I was so lucky to watch an ikebana demonstration at Glorietta Mall in Makati City, Philippines last October. It was so impressive to watch these ladies and gentlemen come up with their own creative arrangements. I love Japanese culture. I am interested to learn ikebana. Wikipedia defines ikebana as “the Japanese art of floral arrangement.”
The designs were arranged according to different color schemes. Here are some of my favorites, and their corresponding artists’ names:
Doing ikebana was challenging. The artists are doing their best to ensure that their works of art remain standing up during the entire demonstration. They all came up with creations that revealed their unique personalities. I hope I can find an ikebana organization that I can join. I am interested to learn ikebana like them.
First of all, I want to apologize for going out of circulation lately. My priority right now is to look for work. I am a nurse by profession, and I am getting the call once more to serve the sick. There’s things I have to do before I can practice my Nursing profession like renewing my license, and updating my skills as a Nurse. I am looking for a job at a Nursing Home so please keep your fingers crossed for me.
Last Saturday, I attended the 4th Japan Education Fair and Convention. I am really interested in learning the Japanese language to the full so I am looking for a school to learn Japanese and hopefully travel to as well. For information about Jellyfish Education Consultancy, feel free to contact them on Facebook Jellyfish Education Consultancy.
To top things off, the event is free, no charges to pay for. All you have to do is register on their website, and you get a free e-ticket that you can print out or save to your smartphone. Got this cool bag too from the event in neon green!
As I arrived at the venue, I noticed that the entrance is swarming with attendees forming a queue to the entrance.
I got a few mishaps because we were suppose to have our e-ticket cut already. I assumed that the event holder have scissors. Luckily the paper for the e-ticket that I have printed out is thin, so I just tore it, folding it and making a crease before tearing it off. I wouldn’t want to give a ticket with jagged edges.
Upon entering, the first thing that you will see is the program flow of the convention.
Next are the booths for the different schools in Japan like Kyoto University, Hiroshima University, and many more.
My purpose is to look for a language school that will help me to learn Japanese. The one that I was drawn to was the Tochigi International Education Institute. I met Johnny So, the marketing for the school. He was very helpful with my queries about the school. Seated beside him is Haruka who has been in the Philippines for about three months. She is from Nagoya. For more information about the school, you can check out the Tochigi International Education Institute Facebook page here.
The company Tuttle Publishing has an array of books that makes studying Japanese easier. Marketing officers pose eagerly for the camera! Please check their website tuttlepublishing.com
Job opportunities are available too at the convention. Fujitsu is currently hiring. You may check out the Fujitsu Facebook page here.
The main event is a program that showcases the different aspects of Japan, including working and studying and learning about the culture of Japan. I love how the stage looks beautifully decorated.
Part One of the program starts off with a Basic Japanese Language workshop by Sensei Daisuke Yamashita. He starts off with the greetings, and introducing oneself in Japanese.
My gosh, I volunteered to do a role play on the greetings!
Next speaker is Mr Eichi Suzuki who talks about survival tips while studying in Japan. He gave his talk in a form of a quiz where everyone participates.
Next speaker is a mini Kendo exhibition by the Iga Kendo Club which I find very interesting. I think I will do this in the future. If you’re interested in Kendo, please check out the Iga Kendo Club Philippines Facebook page.
Next is a talk on Japan FAQs. The talk gives info on what it’s like to work in Japan and their culture.
Then, Sensei Daisuke Yamashita gives us an intro to origami. He taught us how to make a paper crane.
Marketing Officer for Tochigi International Educational Institute Johnny So talks about the demands and the opportunities for Filipinos in Japan.
Last but not the least , goen Kendama talks about Kendama. Speakers are They even did a Kendama exhibition and taught basic Kendama moves. A Kendama, according to Wikipedia.org is a ” a Japanese toy. The ken has three cups and a spike which fits into the hole in the ball.The principle of these toys are the same: catching one object with another, where both are joined by a string.” You can check out the goenKendama Facebook page here
You can also have your photo taken as a sumo wrestler, or get a chance to wrestle at the mat
Overall, it was a fun event. I made new friends too.