FilJap Magazine September-October 2012

Issue Number 4

The Filipino-Japanese Community Magazine

September - October 2012

Free

The Multifaceted

Marvin Agustin Laughter:

Dolphy’s

Legacy

Tokyo’s

Top Photography

Hot Spots

Beachin’, Bummin’ and Trippin’ in

Bohol

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The Multifaceted Marvin Agustin VP Binay Visits Japan

The Faces of UNIQLO Philippines

VP Binay Meets FilCom Tokyo

FilJap Magazine Meets ‘Showbiz Inside Report’ Hosts

Beachin’, Bummin’ and Trippin’ in Bohol

Laughter: Dolphy’s Legacy

Tokyo’s Top Photography Hot Spots

Zodiacs & Trivia

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contents Sept. - Oct. 2012

Editor’s Note

M

alaking karangalan para sa Filipino Community na makadaupang-palad si VP Jejomar Binay na kamakailan lamang ay nagtungo sa Japan para sa isang official visit. Ito ay isang patunay ng magandang relasyon ng Japan at Pilipinas at masiglang ekonomiya ng dalawang bansa.

Samantala, marami rin ang natuwa sa naganap na SONA ng Pangulong Aquino. Masarap nga naman pakinggan ang mga salitang binitiwan ng presidente ngunit sana’y kaakibat ng mga pangakong ito ay aksyon upang maisakatuparan ang mga binitiwang pangako.

Sabik na rin ang marami sa ating mga kaibigan sa FilCom sa nalalapit na “Barrio Fiesta” na gaganapin sa Yokohama mula Setyembre 1-2. Ito ay isang malaking pagtitipon ng mga Pilipino sa Japan kaya naman inaaanyayahan ang lahat na dumalo at makiisa sa masayang pagdiriwang na ito. Kaisa po kami ng mga organizers, bilang media partner, sa makabuluhang event na ito.

Tunay na masarap maging Pilipino sa mga panahong tulad nito lalo na’t hindi corrupt ang lider na nakaluklok sa pwesto.

Nawa’y magkaroon ng katuparan na maging tiger economy na ang Pilipinas nang sa gayun ay sa sariling bayan na mamirmihan ang maraming OFWs na patuloy na nakikipagsapalaran sa Japan at marami pang bansa.

Happy reading!

FilJap M A G A Z I N E

Publisher: Yonei Toshikazu Editor-in-Chief: Florenda Corpuz Associate Editor: Nel Salvador Contributors / Photographers: Din Eugenio (Tokyo) • Oliver Corpuz (Manila) Advertising Executive: Masashi Kan • Judith Takahashi Distribution Executive: Genie Omata Layout Artist: VerJube Photographics 3-35-21-409 Shinden Adachi-ku 123-0865 Tokyo, Japan Telephone: 03-6903-2100 Fax: 03-6903-2101 Manila Office: 232 Amapola Street, Palm Village, Makati City, Philippines Telephone: 63 (2) 579-3191 E-mail: filjapmagazine@yahoo.com 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.

FILJAP MAGAZINE | SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2012

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The Multifaceted

Marvin Agustin

Actor, TV host, chef, restaurant owner and concert producer: that is Marvin Agustin.

M

arvin Jay Cuyugan Agustin was born on January 29, 1979 in Manila. He launched his acting career during the late 90s via Star Circle. One of the pioneer talents of ABS-CBN, Marvin went on to make his mark in shows such as Gimik, Esperanza and Sa Sandaling Kailangan Mo Ako. But his fan base grew considerably larger when he was paired with Jolina Magdangal, who became his love team partner.

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FILJAP MAGAZINE | SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2012

Text and Photos courtesy of MediaNation Inc./Jason Alvarez

COVER STORY

Together, Marvin and Jolina starred in several hit movies and TV shows, establishing themselves as one of the most successful onscreen partnerships in show biz. Marvin also formed part of a trio with Dominic Ochoa and Rico Yan. The group had their own sitcom, Whattamen, and became co-hosts of the noontime variety program Magandang Tanghali, Bayan. Their streak was broken only when Rico passed away.

Ironically, Marvin’s first job was not in show biz. In his teen years, he worked first, as a waiter and later, became the youngest member of the marketing staff of Tia Maria chain of bars and restaurants. This not only gave Marvin a solid grounding in the restaurant business, but also led to his becoming an actor. Tia Maria would often be invited to act as bar host for various TV shows—and it was in the studios of ABS-CBN, that Marvin was asked if he was interested in a career in show biz.

People would give him calling cards and invited him to countless VTRs and go-sees, but he turned all the offers down. It wasn’t until much later that Marvin—with the encouragement of his mother—finally agreed to a screen test for a gag show on ABS-CBN. He passed the auditions, and in November 1996, was launched as part of Batch 2 of Star Circle along with contemporaries Diether Ocampo, Mylene Dizon and Patrick Garcia.

Marvin had some very good years in ABS-CBN. But the partnership between him and his home studio came to an end when he decided to move to the rival network, GMA-7. At that point of his career, Marvin felt he needed a change.

In GMA, Marvin found his second wind. His first project was a comeback project, I Love New York, with Jolina, who had also moved to the rival network. He also appeared in Asian Treasures with Robin Padilla and Angel Locsin. The variety and range of projects he was getting were more mature and edgy, and gave Marvin a new creative challenge.

At that point, Marvin—who was also maturing in terms of age—became a father, and the developments in his personal life paralleled those in his show biz career.

But his early involvement in show

biz also became the jumping-off point for his expansion into food service. As an actor, Marvin was offered several endorsements, and one of those was for a donut chain, Mister Donut. He opened up an outlet, and later, put up a business called Ricecapades, which sold rice toppings.

Even during his younger years, Marvin had always been interested in business. His two passions are food and entertainment, and as a child, he would help his mother sell stuff like longanisa and tocino to neighbors in Muntinlupa, where they lived. During New Year, he would sell paputok (firecrackers); he also supplied shirts and denims to stores in the neighborhood.

At some point, Marvin’s family fell on tough times, but these only served to make him tougher and more independent. And as his acting career flourished, so did his business involvements. Marvin partnered with some similarly-minded friends, and expanded his restaurant portfolio. It currently includes Sumo Sam, John and Yoko, Mr. Kurosawa, Marciano’s, Komrad, Oyster Boy and Roboto-San. Marvin enrolled in culinary school at the ISCAHM (International School for Culinary Arts and Hotel Management) to further his interest and skills in cooking.

But as the restaurant business grew, Marvin kept hankering for more and bigger challenges. He wanted to set up his own production company. This became the seed for Futuretainment, a company that produces concerts and events. Among the artists that the company has brought to Manila are Bruno Mars, Miley Cyrus, Maroon 5, 30 Seconds to Mars and the Black Eyed Peas.

Looking back, Marvin feels grateful to have enjoyed a good 15year run in show biz. All in all, he has starred in over 30 movies, TV shows and teleseryes. He has worked with some of the best directors in the business and also won numerous awards for his brilliant performances.

“It is not easy to last 15 years in this industry kaya sabi ko, gusto ko rin siyang alagaan. I believe that anything and everything can be learned, especially kung gusto mong matutunan ang mga bagay-bagay,” Marvin enthused.

FILJAP MAGAZINE | SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2012

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IN FOCUS

VP Binay

Visits Japan

Namalagi ng tatlong araw si Vice President Jejomar Binay sa Tokyo, Japan matapos maimbitahan bilang keynote speaker ng SecureAsia 2012 Cyber Security Conference. Sa event na ito ay nagtipun-tipon ang mga kinatawan ng mga unibersidad, gobyerno at industriya upang tukuyin ang mga solusyon sa mga bantang kinakaharap ng mga organisasyon sa cyberspace para magkaroon ng seguridad sa hinaharap.

“I

consider the Tokyo conference a welcome opportunity to broaden own familiarity with the more complex issues of cyber security, and enlarge the network of experts that our government could call on for assistance, in case of need,” pahayag ng bise pangulo.

Subalit bukod sa pagdalo sa conference na ito, ginugol din ni VP Binay ang kanyang oras sa pakikipagusap sa ilang matataas na opisyal ng Japanese government at Diet partikular sina Deputy Prime Minister Katsuya Okada at Minister of the Economy, Trade and Industry Yukio Edano.

Tinalakay nina Binay at Okada ang ilang isyu tulad ng territorial dispute na kinakaharap ng Pilipinas at Japan laban sa China, bilateral trade at economic relations. Matatandaan na parehong inaangkin ng Pilipinas at China ang Scarborough Shoal habang ang Senkaku Islands naman na kontrolado ng Japan 10

ay inaangkin din ng China.

“Given the common problem that our two countries appeared to be facing at this time with respect to territorial disputes with our biggest Asian neighbor, we need to share ideas on how to enhance the prospects for a peaceful solution of our problem. I assured the Deputy Prime Minister that the Philippines will continue its search for a peaceful solution to the problem, based on international law,” ani Binay.

Ikinatuwa naman umano ni Okada nang sabihin ni Binay na mas maganda nang magtayo ng negosyo sa bansa dahil hindi na kailangan pang manuhol ng mga negosyante dala ng mga repormang ipinatupad ng administrayong Aquino. Hinikayat ni Binay ang mga Japanese investors na mamuhunan sa bansa partikular na sa industriya ng enerhiya at turismo.

Nakausap din ni Binay si Edano at ilan pang opisyal ng tanggapan

FILJAP MAGAZINE | SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2012

nito kung saan kanilang tinalakay ang Philippine-Japanese trade relations na patuloy na tumitibay sa pagdaan ng panahon.

“At a lunch hosted by some Japanese senators and congressmen, I received some proposals on how to speed up the growth of our relations, including how to fast-track the program for Filipino nurses and caregivers going to Japan, the creation of sister-city relationships between Philippine and Japanese cities, and the establishment of retirement centers for the Japanese elderly in the Philippines,” dagdag pa ng bise presidente.

Nagpasalamat din si Binay kay Philippine Ambassador Manuel M. Lopez at mga staff sa Embahada na tumulong at nag-asikaso sa kanya at sa kanyang delegado sa pagbisita sa Japan. Hindi rin umalis si Binay hangga’t hindi nakakadaupang-palad ang ilang miyembro ng Filipino community.

FILCOM WATCH

5th PSRCI Charity Fun Run

VP Binay Meets FilCom Tokyo

A

fter attending a meeting with Japanese government officials and gracing the SecureAsia 2012 Cyber Security Conference, Vice President Jejomar Binay has met with members of the Filipino community in Tokyo.

T

Photos by Judith Enfectana

he Peace Striders Running Club International held a successful charity fun run last July 8 at the Sakuradamon Gate of the Tokyo Imperial Palace. The event was attended by over 200 runners headed by Coach Reuben Cruz and his team.

Ambassador M. Lopez graced the event together with other embassy officials.

Pinoy Interadyo Japan

T

une in to Pinoy Interadyo Japan (www. ustream.tv/channel/ pinoyinterradyojapanlive), the very first Philippine internet radio in Japan, every Monday, Wednesday, Saturday (8-10 pm) and Sunday (7-9 pm).

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FILJAP MAGAZINE | SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2012

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PHILIPPINE ADVENTUREs

B e a c h i n’ , B u m m i n’ a n d Tr i p p i n’ i n

BOHOL Text and Photos by Tim Co Tired and burnt-out? Frustrated and stifled by the fast-paced lifestyle and crowded atmosphere of the city? The most effective solution is a vacation, and for many, it involves white sand beaches with crystal clear waters. And while Boracay is probably the first location to pop into our collective consciousness in this regard, there are many other destinations in the Philippines that fit the bill – Bohol being one of them.

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FILJAP MAGAZINE | SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2012

L

ocated in the Central Visayas region of the country, Bohol is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Philippines. It is near the growing metropolis of Cebu, and if you have the time, a Bohol – Cebu (or vice versa) trip would be a great way to maximize your vacation. In itself, Bohol plays host to a number of sights to see both out to sea and inland. The best times to visit are the months of March, April and May, as well as November and December, as July to October is when Bohol is visited by frequent rains.

Things to Do:

Bohol is known for its pristine beaches, and if you want to take things to another level, you may also try diving activities, as the place is known to be one of the best dive spots in the Philippines.

A starting dive will set you back about Php 2500 and up for a tank of oxygen, which will last you about 30-45 minutes.

Many diving services/schools also offer a short primer if you are a complete beginner.

While there are many public beaches and private resorts in and near Tagbilaran City, the province’s capital and center of commerce, it is better to visit the island of Panglao, which is less than an hour’s drive from the city. You can try visiting the Bohol Beach Club as well as the Panglao Island Nature Resort and Spa, which are two of the most popular resorts there. You can also try the public Alona Beach, which is a frequent destination of foreigners. There are also paluto style restaurants and eateries along the shore that sell and cook fresh seafood for you, so food will not be a problem.

Besides its beaches, another popular destination in Bohol are the Chocolate Hills, which are numerous limestone hills that change color

L O H

depending on the season. Summer gives them a chocolate-like hue, thus the name. A basic tour of Bohol covers a visit to these hills, along with trips to numerous historical places such as old churches, and to the tarsier sanctuary, where you’ll get to see the famous Philippine Tarsier, the second-smallest primate in the world. Other places of note include the Bohol Bee Farm, the Butterfly Sanctuary, and the Loboc River tour (which includes a buffet lunch on a floating restaurant).

O B

Where to Stay:

Due to the high tourist visits, accommodations are not a problem in Bohol, but it is best to reserve way in advance, especially if you plan to head there during the peak summer season.

You can choose relatively cheaper digs in Tagbilaran City, or opt to stay in Panglao so you can be closer to the beach.

Alona Beach, in particular, has several nearby hotels and inns you can choose from. Take note though, that staying in Panglao will also entail more expense as compared to staying in the city. There are also more dining options in the city proper as compared to Panglao, as the latter will basically limit you to Alona Beach or in-house restaurants of the

resorts.

Getting There:

Commercial flights are the easiest way to get to Bohol, and almost all commercial carriers have daily flights to Tagbilaran City. Be warned though, that the local airport is a bit small and crowded. You may also opt to visit Cebu first and ferry over to Bohol to hit two birds with one stone. Once there, you have the option to rent your own transportation – you can hire a van to drive or have a driver, or if you are a bit more adventurous, you can rent a motorcycle (which is what many foreigners do).

Taking public transportation is only recommended within the city proper.

FILJAP MAGAZINE | SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2012

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SPECIAL FEATURE Para sa mas nakakatanda, siya si John Puruntong sa isa sa pinakamatagal na comedy show na umere sa bansa noong 1970s na “John en Marsha”. Para sa mas nakakabatang henerasyon, siya si Kevin Cosme ng isa sa pinakasikat din na comedy show na “Home Along da Riles” noong 1990s. Para sa mga kabataan ngayon, siya si Father Jejemon. Para sa lahat, siya ang nag-iisang Dolphy na kinikilala at minahal ng publiko bilang “Hari ng Komedya.”

N

agluksa ang buong bansa ng ihayag ng kanyang anak na si Eric Quizon ang pagpanaw nito sa edad na 83 noong Hulyo 10 sa Makati Medical Center dahil sa multiple organ failure, arising as a complication of severe pneumonia and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Bago ito, isang buwang namalagi sa ospital si Dolphy o kilala rin sa tawag na Pidol kung saan sinubaybayan at ipinagdasal ng sambayanan ang kanyang paggaling. Sa kanyang pagpanaw, agad na umapaw ang pagmamahal at pagkilala sa kanyang nagawa sa industriya mula sa kanyang pamilya, kasamahan sa trabaho at sa bawat Pilipinong kanyang lubos na napatawa.

Simple, mapagkumbaba, mabait, mapagbigay ang parating inilalarawan ng mga malalapit at nakakasalamuha ni Pidol, Rodolfo Vera Quizon sa totoong buhay, kapag tinatanong sila ng media tungkol sa kanya. Isa lamang itong pagpapatunay na sa tagumpay na kanyang narating ay nanatili siyang isang simpleng tao na may pagmamalasakit sa kapwa.

Hindi naman kasi naging madali ang pagkamit ni Dolphy ng tagumpay sa pinilakang-tabing. Iba’t ibang trabaho ang kanyang pinasok – shoe shine boy, estibador sa pier, tagalagay ng butones ng pantalon at tindero ng mani at butong-pakwan – bago siya nadiskubre.

Nagsimula si Dolphy bilang isang vaudeville performer noong Japanese era kung saan siya kumakanta, sumasayaw at umaarte sa Lyric, Orient at Avenue theaters. Bago niya ginamit ang screen name na Dolphy ay ginamit niya muna ang Golay.

Hanggang sa nadiskubre siya sa pelikula ng Sampaguita Pictures noong 1952 at naging patok ang tambalan nila nina Panchito at Babalu. Ilan sa mga pelikulang tumatak sa Pilipinong manonood ay “Jack en Jill” (1953), “Facifica Falayfay” (1969), “Fefita Fofongay” (1973) at “Sarhento Fofongay, A… ewan” (1974).

Siya rin ang gumanap sa talambuhay ni Walterina Markova noong 2001 na pinamagatang “Markova: Comfort Gay” at nanalo ng acting award sa Prix de la Meilleure Interpretation in Brussels, Belgium. Ang “Father Jejemon” naman ang huli niyang pelikula noong 2010 na naging kalahok sa Metro Manila Film Festival.

Dahil sa galing sa pag-arte at pagpapatawa ay umani si Dolphy ng iba’t ibang parangal at ang pinakahuli ngunit pinakamataas ay ang Grand Collar of the Order of the Golden Heart, na ibinigay ni President Benigno Aquino III noong November 2010.

Naiwanan ni Dolphy ang asawa at singer-actress na si Zsa Zsa Padilla at 18 anak.

Iniwanan man tayo ng Hari ng Komedya ngunit paniguradong mananatili siya sa puso ng sambayanan dahil sa pamamagitan ng mga nagawang pelikula at palabas sa telebisyon ay patuloy pa rin niya tayong mapapatawa. His legacy lives on.

laughter:

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FILJAP MAGAZINE | SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2012

LEGACY

SPOTLIGHT

Philippines

The Faces of

Nagbukas na nitong Hunyo sa Pilipinas ang kauna-unahang branch ng UNIQLO, isang global apparel brand na mayroong 851 stores sa Japan at 234 stores sa iba’t ibang bansa, sa SM Mall of Asia. Kasabay nito ay ang pagpapakilala sa apat na Pinoy celebrities – Chris Tiu, Iza Calzado, Chito Miranda at Nikki Gil – na ginawang brand ambassadors ng UNIQLO.

“W

e believe that they will be able to communicate UNIQLO’s brand message and philosophy – “MADE FOR ALL”– with such zeal and passion, our objective is to let Filipinos know that UNIQLO has clothes for every individual – no matter who they are, what they love or where they are from. As we say in the company, there is a UNIQLO for everyone,” pahayag ni Katsumi Kubota, Chief Operating Officer of Fast Retailing Philippines.

Chris Tiu Sikat na basketbolista ang isa sa mga UNIQLO brand ambassadors na si Chris Tiu na kasalukuyang team captain ng national team, SMART-Gilas. Bukod sa wholesome image, isang inspirasyon si Chris dahil sa pagbibigay nito ng importansiya sa edukasyon na nagtapos sa Ateneo ng dalawang kurso, isang magaling na commercial model at product endorser, TV host at isang negosyante rin.

Chito Miranda Bokalista ng isa sa pinakasikat na Pinoy rock band, Parokya ni Edgar, si Chito Miranda. Simple, makulet, kalog, street-smart ang ilan sa mga katangian ni Chito na minahal ng publiko.

Dahil sa galing sa pagsusulat at pagkanta, humakot ng mga parangal ang banda at naging hit din ang kanilang mga albums at kanta. Binigyan ng kanilang grupo ng kakaibang tunog ang Pinoy rock music na tunay na pumatok sa masa.

Iza Calzado Sophisticated, elegant, fashionable ang tatlong salita na agad maglalarawan sa magaling na aktres na si Iza Calzado kaya’t hindi maikakaila na isa siya sa mga napipiling endorser sa bansa. Kilala sa mundo ng show biz ang certified kapamilya star bilang isa sa pinakamagaling umarte, sumayaw at maghost bukod pa sa pagiging matalino at graciosa kaya’t tunay na iniidolo ng maraming fans.

Nikki Gil Una siyang nakilala bilang endorser ng isang sikat na softdrinks at simula noon ay malayo na ang narating ni Nikki sa mundo ng show biz. Isa sa mga iilang artista na nakatapos ng pag-aaral habang nasa show biz, kilala na ngayon si Nikki bilang isang magaling na host sa ASAP, video jock sa MYX, singer, at actress. Bukod dito, isa rin siyang environment advocate.

FILJAP MAGAZINE | SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2012

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Behind The Scenes

FilJap Magazine Meets ‘Showbiz Inside Report’ Hosts

Bumisita ang editor-in-chief ng FilJap Magazine kamakailan sa ELJ Building ng ABS-CBN sa Quezon City para sa live taping ng “Showbiz Inside Report Online” na hinu-host ni Cesca Litton at MJ Felipe.

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FILJAP MAGAZINE | SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2012

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agbigay ang editor ng mga kopya ng magazine kay Cesca na isa sa naifeature sa July-August issue ng magazine. Matatandaan na bumisita si Cesca sa Japan kamakailan kung saan nagpaunlak siya ng exclusive interview at photos para sa FilJap Magazine.

Natuwa naman ang magaling at masayahing host sa kinalabasan ng artikulo kaya’t hindi rin siya nagdamot na i-promote sa mga tagasubaybay ng kanilang programa ang FilJap Magazine.

Bukod sa paghahatid ng mga latest showbiz balita, naging panauhin din ng programa si Erik Santos, ang tinaguriang Prince of Pop, na magiliw na sinagot ang mga tanong sa kanya ng mga online fans. Hindi naman makukumpleto ang interview sa sikat na singer kung hindi siya pakakantahin na game na game naman niyang pinaunlakan. “‘Di Lang Ikaw”, “I’ll Never Go” at “Pagbigyang Muli” ang kanyang mga kinanta na naging theme songs ng ilang teleserye sa Kapamilya network.

Nakadaupang-palad din ng editor ng FilJap Magazine ang iba pang “Sowbiz Inside Report” hosts na sina Janice de Belen, Carmina Villaroel, Joey Marquez at Ogie Diaz.

TRAVEL JAPAN

Shibuya Crossing Shibuya Crossing, a four-way intersection, is a famous spot for photo and movie shoots. Thousands of pedestrians stop and go to the beat of the street light making it one of the busiest pedestrian crossings in the world.

Getting There: Take JR Yamanote Line, JR Saikyo Line, Ginza Subway Line or Tokyu Toyoko Line

Tokyo’s To p

Photography

Odaiba Rainbow ridge Said to be the iconic symbol of Tokyo Bay, the Rainbow Bridge connects Odaiba to the rest of Tokyo.

Getting There: Serving Odaiba is the automated Yurikamome Line from Shimbashi and the privately owned Rinkai Line running between Osaki and ShinKiba.

Tokyo Sky Tree

Tokyo is a much-photographed city. Local and foreign tourists couldn’t resist taking pictures of the spectacular attractions this place offers – from the people, night lights, towers, buildings, shrines to shopping districts.

Take a look at some of the city’s top photography hot spots.

Harajuku Girls

Tokyo TOWER

The tallest free-standing tower in the world with a height of 634 meters; and the second tallest structure in the world, after the Burj Khalifa in Dubai.

Getting There: It is a 20-minute walk across the Sumida River from Asakusa.

Tokyo Imperial Palace The Tokyo Imperial Palace is the official residence of the Imperial Family of Japan. It is a large park surrounded by stone walls and moats.

Getting There: Tokyo Imperial Palace is a 10-minute walk from Tokyo Station.

Asakusa Kaminarimon Gate Kaminarimon is the symbol of Asakusa. It has the giant red lantern, which is very popular among

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Photos by Din Eugenio

San-ai, Ginza The San-ai Building is a popular landmark in upscale Ginza. It is located in the intersection of Chuo Dori and Harumi Dori. At night, it is illuminated with neon LED and video screens, publicizing the world’s biggest brands.

Getting There: Take the Hibiya, Marunouchi and Ginza Subway Lines and get off at Ginza Station

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tourists.

Getting There: Asakusa is on the Ginza Subway Line and the TOEI Asakusa Line

Harajuku Girls are teenagers who are fashionably dressed in various costumes like Lolita, anime or manga.

Getting There: On the JR Yamanote Line, two stations south of Shinjuku and one station north of Shibuya

Omotesando Shopping Street Tagged as “Champs Elysees” of Tokyo, Omotesando is a shopping avenue of designers’ boutiques, shops, restaurants and cafes that cater to the exigencies of young Tokyoites.

Getting There: Take the Chiyoda, Ginza and Hanzomon Subway Lines and get off at Omotesando Station

It is considered as one of the world’s tallest selfsupporting steel towers with a height of 333 meters and a weight of 4,000 tons.

Getting There: Tokyo Tower is a 15-minute walk from Hamamatsucho Station.

Shinjuku Skyscraper District Shinjuku is called “the skyscraper district” because of the many tall buildings located here including the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building.

Getting There: Shinjuku Station is on the JR Yamanote Line, the JR Chuo Line, the JR Sobu Line and the Saikyo Line

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ZODIACS & TRIVIA

Aries (March 21April 20) Maaaring nasanay ka na nakukuha mo ang iyong mga gusto at hindi naman ito masamang bagay hangga’t wala kang nasasaktan na ibang tao.

Tandaan na may konsepto ng karma.

Cancer Taurus (April 21-May 21) Marami kang interes na nais mong palawigin at hubugin. Upang magawa ito, samahan ang mga tao o kaibigan na mayroong kaparehas na interes upang matuto.

Gemini (May 22-June 21) Hindi kailangan na parating bongga at mamahalin ang iyong bibilhin para sa sarili at sa mga kaibigan.

Minsan mas may tagos sa puso ang mga simpleng bagay na madalas ay nakakaligtaan pahalagahan ng marami.

(June 22-July 23) Kahit na nais mo na laging mag-isa sa halos lahat ng pagkakataon ay hindi rin naman masama kung bubuksan mo ang iyong sarili sa ibang tao.

Hindi porket kaya mo ang lahat ay sasarilinin mo ito, mainam din na mayroong mga kaibigan.

Leo

Virgo

(July 24 - August 22) Dapat mong pag-ibayuhin ang pakikitungo mo sa ibang tao dahil hindi mo namamalayan ay nakakasakit ka na pala. Huwag mong laging isipin na mas mataas ka sa kanila dahil kakailanganin mo rin ang kanilang tulong.

(August 23 September 23) Mayroong bumabagabag sa iyo at patuloy itong manggugulo sa iyong isipan kung hindi ka magdedesisyon agad.

Tandaan lamang na minsan ang mas mahirap na desisyon ay ang siyang tamang desisyon.

Capricorn Libra

Scorpio

(September 24 -October 23) Gusto mong bigyan ng sapat na atensyon ang pagkakaroon ng makakasama sa buhay ngunit ito’y isang bagay na hindi minamadali. Darating din ito ng hindi mo namamalayan.

(October 24 -November 22) Huwag nang masyadong isipin ang nawalang oportunidad sa iyo dahil paniguradong may magiging kapalit din.

Sabi nga, kapag may nagsarang pintuan ay may magbubukas na bintana.

Sagittarius (November 23 -December 21) Bored na bored ka na sa iyong buhay dahil pare-pareho lamang ang iyong ginagawa. Humanap ng ibang mapaglilibingan o sumubok ng bagong bagay upang patuloy na matuto.

Obon: Festival of Souls

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(December 22 -January 20) Kung ano man ang mga inaani mo ngayon sa buhay ay hindi dahil sa ikaw ay swerte lamang kundi ito ay resulta ng iyong pagiging masigasig. Alam mo kung ano ang gusto mo at gumagawa ka ng paraan para makuha ito.

Aquarius (January 21 -February 19) Pakiramdam mo ay nagiging alipin ka na ng iyong trabaho at nais mo ay makawala na rito. Marami naman ang posibleng mangyari at kung magtitiyaga ka ay siguradong makukuha mo rin ang iyong naisin.

Pisces (February 20 -March 20) Inspirado ka sa mga panahong ito kaya’t samantalahin ang pagkakataon upang lalo pang maging produktibo sa bawat aspeto ng iyong buhay.

Isa sa pangunahing tradisyon na taun-taong ginagawa sa Japan ay ang pag-obserba ng Obon na isang Buddhist ritual kung saan pinaniniwalaang bumabalik sa mundo ang mga kaluluwa ng mga namayapa na. Katumbas ito ng Undas o pagdiriwang ng Araw ng mga Kaluluwa sa Pilipinas.

Kalimitang ipinagdiriwang ang Obon tuwing ika-13 hanggang ika-15 araw ng pampitong buwan gamit ang solar calendar. Subalit, sinusunod sa Japan ang lunar calendar kung saan pumapatak ang Obon tuwing kalagitnaan ng Agosto. Sa paniniwala ng mga Hapon, sa mga panahong ito bumibisita sa kanila ang mga ninuno, pamilya at kaanak na sumakabilangbuhay na.

Ang unang araw ng Obon na tinatawag na mukae-obon ay ang araw kung saan nagsasabit ng chochin lanterns sa tapat ng pintuan upang gabayan ang mga kaluluwa na makabalik sa kanilang bahay. Bukod dito, nililinis din ng mga Hapon ang kanilang bahay, naglalagay ng mga pagkain sa butsudan o Buddhist altar bilang offering sa mga kaluluwa pati na mga bulaklak at naghahandog ng dasal.

Sa ilang araw na pag-obserba ng Obon ay amoy insenso ang mga bahay at sementeryo sa Japan. Ginagawa rin ang Bon Odori na isang uri ng sayaw sa mga parke, shrines at temples kung saan nakasuot ng yukata ang mga Hapon. Bida naman sa pinakahuling araw ang floating lanterns, parol na may kandila, na pinapalutang sa ilog o dagat upang gabayan pabalik sa kabilang mundo ang mga ispiritu.

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FILJAP MAGAZINE | SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2012