Filipino-Japanese Journal October 2022

Editor's Note

“very happy” Bea Alonzo beamed when she was asked about Japan during the recently held intimate media conference for the Philippine adaptation of the hit K-drama series “Start-Up,” her first show in GMA-7.

The Kapuso star, who is gracing our cover for the first time, granted us an exclusive interview through our ever-supportive friends at the network. Special thanks to Franchesca Vistal of the Corporate and International Publicity, Corporate Affairs & Communications Department, for making this possible.

Know why the Land of the Rising Sun is special for the award-winning actress and box-office queen; what she wants to tell her fans and supporters; and if she has any plans of visiting the country again anytime soon in our cover story for the month of October.

IN FOCUS

PH Vice President Duterte Arrives in Tokyo for Abe’s State Funeral, Meets with Japanese PM Kishida

ENTERTAINMENT

Tokyo International Film Festival 2022 Reveals Full Lineup, To Screen One Filipino Film

THE

‘Very Happy’ Bea Alonzo

Florenda Corpuz Editor-in-Chief

JAPAN

Osaka

Karylle Feels ‘Fine’ as She Fronts, Promotes FilipinoJapanese Journal

THE

Kishida, Marcos Jr. Hold First In-Person Summit Meeting in New York

Japan, Philippines Arranging Marcos Jr.’s State Visit

Philippines’ First Female Ambassador to Japan Gains CA Nod

Japan Partners with UNDP to Reduce Small Arms in Southern Philippines

PAL Praises Japan’s Full Tourism Reopening Decision

PH Vice President Duterte Arrives in Tokyo for Abe’s State Funeral, Meets with Japanese PM Kishida

WORDS BY FLORENDA CORPUZ PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF THE PRIME MINISTER’S OFFICE OF JAPAN

TOKYO – Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte arrived in the Japanese capital on Sept. 26 and paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Fumio Kishida at the Akasaka Palace State Guest House, a day before the state funeral of slain former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

According to Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), Duterte was acknowledged by Kishida as the first cabinet-level dignitary of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s administration to visit the country.

It said that Kishida expressed his gratitude to Duterte for attending the state funeral, and said that he was impressed that both houses of the Congress of the Philippines adopted resolutions expressing sympathy on Abe’s passing.

The MOFA also said that Kishida and Duterte’s meeting lasted for approximately 10 minutes where the Japanese premier conveyed his commitment to further strengthen the

Japan-Philippines relations under the Marcos presidency.

It further stated that Kishida informed Duterte of his government’s decision to facilitate the improvement of agricultural and fisheries value chains and the collection of small arms and light weapons in Mindanao, as well as render educational support for junior government officers of the Philippines to study in Japan.

The Japanese leader also mentioned that he would like to work together based on the Philippines’ needs toward the establishment of an autonomous government in Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) in 2025, the ministry said.

For her part, Duterte reiterated her appreciation for Japan’s long-standing

cooperation in relation to infrastructure development and the Mindanao peace process, among others, the MOFA added.

It also said that the two leaders exchanged views on the situation in the East and South China Seas and economic coercion, and affirmed to work closely on these issues.

Duterte announced her visit to Japan last Sept. 21 to attend the state funeral of Abe, who was shot to death while giving a campaign speech in Nara Prefecture on July 8, at Nippon Budokan Hall on Sept. 28. She mentioned that she would bring with her condolence letters from her father, former president Rodrigo Duterte, and Marcos Jr.

This is her first foreign trip as vice president of the Philippines.

Bea Alonzo is one of the most recognized celebrities in the Philippines today. With a showbiz career spanning two decades and a string of accomplishments in movies and television that left a mark to the viewing public, she continues to evolve by making bold moves in her career, and embracing changes.

WORDS BY LEN ARMEA INTERVIEW BY FLORENDA CORPUZ

R Y

Alonzo

Photographer: Charisma Lico

Cristine Duque

In 2021, she surprised ev eryone with her decision to make a big switch by trans ferring to GMA-7 from ABSCBN, which has been her home and comfort zone since she entered showbiz in 2002.

For an actress of her stature, entering a new phase in her career shows that she is not one to rest on her laurels – risk-taking, daring, undaunted.

“I am beginning to rediscover myself again. I am going to make new friends. I am going to meet and collaborate with new people. That’s such a huge blessing for someone like me who loves to do what I’m doing. And this time, I will be introduced to a totally new audience,” she said on her big career move in a virtual interview with the Filipino-Japanese Journal (FJJ).

The new Kapuso actress admitted that it was a difficult decision. But being an empowered woman has also allowed her to make choices for what she believes is best for herself and her career.

“As you all know, this is one of the biggest decisions I’ve ever had to make in my life. And if there is anything that I have learned during the pandemic, it is that life is short and that we only live once. And we have to seize every moment, we have to seize opportunities, and we have to be able to embrace change,” she said.

Bea is definitely set for bigger things.

Inspiring Dreamers on ‘Start-Up PH’

For her first big project in the Kapuso network, Bea stars in “StartUp PH,” the first-ever TV adaptation of the breakthrough 2020 South Korean series, which is based on the original format “Start-Up” created by Hyeryeon Park.

This is the first time that Bea, who plays the role of Dani, is paired with Alden Richards who portrays Tristan or “Good Boy” in the Philippine remake.

“Of course, may adjusting period kasi first time ko silang makasama lahat. But I’m always on my toes trying to let them feel na okay akong

katrabaho, and I try to be the best version of myself in front of them. Now that I’m restarting, mas ine-enjoy ko every moment. Hindi ako fearful to try new things,” Bea enthused.

“Start-Up PH” presents an inspirational story on pursuing dreams and believing in oneself. Bea and Alden’s characters tackle the different journeys to success and self-discovery. It highlights the importance of being surrounded by supportive and loving people, and proves that through sheer will and determination, every dream is worth pursuing no matter how hard it can get.

More than a year since joining GMA-7, the A-list star emphasized her happiness and gratefulness for being a Kapuso.

“Masayang-masaya ako sa pagiging Kapuso ko because ang daming magagandang opportunities na napupunta sa akin. I am also very happy working with my fellow Kapuso stars. I am also very happy na nakikilala ko iyong mga tao behind the camera, and alam ko na marami pa akong aabangan in the future,” she told FJJ.

“Start-Up PH” is now airing on GMA Pinoy TV.

Aside from “Start-Up PH,” Bea and Alden are also pairing up for the Philippine adaptation of the Japanese drama “Pure Soul,” from which the hit Korean movie “A Moment to Remember” was also adapted.

The film, which follows the journey of a young couple whose relationship will be put to the test when the woman is diagnosed with early onset of Alzheimer’s disease, will be co-produced by Viva Films, GMA Pictures and APT Entertainment.

“We’re very happy na nag-inject sila ng Filipino culture doon sa script. We are working around the parameters of what Korea wants us to do, of course to also maintain and respect the original form of the movie. It’s going to be a little different from the original title but we will make sure that it’s going to be a good one. It’s going to be extra challenging and also very inspiring,” Bea shared.

The dream movie project is set to make the Filipino audience fall in love once it hits the big screen soon.

The Japan Connection

Bea has visited so many countries and places be it for work or leisure. Recently, she went to the US for a soldout two-night anniversary concert, “Together Again: A GMA Pinoy TV @ 17 Concert” held at the Pechanga Theater, Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula, California.

Filipino fans in the US were ecstatic to see Bea as she performed in her concert debut as a Kapuso star.

“Talagang naramdaman namin ang warmth ng inyong pagtanggap,” said Bea, thanking the Pinoy fans. “Sana hindi pa po ito ang huli and sana po lagi kayong mag-iingat at lagi po kayong manood ng GMA shows sa GMA Pinoy TV.”

She performed in the show together with fellow Kapuso stars AiAi Delas Alas, Lani Misalucha, Julie Anne San Jose, Rayver Cruz, and Dingdong Dantes.

In an interview with FJJ during the media conference for “Start-Up PH” on Oct. 6, Bea admitted to having a special connection and fondness for Japan.

“Bukod sa isa ito sa mga paborito kong country, iyong Japan din iyong lugar kung saan nakita ko si Dom [Dominic Roque] in a different light. It’s very romantic. Japan is very romantic para sa akin,” she smilingly confessed.

The actress is in a relationship with Roque.

With Japan opening its borders to foreign tourists and with the easing of COVID-19 restrictions, Bea is looking forward to visiting Japan again.

“Yes, I still have a visa, I don’t know kung iho-honor pa rin nila iyon, but definitely I will visit very, very soon kapag nakakuha ako ng free time,” she said.

She expressed her love and support to Filipinos in Japan in a message.

“Sa mga Kapuso po natin sa Japan, sana po ay lagi kayong mag-iingat diyan. I hope we can visit you very soon para naman mabigyan namin kayo ng konting entertainment, konting joy, and of course, positivity. Alam ko na ngayon na unti-unting bumabangon ang mundo kasama niyo po kaming mga Kapuso niyo para tulungan kayo. I love you all.”

Tokyo International Film Festival 2022 Reveals Full Lineup, To Screen One Filipino Film

WORDS BY FLORENDA CORPUZ PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF ©2022 TIFF

TOKYO – The full lineup for the 35th Tokyo International Film Festival (TIFF) was officially unveiled in an afternoon press conference held at Tokyo Midtown Hibiya, one of the festival’s main venues, on Sept. 21.

The 35th TIFF will feature 110 titles from around the world, including Filipino auteur Lav Diaz’s “Kapag Wala Nang Mga Alon (When the Waves are Gone)” starring John Lloyd Cruz, Ronnie Lazaro and Shamaine CenteneraBuencamino.

Aside from physical screenings, TIFF will hold a variety of related events in the Hibiya-Yurakucho-Marunouchi-Ginza area of the Japanese capital, from Oct. 24 to Nov. 2. The 10-day festival will also open with a full red carpet event for the first time since the onset of the novel coronavirus pandemic.

“For the past three years, we’ve been struggling due to COVID-19, although we did manage to have partially physical events. We will continue to take all necessary precautions as we return to a fully physical event this year,” Festival Chairman Hiroyasu Ando said in his opening remarks.

“The 35th TIFF will strengthen exchanges among international cineastes. There have been restrictions to entering Japan for the past several years due to COVID-19, but we’re expecting many

international guests this year, and we’re implementing a new accreditation system to encourage attendance,” he added.

Renowned theater, opera, and film director Julie Taymor will head the Main Competition jury. Other members include cinematographer Katsumi

Yanagijima, actor Shim Eun-kyung, director João Pedro Rodrigues, and former director of the Institut Français du Japon Marie-Christine de Navacelle.

Actress Ai Hashimoto will serve as festival ambassador for the second year.

“I’m both appreciative and honored, and I feel responsible to fulfill the role as best I can. I realize that passion for cinema is not enough, but I need to think about how I can contribute to helping revive the film industry in Japan, as well as issues such as power harassment and the labor situation,” she commented.

She added, “The older generation worked really hard to create this national asset, Japanese cinema history. The younger generation may feel there’s a gap between us, but I think it’s very important that we listen to each other. The younger generation needs to improve our communication skills so that we can create great movies and contribute to the development of cinema. We need to unite through art to make the world a better place for everyone.”

Director Takahisa Zeze’s “Fragments of the Last Will” will open the festival while Oliver Hermanus’ “Living” will close this year’s edition.

Ai Hashimoto

Lav

Karylle Feels ‘Fine’ as She Fronts, Promotes

Filipino-Japanese Journal

WORDS BY FLORENDA CORPUZ

TOKYO/MANILA – OPM Showbiz Royalty Karylle is “feeling fine” on her latest Filipino-Japanese Journal (FJJ) magazine cover.

Karylle fronted the August issue of the magazine, her fourth time since February 2016 when she graced the cover of its maiden issue alongside alternative rock band Sponge Cola.

In an exclusive interview for the cover story of the said edition, Karylle encouraged Filipinos in Japan to dance

to her song “Fine,” which is now available in all digital streaming platforms.

“If you are on Tiktok, please do the Dance Challenge (DC) by Jhong Hilario in your favorite scenic spots in Japan,” said the indie musician.

The singer-songwriter and TV host invited her fans in Japan to get a copy of the magazine as she shared the cover on her social media pages.

“Fine print! Check me out on the cover

of Filipino-Japanese Journal. Grab a copy when you see one when you’re in Japan. It’s free,” she captioned on her Facebook post.

Karylle is looking forward to visiting the country again and see some of the places and try out the food mentioned in the Japanese novels that she read.

“I must eat the sweet bean paste. Drink tea and experience ‘ichigo ichie,’” she enthused.

Kishida, Marcos Jr. Hold First In-Person Summit Meeting in New York

TOKYO – Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Philippine President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. agreed to further strengthen cooperation between the two countries during their meeting on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Sept. 21.

to the Foreign Ministry of Japan, Kishida told Marcos Jr. that the Japanese government is willing to strengthen cooperation with the Philippine government in fields such as agriculture, energy, health and infrastructure.

AccordingThe ministry added that the two leaders vowed to expand security cooperation between Japan and the Philippines.

Kishida and Marcos Jr. also exchanged views on regional and international issues, including the situation in the East and South China Seas, economic coercion and the

condition in Ukraine.

They also discussed means to strengthen the functions of the United Nations, including the reform of the UN Security Council.

The two leaders concurred to continue coordination in making arrangements for an early visit to Japan by Marcos Jr. - Florenda Corpuz

Philippines’ First Female Ambassador to Japan Gains CA Nod

Garcia-Albano

was

former Davao City second district representative. She is the Philippines’ first female ambassador to the Land of the Rising Sun, which is home to more than 300,000 Filipinos.

The CA also gave “consent” to the promotion of Philippine Consul General to Osaka Voltaire Mauricio to chief of mission class II. - Florenda Corpuz

PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF THE PRIME MINISTER’S OFFICE OF JAPAN

MANILA – The Philippines’ Commission on Appointments (CA) has confirmed the appointment of Mylene Garcia-Albano as the country’s newest ambassador to Japan on Sept. 21.

PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY

PAL Praises Japan’s Full Tourism Reopening Decision

MANILA – Philippine Airlines (PAL) praised the Japanese government in its decision to fully reopen to foreign tourists beginning Oct. 11.

COURTESY OF PHILIPPINE AIRLINES

apan’s decision to ease travel border rules is good news,” said Philippine Airlines (PAL) spokesperson Cielo Villaluna in a Facebook post on Sept. 24.

“By removing the cap on the number of people entering their country and by resuming visa-free travel for visitors from specific countries, this will boost flights and drive tourism traffic to the Land of the Rising Sun,” she added.

PAL flies Manila - Nagoya, six times weekly; ManilaFukuoka, seven times weekly; Manila - Osaka, 13 flights weekly; Manila - Tokyo (Haneda), 12 times weekly; and Manila - Tokyo (Narita), seven times weekly. - Florenda Corpuz

Japan Partners with UNDP to Reduce Small Arms in Southern Philippines

TOKYO/MANILA – The Japanese government is partnering with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in the Philippines to help address the issue of sporadic conflicts caused by the use of private small arms and light weapons (SALWs) in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

Japanis contributing approximately 579 million yen for the project called “Assistance for Security, Peace, Integration and Recovery for Advanced Human Security in BARMM” to be implemented by the UNDP.

“Through UNDP, which has been deeply involved with the parties to the peace process in Mindanao, this project will build a system for collecting small arms possessed by ex-MILF combatants and members of civilian armed groups,” Japan’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Sept. 13.

Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Kazuhiko Koshikawa expressed his confidence over the partnership.

“As this project will be a remarkable step for the normalization, as the first large-scale and comprehensive project to tackle the issue of private SALWs, I am grateful that Japan can support it,” he said.

Japan has been rendering support to the peace process in Mindanao for more than 20 years. - Florenda Corpuz

Japan, Philippines Arranging Marcos Jr.’s State Visit

TOKYO – The governments of Japan and the Philippines are arranging for President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to visit the country at an early date, the Japanese Foreign Ministry said on Sept. 21.

PrimeMinister Fumio Kishida and Marcos Jr. held their first in-person summit meeting on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

“I understand they are working on a state visit for President Marcos in Japan,” Vice President Sara Duterte said, according to a report by Manila Bulletin. She was in Tokyo last Sept. 27, her first foreign trip as vice president, attending the state funeral of slain former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. She also met with Kishida.

Both Duterte and the ministry did not specify a date for Marcos Jr.’s state visit to Japan, which will mark his third overseas trip as president. - Florenda Corpuz

Lively Osaka

Situated in the Kansai region of Japan’s main island of Honshu, Osaka Prefecture is composed of 43 municipalities, including Osaka City, the country’s third largest city with a population of approximately 2.75 million (as of Sept. 1, 2021) spread across 225 square kilometers.

Osaka City is considered as the working heart of the region and hailed by many as the gourmet capital of the country. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, it welcomed millions of local and foreign tourists annually because of its delicious regional cuisines like takoyaki, okonomiyaki and ikayaki, boisterous locals and friendly atmosphere.

Some of the city’s popular landmarks and tourist attractions include Osaka Castle, the symbol of the city, with its huge lawn park; Umeda Sky Building, a 40-story twin-towered building constructed in 1993; Universal Studios Japan, a theme park inspired by blockbuster Hollywood films; Dotonbori, an amusement district lit up by neon lights and mechanized signs, and a mecca for the kuidaore food culture; and Shitennoji, the oldest officially administered temple in the country built by Prince Shotoku.

Fast Facts:

• Osaka City was formerly known as Naniwa. It was incorporated in 1889.

• Approximately 250,000 foreign residents live in the city (as of the end of June 2019).

• The city represents about 3.7% of Japan’s gross domestic product, and is equivalent to the economic activity of one country.

• Osaka is the first city in the world where the first instant ramen and instant ramen in a plastic cup were marketed.

• Osakaites are known for their love of food and drink.

Trivia:

A Filipino sprinter named Fortunato Catalon was among the inspirations behind the famed Glico running man image.

Actor Jericho Rosales visits Dotonbori on March 13, 2016.

WORDS BY FLORENDA CORPUZ PHOTOGRAPH BY DIN EUGENIO