PTV Channel 4 presents Japanese drama ‘Halo-Halo’ By Nippon TV on Jan. 16

A new heartwarming Japanese drama centering on a young Filipino young man’s search of a childhood friend in Japan titled “Halo-Halo House” will be shown every Saturday and Sunday on PTV Channel 4 at 5 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. starting January 16 up to February 7.

The 30- minute drama produced and developed by Nippon Television Network Co.,in cooperation with PTV4 runs a whole gamut of adventure and hilarious happenings in an accidental sharing of residence of “Halo-Halo” house owned by an old woman named Haru.

”Halo-Halo House” introduces Japanese culture, particularly in Ichinomiya City which is a part of Aichi Prefecture known for its flourishing textile industry favored over the world for its woolen products for suits and coats.

It is in this central city that fresh college Jose (Paul Alvin) goes to search for his Japanese childhood friend Erika whom he met several years ago with only her name, a handkerchief, and a name of her hometown Ichinomiya.

Short of funds, he finds himself in the “Halo-Halo House” managed by a kindly old lady, Tita Haru Jose soon notices that he is a stranger amidst the “boarding house” is quiet and residents lead normal and he gets the idea of adding spice to their lives.

Jose wants to find Erika, but how? What kind of hijinks will happen at the “halo-Halo House” when this unique, hilarious combination of Filipino-Japanese culture has its fusion.

The show is full of laughter, some tears, introspection and retrospection and lessons to be learned in dealing with human beings of different background—their likes, quirks and peculiarities constructively.

Ichinomiya Mayor Masayasu Nakano, who was present during the program launch at the Dusit Thani, Makati City said that the joint TV project initiative should strengthen friendship and partnership, cooperation, tourism, trade and understanding between the two countries especially in terms of culture ,arts and . tradition.

”There are around 1,400 Filipino residents in Ichinomiya . It costs around P4,000 a day to see /witness and feel all the important places and events, its commerce,, manufacturing industries, textile manufacturing, sight seeing priorities, nature and history.

”We had around 1.3 million tourists last year. Visitors are given at least two days to tour the whole city which is progressive but has continually maintained its , historical tradition in food, dances, arts, music which is different and yet endearing to the new generation,” said Nakano.

Nakano added that at the end of every episode of “Halo-Halo House,” he will be playing a cameo role himself and Sayaka Akimoto, Philippine tourism goodwill ambassador and former AKB48 idol will introduce more depth on Japanese culture, customs, and food that were featured in the show.

Akimoto will also guide everyone through the wonders of Japan and beyond traditional tourist destinations in Ichnomiya City. After a four-hour flight from Manila to Central Japan, it takes about 46 minutes of train ride to reach the city.

Events that are held to attract tourists are the Ichinomiya Festival associated with the deep roots of cowherds and female weavers in fabrics and nature, as well as the “Nobi Fireworks” which showcases the Owari region’s premier size 20 fireworks ball which creates 500-meter flower. (PNA) FPV/LOR/EDS