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Table of Contents MARCH 2015

Cover Story The Brightest Cover Stars of FILJAP: A Look Back

8 12 13

In Focus Pope Francis Visits the Philippines

Faces Philippines Bet MJ Lastimosa Fails to Take Home Miss Universe Crown

Spotlight An Interview With Fashion Photographer Ari Simangan

16 18

Philippine Adventures A Walk in the Clouds of Mt. Pulag

E ditor ’ s P i c k

FilCom Watch Astoria Promotes the Philippines Celebrity News FILJAP Presents: Hollywood Superstars We’ve Covered

Travel Japan A Guide to Ghibli Museum

The sprawling bamboo grove in Arashiyama, Kyoto is one of the most beautiful natural landscapes in Japan due to its towering presence and evergreen colors. (Photo by Lemjay Lucas)

EDITOR’S NOTE

his year marks FILJAP Hollywood Superstars We’ve Magazine’s third anniversary Covered,” our way of saying thank issue of publication. Since you to our favorite photographer, 2012, it has served as a tool Din Eugenio for his outstanding that provides vital information on contribution to the magazine. We’ve the latest Philippine and also discovered emerging Japan news, Hollywood w r i t e rs / p h o t o g ra p h e rs and local celebrities, travel like Arlene Donaire destinations, fashion (Philippine Adventures, and lifestyle trends and p. 16) and Ashley Dy community events. It has (Travel Japan, p. 18) and established itself as one published their awesome of Japan’s newest foreign works. From among the magazines that caters not many personalities we’ve only to Filipino readers but featured, we chose one to other nationalities as whom we think is deserving well. with a follow-up story The March 2015 edition because of his talent and will take you back to our Florenda Corpuz humility (Spotlight, p. 15). journey for the past three It’s been a delightful Editor-in-Chief years (Cover Story, p. 4). You journey, and we’d like to will also find our news feature about thank those who have stuck with us the recent visit of Pope Francis to the all this time. FILJAP Magazine has Philippines (In Focus, p. 8). As you definitely changed the way news is flip through the magazine, you will delivered in the Filipino-Japanese find the feature, “FILJAP Presents: community.

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Publisher: Yonei Toshikazu Editor-in-Chief: Florenda Corpuz Associate Editor: Nel Salvador Contributing Writers / Arlene Donaire • Oliver Corpuz Photographers: Din Eugenio Advertising Executive: Judith Takahashi Distribution Executive: Genie Omata Layout Artist: VerJube Photographics Advertising & Sales Office: 114-0004 Tokyo-to Kita-ku Horifune 1-26-14-501 Telephone: 03-6903-2100 Fax: 03-6903-2101 Toll-Free Fax: 0800-919-3633 Editorial Office: 332-0034 Saitama-ken, Kawaguchi-shi, Namiki 4-10-6 Wakosou 101 Mobile: 080-9153-2430 Manila Office: 407 Adalla Street, Palm Village, Makati City, Philippines Telephone: 63(2) 403-42-06 E-mail: filjapmagazine@yahoo.com

Contents

FILJAP MAGAZINE | MARCH 2015

The Brightest Cover Stars of

FILJAP: A Look Back Three years ago, FILJAP Magazine has released its first issue with the goal of giving information by featuring the best and the latest in Philippine and Japan travel, entertainment, dining, lifestyle, health, fashion and politics; and the Filipino community in Japan.

Since then, it has released 26 issues with the brightest stars in local show business and Hollywood â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Lea Salonga, Sarah Geronimo, Angel Locsin, Anne Curtis, Piolo Pascual, Sam Milby, Bamboo, Adam Levine, and Tom Cruise among others â&#x20AC;&#x201C; gracing the cover. From top-caliber actors and actresses to ravishing beauty queens to the finest singers to A-list Hollywood stars, FILJAP has set the bar high for Filipino magazines in Japan. 4

FILJAP MAGAZINE | MARCH 2015

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t is surely one colorful ride for FILJAP Magazine with interesting celebrities that we featured – worthy of a look back.

The Bankable Stars FILJAP has covered the hottest and most bankable stars of today like Anne Curtis, Kim Chiu, Angelica Panganiban, Toni Gonzaga, Angel Locsin and Jessy Mendiola. They are the perfect combination of sheer beauty and talent and enjoying the support of the viewing public in every television shows, movies and endorsements that they do. Most notably, Angelica has recently won a Best Actress award from the 13th Gawad Tanglaw for her performance in “That Thing Called Tadhana.” What made Angelica prouder was the fact that she shared the spotlight with Nora Aunor who won the same award for her role in “Dementia.” Toni Gonzaga, on the other hand, has recently announced her engagement to longtime

boyfriend Paul Soriano whom she’s set to marry anytime this year. In her “The Buzz” interview, Toni shared how Paul has proven that indeed true love waits. The couple has been together for more than seven years. Anne Curtis had her first international acting exposure via the movie “Blood Ransom” where she starred with Germany-born actor Alexander Dreymon while Kim Chiu starred in the movie “Bride for Rent” opposite screen partner Xian Lim.

The Hunks Piolo Pascual, Paulo Avelino, Dingdong Dantes, Sam Milby, Coco Martin and Marvin Agustin were the few heartthrobs FILJAP has featured in the last three years. Hauntingly goodlooking and charming, these men are considered as this generation’s most loved leading men. Showbiz denizens scream for their names whether they star in drama series, movies or strut their stuff in the runway.

FILJAP MAGAZINE | MARCH 2015

Piolo Pascual has proven that he’s still the leading actor in the country when his movie with Toni Gonzaga, “Starting Over Again,” made a killing in the box office. Dingdong hogged the spotlight with his royal fairy tale wedding with ladylove Marian Rivera as they tied the knot last December. Paulo Avelino, who is now being linked to KC Concepcion, starred in the hit series “Honesto” and “Sana Bukas Pa ang Kahapon” while Coco Martin did “Ikaw Lamang” opposite Kim Chiu. Sam Milby tried to carve a career in the States while Marvin has made a comeback to Kapamilya network via ”Flordeliza” where he is reunited with former loveteam Jolina Magdangal.

only Filipino media licensed to cover the event where photographer Din Eugenio was able to capture a photo of the amiable actor worthy to be placed on the cover. Adding to the list is Adam Levine, the Maroon 5 singer, who was heralded as the “Sexiest Man Alive” by People Magazine. He is also a favorite TV personality as one of the judges of popular singing competition in the United States, “The Voice.” The 35-year-old rockstar, now married to Victoria Secret model Behati Prinsloo, has starred in the Hollywood film “Begin Again” and is busy promoting his band’s newest single “Sugar.”

The Hollywood Stars

FILJAP Magazine’s very first issue covered the girly Charice Pempengco who made appearances in the international scene with her powerful voice. Since then, Charice made a steady career and admitted that she’s lesbian.

One of the most memorable FILJAP covers is the one with Tom Cruise who visited three cities in Japan for one day to promote his movie “All You Need is Kill.” FILJAP Magazine was the

The Singers

Popstar Princess Sarah Geronimo also graced the cover of FILJAP who is one of the most loved female stars of today. Her tandem with John Lloyd Cruz is well-received by the movie-going fans, their third movie entitled “It Takes A Man and A Woman” earned Php630 million worldwide. She is also currently a part of “The Voice of the Philippines.” Singer-actress Karylle is the only artist who made the FILJAP cover twice – the first focusing on her career while the second was when she became a lovely bride to groom Yael Yuzon. Rockstar legend Bamboo was also featured in the magazine whose former band, The Rivermaya, was heralded

as one of the best rock band in the ‘90s. After Rivermaya, he quit the music scene and then made a comeback years later by putting up a band after his name. Now, he has gone solo and still enjoys the strong public support.

The Loveteam Daniel Padilla and Kathryn Bernardo, known to fans as “Kathniel,” is the hottest loveteam of today. Every project that they make is a sure success, take the case of their hit series “Got To Believe” and their recent movie “She’s Dating a Gangster.” From television shows to movies to endorsement of products to magazine covers, Kathniel is

everywhere.

The Veterans

Broadway star Lea Salonga was one of the first artists to cover FILJAP whose world-class talent brought accolades for the country. Dawn Zulueta, a timeless beauty, has proven that the staying power in showbiz depends not just on beauty alone but on having the right skills and working attitude.

The Beauty Queens

Watching beauty pageants is a favorite pastime in the country especially now that our Filipina beauties representing the country in

Miss Universe and Miss World pageants are conquering the world stage with their beauty, brains, grace and confidence. Take for example the feat made by Janine Tugonon, Miss Universe 2012 first runnerup, and Ariella Arida, Miss Universe 2013 third runnerup, both graced the cover of FILJAP.

The Places Two places also made it to the cover of FILJAP: The Tokyo Skytree, considered as the tallest free-standing tower in the world; and one of the leading hotels, Astoria Hotel, with Boy Abunda as its Filipino ambassador.

FILJAP MAGAZINE | MARCH 2015

in focus

Pope Francis

Visits the Philippines Photos by Benhur Arcayan, Gil Nartea, Ryan Lim, Lauro Montellano, Jr., Rey S. Banquet / Malacanang Photo Bureau / NIB

Much has been said about Pope Francis’ visit to the Philippines last Jan. 15-19 and until now, the example, inspiration and words still resonate to millions of Filipinos, 86% of which are Catholic. All because of the fact that his four-day visit has allowed the Filipinos to see the humility, compassion and genuineness of the 78-year-old Pontiff to be with the people, to know their story and to assure everyone that God never abandon His people especially in the hardest of times.

n his homily in the concluding mass held at the Quirino Grandstand in Luneta, Pope Francis asked the Filipinos to remain the children of God, the missionaries of faith and to focus on things that really matter. “Throughout my visit, I have listened to you sing the song: ‘We are all God’s children.’ That is what the Santo Niño tells us. He reminds us of our deepest identity. All of us are God’s children, members of God’s family. “The Apostle tells us that because God chose us, we have been richly blessed! God 8

FILJAP MAGAZINE | MARCH 2015

‘has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavens’ (Ep h 1:3). These words have a special resonance in the Philippines, for it is the foremost Catholic country in Asia; this is itself a special gift of God, a blessing. But it is also a vocation. Filipinos are called to be outstanding missionaries of the faith in Asia,” Pope Francis said in the mass attended by six to seven million Filipino Catholics. He did not also allow typhoon “Amang” to hinder his visit to Tacloban devasted by typhoon “Yolanda” in 2013 that killed almost 6,000 people and made thousands

of families homeless. Despite the bad weather, Pope Francis took an hour flight long to Tacloban to visit and bless the survivors. He was welcomed by more or less than 200,000 Visayans who attended the mass under the pouring rain. Most of them shed tears with the Pope’s homily who ditched his prepared speech and gave an spontaneous message that spoke from the heart. “I’d like to tell you something close to my heart. When I saw from Rome the catastrophe, I felt that I had to be here and on those very days I decided to come here.

I am here to be with you. A little bit late, I have to say, but I am here. “Father, you might say to me, I was let down because I have lost so many things, my house, my livelihood. It’s true, if you would say that, and I respect those sentiments, but Jesus there (pointing to the cross), nailed to the cross, and from there, He does not let us down. That is why we have a Lord who is capable of crying with us, capable of walking with us, in the most difficult moments of life,” the Pope said in Spanish and was translated by Monsignor Mark Miles. In his flight home to Rome, Pope Francis has only good words for the Filipinos whom he said had been through the worst of times but still managed to put a smile on their faces. “The gestures, the

gestures I was so moved by. They are not protocol gestures, they are good gestures, felt gestures, gestures of the heart. Some almost make one weep. There’s everything there: faith, love, the family, delusion, the future. “Not one gestures, there were fathers, there were many who thought of their children when we passed by on the road, a gesture which in other places one does not see, as if they say this is my treasure, this is my future, this is my love, for this one it’s worth working, for this one it’s worth suffering. A gesture that is original but born from the heart,” he said. Two months after, when the smoke has cleared, where do we go now? Have we heeded Pope Francis’ call to walk in faith and to be a man for others?

FILJAP MAGAZINE | MARCH 2015

Filcom watch

Congratulatory Letter from Astoria

Be Be Published

D Astoria Promotes the Philippines

storia Hotels and Resorts (AHR) is an emerging chain of hotels and resorts that have world-class properties in major destinations in the Philippines like Astoria Plaza in Ortigas Center, Astoria Boracay, Astoria Bohol and Astoria Palawan. Coming soon is another big resort in Boracay

called Current by Astoria. They recently promoted these properties and encouraged Pinoys in Japan to come visit the Philippines. Astoria also has a fabulous events venue called Chardonnay by Astoria, which is now a favorite venue for parties and product launches by big companies.

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.

We want to hear from

YOU!

Caught in the Act! 12

FILJAP MAGAZINE | MARCH 2015

Send us your photo reading or holding any of our past issues, and we will publish it in our upcoming issues! Be sure to include your name and place of residence. Submit your best pose to the editor at dang010@yahoo.com or filjapmagazine@yahoo.com.

FilJap readers!

Let us know what you think of our issue.

Send us your feedback or suggestions to filjapmagazine@ yahoo.com.

FILJAP Presents:

celebrity news

Hollywood Superstars We’ve Covered

In the past three years, FILJAP Magazine has covered some of the biggest names in Hollywood including Tom Cruise, Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, Keanu Reeves, Leonardo DiCaprio, Hugh Jackman, Dwayne Johnson, Jamie Foxx, Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone, when they visited Japan to promote their movies. Photos by Din Eugenio

et’s relive some of their most memorable moments on the red carpet as captured by our perennial photographer, Din Eugenio. Tom Cruise “Edge of Tomorrow” (“All You Need Is Kill”) June 26, 2014

“I love you. I love Japan. I’m so happy to be here. Thank you so much for this warm welcome. I’m overwhelmed and humbled. I truly appreciate it.” Brad Pitt “Fury” Nov. 28, 2014

“Konnichiwa Japan! It’s great to be here again.” Angelina Jolie “Maleficent” June 23, 2014

“Hello, Japan! Thank you so much for coming out. We’re so excited to be here with all of you and we hope that you enjoy the film.”

Keanu Reeves “47 Ronin” Nov. 19, 2013

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson “Hercules” Oct. 19, 2014

“Minna-san konbanwa! It’s great to be here. It’s an honor and a privilege for me to have had the experience of making ‘47 Ronin’ with these incredible people and these wonderful artists. And it’s amazing to be here at the premiere.”

“The Japanese fans really mean so much to me. From the bottom of my heart, arigato gozaimasu. I love you.”

Leonard DiCaprio “The Wolf of Wall Street” Jan. 28, 2014

“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.” Hugh Jackman “X-Men: Days of Future Past May 27, 2014

“Konnichiwa! It is great to be back here in Tokyo. Less than a year ago, I was here. I love coming to Japan and I have to say congratulations on the 2020 Olympics.”

Elle Fanning June 23, 2014 “Maleficent”

“This is my first time in Japan and I love it. It’s fantastic and you guys are so great and so sweet.” Andrew Garfield, Jamie Foxx, Emma Stone “Amazing Spider-Man 2” March 31, 2014

“He didn’t use to be strong. He used to just be like me, like everyone. And it’s his compassion and his heart and his goodness that allow him to use the power he gets for good. And that’s what SpiderMan is all about. Thank you for the best question ever.”

Din Eugenio is a Tokyobased Filipino freelance press photographer whose work has appeared in publications like TIME (digital edition), ABC News, Philippine Star (digital edition), Pinoy Gazette, Philippine Digest and The Filipino-Japanese Journal. He completed his professional photography course at the prestigious New York Institute of Photography in 2004. Before coming to Japan, he worked as a still photographer for Regal Films, a film outfit in the Philippines, from 1997-1999. He was the only Filipino photographer officially accredited to cover the Tokyo International Film Festival in 2013 and the Osaka Asian Film Festival in 2014. He regularly covers Hollywood movie premieres in Tokyo.

FILJAP MAGAZINE | MARCH 2015

PHILIPPINE ADVENTUREs FACES

Philippines Bet MJ Lastimosa Fails to Take Home Miss Universe Crown Photos courtesy of © Miss Universe Organization L.P., LLLP

For the first time in 5 years, the Philippines did not make it to the Top 5 of the prestigious Miss Universe pageant.

hilippines bet Mary Jean “MJ” Lastimosa failed to enter the final top 5 of the Miss Universe 2014 pageant held at Florida International University in Miami, Florida on Jan. 25 (Jan. 26 in Manila). The 27-year-old beauty from North Cotabato failed to surpass her predecessors Venus Raj, 4th runner-up in 2010, Shamcey Supsup, 3rd runner-up in 2011, Janine Tugonon, 1st runner-up in 2012 and Ariella Arida, 3rd runner-up in 2013. MJ made it through the top 15. She further advanced to the competition when her name was called in the top 10. The 5’9 stunner, who impressed the crowd with her signature “bomb” walk, ended her bid when she failed to enter the final 5, wearing a white mermaid gown made by Colombian designer Alfredo Barazza during the evening gown competition. Advancing to the final 5 were Miss Colombia Paulina Vega (Miss Universe

2014) Miss USA Nia Sanchez (1st runner-up), Miss Ukraine Diana Harkusha (2nd runnerup), Miss Netherlands Yasmin Verheijen (3rd runner-up) and Miss Jamaica Kaci Fennell (4th runner-up). Despite her failed attempt to take home the country’s third Miss Universe crown, MJ remained optimistic and thanked the Filipino people all over the world for their support. “So proud to be a Filipino! Man, can’t express how grateful I am to everyone! I’m filled with love right now. Love you all! God bless us! Mabuhay!” she posted on her Instagram. Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao was one of the pageant judges, while Ariella Arida served as a backstage and red carpet host. The country’s only Miss Universe titleholders are Gloria Diaz who won in 1969 and Margarita “Margie” Morgan who won in 1973. Meanwhile, hopeful Filipino fans expressed their disappointment on social media as many pageant sites already predicted that MJ, who was one of the crowd favorites early in the competition, will make it to the final 5.

nonsense magazine for everyone!” - Gervin Macion, teacher/fashion blogger

What Readers Say About

FILJAP? “From Hollywood roadshows to local and international news that matter, FILJAP Magazine has truly elevated journalism for the Filipino community in Japan. A true no 14

“FILJAP Magazine is definitely the best Filipino magazine in Japan. It never fails to uplift the Filipino spirit, issue after issue. It gives readers a little bit of everything in the Philippine and Japanese entertainment scene as well as must-read informative articles that were not sensationalized in the social media.” - Carey Kho-Watanabe, teacher/fashion blogger

FILJAP MAGAZINE | MARCH 2015

“FILJAP

Magazine

became

breakthrough in Philippine publications in Japan. It has been instrumental in reaching out to our fellow Filipinos by giving them not only the latest updates in international events but also news about the activities within the Filipino community. It also provides insights on travel and lifestyle. I am very privileged to be a part of FILJAP Magazine and be of service to our fellow Filipinos through this venue. Congratulations on your 3rd anniversary! Continue changing the landscape of Filipino publishing in Japan!” - Herlyn Alegre, PhD student, Waseda University/playwright

An Interview With Fashion Photographer

SPOTLIGHT

Ari Simangan Photo by Zachary Ballaran

The saying that “when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you achieve it,” holds true for Ari – Christian Lee Vargas Simangan – a 34-year-old Manila-based fashion photographer with Japanese roots who was featured in our Sept.-Oct. 2013 issue.

is story of finding what he loves to do and becoming passionate about it, has opened many opportunities that he only once imagined and dreamed. With a grateful heart, Ari talks about these opportunities, how he considers FILJAP as his lucky charm, his dream photo shoot for the magazine and what connects his family to Japan. FILJAP: Almost 2 years ago, we featured you in this page, how was life after that? Ari: Wow it’s been 2 years! I continued to follow my heart by being passionate in taking photos. A lot of opportunities also came my way and I’ve been busy doing different projects. I was given the chance to be featured in several local TV shows. When my feature came out, many people found out that I have Japanese blood. I have friends and classmates in Japan who added me up on Facebook and told me that they’ve read about me in the magazine. I was really surprised; it was a very humbling experience.

for Japanese citizenship and was a member of the Filipino-Japanese Foundation of Northern Club of Baguio City. But unfortunately, there were missing documents that’s why she didn't continue with the application. Without my Mom, I won’t be featured here. FILJAP is the closest thing that connects my family to Japan. I hope someday that we could visit Japan and meet our relatives. My friends, on the other hand, were proud and there were people who sent me messages telling me that I inspired them. I actually posted a soft copy of my FILJAP feature on my website. FILJAP: Did you think our first feature with you has helped you with your career? In what way? Ari: Yes, definitely! As I’ve said, it serves as my lucky charm. I will not forget what Ms. Florenda (editor) told me. She said, “I hope our feature would help you in your career” and I replied with “Sana.” (I hope so). And guess what? So far, so good! I’m doing great and that’s why I’m very thankful. FILJAP: What makes you busy nowadays? Any upcoming projects? Ari: It’s just the start of the year and I have upcoming projects lined up but I can’t disclose anything yet. It’s a surprise! I believe in the element of surprise. Haha!

FILJAP: What are the opportunities and projects that came your way after our first feature with you? Ari: I had photo shoots for local magazines, ad campaigns, billboards, etc. Plus I met more people in the industry – celebrities, beauty queens and international models.

FILJAP: If you were to do a cover photo shoot for FILJAP, who or what is your dream subject, where and why? Ari: This excites me! If I’m given the chance and I hope he gets to read this, I would love to do a photo shoot with my Japanese idol Takeshi Kaneshiro – he’s a superstar! I remember him in the movie “Returner.” Some people tell me that I look like him. Haha! I like his style. I would love to visit Japan and photograph him plus of course take a selfie and ask for his autograph.

FILJAP: How did your family and friends react to it? Ari: My parents were very happy and proud. Because of that, I’d like to give a shout out to my Mom, Rosemarie Osita Vargas Simangan, because through FILJAP, I get to embrace my Japanese roots. When I was young, my mom applied

FILJAP: What is your message for FILJAP on its 3rd anniversary issue? Ari: I would like to thank you for this second feature and also for the friendship and trust. More power and keep on inspiring not only the Filipino-Japanese community but everyone! Congratulations and many more successes in the future! Cheers!

FILJAP MAGAZINE | MARCH 2015

PHILIPPINE adventures Philippine ADVENTURES

A Walk in the Clouds of

Mt. Pulag Text and photos by Arlene Donaire

Many who have gone to Mt. Pulag would easily say it is one of the most beautiful mountains in the Philippines, with its grass-covered curvaceous peaks and valleys, the mystic fog envelopes, the sea of clouds, the glorious sunrise a nd sunsets, the “starry” show on clear evenings and the surprise rainbows one encounters along the mystified parts of the trails. The natives in fact call the mountain “the playground of the gods.”

“What are men to rocks and mountains?” - Jane Austen

t. Pulag is the 3rd highest peak in the country; it is nested within several municipalities in three province - Buguias, Kabayan and Bokod of Benguet; Tinoc in Ifugao and Kayapa in Nueva Vizcaya. While the mountain is largely characterized by deep ravines, gorges and steep terrain, which can be perilous for the careless and unprepared, trails to the mountain’s peaks and summit and camp sites have been “established” making the entire experience manageable, albeit physically challenging. As the third highest peak in the country, with an elevation of 2,922 meters above sea level, Mt. Pulag has its unique and daunting 16

geo-physical challenges, including extremely cold temperatures that can go below zero at night till early morning. These are, however surmountable, with proper preparation and provisions. But for all its height and might, Mt. Pulag can be a breathtaking experience, all worth the climb and the camping! Parts of Mt Pulag have been declared as “protected areas” by the Philippine government because it is home to some unique flora and fauna like the dwarf bamboo and the cloud rat. It is also home to some of North Luzon’s ethnic tribes, with four of them actually residing within the park – the Ibaloi, Kalanguya, Kankana-

FILJAP MAGAZINE | MARCH 2015

ey and Ibanag. To these tribes, Mt. Pulag is a sacred place, a resting haven for their ancestors and home to their gods. At the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ Mt. Pulag Park Office, which is located at the entry point to the mountain, one must register in a logbook upon entry and exit and undergo an orientation to be educated on the etiquettes of visiting Mt. Pulag. The visitors are rightly forewarned to “leave nothing but memories.” From this park entrance, the 4-km trek to the basecamp can take around 3 hours and then another hour or so to the summit, which is another 4 kms away; based on a moderate hiking pace.

Mt. Pulag can best be described as a duality easy and hard, intense and complacent, romantic and plain. It all depends on how one views the whole idea of traversing trails and peaks and camping under spartan conditions. The charm of Mt. Pulag is whatever you decide it is. After all, the climb is a personal experience. For those that are purely interested in mountaineering and conquering the outdoors, Mt. Pulag has several trail options, each one with their own degrees of difficulty for reaching the summit. The Ambangeg Trail is often recommended for beginners and leisure trekkers while the Akiki and Vizcaya trails are for the more hardened climbers. For those who fancy sightseeing and photography, the possibilities for appreciating nature’s beauty and permanently capturing the wondrous sights, from the part entrance to the forested mid parts and all the way to the summit are immense. To many mountaineering aficionados, Mt. Pulag is a revered item in their bucket list. But to the uninitiated adventure seekers and tourists, this mountain may not your run-of-the-mill destination. It is however one of the top places visited in the country despite being located 2,922 meters above sea level and being about 10 hours away from Metro Manila! It can be daunting but it doesn’t mean it can’t be reached. It can in fact be anyone’s next Philippine adventure goal. After all, “every mountain top is within reach if you just keep climbing” (Barry Finlay).

“We all travel the Milky Way together, trees and men.” - John Muir

“All mountain landscapes hold stories: the ones we read, the ones we dream, and the ones we create.” - George Michael Sinclair Kennedy

“How glorious a greeting the sun gives the mountains!” - John Muir A r l e n e Donaire lived in Tokyo for a year between 2010 and 2011, when she worked as the Information and Public Relations Officer of the Asian Productivity O rga ni z a ti on . Her first article with FILJAP, entitled “Four Seasons in Japan” came out of her yearlong photographic adventures in the country where she was able to visit scenic locales like Yokohama, Hakone, Mt. Takao and Kamakura, aside from her weekend walkabouts in the various districts of Tokyo. Currently, she is back in Manila working as Team Leader for the Infrastructure and Electricity Activities of the USAID Advancing Philippine Competitiveness Project. She is an economist and public policy specialist by profession for the last two decades, working on various government and consulting assignments. She completed her graduate studies in MA Economics at the University of the Philippines-Diliman and Masters in Public Administration at Harvard University. She is a member of the Ayala Alabang Camera Club and the Fujifilm Philippines X Group. She shoots with her Fuji and Canon systems. FILJAP MAGAZINE | MARCH 2015

TRAVEL JAPAN

A Guide to

Ghibli

If you are a big fan of Ghibli films such as “Spirited Away,” “Kiki’s Delivery Service,” “Totoro,” “Howl’s Moving Castle,” among many others, Ghibli Museum is a dream come true! It is full of magic, just make sure to make advance reservations!

Museum Text and photos by Ashley Dy

hibli Museum by Hayao Miyakazaki is described as a portal to one’s own story book. And as the main character, Ghibli Museum asks you to experience it with your senses and not through a camera’s viewfinder. That is the reason why it is not allowed to take photos inside the museum except on the rooftop and Straw Hat cafe.

How to Make Reservations?

You can reserve at any Lawson branch at least a month ahead of time.

How to Go to Ghibli Museum? From Shinjuku, it is approximately 20 minutes train ride via JR Chuo Line to Mitaka. Get off at Mitaka South Exit and walk along the Tamagawa Josui Waterworks for about 15 minutes to the museum. You will pass by Inokashira Park and don’t worry about getting lost, there are a lot of Totoro signs along the way that will guide you on how to get there. Alternatively, you can take the community bus (a yellow, Ghibli characters printed bus) for 210 yen. When you are close to the museum, you will see Totoro inside a glass window along Kichijoji Avenue.

What to Do Inside the Ghibli Museum? 1. Get lost and be inspired. Use the “no-photo taking” rule as a positive sign to immerse yourself in the world of wonder. There are lots of things you can spot if 18

you just open your eyes. Try finding these things: the Jiji-shaped faucets (from Kiki’s Delivery Sevice), Makkuro-kurosuke (wandering soots) that are locked through a porthole, Tiny Porco Rosso icon near the Straw Hat cafe, stained glass Totoro, look up and see the space of wonder - a fresco painting at the ceiling, don’t miss the shining, smiling sun at the center of the blue sky. 2. There are also places that allows picture taking like the Ghibli Museum’s Guardian - The Robot Soldier on the Rooftop. On top of the Central Hall, you will be able to see Totoro’s nekobus (cat bus) playroom. Unfortunately, adults can’t play inside the playroom anymore but if you walk pass it, you will find a terrace that will lead you to a fancy spiral stairway going up. And there, you will find a grassy rooftop garden. You definitely can’t miss the five-meter-tall Robot Soldier (from Laputa Castle in the Sky) and yes, you can take a selfie with it! 3. Collect all Ghibli character printed flags that you can get when you order their original strawberry shortcake at Straw Hat cafe. Most of the time, there are long lines

FILJAP MAGAZINE | MARCH 2015

to get in but it is worth it. They also have meals without any fancy character designs. For drinks, try latte art, kaze no tani beer or Ghibli’s version of ramune lemonade. 4. Splurge all your money at the only souvenir shop inside the museum, “Mamma Aiuto!” which means “Mama, help me!” It was named after the sky pirates in “Porco Rosso.” You can find Jiji tea sets and Totoro saucers here, among many other great finds! 5. Watching a short film at the Saturn Theater is definitely a must though there’s a one film per person policy and it is only exclusive at Ghibli Museum. 6. Ride Kiki’s broomstick outside the main building, it is pretty close to an oldfashioned hand pump well. 7. Visit the reading room called “TRI HAWKS,” a pun intended for Mitaka meaning “Mi” (Three) and “Taka” (Hawk). Books recommended by Hayao Miyazaki himself can be found here.

FILJAP MAGAZINE | MARCH 2015