Disclaimer: That is NOT my face in the first picture below. I simply love to AI my face LOL.
This is the 2nd time to Manila in 2025. Pretty wild to be back in Manila barely 7 months since my first visit. What can I say? It is always more fun in the Philippines! (Need to score some points here hahaha) Think the only difference I had with my first visit and this was the hotel? Schedule wise, it is as crazily packed as the last. Which isn’t a bad thing, I love it in fact. Oh ya, apart from the crazy 4hr flight delay – the amount of time I was sitting INSIDE the aircraft is equivalent to me travelling to Narita, Japan, take Narita Express and end up in Tokyo and check in by then!
So, literally after I landed, it was a legit crazy rush to check in my hotel, unpacked and repacked some equipment and ‘fly’ to ShibariPH’s dojo. All within 1.5hrs of landing. Why? This time I included Basic Lighting for Shibari photoshoot. Brought along a ‘ton’ of Amaran lights for this trip as well.
The lighting class was an instant hit. Except that since it was on a working Friday, most people weren’t able to attend it. (No worries my fellow kapatid, I hear you. I will be holding an intensive 2 day Masterclass on Lighting for Ropes in Q1 / Q2 2026) Working with understanding how lights work, flows and react to the camera is something fun for me and the participants. Literally went “holy shit! We can actually get that picture so easily?!”. Yeaps, pretty much how I light up my pics (not with fire though)
Totally amazed by the HUGE turnout on Day 1 on understanding the basics of Nawakokoro – my style of tying. Or maybe more my philosophy of tying. So glad everyone actually upped their game at the end of day 1, with bottoms noting a notable nice change when they are tied. And man, I should market my Day 2 better. A lesson learnt – maybe because of how I worded / positioned it, I might have had scared off some new riggers. You are always welcomed and it is still an essential skill set when you move on! Yes, I am talking about upline management and body weight management.
Love the gathering after lessons as usual. And of course the food. The next time I am coming, I will think I will just live near the dojo. The mall beside is ‘quieter’ and still suffice A LOT.
Nawa Kenshin 