TAMMY
TAKAGI
When she arrived in the Philippines in 1971—thirty-three years ago—she was newly married, spoke very little English, and knew no one. Following what she calls a "paper ceremony" in Japan the couple had a second ceremony in the Union Church of the Philippines.
While they intended, like so many expats, to remain for only three to five years her husband’s joint venture with a local textile company continued on...and on. Tammy’s three children, two of whom are now married and one engaged, were born at Makati Med, and graduated from the International School Manila. Her only daughter married a Filipino, which Tammy happily says will allow her to return at any time. Tammy herself has travelled a far distance from the nervous young mother raising three children in a foreign environment, she tells us she was...
Like so many things in life, Tammy’s metamorphosis began with a chance meeting. In 1976 she met Mary Ng who invited her to an International Fiber Artist Guild Workshop, where she first encountered Philippine ethnic weaving. There, she met Margaretha Gloor, a founding member of MVP, then in its beginning stages. Always one to seize an opportunity Margaretha asked Tammy to invite members of the Japanese community to join the fledgling group. For five years Tammy was the only Japanese member, but her perseverance paid off, and today MVP boasts many Japanese members
One interest led to another. In 1974 Tammy met Fr. Anton Postma then helping the Hanuno Mangyan Ethnic Group of Mindoro, and she began to help market their items. In the process she met representatives from other ethnic groups from Northern Luzon to Sulu Island in the south. Thus began the two weaving sales, before summer vacations and at Christmas time.
In 1980 Tammy helped found FILIPICA (The Association of Learning In and From the Philippines). Filipica is a Japanese organization whose members study Filipino culture through an exchange of books, newsletters, and cultural tours among other activities, in order to learn more about the Philippines. It has roughly 500 members, many of whom are also MVP members. Filipica was one of the sponsors of the Kabuki-Kimono Lecture & Kimono Show presented last June, and Tammy was among the hard-working crew that ensured its success.
After she joined a 7-day lighting workshop conducted by the Sinag Arts Foundation, founded by Ms. Shoko Matsumoto, to train theatre technicians, Tammy conducted cooking classes to help raise funds for the upkeep of the theatre. No stranger to theatre Tammy had worked as a Manila reporter for the NHK Journal Radio Station (News), and as a Japanese co-ordinator for Redson Textile Manufacturing Corporation.
Tammy was the newscaster of the Japanese cable television Channel WINS for seven years, 1997-2004, during which time she introduced them to Philippine culture and art, and hosted a talk show. She went through two bouts of cancer: breast cancer in 1998 and cancer of the uterus in 2000. Her attitude, demeanor, and philosophy during this time would provide an example and beacon for another topic.
In addition, Tammy helps with organizations such as PAG-ASA Japan, which supports the ERDA Foundation in granting scholarships and housing for street children.
And so to Tammy Takagi—talented painter, photographer, songstress, back-strap weaver, MVP Publicity Person, and Director/Resource Person of the Textile Documentation Project at Silahis Textile Museum— we say thank you for sharing your talents, time, expertise, and friendship!
—Editorial Staff—