UNIQLO’s latest launch turned into a gathering of business heavyweights, with Teresita Sy-Coson and Fernando Zobel de Ayala among the night’s most recognizable faces.
The SM Investments Corp. vice chairperson and the Ayala Corp. chairman joined senior Philippine and Japanese officials at Glorietta in Makati for the unveiling of “Threads of Friendship,” an immersive installation marking 70 years of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Japan.
Photos released by the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines showed the two tycoons joining a ceremonial toast before sitting side by side during the opening program.
Japanese Ambassador Endo Kazuya led the ceremony together with Education Secretary Sonny Angara, Tourism Secretary Dita Angara-Mathay, Philippine Ambassador to Japan Mylene Garcia-Albano, UNIQLO Philippines Chairman and COO Ikezoe Osamu, and COO Geraldine Sia.
In his remarks, Endo pointed to UNIQLO’s continued growth in the country, noting that the Japanese retailer has expanded to more than 80 stores nationwide while broadening its education and sustainability initiatives.
Created by UNIQLO in partnership with Salcedo Auctions, the installation pairs Philippine landscapes with Japanese artistic traditions, highlighting the cultural ties that have linked the two nations for seven decades.
The exhibit will run at Glorietta through Dec. 31, 2026.
