Japanese Embassy showcases Filipinos in Paralympics
THE Japanese Embassy and Japan Foundation Manila teamed up in launching “Sulong,” a project that showcased the legacy of the brave Filipinos who competed in Tokyo Paralympics last year.
Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Koshikawa Kazuhiko and Japan Foundation Manila director Ben Suzuki held a media briefing and a movie screening of the 15-minute film directed by Al Amin and showcased the travails and triumphs of Paralympians Jeanette Acevedo, Gary Bejino and Jerold Mangliwan.
Ms. Acevedo, a visually impaired thrower, was featured in the first part titled “Pagsubok,” while swimmer Mr. Bejino and wheelchair racer Jerold Mangliwan were the second and third parts titled “Pag-ahon” and “Paglinang,” respectively.
Aside from Mr. Amin, multi-awarded fashion designer Jerome Lorico was also tapped to design the Paralympians’ outfit and uniforms for the short film that would be shown on CNN Philippines and YouTube soon.
Representatives from sponsoring Japan Tobacco Corp. and Philippine Paralympic Committee president Michael Barredo also attended the event held at Mr. Kazuhiko’s residence in Forbes Park, Makati.
“For us, the Tokyo Paralympics is not just a sporting event but an enduring story of triumph and its legacy that will be passed on to the next generation and inspire their future,” said Mr. Kazuhiko.
“It’s our commitment in championing these stories as much as we can and may this film be the embodiment of these values,” he added.
Mr. Barredo lauded Messrs. Kazuhiko and Suzuki for their noble effort.
“I think this film is certainly good to show to the rest of our countrymen and people with disability because I’m a firm believer that if we can bring up the plight of the weak, then we can bring everybody else up,” said Mr. Barredo. — Joey Villar
