IN KEEPING with tradition two nationwide events with international significance specially showcasing the Filipinos, the American and the Japanese will be on the July program lanes, the focus of our history will be on this year’s Filipino-American Friendship Day celebration.
For most, July 4 is the Independence Day of the United States of America, considered as the most powerful nation in the world today. It was Uncle Sam who proclaimed our Independence Day in July 14, 1946 after World War II. After a bloody war against the invading Japan Imperial forces during the liberation of our country in 1945.
Like in previous years, the special day will be celebrated with appropriate series of activities. Foe the last 10 years, the local city government in partnership with the Baguio Elderly Assembly, the City Social Welfare an Development Office and the Office for Senior Citizens Affair, the United States Armed forces in the Philippine Northern Luzon, WWII Veterans particularly the veterans from the famous 66th Infantry Battalion, the Veterans Federation of the Philippines, Baguio District: the United State Navy Retired Association of Baguio, the US Veterans of different wars and in cooperation with the National Correspondence Club of Baguio are united and concerted in celebrating the historic episode.
Last year, the affair was held at the Camp John Hay Amphitheater, Hosted by the John Hay Management Corporation. The highlight of the day’s offering was the presentation of awards to at least four honorees who contributed to the promotion of Fil-Am friendship and activities through the years. Three of the gentlemen awardees were employees from John hay who were recognized for their long years of service with the management. Yours truly was the 4th honoree. The city on July 4 committee specifically recognized my modest and humble leadership in initiating and coordinating the construction of the Archtect Daniel Burnham at the main park in 1992 and that of the Colonel Lyman Kennon beside the Zig Zag Road Viewpoint in 2005, among others.
Last Friday afternoon, I phoned in City Administrator Carlos Canilao and our Acting City Tourism Director Joma and Inquired about our forthcoming July 4th program. Both of them said, a special meeting to finalize the schedule will be held on Tuesday, July 18, set at 9:30 a.m. This early, we are suggesting that the main program of the celebration will be held at the Justice George Malcolm Square which is more accessible for celebrators from Magandang Baguio!
It’s in the bore! This years’ revival edition of the Philippine-Japan Friendship Day celebration will once again be on center stage after lapse of at least two years. I am specifically talking about the Fil-Japanese Friendship Day program ehich the BEA, CSWDO an the Filipino-Japanese Foundation, NL and the NCCB implemented at least four years with the late Engineer Leopoldo Escano Executive Director of the foundation. The first edition of the program was held as a special international friendship episode of the 100th Year Charter Day Celebrations of the City of Baguio in 2009. The program was coordinated and approved the Japanese embassy authorities in Metro-manila. Happily, as the initiator of the special event implementation in the city, I served as the executive program officer of the project.
Last Thursday morning at the ABONB, Arnel Cabanisas, Executive Director of FJFNL held our initial meeting about the revival of the friendship program in the city. From all indication, the program is go go event! He knows and feels the importance and significance of the forthcoming bonanza activity particularly in forging sustained understanding and brotherhood. He said that the Foundation will start the celebration on July 23 with a memorial service at the Fil-Japanese Memorial Garden long Governor Pack Road.
The revival edition of the celebration will be held on July 29. The red letter day will feature a photo exhibit, the coronation rites honoring Miss Peace, Miss Hope and Miss Friendship Muses and their respective escorts and a cultural presentation from the BEA (BARP Foundation, Federation of Baguio Senior Citizens Associations, Philippine Government Retirees Association, Baguio Chapter, the Baguio City National High School Performing Arts Department, PHASES Learning Center and from FP Foundation. A troop of Boy Scout and from the Girl Scout units is also in the show. A free attendance raffle prizes is another attraction of the palabas. Meanwhile, the venue for the program will be known and announced properly.
A mighty group of 147 Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts pioneer leaders in the Scouting Movement particularly in the City of Baguio were recognized and honored last Baguio Girl Scout Council led by its president Leonila Lomibao and supported by its Executive Board members was a very successful endeavor. Mrs. Susan Locsin, National President of the Girl Scouts of the Philippines was the guest of honor and speaker. IN her inspiring message, she lavishly praised and commended the leadership qualities and services of the awardees in molding the character of young girls for better citizenship. Scout Leaders Lumibao and Rosita Bermudez led the roll of honor with Gold Service Medallion marking 3 years in the Girl Scouting fold.
More on the GSP Pioneer Awards Rites next week.