Philippine Ambassador to Japan Mylene J. Garcia-Albano delivers opening remarks at the welcome dinner for over 200 participants in the 16th Asian Regional Conference of Ikebana International in Manila on 01 October 2026. (Photo courtesy of Ikebana International Manila Chapter 108)

MANILA, 26 October 2026 – Philippine Ambassador to Japan Mylene J. Garcia-Albano warmly welcomed the delegates to the 16th Asian Regional Conference of Ikebana International that took place in Manila on 01-04 October 2026 during the event’s welcome dinner. Ambassador Garcia-Albano participated in the gathering in her capacity as Chair of the upcoming Ikebana International – Tokyo Founding Chapter International Fair 2026, which will be held in Tokyo in December 2026.

This year’s four-day regional conference was hosted by Ikebana International Manila Chapter 108, led by its President, Ms. Leny R. Fabul, in cooperation with the Cagayan de Oro Chapter 163, Cebu Chapter 145, and Davao Chapter 133. The event brought together more than 200 delegates from across Asia, united by Ikebana International’s mission to foster friendship, cultural understanding, and artistic excellence through the universal language of floral art.

In her welcome remarks, Ambassador Garcia-Albano highlighted the significance of the Philippines’ hosting of the conference during the 70th Anniversary of the Normalization of Diplomatic Relations between the Philippines and Japan.

The Ambassador also reflected on the conference theme, “Sama-sama,” a Filipino word that encapsulates the spirit of togetherness. “In the same way that we arrange a wide array of flowers, branches, and stems to create a single masterpiece, sama-sama reminds us that our unique cultural backgrounds, when carefully brought together, create a harmonious force that contributes to the realization of Ikebana International’s vision,” the Ambassador said.

Ambassador Garcia-Albano (center) with Iemoto (Grand Master) of the Ohara School Headmaster Hiroki OHARA (left), and Ikebana International President Chisato OBIKANE (right) during the opening ceremony of the regional conference. (Photo courtesy of Ikebana International Manila Chapter 108)

Leading up to the regional conference, the Philippine Embassy in Japan hosted two (2) key events for Ikebana International – Tokyo Founding Chapter. These included an informational briefing for Embassies participating in the Ikebana International Fair 2026 held on 17 September 2026 at the Ambassador’s Official Residence, followed by the chapter’s general meeting on 24 September 2026 at the Embassy’s Multi-Purpose Hall.

These engagements reflect the Embassy’s continued support for cultural diplomacy and its commitment to promoting stronger Philippines-Japan relations through artistic and people-to-people exchanges.

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