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Alexis Romero - The Philippine Star
May 30, 2026 | 12:00am
President Marcos and First Lady Liza Marcos pay a farewell call on Japanese Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako at the Imperial Palace yesterday.
TOKYO — Aside from a common commitment to peace and rule of law and a deep historical bond, something emerged as a reflection of the ever sweetening ties between the Philippines and Japan during President Marcos’ state visit here.
President Marcos gifted Japanese Emperor Naruhito a traditional oversized halo-halo glass and spoon after learning through mutual friends that the Japanese monarch is a fan of the Filipino dessert.
Before returning to the Philippines, Marcos told reporters that he had also planned to give the Imperial Couple the sweet and cold treat. However, he just handed them a recipe of the popular dessert because they can only eat food prepared by their chefs. The recipe would allow the chefs to make halo-halo for the royal couple, the President said.
Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Dave Gomez said Emperor Naruhito had asked palace chefs to prepare halo-halo for members of the Imperial Family, including the royal children. The Emperor even shared photographs of the halo-halo gathering with members of the Philippine delegation, Gomez added.
“After the state banquet, before we left, in the presence of other officials of the Cabinet of the President, the Emperor showed photos of halo-halo. He really liked our halo-halo,” the presidential communications chief said.
In a statement, the PCO said the simple yet distinctly Filipino gesture “added warmth to a visit already marked by rare diplomatic honors and visible camaraderie between the two leaders.”
Even Filipino journalists experienced the hospitality of the Imperial Couple.
After their meeting with Marcos and First Lady Liza Marcos at the Imperial Palace last Wednesday, Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako approached the Philippine media delegation, something they do not usually do.
Empress Masako asked the journalists how their stay in Japan had been. Emperor Naruhito also asked them whether it was their first time to visit Japan.
The journalists, who were surprised by the gesture, told the Imperial Couple that they had a great experience in Japan, which they described as a popular tourist destination among Filipinos.
They also informed the royal couple about the Filipinos’ admiration for Japanese culture, food and shopping centers.
Marcos returned to the Philippines yesterday after a four-day state visit that he described as “very constructive and highly productive visit.”
“As our relations in Japan reached new heights under a comprehensive strategic partnership, I am confident that our cooperation will continue to deepen and broaden and will open new frontiers for the benefit of both our peoples,” he said.
