Japan can be considered as one of the most popular destination Filipinos would want to visit. But what hinders us usually could be the idea of getting a Visa and the much needed money for your travel expenses.
At the event held last February 7, 2014 at R Space in Makati, I got a chance to meet Japanese advocates who campaigns Filipinos to travel to Japan. I personally consider Japan on my list, and its influence to Filipinos are just widespread.
Wabisabi is a Japanese inspired vegetarian noodle house located in The Collective in Makati
From the food we eat, clothes we wear, how we pose on a camera, and even the communities Japanese have here, the country we once hate (becasue of the war) is now a country most of us do love.
It’s a dream destination for many, but travelling for 5-7 hours could make someone else’s broke. But if your so eager to fly and have enough savings to travel, well then enjoy Japan. But for those who still want to enjoy Japan while trying to save for that much awaited travel, here’s what I could suggest to you, Enjoy Japan here in Manila, Philippines!
7 Ways to Enjoy Japan in Manila
Check out Japan’s Anti-Ageing secret, click here.
1. Watch Anime, Drama and Movies – This is probably the most cheapest and easiest way to enjoy your Japanese Experience here in Manila. With the use of internet, you can just access tons of sources to watch Japanese Anime, drama series or movies. Watch it on TV (Samurai X, Death Note, or even Hello Kitty is Japanese) and currently a few Japanese drama can now be viewed on Jeepney TV. You can read Manga as well.
Learn about Tokyo fashion visit Japacolle.com
2. Be in Character, Attend a Cosplay gathering – Yearly a friend of mine with his whole team organized ToyCon, which is a gathering/fare of toys and anime enthusiast. Pick a character that would suit you best and attend the event in full battle gear! Have fun internalizing your favorite anime! Check out the previous Cosplay event held at SM Megamall, Click here.
Now who am I Cosplaying here???
with famous cosplayer “Jin” portraying SADAKO
3. Have you heard about the place called Little Tokyo? – If you haven’t, well this is a must see place. It’s a small community (hence “Little”) resembling Tokyo located in Makati City. It has a wide array of authentic Japanese restaurants and a place where you can see lots of Japanese as well.
The place is somehow hidden, and you probably been in the area but haven’t notice it for sure. Little Tokyo is just in front of Makati Cinema Square and its been here years ago. Entering the vicinity (specially at night) will definitely amaze you! Feeling like you’ve been transported to Japan by just spending 8.50 pesos coming from MRT magallanes station.
4. Make Friends – If you already plan to visit Little Tokyo, well this could be the perfect time for you as well to make new Japanese friends. Learn how to communicate with them and the ways how they do things. You can learn a lot from a (Japanese) friend, if your lucky enough, who knows he/she might be so generous enough to also bring your to japan right? Why not??
Singo Umano of the Denim Closet
5. Learn Nihongo – If you want to take your friendship up to the next level, learning the language will give you the advantage. It’s time for you to embrace and learn nihongo! There are lots of schools now offering a series of classes to learn the language. I myself have thought once of studying it (for me to understand the anime series im watching) but because of priorities and tight schedule, learning the language is still part of my wish list. If joing a class is out of your budget, then go to youtube or podcast and follow people who teaches nihongo online.
6. Ramen is so Yesterday Eat Curry – Attending the EnjoyJapan event makes me learn that Curry is actually a staple food in Japan (new Japanese friends told me about it). It is almost equivalent to a bowl of rice here in the Philippines. And the best way to enjoy it here in manila is by visiting an authentic curry house. Meet Izumi Curry at the Podium. So how authentic is this curry house? Well my Japanese friends could attest to that. Will do a review about this restaurant soon.
Be curried by Japanese comfort food at Eri Curry, click here.
7. Have a day (s) immersion at Japan Foundation – I came across of this establishment few years back, and its where you can actually immerse yourself to learn more about the history and the Japanese culture. I once paid a visit and learn a lot of things here, we did origami, caligraphy, I wore Japanese army custume, play wooden toys, read Japanese books and specially met new friends (Japanese and Filipinos) who also have the passion to learn more about the Japanese culture.
Check out www.jfmo.org.ph
Heres a bonus, there are actually lots of stores selling Japanese brands that you can visit like Daiso, Uniqlo, Tokyo Bubble Tea, etc., You can even visit 2nd hand appliances store that came all the way from Japan. Have you heard about the Fire Trees (Arbol de Fuego) in Manila? Will make a separate blog about it and its a perfect alternative for the cherry blossoms of Japan.
A pure japanese, a semi-japanese and the other asian man. (with Tricia Gosingtian & Ms. Yuri Nakagawa)
See, there are just lots of things to do and enjoy Japan in Manila. But if you already had enough savings to fly, don’t think twice, I was told that getting a visa in Japan now is easy peasy!
Here are two videos I did before (Banzai & Uniqlo) about some of the things you can do that are Japanese. (grab from UNTV-Bread n’ Butter)
To know more about Enjoy Japan visit their FB page www.facebook.com/EnjoyJapan.PH
More Photos visit Nognog in the City in FB
