Consulate General of Japan in Cebu

Thank you, Daily Guardian, for sharing this with the people across Visayas.

Ilongga educator receives Japan’s Order of the Rising Sun An Ilongga educator has been named among the Philippine recipients of Japan’s 2026 Spring Conferment of Decorations on Foreign Nationals, recognizing her decadeslong work

Celebrating a successful new connection! 🇯🇵🇵🇭✈️
The successful launch of the first direct flight from Narita to Bohol-Panglao International Airport is a significant milestone in strengthening Philippines-Japan ties. Welcoming Japanese tourists on this inaugural journey signifies higher travel confidence, deeper cultural exchange, and expanded tourism and cooperation opportunities.

Consul-General Yudai UENO joined Governor Enrico Aumentado's warmest welcome of the Japanese tourists in the gorgeous province of Bohol.

This milestone allows for more shared experiences, bringing people closer together and exhibiting Bohol's beauty and friendliness to the Japanese people. It is also a great potential opportunity for both countries.
Check also CG Ueno's status on X!
https://x.com/i/status/2051215508243108168

Thank you so much, Bohol Governor, Hon. Erico "Aris" Aumentado for the excellent welcome of the Japanese tourists, direct flight from Narita to Bohol-Panglao International Airport.

𝑨 𝑳𝒂𝒃𝒐𝒓 𝑫𝒂𝒚 𝑺𝒑𝒆𝒄𝒊𝒂𝒍 𝑭𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒆!
At the heart of Cebu’s bustling business district, where conversations overlap and kitchen orders fly fast, one cook works in a world of quiet—but her impact is anything but silent.

In Kitchen Lemon, a Japanese-managed restaurant tucked inside the dynamic Cebu IT Park, 24-year-old Maxine Almerez—fondly called Max—stands at her station, focused and composed. As a line cook responsible for main dishes, she moves with practiced precision, her hands speaking a language honed through discipline, resilience, and passion.

Max was born deaf and mute. From an early age, she learned sign language, navigating a world that often struggled to understand her. But in the kitchen, she found something powerful: a universal language. The rhythm of chopping, the sizzle of a pan, the careful balance of flavors—these became her voice.

More than a year into her role at Kitchen Lemon, Max has become known for one standout dish: her Lemon Chicken. Crisp, tangy, and comforting, it has quietly earned a following among regulars.

Behind every plate is a story not just of skill, but of determination.
Working in a fast-paced kitchen is no easy feat for anyone—more so for persons with disabilities. Orders are called out quickly, instructions shift in an instant, and timing is everything. But Max has found her footing, thanks to a supportive environment that meets her halfway.

Her direct supervisor plays a crucial role, guiding her through daily operations and ensuring communication remains clear. Their partnership is a two-way street: while the supervisor teaches Max new cooking techniques, Max, in turn, teaches sign language. In that shared effort, barriers dissolve and respect deepens.

Max speaks of her experience with quiet gratitude. She is thankful to the owners of Kitchen Lemon for opening their doors to people like her—individuals often overlooked, but equally capable. In this kitchen, she is not defined by limitations, but by what she brings to the table.

And she brings plenty: consistency, dedication, and a genuine love for cooking. “She enjoys what she does,” her colleagues say—and it shows in every dish she prepares.

This Labor Day, Max’s story is a reminder that meaningful work is not just about opportunity, but about inclusion. It’s about workplaces willing to adapt, to listen differently, and to recognize talent in all its forms.

In a world that often equates communication with sound, Max proves that excellence doesn’t need a voice to be heard. Sometimes, it’s best expressed through action, through craft—and in her case, through a perfectly plated Lemon Chicken.

As we celebrate workers everywhere, we also celebrate the quiet trailblazers like Max—and hope that more establishments follow suit, creating spaces where everyone, regardless of ability, can thrive.

May Max' story become an inspiration to everyone!
Check also on CG Ueno's latest status on X!
https://x.com/i/status/2049739299764179445

𝐉𝐚𝐩𝐚𝐧 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐬 𝐃𝐫. 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐚 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐢𝐠𝐧 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐬!
Today, April 29, 2026, the Japan Government announced the recipients of the 2026 Spring Conferment Decorations for Foreign Nationals. 𝗗𝗿. 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗮 𝗝𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗹𝗼𝘀𝗮 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗰𝗶𝗼𝗻, a former president of the Philippine Association of Japanese Government Scholars Philajames Visayas Chapter, was awarded the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays, in recognition of her contributions in promoting understanding and friendship between Japan and the Philippines.
To Dr. Formacion, Philajames Visayas and the entire family, Congratulations!
https://www.cebu.ph.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_ja/11_000001_01157.html

𝒀𝒐𝒖’𝒓𝒆 𝒃𝒐𝒕𝒉 𝒅𝒐𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒘𝒆𝒍𝒍! 😊ConGen Ueno’s first reaction during the meeting with Philajames Visayas Chapter members in Negros. The two MEXT scholars were Dr. Junry Esparar, who is currently an Assistant School Division Superintendent in the Schools Division of La Carlota City, Negros Occidental, and had been a Teacher Training in Miyagi Kyouiku Daigaku and Tohoku Daigaku from 2013 to 2015. Dr. Mateo Bilbao Jr.Bimbao Mat, Education Program Supervisor in the Schools Division of Bago City, finished a Teacher Training at Nagasaki University from 2005 to 2007.

Consul General expressed his delight in knowing so many accomplished former Japanese government scholars thriving in the Department of Education. Their journeys stand as inspiring proof that opportunities for learning can grow into lifelong impact and meaningful contributions to society. The gathering was a proud moment, reflecting how educational exchanges continue to shape leaders, strengthen international ties, and deepen Philippines-Japan relations.

You can also a MEXT scholars, which is now open for the categories under research, undergraduate, specialized training, and college of technology.
👇Just click this link.
https://www.ph.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_en/00_000193.html

Earlier today, April 27, Consul-General Yudai UENO joined the people of Lapu-Lapu City in commemorating the 505th Anniversary of the Victory at Mactan, held at the historic Liberty Shrine. The celebration paid tribute to Oponganon’s courage, resilience, and the enduring spirit of unity that continues to inspire generations. Moments like these reflect not only remembrance but also a shared commitment to peace, cooperation, and mutual understanding.
We are honoring the past while strengthening ties for the future. ✨
Check also CG Ueno's status on X! https://x.com/i/status/2048614843239080159

Please be informed that the Consulate-General of Japan in Cebu will be closed on 𝐌𝐚𝐲 𝟏, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 (𝐅𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐲) for a public holiday.
You may also refer to the list of holidays for 2026.
https://www.cebu.ph.emb-japan.go.jp/files/100994465.pdf

𝑴𝒆𝒆𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 Ikaw ako 13|4|2026
Consul-General Ueno met with Chairman Mr. Junhisa Goto at the Ikaw Ako in Balaring, Silay City, Negros Occidental, during his visit last week. He learned many things about their outstanding mangrove project, which aims to restore coastal ecosystems and provide sustainable livelihoods for the local community. Based in Japan, the Ikaw ako is a nonprofit organization with active initiatives in Negros and Bohol. They are implementing environmental education, mangrove planting and various activities that will improve local residents' income with the goal to provide them with sustainable support and living.

In Balaring, Silay City, the organization assists in promoting mangrove planting activities within local communities. They are currently restoring their mangrove bridge to facilitate more educational tours at their mangrove site.
They both shared knowledge and hands-on action in protecting coastal ecosystems and supporting local communities.