JENESYS Programme Experience

Many have been dreaming of going to Japan whether for business or just vacation. People who have been there were always tagged as rich and high-profile. Who couldn't say that? I mean it is a rare, rare opportunity to be in the place which is also known as "Land of the Rising Sun."

Yes! One of the items on my bucketlist is to go to Japan. I wanted  to go aboard with an international airline, I wanted to taste Japanese food such as Ramen and Tempura, I wanted to mingle with the Japanese people and most importantly, I wanted to experience the Japan-famous Snow and Sakura (Cherry Blossom).

Before, I always say to myself that in order for me to be able to cross-out that near-to-impossible item off my bucketlist, I must earn, A LOT. A lot meaning you have to be budgeting almost everything. Not until Japan East-Asia Network of Exchange for Students and Youths or JENESYS came along. It is a program sponsored by the Japanese Government for student exchange. National Youth Commission is the Philippines' implementing agency for the said program.

Out of the 6,000 young people who gave their best in applying for the current year's Japan-East Asia Network of Exchange for Students and Youths (JENESYS) Program, I was one of the lucky 200 people who were picked as Youth Ambassadors and represented the country to the Land of the Rising Sun.

All the bother and anxiety of the application necessities were all justified, despite all the trouble, for my dream to become an ambassador to Japan turned into one of my life's most vital stories. It was, for sure, an experience of a lifetime.

The current year's JENESYS system is centered around Japan's Disaster Recovery and Risk Management Efforts. It means to show youthful pioneers from the Philippines the diverse ways the Japanese oversee recuperation measures on the Great East Japan Earthquake incident that hit way back March 2011. It's an all-expense paid student exchange around distinctive Japan and some popular prefectures.

When I turned in the application prerequisites that the National Youth Commission asked from us, my fundamental objective was extremely shallow. I sought the JENESYS program on the grounds that I needed to experience flying abroad. To give the long story the ax, I turned in my prerequisites for the  reason that I needed to go to Japan.

I was about to go back to the dormitory where I was staying after school. I knew that time that it would be the day that we will know our fate if we'll get accepted to the program or not. I had jitters. I felt butterflies in my stomach. But, when my friend told me that a mail was sent to me from the National Youth Commission, I was astounded and dumbfounded! I actually shouted my lungs out and bounced like a madman when I heard the uplifting news. I couldn't care less any longer on the off chance that my dormmates believe I'm insane, 'coz yow, I'm going to Japan! Say hello to Anime, to the dashing city lights of Tokyo, to the popular Sakura Tree, to the place that's known for Geisha, say "Hi!" to authentic green tea, say howdy to everything that is Japan! I was smiling like insane. Much thanks to you, my Lord. What an advanced birthday gift!

May 6, 2012 at last came. It was the day of our Pre-Departure Orientation at the De La Salle University- College of Saint Benilde International Hotel! I was extremely energized and anxious at the same time. It was additionally pleasant meeting new companions and acquaintances- my Hokkaido group mates!

The prefecture where I was assigned in. So excited!!!

Meet my group mates! The TEAM BIDET!

It was such an honor to visit the Embassy of Japan and be invited by Mr. Kiyoki Takeuchi (Director of Japan Information and Culture Center), Ms. Jenny de Jesus (who conveyed a presentation on Japanese custom and culture, and Minister Shinsuke Shimizu (Head of Chancery of the Embassy of Japan).

The future leaders. Spot me! :)

After the 2-day introduction in Manila, we then headed to NAIA for our early flight to Narita Airport, Japan. It was my first flight outside the Philippines and fervor filled my heart that morning. It was an invigorating experience, you know, experiencing almost all of Japan! 

FILIPINO YOUTH AMBASSADORS posture for a gathering picture at NAIA air terminal. We are so fortunate to have experienced a trip to Japan without shouldering any of the costs (take a gander at the grins on our appearances. THANK YOU LORD! 

The PLANE! :)

"I'm leavin' on a Jet Plane… " On the photograph underneath is my plane seatmate! His name is Rex Nario, from Baguio City. He studies Mechanical Engineering at St. Louis University.

Selfie with my plane seatmate, Rex!

Tasty lunch inside the plane! YUMMY! Much thanks to you Lord, for making me and my stomach full. I can feel (and taste) Japan as of now! :) 

The view from the window. Bed of clouds, baby!

After the 4-hour flight from the Philippines to Japan, we're finally at Narita International Airport. WELCOME TO Nihon! Arigato! Arigato!

We were welcomed by this Coca-Cola advertisement when we entered Narita Airport. Welcome to Japan! THIS IS IT! 

Despite all the activities going on, the weight of my baggage, and all the rush transpiring  in the airport the moment we arrived, I still got the chance of pulling out my camera to pose for a quick shot!

"Avail the promo while it lasts." HAHA!

FILIPINO YOUTH AMBASSADORS, all awestruck as we observed the Japan's magnificence. The weather was cold! We could feel the cool wind the minute we walked outside the airport terminal. Also, the air smelled so great. There's not a hint of contamination in it!

It was the Spring season when we went to Japan, that's why we felt Japan has a centralized air-conditioner all over the place!

I can in any case recollect how I couldn't believe I was already in Tokyo! The city is marvelous. The drivers are all disciplined! Everyone is! There were no traces of garbage n the city lanes, individuals were all clad in corporate or high-form clothing types, there were just few vehicles out and about (on the grounds that Japanese individuals affection to stroll), there were plants with blossoming beautiful blossoms all over the place, and I know this may sound insane yet it appeared as though there was no dust in Japan! Everything, even the bases, looked all fresh out of the box! 

Tokyo Disneyland!

Heading to the hotel. We're almost there!

Grand Pacific Le Daiba, our first stop. Wow! Just wow!

Inside the hotel. Magnificent view from above.  I took a pose before the sun sets.

The Japan-East Asia Network of Exchange for Students and Youths (JENESYS) Program, to be sure, is a ticket to an all-expense paid Japan adventure. You become acquainted with significant knowledge bits about Japanese society and convention, you become acquainted with to a greater degree a global citizen, you become acquainted with some amazing qualities that the Japanese individuals possess, you become acquainted with in the most sumptuous accommodation in the nation, you become acquainted with chronicled places, tourist spots, you become acquainted with terrific smorgasbord for breakfast, lunch, and supper, you become acquainted with getting on load up a shot train, you get the most amazing freebies, you get an extreme experience of a lifetime- ALL FOR FREE! 

JENESYS Programme has taught me two things. Firstly, my God is awesome! And secondly, the best things in life are free! :)