Ambassador Manuel M. Lopez and Madame Maria Teresa L. Lopez, together with officers of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs headed by oreign Minister Fumio KishidaThe end of the summer season in Japan draws near but the sunny, festive mood continues as the Filipino community (Fil Comm) welcomed thousands to the 3rd installment of the biggest event in the country, the Philippine Festival in Ueno Park, Central Tokyo just recently, in partnership with premiere network The Filipino Channel (TFC).

The “Philippine Festival,” previously known as the “Barrio Fiesta sa Yokohama,” has been bringing the tradition of the Filipino fiesta to Japan since 2012 with the support of the Philippine Embassy headed by His Excellency Manuel Lopez, Ambassador of the Philippines to Japan. Every year has become a showcase of the country’s cuisine, costumes and other elements of its culture. This year, the fiesta supported by the Japan Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) as well, honors the time-honored friendship between Japan and the Philippines.

“Galing ng Filipino, ituloy mo!”
Thousands of Pinoys defying the sunny weather to see the best of the Filipino culture and talent at the Philippine FestivalThis year, media sponsor and staunch partner TFC also has a reason to celebrate as the network celebrates its 20th anniversary. ABS-CBN Asia Pacific Managing Director Ailene Averion said that TFC’s celebration and the community’s festivities are intertwined. “In the recreation of the Philippines fiestas, the Fil Comm promotes the Filipino culture and talent. This goal resonates with TFC’s own theme which pays tribute to the ‘Galing ng Filipino’ (Greatness of the Filipino). TFC forges ahead with the ‘Greatness of the Filipino’ by sharing world-class talents which ABS-CBN TFC is known for, in events such as these.” She adds, “But beyond the entertainment value, TFC’s role lies in how it helps Filipinos remain connected with pieces of home found in homegrown content and these kinds of events.”

Richard Poon with a loyal TFC subscriberFor its anniversary offering for the Philippine Festival, TFC brought Big Band Crooner and ASAP Sessionista Richard Poon, much to the delight of fans. Consistent with TFC’s anniversary theme “Galing ng Filipino, ituloy mo!” Poon showcased the world-class Filipino talent via his jazzy ensemble, including the well-applauded Rey Valera original “Kahit Maputi Na Ang Buhok Ko” which turned the crowd nostalgic.

Poon taking a group ‘selfie’ with the crowdAfter Poon’s performance, TFC treated the fans to a trivia game where two lucky Filipinas won Poon’s albums while others got the chance to see him up close and personal. To give the other members of the audience a memorabilia of his performance, Poon indulged the Pinoys in a group ‘selfie,’ a trend whereby people take photos of themselves or their companions.

Filipinos' 'pagiging masiyahin' or love for fun showcased Meantime, true to the Filipino's love for fun or 'pagiging masiyahin,' community members recreated more elements of the fiesta via the cultural performances and colorful booths displaying both sumptuous cuisine and a sundry of goods.

The native dances such as the Ati-atihan and other performances which were part of the Philippine Festival presentationsTFC on the other hand, recreated the Pinoy sala (family living room), complete with veritable picture frames of Kapamilya stars, reminiscent of family pictures that adorn homes back in the homeland. In TFC’s recreated sala, the team conducted a mini reality segment where attendees were asked to sit in and watch TFC shows and react naturally. Mechelle Gumapac of Kawasaki, Kanagawa Prefecture showed the best reaction and won a gift certificate and a smartphone.

From sights and sounds, the “Philippine Festival” in partnership with TFC, continues to honor the tradition that is the fiesta and the best there is in Philippine culture and talent.

Connect with fellow global Filipinos, visit www.facebook.com/KapamilyaTFC or follow @KapamilyaTFC on twitter and instagram. (Story by Marianne de Vera)

Poon with the TFC subscribers