FilJap Magazine June 2015 by FILJAP Magazine

Free ¥0

June 2015 Issue 30

JAYR Fueled By Music, Driven By Passion

Manny Pacquiao Heart of a Champion

President Aquino To Visit Japan

Lily James Promotes ‘Cinderella’ in Tokyo

Tetta Ortiz-Matera Exclusive Interview: Surviving Breast Cancer

Advertise with Us! FilJap Magazine implements an exclusive advertising policy.

Advantages No Wasted Copies

No Competition

We make sure that each and every copy of the magazine reaches the targeted readers.

We guarantee your business will be the only one of its kind in every issue.

Advertising Specs

RATES

REQUIREMENTS

B5 Full Page

(Placement per issue)

Digital Files Only

With bleed: 188 x 263 mm Without bleed: 182 x 257 mm

Inside Front Cover - ¥100,000 Page 3 – ¥70,000 Page 4 – ¥50,000 Page 18 – ¥70,000 Inside Back Cover – ¥100,000 Outside Back Cover – ¥100,000

• Jpeg or PDF files are accepted. • All images should be 300 dpi and color as CMYK.

Note: Contract is minimum of 6 months All rates are in Japanese yen and are tax inclusive.

Contact

03-6903-2100

filjapmagazine@yahoo.com

FAX

ADDRESS

For inquiries, please call

03-6903-2101

114-0004 Tokyo-to, Kita-ku, Horifune 1-26-14-501

June 2015

Table of Contents 4

In Focus Manny Pacquiao: Heart of a Champion

FilCom Watch President Aquino to Visit Japan

Cover Story JayR: Fueled By Music, Driven By Passion

Philippine Adventures Passage to Pagsanjan

Spotlight Tetta Ortiz-Matera Exclusive Interview: Surviving Breast Cancer

Travel Japan A Tour At Tottori Sand Dunes Conan Airport

Celebrity News Lily James Promotes ‘Cinderella’ in Tokyo

facebook.com/FilJapMagazine

EDITOR’S NOTE Welcome to the 30th issue of FILJAP Magazine! As we enter the second half of the year, we are delighted to bring you feel-good celebrity features and inspiring real-life stories. On our cover is the Philippines’ King of R&B, JayR who welcomed us into his beautiful home and granted us an exclusive interview. He’s been reaping praises for his stint in ABS-CBN’s “Your Face Sounds Familiar” and his album “Elevated” is about to turn gold. We follow that with another exclusive story on Tetta-Ortiz Matera, a former model who won the fight against breast cancer and now considering winning a new challenge – “bring attention to Filipino design in Japan.” Then we also have an encouraging piece about Manny Pacquiao who after his defeat by Floyd Mayweather remains the real champion in our hearts for his grace, class and humility. Let us take you to a memorable trip to Pagsanjan Laguna and Tottori Sand Dunes Conan Airport. We are happy to welcome President Benigno S. Aquino III Florenda Corpuz to Japan this June! Editor-in-Chief

issuu.com/filjapmag Publisher: Yonei Toshikazu Telephone: 03-6903-2100 Editor-in-Chief: Florenda Corpuz Fax: 03-6903-2101 Associate Editor: Nel Salvador Toll-Free Fax: 0800-919-3633 Contributing Writers/ Arlene Donaire Editorial Office: 332-0034 Saitama-ken, Photographers: Oliver Corpuz Kawaguchi-shi, Namiki 4-10-6 Din Eugenio Wakosou 101 Advertising Executive: Judith Takahashi Mobile: 080-9153-2430 Distribution Executive: Genie Omata Manila Office: 407 Adalla Street, Palm Village, Layout Artist: VerJube Photographics Makati City, Philippines Advertising & 114-0004 Tokyo-to Kita-ku Telephone: 63(2) 403-42-06 E-mail: filjapmagazine@yahoo.com Sales Office: Horifune 1-26-14-501 FilJap Magazine is published by FilJap Consulting. All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be reproduced in any manner without the permission of the publisher.

E dito r ’ s P ick

We Want Your Photos! Send your submissions to the editor at dang010@yahoo.com or filjapmagazine@yahoo.com. Resolution must be 300 dpi at actual print size. Please include applicable credits and captions. FILJAP MAGAZINE | JUNE 2015

in focus

Manny Pacquiao: Heart of a Champion Photos courtesy of Top Rank / Chris Farina

By now, much has been said about the bout, touted as the “Fight of the Century,” between Floyd Mayweather, Jr. and Manny Pacquiao that happened at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada on May 2.

t was the highly-anticipated fight between two of the greatest poundfor-pound boxers in the world which took almost six years to materialize. Mayweather has a flawless record with 47 wins while Filipino pride Manny Pacquiao is the only boxer to win world titles in eight different weight divisions. After 12 rounds of boxing, Mayweather was declared the undefeated champion via unanimous decision with the three judges scoring 118-110 (Dave Moretti), 116-112 (Burt Clements) and 116-112 (Glenn Feldman). Everybody who watched the match saw Pacquiao aggressively trying to engage Mayweather, known to be a master in defense and counterpunch, in a slugfest by cornering him and throwing lethal combinations but every time it happened the American boxer always found a way to get out of the dangerous situation that left the Filipino southpaw desperate and frustrated. The frenzied anticipation, especially

FILJAP MAGAZINE | JUNE 2015

by the Filipino people who regard Pacquiao as a hero -- a demi-god even – evaporated into thin air and was turned into disappointment after the unexpected loss. Mayweather proved to be a formidable foe, dancing away to a unanimous decision with his technical skills. “I was a smart fighter. I kept it on the outside. I outboxed him,” said Mayweather who pocketed US$200 million with the win. “Everyone said this guy could beat Floyd, that Floyd is a chicken. The nonbelievers, well Floyd turned them into believers,” Mayweather added whose record is now 48-0. Pacquiao now has a record of 57 wins, six losses and two draws. Although Pacquiao thought he won the fight, he accepted the defeat showing the sportsmanlike attitude he is always known for. “It was a good fight. I did my best but it wasn’t good enough,” he said who

earned more than US$100 million after agreeing to a 60-40 percent share in payper-view earnings. Pacquiao thanked his supporters for being with him through triumphs and defeats. “To all the fans, thank you for all your support. Thank you for always being there for me no matter what the outcome. I thank God for always guiding us through our lives. His plans is higher than our plans and His ways are higher than our ways. God bless you all,” Pacquiao said. What is clear is that despite Pacquiao’s loss to Mayweather, the world has stood beside him – cheering him on as opposed to the boos and jeers the winner got; he came to the fight as an underdog yet got the respect accorded to a boxing great. Pacquiao may have lost in what is touted as the “Fight of the Century” but he bared the heart of a champion. And that is more important than having a perfect record.

TRAVEL PHILIPPINES

Visit these stores and grab one now!

Hokkaido

Want a copy of

FilJap

Tohoku

1 Gunma

8 11 15

Magazine?

Kyoto

Ibaraki

Gifu

Kanto Chubu Chiba

Chugoku

Kinki

We are inviting store and restaurant owners to be our partners in distributing

Yamanashi

Tokyo

Shikoku

FilJap Magazine.

Call us at

Saitama

461014 Kanagawa Asakusa

Kyushu

Aichi

3 1213

03-6903-2100 for details.

1. Little Divisoria Sari-Sari Store Gunma-ken, Isesaki-shi, Chuo-cho 11-4 Tel: 0270-23-2771 Mobile: 080-3517-9058

7. Karitela Chiba-ken, Matsudo-shi, Minoridai 127-1-203 Tel. 047-308-6535 Mobile: 090-3145-8313

2. Libis ng Nayon Ibaraki-ken, Chiuse-shi, Fujigaya 2716-1 Tel: 0296-37-1016 Mobile: 090-5784-0556

8. Global General Merchandising Kyoto-fu, Maizuru-shi, Enmanji 162-1 Tel. 0773-75-8186 / 0773-76-0712

3. Siete-Siete Aichi-ken, Kita-Nagoya-shi, Kujino Kitaura 22 Tel: 0568-24-3708 4. New Nanay’s Minato-ku, Roppongi 5-16-5 Imperial Roppongi 1 S101 Tel: 03-3505-4688 5. CY Fashion Yamanashi-ken, Kofu-shi, Satoyoshi 1-6-8 Joyfull Apex A-8 Tel: 055-267-6081 Mobile: 080-4144-2616 / 090-9000-2616 6. E-Mart Sari-Sari Store Tokyo-to, Kita-ku, Higashi-Jujo 4-4-9 Tel: 03-3914-7679

13. Palooza International Market Aichi-ken, Nagoya-shi, Atsuta-ku, Hataya 2-8-13 Tel. 052-682-5770

9. Prego Restaurant Gifu-ken, Gifu-shi, Yanagase-doori 5-15 Fuwa Bldg. 1F Tel: 0582-63-2660 Mobile: 090-2778-4558 10. Kabayan Sari-Sari Store Tokyo-to, Adachi-ku, Nishi Takenotsuka 2-1-29 Tel. 03-3890-0068 11. Kuya Ed Gifu-ken, Kani-shi, Dota Tel. 0574-26-9989 Mobile: 080-5028-0431

5047-3

12. Melanie’s Store Aichi-ken, Nishio-shi Yamashita-cho, Hachiman Yama 70-18 Mobile: 090-1742-9738

14. Aling Coring’s BAUHAUS Reine Bldg. 2F 5-3-4 Roppongi, Minato-Ku, Tokyo Tel: 03-3403-0092 15. Reche’s Phil. Mini Grocery Gifu-ken, Minokamo-shi, Kamogawa-chou 3-1-32 Tel. 0574-42-9620 Mobile: 090-9125-8775 16. Bangkok Store 332-0021 Saitama-ken, Kawaguchi-shi Nishi-Kawaguchi 1-5-12 Tel. 048-259-3054 17. MEKENI 251-0055 Kanagawa-ken, Fujisawa-shi, Minami Fujisawa 4-2 Kikuya Bldg. 3F Tel: 0466-29-5441 Mobile: 090-5767-5789 18. Club Rouge Asakusa 〒 111-0032 Tokyo-to Taiyouku Asakusa 5-30-11 2F Mobile: 090-1261-9626 FILJAP MAGAZINE | JUNE 2015

Cover story

JayR is on a roll these days. He’s been bathing in success -- getting praises from the judges and wowing the audience with his impeccable skills in singing and impersonating music icons in ABS-CBN’s “Your Face Sounds Familiar.”

JAYR

Fueled By Driven By

Music,

Passion

Photos courtesy of Homeworkz 6

FILJAP MAGAZINE | JUNE 2015

(with Jimmy Muna) “Falling For You” (with Marie Digby), “You’re The One” (with Kris Lawrence and AJ Rafael), “Tears of Joy” (with Gabi Wilson), “Farewell” (with Jhing) and “Follow Me” (with DJRiddler). JayR’s love for music goes beyond singing, composing and performing. He is in fact in a phase where he wants to let the spotlight be on new Filipino artists who lack the opportunity to showcase their talents. This is the main reason why he put up Homeworkz, an independent recording label that he envisions to become the number one record label in the Philippines that caters to quality music. “The reason why I put Homeworkz together is because in the industry it is hard to be signed up by a record label, in TV network, or get your music be played on the radio. It’s my way of giving back to the music industry. I want to give artists the chance to get on TV, to have an album, to get on the radio, to have an opportunity to shine. “It is about progress and uplifting OPM. It is driven by passion, driven by creativity – the independence to be creative, to not lose the artist’s identity or style,” says the amiable singer who was born and raised in California. Homeworkz artists include recording artist Mica Javier, RnB/Hiphop artists Q-york, rock band Kley, novelty rap/hiphop artist Salbakuta, singer-actress Frencheska Farr and “Rakenrol” star Glaiza de Castro. Things To Come

rom Pepe Smith to Stevie Wonder, Kenny Rogers, Bamboo, Alice Cooper, Tom Jones, Beyonce, and Vic Sotto, JayR has done the impersonation so well that even him is surprised at how he can make himself look every inch a master in something that he has only tried for the very first time. Numbers don’t lie. As of the moment he is in the lead among equally-talented celebrities who are part of the show that include Nyoy Volante, Jolina Magdangal, Melai Cantiveros, Karla Estrada, Tutti Caringal, Edgar Allan Guzman and Maxene Magalona. “I feel humbled to be praised by the judges – Gary Valenciano, Sharon Cuneta and Jed Madela – in every performance that I do on the show. It means that the hard work that I put into it is being recognized,” says JayR in an exclusive interview of FILJAP Magazine at his home in New Manila, Quezon City. “I also discovered in this show that I have a higher threshold. I thought I can only perform at this particular level and on this show I am surprised that I can do rock songs, that I can growl, stuff like that. I am learning

a lot of things and as an artist I feel like I’m growing. And I love that,” he reveals. Raising The Bar If there’s anything that pretty much defines JayR, it is his love for music and it is perfectly shown in his newest album entitled “Elevated” that contains 14 all original tracks that he himself has produced under his record label Homeworkz Entertainment Services. “All songs included in the album are all original, written mostly by me, and in collaboration with some of the best artists in the industry like Kyla, Kris Lawrence, Marie Digby, AJ Rafael, Mica Javier and Q-York. I’m proud to say that it’s under my label, Homeworkz, and it’s about to turn gold,” the RnB King adds with a smile on his face. He’s promoting his single “You Are Not Alone” featuring Kyla and is climbing the music charts since its release. Other songs included in the album are “Parachute,” “Tonight” (with Mica Javier), “Walking on the Stairs,” “LSS” (with Q-York), “L-O-V-E,” “Already Mine,” “Wings of a Dream,” “Mama”

The RnB King has the best things going on for him – he transferred to the Kapamilya network, he’s been reaping good reviews in “Your Face Sounds Familiar,” his album is about to turn gold, he owns a record label, he has a blossoming love life with fellow artist Mica Javier, he’s slated to have a world tour in Canada, United States and UAE and he is set to topbill a concert that has never been done before by the end of the year. Yet, there’s no stopping JayR from continuing in making goals and fulfilling it such as putting up a music school and starting an energy farm. “I am very, very satisfied with the way things are going but I’m not yet contented. I have many things that I want to do, so many dreams and aspirations,” divulges JayR, who despite the slew of achievements, exudes an innate warmth that can never be construed as fake or rehearsed. “I want to put up a music school in the Philippines that focuses on sound engineering, performance and vocal training. I want it to be a tie up with the government so we can give scholarships to street kids – put them in school, train them in music and hopefully they can start a career in music instead of being in the streets.” JayR’s face lights up every time he talks about his music and the list of things he wants to chase. No matter what he decides to do in the future, he will certainly see things to the very end simply because he is driven by his passion and love for his craft. FILJAP MAGAZINE | JUNE 2015

SPOTLIGHT

Tetta Ortiz-Matera Exclusive Interview:

Surviving Breast Cancer Tetta Ortiz-Matera, former model, lifestyle writer, wife and mother thought she’d die after being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2011. But that didn’t last long in her mind the moment she decided to fight the ‘Big C’ and be a survivor.

er optimistic attitude coupled with a strong family support and unwavering faith in God made her won the battle. Four years after, she is now in remission and is enjoying the wonderful things in life. Feeling grateful and blessed, Tetta shares her take on staying positive and motivated amidst life’s challenges.

Tetta Ortiz-Matera attends the recently concluded Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Tokyo (MBWFT) 2015-16 A/W at Shibuya Hikarie. FILJAP MAGAZINE MAGAZINE || JUNE JUNE 2015 2015 88 FILJAP

FILJAP: Please tell us something about yourself and your family. Tetta: My husband and I have been married for almost 24 years now. We have two children, a 20-year-old girl who studies Business, Economics & Finance in Universita Bocconi-Milan and a 16-year-old boy who is a sophomore (and a scholar) at the American School in Japan. FILJAP: Why did you come to Japan? Tetta: Back in the early 80’s I came to Tokyo to model; a Japanese modeling agency gave me a contract to work in Tokyo but I did not pursue it because I was still in school; I came back years later to model but I met my husband (then boyfriend) and he encouraged me to study Japanese so I sort of retired from modeling and concentrated on learning Japanese. By then I had also started working for Japanese designer Koshino Junko. FILJAP: What lessons have you learned in your stay here that you want to impart to your kababayans back home? Tetta: I want our kababayans back home to know that they must never take for granted the financial support their families working in Japan provide for them because it comes with many sacrifices and hard work. I have also learned that if you respect and make the effort to understand the people and the culture of the country you are in, life can be comfortable and rewarding. While I am a foreigner living in Tokyo, I never once felt discriminated upon, looked at or treated in a different way; I feel very comfortable and happy living here and I have made incredible friends, Japanese and expats alike. FILJAP: How do you motivate yourself? Tetta: I motivate myself by believing that God only has great things in store for us; I use that to look at situations from a positive perspective and know that whatever the circumstance may be, if I practice my faith actively and the motivations of my heart are according to God’s will, only good things will happen. FILJAP: What are you most grateful for in your life? Tetta: My family, my health and the wonderful relationship that I have with my husband and my children. FILJAP: How do you take care of yourself? Tetta: By eating well, exercising regularly, sleeping enough hours every night and by making a conscious decision not to let stress get the better of me. I have learned that I am no superwoman and that if I cannot get things done in a manner and schedule I have set out to do, there is

another day. No more beating myself up when things don’t go according to plan. I also take care of myself by surrounding myself only with people who have positive things to add to my life. FILJAP: When and how did you first find out you have breast cancer? Tetta: I found a lump on my right breast on Mother’s Day of the year 2011; I delayed going to the Breast Doctor for a few days because that week was Philippine Fashion Week and my daughter was doing several shows. I wanted the light to shine on her and just enjoy how much my daughter had matured and how great a job she was doing modeling on the runway. I finally saw my doctor five days after finding the lump and right there and then she did a biopsy on me. By Monday the following week, she had diagnosed me as having breast cancer. FILJAP: What were your main concerns after being diagnosed? Tetta: That I would die. But that thought did not stay long in my mind; when I decided to fight and beat the cancer, I made it a point to always consider myself blessed. By realizing that and being grateful for all the other wonderful things I had going in my life, believe it or not I was able to go through surgery, chemotherapy, radiation and additional treatment with genuine joy and peace in my heart and mind; I knew I was going to be healed. Four years and counting, I am in remission. FILJAP: How did you cope emotionally? Tetta: My faith carried me through this very challenging time in my life. Somehow I knew that God was with me and that he was going to take care of me; because of this I only exuded positive vibes to everyone around me. I knew it was important not to let the cancer rule my life so I set a very positive tone for me and my children at home; they took comfort in the fact that I made our lives as normal as possible despite certain adjustments to our routines. Because they could see that the cancer did not make me sad, angry, distant or afraid, cancer came and went with the least disruption and emotional upheaval. No pity party, no “Why me?” My children used to joke and say, “You know mama, if you were not bald, we would not even think you had cancer.” That for me was such a wonderful thing to hear. FILJAP: How has breast cancer affected your outlook on life? Tetta: Pardon the cliché but really I no longer wish to sweat the small stuff (and the big stuff). I have learned to take things in stride and have allowed God to take full control of my life;

his plan, his timetable not mine. FILJAP: How did your family react to the news? Tetta: Of course we all cried, especially when I was finally diagnosed with Stage 3A breast cancer; none of us could believe it in the beginning because I had been so fit and so healthy. But shock was immediately replaced by hope and the fear was replaced by the determination to fight the cancer together as a family. FILJAP: What advice would you like to give to women about breast cancer? Tetta: Do not take your health for granted and make sure to set aside time to have a yearly check-up especially if breast cancer runs in your family. Also, be in tune with your body, learn to listen to it and do not hesitate or delay to seek medical opinion if your gut tells you there might be something wrong. Better to err on the side of caution rather than leave things for when it is already too late. FILJAP: What are you doing towards raising awareness about breast cancer? Tetta: I ran a marathon after all my treatments to raise funds for I Can Serve. I did several editorials while I was bald showing people that you can still look good without hair, while undergoing treatment. I have also written about it in my column for The Philippine Star; I have come out on television talking about it. I may participate in a fashion show in the Philippines in October for the benefit of the I Can Serve Foundation. FILJAP: What are the things that you still want to do, life-wise and career-wise? Tetta: I would like to bring attention to Filipino design here in Japan. I have been organizing together with a Filipina friend a series of trunk shows featuring the products of our very own local fashion designers. I hope we can continue doing this and hopefully represent these brands as they find and develop a market in Japan. FILJAP: Who is Tetta Ortiz-Matera and what do you want people to remember you for? Tetta: I am a woman who has lived through many challenges, several of them life-threatening who is not ready to give up on life just yet but is instead finding a way to keep reinventing it to do good, positive things that can impact people, no matter who you are. I hope that through the examples I have set for my children, I have raised them to become compassionate, responsible, kind, respectful, generous and loving persons; for me this legacy is the one that matters the most.

FILJAP MAGAZINE | JUNE 2015

CELEBRITY NEWS

Lily James Promotes ‘Cinderella’ in Tokyo Photos by Din Eugenio & Florenda Corpuz

TOKYO, Japan – British actress Lily James arrived in the country’s capital to promote her latest movie “Cinderella,” which hit theaters on April 25.

ogether with director Kenneth Branagh, the ‘Cinderella’ star happily landed at Haneda Airport on April 6, where hundreds of fans were excitedly waiting to catch a glimpse of her. Wearing a midnight blue galactic style mini dress from the Valentino pre-fall 2015 collection, James joined Branagh at a press conference in The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo the following day. “Everyone here in Japan has been incredibly friendly and kind. We’re so happy to be here. Thank you for having us. I can’t wait for you to see the film,” gushed the 26-yearold actress who was presented with a Cinderella-themed cake as a post-birthday treat. Best known for her role as Lady Rose MacClare in “Downton Abbey,” James also shared her delight at being chosen to play the role of the iconic Disney princess. “I was completely overwhelmed and so excited it wasn’t only that it was Cinderella or it was a Disney film, it was the script that was made by Chris Weitzs was so poignant, simple and beautiful. It was sort of a dream. And having done it I feel very proud,” she said. Branagh, who revealed that his “approach was to bring to the audience everything that they might love about a story like ‘Cinderella,’” also expressed his happiness over the warm support he received from the Japanese audiences. “My first visit to Japan was 25 years ago. I’ve been so grateful for the Japanese audiences who supported my films. I’m delighted to be here again. Arigato gozaimasu!” he told reporters. Branagh and James attended the film’s Japan premiere at Roppongi Hills Arena on April 8, where the beautiful actress was seen wearing a peach-coloured ball gown from Elie Saab’s spring/summer 2015 collection.

FILJAP MAGAZINE | JUNE 2015

FILCOM WATCH

President Aquino to Visit Japan BE PUBLISHED Do you have the knack for writing? Do you have something in mind that you want to Share? This is your chance to be heard! FilJap Magazine is inviting you, our valued readers, to submit informative, entertaining and interesting articles (must be written in 300-500 words, MS Word format) and photos (should be in high resolution, 100 dpi at the minimum), which are original and never been published in other newspapers or magazines. Announcements of events are also welcome. You can send them to filjapmagazine@ yahoo.com.

Photo by Din Eugenio

resident Benigno S. Aquino III will undertake a State Visit to Japan from June 2 to 5, on the invitation of the Government of Japan. As a State Guest, the President will be received by His Majesty Emperor Akihito and Her Majesty Empress Michiko at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo for a Welcome Ceremony and a State Call. Their Majesties will also host a State Banquet in honor of the President. The President will also hold a meeting with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, during which the two leaders will discuss the enhancement of the Philippine-Japan Strategic Partnership and exchange views on recent regional developments. Prime Minister Abe is scheduled to host a dinner for the President after their meeting. The State Visit of the President is taking place at an auspicious and important juncture in bilateral ties, which are presently at their most dynamic and excellent levels heading into the 60th anniversary of relations next year

CAUGHT IN THE ACT

Send us your photo reading or holding any of our past issues, and we will publish it in our upcoming issues! Be sure to include your name and place of residence.

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU FILJAP readers! Let us know what you think of our issue. Send us your feedback or suggestions to filjapmagazine@yahoo. com.

ingo Eugene Domactr ess Multi-awarded

Ariella Arida

Jovy & Ol

Miss Universe 2013 3rd runner-up

Graphic Artisiver ts

Submit your best pose to the editor at dang010@yahoo.com or filjapmagazine@yahoo.com. FILJAP MAGAZINE | JUNE 2015

philippine adventureS

Pagsanjan assage to

Text and photos by Arlene Donaire

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Many a calm river begins as a turbulent waterfall, yet none hurtles and foams all the way to the sea.â&#x20AC;? - Mikhail Lermontov

FILJAP MAGAZINE | JUNE 2015

Waterfalls

Bangkeros

Sunset in Pagsanjan River

n the summer season, when people are instinctively drawn to bodies of water, Pagsanjan is a refuge for the scorched, who are seeking a reprieve from the heat and at the same time wanting to commune with nature. Pagsanjan town of Laguna, located only 92 kilometers southeast of Manila, a relatively short 2-2.5 hours drive, is the access point to one of the most famous waterfalls in the country – the 3-drop Pagsanjan Waterfalls. Water from the cascades and the surrounding watersheds feed into Pagsanjan River, also one of the most well known navigable rivers. Pagsanjan Waterfalls’ first drop is actually located in neighboring Cavinti Town, but access via boat ride on a dugout canoe for a good hour or so in Pagsanjan River is the best – fun, scenic, and engaging – way to reach the cascades. The boat ride however, has been an attraction since Spanish times and to this day, remains the most popular day tour attraction in the town. (Note: The Cavinti Town local government established in 2007 the Pueblo El Salvador Nature’s Park and Picnic Grove in Brgy. Tibatib, an alternative access point to the top part of the waterfalls’ first drop.) The name Pagsanjan, which was given by the Spanish settlers, is a contracted word from the town’s original name

Pagsanjan arch

“Pinagsangahan,” meaning, juncture or branching. The origin of the town’s name is connected with its location – it is found in the alluvial delta formed by two converging “cool” rivers - Balanac and Bumbungan (also called Pagsanjan River). The Pagsanjan waterfalls, known to locals as Magdapio Waterfalls, and gorge were declared as a National Park twice in 1939 and 1976. Officially called the Pagsanjan Gorge National Park, it covers an area of 152.64 hectares. The boat ride begins from any of the resorts that line up Balanac and Bumbungan Rivers and it is best to take the earliest schedule in the morning. The resorts operate packaged services for a fixed fee and usually include lunch at the resort after the downstream “shootingthe-rapids” return trip. The hour-long upstream boat ride takes passengers on a verdant, exhilarating, and refreshingly cool journey through Pagsanjan Gorge, via colorful long slender “bangkas” or canoes, that capable of carrying up to 5 passengers. These canoes are skillfully rowed and steered upstream through the narrow passageways of Pagsanjan Gorge, which are peppered with slippery rocks, boulders, and mini-waterfalls by two “bangkeros” or boatmen. The government-accredited boatmen and their boats are the only ones allowed to transport tourists/visitors to the end of the boat ride – a natural pool, just below the waterfalls. For thrill-seekers that wish to bathe underneath the cascading waters, check out Devil’s Cave behind the falls, and swim in the natural pool, there is an

optional bamboo raft ride, for an additional fee. The local government has set guidelines to preserve the area’s cleanliness and pristine condition, so there are no commercial establishments and picnics allowed in the area. It’s best to bring your own provisions – snack and drinks – and take back your trash with you. The return trip called “shooting the rapids” is a thrilling ride through the gorge as the boatmen skillfully maneuver the boat through the sometimes, narrow passageways but one hardly notices the difficulty as the ride itself totally immerses you in a constant state of bewilderment. Getting wet is not an option in these boat rides so it is advisable to wear appropriate clothing and carry drybags for valuables. More than its famous waterfalls and river, Pagsanjan lives up to other significant milestones, both historical and current. It was once called the “Athens of Laguna” because of its flourishing commercial, cultural, and educational activities between the years 1688 to 1858 and was also the capital of the province of Laguna. Now classified as a secondclass municipality with a productive agricultural economy, Pagsanjan nonetheless is considered the tourism capital of the province. Every year, its Bangkero Festival, which is celebrated in the 3rd week of March becomes a center of visitor interest, as it transforms the otherwise idyllic rustic town into a festive place of revelry. The festival is a multiple celebration – a homage to the town’s rich socio-cultural heritage, a religious commemoration of the town’s patron saint, a showcase of the town’s economic produce and most especially, it honors the bangkeros, the captains who navigate the passage to Pagsanjan’s most famous landmark, a fitting symbol of the town’s unique place in Philippine history and the Filipino tourism milieu. FILJAP MAGAZINE | JUNE 2015

travel japan

A Tour At Tottori Sand Dunes Conan Airport If you’re an anime and manga fan, specifically of Detective Conan, your trip to Japan is not complete unless you set foot in Tottori Sand Dunes Conan Airport. Tottori Gov. Shinji Hirai (right) strikes Conan’s signature pose at the Tottori Sand Dunes Conan Airport.

ottori Sand Dunes Conan Airport (formerly known as Tottori Airport) held a re-opening ceremony on March 1 to formally name it after Detective Conan of the widely popular manga and anime series “Detective Conan-Case Closed” by Gosho Aoyama, and Tottori Sand Dunes, the most famous sand hills in Japan. Inside the airport, you will find 21 spots decorated with drawings, posters and objects featuring characters of the “Detective Conan-Case Closed” series, including the baggage claim area and lobby. The main attraction can be found on the ground floor where an 18-meter long and 8-meter wide 3D trick art depicting Detective Conan riding on a camel at the Tottori Sand Dunes was installed. “Worldly-popular Conan became the symbol of this airport. I wish people from all over the world will visit here,” said Tottori Gov. Shinji Hirai during the renewal opening ceremony. At present, there are five domestic flights that operate daily from Tottori Sand Dunes Conan Airport to Haneda Airport. Non-regular charter flights from China, Russia, South Korea and Taiwan also arrive here. Tottori Sand Dunes Conan Airport is one of the two airports in the prefecture to be named after anime characters. Dubbed “Manga Kingdom,” Tottori Prefecture is home to a number of famous manga artists including Gosho Aoyama, Shigeru Mizuki and Jiro Taniguchi. It has been utilizing the power of manga to increase cultural exchange and tourism. “Detective Conan-Case Closed” was serialized in Shogakukan’s Weekly Shōnen Sunday in 1994. It was adapted into a TV anime in 1996, which was produced by Yomiuri Telecasting Corporation and TMS Entertainment. It tells the story of 17-year-old detective Kudo Shinichi who is known for his ability to solve cases that even professional detectives could not figure out.

FILJAP MAGAZINE | JUNE 2015