過去は未来によって変えられる。
"The past can be changed by the future."
-Yoshiki Hayashi
Japan and Philippines had come a long way in the history. From the time Japan conquered Philippines to Second World War up until our friendship with Japan now. Indeed Yoshiki-san is right "The past can be changed by the future". Even if we have negative encounters with Japan before it didn't become a hindrance to make amends and become friends today and hopefully until the near future.
One way of continuing the friendship and connection we have with Japan. Bon Odori Festival in Cebu was made. It started last year and successfully it continued this year. This festival aims to let both Filipino and Japanese people experience the cultural exchange between these two countries.
Bon Odori, simply means Bon dance; a style of dancing performed during Obon. Originally a Nenbutsu folk dance to welcome the spirits of the dead, the style of celebration varies in many aspects from region to region. Each region has a local dance, as well as different music. The music can be songs specifically pertinent to the spiritual message to Obon, or local min'yo folk songs. Consequently, the Bon dance will look and sound different from region to region. The way in which the dance is performed is also different in each region, though the typical Bon dance involves people lining up in a circle around a high wooden scaffold made especially for the festival called a yagura. -Bon Odori; Wikipedia
