Sentro Rizal-Tokyo Features “Narratives of Time: Weaving Stories Into Watchmaking”
Filipino watchmaker Francisco “Nico” Moreno, Jr. shared his journey during “Narratives of Time: Weaving Stories into Watchmaking,” held on 25 March 2025 at the Philippine Embassy in Japan.
TOKYO, 27 March 2025 – The Philippine Embassy in Japan, through Sentro Rizal-Tokyo, successfully hosted “Narratives of Time: Weaving Stories into Watchmaking,” a landmark event celebrating Filipino artistry and craftsmanship in watchmaking and horology. The gathering featured Filipino watchmaker Francisco “Nico” Moreno Jr., founder of Ibarra Watches.
The Embassy’s Chargé d’Affaires, a.i. (CDA), Mr. Christian L. De Jesus, welcomed guests on behalf of Philippine Ambassador to Japan Mylene Garcia-Albano. In his remarks, CDA De Jesus noted that the event was the first of its kind organized by the Embassy to showcase Filipino creativity and innovation in the field of watchmaking. He highlighted how timepieces serve not only as functional objects but as vessels of history, tradition and cultural identity.
The program featured an engaging presentation by Mr. Moreno, who shared his journey as a Filipino watchmaker navigating between Manila and Tokyo. He provided little-known insights into the history of the Philippine watch industry, the intricate art of handcrafting timepieces—exemplified by the Kaminari—and the inspirations behind his latest creation, Gran Luz for Ibarra Watches. His dedication to craftsmanship and continuous learning in Japan underscored the strong cultural and creative ties between the Philippines and Japan.
Charge d’Affaires, a.i. Christian L. de Jesus (right) and Mr. Francisco “Nico” Moreno, Jr. (left) at Sentro Rizal -Tokyo during “Narratives of Time: Weaving Stories into Watchmaking,” held on 25 March 2025 at the Philippine Embassy in Japan.
“Watches still have a place on our wrist today. More than telling the time, it carries the soul, thoughts, and stories of its creator. Let’s also tell the stories,” he concluded.
Following the presentation, a lively Q&A session allowed guests to delve deeper into the artistry and technical aspects of watchmaking. Members of the diplomatic corps and the Filipino community in Tokyo attended the event.
Ambassador Garcia-Albano expressed support for the event, stating, “The Philippine Embassy hopes that ‘Narratives of Time’ will pave the way for more initiatives that celebrate Filipino talent in underrepresented fields. We hope that this will inspire more Filipinos to pursue and elevate their craft, and we look forward to fostering even more collaborations between the Philippines and Japan.”
“Narratives of Time: Weaving Stories into Watchmaking” was organized through Sentro Rizal-Tokyo, the Philippine Embassy’s cultural arm dedicated to promoting Philippine arts, history, and language in Japan. Named after the country’s national hero, Dr. José Rizal, Sentro Rizal serves as a hub for cultural exchange, ensuring that the richness of Filipino heritage is shared with audiences worldwide.
Mr. Francisco “Nico” Moreno, Jr. presented his watches, sharing his experience in creating each timepiece.
