PH Embassy Celebrates Independence Day With Filipino Community in Japan
Philippine Ambassador to Japan Mylene J. Garcia-Albano delivers her inspirational speech at the La Independencia de Ilustrados organized by the Philippine Assistance Group (PAG) on 14 June 2026 at Rihga Royal Hotel in Tokyo.
TOKYO, 18 June 2026 – In commemoration of the 128th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence, Philippine Ambassador to Japan Mylene J. Garcia-Albano led the Philippine Embassy’s participation in various Filipino Community celebrations over the weekend.
On 14 June 2026, Ambassador Garcia-Albano served as Guest of Honor at the La Independencia de Ilustrados, organized by the Philippine Assistance Group (PAG), an umbrella organization of Filipino Community groups in Japan, at Rihga Royal Hotel.
Philippine Ambassador to Japan Mylene J. Garcia-Albano (center, seated) leads the Philippine Embassy’s participation at the La Independencia de Ilustrados organized by the Philippine Assistance Group (PAG) on 14 June 2026 at Rihga Royal Hotel. Also in the photo are Ms. Rosalia Susana Bahia-Catapang, Deputy Administrator of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration of the Philippines (OWWA) (left of Ambassador Garcia-Albano), and Philippine Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission Christian L. De Jesus (right of the Ambassador).
The Tokyo University of Foreign Studies Philippine Cultural Dance Troupe performed traditional Filipino dances during the La Independencia de Ilustrados on 14 June 2026 at Rihga Royal Hotel.
Ambassador Garcia-Albano also delivered remarks during the Philippine Independence Day mass celebration and fellowship gathering of the Filipino parishioners of St. Anselm Catholic Meguro Church on the same day. The event was attended by its parish priest, Fr. Antonio Camacho, Fr. Edmund Vergara and other members of the Japanese and international communities.
Philippine Ambassador to Japan Mylene J. Garcia-Albano during her message at the Philippine Independence Day mass celebration and gathering of the Filipino parishioners of St. Anselm Catholic Meguro Church on 14 June 2026.
During both events, Ambassador Garcia-Albano expressed the Embassy’s appreciation for the Filipino Community’s continued efforts to promote Philippine culture and heritage, foster unity among Filipinos, and for their initiatives to uplift the spirit of fellow Filipinos in Japan.
Philippine Ambassador to Japan Mylene J. Garcia-Albano (center) with son, Mr. Rafael Alfredo G. Albano (on her right), Fr. Edmund Vergara (on her left) and the attendees of the Philippine Independence Day mass celebration and gathering of the Filipino parishioners of St. Anselm Catholic Meguro Church on 14 June 2026.
As the celebrations coincided with the 70th Anniversary of the Normalization of Philippines-Japan Diplomatic Relations this year, the Ambassador also underscored the Filipino Community’s important role in further strengthening the bonds of friendship and mutual understanding between the two countries. She also highlighted the milestone anniversary theme of “Weaving the Future Together – Peace, Prosperity, Possibilities”, noting that it fully reflects the important contributions of the Filipino Community in Japan – a community that advocates for peace and harmony; a community that urges and motivates fellow Filipinos and the broader society to succeed in their respective fields; and a community that continues to create new opportunities to further reach their goals and aspirations in the host country.
Philippine Ambassador to Japan Mylene J. Garcia-Albano (2nd from right) with (from left to right) Consul General Shirlene C. Mananquil of the Philippine Consulate General in Nagoya; The Honorable Ichiro Hirosawa, Mayor of Nagoya and The Honorable Jerold B. Peña, Municipal Mayor of San Jose, Camarines Sur, during the Fiesta Filipino Chubu 2026 on 13 June 2026 organized by the Filipino Community Central Japan (FCCJ) at the Hisaya Odori Park in Sakae, Nagoya.
Earlier on 13 June 2026, Ambassador Garcia-Albano also attended as special guest in the Fiesta Filipino Chubu 2026 as Special Guest. The event was organized by the Filipino Community Central Japan (FCCJ) at the Hisaya Odori Park in Sakae, Nagoya, with Consul General Shirlene C. Mananquil of the Philippine Consulate General in Nagoya.
