Philippine Embassy Joins ASEAN Missions at ACT Bowling Tournament
The Philippine team at the 2025 ACT Bowling Tournament led by Chargé d’Affaires, a.i. Christian L. De Jesus (5th from left) receives the 2nd runner-up trophy for the teams category from Ambassador-designate of Cambodia to Japan Sounry CHUM (3rd from right).
The Philippine Embassy in Japan joined its counterparts from the diplomatic missions of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Member States in Tokyo in fostering goodwill and camaraderie at the 2025 ASEAN Committee in Tokyo (ACT) Bowling Tournament at the Tokyo Port Bowl, Minato City.
The Embassy fielded a 7-member team led by Chargé d’Affaires, a.i. (CDA) Christian L. De Jesus, who delivered a message on behalf of Philippine Ambassador to Japan Mylene J. Garcia-Albano, in light of the Philippine Embassy’s’ chairship of the ACT. Embassy personnel were also present to support the Philippine contingent and strengthen bonds with ASEAN counterparts.
“As the current Chair of the ACT, the Philippine Embassy is pleased to join the opening of our ACT calendar with today’s Bowling Tournament. These types of events remind us that ASEAN unity is strengthened not only through formal engagement, but also through shared moments that deepen trust and collegiality among our missions,” CDA De Jesus remarked.
The Ambassadors and Deputy Chiefs of Mission of the ASEAN Committee Tokyo at the 2025 ACT Bowling Tournament.
The tournament was principally organized by the Royal Embassy of Cambodia, led by Ambassador-designate Sounry CHUM. ASEAN-Japan Centre (AJC) Secretary-General Kunihiko Hirabayashi also participated in the tournament and expressed his support for ASEAN’s initiatives. The Embassy of Timor-Leste joined the games for the first time following Timor Leste’s accession as ASEAN’s eleventh Member State in 2025.
The Philippine and ASEAN teams showcased their precision and agility on the lanes, delivering strikes and spares that reflected their shared focus on achieving ASEAN’s goals. The friendly competition renewed the ACT’s commitment to cultivating friendship and trust in setting the direction for the region’s future.
“In bowling, as in diplomacy, results depend on good form, steady hands, and occasionally a friendly nudge in the right direction,” CDA De Jesus shared.
In recognition of their teamwork and performance, the Philippine team emerged as 2nd runner-up in the teams category. The Malaysian Embassy team and Lao PDR Embassy team won first runner-up and overall champion, respectively.
The Philippine team plays the lanes at the 2025 ACT Bowling Tournament.
The Philippines’ chairship of the ACT coincides with its overall chairship of ASEAN in 2026 with the theme “Navigating Our Future, Together,” which captures the region’s determination to pursue opportunities for inclusive growth amid uncertainties. The Philippines’ chairship is anchored on three (3) strategic priorities: Peace and Security Anchors, Prosperity Corridors, and People Empowerment.
