FilJap Magazine May 2014

¥0 ee Fr May 2014 Issue 17

Japan’s

​ Golden Week

Osaka Adventures With

Eugene Domingo

Pinoy Fashionistas Blogging Their Way To Japan Fashion Week Front Row

Filipino Film

‘Shift’

Wins Osaka Asian Film Festival Grand Prix

Sarah G. Continues to Reinvent Herself

Contents

4

In Focus Enduring Peace

6

Cover Story Sarah Geronimo Continues to Reinvent Herself

8

Faces Pinoy Fashionistas Blogging Their Way To Japan Fashion Week Front Row

9

Celebrity News Filipino Film ‘Shift’ Wins Osaka Asian Film Festival Grand Prix

12

Spotlight Eugene Domingo Returns as Jury Member at the Osaka Asian Film Festival

13

FilCom Watch Are You the Next Miss Philippines-Japan?

14

Travel Japan Osaka Adventures With Eugene Domingo

15

Culture & Arts More than Just a Long Holiday: Japan’s Golden Week

16

Philippine Adventures Mactan in a Day

Editor’s

NOTE

Florenda Corpuz Editor-in-Chief

Editor’s Pick Japan-based Pinoy fashionistas and bloggers (L-R: Francis, Rexcy, Carey, Gervin, Ashley, Mariye) are ecstatic to receive their copies of our March 2014 issue!

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.

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 Advertising Executive: Judith Takahashi Distribution Executive: Genie Omata Layout Artist: VerJube Photographics

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“Put your heart, mind, and soul into even your smallest acts. This is the secret of success.”

In this issue of FilJap Magazine, we present our cover story on Sarah Geronimo, the Philippine’s one and only Popstar Royalty, who celebrated her first decade in show business with a very successful concert, entitled “Perfect 10”.

Sarah continues to amuse her fans with her ever-evolving image and superb talent.

From one Pinoy Pride to another, the spotlight shines anew on award-winning actress and comedienne Eugene Domingo, who recently returned to Japan to be a jury member at the recently held 9th Osaka Asian Film Festival.

And speaking of Osaka Asian Film Festival, be elated as Filipino film “Shift” bags the Grand Prix (Best Picture Award) in the said festival.

Get to know Gervin, Carey and Ashley, the three Filipino fashion bloggers who made their way to Japan Fashion Week to continue their ascension in the country’s fashion industry.

On a more serious note, we also have a feature story about the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro, which took place last March 27 at the Malacañang Palace.

Have a safe and happy Golden Week, everyone!

FILJAP MAGAZINE | MAY 2014

3

in focus

Enduring Peace

Photos courtesy of Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau

It used to be just a common dream but on March 27 that dream came into fruition when President Benigno Aquino III and high officials of Moro International Liberation Front (MILF) led the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB).

T

he government’s agreement with MILF is a move towards an enduring peace in Mindanao and economic gains as it aimed at ending decades-long conflict that claimed lives of hundreds of people of the region.

CAB is the final peace agreement between the Philippine government and the MILF. Under the agreement, the Islamic separatists would turn over their firearms to a third party, which would be selected by the rebels and the Philippine government.

The MILF has agreed to decommission its armed wing, the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF). In return, the government will establish an autonomous Bangsamoro replacing the Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), which comprises 27% of Mindanao’s land area.

Among the signatories to the agreement were government chief negotiator Miriam Coronel-Ferrer, MILF chief negotiator Mohagher Iqbal and Malaysian facilitator Tengku Ghafar. Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak also came to the 4

FILJAP MAGAZINE | MAY 2014

Philippines to witness the signing that took place in Malacañang Palace.

President Aquino urged everyone to cast aside past prejudices and move forward by creating an atmosphere that is full of trust and optimism. He also urged the Congress to pass an equitable, practical and empowering Bangsamoro Basic Law. The Bangsamoro Basic Law will be presented to the people and will be ratified through a plebiscite.

“My administration will go all out to forge a principled consensus for enduring security and prosperity; I expect the deliberations in Congress to be characterized by a sincere desire to improve on the Bangsamoro Basic Law—and not by self-interest that only aims to perpetuate an untenable status quo,” the President said.

He also warned that those who wish to derail peace in the region will suffer the consequences of their actions. “May this also stand as a warning to those who wish to derail our path to a final, lasting peace—to those who wish to sow divisiveness for self-

interest, and to those who continue to wield arms to pursue their own agendas: So many people have suffered for so long; so many of our stakeholders have worked so hard to arrive at this point.”

“I will not let peace be snatched from my people again. Not now, when we have already undertaken the most difficult and most significant steps to achieve it. Those who want to test the resolve of the state will be met with a firm response based on righteousness and justice—as we demonstrated in Zamboanga City,” Aquino added.

It’s been 40 years since the conflict in Mindanao started – blood was shed, lives were lost, fear overtook the region -- and it took 17 years of peace negotiation before the country reached this historic point. It’s now time to give peace a chance, it’s now time to give to the people of Mindanao the peace they have hoped and longed for all these years.

As Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “peace cannot be achieved through violence; it can only be attained through understanding.”

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COVER STORY Everybody loves Sarah Geronimo.

Sure, she has a number of bashers that come with the celebrity life, but it couldn’t be denied that the public loves how she transformed herself from the 14-year-old singing competition winner to the superstar that she is today.

Sarah

Geronimo Continues to Reinvent Herself Photos courtesy of Viva Entertainment, Inc.

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“N

atutunan ko, magmahal ka nang totoo, nang tama. Ngayon kung hindi niya suklian, ay, sorry.

At least ako naging totoo ako sa ‘yo, minahal kita ng totoo,” she added.

T

he love and adoration showered on her probably comes with the fact that she basically grew up right before the public’s eyes and how she didn’t disappoint them by becoming a perfect picture of success.

She is like the talented little sister you would want to have – whom you want to cheer and support in whatever endeavor she chooses, whom you laugh and cry with given the many circumstances, and whom you want to protect from harm’s way especially from boys who are trying to captivate her heart.

Now 25 years old, Sarah’s achievements in show business continues to pile up and alongside is the level of maturity she has shown in handling superstardom. Her recent 10th anniversary concert at the Araneta Coliseum, entitled “Perfect 10,” was filled to the rafters as Sarah delivered an outstanding performance showcasing her wide vocal range, dancing skills, and humor. This year, the Popstar Princess is set to repeat the “Perfect 10” concert internationally with its first stop in the Middle East.

Aside from her world tour, Sarah is currently shooting a romanticcomedy film opposite Coco Martin whom she have worked with in ABS-CBN’s primetime musical series, “Idol”. The story is about Stephanie and Anton who were childhood friends reunited years later. Anton found himself wanting to rekindle his relationship with Stephanie.

Sarah describes the movie as light drama but her character is more matured compared to Laida Magtalas, the role she portrayed opposite John Lloyd Cruz in the movie “It Takes a Man and a Woman”, now one of the highest grossing Filipino

films of all time.

She also retuned as a coach of “The Voice of the Philippines Kids Edition” alongside Lea Salonga and Bamboo Mañalac set to premiere this summer. Sarah, in one of her interviews, emphasized how she enjoys mentoring singing hopefuls, especially kids who are aged eight to 14.

Bolder, Fiercer

Sarah’s blooming these days.

Sporting a new hairdo during the launching of a shampoo ad campaign to which she is an endorser has added color in her character and has been regarded as her way of being bolder and fiercer.

Even her rumored boyfriend Matteo Guidacelli found Sarah’s new do appealing and that it looks great on her.

“She has never looked as beautiful as today. She’s very beautiful with her short hair. She looks good and I’m proud of her,” Guidicelli said.

During Matteo’s birthday party last March, photos of him and Sarah holding hands became viral online. Although they have never admitted the relationship, it is one sign that the two are now more open about their love life and to fight for it if her parents disapprove.

It can be recalled that Sarah was romantically linked to Rayver Cruz and Gerald Anderson but the relationship didn’t prosper because of the disapproval of Sarah’s parents.

In one of her interviews, Sarah though she didn’t name names admitted to falling in love twice and that experience has brought her valuable lessons.

“Yung natutunan ko sa una?

Natutunan ko ‘yung acceptance. Siguro,

we’re not meant for each other. Siguro hindi pa lang ito ‘yung panahon namin.

Pero importante sa lahat na napagpatuloy ‘yung friendship,” she said without telling who the guy was.

The second time she fell in love it taught her to love truly.

“Natutunan ko, magmahal ka nang totoo, nang tama. Ngayon kung hindi niya suklian, ay, sorry. At least ako naging totoo ako sa ‘yo, minahal kita ng totoo,” she added.

And now that Sarah’s fallen in love again with Matteo, everybody’s wishing that the relationship will last.

A Decade of Success

Winning in the “Star for a Night” back in 2003 has started it all for Sarah.

Her rendition of Celine Dion’s “To Love You More” sealed the deal for her. Her debut album, “Popstar: A Dream Come True,” reached quintuple platinum status and made her, at age 16, the youngest multiplatinum recording artist. Following the success of her debut album, she had her first major solo concert at the SmartAraneta Coliseum at the age of 17, making her the youngest solo performer to have filled the Big Dome.

To date, Sarah has released 12 studio albums making her a multipleplatinum recording artist and has starred in several box office movies like “A Very Special Love,” “You Changed My Life” and “Hating Kapatid” and TV shows such as “Sarah G. Live,” “Popstar Diaries,” “Bituing Walang Ningning” and “Sarah G. Presents” among others. She is also one of the most sought-after endorsers in the country.

Sarah, indeed, has come a long way.

FILJAP MAGAZINE | MAY 2014 7

FACES

IVE

EXCLUS

L-R: Carey, Ashley & Gervin meet Misha Janette (2nd from left) for the first time at the Nozomi Ishiguro Haute Couture Show.

Pinoy Fashionistas Blogging Their Way To Japan Fashion Week Front Row Photos by Din Eugenio

TOKYO, Japan – Style, designs, trends. That’s what Japanbased Pinoy fashion bloggers Gervin Macion, Carey Watanabe and Ashley Dy had in mind when they covered one of the most anticipated fashion events in the world – the Japan Fashion Week (Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Tokyo) last March 17-22.

L-R: FilJap EIC Florenda together with Japan-based fashion bloggers Ashley, Carey & Gervin, former model Tetta and photojournalist Kjeld pose for the camera in this outdoor shot.

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J

apan Fashion Week is the most glamorous semi-annual event in the country’s fashion industy. It is the best venue for fashion bloggers to make connections with different brands and PR agencies, and penetrate the fashion scene.

“Covering Japan Fashion Week is a way to really know how unique and different Japanese fashion is,” Gervin said.

He started his blog, “Jenne Chrisville”, some three years ago, as a way to express his thoughts, desires, joys and pains.

“As a fashion enthusiast, covering Japan Fashion Week is a thrill of a lifetime! Not only do I get to know next season’s trends, but I get to experience and enjoy the showmanship of every designer,” Carey enthused.

A self-confessed shopaholic, she began running her personal blog, “Chic Sensei”, to document her outfits, shopping adventures and fashion musings.

“This season, I chose to dress up according to the brands I’m attending,” Ashley shared.

She decided to join the blogosphere the day she turned 22.

The blog, called “Candy Kawaii Lover”, showcases the girly and cute side of her.

Meanwhile, former model and lifestyle columnist Tetta OrtizMatera was also seen covering the by-invitation only event. “It’s my first time here at Japan Fashion Week. I just presented my media credentials and they allowed me to cover it.”

The four fashionistas together with famous fashion journalist Misha Janette and photojournalist Kjeld Dujits were seen exchanging pleasantries after the Nozomi Ishiguro Haute Couture Show at Laforet in Harajuku.

Photos courtesy of ABS-CBN / GMA 7 / Star Cinema

CELEBRITY NEWS

© (Cinema One Originals)

OSAKA, Japan – Filipino film “Shift” bagged the top prize at the 9th Osaka Asian Film Festival (OAFF) held in Umeda, Kita-ku, Osaka from March 7-16.

Filipino “S Film ‘Shift’ Wins Osaka Asian Film Festival Grand Prix

hift” won the Grand Prix (Best Picture award), besting 10 entries from other Asian countries including Indonesia, Hong Kong, Korea, Thailand, Malaysia and Taiwan.

Directed by Siege Ledesma, “Shift” stars singer Yeng Constantino in her first movie role as call center agent Estela who falls for her gay male supervisor, Trevor (played by Felix Rocco).

“Wow, our indie film SHIFT won Best Picture at Osaka Film Fest! Thank you, Lord! So happy for my SHIFT family,” Yeng happily said on her Twitter account.

The “Shift” team took home ¥500,000 as cash prize.

Meanwhile, “Anita’s Last Cha-Cha”, a coming-of-age movie directed by Filipino director Sigrid Andrea Bernardo earned Special Mention honors. The film tells the story of a 12-year-old tomboy Anita (played by Teri Malvar) who gets a hopeless crush on a 37-year-old woman, Pilar (played by Angel Aquino).

According to jury member actress Eugene Domingo, “Shift” was awarded for “it’s simplicity, honesty and it’s

integrity for pushing boundaries.”

Jerrold Tarog’s “If Only” also competed at the festival. While Miko Livelo’s “Blue Bustamante” and Leo Abaya’s “Instant Mommy” were shown in the Special Screening section.

This year’s festival kicked off with the screening of Taiwanese film “KANO”.

Closing the nine-day event was Japan’s “The Light Shines Only There”.

The OAFF aims to facilitate human resources development and exchange, to invigorate the Osaka economy, and to increase the city’s appeal, through providing opportunities to watch excellent Asian films, supporting filmmaking in Osaka and attracting filmmakers from Asian countries and regions to Osaka.

List of winners: Grand Prix (Best Picture Award) “Shift” The Philippines / Director: Siege Ledesma Most Promising Talent Award HA Jung-woo Korea / “Fasten Your Seatbelt” Director Best Actress Award Carina LAU Hong Kong / “Bends” Leading Actress Special Mention “Anita’s Last Cha-Cha” The Philippines / Director: Sigrid Andrea P. Bernardo ABC Award “Forever Love” Taiwan / Director: Kitamura Toyoharu, Shiao Li-shiou Audience Award “KANO” Taiwan / Director: Umin BoyaCe FILJAP MAGAZINE | MAY 2014 9

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SPOTLIGHT

Eugene

Domingo

Returns as Jury Member at the Osaka Asian Film Festival Photos by Din Eugenio

“I

t’s an honor serving on the jury of the 2014 Osaka Asian Film Festival. As much as it is not my dream, I think it is part of thanking the festival for being very generous to us and for being very trustful and having the confidence, especially to Filipino films,” Domingo

said.

Last year, she won the Best Actress award at the 26th Tokyo International Film Festival for her portrayal of an abused wife who ended as a revolutionary in the film “Barber’s Tales”.

“When Osaka Asian Film Festival invited me not only as an actress but as a member of the jury, Direk Chris Martinez told me that maybe one of the factors is that I won the Best Actress award at the 26th TIFF. I can say that it gave me some credibility as far as my dedication to the craft is concerned,” she explained.

Domingo narrated that things have come full circle for her in Osaka.

She first attended the festival in 2009 where her film “100” was screened followed by “Ang Babae sa Septic Tank” in 2012 and “I Do Bidoo Bidoo” in 2013. “I will not forget Osaka. After three films, I should be really grateful.

Everybody here is a friend to me.”

Domingo’s starrer, “Instant Mommy” was also screened in the Special Screening section of this year’s festival.

Written and directed by Leo Abaya, the film tackles the story of a single woman pushing forty, who gets pregnant by her Japanese boyfriend.

“Direk Chris Martinez and Direk Jeffrey Jeturian gave me the original story by mistake. They gave me another story, but I liked this more because of the idea of deception. It took me eight months to actually develop the story and have the courage to submit it to Cinemalaya,” Abaya shared.

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E

IV EXCLUS

OSAKA, Japan – The 9th Osaka Asian Film Festival ended successfully last March 16 with an awarding ceremony led by international competition jury members, including award-winning actress and comedienne Eugene Domingo, who is back for the third time at the festival.

Embassy Announcement

Schedule of Consular Missions

FILCOM watch WATCH filcom

(January-June 2014)

All applicants for passports and other consular services are requested to coordinate with the contact persons for details of the consular mission.

Date

Venue

Contact Persons

Contact Details

Feb 22

Hamamatsu

Miss Maria Ethel Baltazar

filipinonagkaisa@yahoo.co.jp

Mar 15 Okinawa Miss Hitomi Kinjo Philippine Honarary Consulate, Ginowan City Tel. No. 098-892-5486 Fax No. 098-892-5487 pcoanaah@guitar.ocn.ne.jp Apr 26 Sendai Miss Charity Sato 080-3181-7778 chatecjrso71@i.softbank.jp May 24 Ibaraki Miss Rowena Inoue maria-starkids@ozzio.jp 080-3544-8359 Jun 7 Morioka Miss Cecilia Nishimura 090-5847-6774 Miss Ofelia Takahashi hachi_0809@yahoo.com 090-3125-0137 Jun 28 Nagano Miss Grace Bermudez 090-7710-7446 02-6235-1124 Ibaraki, Gunma, Hokkaido, and Tochigi consular missions are tentatively scheduled for the third and fourth quarters of 2014.

Are you the next Miss Philippines-Japan?

T

he search for Miss Philippines-Japan 2014 has begun! Auditions for the next batch of beauty queens will take place on April 27, May 18 and June 22.

For more information, call 090-17783759, 080-9469-8165, 080-5641-5424, 0804099-4262 or visit their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/MissPhilippinesJapanPageant.

FilCom Chorale to stage concert

F

ilCom Chorale will stage a concert of Filipino classics entitled “Nostalgia” on May 9 at the Shibuya Cultural Center Owada – Sakura Hall.

For tickets, call 080-4352-1968 or 090-8512-7327.

Be Be Published

D

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!

FilJap readers!

Let us know what you think of our issue.

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

FILJAP FILJAPMAGAZINE MAGAZINE| |APRIL MAY 2014 13

TRAVEL JAPAN

OSAKA, Japan – While attending the 9th Osaka Asian Film Festival, comedienne and actress Eugene Domingo was given one-day leeway to visit some of the popular tourist attractions in Osaka, marking her third time exploring the country’s third largest city.

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IV EXCLUS

Osaka Adventures With Eugene Domingo

D

omingo’s first stop was Osaka Castle Park, the symbol of the city, where she learned about its rich history. She also had the chance to enjoy the beautiful flowering cherry trees and plum trees around the huge lawn park.

“They begin to blossom. My first time to see and smell them,” Domingo

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said.

After spending almost two hours at Osaka Castle Park, Domingo excitedly went to Shinsaibashi, a shopping street, and Dotonbori, the city’s most famous amusement district, for some spending.

She also tried Osaka foods such as takoyaki and okonomiyaki. “I’m so glad to be here again in Osaka. It’s my third

time here and I do not intend to leave. I just want to stay here.”

During her tour, some Filipino tourists saw her and asked for photo ops. The very down-to-earth comedienne gladly obliged.

Domingo stayed for a week in Osaka to serve as a jury member for the Competition section of the OAFF.

CULTURE AND ARTS

More than Just a Long Holiday: Japan’s Golden Week

T

A week-long holiday. Crowded streets. Busy airports and train stations. Japanese on vacation. These are the common pictures that come to mind upon mentioning the words “Golden Week.” This holiday season is celebrated from the end of April to the first week of May.

he Golden Week is one of the busiest holidays in Japan. It is composed of four holidays within a week’s time. Most of the companies close for seven to ten days. This is why most working people in Japan see this as an opportunity to take a break from long working hours and escape the suffocating Japanese working environment.

Things to Do During the Golden Week

Because of the long holiday, this has been the perfect period for people in Japan, both Japanese and foreigners alike, to travel in and out of the country.

Famous travel destinations are Hawaii, Guam and South Korea. However, for those who intend to just stay in Japan, there are a lot of interesting local events and festivals happening within the Golden Week. Some highly recommended activities are the following: 1. Watch a dragon boat race in Okinawa. The Naha Hari Dragon Boat Race, which originated in China, was adopted by the inhabitants of the former Ryukyu kingdom. In the earlier days, canoes were just used for the practical reason of traveling from one island to another; however, over a long course of time, canoes had also been used in competitions against inhabitants of neighboring islands as a test of strength. At present, this festival is celebrated to pray for a bountiful catch and for the fishermen’s safe travels at sea.

2. Fly a kite in Edogawa. The traditional kite festival known as the Kasukabe no Otako Age Matsuri is held annually along the banks of the Edo River. The large, beautiful kites showcased in this festival are made by the members of a kite-culture preservation committee.

3. Attend the Otomi Jinja Shunki Shin Festival in Fukuoka. This festival originated way back in the Nara Period commemorates the victory of Kino Maro who became instrumental in ending the rebellion headed by Fujiwara no Hirotsugu in 740 A.D. Important Dates to Remember Because the Golden Week has been synonymous with vacation, the real reason why this holiday is being celebrated is often put in disregard. The following dates are declared as holidays because of the following reasons: April 29. This is the birthday of former Emperor Hirohito, also known as Emperor Showa. When

he passed away in 1989, this day was renamed as Greenery Day and was celebrated as such until 2006.

In 2007, it was renamed as Showa Day (Showa no Hi).

More than simply remembering Emperor Showa’s reign, this day is a reminder of Japan’s struggles and triumphs during the Showa Period which includes Japan’s rise and fall as a world power in the Second World War, post-war reconstruction and economic boom, and a time of democracy and peace.

May 3. This is known as the Constitution Day (Kenpo Kinenbi). As its name suggests, it is a day to commemorate the ratification of Japan’s new postwar constitution in 1947. It marks the start of a period of demilitarization and pacifism in Japan’s history.

May 4. This is presently known as the Greenery Day (Midori no Hi). In 2007, Greenery Day was transferred from April 29 to May 4. Before being declared Greenery Day, May 4 used to be a national holiday because of a law declaring a day that falls between two national holidays as a holiday.

May 5. Children’s Day (Kodomo no Hi). This is also known as the Boys’ Festival (Tango no Sekku). This is the counterpart of the Girls’ Festival (Hina Matsuri), which is celebrated every March 3. During this festival, families pray for the good health and success of their male children. They put carp streamers and samurai dolls that symbolize strength, power and success in life.

What’s in a Name?

So why call this long holiday “Golden Week”? In 1948, nine official holidays in Japan were declared, most of which fall between April and May. Through the years, there has been an observable upward trend in the profits of leisure-based industries during this specific time of the year. The movie industry is one of those that benefitted significantly during this long holiday as movie ticket sales skyrocket during this time.

In 1951, the movie Jiyū Gakkō recorded very high sales when it was released during the first week of May. The managing director of Daiei Film Co., Ltd. was said to be the first one who called this period the “Golden Week” based on the Japanese radio lingo “golden time,” which refers to the period where the highest number of listeners are recorded. Subsequently, most of the films to be released target this period as their show dates.

The Golden Week might commonly be associated to travel, escape and vacation, but behind those evolving conceptions of this holiday lies a cultural tradition that the Japanese meant to preserve for the next generations.

FILJAP MAGAZINE | MAY 2014 15

Mactan

PHILIPPINE ADVENTURES

in a Day

Text and photos by Arlene Donaire

In Philippine history, Mactan Island played a significant role, as the birthplace of Philippine resistance to colonialists.

O

n April 7, 1521, when Ferdinand Magellan, landed on the island, little did he know that the end of his long journey, his fatal fate, lay in the hands of a brave local chieftain, Datu Lapulapu. A monument symbolizing his heroic defiance stands proud at the Mactan Shrine, where an annual re-enactment of the “Battle of Mactan” locally called “BahogBahog sa Mactan” is played. The Shrine area has, over the years, also acquired a quirky character, as it has become the site for numerous fresh seafood restaurants where “sutukil” (SUgba-Tula-KILaw) cooking is popularly done.

Mactan, comprised of two geo-political units - Lapu-lapu City (formerly called “Opon”) and the Municipality of Cordova belongs to the Province of Cebu. Mactan

is the jump off point for both local and overseas tourism destinations as it hosts the country’s second busiest international airport. It is also the location of one of the first special economic zones in the country that has, since its opening in 1979, evolved into a three-phased, multi-location complex, generating jobs and livelihoods for many local and migrants.

Separated from mainland Cebu by the Mactan Channel, the island is connected to Mandaue City via two bridges - the Marcelo Fernan Bridge and the Mactan-Mandaue Bridge. There are also outlying smaller islands that add distinction to Mactan, most notable of which is Olango Island, best known for being a protected sanctuary for migratory birds. Mactan Island is easily recognizable because of its namesakes, i.e., the Mactan coral stone or the Mactan Airport.

But like all things familiar, it can also be easily overlooked, even dismissed as simply a hot and humid island with the all too usual destinations - the beach and dive resorts lining the eastern side. For those seeking a more eco-oriented or cultural experience, Mactan is simply ground zero towards Cebu City or the rest of the province’s northern and southern attractions. If you’re planning your next trip to Cebu, do take a day to explore what the island has to offer. You’ll be surprised it can be just as memorable as your other onward destinations!

How to Make the Most of Your Day in Mactan • Take an early morning crossover walk on either one of the two bridges to get a full view of the two islands. You will find that “under the bridges” or “sa may ilalim ng tulay” have become perfect swimming spots for kids and adults alike.

• Relish a meal at the (non-exclusive) Cebu Yacht Club restaurant, a quiet enclave facing Mactan Channel located at the Marina

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Mall intersection. Sip your brew with the sea breeze in your skin while gazing at the lineup of good-looking yachts. Or move over to the Marina Mall, where you can find an assortment of cafes and restaurants and relish the island’s sights of and sounds while people watching.

• Head on over to the Sto. Nino Church at the Marigondon side of the island to say a prayer or two at what locals call the “magellan’s helmet” church, simply because it has a uniquely constructed roof based on the shape of the helmet of the Spanish conquistadores.

• Take a multi-cab ride to the Mactan Shrine, have your Kodak moment with Datu Lapulapu and shop for your pasalubongs.

The shrine’s park is lined up with stalls that offer a colorful assortment of souvenirs.

From your walk around the shrine, exit towards the SUTUKIL area to check out what’s available for lunch.

• After lunch, the best thing to do is go to the Marigondon side of the island for a swim. Plenty of choices for resorts, it all depends on your budget. For a good sampling of sea, sun, and sand check out Maribago Bluewater. Pretty pricey but all worth it!

• Come sunset time, find your way towards Cordoba’s Barangay Day-as where the best vantage point for soaking in the afternoon glow while sipping your mango shake is at Lantaw Resto. The other option is to go back to the Cebu Yacht Club, grab the best burger in the island, and watch the cinematic sunset unfold over the mountains of Cebu. *The writer, who is a Mactan Islander, has relived the above over and over each time she goes home to visit family.

CLASSIFIEDS TRAVEL JAPAN

Buy It, Sell It, Swap It Do you have an item to sell or swap? Advertise it here!

For more information on how to submit ads, please call 03-6903-2100

Louis Vuitton Papillon GM Monogram Hand Bag with Mini Purse

Authentic. Used but still in good condition. No damage, no scratches, no cracks or holes. For inquiries, please call Ms. Jona at 080-4429-8008 (Softbank).

Fujifilm S5000

In very good condition. Picture card included. Affordable price. For inquiries, please call Ms. Jona at 080-4429-8008 (Softbank).

Louis Vuitton Clutch Bag

Authentic. Used but still in good condition. Few minor stains inside but no damage or scratches outside. For inquiries, please call Ms. Jona at 080-4429-8008 (Softbank).

Coach Bag

Authentic. Used only a few times. Affordable price.

For inquiries, please call Ms. Jona at 080-4429-8008 (Softbank).

Disclaimer: The publisher and the editor will not be responsible for any transactions between the advertiser and the buyer.

FILJAP MAGAZINE | MAY 2014

17

CIRCULATION AND DISTRIBUTION According to the latest statistics, there are about 216,000 Filipinos residing in Japan.

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(with 2 pass on readership) Direct Mail Nationwide: 3,000 copies Filipino Community Events: 2,000 copies Churches (Yotsuya, others): 750 copies Advertisers: 500 copies Caravan (Southern part of Japan): 2,000 copies Philippine stores & restaurants: 1,750 copies (Club Rouge Asakusa, Little Divisoria Sari-sari Store, Pinoy Store, Libis ng Nayon, Siete-Siete, New Nanays, CY Fashion, E-Mart, Karitela, Global General Merchandising, Prego Restaurant, Kabayan Sari-Sari Store, Kuya Ed, Melanie’s Store, Palooza International Market, Aling Coring’s BAUHAUS, Reche’s Phil, Mini Grocery, Mary and Joy Global Store Outlet, others)

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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. E-Mart Sari-Sari Store Tokyo-to, Kita-ku, Higashi-Jujo 4-4-9 Tel: 03-3914-7679

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 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 13. Palooza International Market Aichi-ken, Nagoya-shi, Atsuta-ku, Hataya 2-8-13 Tel. 052-682-5770

15. Reche’s Phil. Mini Grocery Gifu-ken, Minokamo-shi, Kamogawa-chou 3-1-32 Tel. 0574-42-9620 Mobile: 090-9125-8775 16. Mary and Joy Global Store Outlet Kagoshima City, Uerata-cho 25-12 Hayashi Bldg. Rm. 104 Tel: 099-253-1184 Mobile: 080-1791-8859

080-3346-9691 17. Bangkok Store 332-0021 Saitama-ken, Kawaguchi-shi Nishi-Kawaguchi 1-5-12 Tel. 048-259-3054 18. MEKENI 251-0055 Kanagawa-ken, Fujisawa-shi, Minami Fujisawa 4-2 Kikuya Bldg. 3F Tel: 0466-29-5441 Mobile: 090-5767-5789 19. Club Rouge Asakusa 〒 111-0032 Tokyo-to Taiyouku Asakusa 5-30-11 2F Mobile: 090-1261-9626 FILJAP MAGAZINE | MAY 2014

19

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