PH Embassy Promotes Retirement in the Philippines and Filipino Cuisine in Offline Event by Escape From Japan
The delegation of the Philippine Embassy in Japan and the hosts of the YouTube channel Escape from Japan, together with the participants of the Offline Event on 16 April 2026 strike the “Love the Philippines” pose.
TOKYO 27 April 2026 – The Philippine Embassy in Japan showcased the Philippines as a charming retirement destination and gastronomy hub for prospective Japanese migrants at an “Offline Event” organized by YouTube channel Escape from Japan (@nihondassyutu) on 16 April 2026 at Glade Park Omotesando.
During the Offline Event, the Embassy interacted with nearly 70 participants – many of whom are frequent travelers to the Philippines – to introduce retirement opportunities in the country, particularly the Special Resident Retiree Visa (SRRV) program of the Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA), and the country’s natural wonders and rich culture that promote a high quality of life, well-being, and cherish happiness.
Tourism Attaché Niel Ballesteros welcomes the participants to the Offline Event organized by Escape from Japan.
Tourism Attaché Niel Ballesteros welcomed the participants to the program on behalf of Philippine Ambassador to Japan Mylene J. Garcia-Albano, along with Escape from Japan‘s team of hosts led by its founder, Mr. Taiichi Fox.
“On behalf of the Philippine Ambassador, Her Excellency Mylene J. Garcia-Albano, I would like to thank Escape from Japan for inviting us to showcase the Philippines—not just as a destination, but as a potential new home,” Attaché Ballesteros remarked in the program’s opening.
Mr. Yasuhiko YOKOYAMA (right) of the Embassy’s Tourism Section discusses retirement opportunities in the Philippines with Escape from Japan founder, Mr. Taiichi Fox.
The program featured an in-depth presentation and discussion by the Embassy’s Tourism Section, represented by Mr. Yasuhiko YOKOYAMA, elaborating on the requirements and benefits of the SRRV, the Philippines’ innate assets as an ideal destination for long-term stay and retirement, its niche wellness experiences such as hilot and nature resorts, its well-regarded and highly skilled health professionals, and cultural values such as respect for the elderly and hospitality that are shared with Japanese society.
“As we celebrate the 70th anniversary of Philippines-Japan diplomatic relations, we are here to move beyond the typical tourist path. We want to share our ‘culture of happiness’ and explore the possibilities of mutual prosperity,” Attaché Ballesteros added.
The curated Filipino dishes prepared by Japan-based Filipino chefs for the Offline Event.
In celebration of the Philippines’ National Food Month in April 2026, the Embassy presented the best of Filipino cuisine through a unique culinary experience featuring curated dishes prepared by a group of Japan-based Filipino chefs led by Chef Mareve Inomata and joined by chefs Jane Kemmochi, Catherine Aratake, and Michael Apalla.
The team of Japan-based Filipino chefs who participated in the Offline Event (from left to right): Chef Michael Apalla, Chef Jane Kemmochi, Chef Mareve Inomata, and Chef Catherine Aratake.
During the event’s networking and socials, the participants enjoyed a glimpse of the Philippines’ diverse food heritage by sampling fusions of classic Filipino dishes as adobo paté brioche, arroz valencia burrito, pandesal with pork floss, champorado, and fruit-based cocktails.
Tourism Attaché Niel Ballesteros (center), Third Secretary and Vice Consul Antonio Miranda (right), and Mr. Taiichi Fox lead the toast with Filipino-inspired fruit cocktails during the Offline Event.
The participants also actively joined in a trivia game on interesting facts about the Philippines facilitated by First Secretary and Consul Fatima G. Quintin of the Embassy’s Cultural Section.
First Secretary and Consul Fatima Quintin (standing, left) facilitates the trivia game with the participants of the Offline Event.
The Offline Event highlighted the elegance of Philippine performing arts through the enthralling performances by the Tokyo University of Foreign Studies (TUFS) Philippine Dance Group and Filipino enka singer Yolanda Tasico.
The Tokyo University of Foreign Studies (TUFS) Philippine Dance Troupe performs the traditional Tausug “Janggay” dance at the Offline Event.
The event marked the first time for Escape from Japan to invite a diplomatic mission in Japan to promote migration opportunities, and it received the largest participant turnout among the channel’s offline activities.
Created in 2021, Escape from Japan has produced more than 200 videos focusing on overseas migration and travel, based on in-depth interviews with Japanese individuals who have emigrated from Japan. With more than 31,000 subscribers, the channel has featured several countries as well as their visa and immigration regulations, investment climate, and quality of life.
The Embassy delegation distributes souvenir dried mangoes to participants of the Offline Event.
Japan remains among the top contributors to the Philippines’ tourism market, with 504,546 Japanese visitors travelling to the country in 2025.
The requirements and procedures for applying for a Philippine SRRV may be accessed on the PRA’s website.
