PH Embassy Officials Capture “Rhythm of Life in Japan” in Diplomats’ Photo Exhibition
Philippine Ambassador to Japan Mylene J. Garcia-Albano with her photo entry for the 2025 Japan through Diplomats’ Eyes photo exhibition entitled “Chasing Summer Dreams” (lower left photo).
TOKYO, 08 October 2025 – Photographs taken by officials of the Philippine Embassy in Tokyo, including Ambassador Mylene J. Garcia-Albano, were featured in the latest edition of the “Japan through Diplomats’ Eyes” photo exhibition, which opened on 01 October 2025 at Roppongi Hills Café/Space in Tokyo.
The exhibit, entitled “Rhythm of Life in Japan through Diplomats’ Eyes,” showcases photographs on Japan and its people captured by the diplomatic corps. Featured among the works on display were the photographs of the Embassy’s Agriculture Attaché, Ms. Maria Alilia G. Maghirang, and Attaché Ms. Jackie Lou C. Ong, who also won last year’s Prince Takamado Memorial Prize.
“This annual photo exhibition provides an excellent platform for diplomats in Japan to share not only their talent in photography but also how they see Japan and its facets – from its people and places to its unique and vibrant culture and heritage,” said Ambassador Garcia-Albano following the awarding ceremony and opening reception.
The event was graced by the exhibition’s patron and honorary president, Her Imperial Highness Princess Takamado, who highlighted in her speech that the project is an opportunity for diplomats and the Japanese people to deepen mutual understanding. She emphasized that throughout its 20-year history, the exhibition has built an extraordinary collection that reflects Japan’s transformation and how it has been perceived through the eyes of diplomats.
Philippine Ambassador to Japan Mylene J. Garcia-Albano with HIH Princess Takamado during the awarding ceremony and opening reception of the Japan through Diplomats’ Eyes photo exhibition on 01 October 2025 at Roppongi Hills Café/Space in Tokyo.
For the 2025 exhibition, more than 500 photographs were submitted. The Prince Takamado Memorial Prize was awarded to the spouse of the former Norwegian Ambassador, while the Grand Prize was given to the First Secretary of the Russian Federation.
Philippine Ambassador to Japan Mylene J. Garcia-Albano (second row, center) with HIH Princess Takamado (seated, center), Honorary President of the Japan through Diplomats’ Eyes photo exhibition; Honorable Hirofumi Nakasone, Head of Jury (seated, second from left); Moroccan Ambassador Mohammed Rachad Bouhlal, Chairperson of the Executive Committee (seated, second from right); Ambassador Tadayuki Miyashita, Chief of Protocol of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (second row, leftmost); ambassador-members of the Executive Committee; and prize winners of the exhibition.
The Japan through Diplomats’ Eyes Executive Committee is composed of HIH Princess Takamado; Honorable Hirofumi Nakasone, Head of Jury; Moroccan Ambassador Mohammed Rachad Bouhlal, Chairperson of the Executive Committee; and members, namely, Ambassador Garcia-Albano, Venezuelan Ambassador Seiko Ishikawa; and Ambassador Tadayuki Miyashita, Chief of Protocol of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Mr. Shinobu Abe, Executive Director of Japan through Diplomats’ Eyes, served as master of ceremonies for the awarding ceremony and opening reception. Members of the diplomatic corps, officials from the Japanese government, and other distinguished guests attended the event.
The Philippine Embassy regularly hosts the photo exhibition’s promotional meeting, which serves as the launch event for Japan through Diplomats’ Eyes.
Photos submitted by Embassy officials led by Ambassador to Japan Mylene J. Garcia-Albano, Embassy’s Agriculture Attaché, Ms. Maria Alilia G. Maghirang and Attaché Ms. Jackie Lou C. Ong, at the Japan through Diplomats’ Eyes photo exhibition on 01 October 2025 at Roppongi Hills Café/Space in Tokyo.
