The gathering among prominent business leaders, diplomats, friends, and family filled the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, with a renewed spirit of fellowship, great synergy, and festive ambiance at the 44th Philippines-Japan Friendship Celebration Awards Night on July 21, 2025. The highlight of the evening was the conferment of the prestigious 44^th Philippines-Japan Society Medal of Merit on Mr. Roberto Jose “Bobby” L. Castillo, former President and CEO of EEI Corporation.

The program commenced with the singing of the national anthems of the Philippines and Japan, followed by opening remarks from PJS President Francis C. Laurel, who honored the enduring and deepening relations between the Philippines and Japan, which were further galvanized through the efforts of Mr. Castillo during his days as Chairman of PHILJEC. Congratulatory and solidarity messages were also delivered by H.E. Kazuya Endo, Ambassador Extraordinary & Plenipotentiary of Japan to the Philippines, and Ambassador Makoto Katsura, President of the Philippine Society of Japan.

As the final course was served, the night transitioned into its ceremonial highlight with Atty. Maria Melva E. Valdez, PJS Corporate Secretary, read the citation honoring Mr. Castillo. It highlighted the instrumental role of Mr. Castillo in actively fostering partnerships and collaborations on economic progress and development beneficial to both countries, thereby strengthening Philippines-Japan relations. 

The full citation can be viewed here. 

PJS President Francis C. Laurel, assisted by Vice-President Mr. Gerard B. Sanvictores, donned the medal of merit and plaque containing the citation to Mr. Castillo, who wholeheartedly accepted. This was followed by a commemorative photo session.

Photos can be viewed here.

As the evening drew to a graceful close, Mr. Castillo stood on the stage with deepest appreciation. He spoke with warmth and genuine joy about the honor bestowed upon him, fondly recalling his experiences working with Japanese companies and later extended to meaningful engagements with Japanese government officials. Such interactions furtherly developed his role in trade between the Philippines and Japan.

“I would visit Japanese companies like Suzuki Motors, Mitsubishi, Fujitsu, Fuji Denki, Sanden, Nippon Denso, and many many more to invite them to come to the Philippines.  It took a lot of convincing because we were having eight hours of power outages during that time.  We asked them to come with their power generators to establish factories here…… and they came!”

“My friendships with Japanese executives and government officials blossomed further with my involvement in PHILJEC-JPECC during the many trade meetings we held between Japan and the Philippines. I would like to tell you that I cherish those relationships in my heart. As truly, it was built on mutual respect and understanding.”

Read the full acceptance speech here.

The evening was serenaded by the awe-inspiring melodies of the LG Strings Trio.

Atty. Carrie Bee C. Hao served as the Master of Ceremonies.

References:
Opening Remarks of Mr. Francis C. Laurel
Greetings by H.E. Endo Kazuya
Citation of the Medal of Merit
Acceptance Speech of Mr. Castillo
Photos