Sep
16
2015

“Unveiling of Philippine Japan Friendship Monument”
By Admin

A LANDMARK IN THE NAME OF GENUINE HARMONY AND ACCORD by: Ruben Pascua Every passerby couldn’t help but view the towering statues of individuals at the main entrance of the PNJK compound – The Philippine – Japan Friendship Monument at Angliongto Avenue, Lanang Davao City. Since its blessing and unveiling to the public last October 3, 2012, the monuments have been attracting a lot of people to come closer and take pictures of these gigantic statues that remind each and everyone of the mutual relationship between Philippines and Japan. Sculpted by one of the finest artists we have in this country, Kublai Milan; the Philippine – Japan Friendship Monument which costed an estimated amount of 1.2 million pesos shared by the four entities – Philippine Nikkei Jin Kai Inc., Philippine Nikkei Jin Kai International School, Mindanao Kokusai Daigaku and PNJK Polyclinic and Diagnostics Center depicts the meeting of varied cultures, diverse thoughts and assortment of rituals. It gives us a clear picture that despite the diversities, Philippines and Japan relationship has paved the way to a more thorough awareness, understanding and more sincere appreciation of the other members of the global village. The monument is a valid testimony of our… Read More »

Sep
16
2015

“Ireisai 2012”
By Admin

REMEMBERING THEM By: JOAN MAE SOCO-BANTAYAN,RUBEN B. PASCUA and THE DAILY MANILA SHIMBUN “…it is for us the living, rather to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they…here have thus far so nobly advanced…” –          Abraham Lincoln “Gettysburg Address” It was on a clear and pleasant day of August 11, 2012 when the Administration, faculty, staff and employees of Philippine Nikkei Jin Kai Inc., Mindanao Kokusai Daigaku, Philippine Nikkei Jin Kai International School, Japan Philippine Volunteers’ Association, and Japanese Consular Office together with the Filipino-Japanese descendants from different chapters have trooped in exodus towards a common destination – The Japanese Cemetery at Mintal, Davao City for “Iresai” under a prominent acacia tree that shades the memorial obelisk built for Japanese who had lived during the glorious days of the Davao Kuo. As a brief history, in the year 1903, Ohta Kyusaburo (Ota Kyozaburo) arrived in Davao and built in the area of Mintal large abaca plantations including the establishment of Mintal cemetery for fellow Japanese nationals. By 1939, the Japanese had established various enterprises all over Davao and the place was branded as Davo Kuo. The World War II ripped almost everything that had been built and many… Read More »

Sep
16
2015

“Philippine-Japan 2012”
By Admin

          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… Read More »

Sep
16
2015

“Annual Memorial Service”
By Admin

Annual Memorial Service 15th August, 2013 @ Mintal Cemetery By: Koichi Ibara Director and Consul of Japan in Davao Ladies and Gentlemen, Good Morning!!! As I can see many representatives and members from Japanese community, please allow me to speak in Japanese as well as in English.             First of all, I would like to thank all of you for having joined us in our Annual Memorial Service this morning. I cannot help but to feel humbled and solemn today as I look back together with you on the past and envisage the future.             It was more than a century ago when the relationship between Japan and Davao began. The earliest record of the arrival of Japanese settlers in Davao was in 1903. Davao, with its flourishing Abaka industry, eventually became the destination of many Japanese nationals as the land of hope for a brighter future.             Due to the dedication of these early Japanese settlers who worked hard together, they prospered and became successful. They also helped Davao achieve economic growth through their robust economic expansion at that time.             But the entry of Japan into the war in 1941 changed the entire situation. The people of the whole… Read More »

Sep
16
2015

“PNJK Inc. Celebrates Ireisai”By: Emiko Escovilla
By Admin

 On the 15th of August, 2013, the Philippine Nikkei Jin Kai Inc., together with the Consular Office of Japan in Davao, and with the participation of Barangay Mintal, celebrated the Ireisai Annual Memorial Service at the Mintal Cemetery. The Ireisai is a memorial service that honors and remembers the Japanese who died in Davao before and during World War II, as well as the Japanese Immigrants who came to live in Davao and other parts of Mindanao. It is equivalent to the Philippines’ All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day celebration on the 1st and 2nd of November. Reverend Bernardo Fernandez was the officiating minister of the ceremony. Mrs. Adelaida Panaguiton led the invocation, which was followed by the floral offering of several institutions. Hon. Ramon Bargamento, the Mintal Barangay Captain, then delivered a message in behalf of Barangay Mintal, a consistent participant in the Ireisai. Hon. Koichi Ibara, from the Davao Japanese Consul, conveyed his memorial message thereafter.