Philippine Embassy Showcases “All Things Filipino” To Minato City Students at Embassy Kids Day
Philippine Ambassador to Japan Mylene J. Garcia-Albano spent time with Minato City students during the “Embassy Day for Kids” held on 11 February 2026 at the Philippine Embassy. The activity was organized by the Minato City Government in partnership with the Embassy.
TOKYO, 24 February 2026 – As part of its cultural and public diplomacy program, the Philippine Embassy in Japan hosted students from Minato City for a day filled with activities highlighting Philippine culture, cuisine and heritage during the inaugural Embassy Kids Day organized by the Minato City Government on 11 February 2026.
The Philippine cultural presentation featured an interactive food demonstration centered on lumpiang sariwa, or fresh Filipino spring rolls. Using delicate, crêpe-like wrappers filled with sautéed vegetables, seasoned meat, and a savory sauce, students had the opportunity not only to learn about this well-loved Filipino dish but also to prepare and enjoy it themselves.
The Philippine Embassy team demonstrated how to make “lumpiang sariwa” or fresh Filipino spring roll during the interactive food preparation.
“The Embassy is pleased that you spent the day at the Chancery and had the opportunity to learn more about the Philippines’ rich culture and heritage, its cuisine and tourist destinations, as well as the work we undertake here at the Embassy. As we commemorate the 70th anniversary of Philippines–Japan friendship this year, may this Embassy Kids Day further contribute to deeper cultural understanding between our two countries and foster greater appreciation of diverse cultures,” said Philippine Ambassador Mylene J. Garcia-Albano in her message to the students.
The participants of the “Embassy Day for Kids” enjoyed a Filipino buffet lunch.
The Minato City students with the Philippine Embassy team and representatives from the Minato City Government during the Filipino buffet lunch.
The Minato City students, composed of children aged 8 to 10, were treated to a Filipino buffet-style lunch of chicken adobo (a classic dish simmered in vinegar, soy sauce, and garlic), sinigang na hipon (sour and savory soup with shrimp and vegetables) and Philippine mango and banana-based desserts.
Other cultural immersion activities included a workshop on basic Philippine weaving techniques, a first for the students; a short Filipino language lesson; and a group game which encouraged their bayanihan or community spirit.
The Minato City students were taught basic Philippine weaving techniques.
A guided tour of Sentro Rizal–Tokyo, the Embassy’s library and cultural hub, was also organized as part of the program. Students were likewise shown various areas of the Chancery, including the Consular Services Section, providing them with a glimpse into the Embassy’s daily operations and the services it renders to the Filipino community and the public.
Philippine Ambassador to Japan Mylene J. Garcia-Albano extended her appreciation to the students of Minato City who participated in the “Embassy Day for Kids” as well as the Minato City Government during her message.
Following the activity, Ambassador Garcia-Albano presented tokens of appreciation to the students, including Philippine bananas, which are well-loved in Japan.
The Embassy Day for Kids is a flagship project of the Minato City Government, conducted in partnership with embassies located in Minato City. The program provides students with firsthand exposure to different cultures and languages, with the aim of deepening their understanding of diversity and multiculturalism.
