24th Philippine-Japan Festival Celebration at My Alma Mater also the 70th Diplomatic Relations Commemoration

It was a week long activity at my beloved alma mater the Japanese institution that was visited by the former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, the Philippine Nikkei Jin Kai International School in 2017 when the former Philippine President was Mayor Rodrigo Roa Duterte. I was there when the Japan Prime Minister and his wife visited our school. I witnessed how he was dearly welcomed and people were excited to see him. I was one of them who waved the Philippine and Japanese flags together. It was eventful moment. Unforgettable golden memory I treasured and cherished for welcoming a head of the state.

It was actually a double celebration of solidarity and prosperity between 2 nations who became friends through unity and cooperation. This one week festival is full of cultural exchange for Filipinos and Japanese community based in Mindanao.

The consul was invited to come and he also gave a speech in line with this year's theme: "Weaving the future together: Peace, Prosperity, Possibilities" it was a good choice of theme.

The decorations outside were inviting. It was like a fiesta. Teachers and students were happy they can finally relax from the usual school routine.

There were list of activities that students can choose from according to their preference especially for cultural lessons. Looking back it was like signing of clearance that students need to comply attendance but it was fun so I did not skip those and attended it to my advantage as I am a lifelong learner.

The faculty and staff changed role as exhibit assistants or facilitators to rooms were the cultural lessons were prepared. They also sign for students who participated inside their assigned cultural rooms for proof of attendance. My favorite back then were the cooking lesson, Japanese snacks and calligraphy.

Photos are mine.