Two Filipino artists, Elmer Damaso and Jhomar Soriano, creators of Ravenskull and Mr. Grieves respectively, were in the top 19 talented manga artists in the First International Manga Award Competition, who were selected from among the 146 nominees from 26 countries and regions all over the world.
The First International Manga Award is a brainchild of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan in response to Foreign Minister Taro Aso's challenge, expressed in his speech in April 2006 on cultural diplomacy, to promote pop culture abroad and encourage promising visual artists. A committee was formed at the Ministry spearheaded by Foreign Minister Aso to implement the said project, thus, the establishment of the International Manga Award in May 2007.
Japanese Ambassador Ryuichiro Yamazaki will present an award certificate to Damaso and Soriano on the occasion of the Opening Ceremony of Japan Week on August 8, 5:00 p.m. at the Main Mall Atrium of the Mall of Asia in Pasay City .
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