ABS-CBN Celebrates Pinoy Talent and Heroism in Japan

An entertainment-packed event coupled with a grand tribute to the heroic Filipinos in Japan was held recently in Tokyo. This is in celebration of TFC’s 15th anniversary and ABS-CBN Japan’s second year of operations.

The revelry started with the awarding of the Gawad Geny Lopez Jr. Bayaning Pilipino sa Gawing Japan followed by the staging of the free concert entitled 2D Next Level at the Sun Pearl Arakawa last March 7.

For the entertainment part, the Philippines’ Comedy Diva, Ai-Ai Delas Alas, took charge of bringing the house down with distinctly Pinoy humor. The top-caliber comedienne amused the audience with her hilarious antics that displayed her own brand of wit and candor. She was joined by much sought-after celebrity bachelors, singer-actor Sam Milby and crooner Richard Poon, who wooed the women in the audience with their own musical styles.

On the other hand, Philippine Embassy in Tokyo Labor Attaché Danilo Cruz led the honorable guests in paying tribute to unsung heroes who have made public service their personal mission and embody all that is good about the Filipino. Dignitaries in attendance included Minister Gina Jamoralin, First Consul Bong Cariño and Consul Anne De Vera.

UGAT Foundation, the organization that launched the original Gawad Geny Lopez Bayaning Pilipino Award in the Philippines in 1992, was also represented in the event by its Project Director Fr. Nilo Tanalega while ABS-CBN Japan Managing Director Jeff Remigio became ABS-CBN’s own representative to the first-ever staging of the awarding ceremony in the country.

Only four among a good number of Bayaning Pilipino nominees made it as finalists. They are Marie “Mayang” Nihei, who despite her success, has not forgotten her humble beginnings and continues to pay it forward through her creative efforts; Nestor Puno, who teaches Filipino youth in Japan while helping other migrants win their plights; Teresita Hosaka, a mother who despite her personal struggles has continued to face life’s challenges and help fight for the rights and welfare of children with disabilities; and Allison Opaon, who has been diligently promoting the Filipino culture in Japan.

It was Allison Opaon who won the reputable honor of being the grand winner of the Gawad Geny Lopez Jr. Bayaning Pilipino sa Gawing Japan, which will now be hosted by ABS-CBN Japan as an annual event.

On its third year of business, ABS-CBN Japan promises to continue providing premium entertainment to its patrons via TFCKo. In fact, it has already made sure that the riotous laughter provided by the Comedy Diva will continue on to the boob tube. This month, TFCko’s Cinema One Global features the movies of Ai-Ai Delas Alas. The line-up includes Shake Rattle and Roll 2K5, Ang Cute ng Ina Mo, Kapag Tumibok ang Puso (Not Once, But Twice), Pasukob and Ang Tanging Ina.

Can’t get enough of Sam

Ai-Ai heats up the stage

Ai-Ai doing what she does best…

tickling everyone’s funny bone

The biggest revelation of the night: Richard Poon

Sam serenades Japan

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