FilJap Magazine January 2016 Issue

JANUARY 2016 Issue 37

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Hopes For 2016 A Taste of Negros Occidental Ambassador Lopez Calls For Perpetual Preservation of Kudan

The Way To

Japan Recognizes Closer Ties With the Philippines

Christian Bautista’s

c i s mu

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what’s inside...

EDITOR’S NOTE

Happy 2016!

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14 Philippine Adventures A Taste of Negros Occidental

Embassy News Amb. Lopez Calls For Perpetual Preservation of Kudan; Yoko Ono-Lennon Cites Importance of Kudan in Promoting RP-Japan Friendship

Faces ABS-CBN Thanks Inspiring Kapamilyas in New Christmas Station IDst

Feature Hopes For 2016

COVER STORY The Way To Christian Bautista’s Music

In Focus Japan Recognizes Closer Ties With the Philippines

As we ring in the New Year, we bring you Asiansation Christian Bautista who first graced our pages in January 2014 when we covered his performance at the ASEAN-Japan Music Festival in Tokyo.

From that “memorable experience,” as Christian describes it, he updates us, in an exclusive interview, on where he’s currently at in his career.

We follow that with the latest development on RP-Japan relations as we feature Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and President Aquino’s bilateral talks on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in Manila, Philippines.

Have a taste of Negros Occidental as our Philippine Adventurer, Arlene Donaire, showcases what the province has to offer.

In the past two years, we wanted FILJAP Magazine to set the benchmark of quality among Filipino publications in Japan. And I believe, we did not only that, but also changed the way news is delivered in the community; because Filipinos in Japan are entitled to firsthand information.

What are your hopes for this year?

Ours is for you, your family and friends to be better informed, entertained and inspired with our coverages. Let us know what you Florenda Corpuz want and need from Editor-in-Chief FILJAP Magazine.

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FILJAP Magazine December 2015 issue feat. Eugene Domingo on the cover made it on Philippine news!

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FILJAP MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2016

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in focus

Japan Recognizes Closer Ties With the Philippines

Text courtesy of PCOO Photos by Joseph Vidal / Malacañang Photo Bureau

MANILA, Philippines – Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe recently recognized the relationship between Japan and the Philippines, which he said has become closer through the years.

“I

n recent years, the cooperation between Japan and the Philippines has become ever closer. We are most happy to have a welcome to President Aquino last June 2015 as state guest of Japan; and here I am in the Philippines less than six months since.

These mutual visits (will) surely further reinforce the bond between our two nations,” he said in a statement during a joint press conference following his bilateral meeting with President Benigno S. Aquino III on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza in Pasay City.

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The Japanese leader said that during his meeting with Aquino, they reaffirmed the progress of their bilateral ties on defense, infrastructure development, agribusiness and social security.

“While President Aquino had already offered his kind support of the legislation for peace and security, I take this opportunity to reiterate the position of Japan to make further contributions to the peace and stability of the region and other global communities through our policy of proactive contribution to peace,” said Abe. “We welcomed the agreement in principle on transfer of defense equipment and agreed to work together for the early

FILJAP MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2016

signing of agreement and realization of cooperation in defense equipment. There was a request from President Aquino regarding the provision of large patrol vessels to the Philippine Coast Guard and Japan would like to consider the specifics of the matter.”

Agreements on infrastructure development and social security were signed during the bilateral meeting.

“In the area of infrastructure development, the agreement on the project for the North-South Commuter Railway has just been signed and I also told the President that a full study towards realization of a subway project would be launched,” he further said.

“The Social Security Agreement shall resolve the problem of double enrolment in pension plans by expatriates and we welcome its signing, which has just taken place. To enable the people of the Philippines to offer housework support services in Japan’s special terms, both

sides have agreed to work to establish the necessary mechanisms by the end of 2015,” he added.

Abe said Japan will also provide approximately 15 billion yen to support the agribusiness promotion project in Mindanao.

“The President and I also had a candid exchange of views on regional peace and stability. We shared deep concerns over unilateral actions to change the status quo, such as the large-scale land reclamation and building of outpost in the South China Sea. At the same time, we confirmed the importance of partnership in the global community based on the rule of law to protect open, free and peaceful seas,” he said.

“Regarding the arbitration between the Philippines and China, which has entered into a new stage, we reiterated our position to continue to support dispute resolution based on international law,” he added.

Abe also recognized the strong leadership of Aquino for the successful hosting of APEC. “May I extend my congratulations to the success of the APEC Leaders’ Meeting and my deepest respect to President Aquino for your strong leadership that has guided the series of meetings to a great success,” he said.

With regards to the recent terrorist attacks in France, the Japanese head of state said, “The terrorist attack in Paris on the 13th of this month was an outright defiance of the common values we uphold and tried to protect. We are united with the international community and strongly condemn such hideous act.”

Meanwhile, he said the scheduled visit to the Philippines of the Japanese Emperor and Empress in January or February “will be an auspicious event to mark the opening of a series of celebrations for the 60th anniversary of normalization of diplomatic relations between our two nations.”

“We look very much forward to cooperating closely with the Philippines to make Their Majesties’ visit a great success.

It will be a gesture of new impetus for our friendship and I look forward to working further with the Philippines to make further contributions to the stability and prosperity of the region and of the world,” Abe added.

FILJAP MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2016

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COVER STORY The interview is set at 2:30 p.m at a restaurant in Tomas Morato, Quezon City but Christian Bautista arrives more than half an hour early. Of course, he elicits stares from diners as soon as he walks in, something that usually happens when they see big celebrities in their midst, but he comes off as just a regular guy – good-natured, grounded, unassuming – devoid of frills that goes along with stardom.

Photos courtesy of Universal Records / Christian Bautista

The Way To

Christian Bautista’s

c i s u m

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FILJAP MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2016

D

onning a plain orange shirt, faded jeans and sneakers, Christian warmly greets the FILJAP team – smiling in between introductions and handshakes -- before settling into his seat at the corner table. These days he’s ecstatic about his newest and first UK (United Kingdom) single entitled “Who Is She To Me?” which he co-produced.

“I’m so thrilled because I gave birth to this idea, to this song. Through different contacts, friends, and money, I was able to produce it finally. I recorded it in L.A, produced in Italy and I shot the music video in UK. And now it’s out worldwide, digitally – iTunes, Spotify, Weezer, Amazon -- it’s conforming to the reality of music,” he says while ordering a plate of pasta, churros and a glass of iced tea.

“Who Is She To Me” debuted last December on iTunes and in a few days, it ranked #44 on the UK Vocal Charts and #17 in Top US New Releases.

It’s a good start for a local artist who is trying to penetrate the UK and US music scenes.

“It’s big for me. If you would look at the numbers, you’d say ‘parang ang layo naman’ pero for me okay na iyon. Hopefully, tumaas pa,” defends the beguiling balladeer.

Although he becomes privy and evasive when asked if he’s singing the song to a particular woman, Christian believes that “Who Is She To Me” has the merits to attract music fans in the UK with its unique melodic lines and lyrics that can make hearts a-flutter.

“I’d say it’s a love song from a different perspective. It’s a love song that talks about the beginnings of love. It talks about that point when one person is starting to feel this feeling. He asks himself ‘What is this feeling? Who is she to me? Why am I feeling this way? Do I love her already?’ This is love, so it is about that feeling,” quips the singer-actorhost who hails from the province Cavite.

Not New To International Fame Since joining the singing competition “Star in a Million” in 2003, Christian has achieved numerous feats be it in albums, concerts, TV shows, movies and theater and yet he continues to create something new for his avid followers.

And as they say good things come to those who hustle, who never stops honing his skills, making great music and believing in infinite possibilities.

Such is the case of Christian who from being one of the most loved singers in the country, he has conquered the music scene abroad.

He is considered a big star in Indonesia and has appeared in major shows such as “Yu Keep Smile” on Trans TV, “On The Show on Rajawali TV,” “Indonesia Morning Show” and “The Sarah Sechan Show” both on NETTV 25. His TV appearances had him trending locally and worldwide on Twitter.

Two years ago, FILJAP Magazine had its first exclusive interview with Christian who was the Philippines sole representative at the ASEAN-Japan Music Festival held at the NHK Hall in Shibuya. He confirms that his appearance there is one of his most unforgettable performances to date.

“Despite our past, our history, we should now work together towards peace and harmony. It’s going to be hard because we have different cultures, different perspectives, and of course, we got to protect our sovereign nation but it proves [ASEAN Music Festival] that it is possible through music,” he beams who earned the “Asian Pop Superstar” moniker.

Now he is setting his eyes on the UK market, a bold move that he hopes will bear positive results.

“I felt that the UK market is more receptive to a balladeer,” he says in a serious tone. “Hopefully, I can leave a mark in the UK market. People say it’s close to impossible, people say it’s hard. A lot of artists have done it already – whether America or UK – sometimes they make it, sometimes they don’t but I am one who just wants to try. I still want to experience it, go with it, or try it at least.”

On Artistry Christian is not one to be boxed; this is something that he has learned in the past 12 years of being in the world of show business.

From being the shy and insecure hometown boy, the Kapuso star has spread its wings by trying out acting, hosting and theater. Although he’s quick to emphasize that singing will always come first, Christian always ends up successful in whatever field he’s in.

“In acting, the fulfillment comes when I’m able to access the emotions. Kapag na-deliver ko iyong line na na-feel ko from my co-actor at naramdaman ng audience. In hosting, the natural high is when I deliver a line that’s not in the script, out of the blue, and the audience loves it. In singing, it’s when I’m connecting with the audience through their eyes, na nararamdaman nila iyong kinakanta ko. It means I’m doing right,” he enthuses.

He couldn’t offer any real formula to his staying power in an industry where a lot of artists come and go but he says that what works for him is a mix of faith, hard work, perseverance, reinvention, and resilience.

“Through experience, you learn, you grow up, you mature. You learn from success, you learn from mistakes and hopefully you don’t fall the same way you fell before.

“My realization lately is to make music the biggest part of my life but not to make it my life. The world is so much bigger, you can do so many things.

You also have to invest time for yourself, for your family, for your friends. Later on, you’ll realize that life is not all about work,” he says with conviction.

It is without a doubt that Christian has come full circle. He is at a stage where he sees the bigger picture, something that is larger than fame or accolade. He is comfortable to where he is now yet remains open and bold to where his feet may take him.

“At this point, it’s all about creating creative noise. It’s about conquering different lands and ventures -- finding out what the next step is.”

And it’s pretty obvious that we are all ready to follow him.

FILJAP MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2016

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FEATURE

How did your 2015 go? Was it amazingly good? Did you lose someone special to death? Got fired from your job? Did you struggle from financial problems? Broke up with someone you thought you’re going to end up with? Did you experience personal crisis? Made mistakes more than you can ever imagine? Had enough of local politicians’ incompetence?

Were there more ups than downs or vice versa?

HOPES for

Dream Goals

Personal Goals

W

hatever happened in 2015 is now a thing of the past; this is the beauty that every New Year brings – the hope that things will get better, the chance to right wrongs, the opportunities to create more experiences and memories, and the ability to make resolutions and changes.

Writing and setting New Year goals should be a happy, glorious thing because it allows you to dig deeper and reflect on how you are faring in life. It pushes you to strive for something bigger and better, and it gives you that sense of direction, which is an affirmation of your willingness to live, to forge meaningful relationships, to change yourself and your world.

There is hope in setting goals, in being optimistic that the best things are about to come, in encouraging yourself to achieve and accomplish more, in seeing the good things rather than the chaos and idiosyncrasies that life beholds.

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Have you been in a situation where you feel you’re giving it all but you’re still going nowhere? That nothing beautiful and worthwhile is happening in your life? It is probably because you’re doing things without having clear goals.

Whether you want to pursue a master’s degree, lose weight, make some financial investments, build a house, buy a car, be healthy and fit, and change lifestyle, it is important that you have the motivation on to make these happen. The problem sometimes is that after setting goals, you don’t do anything to fulfill it, thus, it remains a goal. Motivate yourself to become the better version of yourself.

Relationship Goals By now you know that all kinds of relationships are pure hard work.

You open yourself up to people and you always take in the good with the bad. In 2015, did you find time for your loved ones? Did you communicate enough with them to know what their feeling or if they have any problem? Have you patch things up with a friend? Are you and your partner still have the same purpose and goals as far as your relationship is concerned?

You’re given another year to make a good relationship, a good memory, with the persons who matter in your life.

FILJAP MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2016

What is in your bucket list? How many have you ticked off already? You probably have a list of dreams that you want to happen and you have the whole 2016 to do just that. Whether you want to visit Prague in Czech Republic or Coron in Palawan, do skydiving, treat your family to a grand vacation, buy that gadget that you need for everyday use, open up a business, or meet Pope Francis, this may be your year. Hope, whisper a prayer, and work hard for it.

Society Goals It is everyone’s responsibility to bring about change in a society that is being plagued by all these issues day by day – corruption, crime, global warming and terrorism among others. It is necessary to do our share in making the country and the world a much better place to live in. In particular, Philippine national elections will unfold in May 2016 and hope springs eternal that Filipino voters will elect their leaders based on their merits and their fervor to genuinely serve the public. Set a goal to get to know every political candidate and their platforms, don’t participate in votebuying and most importantly go out there and vote.

What you do and how well you fare this 2016 is up to the choices you will make and it won’t hurt if you start the year with hope, optimism, faith and joy.

Have a meaningful New Year!

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FILJAP MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2016

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FACES

ABS-CBN Thanks Inspiring Kapamilyas in

New Christmas Station ID

Text and photos courtesy of ABS-CBN

Kapamilya stars expressed gratitude to Filipinos whose stories inspire them in their work and in their personal lives in ABS-CBN’s 2015 Christmas Station ID “Thank You for the Love.”

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ung by today’s hottest loveteams James Reid and Nadine Lustre, Liza Soberano and Enrique Gil, and Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla, together with Rock Royalty Bamboo and “The Voice Kids Season 2” grand champion Elha Nympha, the “Thank You for the Love” theme highlights how Filipinos never forget genuine and unconditional acts of love and generosity and how Filipinos never cease to give back even in simple ways.

“Ang Probinsyano” star Coco Martin, together with the cast of the top-rating series, gave soldiers from Camp Capinpin in Tanay, Rizal new sets of combat boots and enjoyed a boodle fight feast afterwards.

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“Pasion De Amor” cast, on the other hand, packed goods at Sangley Point of the Philippine Navy in Cavite for soldiers who serve as inspirations of strength in Ayungin Shoal.

Gerald Anderson with ABS-CBN Cebu personalities led the surprise homecoming tribute for Pinoy Pride boxers and sports heroes Donnie Nietes, Mark Magsayo, and brothers Jason and Albert Pagara, while Piolo Pascual provided new uniforms to the inspiring kids of Bayanijuan Futbol Club in Calauan, Laguna.

Meanwhile, Angel Locsin, Matteo Guidicelli, Jessy Mendiola, JC De Vera, and Paulo Avelino spent the afternoon with orphans from Meritxell Children’s World Foundation in Marikina City.

FILJAP MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2016

A roving Christmas Noche Buena table also went to different places to gather more families together. “Be My Lady” stars Erich Gonzales and Daniel Matsunaga dined with the farmers in Pampanga; “Doble Kara” star Julia Montes with the health and birthing station volunteers in Batangas; “You’re My Home” stars Richard Gomez and Dawn Zulueta with avid fans in Quezon City, and Kim Chiu and Xian Lim with random people on the streets.

The 2015 ABS-CBN Christmas Station ID was created by ABS-CBN Creative Communications Management headed

by Robert Labayen, Johnny Delos Santos and Patrick de Leon. It is directed by Paolo Ramos with second-unit director Peewee Azarcon-Gonzales.

EMBASSY NEWS TOKYO, Japan – Ambassador Manuel M. Lopez called for the preservation of Kudan, the official residence of Philippine Ambassadors to Japan, as he emphasized the historic and cultural value of Kudan which is now “an integral part of the history of Philippine diplomacy in Japan.”

Amb. Lopez Calls For Perpetual

Preservation of Kudan;

Yoko Ono-Lennon Cites Importance of Kudan in Promoting RP-Japan Friendship

A

mbassador and Madame Maritess Lopez welcomed over 120 dignitaries at the launching of the book “History and Heritage of The Kudan, The Official Residence of the Philippine Ambassador to Japan.” It is one of the Philippine projects to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Japan this 2016.

The event was graced by Minister-incharge of Promoting Dynamic Engagement of All Citizens Katsunobo Kato, Japanese State Minister for Foreign Affairs Yoji Muto and artist, musician, peace activist Yoko Ono-Lennon who is the wife of the late Beatles legend John Lennon. Also in attendance were the members of the Diplomatic Corps, ranking members of the Japanese Diet, top business executives, and Philippine National Artist for Visual Art, Benedicto Cabrera, known as “BenCab.” Lopez said the launching of the book aims to raise the awareness and deepen the appreciation of Filipinos and Japanese on the importance of Kudan as the official residence of all Philippine

Ambassadors and as a landmark edifice of Philippine-Japan relations. He said Kudan “continuously provided an indispensable backdrop for the implementation of Philippine foreign policy in relation to Japan” and expressed the hope that the book “would add to the efforts made by all who came here before us to preserve this precious property.”

Yoko Ono-Lennon thanked Ambassador and Madame Lopez for the invitation to visit Kudan and to grace the launching of the book on the official residence of the Philippine Ambassadors to Japan. Ono-Lennon recalled her days in Kudan and the wonderful memories she had as a little girl living in the house of her uncle, Iwajiro Yasuda, whose grandfather Baron Zenjiro Yasuda who was a prominent Japanese businessman and industrialist.

She remembered the various rooms in Kudan especially the music room upstairs and the passion of her uncle in painting.

Ono-Lennon describes Kudan as the venue for establishing and promoting lasting peace and friendship between the Philippines and Japan. She conveyed her best wishes for the Philippines and, in

echoing her advocacy for universal peace and an end to all wars, expressed the hope that “our countries can now always be friends…instead of boxing.”

In thanking Ambassador and Madame Lopez for the invitation to the book launching, Minister Kato expressed the hope that “this historically valuable Ambassador’s Residence would be continuously maintained in good condition in the future.”

The Kudan residence is an Iberianstyle building that was built in the 1930s for Iwajiro Yasuda. It was purchased by the Philippine government in 1944, and is one of the few architecturally important houses in its original form left in Japan from the pre-war era. It has been the subject of studies by Japanese architecture scholars and is considered a historically important building by the Chiyoda local government. On 11 March 2013, the residence was declared a national historical landmark property by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines.

FILJAP MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2016

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philippine adventures

2015 Masskara Festival dancers

A Taste of Negros Occidental Text and photos by Arlene Donaire

. Sitio Mambag-id Happy Neighbors

Negros Island was known in the pre-Spanish days as “Buglas” meaning “cut off ” because it was thought to be part of a larger mainland; some accounts say, possibly Mindanao. Geologists suppose that it may have been separated either due to continental drift or the rising of waters after the glacial age. When the Spaniards chanced upon the island in 1565, they gave it the name “Negros” when they realized that the place had already been settled in by the Aetas or Negritos, who were distinctly dark-skinned. In current times, Negros Island is composed of the Occidental or western side and Oriental, the eastern part; Bacolod City is the western capital while Dumaguete banners on the eastern part.

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FILJAP MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2016

Alunan Ancestral House Museum

Balay Negrense Museum

Chicken Inasal at Lacson Street

The Church of the Angry Christ Altar Mural

San Diego Pro-Cathedral

TOKYO, Japan – Eight-division

Barangay Balaring, a go-to Filipino boxing champion and place for people who want to congressman Manny Pacquiao eat fresh seafoods

Selfie with Lolo

recently arrived in the Japanese capital to help in the Philippines’ bid to host the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup and meet with representatives of the Filipino community.

FILJAP MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2016

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P

Lanzones vendor in Concepcion

2015 Masskara Dance Competition

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hilippine Adventure gives you a taste of Negros Occidental, so you may learn a little bit more about this part of the country.

Next to Cebu and Baguio Cities, Bacolod City is a favorite place to go because of its Masskara Festival, the delicious chicken barbecue and local delicacies, and of course the warm hospitality of friends. No matter how many times you visit the same place, it never becomes boring because there is always something new to discover. Back in 2009, when your Philippine Adventurer first learned how to photograph, Bacolod City’s Masskara Festival was the testing ground. That first time turned to fascination; so, in the last two years I found myself returning to Bacolod to be reacquainted with the “happy masskaras” and savor chicken barbecue at night when Lacson Street becomes a record holder for producing the most number of grilled food!

Each time as well, there was an opportunity to take a road trip outside of Bacolod, to the neighboring locales of Talisay, Victoria and Silay City. A day’s trip is good enough to whet the appetite of a curious traveler but leaves you with the hankering to come back and experience more.

This Philippine Adventure story is a peek into what one might expect when visiting Negros Occidental. The western side of the island is composed of several cities and towns, so there are numerous options. The point is - enjoy Bacolod City and the venture out, to experience as much as you can of the Negrense’s wonderful ambience.

The road system is well developed and safe for extended travel, and easily tracked in your mobile devices, so there should be no worries about losing your way.

Silay City

Silay, whose name is derived from its official tree, the “kansilay,” is classified as a third class city, meaning it is partially urbanized. But its economic tag belies the rich history, culture and art that the place is known for. More popularly known as the “Paris of Negros,” Silay, similar to Vigan in Ilocos, has numerous well-preserved heritage houses, many dating back from the Spanish times. Over thirty of these architectural treasures, some of which have been converted into museums and art shops, are included by the National Historical Commission in the Silay City National Historical Landmarks. The Balay Negrense and Alunan House Museums are just two of the most popular destinations. Outside of the city. Silay has an entirely different charm that is also well-known among those that seek the rustic beauty of the countryside.

Barangay Balaring, whose combination of coastal

FILJAP MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2016

and mangrove landscape plays host to coastal communities, is recommended for those who wish to spend some time communing with nature, interacting with locals and sampling fresh catch in the seafood restaurants.

Talisay City Talisay got its name from the tree that grew generously along the mouth of its Matab-ang River, back in the Spanish days. Not many know that Talisay is the birthplace of the Negros sugar industry. It was the Recollect priests led by Fray Fernando Cuenca, who started the planting of sugarcane in the “haciendas.” Its most popular landmark, the Ruins of the Lacson Museum, is actually set amidst a vast tract of sugarcane lands.

Philippine Adventurer has visited the Ruins three times but the best yet was at sunrise, when one could appreciate the grand structure’s silhouette against the fresh rays of the morning. Talisay, a fourth class city, is close to Bacolod City. It is hard to miss the area’s fresh green scenery that greets you after leaving the airport or bids you farewell as you go home. While there, do swing by Concepcion for a taste of its sweet lanzones and rambutan fruits.

Victoria The City of Victorias, classified also as a fourth class city, is associated largely with Victorias Milling Company (VMC), which comprises 7,000 hectares (17,000 acres) of sugarlands. It is the country’s largest sugar refinery and the world’s largest integrated sugar mill. A visitor inside the premises’ church will be amazed to know that it houses one of the most unique Roman Catholic artworks in the country and perhaps, in the world. A mural of the Angry Christ, considered a defiance from the traditional Christ with a gentle and merciful face, painted by international artist Alfonso Ossorio, son of VMC’s founder Don Miguel, lords over the main altar, immediately transfixing one’s gaze. The church, actually built in honor of St. Joseph the Worker, got its now renowned monicker after Life Magazine featured it. It is also notable that the church’s Saints, Last Supper and Stations of the Cross are depicted as Filipinos in Philippine settings.

Silay, Talisay and Victorias are just the main cities; there are other stories to tell about the rest of the western locales. But those are reserved for the next adventure. In the meantime, make that plan soon to visit Negros Occidental. I know I will be back next year!

The Lacson Mansion Ruins at sunrise

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Asiansation Christian Bautista is happy to receive a copy of our January 2014 issue where he was featured!

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FILJAP MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2016