The 2019 International Spring Quarterly

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

PHILIPPINES

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

The Philippines: A World Tourism Powerhouse

ISSUE 61 — 01

02 — ISSUE 61

Home to the World’s largest monument to Mother Mary.

Where home is a destination.

Reserve yours today.

Lombard By The Bay is a future, world-class township development located in Montemaria, Batangas. The development overlooks the Verde Island Passage which is recognized by the United Nations as the “Center of the Center of Marine Bio Diversity in the World.”

LombardByTheBay.com

Info@PremierAsiaPacific.com For inquiries, contact Rene Cinco at: (PH) +63-917-824-1555 or (USA) +1-213-596-5970

ISSUE 61 — 03

Build the future of the Philippines.

Own land back home in the Philippines? Whether you’re looking to sell your property or interested in exploring a joint venture development project, partner with us and discover ways you can help build the future of the Philippines.

04 — ISSUE 61

Agri c ultural I Res i de ntial I Co m m ercial I Ind u str ial www.PremierAsiaPacific.com I Info@PremierAsiaPacific.com (PH) +63-917-824-1555 I (USA) +1-213-596-5970

ISSUE 61 — 05

www.Montemaria.com.ph

06 — ISSUE 61

ISSUE 61 — 07

PHILIPPINES

MAILBAG Have any questions, feature ideas, comments, ideas, or complaints?

Or simply wish to join our team of global correspondents and photographers?

Email our Editor-in-Chief at RJ.Oriel@AsianJournalinc.com.

PUBLI SH E R & CE O PRESI DENT & CO-PUB L IS H E R EDI TOR-IN - CH IE F

R oger L . Or iel C or a M. Or iel R a p ha el J ohn C . Or iel

the asian journal publications, inc. philippines headquarters

MA NAGI NG E DITO R finance & administrative officer

C H R I ST INA M . O R IEL G er a lou S agu n

FORT PALM SPRING BUILDING 2ND FLOOR, UNITS D&E CORNER 3OTH STREET & 1ST AVENUE BONIFACIO GLOBAL CITY, Taguig City Telephone: (+632) 856-1661

V ice President for Marketing V ICE PRESI DENT FOR A DVE RT IS IN G Vice President for S ales

V inc e S a ms on

Email: info@asianjournalinc.com

S ha r on A nn Bat ha n-S a n P e d r o

Online Presence:

K imb erly d elos S a nto s

ASIANJOURNALMEDIAGROUP.COM ASIANJOURNAL.COM TRAVELTRADECONSUMER.COM BalikbayanMagazine.com

BUSI NESS DEVELO PM E N T

CH I EF PHOTOG R A PH E R SENIO R Multimedia DevelopeR S

G R EG T R INIDA d R O C E LLE A ñA B E Z A GER RY PALA BYA B LINA PALA BYA B

Facebook.com/BalikbayanMagazine

NOEL T Y

For subscriptions, back issues, and other

GODWIN GAS ACAO kr istine ta n

INSTAGRAM.COM/BALIKBAYANMAGAZINE Tablet version available at: iTunes.apple.com Search: Asian Journal

circulation concerns please contact us at info@asianjournalinc.com.

USA OFFICES Los Angeles

FEATURE WR IT E R S CONTRI BUTI NG WR IT E R s

Circulation ManagerS

R I TC HE L M ENDIOLA NAT HA LIE R O B LE S j os ep h L . p er a lta P R O SY A BA R QUE Z -DE LAC R U Z , J .D. GER RY PALA BYA B J ENNI FE R S O R IANO B IANCA C R U Z Arthu r S ib u l a ngcao R O LAND o Ma nes e

1210 S. Brand Blvd.

Glendale, CAlifornia 91204 Telephone: (213) 250.9797 San Francisco suite 136 1799 old bayshore highway burlingame, california telephone: (650) 689.5160 Las Vegas suite 200 2770 south maryland parkway las vegas, nevada 89109 Telephone: (702) 792–6678

SU BSCRIBE TODAY. 4 I SSUES FO R $ 6 0 per Y E A R .

New York & new jersey

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.

2500 plaza 5

08 — ISSUE 61

harborside financial center jersey city, new jersey Telephone: (212) 655–5426

NEW!

NEW!

AH-XP10WF 9-14 sq.m • 14 C Temperature • IOT (Internet of Things) Operation • Plasmacluster Ion Technology • Self Clean Function • LED Illumination • Durable Design

• 14 C Temperature • AIoT (Artificial Intelligence of Things) Operation • Plasmacluster Ion Technology

AH-XP15WF 12-19 sq.m

AH-XS10WF 9-14 sq.m

AH-XS15WF 12-19 sq.m

• Eco mode • Super Jet Mode • Baby Sleep Mode

*Also available in 2.0 HP and 2.5 HP

*Also available in 2.0 HP and 2.5 HP

1.0

Refrigerant R-410A *Also available in 0.5 HP, 1.5 HP and 2.0 HP with different panel design

Refrigerant R-410A 24H Timer *Also available in 1.5 HP and 2.0 HP

ISSUE 61 — 09

Sharp Philippines Corporation (SPC) is proud to present their locally-manufactured and engineered products that is tailored for Filipino’s needs. These products became part of every Filipino household, upholding the company’s mission of bringing “Sharp For Every Juan”.

ES-WP85

ES-7030T

ES-FA650P

010 — ISSUE 61

2T-C32AFIP

HK-LE3218UVM

HK-SB3018P

PJ-W161M

PJ-T161M

PJ-S161M

ISSUE 61 — 011

The Spring Quarterly I Publisher’s Note I Keeping A Journal

Spring is here. Ten years ago, this March 2019, an amazing and incredible ensemble of academics, artists, writers, and my now dearly-departed good friend, Lito Cruz and I published the first issue of Balikbayan Magazine. Lito Cruz was also the first Editor-in-Chief of this publication. Today, those early founders and contributors of Balikbayan Magazine are continuing their remarkable work in a myriad of industries—from entertainment, literature, art, music, design, photographer, fashion, philosophy, government, law, business, to technology—quite a collection of worldly talents. And that is what specifically Balikbayan Magazine was designed for—a medium for everyone from all walks of life to tell their own stories or captivate you with a fascinating perspective on a beautiful place, noteworthy person, or experience.

I surely will never forget all of the people that have contributed to our publications throughout these years. And so, in the coming months, we’ll finally have all of our archive content up on our website for you to re-enjoy along with fresh and inspiring content from all those familiar faces as well. And we’d like to invite you, our audience to contribute to Balikbayan Magazine as well. Whether it is a story idea, photograph, or your very own column space with us.

Lito, in his first Editor’s Letter wrote: “We hope this Balikbayan Magazine sweeps you off your feet at first sight. Like the first times we were moved by the mountains of Bukidnon. Or the first time we were swept away by the essence of a place called Bohol. A reverie still runs through it. We will take you back via the scenic roots, passing through historic markers and churches, and even hysterical landmarks. We may get lost finding the meaning of the day, or a moment. But along the way, we’ll find our muse.”

012 — ISSUE 61

Lito certainly had a way with words. He was truly an artist in every sense of the word. I, and thousands of others along with our Balikbayan Magazine will miss him.

You see, these words printed on the pages of Balikbayan Magazine throughout every year and issue past, present, and future is so much more than simply ink on a piece of paper. For us, it’s a lot more than that. Each page is an appreciation—a celebration of all the hard work that goes into developing and curating each story and image. But not only that—it is a testament to our unwavering devotion and passion for fueling the greatness of the Philippines and preserving and showcasing our Filipino culture and beautiful country to the World.

Undoubtedly, within these past 10 years (and even before we started publishing this magazine), media, editorials, and print publishing have changed and moved to the convenience of your smartphone. We have surely moved and innovated along with it.

But no matter what, we’ll always continue printing Balikbayan Magazine regardless of any technological advances or change in market environment because it matters. This publication is and always will be dedicated to serving Filipinos around the World.

In the words of Lito, it is for OFWs—“Outstanding Filipinos Worldwide” as he liked to call us. Or perhaps, simply put, our muse.

We look forward to serving you another ten years and beyond and we hope you continue to join us in this journey.

Roger L. Oriel, Chief Executive Officer & Publisher Asian Journal Media Group

PROUDLY POWERED BY

TRAVEL

TRADE

CONSUMER & INVESTMENT

HEALTH & WELLNESS

SATURDAY & SUNDAY, AUGUST 3-4, 2019 SOUTHBAY PAVILION MALL IN CARSON, LOS ANGELES COUNTY, CALIFORNIA UNITED STATES OF AMERICA FOR EXHIBITOR BOOTH AND SPONSOR RATES, VISIT WWW.TRAVELTRADECONSUMER.COM I INFO@ASIANJOURNALINC.COM *Exhibitor booths are limited and on a first come, first serve basis. Reserve yours today.

ISSUE 61 — 013

014 — ISSUE 61

CHEESE-EATS

PANINI

FRIES SHOTS

...BE BLOWN AWAY BY THE BEAUT Y OF THE CIT Y SKYLINE, CHILLING AT AZUMI’S ROOFTOP POOL AND LOUNGE...

BOOK YOUR STAY NOW! 2205 Market St., Madrigal Buiness Park Phase III, Alabang Muntinlupa City TF: (632) 869-9888 E: reservations@azumi.ph www.azumi.ph /AzumiBoutqiueHotelOfficial /Azumihotel /Azumihotel ISSUE 61 — 015

The Spring Quarterly I The Nation I Global Affairs

016 — ISSUE 61

President Duterte inks monumental legislative measures The Nation MALACAÑANG—President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on Wednesday, February 20, 2019 signed vital legislative measures that would improve the country’s health care, trade and investment system, and sports training.

“I am pleased to be with you today, in coordination with concerned agencies, in facilitating the passage of the key legislative measures which would further support this administration’s development agenda for inclusive growth where no one will be left behind,” President Duterte remarked at the Rizal Hall.

The Chief Executive first signed the much awaited Universal Healthcare Law, which guarantees equitable access to quality and affordable healthcare services for all Filipinos. It will also automatically enroll Filipino citizens into the National Health Insurance Program and expand PhilHealth coverage to include free medical consultations and laboratory tests.

The President also signed the Social Security Act of 2018, which would expand the investing capacity of the Social Security Commission to generate a better income for members and pensioners.

“These legislative measures will improve our existing healthcare and pension services which will benefit the poor and the vulnerable always the reason,” Duterte noted.

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte leads the ceremonial signing of the Revised Corporation Code and the Universal Health Care Act at the Malacañan Palace on February 20, 2019.

Richard Madel, Presidential Photo ISSUE 61 — 017

The Spring Quarterly I The Nation I Global Affairs

In the category of trade and investment, President Duterte inks the Revised Corporation Code. This seeks to simplify corporate governance standards and establish a more business-friendly environment that will enable corporations and other juridical entities to thrive.

On the other hand, the New Central Bank Act will strengthen the financial stability of Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and granting it more flexibility in the exercise of its regulatory powers. In addition to this, the BSP also turned over to the national government P4 billion worth of partial dividends.

For our local athletes, President Duterte also signed the Philippine Sports Training Center Act, which would establish a center for athletic development to help maximize the potential and competitiveness of the Filipino athletes.

Another significant bill presented was the Act of Reapportioning the Province of Southern Leyte into Two Legislative Districts. Duterte noted that this is one of the “eventful measures” that were presented, adding that he hopes this would promote peace and order in the province.

“The passage of these laws attests to how much the government can achieve when the executive and legislative branches work hand in hand in achieving a common legislative agenda,” President Duterte said.

“I hope that Congress will continue to be our steadfast partner in enacting laws that will significantly improve the lives of our people, especially those who need it,” he added.

018 — ISSUE 61

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte applauds after leading the ceremonial signing of the Revised Corporation Code and the Universal Health Care Act at the Malacañan Palace.

Rolando Mailo, Presidential Photos

A well-informed community is a thriving community.

Your community. Your news. Your journal.

Since 1991.

ASIANJOURNALMEDIAGROUP.com I ASIANJOURNAL.com I Info@AsianJournalinc.com

ISSUE 61 — 019

The Spring Quarterly I Business I The Economy

Asia’s surprise turnaround story this year could be the Philippines —The Economy writer Ritchel Mendiola

The Philippines is gearing up for a comeback this 2019, after last year’s inflation shock, a 5 percent slump in the currency and a widening current-account deficit.

According to Bloomberg, the pressure is starting to ease — evident in how the consumer-price growth slowed in December. The peso and stocks are rebounding as well, and the current account is set to remain manageable.

Moody’s Investors Service said the country’s economic growth is expected to exceed 6 percent, and reserve buffers are among the strongest in global emerging markets.

“We’ve seen the worst in 2018,” Jonathan Ravelas, chief market strategist at BDO Unibank Inc. in Manila, said.

“We are cautiously optimistic because we know we’re not there anymore,” he added.

The benchmark Philippine stock index has risen more than 7 percent this year, making it the biggest gainer in Asia. The peso is also up 0.8 percent to 52.2 per dollar, after being hit the hardest by an emerging-market rout in 2018.

Goldman Sachs Group Inc.’s forecast says that the the peso will strengthen to 50 per dollar over the next 12 months. It also said that the tightening in financial conditions last year should slow domestic demand and import growth, helping support the current account.

020 — ISSUE 61

“There’s more room for the peso to rebound, with sufficient reserve buffers and quite solid fundamentals,” Koji Fukaya, chief executive officer at FPG Securities Co. in Tokyo said.

Bloomberg said the country has the advantage of having low foreign debt obligations. According to Moody’s forecasts, external debt payments due this year and total non-resident deposits over one year are estimated at 25 percent of foreign reserves for 2019 — the lowest among the 19 emerging markets tracked by Bloomberg.

A key pillar of support for the economy and the currency are the remittances from Filipinos living abroad, amounting to 10 percent of gross domestic product. Based on a data released on January 15, those inflows rose 2.8 percent in November from a year ago.

Ravelas confidently said that “the waters are no longer murky.”

“Investors are ready to dive back into the Philippines,” he added.

The Spring Quarterly I The Briefing I Global Affairs I Pages 22 - 31

PHILIPPINES

60 C o u n t r i e s . 101 C i t i e s .

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

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

I) USA 2) Canada 3) Mexico 4) Philippines 5) Japan 6) Australia 7) East Timor 8) Vietnam 9) Indonesia 10) Malaysia 11) India 12) Nation of Brunei 13) Cambodia 14) Papua New Guinea 15) South Korea 16) Singapore 17) New Zealand 18) Myanmar 19) Laos 20) China

21) 22) 23) 24) 25) 26) 27) 28) 29) 30) 31) 32) 33) 34) 35) 36) 37) 38) 39) 40)

Bangladesh Thailand Greece Germany Switzerland Belgium Hungary England Portugal Spain Italy France Netherlands Austria Poland Russia Czech Republic Norway UNITED ARAB EMIRATES Jordan

41) 42) 43) 44) 45) 46) 47) 48) 49) 50) 51) 52) 53) 54) 55) 56) 57) 58) 59) 60)

Iraq ISRAEL Egypt Syria Qatar Pakistan Saudi Arabia Bahrain Kuwait Oman Iran Turkey Libya LEBANON Kenya South Africa Nigeria Chile Brazil Argentina

ISSUE 61 — 021

The Spring Quarterly I The Briefing I Global Affairs

Kablon Farms’ Estela Dizon with potential cacao and chocolate importers and distributors.

Philippine Chocolates Surprise at Chocoa 2019 —Amsterdam

Cacao producers from Davao and South Cotabato participated for the first time at the annual cocoa trade and chocolate festival CHOCOA 2019 in Amsterdam, the Netherlands from February 21-24, 2019.

Moulinet Chocolate-Kablon Farms founder Estela Dizon, and Davao’s Auro Chocolate Director and Managing Director Kelly Go and Mark Ocampo joined 125 other exhibitors in the event, with the mission of contributing to the sustainable production and consumption of cocoa and chocolate in its entire value chain.

Philippine participants showcased their cacao-farming and chocolate production during presentations, “Discover the Unique Tastes and Traditions of Chocolate Made in the Philippines” by Ms. Go and Mr. Ocampo on February 23, and “The Social Profile and Trade of Philippine Cacao as Fine Cocoa” by Ms. Dizon on February 24.

The events were considered very successful by both participants, which provided them the opportunity to introduce new cacao and chocolate products to the right audience. According to them, specialty chocolate shops in The Hague and in Amsterdam have placed their orders to retail Kablon and Auro chocolates in the Netherlands.

The Philippine Embassy in The Hague led

by Ambassador to the Netherlands Jaime Victor B. Ledda and composed of First Secretary and Consul Shirley E. Banquicio, Trade Attaché Maria Helen B. Operio and Cultural Attaché Elea V. Perez, were on hand to lend support to the Philippine participating cocoa beans and chocolate entrepreneurs, together with Brussels-based Trade Counsellor Benedict Uy of the Philippine Trade and Investment Center and Department of Agriculture Agriculture Attaché Pit Laquian.

022 — ISSUE 61

Visitors at this year’s Chocoa 2019 are surprised to discover the good quality cacao and chocolate bars (‘’bean-to-bar”) from the Philippines that were offered for free tasting by Kablon Farms (bottom) and Auro Chocolate (top).

During his talk, Mark Go highlighted Auro’s unique story of its “bean-to-bar’’ products that sustainably sources its cocoa beans directly from local farming farming communities in Davao.

Photos by MBH Operio, EV Perez of The Hague PE, Mark Go of Auro Chocolate

Ube cheesecake was paired with Coco and Joe, a special tea infusion made from coconut and kape barako.

Filipino Afternoon Tea —London “We wanted to introduce Filipino cuisine in a stylish and innovative way to those who have never tried it,” said Madame Linda F. Lagdameo, spouse of Ambassador Antonio M. Lagdameo, during the first Filipino afternoon tea on February 26, 2019 that was organized in London under her patronage.

The Filipino afternoon tea is one of the major events for diplomatic spouses under the Philippine chairmanship of the ASEAN London Committee (ALC).

Together with the Cultural Diplomacy Unit of the Philippine Embassy in London, Madame Lagdameo led a series of activities to promote Philippine design as well as culinary arts.

Apart from the afternoon tea, a talk called “T’nalak: Unravelling the Secrets of the Dreamweavers” and a capsule exhibit on the traditional and contemporary uses of the traditional textile of South Cotabato’s T’boli community took place at Kensington High Street on London Fashion Week.

The Filipino twist on a beloved English tradition was well-received by guests representing London-based diplomats, lifestyle media, and design museums and galleries.

The traditional English afternoon tea took a Filipino turn when infused with Filipino flavors.

Introduced in Britain in the early 1840s, afternoon tea is a heavy afternoon mini meal, similar to the merienda cena, which was originally intended as an appetizer in anticipation of the evening meal. The traditional setup is usually composed of a combination of sweets and savories such as mini sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, and a selection of bite-sized pastries and cakes.

Romulo Café, a multi-awarded Filipino restaurant in London, facilitated the afternoon tea pairing which started with scone-desals (scone pandesals) smothered with Cornish clotted cream and gritty ube.

The result was a sumptuous version of the original scones served in the traditional English afternoon tea setting. Instead of sandwiches, a selection of chicken, vegetable, and lamb empanadas were served and for the pastries and cakes, bite-sized sans rival, mango float, and ube cheesecake accounted for a sweet ending. Each course of the afternoon tea was paired with a corresponding tea infusion.

A significant number of guests during the Filipino afternoon tea event claimed to have never tried Filipino cuisine before, and said that they were inspired to try other Filipino dishes, drinks and desserts in the future.

Photos by Stacy Garcia

Scone-desals with Cornish clotted cream and gritty ube were paired with a mild jasmine tea for a smooth start to the threecourse Filipino afternoon tea.

ISSUE 61 — 023

The Spring Quarterly I The Briefing I Global Affairs Mr. Rudolf Kotik of RK Franchise Consultancy presents franchising trends and opportunities to Australia Philippines Business Council members and guests.

PTIC-Sydney hosts a coffee talk on franchising at the Descano Café.

Highlighting Philippine Franchising, Investment Opportunities —Australia The Philippines Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), through the Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC) in Sydney, partnered with Expand Franchising and other organizations to promote franchising and other investment opportunities in the Philippines.

The first franchising seminar was conducted in Campbeltown in New South Wales on February 19, 2019, in partnership with Narra Co-operative, Inc., a membership cooperative comprising Filipino-Australians.

PTIC-Sydney hosted a coffee talk on franchising and a series of small group business consultations with Expand Franchising.

The Australia Philippines Business Council (APBC) hosted a seminar on “Franchising Trends and Opportunities.”

Special Trade Representative to Australia Alma Argayoso said that the franchising seminars and business consultations are initiatives under the Trabaho (jobs), Negosyo (business), Kabuhayan (livelihood) or the TNK program.

The TNK is a DTI program in partnership with other government agencies, private sector, academe and civil society organizations, to promote entrepreneurship and generate employment.

Photos by Canberra Philippine Embassy 024 — ISSUE 61

“We aim to help our kababayans or their families back home invest in viable economic activities in the Philippines by providing them with information and resources to help them succeed as entrepreneurs,” Ms. Argayoso said.

Ambassador to Australia Ma. Hellen B. De La Vega noted the significance of the initiative. “The Filipino community in Australia is successful and their excellence is widely-recognized. The Philippines is one of the fastest growing economies in Asia and I encourage Filipinos and our friends here in Australia to seize the many opportunities in our country,” she said.

Mr. Ignacio Gimenez of Expand Franchising brought to Australia its partner in the Philippines, RK Franchise Consultancy Inc., represented by its founder Rudolf Kotik. Mr. Kotik has over 40 years of experience in the franchising business and developed over 800 brands in the Philippines and abroad.

Mr. Kotik presented franchising trends, opportunities as well as its benefits. He also discussed the procedures and steps to become a franchisee or a franchisor and advised those who would like to scale up and open their business for franchising.

“It’s the biggest and most successful business system in the world and the Philippines is in the top ten with the most number of franchise units globally. Among the latest trends are innovative food and beverage outlets, self-service laundromats, education and tutorial services, specialized beauty services, and animal care services,” he added.

While most of the interested parties were overseas or former Filipinos looking for a franchise to set-up in the Philippines or bring to Australia, a number of foreigners also expressed interest in the co-ownership arrangements where several investors can buy 80 percent share in the franchise while 20 percent remains with the franchisor. The franchisor will run the business and provide monthly financial reports and quarterly dividends. This is a win-win arrangement where a franchisor uses OPM or Other People’s Money to grow the business, while a franchisee invests in a business without having to worry about the day-to-day operations.

Mr. Rudolf Kotik of RK Franchise Consultancy discusses with a group of interested overseas Filipinos and other guests the various opportunities in franchising.

San Miguel Beer Debuts in Russia at Major Moscow Trade Fair —Russia San Miguel Beer made its Russian debut at the 26th PRODEXPO International Exhibition for Food, Beverages and Food Raw Materials on February 11, 2019 in Moscow.

The largest food show in Russia and Eastern Europe and the most significant when it comes to promoting alcoholic beverages, the 26th PRODEXPO was held on 11-15 February 2019 at the ExpoCenter Fairgrounds in Moscow.

“We are very proud to have introduced San Miguel Beer to the Russian market and we are glad to partner with East Foods, a major player in the beverage sector here in Russia,” Ambassador to Russia Carlos D. Sorreta said, adding that “we are confident that our world renowned and multi award winning beer will find a market here in Russia.”

East Foods has been importing food and beverages from East Asia for over 20 years, and has branches and representative offices throughout Russia. San Miguel Beer products and posters were prominently displayed at the East Foods booth at PRODEXPO. “East Foods is a great partner in bringing San Miguel to Russia, they have the necessary experience and network,” Ambassador Sorreta said.

Ambassador Sorreta met East Foods General Director Alexander Kutsaev, and discussed ways to promote Philippine products in Russia.

(Bottom to top) Ambassador to Russia Carlos D. Sorreta (center) with Commercial Counselor Kristine Umali and East Foods General Director Alexander Kutsaev.

The Philippine Embassy in Moscow team with Mr. Kutsaev in front of the beer photo wall. San Miguel Beer featured on the front page of the catalogue of East Foods, San Miguel Beer products on display at World Food Moscow.

“The initial shipment of San Miguel Beer products will be arriving soon and will hopefully be on market shelves shortly after. San Miguel Beer has also sent samples and promotional items which we expect middle of March which we will use to aggressively promote these products,” the Ambassador added.

The entry of San Miguel Beer to Russia was facilitated by the work of the Embassy and Department of Trade and Industry’s Philippine Trade and Investment Center. Last November, Ambassador Sorreta met with San Miguel Brewing International Ltd. Export Development Sales Manager Jessie A. Silvala and his team in Manila to discuss the promotion and export of San Miguel Beer products to Russia.

This year’s PRODEXPO occupied an exhibition space in excess of 100,000 square meters, with exhibitors from 2,442 companies from 69 countries, and 62,000 visitors from over 100 Photos by Philippine Embassy in Moscow countries.

ISSUE 61 — 025

The Spring Quarterly I The Briefing I Global Affairs

Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates Hjayceelyn M. Quintana discusses the acquisition of international certifications of Philippine products with Philippine Grocers Food Exports Inc. General Manager Arun R. Mirpuri.

Photos by Abu Dhabi Philippine Embassy

Philippine Halal Food Products Take Center Stage at Gulfood 2019 —Abu Dhabi Twenty-five Philippine food companies were in Dubai to exhibit in Gulfood 2019 at the Dubai World Trade Center on February 17-21, 2019.

Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates Hjayceelyn M. Quintana and Trade and Industry Undersecretary Abdulgani M. Macatoman led the opening of the 241-square meter Philippine pavilion under the FoodPhilippines banner.

Taking center stage are Philippine halalcertified products such as fresh and processed fruits and vegetables, rice, coconut products and other by-products, seafood, canned goods, processed frozen meat, banana and sweet potato chips, and other snacks, condiments, noodles, ice cream, organic and health products.

The exhibiting companies in this year’s Gulfood are: Alsons Aquaculture Corporation, Brandexports Philippines Inc., Celebes Coconut Corp., Century Pacific Food Inc., Columbia International Food Products, Inc., Fitrite Inc., Gem Foods International, Inc., Krystle Exports Phil., Inc., Leonie Agri Corp, LTH Food Industries Inc., Mama Sita’s, Marikina Food Corporation, Market Reach International Resources, Mega Global Corporation, Monde Nissin Corporation, Philippine Grocers Food Exports, Inc., PhilUnion Frozen Foods, Inc., Pixcel Transglobal Foods Inc., Profood International Corporation, Q-Phil Products International, Sagrex Food Inc., San Miguel Pure Foods Company, Inc., See’s International Food Mfg. Corp., SL Agritech Corp., and Super Q. 026 — ISSUE 61

(From left to right) Second Secretary and Consul Rowena R. Pangilinan-Daquipil, Ambassador to Bahrain Alfonso A. Ver, Ambassador to the UAE Hjayceelyn M. Quintana, one of the exhibitors Century Pacific Food Inc. Executive Vice President and COO Gregory Banzon, Trade and Industry Undersecretary Abdulgani M. Macatoman, Commercial Attaché Charmaine Mignon S. Yalong, and Madame Caroline Belinda C. Ver.

Also present at the opening were other Philippine officials, namely Ambassador to Bahrain Alfonso A. Ver, Consul General to Dubai Paul Raymund P. Cortes, Commercial Attaché Charmaine Mignon S. Yalong.

Ambassador Quintana and Undersecretary Macatoman had talks on the sidelines and committed to promote the Philippine halal industry in the region.

With the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Philippine Accreditation Bureau and the Emirates Authority for Standardisation and Metrology, bilateral trade between the Philippines and the UAE, particularly on halal products, is expected to grow and expand.

Philippine global fast food chains and Filipino restaurants in the UAE are also creating awareness on product innovation and sustainability of Filipino brands and halal food among industry players and UAE residents at the recently held FilFood 2019, the first Filipino Food Industry Conference in Abu Dhabi.

Ambassador Quintana said that “the Philippines is ready to partake and capture a large portion of the trillion-dollar global halal industry.” She also said that Philippine companies have already acquired international food certifications for all of their products, namely Food and Drug Administration, Islamic Da’wah Council of the Philippines, Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points, Good Manufacturing Practice, Good Agricultural Practices, Socotec, Kosher Check, Food BRC, EU Accreditation, among others.

The Philippines is a constant participant to Gulfood, owing to the impressive sales and regional reach of the annual mega tradeshow.

The Philippine participation was organized by the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions, the export promotions arm of Department of Trade and Industry.

Gulfood is considered to be the world’s largest annual food and beverage exhibition.

This year’s 24th edition is participated by more than 5,000 exhibitors from 198 countries and attended by an estimated 98,000 visitors.

Philippine Food and Beverage Industry in the UAE to innovate Filipino food to meet rising demand —Abu Dhabi FilFood 2019, the first Filipino Food Industry Conference in Abu Dhabi, was successfully held on February 12, 2019 at Grand Millennium Al Wahda Hotel.

United Arab Emirates (UAE) nationals and residents will soon enjoy more nutritious, and halal-certified Philippine produce and ingredients that go into Filipino food served by a number Filipino restaurants and food and beverage outlets in the country.

These include global food chain brands, Jollibee (Golden Bee Foods), Chowking (Resolute Hospitality), Chowking (Resolute Hospitality), Max’s Restaurant (Landmark Group), Pancake House (Tablez), Terriyaki Boy & Sizzlin’ Steak (Kasamar), Teatro (Park Rotana), and Papa John’s Pizza (Mam Foods).

Established Filipino restaurants in the UAE will also join the initiative to incorporate Philippine-made products in their offerings.

Among these restaurants are Off-theHook, Oriental Korner, Hooked, Hot Palayok, Al Pinoy Golden, Baliwag, Panaderia Bakery, Wooden Spoon, Resto Pinoy, Cups & Cones, Mikee’s, Juancho’s, JR’s Restaurant, Dabarkads, and Kusina, and industry partners, Truebell Marketing, Magnolia Ice Cream, San Miguel Purefoods, Kayumanggi Foods, Nas Accountants & Auditors, and Positive Property Management.

In her keynote speech Ambassador to the UAE Hjayceelyn M. Quintana said, “Food is a cultural experience. Our food does not only have to appeal to the palate but first and foremost to the eyes, while being consistent in taste and level of expectation.”

“In the Year of Tolerance celebrated in the whole country, the leaders of the UAE have expressed their encouragement for the Filipino community in the country to actively showcase what make us vibrant – our talent, our food, our culture. Our time is now,” Ambassador Quintana underscored.

FilFood 2019 Executive Director Jose Ma. Jerome B. Tuano expressed the vision of wide acceptance of Filipino food including Philippine produce and ingredients by locals and multi-cultural consumers in the UAE. “We have to accelerate our innovation of food and recipes as well as competitively promote the consumption of nutritious and value-added, halal-certified Filipino food menus,” Mr. Tuano stressed.

FilFood 2019 aims to create awareness among industry players in the UAE and the region on product innovations, sustainability, and inclusive growth of the “Filipino Food’ brand.

The conference provided sessions for exchange of views on industry issues as well as a platform for the presentation of products and services, and collaboration among food and beverages industry players.

First Filipino Owned Pet Hotel and Store Opens —Dubai Photo by Dubai Philippine Embassy

Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates Hjayceelyn M. Quintana poses for a group photo with representatives of global food chain brands, restaurants, and other food and beverage companies in the UAE at FilFood 2019.

Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates Hjayceelyn M. Quintana meets Philippine food and beverages industry partners at FilFood 2019.

Photos by Abu Dhabi Philippine Embassy

Consul General to Dubai Paul Raymund P. Cortes led the opening of Tail Waggin’, the first Filipino-owned pet store, hotel and adoption center, on January 26, 2019.

Among the guests at the launch of the pet hotel included Philippine Business Council (PBC) Chair Marian Carella, other PBC officers, and Labor Attaché Felicitas Bay. Consul General Cortes congratulated Tail Waggin’ owner Carl Laguerta on the launch,

noting the increasing number of Filipino-owned businesses in Dubai. Mr. Laguerta was a former employee of another pet store and hotel until he decided to open his own enterprise.

The Philippine Consulate General in Dubai and the Philippine Business Council have partnered in several undertakings to spread entrepreneurship among the Filipino community in Dubai and the Northern Emirates.

ISSUE 61 — 027

The Spring Quarterly I The Briefing I Global Affairs Consul General Julius Caesar A. Flores (front row, sixth from left) with other distinguished guests at the first Lecture Hall of Quanzhou Radio Broadcast and Television studio in Quanzhou City.

Jimmy Erinje Chung (left) and Jhonvid Bangayan (right), both from Manila, were proclaimed first and second runners-up respectively.

Filipino-Chinese Young Singers Triumph in PH-Fujian TV Singing Finals —Xiamen Consul General to Xiamen Julius Caesar A. Flores graced the event as one of the VIP guests at the Singing Competition Grand Finals of the “2018 Philippine-Fujian (Quanzhou) Television Week,” held at the Quanzhou Radio Broadcast and Television Studio in Quanzhou City on January, 18 2019.

Consul General Flores commended Quanzhou Radio Broadcast and Television Station and Philippine Chinatown TV for organizing the said competition, and praised the competitors for their talent and artistry. He underscored that the event provides an excellent platform to promote cultural exchanges, especially that the language of music is universal.

The seven young and talented singers who made it to the final round of the competition impressed the judges and the audience with their performances showcasing their unique voice talents.

Ms. Xu Jiahua won the grand prize, while Mr. Jimmy Erinje Chung and Mr. Jhonvid Bangayan were proclaimed first and second runners-up, respectively.

The competitors were previously selected and qualified in the early rounds of the competition, held in venues in Quanzhou City and Manila.

Both Quanzhou TV and Chinatown TV are partners of the Philippine Consulate General in Xiamen in the pursuit of cultural diplomacy in Fujian and the Philippines.

Photos by Xiamen Philippine Consulate General 028 — ISSUE 61

Consul General to Xiamen Julius Caesar A. Flores co-presented the grand prize to 2018 Philippine-Fujian (Quanzhou) Television Week Singing Competition Finals Grand Champion Xi Jiahua.

The finalists at the 2018 Philippine-Fujian (Quanzhou) Television Week Singing Competition Grand Finals held in Quanzhou City.

77 Fil-Am Veterans Awarded Congressional Gold Medal —Hawaii

The historic recognition was attended by around 350 guests mostly from the Filipino-American Community in Hawaii. Other guests who graced the event include Hawaii Transportation Director Jade Butay representing Governor David Ige, Deputy Commander of the United States Pacific Command Lieutenant General Bryan Fenton, retired U.S. Major Generals Antonio Taguba and James Hirai. Consul General to Honolulu Joselito A. Jimeno attended the second batch of the World War II Filipino Veterans Congressional Gold Medal Presentation at the Filipino Community Center in Waipahu, Hawaii on January 26, 2019.

Ambassador to Austria Maria Cleofe R. Natividad (second from the left) congratulates IAEA Division Director Dr. Jane Gerardo-Abaya (second from the right). They are joined

by Consul General Deena Joy Amatong (far left) and Vice Consul Allen Carillo (far right).

(Photo from the Philippine Embassy in Vienna)

Filipina Scientist Appointed as International Atomic Energy Agency Director —Vienna

Ambassador to Austria Maria Cleofe R. Natividad congratulated Dr. Jane GerardoAbaya on her recent appointment as IAEA’s Department of Technical Cooperation Asia and the Pacific Division Director at a courtesy call in the Philippine Permanent Mission in Vienna’s chancery on January 18. 2019.

Dr. Abaya officially assumed her new position on January 1, 2019.

Ambassador Natividad conveyed the Permanent Mission’s full support to Dr. Abaya An Austria-based Filipina scientist rose in carrying out her duties as a new Division from the ranks and was appointed as one Director at the IAEA. She said that Dr. of the directors of the International Atomic Abaya’s appointment is a remarkable achieveEnergy Agency (IAEA). ment in the Philippines’ efforts towards in-

creasing women’s representation at the higher echelons of the IAEA. Ambassador Natividad also expressed her full confidence that Dr. Abaya “will be up for the task given her exemplary qualifications and extensive experience.”Dr. Abaya is an Austria-based Filipina scientist who has been with the IAEA in various capacities since 1994. In 2017, IAEA Director General Yukiya Amano conferred on her a “Superior Achievement Award.” In 2008, she received a “Distinguished Service Award” from then IAEA Director General Mohamed ElBaradei.

She received a Balik Scientist Award and a research grant from the Department of Science and Technology in 2008. Her works on isotope hydrology and water and geothermal energy resources were contributed to the University of the Philippines Diliman’s National Institute of Geological Sciences, where she is an alumna.

The Filipina’s appointment adds further impetus to the Permanent Mission’s steadfast commitment to deepen cooperation with the IAEA, particularly through its Technical Cooperation (TC) Programme, in line with the Philippines’ development goals.

The TC Programme, which is overseen by the IAEA-Department of Technical Cooperation, is the major vehicle through which developing countries benefit from the work of the IAEA. The Philippines is an active contributor to and recipient of IAEA projects on crop resistance to natural calamities, water resource management, and nuclear medicine, particularly cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Outside the IAEA, the Permanent Mission and Dr. Abaya have partnered in several activities in Vienna to raise the local Filipino Community’s awareness about the Philippine “Science Diplomacy” initiative.

The said initiative was launched in 2018 under Ambassador Natividad’s leadership to ensure strong representation of Philippine science-related interests in the multilateral arena.

ISSUE 61 — 029

The Spring Quarterly I The Briefing I Global Affairs It’s in the bag! Cheri-Lou Aranjuez featured a line of bags she co-created with the female inmates of Compostela Valley’s Montevista District Jail.

(Cheri-Lou Aranjuez photo)

Mitch Desunia joins MODE’s young models during the finale walk.

(Mitch Desunia photo)

Filipino Designers Make It Big in London Fashion Week —London

Filipino fashion designers made a bold statement during the February installment of this year’s London Fashion Week, with designs aimed at supporting communities and rallying behind the cause of women empowerment.

Davaoeña designer Cheri-Lou Aranjuez launched her new line at a London Fashion Week show in Millennium Gloucester Hotel on February 16, 2019 featuring bags that were hand crafted by the female inmates of Compostela Valley’s Montevista District Jail and fabrics woven by stay-at-home mothers.

“I am very, very proud to raise the Philippine flag higher and bolder,” gushed Ms. Aranjuez, whose second time it was to participate in London Fashion Week under the House of Ikons.

Proceeds from the sales of Ms. Aranjuez’s designs during the show will be donated to the Mayas Foundation, which provides support for rape survivors.

030 — ISSUE 61

Mitch Desunia, the Filipino fashion designer behind Mode U.K. also launched her children’s line during London Fashion Week.

Ms. Desunia launched a new collection of whimsical occasion dresses for children featuring vibrant colors and playful designs.

“Philippine fashion designers are becoming more visible during the bi-annual London Fashion Week. Representation during London Fashion Week is important because it is an opportunity to put Philippine fashion on the radars of influential fashion buyers, editors, and trend forecasters,” Ambassador to the United Kingdom Antonio M. Lagdameo said.

Last year, Cagayan de Oro-based designer Martha Rodriguez launched her new line of high-end bags for men and women featuring the traditional textiles of Mindanao’s T’boli, Yakan, and Tausug communities. Ms. Rodriguez is the founder and designer behind Vesti, a brand that easily grabbed the attention of fashionistas in the September 2018 London Fashion Week.

London Fashion Week is one of the four major Fashion Weeks in the world, aside from Paris, New York, and Milan. It is the only fashion week that happens twice a year, on February when autumn and winter collections are launched, and on September for the subsequent spring and summer seasons.

Ms. Margarita Locsin Chan reads an excerpt of DISRUPT 3.0 was part of the bookreaders and delivers the closing remarks.

(Consul Gonaranao B. Musor photo) Madam Lourdes Josephine Gotianun Yap, as host of the National Women’s Month Celebration, delivers the welcome remarks.

(Consul Gonaranao B. Musor photo)

Ambassador to Singapore Joseph Del Mar Yap and wife Madam Lourdes Josephine Gotianun Yap were joined by all the female guests and attendees, comprised of the speakers, Philippine Embassy in Singapore officers and staff, and spouses of embassy personnel. (Wilford Wong photo)

PH Embassy in Singapore Organizes Book-Reading Event —Singapore In conjunction with the celebration of National Women’s Month and the 50th anniversary of Philippines-Singapore diplomatic relations, the Philippine Embassy in Singapore, led

by Madame Lourdes Josephine Gotianun Yap, hosted a book-reading entitled “DISRUPTing Singapore” at the official residence of the Ambassador in Singapore on 02 March 2019.

The book-reading featured excerpts from DISRUPT 3.0, the third instalment of an anthology that examines how Filipino women overcome the challenges of the diaspora while confronting public perception on their capacity to lead.

Ms. Christine Amour-Levar, one of the featured writers of the book, founder of HER Planet Earth and co-founder of Women On A Mission, led the stellar group of readers during the event.

She was joined in by other Filipino women in Singapore such as Margarita Locsin Chan, Elizabeth Hernandez, and Pinky David, who are all very successful Filipino women professionals in their own fields.

In her welcome remarks, Madame Yap highlighted National Women’s Month as an annual celebration to recognize the significant contributions of women in nation-building.

“Being a woman should not therefore be viewed as a disadvantage, an excuse, nor a detriment to success. We are capable of balancing work and family,” Madam Yap said.

Ms. Christine Amour-Levar, one of the featured writers of DISRUPT 3.0, reads an excerpt of her essay and gives a brief introduction of the book. (Christine Amour-Levar photo)

DISRUPT is a project of the Filipina Women’s Network (FWN), a non-profit, non-partisan international advocacy organization that seeks to increase the power and influence of Filipino women as leaders and policy makers at all levels in corporate, government, institutions and community organizations as they advocate for equality, social justice, and women’s rights.

FWN members are currently active in 28 countries around the world, including Singapore.

Aside from the Filipino women leaders in Singapore, Ambassador to Singapore Joseph Del Mar Yap, Embassy officers and staff, heads of partner agencies, and spouses of Embassy personnel joined the event.

DISRUPT is available on Amazon.

ISSUE 61 — 031

The Spring Quarterly I Business I Infrastructure

Historic Metro-Manila Subway Breaks Ground —Infrastructure The “pipe dream” is now a reality. The Metro Manila Subway, the Philippines’ first underground railway system, officially broke ground on February 27, 2019 in Barangay Ugong, Valenzuela City.

The Metro Manila Subway is among the most ambitious and monumental infrastructure projects under the Duterte administration’s “Build, Build, Build” Program.

Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea led the groundbreaking ceremony, together with Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Koji Haneda, and Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Arthur Tugade.

“When we announced that we are doing the Subway, many sectors did not believe.

Sabi nila, ‘Subway station? Drawing lang ‘yan. Hindi totoo ‘yan.’ Sa mga nagduda, ang Subway Station po ay totoo. Sa mga naniniwala, pabaunan niyo po kami ng tiwala at dasal. Ito ang magbibigay sa ating mga Pilipino ng comfortable life,” Secretary Tugade said.

032 — ISSUE 61

Department of Transportation of the Philippines Images and Illustrations

To signify the start of the project, Executive Secretary Medialdea, Ambassador Haneda, Secretary Tugade, members of the Cabinet, and local government officials led the unveiling of the scale model of the Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM), along with the ceremonial shoveling of the ground where the subway’s depot will stand.

Additionally, Executive Secretary Medialdea and Ambassador Haneda simulated the construction of the subway through the operation of a backhoe machine.

“We believe in a fast and sure approach and the efficient delivery of public service.

Matagal nang deprived ang mga Pilipino sa ganitong mass transport system. We will deliver this to the Filipino people as fast as we can, as well as we can, and without any whiff of corruption,” Executive Secretary Medialdea said.

Social Mitigation To mitigate the social impact of the subway construction, the DOTr, in collaboration with the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC), National Housing Authority (NHA) and the City Government of Valenzuela, awarded certificates of entitlement to affected Informal Settler Families (ISFs) for their relocation to Disiplina Village II, Barangay Bignay also in Valenzuela City Secretary Tugade presented the certificates to 20 out of 183 beneficiary families.

The remaining 163 families are undergoing pre-qualification process.

ISSUE 61 — 033

The Spring Quarterly I Business I Infrastructure Partial Operability by 2022 The country’s first-ever subway system is a massive undertaking, spanning 15 stations from Quirino Highway in Quezon City to NAIA Terminal 3 in Pasay and FTI in Taguig, all connected through a 36-kilometer rail line.

Set to run at 80 kilometers per hour, the Subway will cross seven local governments and pass through three of Metro Manila’s business districts in just 30 minutes.

Guided by Japan’s expertise in railways, the Metro Manila Subway will feature technological advancements and disaster-resilient strategies aimed to boost the Subway’s structural integrity amid regular occurrence of typhoons and earthquakes.

The Metro Manila Subway is set to commence partial operations by 2022 for its first three stations (Quirino Highway – Mindanao Avenue Station, Tandang Sora Station, and North Avenue Station), while the entire rail line will be fully operational by 2025.

The pioneering underground rail line is expected to serve 370,000 passengers daily in its first year of full operations, with a design capacity that can accommodate up to 1.5 million passengers per day.

Just last week, the DOTr signed the contract for the design and build of the Partial Operability Section with the Joint Venture of Shimizu Corporation, Fujita Corporation, Takenaka Civil Engineering Co., Ltd., and EEI Corporation.

The Partial Operability Section is comprised of the first three stations, the depot in Valenzuela, and structures for the Philippine Railway Institute (PRI) that will be the primary policy-making body for the Subway.

“Nang nakita namin ang kultura ng mga taga-Japan, sabi ko, magkakaroon din tayo ng Philippine Railway Institute, sapagkat ‘yung pagbuo ng PRI ay dapat may kaakibat na training, skills, talent, at culture of belonging and love for the job,” Secretary Tugade expressed.

Incredible Interconnectivity DOTr Undersecretary for Railways Timothy John Batan, in his message, said that each subway station will feature an intermodal facility that will make transfers to and from road-based transport seamless and convenient.

Further, the Metro Manila Subway will be connected with other major rail lines such as the PNR Clark, PNR Calamba, and the Common Station to ensure interconnectivity, intermodality, and interoperability.

034 — ISSUE 61

Build, Build, Build Partnership The construction of the Metro Manila Subway is a collaborative effort with the Government of Japan through a PhP365billion Official Development Assistance (ODA) loan from the Japan International Cooperation Agency ( JICA).

“We support the Philippines in shifting the ‘Build, Build, Build’ Program to higher gear. With cutting-edge technology, the Philippines can count on Japan’s extensive experience in railway operations. Together, there is no stopping Japan and the Philippines in achieving more,” Ambassador Haneda said.

Present during the groundbreaking ceremony were Budget and Management Secretary Benjamin Diokno, Public Works and Highways Secretary Mark Villar, National Economic and Development Authority Director-General and Socio-Economic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia, Senator JV Ejercito, JICA Philippines Chief Representative Yoshio Wada, Philippine National Railways (PNR) General Manager Junn Magno, Valenzuela City Mayor Rexlon Gatchalian, representatives of the ShimizuFujita-Takenaka-EEI Joint Venture, and other officials from the public and private sectors.

Stay updated with news and information from the Department of Transportation by visiting their website at www.dotr.gov.ph.

ISSUE 61 — 035

The Spring Quarterly I The Economy I Business

036 — ISSUE 61

For the love of country and of the Filipino people, the Department of Transportation (DOTr), under the strong-willed leadership of Secretary Arthur P. Tugade, fetes four major railway projects geared to enhance connectivity and mobility.

METRO MANILA SUBWAY. A historic event that turned a “pipe dream” into reality. The country’s first-ever underground rail line officially broke ground on Wednesday, 27 February 2019.

With an incredible speed of 80 kph, the Metro Manila Subway will zoom through 15 stations from Quirino Highway in Quezon City to NAIA Terminal 3 in Pasay and FTI in Taguig in just 31 minutes. The Subway’s Partial Operability Section, comprised of the first three stations (Quirino Highway – Mindanao Avenue Station, Tandang Sora Station, and North Avenue Station), the depot in Valenzuela, and structures for the Philippine Railway Institute (PRI), is set to start serving the public by 2022.

PNR CLARK PHASE 1. The North-South Commuter Railway Project aims to connect the north in Clark, Pampanga and the south down to Calamba, Laguna in a seamless link of three rail lines. Its Tutuban to Malolos leg, known as the PNR Clark Phase 1, commenced full-blast construction on 15 February 2019. It will have 13 train sets, composed of 8 cars each, which will be running at a maximum speed of 120 kilometers per hour.

This leg of the NSCR will reduce travel time between Manila and Bulacan from one (1) hour and 45 minutes to just 35 minutes. PNR Clark Phase 1 is targeted for completion by the last quarter of 2021.

COMMON STATION. The Common Station is a 13,700-square meter concourse that marks the intersection of four railway lines – the LRT-1, MRT-3, MRT-7, and the Metro Manila Subway.

Located at the north end of EDSA, the Common Station is comprised of three areas: Areas A, B and C. At the actual site of construction, the DOTr signed the contract for the design and build of Area A on 13 February 2019. The Common Station will feature a transit area for the riding public, operated by an automated fare collection system, which will give commuters better point-to-point mobility and comfort. Area A is set to be completed by 2020, while the entire Common Station is expected to be operational by 2022.

MRT-3 REHABILITATION. Transition works are now ongoing for the long-overdue rehabilitation of the MRT-3. Following the signing of the PhP18-billion loan agreement with Japan and the return of Sumitomo Corporation and its technical partner Mitsubishi Heavy Industries as the Rehabilitation and Maintenance Service Provider, the MRT-3 is set to undergo rehabilitation and maintenance of its electromechanical components, power supply, rail tracks, depot equipment, and overhaul of its 72 light rail vehicles. Once rehabilitated, the MRT-3 will return to its high-grade infrastructure condition. It will increase the number of its operating train sets from the current 15 to 20 at peak hours, double the train operating speed to 60 kilometers per hour, and slash by half the time between trains from the current 7-10 minutes to up to 3.5 minutes.

These are the DOTr’s humble gifts to make the Filipino life comfortable.

Department of Transportation of the Philippines Image

ISSUE 61 — 037

The Spring Quarterly I Industry I The Economy

Philippines is now a top 15 world tourism powerhouse —Outlook writer Ritchel Mendiola

The Philippines is among the top 15 tourism powerhouses in the 2018 World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) Power and Performance Report.

WTTC’s latest Power and Performance report assesses the performance of 185 countries over the last seven years — after the financial crisis ended and when most countries commenced their journeys to recovery.

038 — ISSUE 61

WTTC used its annual economic data to rank all countries across four key areas: total contribution to Gross Domestic Product (GDP), visitor exports (international tourism spend), domestic spending and capital investment.

WTTC President and CEO Gloria Guevara commented, “WTTC’s new report outlines power and performance rankings which showcase countries that have been most successful in growing their tourism sectors across the board.”

The report includes two rankings. Its Power ranking highlights the countries which have grown most, in absolute terms, across the board, with growth measured in US dollars; meanwhile, its Performance ranking notes the countries which have grown fastest, in percentage terms, across the board, with growth measured as a compound annual percentage increase.

The Philippines ranked 13th among the 185 countries that recorded “absolute growth” within 2011-2017, and 15th in terms of “performance.”

ISSUE 61 — 039

The Spring Quarterly I Industry I The Economy Contribution to GDP The Philippines ranked 8th among countries that seen the largest growth in travel and tourism’s contribution to GDP within the seven-year period, with USD66.3 billion share in 2017 alone.

It also placed 7th among countries where travel and tourism contribution to GDP grew fastest — growing at an annual rate of 14.2 percent.

WTTC noted that the Philippines is the only country in the top 10 for both size and speed of growth.

International visitor spending A total of nine countries made the top 30 in both size and speed of visitor export growth, or the spending by foreign visitors in a country — Colombia, Indonesia, Iran, Japan, Mexico, Philippines, Qatar, Sri Lanka and Thailand.

The Philippines placed 21st posting a 3.7 percent increase in the last seven years in terms of visitor export growth. It earned USD7.5 billion in 2017 from international visitor spendings, according to WTTC. When it came to countries with fastest growing international visitor spend, on the other hand, the Philippines ranked 23rd with an 11.9 percent in visitor export growth per annum.

040 — ISSUE 61

Domestic spending The Philippines is in both the power and performance league of domestic spending, placing 6th in the power rankings for having USD45.7 billion in last year’s domestic travel and tourism spending, an “actual growth” of USD26.2 billion from 2011 to 2017, as reported by WTTC. This means Philippines is the third country among 185 states in terms of highest annual growth rate.

Out of all four indicators, Philippines only fell behind in capital investment, ranking 44th in the power ranking and 87th in its performance ranking.

WTTC’s overall Power ranking listed the 30 top performers — China, United States, India, Mexico, United Kingdom, Spain, Turkey, Canada, Indonesia, and Australia and United Arab Emirates which tied for the 10th spot.

Philippines and Malaysia shared the 13th spot.

WTTC’s Performance ranking, meanwhile, listed the following top 10 countries: Myanmar, Iraq, Georgia, Rwanda, Iceland, Nicaragua, Qatar, Congo, Armenia, and Ivory Coast.

ISSUE 61 — 041

The Spring Quarterly I Business I Entrepreneur

How to make money from your hobby —Entrepreneur writer Ritchel Mendiola

Having a hobby is an important part of life. People usually pass off their hobbies as something trivial, but they’re a great way to express yourself and to relieve stress from school or work. A hobby is also a way to generate money — if you’re dedicated enough. From baking to watching television series, here’s how you can convert your hobby into a money-making business.

01 Teach your hobby to other people Some hobbies are perfect for involving other people — among them are playing an instrument, doing arts and crafts, and cooking. You can offer lessons on a weekly or monthly basis depending on your schedule, or give occasional workshops to other enthusiasts.

042 — ISSUE 61

02 Make great use of your social media accounts With today’s technological innovation, life has become a tad easier. With social media accounts like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, you can share your hobby with people all over the world. This is especially great for people who do arts and crafts as a hobby. Establish an account and grow a following — this way, it’ll be easier to sell your product. You can even offer commissions, once in a while.

For people who don’t make tangible goods, Youtube can be your best friend in sharing your hobby. From doing your makeup, to discussing what happened to the latest episode of that show you’re watching, to baking, you can put up videos and let the internet do the rest. People are always seeking out content to watch, find your target audience and keep churning out videos to gain a following so you can monetize your content.

ISSUE 61 — 043

The Spring Quarterly I Business I Entrepreneur

03 Create a website for your hobby Developing a website for your hobby isn’t just a way to share your interest with other people, it’s also a way to generate money especially if you look into selling ad space.

The more people who flock onto your website, the more traffic it’ll have.

04 Reach out to your local community Reaching out to your local community is a great way to let others know about the products or services you can offer. Perhaps you can make a deal with your local bakery about selling your cupcakes once in a while, or open up classes for the kids in your community. Engaging with people you’ve known for as long as you live there is easier because they already know and trust you.

One key takeaway from this is that converting a hobby into a business runs the risk of turning something you love into a chore.

Saga Magazine says to make sure you know why you want to sell your products in the first place. Make sure that continuing your hobby and being able to share it with others stay at the forefront of your mind — earning from it is rewarding and fun, but don’t overwork yourself trying to keep up with orders and demands!

044 — ISSUE 61

PHILIPPINE FRANCHISE ASSOCIATION presents

Co-Presented by

ASIA’S BIGGEST FRANCHISE SHOW Certified Franchise Executive Program 25-26 March 2019

International Franchise Conference

27-28 March 2019

International Franchise Expo 29-31 March 2019

Educational / Franchise Seminars 29-31 March 2019 www.franchiseasiaph.com For Inquiries:

632 687-0365 (+63) 999 883 3732 (+63) 917 832 0732 (+63) 932 879 2732

franchiseasia@pfa.org.ph FranchiseAsiaPH

ISSUE 61 — 045

The Spring Quarterly I Culture I Outlook

Millennials as trailblazers for progression and why it’s time to take them seriously —Culture writer Ritchel Mendiola

Millennials are born into the period of rapid change, the 1980 to 2000s being a time of internet growth and economy declination. It isn’t that much surprising, then, that millennials comprise the majority of people who are vocal about the problems in society. And with the ease of information dissemination thanks to today’s technological innovation, it’s easier for them to speak out their opinions.

Of course, with this comes the scathing remarks from baby boomers. Millennials constantly experience being undermined because they are the “younger generation” — but contrary to popular belief, millennials are not actually too young. They aren’t synonymous to teens, and they’re at the age where they can do anything, calling out a system that is as faulty as it is flawed included.

046 — ISSUE 61

Connecting you to your roots, dreams, and goals.

2019 Global Ambassadors Program LoveOfCountryAmbassadors.com Info@LoveOfCountryPhilippines.com ISSUE 61 — 047

The Spring Quarterly I Culture I Outlook In a 2018 article entitled “Should we elect more millennials to Congress?” amassed attention on social media sites. It’s your typical brushing-off-millenials article because the older generation is so set on the notion that younger people aren’t allowed to be in a position of power.

It isn’t hard to reconcile millennials as people capable of imparting positive change in the society. Like it or not, the generation of millennials is the key in shaping the future. Since they are the ones who will live through the legislation that will pass, it is only right that they should be the ones to dictate how to govern their own generation.

By dismissing millennials, you are rejecting the notion of change. Discrediting them because you think they’re only teenagers ranting online not only perpetuates ignorance but also hinders progression. Millennials are now professionals, and they deserve to be treated with respect and given the same opportunities that the older generation experienced.

The term ‘millennials’ is used both by the baby boomers and the media to infantilize and instill doubts at this generation’s capabilities. But the millennials are actually the ones currently living through the worst of capitalism, government corruption, and hate violence — they should have the louder voice when it comes to speaking up. And we all should listen.

Millennials might have different perspectives of the world, but one thing they have in common is the demand for progress and change. They consistently strive to impart these progressions despite the barriers set by an unrelenting and closed-minded older generation. It’s time we should take them seriously.

048 — ISSUE 61

Curated travel programs in the Philippines designed by Balikbayans for Filipinos all over the world.

Launching in 2019. For inquiries and partnerships, contact Info@LoveOfCountryPhilippines.com. www.LoveOfCountryPhilippines.com I #loveofcountryPH ISSUE 61 — 049

www.LOVEOFCOUNTRYPHILIPPINES.com

050 — ISSUE 61

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

— Welcome to Love of Country.

Welcome home.

Explore today at www.LoveOfCountryPhilippines.com

ISSUE 61 — 051

The Spring Quarterly I Leaders I Business

The New Tourism Attaché for the Philippine Department of Tourism —San Francisco writer Joseph L. Peralta

Marie Soleil P. Tropicales has been appointed as the new Tourism Director/Attaché for the San Francisco Office of the Philippine Department of Tourism. She assumed her post last January 22, 2019.

Director Tropicales took over the SF post from Purificacion Suanding Molintas, who was tourism director for the last four years.

She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Hotel & Restaurant Management from the University of Santo Tomas (UST), where she was also the recipient of the Quezon Leadership Award.

Upon her completion of her Master’s in Business Administration from the UST Graduate School where she graduated Cum Laude, Director Tropicales joined The Discovery Leisure Company, Inc. as part of the pre-opening team for the Misibis Bay Resort and Hotel Venezia in Bicol. She also worked with the team of Discovery Suites in Manila and Discovery Shores Boracay.

052 — ISSUE 61

INVESTMENT

VACATION

RETIREMENT

NORTH AMERICA I EUROPE I MIDDLE EAST & AFRICA I ASIA I AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND I SOUTH AMERICA

ISSUE 61 — 053

The Spring Quarterly I Leaders I Business

“We are partners and ambassadors in promoting Philippine tourism.

We cannot do this alone. We need their support in encouraging their children, relatives and American friends to have a firsthand experience of what the Philippines has to offer,” she said. “Every relative or friend that you bring to the Philippines creates a job to a Filipino or two.”

In addition to being in the sales and marketing industry for more than a decade, the UST alumna also had a brief stint in the academe as a part-time teacher at the Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management of Far Eastern University (FEU).

It was in 2014 when Director Tropicales joined the Philippine Department of Tourism where she was assigned to the Route Development Division of the Market Development Group. A year earlier, she had passed the Competency Based Assessment Program of the PDOT and joined the pool of Tourism Attachés.

She handled the hosting of the Routes Asia 2016 in Manila, considered the biggest aviation event in Asia.

As the new tourism director, Tropicales told the Asian Journal that the PDOT team in San Francisco will engage in new activities and initiatives to bring more Americans, Canadians and Filipino Americans to the Philippines and experience more fun in the country. As such, the Director and her team have identified priority states, cities and market segments that will help them achieve this goal.

Director Tropicales also revealed that their office will help strengthen the business to consumer (B2C) activities of the tourism department and the Fil-Am community.

“The PDOTSF will organize events which will help connect the Fil-Am community to various tourism stakeholders in the Philippines,” she explained. “Also, we want to tap individuals or groups in the community who are interested in tourism investment in the Philippines. Our attached agency, the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority, has packages and incentives programs which creare business opportunities.”

Additionally, the PDOTSF wants to focus on the youth market, including students, third- and fourth-generation Fil-Ams and young professionals.

“We want to offer this market segment Philippine products focused on education tourism, culinary tourism and community immersion activities. Our office will reach this market through digital campaigns, social media platforms, and exciting and engaging apps,” she divulged, while adding that as certified divers, she and her tourism department colleague, Zeny Pallugna, will promote the Philippines as a top dive, travel and adventure destination in Asia.

As the Philippines, due to advancements in technology and mapping, has been revealed to actually have 7,641 islands, Director Tropicales said that the country has many hot spots, with many Philippine destinations making the top lists around the world.

“We are happy to share with you that Travel+Leisure’s 2018 054 — ISSUE 61

top 15 best islands in the world includes Palawan and Cebu.

Condé Nast Traveler readers ranked the 30 best islands in the world outside the US [via the magazine’s 2018 Readers’ Choice Awards] and guess which are the top three islands – Siargao, Boracay and Palawan,” Tropicales said. “My personal favorite, Dumaguete, is a great destination for diving, snorkeling, playing golf and having a culinary experience.”

The newly-appointed SF Tourism Director emphasized that promoting the Philippines is a cooperative effort between the Department of Tourism and the Fil-Am community.

“We are partners and ambassadors in promoting Philippine tourism. We cannot do this alone. We need their support in encouraging their children, relatives and American friends to have a firsthand experience of what the Philippines has to offer,” she said. “Every relative or friend that you bring to the Philippines creates a job to a Filipino or two.”

“In line with the Spark-Connect-Empower movement of the Philippine Consulate General, let us work together in spreading the warm Filipino hospitality here in the U.S. I also want to take the opportunity to invite our kababayans and friends to join this year’s Very Important Pinoy (VIP) Tour and Filgrimate Tour taking place in July 2019. This effort, led by the Department of Foreign Affairs, offers an exciting itinerary crafted and customized for this special group,” Director Tropicales added. The website for the VIP and Filgrimate Tours is ww.viptourphilippines.com.

Prior to being named PDOTSF Tourism Director, Tropicales participated in various aviation and trade events in China, Singapore, South Korea, Australia, Spain and South Africa, and also presented her paper, “Air Route Development in the Philippines: Prospects for Improving the Tourism Industry,” at the 15th APacCHRIE Conference 2017 in Bali, Indonesia. She has been instrumental in strengthening and growing the direct air connections of the Philippines from tourist source markets of the country.

As this is her first overseas posting, Director Tropicales is looking forward to seeing what the Bay Area has to offer.

“As part of the Route Development Team in the Manila office, I got the chance to go to different continents and countries to promote the international airports of the Philippines, but I have never been to the US. That is why I am looking forward to discover more of what San Francisco has to offer in terms of opportunities for tourism development and investment for the Philippines,” she said. “And, of course, on a personal note, my palate wants to explore the food scene of Frisco.”

ISSUE 61 — 055

The Spring Quarterly I Travel I Balikbayan Journals

The 6th Annual Winter Escapade Tour —Canada writer Gerry Palabyab photographer Godwin Gasacao

Eight action packed days of wonder, fun and unforgettable memories was what the 6th Winter Escapade tour ( January 28 to February 4, 2019) came to be for some 250 lucky Canadians and Filipino-Canadians.

Culture, Heritage, History of old Batangas and the Wonders of El Nido Palawan, to be more specific, were the highlights of the tour.

056 — ISSUE 61

Hosted by the Philippine Department of Tourism (DOT), produced by the “mother-of-grand-tours” Rajah Tours and co-sponsored by the Asian Journal Media Group among others, this tour was an offshoot of the highly popular and very successful Ambassadors, Consuls General and Tourism Directors Tour of the Philippines (ACGTDT). Targeting this time, the mainstream Canadians and Filipino Canadians, the Philippine DOT, teamed up with its seasoned tour specialist Rajah Tours, The Asian Journal Publishing Group and the Philippine Tourism stakeholders from Manila, Batangas Province and Palawan to entice the fast growing Canadian Market not only to visit and experience the culture and heritage of new travel destinations but also to expose them to investment opportunities in the Philippines.

ISSUE 61 — 057

The Spring Quarterly I Travel I Balikbayan Journals In Manila, they experienced the vibrance of the second fastest growing economy in Asia as they visited the ultra-modern and huge shopping malls at BGC and Makati City.

In Batangas, they were hosted by Governor Dodo Mandanas of Batangas province and Mayor Pong Mercado of historic and old Taal town (a UNESCO World Heritage site) to a sumptuous lunch on Day 3 of the Tour. Here the Governor proudly announced to the visitors the province’s aggressive but balanced economic development thrust – Tourism Development via the township real estate development of the beautiful Montemaria estate that hosts the tallest structure in Asia, the Montemaria Virgin Mary statue, off the Verde Strait.

Verde Strait is home to the richest marine biodiversity and sanctuary in the world. This is in addition to Batangas’ other popular tourism spots in Nasugbu (Pico de Loro, etc., Matabungkay beaches) and the religious tourism sites in Lipa, Taal, Balayan and other towns. One noteworthy development that was presented at the Taal Bistro luncheon was the Lombard By the Bay development of Premier Asia Pacific Real Estate Development company, right at the back of the imposing Virgin Mary statue.

It is the first of the township development projects in the Montemaria site to provide amenities and facilities to the growing Marian devotees and visitors of the site.

058 — ISSUE 61

Then there are the serene and quiet beaches of El Nido in Palawan. The lucky visitors were treated to island hopping, in addition to shopping trips in the famed and enchanting resort island of El Nido, Palawan.

Like all good things, the tour had to end, of course back to awesome Shangrila for their farewell parties and dinner. Thus, in eight short days, the 6th Winter Escapade renewed old ties for the older visitors, created new ones for the younger ones and first-time visitors and created unforgettable memories for all participants. We could not find a better way of promoting the Philippines as a fun place to visit and retire perhaps, and a great place to invest.

ISSUE 61 — 059

The Spring Quarterly I Life & Style I Wine & Dine

New Developments, Same Excellence —Chef Jessie Rockwell Club writer Ritchel Mendiola photographer Godwin Gasacao

Chef Jessie Rockwell Club is known for a lot of things. For one, it’s a fine dining restaurant that delivers only the best international cuisine. If you’re looking for an unforgettable sensory experience, Chef Jessie Rockwell Club more than provides, too; its ambiance and service are just as noteworthy as the dishes it serves.

Here’s another reason to visit the establishment: Chef Jessie Rockwell Club recently got a fresh, new makeover — and it’s brighter and cozier than its predecessor.

“When we were doing the renovations, I told people I wanted the place to look as homey as possible,” Chef Jessie Sincioco shared. “So that when people come in, they will feel that they are in a very relaxing place.”

060 — ISSUE 61

A tropical haunt Aesthetic has always been critical to creating a restaurant’s overall ambiance. For Chef Jessie Rockwell Club’s design iteration, Rockwell got the famed Almario sisters — Ivy and Cynthia of Atelier Almario — to helm the project.

Gone is Chef Jessie Rockwell Club’s rustic appeal, in its place is a modern colonial design that gives way to a more open and breathable space.

“The most important factor I considered for this renovation was making the place as relaxing and comfortable as we can for the people who will come here,” Chef Jessie said.

“I wanted people to feel welcomed,” she added.

“And I’d like to think we achieved that.”

Indeed, Chef Jessie Rockwell Club’s new design feels like a pair of open and welcoming arms.

Its floor-to-ceiling windows have given up their drapes in exchange for shutters to provide more sunlight to the place. The walls now display a light gray and green color scheme, with leafy murals that make for a tropical twist.

“When I was talking to Ivy Almario, she said they will make my restaurant an extension of the garden outside,” Chef Jessie explained, delighted.

One of Chef Jessie Rockwell Club’s main features has always been the view of the sprawling garden and the crystal clear pool outside. This refreshing charm has not been replicated anywhere in Makati City — or in Metro Manila, for that matter. “This place is one-of-a-kind,” Chef Jessie proudly stated.

The restaurant’s dining setting also brandishes new chairs made from solihiya. Chef Jessie was especially happy with this change for its Filipino flair.

“In my restaurant, I like anything that would represent my personality, my heart, and myself as a Filipino,” she shared. She also said that the solihiya chairs make the place homier — successfully adhering to the objective of her renovation project.

“When I see solihiya, I remember...during my younger days, the house of my grandmother had pieces of furniture that are solihiya,” Chef Jessie reminisced. “There’s a hint of nostalgia in it that brings me back to the past.”

ISSUE 61 — 061

The Spring Quarterly I Life & Style I Wine & Dine

New additions Changing Chef Jessie Rockwell Club’s look meant changing the menu cover, as well. For this, Chef Jessie went for something that will complement the restaurant’s new aesthetic — a representation of a bamboo tree that she hand-painted herself.

“I love bamboos. I wanted to see a bamboo tree on my menu cover,” she said.

But it actually goes deeper than that. Chef Jessie explained that bamboo trees are “strong and stable, despite the fact that they can be so pliant.” Always bending, but never breaking — a quality that can be applied to the service industry, according to her. Much like the bamboo that follows the direction of the wind, restaurateurs like Chef Jessie herself have to constantly cater to the requests and needs of the people they serve.

Thriving in an unforgiving dining landscape is a feat in itself, and Chef Jessie Rockwell Club continues to be a formidable establishment through its stellar menu. Along with the new developments in the restaurant, a couple of new dishes were added to the menu, too.

One of the notable dishes patrons can look forward to is the “Award-winning sisig.” Just from the name itself, you can already expect that it will ruin all the other sisigs you’ve enjoyed in the past.

“You’d think serving sisig in a place like this is incompatible, but we made the sisig a bit gourmet so that it would appeal to people who would come here,” Chef Jessie said.

Before it was included in the menu, Chef Jessie’s sisig actually won the hearts of 1,000 people who attended the Embassy Chef Challenge in Washington, D.C on May 17, 2018. Not only that, but it also won the Judge’s Choice Award from the panel that consisted of 11 judges from different nationalities.

“I also tweaked the Goose Liver a bit by covering it with sesame seeds. I just thought that it would add character to the Goose Liver and since we’ve been serving Pan Fried Goose Liver, why don’t I add a touch of Asian in the Goose Liver, which is really very French,” Chef Jessie shared.

062 — ISSUE 61

“The sesame seeds come in two colors: black and white. And then, I serve the Goose Liver on a grilled peach for a change,” she added.

This change is brought about by Chef Jessie’s tendency to pair food with something that will enhance its flavor whenever she’s eating. “It’s surprisingly a hit,” she said, referring to the new twist in her Goose Liver dish.

Chef Jessie Rockwell Club’s staunchest patrons know that the menu was lacking pork — but everyone would be pleased to know that this isn’t true anymore as she was recently able to source chestnut pork and olive pork.

“In the past, every time I tried to make pork dishes using local pork, I was disappointed. I also can’t get a consistent supply; sometimes, the meat was too tough and I just couldn’t be happy with that,” Chef Jessie explained.

“Inasmuch as I wanted to please those customers asking for pork dishes, I could not because I didn’t have a nice supply,” she said.

But now that Chef Jessie has a supplier that she’s satisfied with, everyone can enjoy her pork dishes in the menu including Pork Barbeque, which makes use of the chestnut pork; and Pork Steak, which makes use of the olive pork.

She also added Kesong Puti and Beef Cheeks in the menu, the latter being a dish that caters to her older clients for its nice and tender meat.

If there’s one impeccable quality that Chef Jessie possesses, it’s her unwavering commitment to her loyal patrons. “I really like pleasing people,” she said. “I like making eating pleasurable and introducing new stuff that will make people’s dining experience better.”

ISSUE 61 — 063

The Spring Quarterly I Life & Style I Wine & Dine In the future With all the new developments in Chef Jessie Rockwell Club, you’d think Chef Jessie would finish up right there. But 2019 is just starting — there are more things we can look forward to while the year unfolds.

“I am still trying to source out for more ingredients that would make my menu more interesting,” said Chef Jessie, who divulged she’s planning on adding Wagyu beef to her menu.

Aside from this, patrons can also enjoy the menus Chef Jessie served His Holiness Pope Francis when he stepped on Philippine soil for His four-day Apostolic visit on January 15, 2015.

Until February 15, everyone can savor Pan Fried Jade Perch Fillet in Grenobloise Sauce, Chicken Chimichurri, Roast U.S. Black Angus Rib-Eye in Morel Sauce, and Pan Fried Chilean Sea Bass in TomatoArtichoke Heart Sauce. 100 percent of the proceeds will be donated to the Tulay Ng Kabataan, an orphanage that His Holiness visited together with Cardinal Chito Tagle after celebrating His first Mass at the Manila Cathedral.

064 — ISSUE 61

NEW NITRO COLD BREW WITH VANILLA SWEET CREAM

BEGIN A NEW COFFEE ADVENTURE NEW TRIPLE CITRUS COLD BREW

VISIT W W W.STARBUCKS.PH FOR MORE DETAILS.

© 2018 Starbucks Coffee Company. All rights reserved. Printed in the Philippines. SBX19-398228

ISSUE 61 — 065

The Spring Quarterly I Literature I Arts & Culture

Filipino novel “America is in the Heart” now a Penguin Classic —Books writer Ritchel Mendiola

Penguin Classics, a series by Penguin Random House, is known for republishing the canonical books of world literature such as Pride and Prejudice; Wuthering Heights; and To Kill a Mockingbird, and distributing them around the world. America Is in the Heart, one of the most influential working class literary classics about the U.S. preWorld War II, written by Carlos Bulosan is now joining this prestigious roster.

Bulosan, who grew up in Binalonan, Pangasinan, left for Seattle in the 1930s at the age of 17. Living there, he experienced the harsh realities for a Filipino immigrant: racism, labor exploitation, and poverty. All of these became the central themes in his book, American Is in the Heart (subtitled “A Personal History”).

First published in 1946 in New York, the semi-autobiographical novel begins with Allos’ rural childhood in the Philippines and the struggles of land-poor peasant families affected by the U.S. imperialism after the Spanish American war of the late 1980s. It, then, follows his journey to the U.S. as an itinerant migrant laborer during the Depression Era. While Allos’ story may have happened decades ago, his search for “greener pastures” remains painfully familiar to this day.

According to Penguin House, Bulosan was one of the most important 20th century social critics with his deeply moving account of what it was like to be criminalized in the U.S. as a Filipino migrant drawn to the ideals of what America symbolized and committed to social justice for all marginalized groups.

066 — ISSUE 61

The new Penguin Classics edition is expected to come out on May 21, 2019, with a foreword by Filipino-American novelist Elaine Castillo — whose debut novel “America Is Not the Heart” (2018) continues questioning the so-called American dream that Bulosan’s novel started. America Is in the Heart is the fifth book to join Penguin’s roster after Jose Rizal’s “Noli Me Tangere” and “El Filibusterismo”, Jose Garcia Villa’s “Doveglion”, and Nick Joaquin’s “The Woman Who Had Two Navels and Tales of the Tropical Gothic”.

Order your copy today on the Penguin Random House website at www.penguinrandomhouse.com or support your local bookstore.

ISSUE 61 — 067

The Spring Quarterly I Balikbayan Journals I Travel

Harvesting Miracles in the Holy Land —Pilgrimage writer Prosy Abarquez-Delacruz, J.D.

“First of all: be free people!....Freedom means being able to think about what we do, being able to assess what is good and what is bad, these are the types of conduct that lead to development…Always being free to choose goodness is demanding but it will make you into people with a backbone who can face life, people with courage. There is a temptation that says it is “better to stay here,” where I‘ m safe. But this is the slavery of Egypt: I fear moving forward, I‘m afraid of where the Lord will bring me. Fear, however “is not a good counselor.” The work that is done in the Pontifical diplomatic service requires, like any type of priestly ministry, a great inner freedom….from ambition or personal aims.” – Pope Francis at Mass: Courage in Spite of Our Weaknesses, Vatican Today, July 2, 2013.

“We want to live together in peace – so we must study each other’s religion.” – 15 year old Muslim boy in Jerusalem, quoted

by Rt. Rev. Alexei Smith, 2019.

Jerusalem. Is this what most of us want – to be favored? Yet, we already are, as Jesus died for our sins and in retracing His footsteps in the square in front of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, after carrying the cross, in Via Dolorosa, going uphill, downhill, met by cold gusts of winds, walking on cobblestone streets, it makes you want to seek cover, a refuge from the windy elements outside. Cold and hard are difficult for a pilgrim.

068 — ISSUE 61

Yet all I could feel was Jesus’ intense love for us, that He had to die to save us and to give us Promised Land. I myself could not imagine the depths of that kind of enormous love capacity, as to sacrifice my life for someone.

Yet, Jesus did, mocked by the Roman soldiers, He shouldered on, where in the midst of being tortured and their cruelty, he was mocked even some more, as they placed on Him, a crown of thorns.

We were in front of the tear-shaped Church designed and built by Antonio Berluzzi one who built eleven churches including the one on top of Mt. Tabor, Transfiguration Church and others. We noticed the tree whose branches have literally spiked thorny outgrowths.

If fear were my walking stick or even my default jacket, it would have stopped me from going to the Holy Land. My family questioned the rationality of my decision, given the reported conflicts of three faiths and three dominant religions: Judaism, Islam and Christianity, and the bombings highlighted in the US media.

As it turns out, the three faiths and more are co-existing in peace, and are living contemporaneously.

In one tourist spot, I counted twenty tourist buses with fifty pilgrims each bus.

Sam, our tourist guide, informed us that there are 3.6 million tourists to Jerusalem yearly but not quite as massive as France’s 90 million, Spain’s 82 million, United States’ high of 83 million in 2014 to 69 million in 2018 and Philippines 6.6 million in 2018.

Still, with ramblings from within, I wanted proactive guidance.

Lo and behold, two weeks before my travel to the Holy Land, my wish was granted. I came upon a gold flyer about a three series-seminar on the Holy Land, at the Church of the Good Sheperd in Beverly Hills.

The second seminar, Christians in the Holy Land, was led by Rt. Rev. Alexei Smith, a Greek Catholic Priest, and the Ecumenical Council’s Head of the Archdiocese in Los Angeles. He has travelled to the Holy Land for 10 years now and visited a hospital, in his last visit. He thoughtfully answered questions, at times from orthodox Jews who seem to despise Muslims, yet he remained objective in portraying the voices of a Muslim family, a Jewish family, and a Christian family.

As an orientation, we watched a short video on Three Religions: Three Faiths,produced by German Public Television, Deutsche Walle in March 1, 2015. It made for a robust discussion amongst the attendees, one of whom offered his assessment: “that it seems all three families have one common aim – that of raising their children to be good persons, based on their faiths and their cultural values. Yet, the irony is despite that common goal, they are kept separated by their man-made boundaries, they deemed dictated by their faiths.”

Another added, “They all want peace, they want to be together, but they don’t want to mingle, they want to stay pure.”

Yet, all three faiths, have roots in being descendants of Abraham.

In wanting to be pure, do we act unholy? How much do we struggle to deny the existence of God? Or even the presence of “others”? Here in Holy Land, we become unwitting witnesses to alignments within, coming from created conflicts in our minds with our own best interests, bringing us inner peace and even the unusual grace of witnessing miracles.

ISSUE 61 — 069

The Spring Quarterly I Balikbayan Journals I Travel Church of the Holy Sepulchre That separation amongst different faiths is clearly embodied in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, built where the Crucifixion of Jesus on Golgotha (aka Calvary) took place and the empty tomb of Jesus where Jesus was buried and resurrected.

Six faith groups share the governance of this holiest site using a status quo agreement of 160 years now to keep peace amongst feuding Christians.

The main denominations sharing property over parts of the church are the Roman Catholics (The Franciscans), Greek Orthodox and Armenian Apostolic(occupying the basement), and to a lesser degree the Coptic Orthodox (right below the rooftop, their monastery), Syriac Orthodox and Ethiopian Orthodox, occupying the rooftop.

And who has the key to this holiest place?

For a century now a Muslim family holds the key to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher.

In addition, according to Fr. Michael Hanifin, our spiritual guide, 27 Eastern Catholic groups exist, all in union with the Vatican.

070 — ISSUE 61

Miracles 1, 2, 3 First, we went to where the Crucifixion: the Twelfth Station happened. We stood in line for an hour.

Recall it was “the sixth hour, and there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour. The curtain of the temple was torn in two. Then Jesus, crying with a loud voice, said: “Father, into they hands I commend my spirit.” And having said this, he breathed his last.” – Source: Our Journey to the Holy Land, Mount of Olive Press, Jerusalem.

We were kneeling to get to the place where Jesus was crucified, a distance of several feet, and Sam, our tour guide, told us to dip one hand and with the skin of the palm, dip it down some more until it touches a piece of the rock wherein Jesus was crucified.

My tears immediately flowed like wine and almost sobbing, I reached for the rock and touched it with the skin of my palm. As I remove my right hand from the small opening, it felt like it was being grabbed, stuck that whatever I did, it could not be dislodged. Honestly, it felt spooky. Sobbing, I prayed, “Help me, Lord,” and as difficult as it was awhile ago, it released quite easily. It happened to Elvian, my seatmate on the plane back to LA, and RJ, another pilgrim.

He said:”I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have seen and experienced several Holy Sites for some of the religions of the World—from the Potala Palace in Tibet for Buddhists, Macchu Picchu in Peru for the Inca, the Abu Zimbel Temples of Egypt, the Western Wall for Judaism, to the Blue Mosque in Istanbul, Turkey for Muslims. Yet, as someone who has an admiration for the teachings and life of Jesus, it was a remarkably different feeling and experience being there at the Holy Sepulchre and sharing that moment not only with Christians but also with other travellers—from Muslims, Jews, Buddhists, Agnostics, to Atheists. And perhaps that, in itself, is a miracle of its own especially with the current geopolitical times we live in.”

Inside this crowded space, our spiritual chaplain lost his beanie. During the long wait to get inside the tomb, he went back up the stairs, and stood in line with the crowds again, only to find his beanie, cast aside for him. He described it as a miracle, as the crowds filled up every walking space inside.

Fred, another pilgrim was limping and with a bad knee, struggled to kneel and to reach the Rock. With one knee kneeling, he touched the rock with the skin of the palm of his hand and got up and experienced instant relief. For the first time, I saw him not needing any assistance until the last day of our pilgrimage.

ISSUE 61 — 071

Miracle 4 We spent another few hours waiting to go inside The Anastasia (Resurrection in Greek) in which Jesus’ tomb is located.

Inside, a chaotic melee of people, standing shoulder to shoulder. About 30 minutes before we could get in, a loud commotion was heard. It turns out a group of 50 Russians led by a woman holding an infant tried to crash the line, to get inside the tomb. Shouts of many stopped them, as well as the vigilant Greek Orthodox men guiding the entrance.

When I got inside, I got the same feeling of sadness and inconsolable tears and with additional scent of rose oil. I was holding the hand of Anna, a 77 year old pilgrim. She opted for a Holy Land trip instead of a party to celebrate her birthday. She was with Carmen, her 52 year old daughter, who was standing in another line to get inside the tomb.

When I sat down at lunch with Kathryn, a 50+ year old nurse administrator, she had me smell her scarf that was rubbed on the tomb and picked up the deep rose scent. The rose oil seemed inexhaustible, as other pilgrims had done the same – one had a veil, another had a piece of white cloth that were rubbed on the tomb and had the smell afterwards.

072 — ISSUE 61

The Anastasia (Resurrection in Greek) in which Jesus Tomb is located.

In March 26, 2000, Pope John Paul II (now a Saint), celebrated a mass in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. His homily, excerpted in part: MASS IN THE CHURCH OF THE HOLY SEPULCHRE Jerusalem, Holy Sepulchre Sunday, 26 March 2000 “I believe in Jesus Christ . . . conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. . .

On the third day he rose again” 1. Following the path of salvation history, as narrated in the Apostles’ Creed, my Jubilee Pilgrimage has brought me to the Holy Land. From Nazareth, where Jesus was conceived of the Virgin Mary by the power of the Holy Spirit, I have reached Jerusalem, where he “suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried”. Here, in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, I kneel before the place of his burial: “Behold, the place where they laid him” (Mk 16:6).

The tomb is empty. It is a silent witness to the central event of human history: the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. For almost two thousand years the empty tomb has borne witness to the victory of Life over death. With the Apostles and Evangelists, with the Church of every time and place, we too bear witness and proclaim: “Christ is risen! Raised from the dead he will never die again; death no longer has power over him” (cf. Rom 6:9).

“Mors et vita duello conflixere mirando; dux vitae mortuus, regnat vivus” (Latin Easter Sequence Victimae Paschali). The Lord of Life was dead; now he reigns, victorious over death, the source of everlasting life for all who believe.

ISSUE 61 — 073

2. In this, “the Mother of all Churches” (St. John Damascene), I extend warm greetings to His Beatitude Patriarch Michel Sabbah, the Ordinaries of the other Catholic Communities, Father Giovanni Battistelli and the Franciscan Friars of the Custody of the Holy Land, as well as the clergy, religious and lay faithful.

With fraternal esteem and affection I greet Patriarch Diodoros of the Greek Orthodox Church and Patriarch Torkom of the Armenian Orthodox Church, the representatives of the Coptic, Syrian and Ethiopian Churches, as well as of the Anglican and Lutheran Communities.

Here, where our Lord Jesus Christ died in order to gather into one the children of God who were scattered ( Jn 11:52), may the Father of mercies strengthen our desire for unity and peace among all who have received the gift of new life through the saving waters of Baptism.” – St. Pope John Paul II. St. Pope John Paul II died in April 2005 of septic shock, aka blood poisoning. “Over the course of his 27 year pontificate – one of the longest in Church history – he traveled to 129 countries, and was instrumental in the fall of Communism in Europe in the 1980s.

“He did not create resentment, but instead knocked down the walls between people,” Cardinal Dziwisz said, observing he had close friends who were Jews, Muslims, and other religions. “Everyone was important for him because everyone was created in the image of God,” Catholic News Agency reported. His funeral was attended by heads of states from 110 countries, including a first from the head of the Ethiopian Christians, 18 heads of faith organizations, and watched by over 2 billion around the world.

Footnote: I was part of a 50-person pilgrimage to the Holy Land, from Feb. 10-19, 2019, organized by QTS Tours and Travel, taking us to the Footsteps of Jesus (Tiberias, Caesarea, Haifa, Meggido, Magdala, Nazareth, Cana, Mt. Carmel, Capernaum, Mt. Beatitude, Bethany, Mt. Tabor, Mt. Zion, Mt. of Olives, Old Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Qumran, Masada, Jericho and the Dead Sea), with quality seaside accomodations in Gai Beach in Galilee and well-maintained Pontificate Institute Notre Dame of Jerusalem), all expenses paid by this writer.

This is part one of an ongoing story.

To continue reading and see more travel images, visit BalikbayanMagazine.com.

074 — ISSUE 61

ISSUE 61 — 075

The Spring Quarterly I Health I The Environment

11 Lifestyle changes for a cleaner, greener Philippine environment —Lifestyle writer Ritchel Mendiola

Climate change is real and an environmental threat to humanity. According to World Wide Life, sea levels are rising and oceans are becoming warmer. Longer, more intense droughts threaten crops, wildlife and freshwater supplies. From polar bears in the Arctic to marine turtles off the coast of Africa, Earth’s diversity of life is at risk from the changing climate.

While large-scale actions by governments and businesses alike are required to fight climate change, everyone plays an important part in keeping the environment clean and safe through small, little ways — adopting a sustainable lifestyle is among them.

Sustainable living is the practice of reducing the carbon footprint you leave on the planet. It isn’t an easy commitment, especially when you’re accustomed to your own way of life. But if you want to genuinely help the environment, making a few tweaks in your lifestyle shouldn’t be too much of a hassle.

Here are some ways you can do to help: 01 Change the lights in your house Changing the light bulbs in your home to fluorescent lights will significantly reduce the impact on your energy consumption. According to Conserve Energy Future, using longer lasting, energy efficient light sources also reduces the amount of waste going into landfills.

076 — ISSUE 61

ISSUE 61 — 077

The Spring Quarterly I Health I The Environment

02 Become a member of a community garden Having a community garden and becoming a member of it is a step towards a cleaner, greener environment. Gardens provide green spaces that play a vital role in offsetting carbon emissions, especially in urban areas.

03 Reduce, reuse, recycle We’ve learned this in school, but now it’s really the time to apply what we learned in helping make the world cleaner. Try to reduce buying products; this way, there will be less waste. Purchase rechargeable batteries instead of disposable alkaline batteries since they consume less nonrenewable natural resources and have a smaller negative impact on the environment. Print double-sided and recycle paper.

04 Ditch the plastic Plastics take millions of years to decompose, making it a serious threat in the environment, especially marine life since they end up floating in our waterways as pollution. Large numbers of sea animals are killed every year after ingesting plastics or getting tangled up in them. Using eco-bags, ditching plastic water bottles, and switching to metallic straws provide considerable benefits to the environment.

05 Walk or bike to work Using your vehicle less does wonders to the environment — it reduces pollution and the consumption of natural resources. Walking or biking as a means of transportation does not only promote sustainability, it also improves your health and reduce the strain on public health resources.

06 Unplug devices not in use Unplugging your devices that are currently not being used at home reduces energy usage and your monthly electricity bill. In your workplace, turn off and pull the plug on all the peripherals such as printers, speakers and scanners when not in use.

078 — ISSUE 61

07 Change washing habits Cut your shower time in half, wash dishes in a sink of water and then rinse them, and cut off the amount of laundry you do to lessen water usage. Make sure you use cold water or warm water when washing clothes as hot water takes the machine longer to fill while consuming more water and using more energy.

08 Switch to renewable energy Conserve Energy Future recommends installing solar panels for solar water heating and speaking to your utility for a way to add clean power to the grid in order to offset your carbon footprint. Switching to renewable energy over fossil fuels helps significantly in stopping climate change.

09 Go paperless Nowadays, more and more companies are choosing the online route. Pay your bills online so as to not require any physical receipts — it’ll help reduce paper wastage.

10 Use daylight as much as possible Taking advantage of the sunlight during the day lessens dependence on fossil fuels to produce electricity. Your house lighting will also last longer this way.

11 Go organic Buy your fruits and vegetables locally.

They not only taste better, but they also help in reducing the use of paper, plastics and shipping material. Try restaurants that offer farm-to-table dining once in a while, as well.

ISSUE 61 — 079

The Spring Quarterly I Fashion & Style I Lifestyle 04 Avoid creamy foundation or concealer Any makeup with a creamy consistency is bound to run on a hot and humid day. Try sticking to lighter and sheerer products to avoid the mess.

Pro tip: If replacing your creamy foundation or concealer is not an option, try mixing them with a little bit of sunscreen. It will strengthen your sun protection game and give you a more sheer and natural finish.

Beach Makeup: How to make it last —Lifestyle writer Bianca Cruz

It’s that time of the year again! Time to hit the beach, catch some waves, and soak up the sun. Having fun by the ocean shouldn’t stop us from getting our glam on to achieve that perfect summertime selfie. Don’t let the water and heat scare you, because we have come up with a list of tips and tricks to make your beach makeup last!

01 Start with primer Before applying your makeup, don’t forget to pat primer all over your face, especially when hitting the pool or beach. Using this is a great way to give something your make up can latch on to and also serves as an extra layer of moisturizer on a hot summer day.

02 Use a cheek and lip stain Ditch the powder blush and lipstick and use an alternative that can beautify both cheeks and lips. Stains tend to stay on your face until you wash it off with makeup remover or a cleanser. It is an easy to use product and is best for people on the go, which makes it the perfect for your next road trip to the beach!

03 Keep it waterproof Unless you want to emerge from the water with Panda eyes, make sure that your mascara and eyeliner are waterproof. Try to find products that contain a lot of wax. The higher wax content in a product, the more water-resistant it becomes.

080 — ISSUE 61

05 Use a water based sunscreen Water based sunscreen is best if you want to avoid your makeup from running and it can also double as a primer. Sunscreen with too much oil can wipe out all of your makeup with a single swipe, especially in the heat.

06 Finish off with setting spray Avoid makeup meltdowns and keep it in tact with setting spray, the final step holy grail item that should be in your makeup bag, always. There are many kinds of setting spray for all skin types, use the one that caters to your needs the most. This is also a good way to cool, hydrate, and keep your face shine free.

Pro tip: Damp your beauty sponge with setting spray instead of water for extra meltdown protection.

ISSUE 61 — 081

The Spring Quarterly I Explorer I Travel

How to overcome your fears of travelling alone —Explorer writer Ritchel Mendiola

Travelling is always a worthy pursuit, even more so when you do it alone. Yes, alone. It’s just as memorable and fun as going on a trip with your family or friends. The only reason why some people don’t do it is because they’re scared.

What if you get lost and can’t communicate with anyone? What if something happens to you? What if you can’t handle it? So many what-if scenarios will hinder you, but what you have to know is that the rewards far outweigh the fears you might have of travelling alone.

082 — ISSUE 61

ISSUE 61 — 083

The Spring Quarterly I Explorer I Travel

Here are a few ways to overcome those solo travel fears so you can finally embark on that trip you’ve been dreaming of !

01 Focus on the positives The beauty with travelling alone is that you don’t have to compromise with anyone!

You can do whatever you want in your preferred time and pace — indulging yourself with your hobbies and interests without being at the mercy of someone else. Not only that, but travelling alone also provides you an opportunity to finetune important life skills like navigating, haggling, communicating, and problem-solving.

02 Start local Travelling isn’t always about flying to another continent; sometimes, it can just be about taking a trip to a different town, a province, or even a city! Exploring a place 50 miles away is just as adventure-filled as a country 5,000 miles away from home.

Starting local is a good way to acclimatize yourself with travelling solo. Think of it as training wheels — a local place isn’t nearly as overwhelming, and it gives you a sort of stability that comes with knowing the language, currency, and customs of the place.

With this experience, you can soon balance on your own two wheels and grow more confident to explore further away.

03 Study and plan ahead Studying and planning your itinerary will give you a sense of control and comfort.

Navigating blind isn’t really that much fun at all, especially when you’re spending too much time feeling lost and overwhelmed instead of having fun.

Research the place you want to go and the activities you can do there. Take the information you collated and craft yourself the best trip based on your preferences — just remember to not over-plan and have some wiggle room in case you get exhausted and need a space to breathe in-between your activity-filled trip.

084 — ISSUE 61

ISSUE 61 — 085

The Spring Quarterly I Explorer I Travel

04 Be smart about your valuables Losing your belongings is a constant fear, travelling or not. Do some precautions to ease your mind during the trip — google what to do with lost luggages to be prepared, carry a dummy wallet or insure your things so in the event that someone tries to rob you, you’re not too worried about it.

Being smart about your valuables means being smart about your money, as well. Remember that sometimes, keeping a tight budget and denying yourself of some things aren’t worth the stress. Shell out money for a taxi if you’re anxious about walking alone in a questionable area. Book a hotel or an Airbnb instead of staying in a hostel if it makes you uncomfortable.

086 — ISSUE 61

05 Have a little more trust Some people aren’t keen on travelling alone because they are either afraid to be seen alone or they don’t want to deal with things alone.

But the truth is, you’re never actually alone when you travel. There are other solo travellers out there in the same boat as you. Sometimes, you’ll even encounter people who will approach you and strike a conversation with you, saving you from doing it yourself. Sure, being wary towards strangers is common, but keep in mind that befriending fellow solo travellers definitely makes for a worthwhile trip.

06 Give yourself some slack The thing is, not everything will go right when you travel. As much as you want your trip to be perfect, there will be times that things will not go as smoothly or exactly as you planned.

Give yourself some slack and stop obsessing so much you end up pressuring yourself !

And if you feel like you have bitten off more than you can chew and decide that solo travelling isn’t for you, don’t forget to be kind to yourself. There’s no shame in cutting your trip short — it doesn’t mean you’re a failure or a coward.

Take comfort in the fact that you at least tried and that, in itself, is already an accomplishment!

ISSUE 61 — 087

The Spring Quarterly I Health & Wellness I Lifestyle

How to live longer and healthier —Lifestyle writer Ritchel Mendiola

Eating a large amount of unhealthy “ultraprocessed” food may shorten lifespan, a recent study from France revealed.

Published in the journal JAMA Internal Medicine on Monday, the study showed a 10% increase in the consumption of ultraprocessed foods was significantly associated with a 14% higher risk of death from all causes.

Consumed in the form of snacks, desserts, or ready-to-eat or -heat meals, ultraprocessed foods have largely increased during the past several decades. Unlike minimally processed foods that retain most of their inherent nutritional and physical properties like canned tuna, frozen fruits, and vegetables, ultraprocessed foods are a problem.

They are industrial formulations that typically contain five or more ingredients, and may contain other additives such as hydrogenated oils, dyes or flavor enhancers that are not found in other processed foods.

088 — ISSUE 61

Ready for your journey to vitality!

Health and Wellness CONFEX 2019 April 26 - 28, 2019

Cory Quirino

CO-PRESENTER

SPONSORS

MEDIA PARTNERS

EVENT PARTNERS

EVENT ORGANIZERS

For the Benefit of:

ISSUE 61 — 089

The Spring Quarterly I Health & Wellness I Lifestyle Some common ultraprocessed foods you should avoid include: 01 Carbonated drinks 02 “Fruit”-flavored drinks 03 Cocoa drinks 04 Sweet or savory packaged snacks 05 Powdered and packaged “instant” soups, noodles and desserts 06 “Instant” sauces 07 “Health” and “slimming” products like powdered or “fortified” meal and dish substitutes 08 Pre-made pies, pasta and pizza dishes 09 Cereal bars 10 Margarines and spreads 11 Meat and chicken extracts 12 Poultry and fish “nuggets” and “sticks” 13 Sausages 14 Burgers 15 Hot dogs 16 Ice cream 17 Confectionery candies 18 Cookies, pastries, and cakes The study employed a tool for nutrition and public health research, policy and action called the NOVA food classification system, which categorizes foods according to the nature, extent, and purpose of processing.

According to a NOVA report, the formulation and the ingredients of ultraprocessed products make them highly convenient (ready-to-consume), highly attractive (hyper-palatable), highly profitable (low-cost ingredients), as well as highly competitive with foods that are naturally ready to consume and freshly prepared dishes and meals.

Ultimately, it’s difficult to let go of these foods that have become a huge part of our everyday lives and the thing is, you don’t actually have to give them up completely.

Consuming them in small portions and enjoying them in moderation are key to living a longer, healthier life.

090 — ISSUE 61

LOOKING TO SELL YOUR PROPERTY OR A JOINT BUSINESS VENTURE? Www.premierasiapacific.com info@premierasiapacific.com

Own land back home in the Philippines? Whether you’re looking to sell your property or interested in exploring a joint venture development project, partner with us and discover ways you can build your investment portfolio.

Ask for ms.Geralou Sagun (213) 291-8688 (213) 596-5970 (213) 718-2201

1 Agricultural 2 Residential 3 Commercial 4 Industrial ISSUE 61 — 091

The Spring Quarterly I Health & Wellness I Infrastructure

Combating disaster inside the Pacific Ring of Fire —Forecast writer Jennifer Soriano

Filipinos living in Metro-Manila and nearby towns and cities are constantly warned to prepare for “The Big One”, a magnitude 7.1 earthquake covered by the West Valley Fault, which state geologists warn could happen within our lifetime.

The agency described it as already “ripe for movement.”

Earthquakes are a big issue for such a country that belongs to the “Pacific Ring of Fire” a home to 75% of the world’s active volcanoes and 90% of great the earthquakes.

That the Metro Manila is covered under the expected earthquake is of great concern-what with its population of over 12 million and is the world’s most densely populated city with 42,857 people per square kilometer, or 111, 002 people per square mile?

Phivolcs has said “The Big One” could kill 37,000 people , injure 604,000 persons and cause an estimated damage of P2.4 trillion to buildings.

Time and again, we’ve heard of destroyed properties and death from collapsed buildings as an aftermath of earthquakes. Studies tell that during earthquake, majority of death comes from collapse of buildings. Part of being prepared is to ensure buildings such as your workplace building condominium or other structural properties can withstand earthquakes. When it comes to building a new structure, two important codes should be checked, the Structural Code of the Philippines and the National Building Code.

092 — ISSUE 61

ISSUE 61 — 093

The Spring Quarterly I Health & Wellness I Infrastructure

Structural Code of the Philippines A structure built in 1992 or after is more earthquake-ready because it was the year after crucial updates on earthquake resistance standards were introduced to the Philippine National Structural Code. One of the updates focused on raising ductility standards of the whole structure, said Association of Structural Engineers of the Philippines (ASEP) former presidents Miriam Tamaya and Toby Tamayo in an article by Rappler.

Check how old your property is--if it is built earlier than 1992, quickly do a remodelling.

Ductility is described as the ability of a structure to undergo large deformations, or move and shake without easily failing or breaking.

The Structural Code was last enhanced in 2010 and among those updated was the adoption of an of earthquake design similar to the Uniform Building Code of the United States.

In an interview by GMA News with Engr.

Carlos Villaraza, who chairs the ASEP, he explained that buildings that are designed in accordance with the National Structural Code of the Philippines (NSCP) are safe no matter their proximity from a fault line. A building compliant with the code “can resist up to a magnitude 8.4 earthquake, which is the highest possible earthquake that will hit the Philippines, ” Villaraza said.

094 — ISSUE 61

ISSUE 61 — 095

The Spring Quarterly I Health & Wellness I Infrastructure

National Building Code All developers of buildings such as condominiums and other properties must strictly adhere to the laws of the National Building Code to ensure public health and safety, failure to do so may translate to corresponding fines/ penalties. The National Building Code, also known as Republic Act 6541 covers design, location, siting, construction, alteration, repair, conversion, use, occupancy, maintenance, moving, and demolition of both private and public buildings.

Some of the important highlights of the Code include the need to: 01 Comply to certain principles of construction and that all materials used must also be environment- friendly.

02 Maintain the orderliness of properties.

Regular maintenance check is a must to ensure buildings are in good shape 03 Forbid construction in lands/ sites that are deemed unsanitary or dangerous. Lands that are considered dangerous should undergo appropriate restorations. The law also notes that an individual’s property should be in safe distance to the following elements: polluted bodies of water, volcanic site, and any type of land that can be a source of explosion.

04 Understand and take actions as to what makes a building dangerous, such as poor structure, unsafe egrees, contributes to pollution, has defects, or have been damaged by earthquake or fire.

05 Know local ordinances. Cooperation between property owners and the local government is vital in building a propertysince the local government might have additional location-specific information that supports the provisions of the National Building Code.

096 — ISSUE 61

ISSUE 61 — 097

VOLUME 4 NUMBER 3

In Focus

MEDICAL TOURISM IN THE PHILIPPINES What you need to know

Analysis

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

THE TRANSFORMATION OF THE CAPITAL

DR. FE del MUNDO ——————

the economy

IS PANGASINAN READY FOR TAKEOFF?

The Artist

bangus

CARLYN NUYDA CALLOWAY ——————

NOT JUST ANOTHER FISH IN THE SEA

agriculture tourism

The Designer

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

APPLEONE PROPERTIES

Exploring the Treasures of

pangasinan Reviving Urduja

Icons

A COMING OF AGE

Escapes

OUR LADY’S CALL

Destinations

dasoland family adventure park

REDISCOVERING DIVING IN NEGROS OCCIDENTAL

VISITING MANAOG

RIZAL’S ROOTS

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN

GINA DE VENECIA

THE QUINTESSENTIAL FILIPINA

US$ 5.00•PHP 150.00

098 — ISSUE 61

5 HOT SPOTS FOR A HEALTHY RECOVERY

AN UNEXPECTED EDEN

america in our hearts

A LANDMARK BOOK ON IMPORTANT FILIPINOS IN THE UNITED STATES

SPECIAL INVES TORS’ GUIDE ON FRANCHISING IN THE PHILIPPINES

INSIDE: SPECIAL REPORT ON THE 2015 ASEAN ECONOMIC INTEGRATION

INSIDE: CHRIS TMAS AT LIMA PARK HOTEL IN BATANGAS

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

JUNE & JULY 2014

Issue 39, Volume V

Issue 40, Volume VI

Issue 40, Volume VI

OCTOBER - NOVEMBER 2014

DECEMBER 2014 / JANUARY 2015

DECEMBER 2014 / JANUARY 2015

PHILIPPINES

THE ASIAN JOURNAL TRAVEL & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

Issue 41, Volume VI FEBRUARY / march 2015

MORE THAN JUST THE BASICS, MORE THAN JUST BUSINESS

EARTH-BAG HOUSE Andres P. Tamayo Sr. Foundation, Inc. joins hand with DataLand, Inc. and DDT Konstract, Inc. in rebuilding Lajala, Coron THE SILK RESIDENCES The Finer Things In Life THE OLIVE PLACE Balanced Living Defined

ART WALKS

Galleries. Restaurants.

MANILA CATHEDRAL

Restoring Historical Emminence MUTYA NG PILIPINAS BEYOND THE BEAUTY…

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

More Than The Crown G TÖNGI

Her Passion. Her Craft.

THE PERFECT STORM Pope Francis visits Tacloban, Leyte

Her True Calling.

TACLOBAN A Year After

Eastwood City

A pioneering township and the country’s first cyberpark

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

PALAWAN

THE ANCIENT ART OF BATOK

The Luxe Life at Princesa Garden Island Resort & Spa

An ongoing series about the indigenous tribes in the Philippines

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

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

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

Issue 41, Volume VI

Issue 42, Volume VI

FEBRUARY / march 2015

APRIL / may 2015

AMORITA

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

BALESIN

INSIDE QUEZON PROVINCE’S EXCLUSIVE, LUXURY RESORT

AN ISLAND HIDEAWAY IN THE TROPICAL PARADISE OF BUSUANGA, PALAWAN

MALASIMBO

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

THE TRIBES CALLED MANGYAN

MANAOAG

PUERTO GALERA’S CULTURE SHAPERS

THE COUNTRY’S NEWEST MINOR BASILICA

1

BALIKBAYANMAGAZINE.COM

9

772012 458001 >

JUNE / JULY 2015

JUNE / JULY 2015

Special in-Depth Feature: phinma property holDingS corporation

BALIKBAYANMAGAZINE.COM

1

OUTLOOK: ALL THINGS CONSIDERED, THE INTRICACIES OF POLITICS

In-Depth: the GolDen opportunIty for the travel InDustry

issue 47 , Volume Vii

Issue 47 , volume vII

FEBRUARY / MARCH 2016

FEBRUARY / MARCH 2016

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

PHILIPPINES

Issue 48, Volume VII

Issue 49, Volume VII

APRIL & MAY 2016

JUNE & JULY 2016

Where luxury meets serenity

ESSENCE OF PLACE SOUL SEARCHING: BALAY SAN JOSE

KEEPING A JOURNAL LABOR POLICY AS FOREIGN POLICY

GREAT GETAWAYS traversInG the phIlIppIne CountrysIDe

OUTLOOK

NEWSMAKERS

1

3

BALIKBAYANMAGAZINE.COM

BALIKBAYANMAGAZINE.COM

BALIKBAYANMAGAZINE.COM

TABLE FOR TWO

HEALTH eXerCIse toGether, stay toGether

1

BALIKBAYANMAGAZINE.COM

CALLAO CAVE

THE GREAT OUTDOORS

GUIDEBOOK

FROM THE EXECUTIVE’S DESK ALEJANDRA “DADING” CLEMENTE PROFILES AMBASSADOR JOSE L. CUISA, JR.

TECHNOLOGY

Where to CeleBrate valentIne’s Day

ADVENTURE

THE pERFECT GETAWAY

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

one-on-one WIth MIss unIverse, pIa WurtZBaCh

ISABELA, STA. MARIA: THE STAR OF THE NORTH

WHAT TO PACK

TECHNOLOGY ARE WE MOVING FORWARD OR STANDING STILL?

MarKetInG to the MoDern fIlIpIno noW ConneCtInG: free WI-fI natIonWIDe

COVER

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

another upGraDe for the phIlIppIne eConoMy

INFRASTRUCTURE

DISCOVERY

INFRASTRUCTURE GETTING THERE

CULTURE MALASIMBO: OF NATURE, MUSIC, & ARTS

3

1

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

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

BATANES PORTFOLIO

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

BALIKBAYANS+FRANCHISING: THE BUSINESS OWNER

INSIGHTS & ANALYSIS RETIREMENT, MORE FUN IN THE pHILIppINES

BALIKBAYANMAGAZINE.COM

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

1

PORTFOLIO: THE 2017 INVESTMENT ISSUE

INSIDE: MORE THRILLING REASONS TO COMEBACK HOME

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

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

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

Issue 55, Volume VIII I June & July 2017

APRIL & MAY 2017

DECEMBER 2016 & JANUARY 2017

OCTOBER & NOVEMBER 2016

PHILIPPINES

Issue 54, Volume VIII

Issue 52, Volume VII

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

the asian journal business, travel & culture magazine

BUSINESS

AMAZING ESCAPES

How to balance work and summer vacation as a family.

LIMA PARK HOTEL: REVEL IN EVERYTHING LUXURIOUS

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

ON THE COVER

Savoy Hotel Boracay Newcoast Experience A Luxury Beach Lifestyle

AT LEISURE NURTURE WELLNESS VILLAGE: EVERY BALIKBAYAN’S SANCTUARY

CULTURE FILIPINO SUPERSTITIONS ON NEW YEAR’S EVE

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

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

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

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

RADAR

1

SPECIAL REPORT: IS MEDICAL TOURISM THE RIGHT OPTION FOR YOU?

Issue 56, Volume VIII I August - October 2017

INSIGHTS & ANALYSIS

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

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

ON THE COVER

St. Luke’s Medical Center

Inside One Of The Best Medical Institutions In The World

OUTLOOK

MANILA HOSTS MISS UNIVERSE

THE PHILIPPINES, FILIPINOS, AND THE INCOMING TRUMP ADMINISTRATION

BALIKBAYANMAGAZINE.COM

TRAVELER

BALIKBAYANMAGAZINE.COM

BUSINESS INSIGHTS & ANALYSIS: BECOMING A BETTER BUSINESS LEADER & INVESTOR

LEADERS

A Conversation with Batangas Governor Hermilando Mandanas

01 — ISSUE 55

1

INSIGHTS & ANALYSIS WHAT IT TAKES TO BE A CREATIVE ENTREPRENEUR

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

ISSUE 55 — 01

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

Issue 57, Volume VIII I November-January 2018

PHILIPPINES

THE ECONOMY #NEWPHILIPPINES & THE MODERN LANDSCAPE

24 MUST DO’S FOR AN INCREDIBLE 2017

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

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

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

AMAZING ESCAPES Club Balai Isabel

PHILIPPINES

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

Enriching Filipino Hospitality

ON THE COVER

Montemaria, Batangas, the Philippines

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

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

(1) Tourism Outlook & Development I (2) Lombard By The Bay I (3) Spring Fashion & Makeup Trends (4) The State of Marriage In The Philippines I (5) Amazing Weight-Loss Transformations (6) The Filipino Invention Saving The Environment & Your Money I (7) The Current Landscape Of Business In The Philippines (8) Goodbye Cash? I (9) Unconventional Date Ideas For Couples I (10) Ultimate Wedding Planning Guide (11) The Philippines Now Ranks #1 In Budget Transparency In All Of Asia the asian journal’s quarterly briefing on the growth, development, and progression of theISSUE philippines.

56 — 01

01 — ISSUE 58 the asian journal’s quarterly briefing on the growth, development, and progression of the philippines.

BB COVER NOV-JAN 2018 REV 2.indd 1

ISSUE 58 — 01

01 — ISSUE 61

ISSUE 61 — 01

12/20/17 2:45 PM

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

PHILIPPINES

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

Indulge in Asia’s Top Luxury Hideaway Resort

PHILIPPINES

Subscribe today and receive 4 issues per year for $60. For inquiries, email Info@AsianJournalinc.com or visit BalikbayanMagazine.com.

01 — ISSUE 61

ISSUE 61 — 01

THE QUARTERLY BRIEFING ON THE RISE OF THE PHILIPPINES ISSUE 61 — 099

“For your retirement, family vacation, pilgrimage, and investment...For generations. ” 0100 — ISSUE 61

LombardByTheBay.com I Info@PremierAsiaPacific.com I Philippines +632-856-1661