UP Tomo-Kai Marks 36 Years of Cultural Unity with “MiTsuki: A SalaMatsuri of Moonlit Reverie”

For 36 years, UP Tomo-Kai has served as a bridge between cultures, bringing together Filipino and Japanese traditions to shared experiences, learning, and friendship. This May, they will be hosting an anniversary celebration themed “MiTsuki: A SalaMatsuru of Moonlit Reverie”, that draws inspiration from the traditional Japanese Tsukimi (moon-viewing) festival. Like Tsukimi, which honors the beauty of the harvest moon, the event becomes a space to recognize the relationships, exchanges, and shared experiences that have shaped UP Tomo-Kai since 1990.

From Heritage to Homecoming

The celebration opens with

“Sulyap: A UP Tomo-Kai Heritage Exhibit”, a four-day showcase that traces the organization’s milestones that is celebrated on May 5 to 8. 2026, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 

The exhibit invites visitors to engage through:

• A Tsukimi-themed exhibit.

• An Ema wishing board where guests can leave messages of hope.

• Live cultural performances showcasing traditional arts.

As the festival unfolds, “Tanglaw: An Alumni Homecoming and Mems’ Night” is celebrated on May 9, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Alumni, current members, and exchange students gather to rekindle their moments in the organization through performances, games, and the shared experiences throughout the years in the community. 

The Best of Both Worlds

The celebration continues with “Tanawin: An Interactive Cultural Exhibit”, which is celebrated on May 13, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., where the Filipino and Japanese traditions are combined by booths, talks, and performances. The exchange students will also take part in this event by sharing their personal experiences about their culture. 

Wrapping up the celebration with “Liwanari: A Concert Festival and Culminight”, where they will transform the Gimenez Gallery, UP Diliman into a cultural fusion of a Japanese Matsuri and Filipino Fiesta on May 15, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Featuring artists like:

• Joshua Kim

• Cess

• Project Materia

And many more artists.

Alongside the fun music, there are food concessionaries, art alleys, and interactive booths creating an atmosphere that celebrates the coexistence of both traditions with a modern take.

As UP Tomo-Kai looks towards its next chapter, MiTsuki will serve as both a reflection and promise that ensures the spirit of Filipino-Japanese friendship will continue to thrive. 

The two-week event will run from May 5 to 15, 2026.