PH Embassy Celebrates Filipino Food Month and 70th Anniversary of PH-JP Friendship in Azabu Elementary Pinoy Lunch
Philippine Ambassador to Japan Mylene J. Garcia-Albano (left) delivers her message to Azabu Elementary School students during the school’s first-ever “Philippine Day” on 15 April 2026 in celebration of Filipino Food Month in April and the 70th Anniversary of the Normalization of Philippines-Japan Diplomatic Relations.
TOKYO 23 April 2026 – In celebration of April as Filipino Food Month and the 70th Anniversary of the Normalization of Philippines-Japan Diplomatic Relations this year, the Philippine Embassy partnered with Azabu Elementary School for the school’s first-ever “Philippine Day,” featuring a cultural presentation by the Embassy highlighting the commemorative events, and a specially prepared all-Filipino lunch menu for students, teachers and school personnel.
Philippine bananas are presented by Ambassador to Japan Mylene J. Garcia-Albano to the Azabu Elementary School students as a token of appreciation.
“We greatly appreciate the continued support of Azabu Elementary School in showcasing the Philippines’ culinary heritage, in celebration of Filipino Food Month, with some of our well-loved Filipino dishes, specially prepared by the school’s culinary team. Today’s event is also an excellent opportunity to promote Philippine culture and to deepen people-to-people ties through the youth,” remarked Philippine Ambassador Mylene J. Garcia-Albano during the cultural presentation for fifth and sixth grade students.
(Above photos) Philippine Ambassador to Japan Mylene J. Garcia-Albano presents Philippine bananas, and commemorative pins for the 70th Anniversary of the Normalization of Philippines-Japan Diplomatic Relations and Philippines-Japan bilateral pins to Principal Yuichi Hashimoto and Vice Principal Chie Sekiguchi of Azabu Elementary School as tokens of appreciation during the “Philippine Day” on 15 April 2026.
Philippine Ambassador to Japan Mylene J. Garcia-Albano (center) is joined by Principal Yuichi Hashimoto and Vice Principal Chie Sekiguchi of Azabu Elementary School (3rd and 2nd from left, respectively), together with Embassy personnel namely (from left to right): Vice Consul Antonio Emmanuel R. Miranda, Consul Fatima G. Quintin, Consul Alvin C. Malasig, and interpreter, Ms. Chihiro Watanabe.
Ambassador Garcia-Albano was warmly welcomed by school officials led by Principal Yuichi Hashimoto, who expressed his appreciation to the Embassy for the “Philippine Day” event and for its close collaboration with the school in strengthening cultural understanding between the Philippines and Japan.
Philippine Ambassador to Japan Mylene J. Garcia-Albano joins fourth-grade students of Azabu Elementary School for a special Filipino lunch in celebration of the Filipino Food Month and 70th Anniversary of the Normalization of the Philippines-Japan Diplomatic Relations.
Ambassador Garcia-Albano had the opportunity to enjoy the special Filipino lunch with fourth grade students who enthusiastically interacted with her. The menu featured chicken adobo, considered as the Philippines’ unofficial national dish cooked in vinegar, soy sauce and garlic; nilaga, a hearty soup with meat and vegetables; and turon or deep-fried banana wrapped in spring roll wrapper and deep-fried to a golden crisp. Many students expressed their enjoyment of the dishes, with some requesting for second servings, especially of the turon.
The special Filipino lunch featuring “adobo”, “turon” and “nilaga”.
Fourth grade students request second servings (or “okawari” in Japanese) of Filipino dishes during the “Philippine Day” at Azabu Elementary School.
As tokens of appreciation, Philippine bananas, currently holding 75 percent market share in Japan, and commemorative 70th Anniversary stickers were presented by Ambassador Garcia-Albano to the students of Azabu Elementary School.
(Above photos) Philippine Ambassador to Japan Mylene J. Garcia-Albano personally distributed Philippine bananas and 70th Anniversary commemorative stickers to the fourth-grade students of Azabu Elementary School, affixed 70th Anniversary stamps on the students’ notebooks, and wrote individual thank-you messages to the students.
A special 70th Anniversary commemorative stamp was also made available to the students during “Philippine Day,” with Ambassador Garcia-Albano personally affixing the stamps on the students’ notebooks. A dedicated stamp corner was installed in the school for the week to allow all students to avail of the special anniversary stamp.
The notice for the stamp on the 70th Anniversary of the Normalization of Philippines-Japan Friendship at the stamp corner of Azabu Elementary School.
The theme of this year’s Filipino Food Month, “Connected by Taste: The Filipino Food in the Flavors of ASEAN” highlights how Filipino cuisine reflects the Philippines’ shared heritage with Southeast Asia while showcasing the unique flavors that define Filipino identity.
The Philippine Embassy continues to organize various activities throughout the year to commemorate the 70th Anniversary, including school-based events that highlight the enduring friendship and strong people-to-people ties between the Philippines and Japan.
