Balikbayan Feb-Mar Vol#2 No.#6

Oh, to be GEORGE YANG and living A CHARMED LIFE!

High

Passion

Love of Country, the Jean Goulbourn Style

balikbayanmagazine.com

february – march 2011

School of Thought Loida Nicolas Lewis’ principles of entrepreneurship: shared values and profits with honor

HEART DECO Falling in Love with Old Manila

Volume II number 6

US$ 5.00•PHP 150.00

THE

RETURN The Leyte National University Brings Back the Zarzuela, a Cultural Renaissance has Landed

Organic Music The Las Piñas Bamboo Organ: A Musical Instrument Made From A Humble Harvest Of Grass

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balikbayan February – March 2011

T@W E N T Y

keeping a journal

In Reunion There is Strength By roger lagmay oriel, publisher

A

s the Asian Journal Publications enters its second decade, the quadricentennial celebrations at the University of Santo Tomas stand as a propitious background for more remembrances. We have had our many milestones from our humble beginnings in the publishing business to our exciting ventures online and through this magazine. We’ve definitely got miles and miles to go before we even reach the university’s mark, but it definitely inspires us just the same.

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balikbayan February – March 2011

Last month, we joined thousands upon thousands of Thomasians from all over the country and around the world in marking the milestone in the history of the Pontifical and Royal University of Santo Tomas—the quadricentennial of its founding. We also touched base with friends, old and new, at the College of Commerce and Accountancy, where we finished our degree back in the 70s. We revisited the St. Raymund of Peñafort Building where the college is still housed, now sans the accounting program, which eventually became a separate college due to its expanding student population.

In 1611, the remaining properties of the good Dominican Miguel de Benavides, the third Archbishop of Manila, who died some seven years before, were donated to establish the institution, initially catering to priestly education. All the sons and daughters of Benavides throughout time paid homage to him, myself included, as we all walked down the halls of our dear alma mater once again.

It wasn’t only a historic event that we dared not to miss. It was also a blessed one.

When the quadricentennial began last Jan. 24, the happy news of the Vatican announcing a Jubilee Year for the UST celebrations greeted us. That meant a generous plenary indulgence on everyone taking part in the celebrations. Earlier in the preparations, the university invited the pope himself, Benedict

XVI to grace the occasion. Official duties prevented a Papal Visit, perhaps a grandiose one after many years, but the pope did not miss addressing Thomasians via a videotaped message during the Thanksgving Mass last Jan. 28.

Touring once again the majestic UST Main Building, we have seen the artistic renditions of these wonderful chapters in the university history. The murals surrounding the Grand Staircase, painted by National Artists Vicente Manansala, Carlos “Botong” Francisco and Victorio Edades, emphasized the importance of tradition in any setting. Joining the various artistic emblems, landmarks, and national cultural treasures in the university is the Quattromondial, the 10-meter high monument by Thomasian sculptor Ramon Orlina, an ode to UST’s sterling contributions in Philippine history, scholarship and society.

The Quattromondial was unveiled last January 27, with Thomasian actor Piolo Pascual, one of the models of the grand sculpture, gracing the event.

The distinct Thomasian pride is not lost on us while we were in the United States.

While the university was at the thick of preparations, the Filipino-American Symphony Orchestra (FASO) shared the stage with the University of Santo Tomas Alumni Singers in a show at the Cathedral of the Angels in Los Angeles. Archbishop Roger Cardinal

Mahoney invited FASO to perform in church, and when the alumni of the UST Singers sang in the performances, we found it to be a very auspicious one. Many Thomasians who watched the show were not only proud that they were Filipinos—there was also pride in the academic heritage that many of us shared, something which remains to be profoundly moving even after four centuries.

The theme for the quadricentennial aptly summarized UST’s role in the Philippine setting: “UST: Building the Church, the nation, and the family—our birthright, our destiny.”

After four centuries, it can’t be denied that UST has honed many bright individuals who played key roles in the development of the nation. It has produced four Philippine presidents, seven Supreme Court justices, several national artists, and many industry leaders. Add to these the many Thomasian doctors, nurses, professionals and immigrants in the US, who are now contributing in nation building, and enriching the colorful American fabric. Indeed, we are many.

Homecomings are occasions of rekindling the academic spirit and friendships. And in this one in UST, it also proved to be a walk through history.

I am proud to be a Thomasian! g

Photo by RAphael John Oriel, AJPress www.balikbayanmagazine.com

balikbayan February – March 2011

2 Keeping A Journal

Publisher & CEO | Roger L. Oriel

In Reunion There is Strength

President & Co-Publisher | Cora M. Oriel

By Roger Lagmay Oriel, Publisher

Editor-in-Chief | Lito Ocampo Cruz MANAGING Editor | Louie Jon Agustin Sanchez

5 Editor’s Notebook ART AND SOUL

Associate Editor | Rochelle C. Pangilinan

By Lito Ocampo Cruz, Editor-in-chief

cONTRIBUTING EDITORS | Prosy Abarquez-dela Cruz, J.D., Malou Liwanag-Bledsoe, Cynthia de Castro, Nancy Reyes Lumen, Candy Villanueva-Lykes, Rene Luis Mata, D.M. Reyes, Althea Lauren Ricardo, Joel Pablo Salud

HIGH PASSION

Contributing WRITERS | Jennifer Balboa, Mario Banzon, Alma Anonas-Carpio, Jewel Castro, Mark Anthony Cayanan, Susan Lara, Rene Luis Mata, Ruben Nepales, Janet Susan Nepales Contributing Photographers | Oliver Bayani, Joe Cobilla, Phillip Kimpo Jr., Ted Madamba, Raphael John Oriel, Miko Santos, Andy Tecson Vice President for Advertising | Noel O. Godinez Vice President for Sales | Sharon Ann Z. Bathan vp for Circulation & special events | Vince Samson ACCOUNT MANAGER | Stephanie Marie L. Kho Staff WriterS | Billy dela Cruz, Julie Matienzo Staff Artists | Valory Lim, Bienvenida Salazar, Kendrick Tan, Joyce Dianne Balansag, Richard Erpilo

8 PERSONA

LOVE OF COUNTRY, THE JEAN GOULBOURN STYLE

By MARIO BANZON

14 LINEAR NOTES

OH, TO BE GEORGE YANG AND LIVING A CHARMED LIFE

By LOUIE JON A. SANCHEZ

20 heritage

HEART DECO

Falling in Love with Time and Space

By Rene Luis S. Mata

22 BELLES LETRES

CARMEN GUERRERO NAKPIL THE MUSE OF OUR HISTORY

By ROCHELLE C. PANGILINAN

24 ESSENCE OF PLACE

WHEN IT WAS A GREY NOVEMBER IN YOUR SOUL BOHEMIAN MALATE IS ALIVE AND WELL

By MARIO BANZON

Circulation Manager | Arthur Sibulangcao

28 SALT AND PAPER

Accountant | Ria Fabro

By LOUIE JON A. SANCHEZ

balikbayan Magazine is published by Asian Journal Publications, Inc. 2/F Units D&E Fort Palm Spring Cond., 30th Street, cor. 1st Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, 1200 Philippines. Tel. (632) 856–4921 Send subscription inquiries to subscription@asianjournalinc.com, and advertising queries at advertising@asianjournalinc.com.

No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording or any information storage of retrieval systems, without permission in writing from the Publisher.

Asian Journal Publications, Inc. regrets that no responsibility can be accepted for unsolicited material, which will be returned only if stamped, addressed envelope is enclosed.

Printed in the Philippines. Distributed in the Philippines for newly arrived balikbayans at Duty Free Philippines, as well as at select hotels, resorts, restaurants and cafes and major bookstores and magazine distributors. Circulated at special events and through subscription in the United States of America.

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HEAVEN’S KITCHEN

30 MUSINGS

ORGANIC MUSIC: THE LAS PIñas bamboo organ

A MUSICAL INSTRUMENT MADE FROM A HUMBLE HARVEST OF GRASS By jennifer balboa

36 unguided tour

leyte, i shall return By rochelle c. pangilinan

42 a balikbayan’s journal THE RETURN

the leyte national university brings back the zarzuela, a cultural renaissance has landed By prosy abarquez-dela cruz, j.d.

47

the treasures of visayas state university By prosy abarquez-dela cruz, j.d.

48 icons

greg on how to make a benta and other confessions of an advertising man By malou liwanag-bledsoe

52 business & Treasure

San Francisco: 841 San Bruno Avenue West, Ste. 12-14 San Bruno, CA 94066 • Tel. (650) 583–6818 New York: 5 Penn Plaza, Ste. 1932, New York, NY 10001 • Tel. (212) 655–5426

school of thought

loida nicolas lewis’ principles of entrepreneurship: shared values & profit with honor By prosy abarquez-dela cruz, j.d.

New Jersey: 2500 Plaza Five, Harborside Financial Center, Jersey City, NJ 07311 • Tel. (201) 484–7249 Las Vegas: 3700 W. Desert Inn Rd., Las Vegas, NV 89102 Tel. (702) 792–6678

58 giving back mama tita

Life lessons from Emerita Montemayor de Guzman by cynthia de castro

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balikbayan February – March 2011

Prosy and Poetry

By Lito Ocampo Cruz

I

editor’s notebook

n this issue, we celebrate Leyte’s cultural renaissance through the eyes of our very own Prosy Abarquez dela Cruz, the Asian Journal columnist.

Ad man Greg Macabenta and wife Gigi.

George Yang discusses business plans and more.

Prosy’s itinerary was quite a hectic one, consisting of visits to the Leyte National University and the Visayas State University, a center of excellence in research and the sciences. Joining her was our Associate Editor Rochelle Pangilinan who gives us an unguided tour on what had been a beautiful sojourn.

Accompanying the Leyte pieces is a profile on our friend and The Asian Journal columnist Prosy colleague Greg Macabenta, who shares with the Asian Journal Abarquez-dela Cruz tackles cultural renaissance and more in this issue. managing editor Malou Liwanag-Bledsoe his childhood days in Tacloban. Greg celebrates his roots and his nationally esteemed father’s poetry.

This issue also celebrates women mavericks. Prosy again writes a piece on her insightful encounters with the philanthropist Loida Nicolas Lewis. Truly an incredible woman, we see Loida wearing many different hats—industrialist, philanthropist, socio-civic leader, motivational speaker, author, and lawyer.

Rochelle on the other hand profiles the author Carmen Guerrero Nakpil, the muse of Manila’s history and other places of the heart.

Meanwhile, AJPress’s Cynthia de Castro talks to Emerita “Tita” de Guzman of the Cavite-based Angels of Hope orphanage.

As the Las Piñas Bamboo Organ marks its 36th international music festival this February, contributor Jenny Balboa visits this national musical shrine and indulges in the bamboo organ tales—both tonal and historical.

Balikbayan Magazine Managing Editor Louie Jon Sanchez continues the Tita de Guzman, shown here with her two daughters Shalla (left) and musical journey by sitting Sharon (right), offers life lessons. down one afternoon with the man who brought McDonald’s to the Philippines. After many years of hard work, taipan George Yang now has all the reasons to rest on his laurels. His story is something to sing about.

Louie also returns to a former beat at the religious row after many years, but this time sets his sight not only on the spiritual but also on the temporal. At the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines complex in Intramuros, where he covered church news as a young reporter, he discovers a new culinary haunt inspired by ecclesiastical delight and appetite. And, holy cow, it is divine!.

We also have in this issue nostalgic, if not poetic, takes on Manila. Contributing Editor Rene Luis Mata, our resident architecture writer and UP professor fondly remembers art deco Manila in an essay called “Heart Decos,” what else? Contributing writer Mario Banzon on the other hand renders an ode of sorts to Ermita “when it was a grey November in your soul.”

Mario also writes about balikbayan and fashion icon Jean Goulbourn who beautifully weaves the fabric of the Filipino art and soul through her Silk Cocoon and other passions. g

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balikbayan February – March 2011

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balikbayan February – March 2011

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balikbayan February – March 2011

Purple “snowflower” handwoven stretch silk gown with abaca silk shawl from Silk Cocoon (Photo by Giampiero Gastaldi/Courtesy of Silk Cocoon).

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balikbayan February – March 2011

High persona

Passion

Love of Country, the Jean Goulbourn Style Jean Goulbourn stares intently at the copy of Balikbayan Magazine atop the coffee table in her Silk Cocoon shop and reads for the nth time the slogan. “Love of country is back in style,” it says. And then she looks at us: “I’ve always dedicated my life to this country.”

Clearly, Goulbourn, who is an esteemed fashion designer, entrepreneur, creator of exquisite fabrics and for some who grew up during the ‘70s and the ‘80s, a fashion brand, doesn’t take the phrase lightly. By Mario Banzon

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balikbayan February – March 2011

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ndeed, she has dedicated herself and her work for the country beginning in 1975 when, after spending time in New York and in McCall’s Magazine as an assistant fashion editor, she came on board as fashion consultant for what was then Shoe Mart department store, which evolved into SM, the biggest chain of malls in the Philippines.

“When I first arrived here there was no ready-towear,” she says. It was the heyday of the couturiers and the modista and sastre and everybody had their clothes custom-made. But Goulbourn thought it would also be nice to be able to buy clothes off-the-rack, something similarly chic, but which conveniently come in different colors and sizes.

In fact, she tells us that they had to measure almost 200 Filipinas in order for them to create a specific pattern.

“Because,” she says, “we are built differently from other women. We are a mixed race. There is no specific body type.” As a result, between 1982 and 1986, her RTW line JMGoulbourn for SM sold over 20 thousand units a month in just four shops, earning her the moniker the “Liz Claiborne of the Philippines.”

On being ‘the Liz Claiborne of the Philippines’: “One time I was dancing at a samba club on Jupiter Street and the band dedicated a song for me. Three Americans from another

table stood up and one of them approached my table and asked: ‘Did I hear it right? Did I hear Jean Goulbourn?’ I said yes, I am Jean Goulbourn.. And he said: ‘Oh my God, I thought you were just a brand!’ They finally said ‘We’re from Liz Claiborne. We come to the Philippines twice a year to do product development and to check out your designs.

That’s why we can party like this because you make our jobs so easy. All we have to do is look at your designs.” That for me was very exciting, that a Liz Claiborne team of designers would go and check out my embroidery.”

“I would like to think that through my effort I have helped the RTW industry in the country. I would also like to believe that my patterns for the Filipina body served as a basis for RTW manufacturing up to today.”

Even when Goulbourn was in New York in the 60’s, she kept thinking of the Philippines. “I was trying to sell banana fabric to all the designers,” she says. “At that time, jusi was woven here unlike today when it is made in China.” After many years of producing her successful RTW line, all made in the Philippines, she decided that it was time to move on and pursue her interest in weaving. “I went to Jim Thompson and Star of Siam in Thailand but the two companies said they could not hire me,” she recalls. The reason: She is Filipino-Chinese. “They were very nationalistic and they only wanted to hire Thais,” Goulbourn says. “Of course I was sad and disappointed. I asked myself: ‘What am I going to do now?’”

It was 1994 what Goulbourn did was to buy a textile handloom factory and establish Silk Cocoon. Her idea was to blend abaca with silk to create a more distinct fabric.

Her first foray as a textile manufacturer took her to Paris where she slugged it out in an exhibition with the big European textile companies. “I had 18 square meters of rented space,” she remembers. “Can you imagine how small that space was? I had to hang all my fabrics. But the interesting thing was all the heads of these big companies went to that small 18 square meter space. We became the talk of the town.” A year later, she would dress up the world leaders in her Silk Cocoon barongs during the 1996 APEC Summit in Manila.

“I would like to think that we could be known as a country with the most beautiful products,” Goulbourn says. “We could be known as a country with talented weavers.

When we do indigenous abaca, we are not only helping the farmers but their wives as well who can weave them.”

Goulbourn takes out some of her exquisite creations. One is a barong with a snake skin running across the fabric.

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“The skin is from Cebu,” she informs us.

Another one has the texture of cotton but is actually made of silk. “It feels like carpet, like velvet,” she says. One has an actual shell stitched across a silk-pineapple shirt.

“I’ve combined everything that can be combined as far as weaving is concerned with silk and abaca. The only way you can meet the middle price, high volume market is to have powerful machines, but natural fibers such as pineapple and abaca cannot be mass produced.” she says. “That is something I don’t want to do. I prefer it to be specially made uniquely with Filipino hands. There will always be that niche in the luxury market. Our clients include Chanel, Calvin Klein, Donna Karan, Christian LaCroix and well known architects in key cities like London, Paris, New York, Milan, Singapore, Hong Kong.”

Jean on her passions: “I look at life as a movie. I find life fascinating! I once wanted to be a scriptwriter and perhaps I still will make that movie,” she says. “And now at the age of 63, I’ve gone through so much. God has granted me the most beautiful gift -- a mind that can visualize and dream. I visualize images of my fabric. I hear music in my ears when I’m preparing for a fashion show. Everything is so real and I’ve seen it become a reality.”

No doubt about it, Jean Goulbourn has an unlimited amount of energy. She’s also one hell of a juggler. During the course of our conversation, she would relay instructions on the phone, and welcome chic guests like bag designer Bea Valdez, at Silk Cocoon.

She doesn’t even feel like 63, more like 25 or 35. “I don’t get tired,” she says. “The energy that I have is boundless. I sleep six hours a day. I do one hour of gym every other day. This year, I’ve decided that I’m going to do brisk walk so maybe I could learn how to run and join a marathon.” She even intends to learn the tango. This is on top of her endless meetings and her tasks as the head of her own company.

“Perhaps, in three years time, I could come up with a book,” she muses. “It’s going to be a funny book.” And the title? Something like “Stop this jet I gotta grab that Moon! “My brain zooms too fast and sometimes I just need to have some calm moments.”

Jean on her daughter Natasha: I would like to believe that my daughter came for a limited time, up to the age of 27, because she had a mission. During a trip in Puerto Galera when I saw 118 dolphins swim with us that for me affirmed that God exists and my daughter is with the Lord.

balikbayan February – March 2011

“Love of country means a lot to me. Love of country means I gave up New York and I loved New York with a passion.

Every minute that I was there I enjoyed it because I didn’t feel responsible for the country. I was in transit.

But now I’m telling Filipinos to come back. It’s a beautiful country and you can make it even more beautiful with all the experiences you have had abroad.” www.balikbayanmagazine.com

Cocoa-colored abaca silk midriff top with gold silk pants from Silk Cocoon (Photo by Giampiero Gastaldi/Courtesy of Silk Cocoon).

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balikbayan February – March 2011

Silk Cocoon’s signature handwoven silk barong with a twist to the traditional, hand-embroidery detail at the back (Photo

by Christian Halili/Courtesy of Silk Cocoon).

In 2002, Goulbourn lost her daughter Natasha and in her daughter’s memory, she created the Natasha Goulbourn Foundation, which focuses on providing information and educating people about depression, promote integrative approaches for its treatment and eliminate the stigma of this disease. It is the first of its kind in the Philippines.

“It is forecasted that depression will be the second killer disease in 2020,” she says, and it is about time that something is done about it. Currently the foundation is developing a number of counseling centers in parishes and government hospitals in the provinces.

The big dream is to have a sanctuary for holistic healing for depressed people and highly stressed individuals.

“Of the 23 healing herbs that we have,

about 18 or 19 are the most potent that it can be used for healing all kinds of illnesses,” Goulbourn says. “There are local herbs that can help people with depression.”

Jean on love of country: Love of country means a lot to me. Love of country means I gave up New York. I loved New York with a passion. I learned different facets of life - culture, fashion, food, and lifestyle. I enjoyed every minute of my life there. Today I value more than ever the rich natural resources we have and the quality of life here. This country has so much potential - I’m telling Filipinos to come back.

It’s a beautiful country we have and you can make a significant contribution by sharing all the experiences you have had abroad. Each

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individual can make or break this country.

She may have brought the Philippines pride with her one-of-a-kind creations and have made Filipinas feel beautiful with her elaborate dresses. This time, however, Jean Goulbourn is focusing her creativity, her vision, and her boundless energy in providing Filipinos a better life with the Natasha Goulbourn Foundation which brings depression to light and her other company Global Vital Source which empowers each person to holistically heal and prevent diseases, through the company’s cleanse and nourish philosophy —mind, body and soul.

Goulbourn feels she has completed the circle in her life and she is very passionate to throw the ball to challenge us Filipinos on what is love of country. g

balikbayan February – March 2011

Lantern inspired gown in handwoven abaca silk from Silk Cocoon (Photo

by Giampiero Gastaldi/ Courtesy of Silk Cocoon)

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balikbayan February – March 2011

linear notes

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balikbayan February – March 2011

Oh, to be

GEORGE yang and living A CHARMED LIFE! It might as well be just a typical afternoon at the office: Everyone’s a busy bee, almost unseen within the confines of high cubicles.

At the Citibank Building along Valero Street in Makati, it’s such a typical afternoon, while everyone’s trying to catch up with work despite the sweltering heat. Louie Jon A. Sanchez, AJPRESS www.balikbayanmagazine.com

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balikbayan February – March 2011

Photo by Richard Erpilo, AJPress

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ut of course, wherever you see the welcoming statue of Ronald McDonald’s, seated on his signature brown bench, it sure presages that some things would really go unusually sweet—and special.

McDonaldland is always an effective haven of sorts, and its headquarters at Citibank is no exception. And what better way to make it a little extraordinary than a rich serving of that signature Hot Choco one would grab in the morning. It knows no time and certainly no age.

I had been to the McDonald’s offices at another time, and I had been treated to their Hot Choco. But the real deal of course, is having it served for us. The man who has brought Ronald McDonald here in the Philippines, the taipan George Yang, has been a subject of various business success stories—and he certainly can’t help but be a showcase. There is always warmth in every Hot Choco cup, and it follows that there is more where it’s coming from.

When he arrived in the cool and cozy conference room where we were led to wait, he was definitely an epitome of warmth and even tenderness. It seems the stress of business, or whatever comes with it, has never caught up with this man who certainly exudes that serenity in his clean look. “I just came from another photo shoot,” he says, greeting us and shaking our hands. He came in a rather cool grey suit, which complements his blue and white collarless polo. He’s been having a really busy day, apparently.

The secret is of course in his passion: music.

The sages say that music speaks to the soul as it replenishes the body. In recent researches, classical music is believed to stimulate the mind and even create wonders for the young. George, who seems to never grow old, has much of classical music in his life, and this he does after working his way to strengthen one of the country’s top fast food chains. And the discovery of this rather late calling came to him one day, during a business meeting.

“It came to me some 10 years ago,” he recalls.

“I was with some associates who love karaoke, and we went to a karaoke place.” The passion for music, he felt, rather instantly, he describes as something accidental. Like everyone else, he took the mic, sang some tunes, and in an epiphany, discovered that he could carry some. “I told

myself, this is not bad.” The guys he went out with kept coming back, singing with him. And out he went with them, getting better every time.

He began with the old standards—Sinatra, Matt Monroe, Engelbert Humperdinck. He fell in love instantly with the videoke. Eventually, he bought his own set at home.

Music was probably just waiting to wake within him, and what better way to bring it out than a little prodding from friends. He consequently found the courage to sing, that natural flair to serenade in front of his first captive audience—his associates. And he even musters the courage to emphasize an astounding realization. “I can really do this. I even sound better.” Soon, he found himself getting the opinion of another friend and business tycoon, the singer and songwriter Jose Mari Chan. “I told Jo that, I think I can sing.

Then, he convinced me to record. That’s when it all began.” The initial desire of course, was merely to record for the grandchildren. “I wanted them to remember, to hear me sing.”

The product is of course the CD Yang at Heart, a selection of well-loved ballads. He collaborated with the late pianist Rudy Francisco, as recommended by Chan. “Rudy composed the background music. We went to practice at home one day, then, went straight to the recording studio.” The selection included If I Loved You, How Deep is the Ocean and The Very Thought of You. The course never stopped for George, and his singing had become the talk of the town. At first, it never came to him that he would soon find himself on stage. While in the audience at a concert, he was suddenly called up by the performer to belt some songs. He was gracious and went to sing, much to the delight of the audience. “That was the first time I performed in a very large crowd. And I just sang the way I usually sing. It was fun.” And indeed it was, as he also began expanding his repertoire.

Some five years ago, he began singing classics, with the encouragement of soprano Rachelle Gerodias. “She heard me sing, and she told me

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that I could do it. We began training,” George said. George was a businessman of course, and was just following a passion—the formal training became challenging, to say the least. “I could not read notes, and I never went to music school.

Rachelle was very patient and taught me the rudiments of breathing.”

In between his daily business routines, he trains. His efforts bore fruit and he came out with two other well-applauded CDs—Forever Yang and Always Yang. In Forever Yang, which was produced

by Joni Feliciano, he creates a beautiful mix of the contemporary and the standard, singing such favorites like Someone to Watch Over Me and Summer Me, Winter Me, Broadway pieces like Memory and Somewhere, and the very recent You’re Still You by Josh Groban.

In Always Yang, on the other hand, he showcases his classical prowess, singing such well-loved pieces like O Sole Mio. Nessun Dorma from Turandot, and even Ave Maria. Working with Gerodias this time, he also featured Brindisi: Libamo Ne Lieti Calici from La Traviata. The centerpiece of Always Yang, is of course, another collaboration with Gerodias, All I Ask of You from the Phantom of the Opera.

The singing will keep on going for George, and while there are no concerts coming up just yet, he reveals that there are already talks going on for possible television specials. The concerts are very important for George since he has also embarked on a project that would help bring in appreciation for classical music in the country. Aside from the Ronald McDonald House Charities, the fast food chain’s main corporate social responsibility arm, George has opened the Klassikal Music Foundation (KMF), funded by his own performances.

The KMF today supports scholars whom George sends to Philippine conservatories of music. “Since I got interested in singing, I felt that it was a gift in my old age. Music gave me something to do to appreciate life more. This is precisely the reason why I wanted to give back.”

Education is key, George says, and he believes that little by little, people would begin appreciating again the beauty that is classical music.

“I remember in the old days, Filipinos were such lovers of classical music. We had the Manila Grand Opera House, the zarzuelas. We may not be able turn back time, but this effort is certainly a good investment for the future.” The foundation today has 21 scholars studying voice. George makes sure that they benefit from each of his performances.

Quite a feat for a voice that will surely be heard in more ways than we can ever imagine. g

balikbayan February – March 2011

Manhattan Garden City is one of the township projects of Megaworld Corporation that promote sustainability.

Manhattan Garden City named a sustainable project Manhattan Garden City was identified as one of Megaworld Corporation’s sustainable township projects during the 1st Sustainable Building Technology Conference held on November 11-12 at the SMX Convention Center.

According to Megaworld’s Sustainability consultant, Edmond Maceda, township developments like Manhattan Garden City are the perfect models for sustainable land use planning.

Compact townships promote “densification over sprawl” and transportation connectivity.

Residents are encouraged to walk from the home to the mall or office.

Manhattan Garden City, located at the Araneta Center, offers an abundance of public transport options from buses, taxis to train lines. It is the only point in the metro where the LRT2 and MRT3 train lines converge, thus making any point of the metro from the north, south, east and west accessible within minutes.

Since this urban enclave will encourage residents to live, work, play and shop within the community, they are forecast to consume less electricity and water, buy a lesser quantity of items and discard less trash and spend far less time in automobiles. With the train lines as an option for transport, they will significantly contribute to lessening greenhouse gas emissions, according to Maceda.

Manhattan Garden City is a joint venture

project between the Araneta Group and Megaworld, the country’s #1 developer of residential condominiums for the mid- and upper-income market.

“The green aspect of Manhattan Garden City also makes it a sustainable project. 65% of the total land area is dedicated to greeneries. Sky gardens at the upper four floors of every tower of our new phase, Manhattan Heights, will give residents a refreshing option to unwind high up the metro’s confines,” Megaworld Central Properties Inc. President Anthony Charlemagne Yu declared.

More than 20 different amenities – such as a lap pool and kiddie pool, skylights and jogging paths – like amidst tropical landscaping at the fourth floor podium level of Manhattan Garden City. The podium level also hosts a 729-meter walkway through which residents can reach the other phases as well as the train stations via Gateway Mall for LRT2 and Farmers Plaza for the MRT line.

“Township living in a special place like Manhattan Garden City points the way to a sustainable future. You can live, work, shop and play here everyday of your life with the entire family,” Yu concluded.

To inspect the benefits of living at Manhattan Garden City, please call 810-3333 or visit the showroom at the 3rd level of Gateway Mall. g

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Residents will enjoy the live-work-play-shop lifestyle on offer at Manhattan Garden City.

Manhattan Garden City is the only transit-oriented development that is linked to both LRT2 and MRT3 train lines.

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heritage

HEART DECO Falling in Love with Old Manila Trying to imagine what Manila was before the War leaves something for the imagination. Unfortunately, nowadays we can only glimpse this by taking the elevated train along Taft Avenue. There are still vestiges of the great Philippine architectural wonders of the American Colonial Period, but one has to see this only in the mind’s eye, as much is hidden in urban concrete or the urban neglect of a mega-city. By Rene Luis S. Mata

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f we can further imagine what used to be tall Acacia trees along Taft Avenue— instead of the dismal concrete blight of contemporary mass transit—one can go back in time almost a century ago when Manila was a fair city and a paragon of the American image of colonial gentility.

Politics aside, there are still a few of those monuments lining the main spine of that former urban plan. It is another hidden secret of urban Manila that one must see, and it runs from Baclaran through Taft Avenue and old La Salle up to Quiapo and its decaying Art Deco theaters and old Escolta high street. This would include the building complexes next to Rizal Park, of no mean design up to Manila Bay, the Army-Navy

Club and the Manila Hotel and, of course, to include the old Walled City of Intramuros. It is interesting to note that Burnham pointed out the value of Intramuros, as well as the power of the Hispanic plaza complex of Spanish Colonial urbanism, and he revised his original proposal.

It all started with the request of the Governorto-be Forbes that the hot new architect of that time, Daniel Burnham, visit Manila and the Philippines and come up with an American view of its new overseas colony. Burnham visited the Philippines for six weeks and was forever impressed with a different view of what was presented by the government in Washington.

Burnham, in fact, sought to alter his original views of City Beautiful planning, to remold it with the pervasive Philippine character that had changed his heart and mind. Although many of his recommendations reflected the Chicago school urban model, he put great emphasis on the adoption of the Philippine socio-cultural interpretation of Philippine urbanism and tropical architecture tempered by Spanish

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colonial and vernacular solutions, until the advent of Modernism.

Burnham’s impressions were further interpreted by William Parsons, the handpicked young architect fresh from Yale. If one looks at the many structures still existing designed and executed by him along this route, it is clear that their overwhelming adoption of local building characteristics have also helped somehow in their further—though perhaps endangered— existence in contemporary times. They just simply work because they reflect the Philippine in an American Colonial sort of way. Other architects, including the new generation of Philippine architect “Pensionados” schooled in American aesthetic soon followed. What we have is Philippine colonial architecture with a Philippine sensibility.

Parson designed the classic PGH complex, which still functions, and such buildings as the Philippine Normal College, University of the Philippines Manila, and other such public buildings. It is also apparent in his designs for the Gabaldon schoolhouses all over the country

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that helped inculcate the American principles of democracy. The Art Nouveau and early Modernism of Luna de San Pedro (Europeantrained) appears with the Perez-Samarillo building in Escolta. Then, Juan Arellano establishes Neoclassicism with the Post Office building, then goes even further by dabbling into Art Deco with the Metropolitan Theater. It is too bad that the old Jones Bridge as designed by Arellano has been lost. Other Philippine architects such as Toledo, who did Manila City Hall, the Legislative

Building and the two buildings near Rizal Park, Ocampo, Antonio, Nakpil, etc. soon followed.

One can still see these old structures, reconstructed after the war, still holding their gaudy symbolism to democracy and a new colonial image. Threatened by urban planning, or the lack of it, massive commercialism and crass globalism has turned the old charm of Manila into a bus station of commercials and poster dynamics. The value of these icons of a bygone era, have been lost to newer symbols

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that in their very postmodernism last only as long as they function as such.

Perhaps we can then go to the next level and try to keep them in mind. Not everything in the modern world works global, not even a link to the past can be even more apparent and still unseen to this generation of billboards and fast food. But these buildings—the whole stretch from Baclaran to the Post Office deserve a second look, as mementoes to permanence and a more graceful era in Philippine history. g

PHOTO BY Ruel Pine balikbayan February – March 2011

belles lettres

uel Pine PHOTO BY R

Carmen Guerrero Nakpil The Muse of O ur History It was American poet and novelist Robert Penn Warren who said, “History cannot give us a program for the future, but it can give us a fuller understanding of ourselves, and of our common humanity, so that we can better face the future.”

BY Rochelle C. Pangilinan, AJPRESS

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n the Philippines, perhaps no one had come close to giving us a full understanding of our heritage than Carmen Guerrero Nakpil, who is considered as an icon of Philippine literature and journalism. Still, the distinguished writer considers herself as a historiographer, not a historian as many perceive her to be.

Nakpil has received many citations for her work including the Gawad Pambansang Alagad ni Balagtas Award for English fiction in 1988 from the Unyon ng mga Manunulat sa Pilipinas (UMPIL) and the Southeast Asian Write (SEAWRITE) Award in 1990. On July 7, 2005, she was granted with a Lifetime Achievement Award for her outstanding achievement in history by then President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.

Nakpil launched Heroes and Villains last December 2 at the Filipinas Heritage Library in Makati City attended by luminaries from the government, the publishing industry and others.

The book contains 17 true, short stories about exceptional people who lived, interacted and did extraordinary things in the Philippines. In its review, The Philippine Daily Inquirer writes that Heroes and Villains is “a revealing 118-page sojourn into our history.”

In this book, Nakpil writes,”I believe all heroes define themselves and all villains are defined by the people around them. Some are both heroes and

1907. My other grandfather was also arrested for writing and producing anti-American plays. His name Gabriel Beato Francisco. My father watched Rizal’s execution on the Luneta as a boy and also went with his father to the delegation at St. Louies Exposition in the U.S. Q: How much of an influence was your family in your writing career? Would you have followed the same path had you not been born in a literary family? Who else had influenced your writing of history?

Nakpil: I’ll never know. The other influence is Horacio de la Costa, S.J. a friend of the family.

Q: Manila was known as a “pride of place”in the past, would you consider it to be true until now? In what way do you think could we reclaim the old glory of Manila?

Nakpil : Yes, that’s why it’s so congested and Nakpil was destined for greatness at an messy and is derided as “Imperial Manila” by early age. Born in 1922 in Ermita, Manila other cities. Best way to “reclaim glory”: Learn to a prominent family at a Hispano-Filipino about Manila’s past. community to Dr. Alfredo Leon Guerrero Q: Are you aware of anyone talking about and Filomena Francisco (the first ever Filipino changing things along those lines that you pharmacist), Carmen took up her undergraduate suggest? studies at St. Theresa’s College Nakpil : All politicians, especially where she was the editor for the Mayor Lim. campus paper, The Orion. She Q: You are known for then pursued journalism and breaking down misconceptions. became a columnist for various In your new book, you mention publications such as Manila that there’s a misconception that Chronicle, Sunday Times Magazine, our ancestors were pygmies.

Evening News Saturday Magazine, What are the misconceptions Weekly Women’s Magazine and about Manila that you would like Malaya. to bring light into?

In an interview with The Nakpil : Araw ng Manila as its Philippine Star columnist Jojo Foundation Day. G. Silvestre in December 2010, Q: What was your inspiration Nakpil revealed the reason why for your new book, Heroes and she stopped writing a column. “It Villains? is a very dangerous era, that’s why Nakpil: The obvious and I stopped. That’s why I wrote Ms. Carmen Guerrero Nakpil with (L-R) Gemma Araneta, Carmen Cruz, Ismael Guerrero Cruz, increasing desire among young my biography,” she says. She T.O. Cruz, Leon Araneta, Karla Delgado at the launch of ‘Heroes and Villains’ Filipinos, especially the expats. quit writing for Malaya but began Q: How did you decide on writing a series of articles for The villains to different publics...”

Heroes and Villains as the title of your new Philippine Star, which were compiled for her latest Through a set of questions sent through ebook? book, Heroes and Villains. mail cared of Mrs. Nakpil’s grandson, T.O. Cruz, Nakpil: An Eureka moment. It seemed like a Among Nakpil’s publications are Woman challenging title.

Enough and Other Essays, published in 1983; Question Balikbayan Magazine was able to gain more insights Q: What surprised you the most as you of Identity, 1973; The Philippines and the Filipino, 1977; from “the muse of our history,” as The Philippine Star columnist referred to her in a column in wrote and researched for this book?

The Philippines: The Land of the People, 1989; and October 2008.

Nakpil : How mistaken about historical facts the novel The Rice Consipiracy, 1990. In 2007, she Q: What started your fascination with the colonial textbooks and teachers were. published her autobiography Myself, Elsewhere and Philippine history?

Q: How does your being a historian shape followed that up a year later with the opus Legends Nakpil : Philippine history is, you might say, in the way you view the government, past and and Adventures, where she gave us a revealing my DNA. I was born in Ermita, Manila in 1922, present? look at her encounters with the young Ferdinand only 26 years after the start of the Philippine Nakpil : I’m not a historian, only a Marcos and Imelda Romualdez Marcos.

Revolution and Rizal’s execution, 28 years after historiographer. Viewing our government leads In the 1960s, Nakpil was appointed the First Philippine Republic and the Battle me to despair. chairwoman of the National Historical of Manila Bay between Spain and the U.S. My Q: How do you think future historians will Commission. In 1983, she was appointed father’s father, Leon Ma. Guerrero, fought in describe our era? representative elected by the UNESCO General the Filipino-American War, was a delegate to the Nakpil : As the nadir in the consequences of Assembly in Paris and held this position until Malolos Congress, Rector of the Universitad the colonizations we have suffered, but also the 1986. At the same period of time, she was in Malolos, captured and jailed by the U.S., also starting point, hopefully, of a national effort to also managing director of the Technology and a member of the First Philippine Assembly of reclaim our true selves. g Livelihood Resource Center.

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balikbayan February – March 2011

essence of place

When It was a Grey November in Your Soul

Bohemian Malate is alive and well When Café Adriatico burned down last December, one of the last —if not the last—vestiges of bohemian Malate was forever lost.

For 31 years, it has stood unperturbed amid the quickly changing landscape of Malate nightlife, serving as a reminder when the address was known more for its thriving bohemian culture and less for its street parties. By Mario Banzon

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ow with Café Adriatico’s unscheduled adieux, should a funeral march be in order? Is it time to write one grand eulogy for that distant past when Malate was once an artist’s haven? After all, as writer Jerome Gomez already wrote in Metro Society way back in 2009, art doesn’t live in Manila anymore. The art scene has since moved to several parts of QC where a few small galleries thrive.

And doesn’t Grey November sound quaint in today’s scene where clubs and bars go by a single name? Bernal would later immortalize the Malate denizens in his own ode to city, Manila By Night.

Even before Mr. Piggy’s and Mint came and went, before Bed and O Bar became a byword in the gay club scene, there was the (in)famous Coco Banana. “The most fabulous club in the history of Manila nightlife” was how Jerome Gomez described it in his article. It was an ultra exclusive club with the proprietor and creative director, designer Ernest Santiago manning the entrance, arbitrarily choosing who among the people in the queue goes in and who goes home. Gomez wrote: “The dance hall itself was a dimly lit place, with only a few pin lights landing on guests’s faces, ‘so that everyone gravitates to the dance floor like an enigma,’ Santiago says with theatrical hands. A

But then, bohemian Malate has been mourned countless of times through the years as each of the remaining reminders of the once exciting bohemian scene folded up one by one. In the ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s, a string of bars and cafes dominated the district and each, of course, had its own thing.

As artist Guillermo Ramos wrote in his blog, Umbrella Stand, the ‘80s, in particular, was the height of the Halakhakan Parties: “Larry Cruz was already holding court at Café Adriatico as the Sultan of the Circle, establishing his gastronomique empire on the Remedios and Adriatico quadrant. Ernest Santiago, the Emperatriz of the Kingdom of Coco Banana hangs on to the bastion of what was left of the last days of the disco, and a few blocks away on Ma. Orosa Street, the High Priestess of Poetry and Film, Virgie Moreno performs the Pagdiwata to a group of captive poets in her temple, The Café Orfeo.”

Of course, also included in the Malate nightlife lore were Beatriz Romualdez’s Indios Bravos where writers and would-be writers found refuge while filmmaker Ishmael Bernal had his own When It’s A Grey November In Your Soul (which was perhaps the precursor of Erik Matti and Lyle Sacris’s Mogwai).

spotlight quickly locates a new guest’s arrival each time the door opens ‘so that everyone feels like a star.’” And on certain special evenings, a red carpet would be rolled out to welcome the chic guests.

A little more austere but cultivating an equally thrilling scene was the muchlamented Penguin, which has since been torn down to the ground to make way for a new establishment. In 2002, when word got around that it will finally be closed down, a flurry of blog entries and articles came out mourning its eventual demise. Ramos wrote: “Penguin Café democratized European cuisine, fine wine and world music to the ‘starving artists’ in return, the artists gave Penguin cuttingedge exhibitions and performance art Manila had never seen before, notably by the couple Cesare and Jean Marie Syjuco, Peng Olaguera

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and the late Santi Bose.”

But even in the ‘00s, when it was still in existence, the vibe was unmistakably bohemian. A smattering of people from the theater, up-and-coming filmmakers, artists and musicians would always be found grooving to world music, ska and even jazz. For some, it was the place to repair to after spending a night in CCP. After its re-opening in 2003, Penguin finally served its last drinks in December 2009.

During the ‘90s, in the time of grunge music and flannel shirts and Doc Marten boots and peasant dresses, Malate became the epicenter of coolness. Perhaps this was also the time when the Malate denizens became somewhat younger with hipsters crowding into Malate Republic, Politixxx, Penguin and Verve, where the famed bartender Hank was a steady fixture. Street parties were then big crowd-drawers (and sometimes, even now, it still is). But as the ‘90s counterrevolutionary culture gave way to a gentrified 2000s, so did some Malate establishments.

Between now and then, there is definitely a long list of bars and cafes that once decorated Adriatico and J. Nakpil and Ma. Orosa streets.

From Mr. Piggys to O Bar, from Kenkoy to a videoke joint, from Penguin to God knows what. And this is just in recent years.

Some may say that Malate is just a faint shadow of its once exciting and vibrant bohemian past. Perhaps the artists and the pa-artists have really gone on an exodus to QC and that an entirely new scene has taken over with Bed serving as the focal point of everything that is desirable. (Curiously, Bed also burned down a few months ago but was immediately re-opened. What is it about Malate and fires?)

But seriously, wasn’t an epitaph already written decades ago, that bohemian Malate is dead? One of the last vestiges, if not the last, may have been burned down last December but news has it that Café Adriatico will just momentarily move in across the street so who knows. Maybe it’s time for a comeback? g

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balikbayan February – March 2011

salt and paper

Heaven’s Kitchen Photos by Richard Erpilo, AJPress

There’s a new and exciting food joint in Intramuros, and it’s proving to be something divinely inspired. Its paper placemats describe it as “a place for dining and relaxation after a day’s toil,” and it surely alludes to the rigors and challenges of pastoral work of the bishop in the whole of Catholic tradition. By Louie Jon A. Sanchez, AJPRESS

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culinary sanctuary inside the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) compound, the restaurant is currently enjoying a good following among Intramuros habitués and the clergy visiting the pastoral offices.

With the San Agustin Church in front of it, patrons may choose to enjoy al fresco dining or even indluging in the mere view of the scene— indeed a transforming and serene one in the walled city of cobblestone and heritage sites.

When the idea of visiting it was mentioned to me a few weeks back, I tried to locate where it was situated in my imaginary cartography. I have seen small restaurants along that road known to many as Gen. Luna Street, especially during the time of the Tourism Clam Shell. But a restaurant “of and for the bishops”? I don’t remember seeing any. I was in for a surprise.

The journey was literally a walk in the city. I alighted the LRT at Carriedo and for a short time paid the Santa Cruz Church a visit. The usual stuff were still around—the Carriedo Fountain, the Chinese Gold Stores, the busy jeepneys converging at what was Manila’s city center. I walked the road, further, to Escolta, and found myself taking a jeepney to Manila South Harbor—Pier 14 or 15, if I remember—which passes by the Cathedral.

The jeepney ride was scenic. It crossed the Jones Bridge, turned left to the Manila Central Post Office, and onto the sidestreets at the banks of Pasig River. I passed by the Centennial Marker of the Manila-Mexico Galleon Trade and even saw a lanky Caucasian man sitting at an embankment, reading a book I was a little curious to know.

I held on to the book I was carrying for the trip, The Place Within, a collection of poems by the Polish Karol Wojtyla, the man the world would always remember as John Paul II, who is by the way up for beatification in the next few months.

That very comforting sight evoked the silence within.

Turning right at Ayuntamiento, the jeep came to a halt because of the traffic build up. Reaching the Banco Filipino Building, where the old University of Santo Tomas once stood, I began the walk that brought me to the Plaza Roma in front of the Cathedral, and once again, to Calle

Gen. Luna. It was a sleepy afternoon, reminiscent of the old siestas indulged in by locals at that time of the day.

I reached CBCP, asking somewhat a very naive question—since I wasn’t really sure about this new “restaurant.” The guard on duty pronounced a name I surmised easily as Italian—“Ristorante delle Mitre”—which he says is just at the ground floor of the complex, and I just had to walk straight and head left. And there it was, a salon type restaurant with framed glass windows. As I approached, a lady clad apron accent in fine dining restaurants opened the door.

I was immediately caught by the amusing sight of memorabilia on display at the elevated and terraced portion of the restaurant—a life-size mannequin wearing bishops’ vestments, and glass casings containing three miters—that triangular head dress worn by members of the Church hierarchy. The miters were placed in memory of three men of the habit—Bishops Alfredo Ma. Obviar and Alfredo Versoza, and Archbishop

Teofilo Camomot.

The three respective owners of the miters now up for beatification, inspire the very motif of the restaurant: in its elegant simplicity, it conjures for visitors the humbling call of taking the bishop’s staff. The name Ristorante delle Mitre at first evokes the favorite classical Italian cooking. A look at the menu however proves its “catholicity,” if one would describe it as such.

I met in the restaurant, Sr. Evangelina Paras of the Missionary Catechists of St. Therese, who describes herself as just a “kasama” or companion of the staff. In our talk, she recounted the curious beginnings of Ristorante delle Mitre, which only opened a few months back.

“The idea of a restaurant for bishops has been in the works for two years,” she told me. “The bishops needed a place to eat, especially if they come to stay here at the CBCP. Many of them stay elsewhere when they’re visiting Manila because there’s no place to eat around here.” Necessity, we

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may say, created the wonder.

From a dream of a simple coffee shop for the offices of the CBCP, the project developed by Cebu Archbishop Ricardo Cardinal Vidal soon opened to the public. Its 11 am to 1 pm “Value Meal”—which includes rice, a choice of viands, and a drink, is a bestseller among Intramuros employees, according to Sr. Evangelina.

More than a joint which resembles a typical canteen offering value meals, Ristorante delle Mitre transforms into a fine dining place at night, where people may have a glimpse of the culinary taste of their much admired bishops. “We don’t really have a specialty—everything is a specialty,” Sr. Evangelina said. The right word perhaps is favorite, since the dishes are, really, personal favorites of the bishops.

Cardinal Vidal himself, according to the gospel that is the menu indulges in a festive Filipino selection—Crispy Pata, Kare-Kare, Callos, Crab Relleno, and the Visayan trademark Humba.

Manila Archbishop Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales meanwhile is a healthy eater who enjoys Italian cuisine. “Lolo Dency,” as he is fondly called in the restaurant, loves Pasta with Shrimp in Garlic Sauce, Pasta Penne with Shrimp and Kesong Puti, and Simple Tomato Pasta.

But there are a lot of bishops in the country, I told Sr. Evangelina. Are all of them requesting that their favorites be included in the menu? “It’s going to be difficult for our chefs.

Some of the bishops request that their favorites be included, but we could only accommodate a few.” Catholicity, the byword for universality, has some boundaries.

Still though, Ristorante delle Mitre has found a way to let the public enjoy some other favorites of notable clergymen and bishops.

For merienda, there’s Bishop Leopoldo Jaucian’s Chinese Flat Noodle Soup and Bishop John Du’s Special Lugaw.

Other favorites include Archbishop Diosdado Talamayan’s Steamed Lapu-Lapu, Archbishop Angel Lagdameo’s Chicken Adobo simmered in Olive Oil, and Archbishop Carmelo Morelos’ Lengua. The American Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines, Archbishop Edward Joseph Adams also has a favorite in the menu—Spaghetti al Pomodoro.

That afternoon, I had for late lunch, Crispy Calamares, not really in any bishop’s list, but well and deliciously done anyway, and a variation of Halo-Halo by a Mother Superior. The treat was good, and what made it better was the very coziness of the restaurant that makes any coffee breaks, writing session, or quiet reading quite an experience in the walled city. g

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festivals The 36th International Bamboo Organ Festival The 36th edition of the International Bamboo Organ Festival (IBOF) of Las Piñas dubbed as the “Philippine Historic Music Festival”, unfolds on Feb. 17 to 23, 2011.

Founded to mark the uniqueness of the world famous Bamboo Organ, a declared Philippine National Treasure, the coming festival features exceptional performances from award-winning global artists.

Highlighting the 36th IBOF would be the showcases on Johann Sebastian Bach (“The Best of Bach”) Benjamin Britten (“Misa Brevis in D Opus 63”) as well as Popular Philippine Folk Songs, and Alejandro Consolacion II’s “Jubilate!” (World Premiere).

Respected music masters of the world will gather for this year’s festival such as concert organists Luc Ponet (Belgium) and Armando Salarza (Philippines). The country’s worldclass choirs are also slated to perform: the Las Piñas Boys Choir, Hail Mary the Queen Children’s Choir, University of the East Chorale and Imusicapella.

Joining them are trumpet soloist Guido Segers (Belgium) and flutist Rafael Leone (Austria).

Maestros Joel Navarro and Eudenice Palaruan will conduct the Festival Orchestra.

The notable event has been the source of pride for our country, promoting our rich musical culture and tradition. It has also become a fruitful venue of strengthening our diplomatic relations, a rare opportunity to celebrate and share the the global Filipino talent to the world.

For details and inquiries, contact Lhet Aranda at (+632) 825 7190 / (+632) 820 0795 / 0999-5087838 or email the Secretariat at bambooorganfoundation@ gmail.com or visit the website www. bambooorgan.org.

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balikbayan February – March 2011

Organic Music The Las PiĂąas Bamboo Organ: A Musical Instrument Made From A Humble Harvest Of Grass Even to this day, as an adult, I still have this thing about pressing a key on every piano or organ I see. I usually get my fix every time I come across for-sale pianos displayed on malls, and usually on those unmanned ones that are programmed to play automatically. I get a high dunking my forefinger on the keyboard with the other keys sinking and rising on their own. by JenNIFER Balboa

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trooped down south of Manila, to the St. Joseph Parish Church in Las Piñas, wondering if I could do my little naughty habit on what has been dubbed by musicians and pilgrims as a Philippine national treasure, the Las Piñas Bamboo Organ.

Should the instrument be corded away from guests, I could always ask my guide to press a key for me, I thought. Point is, I will have to see and hear it played, no matter what, and that’s what’s important.

Though, really, I said to myself, I would not mind touching it.

way to Germany for repair. When it finally arrived back home, it was greeted with grand festivities. These festivals continued to be held every year, marked by performances and concerts by musicians coming from around the world and has now been known as the International Bamboo Organ Festival.

The organ’s original keyboard is displayed at the museum. Luckily, it is yet to be encased in glass, though such is already being considered, said my guide. I might as well take the opportunity and have a feel of it, then, I told her. And so I did. But the narrow, aged bamboo keyboards would no longer yield to my careful hands. Since the old keyboard is laid on a wooden tablet and is of course no longer connected to any pipe or resonating structure, the keys did not sink when I pressed, and made no sound.

A time-defying thing Before getting near the organ, I had to pass through the Antillan House, the old convent adjacent to the church which houses the Bamboo Organ Museum. All facts that can be known about the organ are here, and they are facts that command reverence.

The bamboo organ is known to be truly, the only bamboo organ in the whole world, because most of its pipes are made of bamboo. From a total of 1,031 pipes, 902 are bamboo while the remaining few are metal. Its construction took eight years. It was crafted by a Spanish missionary, Fray Diego Cera dela Virgen del Carmen, who was the first ever to be assigned in Las Piñas and lived in the then-undeveloped town from 1795 to 1830.

On 2016, just five years from now, the instrument will be 200 years old. And it is still functioning.

The organ caught the people’s fancy as early as those days when it was constrcuted.

But the all-natural structure of the organ made it fragile to the elements and several calamities. It was first repaired in the 1880s, after stones and debris fell into the pipes when the church roof caved in following a typhoon and an earthquake. The landmark overhaul was made in the 1970s though, when the organ had to be brought all the

Only good boys, or girls, beyond this point The only sound that filled the air in the museum was that of the voices of the members of the equally world-famous Las Piñas Boys Choir, singing upstairs, in an old chapel room. They are conducted by the organ’s lone titular organist, Professor Armando Salarza, who allowed me to witness the boys practicing. The choir was established in 1969 to complement the music of the bamboo organ, but it has since earned its own renown by winning international choral competitions.

After the brief viewing, my guide led me back down to the Antillan House, then to an aged stone staircase, then to a shiny wooden loft that in turn led to the organ. I could still hear the boys singing “Exelsis! Exelsis!”, as I walked nearer towards the organ, high up on the church mezzanine.

There was a sign posted on the final,

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narrow stair path to the organ, and in my excitement to get nearer, I forgot to take note of it. I do remember it being in at least four languages, and said something in the tenor of “strictly the organist only beyond this point.”

But Mr. Salarza is still training the choir, and do I dare interrupt them to ask him to play me some sacred ditty?

I looked at my guide, who, out of her child-like generosity (and, for what it’s worth, her name is Baby), simply smiled at me, then let me in the organist’s deck.

It was from this point that I realized the value of the rare privilege I have just been granted. Alright, I thought, definitely no more let-me-strike-just-one-key-please now.

I was seeing the organ, silent, but up close, its ancient bamboo pipes towering inside their glasshouse, behind the equally ancient wooden façade that held the ebonies and ivories of the keyboard.

Breaking the silence this time were the questions I threw at my guide. Does it sound like any ordinary modern organ? Yes, she said, and just like any organ, you can choose which instrument you want it to sound like – just pick a knob to pull from the organ’s left or right side, and you can hear horns, trumpets, flutes, or an entire orchestral mix.

There is even a knob which, when pulled, makes the organ give off the sound of birds chirping, even without the pressing of any key.

It’s called the pajaritas, she said.

But I just could not help asking it, and so I did, with the same happy, triumphant smile that I smile every time I get to press a key on a corded piano, “Could you play me one key?”

I asked it just to poke fun, I knew she would dare not, and had she given in to me, I would even quickly stop her from doing so. Really, no kidding, I felt blessed just to be standing near the keyboard.

Proof ? God answered my little prayer and sent over one of Professor Salarza’s authorized students to play it. The professor is training a pool of organists who would play the instrument in the future. And it so happened that it was already the hour of Cariel’s training. The 13-year old girl, who started playing the piano while only in her first grade in school, only received the privilege of playing the bamboo organ when

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she reached the fourth grade, after the hardearned approval by Professor Salarza.

Like giddy little girls, we did not leave Cariel until after we have made our own requests. “Please pull the pajaritas!” asked my guide. “Please play something nice from mass!” I exclaimed. The student let the birds chirped, then played Santo, Santo, Santo. True enough, the Las Pinas Bamboo Organ chimed rich notes that echoed across the adobe church’s walls. My guide and I were singing along while we went down to the church aisle for a different view of the organ, and to let Cariel play with solemnity. Just a few seconds before, the professor arrived to oversee the practice session and I got to request a pop song.

Awe and trembling From the church aisle, one needs to look up at the bamboo organ to appreciate the scope of its magnificence. Its height nearly touches the dome of the church, which is allbamboo and held not by a single nail. Sunlight coming from the wooden choir loft gives the bamboo organ’s wood-carved facade a bronze sheen.

And the Ama Namin played on it gave me good shivers. Where else in this country, where else in the world, is a church which can summon a flock through a musical instrument, and one made from a humble harvest of grass? Grass that sings praises, humming pleas to God through its pipes’ cores. Here is a church where one looks up not at icons, but at a tool for making sacred art, made from grass!

And then it struck me, indeed, there is no other icon in the church which arrests the onlooker the way the bamboo organ does. I don’t remember seeing religious sculptures on pedestals next to the church’s adobe pillars. I don’t even remember seeing the staple angels (except the two that held the giant crown on the organ’s façade), or the Stations of the Cross. Were they there, and had I just been that crazed about the organ that I did not notice them?

Maybe not, after all, I do remember being pointed to the altar by my guide. It is the only St. Joseph and Jesus altar sculpture where the father does not have the child Jesus in his arms, she said. They are hand in hand, with the child Jesus looking up at St. Joseph, as if they are conversing. And take note, my guide added, our Jesus here is not a baby but a toddler. Inside the home of the Las Piñas Bamboo Organ, I was afforded an envisioning of the Jesus whom not even the Bible has a record of…

I wonder if the child Jesus would be tempted to strike a keyboard too, had he ever been in front of one. g

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20

T wenty M o ment One M a g n i f i c

Th e h e a d l i n e s . Th e d e a d l i n e s

Cheers!

Celebrate!

TWENTY STORIES THAT DEFINED OUR JOURNEY INTO HISTORY AND THE AMERICAN DREAM TWENTY EVENTS THAT SHAPED OUR COMMUNITY, OUR COUNTRY, OUR DESTINY TWENTY INSPIRING PEOPLE WHO TOOK THE JOURNEY WITH US TWENTY MOMENTS THAT INSPIRED OUR LOVE OF COUNTRY CHEERS TO TWENTY GLORIOUS YEARS AND BEYOND!

As the Asian Journal approaches its 20th anniversary, we would like to pause, look back, count our blessings and remember the moments and the people who have made this journey possible.

•

•

•

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It’s our way of thanking you for the trust and confidence you have shown us through the years, both in good and challenging times. Here’s looking forward to the next 20 years and beyond.

Please join us as we celebrate our new journey together.

Roger Lagmay Oriel Publisher

Our Turn To Tell Our We’ve Kept A Journal. We www.balikbayanmagazine.com

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20

ment o u s Y e a r s c ent J o u r n a l

s . Th e b y l i n e s . Th e Ti m e l i n e .

The commemorative Magazine

T@W E N T Y www.asianjournal.com

r Story. Our History. e’ve Kept A Page for You. www.balikbayanmagazine.com

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balikbayan February – March 2011

L eyte,

I S h a ll R etur n unguided tour

Any travel aficionado relishes a chance to immerse herself at a new place, even for a few days. The newness of a different environment, people, culture, arts and food is something to always aspire to absorb even in a short span of time. It is in the newness that we gain new experiences and newer insights. It is this very thing which I consider the very essence of traveling. By Rochelle C. Pangilinan, AJPress

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Enjoy a majestic view of luscious mountains from the Leyte Park Resort Hotel in Tacloban, Leyte.

Photos by Prosy Abarquez-Dela Cruz, J.D.

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The students at Visayan State University get to feast their eyes on a wonderful view of the beach while studying for their lessons at the same time.

T

hat is why I jumped at the opportunity when the trip to Leyte was first brought up by the Asian Journal Los Angeles columnist Prosy dela Cruz, J.D. through Balikbayan Magazine managing editor Louie Jon A. Sanchez.

I have never been to Leyte, and the things I know of the place I only learned from books and the Internet which are never really enough to know or enjoy a certain place really. I was excited the minute the topic was opened up.

I became more excited as the day of the trip become nearer and nearer. And on the 16th of November, we flew to Tacloban, Leyte via a 5am flight from Manila. I am typically not one to wake up as early as 3am to make an early flight so it really counts for something when I am awake as early as 230am. I knew there were

great things in store for our trip.

Waiting at the terminal provided a good opportunity to get to know one another, and Prosy is definitely one of the most fascinating people I have met (Now, if only I had my own show ala Barbara Walters and do a “Most Fascinating People” TV special). Time flew fast, and before we knew it, the announcement came that we should start boarding our plane.

I caught up on sleep time the entire flight and landed at Tacloban, Leyte at 6:45am. The second we stepped out, we knew weren’t in Manila anymore. The air seemed sweeter and while it was raining when we left Manila, here we were welcomed by clear blue skies. It was only around 6am but it was already so bright, we had to reach into our carry-on bags for our shades. When we were walking to get our luggages, a bit sleepy if I may add, I noticed a tall, slender man looking at our direction, giving a smile, then Prosy immediately said that it was Jose “Joey” Lianza, the Director of Cultural Affairs and Special Projects at Leyte Normal University (LNU), who warmly welcomed us with a necklace of shells. It was evident the two have formed a wonderful friendship when Prosy got a chance to stay at LNU a few years before. And it was definitely a refreshing reunion for the both of them.

From then, it was like Joey zapped us with

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energy, our sleepiness completely gone. It was easy to believe that Joey is responsible for a revival of the appreciation of the zarzuela in this city. His zest is infectious, and it’s no wonder how he’s already directed many zarzuelas which were staged not only at the university but in the town plaza as well.

After the introductions, we boarded the van he arranged for us to take us to the Leyte Park Resort Hotel, which we’ll be staying in overnight.

On our way to the hotel, Joey gave tidbits of the places we passed by, including the breathtaking sight of Cancabatok Bay, which is across the Balyuan Amphitheater along Magsaysay Boulevard. We also stopped by the Santo Niño Church which you could easily spot because of its tall tanned belfry. The Sto. Niño, which is said to be a hundred years old and made of ivory, lies in the middle part of a goldplated altar surrounded by marvelous paintings of angels.

Arriving at the hotel, I hurried to the reception desk to confirm the arrangements I made a week before and in only a matter of minutes, I was given the keys to our rooms.

It was check-in time, and we agreed to meet downstairs at the restaurant for a quick complimentary breakfast.

The breakfast gave us time to enjoy the sights at the hotel (and a few photo

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This magnificent arch covered in vines, which fronts a gazebo in a park at VSU, is a popular hangout among students and faculty alike.

opportunities), which overlooks a gorgeous view of the beautiful San Pedro Bay. Guests will definitely be won over immediately once they get to see this view. Coincidentally, while having breakfast, Joey saw a former colleague, Rupert Appari, who used to be an actor for Joey’s directorial works, who gamely shared with us fascinating stories from the not-so-distant past when he took the stage under the helm of Joey.

After a hearty breakfast, our work officially began, and we headed to LNU at Paterno St. where the Asian Journal received a rousing welcome. “Rousing” may even be an understatement—it was a welcome complete with a rondalla playing Filipino classics.

Students and faculty members also awed us with their performance of excerpts of zarzuelas written by Illuminado Lucente with writer Michael Carlos Villa, who also teaches at the university, providing introductions, and wellknown Filipino dances like the curacha and the tinikling. We were also treated to an excerpt of a pastores de belen, which immediately got us in a Christmas mood. With their enthusiasm for culture and the arts in full display, it is no wonder why LNU is one of the thriving universities in the country.

Afterwards, we were invited by LNU President Evelyn C. Cruzada for lunch of sumptuous food where we sat by the

distinguished members of the LNU faculty and seven-time Palanca Award winner and Literature professor at University of the PhilippinesTacloban Merlie M. Alunan. The rich discussion over cream of corn soup, eggplant salad, fern (pako) salad, banana blossoms dipped in coconut milk, scallops with garlic and others was invigorating. We also had the chance to sample native delicacies like binagol (a root crop like gabi which is cooked with coconut milk and sugar and the mixture is placed inside a coconut shell called “bagol”), moron (chocolate-flavored suman), sagmani (made from cassva, gabi and sweet potato) and the carigara pastillas (made from pure carabao’s milk).

It could’ve gone longer but we had a whole afternoon ahead of us and had to be on our way to Basey, Samar to explore and see for ourselves how the traditional art of mat weaving continues to flourish in the town. On the way to Basey, we passed by the San Juanico Bridge, and I must say all the pictures I have seen of this do not give this Philippine wonder justice.

It was a glorious sight to behold, especially when you keep in mind the hard work that was put into for the magnificent creation. After a while, I stole a nap as a bout of cold and cough I had before leaving Manila was beginning to catch up on me here on this trip. The almost two-hour trip made for a good time for Joey and Prosy to catch up.

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Reaching Basey, Joey led us into a house where at least three workers were weaving a mat. It looks easy enough except it isn’t.

Not only does a mat weaver has to be a hard worker, she also has to be very focused, meticulous, detail-oriented and very creative.

As soon as a mat is completed though it is in itself a reward for them, the same way as artists view their canvas or as poets their poems.

On the way back to Tacloban, we got a chance to catch another view of the glorious San Juanico Bridge. Sunset was nearing, and we had a scheduled dinner out in a few hours.

In the evening, we decided to dine at one of Tacloban City’s most popular restaurants, Ocho Seafood Grill at Sen. Enage Street, where we were joined by Dominador O. Aguirre, Jr., who is currently Vice President for Administration and an Associate Professor at Eastern Visayas State University, Joey, Michael and Mark Macawile, who’s an editor and currently a student at AMA University in Palo.

At the restaurant, we feasted on kangkong with coconut milk and chicken in pandan leaves, two of the restaurant’s bestsellers. We also enjoyed pancit with delicious strips of scrambled egg and grilled fish which is called “tonto,” calamari, crispy scallops, Lapu-Lapu ginger soup, steamed Lapu-Lapu and fried garlic porkers. The restaurant is owned and

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The author with Joey Lianza, Director of Sinirangan Culture and Arts Development Center at LNU

managed by Liezl Yao and is looking forward to celebrating its eighth year anniversary soon. For a nightcap, we met up with Merlie for soothing cups of hot tea over a zestful discussion on writing. Then we headed back to the hotel for a comfortable night’s sleep.

The following morning, we had breakfast with former Leyte governor Matin Petilla at her exquisite home. Over a hearty breakfast, we found out that Matin herself is a lover of the culture and the arts, and she proudly shared a story when the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra performed a concert at the RTR Festival Park, an open air venue, in Tacloban City back in 2003 during a town festival.

Together with generous sponsors and fellow music lovers, Matin ensured that the concert was open to the public for free. The night of the concert was magical, when people from all walks of life came together to appreciate music’s magic.

After breakfast, we then headed to the Visayas State University (VSU) in Visca, Baybay as we have scheduled interviews there. VSU is a premiere agricultural university and research center and is the only academic institution listed as a tourist destination in the Visayas region. There we were warmly welcomed by Ophelia Velarde. Our first stop at VSU was at the Philippine Root Crop Research and Training Center where we sampled chippy kamote fries, taro wine, chippy cassava chips, cassava espasol

and sweet potato pickles. Afterwards we discussed with Ophelia the arrangements for the rooms we would be staying in for the night. As we were led to our rooms, I caught a glance of a gorgeous view of the beach and realized that their guest rooms have a beachfront view. Prosy noticed my excitement, which I was trying very hard to contain... but oh my God, the verandas to the guest rooms offer a lovely beachfront view. Very inspiring I would say.

We were invited by VSU President Jose L. Bacusmo for lunch where we were served fried chicken in pandan leaves with sesame seeds, sinigang na hipon, binagoongan and pakbet.

Bacusmo has a tremendous passion for his work, as he believes “There is nothing you can’t do better.”

After lunch, we headed to the National Abaca Research Center headed by Ruben M. Gapasin, Ph. D, Director and Professor of Plant Pathology, and Flora Mia Y. Duatin, who’s in charge of the tissue culture laboratory.

There, creative talent seemed to abound as we visited a room full of handicrafts made out of abaca—from lamps to parols to knapsacks and even teddy bears. Yes, these talented and creative minds managed to come up with stuffed toys made out of abaca! We had a delightful talk with the staff as they talked us through abaca culture. Afterwards, we made a quick stop at the National Coconut Research Center where we were treated to a delicious

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freshly baked batch of macaroons.

We made use of the short free time we had to catch a view of the sunset from the beach. I am sure I am not a minority in this when I say that nothing comes close to giving you a feeling of serenity and pure blessedness than a perfect sunset. It also indicated that our stay in Leyte is close to being over. But the best is just yet to come.

Jose invited us for dinner of kinilaw sald, fried tofu with eggplant, tomato and cucumber, adobo with pineapple and black beans, and pusit sinugba. This time, Jose shared with us the challenges and rewards of being a university president and much more. Then we called it a night.

In the morning, we had to make one last stop at the university’s Department of Food Science and Technology headed by Roberta Lauzon.

Here we got a taste of cassava chicharon, vacuum fried sweet potato and jackfruit, yoghurt sweet potato and ube, and moringga pineapple wine.

Afterwards we headed for our last meal of the day... well, in Leyte that is... and we went with Ayo Café. With potato toppers, orange ribs and lemon lime juice, it was a perfect choice and a perfect way to end a very fruitful albeit an unfortunate short stay in a wonderful city. The allure of Leyte is definitely one that should be experienced over and over again. So Leyte, I shall return. g

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THE RETURN The Leyte National University Brings Back the Zarzuela, a Cultural Renaissance has Landed

a balikbayan’s journal Amy Stillman was describing the kumu of hula, Mark Ho’omalu, who uses fear, respect and heavy discipline as principles of performance. Mark believes that “from the get-go, the whole thing is how to build up endurance. text & Photos By Prosy Abarquez-Dela cruz, J.D.

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“When it works, hula fosters tolerance. And kumu is visionary. That sets them apart from the rank and file.

Kumu has the gift for imagining something into being, and the ability to bring it to pass. That inspires people around them, and not only the students—families and friends come to support the person gifted enough to bring this culture to life.“— Amy Stillman

SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE? The Leyte Normal University performs the kuratsa

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PLaY TIME Excerpts from the zarzuela “Up Limit Pati an Gugma”written by Illuminado Lucente were performed to welcome the Asian Journal at LNU. (This page) Ariel Salrda and Lorena Ripalda played a bickering couple.

Y

ou’ve got to be high impact. It’s non-stop.

You gotta push. I want them to be ready. I feel really bad. It’s not very... aloha-y.”

His San Francisco-based group has re-imagined Hawaiian hulu, and it is widely acclaimed as contributing to the “a new genre of hula here in San Francisco that is a part of the evolving story of Hawaii,” according to Constance Hale, who has written about Hawaiian culture in major newspapers such as The San Francisco Chronicle and even The Smithsonian.

When I read about Mark, described as kumu of hula, it recalled to mind Joey Lianza, the artistic director of Sinirangan Culture and Arts Development Center, a center for culture and arts development at Leyte Normal University (LNU). Joey was once described by Doreen G. Fernandez as “It stirred the blood; it moved the spirit. Where had it all come from?... Lianza’s

directorial Instinct, Olobia’s musical genius, the singers/dancers/changters’ versatility?” That was in 1989. I wonder what Doreen Fernandez would now write if she had a chance to watch Joey‘s transformative skills of artistic and cultural directions, with unconditional support from LNU’s President Evelyn Cruzada, whose leadership has been consistent in cultural patronage, and the institutional support of the former Governor Remedios Petilla. (Remedios Matin Petilla is not only former Leyte Governor.

She was also a former 1st District Representative and PAGCOR Vice President. She is currently the Mayor of the Municipality of Palo, a town which is an hour away from Tacloban City. She began supporting the work of Joey Lianza in many ways since his Harambee days. She was a Representative then. However, recognition of Lianza’s talent and support from her intensified when she was already PAGCOR Vice President and now, Palo Mayor. Another consistent patron of Lianza’s works is her son, Leyte Governor Carlos Jericho Petilla.)

Who would now even think that Manila’s performance arts groups, their theater groups matched or even exceeded in professionalism by the common tao, the working folks, the students and teachers, and the kapamilya of Tacloban reinventing the zarzuela to become Leyte’s own zarzuela, its people’s story, no longer colonized by the Spaniards, but their very own stories of faith in the Santo Niño whose presence in the province stopped the plague caused by cholera?

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Of course, for non-faith believers, but believers of science, a logical explanation would be that cholera was stopped with the use of potable drinking water or public health interventions.

But imagine this, back in 2007 when I was in Tacloban, the cultural icons were those of Manila actors and singers who were belting songs from the Western shores. The children and youth of Leyte were struggling to find their centers, and even an oratorical contest went wanting for participants, even as Joey was investing nights and weekends coaching these high school students. Their focus and attention to the task at hand would not reveal their full human potential, as their efforts were half-hearted.

It took a re-imagining of the zarzuela to be a robust part of Leyte’s culture. When The Filipino Heritage Festival cited LNU as “a steadfast partner in the celebration of the Heritage Festival for the preservation of tangible and intangible heritage.” LNU staged a zarzuela on June 30, 2008 during the Kasadyaan Festival of Festivals. The performance event attracted 1,000 performers, all from different sectors of Leyte, and you wonder—how did Joey Lianza direct it? Did he instill fear, discipline and respect, as Mark, the hula kumu, did?

Joey Lianza eloquently believes and shares about his cultural work at the margins at a recent Samar State University’s Fifth Charter Day celebration: “As a cultural worker, I turn to the communities from which we all came. The stories, songs, and plays that have upheld our

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grandmothers and grandfathers are still there to uphold us. Seedbeds of the native imagination, oral, written, and performance traditions deserve to be gathered, re-performed, invested with new meanings. While we cannot stop globalization and resist all of its influences, we surely can insist, assert our definitions of the world. The global, then, need not mean oppression all the time. It could also mean opportunity for localization or that much used word, indigenization.”

Doreen Fernandez’s published essay “In Tacloban Rainbow Means Total Theater” described how she toured in 1989 to find a hundred theater groups during the Martial Law period. She wondered if the perpetually poor state of the Philippines can ever produce professional theater groups or simply showcase their vitality. She wrote about a Tacloban groupcalled “An Balangaw,” translated as The Rainbow Performing Arts Group and described how director Joey Lianza, whom everyone chipped in for his ship fare, joined Leoncio Olobia, a resident composer, Efren Ogues, a guitarist, and Manila-based Alvin Cabacang and dancer Jitka Tupa.

The group had gone to Mt. Banahaw and, moved by what they saw and witnessed, created three days of performances of music, poetry, song and dance describing their experience of “ascent into mysticism and descent into joy.” Just imagine this spontaneous creativity, fueled simply by a trip witnessing the beauty of the mountains of Mt. Banahaw, and further imagine if we had

a national spirit and a political will to support hundreds of theater groups, the Philippines could indeed be the “Cultural Broadway of Asia,” as Balikbayan Magazine President and CoPublisher Cora Oriel described her vision for the Philippines.

Just like how a small town in Scotland every year in August gets transformed. “Edinburgh Festival 2011 will run from August 12 to September 4, 2011 and will bring exotic and diverse cultures from Asia to Edinburgh— traveling across half the globe from the Far East to the Far West. The finest artists from China, India, Japan, Korea, Taiwan and Vietnam join others from around the world for a three-week exploration of our shared passions.” Festival 2011 offers the chance to immerse yourself in the beauty, traditions and distinctive philosophies of these cultures, both ancient and modern.

The Philippines is but two-four hours from all these Asian countries and would it not be an international delight to see Joey Lianza in competition using his national prowess of artistic directive skills with all these internationally acclaimed play directors and have the best of the best of Filipino-American and Filipino theater actors compete in their agility and artistic innovations?

The power of the arts to stir the soul cannot be underestimated. At LNU, the performing arts students have found a new academic focus and discipline. Motivated by an ascending tuition scholarship which starts at 25 percent, increasing

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to 50 percent in their sophomore year, then 75 percent in junior year, to a full 100 percent in their senior year, the students are practicing and performing, as if professionals. The net rewards are minimal drop-outs and a vigorous commitment to focus on both their academic and professional artistic lives. You will not be surprised to hear Joey Lianza remind the LNU students, “When you go into a space, there’s culture in that space—positively use and create the performance using that space.” Or, when you have incurred his ire, “You should be looking for me. I create life for you.” Now, if one is a shallow, thin-skinned student, that remark would repel you. But, when a student is reflective and considers the real meaning of his words, he will take it to mean “Know who you are, so you can determine your locations and positions at any given time.” These aphorisms from Joey Lianza are a revelation.

We casually bumped into a former theater performer, a colleague of Joey during their street theater days, Rupert Apari, at the hotel we were staying at while in Tacloban. We just checked in at the time, weary from a 3am flight from Manila to Tacloban. We got jolted to be awake, to register him in our consciousness, particularly when he said that Joey was one of his mentors.

“Binayo ako ni Joey. I was like a mortar and pestle. We practiced from 7pm to 2am, learned how to make our bodies flexible, and to do kung fu, yoga, tai-chi-chuan. We were looking for form when we started, but by the time we ended,

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Dr. Evelyn C. Cruzada, President of the Leyte Normal University, with Joey Lianza, Director of Sinirangan Culture and Arts Development Center at LNU

we learned what blocking, positioning on stage, leveling, so that when we were viewed, we visually assume the parts of a well-composed painting.”

“Joey taught us how to appropriate what is in our surroundings—how to bridge the gap from the perfumed sector’s taste to those without pretensions, the ordinary tricycle drivers, and have both sectors fully appreciate our work? Madagundong ang palayok!” We asked him what lessons he learned from the intense and passionate experiences of being part of a theater group. He smiled, and he articulated them with clarity: “To be unabashed, no more shyness, to have no more judgement about other people. Now, when I look at food, it is not just about ingredients, I learn to appreciate the layering of cultures that produced the laot-laot, there is more depth and appreciation that I have for the culture. I learned that we are all part of an interplay of colors, like a banig.”

When Rupert clearly laid out where his clear sense of self and identity comes from to now become a part of the American Friends Service Scholarship network, his lessons reminded me of Grace Lee Boggs, who wrote in her book, Living for Change, “Revolutionary leadership must have the audacity to break free of old ideas or strategies and create a new vision based on concrete actions by the masses that suggest a

forward leap in their self-determination.”

It does not matter what personal origins we come from, our imaginations can be unleashed to direct our lives.

When I met Joey Lianza, there was sadness in his eyes that I perceived. Later, in a leadership seminar that I facilitated, he broke down in tears and shared he was orphaned as an infant, and he was raised by his grandparents, who are esteemed public servants in Carigara, Leyte. I was struck by his authenticity and vulnerability, and such an open genuine sharing of his heartfelt history. Two men stood up from an audience of 200 academic personnel and gave him a hug and statements of affirmations. He was obviously revered with respect at the university.

I challenged his belief: “What if God so loved you that in 24 hours, he made sure that you were in the loving care of your mother? What if God so planned your life that He intended for you to be raised by your grandparents, so that you will know how to be a enviable public servant, equally revered as they are?” Joey immediately stopped crying and realized that he was chosen and with a special purpose for his life. That was in 2007.

Recently, Joey was given an award as “Most Outstanding Alumni” of Carigara Elementary School, along with the Bishop of Biliran, Msgr.

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Filomeno Bactol, Former Carigara Mayor Atty.

Renagio Laucon, Commission on Audit Region VII Director Delfin Aguilar and Outstanding Teacher Lumina Real. From 2008, Filipino Heritage Festival, Joey directed another provincial play from the works of Illuminado Lucente in 2009 and now is immersed in his work for another Christmas festival play for Palo, Leyte.

Through the zarzuelas, Joey has re-imagined the culture of Leyte to reflect their indigenous roots, “To be more true to life,” reflecting the common themes of life, jealousy, domestic quarrels of husbands and wives, dilemmas of staying in the provinces or traveling overseas, what we want out of our lives. It serves as “a communal bonding, a reaffirmation of our values, and a re-strengthening of our memory as a people.” Just like Mark, a cultural kumu, Joey has evolved to be the cultural kumu of Leyte, a visionary that has coached artistic spirits within, but also nurtured a deep love of heritage, culture and nation! Just as Pena said, “The soul of the zarzuela is the nation’s soul; it is its song, its sorrow, its jubilation, its expansion...

It lives in the public square, not in the athenaeum, and it exhibits as native qualities clarity, simplicity, taste, proportion.... Let the nation sing, and may you, Spanish musicians and poets, make it sing!

(Pena, 1967),” Joey has nurtured the soul of Leyte to come forth! g

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The Treasures of Visayas State University

By Prosy Abarquez-Dela cruz, J.D.

I once read a quote that a person is rich when It is truly a testament to the many blessings that his life reflects the expanse and potentials of this university has. Much has changed during my his imagination. While Visayas State University visit—a seawalk has expanded, which were once (VSU) President Dr. Joe Bacusmo was born in a seaside trash of diapers, plastic bags, and more garbage. Now, it is a pristine, well-kept campus humble means—in fact he shared that if not for VSU giving him a scholarship, “I could have that has seen an infusion of grants and fundings been a potpot tricycle driver”—his imagination for their research projects. has been unleashed, as well as his effective But to me, as an outsider to this campus, I still leadership practices in leading VSU. Appointed hear the words of Dado Banatao at the Philippine Development USA’s forum back in October 2010 to the position in 2007, my recent visit at VSU in November 2010 revealed many infrastructural in San Jose. Banatao shared that former President changes in three years’ time. At the end Gloria Macapagal Arroyo agreed to fund an of my stay, they were pursuing institutional initiative called Engineering Research Development accreditation, strictly scrutinized by a team of and Technology ( ERBT) which was set to focus scholars and academicians. in giving scholarships to engineering students and Through the VSU scholarship granted to professors at UP, Ateneo, La Salle, Mapua Institute him, he finished not only his college degree but of Technology, UP Los Banos, Central Luzon pursued his PhD and rose in the ranks to be State University, San Carlos, Mindanao-Iligan State.

ERBT received a three-year P3.5B funding. But VSU’s president, the proactive prime mover in the university, and recently a recipient of that was after finding out that UP Engineering Philippine Council for Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resources Research and Development’s (PCARRD) Tanglaw Award in research and development.

VSU has these responsibilities “VSU’s R and D responsibilities follow a multitiered system. Its national ‘R’ and ‘D’ responsibilities are in rootcrops, abaca, and coconut. Its regional responsibilities include rice, corn, sorghum and other cereals, vegetables, livestock, forage and pasture, soil and water resources, applied community sociology, and socio- The author with Leyte Normal University’s Department of Food Science and Techonology faculty and students economics. As a cooperating research agency, the University conducts research studies on ornamentals, medicinal plants, legumes, School had received no funding yet in 2007 until carabeef, poultry and livestock, agro-forestry he challenged the Philippine Government with his and tree plantation, bamboo, rattan, and other own challenge grant of $500,000. non-timber forest products, marine fisheries and I asked him if ERBT included VSU. He said aquaculture, and non-conventional energy. no. I challenged him to take a look at this university “With the implementation of the government’s which 261 faculty members, with 95 PhDs, and Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Act 115 Masters and told him about the innovations (AFMA), VSU has been mandated to continue done by this university, focusing on research and building up its research capability and further development. I told him all it needs are funds expand R and D pursuits to include environmental to take these research products to incubate them ecosystems, biotechnology, agro-industry, and to become industry’s new food products and information technologies. The commodity-based innovations. programs follow the thrust of the Science and True enough, with Balikbayan Magazine associate Technology Agenda for National Development editor, Rochelle Pangilinan, we walked through (STAND) 2000 towards national sufficiency and their research centers and found many of their food security, as well as global market acceptability projects on track in rootcrops, abaca, coconut, rice, of agricultural products.” corn, vegetables, including soil and water resources, He felt proud describing the university as and many more. They have a gene bank consisting sandwiched between the shore of the Camotes Sea of 513 cultivated species, including propagation to the top of Mount Pangasugan. How else can methods for high-yielding abaca varieties: inosa and one explain the heart-shaped wave formation in its laylay. seashore which I witnessed myself one morning?

Imagine if some of their technologies are given

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infusion of funds from venture capitalists, enabling the agricultural scientists and agri-engineers to implement them on the ground, giving the farmers a boost in their output. Just a bit more exponential growth and these farmers can build their homes, send their children to college to incubate more scientific discoveries within their regions.

PhilDev USA reported that in Vietnam, there are 50 scientist graduates a year, Singapore 200 scientist graduates a year and Philippines only has one a year. Yet, by taking a look at VSU, we find more PhDs and Master’s are nurtured and mentored to develop technologies to assist the farmers and fishermen. Research is in the DNA of this university, and when funding is received from government, from private donors and from venture capitalists, they can assist the region’s farmers, fishermen to develop their products on a commercial scale and move the country to where poverty is a museum artifact.

Dr. Joe Bacusmo revealed some of his plans. Currently, he is building the first technology/business incubator to pilot business enterprises development.

He has invited business leaders to mentor new graduates on how to become new entrepreneurs and will be the birthplace for new degree programs in the Visayas region.

It will become the science/technology hub of students in the region, an economic tourism destination, a research innovation incubator. It will be a facility to nurture emerging entrepreneurs and will help them transform their research products into marketplace commodities with technical assistance and connectivity to offices. Gov. Ikot Petilla has already signed in as one of the mentors, including the Chamber of Commerce folks in Tacloban. These new entrepreneurs will be taught how to deal with BIR, local goverments and will have usage of facilities for three-five years to a level of self-sufficiency. The university is embarking on a new goal of training more ENTERPRENEURS rather than employees.

They will likewise be taught the values and traits of entrepreneurs: industry, exposure to resources, teamwork, risk-taking, creativity and taking on life’s challenges. Already, VSU’s new goals are attracting funders from Germany, Japan, Guam and Taiwan. Dr. Joe Bacusmo summed it all up in Kaizen principle: “There is nothing in the world that can’t be improved. If there is a problem, we will find the solution here at VSU. “That kind of entrepreneurial, ‘can do’ attitude has transformed VSU into a vibrant, alive, research-active university, worthy of visits and infusion of funds from venture capitalists! Just maybe the cloning of more Dado Banataos from this university! g

balikbayan February – March 2011

GREG makeabenta on How to

And Other Confessions of An Advertising Man icons

The last time I interviewed and wrote about Greg Macabenta was in 2008, when he was just elected as the National Chair of the National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA), the biggest non-partisan, non-profit organization serving as the voice of Filipinos and Fil-Ams throughout the United States. Within the answers he gave to my questions, a quirky—but very honest—line came out.

By Malou Liwanag-Bledsoe, AJPRESS

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balikbayan February – March 2011

“M

y whole life and career have been built on virtual ‘spit, prayer and bubble gum,’ he wrote in the e-mail and explained, “I have had to make something out of very little.”

And it was the truth as his life’s successes did not come easy. Nothing did, as he once said in my first interview with him in 2008. “I was engaged, involved and battling on the frontlines of my chosen trade from an early age.”

Born and raised in Tacloban, Macabenta’s mother, Marcelina Babiano, is from San Miguel, Leyte. His father, Eduardo A. Makabenta, Sr.; is one of Leyte’s literary greats.

“Tatay was one of the founders of the Sanhiran San Binisaya in the early 1900s,” said Macabenta and added, “He wrote poetry in Spanish and Binisaya (Waray-Waray) and translated most of the works of Jose Rizal into the Leyte-Samar language, including Noli Me Tangere, El Filibusterismo and Mi Ultimo Adios.

Eduardo Makabenta, Sr. also wrote a BinisayaEnglish/English-Binisaya dictionary.”

Macabenta shared his memories of growing up in Leyte. “In Tacloban, we lived near the sea.

Every chance we had, we would head for the beach to swim and fish. I also had wonderful childhood friends. Despite the distance, we continued to communicate through the years.”

His creative side however, was already in him.

Macabenta described that as a young boy he would go under their house doing creative work— sculpting, drawing and sketching, writing, making cutouts for shadow for shadow plays or cutting shapes out of plywood. In those instances, he says, his parents would have no worries.

Now, if he wasn’t doing any of those, Macabenta said he would likely be out in the streets getting into a fight or be in trouble in school. “Understandably, I never made the honor roll throughout my elementary and high school years,” he said. “But I made money out of my classmates by writing their themes and drawing their artwork. I usually forgot to do mine.”

Confessing to not having impressive academic credentials, Macabenta attributes what he knows today as something he learned from life.

He was just 13 years old when his family relocated to Manila, and from there, he built a career in the media. At 16, Macabenta was already an associate editor of a national movie magazine. By the time he turned 17, he was already an established national feature writer, screenplay writer and assistant director.

Before migrating to the United States with his whole family, Macabenta was the President and CEO of Advertising and Marketing Associates (AMA), which was then one of the Philippines’ top advertising agencies. His keen business sense and creative mind along with his sharp consumer insight

built ad campaigns that made Milo, Nescafe and Bear Brand the giant brands that they are today.

In 2006, Macabenta was one of the recipients of the Presidential Awards for Filipino Individuals and Organizations Overseas. He is one of the awardees in the Pamana ng Pilipino category which is conferred on Filipinos, who, in exemplifying the talent and industry of the Filipino, have brought the country honor and recognition through excellence and distinction in the pursuit of their work or profession.

Today, Macabenta’s professional background is a very long (and complicated, as he describes it on his Facebook profile) list. Journalist, newspaper columnist, publisher and editor of Filipinas Magazine and President and Creative Director of Minory Media Services, Inc., the only Fil-Am advertising agency that produces ads for US companies that want to reach the four million

The Makabenta family (L-R) Vicente (who became a doctor, now deceased), Evangeline (now Dr. Evangeline Garcia, MD and retired Lt. Col. in the US Air Force), Benjamin (deceased) and Gregorio (I was 9 years old). The child in front is Arturo, the youngest (deceased), seated are Marcelina Babiano and Eduardo A. Makabenta, Sr.

strong Fil-Am community.

But the list doesn’t stop there. Macabenta is also a Board Member of Seafood City, a large Fil-Am owned grocery chain, and is active in a host of other community works like Gawad Kalinga, the Ayala Foundation, the Philippine American Press Club, among others and have continued to be a significant part of NaFFAA even after ending his term as National Chair.

He claims to have slowed down considerably, although it seems that “slowing down” in Macabenta’s vocabulary does not really exist. At the moment, he still has the same drive to work his creative juices. “I’m busy putting the finishing touches on my book on advertising,” he said.

His book, “How to Make A Benta – Anecdotes, Articles and Lectures from the Advertising Wars, is a “virtual history of Philippine advertising over the past half century,’ Macabenta explained. It also features classic advertising case histories, most of which he personally created like Milo “Olympic

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Energy,” Nescafe “Great Cities of the World,” Nido “World’s Number One Child,” Milkmaid “Grow Tall Little Man” and Ginebra San Miguel “Inumin ng tunay na lalaki,” among others.

Macabenta remembers his father as a disciplinarian. “We always clashed, because I was the most rebellious among the children,” he said, “He was always hunched over his typewriter and his notepad, writing.”

But among his siblings Macabenta was the only one who made a living by the pen. “We eventually became very close when I also began to write,” he said and continued, “Tatay had 13 children; seven by his first wife and six by my mother (he was a widower when he met my mother). Among the children, I was the only one who took up writing as a career.”

Macabenta also shared an incident in his Tatay’s later years on almost giving up on writing. “…Tatay became extremely disheartened over the fact that a prospective publisher of his English-Binisaya/ Binisaya-English dictionary backed out of his commitment. Tatay stopped writing altogether and he began to atrophy.” Urging him to write again, Macabenta bought his Tatay a typewriter.

“When he did so, his health improved. “He died at a ripe old age of 89, still prolific and with his sense of humor intact.”

Today, educators and writers recognize Eduardo Makabenta Sr.’s works with high esteem.

Last year, the literary community in Leyte held a poetry competition in Binisaya – the Pasidungog Eduardo Makabenta Sr. para han Siday (Tribute to Eduardo Makabenta Sr. for Poetry) – in his honor.

One his Tatay’s poems, An Pulong Nga Kuan (The Word Kuan), often cited in literary classes at the University of the Philippines; has also been translated by Macabenta in English.

There is no doubt that Macabenta got his gift of writing from his Tatay and he agrees.

Yet not matter how successful he has been in his career, Macabenta believes his father’s accomplishments are far more worthy than his.

“I once said in a magazine interview (when he was already the President of AMA) that I probably earned more in one year than my father did in his lifetime,” he said and continued, “But I didn’t think anyone would name a street after me for the ads and the movies I wrote.” He was of course, referring to Eduardo A. Makabenta, Sr. Street at the Cultural Center of Philippines Complex (where the Coconut Palace is located) in Manila, and in Carigara.

Still, this does not necessarily mean that Macabenta’s achievements are not noteworthy because they are. He just tucks them into his belt humbly and continues to go on his merry way.

There may not be a Gregorio B. Macabenta Street in any part of the globe, and that is just fine with him. Macabenta explained that he just wants to be remembered simply as a good father to his children, a good husband to his wife, Gigi; and a good son to his parents.

“I want to be remembered for being good at what I do,” he said. g

balikbayan February – March 2011

Experience Filipino Traditions at the

Mabuhay Manor E

ver heard of a Balikbayan Hotel? In case you haven’t, then The Mabuhay Manor should give you an idea. As the first balikbayan hotel in the country, The Mabuhay Manor brings back all the great Filipino traditions for the balikbayan to enjoy.

7 to 10 p.m. It’s a big hit among our balikbayan and foreign guests,” he says.

Another unique Mabuhay Manor feature: the big rooms. Every room is designed to be spacious so as to accommodate the balikbayan boxes that guests carry with them.

“We found out that they bring an average of 8 to 15 balikbayan boxes, so the rooms have ample space for these. We also noticed that balikbayan usually arrives by himself or with his travel companions on the first day. On the next day, the number of occupants have increased due to the arrival of their relatives, “he laughs.” “We

Since they have been away from the country for so long, they would definitely want to relieve those practices and culinary delights that they have missed. The Mabuhay Manor is so designed as to be as balikbayan-friendly as it can, from its cuisine to its rooms.

No new guest can get past the door without a welcome drink in the form of sago’t gulaman. As soon as he enters the festive Mabuhay Manor, everything Filipino is displayed and ready to be enjoyed. There are sungka and dama boards at the lobby, games seldom played nowadays. From here on, the balikbayan guest can choose from Mabuhay Manor’s abundant list of things to do.

“Usually, a balikbayan can afford to stay in a five-star hotel but the thing is, they are all the same. At The Mabuhay Manor, we celebrate the Filipino spirit. We offer stuff you won’t find in any other hotel,” says Dennis Sebastian, the hotel’s property manager.

Sebastian is referring to among others, the hotel’s unique menu that includes balut and iced candy. Yes, balut, that love-it-or-hate-it delicacy made of fertilized duck egg. He explains, “We have a resident balut vendor—actually a staff dressed up as one—who goes around the hallways shouting ‘Balut!’ every 30 minutes, from

are always ready for these sudden increases in numbers.”

True enough, guests can choose from The Mabuhay Manor’s well-appointed rooms. These are the Balikbayan, Executive, Family, and Team suites, as well as Deluxe, Premium and Superior rooms.

The Mabuhay Manor has three restaurants that offer Pinoy cuisine. Lola’s, found at the second floor, showcases traditional Filipino breakfast fare as dried fish and kakanin. Sutukil is The Mabuhay Manor’s favorite and brings to the merry mix of sugba (grilled), tula (simmered in broth), and kilaw (drenched in vinegar). Guests can choose their seafood and have it cooked

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the way they want it. Or they can dine off to Sala at the lobby where light Pinoy snacks and lunches such as bibingka, beef steak, binakol, pancit guisado, and the hotel’s signature banana chocolate chip cake.

“Our foreign guests love our breakfast spread because it comes with our specialty rice cakes and a puto vendor. At night, we have the harana by the poolside. Balikbayans love to sing along to kundiman songs,” Sebastian says.

The Mabuhay Manor continues the Pinoy way with even more traditional favorites. How about playing piko (hopscotch)? The hotel has areas for this game, with the staff willing to moderate the round.

Guests will soon be able to check out the Manor’s shelves for their fill of classic movies. They can borrow these discs and watch them in the comfort of their own rooms.

Since it’s all about coming back together at The Mabuhay Manor, the hotel is offering a reunion package for homecoming parties.

Sebastian adds, “We will be the one to organize your class reunion for you. We will do your invites, we will ask for the database and do the calls & even set up the videoke.

We are going to take the pictures and put them together in an album. Once they leave, we’ll hand them the album as well. Just tell us how you want it and we will customize your budget.”

“We are on the right track.” He declares.

“We take the concept of value for money very seriously. The Mabuhay Manor has lot more in store in the coming year, and we are confident that balikbayans, foreign travelers and locals will be proud of what they will experience here. *** The Mabuhay Manor is located at 2933 F.B Harrisson cor. Ortigas Street, Pasay City. For more information call (02) 702-2700 or (02) 519-7893 to 98 or log on to www.mabuhaymanor.com.ph. g

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balikbayan February – March 2011

business and treasure

School of Thought

Loida Nicolas Lewis’ principles of entrepreneurship: shared values and profits with honor I first met Loida Nicolas Lewis at the UCLA-sponsored book launch of her husband, Reginald Lewis: Why Should White Guys Have all The Fun: How Reginald Lewis Built a Billion Dollar Empire. She greeted us with warm hugs. It was an initial encounter, yet Loida was lavish with giving attention to the guests. She was very receptive and even graciously posed for pictures. She made us feel like we’re part of her circle.

by Prosy Abarquez-Delacruz, J.D.

From left to right: Loida’s daughter Christina Lewis with fiancé Daniel Noah Halpern in their engagement photo—the couple is set to marry on Feb. 19 at San Agustin Church in Intramuros, Manila; Loida with mother-in-law Carolyn Fugett; With daughter Leslie Lewis Sword; With former US President Bill Clinton and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton; and with US President Barack Obama.

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balikbayan February – March 2011

H

er story resonated so much that folks had tears in their eyes and all the book copies were sold out. That was rare in the early ‘90s, given that FilipinoAmericans were lukewarm in their interests in books, compared to the present. Now, a lot of authors enthusiastically participate in community readings.

I read the book from cover to cover, for three nights. I wrote Loida, telling her that the story touched me so much and shared my feelings of empathy and sympathy. She replied with a handwritten note, thanking me for reading the book.

renamed a building after him: Reginald Lewis International Law Center. Today, law fellowships are given to law graduates of color for a period of two years, provided they become professors of law. Internships, in the areas of human rights and environmental law continue to be awarded in his name to undergraduates.

Widowed, Loida Nicolas Lewis became Reginald’s successor as CEO. She would begin business meetings with a prayer and would hug her employees when the results are good. She also conversed with employees in the production lines when visiting the factory.

Faced with the need for cost-cutting measures, Loida’s first choice was to give up the company jet, a trim down of the top-heavy corporate headquarters’ employees. She sold nonperforming assets. When a potato processing plant was sold, Loida delayed the closing of escrow, in favor of negotiating for a $1M pool to be shared by the workers, proportionate to their years of service. She negotiated for the buyer of

Shared values and profits with honor What touched me was that Reginald Lewis came from a family of humble means; yet his bold ambition, unbelievable self-assurance, and unflagging self-confidence in negotiations got him a scholarship to finish law school at Harvard in 1968.

He then created TLC Group.

Their first acquisition was McCalls, for which he created corporate value by reorganizing the management team. He sold it after sales improved Loida with Philippine President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III and recouped a $99 profit for every $1 of investment for the shareholders. the company to also retain the services of the He was the first African-American to loyal and effective manager. purchase for $985 million on a leverage buyout When the profits were shared, the highest of Beatrice Foods International, consisting of 64 amount was given to a woman who had been companies in 31 countries. The strategy was to peeling potatoes for three decades. She had run TLC Beatrice International and years later, then been promoted to floor supervisor. actualize the profits by selling the companies, Loida strongly felt that the profits should be after growing them. shared with those who created value for the TLC Beatrice International reached its peak shareholders. and made $1.8 billion in gross sales, the first Loida described her philosophy: “Wealth has company led by an African-American to do so. to come from profits with honor.” She was quick When he made the acquisition, Loida and to admit that it wasn’t original and is rooted on Reginald moved to Paris in 1988, and their her spiritual belief: “Love everyone as Jesus has two daughters, Leslie and Christina, went to a loved you.” bilingual school. Their charmed life would have “Profits with honor” is an inspiring continued, had Reginald not succumbed to brain philosophy of Loida Nicolas Lewis. We tumor five years later in 1993. shared her business practices, when we had Shortly before his death, Reginald made a the opportunity to train small businesses to donation of $3M to the Harvard Law School— comply with health and safety codes. We the largest donation by an African-American to witnessed company profits soar, when they the Harvard Law School at that time—and they complied with laws, and laws were followed by

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employees, who were appreciated and cared for by their CEOs. In 1996, Benson Dakay, owner of Shemberg Corporation took me for a tour of his plant and showed me the amenities which he provided for his employees for their personal hygiene and wellness and for them to be conscientious about good manufacturing practices. He made sure that the cafeteria was well-maintained. He could’ve delegated monitoring, but he wanted his employees to feel that he cares for them foremost, before profits.

I learned from him that “taking action is caring.”

Civil rights and love for community Loida stood for civil rights. She founded AALDEF, Asian American Legal Defense Fund in New York, which helped forge a center for the voiceless, when their human rights were threatened. Faced with unjust work practices at INS (Immigration and Naturalization Service), now known as ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement), she filed a lawsuit for being discriminated and disregarded for hiring, while 11 other candidates, none of whom were Asian, and “when Loida’s biodata is equal if not better than the ones selected” so stated the judge’s decision. She won the case, got hired and worked in INS for years. After quitting her job and moving to Paris, Loida wrote How to Get a Green Card, published by Nolo Press, a book which continues to be a bestseller.

For years, I followed her life at a distance, as our circles did not cross. I worked for California’s state government, while she was a globally-renowned entrepreneur who jet sets in New York, Paris, Philippines, Italy, and other cities I could only dream of visiting.

But, destiny converged our paths. We were re-introduced at a Philippine Bar Association fundraiser. We shared stories and became friends. Later that night, people at our table were not quite ready to leave. Loida kicked off her shoes and asked everyone to join her. We formed a circle and held hands. Soon, she got us swinging, group dancing and even singing YMCA. While dancing, I tossed her a question: “What do you think are the secrets of community power? “ Her response was assured and certain: “Access to folks at the top and access to folks who are in the community. When you have both, the community has power.”

We managed to stay in touch. I shared with her the story of Joseph Santos Ileto, a

balikbayan February – March 2011

Filipino postman who mistaken for Latino, gunned down and shot nine times by Buford Furrow, a self-proclaimed White Supremacist who was later brought to justice after a much publicized trial and was sentenced to lifetime imprisonment.

A fellowship was memorialized for Joseph Ileto by the Asian Pacific American Legal Center. I wrote to Loida to advocate for Ileto’s fellowship and with Fritz Friedman’s assistance, Loida became a leadership donor to this fellowship. She was quiet about her donation of five figures, just like most of her philanthropic contributions.

While I was visiting friends with my husband, I shared Loida’s visit to Los Angeles and her quiet generosity to the Ileto fellowship at APALC. Apparently, they too had their own story of Loida’s unpublicized generosity, i.e. travel funds for a Philippine-based artist, so he could be in New York to attend an exhibit and feature his artworks.

We exchanged e-mails during the Democratic primary period of 2008, a close challenge between Senators Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama. Loida wanted me to support Hillary Clinton. I told her that I could not support dynasties, referring to the Clintons, as Bill Clinton had already inhabited the White House for eight years. Her response made me think: “It so happens that Hillary is married to a smart Bill. Shall we deprive America of a talent trust, because their partnership works both personally and politically? “It made me think about Loida’s smart and loving partnership with Reginald. She often described it as “the marriage of two Type A personalities,” but she deferred to Reginald as the head of the family, believing only one CEO should run an entity.

Late one night (around 3am in NY time), I shared with her the need for a fundraiser to enable UCLA to have endowment funds to support a permanent chair in Filipino-American Studies. Out of the blue, she introduced me to Leslie Lewis Sword, her eldest daughter who was a UCLA graduate of MFA in Theater Arts.

What a gift of introduction!

Leslie had developed, written and acted in a one-woman play, “ Miracle in Rwanda.” She performed all of the ten different roles in four languages. I asked Leslie if she would consider the UCLA Filipino Legacy Fund, and she graciously agreed to a benefit for the fund. It took Ted Benito’s prowess to make it a reality at the Los Angeles Theater. We assisted with ticket sales, while UCLA’s Development Office took care of the reception. Tickets quickly sold out and donor contacts were made for the Filipino Legacy Fund.

When she wrote Ted to thank him, Loida validated her daughter’s giftedness, including Ted’s passion and creative genius for producing stage plays.

Dear Ted, Now that I am back in New York, I like to reiterate my heartfelt congratulations for your creative genius that produced the two plays we witnessed last Saturday. Both were superb and thoroughly entertaining and thoughtprovoking. Excellent performances from your actors - they were all in fine form. Of course, Leslie was the best!

I told your mom that the theater is your wife, mistress, girlfriend. And you do such a splendid job!! In short, continue doing what you are doing because you are passionate about your vision/mission.

The more ambitious next year March 8 weekend, connect with cities like New York, Chicago, Houston with strong Fil-Am women’s organization and do a tour— paying your cast of course. One weekend near March 8.

Think about it.

God bless!

Loida

Love on the run Flying in from New York that morning to see her daughter’s play at the LA Theater, you would think that Loida would be energy-depleted.

Instead, while waiting for Leslie and Gavin after the play, Loida spent precious bonding moments with her two grandkids, Savilla and Christian.

She also holds time with Leslie and Christina as sacred. She wants to be accessible whenever they need her and would drop everything to be there for them. One time, she made a mistake of saying, “ You should do this, Leslie. ” Leslie responded: “ I should? ” Loida then retreated to “ May I suggest? ” When her kids are not ready to listen, she keeps her mouth shut.

Watching Leslie perform in different cities and countries is highly important for Loida. It’s her way of showing support to her daughter.

In New York, when “Miracle of Rwanda” first premiered, Loida was a gracious host/mother, welcoming the audience at the show. Her pride in Leslie’s star abilities was palpable.

Time with Christina, her second daughter, is equally precious. When Christina quit her job at The Wall Street Journal to pursue graduate studies, she felt out of sorts and doubtful.

“Christina felt bad that she was leaving a good place. So, I told her to view this loss as a form of liberation, that like birds flying free, you are good enough to create your own path. If you decide to return to The Wall Street Journal, you will be accepted as you already proved to them that you are productive and reliable, ” Loida shared.

I told her that it’s just like Picasso asking himself if he was good enough. When we’re faced with trials, we must remember that despite Jesus’ suffering on the cross, he rose from the dead after three days. That after suffering comes triumph.

Loida cooks for her family on Thanksgiving but not too often. She is slightly apologetic that cooking for her is rare now. While her children were growing up, she would prepare

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their favorites: sinigang na baboy; spaghetti with meatballs and the sauce, slightly sweetened with sugar; fried chicken and adobo. Loida’s secret for recycling left-overs was using oyster sauce.

While I drove her back to the airport, she thanked me for spending much of the day with her. She especially liked the French breakfast, especially made just for her, at La Maison du Pain. The bakery is normally closed on Sundays, but opened its doors out of hospitality for Loida.

She encouraged me to contact Life Pinoy Style’s Ron Bilaro to feature La Maison du Pain. She said that Carmen and Josephine’s baked goods are world-class, and have to be broadly shared.

And true enough, Loida personally contacted Ron Bilaro to consider doing a story on La Maison du Pain. Ron featured La Maison du Pain’s story twice, on The Filipino Channel.

Right after, Filipino customers from all over, including San Bernardino and San Diego, bought pastries by the boxes. They were drawn to Carmen’s story that the bakery concept was inspired quite simply by her visit to Paris. To learn French, Loida told us to get the Pimsleur language course. At the airport, she conveyed her gratitude, her thanks in sweet and lyrical French.

Love for birthplace Sharing broadly with others is a norm for Loida. Months before the May 2010 Philippine elections, she traveled to major cities like Los Angeles, Chicago, Texas and San Diego, to educate Filipino Americans on clean and honest elections. She personally monitored the events by traveling to the Philippines and back. She was candid enough to share her misguided judgments: campaigning in the past for now deposed President Joseph Estrada and dealing with two failed businesses—one in China and another in Naga.

She called on her prayer warriors to pray for miracles to continue and for Mar Roxas’ victory in order to form a solid team with Noynoy Aquino for good governance.

Along with US Pinoys for NoyMar, Loida raised $100,000 or Php 4,400,000, all of which went to Boto Mo, I-Patrol Mo, a ballot watch initiative, that funded the monitoring in the NCR Region, 17 cities and 7 municipalities.

Loida also headed NaFFAA ( National Federation of Filipino American Associations ) which supported the fight of Filipino-American veterans for equity. Their efforts brought a successful outcome in 2010, when finally, thousands of our heroic Filipino veterans were compensated. Loida continues her work of philanthropy through The Lewis College in Sorsogon, educating the next generation of Filipinos which consists of about 980 children, from K-12 to college, with 30 percent on scholarship, including anonymous contributions to churches to fund building improvements.

Loida’s life is truly benevolence in action! g

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hen someone mentions the word “summer,” one automatically pictures sunbathing at the pristine white beaches of Boracay with a piña colada in tow, having a marvelous time with his friends or family. And now, Boracay, the ultimate summer destination in the Philippines, becomes even more interesting with The Fairways & Bluewater Resort Complex where you can experience the (tranquility and beauty of the Old Boracay) The resort complex features the par72 Graham Marsh designed Golf Course and dubbed as the Golfing Jewel of the Pacific. Experience breathtaking views along the course with fantastic view of the immense tropical paradise where majestic hillside landscapes with greens, crystal clear sea water, private coves with its powdery white sands beaches will greet each tourist inside the resort. The Members’ Golf Course may be accessed by visiting golf enthusiast through the Club’s special playing arrangement with Resorts and Hotels in the islands Fairways & Bluewater also offers full hotel services and amenities, luxurious rooms, a living room, ref, cable TV and a terrace with a view of the golf course and lush greens, and a restaurant that serves great food.

The resort complex offers certain facilities and recreational activities that the public can enjoy, If you want to do outdoor activities inside the resort there’s an athletic field for beach soccer, beach volleyball, fresh water swimming pools, horseback riding field and trails, open air amphitheater and park, Maris Spa by the beach, and if you want a more adventurous activity try the ATV—all terrain vehicle and the thrilling ride on the zipline.

They also have a natural cave which they turned into a chapel were one can pray and meditate.

At the Fairways & Bluewater, one can experience a scenic charming island known for the peaceful and pleasant way of life away from the rapid-pace of the metropolis. And if you want to go to the active and vibrant lifestyle of Boracay, there’s a complementary shuttle service in the resort that leaves on an hourly basis from 10AM to 10PM that takes you to D’Mall and back to the resort.

The Fairways and Bluewater is an ideal place for spending quality time with your loved ones and family or a get-together with friends where one can not only enjoy the beach and the sun ,but at the same time commune with nature. So the next time you want to go to this famous tourist destination try Fairways and Bluewater and experience the Greener side of Boracay, and be mesmerized by its grandeur and charm.

For inquiries please call the sales and marketing department at +632 633-1394 or email us at info@fbwresort.com. g

Treasure The Other Side Experience In Boracay

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Photos by Noel Godinez, AJPress

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giving back

Tita de Guzman with first-born daughter Shalla (left) and her ‘bunso’ Sharon (right)

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Mama Tita!

Life lessons from Emerita Montemayor de Guzman

Everything happens for a reason. If you use what comes your way wisely, all things can become stepping stones, instead of stumbling blocks to your success. This is what Emerita “Tita” Montemayor de Guzman firmly believes. The very successful and philanthropic businesswoman from California shares how her life’s paths prepared her for her destiny, which is to take care of orphans through the Angels of Hope Orphanage in Silang, Cavite. By Cynthia Castro, AJPRESS

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nown as “Mama Tita” to the orphans under her care, this amazing woman has a great story to tell, filled with life lessons to inspire people everywhere.

Born and raised in Caloocan City, Manila, Philippines, Tita immigrated to California in 1984 as a single parent with her two small daughters, Shalla and Sharon. For eight years, Tita worked through various jobs before starting her own State Farm agency in 1992.

She believes her work in State Farm has thoroughly prepared her for her “calling.”

“It is very rewarding for me to be a State Farm agent, not just because I represent the best insurance company in the country but because I share most of the company’s values and beliefs. George Jacob “G.J.” Mecherle, the founding father of State Farm, believes that honesty is not the best policy, but the only policy. And I run my life based on this principle. I have to be honest with myself and with everyone.”

What Tita loves most about her work is that it gives her the opportunity to expand her network of friends, which has made her life more satisfying. “My clients trust me and take me as part of their family. They have become my mother, father, aunt, uncle, sisters, brothers,

daughters or sons. I become a part of their lives. I know what work they do, when they get promoted, when they get married, when they have a baby, when their children start school, when their kids start driving—just about everything that happens in their life. I become their advisor, counselor, mediator, negotiator. And they become a part of me.

I am happy when they succeed, when their children graduate or get engaged. I get sad when they lose their job, when they’re having marital problems, when they divorce. They share with me their life, their dreams, their struggles and their triumphs. They invite me to their homes and family gatherings and even their children sometimes believe that we are all blood related,” said Tita.

One experience that has stood out in Tita’s memory is about two friends, Avelina and Consolacion. “I remember having these two Filipino clients from Long Beach who would always come to my office bringing pansit, ginatan, biko or fruits. I do not remember them not bringing something when they come to my office. Avelina and Consolacion were good friends. Avelina lost her husband and she asked Consolacion, who was single, to live with her. Ave was then in her early 60’s and Consolacion was in her 40’s. They would visit me with their own prepared food even when I moved my office to Walnut. There were times when I would take them to lunch and take their food home. We were friends for more than

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10 years until Ave started losing her sight and could not drive anymore. Consolacion learned to drive and would bring Ave to my office and we will just talk. A few months later, Ave had pneumonia and died. Consolacion moved with her relatives in Carson and still would come and visit me. When she lost her job with the Post Office she decided to move to Las Vegas. One morning, I got a call from a hospital in Las Vegas. Consolacion asked them to call me. She was in the Oncology section and wanted me to see her. I was in her room that afternoon. She was happy and in good spirits which surprised the nurse who attended to her. Two days later she was gone. I contacted her aunt in the Philippines and informed her that she was the beneficiary of Consolacion’s life insurance.

I lost two great friends whom I would have not met if not for State Farm,” Tita said with fondness.

Presently, Tita has eight employees in her office which is is located at 1241 S Grand Avenue Ste H, Diamond Bar, California 91765.

Another stepping stone to her destiny happened in 1996, when Tita met one of her clients who owned care facilities for the developmentally disabled. “I watched as she taught them how to feed themselves as they struggled to hold the fork with their bent hands. I was challenged. I felt that there is a lot for me to learn from these people. So, without telling anybody, I took a course to learn more about running a care facility for a year at Mt. San Antonio College. After that, with the help of my children and my sister, Mila, I opened my first ICF/DDH facility in Walnut, CA. We took turns to be caregivers to the two clients that were assigned to us

by Regional Center. Our clients have the body of adults but have the mentality of two year olds. I was surprised when my children immediately learned how to care for them. We would take them with us to church, parks, markets, anywhere we go. I am so proud of my children when they did not hesitate to take them along. They were never embarrassed to be seen with them. As we take care of them, it is very fulfilling to see the improvements in their lives. They will immediately smile when they see you and then grab and hug you. They try to utter words that other people could not understand but we could,” shared Tita, who now has four care facilities in the LA County.

With her businesses doing good, Tita knew it was time and she was ready and able to work

on her dream of building an orphanage for the poor children in the Philippines. “After years of searching for a place I found this coffee farm in Silang, Cavite which I thought will give children plenty of space to move around. The place has good weather,is clean and safe. We had the ground breaking ceremony on Feb 23, 2003 officiated by Monsignor Jim Loughnane of St Denis in Diamond Bar, CA and Monsignor Ben Lechuga of San Roque Parish in Caloocan City, Philippines,” narrated Tita.

The orphanage was named Angels of Hope and the Department of Social Welfare and Development first assigned them to take care of

four siblings with ages ranging from one-anda-half year old to eight years old. Tita recalled, “their parents were in jail for drug trafficking.

When I first saw them, I saw these fair skinned, good-looking children. They did not look poor at all but there was sadness in their eyes. The two younger ones were always crying. They called me “Mama Tita” and I thought that was sweet. They stayed at the orphanage for almost two years until DSWD gave them back to their parents who got out of prison. Less than six months after returning to their parents, I learned that the youngest child died. She got sick and was not properly cared for by the mother. I felt as if I lost my own child.”

Tita said they currently have 41 children in

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the orphanage. “Each one of them has their own story of survival. There are times when I wonder and ask myself, what could have happened to this child, to these children, had we not opened our doors to them? Will they still be alive? Where would these children be?”

Two such children are Ariel and his sister, Iris, who came to the orphanage thin, sick, seriously dehydrated, undernourished, and could not speak a word. “Ariel was about eight and Iris seven. We learned that the father took charge of them when the mother died.

The father kept them inside a dog house while he worked, leaving them without water, without food. The neighbors later found out that the father had not been back to see the children for days. He abandoned them and they were in very bad shape. Ariel can now say “Mama” and murmur a few more words. Iris had stopped screaming and can follow some commands although she still cannot say a word. They have since gained weight and are no longer afraid to be with people. They play with other kids and share some chores in the orphanage,” Tita said.

When people hear about Tita’s orphanage, she is always asked why she decided to start such an august undertaking. Tita explains, “what motivated me to help these children?

What do I get in return? What hurts me the most is when people ask me if this is a good business? How can this be a business? Can these children pay me? How? Where will they get the money? Or do their parents pay us? How? I knew it will not be easy. The responsibility is enormous. It is huge. But it is LIFE. I have to do it. God has given me so much. He kept me and my children under His loving care. He opened so many opportunities for us He keeps us safe and healthy. I have so much to thank God for. My sisters and brothers, my nieces and nephews, they grew up well. He makes me feel His love everyday. That’s why I do this. I have to share God’s love!”

Asked about the orphanage’s name, Angels of Hope, Tita proudly said that her daughters Shalla and Sharon thought of the name. “We are giving hope to these children. We are angels to these children. And the children are angels to us-they change us. They change us in a good way,” admitted Tita with a smile. Truly, this kababayan has personified hope in the lives of so many. May her tribe increase!

For more information on the Angels of Hope Orphanage, please visit www. angelsofhope.us. g

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The Dream Team

Rapidé franchise is a dream fulfilled for businessminded balikbayan couple benjamin and hera segarra The term “American Dream” was not created out of imagination. The term was invented because it stemmed from the fact that people’s ultimate dream is to start their life anew in the United States and create a fulfilled life for themselves and their family. The US is the land of milk and honey, and for many reasons, it really is.

For the Tanay-based couple Benjamin and Hera Segarra, they became very close in getting their “American Dream” to turn into real-life but decided to stay in the Philippines and have the time of their lives here with their family.

Benjamin first arrived in California in 1992 and worked with various cargo companies like Mon Cargo Services, Inc. and World Service Cargo. He also worked at JC Penney and South City.

From then on, his wife, Hera, and daughter, Erren, visited him there at least twice or thrice a year. There was a period as well when Erren pursued her education there. At the same time, Hera was managing an export business which ships products to Hawaii, specializing in bedsheets, quilts, kitchen items, sports bracelets and straps, and exercise mats. From time to time, she needed to meet with her buyers and check the market then go to California to stay with Benjamin and Erren.

“The business was more on the decorative and functional products,” Hera explains. “That was a continuous business, and we have it until now.

Of course, we had our highs and lows, like any other business, but overall it has been successful.”

In 2004, inspired with the success of their export business, they began to look at other potential businesses.

“I’ve always believed there were a lot of business opportunities here,” Hera says.

Benjamin adds,”That was the time I decided to come back and stay for good here.”

It was serendipity that they discovered the franchise opportunities for Rapidé, the no. 1 Auto Repair franchise in the country with at least 44 existing branches, through Entrepreneur Magazine.

Rapidé is a market leader in quick auto repair Photo by Vince Samson, AJPress

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service chain stores and offers services such as air conditioning, maintenance, brakes, suspension and tires.

“We thought that the automative industry is good to venture into,” Benjamin says. So by 2005, they opened Rapidé in Tanay. A Rapidé franchise offers the best of both worlds: a business of your own in a fast-growing market backed by an organization dedicated to ensuring your success.

Rapidé is with you all the way, from providing you support pre-opening, when you are running your business and will help you optimize, market and grow your business.

Of course, business-minded as the couple is, they manage to give their own creative inputs with their Rapidé franchise. When they moved into their new location in Antipolo, they opened their own coffee shop and restaurant, aptly named Sega Coffee Shop and Restaurant.

“Since a lot of our food in the menu is Italianinspired we thought we’d go with Sega from our last name because it sounded Italian,” Hera says.

The coffee shop provides their clientele a great place to hang out while they wait for their cars to get fixed, a true testament of the Segarra couple’s dedication to ensuring they have an efficient customer service.

“We prioritize customer service,” Benjamin says. “We believe that it is important to build a loyal customer base.”

And true enough, there was one incident when a client brought in a car for service and there was a miscommunication on the completion time. Apparently, they were going to use the car for a wedding the next day so Benjamin decided to offer their personal car for them to borrow.

That’s how the Segarra couple value customer relationships.

Now, with Erren, now 22, studying at

Irvine University in LA, and their two younger kids, Jerald, 7, and Athena, 4, studying in the Philippines, the couple balance their business and family life quite well and are looking into acquiring another business in the future.

“Franchises is a good business path for retirees,” Hera explains. “We know a lot of people who want to come back here in the Philippines. If you are keen on reading a lot about businesses, you could discover of investment opportunities in here. If you really want something, you can achieve it.” *** For inquiries, please contact: Franchise Department, mobile no. 0929-9617663; e-mail: franchise@rapide.com. ph; tel. nos.: 899-4472/74; 899-1998; 899-1966 loc.

106 or 107 or fax no. 897-6543. g

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Relax and enjoy life’s pleasures at

Dasmariñas Royale Village

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he year 2011 is off to a great start for the Filipinos, according to the recent Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey published in the Philippine Daily Inquirer which say that more Filipinos see better lives ahead this year.

Undoubtedly, a true indication of a better life is having a house to call your own so you will be free of paying monthly rent. A dream house, if you will, where you can relax and enjoy life’s pleasures. And that’s exactly what Dasmariñas Royale Village offers.

Dasmariñas Royale Village, a flagship project by Paan Asia Holdings, Inc. provides beautiful European-inspired dream house options to fit everyone’s lifestyle and budget.

There is Diana, a spacious 128 sqm, four-

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bedroom with three toilet and bathrooms; Elizabeth, a comfortable 108 sqm, fourbedroom with two toilet and bathrooms; Antoinette, a 78 sqm, three-bedroom with two toilet and bathrooms; Mary, a 75 sqm, three-bedroom with two toilet and bathrooms; Margaret, a 65 sqm, three-bedroom with two toilet and bathrooms; Victoria, a 57 sqm two-bedroom with two toilet and bathrooms; and Anne, a cozy 45 sqm, two-bedroom with one toilet and bathroom. The model units

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antoineTte

interior design range from Moroccan, Spanish, Mediterranean and Victorian and owners can adapt the same according to their preference.

Naresh J. Daswani, Vice President of Dasmariñas Royale Village, states that this development is actually PAAN Asia Holdings, Inc.’s maiden project.

“Being its maiden project, we invested in the full infracstructure. We made sure that we have the clubhouse facilities, the road network, the electricity, the water, so when you come

in, you know that all the facilities are already there. We mean what we say. We want to make sure that we want to be on a one-on-one basis with our clients in making their dream house a reality. ,” he says, adding that the development started back in 2008.

“Being in the country for a long time, we see the progress that the country is coming to, we see great potential, as well as great feasibility in coming up with a nice subdivision concept for everybody; so we decided to put

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up a subdivision project since it’s a large and accessible area as well, we must venture into a project where we could provide well to the community,” he says.

Mr. Daswani emphasizes that Dasmariñas Royale Village houses are very ideal for those who want to upgrade their lifestyle in a more private and relaxed environment with full features and amenities they can enjoy, and an area where they can raise their family with the proper safety and security.

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DIANNA

“The community we provide here is also ideal for the working global Filipinos who want to have a luxurious living when they are in the country without having to spend so much,” he says.

Primely located in the heart of Carmona, Cavite, Dasmariñas Royale Village is a community of houses nestled in a place surrounded by a breezy atmosphere, lush greenery and Cavite’s historic landmarks. It is also merely minutes away from shopping centers (SM, Robinsons and Walter Mart malls), schools (La Salle Dasmariñas, AMA Computer Learning Centers, Philippine Cambridge School and others), hospitals and recreational and tourist destinations like Tagaytay and Kawit. Dasmariñas Royale Village is also accessible via major roads Governor’s Drive, Molino-Zapote Road and Aguinaldo Highway. Its prime location is also flood free making it ideal even when the rainy season comes.

Residents also enjoy the amenities that Dasmariñas Royale Village offers like a clubhouse, a basketball court, a gym facility and a children’s playground. They will also have a pavillion where you could hold whatever event you want—be it a party, a conference, or meeting. And for those who can’t get enough of barbeque, you could enjoy making your own with Dasmariñas Royale Village’s barbeque pits. It makes for a great

ELIZABETH

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ANNE

time to socialize with your neighbors as well.

And if you are a health buff but prefer to run or jog instead of using the gym, you can make Dasmariñas Royale Village your personal jogging space since the roads within the subdivision is wide enough.

Furthermore, not only is Dasmariñas Royale Village determined to provide its residents a community where they can relax and enjoy life’s pleasures, they are also the first in the Philippines to equip all of their houses with environmental-friendly household items, such as ECO Showerheads, which saves about 70% consumption of water, and Wireless Smart Meters, which helps the house owner to monitor and manage their household electrical consumption. All products are imported

by Manhattan Green Solutions, a company committed to ensuring a greener world.

So if you are looking into acquiring property where you can relax and enjoy and still have the accessibility to go to work or your kids to go to school, Dasmariñas Royale Village is your choice. This is the place where you can experience suburban living at its finest.

For inquiries, you may call (632) 8080168 or (632) 808-2188 (63) (917) 880-0001 or e-mail mailto:info@dasmaroyalevillage. com, info@dasmaroyalevillage.com, mailto: dasmaroyale@jw-world.com,dasmaroyale@ jw-world.com g

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The Zen Institute voted as among Top 10 medical spas in Asia

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he Philippines’ medicalspa industry earned another accolade through The Zen Institute, voted as one of the Top 10 medical spas or “medi-spas” in Asia by a leading luxury magazine.

In the most recent review of Asia’s top medical-spa institutes conducted by Singaporebased Asia Spa magazine, Asia’s top luxury and lifestyle magazine dedicated to health and wellness, it voted for The Zen Institute to be part of the Top 10 choices primarily because of its “holistic approach to wellness.”

“I was really surprised but elated at this development because this is good for the country, in particular for our medical-tourism sector. We are happy that our local medical tourism destinations are getting recognition from prestigious organizations overseas and hope we can further attract more clients, not just foreign tourists but more importantly our fellow kababayans,” explains Dr. Mary Jane Torres, owner of The Zen Institute.

To jumpstart everything, Dr. MJ Torres intimated that they recently introduced a balikbayan discount card in partnership with door-to-door courier service providers as a means of promoting The Zen Institute to Filipinos living or working abroad. She said that she hopes other medical spas also vigorously promote the Philippines as a medical destination in order to pump-prime the domestic economy in terms of bringing precious dollars to the national coffers.

With its embedded philosophy of taking care of one’s wellness needs, Asia Spa said that anyone who comes in to The Zen Institute can expect to “receive advice and guidance on diet and lifestyle habits” alongside the chosen treatment for “skin rejuvenation, hair revitalizing, body sculpting and face contouring.”

The Zen Institute is one of the country’s leading medical spa institutions and one of the early establishments that was put up during the boom in the “medi-spa” trend in the early part of the decade. The Zen Institute presented itself

as a timely answer to a growing demand for noninvasive, non-surgical cosmetic beauty treatments while inside a luxury spa environment among discriminating Filipino clients who have learned to appreciate having their beauty treatments in glamorous yet comfortable surroundings.

Promising the “art of body perfection,” the Zen Institute prides itself as a center for beauty that pampers the senses. The modern yet rustic design exudes a homey feeling that allows for a peaceful and relaxing mood.

The world-class medical team at The Zen Institute is comprised of several doctors and dermatologists headed by Dr. MJ Torres, a prime proponent in the area of body sculpting technology.

Among Dr. Torres’ pioneering achievements include introducing to the local market the “Resonax” procedure in non-invasive body and face sculpting, one of the first of its kind in Asia and in Europe. Dr. MJ Torres is also known for being a top-notch teacher and trainer of doctors all around the Asian region about the latest techniques in aesthetic medicine.

“Dr. MJ,” as she is fondly called, graduated from the University of Santo Tomas and took up post-graduate internship at the St. Luke’s Medical Center and trained under the tutelage of the country’s leading dermatologists and surgeons.

She also had trainings on Botox in Istanbul, Turkey and lipotherapy in Athens, Greece. She is a member of the International Society of Mesotherapy, the French Society of Mesotherapy, and the Italian Society of Aesthetic Medicine and Surgery.

Starting this month until the end of the year, The Zen Institute will also offer special Christmas beauty and treatment packages and products that promise to soothe the soul and re-energize one’s sagging spirits amid the joyous Yuletide season.

The Zen Institute has branches at Unit C1 & C2, Bonifacio Stopover, Fort Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City (8652027-28/0917-5481117), #69-D Scout Rallos Street (inside Fanny Serrano Salon) near Tomas Morato Avenue, Quezon City (352-5013), and at the Sofitel Philippines Plaza Manila, CCP Complex, Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City (832-6957/551-5555 local 1524 and 1542).

For more information, e-mail to drmj@ thezeninstitute.com or visit http://www. thezeninstitute.com g

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