Soka Gakkai Day Commemorative Gongyo Meeting
was held on May 3
The yearly celebration of Soka Gakkai Day and Soka Gakkai Mother's Day
was successfully held last May 3, 2008 at the Philippine Culture Center.
Members and leaders from different general chapters gathered together to
celebrate our organization's New Year's Day in high spirit.
Young Men's Division's Dynamic Chorus Group
Diamond Kotekitai (Fife & Drums Corps) Group
The meeting was opened with a resounding evening gongyo lead by Executive
Vice General Director Rizal Shibata. Mr. Harry Cruz, our Young Men's Division
Chief reads Soka Gakkai International President Daisaku Ikeda's message
for the Philippine members, followed by the explanation of the Gosho entitled
"The Drum at the Gate of Thunder" by Mr. Eddie Mesa our Vice
National Secretary. Mrs. Sachiko Maekawa from Ortigas Chapter shared her
experience in overcoming cancer through faith in the Mystic Law.
The program was made more colorful by performances from different groups;
the Boys and Girls Division's Marimba group made their debut by performing
their version of Marching Towards 21'st Century, the Young Women's Division's
Diamond Kotekitai played "Haha" (Mother), "Can't Take My
Eyes Off of You" and other beautiful pieces, the Young Men's Division's
Dynamic Group sang "Closer You and I" and the Women's Division's
Mabuhay Chorus Group sang their original piece and a medley. These beautiful
and energetic performances made the audience alive and cheerful.
General Director Roger Cabauatan made his speech by announcing that the
Order of the Knights of Rizal conferred the first Rizal International Youth
Peace Award to President Daisaku Ikeda earlier that day at the Grand Culture
Center in Tagaytay. The award was received by General Director Cabauatan
and other leaders in behalf of President Daisaku Ikeda. He emphasized some
parts of President Ikeda's message and part of Pag-asa (monthly publication)
to further encourage the members.
