Filipino-Japanese Journal November 2022

・“World AIDS Day” on December 1st is the focus of “Tokyo Metropolitan AIDS Prevention month”. ・357 cases of HIV-infection or AIDS were newly reported in Tokyo Metropolitan during 2021. ・Proper use of condoms prevents HIV transmission. To prevent the spread of infection, early detection and early treatment is necessary. Let us pay attention and take measures to prevent aids.

Editor's Note

t is a pleasure to feature exclusive stories on the biggest and brightest stars in Philippine tinseltown, and we’re just too grateful to our friends in GMA-7 for always providing us the opportunity to interview them.

For this issue, we have awardwinning Kapuso actor Dennis Trillo who answered our questions about his role in the historical portal fantasy series “Maria Clara at Ibarra,” how fulfilled he is in his career and personal life, where in Japan he would want to be teleported, and more!

We are also happy to bring you some of the highlights of the recently concluded 35th Tokyo International Film Festival. To be able to successfully cover such prestigious cinematic event for 10 consecutive years is something we are really proud of, and we look forward to doing it again in the years to come.

And speaking of festival, we couldn’t be more excited to announce that we are a media partner at this year’s Philippine Festival to be held at Yoyogi Park in Shibuya, Tokyo on Dec. 3 and 4. It’s going to be a fun two days, and we can’t wait to be a part of it!

IN FOCUS

Japan Welcomes Filipino Tourists Back as Borders Reopen

Tokyo International Film Festival Names Award Winners

IN THE NEWS

ON THE COVER

Dennis Trillo: ‘I Feel So Complete’

FEATURE

The Philippine Festival 2022: Of Logos and Legacies

Japan ‘Ready’ to Assist Paeng-Hit Philippines

Marcos Jr. Leads Groundbreaking for Two Stations of Japan-Funded Philippine Subway Project

TRAVEL JAPAN

Namie Smart Mobility: Revitalizing a Community Through Transportation

Florenda Corpuz Editor-in-Chief

Japan Welcomes Filipino Tourists Back as Borders Reopen

WORDS BY FLORENDA CORPUZ PHOTOGRAPH BY DIN EUGENIO

abuhay! My dear Filipino friends, thank you very much for your appreciation of Japan. Since the COVID-19 situation has improved, we have started to relax the entry procedures. Now you can enjoy individual travel to our country,” Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Kazuhiko Koshikawa said in pre-recorded video message.

“As the autumn approaches, we invite you to Japan and experience the best of the season. Come and discover the many charms of Japan,” he added.

“MThe Japan Embassy in Manila resumed the application and issuance of all kinds of visas, including temporary visitor for individual travel, visiting friends, and multiple-entry, on Oct. 4.

Filipinos who still have a valid multiple-entry visa can enter Japan just like before the pandemic.

“All entrants/returnees to Japan with a valid vaccination certificate which proves three doses of COVID-19 vaccine accredited by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare are not required to obtain a negative certificate,” the Embassy announced.

It further stated, “Other entrants/ returnees need to obtain a negative test

result for COVID-19 conducted within 72 hours prior to departure.”

The Embassy encourages Filipino travelers to use the “Fast Track” and “Visit Japan Web” when traveling to Japan “for smooth Customs, Immigration and Quarantine procedures.”

Meanwhile, an estimated 8,500 visitors from the Philippines entered Japan in September, an increase of 8,059 compared to the same month last year, according to the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO). The Southeast Asian country placed sixth in Japan’s market for visitor arrivals last month, which include transit passengers, expatriates and their families, and international students.

TOKYO/MANILA – Visitors from the Philippines can travel again to Japan as the Land of the Rising Sun reopened its borders to independent foreign tourists for the first time last Oct. 11 after two years of COVID-19 restrictions.

Ninenzaka Street in Kyoto on Sept. 24, 2022

WORDS BY LEN ARMEA INTERVIEW BY FLORENDA CORPUZ PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF GMA

If you are one of the Instagram followers of Dennis Trillo, you probably have seen by now his post where he shared a family photo from their Halloween celebration. Dennis and his wife and fellow Kapuso Jennylyn Mercado, together with their six-month-old daughter Dylan, were wearing chocolate-inspired costumes and smiles emanating from pure happiness and contentment.

“H

appy Choco latey Halloween,” Dennis captioned on his post. Thousands of his followers know that the Kapuso actor mostly posts about two particular subjects in his life: his beautiful family, and anything related to his new series “Maria Clara at Ibarra.”

There is no denying that Dennis is at a stage of his life where he feels fulfilled and accomplished as an actor and as a family man.

“Career-wise at personal life, wala na akong mahihiling pa. Feeling ko nitong mga nagdaang taon na-bless ako ng magagandang trabaho na na-receive mabuti ng mga audience,” Dennis said in an exclusive interview with the Filipino Japanese-Journal (FJJ).

“I feel so complete lalo na ngayon na mayroon kaming bagong miyembro ng pamilya na inaalagaan at pinapalaki at kasabay noon is iyong joy na naibibigay niya sa amin kaya naman talagang sobrang happy namin,” he added.

The Actor

At 41, Dennis is one of the few actors whose acting chops can’t be questioned. There is always something new, and deep, and captivating in every role that he plays. From his roles in “Mulawin,” “My Husband’s Lover,” “Cain at Abel,” and “Legal Wives” to name a few, one Filipino word could encapsulate his performances “tumatatak.”

So it is not surprising that he is getting many praises from his role as Crisostomo Ibarra in GMA’s newest historical portal fantasy series, “Maria Clara at Ibarra,” which airs on weeknights via GMA Pinoy TV.

Based on the novel “Noli Me Tangere” written by Dr. Jose Rizal, the series is making headlines for depicting the realities and sufferings of ancient Filipinos during the Spanish colonization including some of the most crucial issues in the society that still exist in the present time.

As Ibarra, Dennis admitted that preparing for his role is quite challenging since the character is iconic.

“Marami na akong mga nagawang challenging roles before pero ito nasa ibang level ng challenge naman ito. Marami na

silang, kumbaga, expectations dito kasi buo na iyong character nito. Isinulat ito ni Dr. Jose Rizal noong 1800s at isa siyang icon sa Philippine literature, kaya nandoon na lahat ng material so kailangan mo lang talaga siyang pag-aralan.

There is a challenge for him to make the viewers rediscover Ibarra, a wealthy and educated young man who returned to the Philippines to expose the abuses of the Spaniards, and make reforms in the society, especially by today’s youth.

“Hindi siya basta-basta na character, kailangan mong mag-research at kilalanin mo pa siya nang lubusan. Mahirap dahil gumaganap ka ng isang character na galing sa lumang panahon so kailangan mong iakma iyong salita, kilos, pananamit, lahat noong mga nuances mo noong panahon na iyon kailangan period-correct,” he explained in the interview.

The Kapuso A-lister couldn’t hide his gratefulness for the attention that the show is getting from the viewing public, and attributes much of its success to the cast and crew.

“Itong ‘Maria Clara at Ibarra,’ experimental itong show na ito, sugal din ito sa GMA na maglabas ng ganitong klaseng show, and buti na lang tinanggap nang maayos ng mga manonood.

“Masayang-masaya ako dahil narecognize na naman iyong aming mga napaghirapan. Hindi lang ako kundi lahat kami ng buong team ng ‘Maria Clara at Ibarra.’ Talagang mas ginaganahan kami na magtrabaho at pagsipagin iyong aming ginagawa dahil nakikita namin na nagiging masaya iyong mga nakakapanood nito, so in return, kami ay mas nae-energize and mas nagiging enthusiastic sa paggawa ng bawat eksena,” Dennis said.

The Family Man

Dennis and Jennylyn tied the knot in November 2021 in an intimate and classy wedding ceremony, and welcomed their daughter Dylan in April 2022.

Their love story is a story of second chances. Dennis and Jennylyn became a couple in 2010, broke up in 2011, and got back together in 2014. Dennis admitted that he was the one who reached out to Jennylyn years after their muchpublicized breakup.

“Iyon ‘yung nakakatuwa, na nangyari ‘yung hindi mo akalain tapos ‘di mo alam, siya pa rin talaga hanggang sa huli,” he

said in a podcast episode “Updated with Nelson Canlas.”

“Never namin na-imagine na mangyayari ito sa mga buhay namin, na magkakaroon kami ng happy ending. Actually, hindi pa happy ending, happy start,” he continued.

With the coming of Dylan, the celebrity couple is now a family of five. Dennis has a son, Calix, with former beauty queen Carlene Aguilar while Jennylyn has Alex Jazz with actor Patrick Garcia.

Dennis, who is a self-confessed hands-on dad, couldn’t ask for more.

“Buong-buo na iyong pamilya namin kaya wala na akong mahihiling pa. Super blessed,” he told FJJ.

The Traveler

Dennis has traveled to so many countries including Japan. There is one place in the Land of the Rising Sun that he particularly wants to visit and explore one day, it is the Saitama Super Arena.

“Nakapunta na ako sa Japan noon pero hindi pa ako nakapunta roon sa gusto ko sanang silipin at ma-experience na mapuntahan. Ito iyong Saitama Super Arena kung saan ginagawa iyong mga MMA events noong mga early 2000s,” Dennis revealed.

Located in Chuo-ku, Saitama, the multi-purpose indoor arena used to host MMA events such as the Pride Fighting Championship, Rizin Fighting Federation and Ultimate Fighting Championship.

“Kasi hindi niyo naitatanong, ako ay isang MMA fan so nasubaybayan ko iyong mga malalaking events na ginanap noon. Maganda lang makabisita roon para ma-experience ko lang kung ano iyong pakiramdam na nandoon ka at nanonood ng live na event – boxing, MMA or kung ano man iyon,” he said.

Apart from that, he wants to see and entertain Filipino fans in Japan soon.

“Nami-miss na namin na makabisita sa Japan at sana magkaroon ulit ng mga GMA international shows at maaliw namin kayo.

“Thank you sa pagsubaybay sa aming mga programa. Makakaasa kayo ng magagandang eksena sa lahat ng mga shows lalong-lalo na siyempre sa ‘Maria Clara at Ibarra.’ Thank you sa oras na ibinibigay niyo sa programa namin and na-appreciate namin iyon,” he enthused.

The Philippine Festival 2022: Of Logos and Legacies

WORDS BY EMMANUEL FELICIANO IMAGE COURTESY OF 2022 PHILIPPINE FESTIVAL JAPAN

Festive colors, a celebratory vibe, a fusion of cultures, and an unforgettable mix of all things uniquely Pinoy – in Japan.

These and more are what await Filipinos and any one from all over Japan who will take part in the Philippine Festival 2022 to be held at Yoyogi Park in Shibuya, Tokyo on Dec. 3 and 4. But while the event is shaping up, things that tease and remind us of how fun it can be are already up for everyone to see. Fore most of those is this year’s beautiful and colorful official logo. And to understand how this is the exact embodiment of the Philippine Festival, let us discover the meaning and inspiration of every element of the logo. And let’s get to know the artist behind it.

The Elements

A look at the letters of “Philippine” reveals the logo’s main inspiration: the “banig,” the Philippine handwoven mat that has been a signature of the traditional Filipino household. Banig is a cultural identity that represents the values of indigenous people, and the festival is proud of this cultural legacy. Moreover, much like its physical elements, the actual act of weaving the banig is also symbolic of the interweaving of cultures between Japan and the Philippines.

The word “festival” dons a white font color. White is a color of thanksgiving, as this festival is God’s blessing to our people.

A Filipino festival is never complete without the “banderitas,” which represents the unity of the Filipino people despite our differences in regional cultures and

traditions.

A closer look at the logo reveals people dancing the “Hudhud,” “Tinikling,” and “Ati-Atihan.” These elements represent not only traditional dances, but also their origins: Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, the Philippine’s main groups of islands. The person holding the flag represents the pride of the Filipino people.

The logo is also imbued with the elements of our host country, Japan.

The skyline silhouette is that of Tokyo, the capital of Japan. The font of the word Tokyo is inspired by Japanese calligraphy to signify our appreciation and embrace of the Japanese culture.

The vinta and pagoda masted boats on top of the banderitas show the connection and unity of the Philippines and Japan despite being separated by vast seas. And fnally, the Tinikling bamboo represents the resilience of the Filipino; one of the keys why they shine and standout even in a foreign land.

This logo perfectly exhibits the wonderful fusion of Philippine heritage and Japanese culture. Despite the differences, we are one, and we celebrate that unity through the Philippine Festival.

The Artist

Behind the logo is an ingenious visual artist, cultural worker, project manager, Aklan native, and the serving vice mayor of the municipality of Balete, Aklan.

Vice Mayor Patrick Lachica is the vice chair for Central Visayas of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts’ Sub Commission for Cultural Communities

and Traditional Arts. He also served as the vice chair of the Municipal Tourism, Arts, Culture and Heritage Council, and as chair of the Municipal Tourism and Development Council.

As an Aklanon, he is a member of the Aklan Visual Artists Association, and the Arts Association of the Philippines. He was also an organizer of the Enchanting Balete Festival and the project coordinator of the NCCA Enhanced School of Living Tradition in Aklan. He also served as the Aklan coordinator of the Visayas Island Visual Arts Exhibition and Conference in 2014, 2016, and 2018. He was also the coordinator of the 2017 and 2018 NCCA Panakayon Western Visayas Cultural and Heritage Program.

A graduate of Bachelor in Fine Arts, Major in Advertising from FEATI University, Lachica was an outstanding artist awardee in FEATI, an outstanding youth awardee for visual arts in Aklan, and an outstanding youth of Aklan awardee.

Under his belt, he holds several international awards, most notably the 1992 population and environment poster making contest in New York, USA, and the 1996 international race against waste toy making contest in Place d Orleans, Ontario, Canada.

Truly, it is an honor for the Philippine Festival 2022 to have an artist of the Vice Mayor’s magnitude on board.

His work is only one of the many facets and highlights of the Philippine Festival 2022 in Tokyo. In the days ahead, join the excitement in watching the festival unfold, and see you there!

TOKYO – The 35th Tokyo International Film Festival (TIFF) has named its award winners at a ceremony held at the Tokyo International Forum, Hall C on Nov. 2.

Tokyo International Film Festival Names Award Winners

After two “pandemic editions,” TIFF returned to a full-scale physical event, with screenings, Q&A sessions and seminars held for 10 days from Oct. 24 in the Hibiya-YurakuchoMarunouchi-Ginza area. The prestigious festival kicked off with red carpet festivities along the pedestrian boulevard in front of Hibiya Midtown, and was followed by an opening event at the Tokyo Takarazuka Theater.

Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike and American director Julie Taymor presented the Tokyo Grand Prix, The Governor of Tokyo Award to the Spanish-French rural thriller film “The Beasts.”

It is “an extraordinary film that is at once a psychological thriller, a deeply moving love story, and a multilayered commentary on class divide, xenophobia, and the gulf between the city and rural survival, this is truly a masterpiece of cinema.” Taymor,

WORDS BY FLORENDA CORPUZ PHOTOGRAPHS BY DIN EUGENIO

who served as this year’s jury president, commented.

The film’s director Rodrigo Sorogoyen was chosen best director while lead star Denis Menochet won best actor.

The Special Jury Prize was awarded to the film “World War III” directed by Houman Seyedi.

Aline Kuppenheim won best actress for her performance in the film “1976.”

“Peacock Lament” directed by Sanjeewa Pushpakumara earned the best artistic contribution award.

“by the window” by Imaizumi Rikiya won the audience favorite prize.

“Butterflies Live Only One Day” by Mohammadreza Vatandoust was named best Asian future film.

Other awardees in the cinematic event include Nogami Teruyo, who received the Lifetime Achievement Award; and Mexican director Alejandro González Iñárritu and Japanese director Koji Fukada, who were both presented with the 2022 Kurosawa

Akira Award.

“We were blessed with perfect weather for the past 10 days. We increased the number of venues, the number of films screened and doubled the number of audiences, and many more overseas guests have been able to attend. All of these have enhanced the glory of the festival,” Ando Hiroyasu, the festival chairman, said.

“Japanese work of art is not just limited to Mr. Kurosawa’s work, and as our guests have repeatedly said, ‘it is among the best in the world.’ The power of the nation has declined and people are losing confidence. But when it comes to works of art and culture, I believe we can compete with other countries. TIFF would like to serve as a bridge to the rest of the world through cinema. Please continue to lend us your support. I now declare the 35th Tokyo International Film Festival closed,” he continued.

This year’s TIFF screened a total of 169 films from across the globe, with 59,541 admissions.

26, 2022.

Tokyo Gov. Yuriko Koike (left) and American director Julie Taymor (right) present the Tokyo Grand Prix, The Governor of Tokyo Award to the film “The Beasts.”

Mexican filmmaker Alejandro González Iñárritu (right) and Japanese director Koji Fukada (left) are the recipients of the 2022 Kurosawa Akira Award.

Jury President Julie Taymor (center), and members (left to right) Katsumi Yanagijima, Marie-Christine de Navacelle, João Pedro Rodrigues and Shim Eun-kyung

Ultraseven

Acclaimed Japanese designer Junko Koshino

Japanese director Imaizumi Rikiya (right) receives the Audience Award for his film “by the window” from festival chairman Ando Hiroyasu.

Japanese actor and musician Goro Inagaki speaks at a Q&A following the screening of his film “by the window” at Toho Cinemas in Hibiya on Oct.

Japan ‘Ready’ to Assist Paeng-Hit Philippines

TOKYO – The Japanese government is “ready to provide the maximum possible assistance to the Philippines,” Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi said in a statement on Oct. 31.

Hayashi commiserated with the families of those who perished in the aftermath of Severe Tropical Storm Paeng that hit the country.

“I would like to extend my heartfelt sympathy to the government of the Philippines and its people on the damages

resulting from the typhoon that hit the vast areas of the Philippines, mainly the middle and northern parts of Mindanao, on October 27 through 29,” he said in a message.

He continued, “the Government of Japan stands with the government of the Philippines and its people.”

“My deepest condolences are with the

victims and the bereaved, and I sincerely pray for the speedy recovery of the affected people as well as the prompt restoration on the affected areas,” Hayashi added.

As of Nov. 2, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported that 121 people were killed during the onslaught of Paeng.

- Florenda Corpuz

Marcos Jr. Leads Groundbreaking for Two Stations of Japan-Funded Philippine Subway Project

MANILA – President Ferdinand “Bongbong”

“A

s we break the ground for this portion of our subway system, we fervently hope to soon enjoy the benefits that it brings to the general public,” the president said in his speech.

He added, “Let the breaking ground of this subway system signal our intention to the world to pursue even grander dreams and more ambitious endeavors that will bring comfort and progress to our people all over the country.”

“Be assured that this administration will take the lead in identifying, pursuing,

and implementing projects as part of the Build Better More Infrastructure Agenda that we have laid out,” he went on.

The project, which is part of the 33-kilometer MMSP Phase 1, is expected to benefit approximately 150,000 passengers a day by the year 2028.

Once operational, the MMSP Phase 1 will reduce travel time between Quezon City and the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) from one hour and 30 minutes to 35 minutes.

Joining Marcos Jr. at the event were Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Kazuhiko Koshikawa, JICA Chief Representative Takema Sakamoto,

Senators Grace Poe, JV Ejercito and Mark Villar, and Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto.

“With the full support of state-ofthe-art Japanese technologies and skilled experts, the Philippines can be certain that Japan will continue to cooperate until this Filipino dream turns from a blueprint into reality,” the Japanese envoy remarked.

The Php488.47-billion foreignassisted “project of the century” is being constructed under the Official Development Assistance (ODA) program funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). - Florenda Corpuz

PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF BONGBONG MARCOS ON FACEBOOK

Marcos Jr. led the groundbreaking ceremony for the Ortigas and Shaw Boulevard Stations and Tunnels of the Japan-funded Metro Manila Subway Project (MMSP), the Philippines’ first underground railway system, in Pasig City on Oct. 3.

Namie Smart Mobility: Revitalizing a Community Through Transportation

Prior to the Fukushima nuclear disaster triggered by the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami, Namie Town had the largest population among the eight towns and villages of Futaba County, which also include Hirono Town, Naraha Town, Tomioka Town, Kawauchi Village, Okuma Town, Futaba Town and Katsurao Village. The 21,000-plus residents of Namie Town were evacuated to safer places across Japan due to the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant Accident. More than five years after the evacuation orders were lifted, most of them have not returned to their homes. As of June 2022, Namie Town has a population of 1,888.

Last year, Nissan launched an initiative to raise the mobility and solve the transportation issues in Namie Town, which only has one metered cab, a single fixed-route bus and a municipal ondemand taxi operating.

How It Works

With Namie Smart Mobility, a registered user can book a ride at “virtual stations,” which are located throughout the town, and can be seen via a smartphone app. There are seven “digital stations” located at major locations in the area, including JR Namie Station,

Michi no Eki Namie and the Namie Town Hall, where a guest user who has not registered for the service can also book for a ride. A passenger may share a ride with other riders if they are heading in the same direction.

“Right now, we have three cars and three drivers. But two will be enough,” said Naoki Miyashita, deputy general manager of Nissan.

He added that the ride is free for all passengers, but starting January next year, they will charge users for the service.

The vehicles run from 8:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. (until 9:30 p.m. on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays), and arrive a few minutes after being requested.

Currently, the majority of riders are in their 20s and 40s.

Aoi Yoshino, a 24-year-old community development worker, said she finds the service beneficial and convenient.

“The area is evolving, please go here, and eat fresh fish,” she added.

Namie Smart Mobility is not just a vehicle service for people living and visiting the town. It also supports shops and restaurants at the “virtual shopping center” by delivering the products bought by customers online right straight to their homes.

It is Nissan’s hope that when former residents return to their homes, and new visitors visit Namie Town, they

will see a revitalized place, Miyashita told reporters.

Nissan Deputy General Manager Naoki Miyashita shows a digital station located in front of the JR Namie Station

One of the vehicles that is being used for the Namie Smart Mobility initiative

At the JR Namie Station, Aoi Yoshino shows the app for the vehicle service

WORDS & PHOTOGRAPHS BY FLORENDA CORPUZ

NAMIE, Fukushima Prefecture – Nissan Motor Corporation is helping the town of Namie, one of the most disaster-affected areas in Fukushima Prefecture, revitalize its community by accelerating the movement of people and goods in the area through a proof-of-concept experiment for on-demand vehicle service called Namie Smart Mobility.