Philippines Participates in “Yokohama Sparkling Twilight 2014”
Philippine Embassy and Filipino community and volunteer groups participate in the Yokohama Sparkling Twilight 2014 Parade.
The Cultural Section of the Philippine Embassy in Japan and representatives of Filipino community and volunteer groups in Tokyo participated in the Yokohama Sparkling Twilight 2014 held at Yamashita Park, Yokohama City on 19-20 July 2014. The Yokohama Sparkling Twilight is an annual summer event organized by the citizens of Yokohama City featuring displays of fireworks, seafront performances, an international parade and seaside restaurant booths.
This year, the Filipino community groups “Abraenians” and “Samahang Pilipino” as well as the Tokyo University of Foreign Studies (TUFS) Cultural Dance Troupe joined the Philippine Embassy in the parade and stage show. The Philippines was also one of several foreign countries represented in the restaurant area. (Video link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=btEKHPEZNEs&index=3&list=UUsOgTUpgEksGKfS1Zwc-7QA)
(Left) Samahang Pilipino dancing “Bulaklak.” (Right) The Abraenians in traditional attire.
The Philippines has close ties of friendship and cooperation with Yokohama City. Yokohama has a sister city agreement with Manila, and is actively cooperating with Cebu City on the issue of sustainable urban development. Historically. Yokohama is linked with three Filipino national heroes, namely Dr. Jose Rizal, Mariano Ponce and Gen. Artemio Ricarte.
Yokohama’s Yamashita Park was also the site of the Filipino community’s Philippine Festival Barrio Fiesta in 2012 and 2013.
