Uniting Cultures, Forging Memories: UP Tomo-Kai’s “Buklod” Interactive Exhibit Bridges Filipino and Japanese Traditions

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

In a resounding celebration of its 35th anniversary, UP Tomo-Kai, the University of the Philippines’ premier socio-cultural organization dedicated to Philippine-Japan friendship, ignites its series of commemorative events with Buklod: An Interactive Exhibit. Taking place on May 13, 2025 at Alcantara Hall, Student Union Building, UP Diliman, this cultural showcase promises an immersive experience that brings together the beauty of two vibrant cultures in one dynamic, hands-on display.

Buklod: More Than Just an Exhibit

“Buklod” — a Filipino word meaning to bond or unite — lives up to its name by becoming a powerful emblem of cultural convergence. Open from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM, the exhibit invites students, faculty, alumni, and guests beyond the campus to explore the best of Japanese and Filipino traditions, brought to life through interactive booths, live performances, and workshops.

Hosted by UP Tomo-Kai in collaboration with Filipica and other cultural partner organizations, Buklod is more than a static gallery. It is a living, breathing cultural encounter — a celebration of heritage where every guest becomes a participant, not just a spectator.

Visitors can try on authentic kimonos, have their names written in kanji calligraphy, fold intricate origami, and play timeless Filipino childhood games. Lovers of Japanese flavors can also sample and purchase popular items like matcha products, adding a flavorful twist to the journey.

A Dance of Unity: Sōran Bushi in Motion

A major highlight of the exhibit is the live performance of the iconic Sōran Bushi, a traditional Japanese fisherman’s dance known for its powerful rhythm and expressive movements. Performed by UP Tomo-Kai’s own Dance Troupe, the presentation will not only entertain but also educate.

After the showcase, attendees will be invited to join a Sōran Bushi workshop, giving them the rare opportunity to learn the cultural story behind every movement — a celebration of unity, hard work, and resilience. The shared rhythm of dance becomes a metaphor for the shared values between Filipino and Japanese identities.

A Prelude to Something Greater: The Road to Halina

While Buklod serves as a cultural cornerstone, it is also a prelude to UP Tomo-Kai’s grand culminating event: Halina: A Cultural Night, scheduled on May 16, 2025 at the Sunken Garden, UP Diliman.

Buklod isn’t just a standalone event — it’s a passionate invitation. As UP Tomo-Kai continues to honor decades of friendship and cultural exchange, Buklod stands as the heartbeat of Amakyō: Festival of Memories, this year’s two-week anniversary celebration. Every kimono fitted, every game played, every dance move learned is a step closer to the grand finale where Filipino fiesta meets Japanese matsuri in an explosive celebration of identity and camaraderie.

A Celebration Rooted in Legacy

Founded in 1990, UP Tomo-Kai has grown into more than just an organization — it is a cultural bridge, nurturing mutual understanding between the Philippines and Japan. From assisting Japanese exchange students and hosting educational seminars, to curating exhibits and organizing grand cultural nights, the organization’s mission has remained steadfast for 35 years: to unite, to educate, and to celebrate.

And in Buklod, that mission is crystal clear.

Join the Celebration

Whether you're a lover of culture, a student seeking new experiences, or someone simply curious about the ties that bind nations together — Buklod is a must-visit. For only P20, you get to journey through cultures, traditions, games, and performances that not only entertain but also inspire.

Mark your calendars, invite your friends, and don’t miss this extraordinary opportunity to explore heritage in its most interactive form.

Contact & Stay Connected

For more information on Buklod and the rest of the Amakyō events, follow UP Tomo-Kai’s official social media pages or reach out via the following:

Email (Executive Committee): uptkmatsuriadhoc@gmail.com

Email (Partnerships): uptomokai.linkages@gmail.com

Facebook: facebook.com/uptomokai

Instagram: instagram.com/uptomokai

In Unity, We Celebrate

Buklod is not merely an exhibit — it is a movement. A dance of cultures. A festival of shared stories. A living tribute to the enduring connection between Japan and the Philippines. As UP Tomo-Kai takes this leap into its next chapter, it calls on us all to remember the power of unity — in rhythm, in tradition, and in spirit.

See you at Alcantara Hall. Let us celebrate, connect, and be one — sa Buklod.

SSS Brings Services Closer to the People with Dramatic Launch of New Taytay Service Office

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

In a momentous leap toward public service transformation, the Social Security System (SSS) unveiled its newly relocated and modernized service office in the heart of Taytay, Rizal—marking a powerful symbol of government commitment to uplift the lives of Filipino workers and entrepreneurs in one of the country’s fastest-growing towns.

Gracing the inauguration were SSS President and CEO Robert Joseph Montes De Claro, Social Security Commissioner Eva B. Arcos, and Taytay’s own Mayor Allan Martine S. De Leon. Their presence underscored the critical significance of the relocation—not just as a physical move, but as a dynamic shift in accessibility and efficiency for the residents of this bustling municipality known nationwide as the Garments Capital of the Philippines.

Nestled within the Taytay Municipal Government Complex, the new SSS Taytay Service Office now occupies a strategic space on the 3rd floor of the Manila East Arcade II Building in Barangay San Juan. Open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Mondays to Fridays, the office stands ready to deliver vital services with renewed energy and an elevated sense of purpose.

A New Era in Public Service

In a rousing speech, CEO De Claro declared that this office launch is more than just a relocation—it’s a declaration of intent.

“This is about bringing government services closer to the people,” he said with conviction. “SSS is no longer just a name—it’s a commitment. We are transforming into a more responsive, service-oriented institution dedicated to the needs of our members and employers.”

With Taytay’s economic landscape teeming with micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), the new service office is a critical resource, especially for business owners who rely on timely and efficient SSS transactions to comply with government regulations and ensure the social protection of their employees.

Empowered by Local Partnership

This achievement was made possible through an extraordinary collaboration between the SSS and the local government of Taytay. Mayor De Leon and his administration provided the office space free of charge, covered the full renovation costs, and even ensured stable internet connectivity—an unprecedented gesture that reflects Taytay’s deep-rooted support for national initiatives.

“What you see today is the product of a shared vision,” De Claro acknowledged, praising the municipality’s proactive approach. “This is how real public service is done—with cooperation, compassion, and concrete action.”

Engineered for Efficiency and Accessibility

Spanning 75 square meters, the SSS Taytay Service Office is a compact powerhouse capable of handling more than 300 transactions daily. Designed to serve both individual members and employers, the office offers a full range of services, including:

Membership registration

Submission of requests for record updates

Employer compliance certificate issuance

Beneficiary additions and member corrections

Annual Confirmation of Pensioners (ACOP) processing

Adding to its versatility is the e-center, where members can access My.SSS services—registering online, recovering login credentials, and even updating employer profiles—all under one roof.

Service Where It Matters Most

For the people of Taytay and its neighboring towns, the opening of this new office is a long-awaited relief. No more long journeys to distant branches. No more frustrating queues in crowded offices. This is SSS showing up where it matters most—in the everyday lives of working Filipinos.

As the ribbon was cut and applause echoed through the hall, it wasn’t just a celebration of a new office. It was the heralding of a renewed chapter in public service—where government agencies listen, respond, and rise to meet the needs of the people.

Because for SSS, this isn’t just an office.

It’s a promise delivered.

Making Mindanao the Philippines’ Hottest Investment Hotspot!

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

From the moment the lights dimmed and the spotlight bathed the SMX Convention Center Davao in a radiant glow, it was clear that Mindanao was on the brink of something monumental. Worldbex Services International (WSI)—the country’s leading stage for world-class expositions—had returned to Davao City, and with it came the promise of transformation. From May 8 to 11, 2025, three powerhouse expos—PHILBEX Davao, MAFBEX Davao, and TLEX Davao—united under one banner to showcase the best of construction, cuisine, and travel. Together, they marked a turning point for the region: the rise of Davao as the Philippines’ next great frontier of innovation, opportunity, and discovery.

Building Tomorrow at PHILBEX Davao 2025: Beyond Sustainnovation

Stepping into the cavernous halls of PHILBEX Davao, visitors were greeted by sweeping displays of eco-friendly building materials, drone-guided surveying demos, and full-scale smart-city models. Here, renewable bamboo composites sat side by side with self-healing concrete; solar-integrated façade panels glimmered beneath the lights. Over thirty seminars and workshops delved into topics such as green retrofitting for heritage structures, AI-driven project management, and flood-mitigating infrastructure for delta cities.

“In a time of unprecedented urban growth, sustainable design is no longer optional—it’s survival,” declared Engr. Maria Santos, a keynote speaker and head of the Philippine Green Builders Council. “PHILBEX Davao is where vision meets action.”

Attendees from across Asia, Europe, and beyond exchanged blueprints and business cards, forging partnerships that will redefine how Mindanao—and perhaps the world—builds its future.

MAFBEX Davao 2025: EATS HERE!

Just a few steps away, the scent of roasted coffee beans, smoked coconut jam, and sizzling grilled tuna beckoned visitors into the appetizing realm of MAFBEX. Over eighty exhibitors—from artisan honey producers to large-scale aquaculture farms—set up tasting stations that celebrated Mindanao’s rich agricultural heritage.

Live culinary competitions drew cheering crowds as homegrown chefs and up-and-coming food artisans battled for the coveted “Mindanao Master Chef” crown, crafting dishes that married traditional flavors with modern techniques: tuna kinilaw tacos with calamansi foam, ube-infused flatbreads, and durian crème brûlée.

Behind the scenes, representatives from the Department of Trade and Industry, the Department of Agriculture, and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources convened to sign memoranda of understanding, pledging logistical support and export incentives that will send Davao’s bounty to global markets.

“This region is a treasure trove of flavor—now we’re giving it the global stage it deserves,” said DTI Undersecretary Ramon Lopez.

TLEX Davao 2025: Uncover the Wonders

Beyond gastronomy lay the gateway to adventure: TLEX Davao, where forty premier travel agencies and resort partners unveiled exclusive deals on guided eco-tours, beach escapes, and heritage trails. From sunrise treks up Mount Apo to off-grid stays in the hinterlands of SOCCSKSARGEN, every booth offered a new invitation to explore.

An interactive map of Mindanao glowed on a giant LED wall, highlighting “hidden gems” like the Enchanted River of Surigao and the hidden waterfalls of Bukidnon. Tourism leaders—including Ms. Jennifer Romero of the Davao City Tourism Operations Office and Mr. Judt L. Colaljo of DOT Region XI—spoke passionately about responsible travel initiatives, community-led homestays, and cultural immersion programs that ensure tourism uplifts local people.

“We’re not just selling postcards—we’re sharing stories,” Romero reminded the audience. “Each visit plants the seeds of understanding.”

With over 12,000 visitors expected and more than 1,500 B2B transactions on the horizon, TLEX Davao signaled that Mindanao’s landscapes are ready for their global debut.

A Momentous Opening—and a Vision for Mindanao’s Future

The grand opening ceremony crackled with energy as Mr. Joseph L. Ang, Founding Chairman of WSI, stepped onto the stage to thunderous applause. In a stirring oration, he wove together the threads of architecture, agriculture, and adventure into a single tapestry of regional pride.

“These events reflect the passion, creativity, and resilience that define Mindanao,” Ang proclaimed. “We honor the culinary artistry that brings communities together, the spirit of adventure that moves us forward, and the brilliance of architecture that shapes the way we live.”

Alongside Ang were other luminaries: DTI Undersecretary Lopez; DA Assistant Secretary for Mindanao Programs Clara Villanueva; BFAR Regional Director Carlos Manalo; and representatives from the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, whose presence underscored Mindanao’s bright, peaceful future.

Powering Growth: A Message from the Wazzup Pilipinas Founder

At the heart of this grand convergence stands Ross Flores Del Rosario, the Wazzup Pilipinas founder whose online journalism platform has tirelessly championed Mindanao’s potential. In an exclusive interview, Del Rosario reflected on WSI’s 25% jump in exhibitors this year.

“Growth doesn’t happen by chance,” he observed. “It takes visionaries, advocates, and storytellers working together. WSI’s return to Davao is our chance to amplify every success story—every innovative project, every budding entrepreneur, every hidden paradise. We’re not just reporting history; we’re helping to write it.”

The Road Ahead

As the Davao Trio Events continue through May 11, 2025, they promise to leave a lasting imprint: new contracts signed, export deals struck, eco-trails mapped, and thousands of minds awakened to the boundless promise of Mindanao. For business leaders, farmers, chefs, architects, and travelers alike, this is more than an expo—it is the dawn of a new era.

Davao is on the map. Mindanao is ready. And the world is watching.

For inquiries and partnership opportunities, please contact (02) 8656-9639 or email inquire@worldbexevents.com. Visit www.worldbexevents.com for full details.