On 1 October 2024, Ambassador ENDO Kazuya hosted a celebratory dinner at his residence in Makati to honor Mr. Carlos Yulo, the Philippines’ two-time Olympic gold medalist gymnast.

The event was attended by distinguished guests, including Gymnastics Association of the Philippines (GAP) President Cynthia Carrion, Senator Joseph Victor “JV” G. Ejercito of the Philippine Senate Committee on Sports, Hon. Aniela Bianca D. Tolentino and Hon. Michael L. Romero of the Philippine Congress’ Youth and Sports Development Committee, Philippine Olympic Committee President Abraham Tolentino, Philippine Sports Commission Chairman Richard Bachmann, and Federation International de Gymnastique President WATANABE Morinari.

During the ceremony, Ambassador Endo presented Mr. Carlos Yulo with the Ambassador’s Special Award in recognition of his exceptional contributions to the world of sports and to Japan-Philippines relations. In his speech, Ambassador Endo lauded Yulo’s unwavering dedication and hard work in achieving this historic milestone for the Philippines. He also expressed his delight at how Japan has played a significant role in Yulo’s athletic development, highlighting the potential for stronger bilateral ties through enhanced sports and people-to-people exchanges.

In response, GAP President Cynthia Carrion and Mr. Carlos Yulo expressed their sincere gratitude to the Embassy of Japan for their ongoing support in promoting gymnastics in the Philippines and nurturing promising Filipino athletes. Yulo also thanked Ambassador Endo for hosting the event and bestowing upon him the special award.

Cultural exchange and people-to-people ties are fundamental pillars of Japan’s foreign policy. The Embassy of Japan will continue to collaborate with the Philippines and relevant institutions in the field of sports, with the aim of cultivating more elite athletes who will proudly represent the country on the international stage.