Philippine Embassy Hosts Exclusive Banana Afternoon Tea in Tokyo
Philippine Ambassador to Japan Mylene J. Garcia-Albano (front, 5th from right) and Department of Agriculture (DA) Assistant Secretary Allen Anarna (front, 6th from right) with the guests and chefs of ANA InterContinental Hotel Tokyo at the Banana Afternoon Tea, 25 September 2024.
TOKYO, 25 September 2024 – In celebration of one of the Philippines’ most prominent agricultural exports, the Philippine Embassy in Japan hosted the first-ever Banana Afternoon Tea in Tokyo on 25 September 2024 at The Steakhouse, ANA Intercontinental Hotel Tokyo. This exclusive event highlighted the versatility, superior quality, and distinct flavor of Philippine bananas, a staple export highly favored in Japan.
Organized in partnership with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), the Department of Agriculture (DA), and the Philippine Department of Tourism-Tokyo (PDOT-Tokyo), with the support of the Japan Banana Importers Association (JBIA), the Banana Afternoon Tea aimed to reinforce the agricultural bond between the Philippines and Japan while celebrating their cultural connections through the shared experience of food.
Guests enjoyed a curated menu featuring banana-infused delicacies, ranging from pastries and beverages to savory bites, demonstrating the culinary potential of Philippine bananas in international cuisine.
Ambassador Mylene Garcia-Albano encouraged guests to explore diverse and tasty options for enjoying Philippine bananas at the first Banana Afternoon Tea held on 25 September 2024 at The Steakhouse, ANA Intercontinental Hotel Tokyo.
“The Banana Afternoon Tea provided a platform not only to showcase our premier agricultural product but also to share a piece of Philippine culture with our Japanese friends,” said Philippine Ambassador Mylene J. Garcia-Albano. “Bananas are just one of the many treasures of our country, and we are excited to see them appreciated in new, creative ways here in Japan.”
The Philippines stands as one of the world’s largest producers of bananas, with Japan being its leading international market. Nearly 80% of Japan’s fresh banana imports come from the Philippines. The banana industry, based mainly in Mindanao, plays a crucial role in the Philippine economy, generating approximately 700,000 jobs and serving as a major driver of growth and development in the region. END
Mr. Alexander Hirano, manager of The Steakhouse greeted and thanked the guests for joining this unique and elegant event highlighting the versatility of Philippine bananas.
