Filipino-Japanese Journal April 2023

G onzalez’s B eauty

Editor's Note

Kishida Meets with PH Senators

t’s officially spring in Japan, and it’s impossible not to appreciate the beauty that comes with this season. The vibrant colors, fresh scents, and promise of new beginnings are all reasons to be thankful.

As we celebrate beauty, we feature Kapuso actress Beauty Gonzalez as this month’s cover star. From being a hesitant artist to becoming a versatile actress, her showbiz journey has been filled with gratitude for the many projects entrusted to her by GMA. One of her latest projects, the afternoon drama series titled "Stolen Life," is set to air in July.

“Good projects. For me talaga, it’s about the story, the project and the material,” she said in a virtual interview with Filipino-Japanese Journal when asked what motivates her to work.

In addition, we have exclusive interviews with Filipino talents who represented the Philippines in two distinguished events in Tokyo. Don't miss out on our travel features as well.

Happy spring, dear readers!

10 Restaurants from Japan, 2 from Philippines Are Among Asia’s 50 Best

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Reinventing Herself: Beauty Gonzalez’s Journey in Showbiz

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PROUDLY PINOY

PH

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TRAVEL JAPAN

Exploring Hokuriku Region: 5 Must-Visit Places

Filipino Designers Showcase Unique Blend of Philippine Fabrics, Japanese Textiles at Japan Fashion Week

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IN FOCUS

Mie Prefecture’s ‘Ama’ Divers: Upholding Tradition Amid Challenges

Florenda Corpuz Editor-in-Chief

Artists Exhibit Works at Art Fair Tokyo

Kishida Meets with PH Senators

TOKYO – Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida received a courtesy call from a delegation of Philippine senators led by Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri on April 5.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), Kishida emphasized the importance of Japan’s coordination with the Philippines, a neighboring maritime nation, to maintain and strengthen the international order based on the rule of law. He also expressed Japan’s commitment to contributing further to peace, stability, and prosperity in the region, bearing in mind the 50th year of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation this year.

In response, Zubiri expressed his commitment to further strengthening the relations between Japan and the Philippines and hoped for the former’s continued role in promoting regional stability. Zubiri was joined by Majority Leader Joel Villanueva, Deputy Majority Leader JV Ejercito, Sen. Sonny Angara, Sen. Imee Marcos, Sen. Pia Cayetano, Sen. Win Gatchalian, Sen. Grace Poe, Sen. Nancy Binay, and Sen. Mark Villar, who were in Tokyo on an official parliamentary visit. - Florenda Corpuz

10 Restaurants from Japan, 2 from Philippines Are Among Asia’s 50 Best

The latest list of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants has been revealed, with 10 restaurants from Japan and two from the Philippines making the prestigious list.

Tokyo-based restaurant Sézanne shot up the rankings to take the second spot, while Den, last year’s best restaurant in Asia, secured the fourth place. Florilège, owned by chef Hiroyasu Kawate, was ranked seventh and also received the peer-voted Inedit Damm Chefs’ Choice Award. Narisawa, on the list for 11 consecutive years since it debuted at No. 1 in 2013, was at No. 10, followed by Sazenka at No. 12, Ode at No. 20, and L’Effervescence at No. 44, whose executive chef Shinobu Namae won the Icon Award. Osaka’s La Cime was ranked eighth, while Villa Aida from Wakayama held onto its position at 14th, and Kyoto’s Cenci moved up 11 spots to take the 32nd place.

Manila’s Toyo Eatery made a comeback to the list at No. 42 and also bagged the Flor

de Caña Sustainable Restaurant Award, while Metiz, showcasing the terroir of the Philippines, debuted at No. 48.

The 2023 Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list,

sponsored by S.Pellegrino & Acqua Panna, was revealed at a live awards ceremony on March 28 at Resorts World Sentosa (RWS) in Singapore. - Florenda Corpuz

FACEBOOK PHOTO: SENATOR MIGZ ZUBIRI

DEBBIE_Y/ASIA’S 50 BEST RESTAURANTS

The saying that some people are born to do certain things holds true for Kapuso actress Beauty Gonzalez. Contented living her life in Dumaguete, Beauty was persuaded by her mother to join ABS-CBN’s reality show “Pinoy Big Brother: Teen Edition Plus” in 2008, and ended up placing fourth.

REINVENTING HERSELF:

G onzalez’s B eauty

WORDS BY LEN ARMEA PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF GMA

From then on, Beauty started landing supporting roles, usually the female leading lady’s best friend, who rarely has a dialogue in the scene. When she realized that she wanted to make it in showbiz, she started putting more effort in learning the ropes of the game.

More than a decade after, Beauty has reinvented herself from being a mere reality show winner to one of the most versatile actresses today.

Keeping Up with the Demands of Showbiz

In 2021, Beauty made an exciting career decision when she signed up with GMA Network after being with ABS-CBN for the past 10 years. It was a change that she has been waiting for, wanting to do more collaborations and grow as an artist.

“With all the changes that’s been happening right now, I think it’s time for me to have a change also, to do collaborations with other people, other talents, all I really want to do is to make people happy. I want to prove to them that it’s going to be worth it,” she said.

“At the end of the day, gusto ko lang magpasaya ng mga tao, magpasaya ng mga fans, and I’m happy that I get to do these with GMA,” she added.

As a Kapuso talent, Beauty is grateful for the projects that she’s been entrusted with by the network. In a span of more than one year, she was able to do the drama anthology “Stories from the Heart: Loving Ms. Bridgitte,” a miniseries “I Can See You: AlterNate” opposite Dingdong Dantes, primetime drama “Mano Po Legacy: The Flower Sisters,” and an episode of “Magpakailanman’s Takaw sa Impiyerno.”

“Every time na pumupunta ako sa work, I’m so excited kasi masaya talaga ‘yung set namin. We get to collaborate with our directors and with our co-actors also,” she enthused.

The beguiling actress is also set to do an afternoon drama series with Carla Abellana and Gabby Concepcion entitled “Stolen Life,” which will air in the third quarter of 2023. The series is about how a woman’s life was stolen by using astral projection to

switch physical bodies.

With a slew of projects coming her way, Beauty is all the more inspired to keep up with the demands of showbiz.

“Good projects. For me talaga, it’s about the story, the project and the material,” she said in a virtual interview with FilipinoJapanese Journal when asked what motivates her to work.

“If it’s a nice material, of course, I will do it! But ‘yung makakagana talaga sa akin, ‘yung babangon ako sa kama ko na parang oh my god, I have to do it, no matter what happens, then I will do it. Pero kung hindi maganda, then I’m happy to wait,” she added.

Enjoying Her Showbiz Stint

From being a reluctant artist, Beauty now has a renewed love for acting, which has been evident throughout her entire showbiz journey.

“I enjoy it and I learned to love it. I love it a lot because not everyone was given a gift to portray other people’s lives. To have that gift, to have that experience, I’m very grateful and thankful kasi ang saya eh. The next day, ibang tao ka. You’re just portraying these people’s lives and then ‘pag nanonood sila, ako pala ‘yun. Nakakatuwa na nakukuha mo kung anong gustong mapanood ng mga tao,” she said in an interview with GMA Entertainment’s Kapuso Profiles.

Each day, Beauty sees an opportunity to learn more about her craft and to embrace improvements.

“Focus on fixing what’s wrong. Focus on fixing kung anong kulang, kung anong puwedeng ikakaganda pa. Sooner or later, hindi mo namamalayan, naabot mo na pala ’yung gustong mong maabot.”

Content with her career so far, Beauty is certain that all the hard work she puts in is for her family. She is married to art curator Norman Crisologo and is a mother to their six-year-old daughter, Olivia.

“Because of course, I want my family to be proud of me, especially my daughter. I’m working hard and I just realized I’ve been away half of the year. My God, half of the year nawala pala ko sa bahay so in whatever I do in my life, in whatever I do in my career, I make to a point na I want her to be proud of it and she’ll understand why I wasn’t here.”

Galerie Stephanie, a regular participant in the prestigious art fair, exhibited the works of Lyndon Maglalang, Shannah Orencio, Vincent de Pio, Farley del Rosario and Jomike Tejido in two exhibitions: “Where Origins End” featuring the works of Maglalang and Orencio, and “Momentary Infinities” displaying the works of del Rosario, de Pio and Tejido.

“Four out of five of these artists are represented artists. And we really want to showcase their talents. So theme-wise, they are cohesive, and we feel that their themes

PH Artists Exhibit Works at Art Fair Tokyo

BY FLORENDA CORPUZ

TOKYO – Five talented contemporary artists from the Philippines showcased their works at the Art Fair Tokyo (AFT) 2023 held at the Tokyo International Forum from March 10 to 12

are catered to the Japanese market,” said Sierra Isabelle Castillo, marketing and events manager of Galerie Stephanie.

Tejido, one of the three artists present during the three-day art show, expressed his aspirations for participating in AFT. He aims to attract new collectors and see how viewers from other Asian countries respond to his art.

“Although Japan is still in Asia, it is like New York, a melting pot of many races. It is a great way to showcase my art to the world without being too far from the Philippines,” he told Filipino-Japanese Journal.

When asked what is unique about

his works, Tejido, who started painting professionally in 2007, shared that his uniqueness lies in how he plays with forms and colors that display happiness despite the seasons.

“’Yung nandito na works ko ‘yasumi’ ibig sabihin ‘vacation’. So para sa akin, ‘yung pagpunta sa Japan despite sa anong season, para sa akin masaya. So ‘yun ang nire-reflect ng paintings ko – very playful, whimsical, happy,” he added.

This year’s edition of AFT, the largest international art fair in Japan and the oldest in Asia, brought together 143 galleries from Japan and abroad, including Manila-based Galerie Stephanie.

The “PH Mode x TYO” runway show, held at STUMP Studio in Aoyama on March 17, showcased the autumn/ winter collection of Alodia Cecilia, Azucar, Barba, Ellis Co, Jor-el Espina, Thian Rodriguez, and STOI|C. These designers creatively combined indigenous Philippine materials with sustainable textiles from STYLEM, a renowned textile company in Japan.

Jackie Aquino, the show director, revealed that the Filipino designers used Japanese fabrics as the base material and incorporated indigenous fibers like piña and binakol to make their unique pieces. Despite feeling nervous about how the Japanese audience would receive the creations, Aquino, a veteran in the industry with a 39-year career, expressed confidence in the Filipino designers’

Filipino Designers Showcase Unique Blend of Philippine Fabrics, Japanese Textiles at Japan Fashion Week

WORDS BY FLORENDA CORPUZ PHOTOGRAPHS BY DIN EUGENIO

talent, saying, “magaling ang Pinoy.”

Alodia and Ellis, who participated in the show, were thrilled to represent the Philippines and showcase their designs in Tokyo. They both expressed gratitude for the opportunity and were happy with the audience’s positive reception.

“I’m happy because even for the second time, we doubled the number of pieces. And I’m glad that another designer is here with me in Tokyo,” said Alodia.

“It’s my first time doing a show with them. Honestly, I’m just grateful to have the experience that I’m able to represent our country and my age group as well,” Ellis enthused.

The Manila Fashion Festival (MFF), the biggest fashion runway event in the Philippines, facilitated the Filipino designers’ participation in the biannual fashion event. According to MFF Organizer Genshi Shigekawa, they plan

to come back for the next season.

Philippine Embassy - Trade and Investment Section Commercial Counsellor Maria Bernardita Mathay also commented on the event, saying that a bigger collection can be expected next season. She emphasized the need to support and uplift Filipino talent and showcase it on the right platform.

“Mas malaki. Hanggang magkatraction na kasi nakikita ko unti-unti umiiba eh. Kailangan patient ka lang, kailangan lagi kang visible, kailangan lagi mong sinusuportahan. Filipino talent is one of the best in the world. Iangat lang natin tapos ilagay natin sa tamang plataporma at saka dapat open ang mind natin,” she told FilipinoJapanese Journal.

This was the second time for “PH Mode x TYO” to showcase to the Japanese audience the artistry and ingenuity of Filipino designers.

TOKYO – Seven Filipino fashion brands and designers recently captivated the audience at the Rakuten Fashion Week Tokyo with their stunning collections, featuring a fusion of Philippine fabrics and Japanese textiles.

Exploring Hokuriku Region: 5 Must-Visit Places

BY FLORENDA CORPUZ

Nestled in the heart of Japan’s Honshu Island, the Hokuriku region is a hidden gem that boasts a unique blend of natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and mouthwatering cuisine. It includes the three prefectures of Fukui, Ishikawa, and Toyama, each offers a distinct experience to visitors.

One of the most convenient ways to travel around the region is via the Hokuriku Shinkansen, connecting Tokyo to Kanazawa, Ishikawa’s capital city, with stops in between including Toyama City. Excitingly, starting in March 2024, the bullet train line will extend to Tsuruga City in Fukui Prefecture, making the region even more accessible to local and foreign tourists. Here are the top five destinations in the Hokuriku region that should be on your travel list:

Echizen Washi Village

Discover the rich history and exceptional craftsmanship of traditional Japanese papermaking in the charming Echizen Washi Village, situated in the picturesque Fukui Prefecture. With a history spanning

over 1,500 years, this area is renowned as one of Japan’s most significant and oldest washi production centers.

The village is home to several paper companies, where visitors can witness the intricate papermaking process and even try their hand at crafting their own paper. For instance, the Igarashi Seishi Co., Ltd., established in 1919, offers a range of machine-made and handmade fusuma paper, which is typically used in traditional sliding doors. In addition, they have recently launched a new paper brand made from discarded fruits and vegetables called food paper. Another recommended place is the Yanase Ryozo Seishijo, which offers unique techniques and methods used in traditional papermaking.

One of the highlights of the village is the OkamotoOtaki Shrine, a sacred site dedicated to Kawakami Gozen, the goddess of paper. This shrine is a designated Important Cultural Property, recognized for its historical and architectural significance.

Higashi Chaya District and Nagamachi

Kanazawa City in Ishikawa Prefecture may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of geishas. But who would have thought that it has not just one, but three geisha districts waiting to be explored?

One of the most impressive of these districts is Higashi Chaya, which is the largest and most famous of the three.

This district is particularly special due to its architectural heritage. During the Edo period, the construction of two-story buildings was strictly prohibited, with the exception of geisha houses. In Higashi Chaya, the second floor of these charming wooden structures served as guest rooms. Today, the geisha houses in Higashi Chaya, along with those in Kyoto’s Gion district and Kanazawa’s Kazue-machi, have been designated as National Important Cultural Properties, recognizing their cultural significance and historical value.

Nagamachi is another area in Kanazawa worth visiting. It is

where middle to high-ranking samurai once lived. Visitors can explore narrow streets lined with restored samurai residences and get a glimpse into the daily lives of these historical figures.

Inami and Iwase Districts

The Inami district, located in Toyama Prefecture’s Nanto City, is renowned as the birthplace of Inami woodcarving, showcasing some of Japan’s most exquisite carving techniques. The district’s Yokamachi-dori, a famous landmark, is home to several woodcarving workshops, making it a must-visit destination for art enthusiasts.

Once a bustling port town during the Edo Period, the Iwase district is now a popular destination for locals and tourists alike seeking a place to shop, eat, drink, and unwind. Here, you will find Saseki, a sake bar with an impressive collection of over 100 different types of sake; and the award-winning Kobo Brewery, where you can indulge in original craft beers.

For thousands of years, the ama divers, also known as sea women, have been diving into the sea without the aid of oxygen tanks to collect various treasures of the underwater world, such as abalone, seaweed, and turban shells, in order to make a living.

During a time when women’s employment opportunities were limited, the ama divers were a shining example of those who turned to unconventional means to earn a living. However, as younger generations of women pursue different career paths and elderly ama divers retire, their numbers have decreased. Presently, there are only around 500 ama divers left in Shima, one of the two cities in Mie Prefecture, along with Toba, which has the highest concentration of female divers in Japan.

History of Ama

Archaeological excavations in the Shima Peninsula have revealed the fascinating history of ama free-diving, a tradition dating back some 3,000 years. The Jomon (14,000 - 300 B.C.) and Yayoi (300 B.C. - 300 A.D.) period ruins contain evidence of tools called “awabiokoshi” that ama divers used to pry abalone from the reef and remove them from their shells.

During the 18th century, Ukiyo-e prints depicted the unique way of life of ama divers, bringing them into the public eye and raising their popularity.

Mie Prefecture’s ‘Ama’ Divers: Upholding Tradition Amid Challenges

BY FLORENDA CORPUZ & LEN ARMEA

“I believe that the work of the ama divers is incredible, and I want to continue doing it,” stated Kaori Arai, 39, who has been free-diving for the past decade.

Fishing Methods and Restrictions

Ama divers are of two types: the “funado” who works with a boatman, commonly her husband, called “tomae;” and the “kachido” who works alone. Their diving depths range from three to 20 meters, and they can hold their breath underwater for up to 50 seconds.

To preserve marine life, ama divers adhere to strict regulations, and one of them is not harvesting abalone smaller than 10.6 centimeters.

Outfits and Tools

Over time, the attire of ama divers evolved from wearing nothing to wearing white loincloths and wetsuits to protect themselves from the cold. They now also use various equipment, such as goggles, chisels, ring floats, lifelines, beach towels, and fins, to aid them in their diving activities.

Religious Beliefs

Each fishing season, ama divers hold festivals to honor the sea god and pray for their safety and abundant fishing. These festivals are a vital part of the their diving tradition and reflect the close relationship between the ama divers and the ocean.

In addition to the festivals, ama divers also wear talisman symbols to protect themselves from the ocean’s bad spirits.

Ama free-diving is a challenging activity that exposes female divers to the dangers of the sea, but that’s not all. They also have to battle the harsh cold temperatures that come with diving in freezing waters. To counter this, they use fire pits called “kamado,” a traditional Japanese stove placed at the center of their huts to warm up the ama divers before and after their dives.

Resilient Ama Diving Culture Facing Environmental Challenges

Despite practicing their traditional fishing techniques for thousands of years, the ama divers in Mie Prefecture are facing significant challenges as a result of climate change and an aging population.

73-year-old Machiyo Yamashita, a 48-year veteran of the profession, has witnessed firsthand the decline in seaweed and abalone populations due to changing environmental conditions. However, despite these obstacles, Yamashita and her fellow ama divers in Shima City remain determined to maintain their way of life and preserve their unique cultural heritage.

In recognition of its cultural significance, Japan is seeking to have the ama diving culture included on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list.

*This article was originally published in our July 2017 issue. Additional information, photos and minor edits have been made by the editor.

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