Japan Fiesta 2019!

This Saturday I went to the Japan Fiesta 2019 at the SMX Convention Center in SM Aura Taguig City. It is a two-day event organized by the Japan Nation Tourism Organization Manila office, Embassy of Japan in the Philippines. This event is free admission, everyone can enjoy the fiesta.

Japan Fiesta signage in front of SMX Convention Center, SM Aura

Registration area

As you enter the events area, various Japanese companies are present such as Don Quijote (Donki), Japan Railways (East, West, Kyushu), Kirin, Yakult Philippines, Fuwa-Fuwa, Airline companies (Philippine Airlines, Japan Airlines, All Nippon Airways, Cebu Pacific, JetStar Japan, and Philippines AirAsia), local travel agencies (JTB, Rakso, Travelbook.ph, Attic, Discovery, etc.), and local tourism offices of Tohoku, Hokkaido, and Okinawa.

Schedule of events

Don Quijote (Donki) booth 

They don't sell products during the event

Glico's Pocky booth

They are selling Pocky! Three boxes for 100Php! They sold out fast and they have to wait for two hours for stock replacement.

All Nippon Airways (ANA/ NH) booth

They have a mini game inside the booth

I won the Second Prize! An ANA file folder! I hope for an ANA original keychain

A Philippine Airlines booth (PAL / PR)

JR East booth

JR Central booth

local tourism office of Okinawa

JR Kyushu booth

Yakult mascot at the Yakult booth

At the opening ceremony, an opening drum performance by the Japan Drum Club Soon after, the Ambassador of Japan in the Philippines, Koji Haneda made his opening speech, as well as Department of Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat. Right after, a Kagami Biraki (opening of the lid) officiated by the Japan and Philippines officials. A special singing performance by Sarah Geronimo. Mascots of Pikachu and Eevee at the stage and take pictures to the children.

Drum performance by the Japan Drum Club

Ambassador of Japan in the Philippines

Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary

Pikachu and Eevee on stage

Due to foot pain (Plantar Fasciitis) I have to force myself to leave the event area to relax my feet (Seats inside the event are occupied).  I also took the opportunity to take my late lunch at the nearby Food court because I haven't eaten that morning. 

Garlic Beef with Miso soup and Kani Salad lunch at Pepper Lunch

To those people who missed the first day, you can still catch up on the Day 2 of the event. I do hope that more Japanese companies would participate on the next event next year. Enjoy the Japan Fiesta 2019!