(L-R): Mr. John Lucas, Mr. Nilo Rodriguez, Ambassador Endo Kazuya, Mr. Ivannovich Agote, and Mr. Jan Marshall raising a sake toast with masu cups (traditional cups used for toasting sake during celebrations) at the Yawaragi restaurant of Hotel Okura Manila
Hotel Okura Manila, in partnership with Newport World Resorts, hosted an intimate gathering of distinguished guests for Kaien, the official opening of Philippines–Japan Friendship Month on July 11, 2025.
The event was graced by H.E. Endo Kazuya, Ambassador of Japan to the Philippines, alongside Mr. Ivannovich Dmitriv Agote, OIC – Assistant Regional Director, Department of Tourism, NCR. In his remarks, Ambassador Endo warmly shared that, “you can enjoy Japanese elegance and Filipino hospitality right here, without ever needing to take a flight,” adding that Hotel Okura Manila was the perfect venue to celebrate the lasting friendship between Japan and the Philippines.
The event was very intimate, wherein only 50 guests were invited, and amongst them were leaders and senior representatives from esteemed Japanese institutions across the corporate, media, and diplomatic sectors. Mr. Show Suzuki, a well-known Filipino-Japanese media personality and host, also attended the event together with his mother and manager.
The afternoon opened with a stirring Taiko drum performance by Manila Groove Talents, setting a vibrant tone for the celebration. Key representatives from Newport World Resorts and Hotel Okura Manila shared messages of friendship, followed by a ceremonial sake toast, where VIPs raised traditional masu wooden cups on stage in a symbolic gesture of unity.
Mr. Show Suzuki with his mother, Mrs. Yoko Suzuki
The program concluded with a moving performance from the University of the Philippines Concert Chorus (UPCC), whose powerful rendition of Salamat Sa Musika, complete with choreography, left the audience captivated. Following the program, guests enjoyed a specially curated Kisetsu buffet that highlighted the vibrant flavors of both Filipino and Japanese cuisine, bringing the celebration of friendship to the table.
In celebration of Philippines–Japan Friendship Month, Hotel Okura Manila is also offering seasonal experiences and culinary offers inspired by the occasion, showcasing the refined flavors and cultural elegance of Japan throughout July.
(L-R): Mr. John Lucas, Mr. Nilo Rodriguez, Ambassador Endo Kazuya, Mr. Ivannovich Agote, and Mr. Jan Marshall raising a sake toast with masu cups (traditional cups used for toasting sake during celebrations) at the Yawaragi restaurant of Hotel Okura Manila
Hotel Okura Manila, in partnership with Newport World Resorts, hosted an intimate gathering of distinguished guests for Kaien, the official opening of Philippines–Japan Friendship Month on July 11, 2025.
The event was graced by H.E. Endo Kazuya, Ambassador of Japan to the Philippines, alongside Mr. Ivannovich Dmitriv Agote, OIC – Assistant Regional Director, Department of Tourism, NCR. In his remarks, Ambassador Endo warmly shared that, “you can enjoy Japanese elegance and Filipino hospitality right here, without ever needing to take a flight,” adding that Hotel Okura Manila was the perfect venue to celebrate the lasting friendship between Japan and the Philippines.
The event was very intimate, wherein only 50 guests were invited, and amongst them were leaders and senior representatives from esteemed Japanese institutions across the corporate, media, and diplomatic sectors. Mr. Show Suzuki, a well-known Filipino-Japanese media personality and host, also attended the event together with his mother and manager.
The afternoon opened with a stirring Taiko drum performance by Manila Groove Talents, setting a vibrant tone for the celebration. Key representatives from Newport World Resorts and Hotel Okura Manila shared messages of friendship, followed by a ceremonial sake toast, where VIPs raised traditional masu wooden cups on stage in a symbolic gesture of unity.
The program concluded with a moving performance from the University of the Philippines Concert Chorus (UPCC), whose powerful rendition of Salamat Sa Musika, complete with choreography, left the audience captivated. Following the program, guests enjoyed a specially curated Kisetsu buffet that highlighted the vibrant flavors of both Filipino and Japanese cuisine, bringing the celebration of friendship to the table.
In celebration of Philippines–Japan Friendship Month, Hotel Okura Manila is also offering seasonal experiences and culinary offers inspired by the occasion, showcasing the refined flavors and cultural elegance of Japan throughout July.
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