Spotlight on Philippine History and Heritage During Japanese Culture Group’s Visit to Historic Kudan
Philippine Ambassador Mylene J. Garcia-Albano (seated, center right) with participants of the NHK Culture Center’s “Visiting Embassy” program, led by Ms. Junko Katano (seated, center left), during the cultural presentation on 26 August 2025 at the residence of the Ambassador of the Republic of the Philippines to Japan.
TOKYO, 01 September – In celebration of National History Month and Buwan ng Wika or National Language Month in the Philippines, the Philippine Embassy hosted the participants of the NHK Culture Center’s “Visiting Embassy” program on 26 August 2025 at the Official Residence of the Ambassador of the Republic of the Philippines in the Center’s first-ever collaboration with the Embassy to promote Philippine culture, history and heritage.
“I warmly welcome you to the historic residence of the Philippine Ambassador to Japan, fondly called The Kudan. This special heritage building is the first site outside the Philippines to be designated as a National Historical Landmark by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines. I hope that today’s event deepens your appreciation of the vibrancy of Philippine history, language, culture, and traditions,” said Philippine Ambassador to Japan Mylene J. Garcia-Albano as she received the all-Japanese delegation.
The program featured a video presentation on the historical landmarks and must-see destinations in the Philippines, and an interactive language activity where participants learned useful Filipino words and phrases. Many of the participants immediately put these into practice, chiming “salamat”, “paalam” and other Filipino terms throughout the cultural activity.
Philippine Ambassador Mylene J. Garcia-Albano highlighted the Philippines’ textile heritage through the piña cloth, which was spotlighted during the embroidery workshop, and which she herself wore during the event.
A highlight of the program was a hands-on workshop on the Philippines’ renowned piña cloth, a textile made from woven pineapple fibers. Using embroidery kits prepared for the occasion, participants tried their hand at traditional stitching. Ambassador Garcia-Albano herself wore piña to underscore the Philippines’ textile heritage.
Participants enjoyed the embroidery workshop featuring the Philippines’ own piña cloth made from woven pineapple fibers.
As history and cultural heritage also extend to cuisine, following the workshop, the latest episode of “Flavors of Filipino Cuisine – Lutong Bahay ni Mama Sita sa Japan” was launched through the Embassy’s Office of the Agricultural Attaché. The selection of traditional Filipino dishes featured in the cooking video were also served at the Filipino lunch buffet specially prepared by Japan-based Filipino chef, Ms. Loida Ozaki, who appeared as the guest chef in the episode. Many of the participants noted that it was their first time to try Filipino cuisine.
The NHK Culture Center’s “Visiting Embassy” program participants were in awe of the Filipino cuisine prepared by Japan-based Filipino chef, Ms. Loida Ozaki.
Ms. Junko Katano, representing the NHK Culture Center, expressed appreciation for the Embassy’s warm hospitality and looked forward to further collaborations to strengthen people-to-people ties between the Philippines and Japan while promoting Philippine culture and the arts.
Philippine Ambassador Mylene J. Garcia-Albano (left) with Japan-based Filipino Chef, Ms. Loida Ozaki (center), and Ms. Maria Alilia G. Maghirang, Agricultural Attaché of the Philippine Embassy.
As a parting token, Philippine-made bags were given to the NHK Culture Center attendees after the program.
Attendees of the cultural presentation receive Philippine-made bags as tokens as they exit the event.
The NHK Culture Center provides unique learning opportunities to the Japanese public and has organized visits to nearly 50 diplomatic missions under its monthly “Visiting Embassy” program.
View the latest episode of “Flavors of Filipino Cuisine – Lutong Bahay ni Mama Sita sa Japan” via Youtube at: https://youtu.be/0uGqKcAxzFA?si=ou6nl7jf860bAOLZ.
