A diplomatic jam with Hiroku Kokubu
![A diplomatic jam with Hiroku Kokubu](https://media.philstar.com/images/articles/fashion2-hiroko-kokubo-evelyn-singson_2018-07-31_17-10-08.jpg)
Music’s universality was proven once again during the mini concert of acclaimed Japanese jazz pianist Hiroko Kokubu at the Forbes Park residence of Ambassador Koji Haneda and his charming wife Ihoko.
![](http://media.philstar.com/images/the-philippine-star/lifestyle/fashion-and-beauty/20180801/Fashion2-Grace-Patty-Ang-Ihoko-Haneda.jpg)
Grace and Patty Ang with Ihoko Haneda
As this was a relaxed affair with minimal protocol, the guests were soon ushered to an adjoining hall that featured a grand piano with a large golden silk screen that served as a backdrop. The balikbayan diplomat — he was posted here in the mid-1980s — proudly wore a barong Tagalog that emphasized his trim figure as he introduced his guest who is not only a celebrated jazz pianist, but CNN-Japan’s anchorwoman and a radio DJ: “Last March, Hiroko together with her trio gave two exciting concerts to full-house audiences at the BGC Arts Center. She liked the Philippines so much that she has returned for a vacation, this time visiting the beaches in Cebu.”
![](http://media.philstar.com/images/the-philippine-star/lifestyle/fashion-and-beauty/20180801/Fashion2-Koji-Haneda-RJ-Jacinto-Anna-Sobrepena.jpg)
Ambassador Koji Haneda, RJ Jacinto, Anna Sobrepena, Mikey Cojuangco
Quickly putting us at ease with her friendly banter and charisma, Hiroko easily shifted from classical to pop music without missing a beat. Upon realizing that Filipinos are huge Beatles fans, she acceded to numerous requests to perform the famed quartet’s songs while the crowd joined in a sing-a-long with gusto. Towards the end of the mini concert, RJ Jacinto was cajoled to sing and jam with the celebrated jazz pianist who has recorded over a dozen albums that have been released in Japan, Canada and the US.
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Rita Dy, Carol Sy, Lizette Cojuangco
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