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OPENING REMARKS

45th Philippines-Japan Friendship Celebration and Awards Night

Welcome to the 45th Philippines-Japan Friendship Celebration Awards Night.

This year, 2026, marks the 70th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Japan. We have enjoyed seven decades of uninterrupted peace with Japan. We congratulate our leaders, past and present, for their dedication and commitment in sustaining 70 years of peaceful and economically beneficial coexistence.

Tonight, we give recognition to a man who has dedicated 34 years of his life in educating young Filipinos the Japanese language. We pay tribute to a man who is the epitome of selflessness and perseverance. The Philippines-Japan is indeed fortunate to have been gifted with a man with humility and knowledge. We are truly blessed.

As we celebrate the seven decades of friendship with Japan, we must continue to remind ourselves that such a relationship carries with it the responsibility of sustaining the trust and transparency that goes with it. As friends, let us work for a stronger and brighter future to assure ourselves and the ASEAN in general, for the peace and posterity of our region and the world as a whole. True friends are very difficult to find; nurturing it is even harder. It is in this light that we find our celebration tonight truly meaningful.

Before I close, let me express my gratitude to all of you gathered tonight to witness this historic event. I extend my thanks to the Embassy of Japan for your steadfast support to all the activities of our Society and all of its affiliate organizations. I likewise wish to thank the Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Manila, and the Manila Japanese Association, for its consistent assistance for all of our endeavors over the last 45 years. To our hardworking staff at the Philippines-Japan Friendship Foundation and the Philippines-Japan Society, thank you for your quiet yet effective dedication. Tonight’s celebration would not have been successful without all of you working as a team.

Maraming Salamat po!

Mabuhay ang Japan!
Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!

Francis C. Laurel
President, The Philippines-Japan Society, Inc.

15 July 2026
Grand Hyatt Manila, BGC