Baguio marks Philippines-Japan Friendship Month with cultural exchange programs

MANILA, 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.

Baguio is taking part in the festivities with a wide array of activities to further raise the local community’s awareness in Japanese culture and traditions. Titled “Over the Milky Way,” the program takes its cue from the tanabata festival celebrated every 7th of July in Japan. The Cultural Exchange Programs are made up of the following activities:

 • Japanese Film Festival. A select line up of 12 Japanese films will be screened from June 27 to July 15 in the following universities: Benguet State University, University of Baguio, Saint Louis University, University of the Cordilleras and University of the Philippines-Baguio. Another film showing will run from July 18 to 27 at the Baguio Museum.

• Photo exchange/poster exhibition. An exhibit, which showcases the photo exchange between a Filipino and Japanese photographer, will run from July 8 to July 30 at the Baguio Museum. It features 15 scenic shots taken in Japan by Filipino photographer Kidlat de Guia, as well as 15 Philippine landscape photos taken by Japanese photographer Yasuhiko Naoi. Japanese posters will also be on display. Ten different Japanese films showcasing the different aspects of Japanese culture will also be shown at the Baguio Museum.

• Baguio Tanabata (Bamboo) Star Festival 2. Following the success of the first tanabata festival held in 2010, the Japanese custom will be celebrated once again in Baguio this year. As per tradition, children will be asked to write their wishes on colorful strips of paper to adorn bamboo trees, akin to decorations hung on Christmas trees. In addition, origami will also be taught, followed by the much-anticipated cosplay.