24 June 2016 - In commemoration of the 118th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence and in celebration of the 60 Years of Philippines-Japan Friendship, the Consulate General of the Republic of the Philippines in Osaka held a Cultural Night cum Reception last June 14 held at the Kobe Shimbun Matsukata Hall in Kobe City.
Consul General Maria Teresa L. Taguiang welcomed the attendees led by Hon. Kazuo Kanazawa, Vice Governor, Hyogo Prefecture, Hon. Kizo Hisamoto, Mayor, Kobe City and Ms. Naomi Asano, Director, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Kansai Office. Consuls General from the missions based in Western Japan, members of the Consular Corps, businessmen, friends and partners in the community, and officers of the various Filipino organizations graced the event.
In her address, Consul General Taguiang traced the growth of the Philippine mission in Western Japan, which first opened in Kobe City in 1956, and the Filipino community under the Philippine Consulate General's jurisdiction (Western Japan) which now number about 95,000 Filipinos. She noted that the Filipino people, whether at home or abroad, is the Philippines' "greatest asset."
"And as Philippines and Japan advance the healthy relationship both have enjoyed in the last 60 years, as we further strengthen the bond of friendship and understanding our countries have forged and have committed to, let us reflect on the lessons of the past as we navigate the present towards the promise of a more progressive future for our nations and our people," the Consul General concluded.
Both Hyogo Vice Governor Kanazawa and Kobe City Mayor Hisamoto gave special thanks to the Consulate General's holding of the Philippine National Day in Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture to mark the 60 years of Philippines-Japan relations.
Vice Governor Kanagawa noted the strong Philippine connection with Kobe, Hyogo and the Kansai region is also very evident in times of need, with both sides supporting and extending assistance to the other. The vice governor expressed hope that the relationship will further extend to other areas like arts, culture, sports, and education among others.
Kobe City Mayor Hisamoto acknowledged the vibrant Filipino community in Kobe and his desire to maintain the already growing economic relationship between the city and the Philippines. He also revealed that a business delegation is heading to Manila in February 2017 to look into the business climate and opportunities available that will benefit both sides.
Ms. Jade Rubis Riccio, Soprano, and Monica Regalario, Sand Artist, who were both flown in from the Philippines, highlighted the evening show. Ms. Regalario focused her sand art themes on the 60 years of friendship between the two countries and tourism sites in the Philippines while Ms. Riccio treated the crowd with her renditions of Filipino classics Sa Kabukiran, Mutya ng Pasig, Kalesa, Anak and a medley of Pilipinas Kong Mahal, Ako ay Pilipino, and Bayan Ko. She ended her acts with the lively performance of Ue o Muite Arukō to the delight of the audience.
The reception was also another best part of the celebration. Filipino favorites adobo, ensaladang mangga, lumpia, escabeche, turon, chicken inasal, pansit canton, and pandesal salmon complemented the European and Japanese fares on offer. Guests were also served mango juice, coconut water, mango rum and calamansi liqueur aside from other beverages. END
