Ambassador Manuel M. Lopez (right) and Minister of the Environment Nobuteru Ishihara toast Philippines-Japan relations

The Philippine embassy in Japan, in cooperation with the Philippine Assistance Group (PAG) representing the Filipino community, celebrated the 116th Independence Day with a National Day Reception and the “Damo nga Salamat” thanksgiving concert in Arakawa, Tokyo to express appreciation to the Filipinos and Japanese who helped the victims of last year’s typhoon Yolanda.

In his message to the audience before the start of the concert, Ambassador Manuel M. Lopez (AMML) said the story of Tacloban’s REO Brothers is one of inspiration, proving that despite the tragedies and adversities in the life of the Leyteños, there is always hope.

The members of the REO Brothers were left homeless by Yolanda. With only the clothes on their back, the guitars they saved from the  typhoon and faith in their talent, they left Tacloban with other members of their family to try their luck in Manila.

Also appearing at the concert were the Filcom Chorale, Japanese-Filipino actress Sayaka Akimoto and jazz singer Charito, who also chairs the Tokyo Manila Jazz and Arts Festival.

Following the concert, AMML hosted the National Day reception at the Sun Pearl Arakawa attended by some 300 diplomatic corps, Japanese parliamentarians, Foreign Ministry officials, Japanese businessmen and leaders of Filipino organizations.

Nobuteru Ishihara, Minister of the Environment, conveyed the greetings of the Japanese government and offered a toast for the further enhancement of Philippines- Japan relations. (Excerpted from www.tokyo.philembassy.net)