Day 1: Arrival in Japan and Orientation with JTB

Imagine 20 young professionals from various regions of the Philippines—with their diverse beliefs and cultures—spending the next ten life-changing days together in the Land of the Rising Sun, Japan. These people will soon learn to accept and cherish each other as family.

Intriguing right? But this is not a pitch for a reality show. It’s simply the perfect way to describe our JENESYS 2019 experience. And this is how it all started…

EARLIER THAT DAY…

Our flight is scheduled at 8:25 am, but as early as four in the morning, some of the delegates have already arrived at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 2. It was probably a mix of excitement, anxiety, and the Filipino culture of being early in the airport but running late anywhere else. Kidding aside, it was indeed a special day since most of us will visit Japan for the first time. We are a step closer to the home of animes that made our childhood, the home of pop music we sing out loud in the shower, and thes home to some of our Kababayan.

We’re grateful that before our flight, Mr. Yuta Goto of JTB Philippines eagerly guided the delegates and entertained our pre-flight queries. It eased the tension in our hearts. Since we’re early, the delegates utilized their downtime to know each other better over a cup of coffee and to do some last-minute token shopping.

FIRST STEPS INTO OUR ‘NEW HOME’

After a four-hour flight, each of us took a glimpse of the view outside the window. Then, we finally heard these words “Ladies and gentlemen, Philippine Airlines welcomes you to Haneda…”. It was a surreal moment, but it felt even stranger as we take our first steps in Japan. We have just arrived and it already feels like home.

At the Haneda Airport, the delegates have met their lovely Interpreter, Ms. Hiromi Takita, and their energetic Tour Coordinator, Mr. Takihito Saito, for the first time. This power duo will be with us for the next ten days. While on our way to the JTB Headquarters, Hiromi-san gave us a quickfire round of trivia all about Japan. The most notable trivia is that you can directly drink the tap water because there’s no sanitation issue in their country! (This story is for another time!)

ORIENTATION WITH JTB CORP.

With not a single moment wasted, we have arrived at the Headquarters of JTB at exactly 4:15 pm. The organizer's punctuality is simply a reflection of the culture and responsibility engraved in the lives of the Japanese people. Sugoi! (Amazing!).

Speaking of responsibility, what’s our purpose as JENESYS delegates? Why are we here? Well, we learned everything that we need to know through JTB Corp. that welcomed us with open arms.

We’re not just tourists who are here to discover attractions, we are delegates who are seeking a deeper understanding of the people and places around Japan. It is our responsibility to become ambassadors of Japanese culture as soon as we come back home. Most of all, our purpose as JENESYS delegates is to strengthen the Philippine-Japan relations through our good actions as a youth and as media professionals.

Honestly, the delegates felt how heavy these tasks are. But we won’t back down from the pressure or the challenges. We promised to exceed expectations and to do our best! #PinoyTayo!

After the orientation, the delegates, together with Hiromi-san and Saito-san, had their first, hearty dinner in Japan. “Itadakimasu!” Then, after a short trip, we have arrived at Hotel Lumiere Nishikasai, the place where we’ll stay for the next few days.

It was indeed a long first day for the JENESYS 2019 delegates. A lot has happened and a lot more will happen. This is how the unforgettable ten days of our lives started. We may be 2,000 miles away from The Philippines, but we found Japan as a new home.