By Florenda Corpuz
MANILA – The itinerary covered four days, numerous destinations and countless stories. Participants visited museums, walked through the historic streets of Intramuros, dined at some of Manila’s best-known restaurants and ended the trip inside the historic Goldenberg Mansion in Malacañang. Each stop offered a different perspective of the Philippine capital.
Taken together, they revealed the story the Philippine Embassy in Tokyo hoped to share: a story of the Philippines through its history, culture, cuisine and heritage.
The first Ambassador’s VIP Tour, held from July 3 to 6, gathered overseas Filipinos, diplomats, influencers and media representatives from Japan for an introduction to Manila. The program marked the 70th anniversary of normalized diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Japan and was organized by the Philippine Embassy in Tokyo, the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB).
Tourism Secretary Dita Angara-Mathay (third from left, seated) and Ambassador Mylene Garcia-Albano (fourth from left, seated) with guests during the closing dinner
The tour began at the Ayala Museum, where participants explored exhibits chronicling Philippine history before sharing their first meal at Milky Way Cafe, a longtime fixture in Makati known for serving traditional Filipino dishes.
History remained the focus the following day.
The group visited Rizal Park, the National Museum of Anthropology, San Agustin Church and other landmarks inside Intramuros. Lunch at Barbara’s Heritage Restaurant and dinner at The Manila Hotel’s Champagne Room complemented the day’s heritage theme, highlighting institutions that have long been part of Manila’s identity.
Guests arrive at the National Museum of Anthropology
Rain forced organizers to cancel a scheduled visit to Fort Bonifacio, the only major change to an otherwise full itinerary.
Food was a highlight of the third day.
One of the dishes served during the closing dinner of the Ambassador’s VIP Tour
Lunch at Hapag, a one-Michelin-star restaurant, introduced participants to contemporary Filipino cuisine built around local ingredients and regional flavors. The experience reflected the growing international recognition of Philippine gastronomy while remaining rooted in tradition.
That evening, the delegation crossed into the Malacañang complex for a guided visit to the restored Goldenberg Mansion before attending the closing dinner commemorating seven decades of Philippines-Japan diplomatic relations.
The dinner featured a collaboration between Chef Josh Boutwood of Manila’s Helm and Chef Hiroyasu Kawate of Tokyo’s Florilège, bringing together two Michelin-starred chefs for a menu created for the anniversary celebration.
Chef Josh Boutwood of Helm in Manila (second from left) and Chef Hiroyasu Kawate of Florilège in Tokyo (second from right) pose with their teams during the closing dinner
Bonnie, a Filipino-Japanese content creator who joined the tour, said the experience gave her a new appreciation of the cultures of both countries.
“My parents have been together for almost 40 years, so thinking about two countries staying good friends for 70 years, to me, that feels like a miracle,” she told Filipino-Japanese Journal.
“I’m really grateful to both countries for respecting and enjoying each other’s cultures. This experience made me really want to be a part of keeping this friendship going for the next 70, 100, or even 200 years,” she added.
Performers present a traditional Filipino dance outside the restored Goldenberg Mansion
During the program, Philippine Ambassador to Japan Mylene Garcia-Albano expressed hope that the tour would give participants a deeper appreciation of the country and its people.
“Over the past few days, you have explored our destinations, experienced our culture, tasted our cuisine, and met the people who make the Philippines truly unique. We sincerely hope that this journey has given you a deeper appreciation of the Philippines and its people: our history, generosity, creativity, and genuine hospitality,” she said.
The itinerary reflected that goal.
Museums offered a glimpse into the country’s past. Heritage sites placed history in its original setting. Restaurants demonstrated how Filipino cuisine continues to evolve while honoring its roots. The closing dinner brought those experiences together through diplomacy.
The Ambassador’s VIP Tour lasted only four days and offered participants a closer look at the Philippines beyond its famous destinations. They discovered the country’s history, culture, cuisine and the people who bring them to life. It also served as a celebration of the enduring friendship between the Philippines and Japan.
(Photos courtesy of DOT Tokyo)
