Philippine Ambassador Highlights 70th Anniversary of PH-JP Friendship Through Diplomat’s Eyes Promotional Meeting
Philippine Ambassador to Japan Mylene J. Garcia-Albano (center) with Her Imperial Highness Princess Takamado (on the Ambassador’s left) and the members of the diplomatic corps in Japan during the Philippine Embassy’s hosting of the promotional meeting of the Japan Through Diplomats’ Eyes photography exhibition on 24 March 2026 at the Ambassador’s residence with the “sakura” (cherry blossoms) in bloom.
TOKYO, 07 April 2026 – For the third consecutive year, Philippine Ambassador to Japan Mylene J. Garcia-Albano hosted the promotional meeting of the Japan Through Diplomats’ Eyes photography exhibition on 24 March 2026 at the Ambassador’s residence.
“It is my great honor and privilege to again host the Promotional Meeting of the Japan through Diplomats’ Eyes photography exhibition on a beautiful spring day in this special heritage building, fondly called ‘The Kudan’. Today’s venue has been a witness to Philippines-Japan bilateral relations, most especially in the deepening of our people-to-people exchanges, and this year is extra special as we celebrate 70 years of Philippines-Japan friendship,” stated Ambassador Garcia-Albano during her remarks.
As Guest of Honor, Her Imperial Highness Princess Takamado, Honorary President and Patron of the exhibition, underscored the significance of the exhibition’s 30-year history as a valuable visual record of Japan’s transformation and of how the country is seen through the perspectives of diplomats stationed in Japan.
During the promotional meeting, close to 50 ambassadors and other dignitaries and members of the diplomatic corps were treated to an exquisite fusion of Filipino and Japanese cuisine specially prepared by Davao, Philippines-based wife-and-husband culinary team, Chef Melissa Revilla and Chef David Thien-Chow-Kang.
From left to right: Philippine Ambassador to Japan Mylene J. Garcia-Albano, HIH Princess Takamado (holding the “Asin Tibuok”, an artisanal sea salt from Bohol Island, Philippines whose traditional practice of producing has been included in UNESCO’s list of intangible cultural heritage in need of safeguarding), and Davao, Philippines-based wife-and-husband culinary team, Chef Melissa Revilla and Chef David Thien-Chow-Kang who prepared the exquisite fusion of Filipino and Japanese cuisine during the promotional meeting.
Mr. Ricky Arrangote, Philippine Embassy staff and chef, grates “Asin Tibuok”, an artisanal sea salt from Bohol Island, Philippines whose traditional practice of making has been included in UNESCO’s list of intangible cultural heritage in need of safeguarding, on “leche flan” before being served to enhance its flavor profile.
One of the highlights of the event’s menu was the “leche flan”, a signature Filipino dessert of chilled vanilla and caramel custard with grated “Asin Tibuok”, an artisanal sea salt from Bohol Island, Philippines. The traditional practice of producing “Asin Tibuok” has been included in the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) list of intangible cultural heritage in need of safeguarding.
Mr. Ken Nonaka, owner of Bayanihan Coffee Roasters, prepares the signature 70th Anniversary blend of Philippine coffee from the Mindanao and Cordillera regions for the distinguished guests of the Japan Through Diplomats’ Eyes promotional meeting.
A signature 70th Anniversary blend of Philippine coffee sourced from the Mindanao and Cordillera regions, produced by Filipino-Japanese coffee brand Bayanihan Coffee Roasters, was also served to the guests.
In celebration of National Women’s Month in the Philippines, the promotional meeting also featured an exhibition of paintings and photographic works by the Embassy’s resident artists: Attaché Avela G. Semaña, a gifted painter and member of the Embassy’s Political Section, and Attaché Jackie Lou C. Ong, a recipient of the Prince Takamado Memorial Prize of the Japan Through Diplomats’ Eyes photo exhibition. Ms. Semaña and Ms. Ong also had the honor of personally guiding Her Imperial Highness Princess Takamado through of the exhibition and presenting her with tokens of appreciation featuring their respective artworks.
Philippine Ambassador to Japan Mylene J. Garcia-Albano (2nd from right) HIH Princess Takamado (2nd from left) with Attaché Avela G. Semaña, a gifted painter and member of the Embassy’s Political Section (leftmost), and Attaché Jackie Lou C. Ong, a recipient of the Prince Takamado Memorial Prize of the Japan Through Diplomats’ Eyes photo exhibition (rightmost), at the exhibition of their paintings and photographs during the promotional meeting, held as well in celebration of National Women’s Month in the Philippines.
Members of the diplomatic corps were also presented with 70th Anniversary commemorative tote bags containing curated items for the event including Philippine avocados, snacks and tourism brochures.
Mr. Shinobu Abe, Executive Director of Japan through Diplomats’ Eyes, served as the event’s emcee.
Philippine Ambassador to Japan Mylene J. Garcia-Albano (3rd from left) with HIH Princess Takamado (3rd from right) and the members of the Japan Through Diplomats’ Eyes Executive Committee present during the promotional meeting, namely (from left to right): Ambassador Tadayuki Miyashita, Chief of Protocol of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan; Member of the House of Councillors of Japan and former Foreign Minister of Japan Hirofumi Nakasone as Head of Jury; Moroccan Ambassador Mohammed Rachad Bouhlal as Chairperson; and Venezuelan Ambassador Seiko Ishikawa.
The theme of this year’s exhibition is “Journeys Across Japan – through Diplomats’ Eyes.” The Executive Committee is composed of Her Imperial Highness Princess Takamado; Member of the House of Councillors of Japan and former Foreign Minister of Japan Hirofumi Nakasone, serving as Head of Jury; Moroccan Ambassador Mohammed Rachad Bouhlal as Chairperson; and Ambassador Garcia-Albano, Venezuelan Ambassador Seiko Ishikawa; Luxembourg Ambassador Michel Leesch, and Ambassador Tadayuki Miyashita, Chief of Protocol of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, as members of the committee.
