FilJap Magazine December 2013

Free December 2013 Issue 12

ADAM

LEVINE PLUS: Robert De Niro Tom Hanks Paul Greengrass Sofia Coppola Eugene Domingo

THE

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contents table of

December 2013

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In Focus Celebrating Christmas, The Filipino Way

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Cover Story Adam Levine: Capturing Hearts

Special Feature Eugene Domingo Named Best Actress at Tokyo Int’l Film Fest

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Spotlight One-on-One Interview With Eugene Domingo

15

Filcom Watch Francis Libiran Represents PH in Japan

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Philippine Adventures Beguiling Bohol

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 Advertising Executive: Judith Takahashi Distribution Executive: Genie Omata Layout Artist: VerJube Photographics

Celebrity News ‘Grand Kapamilya Weekend’ at QMC

12

FilJap

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

Editor’s note “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.”

It was in July, when for the first time, Hollywood celebrities in the likes of Tom Cruise and Olga Kurylenko graced the pages of FilJap Magazine. Five months have passed and another batch of international stars appears in our December 2013 issue – the Hollywood Issue.

True to our mission of setting the benchmark of quality among Filipino magazines in Japan, we are giving you the incredibly sexy and super talented Maroon 5 frontman Adam Levine as the first American artist to ever grace our cover. Get a final look at pop rock’s most crushworthy vocalist before he bids adieu to singlehood.

Take a look back at the highlights and sidelights of last October’s big event – the 26th Tokyo International Film Festival (TIFF) with Tom Hanks, Robert De Niro, Paul Greengrass, Francis Ford Coppola and Sofia Coppola in attendance.

We also have an exclusive interview with this year’s TIFF best actress Eugene Domingo for the film “Barber’s Tales”. She, together with director Jun Robles Lana, was present during the green carpet event of the festival.

In this Hollywood issue, grant us the chance of showcasing the beauty and grandeur of Bohol – our way of helping the province rise up again after the massive earthquake that destroyed many heritage sites and killed hundreds of our kababayans.

And since December is always synonymous with Christmas, which is the season of love, we are inviting you to Florenda Corpuz join us as we relive some of the Filipino Editor-in-Chief customs, traditions and beliefs.

“FilJap Magazine goes international” may sound ambitious to some but our journey to making that statement a reality has already started. And we hope that along the way, you can take a ride with us.

Merry Christmas!

Editor’s pick The way it used to be: Interiors of a traditional Japanese house 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 | DECEMBER 2013

3

IN FOCUS

Celebrating Christmas, The Filipino Way There’s nothing like celebrating Christmas in the Philippines, which starts as early as September, when most Filipinos start playing Christmas songs and putting up decorations. If there would be a contest around the world on the most festive Christmas country, the Philippines would win hands down.

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ear after year, the Christmas spirit is alive more than ever in a country where majority of the population are Christians whose belief in this special event is incomparable. The country observes tradition that they follow to the letter every year.

Simbang Gabi or Misa de Gallo.

A tradition followed by Catholics – 80% of Filipinos belong to this religion – wherein they hear consecutive masses from December 16 to December 24.

They believe that if you complete hearing mass for nine consecutive days, your wish or prayer will be granted.

Christmas decorations. As early as September, Filipinos are starting to put up their Christmas tree and lanterns, which are both symbols of Christmas.

It has become a bonding moment for families to decorate their own Christmas tree. Houses are also well-lighted with colorful Christmas lights, some even have an accompanying Christmas music. Filipino lanterns, better known

4

as parol, are also a Christmas symbol and tradition, which comes in different colors and shapes and can be seen in the corners of the house. Another Christmas symbol is the belen, derived from the Spanish name for Bethlehem, which depicts the infant Jesus in the manger and a star as an embellishment to signify how the three Magi were able to find the savior.

Carolings. Filipinos are music lovers and have a flare for singing. This is the reason why Christmas caroling is a Christmas tradition in the Philippines with groups of children and even adults go from house to house to sing Christmas carols in exchange for a few coins or gifts. Carolings have also become a way to raise funds for the poor with different organizations going house to house to solicit money.

Bibingka and Putubumbong.

These two kinds of Pinoy food is a reminder that Christmas is near as it is served and sold during the Christmas season. They are usually served outside

FILJAP MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2013

the churches as a favorite staple after hearing the mass. Bibingka is a kind of rice cake made from rice flour and coconut milk topped with slices of salted egg. Putubumbong is also a kind of rice cake steamed in small bamboo tubes and is violet in color. It is best eaten with grated coconut and sugar.

Noche Buena. Noche Buena are Spanish words that refer to Christmas eve and is a traditional family dinner that happens midnight of December 24. Families gather together for a sumptuous meal, which mostly include hamon, spaghetti, lechon, fruit salad, ube halaya, bibingka and putubumbong, fried chicken and other favorite dishes.

At exactly 12 midnight, everyone greets one another a merry Christmas and opening their gifts, too.

Gift-giving.

Another common tradition in the Philippines is the godparents’ gift-giving. Godchildren will go to the houses of their godparents and even relatives to receive their gifts or aginaldo.

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Adam Levine C COVER STORY

apturing Hearts

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FILJAP MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2013

Photos courtesy of ‘The Voice’ & Bench

In one of the Blind Audition episodes of the ongoing season of NBC’s “The Voice”, a contestant couldn’t help but gush on how good-looking Adam Levine is.

“You’re so goodlooking I couldn’t concentrate,” was the comment that left the Maroon 5 frontman with no choice but to cover his face – a charming reaction if you would ask his legions of screaming fans.

Adam Levine

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t’s impossible not to notice Adam’s gorgeous looks and towering presence in all media platforms he appears in, but there’s more to this 34-year-old rockstar than meets the eye. Looking beyond the physical perfection is an awardwinning musician, a natural actor, a wise businessman and a competitive singing coach.

He was 12 years old when he picked his first guitar, learned how to play it and completely fell in love with music. So just like any other teenage boys, Adam dreamed of being in a band and a rockstar – making it big the way his musical influences such as Nirvana, Pearl Jam and The Beatles did back in the days.

Mainstream Success Adam and his fellow Maroon 5 members Jesse Carmichael and Mikki Madden have been playing music together since they were in junior high.

They formed a band called “Kara’s Flowers” in 1994 adding Ryan Dusick to the roster. Soon enough they were signed in by a recording label, Reprise Records, in 1997 and before they knew it they had already released their first album, “The Fourth World”, which didn’t do well in terms of sales. The band decided to part ways.

In 2002, the group has reunited and made another leap to the band scene, naming themselves Maroon 5 with new member James Valentine.

Under Octone Records, the band has released their first album, “Songs About Jane” with their first single “Harder to Breathe” receiving heavy airplay and praises from music fans.

Maroon 5 got worldwide recognition with the release of their second and third single, “She Will Be Loved” and “This Love”, respectively.

Their first album sold 10 million copies making it the 10th best-selling album of 2004, two years after its release.

Everything fell into place for a band who wants to offer something new to the listeners with Adam writing some of the songs, which was mostly about his ex-girlfriend Jane Herman.

In 2005, they won their first ever Grammy Award for Best New Artist and Grammy Award for Best Performance by a Duo Group or Group with Vocals for “This Love” the year after.

Maroon 5, who then hired Matt Flynn after Ryan Dusick left the band due to an ailment, made their second album entitled, “It Won’t Be Soon Before Long” producing hit songs such

as “Makes Me Wonder”, “Won’t Go Home Without You” and “If I Never See Your Face Again”.

It was followed by “Hands All Over” and “Overexposed” in 2008 and 2011, respectively. Maroon 5 became one of the most successful bands worldwide with the release of “Moves Like Jagger” and “Payphone”. Other songs included in their latest album are “One More Night”, “Daylight”, “Ladykiller”, Lucky Strike”, “Beautiful Goodbye” and “The Man Who Never Lied”.

So far Adam had three Grammy Awards, two Billboard Music Awards, two American Music Awards and an award each at the MTV Video Music Awards and the World Music Awards with Maroon 5 to add up to the name.

‘The Voice’ Coach Adam became more popular when he joined NBC’s “The Voice” as one of the coaches alongside Ceelo Green, Christina Aguilera and Blake Shelton.

In the show, audience had a glimpse of how handsome, witty, funny and competitive Coach Adam is. He’s too competitive and too charming a coach that he got branded as “four-chair turner killer”, which means that most of the contestants where all coaches turned their chairs always end up choosing Adam.

The Actor

Apart from being a singing coach, Adam also dabbled in acting when he appeared as a newlywed photographer in the series, “American Horror Story: Asylum”, which fits him because the character is just like him – cool and funny.

He was also part of the cast of “Can A Song Save Your Life?”, a musical romance-drama film starring Keira Knightley and Mark Ruffalo, where he plays Keira’s songwriter-boyfriend.

He also launched his own fashion line, “222”, specializing in basic jeans, shirts and jackets. He also put up his own recording label, “222 Records”, signing up Glee actor Matthew Morrison, The Voice contestant Tony Lucca and Mexican artist Diego Boneta as the label’s first talents.

His Ladylove Adam recently got engaged to Victoria Secret model Behati Prinsloo after dating for more than a year.

FILJAP MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2013

7

CELEBRiTY NEWS

‘Grand Kapamilya Weekend’

Serves Up Massive Throwback to ABS-CBN Classics

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BS-CBN’s “Kwento ng Kasi-yahan: The Grand Kapamilya Weekend” went down memory lane to pay homage to Kapamilya network’s best and most memorable programs, provided public service, fun activities, and the opportunity to meet and greet the network’s biggest stars in celebration of the 60th anniversary of Philippine television last Oct 5 and 6.

Thousands of ‘madlang people’ were unfazed by the heat to watch the live telecast of “It’s Showtime” at the Quezon Memorial Circle. The noontime show paid tribute to ABSCBN’s most memorable programs such as “Chika Chika Chiks”, “Home Along Da Riles”, “Palibhasa Lalake” and “May Bukas Pa” whose cast

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members took part in a special edition of “Sine Mo ‘To.” “It’s Showtime” also looked back on ABS-CBN’s fantaseryes, with Vhong Navarro as Lastikman, Angel Locsin as Lyka, Anne Curtis as Dyosa, and Jericho Rosales as Panday taking the stage. The cast members of “Goin’ Bulilit” and kiddie gag show “Ang TV” also performed.

Popular Sunday variety show “ASAP 18” threw a grand concert party at the Marikina Sports Complex, with more than 100 Kapamilya stars, such as Piolo Pascual, John Lloyd Cruz, Daniel Padilla, Kathryn Bernardo, Kim Chiu, Gerald Anderson and Coco Martin taking part in the celebration.

“ASAP 18” also revisited the past 60 years of Philippine TV, with a homage to ABS-CBN’s teleseryes,

FILJAP MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2013

to sitcoms, reality, talk and variety shows. The program also marked the grand reunion of the cast members of “Palibhasa Lalake”, “Tabing Ilog” and ASAP boy group “Kanto Boys”.

The historic “Grand Kapamilya Weekend” concluded with lots of singing and laughter on Sunday night, with comedians Pokwang, KitKat, K Brosas, Chokoleit, John Lapus, Jason Gainza, and “Be Careful With My Heart” stars Doris and Sabel leading the “Kapamilya KTV”.

Selected audience members also got to win prizes by participating in the videoke contest and other games, while a huge fireworks display took place to wrap up the celebration.

The celebration wasn’t only about fun and merriment as it was also marked with public service activities.

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FILJAP MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2013

11

SPECIAL FEATURE

Eugene Domingo

Named Best Actress at 26th Tokyo International Film Festival TOKYO, Japan – Multi-awarded comedienne Eugene Domingo is the first Filipino to win an acting award at the prestigious Tokyo International Film Festival.

D

omingo is on a cloud nine after bagging the Best Actress trophy in the recently concluded 26th Tokyo International Film Festival for her portrayal of an abused wife who ended as a revolutionary in Jun Robles Lana’s “Barber’s Tales”.

“I would like to share this award to the one very important person who entrusted me with my first full-length drama role, Direk Jun Robles Lana.”

Domingo said in her acceptance speech.

“If my country had a gender, I’m very sure the Philippines would be a woman. With its beauty and resiliency, it keeps me inspired wherever I go. Tokyo International Film Festival, thank you for this opportunity, thank you for this recognition. This is not going to be the first time, I’ll keep coming back to Japan.

I still have many things to buy from Don Quijote. Thank you very much,” she added.

Prior to the commendation ceremony on October 25, Domingo and Lana walked down the green carpet at the festival’s opening ceremony on October 17. Aside from them, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Hollywood star Tom Hanks together with director Paul Greengrass and father-daughter tandem and acclaimed filmmakers Francis Ford Coppola and Sofia Coppola also made an appearance.

Photos by Din Eugenio

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FILJAP MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2013

Abe said in his speech that the film industry could help revive the Japanese economy. “Tom Hanks said in ‘Forrest Gump’ that ‘life is a like a box of chocolates.’

This describes my life as I currently proceed with my economic policies in Japan. I hope the content industry will be at the core of the economic rise because there is great potential for the Japanese film industry and we welcome talented people who will play a central role.”

Hanks sent out his message to Japanese movie fans, “You have nine days of marvelous motion picture coming your way. Let’s start now!”

Actress and festival muse Chiaki Kuriyama was the first to walk down the green carpet that is made of recycled materials to emphasize the festival theme of “Ecology”. Also seen on the walkway were the actors, actresses and directors from various sections: Japanese Cinema Splash, Special Screenings, Asian Future, World Focus and the Competition Section.

Filipino directors Lav Diaz and Mikhail Red also attended the screening of their films “Norte, The End of History” and

“Rekorder”.

Film director Chen Kaige represented the international competition jury and shared his excitement, “It’s a great honor to be here. Making a film is like shining a ray of light into the darkness—you are depicting people’s emotions, confessions, and sacrifices.”

Actor Robert De Niro graced the Japanese premiere and festival screening of his film, “Malavita”. “It’s great to be here. Everybody is so nice. I’m happy you’re all here. Thanks for coming.

It’s great, so many young people and everybody is so well-behaved. In the West, at certain film fests we go, everybody’s yelling at you.”

This year’s festival kicked off with the screening of Paul Greengrass’ “Captain Phillips” starring Oscar winner Tom Hanks.

Closing the nine-day event was Koki Mitani’s “The Kiyosu Conference”.

The Tokyo International Film Festival (TIFF) is one of the biggest film festivals in Asia. It offers film fans the chance to watch high-quality, world-class films from Japan and other countries.

Here is the complete list of winners: Tokyo Sakura Grand Prix “We Are the Best!” by Director Lukas Moodysson

Award for Best Artistic Contribution “The Empty Hours” by Director Aarón Fernández

Special Jury Prize “Bending the Rules” by Director Behnam Behzadi

Audience Award “Red Family” by Director Lee Ju-hyoung

Award for Best Director Benedikt Erlingsson of “Of Horses and Men”

Best Asian Future Film Award “Today and Tomorrow” by Director Yang Huilong

Award for Best Actress Eugine Domingo from “Barber’s Tales”

Asian Future, Special Mention “The Tale of Iya” by Director Tetsuichiro Tsuta

Award for Best Actor Wang Jingchun from “To Live and Die in Ordos”

Japanese Film Splash, Best Picture Award “Forma” by Director Ayumi Sakamoto

FILJAP MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2013

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e n O n o e On r view Inte ugene With E ingo Dom

E

IV EXCLUS

Photos by Din Eugenio

spotlight

TOKYO, Japan – Just a week before receiving her best actress award at the recently held 26th Tokyo International Film Festival, “Darling of Asian Cinema” Eugene Domingo sat down with FilJap Magazine’s editor-in-chief Florenda Corpuz for a oneon-one interview about her first full-length dramatic role in Jun Robles Lana’s “Barber’s Tales”.

The 20-minute interview was filled with hilarious moments and funny remarks. Read on.

FilJap: For a multi-awarded comedy actress like you, what is it like to play a dramatic role?

Eugene: I was trained in the theater.

Actually during my younger years, I used to play not only comedy but drama. But when I entered mainstream, they liked my style in comedy so they are used to seeing me doing comedy. But then I believe I’m an actress so I’m supposed to be versatile. Finally someone gave me a chance to do a full-length drama.

And why not?

FilJap: What is your favorite scene in the movie and why?

Eugene: Is it okay to say all?

FilJap: How did you prepare for your role in this film?

Eugene: First, I have to prepare the calendar because we were required to stay in Tanay, Rizal for 15 days. So that means I should advise my other producers and my other commitments that I will be gone for 15 days because I have to finish a film. And then, I had workshops, read the scripts and I consulted Direk Jun Lana all the time.

FilJap: This is your first full-length dramatic role, do you feel pressured about how the audience will respond to the movie since you are known as a comedy actress?

Eugene: I’m thinking of a strategy how to market it. But it’s not really my job. But I’m very willing to participate because we have to establish it. I think we are showing the film early next year in Manila so I’m trying to schedule the films I’m going to accept.

If I’m going to do comedy next year, 14

maybe I should prioritize “Barber’s Tales” and to be able to introduce to the audience that this one is different.

FilJap: Which is more difficult to do, comedy or drama? Why? Eugene: Mag-presscon. Paulit-ulit di ba (laughing).

FilJap: How are you enjoying Japan so far?

Eugene: I love Japan!

FilJap: Which places have you visited already?

Eugene: Now, for three days, Roppongi Hills (laughing). I don’t have enough time but every time I come to a new place, I visit the church. That I always put first in my to-do list. And then, after all the responsibilities in the festival, I go shopping. And if I have extra time, I plan to consult Lonely Planet on things to do (laughing).

FilJap: This is your second time at TIFF, what are your expectations?

Eugene: This is my second entry for the festival. The first one was “Babae sa Septic Tank” in 2011. But this is actually my first time attending the event. I expected that the green carpet was longer because Direk Marlon said ‘maghanda ka, ang haba, ang haba ng green carpet, hindi naman pala’ (laughing). Hindi ako nag-eexpect ng award. I don’t really. I just expect that the film “Barber’s Tales” will join more festivals in Asia, Europe and America.

FilJap: After “Barber’s Tales”, what is your next project?

FILJAP MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2013

Eugene: “Barber’s Tales 2: The Return of Marilou”. Si Marilou, may costume na siya, naka-armalite tapos may syota na siyang babae (laughing).

FilJap: Nora Aunor’s apperance in the movie was a surprise. How does it feel working with her?

Eugene: It’s an honor. She’s my idol.

FilJap: What is your message to your Pinoy fans in Japan?

Eugene: Thank you sa lahat ng Pinoy na nagpunta sa premiere. I hope that they understand that “Barber’s Tales” is a very important film. Not only because we are trying to create more Filipino films that will be acknowledged in the world cinema but also it has a very important message regarding our history and Filipino women.

FilJap: You looked really stunning at the premiere.

Eugene: Really? That’s my message to my fans, maganda talaga ako (laughing).

FILCOM WATCH Photos by Din Eugenio

Francis Libiran represents PH in Japan

W

orld-renowned Filipino fashion designer Francis

Libiran represented the Philippines at the Sakura Collection 2013 held in Tokyo on October 4, 5 and 6.

Libiran was chosen by the 2013 Sakura Fashion Board to showcase his own interpretation of the fusion of the Kimono and the Maria Clara by combining the Filipino creativity and the uniqueness of Japanese fabrics.

“This is my first time in Tokyo and I am very proud to represent the Philippines in this event,” Libiran said in an interview with FilJap Magazine.

Aside from Libiran, designers from Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand were also invited to the event.

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

Photos courtesy of Jennifer Yamamoto / DOT Tokyo

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he Philippines took

Philippines takes part in ASEAN Festival 2013

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

FilJap readers!

Let us know what you think of our issue.

part in the ASEAN Festival 2013 held at Yamashita Park in Yokohama on October 5 and 6.

Celebrity chef Rolando “Lau” Laudico graced the festival and cooked the alltime Filipino favorite adobo, which was immediately sold out.

The festival showcased traditional food, culture and entertainment of ASEAN member countries including Cambodia, Brunei, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Myanmar, Vietnam and the Philippines.

We want to hear from

YOU!

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

FILJAP MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2013

15

PHILIPPINE ADVENTURES

Chocolate Hills

Text and photos by Arlene Donaire

Beguiling

Bohol

Dawis Church Belfry

The magnitude 7.1 earthquake that struck Bohol on October 15 was an unexpected twist to this island’s progressive run in recent years. Considered one of the country’s foremost tourism destinations, Bohol is well known and cherished for its natural, historic, and cultural attractions.

Baclayon Church 16

FILJAP MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2013

Philippine Tarsier

Alona Beach

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he horrific tragedy that resulted in unimaginable damage to the province’s famous landmarks, and the loss of lives, properties and livelihood had undeniably shaken not only the Boholanos but also the rest of the Filipino nation who realize that what happened to Bohol could happen anywhere, anytime. Bohol’s grave loss is every Filipino’s loss too.

The adversity is not yet quite over as the extent of the destruction is only starting to manifest and the magnitude of the resources required to rehabilitate the island, growing by the day. Relief, recovery and rehabilitation efforts are now proceeding and it is inspiring to know that support is pouring in from various sources, both locally and from abroad. There is no loss for hope. The naturally resilient Boholanos will rise from the debris and, propped by the massive “bayanihan” spirit that has sprung from all over, it is fair to assume that Bohol will bounce back an even more beguiling island.

I had the opportunity to be in Bohol a couple months ago, before tragedy struck. Doing the cultural tour for the second time, (my first was in 2006), I was able to capture Bohol’s unique and photogenic attractions. As a sincere tribute to the Boholanos, I am sharing the splendor and beauty that I saw. I invite you all to visit Bohol now as a way of showing your own support for the province’s efforts to rebuild and move forward.

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FILJAP MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2013 Blood Compact

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FILJAP MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2013