The Embassy of Japan formally opened the 70th Anniversary of Philippines-Japan Friendship with a jazz concert and reception on January 20 at the Proscenium Theater, Makati City.
Titled “Harmony of Friendship: A Jazz Prelude to 70 Years of Japan-Philippine Ties,” the event was held in partnership with the Japan Foundation Manila (JFM) and Japan Tobacco International (JTI).
Japanese Ambassador Endo Kazuya led the opening reception, followed by Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Undersecretary Maria Theresa B. Dizon-De Vega who led the toast. The event was also attended by First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos, Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Teodoro Herbosa, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ma. Cristina Aldeguer-Roque, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Raphael Lotilla, Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Renato Solidum, Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity Carlito Galvez, Presidential Assistant for Maritime Concerns Andres Centino, and Associate Justice Jose Midas P. Marquez, among others.
In his opening remarks, Ambassador Endo highlighted significant milestones in Japan and the Philippines’ enduring partnership, ranging from developments in economic cooperation to people-to-people exchanges. Dubbing these milestones as “threads” woven into the fabric of Japan and the Philippines’ longstanding friendship, he delved into the rich history of the two nations’ diplomatic relations, dating back to its renewal in 1956.
Together with Japan Airlines Philippines Regional Office General Manager Funabashi Takayuki, Ambassador Endo also recognized Edmon Fuerte, who designed the winning logo commemorating the 70th anniversary.
Formally launching this year’s anniversary celebrations with a jazz concert, Ambassador Endo said, “It is in jazz we find the best virtues of our friendship: in its restless desire to create, collaborate, and harmonize. So let tonight be one of many new threads we contribute to the boundless tapestry of our friendship; one future generations can aspire to cherish and maintain.”
The concert was filled with spectacular performances from the Tokyo-Manila Jazz & Arts Festival Group, featuring a Japan-based Filipina jazz singer and Japanese musicians; including the A.M.P. Big Band as a special guest performer.
