PH Ambassador Welcomes Filipino Runners in Tokyo Marathon 2026, Leads Embassy Support in Shakeout Run
Philippine Ambassador to Japan Mylene J. Garcia-Albano (seated, 4th from left) with the Filipino runners in the Tokyo Marathon 2026 and Pocari Sweat-Philippines officials during the gathering of Filipino runners hosted by the Ambassador on 26 February 2026 at the Philippine Embassy’s Multi-Purpose Hall.
For the fourth straight year, Philippine Ambassador to Japan Mylene J. Garcia Albano hosted a gathering for Filipino runners in the Tokyo Marathon 2026 on 26 February 2026 at the Philippine Embassy’s Multi-Purpose Hall.
Organized together with Pocari Sweat-Philippines and hosted by Filipino celebrity and marathoner Ms. Rica Peralejo, the meet-and greet-brought together Filipino runners from the Philippines, Middle East, Hong Kong and North America.
Philippine Ambassador to Japan Mylene J. Garcia-Albano delivers her welcome remarks at the gathering of Filipino runners in the Tokyo Marathon.
“This year, we are celebrating the 70th year anniversary of the normalization of the diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Japan, and one of the pillars of our bilateral relations is our strong people-to-people ties. Through the Tokyo Marathon, I hope our Filipino runners will represent the Philippines as goodwill ambassadors by forging deeper friendships and connections with the Japanese people, as well as the international communities participating in the event,” highlighted Ambassador Garcia-Albano in her welcome remarks.
Filipino celebrity and marathoner, Ms. Rica Peralejo, serves as the emcee of the gathering of Filipino runners in the Tokyo Marathon.
Mr. Ken Mendola, founder of the running community, WeKenRun, shares race reminders and tips with the Filipino runners in the Tokyo Marathon.
As part of the carbo-loading activity, a Filipino buffet was prepared by the culinary team of the Ambassador. Bananas, sourced from the Philippines and a staple for marathon participants, were handed out as tokens to the Filipino runners. Race reminders and tips were also shared with the participants by Mr. Ken Mendola, founder of the running community, WeKenRun, during the event.
Philippine Ambassador to Japan Mylene J. Garcia-Albano (center) with Mr. Ken Saito, President of Otsuka-Solar Philippines, Inc., the manufacturer of the Japanese hydration drink, (6th from right); Filipino national athletes Mr. Arlan Arbois Jr. and Ms. Christine Hallasgo (5th and 6th from left respectively); Mr. Ken Mendola, WeKenRun founder; and other Pocari Sweat-Philippines officials during the group’s courtesy call on 26 February 2026.
Following the gathering, Pocari Sweat officials led by Mr. Ken Saito, President of Otsuka-Solar Philippines, Inc., the manufacturer of the Japanese hydration drink, and Filipino national athletes Mr. Arlan Arbois Jr. and Ms. Christine Hallasgo, paid a courtesy call on Ambassador Garcia-Albano where she underscored the importance of health and wellness through sports like marathon. She also expressed her appreciation for Pocari Sweat’s support for Filipino runners in the Tokyo Marathon 2026, and discussed the activities in celebration of the 70th Anniversary, especially for the Filipino Community in Japan. Pocari Sweat was one of the major sponsors of the annual marathon.
Philippine Ambassador to Japan Mylene J. Garcia-Albano leads the Embassy contingent in supporting the Filipino runners during their shakeout run on 28 February 2026. Beside her is Fr. Judee Mar D. Maquinad, Filipino priest who blessed the Filipino runners before the shakeout run.
Ambassador Garcia-Albano also led the Embassy contingent in supporting the Filipino runners during their shakeout run on 28 February 2026 in Ginza, Tokyo, and in the marathon proper on 01 March 2026 that kicked off at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Main Building No.1 in Shinjuku.
First organized in 2007, the Tokyo Marathon is considered one of the major marathons globally. This year’s edition drew more than 38,000 runners from all over the world.
