By Prof. Randy Lero

Members of the CPU Tumandok Dance Company gather for a photo opportunity during their visit to Kawachinagano City, Osaka, Japan, for the International Cultural Exchange Program.

The Central Philippine University Tumandok Dance Company visited Kawachinagano City in Osaka, Japan, for the International Cultural Exchange Program from February 25 to March 5, 2025.

The Exchange program started with a courtesy call to the newly elected city mayor, Mr. Shuhei Nishino. The group had an exchange program, dance workshop, and promoted CPU to different schools of the city such as Amano Elementary School, Osaka Chiyodagakuen School, Gyoko Senior High School, Seikyo Gakuen Preschool and High school, and Kagata and Amano School.

The group also had the opportunity to visit and tour Mory Industry, one of the largest factories in the city, where they participated in an open forum session. As part of the exchange, they presented “Saludo Singko,” which received very positive feedback from the audience. Additionally, they showcased the banduria musical instruments, presented by Mr. Matt Andoloy (a dancer from the company) and Prof. Rodrigo Sotto, the adviser of the CPU Rondalla group, accompanied by a song performed by Ms. Crista Huyong, Director of CPU’s Cultural Affairs Office.

Another highlight of the exchange program was the presentation of Filipino coffee and afternoon delights at Global Coffee, where Prof. Randy Lero prepared and cooked Ilonggo food to complement the Filipino coffee. Other group members, along with CPU’s former president, Dr. Teodoro Robles, experienced a Japanese tea ceremony and explored Japanese culture at Chiyoda College.

The international exchange program was attended by members of the university dance company, ranging from senior high school to college students. As the adviser, artistic director of the group, and an alumnus of the university, I consider the yearly exchange program of the dance company in Japan to be my greatest gift to my alma mater. I hope that future visits will expand, fostering collaborations with other cities in Osaka and Wakayama Prefecture, and I aspire to establish a memorandum of agreement between other associations and CPU.