For Charmaine Rodriguez-Kara, the year 2025 concluded in the most beautiful and memorable way possible: with a long-awaited family homecoming in the Philippines followed by an extensive tour of Japan. Her holiday season was a perfect blend of nostalgic reunion and exciting new exploration.
A Cherished Homecoming in Cebu City
The core of her joy was the return to her roots in Dakbayan sa Sugbo (Cebu City). After time abroad, she finally reunited with her parents to celebrate Christmas. This heartfelt gathering was made even more special as it coincided with the 12th birthday of her son, Daniel. The occasion was, as she describes it, overflowing with laughter, love, and gratitude.
The trip was also a chance to reconnect with her past. Charmaine seized the opportunity to meet with former classmates and friends from her alma mater, St. Theresa’s College (STC), as well as with old colleagues from her time as an editor at SunStar Cebu. Each meeting felt like revisiting cherished chapters of her life, filled with shared stories and a friendship that has endured the passage of time.
An 11-Day Japanese Expedition: From Tokyo to Okinawa
After several days in Cebu, the family embarked on the next leg of their adventure, traveling to Japan via Taiwan. Their meticulously planned itinerary spanned three distinct locations: Tokyo for two days, Yokohama for four days, and Okinawa for five days. Each destination contributed its own unique flavor and beauty to their journey.
In Tokyo, a highlight was visiting Itoya, a massive stationery store in the Ginza district that she calls a paradise for lovers of paper, pens, journals, and art supplies. They explored the famous 12-story building dedicated to all things writing and creativity. The family also visited a flagship store of the global brand Uniqlo, though a long queue deterred them from trying the coffee shop at its top floor.
Okinawa's Historical and Natural Wonders
The Okinawa portion of the trip left a profound impression. One of the most memorable stops was the world-renowned Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, home to the second-largest sea tank on the planet. This stunning attraction draws over 3.5 million visitors annually.
They also stepped into history at the Shurijo Castle, the former political and cultural center of the Ryukyu Kingdom, which ruled the region from 1429 until 1879. Although the original structure was destroyed during World War II, Charmaine noted it has been carefully and meticulously reconstructed.
Reflecting on the entire experience, Charmaine Rodriguez-Kara emphasizes that the time spent together with family was the most precious gift of 2025. The warm embrace of Cebu and the 11-day discovery of Japan created memories that will forever hold a special place in her heart, proving that time with loved ones is indeed the most beautiful and valuable gift of all.
