Roberto Jose “Bobby” L. Castillo is the Recipient of the 44th PJS Medal of Merit (July 21, 2025)

August 5, 2025by secretariat in PJS tagged , , , , , ,

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 44th 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.

(L-R) PHILJEC Chairman Richard Albert I. Osmond, PJLA President Dra. Nora A. Torres, Ms. Valerie G. Agrava, PJS President Francis C. Laurel, Mr. Roberto Jose L. Castillo, Mrs. Elvira E. Castillo, Madame Akiko Endo, H.E. Ambassador Kazuya Endo, PSOJ President Amb. Makoto Katsura

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

PJS Hosts 44th Golf Tournament at Alabang Country Club

February 23, 2025by secretariat in PJS tagged , , , ,

The Philippines-Japan Society (PJS) successfully held its 44th Golf Tournament on February 10, 2025, at the Alabang Country Club in Muntinlupa. A total of 60 players participated in a friendly competition at the event.

The tournament kicked off with a Ceremonial Tee Shot by His Excellency ENDO Kazuya, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the Philippines. Shortly after, players teed off with a shotgun start at 6:46 AM. The tournament followed a four-man team Scramble (Best Ball) format, as is the tradition from previous PJS tournaments. Team 12 emerged as the champion, with members Nobuhiko Uchino, Hirokazu Suzuki, Allen Aquino, and Kathleen Briones garnering a gross score of 71. With a handicap of 14, the team achieved a total score of 57 points.

Team 2 secured the 1st runner-up position, with members Kazuma Nakagomi, Jonald Vergara, Martin Guantes, and Armand Cajayon getting a gross score of 65 with a handicap of 7, netting them 58 points. Meanwhile, Team 14, composed of Masami Yoshitake, Naoki Ando, Andrew Bernardo, and Ferdie Sta. Barbara claimed the 2nd runner-up position with a gross score of 72, a handicap of 14, and also a net score of 58.

Players were recognized for winning the Fun Hole challenges:

  • Nearest to the Pin (Hole #6): Kazuma Nakagomi – 6½ ft to the pin
  • Nearest to the Pin (Hole #12): Masahiro Katayama – 1ft & 2 inches to the pin
  • Longest Drive (Hole #10): Masaichi Otake – 293 yards
  • Most Accurate Drive (Hole #9): Suzuki Hirokazu – 20 inches to the line

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

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

October 10, 2024by secretariat in PJS tagged , , , ,

The Philippines-Japan Society, Inc. (PJS) held the 43rd 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 ,

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

PJS hosts its 43rd Philippines-Japan Friendship Golf Tournament

January 26, 2024by secretariat in PJS tagged , , ,

Last January 17, 2024, the Philippines-Japan Society, Inc. (PJS) held its 43rd Golf Tournament at the Wack Wack Golf & Country Club, Mandaluyong City. 

With 111 players participating, it broke the record of the highest number of players to attend in the history of the organization’s golf tournament. The Ceremonial Tee Shot officially kicked off the competition followed by the shotgun starts of every flight at their respective assigned holes. The players were divided into 28 groups with four members each, switching turns in a Scramble Best Ball honesty game. 

Team 6 composed of JJ Atencio, Paolo Cagalingan, Masatoshi Saito, and Keishi Saito bagged the victory with a gross score of 65, a handicap of 19, and a net score of 46. Filemon Del Carmen, Alfredo Del Carmen, Michael Del Carmen, and Yasunori Takamatsu of Flight 11 took 1st runner up with 67 gross score, 20 handicap, and 47 net score. For 2nd runner up, Harutaka Ishikawa, Yasuhiro Fukuki, Edwin Umali, and Shinichi Kusunoki’s team garnered a gross score of 69, handicap of 22, and net score of 47.

Fun holes were also awarded to the following:

Nearest to the Pin: Hole #8 – Takao Shinohara, 4 ft

Nearest to the Pin: Hole #14 – Ichirou Iwabuchi, 1 ft

Longest Drive: Hole #13 – Joel Aguada, 300 yards

Most Accurate Drive: Hole #13 – Toshiaki Fujioka, 1 ft

Golf Committee Chairman Ramon Maria Abaquin announced his retirement from the committee at the awards ceremony and introduced the new members: Atty. Carrie Bee Hao, Mr. Archie Sanvictores, Mr. Tomohiro Koseki, and Mr. Kunihiko Nimura.

Resources:
Photos

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