PH Performing Arts Take The Center-stage in Minato Citizen’s Festival
Group photo of the Philippine participation at the 44th Minato Citizens’ Festival with the Philippine Embassy in Japan, represented by First Secretary and Consul Robert D. Quintin (first row, leftmost), Cultural Officer Attaché Ma. Alyssa Jo A. Bacongco (standing, leftmost), and translator/interpreter, Ms. Chihiro Watanabe; Filipino singing group, Syncho; and the Tokyo University of Foreign Studies (TUFS) Philippine Cultural Dance Troupe on 12 October 2025 at the International Friendship Plaza in Shiba Koen.
TOKYO, 16 October 2025 – The Philippine Embassy joined the community of Minato City, Tokyo in celebrating the 44th Minato Citizens’ Festival, featuring vibrant performances of Filipino music and dance by Japan-based Filipino singing group, Syncho, and the Tokyo University of Foreign Studies (TUFS) Philippine Cultural Dance Troupe, respectively, on 12 October 2025 at the International Friendship Plaza in Shiba Koen.
“Minato City is home to many Filipinos and with the Philippine Embassy being located in the city, it is a place close to our hearts, and whose community we are part of. Each year, the Embassy looks forward to participating in the festival to showcase Philippine culture and performing arts, and as our special contribution to the city’s biggest annual community event,” Philippine Ambassador to Japan Mylene J. Garcia-Albano said in a statement following the festival.
Filipino singing group, Syncho, perform Filipino all-time favorites, as well as a medley of Filipino and Japanese hits during the 44th Minato Citizens’ Festival held on 12 October 2025 at the International Friendship Plaza in Shiba Koen.
Composed of Filipino working professionals Sarce L Junior, Alex Alano, Roanne Fernandez and RD Fernandez, Syncho delighted audiences with well-loved Filipino songs, including “Sumayaw, Sumunod”, as well as a medley of Filipino and Japanese hits that symbolized the enduring friendship between the Philippines and Japan through the harmony of Syncho’s voices.
Scenes from the Tokyo University of Foreign Studies Philippine Cultural Dance Troupe’s traditional Filipino dances during the Philippine cultural presentation at the 44th Minato Citizens’ Festival held on 12 October 2025 at the International Friendship Plaza in Shiba Koen.
The TUFS Philippine Cultural Dance Troupe performed its signature collection of traditional Filipino dances, including Benguet’s bendian dance, kinakulangan, itik-itik, and the crowd favorite, tinikling, which drew enthusiastic participation from festival-goers of all ages.
Organized by the Minato City Government, the Minato Citizens’ Festival draws in more than 200,000 people every year. Diplomatic missions, government and business entities, international organizations and local socio-civic groups regularly take part in the international cultural event, which was held this year on 11-12 October.
