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UC Celebrates Tanabata Festival 2025 in Partnership with Filipino-Japanese Foundation of Northern Luzon Inc.

The University of the Cordilleras (UC), through its Language Department and the Language and Literature Society (LLS), proudly celebrated the Tanabata Festival 2025 — also known as the Star Festival — in collaboration with the Filipino-Japanese Foundation of Northern Luzon Inc. (Abong) on July 2, 2025, at the UC Theater.

The event opened with warm messages from Mr. Arnel Cabanisas, Executive Director of Abong, and Mr. Jessie B. Martinez, Program Chair of the UC Language Department. Their remarks emphasized the importance of cultural exchange and the value of language learning in fostering global understanding.

Following the opening, Ms. Rowena Okabe, Manager of Blue Files Language Center, gave a brief but insightful background on the origins and cultural significance of the Tanabata Festival in Japan. Her talk set the stage for the day’s highlight — the bamboo decorating contest, where students showcased their creativity and cultural appreciation.

Participants from various departments, guided by their Foreign Language instructors and Abong representatives, adorned bamboo branches with vibrant decorations that blended Japanese and Cordilleran elements, symbolizing unity and diversity.

Before the event concluded, a certificate of appreciation was awarded to Abong and the seven distinguished judges who lent their time and expertise:

  • Mr. Arnel Cabanisas
  • Ms. Julieta Locano
  • Ms. Haruka Waseda
  • Mr. Takashi Kato
  • Ms. Charlene Siloy
  • Mr. Jose Domingo
  • Ms. Maria Catajan

The bamboo decorating contest winners were then announced:

  • 🏆 Grand Prize – BSA 2A
  • 🥇 Gold Prize – BA ELS 2B
  • 🥈 Silver Prize – BSCRIM 2G
  • 🥉 Bronze Prize – CITCS 2C-A
  • 🎋 Bamboo Prize – BSMA 2G

The event concluded with heartfelt closing remarks from Mr. JanSean G. Divina, adviser of the Language and Literature Society, who commended the students’ efforts and the collaborative spirit that made the celebration a success.

This meaningful cultural event was made possible through the generous support of Abong, who sponsored the awards and cash prizes, the leadership of Mr. Jessie Martinez, and the guidance of UC’s Foreign Language instructors:

  • Ms. Maria Anita Ferrer
  • Ms. Rowena Okabe
  • Ms. Werona Suiluj Pader
  • Ms. Alicia Isabelle Zabat
  • Mr. Jersey Dupagan

The Tanabata Festival 2025 at UC was more than just a celebration — it was a vibrant expression of creativity, cultural appreciation, and community spirit.

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