Philippine Embassy celebrates Philippine Day

Children of members of the Hiratsuka Catholic Filipino Community gracefully performing the itik-itik.

Dressed in a Manobo native costume, Philippine Embassy personnel Noli Sales demonstrates how to play the platwa.

Upon the invitation of the Minato International Association, the Philippine Embassy celebrated Philippine Day at the Mita NN Hall in Minato-ku, Tokyo, on June 28. Chief Director Mr. Yoshiya Mikami represented the MIA, while Vice-Consul Ruth Dilao of the Philippine Embassy welcomed the guests in behalf of Philippine Ambassador Domingo L. Siazon, Jr.

Children of members of the Hiratsuka Catholic Filipino Community gave well-applauded perfromances of Philippine folk dances such as the tinikling, itik-itik, and pandanggo sa ilaw. Booths were opened to give a glimpse of Filipino culture. Embassy personnal Manolo Sales manned the booth that showcased traditional music and dances. Cherrie Briosos of the Cultural Section of the Philippine Embassy gave a demonstration of traditional Filipino games. Ely Palima of the Tourism Office displayed posters of renowned Philippine tourist spots. Nestor Eleuterio, Au Acosta and Jhoanna Jarasa entertained visitors interested in various Philippine products. The food- and drinks-tasting booth supervised by Rosa Gonzalbo attracted the largest contingent. The Japanese visitors were treated to an array of Filipino delicacies such as maja blanca, biko, banana turon, and ginatan.

Philippine Assistance Group holds induction of officers

Philippine Ambassador to Japan Domingo L. Siazon, Jr. inducted the new set of officers of the Philippine Assistance Group (PAG) at Lumiere Douce in Roppongi, Tokyo, on July 6. The Philippine Embassy was represented also by Vice Consul Ruth Dilao, Vice Consul Eric Tamayo, Tourism Attache Bong Bengzon and Foreign Information Officer Delia Balite. Created in 1997, PAG is a non-profit volunteer organization composed of various Filipino associations in Japan. Its goal is to provide assistance to distressed Filipinos in their medical and repatriation needs. The PAG Executive Committee is chaired this year by Vangie Yamamoto, who concurrently serves as president of the Unified Filipino Group of Yokohama (UFGY).

Ambassador Domingo L. Siazon, Jr. inducting the PAG Execom Committee for 2003-2004. From left to right, Vangie Yamamoto, Rene Lucena, Larry Magboo, Tira Cao and Cherie Togashi.

The chapter members of the PAG are the Association of Filipino Students in Japan (AFSJ), Association of Filipino Wives in Tokyo (AFWT), Christian Association Serving Traditional Laymen’s Evangelization (CASTLE), El-Shaddai-Japan Chapter, Filipino Bowlers’ Club (FBC), Filipino Circle for Advancement and Progress (FICAP), Filipino-Ebisu Group Association (FEGASSSO), Filipino Mariners Network (FMN), Kalipunan ng Lakas at Adhikain (KALAHI), Overseas Workers Association (OWA), Philippine Men’s League (PML), Samahang Pilipino (SP), Toyoshiki Catholic Community (TCC), and Yokohama Filipino Community (YFC). The cultural section of the Philippine Embassy in Tokyo serves as Secretariat.

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