I thought the party would start late as usual, but the Japanese Tea Ceremony started on time at 3:00 pm. I missed the short introduction of the Japanese Tea Ceremony, or Way of Tea. This formal tea preparation is a Japanese cultural activity that demonstrates grace and respect.
There are more than 200 movements before tea is served.
Traditional and authentic tea preparation tables
I was late. But as soon as I arrived, they led me to a chair and the art of serving Japanese tea started.
Tea paraphernalia
hot water for tea
The green tea they artfully prepared just for me.
They also served me these two tiny but pretty-looking Japanese sweets that go perfectly well with the tea.
She was the one who served my sweets
She was the one who prepared my green tea. She went back to Japan the day after this tea ceremony was held.
Our gracious host, a close friend of Grand Master Sen, Lior Liechtenstein
Authentic Japanese tea party. I should’ve worn a kimono.
90+ year old Dr. Genshitsu Sen, 15th Grand Master of Urasenke Tea School. He lives in a 400 year-old Japanese house in Kyoto, Japan.
Sandy Poblador with Master Sen
They’re all Japanese. Some of them have been living in the Philippines for twenty years and can speak fluent Tagalog.
Our meals were served in customized bento boxes
It’s always a joy attending Maymay’s dinner parties.
You’ll never know what kind of surprise you’ll get.
Scallop, shrimps, chocolate, mussels.
Mushroom with truffles
Japanese confections for dessert
Straight from Japan
I was standing behind the very kind and gracious host, Lior Liechtenstein (in black kimono) and beside Anna Sobreprena (in black and pink kimono). Anna is the editor in chief of Lifestyle Asia magazine.
To dear Lior and Maymay,
どうもありがとうございました
Dōmo arigatōgozaimashita
Love,
Annie-san
What a nice way to spend an afternoon. Every movement of the tea ceremony is so precise. The food and presentation looks beautiful.