Jun
30
2017

JPIC UPDATES
By Admin

       A wise man once said “Do not be afraid of changes but be sensitive to something changing”. 2015 was the Japan Philippine Industry Council’s year of transition, 2016 was a fruitful year after transition and 2017 is the 1st chapter of a stable make-over with renewed vigor and business mentality as it faces the changing Japan and new breed of Philippine Nikkei Jin. February 10, 2017 was the JPIC/PNJK Joint Meeting that was attended by 9 JPIC member companies and 10 PNJK Officers. Important matters were discussed like the number of Nikkei Jin qualified for sponsorship by JPIC, approved PNJK shuseki applicants, activities, accomplishments and future projects of PNJK. February 11, 2017 JPIC attended the 11th Davao Baseball Tournament. One of the JPIC’s advisers Mr. Akira Sekino of Funasho Shoji has been supporting and extending assistance to the said activity. February 12, 2017 JPIC attended the 25th Flute/Recorder Assemble. JPIC has been supporting the said activity for several years now. The JPIC President Mr. Tokumitsu has started a drive to collect new and used recorders in Kagoshima, Japan. April 16 – May 1, 2017 was the annual visit of JPIC Liaison Officer to the different JPIC member… Read More »

Jun
30
2017

37th General Assembly by: Evelyn Obuchi
By Admin

          As the Filipinos fondly regard May as “Flores de Mayo” and celebrate” Santa Cruzan” with beautiful Reyna Elenas’ parading the barangay streets , the Philippine Nikkei Jin from Davao, neighboring cities and provinces celebrate their annual reunion. PNJK conducts its General Assembly every 2nd Sunday of May. On May 14, 2017 at 9:30 in the morning, about one hundred twenty one (121) Nikkei Jin from Chapters of Tagum, Davao, Toril, Calinan, Digos and Kidapawan gathered at PNJK-IS gym to attend the 37th Philippine Nikkei Jin Kai, Inc. General Assembly. This year’s theme is: “Nikkei Jin Padayon sa Pag-uswag” whichmeans continuous progress. The assembly commenced at 9:30 am with the Masters of Ceremony Mr. Felipe Hiquial opening the program proper followed by a prayer led by Ms. Adelaida Panagution offering moment of silence and prayers for the departed souls of the pillars of the association like the late Uchida Otousan, Rev. Fernandez,Gloria Okazono . The 1st Vice President Rodrigo Suemitsu acknowledged the participants and welcomed by Ms. Ines Mallari the Chairman of the Board of Directors. Ms. Mallari welcomed and thanked the members and supporters of PNJK. Business Proper followed afterwards with Ms. Carmen Apigoreading the… Read More »

Jun
30
2017

“Zairyu Senbou Douhou Irei Tou”
By Admin

Prayer offered to “Zairyu Senbou Douhou Irei Tou” (Monument of the Deceased Japanese Residents)         At about past ten in the morning of January 13, 2017, the party of Madam Akie Abe with Ms. Honeylet Avancena and Mrs. Medialdea arrived at the Mintal Memorial Garden. Madam Akie offered wreath and prayer before the monument known as Zairyu Senbou Douhou Irei Tou, the monument of those Japanese residents who died in the early days prior to the outbreak of World War II. The area was supposed to be the burial ground exclusively for the Japanese residents but after the war, so many Filipino residents destroyed the gravestones. Others were looking for the so-called “Yamashita treasure” such that the damage done was beyond repair. No treasure or any material of value was uncovered by unscrupulous person and/or the so-call treasure hunters.       After the offered prayer, Madam Akie and party were ushered to the Monument of No Regret which is the symbol of the long history of friendship between Japan and the Philippines. This is the monument donated personally by the then Mayor of the City of Davao, Hon. Mayor Rodrigo Roa Duterte.        … Read More »

Jun
30
2017

THE PRIME MINISTER SHINZO ABE
By Admin

Visit of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to PNJK Compound By: Ret. Judge Antonina Escovilla          Prior to January 13, 2017, the presence of government officials both from the Philippines and Japan was noticed. Ret. Judge Antonina B. Escovilla, PNJK President was around and had conferred with them but no definite declaration was heard relative to the visit of the highest official in Japan. No date and time was mentioned and so everyone was in a quandary.         At any rate, MKD President Mallari left no stone un-turned. Various scenarios were outlined and she expected the responsible school officials to extend  their warmest welcome and hospitality to the most important guests whose presence in Davao City would include in his itinerary the visit at PNJK Compound.                Every now and then President Mallari receives calls from officials in Japan and Manila. Each call, she would meet PNJK Family staffs and could not contain her emotions as regards the preparation in welcoming Prime Minister Shinzo Abe whose visit to PNJK compound has yet to be officially confirmed by the Office of the President.              When… Read More »

Jun
30
2017

25th Recorder Ensemble Competition By: Veronico B. Nazario
By Admin

          The preparation for the much anticipated 25th Recorder Ensemble Competition started as early as the 3rd week of April. When Mr. Shuji Honda, confirmed the holding of the competition in early October, Mrs. Carmen C. Apigo, the School Principal of PNJKIS-Calinan and Mrs. Girlie Doydoy, being the liaison personnel of the competition, started calling previous contest participants who were also recipients of free flutes distributed by the Japan-Philippines Volunteers Assn. (JPVA) thru CASEDO during early stages of the project, inviting school trainors to attend a seminar on the 27th of May 2016 to be conducted by Mr. Shuji Honda at the PNJKIS Calinan covered court. Sixteen (16) Elementary Schools, both public and private, and three (3) high schools attended the said Seminar. On the 15th of July, 2016, a follow-up seminar was again held in the same venue. Mr. Shuji Honda distributed the contest piece and additional flutes to schools that did not have complete set to be able to join the contest. The contest was slated on the 8th of October, but due to unforeseen circumstances, the original schedule did not materialize. The contest was moved indefinitely and was finally scheduled to take place… Read More »