Northern Living: 2017 August

August 2017 Volume 11 | Issue 12

BREAK AWAY

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CONT ENTS 10 FEATURE Find your next furry companion at this rural animal shelter

22 COVER STORY Carla Humphries steps away from convention

Cover photo by Patrick Diokno

28 EATS A neighborhood café pays homage to a mother’s recipe

AUGUST 2017 04 FIXTURE Fleshing out our national language

30 RECIPE We discover an even healthier way to eat fish

16 STYLE Elders discover swag

32 THE GET Bespoke collars for your pet

Self-reliance

EDITOR’S NOTE

As we venture into the territory of Leo, we take a look at expectations which the star sign is notorious for having. As a Leo myself, I admit that it’s inherent to set high expectations, not only for myself but for others as well. Yet Leos are also hit hardest by reality, most often finding themselves sorely disappointed when things don’t go their way. While managing expectations is a process that still needs to be learned by most, the Living team got more than they expected with this issue’s cover feature.

Despite last minute recalculations and unfavorable weather, cover girl Carla Humphries was a delight to shoot.

From quick changes for guerrilla photoshoots en route to the beach to keeping her ground against the forceful winds by the sea, she was eager to pose, and even more so,

provide us with her perspective of the local entertainment industry.

This month, we revisit the concept of “Adopt, don’t shop” at a local sanctuary up in the mountains of Rizal. We interview its founder, who tells us how she’s managed her own expectations on promises of donations from volunteers and would-be sponsors (a lot of which aren’t kept). We hope to use this issue as a platform for further awareness on adoption and volunteerism in smalltime shelters like this.

And as a tribute to the Buwan ng Wika, we asked the opinion of an expert in Filipino studies on why and how Tagalog made its way to become the national language, despite the slew of dialects prevalent in the country.

An even more curious trajectory: English making its way as the second.

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Northern Living is published by Hinge Inquirer Publications. 4F Media Resource Plaza, Mola corner Pasong Tirad Streets, Barangay La Paz, Makati City. Visit www.facebook.com/ nolisoli.ph now. Follow us on Instagram at @nolisoli.ph and Twitter at @nolisoliph.

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LANGUAGE BARRIER

Why we shouldn’t blame Manila for the underlying debate on our national language TEXT GARY DEVILLES, PH.D.

It is easy to blame Manila for all of the country’s woes, from an uneven economy to problematic cultural representations. Manila has been called imperial, centralist, and hegemonic by the neglected peripheral cities or regions—and it is not without fault. The fact that our president hails from Davao could be a manifestation of a general desire to decentralize Manila, given that until the current administration, the government has been run by Manileños without much difference or progress felt in the provinces.

It is not far-fetched to think that even the formation of a national language based on Tagalog can be a symptom of this internal colonialism.

However, accusing Manila is simplistic.

If we’d read the manuscript of speeches and proclamation of the national language which led to Manuel L. Quezon’s Executive Order no. 134 in 1937, we’d find that there is more to the issue than Manila-centrism.

First, there is no truth that there was misrepresentation of or even a lack of representation

ILLUSTRATION MICKEY PAPERA

from the regions who would have advocated for the adoption of their local languages to be the national language or lingua franca. A closer look at the composition of the National Language Institute (NLI) tells us that Cecilio Lopez was the lone advocate of Tagalog, while the rest—Filemon Sotto, Jaime de Veyra, Felix Salas Rodriguez, and Hadji Buta—were all from the south and were expected to advocate for Bisaya.

Second, the intention of looking for that local language was more practical than political: They were looking for the most widely circulated language, not only as spoken but also as written and produced in various media. In their mindset, a national language is practically disseminated all over, widely understood not only in the capital but also in the other regions, and capable of incorporating other languages. Even though Sotto believed that Visayan speakers outnumbered Tagalog speakers, in the end, the NLI accepted Tagalog as the most popular and the most capable in that function.

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“We should neither be hampered by parochialism nor constantly engaged in this petty bickering between Bisaya and Tagalog.”

Reasonable choice Incredibly, English, the congress then believed, would also qualify. However, they also knew that it would take some time for English to take root among locals. They then decided to make English one of the official languages—a language that would be used in the government, at least until a national language has been sought and developed. The vision behind the proclamation has always been inclusive and reflective of the heteroglossic nature and plurality of our lives.

We cannot fault Tagalog solely for its early development. Most likely, the lawmakers and the institute verified what had already been observed about Tagalog language. Fr. Pedro Chirino for instance, noted in Relacion de las Islas Filipinas Tagalog’s adaptability and affinity with the Spanish language in terms of the markers used to indicate positionality or formality—something that he failed to see in other languages. He compared the Tagalog and Bisayan translations of the Hail Mary prayer, and pointed out that Tagalog has words for exaltation and for addressing superiors. In fact, even as he lauded Tagalog for such capability, he insisted as well that certain words in Spanish like Espiritu Santo, or Dios should remain as they were.

As a Tagalog speaker myself, I remember how we were taught by our parents and teachers to use po and opo and the third person plural pronoun like sila or nila in addressing the elderly and authority figures. It was considered disrespectful to address even a stranger as ka or ikaw. In other words, there could be truth in the early observation of Tagalog as having affinity with the formal and informal accents of Romance languages.

And if we look at our ladino poetry, from Fernando Bagongbanta to Gaspar Aquino de Belen’s Pasyon, it is difficult to ignore Tagalog’s wide circulation and translatability. National artist for literature Bienvenido Lumbera even noted how

the development of Tagalog poetry culminated in Francisco Baltazar’s Florante at Laura.

Therefore, the adoption of Tagalog is not whimsical. The lawmakers and the NLI found simply that Tagalog can be tapped to develop a national language and identity.

But of course, intention is one thing; implementation is another. As Tagalog was adopted to be the national language, the incorporation of other Filipino languages into Tagalog took a backseat to the detriment of other languages like Ilocano and Bisaya. Tagalog tended to adopt more English words in the long run, which seemingly made it exclusive and divisive. The development of Tagalog became aggressive enough that linguists and writers invented a lot of words: salumpuwit for chair, salimpapaw for airplane, and portmanteau words like bantayog or bantay-tayog for monument and sipnayan or isiphanayan for mathematics. It was only recently when this move was corrected and a greater awareness for the inclusion of local languages was fostered to truly transform Tagalog into “Filipino”—a lingua franca that bridges other languages. The recent publication of translated and researched works of Komisyon ng Wikang Filipino is a step in fulfilling this vision of an all-inclusive national language.

Calling Manila imperialistic is not only anachronistic but also retards thinking in general, simply because there is just so much work to be done in terms of translation and the production of literary works as well as other media projects in all these other languages. We should neither be hampered by parochialism nor constantly engaged in this petty bickering between Bisaya and Tagalog.

Ultimately, we should work for a language that encapsulates our thoughts and experiences. Only then can we truly transcend not just our physical or geographical boundaries but also the horizon of our consciousness.

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SPECIAL FEAT URE

GRAND PLEASURES Seda Vertis North opens as the premier and largest hotel in Quezon City Quezon City welcomed its largest hotel with the opening of Seda in Vertis North, the dynamic Ayala Land community envisioned to be the business and lifestyle hub of this prosperous and thriving city. ​Seda Vertis North ushered its first guests through its stylish, modern facilities showcasing Filipino furniture and accessories, combined with a range of business conveniences.

The expansive lobby feels appropriately grand with high ceilings made doubly impressive by pieces from Kenneth Cobonpue, Ann Pamintuan, and photographerindustrialist Jaime Zobel de Ayala, whose artwork provides a stunning backdrop for the main reception area. Following a contemporary open layout, the e-lounge is easily accessible on the other side of the lobby, and features a bank of iMacs where guests can surf, check e-mails, and even play games at their convenience. Earth tones comprise the hotels’ main color palette, underscoring its modern elegance.

Already, the hotel’s all-day dining facility Misto is a crowd-drawer with its buffet of Chinese, Japanese, Filipino, American, Indian, pizza and pasta, grills, and other delightful options. Dishes are freshly-cooked, and guests can watch while chefs work their culinary magic through the show kitchen and “live” cooking stations.

Desserts beckon on a luscious spread of their own, including home-made gelato, cakes, crêpes, churros, and local delicacies, presenting an undeniable treat to lunchtime and dinner patrons.

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Seda Vertis North also has the largest banquet and meeting venue this side of Quezon City. Its Quezon Ballroom can accommodate up to 700 guests for cocktails, or 500 for sit-down dinners, making it an ideal venue for weddings, birthdays, conventions, and other big events.

Guest rooms equipped with modern essentials are spread out over 19 floors. The pool area, located outdoors on the same level as the gym, has a snack bar and multi-functional space that can also be used for events. The hotel’s high point, literally, is Straight Up, Seda’s signature bar at the roof deck. Straight Up is expected to be the coolest night spot in the city, with chill-out music, fabulous drinks, and delicious pica-pica

served in the cozy indoors or trendy outdoor setting that offers an unparalleled panoramic view of the city skyline.

Undeniably, the 438-room Seda ​ Vertis North is re-defining the hotel experience in Quezon City.

Also opening soon are its Club Lounge, Presidential Suite, spa and Chinese specialty restaurant, offering discerning travelers more reason to frequent this centerpiece of Ayala Land’s masterplanned mixeduse development at the center of Quezon City.

Seda Vertis North is located at Astra corner Lux Drives, Vertis North, Quezon City.

For reservations, visit sedahotels.com, e-mail reservations.vertis@sedahotels.com or call (02) 739 8888.

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FEAT URE

STRAY NO MORE

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FEAT URE

A cat and dog shelter in Morong, Rizal gives the abandoned and abused a new lease on life TEXT ALYOSHA J. ROBILLOS PHOTOGRAPHY JILSON TIU

“The sanctuary is always awake,” MBY Pet Rescue and Sanctuary founder and owner Marita BaquiranYasuda says over the cacophony of almost 600 dogs and cats, and the random clucking of a few chickens roosting nearby.

Hidden behind an industrial red gate that doesn’t allow even a peek into the front yard, the sanctuary is easy to miss—if not for a small tarpaulin that reads: “Donate food. Sponsor spay. Volunteer.” You actually hear it before anything else. Stay by the gate long enough and the barking starts; once you’re inside, it never seems to stop.

There is something comforting in this chaos that is confined in a 1.8-hectare lot found along an unmarked road in Morong, Rizal. You feel it when a wagging tail brushes past your leg or a wet nose suddenly sniffs your arm, or when a tiny, lithe body rubs against your feet, purring. For a few of these four-legged friends, a lick is customary, but mostly you see hundreds of curious eyes watching your every step.

“When I’m in Japan, I have a host of prescriptions.

I have maintenance for high blood pressure and anemia. But when I'm here and I spend time with the animals, I don't take any medicine. I’m perfectly healthy—stronger than a bull at 50,” BaquiranYasuda explains with a chuckle, her face tear-stained.

She has just finished recalling the moment she realized she couldn’t stop taking in homeless dogs and cats. And as with anything that finds firm resolve, her decision to put up MBY sprung from conflict. In this case, it was triggered by animal cruelty.

“You’d be surprised by how there are a lot of people who are cruel to animals,” she notes, recounting seeing a group of girls attack a helpless cat struggling to protect five newborn kittens.

But the roots of MBY go farther than this. It started in Japan, where Baquiran-Yasuda still resides with her family. Her husband, who is Japanese, suddenly imposed upon her the responsibility of adopting a cat in the hopes of solving a growing rodent problem at

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PRIORITIZING LIFE AS IT HAPPENS The Dimarucots are living every family’s dream TEXT BEA CELDRAN PHOTOGRAPHY CHOLO DELA VEGA

Creativity is influenced by our environment. A limited space with minimal leg room encases creativity and borders one’s imagination. In the case of the Dimarucots, their move to a larger abode right smack at the city’s center was a decision they never regretted. AJ and Audrey Dimarucot of the renowned Googoo & Gaga children clothing line also left their corporate jobs to focus on their growing family.

So dedicated they were to their children that their offspring set the tone of inspiration for their label.

“Part of the reason [the business] was done was for the kids. We’re designing for them primarily. As they grow, the brand grows,” says Audrey as she points towards the makeshift showroom in her own home.

The Dimarucots’ three-bedroom flat is spacious enough to afford an auxiliary nook for their extra stock. Residents in The Grove by Rockwell, AJ and Audrey are more relaxed at their new home. AJ tells us, “We lived in a very compact space. The idea of more breathing room helped with the well-being of everyone, not just with our creative process.” While Audrey tackles the brand’s logistics and marketing, AJ is responsible for its creative leg, where he mostly works from home. He admits that their abode in The Grove has improved his work 100 percent because of the breathing room. He finds inspiration and translates them into designs without any hindrances. “I believe the environment changes you,” AJ adds.

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SPECIAL FEAT URE Clockwise: The Dimarucots work in their living room; Googoo & Gaga’s art is done for the kids; AJ and Audrey talk about their business’s conception; The Grove’s amenity deck is for family bonding.

In their Rockwell home, the children have designated spaces. Entertaining guests have become a welcome addition in their home. The amenities at The Grove allow their children to expel energy outdoors despite being in the city. Their teenage son plays basketball in the court every day while their younger daughters play in The Great Lawn. On weekends, the family spends some downtime swimming together at the pool.

For the Dimarucots, the priority is always the family.

“Life happens for us, and then we work around it,” says AJ. At The Grove, the couple is able to spend as much time with their children. “Balance is formed when you try to forgive yourself. It’s knowing what you are first and being that. And tomorrow is another day,” Audrey concludes.

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Discover how you can have more time with your family and live life as it happens by calling 571-8151 or visiting www.thegrovebyrockwell.com

02/08/2017 9:49 AM

FEAT URE Baquiran-Yasuda can’t stress enough that rehabilitating animals is a longterm commitment.

Cats and dogs in shelters need to learn that they can trust again.

“Rescuing isn’t pageantry. It’s not for show. You can’t just rescue animals and post it on Facebook, then leave them here after that.” home. But the cat, which they named Daniel, became more than resident rat hunter. In fact, Daniel—now 15 years old and very much a part of the family—still lives in Japan with the Yasudas.

After she got Daniel, Baquiran-Yasuda began holding Trap, Neuter, and Release (TNR) operations in Japan. In December 2007, she came home to the Philippines and continued her efforts here. This was when she chanced upon Beauty, an injured stray dog that found its way inside Baquiran-Yasuda’s Antipolo home on Christmas Eve. Beauty was Baquiran-Yasuda’s first canine rescue.

At 10 years old, the aspin is now one of MBY’s many senior residents, which is also currently home to “almost 300 dogs and more than 300 cats”—the final count still undetermined because of new recruits.

The compound is divided into areas that are easy to make out: the cat house, the dog pens, and an enclosed space designated for nursing animals and their young. Lining the driveway are nipa huts where stay-in caretakers reside. “From 12 caretakers, we’re down to seven. You need people whom you trust— people whom you know will be compassionate towards the animals even when you aren’t looking.

We need patient people with big hearts,” BaquiranYasuda stresses.

Much of the property is still undeveloped, with the grass unkempt and wild ferns growing everywhere, but Baquiran-Yasuda prefers it this way. Dogs have ample space to run and play, and herbs that are good for the animals are easily accessible.

Although in various stages of recovery, it is evident

that the animals are accustomed to neglect. Most are strays, others abandoned. Some bear physical marks of abuse, while a few remain wary of human contact. But there are also those who crave affection, occasionally jumping on visitors until they get a thorough petting. One thing is certain though: rehabilitating these animals is no walk in the park.

A typical day in MBY starts at 5:30 a.m. Mornings are spent cleaning the cages and feeding the animals.

Dogs are let out and allowed to roam twice a day: once in the morning and once in the afternoon.

Special attention is given to nursing moms, kittens, puppies, and the emaciated and sick. Afternoons are for bathing, cleaning food and drinking bowls, and doing the laundry, among other tasks. For the animals, however, noon marks the beginning of nap time.

The upkeep is as heavy on the hands as it is on the wallet. MBY spends at least P10,000 a day on food alone—that’s about 145 kilos of pet food on a daily basis. Veterinary fees, utility bills, and the caretakers’ salaries and food allowances are another story. Baquiran-Yasuda recalls spending as much as P70,000 in one go for canine vaccines. This is on top of ensuring that all animals are cleared by the vet before they can interact with other MBY residents. Although veterinary assistance is often provided by Paraan Animal Clinic in Antipolo, it’s easy to rack up medical bills especially since all roaming animals in MBY are spayed or neutered.

This is the only effective way of controlling the population inside the sanctuary without sacrificing the animals’ quality of life.

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FEAT URE Because of the high upkeep, Baquiran-Yasuda admits to having used up her personal funds for MBY. It wasn’t until last year that she raised the white flag and realized that she needed more help in funding and running the sanctuary. “I am very fulfilled even if sometimes it gets so difficult. They tell me I’ve sacrificed so much for this but I refuse to use the word ‘sacrifice.’ I chose this. I didn’t plan on doing this. It just happened. I lost everything. That’s why I always say, ‘I may have nothing, but I have my dogs.’”

One thing Baquiran-Yasuda also learned the hard way was the difficult part of volunteerism: waiting for words to become action, and counting on people to commit to the undertaking. She recalls people promising assistance, monetary or otherwise, but the help never came. There were those who pledged to adopt, but refused to go through the adoption screening process. Some would rescue as many as 20 animals at a time, dump them at the sanctuary, and disappear as soon as they wrap up the photo op. “Rescuing isn’t pageantry. It’s not for show. You can’t just rescue animals and post it on Facebook, then leave them here after that. You have to take care of these animals. Give them food. Visit them.

Rehabilitating these animals is a long-term affair.”

But for those who genuinely want to help and have it in them to follow through, Baquiran-Yasuda asks only one thing: “Please come over and visit so you see for yourselves. I’d rather you see where your help goes.”

Want to show some love to our friends at MBY? Here’s how: 1. Adopt, don’t shop MBY is home to a number of dogs and cats ready for adoption. Majority of the animals are just waiting for kind souls to open their homes to them. There’s no adoption fee, but MBY observes a stringent adoption process, which, understandably, involves screening and house visits.

2. Donate or sponsor MBY accepts all donations, whether monetary or in kind. Aside from pet food, the sanctuary also needs a steady supply of towels, blankets, pet soap and shampoo, laundry soap, disinfectants, and surface cleaners. You can also opt to sponsor a spay or any medical treatment.

3. Volunteer and visit Rehabilitated animals need extra care and attention.

And when the animals feel loved, they reciprocate endlessly. Taking time off from your busy schedule to visit these furry friends at the sanctuary is good not only for the animals but for you, too.

MBY Pet Rescue and Sanctuary. Teresa, Morong, Rizal.

0927-6136886. Facebook.com/pg/mbypras

“They tell me I’ve sacrificed so much for this but I refuse to use the word ‘sacrifice.’ I chose this.”

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ADVANCED STYLE

Grandparents embrace this generation's version of cool PHOTOGRAPHY SHAIRA LUNA STYLING NIMU MUALLAM AND EDRIC DELA ROSA

Jacket, Vetements x Reebok, Univers, One Rockwell East Tower

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On Teresa: Tracksuit, Adidas, UP Town Center On Pepito: T-shirt, shorts, and shoes, Adidas, UP Town Center Socks, Scout x Proudrace, scoutmag.ph

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On Aurea: Jacket, Vetements x Reebok, Univers, One Rockwell East Tower On Teresa: Jacket, Wood Wood, Assembly, SM Aura Premier

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HAIR AND MAKEUP PAM ROBES MODELS TERESA GUTIERREZ, PEPITO OLARTE, AND AUREA RAMOS

Dress and wrap-around, Fred Perry, TriNoma Mall Turtleneck, Uniqlo, SM City North EDSA The Block Socks, Proudrace, proudrace.com Slides, Adidas, UP Town Center

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COV ER STORY

A GOOD HUNGER Though a considerable veteran in the acting industry, Carla Humphries still has the creative appetite of a newbie TEXT BEA CELDRAN PHOTOGRAPHY PATRICK DIOKNO

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COV ER STORY

Piña shirt and tank top, Gabbie Sarenas, gabbiesarenas.com Jeans, Carl Jan Cruz, carljancruz.com Slip-ons, Two Chic, 6239 Mañalac St., Brgy. Poblacion, Makati City, 899-2435

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STYLING MELVIN MOJICA HAIR AND MAKEUP DIONNE TAYLOR OF MAC COSMETICS STYLING ASSISTANT CARLOS ERQUIAGA SHOT ON LOCATION CRYSTAL BEACH RESORT

COV ER STORY

Dolman-sleeved blouse and high-waisted palazzo pants, Two Chic, 6239 Mañalac St., Brgy. Poblacion, Makati City, 899-2435

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STYLING MELVIN MOJICA HAIR AND MAKEUP DIONNE TAYLOR OF MAC COSMETICS STYLING ASSISTANT CARLOS ERQUIAGA SHOT ON LOCATION CRYSTAL BEACH RESORT

COV ER STORY

“Being an actress is different from being a celebrity or just being on TV. It’s something very personal to me, that for me to consider myself as a legitimate actress, I [have] to gain the respect of my peers and the people I respect.”

“I’ve been painting since I was eight. I was taught by Marcel Antonio.” Regally poised on a cushion, Carla Humphries reveals unexpected tidbits of her life as she prepares for her shoot. She tells us that she has sung at the Cannes Film Festival and at the Monaco Grimaldi Forum. “I never had the chance to sing here in the Philippines because [the audience] wants you to sing pop, they want you to sing Britney, all those highbelting songs. As a young girl, it felt weird singing those songs.” It does seem especially off, given that her musical inclinations range from Ella Fitzgerald to ZZ Top. Humphries also confesses her real name: “Madeleine.” “Carla,” a moniker given by her handlers when she was initiated into the industry as a child actress, had seemed more relatable to the public, but as she reveals more of herself, the name “Carla” starts to feel estranged from Humphries’ real personality.

The actress has just wrapped up shooting the film adaptation of FH Batacan’s Smaller and Smaller Circles, where she was handpicked by its director and its producer; the film is set to be shown at the Sundance Film Festival. She is currently taping a noontime soap on a popular television network, and she’s an active member of Communities Organized for Resource Allocation (CORA), which allocates extra food from establishments (such as hotel buffets) to less fortunate communities and organizes numerous clean-up drives. How she found time to do this shoot in between all these commitments eludes me.

Apart from your work, what is keeping you busy these days?

I was thinking of the perfect platform for someone who hasn’t really defined their placement in their career, [and I thought] I can brand myself with my own voice rather than have other people influence my branding. So I started [my YouTube channel] “Madz For You,” because my real name is Madeleine and not a lot of people know that. All my close friends call me Mads. I’m basically reintroducing myself to the world, interacting with different people, learning from experiences. It’s also a platform to show people my personality and what I’m capable of doing.

In a past interview, you mentioned that you never felt like a legitimate actress. Why do you feel this way despite the numerous projects you’ve done?

I feel that in the Philippines, everybody is artistahin.

Everybody wants to be an actor, and I feel that [job title gets] thrown around so easily. Being an actress is different from being a celebrity or just being on TV. It’s something very personal to me. For me to consider myself as a legitimate actress, I [have] to gain the respect of my peers and the people I respect. I feel like the body of work I should have [to call myself an actress] is one of a person who has really mastered their craft. It’s something I want to work for, a title I want to earn. I always get awkward when people ask me what my profession is, not because I’m ashamed of being an actress, but because I take my job seriously.

It’s [uncomfortable for me] to claim.

Did you ever feel like quitting the industry? What makes you stay?

For a while there, I gave up on the idea of really growing career-wise because it’s very easy to get boxed [in]. There comes a point when you feel you’re not growing as much. You know how they say there are no small roles, only small actors? People who are part of the main cast can say that, but I don’t know if they mean it or understand it. It’s true that your role could be a big part of the script, but not be as present as an actor. You could be a small part of the story and also be really present as an actor.

I’m at the point where I’m learning with every little thing I’m doing. And I’m doing a wide range of things, so unlike before, when I thought everything was going to be calculated [in my career path], I’m now open to possibilities, to this challenge, and see what it brings out in me as an actress. Hopefully, I’ll grow.

Being in this industry, what makes it difficult not just for you but for many people to develop as a serious actor or actress?

Our industry really casts actors initially by the way they look and by their personas off-cam. The tough thing is, as an actor, you’re supposed to play roles that aren’t you. That’s why it’s called “acting;” [otherwise] you’re

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“The tough thing is, as an actor, you’re supposed to play roles that aren’t you.

That’s why it’s called acting; [otherwise] you’re just playing yourself, right?”

just playing yourself, right? An actor gets challenged by characters that are far from who they really are. I think as an actor, you must look for something that will challenge you and show you in a different light.

Above: Jacket, Silk robe dress and jeans, Carl Jan Cruz, carljancruz.com In this photo: Cotton piqué striped tee and pants, Carl Jan Cruz, carljancruz.com Slip-ons, Two Chic, 6239 Mañalac St., Brgy.

Poblacion, Makati City, 899-2435

What has been your most challenging role so far?

Honestly, I find every role challenging [while I’m playing it] in the moment, but after shooting is done, I keep [myself ] hungry for a new challenge. I wouldn’t say I’ve really been tried and tested in too many [films].

I’m open to being tried and tested even more.

Can you tell us about your role in Smaller and Smaller Circles and how you prepared for it?

I play the role of Joanna Bonifacio. It’s crazy because I’m one of the only girls in the film. My character is a former student of the role played by Nonie Buencamino. I’m actually a Filipina [journalist] who speaks French, Tagalog, and English, which is perfect, because I am of French descent and speak all three languages.

To prepare for the role, [Raya Martin and Ria Limjap] had asked if I was willing to chop off my hair, which then was [down to] below my bra line, up to chin level. Without hesitation, I said yes, because for the longest time, I was really longing for a role like this, to be alongside such well-respected actors: Bembol Roco, Nonie Buencamino, [Sid Lucero], Junjun Quitana… And Raya, I had researched about him. He had won many awards. He had been part of Cannes several times, which was one of my dreams.

Before I moved back [to the Philippines], I had sung at the festival, and I told myself then that the next time I’d go there, it’s because I’d have a film [getting shown] there. The fact that Raya already had that under his belt was an opportunity for me to maybe get closer to it. [Although] we aren’t part of the Cannes Film Festival, it’s still really exciting.

I play a journalist. I help unravel the mystery behind the murders that had happened. I was lucky enough to meet the book writer [F.H. Bacatan] because Joanna Bonifacio was based on her. She’s a

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Blouse, Two Chic, 6239 Mañalac St., Brgy. Poblacion,Makati City, 899-2435 Jeans, Carl Jan Cruz, carljancruz.com

strong character: smart, opinionated, and commands respect. I tried not to think about all those [qualities] too much to the point [of questioning if ] I was playing true to the character. I spoke to my producer, my director, and the writer, and then just really tried to feel the moment.

Having acted in film, television, and theater, which medium are you most inclined to?

I would say film. For local TV, we don’t really get a lot of time to prepare and get into character. We really need to be flexible according to what the role demands, the situation, or [even what] the director asks for. Whereas for film, we have a bit more time.

Since I grew up on TV, I’m very aware of lighting, my camera [angles], and playing it up for the camera.

That’s what helped me a lot in doing commercials. As a kid, when you’re in that environment, you tend to see what goes on behind the scenes.

I would love to experiment a bit more with plays, though, because I sing and I know the basics of dancing and I enjoy both. But I would love to have professional training first before I do so.

You’ve been in the industry since you were 12. Was acting a profession you desired ever since you were a child?

I was born in San Francisco and then moved to France.

Even at a young age, I would speak French with an Italian accent. I would pretend to faint everywhere.

Whenever my parents would get mad at me, I would go in front of the mirror and cry, and watch myself cry. You can say I was a dramatic child; it was innate to me. I loved old classic movies, and I would have vivid dreams of [myself being] in the movies. I think I’ve always wanted to act, then accidentally entered the industry at such a young age.

Being in the industry for so long, what is something you’ve learned?

Aside from learning how to be professional and how to manage my time at such a young age, I learned that when doing something for numerous years, you aren’t going to be easily as passionate or as excited about your job. It’s like a relationship that comes and goes: it’s about constantly finding the inspiration you need to stay passionate about what you do.

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EATS Grilled ensaymada and chocolate sandwich; Turin, an Italian concoction of espresso, chocolate, and milk

MOTHER LODE

Bakerē reflects on memories of home-cooking TEXT ANTHEA REYES PHOTOGRAPHY DANICA CONDEZ

On a warm July afternoon, Bakerē Café owner RJ Galang welcomes our team into his quiet establishment and regales us with tales of the woman behind the ‘E’ in Bakerē: his mother.

Eleanor Galang was already a housewife in the ’70s when she discovered her love and talent for the culinary arts. After taking cooking and baking classes, she then created her version of the quintessential ensaymada.

Made as tradition intended it to be, her perfectly fluffed pastry that’s just on right side of sugary became a hit in the neighborhood, and Eleanor soon became known as Tita E. Decades later, her cheese cupcake was rediscovered during her grandchild’s birthday party, where it was a success. The pastry was deceptively light, but anyone who took a bite ended up wanting more. With the boom brought in by his mother’s old-new recipe, RJ saw untapped potential in her home-based bakery of sorts. He began promoting her ensaymada and cheese cupcakes in bazaars, where they were easily crowd favorites. Encouraged by the success, the two have now set up shop in Kapitolyo.

At the forefront of the café is their display of pastries.

Aside from their cheesy treats, Bakerē also has cookies, brownies, red velvet cupcakes, and brookies—a

combination of brownies and cookies. A specialty is their grilled ensaymada and chocolate sandwich, which uses Risa’s 70 percent dark chocolate from South Cotabato; the bittersweet chocolate keeps the richness of the dish from being overwhelming. For the grilled ensaymada and ham sandwich, Bakerē cures their ham in muscovado syrup that’s prepared in-house. The result is a sweet and subtly savory meal that could serve both as lunch and dessert.

Bakerē also partnered with Toby’s Estate for a coffee program that complements their sweet treats and specialties. They’re offering exclusive specials like the Bicerin, a traditional hot drink from Turin, Italy, that’s made of espresso, drinking chocolate, and whole milk, served layered in a small rounded glass. They also have Espresso tonic, which is iced coffee in soda form.

From their newly minted kitchen, Bakerē is serving dishes reminiscent of RJ’s childhood as prepared by Eleanor herself. For their own version of lasagna, RJ had a special mold made so that all the corners of pasta dish would have that toasted cheesy goodness everybody wants.

But the pride of their kitchen is their BXU or their Butuan lechon sandwich. Since Eleanor grew up in Butuan, her children grew up eating the province’s trademark lechon: flavorful, garlicky, with the meat from the ribs as the main event instead of the lechon skin. Their sandwich is their sneaky way of introducing Butuan lechon to Manila, their way of letting city folks experience eating lechon with their hands, sandwiched between two ciabatta loaves.

Bakerē Café. 3 Brixton St, Pasig City. 0917-8421123

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RECIPE

LEAN CUISINE

Lemon adds sweet and tangy notes to this baked fish dish TEXT AND STYLING MIKO CALO PHOTOGRAPHY PATRICK SEGOVIA

BAKED APAHAP WITH FENNEL AND LEMON INGREDIENTS

I kg. seabass or apahap (whole) 2 pcs. fennel bulb 2 lemons 250 ml. dry white wine Salt and pepper (to taste) PROCEDURE

1. Preheat oven at 180 °C. 2. Slice the fennel bulb and lemon thinly.

3. Clean the fish.

4. Score both sides with three diagonal slits.

5. Slit horizontally, along the belly to create a cavity, and season with lemon, salt, and pepper.

6. Place the fish in a baking dish and drizzle with olive oil.

7. Cover with sliced fennel and lemon.

8. Pour white wine over fish and place in the oven for 25 to 30 minutes.

Watch the recipe video on Nolisoli.ph.

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T HE GET

POP THE COLLAR

A personalized accessory for the royal and loyal companion at home TEXT ANTHEA REYES PHOTOGRAPHY PATRICK SEGOVIA

The first iteration of dog collars was about luxury and status. Created during the time of Egyptian pharaohs, collars used to be a display of nobility for the family as much as it was a mark of ownership of a dog. Then the Renaissance brought about families who could and desired to personalize and beautify their pets. The variation of materials used in designs grew: leather, padlocks, silver, brass, and gold became the norm for making dog collars.

Over time, the luxury and beauty of this canine accessory became overshadowed by its utility. Most dog owners today purchase collars exclusively for identification and control of their pets, resulting in limited and impersonal design options.

Dissatisfied by this lack of variation, pet lover Will Mueco decided to take matters into his own hands, literally. He founded Seargent and Major Accessories (SAM), where he offers custom-made collars for pets. He bases his designs on each animal’s particular personality and makes sure that each product is safe and comfortable for their use.

SAM Accessories are made of soft leather sourced from Marikina, decorated with non-tarnishing small hardware. Being a feline owner himself, Mueco also designs collars for cats. Following the former tradition of the accessory, no two collars from SAM Accessories are the same. Each design is a statement of your furry companion’s personality and luxury.

Sergeant And Major Pet Accessories, Instagram.com/sam_petaccessories, 0917-8335604

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