Mark your calendars throughout the month of July for an array of exciting and colorful cultural events and activities that the Embassy of Japan and the Japan Foundation Manila (JFM) in cooperation with various partner organizations are co-presenting to celebrate the longstanding friendship between Japan and the Philippines.
The Philippines-Japan Friendship Month is celebrated in the month of July to commemorate the designation of July 23 as Philippines-Japan Friendship Day in the Golden Jubilee Celebration of the diplomatic relationship between the two countries in 2006.
There is something for everyone to enjoy and take part in in the various cultural events and activities to fete the Philippines-Japan Friendship Month:
Eiga Sai '10
A choice line-up of Japanese films which wowed Japanese viewers and got the nod of film critics and cineastes will be shown in Manila (July 1-11, Shangri-La Mall Cinema 4, Mandaluyong City), Davao (July 23-25, Gaisano South Mall), Cebu (August 3-8, Ayala Center Cebu Cinema 4), and UP Film Institute (August 18-21, Diliman, Quezon City). This year's Eiga Sai will feature films from different genres such as contemporary and animation, and will give the audience hours of silver screen entertainment as well as a glimpse into Japanese culture and society. Admission is open to the public and free of charge. (For the detailed film screening schedules, please visit www.jfmo.org.ph or call the Japan Foundation at 811-6155 to 58)
Yamato
Drummers of Japan
Due to insistent requests from Filipino fans, the JFM and the Embassy of Japan, together with SM Supermalls and Cebu Pacific Air, are bringing to the Philippines Japan's finest taiko group “Yamato” for three nights of heart-pounding and exhilarating drum performances. Don't miss Yamato's invigorating drum beats on these dates: July 8 (Gala Invitational, SM Mall of Asia Center Stage, 7:30 pm); July 9 (SM Mall of Asia Music Hall, 7:30 pm); and July 10 (SM North EDSA Sky Dome, 7:30 pm). (For inquiries, please contact the Japan Foundation at 811-6155 to 58)
2010 J-Pop Anime Singing Contest
Now in its second year, the J-Pop Anime Singing Contest will once again showcase the raw musical talent of ten groups from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao as they vie to emerge as this year's J-Pop, J-Rock and anime singing idols at the Cyberzone Event Center of SM North Edsa on July 24. The audience will also be treated to other activities such as anime-making demonstration by Toei Animation Philippines, musical performance by the Embassy of Japan's “No Plan” Band, special booth of HERO TV, meet and greet Doraemon and have their pictures taken with colorfully-garbed cosplayers. This event is co-organized by the Embassy of Japan and the Japan Foundation Manila with the cooperation of SM Supermalls, SM Cyberzone, Toei Animation Philippines, Nihongo Center Foundation, Center for Pop Music, Yoshinoya, Animation International Licensing, Heritage Hotel, Ajinomoto, Canon, Panasonic, Sony, Toshiba, Yakult and HERO TV and MAX FM 103.5 as media partners. (For inquiries, please call the Embassy of Japan at 551-5710 loc. 2318)
Out of the Ordinary/ Extraordinary – Japanese Contemporary
Photography Exhibition
(June 22- Sept. 30)
See the beauty and complexity of the world filtered through the lenses of eleven contemporary Japanese photographers. The photo exhibit is co-organized by the Japan Foundation Manila and the Embassy of Japan with the cooperation of the Metropolitan Museum of Manila. (For inquiries, please call the Japan Foundation at 811-6155 to 58)
Virgin Lab Fest
(June 22- July 4 at 3pm/ 8pm)
Venue: Tanghalang Huseng Batute (Studio Theater) Cultural Center of the Philippines
Now in its sixth year, the Virgin Lab Fest continues to stage new plays by emerging and well-known playwrights, directors and actors. Get ready for a provocative line-up of one-act plays that is sure to entertain both the young and old. (For more details, please visit http://www.culturalcenter.gov.ph/page.php?page_id=386 )
In a Grove:
Four Japanese Ghost Stories
Spine-tingling tales from Japan with twists sure to tickle your funny bone will be presented in this horror/comedy play featuring four Japanese ghost stories by De La Salle University Manila students at the William Shaw Little Theater, De La Salle University on July 15 (7 pm) and 16 (3 pm and 7 pm). (For inquiries please call the DLSU Cultural Arts Office at 524-4611 loc. 702 or 737)
Asia in My Pocket:
The Asia Society and Business Etiquette Training Series for Young Professionals
A training program for young professionals to give them a better grasp and understanding of Japan's country profile, culture and business etiquette will be held at the Dusit Thani Hotel, Makati on July 29, 6:30 pm. This program is co-presented by Asia Society and the Embassy of Japan. (For inquiries, please call the Asia Society at 810-8983/752-4374/751-9851)
For more information on the program contacts, please visit:
http://www.ph.emb-japan.go.jp (Embassy of Japan)
http://jfmo.org.ph (Japan Foundation Manila)
