pY2CP-Suki 2015 Nov

ISSN 0118-7910
VOLUME XIX ISSUE 2
NOVEMBER 2015
T H E O F F I C I A L N E W S L E TT E R O F T H E J A PA N F O U N DAT I O N , M A N I L A
IN THIS ISSUE:
WWW.JFMO.ORG.PH
Cover Story:
A-Y-J-O, Let’s Go!
AYJO Comes to Manila
for the ASEAN Tour 2015!
Feature:
HANDs! Project for Disaster Education
+ Creativity
Activity Report:
9th International Silent Film Festival
Philippine-Japan Friendship Month
JFM Grants
Messages from Outgoing
and Incoming Directors
As
! NILA 15!
O
G
A R 20
’S
T
M
E
L S TO TOU
,
O
­
J OME EAN
Y
­
A OC
AS
R
J
I
AY THE
FOR
outh
ian Y
Ja zz
O rc h
e s t ra
15
7, 20
23-2­
r
e
ines
emb
S e pt , P h i l i p p
a
l
i
Man
When America introduced jazz music
to the world, Asia was perhaps its most
welcoming foreign land. The Philippines
itself has enjoyed this soulful and lively music
since the time the country was an American
colony. Today, jazz in Asia is more than
the original form it had. The versatility
of jazz music has contributed to the
formation of a kind where Western
and traditional Asian styles are
infused together. Improvisation
and individuality without
compromising harmony and
fluidity is what makes Asian jazz
so captivating to hear.
Indeed, with such kind of passion for jazz, the
Japan Foundation Asia Center initiated the
establishment of the AYJO.
Earlier in February of this year, the pioneer
members of AYJO performed around
Southeast Asia and held corresponding
auditions, whose successful applicants would
form the first full-­member orchestra. After
such successful auditions, 28 young musicians
were united in the vision of creating a new
jazz synergy in Asia.
“I want to give the young
people the spotlight in jazz
music,” says producer Mr.
Ryonosuke Hommura on why he
proposed the Asian Youth Jazz Orchestra
(AYJO). “We’ve always had professional
musicians at the stage. But the future of
music is with our youth.”
The AYJO is directed and conducted by
trombone player and jazz lecturer, Mr.
Osamu Matsumoto, and pianist, Ms. Mayuko
Katakura. Five of the AYJO young musicians
were students from the University of the
Philippines and the University of Santo
Tomas, whose music programs are known
to produce great talents in the country:
Jacques Dufourt, Patrick James Aguilar,
Melvin Perido, Peter Joseph Ocampo and
Rafael Rubio.
In many Asian countries, particularly in
Japan, many colleges and universities
offer music programs that train
their students with the best quality
education, nourishing the growth of
promising musicians who are able
to take on the international stage.
Japan perhaps has exemplified this kind of
love affair with jazz music among its neighbours.
Through a 10-­d ay intensive training and
rehearsals in Tokyo in mid-August, the AYJO
made their way to their first concert tour in
the ASEAN. Beginning in Indonesia (Jakarta
and Yogyakarta), the orchestra travelled to
the Philippines (Manila), Singapore, Thailand
(Bangkok), and Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur).
Early next year, the AYJO will be travelling
Japan for another concert tour.
COVER STORY: A­-Y-­J -­O , Let’s Go! AYJO Comes to Manila for their ASEAN Tour 2015!
MABUHAY MANILA!
There is a sense of raw urbanity with a mix of
cosmopolitanism in this city, that at the end
of the concert, the AYJO members actually
said they felt at home in this abode. Arriving
on September 23, the AYJO was met with a
typical Manila salute: heavy traffic and a rain
shower. But that was it, that was what marked
a journey that despite cramped in schedule,
would be fun and exciting.
GIVE ME SOME SPOTLIGHT,
MR. JAZZ MAN
The AYJO kicked-­off their stay in Manila
with a press conference at the Richmonde
Hotel on September 24. Giving his welcome
remarks was Director Hiroaki Uesugi, the
new head of the Japan Foundation, Manila.
Producer Hommura and Music Director
Matsumoto were also present and gave a
brief background about the development
of AYJO from formation to realization.
Selected members of the orchestra were also
at the Press Conference including Takumi
Nakayama (Concert Master and on Alto
Sax), Yuri Kishimoto (Alto Sax), Prapanpong
Maneewong (Clarinet), and the Filipino
members who gladly shared their gratitude
and aspirations for the AYJO experience.
IT’S TIME FOR SOME SOLO
In the afternoon after the Press Conference,
the AYJO went to the University of the
Philippines in Diliman, Quezon City for an
exchange program. Together with the UP
College of Music, young musicians from all
over Manila were invited to join a three-­hour
program on jazz music.
The program aims to share knowledge with
such musicians through a lecture on solo
improvisation mentored by Mr. Matsumoto
himself. It also promoted collaboration and
networking among the participants through
a jam session.
BEAT THOSE DRUMS
AND LET THOSE
TROMBONES ROAR!
Let the clarinets scream and let the
saxophones tease. Ears were definitely
mesmerized with a new jazz synergy, created
by the only youth jazz orchestra in Asia. After a
day of rehearsals, the concert has finally come.
Meralco Theater was abuzz on the night of
26 September as jazz enthusiasts gathered
to catch AYJO’s one-­night-­only concert in
Manila. It was indeed a night of extraordinary
music, lightened by the very playful
interactions among the musicians themselves
while performing! You would think the
percussions were indeed in a battle against
each other. Intervals were not a bore either
— it was perhaps the most that enlivened the
audience with laughter and amusement.
Each song played was a showcase of talent
par excellence. Truly, these young musicians
have world­c lass skills up their sleeves. The
encore was an invocation of gratitude
towards tradition as the AYJO performed
folk songs from all over the region. Bahay
Kubo, the well­- known children’s song about
the simple nipa hut with vegetables around
it from the Philippines was played so well
that the audience received it with awe and a
round of grateful applause.
The AYJO left Manila for Singapore the next
day. And the rest was another chapter of a
journey that will continue forward to the
future! Cyril Constantino
02
As a musician, I am very
lucky to be part of this
newly established
group, AYJO. During
the camp, I learned
, so many things
uilar
g
about jazz music
A
es
J a m i n et
k
c
and also improved
i
P at r C l a r
my sense of musicianship.
It was a wonderful experience to
meet musicians from different countries
around Southeast Asia and share knowledge
and experience with them. For the ASEAN
Tour, we went to so many amazing places
in Southeast Asia like ancient Borobudur
and Prambanan, places where I was able to
think a lot as a person. While on tour, I also
had a great time getting to know all the
members of the orchestra. Everyone is jolly,
very talented and very humble. I am really
hoping that AYJO can be a yearly project
so we can continue to improve and inspire
more young musicians. I learned a lot of
things, not just about music but so many
things in life. I go back to my country with
an extremely different perspective – much
more hungry for knowledge in jazz music
and with greater inspiration to study but still
keeping my feet on the ground.
Mecha sugoi ne! I had the best learning experience
from being part of this group since the camp up to the
tour. I learned the true art of discipline and overcoming
limits. I gained a lot of new knowledge and wisdom that
goes with it. Although the pieces were challenging and
difficult, we managed to pull through with determination
rt,
u fo u
and with the help of our mentors, especially Matsumoto
D
s
ue
on
J a c q e rc u s s i
san and Katakura san. Since the start of the training camp, we
P
established the difference of playing music and making music.
As a result, we created music that made people understand why we love
what we do. Meeting new people and making new friends are always fun
and exciting for me. To be able to share the stage with these amazing young
musicians was probably the most amazing part of this tour. The on- and offstage moments will always be with us until we part ways and maybe until we
meet again. I hope to be able to make music again with them. Thank you, AYJO.
Thank you, JFM. Arigatou gozaimasu!
I learned and had a lot of experiences from AYJO. I
learned new techniques in jazz and the whole project
was very fun and enjoyable. I learned how to be with
other people from different nationalities and slowly
became more familiar with their cultures. On tour, I
learned to become more responsible and independent.
po,
I learned how to appreciate small things through my new
cam
O
r
friends. Indeed, the whole tour was a great experience. The
Pete C l a r i n et
places, the cultures, and the people. Oh, and especially the food!
I got lost in Japan and in Singapore, I had a culture shock with the differences
in fastfood chains, but every part of the tour was exciting and memorable. I
hope that we all would stay close and keep in touch with each other, since we
already grew very fond of everyone.
First of all, I am very lucky to be in this
group. I was very nervous going to the
rehearsal camp, especially on the first
day since we would have to introduce
ourselves to everyone. But the camp
turned out very productive and
t
e
p
Tr u m
our
teachers were really good. We all
,
o
i
b
e l Ru
bonded so well that we became close like a family.
R af a
Music making became so much easier because of this good
relationship we have with each other. We helped each other
if the piece was too difficult and no one was left behind. We
pushed ourselves to our limits in order to become excellent
and disciplined musicians. I learned a lot from everyone,
sharing all we know about playing jazz and the styles. They all
became my inspiration to be a better musician. For a classical
player like me that just started with jazz, it was very helpful that
I joined this group. Now, I can use the techniques and styles I
learned with AYJO in both genres. I hope AYJO will continue
because it can make more people appreciate jazz and it can
bring unity among them.
At the rehearsal camp in Tokyo,
I was expecting the members to
be as shy as I was but from the first
day we all became good friends. I
was surprised when I saw the rehearsal
schedules because it was very different in
o,
the Philippines. We would have sectionals
Pe r i de
n
i
v
l
n
Me ombo
and lessons from 9am to 12pm and resume
Tr
rehearsals from 1pm to 7pm. I can’t forget all
our hardwork in this camp. It seemed tiring but I learned a lot
of styles, accents, and ensemble playing. The members played
their respective instruments really well and I want to learn as
much from them. We were all very excited for our very first
concert in Jakarta, Indonesia. Being a musician and member
of AYJO, it was a really great feeling to be part of this tour
because it was my first time performing in an international
level with international jazz players. All our rehearsals and the
whole concert tour helped me a lot as a musician to grow in
this kind of genre. For all that, I am thankful and I congratulate
everyone who was part of this project.
JFM ACTIVITY REPORT
JFM ACTIVITY REPORT
9 th International Silent Film Festival
9X9: NINE YEARS OF INTERNATIONAL
SILENT FILM FESTIVAL WITH NINE COUNTRIES!
August 27-­30, 2015
Shang Cineplex, Shangri-La Plaza, Mandaluyong
The screening was accompanied by Hidden Nikki, Manila’s indie­
jazz-­pop quartet that originally creates an extraordinary infusion
of timeless jazz music and catchy indie-­pop music.
The days of the screenings undoubtedly proved how the festival’s
enthusiasts are eager to attend this year’s line-­up. Despite heavy
traffic and the occasional rain showers, the festival has a full­house
audience on a daily basis. During the Japanese screening, Shuji
Takatori, who was the director of JFM at the time, gave his warm
thanks to the festival’s audience while introducing the new
director, Hiroaki Uesugi, who was, in turn, heartily welcomed by
the audience that night.
In 2006, Manila was introduced to a new kind of film festival.
Through the initiative of three international cultural institutions,
namely Goethe-Institut Philippinen, Instituto Cervantes de Manila
and the Japan Foundation, Manila, the International Silent Film
Festival in Manila was established. Transporting its audiences,
young and old, to the cinematic past of moving pictures that is
the era of silent films, the festival features local and international
musicians that collaborate to accompany with live performances
one film and another.
Dubbed as the only one of its kind in Asia, the festival celebrated
its 9th year in 2015. Indeed, it has become a tradition for all of its
enthusiasts. It continues to bring audiences the excitement of
black and white silent films that evoke laughter, romance, tragedy,
horror and surprise amplified by original musical compositions.
Timely it was that in the 9th year, the festival hosted nine
countries. Joining for the first time this year were Austria and
Thailand through the initiative of their respective embassies
in Manila. Austria officially opened the festival on the evening
of August 27.
This year, JFM brought four short silent comedy films that truly
reflected Japanese humour. From renowned Japanese directors
of the Silent Film era, the Japanese screenings featured Kokushi
Muso (A Peerless Patriot) by Director Mansaku Itami (1932), Wasei
Kenka Tomodachi (Fighting Friends — Japanese Style) and Tokkan
Kozo (A Straightforward Boy) by Director Yasujiro Ozu (1929), and
Ishikawa Goemon no Hoji (A Buddhist Mass for Ishikawa Goemon)
by Director Torajiro Saito (1930).
The 9th International Silent Film Festival was co-­organized by
Goethe­-Institut Philippinen, Instituto Cervantes de Manila, the
Japan Foundation, Manila, the Philippine­-Italian Association, the
Embassies of Austria, France, Thailand and the United States of
America, and the Film Development Council of the Philippines.
Held in its home, Shang Cineplex, for nine years and counting, the
festival was made possible in partnership with JEC Philippines, the
National Film Center of the Museum of Modern Art Tokyo and
Shochiku Co., Ltd., the Embassies of Italy and Spain, Filmoteca de
Catalunya, Institut Francais, Shangri-­La Plaza, Shang Cineplex and
EUNIC Philippines.
For more information about the International Silent Film Festival,
check out the official Facebook page at www.facebook.com/
InternationalSilentFilmFestivalManila
04
PHILIPPINE-JAPAN FRIENDSHIP MONTH
BEAUTIFUL HANDICRAFTS
OF TOHOKU, JAPAN
June 16 – July 26, 2015
Ayala Museum
The exquisite handicrafts of Tohoku, the region devastated
by the colossal earthquake and tsunami in March 2011, were
celebrated at the traveling exhibition Beautiful Handicrafts of
Tohoku, Japan which enjoyed a little over a month run at the
Ground Floor Gallery of Ayala Museum. There were finely
woven baskets perfect in their simplicity; wood block prints
by Shiko Munakata; ceramics by Shoji Hamada, and more.
All smiles after formally opening the Beautiful Handicrafts
of Tohoku, Japan last June 15. (From left: Kenneth Esguerra
of the Ayala Museum; Mildren Sabarre of JT International
(Philippines); Tatsuo Kitagawa of the Embassy of Japan and
JICC; and Shuji Takatori of the JFM.)
A one-­d ay event last July 26 concluded the exhibition. In
the morning, Dr. Norma A. Respicio of the University of
the Philippines engaged the audience on the Filipino and
Japanese woven traditions. In the afternoon, Baguio­- based
basket artist Jason Domling held a hands-­o n workshop on
the basics of rattan weaving. After Manila, the exhibition was
slated to run in Korea.
EARTH MANUAL PROJECT IN BAGUIO
June 26 – September 30, 2015
Maryknoll Ecological Sanctuary, Baguio City
The disaster preparedness traveling exhibition Earth Manual
Project traveled up north for its second destination in the
Philippines following its run at the Ayala Museum late last year.
The 11 projects from Japan, the Philippines, Indonesia, and
Thailand were housed at Baguio City’s Maryknoll Ecological
Sanctuary from June 26 to September 30.
The exhibition gathered thousands of visitors, mostly students,
NGO workers, and government officials from Baguio and
nearby provinces.
Along with the exhibition, Alma Quinto, whose work Floating
Wombs: Healing through Arts is included in the featured projects,
conducted workshops for elementary and high school
students last July 18 to raise the young people’s awareness of
disaster risk reduction and resilience.
After Baguio, the Earth Manual Project travels to Museo Iloilo for
its third and final location in the Philippines. KABALAKA Camp,
The 11 DRR projects of the Earth Manual Project in Baguio were
showcased at three spaces of Maryknoll Ecological Sanctuary,
including the Sanctuary Gallery.
a local disaster education program for children developed
by the Community Based Adaptation and Resilience Against
Disasters (CBARAD), will be implemented in the duration of
the exhibition. (See calendar of events)
For more information on the exhibition in Iloilo, visit our
website at www.jfmo.org.ph or check out our Facebook page:
www.facebook.com/jfmanila
JFM ACTIVITY REPORT
EIGA SAI 2015
July 9 – 19, 2015
Shang Cineplex Cinema 2
July 14 – 19, 2015
FDCP Cinematheque, Davao
July 24 – 26, 2015
Abreeza Mall Cinema, Davao
August 12 – 15, 2015
UP Film Institute in Diliman, Quezon City
August 19 – 23, 2015
Ayala Center Cinema 4, Cebu City
Captivating films took center­stage at the
Japan Film Festival Eiga Sai which opened on
July 9 at the Shangri-­La Plaza, Mandaluyong
with simultaneous screenings in other venues
around the country until August 23, 2015.
This year’s theme Tasteful Japan featured
the sumptuous and flavorful culinary world
of Japan as well as the contemporary films
released in 2014.
Adding glamour to Eiga Sai was the visit of
Yuya Ishii, the film director of the opening
film Our Family who is also known for his The
Great Passage which represented Japan in the
Best Foreign Language Film category at the
86th Academy Awards.
Equally exciting films featured this year included, Wood Job! (Wood Job
Kamusari Naa Naa Nichijo), Thermae Romae II (Terumae Romae II), Parasyte
(Kiseijuu), A Tale of Samurai Cooking – A True Love Story (Bushi no kondate),
Princess Jellyfish (Kuragehime), Tada’s Do-­It-­All House: Disconcerto (Mahoroekimae
Kyosokyoku), It’s a Beautiful Life – IRODORI (Jinsei Irodori), PATISSERIE Coin de rue
(Yougashiten Koandoru), Wa-shoku ~Beyond Sushi~ (WA-Shoku Dream) and The
God of Ramen (Ramen Yori Taisetsuna Mono).
The attendance to the Eiga Sai has been growing steadily over the years,
reaching over 20,000 this year.
2015 J­POP ANIME SING & DANCE
CONTEST GRAND FINALS
May’n. Kenichi Go Uang and Lou Angeline Buenaventura won
second and third place respectively.
July 25, 2015
SM Cinema Centerstage, SM Mall of Asia
In the dance category, Fluffy Unicorns came in first with their
entertaining performance to the mix of No Brand Girls, Start
Dash, and Kira Kira Sensation. Receiving the second place was
Seishun Kakumei.
As the Philippines and Japan celebrated their 59 years
of friendship in 2015, the Embassy of Japan, the Japan
Foundation, Manila and the Japan National Tourism
Organization with SM Cinema held the 7th J-­Pop Anime Sing &
Dance Contest Grand Finals on July 25.
After some special awards, Hikari*, who won last year’s J-­Pop
Contest, made an encore performance.
The competition was open to amateur Filipino performers
from all ages that can sing and dance their favorite J­-Pop
anime songs, in Japanese of course! The Grand Winner
received an all-­expense paid trip to Japan.
Doraemon and His Friends made a special appearance in this
year’s contest as the Opening Act, while the No Plan Band,
composed of the Japan Embassy’s diplomats, performed
anime songs. H.E. Kazuhide Ishikawa, Ambassador of Japan to
the Philippines, also delivered a speech to close the show.
Winning first place this year is Maychelle Hernandez who
made an incredible singing performance of Kimi ni Todoke by
Maychelle Hernandez, Grand Winner of the 2015 J­Pop Contest
06
BAGUIO TANABATA FESTIVAL
AND WORLD HERITAGE
IN JAPAN EXHIBITION
August 8 – 29, 2015
Baguio Museum
The Baguio Tanabata Festival successfully
opened this year with the theme Tanoshima
zumba, Kore Ikan! (Why Not Kabuku and Enjoy!)
This year’s festival was patterned after the
famous Sendai Tanabata Festival. A Tanabata
Workshop was held as part of the festival
where bamboos were decorated artistically
by the participants. Afterwards, the decorated
bamboos were exhibited at the Baguio
Museum. The photo exhibition of World
Heritage in Japan by the Japanese photographer
Kazuyoshi Miyoshi was also held at the
museum from August 8 to 29, 2015.
JAPANESE FILM FESTIVAL IN BAGUIO
AND LA TRINIDAD
August 9 – September 18, 2015
FDCP Cinematheque Baguio
Saint Louise University
University of the Philippines – Baguio
Benguet State University
University of Baguio
University of the Cordilleras
The Japanese Film Festival opened on August 8 at the Film Development Council
of the Philippines Cinematheque Baguio with the film, Abong , Small Home,
directed by Koji Imaizumi. The festival featured 17 Japanese contemporary films
such as the animation film, Garden of Words and the documentary, Wa­-shoku
~Beyond Sushi~ (WA-­Shoku Dream). The festival traveled to five universities
in Baguio and La Trinidad from August to September and about ten thousand
people came to watch the films.
KAMI NO MIYA:
INORI / SPIRITUAL JOURNEY­SENGU
September 18 – October 30, 2015 GT­-Toyota Asian Cultural Center
University of the Philippines, Diliman
The JFM­-supported photo exhibition of the artist Yukihito Masuura had its
opening reception on September 18 at the UP Asian Center graced by the
artist together with the priests from the Izumo Oyashiro shrine in Japan who
performed an authentic festival rite. After which, an enriching panel discussion
with the artist and Prof. Jose Alberto C. Tañedo of UP College of Fine Arts
gave the attendees deeper insights on the artist’s photographs of Senzasai
rituals and classical sculptures.
Guests were blessed through an authentic festival rite.
FEATURE: HANDs ! Project for disaster education + creativity
HANDS!
PROJECT FOR DISASTER EDUCATION
+ CREATIVITY
October 5 to 15, 2015
Indonesia and the Philippines
HANDs! (Hope & Dreams) Project is a bi­-annual youth
exchange program for Asian countries to engage and mobilize
young professionals and university students in the field of
disaster risk reduction, recovery, and education. The selected
research fellows will go on four research tours in Asia to learn
from experts in the field, local and international NGOs, and
communities affected by natural disasters.
Foundation Asia Center in 2016. In February – March 2016,
they will visit Thailand and Japan for the final leg of their
research trips.
The JFM has selected 5 exceptional young Filipinos to
participate as this year’s HANDs cohort: Ace Victor Aceron is
a Program Assistant at the Education Policy and Reform Unit
of UNESCO Bangkok; Mary Margaret Chavez is Greenpeace
Southeast Asia’s Strategy and Analysis Assistant; Tristan Nodalo
is a Program Producer with CNN Philippines; Sarah Salazar is
the Sipat Lawin Ensemble’s Company Manager for Internal
Affairs; George Soriano is an Engineer with the Department of
Public Works and Highways.
Ashoka is an international organization that supports social
innovators and entrepreneurs; their Philippine office is located in
co.lab, a coworking space created to spark collaborative fusion
among like-minded individuals resulting in cross pollination
between a range of sectors and industries. Habi Education Lab
and Curiosity Design Research promote a culture of learning,
teaching, and understanding through design thinking, using a
framework of human­-centered design that focuses on empathy,
participatory engagement, and rapid prototyping of ideas.
They join 20 other research fellows from the Japan
Foundation’s Southeast Asian offices and will include
participants from India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal,
Thailand, and Japan. Last October, they toured through
Indonesia and the Philippines to begin their initial research,
which should result in an action plan proposal to the Japan
An intense week of travel and research, the Philippines
program developed with our partners will certainly help the
HANDs research fellows propose innovative action plans that
will be presented at the Japan Foundation headquarters in
Tokyo, Japan in March 2016. Marc Ocampo
The Philippines program, focusing on education and social
entrepreneurship, was fortunate to partner with Ashoka
Philippines, co.lab, Habi Education Lab, and Curiosity
Design Research.
A ce
Victor Aceron
ary
Margaret Chav
S a ra
e
h Salazar
z
M
HANDs! FELLOWS
Trist
an Nodalo
HANDs! PARTNERS
Geo
rge Soriano
08
JFM GRANTS
IMPROVISING
INTERNATIONALLY
July 8 – 12, 2015
PETA Theater, Manila
SUMMER BON
ODORI FESTIVAL
August 7 – 8, 2015
Cebu City
YOKOHAMA
SEPTEMBER SESSIONS
September 15 – 25, 2016
Yokohama and Kyoto, Japan
1ST CULTURAL EXCHANGE
FESTIVAL IN BOHOL
September 26, 2015
Tagbiliran City, Bohol
Promoting theater arts through collaboration, the Silly People’s Improv Theater
and PETA organized the Manila Improv Festival this year with the support
from JFM. As one of the highlights of the festival, the Pirates of Tokyo Bay, an
international comedy group from Japan was invited to have a performance as
well as an improvisation workshop in both Japanese and English.
Bon Odori is a festival held in honor of welcoming the souls of one's ancestors
and to hold a memorial service for their souls too. For two days, the PhilippineJapan Exchange Committee, with the support of JFM, organized various
activities in celebration of Bon Odori. These include dance performances, yukata
and cosplay contests, a karate demonstration, mochi pounding, among others.
More than 18,000 people joined the festival.
"Through the generous support of JFM, Airdance was able to represent the
Philippines in Yokohama at the Dance Dance Dance Festival held at the Yokohama
Red Brick Warehouse. Airdance performed Monologo, a new dance piece that also
premiered at the festival. Traveling to Kyoto, Sam and Mia of Airdance gave an artist
talk at the Kyoto Art Center about their experiences in the Artists-in-Residence in
2012 to the city's government officials. They shared how they have grown as a
choreographer duo since then." Mia Cabalfin, Airdance choreographer
As part of the Philippines Tourism Week, the Bohol Tourism Center organized
the first Cultural Exchange Festival with the support of JFM. The festival featured
screenings of animation films, a paint show with a Japanese artist, traditional
Japanese music performance, and an origami workshop, among others. They
also introduced attractive tourist spots in the Philippines and had several
cultural exchange activities.
THE JAPAN FOUNDATION ACCEPTS GRANT APPLICATIONS
Fiscal Year April 2016 – March 2017
The JFM, in its continuing endeavor to promote international cultural exchange and mutual understanding, is accepting
grant applications in four major categories: 1) Arts and Cultural Exchange; 2) Japanese­L anguage Education Overseas; 3)
Japanese Studies and Intellectual Exchange; and 4) Strengthening Cultural Exchange in Asia. The deadline of application is
December 1, 2015 (Tuesday). The Japan Foundation 2016­2 017 Program Guidelines and accompanying application forms
can be accessed at The Japan Foundation Website – http://www.jpf.go.jp/e/program/list.html
ABOUT THE JAPAN FOUNDATION, MANILA
The Japan Foundation was established in 1972 by special
legislation in the Japanese Diet and became an Independent
Administrative Institution in October 2003. The mission of
the Japan Foundation is to promote international cultural
exchange and mutual understanding between Japan and
other countries.
As the 18 overseas office, the Japan Foundation, Manila was
founded in 1996, active in three focused areas:
1) Arts & Cultural Exchange
2) Japanese Studies and Intellectual Exchange
3) Japanese­Language Education Overseas
th
Address: 23/F Pacific Star Building, Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue
corner Makati Avenue Makati City, 1226 Philippines
Tel: +632.811.6155 to 58
Email: [email protected]
The Japan Foundation, Manila’s Library
The library, established in 2007, is open to researchers/
borrowers from Mondays to Fridays from 10:00 a.m. – 7:00
p.m.; Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.; closed on Sundays,
and on legal and duly declared special holidays of both Japan
and the Philippines.
JFM GRANTS & MESSAGES
FAREWELL MESSAGE
Dear Friends,
Firstly, I want to thank you for your readership and continued support of SUKI and the Japan
Foundation, Manila.
As some of you may know, after five years of exciting and memorable time in the Philippines, I had
to bid farewell to pursue a new assignment at the Japan Foundation Headquarters in Tokyo.
I must say that I have really enjoyed living and working in this beautiful country with a lot of
warm smiles – very fond memories will certainly be my lifetime treasure. I would like to express
my sincere gratitude for the hospitality, friendship, support and cooperation you have extended
during my tour of duty.
Hoping our paths cross again, I wish you and your family good health, happiness, and prosperity.
Mabuhay! Maraming Salamat Po!
Truly yours,
Shuji Takatori
MESSAGE FROM NEW DIRECTOR
Dear SUKI Readers,
I feel greatly honored and pleased to be able to work in the Philippines again! From 2000
to 2005, I had my five-­year tour of duty in the Philippines as Assistant Director of the Japan
Foundation, Manila. When I left Manila in 2005, I had never imagined I would be back here again.
Being privileged to be back in the Philippines after ten years, I was pleasantly surprised to find
that the Philippines has made significant changes and progress. I was likewise pleased to find the
Filipinos same as before – welcoming me with warm hospitality and smiles; living their lives filled
with joy, laughter, and positive energy.
As for the JFM, the field of our activities has expanded with the launch of the Japan Foundation
Asia Center in 2014. Based on the Asia Center’s concept of four Cs: “Communicate, Connect
and Share, Collaborate and Create”, JFM endeavors to continue introducing Japanese culture to
the Philippines, as well as to initiate and support activities that could foster a sense of common
understanding and existence among people of the Philippines, and in the ASEAN region.
By implementing activities in diverse fields from the arts, music, theater, movies, sports to Japanese­
language education and intellectual exchange, together with the team at the JFM, I hope to
contribute to better mutual understanding and friendship between the Philippines and Japan.
In closing, I would like to thank you all for your cooperation and support in our activities,
without which, we cannot fulfil our goals.
I look forward to the pleasure of meeting you. Maraming maraming salamat po.
Hiroaki Uesugi
10
HIGHLIGHT EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES
Earth Manual Project
Disaster has become the new normal, but preparedness is the better trend.
The Earth Manual Project exhibit does exactly that - inspiring its audience to shift
paradigms towards disaster reduction and preparedness.
10/23/2015 — 11/23/2015
Museo IloIlo, IloIlo City
CROSSCUT ASIA #02
The Heat of Philippine Cinema
CROSSCUT ASIA is back in its second installment. This year features the
Philippines with director Brillante Ma. Mendoza, who won the Best Director
Award at the 62nd Cannes Film Festival with Kinatay.
10/22/2015 — 10/30/2015
Roppongi Hills, and other venues
in the Tokyo metropolitan area
DANCE DANCE ASIA aims to promote exchange and collaboration among
street dance groups in Japan and the ASEAN region. Performing in Tokyo
are selected Japanese street dance groups including s**t kingz and Tokyo
Gegegay, among others. From the ASEAN, the Philippine Allstars (the
Philippines) , THE ZOO (Thailand), and S.I.N.E. (Vietnam) will be joining them
for this mind-blowing performance!
DANCE DANCE ASIA –
CROSSING THE MOVEMENTS
10/28/2015 — 11/1/2015
Setagaya Public Theater, Tokyo
Music is said be a universal language. And that is why two professional Japanese
musicians are coming to the Philippines to join and collaborate with the
Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra, one of the country's leading orchestra and
widely regarded in the region.
ASEAN Orchestra Support
11/27/2015 — 11/2016
Manila
RUN & LEARN:
New Curatorial Constellations
11/28/2015 — 11/30/2015
J-Pop Concert
RUN & LEARN: New Curatorial Constellations is a cultural program aimed at
enhancing expertise in curating contemporary art and related platforms. After
a three-day workshop at the Vargas Museum, two selected young Filipino
curators will join research tours and exhibition/art projects around the region.
Watch for J-Pop artists Diana Garnet, THE BEATMOTORS, and Joe Inoue in
their amazing performances on February 2016! For updates, check out our
website or Facebook page.
02/2016
Manila
facebook.com/jfmanila
@JFmanila
@jfmanila
Website: www.jfmo.org.ph
EDITORIAL STAFF
Uesugi, Hiroaki
editor - in - chief
ISSN 0118-7910
Volume XIX Issue 2
November 2015
The Asian Youth
Jazz Orchestra
© Keith Dador
Koide, Tetsuya
associate editor
Aquino, Cecilia
Constantino, Cyril
Kurokawa, Ami
Ocampo, Marc J.
Okeda, Mariko
Samson, Roland
Tindugan, Fiona
Valle, Kathleen
staff
Suki is a newsletter published by The Japan Foundation, Manila (JFM) located at
the 23rd Floor, Pacific Star Building, Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue, cor. Makati Avenue,
Makati City 1226, with telephone numbers (632) 811-6155 to 58, fax number
(632) 811-6153; and email address at [email protected].
Suki is published three times a year and is duly registered as printed matter mail
at the Makati Central Post Office under Permit No. 1074-97 NCR dated June 16,
1997. It is distributed free of charge to individuals and organizations interested in
Japanese Studies and International Culture Exchange.
The opinions expressed in the feature articles are of the authors and not
necessarily of the organization. Reproduction in whole or part of Suki articles is
prohibited without permission from the author and The Japan Foundation, Manila.