43rd Philippines-Japan Friendship Celebration and Posthumous Conferment of The Philippines-Japan Society Medal of Merit

October 10, 2024by secretariat in PJS tagged 43rd Awarding Ceremony, 43rd Medal of Merit, Akie Abe, PJS, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe

The Philippines-Japan Society, Inc. (PJS) held the 43^rd Philippines-Japan Friendship Celebration and Awards Luncheon on September 26, 2024 at the Grand Hyatt Manila, BGC, Taguig. The highlight of this annual event was the conferment upon the late Prime Minister Shinzo Abe The Philippines-Japan Society Medal of Merit for his outstanding achievements in the promotion of Philippines-Japan relations.

Mr. Francis C. Laurel, President of the Philippines-Japan Society, delivered the opening remarks, reflecting on the enduring legacy of Prime Minister Abe and his contributions to strengthening relations between the two countries. Greetings were likewise extended by H.E. Mylene J. Garcia-Albano, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Philippines to Japan, and H.E. Kazuya Endo, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the Philippines.

A special highlight of the luncheon was a presentation on the 2025 Osaka World EXPO by Ambassador Koji Haneda, former Ambassador of Japan to the Philippines and currently the Commissioner General of the World Exposition. Moreover, a video on an activity of the Oita National College of Technology – an awardee of the Foundation for Encouragement of Social Contribution, which is an advocacy of Madame Akie Abe – was presented.

A citation accompanying the Medal of Merit was read by Mr. Gerard B. Sanvictores, Vice-President of the Philippines-Japan Society, whereupon the Philippines-Japan Society Medal of Merit was posthumously conferred on the late Prime Minister of Japan Shinzo Abe, which was received by his wife, Madame Akie Abe.

In her heartfelt response, Madame Abe expressed her gratitude for the honor bestowed on her late husband and shared vision of Prime Minister Abe of a strong and enduring partnership between the two nations. Her words stirred the hearts of the audience whose presence paid tribute to the legacy of a great Japanese statesman who distinctively paved the way for what is now known as the ‘Golden Age of Philippines-Japan relations’.

Copies of the speeches and video presentations may be accessed through the following links.

References:
Program
Opening Remarks by Mr. Francis C. Laurel
Greetings by H. E. Mylene J. Garcia-Albano
Greetings by H. E. ENDO Kazuya
Greetings by Amb. KATSURA Makoto
Message from Amb. HANEDA Koji
Medal of Merit Citation
Response of Mrs. ABE Akie
Photos
Osaka Expo 2025 Promotional Video
Video Presentation by Foundation for Encouragement of Social Contribution

PJS holds Welcome Reception for H.E. Endo Kazuya

April 23, 2024by secretariat in PJS tagged ENDO Kazuya, Welcome Reception

The Philippines-Japan Society, Inc. (PJS) held a welcome reception for the newly appointed Japan Ambassador to the Philippines, His Excellency Endo Kazuya last April 19, 2024 at the Grand Pavilion of the Grand Hyatt Manila in Bonifacio Global City.

Mr. Francis C. Laurel, PJS President, welcomed Amb. Endo in the opening remarks he gave to start the event. H.E. Endo, delivered a message to the attendees as a response to the reception.

Amb. Endo highlighted in his speech the extent of the flourishing partnership the Philippines and Japan have cultivated through the years, from economy, people to people exchanges, and at present extending to defense and security. He expressed his wish for the strong bond between the two countries to reach greater heights, “As our strategic partnership continues to evolve, I hope to find in every one of you a partner in building a more prosperous and sustainable future for our people.” In closing his message, he acknowledged the efforts and support of the people involved in the continuous growth of the Philippines and Japan’s partnership, “I would like to express my deep appreciation to all of you in this room for your warm support, friendship, and commitment to strengthening the ties between Japan and the Philippines.”

Prestigious guests graced the event including Mr. Ramon S. Ang, President and CEO of San Miguel Corporation; Mr. Hans T. Sy, Chairman of the Executive Committee of SM Prime; Mr. Manuel V. Pangilinan, Chairman, President, and CEO of Metro Pacific Investments Corporation; and Mr. Edgar O. Chua, Chairman of the Makati Business Club. The LG Strings played the music accompaniment during the dinner.

Corporate Secretary Atty. Jose Vicente E. Jimenez served as the master of ceremonies for the event. Mr. Gerard B. Sanvictores, PJS Vice-President, concluded the night with his closing remarks.

References:
Welcome Remarks by Mr. Francis Laurel
Speech of Ambassador ENDO Kazuya
Closing Remarks by Mr. Gerard Sanvictores
Photos

FUKUDA SHIGEO CALLS ON PJS

October 3, 2023by secretariat in PJS

Mr. FUKUDA Shigeo – son of former Prime Minister FUKUDA Yasuo – paid a courtesy call on Mr. Francis C. Laurel, President of the Philippines Japan Society (PJS) last July 13, 2023. Mr. Fukuda was accompanied by Mr. TAKANO Seji, President of the Japanese Association Manila, Inc. (JAMI), and President of Sumitomo Corporation of the Philippines (SCP). Also, on hand to receive the guests were Mr. Ricky Osmond, Chairman of The Philippines-Japan Economic Cooperation Committee (PHILJEC), Mr. Gerry B. Sanvictores (PJS Vice-President), and Mr. Philip B. Sanvictores, President of the Nihongo Center Foundation.

Messrs. Fukuda and Takano were received at the Ambassador Jose S. Laurel III Room where the memorabilia of the late Ambassador and Founder of the Philippines-Japan Society and its affiliate organizations are housed. Photos of Prime Ministers FUKUDA Takeo and FUKUDA Yasuo – Mr. Fukuda Shigeo’s grandfather and father, respectively – are among framed pictures prominently displayed in the Laurel Room.

During the call, Mr. Laurel presented Mr. Fukuda with a copy of the book – Jose S. Laurel III, Filipino Samurai. Interestingly, Mr. Fukuda brought with him a copy of the same book which was earlier given to his father – PM Fukuda Yasuo – with a request for a dedication from Mr. Laurel. Of course, Mr. Laurel obliged and wrote dedications on both books for the personal collection of father and son.

Mr. Fukuda was previously stationed in SCP and lived in the Philippines for several years and is quite familiar with the country. Currently, he oversees the industrial estates development business of Sumitomo Corporation.

PJS hosts its 42nd Golf Tournament with the Unveiling of its New Perpetual Trophy

March 8, 2023by secretariat in PJS tagged golf, Golf tournament, PJS

On February 13, 2023, the Philippines-Japan Society (PJS) held its 42nd Golf Tournament at the Alabang Country Club, Muntinlupa. With 84 players participating, it broke the record of the highest number of players achieved in 2019 which had a total of 80 players.

The Ceremonial Tee Shot was done by former Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines, H.E. Toshinao Urabe. Afterwhich, the tournament formally started with a shot-gun start at 6:40 a.m. As in previous years, the tournament was a four-man team Scramble (Best Ball) honesty game. After a fun and interesting game, Team 11 emerged victorious. Its members Emmanuel Barcelon, Fernandel Evangelista, Shinji Kudo, and Noel Ramirez garnered a score of 70. Minus the handicap of 20.9, they got a total score of 49.1.

With a gross score of 68, a handicap of 16.6, and a net score of 51.4, Team 12 with its members Keiichi Matsunaga, Atsushi Okubo, Takahiro Machiba, and Edwin Umali takes the 1st runner up place. And coming in as the 2nd runners up are Martin Guantes, Hiroshi Nakagawa, Kazuma Nakagomi, and Jonald Vergara with a gross score of 70, a handicap of 18.2, and a net score of 51.8.

Also receiving recognition are the winners of the fun holes, namely:

Nearest to the Pin: Hole #6- Tetsuro Fujii, 7ft

Nearest to the Pin: Hole #12- John Laurel, 12 ft

Longest Drive: Hole #9- Kian Yang, 361 yards

Longest Drive: Hole #18- Ramon David, 290 yards

At the awards ceremony, Golf Committee Chairman Joseph Uy, Jr. announced his retirement and succession of the chairmanship to Mr. Ramon Abaquin, co-chairman of the committee. Afterwhich, the new championship trophy was presented to the winning team. This new perpetual trophy was made in the 18th century for King George V and was donated to the society by the heirs of the late Joseph K.H. Uy.

For detailed results and photos of the event, please refer to our Resources.

Atty. Eusebio V. Tan Receives Imperial Award at Conferment Ceremony

June 14, 2022by secretariat in Featured, PHILJEC, PJS tagged Eusebio Tan, Imperial Award, Order of the Rising Sun, Philippines Japan Society, PHILJEC, PJS

Atty. Eusebio V. Tan, member of the Philippines-Japan Society (PJS) Board of Trustees and adviser of PHILJEC, received the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon award during a ceremony held on Tuesday, May 31, 2022 at the Japanese Ambassador’s Residence.

Ambassador Kazuhiko Koshikawa on behalf of His Majesty the Emperor of Japan conferred the award, which recognizes Atty. Tan’s contribution to strengthening the relations between Japan and the Philippines in the economic sector. Ambassador Koshikawa, in his congratulatory message, lauded the many efforts of Atty. Tan in promoting the Philippines as a viable investment location for a diversified manufacturing base which greatly encouraged and made possible the entry of several Japanese investors. Ambassador Koshikawa added that Atty. Tan assisted in the expansion of some Japanese financial institutions into the Philippines so that Japanese business sectors could be financially supported. In 2012 and 2013, Atty. Tan also served as co-chair of the Philippines-Japan Economic Cooperation Committee (PHILJEC) and led several bilateral dialogues. To close his message, Ambassador Koshikawa expressed his hope that Atty. Tan will remain steadfast in helping further deepen bilateral relations between Japan and the Philippines.

The Order of the Rising Sun was established by Emperor Meiji in 1875 and is awarded to individuals who have made distinguished achievements in international relations, promotion of Japanese culture, advancements in their field, development in welfare or preservation of the environment.

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