PH Ambassador, Filipino Creatives Discuss Initiatives To Further Promote PH Culture and Heritage, Creative Industries in Japan
Philippine Ambassador to Japan Mylene J. Garcia-Albano with Filipino creatives (from left to right): Ms. Jasmine Baac, founder and creative director of fashion brand “Bagoyan”; Mr. Wilson Limon, founder and creative director of fashion brand “NIñOFRANCO”; Mr. Leo Bartolome of streetwear brand, Edited Limited; and accessories designer, Mr. Adante Leyessa.
TOKYO, 10 November 2026 – Philippine Ambassador to Japan Mylene J. Garcia-Albano welcomed a group of Filipino creatives during a courtesy call on 30 October 2026 to exchange views in empowering the Philippine creatives industry as stewards of Philippine culture abroad.
The group was composed of Mr. Wilson Limon, founder and creative director of fashion brand NIñOFRANCO, Ms. Jasmine Baac, founder and creative director of fashion brand Bagoyan, Mr. Leo Bartolome of streetwear brand, Edited Limited, and accessories designer, Mr. Adante Leyessa.
Ambassador Garcia-Albano highlighted the Embassy’s continuing efforts in promoting Filipino culture and heritage, as well as creative industries, through its cultural and public diplomacy activities, especially in celebration of the 70th anniversary of Philippines-Japan friendship this year. She also expressed the Embassy’s support for initiatives showcasing Filipino indigenous textiles, including banana fiber weave from Isabela, as part of the Philippines’ sustainable textile initiatives, and to encourage collaboration with local government units in Japan with similar industries to further develop and showcase the weaving heritage of both countries.
Ambassador Garcia-Albano also recognized the success of Mr. Limon’s project with UNIQLO Philippines, which featured reclaimed fabrics incorporating traditional embroidery by Filipino indigenous communities under the company’s RE.UNIQLO initiative for the milestone anniversary of Philippines-Japan relations in 2026.
The Filipino creatives expressed their commitment to partner with the Embassy in its future projects, especially under the Embassy’s cultural and public diplomacy program.
