Philippine Embassy in Tokyo Holds Independence Day 2013 Reception
Ambassador and Madame Lopez with the officers and staff of the Philippine Embassy in Tokyo
(14 June 2013) The Philippine Embassy in Tokyo led by Ambassador Manuel M. Lopez and Madame Maria Teresa L. Lopez commemorated the 115th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence with a reception for the officials of the Japanese government, members of the diplomatic community and friends from the private sector on 11 June 2013.
Around 400 guests attended the reception, which was held at Tokyo’s historic Imperial Hotel. Top Japanese officials who graced the event include Hon. Yasuo Fukuda, Former Prime Minister of Japan and Chairman Emeritus of the Japan-Philippines Parliamentarians Friendship League (JPPFL), Hon. Nobuteru Ishihara, Minister of Environment, Hon. Itsunori Onodera, Minister of Defense, Hon. Kenji Kosaka, Member of the House of Councillors and Chief Secretary of the JPPFL, and Hon. Natsuo Yamaguchi, Chief Representative of the New Komeito Party.
Ambassador Manuel M. Lopez (center) celebrates the Philippine Independence Day with Former Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda (right) and Hon. Kenji Kosaka of the House of Councillors, Japanese Diet (left)
In his welcome remarks, Ambassador Lopez thanked all the guests for honoring the Philippines with their presence. He noted the outstanding growth shown by the Philippine economy owing to President Benigno S. Aquino III’s commitment to good governance and the Daang Matuwid or straight path. The Ambassador highlighted the importance of Japan as the Philippines’ Strategic Partner, and pledged the Philippines’ commitment to deepening its partnership with Japan and other partners in the international community.
Former Prime Minister Fukuda, who delivered a message as the guest of honor, offered his congratulations on the Philippine Independence Day celebartion. Recognizing the political stability and remarkable economic growth shown by the Philippines under the leadership of President Aquino, Former Prime Minister Fukuda said that the Philippines holds unlimited potentials. He also spoke on his wish to further foster the “heart-to-heart relationship” between Japan and the Philippines.
Ambassador Lopez with Madame Lopez and Minister Angelica C. Escalona welcome Hon. Kenji Kosaka of the House of Councillors
Hon. Kosaka delivered a toast for the long-lasting friendship between the two countries.
The guests were treated to a variety of Filipino dishes such as pansit, adobo, caldereta, turon, brazo de Mercedes, ice cream flown in from the Philippines as well as continental fare. The guests greatly appreciated the performances of songs and traditional Filipino dances featured during the reception. In addition, the Embassy organized a Philippine Trade and Tourism Exhibit at the entrance of the reception hall which featured Philippine products and travel information.
Ambassador and Madame Manuel M. Lopez with Former Prime Minister of Japan and Mrs. Yasuo Fukuda at the Philippine Independence Day reception at Imperial Hotel, Tokyo on 11 June 2013
(left to right) Minister of Environment Nobuteru Ishihara, Former Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda, Ambassador Manuel M. Lopez, and prominent members of the Japanese Diet Hon. Natsuo Yamaguchi, Hon. Kenji Kosaka and Hon. Masayoshi Nataniya
