May 2013
9 posts
6 tags
Gindaco: The Best Takoyaki in Tokyo
When I visited the Takoyaki Museum in Odaiba last year, I told myself that once I get back to Tokyo, I must find the best takoyaki in town.
Takoyaki are small balls of fried dough stuffed with octopus. It was first popularized in Osaka.
I’ve tried a lot of takoyaki brands but nothing compares to Gindaco, the most popular takoyaki chain store across Japan, with branches in Hong Kong, Thailand,...
8 tags
Sarah Jessica Parker is coming to Manila
MANILA, Philippines – Hollywood A-lister Sarah Jessica Parker is coming to Manila to grace the opening of SM Aura Premier in Taguig City on May 16.
Parker is known for her role as Carrie Bradshaw in the American TV series “Sex and the City”. She is scheduled to arrive in Manila on Tuesday night, May 14.
...
9 tags
I Met Tom Cruise at the 'Oblivion' Premiere in...
We all have our Hollywood idols and meeting them is surreal.
While covering the Japanese premiere of “Oblivion” at Roppongi Hills Arena in Tokyo last May 8, something unexpected has happened to me.
first international coverage. Thank you, Papa God!
crossing the line. Tom Cruise to me: “Come here, come here. You should stand here (pointing at the white carpet).”
I...
12 tags
White Carpet Watch: Tom Cruise Graces ‘Oblivion’...
TOKYO, Japan – Hollywood superstar Tom Cruise, model-turned-actress Olga Kurylenko and director Joseph Kosinski graced the Japanese premiere of their latest film “Oblivion” last May 8 at Roppongi Hills Arena in Tokyo.
Cruise spent two hours on the white carpet signing autographs and posing for photos with his Japanese fans and supporters.
Distributed by Universal Pictures, this...
10 tags
Furla E-Mook
E-mook (magazine + book) is a popular promotional reading material in Japan. Actually, it’s more of a catalog, which features the latest collaboration between leading fashion magazines and well-known fashion brands and designers.
Why e-mook is in demand?
Shoppers, especially women, love e-mook because of the premium gifts that come with every copy. Most of the time, the freebies are mirrors,...
6 tags
Tom Cruise Attends 'Oblivion' Press Conference in...
TOKYO, Japan - Tom Cruise, Olga Kurylenko and Director Joseph Kosinski attended the ‘Oblivion’ press conference at Ritz Carlton Tokyo on May 7.
The movie will hit theaters on May 31.
(Photos courtesy of Universal Pictures)
4 tags
Tom Cruise Arrives in Japan
TOKYO, Japan - Tom Cruise arrived at Haneda Airport on Monday, May 6 to attend the premiere of his latest movie “Oblivion”.
(Photos courtesy of Universal Pictures)
6 tags
FamilyMart Opens in the Philippines
FamilyMart, the popular Japanese convenience store chain is finally in the Philippines!
The store opened its first branch on the ground floor of Glorietta 3 in Makati City last April, offering ready-made favorites like chicken adobo rice, katsudon, sushi trays, California maki and cold noodles, Japanese products including Meiji chocolates, Nissin cup noodles and other everyday staples.
...
7 tags
Tokyo-Manila Jazz and Arts Festival 2013
The Tokyo-Manila Jazz and Arts Festival will be held at Solaire Resort and Casino from May 9-11.
Performers include jazz superstars CHARITO, Makoto Ozone, Gene Jackson, AMP BIG BAND, Kengo Nakamura, Yuki Arimasa, Art Manuntag, Tsuyoshi Yamamoto, Yoshio “Chin” Suzuki, Hiroshi Murakami, Tess Salientes, Dave Harder, Jorge San Jose, Skarlet, Jeannie Tiongco and the Philippine Youth...
April 2013
7 posts
8 tags
Destination: Ginza-Omotesando-Harajuku-Shibuya
I will never get tired doing the touristy thing in Tokyo.
After covering the “9th Mr. & Ms. Thai-Philippines in Japan” held at Camellia Hall in Kameido, boyfriend drove me to some of Tokyo’s most fashionable places - Ginza, Omotesando, Harajuku and Shibuya, where we walked around, took pictures and enjoyed the beautiful spring weather.
First stop: Ginza. It is considered as...
7 tags
Sam Milby: The Rockoustic Heartthrob is Back
Samuel Lloyd Lacia Milby was born on May 23, 1984 in Ohio, U.S.A. He launched his show biz career in 2005 after being evicted from the Pinoy Big Brother House. One of the priced talents of ABS-CBN, Sam continued to make his mark in television shows and movies like “ASAP”, “Maging Sino Ka Man”, “You Got Me”, “And I Love You So” and “Babe, I Love You”.
After almost two years of being inactive in...
6 tags
FilJap Magazine May-June 2013 Issue OUT Now!
Grab your FREE copy of FilJap Magazine before stock runs out!
FilJap Magazine is published every two months for Filipinos living and working in Japan.
http://issuu.com/filjapmag/docs/may-june_2013
7 tags
Rex Angeles: In Love With His Craft
He may be an accomplished actor, singer, model and school administrator but behind the glitz and glamour, Rex Angeles is an ordinary man who cooks his own meals and throws the garbage when it’s due. And he just wants everybody, especially his Filipino kababayans, to remember him for his humble contribution to the entertainment scene in Japan.
FilJap: When did you first get the acting...
9 tags
Chillin’ at Chili’s
I’m a frequent eater at Friday’s, Hard Rock Café, Tony Roma’s and other American restaurants, but it’s my first time to try Chili’s, a casual dining restaurant that’s been serving diners in the Philippines for over 16 years now.
Located on the first level of Power Plant Mall at Rockwell Center in Makati, the restaurant exudes a hip vibe, from its southwestern-styled interiors to the...
8 tags
'The Voice of the Philippines' begins this June
It’s the voice, not the looks or backstories, that will determine the next singing superstar in the highly anticipated singing competition “The Voice of the Philippines” airing this June on ABS-CBN with top caliber singers who have made their mark in the local and international music scenes as coaches who will mentor the aspiring singers or artists.
“The Voice of the Philippines,” to be hosted by...
19 tags
Sneak Peak: ABS-CBN's 2013 Summer Station ID
ABS-CBN takes you to a fun trip down memory lane beginning April 7 when it premieres the highly-anticipated 2013 Summer Station ID on “ASAP 18” that will showcase over hundreds of the biggest Kapamilya stars who will relive Filipinos’ fondest summer memories by recreating television programs that truly made a mark in their hearts for the past 60 years.
Dubbed as “Kwento ng Summer Natin,” this...
March 2013
9 posts
7 tags
Your Favorite NY Style Buffalo Wings at Sunrise...
Buffalo wings aren’t just an American obsession. They’re a Filipino favorite too!
There are many wing restaurants that proliferate all over the metro but there are only few that can really satisfy your palate, Sunrise Buckets being one of them.
My first visit at Sunrise Buckets in The Grove wasn’t a pleasant one because of the restaurant’s busted A/C system. But its...
11 tags
Charito: A True Artist
Filipina and Japan-based jazz superstar Charito began her international career in the early ‘90s, with the release of her first album called “This Girl” in Japan. With impressive album sales in several countries and sold-out shows in Asia, North and Latin America and Europe, she is considered one of the most prominent singers in the genre.
FilJap: How would you describe yourself as a jazz...
13 tags
Japan Fashion Week: Han Ahn Soon 2013-14 A/W...
Designer: Ahn Soon Han
Brand: Han Ahn Soon
Photographer: Din Eugenio
Extraordinarily Feminine
http://hanahnsoon.com/index.html
http://tokyo-mbfashionweek.com/en/
14 tags
Japan Fashion Week: Kamishima Chinami 2013-14 A/W...
Designer: Chinami Kamishima
Brand: Kamishima Chinami
Photographer: Din Eugenio
Assistant: Martin Corpuz
Chic & Fab
http://www.t-three.co.jp
http://tokyo-mbfashionweek.com/en/
17 tags
Japan Fashion Week: Araisara 2013-14 A/W Preview...
Designer: Sara Arai
Brand: Araisara
Photographer: Din Eugenio
Elegant. Sleek. Sophisticated.
http://www.araisara.jp
http://tokyo-mbfashionweek.com/en/
17 tags
The Filipino-Japanese Journal set to attend Japan...
The Filipino-Japanese Journal is set to cover one of the most anticipated fashion events in the world, the Japan Fashion Week (Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Tokyo) from March 17-23.
Out of the 48 participating brands that will showcase their 2013-14 A/W collections, The Filipino-Japanese Journal will attend the runway shows of famous fashion designers Araisara, Kamishima Chinami...
10 tags
Tonkatsu Delight at Katsu Kobo Wako in Roppongi...
While sorting out the files on my computer, I found a photo of tonkatsu (deep fried pork cutlet), which made me realize that I still haven’t written about my dining experience at Katsu Kobo Wako in Roppongi Hills, Tokyo.
Katsu Kobo Wako is a famous tonkatsu restaurant chain in Japan, with over 250 branches across the country.
According to Wako’s website, tonkatsu originated from western...
13 tags
NBA Coming to Manila: Houston Rockets vs Indiana...
MANILA, Philippines – The long wait is finally over for Filipino NBA fans.
NBA Commissioner David Stern officially announced on Tuesday the news of a pre-season game between the Houston Rockets and the Indiana Pacers at the Mall of Asia Arena on October 10.
“Our game in Manila is an exciting opportunity to connect with the passionate basketball fans in the Philippines and across Southeast Asia,”...
14 tags
A Lavish Night at Buddha-Bar Manila
Buddha-Bar Manila, the world’s biggest Buddha-Bar franchise, has opened its doors for some of the metro’s most active and classy writers, bloggers and social media mavens last March 1.
The bar-lounge-restaurant’s Executive Chef Soc Santos introduced the top 10 signature dishes that are served in all Buddha-Bars worldwide. These sumptuous dishes include Pink Lady, Crunchy Rice Shrimp Jalapeno,...
February 2013
16 posts
10 tags
FilJap Magazine March-April 2013 Issue OUT Now!
Grab your FREE copy of FilJap Magazine before stock runs out!
FilJap Magazine is published every two months for Filipinos living and working in Japan.
8 tags
A Glimpse of the Tokyo Geihinkan
During one of my trips to Tokyo, boyfriend took me to Akasaka Palace also known as the State Guesthouse (Geihinkan) in Moto, Akasaka.
At first, I thought it was a luxurious hotel that looks like the Palace of Versailles in France.
(Photo taken at Tobu World)
Built in neo-baroque style, the Akasaka Palace was first constructed as the Crown Prince’s official residence in 1909. It was...
16 tags
Art Talk on Tohoku at the National Museum
The Japan Foundation, Manila (JFM) in cooperation with the National Museum of the Philippines is pleased to announce the “TOHOKU – Through the Eyes of Japanese Photographers Art Talk” featuring Kotaro Iizawa (exhibit curator) and Nao Tsuda (participating photographer) on 9 March, 3:00-5:00 pm at the Fabella Hall of the Old Legislative Building of the National Museum.
Kotaro...
19 tags
Celebrating Lola's Birthday at Sumo Sam
Last February 1, we celebrated my grandmother’s 78th birthday at Sumo Sam in TriNoma. Since it was a Friday, I expected the restaurant to be packed with diners so I made dinner reservations beforehand.
Sumo Sam is just one of the many Japanese restaurants in the Philippines owned by actor/chef/restaurateur Marvin Agustin. It opened its first branch in 2005 at the Shangri-La Plaza Mall in...
17 tags
‘A Symphony of Pop’ at TriNoma
MANILA, Philippines - True to its commitment of bringing world-class entertainment, TriNoma has once again presented an astounding musical experience to entertain thousands of mall shoppers and patrons via “A Symphony of Pop”.
Kapamilya singers Bamboo, Richard Poon and Vina Morales, together with the ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of maestro Gerard Salonga, headlined the concert...
14 tags
Sarah Geronimo in Heart Songs
MANILA, Philippines - Clad in a pink jumpsuit, the ever talented and simply pretty Popstar Princess Sarah Geronimo treated Glorietta shoppers to a valentine concert last February 14.
Sarah kicked off the show with a song and dance number of Rihanna’s popular hit “Where Have You Been?” followed by Adele’s “Rolling In The Deep”.
She also rendered her own version of “Sana”, a song from her latest...
10 tags
Mime Artist Naoki Iimuro back in Manila
In celebration of the 40th year of ASEAN – Japan Friendship and Cooperation, the Japan Foundation, Manila (JFM) in cooperation with the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) is pleased to announce the return of mime artist Iimuro Naoki for a two-night performance entitled “Time of Mime 2” on February 27 and 28, 7:30 pm at the CCP Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (Little Theater).
Naoki...
12 tags
Abe: Having Good Food with Friends By Len Armea
My best friend and I were able to finally eat at Abe (ah-beh) in TriNoma, a restaurant put up by journalist Larry J. Cruz as a tribute to his father, Emilio Aguilar Cruz, who is popularly known as “Abe” to family and friends. We’ve been wanting to dine here for quite some time but it is always packed every time we visit the place.
As soon as we were seated, we knew right away why diners keep...
16 tags
A Symphony of Pop feat. Bamboo, Richard Poon and...
Enjoy a world-class concert experience featuring the ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra with musical direction by Maestro Gerard Salonga, along with genre-breaking performances by Bamboo, Richard Poon and Vina Morales on February 16, 6 p.m. at the TriNoma Activity Center.
For seat reservations, call 901-3000.
See you there!
9 tags
Sarah Geronimo LIVE at Glorietta
Let Sarah Geronimo serenade you with songs from the heart on February 14, 6:30 p.m. at the Glorietta New Activity Center.
For seat reservations, call 752-7272.
See you there!
10 tags
Marukame Udon: The Best Udon I’ve Had
Aside from Tenya, there’s another fast food restaurant in Japan that you should check out. It is called Marukame Udon, which specializes in homemade udon (wheat flour noodles).
Marukame Udon is not difficult to find since it has hundreds of branches all over the country.
See how the cook prepares the udon? Great, isn’t it?! He would then grab a bowl and toss in a handful of fresh, thick...
11 tags
Tenya: Everybody’s Favorite Tempura Place in Japan
Tenya is a well-known tempura (battered and deep-fried vegetables or seafood) restaurant, with more than 100 branches, all over Japan.
Since its conception in 1989, it has been praised as one of the country’s most popular dining places for tempura lovers because of its hearty, yet affordable 500 yen tempura donburi (rice bowl dish).
Ever since my boyfriend introduced me this restaurant, it...
8 tags
Piolo Pascual, Diether Ocampo promote 'Apoy sa...
MANILA, Philippines - Piolo Pascual and Diether Ocampo held a mall show in TriNoma last February 9 to promote their new teleserye “Apoy Sa Dagat”.
9 tags
Toni Gonzaga to host ‘The Voice of the...
Ultimate Multimedia Star Toni Gonzaga is officially the host of “The Voice of the Philippines”, the country’s edition of the worldwide hit singing competition “The Voice”, after ABS-CBN made its big announcement last February 3 on The Buzz.
“It’s a singing competition with a different concept. We will showcase the best singers in the Philippines like you’ve never seen them before,” Toni shared...
5 tags
Nikki Gil, Lorenz Martinez topbill ‘They’re...
MANILA, Philippines – Kapamilya singer-host Nikki Gil and stage actor Lorenz Martinez promoted their upcoming musical titled “They’re Playing Our Song” last February 3 at the TriNoma Activity Center.
“They’re Playing Our Song” is a Broadway romantic musical comedy that tells the story of composer Vernon Gersch and his relationship with lyricist Sonia Walsk.
It will go onstage starting February 9...
12 tags
2013 Nihongo Fiesta Goes J-Rock With Uchusentai:...
Gear up this February as the 2013 Nihongo Fiesta goes rock with the Japanese band Uchusentai: NOIZ. Nihongo Fiesta is the yearly event of the Japan Foundation, Manila (JFM) that showcases Japanese language, arts and culture through events like the speech contest, quiz bee and musical concerts.
This year, the fiesta presents three (3) events that will surely excite the otakus and the general...
January 2013
6 posts
6 tags
New Year Giveaway (Year 2) Winners
As drawn by Random.org, the winners are:
# 11 Nina Louise Tesorero
# 22 Ashley Quines
Kindly respond to this post on or before January 31, otherwise, your prizes will be forfeited.
6 tags
Aiko Melendez Steps Back Into Limelight
Mary Aiko Shimoji Melendez or Aiko for short, born December 16, 1975, entered the limelight at an early age. Blessed with beauty, acting talent and admirable genetics as the daughter of the late matinee idol Jimi Melendez and Elsie, she was regarded as one of the best actresses of her generation.
FJM: How are you after making a break from show biz?
Aiko: Good so far. I didn’t file my candidacy...
9 tags
Photo Exhibition: ‘TOHOKU- Through the Eyes of the...
The Japan Foundation, Manila (JFM) in cooperation with the National Museum of the Philippines, the Embassy of Japan and The Photographic Society of Japan brings to Manila the traveling exhibit “TOHOKU- Through the Eyes of the Japanese Photographers”, an exhibition composed of 123 photos representing the different aspects of life in Tohoku from its past, present and the future.
The Tohoku Region is...
9 tags
New Year Giveaway (Year 2)
As a way to thank our readers for their support and to celebrate the new year, The Filipino-Japanese Journal is giving away these special items from The Body Shop, Forever21 and Uniqlo to two (2) lucky winners.
1. The Body Shop Ginger Sparkle Set (body polish, body butter, shower gel)
2. The Body Shop Tea Tree Skin Clearing Facial Wash + Forever21 Accessories + Uniqlo 2013...
4 tags
Coco Martin: The Road to Stardom
From an ordinary young man who grew up in the busy streets of Novaliches, Coco Martin is now a household name. From starring in independent films critically acclaimed abroad to becoming a lead actor in teleseryes and conquering the mainstream, he is now considered as one of the finest young actors of his generation.
In fact, in the latest movie offering of Star Cinema, “24/7 in Love”, the...
8 tags
FilJap Magazine - Sixth Issue OUT Now!
Grab your FREE copy of FilJap Magazine before stock runs out!
FilJap Magazine is published every two months for Filipinos living and working in Japan.
http://issuu.com/filjapmag/docs/page_6th_issue
December 2012
5 posts
6 tags
Dawn Zulueta and Her Staying Power
In a time where show biz denizens are going gaga over rising teen stars, some celebrities no matter how veteran they maybe will always have that staying power. One perfect example is Dawn Zulueta whose beauty, maturity and acting skills never fail to elicit awe and admiration from the viewing public.
Although Dawn went on a hiatus to focus on being a wife to Davao del Norte Rep. Anton Lagdameo...
6 tags
Janine Tugonon is Second Most Beautiful Woman in...
Philippines’ bet Janine Tugonon was hailed as the second most beautiful woman in the world after ending as the 1st runner up in the “Miss Universe 2012” pageant aired via satellite from Las Vegas, Nevada on ABS-CBN.
Miss USA Olivia Culpo took home the crown and is about to start her reign as the new “Miss Universe” replacing Angola’s Leila Lopes who won the title last year. Irene Quintero of...
13 tags
Lea Salonga, Blake Serenade Christmas Shoppers
MANILA, Philippines – TriNoma customers were treated to a Christmas concert as they shopped.
Lea Salonga and international vocal quartet Blake together with Maestro Gerard Salonga and the ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra gathered in TriNoma Activity Center on Dec 9 to sing endless classics and traditional Christmas songs in a concert entitled “Kindred Voices”.
The concert is a series of shows held...