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Philippines Celebrates 69 Years of Friendship with Japan Through Culture, Fashion, and Connection

AA Patawaran, Kenneth Cobonpue, Gino Gonzales, Stanley Ng, Pepper Teehankee

Out of Town Blog
Philippines Celebrates 69 Years of Friendship with Japan Through Culture, Fashion, and Connection

Woven: Philippine Diplomatic Night of Fashion and Music

OSAKA, JAPAN — The Philippine Organizing Committee for Expo 2025 Osaka recently organized “Woven: Philippine Diplomatic Night of Fashion and Music,” a cultural event celebrating 69 years of diplomatic ties between the Philippines and Japan.

AA Patawaran, Kenneth Cobonpue, Gino Gonzales, Stanley Ng, Pepper Teehankee

The event at Conrad Osaka gathered dignitaries, diplomatic representatives, and cultural partners for an evening that effortlessly combined heritage, creativity, and meaningful networking.

Ambassador Koji Haneda, COO Marga Nograles, Mdme. Ihoko Haneda, Deputy Sec Gen Manatsu Ichinoki
Ambassador Koji Haneda, COO Marga Nograles, Mdme. Ihoko Haneda, Deputy Sec Gen Manatsu Ichinoki

This year’s Philippine-Japan Friendship Day celebration paid a heartfelt tribute to the bilateral relationship that started in 1956 and has grown to include diplomacy, infrastructure, innovation, tourism, and cultural exchange.

Event Host Emma Tiglao
Event Host Emma Tiglao

Delivering the keynote remarks on behalf of the Department of Tourism Secretary and Philippine Organizing Committee (POC) Commissioner General Christina Garcia Frasco, TPB Chief Operating Officer and POC Secretary General Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles underscored the power of cultural connection:

“In a world often marked by uncertainty, we are reminded that culture, creativity, and connection are some of our most powerful tools for understanding one another,” said Nograles. “The Philippine Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka is a living expression of this spirit—welcoming over half a million visitors, each encounter a small thread that ties us to the global community.”

Woven: Philippine Diplomatic Night of Fashion and Music
Woven: Philippine Diplomatic Night of Fashion and Music
Fashion Designer Furne One Amato and TPB COO Marga Nograless
Fashion Designer Furne One Amato and TPB COO Marga Nograless

The evening showcased a stunning fashion presentation by internationally acclaimed Filipino designer Furne Amato. His intricately detailed works not only drew admiration for their craftsmanship but also resonated culturally, reaffirming the Philippines’ creative strength and its growing influence on the global design stage.

Philippine Cultural Performers in Conrad OSAKA
Philippine Cultural Performers in Conrad OSAKA

The celebration was anchored by the theme “Woven,” which reflects the Pavilion’s narrative: “Nature, Culture, and Community—Woven Together for a Better Future.” With 212 indigenous fabrics displayed on its façade and 18 large-scale handwoven art pieces inside, the Pavilion serves…

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