Pistang Pinoy in Shizuoka Celebrates PH Cultural Identity

Ambassador to Japan Jose C. Laurel V (center) at the ribbon cutting to officially open the third Pistang Pinoy sa Shizuoka. Joining the Ambassador in the ceremonies are Madame Milagros Consolacion P. Laurel (second from left), Consul General Robespierre Bolivar (second from right) and Madame Maria Aurora J. Bolivar (rightmost). (Tokyo PE photo)

TOKYO 30 April 2019 — Over 10,000 Filipino and Japanese visitors descended on Aobi Park in Shizuoka Prefecture for the third Pistang Pinoy held on 14 April 2019.

With over 69 booths selling Filipino food, handicrafts and other products, Pistang Pinoy was a day-long celebration of the vibrant color, dynamism and diversity of Philippine culture.

In his keynote address, Ambassador to Japan Jose C. Laurel V highlighted the fact “that the Philippine fiesta is known the world over as a colorful, dynamic and enjoyable experience and truly a feast for the senses.”  He emphasized that the Philippine fiesta “strengthens the Filipino community spirit” and celebrates “the Filipino people’s collective efforts to build the nation.”

The Pistang Pinoy kicked off with “Tagsibol”, a concert on the evening of 13 April  2019, featuring the Dumaguete-based multi-awarded Sidlakan Dance Company. The Company performed modern jazz-inspired interpretations of classic Filipino dances and mythology, including “Si Malakas at si Maganda”, Mamanok, Tinikling, Singkil and Masskara. Several Japan-based Filipino talents also performed during the concert.

In his welcome remarks at the dance concert, Consul General Robespierre Bolivar noted that “Tagsibol”, or spring in Filipino, was a fitting theme for the celebrations since the Philippines as a country is in the midst of an economic resurgence. He encouraged Filipinos in the audience “to invest in the Philippines and to believe in the Philippines” and that “it is an exciting time to be a Filipino.”

The Embassy fielded a Consular Outreach Team to Shizuoka to take advantage of the significant number of Filipinos expected to visit the Pistang Pinoy festival grounds. During this outreach, the Embassy’s Outreach Team was able to serve 516 Filipinos who availed themselves of various consular services.

Organized by the Association of Pinoy Volunteers for Assistance (APIVA), the third Pistang Pinoy brought together Filipino community groups from all over Shizuoka Prefecture, as well as the neighboring Prefectures of Aichi and Shiga.

The first two editions of the Pistang Pinoy sa Shizuoka were held on 2014 and 2017, respectively.  There are an estimated 16,000 Filipinos living and working in Shizuoka Prefecture. END

For more information, visit www.tokyo.philembassy.net or www.tokyope.dfa.gov.ph, or https://www.facebook.com/PHLinJapan/.