National Day Reception Celebrates the 60th Birthday of His Majesty the Emperor of Japan

   

   On February 20, Ambassador Koji Haneda hosted a National Day Reception at Makati Shangri-La Hotel to celebrate the 60th birthday of His Majesty the Emperor of Japan. Distinguished guests present were Former Prime Minister Hon. Cesar E.A. Virata, Acting Foreign Secretary Hon. Brigido J. Dulay, Finance Secretary Hon. Carlos Dominguez III, Justice Secretary Hon. Menardo I. Guevarra, Trade and Industry Secretary Hon. Ramon M. Lopez, National Security Secretary Hon. Hermogenes C. Esperon, Presidential Advisor for Entrepreneurship Hon. Jose Ma A. Concepcion, B T A Chief Minister Hon. Ahod ‘Ahaji Murad’ Ebrahim, Senator Hon. Franklin Drilon, Senator Hon. Aquilino Pimentel III, among others.

   At the Ceremony, a Filipino singer Ms. Beverly sang the National Anthems of the Philippines and Japan.

   In his speech, Ambassador Haneda said that there are the close ties between Philippines and Japan in many areas, such as the exchange of people and culture, economic projects like Metro Manila Subway, North-South Commuter Railway, MRT3 rehab, Mindanao peace process, and maritime security. He stressed that he will keep doing his best efforts to make the special bond flourish.

  At the reception, 25 booths were set up by Japanese companies and organizations to promote their products. The booth of Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic was also set up to introduce the events.