How did Sakura Science Plan play a role in your study / research in Japan?

Sakura Science Plan (SSP) provided me an opportunity to visit Japan for the first time and strengthen my decision to pursue my Ph.D study at the University of Tokyo. The program showed me the different facilities and equipment that I need to study the taxonomy and phylogeny of harmful microalgae. This program also introduced me to different professors of Asian Natural Environmental Science Center (ANESC) including their researchers and facilities. In this program, I also got to know more about my current supervisor, Dr. Mitsunori Iwataki and his laboratory. Indeed, all these factors played a very important role for my current study in Japan.

Please describe your comments freely related to your life in Japan.

I am currently a Ph.D. student of the Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences of the University of Tokyo. Living for almost a year, I already adjusted to the weather, culture, language and food in Japan. I really like the food and weather although I came from a tropical country. The scholarship that I am receiving as a MEXT government scholar is just enough to sustain my daily living expenses and I am able to send some money to my family. As for my Ph.D. research, I am right on track under the very excellent guidance of my supervisor, Dr. Mitsunori Iwataki. In a year, Sensei exposed me to several conferences in Japan and abroad which is very helpful in my current study. I also published a paper in the Philippine Journal of Natural Sciences and submitted another publication to an international journal Phycologia.

Please describe your message to people who are going to participate in this program.

Make most of the opportunity in learning about Japan during the Sakura Science program. Enjoy the food, weather, culture and make some friends and start building your network. Apply for graduate studies in University of Tokyo if there is an opportunity, since it is one of the greatest universities in Japan.