Celebrate July with Phil-Japan Friendship INQUIRER.net
June 22, 2009
To celebrate the longstanding friendship between Japan and the Philippines, the Embassy of Japan and the Japan Foundation Manila (JFM), in cooperation with various partner organizations, are co-presenting a number of cultural events and activities in the whole month of July.
Originally celebrated in the month of February, the Philippines-Japan Friendship Month is now celebrated in the month of July to commemorate the designation of July 23 as Philippines-Japan Friendship Day by H.E. President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo in the Golden Jubilee Celebration of the diplomatic relationship between the two countries in 2006.
The line-up of cultural events and activities to mark the Friendship month are:
Eiga Sai’09 A select lineup of films which have garnered positive media reviews and attracted the attention of a large number of Japanese viewers will be shown in Manila (July 2-12, Shangri-La Mall Cinema 3, Mandaluyong City), Baguio (August 7-11, Baguio Center Mall), Cebu (July 28 – August 2, Ayala Center Cebu Cinema 4) and Davao (July 18-19, Gaisano South CitiMall Cinema). This year’s Eiga Sai brings together eight feature films from different genres that will provide the audience with a glimpse into Japanese culture and society (from 1950’s to contemporary). Admission is open to the public and free of charge. (For the detailed film screening schedules, please visit www.jfmo.org.ph or call 811-6155)
J-Classic Concert - A Night of Japanese Harmony The highlighting event of this year’s Friendship Month. Four internationally renowned and acclaimed musicians from Japan will serenade the audience for two nights (July 14-15) at the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino with their rendition of a repertoire of well-loved western classical music and Japanese popular pieces. Mr. Susumu Aoyagi (piano), Ms. Takako Hagiwara (flute), Ms. Ayako Ishikawa (violin) and Ms. Risa Kataoka (koto) will be joined by special guest guitarist Mr. Sixto “Butch” Roxas for their performance.(For ticket reservations, please call 811-6155 or email: email@jfmo.org.ph)
Hello Japan Organized with the cooperation of Japan Foundation Nihongo Specialists and Manila Glee Club singers to celebrate the Philippines-Japan Friendship Day (July 23), children from Kanlungan sa Er-ma will spend an afternoon of Japanese culture learning through fun games and activities at the JICC Hall of the Embassy of Japan.
New Generation Art Exhibit An exhibition of contemporary Japanese art including paintings, sculptures, installations, photographs and video works by eleven young artists. This exhibit will be held at the Museum of Contemporary Arts and Design of the School of Design and Arts of the De La Salle College of Saint Benilde from July 7 to August 7.
J-Pop Anime Singing Competition Grand Finale Ten best groups selected out of eighty-five will perform their favorite J-Pop/anime numbers at the Market! Market! Activity Center on Saturday, July 25. The audience will also be treated to other activities such as the JFM’s manga library, anime-making demonstration by TOEI Philippines and musical performance by special guests. Short classic animes produced during the budding period of Japanese animation (between the 1920s and 1950s) will also be shown on the Activity Center big screen to coincide with the J-Pop Anime Singing Competition. This event is presented with the cooperation of HERO TV, TOEI Animation Philippines, Nihongo Center Foundation, Ayala Malls Market! Market! and MAX FM 103.5.
3rd International Silent Film Festival From July 30 to August 27, classic masterpieces from the bygone era of silent films will be brought back to the limelight with the screening of the 3rd International Silent Film Festival to be held at the Shangri-La Plaza Mall, Mandaluyong City. Live musical performances from talented artists accompany the screening to recapture the glory days of silent films through music.
Free Japanese Language Class Learn basic Japanese greetings and kanji (Chinese characters) at the UP Asian Center and the Alpha Language Center for free. The class will be held on July 6 (Monday) and is open to high school graduates and above. (For inquiries, please call the UP Asian Center at 707-9835/0929-611-9864)
Wifi Body 4: “The Evolving Body” On its fourth year, this annual dance festival will feature competitions, photo exhibits and workshops. Ms. Maki Morishita, a multi-awarded Japanese dance artist, will participate in this year’s festival. This event will run from June 25 to July 5 and will be held at the Cultural Center of the Philippines. (For ticket inquiries, please call CCP Marketing Dept at 832-1125 loc 1801 to 1808)
Ongaku in Motion A festival of traditional and modern Japanese music and dance to be held at the Ateneo de Manila University on July 24 (Friday). (Inquiries can be made at 426-6001 ext. 5248)
(For inquiries regarding the above events, please call the Embassy of Japan at 551-5710 or Japan Foundation Manila at 811-6155)
