Filipino-Japanese Journal March 2016

FILIPINO JAPANESE JOURNAL • MARCH 2016 1

MARCH 2016 • FREE

JaDine: Officially In Love

D r e a m s N e v e r e N D

Glaiza De Castrofor

Filipino Films Receive Warm Reception at Osaka asian Film Festival

How to Enjoy Spring

in Japan on a Tight Budget

EXCLUSIVE

2 FILIPINO JAPANESE JOURNAL • MARCH 2016

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Editor’s Note

We are pleased to present the second issue of Filipino-Japanese Journal.

This issue presents entertaining and informative topics. On the cover is the beautiful and multi-talented Glaiza de Castro who granted us an exclusive interview where she talked about her passion for music and acting and her love for the Japanese culture. Just recently, her indie film, “Sleepless” earned warm praises from the Japanese audience who watched it at the recently concluded Osaka Asian Film Festival (OAFF) where it competed.

James Reid and Nadine Lustre, fondly called “JaDine” by fans, in our Centerfold, prove that reel romance could actually become real.

Next is our coverage of the 11th OAFF where three Filipino films were screened.

We follow that with an update on the omnibus film that will be directed by award-winning Filipino director Brillante Mendoza for the 29th Tokyo International Film Festival starring veteran actor Lou Veloso.

Then we also have important facts about My Number System, the new Social Security and Tax Number System in Japan that was implemented last January.

This issue concludes with our exciting travel adventures in the Philippines and useful spring touring tips here in Japan.

Once again we owe a great deal of thanks to our writers, photographers and graphic artists for their contributions and cooperation with us during the editorial process. We also encourage our readers to explore our digital edition, blog and social media accounts. We look forward to your feedback.

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Herlyn Alegre

is a graduate student at Waseda University in Tokyo. She is in love with the Tokyo Tower and

crazy about Japanese history. The works of Haruki Mu-

rakami stir her thoughts and

inspire her writing. The

Beatles relaxes her and puts her

in a mood to dream. She is a

fangirl, a baseball fan and

a sucker for jazz. She is a

lover of arts, a seeker of

adventures and a chaser of stars.

Din Eugenio

is a Tokyo-based Filipino press photographer whose work has appeared in publications like TIME (digital edition), ABC News, Philippine Star,

Philippine Daily Inquirer, Pinoy

Gazette, Philippine Digest

and FILJAP Magazine. He completed his

professional photography course at the

prestigious New York Institute of Photography in

2004. Before coming to Japan,

he worked as a still photographer for Regal Films, a film outfit in the Philippines, from 1997-1999. He was the only

Filipino press photographer officially accredited to cover the Tokyo International Film Festival (TIFF)

since 2013 and the Osaka Asian Film Festival (OAFF) since 2014. He regularly

covers Hollywood movie premieres in Tokyo.

While enjoys writing about the U.S. banking industry to pay the bills, he spends part of his

free time pursuing two of his passions - photography and travel.

Tim Ramos

Ari Simangan

is a Manila-based fashion photographer with Japanese roots. He finished Associate Hotel and Restaurant Manage-ment in Baguio, trans-ferred to Manila and got a degree as private pilot from the Philippine State College of Aeronautics. His love for photography became his way of expressing himself and unleashing the artist in him that is waiting to be tapped. He got his

biggest break when he landed a job as a contributing photogra-pher at One Mega Group, a publishing company of glossy magazines in the Philippines. His favorite work includes a special feature for Louis Vuitton and Maserati in the August 2013 issue of Mega Man.

CONTRIBUTORS

Arlene Donaire

is a development economist and project management specialist by profession. She has worked in various government and consulting assignments for the past 27 years. She also served as Information and Public Relations Officer of the Tokyo-based Asian Productivity Organization back in 2010-11. Combining her love for travel and writing with photography, her goal as a photographer-

writer is to create visual stories that will inspire and bring joy to readers. She has been featured as Photographer of the Week by Manila Bulletin's Picture Perfect and won the nationwide Masskara Festival Photo Contest in 2014. Last year she traveled to Sri Lanka for a photography safari, together with members of the Federation of Philippine Photographers Foundation, where she is an alumna. Arlene's favorite genres are street and travel photography. She shoots with her Fujifilm X and Benro system.


contents

HEADLINEWhat You Need to Know About

My Number System

ON THE COVERDreams Never End For

Glaiza de Castro

VISIT PHILIPPINESImbayah, Banaue’s ‘Inuman na!’

And So Much More

CENTERFOLDJaDine: Officially In Love

ENTERTAINMENTLou Veloso To Star In Brillante Mendoza’s

Omnibus Film For Tokyo Film Fest

PROUDLY PINOYFilipino Films Receive Warm Reception at

Osaka Asian Film Festival

TRAVEL JAPANHow to Enjoy Spring in Japan on a Tight Budget

Spring Is Almost Here: Cherry Blossoms Forecast 2016Oshino Hakkai: Eight Wonders Around Mt. Fuji

COMMUNITYFilipino Designer Kim Gan

Showcases Creations in Japan

PHILIPPINE ADVENTURES2016: Year of the Red Fire Monkey

EVENTS AROUND TOWN16th International Symposium on Fireworks in Akita

Tokyo Skytree Town Spring Vacation Special EventTokyo Disney Sea Celebrates 15th Anniversary With

‘The Year of Wishes’

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6 FILIPINO JAPANESE JOURNAL • MARCH 20166 FILIPINO JAPANESE JOURNAL • MARCH 2016

HEADLINE

What You Needto Know AboutMy Number System

In order to strengthen and simplify the taxation and provision of social welfare benefits in the country, the Japanese government has

started the implementation of the new Social Security and Tax

Number System called “My Number” in January.

Under the system, the local m u n i c i p a l i t y issues a n o t i f i c a t i o n card or tsuchi

kaado containing 12-digit identification numbers to each and every resident to efficiently manage information by tying them to personal information they have on individuals in the areas of social security administration, taxation and disaster response.

Here’s some facts you need to know about My Number:

1. It applies to foreigners who have legally resided in Japan for more than three months including medium- to long-term resident, special permanent resident, person who has been granted

landing permission for temporary refuge or person granted permission for provisional stay and person who has overstayed due to childbirth or resident who has overstayed due to loss of Japanese nationality.

2. A resident must only provide his/her 12-digit individual number to administrative organs and others that handle procedures in the areas of social security administration, taxation and disaster response.

3. Once an individual number has been issued, it does not change for the duration of the recipient’s life.

4. A resident will be able to apply to his/her municipality an individual number card or kojin bango kaado for free. This card will contain an IC chip. It will also have the bearer’s name, address, date of

birth and sex, as well as an ID photograph on the front, and the individual number on the back.

5. No new Basic Resident Registration Cards will be issued after the issuance of Individual Number Cards. However, Basic Resident Registration Cards that were issued prior to December 2015 will be useable for the remainder of their period of validity.

Website: http://www.cas.go.jp/jp/seisaku/bangoseido/index.htmlTelephone No.: 0570-20-0291

Source: Cabinet Secretariat



PHOtOgRAPHS COURtESy OF glAIzA dE CASTRO

ON THE COVER

E X C L U S I V E

Glaiza de Castro is not one to rest on her laurels. Ever since

her entrance in showbiz in 2001, the 28-year-old soft-spoken

actress has been portraying one television or movie role after the other, often times, getting rave reviews for her mettle in

acting: as the scheming and overbearing Eunice Aragon

in the local adaptation of “Stairway to Heaven,” the

dauntless Tiffany who had the guts to do vocal showdowns with

Regine Velasquez in “Diva,” the endearing leading lady in “Grazilda,” and most recently

the lesbian Althea in “The Rich Man’s Daughter,” to name a few.

DreamsNevereNDForGlaizaDe Castro

There’s something new and refreshing every time you see Glaiza portray roles, proving that she is indeed versatility personified in an industry where good

looks comes first over talent more often than not.

“As much as possible, I don’t want to be boxed in anything that I do. I tend to explore. Like in The Rich Man’s Daughter, I was more excited to tackle the role than be scared because it was a role that I haven’t done before.

“I prepare and I research kapag tumatanggap ako ng role. Paano ko ito sisimulan? Paano ko gagawin nang maayos? Paano ako mae-educate para magampanan ko nang tama ang isang role. The challenge is how you separate

your job from who you really are,” says Glaiza half-smilingly in an exclusive interview of Filipino-Japanese Journal.

While she reaps success in the acting department, Glaiza admits that music is her passion and her music artistry is one thing that she wants to share to the public, especially her fans who’ve been constantly supporting her since day one.

It’s a norm for some actors to cross over from doing drama series to releasing an album, never mind, if he’s not a good singer because mere popularity can sell albums nowadays. What sets Glaiza apart is the fact that she has chosen the difficult route – making music that is not pop or mainstream, not the kind people would expect her to sing – coupled with a good voice and impeccable songwriting skills.

The end result, “Synthesis.”



Diving Into Her World

After years of being in showbiz and being a regular fixture in Kapuso network’s Sunday variety shows, Glaiza finally decided that it is time to pursue her passion in music by releasing her latest album entitled “Synthesis,” which has now reached Gold status.

Yes, she released two albums before: “Magbalik Ka” in 2001 and “Glaiza” in 2006 but “Synthesis” is in a completely new level because she produced this album – no major recording label to back her up – plus, she conceptualized the album and wrote most of the songs with the help of her closest friends and musicians she looks up to.

Listening to the eight-track album is like diving into her world, her personal experiences written in the form of songs that are melancholic, enigmatic and awe-inspiring.

“Alam mo iyong darating ka sa point na gusto mong gumawa ng iyo kasi ilang years din ako na ‘sige, eto iyong gagawin ko kasi ito iyong kailangan, ito iyong sinasabi sa iyo’ pero deep inside you want to do something na gusto mong i-share sa tao na galing sa iyo, iyong personal experiences mo, iyong love for music kasi most people know me na artista ako, umaarte ako, nagpe-perform but they didn’t really know I’m also into music, that it is my passion more than acting,” confesses Glaiza.

“Synthesis,” as it names suggests, features a fusion of different genres that influenced Glaiza since her younger days, forming a new and distinct sound that completely defines her artistry. Songs in the album include “Country Tree,” “Makataruok,” “Memo,” “Sa’yo Pa Rin,” “Dusk Till Dawn,” which has a Japanese version, and “Barcelona” and “Waiting Shed,” songs she collaborated with good friend, Angelica Panganiban.

“Mahirap pumili kasi lahat niyan may kanya-kanyang characteristics, tapos may sari-sarili silang kwento, na hindi mo pwedeng sabihin na ito iyong pinakagusto kong nangyari. Lahat siya significant sa akin. Lahat ng mga nasa album na iyon ay precious sa akin,” explains Glaiza when asked what her favorite song in Synthesis.

Her love for music is something that fuels her to discover her purpose, to continuously reinvents, to stay true to her roots, and to create more songs that can touch people’s lives.

“Music is suppose to make us feel something; for me, it’s therapy. Source rin siya ng positive energy na kapag kailangan mo maging positive sa buhay you listen to

one song and it makes you feel better right away. Parang ganoon iyong gusto kong message sa tao, complex man ang nagyayari sa iyo, idaan sa pakikinig ng music that talks about not giving up and embracing all circumstances.”

Love For Japanese Culture

Glaiza loves to travel and Japan will always be her favorite destination. She has visited the country twice and is aiming to come back because of her fascination with Japanese culture since she was a kid. She’s a huge fan of Japanese manga, anime and films and she even studied Nihonggo prior to her recent visit in Japan.

She chose to celebrate her birthday in Japan last year and was totally overwhelmed being in a place that she just dreamed of seeing one day that it brought her to tears.

“Noong birthday ko, I went to Ghibli Museum at sobrang nag-enjoy ako. I saw an exhibit sa ground floor na may live animation at naiyak ako kasi sobra akong na-overwhelm. Parang kanta e, kumu-connect siya sa emotion habang nanonood ako,” she thrillingly narrates as if it only happened yesterday.

One of the random things she happily did is leaving copies of “Synthesis” at different places in Japan hoping that one can listen to it and appreciate it.

“May ginawa ako noong nasa Harajuku kami, sabi ko sa kapatid ko mag-iiwan ako somewhere ng copies ng album ko or pupunta ako ng record store tapos ibibigay ko lang. We saw this small record store, noong una medyo nahiya pa ako, but I decided to still go. I said, ‘Hi, my name is Glaiza and I’m a musician from the Philippines. This is my album and I just want you to listen to this and enjoy,” she admits, her face lighting up.

She also participated in an open mic session, singing the Japanese version of “Dusk Till Dawn,” which she plans to release and was thrilled when a Japanese came up to her and told her that he likes the song.

It is through this small gestures that remind her to continue unearthing what she can still offer be it in acting, singing, producing, songwriting or whatever endeavor she wishes to pursue; that if you embrace your purpose, you will become who you’re meant to be.

“Don’t be afraid to share your dreams and your passion and don’t be afraid of failure, no matter how many times you’re rejected, magiging maayos din ang lahat. Isang masayang proseso iyan, isang masayang adventure so just embrace your purpose.”



Imbayah,Banaue's 'Inuman na!'And So Much More

VISIT PHILIPPINES

Filipino culture is by nature, colorful. From small gatherings and occasions like local barangay fiestas to the full-on, humongous, and production-value festivals the many of our provinces hold, there is the undeniable and irrefutable stamp of Filipino creativity and ingenuity.

WORdS/PHOtOgRAPHS TIm RAmOS


But when you think about it, many of our local festivals that have been part of our culture for decades stem from our Catholic heritage and our Spanish colonization that lasted for more than 300 years.

This is where the Imbayah Festival in Banaue, Ifugao sets itself apart.

Imbayah is a festival that celebrates local Ifugao cultural traditions, such as the thanksgiving for a bountiful harvest. It's also interesting to note that the name of the festival itself is derived from the Ifugao word for rice wine, bayah. Perhaps our penchant for calling out "Inuman na!" during special occasions has far deeper cultural roots than we realize.

Traditionally though, Imbayah was about the rising of status in the community and the more affluent members of society hosted the celebrations in their respective homes. In recent years though, it has been more of a celebration and means to remember Ifugao culture in general — while it has still a lot of ways to go in terms of tourist spectators, especially compared to the larger celebrations in other provinces, more and more people have braved the twisting mountain roads to catch a glimpse of this truly unique festival. In fact, Imbayah used to be held only once every three years, but has become very successful that it is now a yearly occurrence.

Contingents from Banaue's 18 different villages converge in the town proper, terraces, bringing with them their own tribal symbols. They dance, they compete in ethnic games, not so much as performances or shows for visitors — although visitors are most welcome — but as more of a remembrance of where they came from and what makes them unique as a people. In fact, a number of the competitive sports played in the ethnic games were used to settle disputes between tribes.

Another popular event of the festival is the wooden scooter race, where participants zip down the mountain roads from of one of the highest viewpoints of the rice terraces down to the Banaue town proper. These scooters have no motors whatsoever, with the racers relying on their deft maneuvering and the craftsmanship of their bikes to get ahead.

There are also several opportunities to further appreciate mountain culture — there are organized treks through the famed rice terraces themselves that visitors can take, or for the more adventurous, a trek to the village of Batad where even more majestic rice terraces await, and below them, the raging but beautiful Tappiya waterfalls.

It may lack the pomp and splendor of other festivals, but there is something profound about the Imbayah; it's more than the top-load traveling, or the unique food (ants and kamote, anyone?), the strapping fellows in tribal g-strings, or even the ingenuity and persistence behind the beautiful rice terraces. It's something pure, something largely untouched by our colonial history, something inherently and uniquely Filipino.

Getting there: You may opt for a side trip to Baguio City first and then catch a bus to Banaue, or take a bus straight from Manila to Banaue. This year's festival is on April 18-22.


JaDine: Officially In LoveJaDine: Officially In LoveCENTERFOLD

PHOtOgRAPHS PATRICK LASANAS

Towards the end of the concert, James professed his love for his leading lady that had the Big Dome exploding in loud screams and shrieks, like

they finally got an answer to a long-time prayer.

From reel to real, indeed.Showbiz denizens were quick to say

how brave and honest James and Nadine were for telling the world that they are in love with each other, putting aside the fact that it is not a norm for showbiz love teams to admit to having a real-life

relationship because fans love the chase and the mystery.

But JaDine’s honesty and being true to themselves endeared them more to the fans who have expressed their full support for the tandem that is now arguably considered the hottest love team in the Kapamilya network.

Coming from a phenomenal stint on their primetime series “On the Wings of Love” that somehow changed the landscape of Philippine television, James and Nadine are happy to finally be able to express their love for each other openly.

In a special episode entitled “On the Wings of Love: Achieved! From Reel to Real,” James and Nadine shared how their real-life love story unfolded, something that they never expected would happen since they vow not to be entangled in a romantic relationship to protect their blossoming careers.

They were okay to being friends, or to being partners-in-crime as they always say, but a big fight during the premier night of “Wang Fam,” a movie that starred their friends Andre Paras and Yassi Pressman, made them realized how important they are to each other.

James Reid and Nadine Lustre are singing a different tune lately and it is music to the ears of their legions of screaming fans. Just when everyone conceded to the fact that James and Nadine -- fondly called by their portmanteau JaDine -- will remain to be onscreen partners and good friends, the two surprised thousands of fans who trooped to Araneta Coliseum last month for their “JaDine In Love” concert when they admitted their real-life romance.


“We didn’t talk for four days and it was terrible. It was then that I realized what it was like to not have her in my life. It started creeping up on me because I realized how much she meant to me. They say you don’t realize what you have until you lost it, I kinda got a taste of that. So when we became friends again, I appreciated her more and treasured it a lot more,” James admitted in the special episode’s interview portion hosted by Robi Domingo and Gretchen Ho.

“Turns out what I wanted is someone who I can be 100% myself with and who just understands you and makes your life easier. And with Nadine, I was just completely weird with her and silly like I would with my best friend. I realized I am completely myself when I’m with her and I don’t have to try to be anyone else. It made falling in love with her easy,” James added.

Nadine, on her part, said that it’s James who can make her smile even without trying too hard.

James confessed his true feelings for Nadine on Feb. 11 while they were having a date in one of the restaurants in the metropolis, surrounded by wine bottles.

“It was very romantic. We were surrounded by wine bottles, kind of like a cellar. And I said ‘Bet you don’t know I could be like this?’ Because before I was never sweet to her. So it’s different when I’m being sweet… it’s different when I’m in love.

“And I thought I said ‘oh no! I shouldn’t have said that.’ I don’t want to say it until the concert. She asked ‘why are you in love?’ And then I said, ‘I am gonna say it ‘yes I am,” James said.

It was at that moment when they exchanged I love you’s.

James and Nadine both emphasized

that their admission is something that they didn’t do for the fans. They just simply wanted the whole world to know because they find it difficult to deny that there’s nothing going on between them.

“It was so liberating. I mean, before in the past, when I dated girls I always had to keep it a secret. It is so difficult. For once being with her, [being able to] just scream it out, the whole country watching…it felt so satisfying,” James quipped.

“I want us to be private as possible. Para tahimik, walang gulo but then parang na-realized ko, oo nga, ‘no. Parang gusto ko nga ‘yung feeling. Kasi we don’t have to lie, ganun,” Nadine stressed.

Now that the truth is out in the open, expect kilig overload from the two or to the fans lingo, OJD (Obessive JaDine Disorder).


PHOtOgRAPHS ABS-CBN


ENTERTAINmENT

The movie plot will tackle issues on loss of one’s national identity through an intimate portrayal of an illegal Filipino immigrant in Japan who

returns to his homeland for the first time in decades after being deported.

“I am proud to be part of the Asian Three-Fold Mirror Project, and am especially happy to come to Japan, which is my favorite country. The landscapes of Japan have beauty and discipline,” Veloso said in a statement.

Veloso is known for his supporting roles in over 30 popular comedy films.

In 2009, he appeared in “Colorum,” which earned him nominations for numerous awards and wins for five other best actor awards,

including FAMAS (The Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences Awards) and the Brussels International Independent Film Festival. He also established a community theater in Santa Ana, Manila where he teaches professionals, out-of-school students and children who want to be actors. In 2010, Veloso received the Lou Salvador Sr. Memorial Award from FAMAS for his great career and astounding comedic prowess on screen and in 2012, he achieved even greater success when he appeared in the Hollywood film, “The Bourne Legacy.” Veloso has worked with director Brillante Mendoza in “Kinatay”

(2009) and “Trap” (2015).The omnibus film will have its world

premiere at the 29th edition of the Tokyo International Film Festival (TIFF) to be held from Oct. 25 to Nov. 3, and will then be shown on the international film festival circuit.

Three accomplished directors from Asia have been selected to contribute chapters to the first iteration of the Asian Three-Fold Mirror project: Brillante Mendoza (Philippines), Isao Yukisada (Japan) and Sotho Kulikar (Cambodia). It aims to deepen interactions between neighboring countries within Asia, as well as enriching cultural understanding and providing chance for people to consider their identity and way of life as individuals in Asia. It was launched in 2014 as part of the collaboration between the Japan Foundation Asia Center and TIFF.

Lou Veloso To Star In Brillante Mendoza’sOmnibus Film For Tokyo Film Fest

PHOtOgRAPH DIN EUgENIO

TOKYO, Japan – Filipino veteran actor, comedian and director Lou Veloso will star in Brillante Mendoza’s episode for the omnibus film co-production project, “Asian Three-Fold Mirror.”

FILIPINO JAPANESE JOURNAL • MARCH 2016 15FILIPINO JAPANESE JOURNAL • MARCH 2016 15

“Walang Forever” is a romantic-comedy film about a screenwriter who finds her muse when an ex-boyfriend suddenly comes back into her life. Lead actor Jericho

Rosales together with director Dan Villegas and screenwriter Antoinette Jadaone attended the screenings and symposium.

“To be here at OAFF means a lot to us because this is a proof that our film is special,” Rosales said.

“It’s my first time to attend a festival as a director so I’m really happy to be invited here by OAFF. Last year, I was also here as the producer of ‘That Thing Called Tadhana,” Villegas said.

“Sleepless,” the directorial debut of Prime Cruz starring Glaiza de Castro and Dominic Roco, is about two lonely people who can’t sleep because of insomnia. Together they fight the loneliness that keeps them awake. Cruz along with screenwriter Jen Chuaunsu presented their film to the festival audiences.

“Masaya kami na makapasok ang pelikula namin sa OAFF. Sana hindi ito ang una at huli,” Cruz said.

Erik Matti’s film “Honor Thy Father,” starring John Lloyd Cruz, was also warmly received during its screenings in the Special

Programs (New Action! Southeast Asia) section of the festival.The Grand Prix (Best Picture Award) was given to the

Korean movie, “My Sister, The Pig Lady.”In 2014, Siege Ledesma’s “Shift” won the Grand Prix while

Sigrid Andrea Bernardo’s “Anita’s Last Cha-Cha” earned Special Mention honors. Award-winning actress and host Eugene Domingo was appointed as jury president.

OAFF aims to facilitate human resources development and exchange, to invigorate the Osaka economy, and to increase the city’s appeal, through providing opportunities to watch excellent Asian films, supporting filmmaking in Osaka and attracting filmmakers from Asian countries and regions to Osaka.

PROUDLY PINOY

Filipino Films Receive Warm Reception at Osaka Asian Film Festival

OSAKA, Japan – Two Filipino films in competition at the 11th Osaka Asian Film Festival (OAFF) screened to warm applause at a packed house in the fest, marking their international premieres.

PHOtOgRAPHS DIN EUgENIO

(L-R): Prime Cruz, Jen Chuaunsu, Antoinette Jadaone, dan Villegas and Jericho Rosales

Watch out for d i s c o u n t e d fares. Your airfare can eat up almost half of your budget

if you are not eager to find cheap flights. Compared to other destinations in Asia, Japan can be a little more expensive, but not that expensive to hinder you and not go at all. Thanks to all the low-cost carriers that are traveling to and from the Philippines, you can avail a cheaper airfare compared to those offered by major airlines. Flights by low-cost carriers are cheap enough for your budget, but if you want to save even more, better wait for seat sales that happen 3-6 months before your desired travel time. Sometimes they are difficult to get because they easily get sold out so it requires perseverance and patience to wait and book for these kinds of fares. Moreso, these carriers now also offer flights to other parts of Japan like Osaka, Fukuoka and Nagoya that can be a little cheaper than the direct flights

to Tokyo. These sites can also offer you an interesting adventure that is very different from the highly urbanized Tokyo.

Book service apartments. With a growing number of people offering their own apartments or vacant rooms to tourists, you can now stay in an authentic Japanese residence like a local via websites like airbnb. Or if you are up for a greater adventure and if you don’t mind sleeping in a stranger’s uncomfortable couch for free, you can try couchsurfing and meet a new friend who can probably help you get around Japan too.

Eat at nice restaurants during lunch time. There are a lot of nice places that offer good food and relaxing ambience may it be in Tokyo or Osaka. However, the prices of dinner menus in these posh restaurants with good views can skyrocket in the evening. But there’s a cheapo way to experience these places. Make a reservation during lunchtime where restaurants offer cheaper lunch menus, sometimes as much as half the price. You get to try the food, enjoy the

view and even save up a little for the next good restaurant you see around town.

Avail special train passes. Transportation in Japan can be quite expensive but with a number of different train lines offering special passes, you can save a lot. There are passes that offer unlimited train rides or bus rides in a particular area for a day or more like the JR Rail Pass and the Kansai Wide Pass or a discounted round trip fare to a nearby destination like the Hakone Pass and the Nikko Pass.

Go to free sightseeing spots. You can go to these places without spending a penny for entrance fees. See the Tokyo skyline for free at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building or stroll around the moat of the Imperial Palace in Chidorigafuchi to see the lovely cherry blossoms dangling on both sides of the river with boats filled with lovers scattered all around the river.

Peak seasons like spring in Japan do not always equate to overpriced traveling costs. There’s always a way for the cheapo traveler to make ends meet!

Spring is a very popular time for tourists to come to Japan because of the appeal of the transcendent sakura or cherry blossoms. Contrary to the impression that traveling to Japan can cost you an arm and a leg, enjoying this peak season on a budget is highly possible if you know where to look for the cheapest treats.

WORDS/PHOTOGRAPHS HERLYN ALEGRE

How toEnjoy Springin Japanon a Tight Budget

WORDS HERLYN ALEGRE PHOTOGRAPH diN EuGENio


TRAVEL JAPAN

The cherry blossoms is admired in the Japanese culture because of its swift arrival combined with its ethereal beauty and fleeting nature that embodies the nature of life. Tracking the cherry blossom front or sakura zensen is an annual event in Japan; and it’s important to note that its blooming period varies from year to year depending upon the weather.

Spring Is Almost Here:Cherry Blossoms Forecast 2016

In Japan, the arrival of spring is marked by the blooming of its iconic cherry blossoms or sakura across the country followed by the gathering of family and friends under the cherry blossom trees for one of the country’s most cherished tradition known as hanami.

Cherry Blossoms Forecast 2016(Source: Japan Weather Association)

Location First Bloom Full Bloom

Tokyo March 25 April 1-9Kyoto March 28 April 3-11Kagoshima April 1 April 8-16Kumamoto March 26 April 2-10Fukuoka March 25 April 2-10Hiroshima March 28 April 3-11Osaka March 28 April 3-11Nara March 28 April 3-11Nagoya March 25 April 1-9Yokohama March 27 April 3-11Kanazawa April 3 April 7-15Nagano April 9 April 13-21Sendai April 8 April 13-21Aomori April 23 April 27-May 5Hakodate April 30 May 3-10Sapporo May 3 May 5-12

Note: The forecast is subject to change due to weather conditions.


TRAVEL JAPAN



TRAVEL JAPAN

OshinO hakkai:Eight Wonders around Mt. Fuji


These ponds, namely, Deguchi-ike Pond, Okama-ike Pond, Sokonashi-ike Pond, Choshi-ike Pond, Waku-ike Pond, Nigori-ike Pond, Kagami-ike Pond and Shoubu-ike Pond, are filled with melted snow water that has taken

several decades to filter through the underground layers of Mt. Fuji, resulting in pure, clear spring water that is worshipped by the locals.

Apart from Oshino Hakkai, you can also find a small open air museum, restaurants, souvenir shops and food

vendors inside Oshino Village.Oshino Hakkai was designated as a Japanese Natural

Monument in 1934. It was also included in the 100 Exquisite and Well-Conserved Waters in Japan in 1985 and 100 New Scenes of Mt. Fuji in 1993.

Getting there: Fujikyuko Line Fujisan station --> 15 minutes by bus

Ohashi or Oshino Hakkai --> 5 minutes by footEmpress Travel & Tours conducts private and small

group tours to Oshino Hakkai. For inquiries, please email [email protected].

In the Fuji Five Lake (Fujigoko) region at the northern base of Mt. Fuji is where you can find Oshino, a small village that attracts thousands of locals and tourists alike because of its eight breathtaking ponds known as “Oshino Hakkai.”

Filipino Designer Kim GanShowcases Creations in Japan



COmmUNITTY

Gan was chosen by the Sakura Fashion Board to represent the Philippines in the said event.

Japanese-Filipino actress and model Yu Takahashi

together with Miss World Japan 2015 finalists Natsuki Robertson and Himawari Yamashita strutted the runway wearing Gan’s designs whose past collections include Japanese pattern and kimono-inspired pieces.

“Kim is very proud to represent the Philippines here in Japan for the Sakura Collection because this is good venue to showcase the Filipino artistry and creativity in the world stage,” said creative director Rommel Manlangit

who represented Gan in the event. Aside from Gan, designers from Malaysia,

Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore and Indonesia were also invited to showcase their creations.

Gan finished Interior Design at the University of Sto. Thomas and studied practical education in the arts and fashion in Tokyo because of his amazement in the cultural aesthetics of Japan. He opened his fashion company, Gakuya in Corinthian Gardens Clubhouse in 2009. He made his breakthrough on the international scene when his gowns were published in Vogue Italia.

Sakura Collection aims to promote tourism in Japan as well as the country’s international and cultural exchange.

YOKOHAMA, Japan – Filipino fashion designer Kim Gan’s exquisite creations were showcased at the Sakura Collection 2015-2016 held at Akarenga Red Brick House on March 5.



PHOtOgRAPHS dIN EUgENIO



PHILIPPINE ADVENTURES

Year of the Red Fire MonkeyWORdS/PHOtOgRAPHS ARLENE DONAIRE

The celebration of Chinese New Year is no different from the time-honored "New Years" that are celebrated across nations and religions. Universally, new years symbolize gratefulness for the past year and usher in the coming year with optimism and hope for good fortune. For the Christian New Year version that I grew up with, I see little distinction in the way that Chinese New Year is commemorated; it is just as filled with revelry and symbolisms and only differs in the way that the Chinese emphasize the honoring of their deities and ancestors on this occasion.



Year of the Red Fire Monkey

This year's Chinese New Year or Spring Festival, which is celebrated at the turn of the traditional lunisolar Chinese calendar, fell on Feb. 8, a

day after I turned 50 years old. The year 2016 is called the year of the Red Fire Monkey, a time of great challenges and rewards. The Chinese horoscope offers detailed insights into the exciting and dynamic year ahead, which are taken seriously as life-guides by firm believers. Personally, I get inspiration from the motivational meanings of the predictions. Being born a horse, it appears the year 2016 augurs well for me; it promises to be filled with exciting opportunities and reasons to be thankful! As someone who just crossed the golden threshold, I like to think of 2016 as my doorway to three "Es" - Exploring new horizons, Elevating to higher planes in all that I do, whether it is for family, community, or myself, and relishing each Experience that comes with the flow.

Since I started photography as a hobby in 2009, I have made it a part of my annual list to shoot the celebration of Chinese New Year in Binondo, a district in Manila, that is otherwise known as the city's Chinatown. Binondo happens to be world's oldest Chinatown! It was established in 1594 by the Spanish

colonial government as a closely watched settlement near the walled city, Intramuros, but strategically located across the Pasig River. The authorities then needed to keep a close eye on the rapidly growing community of Filipino-Chinese businesses that had been deeply entrenched in Manila's socio-economic millieu even before the colonial times. In modern times, Binondo continues to be an influential commercial hub in Manila.

At Chinese New Year celebrations, the main streets of Binondo turn red, with people wearing red clothes milling about and red-colored ornaments like lanterns generously decorated by the establishments of the district's narrow streets. Red is the symbol for fire, a legendary way of driving away bad luck. The fireworks that mark the festivities also represent a similar custom by the ancient Chinese who lit bamboo stalks, believing that the crackling flames would drive away evil spirits. The streets are filled with vendors of all kinds, hawking everything imaginable from exotic streetfoods to lucky charms and knick-knacks. The gutsy fire dancers perform to the tune of reverberating sounds of drums, keeping the visitors gawking in disbelief and amazement. Just about everyone virtually becomes a photographer as cameras of all kinds are seen from hands held high over mass of heads, scampering for the

right angle to shoot. All these add to the celebratory mood that pervades the air. Another highlight of the Celebration are the dragon and lion dances that precede the fireworks and "rain" of goodies thrown by storeowners to the crowds. The dragons are typically constructed with colorfully patterned cloth and carried around by several men as they "crawl" all over the streets, visiting the stores to bring good luck.

This year was my third time to join many visitors in the Chinese New Year celebration in Binondo. From a photographic perspective, it remains a fascinating subject. Never a dull moment with the "sea of human interest" unfolding at every instance. From a gastronomic perspective, no less fulfilling; it is in fact a highlight that shouldn't be missed. Binondo, simply put, is culinary paradise! My mother says we come from a Chinese lineage in Cebu. But that is not the reason why I celebrate the Chinese New Year. Chinese or not, the festivity is remarkable in its own right, something that any fun-loving optimisitic person can appreciate and should get to experience at least once.

Quite belated but let me greet you all anyway "Gong Xi Fa Cai, everyone!" May you take a leap forward this new year, take on new adventures, step on new roads that you can explore, and achieve new heights. (Motivationguru.com)



16th International Symposiumon Fireworks in Akita

Tokyo DisneySea Celebrates15th Anniversary With

‘The Year of Wishes’

Tokyo Skytree Town Spring Vacation Special Event

The 16th International Symposium on Fireworks will take place on April 24 -29 at Daisen in Akita.

This symposium will gather fireworks professionals from all over the world for presentations on fireworks-making techniques,

safety procedures, artistry, tradeshow of pyrotechnical businesses with new product demos and discussions and sightseeing events and tours.

Known as the “City of Fireworks,” Daisen’s greatest pride is the annual Omagari Hanabi, a fireworks competition with over 100 years of history.

Tokyo Disney Resort® announced that to mark the 15th anniversary of the grand opening of Tokyo DisneySea® Park, a major celebration will be held at the Park from April 15 through March 17, entitled “Tokyo DisneySea 15th Anniversary: The Year of Wishes.”

Along with the new entertainment, various places around the Park will also invite guests to feel the excitement of this milestone year celebrating the start of a new journey.

Special merchandise and menu items will be sold.

Tokyo Skytree Town operated by Tobu Tower Skytree and Tobu Town Solamachi will hold various special events from March 1 to April 10, where visitors can enjoy the events while viewing the surrounding cherry blossoms. There will be a photo spot at the observation

deck where cherry blossoms in full bloom along with Sorakara-chan and other official characters appear virtually with augmented reality technology. In addition, there will be a stamp rally, in which participants will go around to cherry blossom viewing spots in the downtown area, as well as many

other attractions.Spring Vacation!

Solamachi Wakuwaku Park 2016 will also open from March 19. The amusement park for kids will offer three types of attractions, including the Jump Zone, where kids can jump up to seven meters high at the foot of Tokyo Skytree.

Other attractions will include two types of special lighting events that use Tokyo Skytree to represent the world’s tallest cherry tree, various character events, and the sale of Tokyo Skytree original goods in the motif of spring cherry blossoms and strawberries.

Promote Your Upcoming Event For Free!

Calling all Filipino o r g a n i z a t i o n s in Japan! We are inviting you to send us your event announcements for

possible publication. Send them to [email protected].


PHOtOgRAPH COURtESy OF wIKIpEdIA

PHOtOgRAPH COURtESy OF ©dISNEy

EVENTS AROUND TOWN


Changing

the way news

is delivered

in the

Community

Filipino-Japanese Journal is originally a blog site that features the latest news, entertainment, travel, food and fashion. It has been a source of information, particularly to Filipinos in Japan, for the past five years. In order to reach a broader market, the team behind the blog has decided to try another platform in sharing compelling stories by

launching a magazine that will change the way news is delivered in the community.

Each issue, which is published every second Monday of the month, features first-hand news, exclusive interviews and the best topics in the Philippines and Japan. It aims to shape minds, inspire readers and set the benchmark of quality among Filipino magazines in Japan. Filipino- Japanese Journal is led by a team whose members are exceptionally passionate and dedicated in the fields of journalism, photography, graphic design and marketing and promotion.


Documents

Filipino-Japanese Journal March 2016