Philippine Ambassador to Japan Mylene J. Garcia-Albano (4th from left) and notable officials of the Japanese Government lead the celebration of the 126th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence on 12 June 2024 in Tokyo, Japan. (From left) The Honorable Natsuo Yamaguchi, Chief Representative of Komeito; the Honorable Masahito Moriyama, Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology; the Honorable Yoko Kamikawa, Minister of Foreign Affairs; Ambassador Mylene J. Garcia-Albano; the Honorable Minoru Kiharu, Minister of Defense; and the Honorable Hiroshi Moriyama, Chairman of the Japan-Philippines Parliamentary Friendship League.

TOKYO, 13 June 2024 – “Today, Filipinos around the world remember the unwavering spirit and sacrifices of our forefathers whose courage and determination won the freedoms we now enjoy,” said Philippine Ambassador to Japan Mylene Garcia-Albano as she officially opened the diplomatic reception in honor of the 126^th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence held at the Imperial Hotel Tokyo on 12 June 2024.

With the theme of this year’s celebration, “Kalayaan. Kinabukasan. Kasaysayan,” (Freedom, Future, History), the Ambassador encouraged fellow Filipinos to draw inspiration from their rich history, uphold national core values, and stride confidently into the ways of the future, including fostering stronger ties between the Philippines and Japan.

“It is also an occasion to celebrate the enduring and ever-strengthening partnership between the Philippines and Japan—a partnership that has transformed and grown over the years, driven by mutual respect, shared values, and a common vision for the future,” Ambassador Garcia-Albano further stated.

In her congratulatory remarks, Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa highlighted significant advancements in the strategic partnership between Japan and the Philippines, including Japan’s extensive support for Philippine infrastructure projects, progress in security and defense cooperation, and increased people-to-people exchanges.

“Japan and the Philippines, neighbors linked by the ocean, are strategic partners. Looking back on the past year, cooperation between Japan and the Philippines has developed dramatically in a wide range of areas, including through mutual visits by the leaders of our two countries and meetings between Secretary Manalo and myself,” Minister Kamikawa said.

Ambassador Garcia-Albano and Japanese Minister of Defense Minoru Kihara led everyone in a toast to the continued strength of Philippines-Japan relations, and to the prosperity and well-being of both nations.

Other special guests included the Honorable Hiroshi Moriyama, Chairman of the Japan-Philippines Parliamentary Friendship League; the Honorable Natsuo Yamaguchi, Chief Representative of Komeito; and the Honorable Masahito Moriyama, Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology.

The event also served as a vibrant showcase of Philippine culture and craftsmanship.

Pianist Kate Henry and the GC Ensemble regaled the guests with repertoires spanning classical masterpieces to contemporary Filipino compositions.

An exhibit of the iconic Barong Tagalog, the traditional Filipino formal attire made from lightweight, translucent fabrics such as piña (pineapple fabric) or jusi (silk organza), adorned with intricate hand-embroidered motifs, highlighted the dynamic evolution of men’s fashion in the Philippines. The exhibit featured the creations of Filipino designers Puey Quiñones, Ched Dalogaog, Kelvin Morales, JC Buendia, Randy Ortiz, Rajo Laurel, Steve De Leon, Wilson Limon, RJ Santos, Philip Rodriguez, Rene Salud, Barge Ramos, and Joey Samson.

The Office of the Agricultural Attaché presented a variety of Philippine fruits, including bananas, mangoes, pineapples, papayas, durian, and banana blossoms, delighting guests with the freshness and diversity of Philippine produce. As a special treat, guests were given fresh pineapples to take home.

The Philippine Trade and Investment Center exhibited products made of abaca fiber sourced from the Bicol region, demonstrating the versatility and quality of this sustainable material.

Meanwhile, the Tourism Office shared comprehensive information on the Philippines’ must-visit locations.

As a souvenir, guests received a handwoven shawl crafted by the Damilag Weavers Association, composed mainly of Ata women. The Ata, or Ata Manobo, are an indigenous people from Davao province, renowned for their exceptional weaving skills.

During this Independence Day, the Consular Section of the Philippine Embassy in Tokyo remained open to ensure uninterrupted services for its clients.

Annually observed on June 12th, Philippine Independence Day commemorates the country’s historic proclamation of freedom from Spanish colonial rule in 1898, marking the birth of Asia’s first republic.

Ambassador Mylene J. Garcia-Albano underscores the robust and wide-ranging cooperation between the Philippines and Japan at the Philippine Independence Day reception on 12 June 2024 in Tokyo. Onstage is the Guest of Honor, the Honorable Yoko Kamikawa, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Japan.

Philippine Ambassador to Japan Mylene J. Garcia-Albano (4th from left) and notable officials of the Japanese Government lead the celebratory toast at the reception in honor of the 126th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence on 12 June 2024 in Tokyo, Japan. (From left) The Honorable Natsuo Yamaguchi, Chief Representative of Komeito; the Honorable Masahito Moriyama, Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology; the Honorable Yoko Kamikawa, Minister of Foreign Affairs; Ambassador Mylene J. Garcia-Albano; the Honorable Minoru Kiharu, Minister of Defense; and the Honorable Hiroshi Moriyama, Chairman of the Japan-Philippines Parliamentary Friendship League.

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