Last December 8, 2017, was our Christmas party with the Board of Director held at Bali– Bali Beach Resort, Island Garden of Samal. First, we had parlor games grouped into two, after the game we ate lunch while eating we started xchanging gifts and took a lot a pictures, then some of us the staff and the Board went swimming in the beach others in the pool. Everybody enjoyed the party, it was a Fun Day. “Happy Always Merry Everything.”
Every year, Japanese nationals from Okinawa Prefecture pay homage to their deceased relatives and friends buried in Davao. This year the large group of 53 arrived in the city on July 21, 2017, to fulfill their annual commitment.
They first visited the Tamugan Shrine, offering wreaths and prayers for the souls of those buried thereat. The Tamugan Shrine monument was erected by and in behalf of those who had been born in Davao, and whose kin died and were buried in the Tamugan Area.
After visiting Tamugan, the group passed by the Philippine–Japan Museum located at the Philippine Nikkei Jin Kai International School, Calinan Branch. One
visitor named Taboru recalled his English Teacher Mrs. De Lara, whose picture is posted in the museum.
From Calinan School the group moved on to the Mintal Public Cemetery, and then finally to Lubogan, where they likewise offered their prayers. A small dinner party was held at Waterfront Insular Hotel to culminate the group’s meaningful trip.
The Iresai is annually observed by the Philippine Nikkei Jin Kai Inc., together with the Philippine Nikkei Jin Kai-International School and the Mindanao Kokusai Daigaku, in remembrance of the endurance and industry of our forefathers who first came to reside in Davao. The event is considered to be one of the cornerstones of the organization, having been practiced by its members for more than three decades already.
This year, the Iresai was conducted on August 15, 2017. The Opening prayer was led by Ms. Ruelyn Bobiles, a PNJK-IS Board Member who has been with the school for more than two decades. The PNJK staff sang Amazing Grace and Furusato accompanied by. Mr. Shuji Honda playing his guitar and Mr. Takakazu Machida with his violin.
Among the notable guests were Hon. Tomoko Dodo of the Consular Office of Japan in Davao City, and the Hon. Barangay Captain Ramon Bargamento, and his Barangay Councilors. A great number of Japanese residents and businessmen were in attendance as well.
Participants offered flowers as well as individual prayers to our deceased Japanese who passed away in the early days. These were Japanese migrants who came to the Philippines in the year 1904 till 1940, the same people who were the first agriculturists who introduced abaca industry as well as other prime commodities to the city. It was unfortunate that the war took everything away from those who should have enjoyed what their predecessors had introduced.
Each year we pay homage and respect to those buried in the sacred ground at Mintal Public Cemetery. We hold this activity because the early settles were responsible in bridging the gap between Japan and the Philippines which the young generation are desirous of further cementing the friendly relation.
Four years ago, the Federation President Mallari together with PNJK President Escovilla and JPIC Coordinator Eve went to Japan for a courtesy visit to the different JPIC companies and to meet the nikkei jins sponsored by the companies.
One of the objectives of the meeting was to encourage the Nikkei jins to create a group in their locality to address their concerns and to make the Philippine Nikkei Jin Society in Japan solid and strong.
On May 31, 2017, one Nikkei jin group was successfully organized in Kagoshima, Japan. The group is named CHIRAN-CHO ENU CHICKEN NIKKEI JIN CLUB. The club has 31 members. The objective focuses on the following: to serve as the support system to its members especially during hard times, to help members to learn the Japanese language, understand and appreciate Japanese culture at the same time promote Filipino culture to the Japanese people and most specially to promote camaraderie among its members and company staff, administration and people of the community.
The officers took their Oath during the company’s festival on August 2017. Their activities are Nihongo Lesson every 2nd Sunday of the month and community service among others.
The club organized a Sport fest on November 26, 2017, and was participated by the Nikkei jins, Japanese and Vietnamese trainees. The activity was very successful. This year they are planning for a group tour in Kagoshima.
Kudos to Chiran–Cho Enu Chicken Nikkei Jin Club!!!!
