By Keziah G. Huelar

CPU faculty and staff together with the officials of Kawachinagano International Friendship Association.

Promoting Filipino culture through dance—Ms. Crista S. Huyong, Director, CPU Cultural Affairs Office; Dr. Merle L. Junsay, Dean, CPU College of Education; and Mr. Randy Lero, Artistic Director, CPU Dance Company, together with seven student-dancers from the CPU Sari-Saot showcased the Filipino culture to five schools in Kawachinagano City, Japan on June 6 to 12, 2019.

Together with the said CPU faculty and staff, members of the CPU Sari-Saot Dance Company namely: Shyra Thyryss C. Cerbas, Ronald Bryan G. Siao, Mizzy Kaye T, Rosaldes, Marjorie March A. Berso, Rizza Mae M. Genovata, Joe Francis L. Antonio and Jewellyn Imee O. Pediangco gave dance workshops to the students of Amami Elementary School, Seikyo Gakuen Junior and Senior High School, Osaka Chiyoda College, Nagano Senior High School and Kagata Junior High School.

A medley of Philippine dances was shown to Japanese students; among them are Cariñosa, Lo Jota Sevillana and Pansak sa Laley.

The group also highlighted Central Philippine University as a center of excellence and development in the region.

A video presentation of the university was also presented in each school. Dr. Junsay talked about CPU as a hub of cultural diversity and an educational institution that is globally competitive with various partnerships with academic institutions around the globe and locally rooted being a community-based academic unit that focuses on holistic training.

She also discussed the English language programs of the university, encouraging Japanese students to study in the university and avail of its academic services.

During the seven-day visit to Japan, the CPU group had host-families who catered to their board and lodging, local trips, and sightseeing in the city.

The said cultural-exchange was made possible through a partnership with Kawachinagano International Friendship Association. CPU and KIFA signed a Memorandum of Understanding for future cultural and academic partnerships.