The Filipino-Japanese J-Pop star visited Cebu for the first time and treated his fans with performances and a special meet-and-greet.
Die-hard fans of Alan Shirahama, an actor, DJ, and leader of J-Pop group Generations from Exile tribe, were in for a treat as the Philippine tourism ambassador to Japan visited Cebu for a three-day fan meet.
The star of J-dramas “Daylight Shooting Star” and “Prince of Legend” treated his Japanese fans to a taste of Cebu with an island hopping adventure. Beginning in Mactan, Shirahama toured the bird sanctuary of Olango Island, viewed the quilting industry of Caohagan Island, snorkeled in Nalusuan Island, and the main island of Cebu to experience the urban pace of the city.
“I find that the short time I spent on each island isn’t enough to experience them—I need a day at least on each next time!” says the J-Pop star.
The fan meet culminated with a barrio fiesta-themed dinner with Sinulog-inspired performances, a dance contest, a festival queen crowning, a Q&A session with the fans, and a special DJ set by Shirahama.
Shirahama was recently appointed Philippine Tourism Ambassador in Japan back in February 2023. At the time, he promised Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco that he would return to the Philippines and create a promotional video with his crew.
“My sister Loveli was already the tourism ambassador before me, and I was already able to make promotional videos of Manila,” he shares, talking about his model and actress sister. “However, this visit to Cebu is the first time I can say that I accomplished my role for the Department of Tourism.”
“I will definitely return and maybe you might see me in my old age retiring in the Philippines wearing a sando and doing absolutely nothing,” the star half-jests, promising to share his experiences and encourage millions of his social media followers to love the Philippines.
