PHL Consulate General in Osaka Holds Two-Series Celebration for the 119th Anniversary of the Philippine Independence
Consul General Maria Aileen H. Bugarin delivers her welcome message to Filipino community leaders in attendance during the Consulate General’s luncheon seminar celebrating the 119th Anniversary of the Declaration of Philippine Independence held at the Oriental Garden Osaka Restaurant last June 02.
15 June 2017 OSAKA — The Philippine Consulate General in Osaka recently held a two-series celebration to commemorate the 119th Anniversary of the Declaration of Philippine Independence on June 02 and 12, both held at the Garden Oriental Osaka Restaurant.
The Consulate General hosted a luncheon seminar for the Filipino community leaders in the Kansai region on June 02 and dedicated its program to informing the latter of the nature and scope of the services and work of the Consulate General, Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC), and Department of Tourism (DOT) - Osaka in order to enhance cooperation and improve understanding on the latter's various services to the public.
Consul General Maria Aileen H. Bugarin stressed the importance of upholding and performing civic duties and responsibilities in order to safeguard the current liberties that Filipinos enjoy and ensure the continued progress of the nation.
On June 12, the Consulate General hosted a cocktail reception attended by officials and representatives from the consular corps, various Kansai prefectural and local governments, local and international businesses, NGOs, and other organizations.
Consul General Bugarin underscored the longstanding and friendly ties that the Philippines has with Japan and how both countries shared and observed common values such as the Japanese concept of "Wa" — loosely translated to mean "group harmony" — with "Bayanihan" being its closest approximation in Filipino.
"In a world that is always in flux, it is all the more important to maintain and observe ‘wa’ so that together we can shoulder the challenges brought about by an unpredictable world, and more importantly, engender positive change that will benefit humanity," the Consul General said.
Representative of the Government of Japan, Ambassador to the Kansai Region, His Excellency Yoichi Suzuki, thanked the Philippines for generously hosting both His Imperial Majesty, Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko when the latter visited the Philippines last year. He also cited the excellent cooperation in various fields existing between both countries and lauded the Philippines' hosting of the APEC and this year's ASEAN Summit.
The speeches were followed by a short cultural presentation where Filipino jazz pianist Alexander Ebarle regaled the crowd with three beloved Filipino songs. The medley opened with the patriotic hymn Pilipinas Kong Mahal followed by the lilting romantic classic Sampaguita, and capped by the upbeat contemporary song Isang Mundo, Isang Awit.
In both events, the Consulate General promoted this year's Independence Day theme "Kalayaan 2017: Pagbabagong Sama-Samang Balikatin."
For more information, visit www.osakapcg.dfa.gov.ph or https://www.facebook.com/Philippine-Consulate-General-Osaka-Japan-113076262183199/. END
Various Filipino community leaders in the Kansai region posing for a group photo with the Consul General and the rest of the Consulate General officers and staff, PTIC, & DOT-Osaka team outside the zen garden of the Oriental Garden Osaka Restaurant last June 02.