Amb. Romeo A. Arguelles (left photo) boards his car for Narita Airport on July 12 to signal the end of his stint in Japan. Amb. Arguelles is reputed to be one of the most loved ambassadors among Filipino communities here. He will be replaced soon by Amb. Domingo Siazon Jr. (right) whose designation was rushed by the Commission on Appointments to prepare for Arroyo's visit to Japan in mid-September. A former Monbusho scholar and a top career bureaucrat at the UN, it is Siazon's second time to assume the same post in Tokyo after his stint as Secretary of Foreign Affairs under the Estrada administration.

Embassy holds medical and dental mission

A medical and dental mission was held at the Consular Section of the Philippine Embassy in Tokyo on July 29.

Five volunteer doctors and five dentists gave free consultation and conducted routine diagnostic procedures such as sugar count and blood pressure test, refraction (eye checkup) and prophylaxis (dental) to members of the Filipino community in the Kanto area.

Over-the-counter medicines such as paracetamol, vitamins and other generic brands were also distributed free of charge, made possible thru donations from pharmaceutical companies such as Glaxo and Roche.

During the mission, NTT Communications and Kumusta hosted free calls to the Philippines.

Other sponsors of the one-day activity included Medicare, Overseas Workers' Welfare Association (OWWA) and Western Union.

FIO-Philippine Embassy

	PHILIPPINES TODAY congratulates SILANGAN SHIMBUM and its publisher Mario Heriales (2nd from left) on its 2nd Anniversary. (from l to r) Butch N. Talorete, MH, Ruth Carbonel, Marissa Dionson, Benny Tutor, Jr. and kids.			Photo shows the cast of The Levites Gospel Concert held on July 8 at Kodaira, Tokyo, together with guest performer Jena (extreme left). The proceeds of the fund-raising show, which was directed by Toots Capulong, will benefit retired Catholic priests in the Philippines.

"Bingo-bongga" held at old embassy grounds

The old embassy grounds in Shibuya was the backdrop for the Bingo-Bonga Festival that attracted hordes of Filipino bingo aficionados and other plain fun- seekers. It was held on August 26, from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm.

The bingo game is a popular social activity among Filipinos. Likewise, in the spirit of Filipino tradition, indigenous games such as sipa and sungka were demonstrated to highlight the event.

Lucky winners in the bingo and the raffle draw went home with appliances and airfare tickets as prizes.

The event was sponsored by Philippine Airlines, Techno Hi, Paraiso, PNB, Land Bank, Wins Japan, Mr. Ken, Forex, Philippine Airlines, Liberty and Mrs. Sasaki. The DFA Ladies Association was the event coordinator.

FIO-Philippine Embassy

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