By Donnabel B. Bantolo, BA ELS-4, Centralian Link Intern

“Bridging Cultures and Building Friendships: Kobe Shoin Junior High Scool Students Visited CPU-JHS” On February 27, 2025, Central Philippine University Junior High School warmly welcomed students from Kobe Shoin Junior High School, Japan, for a meaningful cultural exchange. The visit featured introductions, cultural sharing through music and games like “Nanay Tatay,” interactive conversations about their academic life, and a campus tour.

In a celebration of friendship and cultural understanding, Central Philippine University Junior High School (CPU-JHS) warmly welcomed students and faculty from Kobe Shoin Junior High School on February 27, 2025. The visit provided both schools with an opportunity to foster cultural exchange, deepen mutual understanding, and build connections between Filipino and Japanese students.

The program began with a heartfelt welcome from CPU-JHS Principal, Prof. Charlett B. Dianala. The students proceeded to the Audio-Visual Room (AVR), where CPU-JHS board members introduced themselves, followed by the Kobe Shoin students, who took turns sharing their names and brief personal introductions. To make the visitors feel at home, CPU-JHS board members serenaded them with the popular Filipino folk song Bahay Kubo, showcasing the warmth and musical traditions of Filipino culture.

The cultural exchange continued with a fun and interactive traditional Filipino game called Nanay Tatay, where both Filipino and Japanese students eagerly participated. The activity allowed the guests to experience a cherished part of Filipino childhood, fostering camaraderie and laughter along the way. After the game, students from both schools sat together to exchange stories about academic life, school experiences, and cultural practices.

Central Philippine University Junior High School proudly welcomed students from Kobe Shoin Junior High School for a cultural exchange program on February 27, 2025. Filipino and Japanese students bonded over cultural games, music, and meaningful conversations, strengthening their connection despite language differences. The exchange fostered the two schools’ understanding, friendship, and global awareness. The students embraced each other’s culture with warm smiles and open hearts and built bridges across borders. This event reflects CPU’s commitment to nurturing global citizenship and lifelong friendships through international partnerships.

Hanae Sato, an intern from Nagoya Gakuin University, shared her experiences as an international exchange student in the Philippines. The Kobe Shoin students were given the chance to ask questions, allowing them to gain valuable insights into life as a student abroad and explore potential opportunities for their own global learning experiences.

The visit concluded with a campus tour, during which the Japanese guests explored various university landmarks, including Hopevale at the CPU Library—a site of historical and symbolic significance to the university. The students also had the opportunity to meet CPU President, Dr. Ernest Howard Dagohoy, who warmly welcomed them. The visit ended with a commemorative photo session with the president, leaving the guests with meaningful memories of their time at CPU.

The visit of Kobe Shoin Junior High School to CPU-JHS reflects CPU’s commitment to global partnerships, cultural appreciation, and international understanding. Through experiences like this, students gain not only knowledge but also friendships that transcend borders, cultures, and languages.

Central Philippine University Junior High School looks forward to more meaningful exchanges with international schools, nurturing a generation that values cultural diversity and global citizenship.