#Japan #Tokyo #Philippine Festival #Sungka #Hilot

Philippine Festival 2025: A Cultural Extravaganza in Tokyo

The Philippine Department of Tourism took an active part in one of Japan's largest international cultural events, the Philippine Festival 2025, held in Yoyogi Park on November 29-30. Organized by a supportive group for the Philippines, this remarkable festival attracted nearly 550,000 visitors, offering a vibrant platform for promoting Filipino culture.

Immersive Experience Booths

The Department of Tourism's booth was a focal point, where visitors were introduced to rich tourism information through pamphlets, along with various engaging experiences that connected attendees with Filipino culture. The area allowed guests to participate in:

• - Hilot Experience: A traditional wellness treatment that became highly popular among those seeking relaxation. Attendees expressed great interest in this aspect of Filipino wellness culture.
• - Sungka Game: A traditional wooden board game enjoyed by families and young attendees alike. Its simplicity and engaging nature offered many their first taste of Filipino traditional games.
• - Sarisari Store Recreation: This interactive exhibit replicated a local corner store, where visitors could partake in Palabunutan, a cultural lottery-like game, effectively immersing them in daily Filipino life.
• - Photo Booth with Christmas Decorations: Adorned with traditional Christmas lanterns and garlands, many visitors snapped photos, capturing the vibrant and festive atmosphere that characterizes Christmas in the Philippines.

Engaging Cultural Promotion

On the main and mini stages, the Department of Tourism conducted promotional programs that highlighted the allure and updates about tourism in the Philippines. Led by Bonnie, the presentations were lively and relatable, ensuring that the audience received the information in a digestible manner.

Gau, an artist, contributed to the festivities with musical performances and engaging talks, making the stage a natural focal point for disseminating tourism messages. The combination of music, performance, and relevant information created an unforgettable experience for attendees.

Stamp Rally and Culinary Delights

To amplify the experience, a stamp rally was organized, where visitors would enjoy traditional Filipino sweets, such as Bibingka, and coffee from a mobile kitchen after engaging in at least three activities. Families particularly appreciated this initiative, expressing delight in the chance to savor Filipino flavors following their cultural explorations.

Tourism Information Corner

An area dedicated to tourism information drew many who sought to plan trips to the Philippines. The booth's materials saw considerable interest, reflecting an increasing curiosity about travel to the islands and inquiries about optimal visiting times and recommended destinations.

Collaboration with Angeles City and Clark Freeport Zone

The booth featured beautiful parol decorations and ancient script experiences, made possible through collaboration with Angeles City and Clark Freeport Zone. This not only showcased the cultural richness of these areas but also provided an opportunity for visitors to discover the charms of Central Luzon in the Philippines.

Message from the Department of Tourism

The Philippine Department of Tourism expressed immense happiness about participating in the Philippine Festival 2025, which helped introduce Japanese attendees to the warmth of Filipino culture and the beauty of our Christmas traditions. This cultural engagement is expected to amplify the understanding of the Philippines and enhance travel enthusiasm.

Looking ahead to the 70th anniversary of Japan-Philippines diplomatic relations in 2026, the department aims to strengthen its cultural and tourism promotions even more robustly, ensuring that the myriad attractions of the Philippines reach a broader audience. Through the LOVE THE PHILIPPINES campaign, continued efforts will be made to enhance interactions with the Japanese populace.

Contact Information

For inquiries regarding tourism initiatives, the Philippine Department of Tourism is dedicated to promoting and developing tourism in the Philippines. They engage in outreach activities in Japan, showcasing the rich cultural heritage and tourist attractions of the country.

Contact:
Philippine Embassy, 5-15-5 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-8537
Tel: 03-5562-1583
Email: [email protected]