31/03/2026
🌏 AMA-Phi Iina Fun Fest 2026 – A Celebration of Friendship and Culture 🇯🇵🇵🇭
On March 28, 2026, the AMA-Phi Iina Fun Fest was successfully inaugurated in Amagasaki City, bringing together the Japanese and Filipino communities in a meaningful celebration of friendship, culture, and unity.
This special event was created to foster deeper Philippine–Japanese relations through cultural exchange and mutual understanding, guided by the theme:
「友達っていいな！」(It’s wonderful to have friends!)
The concept of “いいな” is symbolically expressed as “117 (いちいちなな)”, representing:
• 🎌 110th Anniversary of Amagasaki City
• 🇵🇭🇯🇵 70th Anniversary of Japan–Philippines Friendship
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🤝 Event Leadership & Purpose
The festival was proudly organized by SUTAA Assist and Soyokaze Cooperative as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative—promoting harmony and cross-cultural connection within the Deyashiki community of Amagasaki.
The event was further elevated by the presence of distinguished Guests of Honor:
• Philippine Consul General Hon. Donna M. Rodriguez
• Amagasaki City Mayor Hon. Shin Matsumoto
• Philippine Tourism Attache Niel P Ballesteros
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🏛️ Courtesy Visit (March 27, 2026)
A day prior to the festival, Consul General Rodriguez paid a courtesy visit to Mayor Matsumoto at Amagasaki City Hall.
She was joined by:
• Tourism Representative Neil P. Ballesteros
• Members of the AMA-PHI Festival Organizing Committee
The delegation was led by:
• Mr. Sumao Kubo, Chairman, AMA-PHI Festival Executive Committee
• Mr. Jesrel Dela Victoria, Vice Chairman, AMA-PHI Organizing Committee and President of Gambayanihan – Inagawa Hokusetsu Filipino Community
The meeting highlighted the importance of strengthening local international relations through community-based initiatives like the AMA-Phi Festival.
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🎉 A Day of Culture, Learning, and Fun
The festival delivered a vibrant and engaging experience for families and children:
• 📚 Fun English Activities led by the Kansai Educator Society
• 💃 Philippine Cultural Performances by the Osaka Mabuhay Community
• 🎊 Interactive programs promoting friendship, learning, and cultural appreciation
It was truly a day filled with joy, connection, and unforgettable cultural experiences.
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🙏 Gratitude & Looking Ahead
The Organizing Committee, led by:
• Chairman Mr. Sumao Kubo (Soyokaze Cooperative)
• Vice Chairman Mr. Jesrel Dela Victoria (SUTAA Assist)
extends their heartfelt gratitude to all supporters, sponsors, partners, and attendees who made this event a success.
Behind the scenes, months of preparation and dedication—even sleepless nights—were invested to bring this vision to life.
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🚀 What’s Next?
The journey does not end here.
The 2nd AMA-Phi Fun Festival is already in development—promising an even more exciting theme and deeper opportunities to strengthen friendship between the Japanese and Filipino communities.
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“友達っていいな！” — Because friendship makes everything better.
