30/11/2025
A Japanese man unexpectedly passed by our restaurant, probably because he heard someone say “Takoyaki po” Although he had walked far ahead, he came back and started asking questions. He was speaking in Japanese, which we couldn’t understand, so he asked if we could speak Japanese. We told him we could speak English, and he was delighted because he could speak English too.
He chatted and laughed with us. During the conversation, he mentioned that he wanted to visit Happy Land in Tondo. We left him some reminders about certain areas in Tondo that are not safe, but we also shared that the area is filled with happy people who dream and work hard. Despite life’s challenges, they remain cheerful, which is why the place is called Happy Land. As we explained this, he looked genuinely curious and excited about it.
During our talk, he suddenly pulled out a a bunch of money at mayroon siyang inaabot saamin na Isang Lumang Sanlibong Piso kapalit daw ito ng pag sagot at pag papasaya sakanya ito daw ay bill as a token of appreciation for answering his questions and making him happy. But we just asked him where it came from, and he said it belonged to his grandfather who had lived here before. We did not accept it and politely declined. At sinabi namin na itago nalang ito at isa itong remembrance para sakanya ng kanyang lolo at ito ay mayroong sentimental value.
Sabi niya ay bibili nalang daw siya ng Takoyaki at tinanong namin kung kumakain ba siya ng sushi at sabi niya hindi daw siya nakain ng ganon. Siya ay nasarapan sa Takoyaki (Ham n Cheese Overload) dumalawang try siya nito nasarapan siya siguro ng sobra.
For foreigners like him, it’s natural to want to make them happy and provide answers that brighten their trip, so we felt it was unnecessary to accept the money. Nabanggit niya rin na siya ay nag t-trabaho sa isang small company sa japan parang more on computer at siya ay mayroong 3weeks lang daw na bakasyon at pang 2weeks niya na daw dito pero hindi niya pa napupuntahan ang Happy Land at sabi rin niya ayaw niya daw sa may matataas na buildings tulad daw sa makati gusto niya lang daw sa isang simple lang tulad ng mga bahay-bahay na pantay-pantay daw ang laki.
- Here at Karumata Food Hub, it was truly heartwarming to see a Foreigner so happy to talk and share a moment with us. Even though there was a language barrier, he enjoyed the conversation and returned just because he heard the word “Takoyaki.” We may not be loud, but we are friendly and always eager to chat and bring joy to our customers. At KARUMATA, we strive to deliver happiness and smiles to everyone, not just locals, but also tourists like him.
🤍❤️😊
「ありがとう、友よ」
Arigatou, tomo yo
(Maraming salamat, kaibigan)
「気をつけて、どこへ行くにも」
Ki wo tsukete, doko e iku ni mo
(Ingat ka sa bawat trip mo / wherever you go)