07 July 2015 - In celebration of the 117th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence, the Philippine Consulate General in Osaka-Kobe, held a Launch Reception at Panasonic Tower last June 13 with the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Kansai Region Ambassador Akira Miwa, and Director General Keiji Okamoto of the Osaka Promotion Bureau as guests of honor.
Members of the diplomatic community and friends of the Philippines from various business and governments sectors gathered as the Consulate General remember and honor the culmination of the brave deeds of our heroes that gave the Philippines the freedom and democracy it now enjoys. At the same time, the day was a celebration of the fruits that this freedom has given as well as the challenges it brings.
In her speech, Philippine Consul General Maria Teresa L. Taguiang highlighted the honor accorded to the Philippines during President Benigno Aquino III’s four-day state visit to Japan last June.
The Consul General also mentioned the significant economic and business results of the President’s meeting with heads of business organizations in Japan, which could generate more than 30,000 direct employments for Filipinos.
The Consul General expressed hope that the economic successes and promise of the Philippines will encourage even more Japanese interest in partnering with Philippine companies. The recent Philippine business mission in Kansai last May is a clear indication of strengthened business ties between Kansai and the Philippines.
The evening was punctuated by presentations of Filipino dances and band performances by Filipino artists. Photos of various Philippine tourist destinations were also exhibited.
Osaka Governor Ichiro Matsui, in his message read by Keiji Okamoto, offered his sincerest congratulations on the 117th Anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of the Philippines. He also expressed his sincerest appreciation to Consul General Taguiang and the Consulate General officials for the continued support in promoting mutual relation between Osaka/Kansai and the Philippines. He also noted the top level mutual visits between Philippines-Japan, with Prime Minister Abe visiting the Philippines two years ago, that will further enhance the friendly relations between the countries. The Governor also expressed hope for the deepening of the mutual relationship and the enhancement of the exchange activities in various fields including economy and culture.
Ambassador Akira Miwa offered the toast remarks and wished for a closer relationship between the Consulate General and the whole of Kansai region.
The Reception showcased Philippine products with mango rum and kalians liquor, brought from Manila especially for the occasion, taking the center stage. Both were instant hits. Videos of interesting places to visit in the Philippines courtesy of the Department of Tourism Osaka and investment video from the Department of Trade and Industry were also shown throughout the reception.
On June 12, the Consulate General also held the singing of the national anthem followed by a breakfast salu-salo with the leaders of the Filipino community in Western Japan. After the Philippine national anthem was sung, Consulate General officers read the messages of the President, Vice President, Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs, and Secretary of Labor and Employment.
Philippine Community Coordinating Council Chairman Atty. Jeff Plantilla, in his remarks, called on Filipinos to not just die for the country, but most importantly, to live for the country.
Leaders of various Filipino organizations from the north - Chubu, central - Kansai, Chugoku, Shikoku to the far south – Kyushu gathered with the Academe and various institutions.
Filipino fare Bistek Tagalog, tortang talong, bangus, salad, maja blanca, kutsinta, and biko were served during the salu-salo. END