BukSU student goes to Japan for JENESYS 2022

MALAYBALAY CITY – Mr. Joshua Jim H. Bolotaolo, a first-year Hospitality and Management Department student of Bukidnon State University, has been selected as one of twenty youth delegates to participate in the JENESYS Batch 40 Inbound Program Japan-Philippines Exchange (Food Safety) on February 14-22, 2023.

The JENESYS program aimed to promote mutual understanding and cooperation between Japan and the Philippines by facilitating cultural exchange programs for youth workers and students with backgrounds in food safety, hotel and restaurant management, and culinary arts.

Mr. Bolotaolo’s experience in Japan was filled with exciting cultural activities, such as a traditional Japanese tea ceremony and mochi-making.

Additionally, he was given the opportunity to stay with a Japanese host family and learn about their way of life. One of the highlights of his trip was his home visit with the host family of Yoshiko-san and Ichiko-san, who grew a variety of crops, including rice, oranges, and apples.

In his visit, Mr. Bolotaolo had an opportunity to experience the hospitality of his hosts and learn about their daily routine and profession.

During the tea ceremony, Mr. Bolotaolo learned about “chanoyu,” which is a ceremonial style of making and drinking green tea. The ceremony is meant to provide visitors with a respite from the hectic pace of daily life and an opportunity to experience the host’s hospitality in a different setting.

Moreover, he had the chance to learn how to make mochi using the traditional technique, which required two people to work in tandem to pound the dough and give it an airy, creamy texture.

Mr. Bolotaolo described his experience as surreal. He was amazed by the breathtaking views of nature, the busy streets, the amazing culture, and the delicious foods in Japan. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to travel to Japan and learn new skills that will benefit him in his studies of hospitality management.

His participation in the JENESYS program is a testament to his dedication to his studies and his passion for cultural exchange. It is also a testament to the support he received from the International Affairs Unit of BukSU and the university’s top management.

The BukSU community was proud of Mr. Bolotaolo’s achievements and is looking forward to more opportunities for cultural exchange and personal growth for its students.

The JENESYS program was an excellent opportunity for young people to broaden their horizons, gain valuable cultural insights, and develop new skills that will benefit them in their future careers. It was also a great example of how cultural exchange can promote mutual understanding and cooperation between nations, and the experiences of participants like Mr. Bolotaolo served as an inspiration to others to pursue similar opportunities. (Marven Jan Nadela/HMD)