Celebrating 50 years of friendship

Since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Japan in 1956, cooperative partnership has remained harmonious and stable. This has been characterized by numerous exchanges of visits that express the importance of the relationship in all aspects of mutual cooperation.

The focused Tourism Secretary Joseph Ace Durano and the highly respected Philippine Ambassador to Japan Domingo Siazon and his wife Kazuko Siazon drew a large gathering of guests at the Grand Ballroom of the Hilton Hotel, Tokyo recently in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Japan and the celebration of Philippine Japan Friendship Year.

Guests of honor were their Imperial Highnesses Prince Hitachi, the younger brother of Emperor Akihito, and his wife Princess Hitachi. Both are currently presidents of various societies concerned with international exchanges, the disabled, and the conservation of nature.

Ambassador Siazon delivered the welcome remarks, which touched the two countries’ shared values, respect for human rights, freedom of religions, and a free market system. He implored the assistance of everyone present to enhance a better future for the Philippines and Japan in a prosperous and peaceful East Asia.

Prince Hitachi, likewise acknowledged that the relationship between the two nations has greatly developed and expanded, becoming important partners in trade and investments, tourism and culture.

Secretary Durano expounded on the peoples’ stronger relations through the years, not only by mutual interests in tourism and culture, trade and investments, but more importantly and significantly by the strength of friendship and cooperation both countries enjoy today.

Secretary Durano also spoke on the intensified Philippine promotions in Japan with its latest campaign, "Philippines, Wellness from the Inside Out," a new campaign slogan that caters to the priorities of Japanese women, such as health, beauty, and mind. Japanese top model Anna Watanabe was tapped as an icon and ambassador of goodwill.

Guests enjoyed truly delectable Filipino cuisine that included kinilaw na tuna and sariwang lumpia as entrée, tinolang manok for soup, and for the main dish our very own bistek Cebuano. Dessert consisted of leche flan na may mangga at bayabas with ube ice cream.

The Philippine Cultural Dance Troupe of the Tokyo University of Foreign Studies, who performed popular dances such as the singkil, tinikling, and pastores de Talisay, provided lively entertainment.

Jon Joven, an international Broadway actor and singer, together with Rachelle Gerodias, an ALIW awardee for Best Female Classical artist, performed a moving interpretation of the The Prayer, which was popularized by Andrea Bocelli, Be My Love by Mario Lanza, and a heartwarming rendition of the Philippine patriotic song Bayan Ko.