Strengthening our ties
“The Crossroads: from Eco to Chili” in celebration of the Philippine-American Friendship Day was held last July 22 and organized by the Baguio Museum Inc. under Chairman Nicolas Tabora and the United States Embassy of Manila.
Ambassador Sung Kim (US Ambassador to the Philippines) was represented by Molly Koscina (Information Officer Public Affairs Section) as guest speaker.
The highlights of the event included an Eco Exhibit-environmental photo exhibit by members of the Cosa Nostra and a Chiliburger Cooking Contest.
Indeed, aside from the arts and good food, gastronomic delights bring people together as Mrs. Sol Go says, “The strongest bonds that are built and cultivated are on food. Good food has that unique power, the power to bring people from all walks of life together”.
Hence the food contest. The chiliburger champions come from “BrrrGrrr” located at the ILI- LIKHA Artist Village at Assumption Rd. Proud owners Valerie Edralin, Jose Carpio and Jason Quema were elated to receive the recognition. “BrrrGrrr” have burgers as their specialty! Their tip, “Don’t scrimp on ingredients... quality is the key!”
The Baguio Museum is open from 9am to 5pm from Tuesdays to Sundays with ma’am Stella de Guia (Museum Curator), Gemma Estolas (Asst. Curator) and Sheree Nolasco of Cosa Nostra to show you around.
The Cordilleran community celebrated the Philippines-Japanese Friendship Day last July 23. The commemoration started with a floral and candlelight ceremony at the Filipino-Japanese Peace Memorial Garden.
An opening program and cultural show followed in the afternoon at the Baguio City High School Auditorium. The Hon. Toshio Kawauchi (Counselor and Chief Consul of the Japanese Embassy in Manila) headed the celebration with Councilor Benny Bomogao in behalf of Mayor Domogan, Mr. Carlos Teraoka (Chairman Filipino-Japanese Foundation), Ma’am Betty Fangasan (CSWD, Dept. Head), Mr. Arnel Cabanisas (Exec. Director Fil-Japanese Foundation) and Mr. Nars Padilla (Pres. BEANCCB) in attendance.
Filipino-Japanese Friendship Day Muse (Ms. Peace), 18 y/o Hannah Mae Tagtag of the Benguet State University prayed that the Philippines and Japan will continue to deepen their diplomatic relations not only through technological advancement but also thru a stronger bond via cultural exchange and opportunities especially for the youth.
Hannah Mae is an ‘Abong’ (umbrella association for Filipino-Japanese descendants) scholar and a 4th generation Fil-Japanese descendant of the Matsu’s.
She strengthens her roots by attending workshops, cultural exchange and training like the Tanabata workshop, team building and essay writing activities, and attending events such as the Friendship Day, Christmas and Acquaintance parties at the Abong.
Hannah Mae is a 3rd year college student who aims to be a successful entrepreneur. Other muses were Ms. Peace from the Baguio City National High School and Ms. Solidarity from the Pines City National High School.
Cedryck Ulep, 16 y/o, studies at the Benguet National High School.
Like Hannah Mae, Cedryck is an Abong scholar, a 5th generation Fil-Japanese descendant of Sekizu Kato and Saria Bodong of Atok, Benguet.
Cedryck wishes for more interaction with other youth for deeper and good relationships - a stronger foundation for friendship. He also enjoys Abong activities for to him, the learned skills are indispensable to daily activities especially in school. Finishing his studies and having a good job are one of his goals in life also in appreciation to his sponsors, family and loved ones. Photos by Tolitz Villanueva, file photos of 26HundredB.C. and BrrrGrrr Bistro.