Monday, August 17, 2015

Bon Odori Festival 2105 (in Cebu)

First of all, thank you to Cebu Republic for posting about Bon Odori 2015 in FB, we would not have known that there is this such a festivity here in Cebu if I have not found and read this. Dumo Arigatou :)
The event was scheduled on a Friday and Saturday.
Saturdays for us means no work for me and hubby and no class for kiddos, so I invited them. This means quality time and fun fun fun. I thought it would be an opportunity to de-stress the kids from school's work. Lately, they have been very busy that my 9-yr-old being in a full day school work is always exhausted and the 3-yr-old already complains that his fingers are also tired from writing.
AIso, I love Japan. Its not love at first sight though but for my 2-month stay there, I have grown to love it. Must be the people, the culture, the food, the place... for whatever reason I am just so fascinated with Japan.

So instead of our usual weekend activity, they agreed to go and witness the Bon Odori Festival 2015 at Family Park, Talamban, Cebu last August 8, 2015.

According to blog.goodhacker.asia
"Bon Odori is a traditional summer festival in which Japanese honer their ancestors who have passed on, remember and appreciate all they have done for them, and celebrate their ongoing presence in the lives they enjoy today."
Bringing the festivity here in Cebu sounds is a good idea. Knowing there are a lot of Japanese expats living in the city, having this event makes them closer to home. As for us (especially me), it is a chance for me to see girls in Traditional Japanese (Kimono or Yukata) dresses, a chance for me to eat authentic Japanese dishes cook by none other than a Japanese, a chance to watch Karate exhibitions and be awed with the Japanese decorations, drums, lanterns, anime books and toys. As what Cebu Republic said, "Bon Odori Festival here in Cebu is indeed a venue for cultural exchange" and I personally like the idea.
Too bad we were not able to stay long and witness the dance and the fireworks. 
But we will definitely join this festival again next year, hopefully :)

Thank you Philippine-Japan Exchange Committee for this wonderful event.

13 comments:

  1. I really regret I missed this! I was excited to go, few days prior to the event. Then on the event day, I totally forgot and just saw some of my friends photos on Instagram! UGH. Better luck next year haha

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  2. This is awesome! Japan has a very rich culture like ours. I wish I could be in Cebu to witness it.

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  3. This is such a nice cultural immersion! :) The Japanese culture is so rich with its many traditions and colorful costumes. It must have been great to have been a part of it. :)

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    2. it was indeed great, kids got to see different japanese costumes thus ask me questions like why they dress like that and we, Filipinos don't...hehehe

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  4. This is actually the first time I heard of the Bon Odori Festival in Cebu. Pretty interesting, especially for people who haven't been to Japan, like me.

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  5. Wow, buti pa sa Cebu may Japanese festival! I wish we'd have similar activities here in Manila.

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  6. I've never been to Cebu, nor I'm familiar with this kind of festival. Hopefully next year we can join this event.

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  7. Wow! I didn't know na may ganyan pala, thanks to you. Good to know that you and the rest of your family had fun. They should bring Bon Odori here in Manila.��

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  8. Wow looks interesting. I wish they bring this to manila

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  9. The pictures are beautiful. I see why you love Japan. I will comment back ­ http://www.oldefashionmom.com/

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  10. oh wow, this looks like a great festival! I've never visited any festivals in Cebu, unfortunately.

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