PH Embassy Hosts Thanksgiving Event Celebrating Success of PH Festival 2025
Philippine Ambassador to Japan Mylene J. Garcia-Albano (center, in beige) with officials of the Philippine Festival Committee and Philippine Assistance Group, together with volunteers and partners of the Philippine Festival 2025, during the thanksgiving celebration held on 08 March 2026 at the Philippine Embassy’s Multi-Purpose Hall.
The Philippine Embassy in Japan, led by Ambassador Mylene J. Garcia-Albano, hosted a thanksgiving celebration to recognize the successful conduct of the 2025 Philippine Festival on 08 March 2026 at the Embassy’s Multi-Purpose Hall.
Ambassador Garcia-Albano gives her inspirational message to the attendees of the Philippine Festival Thanksgiving Celebration held on 08 March 2026 at the Philippine Embassy’s Multi-Purpose Hall.
“The Philippine Festival is a testament to the unwavering dedication and commitment of the Filipino Community, led by the Philippine Festival Committee and the Philippine Assistance Group (PAG), to showcase the best of the Philippines to local audiences and the rest of the international community here in Japan. I would like to thank everyone for bringing a touch of home through Filipino cuisine, the Philippine Christmas village and other festivities during the event,” highlighted Ambassador Garcia-Albano in her remarks.
Ambassador Garcia-Albano also underscored the vital role of community support in ensuring not only the success of Filipino community-led projects and activities, but also the well-being and welfare of each and every Filipino here in Japan. She encouraged the attendees to continue fostering a cohesive Filipino community in the host country, and to promote stronger people-to-people ties between the Philippines and Japan, especially in celebration of the 70th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Philippine Festival Committee and the Philippine Assistance Group (PAG) chairperson, Mr. Berlito “Toots” Capulong, delivered his opening remarks during the thanksgiving celebration.
The thanksgiving celebration was co-organized by the Philippine Festival Committee and PAG, led by Mr. Berlito “Toots” Capulong, and was graced by volunteers, vendors, and partners who supported the 2025 iteration of the Festival held on 29-30 November 2025 at Yoyogi Park in Shibuya. Also present at the event were Philippine Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission Christian L. De Jesus, who delivered the closing remarks, Consul Fatima G. Quintin of the Cultural Section, Welfare Officer Geronico M. Herrera, and Tourism Attaché Niel P. Ballesteros.
Philippine Ambassador to Japan Mylene J. Garcia-Albano and Philippine Festival Committee and the Philippine Assistance Group (PAG) chairperson, Mr. Berlito “Toots” Capulong hand over the donation of PAG to Friendship Asia House (FAH) Cosmos, represented by its founder, Ms. Misao Hanazaki.
A highlight of the event was the presentation of PAG’s donations to its beneficiaries, including Friendship Asia House (FAH) Cosmos, a shelter for women and children. The donation ceremony also coincided with the commemoration of International Women’s Day.
Certificates of appreciation from Ambassador Garcia-Albano and the Philippine Festival Committee were awarded to the Festival committees, members, partner organizations and corporate sponsors in recognition of their valuable contributions. Gifts and prizes were also distributed to attendees during the program.
Philippine Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission Christian L. De Jesus delivers the closing remarks during the thanksgiving celebration.
Japanese singer Nanao also captivated the audience with her rendition of “Ikaw” by Filipino artist Yeng Constantino. Nanao recently signed with the Philippine music label KDR Music House.
The highly-anticipated 2025 Philippine Festival drew more than 500,000 visitors from the Filipino and Japanese communities, as well as international guests.
This year’s Philippine Festival will be held at Yoyogi Park on 28-29 November 2026.
