The PNJK officials and heads attended the National Day of Japan hosted by His Excellency Japanese Ambassador Kazuhide Ishikawa, with no less than the Republic of the Philippines Pres. Rodrigo R. Duterte as the guest of honor at SMX on December 01, 2016.
We were extremely thankful since we were the only group that was given the opportunity to have a special photo with the President. The PNJK family’s excitement could not be contained especially when one of our colleagues, the PNJK Davao President, Judge Antonina Escovilla was especially mentioned during Pres. Duterte’s speech and was even called by the President himself to join the dignitaries in their official photo. Congrats Madam Judge and banzai to all Nikkeijins!
On November 11, 2016, Ambassador Kazuhide Ishikawa hosted a reception at his residence in Forbes Park, Makati, to welcome the participants of the General Assembly of the Philippine Nikkei Jin Kai Rengokai headed by their President, Mrs. Ines Mallari. The reception was attended by Atty. Erickson H. Balmes and Atty. Raymund I. Mecate, Undersecretaries of the Department of Justice of the Philippines. Mr. Frank R. Cimafranca, Assistant Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines, the Manila Japanese Association officers and some representatives of the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Philippines.
During the reception, there was a lively exchange of views among the members of the Philippine Nikkei Jin Kai Rengokai, representatives of the Philippine government office and Japanese association. On November 12, 2016 the Philippine Nikkei Jin Rengokai held a very successful general assembly at a hotel in Metro Manila. (Source: Embassy of Japan in the Philippines)
After the foregoing reception, the participants converged at the Bayview Hotel in Roxas Boulevard, Manila the following day, November 12, 2016. All chapter Presidents of the various group of descendants registered prior to the main event. The Rengokai Secretary in the person of Ret. Judge Antonina B. Escovilla led the invocation followed by the singing of the National Anthems – Philippines and Japan.
Rengokai President Ines Mallari introduced all participants including observers to the audience and delivered her welcome message. The good and amiable Counsellor and Chief Consul of the Embassy of Japan in Manila Hon. Susumu Tsuda gave his inspiring message followed by another message from our generous supporter The Nippon Foundation representative, Ms. Ikuko Okubo. Atty. Hiroyuki Kawai, PNLSC Chairman and Japanese lawyers, Atty. Mochizuki and Atty. Ohiwa likewise gave their messages in relation to the Shuseki project.
Thereafter President Mallari gave her report as to the various activities engaged by the Rengokai for the past twelve months inclusive of the attendance to the 57th Convention of the Nikkei and Japanese Abroad held in October 25 to 27, 2016 in Tokyo, Japan.
Adopting the provisions of the Bylaws of Rengokai, election followed after hearing the report of the Corporate Treasurer resulting in the approval of all disbursements as well as future expenses the association would incur.
Elected for the term 2016-2018 are the following, to wit:
Mrs. Ines P. Mallari President Atty. Emmanuel O. Pacsi Chairman of the Board Atty. Allyson Locano Vice-President for Luzon Mrs. Estrella Siega Vice-President for Visayas Mr. Edwin Padilla Vice-President for Mindanao Ret. Judge Antonina B. Escovilla Rengokai Secretary Mrs. Araceli Tan Rengokai Treasurer Mr. Stephen Buni Rengokai Auditor Mrs. Cecilia Zaldivar Iloilo Chapter President Mrs. Melissa Roales Cotabato Chapter President Mr. Nelson Mabayo Iligan Chapter President Mr. Lemuel Yoshimura (Acuesta) General Santos Chapter President Mrs. Diocely Macasero Butuan Chapter President Mrs. Natalia Feliciano Zamboanga Chapter President Mrs. Maria Editha Teraoka Cabanisas Abong Chapter Mrs. Hatsuko Vidal Bacolod Chapter
Baguio “Abong Nikkei Jin Kai Delegation with MOFA Consul Katsutoshi Someda, PNLSC N. Inomata, I. Mallari, A. Escovilla, C. Apigo, A. Iwamoto, E. Obuchi.”
The 57th Convention of Nikkeijin and Japanese Abroad was another milestone for all of us, the Nikkeijins in the Philippines. Present during the said convention representing the Philippines were JPIC President Yoshihiro Tokumitsu with JPIC Coordinator Eve Obuchi, Rengokai President Ines P. Mallari, Rengokai Secretary and PNJK Davao City Chapter President Ret. Judge Antonina B. Escovilla, PNJK Davao Chapter Secretary Mrs. Carmen C. Apigo, PNJK Davao Chapter Treasurer Anita P. Iwamoto and six delegates from the Baguio Chapter.
Registration was allotted for the first day and the welcome party was hosted by the Imperial Family, giving the delegates the opportunity in meeting Prince Akishino and Princess Kiko. Our Rengokai President with her group had the chance in shaking the hands of both the Prince and the Princess . A brief conversation between them and our President Mallari took place, where the latter conveyed the presence of Their Majesties in the Philippines in January of 2016.
R: MOFA Minister Fumio Kishida
The 2nd day of the convention Parliamentary Vice-Minister Kiyoshi Odawara of the Overseas Nikkei Communities for the Japanese Government gave the Keynote Speech followed by the presentation of reports from each delegate representing various countries like Panama, Peru, UK, Brazil, USA and Philippines among others. Our Rengokai President shared with the rest of the delegation the educational programs in the Philippines and showed slides of various activities conducted in the previous and the current years.
The Nikkeijins in the Philippines became the bridge in the bilateral relationship between the two countries Japan and Philippines. This will further enhance by the recognition and acknowledgement of the programs embarked by the Philippine Nikkei Jin Rengokai more so in the field of education where Japanese culture and Language are given much attention.
In the evening of the same day, all the participants were transported to the IIkura House of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for a sumptuous dinner with the officers of MOFA headed by Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida who was also scheduled to have another dinner engagement with no less than His Excellency the President of the Philippines Rodrigo R. Duterte.
Nikkei – jin meeting with Their Majesties: A great reason for jubilation, vigor and renewed strength. by: Evelyn Obuchi
On May15, 2016 at 9:00 in the morning, more than a hundred of Nikkei- jins from Chapters of Tagum, Davao, Toril, Calinan, Digos and Kidapawan gathered at PNJK-IS gym to attend the 36th Philippine Nikkei Jin Kai, Inc. General Assembly.
This year’s theme is: Nikkei – jin Meeting with Their Majesties: A great reason for jubilation, vigor and renewed strength. A theme inspired by the meeting of selected 2nd generation Japanese descended Filipinos from all over the Philippines with their Royal Majesties the Emperor and Empress of Japan in January 28, 2016 in Manila.
The 2nd generation Nikkei-jins were so over joyed and totally overwhelmed with the encounter that with teary eyes they said “Our father came back home”. With newly acquired vigor and renewed strength the Nikkei-jins are expected to be more united in their continued journey towards identity recognition for a progressive and brighter future.
The assembly commenced at 9:30 am with the Masters of Ceremonies Mr. Felipe Hiquial and Ms. Noellyne Fernandez opening the program proper followed by a prayer led by Ms. Adelaida Panagution. The 1st Vice President Rodrigo Suemitsu acknowledged the participants and welcomed by Ms. Elizabeth Tagud in behalf of the Chairman of the Board of Directors Ms. Ines Mallari who was not able to attend the affair because she has to go to Japan together with the President Ret. Judge Antonina Escovilla.
Ms. Evelyn Obuchi read the letter of President Escovilla welcoming and thanking the members and supporters of PNJK. PNJK President Escovilla likewise apologized for not being around because together with the Chairman she has to attend the necrological service in Japan of one of the ardent sponsors and supporters of PNJK – the late Mr. Tatsuo Uchida fondly called by people close to him as “otoosan”.
The President’s consolidated report zeroed in on the different activities and accomplishments of the association starting May 10, 2015 wherein the “Araw ng Nikkei jin” was successfully celebrated. July 2015 was a very important month because the Rengokai President Ines Mallari together with the PNJK President Ret. Judge Escovilla and Nisei from Cebu, Baguio and Manila left for Japan to meet with no less than the Prime Minister of Japan Hon. Shinzo Abe , Japanese Senators and Representatives of Diet. On August 15, 2015 Ireisai was held in Calinan in coordination with the Consulate Office of Japan in Davao. October was a very busy month beginning with the celebration of Phil-RP Japan Festival on October 5-8. Chosen Cat. C Nikkei –jin members took part in the Home-coming tour in Japan. Third week of the same month PNJK President, Ret. Judge Escovilla, the Rengokai President Ms. Ines Mallari, Ms. Elizabeth Tagud and Ms. Carmen Apigo attended the Kai Gai Nikkei Jin Tai Kai on October 26-28 in Tokyo, Japan.
Business Proper followed afterwards with Ms. Carmen Apigo reading the last year’s minutes of the meeting and the President’s Report in behalf of Ret. Judge Antonina Escovilla.
All year round Christmas party is an activity that no office can ever ignore from its calendar. This is the time for us to welcome the coming of our Lord, reminding us of His life here on earth and the joy of embracing His teachings. We have learned the joy of sharing not only during the time of happiness but sufferings where our faith is being put to test.
For year 2015, our association is so blessed with the graces received through His intervention and as an indication of appreciation we honor and glorify His name for such blessings.
On December 11, 2015 right after an exhaustive conference conducted by the Board of Directors deliberating on concerns and other issues affecting the operation of the office, the celebration of Christmas followed. The officials found quality time in bonding with each other and with the staff. Parlor games were held where the officers joined the games with the staff, enjoying the result of the game and cracked jokes with the players.
It was one day full of fun with unselfish exchange of gifts between the members of the Board of Directors and the staff.
All left the office in the state of joy and contentment. May year 2016 be another brighter year for all of us.
