Filipino-Japanese Journal January 2023

AUTHORIZED Receiving COUNter in philippines:

Editor's Note

7

IN THE NEWS

PROUDLY PINOY

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

‘It has been amazing to represent the Philippines’ - Hannah Arnold

appy New Year, dear readers and advertisers! We hope that you had a wonderful holiday season with your family and loved ones. We would like to thank you for your support throughout the past year, and send you our warmest wishes for this year. May 2023 bring you new opportunities to explore and new goals to achieve.

We are ready to kick off the new year with our January issue featuring the beautiful and talented Barbie Forteza on the cover who is generating a buzz for brilliantly portraying the role of Klay in GMA-7’s historical portal fantasy series “Maria Clara at Ibarra”. She has spent 13 years working her way up through the entertainment industry. And now the time has come for the Kapuso actress to enjoy this great moment in her career.

What are your hopes for 2023? Ours is for the Filipino community in Japan to be better informed, entertained and inspired with our news and features. Please let us know how can we better serve you.

ON THE COVER

Florenda Corpuz Editor-in-Chief

14

ENTERTAINMENT SPOTLIGHT

Artists, Philanthropists Gather in Tokyo for Global Gift Gala Fundraiser

‘Maria Clara at Ibarra’ Gives Barbie Forteza Her Best Role Yet

‘Bisita, Be My Guest’ Makes Filipinos Its Tourism Ambassadors

Philippines’ Marcos Jr. to Make State Visit to Japan in February

MANILA/TOKYO – Philippine President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. will make a state visit to Japan in February, the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) said.

‘Bisita, Be My Guest’ Makes Filipinos Its Tourism Ambassadors

MANILA – A new promotional campaign which makes Filipinos its travel ambassadors has been launched by the Department of Tourism (DOT) at the SM MOA Music Hall last Dec. 15.

The DOT, in cooperation with the Department of Migrant Workers

(DMW), the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) and private sector partners unveiled the “Bisita, Be My Guest (BBMG)” program, which seeks to incentivize Filipinos, especially Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) and Overseas Filipinos (OFs) who invite foreign tourists to visit the Philippines with raffle tickets and chances to win vacation tour packages from select local destinations.

OFWs to help the country, particularly, its tourism industry.

The BBMG has three components: a raffle promo, BBMG passport and a BBMG privilege card (BBMG PC), which participants can use to avail of discounts, special rates and packages.

The visit will mark as Marcos Jr.’s first to Japan since he took office on June 30 last year, and his second in-person meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.

It will coincide with the celebration of the 50th year of ASEAN-Japan relations.

- Florenda Corpuz

Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco said that through this project, the DOT seeks to inspire all Filipinos by making them ambassadors of Philippine tourism, and, for OFWs and OFs, offer them a platform where they can reconnect with their families, at the same time, help the country earn economic gains through increased tourist arrivals.

DMW Secretary Susan “Toots” Ople, who was also present at the event, emphasized the BBMG’s significance in empowering

All Filipinos of legal age and the foreign visitors they invite are qualified to join the program. Participants could either be a sponsor or an invitee. A sponsor is an individual who shall be inviting a non-Filipino guest/visitor to travel to the Philippines, while an invitee is an individual invited by a sponsor who traveled in the country.

Invitees must be a foreign passport holder (non-Filipino) or any Filipino holding dual citizenship living abroad for a minimum of six (6) months prior to the campaign period (Jan. 1, 2023 - Apr. 30, 2024).

The complete promo mechanics as well as registration information for sponsors and invitees can be found on the official BBMG website: http://bbmg. philippines.travel. - FJJ, DOT

PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF PRIME MINISTER’S OFFICE OF JAPAN

Barbie Forteza is a regular fixture in television and movies for the last 13 years, growing up in the public eye since she played the role of the young Jodi in the Philippine adaptation of the hit South Korean TV series “Stairway to Heaven” in 2009.

‘MARIA CLARA AT IBARRA’ GIVES

Barbie Forteza

HER BEST ROLE YET

WORDS BY LEN ARMEA PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF GMA

Since then, Barbie worked her way up to become GMA-7’s “Princess of Primetime” by playing various lead roles in “Pilyang Kerubin” (2010), “Tween Hearts” (2010), “Anna Karenina” (2013), “The Half Sisters” (2014), “Meant to Be” (2017), and “Inday Will Always Love You” (2018) to name a few.

There is something natural, brilliant and enigmatic in the way the Kapuso actress portrays the roles that the viewing public can either relate to or be sympathetic with. Coupled with a happy disposition, an irresistible charm, and love for her craft, Barbie rises in the world of entertainment with much flair.

Giving Life to Klay

Recently, Barbie is generating a buzz for playing the role of Klay Infantes in GMA-7’s newest historical portal fantasy series “Maria Clara at Ibarra”. Entertainment critics, netizens and fans agree that her portrayal as the Gen Z Maria Clara in the series is one of the highlights of her acting career.

“Maria Clara at Ibarra” follows the story of Klay, a nursing student who aims to work and bring her family abroad. She is almost graduating soon, but not until she failed a minor subject—the Rizal Studies. Klay believes that this subject is irrelevant to her life and future career.

Mr. Jose Torres, Klay’s professor, gave her another chance to pass Rizal Studies and he lent her a book of Noli Me Tangere. Klay had not even read several pages of the novel when she got bored and fell asleep.

The mystery begins when Klay wakes up in the world of Noli Me Tangere! Much to her surprise, Klay finds Mr. Torres in the alternate timeline. Klay was told that she can only return to the present once she finishes the book and learns all the lessons from the novel of Dr. Jose Rizal.

As she navigates the real world of Noli Me Tangere, Klay meets Maria Clara, Crisostomo Ibarra, the curates, the ilustrados, and the indios. This will open her eyes from the realities and sufferings of ancient Filipinos during the Spanish colonization.

Amid her historical adventure, Klay forms a bond with Maria Clara and discovers the differences and similarities of a Filipina, then and now. She also witnesses the love story of Maria Clara and Ibarra.

With the praises that she has been receiving, Barbie is thankful that she was given the opportunity to give life to Klay and be a part of a monumental series in a time where historical distortion is rampant.

“Tuwang-tuwa ako, noong una hindi pa ko naniwala agad kasi napakalaking project niya. Mas lalo akong bumilib sa GMA dahil kahit dumaan ang pandemya, hindi sila tumigil na tumalakay sa importanteng issues ng bansa at balikan ang kasaysayan natin. Metikulosong binusisi ang programang ito and I’m very thankful to be part of it,” Barbie said.

Something Personal

The “Maria Clara at Ibarra” star has been sharing some personal achievements on her Instagram account. One of which was a photo of her and her family taken from the site where she’s building her dream home.

“If there’s one thing the pandemic has taught me, it’s to plan ahead and think long term. Now, I am about to build my dream home for me and my family,” Barbie captioned her post.

“Dear self, I am so proud of you. Keep doing what you’re doing and don’t forget to have fun while you’re at it,” she added.

She also marked her and Kapuso actor Jak Roberto’s fifth anniversary last year by frolicking in Bohol.

“I used to dream of fairytales and having a prince charming one day but you have made me love my reality. With you, I’ve had challenges that helped me become the best version of myself. You are no prince charming, but a man with the biggest heart to accept everything about me. Both good and bad. You are the man I never expected but you are the man that I’ve always needed. I love you,” Barbie wrote on her Instagram page.

The two were paired in “Meant to Be” in 2017 and later on admitted their relationship to the public. They also have a vlog on Youtube where viewers can see a glimpse of the dynamics of their relationship.

‘It has been amazing to represent the Philippines’ - Hannah Arnold

WORDS & INTERVIEW BY FLORENDA CORPUZ PHOTOGRAPHS BY DIN EUGENIO

TOKYO – Binibining

Pilipinas International

2021 Hannah Arnold has ended her Miss International 2022 journey after making it to the Final 15, but failing to advance to the Final 8.

Hannah in her national costume

Hannah exudes grace and elegance during the evening gown competition.

The 26-year-old Fil-Aussie model and scientist was among the 66 candidates who competed for the 60th Miss International crown at the Tokyo Dome City Hall last Dec. 13.

Germany’s Jasmin Selberg brought home the crown. The first, second, third and fourth runners-up were Cabo Verde, Peru, Colombia and Dominican Republic, respectively.

“When the show was starting, when the guitar was playing, I looked down at my national costume and the sash, and then I remembered, wow, I’m representing the Philippines. It’s been amazing,” Arnold told Filipino-Japanese Journal (FJJ) in an exclusive interview right after the pageant.

“I know there’s been negative and positive comments, but it has been absolutely incredible. Hearing the other girls say, ‘Philippines, good morning,’ I’m like wow that’s me! Of all the Binibinis, of all the girls in the international community, the fact that I got to be Miss Philippines was absolutely amazing,” she added.

Arnold was the only candidate from Asia who made it to the Final 15.

“Being the only Asian, I really had to look around. There were so many girls I thought that were going to be called. The Asian group was so powerful… so to be that one chosen to represent all of them was special, but I just wished there was more of us there also,” she said.

When asked about her reign – the most outstanding for her – she pointed out Binibing Pilipinas’ faith in her.

“Binibini believed in me enough to allow me to compete here. They could have told me, ‘no, your reign is over.’ They could have told me, ‘we’re gonna crown someone, and she will compete.’ But the fact that they believed in me, that was the most outstanding moment of my reign,” the Filipina beauty queen, who hails from Masbate, shared with FJJ.

Arnold turned emotional and cried about the thought of missing Japan after representing the Philippines in the prestigious pageant.

“I’m gonna miss the people within this organization, especially my chaperone,” she said.

With tears in her eyes, she expressed gratitude for her fans and supporters.

“Thank you so much. The fact that everyone stayed with me for so long since my first Binibini, that’s really amazing. When I didn’t make it to the Top 8, I checked my phone, and everyone’s comments were very positive. I was nervous they would be disappointed in me, but the fact that everyone was so nice, I really appreciate it. So thank you, Philippines.”

Arnold tried to win the Philippines’ seventh Miss International title, which was won by Kylie Verzosa in 2016, Bea Rose Santiago in 2013, Precious Lara Quigaman in 2005, Melanie Marquez in 1979, Aurora Pijuan in 1970 and Gemma Teresa Cruz in 1964.

Winners of Miss International 2022

Hannah enters the Final 15. Here she is in the swimsuit round.

Hannah poses for FJJ right after the pageant.

‘Eat Bulaga!’ Dabarkads Bring Fun, Laughter in Philippine Festival Tokyo 2022

WORDS & INTERVIEW BY FLORENDA CORPUZ PHOTOGRAPHS BY DIN EUGENIO

TOKYO – “Eat Bulaga!” Dabarkads Maine Mendoza, Wally Bayola and Allan K brought the trademark fun and laughter of the longest running noontime show in the Philippines to the Philippine Festival Tokyo 2022 in Yoyogi Park last Dec. 4.

The three delivered “isang libo’t, isang tuwa” as they performed upbeat songs and shared funny stories with a large audience composed of Filipinos, Japanese and other foreign nationals from different parts of Japan.

“We’re happy and grateful to be a part of this event because it’s been three years, and now we’re having a sense of normalcy,” Maine told Filipino-Japanese Journal in an interview.

Allan and Wally also expressed their excitement and happiness.

“Masaya kami dahil after three years ay may ganitong festival ulit para sa mga Pilipino sa Japan,” Allan said.

“Syempre kaming mga Dabarkads ang magpapasaya sa kanila,” Wally enthused.

The Philippine Festival was successfully held after a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with the theme “Meri Matsuri.”

Artists, Philanthropists Gather in Tokyo for Global Gift Gala Fundraiser

WORDS & PHOTOGRAPHS BY FLORENDA CORPUZ

TOKYO – Philanthropist actors Adrien Brody, Luke Evans and Jean Reno gathered early this month in the Japanese capital to give help and support to the work of the Global Gift Foundation, a non-profit organization that aims to create positive change in the development, well-being, health and social inclusion of the most vulnerable.

The event, which took place at Grand Hyatt Hotel in Roppongi Hills last Dec. 5, marked the first time that the international charity gala was held in Japan.

Maria Bravo, actress, entrepreneur, philanthropist and founder of Global Gift Foundation, chaired this year’s edition alongside honorary chair Alex Ramirez, baseball legend and former Yokohama DeNA BayStars manager.

“Tonight, people from all over the world have come to Japan to celebrate the Global Gift Gala. These people are philantrophists, great artists, very talented professionals. But most importantly, they are great human beings,” Bravo told the press.

She expressed delight that the Global Gift Gala was finally held in Japan with the support of the Japanese government.

“I am delighted to the opportunity to have joined forces with the people of Japan, bringing this event to the Tokyo’s social calendar, The Global Gift Gala makes a real difference to the

lives of children, woman, and it is an honor to be in the Land of Rising Sun,” she said in her speech.

Brody and Reno were honored with the Global Gift Philanthropist Award in recognition of their exceptional generosity and exemplary commitment to philanthropy.

“It is a privilege to be here tonight. I love Japan, I love Tokyo, I love any opportunity to come back here. I love the culture and the people,” Brody said.

“I am here because I want to support this wonderful foundation and most importantly, to help those in need,” he continued.

“The main objective of tonight is to raise much needed funds for those who are less fortunate than us. Children, families, women who have been subjected to abuse. We have the power to stand together tonight and make a difference,” added the Oscar-winning actor.

Evans entertained guests with his rendition of “You Raise Me Up.”

VAMOS Together, a local foundation founded by Ramirez for children with special needs, was the chosen charity for the fundraising event.

L-R: Luke Evans, Maria Bravo, Adrien Brody and Jean Reno

Alex Ramirez together with his wife and son