Q: Where are you from in the Philippines?

A: I am from Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental.

Q: Can you tell us something about yourself?

A: Certainly! I was born on February 22, 1970, in Sta. Ana, Manila, and that's where my first name, Ana, comes from. When I was five years old, I moved to Negros Oriental. I earned my degree in AB Mass Communications from St. Paul College of Manila. After that, I came to Japan to work as an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) in the performing arts industry. I was a cultural performing artist, model, and choreographer. I got married to a Japanese national and had two children. However, we eventually divorced, and I returned to the Philippines with my kids. 

Q: What are you currently working on?

A: In 2005, I established and managed the Japanese-Filipino Children and Filipino Global Associates College Foundation, Inc. This is a performing arts and skills training school that provides scholarships and free training for displaced Filipino artists and their children. The school is authorized by TESDA. This is my main focus right now. 

Q: How was your life in Japan, and how do you find Japan compared to the Philippines?

A: Initially, living in Japan was quite challenging because of the language barrier. However, it was also a fascinating experience. The ups and downs made me resilient and strong. I really enjoy Japanese food, but I do miss the fresh farm and seafood from my childhood. Japan and the Philippines are both unique in their own ways when it comes to culture, traditions, and people. I admire Japan's sense of responsibility and discipline, while the Philippines excels in showing love and compassion, although sometimes this is hindered by a negative mindset. Also, I must say that public toilets in Japan are the best! They reflect the country's cleanliness and respect for public spaces.

Q: What do you do now?

A: Professionally, I work as a caregiver, interpreter, and translator. Additionally, I run a company called AMT Japan, which is involved in production, event organizing, consulting, buying and selling, importing and exporting, and business entrepreneurship. On the non-profit side, I am the president and founder of the Association of Pinoy Volunteers for Assistance (APIVA). This organization is made up of Filipino and Japanese volunteers who are dedicated to providing humanitarian support, fostering friendly relations, and assisting Filipinos in Japan.

Q: How active are you in the Philippine community in Shizuoka?
A: I am deeply involved in various voluntary works and in assisting my fellow Filipinos. I always carry the Rotarian spirit of "Service Above Self" with me.

Q: What other groups have you joined besides APIVA?

I have also been involved with the Philippine NAKAMA Organization, where I serve as an advisor and past president. It is the main organization in our community. Additionally, the board members of the Shizuoka Prefectural Multicultural Affairs and Coexistence Council are interested in sharing information about Pistang Pinoy. This annual Philippine festival held in Shizuoka City serves as a platform for Filipinos to come together, celebrate, and showcase the richness of Philippine culture, tourism, and peace. The festival's main goal is to strengthen friendship between Japan and the Philippines, as well as promote a better understanding of Filipino culture to eliminate prejudice and discrimination. Pistang Pinoy offers delicious cuisine, non-stop entertainment, and genuine Filipino hospitality, making attendees feel at home.

Here are the past and upcoming Pistang Pinoy events:

- 2014: 1st Pistang Pinoy in Shizuoka (December 7 – Winter)

- 2017: 2nd Pistang Pinoy (September 3 – Summer)

- 2019: 3rd Pistang Pinoy (April 14 – Spring)

- 2024: 4th Pistang Pinoy (October 5 & 6 – Autumn)

Now, let's talk about this year's Pistang Pinoy.

After a five-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are thrilled to announce that the 4th Pistang Pinoy will be held in Shizuoka City, with the support of the Shizuoka Prefectural Multicultural Affairs Division, the Philippine NAKAMA Organization, DOS-J, and various Filipino community groups and volunteers in the prefecture. The event will take place over two days, on October 5 and 6, 2024, at the beautiful Sumpu Castle Park.

The theme for Pistang Pinoy 2024 is "Geijitsu no Aki," which translates to "Autumn, the season of Arts." This theme symbolizes freshness, new endeavors, ripeness, adulthood, and maturity. Autumn is also a season of gratitude, praise, and celebration. Our main objective this year is to unite the 19,000 Filipinos residing in Shizuoka Prefecture and neighboring areas, rebuild solidarity, foster understanding and friendship with the Japanese and other foreign communities, and express our gratitude to Shizuoka Prefecture for their continuous support of the Filipino community. We are confident that this year's festival will be a spectacular event, perfectly timed and organized with the guidance of a higher power and the assistance of the right people.