P-Pop groups take centerstage at the Tugatog Filipino Music Festival

During the past few years, the Philippine music industry has seen the ascent of a new crop of P-Pop music acts: boy or girl sing and dance groups patterned after the J-Pop/K-Pop idol group mold.

And despite the pandemic severely limiting performance and touring opportunities, these acts continue to thrive thanks to a very dedicated fanbase aka stan groups with their consistent engagement and undying support to their idols.

To celebrate P-Pop's continued upward trajectory despite the odds, Ant Savvy Creatives and Entertainment, Inc. presents Tugatog Filipino Music Festival, an online concert extravaganza featuring current PPop movers and shakers happening on June 18, 2022.

Tugatog Filipino Music Festival lineup

P-Pop acts headlining the music festival include Alamat, BGYO, Bini, Litz, MNL48, PPop Generation with Press Hit Play, VXON, 1st One officially announced as new additions to the lineup during the recently held online media conference. It was also teased that more acts joining the festival will be revealed soon.

With around 25-30 songs consisting of individual numbers and surprise collaborations, the show is expected to run for 3-4 hours. According to festival show director Miggy Tanchanco, this festival will combine "the best elements of a live performance with a visually stunning cinematic experience to encapsulate the energy and magic of P-Pop, both as music and as performance."

Miggy Tanchanco, Festival Show Director

He also mentioned that each act will get to "showcase the best of their skills and also offer the audience a different side of them which they may have not yet seen before."

Ant Savvy Creatives and Entertainment's Executive Strategy and Communications Officer shared that the Tugatog Filipino Music Festival was established "to celebrate the sounds that define the peak of Filipino music at every given time period." And now P-Pop has reached the summit owing to the acts having "successfully integrated different Philippine languages and traditional instruments in its sound, as well as in the look and styling of the artists and their videos", said Su Matias, Ant Savvy Creative and Entertainment's Chief Executive Officer.

Here is the lineup of P-Pop groups performing at the Tugatog Filipino Music Festival and their latest music videos.

Alamat

BGYO

Bini

Litz

MNL48

PPop Generation

Press Hit Play

VXON

1st.One

Tickets are priced at P1,800 (Premiere) and P2,700 (VIP). Tickets will be available for sale at TicketMelon starting March 1, 2022.

RAd's Playlist: Frank Dupree's Kapustin recordings

Frank Dupree
©Marco Borggreve

Music has really helped me a lot to cope with the craziness brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic. And I find it important to share some recordings in here that have been instrumental in managing all the stress and the worries especially during the surges brought upon by the Delta and Omicron variants of the virus. It is my hope that people will also take note of these recordings and also experience how they brought some joy and fighting spirit during the tough times.

The first album I'd like to share is Frank Dupree's recordings of a trio of Nikolai Kapustin's orchestral works released back in August 2021. This album has Frank playing the piano in Kapustin's Piano Concerto No. 4 and Concerto for Violin & Piano, Op. 105 that also featured violinist Rosanne Philippens. Both these pieces had Case Scaglione conducting the Württemberg Chamber Orchestra Heilbronn. The final piece in this album is the Chamber Symphony, Op. 57 with Frank taking over conducting duties.

This album is just a sample of Kapustin's works beyond the piano solos that have skyrocketed in popularity in the 21st century thanks to the wonders of the internet and video/audio streaming services. It is actually through one of the classical music e-mail newsletters that I subscribe to that led me to discover this album release and it got me through the perilous times when the Delta variant was wreaking havoc in here.

Frank then teamed up with double bassist Jakob Krupp, brought back drummer Meinhard "Obi" Jenne who had a notable role at the previous recording, and formed a trio eventually releasing more Kapustin goodness. This album, entitled Blueprint was released on January 2021.

The album contains such Kapustin Piano solo gems like Day-Break, Op. 26 "Sunrise", a handful (1, 2, 7, and 8) from the 8 Concert Etudes, Op. 40, Variations, Op. 41, Motive Force, Op. 45, Big Band Sounds, Op. 46, a dozen (1, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 13, 15, 19, 23) from 24 Preludes, Op. 53, Paraphrase on Blue Bossa, Op. 123, and Paraphrase on Aquarela do Brasil, Op. 118 all arranged for a jazz trio.

A music video for Paraphrase on Blue Bossa, Op. 123 was also released and it featured prima ballerina Bruna Andrade having fun with the trio's instruments. And this particular album brought some needed cheer when the more contagious Omicron variant became more rampant.

Frank also did a live Q&A (both in English and in German) that had me staying up late but my question didn't make it on air. But he was very kind to answer my inquiry if whether he was able to get in touch with Nikolai Kapustin himself. He recalled that he was getting close to achieving that and was already in contact with some of Kapustin's friends. But after a few days, he instead received news of Kapustin's death which was such a pity. I for one would want to know what were Kapustin's thoughts since he mostly kept out of the spotlight.

As for Frank's thoughts, for him Kapustin's music is everything: "structure, freedom, groove, harmony, jazz, classical style, happiness, intellect, melodies, absolutely everything".

At the Q&A, Frank also teased that a new Kapustin album is on the way but remained tight-lipped about the details. Hopefully that by the time of the new album's release, the pandemic will be no longer a major concern so that one can truly enjoy the music of Nikolai Kapustin.

Affiliate Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, this post contains affiliate links. A small commission is earned when purchasing through these links with no additional cost to the consumer.

Frank Dupree, Rosanne Philippens, Case Scaglione, Württemberg Chamber Orchestra Heilbronn

Kapustin Orchestral Works

https://amzn.to/3IKVAa3

Frank Dupree, Jakob Krupp, Obi Jenne

Blueprint, Piano Music for Jazz Trio

https://amzn.to/3s3V3cm

Pasinaya 2022 celebrates the spirit of EDSA

The Cultural Center of the Philippines celebrates the 36th Anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution with CCP Pasinaya Open House Festival happening online on February 26-27, 2022.

With the theme Sana All Lumilikha, Lumalaya, this year's Pasinaya will embody the spirit of EDSA and will demonstrate the power of arts in social transformation and empowerment through various activities in the performing arts, literary arts, visual arts, film and broadcast arts. The open house festival will also feature an exhibit, a forum, a digital timeline, and the lighting of the CCP façade.

Pasinaya 2022 will be streamed online at the CCP Facebook page and Vimeo Channel. Highlights will include:

Radyo Malaya: Soundbites of a Revolution by Pumapdocast

A radio drama re-enactment of the events during the EDSA Revolution in 10 bite-size episodes.

EDSA Book Videoke

Animation of the counting book for children entitled EDSA.

Pagsamo: Gabay at Pagbabago

Presented by Kaisa sa Sining - Luzon Network, the performance is a prayer for guidance and change. Pagsamo aims to awaken the minds and hearts of the viewers about the importance of the Malolos Congress, the freedom fought for in 1898 and the lessons from the EDSA People Power.

EDSA Playlist 1: Revolu-Tunes

A medley playlist of 3 songs sung and/or used during the People Power Revolution to be sung by the Akapela Collective (Astrafellas, Calafellas, ConChords, KNKTD, Phisix, Sayil and Vocalmyx).

EDSA Playlist 2: Magi-Sing!

A medley playlist of 3 songs sung and/or used during the People Power Uprising to be sung by Acapellago.

CCP Virtual Building and Theater Tour

An interactive 360 x 180 degrees virtual tour of the CCP facilities allowing for a simulated onsite experience.

Isang Harding Papel

A storytelling session by Kara David as the book talks about a girl and her mother during Martial Law.

Kwentuhang Sining Para sa Pagbabago

A round table live discussion with leaders known and recognized as active agents of social change.

Pangamuyo

A prayer of gratitude and supplication presented by Kaisa sa Sining - Visayas Network as we celebrate culture, environment and society that continue to give meaning in our existence.

Paglaya Yarn?! Freedom and Dissent

A Book Talakayan of F. Sionil Jose's Mass by Pinoy Reads Pinoy Books Book Club headed by Jayson Vega.

Pamahandi Alimaong

A presentation by the Kaisa sa Sining - Mindanao Network about Linganay, a graduating Senior High school student who is forced to return to their forest settlement. He retraces kinship and rediscovers the struggles his community has gone through; nowhere better from the time he left. It is February. The radio blares speeches commemorating the Edsa People Power, an event Linganay barely recalls.

OPM's Not Dead! Ang Panitik sa Musika ng Asian, Banyuhay at Pinoy Punk

A tribute to the songwriters and musicians of Original Pilipino Music (OPM).

Pili-Pino

A dance video collaboration interpreting the song Handog ng Pilipino sa Mundo with direction and choreography by Ronelson Yadao.

Panata sa Kalayaan

A dramatic reading of Panata sa Kalayaan by artists Nanding Josef, Shamaine Buencamino, Irma Adlawan, Monique Wilson, Nonie Buencamino, Tibo Fernandez, PETA, Kasing Sining of Bohol, Tanghalang Pilipino Actors Company followed by the song interpretation by Sing Philippines Youth Choir conducted by Mark Anthony Carpio.

Kumpeti

To celebrate the CCP Open House Festival, the façade will be bathed with multi-colored confetti silhouettes along with the Pasinaya Logo chasing in different Pasinaya related colors with the use of manually cut gobos on aluminum sheets and woven color filters. This is a collaborative effort of the Production Design and Technical Services Division Façade Lighting Team, Danilo Villanueva, Louie Alcoran, Nestor Noviza, Camille Balistoy, Allan Fami, Shantie De Roca, Mark Macapulay and other Theater Crew members.

Reminisce the EDSA Revolution days through social media by tuning in to various posts such as People Power 1986: Where Were You? Mga Saysay Mula Sa Sining Biswal; Edsa 36: An Intimate Retrospective On The CCP During The People Power Revolution; Banned! Valerio Nofuente Collection - Online Exhibit and the Kalayaan Book Fair.

Here is the complete schedule of Pasinaya 2022.

Trumpet player Glober Calambro in upcoming PPO Recital Series

The Cultural Center of the Philippines and the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra present the fourth installment of the PPO Recital Series with trumpet player Glober Calambro premiering online on February 25, 2022, 8:00 PM.

The recital will feature a performance of Paul Hindemith's Sonata for Trumpet and Piano with pianist Mary Anne Espina.

Calambro, the Assistant Principal of the PPO's trumpet section, was part of the Philippine delegation in the Asia in Resonance Gala Concert in Japan. He also toured with the PPO at An Ode to Friendship: The Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra in Beijing in 2011, the historic The PPO at Carnegie Hall in 2016, and at the Asia Orchestra Week in 2018.

Cecile Licad performs in post-Valentines online concert

A post-valentine online recital by world renowned pianist Cecile Licad is all set this February 22, 2022, 5:00 PM streaming through Zoom.

Presented by Megaworld and Rustan's for the benefit of the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra Society, Inc. (PPOSI), the event, dubbed as Amore: A Post-Valentine Hour with Cecile Licad in New York, will feature performances by Licad interwoven with an interview by David Dubal filmed at the Lotos Club in New York.

Licad will perform piano favorites that include Frédéric Chopin's Étude Op. 10, No. 3, in E Major "Tristesse", Scherzo No. 2 in B-flat minor, Op. 31, and Ballade No. 1 in G minor, Op. 23; Ludwig van Beethoven’s Piano Sonata No. 14 in C-sharp minor, Op. 27, No. 2 Quasi una fantasia more popularly known as the Moonlight Sonata; Sergei Rachmaninoff’s Prelude in G minor, Op. 23, No. 5, Prelude in E-flat Major, Op. 23, No. 6, and Prelude in A minor, Op. 32, No. 8, and Francisco Buencamino Hibik ng Diwa (Soul’s Lament).

Amore is presented by Megaworld and Rustan's along with sponsors SSI Group, Inc., Starbucks, San Miguel Corporation, BPI, and Mr. Danny Dolor.

To purchase tickets priced at P1500 each, contact Lulu Casas (0917) 570-8301, lgcasas@rgoc.com.ph or Maricar Alamodin (0917) 538-4508, esalamodin@rgoc.com.ph. A purchase of 10 tickets will get 2 complimentary passes. One can also visit https://bit.ly/3I6r2Qy.

Manila Pianos Artists Series presents Rivera Woodwind Quintet recital

Keeping its commitment to bring more than the usual classical music fare, The Manila Pianos Artists Series presents the Rivera Woodwind Quintet in a recital premiering on February 19, 2022, 7:30 PM.

The recital, billed as The Woodwind Quintet will feature performances of Adolphe Deslandres's Trois Pièces en quintette and Lisa Portus's arrangement for the wind quintet of Maurice Ravel's Le Tombeau de Couperin and Modest Mussorgsky's Pictures at an Exhibition.

The Rivera Woodwind Quintet is composed of clarinetist Jayson Rivera, flautist Crystal Rodis-Concepcion, bassoonist Alvin Sison, oboist and English horn player Reynato Resurreccion, and French horn player Earvin Robert Rosacay.

CCP screens Philippine premiere of On the Job: The Missing 8; John Arcilla to be presented the Volpi Cup

After a couple of delays, the WAGI! Celebration of Filipino Excellence film screening series rolls out the red carpet for its finale, the Philippine premiere of On the Job: The Missing 8 happening on February 18, 2022, 5:00 PM at the Cultural Center of the Philippines' Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater).

The sequel to the On the Job (2013), this film directed by Erik Matti, had its world premiere at the 78th Venice Film Festival back in September 10, 2021 where it was entered at the Main Competition for the Golden Lion. Lead actor John Arcilla bagged the Coppa Volpi (Volpi Cup) for Best Actor at the festival.

On the Job: The Missing 8 (2021)

Director: Erik Matti

Cast: John Arcilla, Dennis Trillo, Dante Rivero, Christopher de Leon, Lotlot de Leon, Andrea Brillantes, Wendell Ramos, Ricky Davao, William Martinez, Vandolph Quizon, Eric Fructuoso, Ina Feleo, Isabelle de Leon, Megan Young, Soliman Cruz

Inspired by true events, the film chronicles the story of Sisoy Salas, a corrupt journalist seeking justice for his colleagues, and convict Roman Rubio, a hired gun who is regularly brought out of prison to perform assassinations.

After the screening, a short program will follow that will include the formal presentation of the Volpi Cup to John Arcilla and also a post-screening talkback. The talkback will be streamed live at the CCP Facebook page.

The Philippine premiere of On the Job: The Missing 8 is presented by the CCP, in cooperation with the Asian Cultural Council Philippines Foundation, Reality MM Studios, and Globe Studios.

Tickets are at priced at P300 and are available through TicketWorld at (0917)550-6997 for Globe subscribers, (0999)954-5922 for Smart subscribers, or visit www.ticketworld.com.ph. Contact the CCP Box Office at 8832-3704/8832-1125 local 1409.

The CCP Main Theater will operate at 30% capacity, excluding Balcony II. To ensure everyone's safety, check out the CCP's new normal health protocol at bit.ly/CCPNewNormalProtocol.

WAGI! Celebration of Filipino Excellence is a series of special screenings of feature and documentary films highlighting Filipino triumphs on the international scene. Previous films include Ramona Diaz’s documentary A Thousand Cuts in honor Maria Ressa, the first Filipina Nobel laureate and the GMA7 documentary Team Pilipinas: The Atom Araullo Specials produced by broadcast journalist Atom Araullo that honors the Philippine contingent who competed at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and won medals lead by Hidilyn Diaz, who won the country's first ever gold medal at the Olympics Games.

Fundraising concert of Radnel Ofalsa, Raul Sunico sets repeat run on February 13

Due to public demand, the Friends for Cultural Concerns of the Philippines (FCCP) brings back for a repeat run the online concert of tenor Radnel Ofalsa and pianist Raul Sunico this February 13, 2022, 8:00 PM.

The concert, billed as Ofalsa at Sunico, The 2nd Run, is this year's fundraising project of the FCCP for the benefit of its 28 music-artist scholars.

Tenor Radnel Ofalsa, a scholar of the FCCP since his college days at the University of Sto. Tomas Conservatory of Music, is currently taking his Masters in Voice at the Mannes School of Music in New York, USA.

Raul Sunico, one of the country's internationally renowned pianists, heads the FCCP's Scholarship Committee.

Joining Ofalsa and Sunico are FCCP scholars, sopranos Athena Marsha Macatangay and Donna Klariz Baluyut.

A minimum donation of P1000 deposited to the FCCP's Metrobank account 292 3 29280045 3, enables a viewer access the Zoom link to the concert. Send proof of deposit to fccpoffice@yahoo.com.ph for the link.

Journey through Japan via 20 films at the Japanese Film Festival Online 2022

After the success of its inaugural edition back in November 2020, the Japanese Film Festival Online returns with a diverse lineup of 20 films streaming for free this February 14-27, 2022.

Presented in the Philippines by the Japan Foundation, Manila, this year's selection of contemporary and classic films will take viewers on a journey through different places, times, dimensions, perspectives, and lives.

Seven new movies, two documentaries, two anime films, a period film, a classic masterpiece, two culinary themed films, and five well loved dramas from 2008-2018 make up this year's selection taking viewers on a journey through different places, times, flavors, dimensions, perspectives, and lives.

Here are the 20 films to be streamed at the Japanese Film Festival Online 2022.

Aristocrats/あのこは貴族 (2021)

©Mariko Yamauchi/SHUEISHA, "Aristocrats" Film Partners

Director: Sode Yukiko

Cast: Kadowaki Mugi, Mizuhara Kiko, Kora Kengo

Hanako Haibara was born and raised in the city of Tokyo. After she gets dumped by her boyfriend, while in her late 20’s, she goes on blind dates to find a man to marry. Miki Tokiokawas born in a province. She studied very hard and entered a prestigious university in Tokyo. She experienced difficult financial times, but she now works at an IT company. Due to a man, Hanako Haibara and Miki Tokioka meet each other.

AWAKE/アウェイク (2020)

©2019 "AWAKE" Film Partners

Director: Yamada Atsuhiro

Cast: Yoshizawa Ryo, Wakaba Ryuya, Ochiai Tomoki, Sato Kanichiro

Eiichi wanted to become a top shogi player and attended a shogi player training center run by the Japan Shogi Association. At the training center, he could not beat Riku, who is extremely talented in the game, and Eiichi eventually gave up on becoming a shogi player. One day, Eiichi comes across an AI based shogi computer program.

Bread of Happiness/しあわせのパン (2012)

©"Bread of Happiness" Film Partners

Director: Mishima Yukiko

Cast: Harada Tomoyo, Oizumi Yo, Mori Kanna

Young married couple Rie and Sang move from Tokyo to Lake Toya in Hokkaido Prefecture to start a bakery restaurant named Mani. Sang bakes bread and his wife Rie makes food that complements the bread. Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter, the customers leave in a happy state.

The Chef of South Polar/南極料理人 (2009)

©2009 "THE CHEF OF SOUTH POLAR" Film Partners

Director: Okita Shuichi

Cast: Sakai Masato, Namase Katsuhisa, Kitaro

Nishimura has a passion for cooking, but never would he have imagined the task before him now: He is unexpectedly assigned to a south polar mission to serve as head chef at the Dome Fuji station. Leaving his wife and daughter behind for a year, he and the other crew members experience one existential crisis after another in the icy cold.

The Floating Castle/のぼうの城 (2012)

©2011 "The Floating Castle" Film Partners

Director: Inudo Isshin , Higuchi Shinji

Cast: Nomura Mansai, Eikura Nana, Sato Koichi

In the year 1590, the mighty warlord Toyotomi Hideyoshi is close to fulfilling his ambition of unifying all of Japan under his banner when he comes across unexpected resistance in the form of a floating fortress known as Oshi Castle. Narita Nagachika, a frivolous hedonistic fellow and unlikely candidate for the position of rebel general, finds himself in charge of defending the castle. His odds? An army of 500 men to combat Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s army of 20,000.

The God of Ramen/ラーメンより大切なもの〜東池袋大勝軒 50年の秘密 (2013)

©2013 Fuji Television Network

Director: Innami Takasho

Cast: Yamagishi Kazuo

Every day, people would queue for over two hours for a bowl of ramen. What’s the celebrated chef’s secret ingredient? There is no secret ingredient. In fact, as most fans of Taishoken believe, it’s the charisma of owner Kazuo Yamagishi that attracted people from all around Japan to his modest shop. His personality and love for his craft, combined with a precise mélange of flavours, combined to create perfection in each ramen bowl. This heart-warming documentary is not just for noodle fans, but for anyone who loves to be inspired by passionate people.

Happy Flight/ハッピーフライト (2008)

©2008 FUJI TELEVISION/ALTAMIRA PICTURES/TOHO/DENTSU

Director: Yaguchi Shinobu

Cast:

Tanabe Seiichi, Tokito Saburou, Ayase Haruka

A variety of aviation professionals such as pilots, flight attendants, the ground crew, mechanics, dispatchers, controllers, and the bird patrol crew all support a single flight. They have only one mission: to secure the safety of the passengers!

Her Love Boils Bathwater/湯を沸かすほどの熱い愛 (2016)

©"Her Love Boils Bathwater" Film Partners

Director: Nakano Ryota

Cast: Miyazawa Rie, Sugisaki Hana, Odagiri Joe

A terminally ill single mother is determined to reconcile her splintered family.

Ito/いとみち (2021)

©2021 "Ito" Film Partners

Director: Yokohama Satoko

Cast: Komai Ren, Toyokawa Etsushi, Kurokawa Mei

Ito Soma has talent for playing Tsugaru-shamisen. The music is native to Aomori Prefecture and involves the traditional folk instrument Tsugaru-shamisen, which is a plucked three-string instrument. Ito Soma learned to play Tsugaru-shamisen from her now deceased mother. Due to her strong Tsugaru dialect and her shy personality, she has a hard time playing in public and also experiences difficulty in social settings. She doesn’t have any friends. To change herself, Ito Soma begins a part-time job at a maid cafe.

It's a Summer Film!/サマーフィルムにのって (2021)

©It's a Summer Film! Film Partners

Director: Matsumoto Soushi

Cast: Ito Marika, Kaneko Daichi, Kawai Yuumi , Inori Kilala

Barefoot and her friends decide to make a samurai movie, gather a unique cast and staff for the production, and try to screen it at their school festival.

Masked Ward/仮面病棟 (2020)

©2020 "Masked Ward" Film Partners

Director: Kimura Hisashi

Cast: Sakaguchi Kentaro, Nagano Mei

On-call substitute doctor Shugo suddenly finds himself faced with a terrifying criminal in a clown mask. The assailant demands that Shugo treat injured high school student Hitomi. The perpetrator sets siege to the building and Shugo finds himself confined with 64 unknown patients.

Mio's Cookbook/みをつくし料理帖 (2020)

©2020 MIO'S COOKBOOK Production Committee

Director: Kadokawa Haruki

Cast: Matsumoto Honoka, Nao

When Mio was young, she lost her parents in a great flood and also became separated from her best friend Noe. Afterwards, Mio found her talent in cooking and eventually became a cook. Meanwhile, Noe has become an Oiran (high-ranking courtesan).

OZLAND/オズランド 笑顔の魔法おしえます (2018)

©Yoichi Komori/SHUEISHA ©2018 OZLAND Film Partners

Director: Hatano Takafumi

Cast: Haru, Nishijima Hidetoshi, Okayama Amane

Kurumi is hired at a high-end hotel, but is instead dispatched to work at fun fair that is connected to the business network. The new work is out in the country and there is not much else to do or places to go. The go-to employee is one Yoshiko. Kurumi wants to be successful and valued and is eager to learn from Yoshiko. All is not as it seems on the surface however.

Patema Inverted/サカサマのパテマ (2013)

© Yashuiro YOSHIURA/Sakasama Film Committee 2013

Director: Yoshiura Yasuhiro

Cast: Fujii Yukiyo, Okamoto Nobuhiko, Ohata Shintaro

In an underground world where tunnels extend everywhere, even though they live in dark and confined spaces, people wear protective clothes and lead quiet and enjoyable lives. Patema, a princess in her underground village, loves to explore the tunnels. Her favorite place is a “danger zone” that her village prohibits people from entering. Even though she’s scolded, Patema’s curiosity can’t be held back. No one ever explained what the supposed danger was. On her usual trip to the “danger zone,” Patema faces unexpected events. When hidden secrets come to light, the story begins to unfold.

RASHOMON/羅生門 (1950)

©KADOKAWA CORPORATION 1950

Director: Kurosawa Akira

Cast: Mifune Toshiro, Kyo Machiko, Shimura Takashi

Brimming with action while incisively examining the nature of truth, "Rashomon" is perhaps the finest film ever to investigate the philosophy of justice. Through an ingenious use of camera and flashbacks, Kurosawa reveals the complexities of human nature as four people recount different versions of the story of a man's murder and the rape of his wife.

ReLIFE/リライフ (2017)

©2017 "ReLIFE" Film Partners/Yayoiso/Comico

Director: Furusawa Takeshi

Cast: Nakagawa Taishi, Taira Yuna

Arata Kaizaki is 27-years-old and unemployed. He quit his prior job after working for the company for 3 months. Arata Kaizaki decides to take part in a research program. He takes medication that makes him look younger and he is to attend high school for a year. There, he falls in love with female high school student Chizuru Hishiro.

SUMODO The Successors of Samurai/相撲道～サムライを継ぐ者たち～ (2020)

©2020 "SUMODO: THE SUCCESSORS OF SAMURAI" Film Partners

Director: Sakata Eiji

Cast: Sakaigawa Hideaki, Takadagawa Katsumi, Goeido Gotaro

Although sumo is a cherished part of Japanese culture, few have managed to get a behind-the-scenes look at the sport. Director Eiji SAKATA had the opportunity to spend six months in close contact with two sumo stables. In the process, he managed to capture fascinating footage of the rigorous training sessions and daily life of the wrestlers.

Time of EVE the Movie/イヴの時間 劇場版 (2010)

©Yashuiro YOSHIURA/DIRECTIONS, Inc

Director: Yoshiura Yasuhiro

Cast: Fukuyama Jun, Nojima Kenji, Tanaka Rie

In the not-too-distant future, androids have come into common usage. However, treating androids on the same level as humans is frowned upon, and there is constant paranoia surrounding the possibility of robots defying humans, their masters. Those who appear too trustworthy of their androids are chided and labeled as “android-holics.”

Rikuo Sakisaka, who has taken robots for granted for his entire life, one day discovers that Sammy, his home android, has been acting independently and coming and going on her own. He finds a strange phrase recorded in her activity log, “Are you enjoying the Time of Eve?”. He, along with his friend Masakazu Masaki, traces Sammy’s movements and finds an unusual cafe. Nagi, the barista, informs them that the cafe’s main rule is to not discriminate between humans and androids.

While Rikuo tries to reveal Sammy’s intentions, he begins to question the legitimacy of the fear that drives humans to regard androids as nothing more than mere tools.

Under the Open Sky/すばらしき世界 (2021)

©Ryuzo Saki/"Under the Open Sky" Production Committee

Director: Nishikawa Miwa

Cast: Yakusho Koji, Nakano Taiga, Nagasawa Masami

Mikami, an ex-yakuza of middle age with most of his life in prison, gets released after serving 13 years of sentence for murder. Hoping to find his long lost mother, from whom he was separated as a child, he applies for a TV show and meets a young TV director Tsunoda. Meanwhile, he struggles to get a proper job and fit into society. His impulsive, adamant nature and ingrained beliefs cause friction in his relationship with Tsunoda and those who want to help him.

Until the Break of Dawn/ツナグ (2012)

©2012 "TSUNAGU" Film Partners

Director: Hirakawa Yuichiro

Cast: Matsuzaka Tori, Kiki Kilin, Sato Ryuta

High school student Ayumi is trained by his grandmother to act as a “tsunagu,” an intermediary for people who want to reach the dead.

While the Japanese Film Festival has remained online due to the restrictions brought about by the ongoing pandemic, this event will offer more than just movies. Directors' interviews, special articles, panel discussions, and online campaigns where one can win prizes are just some of the added attractions that make the JFF a more enriching online film viewing experience compared to the typical streaming subscription sites out there.

One of the side events for this year is Let's Talk About Japanese Films, a two part panel discussion that anyone worldwide can participate on. The first session, entitled Your Guide to Japanese Films, serves as the opening event for the festival and will happen on February 14, 2022, 2:00 PM. Panelists include Prof. Daisuke Miyao, Prof. Nick Deocampo, and film director Sigrid Andrea Bernardo. The discussion will be moderated by Tito Valiente.

The second session, entitled Inside the World of JFF 2022 Films, happens on February 22, 2022, 5:00 PM. Moderated by Richard Bolisay, the panel features young film critics namely Skilty Labastilla, Princess Kinoc, Janus Nolasco, and Stepanie Mayo.

Films can be viewed for free and on demand at the Japanese Film Festival website located at https://jff.jpf.go.jp/watch/jffonline2022/philippines/. One has to create an account or log in to an existing one in order to watch the movies. Viewers will only have 48 hours to finish watching a film. Additionally, a film can only be seen once throughout the festival. Once the festival ends, films will no longer be available regardless of the time left.

Viewers can test their computers, smart TVs, tablets, mobile phones, and other internet capable devices to see if they meet the technical specifications required to play the films. The JFF pre-event screenings back in November 2021 seemed to have already solved the problems of some mobile devices that were unable to play the films despite meeting the minimum technical requirements during the festival's inaugural edition back in November 2020.

The Japanese Film Festival Online 2022 is presented by the Japan Foundation, Manila in partnership with JT International (Philippines) and the Film Development Council of the Philippines.