FilJap Magazine February 2015

¥0 ee Fr February 2015 Issue 26

The Five Biggest

Celebrity weddings

of 2014

Filipino Celebrities

Visit Japan

For The Holidays

s ’ l a u c s a P m r o a l h C o Pi r o F g n Falli

Aquino

on Philippines-Japan Relations:

‘Tighter, Closer’

Vigan

Named One of

‘New 7 Wonders Cities of the World’

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EDITOR’S NOTE

I

t’s a new month, and it’s the month of love!

Now is the perfect time to show and express love to our parents, siblings, children, partners, friends, co-workers, neighbors, country and God. This February, FILJAP focuses on love, in its various forms.

With the Philippines’ ultimate heartthrob Piolo Pascual on the cover, we’re pretty sure his legions of fans and supporters will swoon over this new edition of the magazine.

Our feature on the biggest celebrity weddings of 2014 will definitely make you believe in happily ever after.

Everybody’s new favorite

Florenda Corpuz Editor-in-Chief

love team “LizQuen” (Liza Soberano and Enrique Gil) takes us all on a kilig journey of young love.

These are just some of the features we have for you this month.

No matter where this Valentine’s Day takes you, we hope it is filled with love.

And we hope our stories inspire you to spread love, peace and compassion.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Editor’s Pick Photo courtesy of E! News Asia

2015

February CONTENTS

4

In Focus Aquino on Philippines-Japan Relations: ‘Tighter, Closer’

6 8 12

Cover Story Falling For Piolo Pascual’s Charm

14

Embassy News Ambassador Lopez and Wife Host ASEAN Christmas Get-Together in Tokyo

15

FilCom Watch Aquino Confers Presidential Award to FilCom Leader in Tokyo

16 17 18

Faces Enrique Gil and Liza Soberano: Everybody’s New Favorite Love Team

Celebrity News The 5 Biggest Celebrity Weddings of 2014 Philippine Adventures Vigan Named One of ‘New 7 Wonders Cities of the World’

Travel Japan Filipino Celebrities Visit Japan For The Holidays Pinoy Pulse Filipinos Ring in the New Year With Hope

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Publisher: Yonei Toshikazu Editor-in-Chief: Florenda Corpuz

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FILJAP MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2015

3

in focus

Aquino on Philippines-Japan Relations:

‘Tighter, Closer’

President Benigno S. Aquino III said the bilateral relations between the Philippines and Japan have become “much tighter and closer” following his meeting with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe during the recently held 17th ASEAN-Japan Summit in Nay Pyitaw, Myanmar.

Text and photos courtesy of PCOO

D

uring his regular coffee meeting with the Philippine delegation, Aquino said he had much to thank Japan for, during his brief bilateral meeting with Abe at the Sapphire Hall of the Myanmar International Convention Center.

“I kept on thanking them for so many things. In the case of Japan, there is a renewed assistance or continuing assistance to Typhoon Haiyan. We have a list of things to thank Japan,” he said.

Aquino thanked Abe and the Japanese government for their continuing support for various infrastructure development projects in the Philippines, among them the anti-flood program, the Greater Manila interchange program, which aims to ease traffic congestion, and the studies on additional mass transport (LRT railway and subway) systems.

On regional issues, the President said the West Philippine Sea was discussed in passing and Japan reiterated its support for the Philippines’ effort to resolve the issue in a peaceful manner and based on 4

the rule of law.

“In our case, we specify the UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea) and then the ITLOS (International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea) as mechanisms,” he said.

The Chief Executive also extended the Philippines’ sympathies to Japan for the eruption of Mount Ontake last September and the destruction caused by the back-toback typhoons Phanfone and Vongfong last October.

“At the end of the day, the assessment is that our ties have really gotten much closer and the desire is to make it even that much tighter and closer,” he said.

Meanwhile, Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. said in a statement that Abe reiterated his support for the Aquino administration’s peace-building efforts, especially in Mindanao.

Coloma, who was with the President during the bilateral meeting, said Japan would like to continue its defense equipment cooperation program, based on the Philippines’ needs, following an

FILJAP MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2015

agreement on the deployment of patrol vessels for the Philippine Coast Guard.

He said the Japanese leader called for continuing consultations to further improve the investment climate in the Philippines.

Abe also cited Japan’s 20-billionyen assistance in developing Philippines transportation and traffic infrastructure and in improving flood risk management, Coloma said.

As part of ongoing efforts to improve people-to-people interaction between the two countries and to promote tourism, Abe also said that Japan is further relaxing its visa requirements for Filipinos.

Aquino said the Philippine government has cancelled local government taxes previously levied upon official development assistance (ODA) projects initiated by Japan.

“The two leaders reaffirmed their countries’ shared values and strategic partnership, as well as solidarity in ensuring freedom of navigation and rules-based dispute resolution on maritime entitlement issues,” said Coloma.

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Cover story

There is no denying that it’s difficult, almost impossible, not to fall for Piolo Pascual over and over just by watching him act on television and movies and sing on stage in concerts. No wonder he is local tinseltown’s dashing debonair -- a hunk, a symbol, a standard – “Papa P” as he is called.

Falling for

Piolo Pascual’s m r a Ch Photos courtesy of E! News Asia & Star Cinema

6

FILJAP MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2015

H

e started gaining attention when he appeared in ABSCBN’s primetime series “Esperanza” starring Judy Ann Santos and Wowie de Guzman.

Soon after, he was paired with Judy Ann, then called the “Young Superstar,” and their tandem was well-accepted by the fans. Their pair, born in early 2000, became a success making them one of the most loved and most bankable love teams.

Their movies “Kahit Isang Saglit,” “Bakit ‘Di Na Lang Totohanin Ang Lahat,” “Till There Was You,” and “Don’t Give Up On Us” became phenomenal success with each movie earning more than Php100 million in the box office.

He was also paired with Claudine Barretto via the movie “Milan,” which was also widely watched and praised by the moviegoers. His another film “Dekada” also earned him a grandslam for Best Supporting Actor and other recognitions here and abroad.

His most recent movies “On The Job,” and “ S t a r t i n g Over Again” became instant favorites.

He has also done a slew of television series, most notable of which

include “Sa Puso Ko, Iingatan Ka,” “Sa Piling Mo,” “Walang Kapalit,” “Lobo,” “Lovers in Paris,” “Noah” and “Hawak Kamay.”

With the success and adulation come a string of intrigues: the breakup of his love team with Judy Ann, his sexuality, his romantic relationships and career decisions sent tongues wagging. But in the end, Piolo has learned to handle the intrigues well without losing focus on his flourishing career.

He is at a certain phase in his career where a rumor or intrigue can’t shake him. All the more he has become more mature to let the public in with his life believing that he has nothing more to lose since he has been blessed with a respected career. In the latter part of 2014, Piolo willingly gave a nod to E! News to feature him in a special documentary, which he saw as an opportunity to introduce to the Asian region the Filipino artistry.

“They will see that Filipino artists are well-rounded. Here, actors can also perform, host TV shows, become producers of his or her own movies or TV programs, and even do business on the side,” he said.

The documentary showed the side of Piolo that was rarely seen by the public. E! was able to interview his closest family and friends to talk about the Piolo that they know outside showbiz plus they followed the actor for five days – on the set, gym, home, training place – to get a clearer picture of who the real person is.

“I opened a bit more about my life in this feature because I felt really comfortable working with the guys from E! Here you will see what my life is like on set and at home. It’s a privilege and an honor for me to be the first male Filipino celebrity to be featured on E! News Asia Special,” he added.

Today, despite his busy schedules juggling tapings, shootings and tours, Piolo enjoys being a dad to his 17-year-old son Iñigo who decided to follow his footsteps. Known in showbiz as Inigo Pascual, he recently made a movie entitled “Relaks, It’s Just Pag-ibig” that was supported by teenage fans.

With a stable career and numerous projects and accolades, Papa P will always have a place in showbiz all to himself.

iolo

FILJAP MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2015

7

CELEBRITY NEWS

2014 is the year of romance, proposals and engagements in show business – be it in Hollywood or in the local scene.

Each celebrity wedding – some simple, others grand – became an instant media fodder that made the viewing public swoon and believe in fairy tales and happy endings. Weddings, after all, is a reminder that love works.

Cofelebrity W eddings 2014 The Five Biggest

Photos by Robert Viñas / Malacañang Photo Bureau

To celebrate the month of love, here is FILJAP Magazine’s list of the biggest weddings of 2014:

1. Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera Touted as the Philippines’ “royal

8

wedding,” Kapuso prime stars Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera tied the knot in an extravagant wedding last December 30 at the Immaculate Conception Cathedral in Cubao, Quezon City. Reception followed at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. Biggest political figures and entertainment stars graced the event led by none other than President Benigno Aquino III who stood as

FILJAP MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2015

the “Witness of Honor.” Principal sponsors also include Felipe Gozon, Jimmy Duavit, Vic Sotto, Perry Lansigan, German Moreno, Kris Aquino, Regine Velasquez-Alcasid among others. Their 12-foot 120-kilogram cake, worth Php 7 million, made headlines in the country and abroad decorated with Swarovski crystals and was 3D-mapped for projected CG effects.

2. JC Intal and Bianca celebrity Gonzalez news Popular TV host Bianca Gonzalez married PBA basketball star JC Intal in an intimate beach wedding last December 4 at El Nido, Palawan, which were attended by their respective families and closest friends totaling to only 35. A bigger post-wedding celebration followed on December 10 at the SmartAraneta Coliseum attended by 300 guests. It was the first time a wedding reception was held at the Big Dome. The two opted for a private wedding ceremony in contrast with JC’s highly-publicized proposal at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport where Bianca was set to leave for London to visit her sister Aissa and to take a short course. The couple met at the Big Dome years ago while watching a basketball game with their respective set of friends.

3. Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie The A-list couple surprised the world when they got married in a simple and intimate wedding last August 23 at the chapel of Château Miraval, the family’s estate in the French village of Correns, with only 20 family members and friends in attendance.

Angelina wore a custom-made gown made by Donatella Versace that featured her children’s artworks. “It was important to us that the day was relaxed and full of laughter. It was such a special day to share with our children and a very happy time for our family,” the couple said to People Magazine, which carried the exclusive wedding photos.

Hollywood’s power couple met at the set of “Mr. & Mrs. Smith” in 2004 and was together for nine years before they got married.

4. George Clooney and Amal Alamuddin The 53-year-old actor George Clooney, Hollywood’s most eligible bachelor, is off the market last September 27 when he tied the knot with international human rights lawyer Amal Alamuddin in a traditional wedding in Venice, Italy. The wedding was attended by 100 guests headed by Matt Damon, Cindy Crawford, Bono, John Krasinki, Emily Blunt among others. The couple was a picture of bliss and elegance who wore a Giorgio Armani tuxedo and an Oscar dela Renta gown.

5. Kanye West and Kim Kardashian Popular Hollywood couple Kanye West and Kim Kardashian tied the knot last May at a lavish wedding held at Forte di Belvedere in Florence, Italy. Kim, as expected, wore a stunning gown, made by Givenchy Haute Couture. More than $100,000 worth of floral arrangements on the backdrop caught the eye of many while the couple danced to “At Last” performed

by John Legend. The next songs played were “These Arms of Mine” and “A Little Tenderness” by Otis Redding, “Otis” by Kanye and Jay Z then Michael Jackson’s “Rock With You,” as People Magazine reported. Their daughter North also hogged the spotlight who also wore a Givenchy outfit to her parents’ wedding.

FILJAP MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2015

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FILJAP MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2015

FILJAP MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2015

11

PHILIPPINE ADVENTURES

Vigan Named One of ‘New 7 Wonders Cities of the World’ Photos courtesy of The City Government of Vigan & Wikipedia

The heritage city of Vigan in Ilocos Sur once again gained an international recognition after it was named as one of the “New7Wonders Cities of the World.”

N

ew7Wonders Foundation Founder Bernard Weber made the announcement on Dec. 8, 3:00 a.m. (Manila time), as they ended their search for seven cities that represent the global diversity of urban society.

The other wonder cities are Beirut in Lebanon, Doha in Qatar, Durban in South Africa, Havana in Cuba, Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia and La Paz in Bolivia.

“We congratulate each of these cities on achieving their New7Wonders status, and 12

we look forward to celebrating their election to the ‘canon of 7’ with their citizens in 2015,” said Weber, adding, “The New7Wonders Cites will now join the New7Wonders of Nature and the New7Wonders of the World in becoming part of Global Memory for humanity for ever.”

Vigan City Mayor Eva Marie Medina thanked all Bigueños and Filipinos who supported Vigan in becoming one of the New7 Wonder Cities of the World. “We made it because we are one in achieving our dreams”.

FILJAP MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2015

She also stressed that indeed December is a very lucky month. It was also on Dec. 2, 1999 when Vigan was listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

“This is inspiring. It is a tribute to a people who committed to achieve development and make wonderful things happen in their lives and their community, even radiating beyond boundaries,” she added.

In 2011, New7Wonders organization also included the Puerto Princesa Underground River as one of the New7Wonders of Nature.

History of Vigan Vigan, with its centuries-old edifices, is a breathing reminder of what was once a royal city.

One of the earliest Spanish settlements in the country, Vigan was founded in 1572

by Juan de Salcedo who patterned its design to that of Intramuros (Old Manila).

It became the seat of the Archdiocese of Nueva Segovia and was called “Ciudad Fernandina” in honor of King Ferdinand.

Today, Vigan retains much of the patina of 18th century Castillan architecture as seen in some 150 stone houses, which stand in the town’s Mestizo District, notably Mena Crisologo Street. Many of these ancestral homes are still in good condition and some have been turned into cozy inns, museums and souvenir shops.

Along with the homes are other vestiges of the town’s colonial past: The majestic St. Paul’s Cathedral was built by the Augustinian friars along the distinct “Earthquake Baroque” style of the Ilocos region and features Neo-Gothic and pseudo Romanesque motifs. Standing on an elevation west of the cathedral is Plaza Salcedo, the oldest monument in Northern Luzon. The Archbishop’s Palace is a rich repository of religious artifacts from the Ilocos region. Plaza Burgos was built in honor of Fr. Jose Burgos, one of three Filipino priests who were garroted by the Spaniards for espousing church reforms.

But it is not only edifices, which are preserved in this town inscribed in the World Heritage List. Viganos also remain steadfast in their traditional crafts, notably pottery (burnay) and handloom weaving (inabel).

The horse-drawn calesa (rig) is as much a presence in the streets as motor vehicles.

- Source: Department of Tourism FILJAP MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2015

13

Embassy PHILIPPINE news ADVENTUREs

Ambassador Lopez and Wife Host ASEAN Christmas Get-Together in Tokyo

T

Ambassador and Madame Manuel M. Lopez (1st and 2nd rows, center) with guests (1st row, left to right) Philippine Embassy Minister Angelica Escalona, Madame Hadijah Hj Md Idris, Ambassador Caroline Kennedy and Madame Junko Yamazaki, (2nd row, left to right) Chief of Protocol Jun Yamazaki, Ambassador Chin Siat Yoon, Ambassador Mahamud Ahmad, Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs Jesus I. Yabes, Mr. Christian de Jesus of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Philippine Embassy Minister Josel Ignacio

OKYO, Japan – Philippine Ambassador to Japan Manuel M. Lopez and wife Madame Maria Teresa L. Lopez hosted an ASEAN Christmas get-together at the Philippine Ambassador’s official residence, a historic building in Fujimi last Dec. 8. Among the guests were Ambassador and Madame Mahamud Ahmad of Brunei, Ambassador Chin Siat Yoon of Singapore, Ambassador Caroline Kennedy of the United States of America and Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan Chief of Protocol and Madame Jun Yamazaki. Also invited was Department of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Affairs Jesus I. Yabes, who was in Japan for an official visit.

Since their arrival in Japan in 2011, Ambassador and Madame Lopez have made it an annual tradition to host a Christmas gathering for colleagues in the diplomatic community in Tokyo.

The Christmas get-together this year featured a traditional Filipino dinner, with Philippine culinary favorites such as lumpia, rellenong bangus and chicken adobo. After dinner, guests enjoyed listening to a selection of popular songs and Christmas tunes sang by an up-andcoming Japan-based Filipino musical artist, Warren de Luna.

Ambassador Manuel M. Lopez giving the toast

Embassy Shares RP-Japan Relations With Pupils of Ishida Elementary School in Fukushima

T

he Philippine Embassy welcomed 13 students from the Ishida Elementary School, in Date-City, Fukushima Prefecture and gave a briefing on Philippine-Japan history and bilateral relations in support of the program of the Municipal Institute for International Cooperation (MIIC) to assist in the recovery and healing process for the victims of the Great East Japan Earthquake in March 2011.

Deputy Chief of Mission Gilberto Asuque along with Angelica Escalona, Cultural Officer, Jane Mariano, Cultural Assistant and Kanami Namiki, translator, discussed with the elementary students the long friendship and cooperation between the Philippines and Japan including the visit to Japan of Dr. Jose Rizal, the National Hero. The visit to the Embassy is part of the Kid Ambassador Program of the MIIC that aims to provide opportunities for elementary school pupils in Fukushima Prefecture to receive hands-on experience in the diplomatic community in Tokyo as well as assist the victims of the earthquake start a new life following their traumatic experience 14

from the natural disaster and the resulting decontamination from the radiation leak of the Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant.

The pupils with their teachers and officials of the MIIC also took the opportunity during the visit to express their gratitude for the heartfelt sympathy, medical teams, emergency relief supplies and food that the Philippines extended to the residents of the Prefectures affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake.

Following the massive destruction caused by Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) in Central Philippines in 2013, all the students of the Ishida Elementary School wrote messages of sympathy and support and sent them to Ambassador Manuel M. Lopez and to DSWD Secretary Corazon Soliman through the MIIC. DCM Asuque thanked the pupils of the Ishida

FILJAP MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2015

Elementary School for their messages in the aftermath of Typhoon Yolanda.

Before the discussions on RPJapan relations, each of the pupils, their teachers and MIIC officials introduced themselves to DCM Asuque by presenting the customary name cards.

After the presentation, the Embassy invited the pupils, teachers and MIIC officials to a Filipino lunch of adobo, fresh lumpia and leche flan. Before the end of the visit, they gathered at the Embassy lobby for a group photo.

Aquino Confers Presidential Award to FilCom Leader in Tokyo Photo courtesy of PCOO

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P

resident Benigno S. Aquino III on Dec. 5 honored Filipino community leader Anita A. Sasaki and 32 other outstanding overseas Filipinos and foreign-based organizations during the

conferment of the 2014 Presidential Awards for Filipino Individuals and Organizations Overseas held in Malacañang Palace.

Sasaki (first row, 2nd from right) received the Banaag Award, one of the four

FILCOM WATCH categories of the Presidential Awards, for establishing “Tahanan ni Nanay,” a learning center for Japanese-Filipino children and a halfway house for Filipinos in distress.

In his speech, Aquino expressed his gratitude to the awardees, noting that although they are based overseas, they have contributed to nation building. “While the awards you receive today are symbols of your success, I am hopeful that you also treat them as invitations: to continue your pursuit of excellence, and the way you bring pride and honor to our country.”

Institutionalized in 1991 through Executive Order 498, the Presidential Awards is a biennial search for overseas-based individuals and organizations that have dedicated their work to improving the lives of Filipinos abroad.

ABS-CBN Files $12M Lawsuit Against 18 Pirate Sites

A

BS-CBN Corporation, ABS-CBN Film Productions, Inc. (Star Cinema) and ABS-CBN International filed suit in U.S. Federal District Court in Florida last November 21 against 18 pirate sites for damages of over $12 million dollars resulting from the infringement of the copyrights and trademarks of ABS-CBN’s popular TV shows and movies.

The defendants are partnerships or unincorporated business associations which operate through domain names registered with registrars in the U.S. and elsewhere.

Their domain names are the following: 1) buhaypinoyofw. net; 2) freepinoytvshows.net, pinoylovetvshowreplay.com; 3) hapeetube.biz, lovelytube. biz, pinoy-telebisyon.biz, pinoy-

telebisyon.org; 4) lambingan. tk; 5) movieserye.com; 6) pinaytambayan.org; pinoyako.me; 8) pinoymoviegallery. net; 9) pinoytambayan.me; 10) pinoytelesine.com; 11) pinoytopmovies.com; 12) pinoytv.me; 13) projectcabbage. com; 14) tambayanofwtv. info; 15) telebesyon.com; 16) telebyuwers.ph, telebyuwers. tv; 17) teleseryereplay.com; 18) yzreplay.com.

Based on the complaint, the defendants provide on-demand streaming performances of full-length versions of ABS-CBN’s TV shows and movies through their websites. With the popularity of ABS-CBN films and TV shows, these sites drive significant traffic that enables them to reap profits from advertising and other revenue.

Caught in the Act!

This latest lawsuit comes on the heels of the police search and seizure by police in Victoria, Australia at the home of Mary Smith in the suburb of Barooga, New South Wales in Australia where numerous pirate ABSCBN DVDs, DVD burners and hundreds of pirated ABS-CBN movies on computer hard drives were located. Recently, ABS-CBN also received a US$10 million judgment from the U.S. Federal District Court in Oregon against Jeffrey Ashby for damages from his infringing the copyrights and well-known trademarks of ABS-CBN by rebroadcasting ABS-CBN’s popular TV shows and movies on his pirate websites. Among the many pirate sites that Ashby owned were watchfilipinotv. com, watchfilipinomovies.com and pinoytalaga.com.

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15

FACES

Enrique Gil and Liza Soberano:

Everybody’s New Favorite Love Team Photos courtesy of Miss International Beauty Pageant

This generation’s prince charming, Enrique Gil, and the leading lady to watch for Liza Soberano were introduced as the newest Kapamilya love team via ABS-CBN’s primetime romantic drama series titled, “Forevermore,” directed by Cathy Garcia-Molina and Ted Boborol.

Text and photos courtesy of ABS-CBN

“F

orevemore” is a tale about first love that blossomed between two different people. Enrique plays the role of Alexander “Xander” Grande III, a rebellious and irresponsible unico hijo of a hotel magnate, who crosses paths and falls in love with Liza’s character, Marie “Agnes” Calay, the feisty and hardworking strawberry jam queen of La Trinidad, Benguet.

Xander and Agnes’ relationship started after an intoxicated Xander crash landed his parachute into a strawberry truck. To teach him a lesson, his parents made him pay for the damages he caused by making him work at the strawberry farm under the guidance of Agnes and other strawberry farmers.

After its premiere last October, it became the country’s number one teleserye as proven by its national TV ratings. It also became the hottest topic on social media sites like Twitter.

“Sinabi ko nga kay direk Cathy, feeling ko ito ‘yung pinaka-solid na love team ko in

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a teleserye. Ito na talaga ‘yon.

Basta, may something,” Gil said in his interview with ABS-CBN News.

Soberano, a member of Star Magic Batch 2013, is Gil’s fourth love team partner. He was also paired with Kathryn Bernardo, Julia Montes and Julia Barreto.

“Happy ako pero medyo pressured din, kasi, bakit nga ba ako ang binigyan nila ng malaking project, eh one year palang ako?

Siguro may ginagawa akong tama, siguro nagugustuhan nila ‘yung pag-arte ko. Kaya natutuwa ako na napapansin nila, naaappreciate ng management ‘yung efforts ko,” the 16-year-old Filipino-American actress and model shared in her interview with ABS-CBN News.

“Forevermore” is produced

by Star Creatives, the same group that brought viewers, the hit romantic drama series “Princess and I” and “Got To Believe.”

Joining Gil and Soberano in the cast are Sophia Andres, Yves Flores, Kit Thompson, Zoren Legazpi, Lilet, Marissa Delgado, Joey Marquez, and Almira Muhlach.

Filipino Celebrities

travel japan

Visit Japan For The Holidays Photos from Instagram: @aquinokristinabernadette, @chinitaprincess, @dandanmatsunaga, @erichgg, @jodistamaria, @mr_enchongdee, @solennheussaff

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TOKYO, Japan – Did you know that several Filipino celebrities were in the country during the holidays?

he Queen of All Media, Kris Aquino, together with her sons Joshua and Bimby went to Niseko – a famous snow resort town in Hokkaido.

Kapamilya star Kim Chiu happily explored Tokyo Disneyland and Sanrio Puroland with her siblings. They were also spotted at Akihabara – Tokyo’s “Electric Town.”

“Be Careful With My Heart” leading lady Jodi Sta. Maria enjoyed quality time with her son Thirdy, boyfriend Jolo Revilla and some other friends at Asakusa, Tokyo Tower, Tokyo Disneyland and Fuji-ten Snow Park – a small ski resort along the northern base of Mount Fuji.

“Two Wives” actress Erich Gonzales explored some of the popular places in Tokyo like Asakusa, Ginza and Shibuya.

She was also seen enjoying the amazing landscapes in Hakone and Mt. Fuji.

Kapamilya heartthrob

Enchong Dee visited the statue of Hachiko in Shibuya. He also dined at Gonpachi – a popular Japanese-inn izakaya-style restaurant that inspired the set in Quentin Tarantino’s blockbuster film “Kill Bill (Volume 1)” together with good friend Erich.

Brazilian-Japanese model Daniel Matsunaga and family had fun in the snow at Mt. Rokko in Kobe.

Siblings Erwan and Solenn Heussaff enjoyed the Japanese winter at Niseko where they went snow skiing. They also watched Solenn’s short film entitled “Transit Visuals,” which was shown in Tokyo.

Aside from these celebrities, many Filipino tourists visited Japan in 2014.

According to a report by Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), the number of visitors from the Philippines from January to November came to 162,300, up 66.9 percent.

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PINOY PULSE

Filipinos Ring in the New Year With Hope

If there’s one trait that you couldn’t question about Filipinos, it is their resilience to overcome challenges and difficulties. Despite the trials that the country has to face and endure – the issues on poverty and corruption, tragic accidents and calamities – it is not surprising that Pinoys remain steadfast in their belief that life will get brighter and better this 2015.

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Photos by Diey Teodoro

his is evident in the recent survey done by Pulse Asia where nearly nine in 10 Filipinos (88 percent) say they will face the coming year with hope, 11 percent are ambivalent on the matter and only 1 percent said that they will face the New Year without hope.

“Despite the various political and economic concerns being faced by the country and its people, nearly nine in 10 Filipinos (88 percent) say they will face the coming year with hope – the predominant sentiment in every geographic area and socio-economic class (84 percent to 91 percent and 84 percent to 90 percent, respectively). Only 1 percent of Filipinos will face the year ahead without hope while 11 percent are ambivalent on the matter,” Pulse Asia said in a posted report.

Most Filipinos who are positive about the coming year came from Metro Manila (86 percent), Luzon (91 percent), Visayas (89 percent) and Mindanao (84 percent).

90 percent of the respondents came from Class A, B, C while 89 percent came from Class D and 84 percent from Class E. 18

“As in our previous surveys, this nationwide survey is based on a sample of 1,200 representative adults 18 years old and above. It has a ± 3 percent error margin at the 95 percent confidence level.

Subnational estimates for each of the geographic areas covered in the survey (i.e., Metro Manila, the rest of Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao) have a ± 6 percent error margin, also at 95 percent confidence level.”

Meanwhile, another pollster Social Weather Station (SWS) made a similar survey that said 93 percent of Filipinos welcomed the New Year full of hope.

“Hope for the New Year has always been high, starting with 87 percent when the question was first asked in 2000, and with 88 percent in 2001. New Year hope reached all-time high 95 percent in 2002, but declined to 90 percent in 2003, and slumped to 81 percent the following year,” SWS said.

“New Year hope rebounded to 85 percent in 2005 and remained steady at 9192 percent from 2006-2008 before it slightly declined to 89 percent in 2009. It recovered

FILJAP MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2015

to 93 percent in 2010, and matched the alltime high 95 percent in 2011.”

“From 2012 to 2014, New Year hope hardly changed: 92 percent in 2012, 94 percent in 2013 and 93 percent in 2014,” it added.

Adding hope and positivity to the New Year was Pope Francis who visited the country last January and blessed the people with all humility. He celebrated a mass attended by thousands of Filipino Catholics from different walks of life. He also visited Tacloban and gave typhoon ‘Yolanda’ survivors love and hope.

FILJAP MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2015

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