Flickr Pic #34: [Philippine Day] Closing Program

[Philippine Day] Closing Program
Originally uploaded by scion_cho

At the first half of my stay here in Japan, I was almost always cooped up in my apartment during weekends. Since I was assigned to a client location far away from most of the people I know here in Japan, I rarely go out and instead just enjoy free time in front of the computer. I did buy my DSLR as motivation for myself to go out and shoot. However, with just the kit lens on hand, I was still a bit lazy to go out.

There were only a few major outings and events that I was able to join/attend within that first half. One of which was the Philippine Day at Oji Park. It was my first time to eat Philippine food in months, and also the biggest crowd of Filipinos I had ever seen in Japan.

The picture above features the closing performance for the whole day's event. Quite funny because when I took this picture about 4 months ago, I didn't know any of them (except for Kaye Brosas and Piolo Pascual who were guest celebrities). Now, I could point out familiar faces in this picture as I've already had an encounter with most of them just recently.

On the far left is lawyer-blogger Ryo (aka Atty in recent picture posts), who was a companion in recent photo trips; 2 singers (bald headed guy, and red dress woman) who performed just recently at the Utawit event's opening number (see related pics on Photos page--Utawit); a government official, et al. Looks like the Jazz singer Charito is also there in the picture. :P

Lately, I've already met lots of people; thus, being able to go out a lot more. Thanks to my newfound friends and also to my reliable 'non-kit lens', I've been going out almost every weekend already -- as compared to before when I consider myself lucky if I go out at least once a month. :D

Without friends, photography, holidays, weekends... I could have lost my sanity here in Japan. =P

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Taken on June 15, 2008
Location: Asukayama (Oji) Park , Tokyo, Japan

See Flickr post #33 (click link here)