Filipino-Japanese Journal February 2023

Nadine Lustre IS ALL FIRED UP

Editor's Note

Two Filipino Films to Screen at Osaka Fest

Nadine Lustre is All Fired Up

his issue of Filipino-Japanese Journal marks our seventh year in the publishing industry. From being our baby, our passion project, to becoming a survivor after having withstood and thrived amid the COVID-19 pandemic, it was a journey worth taking and a dream worth fulfilling. Although it was not a walk in the park to reach this point, we are humbled, grateful and proud to still be in circulation.

We’d like to thank all our loyal readers and advertisers for their continued support as well as our partners and collaborators in the entertainment industry. And for this edition, Viva Artists Agency for providing us with the materials for our cover and cover story about this generation’s best actress Nadine Lustre. Here’s to looking forward to more years of printing, covering and writing meaningful stories, and carrying out our mission of informing Filipinos in Japan with the latest news and happenings.

Japan Gets More Than 120,000 Filipino Visitors in 2022, Highest Amid Pandemic

Filipinos are Japan’s Third Largest Foreign Workforce

12

Kapuso, Kapamilya Together: Jodi, Richard, Joshua, Gabbi to Topbill New Teleserye

Florenda Corpuz Editor-in-Chief

PROUDLY PINOY

Get to Know Philippine Tourism Promotions Board Chief Marga Nograles

13

‘Angry Son’ Gives a Glimpse of Filipino Life in Japan

Two Filipino Films to Screen at Osaka Fest

OSAKA – Two Filipino films will be screened at the 18th Osaka Asian Film Festival (OAFF), which will take place from March 10 to 19.

“Leonor Will Never Die” directed by Martika Ramirez Escobar, and “Yield” by Toshihiko Uriu and Victor Delotavo Tagaro will participate in non-competitive sections of this year’s edition of OAFF, in the Spotlight and Special Screenings programs, respectively.

Escobar’s psychological comedy-drama film won the Special Jury Prize at the 2022 Sundance International Film Festival. It stars Sheila Francisco, Bong Cabrera, Rocky Salumbides and Anthony Falcon.

Uriu and Tagaro’s documentary, “judged to be beautifully shot and topical,” according to the OAFF website, will have its world premiere at the festival. - Florenda Corpuz, Image courtesy of OAFF

Japan Gets More Than 120,000 Filipino Visitors in 2022, Highest Amid Pandemic

TOKYO – The estimated number of Filipino tourists who visited Japan in 2022 soared to 126,900, the highest on record since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) revealed on Jan. 18.

The figure was still 79.3 percent lower compared to the 613,114 tourist arrivals from the Philippines in the pre-pandemic year of 2019.

In December, two months after Japan reopened its borders to

independent foreign tourists, about 40,000 visitors from the Southeast Asian nation entered the country, an increase of 16706.7 percent compared to the same month in 2021.

Last year, the Philippines placed ninth in Japan’s market for visitor arrivals. - Florenda Corpuz

Filipinos are Japan’s Third Largest Foreign Workforce

TOKYO – Workplaces all over Japan employed 206,050 Filipino nationals, and were the country’s third largest foreign workforce as of the end of October 2022, government data showed on Jan. 27.

The figure represented 11.3 percent of the total 1,822,725 foreign worker population. Vietnamese nationals topped the list accounting for 25.4 percent or 462,384, followed by Chinese at 21.2 percent or 385,848. - Florenda Corpuz

Nadine Lustre IS ALL FIRED UP

WORDS BY LEN ARMEA

Multi-hyphenate Nadine Lustre is one of the most followed – and hailed – celebrities in Philippine showbiz and social media. She is always relevant as an actress, singer, style icon, environmentalist, mental health advocate and LGBTQIA+ ally.

Photo: Trish Shishikura

Make up: Jelly Eugenio

Hair: Paul Nebres

Styling: Lyn Alumno

It seems like 2023 is shaping up to be another bright year for Nadine. Fondly called “The President” or “Miss Nadine” by netizens, she started the year birthing to a new meme, “2023 na, amaccana accla,” that became viral in an instant garnering 5.6 million views and 117,000 likes and is now a favorite mantra for the year. Her 2014 song, “Paligoy-ligoy,” is currently trending on Tiktok with close to a million video variations and uploads with the hashtag #PaligoyLigoyChallenge. Topping that is receiving her Best Actress trophy at the recently concluded Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) for her horror film “Deleter.”

Whatever she says or does never fails to elicit attention. The thing is Nadine, 29, has always been ahead of the game. When most celebrities are boxed in a certain way or image, she has learned to deviate from it by being fearless when she speaks her mind and shows her authentic self. She has managed to take control of her career, her art, her branding and the viewing public is certainly all for it.

This Generation’s Best Actress

A young superstar in local tinseltown, Nadine has earned accolades for her works on film and television, which include “Diary ng Panget” in 2014, “On the Wings of Love” in 2015, “Never Not Love You” in 2018, “Ulan” in 2019, and “Deleter” in 2022.

In 2019, she won best actress awards from FAMAS, Gawad Urian, and YCC Young Critic’s Circle – three acclaimed award-giving bodies in the country – for her performance in the film “Never Not Love You,” which she starred opposite love team partner and former boyfriend James Reid.

Adding to her string of achievements, she received another best actress trophy from MMFF in 2022 for her performance in “Deleter.” It was Nadine’s first horror film, which was also the festival’s top grossing film earning more than 240 million pesos.

In the said film, she played the role of Lyra, a content moderator, a.k.a. deleter, whose job is to sift through countless gruesome images and videos, and

make sure they don’t get to be released on social media platforms.

Nadine has been vocal about how she wants to veer away from doing romcom films and is challenged to explore other acting genres.

“I’m always up for challenges. It’s so hard to get boxed into one particular genre. I guess for someone like me who has been in dramas and romcoms for a while, until now, there are still many people who could not believe I did horror,” she said in an interview with ABSCBN News.

With her renewed relationship with Viva Films, Nadine vows to make more empowering career choices.

“My plan for this year was to really grind and get back into circulation. I don’t want to break the stride.

“I don’t want to break the momentum. Baka mawala pa. So habang nandiyan na ‘yan, tutuloy-tuluyin ko na. Sobrang excited akong mag-work. Sana more out-of-thebox projects,” she added.

Japan Connection

Nadine is known for having more than 10 tattoos and one of them is “Nozomi Komiya” in Japanese characters. In a radio interview by Monster RX93.1, she said that her great grandfather was a Japanese who changed his surname from Komiya to Lustre.

“It was weird like even as a kid I’ve always been fascinated with the Japanese culture, and I always feel like I belong somewhere there. I’ve always had that feeling. Then my tito told me about it and then one of my aunts like confirmed. I was like ‘oh that’s crazy.’ It would have been Komiya,” she revealed.

“So my tattoo means Nozomi Komiya because Nozomi means hope and Nadine also means hope so I just kind of figured that out and decided to use that.”

Nadine has also been to Japan for work and leisure. She shot the film “This Time” in Saga Prefecture with James, which was featured in a local TV news program.

Currently, Nadine is enjoying a peaceful life in Siargao, and is flying back and forth to Manila for her work commitments.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF VIVA ARTISTS AGENCY

Get to Know Philippine Tourism Promotions Board Chief Marga Nograles

BY FLORENDA CORPUZ

arga was appointed member of the TPB Board of Directors in an appointment letter issued by Malacañang and released in September last year. She was later elected into office in accordance with the GOCC Governance Act of 2011 and Tourism Act of 2009.

Prior to her appointment, Marga is the owner and proprietor of Kaayo Modern Mindanao, a clothing and accessories brand showcasing a curated collection of traditional weaves created by artisan women in Mindanao.

Marga’s love for culture and fashion combined made her realize a potent medium of advocacy to provide a sustainable livelihood for women and artisans and establish a creative platform

Mto showcase the world-class weaving craftsmanship of the Philippines.

Born in Davao City, she spent her school years at the Ateneo de Davao University, and graduated with a degree in AB Interdisciplinary Studies, Major in Management and Communications.

Since then, she has been involved in fashion and retail, with her being awarded the exclusive sub-distributorship of Havaianas in Southeast Mindanao in 2005 paving the way for her entrepreneurial journey.

Last December, Marga visited Japan to attend the highly successful Philippine Business Mission (PBM) 2022 held at the Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo where she sat down with Filipino-Japanese Journal (FJJ) to talk about her journey as an entrepreneur, and how it equipped her for her current role at the TPB.

TPB COO Maria Margarita “Marga” Nograles delivers a speech during the Philippine Business Mission (PBM) Tokyo 2022 at the Grand Ballroom of The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo on Dec. 1, 2022.

TOKYO – Maria Margarita “Marga” Nograles is the new Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB), the marketing and promotions arm of the Department of Tourism (DOT).

Nograles (3rd from left) and DOT Undersecretary for Finance and Administration Shereen Gail Yu-Pamintuan (left) lead the PBM Tokyo 2022

Q: Being a recognized entrepreneur, how do you think this will help you in your new role at the TPB?

A: I’m new at the TPB. Before I started, I set up my own social enterprise, it’s called Kaayo Modern Mindanao. So kaayo means kindness in the Visayan dialect. In Kaayo, we work towards creatively crafting sustainable livelihood for our indigenous communities in Mindanao, while also creating a platform to promote the island as a destination. When the secretary asked me to take on the position as the COO of the TPB, at first, I was overwhelmed, but when I started, I realized that it’s the same thing, just in a bigger platform. Now at the TPB, I’m creatively finding ways to bring more tourists in the country, ultimately, to give livelihood to our people.

Q: What inspired you to provide livelihood to people?

A: My mother, Baby Maceda Montemayor, has devoted her entire life for the love of tourism and trade for Mindanao, in Davao. The people at the TPB have also devoted their lives to tourism. Many of them know my mom, and they love her because that’s her work of life. So for me, I was exposed to that all my life. She also did a lot of volunteer work for our indigenous communities. When my husband Karlo was still congressman, people would come to my office to ask for help. Sabi ko sa sarili ko, hindi naman sustainable ito. So from there, I realized how from nothing, they suddenly are able to create and have their own business. They are empowered pa! I always say we have so much talent in our communities kaya I always say paglaban niyo ‘yan! It became my work of life also.

Q: Was it difficult for you to give up what you were doing when you accepted the post at the TPB?

A: Yes, I had to think long and hard about it. So for Havaianas, I’m lucky that my team of 17 years who has been there is strong and empowered and kaya na nila without me. In Kaayo, just a little harder because again that was my passion project, baby ko ‘yun eh, akin yun eh! But I learned, and I’m happy to realize now that I’m doing the

same thing so it’s great. I’m happy to be where I am.

Q: What is the importance of the Philippine Business Mission (PBM) in Japan?

A: The PBM is an institutional event. It’s been operational for maybe 14 or 15 years already. It is really a platform to be able to strengthen our relationship with the Japanese market. I believe that collaborations, conversations and partnerships are very important. It’s important that I come here, I talk to you, I listen to you, you listen to me. So because of that, we are able to strengthen our relationships. Our goal is really to, pre-pandemic I think Japan was number four in tourist arrivals in the Philippines, make that higher pa.

Q: What are our new product offerings to the Japanese market?

A: Four things: First our sun and sand, our beaches. Over and above that, we are also looking at our hidden gems. We have more than 7,600 islands, so many beautiful destinations. Next, health and wellness. We have so many young, dynamic and amazing doctors. Then, the English language. We’re still I think number one. We would love to craft programs for the Japanese market. Lastly, retirement. We’re looking to set up more retirement opportunities in the Philippines.

Q: How do you plan to sustain our Japanese tourist arrivals?

A: Like I said, constant conversation and familiarization trips (fam trips). Something always has to be happening. Sec. Christina Frasco of the Department of Tourism (DOT), as part of her seven-point agenda, is looking to push comprehensive digitalization. So online marketing promotions, partnerships and partnerships with brands in Japan. Everything is online na eh so we’re looking to strengthen that.

Q: Overall, what is your projection about the Japanese market?

A: We’re hoping to go back to the same numbers in 2025. Right now, we’re still at 12 percent vs. 2019 pre-

pandemic numbers. That’s around 3.7 percent of tourists coming in to the Philippines so we’re looking to raise that especially, hopefully after now, slowly, we will see the recovery that we want to see.

Q: Do we have programs for Overseas Filipinos (OFs)?

A: Yes, actually, we have the “Bisita, Be My Guest (BBMG)” program. It’s an incentivized program wherein if you come visit the Philippines with a friend then you have discounts, promos and raffle prizes. There are so many benefits if you have the BBMG travel passport.

Q: What can you say about the Japanese hospitality, and what qualities do you think we can emulate from them?

A: I was told that the Japanese have that omotenashi culture wherein they wholeheartedly give to serve, they wholeheartedly take care of their guests. More than expectation, care is their focus. I think that’s very much alongside our people – the warmth, creativity and hospitality of our people. I think we’re unique and the same in that way. So as we collaborate and forge partnership, we can learn from each other, and together, we’re stronger.

Q: So far, how is it working as TPB COO?

A: I’m so inspired and so very grateful for the opportunity to be here and the opportunity to serve. My life is my work, my work is my life because I think my husband and I made that decision to commit to serve our country no matter what so our children see that and more than anything else, they are inspired by that. So that’s the life we live. How lucky am I that I’m living a purpose that I’m passionate about.

Q: Why do we have to visit the Philippines?

A: Naku, umuwi na kayo. Come visit. First, we’re so rich in our cultural heritage and we have so many stories to tell. The Japanese tourists, we invite you to come, help us take care of our home, learn about us. We will teach you, as we learn about you also. Come, we will take care of you.

Kapuso, Kapamilya Together: Jodi, Richard, Joshua, Gabbi to Topbill New Teleserye

The romantic-drama series, which will be filmed in Switzerland, will air on the Kapuso network this year, and stream in 15 territories outside of the Philippines on Viu, PCCW’s leading pan-regional over-thetop video streaming service.

The partnership was made official during a contract signing and story conference event held at ABS-CBN last Jan. 23 with top officials from the three companies led by GMA Senior Vice President for Programming, Talent Management, Worldwide, and Support Groups Atty. Annette Gozon-Valdes, ABS-CBN Chief Operating Officer of Broadcast Cory Vidanes and Viu Philippines Deputy Country Manager Vinchi Sy-Quia.

Kapuso officials who were welcomed at the signing event were First Vice President for Program Management Joey Abacan and Sparkle Assistant Vice President Joy Marcelo.

“It’s a first for Philippine TV and I’m sure it’s the audience that will be the winners in this collaboration. We’re very excited to be working with ABS-CBN on TV for the first time,” Gozon-Valdes said.

Representing the Kapamilya network in the historic event were Group Chief Financial Officer Rick Tan, TV Production and Star Magic Head Lauren Dyogi, International Sales and Distribution Head Pia Laurel and Dreamscape Entertainment led by its Head Deo Endrinal, Creatives Head Rondel Lindayag, Creatives Manager Joel Mercado and Business Unit Head Carlina Dela Merced.

“This is a milestone in the industry. We’re thankful for this opportunity, and we’re very happy to work with GMA to serve our audiences. We unite as one team. We never imagined that this was going to happen,” Vidanes said.

The momentous event was also graced by Viu Philippines Senior Project Manager Mil Alcain and Content Partnerships Head Garlic Garcia.

“Today, we are able to proudly showcase that on our platform with premium Filipino content not just for Filipino audiences, but also for global audiences to appreciate and enjoy. This is with a vision of bringing the best of the Filipino talent on-cam and off-cam to the world,” Garcia said.

Viewers can expect an exciting collaboration as the teleserye marks the

first project of Jodi with young stars Joshua and Gabbi, who will also be paired together for the first time ever. Meanwhile, Jodi reunites with Richard, her former on-screen partner.

“This collaboration will really bring in opportunities not only to the networks, but for the people working in the network, for the people in the industry,” Jodi commented.

“I’m really proud, honored, and excited to be part of this show which is history in the making since this is the first time that two network giants will be working with each other. Of course I’m also excited to be working with Jodi again and all the other people in the cast,” Richard said.

“I’m really honored talaga na makasama dito, na pinili nila ako na maging parte ng proyektong ‘to. Excited ako na gawin ‘yung character,” Joshua enthused. While Gabbi shared, “It’s my first time doing this kind of role. Grabe ‘yung growth and ‘yung depth ng character ko dito sa show na ‘to.”

Joining the ensemble cast of “Unbreak My Heart” are Maey Bautista, Will Ashley, Bianca de Vera, Nikki Valdez, Eula Valdes and Laurice Guillen under the direction of Emmanuel Palo and Dolly Dulu. - ABS-CBN PR

GMA Network and ABS-CBN Corporation have sealed a new historic partnership for the co-production of a groundbreaking teleserye titled “Unbreak My Heart” with a stellar cast top-billed by the premiere artists of both media giants Jodi Sta. Maria, Richard Yap, Joshua Garcia and Gabbi Garcia.

‘Angry Son’ Gives a Glimpse of Filipino Life in Japan

BY FLORENDA CORPUZ

TOKYO – The coming-of-age film “Angry Son (Sekai wa Bokura ni Kizukanai)” hit select theaters in Japan on Jan. 13. Described by its writer and director Kasho Iizuka as a tale “depicting several themes and problems that we have in the Japanese society, which also offers glimpses of the future,” it stars Kazuki Horike as Jungo, a gay Japino (Filipinos of Japanese ancestry) teen who is struggling to live in the present as he seeks to overcome his past in order to build a future; and Maria Theresa Gow as his feisty single Filipina mother Reina who works as an entertainer in a Philippine pub.

“Love has many shapes and colors. I think in this movie, what we are trying to say is that there are so many ways of showing and expressing it, but there are also so many ways that another person will take that love as well,” Gow, who is half-Filipino, said when asked what takeaway she would want the viewers to get from watching the movie after a sneak preview screening at the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of Japan (FCCJ) last Jan. 11.

“I don’t think this movie is only set for one angle to be shown or seen at. People who will watch this film can relate to some of the issues, and find some comfort if they see it,” she added.

The film’s cast also includes Masafumi Shinohara, Tomoka Murayama and Kenji Iwaya.

Discovering the Charms of Chichibu

One of the most loved cities by local and foreign tourists who visit Saitama is Chichibu, a small valley in the western part of the prefecture that is known for its natural and scenic spots, such as the Chichibu Mountains and Nagatoro Valley. The Chichibu Yomatsuri, a night festival designated as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, and held on Dec. 2 and 3 each year, also entices many visitors from different parts of Japan and the world.

An hour and a half train ride from central Tokyo will take one to Chichibu. But aside from its pristine beauty and spectacular events, the city’s rich cultural heritage also awaits to be discovered, experienced and enjoyed.

Chichibu Meisen casually. “I want to wear the Chichibu Meisen everyday,” she told Filipino-Japanese Journal (FJJ) in an interview. She said that the Chichibu Meisen kimono is silky, warm, and comfortable to wear. Her hope is that when visitors come to Chichibu, they will learn about Chichibu Meisen and appreciate it. Don’t miss the opportunity to stroll around Chichibu in a beautiful Chichibu Meisen kimono!

Stay and dine in historic buildings

rooms and a restaurant/café. Their French cuisine made from locally produced ingredients is a must try.

Sip a glass of the ‘world’s best whisky’

Kimono stroll

The Chichibu Meisen is a traditional silk fabric produced in the city. Women used to wear it as everyday clothing during the Taisho era (1912-1926). But the popularity of Western-style fashion made wearing the silk-made kimono less appealing. Asako Sekikawa, the proprietress of the Chichibu Meisen rental shop Irohatori has been endeavoring to reintroduce the culture of wearing

If you’re looking for a nice place to rest and eat while in Chichibu, the newly opened Nipponia Chichibu Monzenmachi shouldn’t be missed! What started as a storehouse over a century ago was converted into a cozy hotel with eight

After a day of exploring Chichibu, why not have a taste of its local alcohol at the Venture Whisky Ltd. Chichibu Distillery, the sole whisky distillery in the city. This is where the detailed history of Ichiro’s Malt, the world’s best whisky (World Whiskies Award - Japanese category), can be learned. While it is not open to public, once daily tours of the distillery are available to professionals.

- Reference: Foreign Press Center Japan, Saitama Prefecture and Kumagaya City Media Desk