FilJap Magazine April 2015

¥0 ee Fr April 2015 Issue 28

3 Filipino Movies to Compete in

Osaka Film Fest

Dinagyang

in Iloilo

s e t n o M Julia m o d r a t S o Rises T

Essential Guide to Musée du Petit Prince à Hakone

Tokyo Exhibit Showcases Filipino

Creativity and Excellence

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Table of Contents APRIL 2015 4 6 8

In Focus Taking Action

9

Celebrity News 3 Filipino Movies to Compete in Osaka Film Fest

Cover Story Julia Montes Rises To Stardom Special Feature Manila Cathedral Among Attractions at Sapporo Snow Festival

12

Embassy News Makilahok Sa Consular Outreach Missions 2015

13 14 15 16 18

FilCom Watch Tokyo Exhibit Showcases Filipino Creativity and Excellence Faces Top 20 ‘ASAP’ Homegrown Superstars Spotlight The Road to Visibility: ‘Imbisibol’ Makes it to the Big Screen Philippine Adventures Dinagyang in Iloilo Travel Japan Essential Guide to Musée du Petit Prince à Hakone

EDITOR’S NOTE “I believe in process. I believe in four seasons. I believe that winter’s tough, but spring’s coming. I believe that there’s a growing season. And I think that you realize that in life, you grow.

You get better.”

Spring is here, my favorite season in Japan. For the Japanese people, it means the blooming of the cherry blossom or sakura, which symbolizes evanescent beauty and the nature of life.

Hanami or flower viewing party, which has been in practice since the 3rd century, celebrates the beauty of sakura and a signal for many people to enjoy nature in a very human way.

Florenda Corpuz Editor-in-Chief

Here’s the cherry blossom forecast for this year: Location Tokyo Kyoto Kagoshima Kumamoto Fukuoka Hiroshima Matsuyama Takamatsu Osaka Nara Yoshino Nagoya Yokohama Kanazawa Nagano Fukushima Sendai Aomori Hakodate Sapporo

Opening March 26 March 26 March 25 March 21 March 21 March 25 March 23 March 26 March 26 March 27 April 3 March 25 March 27 April 3 April 11 April 9 April 12 April 24 May 2 May 5

Estimated Best Viewing April 1-9 April 2-10 April 1-9 March 29-April 6 March 28-April 5 March 31-April 8 March 29-April 6 April 1-9 April 2-10 April 2-10 April 9-19 April 1-9 April 2-10 April 7-15 April 15-23 April 12-20 April 17-25 April 28-May 6 May 5-12 May 7-14

(Source: Japan Weather Association)

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Contents

One of the most iconic visions of Kyoto – Fushimi Inari Shrine is noted for its remarkable sight of some 10,000 vermillion torii (shrine gates) that arch over a long path up the hill behind the shrine. (Photo by Lemjay Lucas)

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 | APRIL 2015

3

in focus

Taking Action

Photos by Lauro Montellano Jr. and Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau

On March 28, the world observed the “Earth Hour,” an annual event organized by World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) that encourages individuals, communities, households and business establishments from different countries to turn off their lights for an hour, from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m., as a symbol of commitment to the environmental issues the planet is facing particularly climate change.

C

limate change is the change in average weather conditions caused by several factors, chief among them is the fossil fuels and the greenhouse gas emissions that continues to increase the past few years.

The Philippines, for instance, has been greatly affected by weather-related disasters such as typhoons, floods and heat waves. Typhoon Yolanda, said to be the strongest and deadliest typhoon to hit the land in history, killed more than 6,000 people in Eastern Leyte in 2013.

Worldwide, the impact of climate change is massive killing around five million people yearly.

It is imperative for us to take concrete and compelling action to combat climate change before it is too late, before we all become victims of one environmental disaster after the other. That is why it is laudable the initiative of French President Francois Hollande to host the the 21st Conference of the Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP 21) this coming Dec. in France. It is a convention that aims 4

FILJAP MAGAZINE | APRIL 2015

to highlight the consequences of inaction against climate change, to foster climate action and cooperation, and to ensure a successful global climate agreement among nations.

His visit to the Philippines is one of his ways to put attention to COP 21 and earn support even if France and the Philippines are two of the nations with the lowest greenhouse gas emissions of not more than .03 percent.

He said that his visit to the Philippines is his way of seeking alliance in combating climate change and “to build an even stronger relationship between developed and emerging countries, to ensure the transitions of energies and above all to protect and to prevent.”

“Our duty is to act together and this is the reason why I came to the Philippines, to issue a call, to seal an alliance,” Hollande said who is the first French President to visit the country since its independence in 1947.

“France wants to devote its skills to the Philippines and to the countries that are most vulnerable to climate change,” he

added.

President Benigno Aquino III expressed his full support to Hollande’s calling.

“This statement, thus, is a welcome call to action: No longer can we be paralyzed by debates over the obligations of individual countries; all of us must do everything we can, in the quickest and most impactful way possible. The choice before us is clear. We can either overcome this problem together, or together reap the consequences of apathy.

“For this reason, it is incumbent upon us to conclude a universal climate change agreement in Paris later this year: one that is ambitious; that is guided by science, and that allows developing countries to pursue their economic goals in the context of sustainable development,” the President said.

It is time that we follow France’s lead and join hands in putting to a stop the threats of climate change that will benefit the present and future generations because in the end we all deserve to live in this world without worries.

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Cover story

Julia Montes, at 20, has recently found herself answering and dismissing pregnancy rumors being hurled against her just because she was rarely seen on television and movies in the past few months. She, however, has learned to take things in stride, looking composed and unfazed by the malicious rumor that she couldn’t believe she would face at such a young age.

Julia Montes Rises To Stardom Cover photo by Jojit Lorenzo / ABS-CBN Inside photos courtesy of Star Magic

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FILJAP MAGAZINE | APRIL 2015

“I

am not pregnant. How could I possibly be pregnant if I do not have a boyfriend?” Julia bluntly said to the media at a press con held for her recent movie project opposite Gerald Anderson and JC de Vera entitled “Halik sa Hangin.”

She quashed the rumor in a cool manner, devoid of tears and theatrics. There was no hint of either bitterness or sarcasm in her tone, just a mature 20-year-old who opted to take the high road and shake things off – a move that can only be done by someone who has been in the business for quite some time.

And maybe that is the reason why Julia is all grace under pressure.

Showbiz denizens may overlooked it but Julia has been in the fickle-world of show business as young as seven when she became a mainstay of “Goin’ Bulilit,” a comedy show with children as its stars. Prior to that, she was making the rounds playing daughter roles, one of which as Angelu de Leon’s child in defunct series “Sana ay Ikaw na Nga.” After that, Julia made some growing up before reemerging on television as a stunning teenager with its Filipino-German roots showing evidently. Her biggest break came in 2010 when she was given the role of Clara del Valle in the hit remake of the longest-running soap opera “Mara Clara,” Mara being portrayed by Kathryn Bernardo.

Playing bida-kontrabida role for the first time, Julia showed her mettle in acting that caught the attention of ABS-CBN management and the viewing public as well.

Since portraying the role of Clara, Julia has then starred in bigger projects that earned her the reputation of being the next big star of the Kapamilya network.

Her project with Coco Martin in 2012 entitled “Walang Hanggan” cemented her way to stardom proving her acting prowess alongside other veterans in the show like Richard Gomez and Dawn Zulueta. The said series was a phenomenal success that Julia was instantly given another project via “Ikaw Lamang.”

In “Ikaw Lamang,” she was reunited with Coco and had the chance to work with bankable stars such as Kim Chiu and Jake Cuenca. Julia received a nomination for Best Drama Supporting Actress during the PMPC Star Awards for TV 2014 and was awarded Best Actress at the 13th Gawad Tanglaw last January, tied with Angel Locsin, for her role as Mona Roque-Hidalgo for the said period drama.

She also did a film with Coco, “A Moment in Time,” and are set to reunite in a new chapter of Wansapanataym called “Yamashita’s Treasures.”

Though Julia and Coco’s chemistry is evident, the two never admitted a relationship despite being linked with each other. Her last publicized relationship was with fellow Kapamilya star Enchong Dee. From entering show business at the age of seven, starring in drama series and movies, bagging commercial endorsements to fronting magazines, Julia has come a long way. It is with this kind of blessings that she has learned not to put so much emphasis on rumors that usually come with the territory of being a hot public property.

“If there are issues, I’ve learned not to put so much attention and energy into it. I know myself so there are no reasons to be bothered by it. I can’t please everybody,” Julia said in one of her interviews.

Exuding this kind of attitude is a testament of who will last and wouldn’t in the glitzy world of show business.

And Julia surely knows that the way to stardom isn’t all roses.

FILJAP MAGAZINE | APRIL 2015

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SPECIAL FEATURE

Manila Cathedral

Among Attractions at Sapporo Snow Festival Photos courtesy of DOT Tokyo

The snow-sculptured Manila Cathedral stands tall and majestic at the stage of HBC Philippine Square during the 66th Sapporo Snow Festival.

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he Philippines’ participation in one of Japan’s largest and most celebrated snow festival is a part of the Department of Tourism’s endeavor to attract more Japanese tourists during “Visit the Philippines Year 2015.” This is in collaboration with Hokkaido Broadcasting Co., Ltd (HBC), the Philippine Tourism Board and the Philippine Embassy in Japan.

During the turn-over ceremony and HBC Philippine Square opening ceremony, Sapporo City Mayor Fumio Ueda said that Manila Cathedral was chosen as the featured edifice because the 400-year old historical structure had withstood both the test of time and the trials brought about by natural and man-made catastrophes.

“It’s resilience symbolizes the resilience of the Filipino people,” he 8

FILJAP MAGAZINE | APRIL 2015

mentioned.

220 10-ton trucks were used to build the ice replica of the Manila Cathedral with the cooperation of Japan’s Self-Defense Force in Hokkaido.

DOT Undersecretary Benito C. Bengzon, Jr. brought the good news in the form of Secretary Ramon Jimenez’s message thanking the organizers in giving the Philippines the opportunity to showcase one of the best known attractions in the country.

The turn-over ceremony was graced by the Philippine Ambassador to Japan Manuel M. Lopez and TPB COO Domingo

Ramon Enerio.

Philippine traditional dance performances at the stage captured the attention of the festival visitors. The Philippine booth offered attractions such as Filipino food like adobo, sisig together with the famous Philippine beer.

Philippine coffee was also served. There was also large monitor screen showing the latest “Visit the Philippines Year” (VPY) promotional videos. Another attraction is a photo booth where the visitors could take their pictures with the white sand beach of Boracay as the background. Those who posted their pictures on facebook received a special gift- VPY pouches with disposable heat pads.

Japan remains to be the third largest source of foreign tourists to the country.

The total number of Japanese that visited the Philippines in 2014 exceeded 460,000.

“Various strategic promotional activities are lined up to dovetail the yearlong calendar of exciting and fun events for the ‘Visit the Philippines Year.’ We believe that we will breach the 500,000 threshold of Japanese arrivals to the Philippines in 2015, thus, making the Philippines a major tourist destination for Japanese outbound travelers,” said DOT Tokyo Attache Valentino Cabansag.

celebrity news

3

Fili s e i pino Mov

to Compete in Osaka Film Fest Photos courtesy of OAFF 2015

OSAKA, Japan – Three Filipino films have been chosen for competition and one for exhibition for the Osaka Asian Film Festival (OAFF) 2015, which will be held from March 6-15.

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ontending for the Competition section are Milo Sogueco’s “Mariquina,” Antoinette Jadaone’s “That Thing Called Tadhana” starring Angelica Panganiban and JM De Guzman, and Dodo Dayao’s “Violator.”

The film “Kubot: The Aswang Chronicles 2” by Erik Matti will be shown in the Special Programs (New Action!

Southeast Asia) section.

The Festival’s opening film will be Wakagi Shingo’s “Asleep” while the closing

film will be Yun Je-gyun’s “Ode To My Father.”

In commemoration of the 10th anniversary of OAFF, an establishment of “Osaka Asia Star★Award” was also announced, and Taiwanese star Chang Hsiao Chuan (a.k.a. Joseph Chang) is the first recipient.

Last year, Siege Ledesma’s “Shift” won the Grand Prix (Best Picture award) while Sigrid Andrea Bernardo’s “Anita’s Last ChaCha” earned Special Mention honors.

Award-winning actress and comedienne Eugene Domingo was appointed as last year’s OAFF jury president.

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

FILJAP MAGAZINE | APRIL 2015

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FILJAP MAGAZINE | APRIL 2015

FILJAP MAGAZINE | APRIL 2015

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EMBASSY NEWS

Ambassador Lopez Pays Courtesy Call on Cardinal Tagle Photos courtesy of Philippine Embassy Tokyo

Philippine Ambassador to Japan Manuel M. Lopez, with Madame Maria Teresa L. Lopez and officials from the Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines in Tokyo, paid a courtesy call on His Eminence Luis Antonio G. Cardinal Tagle, Archbishop of Manila, prior to the Cardinal’s mass at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Mejiro, Tokyo on February 2.

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ardinal Tagle visited Japan on February 1-3 for the 400th death anniversary of Dom Justo Takayama Ukon, a Christian daimyo (feudal lord) during the Edo Period (1603-1868) who gave up his title and properties to live his Catholic faith in the Philippines.

Ambassador Lopez welcomed Cardinal Tagle on behalf of the Filipino community in Japan. He also presented the Cardinal with a US$ 10,000 check for Caritas Manila donated by Mr. Alec Fujii, a Japanese-American youth who wished to help disaster victims in the Philippines.

More than a thousand people

attended Cardinal Tagle’s mass at St. Mary’s Cathedral, which was concelebrated by Most Reverend Peter Takeo Okada, Archbishop of Tokyo; Most Reverend Joseph Chennoth, Apostolic Nuncio to Japan; and Most Reverend James Kazuo Koda, Auxiliary Bishop of Tokyo.

Makilahok Sa Consular Outreach Missions 2015 Petsa

Prefecture

Siyudad Contact Person

Tel. o E-mail

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090-1782-7406

Philippine Honorary Consulate, Ginowan City 098-892-5486 / 098-892-5487

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Ms. Charity Sato chatecjrso71@i.softbank.jp

080-3191-7778

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Ms. Grace Nakamura grace.n1218@gmail.com

080-4308-8380

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Ms. Cecilia Nishimura ceznishimura0809@gmail.com

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7-29 Marso Okinawa Ginowan Ms. Hitomi Kinjo

FILJAP MAGAZINE | APRIL 2015

Tokyo Exhibit

FILCOM WATCH

Showcases Filipino Creativity and Excellence Photos by Din Eugenio

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design exhibition of furniture and home décor by renowned Filipino designers Al Caronan, Ann Pamintuan, Antonio “Budji’ Layug, Carlo Cordaro, Kenneth Cobonpue, Luisa Robinson, Maria Cristina “Maricris” Floirendo-Brias, Miguel

Caught in the Act!

Carlos Aguas, Milo Naval, Renato Vidal, Rene Alcala, Tes Pasola, Tony Gonzales and Vito Selma were showcased at the Philippine Design Exhibition, which opened on Feb. 18 to Mar. 1 at the Tokyo Midtown Design Hub in Roppongi.

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FACES Now on its 20th year, ABS-CBN’s “All-Star Sunday Afternoon Party” (ASAP) is Asia’s longest-running and multi-awarded Sunday noontime musical variety show that has produced some of the country’s brightest and most talented showbiz superstars.

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Top

p u e S r s n t w a o r r g e s m o H ’ SAP

‘A

Text and photos courtesy of ABS-CBN

The grandest reunion of “ASAP” constellation of stars happened on Feb. 22 at the Mall of Asia Arena. Here’s an ultimate throwback of the top 20 superstars whose successful careers started in the said show.

7. Coverboys - In 2006, “ASAP” launched an all-hot men group composed of Jake Cuenca, Rafael Rosell, Jon Avila, Victor Basa, Will Devaughn and Zanjoe Marudo.

1. ASAP Champions - Composed of reality singing competition winners, namely, Sarah Geronimo, Erik Santos, Rachelle Ann Go, Sheryn Regis, Frenchie Dy, Jerome Sala, Mark Bautista and Christian Bautista.

8. Gigger Boys - The swoon-worthy group was composed of Enchong Dee, Robi Domingo, Sam Concepcion, Arron Villaflor, Dino Imperial, Chris Gutierrez and AJ Perez (†).

2. The Hunks - Launched in 2001 with Piolo Pascual, Jericho Rosales, Diether Ocampo, Carlos Agassi and Bernard Palanca forming the singing and dancing quintet.

9. ASAP Sessionistas - “ASAP” brought together some of the best names in live music entertainment like Aiza Seguerra, Nina, Richard Poon, Duncan Ramos, Sitti and MYMP’s Juris and Chin.

3. Kanto Boys - Every week, viewers looked forward to the wacky antics and new gimmicks on stage courtesy of John Lloyd Cruz, Luis Manzano, Billy Crawford and Vhong Navarro.

10. ASAP HD - Angeline Quinto, Klarisse De Guzman and Morissette Amon were launched as the “ASAP” Homegrown Divas.

4. IT Girls - “ASAP” paved the way for discovering the true talents of Anne Curtis, Bea Alonzo, Nikki Gil, Iya Vilania, Maja Salvador, Shaina Magadayao and Toni Gonzaga, who formed the first batch of “It Girls” in 2008.

5. Koolits - Before John Lloyd Cruz was known for his box-office movies, he was first followed by “ASAP” viewers with Baron Geisler and Marc Solis as the dance cuties of the teen trio, Koolits, which was launched in 1999.

6. ASAP Boyfriendz - “ASAP” continued to melt the hearts of girls in 2012 as it formed a trio of cute and talented young men–Enrique Gil, Khalil Ramos and Daniel Padilla.

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FILJAP MAGAZINE | APRIL 2015

11. YRS - In 2009, “ASAP” introduced its all-female singing trio called YRS composed of Yeng Constantino, Rachelle Ann Go and Sarah Geronimo.

12. MASH - Maja Salvador and Shaina Magdayao wowed the audience when they were revealed in 2013 as the newest dancing duo following the sensation made by the Regine Tolentino and Angela Velez in the early 2000’s.

13. UD4 - In 2006, “ASAP” launched a brand new dance group called Ultimate Dance 4 or UD4 composed of John Prats, Rayver Cruz, Shaina Magdayao and Maja Salvador.

14. ASAP Supahdance - Among “ASAP” Supahdance’s pride are Kim Chiu, John

Prats, Rayver Cruz, Maja Salvador, Shaina Magdayao, Iya Villania and Bugoy Cariño.

15. Kanto Boys Jr. - The kiddie version of Kanto Boys was introduced in 2013 with child wonders Bugoy Cariño, Clarence Delgado, lzzy Canillo and Zaijian Jaranilla composing the wacky yet charming group.

16. Gimme 5 - It consists of five talented and charming teen heartthrobs including Nash Aguas, Joaquin Reyes, John Bermundo, Grae Fernandez and Brace Arquiza.

17. ASAP POPables - ABS-CBN’s teleserye princes, Gerald Anderson, Xian Lim, Enchong Dee and Rayver Cruz were introduced as the newest “kilig” boy group of “ASAP” in 2012.

18. Pare Konnection – “ASAP” featured a mix of upcoming teenage stars from Star Magic including the cast of the movie “Pare Ko,” namely Claudine Barretto, Jao Mapa, Gio Alvarez, Roselle Nava, Victor Neri, Nikka Valencia and Jolina Magdangal.

19. JCS Band - Launched in 2000, the band was composed John Prats, Carlo Aquino and Stefano Mori.

20. Dayanara Torres - Miss Universe 1993 Dayanara Torres became an instant TV superstar in the Philippines when she was introduced as one of the main hosts of “ASAP” on Feb. 5, 1995 along with Martin Nievera, Pops Fernandez and Ariel Rivera. Dayanara’s weekly showcase of her dancing prowess through her segment, “SayawNara,” gained her the title “Dancing Queen.”

SPOTLIGHT

“Imbisibol” used to be just an untouched manuscript in between piles of books and scratch papers on top of its writer’s desk – unread, unseen, unknown – until it was given an opportunity to be brought to life as a one-act play in 2013. Who would have thought that two years after, it would be on its way to reach a wider audience as it makes it to the big screen.

T he

R oad

to

V isibility

Makes it to the Big Screen Text by Herlyn Alegre Photos by DOP Boy Yñiguez A New Take on a Familiar Story

“I

mbisibol” essays the lives of four migrant workers in Japan that reflects the difficult challenges faced by millions of Filipinos who decide to go overseas in search of a better future for their families. Three of them living in Japan as “bilog” – undocumented migrants who struggle hiding everyday just to stay in Japan. The main characters include Linda, a former entertainer who eventually marries a Japanese salaryman; Benjie an aging “bilog” who already wants to go home to his family after decades of being away; Manuel, an aging hosto who is struggling with gambling addiction and insecurities; and Rodel, a newcomer who works as a laborer in a lumber company.

The story follows the lives of four people with different backgrounds, personal struggles and reasons to live and love, but in the end, they were brought together, yes, by grand themes like labor migration and globalization but also by something as basic as the personal will to survive.

The movie was directed by Lawrence Fajardo, a multi-awarded filmmaker locally and abroad. Some of his most notable films include “Amok” (2011) and “Posas” (2012), which bagged several awards when shown in various film festivals overseas. Having a father who worked as a seaman, Lawrence had his own share of experiences living in a family with a loved one faraway. While he was directing “Imbisibol” as a stage play, he saw its potential to be expanded into a movie as he witnessed the development

of its story and as the characters started to have lives of their own. He thought of translating the vision of the piece from the stage to the screen. Lawrence had a desire to make a movie that set is Christmas and has snow – “Imbisibol” became the fulfillment of this desire.

The film is topbilled by respected film and theater actors such as Bernardo Bernardo, Ces Quesada, Allen Dizon and JM De Guzman with the special participation of Ricky Davao and martial arts superstar Cynthia Luster. The film was shot in Fukuoka and Hokkaido.

The film wants to present the personal portraits of overseas Filipino workers not simply as “bagong bayani” or “contemporary heroes” as they are more commonly regarded in present discourse but as real people with real struggles and real personal dilemmas. The film documents a period in Japan that had long passed but the struggles that the characters are facing remain as real now as they were before. These are struggles that not only migrant workers in Japan experience but also every Filipino who has been away from home and works in every corner of the globe in search of better lives for their families.

From the Stage to the Screen “Imbisibol” was first staged in 2013 at the Cultural Center of the Philippines as part of the 9th year of Virgin Labfest.

The year after, its revisited version was restaged under the same festival. Directing “Imbisibol” was Lawrence’s comeback to the theater scene after mainly focusing on films after graduating from the University of St. Lasalle-Bacolod.

‘Imbisibol’ in Sinag Maynila The film is an entry to the very first Sinag Maynila, a new festival of independent films organized by renowned director Brilliante Mendoza in cooperation with Solar Entertainment, Inc. The festival runs in major SM cinemas in Manila on March 18-25. The film is also presented by Center Stage Productions and Pelikulaw in cooperation with Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Film Commission, Japan Foundation Asia Center, CHINZEI-Kyushu Creative Network, Fukuoka Independent Film Festival, Snowbugs LTD and Likhang Silangan Entertainment.

As “Imbisibol” now makes its way from invisibility to visibility, there are high hopes that the issues tackled in the film will also be more vivid to the audience – not oversimplifying by showing half-baked aspects of a big issue nor sensationalizing them by presenting something more than what they really are, but rather, by defamiliarizing a story that people all the while thought they know but in truth, they do not.

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PHILIPPINE adventures Philippine ADVENTURES

Text and photos by Arlene Donaire

Ati-Ati Festival parade

Every fourth week of January, Iloilo transforms into a place of revelry.

The Dinagyang festival, which follows the Cebu Sinulog Festival and the Kalibo Ati-Atihan Festival, both held on the prior week, is a fascinating amalgam of the religious Sinulog and the historical-cultural Kalibo Ati-Atihan. In its present form, Dinagyang is highlighted by three events: the 9-day novena to the Sto. Nino, that culminates in a fluvialland procession (Friday), Kasadyahan Street Dance-Parade (Saturday) and the Ati-Ati Street Dance-Parade (Sunday).

Masks of Dagoy, the Dinagyang mascot

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Kasadyahan Festival parade

“D

agyang,” is a Hiligaynon/ Ilonggo root word for “to make happy”; hence, the word “Dinagyang” means merry-making. Ilonggo writer and radio broadcaster, the late Pacifico Sumagpao Sudario, coined the name when the festival was first launched in 1977, to make it unique from other Ati-atihan celebrations in the country. “Kasadyahan” is also a Hiligaynon/ Ilonggo word for “to make merry.” Indeed, merry-making envelopes Iloilo all throughout the week as various activities that also include concerts and evening fireworks at the mall, trade fairs, open air food fests and beauty contest on top of the main events, happen in a whirl.

Before it’s official launch in 1977, the Dinagyang Festival had been called the Iloilo Ati-Atihan. Similar in concept to that of Kalibo’s, the Ilonggos joining the street dance painted their bodies black or dark brown to imitate the Aetas, Panay Island’s first settlers and danced rhythmically to the beat of drums. The “Kasadyahan,” a dance dramatization of the culture and history of Panay’s pioneering people – the Aetas/Atis and their way of life; the introduction of Christianity in the island; and the purchase of the island from the Atis by the10 Bornean Datus with their golden salakot and pearls, became incorporated in the celebration along with the Ati-Atihan Dance in the mid 1970s. Nowadays the Kasadyahan and Ati-Atihan street dances are the weekend highlights. Participating “tribes” from the City’s barangays and schools, nearby towns, and provinces, competing for top prizes in the Dinagyang competitions have raised the bar on their performances and costumes every year, making these two events more vibrant and exciting.

Iloilo City’s devotion to the Sto. Nino also predated the adoption of the Dinagyang Festival proper in 1977 but is now a central part of the annual fete. Back in 1967, the first rector of the Augustinian Community, Fr. Ambrosio Galindez, OSA initiated a devotion to the Sto. Nino. This then paved the way for the 1968 “visit” of the Cebuano Sto. Nino whose replica was first brought from Cebu City to Iloilo City’s San Jose Parish Church by Fr. Suplicio Ebderes, OSA with a delegation of Cebu’s Cofradia del Sto. Niño. The people of Iloilo welcomed the Holy Child, becoming devotees eventually, honoring the Holy Child with a regular Friday mass. Thus, in today’s version of the Dinagyang Festival – the 9-day novena and

fluvial procession are essential, as well as the incorporation of the Sto. Nino as an iconic theme in the Kasadyahan and Ati-Ati street dances.

In the midst of the merriment, the devotion to the Sto. Nino and the commemoration of Panay Island’s early history and culture are inculcated to visitors. It is impressive to witness how one festival unites the city with the rest of the country in celebrating faith and culture altogether. Dagoy, the festival’s mascot, a fun-loving and friendly young Aeta warrior, personifies the prevalent mood of the City during Dinagyang. On your next visit to the Philippines, experience the unique merrymaking - Dinagyang of the Ilonggos!

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TRAVEL JAPAN

Essential Guide to

Text and photos by Ashley Dy

Located two hours away from Tokyo, there is a museum worth of that time and effort to visit. “The Little Prince,” the classic by Antoine Saint-Exupéry, is widely known for the quote, “What is essential is invisible to the eye,” but everything inside the museum is pleasing to the eyes. It will not only take you to the world of “The Little Prince” but also to the author’s favorite places in France while he was writing the book.

How to Go to Musée du Petit Prince?

By Train:

From Shinjuku, get on an express train via Odakyu line to Odawara, transfer to Tozan line to Hakone-Yumoto station.

Alternatively, you can use the Romance Car that will take you directly to HakoneYumoto station. Next, get on the Hakone Tozan bus from Hakone-Yumoto station and get off at Kawamukai Museum of The Little Prince bus stop. It is approximately a 30-minute ride from the station.

By Bus: There are express buses that run from Shinjuku and Ikejiri stations until Kawamukai bus stop, just right in front of the museum.

Address: 909 Sengokuhara, Hakonemachi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa 250-0631 Website: http://www.tbs.co.jp/lprince/en/ Telephone no.: 0460-86-3700

Here’s a little tour guide for you:

of the Encounter” along the Hydrangea Path. It is a beautiful European inspired garden designed by Keiko Yoshiya. After that, there will be a statue of the Prince in the center of a square inspired by Provence. It is also surrounded by roses during spring time. And last, you will also see statues of the Prince, the fox and the sheep located at the “Flower Garden of Christmas Roses.” (Tip: The perfect time to explore this beauty is in spring from April to June. During winter, everything is dry and artificial.)

3. The King’s Street, a path designed after Saint-Exupéry’s home in France.

4. Projection Hall/Exhibition Hall, a moon-inspired dark room where you can watch Saint-Exupéry’s biography and bits of the world of “The Little Prince.” This can be found inside the main museum.

5. The Saint-Exupéry Chapel is a reproduction of the chapel in Chateau Saint-Maurice-de-Rémens where SaintExupéry prayed during his childhood.

(Tip: You can find a rose inside the chapel.

If you have read the book, you will know why this is an important symbolism.)

1. By the entrance, a statue of the Prince’s little planet, “B612,” which was described as an asteroid the size of a house will welcome you.

6. The Pilot Street is set with 1930’s version of Paris. It is also where the Café Le Saint-Germain des Pres is located.

2. You will be passing in the “Garden

7. Café Le Saint-Germain des Pres is

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made with the image of “Brasserie Lipp” in mind. It is a café that was frequented

by Saint-Exupéry while he was living in Paris. Their menu is only composed of light meals such as hotdogs and cakes, and different kinds of beverages too.

8. For heavy meals, try Restaurant Le Petit Prince by Monsieur Okabe, which offers French cuisines at reasonable prices. The whole atmosphere of the restaurant will remind you of Provence.

9. Museum Shop Five Hundred Million Bells, a shop with goods related to “The Little Prince” and places that are important to Saint-Exupéry. It is the largest shop for “The Little Prince” merchandise in Japan where you can buy cups, saucers, toys, books with “The Little Prince” logo and a lot more.

10.

Chateau Saint-Marice-deRémens, outside the main location of the museum, a little bit hidden by the main entrance, the chateau where SaintExupéry spent his childhood is located along with a French style garden. (Tip: The best time to see this attraction is during winter because of the Christmas light displays around the chateau.) *Business hours: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (entrance will be permitted until 5:00 p.m. only)

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