FilJap Magazine October 2015

Free ¥0

OCTOBER 2015 Issue 34

l,’ ‘ImbisFiilmbCoo mpeting Lone Filipino Film Fest at Fukuoka Int’l

‘AlDub’ Phenomenon:

A Happy Accident

Manny Pacquiao

Joins PH Delegation in Tokyo for FIBA World Cup Bid, Meets FilCom

Advertise with Us! FilJap Magazine implements an exclusive advertising policy.

Advantages No Wasted Copies

No Competition

We make sure that each and every copy of the magazine reaches the targeted readers.

We guarantee your business will be the only one of its kind in every issue.

Advertising Specs

RATES

REQUIREMENTS

B5 Full Page

(Placement per issue)

Digital Files Only

With bleed: 188 x 263 mm Without bleed: 182 x 257 mm

Inside Front Cover - ¥100,000 Page 3 – ¥70,000 Page 4 – ¥50,000 Page 18 – ¥70,000 Inside Back Cover – ¥100,000 Outside Back Cover – ¥100,000

• Jpeg or PDF files are accepted.

• All images should be 300 dpi and color as CMYK.

Note: Contract is minimum of 6 months All rates are in Japanese yen and are tax inclusive.

Contact

Email

03-6903-2100

filjapmagazine@yahoo.com

FAX

ADDRESS

For inquiries, please call

03-6903-2101

114-0004 Tokyo-to, Kita-ku, Horifune 1-26-14-501

what’s inside...

Balikbayan Box

12 13 14 Philippine Adventures Enchanting El Nido

9

FilCom Watch Philippine Seafood Exporters Showcase Competitiveness of Filipino Marine Products in Japan Expo Spotlight Manny Pacquiao Joins Philippine Delegation in Tokyo for FIBA World Cup Bid, Meets Filipino Community

8

Faces ‘AlDub’ Phenomenon: A Happy Accident

I

n this issue of FILJAP Magazine, we are thrilled to present not just one but two of the most popular loveteams of today’s generation, James Reid and Nadine Lustre (JaDine) and Alden Richards and Maine “Yaya Dub” Mendoza (AlDub), who have been dominating Philippine noontime and primetime television and social media these past few months.

JaDine stars on ABS-CBN’s “On The Wings of Love” (Cover Story, p. 6) while AlDub headlines the “Kalyeserye” segment of “Eat Bulaga” (Faces, p. 9). These loveteams are making their own mark in showbiz with the support of their loyal fans.

We follow that with our coverage of Manny Pacquiao’s visit to Japan (Spotlight, p. 12).

We also have the latest news about the OFW-themed film “Imbisibol,” which is the only Filipino film competing in this year’s Focus on Asia International Film Festival Fukuoka (Special Feature, p. 8).

Be enchanted

by El Nido’s tropical paradise (Philippine Adventures, p. 14).

Our take on the balikbayan box issue can also be read in this issue (In Focus, p. 4).

We hope you will enjoy reading another edition of your Florenda Corpuz favorite Filipino magEditor-in-Chief azine in Japan!

COVER STORY JaDine: The New Rom-Com Royalties

EDITOR’S NOTE

In Focus The Balikbayan Box and its Value to Pinoys

OCT 2015

6

Special Feature ‘Imbisibol’ Lone Filipino Film Competing at Fukuoka Int’l Film Fest

4

E ditor ’ s P ick

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.

facebook.com/FilJapMagazine issuu.com/filjapmag

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

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

Contributing Writers/ Arlene Donaire Editorial Office: 332-0034 Saitama-ken,

Photographers: Oliver Corpuz Kawaguchi-shi, Namiki 4-10-6 Din Eugenio Wakosou 101

Advertising Executive: Judith Enfectana Mobile: 080-9153-2430

Distribution Executive: Genie Omata

Manila Office: 407 Adalla Street, Palm Village,

Layout Artist: VerJube Photographics Makati City, Philippines

Telephone: 63(2) 403-42-06

Advertising & 114-0004 Tokyo-to Kita-ku

E-mail: filjapmagazine@yahoo.com

Sales Office: Horifune 1-26-14-501 FilJap Magazine is published by FilJap Consulting.

All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be reproduced in any manner without the permission of the publisher.

FILJAP MAGAZINE | OCTOBER 2015

3

IN FOCUS

The Balikbayan Box and its Value to Pinoys President Benigno Aquino III has recently ordered the Bureau of Customs (BOC) headed by Commissioner Alfredo Lina to stop the inspection of balikbayan boxes unless these boxes are suspicious or it poses a security threat to the nation.

A

quino made an order after BOC made headlines for making tougher rules on these boxes by having random inspection manually. This move didn’t sit well to millions of Filipinos particularly the Overseas Filipino Workers who send an estimate of more or less than 800,000 boxes a year and whose remittances help the economy afloat.

“The existing rules are obsolete and we may have to reassess our coordination and processes with consolidators for stricter and improved compliance.

“Our spot checks from several warehouses show how misconstrued the rules may have become. People are sending in used clothing, home appliances, and items of the same kind that can well may be used for commercial purposes. Nagkamali ba ang sender o nagkulang ang freight forwarder? Is there misinformation to 4

drive their businesses?” said Customs Commissioner Alberto Lina.

The law said that each balikbayan box must be filled with contents like canned goods, grocery items, household effects and apparel, and must not exceed US$500. Otherwise, valued items are subjected to tax.

While it is Lina’s job to implement a law that is not being strictly enforced, he is touching something that holds a great emotional value to OFWs and their families and relatives at home. For some, these may just be boxes full of canned goods and whatnot but to OFWs, these symbolize their blood, sweat and tears; that they lovingly fill each box with imported goods that their respective families back home can enjoy. To inspect these boxes is to question the love and hard work they put in order to send these boxes in the country.

Some OFWs pointed out that they

FILJAP MAGAZINE | OCTOBER 2015

are not the type who would abuse the law on sending balikbayan boxes like smuggling items or putting prohibited drugs because by doing so will put their families to danger and shame.

Instead of putting effort in randomly inspecting these balikbayan boxes, Lina and the BOC should invest in equipment particularly X-ray machines that can automatically view what’s inside a box without opening it.

The BOC should also channel their energy in going after bigtime smugglers who avoid paying taxes and in effect steal millions and millions from the government’s coffers that in turn should be used to provide for social services.

The OFWs are consistently remitting billions of pesos that help Philippine economy afloat, and it is more than enough to spare them the stresses and worries that their balikbayan box may not reach their families back home.

TRAVEL PHILIPPINES

Visit these stores and grab one now!

Hokkaido

Want a copy of

FilJap

Tohoku

1 Gunma

8 11 15

8

Magazine?

Kyoto

Ibaraki

Gifu

2

Kanto Chubu Chiba

7

Kinki

Chugoku

15

We are inviting store and restaurant owners to be our partners in distributing

Yamanashi

Tokyo

5

Shikoku

FilJap Magazine.

Call us at

Saitama

461014 Kanagawa

Kyushu

Asakusa

Nagoya

18

19

17

Aichi

3 1213

03-6903-2100 for details.

1. Little Divisoria Sari-Sari Store Gunma-ken, Isesaki-shi, Chuo-cho 11-4 Tel: 0270-23-2771 Mobile: 080-3517-9058 2. Libis ng Nayon Ibaraki-ken, Chiuse-shi, Fujigaya 2716-1 Tel: 0296-37-1016 Mobile: 090-5784-0556 3. Siete-Siete Aichi-ken, Kita-Nagoya-shi, Kujino Kitaura 22 Tel: 0568-24-3708 4. New Nanay’s Minato-ku, Roppongi 5-16-5 Imperial Roppongi 1 S101 Tel: 03-3505-4688 5. CY Fashion Yamanashi-ken, Kofu-shi, Satoyoshi 1-6-8 Joyfull Apex A-8 Tel: 055-267-6081 Mobile: 080-4144-2616 / 090-9000-2616 6. Nene’s Kitchen Tokyo-to, Kita-ku, Akabane 1-10-2 Akabane Palace Building B1 Tel. No: 03-5939-6831 Mobile No: 080-3256-8113

7. Karitela Chiba-ken, Matsudo-shi, Minoridai 127-1-203 Tel. 047-308-6535 Mobile: 090-3145-8313

14. Aling Coring’s BAUHAUS Reine Bldg. 2F 5-3-4 Roppongi, Minato-Ku, Tokyo Tel: 03-3403-0092

8. Global General Merchandising Kyoto-fu, Maizuru-shi, Enmanji 162-1 Tel. 0773-75-8186 / 0773-76-0712

15. Reche’s Phil. Mini Grocery Gifu-ken, Minokamo-shi, Kamogawa-chou 3-1-32 Tel. 0574-42-9620 Mobile: 090-9125-8775

9. Prego Restaurant Gifu-ken, Gifu-shi, Yanagase-doori 5-15 Fuwa Bldg. 1F Tel: 0582-63-2660 Mobile: 090-2778-4558 10. Kabayan Sari-Sari Store Tokyo-to, Adachi-ku, Nishi Takenotsuka 2-1-29 Tel. 03-3890-0068 11. Kuya Ed Gifu-ken, Kani-shi, Dota Tel. 0574-26-9989 Mobile: 080-5028-0431

5047-3

12. Melanie’s Store Aichi-ken, Nishio-shi Yamashita-cho, Hachiman Yama 70-18 Mobile: 090-1742-9738

16. Bangkok Store 332-0021 Saitama-ken, Kawaguchi-shi Nishi-Kawaguchi 1-5-12 Tel. 048-259-3054 17. MEKENI 251-0055 Kanagawa-ken, Fujisawa-shi, Minami Fujisawa 4-2 Kikuya Bldg. 3F Tel: 0466-29-5441 Mobile: 090-5767-5789 18. Club Rouge Asakusa 〒 111-0032 Tokyo-to Taiyouku Asakusa 5-30-11 2F Mobile: 090-1261-9626

13. Palooza International Market 19. Masagana Restaurant Aichi-ken, Nagoya-shi, Nagoya-shi, Naka-ku Sakae 5-chome Atsuta-ku, Hataya 2-8-13 18-8 Daini Shuwa Biru 501 Tel. 052-682-5770 052-263-0662 FILJAP Tel. MAGAZINE | OCTOBER 2015 5

Cover story Since they starred together in their first movie in 2014, James Reid and Nadine Lustre have gone from nobodies to one of showbiz’s biggest stars of today. More than a year after, James and Nadine or collectively known as JaDine finished three movies -- “Diary ng Panget,” “Talk Back and Your Dead” and “Para sa Hopeless Romantic” – that all made a killing in the box office, bagged endorsement deals, became the favorite cover stars of leading magazines and is currently doing their first ever full-length teleserye that is on top of the ratings game.

James Reid

Nadine Lustre The New

Rom-Com Royalties Photos courtesy of ABS-CBN 6

FILJAP MAGAZINE | OCTOBER 2015

T

heir rise to fame may be meteoric but James and Nadine are out to prove that they are in showbiz for real and for the long haul.

The success of “Diary ng Panget,” one of 2014’s highest-grossing Filipino films that raked in Php 120 million, was unexpected that there’s nowhere to go for the two but to walk to the door of stardom.

Banking on their onscreen chemistry that is too palpable to go unnoticed, JaDine slowly eases their way to the hearts of showbiz denizens, who most often than not are so hard to please.

Now playing the endearing couple in ABS-CBN’s primetime series “On the Wings of Love,” James and Nadine never fail to give the viewers who are hooked every night a heavy dose of kilig – enough to be called as the new romanticcomedy royalties.

Set in San Francisco in California, “On the Wings of Love” is the right project for James and Nadine, who play Clark and Leah entangled in a fixed marriage in order for the latter to get her green card,

because it exploits the side of JaDine that is fresh, genuine, natural and edgy at the same time.

It is the perfect proof of their onscreen chemistry that never fails to elicit shriek and screams from fans who always turn to social media to express their love for the two making “On the Wings of Love” a trending topic, nationwide and worldwide, night after night.

“The support from everyone is really overwhelming.

We didn’t expect this that is why we are grateful that many are watching and are hooked every night. This is our first teleserye together so we are really happy and thankful for the love and support that we are getting,” said Nadine who’s earning good reviews for her acting.

James, on the other hand, emphasized that part of the success of the show is because they are enjoying what they are doing that it becomes evident onscreen.

“It’s just fun and light. We are just having fun on the set.

I think that’s why it’s so fun to watch. People go home after

a long day at work to a light romantic-comedy,” James enthused whose topless scenes in the series have girls swooning.

They are also thankful for being able to shoot outside the country and under the helm of great directors Tonet Jadaone, who’s behind the well-loved movies “That Thing Called Tadhana” and “English Only, Please,” and Jojo Saguin, who directed memorable drama series such as “May Bukas Pa” and “Walang Hanggan.”

“We were shooting in San Francisco and it’s like everywhere you look, it feels like a scene in a movie before.

The feeling was incredible.

We got to drive at the Golden Gate Bridge, Napa Valley, the grapevines and the whole thing was so much fun,” James said.

Although their loveteam is so effective in sending everyone the romantic and feel-good vibes, James and Nadine are quick to say that they are just friends, partnersin-crime, off cam. They feel that by staying friends, they are choosing to protect their loveteam.

However, both admitted that they are so comfortable working with each other that they are past the awkwardness stage. In fact, doing kissing scenes do not rattle them anymore and they always make it a point to help each other in whatever scenes that they have to do.

“It’s very clear to us from the start that our priority is our career. If we’re in a relationship, it might just complicate things and might affect the loveteam. Kapag po nag-away kami tapos kelangan namin maging sweet sa eksena, mahirap po yata iyon,” Nadine admitted in one interview.

“What we have is something great so why ruin it?” James added.

Their career choices and maturity stem from their struggling years in showbusiness -- when acting projects were measly, big breaks remained elusive and the spotlight was on somebody else. James and Nadine basically know what it’s like to be in the bottom and now that they are ascending to greater fame, they are unstoppable.

FILJAP MAGAZINE | OCTOBER 2015

7

SPECIAL FEATURE

“Imbisibol,” Lone Filipino Film Competing at Fukuoka Int’l Film Fest TOKYO, Japan – The independent film “Imbisibol” is the lone Filipino movie competing at the Focus on Asia International Film Festival Fukuoka 2015, which will be held from September 18-25 at Canal City in Hakata.

“I

Text by Florenda Corpuz Photos by DOP Boy Yñiguez

mbisibol,” shot in Japan including Fukuoka, focuses on survival while addressing problems surrounding migrant workers and globalization.

Directed by Lawrence Fajardo and starred by JM De Guzman, Allen Dizon, Ces Quesada, Bernardo Bernardo and Ricky Davao, the film tackles the lives of four migrant workers in Japan that reflects the difficult challenges faced by millions of Filipinos who decide to go overseas in search of a better future for their families.

“Imbisibol” swept almost all of the awards at the first ever Sinag Maynila, a festival of Pinoy indie films organized by Brillante Mendoza in collaboration with Wilson Tieng: best production design (Rolando Inocencio and Lawrence Fajardo), best cinematography (Boy Yniguez), best screenplay (Herlyn Alegre and John Bedia), best actor (Allen Dizon), best actress (Ces Quesada), best director (Lawrence Fajardo) and best film.

The film was completed with the assistance of the Fukuoka Film Commission.

Other films vying for the Audience Award include “Song of My Mother” (Turkey-France-Germany), “Unripe Pomegranates” (Iran), “Kurmanjan Datka Queen of the Mountains” (Kyrgyz Republic), “Court” (India), “The Blue Hour” (Thailand), “The Golden Cane Warrior” (Indonesia), “Kuldesak” (Indonesia), “Super X.” (Vietnam), “Red Amnesia” (China), “Little Big Master” (Hong Kong-China), “Sex Appeal” (Taiwan), “Alive” (Korea), “The Dark Horse” (New Zealand) and “Harmonics Minyoung” (Japan).

The Focus on Asia International Film Festival Fukuoka is now on its 25th edition this year. It introduces excellent films from Asia to the entire world.

8

FILJAP MAGAZINE | OCTOBER 2015

“When I was a kid, I dreamt of making movies, travelling – wanting to learn about life and my passion for movies.

And to be able to fulfill that dream I know it’s something that is privilege and I feel very grateful for it.”

FACES

‘AlDub’ Phenomenon:

A Happy Accident Text by Nel Salvador

She, on the other hand, is one of those ordinary young girls who secretly dream of being a showbiz artist. She makes these funny Dubsmash videos impersonating celebrities, most notably Kris Aquino, which has gone viral on social media earning more than a million views, thus, gaining the monicker “Dubsmash Queen.” Her name is Nicomaine Dei “Maine” Mendoza or Yaya Dub to everyone.

T

ogether, they are known as “AlDub,” the loveteam that caught the fancy of millions and millions of Pinoy viewers who are all glued to Kapuso network’s top-rating noontime show “Eat Bulaga!” every day to follow the show’s “Kalyeserye” headlined by the two and Wally Bayola who plays Lola Nidora.

Now, Alden’s biggest break has come and Maine’s dream of becoming an artista has been fulfilled. And in a phenomenal way.

And there’s no stopping these two as they beat records: trending on social media every day -- with almost six million tweets garnered in the September 5 episode when the two met briefly in the studio for the first time for the segment “Bulaga Pa More” -- and Eat Bulaga! scoring their highest rating this year at 45%.

It was the most anticipated meeting between the two eight weeks after they were paired together but their meeting was cut short when Lola Nidora blocked each other’s view with a sliding wall that had the viewers shedding tears.

Alden stays in the studio while Yaya

Dub is in different barangays for the “Juan for All, All for Juan” segment, the fans are happy (and kilig) every time the two are dubsmashing to love songs and making pabebe wave via split screen while anticipating as to when they will eventually meet.

The phenomenon has reached to millions of Filipinos from celebrities to ordinary people, the rich and the poor, the young and the old. Worlds would stop just to watch the first ever kalyeserye on TV – office workers take a break from their work, sari-sari store owners close their shops, housewives would finish their chores early – just to have a daily dose of these two.

Alden is overwhelmed by the sudden interest in him and Yaya Dub that in a span of a few months countless projects came pouring in such as a four-year contract with APT Films and a recording stint from GMA Records.

“Everything that is happening to me right now came as a surprise and a blessing.

APT offered a movie contract with me and then, ‘AlDub’ is happening, ‘Eat Bulaga!’ is

Screengrab from Eat Bulaga

He is one of GMA-7’s resident stars who appeared in several shows such as “Alakdana,” “Tween Hearts,” “One True Love” and “Carmela” to name a few. Although never without a showbiz project since his entry in 2010, the bedimpled actor patiently waited for his biggest break in showbiz that will take his career to a whole new level. His name is Alden Richards.

doing well. And I couldn’t ask for anything more,” says Alden who is now being called as the “Pambansang Dimple.”

Yaya Dub, on the other hand, appeals to the fans to enjoy the show because they are doing everything to make the people laugh and be entertained with their story.

“We are doing our best to make you guys laugh and kilig every single day! Kalma lang ha, wag tayo magmadali. Let’s just enjoy the show!”

Everything came about as an accident, a happy accident as what “Eat Bulaga!” cast and crew would say. Alden is the segment host of “That’s my Bae” along with Sam YG while Yaya Dub was invited to be a part of the show for the “Juan for All, All for Juan” segment.

“It was born from the moment that the staff found out that in real life, Yaya Dub had a crush on Alden. No one knew that. Si Alden in one episode, nag-wave siya kay Yaya Dub. And the reaction was good. It was all an accident,” divulges Direk Mike Tuviera.

And the rest, as they say, is history.

Now, the AlDub loveteam is making noontime viewing habit more fun.

FILJAP MAGAZINE | OCTOBER 2015

9

10

FILJAP MAGAZINE | OCTOBER 2015

FILJAP MAGAZINE | OCTOBER 2015

11

spotlight

(L-R): Chot Reyes, Manny Pacquiao, Lou Diamond Phillips, Manuel V. Pangilinan and Jimmy Alapag pose for the press before the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup host announcement ceremony on August 7 at Tokyo Prince Park Tower Hotel.

Manny Pacquiao Joins Philippine Delegation in Tokyo for FIBA World Cup Bid, Meets Filipino Community

P

acquiao led the Philippine contingent together with Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas President Manuel V. Pangilinan, Hollywood Fil-Am actor Lou Diamond Phillips, former Gilas Pilipinas captain Jimmy Alapag and former Gilas Pilipinas coach Chot Reyes.

“I am a boxer, but I am here because I love basketball so that tells you the passion that Filipinos have for basketball. If we host the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup, we can show that passion to the world,” Pacquiao, who also dabbles in professional basketball as a KIA player-coach, addressed the media hours before FIBA’s Central Board made its decision.

Although the Philippines lost its bid to host the grandest basketball spectacle in the world to China, the disappointed

Text and photos by Florenda Corpuz Pacquiao expressed hope that God will give it to the country at the right time.

“We did our best. Ibibigay ito ng Diyos sa Pilipinas sa tamang panahon,” he said in an interview minutes after the decision.

The Filipino ring icon, accompanied by his wife Sarangani Vice Governor Jinkee, also took time out to meet with Embassy officials and OFWs in Tokyo at a forum held at the Philippine Embassy.

In his remarks, Pacquiao reminded the Filipinos of the value of giving back to their country and people the benefits and blessings they earned while working and living in Japan.

Pacquiao, who is the Vice Chairman of the House Committee on OFW affairs, is expected to attend the Philippine Festival in Japan on September 19 and 20 at Yoyogi Park.

Ambassador Manuel M. Lopez and Madame Maria Teresa Lopez welcomed Pacquiao and wife, Jinkee, to the Embassy. (Photo courtesy of Philippine Embassy in Tokyo) 12

FILJAP MAGAZINE | OCTOBER 2015

TOKYO, Japan – Eight-division Filipino boxing champion and congressman Manny Pacquiao recently arrived in the Japanese capital to help in the Philippines’ bid to host the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup and meet with representatives of the Filipino community.

FILCOM WATCH

BE PUBLISHED Do 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.

Philippine Seafood Exporters Showcase Competitiveness of Filipino Marine Products in Japan Expo Photo courtesy of Philippine Embassy in Tokyo

T

OKYO, Japan – Philippine seafood exporters showed to the international market the quality and competitiveness of the Filipino tuna and other marine products at the 17th Japan International Seafood and Technology Expo.

Seven of the leading Philippine seafood processors and exporters composed the Philippine contingent to the 3-day international expo held from August 19-21 at the Tokyo Big Sight East 5-6 Hall, where some 1,200 booths of various foreign and Japanese companies were installed for an expected admission of over 35,000 visitors of mainly foreign buyers and processors of marine products.

Deputy Chief of Mission Gilberto Asuque, Economic Officer Arnel Sanchez and Agriculture Attaché Dr. Samuel Animas along with officials from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Department of Agriculture (DA-BFAR) led the Embassy in welcoming the Philippine participants and in opening the Philippine

booth.

The Philippine seafood exhibitors are the Bluefin Seafood Export, Inc., D&L Seafoods, Nuevo Fresco Marine Trading Corp., PhilFresh Corporation, President Marine Products Corp., Phil-Union Frozen Foods, Inc. and Superb Catch, Inc. The Philippine booth displayed the product lines of the Filipino exporters such as fresh chilled tuna whole round/ loins, fresh chilled tuna saku bars, super frozen tuna, ready-to-cook and ready to eat yellowfin tuna special or products in pouches and jars, mackerel and sardines in corn oil, tuna chicharon, abalone meat, block frozen black tiger shrimp, tempura shrimp, frozen lobsters, clam meat, crablets, Escolar steak, giant and regular-size squid, frozen octopus, scallops, cuttlefish, frozen and bottled milkfish (“bangus”), frozen tilapia, frozen roundscad, and eel. The Filipino exhibitors also had food tasting and samples of their ready-to-eat tuna in sushi and sashimi and other marine products.

Embassy Announcement:

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU FILJAP readers! Let us know what you think of our issue. Send us your feedback or suggestions to filjapmagazine@yahoo. com.

Mahalagang Paalala sa mga Pilipino na may Residence Visa sa Japan

A

yon sa pinakabagong tala ng Kawanihan ng Immigrasyon ng bansang Hapon, may mga 1,200 Pilipino ang hindi pa nakakapagpabago ng kanilang mga Alien Registration Certificate upang ito ay maging Residence Card sa kabila ng pagpapatupad ng bagong sistema ng pagtatala ng mga

banyaga noong ika-9 ng Hulyo 2012.

Pinaaalalahanan ang ating mga kababayan na pumunta sa pinakamalapit na Regional Immigration Bureau ng inyong lugar sa lalong madaling panahon.

Magbago sa Residence Card upang makaiwas sa mga suliranin ukol sa pagtira sa bansang Hapon.

CAUGHT IN THE ACT

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.

TOKYO, Japan – Eight-division Filipino boxing champion and

Our ‘Philippine Adventures’ writer/photographer Arlene Donaire (2nd from right) and family during their trip to Tokyo.

FILJAP MAGAZINE | OCTOBER 2015

13

philippine adventures El Nido has become a byword among tourists and vacationers that are looking for a tropical paradise. Because of its naturally enchanting resource endowments and ecosystems, El Nido has been dubbed the “Best Beach and Island Destination in the Philippines” by CNNGo. Text and photos by Arlene Donaire

Enchanting

L

ocated in the northeastern part of Palawan, about 238 kilometers away from the provincial capital of Puerto Princesa, the first class municipality is comprised of several barangays and has a generally laidback rural vibe despite its being a tourism boom area.

The town traces its roots from a small Tagbanwa village called Talindak. Some time in the 16th century, waves of migrant settlers arrived from Cuyo Islands. During the Spanish colonization, the Spaniards renamed it as Bacuit. Republic Act No. 1140 issued in 1954 eventually changed the name to the current El Nido; a name

14

that resonates because it is associated with the edible nests of swiftlets (collocalia fuciphaga), found in the crevices of its limestone cliffs. Harvesting of these nests, nido in Spanish, is a key livelihood among the locals.

El Nido Municipality is a very important “managed resource protected area” in the country. This means that “El Nido is a showcase of the Philippines’ geological and biological diversity.” The Philippine government named the entire area of El Nido first to a turtle sanctuary in 1984, then to a marine reserve park in 1991, and finally in 1998, to that of a managed resource protected area. The combined El

FILJAP MAGAZINE | OCTOBER 2015

Miniloc Island’s Stilt House

Nido-Taytay Managed Resource Protected Area is the largest marine sanctuary in the entire Philippines, covering a total of 903.21 square kilometers, of which 40% are terrestrial and 60% marine. (Source: Wikipedia).

The main indication that El Nido has risen in the economic tier is the presence of numerous local eateries, pubs, and cafes, souvenir and general merchandise shops, bed and breakfast places, hotels and resorts, that cater to the varying needs of visitors that have arrived endlessly since El Nido was “discovered” in tourism terms, back in the early 80’s. A historical annotation cites:

Miniloc Island’s Port

El Nido Town public beach

Entrance to Lagen Island

“Because El Nido was quite remote from most of the inhabited islands in the Philippines, its pristine beauty was hidden to the world until 1979 when a sea accident happened in Bacuit Bay. As the story goes, ‘a tuna line disabled a dive boat’s propeller in the middle of the night forcing it to drop anchor in an inlet. The following morning, the divers woke up to an amazing scenery of skyscraping dark cliffs, thick green forest, white sandbeach, sparkling water and, rising above it, a series of magnificently sculpted jade islands.’”

(Source: Wikipedia) The town center has a unique geophysical setup: it ensconced in the midst of a coastal plain bound by the area’s famous limestone cliffs and hills on one side and a sheltered bay on the other. Most of the town’s commercial establishments have congregated near and along the crescent shaped coastal part, where the public beach is also found. At one end of the coastline is the town port where motorized boatsfor-rent await the next batch of islandhoppers. El Nido’s jurisdiction includes

El Nido Town coastal homes

many islands and islets that can be accessed only via sea travel. Some of the most popular isles are Miniloc, Lagen, Entalula, and the Small and Large Lagoons. The main landmarks of the town - schools, church, town hall - which are located in walkable distances from the commercial part, have remained scenic, owing to the natural greeneries and limestone cliffs that have been preserved. At daytime, the hustle and bustle from activities of the tourists, vendors, tricycles, and local residents has a chaotic rhythm to it. At nighttime, the town center becomes even more alive as smoke from barbecue stations and music waft through the air. It almost feels like the entire time spent in town, there is a perpetual fiesta.

One has to plan well when deciding to go to El Nido. Because of its remote location, travel time is a key consideration. It is reachable either by land travel from Puerto or by air, with its Lio Airport servicing several flights daily. Traveller has a choice of whether to take the long and cheaper

way, by land or shorter by air, which is relatively more expensive compared to the regular domestic flights.

The town was never systematically planned to be a tourism center, hence its narrow streets that are now congested with vendors can be daunting and somehat off-putting to the visitors with critical needs for pristine surroundings and orderliness. Recent government administrations have started to effect stricter regulations on environmental management and have tried to cope with the fast pace of development in the area. One needs to go into El Nido expecting less of the trappings of a five star hotel and the antiseptic cleanliness of city malls; the essential needs of a traveller can be easily met by the local enterprises. When one goes to El Nido, bring the proper mindset --- seek more of the tropical fun - sun, sand, sea, and warm smiles, then everything should be fine. There is a natural coherence to everything that one experiences in El Nido. Expect less, be delighted even more! Lose yourself in enchanting El Nido!

FILJAP MAGAZINE | OCTOBER 2015

15

Payong Legal

Ang Adoption o Pag-aampon Akda ni Atty. Cheska Maude L. Arraiza

Ano nga ba ang sinasabing adoption? Kailangan bang dumaan sa legal na proseso o basta na lang ipapalagay sa birth certificate ng bata na sila na ang magulang nito? May pinagkaiba ba kung ang nag-aampon ay isang Pilipino o “foreigner”? Ano ang prosesong kailangan at mga epekto nito? Ito ang kalimitang tanong sa pag-aampon o adoption.

A

yon sa ating Korte Suprema, ang ibig sabihin ng adoption o pag-aampon ay “A juridical act and a proceeding in rem which creates between two persons a relationship similar to that which results from legitimate paternity and filiation.” Ibig sabihin nito na ang pag-aampon ay isang palatasang pagkilos at isang proseso na hindi tumutukoy sa isang sadyang tao ngunit sa pangkalahatan na lumilikha ng isang relasyon sa dalawang tao na maihahalintuhad sa lehitimong kaugnayan ng isang magulang at anak.

Dahil sa depenisyon bilang juridical act, ang isang ampon ay hindi maaaring magkaroon ng katulad na karapatan ng isang lehitimong anak o legitimate child kung walang judicial decree of adoption na manggagaling sa isang korte upang magkaroon ng halintulad na karapatan ang isang ampon sa mga lehitimong anak ng mga nag-ampon o “adopter.” Ibig din sabihin nito na kahit lumaki ang isang bata sa pangangalaga ng mga nag-ampon, 16

kung walang legal na proseso na dinaanan upang siya ay maampon o ma-adopt kahit ilang taon ang nagdaan, sa mata ng batas ang inampon ay hindi kinikilalang lehitimong anak o tagpagmana “heir” ng mga nag-ampon.

Ang pag-lalagay ng pangalan sa birth certificate or tampering of civil registry ng mga nag-aampon o adopter bilang mga magulang ay hindi rin gumagawa ng lehitimong relasyon bilang magulang at anak. Bagkus, isang krimen sa batas o Revised Penal Code . Ang nasabing batas ay may kaparusahan na pagkabilango ng anim na taon at isang araw hanggang sa labing-dalawang taon (6 years and 1 day to 12 years) at multa na isang libong piso (PhP1,000) .

Sa kasalukuyan, dalawang batas ang sumasakop sa adoption. Ito ang Republic Act No. 8552 o Domestic Adoption Act of 1998 (“DAA”) at Republic Act No. 8043 o Inter-Country Adoption Act of 1995 (“ICAA”). Hindi dahilang Domestic Adoption ang nakasaad, ay hindi na pwedeng mag-

FILJAP MAGAZINE | OCTOBER 2015

ampon ang mga banyaga o “foreigner.”

Gayun din ang Inter-Country Adoption na hindi lang puro banyaga o “foreigner” ang pwedeng mag-adopt. Ang pinagkaiba rito ay kung saan ginaganap ang nasabing proseso ng pag-aampon. Ang DAA ay sumasakop sa mga pag-aampon ng mga Pilipino na ang kabuuang proseso mula sa pag-file at pag-labas ng adoption decree ay nagaganap sa loob ng bansang Pilipinas.

Samantala ang ICAA naman ay sumasakop sa mga adoption na ang proseso ay nagaganap sa labas ng bansang Pilipinas.

Para sa mga kwalipikasyon o katangian na kailangan ng mga nag-aampon at aampunin, mabuting sumangguni sa isang abogado para sa mas detalyadong paliwanag at karagdagang katanungan.

ABANGAN SA SUSUNOD NA ISSUE: May pinagkaiba ba kung ang nag-aampon ay isang Pilipino o bayaga “foreigner” lalo na kung asawa ito ng Pilipinong magulang ng bata? Ano ang prosesong kailangan at mga epekto ng adoption?

1. In the Matter of the Adoption of Stephanie Nathy Astorga, 454 SCRA 541, 551 (2005).

2. Section 3 (j) of Republic Act No. 8552 otherwise known as the “Domestic Adoption Act of 1998”.

3. Art. 347 of the Revised Penal Code of the Philippines: Article 347. Simulation of births, substitution of one child for another and concealment or abandonment of a legitimate child. The simulation of births and the substitution of one child for another shall be punished by prision mayor and a fine of not exceeding 1,000 pesos. xxx

4. Article 347 in relation to Article 27 of the Revised Penal Code, to wit: Article 27. xxx Prision mayor and temporary disqualification. - The duration of the penalties of prision mayor and temporary disqualification shall be from six years and one day to twelve years, except when the penalty of disqualification is imposed as an accessory penalty, in which case its duration shall be that of the principal penalty. xxx

Pinoy Indie Film

filcom news

‘K’na the Dreamweaver’

Showcases Indigenous T’boli Culture at Aichi Film Fest

N

AGOYA, Japan – The Filipino independent film “K’na the Dreamweaver” shared with Japanese movie viewers the culture and art of the T’boli of Lake Sebu in South Cotabato.

Film director Ida Anta Q. Del Mundo and actress Mara Lopez Yokohama, as K’na, introduced the film during the 20th Aichi International Women’s Film Festival held from Septembe 1-6 at the Aichi Women’s Center in Nagoya. “K’na the Dreamweaver” is a love story that features the culture and social values of the T’boli weaving into the story line the art and craft of the T’nalak fabric amidst the beauty and serenity of Lake Sebu.

The film was shot within 12 days entirely on location along the banks of Lake Sebu with the main casts all speaking in the T’boli language. Del Mundo said that the main actors and actresses were from Manila and had to learn the T’boli dialect in a month

before the filming while the rest of the cast were T’boli who also had to learn basic acting for the film.

Del Mundo also explained that the

set, the houses and costumes were all original T’boli that were designed with the advice of T’bolis using traditional materials and techniques. The music score was also original tribal T’boli with added materials from her who has a background in music and is a violinist.

The weaving of the T’nalak fabric, an indigenous Filipino art, was a key attraction of the film, which Del Mundo said can only be done by the women T’boli that the Japanese women could relate to.

The film won the Special Jury Prize and Best Production Design Award in Cinemalaya 2014 and the top prize at the Female Eye International Film Festival in Toronto, Canada in June. The two expressed the hope that independent filmmakers, who only started film production 10 years ago, would continue to gain public support with their works viewed in the regular showing of movie houses.

FILJAP MAGAZINE | OCTOBER 2015

17

FILJAP MAGAZINE | OCTOBER 2015

19