Organizing GPF in Japan

GPF Japan Executive Committee partnership with FJMGP
August 3, 2008 Shibuya, Tokyo

A meeting was called among FJMGP officers , active members to organize GPF in Japan to support the incoming Nov.15 main GPF Japan, which is one among the series of GPF events being held around the world. GPF-Philippines is scheduled on December. FJMGP is part of the International Committee of GPF Japan to become partner for peace in reaching out for the Filipino communities in Japan.
( GPF USA is just to be held Aug.9 at the Capitol West Lawn, Washington, DC. click here to see the lastest on Global GPF )

In this connection, FJMGP is coming up with mini local GPF events in selected prefectures and areas in Tokyo in preparation for the upcoming big event in November and GPF for Philippine in December.

Below is a report by Precy Akahori :

Angelita Obara, FJMGP President reported highlights of her meeting with the Global Peace Festival Japan Executive Committee. She said that it was full of energy and expectations. Among all international members, the committee chose us Filipinos as the central people among foreigners whom they expect to bring the community to the event. We were given the goal of at least 10,000 members with the privilege of seating just behind the Ambassadors and diplomats to cheer up and enliven the event. Bus transportation are provided.. They will try to invite Pops Fernandez and JR to come over. So we have to mobilize Filipinos all over Japan and bring them to Tokyo. The event will be on Nov.15th at Ajinomoto Stadium .

The initial internal National Steering Committee for the Filipino Community Representatives had been appointed. They are as follows

a.National Chairman/men :
Edward Mayo and Angelita Obara
b..Program Committee-in charge of inviting performers, speakers for GPF-Tokyo
Brian Dirige, Lala Hasegawa
c..Invitation Committee- in-charge of inviting participants including visiting Pinoy Offices, churches- Lorelie Shiokawa, Remia Watanabe
d. .Technical- preparation of stage, audio, DVD, computer, powerpoint set up
Robert Alcamfor, Jun Granada
e..Secretariat/ Distribution of flyers/pamphlets-GPF-Japan-
Precy Akahori, Fe Obuchi
f. Registration: Liza Nakazaki and Wilma Kondo
g.. Documentation: Arnold Hiramis
h. Food Preparation: Thess Renes, Lalaine

As there are more areas that needs to be filled up, volunteers are welcome to help in any area of their prefence. Corresponding External leaders will be appointed later- they will be coming from other Filipino group members in Japan .

Mini local GPF schedules were planned as follows :

August 30 : CHIBA (contact person: Eutemia Ebato)
September 14 :YAMANASHI (contact person: Jenjen Yamaguchi )
September 21: TOKYO (contact: fjmgp@yahoo.com
October: SAITAMA (contact: Lala Hasegawa, Arnold Heramis )
September 28: HIROSHIMA (contact person: Febbie )
October 5 : KAWASAKI-TACHIKAWA (Nambu Line Area) contact person: Remia, Robert, Fe
October 12 : NAGANO (contact person : Ronnie )
October 13 : OSAKA (contact person : Ann Sosogi)

Brian Dirige gave a consolidated report and common understanding of GPF thru power point presentation. He suggested creating partnership events to fill in the gaps and connect FJMGP to GPF. Thru a systematic timetable he was able to show attendees how to proceed from FJMGP Mini GPF, to GPF Japan and finally to GPF Philippines.Brian recently created an FJMGP blog for the purpose of GPF awareness He suggested to post the blog link to Email Groups like BCA, IFA etc and send it from fjmgp email account and to requests members with personal blogs or website to include link of FJMGP Blog. He also suggested to include the new FJMGP blog link in our leaflets/ brochures and when our requests to Philippine Embassy to publish our group is granted, we can ask them to include mentioning our blog link. He also mentioned sending link to our personal Filipino friends in Japan and asking Family Times in Philippines to create a link in their website for our blog

Remia Watanabe suggested to have a Kawasaki- Tachikawa GPF. She also suggested to have a translated pamphlets for distribution as GPF awareness campaign. Ate Angie stated that if an area has the ability, capacity and confidence to work it on their own (meaning with the local members around the area) they are encouraged to do mini GPFs. Pamphlets in English will be available for distribution by August 15.

Fe Obuchi suggested that if there are no Filipino mini GPF scheduled in their area, bring your guests to local Japanese groups for the monthly held Global Family Festival of YFWP. She also suggested creating 100 voices choir ? that is gathering choir members of all Filipino churches all over Japan making one choir.

Lorie Shiokawa also prepared suggestions prior to the meeting and was was reviewed by the team , facilitated by by Ate Angie .

FJMGP is glad to welcome Robert Alcomfor, Leader of TIMD-Japan who suggested to have a partnership ceremony between TIMD and FJMGP for the purpose of establishing stronger relationship between the two groups.

From November 1-12, the GPF Japan Executive Committee will shoot documentary of volunteer works/events that will be held at each local chapter. If any FJMGP chapter will be doing a voluntary work/event please let us know. So we can inform and send the cameramen to your place. It will be shown on November 15.
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