Filipino-Japanese Journal March 2023

Editor's Note

his issue of the FilipinoJapanese Journal is very special for me. Our cover star, the charismatic and talented Coco Martin, graces our pages for the third time as we promote his newest action-packed primetime series, “FPJ's Batang Quiapo.”

“Bilang mga artista, mga tagaproduksiyon, kami iyong gumagawa ng teleserye na ito, pinagbubuti namin kasi alam namin na hangga’t pinagbubuti namin ang trabaho namin at napapasaya iyong mga manonood nandito kami,” he said during the grand media conference held recently.

The Primetime King’s previous series, “FPJ's Ang Probinsyano” has captivated viewers worldwide for seven years, and my late 86-year-old grandmother was among its loyal fans who watched it every night. I’m certain that if she were still alive today, she would eagerly watch Coco’s new show exclaiming, “‘Yan gusto ko bakbakan!”

Para sa’yo po ito, Lula.

Florenda Corpuz Editor-in-Chief

Coco Martin is ‘Batang Quiapo’

Marcos Jr. Wishes Japan’s Emperor Naruhito ‘Abundant Happiness, Blessings’ on Birthday

DOT, DMW Introduce BBMG Program to Filipinos in Japan

Marcos Jr. Lauds Filipinos in Japan for Competence, Kindness, Diligence

Tokyo Governor Outlines Measures to Combat Declining Birth Rate in Japan

Philippines to “Show the Best of the Filipino People” at 2025 Osaka Expo - Frasco

Marcos Jr. Wishes Japan’s Emperor Naruhito ‘Abundant Happiness, Blessings’ on Birthday

PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF PRESIDENTIAL COMMUNICATIONS OFFICE

MANILA/TOKYO – Philippine President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. shared his well-wishes for Japanese Emperor Naruhito who celebrated his 63rd birthday on Feb. 23, a national holiday in Japan.

“Iwish abundant happiness and blessings to His Majesty The Emperor as he leads Japan to continued prosperity and the promotion of peace,” he said in his toast remarks at the National Day of Japan and the emperor’s birthday celebration at the Shangri-La the Fort Hotel

in Taguig City on Feb. 22.

The chief executive met the Emperor and Empress Masako during his official visit to Tokyo early last month and invited them to visit the Philippines.

He also conveyed to the Imperial Couple the affection and admiration of the Filipino people, including the estimated 297,262 Filipinos who consider Japan their

second home.

Naruhito gave his first public birthday address since ascending the Chrysanthemum Throne on May 1, 2019 following the abdication of his father, Emperor Emeritus Akihito.

He is Japan’s 126th emperor – the first to be born after World War II. - Florenda Corpuz

Philippines to ‘Show the Best of the Filipino People’ at 2025 Osaka Expo - Frasco

MANILA – The Philippines “will show the best of the Filipino people” in the upcoming Osaka Kansai Japan Expo 2025.

This was stated by Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco on Feb. 18 as she confirmed President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s approval of the country’s participation in the 184day exposition, which will take place in Yumeshima, Osaka from April 13 to Oct. 13, 2025.

Frasco conveyed the government’s seriousness to foster its relations with

Japan. She also cited the official visit of Marcos Jr. to Tokyo where a series of important meetings transpired, including with key Japanese tourism stakeholders.

“Prior to the pandemic, we received over 682,000 Japanese nationals into the Philippines. On the other hand, over 600,000 Filipinos went to experience the beauty of Japan. Therefore, both our countries share mutual opportunities to

drive this momentum forward so both our tourism industries in Japan and the Philippines would mutually prosper,” she said on the opening day of the Japan Fiesta 2023 at Glorietta Activity Center and Palm Drive Center in Makati City.

The Osaka Kansai Japan Expo 2025 is expected to attract approximately 28.2 million visitors from across the world.Florenda Corpuz

COCO MARTIN IS ‘BATANG QUIAPO’

After the successful run of “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano,” Primetime King Coco Martin is back on Philippine television with the newest action-packed series, “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo,” which is inspired by Fernando Poe Jr.’s 1986 film.

WORDS BY LEN ARMEA PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF ABS-CBN ENTERTAINMENT

Since its premiere on Feb. 13, the much-awaited series, which Coco also co-directed and co-produced, has been garnering positive reviews and feedback from both critics and viewers. Its pilot episode was well-received, with 341,509 concurrent viewers on ABS-CBN's streaming platforms, and it accumulated a total of 44 million digital views within a week.

Acting and Directing for ‘Batang Quiapo’

In “Batang Quiapo,” Coco plays the role of Tanggol, a small-time felon who grew up on the notorious streets of Quiapo, Manila. Despite his harsh upbringing as a result of his parents’ traumatic past, he remains resilient in navigating through life’s struggles out of his love for his family, as well as his childhood best friend Mokang (Lovi).

The series is extra special for Coco. He acknowledged the difficulty of juggling the roles of an actor and director, but he is determined to do so because of his passion for his craft and his gratitude towards the industry, which has been very supportive towards him.

“Noong napamahal na sa akin iyong trabaho ko nakita ko na may oportunidad siya para maging totoong hanapbuhay kaya pinahalagahan ko siya at talagang nakinig ako, inaral ko talaga kung paano maging propesyon ang bagay na ito,” Coco said in the recently held media conference.

“Iyong pagiging direktor naman, mahilig ako na nasa labas ng tent, ang kakuwentuhan ko iyong mga staff saka mga cameramen tapos lagi ako nakikinig kung paano nagbibigay ng instructions iyong direktor pati iyong mga writers kung paano nila binubuo iyong mga storya, ‘di ko namamalayan na nakakapagaral na pala ako nang dahan-dahan,” he explained on how he got into directing.

Coco admitted that directing a series is not a walk in the park.

“Pero ang pinakamali ko sa buhay ko noong pinasok ko na ang pagdidirek kasi napakahirap pala niyang responsibilidad,” he said in jest. Kasi parang ikaw iyong kapitan ng barko, kapag nagkamali iyan ikaw at ikaw ang may kasalanan diyan,”

he added.

He is also known for giving opportunities to old and new actors, citing that it is his way of giving back as he also started from the bottom.

“Mahirap ‘yung pinagdaanan ko bago ako naging ganap na artista. At noong hindi pa pag-aartista ang pangarap ko kundi magkatrabaho lang, ang hirap pa rin ng oportunidad because let’s say, I have work now and then after that, I will again be jobless for the next six months. I also did indie films where I was only paid Php2,000 even though I was the lead star.

“Ngayon na kahit papaano na may pagkakataon na ako makatulong, bakit ko ipagkakait? Iyon rin kasi ang hinihintay ko dati para mabuhay ko pamilya ko kaya ‘yung nakikita ko iyong mga tao na pwede kong tulungan at nakikita ko na deserving naman, bakit ko pahihirapan pa? Pero isa lang ang hinahanap ko – ‘yung commitment at dedikasyon sa trabaho,” he quipped.

Elevating the Series

Coco is fully immersed in the production and development of “Batang Quiapo” and strives to deliver a high-quality series that excels in all aspects, including the storyline, technical elements, and performance of the cast. He is motivated to come up with a show that can capture the attention of viewers from other countries, much like how Korean dramas have gained popularity and appreciation globally.

“Ang nasa isip ko po noong binubuo ko itong ‘Batang Quiapo’ na gusto kong kunin ang lahat ng mahuhusay na artista sa Pilipinas, that’s it. Gusto ko sila makatrabaho, gusto ko magsama-sama kami rito kaya alam ko kung sino iyong mahuhusay at masasarap katrabaho. Personally, ako talaga iyong tumawag, pumili sa kanila,” he emphasized.

The series also stars Lovi Poe, Charo Santos, Cherry Pie Picache, John Estrada, Christopher de Leon, and Irma Adlawan

Following the success of “FPJ's Ang Probinsiyano,” which was the longestrunning series that lasted for seven years, Coco emphasized that there is no pressure or strict timeline in making “Batang

“Hindi ako napi-pressure, hindi ko rin naiisip iyong timeline basta para sa akin ini-enjoy naming lahat iyong moment, iyong

“Ang makakasagot niyan eh iyong mga manonood kaya kami bilang mga artista, mga taga-produksiyon, kami iyong gumagawa ng teleserye na ito, pinagbubuti namin kasi alam namin na hangga’t pinagbubuti namin ang trabaho namin at napapasaya iyong mga manonood nandito

Coco is optimistic that “Batang Quiapo” will make a lasting impression in the hearts of the viewers.

“Sinisigurado ko na dapat iyong quality, iyong ibibigay natin sa mga manonood, iyong tiwala at oras na nilalaan natin dapat sinusuklian natin iyon dahil sila ang dahilan kung bakit tayo may trabaho.

“Kaya sana nangangarap ako, nagdadasal ako na hindi lang matapatan kundi malampasan kung ano iyong nagawa namin sa ‘FPJ Ang Probinsiyano,’” he said with all sincerity.

DOT, DMW Introduce BBMG Program to Filipinos in Japan

WORDS BY FLORENDA CORPUZ PHOTOGRAPHS BY DIN EUGENIO

TOKYO – The Philippine Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) on Feb. 12 formally introduced the “Bisita, Be My Guest (BBMG)” program to Filipinos in Japan, inviting them to take an active role in the promotion of Philippine tourism.

DOT Secretary Christina Frasco

DMW Secretary Susan “Toots” Ople

The BBMG program seeks to incentivize Filipinos, particularly overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) 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.

“We are grateful for the contributions of our OFWs all over the world, especially here in Japan. And that is why we have prepared a very special guest incentive program for all of you in partnership with the Department of Migrant Workers as well as the support of the Tourism Promotions Board,” Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco said in her speech during a meeting with the Filipino community at Bellesalle Tokyo

Nihonbashi.

“The BBMG will allow our fellow Filipinos to invite guests, family and friends to the Philippines. I’m sure nami-miss niyo na po ‘yung ating mga magagandang beaches, the rich and diverse culture of the Filipino, and of course what we’re known for in the whole world – the Filipino hospitality,” she added.

According to Frasco, through the BBMG program, Filipinos and their foreign guests will experience “not only the destination itself, but the best of the Filipino through our festivals, our food, our culture, and the warmth and hospitality of the Filipino people.”

Also present at the event was DMW Secretary Susan “Toots” Ople, who underscored the BBMG program’s importance in empowering OFWs to help the country, specifically, its tourism industry.

“Tulungan niyo naman kami kasi kailangan kumita ng bansa natin para magkaroon ng dagdag na trabaho. Kayo ang pwede magdala ng turista sa ating bansa” she said.

The Philippines welcomed 682,788 Japanese tourists in the pre-pandemic year of 2019, making Japan its fourth largest international tourism source market. Last year, the country received 99,557 visitors from the Land of the Rising Sun, its sixth biggest market.

“Now that borders are opening, and that Japanese tourists are starting to travel again, it is now our objective to make sure that we are able to capture them and bring them to the Philippines,” Tourism OIC-Undersecretary Verna Esmeralda Buensuceso told Filipino community leaders at an event held at the Philippine Embassy on the same day.

TOKYO – Philippine President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. praised overseas Filipinos in Japan for their competence, kindness and diligence, saying they have a very good reputation in the Land of the Rising Sun.

Marcos Jr. Lauds Filipinos in Japan for Competence, Kindness, Diligence

WORDS BY FLORENDA CORPUZ PHOTOGRAPHS BY DIN EUGENIO

Marcos Jr. made the remarks in his speech during his meeting with the Filipino community at Bellesalle

Tokyo Nihonbashi on Feb. 12, as part of his five-day official visit to Japan from Feb. 8.

“Naging mas madali po ang trabaho namin dahil napakaganda ng reputasyon ng Pilipino dito sa Japan. Lahat ng makausap namin ay sinasabi nila hindi

ninyo na kami kailangang kumbinsihin kung gaano kagaling ang Pilipino dahil mayroon kaming empleyado, mayroon kaming kaibigan, mayroon kaming kilala, at alam na talaga namin na ang mga Pilipino ay mababait, masisipag, they are honest, English speaking pa,” he said.

“Hindi na namin kailangan silang kumbinsihin tungkol sa galing ng Pilipino, tungkol sa sipag ng Pilipino, sa bait ng Pilipino,” he added.

“Kaya’t maraming, maraming salamat sa inyong ginagawa. At tumitingkad ang pangalan ng Pilipinas dahil sa maganda ninyong trabaho, dahil sa kabaitan ninyo na ipinapakita ninyo sa mga Japanese, sa mga employer ninyo, sa trabaho ninyong nakikita, sa record ninyo,” he went on.

The President took the opportunity to convey his appreciation to overseas Filipinos in Japan for their hard work, sacrifices and contributions to the growth of the Philippine economy through their remittances.

“Alam naman po ninyo na napakalaking bagay na ang remittance ng mga OFW sa ekonomiya ng Pilipinas. At lagi ng ‘pag panahon ng kahirapan ay ang inaasahan ay ‘yung mga remittance ninyo. Kaya’t ang ginagawa ninyo, ‘yung sakripisyo po ninyo na magtatrabaho sa abroad na malayo sa atin, ang sakripisyo ninyo ay hindi lamang sa ikabubuti ng inyong pamilya, hindi lamang sa ikabubuti ng inyong bayan, ng inyong barangay, kung hindi sa buong bansa,” Marcos Jr. said.

“Kaya’t napakalaki ang utang na loob ng ating mga kababayan sa inyo, ng buong Pilipinas, ng pamahalaan ng Pilipinas, napakalaki ng tinatanaw namin na utang na loob sa inyong sakripisyo, sa inyong sipag, sa inyong magandang binibigay na pangalan sa Pilipinas habang kayo’y nagtatrabaho rito sa Japan,” he continued.

The Chief Executive also assured the overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Japan that the newly created Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) will help them, especially in times of distress.

“Nagbuo ang pamahalaan nitong bagong department, the Department of Migrant Workers na ang trabaho lamang – trabaho lamang ay alagaan kayo, bigyan kayo ng suporta, bigyan kayo ng tulong kapag nangangailangan, at iyan po ay sa

aming palagay ay aming paraan upang magpasalamat sa inyong ginagawa, upang suportahan ang inyong ginagawa,” he stated.

He expressed his gratitude to OFWs for being excellent workers and good ambassadors of the Philippines as well.

“Nagpapasalamat kami sa inyo at alam naming kayo’y maaasahan namin bilang hindi lamang magagaling na mga nagtatrabaho kung hindi magagaling na ambassador para sa Pilipinas dahil pinapaganda ninyo ang aming – ang ating reputasyon sa buong mundo. At ipagpatuloy

po ninyo at kami naman po sa pamahalaan ay nandito upang magsuporta, upang tumulong,” he told the attendees.

Marcos Jr. garnered 76 percent of the total votes from overseas Filipinos in Japan in the May 2022 presidential elections. According to Philippine Ambassador to Japan Mylene Garcia-Albano, Filipinos in Japan remitted around USD1.49 billion last year amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on government statistics, Japan is home to approximately 290,000 Filipinos, the fourth-largest foreign community in the country.

Tokyo Governor Outlines Measures to Combat Declining Birth Rate in Japan

BY FLORENDA CORPUZ

TOKYO – Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike recently spoke at a press conference about the measures that the Tokyo Metropolitan Government (TMG) is taking to address the declining birth rate in Japan.

given the sense of urgency,” she said.

Koike stated that during her tenure as governor, the TMG has made efforts to improve facilities and the recruitment and retention of staff, which has led to a significant decrease in the number of children on daycare waiting lists.

Furthermore, she said that the TMG has allocated approximately 1.6 trillion yen for the next fiscal year to tackle the issue of the falling birth rate, the largest budget ever in Tokyo’s history.

Among the measures outlined by the governor, the TMG will provide a monthly benefit of 5,000 yen for children up to the age of 18 and eliminate nursery fees for a second child. The TMG will also expand support for infertility treatment for those who wish to have children and continue to support women who choose to freeze their eggs for the future.

Koike emphasized that the decreasing birth rate is a serious problem that could potentially weaken the nation and that urgent action is necessary to tackle it.

“The declining birth rate is an urgent issue for our country,” she told the press at the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of Japan

(FCCJ) last Feb. 13.

The governor cited statistics that show the number of births in Japan continues to decrease and is expected to fall below 800,000 per year. She stressed that while the issue is primarily for the national government to address, the TMG is taking comprehensive measures to lead the nation in tackling it under the banner of “Children First.”

“We don’t have a moment to lose

The steps include free tuition at metropolitan universities and other schools as well, aimed at enriching the learning and experience of children and investing in the future of society.

“We plan to provide seamless support for children from before they are born until they reach adulthood,” Koike announced.

Tokyo has a population of about 14 million people, with about half a million foreign residents.

BISITA BE MY GUEST PHILIPPINES

ABOUT BISITA, BE MY GUEST

Bisita, Be My Guest is an incentivized travel campaign wherein Filipinos, especially Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) and Overseas Filipinos who invite foreigners to visit the country will be entitled to a raffle ticket and have a chance to win special prizes.

Registered participants shall have the chance to avail discounts/special rates and packages during the campaign period using BBMG Travel Passport and BBMG Privilege card.

CAMPAIGN PERIOD

• The campaign runs from January 01, 2023 to April 30, 2024.

• Three (3) raffle draws during the campaign:

ü First draw – May 11, 2023 to coincide with DOT’s 50th Founding Anniversary celebration

ü Second draw – December 15, 2023

ü Grand draw – May 10, 2024

MESSAGE FROM THE SECRETARY

On behalf of the Department of Tourism (DOT), I am extremely elated to unveil this much anticipated travel incentive program dubbed, Bisita, Be My Guest.

This promotional campaign could not be more timely as we welcome back the world into our shores, and herald the unique Filipino brand of service excellence.

Bisita, Be My Guest is the Department's invitation to our Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), Overseas and Former Filipinos to invite their foreigner friends, colleagues and relatives to travel to the Philippines, and experience our country’s beauty and people’s love of country.

To echo our President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s words, “there is no warmer, more poignant sight than the smile of a Filipino,” and it is the same genuine smile that we hope our foreign guests would hope to witness in their next trip.

As we foresee greater participation from our fellow Filipinos overseas and foreign friends, we look to the future with optimism, where tourism is a major pillar for recovery, a source of pride for our people, and a real turning point for the Philippines.

Thank you, and Mabuhay!

CHRISTINA GARCIA FRASCO SECRETARY

RAFFLE MECHANICS FOR SPONSORS

I. Who are qualified to join?

a. Sponsors

• Overseas Filipino Workers

• Filipinos with dual citizenship living in the Philippines or abroad as residents, of legal age;

• Filipinos of legal age.

b. Invitees

• Anyone holding a foreign (non-Filipino) passport of legal age, and has traveled to the Philippines during the period January 01, 2023 – April 30, 2024.

• Any Filipino holding dual citizenship living abroad for a minimum of six (6) months prior to the campaign, of legal age, and has traveled to the Philippines during the specified period of time.

II. How to join?

1. Interested sponsors must visit the official BBMG website (http://bbmg.philippines.travel) and sign up as Sponsor.

2. Sponsors must completely fill out the following fields during the registration:

a. First name (as it appears in the ID)

b. Last name (as it appears in the ID)

c. Home address

d. Email address

e. Contact number

f. Philippine government-issued ID

3. Registration is completed upon the submission of the required information.

4. Upon successful registration, the sponsor will receive a unique referral link that sponsors can copy and send to their prospective invitees. The Sponsor can also receive a virtual BBMG Privilege Card that they can use for their travel to the Philippines during the campaign period.

5. Invitees who click on the unique referral link will be directed to the Invitees page containing the mechanics and the Invitee Registration link.

6. Invitees must travel first to the Philippines before completing their registration for the raffle.

7. The Invitee and Sponsor will receive an email notification with confirmation of their raffle entries.

8. Sponsors can send the referral link to as many invitees as possible.

9. Only entries present in the BBMG system database within the promo duration are valid.

10. All Sponsors and Invitees are presumed to have read and understood, as well as agree and abide by, the promo’s privacy policy and terms and regulations.

RAFFLE MECHANICS FOR INVITEES

I. Who are qualified to join?

Invitees may be the following:

• Anyone holding a foreign (non-Filipino) passport of legal age and has traveled to the Philippines during the period January 01, 2023 – April 30, 3024.

• Any Filipino holding dual citizenship living abroad for a minimum of six (6) months prior to the campaign, of legal age, and has traveled to the Philippines during the specified period of time.

II. How to join?

1. Click the unique referral link from the Sponsor to be directed to the Invitees page containing the mechanics and the Invitee Registration link.

2. Register as invitee by providing the following information:

a. First name (as it appears on passport)

b. Last name (as it appears on passport)

c. Country of origin

d. Nationality

e. Email address

3. Upon registration, the Invitee will receive a confirmation on the creation of their account as Invitee. Invitees can also receive a virtual BBMG Privilege card that they can use once they travel to the Philippines during the campaign period.

4. Invitees must travel first to the Philippines within the period January 01, 2023 – April 30, 2024 to be entitled to a raffle entry.

5. Once travel to the Philippines is completed, the Invitee can login to their account and provide the following information:

a. Passport number

b. Date of arrival in PH

c. Port of embarkation

d. First visit in the Philippines? (Y/N)

e. Address (City/Province) or hotel in the Philippines

6. Upload the following proof of travel to complete registration:

a. Boarding pass

b. Philippine immigration stamp (as seen on the passport)

c. Photo and/or social media posting of travel in the Philippines using hashtags #BisitaBeMyGuest #BBMGuestPH #BBMG Note: Additional proof of travel may be requested if necessary.

7. Both the Invitee and Sponsor will receive an email notification of their raffle entries.

8. Only entries present in the BBMG system database within the promo duration are valid.

9. All Sponsors and Invitees are presumed to have read and understood, as well as agree and abide by, the promo’s privacy policy and terms and regulations.

Who are excluded from the raffle?

1. All employees of DOT, its attached agencies, partner agencies, and sponsor company and their relatives up to the third-degree affinity or consanguinity are disqualified from joining the campaign;

2. And all persons involved in ticketing operations/ business are likewise disqualified.

BBMG Travel Passport and Privilege Card