FilJap Magazine August 2015

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AUGUST 2015 Issue 32

The Election

Circus

Comes to Town

Philippines

Brings ‘More Fun’ to Japan Through the PBM

Embraces Change

Breathtaking

Batanes

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what’s inside...

9 12 13 18 TRAVEL JAPAN 2015 Summer Fireworks Festivals in Japan

PHILIPPINE ADVENTURES Breathtaking Batanes

spotlight Herlyn Alegre Discusses Her Award-Winning Screenplay ‘Imbisibol’

filcom watch Filipina Guitar Trio Triple Fret Wins at Japan Guitar Ensemble Fest

COVER STORY Iza Calzado Embraces Change

8 SPECIAL FEATURE Philippines Brings ‘More Fun’ to Japan Through the 2015 Philippine Business Mission

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IN FOCUS The Election Circus Comes to Town

aug 2015

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EDITOR’S NOTE

facebook.com/FilJapMagazine

“Be the change that you wish to see in the world.” – Mahatma Gandhi

issuu.com/filjapmag

Change is inevitable. And it is the only thing that is constant.

FILJAP Magazine is the biggest change most OFWs in Japan have seen in terms of news delivery in the Filipino community.

Improving the magazine is one of our primary goals. And staying in the game is a challenge we aim to win.

In this issue, we focus on embracing change by turning the spotlight on multiawarded actress Iza Calzado, who after starving herself to lose weight during her teens, has learned to challenge, embrace and celebrate herself the right way.

In focus too, is budding screenwriter Herlyn Alegre, who made her screenplay debut with the OFW-themed film “Imbisibol.”

We also discuss the political circus in the Philippines as election time is fast approaching.

We hope you will be inspired by these stories to make a change.

Florenda Corpuz Editor-in-Chief

Publisher: Yonei Toshikazu Telephone: 03-6903-2100 Editor-in-Chief: Florenda Corpuz Fax: 03-6903-2101

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FILJAP MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2015

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in focus

tHE

Election Circus

DILG Sec. Mar Roxas

Sen. Grace Poe

Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte

Vice President Jejomar Binay

Comes to Town

It is easy to tell when election time is nearing in the Philippines. There is the political drama, the subtle early campaigning, television advertisements of politicians, political surveys and switching of political allegiance. When politicians start doing anything to grab the attention and sympathy of the public voters, it is a sure sign that election time is around the corner.

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ecently, Vice President Jejomar Binay made headlines when he submitted a one-sentence resignation letter to President Benigno Aquino III signaling his intention to cut ties with the administration that he was a part of for five years.

At one point, Binay said that he will continue to hope until the end that the President will give him his support in his presidential bid come May 2016 elections.

Two weeks after, he resigned as chairman of the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council and as presidential adviser on overseas Filipino workers of the Aquino administration. Immediately, he lambasted the Aquino administration for being “incompetent” and “insensitive” to the needs of the Filipinos.

Binay may have realized that it is futile to hope for Aquino’s support since he is leaning towards choosing Interior and Local Secretary Mar Roxas to become the standard bearer of Liberal Party (LP)

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FILJAP MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2015

in the 2016 elections. It may be recalled that Roxas gave up his presidential aspirations in 2010 to give way to the public’s clamor for Aquino to run after his mother’s demise.

There is also the unexpected interest on Senator Grace Poe, daughter of showbiz icon Fernando Poe, Jr. who lost in the 2004 presidential elections, who is now topping presidential poll surveys.

Questions are up in the air whether Aquino will go for Roxas or Poe with the latter admitting she had a meeting with the President recently.

Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte is messing up everyone’s head as to whether he will vie for the presidency or not with all the publicity stunts that is coming out. There are speculations of possible tandems such as Poe and Senator Chiz Escudero, Duterte and Senator Ping Lacson, Poe and Senator Bongbong Marcos among others.

There are also occasional

advertisements on television of certain politicians showing their achievements in power. TESDA Secretary Joel Villanueva had a TV ad that tackles TESDA’s programs and achievements and another showing overseas Filipino workers almost in tears telling how Binay helped them in their ordeals.

Political bickering is starting particularly between Aquino’s LP and Binay’s United Nationalist Alliance (UNA).

Possible candidates are now starting to engage in mudslinging because the more you throw dirty tactics against your rival, the higher the chance of winning. Election in the Philippines has always been like that.

The presidential election is in 2016 but the political drama is unfolding as early as now. What can we say? The circus came to town too early. And as long as the public voters will not do anything about it but be willing spectators, the circus will go on and on and on.

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Cover story

Iza

Calzado Emberaces Chang o

ma & Ivory Records and Vide

Photos courtesy of Star Cine

e of a woman who has days. She is a perfect pictur se the g win glo is o zad Cal Iza challenging herself to beautiful and so confident -so e eon som into ed orm nsf tra nt roles and impeccably most out of it by doing differe the e mak and nge cha e rac emb nailing it.

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FILJAP MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2015

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nd it is evident in her latest project where she dabbled in theater acting for the first time by starring in a play entitled “Sabel: Love and Passion,” a musical that honors National Artist for Visual Arts Benedicto “BenCab” Cabrera, who is celebrating his 50th anniversary in the industry.

Although it was Iza’s first time to perform as a theater actress, she got rave reviews for portraying the role of Sabel, a woman who scavenged on the streets and has gone mad because of the many misfortunes she encountered in life. The play had its regular run last June 2627 at the Music Museum.

Sabel was a real-life scavenger whom BenCab saw, photographed and sketched in 1965 and has been his muse in his artworks through the decades.

Iza admitted that she found her first theater acting project difficult because she had to do it in a narrator-actor set-up, far different from straight acting that she always does in films and television shows.

“It is a completely different ballgame. Honestly a lot of times I feel like ‘how will I deliver this?’

It’s different. You have to deliver the lines well, perfectly, because you are in a bigger venue,” the beguiling actress said.

Tackling a new role in a different stage greatly challenged Iza that she found herself open to appearing in future stage plays.

“The thing required the most is for you to be the character.

The one thing that theater has over TV is character preparation and making it permanent in your system by repeatedly doing it, rehearsing. It’s the discipline.

“I would love to sink my teeth into a role where I have to bring to life a character in every scene, interact, have dialogues instead of monologues. But this is very challenging, in what I have to do,” she divulged.

Fitness Diva Many will be surprised to know that this 32-year-old beauty, daughter of popular TV choreographer and director in the ‘90s, struggled losing weight. She felt insecure being

overweight and has been bullied by classmates because of it.

Now looking fit and fabulous, Iza was inspired to make a fitness video to motivate the public to make a conscious effort to have a healthy lifestyle.

She released recently a DVD entitled “LEVEL UP! Make That Change Now” that contains workout suggestions, a dance instructional and a food and diet segment. Also included in the DVD is Iza’s music video, “Level Up,” which is directed by Joaquin Valdez with music composed by Jungee Marcelo.

“I don’t know if that’s the term for it, but it’s an inspirational DVD to encourage people to make a lifestyle change,” Iza said who is now touted as the ‘Fitness Diva.’

“I was obese growing up maybe because of the unhealthy environment I lived in so I realized that I need to change for myself and for my future children,” she said.

In Full Swing Iza is also busy with the upcoming international film “Showdown in Manila” with Filipino-American Hollywood actors Tia Carrere and Mark Dacascos, Casper Van Dien and Cary Hiroyuki Tagawa.

Iza will portray the role of a policewoman in the film which is a first for her, too.

This is the second time that Iza is a part of an international film, the first was “The Echo” in 2008, an English remake of “Sigaw” shown in 2005 where she was also part of the cast.

Because of these projects, Iza admitted that she would like to try casting calls for Hollywood projects if opportunities come by. In fact, she’s so inspired in her craft that she is willing to enroll in acting lessons in Los Angeles, California, U.S.A. After the success of “Starting Over Again,” Iza is set to do a movie with Claudine Barretto, Kris Aquino and Kim Chiu, “Etiquette for Mistresses,” based from the book written by Julie Yap-Daza that talks about the rules that mistresses should follow when in a relationship with a married man.

Iza’s hands are full these days because talented artists never run out of projects.

FILJAP MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2015

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special feature

Philippines Brings

‘More Fun’

TOKYO, Japan – The Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Philippine Embassy successfully conducted the Philippine Business Mission (PBM) 2015, which showcased the country’s tourism campaign, “It’s More Fun in the Philippines.”

to Japan Through the

2015 Philippine Business Mission

W

ith the theme “Visit the Philippines 2015,” the PBM 2015 brought together ranking DOT officials and Philippine and Japanese travel and tourism executives for a three-day tourism promotion and marketing campaign. It was organized by the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) that brought to Japan 38 Philippine sellers composed of hotels, resorts, travel wholesalers, airline companies and six government agencies.

PBM 2015 was led by TPB Chief Operating Officer Domingo Ramon Enerio III, and composed of DOT Assistant Secretary Art Boncato, the regional directors of DOT Regions 5, 7, 8 and 11, Philippine Retirement Authority General Manager Val Cabansag, Tourism Attaché Tokyo Gwendolyn Batoon and private sector representatives.

In the course of the 3-day tourism marketing forum, the members of the PBM met with members of the Japan Association of Travel Agencies (JATA) 8

Photos courtesy Philippine Embassy during the tourism seminar and travel mart on June 24 at the Imperial Hotel, at the Wholesalers Day – Meet and Greet held on June 25 and the Consumer Event at the Yurakucho Plaza on June 26.

In his remarks at the reception for the PBM and JATA members at the Fuji Hall of the Imperial Hotel, Deputy Chief of Mission and Chargé d’ Affaires (CDA) Gilberto G.B. Asuque said that the DOT targets half million Japanese tourist arrivals by the end of 2015.

“Japan continues to be our third most important source of tourism traffic registering a 6.9 percent growth rate, and for the first quarter of this year, this has jumped to 8.7 percent growth rate on the year-on-year basis. And we hope that we will reach the target of 500,000 arrivals by the end of this year,” he said.

Japan remains to be the third biggest generator of tourist arrivals to the Philippines, registering 463,744 arrivals, a 6.9 percent increase from 2013’s figures.

FILJAP MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2015

Asuque also cited the tourism convergence program of the DOT and DPWH that integrates communities to the tourism value chain and builds local institutions through improved road connectivity and internet access.

As a result of this program, tourists have discovered the so-called “noninstitutional destinations” that are now commonly featured alongside top choices for the best exotic getaways.

The Philippines is a competitive tourist destination. In terms of twoway tourism, there are some 1.5 million airline seats plying five Japanese gateways and two Philippine gateways.

There are six airlines servicing Japan from the Philippines offering about 11 return flights a day.

The reception was attended by some 400 guests and capped by a toast led by JATA Board Director Tatsuo Hayashida. The guests were entertained by celebrated Filipino violinist John Lesaca and Japan-based FilipinoScottish singer Maria Teresa Gow.

FILCOM WATCH

Filipina Guitar Trio Triple Fret Wins at Japan Guitar Ensemble Fest

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OKYO, Japan – Triple Fret, an allfemale classical-contemporary guitar trio from the Philippines composed of Jenny de Vera, Iqui Vinculado and Marga Abejo, won first prize at the 27th Japan Guitar Ensemble

Festival held on June 28 at Kyurian Hall in Shinagawa. The trio also won the Japan Guitar Association Award, the Kohno Guitar Award and the Harumi Award for Best Performance of an Original Contemporary Composition for Guitar Ensemble.

Ambeth Ocampo Pays Courtesy Call on Prime Minister Shinzo Abe Photo courtesy of Ambeth Ocampo

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OKYO, Japan – Newly-appointed member of the Project Advisory Board of the Japan Foundation Asia Center Dr. Ambeth R. Ocampo together with other members, paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Shinzo Abe at the Prime Minister’s Office.

“Accepted an appointment to the Advisory Board of the Japan Foundation Asia Center. After our recent meeting in Tokyo, the ASEAN members paid a courtesy call on the Prime Minister of Japan,” Ocampo who is a renowned Filipino historian, journalist and author, announced on his facebook page.

In his address, the Prime Minster said, “I would like to extend a warm welcome to the Prime Minister’s Office to all the ‘WA

Project: Towards Interactive Asia through Fusion and Harmony’ Advisory Board members.”

“The WA Project deepens the spiritual bonds between Japan and the other ASEAN nations, and I am delighted to welcome all of you who play such an important role as advisors to the project,” Abe added.

The Japan Foundation Asia Center advisory board consists of 21 cultural figures and experts from Japan and ASEAN member countries. Ocampo represents the Philippines. They meet once a year to review the Asia Center programs and make recommendations to the President of the Japan Foundation on broader issues concerning the Asia Center’s activities in Japan and ASEAN countries.

FILJAP MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2015

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spotlight

Interview:

Herlyn Alegre

Discusses Her Award-Winning

Screenplay ‘Imbisibol’ VE

EXCLUSI FILJAP Magazine interviewed Tokyo-based Filipino screenwriter Herlyn Alegre on her award-winning screenplay, “Imbisibol,” getting started in the film industry and future plans.

*“Imbisibol” swept almost all of the awards at the first ever Sinag Maynila, a festival of Pinoy indie films organized by Brillante Mendoza in collaboration with Wilson Tieng: best production design (Rolando Inocencio and Lawrence Fajardo), best cinematography (Boy Yniguez), best screenplay (Herlyn Alegre and John Bedia), best actor (Allen Dizon), best actress (Ces Quesada), best director (Lawrence Fajardo) and best film.

Photos by DOP Boy Yñiguez FILJAP: How would you describe “Imbisibol?”

Herlyn: It’s real. As much as we can, we wanted to portray the characters and tell the narrative of the OFWs in a realistic context. We didn’t want to romanticize OFWs and their experiences. They are real people with real struggles. We didn’t simply want to attach labels to them or box them in preconceived notions. We wanted to show how real people confront dilemmas and come up with difficult decisions.

FILJAP: What inspired this film?

Herlyn: I originally wrote “Imbisibol” as a one-act play and submitted it to the Virgin Labfest, an annual festival of untried, untested and unstaged plays. I was in the middle of writing my MA thesis proposal when I randomly spotted a book in the library about the life of OFWs in Japan written by Rey Ventura. I was moved by the real-life stories of the people in his book and I thought that maybe I could tell these stories through a stageplay. Many people have long forgotten the stories of these migrants who flew to Japan in the 1990s but the issues tied to migration remain significant up to this day.

FILJAP: What was the most challenging thing about writing this film?

Herlyn: Researching about it. Because we wanted to portray the characters as real as possible and make the setting as accurate as possible (since this was a period film), we needed to do a lot of research. We interviewed a lot of people.

We visited real Filipino bars in Japan. One of the most unforgettable moments for me 12

was when I went to an all-male entertainer bar in Tokyo. I tried to interview some of the male entertainers and all of them were so tensed while answering my questions.

One of them even asked me, “Ate, hindi ka naman taga-immigration di ba?” That moment, I really felt the tension between us. They couldn’t trust anyone and I couldn’t blame them.

trophy?

Herlyn: It was surreal! Never have I imagined myself receiving an award for a screenplay. It was a tremendous honor for me to be able to grace that stage and make history in the first ever Sinag Maynila. I am very blessed to have worked with a lot of talented people who helped me along the way.

FILJAP: How would you describe your filming experience with the cast and crew in Fukuoka and Hokkaido?

Herlyn: It was very fun yet also very challenging. It was my first time to join an actual filming. I was so privileged to work with veteran film crews. I was the only newbie in the team. A lot of times, nangangapa ako. Minsan hindi ko alam kung saan at paano ako lulugar amidst this very professional and experienced team of filmmakers. But there’s always a first time for everyone. And I am very happy that in my first filming experience, I had been with this particular group because I learned a lot from them. Para kaming pamilya sa set.

We would look after each other. We would support each other.

We were also very privileged to work with great Japanese teams. There was nothing impossible with the Japanese.

Whenever we said something that we wanted to do, they would make a way to make it happen.

It was also very challenging because we worked during winter time. Just imagine staying outdoors in the snow for more than 15 hours! We really tested our limits.

FILJAP: What makes a quality script worth reading?

Herlyn: For me, a script that strikes a good balance between vision and craft.

Yung script na may sinasabi at malinaw ang pagkakasabi.

FILJAP MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2015

FILJAP: What’s it like winning a Sinag

FILJAP: What would you tell all the screenwriters out there who are trying to break in? What’s the one piece of advice you’d want them to know?

Herlyn: Write what you truly care about. Start from the heart, everything else will follow.

FILJAP: What’s next for “Imbisibol” and for you? Any plans on writing another script about our OFWs in Japan?

Herlyn: I just hope that may “Imbisibol” continue to reach a wider audience so that the message of the film will continue to be shared.

I am very open to any writing opportunity. I just want to continue writing about things that interest me. The lives of the Filipinos are a rich source of inspiration and Japan is a beautiful backdrop for these.

I will probably never get tired writing about it. Who knows what Japan will inspire me to write about next time.

philippine adventureS

Breathtaking

Batanes Text and photos by Arlene Donaire

“On earth there is no heaven, but there are pieces of it.” – Jules Renard

FILJAP MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2015

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FILJAP MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2015

f the many islands that comprise the Philippine archipelago, none has gained more prominence, awe and admiration for its natural and pristine beauty than Batanes. It is probably in almost everyone’s bucket list, especially among those that have a keener appreciation for vibrant ecosystems – from sea to summit.

“Simplicity is beauty,” an expression that best characterizes what Batanes offers. It is where you go when you wish to purposely avoid the trappings of fancy hotels and resorts, the hustle and bustle of malls and entertainment arcades and the streesful urban jungles. For the ones that seek the sheer joy of simply being far from it all, Batanes is a piece of heaven here on earth.

Batanes, a sub-archipelago comprised of 10 islands, only three of which are largely inhabited – Basco, Itbayat and Sabtang, is the northernmost province in the Philippines and the smallest in terms of land area and population. Battered by typhoons and strong winds for about half of the year when the entire country goes into the “wet season mode,” it has nonetheless withstood the tests of time and tide and represents the best example of resilience and tenacity to survive and outshine. Because of the province’s unique combination of remoteness, isolation and climatic challenges, it takes a special kind of determination and preparation to reach the place.

There are numeorus commercial flights to and from the capital, Basco, but these are considerably expensive, hence the need to plan ahead one’s journey. Be aware though that none of the usual touristy facilities are available in the province. Hence, one must be prepared to tone down expectations on accommodations, places to eat and transportation in and around the islands. It is also very important to not be so hung up on absence of telecom or internet signals and power fluctuations in many parts of Basco and especially in the other islands. These gaps are all part of the Ivatan adventure and must be all taken in with humored sense of acceptance as the price of simplicity but, breathtaking simplicity! From the endlessly rolling verdant hills and the whistling sounds of the wind at the hilltops, the crushing sounds of the waves against the boulders that line up the coastlines, the azure expanse of the sea, the star-filled sky on a clear night, the magnificent lightshows at sunrise and sunset and friendly charm of the Ivatanes folks, one just succumbs to the beauty of the province. It really does take your breath away!

*When I visited Batanes – Basco and Sabtang Islands, in the last week of May, the tail end of the summer season, the climatic conditions did not necessarily cooperate. But this was not a reason to stop in my tracks. Going to Batanes had been a wish since I started photography as a hobby in 2008. Joining a group of avid landscape photographers, I was able to visit numerous scenic locations that showcased the best that Batanes had to offer. It was the most ideal way to cap the summer season – to be immersed in the breathtaking beauty of a place that has been blessed with so much panoramic charm! (All photos were shot with Fuji mirrorless system, Hitech filters, and Benro tripod.)

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TRAVEL JAPAN

2015

Summer Fireworks Festivals in Japan Photo courtesy of Wikipedia

Summertime is the perfect time for outdoor festivals. In Japan, it means fireworks festivals or hanabi taikai, which are held almost every weekend until September across the country.

F

ireworks (hanabi) play a significant role in Japanese culture. Its history can be traced back to the Edo period (1603-1867), when the Shogun (the leader of samurai) and the daimyo (feudal lords) made hanabi taikai their favorite form of entertainment. They would order displays from firework makers and enjoy the performances from their private boats. The first fireworks show was held in 1773 along the Sumida River as part of a memorial service for the people

CHIBA

SAITAMA

Makuhari Beach Fireworks Festival Date: August 1 Time: 7:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Location: Makuhari Seaside Park Website: http://chiba-hanabi.jp/

Ageo Fireworks Date: August 1 Time: 7:00 p.m.

Location: Arakawa Riverbed Website: www.ageo-kankou.com/ hanabi26.html

GUNMA Takasaki Fireworks Festival Date: August 1 Time: 7:40 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Location: Karasugawa Wada Bridge Website: www.takasaki-matsuri.jp/41/ hanabitaikai.html OSAKA Inagawa Fireworks Date: August 15 Time: 7:20 p.m. - 8:20 p.m.

Location: Inagawa Coast, Dai 2 Go Inagawa Ryokuchi Park Website: www.city.kawanishi.hyogo.jp/ shokai/kisetu/hanabi

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who died of a terrible famine in the previous year and to ward off evil spirits. The intense competition between two famous pyrotechnicians, Tamaya and Kagiya, which lasted for 32 years, contributed to its development.

At the Ryogoku Fireworks Museum, the birthplace of hanabi, you can find a detailed history of the Sumida River fireworks display.

We’ve gathered together a list of fireworks festivals we recommend you experience. Take a look:

FILJAP MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2015

TOKYO Sumida River Fireworks Festival Date: July 25 Time: 7:05 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Location: Sumida River Website: http://sumidagawa-hanabi.com Hachioji Fireworks Festival Date: August 1 Time: 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Location: Hachioji Municipal Stadium Website: www.hachioji-kankokyokai.or.jp Edogawa Fireworks Festival Date: August 1 Time: 7:15 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Location: Edogawa Riverbed Website: www.city.edogawa.tokyo.jp/ hanabi/

Itabashi Fireworks Festival Date: August 1 Time: 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Venue: Arakawa riverbed Website: www.itabashihanabi.jp Tokyo Bay Fireworks Festival Date: August 8 Time: 7:00 p.m. - 8:20 p.m.

Location: Harumi Sports Grounds Website: www.city.chuo.lg.jp/bunka/ event/toukyouwanndaihanabisaimeinn Maebashi Fireworks Date: August 8 Time: 7:15 p.m. - 8:45 p.m.

Location: Tonegawa River Website: www.maebashi-cci.or.jp/ sightseeing/matsuri_hanabi/

FILJAP MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2015

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FILJAP MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2015