Grand Parade: Celebrating 126 Years of Philippine Independence in Tokyo
The Philippine Assistance Group marked the 126th Philippine Independence Day with a spectacular event at the New Sanno Hotel in Tokyo. Over 300 guests gathered to celebrate with cultural performances, traditional cuisine, and patriotic fervor.
A Vibrant Display of Filipino Culture and Unity in Tokyo
On the 16th of June, 2024, the Philippine Assistance Group (PAG), a federation of Filipino community organizations in Japan, celebrated the 126th Philippine Independence Day in grand fashion. The event, aptly titled "Grand Parade La Independencia de Illustrados," took place at the prestigious New Sanno Hotel in Minato City, Tokyo. It was a day filled with cultural pride, patriotism, and camaraderie among the Filipino immigrants in Japan.
Distinguished Guests and Dignitaries
The celebration was graced by several distinguished officials from the Philippine Embassy in Tokyo, led by Her Excellency Mylene Garcia-Albano, the Ambassador of the Philippine Embassy Tokyo. Other notable attendees included Labor Attaché Ramon Lamberto C. Pastrana, Tourism Attaché Niel P. Ballesteros, and PAG Adviser Deputy Head in Mission & Consul General Atty. Charmaine A. Serna-Chua. Over 300 guests from various parts of Japan attended, showcasing the strong and vibrant Filipino community in the country.
Parade of Illustrados and Cultural Performances
The event commenced with a vibrant Parade of Illustrados and Illustradas, where guests donned their best Filipino cultural attire, adding a touch of elegance and tradition to the festivities. Following the parade, a video presentation narrating the history of Philippine Independence set the tone for the day. The narrative was a poignant reminder of the struggles and triumphs that led to the nation's freedom.
This was followed by a mesmerizing performance from the Inrayog-Philippines Folkdance Troupe, who danced to the tune of "Bayan Ko," a patriotic song that stirred the hearts of many. The performance seamlessly transitioned into the singing of the Philippine National Anthem, "Lupang Hinirang," uniting the attendees in a shared moment of national pride.
Ambassador's Grand Entrance and Keynote Speeches
Ambassador Mylene Garcia-Albano made a grand entrance into the hall, escorted by the newly crowned Ms. PAG Ambassador of Goodwill 2024, Ms. Zilan Çolak. The moment was met with applause and admiration from the audience. PAG Chairman Berlito "Toots" Capulong then delivered an inspiring speech, emphasizing the importance of unity and cooperation among Filipinos in Japan.
Consul General Atty. Charmaine A. Serna-Chua introduced Ambassador Garcia-Albano, who took the stage to deliver her keynote address. In her speech, the Ambassador highlighted the significance of the day and commended the Philippine Assistance Group for their relentless efforts in supporting the Filipino community in Japan.
Induction and Oath-Taking of New Officers
One of the highlights of the event was the induction and oath-taking ceremony of the new officers of the Philippine Assistance Group. The Ambassador led the ceremony, and the new officers pledged their commitment to serving the community with integrity and dedication. This moment was captured in a series of photographs, marking a new chapter for PAG.
Culinary Delights and Informative Speeches
Following the formal proceedings, guests were treated to a sumptuous buffet dinner featuring traditional Filipino cuisine and sweets, including the much-loved lechon. As the guests indulged in the culinary delights, Labor Attaché Ramon Lamberto C. Pastrana delivered a speech about the Migrant Worker's Office, commending PAG for their support to migrant workers.
Tourism Attaché Niel P. Ballesteros also took the stage, speaking about the Department of Tourism's "Bisita Be My Guest" campaign. He expressed gratitude to everyone who participated and supported the promotional campaign, highlighting its success in fostering tourism and cultural exchange.
Nagao Tomoyuki, Philippine Airlines country manager, shared a few words, further enhancing the spirit of unity and celebration. The evening continued with captivating performances from David Aguilar and the Inrayog-Philippines Folkdance Troupe, providing entertainment and cultural enrichment for all attendees.
Final Parade and Award Announcements
The event culminated in a final parade, showcasing the winners of the various categories for the Best Filipino Cultural Attire. The announcement of the winners was met with cheers and applause, celebrating the creativity and dedication of the participants. The day ended on a high note, with guests feeling a renewed sense of patriotism and pride in their heritage.
A Day of Unity and Pride
The 126th Philippine Independence Day celebration organized by the Philippine Assistance Group was a resounding success. It was a day that brought together Filipinos from different parts of Japan to celebrate their shared history, culture, and identity. As the guests departed with smiles on their faces and hearts full of pride, the event reaffirmed the enduring spirit of the Filipino community in Japan. Mabuhay!
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