The stories we tell

Nov. 27 may have been a holiday begging for a bit of relaxation, it would have been a disservice to myself if I skipped the cultural evening hosted by Japan’s Ambassador Kazuhiro Koshikawa and his lovely wife, Mme. Yuko. It was an evening dedicated to one of Japan’s traditional forms of entertainment: Rakugo.

Spanning four centuries of popularity in Japan, Rakugo is a one-person play. The lone narrator is dressed in a kimono, kneeling on a cushion placed on a simple stage while they intricately weave tales grounded in the subtleties of daily life and nature. The artistry lies in the narrator’s talent and how they are able to switch from one character to another by changing their voice and turning their head. Only two props can be used—either a traditional fan or a hand towel. Normally done in Japanese, we were lucky to experience it that night in English thanks to the English Rakugo Association. Ms. Ichirin, Mr. Kappa, and Ms. Panda flew in to perform at the residence and, later, at De La Salle University.

Whether these stories are jubilant, melancholic, or heartwarming, they universally strike a chord with the human experience. That evening, Mr. Kappa’s story focused the spotlight on a humorous tale of two friends—one, impatient with quite the temper, and the other, someone who has all the patience in the world and a talent for long, winding stories. As laughter reverberated through the venue, the underlying question lingered: Which of these characters mirrors our own disposition?

A second story, narrated by Ms. Ichirin, transported us to the world of a husband and wife, their lives intricately tied to a ramen shop. In the twilight of their years, they stumble upon an orphan who changes their lives. This narrative, a poignant exploration of identity and connection, left us ruminating on the profound impact of stories in shaping who we are.

Chef Daisuke Suzuki, the embassy’s official chef, whipped up a dinner, which reminded me why every time someone asks about my favorite Japanese restaurant in the city, the first one I mention is—and will always be—the Japanese ambassador’s residence. Steak using prime cuts flown in from Japan, the prettiest sashimi spread, and my favorite—his Angel Prawn and Uni Risotto, which are such scene stealers. Trust that if and when he decides to open a restaurant, I am willing to get into fights for reservations.

Romania at 105

The Fairmont Hotel Makati transformed into a hub of cultural exchange on Nov. 29 as Romania commemorated its national day. Ambassador Răduţa Dana Matache, dressed in a muted gold Rajo Laurel terno, extended a warm welcome to esteemed guests, emphasizing the significance of the day not just for Romania but in the context of the enduring friendship with the Philippines.

One of the evening’s highlights was the ambassador’s announcement of a new initiative. Recognizing that national day celebrations abroad are not just about a country but a relationship, she announced a yearly spotlight on a beautiful area of the Philippines during Romania’s national day. This year, Iloilo took center stage, showcasing the city, the province, and the Dinagyang Festival.

“We are well synchronized with Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco, who is in Iloilo now, leading the DoT Culture, Heritage, and Arts Caravan to the Western Visayas region,” the ambassador said. “We are delighted to reinforce her actions by having Iloilo and Dinagyang as our special guests tonight.”

Ambassador Matache also underscored the deep diplomatic ties between Romania and the Philippines, proudly stating that Romania was the first country in its region to open diplomatic relations with the Philippines in 1972. As the 11th Romanian ambassador to the Philippines and the first woman ambassador, she expressed her honor in standing before the distinguished guests.

Highlighting the positive turn in bilateral relations in 2023, the ambassador alluded to key meetings between Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo and Foreign Minister Luminita Odobescu, setting the stage for a promising year ahead. She hinted at the reopening of the Philippines Embassy in Bucharest, a move expected to bolster political, diplomatic, trade, and investment links.

For his part, DFA Usec. Gary Domingo also shared some exciting news during his speech: “We are pleased to announce that after the closure of the Philippine Embassy in Bucharest in 2012, Romania will soon be host to a re-opened Philippine diplomatic mission in its capital once more,” Usec. Domingo said. “This is a development that the Philippines hopes will further enhance bilateral cooperation and serve as a testament to our commitment to enhance cooperation with Romania in whatever fields we may find common ground in.”