27 October 2005 – Consul General Antonio P. Villamayor of the Philippine Consulate General in Osaka, Japan, reported to the Department of Foreign Affairs that the Philippines bagged the Grand Prize for the Best Float in the International Division at the 23rd Midosuji Parade 2005 held last 2 October 2005.

Consul General Villamayor said that the winning float, with the theme “Masskara,” featured colorful three-foot-high smiling papier maché masks, a nipa hut formed out of Philippine anahaw fans, and coconut trees.

The float, conceptualized and constructed by the Philippine Department of Tourism (DOT) Osaka Office led by West Japan Tourism Representative Valentino L. Cabansag, was adjudged the best in terms of impact, over-all presentation, and coherence with the event’s theme, “Midosuji Parade: Bringing the World Together.”

Consul General Villamayor added that the 20-member Masskara Festival Dancers who flew in from Bacolod City added life to the Philippine group, and entertained spectators with their dance performance while donned in multicolored costumes and fancy headdresses.

Consul General Villamayor headed the four-kilometer, hour-long walk of the 220-strong Philippine contingent composed of Consulate staff and members of the Filipino community.  He also accepted the Grand Prize at the awarding ceremony in the evening, where he was accompanied by Madame Azucena T. Villamayor and DOT officers and staff.

The Midosuji Parade, organized by the Osaka 21st Century Foundation in cooperation with the Osaka City Government, is Osaka’s biggest and most popular parade, and is traditionally held every first Sunday of October.

This year is the 14th time that the Philippines has participated in the Midosuji Parade.  END