FEATURE: A Journey for a Single Grain: Japanese vlogger travels miles to taste Pasil’s Unoy rice

Pasil, Kalinga – A Japanese adventurer and content creator traveled long hours—from the busy streets of the city to the rugged mountains of Kalinga—in search of the legendary heirloom Unoy rice of Pasil, describing the experience as unforgettable and deeply meaningful.

Takumi, popularly known on social media as Takumi Senpai, is a Cebu-based vlogger who began his content creation journey in 2024 after auditioning for the reality TV show Pinoy Big Brother, where he was not selected.

In an interview with Guru Press Cordillera, the young Japanese vlogger shared that his failed audition became the driving force behind his entry into content creation.

“I didn’t pass, but that frustration became my fuel. Getting rejected forced me to ask myself: if I can’t get on someone else’s show, why not create my own adventure instead? Then, I decided to create my own path as an adventurer. My dream is to be the ‘King of the Philippines’—not to be above anyone, but to be the person who loves and explores this country more than anyone else. I’m still on that journey,” he said.

The journey to Pasil

His content mainly features him trying different kinds of Filipino food—from street and fast food to traditional dishes. Driven by curiosity about traditional food cultures, Takumi traveled from Manila to the Cordillera region to experience Pasil’s well-known Unoy rice—an heirloom variety preserved by local farmers.

Takumi recounted that the journey to Pasil was not easy. He took a 12-hour bus ride from Manila to Bontoc, only to miss the last jeepney bound for Tabuk City by a few minutes. With no immediate transportation available, he spent the night waiting in a 24/7 restaurant.

From there, he boarded a jeepney for another five-hour ride before finally reaching Pasil. Despite the challenges, Takumi said the experience was worth it the moment he tasted the legendary rice.

“After surviving the long journey and almost sleeping outside, that first bite of Unoy rice felt like discovering treasure in the mountains—very rich and satisfying. Interestingly, it reminded me of a Japanese dish called sekihan (rice with red beans), which we eat during celebrations. Most rice in Japan is very soft and sticky, but Unoy rice has a unique, earthy balance that makes you feel the energy of the land where it was grown. After such a long journey, tasting Unoy rice felt like discovering a hidden treasure,” he said.

During his visit, Takumi also observed the strong sense of unity among the iPasil people. He shared that locals offered help without hesitation during his journey, including giving him rides on motorcycles and warmly welcoming him during his stay.

For the Japanese vlogger, the trip was more than just a food adventure. He said it allowed him to learn about the importance of preserving traditional food cultures and supporting local farmers who continue to cultivate heirloom rice varieties.

“…staying at the Slow Food guesthouse allowed me to hear their stories. I learned that food is not just something you eat—it’s a heritage. Many Japanese tourists only go to famous, ‘prepared’ spots. But places like Pasil offer a ‘chemical reaction’ between curiosity and reality. The scenery and the warmth of the people even reminded me of my late grandmother’s home in Japan,” he shared.

Takumi encouraged more people, including international travelers, to visit places like Pasil and discover authentic cultural experiences beyond popular tourist destinations.

“Curiosity is the first step to saving a culture. If you find something special, go there, taste it, and tell its story,” he said.

He also expressed hopes of returning to Pasil in the future, saying the place had become like a second home in the mountains because of its natural beauty and the kindness of its people.