Mr. Kumada Ryuji, middle, enjoys his few days in Palau when he met Palau Royal Resort musician, Roberto Hernandez, left, together with his friend Ishida Koju, right, in a memorable night of Feb. 23, 2016.
(Photo by Roberto Hernandez)
JAPANESE RICE FARMER KUMADA
RYUJI ENJOYS PALAUAN MUSIC
ON FEB. 22, 2016, Japanese rice farmer Mr. Kumada Ryuji came at Palau Royal Resort's Breeze Bar all by himself. He sits at the bar and listen to Roberto Hernandez' music while watching TV and talking to bartender Den Flores.
Later, he gave Roberto $10.00 tip and Den started to refer to me Mr. Kumada because he can't speak much English. All their conversation have hand gestures so that they will understand each other.
Knowing few Japanese words, we have 'broken' Japanese conversation and often translate to Den whatever long sentence that Mr. Kumada is saying.
He said he will come back again tomorrow evening at Breeze Bar again but Den warn him that he may not get much attention because there will be a function at Breeze Bar for 240 persons... the Fundraising party of Palau International Coral Reef Center, where Palau President Tommy Remengesau, Jr. will be the VIP guest.
Mr. Kumada said that his job is rice farmer and nothing else. He is concentrated in keeping the quality of rice in Japan. I told him that when I was in Japan from April 04-Sept. 28, 1982, I like Japanese rice very much because of its big grain and a little sticky.
In the morning of Feb. 23, the PRR staff are very busy in setting Breeze Bar for the function. They added additional tents in case there will be rain. The forecast is rainy at night time. For that function, PRR is about to earn $11,000.00 from the fundraising event.
While playing piano at Waves Restaurant from 7-9pm, it rains hard. I saw some staff soaking wet but still working fast to satisfy the guests.
When I was about to go there at 9pm, there are still some occupied tables and Palau President Tommy Remengesau, Jr. is still there sitting with some high ranking Palau officials.
The Palauan band (male duo) is still playing. I'm looking for Mr. Kumada but I can't see him at the vacant tables. The staff are still busy assisting to the remaining guest. I heard it's a very successful fundraising with Senator Sandra Pierentozzi donating $5,000.00. She's running for president against incumbent Tommy and Senator Surangel Whipps, Jr. There will be a primary election in a few months.
I saw Mr. Kumada at the back end of Breeze Bar all by himself again. I sit with him because the band is still playing Palauan songs. Den gave me a glass of water. We have some more conversation about Mr. Kumada's job in Japan.
Then came his friend Mr. Ishida Koju and our conversation is more lively. When the band plays the song "ABC", a Palauan dancing (disco/chacha) song, Mr. Kumada can't help himself dance also with Palauan ladies.
I followed him and take some shots of him while enjoying the night with Palauan music.
When Mr. Kumada returns to our table, I teased him that I will post these photos at Palau Chess Federation website http://palau-chess.blogspot.com and I ask for their names.
Later, Mr. Ishida gave me $10.00 tip to make my night more memorable. At 11:15, Mr. Ishida, a businessman, left and later I leave also and Den is the only one left to talk with Mr. Kumada.
Later that night, Den told me that Mr. Kumada asked him to come to the front desk, and wait for him there. He gave Den one bottle of Chivas Regal whiskey.
Sources: Music and Me
By Roberto Hernandez
Tia Belau Newspaper
March 15, 2012 -- April 2013
http://palau-chess.blogspot.com
April 2013 --March 17, 2016
Chess and Music (Perfect Combination)
The Beginning of Chess in Palau
By Roberto Hernandez
To be published as a book in the future
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