Welcome Abroad - The OFW Experience May - June 2018

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MAY - JUNE 2018

MORNING ROUTINES:

How OFWs Spend Their Mornings

TOOTSIE GUEVARA:

Her 8 Secrets to Success

RICHARD ALCALA:

From Dishwasher to Jr. Sous Chef

SHAYANNE CASAPAO:

A Figure Skater Par Excellence

Meet OFW

Gabriel John Rimando The Filipino lensman who has set his sights on a noble mission in the Middle East 1

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WELCOME ABROAD - The OFW Experience

CONTENTS

MAY - JUNE 2018

34 30 OFW Entrepreneur Restaurateur DahliaAgbanlog does what she loves best as she becomes a Mom on a mission possible enough to achieve because of her gratitude in everything.

32 OFW Entrepreneur Chef Yusuf Lucido shows the value of time management and team work in running a estaurant where diners will surely enjoy going back to.

34 Cover Story Filipino Institute founder Gabriel John Rimando empowers OFWs to follow their dreams and live the life they truly deserve with lifelong learning.

IN EVERY ISSUE 6

Editor’s Note

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OFW News

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Insights

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Destinations

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Arts and Culture

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Directory of Foreign Posts in the Middle East

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Subscription page

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Next Issue

40 OFW Profile Jr. Sous Chef Richard Alcala finds the fulfillment of his dreams, not in his home country, but in a five-star hotel in the Middle East.

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44 Business Profile Freight forwarding company Conor Int’l Express Cargo goes to the “heart” of the matter when sending packages for their customers.

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Spotlight on The Filipino Artist Filmmaker Jan Xavier Pacle discovers his newfound passion and transforms them into remarkable stories of the human spirit.

56 Spotlight on The Filipino Athlete Figure skater Shayanne Casapao didn’t let her thousand failures hinder her journey towards skating success.

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Celebrity Glimpses After basking in the limelight for nearly two decades, accomplished singer-actress Tootsie Guevara sings a different tune with a loving family and a wonderful career abroad.

64 Welcome Home Josef and Lilian Marquez never had any inkling that their love would blossom into a successful restaurant café business.

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WELCOME ABROAD - The OFW Experience MAY - JUNE 2018

One-Stop Service Center for OFWs Now in 18 Locations Nationwide The One-Stop Service Center for OFWs (OSSCO), initiated by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), is now located in 18 cities across the country with the recent opening of the center at the Integrated Terminal Complex in Malvar, Santiago City.

In line with the directive of President Rodrigo Duterte to bring government services closer to the people, the centers aim to make these services more accessible to OFWs where they can process their documentary requirements and conduct transactions with government agencies located in one place with ease and convenience.

The OSSCO offices are located in: 1. Bacolod City - Robinson’s Place 2. Baguio City - Baguio Convention Center 3. Butuan City - Butuan City Hall Complex 4. Cagayan De Oro City - OWWA Regional Office 10 5. Calamba City - OWWA Regional Office 4A 6. Cebu City - SM City 7. Davao City – Gaisano Mall

Pampanga Clark Freeport Zone San Fernando City Manna Mall

8. Iloilo City - Robinson’s Place 9. Koronadal City - New City Hall 10. Legazpi City - Pacific Mall 11. Mandaluyong City – POEA Main Office 12. Pampanga - Clark Freeport Zone 13. Puerto Princesa City - Robinson’s Place 14. San Fernando City - Manna Mall 15. Santiago City – Integrated Terminal Complex 16. Tacloban City - DOLE Regional Office 8 17. Tuguegarao City - City Tourism Office 18. Zamboanga City - OWWA Regional Office 9 There are 16 government agencies that are housed in OSSCO offices to facilitate OFW transactions, namely: Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) Social Security System (SSS)

Santiago City Integrated Terminal Complex Baguio City Baguio Convention Center Mandaluyong City POEA Main Office Calamba City OWWA Regional Office 4A

Legazpi City Pacific Mall

Bacolod City Robinsons Place Puerto Princesa City Robinson’s Place

Iloilo City Robinson’s Place

Cebu City SM City

Cagayan De Oro City OWWA Regional Office 10

Tacloban City DOLE Regional Office 8

Butuan City Butuan City Hall Complex

Davao City Gaisano Mall Koronadal City New City Hall

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Home Development Mutual Fund (Pag-IBIG) Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Philippine National Police (PNP) Bureau of Immigration (BI) Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) For more information: Department of Labor and Employment DOLE Building, Muralla Wing cor. General Luna Street, Intramuros, Manila Hotline: 1349 Philippines Overseas Employment Administration Blas F. Ople Building, Ortigas Avenue cor.

EDSA, Mandaluyong City 722-11-44 / 722-11-55 info@poea.gov.ph

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WELCOME ABROAD - The OFW Experience MAY - JUNE 2018

PH Gov’t to Install Airport E-gates in June 2018 Long lines at immigration counters will soon be a thing of the past as the government will start installing electronic gates in the country’s main airports, an official of the Bureau of Immigration (BI) has said.

According to BI port operations division chief Red Mariñas, about 18 units of the e-gate will be deployed in major airports around the country, including those in Clark, Davao, Kalibo, and the new airport in Cebu.

Mariñas said that using the e-gate will only take 12-15 seconds as passengers will only have to swipe their passports, have biometrics, and undergo facial capturing. He explained that the e-gates will be used by Filipinos only and will not lessen the number of immigration officers occupying the airports, continuing that foreigners, on the other hand, will still have to go through immigration officers.

Mariñas hopes all of the e-gates to be in place by the end of the year, adding that the government has allotted PHP340 million for the facilities.

The inauguration will be held in June at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3. (PTV News)

OFW Lands Leading Role in New Hong Kong Film An Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) plays the lead role in a new feature film that depicts the plight of domestic helpers in a foreign land.

Minpa Gervacio, a native of El Nido, Palawan, stars in “Martika”, a TV-movie based on a long-running series on Hong Kong television that showcases the different social issues in the lives of Hong Kong citizens.

The 60-minute film, directed by independent filmmaker Wong Fei-pang, is about a Filipino helper hired by a Chinese social worker to take care of his ailing grandfather who is suffering from dementia.

The role is quite familiar to Gervacio, who has been working as a household service worker in Hong Kong, as she portrays a foreign domestic helper (FDH) duty-bound to look after a stranger at the expense of her own personal problems. Martika’s experience shows how FDHs have to overcome cultural differences, language barriers, and the lack of special training as caregivers and social workers, while at the same time juggling financial problems and family concerns back home in the Philippines.

Director Wong has high hopes that his film will serve as an inspiration to employers to build harmonious relationships with their domestic helpers.

“Martika” has aired on Hong Kong television, screened in outdoor venues, and was shown in public screenings at the Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong. (DFA News)

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WELCOME ABROAD - The OFW Experience MAY - JUNE 2018

What is your morning routine?

Studies have shown that successful people have created morning routines to start their day right. This regular habit has made them highly effective and productive in life. In this issue, we feature OFWs and immigrants who have become successful abroad and find out how they spend their mornings.

Full Name: Jacqueline Tuason Work: Engage Life Coordinator Company: Atria Retirement City: Regina, Saskatchewan Country: Canada

As an immigrant, my daily morning routine is quite busy, most especially during winter - preparing food for my husband and our son, removing snow off on our car, and shoveling snow in the parking garage before going to work.

Full Name: Jerome John Soralbo Work: In-Room Dining Server Company: Ritz Carlton Bachelors Gulch City: von, Colorado Country: U. S. A.

Wake up to prep for work, prepare jacket to wear. Call my family in the Philippines, if there is still time. Need to be 30 minutes ahead before my schedule.

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Full Name: Zenyjel Pagar Work: Housewife Company: NA City: Melbourne Country: Australia

Wake up at 7 in the morning. Wash my face and gargle with water. Next, prepare my husband’s lunch and make some ham and cheese toast and coffee for breakfast. Eat breakfast together.

Wake up at 3:30 am. Immediately smile in bed, excited about what the day may bring. I drink a big glass of water, take a shower, and get dressed.

Afterwards, I take a few minutes to sit quietly, visualizing the day ahead.

Finally, I go into the office since my work starts as early as 5:30 am.

Full Name: Arsenia Sebastian Work: Domestic Helper Company: NA City: North Point Country: Hong Kong

Wake up at 6:00 am. By 6:30 am, wash the car of my employer (serves as everyday exercise). Around 8:00 am, prepare the food of my boss and all his stuff as he wakes up at 9:00 am. After that, I can relax and talk to my family in the Philippines thru Messenger.

Full Name: Ghie Cornelio Work: Senior Media Consultant Company: Media Vision City: Doha Country: Qatar

Praying and thanking the Lord while opening FB. Have yogurt for breakfast to cure stomach acidity.

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Insights

Full Name: Shaheen Carreon Work: Administrator Company: Guju Technology Inc. Barakah Nuclear Power Plant City: Abu Dhabi Country: United Arab Emirates

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I may have less than what I’m supposed to have but I have changed more lives for the better. Some may not acknowledge it, but more are praying for me with gratitude. That’s what I count as success.

A Mother’s Stepping Stone to Success

By Danalen Basco

Mompreneur Dahlia Agbanlog realized in the beginning that success was never easy. And she sacrificed everything to prove that no matter how many times you fail, this will not be a hindrance to achieve your dreams.

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An invitation from a family member led her to a life everyone would dream of. She took the opportunity and while visiting her brothers in Qatar, submitted her CV to different companies. Luckily, she was able to get calls for interviews and later on accepted a job related to sales.

A Passion for Cooking

Bringing the love she has for cooking, Dahlia was able to get the chance of putting up her own restaurant, but a big challenge came - her sponsor consistently increased monthly fees till he saw the potential for good income and completely took over it. Despite the setback, she told herself that she could not stop from there.

Full of enthusiasm, Dahlia looked around with the help of her brother for the next and nearest opportunity to start with. And Nayong Filipino, a family restaurant, was born. Then they started looking again for another area where more Filipinos are located and found the coastal city of Al Khor. Back in 2006, the place seemed not conducive for businesses. But seeing Filipinos walking around the area, Dahlia felt the urge to put up her next business there. She personally monitored and assisted the construction of her new restaurant. At that time, people were laughing, thinking that her business would likely fail because of its location. But with her strong determination, she proved them wrong.

She even considered adding a bakery business and a restaurant expansion, so she opened a new branch in the residential neighborhood of Al Sadd.

Dahlia traveled to different countries and found Georgia where she felt the need to share her experiences so she started her travel and tour business. Cooking is really in her blood so she also put up JKCMom Café and Snacks and now new Bread and Butter Bakery will be opening soon. JKCMom is known for baking their own bread, mostly Filipino breads, aside from serving sumptuous Filipino dishes.

The Sweet Taste of Success For Dahlia, being an entrepreneur requires a lot of patience, time, and most of all, courage to face disappointments. According to her, there is no easy way to achieve success, but if you are ready to lose, then you are ready to win.

Based on her account, losing in business may be hard, but it is also an opportunity to gain more friends, more knowledge, and more experiences.

Dahlia Agbanlog whiles away the time at JKCMom Café, the restaurant she owns in Doha.

Dahlia seeks business opportunities while vacationing in Georgia.

She believes in the value of helping others, and always choosing to be good and do good.

Though known by her peers as a clever lady, Dahlia still wants to be remembered as a simple, approachable, and generous person.

Business is her passion, but she is still working as an HR officer at the Qatar Diabetes Association, a center of the Qatar Foundation.

She is also the chairman of Kulinarya Qatar, an Embassy arm in promoting tourism through food, and the managing Director of Piyestahan sa Doha, a private event group promoting Filipino culture and tradition.

Starting and Ending with Prayers

Dahlia’s dream doesn’t end there. She found out that the tourism industry in Georgia is growing that’s why she has plans of building a hotel with a Halal restaurant there. One of her aspirations just like any other person is to travel the world, to take a trip to different countries while she still can. But these would not be possible without her sacrifices and love for what she does.

She knows that everything will happen in the right time as long as she has the motivation to do what she really wants.

She imparts to everybody her own words of wisdom: “Always find time with your family.

They are your inspiration and your reason for working hard. They will be the ones who will stay by your side during difficult times. And most importantly, no matter how busy life would get, start and end your day with prayers.”

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ABOUT

OFW Entrepreneur

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arly on, working abroad has been part of the plan of Dahlia Agbanlog, a mother of three. In the Philippines, she worked at La Tondena Distillers Inc. in her hometown in Sta. Barbara, Pangasinan before she left for Cagayan and managed her own business.

WELCOME ABROAD - The OFW Experience MAY - JUNE 2018

Bringing the Filipino Taste in the Middle East

By Danalen Basco

Ka Badong is a name often used by Filipinos, which also means a wealthy male or a high society gentleman. But for Chef Elizaldy Lucido, it became a means of sharing his talent and knowledge in cooking and a way of achieving his dreams as well.

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lizaldy, fondly called Yusuf by friends and relatives, started out working as a chef at Seafood Market Restaurant in Malate and at Ocean Dragon Seafood Restaurant in Binondo before offers came for him to work abroad. With his determination, he was hired in one of the most prestigious hotels in Qatar. As more offers came, he transferred from one hotel to another, always mindful of one of his dreams to put up his own restaurant someday. Having been lucky enough, he was given the opportunity to become a partner and operations manager of Ka Badong’s Restaurant.

And of course, this would not have been possible without the help of his friends.

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According to Yusuf, Ka Badong is a name that can be easily remembered which is often associated with many Filipinos; the name itself speaking for being a true-blooded Pinoy.

Why a restaurant? “Ever since, I love to cook and serve good food to my family and friends.

It has been my ultimate dream to have my own restaurant business to share my talent and knowledge, not only to aspiring kitchen crews and staff, but also to customers who want value for their money,” he shares.

Because of Yusuf ’s passion for cooking, he was able to come up with a restaurant that would bring back the good old times as well as the distinct Filipino taste to diners in the Middle East.

Embracing Success

Yusuf admits that dealing with challenges is just a normal thing in any kind of business, with problems arising almost every day. But despite these setbacks, he and his team are still committed to giving their customers excellent food and exceptional service at a reasonable price. He addresses the hectic schedules of their customers with effective time management. He sees to it that they deliver food on time without sacrificing its quality.

Today, Ka Badong’s Restaurant has become a household name for OFWs in Qatar. Though just like any Filipino food in Doha in terms of business, what makes it genuine is the

restaurant’s being a true-blooded Filipino when it comes to food and service. Customers can easily relate themselves with their favorite food served fresh from the stove. And based on feedbacks, they consider Ka Badong’s as one of the best restaurants in Doha in terms of cuisine.

As of now, Yusuf is planning to expand their business by putting up branches and franchises all over Qatar. But still, he wants to be remembered not only as a chef that served them delicious food but also as a chef that gave them reasons to smile, experiences to enjoy, and a satisfaction that they will never forget.

Opposite: Chef Yusuf Lucido shows one of his fruit platter creations.

Bottom left: Posing with his team at Ka Badong’s Restaurant Bottom: Spending his free time at his work station

Leaving a Legacy

In all humility, Yusuf couldn’t say at this time that he is a successful entrepreneur. “I myself know that I need to learn more and do more.

But my dream and aspiration is to share whatever I can to help aspiring people with whatever talent or knowledge I have for I will know that this will become my legacy.”

He continues, “Here in Ka Badong’s, we work as a team and treat each team member as family.

Maybe and just maybe, that’s why we can easily face and solve problems because of the strong bond that we have.”

Maybe is actually an understatement, but coming from a bonafide kitchen artist, one can surmise that when Chef Yusuf Lucido speaks, it will be in all certainty.

ABOUT

Al Markhiya, Doha, Qatar +974 66270370 kabadongsrestaurant@gmail.com FB: Ka Badong’s Markhiya IG: Ka Badong’s Markhiya

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OFW Entrepreneur

Why Ka Badong’s Restaurant?

Educating to Empower

By Costa Palma Tantay

Inside a modest home, the blaring TV was left unattended, as well as the heaps of food on the table. Basing it on the number of places set, there was obviously a celebration going on, but there was no one around the table. Instead, everybody was congregated on the cramped corner of the living room, passing around the telephone shouting messages to the person on the other line. This was a typical celebration in the family of an OFW, even to this day. Sure, overseas calls are no longer as expensive as they once were, and phones or gadgets now have cameras for video calling, but the method of celebration is still the same – the family celebrated together physically, but one or two would be celebrating with them from a long distance.

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Cover Story

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WELCOME ABROAD - The OFW Experience MAY - JUNE 2018

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his was the world that Gabriel John Rimando grew up in. He experienced what it felt like to be the one left behind. He felt the sadness of being away from his mother, who had to work in another country to provide a better life for his family.

He and his siblings grew up communicating with their mother only through handwritten letters, mailed photos, and balikbayan boxes.

He saw how hard his mother had to work, and struggled with the idea of having a physically incomplete family in the Philippines for a big part of his life growing up.

Top: Filipino Institute founder Gabriel John Rimando and wife Camille Joy celebrate the birthday of their son, Fadi Inigo, who turned one in November 2017.

Above: Gabriel having a wonderful time with his family

Fortunately, his family’s sacrifice paid off, and they were able to open a water refilling station of their own. Gabriel managed the business for a year after he graduated in 2007. He learned a lot about being a businessman and his business was doing well, but he was given an unexpected chance to go to Dubai. His mother had recently started her own retail business, and asked him if he wanted to go there to help her. Gabriel was hesitant at first, but ultimately, more than the business opportunities in Dubai, his desire to spend more time with his mother won, and he flew to join her.

Since he was already there, he decided to apply as an accountant in other companies, and he was accepted. After some time, however, his mother asked him to resign to work full time in her business, since one of her staff had to go back to the Philippines. Gabriel agreed, and took over managing the business for her. But he

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knew that he needed to upscale his knowledge about being in business, and so he looked for classes he could enroll in to further his skills.

He found a lot of training institutes, but unfortunately, most of them were not that affordable.

It was in this time of searching that he realized he could start something new.

Inspiring the OFW

Although an accountant by profession, Gabriel was also skilled in photography. Eventually, he became a volunteer trainer with an organization in Dubai. Unfortunately, they had to close due to some legal issues. But Gabriel was not deterred by the closure; he decided to research on his own how to legally continue doing his trainings. He gathered some of his friends and asked if they can be trainers, and they agreed. Thus, the Filipino Institute was formed in November of 2015.

The Filipino Institute was able to provide a variety of trainings for the OFWs in Dubai.

They ranged from hobbies like photography and hair and makeup, to practical lessons like English training or Basic Supervisory Skills. What makes the Filipino Institute different from other organizations is that for Gabriel, it was not just a way to earn money. It is a social entrepreneurship formed to help the OFW grow.

Their life mission is to empower the OFWs so that they will be equipped to have the necessary skills and knowledge that they can use to change their jobs or to have a better chance of getting a job. There will always be room for improvement and learning new skills,

I want to be a man of the people. To be of service not only to our OFWs, but to Filipinos as a whole.

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no matter what age, and the Filipino Institute provides a way to help OFWs explore other possibilities of growth, or pursue a passion that had to be suppressed because they had to work.

Empowering fellow OFWs was the goal, as he saw firsthand how many of his countrymen had insufficient skills when they first arrived, but could not afford to get quality education.

Together with his wife, Gabriel embraced his role as the founder of the Filipino Institute. He would often multi task, as they did not have enough manpower to cover all the classes and do the admin work as well. He had to cover for many of the training courses they offered, as he had difficulties in getting commitments from other trainers. But they persevered, and today, they now have 16 branches across the Gulf Cooperating Council, offering 98 courses ranging from basic workshops to more advanced management courses. They have had more than 40,00 graduates since 2015, and have touched the lives of countless families, albeit indirectly.

For the Love of Family

Gabriel is a firm believer that learning does not stop when we graduate. There is power in knowledge, and education is a lifelong process.

But if one is armed with determination and supplemented with education, the OFW can go a long way indeed. But at the center of it all, there is love for family. That same love will sustain them and inspire them to work harder, to be able to be reunited with them once again.

For Gabriel, that was his reason for going to Dubai; to spend time with his mother he barely saw growing up. It is also his reason for staying, as he now has a wife and a son. And although he does not know when, he still dreams of a time when he could go back to his home country and start his own business. He wants to be of service not only to his fellow OFWs, but also to other Filipinos.

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Dishwasher‘s Dream Comes True in Doha

By Maria Belynda Oanes

Don’t be afraid to dream. Stick to your dream and complete it...

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OFW Profile

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WELCOME ABROAD - The OFW Experience MAY - JUNE 2018

Who says that washing dishes will take you nowhere? Chef Richard Alcala proves otherwise as he shows that dreams can be achieved through hard work, dedication, and passion as he never stops believing to make his dreams a reality.

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hen he was young, Richard Alcala has always been eagerly watching his mother who was a cook in a restaurant. She would bring him to the kitchen when he had no school. From her, he learned to love cooking.

The experience brought out his passion for cooking, an inspiration that developed him into where and what he is today. Chef Richard currently manages an all-day dining restaurant with 20 team members inclusive of stewarding.

He has undergone extensive training, with numerous competitions under his belt.

A Humbling Experience

While working in various restaurants in the Philippines, Richard started out doing the most mundane tasks – washing the dishes, taking out the trash, and other menial jobs. But being a dreamer and an achiever, he doesn’t want ending up touching utensils and getting soaked in chemicals. So he trained to explore more; and along the way took the best pieces of advice

Top: Richard Alcala mans the buffet table at Mawasem in Hilton Doha, where he works as a jr. sous chef.

Above: Chef Richard with Banquet Sous Chef Karim Shabbam Right: Chef Richard striking a leisurely pose Opposite: Chef Richard enjoying cooking while flambéing a dish

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from head chefs. He gained his knowledge and skills during long hours in the kitchen. He attended competitions with the belief that this will lead him to better opportunities towards success.

After years of hard work, Richards’s dream of becoming a chef in one of the finest hotels in the world came true. He ended up joining Hilton Doha through its former culinary director who happens to be his executive sous chef in Atlantis the Palm Hotel in Dubai.

Richard used to be a member of the pre-opening team in Atlantis and worked there for more than seven years. Today, Chef Richard has been connected with Hilton Doha for almost two years.

The Rewards of Sacrifice

Focusing on what Richard really wanted led him to become a promising chef. And to be focused, he considers two things. One, he considers the kitchen as his studio in creating and innovating different menus which lead him in creating his own original recipe that’s a

fusion of different cuisines and ingredients; and two, he cooks delicious meals for clients as if he’s cooking for his family that inspires him to be a good chef.

Now, being a father on his own, he strives to achieve more; he wanted to reach the pinnacle of his profession for his son. Chef Richard knows that success comes with a high price, so he needs to sacrifice his time with his growing family as any other OFW. But seeing his patrons smile while enjoying his prepared meals give him personal achievement and satisfaction, aside from winning competitions of course, that compensate for his loneliness of being away from his family.

Richard is a talented chef who is not only a force in the kitchen but also quite musically inclined. He plays the guitar and keyboard. ”Cooking is my passion but music is my life,” he shares. During his free time, no idle moment passes by as he loves watching culinary shows / movies and reading culinary materials.

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A Dream Come True

For anyone who has big dreams, Chef Richard doesn’t want to be an employee forever.

He plans to put up his own culinary school, a restaurant, and a musical studio that shows what an achiever he really can be. He leaves dreamers like him with this thought: “Don’t be afraid to dream. Stick to your dream and complete it. When you are in the true battlefield, bring with you your weapons dedication, hard work and patience.”

Sending Love in Packages

By Costa Palma Tantay

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Business Profile

Balikbayan boxes are not just your typical packages. They are actually several pieces of love and hard work, all bundled up together to be sent back home to family. With this is mind, ConorCoriner International Express Cargo & Services has now become one of the most successful cargo forwarding businesses in Qatar to the Philippines.

WELCOME ABROAD - The OFW Experience MAY - JUNE 2018

Serbisyong Pilipino At Its Finest

It is a familiar story for many Filipino families throughout the year: opening at least one balikbayan box filled to the brim with various presents and packaged food items lovingly packed by family members working in different countries. Many of our countrymen working abroad have saved a little each month from their salaries, waiting for the best time to be able to buy presents for their loved ones back home. More often than not, these OFW’s hope that even if they are not physically able to be with their families, those at home could still feel their love packed in these modest cardboard boxes.

Which is why it is quite heartbreaking for many to hear of packages being opened at airports, or their families receiving repackaged boxes, with many of their hard-earned presents missing from inside. Conor International Express Cargo & Services understood this idea, as the owner and employees are all OFW’s themselves. Their company tagline “Serbisyong Pilipino para sa cargo niyo!” embodies this concept, as they know how to value the hard work that people have gone through to fill each box, and they make sure that each package is delivered safely to every family in the Philippines.

In the early 90’s, Mr. Dominador Purino was working for a cargo forwarding company based in Saudi Arabia. In 1995, starting with just

2 employees – Mr. Purino and a friend – the company was founded, with Mr. Purino himself driving around the city to pick up the balikbayan boxes. All that hard work paid off, as 23 years later, the company has grown to have 34 employees, 3 offices, and several pickup vans that can accommodate not just Doha, but also the farther areas in Qatar.

Although their main clients are the OFW’s sending packages to the Philippines, they also deliver to India, Indonesia, and Sri Lanka. For countries like the US and Europe, they are also open to make special arrangements.

ABOUT

Not Just for the Filipino

Conor International Express Cargo & Services is proudly 100% Filipino owned, and according to the office manager Mr. Darwin Purino, “we believe that our main advantage against other companies is that the management of our Qatar and Manila office is the same. As a result, the responsibility of each balikbayan box remains under one management, and is not passed on to a different company.”

But Conor Cargo also prides itself in having a diverse workforce, having employed different nationalities in their various offices. “It is awesome working and achieving a common goal with other nationalities. Sharing each other’s culture is, by far, the most rewarding experience,” according to Darwin.

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Conor-Coriner International Express Cargo & Services Souq Al Asiery, Doha, Qatar http://corinerglobal-express.com +974 4441 8453 / +974 4441 8196 corinerglobalexpress@gmail.com

The hardworking team behind Conor-Coriner Int’l Express Cargo & Services Opposite: The facade of the Conor-Coriner office in Doha, Qatar

The Filipino Flavor

The Middle East continues to be the top destination for OFWs to work at, based on the 2016 survey of the Philippine Statistics Authority, so Conor Cargo maintains a very good relationship with the Filipino communities in Qatar. In previous years, they’ve partnered with several Filipino Schools, organizations, and other groups in order to achieve a common goal of improving the lives of fellow Filipinos.

They have been blessed to have faithful and hardworking employees. Most of them have been with the company for 5 to 10 years, while some have even exceeded 10 years!

Their customers have also been loyal, with some thanking them for 15 years of great service!

They believe that if a company works honestly and provides the best services, the customers will naturally be loyal to you. And to further show their appreciation to their customers, they will be launching loyalty programs this 2018.

There are currently 3 offices in Qatar: the Conor Cargo, the Coriner Cargo located in the Filipino Souq near Souq Waqif, and the Shepherd Logistics office in Wakra. They can also arrange cargo pick-ups in all the areas of Doha, including Dukhan, Shahaniya, and Al Khor area.

“We value the hardships and dedication of every OFW, and we would like to bridge their act of love to their families in the Philippines.

Conor - Coriner International Express Cargo & Services will continue to improve and strive to be the trustworthiest cargo forwarding company in Qatar. “

Aside from Qatar, they also have branches in Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, Kuwait, and KSA.

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Qatar:

The Heart of the Arabian Gulf

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Country Profile

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atar, or more properly known as the State of Qatar, is a peninsula located on the northeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula. Qatar has several islands, the largest of which are, Halul, Shraouh and Al-Asshat. It shares a southern land border with Saudi Arabia, while the rest of its territory is surrounded by the Persian Gulf. A portion of the Persian Gulf separates Qatar from the island country of Bahrain. it also shares a maritime border with the United Arab Emirates and Iran.

Its major cities include the capital, Doha, Al-Wakrah, Al-Khor, Dukhan, Al-Shamal, Msaieed, and Ras Lafan, among others. Qata’rs population is approximately 2.5 million, and the religion is Islam, with Sharia or Islamic Law as the principal source of legislation. Their language is Arabic, but English is widely spoken. Qatar has a desert climate, with hot summers, warm winters, and scarce rainfall. You can feel intense heat with temperatures reaching 50 degrees Celsius in May to September. Winter may fall to 5 degrees Celsius from November to May. The currency is Qatari Riyal, whereas 1 Riyal = 14.70 pesos.

Economy

Since the mid-1800s, Qatar has grown from a poor British protectorate known for pearling into one of the world’s most important oil and gas producing countries. Oil was discovered in Qatar in 1940, in Dukhan field, which completely transformed the State’s economy. While there is increasing investment in non-energy sectors, oil and gas still account for more than half of the Gross Domestic Product. Due to its substantial reserves of oil and gas, the country has one of the highest incomes per capita in the world. The country has a high standard of living for its legal citizens. With the absence of income tax, Qatar is one of the countries with the lowest tax rates in the world. However, authorities have announced plans to levy taxes on junk food and luxury items. Taxes would be implemented on goods that harm the human body, like, fast food, tobacco products, and soft drinks. Qatar relies heavily on foreign labor to grow its economy. In fact, migrant works compose 86% of the population and 94% of the workforce. The economic growth of Qatar has been almost exclusively based on its petroleum and natural gas industries. Qatar is the leading exporter of liquefied natural gas. In 2012, Qatar retained its title of richest country in the world (according to per capita income) for the third time in a row, having first overtaken Luxembourg in 2010. While there is increasing

investment in non-energy sectors, oil and gas still account for more than half of the Gross Domestic Product. Due to its substantial reserves of oil and gas, the country has one of the highest incomes per capita in the world.

According to the International Monetary Fund, Qatar has the fourth highest GDP per capita in the world as of 2016.

Government

Qatar is either a constitutional or an absolute monarchy. The monarchy, ruled by the Al Thani Family, has been ruling Qatar since the family house was established in 1825. In 2003, Qatar adopted a constitution that provided for the direct election of the members of the Legislative Council. The executive authority is vested in the Emir and the Heir Apparent, who are assisted by the Council of Ministers, while the legislative authority, is vested in the Advisory Council. The eighth and current emir of Qatar is His Highness Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani. His father, Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani handed power to him on June 25, 2013. The Emir is the Head of State and represents the country internally, externally and in all international relations. He is also the Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces, which he supervises with the assistance of Defense Council, set under his direct authority.

The judicial authority is vested in courts of law; and court judgments are proclaimed in the

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name of the Emir. The Council of Ministers (or Cabinet), Prime Minister and six supreme councils, all assist the Emir. The Emir appoints the prime minister and ministers, accepts their resignations and relieves them from their posts

by Emiri Decrees. He entrusts the tasks of each ministry to a minister or the Prime Minister in accordance with the Emiri Decree designating the appointment. The Prime Minister chairs the sessions of the Council of Ministers and supervises work coordination between different ministries. He also signs the esolutions issued by the Council. The cabinet is formed through an Emiri Decree based on the proposal of the Prime Minister. The responsibilities and authorities of the ministers and government departments are specified according to the law. The Council of Ministers – being the supreme executive authority in the country – is mandated to monitor all internal and external affairs within its jurisdiction in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution and the law.

Sharia Law

According to Qatar’s Constitution, Sharia law is the main source of Qatari legislation. Although in practice, Qatar’s legal system is a mixture of civil law and Sharia law. Sharia law is applied to family law, inheritance, and several criminal acts (including adultery, robbery and murder).

Judicial corporal punishment is common in

Top Right: Qatar Fort Sand Bottom Right: Sheraton Hotel in Doha Opposite: An Iraqi national walks past Souq Waqif, an open-air bazaar noted for selling traditional garments, spices, sweets, handicrafts, souvenirs, and other household items.

Qatar. Flogging serves as a punishment for illicit sexual relations or alcohol consumption.

Alcohol consumption is partially legal in Qatar.

Some five-star luxury hotels are allowed to sell alcohol to their non-Muslim customers.

Muslims are not allowed to consume alcohol, and those caught consuming it are liable to flogging or deportation. Non-Muslim expatriates can obtain a permit to purchase alcohol for personal consumption. Stoning is a legal punishment in Qatar, and apostasy and homosexuality are crimes punishable by the death penalty. Blasphemy can result in up to seven years in prison, while proselytizing can incur a 10-year sentence.

Official Holidays

Fridays and Saturdays are the official days off in Qatar. The Qatar National Day is an annual celebration which is held every December 18.

It commemorates the date when the late His Highness Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani, the founder of modern Qatar assumed the rule of the country in 1878. His reign was characterized by security, justice and prosperity in social, economic and all other aspects of life. Because of this, Qatar became one of the largest pearl exporters and traders in the world.

Sheikh Jassim died on 17 July 1913. His son, Sheikh Abdullah bin Jassim Al Thani succeeded him as a ruler of Qatar. The National Sport Day is held every second Tuesday of February every year. It is a day when when everyone is encouraged to participate in sporting activities with colleagues and family. The National Sport Day is held every year to promote sports and to educate the local population on ways to reduce health risks associated with an inactive lifestyle, such as coronary heart disease and diabetes.

Activities range from football to basketball, tennis to taekwondo, cycling to swimming, with countless free sporting sessions and social competitions, available to all.

Ramadan

Working hours in a government position will be shortened during Ramadan. Ramadan is the month of fasting. During Ramadan, food and drink are not consumed during daylight hours, and this extends to chewing gum and smoking.

The date of Ramadan moves yearly. Restaurants all over the country are closed during the day, except those inside international hotels where visitors are permitted to eat. You may also eat

at home where you can guarantee privacy, but when at work it is necessary not to mention respectful to do as your colleagues do. Breaking these observances is a criminal offence and the law applies to Muslims and non-Muslims alike.

Tourist Spots

There are a number of picturesque and scenic spots in Qatar. One if which is the Doha Corniche. The Doha Corniche is a waterfront promenade, extending for seven kilometers along Doha Bay. Development of the Doha Corniche led to the increase of skyscrapers being built towards the north of the Corniche.

Many of Doha’s landmarks are found along the Corniche which begins near the Museum of Islamic Art and ends at the Sheraton Park near the distinctive pyramid-shaped Sheraton Hotel.

Al Rumaila Park is also nearby. The Museum of Islamic Art is also a must-see spot in Qatar.

The building itself is a sight to behold, from the well-lit limestone façade to the use of arches and water features central to Islamic design, as

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well as the ceiling with Islamic patterns in the central atrium of the building. The museum is also home to Islamic art from three continents over 1,400 years. Its collection includes metal work, ceramics, jewelry, wood work, textiles and glass obtained from three continents and dating from the 7th to the 19th century. The Souq Waqif, which translates to “the standing market” in Arabic, is a shopper’s haven which sells traditional garments, spices, handicrafts, and souvenirs. It is also home to dozens of restaurants and Shisha lounges. Thousands of people, tourists and locals alike flock to the Souq which houses several art galleries, pet stalls, the Al Rayyan Theater, the Souq Waqif Art Center, and the Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels.

Environment

In Qatar, a call to prayer can be heard from the mosques five times a day, starting at daybreak.

In accordance with the tenants of Islam, some public institutions, such as schools, are

WELCOME ABROAD - The OFW Experience MAY - JUNE 2018

segregated by sex or offer special days when only women can attend. There are also family sections in restaurants for women only. Social functions, such as weddings and teas, are often segregated with men and women in different rooms. Qatari women can vote in public elections, and may drive cars. In public, women wear veils to cover their hair and part of their faces, as well as heavy black robes called abayas to cover their bodies. Many of the older, more traditional women wear a face mask called the batula. They also wear large head scarves called hijabs. Qatari men wear long white thobes, floor-length robes. They wear sandals and a three-part head covering called a ghutra.

Top Jobs in Qatar for OFWs

According to ofwguru.com, Qatar is the fourth-largest destination for Overseas Filipino Workers in the world. With an estimated population of 200,000 Filipinos, job hiring in Qatar can be competitive. Jobs in Qatar have been steadily decreasing due to legal complaints or the lack of new projects for OFWs. However, new job opportunities will open up because of the rising economy of Qatar and the new big projects such as Qatar hosting the FIFA World Cup in 2022.

Qatar’s demand for Filipino household service workers (HSWs) will only grow due to the Indonesian government’s plans to stop sending HSWs to 21 Middle Eastern countries including Qatar. While there was a big decrease in Filipino, the future looks a lot brighter with the increase of Filipino coming to Qatar because Qatar households are complying with the minimum $400 monthly salary for Filipino HSWs mandated by the Philippine government.

The healthcare sector in Qatar is one of the fastest growing job industries with the 20-year Qatar Health Facilities Master Plan (QHFMP). They have plans to build 48 new health care facilities by 2020. The new health infrastructures include 31 health centers, 8 diagnostic and treatment units, 2 long-term care facilities, a new general hospital, a new specialty hospital and five hospital expansion plans.

Qatar’s growing and dynamic economy will only lead to the growth of the tourism industry.

This is because Doha will host the FIFA World Cup in 2022. To prepare for this, the Qatar Tourism Authority has reported to invest $20

billion in tourism and infrastructure development, with the budget allocated for 45,000 additional hotel rooms for FIFA’s capacity of 60,000 rooms. To prepare for the influx of tourists, there are more and more tourist attractions being built, aside from the hotels and retails establishments. Besides the increase in the building of the energy sector, Qatar would need an increase in their human resource. Filipinos are their prime target for hires to work abroad with their reputation for being hospitable.

Construction is the best industry to be looking at for Filipinos looking for jobs in Qatar. With new developments in healthcare, tourism and transportation, more and more infrastructures are being built to accommodate these needs.

One of the biggest projects would be the Red Line phase of the Metro Rail with an estimated hiring of 3000 workers. Further, the Qatar Tourism Authority states that Qatar’s Public Works Authority will invest $30 Billion on several construction projects in the next 5 to 7 years, which include the Lusail Expressway, drainage and sewerage projects, public roads, as well as, schools.

Aside from having a number of available vacancies in Hotel and Restaurant, Construction, Medical, and Office/ Administrative industries, Workabroad.com stated that the other specific jobs for OFWS in Qatar include, waitress/waiter, electrician, plumber, cleaner, cashier, cook, receptionist, carpenter, and aircon technician.

Guidelines in getting a work permit in Qatar

Following the proper guidelines is very important when getting a work permit in Qatar.

A local sponsorship is needed before you will be allowed to work in Qatar. It’s usually the employers who will sponsor, process the necessary documents, and submit the application to get the required permits for you.

Here are the guidelines in obtaining residency and work permit in Qatar according to Qatarofw.com.

1. Temporary Permit The temporary permit, or the NOC Certificate will be stamped on your passport before entering Doha Airport. It will be valid for six months. Once you have secured a job, your employer will start the process of applying for a work residency permit which they have to

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complete within your three months of stay in the country. The process for a residence Visa usually takes two to six weeks, within which you will not be allowed to leave the country.

2. Medical Check-up Anyone applying for a residency permit will be required to undergo medical check-up which includes blood test and a chest x-ray. Tests for HIV and TB will also be required. The Public Relation Officer of your company will be the one to arrange the doctor’s appointment for you and let you know the requirements for the process. The Medical Commission is the agency responsible for all the workers’ medical examination that costs about about QR100.

Results are usually released within three days.

If the medical results show that you are unfit to work, your application will be deemed null and void and you’ll likely be asked to return to your country.

3. Finger Printing A week after your medical examination, you will be asked to have the finger prints of your palm and fingers taken. Your office PRO will also be the one to arrange for the schedule of finger printing.

4. Obtaining Residence Permit and ID card When the results of the medical exam and finger prints come out, your employer will submit them, together with your passport, for your residency and ID card application. You need to personally pick them up at the Immigration Department.

Reminders for Residency Permit Holders Remember that requirements are often subject to change, and holders are advised to regularly check the latest changes at the Visa Section of the Qatar Embassy.

The permit will be valid for one to three years, but once you leave the country for more than six months at a time, it will become invalid.

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There is no secret in filmmaking, or any dream for that matter. It’s all about commitment and the hunger to learn to improve yourself.

Lights, Camera, Passion!

By Laila Malabanan

Film director Jan Xavier Pacle shares his open-ended story as he discovers his passion for filmmaking. His newfound career dramatically changed his life and has opened opportunities for him, not to make a name for himself, but to showcase an artistic expression of himself.

I paper.

n his early years, Jan Xavier Pacle dreamed of becoming a photojournalist.

Known to his friends as Janix, his life in media started at a very young age when he became a photographer for a school

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Starting Out His Career

Raised in Doha, Qatar since 1994, Jan went back to the country to take up AB Communications at the St. Louis University in Baguio City. After finishing his college education, he worked for a TV network as

Perhaps it would be other people who would be able to tell me my style,” he explains.

Directing Full Time

Today, Jan enjoys a more stable income as a full-time film director with a media production company. His boss understands his passion and has given him the leeway to do personal films whenever there is not much work to do.

His greatest dream is to become a successful cyclist, another passion Jan holds dearly since his college days. In the future, he also wants to make a film that will give more international recognition to Philippine Cinema, a dream he hopes to achieve given his talent and determination.

When asked how he wants to be remembered by his fellow Filipinos, Jan’s response is quite simple, yet meaningful: “I have no idea. I don’t wish to make films to make a name for myself. I see films now as an expression of my inner self, the inner workings of my mind and soul.”

an editor for a travel magazine show.

Although he considered the job as an excellent experience, the income was not enough to meet his daily needs. So he returned abroad to pursue a career in filmmaking.

Back in Qatar, Jan landed his first work as a video production manager for an events company. A little bit frustrated with his job, he started doing his own films over the weekends to keep his skills in use and continue to enhance them. Although it was not a smooth ride, a quick change along the way helped him overcome the challenges in his life and career.

Greatest Achievements

After his stint at the events company, Jan became a freelancer for a few years, making feature films and shorts. This paved the way for many of the films he directed to be accepted in various festivals abroad,

including the prestigious Cannes Film Festival.

His achievements as a film director are noteworthy – having been selected for the Cannes Film Festival Court Metrage, the competition for short film producers and directors; the Doha Tribeca Film Festival, Qatar’s largest film festival organized from 2009 to 2012 to promote Arab and international films; the Beijing International Film Festival, the largest international film festival in China; and the SPORTEL Awards, which rewards the world’s most beautiful sports videos and publications of the year, held annually in Monaco. But his biggest achievement to date is winning the Discovery Prize at the SPORTEL Awards 2016 for his cycling documentary “Call of the Road.”comes to directing, personal style has never been an issue with Jan. “When I make a film, I just make one according to how I see fit to the story.

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For more of Director Jan Xavier Pacle’s filmography, visit his official website at www.janixpacle.com.

on The Filipino Artist

Greatest Dreams

Spotlight

Along with other filmmakers and aspiring filmmakers, Jan has created a community called FilmChow where they share their talents in making films and also teach filmmaking to those who are interested.

If you really want something, you have to work for it; sometimes, it takes thousands of failures to find success.

The Unspoken Greatness of a Figure Skater

By Shielanie Soriano-Dacumos

Award-winning figure skater Shayanne Casapao makes the cold weather and ice floor of the United States an advantage in nurturing her sports and her passion.

The center ice becomes her playground, her platform, and her arena.

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“At first, it was not serious until I was around seven years old,” this is the humble statement of Filipino Figure Skater, Shayanne Casapao who represented the Philippines in the 2017 Asian Winter Games in Sapporo, Japan.

Like a typical child, Shayanne was energetic, active, and zesty. She never thought that her highly-spirited adrenaline will bring her to the rink where she embraced the steel-bladed skates perfectly suited for her creative glides and slides over a smooth ice surface.

“I would wake up at four or five in the morning to skate two hours before school and then I would train again after school, it varied from

more skating to ballet, or off ice conditioning.

I did this for several years until I became home schooled junior year of high school. “ However, like any child, she bestowed her 100 percent determination in stepping to her dreams, yet, at some point, she felt that her determination no longer benefits her skills, her existence.

Spotlight

on The Filipino Athlete

Her Playground

family has taught her to grip on every strand of precision, balance, control, and gracefulness in retracing the figure in ice skating. Over the years, it served as her mantra in pursuing the sports she loves the most.

Her Platform

“I can push through pain, but at the same time it’s doing more damage than helping. I struggle to find the balance between too much work and just right,” Shayanne tearfully recalled.

When the spotlight is on, the audience becomes motionless, waiting for the aesthetic moves and turns of figure skater. With so much creativity and fortitude, Shayanne bagged the gold medal in Senior Free Skate and Moves at (where?) and fortunately became a member of Philippine National Team in the said sports in 2015-2017.

At the end of hesitation, Shayanne’s family and her athleticism energized her doubting self. Her

All the world is a stage, and hers is a platform of hard work, perseverance, and resiliency.

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WELCOME ABROAD - The OFW Experience MAY - JUNE 2018

Shayanne Casapao performs her long program routine at the recent Asian Winter Games.

Opposite: Shayanne displays her true form at her home rink in Burbank, California.

Shayanne models for a Filipino community in Los Angeles, California.

However, the way forward is complicated. Prior to the Asian Winter Games in 2017, she wasn’t sure if she wanted to keep skating.

“I dealt with a lot of injuries and I wasn’t sure if I would be able to continue. I pushed through and it was an amazing experience to represent my country at an international event. “ Indeed, the journey to Asian Winter Games podium is tough, after a hard fall, it is necessary for a figure skater like Shayanne to get up and keep on skating. The lessons from falling made her realized that life itself is like ice skating.

“The lessons I’ve learned as an ice skater is applied to every aspect of my life. It has taught me self- discipline, respect, dedication, understanding, and much more. Skating is not easy, and so is life. There will always be bad days and roadblocks, but the only way we can achieve our goals is to put 100% effort. If you really want something, you have to work for it; sometimes it takes thousands of failures to find success.” Shayanne recalled in a heartfelt mode.

Her Arena

All skaters are great athletes. Their athleticism is judged on their ability to perform jumps, spins, spirals, and to skate a program coordinated with music. However, just like any sports, the athletes reserve an aisle for their dreams. Aside from skating, Shayanne pursues her professional track in pharmacy school.

“Aside from skating, I’m studying to be a pharmacist. I’m only a first year college student, but that is where I want my career path to go,” she shares with hopeful aura. According to her, she has not thought much about the future except for her pharmacy career.

It is essential for ice skaters to have long-term goals on their chosen career, or better yet find their best avenue outside the ice rink. With her wit and optimistic perspectives, Shayanne articulated “You never know what is going to happen in the future, tomorrow I might quit school and join the circus. You never know.”

Life is an arena and everyone is called to

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become a key player. It is full of twists, flips, and turns, and when the time comes that the player doubts herself, Shayanne shares some pieces of advice particularly for ice skater aspirants.

“Don’t doubt yourself. A lot of the times the only thing standing in your way is yourself.

Skating is a mental sport just as much as a physical sport and if you can harness both then you’re guaranteed success. “ Away from home in the Philippines, Shayanne takes the advantage of making the foreign land her life’s arena, her Olympic platform, indeed, a Filipino spirit of tenacity and resiliency.

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Former singer and actress Tootsie Guevara lets us in on why she left the world of show business and how she attained success in her newfound profession.

T

ootsie Guevara was born to perform. She started singing at the very young age of 4. Four years after, she not only became the youngest contestant at the Yamaha Music Mate Singing contest, but she was also the grand champion of said competition. Tootsie recorded her first album under Vicor Records the year after that, and was nominated for Best Child Recording Artist in 1989. In the following year Tootsie joined GMA 7’s youth-oriented television show, “That’s Entertainment”. When the show ended in 1996, Tootsie went on to sign a record deal with ABS-CBN’s Star Records.

Her rise to stardom continued as she was able to come up with 4 albums, which garnered gold, platinum, and double platinum status. Tootsie Guevara was then known as the Sentimental Siren and the Princess of Pop with a string of hits under her belt including, “Pasulyap-sulyap”, “Kaba”, “Sa Puso Ko”, “Mr. Kupido”, “Nang Dahil Sa Pag-ibig” and “Mahal Ka Sa Akin”. Aside from her singing career, multi-talented Tootsie can also act. She played a villain in GMA 7’s

soap operas namely, “Habang Kapiling Ka” and “Kahit Kailan”. Being the hardworking person that she is, Tootsie had to juggle her work and her education at the same time. Her hard work paid off when she became one of the Top 10 students in her class in St. Paul University Philippines.

Tootsie graduated with a degree in Bachelor of Science in Hotel, Restaurant and Management and she was also a thesis awardee.

Leaving the Limelight

Despite being in the peak of her career, Tootsie decided to leave the limelight to seek greener pastures overseas. Coming to the realization that her line of work and her moral values were not in sync, Tootsie took the risk of leaving the entertainment industry. She was also driven by the fact that being in the entertainment industry also means having an unsteady income. Equipped with a college degree, Tootsie flew to California in 2004, in the hopes of leading a normal life. Initially, Tootsie tried to dabble in the real estate industry with the help of a very

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Of Greener Pastures and Shifting Careers

By Kathleen Asuncion

Top Right Tootsie with her husband and children in November 2017 Bottom Right Tootsie brings her Mom to an RV camping in one of the California deserts

Tootsie’s

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Secrets to Success 1. Set a goal.

2. Believe in yourself. Have faith, pray.

3. Do not listen to “naysayers.”

4. Stay focused.

5. Learn your craft/job very well.

6. Take risks.

7. Fail. Get up. Fail again.

Get back up. Repeat.

8. Life is too short. Don’t forget to smile and be happy.

The entertainment industry is a profession like no other. Many are drawn to the glitz and glamour it brings to those involved in it. It takes an incredible amount of skill, talent, and charisma to have staying power in this industry. A lot of artists choose to bask in the limelight, while some prefer to go the opposite way and live a normal life. One artist that chose the latter is Tootsie Guevara. good friend of hers. Unfortunately, she found that she didn’t like the long hours as well as the instability of the industry.

Fortunately, that good friend of hers has a mother who had a health care business, who also paved the way for her to be in her current profession. She tried her luck and was hired on the spot. According to Tootsie, she is very grateful to the Macayan Family, who were essential in opening doors for her in the health care industry. The experience led her to land a director of Sales position in a multi-million-dollar company in the Senior Living Industry. She also became a Regional Director of Business Development of a publicly traded company in post-acute care wherein she had to oversee more than 20 post-acute care facilities in Southern California. Being a Director of Business Development in a fast-paced industry

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is no walk in the park and the demands of Tootsie’s job can be quite daunting.

Nevertheless, Tootsie always has a good head on her shoulders and she faces her profession’s challenges head on. Her responsibilities include, creating a culture and vision that provides the best patient satisfaction, improve customer service and quality of care, as well as creating new healthcare programs with physicians to accommodate higher acuity patients.

Aside from these, Tootsie is also responsible for the company’s business growth, as well as helping the company be the preferred post-acute care provider of hospitals, physicians and healthcare insurance companies. According to Tootsie, having this job is “like performing again in front of a crowd” since she gets to have presentations and meeting with hospital CEOs, C-Suite es,

Celebrity Glimpses

Tootsie with husband Mike at their beach wedding in 2012 at Laguna Beach, California

WELCOME ABROAD - The OFW Experience MAY - JUNE 2018 professionals. When asked what her favorite part of her job is, Tootsie stated that loves “being the face of the company,” as well as “meeting different people and learning from their life and work experiences, and building business and personal relationships.” For Tootsie, working smart and having work-life balance is important in coping with the stress and pressure that her profession brings. Tootsie has accomplished many things in life, but being the best she can be resulted to her having additional accomplishments in her newfound profession. Tootsie considers having the power to lead by influence and by example a great accomplishment. She also takes pride in being able to contribute in the profitability of the company, as well as gaining trust from corporate leaders, and getting recognized and trusted by clients.

Busy as a Bee

Aside from her day job, Tootsie’s family also keeps her busy. Her eldest son is busy with

club team basketball and has tournaments every weekend aside from having practices 3 to 4 times a week. She and her husband are also busy with home improvements and renovations as well as with RV camping. It seems that Tootsie has a lot on her plate, being a Director of Business Development as well as being a mom and a wife. However, this doesn’t mean that she has completely forgotten her singing roots. She still has her occasional singing engagements with the The Filipino Channel or ABS-CBN whenever they have concerts in the U.S./Canada.

The Secret to Success

Tootsie Guevara has definitely come a long way since her days of being in the entertainment industry. It seems that no matter what field she is in, success follows her wherever she goes.

Tootsie shared with us the steps that according to her, are the secrets to success: “Set a goal.

Believe in yourself. Have faith, pray. Do not listen to the “naysayers”. Stay focused. Learn

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your craft/job very well. Take risks. Fail. Get up. Fail again. Get back up. Repeat. Don’t forget to smile, be happy, life is too short.”

Success is definitely not easy to achieve. It takes a lot of hard work, risk-taking, and of course, failure. As long as you believe in yourself, and you have the correct mindset and attitude, you will, eventually, achieve success.

When asked what advice she has for Filipinos who want to make a new life abroad, Tootsie stated, “Go find your dreams. Be happy and have pride in whatever career you choose. Go represent Pinoys!

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WELCOME ABROAD - The OFW Experience MAY - JUNE 2018

Home is Where the Coffee Is

By Costa Palma Tantay

On the ground floor of a prominent condominium along the main highway of Tagaytay lies a homey coffeehouse that is one of a kind. Various colorful murals of famous destinations in the Philippines as well as a hodgepodge of anything and everything related to coffee (including a realistic bookshelf) adorn the walls and ceiling of the café.

Coffee-related quotes and a wall of “memories,” where people can write messages on colorful Post It notes to be placed on the wall, all contribute to the world famous Pinoy hospitality atmosphere that the owner, Josef Marquez, was going for.

L The husband-and-wife tandem behind Caffe Nativo – Josef and Lilian Marquez.

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ike many of us, Josef had dreams of having a good job that will bring success and fulfillment in life. He first started working as a call center agent, and would go from once call center to another, hoping to get a good enough salary to be able to provide him the things he needed. Eventually, he was able to go to Dubai on a tourist visa with the help of his cousin, and was fortunate enough to be able to find work immediately as a barista in a café. Unknowingly, his future wife was also looking for work in Dubai at roughly the same time, and they both eventually worked for the same café chain, the Caffe Nero, albeit in different branches.

Both of them worked hard and in the end, Josef was able to become the Manager of his branch in the Dubai World trade center while his wife Lilian also worked her way up in her branch at the International Finance Center. Although he finished with a degree in Nursing, he discovered that he loved working in a café, and both of them worked hard to be able to save enough money

While deciding on what they wanted to do when they returned, Josef came across an article that said that the very successful people in this world were Movie Artists, Sports Athletes, and Businessmen. Since they didn’t think they could be the former two, they decided to put up a business that could not only sustain their needs, but also help other people by providing them jobs that pay well and have their needs considered. As they already knew how to run a café, they naturally opted to start their own here in the Philippines.

But the biggest achievement for both Josef and Lilian is not the amount of money they earn from the business, but it is the relationships they have formed with both their customers and their staff.

According to Josef, “Nakakapagpasahod kame sa mga tao namin and sa kanila mismo nanggagaling na nakakapagipon pa sila with the salary and bonuses they get. Our team here is just like a family.

We have made regular guests, which have now become our close friends.”

Reading through the café reviews online, most of the comments from their customers were how welcoming the owners have been even and how they have also gone out of their way to serve their customers.

As OFW’s, their sense of being Filipino was heightened after living in the midst of other nationalities for several years.

And so they decided on a Filipino themed café because they wanted their countrymen to embrace their own product and support the local farmers. They wanted the world to know that our local coffee beans can compete worldwide, and decided to use only native beans for all their coffee products. Thus, the name Caffe Nativo was born.

Another huge factor why they decided to come home is that they can watch their children grow without thousands of miles between them. Josef dreams of seeing his sons play in UAAP one day, and be able to attend Ateneo de Manila since he used to be an Atenista as well.

He advises other OFW’s not to work their whole life abroad. Work, save, and then come home, especially since their children need the physical presence of their parents in their lives as well.

When they started, they only served coffee, cakes, and pastries. However, their customers began looking for other kinds of dishes. Soon after they added sandwiches to their menu, and then pasta, and as we are in a rice loving country, the Filipino breakfast was added as well. The menu is still a work in progress, since Josef and Lilian listen to their customers well, and they both work on providing what their customers want. Surprisingly, none of them are chefs, and they relied on YouTube videos and online recipes to learn how to cook the dishes.

For this hardworking couple, they have managed to create a home in the midst of coffee, both for their own family and the family that they have created within Caffe Nativo.

Never let fear stop you from reaching your dreams. Only by taking the risks can you soar high to places you never thought you could be. Most of all, put God in the center of everything you do.

He will help you make your dreams come true.

ABOUT

Caffe Nativo Tagaytay Prime Residences, Barangay San Jose, Tagaytay City 0915-2502672 caffenativo08@gmail.com

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Welcome Home

to achieve their goals, since they knew sooner or later, they would want to go back to their home country.

Come home to the Classics – All-time coffee favorites you’ll surely love.

Enjoy them at

Caffe Nativo,

Tagaytay Prime Residences, Barangay San Jose, Tagaytay City.

For inquiries, Contact 0915-2502672 or email caffenativo08@gmail.com.

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National Shrine and Parish of the

Divine Mercy

By Kathleen Asuncion

When we think of summer destinations, beaches and resorts usually comes to mind. However, there are also other places where we can spend our free time this summer. The National Shrine of the Divine Mercy is, not only a parish, but it is also an alternative summer destination for those seeking for a quieter and more peaceful trip.

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heat, dust, and pollution of the city. An example of a place like this is the National Shrine of the Divine Mercy in Marilao, Bulacan.

In the Beginning

There was a time when the devotion of the Filipino faithful to the image of the Divine Mercy of Jesus was growing rapidly. Thus, a parish dedicated to the Divine Mercy was built.

And so it started, in 1992, the ground-breaking pf the church site was spearheaded by the Most Reverend Cirilo Almario Jr., then Bishop of Malolos. With Fr. Vicente Robles serving as its first Parish priest, the parish was formally established on November 30, 1994. Five years after, on April 11, 1999, it was declared a Diocesan Shrine by the Most Rev. Rolando Tria Tirona, then Bishop of Malolos. Then, on

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November 30, 2002, it was elevated to the status of National Shrine by the CBCP (Catholic Bishop Conference of the Philippines). The event was presided by Archbishop Orlando Quevedo, OMI with Apostolic Blessings by Pope John Paul II. Reverend Fr. Rey San Juan and Msgr. Mario DJ. Arenas were the second and third rectors respectively. On January 1, 2014, Reverend Fr. Prospero V. Tenorio became the fourth Shrine Rector and third Parish Priest.

December 13, 2015, marked the ground-breaking of the project for the 100 ft. tall statue of the Divine Mercy, which was led by Bishop Jose F. Oliveros. The current parish priest and rector, Rev. Fr. Prospero Tenorio, had his seminary training and formation in the San Carlos Seminary in Makati. He was ordained as a Deacon in

Destinations

he sun is out and the heat is on. Summer is here once again.

Beaches, resorts, and private pools are once again fully booked because people have started flocking to these places to beat the summer heat. Even places like Baguio and Tagaytay are swarming with people. However, instead of going local, some opt to go abroad to have a little change in scenery. Nevertheless, we have all been itching to travel to top summer destinations as soon as summer strikes. We have all been craving for a much needed break to rejuvenate the body and the mind; but what about the spirit? Sun, sand, and sea are the usual images that come to mind when we think of summer destinations. However, there are also other places to go to if you’re looking for a place to reflect, think, and get away from the

WELCOME ABROAD - The OFW Experience MAY - JUNE 2018

March of 1988 and was ordained as a priest in July of the same year. He then pursued further studies at the University of Sto. Tomas. Before becoming the parish priest and rector of the National Shrine of the Divine Mercy, Fr. Prospero Tenorio donned many roles indifferent parishes including Parish Administrator, Parochial Vicar, and Spiritual Director, among other things.

Inside the Shrine

The whole compound of the shrine is divided into three areas: The Main Church, the Grotto Area, and the Bukid Area. The church interiors are a sight to behold with colorful paintings on the ceiling as well as stained-glass windows.

The main altar’s ceiling is shaped like a dome.

It is also where the replica of the 1982 Divine Mercy interpretation of Robert Skemp can be found. A statue of St. Faustina can also be found in the church. The parish has daily masses as early as 6 AM on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, and 630 AM on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Confession is available from Mondays to Fridays from 6 to 8 AM, and Saturdays, from 9 AM to 12 noon. A healing mass is held every Saturday at 10 AM. The Grotto Area includes: The Grotto Altar, a retreat house, the Guadalupe Altar, the Divine Mercy Falls, the Merciful Love Chapel, the Lourdes Cave, the Adoration Chapel, the Holy Sepulcher, the Food Court, the Information Center, the Healing Water, and the Little Poland Exhibit. The Guadalupe Chapel can be found at the basement of the church. This is where a picture of Our Lady can be found. There is also flowing water here which devotees believe have healing powers. Three Polish Saints, St. John Paul II, St. Faustina Kowalska, and St. Maximilian Kolbe, are featured in the Little Poland Exhibit. People can take a glimpse into the lives of these Polish Saints with a minimal fee. And image of Saint John Paul painted in gold graces the entrance of the Little Poland Exhibit. Inside the exhibit, visitors will be treated to a depiction of the house and basement of St. John Paul, where they can see numerous photos and memorabilia from Saint John Paul’s life. The walls also have mini dioramas depicting important events in the former Pope’s life. Adjacent to St. John Paul’s basement is a representation of the chapel where St. Faustina had a vision of the Divine Mercy. St. Faustina Kowalska was a Polish Roman Catholic nun whose apparitions of Jesus inspired the devotion to the Divine Mercy which earned her the title, “Apostle of the Divine Mercy”. She was canonized by Pope John Paul II in the year 2000. Another feature

Guadalupe Chapel Right: Adoration Chapel Opposite: Divine Mercy Main Church Palm Sunday Liturgical Services at San Faustina Hall

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of the Little Poland Exhibit is the depiction of the prison cell of St. Maximilian Kolbe. St. Maximilian Kolbe was a Franciscan Friar who volunteered to die in place of a stranger in the German concentration camp in Auschwitz. He was canonized by Pope John Paul II in 1982.

In the Bukid Area, visitors and church goers can find the St. Faustina Hall, the Columbary, the Pope John Paul II Activity Center, the Altar, and the Stations of the Cross where

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life-sized statues as well as a model of Calvary can be found.

Indeed, the National Shrine of the Divine Mercy is not just a place of worship; but it is also a place of prayer, peace, healing, solitude, devotion, evangelization, reconciliation, and blessing.

WELCOME ABROAD - The OFW Experience MAY - JUNE 2018

May Festivals Narrate the Filipinos’ Faith, Hope, and Love

By Shielanie Soriano-Dacumos

I

n the Philippines, May is known to be the season of grace. After the long hot summer brought by months of March and April, the brown countryside is starting to become an emerald green with new leaves and fresh flowers blossoming at every field and way side. It is this time of the year when Filipino folks celebrate the blessings brought by their green-thumbed ability through colourful festivals.

The festivals are pervasive parts of the Filipino summer tradition. Young and old alike, Filipinos across the globe are heading back to their hometown to witness the vibrant atmospheres attached to the cultural and anthropological identity of their birthplace. As such, Philippines has registered various festivals in the month of May which narrate the locals faith, hope, and love.

The following festivals mirror the rich faith and hope of Filipinos and their genuine love for the Virgin Mary as the month of May is dedicated to the Blessed Mother.

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Arts and Culture

Cross of Santacruzan

The flowers of May are flowers for Mary, the Blessed Mother, and one of the best parts of this month is the traditional Flores de Mayo, which the timeline begins in 1865 when young girls offered flowers to the Blessed Mother, and the Santacruzan, a procession held in honor of Reina Elena (Queen Helena).

The Santacruzan is a novena procession commemorating the search for the Holy Cross, identified as Christ’s, by Queen Helena and her son, Emperor Constantine. According to history, after its discovery in Jerusalem, it was brought back to Rome where a celebration was waited.

The celebration was brought to the Philippines by the Spaniards, the devotees are singing ‘Dios Te Salve’ while holding lighted candles during the procession. This ceremony has remained well observed to this day, particularly in the provinces.

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Biyahe na sa Antipolo: The Pilgrimage Capital

Antipolo Pilgimage is an old tradition of the devotees of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage who make the long pilgrimage on foot from Manila to Antipolo beginning May 01.

The season is celebrated for 63 days with an hourly mass at the Antipolo Cathedral and different religious events.

Based on the information posted in Rizal Provincial Capitol website, the devotees are offering a Thanksgiving Mass at the hill to honour the miraculous event when Antipolo was hit by an epidemic and was stopped only when the blessed image was placed on one

of the highest spots overlooking the town of Antipolo. Another procession is held in the afternoon on the same day to start the Seven Novenas.

Araneta Center Cubao, Starmall Shaw Boulevard, and Valero Street behind RCBC Plaza in Makati. This will drop the commuters off to Antipolo’s Town Proper.

The miraculous image of the Blessed Virgin Mary is visited by millions of devotees and after the mass, they chow down to taste the timeless native delicacies of Antipolo such as suman (rice cake) and kasoy (roasted cashew).

The prayer for keeping a traveller safe on his or her every day journey is marked with a visit to the Shrine of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage in Antipolo. Kaya tayo na, sa Antipolo!

Antipolo is very accessible by jeepney or SUV, with terminals in Metro Manila are situated in

Hiyas sa Pahiyas Festival

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Every 15th of May, the calendar is marked with colourful inks as the towns of Sariaya, Lucban, Tayabas, Gumaca, and Tiaong, Quezon, celebrate their much awaited harvest fiesta known as Pahiyas festivals.

Lucban as the center of celebration, is honoring the patron saint of farmers, San Isidro de Labrador and as the locals’ way of thanking God for the bountiful harvest, the homes of

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WELCOME ABROAD - The OFW Experience MAY - JUNE 2018

local farmers are decorated with multi-colored rice ‘kiping’ and accentuated by farm produce rice, plants, fruits, and vegetables.

Street dancing is not visible in Pahiyas but the festival presents the creativity and artistic genius of Lucban locals. Significantly, it reflects the spirit of love in the community, as every house is decorated by the fruitful harvest, a sense of bayanihan which curated by the locals’nobility of deeds through community-wide art set-up.

Experience the local dining by eating the most popular street food in Lucban, Pansit Habhab’ or Pansit Lucban. The banana leaf serves as the disposable plate which spoon and fork are not

necessities. The authentic taste of pansit could be experienced if the leaf is shaped like half tube and slide down the pancit on one side then to the hungry mouth.

Amidst the overwhelming attractions brought by the festivities, both local and foreign tourists are reminded on the significance of farmers and their farming skills as they are the very instruments why we are supplying the everyday required nourishment of our body.

Thinking of seeing the Pahiyas Festival? Here are the suggested routes going to Lucban, Quezon. If driving using a private car, take the South Luzon Express Way (SLEX) and pass

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through the towns of Calamba, Los Banos, Bay, Vistoria, Pila, Sta Cruz, Magdalena, Majayjay to get to Lucban. Taking a different route, try entering the towns of Pagsanjan, Cavinti, and Luisiana after Sta Cruz.

If taking public transportation, tourists have two options: the Manila-Calamba-Lucban route or the Manila-Sta Cruz-Lucban route.

If choosing Manila-Calamba-Lucban, take a bus from Manila going to Sta Cruz, Laguna and get dropped off at SM Calamba. From SM Calamba, take a passenger van going to Lucban – the passenger van terminal is located at the parking area in front of Starbucks.

For Manila-Sta Cruz-Lucban, take a bus from Manila going to Sta Cruz, Laguna then take a jeepney going to Lucban. The jeepney terminal is located at Barangay Pagsawitan across DLTB bus terminal.

Obando: Hope for Couples

Famous for its fertility dance that serves as the married couple’s prayer who is hoping to conceive a child, Obando, Bulacan, has its three-day fiesta on May 17-19 in honor of San Pascual Baylon, Sta. Clara, and Nuestra Senora de Salambao. Here, the statue of Our Lady of Salambao is paraded during the religious fertility dance festival.

Having heard stories of people who had struggled for years to have children, the belief of attending long dancing processions through the streets, and sincere prayer inside the church gives the divine hope among couples that God will hear their prayers of having a child. In fulfilment of a vow, the religious practice becomes a panata since the intercession of Our Lady of Salambao among couples is hoped and believed to bring life changing miracles.

The easiest and quickest route to get there from anywhere in Metro Manila is via the LRT Monumento station where jeepneys to Obando, Bulacan waiting at the jeepney terminal at the back of Puregold Monumento and Victory Mall.

Tourists who are driving cars and coming from he north via MacArthur Highway or NLEX, the nearest town is Meycauayan, Bulacan.

Guimaras’ Mango Festival

Located 15minutes away from Iloilo City and can be reached by riding a pump boat, uimaras is globally known for producing the delicious and sweetest mangoes which local entrepreneurs are exporting around the world.

From here, the born of Manggahan Festival is termed in 1992.

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Blessed with a rich land where delicious mangoes are being grown, Guimaras’ celebration of Mango Fest is highlighted by mango eat-all-you-can where an estimated 9 tons of mangoes are available for locals and tourists. Visitors are charged with a fee of 70 pesos or 1.65 dollar for yellow mangoes and 40 pesos for green mangoes with a bit of shrimp

WELCOME ABROAD - The OFW Experience MAY - JUNE 2018

paste. Gusts can eat as many mangoes as they could in 30 minutes to give way for other visitors in experiencing the challenge.

Guimaras island is not only gifted with high-quality mangoes but also the island is blessed with natural resources, clear beaches, and islets. The island’s green panoramic view is worth instagramming since mango plantation is all over the place. Any tourist would love to stay in Guimaras since farming and eco-tourism are very visible in the island.

Valuing the Festivities

Indeed, festivals are the Filipinos’ ways of expressing, narrating, and celebrating the glorious heritage, culture, and tradition of the country. The festivities regardless on how far or near the celebration maybe, are worth visiting since they are all connected to Filipino values and characters. The occasions give the people the once in a lifetime distraction from their day to day exhausting routines, and give Filipinos both here in abroad some inspiration to value the vital things and moments in life.

Festivals are lively and colorful narrative discourse which features the faith, hope, and love of every Filipino in their everyday life. It keeps on modernising each year, yet it is locked with 100 percent preservation because the very aim is to promote the sense of community among locals, tourists, bystanders, and onlookers passing it from one generation to the next.

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BAHRAIN EMBASSY OF THE PHILIPPINES H.E. (Mr.) Alfonso A. Ver

Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary

CYPRUS PHILIPPINE HONORARY CONSULATE IN NICOSIA, CYPRUS Shemaine Alonso Bushnell-Kyriakides, Honorary Consul

EGYPT EMBASSY OF THE PHILIPPINES

H.E. (Ms.) LESLIE J. BAJA Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary

Villa No. 939, Road No. 3220, Block 332, Bu-Asheera (Mahooz Area) Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain P.O. Box 26681, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain Tel. Nos.: (+973) 1772-1234 (4 lines) manama.pe@dfa.gov.ph manamape@batelco.com.bh http://manamape.dfa.gov.ph/

George & Thelma Paraskevaides Foundation Bldg.

36 Grivas Dighenis Ave., 4C 1066 Nicosia Cyprus (+357) 22 68 08 06 (+357) 99 37 72 68 shbushnell@hotmail.com phccyprus@yahoo.com

Road 200, Villa 28 Degla, Maadi, Cairo Arab Republic of Egypt Tel. Nos.: (+20-2) 2521-3045; 2521-3062; 2521-3064; 2521-3065 Fax No.: (+20-2) 2521- 3048 ATN No.: (+20-122) 743-6472 Duty Phone No.: (+20-128) 895-1110 cairo.pe@dfa.gov.ph info@philembassycairo.org Facebook: @PHinEgypt www.cairope.dfa.gov.ph

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IRAN Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary

IRAQ

EMBASSY OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES, BAGHDAD Hon. (Mr.) Jomar T. Sadie Chargé d’ Affaires, a.i.

ISRAEL

EMBASSY OF THE PHILIPPINES, TEL AVIV

H.E. (Mr.) Nathaniel G. Imperial Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiray

Hay Al-Jamia, Mahalat 915, Zukak 22 House No. 5, Jadriyah Baghdad, Iraq Tel. No.: (+964) 782-881-1037; 770-646-4769; 771-470-9842 baghdad.pe@dfa.gov.ph pe.baghdad@gmail.com Facebook: @PHinIraq www.baghdadpe.dfa.gov.ph philembassybaghdad.wordpress.coma

No. 18 Bnei Dan Street Tel Aviv, 62260 Israe Tel. No.: (+972-3) 6010-500 Fax No.: (+972-3) 6041-038 Duty Officer No.: (+972-54) 4661-188 telaviv.pe@dfa.gov.ph filembis@netvision.net.il Facebook: @PHinIsrael www.telavivpe.dfa.gov.ph www.philippine-embassy.org.il

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Directory

H.E. (Mr.) Wilfredo C. Santos

No. 9 Khayyam Street, After Chamran Parkway North Valie-Asr Avenue, Tehran, Iran Tel. Nos.: (+98-21) 2266-8774 to 76 Fax No.: (+98-21) 2266-8990 Hotline Nos.: (+98) 912-2136801; 912-2037192 tehran.pe@dfa.gov.ph tehranpe.dfa@gmail.com www.tehranpe.dfa.gov.ph www.tehranpe.dfa.gov.ph

of Foreign Posts in the Middle East

EMBASSY OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES

HASHEMITE KINGDOM OF JORDAN with concurrent jurisdiction over the Palestine Republic

EMBASSY OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES, AMMAN H.E. (Ms.) Junever M. Mahilum-West Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiray

KUWAIT

EMBASSY OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES, KUWAIT Hon. (Mr.) Mohd. Noordin Pendosina N. Lomondot Chargé d’Affaires, a.i.

Villa No. 1 and No. 12 Al Halab Street corner Al Suleiman Al Bilbeesi Street, Abdoun Amman, Jordan Tel Nos.: (+962-6) 592-3748; 592-9402; 592-9403 amman.pe@dfa.gov.ph ammanpe@orange.jo pe.amman@gmail.com Facebook: @ammanpe www.ammanpe.dfa.gov.ph www.philembassy-amman.net

Block 1, Street 101, Villa 817, corner Abdullah Abdul Azis Al Humaidi Street, Al Siddeeq Area, South Surra State of Kuwait Tel. Nos.: (+965) 2252-8422; 2251-1806; 2251-1807 Fax No.: (+965) 2251-1805 Hotline Nos.: (+965) 6518-4433; 6990-2188 (Consular) kuwait.pe@dfa.gov.ph kuwaitpe@philembassykuwait.gov.kw kuwaitpe@gmail.com Facebook: @PEinKuwai www.kuwaitpe.dfa.gov.ph www.philembassykuwait.gov.kw

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LEBANON

EMBASSY OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES, BEIRUT

H.E. (Ms.) Bernardita L. Catalla Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary

W Building, Rue Mar Geries, Hadath, Baabda Mount Lebanon, Lebanon Tel. No.: (+961-5) 953-522 Fax No.: (+961-5) 953-521 Hotline No.: (+961-3) 859-430 Tel. No.: (+961-5) 953-522 Fax No.: (+961-5) 953-521 Hotline No.: (+961-3) 859-430 beirut.pe@dfa.gov.ph www.beirutpe.dfa.gov.ph

OMAN (Sultanate of )

EMBASSY OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES, MUSCAT H.E. (Mr.) Narciso T. Castañeda

Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary

QATAR

EMBASSY OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES, DOHA H.E. (Mr.) Alan L. Timbayan Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary

Bldg. No. 1041/1043, Way No. 3015, Al Kharijiya St., Shatti Al Qurum Muscat, Sultanate of Oman P.O. Box No. 420 Madinat Qaboos PC 115 Muscat, Sultanate of Oman Tel. Nos.: (+968) 2460-5140; 2460-5143; 2460-5335 Fax No.: (+968) 2460-5176 Hotline Nos.: (+968) 9988-5073 (ATN); (+968) 9988-7935 (Duty Officer) muscat.pe@dfa.gov.ph muscatpe@omantel.net.om Facebook: @PHLinOman www.muscatpe.dfa.gov.ph

St. No. 860, Zone 68, Jelaiah Area Doha, State of Qatar P.O. Box No. 24900 Tel. No.: (+974) 4483-1585 Fax No.: (+974) 4483-159 ATN Nos.: (+974) 4483-2560; 6644-6303 ATN Direct Line: (+974) 4483-2560 doha.pe@dfa.gov.ph dohape@yahoo.com Facebook: @PHinQatar www.dohape.dfa.gov.ph 83 83

SAUDI ARABIA

EMBASSY OF THE OF THE PHILIPPINES, RIYADH H.E. (Mr.) Adnan V. Alonto

Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiray

C3 Radaif Street, Diplomatic Quarter Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia P.O. Box 94366, Riyadh 11693 Tel. Nos.: (+966-11) 488-3615; 482-0507; 482-1802 Fax No.: (+966-11) 488-3945 riyadh.pe@dfa.gov.ph rype@riyadhpe.com riyadhpe@philembassy-riyadh.org Facebook: @PHLinKSA www.riyadhpe.dfa.gov.ph

SYRIAN ARAB REPUBLIC EMBASSY OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES, DAMASCUS Hon. (Mr.) Alex V. Lamadrid Chargé d’Affaires, e.p

TURKEY EMBASSY OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES, ANKARA

H.E. (Ms.) Maria Rowena Mendoza Sanchez

Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary

Hamzeh lbn Abdul Mutaleb St., Building No. 56 West Mezzeh Area, Damascus Syrian Arab Republic Tel No.: (+963-11) 613-2626 Fax No.: (963-11) 611-0152 Hotline No.: (+963) 99253-5775 damascus.pe@dfa.gov.ph pe.damascus@gmail.com www.damascuspe.dfa.gov.ph

Kazim Ozalp Mahallesi, Kumkapi Sokak, No: 36, Gazi Osman Pasa (GOP), 06700 Ankara, Turkey Tel. Nos.: (+90-312) 442-3824; 442-3827 Fax No.: (+90-312) 442-3856 Hotline No.: (+90) 537- 577-2344 ankara.pe@dfa.gov.ph ankarape@gmail.com Facebook: @PHinTurkey www.ankarape.dfa.gov.ph 84

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES EMBASSY OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES, ABU DHABI H.E. (Mr.) Constancio R. Vingno, Jr.

Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary

YEMEN

PHILIPPINE CONSULATE, Sana’a MR. MOHAMED SALEH HAMOOD AL-JAMAL Consul, a.h.

Villa 1, W-48, Street #8, Sector 2-23, Plot 51 P.O. Box 3125, Al Qubaisat, Abu Dhabi United Arab Emirates Tel. No.: (+971) 2-639-0006 Fax No.: (+971) 2-639-0002 abudhabi.pe@dfa.gov.ph auhpe@philembassy.ae Facebook: @PHinUAE www.abudhabipe.dfa.gov.ph

Hadda Area Damascus Street Sana’a, Republic of Yemen Tel. No. (+967-1) 425 277 / 416 751 Fax No. (+967-1) 418 264 sanaa@philembassy_riyadh.org/ msjsg@sungroupye.com info@phcalepp.org

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