Pistang Pinoy in Shizuoka, Japan Celebrates Philippine Cultural Identity
Philippine Ambassador to Japan Jose C. Laurel V (center) at the ribbon cutting to officially open the 3rd Pistang Pinoy sa Shizuoka. Joining the Ambassador in the ceremonices are Mme Milagros Consolacion P. Laurel (2nd from left), Consul General Robespierre Bolivar (2nd from right) and Mme Maria Aurora J. Bolivar (rightmost).
Over 10,000 Filipino and Japanese visitors descended on Aobi Park in Shizuoka Prefecture for the 3rd Pistang Pinoy held on 14 April 2019. With over 69 booths selling Filipino food, handicrafts and other products, Pistang Pinoy was a day-long celebration of the vibrant color, dynamism and diversity of Philippine culture.
Organized by the Association of Pinoy Volunteers for Assistance (APIVA), the 3rd Pistang Pinoy brought together Filipino community groups from all over Shizuoka Prefecture, as well as the neighboring Prefectures of Aichi and Shiga.
In his keynote address, Philippine Ambassador to Japan Jose C. Laurel V highlighted the fact “that the Philippine fiesta is known the world over as a colorful, dynamic and enjoyable experience…[and] truly a feast for the senses”. He emphasized that the Philippine fiesta “strengthens the Filipino community spirit” and celebrates “the Filipino people’s collective efforts to build the nation.”
Philippine Ambassador to Japan Jose C. Laurel V delivers the keynote speech during the opening ceremonies of the 3rd Pistang Pinoy sa Shizuoka on 14 April 2019.
The Pistang Pinoy kicked off with “Tagsibol”, a concert on the evening of April 13th featuring the Dumaguete-based multi-awarded Sidlakan Dance Company. The Company performed modern jazz-inspired interpretations of classic Filipino dances and mythology, including “Si Malakas at si Maganda”, Mamanok, Tinikling, Singkil and Masskara. Several Japan-based Filipino talents also performed during the concert.
In his welcome remarks at the start of the dance concert, Consul General Robespierre Bolivar noted that “Tagsibol”, or Spring in Filipino, was a fitting theme for the celebrations since the Philippines as a country is in the midst of an economic resurgence. He encouraged Filipinos in the audience “to invest in the Philippines and to believe in the Philippines” and that “it is an exciting time to be a Filipino.”
The Embassy fielded a Consular Outreach Team to Shizuoka to take advantage of the significant number of Filipinos expected to visit the Pistang Pinoy festival grounds. During this outreach, the Embassy’s Outreach Team was able to serve 516 Filipinos who availed themselves of various consular services.
The first two editions of the Pistang Pinoy sa Shizuoka were held on 2014 and 2017, respectively. There are an estimated 16,000 Filipinos living and working in Shizuoka Prefecture.
Consul General Robespierre Bolivar delivers welcome remarks during the “Tagsibol” concert on the evening of 13 April 2019.
The Dumaguete-based Sidlakan Dance Company performs “Singkil” during the “Tagsibol” concert on the evening of 13 April 2019.
