Philippine Embassy Honors Filipino Teachers in Japan at Gala Celebrating 70th Anniversary of PH-JP Friendship
Deputy Chief of Mission Christian de Jesus (center) of the Philippine Embassy in Japan leads the toast at the “Mabuhay Ka, Sensei!” gala event for Filipino teachers in Japan on 11 October 2026 at Hotel Metropolitan Tokyo in Ikebukuro. Also in the photo are Ms. Chris Kushihara, President of the Japan Philippine Cultural Exchange Organization (left), and Mr. Shinichi Hirata, President of Filipino English Teachers in Japan (right).
TOKYO, 19 October 2026 – As part of the commemoration of the 70th Anniversary of the Normalization of Philippines-Japan Diplomatic Relations in 2026, the Philippine Embassy in Japan, through the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) – Tokyo, organized the “Mabuhay Ka, Sensei!” gala event honoring Filipino teachers in Japan on 11 October 2026 at Hotel Metropolitan Tokyo in Ikebukuro.
“Tonight, we give recognition to our Filipino teachers and educators in Japan. Your contribution goes beyond teaching in the classroom. Every day, you introduce your students to another culture, build connections with Japanese colleagues and communities, and show through your work the talent, professionalism, warmth, and dedication of the Filipino people. These efforts have further strengthened people-to-people ties between the Philippines and Japan, and are a true testament of our two countries’ enduring friendship,” Philippine Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission Christian de Jesus said in his remarks delivered on behalf of Philippine Ambassador to Japan Mylene J. Garcia-Albano.
Filipino teachers in Japan share their stories, challenges and achievements during the gala event. Above photo: Ms. Aurora Dobashi, Founder of the Filipino English Teachers in Japan (FETJ)-Global.
Filipino teachers in Japan share their stories, challenges and achievements during the gala event. Above photo: Mr. Veo Peralta, National Training Director of FETJ-Global.
Filipino teachers in Japan share their stories, challenges and achievements during the gala event. Above photo: Mr. Julius June Veloso, President of the Philippines–Japan Teachers Association (PJTA).Filipino teachers in Japan share their stories, challenges and achievements during the gala event. Above photo: Mr. Julius June Veloso, President of the Philippines–Japan Teachers Association (PJTA).
Filipino teachers in Japan share their stories, challenges and achievements during the gala event. Above photo: Ms. Venus Hannah Galvez.
Filipino teachers in Japan share their stories, challenges and achievements during the gala event. Above photo: Ms. Sheka Placido.
The event recognized the invaluable contributions and achievements of Filipino educators in Japan and featured testimonies and cultural performances from representatives of participating organizations, including the Filipino English Teachers in Japan (FETJ)-Global, Japan Philippine Cultural Exchange Organization (JPCEO), and Philippines–Japan Teachers Association (PJTA).
Above photos: Cultural performances by representatives of participating organizations.
Labor Attaché Ramon Lamberto C. Pastrana (rightmost) of MWO-Tokyo led the awarding of certificates of appreciation to the partner entities, including Smiles Mobile Remittance.
Above photos: Scenes from the “Mabuhay ka, Sensei!” gala.
Close to 300 Filipino teachers and educators attended the event, together with representatives of partner organizations.
Group photo during the “Mabuhay Ka, Sensei!” gala event.
Labor Attaché Ramon Lamberto C. Pastrana and Welfare Officer Geronico M. Herrera led the Embassy coordinating committee for the “Mabuhay Ka, Sensei!” gala event.
