The 2014 J-pop Anime Sing and Dance Contest winners with
Ambassador Toshinao Urabe, Nobita and Doraemon |
It was with great energy and wonderful camaraderie that the Philippines-Japan Friendship Month was celebrated last July 19 with the 2014 J-Pop Anime Sing and Dance Contest. Held at the SM Mall of Asia Centerstage, ten finalists sang their hearts out for Japanese Culture. This year also marked a new category for the contest, the Dance Category, featured five groups of young talented performers.
Singing Category First Prize winner, Hi-Ka-Ri* serenades
the
audience with their rendition of Ren Ai Shashin by Ai Otsuka |
Winning First Place for the Singing Category was the trio group Hi-Ka-Ri* with their acoustic cover of Ren Ai Shashin. The Second Place spot went to Mitch Arceo with her heartfelt rendering of Aitakute Ima while Tigerlily, who sang Ai no Kakera was Third Place. Special Awards were also given to other participants, like Bandai's Best Award to the all-girls vocal group Seiza, Hero's Choice Award to Vinar Takumi, and Toei's Choice Award to Shaira Maine Gonzales and Tigerlily.
Dancing Category First Prize winner, Junior New System in
an energetic dance performance of "Voltes V no Uta"
|
For the Dancing Category, First Place went to the highly energetic Junior New System, who danced to an all time Filipino favorite, Voltes V no Uta. Second place went to Team Mars, who turned and jumped to a mix of Japanese Hip Hop music. Hero TV also awarded their Hero's Choice Award to Team KMB Reverse's creative performance.
Doraemon and the whole gang cheered the crowd
with their
special dance performance |
The Embassy of Japan's No Plan Band rockin'
to the tune
of well-loved anime hits |
The program also included a performance by the Japanese Embassy's very own No Plan Band, who sang three anime songs amidst cheers and claps from the audience. There was also a special performance and photo opportunity by Doraemon and his friends on stage. His Excellency Toshinao Urabe, Ambassador of Japan to the Philippines, also graced the event and gave the closing remarks.
Ambassador Toshinao Urabe expressed
his appreciation
to all who supported the event |
Geared towards forging friendship and understanding through Japanese culture, this event was organized by the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines, and the Japan Foundation Manila, with the support of Animation International, Center for Pop Music, HERO TV, Japanese Chamber of Commerce & Industry of the Philippines, Inc., Nihongo Center Foundation, SM Cinema, SM Lifestyle Entertainment, Inc., Systema Tooth and Gum Care, Toei Philippines, Inc., Yoshinoya, Ajinomoto Philippines, Bandai Philippines, Inc., Canon Information Technologies, Inc., Canon Marketing Philippines, Hokkaido Ramen Santouka, Lotte, Panasonic, Sony Philippines, Toshiba, and Yakult Philippines.
