Sally Takashima

Kansai Crusade

July - August 2014

The month of June has come and gone leaving happy moments of parties, celebrations and friends reunions. More pictures for the albums to remember lovely Filipiniana costumes worn during various events commemorating the 116th Declaration of Philippine Independence.

June is special because it is the time to show off our rich culture through the wide variety of native costumes from the different provinces. Also, for all to see is the grace, demure and elegance of the "Dalagang Pilipina" as well as the "Matronang Pilipina" who is much superior in grace, femininity, confidence and modesty compared with her other Asian sisters.

The immortal song "Ang Dalagang Pilipina" comes to mind everytime I attend a gathering with Pinays wearing native costumes.

The Kyoto Pag-Asa Filipino Community's "Pagdiriwang ng Kalayaan ng Pilipinas 2014 was a well attended affair with guests coming all the way from Hikone, Nagahama in Shiga Prefecture as well as Osaka.

A Filipiniana Dress Competition, songs, dances, raffle draw and fiesta fair of various Philippine cuisine made for an enjoyable Sunday family gathering. The Guest of Honor was Honorable Consul Jerome O. Castro of the Philippine Consulate General (Osaka-Kobe). The lucky winner for  the Best Filipiniana Dress was Geraldine Murayama, who wore a native dress of her native Cotobato.

Another exciting event that everyone was looking forward to was the much awaited "Gng. Kalayaan Pageant 2014" presented by the Philippine Community Coordinating Council PCCC is an umbrella group comprising of various Philippine organizations in Western Japan.

The last "Gng Kalayaan Pageant” was held 9 years ago but has remained a popular event among many Kansai based Pilipinos. The Master of Ceremony was Ms. Lorna Cifra. The Brief Overview of the Gng. Kalayaan Pageant was given by Ms. Neriza Saito. The Inspirational Message was given by Vice Consul Dax Imperial for Honorable Consul General Maria Teresa L. Taguiang. The Opening Remarks was given by Ms. Joy Yoshitomi, current Chairperson of PCCC.

The month of June's highlight celebration is the Lunch Reception hosted by the Philippine Consulate General in Osaka-Kobe held at the Sorakuen Hall in Kobe in celebration of the 116th Aniversary of the Declaration of Independence of the Philippines.

Guest Speakers were His Excellency Philippine Ambassador to Japan Mr. Manuel M. Lopez; His Excellency, Mr. Toshizo Ido, Governor of Hyogo Prefecture; His Excellency Mr. Kizo Hisamoto, Mayor of Kobe City. The Toast was raised by His Excellency Mr. Akira Miwa, Ambassador for the Kansai Region.