Celebrate Philippines-Japan Friendship Month this July!

MANILA (June 26) - The Embassy of Japan in the Philippines and the Japan Foundation, Manila in cooperation with various partner organizations are co-presenting exciting cultural events to celebrate The Philippines-Japan Friendship Month!

The Japanese Film Festival EIGASAI
July 4 to August 26

EIGASAI’s 21st edition runs with fifteen full-feature films of diverse genres selected for more than 100 screenings across five major cities nationwide. This year’s film festival is set to be unique as it collaborates with other Japan Foundation projects, and bringing three special guests from Japan. Visit the official EIGASAI Facebook page (@eigasaiPH) for the film lineup and screening and talk schedules.

Silent Film Screening, with Filipino Benshi and Musical Accompaniment

July 27 | Ateneo de Naga University, Naga City

For the first time in history, the Japan Foundation, Manila in partnership with Ateneo de Naga University present the first-ever performance by Filipino benshi (silent film narrator) accompanying Yasujiro Ozu’s silent film comedy: A Straightforward Boy. The Filipino benshi’s captivating live interpretation of the Japanese silent film will be backed also by a Filipino band from Naga composing original music for the film.

Literature Talks by Yoko Tawada
July 9 | 2:30 PM - 4:30 PM | 20th Floor Multi-purpose Room, De La Salle University (Taft Avenue)
Award-winning Japanese writer Yoko Tawada who writes in both Japanese and German, and has published several novels, poems, plays, and essays, such as "The Bridegroom Was a Dog" and "The Naked Eye." She has received numerous awards including the Akutagawa Prize, Kleist Prize, the Tanizaki Prize, and the Goethe Medal.

Admission is free. Priority is given who registered online (http://bit.ly/2JtDaj1).  As long as seating is available, we welcome walk-in.

The Spirit of Budo: The History of Japan's Martial Arts Exhibition
July to September (exact duration to be announced) | The National Museum of Fine Arts, Manila

This traveling exhibition presents originals and reproductions of historical weapons such as arrows, suits of armor, etc. as well as through materials and photo panels of popular sports and physical exercise such as Kendô, Judô and Sumô.

Travel Madness Expo 2018: "Visit Japan" Booth

July 5 to 8 | SMX Convention Center, Pasay City
The Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) will exhibit the "Visit Japan” Booth to introduce many attractions and travel deals to Japan. Participants can experience Japanese cultural activities, such as Origami (paper folding) and Shodo (calligraphy) at the Booth. General Admission is Php70.00.  For senior, PWD, and students, it is Php50.00.

Baguio Tanabata Festival 2018
July 7 to September 16 | Baguio

The Japanese Association in Northern Luzon (JANL) and Filipino-Japanese Foundation of Northern Luzon (Abong) will organize a series of events in Baguio, such as the Philippines-Japan Friendship Day ceremony and Cultural show, Japanese film screenings, Kumamoto tourism poster exhibition, Tanabata (Japanese star festival) decoration workshop, and shamisen (traditional Japanese musical instrument) performance.  Admission is free.

Please note that event dates and details are subject to change. Visit the Japan Foundation, Manila Facebook page (@jfmanila) and http://www.jfmo.org.ph for updates.

300 Filipino kids learn from Real Madrid Foundation coaches at 2018 YKK Asia Group Kids Football Clinic

June 25, 2018. The two-day YKK Asia Group Kids Football Clinic came to a close last Sunday with 300 underprivileged kids getting the rare opportunity to learn football the Real Madrid way at the McKinley Hill Stadium in Taguig City.

Two kids from previously war-torn Marawi City were among those who experienced the world-class football training from coaches of the mostmulti-titled La Liga team in history with 33 Championship titles to its name. Children from Gawad Kalinga communities were first to undergo the clinics on Saturday, followed by children from lakeshore communities in Batangas on Sunday morning. Homeless children who live and sleep on streets and places like Luneta and the Caloocan Monumento who were cared for by Child Hope Asia Philippines had their own exhilarating football experience in the afternoon.

Mohammed Faried Anganto and Alintor Bangote were brought by their coach, Espiridion Paran under the auspices of Gawad Kalinga. “Football was one way for the kids to cope and transcend the experience of the past,” said their coach. “It was special for them to experience the YKK Football Clinic conducted by Real Madrid coaches because they learned new skills and trained with professional football gear. They’re used to playing with makeshift equipment, using tennis balls and playing barefoot,” he added.

Agustin Villarama, AVP for Marketing, YKK Philippines was elated about the outcome of the clinics, the second time that YKK Asia Holdings PTE LTD and YKK Philippines have brought the Real Madrid Foundation coaches to the Philippines to teach football to underprivileged kids.     

"After two days of clinics, we are happy to see that the kids are happy. We can see that these camps will produce positive effects for them in the future. Sports is a good tool to give a chance for these less fortunate kids," said Villarama.

       

Real Madrid Foundation coaches Pablo Gomez Revenga, Santiago Sanchez Martin and Hector Vicente were assisted by 30 local coaches who shared and demonstrated world-class training methodologies and training techniques throughout the sessions.

     

The Real Madrid Foundation coaches also promoted values through sports and education, teaching the kids about commitment, responsibility and teamwork, all while having fun. 

"The coaches were very passionate about the country and about the kids that they taught football to. They also enjoyed themselves throughout. That’s how much they love football,” Villarama added.

    

All participants in the kids clinic received a full set of YKK/Real Madrid Foundation football kits, which include football boots, cap and socks. Everyone received a certificate at the end of the session. The Most Valuable Participants in the morning and afternoon sessions received Real Madrid t-shirts and bags.

Marvel fans, suit up for 2018 Philippines Marvel Run at SM MOA Event Grounds

Marvel fans are being called to suit up for the first ever Marvel-themed run in South Asia, the 2018 Philippines Marvel Run. The event is set to take place on July 7, 2018, at the SM Mall of Asia Event Grounds in Pasay City, Metro Manila, Philippines. 

The 2018 Philippines Marvel Run is organized by ColorManila, the number one fun run organizer in the Philippines. ColorManila vice president Justine Cordero stated, “We look forward to having the first Philippines Marvel Run on July 7, and we would like to invite all Marvel fans and ColorManila followers out there to take part in this highly anticipated event.”

“The runners will surely like the kits that we have designed and prepared for them along with the other Marvel items that come with the race packages,” Cordero added. The race kit is available in black, grey, green and blue. 

Priced at 1,500 pesos, the black drifit shirt carries the logos of Thor, The Hulk, Captain America and Spiderman and comes with a finisher’s medal, a race bib and a color packet. It is part of the Deluxe Race Kit package.

Runners who sign up for the Premium Race Kit package and the VIP Race Kit package can choose between the grey, green and blue kits.  “Avengers” fans would love to be seen in these kits with the green one carrying Hulk’s logo, the grey one with Thor’s logo and the blue one with Captain America’s signature logo, his shield.

The Premium Kit package, which is priced at 2,050 pesos, comes with a drifit shirt, a race bib, sunglasses that match the shirt chosen, finisher’s medal, color packet and a Marvel drawstring bag. The drifit shirt comes with three colors to choose from.

Those who join the VIP category, valued at 3,050 pesos, will get a drifit shirt, a race bib, sunglasses that match the shirt chosen, finisher’s medal, color packet, a Marvel drawstring bag, towel and  access to the VIP Lounge. The drifit shirt also comes with three colors to choose from.

Runners also have the option of choosing between three race categories namely 3K, 5K and 10K. Registration is still ongoing.

For more information, visit www.colormanila.com for more details.

YKK brings back Real Madrid coaches to teach football to Filipino kids, coaches

Agustin Villarama, AVP for Marketing, YKK Philippines; Alson Ng, Regional Marketing Manager, YKK Holdings Asia PTE LTD, RFM Coach Pablo Revenga,  Tadashi Koshio, President, YKK Philippines, Inc.; Atty. Edwin B. Gastanes, Gen. Sec. Philippines Football Federation; RFM Coaches Hector Vicente and Santiago Sanchez Martin

Multi-titled Spanish football club Real Madrid together with YKK Holding Asia PTE. Ltd. (YHA) and YKK Philippines, Inc. pays it forward to young Filipino football players as the YKK Asia Group Kids Football Clinic kicked off on June 22 at the McKinley Hill Stadium.

     

Real Madrid Foundation coaches Pablo Gomez Revenga, Santiago Sanchez Martin and Hector Vicente trained 30 local football coaches immediately after the Press Conference held at Shangri-La at the Fort on June 22 to prepare for a two-day clinic for kids aged 8-15 on June 23 and 24. The Real Madrid coaches from the most multi-titled La Liga team in history with 33 Championship titles to its name, shared and demonstrated world-class training methodologies and training techniques to the local coaches, who will in turn assist the Spanish coaches in the Saturday and Sunday kids clinics.

300 underprivileged children from three NGOs – Child Hope Asia, Gawad Kalinga and a community in Batangas -- will learn football over two days of fun and interactive training sessions from the three RMF coaches who will also share footballing tips, techniques and basic fundamentals with the young athletes. The clinics have morning (8:30 a.m.) and afternoon (1:30 p.m.) sessions at the McKinley Hill Stadium. 

The YKK football clinic was first held in the Philippines in 2012, and this second installment once again gives more local kids and coaches an avenue to experience world-class football from the international coaches.

"Our objective is to give the underprivileged the chance to be part of this football clinic. YKK's presence in the Philippines dates back since 1978, and our growth and success during these 40 years owes a great deal to the local society which our customers and employees also form part of. It is a great opportunity and pleasure for us to give back and help create the initial spark of encouragement for children who do not normally experience big name events due to its exclusivity. This time, it’s their turn to experience greatness," said President of YKK Philippines, Inc., Mr Tadashi Koshio.

The clinics draw on YKK’s corporate philosophy of the “Cycle of Goodness”, which states that “No one prospers without rendering benefit to others,” said Mr. Kosuke Miimi, YHA President. “AKFC is an integral program that not only values children, but the community as well. This event gives opportunities to those who normally have lesser chances at sports and brings the community together to celebrate the love of football. We believe that football is a common language that everyone can enjoy regardless of culture, nationality or religion.”

"We hope this clinic will develop more players and inspire other players," said Philippine Football Federation General Secretary Ed Gastanes during yesterday's press conference at the Shangri-La at the Fort in Taguig City. “We are always pleased that the Real Madrid Foundation is bringing their style of play and style of coaching here. We are happy that YKK Asia Group and YKK Philippines have partnered with Real Madrid Foundation for another meaningful and significant clinic," he added.

           

"Watching local coaches and children engage and participate in a sport which knows no language or social barriers is the ultimate reward," added Revenga, who is Real Madrid Foundation's technical management clinics and international technical schools director.

Each participant in the clinic receives a full set of YKK/Real Madrid Foundation football jersey kit which includes football boots, a cap, socks, and a certificate of participation. Other sporting equipment such as footballs, sports bibs and training cones will also be provided by YKK over the three-day event. Furthermore, YKK will donate all footballs and training equipment after the event to the invited NGO.

Award-winning bilingual writer Yoko Tawada to discuss writing in 2 languages in De La Salle University

MANILA (June 22, 2018) - The Japan Foundation, Manila and Goethe-Institut Philippinen in partnership with the Literature Department and the Bienvenido N. Santos Creative Writing Center of De La Salle University will host “Writing in Two Worlds: An Afternoon with Yoko Tawada” on July 9, 2018, 2:30 to 4:30pm, at the 20th Floor Multipurpose Room, Andrew Gonzalez Hall, De La Salle University, 2401 Taft Avenue, Manila.

Yoko Tawada, an award-winning bilingual writer, will talk about her works and share her experiences about writing in both Japanese and German. She will also read excerpts from her novel The Emissary. A Q&A moderated by DLSU literature professor and poet Dinah T. Roma will follow. The organizers hope that this literary event will promote cultural and critical exchange among writers from different parts of the globe.

Profile:

Born in Tokyo in 1960, Yoko Tawada obtained her doctorate in German literature from Zurich University. She has published several novels, poems, plays, and essays such as The Bridegroom Was a Dog, Memoirs of a Polar Bear, and The Naked Eye. She has received numerous awards including the Akutagawa Prize, Kleist Prize, the Tanizaki Prize, and the Goethe Medal. She has been living in Germany since 1982.

How to Register:

Admission is free. Priority is given to those who registered online (http://bit.ly/2JtDaj1). As long as seating is available, walk-in guests are welcome.

For inquiries, please call: (632) 5244611 loc. 541 or 532, or email donna.mina@dlsu.edu.ph.

Please note that event dates and details are subject to change. 

Visit the Japan Foundation, Manila Facebook page (@jfmanila), http://www.jfmo.org.ph or Goethe-Institut Philippinen on http://www.goethe.de/philippinen for updates.

Filipino-Australian MMA fighter Ray Quintana to make URCC debut, to face ex-UFC fighter Will Chope at ‘URCC 35’

Ray Quintana, Mark Striegl, Jerry Legaspi

Hailing from Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, Filipino-Australian mixed martial artist Ray “Razor” Quintana, 22, is making his debut in the Universal Reality Combat Championship (URCC) in August 2018. He will face veteran fighter Will “The Kill” Chope, 27, of Sacramento, California at “URCC 35” in Manila, Philippines.

“He’s a great fighter and has reached the ultimate goal with his career,” Quintana said of Chope. “He’s fought in the UFC and has fought the current champ Max Holloway. He’s a veteran.”

“But as far as I’m concerned, he is on his way out, I’m on my way in,” Quintana continued. “That in itself is going to play a big factor with this fight and separate the two of us.”

“URCC 35” marks the first time Quintana is fighting in the Philippines. Representing Australian Top Team and Fist Gym, he currently holds a professional MMA record of 4 wins and 1 loss.

None of Quintana’s first five bouts, which all took place in Australia, saw the second round except the only match that he did not win. His previous opponents Luke Pung, Kosta “Madman” Masmanidis, Steven Maxwell, Sam Hibberd and Danny Hopper are all Australian.

When Quintana made his professional MMA debut on August 6, 2016 at “Storm Damage 9,” he submitted Pung via rear-naked choke in the first round. Quintana returned to the cage on October 30, 2016 at “Diamond Fighting Championship 1” where he knocked out Masmanidis in the first round.

On December 3, 2016, Quintana earned yet another first-round knockout victory, defeating Maxwell at “Urban Fight Night 9: Fight of the Nations.” It was on March 31, 2017 when Quintana had his first MMA loss as he was defeated by Hibberd via unanimous decision at “Hex Fight Series 8.”

On November 3, 2017, Quintana redeemed himself by submitting Hopper via rear-naked choke in the first round at “Urban Fight Night 13.” It was Quintana’s most recent bout.

While Quintana is making his URCC debut at “URCC 35,” Chope is competing in the promotion for the 11th time. Representing Juggernaut Fight Club, the American contender currently has 9 wins and 1 loss in the URCC, 34 wins and 14 losses overall.

Chope had his only loss in the URCC in his most recent bout in the promotion, which took place at “URCC 29: Conquest” on January 7, 2017. He was submitted by Fabricio “Guerreiro” de Assis Costa da Silva, 27, of Brazil via armbar.

“URCC 35” will be headlined by reigning URCC Featherweight Champion “Undead” Do Gyeom Lee, 28, of South Korea and Mark “Mugen” Striegl, 29, of the Philippines. Both Striegl and Quintana are training at Fist Gym under the tutelage of Jerry Legaspi.

“He is hungry to fight and represent the Philippines, his own town,” Legaspi said of Quintana. The coach described the Filipino-Australian fighter as a “cool person” and an “awesome and humble fighter.”

The bout between Quintana and Masmanidis in 2016 went viral as it ended at 0:07 of Round 1 although it was incorrectly announced as 0:10 of Round 1. Watch a clip from the bout on Craziest Sports Fights. 

The Itchyworms' 'Di Na Muli' official music video released

Jazz Nicolas, Chino Singson, Jugs Jugueta, Kelvin Yu

Di Na Muli was written in 2016 by long-time friends Jazz Nicolas and Wally Acolola. They entered the song into the 5th Philippine Popular (PhilPop) Music Festival, performed by The Itchyworms, where it won the grand prize. Now, in 2018, the song has been given new life in the official soundtrack of the hit film Sid & Aya (Not A Love Story) (Viva Films, starring Dingdong Dantes and Anne Curtis, directed by Irene Villamor).

Somewhere in between PhilPop and Sid & Aya, the Itchyworms set out to immortalize the song. The result was a visually stunning and emotional music video, directed by Paolo Abella. Help also came along in the form of the video's co-director Juno Oebanda, longtime friend of the band, and the generous indulgence of none other than the Cultural Center of the Philippines. The link to the CCP is Teddy Hilado (d. 2015), recognized as the father of lighting design in Philippine theater, who is also the uncle of Oebanda.

The song's themes of love, loss, and words left unspoken, are embodied in the elegant performances of Rosky Balahadia Hilado (Teddy's widow, formerly of the Bayanihan Philippine Dance Company) and Carissa Adea (Ballet Philippines), and in the video's sweeping visuals, all captured within the hallowed halls of the CCP. The music video seeks to serve as loving tribute to Teddy, whose influence is still felt and recognized to this day.

The Itchyworms are now proud to share what is probably the first-ever music video shot inside the Cultural Center of the Philippines, and extend heartfelt thanks to those who helped bring the music video to fruition.

Watch the Di Na Muli official music video here: 

For updates about The Itchyworms, you can follow them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Listen to the music of The Itchyworms on Spotify, Deezer and iTunes.

Check out their music videos: Official Youtube channel

Video Credits

Di Na Muli
Words and Music by Jazz Nicolas and Wally Acolola

Starring
Rosky Balahadia Hilado
Carissa Adea
and The Itchyworms

Executive Producers: Juno Oebanda and The Itchyworms
Directors: Paolo Abella and Juno Oebanda
Director of Photography: Arvin Viola
Lighting Director: Shakira Villa-Symes
Drone Pilot: Paolo Jaminola
Editor: PJ Corpuz
Colorist: Marilen Magsaysay

Special Thanks to:
Audio Video Solutions Corporation
Soundcheck Inc.
Forerunner Technologies Inc.
JB Music
Forscink Inc.
Digital Fusion Productions
Aero 360 International
Creative Control Group

The administration and staff of the Cultural Center of the Philippines

Di Na Muli

Words and Music by Jazz Nicolas and Wally Acolola

Performed by The Itchyworms

Verse:

Nung araw kay tamis ng ating buhay

Puno ng saya at ng kulay

Di mauulit muli

Ang oras kapag hinayaang lumipas

Madarama mo hanggang bukas

Di mababawi muli

Chorus:

Ang dami daming bagay na hindi naman kailangan

Kung pwede lang bawasan natin ang mga tampuhan

Hindi mo lang alam hindi mo pa nararanasan

Kahapon sana natin di mo na pinahirapan

Patawad muli

Di na muli

Verse:

Ang oras kapag hinayaang lumipas

Madarama mo hanggang bukas

Di mababawi muli

(Instrumental)

Bridge:

At natapos ang himas ng sandal

Di kukubli aking tinig

Nang lumipas na't di man lang nasabi

Salamat hanggang sa muli

Chorus:

Ang dami daming bagay na hindi naman kailangan

Kung pwede lang bawasan natin ang mga tampuhan

Hindi mo lang alam hindi mo pa nararanasan

Kahapon sana natin di mo na pinahirapan

Patawad muli

Di na muli

Binawi buhay mo ng walang sabi

Binubulong ko sa sarili

Mahal kita hanggang sa huli

Mahal ko hanggang sa huli

The 21st Japanese Film Festival | EIGASAI 2018: A Celebration of Collaboration and Diversity!

- Offering diverse genres of Japanese films, this year's EIGASAI opens on July 4 at Greenbelt with the Philippine premiere of CHIHAYAFURU Part 3, graced by its esteemed director Nori Koizumi
- Featuring special screenings and talks in collaboration with the Japan Foundation projects: EYES for Embracing Diversity; Hirata Oriza's Manila Notes; and the Spirit of Budo: the History of Japan's Martial Arts

MANILA (June 11, 2018) – The Japan Foundation, Manila is pleased to announce the full lineup of films, guests and special talks for this year's Japanese Film Festival, more popularly known as EIGASAI. In honor of the Philippine-Japan Friendship Month, EIGASAI's 21st edition runs from July 4 to August 26, 2018﹣with fifteen full-feature films of diverse genres selected for more than 100 screenings across five major cities nationwide. This year's film festival is set to be unique as it collaborates with other Japan Foundation arts, cultural and dialogue projects.

EIGASAI 2018 officially kicks off with the encore screenings of CHIHAYAFURU Part 1 (Japanese title: ちはやふる 上の句), CHIHAYAFURU Part 2 (ちはやふる 下の句) and the Philippine premiere screening of CHIHAYAFURU Part 3 (ちはやふる 結び), the live-action film adaptation of Yuki Suetsugu's manga series Chihayafuru, at Greenbelt 1 Cinema 2 on July 4*. The Opening Night Gala is held on the same day at the Greenbelt 5 Gallery, graced by this year's opening film director Nori Koizumi, who is also scheduled to give Director's Talks on July 6 at the Ateneo de Manila University and July 7 at Greenbelt 1 Cinema 2.

There will also be a karuta - Japanese card game as featured in the CHIHAYAFURU film series - demonstration on July 4 and 5, one hour prior to the CHIHAYAFURU Part 1 and Part 2 screenings at the Ateneo de Manila University.

Together with the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), the Japan Foundation's continued support towards independent filmmakers brings another Japanese independent film to Manila: Of Love & Law (Of Love & Law). This documentary film is about a couple who operates Japan's first openly gay firm and won the Best Film Award at the 30th Tokyo International Film Festival's Independent Japanese Cinema category.

Director Hikaru Toda will be present at its Philippine premier on August 4 at CCP during the Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival, an allied festival of EIGASAI since 2016. There will also be a special screening and panel discussion on issues surrounding LGBTQ, minorities, and the importance of inclusion on August 5 at Cinematheque Centre Manila. This is in collaboration with a project of the Japan Foundation Asia Center: EYES for Embracing Diversity, geared towards practitioners, researchers, and educators in the Southeast Asian regions and Japan who have been striving to create a diverse and inclusive society. This is co-organized by the Philippine LGBT Chamber of Commerce (PLCC), led by Brian Tenorio, 2017 EYES Fellow and the Founder and Chair of the PLCC, and the Film Development Council of the Philippines.

Another unique film screening and talk is organized in conjunction with Japanese playwright-director Oriza Hirata's Manila Notes – the Philippine version of the award-winning play Tokyo Notes that
premiered in 1994 in Japan's capital city. The original play has since been translated into 15 different languages and presented across the world. This Philippine-Japan collaborative theater project will be
Tanghalang Pilipino's third play for its 32nd season, which opens on November 30, 2018. EIGASAI invites Oriza Hirata to give a one-time special talk during the EIGASAI at CCP Dream Theater on August 17 along with the screening of When the Curtain Rises (幕が上がる), an adaptation of his novel about a high school drama club in a provincial town. He will talk about the film and the fascination of acting and theater performance, and will also introduce the Manila Notes project.

With strong interest in Japan's martial arts and Samurai culture, the Japan Foundation, Manila also brings one of the greatest films ever made - Akira Kurosawa's SEVEN SAMURAI (七人の侍) to be screened at the UP Film Institute – Cine Adarna leg of EIGASAI in August, to coincide with The Spirit of Budo: The History of Japan's Martial Arts exhibition which will be held at the National Museum of the Philippines from July 21 to September 26.

Completing the line-up are nine more films with English subtitles that were carefully selected by the Japan Foundation Asia Center and the Japan Foundation, Manila - offering viewers the chance to experience their favorite genre while discovering something new:

- Let's Go, JETS! From Small Town Girls to U.S. Champions?! (チア☆ダン～女子高生がチアダンスで全米制覇しちゃったホントの話～)
- Rudolf the Black Cat (ルドルフとイッパイアッテナ)
- SURVIVAL FAMILY (サバイバルファミリー)
- HONNOUJI HOTEL (本能寺ホテル)
- Memoirs of a Murderer (22年目の告白－私が殺人犯です－)
- Tora-san of Goto (五島のトラさん)
- TORI GIRL (トリガール！)
- ReLIFE (ReLIFEリライフ)
- Daytime Shooting Star (ひるなかの流星)

"The EIGASAI has grown into one of the largest international film festivals in the Philippines, attracting more than 26,000 viewers last year. Film is a fascinating and powerful medium that journeys across borders and inspires all walks of life. Celebrating the Philippine-Japan Friendship Month, and as part of the Japan Foundation, Manila's commitment to promote art and cultural exchange between the Philippines and Japan, we are pleased to showcase once again the best of contemporary and classic Japanese films. We hope Filipinos enjoy accessing and experiencing Japanese culture through films, and also expand understanding through several talks organized in collaboration with the Japan Foundation's theater, exhibition and dialogue projects,” shared Hiroaki Uesugi, Director of the Japan Foundation, Manila.

Screening venues are scheduled in Manila, Cebu, Davao, Bacolod and Naga: Greenbelt 1 Cinema 2, Makati City (July 4-8), Ateneo de Manila University, Quezon City (July 4-6), CCP Complex, Pasay City (August 4, 5 during Cinemalaya and August 17), Cinematheque Centre Manila, Ermita, Manila (August 5), UP Film Institute – Cine Adarna, UP Diliman, Quezon City (August 15-18), SM City Davao Cinema, Davao City (July 12-15), SM City Naga Cinema, Naga City (July 27-29), SM City Bacolod Cinema, Bacolod City (August 9-12), and Ayala Center Cebu Cinema, Cebu City (August 23-26). Another EIGASAI SpinOff in the regions maybe organized later in the fiscal year.

Admission is free on a first-come, first-served basis, except screenings at Greenbelt 1 Cinema 2 (PHP100 per screening) where tickets are available online https://www.sureseats.com or at the cinema ticket booth starting June 27.

The EIGASAI 2018 is generously supported by the Cultural Center of the Philippines, Film Development Council of the Philippines, Ateneo de Manila University, Ateneo de Naga University, UP Film Institute, Arts Council of Cebu, Ayala Malls Greenbelt, Ayala Mall Cinemas, SM Supermalls, SM City Bacolod, SM City Naga, Philippine LGBT Chamber of Commerce, JT International (Philippines) Inc., Mitsubishi Corporation, Japan Airlines Co., Ltd. and GEM.

Follow the official EIGASAI Facebook: @eigasaiPH for updates.

* For July 4 screenings at Greenbelt 1 Cinema 2, CHIHAYAFURU Part 3 is invitational while CHIHAYAFURU Part 1 and Part 2 are open to the public.

Earth Day 2018 inspires volunteering activities at Globe

PRESS RELEASE

As part of its volunteerism—or “volunteaming”—efforts to celebrate Earth Day, one of the world’s most important environment care-related events, Globe employees shared their time and skills by participating in various coastal cleanup and tree-planting activities spearheaded by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

“Last year, we reached an all-time high in our volunteerism goals when a total of 3,803 employees volunteered for various social development causes. 2018 is a year where we put volunteerism in the DNA of each employee—building a base of volunteers with the sole purpose of doing a ‘Globe of Good.’ We intend to bring in more employees who may want to share their time and effort and encourage them to volunteer in any of the activities that they support,” said Yoly Crisanto, Globe Senior Vice President for Corporate Communications.

A total of 38 volunteers from Globe joined a Coastal Clean Up activity at Las Piñas Parañaque Critical Habitat and Ecotourism Area (LPPCHEA) to help reduce waste brought by single-use plastic. This was followed by the participation of more than 90 Globe volunteers in a mangrove planting initiative in Brgy. Balibago, Calatagan, Batangas.

Also, the company’s “volunteaming” activities for Earth Month 2018 was highlighted by more than 60 Globe volunteers, who participated in a Watershed Ecosystem Awareness Activity conducted by the DENR in Angat Dam in Norzagaray, Bulacan. The activity emphasized the importance and value of keeping Angat Dam, a strategically-located hydroelectric dam that supplies almost 90 percent of raw water requirements to Metro Manila, protected and free from any form of pollution.

Globe is one of the country’s few companies that nurture its people’s innate desire to help by providing every employee with one day of “Volunteer Time-Off” every year to pursue their chosen advocacy. It also encourages “volunteaming,” where employees are free to organize themselves in groups to pursue their advocacies.

In 2017, volunteerism in Globe reached an all-time high of 52.8 percent of total employee base who volunteered for various social development causes. It also institutes activity-based and skill-based volunteering to support work with a partner group or community, organizing people who may want to join various advocacies and provide pro bono services, capacity building, or skills transfer.

“We must cease being tolerant of environmental abuse and take an active part in the strict enforcement of environmental laws, rules, regulations and ordinances. The government needs the citizenry’s direct participation in accelerating reforestation, coastal cleanups, energy conservation and popularizing lifestyles that will enable the country to reduce its carbon footprint and enhance its resilience,” says Roy A. Cimatu, Secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

The partnership with DENR was pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 1481, s. 2008 that calls for various efforts to help green the cities and oceans. It also forms part of several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that Globe supports, namely Climate Action and Life of Land.

Globe continues to be an avid supporter of the DENR’s various environment-related activities. Last year, Globe employees participated in a 30-km bike trek called “Bike.Hike.Plant.”, which ran from the DENR Region 3 Office located at the Government Center, Maimpis, San Fernando City, Pampanga, up to the Mount Arayat National Park. Each volunteer biked around the city and then hiked up to the chosen area to plant a tree. The event aimed to showcase the beauty of Philippine forests, and encourage people from various sectors of the society to rehabilitate and protect forests by advocating responsible tourism and proactive reforestation. Globe also provided free charging stations during the event.

For more about Globe Telecom’s various employee volunteerism activities, visit www.globe.com.ph.