President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo offers a toast to visiting Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe during a state dinner at Malacaņang's Rizal Hall Saturday (December 9). Prime Minister Abe arrived in Manila on Friday for a three-day official visit aimed at fostering bilateral relations between the Philippines and Japan. (Dado Aguilar -- OPS-NIB Photo)

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe pour champagne on a Japanese-made Third Generation (3G) train of the Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) during its inauguration Saturday (December 9) at the LRTA Operations Control Center in Pasay City. Prime Minister Abe is in the country for a two-day official visit. (Marcelino Pascua-OPS-NIB Photo)

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo witnesses the signing of the Presidential Guest Book by visiting Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe Saturday (December 9) at the landing of the main staircase of Malacanang. Prime Minister Abe is in the country for a two-day official visit. Looking on are First Gentleman Atty. Jose Miguel Arroyo and Madame Akie Abe (left), wife of the Japanese Prime Minister. (Marcelino Pascua-OPS-NIB Photo)

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe shake hands after they signed the Philippines-Japan Joint Statement: Partnership Between Close Neighbors for Comprehensive Cooperation Saturday (December 9) at Malacanang's Reception Hall. Prime Minister Abe arrived in Manila Friday night for a two-day official visit. (Marcelino Pascua-OPS-NIB Photo)

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe wave to their well-wishers following the arrival honors accorded the visiting Japanese official Saturday (December 9) at Malacaņang Grounds. Prime Minister Abe arrived in Manila Friday night for a two-day official visit. Also in photo are First Gentleman Atty. Jose Miguel Arroyo (behind the President) and Madame Akie Abe, wife of Prime Minister Abe. (Marcelino Pascua-OPS-NIB Photo)

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe troop the line during arrival honors accorded the visiting Japanese official Saturday (December 9) at Malacaņang Grounds. Prime Minister Abe arrived in Manila Friday night for his first official visit to the Philippines. (Marcelino Pascua-OPS-NIB Photo)