After a five-year hiatus, the NCF-PIJLC Open House returned with a bang on October 19, 2024. Two hundred eight (208) attendees flocked to NCF Manila to immerse themselves in Japanese culture and language. The event featured a variety of activities, including workshops, competitions, performances, giveaways, and a marketplace showcasing Japanese-themed food, merchandise, and accessories.

A Day of Cultural Enrichment

The Open House kicked off with a traditional Japanese calisthenics exercise, Radio Taiso. Participants then had the opportunity to learn about Japanese culture through hands-on workshops facilitated by Heart International. These workshops included the Tea Ceremony, Calligraphy, Origami & Furoshiki, and Kendo. The Japan Embassy also gave a presentation about the JET Programme, which offers opportunities for individuals to live and work in Japan.

Showcasing Talent and Creativity

The Open House also featured several competitions, including drawing, karaoke, and cosplay. The winners of these contests were awarded scholarships, cash prizes, and tote bags.

Drawing Contest Winners:

• 1st Place: Razelle De Galicia
• 2nd Place: Gael Pontrivida
• 3rd Place: Miguel C. Cano

Karaoke Singing Contest Winners:

• 1st Place: Jossa Jireh Louise G. Manalili – “Cutie Honey” by Kumi Koda
• 2nd Place: Emi – “私は最強” by ADO
• 3rd Place: Melody – “Suteki Da Ne” from Final Fantasy X

Cosplay Contest Winners:

• 1st Place: Tristan Aeternum – “Pulsefire Ezreal” from League of Legends
• 2nd Place: Via Montebon – “Anya” from Spy X Family
• 3rd Place: Razelle De Galicia – “Link” from The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom

Interactive Booths and Performances

In addition to the competitions, attendees could also enjoy free Japanese lessons, yukata wearing, traditional Japanese games, and a stunning calligraphy performance. The teachers also performed a Yosakoi dance and invited the audience to join in.

Marketplace and Career Opportunities

The event also featured a marketplace where attendees could explore a variety of Japanese-themed food, merchandise, and accessories. For those seeking career opportunities, several companies were present to offer Japanese bilingual job opportunities in BPO (Siegen HR Solutions), caregiving courses and job opportunities in Japan (Perpetual Help College + Grand Soul Japan), and assorted all-in travel packages to Japan (Kris10 Travel Inc.).

 Giveaways and Raffle Prizes

To cap off the event, giveaways of tote bags and ballpens delighted attendees, and lucky participants who submitted their raffle stubs earlier in the day had the chance to win exciting raffle prizes.

A Long-Awaited Reunion

The NCF-PIJLC Open House 2024 marked a long-awaited reunion after a five-year absence.　The event provided a unique opportunity for students, both online and in-person, to come together and experience Japanese culture and language in a fun and engaging way. After years of virtual learning, the in-person gathering offered a refreshing change of scenery and a chance for students to connect with their peers and teachers in a more personal setting. The open house was a testament to the resilience and adaptability of the NCF-PIJLC community, and it served as a reminder of the enduring power of cultural exchange and language learning.

Acknowledgments

We would like to thank the following sponsors, contributors, guest instructors, and performers who made the NCF-PIJLC Open House 2024 a success:

• Sponsors and Contributors 
  • Mr. Francis C. Laurel – Executive Trustee PJFF-NCF
  • Mr. Kenjiro Ogata – Academic Adviser NCF – PIJLC
  • Siegen HR Solutions
  • Kris10 Travel Inc.
  • Japan Information and Culture Center – Embassy of Japan

• Guest Instructors and Performers 

Heart International Japan

• • Ms. Chihomi Tomoda – Adviser
  • Ms. Kumiko Sugiyama – Tea Ceremony
  • Ms. Ruka Sugiyama – Calligraphy
  • Ms. Rei Suzuki – Calligraphy
  • Ms. Minako Miyako – Origami/ Furoshiki
  • Mr. Masayuki Furukawa – Kendo

Master of Ceremonies: Dondon Venzon

Event Coordinators: Chin Pangan and Dondon Venzon

See you in our next Open House!

Resources:

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