The YWD Mini Concert was held at PCC at 2 PM and 7 PM on June25.
The theme of this concert “Building Bridges of Peace at Home” eloquently expresses the philosophy of SGI that the fundamental way of creating peace starts with the happiness in our homes and possessing a heart to appreciate and cherish our mothers.
Diamond Kotekitai, YD Dance Group, the YWD Chorus Group, and the Theater Group respectively presented their lively performances.
The first performer, Diamond Kotekitai, cheerfully played the music of “Sun of Hope,” “Drum March,” and “Do Re Mi.”
YWD Chief, Ms. Grace Jingco, read President Ikeda's message. Sensei extended
his heartfelt congratulations to this concert and his great expectations
for the YWD members:
“I pray that every one of you who have gathered today will joyfully and
dynamically live out each day of your life overflowing with hope and happiness,
in tune with the wondrous melodies and the eternal rhythm of the universe.”
(excerpts from the original message)
Next, the YD Dance Group with their colorful costumes, enchanted and delighted the whole audience by beautifully dancing Philippine folk dances such as Sakuting and Tinikling.
A video-showing of “Mother: A Song Dedicated to Mothers” followed, in
which the background of the famous Gakkai song of “Mother” was explained
with excerpts from “Memories of My Mother” by Sensei.
Next, the Chorus Group composed of seven YWD members, beautifully sang “Mother” in the original Japanese lyrics and a song entitled “Season of Love.”
Lastly, the Theater Group played the drama of a YWD member’s struggle in
various aspects of life such as home, work, love, etc.
Their brilliant rendition effectively showed the fact that the YWD member
did not only achieve a fulfilled life but also spread happiness in her
community as well as her work by undergoing human revolution.
General Director Niitsu, Vice President Takimoto encouraged the members
thereafter. The jubilant concert ended with the finale by singing the song
“Forever Sensei.”
Interviews with the heads of the performers
Grace Tan (the chief of the Theater Group)
We have put our special efforts to present a performance enough to move the members and friends and to introduce to them the philosophy of Buddhism in a vibrant and comprehensible way, through which we tried to express that the Buddhist teaching is living in our down-to-earth lives as well as to emphasize the value of human revolution that all starts from within each individual.
Chris Don De Vera (the chief of the YD Dance Group)
Through the folk dancing of the Filipino, we tried to show the rich culture of the Philippines and make the audience happy. Some of the dances we performed today stems from the Chinese culture. In that sense, the Philippines is a colorful country with various cultures. I believe that we can conduct cultural exchange and appreciate other cultures through dancing.
