2 BECOME 1
by: Ruben Pascua
“Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and mutual edification.” Romans 14:19
Members of the Philippine Nikkei Jin Kai Family still couldn’t contain our excitement everytime we prepare and celebrate the annual Philippine – Japan Festival. The gathering of human resources from the Philippine Nikkei Jin Kai Incorporated, Mindanao Kokusai Daigaku, Philippine Nikkei Jin Kai International School, Japan – Philippine Volunteers Association, Students, parents and members of the community has resulted to another jovial celebration where the meeting of two diversed cultures have once again cemented our friendship and unity as members of the Phillipine Nikkei Jin Kai Family.
The theme of this year’s Philippine –Japan Festival is “Strengthening the Historical Bonds through Reciprocal Sharing of Cultural Values.” Headed by the ever-competent school President, Judge Antonia B. Escovilla, the members of the RP-Japan working committee had dedicated much of their precious time in order to come up with a celebration that would somehow leave a remarkable impression from those who came here and joined in the celebration.
The celebration started with a medical mission organized by the PNJK Polyclinic and Diagnostics personnel last October 2, 2012. The Kick-off Program last October 3, 2012 is the avenue where we could have a glimpse of the varied cultures that even Tourism Officer, Art Bungcato mentioned in his speech “It’s more fun in PNJK!” Truly it was a programme showcasing the traditional dances of Philippines and Indonesia, the “Taiko and Omikoshi” practice of the Japanese, and the Modern Hip-hop dances all presented synchronically and choreographed well by students, faculty and personnel of PNJK Family. One of the highlights during the kick-off program was the unveiling and blessing of the Philippine-Japan Friendship Monument situated at the main entrance of the PNJK Campus, and two other monuments inside the MKD compound. A fellowship lunch was held at the MKD skygym after the blessing of the monuments. Present during the kick-off program were Hon. Kazuhiko Anzai – Japanese Consul, Mr. Petrus Pati – Principal of Indonesian School, Mr. Art Bungcato- Tourism Officer of Davao City, Hon. Ramon Bargamento – Barangay Chairman of Mintal, Japanese friends and Visitors, members of the Board of Trustees of PNJKIS, friends from the media and other invited guests.
The programme in the afternoon of October 3, 2012 shifted to musical wherein pupils, students and employees displayed their singing prowess in the Nihongo and Filipino Singing Contest held at the PNJKIS gym.
October 4, 2012 was reserved for the Cultural Lessons in the morning wherein participants and attendees were given the opportunity to learn the cultures of both Philippines and Japan. The following cultural lessons were taught:
- Ikebana
- Japanese Dance (Tanko Boshi and Tokyo Ondo)
- Handicraft
- Origami
- Philippine Food Cooking
- Calligraphy
- Laro ng Lahi
- Chopsticks Lessons
- Yukata Wearing
- Eigasai
- Cutting Paper
- Tea Ceremony
There were dance competitions in the afternoon of October 4, 2012. A “Flea Market” was also organized at the PNJKIS Open field where there was selling of clothes and other items at a cheaper price. The grage sale ran from October 3 – 5, 2012.
The Nihongo Speech and Balak Contest was held in the morning of October 5, 2012 at the MKD sky gym, contestant vie among themselves who is the best in speaking the Japanese language and “Balak”. In the afternoon, there was the Karate demonstration and Sumo Wrestling competition that was followed by the Awarding ceremony held at the PNJKIS gym.
Pupils, students and members of the PNJK Family started to wear their Yukata and Happi during the awarding ceremony in anticipation for the “Bon Odori.” Those who have been attending the festival shared the same thrill and excitement with those who are first-timers, it is because the “Bon Odori” is one of the highlights of the Philippine – Japan festival. It is also during this program that we gained new friends and renew friendships from our former colleagues who took time to visit and celebrate with us every year.
“All is well that ends well.” We have ended the Philippine-Japan festival 2012 with a victory note as our pupils and students who represented PNJKIS in the Annual recorder Ensemble Competition brought home the bacon by winning first runner-up and champion in their respective categories.
According to the Head of Philippine – Japan festival 2012 Planning Committee, Judge Antonina B. Escovilla in her closing remarks, this year’s festival wouldn’t be that successful if not for those people who poured efforts and sweat it out for the success of the program. This is a clear indication that with our concerted efforts we would be able to overcome any obstacles, that our unity will always be the key to success, and if we continue to respect the culture of each other, then we would become a more progressive institution.
Congratulations to all members of the Philippine – Japan festival 2012 working committee and we would also like to extend our gratitude to the people who came and celebrated with us. Till we meet each other again.