November 23 marked the 7th anniversary of JETAA Philippines, and members celebrated the milestone with a weekend of creativity, connection, and culture.

To kick things off, a 🍱 bento-making meetup was held on November 22. Members gathered in Quezon City, while others who were unable to attend in person joined virtually. All materials were provided, and soon everyone discovered just how much hard—and heart—work goes into preparing a bento. Even with the food already cooked, assembling each lunch box took over an hour. By the end of the session, participants had a newfound respect for parents who prepare bentos daily.

The activity wasn’t just about food; it was a chance to bond, reminisce, and share stories, all while engaging in something wonderfully Japanese.

The celebration continued on November 23 with JETAA-PH members in Kansai enjoying a cozy autumn picnic lunch at Tsurumi Ryokuchi Park in Osaka City. Surrounded by the vibrant fall colors, participants took part in traditional Japanese cultural activities, including 🍂 momijigari, etegami, and origami. Creative energy filled the air as everyone crafted colorful postcards and folded intricate paper shapes.

Lunch featured a delicious spread of bentos, warm 🍠 yakiimo, and seasonal treats, which were the perfect companions for the crisp autumn afternoon. Laughter, conversation, and the simple joy of being together made the day feel truly special.

It was a celebration of friendship, culture, and shared memories, capturing everything that JETAA Philippines stands for.

Happy Anniversary, JETAA-PH! 🎉 Here’s to many more wonderful gatherings and meaningful moments ahead. 🍻

On October 4, participants from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao gathered online for Matcha Magic, a workshop on Japanese tea culture facilitated by Ms. Kelly Ko of the Japan Foundation, Manila.

Ms. Kelly guided the participants through the fascinating world of matcha, from its rich history and traditional production process to its current global popularity. She discussed how matcha is carefully cultivated and stone-ground into its signature vibrant green powder, symbolizing both craftsmanship and cultural heritage.

Participants also learned about the essential tools used in tea preparation, such as the chasen (bamboo whisk), chashaku (tea scoop), and chawan (tea bowl). Beyond the art and ritual, Ms. Kelly highlighted the numerous health benefits of matcha, including its high antioxidant content and calming properties.

After the presentation, everyone followed a step-by-step demonstration and enjoyed preparing their own matcha at home, experiencing firsthand the meditative rhythm of whisking and serving tea.

More than just a workshop, Matcha Magic was a celebration of learning, wellness, and cultural appreciation that brought together tea enthusiasts from across the Philippines.

A heartfelt thank you to Ms. Kelly and everyone who joined us in creating a truly magical afternoon! 🍃💚