Until We Meet Again, Tokyo!

Tokyo, the capital of Japan, is one of the leading cities in the world. Its economy, modern technology, culture, history and, most especially, its people have made Tokyo and Japan, in general, to what it is today. It is one of the must-see places on earth.

Day or night, Tokyo is one marvelous city. Despite experiencing earthquakes day in and day out, it has remained steadfast. Its economy is robust and its people have become resilient come hell or high water.

It was my first time to visit Tokyo and I would say that I enjoyed it immensely. I did a show for the Designers Circle Philippines through the auspices of the Japan Philippine Cultural Exchange Organization (JPCEO) and Mr. Jan Michael Acaylar. The enjoyment comes from the success of the fashion show and the very well-prepared accommodations and hospitality extended by our hosts. Thank you, Jan and JPCEO.

Though there wasn't much time to go around the city due to work load, the sight of Mt. Fuji and a visit to Tokyo Disneyland should be part of any visitor's itinerary. Maybe in my next visit to the city, I can already see these two iconic places in Tokyo.

From where we stayed, two landmarks were within reach...the Kaminarimon Gate in the shopping area of Asakusa and the Skytree which is located in a business center just a stone's throw away from our house. Tokyo boasts of modernity but not to the sacrifice of culture and tradition.

We paid a courtesy call to the ambassador of the Philippines, His Excellency Jose C. Laurel V and he obliged to talk to us about a lot of things especially on some matters about our country's history and the Philippines' relationship with Japan. By the way, our embassy is located in the upscale district of Roppongi.

It's just unfortunate that the Tokyo 2020 Olympics has been reset to July 2021 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Tokyo has been preparing for the event and the Japanese people were already excited to host it. But it shall still push through next year when the threat to the health of the athletes as well as the spectators will already be okay.

A few weeks after we went back to the Philippines, sakura trees were in bloom. Actually, when we were still there, some of the trees have started to bring out flowers which marked the start of the Sakura Festival.

My first visit to Tokyo was a memorable one. I could not thank Jan Michael Acaylar and the JPCEO enough for the experience. Thank you also to Cindy Sotooka, Roses Tanaka, Chris Reyes, Elle Takeuchi, Viv Hira, Samara Umura and the other countless individuals who took care of us very well. Maraming salamat also to Tita Mel Kasuya for your big help especially in the technicals of the show. Thank you also to my friend Hikaru Segawa for watching the show and for the flowers and gift. A big thank you to Ivan dela Cruz for bringing me as your director for the show. It was a great trip together with your fellow designers Johnny Abad, Francis Calaquian, Gener Gozum, Dave Ocampo, Rey Lazaro and Rafael Gonzalez with the invaluable help extended by Jennica Castro and Alfie Ong.

Until we meet again, Tokyo. Domo Arigato Gozaimashita!

Credits to the owner of some of the photos.