¥0 ee Fr July 2014 Issue 19
Kim Chiu The
5
Most Visited
TEMPLES & SHRINES IN
kyoto
Pokwang’s
Braver Than Ever
‘X-Men’
Star Hugh Jackman Walks the Blue Carpet at Japan Premiere
Top Di v
e
Destin ation in the s Philipp ines
summer Happy Thoughts
THE SEASON OF FIREWORKS
Motion Blur
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Place: Shibuya Crossing, Tokyo Photographer: Lemjay Lucas
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FilJap
Contents Editor’s Pick
4
In Focus New Batch of Filipino Nurses, Caregivers to Arrive in Japan
6
Cover Story Kim Chiu: Braver Than Ever
8
Faces Sumo Wrestler Surprises Filipino Mother With a Dance of Gratitude
9
Special Feature ‘X-Men’ Star Hugh Jackman Walks the Blue Carpet at Japan Premiere
Editor’s
NOTE
Florenda Corpuz Editor-in-Chief
12
Spotlight Pokwang’s Happy Thoughts
13
FilCom Watch Bumoto sa Halalan 2016
14
Travel Japan The 5 Most Visited Temples and Shrines in Kyoto
15
Culture & Arts Summer: The Season of Fireworks
16
Philippine Adventures Top Dive Destinations in the Philippines
M A G A Z I N E
Publisher: Yonei Toshikazu Editor-in-Chief: Florenda Corpuz Associate Editor: Nel Salvador Photographers: Din Eugenio • Oliver Corpuz Advertising Executive: Judith Takahashi Distribution Executive: Genie Omata Layout Artist: VerJube Photographics Tokyo Office: 114-0004 Tokyo-to Kita-ku Horifune 1-26-14-501 Telephone: 03-6903-2100 Fax: 03-6903-2101 Toll-Free Fax: 0800-919-3633
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Summer Lovin’ As the temperatures heat up, excitement and enthusiasm are evident throughout Japan. People are busy planning their activities for a memorable summer experience. In this issue of FilJap Magazine, we share to you articles that are both informative and entertaining for your summer reading pleasure. On the cover, we have Kapamilya star Kim Chiu who after all the trials and intrigues that bombarded her the past few months, has proven herself brave and resilient. We follow that with Australian actor Hugh Jackman who heated up the blue carpet at the “X-Men: Days of Future Past” premiere in Tokyo. Then there’s Pokwang, a former Overseas Filipino
Worker in Japan and now one of the most popular comediannes in the Philippines. Summer festivals and firework shows are a summertime standard in Japan. And while you plan and prepare for this season’s festivities, we collected some of the coolest hanabi shows around the country to keep you mesmerize through the summer months. Many of our favorite memories come from summer vacations with family and friends back in the Philippines. So if you’re planning to have your summer escapade there, we also listed down the best dive destinations that the country can offer. The longer and warmer days of summer are here! We hope that you relish each and every moment of it. FILJAP MAGAZINE | JULY 2014
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IN FOCUS
New Batch of
Filipino Nurses,
Caregivers to Arrive in Japan e in Japan in set to arriv g. e r a s er iv eg ses and car panese language trainin Filipino nur 4 f Ja 18 o f s o l th n ta o A to er six m th o n a o g er June to und
T
he candidates (36 nurses and 148 caregivers), which composed the 6th batch of trainees, under the JapanPhilippines Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA) completed the Japanese language and culture training, a key element for a career jump-start in Japan. They were feted on May 27 at the closing ceremony of the “Preparatory Japanese Language Training” held at the Women’s Center of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) in Taguig City, Philippines. Leading the event were officials of TESDA and top-level representatives from the Embassy of Japan. The training was a collaboration
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FILJAP MAGAZINE | JULY 2014
of the governments of the Philippines, through TESDA, and Japan to contribute to the enhancement of a candidate’s ability to adapt and settle in faster. This will also assist the candidate nurses and caregivers in passing the Japanese Licensure Examinations after they enter and work in Japan. “We have no doubt in the skills of our nurses and caregivers. But we have to admit that the Japanese language is the issue that they have to hurdle,” Secretary Joel Villanueva, TESDA Director General, said. Passing the national exam secures the prospect to work permanently in Japan as permanent nurses. “Candidate nurses and caregivers who received proper
backing and guidance such as language training would arguably have a better chance of succeeding,” Villanueva said. The training in the Philippines started in November 2013. TESDA provided the venue and materials, while Japan sent in language instructors. In his message at the start of the training, Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Toshinao Urabe told the candidates to “make the best use of our help.” “With the language skills training, our candidate nurses and caregivers who will soon leave their jobs and family back home and migrate to Japan will not be confronted with qualms and an insecure future,” Villanueva added.
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COVER STORY
Kim Chiu It’s been a tough few months for one of the most bankable stars of today, Kim Chiu. Although showbiz commitments and projects are continuously pouring in so are the intrigues.
Braver Than Ever
PHOTOS COURTESY OF STAR CINEMA & UNISILVER 6
FILJAP MAGAZINE | JULY 2014
T
o the viewing public, Kim’s life is something to be envious about; it seems perfect and fabulous. She has recently reaped four awards from The PEP List Award, one of which is the “Female TV Star;” she’s starring in a primetime series “Ikaw Lamang” opposite Coco Martin; she’s that pretty face in commercials and magazines; she gets to wear and sashay all those fashionable and beautiful g o w n s ;
and she gets the attention of some of the handsomest men in showbiz. But Kim’s tale is a classic example of to whom much is given, much is expected. In a short span of time, the 24-year-old Kapamilya star has also dealt with the loss of her mother, whom she hadn’t seen since she was nine; a rift with best friend Maja Salvador over ex-boyfriend Gerald Anderson; a misunderstanding with some members of the press; and being hounded on the real score between her and her onscreen partner Xian Lim. It’s not as perfect as it seems for Kim – there were struggles and heartaches along the way that the public may not fully know about – but she makes it a point not to complain and to only pick up what is good. Although she has kept her real emotions on her mother’s death, Kim has divulged that it has been easier to act and to cry in tapings because she’s armed with a certain level of motivation. She has indeed come a long way. From Cebu, Kim went to Manila to join “Pinoy Big Brother: Teen Edition” in 2006. Little did she know that entering the PBB House means getting out of it a star. Winning in the popular reality show
has launched Kim to stardom – reaping one big project and recognition after the other. Since 2006, Kim’s notable performances include “Sana Maulit Muli” (2007), “Tayong Dalawa” (2009), “Kung Tayo’y Magkakalayo” (2010), “My Binondo Girl” (2011), “Ina, Kapatid, Anak” (2013) and the on-going “Ikaw Lamang” (2014). From being dubbed as the “Chinese Cutie from Cebu,” Kim is now showbiz’s “Primetime Princess.” Currently working with the finest actors such as Cherrie Gil, Tirso Cruz III, Cherrie Pie Picache and Coco Martin in ABS-CBN’s hit series “Ikaw Lamang,” Kim admitted being under pressure but it allows her to strive hard to be at par with her co-workers. She has recently starred in the movies “Bride for Rent,” and “Bakit Hindi Ka Crush ng Crush Mo?” opposite Xian, both raked the box office records. She has also kept mum on the real score of her rumored romance with her leading man, Xian. They are seen together most of the times, went to a side trip in Paris once and he threw her a surprise birthday party last April when they were in America. It’s Xian who is Kim’s constant companion whether in showbiz gatherings or Instagram posts. But Kim said that both of them are not putting any label on their relationship and that they are happy being there for each other. She is thankful for Xian’s unwavering love and support, the kind that is difficult to find in the world of showbiz. Taking it all in, Kim has a fair share of ups and downs that come with the glamorous celebrity life -- that at times what happens in real life is far more difficult than the drama series that she makes. Still, life always has its silver linings. In Kim’s case, she is braver than ever. FILJAP MAGAZINE | JULY 2014 7
FACES
Sumo Wrestler Surprises Filipino Mother With a Dance of Gratitude Text and photos courtesy of ABS-CBN & NHK
In the special ABS-CBN-NHK-produced “Happy Surprise” segment that aired on “Rated K” last May 25, Filipino-Japanese sumo wrestler Masunoyama Tomoharu surprised and showed his love and gratitude for his Filipino mother, Maria Christine, who raised him and his siblings on her own.
U
nder the impression that “Rated K” anchor Korina Sanchez was featuring Filipinos living in Japan, Maria Christine went around the famous tourist attractions and landmarks in Tokyo with Korina. As she was being interviewed, Maria Christine was suddenly surprised by a flash mob of sumo wrestlers, led by
her son Masunoyama, which moved her to tears. Masunoyama lived in the Philippines in his junior high school years when his mother, Maria Christine, returned there after her divorce. Life was difficult and his mother worked terribly hard. Hoping to ease her burden, Masunoyama returned to Japan at the age of 14 and knocked
ABS-CBN Honors Filipino Heroism in Japan Two years after the first “Gawad Geny Lopez Jr. Global Bayaning Pilipino Awards” was staged, both triumphs and tragedies have befallen the Philippines but ABS-CBN Japan, Inc. and UGAT Foundation continue to remember individuals and organizations in the Asia Pacific who have turned these into opportunities to help through the “Gawad Geny Lopez Jr. Global Bayaning Pilipino Awards sa Gawing Japan,” which was held on June 8 at Matsudo Citizen Hall in Chiba. 8
FILJAP MAGAZINE | JULY 2014
T
on the door of the Chiganoura sumo stable. He made his debut in 2006. Masunoyama and other wrestlers from his stable resolved to express their appreciation to his mother by performing a sumo dance at the Sensoji Temple in Asakusa. The segment was also shown in Japan on May 31.
his year, ABS-CBN Japan, Inc. and UGAT Foundation, in partnership with Stimula Productions, honored the three finalists, namely, Rachel Takahashi, Charito Itoh and Jepie Dato Rammada in the free concert event entitled “Saludo sa Bayaning Pilipino sa Japan.” Takahashi and Itoh are two distinguished ladies who helped Filipinos in Japan during the March 11 Tohoku great earthquake and tsunami. The third finalist, Ramada, the founder of United Filipinos in Gifu (UNIFIL-GIFU), is the brains behind the “Let’s Walk Together,” a fun run organized to gather funds for the victims of typhoon Yolanda. Meantime, special citation was given to Bayanihan Kessennuma Filipino Community, a group of Filipinos who were themselves victims of the earthquake and tsunami but were challenged to help other victims as well. Angel Locsin and Mitoy Yonting showcased the Filipino talent and paid tribute to the awardees while DZMM Teleradyo’s Maresciel Yao hosted the event.
‘X-Men’
SPECIAL FEATURE
Star Hugh Jackman
Walks the Blue Carpet at Japan Premiere Photos by Din Eugenio
TOKYO, Japan – He’s back! After just nine months, Australian actor Hugh Jackman came back to the country to promote his latest movie.
T
he 45-year-old thespian who has been portraying the role of Wolverine for 14 years, looked rather handsome as he attended the Japan premiere of “X-Men: Days of Future Past” at Roppongi Hills Arena in Tokyo on May 27. Jackman wore a black suit with a grey tie as he hit the stage and walked the blue carpet. “Konnichiwa! It is great to be back here in Tokyo. Less than a year ago, I was here. I love coming to Japan and I have to say congratulations on the 2020 Olympics,” greeted the Wolverine actor. Jackman, who was the only cast member to attend the premiere, was joined by Japanese actress Ayame Gouriki who voiced Mystique in the Japanese dub version of the movie. “I’m so excited to present this movie. This is the biggest of all the X-Men movies. By far, it is the greatest danger the X-Men have ever faced. And to battle it, we have an all-star X-Men mutant cast. We love making the film and I hope you enjoy as much as we love making it. Arigato gozaimasu,” he said. After the stage greeting and photo call, Jackman signed autographs and posed for pictures with some lucky fans. Japan was the last stop of the movie’s global “X-Men Xperience” press tour. Released by 20th Century Fox, “X-Men: Days of Future Past” also stars Ian McKellen, Patrick Stewart, Michael Fassbender and Jennifer Lawrence under the direction of Bryan Singer. It was shown in cinemas on May 30.
Photo courtesy of 20th Century Fox Japan
FILJAP MAGAZINE | JULY 2014 9
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SPOTLIGHT
ng’s a w k o P ppy
There is a notion that comedians are usually the saddest people on Earth; that what they do in front of the public is a cover-up of what they truly feel. Kapamilya comedienne Pokwang is an exception.
Ha Thoughts Photo courtesy of Star Cinema
B
eing in show business for almost 10 years, the 43-year-old comic revealed that she has learned to always enjoy life and to opt to be happy no matter what. She added that it is through being happy within that you get to affect other people as well -- her fans most especially. She proved this when she starred in the comedy film, “The Illegal Wife,” opposite Zanjoe Marudo that had the moviegoers laughing from start to finish. In this film, she portrayed the role of a Filipina entertainer working in Japan who pretended to be the wife of Zanjoe who happens to be afflicted with amnesia. Pokwang, Marietta Subong in real life, admitted that her role in the said film is something that is close to her heart. Prior to her blossoming showbiz career, Pokwang used to be an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) in Japan for several years. She fell in love with a Japanese and their relationship was blessed with a child, Ria Mae, now 17 years old. Although her relationship with the father of her child has already ended, she always reminds Ria Mae not to harbor any ill feelings towards her Japanese dad. She also keeps an open mind if the time comes when her daughter would ask her permission to reconnect with his father. Pokwang also remem12
FILJAP MAGAZINE | JULY 2014
bered the sacrifices she has to endure then as an OFW, often times, failing to be present in the most important family occasions like attending her daughter’s birthdays and school events. Now, Pokwang is in a place where what she sees are the good things that are coming her way – a successful showbiz career, a better relationship with her daughter Ria Mae, supportive family and friends, among other things. “Ang sikreto diyan, enjoy lang. Magsaya lang. Happiness is the key to success. Lagi ka lang pasalamat. Thank you ka lang nang thank you,” Pokwang enthused in one of her interviews. Pokwang caught the public eye when she won in the stand-up comedy contest in Yes Yes Show’s Clown in a Million segment. She appeared in shows such as “Pinoy Big Brother,” “Aalog Alog,” “Banana Split,” “Wowowee,” “Happy Yippee Yehey!,” “My Little Juan,” and “Mirabella.” She has also released two albums entitled “Pokwang… Ang Album na May Puso” in 2009 and “Happy Yipee Yehey! Nananana!” in 2011. She has also interpreted the song “Hai,” which was included in the “Nagmamahal Kapamilya: Song for the Global Pinoy” album under Star Records. Pokwang is set to do a concert this year to celebrate her 10th year anniversary in show business.
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Magparehistro na!
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a ilalim ng Republic Act No. 9189 – “Overseas Absentee Voting Act of 2003” – na inamyendahan ng Republic Act No. 10590, ang lahat ng mga mamamayan ng Pilipinas sa ibang bansa na hindi diskwalipikadong bumoto ayon sa batas, hindi bababa sa labing-walong (18) taong gulang sa araw ng halalan sa 09 May 2016 at nakarehistro bilang isang “Absentee Voter” ay maaaring bumoto para sa halalan ng pagkaPangulo, Bise-Presidente, mga Senador at Party – List Representative. Upang makaboto sa eleksyon sa Pilipinas, ang lahat ng mamamayang Pilipinong kwalipikado ay nangangailangang magparehistro (kung hindi pa rehistrado bilang overseas absentee voter) o magpa”certify” (kung rehistrado na bilang botante sa Pilipinas at hindi pa rehistrado bilang absentee voter) upang makaboto sa susunod na Halalan 2016. Maaari ring magpalipat ng rehistro ng pagboto sa Embahada ang mga Pilipinong nakarehistro na sa ibang lugar sa Pilipinas o sa ibang bansa. Ang mga nakatira sa mga Prefecture ng Akita, Aomori, Chiba,
Fukushima, Gunma, Hokkaido, Ibaraki, Iwate, Kanagawa, Miyagi, Nagano, Niigata, Okinawa, Shizuoka, Tokyo, Yamagata at Yamanashi ay kailangang magparehistro at bumoto sa Embahada ng Pilipinas sa Tokyo. Tinatawagan ang lahat ng botanteng Pilipino na pumunta sa Embahada ng Pilipinas, 5-15-5 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo, mula ika9:00 ng umaga hanggang 12:00 ng tanghali, at mula ika-1:00 ng hapon hanggang 4:00 ng hapon, Lunes hanggang Biyernes (hindi kasama ang Sabado at Linggo, gayon din ang mga holiday) mula 6 May 2014 hanggang 31 October 2015, upang magparehistro. Dalhin po ang inyong valid passport at ang photocopy ng data page nito, gayundin ang iba pang dokumentong maaaring hingin kung magpapalipat ng rehistro o magpapabago ng pangalan (tulad ng marriage certificate, Alien Card o iba pang ID) para sa inyong aplikasyon. Handa pong tumulong ang Passport Unit ng Consular Section ng Embahada para sa inyong karagdagang katanungan. Pahalagahan ang karapatan bilang Pilipino! Magparehistro at bumoto! FILJAP MAGAZINE | JULY 2014 13
TRAVEL JAPAN
5 The
Most
Visited
Temples & Shrines in
Kyoto Photos by Din Eugenio
Located in the central part of the island of Honshu, Kyoto is an ancient city, which became the imperial capital of Japan for over 1,000 years. It is the country’s seventh largest city with a population of almost 1.5 million. Regarded as the cultural center of Japan, Kyoto is famous worldwide for its beautiful temples and shrines.
T
here are thousands of Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines in Kyoto. Some of the most visited attractions include the Kinkaku-ji Temple (Golden Pavilion), Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Yasaka-jinja Shrine, Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine and Heian-jingu Shrine.
Kinkaku-ji Temple (Golden Pavilion) Kinkaku-ji, formally known as Rokuon-ji, is said to be the symbol of Kyoto. It is a Zen temple located in the northern side of the city. Originally built as a villa for Ashikaga Yoshimitsu at the end of the 14th century, it was converted into a temple after his death. This temple is covered with gold and stands at the edge of a pond. It has been burnt down many times, and was rebuilt in 1955, with major improvement work performed in 1987. Kinkaku-ji is recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage.
Kiyomizu-dera Temple Designated as a National Treasure, Kiyomizu-dera Temple is one of the most famous temples in Kyoto. It was built in 778 while the main hall was constructed in the 17th century overhanging a cliff. Tourists marvel at the magnificent view of the city below. A three-storied pagoda, which is designated as an Important Cultural Property 14
FILJAP MAGAZINE | JULY 2014
by the national government can be found at the temple precinct.
Yasaka-jinja Shrine Built in 876, Yasaka-jinja Shrine is a popular downtown shrine situated between the Gion District and Higashiyama District. It entices many visitors throughout the year, especially during the Gion Festival in July.
Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine is the main headquarters of all the Inari shrines in Japan, and one of the oldest Shinto shrines in Kyoto. It was founded in 711 and widely popular for its thousands of vibrant orange torii gates.
Heian-jingu Shrine Established in 1895 to commemorate the 1100th anniversary of the founding of Heian Kyo, the former name of Kyoto, Heian-jingu Shrine draws large number of visitors to admire its large red front gate and beautiful gardens. It is a partial replica of the main administrative building of the Heian Capital and dedicated to Emperors Kammu and Komei.
culture and arts
Summer: The Season of
Fireworks By Herlyn Alegre
When the weather turns sunny and bright and the temperature starts to go up, most people would excitedly think of going to the beach for a cold splash or a long sunbathe for a beautiful tan. But summer in Japan has more to offer apart from beaches and water sports – breathtaking fireworks festivals.
I
n Japan, summer is known as the season of fireworks. Unlike in other countries, fireworks are not popularly used in Japan to celebrate the New Year. For the months of July and August, fireworks festivals or hanabi taikai are held all across Japan almost every week. The fireworks display is not only an expression of a long Japanese tradition to ward off evil spirits or pay respects to the ancestors, it is also a manifestation of the Japanese pyrotechnicians’ creativity and craftsmanship. Spectators usually go quite early to the area where the fireworks display will be held to get a good spot for it is expected to be really crowded. They bring their plastic mats and their favorite food. There are also several food stalls lining the banks of the river, selling cheap and delicious Japanese food like takoyaki, okonomiyaki and kakigori, a famous Japanese summer delicacy made of shaved ice. While waiting for the display, spectators can kill time by trying to catch a goldfish in some of the game stalls. This game, known as kingyou
s u ku i o r “goldfish scooping,” is popular during summer festivals. Just like going to the beach with family and friends, going to a fireworks festival is also a time of bonding and relaxation. Summer is not only for wearing skimpy bikinis and floral board shorts, it is also a perfect time for wearing the brightestcolored yukatas that match the splendor of the bursting fireworks in the night sky.
Top 5 Firework Festivals To Watch Out For Sumida Fireworks Festival, Tokyo. This festival has more than 200 years of history. This practice began as a commemoration of loved ones who had been affected by epidemics and famines. More than one million people gather along the Sumida River to see around 22,500 fireworks shells light up the Tokyo skyline. Nagaoka Fireworks Festival, Niigata. This festival began in 1946 to mark and inspire the reconstruction period of Japan right after the war. The fireworks display is held along the banks of the Shinano River, a 20-minute walk from the Nagaoka Station. This festival not only boasts its beautiful display of colorful lights in the sky, but it
also lights the river as spectators set out some paper lanterns into the water for the souls of their loved ones who had passed away. Approximately 20,000 fireworks shells are used for this two-day event. Tenjin Matsuri Fireworks Festival, Osaka. Tenjin Matsuri is held annually at Tenmangu Shrine in Osaka and is known as one of the best fireworks festival in the country. Around 1. 3 million people witness this festival and participate in rituals and land and boat processions every year to celebrate the appearance of the gods. Tokyo Bay Fireworks Festival, Tokyo. This festival is held north of the rainbow bridge, which creates a cinematic view of the whole metropolis with the Tokyo Tower highlighting the background. The fireworks display can be viewed in other areas like Odaiba, but the best place is on Harumi Park, a 15-minute walk from Toyosu Station. From here, a panoramic view of the Tokyo metropolis with 12,000 fireworks shells bursting in the Tokyo night sky can be best observed without interruptions. Miyajima Water Fireworks Display Festival, Hiroshima. This is one of the mustsee fireworks festivals in Japan because of the beauty created by the bursting water fireworks. When these fireworks explode in shallow water, they open in a semicircular shape over the water that creates shapes and forms of indescribable beauty. Not only that, the water fireworks burst perfectly in synch with the those in the sky, exploding with the torii of Itsukushima Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in the foreground. FILJAP MAGAZINE | JULY 2014 15
PHILIPPINE ADVENTURES
e Top Dsiv in the
Destination
s e n i p p i l i h P Photos by Juuyoh Tanaka
The Philippines was chosen as one of the top three dive destinations in the world for the Japanese market during the recently concluded Marine Diving Fair 2014 in Tokyo.
H
ere are some of the best dive destinations in the country you should not miss:
Puerto Galera
The foremost asset of Oriental Mindoro, Puerto Galera is blessed with one of the world’s most beautiful natural harbors. Known as the “Pearl of Mindoro,” it is worldfamous for splendid beaches, coral reefs, and exquisite dive sites for new and experienced divers alike. There are shallow coral gardens, interesting rock formations, and colorful species to watch, like crabs, shrimps, sea anemones, moray, and trumpet fishes.
Anilao, Batangas Located in the province of Batangas, it is not only ideal for poking around and observing marine life but also outstanding for macro photography. Multi-hued crinoids are prolific. The variety of nudibranchs is unmatched. Night dives are especially nice and often reveal unusual creatures like sea hares, sea goblins, catfish eels, ghost pipe fishes, blue-ringed octopuses, mandarin fishes, and snake eels.
Balicasag Island, Bohol Around Balicasag Island, you’ll find some of the best diving locations in the Philippines. Just in front of the resort, on the south side of the island is also some 400 meters of successfully protected marine sanctuary.
Malapascua Island, Cebu As a diving destination, Malapascua was “discovered” fairly recently, only in the early 90s. The island was first known for its wide white sand beach, known as “Bounty Beach;” it has also become known for its beautiful coral gardens and excellent dive spots nearby, including Monad Shoal, an underwater plateau where thresher sharks and manta rays can be sighted on a regular basis. To date, this is the only place in the world where divers can reliably sight thresher sharks.
Tubbataha Reef National Park, Palawan Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park is home to some of the most beautiful coral reefs in the world. Rising from the volcanic depths of the Sulu Sea in the western Philippines, these magnificent atolls encompass an astonishing diversity of marine life. The park is an underwater sanctuary where nature thrives. Tubbataha is the Philippines’ only marine natural park and is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a place of global importance being preserved for future generations of humankind.
Sarangani Bay A sense of discovery overwhelms one when approaching the eastern municipalities of Alabel, Malapatan and Glan, which face the tranquil waters of Sarangani Bay. These towns have beaches wonderfully preserved by protective coves, and shipwreck diving sites dating back to Spanish times. The bay is more popularly known to be the home of the Sarangani Bay bangus (milkfish). Turn over another stone and one will find that the bay is also home to simple village folk who have lived their lives carving and painting their dreams in the boats they build. 16
FILJAP MAGAZINE | JULY 2014
Source: Department of Tourism
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1. Little Divisoria Sari-Sari Store Gunma-ken, Isesaki-shi, Chuo-cho 11-4 Tel: 0270-23-2771 Mobile: 080-3517-9058
7. Karitela Chiba-ken, Matsudo-shi, Minoridai 127-1-203 Tel. 047-308-6535 Mobile: 090-3145-8313
2. Libis ng Nayon Ibaraki-ken, Chiuse-shi, Fujigaya 2716-1 Tel: 0296-37-1016 Mobile: 090-5784-0556
8. Global General Merchandising Kyoto-fu, Maizuru-shi, Enmanji 162-1 Tel. 0773-75-8186 / 0773-76-0712
3. Siete-Siete Aichi-ken, Kita-Nagoya-shi, Kujino Kitaura 22 Tel: 0568-24-3708 4. New Nanay’s Minato-ku, Roppongi 5-16-5 Imperial Roppongi 1 S101 Tel: 03-3505-4688 5. CY Fashion Yamanashi-ken, Kofu-shi, Satoyoshi 1-6-8 Joyfull Apex A-8 Tel: 055-267-6081 Mobile: 080-4144-2616 / 090-9000-2616 6. E-Mart Sari-Sari Store Tokyo-to, Kita-ku, Higashi-Jujo 4-4-9 Tel: 03-3914-7679
13. Palooza International Market Aichi-ken, Nagoya-shi, Atsuta-ku, Hataya 2-8-13 Tel. 052-682-5770
9. Prego Restaurant Gifu-ken, Gifu-shi, Yanagase-doori 5-15 Fuwa Bldg. 1F Tel: 0582-63-2660 Mobile: 090-2778-4558 10. Kabayan Sari-Sari Store Tokyo-to, Adachi-ku, Nishi Takenotsuka 2-1-29 Tel. 03-3890-0068 11. Kuya Ed Gifu-ken, Kani-shi, Dota Tel. 0574-26-9989 Mobile: 080-5028-0431
5047-3
12. Melanie’s Store Aichi-ken, Nishio-shi Yamashita-cho, Hachiman Yama 70-18 Mobile: 090-1742-9738
14. Aling Coring’s BAUHAUS Reine Bldg. 2F 5-3-4 Roppongi, Minato-Ku, Tokyo Tel: 03-3403-0092 15. Reche’s Phil. Mini Grocery Gifu-ken, Minokamo-shi, Kamogawa-chou 3-1-32 Tel. 0574-42-9620 Mobile: 090-9125-8775 16. Bangkok Store 332-0021 Saitama-ken, Kawaguchi-shi Nishi-Kawaguchi 1-5-12 Tel. 048-259-3054 17. MEKENI 251-0055 Kanagawa-ken, Fujisawa-shi, Minami Fujisawa 4-2 Kikuya Bldg. 3F Tel: 0466-29-5441 Mobile: 090-5767-5789 18. Club Rouge Asakusa 〒 111-0032 Tokyo-to Taiyouku Asakusa 5-30-11 2F Mobile: 090-1261-9626
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Tokyo Address: 114-0004 Tokyo-to, Kita-ku Horifune 1-26-14-501 Tel: 03-6903-2100 Fax: 03-6903-2101 Mobile: 080-1112-4682 Philippine Address: 407 Adalla Street, Palm Village, Makati City Philippines Filjap Licensed Tax Accountant / Mr. Abo Shuusei (Tokyo License Lawyer / Accountant) 20 FILJAP MAGAZINE | JULY 2014 Legal Adviser Iwasaki Yo 40913 Tokyo Lawyer Association