LUZVIMINDA a Charity Concert in Nagoya

I recieved a call from a friend asking for my presence to attend a Philippine charity concert in Nagoya. The ticket cost 1000 yen and the proceeds will go to the Nagoya Village in Santa Cruz Laguna, to build houses for the less fortunate. Eventhough my schedule is a bit tight on that day, I still manage to go and watch the concert for charity sake. LUZVIMINDA a concert organized by the Philippine Society in Japan Nagoya Chapter was held in Kokaido hall, Tsurumai Showa ku Nagoya. Showcasing Philippine cultural songs and dances the concert also aims to share the rich cultural heritage to Japanese people. The Philippines is divided into 3 areas: Luzon Visayas and Mindanao where the concert derived its title. Each region has its own culture and different dialects, thus the program is divided into different suites, a representation of the rich culture of the 3 regions. For Luzon (Northern Part), is the Cordillera Suite which includes ethnic dances such as Sayaw sa Banga, Monkey Dance, Salip, Intaku, Tachok. For Southern Part of Luzon they have the Rural Suite: Subli, Maglalatik, Palo Sebo, Kuracha, Kantahan, Pasiguin, Tinikling. For Visayas, they have the Spanish Suites: La Jota, Castanet Dance, Carinosa, Polkabal, Aray, Balse Marikina. And for Mindanao the Muslim Suite: Kappa Malong, Scarf, Asik, Pangalay Ha Atong, Fan Dance and Singkil. To show the friendship ties between Japan and The Philippines, theCity Mayor of Nagoya, honorable Kawamura Takashi was also present to witness the said concert. The Mayor had his speech wearing a Japanese suite of his local town. As I was watching the concert, I had some flashbacks of my schooldays, every foundation day of our school we always had a presentation of folk dances. The Philippines may not have a culture of its own due to colonialism of other countries, we may be separated because of cultures and dialects but Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao makes up the Philippines making its culture rich and unique. Indeed I am proud to be Pinoy.

Palayok dance from the Ifugao suite
A scene from the Rural suite with the sorbetero (ice cream vendor)
Palosebo a common game played during fiesta or town festival. On top of the bamboo stick, a flag or money is placed the player will need to climb the stick to get the money but the problem is, the bamboo stick has oil to make it greasy.
A dance called Pangalay Ha Patong from the Muslim Suite
Fan dance
Singkil a traditional dance of the Royal Blood in Mindanao
Philippine Society in Japan Nagoya Chapter

was formed to promote mutual help and cooperation among Filipinos in Japan; to develop awareness in Philippine affairs; and to poster closer ties and understanding with the people of Japan .

http://www.psj-nagoyachapter.com/