PNoy hosts state dinner for Japan's imperial couple

President Benigno Aquino III on Wednesday evening hosted a state banquet in honor of Japan’s Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko at Malacañan Palace.

Tables set up at the Rizal Hall were decorated with white orchids. The menu for the guests included Capiz scallop and Quezon blue crab ginataan ensalada, Bohol white marlin inihaw with miso sinigang glaze, US angus short rib adobado, and sesame seed and pili milhojas.

Among those invited were Cabinet officials, congressmen and senators, and businessmen. Vice President Jejomar Binay and his wife, Dra. Elenita, also arrived for the state dinner.

During a private meeting with Aquino and his sister, Pinky Abellada, earlier in the day, the Imperial Couple recalled their previous visit to the Philippines in 1962, which included trips to Tagaytay and Baguio. Then Crown Prince Akihito and Crown Princess Michiko were welcomed by President Diosdado Macapagal in at the Palace.

According to Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario, Aquino and his sister also talked about the significant increase in the number of Filipino tourists in Japan during the meeting.

"As Their Majesties will be visiting IRRI (International Rice Research Institute), the President and the Emperor spoke extensively about its importance to global agricultural developments. The meeting was characterized by warmth and congeniality," Del Rosario added.

Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. said President Aquino also spoke to Emperor Akihito about the heavy traffic in the metro owed to increased car sales, which was mostly of Japanese make.

During his trip to Tokyo in June last year, Aquino conferred on Akihito the Order of Lakandula with the rank of Supremo. In turn, Aquino was conferred  the Supreme Order of the Chrysanthemum by the Emperor. —JST, GMA News