickly, thinking I’ll settle my things and go back out to say goodbye. I don’t get the chance. I leave my luggage to the side and see PPYs crying. Clearly, they already did their rounds outside. Red eyes, people wiping away tears. I’m surprised that my Parts2 Chris also has red eyes. I hug him for awhile. The strong one isvulnerable today. My buddy Heidz3 is weeping. Another unlikely. I stand by his side and doangkla4. I am out of gestures. Slowly it sinks in. I look around to the other side of the dining hall. There are the BPYs. The very first to leave the ship. I am crying as I look for my SG-mates5. The first I see is Buddy Yazid. My first SG-H line partner. The one I was making kulitan6 with when we were bored during discussion or announcements. who I played thumb-wrestling with. I hugged him. He was crying too. Then I look for Kairah & Zanah. And hug them as well. BPYs line up and exit the Pacific Hall. And I hear crying. I can not see past the glass panel covering the entrance doors. I have no idea how it is or what it looks like outside. Then a BPY shouts some Filipino words. I line up with my contingent. All looking battle-weary but as if bracing themselves for a greater war. Our final line-up. We exit slowly. Not by partners, but one-by-one. I am thankful. It gives each person more time to say goodbye. By the entrance doors, I am greeted by a wave of emotion. Parang lamay ang iyakan7 . People are sobbing. On my right I see some friends. Guys, girls hugging each other, reaching out. They are together. Blocked by human chains created by Admin & staff. I hug and touch the hands of those I can. As I enter the lobby, I am overwhelmed. The place is packed. Some were already climbing up the stairs to be seen or at the balcony. They can not get past the people in front to be close enough to touch us. I see them from a distance and hope that my face could convey to them how much I will miss them. To my right I see Haru & Noon. Noon TPY, who’s usually so strong and unemotional has puffy eyes, regardless of full make-up and eyeliner. She is with Haru JPY. And they hand me a note. I can not find it in myself to read it now. I am already overflowing with emotion. I take it and move on. I see a group of LPYs. I say goodbye to them no matter how short a time I had known them. I begin to feel myself start to weep and sob. I hurry to the exit of Fuji Maru. I can not control myself anymore. A blast of cold wind on my face. Cold breezing through me. And I say goodbye to Fuji Maru.

1 Fuji Maru room 541 cabinmates: from Cambodia-Lorn Sok Muy ‘Jennifer’, from Indonesia-Trisiyana Nur Ardiyanti ‘Trisya’2 Short for Partner/my regional partner from the Philippines, co-representative of the National Capital Region, Christopher Anthony Ngo3 Angkla buddy/partner during contingent line-ups, representative of Region 8, Heidrun Milan4 A Filipino term from the Cebuano dialect literally meaning anchor in English. Originating from the Spanish term ancla which also means anchor. When a male stands beside a female and offers his arm for balance and support, to which the female settles her hand into the crook of his elbow while they walk in pairs. It is a standard position for line up among PPY pairs during contingent assemblies when entering or exiting a venue. 5 Members of SG H: from Brunei-Abdul Yazid Bin Zakaria ‘Yazid’, Siti Nur Khairah Binti Haji Hassan ‘Kairah’, Siti razanah Hj Abdul razak ‘Zanah’; from Japan-Haruka Ota ‘Haru’; from Thailand-Aroonlak Tandulawess ‘Noon’6 A Filipino term to be taken as a light-hearted banter / pestering7 A Filipino phrase which loosely translates to The emotions and crying were very similar to a person’s funeral.

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wHY I CRIED SO HARD THAT DAYFaith Ruth Villanueva, PPY

That fateful day of december 16, 2010 would probably count as the day that I cried thehardest. It was mostly tears of sorrow and sadness. And it was not only I who was crying.Almost all of the participating youths of the 37th SSEAYP were crying unabashedly, both men and women, as we bid our last goodbyes and walked down from the gangplank of Fuji Maru, the ship we considered our home for two months.

If somebody told me I would be crying for strangers, I would have said – “that would not be possible”. I was the type of person who usually holds her emotions, who cries within theprivacy of her room, and who only cries for her close family members. But many weresurprised that I was crying my eyes out even two days before we disembark from Fuji Maru. And I was hugging people for as long as I could, even those who I had never talked to before or even those who were infected with the AH1N1 virus. Of course, I had to chug out lots ofVitamin C and carry with me at all times sanitizer for disinfection. But I cried the hardest to those whom I had made close personal relationships with because I know there will beindividuals who I will never have the opportunity to meet again in this lifetime.

The back deck of Fuji Maru was my most favorite spot to unwind. For one reason or another, I would find myself waking up at around 4 o’clock in the morning almost everyday. And so I would always be in the back deck, watching the sunrise in its own accord, gather my thoughts, play a few songs with my guitar or just simply meditate. These were my quiet moments. The afternoons were a different matter as well. I have had the opportunity to get to know more people from different countries and share stories with them about anything under the sun, whether about culture, love, life, politics, share jokes or even sad stories. And I loosened up and just simply relaxed, letting my inner childish personality show every now and then. Indeed, I thoroughly enjoyed the whole program. My only regret was that I was not able to talk to all delegates and know even just a small part of them.

Being in the SSEAYP program has totally changed my outlook and views with regard to my SSEAYP counterparts. I have learned to appreciate the kindness, generosity, and cultural uniqueness of each country. I have learned to widen my political perspective as to how we view our ASEAN counterparts. I have learned to accept that communism as a whole is not negative, as contrary to what I have been educated my whole life, and that a democratic republic also has its deterrents and disadvantages. I have been blessed to know firsthand as to how each country has different traits, characteristics and cultural ingenuity. Best of all, I have learned to love my country more and be more proud to be a Filipino.

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This is a picture of stairs! What kind of stairs? YUP! You guessed it right! It’s the stairs that can be found in the middle of M/S Fuji Maru. I think all of you can still remember every inch of this stairs, right? On my first time seeing it, I immediately thought about the stairs of Titanic!

PYs passed through this stairs every single day, every hour, every minute, and every second. Yes, everyone at all times for 53days. I don’t know why but by mere looking at this picture, it could make me so sick of my SSEAYP journey. Magically, only this picture could bring back all the memories I’ve been through on that 53 days!

Isn’t it amazing that a picture of stairs can bring all those happy, wonderful, and even the sad memories? Until now, I still don’t get it why. Maybe because the stairs connected us to everywhere! We have to pass through it before we can go to our own cabins, or dining room. we have to go through it before going to the lounge, or maybe go to the deck at night to feel some breeze of the ocean and crazy as it may sound, I have used it to look at my crush upstairs!

Many pictures in SSEAYP will make you SSEAYP sick like crazy! And for me, all of the pictures are making me crazy sick until now. And this picture is just one of them! Just one simple picture to explain that SSEAYP could possibly turn a simplepicture of stairs and can make you cry like a river. To my batcmates, I feel sograteful because you are the chosen one to be part of this amazing 53-dayjourney.

Misbah Tirtasari Harun, IPY

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The first time I got onboard M/S Fuji Maru, I had looked around the ship and I finally reached and found a big nice space on the 6th floor, which was not that far from my cabin. when the program started, there were a lot of activitiesconducted there; the morning exercises, the flag hoistings, etc. One day I got fond as I saw the sun shining, its golden bright spectrum spread over the wooden floor which I likened to a paradise. It then became my favorite place and it felt like I was addicted to go there to watch the sunsets, to play games, to run around and hold informal meetings.

what pushed my heartfelt love for it? Do you remember the Eco Night – the night that we all laid on the floor and looked up to the sky and listened to the star story which was told to us by the Captain? I still remembered well that my body laid over on the floor next to Jane (Lao YL), and I had a great relaxation time with SGs and the different contingents. when I got bored or had an extra time, especially at night, I just walked around and breathed fresh air. In short, the area I mostly went to is - the Sports Deck; paradise at daytime and so peaceful at night. There, I had a lot of precious moments shared with all the people onboard the ship M/S Fuji Maru.

Sin “Aroma” Sokunthea, CPY

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IT’S A FIrST!Malou, PPY

When PYs were asked in the FB (Facebook) Group of their “FIrST” through SEEAYP, here are their honest answers. Some are funny, some are sweet and yet some can be quite crazy. However you assess the answers, no one can refute that these are the PY’s Firsts, surprisingly most of us can relate I bet:

• Making a lot of friends. - Airul, BPY• Grand Bath. Spelling Words with Butt - Rain, CPY • Stargazing :) - Sarah, IPY• THE WHITE PIANO IN THE EMERALD LOUNGE!!! - Jack, IPY• Having a flag hoisting while wearing our A1. - Putri, IPY• Meeting my 2 lovely cabin mates! - Dayanaa, SPY• Having been left in Japan for more two days with my fellow sick PYs from different contingents. It was an experience I can never ever forget. Let’s just say it almost got me a temporary insanity. - Aliah, PPY

• Emceeing in front of an ASEAN and Japan crowd. - YK, SPY• 53 days without laundry. - Askme, BPY• (1) Grand Bath and Onsen in Japan; (2) Visiting Japan, Thailand, Viet-nam, Malaysia, and Singapore; (3) Presenting in front of ASEAN and Japan Crowd; (4)Dancing in front of many people; and (5)Gained 17 kgs! That’s the most number of weight I’ve ever gained in the shortest time. - Stoky, IPY

• There’s too many!!! But the one that I remembered most is - the emotional moment when we depart from each of the ports, throwing ribbons until it tear down. Taking pictures of PY’s crying and sanitizing my hand frequently. - Kai, MaPY

• Noodle party!!! Create cheer by SG. - Sam, CPY• Trying out costumes. - Khairah, BPY• Having fun exchanging traditional costumes with the other 10 JASEAN countries (I didn’t get to try all) & wearing them for country national presentations. - weiwen, SPY

• Watching cinema in the ship. - Jnah, BPY• Be an operator of the lightings. - Capo, IPY• Live with all the rules, and the grand bath. - Marlon, PPY• Visit Japan, Indonesia & Vietnam. - Lim, MaPY• Meeting Mr. Makoto Bandome, the Ship Captain. - Zul, MaPY• Being able to wake up hundreds of people very early in the morning without being criticized. - Kevin, VPY

• Vomited more than 5 times a day and took a photo of more than 150 people who got seasick!!! - Era, IPY

• Travel Japan, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, and Vietnam. Try “weird” dishes. Dance in front of everyone and have fun. - Faith, PPY

• Visit ASEAN countries together, cruising through ship, try to break the ship rules. - Thanesh, MaPY

• Dolphin in South China Sea. Like, seriously, dolphin? - Abe, IPY

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• Look out to the stars in the middle of the sea - Kevin, MaPY• Fuji Maru (all the histories of us, of SSEAYP family; love and friendship are there to stay ^_^). - Nisa, IPY

• Having my birthday on board the ship ^^ - Jenny, VPY• Experiencing the “feeling” it offered that I will never ever forget. Feeling so proud when holding little national flag during flag cheers, happy yet exhausted completing the National day presentation, and homesick as well. - Lily, VPY

• Sunrise and sunset on the wide Ocean. - Meenoi, LPY• I’ve known and experienced a sickness called SSEAYP-SICK.-Thao, VPY• (1) Grand Bath (naked in front of other girl PY’s---first time!!!); (2) Auto-mated toilet bowl~ (favorite part of the ship); (3) Master of Ceremony to the JASEAN young leaders; and (4) Gained 300 plus international friends in one setting! ~Hannah, PPY

• Taking seasick pill everyday. ~Hour, CPY• Receiving a certificate from the Ship Captain for crossing the Equator and performing a cultural dance in front of JASEAN youth half-naked (topless). ~Basil, PPY

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SEVEN THINGS THAT A FACI CAN ExPERIENCE THAT A PY CAN’TAri Yuda Laksmana

Indonesian Participating Youth of SSEAYP 2005, Discussion Group Facilitator of SSEAYP 2010

When people asked me, “How do you feel now after joining SSEAYP?” I was having difficulty in defining the way I feel, but I can definitely say that I want to go back to the ship again.

Yes, the luxury spots and corners, the unique shape of the cabin, the deck and the lounge, the meals and other things in the ship. But it’s not about the ship at all, it’s about the people I engaged with, the activities I involved in, the spirit, the energy, and most of all, the feelings we encountered with one another. And those that make me (I believe all exPYs/xPYs), want to turn back time.

Well hey, I found the “genie in the bottle” and I got my wish come true. I was back to the ship, not as PY, not with the batchmates and not on Nippon Maru; I was a Discussion Facilitator of Fuji Maru this time.

Being a facilitator or I could say a “Faci”, is more than just “back-to-the- ship” desire. There are things that I could experience more than PYs could. Moreover, being on a different ship made it more perfect because I totally gained new engagement with it. I experienced being lost somewhere in the ship on my way back to my cabin; finding new spot to corner myself and enjoying the moment to feel “Wow, I am in the middle of the sea, Thank you GOd for this blessing”, and taking pleasure in the new grand bath atmosphere.

But there are things that only a Faci can experience that PYs cannot. Let me share 7 of them and let’s keep the rest in the Faci “Pandora box”.

1.FANCY ATTIRE A1What is so special with Faci Attire A1? Not only it was tailored in Japan, it has the same fabrics and model with the Admin’s A1. It feels so prestigious when I wear it. There is this sense of “I am the same level with Admin”. Truly, it is so cool to wear it, especially with the ties that have SSEAYP letters designed on it. And what make it so different with PYs’? The special title of “Facilitator” is written on the nameplate.

2.EXCLuSIVE CABINAs you know, there are three types of rooms in the ship, they are the standard, suite, and deluxe. 3 PYs share the standard cabin, while suite cabin is shared by 2 Facis and in some cases, a Faci could get his/her own suite room without having to share it with someone. This happens when there is odd number of male and female facilitators. what can a faci get from this suite cabin? well, of course a bigger space, a bigger bed, a bigger bath-room and a long and comfortable sofa which could actually accommodate a contingentmeeting. To add, every morning, there are two beautiful crews cleaning and tidying up the cabin.

3.NO NIGhT CuRFEwSometimes, night curfew could become annoying when we are enjoying the night on the ship. But rules have to be set to keep the program run well in safe and comfortable

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condition. If you stay up too late, you might lose many moments during the day justbecause you are sleepy or unwell. well, sorry PYs for you have a curfew to observe. And for the Facis, we collaborate with NLs and Admins in the night patrol, or sometimes we are night patrolling the NLs. when PYs are already inside the cabin, we could still have “discussion” among facilitators and rule the midnight grand bath.

4.SPECIAL SEAT Yes, this is what I call special seat for Facilitators. Anywhere, during courtesy calls, morn-ing assemblies, national presentations, even in dinner receptions, there are always seats or tables reserved and tagged with “Facilitators” on them. And this gave us the privilege to be in the front to capture every moment we watch, and also enjoy every special treat-ment and service there is. 5.“CAPTAIN” PRIVILEGEAgain the beauty of being a Facilitator is that we can have access to meet the “behind the scene” crews, being in the kitchen and some restricted areas without sneaking at all, interview the captain and his commander, and lucky me, I could wear the Captain’s A1. Amazingly, it fits on me.

6.PERSONAL LOuNGEwhen PYs are out for homestay, it is the time when the ship is ours. For myself, the lounge has become a personal lounge, where I could write, read, play in my notebook and even sleep from one couch to the other. Not to mention, the lounge is so large and private. Mind you, I refer the term lounge to Saloon, Veranda, Sky lounge, COC room, and even the alley itself. Even after checking out of the cabin, I moved to my lounge.

7.BECOME PY, NL, AND ADMIN AT ThE SAME TIMEJust like a youth in their teenage, we also have an identity problem. As we were PYs before, but now in some way, we have the same responsibility with the Admin staff in successfully achieving the Program objectives, and to somehow become a model and to function as NL. Imagine this situation - you are invited to attend the NationalPresentation and there is a seat reserved for you, then you are enjoying the show and when the show ends, you jump to the stage and start to dance, taking pictures with PYs with different costumes on; suddenly you take line with the Admin staff to lead PYs out of the Hall. Shortly after, mingle with PYs in some night euphoria at the saloon, then later do the night patrol. That is more awkward than a split personality, isn’t it?

Those are the seven things I could share in this public writing, if you want to know more than that, then prepare yourself to become a facilitator. The duty is more than the advantages of those seven that were mentioned earlier. They are just bonuses of the hard work and strong commitment to the program.

And one more thing I could share, but this is only experienced by me (or the Facilitator that disembark in his/her country and stay until the ship sail to the next port). After 28 days on board, sailing in Fuji Maru, sharing thoughts, laughter, and tears with PYs, throwing ribbon every time the ship leaves the port and waving to families and friends, staring the remnant on the sea and look at the land becomes smaller and smaller until I could only see the flat line of

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horizon, it is the moment when I see all my friends and family of SSEAYP waving on me from the ship, catching the yellow ribbon thrown to me, crying and laughing at the same time but no one to share with, and seeing the ship sailing away, the huge memorable ship becomes smaller and smaller and vanishes in the horizon, then realizing that the dream is over.

The entire wish come true was no longer true, as if a dream with a blur end and you wake up figuring whether it is real or just another deliberation of mind.

But one thing is for sure, SSEAYP will always be in me, in all Facis, PYs, NLs, Admin Staffs, and all the people who were involved in the journey. Good luck future SSEAYPers!

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October 29, this was the first time our SG E went to a university in another Japanese prefecture. I got a lot of knowledge, experience and friendship in there. Before our SG arrived in Shotoku Gakuen University, I was very excited and I had many thoughts about it . This was my first experience in Gifu Prefecture so I thought : “How is everything in the place?”, “Will everything be strange for me?”. I was worried. “Can I communicate with others easily in this university?” And many other thoughts were on my mind before we went to the University. when we arrived there, all my worries were gone because the people in this university have warmly welcomed us, SG E. They are very friendly and warm to us. They showed us Japanese traditional dance “SOrAN”. It is one of the most popular Japanese traditional dances. This dance shows a Japanese fisherman’s life. It was very nice to see SORAN dance. After we visited the university , we went to a primary school beside it. I learned about Japanese tea ceremony. They showed me how to make tea and how to hold a Japanese tea ceremony. We then tried Japanese tea . I like to drinkJapanese tea because it tastes a bit different from other teas. After that, we visited a class. we changed our national costumes and explained about it to the primary school students. I must say, all the students in the primary school are very cute and active. Shortly after, we had our lunch and then proceeded to a secondary school where we made Origami together with the students. I find Origami veryinteresting. Origami is a paper-folding art using one’s hands. They also taught us how to write our names in Japanese language and I am very happy to write my name in Japanese all by myself. Finally, we went back to the University again and celebrated a party. we then went for the homestay matching and dinner. I can never forget OCT 29. I wrote about SSEAYP in my heart deeply. If I have the chance, I want to go back this time again. I love My SSEAYP family and I will never forget about the SSEAYP experi-ence.

Myo Myat Min, MyPY

Photo taken at Gifu Shotoku Gakuen University

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Many languages. Different personalities. One group. SG-G’s united effort paid off with our best results ever, winning 3 awards in 1 day.

Soon Bee “Sherry” Siang, SPY

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11 countries’ NLs of diverse cultures, languages and careers, coming together as ONE to realize the aims and the goals of the 37th SSEAYP. It has been a privilege to work with them, sweet memories shall last forever.

Boey “Desmond” Tian CheongSPY1990/ SNL2010

SSEAYP 2010 was an unforgettable time in my life because I became a PY. I have gained good relationship with the rest of the PYs in ASEAN and Japan. You will be in my mind forever SSEAYP 2010. Miss you all!

Xaysanith “Nitoi” Vongviengkham, LPY

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STrANGErS TO EACH OTHEr IN CABIN 549Mary Jane Rabanzo, PPY

I was quiet, I was shy, I was alone.I was like that the first day I entered our cabin.

I did not know how I will talk to them.Strangers to each other, but sleeping in the same cabin.

I had one reason why I couldn’t be closer with them;I was very afraid to attach myself.

I have a fear that I may not be able to move on.Because I know, time will come that we have to say goodbye.

I admit, they became closer than I to anyone of them.But, an obstacle tried the friendship we built.

A trial came which challenged the depth of our closeness.I realized how much I care and love them.

They’d love to see the sun shine early in the morning.I am left alone in the room everytime I wake up.

But then they always fail to see the sun rise.They will go back to the room teasing, “Who’s the bad charm?” among them.

December 13, 2010, I woke up and I was surprised.These 2 cabinmates were still in the room.

I felt uncomfortable tension inside our cabin. what happened?They were supposed to be outside waiting for the sun to rise.

Our Thai cabin mate was sent to the sickroom.That day, it was the first time we slept in our cabin not complete.

It was really a sad feeling to realize, we just had three days left.I cried for it was just that day that I realized.

I loved them but I was afraid to show them.I cared but I feared to tell them.

I missed those times that we should have been together.But, now I want to tell them I really care.

For MaPY Chu – Yin and TPY Tan, my cabin mates,Thank you for being there to comfort me.

You’ve been my elder sisters, good advisers, and nice friends.Tan, your sickness became a blessing in disguise.

On the last day, the sun has risen bright and Tan was able to see it.we became emotional, sad that we can not take a picture together.

But still laugh because it was funny.I love you cabinmates in room 549.

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THOUGH DISTANCE DRIFTED US APART, I LOVE YOU

The first time I saw her, she was quiet.I tried to be closer to her, she did not fail me.

She let me entered in her life, in her heart.I talked to her often, though we were busy.

we exchanged cards, letters and gifts.we gave genuine smile every time we see each other.

we laughed, we discussed, we became friends.we did the role of being good sisters.

I never told her how much I care for her. I wasn’t able to hug her tight when it was time to say goodbye.

I did not have the chance to be her homestay mate.But though these things did not happen….

I LOVE HEr SO MUCH!

Yes, we knew it already, we love each other.The way we treat each other, love has been there.

I am so lucky, I met her.I am so blessed to have her in my life.

I built friendship with many other PY’s.I have close friends and even met a special someone.

But, she’s the girl who became my dearest sister, my bestfriend.Now, I want to tell and show the world how special she is to me.

Thank you for being one of my loved ones.Arigato Gozaimasu JPY Aya Takahashi!

Though distance drifted us apart, I love you.I am looking forward to see you again, my bestfriend.

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It says “No NL!!! No Adm!! PY ONLY”. Whoever made this, you are awesome! This was during the flu outbreak (“facemask” time). Jnah,BPY

The Face Mask Fad on Board.Malou Eudela, PPY

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Smile with hope and a little anxiety. This is my first encounter with my crazy cabinmates at YLS! Love you, guys! I miss our laziness , funny dance and call from MOM!

Toru Miyata, JPY

SSEAYP became a part of my family. I am very proud to have joined this program because I made new friends and I must say, everyone is friendly.

SSEAYP will remain in my heart forever.Phonepaseuth “Solay” Khounnouvong, LPY

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PYs get ready for a traditional Malaysian wedding in Kampung Endah, Banting Selangor Malaysia.

The last sunset on board Fuji Maru. The end of a day and the beginning of many new journeys.

Marielle Aznar, PPY

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The 37TH SSEAYP POPULARITY AwARDPham Van “Kevin” Khoa, VPY

Foreword: This is just a sharing of some personal thoughts on the ranking of PYs during the 53memorable days of SSEAYP 2010; therefore if the anecdotes may ridicule, offend or exaggerate, the writer prays for the deepest sympathy and understanding from wide readers.

Subjectively, the writer selected several categories to judge and come up with a modest list of choices for the Popularity Award.

The criteria to select winning candidates are as follows:-The frequency of recognized public appearance.-The frequency of being mentioned both publicly and privately.-The level of participation in the activities throughout the program.-The individual recognized achievements.-The ability to maintain good relationships with other PYs.-The outstanding qualities, skills, talents, physical appearance and characters-The significance of their contribution to their contingent as well as the entire

program

All these factors contribute to make good traits of a winner. Under critical consideration to the sense of friendship and impartiality, the writer proudly presents his list of “The 37th SSEAYP Popularity Award” winners.

JAPAN CONTINGENT: ELLIE After SG Theatre, people called her Ellirella. However, pitifulCinderella was not so blessed to have that many peoplewitness her life story as Ellie did in her violence-packedhappy-ending comedy. The more than 300 audiences in thePacific Hall could never forget how amazing Ellie was in her role as the poorly mistreated, fatherless Cinderella. She did a terrific job, being the best actress of the show and stimulating thunderousapplauses and laughter from onlookers. What’s more, Ellie finished the second place in the made-in-Vietnam Miss Ao Dai Contest.Ellie’s sweet beauty is unquestionable, but the most criticalfactor to her success must have been her open, kind personality which when you ever once experience, you’ll never forget.

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MALAYSIA CONTINGENT: KELVINIt isn’t an exaggeration to claim that when people talked about Malaysia, they talked about Kelvin. If you ever asked any of the Fuji Maru passengers the person they remembered most throughout the 53 days in SSEAYP, “Kelvin Ong” woulddefinitely be the first answer you will get. Kelvin, theyoungest PY of the batch (who was actually only 18 years and three months old when the program started), rocked the ship as the most active, passionate, talented, smartest PY who played to win and have led to succeed. In myriad gossips about him, there’s nonstop spoken admiration for an energeticdancer, an excellent SG K leader, a huge fun-maker and, of course, a charming young patriot. Besides that, he also took charge of numerous creative activities for his CAsubcommittee. According to Mosan JPY, Kelvin Ong had no rival in the run for this so-called popularity award. Lots of moments we had were filled with his company. If there had been no Kelvin, SSEAYP 2010 wouldn’t have been that tremendous.

ThAILAND CONTINGENT: TAOFun, sexy and talented are just the right course of words todescribe Tao. Though there was rather little interaction between the Tao and the writer, observations persuade him that there’s no better representative from Thailand Contigent than Tao for this award. Remembered in a number of activities, from the sexy dance competition (the first SG activity) to the national presentation where he steered the whole contingent to victory as the best NDP, Tao was also voted as the Most Enthusiastic member during the DG culminating activity, and won hearts of many fellow PYs for his bubbly personality. He also turned heads with his huge colorful wardrobe (mostly female outfits) whenever he appeared for NDP, which caused enjoyable public-ity. And who can forget his height, which characterized one of

the twin towers of SSEAYP 2010? Tao fully showcased an amazing Thailand!

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LAO CONTINGENT: MANOLYThe Beauty Queen of 37th SSEAYP is definitely the mostcompetent candidate from Lao Contingent. Her physicalattractiveness drew waves of attention. Manoly looks fresh, young and charming, reminiscent of the popular innocentbeauty renowned to Korean celebrities. Visual impressions more or less made her famous. Apart from that, Manoly was a girl of depth, too. Not to mention her respectable background of foreign study, Manoly gained admiration for her quick wit, fun and smartness, thanks to which she once brought home the honorable title of Miss Ao dai SSEAYP 37th, a traditionalphenomenal beauty pageant held by Vietnam Contingent.Besides, the name Manoly was also announced as the Female Star of the Night in absolute favor of Philippine Contingent for her efforts to make their NDP truly a night of dramas. with her fun personality and extensive relationships with co-PYs, Manoly has always been a nice friend to be with.

INDONESIA CONTINGENT: RINAIt’s a tough competition in the choice for the most deserving IPY since there are many competent candidates in Indonesia Contingent who stand equal chance. The writer finally picked Rina as his favorite for she’s a perfect combination of all thefactors considered. She is smart, beautiful, active and talented. Her fascinating vocal performance and stunning Barbie-dollbeauty communicated exactly the typical image of anIndonesian youth. As an active member of DG SchoolEducation, she represented her group to the DG culmination, where the biggest achievements of all the DGs were presented.In socializing, people could find in rina a sincere trait of amodern young girl and a great friend to be with.

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SINGAPORE CONTINGENT: YK“If you take a little trip around Singapore Town, you’ll seehandsome YK.” The song could have been written that way if the writer had met this absolutely fantastic SPY earlier.Singapura is proud of him. YK, which simply stands for hisChinese name Yoong Kheong, was the hottest man on board who possesses everything girls expect in their dream men.Enthusiastic, responsible, caring and gentle, YK is known forbeing the spokesperson for a variety of events and activities,such as the DG presentations and especially during theNational Flag Hoisting Ceremony when the ship landed his beautiful homeland, Singapore. Undeniably, Yoong Kheong is pleasantly handsome in the way that ladies fancy, but more than that, he is a man of great ma-turity, experience, orientation and knowledge. Friends enjoy being with him. Unanimously, this likeable SPY has what it takes to win this award.

VIETNAM CONTINGENT: MIAOIt was a hard choice between Miao and Nicole as both were strong and popular in their own ways. However, Miao seemed to outweigh her co-VPY in some aspects, which enabled her to stand a better chance for this title. with a high frequencyof being seen in important events where she took theresponsibilities, Miao became a typical icon of PY who devotedherself to continuous challenges. In terms of achievement, she conquered the title of Miss Lao Apone, an excitingbeauty contest from Lao Contingent, where not only herbeauty was revealed but also her eloquence. In addition, she is eligible in terms of fan votes for her friendly attitude, closeness inrelationship and a high sense of responsibility. VietnamContingent feels proud of her and no one would disa-gree that among the VPYs 2010, she has been the most active in terms of representations for the

different groups where she is a part of.

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BRuNEI CONTINGENT: PhANGLady Gaga would be shocked to know that there ever exists someone who’s even more “Gaga” than her. Phang BPY, or the Lady Gaga of SSEAYP 37th, turned out to resemble thisinternational pop sensation in a number of aspects, especially after the Impersonation Competition where he dressed ex-actly the same way as this weird singer. Fun and cute, Phang blew people away with his unique looks, humorous conver-sational style and openness which set him apart from anyone we have ever met.

He always knows how to fill conversations with laughs. But if you need someone to cry with, Phang will be there to cry with you. He is just as friendly and understanding as a great friend can be. On behalf of the Brunei Contingent, Phang became an irreplaceable trademark of 37th SSEAYP, which is believed to last generation over generation.

CAMBODIA CONTINGENT: STEVEHot!!! Hot!!! Hot!!! Steve was without doubt a SSEAYPplayboy. He (and at times “she”) created publicity for hisattractive presence everywhere. Audiences in the Pacific Hall were once fully entertained with his overly hilariousperformance. After the National Presentation of Cambodia Contingent, Steve made people remember more of a very charming MC and humorous comedian. Also a member of the SG subcommittee, Steve gave a big hand to make our timeenjoyable. In the glamorous impersonation show, he appeared on stage in a revealing long dress with heavy makeup, turning his well-reserved image into a killer sexy lady. This came as one great pleasant shock to everyone attending. Besides, he wasalways a favorite member of DG School Education for being such a friendly guy. The Contingent of Cambodia has all the

rights to be proud of him.

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MYANMAR CONTINGENT: MINThere’s no doubt that Min, the doctor, was the most popular MyPY. In certain ways, the writer seems to have been biasedtowards his beloved homestay brother; but frankly speaking, Min ranks second to none in Myanmar Contingent for this popularity award. This absolutely friendly MyPY had whateveryone seeks in a true friend – sincerity, enthusiasm and helpfulness. Throughout the program, Min was alwaysavailable to lend a helping hand when it came to eventpreparations or urgent requests. On the days of many nationalpresentations, this SG A buddy would always be busy running here and there to prepare the best for each of the contingents. In dailyinteractions, the young doctor proved to be an open, friendly, lovable person. It seemed anyone could be his friend at first sight. Besides, his frequent representations for MyanmarContingent in important events made him much remembered by the public.

PhILIPPINE CONTINGENT: PGOnce in sight of this phenomenal PPY, people couldn’t helppicture out a sexy banana. His chubby figure perfectlyassociates with the banana cheer, a well-kept tradition ofSSEAYP, which he once repeated. Yet PG, the shortened version of“Peter Glenn,” apparently stayed a place in our minds for more than just a bulk of cheers. Since the day our giant Fuji Marudeparted for her long voyage across the peaceful J-ASEAN Ocean, the fashionable-looking PG started shaking it up his own way. with a stylishly covered image as well as unquestionable talents, PG gained everyone’s trust to become a member of the SG Sub-Committee, a creative think tank which made every single moment on board the best time of your life. with PG, people find highs of creativity and energy. Non-stop success of SG activities firmed the proof of his restless contributions.

His unmistakably hilarious jokes also challenged our ability to control emotions. Deep down, people also found huge care, sophistication and sensitivity with PG.

Some other PYs should have been included. Limitations, however, didn’t allow me to extend my writing. Each of us surely has someone to remember. That’s my list. what about yours?

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The 53-day journey of the 330 seeds of hope from 11 countries has enhanced breadth and depth of a strong tie of friendship and have prospered the future of the ASEAN and Japan youth.

Manoly “Noi” Sisavanh, LPY

Friendship. we became very close and we have never left each other when one of us gets sick. I love my GPY friends so much.

In addition, my cabinmates became more than just my roommates, they are brothers whom I will truly help in this lifetime, come what may.

Santiphab “Santi” Luangbounheuang, LPY

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One time in my lifeSitthisone “Pok” Phakphomma, LPY

Unforgettable 53days!Tsubasa Nakano, JPY

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Compliments of the passionate photographer, Abu, who managed to gather us and have some photoshoot. - Jnah, BPY

- Jack, IPY

- Jack, IPY

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3 “BAd” WAYS TO ENJOY SSEAYPRyota Minami, JPY

ONE SNEAK OUT ANd GO OUT CLUBBING IN EACH COUNTrY. Although we are prohibited to sneak out during our stay at the National Olympic Youth

Center in Tokyo, and also during our homestays ...

I went out clubbing and had parties with my friends as much as I could!!!• 31st Oct, Halloween Party @Camelot (Shibuya JAPAN)• 2nd Nov@New LEX (roppongi JAPAN)• 3rd dec@Mambo Night @Zouk (SINGAPOrE) • 17th dec@GASPANIC(roppongi JAPAN) • 2nd Nov@New LEX (roppongi JAPAN)

TwO LOVE ROMANCE wITH MANY PEOPLEI think I had romance with many people, but I’d like to keep it as a secret to myself. Sweet

and lovely memories from SSEAYP!

ThREE HANG OUT WITH “SICK” PYsSome PYs caught influenza and had to stay for some few days in Japan after the program had

finished. At least I had more time to spend with my friends!!! What happened was that we took them out and hanged out around Tokyo even though they were sick!!!

It was freaking fun and are precious memories for me what happened was …

I guess sometimes, you can enjoy the most when you break the rules and take the big risks, although there are tradeoffs to your decision…

I am confident that I enjoyed the most of my SSEAYP LIFE!!!

VIVA SSEAYP!

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37TH SSEAYP 2010 - JAPAN INSTITUTIONAL VISIT & INAUGUrATION CErEMONYFong Yoong Kheong , SPY

Editor’s Note: This contribution was lifted from the contributor’s blog site. This gives the readers a glimpse of a typical day of PYs, especially during their short stay in Japan before they embark for the cruise.

day 3 - 27 October 2010

After breakfast at Hotel New Otani, Participating Youths (PYs) went with their Discussion Groups for the Institutional Visit. This was the first time the discussion Group members get to meet one another.

Lunch at Hotel JAL City Yotsuya Tokyo

I belong to the Youth Development Discussion Group (DG) and our DG visited the National Council of YMCAs of Japan.

The presenter was Executive Director Mr Hisao Mitsunaga, who cordially introducedhimself as Pumpkin. Also present were director Izumi Manabe & Staff (domestic &International, YMCA Relations) Maki Enokita.

After a brief introduction on the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA), its vision and its training programme for staff, youth, policy-making volunteers and volunteers, we were divided into 3 groups to have our sub-group discussion.

Director Izumi Manabe facilitating Group A discussion59

Our sub-group discussed on the youth issues that we are facing in our own countries.

One of the groups shared about the meaning of Youth Development:

Young Opportunity unity Teamwork healthDetermined Excitement Volunteer Entrepreneurship Leadership Outstanding Patience

Motivation Empowerment Networking Talent

We arrived at Hotel New Otani at about 4pm, and since there was some time before the next activity, some of us went touring the area outside the hotel.

We tried the authentic Octopus Ball (Takoyaki!)

At 6pm, we reported in our Attire A1 for the Inauguration Ceremony of the 37th SSEAYP.

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Editor’s Note: Not only does SSEAYP bring JASEAN youth closer but it has been a venue to bring some PYs to lifetime commitment – marriage. Here’s a concrete proof – VPYs Miao and Zero.

From “Zero”

to “Hero”

They are two PYs who are typical for a very special 37th SSEAYP Post-Program named “PYs Matching”. Their happy ending is one of the Fairy Tales which all members of the batch expected. In the Future, they will surely give “Youth Seeds” who will eventually become a part of the SSEAYP Family.

Pham Thi Dieu Huong “Miao”, VPY

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Photos Courtesy of Naoro Watanabe, Administrative Staff of the 37th SSEAYP