In an era of cultural events’ transformative power within the school environment, the University of Baguio - School of International Hospitality and Tourism Management held its school year’s big and final event entitled, “Emerging as One in the Land of the Rising Sun.” The spirit of cultural diversity and appreciation was brought to life through an extraordinary Japanese event that left an indelible mark on the students enrolled in Foreign Language 3 (TMSS 101) course. This vibrant celebration served as a gateway to a deeper experience and understanding of the Japanese language and culture, highlighting informative discussions about student’s opportunity to improve their Japanese language proficiency and acquire immersive Japanese cultural experience.
As part of the school’s goal to engage its students in learning foreign languages, the year-end event consisted of and highlighted three parts: the Irodori and JFT Basic Orientation webinar, End of School Year Party and Cultural Immersion, and a Virtual Tour around Japan. These special sub-events were joyfully participated by six sections (HBN, HBM, HBO, HBP, HBQ, HBR) with a total of 251 students.
Irodori and JFT Basic Orientation Webinar: Unlocking Japanese Language Proficiency and Cultural Understanding
In this growing age of global interconnectedness, the demand for language skills and cross-cultural understanding is beyond heights. Recognizing this need, the School of IHTM unfolded a webinar that provided students and participants with invaluable tools to navigate the Japanese language and culture - merging the vibrant world of Irodori (Japanese language learning series) with the essential insights of the JFT Basic Orientation (Japanese Language Proficiency Test). The webinar was held on May 12, 2023, from 9:30 to 11 A.M., where students gathered both virtually and face-to-face at the school's Tour Guiding Simulation Room.
The Irodori series, a dynamic and immersive Japanese language learning curriculum, took center stage during the webinar. Led by Ms. Nyui Kaori, the Irodori Coordinator-Japan Foundation (Manila), the webinar attendees embarked on a colorful journey that introduced them to the fundamental aspects of the Japanese language. Irodori is useful and effective for learning Japanese at the level of a minimum requirement for life in Japan.
Different levels of the Irodori were emphasized - A1 Level and A2 Level. This part of the webinar provided awareness and appreciation to the participants of Iridori’s use as a learning material in enhancing their Japanese language skills.
Complementing the Irodori series, the JFT Basic Orientation component of the webinar provided valuable insights into the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) led by Ms. Atagi Junko, the Japanese Language Education Adviser-Japan Foundation (Manila). The orientation equipped students with a roadmap to navigate the different levels of the JLPT, gaining a comprehensive understanding of the test's structure, content, and scoring criteria, enabling them to develop effective study strategies and set realistic goals for language proficiency. Highlighted in the discussion was the examination period, which is held six times a year, every two months. Comprehensive quizzes about the said topics were also given to and participated by students using the web-based platform, Kahoot.com.
ENKAI: A Festive Blend of Japanese Cultural Interaction and An Unforgettable End of School Year Party
The End of School Year Party created a remarkable atmosphere where joyous and festive celebrations intermingled with Japanese cultural elements. Titled, “Gakunematsu no Enkai to Bunkateki na Botsunyuu (End of School Year Party and Cultural Immersion)'', and hosted by Ray Alvin Arandia and Jessele Bagto, the event encouraged active participation through a range of interactive cultural activities. Students had the opportunity to engage in traditional games which were facilitated by their own Chris Evan Amansec sensei, like “Daruma San Ga Koronda '' and the Japanese-styled human rock, paper, scissors, fostering friendly competition and laughter.
Additionally, students demonstrated their newly acquired skills in Japanese language speaking as they converse and socialize with one another in the said language. Furthermore, to better immerse everyone in the beauty of Japanese culture, the event featured colorful displays of artificial Sakura tree and petals that adorned the venue, and a mimic of the Torii Gate that welcomed the participants as they entered.
To close the event, Japanese culinary delicacies were served as attendees savored Chicken Karaage, Maki, and red iced tea, providing a tantalizing taste of authentic Japanese cuisine. These immersive activities provided a hands-on experience, enabling students to forge a deeper connection with Japanese culture.
Transporting to the Land of the Rising Sun: Experiencing Japan Virtual Tour
Exclusive to students enrolled in Foreign Language 3 (TMSS 101), the Virtual Tour provided an avenue for the students to appreciate the beauty of Japan. The participants embarked on a captivating and immersive virtual tour, guided by Ms. Yukiko Fujii. Delving deep into the heart of Japan's rich cultural heritage, this virtual tour brought the famous wonders of Japan into the school, fostering curiosity, cultural understanding, and a sense of global interconnectedness.
This Japan virtual tour served as the last part of the said exclusive special event. It was held on May 18, 2023 from 7 to 9 P.M.. The tour highlighted Japanese people and customs, famous sightseeing spots in Tokyo, Japan, and the Japanese hospitality - Omotenashi.
To kick-off the tour, Ms. Yukiko conducted a short pre-assessment quiz about the people of Japan, with a brief yet comprehensive discussion in between each question. The manner of presentation maximized participation from the attendees and manifested an interactive way of learning about the subjects such as the population of Japan, dining practices and value for cleanliness of the Japanese people, and the like. Moving forward with the tour, Ms. Yukiko then proceeded with the presentation of the numerous famous tourist attractions in Tokyo and shared with the participants fun facts and relevant information on the different sights, structures, and places around Tokyo’s different spots.
Indeed, the exclusive three-part event hosted by the University of Baguio’s School of International Hospitality and Tourism Management has marked a pivotal moment in the lives of students enrolled in Foreign Language 3. It served as a wind beneath the wings of their journey towards Japanese language proficiency and cultural understanding. Through the comprehensive Irodori curriculum and the enlightening JFT Basic Orientation, participants gained the necessary tools to navigate the Japanese language landscape with confidence and proficiency, fostering a sense of global citizenship and promoting the importance of cross-cultural understanding.
Meanwhile, the virtual tour in Japan satisfied students’ curiosity about Japanese customs, practices, and Tokyo’s famous sightseeing spots. Finally, the crowd favorite, the End of School Year Party and Cultural Immersion, was phenomenal and surpassed expectations by seamlessly blending the celebration of the school’s progress of the Foreign Language course with the immersive experience of Japanese culture. The event created a joyful and inclusive environment, allowing students to forge connections, appreciate diversity, develop cultural understanding, and interact using Japanese expressions.
Successfully meeting the objectives of the special three-part event, the University of Baguio's School of International Hospitality and Tourism Management once again lived up to its title as the "Home of the Champions" through its unrelenting creation and providence of new opportunities for growth and development of its students — reinforcing the students' foreign language proficiency.
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