Congratulations to Al Detalla of Ibaraki University and Estela Blancaver of the University of Tsukuba on their recent engagement. They will be tying the knot in August this year. Estela obtained her doctoral degree from UT's Institute of Applied Biochemistry and while Al is in the mathematics Ph.D. program of IU.

-- From Philippines Today and the Association of Filipino Scholars in Tsukuba

Congratulations to PT writer Tippi Talorete and Ian Fernandez who will exchange marriage vows on May 1. Tippi is the Human Resources Manager of a bank while Ian is a faculty member of the University of St. La Salle in Bacolod City, Philippines.

-- From Butch and the staff of Philippines Today

Congratulations to Shiro Espirutu Mukai who won the Mr. Little Japan 2001 title in December last year. The cute and talented Shiro, who was born on July 1, 1996, is the son of Kenro and Mila Mukai. Photo taken at the Miel Park Hall, Tokyo.

-- From family and friends

Birthday greetings to the following April celebrants: Edward Barlaan (1), Geraldine Shinozawa (3), Tiny Odello (5), Baby Garcia (9), Maria Theresa Kitaguchi & Alicia Watanabe (15), Sandra Sasaki (21), Alice Abe (22), Blanca Flor Kinoshita (26). May you continue to thank the Lord for the gift of life that He has given you.

-- Ibaraki Christian Center