BUNKASAI – Gakko No Reminiscence

Early morning on a beautiful Sunday, my friends and I stopped a Semarang-Solo public bus (with AC) and headed to Solo. Flashback for a week before, my friends who take Japanese study told about this “Bunkasai” (or literally, “Culture Festival”) that would be held by one of senior high school in Solo and invited me to join them. I immediately said yes, because I though that it would be a different and interesting experience, especially to spend my holiday. Also, to see Japanese cultural festival was not an every day event.

By the help of Google Map, finally we found the school on foot (after getting off from the bus). Such an achievement, wasn’t it! This “Bunkasai” is an annual event held by SMAN 4 Surakarta. The entrance ticket was Rp8,000 plus two stickers. One more unique (or strange) thing, we got stamped on our neck or little bit lower to side shoulder (Yes, it should be there! Not on hand, arm or cheek).

The theme of this Bunkasai was “Gakko No Reminiscence”. It used two languages: Japanese and English. I gave a part in translating the English one, hehehe. So, the theme was about “school memories”.

We were welcomed by lots of stands made from bamboo at the school yard. Japanese food stands, K-drama stands, J-drama stands, manga comic and CD, cosplay, and many more. There was also a big stage at the center of the yard. A lot of bands specialized in Japanese songs would be performed there. Many Japanese cultures were introduced such as Japanese’s traditional martial art, Taiko, etc.

 

 

The most interesting and amazing part was the cosplay competition. Many contestants wore their costume based on manga comic or game. They were extremely total in their costumes, background music, style, way to move, etc.

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

PERSONA – Drama Class Performance

It was a final assignment for the Drama Class, yet it should be shown to other than the class’s students, hence as an annual event.

The basketball court was chosen as the stage, and the audiences would comfortably watch from the “Gazebo”. 

Most of the players are seniors. Long black cloak was their dress code, bare-footed, and white mask on their faces. They only acted and gestured, following a voice who dubbed their dialogue (of course, in English).

The Story

Persona, well according to my very own opinion, was a symbolic and deep in meaning. Started by a daughter who came home after a long time. She asked for her father forgiveness, and also faced her brother. She had a battle in her mind and heart. Similar to every person in this world, she got lost and met many people as “Anger”, “Envy”,”Sin”, etc. She was told to look for the “Wise” old man. And finally she knew that she was “loved”.

“You are loved”.

Backstage Bustles

There was also a mini play to open the main drama. It was performed by my friends in the same year of school. It titled “The Lost Child”. However, it would be in form of a parody. For example, you will find that who became the father was actually played by a girl, and who should be the mother was a boy! Moreover, you will also find Japanese girls in their kimonos!

Here, I had the opportunity to help them in make-up and costumes. 

new day, new year

New Year is the time to unfold new horizons and realize new dreams, to rediscover the strength and faith within you, to rejoice in simple pleasures and gear up for the new challenges.

Wishing you a truly fulfilling 2011

30 holy days

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ramadan

Bmx, Horse Race, Downhill, and Betelnut Climbing

Some other activities held to celebrate our City's anniversary and our country Independence Day that will be on August 17 (it will be during the Ramadhan days thus the activities are being held earlier).To our small town - due to the lack of kind amusing events - those happenings could be such rare entertainments. I just hope that those events will be held annually.


BMX Super Cross 2010
This event was held on July 25, 2010 in Bendosari circuit, Salatiga and being followed by lots of racers from around Indonesia. Actually this event is also held in several cities around the year. Even, some racers are national bike athletes that represent Indonesia in international championships.

Pordasi (Horse Race)
This event was held on August 7-8, 2010 in Horse Race Arena Tegalwaton, Tengaran Subdistrict, Semarang Regency, Central Java. It was a national championship. Unfortunately I could not watch this new experience because there was another event being held on the same day, and we (me, my sister and my lil nephew) chose the next one.


UKDI National Downhill 5th Series, Salatiga, August 6-8

It was held in Salib Putih race arena with distance of 1.350 m and 153 rider final run.

Betelnut Climbing

It was held to celebrate our Independence Day. Not only this game but some other interesting-sporty games were held in Pancasila square on August 8, 2010. Some funny things happen while those climbing the betelnut covered with oil to get lots of presents hanging up around.

1260 Anniversary

Last Saturday (July 24, 2010) was the peak event for celebrating my town's 1260 anniversary. There was a parade that being held and started from Major's house, walked along the main street and finished at the town square (Pancasila Square). Several streets are closed and guarded by police thus we had to walk to get there. It supposed to begin at 1 pm but got a little bit late at 2 pm.

These some pictures I took.

people already waiting at both sides of the street

The Major of Salatiga

Miss Salatiga

Salatiga's government officials

Sidorejo Subdistrict

a  display of Plumpungan Batik

Tingkir Subdistrict

Argomulyo Subdistrict

Sidomukti Subdistrict

Reog Performance

Kuda Lumping (crazy horse)

decorated pedicabs with two national celebrities originally Salatiga-born

Roy Marten and at his right side is his brother Rudy Salam

creative fashion design from one of vocational school

culture association

leather puppet

Indonesian traditional clothes

association of public transportation dirver (angkota)

farmer association

that's big rat

big cow

cassava and other crops

some agricultural product

athletes

 barefeet

 another creative designs of vocational school students

 one of NGO in Salatiga deals with environmental issues

Although I didn't go out but at night, the celebration was closed by special performance of famous Yogyakata's band "Sheila on Seven" and made perfect by fireworks. 

Happy Birthday Salatiga