ABSOLUTELY FILIPINO MAGAZINE SPRING 2017

Uplifting PINOY

SPRING 2017

ISSUE # 11

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Musikleta 2016: Canadian and Filipino Performers Coming Together for the Benefit of Bikes for the Philippines

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Bringing Change Blood and Injustice

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Zip De Guzman Jr., Our World-class Baritone

Neill’s Words

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The Great Gatsby Party: Home Edition

Isla Chicas: Your Boracay Travel Consultant

ADVOCATE MABLE ELMORE www.absolutelyfilipinomagazine.com

A B S O LU T E LY F I L I P I N O M A G A Z I N E

ABSOLUTELY FILIPINO MAGAZINE

Words from the Editor I

our staff

t’s spring time again, and we are excited for the many upcoming Filipino events this season. Many funfilled family activities are also waiting for us; we just need to make time for it.

As always, we are here to celebrate Filipino people that inspire us in countless ways and different fields. Through their incredible works and achievements, we can truly be proud of our heritage because Filipinos excel anywhere they are planted.

We have a common theme in our first issue this year, and it’s all about Filipino voices in different fields. We have Mable Elmore who’s been representing the Filipino community and other minorities

in legislation, Neill who uses his voice to tell stories, and finally, Zip de Guzman, who is a world-class baritone, once again making a name, this time in Japan. In this issue, we also hear from two sides of the coin with regards to the Duterte administration.

I am glad to inform everyone that Filipinos across the world can read about the people and stories we feature here at AFM. We are growing consistently and are hearing from people across the continents thanks to your word-of-mouth and online promotions.

We thank you all for the warm support that you have given us. And we are glad to continue receiving your feedback so we can make changes for the better. We also

welcome recommendations on who to feature next and promote activities in our Filipino communities especially here in BC. Once again, I thank our Almighty God for the guidance and provision all throughout these three years. AFM is truly nothing without Him. #UPLIFTINGPINOY JINKEE PORTA-MERCURIO Publisher/Editor-in-Chief

WHAT’S Joandrea

Paulo

Merryl

Kurt

Dwight

arjay

olivia

alice

PUBLISHER / EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Jinkee Porta-Mercurio CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Joandrea Santiago • Arjay Bartolome Merryl Catherine V. Talan • Dwight Simon • Kurt Zubieta COPY EDITORS: Joandrea Santiago • Olivia Oredina LAYOUT AND DESIGN EDITOR: John Paulo Fernandez PHOTOGRAPHY: Dwight Simon • Alice Mercurio (Credits as specified on article page) CIRCULATION: Marlon Mercurio FOR SALES AND ADVERTISING INQUIRIES: jinkee.mercurio@outlook.com | 778-792-0071 • 778-792-0049 RYAN FERRER (nryanferrer@gmail.com) 778-241-4895 WEBSITE: www.absolutelyfilipinomagazine.com

INSIDE? 4

FEATURE Musikleta 2016: Canadian and Filipino Performers Coming Together for the Benefit of Bikes for the Philippines | Merryl Catherine V. Talan

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OPINION Bringing Change | Kurt Zubieta

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OPINION Blood and Injustice | Arjay Bartolome

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FEATURE Zip De Guzman Jr., Our World-class Baritone | Arjay Bartolome

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FEATURE Neil’s Words | Joandrea Santiago

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ON CENTRE STAGE Mable Elmore | Joandrea Santiago (Interview by Jinkee Mercurio)

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TRAVELOGUE Isla Chicas: Your Boracay Travel Consultant | Dwight Simon

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LIFESTYLE The Great Gatsby Party: Home Edition | Jinkee Mercurio

COVER: MABLE ELMORE PHOTOGRAPHER: JOSHUA BERSON

Disclaimer: The articles and opinions of the writers do not necessarily reflect the views and beliefs of the publisher. All written materials are designed for educational and informational purposes only, and no one should use it as a replacement for any expert’s advice. Sponsors and advertisers are solely responsible for the content and legitimacy of information published in their ads. Advertisers who don’t have their own art and asked AFM to aid in making the art or advertorial/write-up are responsible for its content. There is no guarantee that all submitted materials such as articles, photos, and artworks will be published. AFM can edit and alter any submitted material before publication.

All contents © Copyright 2017 | No part of this magazine maybe reproduced in whole or in part without written permission.

LUKE 1:37 “FOR NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE WITH GOD.”

Musikleta 2016:

Canadian and Filipino Performers Coming Together for the Benefit of Bikes for the Philippines

by Merryl Catherine V. Talan

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n a world where everyone is busy doing their own thing, I am amazed by how some people actually give time to practice (and even fly to another continent) to raise funds and make other people’s lives better.

Musikleta is a benefit concert for Bikes in the Philippines and was held on December 21, 2016, in Greenbelt 1, Makati City. Bikes of the Philippines is a non-profit organization that helps at-risk kids get to school, as children may need to walk 5-8 km. The organization’s mission includes: “(1) to provide bicycles to deserving individuals in the Philippines in order to enable them to attend school, travel to work and otherwise improve their economic status, as well as empower them to become more productive members of the community and (2) to encourage a healthy lifestyle and clean environment by developing a sustainable cycling culture that can be kept at any age”. Musikleta is also a good avenue to showcase talents and bring together people with the same cause at heart.

Serenading Greenbelt 1 was RLSAA (Regional Lead School

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for Arts in Angono) Chamber Orchestra conducted by Mr. Giuseppe Andre V. Diestro or fondly called “Jopi” by his peers. The RLSAA Chamber Orchestra members are students from Angono, Rizal who train everyday in the afternoon right after classes. These kids are used to playing outdoors in non-formal venues, and that is why Musikleta is their highlight performance, which was held in an indoor acoustic venue with one microphone per instrument.

“They were nervous about that.

These kids are used to sharing a microphone, hence if they commit a mistake, it’s usually cannot be heard easily. But here in Musikleta, they have to do it right. Otherwise, it’s heard.”

An orchestra is just like any other sport--everyone has to be in sync with one another. If one goes out of pace, the rhythm of the team crumbles. According to Jopi, the challenge of an orchestra is “having to start and end together. With more than 20 minds to handle, 20 pairs of eyes looking at you and more than 20 instruments playing, it can be quite a challenge. But with continuous practice, it can always be achieved”.

FEATURE Photos courtesy of Christine Adela White

Seated among the crowd, I was in awe with how seamless they played, even if they only had a few hours to practice at the venue together with the other performers.

Indeed, Filipino talent is quick to adapt and adjust. Hats off to Angono School for offering this music training as part of their curriculum! Rarely do I get to hear of schools pouring in time and resources to develop their student’s music skills. It’s all sports and innovation nowadays, that we forget how music is also an integral part of life.

Christine Adela White, an active supporter of Bikes for the Philippines and who previously graced the cover of AFM, was also present at the event. Adela rocked the organ as a part of a band called Unsung. It is composed of musicians from CW Music of Vancouver, Canada, with children ages 10 to 13. They are a tribute band of musicians from CW Music who traveled to the Philippines to perform in a concert benefiting Bikes for the Philippines. The Unsung members are —

Aldrin, 13, Chanice, 13, and Angelica, 10 on vocals respectively; Cassey, 10, on percussion; Max, 12, and Allen on guitar/bass; Kendrix on guitar; Talisa on synth/vocals; Aldrix on drums; and lastly Christine, on the keyboard. “Unsung” performed alongside RLSAA Highschool Chamber Orchestra and guest artists, Freshmen. CW Music musicians donated funds that assisted in the purchase of new strings for the RLSAA Chamber Orchestra.

The group performed the following eight songs.

1. It’s my life 2. Church on Sunday 3. Narda 4. With a Smile 5. Ikaw 6. Skyscraper 7. Hallelujah - a collaboration with RLSAA. It is also a tribute to the late Canadian musician/poet Leonard Cohen.

8. Hawak kamay- song finale I had a chance to chat with Adela quickly

during practice. I wrote about her a few issues back, and it was indeed a pleasure seeing her in the flesh! Boy was she tall!

Former Miss Vancouver and quirky as ever, she exudes an approachable aura coupled with grace and a warm smile. The same smile gleaming at the more than 200 people in Musikleta enjoying the music she contributed on stage.

It took more than 15 people to put together the Musikleta event, and indeed their hard work became a success. More kids will ride bikes in the next coming months, thanks to the audience who watched and gave donations through ticket purchase. Thanks to the kids from Canada, Freshmen, CWMUSICUNSUNG, RLSAA Chamber Orchestra, other participants and attendees of the event, more people are riding their way to achieving their dreams through Bikes for the Philippines.

Check out their website at http://bikesforthephilippines.org/.

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OPINION

opposin

Duterte Adm

Bringing Change

By Kurt Zubieta

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n the Philippines, when we talk about politicians or the government, we associate it corruption, elitism, and lack of trust. But as I have continued to follow President Duterte’s administration, my perception of the government started to change.

Duterte is ranked 70th in Forbes’ World’s Most Powerful People of 2016 and is the only Southeast Asian leader on the list. He is also one of the most controversial presidents of the Philippines due to his method of using “kamay na bakal (iron fist).” His dedication to change the country is far different from the previous administration and has raised conflict to those in the opposition.

His methods against drugs brought him the biggest controversy not only in our country but the whole world. The death toll of 7,080 includes: 2,555 suspected drug personalities killed in police operations, 3,603 victims in cases under investigations, and 922 victims in cases that were concluded (as of January 9, 2017, Source: PNP).

Yet, numbers do talk. On the flip side, as of January 2017, there had been 43,593 police operations conducted, 53,025 drug personalities arrested, 7,069,025 houses visited by “Oplan Tokhang”, and 1,179,462 total numbers of surrenders in “Oplan Tokhang” including 79,349 pushers and 1,110,113 users (source: PNP). These operations took place and were recorded during his seat – numbers that we didn’t see in the past administrations.

What is the origin of the killings? Is it the government or the people themselves? Imagine if drug use isn’t prevalent in our country what would our streets look like? If policemen were not given guns to protect themselves then what would the situation look like if reversed? How many policemen and innocent people will die

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in the hands of the criminals who are mostly drug addicts? How many news stories have you read about homicides, burglary, rape, and other heinous crimes caused by those involved in drugs?

This brings to mind talks of the death penalty which is becoming a rising debate among our politicians. I personally support passing this law because I am in line with the President’s point of view: “Every person has the right to live and be free, but other people have no right to destroy the lives of others.” And having the death penalty, I believe, is a huge deterrent to committing these crimes and putting things into order.

Some say that Duterte should focus on poverty instead of the drug war. For me, poverty has been an eyesore for centuries, and still, there are no easy solutions to it. As I recall my experiences, observations, and talking to people from the slums, more than 40% of these people say they can’t afford to eat but can afford to get drunk, gamble, and even use drugs. They always blame the government for their poverty, but they can’t change their bad habits to uplift their lives from the slums. Some have a dozen children to feed, and that makes another percent of the population under the poverty line. If people want change, then people should change themselves first and learn how to abide the laws even in the simplest ways such as throwing a candy wrapper or cigarette butts in the proper trash bins.

I believe this change can be found in our President’s example of how he ran Davao City. I want to see the progress, discipline, and change in our country in the way Duterte envisioned it for us—with law abiding and disciplined citizens where you wouldn’t be scared to have your children walk the streets alone.

I honestly believe that if we follow Duterte’s lead and allow ourselves to be disciplined by his iron first, we would become better off. Let the changes he brings change us.

ng views

ministration:

Blood and Injustice

By Arjay Bartolome

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hange is coming!” President Rodrigo Duterte promised as the Filipino people remain hopeful to witness and experience this change.

During the campaign period, President Duterte was always the talk of the town. News programs and newspapers were always bombarded with stories regarding his controversial actions and statements. He was also known for his iron fist or “kamay na bakal” from which he built a magnetic charisma to the Filipinos.

Strong political will became his main asset. Imparting sweet promises, he enticed the Filipino people with his platforms and plans. With this, he stood out among the other candidates, leading him to gain the plurality of the Filipino votes.

In his almost nine months in the presidency, the country experiences drastic changes. Extrajudicial killings became as if a daily routine in the country. According to Philippine National Police (PNP), as of January 9, 2017, there were 7,080 victims comprising of 2,555 suspected drug personalities in police operations, 3,603 killed in cases under investigations, and 922 victims in cases that were concluded.

Numerous lives were killed, including innocent people.

The president seems to be satisfied with every blood spilled in his war on drugs which threatens the security, rights, and freedom of every Filipino. I believe that justice and the rule of law should remain the sovereign in solving drug issues.

The innocent should not be merely tagged as ‘collateral damage,’ policemen and vigilantes should be tried and put behind bars if found guilty.

Controversies were also raised because of his careless words and punitive language. The president doesn’t realize that he is the leader of a state representing more than 100 million citizens of the Philippines. Despite of being known with his blunt and provocative language, this is not a ticket for him to say what he wants to say.

Last November 2016, the president admitted that he always stare at Vice President Leni Robredo’s knees and legs. He also openly discussed it in one of his speeches in one event. For him, this might be a joke, but I believe this was a form of disrespecting women.

In our early age, Good Manners and Right Conduct (GMRC) was taught to us in schools, church, and in our homes. His indecent words with the Vice President and his profanity in every speech do not reflect good manners,

rather the opposite.

President Duterte is also inconsistent with his statements, which was also evident during his campaign. One of his main platforms was to eliminate drugs in three to six months, where are we now? Six months have passed--drugs and killings are still rampant.

Who will forget his words of the Philippines leaving the United Nations, statements about rape, and his selfdeclared conversation with God in the airplane? Serious matters ended up as a joke.

Since the beginning, our president has been careless with his words. He has a strong political will but a neglectful will with his mouth. Every word of the president has weight. People listens whenever he speaks. People always believe in his words. Yet, President Duterte failed to realize that he is the face of the nation. Based on his present actions, he disrupts the country’s image, especially in foreign relations. A president embodies the whole country with its statements and decisions. Unfortunately, we have a president who tends to forget that he is a president.

Another thing, Davao is different from the Philippines.

Our president tries to build a monopoly of power in his hands. As a former City chief, he tries to apply what he had done to Davao. But, there is a larger scale of difference in governing a city and a country. Our president should realize that being a president is more complex than being a mayor. He has to coordinate with the different departments and agencies. Power doesn’t only rely on his position, but several others he must have a handle on.

Still, many Filipinos remain hopeful with his plans for our country. They were blinded by his blunt words and strong passion for the nation. Yes, he might have a strong love for our nation, but he must not overlook the innocent being trampled upon by his methods. Many are already crying for justice--small voices, many of whom are the poor. They are growing in numbers, and their voices are becoming louder and louder which we can no longer ignore.

Life turned to death, and peace turned to war. Many have dreams turned to a nightmare, and their hope turned to fear. Let’s not turn a blind eye to that change that is indeed happening in our country, a change filled with blood and injustice.

Zip De Guzman Jr., Our World-class Baritone

By Arjay Bartolome

M

usic runs in the blood of every Filipino. In every house, there are always radios, cassette tapes, and stereos, which depict our love for music. Our birthdays, Christmas, and New Year celebrations are incomplete without a round of videoke. We never grow tired of watching singing competitions both local and international. Worldwide, Filipinos are recognized in international singing competitions and often places on top.

Cipriano “Zip” De Guzman Jr. hails from Pasig City and is one of our country’s premier baritone performers. His exposure to music began when he joined a church chorale group in Pasig as a young boy. Choosing music as a career path was not easy for Zip. His family was initially reluctant to support him since a

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life of music often meant minimal earnings and lack of financial stability. But Zip’s love for music, the gift of talent combined with hard work, allowed Zip to realize his dream.

Zip finished his Bachelor’s Degree in Communication Arts at the University of the East Manila as an Academic Scholar.

He then went on to earn a Bachelor in Music Education Voice Emphasis, minor piano and Bachelor of Music Major in Vocal Performance, minor in Choral Conducting at the University of Santo Tomas Conservatory of Music.

Even after Zip earned his degrees, there were limited opportunities for a neophyte like him in the Philippines. This is why Zip took the risk of venturing abroad and was able to land a key role in the opera, “Carmen”, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. His role as ‘Escamillio’ was notable and well received, thus exposing him to the world stage.

FEATURE Photos courtesy of Zip De Guzman

Zip’s first visit to Canada was in 2012 as a member of the Manila Chamber Singers when they competed for the XV Kathaumixw International Choral Competition in Powell River, British Columbia.

He served as a vocal coach and chorister of his group, which bagged two 1st places for Contemporary and Folklore, and a 2nd place in the Mixed Category. He was also the only Asian finalist contestant at the open category of the Vocal Solo of the said competition. This was a turning point for Zip because he used to be anxious about singing solo. His performance in the competition allowed him to face and conquer that fear.

During Zip’s stay in Canada, he learned to be flexible; that he should explore all genres of music and not remain boxed and contented with what he was accustomed to.

Last June 2014, Zip was in Canada for concerts sponsored by the Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver, British Columbia. These were held during the celebration of the Philippine Independence month.

June of last year, Zip won the first prize in the opera category of the 7th American Protégé International Vocal Competition. He

also placed second in the vocal category of the 10th Yokohama International Music Competition held at the Tokyo Gotanda Cultural Center last August.

At present, Zip stays in Hiroshima, Japan as he pursues his Master of Music degree in Vocal Performance at the Elisabeth University of Music under baritone Hiroharu Orikawa. He enjoys a scholarship grant from the Loyola Memorial Scholarship and Catholic University Scholarship.

Zip will debut as an opera singer in Japan as he plays the role of ‘Schaunard’ in Puccini’s La Boheme. The impressive production will include an all-Japanese cast (Zip is the only foreigner), the Hiroshima City Opera, the Hiroshima City Chorus together with the NHK Children’s Chorus, and the Hiroshima City Ballet.

Let’s support Zip as he once again makes a name not only for himself but for our country.

For more information and updates on Zip, check out his Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pg/ zipdeguzmanfilipinobaritone/about/

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FEATURE

Neill’s Words

by Joandrea Santiago Canada SCORES Vancouver (CSV) anada SCORES Vancouver launched in January 2014 and runs an after-school program that seeks to “improve student’s health, academic achievement, and civic engagement” through the sport of soccer and the voice of spoken word poetry. They began their program in Burnaby with three schools and 45 kids. Hearing many good things about the program, Surrey, wanted to have the SCORES in their area too. They started with three schools and 80 children in Surrey and have now increased to 5 schools and 100 kids, while Burnaby now has four schools and 60 kids.

Poetry Slam!

2016 was Canada SCORES Vancouver’s first Regional Poetry Slam. A Poetry Slam! is a competition where poets read or recite their original work. More than merely reciting poetry, it has become an avenue to express worldviews and the unique experiences of the speaker, thus, providing them with a voice that resonates not only in their communities but also in the whole world.

One boy and one girl poet from each participating CSV school were selected

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to perform at this event for the chance to represent Canada SCORES at the Annual SCORES Poetry SLAM! Event. Our very own, Neill Villamente, won the Regional Slam, and represented Canada at this year’s event in San Francisco, California last February 4.

The Young Poet Neill is only ten years old and is a 5th-grade student at the Taylor Park Elementary in Burnaby, BC. Like other kids, Neill has many interests including basketball, karate (he’s a green belt), and has a healthy curiosity about dinosaurs.

What sets him apart from other kids is his engagement with poetry writing and recitals. Neill says that poetry is his outlet for creativity and draws support from his sister and parents. He also enjoys the feeling of the crowd cheering for him.

As a young boy, the writing process for Neill comes naturally from the experiences of daily life—adding his own touch of magic. His winning piece, “Winter Wonderland,” was about a winter day playing in the snow with his sister and going home to the call of his mother to be greeted with delicious, hot chocolate.

For young poets like Neill, joining a Poetry Slam is an empowering experience.

Photo by Dwight Simon These are young children who write their own material, stand in front of a big crowd--many of whom are adults-while they perform their piece. Us adults would find such a task daunting, let alone 10-year-olds.

Neill tells us about his first Poetry Slam competition, “It was nerve-wracking.

When I stepped on the stage, I was really nervous. I thought I would lose”. But after he did his poem, he felt happy—and so did the judges. Neill leaves a message to those who wishes to try poetry writing and competitions: “Don’t give up if you didn’t do well the first time. Just keep going”.

Good luck, Neill!

We would like to thank the following for accommodating us: Kevin Yang | Executive Director Canada Scores Vancouver E: kevin@canadascores.org T: (778) 871-6316 Canada Scores Vancouver 3023 - 3713 Kensington Avenue Burnaby, BC, V5B 0A7 www.canadascores.org Niño Villamente Ethel Villamente

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”I wasn’t planning to be a politician… But I was always interested in helping people, in social justice, fair treatment, and empowering the community.

It was thru my advocacy and involvement in the community, different initiatives, that I was approached to run as a candidate. People thought that I would be a good representative, so I decided to try.”

- Mable Elmore

MABLE ELMORE:

Advocating for the Community to Create a Fair and Better Society Interview by Jinkee Mercurio | Written by Joandrea Santiago | Photos by Joshua Berson

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ON CENTRE STAGE

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n 2009, Mable Elmore became the first Filipino-Canadian and fifth woman of colour to be elected as a Member of the BC Legislative Assembly. She was born in Langley, BC and subsequently moved with her family to Vancouver during her high school years, and have resided there ever since.

AN EARLY AWAKENING TO SERVICE Mable tells us an early experience that first opened her eyes to the spirit of service.

She was ten years old when she first visited the Philippines, and her family stayed in a town north of Cebu for three months. Mable was exposed to the culture and ways of her peers and even went to school there for a few months. As part of her Filipino family’s tradition, they would prepare and cook a big pot of food in time for the town’s fiesta.

People would line up outside their house as their family gave away the food they made to these people. She asked her mother why they were doing that and her mother told her that it was their way to give to those who were less fortunate and could not have a proper fiesta celebration.

“That made a huge impact on me,” Mable recalls. “It was my first experience of people coming together to help others. I felt unfair for children my age to go hungry or live in poverty. The experience stayed with me and taught me the strong Filipino spirit of generosity and compassion.”

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SERVICE THROUGH LEGISLATION Mable is a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) for VancouverKensington. She is finishing up on her second term (4 years per term), and is coming up to 8 years of service. Part of the responsibilities of the Legislative Assembly include passing and enacting laws, and approving budgets for areas such as education, transportation, health, and employment.

Prior to her political career, Mable was a transit operator for the Coast Mountain Bus Company. During her years there, she was active in her union and also conducted courses and workshops for workers. These activities exposed her to a big part of the working community and labor organisations.

“I wasn’t planning to be a politician…

But I was always interested in helping people, in social justice, fair treatment, and empowering the community. It was thru my advocacy and involvement in the community, different initiatives, that I was approached to run as a candidate.

People thought that I would be a good representative, so I decided to try.”

SPOKESPERSON FOR TEMPORARY FOREIGN WORKERS (TFW) AND IMMIGRATION Mable is running for her third term in the provincial election this May 9.

She is also asking voters to support the New Democratic Party to win the majority so that they will be able to legislate law. http://mableelmore.ca/ Phone: 604-775-1033 Mable.Elmore.MLA@leg.bc.ca

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One of the big challenges immigrant workers are facing is getting recognition for their credentials. Most workers are unable to practice in their field of expertise or have difficulty in getting accredited and joining the BC workforce (e.g. it takes years for an internationally educated nurse to get a license to practice). TFWs are also facing exploitation through unfair working environments and salaries. Helping her party get a majority vote will allow her to pursue her goals in helping these people—a huge number of whom belong to our community.

A MESSAGE TO THE FILIPINO COMMUNITY Mable is grateful for the support of the Filipino communities who have rallied behind her to make history in the legislative body of Canada. “A strong sense of community and positivity are traits that Filipinos bring wherever they go. Filipinos should be assertive about the contributions they make to Canada at large, and I encourage the community to step up and take on more leadership roles across the board, in both business and the society. Aside from being active in casting their votes, I also challenge Filipinos to come together to advocate for the issues that matter to them that will help advance their lives.” Moving forward, Mable aims for more Filipinos to be more active in the kind of work she does in order to pave the way for her succession in the future.

Address: 6106 Fraser Street, Vancouver, BC V5W 3A1 Hours: Open Monday to Thursday 10am to 4:30pm and Friday by appointment only.

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Online | In-Class Both formats are available for students studying full-time or part-time.

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BRITISH COLUMBIA Vancouver Abbotsford

1(844) 628-5784

(604) 283-2028

(604) 625-1150 1114

Programs eligible for funding under Federal and Provincial Student Loan plans.

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TRAVELOGUE

ISLA CHICAS

Your Boracay Travel Consultant Article and Photo by Dwight Simon

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n the last 5 to 10 years, the Philippines has changed a lot. An increase in foreign investment and tourism helped jumpstart the economy and provide Filipinos with more income to spend not only on their needs but also towards traveling and leisure activities. Vacationing locally and abroad is easier these days, which is why some of our enterprising middle class took advantage of this favourable economic climate.

June Myrrh Duenas is like so many Filipinos who spent most of their time commuting in the Manila traffic. It wasn’t long until she grew exhausted from her daily routine of not less than three hours on the road. She found her escape thru social media with the endless searches of #wanderlust photos which deepened her hunger to leave the Manila rat race behind.

“I have always wanted to live on an island but don’t know where,” says June when reminiscing about her past life. Tired of the stressful commutes, she quit her job. The sudden change forced her to act quickly. Luckily, at that point, she came across a job posting in Boracay, which she took immediately. In January 2014, she packed her bags and headed off!

Boracay is a small island 300 km south of Manila and 2 km off the northwest tip of Panay Island in the Western Visayas. What makes it so special is the 4 kilometres of fine, white sand beach, crystal clear blue water, amazing sunsets, and carefree way of life.

For June, being in Boracay wasn’t just about the beautiful beaches and crazy party life. Being in a slower-paced environment allowed her to step back and get to know herself better. Meeting different kinds of people from all over the world

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exposed her to different beliefs and cultures, which helped her get acquainted with her own. “It encourages me to pursue my desires to travel and to live an interesting life,” she says.

It was indeed fate when June met Cecilia Laim, a fellow traveler whom she got to know during her first couple of months on the island. The two got to know each other and realised they had similar goals. So instead of competing, Cecilia offered June a partnership, and Isla Chicas Travel Consultancy was born!

Being both avid travelers and having already stayed in Boracay for quite a while, June and Cecillia are knowledgeable on the kinds of activities that people can enjoy on the island. They are sensitive to the needs of their clients such as transportation, accommodation, and food. From this experience-based knowledge, they created the platform for the services they offer.

I had the chance to experience Isla Chicas’ services during my travel to the Philippines last December 2016. I was impressed with the hassle-free planning that they provided us. They took care of everything from booking the flights, offering airport transfers, and accommodations. Most importantly, they gave us plenty of choices for activities and local experiences such as jet skiing, parasailing, helmet diving, and so much more—with reasonable prices.

It is good to be back in Canada, but there will come a time when AFM will be back in the Philippines. And when that time comes, Isla Chicas will definitely be a part of the fun!

Check out Isla Chica’s Facebook Page: Isla Chicas Travel Consultancy Follow them Instagram: islachicaboracay

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We would like to thank GA&A Events Services for their great help and service.

You can contact them at (604) 726-4009/ http://www.gaaevents.com Fiesta Creative Catering 604-524-4321 info@fiestacreativecatering.com

LIFESTYLE

THE GREAT GATSBY PARTY: HOME EDITION

By Jinkee Mercurio

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n my husband’s 40 years of existence, this is his first time to celebrate a themed party. And being a party animal wannabe, I usually crave for something different---a new experience, and more memorable. I made a fuss wanting this event to be perfect because this is my way of showing my husband how important he is in our family.

Once in a while, I want us to wear something nice and fancy as we celebrate together with our dearest friends and relatives, another milestone in my husband’s life. “Life begins at 40” after all.

I started planning for my husband’s December party right after my daughter’s birthday last June.

It took quite a bit of research to get all the details right. Good thing the Great Gatsby theme can be done in any season and can be held either as an indoor or outdoor event. Since we will celebrate it in the winter season, we decided to do it at home.

What do you need for a Great Gatsby-themed party?

1. Outfits. Flapper dresses for the girls with headpiece accessories, feather boa scarf, pearl necklace, and gloves (optional). Those are the basic must-haves. For men, there should be a hat and vest. Cane and cigars can also boost the outfit’s dramatic effect of the 1920s gangster. I have provided headpiece and necklace for some of the guests so they can truly feel the Roaring 20s atmosphere.

2. Music. It should go with the theme. In my case, I played contemporary and modern music in the form of vintage genres like swing and jazz. It added a different mood making it mysterious and elegant.

3. Liquor. Champagne is the ideal drink especially if you are planning to have a champagne tower, which was initially on the top of my plan. Since it’s expensive, we found an alternative with the help of the liquor store personnel who suggested sweet sparkling wine.

For guests who do not drink, we served light-

coloured sparkling pop which was a perfect accessory when giving a toast to the celebrant.

4. Decor. Art, specifically decorating is never my cup of tea. Again, I had to ask help from my resident party planner. The Great Gatsby colors are mainly gold and black, with some added touch of ostrich feathers, vintage decor, and things that are shiny and glittery. Without all these 1920s grandeur depicted in the novel, you cannot call it a Great Gatsby party.

5. Food. You know how we Filipinos throw a party, right? As if it is always a grand fiesta buffet--unlimited food and drinks. Well, I have decided to opt out of serving the usual Filipino cuisine and instead hired a caterer that made hors d’oeuvres.

I didn’t realize that the hors d’oeuvres required meticulous work from a chef that had an extra fee for his special service! So I opted out the chef arrangement and requested my caterer to simplify the menu, pack it, and simply drop it at home. Our special dishes for the night was prepared by my husband’s uncle from North Vancouver: Pancit Guisado (noodles) and the famous Doña Aurora dish (eggs stuffed with minced seasoned pork and coated with more eggs) of Quezon province.

6. Program. We started with the arrival of the guests, followed by a photo op with the themed backdrop. After a simple prayer and thanksgiving, dining was in order. We made a toast for the birthday celebrant. After that, a short film I made took my husband by surprise while the guests were left touched by the thought and effort I gave.

7. Guests. I have only held a few parties in the past, but I can tell you that most of the guests are always the same group of people--a few good friends and family. Afterall, special events like these are meant to be celebrated with those who we’ve grown close with in our community.

Remember that a party, whether themed or not, is supposed to celebrate life and is an occasion that seeks to bring laughter and good memories to the celebrant and the guests.

May we have more things to celebrate this 2017. Cheers!

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