PH Embassy Lauds TUFS PH Studies Program in Promoting 70th Anniversary of PH-JP Friendship in Special Cultural Program
The Philippine Embassy in Japan supported the cultural program entitled “Sangandaan (Crossroads) – Philippine Cultural Encounters in Japan” organized by the Tokyo University of Foreign Studies (TUFS) Philippine Studies Program on 13 July 2026 at the Prometheus Hall of TUFS, in celebration of the 70th Anniversary of the Normalization of Philippines-Japan Diplomatic Relations. Sangandaan representatives include Ms. Florinda Amparo A. Palma Gil, Filipino language lecturer of the TUFS World Language and Society Education Centre (4th from left), Assistant Professor Erwin Rafael (4th from right), Assistant Professor Ria Rafael (3rd from right), Assistant Professor Reginaldo Cruz (5th from left), Ms. Joy Grace Ricote-Cruz (5th from right), and Ms. Minifred Gavino (3rd from left). Also in the photo is Mr. Kevin Brandon Saure, President of the Association of Filipino Students in Japan (AFSJ).
TOKYO, 17 July 2026 – As part of the celebration of the 70th Anniversary of the Normalization of Philippines-Japan Diplomatic Relations, the Philippine Embassy in Japan extended its support to the Tokyo University of Foreign Studies (TUFS) Philippine Studies Program during its cultural program entitled “Sangandaan (Crossroads) – Philippine Cultural Encounters in Japan” held on 13 July 2026 at the Prometheus Hall of TUFS.
The initiative, led by Ms. Florinda Amparo A. Palma Gil, Filipino language lecturer of the TUFS World Language and Society Education Centre, featured performances by Sangandaan, a group of academics and cultural workers, mainly from the University of the Philippines–Diliman, who are promoting Philippine culture through music, dance and other art forms, including the Filipino martial art arnis.
Ms. Florinda Amparo A. Palma Gil, Filipino language lecturer of the TUFS World Language and Society Education Centre, opens the cultural program.
“I would like to extend my appreciation to Ms. Palma Gil, the TUFS Philippine Studies Program and Sangandaan for organizing this meaningful event highlighting Philippine culture and performing arts. The cultural program has served as an excellent platform in further strengthening people-to-people exchanges between the Philippines and Japan, as seen in the keen interest and active participation of the audience and participants. As we celebrate the 70th Anniversary of Philippines-Japan Friendship this year, may Sangandaan continue its mission of promoting Philippine culture and the arts to Japanese audiences and beyond,” underscored Philippine Ambassador to Japan Mylene J. Garcia-Albano in a statement following the event.
Sangandaan member, Assistant Professor Erwin Rafael, plays the tongali or nose flute.
The performances highlighted Filipino traditional musical instruments such as the tongali (nose flute), kulintang (metal gongs) and kubing (bamboo mouth harp).
The cultural program features Eringan, a traditional courtship dance in the Sulu archipelago in southern Philippines.
The TUFS Philippine Cultural Dance Troupe also delighted the audience with their rendition of janggay, a traditional dance in southern Mindanao, named after the elongated metal claws used by the female dancers to accentuate their hand movements.
The TUFS Philippine Cultural Dance Troupe performs the janggay, a traditional dance in southern Mindanao named after the elongated metal claws used by the female dancers to accentuate their hand movements.
The cultural program included an interactive music session with the participation of the audience, and a workshop that provided a hands-on experience of indigenous music and dances.
Above photos: The Sangandaan cultural program participants join the interactive music session, and a workshop on indigenous music and dances.
Aside from Ms. Palma-Gil, Sangandaan was represented by Assistant Professor Erwin Rafael, Assistant Professor Ria Rafael, Assistant Professor Reginaldo Cruz, Ms. Joy Grace Ricote-Cruz, and Ms. Minifred Gavino.
