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2024-2025
2024-2025
Japan Vibes at Nihon Go! 2025
Japan Vibes at Nihon Go! 2025
Last January 25, the conference room of Holy Spirit Elementary School in Quezon City buzzed with excitement as 53 sixth graders participated in Nihon Go!, an interactive event celebrating Japanese language and culture.
The day kicked off with a fun icebreaker activity: human bingo, where students mingled to complete their bingo cards by finding other students who matched specific descriptions. This lively start set the tone for the rest of the event.
Following the icebreaker, students attended a Nihongo mini-lesson. They learned basic Japanese expressions such as greetings and common phrases. The lesson was both informative and enjoyable, with the students enthusiastically practicing words like konnichiwa, hajimemashite, and arigatou gozaimasu.
One of the highlights of the half-day program was the onigiri-making activity, where the students tried their hand at crafting Japan’s beloved rice balls. Using furikake, tuna mayo, and tapa flakes as fillings, they showcased their creativity in shaping and assembling their onigiri. The results? Delicious snacks and plenty of smiles!
To cap off the event, the students joined an origami session, folding colorful papers into penguins and cat/fox bookmarks. This activity not only honed their fine motor skills but also gave them a glimpse of the precision and artistry that Japan is known for.
Nihon Go! was a memorable experience for everyone involved. The sixth graders walked away with newfound knowledge about Japanese culture, a few basic Japanese phrases under their belts, and a sense of pride in their creations.
Events like this remind us of the importance of fostering cultural awareness and appreciation in young learners. By exposing students to diverse traditions and languages, we equip them to navigate an increasingly interconnected world with empathy and understanding.
Arigatou gozaimasu, HSES sixth graders, for making Nihon Go! a resounding success!
Special thanks to the Council of Local Authorities for International Relations (CLAIR) for making this event possible, as well as to the following people:
Teach for the Philippines fellows at HSES, led by Ms. Lea Zarza, for helping us organize the event;
Dr. Cabardo, principal of HSES, for supporting our flagship program;
Mr. Isowa from the Embassy of Japan, for gracing our activity with his and his son’s presence; and
the JETAA Philippines members who generously volunteered their time and energy.
JETAA Philippines: Six Years Strong
JETAA Philippines: Six Years Strong
On November 23, JETAA Philippines celebrated its 6th anniversary with an online onigiri-making workshop. This special event combined food, fun, and culture, providing participants with a hands-on experience that was as enriching as it was delicious.
Mr. Tatsuro Otoishi of the Japan Foundation, Manila facilitated the workshop, which kicked off with an introduction to the art of onigiri—the beloved Japanese rice balls. Attendees learned about its history and cultural significance. To keep the energy lively, a fun and interactive quiz followed, testing the participants’ newfound knowledge about this iconic Japanese rice dish.
The highlight of the event was the onigiri-making session, where participants rolled up their sleeves and created their own delicious rice balls. Each participant received an activity kit containing all the necessary ingredients to make their own onigiri.
The workshop was more than just a celebration of JETAA-PH’s anniversary; it was also a celebration of shared experiences, culture, and community. Through the simple act of making onigiri together, participants connected over food, fun, and the shared goal of strengthening ties within the alumni network.
To everyone who joined us: Thank you for making this milestone so meaningful! Here's to many more years of learning, sharing, and celebrating together.
Online Kapihan
Online Kapihan
Last Saturday, October 26, we had a fantastic time reconnecting with fellow alumni during our online kapihan. It was truly heartwarming to hear everyone’s updates, from career advancements to personal milestones.
We also took a deep dive into our experiences with reverse culture shock and discussed how we navigate everyday life post-JET.
And of course, we can’t overlook the fun! A huge shoutout to our generous game winners who donated their prizes to support the victims of Tropical Storm Kristine. Your kindness and care are a true inspiration to us all! ❤️
JETAA-PH Bonding Moments
JETAA-PH Bonding Moments
Fun under the crazy summer heat
Members of the Kansai group, some with their families in tow, braved the crazy heat of summer for an afternoon of fun at Suma Beach in Kobe on August 18. Since many of them met for the first time that day, it was truly a great chance for everyone to get to know each other while having fun.
During lunch, everybody feasted on delicious Filipino and Japanese dishes and had fun playing traditional Japanese festival games in summer. Everyone had a blast playing suikawari, kendama, and super ball sukui. No one was left empty-handed as everyone got traditional Japanese snacks as prizes.
One event highlight was the chance to share Filipino food with some Japanese beach-goers who had it for the first time. It was indeed a cultural exchange.
The first JETAA-PH cultural event in Japan was a success!
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An afternoon of Japanese games, grub, and genkiness
In the Philippines, as it was no longer the "summer" months, the alumni in the Greater Manila Area gathered for an afternoon of Japanese games and food in Makati City on September 14. The event, titled Kizuna Jam, was a blast as members enjoyed playing traditional Japanese games like kendama and daruma otoshi. It was so much fun to see everybody trying their hand at these classic games.
There was also an anime OST trivia quiz, which brought out (almost) everyone's competitive spirit. Although members who grew up in the '90s had a slight advantage at the start, they were ultimately no match for a younger member who amassed points not only by identifying the anime series most songs came from but also by giving the titles of the songs. (Congrats, Dave!)
The best part of the event was definitely the delicious Japanese food that was served. Nothing beats savoring authentic Japanese dishes while reminiscing about life in Japan.
It was a great opportunity to catch up with fellow ex-JETs and make new memories together.
PASSING THE TORCH
PASSING THE TORCH
On July 13, 2024, the JET Pre-Departure Orientation Session, organized by the Japan Information and Culture Center (JICC) in cooperation with the Japanese Council of Local Authorities for International Relations (J.CLAIR) Singapore and JETAA-PH, offered new JETs invaluable insights from seasoned senpais, who shared practical advice for navigating their initial weeks in Japan, both in schools and daily life.
The journey continued at the Welcome and Send-Off Reception hosted by Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines ENDO Kazuya and J.CLAIR Singapore in his residence in Makati City on July 27. It was a grand event featuring notable figures such as J.CLAIR Singapore Executive Director TAKANO Kazuki, Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac of the Department of Migrant Workers, and Atty. Lily Freida C. Macabangun-Milla of the Commission on Higher Education. The atmosphere was filled with encouragement and excitement in celebration of the recently returned JET alumni and the 123 new JETs (122 ALTs and 1 CIR) bound for Japan the following day.
At the online orientation, Erjo Coscolluela, one of the alumni sharers and a recent JET returnee, shared a personal anecdote about his JET experience in Tokyo, highlighting the importance of flexibility and adaptability. He mentioned being surprised when his supervisor told him he would take charge in the classroom, which was a significant shift from what he had expected. This adjustment taught him the importance of going with the flow and being open to unexpected opportunities. His advice to new JETs is to embrace each unique situation with a positive attitude and readiness to adapt.
Arianne Lizz Teobengco, representing the new returnees at the reception, shared a touching story about forming a lasting friendship with one of her students while supporting her family in the Philippines. This highlighted the personal and professional growth that the JET Programme fosters.
Karen Ann Loquias, speaking on behalf of Batch 2024, reflected on the profound journey of becoming a JET. She spoke about the cultural importance of service and the significance of the sacrifices made. Emphasizing the need for humility and persistence, she encouraged her fellow JETs to stay resilient and be the main characters in their own stories. She also urged them to represent their country well, nourish their faith, and seize the opportunity to shine in Japan.
The key messages from both events underscored the importance of embracing the journey with an open heart. First Secretary ISOWA Koji highlighted the value of appreciating cultural differences and building connections, suggesting that manga could be a fun way to break the ice with locals. Flexibility and adaptability were also stressed as crucial qualities. The mantra "Every Situation Is Different" (ESID) reminded JETs to approach each new experience with a positive attitude and readiness to adapt.
In her closing remarks at the orientation session, Ana Santiago, the current secretary of JETAA-PH, reminded the departing JETs of the "E" in JET, which stands for exchange. In Japan, JETs are not merely teachers but also representatives of their home country. This role carries significant responsibility and should be approached with both pride and a deep sense of duty.
🌏Best wishes to the new JETs as they embark on this exciting adventure. They are not just teaching English; they are building bridges between Japan and the Philippines. Good luck and enjoy every moment!
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