PHILIPPINE ASSISTANCE GROUP SUCCESSFUL BUS TOUR IN HAKONE KOWAKIEN YUNESSAN

The Philippine Assistance Group (PAG) successfully held a bus tour in Hakone Kowakien Yunessan last 20^th September 2009. The tour participants gathered at Harajuku station as early as 0645H in the morning. Participants were all very excited as most of them will be visiting the place for the first time.

            Labor Attaché Atty. Danilo P. Cruz of the Philippine Overseas Labor Office, Consul Angelica Escalona of the Philippine Embassy (Political Affairs), Mr. Bayani Sibug Jr. of the Philippine Embassy (Filipino Community Affairs), Consul Juan N. Colorado Correa of the Columbian Embassy with his Wife Madam Luzmarina and children were among the dignitaries who attended the said event. Most of the tour participants are among the officers and members of different Filipino Communities; such as AFIT, AFSJ, FICAP, FMN, FilAm Atsugi, JANE, SP, SOFILMA, PML, TKO, HAKMI, LFCGJ, STAC-J and etc.

            Three buses were utilized to accommodate the vast number of participants; PAG prepared a “Crowd Management Plan”, which was proven to be successful in handling the information dissemination, maintaining order, mobilization, identification and mustering of the participants. Appointed members of the PAG organization acted as Ground Leaders and Bus Coordinators.

            Food and drinks were prepared in anticipation of the monstrous traffic due to number of holiday’s merry maker in the streets. Videoke entertainment and electronic Bingo games were played with matching raffle draws were as well organized to pass the time merrily away.

            Bus tour guides were onboard constantly providing information about the trip and what to expect particularly from Yunessan Resort. Map of the place is distributed to all participants as well.

            Excitement filled the air upon arrival at Yunessan. Food stubs were distributed for a ‘All You Can Eat’ buffet style Restaurant. A MICROCHIP cased wristband with a number for each locker is provided; this was arranged to ensure easy access to the participant’s assigned locker and has been used to record all purchases made inside the resort. Yukkata and Towel was also provided by Yunessan.

           All participants has their own story to tell concerning places they have been through the twenty-five (25) water (pool) attractions offered by the place. Amongst such attraction is The God's Aegean Sea which is the biggest spa in the area composed of three islands with relaxing running waters. The spa also includes a variety of water massaging devices. They have experienced the wonders and drama of dynamic special effects by a fully illuminated water screen located high above the ceiling. The Japanese Sake Spa, with real Japanese Sake constantly dripping from a huge cask! It has been said that Sake is very good for taking care of one’s skin. What an enjoyable experience taking this type of bath! Truly a unique Japanese experience. The Green Tea Spa, on the other hand is a unique spa containing real green tea. The tea pot is hugely measured at 2 M tall and is very remarkable from the size alone. The tea is from the foot of the Tanzawa and Hakone mountains, known for suitable climate for growing tea plants. Green tea grown in this area is rich in aroma and contains Catechin, a powerful anti-oxidant fighting tumors and acts as well as enhancing the body’s immune system. Another skin cleansing therapy. The Coffee Spa is a distinctive spa where one can only experience at Yunessun! The spa as the name implies contains real coffee made with hot spring water. It has been said that coffee is an effective treatment for the recovery of fatigue body muscles and as like any other spa, beautifies the skin. The aroma of the coffee will definitely perk up one’s senses. The Wine Spa contains real red wine. The huge wine bottle is remarkably measured at 3.6 M tall. Bathing in wine as they say is a rejuvenation treatment for the body and it was narrated to us by the tour guides that the Queen of Egypt, Cleopatra loved to bath in this kind of spa. Regular various performances on the art of pouring real wine into the spa was also witnessed during the event.

                        In closing the day’s affair PAG Chairman Mr. Noel Joseph A. Cristobal, handed a Certificate of Appreciation to Ms Susan A. Candelaria of AFIT who spear headed this joyous event. The certificate is signed by the Philippine Community Affair Officer in Charge Mr. Bayani Sibug Jr.

                        This mentioned Hakone Kowakien Yunessan Bus Tour was one of the fund raising activities of the Philippine Assistance Group (PAG) to generate fund to assist our distressed Kababayan in Japan.

L-R back row Ms. Beth Ibay, Ms.Glenda Tabata, Insp. Allan Salim, Mr. Gil Pascua, Capt. Dexter Custodio, Labor Attache Atty. Danilo P Cruz, Ms. Chat del Carmen, PAG Chairman Mr. Noel Joseph Cristobal

L-R back row Mr. Dennis Cabatu, Ms. Maria Palatao, Ms. Anne Basario, Ms. Felly, Ms. Marie Watanabe and PAG Bus Trip Coordinator Ms. Susan A. Candelaria