FilJap Magazine December 2015

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DECEMBER 2015 Issue 36

Christmas

10 Filipino Indies Make a Splash at Tokyo Fest

Kapuso Stars Alden, Aicelle, Ai-Ai

Free 짜0

Away From Home

Bring Joy to OFW Fans in Japan

Three Filipino Designers Showcase Collections at Japan Fashion Week For the First Time

Eugene Domingo

A Cut Above The Rest

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DEC 2015

what’s inside...

EDITOR’S NOTE A Message of Thanks

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10 14 15 18 20 Asian Adventures Sparkling Sri Lanka

Editor’s Pick Florenda Corpuz Editor-in-Chief

#PinoyPrideJapanEdition

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.

Din Eugenio: The Man Behind the Camera

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Faces Three Filipino Designers Showcase Collections at Japan Fashion Week For the First Time

Spotlight ‘The Heat of Philippine Cinema’: Interviews With Top Indie Directors and Actors FilCom Watch Kapuso Stars Alden, Aicelle, Ai-Ai Bring Joy to OFW Fans in Japan Philippine Bet Makes it to Miss International 2015 Top 10 Special Feature 10 Filipino Indies Make a Splash at Tokyo Fest

COVER STORY Eugene Domingo: A Cut Above The Rest

Travel Japan 2015 Christmas Illuminations in Tokyo

To our readers, we hope you enjoy reading this issue and feel as passionate about the stories as we do.

4 In Focus Christmas Away From Home

his issue of FILJAP Magazine is a product of passion, hardwork and dedication of many people. I would like to take this chance to thank them for helping me make this yearender our BEST issue ever! The Tokyo International Film Festival PR people: Momoko Nakamura and Tomoko Kanda, who assisted my team in covering the festival. To Ms. Tetta Ortiz-Matera, who made our “Asian Fashion Meets Tokyo” coverage possible. To Ms. Eugene Domingo, who graced us again with her presence – this time on the cover.

Finally, to my teammates Din, Len, Kuya Ver, Ate Jovy and Ate Arlene whom I consider the driving force behind the success of our almost four-year stint with the magazine. Maraming salamat for helping me get the magazine to where it is now.

in Eugenio is a Tokyo-based Filipino freelance press photographer whose work has appeared in publications like TIME (digital edition), ABC News, Philippine Star, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Pinoy Gazette, Philippine Digest and The Filipino-Japanese Journal.

He completed his professional photography course at the prestigious New York Institute of Photography in 2004. Before coming to Japan, he worked as a still photographer for Regal Films, a film outfit in the Philippines, from 1997-1999. He was the only Filipino photographer officially accredited to cover the Tokyo International Film Festival since 2013 and the Osaka Asian Film Festival since 2014. He regularly covers Hollywood movie premieres in Tokyo.

Award-winning Filipino director Brillante Mendoza is ecstatic to receive his copy of FILJAP Magazine with him on the cover.

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

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Contributing Writers/ Arlene Donaire Editorial Office: 332-0034 Saitama-ken,

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All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be reproduced in any manner without the permission of the publisher.

FILJAP MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2015

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IN FOCUS

Christmas Away From Home

It’s that time of the year again when the whole Metro Manila is brimming with colorful lights and reverberating with the sound of Christmas carols. It’s the season when millions of Filipinos are wrapping gifts for their loved ones, listing the menu to be served, waiting for the clock to strike 12 midnight to greet everyone a merry Christmas with hugs and smiles, love and warmth.

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here’s nothing like celebrating Christmas in the Philippines so they say, with it starting as early as September.

Year 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.

However, in different parts of the world, a number of Filipinos are longing to be back home, to be reunited with family members and loved ones they have not seen for a long time, to eat putobumbong or bibingka, to sing Pinoy carols – to celebrate Christmas the way they do before they left the country to work abroad.

Many overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) – around 202,000 in Japan -- especially those who are parents, missed seeing their kids grow up as well as celebrating birthdays, weddings, reunions and other important family occasions.

There is the constant longing to be together especially during Christmas which is the most celebrated event in the Philippines.

There are a lot of OFWs who would say that they are already used to this kind of set-up, this kind of longing and missing and embracing sacrifices as part of life’s reality.

Some Filipinos settle with dishing out their favorite Filipino food with their fellow OFWs and attending parties organized by the Filipino community come Christmas time. Some would

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FILJAP MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2015

just see it as another ordinary day while some buoyed themselves up with thoughts of happy Christmas memories.

And then, there’s the wonder of technology.

In a generation where everyone’s equipped with gadgets like laptops and mobile phones, communication are now easier and more efficient. By a mere touch or click to the button, one can make video calls wherever they may be. It makes distance closer and separation more bearable with all these communication devices and social media platforms.

Celebrating Christmas in a foreign land isn’t going to be exactly the same back home but it isn’t going to be forever. When one works abroad, it is clear that there is a purpose why and that is to provide well for the family and loved ones – accepting that there are sacrifices that have to be endured in order to carry that purpose. But alongside this purpose is the hope that once it is fulfilled the thought of coming back home for good makes it sweeter.

Leaving the Philippines to work abroad maybe a hard choice to make but coming back home will always be a necessity. The picture of reuniting with the family, of spending Christmases together, of decorating Christmas tree with much joy and enthusiasm, of sharing hearty meals and stories and laughter is the best reminder that you are home.

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2015

Christmas Illuminations in Tokyo Photos by Din Eugenio

See our list of some of the city’s best illumination events.

1. Roppongi Hills Artelligent Christmas 2015

Date: Nov. 4 - Dec. 25 2. Midtown Christmas 2015

Date: Nov. 12 - Dec. 25 3. Omotesando Hills Christmas 2015

Date: Nov. 5 - Dec. 25

Illumination displays are lit up to create a Christmas mood in different places across Tokyo.

Local and foreign tourists may see the lights from around early November until Christmas.

4. Caretta Shiodome Illumination 2015

Date: Nov. 19 - Feb. 14 5. Marunouchi/Ginza 2015-16

Date: Nov. 12 - Feb. 14 6. Rikugien Garden Autumn Evening Illumination

Date: Nov. 19 - Dec. 6 7. Ebisu Garden Place 2015-16

Date: Nov. 7 - Jan. 11 8. Tokyo Dome City Winter Illumination 2015-16

Date: Nov. 10 - Feb. 14 9. Tokyo Skytree Dream Christmas 2015

Date: Nov. 11 - Dec 25 10. Shinjuku Terrace City Illumination

Date: Nov. 11 - Feb. 14

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FILJAP MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2015

Eugene COVER STORY

Domingo

A Cut Above The Rest

Smack in the middle of Shibuya crossing, one of the busiest intersections in the world, is multi-awarded Filipino actress Eugene Domingo. She blends in with the crowd and yet it is easy to spot her for she exudes a certain kind of aura that is serene, no trace of entitlement that often comes with being a celebrity, her confidence well-placed – she’s a picture of someone so at home in a foreign land.

Photos by Din Eugenio

FILJAP MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2015

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es, Japan is one of Eugene’s happy places – her refuge away from the glamorous and often times chaotic world that is show business.

“More than the place, Japan is special because of the people. I think they are hardworking, disciplined and happy being here. Parang ang sarap din mapasama sa masasayang tao na kahit hindi kabisado ang kanilang lenggwahe ay meron kayong connection,” she enthuses in an exclusive interview with FILJAP Magazine.

“Every time I go to Japan I always have good memories so I always look forward to going back and I always find a way to go back,” she adds.

And there is no hint of exaggeration when she speaks of creating good

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FILJAP MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2015

memories in the “Land of the Rising Sun.” Why not? It was in this country where she was heralded as best actress for her role in the film “Barber’s Tales” that competed at the 26th Tokyo International Film Festival (TIFF) in 2013, making her the first Filipino to win an acting award in the said prestigious festival.

It is a feat that shows the triumph of true talent and artistry over mere applause and star appeal.

Candid and engaged, Eugene admits that receiving an award is simply an added bonus because for her what is more important is the ability to continue being good at what she does, sustaining the passion without losing her integrity.

“It’s so easy to dream that someday

you will hold on to your trophy and thank the people who helped you, masarap lang magpasalamat ‘pag nanalo ka. Pero sa totoo lang, that is not the end. You still do films, you fail, and you succeed. Ang importante ay ma-sustain ang passion without losing your integrity.”

Her hope is for the Filipino actors and directors to shine in the international scene especially the independent films that are just as brilliant as some films shown in the mainstream.

“Sana every year ay magtuluy-tuloy at mas marami pang pelikulang Pilipino, direktor at artista na maimbitahan sa TIFF para ma-inspire at maging matapang upang mas maging malakas ang alternative cinema.”

Second Time at TIFF Two years after winning the best actress award, Eugene’s back at TIFF but this time to show support to Direk Brillante Mendoza whose films were featured at the Crosscut Asia section of the festival. She was one of the cast in Mendoza’s 2007 film “Foster Child,” which is one of the first indie films that she made.

“I was really surprised when Direk Brillante and Cherry Pie asked me to join the film in 2007 because I was busy with TV doing comedy and soap operas. I was surprised to be invited to join in a serious film like this, and I was also surprised that the talent fee is small,” she says laughing.

“I learned a lot, as an actress, by doing this film.”

Attending TIFF for the second time is both thrilling and relaxing for the versatile actress quite different when she graced the event two years ago.

“I’m so thrilled to be here again.

TIFF will always have a special place in my heart and I have mixed emotions to see the film that we did eight years ago,” says the “Kimi Dora” star.

“In 2013, medyo nakaka-pressure kasi in competition ako tapos I had to go back to the Philippines right away.

Pero nakaka-excite, napaka-emotional ng experience even after the awarding.

Ngayon sa pagbabalik ko ay super

relaxed ako kasi ‘yung ‘Foster Child’ ay 2007 pa natapos pero timeless kasi after so many years sobrang kinikilala na sa major film festivals na halos hindi natin napupuntahan pa. Sobrang ganda ng experience.”

Eugene has a lot of fans in Japan, and she showed her appreciation by chatting and taking photos with them and signing autographs.

Away From the Spotlight After her TIFF obligations, Eugene or Uge happily toured Tokyo and was generous enough to allow the FILJAP team to join her in her adventures while doing the photo shoots and interview in between. Just like any other tourists, she tried dining in different restaurants to taste authentic Japanese food.

Her love for dogs makes going to the statue of Hachiko a top priority in the list and her admiration and fascination with the Japanese culture is quite evident the whole time. Being around her is all about fun, how she can throw an anecdote or line with wit and sense of humor speaks volumes why she’s this generation’s favorite actress-comedienne.

You meet Eugene in person and you can immediately feel that she is real, grounded, sincere, and know the core of her existence. Truly, a cut above the rest!

FILJAP MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2015

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SPECIAL FEATURE

“Balut Country” director Paul Sta. Ana (foremost left) poses with directors Brillante Mendoza (foremost right), Sotho Kulikar (2nd from right) and Isao Yukisada (3rd from right)

10 Filipino Indies Make a Splash at Tokyo Fest Text by Florenda Corpuz Photos by Din Eugenio

TOKYO, Japan – 10 Filipino independent films took part at the 28th Tokyo International Film Festival (TIFF) held at Roppongi Hills, Shinjuku and other venues on October 22-31.

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rillante Mendoza’s “Taklub,” “Thy Womb,” “Serbis,” “Lola” and “Foster Child,” Kidlat Tahimik’s “BalikBayan#1 Memories of Overdevelopment Redux III.5,” Paul Soriano’s “Kid Kulafu,” Paul Sta. Ana’s “Balut Country,” Lawrence Fajardo’s “Imbisibol” and the digitally restored version of the Ishmael Bernal classic “Himala” were shown at the Crosscut Asia #2 section of the prestigious festival under the theme “The Heat of Philippine Cinema.”

“Maganda ang experience ko rito sa TIFF. Nakita ko sa Japanese audience ang interes nila sa pelikula natin, bihira kasi yun. Maraming festival na akong napuntahan, konting tao lang nag-stay para sa Q&A, yung mga naiiwan makikita mo ang interes talaga nila sa pelikula, meron ganun dito. Sa pananatili ko rito, nakita ko rin ang pag-uugali ng mga mamamayan at naintindihan ko kung bakit maunlad ang bansang Hapon at sana makuha natin ang pagiging organized nila,” Mendoza said who will return to Japan in January 2016 to start the shooting of his omnibus film project for TIFF alongside directors Isao Yukisada and Sotho Kulikar. The completed project will be 10

Brillante Mendoza shown at the festival next year.

Mendoza led the Philippine contingent who walked down the red carpet at the festival’s opening ceremony on Oct. 22, which also included Solar Entertainment CEO Wilson Tieng, directors Kidlat Tahimik, Paul Soriano, Lawrence Fajardo, Paul Sta.

FILJAP MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2015

Ana and actress Ruby Ruiz. Aside from them, Oscar winning actresses Helen Mirren and Hilary Swank and Hollywood director Bryan Singer also made an appearance.

2013 TIFF best actress Eugene Domingo, veteran actor Bernardo Bernardo and Kapuso star Rocco Nacino also attended the screening of their films “Foster Child,” “Imbisibol” and “Balut Country,” respectively.

Moreover, internationally acclaimed director John Woo was one of the recipients of the Samurai Award for his outstanding achievements in filmmaking.

The festival came to a close on Oct. 31, with the Tokyo Grand Prix going to the Brazilian film “Nise – The Heart of Madness.”

This year’s festival kicked off with the screening of Robert Zemeckis’ “The Walk” starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt. Closing the 10-day event was Tetsuo Shinohara’s “Terminal.”

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

Photo Gallery: Highlights & Sidelights

Helen Mirren

Hilary Swank

Bryan Singer

John Woo

The cast and crew of “Imbisibol”

Wilson Tieng (right)

Brillante Mendoza signs autographs for his Japanese fans

The cast and crew of “Taklub”

Paul Soriano (2nd from right)

Kidlat Tahimik and son Kawayan de Guia FILJAP MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2015

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FILJAP MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2015

TOKYO, Japan – Eight-division Filipino boxing champion and

FILJAP MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2015

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japan special FILCOM adventures WATCH feaTURE

Kapuso Stars Alden, Aicelle, Ai-Ai Bring Joy to OFW Fans in Japan

Photos by Chino Manding Caddarao

Kapuso stars Alden Richards, Aicelle Santos and Ai-Ai delas Alas arrived in Tokyo, bringing joy to OFW fans who watched their “Kapusong Pinoy Japan” concert at The New Pier Hall on Oct. 11.

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pon their arrival at Haneda Airport on Oct. 9, the three Kapuso stars graciously signed autographs and happily took pictures with their delighted fans.

On Oct. 10, they attended a press conference held at Karaoke Kan in Ginza where Pambansang Bae Alden, Rock and Soul Diva Aicelle and Comedy Queen Ai-Ai entertained questions from members of the Filipino press in Japan.

“Sana po it will continue. Actually, we really can’t say kung hanggang kailan magiging magical ang ‘Aldub’ tandem, pero to everything that has come our way, for the past two months, we are very grateful, even si Maine, I’m sure,” Alden said about his tandem with Maine “Yaya Dub” Mendoza.

Ai-Ai, who is the prime mover in Jiro Manio’s life after he was found roaming around the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in June, gave an update on the former child actor’s condition.

“Si Jiro, nandoon pa rin sa facility pero malapit na siyang lumabas and hopefully, ‘yung tumutulong sa amin, si Mr. Nakasawa, nakausap niya ngayon o tomorrow ‘yung father ni Jiro and hopefully rin, in God’s grace, sana madala ko rin siya dito sa Japan bago mag-Christmas para magkita sila ng father niya tapos iuuwi ko rin siya sa Pilipinas,” she shared.

The comedienne also expressed her happiness on returning to the Kapuso network.

“Ako po talagang kuntento na ako and sabi

nga, huwag kang magsasalita nang tapos pero ako I think, dito na ako sa GMA 7 forever kaya may forever,” she revealed.

President and COO of GMA Marketing and Productions Inc. Lizelle Gozon welcomed the press, sponsors and guests to the event.

Almost a thousand fans watched the concert where they sang, danced and laughed their hearts out while being entertained by the three Kapuso stars.

“Kapusong Pinoy Japan” is the fourth event in this year’s “Kapusong Pinoy” concert series held in celebration of GMA Pinoy TV’s 10th anniversary.

Japan was among the first countries to have GMA’s flagship international channel, with its first broadcast aired over the carrier IPS, Inc. in 2005.

Philippine Bet Makes it to Miss International 2015 Top 10

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Instagram photo: @officialjanicel

inibining Pilipinas International 2015 Janicel Lubina made it to the top 10 of the 55th Miss International Beauty Pageant held at the Grand Prince Hotel New Takanawa in Tokyo on Nov. 5 Lubina also won Miss Best Dresser.

The 20-year-old beauty queen from Palawan, who once worked as a housemaid, delivered an

CAUGHT IN THE ACT

Send us your photo reading or holding any of our past issues, and we will publish it in our upcoming issues!

Be sure to include your name and place of residence.

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FILJAP MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2015

emotional final speech. “If I were to be crowned Miss International 2015, I would like to share my story to the world that poverty is not a hindrance to achieve success in life.”

Miss Venezuela Edymar Martinez was crowned Miss International 2015. Other winners include Miss Honduras (1st runner-up), Miss Kenya (2nd runner-up), Miss Vietnam (3rd

runner-up) and Miss USA (4th runner-up). Special awards were given to Miss Japan (Miss National Costume), Miss Venezuela (Miss Perfect Body), Miss Korea (Miss International Asia), Miss Portugal (Miss International Europe), Miss Aruba (Miss International America), Miss Kenya (Miss International Africa) and Miss Hawaii (Miss International Oceania).

Instagram user @asuka_music, a fan of James Reid and Nadine Lustre (JaDine), was seen reading a copy of FILJAP Magazine October 2015 issue at the Philippine Festival 2015 in Yoyogi Park.

Submit your best pose to the editor at dang010@yahoo.com or filjapmagazine@yahoo.com.

SPOTLIGHT

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EXCLUS

Bernardo Bernardo (2nd from left), Lawrence Fajardo (3rd from left)

‘The Heat of Philippine Cinema’: Interviews With Top Indie Directors and Actors Text by Florenda Corpuz Photos by Din Eugenio, Marinel Cruz and Momoko Nakamura

TOKYO, Japan – A remarkable lineup of Filipino independent films were successfully screened at the Crosscut Asia section of the recently concluded 28th Tokyo International Film Festival (TIFF). There were Q&A with the directors and actors in front of a large and appreciative Filipino, Japanese and other foreign audiences. Brillante Mendoza, Kidlat Tahimik, Paul Soriano, Lawrence Fajardo, Paul Sta. Ana, Bernardo Bernardo, Rocco Nacino, Ruby Ruiz and Eugene Domingo held an exclusive interview with FILJAP Magazine on six separate occasions, about participating at the festival, inspiring aspiring cinematic talents, how they’re holding up and a lot more. Read on.

Rocco Nacino

Paul Sta. Ana

Paul Soriano

Ruby Ruiz

FILJAP MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2015

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Kidlat Tahimik: I have a feeling na mas malapit talaga ang sensibility natin sa mga Hapon kasi meron din silang sense ng pakikipagkapwa. I feel very comfortable with the Japanese audience.

Brillante Mendoza (“Foster Child”): Nakita nila kung ano ang sitwasyon sa Pilipinas – ang buhay natin. Naramdaman ko na mas nakita nila ang espesyal na karakter natin bilang Pilipino na marunong magmahal at makipag-kapwa tao.

Eugene Domingo (“Foster Child”): The film was special dahil nakagawa siya ng theme na hindi pipili ng kahit anong lahi dahil lahat tayo ay ginawa ng Diyos na magmahal at masaktan. Human nature ang na-touch.

Kidlat Tahimik What was the most challenging thing about making your film being screened at TIFF? Kidlat Tahimik (“Balikbayan”): I don’t believe money is the problem when you’re mainly a storyteller.

Siyempre sasabihin ng mga big producers na kailangan mo ng milyunmilyon para magawa mo itong eksenang ito. And then they will even calculate scenes na kailangan mo para papatok sa takilya. Pero that gets away from the central daloy ng kwento which you are interested in. Yes, there were times when I wish I had more money just to complete something pero why was I crazy enough to stay 35 years on this project kasi siguro importante sa akin ‘yung anong klaseng tao si Enrique de Malaca who might have survived all his ordeals physically, mentally and psychologically. Somehow pwedeng siya ang unang lumibot sa buong mundo and nabanggit pa ni Antonio Pigafetta sa libro niya na marunong siyang magBisaya. Ang pinaka-challenge para sa akin ay noong medyo tinigil ko yung film noong 1986. Pakiramdam ko noong lumalaki ang mga anak ko gusto ko sila makabarkada. Isa rin iyon why I don’t look young as I was 35 years ago playing that yoyo on the tree.

Paul Soriano (“Kid Kulafu”): I think it was one of the hardest films I’ve ever shot. Well, I’ve directed three films and produced seven films already. If I think

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as a filmmaker and as a person, I’ve matured so much in the whole entire process of this film. But it was fulfilling.

It was the good kind of process and the challenge that I’ve accepted. I feel now I’m a better filmmaker because of this film.

Ruby Ruiz (“Thy Womb”): May mga eksena na parang nonchalant ‘yung acting which was very difficult. I had a scene with Nora Aunor na nakaupo siya habang nagdadasal, and I had to go near her. There was hardly any line between the two of us but I felt her. And I could not show to her that I was starstruck.

Lawrence Fajardo (“Imbisibol”): Sa totoo lang, mahirap talaga gumawa ng pelikula. Kasi nandoon ako from scripting to post-production. Sobrang hirap kasi parang tatlong taon na nandito sa’yo na parang gusto mo nang ipalabas kasi from stage play alam ko na na gagawin ko itong pelikula. Ang pinaka-challenge sa akin ay matapos ito nang maganda and malagay sa archive.

Rocco Nacino (“Balut Country”): I was worried na baka pang-teleserye ang maging acting ko rito kasi kakatapos ko lang gumawa ng teleserye noong ginawa namin itong pelikula. It was a challenge breaking away from teleserye acting.

What do you think will be the impact of your film to the Japanese audience?

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Lawrence Fajardo: Awareness. After nila panoorin ang pelikula at makakilala sila ng mga Pilipino ay mag-iiba ang perspective nila sa mga kababayan natin.

May mga lumalapit sa amin at nagsasabi na nasaan ang mga Pilipinong ito at sinasabing gusto nilang tumulong.

Bernardo Bernardo (“Imbisibol”): I think better appreciation and awareness leading to understanding.

Paul Sta. Ana (“Balut Country”): Naappreciate nila ‘yung symbolisms kasi it was a very quiet film and hindi siya plotty. Wala masyadong nangyayari. For them to realize that the film was actually telling us a lot about contrast like rural and urban, poor and rich.

What can you say about your participation at TIFF and the support that you get from the Filipino audience?

Brillante Mendoza: Masaya ako sa experience ko rito sa TIFF at sa suporta ng mga kababayan natin pero sana magkaroon pa ng mas malawak na impormasyon ang Filipino community.

Sana magkaroon pa sila ng involvement and for them to be proud na may ganito tayong ginagawa tulad ng TIFF dito sa Japan na ipinagmamalaki tayo, as Pinoy sana ipagmalaki rin natin kasi karangalan natin ito dahil naibabahagi natin ang istorya natin.

Paul Soriano: It’s an honor. I want the Filipino audience to support this. To be invited to Tokyo, besides it being a very beautiful city, it’s exciting. This is what you enjoy after all the hardwork of making a film – travelling, getting to meet the Tokyo press and the audience.

I always look forward to the Q&A because each country has a different question.

Eugene Domingo Bernardo Bernardo: Very warm welcome. Major blessing.

Kasi the film started as a one-act play tapos ngayon pelikula na. Natutuwa ako na binibigyan pa ako ng pagkakataon na makadaupang-palad ‘yung mga tumatangkilik and I’m praying for more opportunities to make people laugh or cry and share the Filipino journey lalo sa mga OFWs. Ruby Ruiz: It was amazing. I was really impressed with how the Japanese organizers are so organized. They are very kind and hospitable.

Rocco Nacino: I love the experience.

I was always all smiles knowing how much support we’re getting from TIFF. And nakakatuwa na malaman na ‘yung compliment nila na masaya sila na narito ako. Malaking tulong ito sa career ko. I’m really proud and excited na nandito kami.

What does it mean to you to have your film shown at TIFF, and what do you hope to get out of it?

Paul Soriano: As a filmmaker, every time you get invited to international film festivals, especially one like Tokyo, it’s an honor. You make films because you want your story to be seen by as many people as possible. And yes, I want the Filipino audience to appreciate it and they were able to.

Brillante Mendoza Lawrence Fajardo: Ang hope ko lang ay mapalabas dito sa Japan, magkaroon kami ng distribution dito at mapanood ng mas nakakarami.

Rocco Nacino: Just continue doing it kasi tuwang-tuwa ang ibang bansa na makapanood ng Filipino films. Showcase your passion through films.

What is your message to aspiring Filipino filmmakers and actors in Japan?

What do you think about the current state of Philippine alternative cinema?

Kidlat Tahimik: I give bamboo camera award to young filmmakers na hindi nakatali sa formula ng Hollywood para pumatok sa takilya. Kasi ang plano ko is like through our eyes, we frame the world – ito ang ating point of view. Use your local POV. It is very different from mainstream Hollywood commercial type of filmmaking kaya let’s encourage the use of the bamboo camera.

Paul Soriano: The fact that you’re already a Filipino living in Japan takes a lot of courage. I have so much respect for OFWs, for Filipinos living outside the Philippines because it’s hard. I’ve done a film that dealt with OFWs living in Israel and I got to see firsthand how Filipinos outside the Philippines live. I always say tell your stories, no excuses. You’re the only person who can decide your own destiny. If you want to make your dreams come true, work hard. Don’t sit in all day and think you’re gonna make a great film. Go out there and tell your story. Technology is at our use. If you fail, learn from it and make another one.

Just go for it. Make your dreams work.

Kidlat Tahimik: I think it’s kicking and alive.

Do you agree that making an indie film is food for the soul while doing a mainstream film is for the money?

Brillante Mendoza: Ang indie at mainstream ay hindi kailangan magtunggali kasi may kanya-kanyang itong purpose. Dapat isipin na ang misyon dito ay mag-entertain at magpasaya. Dahil at the end of the day, artists ang mga aktor at direktor.

Kailangan mailabas nila ang creativity nila. Alternative will always be alternative. We are here not to compete with mainstream dahil may kanya-kanya kaming mundo na tinatahak.

Eugene Domingo: Totoo naman ‘yun kasi kailangan mo naman talagang mabuhay. Pero hindi dapat kalimutan kung ano yung importante na makagawa ng pelikulang makakapagbigay ng mensahe na makakatulong sa mga tao para maibahagi pa ang ibang magagandang kwento na makakapagbigay ng inspirasyon.

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faces

Three Filipino Designers

Showcase Collections at Japan Fashion Week for the First Time Text by Florenda Corpuz Photos by Din Eugenio

TOKYO, Japan – Showcasing at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Tokyo (MBFWT) – Japan’s most celebrated biannual fashion event – has always been a dream for Filipino clothing designers John Herrera and Renan Pacson and accessories designer Ken Samudio, and just recently it came true when they were invited to stage their collections for the first time at the spring/summer 2016 show.

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he three young designers presented 50 of their best work during the “Asian Fashion Meets Tokyo” runway show held last Oct. 16 at Shibuya Hikarie, with a common theme of sustainability and love for nature.

Renan Pacson revealed a black and white streetwear collection with geometric prints made of mesh, jersey fabrics and pineapple fibers.

“It’s a very personal collection this time, a reflection of me and my style.

Hopefully, next season I’ll be back here,” Pacson said who is famous for his distinctly unique take on streetwear using natural Philippine fabric.

Ken Samudio showed a multidimensional and multi-colored accessories such as neckpieces, cuffs and clutches made from recycled plastic bottles inspired by the underwater and coral reefs.

“I feel excited and nervous to be here,” Samudio who was a former marine biologist stated.

John Herrera presented a couture collection composed of neon-trimmed black mini-dresses, body-hugging dresses with sheer panels and all-black pieces that focuses on bioluminescence, a process wherein underwater creatures produce light.

“Showing in a fashion center like Tokyo is the best thing that I really got from this, not just to showcase Filipino fashion but also to get people talking about the environment,” Herrera said who is known for his intricate and technical designs.

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John Herrera

The 33-year-old couturier who teaches fashion design and pattern drafting also shared a piece of advice to aspiring Filipino fashion designers in Japan.

“If I can do it, you can do it too. All you have to do is put a little bit of hardwork, don’t take no for an answer and keep the faith.”

The Asian Fashion Meets Tokyo show became possible on the initiative of former model Tetta Ortiz-Matera, with the help of Japan Fashion Week Organization along with Ayala Corporation as the main sponsor and Philippine Airlines which provided the plane tickets for the Professional Models Association of the Philippines (PMAP) models who flew in from Manila for the show.

“I hope that this won’t be the first and the last, and that more people will believe in this project because I got a lot of skepticism. God’s been good and there were very few people who actually believed and gave money that’s why we have a show. Hopefully next year, we’ll do another one,” Ortiz-Matera said.

Ken Samudio

Renan Pacson FILJAP MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2015

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ASIAN ADVENTURES Sri Lanka is that gem-shaped, small island country in the midst of the Indian Ocean, in the Southern Asia part. Back when it was still a British colony up until 1972 when it gained independence, it was called Ceylon.

The Ceylon tea and many of the precious colored gems that are known worldwide in current times come from this oftentimes underrated and overlooked part of the world, at least from the tourism perspective.

Sri Lanka parkling

Text and photos by Arlene Donaire

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nless one makes a closer search of what it has to offer that is distinct and unique, Sri Lanka is probably not too familiar as a tourism destination. Its next door neighbor, “Incredible India” attracts more attention owing perhaps to its prominence among the world’s developing countries and the magnificence of its old world ambience.

Sri Lanka may not yet be on top of the list of many tourists and leisure travellers.

But what it lacks in grandeur and stature among the developing economies in these modern times is, made up for by its innate raw beauty that is captivating, disarming and unforgettable. It is a gem waiting to be polished and exposed. According to United Nations, Sri Lanka also ranks high among other countries in terms of progress in their human development efforts and the fact that it has so many well-preserved heritage places like temples, shrines and locales that mirror the country’s rich history and culture.

Back in 1997, as a then international trainor with the Harvard University Institute for International Development, your “Philippine Adventurer” had the first opportunity to experience Sri Lanka’s hospitality and beauty. Not yet a photographer that time but already a keen

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observer and lover of other cultures, that first time exposure to Sri Lanka’s beautiful coastal and mountain landscapes, the warm smiles of its gentle people, the vibrant colors of the heritage and culture that were evident in the shrines, temples, edifices, dance and fashion, and the mellifluous rhythm expressed in their dances and songs, proved to be a tipping point, birthing a promise to come back and experience more.

Almost two decades after that first encounter, your “Philippine Adventurer,” in a deja vu moment, was once again in gemland, greeted with the traditional endearing “Ayubowam” which means “long life” or the equivalent of the Pinoy “Mabuhay!” Last September, along with almost a hundred photographers from the Philippines, six Asian countries (China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, Singapore, Thailand) and host country, Sri Lanka, an annual photographers’ fellowship and photo safari called “Crossing Bridges 12” was held. It was a perfect second chance to be immersed in the charm of Sri Lanka and this time, to capture the country’s sparkling gems in color.

From a photographer’s perspective, the tour around the coastal locales of Negombo and Kochikade and the capital

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city of Colombo was already enough for a sensory overload, an eye-catching sampler of the country’s richness in cultural beauty and diversity. Visiting the fish and public markets of Negombo and the red tile factory of Kochikade offered an insight into the country’s economic profile and its people’s attitude towards simple living as opposed to “misery of poverty.” Reveling in the rhythmic sways and jumps of the country masked dancers and simply observing the ways of the monks and the worshippers in the Buddhist and Hindu temples and Catholic churches that were present everywhere it seems, one can quickly get a good grasp of the country’s rich artistic roots and comfortable tolerance for cultural and religious diversity.

In general, everywhere, there is a persistent ambience of friendliness and joy in just being there in the moment. It is hard not to be enchanted by the sweet laughter of the schoolchildren, the peaceful, almost enigmatic smiles of the monks in the temples, and the inviting demeanor of the street vendors. In many respects, Sri Lanka is a treasure trove of gems that’s just waiting to be discovered. “Philippine Adventurer” looks forward to another Sri Lankan journey, this time around to relish the other facets of the gem.

Stilt fishermen in Kochikade

Weekend worshippers at the largest Buddhist Temple in Colombo City

Sunset in Negombo

Buddhist Temple amidst a lake in central part of Colombo City

Country masked dancers, Manelwathu Temple, Kochikade FILJAP MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2015

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