First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos hosted a final send-off meeting for outgoing Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Endo Kazuya and his wife, Akiko, at her office in the PMS Building on August 27, concluding their two-and-a-half-year tenure in the country.
In a social media update published Saturday, August 29, the First Lady thanked the diplomatic couple for their companionship, emphasizing that the Philippines remains a welcoming home for them.
“One last catch-up with Ambassador Endo Kazuya and Madame Endo before they wrap up their stay in the Philippines,” the First Lady wrote.
“Thank you for the friendship, warmth and wonderful memories over the past two and a half years,” she added.
Video footage shared alongside the post captured warm, lighthearted moments among the three during the visit.
The meeting was marked by an exchange of symbolic gifts, with the diplomat and his wife presenting the First Lady with a blue Uniqlo polo shirt featuring the 70th-anniversary logo of Philippines-Japan diplomatic relations.
In turn, Araneta-Marcos gifted the couple a copy of Philippine First Ladies Portraits by José “Pepe” Rodríguez, featuring artworks by Lulu “Coching” Rodríguez, along with a framed map and illustrations highlighting cultural Filipino dances like tinikling, singkil, and cariñosa.