Diverse stories in 3 days. Cinemalaya 2018

Cinemalaya represents to me diverse Filipino stories said in a film format. Each film tells a unique story that primarily captures the nuance of a Filipino, our story. Some are well told, some still to be better told. The films can either inform, entertain, provoke. What they unique do is trigger sparks.

#schoolservice Strong opening with a tragic ending. Taboo subject triggers curiosity. Characters and conflicts quickly established at the start. Service designed creatively with all elements and characters crammed in a small space. Yet the story revolves in the street and in the peripherals. Ai Ai is convincing demonstrating versatility. Joel, Joe exaggerate their characterization effectively. Kids are au naturel. A docu structured in a full length movie leaving a perspective begging for a moral judgment.

Slow, restrained and calm for an extended time until it explodes. Then settles down again. #distance in #cinemalaya2018 intimately unfolds the internal family conflicts engaging one to seek for more until it peaks and eventually settles down. The start to finish is appropriately “Sa Pagitan ng Dito at Doon“ hoping that when it reaches there, life goes on differently this time. Well crafted, written well and acted well by Iza and Nonie.

#Mamang. Ghosts of the past coming back alive even if age has forgotten them. Creatively, that’s how the O’ Hara’s created and executed life in a dementia gracefully and entertainingly essayed by Celeste Legaspi aided by inseparable and dependable son portrayed finely by Ketsup Eusebio. Time and reality are suspended to convey the messages of fear of death, separation, unresolved issues, unexpressed love, joy of living in the present with simple needs satisfied and the fulfilment of the promise of everlasting happiness in the afterlife.

The ghosts of the past and the blind spots of the millennials. #ML other than martial law could also stand for millennials. Imagine what happens when you put side by side a retired military colonel with a psychological disorder with the freewheeling pleasure oriented, gadgets driven, "now na," "you only live once" generation. This is graphically presented and impactfully dramatized by veteran actor Eddie Garcia and boyband singer Tony Labrusca. Film is engaging, disturbing and even entertaining. While only the torture and brain washing perspective were highlighted with the military putting value on blind loyalty and YOLO gen on immediacy, #ML projects both as humans, with a drive to contribute but needing understanding and help for their imperfections.

Liway. The charming, inquisitive son of Day & Ric was blessed to have been raised well by his parents. Careful with how the cause oriented parents rear their child on the lurking dangers outside of the comfort home, they protect Dakip from the myths and the half-truths outside the camp and consciously pace the child’s orientation only when he is ready to face and accept reality. I viewed the story not only from the perspective of the mother Day a.k.a. Liway and father Ric but on how Dakip copes growing up. High point for me is when he sees the world outside for the first time and his sincere speech to the crowd. Truly, Dakip the character and the dramatization of Kenken Nuyad were remarkable.

What made #Liway an indie (associated with twist and unconventional and pinoy’s story) was not the ending but rolling credits to close it. It made me ask how will Dakip be nurtured without his parents as the military aggressively exterminates the enemies of the state. There was an impulsive drive to meet him as I knew this was based on a real story and he is a Filipino based somewhere in the island. Did he grow up as a normal child? Did he pursue the cause of his parents? The credit gave me the answer. Ang galing ni Dakip, a.k.a. Kip, a.k.a. @kipoebanda #cinemalaya2018. So do Glaiza, Soliman.

Waiting for Sunset. Truly a great ensemble, Dante Rivero in particular! And Perla and a restrained and effective Menggie (and his outfit). #kungpaanohinintayangdapithapon is a well crafted execution of a story on falling out of love, recognizing it and accepting it in time. Dapithapon explores subliminally that even before one dies physically, without a life, one is no longer alive (father and son Benedicto and Chito). The slow pacing and development of the characters is in keeping with the theme's tone on aging eventually building up to a simple high point, friendship and acceptance expected of people in mature stage. Promotes Kapampangan. Characters use it proudly for intimate talks. #cinemalaya2018

Musmos. A prayer in a song. A prayer in a (full length) movie. A powerful story set in a one setting: river, water and the bank. Treating a century old conflict philosophically and spiritually: going with the flow of the river, slow unfolding of developments, unique rituals, beliefs, practices and culture yet with a universal human message. #Musmosnasumibolsagubatngdigma a century long conflict told differently. Only in #Cinemalaya2018

#pandesalawal offers hope to those in despair and the emotionally and physically handicapped. A fairy tale format Pandacan style unfolds a story of a child who miraculously cures aliments of residents she finds giving them spark in their life. As part of the #cinemalaya2018 festival, it adds a genre to the offering of diverse Filipino stories on film. As situations are pinoy familiar and dramatically essayed by actors, empathy with the theme and characters is spontaneously established making one feel good towards the end.

#thelookout is a person stationed to keep watch for danger or trouble. The situations presented in the mystery thriller set up the ambiguity of who the lookout is. The victim, protagonist, the pick, authorities, the brother or the sister, villain or all of the above?

More interesting is the relationship that develops between the newbie lead actor Andres Velasquez as Lester Quiambao/ George and the newbie secondary actor Jay Garcia as Travis Concepcion/ Timothy effectively interpreted by new faces on film. Set against the backdrop of a well-crafted visuals and lines, the crime story becomes incidental to the evolving, deepening and conflicting bond between them.

Appreciate this if you treat the sub plots are mere diversions and distractions and see the two lead characters as the lookouts for each other.

Photos from cinemalaya promotional images

"Power of Emphatic Humanity"

Alex Magno in his The Philippine Star column "First Person" this 10 July 2018 writes about the heroic humanity in saving the lives of trapped Thai football players. It is the kind of message we need to read to enable us out of apathy.

"Surviving against the odds for nine long days, with no hint of a comprehensive rescue effort ongoing, is remarkable in itself. These are a brave band, summoning some heroic to survive.

Extracting them, however, proved to be a great challenge. One trained diver has died in the effort. Meanwhile, oxygen was running thin where the boys are trapped and forthcoming monsoon rains threaten to flood the cave even more. The best divers from several countries are on the scene, putting their own lives at risk to rescue fellow human beings.

More than two weeks after the boys entered the cave, four have been successfully extracted. The rest, we all hope will be saved.

We will wait in great suspense. This is an effort that would nit have been possible at all without the best equipment and the best technical divers there are. Still, the effort has to beat the odds, win the race against time in a most hostile environment.

If this massive effort is successful, it will be a dramatic tribute to the compassion we can muster in the direst of times. That will stand in stark contrast to all the callousness and crassness that seem to have pervaded modern societies these days.

Should this massive effort end in triumph, the real heroes will be those who thought nothing about risking their lives to save another human being. It will be a reassuring story about the power of emphatic humanity."

Grabbed from https://expressdigest.com/terrifyingly-narrow-passage-that-trapped-thai-football-players-must-squeeze-through/

NY Times article https://www.nytimes.com/2018/07/02/world/asia/thailand-boys-rescued.html

L.A. at the UB? Vietnam in C. M. R.? #youniversitysuites

Walking along the pedestrian walkway from Loyola st. to Legarda st. along CM Recto Avenue in Quiapo, my attention was caught by a modern building with a unique entrance, giant oak fountains in between two known outlets, Watsons and The Coffee Beans. I was drawn inside and spotted an atrium that is about 5 stories high. Above it is an airplane hanging from the ceiling.

This structure is the retrofitted Laperal Building now converted into a student dorm with all the amenities. Now named YOUniversitysuites, its main attraction is the food court with concept restaurants spread out at the three floors of the suite.

Patronizing the food court are mostly students and young professionals presumably working within the vicinity.

Times indeed have changed. Decades ago, only school canteens provide food service to the university belt population. Then carinderias sprouted at the side streets offering tasty and affordable meals. The UB also witnessed the proliferation of fast food chains occupying the preferred real estate locations. Catering to the majority of workers are the food providers selling ulam in plastic packs daily. In keeping with combining function and concept, glamorized carinderias called cafes and bistros earned their niche in the district.

When entrepreneurs are willing to invest in capital costs, the consumer always wins. A structure built as massive as YOUniversitysuites is an indication of the changing landscape in Quiapo, the emergence of a more discriminating student consumer and an untapped gold mine in the university belt.

How easy is it to get back to grind?

  I’ve stopped watching games since the MICAA days after I concluded that whether it is Yco or Ysmael or Utex that wins, viewing the games over black and white TV elicits thrill. Victorious if it’s a win, pain for loss. The rivalry between Crispa-Toyota years after validated the see sawing emotional reactions of a victory and defeat. To avoid pain, don’t get involved.

Recently, through the intercession of a professional colleague, I was asked as an enterprise trainer to provide input in designing a bonding session to a collegiate basketball team.

That exposure led to a series of interactions making me ask, how easy is it to get back to the grind these days in the digitals’ and millennials’ era?

The teams are professionally run. There is science to their play. Strategies are in place and clear to all. (1) Teams are supported by a clear organizational structure. (2) Routines are in place and managed. (3) Stats are systematically and digitally derived for key results management. Resources are not the player’s concern. Roles and responsibilities are formally and informally clear. Processes are respected. Skills development is given importance. (4) Rewards are great with sanctions for non performing players. (5) Productivity is always looked at for enhancement.

Watching the games in venues other than Araneta Coliseum is pleasant. Sound and lighting systems are excellent, officiating is fair and the energy is high care of the large cheering crowd.

What reinforces the learning process which is unique in this era is the emerging of young annotators providing not only statistics and highlights but an analysis of the games from their perspective as spectators, ex-players, or sports enthusiasts. Responses are posted real time in Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

When you get home, you review the games in a large high definition screen reinforcing appreciation. Scenes you want seen can be viewed repeatedly.

How easy is it to get back to the grind? Easy these days especially if friends sit you at the VIP area to watch the opening game. How easy is it to transform a performing team to a high performing team? That is the challenge. As one coach said, even if the elements are in place, there is a competing team. “Bilog ang bola.” (The ball is round.) What is universal is there is pain in loss, joy in a win.

Images of Tagbilaran 2018

The central Visayas city that has held on to its roots resisting the pressure of urban influence.

Churches are well preserved. People move in habal habal with stray dogs still in downtown’s city streets. Crossing islands over sea surface main transports in sea vessels and fishing boats.

They proudly connect with their rich and unique language, their version of Bisaya.

But soon, the people's value of faith, tradition, for family and community centeredness, kindness and honesty will be replaced with entrepreneurship, ownership, speed eventually letting go of its heritage.

Unless its hold for simplicity is stronger than the force of convenience, keeping up and complexity.

Leaving Bohol, I thank you for your unique and warm hospitality.

Perfect Escape out of NAIA 3

The perfect escape out of NAIA3. At the arrival area, proceed to the extreme right where buses park. Wait and board the bus bound for Airport Loop and Baclaran. Fare is Php 20.0. Get off at the EDSA/Taft intersection. Choose MRT, LRT, bus, jeep or taxi for your next destination. Keep safe. Secure your chip protected cards with RFID blocking bag and wallet.

• Only for the daring, patient and intrepid traveler
• Particularly helpful Mondays AM, Friday PM when the queue for regular and yellow taxi is long

First Moment of Truth in revisiting places

Decades after the last memorable visit to a place and goes back for a short stay, how does one brace himself for the re-visit?

Using the "First Moment of Truth" model where personal impressions are created from the first few seconds of interactions with various touch points (entrance, surroundings, guard, reception, other people, facilities, process etc) the sights, sounds and experience trigger reactions.


Depending on how the moments of truth appeal to our senses, emotions, values and memory, reactions can either be positive, negative or simply neutral.


Conscious of this process, I allow the feelings to surface validating, reinforcing or refuting the outcome.
How was it when you picked up your luggage? When you look for a ride to the plaza, who were offering and at what price? When you reach the highway, what messages were intruding?

After finding your bearing, what images register and form an impression? Attractions like the plaza, church, bridge, public market, restaurant, hotel, local flavor and the people. Store them as a benchmark for the next visit.

The 1st few seconds of the moments of truth are precious as their impressions last.

Capture to document and to share. Not to forget to secure your pack.

The thrill of discovery when traveling adds to the enjoyment.

Spain in Negros. Europe just South

There are specialty cafes influenced by Spain's cuisine. Buildings have European look. The wide avenues remind you of France. One need not travel far to get away.

The place of the landed few. So different from where you and I live. Yet welcoming to transients who stay there only for a while.

But only a ride away towards Libertad, there's a place where the majority are at home. Serving grilled food appreciated by everyone regardless of status.

Writing like "36 Hours"

How does one develop a unique writing style on travel?

It starts with going out, documenting what one sees, living the moment, getting insights and linking them all for a memorable and an impactful close.

So far, I only went out and documented some field testing an Android phone. Ideas just popped in mind while roaming, eating or simply gazing making me conclude, 

"Returning back to Negros, global has gone to the region. Yet, the region maintained its distinct heritage. The town, city and province are still distinctly theirs."

To realize this though, it took me more than 36 hours. I would have wanted to stay longer.

China's Van Gogh

China’s Van Gogh is a documentary of Chinese filmmakers Yu Haibo and Kiki Tianqi Yu narrating the story of a peasant turned painter Zhao Xiaoyong who operates an oil painting replication shop in Dafen in Shenzhen, China. Dafen is China’s biggest "oil painting village." Established in 1989 by a Hong Kong businessman, it is considered the world’s art factory.

The small family business replicates and copies works of Vincent Van Gogh in oil to serve the orders around the world mostly in Europe. One painting is done by several painters processing the layers and images step by step like a production line in a factory. As Zhao and his team replicate thousands of Van Gogh’s creations, he slowly imbibes the psyche of the Dutch artist immersing in his subconscious when he created his original works further appreciating the artists’ creations.

When invited by a client to visit the Van Gogh art museum in Amsterdam, he struggled to realize the travel even with obstacles. Successfully, he made the trip, saw his client and viewed  the original works. Awed by the beauty and the value of the originals which he gazed, internalized, touched and felt, he began to question his calling. Soon after, he invalidated his a thousand replicas sold in the streets at commodity value when comparing with the originals. "Am I that cheap? Is that just my value?"

He eventually regained his bearing when the piece of work he painted at the same spot the Dutch painter created the painting Café Terraces at Night was appreciated by onlookers for completing almost like the original in a record time of 30 minutes.

Documentary is a self-assessment of Zhao as a peasant turned replicator questioning his stature as an artist. It dramatizes a philosophical view on man’s search for expression and fulfillment. Towards the end of the 83 minute program, he starts to create his own works, no longer copying but conveying his message using his style in a piece of art.

China’s Van Gogh was viewed on Discovery Asia HD Channel 164 on SkyCable.

https://www.facebook.com/Chinasvangoghs/

https://youtu.be/OBulx6Bdp3U

Easter Faith reinforces lnequalities

Christ rising from the dead is God's fulfillment of the promise of redemption. It is a joyous moment for man as the symbol of Christ on the cross leads us to discover His redeeming love. The linen cloth in an empty tomb gives us hope amidst the hollowness.

Our brokenness can be made whole again. When we are down, in pain and in despair, our faith reinforces the inequalities made possible by Easter that "True is greater than False, Light greater than Dark and Love greater than Death.

-Paraphased from the  2018 Holy Week messages of Fr. Jett Villarin

After thoughts from an exposition of #8thSdP media related research papers

The 8^th Sining del Pilar, an exposition of mass communication related research papers, audio and audio-visual works of the undergraduates, masteral and doctoral scholars of the UP College of Mass Communication held March 2018 at the UP Diliman Media Center TV Studio sparked the desire for more learning.

Research papers are clustered in 11 paper blocks sorted according to subject matter. 3 to 5 papers are presented by the researchers themselves to a body composed of a critic deemed an academic expert in the field, to the College of Mass Communication faculty and to the registered participants. At end of the presentation, the critic criticizes and presents inputs that can broaden the perspective of the study from their field of expertise. Outputs are captured on Facebook #8thSdP, Twitter and on AM radio DZUP 1602 MHz.

For a sampling on the approach, I expound on the last paper block tagged as "Dutertismo: Dead Bodies, The Simularca and the Real". 3 papers tackle the use of non-traditional forms of media such as blogs, photos and video games that promote the platform of current president RRD.

A research investigates on the messaging of a blog “For the Motherland” owned by Sass Rogando Sasot by an undergraduate Kim Jem D.L. Muana. Against the theoretical framework of Encoding/Decoding Theory of Stuart Hall (1980), Kim Muana provides an analysis on how Sassot understands and disseminates information about the concept of federalism and how her followers react to, comment on.

Grabbed from UP CMC Sining Del Pilar FB

Perspective given by Cleve Arguelles, a populist and an Assistant Professor and Chair of Political Science Program University of the Philippines Manila encourages researchers to broaden discussion points.

I paraphrase the professor’s response. Tatay Digong is a welcome interruption to our elite-dominated politics. His approach is innovative (and pervasive) which opens researchers to find alternative channels of politics. Critic challenges researchers to be innovative, challenging disciplinary boundaries and questioning shared assumptions, to go beyond the known.

He offers 3 points in response to the papers presented: 1. Use of entertainment e.g. video games 2. Beyond 3G. Guns. Goons. Gold. Add the 4th G-Gigabytes such as social media e.g. blogs, digital spheres 3. Dead bodies in photos as political symbols. Avoid looking. Talk differently which begs for more studies on how the people engage with the visuals. Prof. Cleve poses the question “what is voyeurism, what is empathy?” Relating to “tokhang” he offers the idea of Judith Butler defining which lives are “grievable”, and which are not.

He ends stating there is much “broader context that made the rise of such a controversial leader possible.” He implies exploring other discussion points as what gave rise to the Duterte presidency and reflect on the emerging Philippines under his presidency.

Research is about proving a central argument. In the light of exciting times in Philippine politics where we now exist in a highly polarized society, forums such as Sining Del Pilar provide us with extreme positions fairly and force us to make a stand. Did we understand better federalism? Are we voyeurs or do we empathize with the victims of dead bodies? Do we become criminals when we play Fighting Crimes 2? Through the researchers’ studies, their expertise and the disciplined critique, we are objectively enlightened and challenged. This opens up more arguments to prove and more researches to conduct.

Sparked by the #8thSDP

The 8^th Sining del Pilar, an exposition of mass communication related research papers, audio and audio-visual works of the undergraduates, masteral and doctoral scholars of the UP College of Mass Communication held 20-22 March 2018 at the UP Diliman Media Center TV Studio sparked the desire for more learnings.

Now on its 8^th year, the college presents to the academic community pre-selected works of students to a body for further “refereeing” and enhancement. Screened initially by the professors from the current and past semester classes, then further refereed at the college level by a committee, the venue serves as an avenue to further criticize the works to an open body. Criticism as endorsed by Professor Eulalio R. Guieb III, head convenor of the #8thSDP is an interrogation, asking to celebrate and "a challenge to the silences."

35 papers grouped into 11 paper blocks, 13 audio-visual works and 15 audio productions were presented in the 3-day annual conference, staged, managed, hosted and executed by UP CMC students with the guidance of the faculty.

At the end of the paper block presentations, an invited critic who is deemed as an academic authority on the field reacts and provides inputs giving a more solid broader perspective to the study strengthening the researchers’ arguments.

Papers presented mainly from the master and doctoral classes use the structure of a research paper from objectives, theoretical framework, methodology, findings and implications, researches based on the current decades’ socio and political phenomenal gaining traction from the millennial leading to the evolution of new forms and use of media.

Topics like fandom, digital age, war and video games, social media transhuman, morphing, sogies, social boxing, wedding videography, porno currencies, social media as satisfiers, transnational channels, current political milieu among others whetted the appetite triggering a move for further exploration.

Grabbed from the UP CMC Facebook wall

Critics added depth to the studies by providing logical, philosophical, political, historical references setting a pattern that threads the studies together. Starting with a prevailing or emerging sociological observation, an applicable social science theoretical framework, the resulting media development seen in the use of technology or social media, the studies, the faculty and critics’ inputs further showed how the chosen topics satisfy man’s need for social interaction and their implication to man’s journey to perfection. While a number of the studies are partial studies and works in progress, the promise of contributing to a wealth of academic studies on emerging research developments have been jump-started.

The organized staging of the conference provided a set-up to chew the number and diversity of topics into digestible form. Abstract of the papers issued in advance, credible and inquisitive faculty members, expertise of the critics and the availability of various social media touchpoints as Facebook, Twitter, DZUP made the learning experience dynamic, light and productive.

Sining del Pilar is treasure available for free to anyone hungry for knowledge. The ideas the conference sparked could be the game changers for the forthcoming media scholars.

2018 theme of “Ituloy ang Kwento” is the college’s assurance that this institutionalized learning experience will continue to satisfy the sparked mind.

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Yuzuru internalizing Seimei 2015. Yuzu commenting on 2015 ISU Grand Prix

#Yuzuruhanyu leaves nothing to chance with an extraordinary determination to learn his new program Seimei to perfection. He controls most of the elements and internalizes with passion.

To perform Seimei, an Astrology legend in the Heinan era, he visited the shrine in Kyoto at age 20, talked with an Onmologist and actor Nomura Mansai, master of Kyogen and listened to inputs on simplicity and meaning of movements (Docu 15.11.15).

To get into the spirit of Seimei he worked on the choreography with Shae-Lyn Bourne, costume inspired by the habit of the character, music meticulously to pace and to highlight the drama and lastly, the artistry and technical of the movement to convey the story.

Photo from the Washington Post

Watching him perform the 2015 and 2018 Free Skate program, I appreciate Yuzuru’s winning performance with a Japanese heritage even more. As Yuruzu mentions in his interview, adopting a Japanese material to his program will give him a winning edge.

On the day he performed in PyeongChang, even with an injury, he won. The Gods must be with him. Inputs on the shrine visit and talks from the docu https://youtu.be/4phoKS2IL98

Amidst the foot ligament injury, the clean performance of Javi who preceded before him at the 2017 ISU Grand Prix in Barcelona , and the jeering crowd who would not pay attention to him, #Yuzuruhanyu faced the hurdles and overcame himself. Through control and a mental calculation on how to score to beat his own record. Yuzuru shares with us generously his insights revealing to us what makes a champion. View it here at https://vimeo.com/235626067 a docu last 2017 Sept, with Yuzu comments on 2015 SEIMEI:(subbed in English by Gladi)

"I’ll definitely win!" Yuzuru Hanyu’s challenge to himself A 45 minute Documentary NTV 2018.01.14

Behind the victory of the 2nd consecutive Olympic gold of #YuzuruHanyu is this story. A clear dream, a plan to do it, discipline and the drive to always challenge himself.

Even with setbacks of injuries, he stands up. With the support and everything that Hanyu has, he worked hard with all his strength to be the "best that Yuzuru Hanyu can be!"

Yuzuru Hanzu is a young Japanese figure skater who at the age of 19 won gold at the 2014 Sochi Games and at 23 won another gold at the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics. Since he was 11 years, he already dreamt of winning a gold. His plans are clear but derailed with physical injury on his ankle and ligaments. Yet his dream of winning gold did not diminish. He has both the artistry and athleticism of a champion figure skater. Passionate with the sports, he enjoys training. Hanzu continues to outperform himself with a clear vision of No. 1 all the time. Recently in a 2017 interview, he declared a mantra of "Go beyond the ideal" raising the bar on his own performance. Hanzu is adorable as he is childlike with the purity and innocence of a child yet with the strength, stamina, competitiveness and determination of a winning athlete. 

Applying the principles of the 4Ds of Appreciative Inquiry, Hanyu Discovered his love for skating. He Dreamt of winning an Olympic Gold at 20 when he was 11 years old in 2006 and consequently 2 consecutive golds (2014 and 2018). He Designed a plan to make it happen with training, studying techniques, enhancing artistry, technical skills and competitiveness against other improving and growing young skaters. He says though his greatest competitor is his own self. Backed by discipline and his obsession to always be organized, he designed his strategy detailing every element of the program. Physically, he is conscious of his body taking care of it well particularly his ankle. Even his academic background supports his passion for skating, Human Informatics, Human Engineering and Cognitive Science at the Waseda University.

On the rink in a performance, he is focused, passionate about his artistry, body language, movement, expression and the strength, energy and stamina for his technicals. He has a keen listening ear conscious of the matching sounds with sights. He pays attention to details even the nuances of his costume. The target for gold is clear in his mind. He is so focused that when he falls, he rises quickly to recover.

Yuzuru Destined to make it happen praying to Gods, acknowledging the support of fans and followers incorporating their good tidings with his own strengths. He is particular about giving thanks and recognition to his support groups. He wears bracelets, amulets believed to protect him from harm. He has Winnie the Pooh, a Disney mascot as his good luck charm. Even his name Yuzuru sets up his life for him, which means a bowstring symbolizing confidence, strength, and straightness.

On Destiny the 4th D of Appreciative Inquiry, Yuzuru Hanyu continues to dream anew preparing how to outperform himself.

At the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics, he not only broke records, he broke our hearts too!

Watch to 45 minute Japanese documentary (with English subtitles) to learn the story behind the champion. (Docu on Youtube not mine. Catch it before it is removed.)

https://youtu.be/KhKvqS5gOq4

https://youtu.be/KhKvqS5gOq4