Filipino Japanese Journal March 2022

ISSUE #62

MARCH 2022• FREE

HALALAN 2022: Para Kanino Ang Boto Mo? OVERSEAS VOTING will run from April 10 to May 9.

is EXCLUSIVE

THREE FILIPINO MOVIES Take Part in Osaka Film Fest

www.filipinojapanesejournal.com

‘THE CONBINI THEORY’ is Out to Take the Tokyo Events Scene by Storm

FJJ TO RECEIVE AWARD from Philippine Government

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Contents

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Editor's Note e’re on a roll. Last month, we released our 6th anniversary issue featuring multi-awarded actor and Kapuso star John Lloyd Cruz. This time, we present our very first election-related edition with a summary on the platforms of the top five presidential aspirants (in no particular order) – Vice President Leni Robredo, Senators Panfilo “Ping” Lacson and Manny Pacquiao, Manila Mayor Isko Moreno and Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos, Jr. – who are vying to succeed Rodrigo Duterte as the president of the Philippines.

We follow that with an exclusive feature on The Conbini Theory, the newest party organizer that hit Tokyo by storm with their unique and bespoke events.

And as we humbly accept the Interactive Media Award for the Best Website category from the Commission on Filipinos Overseas – 2021 Migration Advocacy and Media (MAM) Awards, we also cheer for the award-winning Filipino films that are part of the ongoing Osaka Asian Film Festival.

The overseas voting period is fast approaching. It is our right and duty to vote. We, at FJJ, hope to provide you, our dear readers, with more news and information in the coming months that can help voters make the right choices for our country.

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IN THE NEWS

SPOTLIGHT

Japan Eases COVID-19 Restrictions for Arrivals from Philippines

‘The Conbini Theory’ is Out to Take the Tokyo Events Scene by Storm

Japan Keeps Travel Ban on Foreign Tourists Philippines Receives Rice Donations from Japan for Typhoon ‘Odette’ Victims Japanese Companies Donate P1.67M for Typhoon ‘Odette’ Affected Communities

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IN FOCUS Filipino-Japanese Journal to Receive Award from Philippine Government

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ENTERTAINMENT Beauty Gonzalez Reveals Her Alternate Life Choice and What Keeps Her Up in Showbiz

Vic Sotto, Joey de Leon Offer Advice to Pinoy Fans Abroad on Pandemic

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PROUDLY PINOY Three Filipino Movies Take Part in Osaka Film Fest

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ON THE COVER Halalan 2022: Para Kanino Ang Boto Mo?

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Japan’s Natsuko Shoji is Asia’s Best Female Chef for 2022

Florenda Corpuz Editor-in-Chief

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IN THE NEWS

Japan Eases COVID-19 Restrictions for Arrivals from Philippines WORDS BY FLORENDA CORPUZ

TOKYO – The Japanese government has announced that fully vaccinated travelers, excluding tourists, arriving from the Philippines will be subjected to relaxed self-quarantine and testing requirements.

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he decision, which was implemented from March 1, came after the Southeast Asian nation has been removed from Japan’s list of countries designated as Omicron hot spots.

Based on the new border measures, persons entering Japan from the Philippines are required to undergo a three-day home quarantine with voluntary COVID-19 testing on the third day, or a seven-day home quarantine without test.

Those who have completed their booster shots are exempted from any novel coronavirus-related restrictions.

Returnees are also allowed to use public transportation within 24 hours of their arrival, even during the quarantine period.

Japanese Companies Donate P1.67M for Typhoon ‘Odette’ Affected Communities WORDS BY FLORENDA CORPUZ

MANILA – The Japanese people’s response efforts for communities hit by Typhoon Odette continue, with recent donations from the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Philippines (JCCIPI) and 62 companies amounting to PHP1.67 million.

“I

felt very proud of my fellow c o u n t r y m e n , ” Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Kazuhiko Koshikawa said in a tweet.

He added that the JCCIPI informed him of the donations.

“A friend in need is a friend indeed,” he went on.

The donations have been presented to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) and the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) on Feb. 21.

The JCCIPI, together with its member companies, said that they will continue to help the victims of the typhoon “so that they can completely resume their economic activities as soon as possible and regain their daily lives.”

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Japan Keeps Travel Ban on Foreign Tourists WORDS BY FLORENDA CORPUZ PHOTOGRAPH BY DIN EUGENIO

TOKYO – While the Japanese government started easing its strict border restrictions to allow businesspeople, technical interns and students into the country on March 1, it emphasized that foreign tourists are still not allowed to enter Japan.

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he new entry of foreign nationals into Japan under the supervision of receiving organizations is allowed, except for those entering Japan for tourism,” a joint statement from the Cabinet Secretariat, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare said.

Japan has barred foreign tourists from entering the country since early in the pandemic.

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida decided to loosen the entry rules for international travelers due to the growing pressure on the government from the business community, academics and others.

Philippines Receives Rice Donations from Japan for Typhoon ‘Odette’ Victims WORDS BY FLORENDA CORPUZ

MANILA – The Philippines received on Feb. 21 a shipment of 300 metric tons of Japanese rice donated by Japan to be distributed to Typhoon Odette affected families in Cebu, Bohol and Surigao del Norte.

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ational Food Authority (NFA) Administrator Judy Carol Dansal welcomed the rice assistance from the Japanese government under the ASEAN Plus Three Emergency Rice Reserve (APTERR) initiative.

“We hope these tons of rice will be delivered soon to nourish typhoon affected families,” Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Kazuhiko Koshikawa said.

He noted that as the Philippines’ neighbor and friend, Japan is fully committed to support the country’s efforts to build back better from the typhoon damage.

IN FOCUS

Filipino-Japanese Journal to Receive Award from Philippine Government IMAGE COURTESY OF COMMISSION ON FILIPINOS OVERSEAS

TOKYO/MANILA – The Filipino-Japanese Journal (FJJ) is set to receive the Interactive Media Award for the Best Website category from the Commission on Filipinos Overseas’ 2021 Migration Advocacy and Media (MAM) Awards

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he FJJ website has been selected by the MAM Awards panel of judges as the recipient of the said award for its reporting on Japan’s provision of the antiviral drug Avigan to the Philippines for clinical trials against COVID-19.

The article, “Japan to Provide Free Avigan to Philippines,” by Florenda Corpuz was published online on April 30, 2020. The said story was well-received

by readers and was shared over 300 times on Facebook.

The MAM Awards acknowledged FJJ and the other awardees “for raising public awareness on issues on Filipino migration, advocating for Filipinos overseas, and/ or promoting a positive image of overseas Filipinos despite the challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Conceived in 2011 by the CFO, the MAM Awards is the only award conferred by the Philippine government to media

works specializing on migration issues.

Since its launch, a total of 80 media reports, productions, and advocates from 18 countries, including Japan, have received the award.

Filipino-Japanese Journal, a publication of D&D Press Japan, is originally a blog site that features the best topics about Japan and the Philippines. It has been a source of invaluable information, particularly for Filipinos in Japan, in the past 10 years.

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ON THE COVER

Facebook

Facebook

Facebook

HALALAN 2022:

© 2022 Pinglacson

Facebook

Para Kanino Ang Boto Mo? WORDS BY LEN ARMEA COVER PHOTOGRAPH BY DIN EUGENIO

Muling gaganapin ang halalan ngayong taon sa Mayo 9 kung saan magluluklok ang mga botanteng Pilipino ng ika-17 pangulo ng Pilipinas gayon din ng bise presidente, senador at iba pang mga lokal na opisyal. Napakahalaga ng pagboto nang tama sa darating na eleksyon dahil nasa kamay ng mga mahahalal ang kinabukasan ng bansa at ng mga mamamayan.

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abilang sa magkakasa ng kanilang boto ay ang mga Pilipino na nasa iba’t ibang bansa kabilang na ang Filipino communities sa Japan. Ayon sa Commission on Elections (COMELEC), tinatayang nasa 1,677,631 botante ang nagparehistro

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para sa Overseas Absentee Voting (OAV).

Maaaring bumoto ang mga overseas Filipinos simula sa darating na Abril 10 hanggang Mayo 9 sa pamamagitan nang pagboto ng personal o pagpapadala ng balota sa Philippine Embassy.

Pormal nang inilabas ng COMELEC ang listahan ng mga kumakandidatong

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pangulo ng bansa na kinabibilangan nina Leni Robredo, Ping Lacson, Bongbong Marcos, Manny Pacquiao, Isko Moreno, Leody de Guzman, Ernesto Abella, Norberto Gonzales, Faisal Mangondato at Jose Montemayor, Jr. Kilalanin natin ang ilan sa mga kumakandidato.

‘Gobyernong Tapat’ ni Leni Robredo Lubos na nakilala ng publiko si Bise Presidente Leni Robredo nang yumao ang kanyang asawa at dating kalihim ng Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) na si Jessie Robredo nang bumagsak ang sinasakyan nitong helicopter.

Nang maluklok sa pangalawang pinakamataas na posisyon noong 2016, itinaguyod ni Robredo ang programang “Angat Buhay” na may layong tulungan ang mga nangangailangan at nasa laylayan ng lipunan sa pamamagitan nang pakikipagtulungan sa 372 organisasyon at pangangalap ng Php520 milyong pondo. Natulungan nito ang 622,000 pamilya mula sa 223 lungsod at munisipalidad.

Sa kanyang pagkandidato bilang pangulo, isinusulong ni Robredo ang “Gobyernong Tapat, Angat Buhay Lahat.” Nakapaloob sa platapormang ito ang maayos na pamumuno; paglalaan ng Php192 bilyon para mabigyan ng trabaho ang mga manggagawang Pilipino; pagpapagawa ng mga imprastruktura na nakatuon sa teknolohiya, unibersidad at mga institusyon ng pagsasaliksik; paniniguro ng ligtas na pagbubukas ng mga klase; at pagtuon sa healthcare system ng bansa.

‘Health of the Nation’ ni Manny Pacquiao Mula sa paglaban sa boxing ring, pumalaot naman si Manny Pacquiao sa pulitika nang tumakbo at manalo siyang kinatawan ng Saranggani Province noong 2010 hanggang sa maluklok bilang senador noong 2016.

Isinusulong ni Pacquiao ngayong kampanya ang “Health of the Nation” na nangangahulugang Housing, Education, Aid and Agriculture, Livelihood, Transportation and Telecommunication, and Health.

Bilang mulat sa kahirapan, isa sa pangunahing prayoridad ni Pacquiao

ang pagsuporta sa Alternative Learning System ng Department of Education (DepEd) na nagbibigay ng tulong at oportunidad sa mga kabataang walang kakayahang makapag-aral. Nais din ni Pacquiao na doblehin ang bayad sa mga guro at healthcare workers.

Ipapatupad din ni Pacquiao ang “First Filipino” policy sa pagbibigay ng trabaho.

‘Babangon Muli’ ni Bongbong Marcos Kontrobersiyal ang pagtakbo ni Bongbong Marcos bunsod na rin ng mga pagtutol at kritisismo mula sa iba’t ibang sektor sanhi ng pagdeklara ng Martial Law ng kanyang ama na si Ferdinand Marcos, Sr. Sa ilalim ng Martial Law, sinasabing nagkamal ang pamilya Marcos ng US$683 milyong nakaw na yaman, pang-aabuso sa 34,000 Pilipino, pagpatay ng mga pulis at militar sa 3,240 mamamayan, pag-aresto ng walang sapat na dahilan sa 70,000 katao, at paglabag sa karapatangpantao ng 107,240 Pilipino.

Sa pagtakbo ng nakababatang Marcos, pangunahing layunin nito ang pagbuklurin ang mga Pilipino kaya naman kanilang inilunsad ang UniTeam. Ipagpapatuloy niya umano ang laban sa droga ni Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte ngunit nakasentro umano ito sa rehabilitasyon. Itutuloy din niya umano ang “Build, Build, Build” program ni Duterte at papalawigin ito sa pagtatayo ng digital infrastructure.

Nais din niyang ilunsad ang “National Education Portal” na isang online platform para sa edukasyon.

‘Bilis Kilos’ ni Isko Moreno Nakilala si Isko Moreno bilang dating batang basurero na pumasok sa showbiz at pulitika. Mayroon itong mahigit sa dalawang dekada na karanasan sa gobyerno, na ang huli ay bilang alkalde ng Maynila. Higit na binibigyang-diin ni Moreno na

maaaring umasenso ang mahihirap na naging istorya niya sa buhay.

Sa kanyang pagtakbo bilang pangulo ng bansa, nais ni Moreno na ipagpatuloy ang paraan ng liderato na kanyang ginawa sa Maynila na nakasentro sa pagtatayo ng mga pampublikong imprastruktura gaya ng pagbibigay ng pabahay sa mga mahihirap.

Nakapaloob din sa kanyang plataporma ang paglalaan ng malaking pondo sa edukasyon, pabahay, at pagsasaliksik; pagtulong sa mga negosyante lalo na ang naapektuhan ng pandemiya, pagsugpo sa kurapsyon. Nais din niyang tularan ang kampanya sa droga ni Duterte ngunit sisiguraduhin niya umano na walang paglabag sa karapatang pantao.

‘Kakayahan, Katapatan at Katapangan’ ni Ping Lacson Unang kumandidato si Senador Ping Lacson sa pagkapangulo noong 2004 ngunit natalo siya. Lubos siyang nakilala ng publiko nang kanyang pamunuan ang Philippine National Police (PNP) noong 2009 at ang kanyang anti-kidnapping at no-take policy.

Mayroong siyang apat na dekada na karanasan sa gobyerno kabilang na ang pagiging senador ng ilang termino.

Sa kanyang pagtakbo bilang pangulo, binigyang-diin ni Lacson na lulutusin niya ang mga kinakaharap na problema ng bansa sa pamamagitan ng kakayahan, katapatan at katapangan.

Layon niya ang pagkakaroon ng matibay na liderato at pamumuno sa pamamagitan ng pagiging isang mabuting ehemplo.

Ilan sa nakapaloob sa kanyang plataporma ay ang pagsugpo sa kurapsyon, ang pagpapatuloy ng “Build, Build, Build” program ni Duterte at “Public-Private Partnership” (PPP) ni dating Pangulong Noynoy Aquino. Nais din niyang palawigin ang Universal Healthcare Act (UHA) at magbigay ng iba’t ibang benepisyo.

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SPOTLIGHT

EXCLUSIVE

‘The Conbini Theory’ is Out to Take the Tokyo Events Scene by Storm WORDS BY LEN ARMEA INTERVIEW BY FLORENDA CORPUZ PHOTOGRAPHS BY DIN EUGENIO

L-R: Froilan, Martin, Wiwik (seated), Momoe, Vader

TOKYO – Everything starts with a dream. Hope, drive and passion are some of the key ingredients to making ideas come to life. And while the road to success isn’t easy, dreamers and movers never hesitate to take the big leap and go full speed ahead.

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ake the case of The Conbini Theory – composed of a group of young professionals, namely Martin Corpuz (CEO), Vader Corpuz (CCO/DJ), Momoe Tomatsu (Administrative Manager), Sera Shibuya (CMO), Froilan Estoque (Chef), Wiwik Hidayati (Fitness Trainer), Aung Hein Than (Fitness Trainer), Akane Ito (Tattoo Artist) and Marcuz Corpuz (IT) – that specializes in events planning and management, entertainment and artistic media in Tokyo.

The Backstory All based in Japan for some time now, these individuals are from different Asian countries (Japan, Philippines, Indonesia and Myanmar) who bonded together because of their sheer fondness in going 10

to clubs and parties. One day, they realized that they can make money out of it.

In some sort of eureka moment, these full-time workers decided to put their party experience to good use by planning and creating events that are unique, memorable and in a league of its own.

“A lot of us here are actually full-time workers in our respective fields. We do The Conbini Theory as a sideline hoping that it gets bigger and it becomes a full-time job for all of us,” Martin, 28, said in an exclusive interview with the Filipino JapaneseJournal (FJJ).

The emergence of The Conbini Theory in Tokyo’s events and party scene was also inspired by their eagerness to do any kind of business as a form of side hustle.

“Vader, Sera and I were drinking one night in front of a convenience store and we were talking about how we want to form a group, a platform for people who want to do

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side hustling. We wanted to create a group, whatever group it is, we still don’t know what group are we going to be then,” Martin, who is also the leader of the group, enthused.

“This creating events thing just came to us out of nowhere. We’ve been going out from bars to bars and then clubs to clubs and realized that we can do what everybody else is doing with events – and perhaps with more to offer,” he added.

With combined experience in marketing, managing, disc jockeying, cooking, arts and technology, the group came together to plan and execute exceptionally creative and unforgettable events in the Japanese capital, and hopefully, in different parts of the country soon.

“I couldn’t believe that we are doing this together. We are evolving each day and that’s what’s important,” Momoe, the Japanese in the group, said.

Events Scene Stealer New and driven, The Conbini Theory took the first plunge by organizing an event for a skincare brand at Cé La Vi. They only expected 30-50 guests but it ballooned to 150.

“It is one of the first venues that gave us the opportunity to hold an event. We were shocked by the successful outcome,” Martin, who specifically mentioned Nana Ikeda, popularly known as DJ Miss HoneyV, as the one who helped them, said.

It was followed by “Inked” that happened on Nov. 30, 2021 at Sankey’s Penthouse. It was a tattoo party that gave them the real buzz.

“The people who got tattoos there were all happy and commended us saying what’s more memorable than a tattoo itself. That’s the kind of event that we are looking for – something memorable, something that hasn’t been done yet, something that people don’t know they want. We are adding value to events,” Martin beamed.

It was successful that they had to make a repeat – “Inked 2.0” held at the

OR Miyashita Park in Shibuya last Jan. 24.

“There are a lot of questions whether we can do it or not. We are building our connections one day at a time and the quality of the events that we put will speak for us,” Wiwik said.

Come March 20, The Conbini Theory will hold the third part, “Inked Nostalgia,” at R3 Club Lounge in Roppongi. It’s touted to be a night of good music, live performances, delectable food and artsy tattoos.

“I’m quite excited to be part of the group and share my expertise in concocting the menu for these events. I’m willing to give everything like time and effort for the goers to have a good time,” Froilan said.

The Vision The Conbini Theory believes that Tokyo misses the events and party vibe because of the pandemic. With the easing out of COVID-19 protocols, the group wants to create more events this year, probably, a festival by summer.

“We want to create a festival half the size of Ultra or EDC. Every human being in Tokyo misses that kind of vibe. The pandemic has affected our lifestyle. It’s been two years, everyone misses having fun, that kind of vibe,” Martin divulged.

“We formed this group to create events, create parties and to experience everything.

We are happy doing this. We are party people, we are crazy people and responsible, of course. We want to earn money while allowing other people to have fun and to have an escape even for a few hours through events planning. If we combine all of these, success will follow us,” Vader, the youngest in the group, said.

It took a lot of courage for these young dreamers to go out there and create something unique and bespoke for a crowd that may not be easy to please all the time. But with their solid experience coupled with hard work, drive, passion and brilliant ideas to take the events and party scene to the next level, it is no wonder that The Conbini Theory is tailormade for success.

Instagram: @theconbinitheory

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ENTERTAINMENT

EXCLUSIVE

Beauty Gonzalez Reveals Her Alternate Life Choice and What Keeps Her Up in Showbiz WORDS BY FLORENDA CORPUZ PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF GMA

TOKYO/MANILA – “Good projects. For me talaga, it’s about the story, the project and the material,” said actress Beauty Gonzalez when Filipino-Japanese Journal (FJJ) asked her what inspires her to keep up with the demands of the entertainment industry.

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he officially became a Kapuso last year after being a Kapamilya talent for over a decade.

“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 enthused in a virtual interview.

The versatile actress also shared what could be an alternate life choice for her if she wasn’t an actress.

“Maybe I will be an art gallerina. I will have an art gallery.”

Beauty starred in “Stories From the Heart: Loving Miss Bridgette,” her first project with GMA, and the recently ended “I Can See You: AlterNate” opposite Kapuso Primetime King Dingdong Dantes.

Vic Sotto, Joey de Leon Offer Advice to Pinoy Fans Abroad on PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF GMA

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MANILA – Just when everything was slowly going back to normal in some parts of the world, COVID-19 cases rose again this year because of the Omicron variant.

at Bulaga” hosts Vic Sotto and Joey de Leon have urged fans abroad to take care of themselves amid the surge.

“Let’s stay healthy and mindful ng ating paligid, at Eat Bulaga naman eh kahit papa’no kung ikaw ay may pinagdaraanan, sa loob ng dalawa o mahigit na oras, makapagbigay ang Eat Bulaga ng bukod sa tulong’ eh ‘yung entertainment. ‘Yung mapa-smile ka lang, mapatawa ka nang kaunti, malaking bagay na ‘yun para maituloy natin ang laban,” Vic said.

“Idadagdag ko lang limang salita.

Stay safe, stay with God. Sa buong mundo ‘yan, sa buong kababayan natin. Dasal.

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‘Yun lang ang kailangan natin. Stay safe, stay with God,” Joey added.

Now more than ever, the Dabarkads remind their fans that laughter remains one of the best medicines in the challenges of life.

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“Eat Bulaga” has been #StrongerTogether with the Kapuso network for the past 27 years.

Filipinos in Japan can catch the longest-running noontime show in the Philippines on GMA Pinoy TV.

Photograph by Din Eugenio 2022

PROUDLY PINOY

Three Filipino Movies Take Part in Osaka Film Fest WORDS BY FLORENDA CORPUZ PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF OAFF

TOKYO – The full lineup of the 17th Osaka Asian Film Festival (OAFF) was officially announced on Feb. 17. A total of 76 films were selected, and these include three from the Philippines – one of which is Jun Robles Lana’s “Big Night!” – that is competing against 14 other films for the Grand Prix and Most Promising Talent Award.

“B

ig Night!” is a dark comedy film that centers on the story of a gay beautician who finds out that his name is included in a drug war watchlist. It stars Christian Bables, Eugene Domingo, Ricky Davao, Gina Alajar, John Arcilla and Janice de Belen.

Two other Filipino movies have entered different sections of OAFF: The Waray film “Kun Maupay Man It Panahon (Whether the Weather is Fine)” directed by Carlo Francisco Manatad is being shown at the festival’s Spotlight section, which features rising films that highlight new talents and movements in cinema; while Irene Villamor’s romantic-comedy flick “You and Me and the Ending” is being screened at the New Action! Southeast Asia section, a special program that highlights new movements in Southeast Asian cinema.

This year’s edition of OAFF, which runs from March 10 to 20, is being presented in a hybrid set-up, combining both physical and virtual events.

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FOOD

Japan’s

Natsuko Shoji

is Asia’s Best Female Chef for 2022

TOKYO – Natsuko Shoji is the first Japanese chef to win the prestigious Asia’s Best Female Chef Award from the Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants Academy.

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he is honored for her “elegant dishes [that] reveal her perfectionism, attention to detail and creative vision” at Été (meaning “summer” in French), her exclusive sixseater restaurant located in Shibuya.

“With her appreciation for seasonality, coupled with her brilliant aptitude for blending fashion and gastronomy, the chef’s creations embody the artistry of Japanese cuisine,” William Drew, Director of Content for Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants, said.

Shoji’s interest in the culinary arts began in her teen years after making cream puffs for a high school assignment.

After graduation, she started her career at Florilège, the progressive French-inspired Tokyo restaurant that has been a high-flier on recent Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants lists.

Learning alongside Florilège’s chef and owner Hiroyasu Kawate, Shoji was promoted to sous chef within three years. In 2014, she opened Été, which was a modest tart shop back then. The cake shop earned near-immediate global attention and a year later she transformed the space into a fourseat, invitation-only restaurant, further raising her profile in Tokyo’s competitive dining scene.

Drawing inspiration from iconic fashion houses and designer handbags, 14

PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF ASIA’S 50 BEST RESTAURANTS 2022

Shoji developed a line of signature cakes, including her sought-after strawberry cake that takes its cues from Louis Vuitton’s Damier print, or the peach cake that evokes the distinctive stitching on Chanel’s Matelassé bags. With a deep appreciation for seasonality, each cake contains Japan’s prized fruit (Yuki Usagi strawberries from Saga, red Sakura Momo strawberries from Tokushima, or white Shimizu Hakutou peaches from Okayama) and is presented in a black box designed to resemble a jewelry box.

Été earned acclaim from both celebrities (among them David Beckham) and renowned chefs, including René Redzepi and Ferran Adrià.

Shoji’s status as one of the culinary world’s emerging stars was confirmed when she was named the 2020 recipient of the Asia’s Best Pastry Chef Award.

In December 2019, Été expanded to a six-seat restaurant, allowing Shoji to welcome diners into her exclusive eatery and personally serve her guests.

Intimate and indulgent, Shoji’s intricately crafted 10-course menu demonstrates her meticulous approach, respect for ingredients and creative execution.

Été’s signature dishes include a salted tart topped with Hokkaido sea urchin and mimolette cheese, delicate tilefish

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paired with a white asparagus soup and complemented with kegani crab meat, as well as Akagyu beef with a truffle sauce and bone broth jus.

“I’m deeply grateful for this award and would like to express my gratitude to the people who have supported me. I hope to be a role model to other female chefs in Japan and trust this award will motivate them to follow their passions,” Shoji said upon accepting the award.

“I would also like to honor the other chefs who have mentored me throughout my career and inspired me with their craftsmanship and artistry,” she added.

The celebrated Japanese chef-owner will be formally awarded the title during the 10th annual Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants awards ceremony on March 29.

The Asia’s Best Female Chef Award is voted for by over 300 members of the Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants Academy. It provides an opportunity for successful women to be celebrated, whose dedication, skills and creativity set new standards in gastronomic excellence. Previous recipients include the Philippines’ Margarita Forés of Cibo in 2016; Hong Kong’s May Chow in 2017; Thailand’s Bongkoch “Bee” Satongun and Garima Arora in 2018 and 2019; Korea’s Cho Hee-sook in 2020; and Shanghai-based chef DeAille Tam in 2021. - FJJ

FILIPINO JAPANESE JOURNAL • MARCH

2022

15

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FILIPINO JAPANESE JOURNAL • MARCH

2022

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