Up-and-coming technopreneurs from Japan and the Philippines met up for the second-time around to continue their exchange of cultures and ideas over dinner and socialization at an informal Monday evening gathering dubbed as the 2nd Samurai-Juan MeetUp.
Samurai-Juan is a meet-up party for Japanese IT businessmen and the Philippines' existing start-ups. It invites around 30 to 40 people and discuss about each businesses and the possibilities of collaboration among the two nationalities, while munching on a great buffet of Japanese cuisine.
Several aspiring and rising Filipino technopreneurs were again invited to a simple dinner and get-together with their Japanese counterparts by Bolooka Co-Founder Marc Medina at Hanaichi Japanese Restaurant over at Bonifacio Global City last April 15, 2013.
Many Pinoy Juans, especially those attending for the first time, were expecting to meet veteran and experienced foreign entrepreneurs. However, many were amazed and flabbergasted to meet young Japanese executives in their early to mid-20′s who moved and talked like seasoned industry titans. Though their former Japanese business associates were again present at the occasion, there were also a lot of new faces in the crowd.
The Japanese delegation was led by Kiyotaka Sakakibara of Adways Philippines. Kiyotaka and his Japanese friends actually chipped in again to sponsor the dinner. The sumptuous feast consisted of a variety of Japanese fare like tempura, sushi, sashimi, shirumono, agemono, mushimono, and itamemono. Cha Han (fried rice) and soba (noodles) were the clincher to make sure everyone went home full, fulfilled and bellies bulging with a few extra inches.
Marc and
Kiyotaka played the dual role of event hosts and facilitators given that
they were the bridge between the Samurais and the Juans whom they met
during e27’s Echelon 2012 in Singapore last June 2012. The 1st
Samurai-Juan Meet-Up was held last August 31, 2012 also at the same
venue.
After much merrymaking, networking and chitchat, the organizers had all the participants speak about their endeavors and respective start-ups. The participants alternated between nationalities in presenting. In spite of the short time allotted, each presenter successfully explained their businesses. The participants were also able to expound on what they need and what they can do to help.
The group had to say "sayonara" at around 12 midnight and decided to keep in touch to discuss possible synergies individually and as the “Samurai-Juan” group. More meet-ups and collaborations are in the pipeline to foster brotherhood and camaraderie between the two groups.
Domo Arigato!
After much merrymaking, networking and chitchat, the organizers had all the participants speak about their endeavors and respective start-ups. The participants alternated between nationalities in presenting. In spite of the short time allotted, each presenter successfully explained their businesses. The participants were also able to expound on what they need and what they can do to help.
The group had to say "sayonara" at around 12 midnight and decided to keep in touch to discuss possible synergies individually and as the “Samurai-Juan” group. More meet-ups and collaborations are in the pipeline to foster brotherhood and camaraderie between the two groups.
Domo Arigato!
