Experiences

Below are my personal experiences while I am on this journey. As they say, experience is the best teacher.

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Nihongo Speech Contest in Cebu City

Our sensei introduced the Nihongo Speech contest by the Japan Foundation Organization and asked us if we are willing to join the said event. At first, I was very hesitant as I do not have any experience in delivering speeches and it has also been a very long time ago since I last spoke in front of the crowd.

But my classmate AJ told me, "Hey, let's join, this will be an invaluable experience for us, specially that we are still learning the language." And with that, we decided to sign up.

I immediately wrote my speech in English and submitted it to our sensei for review. He said it was ok. :D I was so happy and at the same time, nervous. There will surely be a hectic practice schedule for this on top of everyday classes. But it was fine, I thought it was better.  

Practice was hard, everyday I memorized lines which were all unfamiliar, but the harder it gets, the more motivated I became. It would only mean the fruit will be sweeter.

And the day came, It was January 23, 2016 at SM Cebu City Conference Room AB. I was all nervous specially that my opponents were also good.

The contest was divided into three categories: Student, Non-Student and Open Divisions. My classmate and I were both in Non-Student Division. The winner for each category will go to Manila for the final competition.

In the end, I won the contest for the Non-student division, and my classmate was the 2nd Placer. It was too bad only one has to win for each category, but our sensei was all proud that all of his students who entered the contest won something.

I together with the other division winners are to compete in Manila where the winner will have the chance to study-tour in Japan for a week.

Prizes for the Cebu competition were gift cards, meal tickets, japanese souvenirs, and a Tamiya masterwork collection car. :D

Japan Foundation Manila Nihongo Fiesta 

2016 - Nihongo Speech Contest 

The time has come to go to Manila for the final challenge. The winner in this contest will be granted an all free study-tour in Japan for a week and a few more prizes.

The event was held in Shangri-la Plaza Mall last February 27, 2016. 

As the winners from all over the country were gathered, I was very nervous at the same time excited to see how Filipinos really try to learn and understand the culture of the Japanese.

It turned out that everyone were really good, both their delivery and speech content.

In the end, contestants from Cebu did not won, but it was an experience worth remembering for the rest of our lives.

As a beginner, it is of great honor to represent Cebu in such a competition, and I look forward to joining again, hoping to bag the prize which will make my dreams come true :D

Ms. Princess Meg Perez from Mindanao Kokusai Daigaku with her speech “My Body Size is 100, 90, 110” won the grand prize.

There were a lot more activities for the Nihongo Fiesta 2016 after the competition, but sadly we have to go back to Cebu the same night, thus we cannot participate much.


Here is a photo that reminds me of that memorable event I have been to.

*** Photo credits to http://arkadymac.com/