FilJap Magazine November 2013

Free November 2013 Issue 11

PINAY MILLINER

Making Waves in Japan’s Fashion Scene

MISS PHILIPPINES’ MEGAN YOUNG is Miss World 2013

TOKYO

to Host 2020 Olympic Games

THE D GOOES VIB E ISSU

BAMBOO Standing Tall

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contents table of

November 2013

4 8 11 12

In Focus Tokyo to Host 2020 Olympic Games

13 14 16 17 18

FilCom Watch Barrio Fiesta 2013

FilJap M A G A Z I N E Publisher: Yonei Toshikazu Editor-in-Chief: Florenda Corpuz Associate Editor: Nel Salvador Photographers: Din Eugenio Oliver Corpuz

Cover Story Bamboo: Standing Tall

Advertising Executive: Judith Takahashi

Special Feature 26th Tokyo International Film Festival Line Up Announced

Distribution Executive: Genie Omata

Spotlight Pinay Milliner Making Waves in Japan’s Fashion Scene

Tokyo Office: 114-0004 Tokyo-to

Kitaku Horifune 1-26-14-501 Telephone: 03-6903-2100 Fax: 03-6903-2101 Toll-Free Fax: 0800-919-3633 E-mail: filjapmagazine@yahoo.com Manila Office: 232 Amapola Street,

Palm Village, Makati City, Philippines Telephone: 63(2) 403-42-06

Layout Artist: VerJube Photographics

Celebrity News Miss Philippines’ Megan Young is Miss World 2013 Travel Japan Gonpachi: The “Kill Bill” Restaurant

Digital Edition: issuu.com/filjapmag Facebook: facebook.com/FilJapMagazine

Philippine Adventures “Ecoparking” in the Metropolis

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.

Food & Cravings Top 10 Delicious Yet Cheap Japanese Dishes

Editor’s note Only the news that inspires…

Do we tire of bad news? YES.

L

ately, there have been so much political controversies in the Philippines. That’s why for our November issue – our very first monthly issue, we bring you only the good, positive and happy stories that will definitely inform, entertain and inspire you – our dear readers.

Know more about Pinoy rock icon and music genius Bamboo Mañalac who never fails to charm his fans with his brilliant talent and oozing sex appeal.

See the joy on the faces of our kababayans who were treated to a fun-filled Philippine Barrio Fiesta in Yokohama.

Witness how the Japanese people rejoice in celebration after Tokyo was chosen to host the

2020 Olympics.

Meet Filipina milliner Tracy Dizon who is starting to invade the Japan fashion scene with her kawaii creations.

Relive Megan Young’s winning moment in the recently concluded Miss World 2013.

Be part of our 26th Tokyo International Film Festival coverage, as two Filipino indie films compete against other international movies.

Take a walk around La Mesa Eco Park, a nature hideaway located in Metro Manila.

Let us also take you to Gonpachi, a popular izakaya-style restaurant in the heart of Tokyo, often visited by foreign dignitaries and Hollywood stars.

Florenda Corpuz Editor-in-Chief

Editor’s pick Vivid autumn colors at Rikugien Garden Photographer: Engr. Segundino “PEX” Aguilar, Jr.

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 | NOVEMBER 2013

3

IN FOCUS

Tokyo to Host 2020 Olympic Games Photos courtesy of Tokyo 2020 Bid Committee

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“The International Olympic Committee has the honor of announcing that the games of the 32nd Olympiad in 2020 are awarded to the city of Tokyo.”

he whole of Japan, particularly Tokyo, screamed in joy when International Olympic Committee president Jacques Rogge announced recently that it had given Tokyo the rights to host the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Tokyo won over Madrid and Istanbul in the 125th IOC session in Buenos Aires, Argentina after garnering 60 votes from the members of the IOC over Istanbul’s 36 votes in the final round.

In the first round, Tokyo got 42 votes while Istanbul and Madrid got 26 votes a piece. Both Tokyo and Istanbul advanced in the final round after the latter beat Madrid, 49-45, in a tiebreak.

Rogge commended all three cities for giving excellent presentations for their Olympic bid but it was Tokyo’s presentation that stood out, banking on its futuristic approach with a “Discover Tomorrow” theme.

“All three cities were capable of

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staging excellent Games in 2020, but in the end it was Tokyo’s bid that resonated the most with the IOC membership, inviting us to ‘discover tomorrow’ by delivering a well-organized and safe Games that will reinforce the Olympic values while demonstrating the benefits of sport to a new generation,” said Rogge.

In the presentation, Tokyo promised a futuristic main stadium with 80,000seat capacity to set the bar higher from the Olympic Stadium it has built when it last hosted the prestigious sporting event in 1964.

Japanese Olympic Committee president Tsunekazu Takeda, who spearheaded the bid, was ecstatic when the result of the election was announced. He emphasized Tokyo’s commitment in delivering what it has promised in the IOC session and vow to make the anticipated 2020 event a memorable one not only for the participating countries but to the whole world as well.

FILJAP MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER 2013

“The Olympic Family has put its faith in our great city to deliver the memorable Games we have promised, and we will not let them down. With no doubt, this will be a memorable event for the every member of the Olympic Family, every athlete and every spectator.”

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe also made a remarkable participation in the bid when it assured IOC members that the health and security concerns raised during the presentation bid will posed no problem in the future.

He said that radioactive contamination from the Fuskushima nuclear plant after the 3/11 tragedy is under control.

He expressed his excitement and joy in the country’s recent feat and thanked everyone who made it possible.

“I believe that our passion was successfully communicated to the world.

Let’s use this momentum to have all the people of Japan unite and absolutely make the 2020 Olympics a success,” said the 59-year-old leader of Japan.

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FILJAP MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER 2013

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Cover story

s ta n d i n g ta l l Photos courtesy of ABS-CBN and PolyEast Records

Whether he wears a suit and tie or his signature white shirt-jeans-slippers while performing, it is without a doubt that Bamboo exudes a vibrant stage presence that commands attention. Girls swoon over him, fans adore him, critics and fellow musicians respect him – all these are the result of the admirable reputation he has built in the music industry over time.

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FILJAP MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER 2013

B

amboo began his career as the frontman of one of the most popular and iconic rock bands in the 90’s, Rivermaya, who became the voice of a generation that wanted to be heard. Being the voice behind anthemic and iconic songs such as “Awit ng Kabataan”, “Himala”, “Ulan” and “Noypi”, the 37-year old rocker is a tough act to follow; safe to say that he is in a class of his own.

His Rivermaya days put him as a rock god with hits after hits, becoming a band with one of the biggest-selling albums in the country. In 1998, after

d o i n g f o u r albums with Rivermaya, Bamboo decided to leave the band and stay in the United States – away from the spotlight that loves him.

It took almost five years before Bamboo returned to the music scene, forming a new band he named after himself in 2003 with his former Rivermaya bandmate Nathan Azarcon. He was lovingly welcomed by his adoring fans although it took quite a time – and a patriotic song, “Noypi” – before Bamboo was freed from the Rivermaya tag.

With hit songs such as “Noypi”, “Hallelujah”, “Tatsulok”, “Truth”, “Much Has Been Said”, “Mr. Clay”, “Hudas” “Peace Man” and “Probinsiyana”, Bamboo’s presence in the music scene is a force to reckon with.

On His Own After being in a band for almost two decades, Bamboo followed his gut and decided to be on his own. He released his solo album, “No Water No Moon” under Polyeast Records in 2011 which gave him a gold record award

in 2013 prompting him to release a repackaged album that includes a song he produced and written, “Carousel.”

“It (Carousel) speaks of inspiration and finding oneself by going back. As the refrain starts ‘remember before…. rush hour…’ and that once you do open that door it’s a hard thing to close. And that ‘home’ for me isn’t a place but it’s me finding meaning in what I do what drives me to dare, be confident and continuing to look for that spark… and that is home,” Bamboo said.

He wrote “Carousel” as a way of showing his appreciation to his fans who stick with him through all these years.

Because of his rocker image, many thought that he is a snob, an adjective usually associated with rockstars, but in person, he’s affable, down to earth and downright charming.

His solo album, which includes the songs “Morning Rose”, “Questions”, “Ikot ng Mundo”, “In This Life” and “In the Shadow”, marks a new beginning for Bamboo who brandishes a certain kind of maturity as a musician. It also gave him a taste of victory as he was awarded “Best Performance by a Male Recording Artist” for his song “Questions” in the 25th Awit Awards.

From being a musician to becoming the TV star, commercial endorser and “The Voice of the Philippines” coach that he is today, Bamboo is very comfortable with his spot in the industry.

Being one of the coaches of “The Voice of the Philippines”, the public saw Bamboo’s willingness to hone a new talent and share what he learned as a musician who knows the ins and outs of a fickle-minded industry. In fact, in the Blind auditions, he cried because he was so moved with the contestant’s performance; it has shown Bamboo – a rocker -- of his soft side.

But some of his choices in the said reality show caused some stir, specifically favoritism issues on Lee Grane and Paolo Onessa, but Bamboo defended his decisions by saying that he believes that the two has something big to offer to the viewing public.

Through it all, Bamboo surpassed his biggest career challenges. He is completely like his namesake, the evergreen plant – versatile, straight, smooth, strong… And always standing tall.

FILJAP MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER 2013

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SPECIAL FEATURE

26th TIFF Line Up Announced; Two Filipino Films to Compete Photos by Din Eugenio

The official line up for the 26th Tokyo International Film Festival was officially announced in Tokyo on September 19.

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he Competition Section and the Asian Future Section, announced at an afternoon press conference, include two Filipino films: Jun Robles Lana’s “Barber’s Tales” starring Eugene Domingo, Eddie Garcia and Iza Calzado; and Mikhail Red’s “Rekorder” starring Ronnie Quizon, Mike Lloren and Lowell Conales. While Lav Diaz’s film “Norte, The End of History” starring Sid Lucero, Angeli Bayani and Archie Alemania will be screened in the World Focus Section.

“TIFF is approaching in a month, in 2020, Tokyo will be hosting the summer Olympics. The Olympics is seven years later but TIFF will be held seven times more, each time we hope that the event will grow bigger,” TIFF General Director Yasushi Shiina said in his opening remarks.

Japanese actress Chiaki Kuriyama who starred in Quentin Tarantino’s “Kill Bill Vol. 1” was introduced as the “Festival Muse”.

“It’s a great honor for me to be a part of this wonderful festival that connects Japan and the world. I am looking forward to fulfilling my role with delight and commitment,” she stated.

Japanese directors Koji Fukada and Hideo Sasaki and actress Fumi Nikaido, whose films were selected for the Competition Section were also in attendance and shared their excitement toward the upcoming festival.

The festival’s opening film will be Paul Greengrass’ “Captain Phillips” starring Oscar winner Tom Hanks. The closing film will be Koki Mitani’s “The Kiyosu Conference”.

Tom Hanks will be arriving on the opening day.

Actor Robert De Niro and director Sofia Coppola are expected to grace the event.

The iconic Ultraman Ginga and Pretty Cure will also make a guest appearance.

Directors, actors and actresses will walk on the Green Carpet that is made of recycled materials to emphasize the festival theme of “Ecology”.

Heading the 26th TIFF Competition jury is Chinese filmmaker Chen Kaige. Other jury members include Moon So-ri, Chris Brown, Chris Weitz and Shinobu Terajima.

The 26th TIFF will be held October 1725 at Roppongi Hills and other venues in Tokyo.

FILJAP MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER 2013

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spotlight

Pinay Milliner Making Waves in Japan’s Fashion Scene

Filipino fashion designers have long been known globally for their artistry and creativity. And milliner Tracy Dizon is a perfect example. She pursued her passion in design, turned it into a growing business and entered the Japanese market in no time.

FilJap: What is the idea behind Tiara by Tracy Dizon?

Tracy: The idea behind TTD is to make whimsical fashionable headpiece designs that will make you feel like you’re a princess in a fairy tale.

FilJap: How were you able to penetrate the Japanese market?

Tracy: Being the country’s representative to the 47th Japan Fashion Design Contest gave me a head start. And when Tokyo-based American fashion stylist Misha Janette Fleming started wearing my creations at top fashion events in Tokyo, opportunities poured in.

FilJap: There are so many good hat and headpiece designers in Japan, what makes your creations different from theirs?

Tracy: I reinvent our local materials like sinamay to something that can be appreciated by the younger market.

FilJap: What kind of hats and headpieces do you sell?

Tracy: In the Philippines, I mostly cater to weddings. But trying to penetrate the Japanese market, I wanted to step out from the conventional and conservative designs and make more youthful and kawaii bows and headpieces.

FilJap: Where do you sell your items in Tokyo?

Tracy: Currently, I sell in two locations: Mam AvantGarde in Harajuku with my latest designs. I also have special discounted introductory pieces available at BrokenDoll Japan in Shimokitazawa and looking forward to selling some of my clothing line here soon as well.

FilJap: What kind of woman wears TTD? Tracy: Any woman can wear TTD as long as she wants to live her fashion fantasy.

FilJap: What do you hope to achieve in your business?

Tracy: TTD has been my second baby, next to my son. I hope it would grow globally – one city at a time. And that someday, in my own little way, I can make my country proud.

FilJap: Name some celebrities who wear your creations.

Tracy: Locally, it was such an honor to design Precious Lara Quigaman-Alcaraz’s bridal headpiece. Another local celebrity client I’ve worked with was Maxene Magalona who pioneered the Red Kitty-chan headpiece for her Halloween outfit last year. In Japan, American fashion stylist Misha Janette Fleming.

FilJap: Any message to all the hats and headpieces lovers out there?

Tracy: When in doubt, wear a hat… wear a Tiara by Tracy Dizon hat!

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FILJAP MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER 2013

Photos courtesy of Tracy Dizon

FilJap: What made you decide to turn your love for hats and headpieces into a real business?

Tracy: It came about right after my 15 minutes of fame on the “Project Runway Philippines Season 2”. In the same year, I represented the country at the 47th Japan Fashion Design Contest in Tokyo. Having the chance to formally develop my design and work for my contest piece, that’s when I decided I can make the most out of the exposure I got and developed my first maiden collections for TTD.

Barrio Fiesta 2013

filcom watch

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Photos by Din Eugenio

Photos: PBF Facebook page / AIM Images

housands of Filipinos flocked to Yamashita Park in Yokohama last September 28-29 and were treated to a fun-filled programs at the annual Philippine Barrio Fiesta.

The two-day event showcased Filipino arts and culture through diverse and unique presentations of traditional songs, dances and costumes.

Local celebrities like Martin Nievera, Gabby Concepcion, Andrew E., Joshua Desiderio, KitKat, Vivieka Ravanes, Tart Carlos and Dr. Vicki Belo graced the event.

Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada and his wife, former senator Loi Estrada also attended the event.

Mayor Estrada

Wreath-Laying in Tokyo

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ormer President and now Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada took part in a ceremonial wreath-laying at the bust of national hero Jose Rizal in Hibiya

D

o 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.

Be

Published

Park, Tokyo on September 27.

Estrada arrived on September 26 in Tokyo to attend the Barrio Fiesta 2013 in Yokohama. Manila has sister city relationship with Yokohama.

FilJap readers!

Let us know what you think of our issue.

We want to hear from YOU!

Send us your feedback or suggestions to filjapmagazine@yahoo.com.

FILJAP MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER 2013

13

CELEBRITY NEWS

“I

feel very happy. I’m so blessed today.

I thank God and those who voted for me,” said Mitoy in an interview with the media minutes after his victory.

Mitoy received 57.65% of the combined text and online votes to beat second placer, Team Sarah’s Klarisse de Guzman (42.35%) in their ultimate face-off. Their scores were reset back to zero before the poll for them opened.

His coach Lea Salonga, meanwhile, said, “Whenever I won something, my mom would also feel like she won it because she contributed to it. Now I feel as if I had a son who won and did something right. That’s how it feels.”

In the finale, Mitoy crooned the Beatles hit “Help” and performed with his coach Lea and comedian Vice Ganda in a comic take of “Total Eclipse of the Heart.” In last Live Show, Mitoy sang Freddie Aguilar’s “Anak” and his original song “Bulag.”

The 43-year old winner also beat other final four artists, Team Apl’s Janice Javier and Team Bamboo’s Myk Perez, who got 13.56% and 12.81% of the votes, respectively, from the initial poll.

As the winner of “The Voice of the Philippines,” Mitoy won P2 million, a home entertainment package, a new car, an Asian tour package for two, and a four-year recording contract with MCA Universal.

Mitoy had been an early favorite since the show’s Blind Auditions where he delivered a spectacular performance of “Bakit Ako Mahihiya,” which had Lea and Bamboo fighting for him to be on their respective teams.

Since then, Mitoy had consistently delivered superb performances that impressed the coaches and viewers through the Battle Rounds and Live Shows.

The finale opened with an energetic performance from the Top 24 artists of “The Voice of the Philippines,” Journey frontman Arnel Pineda and singer Jed Madela.

Earlier in the show, the other final contenders also performed with their coaches and surprise guests to urge the public to vote for them. Klarisse took on “Your Song” with coach Sarah and theater actor Robert Sena, while Myk and Bamboo, who danced the waltz with Linn Oeymo, performed “Morning Rose.”

Janice, meanwhile, sang “Himig ng Pagibig” with Asin’s Lolita Carbon before joining coach Apl in an electrifying performance of “The Time (Dirty Bit)” that earned cheers from the audience.

The four coaches also shared the stage to give an inspirational performance of “Man in the Mirror,” while Mitoy, Klarisse, Janice, and Myk later joined Shane Filan of Westlife in “Fool Again” and “Uptown Girl.”

“The Voice of the Philippines” is only one of the 40 local versions of the hit global franchise in different countries, including the more popular US version of “The Voice” hosted

by Carson Daly with Christina Aguilera, Adam Levine, Cee Lo Green, and Blake Shelton as coaches.

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FILJAP MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER 2013

Veteran band vocalist Mitoy Yonting of Team Lea was hailed as the first-ever winner of “The Voice of the Philippines” after garnering the highest percentage of public votes in the singing-reality show’s final showdown at Resorts World Manila’s Newport Performing Arts Theater last Sept 29.

Mitoy Named

“The Voice of the Philippines”

g n u o Y n a g e M ’ s e in

p p i l i h P Miss is Miss World 2013 Photos courtesy of Miss World Organization

Y

oung’s win ended the 63-year title drought by the Philippines in what is heralded as the “Beauty with a Purpose” pageant since its inception in 1951.

The 23-year-old beauty queen, who was considered a top contender and crowd favorite early on, won over Marine Lorpheline of France (2nd runner-up), Carranzar Naa Okailey Shooter of Ghana (3rd runner-up) and other three finalists including Elena Ibarbia Jimenez of Spain, Sancler Frantz Konzen of Brazil and Maroua Kharbouch of Gibraltar.

Young also won the Top Model challenge, placed fourth in the Multimedia challenge and fifth in the Beach Fashion pre-pageant challenge.

The Filipina beauty, who wore a Francis Libiran peach gown in the coronation night, impressed the panel of judges in the

Besting 126 candidates from different countries, Miss Philippines’ Megan Lynne Young took home the Miss World 2013 crown in the recently concluded beauty pageant held in Bali, Indonesia.

question and answer portion where all of the finalists were asked why they deserve to be Miss World 2013.

Young conveyed her belief in the “core value of humanity” and that she will use the title to make a huge contribution to the society.

“I treasure a core value of humanity and that guides people why they act the way they do. I will use this to show other people how they can understand each other… as one, we can help society,” answered Young who was given 30 seconds to express herself.

Amid Indonesian protests and security threats, Young was announced as the winner and was crowned by Miss World 2012 Wenxia Yu of China. She expressed her great joy and pride in representing her country, breaking into tears when she thanked her kababayans who rallied behind

her from the very start.

“Salamat sa mga kababayan ko. Mahal na mahal ko kayo,” were the first words that Young uttered after she was crowned.

“Thank you to everyone for choosing me to be the next Miss World, it really means a lot to me and I promised to be the best Miss World ever,” she continued.

Government officials, celebrities, netizens and ordinary Filipinos expressed joy and pride over Young’s historical win.

Malacañang also issued a congratulatory message for Young who “displayed to the world the beauty, the grace, and the compassionate spirit of the Filipina.”

Young is a known showbiz personality who started in GMA-7’s reality search, Starstruck, before joining ABS-CBN network. She is currently in London, where she will reside for a year, to do her duties as Miss World 2013.

FILJAP MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER 2013

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TRAVEL JAPAN

Gonpachi: Photos by Din Eugenio

The “Kill Bill” Restaurant

Located on the corner of the Nishi-Azabu crossing point, Gonpachi is a popular Japanese-inn izakaya-style restaurant that inspired the set in Quentin Tarantino’s blockbuster film “Kill Bill (Volume 1)”.

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G

onpachi was founded in 2002 by Kozo Hasegawa, the president and CEO of Global Dining Inc. It gained fame over the years due to former U.S. President George W. Bush’s visit and Quentin Tarantino’s film “Kill Bill”.

The entire feudal Japanese castlelike structure of Gonpachi is distinctly Edo. Its three floors are decorated in a warm, countrified style with many wooden furniture.

Gonpachi serves everything you would expect from a traditional izakaya like sushi,

FILJAP MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER 2013

edamame, yakitori, karaage, soba noodles, sake, beer and other alcoholic beverages.

They also offer Western and fusion dishes.

Other prominent personalities who visited the place include Johnny Depp, Sylvester Stallone, Stevie Wonder, Lady Gaga, Adam Levine and Broadway superstar and “The Voice of the Philippines” coach Lea Salonga.

Gonpachi is a nice place if you want to relax and unwind with friends after a hard day’s work.

Nowadays many city folks have taken to “malling” as a way of life.

The advent of shopping centers and malls that cater to all consumer ages and income brackets, offering an array of products and services that fit every imaginable need and want, including recreation and relaxation, has essentially dominated urban living.

PHILIPPINE adventures

“Ecoparking” in the Metropolis Text and photos by Arlene Donaire

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ith advancements in digital technology and telecommunications, it has also become more convenient to simply experience nature virtually, from the screens of the computer or televisions.

Yet, there are still those that may want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, to experience the natural environs which offer a quieter and relaxing ambience, highlighted by the chirps of birds, the rustling sounds of leaves, the refreshing rays of the sun on your cheeks, and a visual feast of natural shades of greens and floral hues – that collectively create an experience better than a 3D movie with sensurround sounds. I’m not talking about a new kind of entertainment. This is just your good old nature park, essentially a “back-to-basics” approach of appreciating nature as it was meant to be.

In Quezon City, a quick and easy destination for both locals and tourists is the La Mesa Ecopark and Watershed Nature Reserve. This sanctuary is a 33-hectare public park, which is located r i g h t outside the natural boundaries of the La Mesa Watershed, was jointly rehabilitated and renewed by Bantay Kalikasan, the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System, and the Quezon City Government and opened in September 2004. To ensure its upkeep, the park is being managed

by Bantay Kalikasan, with income

generated ploughed back for sustaining the preservation and protection of the La Mesa Watershed. (http://www.abscbnfoundation.com/bk/lamesa-ecopark. html). The park draws many visitors that come for various reasons like photography, fellowships and reunions, educational field trips, tree planting, bird watching and nature appreciation. It is essentially a nature lover’s haven offering outdoor recreational opportunities in a managed forest setting. Aside from the obvious benefits of cleaner air and a relaxed ambience, there is the unquantifiable satisfaction of being able to simply commune with nature and at same time do whatever it is that piques your interest from what the park has to offer.

Not to be compared with modern recreational parks and resorts, La Mesa offers practical amenities for visitors.

Bantay Kalikasan calls the place “a living classroom and laboratory for environmental education, a center for biodiversity conservation.”

The Department of Tourism and many other accrediting bodies have recognized the park as an exemplar of ecotourism and sound environmental practices. The park is open daily from 8 am - 5 pm.

To get to the park, simply take either a northbound bus or the MRT in EDSA and alight in Quezon Avenue. From there, either ride an express van or jeepney bound for SM Fairview. The key stop is at Winston St. in East Fairview Subd. where you can take a tricycle going to the La Mesa Ecopark. There is only one strict rule to follow in the park: Enter with an intention to fully enjoy your ecoparking experience and leave nothing but good memories. Take your trash home too.

FILJAP MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER 2013

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10

FOOD & Cravings

TOP

Delicious Yet

Cheap Japanese Dishes Here’s our top 10:

1. Ramen –

A staple food in Japan, it was brought to the country from China during the Meiji period (1868-1912). From its simple origins, the popular noodle dish has undergone a sensational evolution, being now among the most favorite comfort foods of the Japanese.

2. Tonkatsu

– A breaded deepfried pork cutlet similar to Europe’s schnitzel.

It was first introduced in Japan in the late 19th century.

3. Yakiniku

– Meaning “grilled meat”, it refers to a Japanese style of cooking bite-sized meat and vegetables over a charcoal or gas burner grill called “shichirin”.

It originated in Korea and has become a primarily Japanese dish.

7. Karaage

– It originated in Oita, Kyushu and is the most popular style of fried chicken in Japan.

8. Yakisoba – Said to be of Chinese

origin, it is a kind of Japanese noodle stirfried with meat and vegetables. It is typically flavoured with a sweetened, thickened variant of Worcestershire sauce.

9. Tempura

4. Yakitori

– Brought to Japan by the Portuguese, it is a Japanese preparation of batter-dipped, deep fried foods, usually vegetables and seafood.

5. Takoyaki

– It refers to a bowl of rice served with a topping. The most popular kind is called “gyudon”, which is a bowl of rice topped with beef and onion simmered in a mildly sweet sauce.

– Bite-sized pieces of chicken meat, liver and vegetables, skewered on a bamboo stick and grilled usually over charcoal and eaten with sauce or salt.

– Small balls of fried dough stuffed with octopus. It was first popularized in Osaka.

18

6. Onigiri

– Also called “o-musubi” or rice balls, onigiri has many varieties as you can put any filling you wish like pickled ume, salted salmon or tuna and mayo. It is made from white rice formed into triangular or oval shapes and often wrapped in seaweed.

10. Donburi

FILJAP MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER 2013

Japan is one of the countries in the world that has the best food. Although it is home to many Michelin-starred restaurants, the popularity of its delicious yet cheap dishes show no sign of slowing down.

in Eugenio Photos by D

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