Pantay IHS Nihongojins

✨ FEATURED IN NIHONGOJIN CONNECT ✨

We are proud to share that Ms. Gladys R. Precilla, one of our Nihongo teachers, publishes her reflections on her 6-week training in Japan for Teachers of the Japanese Language in the 7th issue (February 2026) of Nihongojin Connect, the official newsletter of The Japan Foundation, Manila.

Moreover, the newsletter also features a section about Nihongo Partners, where Ms. Kotone Maeda, our Nihongo Partner, is also highlighted.

We invite everyone to check out the newsletter and read the inspiring stories and experiences shared.

📖 You can read the newsletter here:
https://jfmo.org.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Nihongojin-Connect-2026.pdf

✅To learn more about the activities and initiatives in Japanese language education, feel free to explore:
https://jfmo.org.ph/newsletter/

We express our sincere appreciation to The Japan Foundation, Manila for their continued support and commitment to Japanese language education.

3rd Philippine Kobanashi Festival

Celebrating connections across communities through laughter

A featured program of Nihongo Fiesta 2026
In partnership with the Association of Nihongo Teachers in the Visayas (ANT-V)
With the support of DENSO TECHNO PHILIPPINES, INC.
Attendance by invitation only (limited seating).

Kobanashi is a traditional short comic story often performed as a warm-up to rakugo.
In about one minute, a single performer brings characters and scenes vividly to life through voice, rhythm, and refined gestures.

This year’s festival features three performance categories:
• Japanese-language Kobanashi by Filipino learners
• Local-language (Philippine languages) Kobanashi by international participants
• Japanese-language Kobanashi by “Nihongo-jin” in the caregiving field — young people studying Japanese with the goal of working in Japan as caregivers, together with the professionals who support them

A special highlight is the appearance of Rakugo Master Ryūtei Saryū
Master Saryū will present a live rakugo performance.
Together with Yonemoto Kazuhiro of Tokyo Gakugei University, he will also offer a special demonstration of rakugo techniques and expressive movements.

Curious about what rakugo is?
Watch this short introduction by The Japan Foundation: https://youtu.be/C_80hYmPMtc

Week 6 is officially done! 🎉

For the past weeks, our students have been “traveling” to Japan—without leaving the school! From calligraphy 🖌️ and kendama 🎯 to chopsticks challenge,🥢 every activity brings Japanese culture closer to our learners.

This program is open to all students who do not attend Japanese classes — our Non-Nihongo students are very welcome! 💛 No Nihongo required—just curiosity and excitement to learn!

It’s all about appreciating diversity, experiencing culture hands-on, and discovering Japan together. 🌏💖

Stay tuned as we share highlights from Week 1 onwards! 📸

Exciting moments are still coming, so look forward to the remaining weeks of fun, learning, and cultural adventure! 🇯🇵✨

Register now!
Look for Ms. Gladys Precilla. 😃

おめでとうございます❣️🎉🎊

おめでとうございます❣️🎊👏

Sophia Gillian Manimtim
Prinz Kiel Vicencio

To: 3rd Philippine Kobanashi Festival applicants
From: ANT-V Team, event organizer

Thank you very much to everyone who sent in their applications for the 3rd Philippine Kobanashi Festival.
We are happy to announce that the applicants below were selected to perform their Kobanashi on stage at 2026 Nihongo Fiesta, February 28 (Saturday) at Shangri-La Plaza Mall, Mandaluyong City.
Congratulations! おめでとうございます！

IMPORTANT:
To confirm your participation, please email us at [[email protected]] by January 30, Friday.
(For student performers, please CC your Nihongo teacher/advisor in your email, thank you.)

1. Ms. Frexy Parista Ramos (Benguet National High School, Benguet)
2. Mr. Bryant James Luis (Irisan National High School, Baguio)
3. Mr. Prinz Kiel Vicencio (Pantay Integrated High School, Batangas)
4. Ms. Sophia Jilliane Manimtim (Pantay Integrated High School, Batangas)
5. Ms. Kayereen Faith Malingan (NYK-TDG Maritime Academy, Calamba, Laguna)
6. Ms. Ma. Suzzane Mae Oytas (San Pedro Relocation Center National High School, Laguna)
7. Ms. Harrisa Eunice Beltran (Pitogo High School, Makati)
8. Ms. Hannah Arioja (Compostela High School, Cebu)
9. Ms. Erika Shane Capoy (Ramon M. Durano Sr. Foundation - STEC, Cebu)
10. Ms. Niña Gwyneth Cloribel (Philippine Nikkei Jin Kai International School, Davao)

11. Ms. Pinky Nakamatsu (JFM EPA Program, Makati)
12. Mr. Clarence Sy (De La Salle University, Manila)
13. Mr. Johannes Nikolai Tamayo (University of the Philippines Los Baños, Laguna)
14. Mr. Anfernee Tizon (Johnson & Johnson, Taguig)
15. Mr. Ramil Borero (TechMahindra, Taguig)
16. Mr. Edward Lee (The Japanese Language Society of Malaysia)

17. Mr. Jin Yamash*ta (Nihongo Partners)
18. Ms. Arisa Minami (Nihongo Partners)
19. Ms. Mahiro Ishikawa (Tokyo University of Foreign Studies)
20. Ms. Reina Taira (Tokyo University of Foreign Studies)
21. Ms. Mizuki Higuchi (University of Osaka, Japan)
22. Ms. Takako Okamoto (Philippine Nikkei Jin Kai International School, Davao)

REMINDERS:
1) The Philippine Kobanashi Festival is NOT A CONTEST. Our goal is to entertain the audience, and for everyone to have an unforgettable experience onstage.

2) Student participants from Baguio, Benguet & Cebu should be accompanied by a guardian. Guidelines will be informed via email later.
3) All participants will receive a certificate and a token of participation.
4) Kobanashi is fun not because of the story/joke, but because of YOUR OWN UNIQUE PERFORMANCE.

Let's have fun and make this an event to remember!
Yoroshiku onegaishimasu!
ANT-V

🌟 Empowering Education Through Generosity! 🌟

A heartfelt thank you to SOROPTIMIST INTERNATIONAL OF TANAUAN, led by Club President Atty. Anna Marie T. Querrer, Dra. June T. Velasco, Program Pillar, and esteemed club members, for their generosity and commitment to education through the BIG GOAL ACCELERATOR PROGRAM! 🎉📺🖨️

Their donation of of essential learning equipment, a smart television, DVD player, and A3 printer with ink and bond papers for the SPFL – Nihongo Classes of Pantay Integrated High School is a huge step toward EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES and EQUAL POSSIBILITIES for ALL LEARNERS.

Through Project RISE (Recalibrating Initiative towards Student Empowerment), this initiative will create meaningful learning experiences for our students.

Adding to the excitement, a vibrant cultural session brought even more joy to the event, as participants had the hands-on experience of making makizushi (rolled sushi)! 🎌🍣 Laughter and excitement filled the room as everyone eagerly rolled their own sushi, discovering the art of Japanese cuisine firsthand. From spreading the rice to carefully layering the ingredients and rolling it all together, it was a fun, interactive, and memorable way to celebrate Japanese culture. ✨🎉

The smiles, the teamwork, and the delicious results made this experience truly special—one that will be cherished by our Nihongojin girls and guests alike! ❤️🥢

With deep gratitude, we acknowledge the presence of our Brgy. Chairman Amiel Bien T. Galicia, SPTA President Christine Morales together with the dedicated and supportive officers, Nihongo Partner - Rikako Ishikawa, and our dedicated Nihongojin girls, whose support and participation made this event even more special.

Truly grateful and blessed for this meaningful partnership! 🙏✨