Filipino Community in the Chubu Region Celebrates Pistang Pilipino 2024 in Nagoya Japan
The Philippine Consulate General in Nagoya, together with the 1st ever umbrella organization in the Chubu Region, the Filipino Community-Central Japan (FCCJ) and One Network, Co. Ltd., held Pistang Filipino 2024 at the Edion Hisaya Plaza on 15 and 16 June 2024.
The two-day celebration was composed of five events which included the Diplomatic/Consular Reception in commemoration of the 126th Anniversary of the Celebration of Philippine Independence, Meet and Greet with the Filipino Community Leaders, Philippine Festival, Philippine Fair and Migrant Workers’ Day.
In his welcome remarks, Consul General Roy B. Ecraela emphasized the vital role of “empowerment” which led to Philippine Independence, and similarly its importance to Filipinos in Japan in line with the country’s initiatives in promoting internationalism and multiculturalism (“kokusaika” and “tabunka kyosei”). Likewise, the Consul General encouraged the Filipinos to be a positive force in Japan and be a “Pillar of Japanese Society”.
The event started with a parade participated in by contestants from the Pistang Pilipino 2024 Princess, Queen and Maharlika Queen, leaders and members of the FCCJ with special participation from the Kalibo Senor Santo Nino Ati-Atihan Festival Winners.
The two-day event showcased various Filipino Cultural and Artistic performances such as Arnis demonstration (Mutya Filipino Fighting Arts Academy), cultural and modern dances (Hugpong ng mga Katutubo, Iida Filipino Community Dance Group, SBK Cultural Dancers, One Heart Ishikawa, AsFil-Gifu NPO Filipino Nagkakaisa Dancers, Kalibo Senor Santo Nino Ati-Atihan Festival Winners, etc.) and beauty pageants for children (Princess 2024), young adults (Queen) and adults (Maharlika Queen), talent show (Pinoy Talent).
Live performances from local Japanese and Filipino talents (Garneth Jane Goto, Janeth Watanabe, Maritess Kawaii, Yuichi Terabe, Mikee Fernandez, Rino Eleferia, Apple Mercado Serrano, Hi-D, etc.) and Philippine actors such as Gabby Concepcion, Ai-Ai delas Alas, OWWA Administrator Arnell Ignacio, Gelene Eugenio and P3 were also enjoyed by the attendees.
The Diplomatic/Consular Reception was graced by Aichi Prefecture Governor Hideaki Ohmura and Nagoya City Mayor Takashi Kawamura together with Overseas Workers’ Welfare Administration (OWWA) Administrator Arnaldo “Arnell” Ignacio, Osaka PCG Consul General Voltaire Mauricio, Tokyo PE Deputy Chief of Mission and Consul General Charmaine Serna-Chua, Department of Trade and Industry Undersecretary and National Development Company General Manager Antonillo Mauricio, Filipino Community Central-Japan Acting President Nestor Puno, One Network Co., Ltd. CEO Luisa Kondo, Chubu-Philippine Friendship Association President Linda Taki as well the Diplomatic/Consular Corps. in the Chubu Region, heads and members of Japanese local government units, various Japanese companies (including sponsors of the Pistang Pilipino (i.e. Rinnai, Jera, etc.), and leaders of and members from the Filipino Community. END.
