THE FILIPINO-JAPANESE JOURNAL

Gindaco: The Best Takoyaki in Tokyo

Fri, 17 May 2013 22:17:00 +0900

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, Singapore and other parts of Asia.

Gindaco started its business operations in Gunma Prefecture in 1997. Just a year later, it opened its first store in Tokyo (Nakano ward).

The Gindaco in Harajuku

Basic Takoyaki (¥ 550 / 8 pcs)

Takoyaki are brushed with takoyaki sauce, drizzled with mayonnaise and sprinkled with shaved green laver and dried bonito.

Oishi desu ne!

Steaming hot!

Itadakimasu!

Verdict:

- Outside is super crispy from the grill

- Inside is soft and moist

- Best takoyaki you’ll ever taste

http://www.gindaco.com/

Sarah Jessica Parker is coming to Manila

Tue, 14 May 2013 23:05:00 +0900

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.

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/TheSMStore

Twitter: http://twitter.com/thesmstore

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/thesmstore

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/TheSMStore

I Met Tom Cruise at the 'Oblivion' Premiere in Tokyo

Tue, 14 May 2013 16:42:00 +0900

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 should have been more professional but how can I say NO to a Hollywood superstar?!

hugging tom. The best five seconds of my life!

(Photo credit: Toru Hanai/REUTERS)

http://sg.entertainment.yahoo.com/photos/cast-member-cruise-hugs-woman-makes-appearance-fans-photo-122037801.html

http://anc.abs-cbnnews.com/photos/270/oblivion-tokyo-premiere/

http://in.omg.yahoo.com/photos/cast-member-cruise-hugs-woman-makes-appearance-fans-photo-122037801.html

White Carpet Watch: Tom Cruise Graces ‘Oblivion’ Premiere in Tokyo

Tue, 14 May 2013 14:27:00 +0900

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 sci-fi action film will be showing in cinemas on May 31.

(Photos by Florenda Corpuz)

Furla E-Mook

Sun, 12 May 2013 02:05:00 +0900

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, tote bags, organizers and pouches. It’s widely available in Japanese bookstores like Tsutaya, Kinokuniya and Suharaya at a bargain price.

Got myself a Furla e-mook for ¥1,500.

What’s inside the box?

Furla candy bag that packs a lot. Love it!

Tom Cruise Attends 'Oblivion' Press Conference in Tokyo

Tue, 07 May 2013 22:45:00 +0900

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)

Tom Cruise Arrives in Japan

Tue, 07 May 2013 00:47:00 +0900

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)

FamilyMart Opens in the Philippines

Mon, 06 May 2013 15:29:00 +0900

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.

Family Mart Philippines is a joint venture of Stores Specialists, Inc. and Ayala Land, Inc., with Japanese companies Itochu Corp. and Family Mart Co.

Family Mart began business in Sayama, Saitama, Japan in 1973.

http://www.family.co.jp/english/

https://www.facebook.com/pages/FamilyMart-Philippines/406103872821718?fref=ts

Tokyo-Manila Jazz and Arts Festival 2013

Thu, 02 May 2013 20:39:00 +0900

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 Symphony Band.

SCHEDULE:

May 8 - 2PM Press Conference | Executive Lounge 14F
May 9 - 6PM Concert Day 1 | Eclipse
May 10 - 7PM Concert Day 2 | Ballroom
May 11- 2PM Workshop | Function Room

For tickets, visit http://bit.ly/TMJAticketworld.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=03hWGmALomI

http://www.facebook.com/tmjaf

Destination: Ginza-Omotesando-Harajuku-Shibuya

Wed, 01 May 2013 00:18:00 +0900

I will never get tired doing the touristy thing in Tokyo.

After covering the “9^th 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 one of the most luxurious shopping districts in the world.

Second stop: Harajuku, where the old and the new Japan meet and blend for your senses.

Last stop: Shibuya, the fun and fashionable place for the Japanese youth.

Sam Milby: The Rockoustic Heartthrob is Back

Sat, 27 Apr 2013 16:01:00 +0900

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 Philippine show biz, 2013 indeed stands to be an exciting and hectic year for rockoustic heartthrob Sam Milby. With multiple projects on his hands, he is as busy now as he was when he first came out of the Pinoy Big Brother house.

Sam is currently headlining ABS-CBN’s top rating romantic comedy primetime soap “Kahit Konting Pagtingin”, also starring Angeline Quinto and Paulo Avelino, where he is tagged “Comedy Romantic Heartthrob”. The camera also started rolling for “Huwag Ka Lang Mawawala” – another primetime soap with Judy Ann Santos and KC Concepcion.

“It’s a dream come true. You will see a totally different Sam in this teleserye that’s why I feel challenged and excited at the same time,” said the rockoustic heartthrob.

Sam finished shooting for “Death March”, his fourth independently produced film slated for release on the big screen this year. The film also brought out another challenging yet refreshing character for him co-starring Zanjoe Marudo, Jason Abalos and many others. In June, Sam will start shooting for a new movie project with former girlfriend and love team partner Anne Curtis under Star Cinema.

Despite his busy schedule, Sam still managed to record the theme song of Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla’s launching movie “Must Be Love”. He was Star Cinema’s first choice to sing the theme. He also sang the summer station ID theme song of his home network.

Last year, “Hindi Kita Iiwan” his first single from the latest album “Be Mine” under Star Records, won Best Ballad in the 26th Awit Awards. It was one of Sam’s greatest dreams, to have an Awit Award trophy. His music will soon be heard overseas, as he prepares to release another solo album under Star Records to be marketed in other Asian countries.

Sam’s solid fan following consists of various groups that stretch from the Philippines to countries around the globe making him one of the most followed Filipino male celebrities on Twitter (2.2 million followers as of January 2013).

The Philippines’ one and only “Rockoustic Heartthrob” remains to be one of the most versatile and most admired male personalities in the entertainment circle.

Sam Milby in Japan

Sam has a huge fan following in Japan. Being a kapamilya and former KDDI endorser, he has held numerous concerts across the country together with Piolo Pascual, John Lloyd Cruz, Jericho Rosales, Bea Alonzo, Pokwang and other ABS-CBN stars.

“Nagpapasalamat ako sa lahat ng suporta na binibigay ng mga Pinoy hindi lang sa Pilipinas kundi pati sa mga nasa ibang bansa lalo na sa Japan. Isa sa mga favorite countries ko ang Japan and whenever I go there sobrang warm ninyo hindi lang pag may shows ako. When I go around sobrang friendly ninyong lahat. Thank you sa lahat ng TFC subscribers na sumuporta sa “Kahit Konting Pagtingin”. Sana abangan nyo rin ang “Huwag Ka Lang Mawawala”, soap namin ni Ms. Judy Ann Santos na sobra akong excited. Dream come true for me. Sana makadalaw ako ulit dyan. See you soon again, mga kapamilya! God bless!” Sam enthused.

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/officialsammilby

Twitter: https://twitter.com/samuelmilby

Instagram: samuelmilby

(Published in FilJap Magazine May-June 2013, Japan)

(Photos courtesy of Star Records and Folded & Hung)

FilJap Magazine May-June 2013 Issue OUT Now!

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 17:19:00 +0900

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

Rex Angeles: In Love With His Craft

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 14:31:00 +0900

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 bug?

Rex: From about 7 or 8, I happily participated at church and school plays.

FilJap: How did your career in Japan start?

Rex: Back in 1990 while waiting for a cab in Roppongi one evening after work, a limousine swooped by and was told by a talent agent they were looking for an Asian to fill a TV series role. The same person remains my handler to this day.

FilJap: What do you think is your best asset as an actor?

Rex: Japanese directors always tell me that I have the best smile, so I guess that’s one of my assets, on top of being able to fill the assigned role realistically in Japanese language.

FilJap: Who are your biggest acting influences?

Rex: Charlie Chaplin and Robert Taylor in the early years. Dustin Hoffman and Johnny Depp in this generation.

FilJap: Of all the projects you’ve done, which one is your favorite? Why?

Rex: My first film, “Nammin Roudo”, because of its inspiring story about the lives of Vietnamese refugees in Japan. For TV series, I like “Coach”. I have worked with a fantastic cast, all top-rated in Japan. It also provided me a tremendous exposure on TV that people would stop and stare at me on trains or public elevators.

FilJap: Are you working on any projects?

Rex: I just finished shooting a promo video for Toyota for their South East Asian market. I’m also guest-appearing in a new science fiction film, “SPEC”, which will be released sometime in mid-fall.

FilJap: How does it feel to be working with Japanese actors and directors?

Rex: It’s always a mixture of fun and pressure being with big time Japanese actors. They are generally easy to work with and without a “star complex”. Most directors I’ve worked with have always been very generous with advice that helped improve my acting ability.

FilJap: Would you consider trying Philippine show business? Mainstream or indie films?

Rex: Why not? No questions about a mainstream project, and indie films would definitely be as exciting.

FilJap: Aside from acting, you also have a singing career. Tell us more about your singing plans.

Rex: I’ve canceled a planned spring concert this year due to conflicting work schedule and that horrible pollen allergy that affects millions in Japan. Targeting a November special show instead. I’m also working on a recording project covering pieces of popular hits.

FilJap: What is the hardest part of being an actor/model/singer in a foreign country?

Rex: There is limited offer for ideal and challenging roles, and foreigners are not always present in local films and in every production. For modeling, competition is tough as Caucasians dominate the scene most of the time. I think I have to have a Japanese song that can conquer the hearts of the Japanese plus an incredible promotional back-up in order to make it really big here as a singer.

FilJap: What makes you busy aside from your acting, singing and modeling careers?

Rex: The English pre-school that I co-founded and operate since 2004. Giving time for myself to relax, catching up with old time friends and traveling.

FilJap: What are the things that you still want to achieve life-wise and career-wise?

Rex: First and foremost, maintain a clean bill of health to be able to fulfill more difficult roles that would exceed my personal expectations and the expectation of people I work with. I want to be able to continue my participation at charitable initiatives when called for.

FilJap: What advice would you give to someone who wanted to do what you do?

Rex: This job is not just about dressing up and looking good. It requires hard work, responsibility and dedication. Believe in your talent. Be confident. If you want to be a step ahead in this country, learning the language and its work ethics is a must. Dream big and achieve big, but don’t forget to always keep your feet on the ground.

FilJap: What is your message to your Filipino fans in Japan?

Rex: My never-ending gratitude for your undying support. Without you, I won’t be where I am now. Maraming salamat po sa inyong lahat and may God bless you always. Oh, and don’t forget to grab every issue of FilJap magazine. See you around!

http://www.rexangeles.com/

(Published in FilJap Magazine May-June 2013, Japan)

Chillin’ at Chili’s

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 12:51:00 +0900

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 combination of American, Texan and Mexican cuisines.

Iced Tea, Lemonade, Fountain Drinks (Php 105/glass)

Bacon Burger (Php 385)

Beef Salpicao with Sauteed Mushrooms (Php 770)

New Orleans Jambalaya with Sauteed Mushrooms (Php 650)

Herb Salmon (Php 645)

Grilled Chicken Platter (Php 285)

A good place to bring family and friends!

Verdict:

- Wide selection of appetizing food, a bit pricey

http://www.chilisphilippines.com

'The Voice of the Philippines' begins this June

Fri, 12 Apr 2013 18:58:00 +0900

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 multimedia star Toni Gonzaga with Robi Domingo as social media correspondent, proved to be a unique format with its “blind auditions,” where hopefuls will audition by singing on stage with the coaches facing against them.

It will not only have the artists competing in the show, but also the coaches who will go against one another in picking the best artists for their teams as early as the auditions round.

ABS-CBN has announced that Popstar Royalty Sarah Geronimo, Rock Superstar Bamboo, Broadway Diva Lea Salonga, and international hiphop sensation Apl De Ap will sit on the coaches’ chairs of “The Voice of the Philippines.”

The coaches’ first task is to pick who among artists they want to be part of their respective teams. The selection process begins during the blind auditions where they will evaluate the artists’ performances based on the voices they hear and if they would like to mentor a particular artist, they must press the button that will trigger their swiveling coaches’ chair to turn to the stage and get to see the artist in person.

In the event that more than two or more coaches chose a particular artist, the coaches will have to sell themselves to the artist and convince him or her to pick them as coach.

After choosing members of their teams, the coaches will start to mentor and train their artists. They will pit two of their own team members in the second round called the “battle rounds,” or a do or die match between the two artists who must give it their all to please their coach. And in the end, the coaches’ chosen artists will advance to the next round of the competition— the live performance shows.

Viewers will then step in the scene and can save their favorites from elimination by voting. In the end, each coach will have one star artist left to compete against the other team’s finalists and the last one standing will be named “The Voice of the Philippines.”

ABS-CBN bagged the exclusive rights to air and adapt the worldwide hit franchise from Dutch-based Talpa Media Group and joins 40 other countries around the world that localized it on TV, including the more popular US version of “The Voice” hosted by Carson Daly with Christina Aguilera, Adam Levine, Cee Lo Green, and Blake Shelton as coaches.

Who will be part of Team Sarah, Team Bamboo, Team Lea, and Team Apl? Watch out for “The Voice of the Philippines” airing this June on ABS-CBN. For updates, log on to www.thevoice.abs-cbn.com, like our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/thevoiceabscbn, or follow @thevoiceabscbn on Twitter.

(Press release: ABS-CBN)

Sneak Peak: ABS-CBN's 2013 Summer Station ID

Sat, 06 Apr 2013 21:37:00 +0900

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 year’s summer station ID is the story of every Pinoy’s summer and will awaken old memories of summers gone by, rekindle long forgotten emotions as well as make new happy memories that will last a lifetime. 

Go back in time with Piolo Pascual and Bea Alonzo in full 50s garb, accompanied by the ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra led by Maestro Gerard Salonga.

Enchong Dee and Maja Salvador then travel to the 60s and have big dancing shoes to fill as they portray the very iconic tandem in “The Nida and Nestor Show”.

Meanwhile, Angeline Quinto, Sam Milby, and Paulo Avelino pay tribute to 70s “D’ Sensations”where viewers felt the “kilig” via the love teams of Vilma-Bot and Nora-Pip.

Pokwang, on the other hand, dons the iconic 80s tangga ala Alma Moreno in “LoveliNess”, while former real-life partners Rayver Cruz and Cristine Reyes team up as the iconic 80s duo of “Tonight with Dick and Carmi”.

The sexy chicks of “It’s Showtime,” Anne Curtis, Karylle and Coleen Garcia sunbathe ala “Chika Chika Chicks”. They are joined by naughty onlookers Jhong Hilario, Jugs, Teddy and Kim Atienza.

John Lloyd Cruz re-enters the 90s era and revisits his “Tabing Ilog” days with a new woman by his side.

Goin’ Bulilit may be today’s favourite kiddie gag show, but back in the 90s, there was “Ang TV”. Angelica Panganiban then joins the “Goin’ Bulilit”kids as they recreate the iconic “Esmyuskee” skit.

The year 2000 also etched wonderful Pinoy memories. Catch today’s hottest love team, Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla as they recreate the phenomenal hit 2000 teleserye “Pangako Sa’yo”.

Some of today’s sexiest stars – Diether Ocampo, Jericho Rosales, Jake Cuenca, Matteo Guidicelli, Jason Abalos and Angel Locsin – make a splash in their lifeguard uniforms, a throwback of the popular show “Baywatch”that will relive the time when ABS-CBN was still airing US syndicated programs.

The Asianovela that started it all, “Meteor Garden”, also comes back to life as Kim Chiu and Xian Lim fill in the roles of San Chai and Dao Ming Su, while one of the most successful telenovelas of all time, “Maria Mercedes”, gets a 2013 remake as Jessy Mendiola takes on the role first made famous by Mexican star Thalia.

ABS-CBN’s impact on Pinoy pop culture is not only limited to television shows but covers music, too. Groove to old dance hits – “Otso Otso”, “Katawan” (the theme from “Palibhasa Lalake”) and “Pinoy Ako”.

For the first time, ABS-CBN’s annual station ID breaks away from the usual music video mold as it highlights popular catchphrases such as “Hoy, Gising!”, “Handa na ba Kayo?” and “I-Dawn Zulueta Mo Ako.”

The “Kwento ng Summer Natin” theme song is performed by Sam Milby and Angeline Quinto with lyrics by Lloyd Corpuz, Mike Sales, Tess Perez-Mendoza and music by Marcus and Amber Davis.

The 2012 Summer Station ID was created by ABS-CBN Creative Communications Management.

(Press release: ABS-CBN)

Your Favorite NY Style Buffalo Wings at Sunrise Buckets

Sun, 31 Mar 2013 19:43:00 +0900

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 beach-themed decor and mouthwatering buffalo wings made up for the lacking ambience.

Sunrise Iced Tea (Php 55)

Coke (Php 45)

Honey Mustard (Php 395). A sweet blend of honey combined with American mustard

Sunrise Original (Php 395). Authentic NY style buffalo wings, sweet & spicy and a li’l bit tangy

Souvenir items

Verdict:

- Must-try!

http://www.sunrisebuckets.com/

Charito: A True Artist

Sun, 24 Mar 2013 21:27:00 +0900

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 chanteuse? Why?

Charito: A song stylist, creating the mood in the moment.

FilJap: You have a new CD coming out entitled “Affair to Remember”. Please tell us something about this album.

Charito: It’s a collection of timeless love ballads, my first.

FilJap: Will there be any promotional tours in Japan and in the Philippines?

Charito: I started promoting this album after its release last December 12, 2012 around Japan with a CD launch live series through February. I’m presently in Manila doing promotional shows (as of this writing).

FilJap: How did you become musically inclined?

Charito: I have always been the singer since childhood; singing was second nature.

FilJap: Who are your musical influences?

Charito: It evolved through the years from Stevie Wonder, Motown singers to Joao & Astrud Gilberto, then in later years Sarah Vaughan, Nancy Wilson, among others.

FilJap: Why did you choose to pursue jazz over other forms of music?

Charito: Freedom of expression and limitless creativity

FilJap: Who is your favorite jazz singer?

Charito: Not one but many, Stevie Wonder is a big favorite.

FilJap: What inspired you to make Japan home?

Charito: It’s highly sophisticated music culture.

FilJap: Specifically, how does the jazz scene in Japan compare to that of the Philippines and other countries?

Charito: Japan ranks top, if not equal next to New York in the world with many jazz artists that has a serious following.

FilJap: Where do you get inspiration in interpreting a non-jazz piece as a jazz piece?

Charito: My love to recreate and make a piece my own.

FilJap: How does it feel to be performing with other jazz giants?

Charito: I feel awesomely blessed.

FilJap: Apart from music, what are your other interests?

Charito: Educating and helping other singers achieve their goal to polish their craft; charity work to help inspire other people through music.

FilJap: What made you decide to form the “Because We Care Group”?

Charito: As my way of sharing the gift of music with other volunteers like myself to help unfortunate, under privileged children; and to help raise social consciousness and form connections through music.

FilJap: You have performed in so many venues around the world, is there anything else that you want to do career-wise?

Charito: More than just for my own career, I want to open up doors for many lesser-known brilliant Filipino musicians. I produced the first Tokyo-Manila Jazz & Arts Festival last May 2012. I want to make these two cities as platform for world-class jazz. Put the Philippine mark on jazz and at the same time help create the future stars of jazz.

FilJap: What do you miss most about the Philippines?

Charito: Family gatherings, food and senseless crazy jokes, happy people

FilJap: We have a lot of talented Filipino singers; can you share with them your formula for success?

Charito: Work hard to better your craft. Preparation, commitment and dedication.

FilJap: What is your message to your Filipino fans in Japan?

Charito: Thank you for your continued support. I hope you can check out more of our local jazz scene happenings. Your support keeps us growing to become better musicians.

www.charito.com

http://issuu.com/filjapmag/docs/filjap__7

(Published in FilJap Magazine March-April 2013, Japan)