Want to go to Japan? Alex Gonzaga gives tips
MANILA, Philippines — Alex Gonzaga recently bonded with fans at pop-up travel fair Klook ‘N Go at Mall Of Asia Arena Annex Building.
During the event, the actress and travel vlogger (video blogger) shared some pieces of travel advice hauled from her own experience.
Here are some of her tips for those eyeing to visit “The Land of the Rising Sun.”
Philstar.com: Why do you love Japan?
Alex: “I love Japan kasi parang it’s the most, for me, popular country in Asia – sa buong mundo. So parang when you go to Japan, parang pumunta ka sa New York ng Asia. Ganun ‘yung feeling.”
2. When was the first time you went there?
Alex: 2015
3. You visited Japan for how many times?
Alex: “For work. Once pa lang.”
4. What are your favorite places and activities in Japan?
Alex: “I went there kasi in Nagoya. So it’s really provincial. Hindi ko talaga nakita lahat. Actually sa mas provincial place pa kami pumunta, hindi talaga sa Nagoya eh. So I like to go to Universal Studios, parang every country na may Universal pinupuntahan ko. And I also like to go sa mga food. Kasi masarap daw talaga mag-food trip and [masaya] ‘yung tour.”
5. What are your top tips for those who want to go there?
Alex: “Know where to go. Kasi ang daming destinations, ang daming tourist spots dun. Know your priorities — kung ano talaga ‘yung gusto mo munang puntahan. Book your activities in advance para you can maximize your time. And have fun! Don’t be uptight na you have to go everywhere. Don’t pressure yourself. Parang enjoy every moment kasi sobrang daming tourist spots na baka mapressure ka na isang araw kunin mo lahat sa Tokyo.”
6. What are your travel essentials when going to Japan?
Alex: “Of course I need my bathrobe. I need my cellphone, my camera, and my clothes.”
7. What essential Japanese words and decorum should Filipinos learn to be prepared for their trip?
Alex: “’Di ba Japanese are on time? Tama ba? Ayun, super on time. ‘Yun ang dapat nating - ano – kasi syempre sa Filipino, lalo na samin, particularly ng parents ko. ‘Pag sinabing 3 p.m., 4 p.m. ‘yun. So 3 p.m. ang call time mo, 3 p.m. ka pa lang magaayos. So dapat inuunahan mo, so dapat maaga ka kasi mabilis talaga dun sa Japan eh. Iiwanan ka talaga nila.”
8. What do you like more - traveling alone or with a special someone? Why?
Alex: “I think with family or with special someone. Pero hindi pa kasi kami pwede nung aking love life. Hanggang ano lang kami, hanggang Batangas lang; getaway hanggang dun lang.”
9. What are the best places to see and do in Japan if you are going there with a special someone?
Alex: “Syempre maganda ‘yung Cherry Blossom ‘di ba? ‘Tas mag-kikiss kayo kunwari dun pero wag niyo idikit dapat ‘yung Cherry Blossom sa gitna tapos let it blossom into cherry. Charot.”
10. Do you think Japanese guys are hot? Why or why not?
Alex: “Cutie naman ‘yung iba. May nakita kasi ako sa isang commercial, ang cutie niya talaga. Hindi ko nga alam kung ano eh. Kasi parang ‘pag naiisip mo sila kasi nag-aral akong Japan eh naaalala ko ‘yung mga Yakuza eh ayoko ma samurai pero cutie sila.”
Alex books her travel activities through Klook, claiming to be Asia’s largest online and mobile in-destination services booking platform, which kicked off Sinulog 2018 with its first ever sunset yacht party along the Mactan Channel last January.
After its successful #GetKlookd launch last year, the app has been exploring ways to expand in the Philippine market and Cebu City is a key city the brand wants to tap due to its population and potential growth. And with the city’s much awaited Sinulog festival, the travel app sees this as an opportunity to officially introduce the travel app to the Queen City of the South.
Various influencers from both Manila and Cebu gathered to celebrate the start of Sinulog weekend. The yacht was dressed to fit the weekend festivities and to make each corner of the boat Instagram-worthy. Guests enjoyed good food and drinks while partying until sunset with live music provided by DJ Manolo Aballe.
