Filipino-Japanese Journal December 2022

Editor's Note

he last two weeks of November and the first few days of December saw us covering various events such as the Tokyo Comic Con, now a major pop culture extravaganza since its inauguration six years ago; the True Colors Festival, a concert headlined by global pop superstar Katy Perry; Roger Federer’s first public event since retiring from tennis; and the Japan premiere of the much awaited “Avatar” sequel, “Avatar: The Way of Water”.

We also didn’t miss the chance to witness the return of the Philippine Business Mission (PBM), the country’s first and biggest tourism sales mission postpandemic, which opened in Osaka; the Philippine Festival, the largest and most awaited Filipino gathering in the Land of the Rising Sun; and the 60th Miss International Pageant where our very own Hannah Arnold, our cover girl for this month, represented the Philippines.

It was a privilege to cover these events, and it was a joy to do so for you, our dear readers. Maligayang Pasko sa inyong lahat!

COMMUNITY WATCH

Philippine Festival Kicks Off After Two-Year Hiatus

ENTERTAINMENT

Tokyo Comic Con Returns for First Time Since 2019

ON

Florenda Corpuz Editor-in-Chief

‘Avatar: The Way of Water’ Brings Back James Cameron, Zoe Saldaña, Sigourney Weaver to Japan

THE

Getting To Know Bb. Pilipinas International Hannah Arnold

COVER IN FOCUS SPORTS

Philippines Hopes to Attract One Million Japanese Tourists

Katy Perry Headlines Diversity, Inclusion Concert in Tokyo

Roger Federer Visits Japan, Attends First Public Event Since Retiring from Tennis

Philippine Festival Kicks Off After Two-Year Hiatus

WORDS BY FLORENDA CORPUZ PHOTOGRAPHS BY DIN EUGENIO

– The annual Philippine Festival, the largest and most awaited Filipino event in Japan, kicked off on Dec. 3 for the first time since 2019, marking the end of a two-year hiatus as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Thousands of people, including Filipinos, Japanese and other foreign nationals from all walks of life, flocked to Yoyogi Park to enjoy a “Meri Matsuri,” the theme for this year’s celebration.

“We are finally here together in person. Today, we are all united in the spirit of celebration and thanksgiving,” Philippine Embassy Chargé d'Affaires Robespierre Bolivar said in his opening remarks.

“The Philippine Festival is our Filipino community’s grand family reunion, though it was postponed for two years due to the pandemic, our reunion is now back in full force,” he added.

Bolivar noted that the Philippine Festival is the Filipino community’s way of sharing the Filipino Christmas traditions with the people from Japan and overseas.

“For the next two days, let us enjoy our colorful, fun and uniquely Philippine Christmas. By welcoming our friends to the Philippine Festival, we are in fact welcoming you to our homes,” he enthused.

He encouraged the Filipino community to be a part of the success of the event.

“Atin po ang festival na ito. Samasama nating pagtulungan na maging masaya, malinis, ligtas at tagumpay ang ating pagdiriwang ngayong Pasko,” he said.

Attendees of the two-day event enjoyed various Filipino dishes offered by the food booths as well as products and services at the commercial booths.

Cultural presentations showcasing Filipino and Japanese talents, and fun and entertainment from the “Eat Bulaga!” Dabarkads Maine Mendoza, Wally Bayola and Allan K also delighted everyone.

TOKYO

Philippine Festival 2022 organizers and guests lead the ribbon-cutting ceremony

Philippine Festival Chairman Joyce Ogawa (left) and Philippine Assistance Group Chairman Jodie Alvaran (right) spearhead this year’s festivity

(L-R) ‘Eat Bulaga!’ Dabarkads Allan K, Maine Mendoza and Wally Bayola entertain the crowd

Philippine Embassy Chargé d'Affaires Robespierre Bolivar gives the opening remarks

On Instagram, Binibining Pilipinas International 2021 Hannah Arnold has posted multiple pictures of herself frolicking in different places in Osaka, one of her dream destinations, as part of her journey at the 60th Miss International Beauty Pageant 2022 held at Tokyo Dome City Hall on Dec. 13.

Photographs by Raymond Saldaña

Assisted by Ericsson Buyson

Fashion designer: Leo Almodal

Fashion coordinator: Richard Sumait

Styling: Patrick Henry Mergano / Macky Combe

Glam: Jessie Maghuyop

Hair: Jan Jonas Lucas

Special thanks to BPCI, Gines Enriquez, Binibining Pilipinas and Miss International

WORDS BY LEN ARMEA

The 26-year-old Filipina beauty queen, who hails from Masbate, has been preparing and training for the prestigious pageant, which was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, since winning in July last year.

“I was crowned last July 2021 so I have had a lot of time to prepare and absorb everything,” said Hannah in one of her media interviews that she shared with Filipino-Japanese Journal (FJJ).

“I mainly spent the extra time focusing on my advocacies, and doing training in areas I felt needed greater improvements,” she continued.

Days before the grand coronation night, FJJ got in touch with Hannah to let its readers in Japan know her more as a beauty queen, as a person.

Her Pageant Journey

Hannah is a self-confessed fan of pageantries. However, it was only around 2014-2015 when she decided that she wanted to join Binibining Pilipinas one day.

“Growing up, I have always been a fan of pageantry, especially the moment Ate Bea Rose Santiago won Miss International 2013, that moment sparked something in my pageant ‘faney’ heart,” she enthused.

In 2015, when Pia Wurtzbach won the Binibining Pilipinas Universe title, a lot of Hannah’s facebook friends kept tagging her in photos of the beauty queen because of their resemblance.

“They said they could see a resemblance between us two, which made me so kilig and so intrigued in the national pageant. From that moment, I became a big fan waiting for the next updates and photos of the candidates. I decided and told my parents I wanted to join Binibining Pilipinas one day too,” she added.

A forensic scientist and model, Hannah first joined Binibining Pilipinas in 2019, and landed in the Top 15. Not one to be disheartened easily, she tried her luck again in 2021, and was finally crowned as the country’s representative

to the Miss International 2022 pageant.

“Each ‘Binibini’ has a unique background – we have different careers, family and childhood stories, provinces we represent, and advocacies we stand for. Ultimately, what makes one stand out more is the genuine joy beaming on stage,” she said.

Making a Stand

Joining an international pageant is one of Hannah’s dreams not just to represent the Philippines in the world stage, but to stand to something bigger –advocating for the things she believes in.

“An advocacy is something that an individual pours their heart, soul, and time into because it is something personal to them that they believe requires more community attention and help. Since a young age, my advocacy has been for quality education, and giving the necessary tools to help students believe in their dreams, and become the future change makers of society,” she explained.

At the height of the pandemic, Hannah spearheaded “Books of Tomorrow,” an organization with a mission of motivating children to prioritize education through books.

“The saying I hope for people to remember that would inspire them to put more focus into education is: ‘With a book a child can learn to read today, and with a pencil, they will write their own future tomorrow’”.

An ambassador of the Department of Science and Technology, Hannah aims to make a difference by using her platform, and set an example to young children to empower themselves with knowledge and skills to achieve their dreams and goals in life.

“Representing the Philippines in an international pageant has always been one of my biggest goals, and I truly see this as a full-time career even after the year reign is over. I still want to be using my platform online and in events to advocate for quality education, science and technology, and innovation,” she divulged.

Whether dabbling in science or pageantries, Hannah encourages

children, especially young girls, to never lose faith in themselves and in what they can do.

“To all the young girls out there, please continue to believe in yourself and the power you will have to help the community. To be honest there will be setbacks, and maybe, lost opportunities, but don’t lose faith in your dream.”

Hannah Arnold, wearing Allan Laserna, poses for FJJ in Tokyo on Nov. 30, 2022. (Photo by Din Eugenio)

Philippines Hopes to Attract One Million Japanese Tourists

WORDS BY FLORENDA CORPUZ PHOTOGRAPHS BY DIN EUGENIO

OSAKA – The Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) have set a goal of enticing one million Japanese tourists to visit the Philippines during their first and biggest Philippine Business Mission (PBM) in more than two years at the Swissotel Nankai last Nov. 28.

Good fortune ceremony for one million Japanese arrivals

After the Philippines reopened its borders to international tourism in February, it received 80,813 Japanese tourists out of the 2.1 million total foreign visitor arrivals, as of Nov. 24.

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the country welcomed 682,788 Japanese tourists, ranking number four as source of foreign arrivals, and representing 8.27 percent of the total number of international arrivals.

The PBM, organized jointly by the DOT and the TPB, is an institutional program that has been held annually in Japan for the past thirteen years, but was postponed since 2020 due to the pandemic. It is regarded as the top international trade event for the Philippine travel industry in Japan, which includes three components of consecutive activities: Philippine travel seminars for Japanese agents, business-to-business meetings between Philippine sellers and Japanese buyers, and a Philippine reception for business networking.

The PBM 2022 Osaka edition adopted the theme “Festival of Hope:

Recovery, Resilience, and Rediscovery,” which is a celebration of the triumph of tourism over the pandemic considering the gradual recovery of the industry seen in the last 10 months since the Philippines reopened its doors to foreign tourists.

“The Department of Tourism, under the leadership of Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, is optimistic that the Philippines can surpass the prepandemic performance levels given the promising initial gains seen since the Philippines opened its borders for tourism at the beginning of the year,” DOT Osaka Attaché Jerome Diaz said in his speech.

“As a gathering that initiates meaningful conversations toward safe travels between Japan and the Philippines, the PBM Osaka 2022 will lead to the rediscovery of the various attractions in the different regions of the Philippines and the measures in place to ensure a safe stay for them,” he added.

The event culminated in success with 67 Japanese companies participating in the business meetings, and a total of 395 one-on-one meetings. The evening was capped by a networking reception with 96 companies, and 122 Japanese travel and tourism partners in attendance.

Philippine Airlines sponsors a trip to the Philippines for the lucky raffle winner

International male duo Last Call

DOT Osaka Attaché

Jerome Diaz

Emcee Maria Theresa Gow

A toast for Philippine tourism

Deputy Consul General Melchor Lalunio Jr.

Tokyo Comic Con Returns for First Time Since 2019

WORDS BY FLORENDA CORPUZ PHOTOGRAPHS BY DIN EUGENIO

CHIBA –

Hollywood actors James McAvoy, Hayden Christensen, Andy Serkis, Christopher Lloyd, Michael Pare, Vernon Wells, Ian McDiamid, Jamie Campbell Bower, Daniel Logan, Joseph Quinn and Karen Gillan graced the three-day event.

They were also joined by Japanese actor and dancer Akira, American writer and editor C.B. Cebulski, and emcees Takato Yonemoto and Maria

Theresa Gow, who is half-Filipino.

“It has been an amazing time, and I felt incredibly welcome. And that’s because of all the people I’ve met, all the words, comments, and support I felt. Thank you so much for making me feel so welcome in your country,” McAvoy, who is best known for his portrayal of Professor X in the “X-MEN” movies, told the crowd.

Christensen, most well-known for his role as Anakin Skywalker/ Darth Vader in the “Star Wars” media

franchise, thanked the attendees for an “amazing” experience.

Serkis, famous for his motioncapture acting, gushed about the audience.

“I guess there’s only one word that I can use to express what you mean to me, and that is ‘precious’,” he uttered in his Gollum in the “Lord of the Rings” films voice.

This year’s edition capped off with everyone exclaiming the words, “Tokyo Comic Con, saikou!”

(L-R): Takato Yonemoto, Maria Theresa Gow, Akira, Michael Pare, Vernon Wells, Christopher Lloyd, Hayden Christensen, Ian McDiamid, Karen Gillan, Jamie Campbell Bower, James McAvoy, Andy Serkis, Daniel Logan, Joseph Quinn and C.B. Cebulski

After a two-year pause due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Tokyo Comic Con, which has become a major pop culture event since its inauguration in 2016, made a triumphant return at Makuhari Messe last Nov. 25 to 27.

Gillan (left) and Bower (right) receive flowers and birthday cakes

‘Avatar: The Way of Water’ Brings Back James Cameron, Zoe Saldaña, Sigourney Weaver to Japan

“I

have a long love affair with Japan.

I’ve been coming here since the mid-1980s.

I’ve always love the culture. It’s a very warm welcome here. 10 years is too long to be away so I’m happy to be back here now even if it’s only for a couple of days,” the director enthused.

Cameron was joined at a press conference held at the Maxell Aqua Park Shinagawa on Dec. 10 by stars Zoe Saldaña, Sigourney Weaver, Sam Worthington, Stephen Lang, and

producer Jon Landau.

“The audience here has always been so receptive to my films in the past so I hope you will like this one,” he added.

Saldaña, who plays Neytiri in the film, professed her love for the country.

“I was here six years ago with my family. I love visiting Japan, and I’m very happy to be here,” she said.

Weaver, meanwhile, expressed her joy and excitement to be back in Japan to promote the movie.

“Thank you for having us. I’ve come to Japan a number of times, and I’ve never been so proud to share a movie with all

of you. We’re so excited to be here,” the 73-year-old actress who portrays the role of a 14-year-old alien named Kiri, said.

They passionately talked about the thoughts they put into the film, and were amazed by the dolphin show.

“Avatar: The Way of Water” is “set more than a decade after the events of the first film,” Disney said in the official synopsis.

“It begins to tell the story of the Sully family, the trouble that follows them, the lengths they go to keep each other safe, the battles they fight to stay alive, and the tragedies they endure,” it added.

TOKYO – After more than a decade, James Cameron visited Japan again to promote “Avatar: The Way of Water,” the sequel to the highest grossing film of all time, which hit theaters on Dec. 16.

WORDS BY FLORENDA CORPUZ

PHOTOGRAPHS BY DIN EUGENIO

L-R: Jon Landau, Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldaña, James Cameron, Sigourney Weaver and Stephen Lang

Katy Perry Headlines Diversity, Inclusion Concert in Tokyo

WORDS BY FLORENDA CORPUZ PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF TRUE COLORS FESTIVAL

The global pop superstar performed some of her biggest hits such as “Roar,” “Teenage Dream,” “California Gurls,” and “Dark Horse” alongside more than 90 diverse artists from around the world, all connected under the theme “One World, One Family.”

“I’m so happy to be here tonight. Just

one of the most incredible nights being amongst all these incredibly talented artists,” said Katy on the first evening of the concert.

“I hope you know how much I love you. So much, the most!

“Thank you so much for having me here. I’m so happy to be a part of this festival of inclusion, beauty and color,” she said before singing “Firework” together

TOKYO – Katy Perry was the special guest in the True Colors Festival The Concert 2022, an event that celebrated diversity and inclusion, last Nov. 19 and 20 at the Tokyo Garden Theater.

with all the artists who performed during the two-hour multimedia show.

Katy ended her performance with the words, “You inspire me.”

Among the other artists were Kyary Pamyu Pamyu, Mandy Harvey, and Filipino-Japanese vocalist Harumi.

The True Colors Festival The Concert 2022 was presented by The Nippon Foundation.

Roger Federer Visits Japan, Attends First Public Event Since Retiring from Tennis

WORDS BY FLORENDA CORPUZ PHOTOGRAPHS BY DIN EUGENIO

Federer took part in the Uniqlo LifeWear Day Tokyo 2022 event that celebrated his historic 25-year career.

“It’s nice to be standing again on a tennis court. I don’t get to do it so much at the moment after my retirement,” said the 20-time Grand Slam

singles champion.

“It’s a pleasure for me to be here in Japan, in Tokyo. It’s been too long – almost three years – so I feel very happy and lucky to be here today,” he added.

The 41-year-old tennis star participated in a talk session and exhibition match together with Kei Nishikori, Shingo

Kunieda, and Gordon Reid.

He also gave a clinic to elementary school children.

“I love doing kids clinics,” Federer shared.

He continued, “In my career, giving clinics was always one of the things I enjoyed most.”

TOKYO – Swiss tennis legend Roger Federer has returned to Japan for the first time in three years, and participated in a promotional event at Ariake Coliseum on Nov. 19 – marking his first big public appearance since retiring from the sport three months ago.