The 2019 Fall Quarterly Issue

R E P O R T: A N I N - D E P T H LO O K AT T H E OV E R S E A S F I L I P I N O C O M M U N I T Y

N O. 64 I VOLUME 10 AUGUST I SEPTEMBER I OCTOBER 2019 FALL QUARTERLY ISSUE

A Vibrant Standard of Hotel Living

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PUBLISHER’S NOTE I KEEPING A JOURNAL

What’s New, What’s Next

Building something is not easy. If it was, everyone would do it.

Whether you’re building a home, a family, a business, or even a website—it’s not easy. It requires perseverance, vision, dedication, comfort with risk, an amazing team, intelligence, leadership—every part of you. Once you get there, it can feel quite rewarding, but it’s not everlasting. A few days later, you’ll start asking yourself, what’s new and what are you going to do next.

What I appreciate the most about building something is the journey, even more so than the actual destination (with of course the exception of flying). I remember all of those countless late nights working on building our company—well, because I’m still living it—I never stopped burning the midnight oil and taking a day off. I noticed my kids are that way as well.

It’s important to live life to the fullest— never take a day off from appreciating life or taking anything for granted. If a friend or distant relative wants to catch up, find the time. If a young entrepreneur with a start-up business wants to meet with you, talk to them—find the time. You might be retired but find something to do—never think you’re too old to start. Although it may seem that there’s not enough time to accomplish all of the things we envision ourselves doing, there actually is.

What if you cut your social media usage in half per day? Or out completely? What if you turned off the TV? What if you focused on completing one thing first and then moving on to the next project instead of trying to juggle more than 5 tasks at once? For the past several weeks, I’ve been doing this—one thing at a time and then moving on to the next task. It’s been great.

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I’ve been thinking quite a bit lately about how and why people build things.

Each week, it is not uncommon to hear or read of another sprawling, developing city, region, or area of the Philippines. From Batangas, to Clark, to Manila Bay, to Iloilo, Davao, and Cebu—so many parts of the Philippines are developing and flourishing. That province, that town you grew up in that you left behind decades ago—go see what it looks like now. Have you seen Binondo lately? It’s astonishing.

It’s considerably clean. Did you know San Juan, La Union is heralded as the Boracay of the North? Have you seen Pasay lately?

I appreciate all of these amazing developments in the Philippines. However, I can’t help but think about how we can fix our traffic. What if we paused and the entire country’s focus was dedicated to solving the traffic once and for all. What if we just shutdown the country for say 1 month and every citizen helps build the new roads (or we just stay off the roads so that whoever can build whatever roads and highways are needed can be built). The traffic in Metro-Manila to Cebu City has really become an untenable situation. We

can have these vibrant, booming cities, but if it takes hours on end to get to and from, how can we truly appreciate what people have built? How can we experience everything Metro-Manila has to offer? Did you know that on average, Filipinos lose about 16 days per year of their lives stuck in traffic? That’s awful. Not only is the country causing people to lose out on life, it’s costing the country billions of dollars in GDP. Literally, traffic is a waste of time and life.

If we are wasting our lives stuck in traffic anyway then what’s the harm of pausing the country for 1 month? Think long term.

Losing 1 month but not losing 16 days of our lives each year moving forward.

If we are going to build the great nation that we hope the Philippines can be, we need to say enough of this mañana mentality of—next time. It should all be about what’s next.

Roger L. Oriel CEO & Publisher Asian Journal Media Group

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In Focus I State of the Nation I Leaders

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President Rodrigo Roa Duterte greets some members of Congress. King Rodriguez, Presidential Photo

President Duterte’s 4th State of the Nation Address

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In Focus I State of the Nation I Leaders President Duterte is welcomed by Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff General Benjamin Madrigal Jr. upon his.

King Rodriguez, Presidential Photo

President Duterte is accorded foyer honors upon his arrival at the House of Representatives in Quezon City to deliver his Fourth State of the Nation Address. Accompanying the President is Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff General Benjamin Madrigal Jr. Simeon Celi Jr., Presidential Photo

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on July 22, 2019 delivered his significant accomplishments made by his administration which is aimed at reducing poverty, fighting graft and corruption, and improving peace and security.

In his fourth State of the Nation Address he delivered at the House of Representatives, among the accomplishments he mentioned include the signing of the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act, a legislation that aims to improve service delivery and fight corruption.

He admitted, however, that much has yet to be done to ensure government’s responsiveness to the country’s needs. The President wanted the top government agencies—Transportation Office (LTO), Social Security System (SSS), Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), Land Registration Authority (LRA), and Home Development Mutual Fund (PAG-IBIG)—to drastically improve their services.

“I reiterate my directive to the government and instrumentalities, including the LGUs and the government corporations: simplify.

Nandito ba kayo? Simplify. Just like the others. You can do it electronically,” he said.

The administration’s Build, Build, Build Program has already gained momentum through the efforts of the economic team led

by Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III. Public Works and Highways Secretary Mark Villar and Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade have also made major improvements in the country’s infrastructure.

The government has also recently paved the way for the entry of the third telecommunications provider that is expected to break the duopoly of the existing telecommunications companies in the Philippines.

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Ace Morandante, Presidential Photo

“I challenge this new player to fulfill its commitment to provide fast and reliable telecommunications services to our people, especially in the underserved areas. DICT Secretary Honasan will be the lead man in this endeavor. I hope he is here,” the President said.

To achieve national peace and reconciliation, the President said that after almost two decades of peace negotiation, the Bangsamoro Organic Law was finally passed and ratified.

“It is my hope that the Bangsamoro Transition Authority will fast-track the establishment of regional government that will secure a comfortable life for Muslim brothers and sisters, and all indigenous communities in the Bangsamoro Region” he noted.

The government has also recently paved the way for the entry of the third telecommunications provider that is expected to break the duopoly of the existing telecommunications companies in the Philippines.

And to address communist insurgency, the President said that he has taken the helm of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict and assigned a Cabinet member to each region to harmonize government efforts in attaining national development and security.

The administration also made major strides in the education sector, President Duterte said, commending the efforts by Education Secretary Leonor Briones and the Department of Education (DepEd).

This year, more Filipino learners have received basic education with over 27 million enrollees from Kindergarten to Senior High School. Out-of-school youth and adult learners were able to access non-formal education through the Alternative Learning System.

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In Focus I State of the Nation I Leaders

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte takes a bow before the legislators and other guests before delivering his Fourth State of the Nation Address at the House of Representatives in Quezon City on July 22, 2019. Alfred Frias, Presidential Photo

To prop up the economy, he reported that almost 86,000 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) have received over P3 billion worth of loans since 2017, thanks to the efforts of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

The government was also able to pursue tax reforms to fund poverty reduction programs, the President said, asking Congress to immediately pass Package 2 of the Comprehensive Tax Reform Program, or the TRABAHO Bill, which shall gradually lower corporate income tax, and rationalize and improve fiscal incentives.

Government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs), infamous for high salaries and bonuses paid for their executives and employees, have started to shape up, he said.

As of July 9, 2019, the national government collected more than P61 billion from GOCCs, 32 percent of which, or P16 billion, from Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR), the President said in his address. GOCCs remitted more than the P36 billion posted in 2017.

The Bureau of Customs (BOC), known as a corruption-ridden agency, managed to collect P585 billion in 2018, according to the President.

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The President also raised the worsening traffic situation in Metro Manila. With estimated economic losses of P3.5 billion a day due to traffic congestion, the President asked the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority and all concerned local officials in the National Capital Region to undertake immediate action to ensure the speedy and smooth flow of vehicular traffic.

traffic situation in Metro Manila. With estimated economic losses of P3.5 billion a day due to traffic congestion, the President asked the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and all concerned local officials in the National Capital Region to undertake immediate action to ensure the speedy and smooth flow of vehicular traffic.

He wanted the government to reclaim all public roads that are being used privately.

PRESIDENT DUTERTE WANTS CONGRESS TO ACT ON LEGISLATIONS President Duterte also spelled out a number of legislations he wants Congress to prioritize to realize his vision for the country before stepping down in 2022.

President Duterte, in his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) at the Batasang Pambansa, called on lawmakers to reinstate the capital punishment or death penalty for heinous crimes particularly drug-related offenses and plunder.

“I am aware that we still have a long way to go in our fight against this social menace.

Let the reason why I advocate the imposition of the death penalty for crimes related to illegal drugs,” President Duterte said.

The Chief Executive also implored Congress to immediately pass the Package 2 of

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In Focus I State of the Nation I Leaders

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, Senate President Vicente Sotto III and House Speaker Allan Peter Cayetano sing the Philippine National Anthem. King Rodriguez, Presidential Photo.

Former president Fidel Valdez Ramos gives a thumbs up gesture as President Rodrigo Roa Duterte acknowledges his presence. Also in photo are former president Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and Joseph Ejercito Estrada. Simeon Celi Jr., Presidential Photo

King Rodriguez, Presidential Photo

To fight red tape in government, President Duterte urged Congress to review and pass the Government Rightsizing Bill, reconfiguring the existing Metro Manilacentric bureaucracy.

Government systems must be streamlined, he said, in order to quickly deliver services to the public.

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the Comprehensive Tax Reform Program or the TRABAHO Bill, which will gradually lower the corporate income tax as well as rationalize and improve fiscal incentives.

He expects the legislation to energize the country’s micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and encourage them to expand their businesses and hopefully generate 1.4 million jobs in the coming years. MSMEs, he noted, hold the promise of improving the lives of Filipinos.

Congress must also approve a new version of the Salary Standardization Law, which is intended to increase the salaries of national government workers, including teachers and nurses, he said.

“To the teachers, alam mo dito who toil and work tirelessly to educate our young.

Kasali na po dito ‘yung hinihingi ninyo. Hindi

naman masyadong malaki, pero it will tide you over during this hard time. A little bit bigger than before,” President Duterte said.

There will be additional benefits for solo parents, more health workers in the barangays, and expansion of the Malasakit Centers in the country as envisioned by Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go. He also asked Congress to pass the remaining packages of the administration’s Tax Reform Program as well as legislations that would further raise excise taxes on tobacco and alcohol.

At the same time, the President wants a Davao City policy to be adopted nationally in the sale of liquor especially in bars and other establishments.

“Itong ngayon, at 12, everything closes down. Nobody works. I think that we should adopt it. Most of the states, in many states, in many countries, ganun man. Alas dose, sarado na talaga,” he said.

To fight red tape in government, President Duterte urged Congress to review and pass the Government Rightsizing Bill, reconfiguring the existing Metro Manila-centric bureaucracy. Government systems must be streamlined, he said, in order to quickly deliver services to the public.

And for the government to focus on threats posed by natural hazards and climate change, he urged Congress to fast-track the passage of the administration’s version of the Department of Disaster Resilience (DDR).

“These reforms would be for naught if we cannot avert of a ‘new poor’ every time a disaster strikes. The Philippine experience has shown that natural disasters—are poverty creators,” he said.

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In Focus I State of the Nation I Leaders

Simeon Celi Jr., Presidential Photo

He then called on legislators to pass a law mandating a Fire Protection Modernization Program, which will equip the Bureau of Fire Protection with tools to respond to challenges.

To encourage the entry of more investors, the President asked Congress to urgently pass the National Land Use Act or NALUA within this year. The proposal is a sciencebased national land use plan that will serve as basis for the LGUs in crafting respective development plans and help disperse economic activities to the countryside.

“Paki lang po. So that we can proceed with the new… We can meet the demands of the new investors coming in. Ang lupa natin ang problema eh,” he stressed.

“The dispersion of economic and business activities to Visayas and Mindanao is not just a campaign promise. It is an economic imperative and a key to our country’s sustainable and equitable development. We will encourage investments that would develop the rural areas and Metro-Manila and other mega urban areas,” he added.

The President also renewed his commitment to uplift the lives of coconut farmers in the country through the quick utilization of the multibillion coconut levy fund.

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King Rodriguez, Presidential Photo

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte greets Senator Cynthia Villar before delivering his Fourth State of the Nation Address at the House of Representatives in Quezon City.

Albert Alcain, Presidential Photo

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In Focus I State of the Nation I Leaders

“It is also exasperating that there are times when I think that perhaps it is blood that we need to cleanse and rinse away the dirt and the muck that stick to the flesh like leeches.”

“I once again urge both Houses of Congress to pass a more responsive version of the bill establishing the Coconut Farmers’ Trust Fund to ensure the accelerated utilization of coco levy funds for the well-being and empowerment of the coconut farmers,” the President said.

“We recognize the urgent need to ensure the sustainability and availability of resources and the development of alternative ones. In this regard, I trust that Secretary [Alfonso] Cusi shall fast-track also the development of renewable energy sources, and reduce dependence on the traditional energy sources such as coal,” the President said in connection with the country’s energy needs.

Before concluding his address, President Duterte underscored the importance of sustaining the gains of a credible national security posture capable of defending the country from external and internal security threats.

“Defense Secretary Lorenzana, together with the gallant men and women of the armed forces, is at the forefront of this fight,” President Duterte said.

“We expect support for legislative initiatives aimed at strengthening defense-related systems such as the proposed National Defense Act, the Unified Military and Uniformed Personnel Separation, Retirement, and Pension Bill, and the revival of the mandatory ROTC in Grades 11 and 12.”

The President also called on Congress to study the postponement of the May 2020 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections to October 2022 to rectify the truncated terms of sitting barangays and also provide them with the ample time to finish programs and projects. Also, he suggested for the enactment of the Magna Carta for Barangays.

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Valerie Escalera, Presidential Photo

ADDRESSING CORRUPTION Dismayed by rampant graft and corruption in the government, the President said, “We are our own tormentors—addressing the Filipino people —we are our own demons; we are as rapacious predators preying on the helpless, the weak, and the voiceless.”

“We find corruption everywhere in government with every malefactor watching his cohort’s back in blatant disregard of his oath when he assumed public office.”

Corruption, he said, exasperates and frustrates.

“It is also exasperating that there are times when I think that perhaps it is blood that we need to cleanse and rinse away the dirt and the muck that stick to the flesh like leeches.”

Members of Congress are free to investigate cases of corruption and if there is anything wrong in the executive department, legislators have a free hand to open an inquiry anytime, he noted.

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte sings along with the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra. With the President is Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go. Alfred Frias, Presidential Photo

“The dispersion of economic and business activities to Visayas and Mindanao is not just a campaign promise.

It is an economic imperative and a key to our country’s sustainable and equitable development. We will encourage investments that would develop the rural areas and Metro Manila and other mega urban areas.”

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The Fall Quarterly I Leaders I Features with whom she has two sons, Roberto and Benjamin. She lived for six years in Kenya and two of those years were in a slum area. This was where she learned to value water. She revealed that they had to stand in line for hours for a bucket of water and she had a pail, for bathing herself and for washing her clothes.

“When one doesn’t have much, one treasures every little bit. I lived as the poor lived, so I learned how not to be wasteful—a trait I carry to this day where I use every bit of everything. I learned how to value empty containers, because they can be of use eventually,” she wrote further.

Celebrating the Beautiful and Memorable Life of Gina Lopez writer Momar Visaya

To say that Gina Lopez led a colorful life would be a severe understatement.

The former environment and natural resources secretary passed away on Monday, August 19, due to multiple organ failure after a brave battle with brain cancer. She was 65.

The second of seven children of Eugenio Lopez, Jr. and Conchita La’O, Regina Paz — fondly known as Gina — was born with the proverbial silver spoon and grew up in an environment where she was pampered and sheltered.

At the age of 18, she moved to the United States to study. It was while at the Newton College of the Sacred Heart in Boston where she learned more about 028 — ISSUE 64

spirituality, meditation and Ananda Marga, which radically changed the course of her life.

“Eventually I left home. Not because things were not good, but because I had this urge to do something. Looking back at it now, I still marvel at how I did all that I did. Leaving home, renouncing everything, having two to three sets of clothes, and taking a vow of celibacy—at 18! It’s almost like a segment of my life was cut dead,” Lopez wrote in a revealing essay published by Rogue Magazine in March 2016.

For the next 20 years, she served as a full-fledged yoga missionary in Portugal, India and Africa, among the poor and underserved, far from the rich enclave of her growing up years in Forbes Park. It was while doing these where she learned the values that would come in handy in her future life as an advocate for the environment and children’s rights, among others.

It was while serving in Africa when she met her now ex-husband, Sona

RETURNING TO MANILA Lopez eventually decided to return to the Philippines with her husband.

Missionary work forbade them from having relationships with the opposite sex.

On the day of her return, she found out that she was pregnant and that’s when she knew the door of going back to Africa and the missionary life had closed.

Armed now with the knowledge and values she learned in the two decades she dedicated to missionary life, Lopez decided to focus on uplifting the lives of the poor in her own country, the Philippines.

She found her heart and place in the ABS-CBN Foundation, the public service arm of ABS-CBN. She spearheaded and instituted projects that focused on communities in crisis, educational media (TV and radio), Bantay Bata, Bantay Kalikasan, among others.

In June 2016, President Rodrigo Duterte appointed her as the secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

“Integrity, public service and common good are the key deciding factors for any decision that will be taken,” Lopez had said upon her appointment. “Any industry must bear in mind that the common good is paramount in their operations and not the money they make.”

During her short-lived stint as environment chief, Lopez ordered the shutdown of 23 mines and suspension of five others. She canceled 75 contracts for mining projects located in watersheds, as well. She was the secretary for 10 months until the Commission on Appointments voted 16-8 through secret balloting to end her tenure.

Lopez, secretary for the Department of Environment and Natural Resources from 2016 to 2017, spoke at a Greenpeace-led candlelight vigil in front of the department’s central office in May 2017 following the Commission on Appointment’s rejection of her appointment to head the agency.

She went on to host an environmental show on ABS-CBN called “G Diaries,” which focused on environmental conservation, area development and innovations.

She also became the first Filipino to be awarded the prestigious Seacology Prize in Berkeley, California back in October 2017 for her “exceptional achievement in preserving island environments and culture”.

ADVOCATE In a statement, ABS-CBN said: “Gina was the pillar of strength that pushed ABS-CBN Foundation Inc. (AFI) to achieve what seemed to be impossible.

Her caring heart and selfless kind of love inspired people within and beyond the organization to help and serve others.” “[She] was a champion for the environment, child protection, and the disadvantaged. She exemplified a

“When one doesn’t have much, one treasures every little bit. I lived as the poor lived, so I learned how not to be wasteful—a trait I carry to this day where I use every bit of everything. I learned how to value empty containers, because they can be of use eventually,” she wrote further.

life of service to humanity with a deep desire to improve people’s lives, rallied for social justice, and sought to bring hope and change to poor communities,” it added.

Through her advocacies, Lopez launched numerous projects such as Bantay Bata 163, Bantay Kalikasan, Kapit Bisig Para sa Ilog Pasig, Sagip Kapamilya, and the reforestation of the La Mesa Watershed. She also served as the Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission chairperson.

These are the projects that have left indelible marks in the lives of millions of Filipinos and this is the legacy that Lopez, the woman in a hurry, left.

Lopez inspired a lot of people as a champion for the environment, child protection, and the disadvantaged. She exemplified a life of service to humanity with a deep desire to improve people’s lives, rallied for social justice and sought ISSUE 64 — 029

The Fall Quarterly I Leaders I Features

Lopez was in the Bay Area in January 2019 to present the i.L.O.V.E. (Investments in Loving Organizations for Village Economies) organization to Filipino Americans, which aims to lift communities out of poverty through the creation of environmentally-conscious businesses at the grassroots level. She also launched the Quest for Love, which pairs eight loving organizations with their respective mentors to work together to support a community. | AJPress photo by Joseph Peralta

to bring hope and change to poor communities. In a 2011 interview withthe Asian Journal’s Balikbayan Magazine, Lopez said: “Nothing can stand in the way of a people united for a noble cause.”

“I have a deep resonance with the environment. My spiritual practice is feeling the divine, entering stillness, then feeling the Higher Worlds. When one does this, one develops a very keen affinity with nature. Divine Energy is in Nature,” she continued.

Her program Bantay Bata 163 became the first rescue hotline for children in Asia. It also bagged the United Nations Grand Awardee for Excellence in 1997, besting 187 countries all over the world.

Among the Foundation’s major programs was Educational Television (ETV) and under it were shows that tackled the subject matters in public schools like science (Sine’skwela), mathematics (Math Tinik), history

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(Bayani), Epol/Apple (English), and values educations (Hirayamanawari).

Through her initiatives, more than 10,000 public elementary schools nationwide received ETV sets for their school libraries.

She also founded Bantay Kalikasan, a program that advocates for the protection of the environment. Among its most notable achievements include the successful reforestation of the La Mesa Watershed and the eventual rehabilitation of 17 estuaries or esteros of the Pasig River. Because of this, then-President Benigno S. Aquino III appointed her in 2010 as the chairperson of the Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission.

Lopez recently established Investments in Loving Organizations for Village Economies (iLOVE) Foundation, as well, which seeks to lift communities out of poverty through the creation of environmentally conscious businesses at the grassroots level.

TESTIMONIALS Friends, family and netizens took to social media with tributes to Lopez and the life she lived.

In an Instagram post, former ABS-CBN big boss Charo Santos Concio mourned the death of her friend.

“This is how I will remember my dear friend, Gina… always so passionate When she is on to something, she will definitely do it with all her heart, mind and soul, whatever it takes. When she would tell me her vision… the next thing I know, she’s already in the field doing something about it. No wasted time… no wasted opportunities… for the love of the people, the country and the environment.

Gina, may your selfless heart inspire many more!!! Thank you for the unconditional love Rest now, my friend! #MaramingSalamatGinaLopez,” Santos-Concio wrote in the caption.

“Gina’s spirit, passion and energy were boundless. There was criticism that she

Gina Lopez devoted her life to various environmental and social causes.

was combustible, all over the place. But that’s because she wanted to do so much,” said actor Audie Gemora, who worked on several educational TV programs that ABS-CBN Foundation produced.

Gina Reyes, head of ABS-CBN’s Integrated News and Current Affairs, couldn’t agree more.

“Now we realize why she was always in a hurry to finish something; she was a woman possessed every time she took up a cause. Nothing was impossible, everything was doable,” Reyes posted on her Facebook wall.

PURPOSE “At an age when people are just figuring out what they want to do in life, she already knew her purpose. She left a comfortable life to devote her time and energy to help uplift other people’s lives,” ABS-CBN’s chairman Mark Lopez said.

“When she returned to join ABS-CBN, she instilled in her people the same drive

to help. For her, nothing cannot be done, no effort is too small, anybody can — and should — do their part in making the world a better place,” he added.

Mark is a cousin of the former environment secretary.

According to the ABS-CBN Foundation, Lopez’s family has requested that donations be made to the foundation in lieu of flowers and Mass cards. A public memorial service was held at the La Mesa Ecopark — which rehabilitated through Bantay Kalikasan — on August 22 and 23.

Though Lopez has departed, her legacy and love for social justice issues, the environment, and her home country of the Philippines live on.

“If we in this country dream and hope thecommon good and commitment to integrity, I have no doubt in my heart and in my mind that our country will see the light of day,” she said in Metro Society interview.

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LOVEOFCOUNTRY.PH

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The Philippines is not only home to pristine natural wonders and beautiful beaches, but also home to a vibrant, thriving, and booming metropolis that is filled with renowned hotels and resorts, restaurants, bars, shops, schools, investment opportunities, to a burgeoning music, art, culture, and nightlife scene. Come and see for yourself and rediscover the gems of the Philippines. We’ll help you find exactly what you’re looking for.

— Welcome to Love of Country.

Welcome home.

Explore today at LoveOfCountry.ph

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On The Cover I Hotels & Resorts I Travel

A Vibrant Standard of Hotel Living writer Ritchel Mendiola

A GATEWAY TO EXCITING ADVENTURES Just a stone’s throw away from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 is a hotel perfect for businessmen who need a venue for meetings, travelers who want to spend the night beside the airport terminal, and families who want to enjoy staycation together. Savoy Hotel Manila is a 12-storey airport hotel within the Resorts World Manila complex that highlights the stylish comforts that entrepreneurs and travelers alike seek in a home away from home.

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It has 684 rooms with adequate sizes ranging from 23 to 50 square meters.

Choose among its four suites namely the Essentials, where simplicity meets functionality and comfort; the Runway, where the traveling businessman can enjoy premium amenities; the Deck, where a view of the city skyline and a mini-bar with a coffee maker can be enjoyed by its occupants; and the Space, where luxury and comfort make for a space perfect for unwinding after a long day, or preparing for that important meeting.

“Savoy Hotel Manila is a perfect venue for a different hotel experience beside NAIA Terminal 3 and within the 24/7 leisure and entertainment complex of Newport City,” said Lorenzo Tang, general manager, Savoy Hotel Manila.

Since its opening in 2018, Savoy Hotel Manila has been providing the spaces that everyone needs while affording unobstructed views of the airport’s runway and highways, as well as the Makati and Fort Bonifacio skyline. It has won the ‘Best New Hotel’ award in the TripZilla Excellence Awards last 2018 and the TripAdvisor Excellence Award in 2019.

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On The Cover I Hotels & Resorts I Travel

MAKING CONNECTIONS MATTER One thing that sets Savoy Hotel Manila apart from the rest is that it offers themed spaces called Squares where collaboration, leisure, and business interactions are made more fun.

Located on several guest floors of the hotel, these co-working spaces are equipped with high-speed Internet connection and electricity ports, as well as express checkout counters, and a snack corner. Guests can readily access this amenity whenever they want, allowing them to find their own spaces for casual group hangouts, intimate chats and meetings, or that well-needed reprieve.

“We wanted to offer something unique to guests.

Hotels have always been so conventional and stiff and Squares challenges that norm,” Tang added.

Savoy Hotel Manila also offers three Food and Beverage (F&B) outlets: the Savoy Café where guests can enjoy buffet dining featuring different cuisines; Zabana Bar for lounging over cocktails and drinks; and The Poolside for after-swim chill and indulgence.

Fitness buffs will be pleased to know that they, too, can maintain their healthy lifestyle while staying at Savoy Hotel Manila. The hotel has its MOVE Health Club consisting of the gym, the poolside, spa, and sauna – all of which are accessible for guests to enjoy and make use of.

“Savoy Hotel Manila’s amenities and facilities are all aimed to highlight different spaces to have share-worthy experiences – the space to share, to coexist, to be yourself, to relax, to express, and more,” Tang shared.

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On The Cover I Hotels & Resorts I Travel IN THE MIDST OF A ‘LEISURE CITY’ Savoy Hotel Manila is strategically located in the bustling entertainment center of Newport City, making it easier for guests to dine, shop, and treat themselves to a world of entertainment options to their heart’s content.

Traveling to and from the airport right across the street from Savoy Hotel Manila becomes a breeze as well with Runway Manila, an enclosed, air-conditioned 220-meter pedestrian link bridge that connects NAIA Terminal 3 to Newport City. The hotel also offers a free 24-hour shuttle service to and from NAIA Terminals 1, 2, and 3.

These are just some of the things you can look forward to the moment you step in at Savoy Hotel Manila. Now, all that’s left to do is pack your things, book that stay, and finally realize your staycation dreams after countless hours of daydreaming.

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Savoy Hotel Manila is located at Andrews Avenue, Newport City, Pasay City.

For booking and reservations, email reservations.manila@thesavoyhotels.com or call (+632) 317-2869 / 0917-850 5310.

To know more about Savoy Hotel Manila, visit their official website at https://www.savoyhotelmanila.com.ph.

Official Hashtags: #SavoyHotelManila #WelcomeToYourSpace #SpaceToExperience ISSUE 64 — 039

The Fall Quarterly I Destinations I Travel

The Benefits of Shopping at Duty Free Philippines 1. What programs would Duty Free Philippines offer to the Balikbayan community this 2019?

1.1. Senior’s 1st Sunday Shopping Swing The “Senior’s 1st Sunday Shopping Swing” is offered to Filipino Overseas Workers (OFWs), balikbayans, and Regular Filipino Travelers (RFT) seniors citizens who have traveled internationally within 365 days. They are given 10 percent discounts at all Duty Free stores nationwide during first Sunday of the month, in recognition of the invaluable contribution made by senior citizens who have patronized Duty Free Philippines (DFP) for 32 years.

While on regular days, seniors and Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) are given a 5 percent discount.

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1.2 Kabuhayan Program The Kabuhayan Shopping Privilege allows balikbayans and OFWs who have gone back abroad to avail of duty and tax-exempt purchase in the amount of US$2,000.00, exclusively for livelihood equipment, within 15 calendar days (30 days for passengers arriving from November 15-January 15) from the date of arrival as our way of helping our kababayans to use their hard-earned money to put up a business while they are working abroad or want to build their life anew when they decided to go home for good, they can purchase their livelihood equipment at Duty Free Philippines Fiestamall.

Among the kabuhayan products available at the DFPC Fiestamall in Parañaque City are popcorn maker, potato cutter, shawarma machine, fryer, hotdog roller, ice cream machine, crepe machine, candy floss maker, chicken rotisserie, rice mill, e-bikes, and car wash package.

1.3 Online Store The dutyfreephilippines.ph store gives yo an additional platform to order a variety of gift items ranging from Filipino export quality products, confectioneries, toys, perfumes, cosmetics, liquor, and among others.

When purchasing online, customers’ flight details are required. Shoppers are allowed to buy up to USD1,000 worth of items 48 hours upon arrival and their items will be prepared for pick-up at the airport.

We are currently working on delivery arrangements to add more convenience. We understand that when someone arrives at the airport, he is always in a hurry to go home to meet loved ones. The delivery will address that concern. This is something new for our OFWs. ISSUE 64 — 041

The Fall Quarterly I Destinations I Travel 1.4 Balikbayan Plus Card On top of the privilege to shop US$1,500 worth of items, Kabuhayan shopping privilege worth US$2,000, our balikbayans may use them to about 32 partner establishments which include hotels, resorts, theme parks, restaurants, beauty, and wellness centers and avail up to 20 percent discounts.

While we are expanding our partnership with other establishments, our current partners include Resorts World Manila, Belmont Hotel, Hotel H2O, Azalea Hotels and Residences, Bayview Park Hotel Manila, Diamond Hotel, Royal Mandaya Hotel (Davao City), Eurotel Hotel, Icon Hotel, Residence Inn Tagaytay, Antulang Beach Resort (Negros Oriental), Apo View Hotel, Zoobic Safari, Manila Ocean Park, Enchanted Kingdom, Yupangco Music Academy, Bali Seafood Paluto Restaurant, RSM Lutong Bahay Restaurant, I-Secure Networks and Business Solutions, Matus (jewelry), Bert Lozada Swim School Power in the Water, Bioessence, Vasquez Skin and Body Center, Bali Village Hotel Resort and Spa, Paradizoo Theme Farm (Cavite), Residence Inn Tagaytay, Zoocobia Clark, Pampanga, Zoobic Lodge Subic, Bluewater Maribago, Bluewater Panglao, Sumilon Bluewater Island Resort, and Azotea Suites.

1.5 Seafarer Shopping Privilege Program Seafarers thru DFPC accredited manning agency can avail of 5-percent discounts on chocolates, liquor, wines, cigarettes, and among others at the DFPC Fiestamall in Parañaque City.

To date, we have already accredited 18 manning agencies and we are working aggressively to add more. Seafarers could shop 15 days upon arrival and all they have to do is to claim their discount slip from their agency and present it with their seaman’s book at the Customer Registration Counter.

2. What are the requirements in order to avail the Balikbayan Plus card?

Applicants only need to present their passports at the Customer Relations Registration of the Duty Free Fiestamall. Their card will be released within five minutes and it is free of charge.

According to Republic Act No. 9174 (An Act Amending Republic Act Numbered 6768, Entitled, “An Act Instituting a Balikbayan Program” by Providing Additional Benefits and Privileges to Balikbayan and For Other Purposes), “balikbayan” shall mean a Filipino citizen who has been continuously out of the Philippines for a period of at least one year, a Filipino overseas worker, or a former Filipino citizen and his family who had been naturalized in a foreign country and comes or returns to the Philippines.

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3. How will the Duty Free Philippines plan to aid the tourism industry this 2019?

Under the Tourism Act of 2009, 50 percent of the revenue of Duty Free Philippines is remitted to the Department of Tourism (DOT) for tourism-development projects.

That means the more revenue we generate, the higher share goes to the tourism industry.

A plan to open an outlet at the international airports of Puerto Princesa, Palawan and Bohol-Panglao, Bohol is one of the several undertakings that will happen to DFPC this year to take advantage of the increasing number of inbound tourists in the Philippines.

We are also strengthening Duty Free Philippines as a brand with a high recall targeting its target market through information drive to promote Duty Free products and the array of privileges accorded to OFW, balikbayans, and tourists.

We will innovate and be more creative on the way we project the DFP brand and its products to the public and target markets. We are accessing the potent digital and mobile channels for informing, acquiring and retaining shoppers. In the same manner, as we desire to establish engagements with our markets and audiences effectively.

DFP management is set to make full use of online communication channels and targeted marketing strategies to gain new customers or build deeper relationships with existing ones.

We need to touch base with and get a good market share of the 2.3 Million OFWs. We also target to convince our Balikbayans of swinging to Duty Free stores while in the Philippines — invoking their sense of nationalism that for every item bought at Duty Free, they help in the alleviation of poverty and creation of jobs in the country, considering that part of DFP revenue goes to the development of the Philippines tourism industry which tops the country’s economic powerhouse.

Duty Free Fiestamall has long been synonymous with the Overseas Filipino Market to serve returning Filipinos an easy way to purchase “pasalubongs” or gifts for their loved ones, will be renovated before the end of the year.

We need to transform Fiestamall into a more contemporary setting, packed with upgraded and interactive amenities that families can enjoy while shopping. Improvements at Fiestamall include well-curated displays of products, the setting up of a much-improved food court and other food outlets, and the installation of lounges and other conveniences that would complete a one-of-a-kind shopping experience.

On the other hand, Duty Free Luxe has opened opportunities to serve Filipino traveler and foreign tourists, mostly the Chinese market.

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The Fall Quarterly I Destinations I Travel

Duty Free Luxe is already making arrangements with the different hotels in the MOA area.

This store will be catering more to the Chinese so the categories are mostly fashion, perfumes, and cosmetics that are items in demand by the Chinese.

We have expanded our offerings specifically at Duty Free Luxe to appeal to the Chinese market.

We carry the YSL. Coach, SKII, and soon Gucci. We are also set to open a Go Lokal store, where we carry exclusive local products for Luxe.

Since it opened last October 2018, the majority of the buyers at Luxe are Chinese.

Stay updated with news and information from Duty Free Philippines by visiting their website at dfp.com.ph.

Shop online at dutyfreephilippines.ph Follow them on social media: Facebook.com/dutyfreephils Twitter.com/dutyfreephils Instagram.com/dutyfreephils

4. The Department of Tourism is presently striving for sustainable tourism, how will Duty Free Philippines support this endeavor?

Responding to the global demand for eco-friendly products, we make sure that our stores are plastic free.

We have started to use eco bags and biodegradable plastics a few years ago.

We are also a big supporter of Eco-friendly brands.

Visiting the Go Lokal and Philippines’ Finest kiosks, you will notice that our products are derived from natural materials and ingredients that are expertly handworked by rural and artisanal communities, providing a sustainable livelihood for our marginalized sector.

5. How will the Duty Free Philippines promote Filipino products while simultaneously catering to foreign brands?

Those two categories cater to a separate market.

As we support Secretary Bernadette RomuloPuyat’s thrust to promote homegrown products, we see an opportunity to promote our local brands to outbound tourists for their pasalubong abroad that is why we made sure that we have a wide range of export-quality local products at our stores at the departure of NAIA terminals 1, 2, 3 and Mactan International Airport terminal 2.

While we are aggressive in encouraging OFWs and balikbayans to purchase chocolates, liquors, and among other imported products at Duty Free Philippines.

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Photographed by Godwin Gasacao

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The Fall Quarterly I Destinations I Travel

Duty Free Philippines Opens First Supermarket Inside Airport Passengers passing through Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 will be treated to a wide selection of products from chocolates, perfumes, apparel, home furnishing, wines and liquors, cigarettes, sporting goods—and even groceries.

Duty Free Philippines (DFP) has opened its first supermarket inside an airport locatedat the DFP Arrival Mall, South Arrival Lobby, NAIA Terminal 3, making travelling and shopping much easier.

The over 800 square-meter supermarket boasts a complete section of grocery items for mass consumption such as laundry detergents, shampoo, condiments, canned goods, frozen foods, and snacks.

It also has shelves for cereals, baby care, pasta and noodles, cheese, yogurt, and other items.

According to DFP Chief Operating Officer (COO) Vicente Pelagio A. Angala, the supermarket offers a complete section featuring dedicated wall bays and an increased product assortment to serve the travelers better with a fully-stocked supermarket right at the airport.

“We came up with this idea to raise the bar of the Duty Free pasalubong shopping experience. Instead of buying grocery items abroad that will add up to their baggage fees, they can shop the same brands when they arrive at the airport at a duty-free price,” said Angala.

“Other than keeping yourself from paying unnecessary baggage fees, this also adds convenience. Imagine arriving at the airport after a vacation or working abroad, one can just conveniently grab groceries or do grocery shopping with their family,” he added.

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The Fall Quarterly I Leaders I Business

The Providential Hand in Sulipicio O. Tagud, Jr.’s Life writer Prosy Abarquez-Delacruz, J.D.

“There are settings and institutions led by people whose identities do not depend on depriving others of theirs. If you are in that kind of family or office or school or hospital, your sense of self is enhanced by leaders who know who they are. These leaders possess a gift available available to all who take an inner journey: the knowledge that identity does not depend on the role we play or the power it gives us over others. It depends only on the simple fact that we are children of God, valued in and for ourselves. When a leader is grounded in that knowledge, what happens in the family, the office, the classroom, the hospital [the business] can be life-giving for all concerned.” Parker J. Palmer, Let Your Life Speak, 2000.

When I met Sulpicio Tagud, Jr. he was rushing to get to his business meeting, yet, he paused. He shook my hands firmly. Ester, his wife and my classmate since elementary to high school, introduced me. I told him that I have heard many good stories about him. “I hope they are all good,” he said.

“They are.” He smiled.

The next time I saw him he was on the way to the Sanctuario de San Antonio for Sunday mass. He greeted me with engaging warmth. “Have you had breakfast?” It was close to noon. “Yes, I have, thank you.” As we walked towards the driveway, he held Ester’s hands and helped her inside the car. That gesture towards his wife would be repeated few more times, that of holding her hands and together, walking with ease alongside one another. That intimacy, trust and affection struck me as genuine, as well as our classmates, who teased Ester that their oozing sweetness was enviable, even after 4 decades of marriage.

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At lunch, I joined their family at Hotel Dusit Thani over Thai food. Mr. Tagud ordered for all, but consulted his wife and sons, Stephen and Chin Chin, for their choices too. When the food arrived, he waited until we all have gotten our fill, and near the end of the meal, he reached out for what he wanted.

His selflessness reminded me of Assemblyman Rob Bonta, where at a Los Angeles fundraiser, the legislator stopped at each table to check to ensure each guest had their meals, before he even sat down for his own.

To me, the gestures of these two men in power reveal who they are: other-focused, caring and service-oriented.

2GO TRAVEL—AN OASIS FOR SEAFARERS UNDER MR. TAGUD’S LEADERSHIP James Loyola of Manila Bulletin on April 10, 2017, reported: “There is a changing of the guards at listed integrated transport solutions provider 2GO Group, Inc. as the SM and Udenna groups took over control of the company from former chief executive Sulficio O. Tagud, Jr. In a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange, the firm said businessman Dennis A. Uy has been named the new president and chief executive officer (CEO). Uy is the chairman of Udenna Corporation, the parent of Phoenix Petroleum Philippines, Inc. and Chelsea Logistics Corp. Tagud has retired both from the management and the board of the company after having tried to block the entry of Udenna as shareholder and Uy as board member.”

2Go Travel has modernized transport by sea. Under Mr. Tagud’s leadership, 2Go Travel elbowed out its competition and became attractive for purchase: “The SM group acquired 34.5 percent of Negros Navigation Co., the parent company of 2Go, for $124.5 million from Chinese shareholders while Udenna acquired its Nenaco shares from its Kuwaiti shareholders,” Manila Bulletin’s James Loyola wrote,“We thank Mr. Tagud for his contributions in making 2GO resil-

ient and more stable than ever. We hope to continue guiding it to further growth and sustainability,” said Uy. Mr. Tagud granted an exclusive interview with this writer in May 2017. I asked him about the process of creating an industry standard, an integrated transport solutions, 2Go Travel, which included a fleet of ships that transported passengers and cargo from Manila to Bacolod, Iloilo, Dumaguete, Butuan City, Iligan, Dipolog, Cagayan de Oro, Zamboanga, Ozamis, Puerto Princesa and Coron.

“How did you create this industry standard, I asked?” “By taking over an almost bankrupt Negros Navigation (NN). It was established in 1932 before the war. During 1997, the Asian financial crisis, it hit some countries 3 years, while the impact to the Philippines lasted 5 to 6 years. In 1995, the company borrowed to buy vessels, but because of the Asia-wide slow down and less people travelling by sea, the lower income group was the worst hit. There was little income and folks did not travel often, there was cutbacks those years. It now got transferred to Metro Pacific Group (MPG) holding company which includes communications (PLDT, SMART, etc.) hospitals, toll roads, infrastructure, Maynilad water utilities and majority of Meralco. MPG brought in expatriates as consultants hoping for a turnaround, until the company filed to be under a corporate receiver, something similar to Chapter 11 bankruptcy, a reorganization of debts. One month into the job, even after retrenchment, NN still had 1,000 employees dependent on separation pay, paid in installments,” Tagud shared.

Most of the employees who were let go still had not found jobs. He was faced with a dilemma, “Even if I liquidate and collect my fee as corporate receiver, what happens to the 5,000 mouths (assuming 5 in a family) depending on the company for support?”

Tagud decided if he rehabilitates the company, and with the same 1,000 jobs retained, then, 5,000 families will continue to thrive.

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The Fall Quarterly I Leaders I Business While it may have been easiest to liquidate, his heart continued to say, “save the jobs from being lost. Do this as your social work. To push it back as far as I go.”

In understanding providential order, one must know how to live according to nature which is living according to reason. That means living in full appreciation of the interlocking design, that God provides for all human beings.

It also meant according to Charles Taylor, an author, “more fully, it generally meant finding one’s highest satisfaction in furthering the design itself...the good life requires that in carrying out the activities which have been marked as significant, one espouse the spirit of whatever has so marked them. Humans are called to a broader perspective, to embrace the whole. What was charity now merges into benevolence.”

He went to Manny Pangilinan, the head of Metro Pacific Group (MPG) who understood what must be done. Mr. Pangilinan asked him to locate a buyer for NN. At that time, Mr. Tagud had fixed up most problems: reduce losses, addressed the large debt issues and managed relationships with creditors.

NN had started to turn around, and now has positive business value. Five companies had looked at NN, some from Indonesia and Malaysia. But, after due diligence, they pulled back and said, “No interest.”

At this time, MPG was entering into another foreign venture partnership and was in the process of buying another business, but NN was pulling down the balance sheet because of its current business value.

So, Tagud boldly made an assertion, “Why don’t you sell the business to me?” The asking price of NN at that time was Php 150 million.

Mr. Tagud offered what he had, Php 5 million, eliciting a laugh from MPG. MPG reconsidered. Mr. Tagud acquired 85% of NN for Php 5 million, with 15% to MPG, in case the rehabilitation of NN succeeds.

But first, “I had to convince my wife, Ester, to put her faith in me, to invest our “blood money, our retirement money” before the executed sales documents were done,” Mr. Tagud said.

“Where did your confidence come from,” I asked?

“I started to work with another company before, a big real estate company which I ran for 5 years so it could recover and it did recover,” he said, “ I had solid experience handling distressed companies, 4 distressed companies have now been helped. So, it did not faze me. But for Php 5 million cash I handed over, I was acquiring Php 3 billion loans and a potential equity, not yet realized, for Php 4.2 billion if managed right. If all 050 — ISSUE 64

else failed, what else is new, the business I was buying was a failure anyway. So there can only be one direction, to succeed.”

“So here I am now,” he said, “I am handing over Php 5 million to MPG, who is now going to pay the transfer tax, Php 9 million to the Bureau of Internal Revenue?” MPG paid the transfer taxes to complete the transfer of ownership from MPG to Tagud in Dec. 2006.

In the first quarter of 2007, the 2 years of earlier hard work paid off and NN was posting positive gains. By then, NN was owned by 2,000 shareholders. MPG asked why is it making money under Tagud’s ledership, to which, Tagud replied, “Boss, you could just not wait.”

By 2008, NN had increasing profitability and was looking to increase revenue to upgrade its vessels. Tagud was introduced to a Kuwaiti private equity fund group. They had lunch that Friday and the group was scheduled to leave the next day. They reconvened and and made a presentation to them Saturday morning.

The presentation was comprehensive, including a revenue and liabilities analysis, particular to each of the 9 ships NN had at that time, “When you ran the business, you look at the performance of each ship, it is like owning 9 different stores, we cannot aggregate them. Of the 9 ships, I assigned a senior officer as business manager of the ship.

They all accepted the challenge and there was a healthy competition amongst the senior officers.”

Months passed, and the Kuwaiti group invested in NN. With their investments, the Php 2.5 billion debts were paid off. But, first, Tagud negotiated for the loans to be repaid at Php 33 cents for every peso in debt. That zeroed out the debts of NN and left them enough money to modernize some of the ships. After that, and with operations turning in more profits, NN also alloted Php 250 million to buy back the 15% interest of MPG. Instead, MPG took Php 150 million for its 15% interest in NN and gave back to Tagud the Php 100 million in Sept./Oct. 2008.

By Sept. 2010, an old acquaintance told Tagud about another company being sold, the Aboitiz Transport group with five times bigger assets than NN. This is not the case of a bigger company buying a smaller company, instead this is the ‘smaller David’ company buying up a ‘bigger Goliath’ company. “Perhaps it is the Quijote complex in me,“ Tagud continued. Tagud approached a Chinese Equity Fund and made them choose whether to invest in NN or the Aboitiz company.

The Fund preferred the management of NN and invested in the smaller company. So, the

deal was made, a smaller NN acquired a five times bigger in assets, Aboitiz. The integration of both companies led to the rebranding of the merged entities into 2Go Travel.

A SUCCESSFUL ACQUISITION REQUIRES MANAGING PEOPLE WELL From the get go, Tagud told his management group, “We are not coming in as a conquering army. We are to integrate – it is to pick up the good things from the other entity and to be nice to them. The general default attitude is resistance and feeling superior to them. Don’t assert that you are superior to them. Decide overall to retain competence in the organization. It is not to behave like buyers, we are the boss attitude. It took two years to integrate the two companies under a new corporate vehicle 2GO GROUP, INC which then embarked on expanding its business from shipping to full scale end-to-end logistics.

Tagud shared some more, “Revenues increased, profitability increased and we became the darling of foreign investors. In considering investing in logistics business in the Philippines, 2Go Group came up #1. My son, Stephen is responsible for rebranding.

After the acquisition, it is not as important to be the biggest shipping company. But what is more important, because we are islands, is that shipping becomes the biggest enabler of an integrated logistics operations.

If we consider logistics, end to end from factory to store shelves, our shipping company became a convenient platform. If goods need to be in Cebu in 36 hours, it will be there in 36 hours. We became a warehouse, land transport, sea transport, and distribution company. It was a seamless connection of all segments. 2Go Group, Inc. had the ability to deliver end to end anywhere in the Philippines. Last year, both the Chinese fund and the Kuwaiti fund were happy to achieve 20% return on their investments at 2GO. SM beat me to acquiring the shares of these partners, even if I built it. SM’s acquisition and introduction of another group, will now mean clash of cultures and their management style is different than mine so, I sold my shares.”

To Tagud, “the greatest happiness is when you give something and see someone smiling and may even thank you.”

To his management group, 60% of the sales went to Tagud, and 40% to 11 managers, “I have made all of them millionaires,” he said. All of his NN employees also got 2 months pay also from the proceeds of his personal holdings.

Part II on love, marriage, faith and family success which will be in the next issue.

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The Fall Quarterly I Life & Style I Features

www.MarianneMencias.com #WhyIsMyForeverTakingForever

Why is My Forever Taking Forever? writer Marianne Mencias

A lot of singles are grudgingly asking this question and apparently, some parents too! This is also my story. Well, my parents are excited, but to me before, the long wait was killing me. I needed someone to always be there, I would go for pseudo-relationships merely because there was attraction, but instead of upgrading my self worth, it diminished more and more.

Until one fateful day, God introduced me to a Holy Spirit filled man named Bro. Bo Sanchez (if you don’t know him yet, please please look him up and follow him!) who gave a corporate talk in the company I used to work for. I was enamored by his talk that I even had the courage to ask a question amidst the hundreds of us there. That began a more serious walk with God for me. I started reading spiritual books and found myself attending The Feast-Catholic Charismatic Community of Bro. Bo. God was gently moving in my sinful weary heart. Back then, I had a 10 year on and off relationship with a guy I met when I was 2nd year high school. I didn’t have peace about our relationship and I also knew our values were being compromised. Deep in my heart, I questioned if I really loved him or he just became a security blanket because I would still be in search of somebody better. I know, I know, so selfish right and so immature of me.

Little did I know that my search for romantic relationships was my attempt to fill an existing father wound in my heart.

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You see, God assigned a very special role to our earthly fathers – and that is to reflect Him as our Heavenly Father, to make us feel worthy and to reveal our identity and propel us to our destiny. However, when our fathers have their own wounds to heal from their past or maybe from their own parents, even without them wanting to, they make choices that break God’s heart, and ultimately break our hearts too.

Here’s an excerpt from the book The World Needs a Father by Cassie Carstens: The roots of tragedy were almost always buried in the same bitter ground of broken, dysfunctional or non-existent family life, the answer we’re realizing pointed to the most fundamental flaw in society: fatherlessness... . . The children are crying. They cry, but not always knowing for what they cry. Some children can identify their longing for their fathers, while others just sense a lack deep within themselves. Boys join gangs and girls become prematurely sexually active.”

@menciasmarianne @maanmencias @marianne_mencias marianne mencias marianne.mencias@gmail.com

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The Fall Quarterly I Life & Style I Features

“This book is gold. May Marianne guide your steps in this crucial time of your life.

Every human being is a child of God, created after His image and likeness.

But the devil does everything to destroy that – and he powerfully does so through destroying families. Consider this verse: Ephesians 6:11 Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.

What is the definition of scheme? It is a large-scale systematic clever plan or arrangement for attaining some particular object or make plans in a devious way with intent to do something illegal or wrong.

I have seen that one of the most powerful schemes that the devil has employed and continues to employ is through blinding single broken people with fake love.

What do I mean? So many grown men and women walk the face of the earth today with their inner wounded child inside their hearts grappling for the love of a mother or a father which they try to resolve with romantic relationships. Instead of their wounds becoming healed, they end up being harmed more.

I know a woman whose dad had several children from different women. Now as a grown woman, she lived such a promiscuous life having 8 children from different men.

I know another woman who grew up in an abusive home and now finds herself married with an abusive spouse. I want to shout it from the rooftops: THIS IS NOT GOD’S WILL!!!

When two broken single people come together, not knowing their worth, identity and purpose and are merely using each other without them realizing it, it would be very difficult for them to pass on a healthy self worth and identity to their children. Our choices matter so much.

What the kids grow up seeing from their parents is what they will believe to be right. No wonder we see patterns of alcoholism, drug addiction, infidelity, early pregnancy, in families.

But don’t lose hope. Consider these words (which were the words Bro. Bo spoke during the first time I ever heard him give a talk): Deuteronomy 30:19 I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live.

We get to choose! God gave us the power to pass down curses OR blessings.

Someone just sent me this quote while writing this article: “The same people who are candy to our eyes can be poison to our hearts. Study their ingredients before feeding them your soul.”

People aren’t bad in themselves but if they aren’t being led by the Spirit of God, guess what spirit is leading them? We have to keep on guarding our hearts!

Let me go back a bit to my love story.

One day, I was praying to God and

“We are all given the capacity to fall in love. I heard before that once the faucet of love has been turned on, it’s meant to keep flowing. So be careful to whom you give your love to. May this book inspire you to build your identity first in Christ and exchange your worldy standards to biblical convictions. It’s the real thing you’re looking for. “Daughters of Jerusalem, I charge you: Do not arouse or awaken love until it so desires.”

(Song of Solomon 2:7) 054 — ISSUE 64

offering my current relationship, I told him if this guy wasn’t His will for me, then just tell me clearly and I’ll let it go. Right after uttering that scary prayer, my then bf started calling. I felt God just activated His plan. I decided to let go of our 10 year old on and off relationship.

2 months after letting him go, another ex came back (told you I had a confused needy heart), someone I am still deeply attracted to, but this time the biggest change was, I am already consulting God about my love life. And he doesn’t mince His words, this is what God clearly told me – through the mass, people and even through a cartoons (they were singing this verse and dancing to it! crazy right?) a little girl happened to be watching when I passed by our guest house in Pangasinan.

Matthew 22:37 (TPT) Love the Lord your God with every passion in your heart, with all the energy of your being and with every thought that is within you.

I felt in my heart God telling me, “my daughter, can it be just Me this time?

You’ve never given me your whole heart and it always just left you empty. Can you give me a chance now?” Despite my strong feelings developing towards this ex, I decided to obey God and said no to him.

And you know what, my decision turned out to be very wise. The time he was going after me, he was actually addicted to

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The Fall Quarterly I Life & Style I Features “It has been a privilege journeying with Marianne through the years as she continues to grow in her relationship with the Lord (Master), explore and deepen in her professional and ministry engagements (Mission), and patiently wait (well, sometimes desperately!) for her designated partner (Mate). Consider yourself blessed as you read through these pages and share in her journey and transformation. If you’re a guy, there are more than enough clues in here to know how to make it to Marianne’s heart!

(Which was partly her intention, I believe. ;)) “Why is my forever taking forever?” Because your Everlasting, dear lady, is committed to God’s perfect timing.” gambling. I found out because he’d borrow money from me. Whew! Thank God for saving me!

I started running to God’s healing love to repair the wounds in my heart. And boy oh boy, He really is the PERFECT FATHER. He disciplines, He spoils me at times, He revealed my worth and showed me my purpose!

God is a God of order and peace and He revealed to me that He has an order for romance: it is Master Mission Mate but what usually happens is MATE, MESSY, MISERABLE. The kids suffer the most, I know, because I teach thousands of them.

I also realized that all the things God thought up for our good, the devil distorts and twists - be it romance, marriage, sex.

He blinds us from the truth and uses pleasure to keep us walking the path that leads to destruction. Sadly, we sometimes assist the devil in his plans when we walk away from Gods commands which He made out of love for us. I encourage you to look up Jonathan Edwards and Max Jukes to give you a clearer picture of what I mean.

I can say that I am now at my happiest, even without a man in the picture. I have THE MAN Jesus, and the longings of my heart have never been this satisfied till now.

I pray this article enlightened you and I hope you will grab a copy of my book Why is My Forever Taking Forever? Available in bookstores nationwide and in kerygmabooks.com. I believe every household should have it, every woman should read it, it’s time to stop the schemes of the enemy and start activating God’s most beautiful plans in our lives.

Again, God has given us the freedom to choose.

I pray you will choose life.

I would love to give you a copy of the PDF Master Mission Mate also, just email me: marianne.mencias@gmail.com.

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Marianne Madelaine V. Mencias is also the author of the book: What’s Your Life’s Masterpiece? Which was recognized as a local besteseller at Fully Booked. In this book she shared about how she found her purpose in speaking and writing about life, most especially about discovering and living one’s calling. She also interviewed 10 world-class Filipinos in this book (Bo Sanchez, Jose Mari Chan, Josette Biyo, Marvin Agustin, Michael Carandang, Francis Libiran, Mark Ruiz, Francis Flores, Jason Magbanua, and Tony Meloto) because she believes their mindset and attitudes should be learned by the rest of the population so that more and more will maximize their potential and live their very best lives. She has given close to 500 talks to schools and companies (Globe, Jollibee, Unilab, Accenture to name a few) around the Philippines and also in Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore, and USA. She’s also recognized by SM as one of the most inspiring women of the Philippines during their celebration of Women’s Month in 2014. She’s also included amongst the 21 world-class Filipinos featured in the book of Irish author Mike Grogan: The Rise of the Pinoy: 7 Powerful Lessons from 21 World-Class Filipinos. She holds several public workshops on finding one’s purpose which include Soul Spa, Celebrate Your Purpose, #MasterpieceMovement and Purpose Driven Life with Mr. Anthony Pangilinan (CNN, The Boardrom Host). She’s also tagged as one of the most in demand corporate speakers together with Apprentice Asia Winner Jonathan Yabut. Her main motivation lies in being a great steward of all the God has given her and helping others see how more beautiful life can get when the right mind and heart set are in place.

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The Fall Quarterly I Destinations I Travel

Antipolo’s Best-Kept Secrets writer Ritchel Mendiola photographers Jace Amodo Michael Esguerra Garcia of Prime Lens

The city of Antipolo is noteworthy for having popular destinations like Hinulugang Taktak Falls, Pinto Art Museum, Antipolo Cathedral, and Inday Nelly Mystical Cave. As such, these are usually the must-see places when visiting Antipolo — but they are not all this city has to offer.

Given that it is a haven of arts, culture, and food, Antipolo boasts of haunts and attractions that offer an in-depth look at the progressive city with rustic charms.

However, some of these spots are borderline obscure, keeping them hidden from the eyes of innocent first-timers.

Luckily, we have uncovered some of them, thanks to Bienvenido Tours’ gracious help. Put a pin on these itineraries for the next time you travel to Antipolo.

Mount Purro Nature Reserve – Tucked away in the foothills of the Sierra Madre Mountain Range is a family-run eco park known for being a distinct sustainable travel destination. Mount Purro Nature Reserve is perfect for those seeking respite away from the hustle-and-bustle of the metropolis. With close to zero mobile signal, guests will be forced to tuck away their electronic devices and bask in everything nature has to offer.

Mount Purro Nature Reserve, named in commemoration of the massive reforestation efforts in Mount Purro by General Miguel Malvar’s grandson: Toto Malvar, started out as a small bahay kubo, where families and friends can spend time together, hike in the forest, and swim in the river, while primarily becoming a social enterprise of providing alternative and non-destructive forms of livelihood to those otherwise engaged in environmentally damaging practices.

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Here, guests are soothed by the fresh air and the vivid green panorama of the nature reserve, a jarring contrast to the concrete view that Metro Manila usually affords. They can also acquaint themselves with the Dumagats, the indigenous people of the Sierra Madre Mountain Range who will readily teach people how to build a fire and cook using nothing but wood and bamboo. There is no shortage of activities that one can do here — among them include getting pampered with the hilot massage, trying the rope courses, and planting trees.

Mount Purro also offers accommodations for overnight stays. Cottages here are airy and open, allowing guests an unadulterated visual and auditory experience of the surrounding environment.

Inday Cadapan Home Gallery and Cafe – This haunt is a furniture store, gallery, and cafe in one, dedicated to uplift artists as well as art lovers. Inday Cadapan Home Gallery and Cafe is home to Inday Cadapan’s artworks, a 1970s social expressionist painter who used art as a medium to voice out her opinion against poverty and unjust labor practices. Magel Cadapan, Inday’s daughter who runs the home gallery, will readily give guests a warm welcome and inspiring stories about her late mother.

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The Fall Quarterly I Destinations I Travel

In the showroom, guests are treated to various displays of woodworks, reupholstered furniture, tapestries, embroideries, installation art, and paintings. After satiating their thirst for art, guests can also satiate their hunger at the Cafe Inday, where in-house Chef Liz will prepare a special meal everyone can readily enjoy.

Note that guests need to make an appointment first before visiting the showroom located at Gen. Luna St. Villa Carmen Subd., Antipolo City. Guests may contact Magel through 0917-6691900.

Obra ni Juan – Obra ni Juan is a clothing brand made in Antipolo known for its unique line of apparel that marries old world Filipino charm and modern fashion. Established in 1997, this familyowned business started out with 10 employees that has now grown to over 100.

Obra ni Juan is distinctly known for clothes that are handmade and dyed to perfection, making sure no two clothes of the same design are actually identical. Obra ni Juan Collections are classed into Authentic designs, Executive designs, and Formal Wear. The fabrics used for the clothes are cotton, linen, tencel and cotton mix, which make for a comfortable feel when worn.

Obra ni Juan is available at various department stores nationwide (Robinsons Department Stores, SM Department Stores, Kultura boutiques, etc.) Their factory is located at Sitio Ligtasan, Brgy.

San Roque, Antipolo City. Those who would like to visit may contact them first through 697-6743.

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Santiago Brewery and Malthouse – Deep within Antipolo is a place where a success story is brewing. People looking to turn their hobbies into businesses are likely to find a role model in James Gatlabayan, who started to brew his own beer after having his first taste of craft beer in 2008. Gatlabayan, after learning that most ingredients used in making alcoholic beverages were imported, took it as a challenge to produce his own malt. Presently, he is now the only brewer who brews with his own malts in the Philippines.

His products, Santiago craft beers, are known for their unique tastes and equally unique names. Amihan, with its 6 percent alcohol by volume (ABV), is sweet and refreshing. Habagat and Buhawi also have a 6 percent ABV, but the former’s flavor is more on the malty side while the latter tastes like roasted sweet chocolate and coffee. Ipu-ipo is Gatlabayan’s strongest beer with 8 percent ABV, with big herbal and citrus flavors.

Santiago Brewery is located at 217 C. Lawis Ext. Gatsville Compound, Antipolo City. Anyone who wants to visit may contact them first through 964-5525 or 0917-825-6377.

Boso Boso Highlands Resort and Hotel – Just an hour away from Manila is a hotel resort that guarantees a unique experience away from the fast-paced city life. Boso Boso Highlands Resort and Hotel welcomes guests who are looking for a weekend escape or a romantic getaway without having to go too far.

The resort is equipped with straightforward dorms and private rooms, swimming pools, sports amenities, and convention center. Boso Boso Highlands Resort and Hotel also offers authentic Filipino and International dishes at Cafe Cristina, wherein guests are not only treated to hearty meals but also to a breathtaking view of the deep Boso-Boso valley and the verdan Sierra Madre mountain range.

Luljetta’s Hanging Gardens Spa – Among Antipolo’s secrets, Luljetta’s Hanging Gardens Spa just might be its well-kept one. This gem of a hideaway is situated along the ridges of Antipolo, offering a commanding view of Laguna De Bay and Manila. City-dwellers will be pleased to find solace and serenity here while enjoying various facilities that will relieve their stress away.

Luljetta’s Hanging Gardens, named after one of its founders Lolita Maranas, is the first and only hanging gardens in the Philippines. It boasts of three pools which are: the Hydro-Pool, the Hydro-Massage, and the Infinity Pool. It also offers a jacuzzi for guests who want a warmer aqua experience as well as sauna stations.

This hanging gardens spa is located within the premises of Loreland Farm Resort, which was established by Lolita and Renato Marinas in 1996. It recently opened a new wing within the vicinity of the resort named Luljetta’s Garden Suites where guests of both Loreland Farm Resort and Luljetta’s Hanging Gardens Spa can stay overnight.

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The Fall Quarterly I Books I Arts & Culture

Q&A with Children’s Book Author Carmelita Suarez There in the Abrahamic religions exists story upon story about prophets, conduits to God who were chosen by the Big Man himself. The stories we learned about Abraham and Moses have taught us that there are gifted people chosen by the Lord to deliver his Word and to relay his wishes for humankind.

Carmelita Suarez — a nurse by trade since 1972 — describes herself as a contemporary conduit of God. Over the last two decades, she has helped hundreds of people who were in dire situations and sought help from a higher power.

No matter the personal strife you may be facing — financial, medical, marital or general dissatisfaction with life — Suarez, through God, has exorcised hundreds of people of their miseries and guided their way out of darkness.

“I’m the only one. All these ministers, priests and pastors know him very well from the Bible and from the papers. But 062 — ISSUE 64

me, I know him through what he’s done for hundreds and hundreds of people.

How he approaches people and how he commands, I’m the only one who could do that,” Suarez told the Asian Journal in an interview.

As a unique communicator with God, Suarez recounted to the Asian Journal the numerous “miracles” she’s been able to achieve for people in need. She’s helped people with physical ailments like glaucoma and cancer recover through her work. She’s helped exorcised demons from people, including a teenage boy who had been possessed by evil spirits and stabbed his friend and himself. (Miraculously, that teenage boy avoided a life sentence and Suarez says it’s because the boy was guided by the hand of God through Carmelita.)

And through her work and advocacy, she’s also become a storyteller. In 2004, she released her first book, The Creator,

which is about a disabled orphan boy named Max who develops an intimate relationship with God. Where he was neglected by others, he found solace in the Lord, and through that relationship, he was cured from his disability.

“Every home in the world should have this book, no matter if you’re Christian, Muslim, Jewish, it’s a very important story,” Suarez said, adding that the book was partially inspired by her grandfather, and the book was written by her but was guided by the hand of God. “God is the foundation,” Suarez said.

Through God, she has been able to heal and correct the wrongs of hundreds of people from glaucoma sufferers to those with pending jail sentences. Though she doesn’t describe herself as a psychic, Suarez has also correctly predicted various world events that she says she learned through her unique conversations with God.

Asian Journal (AJ): So tell me about yourself: where were you born and what was your family like?

Carmelita Suarez (CS): I was born in Makati, Philippines. My grandfather came to Makati when there were no people yet and it was an empty place. Up to now, we own a street there. We weren’t elite or very very wealthy, but we were upper middle-class because my grandfather had the biggest house in Makati and it was so big that the government rented our property for a school. Our grandfather was a U.S. Army private in World War I and that’s why we had a good childhood. He was an orphan because his parents died, and his parents were part of a rich family in Ilo-Ilo, and so when they died, he was left with his aunt. But eventually he and his brother ran away to Makati as orphans when they were about 10 years old, and that was half the inspiration for my book, “The Creator.” My grandpa’s story is really an interesting story and he was important me and my siblings growing up.

AJ: How did God choose you to be his channel for the world?

CS: People are curious about why I was chosen. In 1991, I started writing to God, asking him about life, and then he started to answering back. How do you talk to God? You pray. Does he answer back with words? How did God talk to Moses?

Moses was talking to God but he has to walk miles to the mountain in Sinai. If I told you that God wanted to talk to me but we had to walk up this mountain, are you going to say yes? No, probably not.

God wouldn’t us in that situation. But the proof is in what he’s done for people.

He’s picky, he’s very picky and I’m the only one. All these ministers, priests and pastors, they know him very well from the Bible and from the papers. But me? No, I know him very well. What he’s done for hundreds of people: how he approaches people, how he commands, how he talks.

I’m the only one. A lot of us are being able to communicate with God in many ways.

In the 1990s, I don’t know anything that comes to my head but I talk to God and I’ll get the answer. That’s how it started.

Then in 2010 one friend in Beverly Hills who was a caregiver of this one Filipino.

I said, “You know, I’m not a psychic.” But they sit in front of me and I start talking to them [about] what they’ve been doing, what has been in their mind. And it’s not Carmelita talking anymore. It’s God. ISSUE 64 — 063

The Fall Quarterly I Books I Arts & Culture

AJ: Tell me a little bit about how you’ve predicted these world events from [boxer Manny] Pacquiao’s knockout by [ Juan Manuel] Marquez in 2012 to Donald Trump winning the presidency in 2016.

CS: First and foremost, I am not a psychic. God tells me these things, and he tells me that God isn’t happy. That is not the work of a psychic. At the end of June, he told me that the earth will start shaking because of what we are doing to the world. And what happened? Earthquakes all over [the Pacific Rim]. And he told me of a bigger one coming in the future, because we have made him unhappy. And you know when Donald Trump was one of the Republicans running for president?

I didn’t know about him, but God knew, so I asked him, “God who will be the president?” And God said, “Donald Trump! I choose him on the throne!” And God said that “if there are any people who say bad [things] about Donald Trump, you’re saying bad things about me.” [Trump] is the only one who can do this. And I ended up getting a thank you card from the White House because I sent a tape to the White House saying good things about Donald Trump and [how] God chose him to be on the throne.

AJ: Tell me about “The Creator” and how you got to writing children’s books?

CS: I like to attract people to who I am because of course being a nurse is a big profession. But out of that, I never knew I was an author but then I realized I had all these stories that I needed to tell. So in 2004, I was able to write “The Creator” and since then I have three other books, but you won’t believe how many stories I have that I’m going to write. And the Creator is God, right? So it’s about God and our relationships with God. It has similarities with my grandpa because [it takes place in] an orphanage, but it will relate to all people around the world. It’s only about you and God. That’s it.

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For inquiries or more information contact Carmelita Suarez through the following channels:

Facebook @CarmelitaBooks

YouTube The Creator by Carmelita Suarez

Email CarmelitaSuarez@gmail.com

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The Fall Quarterly I Real Estate I Business

4 Ways to Ensure Your Land Title is Authentic writer Ritchel Mendiola

Owning a property has always been a dream to many. However, the process of buying one can quickly turn into a headache -inducing nightmarish ordeal, especially if you find out that — gasp — your title isn’t authentic.

Luckily, there are ways to avoid being scammed by a fake title. Here are some of them: 01 Check the physical attributes of the title. One quick way to ensure your land title’s authenticity is by thoroughly checking the paper. Your title should be printed by the Banko Sentral ng Pilipinas, which uses a type of paper made out of 50% cotton and 50% chemical wood pulp with colored fibers.

An LRA or Land Registration Association watermark should also be visible through the paper when you hold it up against a light.

Fake title forms usually use paper of cheaper quality. According to real estate experts, more than 10,000 fake titles are being used and circulating around the Philippines.

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02 Verify authenticity of the “Transfer Certificate of Title” document. To ensure your title form is authentic, the Register of Deeds should be able to provide you a “Certified True Copy” of the title. Keep in mind that the Register of Deeds — which usually has its office at the municipal hall where the property is located — will need information such as the title number and the owner’s name so make sure to request a copy of the title from the property seller.

03 Check the Owner’s Duplicate Certificate and its seal. A duplicate copy from the owner should have the marking “Owner’s Duplicate Copy” located on the left side of the form, as well as a red seal with no blotting, which can be found on the lower corner of the form. It should be noted that these features can not be found on the original copy.

04 Verify the seller’s identity. Anyone can be a landowner. To check if the person claiming ownership of the property is really the person mentioned as registered owner, ask for a valid ID. Only deal with the real owner and make sure to avoid an agent who is an unregistered owner.

You might encounter problems if the title indicates that the seller’s parents are the registered owners, including dealing with other heirs who want to claim the property.

The seller must have filed petition in court before proceeding to transact with any potential buyers.

Did you know?

ILLU ST RAT I O N BY J I L L I A N P E Ñ A LOS A

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The Fall Quarterly I The Briefing I Global Affairs

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As part of our continued mission to connect, uplift, and empower international Filipinos, Balikbayan Magazine is available for your reading pleasure at 101 local and foreign Philippine embassies, consulates, offices, and outposts through a collaboration with the Department of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines.

— Balikbayan Magazine’s Media Center serves a global audience in 60 Countries throughout the World in order to ignite, drive, and fuel the economic development, progression, and modernisation of the Philippines. Our Media Center curates some of the most critical, vital, useful, entertaining, and sometimes amusing information released from both the public and private sector. Our editorial team strongly believes that a well-rounded and well-informed society is a thriving society.

I) USA 2) CANADA 3) MEXICO 4) PHILIPPINES 5) JAPAN 6) AUSTRALIA 7) EAST TIMOR 8) VIETNAM 9) INDONESIA 10) MALAYSIA 11) INDIA 12) NATION OF BRUNEI 13) CAMBODIA 14) PAPUA NEW GUINEA 15) SOUTH KOREA 16) BANGLADESH 17) NEW ZEALAND 18) MYANMAR 19) LAOS 20) CHINA 068 — ISSUE 64

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The Fall Quarterly I The Briefing I Global Affairs BUSINESS REGISTRATION ASSISTANCE Selected startups and enablers will get subsidies for business registration fees.

The host agencies will also endorse their applications to be prioritized or expedited. The three agencies will also provide subsidies for use of office spaces, facilities, equipment, services, and repurposed government spaces.

Innovative Startup Act Provides Incentives For Startups & Enablers The Department of Trade and Industry is one of the lead agencies in implementing the recently signed Republic Act 11337 or the Innovative Startup Act. The new law will help startups and startup enablers by providing incentives like travel grants, access to a Startup Venture Fund, and assistance in getting visas and business permits.

“The Innovative Startup Act is part of President Rodrigo Duterte’s vision of a comfortable life for all Filipinos. DTI commits to implement the law to foster an environment conducive to smarter entrepreneurs,” said Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez.

Aside from the DTI, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) are the host agencies to implement the Philippine Startup Development Program, composed of programs, benefits and incentives for the startup community.

“There is so much entrepreneurial potential, talent, motivation, and optimism of our young population. With the current strong momentum for collaboration between and among government, academe, and industry and the comprehensive fiscal and non-fiscal support of RA 11337, we will be able to grow and develop our startup ecosystem and catch up with our neighbors especially in creating billion-dollar startups,” said DTI Undersecretary for Competitiveness and Innovation Rafaelita Aldaba.

To avail of these incentives, startups and startup enablers have to pass an application and selection process to be determined in the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR). The first meeting to craft the IRR was held on July 22 at the University of the Philippines Diliman. Present at the meeting were DTI Undersecretary Rafaelita Aldaba, DOST Undersecretary Rowena Guevara and DICT Dir. Emmy Lou Delfin, as well as other officials and representatives from each agency.

TRAVEL ASSISTANCE, STARTUP VISAS For startups and enablers participating in local and international events, DTI, DOST, and DICT can help expedite travel documents and provide subsidies for airfare, baggage, per diem allowance, and other travel expenses.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) will create startup visas for owners, employees, and investors valid for five years and renewed with three-year validity.

Startup visa holders will be exempted from getting an Alien Employment Permit issued by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Meanwhile, Filipino startup executives will be eligible to apply for an APEC Business Travel Card which streamlines the entry process for APEC-member countries for short business trips.

VENTURE ASSISTANCE The host agencies will set up a startup grant fund to provide grants-in-aid for research and development, training, and expansion plans. DTI and the National Development Company (NDC) will also create a Startup Venture Fund to invest in startups based in the Philippines.

STARTUP PHILIPPINES WEBSITE, EDUCATION PROGRAMS The DICT will launch a Startup Philippines website, where beneficiaries can inquire about the progress of all incentives awarded under the law.

The website will also contain a database of startups and enablers as well as relevant statistics, reports, and studies.

Under the new law, the Department of Education (DepEd), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) are also directed to integrate entrepreneurship in their curricula and provide grants and incentives to academic institutions.

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The Fall Quarterly I The Briefing I Global Affairs

Over 4 Million Filipinos Now Live and Work in the United States

The number of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who worked abroad at anytime during the period April to September 2018 was estimated at 2.3 million. Overseas Contract Workers (OCWs) with existing work contract comprised 96.2 percent of the total OFWs during the period April to September 2018. The rest (3.8%) worked overseas without contract (Table 1).

There were more females than males among the OFWs, with the female OFWs comprising 55.8 percent of the total OFWs. Female OFWs were generally younger than male OFWs, with about half (47.5%) of the female OFWs belonging to the age group 25 to 34 years.

In comparison, male OFWs in this age group made up 38.9 percent. Male OFWs aged 45 years and older accounted for 21.2 percent of all male OFWs while their female counterparts in this age group made up 14.5 percent (Table 1).

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Among occupation groups, elementary occupations (37.1%) was the biggest group of OFWs. Other large occupation groups were the service and sales workers (18.8%) and plant and machine operators and assemblers (13.8%). More than half of the female OFWs were in elementary occupations (58.7%). Among the male OFWs, the largest groups were plant and machine operators and assemblers workers (27.8%) (Table 2).

CALABARZON reported the biggest share of OFWs with 17.9 percent followed by Central Luzon with 14.3 percent, and the National Capital Region and Ilocos Region each with 9.7 percent share. Fifty percent of the total OFWs came from these four regions (Table 2).

One out of four (24.3%) OFWs worked in Saudi Arabia, which remained to be the top destination of OFWs in April to September 2018. OFWs who worked in United Arab Emirates comprised 15.7 percent. Hong Kong (6.3%), Kuwait (5.7%),Taiwan (5.5%) and Qatar (5.2%) were the other popular destinations of OFWs (Table 3).

The total remittance sent by OFWs during the period April to September 2018 was estimated at 235.9 billion pesos. These remittances included cash sent home (169.4 billion pesos),cash brought home (55.2 billion pesos) and remittances in kind (11.2 billion

pesos). The majority of OFWs sent their remittance through banks (52.8%) while the rest through money transfer services (45.0%), agencies or local offices (2.0%) and the rest at 0.1 percent, respectively (Tables 4 and 5).

The remittances sent by OFWs to their respective families may just be a part of the total salary received by the OFWs. Data on remittances in this report are based on the answers given by the survey respondents to the questions on how much cash remittance was received by the family during the period April to September 2018 from a family member who is an OFW and how much cash did this member bring home during the reference period, if any. Further, if the family received goods and products sent by this OFW during the reference period, then the imputed value of such goods was included in his/ her total remittance (Tables 4 and 5).

Results from the 2018 Survey on Overseas Filipinos

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The Fall Quarterly I The Briefing I Global Affairs Technical Notes The data presented in this press release were taken from the 2018 Survey on Overseas Filipinos (SOF). The SOF aims to derive national estimates on the number of Overseas Filipino Workers, their socioeconomic characteristics and the amount and mode of remittances, in cash and in kind, received by their families.

The OFWs covered in this report were those aged 15 years old and over and working abroad during the period April 1, 2018 to September 30, 2018.

OFWs include overseas contract workers (OCWs) who were presently out of the country during the reference period to fulfill an overseas contract for a specific length of time or who were presently at home on vacation during the reference period but still had an existing contract to work abroad, and other Filipino workers abroad with valid working visa or work permits. Those who had no working visa or work permits (tourist, visitor, student, medical, and other types of non-immigrant visas) but were presently employed and working full time in other countries were also included.

In this report, the remittances sent by OFWs to their respective families may just be a part of the total salary received by the OFWs. Data on remittances in this report were based on the answers given by the survey respondents to the questions on how much cash remittance was received by the family during the period April to September 2018 from a family member who is an OFW and how much cash did this member bring home during the reference period, if any. Further, if the family received goods and products sent by this OFW during the reference period, then the imputed value of such goods was included in his/her total remittance.

Starting April 2016 round of the Labor Force Survey (LFS), the 2013 Master Sample (MS) Design has been adopted.

The number of sample households is around 45,000. The SOF, being a rider of the LFS, has adopted the 2013 MS starting October 2016. Careful evaluation must be made in comparing the results of the 2018 SOF with the SOF data prior to the implementation of the 2013 MS. The 2012 Philippine Standard Occupational Classification (PSOC) was adopted starting October 2016. The 1992 PSOC had been used prior to October 2016.

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CALIFORNIA: 1,651,933 HAWAII: 367,364

TEXAS 194,427 WASHINGTON: 178,300 NEVADA: 169,462 ILLINOIS: 159,385

NEW YORK: 144,436 FLORIDA: 143,481 NEW JERSEY: 129,514 VIRGINIA: 108,128 MARYLAND: 71,858

4,037,564

TOTAL POPULATION of FILIPINOS in AMERICA -

According to the data, there are an estimated 21,646,070 Asian Americans in the United States, and FilipinoAmericans make up the third largest Asian American subgroup behind Chinese (5,219,184) and Indian (4,402,362) Americans.

ARIZONA: 70,333 ISSUE 64 — 073

OVERSEAS FILIPINO WORKERS BY ORIGIN AND PLACE OF WORK AROUND THE WORLD NATIONAL CAPITAL REGION

100.0

CORDILLERA ADMINISTRATIVE REGION

9.7

ILOCOS REGION

1.8

CAGAYAN VALLEY

6.5

CENTRAL LUZON

14.3

CALABARZON

17.9

MIMAROPA REGION

1.8

BICOL REGION

3.7

WESTERN VISAYAS

8.9

CENTRAL VISAYAS

5.6

EASTERN VISAYAS

2.2

ZAMBOANGA PENINSULA

2.5

NORTHERN MINDANAO

3.5

DAVAO REGION

3.3

SOCCSKSARGEN

4.7

CARAGA

1.8

AUTONOMOUS REGION IN MUSLIM MINDANAO

2.1

AFRICA

0.9

ASIA EAST ASIA a. HONG KONG b. JAPAN c. TAIWAN d. OTHER COUNTRIES IN EAST ASIA (INCLUDING CHINA, SOUTH KOREA)

82.6 18.7 6.3 3.3 5.5 3.7

SOUTHEAST & SOUTH CENTRAL ASIA a. MALAYSIA b. SINGAPORE c. OTHER COUNTRIES IN SOUTHEAST & SOUTH CENTRAL ASIA (INCLUDING BRUNEI)

9.0

WESTERN ASIA a. KUWAIT b. QATAR c. SAUDI ARABIA d. UNITED ARAB EMIRATES e. OTHER COUNTRIES IN WESTERN ASIA (INCLUDING BAHRAIN, ISRAEL, LEBANON, JORDAN) AUSTRALIA EUROPE NORTH & SOUTH AMERICA

Source: Philippine Statistics Authority, 2018 Survey on Overseas Filipinos *Details may not add up to totals due to rounding. The estimates cover overseas Filipinos whose departure occurred within the last five years and who are working or had worked abroad during the past six months (April to September) of the survey year.

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2.4 4.9 1.7

54.9 5.7 5.2 24.3 15.7 4.0

2.1 7.8 6.6

2.3 MILLION OVERSEAS FILIPINO WORKERS BY OCCUPATION MEN

WOMEN

1,016

1,284

MANAGERS

1.1

1.1

PROFESSIONALS

8.1

9.8

TECHNICIANS AND ASSOCIATE PROFESSIONAL

11.8

3.1

CLERICAL SUPPORT WORKERS

2.9

4.6

SERVICE AND SALES WORKERS

19

18.6

SKILLED AGRICULTURAL FORESTRY AND FISHERY WORKERS

0.5

-

CRAFT AND RELATED TRADE WORKERS

19.0

1.4

PLANT AND MACHINE OPERATORS AND ASSEMBLERS

27.8

2.7

ELEMENTARY OCCUPATIONS

9.8

58.7

TOTAL POPULATION (In Thousands)

Source: Philippine Statistics Authority, 2018 Survey on Overseas Filipinos *Details may not add up to totals due to rounding. The estimates cover overseas Filipinos whose departure occurred within the last five years and who are working or had worked abroad during the past six months (April to September) of the survey year.

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TOTAL AND PERCENTAGE DISTRIBUTION OF REMITTANCES OF OVERSEAS FILIPINO WORKERS TOTAL REMITTANCE (In Million Pesos)

CASH SENT CASH BROUGHT HOME IN KIND

235,851 71.8 23.4 4.8

TOTAL CASH REMITTANCE

169,401 55,229 11,222 169,401

(In Million Pesos)

MODE OF REMITTANCE BANKS AGENCY/LOCAL OFFICE FRIENDS/CO-WORKERS DOOR-TO-DOOR MONEY TRANSFER SERVICES OTHERS

100.0 52.8 2.0 0.1 0.1 45.0 0.1

89,369 3,344 169 124 76,300 96

PLACE OF WORK AFRICA ASIA EAST ASIA SOUTHEAST & SOUTH CENTRAL ASIA WESTERN ASIA AUSTRALIA EUROPE NORTH & SOUTH AMERICA

100.0 2.1 72.5 17.5 8.2 46.8 3.7 11.6 10.1

3,552 122,856 29,652 13,962 79,242 6,249 19,678 17,066

MAJOR OCCUPATION MANAGERS PROFESSIONALS TECHNICIANS & ASSOCIATE PROFESSIONALS CLERICAL SUPPORT WORKERS SERVICE & SALES WORKERS SKILLED AGRICULTURAL FORESTRY & FISHERY WORKERS CRAFT AND RELATED TRADE WORKERS PLANT & MACHINE OPERATORS & ASSEMBLERS ELEMENTARY OCCUPATIONS

100.0 1.5 11.5 11.3 4.0 16.1 0.1 12.7 18.5 24.3

2,563 19,555 19,122 6,835 27,231 103 21,565 31,274 41,154

Source: Philippine Statistics Authority, 2018 Survey on Overseas Filipinos *Details may not add up to totals due to rounding. The estimates cover overseas Filipinos whose departure occurred within the last five years and who are working or had worked abroad during the past six months (April to September) of the survey year.

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AGE AND GENDER PROFILE OF OVERSEAS FILIPINO WORKERS TYPE OVERSEAS CONTRACT WORKERS OTHER OVERSEAS FILIPINO WORKERS

100.0 96.2 3.8

GENDER MEN WOMEN

100.0 44.2 55.8

AGE GROUP 15-24 25-29 30-34 35-39 40-44 45 AND OVER

100.0 5.3 20.0 23.7 19.2 14.3 17.5

WOMEN 15-24 25-29 30-34 35-39 40-44 45 AND OVER

100.0 5.4 22.4 25.1 19.2 13.4 14.5

MEN 15-24 25-29 30-34 35-39 40-44 45 AND OVER

100.0 5.3 16.9 22.0 19.3 15.3 21.2

Source: Philippine Statistics Authority, 2018 Survey on Overseas Filipinos *Details may not add up to totals due to rounding. The estimates cover overseas Filipinos whose departure occurred within the last five years and who are working or had worked abroad during the past six months (April to September) of the survey year.

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To sustain the projected growth, the DTI intensifies its efforts at diversifying markets and products as well as promoting the PH exports competitiveness through advancing the export development and promotion goals and advocating the Inclusive Innovation Industrial Strategy (i3S).

Philippine Exports Remain Resilient Despite Global Trade Slow Down Preliminary data shown by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) indicates that Philippine merchandise exports continued to grow for the third consecutive month— increasing by 1.5% in June this year to USD6.0B from USD5.9B in the same month compared to last year.

The year-on-year increase also brings the growth rate for the 2nd quarter of 2019 to 1.2% compared to last year’s quarter figures. In addition, Philippine merchandise exports also posted a 7.8% rise quarter-on-quarter.

The Philippines is one of the three countries among major trade-oriented Asian economies, alongside Vietnam and Taiwan, that recorded positive year-onyear export growth rate in June 2019.

The increase was caused by the higher demand from major trading partners such as South Korea whose imports from the Philippines rose by 59.9% or an increase of USD113.4 M in exports value; US, 9.2% or USD82.3 M; Canada, 122% or USD52.7 M; China, 5.7% or USD44.4 M; Vietnam, 26.1% or USD21.5 M; and Japan, 2.0% or USD17.3 M. “The positive export performance shows that the Philippines continues to be resilient despite the continuing concerns on the US-China trade war, a no-deal BREXIT, and the negative business sentiment

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that could further weigh down on the growth of global trade,” Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon M. Lopez said.

In addition, the good showing in June was due to the increases in export sales of the seven of the top 10 major export commodities, namely, cathodes and section of cathodes, of refined copper (41.7%); fresh bananas (24.4%); ignition wiring set and other wiring sets used in vehicles, aircrafts and ships (17.6%); gold (10.1%); electronic products (4.3%); machinery and transport equipment (3.0%) and other mineral products (1.1%).

Upsurge in exports of electronics were recorded for the Korea (up by USD106.7 M), US (USD96.9 M), China (USD30.9 M), Vietnam (USD27.4 M), and Indonesia (USD12.1 M).

Meanwhile, Japan took in more ignition wiring imports from the Philippines (up by USD29.5 M) and Canada, copper concentrates (USD37.9 M), its first shipment in the six months from zero exports in the same period last year.

As long as export growth remains strong in the next months, the Philippines could reach its 2% target for 2019. In this regard, the Department of Trade and Industry-Export Marketing Bureau (DTI-EMB) sees total PH merchandise exports increasing by 2.3% in July 2019.

Exports of some selected sectors that are projected to rise in July 2019 include Ignition Wiring, 10.6% and Chemicals, 9.6%.

DIVERSIFICATION OF MARKETS AND PRODUCTS In 2018, PH’s top 10 export markets comprised 82% of total exports. These markets were China and Hong Kong, Germany, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Netherlands, and USA. The DTI-EMB aims to further explore key emerging markets such as Africa, South Asia, Central Asia, and Eastern Europe. These markets were chosen based on the country’s economic growth, gross domestic product (GDP) per capita, population, ease of doing business, political climate, and the Philippine’s trade and foreign policy directives.

To this end, the DTI-EMB recently organized an outbound business matching mission (OBMM) to Mexico and is currently setting its sights on other missions including India, Bangladesh, Russia, Egypt, and Ethiopia.

During the consultation with the private sectors, it was recommended for the country to focus on strengthening retail and institutional packing of food products, PH brands, and original equipment manufacturer (OEM).

Further, the DTI targets to expand the halal promotion and development by urging micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to develop their products and explore the opportunities in the growing demand for halal-certified products. The Philippine Halal programs are being cascaded through the Negosyo Centers of the DTI and other regional offices.

Stay updated with news and information from the Department of Trade and Industry by visiting their website at www.dti.gov.ph.

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The Philippines Jumps 19 Spots in Updated Global Innovation Index The Philippines skyrockets from 73rd to 54th place out of 129 countries in the 2019 Global Innovation Index (GII), scoring 36.18 this year from last year’s 31.56.

The country’s scores significantly increased in five of the GII’s eight pillars: 1) Institutions; 2) Infrastructure; 3) Business Sophistication; 4) Knowledge & Technology Outputs; 5) Creative Outputs.

“This is great news for our nation and our innovation ecosystem as a whole. It recognizes the efforts of the various government agencies like DTI, DOST, and NEDA in advancing innovation among our people and MSMEs, creating an innovative culture, as well as in building linkages with academe and industry,” said Secretary Ramon Lopez.

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“With President Duterte’s signing into law of the Philippine Innovation Act (RA11293) and Innovative Startup Act (RA11337), we expect further improvements in our ranking as we intensify our efforts to build our country’s innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem, accelerate and globalize our startups, and better prepare our MSMEs and industries for the Fourth Industrial Revolution,” added Secretary Lopez.

The country’s score and rankings in the GII’s input and output sub-indices improved. From 39.14 in 2018 and ranking 82nd, the Philippine input sub-index score has risen to 41.68 and ranks 76th.

From 23.98 in 2018 and ranking 68th, the Philippine output sub-index score has increased to 30.68 and ranks 42nd.

The GII 2019 notes that among the Philippines’s strengths are the percentage of tertiary graduates in science and engineering; e-participation; percentage of firms offering formal training; trade, competition, and market scale; knowledge absorption; knowledge diffusion; and creative goods exports.

“With innovation at the heart of our Inclusive Innovation Industrial Strategy

(i3S) and the implementation of the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Delivery of Government Services, the DTI is confident that we can further improve our innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem. In collaboration with DOST and other national government agencies and our partners from industry and the academic community, our focus is in strengthening our human capital, building our capacity for research and development, and facilitating technology transfer and the conduct and commercialization of market-oriented research,” remarked Undersecretary for Competitiveness and Innovation Rafaelita Aldaba.

Together with DOST, NEDA, DA, DICT, CHED, and DepEd, the DTI formulated and is implementing the Inclusive Filipinnovation and Entrepreneurship Roadmap. The Roadmap aims to bridge the gaps in the country’s innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem towards fostering connected and creative communities across the country. Through Regional Inclusive Innovation Centers (RIICs), the DTI envisions the transformation of the country’s regions into productive and innovative economic growth centers.

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The Fall Quarterly I The Briefing I Global Affairs Infographic by the Department of Tourism % indicate April 2019 compared to April 2018

4.1 million foreigners have visited the Philippines from January to June 2019

CHINA

26.77%

KOREA

13.68%

USA

2.50%

JAPAN

17.75%

AUSTRALIA

13.41%

TAIWAN

10.85%

UNITED KINGDOM

26.04%

Inbound tourism revenue grows to nearly a quarter of a trillion pesos in first half of 2019 for the Philippines

The Philippines’ tourism industry has generated nearly 245 billion pesos in receipts from international visitors during the first six months of the year 2019, according to the Department of Tourism (DOT).

The corresponding total receipts from the six-month arrivals increased by 17.57% from the half-year gross revenues in 2018.

Data provided by the DOT Statistics, Economic Analysis and Information Management Division (SEAMID) show the highest monthly receipts of 48 billion pesos in the month of February.

For June 2019, spending reached an estimated 38 billion pesos, which is

082 — ISSUE 64

30.56% higher than the same month last year, while tourist per capita expenditure increased to $1,086.61 or 30.97% higher than June 2018.

So far, the DOT is keeping up with its target to attract high spending and longer staying tourists in the Philippines. As proof that our guests truly find it more fun in the Philippines, average daily expenditure and average length of stay per tourist reached $120.60 and 9.01 nights, respectively, which is 28.64% and 1.81% higher than the same month last year. This is based on the data from visitor sample survey.

“These economic numbers are exciting but the real purpose of why the government is working hard to push these numbers up year after year is for the Filipino people.

Tourism in 2018 was responsible for 5.4 million jobs in 2018, contributing 12.7 percent or P2.2 trillion to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). At the end of the day, it is the number of lives changed for the better by tourism that would truly count,” remarked Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat.

Earlier, the DOT disclosed that 4.1 million foreigners have visited the country from January to June this year, indicating an 11.43% increase from 2018.

CANADA

16.51%

SINGAPORE

-23.34%

MALAYSIA

-5.95%

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Meanwhile, “Dancing in One Voice”, presented lively choreography accompanied by American pop songs, “How Do You Keep the Music Playing” and “Just Give Me a Reason.”

Philippine Ballet Theatre Beautifully Performs “Filipino Masterpieces and Serye at Sayaw” —Los Angeles

The Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles attended the Philippine Ballet Theatre’s (PBT) performance dubbed, “Filipino Masterpieces and Serye and Sayaw” held at the Scientology Community Center Auditorium in North Hollywood, California back in June.

The concert, which filled the venue to capacity, commenced with a fashion show entitled, “Essentially Filipino Fashion,” by renowned Filipiniana fashion designer Cora DJ Manimbo and filigree designer Oskar Atendido.

The concert showcased PBT’s versatility through a three-act show: Filipino Masterpieces, Dancing in One Voice, and Serye at Sayaw.

The first act, “Filipino Masterpieces” featured interpretation of the distinctive movement of Mindanao’s traditional seafaring vessel, the Vinta, and presented a nostalgic visualization of different customs and traditions during the turn of the 20th century in Mantones de Manila.

Meanwhile, “Dancing in One Voice”, presented lively choreography accompanied by American pop songs, “How Do You Keep the Music Playing” and “Just Give Me a Reason.”

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Before their one-night Los Angeles performance, Consul General to Los Angeles Adelio Angelito S. Cruz hosted a dinner reception for the PBT delegation at his residence.

The dinner, which was organized in partnership with the Asian Journal Media Group‘s Publisher and President Mr. and Mrs. Roger and Cora Oriel, and attended by Grace Ouano, Trinity Foliente and other community who supported the Los Angeles leg of PBT’s United States concert tour.

The Philippine Ballet Theatre was founded in 1986 as a response to the clamor to support ballet artists and their respective companies. Throughout the years, the group’s goals evolved into striving for the preservation and showcasing of classical full-length ballets, the commissioning of Filipino heritage masterpieces, and bringing to the forefront the extraordinary talent of Filipino artists, not only as performers but also as choreographers.

In this endeavor, the Philippine Ballet Theatre has supported many talented youths with training through scholarships from the support of its many generous benefactors.

The Philippine Ballet Theatre features versatile choreography of music and dance inspired by Philippine and American culture, concert tour entitled, “Filipino Masterpieces & Serye at Sayaw. ”

The third act, “Serye at Sayaw”, on the other hand, featured the love story of a ballerina named Margarette, which was told through PBT’s soulful interpretation of Original Pilipino Music (OPM) classics such as “Ngayon at Kailanman”, “Tuwing Umuulan”, “Kay Ganda ng Ating Musika”, among others.

PBT dancers showcase the Filipiniana fashion and filigree accessories designed by Ms. Cora Manimbo and Oskar Atendido.

Photos from the Los Angeles Philippine Consulate General

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The Fall Quarterly I The Briefing I Global Affairs President Duterte is welcomed by Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff General Benjamin Madrigal Jr. upon his.

King Rodriguez, Presidential Photo

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte interacts with the Overseas Filipino Workers during the “Araw ng Pasasalamat” at Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo in Quezon City.

Rey Baniquet, Presidential Photo

President Duterte to Push for Immediate Establishment of Department of Overseas Filipino Workers Dismayed by continuous abuses of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), President Rodrigo Roa Duterte said he will work for the speedy passage of the Department of Overseas Filipino Workers, which will ban recruitment of OFWs abroad and will put Philippinebased recruitment agencies under strict government regulation.

During the Araw ng Pasasalamat sa OFWs held in Camp Aguinaldo, the President instructed Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III for the establishment of the Department of OFWs, which the President said must be implemented by December this year.

Sen. Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go, who was also present during the event Friday, said he has filed a proposal for the creation of such department, one of his campaign pledges during the last midterm elections.

“Kaya apurahin ko ‘yang Department of OFW,” President Duterte said in his speech. “Bawal na ang recruitment sa abroad…sa labas. Kung gusto nila, diyan sila maglagay ng mesa. So under the supervision of government at walang horrendous charges.”

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President Rodrigo Roa Duterte delivers his speech. Albert Alcain, Presidential Photo

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte witnesses the program proper. Toto Lozano, Presidential Photo

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The Fall Quarterly I The Briefing I Global Affairs President Rodrigo Roa Duterte takes a bow before the Overseas Filipino Workers.

Rey Baniquet, Presidential Photo

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte shares a light moment with the guests.

Albert Alcain, Presidential Photo

“By December…buong Pilipinas ‘to.

Bawal na ‘yang recruitment diyan sa labas…napunta ka doon. Doon ka makipagdeal, may listahan doon, mamili ka na lang kung sinong gusto mo,” he added.

President Duterte stressed that he has the power to create such mechanism to prevent abuses of Filipino workers abroad.

He warned unscrupulous recruitment agencies saying, “Kaya kayong mga recruitment, bilang talaga ang araw ninyo.

‘Pag hindi ko kayo nadala sa usapan na maganda, brasohan tayo. ‘Pag nag-brasohan tayo, kayo ang matatalo. Sigurado ‘yan.”

President Duterte also promised OFWs to designate police attachés to countries with huge population of Filipino workers.

OFWs can approach the police attachés whenever they encounter abuses or security concerns abroad.

“The police attaché will connect you to…dito sa Pilipinas kung ano ang problema.

And they will be trained to help you in legal matters of how to do it in the meantime that you are not here to solve the problem,” he explained.

The chief executive also vowed to equip a hospital intended for OFWs located in Nueva Ecija with state-of-the-art medical equipment such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) scans.

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“Karamihan kayo mga nurse, you will have the MRI, CT scan, and… Just like what I did to the military hospitals,” he told the OFWs. Providing livelihood to returning OFWs is also a priority for the Duterte administration.

“Equally important is the availability of livelihood and entrepreneurship opportunities for returning OFWs. Meron tayo.

MSMEs,” he said.

“Tuturuan kayo. Or if you want a new skill na ‘yung mabili, mag-training kayo dito kay Sid [Lapeña]. Libre ‘yan.”

One of the highlights of Friday’s event was the signing of a memorandum of agreement between government agencies for the welfare and protection of OFWs. Among the agencies involved were the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda).

The Araw ng Pasasalamat sa OFWs is a joint initiative of the Duterte Diehard Supporters (DDS) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) through the PNP Global Police Community Relations Program.

Albert Alcain, Presidential Photo

Ace Morandante, Presidential Photo

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New technologies will create new types of jobs, not create job loss —Technology

Trade and Industry Secretary Ramon Lopez dispelled fears over possible job losses due to the emerging new technologies in various industries.

“Technology leads to innovation and new approach in doing things. It won’t always lead to loss of jobs but rather provide opportunities for the industry to increase productivity and introduce new high-paying jobs for Filipino workers. We should welcome it and be ready to adapt to this phase of industrialization. In fact, continuous innovation is needed if companies are to remain competitive,” said Sec. Lopez.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) chief acknowledged technology is essential to improve efficiencies, and productivity. He noted however that the Filipino workforce must be upskilled and retrained to remain in demand in any type of business.

“People will have to always acquire new skills and learnings to remain relevant.

There are current programs integrating 090 — ISSUE 64

new skillset requirements with schools and training centers to prepare the students and the current workforce. Many companies also provide retraining and capacity building programs as well as apprenticeship opportunities,” shared Sec. Lopez.

The trade chief emphasized that technology change is not just happening now as there have been different periods of industrialization — from the first to the fourth Industrial Revolution—where forms of jobs changed but the human labor market remained relevant and needed.

This started with manual labor to produce things, leading into the advent of mass production and concepts of having production lines where workers learned how to run and work with machines.

Sec. Lopez underscored that when people worked with machines, jobs were not lost as it opened other areas of employment such as manufacturing, servicing, and maintenance of machines.

He cited the entry of automated teller

machines (ATMs) in banks as an example, noting that there was a fear back then that bank tellers would lose their jobs.

As of today, bank tellers are still present and needed with more value added functions, focusing on account management and customer service. Jobs were not lost since the ATMs also serve the transaction needs of customers 24/7, beyond office hours and tellers were not performing these tasks anyway. Thus, the use of ATMs provided greater customer service and better productivity. Sec. Lopez added that the loading of cash in each ATM as well as its maintenance still require human labor.

The coming of internet and connectivity brought a lot of new earning opportunities in e-commerce, more buyer-seller platforms such as Airbnb, eBay, Grab, and tons of opportunities such as Youtube-ing, in game development and gaming, digital advertising and networking.

“The case of ATMs is the same with the advent of robots and mechanization,

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The Fall Quarterly I The Briefing I Global Affairs

which usually perform repetitive, dangerous or high-precision jobs. Humans are still needed to design, manufacture, program or train the system software and maintain the robots,” Sec. Lopez added.

In the era of Artificial Intelligence (AI), chatbots and data analytics, the trade chief said that new skillsets are required.

Many things are happening and bound to change. Some systems are now AIenabled, making the jobs of people easier.

But people are also the ones developing and maintaining the AI systems. New courses and training programs are on these topics.

Upon consultation with AI industry experts, Dado Banatao and George Yang of AI-Pros, the DTI Secretary noted that the use of AI in the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) industry is a win-win for both the industry and Filipino workforce.

While AI is cost-effective for completing multiple tasks faster and with less error, it will also allow the human workforce to increase their competitiveness in perform092 — ISSUE 64

ing tasks ranging from simple to complex within the same timeframe, which are high-value and high-paying tasks.

“By combining the sizeable Filipino workforce possessing the appropriate skills and talents with AI-powered technologies, the Philippines will be poised to be the AI-driven BPO capital of the world,” said Sec. Lopez.

“We are now seeing people in the BPO industry operating AI-enabled systems, where previously rejected job seekers in BPOs are now finding themselves with more job opportunities to do simpler tasks in operating AI-enabled systems. We’ve seen BPO operations in Manila where AI and chatbots are the first line of contact of clients. However, these were managed by a human operator, who is also now capable of managing two or three simultaneous calls attended by the AI-enabled system,” shared the trade chief.

According to George Yang, AI also widens the reach of opportunities to the underprivileged, citing that even high

school graduates, market workers, or street vendors can be trained to operate AI-enabled systems. The most vital requirement is just the ability to understand and speak English, which Filipinos are very good at.

“Such is an example where technology can even make the opportunities more inclusive. Yes, there are challenges but there are more opportunities. Our education and training systems, including TESDA, getting to offer more training programs to enable our workforce to catch up on the new job trends and prepare them for the ever-changing technology. We’re confident that we can achieve this goal of creating job and employment opportunities that are more inclusive even in the future,” Sec. Lopez concluded.

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The Fall Quarterly I Lifestyle I Health & Wellness

Strangest Skincare Ingredients that Work on the Skin writer Ritchel Mendiola

The pursuit of beautiful skin is neverending, and with the Korean skincare routine craze not showing any signs of dying down, beauty companies are churning more and more products for healthy and radiant skin.

Before you slather seven or more products on your skin though, it pays to read the list of ingredients that make them work. You might even see some of the most bizarre ingredients that you never thought could be put on your face. Here are some of them: 01 Activated Charcoal (Carbon) In the field of medicine, activated charcoal is used in poisoning cases, where a large dose is fed to the patient to absorb poisons from the body before they can enter the bloodstream. In the field of beauty, meanwhile, it is becoming one of the trendiest skincare ingredients for its toxin-absorbing, oil-napping, and dirt-grabbing uses. It contains natural properties that act like a magnet, drawing impurities such as make-up and dirt out from the skin’s surface. Benefits of charcoal include a balanced oil production and an increase in skin’s radiance over time.

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02 Yeast (Beta Glucan) It may be more popularly known as the ingredient used to make bread rise, but yeast is also used for skincare products for its fibroblasts — a cell type that generates collagen. Jodie Patterson, founder of her own beauty line, Georgia by Jodie Patterson, and cofounder an e-commerce site that focuses on beauty for every skin tone and hair texture, said yeast is “like the fountain of youth.” And she’s not wrong!

It does everything from firming skin to calming irritation to correcting hyperpigmentation, all thanks to its antioxidants, B vitamins, proteins and minerals.

03 Slime Mucus (Mucin) Don’t just write off the slime that snails secrete as gross. Mucin, which can be found in a snail’s mucus, has significant protective and nourishing qualities that beauty and skincare brands are now using for serums and facial essences. It’s effective in reducing the effects of photoaging, smoothing out scars, and stimulating collagen thanks to its chock-full of elastin and glycolic acid.

04 Sheep Sebum (Lanolin) Just like the human body produces sebum that coats, moisturizes, and protects human skin, a sheep’s wool produces lanolin that soothes, heals, and moisturizes sheep’s skin. According to Liveabout.com, the lanolin is extracted from the wool after the sheep are sheared; then, it is refined and purified before being used in products such as lip and body lotions, balms, butters and creams.

05 Cochineal Beetles (Carmine) Whether you own a tube of red lipstick or not, we’ve all put a dash of color on our lips at least once — which means, we’ve also smoothed some powdered beetle remains on them. Carminic acid, which is the key ingredient in one of the most popular red dyes in the world... derives from the crushed, dried bodies of cochineal beetles. Yikes, but who cares about that when it comes with the excellent benefit of being chemical-free?

06 Bone Marrow (Glucosamine) You read that right. According to Dermstore.com, the oil found in bone marrow is flush with beneficial acids and anti-inflammatory properties. Used in face creams and moisturizers, glucosamine penetrates the skin easily and forms a protective barrier that keeps the nourishing moisture in. It even helps to reduce the appearance of wrinkles.

07 Placenta We’re all familiar with this one, having learned about it in our Biology class. But just to refresh the memory, a placenta is the organ that develops in both women’s and mammals’ uterus during pregnancy. A placenta is also rich in proteins, minerals, and vitamins that help hydrate and condition the skin. Purified animal and human placenta are now being used in skincare products like topical creams and serums to diminish wrinkles and stimulate collagen production.

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VOLUME 4 NUMBER 3

In Focus

MEDICAL TOURISM IN THE PHILIPPINES What you need to know

Analysis

The Cost of Healthcare HOW DOES THE PHILIPPINES COMPARE TO OTHER COUNTRIES?

THE TRANSFORMATION OF THE CAPITAL

DR. FE del MUNDO ——————

the economy

IS PANGASINAN READY FOR TAKEOFF?

The Artist

bangus

CARLYN NUYDA CALLOWAY ——————

NOT JUST ANOTHER FISH IN THE SEA

agriculture tourism

The Designer

DAVID TUPAZ —————— Real Estate VOLUME 4 NUMBER 2

APPLEONE PROPERTIES

Exploring the Treasures of

pangasinan Reviving Urduja

Icons

A COMING OF AGE

Escapes

OUR LADY’S CALL

Destinations

dasoland family adventure park

REDISCOVERING DIVING IN NEGROS OCCIDENTAL

VISITING MANAOG

RIZAL’S ROOTS

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN

GINA DE VENECIA

THE QUINTESSENTIAL FILIPINA

5 HOT SPOTS FOR A HEALTHY RECOVERY

US$

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AN UNEXPECTED EDEN

america in our hearts

A LANDMARK BOOK ON IMPORTANT FILIPINOS IN THE UNITED STATES

S P E C I A L A DV E R T I S I N G F E AT U R E

I N F O C U S : P R E S I D E N T D U T E R T E I N KS M O N U M E N TA L L E G I S L AT I V E M E A S U R E S

I N F O C U S : P R E S I D E N T X I J I N P I N G ’ S H I STO R I C V I S I T TO T H E P H I L I P P I N E S

Indulge in Asia’s Top Luxury Hideaway Resort

IN FOCUS: THE PHILIPPINES AND CHINA REAFFIRM FRIENDSHIP

N O. 63 I VOLUME 10 MAY I JUNE I JULY 2019 SUMMER QUARTERLY ISSUE

N O. 62 I VOLUME 10 FEBRUARY I MARCH I APRIL 2019 SPRING QUARTERLY ISSUE

N O. 61 I VOLUME 09 NOVEMBER I DECEMBER I JANUARY 2018 WINTER QUARTERLY ISSUE

N O. 63 I VOLUME 10 MAY I JUNE I JULY 2019 SUMMER QUARTERLY ISSUE

The Philippines: A World Tourism Powerhouse

Balikbayan.AsianJournal.com ISSUE 61 — 01

ISSUE 61 — 01

ISSUE 63 — 01

ISSUE 63 — 01

SPECIAL REPORT: IS MEDICAL TOURISM THE RIGHT OPTION FOR YOU? BUSINESS INSIGHTS & ANALYSIS: BECOMING A BETTER BUSINESS LEADER & INVESTOR

I N - F O C U S : T H E F I R S T A N N UA L LOV E O F C O U N T RY G LO B A L A M B A S S A D O R S P R O G R A M S TA R T I N G I N T H E U S A

S P E C I A L A DV E R T I S I N G F E AT U R E

LEADERS

Enriching Filipino Hospitality

Issue 56, Volume VIII I August - October 2017

Issue 57, Volume VIII I November-January 2018

N O . 58 I VOLUME 09 FEBRUARY I MARCH I APRIL 2018 SPRING QUARTERLY ISSUE

N O. 61 I VOLUME 09 NOVEMBER I DECEMBER I JANUARY 2018 WINTER QUARTERLY ISSUE

A Conversation with Batangas Governor Hermilando Mandanas

Q&A Pocholo Paragas, COO & GM of TIEZA CULTURE Religious Tourism on Limelight THE NATION The First PH Subway System FASHION Rene Salud BUSINESS Social Media Trends for 2018 HISTORY How Do Filipinos Celebrate Christmas?

AMAZING ESCAPES Club Balai Isabel

INSIGHTS & ANALYSIS

Do you have what it takes to be a successful entrepreneur?

LEADERS Dr. Edgardo ‘Gary’ Cortez GREAT ESCAPES It’s More Fun In Batangas AESTHETIC How To Haggle Like A Filipino INVESTMENT Don’t Just Ask Why, Ask When RETIREMENT Staying Fit As We Age HEALTH Cost Analysis (USA vs Philippines) LIFESTYLE From Employee To Entrepreneur

ON THE COVER

St. Luke’s Medical Center

ON THE COVER

Montemaria, Batangas, the Philippines

The Mother of All Asia and the Rise of Batangas’ Religious Tourism

Inside One Of The Best Medical Institutions In The World

BREATHTAKING WEDDING DES TINATIONS IN THE PHILIPPINES (AND THE ICONIC CHURCHES TO GET MARRIED IN) Inside This Issue

(1) Tourism Outlook & Development I (2) Lombard By The Bay I (3) Spring Fashion & Makeup Trends (4) The State of Marriage In The Philippines I (5) Amazing Weight-Loss Transformations (6) The Filipino Invention Saving The Environment & Your Money I (7) The Current Landscape Of Business In The Philippines (8) Goodbye Cash? I (9) Unconventional Date Ideas For Couples I (10) Ultimate Wedding Planning Guide (11) The Philippines Now Ranks #1 In Budget Transparency In All Of Asia ISSUE 58 — 01

ISSUE 61 — 01

the asian journal’s quarterly briefing on the growth, development, and progression of theISSUE philippines.

56 — 01 the asian journal’s quarterly briefing on the growth, development, and progression of the philippines.

PORTFOLIO: THE 2017 INVESTMENT ISSUE

INSIDE: MORE THRILLING REASONS TO COMEBACK HOME

IN-FOCUS: THE BENEFITS FOR SENIOR CITIZENS AND RETIREES IN THE PHILIPPINES

S P E C I A L R E P O R T: T H E P H I L I P P I N E ’ S Q U E S T TO B E T H E B E S T D E S T I N AT I O N I N T H E WO R L D F O R M E D I C A L TO U R I S T S

S P E C I A L R E P O R T: T H E E M E R G I N G M E D I C A L TO U R I S M I N D U S T RY I N T H E P H I L I P P I N E S

I s s u e 5 1 , Vo l u m e V I I

Issue 52, Volume VII

OCTOBER & NOVEMBER 2016

DECEMBER 2016 & JANUARY 2017

Issue 55, Volume VIII I June & July 2017

Issue 54, Volume VIII APRIL & MAY 2017 BUSINESS

How to balance work and summer vacation as a family.

AMAZING ESCAPES LIMA PARK HOTEL: REVEL IN EVERYTHING LUXURIOUS

GREAT ESCAPES 8 Things To Do In Davao DISCOVERY 72 Hours In Batanes PORTFOLIO Lombard By The Bay, The Next Big Thing In The Philippines THE ECONOMY A Tribute To Filipino Workers LEADERS Norman Agatep WINE & DINE Izakaya Kenta Japanese Restaurant

ON THE COVER

Savoy Hotel Boracay Newcoast Experience A Luxury Beach Lifestyle

AT LEISURE NURTURE WELLNESS VILLAGE: EVERY BALIKBAYAN’S SANCTUARY

CULTURE FILIPINO SUPERSTITIONS ON NEW YEAR’S EVE

Q&A JOJI GREGORIO: OFFICER-IN-CHARGE OF THE TOURISM PROMOTIONS BOARD

TECHNOLOGY STARMOBILE KNIGHT SPECTRA: A WORLD-CLASS FILIPINO FLAGSHIP SMARTPHONE

LEADERS GOVERNOR OF LA UNION, EMMANUEL “PACOY” ORTEGA III INDUSTRY RANG-AY BANK’S CEO, IVES NISCE BUSINESS 10 MODERN WAYS TO STAY FOCUSED AND PRODUCTIVE

RESORTS WORLD MANILA BRINGS BACK THE BELOVED MUSICAL FEATURING AN ALL-FILIPINO CAST

RADAR MANILA HOSTS MISS UNIVERSE

OUTLOOK

TRAVELER

THE PHILIPPINES, FILIPINOS, AND THE INCOMING TRUMP ADMINISTRATION

BALIKBAYANMAGAZINE.COM

SPECIAL IN-DEPTH FEATURE: PHINMA PROPERTY HOLDINGS CORPORATION

THE ECONOMY #NEWPHILIPPINES & THE MODERN LANDSCAPE

24 MUST DO’S FOR AN INCREDIBLE 2017

OUTLOOK: ALL THINGS CONSIDERED, THE INTRICACIES OF POLITICS

FEBRUARY / MARCH 2016

GREAT GETAWAYS 24 THINGS TO DO IN BATANGAS the asian journal’s bi-monthly briefing on the growth, development, and progression of the philippines.

ISSUE 55 — 01

IN-DEPTH: THE GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY FOR THE TRAVEL INDUSTRY

Issue 47 , Volume VII

INSIGHTS & ANALYSIS WHAT IT TAKES TO BE A CREATIVE ENTREPRENEUR

1

THE FORECAST: LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL, BUT FOR EVERYONE

Issue 47 , Volume VII

Issue 48, Volume VII

Issue 49, Volume VII

FEBRUARY / MARCH 2016

APRIL & MAY 2016

JUNE & JULY 2016

Where luxury meets serenity

ESSENCE OF PLACE SOUL SEARCHING: BALAY SAN JOSE

KEEPING A JOURNAL LABOR POLICY AS FOREIGN POLICY

DISCOVERY

INFRASTRUCTURE GETTING THERE

GREAT GETAWAYS TRAVERSING THE PHILIPPINE COUNTRYSIDE

COVER

THE ECONOMY 01 UNINTERRUPTED, ROBUST TOURISM GROWTH 02 MORE JOBS, MORE FUN IN THE PHILIPPINES

OUTLOOK

GUIDEBOOK

FROM THE EXECUTIVE’S DESK ALEJANDRA “DADING” CLEMENTE

PIA WURTZBACH

PROFILES AMBASSADOR JOSE L. CUISA, JR.

TECHNOLOGY MARKETING TO THE MODERN FILIPINO

BALIKBAYANMAGAZINE.COM

INFRASTRUCTURE

TABLE FOR TWO

HEALTH

NOW CONNECTING: FREE WI-FI NATIONWIDE

WHERE TO CELEBRATE VALENTINE’S DAY

EXERCISE TOGETHER, STAY TOGETHER

1

BALIKBAYANMAGAZINE.COM

THE PERFECT GETAWAY

GREAT ESCAPES 01 CATCHING THE PALAD SANDBAR 02 TIPS FOR A BUDGET TRAVELER

NEWSMAKERS

CALLAO CAVE

WHAT TO PACK

THE PHILIPPINE ECONOMY

ONE-ON-ONE WITH MISS UNIVERSE,

ADVENTURE

THE GREAT OUTDOORS

TECHNOLOGY ARE WE MOVING FORWARD OR STANDING STILL?

ANOTHER UPGRADE FOR

ISABELA, STA. MARIA: THE STAR OF THE NORTH

CULTURE MALASIMBO: OF NATURE, MUSIC, & ARTS

3

AMAZING GETAWAYS 01 SHANGRI-LA, THE FORT 02 SHANGRI-LA, MACTAN

HISTORY PAL’S 75TH YEAR BRINGS LOS ANGELES TO CEBU FLIGHTS

RESTAURANTS & BARS 01 OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE 02 ABV: ALCOHOL BY VOLUME

BATANES PORTFOLIO

BALIKBAYANS+FRANCHISING: THE BUSINESS OWNER

INSIGHTS & ANALYSIS RETIREMENT, MORE FUN IN THE PHILIPPINES

EXECUTIVE’S DESK RALPH SANTOS AND THE CASHLESS SOCIETY BALIKBAYANMAGAZINE.COM

1

I N S I D E : T H E S TAT E O F T H E E C O N O M Y

I N - F O C U S : A L P H A L A N D ’S T H E C I T Y C LU B A N D M A K AT I P L AC E

Issue 41, Volume VI

Issue 42, Volume VI

FEBRUARY / march 2015

APRIL / may 2015

AMORITA

DISCOVER BOHOL’S “LITTLE DARLING” AND BE CAPTIVATED BY PANGLAO’S BREATHTAKING CHARM

BALESIN

AN ISLAND HIDEAWAY IN THE TROPICAL PARADISE OF BUSUANGA, PALAWAN

INSIDE QUEZON PROVINCE’S EXCLUSIVE, LUXURY RESORT

MALASIMBO

PUERTO GALERA’S ANNUAL FEAST OF MUSIC, ART, AND NATURE ISSN 2012-4589

THE TRIBES CALLED MANGYAN

MANAOAG

PUERTO GALERA’S CULTURE SHAPERS

THE COUNTRY’S NEWEST MINOR BASILICA

9

772012 458001 >

JUNE / JULY 2015

BALIKBAYANMAGAZINE.COM

SPECIAL INVES TORS’ GUIDE ON FRANCHISING IN THE PHILIPPINES

1

INSIDE: SPECIAL REPORT ON THE 2015 ASEAN ECONOMIC INTEGRATION

INSIDE: CHRIS TMAS AT LIMA PARK HOTEL IN BATANGAS

S P E C I A L R E P O RT: P O P E F R A N C I S V I S I T S T H E P H I L I P P I N E S

JUNE & JULY 2014

THE ASIAN JOURNAL TRAVEL & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

Issue 39, Volume V

Issue 40, Volume VI

Issue 40, Volume VI

OCTOBER - NOVEMBER 2014

DECEMBER 2014 / JANUARY 2015

DECEMBER 2014 / JANUARY 2015

EARTH-BAG HOUSE Andres P. Tamayo Sr. Foundation, Inc. joins hand with DataLand, Inc. and DDT Konstract, Inc. in rebuilding Lajala, Coron

Issue 41, Volume VI FEBRUARY / march 2015

MORE THAN JUST THE BASICS, MORE THAN JUST BUSINESS

THE SILK RESIDENCES The Finer Things In Life THE OLIVE PLACE Balanced Living Defined

ART WALKS

Galleries. Restaurants.

MANILA CATHEDRAL

Restoring Historical Emminence MUTYA NG PILIPINAS BEYOND THE BEAUTY…

FORTITUDE ON A FRIDAY Meeting with the Families at the SM MOA Arena

More Than The Crown G TÖNGI

Her Passion. Her Craft.

THE PERFECT STORM Pope Francis visits Tacloban, Leyte

Her True Calling.

TACLOBAN A Year After

Eastwood City

A pioneering township and the country’s first cyberpark

BELIEVE IN THE GOODNESS Encounter with the Youth at the University of Santo Tomas, Manila

PALAWAN

THE ANCIENT ART OF BATOK

The Luxe Life at Princesa Garden Island Resort & Spa

An ongoing series about the indigenous tribes in the Philippines

POPE APPETIT Chef Jessie Sincioco talks about her experience cooking for Pope Francis

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