Three Jap students chosen Baguio lucky foreign visitors

BAGUIO CITY -- Three Japanese nationals who arrived in the city recently to take a crash course in English are this summer’ Baguio Lucky Foreign Visitors.

The quest winners were Mari Akari, 24, a nurse-graduate from Kyoto University of Medicine; Arnai Reisa, 20, a freshman coed at the Yonsie University and TatsuoNakai, 29, a Bachelor of Commerce graduate from the Meiji University, all from Japan.

The lucky visitors were all enrolled at the Pines International Academy along Naguilian Road. Akagi and Reisa are taking a monthlong English course while Nakai will undergo a four-month English class.

The two ladies said they selected to study in the city because of its very comfortable weather and that it is a very safe place.

On the other hand, Nakai said, he chose to be here because “he knew about the Japanese sister cities of Baguio and that he would like to communicate and relate with Filipinos and Korean students.”

The annual “Quest for the Baguio Lucky Foreign Visitors” is an international tourism project of the National Correspondents Club of Baguio (NCCB) in partnership with SUMVAC Baguio City

Its main goal, according to program chairman Nars Padilla and co-chair veteran mediaman Gerry Evangelista, Sr. is to foster closer friendship and understanding and respect for governments and culture.

“It is also our meager way of helping popularize our beautiful city as a major tourist destination particularly in the Asian Region.”

Like in the past years, the foreign guests will be accorded a four-day “grand mabuhay reception.”

Starting on April 20, the day starts with a courtesy call on City Mayor Mauricio Domogan at his City Hall office at 10 a.m.

The visit will highlight with sashing rites and the presentation of the city’s symbolic key of friendship by the City Executive who will also welcome the trio from the Land of the Rising Sun.

For at least four days, the lucky ones will be billeted at the majestic Pinesview Hotel, courtesy of engineer Roemo Aquino and wife -- owner-proprietor of the business establishment.

Their schedule of activities included sightseeing tours to places of interest: the famed Philippine Military Academy at Fort del Pilar, a foot tour of the city public market and a visit to La Trinidad, Benguet, among others.

A courtesy call on the municipal and provincial office led by mayor Greg Abalos and Gov. Nestor Fongwan is part of their itinerary.

Several social functions are also on the fore to provide avenues for fellowship and to make new acquaintances. A welcome dinner on the first day and a farewell dinner on the last day of their reception sked are also in place by the program benefactors.