✨🌸 We are back again this year with fun-filled activities! 🌸✨

The NCF-PIJLC Open House 2025 wrapped up successfully, hosting a vibrant day featuring interactive workshops, presentations, and contests at the NCF Manila campus on October 11, 2025. The event, which sought to deepen appreciation for Japanese culture and language, brought together students, enthusiasts, and respected partners for an unforgettable experience. At least one hundred seventy nine (179) registered attendees experienced the various Japanese themed merchandise, food, and activities.

Energizing Start with Radio Taiso 🤸

Did you get your morning stretch on? We certainly did! The event kicked off with a truly Japanese tradition: Radio Taiso (radio exercise). This refreshing, nationwide routine, which first started in 1928 as part of Japan’s national health program, is broadcast every morning on NHK to help people stay healthy. Participants were encouraged to join in the gentle, cued movements, setting a spirited and healthy tone for the rest of the day. Following the morning exercises, the event was officially opened by Keli Biscarra-sensei, NCF’s Faculty Development Manager, who delivered the event’s welcoming and inspiring opening remarks.

Morning Program Highlights

The Elegant Art of Calligraphy 🖌️

We welcomed Noriko-san for a special presentation demonstrating the elegant art of Japanese Calligraphy. With skillful brushwork bringing the characters to life, she explained the deep meaning of the characters which are 夢 (Dream), 咲く（To Bloom）and 未来 (Future) meaning “Future where Dreams Bloom”.  Following her memorable lecture and demonstration, the audience gathered together to try the experience firsthand – using a large brush, each stroke of the characters  by each person – making a beautiful collective work of art. 

Exploring Study and Work Opportunities in Japan 🎌

Following the creative Calligraphy Demonstration, the Japan Information and Culture Center (JICC) of the Embassy of Japan held an informative presentation on the Japan Exchange Teaching (JET) Programme and MEXT program. These presentations gave valuable insights and knowledge to prepare interested applicants on tips for success, first hand testimonials, and step-by-step application procedures – inspiring many attendees to pursue their dreams to study and work in Japan.

Stamp Rally Challenge📚

We loved seeing all of you darting around, program in hand, eager to collect stamps at every activity and workshop! Guests actively participated in the various activities and hands-on workshops facilitated by our guest instructors from Japan, ki-wi 合同会社  including Tea Ceremony, Calligraphy, Origami, Furoshiki, and Ninja Demonstration & Training. 

Attendees were also able to experience Yukata Wearing, Omikuji, Nihongo Lessons, and Game Booth throughout the whole day.

Exciting Afternoon Performances

The afternoon program began with the Karaoke Singing Contest where contestants put in their best performance to demonstrate their skills in singing their chosen Japanese songs from a wide range of genres. Each participant was judged based on 3 criterias: Pronunciation, Musicality, and of course, Audience Impact!

The energetic and memorable Yosakoi Workshop & Performance was next on the list, led by FCM trainees together with Jovy sensei and Vianca sensei. The audience was invited to come join them in front to learn the moves and ended the session with a festive Yosakoi performance with everyone.

The Ninja Demonstration & Training was one of the most anticipated events of the day. Hosted by Masa san and Dondon sensei, this amazing program demonstrated and explained the history, cultural significance, and techniques used by ninjas. Volunteers were also called to the stage to showcase what they learned from the lessons in a witty mock battle scene. An amusing and unique way to learn about one of the most famous icons of Japanese history.

Showcasing Talent and Creativity

The Open House featured contests, including Drawing and Karaoke Singing Contest. The winners of these contests were awarded cash prizes, Open House tote bag & ballpen souvenirs, and special prizes from Kyoto Minsai Japanese Language School. 1st place winners received a gift certificate of one (1) course tuition fee waiver for Basic Japanese or Intermediate Japanese course at NCF or PIJLC.

Drawing Contest 🎨

Let your talents shine! Drawing participants were able to flex their talent by creating themed-masterpieces within the limited time slot. 🪄

Drawing Contest Winners:

• 1st Place: Quirbe Montajes
• 2nd Place: Wyein Plaza
• 3rd Place: Qathleen Sioc

Karaoke Singing Contest 🎤

We can’t miss the Karaoke Singing contestants who were able to showcase their talented singing voices, dazzling the crowd with Japanese music. 🎤🎼

Karaoke Singing Contest Winners:

• 1st Place: Raymart Perez – “Sparkle” by Radwimps
• 2nd Place: Drew Galvez – “The Fourth Avenue Café” by L’Arc-en-Ciel 
• 3rd Place: Patty Conato – “Gifts” by Superfly   

Culmination of Workshops and Exhibitions

Open House has returned again this year following the successful reunion from last year’s event. This event provided a unique opportunity for participants to learn more about Japanese culture in an entertaining and interactive manner—a contrast to textbook method of learning. The event also deepened connections between individuals with shared interests in Japan, sprouting shared connections and new friendships with one another. This year’s Open House showed that learning more about Japanese culture and language can be done in a fun and interactive manner. 

To all the attendees, thank you once again for making the NCF-PIJLC Open House 2025 a massive success. We hope you gained a deeper appreciation for Japanese language and culture. Keep the spirit of learning and exploration alive! 

Acknowledgements

Partners and Merchants 

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all partner organizations, company and school, whose continuous support made the event possible:

• Grandsoul Japan
• Kyoto Minsai Japanese Language School
• Japan Foundation, Manila
• Japan Information and Culture Center of the Embassy of Japan

We also want to give a special nod to the fantastic food and merchant stalls that kept us fueled and added a festive market atmosphere: Mommy and Ea’s Cravings, Mommy’s Kitchen, Yorokobi, Lucky Item Toys, Miyoko Louisse Kimono, Rekindled, and Vine Thistle and Thread. 

Guest Instructors and Performers

ki-wi合同会社

• Masayuki Furukawa – Origami/Ninja Demonstration & Training
• Yuki Hamano – Tea Ceremony/Furoshiki
• Noriko Okawa – Calligraphy
• Maru Irie – Calligraphy

Master of Ceremonies: Bernard Bangaysiso

Event Coordinators: Ma. Donjie Reyes, Lymie Belo, and Pholyn Domalaon

We look forward to seeing you at our school! 👋

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