By Florenda Corpuz
MANILA – The Philippine Embassy in Tokyo concluded its pioneering Ambassador’s VIP Tour with a dinner at the historic Goldenberg Mansion on July 5, as Philippine officials underscored the role of tourism, culture and people-to-people exchanges in strengthening relations between the Philippines and Japan.
The four-day tour was organized by the embassy in cooperation with the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) as part of the celebration of the 70th anniversary of normalized diplomatic relations between the two countries. It brought together guests from Japan for an introduction to Manila’s history, heritage, cuisine and culture.
Speaking at the dinner, DOT Secretary Dita Angara-Mathay said tourism has become an important way of building meaningful connections between people.
“Tourism diplomacy is, at its heart, about people,” Mathay said.
She said today’s travelers are increasingly seeking authentic experiences, giving the Philippines an opportunity to showcase not only its destinations but also its communities, traditions and culinary heritage.
Department of Tourism Secretary Dita Angara-Mathay delivers the keynote address during the Ambassador’s VIP Tour dinner
Mathay described gastronomic tourism as one of the country’s greatest opportunities, citing the evening’s menu, which featured a collaboration between chefs Hiroyasu Kawate of Tokyo’s two-Michelin-starred Florilège and Josh Boutwood of Manila’s two-Michelin-starred Helm.
Reflecting on the official logo marking the 70th anniversary of Philippines-Japan diplomatic relations, Mathay said the image of the two countries’ flags joined by a woven rope symbolizes a friendship strengthened over time.
“A single strand may break, but when many strands are woven together, they become strong enough to carry even the heaviest load,” she said.
Philippine Ambassador to Japan Mylene Garcia-Albano said the tour was designed to give participants a deeper appreciation of the Philippines through its history, culture, cuisine and the hospitality of its people.
“Our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership is not only embodied in government-to-government relations, trade and investment, but, more importantly, in the ties that bind our two peoples,” she said.
Garcia-Albano expressed hope that participants would return to Japan with lasting memories of the Philippines and encourage others to experience the country firsthand.
Philippine Ambassador to Japan Mylene Garcia-Albano welcomes guests to the Ambassador’s VIP Tour dinner
The envoy also thanked the Office of the President, the DOT, the TPB and the participating chefs for their support in making the tour possible.
The dinner, held at the restored 19th-century Goldenberg Mansion within the Malacañang complex, marked the conclusion of the Ambassador’s VIP Tour. Over four days, participants visited some of Manila’s best-known historical and cultural landmarks, including Rizal Park, Intramuros, the Ayala Museum and the National Museum of Anthropology, while enjoying Filipino cuisine at Barbara’s and the Champagne Room at The Manila Hotel.
(Photos courtesy of DOT Tokyo)
