Nihongo. Confidence and high hopes may be gleaned behind the smiles of these students of the Camarines Sur Japanese Language and Culture Center (CSJ LCC) who took the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) held at De La Salle University, Manila last December 3, 2006 as they pose for a souvenir picture at the fagade of said institution. With the burgeoning trade and business relationship between the Japanese government and the provincial government of Camarines Sur, their eventual passing at said proficiency test is indeed much awaited as it will open doors of opportunities for them in the Japanese workforce. Said proficiency in written and spoken Japanese Language is an indispensable requirement towards landing a job in Japanese firms, here and elsewhere. It is for this reason that Gov. LRay Villafuerte established CSJ LCC in February 2005 which has since ushered many constituents, especially IT professionals, to land financially-rewarding jobs. Out of the 86 who filed their application, 71 actually took the exam (51 for Level 4 and 20 for level 3). Result of said exams is due for release sometime March 2007. CRFERNANDEZ/EDANO/MMEC

HERO’S KIN. Jesus J. Hernandez, VP for Student and External Affairs of the University of Nueva Caceres and other younger members of the Hernandez clan lead Nagueños in honoring the 15 Bicol Martyrs during the Martyrs’ 110th death anniversary rites held at Plaza Quince Martires in downtown Naga City last January 4, 2007. RANDY VILLAFLORA

BANKERS CLUB. Naga City Mayor Jesse M. Robredo inducts into office the new officers of the Camarines Sur Bankers Club led by its President Mariano O. Aureus, Jr., Branch Manager of Philippine National Bank Naga Branch. The other officers, third from left are: Tirso Mariano (RCBC), vice-president; Arleen Mariano (G-7), secretary; Yolanda Deduque (Farmers Bank); and Helius Pastoral (PSBank), auditor.

FIL-CANADIANS. The offficers and members of the Featinean Association of Toronto donated S1,000 to the victims of Typhoon Reming in the Bicol Region through the Philippine Consulate General’s Office - Toronto, Ontario, Canada, last January 3, 2007. Shown in photo from left to right: Tirso Balitian, Tony San Juan, Joy San Juan, Julio Buiza, Consul General Alejandro B. Mosquera, Res Paje, Nenita Recaido, Max Recaido, and Cesar Banda. CAROLINE MARTIN - jotadz

Ika-18ng aniversario sa pag-procecion kan Black Nasarene sa Ciudad nin Naga na ginibo kan Martes (Enero 9) na banggi sa centro kan ciudad. Dakul na devotos an nagsunod sa Imahen hali sa Tabuco Parish church sagcod sa mga mayor na calle kan ciudad.