Showcase

In two weeks time, a group of Filipino photo enthusiasts is about to showcase their masterpieces in Kawasaki, Yokohama, Japan. The conceptualization of this project started at Timog Forum as early as June 2008. The organizing committee had spent and faced sleepless nights, changing seasons, arguments and discussions but those didn’t dishearten their drive in making this exhibit a success. From 26th to 29th of March, photographs will be displayed at Art Garden Kawaski, 3rd floor, River K Building, Kawasaki, Japan. Admission is free.

“Japan in the Eyes of the Filipinos and Philippine Images” is the main theme. Photos to be showcased are derived from it. Expect diversity of photos flashing before your eyes, as it will be a visual feast for all the visitors.

Quoting this from the main thread :

Shiny afternoons of Summer
Gold and red leaves of Fall
Powdery snows of Winter
Rebirth of hopes that Spring beckons

Through the lenses of our fellow kababayans
Fall in love, yet again, with the beauty of Japan
And indulge yourself to some reminiscing
As you view portraits of our motherland

Invoke the spirit of 'bayanihan'

Let's celebrate together the culmination of a common goal..

Bayanihan, A Photo Exhibit
March 25th to 29th, Year 2009

Contributors
Adechan, BxOxMxB, Crispee, Coloma brothers(Uriel and Josh), Guy26, Itchay, KikoyBalayon, Maruchan, Maytatsu, Maimai, Ning2, Sarpon, Scion_Cho, Sharpener, Totomai, Ugnayan, Kalandrakas, Kidperez, Mamimo, Perf172,

Sponsors
Ms. Japphi, Ms. Docomo, Ms. Mizo_shiru, Ms. Bahaykubo, Mr. Fisher

Volunteers
Bahaykubo, Chepot, Chokulit, Depp, Fisher, Gerri, hjk, Jzee, Katek, Luvkidz, Maytatsu, Mhisoza, Mizo_shiru, Mtwalton, naughtymeeh, Poulain, Searcher101, Shinshinobi , Summerghie, Thermometer, Twinklyblue,

Organizers
Ning2, Adechan, Mamimo, Sharpener, Guy26, Sarpon, KikoyBalayon, Timbog, Itchay

Poster Creation of
Ning2

Special Thanks to
The PP Masters

Brought to you by: TF Photography Club

This exhibit will also serve as a venue for meeting other Filipinos in Japan, to establish and develop camaraderie among Pinoys in Japan. Lets be proud of our culture and heritage.

We may be in a foreign land, but we are still and will always be Pinoy!

Mabuhay! Ganbatte Kudasai!

/totomai
03/11/09

Daidogei

The leaves start to change their colors quite fast. The city’s temperature hurriedly drops. It only means one thing – welcome autumn. Well, it’s time to embrace the atmospheric change. I just observed though, this year is much colder than autumn two years ago.

Along with these natural changes, an increased workload and job responsibilities come. Who am I to complain? It’s a part of my job and I have to get used to it. I still have time to breathe, relax and rest but in the coming days, I think I don’t have that luxury of time anymore.

And since I still have that much needed relaxation space, I decided to join a group of Filipinos to witness the Daidogei 2008 World Cup event in Shizuoka, Japan. It required a three hour train ride from Tokyo. But believe me, it was a different experience.

First held in 1992, the Daidogei World Cup (daidogei means "street performance" or "busking") has increased in size every year.

In addition to the competitive World Cup category, Shizuoka welcomes street performers for three noncompetitive sections, totaling 154 performers from 23 countries. The performances take place from morning to evening, in streets and parks across the city.

Top performers display pantomime, acrobatics, magic, dance and "feet puppets," while others take over various street corners around the city. You don't even need to seek out a staged performance — performers for the "Walking Street" category will stop you along the street, perhaps even encouraging you to participate.

The talent is varied and collected from all corners of the globe, including pantomime from Belgium, circus from Ghana, comedy percussion from Canada and pole acrobatics from the U.S. Source

These street performers are like champions in their own field of expertise. And each stunt, trick or performance left everyone in awe. I bet the judges really had a hard time choosing the winner as every performer deserve that gold medal.

Aside from the watching these amazing routines, meeting lots of old and new friends is the most rewarding part of trip. From the never ending how are you’s to mouth-watering and longed Filipino foods to unlimited photo shoots and sessions. Whew. All I can say is I am glad that I am a part of this meet-up.

As I said earlier, the weather continues to change and sooner my schedule won’t be that flexible for other events, I think my last activity this year will be the paragliding event this November 23. I hope the weather will be fine as I am planning to take lots of aerial shots of Fuj-san. The weather and the clouds must cooperate this time.

Fingers crossed.

/totomai
11/08/08

Fantasy

For once, I felt like I’m in a fantasy world. Lost in a labyrinth and surrounded by characters I usually see in televisions and sometimes in dreams. Last Sunday, I decided to go down from my place all the way to Kawasaki, Yokohama, Japan to witness the Halloween Parade that I’ve been hearing for years. Most of the people who went there were in costumes, well I have a natural one so I didn’t bother to dress up for the event.

Upon seeing this

Japan's biggest Halloween event returns with several days of events aimed at all ages. The highlight is the Halloween Parade, with thousands of entrants showing off wildly inventive costumes.

I thought, rain or shine, I must be there. No second-thoughts or whatsoever. I arrived at the place around 1230H. I didn’t know exactly where the place was, but from the train station, I saw a few people in Halloween attire, and all I did was to follow them. Luckily they were heading to the right place, or else.

As soon as I arrived there, I pulled out Nikki and forced her to take lots of photos. Of course, I did my part too. I tried speaking in Japanese but I often failed to follow-up my request. But yeah, seeing me with my camera, they knew that I wanted to take their photos. And I guess they enjoyed being photographed too.

For couple of hours, I kept on changing lens if I am not satisfied with my shots or moved from one area to another. I tried to squeeze in my body in the crowd and didn’t care about anything and anyone. On my own. It was a festive atmosphere and I’m glad I went there. Definitely, no regrets.

Just before the parade ended, I saw some of my friends from an online community. We stayed at Starbucks, and watched how the busy streets earlier turned into an almost abandoned place. Good times.

I just realized that fantasy is not always in dreams. It can be real for a minute or two.

/totomai
10/29/08