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The Second Anniversary Issue
March 2014 Issue 15
Scorsese, DiCaprio, Hill
Attend ‘The Wolf of Wall Street’ Japan Premiere
Is it Worth the Wait?
Celebrating White Day in Japan
Empowered Filipina in Japan
An Interview With Julieta Cruz
n i s c o L l e g An Living Up To Her Name
The Siege of
Baler
More Pinoys Think Economy, Quality of Life Worsened – Pulse Asia
FilJap Visits the Set of ‘Celebrity Bluff’,
Meets Eugene Domingo Anew
Exploring
Manila
Contents 6
In Focus More Pinoys Think Economy, Quality of Life Worsened – Pulse Asia
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FilCom Watch Cebu Pacific Launches Direct Flights to Tokyo, Nagoya
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Cover Story Angel Locsin: Living Up To Her Name
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Special Feature Scorsese, DiCaprio, Hill Attend ‘The Wolf of Wall Street’ Japan Premiere
Celebrity News FilJap Visits the Set of ‘Celebrity Bluff’, Meets Eugene Domingo Anew
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Travel Japan 5 Must-See Attractions in Osaka
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Spotlight Empowered Filipina in Japan: An Interview With Julieta Cruz
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Culture & Arts Is it Worth the Wait? Celebrating White Day in Japan
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Embassy News Filipina Junior HS Student Tops Nippon TV Singing Contest
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Travel Philippines Exploring Manila Philippine Adventures The Siege of Baler
FilJap 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 Arlene Donaire
Editor’s Pick Two Japanese young ladies celebrate their coming of age in elegant furisode outfits. Photographer: Engr. Segundino “PEX” Aguilar, Jr.
We Want Your Photos! Send your submissions to the editor at dang010@yahoo. com or filjapmagazine@yahoo.com. Resolution must be 300 dpi at actual print size. Please include applicable credits and captions.
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Editor’s NOTE “Set a goal and don’t quit until you attain it.”
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Florenda Corpuz Editor-in-Chief
his issue is very special for the entire FilJap Magazine team because we have hit another milestone and that is celebrating our second anniversary. We have come a long way from our humble beginnings, when FilJap Magazine was published on a bimonthly basis and was still trying to create a name for itself in the Filipino community. When we started FilJap Magazine, we knew that we needed to come up with a better magazine that could provide vital information on current issues and latest happenings for our kababayans in Japan. Truth is, we started the trend of featuring Hollywood celebrities by covering Japan premieres. Another achievement is that we are the only Tokyo-based Filipino magazine officially accredited by the Tokyo International Film Festival to cover the prestigous event yearly. Last but not the least, we have reached our goal of increasing our circulation to 10,000 guaranteed copies monthly. For our second anniversary issue, we have added more pages and additional contents for your reading pleasure. We are very happy to celebrate this milestone with all of you – our dear readers, advertisers and contributors. And we are looking forward to more exciting years ahead. Maraming salamat po sa inyong patuloy na pagsuporta. Mabuhay po kayo! FILJAP MAGAZINE | MARCH 2014
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Republic of the Philippines Office of the Vice President Message It is my utmost honor to extend my warm greetings and congratulations to the FILJAP Magazine on the celebration of its 2nd anniversary. I commend the people behind FILJAP for putting up a magazine that best suits the needs of Filipinos living and working in Japan. I hope that you will also continue your ardent desire to inform, entertain, and empower Filipino and Japanese citizens. I am certain your endeavors will serve as sources of strength and inspiration to all Filipino-Japanese citizens. May FILJAP Magazine achieve more accomplishments in the years to come. Mabuhay kayong lahat! JEJOMAR C. BINAY Jejomar C. Binay Vice President
Embassy of the Philippines Tokyo Message Congratulations and best wishes to FILJAP Magazine on the second anniversary of its founding. On this occasion, I wish to say a few words on the two natural disasters that struck the Philippines last year - the earthquake in Bohol and Cebu as well as Typhoon Yolanda. These twin disasters were devastating. They caused the loss of numerous lives and massive destruction of property in many provinces. We all grieved deeply for we all had family or friends who suffered. Despite the magnitude of these tragedies, the whole world rallied to help the Philippines. The response from Filipinos overseas was overwhelming. I wish to take this opportunity to sincerely thank the individuals, groups and businesses making up our Filipino community in Japan who worked actively to raise funds and send donations for those who lost so much. I hope the Filipino community in Japan will not get tired of helping because the road to recovery is long and difficult. Furthermore, as President Benigno S. Aquino III said during his visit to Japan last December, the objective is not just to rebuild what was destroyed but to “build back better.” I therefore urge the readers of FILJAP Magazine and all our kababayans in Japan to find ways to help build a better Philippines though we are far from home. Maraming salamat po sa inyong malasakit, at nawa’y magpatuloy ang tagumpay ng FILJAP Magazine. MANUEL M. LOPEZ Ambassador of the Republic of the Philippines 4
FILJAP MAGAZINE | MARCH 2014
Dear FILJAP Magazine, We at Astoria Hotels and Resorts are delighted to know that your monthly magazine FiIJap "Filipino-Japanese", has reached its second year. We express our happiness at this occasion. Kindly accept our sincere congratulation on this achievement. Your magazine has gathered tremendous popularity in just two years and has garnered the favorability of the Filipinos and other nationals living in Japan. We are extremely proud to be one your partners in this business and we wish you all the best in your future endeavors. We expect that our partnership and cooperation will help you reach your goals and open new vistas for more readerships and also attract more advertisers. We would also like to congratulate your team of editorsand writers as their sheer hard work, perseverance and determination has helped the magazine reach this place. We hope your magazine performs even well in the future. Congratulations once again.
Our Sincere Wishes
Jeffrey T. Ng President & CEO Astoria Vacation & Leisure Club, Inc.
in focus
More Pinoys Think Economy, Quality of Life Worsened – Pulse Asia A survey done by Pulse Asia, one of the respected survey firms in the Philippines, bared the views of most Filipinos about their quality of life in the past year and the country’s economy despite the government’s claim of economic growth. Photos by Diey Teodoro
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early 43% of Filipinos considered their personal quality of life (QOL) to have worsened in the past 12 months while 41% believed that there were no significant changes in their QOL in the same duration. Only 15% of the population has said that they had a better QOL in the past year. This was part of the result of Pulse Asia’s “December 2013 Nationwide Survey on Quality of Life and State of the National Economy” where a number of Filipinos were interviewed faceto-face. Survey results also showed that most Filipinos, 55%, considered the national QOL to have worsened over the past 12 months compared to 30% rate recorded in March 2013. More Filipinos also said that the national situation remained constant year-on-year or 36% relative to the 9% who opined that it improved during this period. “From March to December 2013, the percentage of Filipinos who believe that the national QOL worsened in the last 12 months increases across geographic areas and socio-economic groupings (+14 to +33 and +14 to +30 percentage points respectively,” Pulse Asia stated in their report. Meanwhile, another survey conducted by Social Weather Stations, another respected survey firm in the country, last December showed that 55% of Filipinos or 11.8 million families considered themselves poor compared to 50% or 10.8 million families who said that they were poor in September 2013 survey. In the same survey, the SWS also found out that 41% or 8.8 million families considered themselves poor in food supply, 4% higher compared to the survey made in September. Contrasting Facts on the Economy
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One out of every two Filipinos (50%) believed that the national economy has deteriorated in the past 12 months; most of those expressing this view were strongly affected by such economic deterioration. Only 11% of Filipinos expressed contrary opinion while 40% see no change in the state of the national economy. The results of the survey is contrary to the report released by Heritage Foundation’s 2014 Index of Economic Freedom saying that the Philippines has made economic growth -- the country has jumped eight more notches, from 97th in 2013, to 89th this 2014. “This jump reflects the significant improvements that our country has made in seven of the ten economic freedoms, including significant gains in investment freedom, business freedom, monetary freedom, and the control of government spending,” Presidential Secretary Edwin Lacierda said in a statement. Lacierda also said that President Aquino is not governed by surveys remaining optimistic about the country’s progress in the coming years. “We believe that there have been significant improvements since then despite the challenges we had to overcome as one nation. The positive results of this evaluation only strengthen our administration’s resolve to continue implementing reforms founded on good governance and true public service, which are necessary prerequisites to fostering lasting and inclusive growth in the Philippines.”
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COVER STORY
Showbiz denizens can tell how Angel Locsin’s career skyrocketed from being the boyish Charley in the second season of youth oriented show “Click” in 2002, to being the iconic superheroine in the hit GMA drama fantasy action television series “Darna,” to being the feisty woman on ABSCBN’s latest drama offering, “The Legal Wife.”
A Locsin ngel
Living Up To Her Name Photos courtesy of ABS-CBN / GMA 7 / Star Cinema
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ngel Locsin is one of this generation’s most bankable stars whose appeal to the young and old, particularly the masses, is something that could not be questioned. Her tandem with Richard Gutierrez has produced three movie hits such as “Let the Love Begin,” “Mulawin (The Movie),” and “I Will Always Love You,” which raked in millions of pesos in the box office. Her showbiz star shone even more brightly when GMA-7 gave her the task to reprise one of the most loved Pinoy superheroes, Mars Ravelo’s “Darna,” which made Angel a household name. She has become a favorite magazine cover girl, a commercial endorser and philanthropist. Angel’s decision to transfer from GMA-7 to ABSCBN became a fodder to media frenzy and has even sparked public opinion. But Angel, known to be brave and adventurous, has taken the good in with the bad. Since her transfer to the Kapamilya network sometime in 2007, Angel has been paired with Piolo Pascual in the series “Lobo,” Sam Milby in the Pinoy adaptation of the Korean series “Only You, and with John Lloyd Cruz in “Imortal.” She also starred in several Star Cinema movies including “Love Me Again,” “In The Name of Love,” “Unofficially Yours,” “One More Try” and “Four Sisters and a Wedding.” As of press time, Angel is busy with her newest primetime soap opera entitled “The Legal Wife” with Jericho Rosales, Maja Salvador, JC de Vera, Mark Gil, Maria Isabel Lopez and many more. Its first episode was widely watched and talked about, even trended worldwide on Twitter. “The Legal Wife” features the story of Monica and Adrian, a married couple whose lives are about to turn around because of a huge mistake. “Everyone has already experienced to love and to make mistakes. Because of my character Monica, I realized that I need to be strong in order to face all the trials in my life, especially if my family is affected,” said Angel. Second Chance At Love The beguiling actress recently made headlines when she admitted that she’s still in love with former boyfriend Luis Manzano. The admission happened three months after her well-publicized break-up with Azkals superstar Phil Younghusband. In her interview with veteran TV host Boy Abunda in the showbiz oriented talk show, “Buzz ng Bayan,” Angel broke into tears when she confessed she still loves Luis and wants to be with him. She then clarified that they are not an item yet and that they needed to talk about certain issues before committing with each other again. A week after her TV guesting, Angel and Luis, whose endearment to each other are “Kulet” and “Kiti”, looks closer to rekindling as they were seen together in Dubai for their “ASAP” show. Luis even posted via Instagram a photo of him kissing Angel on the cheeks. The Good Heart Fans describe Angel as a leading actress but the public also has an idea of how generous and helpful Angel is especially to those in need. After super typhoon Yolanda struck Eastern Visayas, Angel never hesitated to auction off her 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle, her dream car, which she bought in the United States two years ago. Angel donated it anonymously but some people from the media got wind of it and the generous actress couldn’t do anything but to confirm it. She said that most celebrities like her have an extra car and the idea is to sell it so that the money earned can be used to build a new shelter or a new school. This was not the first time Angel had done such gesture. The 28-yearold actress would be the first to personally hand out relief goods to calamity victims or spearhead an auction or charity event to help those in need. When asked by Kris Aquino during her “Kris TV” guesting on why she decided to auction off her dream car, Angel replied that she felt guilty to be having such kind of luxury when she can see many Filipinos suffering from the tragedy. Who said that angels are only for heaven? FILJAP MAGAZINE | MARCH 2014 9
SPECIAL FEATURE
TOKYO, Japan – Hollywood actors Leonardo DiCaprio and Jonah Hill together with director Martin Scorsese showed up at the Japan premiere of “The Wolf of Wall Street” at Roppongi Hills in Tokyo on January 28.
Photos by Din Eugenio
Scorsese, DiCaprio, Hill Attend ‘The Wolf of Wall Street’ Japan Premiere
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corsese, DiCaprio and Hill spent less than 30 minutes on the yellow carpet posing for a photo call and signing autographs for Japanese loyal fans and followers. After the photo call and just before the film screening, a stage greeting was held at Toho Cinema 7 where the “Titanic” heartthrob was seen snapping a selfie with the cheering crowd. “We’re very happy to present this film to Japan and I think you’re gonna understand that ultimately this is a cautionary tale. This is not a reflection of how to be. It’s how to get lost so enjoy the ride and hopefully you have a great time watching this movie,” the 39-yearold actor confessed. “This film was a passion project for a long time, almost seven years in the making. And we’re all very honored to be recognized by the Academy. This is a very risky film, especially coming from Hollywood and it’s a reflection of our time in a strange way. But ultimately, the biggest reward is the fact that we got to make this movie and you’re not gonna see many films like this getting made in the near future, so we all feel very honored to be nominated for sure but what you see up on screen is kinda the real reward,” DiCaprio said who was elegantly attired in a dark three-piece suit and tie. “It’s a funny film, there’s a lot of 10
comedy in it but the subject matter isn’t funny at all,” Di Caprio added. “I’m a very big fan of the fashion, art and cuisine of Japanese origin and I’m looking forward to hopefully going to museum, maybe going to Kyoto,” Hill shared. “I’ve been making films for almost 40 years and to be remembered by the Academy is very exciting. There are 10 feature films nominated in the Best Film category but only five directors. And to be one of those five, in excellent company by the way, is really a thrill,” Scorsese enthused. Distributed by Paramount Pictures, this American black comedy film was shown in cinemas on January 31.
FILJAP MAGAZINE | MARCH 2014
SPOTLIGHT
Empowered Filipina in Japan:
An Interview With
Julieta Cruz Photos by Engr. Segundino “PEX” Aguilar, Jr.
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IV EXCLUS
What does it mean to be an empowered woman? In this issue of FilJap Magazine, we are hearing the answers from a hardworking and brilliant Filipina banker in Japan that is Julieta “Julie” Ferrer Cruz. She is currently the Deputy Managing Director of Philippine National Bank (PNB) Japan who believes that an empowered Filipina is someone who can rise above any challenge and take the lead. FilJap: How long have you been in your current job? Julieta: 4 ½ years FilJap: How did you land in that job? Julieta: I was an Area Head of PNB Metro Manila branches when I was asked if I was interested in this expatriate position. I went through the usual panel interview conducted by members of PNB’s senior management before I was given this job. FilJap: What is it like working at PNB Tokyo? Julieta: Working at PNB Tokyo is quite an experience for me because the business model of PNB Tokyo is very different from that of PNB’s domestic branches. In Tokyo, the bulk of operations is with the remittance business while domestic branches deal mostly with deposits, consumer loans, insurance products and all other investment products managed by our Treasury and Trust Banking Groups. FilJap: Please tell us more about PNB Tokyo. Julieta: PNB Tokyo has a full banking and foreign exchange license that caters mostly to Filipinos in Japan. Aside from remittance services, it is the only bank that offers housing loans for the purchase of house &/or lot, or house renovations for properties located in the Philippines under our “Own a Philippine Home Loan” (OPHL) program. Interestingly, OPHL is not only offered to Filipinos in Japan but also to Japanese
nationals, though the latter is limited to the purchase of condo units only. PNB Tokyo also accepts yen and dollar savings and time deposits and provides assistance to deposit account opening at any PNB domestic branches. As of this writing, PNB Japan (covers Tokyo & Nagoya) has the lowest remittance fees among remittance companies in Japan. FilJap: What inspires you? Julieta: My failures inspire me to work harder for self improvement. FilJap: What are you most grateful for in your life? Julieta: My family, my friends, and my job. FilJap: How do you take care of yourself? Julieta: I go to a regular massage, have my nails done regularly and I also enrolled in a gym to force myself to exercise but I have yet to seriously give consistent time to it. For my food intake, I indulge more on salads, veggies and fish and try to shy away from fried and fatty foods. I also try to get more sleep. FilJap: For you, what does it mean to be an empowered Filipina? Julieta: An empowered Filipina is someone who has the ability to take the lead role, be it at work or at home. She can handle jobs that used to be occupied by men only because she is educated, which is professionally empowering, has enough confidence in herself and in
her abilities, independent, and always rises to challenges. FilJap: How do you find the Japanese people? Julieta: The Japanese is a race with very high standards because people are so used to high quality of products and services. They are polite, hardworking, and appreciate the value of time. Cleanliness is a part of their ethics. FilJap: What are the things that you like most about Filipinos in Japan? Julieta: Filipinos in Japan are generally warm, hospitable, hardworking, and respectable. As foreigners in Japan, one common goal we all have is to work hard here so we can fend for our families back home. FilJap: What lessons have you learned in your stay here that you want to impart to our kababayans back home? Julieta: Japan is a progressive country because it has a hardworking, determined, honest, and obedient people. I wish we could all emulate these good traits so we can improve our lives in the Philippines. FilJap: What advice can you give to Filipino women walking the path of empowerment? Julieta: Know your values, understand your strengths and work on them, invest time and money in your self to keep a balance of body, mind and spirit. Learn to adapt to any situation no matter how difficult it may be. Continue to strive for perfection. There is just so much to do out there for an empowered woman.
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EMBASSY NEWS
Filipina Junior HS Student Tops Nippon TV Singing Contest,
Donates JPY 300,000 for ‘Yolanda’ Survivors
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alent and generosity is what best describes Analyn Almerino, a fourteen-year old junior high school student from Tokushima Prefecture who just recently visited the Embassy to make her contribution for the survivors of typhoon Yolanda. Besting over 6,000 preliminary contestants from all over Japan, Analyn topped the remaining eight finalists to become the champion of Channel 4 Nippon Television’s
“Zennihon Kashou-ryoku Senshu-ken, Kashou-ou” (All Japan Singing Talent Competition – Singing King), aired live last December 9. Accompanied by her stepfather, Analyn called on Ambassador Manuel M. Lopez just before the Christmas holidays to personally donate JPY300,000 from her cash prize. Analyn, who was brought to Japan by her Filipina mother, began singing since her primary school years.
Ishinomaki City Donates
JPY 10-Million to ‘Yolanda’ Relief Effort
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shinomaki City, one of the Tohoku region’s most devastated localities during the March 2011 earthquake, has donated JPY 10 million in support of relief efforts for the victims of typhoon Yolanda in the Visayas. Ishinomaki City Vice Mayor Takeshi Sasano informed the Embassy of the donation during his call on Chargé d’Affaires and
Consul General Marian Jocelyn R. Tirol-Ignacio. Vice Mayor Sasano said the City and its people continue to recall with sincere appreciation the support and US$1-million donation extended by the Philippine Government to Ishinomaki City two years ago, as it struggled to recover from the Great East Japan Earthquake that struck on 11 March 2011.
Japan’s LDP Donates JPY 10.58-M for ‘Yolanda’ Victims
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he Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), Japan’s ruling political party, turned over today a donation of JPY 10,589,775 in support of the victims of typhoon Yolanda to Ambassador Manuel M. Lopez. LDP members from all over Japan contributed to the donation, which was handed over by the Honorable Tatsuya Ito, member of the House of Representatives (Tokyo-22nd District) and Director-General of the LDP’s International Bureau, during his visit to the Embassy.
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Cebu Pacific
filcom watch
Launches Direct Flights to Tokyo, Nagoya
Be Published
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he Philippines’ leading low-cost carrier Cebu Pacific Air launched its direct flights between Manila and Tokyo (Narita) and Manila and Nagoya during a product presentation held at Happo-en in Shirokanedai on January 24. “We’re very excited that we’re going to finally be able to expand our network in Japan because it’s been five years since the last time we were here
to launch a service. We hope that our kababayans here will avail of our new flight services,” CEB VP for Marketing and Distribution Candice Iyog said in an interview with FilJap Magazine. CEB will launch daily services to Tokyo (Narita), utilizing the airline’s brand-new Airbus A320 fleet. The maiden flight will depart Manila on March 30 at 5:25 a.m., arriving in Tokyo at 10:35 a.m.
The return flight departs Tokyo at 11:45 a.m., and arrives in Manila at 3:45 p.m. On the same day, CEB is set to launch its ManilaNagoya-Manila service, with a Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday frequency. Departing Manila at 3:20 p.m., the maiden flight will arrive in Nagoya at 8:25 p.m. The return flight will depart Nagoya at 9:10 p.m., and arrive in Manila at 12:10 a.m. the next day.
o you have the knack for writing? Do you have something in mind that you want to Share? This is your chance to be heard! FilJap Magazine is inviting you, our valued readers, to submit informative, entertaining and interesting articles (must be written in 300-500 words, MS Word format) and photos (should be in high resolution, 100 dpi at the minimum), which are original and never been published in other newspapers or magazines. Announcements of events are also welcome. You can send them to filjapmagazine@yahoo.com.
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Let us know what you think of our issue.
Send us your feedback or suggestions to filjapmagazine@ yahoo.com. FILJAP MAGAZINE | MARCH 2014 15
CELEBRITY NEWS
FilJap Magazine Editor-in-Chief Florenda Corpuz was recently invited by none other than star comedienne Eugene Domingo not only at the premiere night of “Kimmy Dora 2” but also to visit the set of “Celebrity Bluff” where she is the host.
FilJap Magazine Visits the Set of ‘Celebrity Bluff’,
Meets Eugene Domingo Anew
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orpuz warmly accepted the invitation and went to GMA Network in Diliman, Quezon City to give Domingo copies of FilJap Magazine where an article about her recent success at the 26th Tokyo International Film Festival (TIFF) held in Japan was published. It can be recalled that the multi-awarded comedienne bagged the Best Actress trophy in the said
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prestigious festival for her portrayal of an abused wife who ended as a revolutionary in Jun Robles Lana’s “Barber’s Tales”. She is the first Filipino to be given an acting award by TIFF, which is heralded as one of the most popular and credible award-giving bodies in Asia. Corpuz, on the other hand, is the only Filipino journalist invited by TIFF to cover the event.
Corpuz, who was then having a short vacation in the Philippines, enjoyed her set visit at the Kapuso network where known local singers Kyla, Jaya and Mark Bautista graced the show as contestants. “Celebrity Bluff” is a game show aired by GMA-7 where three contestants attempt to outwit one another by answering questions to advance to the succeeding rounds.
TRAVEL JAPAN
5 Must-See Attractions in Osaka Busy and driven Osaka is Japan’s second most important and third largest city with a population of 2.6 million and an area of 221 square kilometers. It is considered as the working heart of Kansai region and the gourmet capital of the country.
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ocated on the main island of Honshu, Osaka is famous to businessmen because of the many leading Japanese manufacturers that are operating here. It is also a must-see destination for local and foreign tourists because of its lively nightlife and sumptuous cuisines like takoyaki, okonomiyaki and ikayaki. Osaka’s popular landmarks and tourist spots include Osaka Castle, the symbol of the city, with its huge lawn park; Umeda Sky Building, a 40-story twin-towered building constructed in
Photos by Din Eugenio 1993; Universal Studios Japan, a theme park inspired by blockbuster Hollywood films; Dotonburi, the city’s most famous amusement district that is lit up by neon lights and mechanized signs, including the famous Glico Running Man sign and Kani Doraku crab sign; and Shitennoji, the oldest officially administered temple in the country built by Prince Shotoku. Fast Facts: - Osaka was formerly known as Naniwa. It was incorporated in 1889.
- 15.6% of all foreign residents in Japan live in Osaka. - Osaka represents 18.9% of Japan’s GDP, the second largest in Japan. - Osaka is the first city in the world where the first instant ramen and instant ramen in a plastic cup were marketed. - Osakaites are known for their friendly, and down-to-earth nature.
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CULTURE & ARTS
The celebration of love in Japan does not end after Valentine’s Day. In fact, the excitement has just started. The women’s efforts to give chocolates on Valentine’s Day to the special men in their lives do not lay in vain, for a month after, it is the men’s turn to give back the favor on what is popularly known as the White Day!
Is it Worth the Wait? Celebrating White Day in Japan By Herlyn Alegre White Day and the Custom of Gift-Giving Giving a return gift, an okaeshi, after someone had just given you a gift is a polite Japanese custom of showing appreciation. The celebration of White Day in Japan every March 14 is rooted from this practice. After the women went out of their way to prepare home-made chocolates or purchase high-quality, beautifully wrapped ones, the men could not let this effort unreciprocated. However, it is not about merely returning the gift; it is about returning the gift three-fold. A famous Japanese saying, sanbai gaeshi, literally means, “thrice the return.” The value of men’s gifts on White Day is expected to be at least thrice what they had received on Valentine’s Day. Men usually give white chocolates, white flowers, jewelry and stuffed toys wrapped in a beautiful white packaging for this day. And guess what, white lingerie is a famous option too! The Origin of White Day Just like Valentine’s Day, the celebration of White Day in Japan, is a marketing strategy originated by sweets manufactures who banked on the custom of okaeshi. In 1977, a Fukuoka18
based confectionery company, Ishimura Manseido, first marketed this day as Marshmallow Day. It did not become a successful venture though so the year after, the National Confectionery Industry Association conceptualized White Day as an answer to Valentine’s Day. The color white was chosen because it signifies purity of love. White Day was originally called “Ai no Kotaeru White Day,” which means “Answer Love on White Day.” However, just like the Marshmallow Day, White Day did not initially come out as a success. The first year it was launched generated high profits, but the next four years showed a lack of popularity of the campaign as reflected in the decreasing profits generated around this period. By the fifth year, the proponents of White Day were ready to give up on this marketing strategy but were willing to give it one last shot. And surprisingly, that year they hit the mark. Profits generated by this campaign exceeded a whopping 5.5 billion yen! And from then on, White Day has been faithfully observed year after year. At present, White Day is also observed in other neighboring countries such as South Korea and Taiwan.
FILJAP MAGAZINE | MARCH 2014
Anticipation or Agony? After the custom of women giving
gifts on Valentine’s Day was established, it took decades before White Day was finally conceptualized. Just like in practice, it also takes a month’s time before the men have to make their move and reciprocate the women’s act of affection (or courtesy in some instances). The thing is, why does it have to be this long? Some might look at this time of waiting as an unnecessary delay, a period of holding back, a case of prolonging the agony. If you want to reciprocate affection, why not just do it now? Love knows no time, customs or boundaries after all. But for others, this period of anticipation makes their hearts beat a few seconds faster. The process of waiting for something you extremely want is usually more pleasurable than the actual act of receiving it. As Andy Warhol once noted, “the idea of waiting for something even makes it more exciting.” However, in some unfortunate situations that cannot be helped, sometimes, our affections are not reciprocated in the way that we imagine it to be. In this case, we shall not worry! We can always celebrate singlehood, friendship and career with our girlfriends on Black Day, a famous South Korean tradition on April 14, while eating black noodles and silently wishing that next year will be a better year for us.
TRAVEL PHILIPPINES
Exploring Manila Manila is just one of the cities that sits on a bigger Manila, which is called Metro Manila or the National Capital Region or NCR.
By Maria Dolores Salamanca
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aving a total land area of 636 square kilometers, Manila actually offers 16 other cities and one municipality. Originally, there were four cities, namely Manila, Pasay, Caloocan and Quezon. And the thirteen municipalities namely Makati, Mandaluyong, Malabon, Navotas, Paranaque, Pasig, Pateros, Las Pinas, Muntinlupa, Marikina, Taguig, Valenzuela and San Juan. These cities are sometimes referred to as Manila when in fact it is Metro Manila or the National Capital Region, thus presenting a mix of different cultures of Filipinos from all over the Philippines. Manila is the center of arts, education, finance, trade, commerce and culture by mentioning each city and their own attraction. 1. Manila – the capital of the Philippines under Presidential Decree 940, on December 24, 1976 under President Ferdinand E. Marcos. The place where you can find the national park, Rizal Park, the National Museum and National Library, the oldest five star hotel built in 1912, Manila Hotel, Manila Bay Sunset, Manila Ocean Park, Intramuros or the Walled City, China town, Quiapo district, which
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houses the image of the Black Nazarene, the University belt, the Pasig river, which divides Metro Manila into the northern and the southern districts. Quezon – named after its founder, Manuel Luis Quezon, the Commonwealth President, this city is the biggest among all the other cities. Originally, the capital of the Philippines by virtue of Republic Act 333 on January 17, 1948. Q.C. houses most of the government offices, it has the Quezon Memorial Circle, a 26-hectare circle of fun, entertainment, physical fitness grounds and the 66-meter Quezon monument. Pasay – the place where the 5th largest mall in the world can be found, the MOA or Mall of Asia, which was opened on May 21, 2006 with land area of 386, 224 square meters. Caloocan – the site of the Bonifacio Monument Makati – is where the “Little New York” and the “Beverly Hills” can be found. Ayala Avenue, the former runway during 1937-1947 with the oldest structure still standing, the Nielsen Tower, which became a restaurant, now a heritage library. This is the financial center, with high-end shopping centers.
Did You Know That… • The name Manila came from the local word “nilad”. It is a type of mangrove flower that used to grow abundantly within the river banks of what is now called Pasig river. Maynilad means “may” - there is and “nilad” the flower. So there is nilad becomes “MAY NILAD” and eventually Manila. • Language – communication is not a problem because English is widely used, it is the medium of instruction used in school since 1898 up to present, making the Philippines the 2nd largest English speaking country in the world, next to USA. • We are the only Catholic country in the Far East, Catholicism was brought by the Spaniards, but prior to their coming we were Muslims. There are still many interesting places to see around Manila that also includes trying the “balut” a 2-week old duck’s egg, boiled with tasty soup inside. Taking a jeepney ride is another experience, as long as you know exactly where your destination is, because each jeepney has its own routes to follow. There are also churches per city, our own China town is also a delight to see but above all, the smiles every Filipino wear is the most memorable treat you can experience in Manila.
FILJAP MAGAZINE | MARCH 2014
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PHILIPPINE ADVENTUREs
The Siege of Baler Baler is more commonly known among the pop culture generation as a surfer’s paradise. But the truth is, and one’s preconceived notions can be easily swayed the first time you’ve experienced the place, that Baler is more than just those “tiger waves,” for it is in fact an amazing total package of an ideal ecotourism destination. The name “baler” is said to have originated from “balod,” a type of mountain pigeon (http://www.aurora.ph/towns.html). In Cebuano though, the term has a more relevant definition – it means “wave or surf,” which more characteristically describes Baler’s seascape.
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ocated about seven hours away from Manila, Baler is reachable via land travel across the welldeveloped Northern Luzon road infrastructure corridor. Passing on top of the scenic Pantabangan roadway (of Nueva Ecija), one is treated to a visual delight with a view of the lake/ water reservoir, of the Pantabangan Dam, which is “claimed to be the second largest dam in Asia”, supplying irrigation to about 77,000 hectares (190,000 acres) of agricultural lands in Central Luzon and generating 112 megawatts of hydroelectric power. (http:// en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pantabangan,_ Nueva_Ecija) Baler is an endpoint worth going the extra miles as it welcomes visitors to a unique feast of ecosystems, from the coastal to the upland areas. Its predominant colors- vegetation green and the blues of the sky and seas, are natural relievers to the visually stressed urban dwellers who are, everyday, exposed to the dreary hues of pollution pervading the cityscapes. Historically referred to as “the last Spanish stronghold,” Baler was 20
Text by Arlene Donaire Photos by Arlene Donaire & Paolo Dolina the hiding place of renegade Spanish soldiers who, for almost a year in 1899, holed up inside the town’s catholic church, refusing to surrender to the American forces that had already liberated the rest of the country. That part of our liberation history is now called the “siege of Baler.” Originally part of Quezon Province, Baler was officially integrated into Aurora back in 1951 and later in 1979, declared as the latter’s capital. Baler was also the ancestral origin of President Manuel L. Quezon and Dona Aurora Aragon. Nowadays, Baler is classified as a second-class municipality, with an economy anchored on agriculture and commerce. Tourism is a fastrising industry but like other economic activities in the area, it is significantly challenged by the vulnerability of the area to weather disturbances, brought about by it’s location facing the Pacific Ocean. However, this locational disadvantage is considered by many as an asset, as Aurora, pitched in recent years as “gateway to the Pacific,” has become a point of interest to ecotourism and surf enthusiasts. In addition,
FILJAP MAGAZINE | MARCH 2014
the province has received enormous government support for developing an economic zone (i.e., found in Casiguran town) that had been designed to turn the province into a magnet for more productive investments in agribusiness and light manufacturing. Hopefully this brings much-needed development in the remote parts of the province too. The “Siege of Baler” could still very well be a modern day occurrence as the capital town and the province, in general, regularly battle it out with adverse atmospheric elements (typhoons and tropical depressions) that badger and destroy the local socio-economic foundations as well as the natural environs and ecosystems. The local settlers, who have become accustomed to these difficult conditions and have learned to overcome them are the modern day “besieged” but in a more positive way, as the end-goal of the struggle is socio-economic survival and environmental preservation. The daily struggle for normalcy and development initiatives to preserve their way of life is the battle cry of the Balerians - “Baler, the eco-stronghold.”
Visit Baler and Aurora and be amazed! Sights to visit: There are varied tourist attractions in Baler, ranging from historical to ecological. Some of the more popular tourism sites in and around Baler, including its adjacent or nearby municipalities of Maria Aurora (i.e., the most populous) and San Luis (i.e., the largest) are: • • • • • • •
The Baler Catholic Church and the Dona Aurora Quezon museum, which are located right across each other in the town’s center; Sabang Beach, which is a regular go-to place for surfers; The coral-rich islands or islets such as those in Lukso-lukso, which lie just off the coast of the town; Discalsarin Cove, where PAGASA’s Baler Weather Station, towers over, its Doppler radar capable of collecting and analyzing storm anatomy; New Ermita Hill, where urban legend says, survivors were found after a tidal wave struck and engulfed the then old Baler town (named Kinagunasan) in 1735. The Hill overlooks Sabang Beach and gives one a much farther view of the coastal and mountain ecosystems of the town; The nearby San Luis town, a natural park featuring the scenic Caunayan waterfalls; and The nearby Maria Aurora town, home of the “Millennium Tree”, a 600-year-old balete tree, the largest tree of its kind in Asia, with a trunk large enough to be surrounded by about 60 grown men.
For more information on Baler and Aurora, visit the websites: http://www.aurora.ph and http://www. aurora.gov.ph )
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