Boracay Sun | February 2017 Issue

FEBRUARY 2017 ISSUE | VOL. VII NO. 01 | BORACAY’S MONTHLY NEWS ON RECYCLED PAPER

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IN THE NEWS 7107 ISLANDS INDULGE CENTERFOLD ROTARY BORACAY PEOPLE EXPAT FILES LIFESTYLE

TOWARDS SUSTAINABLE TOURISM KAREN BERMEJO

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he United Nations World Tourism Organization has declared 2017 as the International Year for Sustainable Tourism for Development.

For Boracay that received over 1.7 million tourists last year, tourism development is a continuing process.

Tourism, like every industry, however needs sustainable planning and management to survive as a whole for

IN THE NEWS

it produces significant impacts on the environment, society and the economy.

This year, the Aklan Provincial Government is targeting at least two million tourists for Boracay.

The island will host at least 15 international cruise lines this 2017. It will also play host to ministerial meetings of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit starting this February. And last month, Boracay was even one of the featured destinations during the Miss Universe competition.

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Indeed, this small island plays a crucial part in Philippine tourism. But is Boracay moving towards sustainability?

According to the World Tourism Organization, sustainable tourism development requires the informed participation of all relevant stakeholders and a strong political leadership. It must be a tourism that enhances the well-being of host communities while ensuring meaningful experience to the tourists. It should maintain a high level of tourist satisfaction while generating greater economic benefits for local people.

Achieving sustainable tourism, one would say, still remains a challenge for Boracay.

However, we must understand that sustainable tourism is not just a responsibility of one. It is the responsibility of everyone.

Sustainable tourism is a continuous process that requires constant monitoring of tourism impacts and actions from the government, including the private sector, the local community, and the tourists, as well.

CENTERFOLD

ROTARY BORACAY

EXPAT FILES

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Miss Universe Candidates in Boracay

Backpacking solo around the Philippines

Valentine’s Day Around the World

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Rotary Friendship Exchange

Boracay Gets Zapped

IN DIFFERENT ANGLE

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Oh, another year is starting to fly by. It’s the second month of 2017 already. And we’re just here to stick around with you.

January has gone by and left us beautiful images in our minds and great news to share. The most beautiful girls in the universe stepped on our shores; and our little island, once again, did not fail to surpass its own tourist record anew.

February! Love! This is another love month issue from us. But we will not just talk about romantic love here. It’s not just between lovers. Let’s see love in different angle. Love is a beautiful feeling not everyone can define. This is a strong emotion we can feel for family, friends, to someone, even to animals, or to something and inanimate things.

For we love Boracay, we open this issue with a subject we eyed as solution to preserve and restore our paradise. We talk about the little ways we can do to protect our corals, our delicate underwater treasure.

Also in this issue, we tour you around the Philippines and we’re pretty sure it would convince you to ready your backpack.

We’ll also give you reasons why you should climb that goddamn mountain this year. Be inspired, too, with stories of joy in humanitarian work with our Rotarians. And of course, since it’s the love month, let’s celebrate with the world as we learn how some countries express their feelings on Valentine’s Day. This love month, let this be our little reminder: love is not just all happy things. It’s also sacrifice.

Let ‘love, love, love’ be our new mantra!

COVER

THE BORACAY SUN FAMILY

By Alva Alvarez

WWW.BORACAYSUN.COM Managing Editor KAREN BERMEJO Guest Editors BLANCHE BASCO & BETH JALEA Art Director ALVA ALVAREZ

MA. TERESA FAJILAN

Love is a magical feeling. You don’t know what hit you, but you like it so much! It does not measure distance. Instead, it makes you feel so near to each other. You feel that you are in heaven even you’re still here on earth.

Strange, magical, and everybody likes it. ~ MFTB “Everybody can be great… because anybody can serve. You don’t have to have a college degree to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a HEART FULL OF GRACE. A soul generated by LOVE.” ~ DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. (1929-1968) Sometimes the hardest battle is between what you know in your head and what you feel in your heart… Can you relate? ~ AdvancedLifeSkills.com The most unexpected acceptable experience a man can ever have is to love and fall out of love. Then repeat it, again and again.

Columnists JOEL JAMES CUBILLAS, KLAUS DORING, HOLLY GOLIGHLY, PIA MIRAFLORES Contributors JUN ARIOLO AGUIRRE, PAULINE EVORA, SP01 CHRISTOPHER DEL ROSARIO MENDOZA, RESHMA NARASING, RICA VELASCO Contributing Photographers HIGHEYE MEDIA & ISLA GRAPIKA Publisher THE BORACAY WALLSTREET INC. President & CEO MA. TERESA FAJILAN Sales and Marketing Manager MICHELLE ELIZON Operations Manager JOANN “AJ” BARRIOS Boracay Sun Office

Monaco Crossing Tulubhan, Manoc Manoc, Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan 5608 editor@boracaywallstreet.com

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Telephone: (+63 36) 288 2582 Mobile: (+63 998) 558 2541 Email: ads.boracaysun@boracaywallstreet.com

~ MFTB

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Copyright © April 2014 Boracay Sun. All rights reserved. Printed in the Philippines.

Except as permitted by law, no part of the Boracay Sun may be used, reproduced or distributed in any manner whatsoever without written permission of Boracay Sun. The publisher accepts no liability for the content correctness of any advertisement and reserves the right for editorial freedom of the press under the 1987 Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines Article III (Bill of Rights) Section 4.

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Miss Universe candidates make a splash in Boracay JUN ARIOLO N. AGUIRRE

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espite the last minute announcement, Boracay has succeeded in hosting 16 Miss Universe candidates who came for a photo shoot in the island.

Malay town officials headed by Mayor Ciceron Cawaling, former Ilocos Governor Chavit Singson and officials of the Department of Tourism (DOT) welcomed the candidates at Godofredo Ramos Airport in Caticlan during their visit on January 14 as part of the kick-off ceremony for the prestigious beauty pageant.

Miss Universe delegates from Argentina, Australia, Belize, Chile, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guyana, Malta, Mexico, Myanmar, Namibia, Nicaragua, Poland, Turkey, US Virgin Island and Honduras took part in the photo shoot.

Photos courtesy of www.missuniverse.com

Provincial Tourism Officer Roselle Ruiz said the Miss Universe candidates stayed for about five hours in the island.

From the airport, the candidates rode a speedboat to Shangri-la Boracay Resort and Spa where they enjoyed the white sand and serene blue waters.

They also participated in a boat-rowing session, and tried weaving and fishnet-making withe Ati community.

The arrival of the Miss Universe candidates in Boracay is expected to promote the island as a world-class destination, and also add to the continues surge of tourists this year.

Environment and Tourism: The Yin and Yang of Boracay JUN ARIOLO N. AGUIRRE

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he environment and tourism may be considered as the yin and yang of Boracay; at least for the year 2017.

Data from Malay Municipal Tourism Office showed that Boracay registered 1,725,483 tourist arrivals in 2016, 11 percent higher than in 2015.

Of which, 868,765 are foreign arrivals, 813,302 are domestic tourists and 43,416 are overseas Filipino workers.

Koreans remained the top foreign visitors, numbering 321,016, followed by the Chinese (273,297), Taiwanese (55,736), Malaysians (26,115), Americans (23,887), Australians (16,745), British (16,318), Saudi Arabians (15,681), Russians (11,593) and Singaporeans (11,155).

Jetty Port Administrator Niven Maquirang said Aklan Provincial Government is targeting two million tourists for Boracay this year.

“Among those positive indicators contributing to the tourism growth are the Philippine hosting of Miss Universe pageant and the golden anniversary of the

ASEAN Summit. We are also hoping for an increase in the number of Chinese tourists coming to Boracay,” Maquirang said.

The island is also enjoying several free positive publicities abroad. This includes the tag as the best beach in the world by an international magazine. The Department of Tourism is likewise developing Boracay as a cruise ship destination in Asia Pacific.

However, while Boracay achieved leaps and bounds on tourism, it also suffers criticism because of environmental related issues such as coral degradation, drainage problem and the cleanliness of the beach, among others.

“We need the help of all stakeholders in ensuring the environmental sustainability of Boracay,” said Merlyn Aborka, chief of the technical services section of the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office.

“But the problem is stakeholder seems to have their own interpretation of how to save Boracay from environmental degradation,” said Aborka.

Meanwhile, Malay Councilor Nenette Aguirre-Graf is pushing for a summit to tackle the environmental woes in the island.

But until now, it was not clear if ever the summit will be materialized.

Sources from hotel managers in Boracay said that the DENR headed by its current secretary Gina Lopez is implementing strict measures. The strictness aims to return the image of Boracay as paradise.

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POLICE DESK

IN THE NEWS

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Report to the people: The 2016 BTAC accomplishment report

SP01 CHRISTOPHER DEL ROSARIO MENDOZA

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he island’s police force, Boracay Tourist Assistance Center arrested a total of 88 persons on illegal drugs operation in 2016 including 19 Taiwanese, eight Chinese and two Swiss national. Twelve transgender were also arrested. The number is way higher compared to the 14 arrests reported

in 2015.

The 18 Taiwanese and seven Chinese were arrested in just one operation. They were charged for violating R.A. 10175 or the “Anti-Cyber Crime Law”. This huge accomplishment was made through a joint operation with operatives from Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency 6, Aklan Provincial Intelligence Branch and other police units.

In the campaign against theft and robbery, 70 cases were cleared with nine cases filed in court. It was noted that the complainant of the remaining 61 cases are mostly tourists who filed an affidavit of non-interest to file charges after the items were recovered and properly turned-over to them.

BTAC was also able to capture 22 wanted persons on various crimes including Jerry Boy Baninia, the Top 2 wanted person, who was charged for rape.

For physical injury, 109 cases were cleared with 12 cases filed in court while 97 cases agreed on settlement. Most of the complainants of these cases lack interest in the filing of appropriate charges. It was also noted that said crimes transpired mostly in disco and videoke bars and most suspects were construction workers and bystanders.

Record of BTAC’s Women and Children Protection Desk showed that 24 women victims of human trafficking were rescued in just one operation and jailed two suspects for violations of R.A. 10364 or the “Anti-Human Trafficking Act”. The bar owner who was able to escape during the operation was arrested six months.

Five cases of R.A. 9262 or Anti-Violence against Women and their Children and three rape cases were also filed in the higher court.

Because of these notable accomplishments, Boracay PNP personnel had received several recognitions such as Medalya ng Kagalingan (Merit Medal), Medalya ng Kasanaya (Efficiency Medal) and Certificates of Recognition/Appreciation from

various government and non-government agencies for the conduct of various outstanding community and school-based activities in the Island of Boracay.

Senior Inspector Jess Baylon, BTAC chief and SPO1 Christopher Mendoza were awarded with Certificate of Appreciation by Consul General Sung Yong Oh of the Consulate of the Republic of Korea.

BTAC also received a Silver Eagle Award during the Compliance Stage of Performance Governance System (PGS) given by Philippine National Police (PNP) in line with the PATROL Plan 2030 (Peace & Order Agenda for Transformation & Upholding of the Rule-Of-Law).

Boracay PNP also received a Certificate of Recognition for being No. 1 during the conduct of Unit Performance Evaluation Rating (UPER) covering the period of July 2015 – June 2016 in terms of PCR Accomplishments. Record showed that it continued to dominate the field of PCR in Aklan Province for 33 consecutive quarters, from the last quarter of 2008 up to the present. SPO1 Mendoza also received a Certificate of Recognition and a Plaque of Recognition for being the Outstanding Senior PNCO for CY 2016 in the field of PCR in Aklan Province and the whole Western Visayas Region, respectively.

Boracay PNP is now under the leadership of PSI Jess P. Baylon as the Officer InCharge replacing PSI Nilo A. Morallos who is now assigned at Calabarzon region.

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Healthy Boracay waters mean a thriving tourism industry

PIA MIRAFLORES

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he Boracay Foundation Incorporated (BFI) has strongly been advocating the “No Anchoring” policy for all boats in Boracay. The BFI even hired its own Bantay Dagat personnel to help in patrolling Boracay’s coastal waters to protect the island’s precious coral reefs.

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However, the issue still exists and the island’s marine environment is still at risk. The BFI, together with the Boracay Association of Scuba Diving Schools (BASS) and BFI-member, Philippine Mermaid Swimming Academy strongly advocates the use of mooring buoys.

We ask the community to practice these simple steps to protect Boracay’s priceless marine life: 5.

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Boat operators should stop anchoring.

Anchors can crush, dislodge and kill fragile corals and other living reef organisms. Even when simply brushed across coral, chains cause damage that is either irreversible or very slow to heal. Anchoring in corals can put your chain at risk of being damaged. Coral damage is certainly prevented by attaching your boats through mooring buoys in designated areas.

When snorkeling or diving, always keep your fins, gear, and hands away from the reef. Contact with

the reefs can hurt you and will damage delicate corals. Sediments may also kill corals, so take care to stay off the bottom and avoid kicking up sand.

Always leave animals, shells, corals, sponges undisturbed. If it belongs to sea, let it be.

Support reef friendly businesses, by asking what your dive shop, tour operator, hotel and other businesses are doing to protect coral reefs.

This is especially important in Boracay as businesses rely on the natural environment as our beach is the main draw for tourists. Let them know you are an informed consumer and care about Boracay’s environment. Deal with responsible businesses.

Pick up your own trash. Make an effort to throw away the trash that others have left behind. More than being unattractive nuisance, trash poses a serious threat to the health and existence of marine organisms which can swallow or get tangled in it.

We all need to step up work harder to protect our coral reefs for several reasons. We have been reminded time and again that the smallest to largest of all sea creatures rely for both food and protection on coral reefs. Without these reefs, sea life will cease to exist.

Coral reefs also prevent loss of life and property as well as erosion and flooding by reducing wave action along our shores. It also provides the sediments that eventually become sand on Boracay’s beautiful beaches.

Coral reefs are vital to our tourism industry, creating and protecting the

world’s most beautiful beach. Without our famed clear waters and opportunities for recreational exploring through diving and snorkeling, Boracay would not be what it is. Let us all take extra effort in protecting Boracay’s marine environment, please help in any way you can. For donations, you may contact the BFI at 288-3971 or 288-6299.

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Backpacking solo around the Philippines RESHMA NARASING

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efore I start off, let me tell you honestly a thing about my travel to the Philippines.

I never had this country on my list for some unknown reason, although I knew how beautiful the country looked in the pictures that I saw. So when the travel blog exchange community announced their next conference in the Philippines, I bought the tickets right away, considering it as a perfect excuse to travel to the island nation.

And no surprises here, my backpacking in the Philippines lasting for almost a month turned out to be one of the most incredible experiences that I have had in my travels.

Manila: A potpourri of culture My journey began in the capital city of Manila.

Having grown up and lived in the towns, I’m not very fond of metro cities or the city life, and Manila was the same for the initial days to me. But some places change your perspective about them gradually.

You don’t instantly fall in love with these destinations; but very subtly and slowly, you will fall for them nevertheless eventually.

Manila did the same to me. I first stayed in the hostels in Makati area close to Burgos Street, since I was looking to experience the nightlife happenings that I had heard. Manila is a mix of everything, and you initially develop the love-hate relationship with the city. The traffic and the chaos make you cringe.

The colorful jeepneys and the street food capture your attention. The shopping malls and the plethora of food chain restaurants leave you surprised. The art draws you. And in the end, you’ll end up liking the capital.

In fact, I ended up spending more days in Manila than I had planned!

Whether it’s the old city of Intramuros, the China town or the bustling streets of Metro Manila – the city is a melting pot.

After Manila, I had the opportunity to discover Dumaguete province with the Philippines Tourism Board. The tourism board had arranged the travel for bloggers like me to the islands of Siqujor, Apo, Sumilon and Cebu. Each one of these islands is unique and exudes their magnificence brilliantly. From

spotting sea turtles to visiting the weaving centers to listening to the folk songs by the candle light dinner, it was an immersing trip that gave a glimpse of the land of islands.

witnessed the giant world below the mountains along the underground river. Puerto Princesa is also the place where I got opportunities to try the local food, which was not cheap, but delicious.

Palawan and beyond

I headed north, to witness the beauty of El Nido, taking the bus from Puerto Princesa. I took up the island hopping tours where I toured with some Filipinos. It was a beautiful fun-filled day with a Filipino family and two guys who were also on holidays. I was stunned to know that the people of Philippines watch Indian Bollywood movies! What amazed me, even more, was the fact that the men and the ladies of the Filipino family even remembered the dialogues of the movies.

Back from the familiarization trip, I continued my backpacking further after bidding my goodbyes to my fellow travel blogger friends. Since I wanted to experience surprise and keep my options flexible, I did not planned much the trip to my next destinations.

So when I realized that Palawan region had cheaper and excellent connectivity from Manila, the first and the only thing that I’d done was to book the flights.

But little did I know what was in store. Only when I landed did I realize that this is the second best island in the world according to the Conde Nast Traveler as voted by the people, for the second time. One visit to this majestic province and you would agree with the CNT immediately!

Those colors of the sea! The various shades and the different colors of the water in the beaches will remain with me for long. They are not yet touristy, they are super clean, and the number of water sports that you can try are endless - be it snorkeling, kayaking, diving, surfing or just lazing by the beach, you name it, and you can do it.

I’m not a diving person, but that didn’t stop me a bit from enjoying the mesmerizing beauty of the islands of Palawan. I started from Puerto Princesa and

But it seemed like my fun time in the Philippines had just begun. I’m afraid of heights, and I have been trying to move out of my comfort zone and trying things to get over this fear. One day when I was walking to my hostel in El Nido, I noticed a billboard that displayed some details about zip lining. “So here is an opportunity, “I thought. I went ahead and took up the challenge (Yes, it was a challenge to me!) in Las Cabanas.

And here is the best part. My emotions changed in an instant from fear to freedom and thrill once I set off. I was so happy and had so much fun that I did it again, which was an accomplishment to me. Flying above 50 meters, watching the islands and the turquoise beaches covering 1.5 km was a splendid experience.

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6 Beaches. As I have already mentioned, the beaches of the Philippines truly deserve to be among the best in the world. Their beauty is unparalleled, and if you’re lucky, you’ll even get the whole beach for yourself.

How can you resist that?

Mountains. While the south is for a relaxed holiday, the north of the Philippines provided me with the kind of travel that I like a lot - slow travel in the mountains, adventure, hiking, sunsets, star gazing, local culture and heritage.

So yes, true to the tagline of the tourism board, it was more fun in the Philippines. And I can’t wait to get back!

Backpacking in the Mountain Province Once I was back from soaking in the beauty of the blissful beaches, it was time for me to do some active holidaying and visiting my most favorite regions the mountains. No, don’t get me wrong. I love the beaches a lot. But if I have to choose, then it would always be the mountains. So I was excited to breathe the mountain air when I headed to Sagada by bus from Manila. Since there are no direct buses, I had to choose between Baguio and Banaue to reach Sagada.

I didn’t want to miss the amazing rice terrace fields so I headed to Banaue first. I trekked to arrive at the UNESCO heritage site - the rice fields which are more than 2,000 years old. Green was the color that ruled the panoramic view.

After spending few days enjoying the life in the small town, I headed to Sagada. Sagada had so much in store— the complete caves of Sumaguing, the hanging coffins, the Bomodok waterfalls, and the idyllic town itself, to explore and spend the time in the midst of nature. I took my time to get under the skin of Sagada. I explored the places one after the other, witnessed sunsets from the mountain tops, got to know about the traditions of the locals and spent the cold nights looking at the fantastic sky filled with stars.

Sagada and Palawan are both the perfect places for slow travel. If the beach is your first love, head to Palawan and if you prefer mountains like me, you know what to choose.

What I like the most in the Philippines I got this question often while I was traveling in the Philippines. And I always have to think hard to answer this because there are so many things that I totally loved and had so much fun. It is a tough choice. But I feel I can boil down to these three: People. Very few nations have a culture that focuses on a happy living. The moment I entered Manila, I got to know that the Philippines is one of them.

You will always notice that a Filipino wears a big smile at any time of the day, even under the worst of the circumstances. You’ll notice that Filipinos are always ready to help travelers and be their best. The Filipinos believe in being hospitable and that reflects in their every of action towards travelers. Never did I once feel uncomfortable for traveling alone in the Philippines. I made many Filipino friends in a very short span, who spoke with warmth and of course, always flashed their big Filipino smile.

About the writer Reshma is a solo female traveler and a travel blogger/ writer from India. She is a backpacker who looks out for unique travel experiences by involving with the locals, getting to know the culture, and exploring offbeat destinations. She has extensively traveled solo in India and to some countries in Asia, including the Philippines. She shares her travel stories on her blog The Solo Globetrotter.

You can follow her adventures at: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ thesologlobetrotter Twitter:https://twitter.com/ReshmaNarasing Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ thesologlobetrotter/

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On Bicycle Routes and Mountain Trails: + ALTITUDE

Why we choose the outdoors JOEL JAMES CUBILLAS

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he great outdoor offers man a high standard of happiness.

Experiencing the beauty and simplicity of nature is predicated to an irresistible joy that pushes mountaineers, cyclists, anglers and anyone in between to do what they do at any given time with enjoyment.

Here are some characteristics which I believe elevates the manly existence of the good ol’outdoorsman: 1.

Nice physique, Herculean frame of mind - A Marlboro man is not necessarily a muscle man. He may or may not go to the gym, and he may or may not drink the infamous protein shake, but one thing’s for sure, the totality of his being is strengthened by his experience outside of aesthetic reservations.

A genuine outdoorsman generally has an okayish physique and an undeniably Herculean mindset for he possesses an undying will to summit the peaks, to cycle the winding loops and appreciate everything in the process.

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Thrive in the absence of Wi-Fi - Most people I meet on the mountains and bicycling routes do not care a lot about Facebook and Instagram; unless if one their hobbies is photography. Sundy, a good friend who introduced me to mountaineering, despite being an equipped photographer does not upload his masterful photos online.

“My pictures are not for everyone, for not everyone can understand fully the beauty of nature,” he answers with a bit of drunken slang when I insisted that one of his photos

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Sundy’s existence is a hard contrast to some millennial who couldn’t take a sip of chai latte without internet glorification.

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Tasteful music - It can be observed that most outdoorsmen have a peculiar music preference. I mean, I haven’t bumped into someone on the trails who listens to Sarah G., Beyonce and other mainstream divas.

The said peculiarity may be attributed to outdoor films like Into the Woods and Wild which are highlighted by similarly inspired sound tracks.

Eddie Vedder, Jose Gonzalez and many folk and reggae artists reign supreme in too many a mountain trail and cycling route, be it in a portable speaker or in a Bluetooth headphone.

Nature-inspired music definitely completes one’s outdoor experience. My friends frequently fire up Bullet Dumas, Mike Love and other indie tracks on their portable speakers, much to the amusement of our fellow hikers and bikers.

Some may not see the joy in summiting mountains and I know that there are people who think bicycle commuters are the poor men. You’d think that some people buy the latest smart phone, some buy TVs as large as their walls and some merely stay in their bedrooms; and they’d be truly happy. But for some people, the defiance of one’s physical limit, the oneness with the grandiosity of nature and the changing sceneries unveiling before their eyes bring forth the same platonic joy.

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ADVERTORIAL

Kasbah: A new home for vegans in Boracay PAULINE EVORA

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asbah is known in Boracay both by locals and tourists for its prime spot on the White Beach, offering amazing view of the world’s famous sunset paired with a comfortable setting right on the powdery sand. The beautifully crafted gate standing on the beach as an entrance door set the tone – the tropics meet the Middle East. The warm colors of the sofa and decor invite guests to lounge peacefully.

Whether one comes for sunset cocktail or dinner, guests could indulge in a wide choice of appetizers, salads and main courses, all Morrocan dishes that will treat your palate to an oriental trip.

And for most vegans, Kasbah offers a satisfying refuge. Their menu includes a variety of meat-free dishes that will surely tempt any travelling or resident vegan.

Kasbah’s “Mezze” (starters) are served meat-free. They have rich and delicious Baba Ghanouj, smoked aubergine mixed with tahini. For something lighter, they have Mechouia, roasted bell peppers with tomato and flavorful Moroccan spices served with warm pita bread. They are the perfect match to a cocktail.

A selection of warm Mezze is also available like their Moroccan cigars, a delightful spring roll with zucchini, eggplant and pistachios. If you are in search of something fresh and original, the roasted pumpkin and arugula is a delectable salad with bell peppers, walnut, and goat cheese.

To treat vegans to the beautiful flavors of Morocco, the seven vegetable Couscous Tajine is a must-try. This stew with carrots, zucchini, eggplant, squash, sayote, cabbage, bell peppers and chickpeas is a rich and tasteful vegan dish that will satisfy every vegetarian and vegan in search of a fulfilling dinner experience.

Finally a place in Boracay that spoils vegans and allows them to enjoy themselves out of their own kitchen with a wide choice of tasteful dishes especially concocted for them!

And to start a beautiful season, Kasbah is making their Happy Hour even more delightful by offering free tapas with each drink order every day from 4 to 6 PM until March. Come rock the Kasbah with us!

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Valentine’s Day HOW THE WORLD CELEBRATES COMPILED BY KAREN BERMEJO

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ver wonder how lovebirds and in-love in other parts of the world celebrate the Valentine’s Day? Or do most celebrate this so-called love day at all?

We asked some friends and browsed through the World Wide Web (with the help of Mr. Google, of course) on how the world celebrates (or not) this heart-y occasion.

Let us travel to some countries and discover the interesting ways and customs to celebrate the annual celebration of love.

Sources: theholidayspot.com todayifoundout.com

JAPAN Japanese Valentine’s tradition starts on February 14 and ends on March 14.

On Valentine’s Day, it is the women that give chocolates or gifts to the men they love. The men, however, shall return the favor with white chocolates on March 14, which is why it is known as “White Day.”

SOUTH KOREA Just like Japan, South Korea also has long Valentine’s Day celebration; it actually last for three months. It starts on February 14 where women, not men, give gifts.

In return, women receive gifts on White Day celebrated on March 14. But it doesn’t end there.

South Koreans also celebrate the Black Day on April 14 where single people eat ‘jajangmyeon,’ also known as Korean black noodles.

DENMARK Rather than roses, friends and lovers exchange pressed white flowers called snowdrops. Men also give women gaekkebrev, a “joking letter” consisting of a funny poem or rhyme written on intricately cut paper and signed only with anonymous dots. If a woman who receives the gaekkebrev can correctly guess the sender, she earns herself an Easter egg later that year.

WALES In Wales, Valentine’s Day is not on February 14 but on January 25. The Welsh celebrate Saint Dwynwen day, the patron saint of lovers. As part of their tradition, Welsh men carve intricate wooden spoons as a token of affection for the women they loved.

ENGLAND On the eve of Valentine’s Day, women pin five bay leaves on their pillow, one at each corner and one in the center; or they could sprinkle rosewater on the leaves and place them across their pillows. This is believed to bring dreams of their future husband.

A Norfolk tradition meanwhile brings Jack Valentine otherwise known as Old Father Valentine who acts like Santa - giving candies and small gifts to children.

FINLAND & ESTONIA Valentine’s Day is a celebration of friendship rather than a romantic love fest in both countries. February 14 is called “Ystävän Päivä” in Finnish and Sõbrapäev in Estonian, which literally translates to “Friend’s Day.” It is however a popular day to tie knot or get engaged.

SOUTH AFRICA Women in South Africa, wear their hearts on their sleeves, literally, on February 14th. Women pin the names of their love interest on their shirtsleeves, an ancient Roman tradition known as Lupercalia; also one way how South African men learn of their secret admirers.

GHANA As one of the world’s largest cocoa exporters, Ghana also celebrates February 14 as “National Chocolate Day.” The West African country marks the holiday with museum exhibits and special chocolate-themed restaurant menus. The tradition likewise wants to promote the contribution of nation in the world’s chocolate production.

GUATEMALA Like in Finland and Estonia, Guatemala also gives emphasis on nonromantic love on February 14. Valentine’s Day is known as El Día del Cariño in Guatemala, where affection for friends and family is celebrated. People in Guatemala also celebrate the day with lots of colorful pageantry with revelers dressing in feathered masks.

ITALY Italians used to celebrate Valentine’s Day as a Spring Festival. Now, modern day Italy sees Valentine’s as exclusive for lovers, hence, family members and friends do not exchange gifts. Italians however still try to showcase their romantic side on the day of hearts. A popular Valentine’s Day gift in Italy is Baci Perugina a small, chocolate-covered hazelnut containing a small note with romantic and poetic quotes.

PHILIPPINES The Filipino celebration of the hearts day is nearly the same as elsewhere in the world. Valentine’s Day is extremely popular in the country and has become an occasion to express love not just to sweethearts but also to parents, teachers and friends. Common celebrations of the day include giving of gifts such as cards, flowers, chocolates and candies. Hundreds of couples also usually tie the knot in a mass wedding celebration during the holiday. To be married in a colossal public ceremony has become a common Valentine’s tradition among Filipinos.

Cultures around the globe may have put their own spin on Valentine’s Day tradition, yet, there’s just one common goal – to celebrate love. Let this day be a reminder for us to express our affection and gratitude, to our family, relatives, friends, loved ones and especially to ourselves.

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CENTERFOLD

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Where did Valentine’s Day come from?

While some believe that Valentine’s Day is celebrated in the middle of February to commemorate the anniversary of Valentine’s death or burial, others claim that the Christian church may have decided to place St. Valentine’s feast day in the middle of February in an effort to “Christianize” the pagan celebration of Lupercalia.

Celebrated on February 15, Lupercalia was a fertility festival dedicated to Faunus, the Roman god of agriculture, as well as to the Roman founders Romulus and Remus.

Lupercalia survived the initial rise of Christianity and but was outlawed—as it was deemed “un-Christian”–at the end of the 5th century, when Pope Gelasius declared February 14 St. Valentine’s Day. It was not until much later, however, that the day became definitively associated with love.

During the Middle Ages, it was commonly believed in France and England that February 14 was the beginning of birds’ mating season, which added to the idea that the middle of Valentine’s Day should be a day for romance. (History.com)

Did You

Know?

Approx imately 15 cards a re exch 0 million Valen tine’s D anged a Valentin ay nnually, e’s Day m t aking he seco card-se nd mos nd tp (Source ing holiday aft er Chris opular : history tmas. .com) The firs tV 1415 fro alentine’s Day card wa m Franc s e’s Duk wife wh e of Orlé sent in en he w as ans to h London is followin a prisoner in th g e (Source t T h o e w B er of attle of : The G Ag reeting Card As incourt. sociatio n)

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ROTARY BORACAY

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FEBRUARY 2017

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Rotary Friendship Exchange in Service to Humanity

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he Rotary Friendship Exchange (RFE) is about fellowship and sharing. It is Rotary’s international exchange program for Rotarians and their families. Participants experience other culture and build friendships by staying in the homes of Rotary club members in another country.

This program advances international understanding and peace through personal contact across borders while developing inter-club relationships that lead to fellowship and service projects.

The Rotary International District 3850 in the Philippines once again hosted the District 6250 Rotary Friendship Exchange (RFE) Inbound Team from Wisconsin, USA from Jan 5 to 16. D3850 RFE Chair PE Megs Lunn (Rotary Roxas) was given the opportunity and privilege to usher the inbound team around Negros Occidental, Iloilo, Antique and Panay Island. The itineraries were laid down in cooperation with all the club and family hosts of the different clubs in Negros, Iloilo, Guimaras Province, Antique, Kalibo and Boracay.

The RFE Inbound Team were: RFE Chair Edwin Bos, Assistant District Governor for District 6250 Wisconsin, USA with responsibility for the Rotary Clubs of Fort Atkinson, Jefferson, Lake Mills, Stoughton and Watertown; his son Harry Bos, past president of Interact Club at Fort Atkinson High School; PP Tom Dehnert and wife Lindsey of Rotary Club Fort Atkinson; PP James (Jim) Nelson – Rotary Club Fort Atkinson; Pres. Ellen and hubby Eric Waldmer – Rotary Club Jefferson; and Thomas (Tom) Vinz of Rotary Club Lake Mills of Wisconsin, USA, respectively.

The Rotary Club hosts from D3850 Philippines were the following: (Negros) PP Chris Sorongon, Pres. Hector Gayares, Jr, PP Leilani Salem Alba, PP Jonathan

Avelino, PP El Cid Familiaran, Rtn. Amelyn Bravo and Rtn. Florita Kho of Rotary Bacolod, respectively; (Iloilo/Guimaras) Gov. Ronnie Gabalda (RC Iloilo South), AG Winston Santos (RC Iloilo City), PP Elma Magbanua (RC Central Iloilo City), Rtn. Evacis Jaena (RC Central Iloilo City), AG/IPP Tess Balogo (RC Iloilo West) and Pres. Nitz Pitpitan (RC Guimaras); (Antique) PDG Melvin Dela Serna, Pres. Analyn Tacogdoy, PP Bobit Abiera, PP Marlene Delos Santos, and IPP Nic Calawag of RC Antique, respectively; (Kalibo) Pres Roger De Guzman, PP Vady Marin, PP Botoy Villorente and Rtn. Egay Isada (RC Kalibo), Pres. Rey Lebaquin, Sr., IPP Ricky Molo, PP Lando Navarra, and PP Ely Villanueva (RC Metro Kalibo); and Pres. Teresa Fajilan (RC Boracay).

The Inbound team was engaged mostly in Rotary project visits and community immersion with their family and host club around Negros Occidental, Guimaras Province and Panay Island. The cultural exchange and immersion includes but not limited to visiting local community projects like donation of shoes, library and computer literacy project, global grant on water project, and also learning and enjoying its province’s eco-tourism and festivals. The team ended their trip with a breathtaking rest and recreation in the world’s best island, Boracay Island.

“The people of the Philippines just seem happy. It was amazing to go to the other side of the world and see all the good Rotarians do. From helping children receive surgery for cleft lip and palate to providing a community with a fresh water supply. It felt good to be associated with such an amazing organization,” said Tom and Lindsey Dehnert.

The couple Tom and Lindsey lives in Fort Atkinson,

Wisconsin with their two children. Tom is Assistant Vice President of Badger Bank, a locally owned community bank, while Lindsey, the ever supportive of her husband’s Rotary activity, is a sonographer with SSM, a regional health care provider. Tom is a Past President of the Rotary Club of Fort Atkinson. It is their first RFE. “Participating in the RFE was the best decision I have made as a Rotarian. I had the opportunity to see a water project our clubs and others helped fund. We celebrated with the children and families who benefited from the clean water. I was very inspired and hope I can convey the rest of our club how important our dollars were and what we can do more. We have made so many new Rotary friends while visiting our host families and clubs. They embraced us as family and shared their culture. It is an experience we will treasure for years to come,” shared by the couple Ellen and Eric Waldmer.

The team leader AG Edwin, son Harry Bos and their family are both active in participating in several RFEs to India, Philippines and Nepal. They both enjoyed working with local and international Rotarians to realize two Rotary Global Grants including water project with Rotary Kalibo for Brgy. Hagachac, Makato, Aklan.

Fellow team members PP Jim Nelson is a certified public accountant and is the senior VP/chief financial Officer for Fort HealthCare, a small community hospital and is currently president of the Fort Atkinson Area Chamber of Commerce, and Thomas “Tom” Vinz is semi-retired from the insurance and investment business, he owns a number of investment properties in Lake Mills which keep him busy and has served on many community organization over the years. He loves and enjoys watching sports particularly his beloved Wisconsin Badgers and Green Bay Packers.

Rotary D3850 is looking forward to future reciprocal exchange in the coming months. RFE provides lasting memories and beautiful experiences with our Rotary global friends.

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ROTARY BORACAY

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The Rotary Club of Boracay continues to live up to its mission to serve the humanity

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he Rotarians of Boracay led a gift giving activity for children with special needs last December.

The Club also welcomed members of the Rotary Club of Jindo, once again, in the island.

The Rotarians from Korea were here to inspect the location and the building where the equipment for the blood bank will be placed. RC Boracay, District 3850 together with their Korean sister club RC Jindo, District 3610, with Rotary International will be donating the equipment for the blood bank to the Philippine Red Cross-Malay Chapter.

The two sister clubs also visited the Ati Village community to see what they can be of service to them and enjoyed being with the children. Special thanks to Sister Teresa who was very heart warming with the welcome!

And just last month, a medical mission in boracay and Malay was attended by Dr. Lhen Brutton and Dr. Howell Javonillo.

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PEOPLE

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Overcoming adversity and helping others RICA VELASCO

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ancer is undoubtedly a terrible disease that affects not only the patients afflicted with it but their loved ones as well. Those who are sadly diagnosed with cancer have their lives altered and sometimes, they can no longer function the way they used to. Treatment is expensive and the patient’s physical state is deteriorating. Nevertheless, some cancer patients still choose to look at things positively and make the most out of their situation.

Mercy lost her daughter a few years back to leukemia.

It was a heartbreaking time for her but instead of wallowing she chose to support cancer patients. She visits them in the hospital, motivates them to fight the disease and tries to inspire hope in them. She helps the patients in finding blood donors, as well as sponsors for medication and other financial needs.

She also helps organize two major events for children with cancer – a Christmas Party and a Back to School Party – in which volunteers and donors participate by giving gifts to the young patients. Seeing the faces of the children receiving these presents is utterly priceless and rewarding for her.

What Mercy feels helps cancer patients the most though, is being a listening ear, and empathizing with

what they are going through. These patients often just need someone to talk to and someone to encourage them to fight. Sometimes, the smallest effort to be nice can mean a world of difference to someone.

Mercy’s other daughter, Julia, is a college student and also finds time to volunteer. She personally rounded up other willing students to organize a Christmas Party for children with cancer, and is dubbed Cancer Warriors.

These students provided food, games, giveaways, and gifts to more than 60 children.

Aside from this, Julia and her friends donate educational toys among students with special needs at a public school and organized another party at an orphanage every year. Julia is overwhelmed with the feeling she gets when she manages to bring joy to other people and will make it a point to devote her life to volunteering for such causes.

It is also such an inspiration to see these cancer patients motivated to make a difference in the world and to still enjoy life to the fullest – because it is a great way to face this adversity. The children with cancer are still very much interested in arts and crafts.

Many love to dance and create choreographed numbers during programs. They have found close-knit friends among each other and support each other with what they are going through.

Most importantly, they still look forward to their future and weave big dreams. Some children aspire to become doctors, actors, engineers, and musicians. They still exude positivity, know how to have fun, and make the most out of what they have – such admirable traits that should be emulated by everyone.

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Boracay Gets Zapped!

HOLLY GOLIGHTLY

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PHOTOS BY HIGHEYE MEDIA

hat do you get when you throw a washboard, megaphone, ukulele, rubber chicken, some tap shoes, a trumpet, two kangaroos and some tzatziki into a blender…?”

A show unlike any other is what!

As is the case with small places, news spread like wildfire, that a rather unusual act was coming to Boracay Island. Only known as ‘The Zap Show’, ripples from Manila came on the grapevine, heralding tales of a curious performance that embraces the charms of a feisty finger folk, a high-speed Jungle Book frenzy, dancing ostrich puppets and the most eclectic drum kit ever seen.

Listings for Boracay included Exit Bar, Kasbah, Spider House and Frendz Hostel and, on the first night of the Boracay tour, Exit was packed, everyone’s agog at the strange assortment of gadgets and gimmicks on stage. Not knowing what to expect, the curious crowd was quickly whipped into a delighted head-nodder of a night by the three extraordinarily talented multi-taskers in front of us. Even a famous Boracay brownout couldn’t stop the performance and the band gamely embraced the momentary lapse in power!

Ostrich puppets came out to play, crowd-pleasing folky sounds were the order of the day, and tap dancing and trumpeting kept the energy right up until the very end. It was a night like no other and a real breath of fresh air – even Boracay’s local, nasal pipe player, Cha Cha, was invited to join in.

The Zap Show is made up of a trio of trippy talent: Will Henderson and Mademoiselle Gabrielle (the two kangaroos) from Australia, and Petros (the tzaziki!)the wild-haired drummer from Greece. Now living in the suitably eclectic Berlin, they met three years ago when Will, a self-professed “lonely musician” put an advert on Craigslist and Petros answered. Gabrielle studied acting and physical theatre, so they combined their visual and musical talents, “mixed their imaginations” and their love of making people laugh, and The Zap Show was born.

“We live in Berlin six months of the year and travel the other six months,” says Gabrielle. “We like to choose the beautiful places, which is why we came to

Shopping or love and care?

KLAUS DORING

Boracay.”(And we’re so glad they did!)

So how did these multifarious musicians come to discover our little island? (Hint: it involved tomatoes…)

As their trip flew by, Will, Gabrielle and Petros became more and more in demand, adding extra dates and venues, and opening peoples’ eyes to their wonderfulworld of randomness.During their down-time, they joined us on a fantastic day trip to the stunning Hinugtan Beach on Panay, where they learnt to swim with the Mermaids of The Philippine Mermaid Swimming Academy.

However, the crowning moment of the trip had to be Gabrielle’s underwater proposal to Will. Arranged by Victory Divers, the 150-year-old ring was placed in a shell atop the mast of the Camia II Shipwreck, where Gabrielle bravely proposed to boyfriend Will. And he said yes after looking completely stunned! Petros brought Prosecco to the dive shop where the couple was congratulated and Gabrielle declared: “We won’t get married for another 20 years!”

As their crazy busy trip drew to a close, Gabrielle said:

Just back from the shopping mall; yes, they are really tempting us with their various offers. Everyone wants to have the best (and the latest) of everything.

We need more decent clothes! Our shoes make us a laughing-stock! And with credit cards, top style or even the latest fashion for a few pesos, sure, we can afford it!

Women especially (really?) arrange to meet very often for substantial shopping sprees. It’s just fun, but sometimes it becomes already an obsession. Who gets hold of the most stylish and best special offers?

It’s paradoxical. Actually, they are not able to afford it. In spite of their strained financial situation, many people do unnecessary free-living shopping. They feel happy, contented, satisfied, and relaxed.

Is shopping a substitutive or vicarious satisfaction because of less of love and care? Yes. For a short moment shopping satisfies and eases mostly unfulfilled longings for love, appreciation, receiving attention and affection. The shopping ecstasy will be followed by a happiness-intoxication. The new dress becomes a fourleaf clover and lucky break. And it’s addicting.

P

lastic money (or better known as credit cards), loneliness, and advertising – that’s a dangerous mixture; owing to more people falling straight into shopping ecstasy.

Disastrous, unlucky and awkward in shopping is that special offers are not really needed. That’s the point.

It’s just an added kick which can be felt while shopping useless things. Clothes, shoes, jewelries or cosmetics will be used just once or once in a while;

“I love the island already and I love the Philippines. I love the tricycles, they’re amazing; we’ll cruise around with all our shit on top! And Kevin and Tina are just so cool, I love them, too.”

Said Will of Boracay: “We’d only been here one night and already people were saying ‘Welcome home!’ – so amazing. The Exit crowd on our first night was effervescent and the vibe was other-worldly.”

“I didn’t expect it to be so amazing”, said Petros, “I’m really feeling the vibe here.”

So Boracay was well and truly ‘Zapped’! The band’s extraordinary imagination combined with their exceptional ability shows that expensive light shows and supreme technology aren’t always necessary; just a combination of toys, talent and insane amounts of positive energy can just as easily take the roof off.

We can’t wait to have you back! *** For more info about these amazing talents, check their website: www.thezapshow.com

they will be cleared or concealed and hidden from other people. Our conscience is pricking us. Depression follows an empty inwardness that causes pain, until the next ecstasy!

It’s a dangerous, vicious cycle, which can bring people to a financial precipice. eExperts have warned: “The limits between pleasure, desire, frustration and ecstasy shopping are fluent and fluid.” I remember the lady yesterday trying to pay an amazing amount with three credit cards with the cashier saying, “Excuse Ma’am, there is a problem with your credit card!” The lady went away by telling the wonderful sentence: “Okay lang, actually I don’t need all this stuff!” Wow! Let me anticipate this: I don’t want to mess up anybody’s mall stroll. Not everybody buys a lot and is at the same time shopping-addicted. Boisterous and superfluous “reward-shopping” can be absolutely normal. Only a recurring irresistible shopping compulsion needs an immediate action.

The incredible Americans invented several years ago a medicine against the so-called “shopaholics.” By the way, this pill, which is still available in many drugstores, can’t be given in special offer.

Email: doringklaus@gmail.com or follow me in Facebook or Twitter or visit www.germanexpatinthephilippines.blogspot.com or www.klausdoringsclassicalmusic.blogspot.com

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Never too young to lead BFI official talks about YSEALI fellowship experience in the US PIA MIRAFLORES

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he Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) is a U.S. Government signature program that supports leadership development, builds youth networks and promotes cultural affairs.

Through several programs and activities which include U.S. cultural exchanges, regional exchanges, seed funding and workshops, YSEALI is able to build the leadership capabilities of the youth while strengthening the relations between the U.S. and the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) and ultimately fostering one ASEAN community.

YSEALI programs focus on the critical areas of Civic Engagement, Environmental Resources Management, Entrepreneurship and Economic Development. YSEALI members are composed of young leaders aged 1835 from the ASEAN. Every spring and fall, selected YSEALI members are given the opportunity to embark on a six-week Academic and Professional Fellows Program in the United States.

The Professional Fellows Program provides participants with the unique experience of learning how issues in their respective communities are resolved in the U.S. Participants are placed in U.S. government offices, nonprofit organizations, and private companies.

I am one of the privileged few to be given a wonderful opportunity to participate in the Fall 2016 Professional Fellows Program. Together with three other Filipino fellows, I traveled to the U.S. as part of the Philippine Economic Empowerment Cohort.

I felt really lucky, especially as I celebrated my birthday during the flight - 36,000 feet above - embarking on a wonderful journey of learning.

We first traveled to Washington DC for a three-day orientation, wherein we got to hear from the best in their respective fields, such as Dr. Sam Potolicchio, Director of Global and Custom Education at the McCourt School of Public Policy at Georgetown University. He provided interactive understanding into leadership ideas. The session helped us understand concepts of leadership, identify different roles of leaders and significant

Team Philippines at the Fall 2016 Professional Fellowship Program

differences affecting leadership in public and private sector environments. It was also where we learned more about our expectations, objectives and how to make the most out of our fellowship.

Another amazing speaker was Mr. John Brown, a Research Associate at the Institute for the Study of Diplomacy of Georgetown University. Mr. Brown discussed the concept of “E Pluribus Unum”, the traditional Latin motto of the United States. It literally means “Out of many, one”. This Latin motto can be seen on the Great Seal of the United States, and serves as a symbolic reflection of the nation’s strength and dynamism in diversity. It was also at this time that we met our co-fellows and were treated to an exclusive tour of the U.S. Capitol. It was truly inspiring to meet, interact and be surrounded by young leaders doing amazing work in their respective societies.

American Councils for International Education is the U.S. implementer who did an amazing job looking for U.S counterparts for each of us. Along with three other YSEALI fellows from Singapore, Indonesia and Laos, I was assigned to work at Honolulu. The other Filipinos were assigned to different states.

As soon as I landed at the airport, I immediately felt the warmth of the Hawaiian culture, my host family welcomed me with “Aloha!” and with the traditional lei. Aside from work placement, another great thing about the fellowship is the chance to live with a host family to deepen our understanding of the American society and lifestyle. I lived with the Simon Family, at their beautiful home in Kaimuki, Hawaii overlooking the iconic Diamond Head Crater.

For four weeks, I was assigned to work at the Pacific Gateway Center (PGC) in Hawaii. PGC is a nonprofit organization, whose mission is to

The 28 YSEALI Fellows from the ASEAN

empower immigrants, refugees, and low-income families in building skills so they may access opportunities to attain self-sufficiency. PGC’s key operations include social services, economic development, education and training with integrated strategies and interventions that address the critical needs of our targeted populations.

During my four-week experience at the PGC, I was able to work with passionate people helping Hawaii’s less fortunate community members. My main work assignment was to help in the development of the business plan for the PGC farms in Kunia. The PGC writes grants to obtain funding to enable lease of agricultural land to immigrant and disadvantaged local farmers. The farm program contributes to the state’s food security and provides fresh, healthy produce to the community. They also help farmers with the business aspect including advertising, marketing their products and financial accounting – guiding the farmers to maintaining a profitable enterprise. The PGC farms have effectively established outlets to sell harvests to both large food distributors as well as local farmers’ markets. The PGC is driven by its organizational values of aloha, creativity, diversity, humor, integrity, mutual respect, teamwork and food which is integral to sustain life.

The experience allowed me to work with people from diverse backgrounds and culture, gain insights on how U.S. nonprofits manage their organizations in terms of fundraising, developing business plans, and operations. Aside from the work placement, I also got the chance to volunteer for the White Cane Walk for the blind raising awareness on independent travel and civil rights for the blind and how it is treasured in the U.S. laws. I also volunteered at the Hawaii State Art Museum with my host mom.

In between work, we also got a chance to meet with Supreme Court Justice (Ret.) Steven H. Levinson, the Hawaii Chamber of Commerce and Planned Parenthood. We also got to enjoy visiting the Polynesian Cultural Center, a living museum showcasing the Polynesian culture, where we witnessed the best hula show and we also enjoyed the Catamaran Cruise where we saw Honus (sea turtles) enjoying the Hawaiian sun.

Time spent with my host family was also very memorable as I learnt to be independent – doing my own laundry, helping in gardening, cooking Filipino dishes for my hosts and washing the dishes. My host family welcomed me with so much warmth by introducing me to their circle of friends, their family, their church community and taking me to several Hawaii tourist attractions. I

also enjoyed visiting Pearl Harbor and an authentic Halloween Trick or Treat experience with my co-fellows and partying at Waikiki on a weekday.

I also took the opportunity to visit Hanauma Bay, a marine reserve which allows regulated snorkeling showcasing how Hawaiians value nature, despite of their popularity as a tourism destination.

I also secured an appointment with the Hawaii Division of Aquatic Resources’ Jason Mehlinger. He showcased how Hawaii protects its marine environment through community reporting networks, community and academe involvement in preservation and research and the strict implementation of marine regulations.

The Hawaii community practices Ho’okuleana or which means to take responsibility, an attitude that focuses on a shared responsibility in assisting in the protection of natural and cultural resources.

I left Hawaii with a heavy heart as I bid goodbye and A huihou (till we meet again) to my host family and the aloha way of life. We flew back to D.C. for the Professional Fellows Congress, where we met 279 professional fellows from 44 countries on different U.S. State educational programs. The Congress marked the culmination of the program and was a forum for all of us to share our remarkable experiences and insights.

We also explored ways to collaborate on future projects. Meaningful workshops, panel and breakout discussions, and exercises highlighted topics on Leading Change, Social Responsibility, Current Foreign Policy, Climate Change, and Environmental Sustainability.

The unique fellowship experience truly helped me value foreign working environments, multicultural practices, and unity in diversity. It allowed me to gain a broad network of young leaders from diverse fields, all doing meaningful work and bringing positive impact to their communities. I was able to get a chance to develop a strong bond with my wonderful host family and will always have a home in Hawaii. I invite young members of the Boracay community to be a YSEALI member and partake on this challenging program and develop global network of young leaders. Visit www.asean.usmission.gov/yseali/ for more information on how to join.

Writer’s Note: Participation in this fellowship was supported by American Councils for International Education, with funds provided by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the U.S. Department of State. Neither of these organizations is responsible for the views expressed herein”

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