FilJap Magazine November 2015

NOVEMBER 2015 Issue 35

Free 짜0 Nora Aunor

Stars in Three Films at 28th TIFF

Manny Pacquiao

Keanu Reeves and Hugh Jackman

Graces Philippine Festival 2015 in

Tokyo

Daniel

Touch Down in

Tokyo

Padilla

Feels Good Living the Dream

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what’s inside...

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12 13 14 16 Payong legal Proseso ng Pag-aampon

Japan Adventures Philippine Adventurer Goes to Japan

travel japan Fantastic Fukuoka

Special Feature Nora Aunor Stars in Three Films at Tokyo International Film Festival

Celebrity News Keanu Reeves and Hugh Jackman Touch Down in Tokyo to Promote Latest Films

COVER STORY Daniel Padilla Feels Good Living the Dream

In Focus Manny Pacquiao Graces Philippine Festival 2015 in Tokyo

NOV 2015

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Editor’s Pick

EDITOR’S NOTE

T

he prestigious 28th Tokyo International Film Festival (TIFF) has already kicked off! And in the past two years that we are covering this event, we brought you exclusive interviews and celebrity scoops on our contingent of young and dynamic Filipino cinematic talents.

Yes, we are proud to say that our extensive TIFF coverages paved the way for other Philippine media.

This year, we are thrilled again to bring you some exciting highlights and sidelights from what is unquestionably one of the world’s biggest film festivals! And we hope you will look forward to it in our December issue. In the meantime, please enjoy reading our latest offering.

Florenda Corpuz Editor-in-Chief

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A woman holds a copy of FILJAP Magazine October 2015 issue featuring James Reid and Nadine Lustre at the Philippine Festival in Yoyogi Park.

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FILJAP MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER 2015

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IN FOCUS

Manny Pacquiao Graces Philippine Festival 2015 in Tokyo Photos by of Al Eugenio

TOKYO, Japan – Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao, who claimed international fame by being the first eight-division world champion, graced the Philippine Festival 2015 held on Sept. 19 at Yoyogi Park.

Being one of the biggest gatherings of the Filipino community in Japan, Pacquiao’s appearance served as inspiration to thousands of OFWs whose success story is worthy of emulation.

H

e openly talked about his life in the past where he had to eat tuyo and bagoong almost everyday and still remained thankful because there were days then that they didn’t have anything to eat. This fueled him to work hard in order to turn his life and that of his family around.

“Malungkot din, minsan naaalala ko kaya ganoon na lang ang malasakit ko sa mga kababayan natin na nangangailangan ng tulong.”

He praised all the Filipinos gathered in the park for exhibiting the Filipino spirit and for choosing to work in a foreign land in order to provide a better life for their families back home. Pacquiao, also known as the “Pambansang Kamao,” also applauded the Filipino community for still observing the Filipino culture and traditions while in Japan.

“I feel that upon entering Yoyogi Park, I was transported to a small town in the Philippines celebrating its fiesta. There is so much color, so much fun, so much life, very Filipino,” he said.

In his speech, he emphasized the three remarkable qualities of the Filipino people: hospitality, love of life, and faith in God. 4 FILJAP MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER

made us the most resilient people in the world. Ako po ay dumaan sa maraming pagkatalo pero hindi po tayo sumuko at patuloy na lumalaban sa tulong ng Panginoon,” he added.

He also recalled how memorable Japan was in his career because one of his first boxing matches happened in 1998 at Korakuen Hall where he won via KO over his opponent. It was his first and last match in Japan but until Pacquiao is all smiles as he waits to be introduced know he’s still keeping his boxing license that he got from beside Ambassador and Madame Lopez that fight.

He also took the “The Filipinos are known throughout the world for many things and this opportunity to inform the Filipinos present event that we are celebrating today, a in the gathering that he’s about to open a fiesta, showcases three of Filipinos most gym in Japan, especially for OFWs. “Asahan ninyo na maraming Manny remarkable qualities. First, hospitality, wala nang hihigit pa sa pagtanggap ng mga Pacquiao Gym ang makikita ninyo rito para Pilipino tulad na lang ng pagtanggap ninyo pag-uwi niyo sa Pilipinas ay malakas ang katawan ninyo,” he said with a smile. sa akin.

Having Pacquiao as one of the guests “You know why I won so many titles?

Because wherever I fought, the Filipinos in the Philippine Festival 2015 is a reminder are there to make me feel at home. Isa kayo of how resilient Filipinos are and how with sa mga nagpapalakas ng aking loob na determination, hard work and faith can lead to more possibilities and opportunities and pagbutihan at ipanalo ang laban ko.

“Second, ang love of life ng mga eventually success.

Most importantly, Pacquiao’s presence Pilipino na makikita sa kanilang pagiging joyful at amiable. There can be no greater reminds us of home, that even if we are sacrifice than the sacrifice of our OFWs who forced by circumstances to work abroad, leave their country and families behind to we also have a choice to go back, and that no matter what happens, Filipinos will better their lives.

“Third is the Filipinos’ faith in God that always help one another.

2015

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Cover story

Daniel Padilla Feels Good Living the Dream

It’s not hard to miss Daniel Padilla. You open the TV and you can see him move the viewers to tears in a drama series that is setting social media on fire every night, or charms his way in every major advertisement. You turn the radio on and you can hear his songs being played. You drive around the metro and you’ll find yourself staring at a billboard of him. You score for a magazine and most likely, you’ll end up buying one with him on the cover.

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FILJAP MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER 2015

Photos courtesy of Star Music

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nything that the 20-year-old enigmatic actor do will always be a hit to the fans – teens most specifically – eliciting screams and shrieks and even tears of joy wherever he goes. Charge it to his charisma that probably is born out from being a part of the popular Padilla clan, the kind that made his uncle Robin Padilla one of the most bankable stars of his time.

But unlike his uncle, Daniel opted for a more wholesome, boy next door image that never fails to make hearts a-flutter. His teamup with Kathryn Bernardo has become phenomenal making them the “Teen King and Queen” of showbiz with three primetime series and four movies under their names that consistently topped the ratings game and made a killing in the box office hits.

Daniel and Kathryn, collectively known as KathNiel, star in the modern retelling of the classic love story between Angelo and Yna in the 2015 remake of “Pangako Sa ’Yo” that is currently making waves on primetime TV. Prior to Pangako Sa‘Yo, KathNiel starred in “Princess and I” and “Got To Believe.”

Their latest movie “Crazy Beautiful You” shown earlier this year broke records by earning Php5 million on its first hour of showing and Php38 million on its first day and has earned an estimated Php220 million making it a successful blockbuster movie and widely watched for this year. Their other past films include “Must Be… Love,” “Pagpag: Siyam na Buhay” and “She’s Dating a Gangster.”

DJ’s ‘I Feel Good’ Apart from acting, Daniel or DJ to most fans is into singing.

In fact, before being caught up in showbiz commitments, DJ has his own band. That is why making an album came naturally via his self-titled album in 2012, “DJP” in 2013, “I Heart You” in 2014 and “I Feel Good” in 2015 with the first three reaching platinum status.

His song “Nasa Iyo Na Ang Lahat” was a huge hit and has garnered major airplays on different radio stations.

Early this year, DJ released his newest album “I Feel Good” that showed his love for classic songs as he personally handpicked all that is included in the album. He considers his fourth and latest album as his favorite because it shows what an old soul he is.

“Ever since I was a kid, I’ve always listened to old songs, even until now. I would say that this is the album I enjoyed making the most among all my albums,” he said.

The track list of “I Feel Good” includes Daniel’s swoon-worthy versions of “Isn’t She Lovely,” “How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You),” “Moon River,” “I Got You (I Feel Good),” “My Girl,” “Isn’t She Lovely,” “Knocks Me Off My Feet,” “For Once in My Life,” “Morning Girl,” and “Handog.” It also features his own version of “Pangako Sa‘Yo,” the theme song of his top-rating teleserye with Kathryn, as well as the chart-topper “Simpleng Tulad Mo.” Cool With Healthy Competition Daniel is quick to dismiss the rumors about a feud between Kathniel and the tandem of James Reid and Nadine Lustre, JaDine to fans, whose series “On the Wings of Love” is doing well and is being aired after “Pangako Sa’Yo.” The son of actors Rommel Padilla and Karla Estrada emphasized that there is really no competition since they both belong to the same network.

“Sa amin ni Kathryn, walang kumpitensiya. Kumbaga, wala tayong kalaban. Kami naman ay nagtatrabaho lang kaya enjoy lang kami. Huwag tayong maglaban-laban dito,” he said in an interview.

In fact, KathNiel recently shared the stage with JaDine and Liza Soberano and Enrique Gil (LizQuen) in the anniversary episode of “It’s Showtime,” a rare treat to fans who have been requesting for one stage production of the three bankable loveteams of this generation.

“Hindi kailangang mag-away. Siyempre, nagsisimula naman ‘yan sa may nagsalita ‘tapos pinapatulan. Huwag na lang patulan kapag may nagsalita dahil hindi naman kailangan ‘yon. Hindi naman kailangan ng ganon,” he added.

With this kind of attitude coupled with acting and singing talent, there’s no doubt that Daniel is a worthy heir to the Padilla clan’s showbiz throne. The Teen King is here to stay.

FILJAP MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER 2015

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CELEBRITY NEWS

Keanu Reeves and Hugh Jackman Touch Down in Tokyo to Promote Latest Films Text by Florenda Corpuz Photos by Din Eugenio

TOKYO, Japan – Japanese fans were treated to two days of Hollywood glitter as A-list actors Keanu Reeves and Hugh Jackman graced the Japan premiere of their latest films, “John Wick” and “Pan” on Sept. 30 and Oct. 1, respectively.

Keanu Reeves with Judo icon Tadahiro Nomura

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FILJAP MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER 2015

L-R: Director Joe Wright, Levi Miller, Seiko Matsuda and Hugh Jackman

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eeves hit the red carpet premiere of his action thriller film “John Wick” at Differ Ariake Arena.

“Minna-san, konbanwa! Thank you very much for coming tonight. It’s a great honor for me to be here to promote ‘John Wick.’ Domo arigato gozaimashita,” The Matrix star greeted the crowd.

“I love the life in Japan. I’ve met and worked with so many wonderful people here. The food is pretty good.

The culture and architecture are fantastic. It’s always great to be here and to discover it more,” he added.

The following day, Jackman met fans at Roppongi Hills Arena as he attended the red carpet premiere of the Peter Pan inspired-film, “Pan,” in which he plays the role of Blackbeard, together with director Joe Wright and co-star Levi Miller.

“I’m happy to be here again in the beautiful city of Tokyo with its beautiful people. It always feels like a dream,” the Australian actor who is famous for his role as Wolverine said.

“I feel really blessed to be part of this film. It has such art, great adventure, great action, the visual effects like nothing you’ve ever seen before. As an adult, watching the film made me feel like a little kid again. I really enjoyed it,” he shared.

“John Wick” opened in Japan on Oct. 16 while “Pan” was shown on Oct. 31.

FACES

Japanese singer-actress Seiko Matsuda

FILJAP MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER 2015

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FILJAP MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER 2015

FILJAP MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER 2015

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special feaTURE

N

oraAunor Stars in Three Films at Tokyo International Film Festival TOKYO, Japan – Philippine showbiz icon and superstar Nora Aunor has three films to be shown at the 28th Tokyo International Film Festival on October 22-31 at Roppongi Hills and other venues.

T

hese films are Brillante Mendoza’s “Taklub” and “Thy Womb” and the digitally restored version of the Ishmael Bernal classic “Himala,” which will be screened at the Crosscut Asia #2 section of the prestigious festival under the theme “The Heat of Philippine Cinema.”

In “Taklub,” a film about the aftermath of Yolanda, Aunor plays the role of Bebeth who searches for the remains of her three children in the hope that any identified records could match a DNA test from those buried at the mass grave.

“Thy Womb” has Aunor playing the role of a Badjao midwife who is unable to have an offspring.

In “Himala,” Aunor portrays the role of Elsa, a simple barrio lass whose visions of the Virgin Mary change her life.

In addition to these films, seven more critically-acclaimed Filipino indie films will

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Text by Florenda Corpuz be screened -- “Foster Child,” “Serbis” and “Lola” directed by Mendoza, “Balut Country”

by Paul Sta. Ana, “Imbisibol” by Lawrence Fajardo, “BalikBayan#1 Memories of Overdevelopment Redux III.5” by Kidlat Tahimik and Paul Soriano’s “Kid Kulafu.”

Mendoza is one of three directors of the “Asian Three-Fold Mirror,” which also includes Isao Yukisada of Japan and Sotho Kulikar of Cambodia. They will shoot the omnibus film project to several countries in Asia, and the world premiere of their completed project will be shown at TIFF next year.

“I appreciate that TIFF will show five of my films this year,” Mendoza said who won the 2009 Cannes best director for his film “Kinatay.”

Moreover, the Competition section will feature 16 films, selected from 1,409 titles from 86 countries and regions. The said

FILJAP MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER 2015

films will compete for the Tokyo Sakura Grand Prix.

Hollywood director, writer and producer Bryan Singer, known for “The Usual Suspects” and “X-Men 2” will preside over the Competition jury this year.

This year’s recipients of the Samurai Award are internationally acclaimed director John Woo and Japanese filmmaker Yoji Yamada who will be commended for their outstanding achievements in filmmaking.

The festival’s opening film will be Robert Zemeckis’ “The Walk” starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt, while Tetsuo Shinohara’s “Terminal” starring Koichi Sato will close the fest.

TIFF is one of the biggest film festivals in Asia. It offers film fans the chance to watch high-quality, world-class films from Japan and other countries.

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Filipino cubist painter and illustrator Vicente Manansala’s work, “Juan Luna’s Blood Compact” is being displayed at the Fukuoka Asian Art Museum.

Fukuoka Prize 2015 laureates are Thant Myint-U, a famous historian from Myanmar who won Grand Prize, Indian historian and sociologist Ramachandra Guha, who took home the Academic Prize and Vietnamese fashion designer Minh Hanh, who won the Arts and Culture Prize.

Yatai is one of Fukuoka’s best known symbols.

Fukuoka is the birthplace of the famous Hakata Ramen.

The cast and crew of “Imbisibol,” a film about OFWs in Japan, attend the opening ceremony of the Focus on Asia International Film Festival Fukuoka 2015

Fantastic Fukuoka

Text and photos by Florenda Corpuz

Fukuoka Prefecture is situated on the northern part of Japan’s third largest island, Kyushu. It has 28 cities including Fukuoka City, the prefectural capital, and one of the country’s ten largest metropolises, with an area of 341 square kilometers and a population of approximately 1.4 million people.

D

ubbed the “Gateway to Asia,” Fukuoka City entices not only millions of local visitors from across Japan yearly, but also foreign tourists from different countries all over the world. It is accessible from its Asian neighbors, lying just an hour and 10 minutes from Seoul, an hour and a half from Shanghai, two and a half hours from Taipei and three and half hours from Manila by plane.

There’s a lot to see and experience in Fukuoka City, making it the best travel destination to visit. Some of the most popular tourist spots here include Yanagibashi Rengo Fish Market, a 100-meter arcade that houses 47 stalls, 17 of which are fish shops where you can buy the fresh catch

TOKYO, Japan – Eight-division Filipino boxing champion and

of the day; Hakata Japan, where you can find the most famous local handicraft in the city – the Hakata-ori textile; Fukuoka Asian Art Museum, the only museum in the world that systematically collects and exhibits Asian modern and contemporary art; Kushida Shrine, the most important Shinto Shrine in the area where Fukuoka’s most well known festival, the Hakata Gion Yamakasa, is being held; Tocho Temple, where you can find one of the largest seated Buddhas in the country at over 10 meters high; Fukuoka Tower, the highest seaside tower in Japan with a height 234 meters; Robosquare that sells robotics and showcases robot performances and exhibits; and Fukuoka Art Museum, which houses a large collection of pre-modern,

modern and contemporary artworks including many Ukiyo-e masterpieces.

Aside from the tourist attractions, you will also love Fukuoka City’s local food and dishes by eating at a Yatai (street-side food stall), along with many restaurants.

The warm hospitality of the genuine and friendly people of Fukuoka City is truly something you have to experience yourself as well!

Every year around September, Fukuoka City celebrates Asia month where it holds various cultural, academic, and art events such as the award ceremony for the Fukuoka Prize, which is being held at the International Congress Center and the Focus on Asia International Film Festival Fukuoka at the Canal City Hakata.

FILJAP MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER 2015

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japan adventures

A

p

n e t v u d r e r e n i p p i l ih oes to apan

G J Text and photos by Arlene Donaire

Back in 2010 to 2011, I lived and worked for a year in Tokyo, oftentimes roaming its locales on weekends with friends or by myself. For someone like me who relishes exploring unfamiliar places largely due to my interest in photography, being in Tokyo for a year, however, was not nearly enough to satiate the senses with the country’s fascinating sights and culture.

Even when I was somewhat frazzled by my unnerving experience in the 2011 earthquake, I yearned to come back because I was enchanted by this eclectic country.

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FILJAP MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER 2015

F

inally, last September, after four years, I had the chance to travel again to Japan with my sister’s family - her spouse and two teenaged children. The trip, which we intended really to be a treat for the kids, was just remarkable and memorable!

We spent eight days in Tokyo and Osaka, visiting popular tourism sites, sampling the local cuisine, meeting old friends, and simply enjoying precious family bonding times. To make the best of our limited time in both cities, we only visited the locales that were most accessible and appealing to our young travel-mates. Of course a lot of walking was involved, as is customary even among the locals, which meant we also stopped often to nourish and rehydrate. My family is a huge fan of Japanese food, so no one really complained about eating too much onigiri and ramen.

In Tokyo, we hiked in the verdant Imperial Park grounds; walked the Shibuya crossing and watched the pedestrian shuffle from a third level coffee shop; sampled takoyaki balls and delightful handmade candies in Harajuku and lingered a bit in Meiji Shrine; marveled at the interesting craft and local delicacy shops of Asakusa and befriended some charming young women who were wearing their traditional colorful summer kimonos; roamed around Roponggi Hills’ main district and experienced lunch in a “classroom ramen” restaurant; and in Odaiba, had a bit of pleasant disorientation when we saw the Statue of Liberty against the backdrop of the Rainbow Bridge and posed with Hollywood stars in Madame Tussaud’s wax museum!

In Osaka, our itinerary was driven by the kids’ desire to visit the theme parks – Universal Studios and the Aquarium, which didn’t disappoint. Because we came on a weekend, there were hordes of visitors but this didn’t diminish the delightfulness of the experience. We’ve been to similar attractions in the US and Singapore I must say these were comparable. More hiking around the Osaka Castle and Namba Walk meant more stops to sample Japanese delicacies and bargain shopping too! We were also able to make a quick side visit to Kyoto – the Asahi Art Museum and the Gion District. Rains made us decide not to visit the temples and parks that Kyoto is so well known for.

It was not too difficult to find our

way around the two cities because of our previous travels in Japan and familiarity with the local transport system, which is really efficient. One of the pleasantly surprising things to a foreign visitor in Tokyo and Osaka, is that despite the modernity and fast-paced life in these cities, the Japanese are a friendly and helpful people; willing to stop what they’re doing to reply to questions and give directions to the dazed tourists. It was an overall great family vacation punctuated by reunions with friends and a nostalgic visit to Toyosu, where I lived for a year. Not much had changed since 2011 but then again, there is always something new to appreciate. Looking forward to another trip next year!

FILJAP MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER 2015

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Payong Legal

Proseso ng Pag-aampon Ni Atty. Cheska Maude L. Arraiza

Sa isyung ito, tatalakayin natin ang proseso ng pag-aampon. Ang prosesong ito ay isang “simplified procedure” upang maintindihan ng mga mambabasa na walang masyadong kaalaman sa legal na aspeto ng pag-aampon.

Ito ay maaaring magkaroon ng pagkakaiba depende sa bawat kaso ng isang kliyente. Marapat na sumangguni pa rin sa isang abogado sa mga karagdagang katanungan.

Proseso ng Pag-aampon: 1. Kailangang sumailalim ang mga magaampon sa isang Adoption Counseling kung saan ay ipinapaliwanag at ipinapaalam ang importansiya ng pag-aampon sa mga adopter/s. Kapag nais pa rin ng adopter/s na magampon, kailangang mag-file ng isang application/petition. Kung sa ilalim ng Domestic Adoption (“DA”), ito ay ifa-file sa Regional Trial Court na tinalagang Family Court ng lugar kung saan naninirahan ang mga adopter/s.

Sa ilalim naman ng Inter Country Adoption (“ICA”), ito ay maaring i-file sa Family Court kung saan nakatira o matatagpuan ang bata na aampunin o sa ilalim ng Inter-Country Adoption Board sa pamamagitan ng isang government o government accredited agency na sumagawa ng prosesong pag-aampon sa bansa ng mga nagnanais na pagampon.

2. Pagkatapos mai-file ang application, sa DA ito ay kailangang dumaan sa 16

isang case study na isasagawa ng isang lisensiyadong social worker bago dinggin ng court o hukuman ang petition. Sa ICA, kung nai-file sa Family Court, ito ay titingnan kung ang petisyon ay sapat sa form at substance. Kapag ito ay sapat, ang petisyon ay ililipat sa Inter-Country Adoption Board (“ICAB”).

Kung nai-file naman ng diretso sa ICAB, magsasagawa sila ng proseso ng pagtutugma o matching sa aampunin at mag-aampon. Matapos ang nasabing matching, ang bata ay susunduin upang isagawa ang nasasabing Trial Custody na isasagawa sa labas ng bansang Pilipinas.

3. Sa Supervised Trial Custody, may mga pagkakaiba sa ilalaim ng dalawang batas. Sa DA, ang mga mag-aampon ay mayroong temporary parental authority sa bata at ito ay isasagawa sa loob ng anim (6) na buwan na maaari naman paiksiin ng hukuman. Subalit, ang anim (6) na buwan ay kailangang sagarin kung ang mag-aampon ay isang foreigner o banyaga maliban

FILJAP MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER 2015

nalang kung ang mag-aampong banyaga ay: a) isang dating Pilipino na kamag-anak hanggang sa 4th civil degree ng aampunin; b) ang banyaga ay inaampon ang lehitimong anak ng asawang Pilipino; at c) Ang banyang mag-aampon ay aampunin ang kamaganak hanggang 4th civil degree ng kanyang asawang Pilipino.

Sa ICA, ang nasabing Trial Custody ay isasagawa sa labas ng Pilipinas at nasa ilalim ng pangangasiwa ng isang foreign adoption agency sa loob ng anim (6) na buwan. Kung MATAGUMPAY ang nasabing Trial Custody ang ICAB ay ipapadala ang written consent o iba pang mga legal na dokumento sa Department of Social Welfare and Development. Kapag nakahanda na ang mga legal na papeles, maaari nang mag-file ang mga mag-aampon ng petisyon ng pag-aampon sa kanilang bansa. Kung HINDI MATAGUMPAY, ang ICAB ay gagawa ng pamamaraan upang magkaroon ulit ng matching. Huling gagawin at kung wala nang paraan ang pagpapauwi ng bata sa Pilipinas.

4. Matapos ang mga nasabing prosesong ito at mga pagdinig sa hukuman, sa DA kung ang adoption ay i-grant o igawad, maglalabas ang Family Court kung saan ang kaso nakabitin ng isang Adoption Decree. Sa ICA, ang hukuman na maglalabas ng Adoption Decree ay ang korte kung saan ito nakabinbin sa labas ng Pilipinas.

5. Magkakaroon ng mga birth certificate ang mga inampon na sinasaad na ang mga magulang nila ay ang mga nagampon. Sa DA, maaari ring samahan ng petisyon ng pag-aampon ang isang petisiyon para baguhin ang pangalan ng batang naampon sa kadahilanang ito ay gagawa ng pagkalito kung ito ay di mababago.

1. Republic Act No. 8552 in relation to AM No. 02-06-02 SC, August 22, 2002.

2. Republic Act No. 8043 of 1995 in relation to the Amended Implementing Rules and Regulations on ICAA.

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