FilJap Magazine May 2015

¥0 ee Fr May 2015 Issue 29

Angelina Jolie

Strong and Fearless “Different is good.”

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Table of Contents 13

FilCom Watch ‘Imbisibol’ Sweeps Seven Awards at the 1st Sinag Maynila

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Cover Story Angelina Jolie Strong and Fearless

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Philippine Adventures Olango Island’s Sanctuary

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Faces Sharon Cuneta Comes Home To ABS-CBN

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Travel Japan Lively Dotonbori

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In Focus World Gathers in Japan To Agree On How To Manage Disaster Risk

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Spotlight ‘Mariquina’: An Interview With Director Milo Sogueco

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EDITOR’S NOTE Dear Readers, We at FILJAP Magazine are so overwhelmed with the response we received from the March issue – our 3rd Anniversary issue! Thank you so much for your wonderful support.

In our May issue, we present our cover story on Hollywood superstar and UN refugee envoy Angelina Jolie who recently made headlines when she revealed that she made the decision to have her ovaries and fallopian tubes removed as a preventative measure against cancer – a strong and courageous choice from a woman who has reinvented herself in the most admirable way.

Then there’s Megastar Sharon Cuneta who made a grand official showbiz comeback as a Kapamilya.

We also interviewed Filipino directors Milo Sogueco and Dodo Dayao who competed in the 10th Osaka Asian Film Festival.

The Golden Week is one of the busiest holidays in Japan – the perfect time for everyone to travel in and out of the country. And while you plan your getaway, let us first take you to Osaka’s famous entertainment district, Dotonbori.

We hope you all enjoy your Golden Florenda Corpuz Week!

Editor-in-Chief

issuu.com/filjapmag

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

Associate Editor: Nel Salvador Toll-Free Fax: 0800-919-3633

Contributing Writers: Arlene Donaire Editorial Office: 332-0034 Saitama-ken, Oliver Corpuz Kawaguchi-shi, Namiki 4-10-6

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E ditor ’ s P ic k

The world-famous Mt. Pinatubo crater-lake (Photo by Warren Marciano) FILJAP MAGAZINE | MAY 2015

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in focus

World Gathers

SENDAI, Japan – The world gathered here on March 14-18, for the third time in 21 years to agree on a new framework for managing disaster risk, which will reduce mortality and economic losses.

in Japan To Agree On How To Manage Disaster Risk Photos courtesy of UNISDR and the Office of Sen. Loren Legarda

Sen. Legarda with Ms. Margareta Wahlstrom, Special Representative of the UN Secretary General for DRR

Sen. Legarda and Cong. Rufus Rodriguez participate at the Parliamentary Meeting organized by the Inter-Parliamentary Union and the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction.

Sen. Legarda (front row, fourth from left) and parliamentarians from different nations gather at the IPU Parliamentary Meeting on Governance and Legislation for Disaster Risk Reduction.

On behalf of Pres. Aquino, Sen. Legarda, delivers the Philippine Official Statement

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ince the last such conference in Kobe, in January 2005, at least 700,000 people have died, 1.7 billion people have been affected and there have been $1.4 trillion in economic losses from major reported disaster events. The very first conference took place in Yokohama in 1994.

The Third UN World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction opened on March 14, in the presence of their Majesties, the Emperor and Empress of Japan, the UN Secretary-General, heads of State and government representatives from 187 UN member States.

Prior to the opening, government representatives met on March 13 in the Third Session of the Conference’s Preparatory Committee and discussed the text of the “Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030,” which was adopted on March 18, the closing day of 4

FILJAP MAGAZINE | MAY 2015

the conference.

The new framework outlines seven global targets to be achieved over the next 15 years: a substantial reduction in global disaster mortality; a substantial reduction in numbers of affected people; a reduction in economic losses in relation to global GDP; substantial reduction in disaster damage to critical infrastructure and disruption of basic services, including health and education facilities; an increase in the number of countries with national and local disaster risk reduction strategies by 2020; enhanced international cooperation; and increased access to multi-hazard early warning systems and disaster risk information and assessments.

“The adoption of this new framework for disaster risk reduction opens a major new chapter in sustainable development as it outlines clear targets and priorities

for action which will lead to a substantial reduction of disaster risk and losses in lives, livelihoods and health,” Special Representative of the UN Secretary General for Disaster Risk Reduction Margareta Wahlstroem said.

Philippine Delegation The members of the high-level Philippine Delegation to the Third UN World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (3WCDRR) arrived in Sendai with the aim of helping shape the new global framework for disaster risk reduction.

Social Welfare and Development Secretary Corazon “Dinky” Soliman, Head of the Philippine Delegation, and Senator Loren Legarda, Alternate Head of Delegation, led the high-level group of government officials, legislators and leaders of civil society group.

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Cover story

Photos by Din Eugenio

A

ngelina Jolie

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FILJAP MAGAZINE | MAY 2015

Strong and Fearless Hollywood superstar Angelina Jolie can be defined by the choices she makes that has allowed the world to see her with great awe, inspiration and respect. From making career decisions to lobbying humanitarian causes and advocacies to doing personal and life-threatening choices, the 39-year-old A-list actress-director-UN envoy-mother of six remains Strong and fearless.

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here were countless times Jolie, who’s married to equally popular and gorgeous Hollywod superstar Brad Pitt, has proven that she is a daredevil; one who will never be defeated by challenges and biased judgements.

She is not one to always conform to standards and norms. She dares to be different. And it pays off on her end.

In one of Jolie’s interviews, she was asked if she wanted the most coveted role of being a ‘Bond girl.’ Without hesitation, she said she doesn’t want to be a ‘Bond girl’ because she wants to be Bond.

Because she is a favorite subject of paparazzi, she has turned that spotlight onto Iran, Syria, Afghanistan and Africa’s refugee crisis as Goodwill Ambassador for the UN Refugee Agency.

She raised a beautiful family with Brad by having six children namely Maddox, Zahara, Pax, Shiloh, Know and Vivienne --- the first three were adopted from Cambodia, Ethiopia and Vietnam.

For someone who used to be branded as Hollywood’s wild girl who wore a vial with the blood of former flame Billy Bob Thornton in it, Jolie surely made bold moves to change herself into an admirable woman that she is today.

Recently, she was applauded by the inspiring message she gave to the kids in attendance at the Nickelodeon’s 28th Annual Kids’ Choice Awards where she won the Best Villain for her role in

“Maleficent.”

Wearing a black dress, she was seen hugging her two daughters Zahara and Shiloh who were delighted by the win. In her message, she assured all the kids that it is okay to be different, to not sit around and instead go for what they think they want and deserve.

“When I was little, like Maleficent, I was told that I was different. And I felt out of place -- too loud, too full of fire, never good at sitting still, never good at fitting in,” Angelina said who visited Japan to promote the film.

“And, then one day I realized something, something that I hope you all realize: Different is good,” she said, prompting enthusiastic screams from the young crowd.

“And, as your villain, I would also say cause a little trouble -- it’s good for you,” she said to the screams of the audience.

This came prior to her admission that she has decided to go for another surgery where her ovaries and fallopian tubes were removed to prevent the risk of getting ovarian cancer to which her mom was a victim.

In the opinion article she wrote for The New York Times, she said that it was another difficult decision but something that has to be made in order for her children not to lose a mother.

She has also decided to gone public with her medical decision to shed light

that people especially women are not as powerless when it comes to battling cancer; that having the right information and knowledge and doing something about is can save lives, can give a certain security and bond to families.

“It is not possible to remove all risk, and the fact is I remain prone to cancer.

I will look for natural ways to strengthen my immune system. I feel feminine, and grounded in the choices I am making for myself and my family. I know my children will never have to say, ‘Mom died of ovarian cancer’”, she wrote.

Last 2013, Jolie has also undergone a preventive double masectomy, a surgical removal of breasts, where she has 87% chance of getting it. After the surgery, her risk was significantly reduced to five percent.

Her medical decisions were a bold move that was supported by experts and doctors in the field. It has opened a new door for many to be more aware about cancer and how it can be defeated.

“It is not easy to make these decisions. But it is possible to take control and tackle head-on any health issue. You can seek advice, learn about the options and make choices that are right for you. Knowledge is power,” Angelina said at the end of her New York Times article.

Angelina is strong and fearless and there is no stopping this woman.

FILJAP MAGAZINE | MAY 2015

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FACES

sHARON CUNETa Co mes Home To AB S -CBN Text and photos courtesy of ABS-CBN

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haron Cuneta was formally announced as one of the jury members of “Your Face Sounds Familiar,” ABS-CBN’s newest variety show and the Megastar’s latest TV project.

For the first time in her career, the Megastar sits as a juror alongside Gary Valenciano and Jed Madela, to critique the live performances of eight celebrity performers, which include RnB King and new Kapamilya Jay-R, 6CycleMind vocalist Tutti Caringal, indie actor Edgar Allan Guzman, showbiz royalty Maxene Magalona, acoustic singer Nyoy Volante, comedienne Melai Cantiveros, singer-performer Karla Estrada and pop icon and actress Jolina Magdangal who impersonate popular local and international music icons in the said program.

The announcement was made following a contract signing that was attended by Sharon, ABS-CBN president and CEO Charo Santos-Concio, COO Carlo Katigbak, free TV head Cory Vidanes, chief financial officer Aldrin Cerrado, TV production head Laurenti Dyogi and business unit head Lui Andrada.

Filipinos have witnessed the Megastar’s versatility as an artist both on television and in film. In her 34 years in the industry, she has been known to be a multi-platinum recording artist, awardwinning actress, host, concert performer and endorser.

Apart from her credibility and

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FILJAP MAGAZINE | MAY 2015

experience as an entertainer, she has also endeared herself to audiences because of her fun personality and authenticity, which adds to the unique entertainment experience in “Your Face Sounds Familiar.”

For the past few days, Sharon has expressed her excitement over her latest TV project on social media, thrilling speculation among her fans.

“I love you all from the bottom of my heart for your unwavering love and support,” she told Sharonians on her Facebook page.

International RnB star Billy Crawford serves as host of the local version of “Your Face Sounds Familiar,” which premiered on March 14 on ABS-CBN and gives total transformation to its celebrity performers.

The Megastar has come home.

celebrity news

Filipino Love and Optimism Shine in

ABS-CBN’s Summer Station ID Love shines through this summer with ABS-CBN as the network premiered its highly-anticipated and newest station ID “Shine, Pilipinas” last April 12 on “ASAP 20.”

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his year’s theme song performed

by Liza Soberano and Enrique Gil or more popularly known as the “LizQuen” love team from hit teleserye “Forevermore,” aims to show how Filipinos express their love and how this love gives us strength to smile through difficult times.

“Shine Pilipinas” serves as a battle cry that urges us to keep the fire burning and a summer anthem that empowers us to

Text and Photos courtesy of ABS-CBN move to the beat of positivity.

More than a hundred Kapamilya stars were once again gathered to give life to this year’s campaign conceptualized and created by ABS-CBN Creative Communications Management.

The “Shine, Pilipinas” theme song was

written by Eric Po and Lloyd Oliver Corpuz, with music composed and produced by Marcus and Amber Davis.

The 2015 Summer Station ID team was headed by Robert G. Labayen, Johnny Delos Santos and Patrick De Leon. It was directed by Paolo Ramos and Peewee Gonzales.

FILJAP MAGAZINE | MAY 2015

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spotlight OSAKA, Japan – Filipino director Milo Sogueco is at the Osaka Asian Film Festival (OAFF) this year with his new feature, “Mariquina” – a subdued, sensitive and sublime film about a woman named Imelda who is in search for the perfect pair of wingtips for her dead shoemaker father, Romeo.

‘Mariquina’:

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EXCLUSI

An Interview With Director Milo Sogueco Photos by Din Eugenio

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ILJAP Magazine’s editor-in-chief Florenda Corpuz sat down with Sogueco for a one-on-one interview.

What inspired this film?

The philosophy behind the movie occurred to me at a time wherein I was so frustrated in our country. I was trying to look for answers on why is the Philippines poor?

Why we have so many problems? My first realization was Filipinos have an identity problem. We really don’t know who we are as a nation, as a race. I said to myself, as a filmmaker, how do I translate that into a movie? First, I wrote a story together with my co-writers Henry Burgos and Gay Ace Domingo before it was screenplayed by Jerrold Tarog.

Is the story work of fiction or based on real events?

Well, you can’t really say fiction because I think as a filmmaker, there will always be things that either you’ve observed through other people’s lives or things that perhaps happened to you also. I always say this, for a character to make an impact to the audience, the filmmaker has to have enough empathy to be able to convey his language.

This film is very universal. It talks about human emotions, which is so basic.

What was the most challenging thing about making this film?

Well, for one it’s an independent movie so you have limited access to funds, although Ten17P helped me after the seed grant from Cinemalaya. Cinemalaya helped us with a lot of exposure.

Time constraints because when you have a small budget, you have to finish the 12

FILJAP MAGAZINE | MAY 2015

film at a certain number of days and the biggest challenge for me happened during the pre-production – the planning stage, which is the secret to an effective shooting days.

Former first lady Imelda Marcos’ cameo appearance was very remarkable.

How did you convince her?

Most are curious on how I got her. But when you talk about shoes, then Imelda Marcos goes. It was very easy for me to make a phone call. People actually think that my movie was political but it’s not. It just talks about shoes.

And also, it is a fact that when you talk to the Marikina shoemakers, especially of the ‘70s and the ‘80s, they really gifted her with a lot of shoes that time.

What does it mean to you to have a film at OAFF? And what do you hope to get out of it?

This is my first time to show a movie in Japan. I’m excited now that I have seen how the Japanese people reacted to it because if you go to a different country, there’s always a different culture. But like what I’ve told you, “Mariquina” is a movie that involves a lot of heart. And heart crosses cultures and boundaries. It actually climbs up fences or walls. Kung naka-relate ang mga Hapon, effective siya. Masaya ako bilang filmmaker kasi nakapag-communicate ako sa kanila nang maayos.

What do you think is the movie’s impact to the Japanese audience?

I’ve been talking to them about family and they told me that it’s not like the old days wherein families were very close

because now they are kind of losing that sense of family in their culture. Of course, “Mariquina” is a family-oriented film, so they become a bit nostalgic once they know that this is a family drama. They were also very happy about the Filipino shoemaking craftsmanship because artistry is a big part of the Japanese culture.

Did you get financial support from the local government of Marikina?

Marikina was fanstastic. One of my logistics was handled by Marikina and it was flawless. The city administrator, the Office of the Mayor, even the police out in the streets were very supportive. They even gave us food. They were so welcoming.

What is your message to aspiring Filipino filmmakers here in Japan?

First, as Filipinos, we all have an identity crisis. Let’s try our best to at least not forget who we are and where we started. Sabi nga ni Jose Rizal, “ang hindi marunong lumingon sa pinanggalingan, hindi makakarating sa paroroonan.” I’m not saying that you should go back to the Philippines, it’s a decision of an individual.

Just remain to who you are as an artist, if you are influenced by Japanese cinema, or by Filipino cinema, or you want to experiment, just do so. Make mistakes.

That’s how you learn. And continue with the passion of making films. If you have a strong story to tell, and you are believable and trustworthy, help will come.

After OAFF, what’s next for you and “Mariquina?”

More festivals abroad and a commercial run in regular theaters in the Philippines.

‘Imbisibol’ Sweeps Seven Awards at the 1st Sinag Maynila

FILCOM WATCH

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he movie “Imbisibol,” directed by Lawrence Fajardo, swept almost all of the awards at the Sinag Maynila Gabi ng Parangal held last March 21 at Sky Park, SM Aura, Philippines.

The first ever Sinag Maynila, a new festival of independent

films by Filipino filmmakers, ran at selected SM Cinemas from March 18-24. The awards bagged by “Imbisibol” included best production design (Rolando Inocencio and Lawrence Fajardo), best cinematography (Boy Yniguez), best screenplay (Herlyn Alegre

Valentines Bingo 2015 of PFPIJ

and John Bedia), best actor (Allen Dizon), best actress (Ces Quesada tied with Alessandra de Rossi for the film “Bambanti”), best director (Lawrence Fajardo) and best film. “Ninja Party” won the people’s choice award.

“Imbisibol” essays the lives of four migrant workers in Japan that reflects the difficult challenges faced by millions of Filipinos who decide to go overseas in search of a better future for their families.

Other films included in the festival were “Swap” and “Balut Country.” Sinag Manila was organized by multiawarded filmmaker Brillante Mendoza in collaboration with Wilson Tieng of Solar Entertainment, Inc.

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he Philippine Federation of Panay Islands in Japan (PFPIJ) successfully raised more than 300,000 yen during their Valentines Bingo 2015 event last February 8 to support charity projects in the Philippines.

The PFPIJ is a nonprofit, non-sectarian and nonpolitical federation composed of Filipinos from Panay Islands who are working and living in Japan.

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Be sure to include your name and place of residence.

L-R: Ivy Berigundo, Syda Salva Quezon City, Philippines

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

FILJAP MAGAZINE | MAY 2015

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philippine adventureS

Olango

Island’s

Sanctuary

Text by Arlene Donaire Photos by Arlene Donaire & Dr. Clem Macasiano

“Nature unfolds her treasure at the first ray of sunrise.” — Kishore Bansal Olango Island is not your usual tourism destination. One needs to seek it out, past the regular tourism offerings of Cebu. For those that make a deliberate effort, Olango Island will reveal its beauty at the start of the morning. On arriving in the island’s Sta. Rosa Port, one is immediately transported to a bucolic coastal community whose life-rhythm follows the tides.

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Text by Arlene Donaire Photos by Arlene Donaire & Dr. Clem Macasiano

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lango is part of a 7-island cluster (including Gilutongan, Sulpa, Nalsuan, Caohagan, Pangan-an and Camungi) called the “Olango Island Group.” It is located just across Cebu’s Mactan Island, a short 5-kilometer boat ride from the port in Punta Engano on the northern tip of Mactan. The islands are surrounded by one of the most extensive reef areas in the country. They are low-lying with an elevation that goes up to no more than 10 meters above sea level at highest tide and is relatively flat.

These islands’ richly diverse ecosystem is comprised of extensive sandy beaches, rocky shoreline, inshore flats, sea grass beds, coral reefs, mangrove forest, mudflats, and salt marsh grasslands.

At the center of the islands is a tidal flatland, which includes the 920-hectare area of the Olango Island Wildlife Sanctuary. Since the island is virtually flat, surrounded by warm tropical seas, and relatively sheltered from monsoon and strong winds, it makes it ideal as transient home for many migratory birds coming from the colder regions - Siberia, Northern China and Japan during their winter season. Olango is sanctuary to the

largest number of migratory birds found so far in the Philippines - 97 species, 48 of which are migratory species, while the rest are indigenous to the island. The migratory species stop by the sanctuary on their southward journey to Australia and New Zealand and on their homeward bound flights to their nesting grounds.

One of the best times, therefore, to visit Olango is around the months of July to November, which is wintertime in the Northern Hemisphere, when the migrant flocks converge. In 1992, then President Corazon Aquino declared the Olango tidal flats protected area. Currently, the Olango sanctuary is maintained and cared for by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

Aside from being a well-known bird sanctuary, Olango has diverse diving points that are home to various marine species, as common as tuna and snappers and as rare as hammerheads or whale sharks tuna. Because pristine white beaches surround the island, there are numerous resorts offering simple but decent accommodations around these areas. For those that may be interested to witness an unusual character of the

island life, visit Olango during it’s BaliwBaliw Festival, traditionally held every May in Sta. Rosa. The bizaare festival shows local folks garbed in unusual costumes, carrying unlikely props or simply behaving in illogical fashion.

The festival is supposed to “symbolize the confusion of the faithful, who chose to illustrate their struggles in life through rituals learned from their pagan ancestors. The word baliw is a vernacular for strange.

It wouldn’t be such a “baliw” (strange) proposition to spend a day or a couple of days in the island despite the absence of 5-star accommodations. The adventurer who is in search for “unique experiences” will greatly appreciate the island’s charm.

To get the most of your bird-watching adventure, remember to contact the DENR field office and best be reminded to come at the first ray of sunrise, when the island reveals its secrets. *Dr. Clem Macasiano is a dentist and professional photographer who advocates Philippine wild birds and environmental conservation. His bird photos have been exhibited and published in many venues.

FILJAP MAGAZINE | MAY 2015

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travel japan

Lively

Dotonbori “Having a film at this year’s OAFF means a lot to me because this is the first international festival the film has gone to. That in itself is momentous. I’m a big fan of Japanese films and I love Japan!”

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saka City attracts millions of local and foreign tourists every year because of its lively nightlife, delicious regional cuisines and warm, friendly people.

One of the city’s most popular tourist spots is Dotonbori in the Minami (south) area. Historically a theater district, it is now an amusement district and a mecca for the kuidaore food culture characterized by its eccentric atmosphere and huge, illuminated signboards. Here, you can find dozens of small bars and restaurants where local and foreign tourists can enjoy eating regional cuisines like takoyaki, okonomiyaki and ikayaki.

At night, both sides of the Dotonbori-gawa Canal is lit up by neon lights and mechanized signs, including the famous Glico Running Man image that was modelled after a Filipino sprinter named Fortunato Catalon.

Osaka Prefecture is situated on the main island of Honshu. It has 43 municipalities including Osaka City, which is Japan’s second most important and third largest city with a population of 2.6 million and an area of 221 square kilometers.

The recently concluded 10th Osaka Asian Film Festival has held various events including a “Nakanoshima Cruise with Asian filmmakers and guests” that sailed out of Hotarumachi port and navigated through central Osaka. “Violator” director Dodo Dayao (foremost right) and producer Tonee Acejo (3rd from left) joined the cruise. Dotonbori was the final stop on this itinerary.

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