EXL October Issue 2011

EXL Voice of Expat Living

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September-October 2011 Issue

BINAY IN BANGKOK Good Times Ahead for RP!

X-SPOT Bacolod’s Masskara Festival

THE THRILL OF CHILL Haunted Spots in Bangkok HALLOWEEN FEATURE

+ more inside

PAENG

A Champion to Bowl You Over

NEPOMUCENO

DIREC TORIES Travels and Tours Dinero Tours and Trading Co. Ltd. 68n Soi Bo Phitphimuk, Jakrawat Road, Sampanthawong, Bangkok 10100 Tel: (+66) 22-222-611, 22-262-216 Mobile No: (+66) 81-867-8288 Email: dinero@loxinfo.co.th

Boutique Hotels Absolute Villas at Palm Grove Jomtien Pattaya, Thailand Tel: (+66) 38-709-444 Website: www.absoluteresorts.com The Pavilions Phuket 31/1 Moo 6 Cherngtalay Thalang Phuket 83110, Thailand Tel: (+66) 76-317-600 Fax: (+66) 76-317-601 Karma Samui Hotel Koh Samui, Thailand Tel: (+66) 77-234-500 Website: www.karmasamui.com Palm Springs Lodge and City Resort Chiang Mai, Thailand Tel: (+66) 53-308-555 Website: www.palmspringslodge.com Atrium Boutique Hotel Bangkok, Thailand Tel: (+66) 26-902-888 Website: www.atriumboutique-th.com Hotel Bel Aire Princess Bangkok, Thailand Tel: (+66) 22-534-300 Website: www.bel-airprincess.com

Photo Studio Jose Tan Photography Studio 3/5 Ramkhamhaeng 164 Minburi, Bangkok 10510 Mobile No: (+66) 87-686-0796 Email: josemaria.tan@gmail.com Website: www.josesantiagotan.com

Cargo Services Seabra International Movers and Logistics Co. Ltd. 39/1 Artnarong Road, Kongtoey, Klongtoey, Bangkok 10110 Tel: (+66) 26-727-900 Fax: (+66) 26-727-380 Email: seabramovers@seabramovers.co.th Website: www.sealitegroup.com/seabramovers For BALIK-BAYAN Shipment: Contact: Dennis Manalili Mobile No: (+66) 81-933-6340

Restaurants Bourbon Street 29/4-6 Sukhumvit Soi 22 Klongtoey, Bangkok 10110, Thailand Tel: (+66) 22-590-328…9 Larry’s Dive Bar and Grill 8 Sukhumvit Soi 22 Bangkok 10110, Thailand Tel: (+66) 26-634-563 Ronny’s New York Pizza 20/10 Sukhumvit Soi 4 Bangkok, Thailand Tel: (+66) 22-552-626 The Circle Restaurant 20/27-29 Ruamrudee Village, Ploenchit Rd. Prathumwan, Wireless Rd., Bangkok Tel: (+66) 26-508-047

Restaurants Chequers Bar & Grill 5/11 Soi Nana Bangkok, Thailand Tel: (+66) 22-553-993 Baan Khanitha Thai Cuisine 36/1 Sukhumvit 23, Khlong Tan Nua Vadhana, Bangkok Tel: (+66) 22-584-181 Website: www.baan-khanitha.com Pizzeria Limoncello 17 Sukhumvit 11, Khlong Tan Nua Vadhana, Bangkok Tel: (+66) 26-510-707 Website: www.zanottigroup.com Tha Phrachan Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang Phra Nakhon, Bangkok Tel: (+66) 89-764-1703 Great American Rib Company Klongton, Klongtoey 32 Sukhumvit Soi 36, Bangkok Tel: (+66) 26-613-801 Website: www.greatrib.com De-River-Re 219 Soi Chransanitwong 66/1 Bangkok, Thailand Tel: (+66) 24-229-222 Website: www.royalrivergroup.com La Table De Tee 69/5 Saladaeng Road, Silom Bangrak, Bangkok 10500 Tel: (+66) 26-363-220 Madam T. 128/46 Sukhumvit 23, Sukhumvit Road, Klongtoey Nua, Wattana, Bangkok 10110 Tel: (+66) 22-591-127

Get listed in the directory! Contact us at 087-686-0796 or email us at webmaster@siampinoy.com

4 | EXL September - October 2011

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Editorial and Masthead

O

ne of the great comebacks to have happened lately is that of Journey, the band that gave us songs like “Faithfully”, “Open Arms” and lately, the notorious “Don’t Stop Believin’ “, which has been popping up in movies, US game series, and TV shows as big as the Sopranos and of course, Glee.

But perhaps, what makes Journey’s comeback strike closer to home is the addition of Arnel Pineda, the new vocalist of the band, who was plucked from a bar in Manila, and hurled into worldwide stardom in just a matter of months after he auditioned with the band in the US.

In our October issue, we are excited at yet another comeback – that of three times Guinness Book of World Record holder (with records still unbroken) Rafael “Paeng” Nepomuceno! He still exhibits great form on the bowling floor, and EXL is sharing with you what he has to say about becoming a champion.

Another champion in his own right who has come to visit Thailand lately is PHL VP Binay. “Invest in the new Philippines,” he advises expats. Read “Binay in Bangkok” and find out why you should.

From art exhibits (“Two Windows”), finding out the “Thrill of Chill”, to masked festivities in the city of Bacolod in the Philippines (“Bacolod’s Masskara Festival”), we hope for you to find something to enjoy, learn from or share to other expat friends in the Kingdom!

Enjoy reading!

Heather Craig Associate Editor

TABLE OF CONTENTS EXL EXCLUSIVE

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Binay in Bangkok: ‘Good times ahead for RP!’ Vice President Binay to Pinoy expats in Thailand: Invest in the Philippines!

MY TAGS

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ICON

8 10 12 13

See photos of events and activities from the expat community.

Paeng Nepomuceno : A champion to bowl you over Three-time Guinness Book of World Records holder– Paeng- lets EXL in on what it takes to become a champion.

X-SPOT

Bacolod’s Masskara festival

2011 marks the 31st year of the Masskara festival in Bacolod city, Philippines, one of the country’s most popular and colorful celebrations in the month of October.

HALLOWEEN SPECIAL FEATURE The Thrill of Chill: Bangkok’s haunted Spots

Whether you believe in ghosts and spirits or not, let us share some of these so-called haunted spots with you.

The Knights of Rizal Thailand Expanding Membership In March of this year, the first chapter of KOR in the Asian mainla nd was established – the KOR National Chapter in Thailand.

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IN FOCUS Two Windows

Two expat artists based in Bangkok share their world through an abstract art exhibit.

LIFE BYTES

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Fr. John visits Phuket

The Misang Tagalog, inititated by Fr. John Tamayo S.D.B. at the Mary Help of Christians Church in Krungthep Kritha, ventured southward to visit Phuket.

7 Steps to Financial Renewal (Part 2)

In our July-August issue, we shared with you the first 4 steps to financial renewal. Here are the final three.

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EXL MAG

www.exlmagazine.com Editor-in-Chief Cynthia Francis Associate Editor Heather Craig Consultant/Adviser Percy Roxas Contributing Editors Ces Orquiola Hedda Tan Rolly Obedencio Cheri Yamaguchi Photographer Jose Tan www.josesantiagotan.com Marketing and Graphics Consultant Jerubem Era, MIS-IEC Art Consultant Atthasith Khupratakul Accounting Pravit Consultant Corp Co., Ltd. 61 Soi Pracha-au-tid 5, Soi Pracha-au-tid Road, Sigun District, Don Muang, Bangkok 10210 Legal Consultant Well-Versed Law Office Ltd. Chayucd (Sombat) Chotviriyakul Managing Director / Attorney at Law 184/49 Forum Tower 14th Floor, Rachadapisek Road, Huaykwang, Bangkok 10310 EXL Magazine is published monthy by: EXL Creative Co., Ltd. 3/5 Ramkhamhaeng 164, Sukaphibal 3, Bangkok Thailand 10510 Visit us at: www.exlmagazine.com Follow us at: www.twitter.com/exlmagazine Be our friend at: www.facebook.com/exlmagazine View and opinions expressed in the articles herein by individual writers and contributors do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the editorial staff and management of either the EXL Magazine of Siam Pinoy Co. Ltd. An Invitation to our readers We welcome articles, news, story ideas and/or photographs from our readers. Send them to webmaster@siampinoy.com and to exleditor@gmail.com. Your submissions are subject to approval by the EXL editorial team.

EXL September - October 2011|

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EXL EXCLUSIVE

BINAY IN BANGKOK: ‘GOOD TIMES AHEAD FOR RP!’

Story by: Hedda Tan, Photo by: Jose Tan the Philippine GDP is now 7.35. This is a far cry from earlier times, when our GDP would dip down to a negative number.

To what factor does the country owe these positive changes? According to the Vice President, for a year now since new leadership took over the country, the Philippine government has not had one incident nor allegation of ill doing.

And such is what will turn the country around. For investors and tourists to turn an eye of interest towards the Philippines, we have to establish a reputation for clean governance – transparency and accountability are now the order of the day.

Vice President Binay to Pinoy expats in Thailand: Invest in the Philippines!

R

P Vice President Jejomar Binay is perhaps best known for playing a leading role in restoring democracy to the Philippines after two decades of dictatorship under the Marcos regime. He also has a hard-earned reputation for sound city management as mayor of Makati, Philippines for 20 years (among the top ten mayors in the annual World Mayor project in 2006). Now, as the country’s second in rank, he points to two reasons why we should invest in the new Philippines - an increasingly stable economy and new leadership in a government that is free of graft and corruption – a first in many, many decades!

here, he also met Thai authorities to discuss how to curb human trafficking and met with members of the expat community to discuss a wide range of issues, during which, he encouraged expats to start thinking about making investments in the Philippines.

While in a study stint at Harvard in Boston recently, Vice Pres Binay was

And the one big investment opportunity for expat Filipinos in Thailand, including those married to other nationals, is the PAG-IBIG fund.

This fund, of which majority of shares is owned by members, is one of the most stable investment opportunities in the country, according to Vice Pres Binay.

To date, it is worth 300 billion pesos, and not one cent is dependent on the government. Expats, who are paying members, can avail of housing loans and provident savings programs, among others. And once a paying member retires, you get your own contributions and dividends. (For more details, visit the PAG-IBIG fund website at www. p a g i b i g f u n d. g ov. p h . )

According to the Vice President, for a year now since new leadership took over the country, the Philippine government has not had one incident nor allegation of ill doing.

The vice president was in Bangkok to keynote the 3rd Asia Pacific Housing Forum and Exhibition at the Queen’s Imperial Palace. While

6 | EXL September - October 2011

asked, “how is your economy?” While true that the Philippine economy was on a downward spiral the last few decades, expat Filipinos have these to be hopeful about the country: the dollar now only appreciates in cents against the peso, as opposed to such a big a change as a peso or two to the dollar just overnight in the past. After 35 years,

Finally, another way for expats to “invest” in our country, according to the Vice President, is to help bring in tourists to the more than 7,000 islands of the republic. “We have a lot to offer”, says Vice Pres Binay. And he hopes that expats would market and tell their friends proudly, “this is the Philippines”!

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MY TAGS The AXA Group visits Thailand

AXA, a premier life insurance company worldwide, brings its agents from the Philippines to Bangkok to celebrate laurels and to enjoy Thai culture and shopping.

The SPAS’ Photo Exhibit opens at the Centara Grand

The members of the Siam Pinoy Aperture Society (SPAS) comprise Melanio Cabillada, a software developer from Cebu; Danilo Nuestro and Jofferson Adrias who work in the IT industry; Jose Tan, a publisher and entrepreneur; and Lorna Coral, a teacher and singer. Exhibit is still on this October, and sales benefit the “Blessing Ubonrachathani Foundation (Thailand)”.

San Lorenzo Ruiz awardees recognized in Bangkok

Nimfa and Nilo Rafols receive the San Lorenzo Ruiz award for their unselfish service towards others

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An Invitation to our readers We welcome photographs from our readers.

Send them to webmaster@siampinoy.com.

Your submissions are subject to approval by the EXL editorial team.

EXL September - October 2011|

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Paeng Nepomuceno A Champion to Bowl You Over Story By: Percy Roxas and Hedda Tan, Photos By: Jose Tan

Recent Bangkok visitor Paeng Nepomuceno proves that once a champion, always a champion!

L

ast month, Bangkok quietly played host to its first ever World Tour - the PTT World Bowling Tour, to celebrate the King’s birthday and 84th year anniversary. Some six top Filipino bowlers came to participate, headed by no other than the Philippines’ biggest pride and contribution to the sports of international bowling -- Rafael Nepomuceno.

‘Paeng’ to his countrymen, the Filipino who stands at the entrance of the International Museum of Bowling Hall of Fame in Arlington, Texas, may no longer be the hot household sports name that he was three or four decades ago, but in the recent Bangkok competition, he proved that he hasn’t lost the touch.

Competing with around 80 to 90 top bowlers from many different countries, most of whom are half his age, Paeng proves his mettle. He is still the bowling champion, the only athlete in the world to be a champion in three different decades: 70s, 80s, 90s, the only person to win 123 World (Sports) Titles – according to the Guinness Book of Records; he broke records three times.

At 54, he is still a delight to watch. A regal athlete with the perfect bowling form, mesmerizing in action, and thrilling to observe as he strikes the pins in his usual champ-like way.

“I’m happy to be here,” the champion bowler told EXL. “I will try my best to give honor to the Philippines once again. It’s not easy because most of my competitors are half my age but I’m glad I can keep up with them. I’ve been bowling for 40 years now. I’m just glad that I can still step up to the challenge.”

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Paeng talks as if what he’s doing is as natural as breathing or getting out of bed in the morning, which belies the fact that he holds three “Guinness Book of World Records,” all still unbroken. He first got into Guinness as the “Youngest World Champion.”

EXL Magazine “ambushed’ Paeng during a break in his games at Siam Paragon for this article. Here are excerpts: EXL: You’ve done great feats as an athlete.

What can you say about the future of this sport among Filipinos?

Paeng: Filipinos are world-class when it comes to bowling. It’s one sport where height is not a factor (though Paeng is definitely not your average Filipino in height at 6 feet, 3 inches.) Even age is not a factor. As long as you are injuryfree and you are enthusiastic about it, you can go on and on. We have a good future in bowling. It’s been proven. We have a track record: we are a world power when it comes to bowling!

EXL: What advice can you give to young people who would like to become world-class athletes too?

Paeng: To all athletes – not only in bowling -- success is not easy. The main ingredient is hard work. Lots of sacrifices are needed to become a champion. You have to work hard at it. You have to be determined. Those things are very important

to become a champion. Nobody can become a champion without discipline.

EXL: At which point in your career did you tell yourself that THIS is what I want to achieve? Did you ever, at some point tell yourself, I’m going to be the best in my game? When did that happen?

Paeng: I started bowling when I was 12-years-old. I took it step-by-step. When I was 15, I was Philippine Junior Champion; I was the best in my age group. After winning the

*Paeng was sponsored

by Philippine Airlines for this Tournament in Bangkok.

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tournament, I wanted to be the best among Filipinos, including the adults. I did that at 17, and then repeated it at 19. After I became the national champion in the Philippines, my next goal was to become the best in Asia. I achieved this when I was 19. A few months later, I set a goal to be one of the best in the world, and I won my first World Cup at the age of 19, the youngest ever to do so. I still hold the record to this day. So, it should be a step-by-step goal.

EXL: Do you study your opponents?

Paeng: I do. But the floor of bowling is in the mental game. You compete against yourself.

It’s 80 percent mental, so your disposition on the lane is a big factor. How you control your emotion matters. To me, that is more important than looking at other people’s game because it’s not a contact sport. Your enemy is yourself. If you get nervous when other people cheer or like today, there’s the drummer, you lose.

EXL: You must have had your share of annoying players who tried to get at you.

What do you do when that happens?

Paeng: That’s part of it. That’s part of the mental part of the game. I don’t let that bother me.

EXL: Who influenced you to become a champion?

Paeng: My dad was my coach. He instilled the importance of having a strong mental game. That was my advantage.

EXL: How important is family support?

Paeng: It’s very important. But this (his present Bangkok games) is actually the first time that everybody came to watch me play. I don’t think they became so much involved before. They couldn’t attend my games before because everyone was in school. School is important.

EXL: Who else in the family plays bowling?

Paeng: My son tried it for two years. Then he stopped. Now he is in Hawaii as a surfer.

And he does jujitsu. It doesn’t mean that when you have children, they will follow your footsteps. I support whatever sport they choose and that’s what’s important.

Kailangan hilig, eh. (Interest is important.)

EXL: How did you impart your achievements -- and the discipline— to them?

Paeng: I try to be a role model, as much as possible.

Paeng: I think my greatest achievement is being in the entrance of the International Museum of Bowling in the Hall of Fame in Arlington. Every athlete aims to be in his sport’s Hall of Fame. I have achieved that in 1993. It’s a big bonus that among millions of bowlers around the world, they chose a Filipino to be in the entrance. That is the biggest compliment. That’s my legacy; all my memorabilia is there.

EXL: Any advice to expat parents who also want to help their children succeed in what they are interested in?

Paeng: Everyone’s into computer now. I call on all expat parents – all parents in fact -to get their children into sports. In sports, you will learn life skills. It makes you a better person. You can use those skills later in your work, in school, and everywhere. So encourage your children to get into sports.

EXL: What is your message to the readers of EXL and all Filipinos in Thailand?

Paeng: More power to you. I’m proud of you – all of you!

EXL: What do you consider the greatest compliment you have received so far?

Paeng with his niece and nephews at Siam Paragon, Bangkok

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EXL September - October 2011|

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X-SPOT

Bacolod’s

Masskara Festival Words and Photos by Jeremy Villasis

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011 marks the 31st year of Bacolod City’s Masskara Festival, one of the Philippines’ most popular and colorful celebrations. Perhaps the country’s happiest festival, it is quite ironic that its origins can be traced back to a time of tragedy and economic depression. With the number of visitors increasing throughout the years, it is clear that Masskara is truly a triumph over tragedy.

Characterized by participants wearing colorful masks, Masskara is coined from the words Mass which means “multitude” or “many,” and Kara, the Spanish term for “face,” hence Masskara means “a multiple of smiling faces”. The three-week festival culminates on the third week of October (This year, Oct. 15-16) which sees a highlight of activities such as the Masskara Queen beauty pageant, Electric Masskara parade, the street-dancing competition that snakes throughout the city all the way to the public plaza, and a weekend

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of late night partying along Lacson street, the city’s main thoroughfare.

If partying over the weekend is not enough, visitors to the festival can also enjoy the best of what Bacolod has to offer. Notable side trips outside the city are: the Mambukal resort, home to several waterfalls, a hot spring and thousands of bats; The Ruins, a turnof-the-century residence of sugar baron Don Mariano Lacson in Talisay; and Balay Negrense, a 19th century house-turned-museum in Silay. Of course, a trip to Bacolod would not be complete without trying the famous and authentic chicken inasal (grilled chicken marinated in local herbs), as well as, various sweets such as the piaya and napoleones, after all “sugary sweet” is Bacolod’s dialect, being the country’s sugar capital and all.

TO GET THERE: Bacolod City is 50 minutes by plane from Manila, and 30 minutes from Cebu. Please check Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, and Air Philippines for daily flight schedules.

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HALLOWEEN FEATURE:

THE THRILL OF CHILL: Haunted Spots in Bangkok

In the spirit of Halloween, how about visiting some of Bangkok’s “scariest spots.”

By: Percy Roxas

W

hether you believe in ghosts and spirits or not, let us share some of these so-called haunted spots with you. Believe at your own risk and pardon us for not being too specific because there are local sensitivities involved:

The Haunting in Prakanong

Perhaps one of the most interesting Thai ghost stories – even immortalized by a film (“Nang Nak”) some years back – is that of Mae Nang Nak, a young woman who refused to leave this world even after she died from childbirth because of love. Nak, so the story goes, was head-over-heels in love with a guy named Mak. They were living happily together when Mak was called upon to serve his country and fight in a war somewhere, leaving his “infanticipating” wife alone. During his absence Nak died in childbirth but when he returns, he found her waiting on the same house, although now with a kid in some kind of a spell. Neighbors tried to tell him the truth, but Mak refused to believe until he saw the truth with his own eyes. He decided to leave Nak, making her very angry to the point of terrorizing the entire village. The story was said to be based on true events and today, many Thais point to this house near the Prakanong River, next to the Wat Mahabut in Onnut, where they claim Nak used to live. It was said that whoever lives in that house get disturbed by spirits walking up and down the stairs, like Nak used to do when she was alive. The house was thus abandoned. But Nak’s legend of undying love remains alive, even inspiring some believers. IF you visit Wat Mahabut, you will see an altar in her honor, where these believers pay respects and make merit in her honor from time to time.

Scary in Ramkamhaeng 32

Another house, my friend told me, this time deep in Ramkamhaeng Soi 32, falls in the same category: haunted. It’s a Spanish-style house that is quite lovely and looks very livable, but for some reasons has been uninhabited for many years. The culprit? The ghostly spirit of a maid allegedly killed by a robber who broke into the house while the owner (a foreigner), was out on a holiday. Like that ghost in the recently shown hit Thai horror movie, “Ladda

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Land,” this one remains trapped inside the house presumably because she died a violent death. Many people in the area attest they hear strange noises when they pass by the house, and sometimes even shrieks and cries for help.

Others say they see often see the phantom of the maid walking around in the shadows of the night. It was these same apparitions, they alleged, that caused the foreigner owner to move out. True? Or not? By the way, my friend also told me about a local TV crew who did a documentary about this house one time. After the documentary was shown on TV, the house owner reportedly sued the channel for it.

Creepy Klong in Rangsit 13

This spot merited a mention in some tourist brochure called “50 Unordinary Things to do in Bangkok” or something – a testament to its scary reputation. The actual spot cited was the deserted house about 2km from the main road. It was said that a big fire gutted the house and a woman was burned to death.

Today, what remains of the house are its lonely pillars – and it’s haunted legacy. It’s been years since the tragic fire and death occurred, but today many neighbors swear that they can still hear the woman’s screams, especially at night.

And often, they insist, they see a woman’s apparition too!

Ghostly Garage in Soi Saiyhud

A group of lost spirits trying to find their way to cross-over from limbo? Perhaps. This is the explanation offered by locals in this soi as to why scary spirits haunt the garage where bodies of buses that have figured in serious accidents are discarded and piled up. Many people were said to have died inside these buses, and their spirits have been trapped here for eternity; Thais believe that persons who die sudden violent deaths stay in limbo. They said they are not really harmful, but when they play with the bus lights (the lights turn on by themselves), or just appear and disappear at random, they care the wits out of them. Some witnesses say they would see someone in front of the garage hailing a cab but when the cab stops, they would mysteriously disappear.

Sometimes, they say, these mysterious spirits would cross the street, and then just disappear in thin air.

Deserted Factory at Bangpoo Industrial Estate

A few years ago, a tragic accident happened at a factory on Soi 2, along the side of Muang Boran (Ancient City) in this industrial estate: an electric generator exploded and killed scores of workers. After that, it was said, ghost began appearing in the factory, scaring the workers so much until, one by one, they decided to resign.

“Ghosts here are real cruel, they are scary to death,” said my friend. Eventually, it was told, the company suffered lots of problems and closed shop. Reports even alleged that its business owner later committed suicide. The factory had since been deserted, because it was, as they say, haunted.

Abandoned House at Soi Vatcharapol

There is a house in this street that scares the hell out of many people. A tragic accident led to the abandonment of this unfinished European-style house. According to the story, the house owner and his family were on their way to a holiday when they met a horrible road accident. None of the family survived, and the house was never finished. Since then, many neighbors and passers-by tell of varying stories about ghostly spirits – a man, a woman, and a kid – that they sometimes see in the house.

Scary? These are just some of the ghost stories passed around in many circles around Bangkok. There are still many other allegedly haunted spots than we haven’t mentioned here, like that temple in Nonthaburi or that area around the former Sandika Bar in Ekkamai, which was gutted by a fire that killed scores of young people one New Year’s Eve. Whether these stories about haunted spots, abandoned houses, etc. are fact or pure fiction, it remains that Thais are just like the most of us who loves tales of horror and suspense. We love to feel fear, to be afraid, to be scared, and we will probably continue to relish enjoying them whether in movies, books, TV, or real life.

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THE Knights of Rizal Thailand

Expanding Membership Story By: Heather Craig

D

r. Jose Rizal, the Philippine’s national hero, is Asia’s first modern proponent of fighting for freedom through non-violent means, even ahead of the great Mahatma Gandhi of India. His two books – “Noli Me Tangere” (Touch Me Not) and “El Filibusterismo” (The Filibuster) - triggered the flames of revolution in the Philippines resulting in the country’s independence from the Spanish rule after 330 years.

But Rizal wasn’t just a Philippine hero or the “Pride of the Malay Race.” His prescription of universal brotherhood – which he also exemplified in his life and works, and for which he died for – was a dream all men share. It was a dream that knows no race or creed or color. It was the dream behind Knights of Rizal.

Inspired by Rizal’s idea of universal brotherhood and martyrdom, a group of nine young men, led by Col. Antonio C. Torres, founded The Knights of Rizal (KOR) on Dec. 30, 1911. Today, several KOR chapters are scattered all over the globe, made up of multinational admirers and believers in the teachings of Rizal.

In March of this year, the first chapter of KOR in the Asian mainland was established – the KOR National Chapter in Thailand, with Col. George Reiff appointed its first Knight Commander.

Of German descent, Col. Reiff is the main force behind the establishment of KOR in Thailand.

The first Knights in Thailand received their initiation at the Richmond Stylish Hotel on April 10, 2011 in a ceremony presided over

by Philippine Consul General Edgar Badajos, himself a Knight of Rizal.

The full chapter has been introduced on March 26, 2011 also in Richmond Stylish Hotel and the ceremony was jointly presided over by Philippine Ambassador Linglingay Lacanlale and Consul General Edgar Badajos.

Among those initiated were Pol. Lt. Gen. Teeradej Rodhpotong, Assistant Commissioner of the Royal Thai Police and who is honorary patron of the KOR; Pol. Maj. Gen. Vibool Pakamas, Pol. Col. Nopadol Wongnom; Khun Prapun Pismayarom; Dr. Tae Sul Kim; Dr. Tan Man Ho; and Dr. Harikumar Pallathadka. Thai

Senator Usanakorn Amatyakul was guest of honor at the event.

While universal brotherhood, as prescribed by Rizal, remains KOR’s main pursuit, the Thailand chapter also “aspires to strongly support education,” says Col. Reiff.

In keeping with that aim, KOR Thailand chapter recently sponsored a contest in the fields of oration, essay writing, and painting among children aged 8-16 from the expat Filipino community in the kingdom.

The event, held at the Philippine Embassy, aimed to foster interest among school children in the teachings and the life of Dr. Jose Rizal.

Rizal with his novels, “Noli Me Tangere” and “El Filibusterismo.” The contest was a big success, and Col.George Reiff looks forward to holding more similar events in the future.

KOR is now actively expanding membership in Thailand, looking for men of high respect and value, to support and spread the legacy that Rizal left behind for future generations to emulate.

CALENDAR NATIONAL EVENTS & FESTIVALS October 4-12 ILLUMINATED BOAT PROCESSION Mekong River, NakhonPhanom October 6-12 PHON LAK PHRA FESTIVAL (PHON DRUM-BEATING CONTEST & CHAK PHRA BUDDHA IMAGE PROCESSION) Provincial Hall and Saensuklampam Beach, Phatthalung October 8-12 THE SAKHON NAKHON WAX CASTLE PROCESSION & ROYAL TROPHY LONGBOAT RACES WatPhra That Choeng Chum Temple, SakonNakhon October 11-12 CHONBURI BUFFALO RACES City Hall, Chonburi October 11-12

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NAGA FIREBALLS Wat Thai temple City Pillar Shrine, PonPisai district in NongKhai Until October 16 BANGKOK’S 13th INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF DANCE AND MUSIC Thailand Cultural Center, Bangkok October 22 ROYAL BARGE PROCESSION Chao Phraya River TRADE FAIRS & SHOWS Until October 9 HOMEWORKS EXPO 2011 Bangkok International Trade and Exhibition Center, Bangna-Trad Road October 5-16 BOOK EXPO THAILAND 2011 All areas, QSNCC, Rachada Road (MRT: QSNCC Station)

www.thailandbookfair.com October 22-30 BANGKOK FURNITURE SHOW 2011 Zone C-Grd, C-2, Plaza, Atrium, QSNCC, Rachada Road (MRT: QSNCC Station)Conta www.bangkokfurnitureshow.com October 26-28 WORLDDIDAC ASIA 2011 Plenary Hall 1-3,QSNCC, Rachada Road (MRT: QSNCC Station) www.worlddidacasia.com ART AND CULTURE October 7 A MASTER'S FLUTE RECITAL BY VIVIANA GUZMAN Goethe Auditorium on South Sathorn Road Soi 1 Contact: 02287-2822

October 4-Nov. 5 ANT(ARCTIC)A A photography exhibition by Stephen Eastaugh and Carolina Furque La Lanta Fine Art, 245/14 SukhumvitSoi 31 Contact: 02 204- 0583 e-mail: info@lalanta.com SPORTS October 8 CHARITY MIDNIGHT RUN Lumpini Park Contact: 02 653-9000, ext. 5780/2 October 29 VERTICAL MARATHON Banyan Tree Bangkok Hotel, Sathorn Road Contact: 02 679-1200

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IN FOCUS

Two Windows

Two expat artists based in Bangkok share their world through an abstract art exhibit Story By: Hedda Tan, Photos by: Zrs Gamboa among other kinds, with international and Thai artists in the past), Gloria will showcase her love of nature expressed in abstract paintings.

Eunice describes her friend’s art as “powerful!”

“She always puts a door for me somewhere to enter and I have to find it in the painting. I like that,” Eunice muses. David, Gloria’s husband (an entrepreneur in the field of real estate), finds Gloria’s art “more like Gloria – very dramatic!”

Art, from Gloria’s point of view, is “one that you have to find out by yourself.

There are no rules. It depends on what you feel at the moment. It’s either very frustrating or very therapeutic.”

On October 7, 2011, two artists –Gloria Simister from the Philippines and Eunice Mateo from the Dominican Republic - will showcase their art titled “Two Windows” at the Design Zone in Thonglor. EXL caught up with them at the Mateo residence in Bangkok to find out what the world is like for these two expat women who chose to express themselves in this particular medium – abstract art painting.

W

hat does an expat mom do when all her kids have gone on to college or to build a career for themselves in another part of the world (as many expat families tend to do)?

For Gloria Simister – a mother of two - an answer to that can be had in a heartbeat.

As a child, she has always been interested to paint. But not until five years ago, when she and Eunice Mateo met at a painting group at the President Park in Bangkok, did she start to pursue abstract art with more fervor. And this month, she will be making her debut as a bona fide artist at the Design Zone in Thonglor.

Along with her friend of five years, Eunice Mateo, who is no stranger to doing exhibitions in Thailand (she has done a roving exhibition,

14 | EXL September - October 2011

When frustrated, Eunice confesses to just doing something on the canvas. After that, she would put the canvas away for a few days.

“I don’t meditate,” Eunice shares. “Some of my (artist) friends do. I put on music instead.”

when her kids and husband are asleep, so she can be alone.

Both artists confess one more commonality – their not being so keen to socialize much with other people. Gloria, for instance, doesn’t go out much in the evenings.

“It’s a lonely career,” says Eunice.

In retrospect, either you paint and aim towards making it big enough to do exhibitions, or you just paint for your own satisfaction or therapeutic pursuit, there is much more to this art form than just a splash of colors on a blank canvass. These two women tell stories and convey emotions with their art and their works are a delight to view and enjoy! Come and experience it for yourself at the Design Zone, Thonglor 24. Exhibit ends January 2012.

Gloria describes Eunice’s painting as “vibrant! She likes very vibrant colors but she is very organized. So her paintings are very calming. Even on a small piece of canvass there’s a lot more to see, there’s a lot of harmony.”

Thailand, these two artists agree, may challenge one in the beginning when it comes to finding the right equipment because of the language barrier. “But once you know where to get stuff, it’s easy,” Eunice says. Thailand is rich in ideas for artists – there’s so much colors, there’s the Thai people, the Buddha – pretty much like the Carribbean, according to Eunice.

Gloria Simister

“Every artist has an eccentricity”, says Gloria. “I paint at the crack of dawn. Since I’ve got my own studio and time is what I have,” she laughingly shares, “I could put a lot of thought into my canvas.”

Eunice’s kids – 2 girls - still go to an international school here in Bangkok. So she makes use of the time during the day when the girls are at school to paint. Andy, Eunice’s husband, an American who works for the Associated Press, has this to say about her paintings - Sometimes, she does it at night,

Eunice Mateo www.exlmagazine.com

LIFE BY TES The Misang Tagalog, inititated by Fr. John Tamayo S.D.B. at the Mary Help of Christians Church in Krungthep Kritha, ventured southward to visit Phuket.

FATHER JOHN VISITS PHUKET

T

he month of September was busy with 2 worthwhile activities among members of the Misang Tagalog community. One was the event to honor the recipients of this year’s San Lorenzo Ruiz award – Nimfa and Nilo Rafols from Korat. Another was a visit southward to Phuket, where the group was joined by the cultural dance troupe from the province of Korat – supported by the AFT-Isan community. Everyone looks forward to more celebrations as the Misang Tagalog community finds more reasons to gather and hold worthwhile events for its members and friends.

7

Steps

2 Part

to Financial Renewal

By: Rolly Obedencio

I

n our July-August issue, we shared with you the first 4 steps to financial renewal. Here are the final three.

Write an action plan

Having envisioned the life you want and written the goals to match it, you now need a solid game plan.

Remember the 5 ‘P’s (“Proper Planning Prevents Poor Performance.”)? List specific actions that help lead to implementing your goals. Take this simple ‘WH-question’ action plan approach to find out.

If your short-term goal is to be free from your 8-hour active-income job in one year, what is your best option so you can quit your job.

One option is the home-business route.

Why a home business? Because you maximize your interest, abilities, and skills to create income while you are at home.

‘When’ will you quit your job? (When the income from the home business exceeds your active job income) ‘When’ will you start?

Right now. How will you do it? The answer to this last question is entirely up to you.

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The above is an example of writing an action plan using ‘WH-questions’. Why don’t you write your action plan now for another 10 minutes?

Execute plans according to priorities

You need to spend more time on the right things.

You do not need to work faster or to eliminate gaps in productivity to make better use of your time. Instead, perform tasks in this order: (1) urgent and important, then (2) important, but not urgent, (3) urgent, but not important, and (4) neither urgent, nor important.

Each task listed in (1) should be done in 10 minutes such as checking emails. All (2) tasks need quality time, such as devising a strategic plan. Tasks in (3) are distractions like phone calls. Lastly, (4) tasks are time-wasters, like chatting around the water cooler, so eliminate them as soon as possible. In another 10 minutes, can you prioritize your

daily, weekly, or monthly tasks according to your goals this year?

Evaluate results

Line up results according to your vision, mission, objectives, and goals.

Do your action plans meet all of your goals?

Do you want to monitor development and progress on a daily, weekly, monthly, or quarterly or would your rather do an annual review instead?

Spend 10 minutes writing a quick summary of your evaluation of the previous year. It may prove to be helpful in planning your finances for this year.

These suggestions, if carefully and conscientiously, followed, will bring predictable results to achieving your financial goals. Stand by your dreams, and you will be made more aware of what opportunities will help you fulfill those dreams.

Rolly Obedencio is an educator and an entrepreneur in Bangkok.

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