Director Kiyoshi Takeuchi and Researcher/Advisor Shinichiro Kato of the Embassy of Japan;
Commissioner Earl Saavedra, Ms. Mignonette Reposar, and Ms. Maritess Ramos of the National Youth Commission;
and student finalists to the 2013 Asian International Children’s Film Festival
On November 18, 2013, the Japan Information and Culture Center (JICC) of the Embassy of Japan, in cooperation with the National Youth Commission (NYC), conducted a pre-departure orientation at the JICC Hall for the high school students representing the Philippines in the 2013 Asian International Children's Film Festival.
The following entries tackling the theme of bullying, from Filipino students, will be competing in the amateur video contest alongside finalists from Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, China, Korea, Laos, Malaysia, Mongolia, and Myanmar:
“Perishable Goods”
David Alexander Tabuena Gordon, Russ Earl Micah Malangen, Justin Daniel De Dios
(La Salle Greenhills)
“Salamat”
Sabrina Elysha Go Santos, Henzor Dauigoy, Genevie Abarsoza
(Southville International School and Colleges)
“If Only…”
Mary Rose E. Brandon, Savannah Maria Lantay, Danielle Angela Montezon
(The Living Epistle Christian Academy Incorporated) |
The nine students, accompanied by their parents and guardians, as well as school representatives, were given an introduction on what to expect as first-time visitors to Japan, and the conduct required of them as youth goodwill ambassadors. JICC Director Kiyoshi Takeuchi gave the welcoming remarks, and Assistant Secretary Earl P. Saavedra of the National Youth Commission (NYC), Commissioner representing Mindanao, delivered a message to the participants.
The program proper was handled by the JICC, where participants received a crash course on Japanese culture and traditions. The NYC also initiated the students into their duties and responsibilities as delegates from the Philippines, while Rajah Tours, in charge of their travel arrangements, briefed them on the boarding procedures and airline regulations, to prepare them for their 8-day trip from November 25 to December 2, 2013. They will be joining the competition in Japan on November 30, and touring the Kansai region, as part of cultural exchange.
The Asian International Children’s Film Festival, currently in its 7th year, is an annual contest for aspiring student film-makers to exhibit their works dealing with specific themes, for this year, speaking out against bullying and giving a voice to victims. Last year, Philippine contestants James Francis Conda and Kyle Robert Vergara, from San Beda College Alabang won 2nd Place for the Minister of Foreign Affairs Award at the film festival, held on November 24, 2012, in Awaji, Japan.
The Asian International Children’s Film Festival is a component of the JENESYS 2.0 program, the Japan-East Asia Network of Exchange for Students and Youth. Revamped this year from the original JENESYS program in 2007, by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, JENESYS 2.0 imparts eye-opening experiences and knowledge of the Japan Brand with students and youth, through cultural encounters and close partnership with participating countries. JENESYS 2.0 seeks to increase awareness of Japan and encourage goodwill among participants, with the Asian International Children’s Film Festival as one cornerstone of the bonds of friendship forged in the program.
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