Ambassador Manuel M. Lopez“Konnichiwa minna-san!” or “Hello everybody!” was the greeting of the Lopez Group Comptrollers’ Circle delegates to all the participants of the Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA) Metro Manila Region’s (MMR) 11th International Conference held in Tokyo, Japan last May 2014.

The Lopez Group Chairman and the Ambassador of the Philippines to Japan, His Excellency, Manuel M. Lopez (AMML), was the Guest of Honor and the Keynote Address Speaker of the international convention.

AMML’s speech centered on the conference theme, “The Philippines: Rising to Global Growth, Challenges and Opportunities.”  He emphasized that globalizing economies facilitate the free flow of services.  The journey towards the ASEAN Economic Community, he said, poses various challenges and opportunities, and necessitates the operationalization of mutual recognition agreements between member states.  He believes that the Philippines has the potential to become a top 20 global economy by 2050, if proper and purposive action is taken now.  He added that the PICPA members are recognized leaders who can significantly contribute to inclusive growth and sustainable progress for the Philippines and their fellow Filipinos.  He encouraged and challenged the accounting professionals to step up to fulfill their role in the changing landscape.

Ambassador Manuel M. Lopez and Madame Teresa Lagdameo-Lopez with Comptrollers' Circle Delegates, PICPA Executives, SGV Partners & Philippine Embassy Officers at the Ambassador's Official Residence

PICPA Kimono Night & Graduation

Various technical sessions were presented by the Executives of the Japanese Institute of Certified Public Accountants (JICPA) and the Officers of the big four accounting firms namely, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), Ernst & Young ShinNihon (EY), Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu (DDT), and KPMG AZSA LLC.  Topics covered were the Recent Activities in Creating Value and Safeguarding the Public Interest, Advantages of Doing Business in Japan, Global Economic Trends, Updates and Forecasts, Global Trends and Issues in International Financial Reporting Standards, Global Issues and Updates on Transfer Pricing, Integrated Reporting in the New Global Environment, and Global Progress Toward Adoption of Emerging Risk Management Standards.  After the technical sessions, highlights of the day were the Kimono Night Dinner and the Graduation Day, wherein the delegates wore “kimonos” or the traditional Japanese style clothes.

Ambassador Manuel M. Lopez with Lopez Group Comptrollers' Circle Delegates at the International Convention
Before the conference, AMML together with his wife, Madame Teresa Lagdameo-Lopez, hosted a dinner to the Lopez Group delegates, PICPA officers and SGV Partners at the official residence of Philippine Ambassadors to Japan in Fujimi, Chiyoda-ku or “Kudan” – as the residence is also referred to on account of its location near the Kudanzaka hilltop.  The house is a central venue for the conduct of Philippine diplomacy and cultural promotion and also, the only National Historical Landmark outside the Philippines.

Ambassador Manuel M. Lopez with Comptrollers' Circle Delegates, PICPA Executives and Embassy Officials at the Philippine Embassy in Tokyo
In addition, the Lopez Group delegates and PICPA officials were warmly welcomed by the Philippine Embassy in Roppongi Minato-ku at their official courtesy call to AMML.  During the meeting, AMML together with the Embassy officials, explained the good relationship of the Philippines with Japan, as well as the various activities and programs being implemented by the Embassy to the Filipinos living in Japan.  Doing business and employment opportunities in Japan were also discussed for the appreciation of the visiting group.

AMML receiving Tokens of Appreciation from the PICPA MMR Japan International Conference Officers. From left: Jovito “Jei-Jei” Gertes (Chair, International Conference Program’s Committee), Normita Villaruz (Chair, International Conference), Rhodora Icaranom (Co-Chair, International Conference), Ruby Seballe (Chair, PICPA Metro Manila Council), AMML & Violeta Josef (PICPA National President)

Lopez Group Comptrollers’ Circle delegates include Group Comptroller Mon Pagdagdagan (First Phil. Holdings), Marvi Mercelino (Lopez Holdings), Jingle Hernandez (Lopez, Inc.), Vicky Martinez (First Phil. Holdings), Lanie Caimol (Lopez Holdings), Aldrin Cerrado (ABS-CBN), Benito Japitana (Rockwell Land), Lucy Landayan (Inaec Aviation Corp.) and Jei-Jei Gertes (Third Generation Holdings and Chairman, PICPA 11th International Conference – Program). “Doumo arigatou gozaimasu! – Thank you very much! (Jei-Jei Gertes)