On May 21, 2019, The Japan Government announced the conferment of The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays to former PJLA President, Ma. Elena Laurel Loinaz in recognition of her contributions to strengthening Philippines-Japan relations.

As President of PJLA for 13 years, Ms. Loinaz has championed various education and socio-cultural programs that promote exchanges between Filipinos and Japanese. She also leads the organization in various activities that help develop camaraderie between its members and non-members.

Besides leading PJLA, Ms. Loinaz also holds administrative positions in other important affiliate organizations promoting mutual understanding between Philippines and Japan. These include Philippines-Japan Society, the Philippines-Japan Economic Cooperation Committee, the Philippine Federation of Japan Alumni, the Philippine Institute of Japanese Language and Culture, and the Nihongo Center Foundation.

The members of PJLA and the staff of all its affiliate organizations would like to congratulate Ms. Loinaz for this much-deserved honor. To read entire press release from Japan Information and Culture Center (JICC), click here.

The Order of the Rising Sun was established by Emperor Meiji in 1875 and is awarded to individuals who have made distinguished achievements in international relations, promotion of Japanese culture, advancements in their field, development in welfare or preservation of the environment.

PJLA Chorale members and Board of Trustees gathered on May 2, 2019 to give a surprise birthday party to Maestra Teresita A. Santos on her 89th. Held at the Dominion Building in Makati, the ladies also dedicated song performances to their maestra.

Atty. & Mrs. Herminio M. Alcasid Sr. sang “All I Ask Of You” with Tagalog medley songs, while Ms. Mikaela Victoria Aoki gave her rendition of “Can’t Help Falling in Love With You,” and Ms. Noriko Maruhashi sang a Japanese song. After the performances, chorale members also gave their warm birthday greetings and thanks to the maestra.

The celebrant and guests enjoyed a feast of Filipino and Japanese food such as fresh lumpia, rice noodles, kakanin, cassava cake, sushi, and Japanese traditional sweets. Also held before the party was the association’s board meeting where they presented a Plaque of Appreciation to former PJLA president, Mrs. Ma. Elena L. Loinaz.

The PJLA Chorale holds its practice every Thursday at the Ambassador Jose S. Laurel III Hall, Dominion Building, Makati City.

Photo Album

It was a big gathering of PJLA members during the Japanese Cooking and Tea Ceremony activity in February hosted by Madame Ihoko Haneda at the Ambassador’s Residence in Makati City. The activity featured Japanese guests who demonstrated “茶道” (Sadou) or tea ceremony and the different “和菓子” (Wagashi) or Japanese traditional sweets that are made by hand and usually enjoyed together with the tea.

During the demo, the ladies sampled different types of Wagashi based on the four seasons of Japan and learned the different steps and procedures involved in traditional tea ceremony such as cleaning the utensils and exchanging tea bowls.

“The tea ceremony was very formal, meaningful, and expressive of the Japanese culture,” said PJLA Adviser, Mrs. Herminia Alcasid. “The Japanese sweets were symbolic of the four seasons of Japan created artistically. It was an afternoon of learning experience!”

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Resources:

Photo Album

Members of PJLA welcomed 2019 with a colorful “Shinnenkai” or New Year’s party which was held last January 10 at the Dominion Building in Arnaiz Avenue, Makati City. In addition to welcoming the new year, the association also welcomed Dra. Nora A. Torres as the new PJLA President.

The Shinnenkai party started around 2 p.m. and wrapped up around 4 p.m. after snacks and fellowship. PJLA also held a feast for several PJLA members who had their birthdays in November and December 2018, and January 2019.

The ladies of PJLA held a farewell party for one of their long-time members, Mrs. Yoshiko Suzuki on March 8, 2018 at the Ambassador Jose S. Laurel III Hall, Dominion Building, Arnaiz Avenue, Makati City.  With a brief presentation led by PJLA President, Mrs. Elena Laurel-Loinaz, members wished Mrs. Suzuki a fond farewell and expressed their gratitude for all the cooperation and support she had given the organization for 12 years. Mrs. Suzuki became a PJLA member back in 2006.

The party, which started around 2 p.m., also served as a get together to celebrate the birthdays of other members for February and March namely:

February

Bernadette Sanvictores
Hiroko  Sato
Susana Delgado
Lourdes Abaquin
Celine Castillo

March
Victoria Aoki
Atsuko Kikuchi
Rowena Matti
Takayo Yabe
Maribel Sanvictores
Haruko Murakami

Resources:
Mrs. Yoshiko Suzuki Farewell Party – Photo Album