ILLUSTRADO Magazine April 2014

APRIL - MAY 2014

ISSUE

84

TRAVEL WITH A PURPOSE

THE CONVERGENCE OF SOCIAL ENTERPRISE AND TOURISM

TIPID TRIPS

PHILIPPINE DESTINATIONS ON A BUDGET

REVEL #BEAUTIFULPHILIPPINES

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OF THE MOST PICTURESQUE DESTINATIONS IN THE PHILIPPINES

ILLUSTRADO EXCLUSIVE: MICHAEL CHRISTIAN MARTINEZ TRAILBLAZER ON ICE

USO PA BA ANG PINOY PRIDE?

FASHION: BEWITCHING WATERS

PHOTOGRAPHY by EROS GOZE

EDITOR’S NOTE

There’s something about Pinas -

that makes you feel like shaking your head while groaning

when you apply for X credit card” - makes perfect sense, only

complaints on a perfectly normal day, or which puts you

in Pinas.

on the verge of mouthing expletives at the worst of times – corrupt politicians, Napoles and her ilk, yet another

And then you see the beautiful country – the rolling plains,

episode of nature’s wrath devastating the country, the

majestic mountains, pristine beaches, sparkling waters and

flagrant tsismis culture fuelled by pop media, brands

rich flora and fauna, and all the sins, the vices and difficulties

pushing the colonial ideal that white skin is superior – i.e.

in this country seem to be washed away. You are transported

“kutis mayaman.” Then of course, there is the painful daily

to memories of your idylic childhood and for a moment, you

reality of witnessing both the rich and poor co-exist at the

feel like nothing else is more important.

same time, at the same place, living their extreme realities, in this throbbing, complex microcosm of the Pinoy realm,

Oh the Pinoy reality! Mischievous, heart-warming, hopeful

Sometimes, you feel like a reluctant traitor here – you loathe

and sometimes frustrating, all at the same breadth.

to love, and yet, you are unhappy to hate.

But it’s that unexplainable ‘something’ that you take along But there’s also something about Pinas that is so alive and

with you when you go away, the same thing that keeps

endearing that smacks of an indestructible spirit - never

you connected, not only to this land of contrasts, but to its

daunted, never to give up. You get touched by the sight of

indomitable spirit and audacious hopefulness, making you

smiling kababayans resiliently pushing for recovery even in

long for home when you are out in the world.

areas of devastation, and get excited at the view of hopeful young call center executives snacking at the ‘jollyjeeps’ of Makati, or at the fact that you can sit with some of the country’s great minds simply over coffee and pan de sal. You get awestruck by the signs of ingenuity and free enterprise all around you, and if you’re lucky, by the ‘apparition’ of the ‘walang kupas’ Imelda Marcos in flaming red terno, coiffure and all. You laugh at the ludicrous entertainment TV provides, and laugh even harder when you’ve realized how an insane promotional stunt like - “get a free crispy pata

Because through bittersweet feelings and all, at the end of the day, it’s not just another country; it’s still Pinas - OUR PILIPINAS. This issue is dedicated to our Beautiful Philippines…

Taas Noo, Filipino.

LALAINE CHU-BENITEZ Publisher and Editor-in-Chief

ILLUSTRADO 3

TALKING LOUD

Write to us at: admin@illustrado.net or join the discussion at IIlustrado Magazine’s Facebook page

If we are not proud of the achievement of our fellow Pinoys, sino pa ba ang asahan mong maging proud para sa atin? Yung ibang lahi? Dapat panatilihin natin ang Pinoy pride. ~Roi Ontiveros

PINOY PRIDE The Philippines and many Filipinos have been getting more than their share of the limelight lately. Our islands have become the darling of travel magazines and websites; we’ve been dominating listicles (articles in the form of lists) on anything from “places to go to while they’re still cheap” to “best diving places”. Filipina beauty has won the crown in a number of beauty pageants and Hollywood celebrities have been seen wearing Filipino designers on the red carpet. There is much to be proud of and many on social media are brandishing the hashtag #PinoyPride.

Naysayers are saying that’s just a way of riding on other people’s successes and promotes a false superficial sense of nationalism. What do you think? Uso pa ba ang Pinoy Pride?

Hearing from other nationalities good feedback from their Pinoy household helpers, secretaries, construction workers, salespersons and others, doon ako proud.

Yun ang Pinoy Pride!

We are not perfect, we have our flaws but let us always remember that “what you focus on, expands”. Those Pinoy achievers all around the globe are the greatest concrete/visible inspiration that motivates me, you and all our kabayans to do things that will touch others not just for applausebut also for a cause. Let’s continue to support these people so that therewill be more like them. ~Haven Hamilton A. Villapando Speaking for the Filipino youth, I believe “Pinoy Pride” could somehow be identified as nationalism. But this would often be misunderstood as pure, genuine nationalism when in fact, it is not. If we are rooting for our fellow Filipinos, we need not proclaim it to the world.

~MiHochan Cullen Ako’y 75% Españole, 25% Cebuano, at maipagmamalaki na maging Pinoy Mestizo!

Ako’y mula sa Orlando, Florida, Estados Unidos, at resido ako dito sa Chicago, Illinois, Estados Unidos, pero ang aking Familia ay mula sa Cebú Siudad, at ang aking mix ay Pintados Tribo ng Visayas, Chino, Hapones, Vietnames, Cambodiano, Chamorro Tribo ng Islas Marianas/Guam, Nativo Hawaiian, Españole ng Costa Rica at Argentina, pero kami ay más Filipino, sa Puso at Kaluluwa!

Pinoy Pride, damn right!!!! ~Chris Reyes Nationally, yes we are proud to be Filipinos. Individually, it depends really on us, if what we are should be something to be proud of.

~Joshua Labajo

~Benjamin Lopez

Oo naman at astig tayong Pinoy, more so if Pinoy is in a foreign land. Am a retired OCW then, now it is OFW.

Okay lang iyon. Pero sana hindi lang lahat na na-accomplish sa ibang bansa ang ipagbunyi. Sana kahit di tanyag at pati mula lang sa ating sariling bansa ipagbunyi rin. Sana matuto tayong bigyan ng tunay na halaga ang lahat ng bagay na Filipino gaano man ito kasimple o karaniwan sa atin. Pinoy pride, I believe is not all about shouting or proclaiming it to the world. It is about heart and sincere actions.

~Richard Yap Wala na! Di natin mapansin ang at mabago ang kalagayan ng ating bansa.

Hinahayaan natin lokohin tayo ng mga taong ibinuboto natin—asan ang pride dun???

~Fe Ging Ging Hyde

~Butchoy Ecaldre

I believe that we should take pride on all our achievements as Filipinos. Uplifting one another will surely boost the morale of our fellowmen. If we won’t, who would you expect to do it? God bless the Philippines!

Kaya hindi umuunlad dahil sa mga tao na negatibo puro kumento wala naman ginagawa ngunit puro reklamo .

~Coni Gatbonton

ILLUSTRADO 4

Too much of something is not good. #humblejuan please?

~Ryan Casta

~Kathleen Sacluti

CONTRIBUTORS APRIL 2014

BO SANCHEZ

ALFRED A. YUSON

In this issue, Preacher in Blue Jeans Bo Sanchez tells us how to enjoy life by savoring each blessing we receive.

Each month, this best-selling author, Ten Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) awardee and respected speaker shares enlightening insights on living a fulfilling spiritual life.

Esteemed writer Krip Yuson has coauthored travel books (among these APA Insight Guide to the Philippines and Philippines: Islands of Enchantment).

He has earned distinctions as a literary author of over 20 other books — from poetry, short stories, children’s stories, biographies, and translation.

A Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature Hall-of-Famer, he has also received the SEAWrite (SouthEast Asia Writer’s) Award from Thai royalty and the UMPIL or Writers’ Union of the Philippines’ Gawad Balagtas for lifetime achievement.

AMBASSADOR GRACE RELUCIO-PRINCESA Career diplomat, doting mother of five and servant leader, Ambassador Grace Princesa is the first female Philippine Ambassador to the UAE. Having spent over two decades in Philippine Foreign Services, she had previous postings in Chicago, Cairo, Geneva and Baghdad.

Each month, Ambassador Princesa shares about her community advocacies with Illustrado readers.

ABY YAP Pinoy culture—its quirks and twists— never fails to amuse Aby Yap and give her something to write about. She aspires to deliver material that’s both entertaining and demanding, one that celebrates our exciting uniqueness and sheer humor.

One of her ultimate goals is to visit every one of the 81 provinces of the Philippines. Unfortunately, she still has a long way to go.

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ATTY. BARNEY ALMAZAR, ESQ. Atty. Barney is a director at the Commercial Department of Gulf Law in the Middle East, Philippines and United Kingdom. He holds a UAE legal consultancy license and is a lifetime member of the Philippine Bar. He is a holder of Juris Doctor and MBA dual degrees with concentration on International Business and European Union Law (University of London).

ANNA OPOSA NICHOLO JALLORES Nicholo Jallores is an advertising account executive, writer, singer, dancer, cardio junkie and a wannabe theoretical physicist. When he was young, his grandmother convinced him that anything is possible, and gullible child that he was he believed her. He engraved that mindset so deeply on the core of his being that now he walks around the city thinking that he can be anything and everything — a dangerous man. He eats his steak rare and mooing, because he believes that if one wants to have the best things in life, he must not be afraid of tasting a bit of blood in his mouth.

EXCEL V. DYQUIANGCO An Education graduate from UP Diliman, Excel V. Dyquiangco writes for various magazines and websites. He specializes on stories about health, people and places. In his article for this issue Excel takes us on a trip around the Philippines on a shoes string budget.

Anna Oposa is a writer by profession and marine conservationist by passion. She is passionate about the environment, tourism, and the Philippines. Her article this month teaches readers that there could be more to travel than just mere enjoyment and seeing the sights.

GINNO ALDUCENTE Multi-talented Ginno Alducente is truly gifted not only in the areas of hair and make-up, but also styling. Referred to in Dubai as the ‘McQueen of the MakeOver World’ his works are well-known in the tightly knit local fashion industry.

He is into TV productions, magazine collaborations, runway and styling for both Gulf based, international and Philippine-based productions and has touched the faces of many international and Philippine A-list celebrities and models. Ginno art directs and styles this month’s fashion editorial set in beautiful Kawasan Falls.

CHAMPIONING THE WORLD CLASS FILIPINO

PUBLISHER & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Lalaine Chu-Benitez CREATIVE DIRECTOR Mon Benitez ASSOCIATE EDITOR Ana Santos COLUMNISTS Aby Yap Alfred “Krip” Yuson Bernadette Reyes Bo Sanchez Francisco Colayco CONTRIBUTING WRITERS – UAE, Mary Ann “Maps” PHILIPPINES, CANADA Santos SWITZERLAND Nephele Kirong Angela Mapa Nikka Sarthou Anna Oposa Nina Terol-Zialcita Barbara Marchadesch P.A. Escalante Candice Lopez Quimpo Princes Nedamo Dante Gagelonia Quay Evano Didi Paterno Rache Hernandez Excel Dyquianco Regina Layug-Lucero Kara Santos Mary Ann Marchadesch Sherry Tenorio Sonny Guzman CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS –UAE, PHILIPPINES & USA Eros Goze Alex Calueng Glenn Peter-Perez Cristina Linaza Dr. Marlon Pecjo Donald Rosales Raen Badua Filbert Kung Irvin Rivera CONTRIBUTING FASHION CREW - UAE Ginno Alducente Jessie Tabla Jojo Padua PUBLISHER – UAE Illustrado Communications FZ-LLC 2nd Floor, Building 2, Dubai Media City United Arab Emirates P.O. Box 72280 Office 20C Tel: +971 4 365 4543, 365 4547 Fax: +971 4 360 4771 E-mail: admin@illustrado.net Web: illustradolife.com, illustrado.net Facebook: Illustrado Magazine Twitter: Illustrado Magazine PRINTERS Printwell Printing LLC P.O. Box 18828 Dubai, UAE STOCK IMAGES Dreamstime.com (Unless otherwise specified) Copyright Illustrado Communications FZLLC 2006 – 2014 All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without the written permission of Illustrado Communications FZ-LLC.

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APRIL 2014 CONTENTS

Filipina beauties Bea Gomez, Regine Morales and Christine Pamunag revel in the waters of mystical Kawasan Falls in Badian, Cebu in this month’s fashion editorial Bewitching Waters

features Travel with a Purpose 14 Pilipinas The Beautiful 20 Pinas on Budget 42 Michael Christian Martinez 48 Filipinisms: Which Filipino fruit are you? 78

regular columns Editor’ Note 1 Contributors 4 Illuminati: You Lovely Country 10 Bayanihan Corner: Pilipinas, Ating Bayan 18 It’s What I Do 52 Scrapbook 56 10 Things to Do 68 Money: Saving Up for Your Vacation 72 Law: Making Labor Laws Work for You 74 Spirituality: Summertime – Make the Living Easy 76 Onli: Pasalubong -More Fun in the Philippines 80 On the Prowl, In the Know 82 Faces Batch 6 86

fashion Bewitching Waters 66

20 48

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ILLUMINATI

You lovely country

by KRIP YUSON

Three recent out-of-town trips — that is, away from infernal Imperial Manila — have again affirmed my personal conviction that despite being able to claim beenthere-done-that bragging rights while approaching dotage, I still find so much to love and laud when it comes to our country’s charming attractions.

T

he first excursion was a weekend with balikbayan siblings and our families at Pico de Loro Beach Resort in Hamilo Cove — a prospective lifestyle choice for MetroManilans seeking to turn weekend jaunts into more of permanent residence.

With the completion of the route that serves as an alternative to the former SLEXSta. Rosa long haul that passes through Tagaytay, that 2.5-hour portage is reduced to a mere 90 minutes from Roxas Boulevard — through Coastal Road, the Cavitex or Cavite Expressway and a few bustling towns, then the Ternate-Nasugbu road.

Why, this ride is certainly more rewarding than slogging through EDSA from Pasay to Caloocan in the same amount of time.

Past the old mountain road that used to lead to Puerto Azul thence Caylabne, this time there’s a left turn that takes you through

ILLUSTRADO 12

the Kaybiang Tunnel. Emerging from that mountain dug-out, you’re greeted with a virtual Mediterranean vista — with Hamilo Coast of Batangas undulating beyond the blue waters below the viewpoint ridge.

The rest of the drive to Nasugbu is a splendid descent on fine roads, until you enter the manicured, vast property that Henry Sy’s SM has painstakingly developed, with Pico de Loro’s residential towers and a hotel surrounding a large lagoon, on one end of which is a first-class clubhouse with swimming pools and sundry other amenities. The other end leads to an excellent extended beach that’s perfect for family.

From this beach we were taken by speedboat on a tour of some of the adjacent coves, and enjoyed terrific lunch on the white sands of Santelmo Cove, one of three marine-protected areas among the 11 coves that compose Hamilo Coast.

At Pico de Loro, everything one associates with tropical R&R is eminently doable, from watersports to poolside lounging, fine meals to world-class lodging, Sunday mass at an elegant chapel to videoke enjoyment, nature trails and bird watching to that quiet, meditative, magic hour on the beach towards yet another magniloquent sunset.

And to cap off the day and night after dinner al fresco right on the sandy strand, there’s chilling at an open-deck bar to cutting-edge DJ music and video.

Yes, you can actually live this lifestyle throughout the week or month if you’re not strapped to office work in Metro Manila — all for the price of a unit that ranges from studio to penthouse lofts with three rooms and panoramic views.

The next quick jaunt was to an old friend’s retirement place in a subdivision in Silang, Cavite, an hour’s drive through SLEX from Alabang. How pretty and idyllic his conjugal set-up was, especially since on that Sunday

ILLUMINATI

Pico de Loro Beach Resort’s main clubhouse and a residential tower by the lagoon, set in tropical greenery by a forested mountain.

an 8-year-old granddaughter was there to help the old folks tidy up the plant boxes with assorted herbs.

The modest two-story house with a balcony stood on a small lot that was yet unfenced, as there were no neighbors close by, not on their street. Only 10% of the property buyers (with half of the lots still available) had built up, so that the gravel-lined yard accommodated an al fresco meriendato-dinner affair, with only stands of slim bamboo as a perimeter to gaze through to grassy fields all around.

It was late March but it was cool and breezy, the sunset was typically dramatic, and when dark came we urbanites had the rare privilege of looking up at starry skies — as a clear half-dome from Polaris to the Southern Cross. Again, this was good suburbanite living, airy gardens and contemplative quiet and all.

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Then it was a two-day visit to Legazpi City for the Outstanding Albayano Awards ceremony where a poet-friend was among those feted for achievements in the arts, culture and tourism. It was yet another highlight of the 2014 Daragang Magayon festival, this year also commemorating the 440th year of the province.

Our media group from Manila was treated to a hectic round of road tours that took us to the Cagsawa Ruins and Mayon Resthouse, Bacacay beach with its kilometers-long strip of black sand, the city’s boulevard and new Embarcadero development by the old port in Daraga, century-old ancestral houses, and several restaurants known for their Bicol gustatory delights.

At the plaza, scores of Gigantes or Giants stood as representations of the various mythological creatures that the Albayano imagination has crafted as gods and bogeymen. We had missed the parade

of these papier-maché and multimedia creatures, but still managed to enjoy the sight of them all standing in a crescent row.

And of course there was Mayon Volcano, looming majestically in the distance, blessing our short visit by baring itself in full glory on both days, the perfect cone that always delighted the sense of natural aesthetics, especially at twilight.

Indeed, such a heartwarming experience it always is when a Filipino explores his native land, taking in the countryside where our natural marvels equal the spirit of what novelist Bienvenido N. Santos chose for the title of his first book: You Lovely People.

Out there, by the sea or up a mountain, we can all look around us and revel in the honesty with which we can say: You lovely country, you. More fun in our islands. And most pleasurable to be home amidst such beauty.

FEATURE

Travel with a Purpose Text by Anna Oposa

Traveling isn’t just about leisure, business or pleasure.

It is also about serving a certain purpose.

You get on a plane, a boat or a bus and head to your desired destination to get away from work, eat delicious food, discover new places, and experience other cultures.

But it doesn’t have to end there.

Traveling could also a vehicle for social change. It has the power to boost the economy, provide meaningful livelihood opportunities, and change the way you look at the world, your country, and yourself forever.

Here are three travel groups in the Philippines that are doing just that.

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Route +63 Founded by young development professionals and passionate travel buffs, Route +63 is a social enterprise that aims to promote responsible tourism and contribute to local development initiatives.

The business model of Route +63 is straightforward: every traveler pays a fee to go on a tour, then Route +63 uses some of the funds to support the local communities.

“Our goal is increased incomes in local communities, especially those in poor provinces. We also want more people to appreciate the beauty of the Philippines and realize its potentials for growth,” shares Cherryl Si, president and CEO of Route +63.

To accomplish this, the group partners with local suppliers, creates tours for people who are thinking about investing in particular sectors, and organizes

FEATURE

tours that highlight products or places to support the government’s development plans.

For instance, Route +63 offers an agricultural tour with Good Food Community in Tarlac, another social enterprise that advocates communityshared agriculture (Php2,350/adult and Php2,150/child). By bringing tourists to the farm, they gain a better sense of where their food comes from, who the farmers are, and the hard work it takes to get food on their plates.

To promote local coffee, Route +63 takes tourists to Sagada in the Mountain Province (Php5,600/head). In addition to adventures in the caves, waterfalls, and the mountain ranges, travelers are introduced to a coffee expert and shown actual coffee production.

In 2013, Route +63 was one of the winners of the British Council’s I Am A Changemaker competition and was awarded PhP100,000 to start Pawikan Watchers, a training program where volunteers from different parts of the Philippines will be trained on the biology and ecology of sea turtles.

“The aim is to assist local communities in the different nesting sites around the country and spread awareness about [marine turtle conservation].

Batad, Banaue - by Cid Jacobo

Our role as the support organization is [to focus on] volunteer management, logistics, marketing, and eco-tourism development,” Cherryl reveals.

She adds, “San Juan, La Union is going to be our pilot site. We are currently conducting site visits and stakeholder meetings to determine the right program design.”

Kawil Tours When someone mentions “Culion,” the first reaction is usually, “’Yung leper colony sa Palawan?”

This reputation harks back to the American occupation, when people afflicted with leprosy were brought to Culion for treatment. At that time, isolation was the most sensible cure.

Breakthroughs in medicine and technology led to a drastic decrease in the number of people who had leprosy from 5,000 to 12 by 1992. The World Health Organization finally declared Culion leprosy-free in 2006.

Unfortunately, the island is still believed to be the “island of the living dead”. It does not help that Coron, the neighboring town known for its limestone cliffs and white sand beaches, has always upstaged Culion’s potential as a tourist destination.

ILLUSTRADO 17

FEATURE

Kawil Tours is slowly but surely succeeding in championing this little known treasure.

Culion’s unpopularity became an unexpected advantage: it has diverse coral gardens, mangroves up to 50 feet high, and pristine waterfalls that never fail to leave tourists in awe. Travelers who visit the island will also be able to see more of Philippine history through the colonial church, remnants of old fortresses and cannons, and the hospital where the cure for leprosy was discovered.

Despite the burgeoning number of tourists, co-founders Guido Sarreal and Jun Tibi tell Illustrado about other challenges: “Traveling to Culion isn’t cheap per se due to its distance [from the mainland]. Kawil Tours focuses in quality service which doesn’t come cheap most of the time.”

“For example, other tour operations may have a guide ration of 10-12 visitors for every one guide. Kawil Tours on the other hand will have not more than a 5:1 ratio,” they add.

The lean team that runs the tours in Culion has played different roles in community development, from helping the cooperatives on the island to training guides and supporting the formation of youth organizations. Their operations uplift the lives and spirits of the locals by engaging them as stakeholders and co-owners of the business and not merely employees.

The main responsibility of Kawil Tours is to market Culion, while their local partners

ILLUSTRADO 18

prepare food for the tourists and take care of them in the hotels, inns, and stores that dot the island.

“At the end of the day, we wish that the business grows with and empowers the community. With the growth of tourism means more opportunities for the locals not only to earn but be proud of their island and community and be empowered,” share Guido and Jun.

Culture Shock Philippines Culture Shock Philippines brings a positive meaning to the term “culture shock.” The goal is to surprise and inspire their clients through guided trips around the Philippines that promote cultural appreciation, preservation, and innovation.

Think of it as a history lesson, except in this case you’re not memorizing dates and names, but instead meeting experts from the communities and seeing artifacts that are just black and white in the textbooks.

History comes alive with the experiential food, heritage, and fiesta tours.

“We go a little deeper and look into the lives of what makes this archipelago the Philippines: the Filipino people, their history, and way of life,” declares Culture Shock PH co-founder Osep Reyes.

One of their most popular tours is the Pampanga Food and Heritage Tour (Php2,400/head) “mainly because the

destination is already familiar” and “the idea of a food trip is always a good one,” says Osep. Tourists indulge in a hearty lunch and merienda cena with sisig, adobong puti, bobotong asan (stuffed bangus), and tidtad (dinuguan). One’s appetite for heritage will also be satisfied, as the schedule involves visiting baroque churches, heritage houses, and monuments.

“This May, we are launching our most ambitious tour yet. It is a three-day cultural immersion trip in Songco, Bukidnon, with the artistic Talaandig community,” says Osep.

For a weekend, guests will stay with a foster family, living where they live, doing what they do, and eating what they eat.

“Apart from this, the participants will also go through workshops of traditional dances, bamboo flute-making, and soil painting-an art form the tribe is known for here and abroad,” he continues. “We’re all excited for that because it best encapsulates the kind of ‘culture shocking experience’ we want to share with our guests.”

For Osep and the rest of Culture Shock PH, their key performance indicator is simple: “When the participants

go home with a deeper appreciation, respect and love for this country and its people, that’s when I can say we did our job well.”

BAYANIHAN

Pilipinas, Ating Bayan

By Ambassador Grace Relucio-Princesa

“Ako ay Pilipino” is one of my favorite songs.

Those who know me know that I often ask fellow Filipinos to sing this song along with me. One of the lines goes like this: “Sa Pilipinas, na aking bayan Lantay na Perlas ng Silanganan Wari’y natipon ang kayamanan ng Maykapal” Translated in English, this means: In the Philippines, my nation, Pearl of the East, It seems the riches of the Almighty are all here In my vision for the Filipino community, Bayanihan ng Bayan at mga Bayani (collective heroism for a common cause of our heroes), one of the blessings that I always count is our beautiful topography.

Our country’s natural beauty is breathtaking.

I started writing this article while in the Philippines at the start of the summer season. One of the commendable initiatives

ILLUSTRADO 20

of the widely read daily newspaper, the Philippine Daily Inquirer, was to feature “summer getaways” that are not as well known as Boracay , Cebu or Puerto Princesa but are equally world- class.

In the story, “Boat Ride on the Lake”, the seven falls in Barangay Lahit, in Lake Sebu in South Cotabato were featured. Visitors can go on boat cruise tour guided by women in T’nalak (indigenous designed wear made of abaca, the strongest natural fiber supplied by the Philippines to the world) clothing.

The next article was about a heat buster_ the multi-tiered waterfall, lagoon and catch basin in Panas’ inland resorts in New Corella town, Davao del Norte province.

The corals at the bottom of the sea off Coron in Palawan Province are an underwater attraction for divers. One of the attractions include 12 shipwrecks near the Culion area.

Long, long beach is so called because of its 14-kilometer stretch of pristine powdery white sand shore in San Vicente town, still in the island province of Palawan. It promises to become of the Philippines’ top world-

class tourist attractions.

“Rock Star and A Gem of Ages” is about a seven island rock formation in Biri Island in Northern Samar. They were carved to perfection by crashing waves, whipping winds, fierce storms and tectonic movements, orchestrated by the hands of the Almighty perhaps since time began.

One of the featured enchanted places is Hinatuan in Agusan del Sur, a natural attraction that I was privileged to visit in 2011. I did my first and perhaps last, zip line adventure over its mystical beautiful cold river.

Another place is a beach in Mercedes, Camarines Norte. The name now escapes me, but let’s make discovering that island a fun assignment for all of us.

With 7, 107 islands to explore and be proud of, my dear Filipinos, let us think of our beautiful country not just as a summer get-away, but a place of wonder and amazement for our family and friends all throughout the year.

BEAUTIFUL PHILIPPINES

Pilipinas, The Beautiful

By Nicholo Jallores

7,107 islands of magnificent natural wonders, historic sites, diverse culinary experiences, and a local population that is heralded the world over for their warmth, grace, and hospitality. A lifetime would not be enough to witness the grandeur of “The Pearl of the Orient� in its entirety, but one could not be faulted for trying. From Luzon, Visayas, to Mindanao, the archipelago offers a treasure trove of unique sights, sounds, smells, and adventures to the discerning voyager, eager for fresh experiences and wondrous discoveries.

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BEAUTIFUL PHILIPPINES Coron, Palawan

Comparable to El Nido, Coron is bedecked with pristine white sand beaches, limestone cliffs, and a one-of-a-kind range of indigenous flora and fauna.

Photo by Nh77

Luzon

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BEAUTIFUL PHILIPPINES

Annual procession practiced by the catholic church called Santacruzan joined by the Miss Philippines 2013 beauty queens, this is to highlights the month-long celebration of Flowers of May. Photo by Herman Lumanog

Sorsogon, Bicol

Swim with the whale sharks! Sorsogon is the seasonal home of these gentle giants – known locally as the butanding.

Photo by Nick Balonzo

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BEAUTIFUL PHILIPPINES Intramuros, Manila

Intramuros is the historic cultural epicenter, and the oldest district of Manila. It is an architectural throwback to the Philippines’ rich Spanish roots.

Photo by Suronin

Luneta Park A monument of Dr. Jose Rizal, the country’s national hero executed by the Spaniards in Bagumbayan which later became known as Luneta Park. Photo by Jurby Jumawan

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BEAUTIFUL PHILIPPINES Three young Filipino children ride across a sugar cane field on the back of a water buffalo. Photo by Lostarts

Tappiya Falls, Batad

Past a steep, meandering hiking trail, Tappiya Falls awaits. The mountain’s water systems come together to create this gigantic stream, roughly 30 meters in height.

Photo by Vitaly Maksimchuk

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BEAUTIFUL PHILIPPINES

El Nido, Palawan

The inspiration behind Alex Garland’s best-selling novel The Beach, El Nido was named the Best Beach and Island Destination in the Philippines by CNN. Photo by Plotnikov

Mount Pinatubo, Pampanga

Once the source of great tragedy, Mt. Pinatubo now stands as a breathtaking image of serenity – a symphony of the elements in one resplendent landscape.

Photo by Elena Serebryakova

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BEAUTIFUL PHILIPPINES

Taal - the smallest in the world volcano, Manila. Š Saiko3p | Dreamstime.com

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BEAUTIFUL PHILIPPINES

Taal Volcano, Batangas

An island within a lake within an island! Taal Volcano is the smallest active volcano in the world and the 2nd most active in the Philippines.

Photo by Saiko3p

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BEAUTIFUL PHILIPPINES

Central Cordillera Mountain Range

Each of Cordillera’s seven major ethnolinguistic groups offers a glimpse into the Philippines’ ethnic and tribal traditions.

Discover a way of life that is perfectly attuned to Mother Nature.

Photo by Joyfull

Colourful bus on the Palawan Island.

Photo by Vojtech Vlk

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BEAUTIFUL PHILIPPINES

Mindoro

Mindoro is the 7th largest island in the Philippines, and is certainly one of the most magnificent. Must visit: Puerto Galera, Apo Reef, and Mount Halcon.

Photo by Samuel De Leon

Mount Mayon, Bicol

Mt. Mayon is a picture of perfection.

Classified as an active stratovolcano, this geographical wonder is one of the most photographed volcanoes in the world.

Photo by Simon Gurney

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BEAUTIFUL PHILIPPINES Beautiful sailboat near white sand beach in Boracay, Boracay. Š Ekaterina Pokrovsky | Panay Islands Dreamstime.com In 2012, Boracay was awarded as the Best Island in the World from the international travel magazine Travel + Leisure. Its powdery white sand beaches continue to attract tourists and beach bums the world over.

Photo by Ekaterina Pokrovsky

Visayas ILLUSTRADO 32

BEAUTIFUL PHILIPPINES

Visayas

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BEAUTIFUL PHILIPPINES

Blue and yellow Macaw eating banana, Boracay. Photo by Photographerlondon

Philippine Tarsier with big green eyes in a troplical forest. Photo by Angelika Krikava |

Bamboo bridge in Loboc River.

Photo by Photonphotos

Chocolate Hills, Bohol

Chocolate Hills form a curious terrain of approximately 1,776 hills covered in green grass that turns to a delicious shade of cocoa during the summer. Photo by Christopher Rawlins

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BEAUTIFUL PHILIPPINES Cebu

The Queen City of the South, Cebu was the home of the first Spanish settlement in the Philippines. Now, it is a dynamic melting pot of cultures and traditions – a charming barrio city that is both historic and modern.

Photo by Jacob Maentz

Camiguin

Delight in Camiguin’s exciting array of natural attractions, both on land and under the sea. Photo by Plotnikov

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BEAUTIFUL PHILIPPINES

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BEAUTIFUL PHILIPPINES

Loboc River, Bohol

Take a relaxing voyage across the heart of beautiful Bohol! The Loboc River cruise offers a tranquil experience complete with native music and delicacies.

Photo by Sunflowerhike

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BEAUTIFUL PHILIPPINES

Mindanao

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BEAUTIFUL PHILIPPINES Surigao

The waters of Surigao is known for its intense biodiversity – a home to a wide variety of tuna, squids, marlins, and sting rays, perfect for game fishers looking for a challenge.

Photo by Samuel De Leon

Mindanao

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BEAUTIFUL PHILIPPINES

Maria Christina Falls, Iligan City

The twin falls of Maria Christina are renowned both for their majestic beauty and as a source of electricity for the nearby communities.

Photo by Herman Lumanog

Tinuy-an Falls, Surigao del Sur

Considered as the Niagara Falls of the Philippines, Tinuy-an Falls is a natural white-water curtain measuring 95 m wide and 55 metres high.

Photo By Hugo Maes

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MALAYBALAY CITY, BUKIDNON PROVINCE, Tribal parade with two men carrying queen in sedan chair in the 2010 annual famous Kaamulan costumed street dancing festival by the original seven tribes of Bukidnon (Mindanao) in traditional ethnic outfit.

Photo by: Hugo Maes

BEAUTIFUL PHILIPPINES Cagayan De Oro

“The City of Golden Friendship” as it is more commonly known, Cagayan De Oro is internationally renowned as a premier whitewater rafting and river trekking destination.

Photo by Jun Pinzon

Bukidnon

Known as the “food basket” of Mindanao, Bukidnon is the major producer of rice and corn in the region. Bukidnon is also the home of Mount Dulang-dulang, the 2nd highest mountain in the Philippines.

Photo By Hugo Maes

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ADVERTORIAL

PURE GOLD’S SPRING COLLECTION FROM FAREEHA

Pure Gold Jewellers has captured the myriad colors of flowers and the fun and frolic of Spring in its latest Fareeha collection.

The new Spring collection from Fareeha features strikingly beautiful pendants that are an artistic rendering of flowers, enhanced by a romantic color palette of gemstones and brilliant diamonds set in 18 karat gold.

According to Karim Merchant, CEO & Managing Director of Pure Gold Jewellers, “Spring is a season of joy and warmth and our designers have strived to capture its soft, romantic colors and joie de vivre in the latest Spring collection from our Fareeha brand.”

Pure Gold Jewellers, an award-winning jewellery retailer, celebrates life’s unforgettable moments in this collection with exquisite pieces such as a tear drop shaped gold pendant with diamond encrusted flowers and gemstones in green, purple, blue and yellow (available for AED 1,499). Also in the collection is a round gold pendant with diamonds and two different colors of gemstones for a price of AED 1,199. The new collection is available at all Pure Gold Jewellers stores.

For furtherinformation please visit www.pugold.com

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SPRING BLOSSOMS AT GIORDANO WITH A NEW COLLECTION

Spring has hit Giordano and new collections for both men and women are now available in its 250 stores across the region. Inspired by the style in the navy and university, the new Giordano range focuses on the shades of blue, red and white and features a variety of tops and pants to create multiple looks.

Colored with different shades of blue and coral, Giordano suggests a chic and casual look for its female customers. Female tops feature comfortable cuts and different lengths, including solid color jersey turtle neck t-shirts with an original longer-on-thesides design. Part of the ‘Marine Holiday’ top collection is a geometrical print around the neck, sleeves or on the chest on a white, blue, black or peach pink background. To complete the look, the tops can be paired with twill tapered pants available in white, black, navy blue and red, or with denim pants.

Inspired by the preppy university look, the men’s collection will dress Giordano male customers in a contemporary casual look. White, red and blue stand out in the limited edition polo shirts collection which is characterized by soft cotton pique fabric uniquely washed and finished to grant low shrinkage. Badges, applique and embroideries – including the popular Union Jack – are creatively used to decorate the polos.

The new Giordano collection also features a range of soft pure cotton Oxford shirts in a variety of colors.

New collection pieces along with Giordano’s regular range can also be purchased online at www.giordano-me.com and will be delivered at customer’s door (UAE) within 48 hours. A Cash-on-Delivery option is also available for this service.

UAE EXCHANGE LAUNCHES PINOY PANALO PROMOTION

Filipino customers sending money back home through any branch of UAE Exchange between 1st and 30th April could win PHP500,000. Sixty lucky customers can also win Dubai-Manila-Dubai air tickets with Cebu Pacific Air. All transactions for money transfer and for the popular food chain Jollibee will qualify for the corresponding lucky draws and the mega draw. The first lucky draw is on 13th April, the second lucky draw is on 23rd April, and the mega draw is scheduled on 4th May, 2014.

“We have always shared a special bond with the Filipinos in the UAE,” said Varghese Mathew, UAE country head of UAE Exchange. “Filipinos are one of the most enterprising and sought-after talents worldwide. Their industrious nature endears them to one and all. We share a similar attitude as a brand that has won the trust of millions of customers with our professionalism. This promotion is our token of appreciation to our Filipino customers for their dedication and commitment.”

For more information, visit www. uaeexchange.com and http://blog. uaeexhchange.com. To participate in our exciting contests, join us on Facebook by logging on to https://www.facebook.com/ uaeexchange.

TRIPPIN’

TRAVELING Now, there’s no excuse for the Filipino traveler.

With more than 7,107 islands to choose from and a culture and history so vast and rich, the Philippines boasts of a wide range of places to go to for the food junkie, the culture vulture, the adventurer, the laidback person and all other types of travelers.

There are so many places in the country where you can have fun, relaxation,—all on a shoe-string budget.

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TRIPPIN’

ON A BUDGET

Excel V. Dyquiangco

Here are five destinations so breathtaking you’d want to visit over and over again-and all can be reached with minimal spending.

Bantayan Island, Cebu

The Laidback Explorer Why Visit: Forget about going through the city. If you like nature, the outdoors and a laidback lifestyle, spending three days here can spell a whole lot of difference. You can swim, snorkel all you want and squeeze in a good book while basking under the soft sunlight.

Things to Do: Swim, swim swim! And then maybe snorkel a bit, have a picnic and relax. Go visit the Mangrove Farm where you can go around some bamboo planks while admiring the many different kinds of flora in the area. If, on the other hand, you want your feet to be dry, go the historical route by visiting the 400-year old Bantayan Church called

Sts. Peter and Paul Parish Church and a Spanish fort lying remotely in the island.

Go and visit the Ogtong Cave, where an underground cave and a small beach are located.

Where to Stay: Beach Placid Resort, which boasts of the longest and the best stretch of sand along Alice Beach.

You can also rent a bike here for around P20-P30 per hour and go around town on two wheels.

Where to Eat: There are many restaurants on Bantayan Island.

Depending on your palate, you can either have Portuguese or American. Wine lovers can also visit Cou Cou Bar and try their special prawns and sizzling gambas.

Estimated Budget: Check for the latest deals on airlines. If you are able to find low fares, you can just spend around P6,000 (more or less) for three days and two nights food, accommodations, tour and of course, the plane ticket, included.

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TRIPPIN’

Naga, Camarines Sur

The Food Junkie Why Visit: This province near Metro Manila is an eight hour bus commute, and has a great nightlife! If you are a food junkie, three days and two nights here will be just complete heaven.

Things to Do: Naga City is filled with a rich heritage. Go on a historical tour and visit Museo del Seminario Concilliar de Nueva Caceres (Holy Rosary Minor Seminary), which houses old scholastic records and books of Jorge Barlin, the famous Bikolano bishop. Then, there’s the Basilica Minore of Our Lady of Penafrancia which is now the permanent home of the image of the Virgin of Penafrancia. Lastly, you can check out the Metropolitan Cathedral, one of the largest churches in the region, which

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took 15 years to construct; the Plaza Quince Martires, a historical monument situated in the city’s central business district. Finally, visit the Plaza de Nueva Ceceres, which is a tribute the bravery and courage of the people of Naga, while the Porta Mariae (Gate of Mary) is an impressive symbolic structure located across the Metropolitan Cathedral.

For food lovers, try the pinangat, which is similar to Manila’s laing, hot and spicy too; dinuguang baka; the chicken binakol (similar to tinola except they use buko juice to cook) which makes it all sweet; and other favorites like the toasted siopao and the kinalas for a taste of mami.

Where to Stay: Naga City has a wide range of accommodations from lodges to five-star hotels. There are a couple of inns in the area like Sunny View Hotel (a

TRIPPIN’

single bed costs P350 a night) and the Sampaguita Tourist Inn (P150-P500 a night for the single person).

Where to Eat: Check out the Bob Marlin Restaurant and Grill where you can have the taste of pinangat and the dinuguang baka. Chef Doy’s Gourmet Restaurant, along Magsaysay Avenue, which is the city’s central district, specializes in chicken binakol and other hot favorites. Cely’s Kinalas offers kinalas and Naga Restaurant has the toasted siopao.

If you are looking to hang out with music and food groupies, there is no better place to be than at Magsaysay Avenue, where you can enjoy great scenery as well.

Estimated Budget: Instead of taking the plane which cost around P2,000 one-way, take the bus instead P1,500-P2,000 round trip, depending on whether you’ll take the sleeper bus or not. With food and accommodations, you’ll end up spending around P5,000.

Davao City, Davao

The Adrenalin Voyager Why Visit: Travelers can have a taste of both worlds. For adventure seekers, this is the place to truly let go. For culture and history buffs, it’s time to add more knowledge to your mental databank.

Things to Do: Don your wet suit and face the waves in a white water rafting adventure at Davao River. Go on a tight rope to experience zip lining at Zip City Hilltop in Barangay Langub.

At Crocodile Farm, you can do a whole lot of things: ride inside the zorv ball, feed the crocodiles and the ostriches and go check out the butterflies at the butterfly sanctuary. If you like peace, serenity and nature, visit Eden Nature Park where you can discover how spices and herbs grow.

When it comes to culture and heritage, visit Museo Dabawenyo where you can view earthen jars and drop by the Japanese Tunnel at Matina, Davao City; this place served as one of the shelters of Filipino prisoners during the time of the Japanese. Visit the Puentesfina Orchid Garden if you want to buy plants of any kind and the Buddhist temple where a statue of the Buddha greets you at the doorway.

Where to Stay: Stay at the City View Inn, which is located at the business district and has a restaurant and an ice cream shop at the ground floor.

Where to Eat: For the best burgers in town, get a load of Backyard Burger. For breakfast buffets, try out Probinsiya restaurant. For desserts, Lachi’s Sans Rival is a must-try.

Estimated Budget: White water rafting costs around P1,500 but depending on the tours you avail of, budget can be below P10,000. Just make sure you catch the sales on airfare!

Benguet

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TRIPPIN’

The Trekker and the Mountain Climber Why Visit: Many people would like to escape the summer heat and what better way to do it than travel up north where the temperature is below zero and there are lots of activities in store?

Things to Do: Avid climbers and outdoor enthusiasts (as well and non-trekkers) can put on gear to trek and climb the second highest mountain in Luzon, Mount Pulag. Dubbed as “the playground of the gods”, this mountain allows you to experience the serenity and beauty of the pink ayusep flowers, the mossy forests and the dwarf bamboos along the way. Watch the sun rise and set in all its glory. As a bonus, you get see the clouds up close and feel just a little bit closer to the deity the mountain is named after.

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Where to Stay: At Mount Pulag, of course! Bring your tents, sleeping bags and headlamps so you experience camping like no other. Warning: the wind up there gets chilly especially during the wee hours of the morning so be prepared to bundle up.

Where to Eat: If you join a tour package, full meals are already available.

Estimated Budget: An overnight climb and trek to Mount Pulag costs around P3,000 with the inclusion of round trip bus transfers, round trip jeepney transfers, entrance and camping fee, licensed tour guide and hot drinks during the trek. Just bring extra cash should you want to go on a side trip to Baguio.

TRIPPIN’

Sohoton, Surigao del Norte

The Cave Dweller Why Visit: If you have ever wondered what it’s like to wake up to the chirping of the tariktik hornbill and the rufus hornbill, then Sohoton is definitely the place to be. The stillness of the day and the rich expanse of its marine life and forests provide an air of mystery and enchantment surrounding the place.

You can even (safely) swim with the jellyfish as well.

Things to Do: Visit the caves. Hagukan Cave (Snoring Cave) is a cave immersed in water so you really have to swim to get inside. It’s just five minutes away from Hagukan and allows visitors to enter the cave by walking, and then exit by jumping off a 12-15 feet ledge. Crystal Cave and Bolitas Cave are adjoining caves; the former is a wide cave where you are led to a confusing labyrinth of mazes and webs and the latter’s opening is so small you have to crawl – yes, crawl – on your back to get in.

Make time to go island hopping. Visit the Naked Island (named because it has no shrubbery of any kind), the Dako Island, the Tiktikan Lake and the Guyam Island, which can all serve as picnic sites.

Where to Stay: These are some resorts owned by locals: Cinnamon Island Cottage (P2,500 per room per night with free breakfast), Tiktikan Lake College (P150-P200 per person), and the SIFAI Cottage (P1,000 per night).

Where to Eat: Meals at the resorts can be very, very expensive. So before heading to Sohoton, go to the public market at Surigao del Norte and buy the food you need for the whole duration of your stay.

Estimated Budget: Depending on your choice of resorts and their packages, cost is estimated P10,000. Find flights that have the lowest deals so you can save up too.

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FEATURE

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FEATURE

A TRAILBLAZER ON ICE: AN IN-DEPTH INTERVIEW WITH

MICHAEL MARTINEZ

By Nicholo Jallores PHotograhy By: IRVIN RIVERA (GRaphiCS METROPOLIS)

Audacious.

That is the word that comes to mind when one thinks of Michael Christian Martinez.

Other adjectives also come to fore – brave, daring, determined – but what truly sets him apart is his iron-clad audacity in the face of what seems to be insurmountable odds atop insurmountable odds. Taking into account that Michael hails from a tropical country that turns into a humid inferno every summer, you would think that he would have a snowflake’s chance in hell of performing well in any figure skating competition of international caliber. But with his topnotch performance in the Winter Olympics, and his victory in the recently held Triglav Trophy International Figure Skating Competition in Slovenia, Michael continues to display a natural strength

of character that transcends limitations, exceeds expectations, and serenely glides against all odds. Michael Christian Martinez is audacious, and through his example, we realize that perhaps, we can be audacious too.

Illustrado recently sat down with Michael Christian during his photo shoot in LA to catch up on his training and discuss his plans to dominate the 2018 Winter Olympics.

Snowflake, he is most definitely not. This young man has nerves of steel and the fortitude of pure titanium. He is a trailblazer on ice.

When did you decide to pursue figure skating and what made you decide to do it?

I saw the ice rink in a shopping mall when I was 8 and a half years old. The skaters were doing jumps & spins and I was fascinated

by it. I asked my mom if I can try it and she immediately approved. After my first session, I fell in love with the sport, and so I took formal lessons.

After a few months, in November 2005, I joined a competition in Singapore as a lower-level skater, and I won gold medals there. After that competition, where I defeated several foreign skaters, I realized I can be a very good figure skater, thus I decided to continue and pursue competitive skating.

What were your parents’ first reactions when you let them know that you wanted to pursue figure skating?

My mother agreed when I asked her to support me to be a competitive skater. I was born asthmatic and sickly, and was always in the hospital. When I was younger, I couldn’t do outdoor sports like basketball

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FEATURE

I was very nervous because I had to make it in the Top 24 to qualify in the final round and I knew it was very difficult since I was competing against veteran skaters, while my training was incomplete. I was the youngest in the Men’s Division, and the whole world was watching, so I was really anxious! To calm my nerves, I prayed to God and I told myself that I should give a good performance to be able to qualify in the final round, to make my family and my countrymen proud.

Filipinos all over the world are proud of you and are already proclaiming you as a hero. Was giving pride to the Filipinos a motivation for you?

Yes! I was motivated to reach the Olympics so I can bring honor and glory to the country and to our kababayans. Their continuous support inspires me to try to earn the first Olympic medal in figure skating in the 2018 Winter Olympics. If given the needed financial support, I will work doubly harder so that I can qualify and compete again in the next Winter Olympics.

If you could not be a figure skater, what other career would you pursue? and swimming as I would easily get asthma attacks even though I was already on an asthma maintenance medicine. In skating however, I have less asthma attacks, so my mother agreed to support me. She said then that it’s better that she spends her money in skating than in the hospital.

Her only concern that time is whether I am serious in the sport, and I told her then that I want to compete in the 2014 Winter Olympics. Thus I promised her that I will train hard to qualify in the 2012 Winter Youth Olympic Games and in the 2014 Winter Olympics. And I did it! I’m the first

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figure skater from Southeast Asia who qualified and competed in both the 2012 Winter Youth Olympic Games and the 2014 Winter Olympics.

Was there ever a time when you wanted to just to give up on figure skating?

No. I really love this sport. Even though I’ve had so many injuries, even though there are times when my body is just too weak to skate, I still want to continue because of my Olympic dream.

What was going through your mind before your first performance in Sochi?

When I was younger, I wanted to be a singer and dancer. I was enrolled then in several voice and dance lessons, but I stopped when I started skating. I also want to be a sports medicine doctor.

We know you as the Filipino figure skater who beat immense odds on his road towards the Winter Olympics. But in your own words, who is Michael Christian Martinez? What does he represent, and what can we learn from him?

I am an ordinary kid who loves to sing, dance, draw and make origami. I was born

FEATURE

Michael continues to display a natural strength of character that transcends limitations, exceeds expectations, and serenely glides against all odds. Michael Christian Martinez is audacious, and through his example, we realize that perhaps, we can be audacious too.

asthmatic. I literally grew up in the hospital and I still have asthma until now. But my sickness doesn’t deter me from pursuing my Olympic dream - in a sport that is not even common in a tropical country like the Philippines.

I am truly honored that people consider me as a role model. I think my success in being able to qualify in the final round in Sochi provided an inspiration to our kababayans, especially the Filipino youth. I was able to prove that anyone can achieve extraordinary feats if they put their heart into it.

My motto is “dream high and work hard.” I believe that nothing is impossible - that for as long as you exert your best effort into what you want to become, you will succeed.

What are your plans for the 2018 Olympics?

I will work hard to win a medal in the 2018 Winter Olympics. But to be able to do that, I need financial help to be able to continuously train in the U.S. so that I can learn and perfect the quadruple jumps which are needed to be a world-class elite skater.

What is your message for all your fans and supporters?

Thank you very much for your continuous support and prayers. Your overwhelming support inspired me, and made me survive the most prestigious & most difficult competition of my life: the Olympics. I can’t thank you enough!

Michael Christian has the skill, dedication, and integrity to make it all the way to the 2018 Olympics - but as determined and focused as our champion is, he cannot accomplish this massive undertaking alone. Figure skating is a grueling, demanding, and expensive sport, and our champion needs all the support that he can get.

We discussed the challenges of figure skating with Michael Christian’s equally admirable mother, Maria Teresa Martinez. Top on her list of difficulties are the financial demands of the sport.

“We always lacked funding. That is why Michael’s training in the U.S. is often incomplete and sporadic,” says Maria Teresa. “The U.S. training is very expensive. The coaches charge $100 to $150 an hour, and the use of the ice-rink and ice time fee is between $10 to $16 an hour. There is no professional-level ice rink in the Philippines since the rinks in the malls are intended for public use.

There aren’t any local coaches who are knowledgeable in high-level training, thus Michael was forced to go to the U.S. to train.”

Maria Teresa goes to profess that they have received very little support from the government to help fund Michael’s training. Michael has been reaping numerous awards and accolades since he started representing the Philippines in international competitions in 2009, but has not received any benefits or

incentives from the government, as is his right, under the Republic Act 9064.

Figure skating is also notorious for being a sport that is highly prone to injuries. Maria Teresa recounts, “In 2009,Michael injured himself with his skating blade. It cut through his thigh.

Then he also had 2 torn ligaments in his ankle in 2011. He suffered a torn ligament in his knee in 2012 and in 2013 he had a fractured ankle and neck whiplash. Then there’s the regular injuries like sprain or strain in the ankle, knee, shoulders, back, arm, hips and also bumps, cuts and bruises. It’s quite a dangerous sport!”

Maria Teresa revealed that despite having the best wishes of the entire Filipino nation, there is still no confirmed source of funding for Michael’s training – a truly dire prospect, as Michael clearly has a bright future in figure skating. “If we do not receive enough financial support for his training, then Michael will be forced to stop skating.

We can no longer afford to support him for another 4 years.”

Michael Christian Martinez is more than just an athlete – he is a source of great pride and inspiration for many Filipinos.

By following his dreams, he has inspired all of us to follow ours. Let’s help our champ get to the 2018 Olympics!

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IT’S WHAT I DO

It’s what I do

FILIPINO PROGRESS AND DIVERSITY AT THE WORK PLACE

SHEILA PABRO Events Manager Jumeirah Emirates Towers

I work at Jumeirah Emirates Towers Hotel as an Events Manager.

My job requires me to meet clients, show them around the prospective venues, negotiates rates that would be both acceptable to the client and profitable for the hotel. It also requires me to oversee and coordinate with the hotel Operations team and third-party service providers to ensure the successful staging of the client’s events.

As a premier city hotel, Jumeirah Emirates Towers not only caters to GCC clients but corporate clients from Europe, USA & other Asian countries as well. You will often see me making the rounds in the hotel to meet my in-house clients or group to ensure all requirements for their events are satisfied. Actually, my workday starts the moment my phone rings, which usually happens while I’m still preparing for office. I may be called on to attend to any last minute changes, like additional number of banquet guests or parking problems.

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In between, I entertain new guests, meet clients and subsequently arrange for site inspection and prepare event contracts for clients who choose to hold their event at our hotel.

Organizing the hotel rooms as well as the meeting room requirements for the World Expo 2020 judges who visited Dubai in July 2013 for the preliminary judging has been the highlight of my job. The pressure was really high to provide the best service and ensure requirements such as VVIP airport pick-up, butlers and banquets operation. I was on call to ensure their hotel meeting venues and other requirements were well taken care of. As we all know now, Dubai will be hosting the 2020 World Expo and by then I could look back and tell myself that I met the judges who chose Dubai and helped make their stay a pleasant one.

Working abroad is a challenge for everyone. We Filipinos are, by nature humble and timid, characteristics that are good but at times work to our disadvantage especially in the workplace. For us to survive the competition and be noticed by our employers, we should realize that hard work is not enough--we need to step up, speak up and cease being so shy.

Dubai offers us the opportunity to advance in our profession and to achieve financial gain. However, we should keep in mind that we will not be here forever. This place is temporary for us.

While we are here, never forget to save for the future so when retirement time comes we have enough savings to enjoy the company of our family and friends. By doing so, we could tell ourselves that we made the right decision to work abroad and it was worth every birthday, anniversary and Christmas spent miles away from home.

IT’S WHAT I DO

BEVERLY BOLANOS Public Relations & Events Specialist National Bonds

As a PR and Events Specialist with National Bonds Corporation, a government-owned savings and investment company, the most interesting part of my job is that it provides opportunities to boost my career. I personally take great pride in being a part of such an influential organization that aims to educate the community on how to build a secure and financially stable future.

My favorite day at work is Sunday. The day starts with prize preparations that we distribute to our weekly winners in addition to arranging a meeting with those lucky winners for prize collection arrangements. Seeing the different reactions from our winners is priceless and being a part of this exercise gives me a feeling of gratification.

My job was the result of my hard work and dedication in addition to the trust, faith and support from our management.

When I started, I did not have a lot of experience and I consider myself very lucky to have such an amazing team that supported me from day one. I started by helping the marketing teams with small tasks and offered support in different areas of the department. My contribution was noticed and I was offered an official opportunity to be a part of the marketing team.

Since then, it has been a process of continuous learning. I took an online course to acquire more insight into the industry and will soon acquire a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management, major in Marketing. I have also enrolled in an Events Management course in Dubai to further develop myself; I firmly believe acquiring qualifications help advance careers.

It is essential to always believe in ourselves no matter what.

In order to be successful and get noticed in this industry, you need to continuously feed on new knowledge and skills that can

It’s what I do

FILIPINO PROGRESS AND DIVERSITY AT THE WORK PLACE

benefit your line of work. Educating yourself is the best investment; it’s a treasure that will follow you wherever your career might lead you and help you shine and stand out.

It is also very important to have faith and venture into new challenges that are unfamiliar since it is the only way we can discover our true skills and overcome our fears. If there is an opening in your company and you think you can do it--even if it’s not related to your previous experiences or education--raise your hand and be noticed. Give it a try and show your capabilities. Taking a big risk is what led me to where I am today.

Another thing I would advise is to be aggressive in the work place. It is a known stereotype that Filipinos are timid, so learn to voice your opinions and ideas, be risky and brave. Let your colleagues know that there is more in you than what they see on the surface. Being quiet in such a competitive industry will not get you anywhere. You need to unleash your talents. Filipinos are anyway well known to be talented, smart and hardworking-we just need to learn how to be vocal about it.

Finally, I want to stress the importance of raising the bar and having a vision and goal. These are the basic things that we need to achieve success and accomplish our dreams. You will be the first to see it happen. You can share your accomplishments with the rest of the world, but it is that much more rewarding to have a front row seat to experience the magic that unfolds because of your hard work.

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IT’S WHAT I DO

It’s what I do

FILIPINO PROGRESS AND DIVERSITY AT THE WORK PLACE

FROILAN MALIT JR.

Special Policy Officer for the Philippine Ambassador to the UAE Philippine Embassy-Abu Dhabi I am the Director of Labor Research at International Gulf Organization, a Dubai-based international civil society group.

In particular, I direct various field-based labor policy studies in the UAE and broader Middle East/Asia region, focusing on low-skilled temporary labor migrant workers under the Kafala Sponsorship System. Apart from this policy work, I also serve as the Special Research Officer to the Philippine Ambassador – UAE, focusing on low-skilled migrant labor, particularly domestic workers. I mainly conduct field-based policy studies in the UAE/GCC region, where I analyze the Philippine and other Sub-Saharan African government’s policy challenges, gaps, and best practices in managing its temporary labor population in the host country. Through these in-depth field studies, I have been able to develop and propose policy recommendations to the Philippine Ambassador - UAE and other Filipino/African labor and welfare officers throughout the GCC region, mainly on how to cost-effectively approach labor policy challenges within the region.

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Through my work, I have had the opportunity to meet various policy stakeholders and researchers in the GCC region.

Previously, I worked as a consultant/researcher for various local UAE-based academic/government organizations, including American University of Sharjah. I have also worked with other international funded projects—including the International Organization for Migration—that further enhanced my career.

I have deeply internalized the belief that productivity is significantly influenced by your ability to rise early in the morning. I learned that at the age of five when I had to wake up at 2:30am and work as a Sampaguita flower picker in Lubao, Pampanga. I would often earn $5/week depending on the season. It was imperative to rise early in the morning because I had to face intense competition from experienced flower pickers, who often had longer hands, sharper eyes, and taller physiques. This childhood experience eventually shaped my character, values, and perspectives today.

In Dubai, I have employed a similar tactic. My typical working day starts at 6am; I exercise and then read newspapers, peerreviewed journal articles, and books (relevant to global labor migration and politics) to add to my knowledge on various political and migration issues. During my break, I roam around Satwa and interview various Asian, African, and Arab labor migrants to better understand their views/perspectives on migration-related issues. On multiple occasions, I visit labor camps in the UAE, attend NGO meetings and conferences, and discuss labor-related topics to several UAE government workers.

At 10pm, I typically reflect and write all my accumulated ideas, while connecting them to my proposed policy inputs for various government and non-government stakeholders.

The most interesting part of my work is when I have the opportunity to conduct face-to-face interviews with all relevant stakeholders. Through these meetings, I have had the remarkable opportunity to interact and propose various policy recommendations to key decision-makers drawn from my field-based studies in the GCC region. This particular aspect is critically rewarding because it helps lend migrants a voices at the top decision-making process.

I would like to encourage Filipinos to deeply read and think about our rich history, while serving other Filipinos who live on the margins. As Mother Teresa once said: “Let us touch the dying, the poor, the lonely and the unwanted according to the graces we have received and let us not be ashamed or slow to do the humble work.” We need to continue building our nation and “maging makabayan sa inang bayan” irrespective of our color, ethnicity, and religion.

SCRAPBOOK

SUZETTE PEACHIE BAYONITO DUBAI, UAE

www.suzettepeachiephotography.com

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SCRAPBOOK

EMIL LATUMBO DUBAI,UAE

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FASHION

ART DIRECTION & STYLING: GINO ALDUCENTE PHOTOGRAPHER: DAN ONG MODELS: REGINE MORALES, BEA GOMEZ AND CHRISTINE PAMUNAG ASST STYLIST: CATHERINE CALIAO MAKE-UP ARTIST: EMI AYAG HAIRSTYILIST: RHEY ABELLA AND MARIELLE FERNANDEZ LOCATION: KAWASAN FALLS BADIAN, CEBU

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FASHION Soft tulle ball gown with gold bead and crystal works on the bodice by Dexter Alazas

Bewitching waters ILLUSTRADO 61

FASHION Full lace gown with pearl works by Danny Booc; Pearl Necklace and headband and danggling crystal earrings by Poshtura

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FASHION Tulle dress with crystal beading with jersey drapes

by Philip Rodriguez; Pearl headband by Poshtura; Sheepskin shrug by Poshtura

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FASHION Skintone soft tulle with gold and black embroidery and beadwork by Dexter Alazas

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FASHION

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FASHION

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FASHION French lace Red Soft Tulle with Frenchlace applique on the bodice and embroidered sleeves by Philip Rodriguez; crystal necklace headpiece and earings by Josefa Dianne Espera of Sepa Accessories Cebu; Brass cuffs with glass crystals

by Sepa accessories; Purple wood fig necklace by Poshtura; T’boli tribe scarf : stylist own

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FASHION On Bea : skintone soft tulle dress with gold embroidery and crystal beadworks . On Regine: mahogany stretch tulle with gold shacks and crystals beadworks; On Christine : skintone with grey plisse bodice accentuated with silver lace appliques; Earrings by sepa accessories Cebu; Couture by Dexter Alazas

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FASHION

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10 THINGS TO DO Dubai heats up when April comes, but don’t allow the humid, hot weather keep you stuck indoors. There plenty of events happening in the emirates so go out and enjoy wsummer in the city.

JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE’S WORLD TOUR

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The Grammy-award winner and teen heartthrob is returning for his second major concert as part of his electrifying world tour. His first concert in Abu Dhabi was a phenomenal success and we don’t expect anything less from JT. Be ready to sing and dance with him on May 23 at du Arena in Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. Tickets are priced at AED 395 to AED 1,295 and are selling fast. Book tickets at www. ticketmaster.ae or buy from Virgin Megastores across the UAE. For more info, call 800 TM UAE (800 86 823) or email tickets@ thinkflash.ae.

REUNITE WITH BOYZONE

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The trend of reunion concerts continues, and this time, Dubai will host 90s rock band Boyzone.

Fresh from celebrating their 20th anniversary, expect to hear the band’s six UK number ones, including “Words” and “No Matter What” performed by original members Keith Duffy, Mikey Graham, Ronan Keating, and Shane Lynch. The Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium at Garhoud will host the musical reunion on May 22. Ticket price is AED 225. Doors open at 7pm, show starts at 9pm. For more information, call 04-239 5000

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GROOVE WITH PINOY ROCK BANDS

A number of Filipino rock bands are coming to Dubai for the Pinoy Rock Festival Dekada 90. The musical gathering will feature famous talents such as Slapshock, Siakol, Barbie Almalbis (Barbies Cradle) and The Youth. The band Tsinelaz (composed of Dubai talents) will serve as the festival’s opening act at this concert set for May 9 at Al Nasr Leisureland in Oud Metha. Tickets range from AED 150 to AED 200. Doors open at 5pm. For more information, call 055-2859445 or 056-1034080.

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ADVERTORIAL

THE ART OF FASHION : SS’14 SPLASH FASHION SHOW Garments were used as a blank canvas to explore the varied possibilities of art at the recently concluded Splash Spring Summer’14 fashion. Dubbed “Art of Fashion,” the show featured this season’s latests works of art which will be also be displayed in Splash stores across the region.

Splash presented a new collection that

ESMOD DUBAI OPENS SECOND FASHION DESIGNERS INCUBATOR IN SUNSET MALL

draws from many influences from bold work of pop art to tribal artistry, constructivism and the surrealism of prints. Models sashayed down the catwalk--an industrial space converted into an art gallery.

“At Splash we have always strived to work on unique concepts and sets. This season, we were inspired by the fact that fashion is an art form. This is all about structure and minimalistic fashion and our runway was a mix of pop to abstract art to nuances of tribal art and surrealism,” said Raza Beig, CEO of Splash & ICONIC. The show started with Popism, a trend that exhibits the surge of pop-inspired fashion

and is influenced heavily by the likes of Andy Warhol and Roy Litchenstien. Next in line was Sketch Art with sketching, paint splatter and scribble inspired prints forming the core. There is also Tribalism, a popular theme that is reborn in a whole new form.

Bold and bright ikat tribal designs with flashes of neon with a big emphasis on body conscious silhouettes are must haves.

The season promises to be print dominated with the most conversational prints and bold designs. The Splash SS’14 wardrobe presented on the runway will be available until June’14 in store.

The popular incubator platform is comprised of a store showcasing selected collections such as garments, accessories, jewels and a gallery space for regular fashion related exhibitions. Everything has been strategically installed to be practical, movable, functional and professional like a fashion designer atelier.

The ESMOD Fashion Designers Incubator recently opened its brand new store at Sunset Mall in Jumeirah 3 Beach road. The opening marks the launch of its second CSR initiative to support the brand development and business start-ups of its graduates.

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10 THINGS TO DO

EXPLORE A WORLD OF BOOKS The capital shines the spotlight on the literary world with the return of the Abu Dhabi Book Fair. Now on its 24th edition, leading scholars and writers will host discussions about the works of famed Arab poet, Abu Attayeb Al-Mutanabbi. Other featured authors include the celebrated Canadian short-story author Alice Munro and the influential Lebanese musician Charbel Rouhana, who will be present at the fair to sign copies of his latest album, Tashweesh. With Sweden being the festival guest of honor, expect

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sessions on the popular Swedish-noir fiction genre with best-selling author Kristina Ohlsson. The Abu Dhabi Book Fair will begin on April 30 and will run for one week at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center. Check out www.adbookfair.com for more information.

SING WITH SARAH GERONIMO Pinay pop superstar, Sarah Geronimo, will serenade the capital with her biggest hits.

The young singer who shot to stardom after winning a reality singing competition is bringing her world tour titled Perfect 10 exclusively to the UAE in the Middle East on April 24 at du Forum in Yas Island, Abu Dhabi.

Tickets cost Dh80, for more information, log on to www.ticketmaster.ae.

5 WATCH LIONEL RICHIE PERFORM

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The legendary multi-Grammy-award singer Lionel Richie will be in the UAE for a one-night only musical affair. The 64-year old singer/ songwriter with more than 100 million albums sold worldwide will return to the Middle East for an electrifying concert on April 17 at the Dubai Media City Amphitheater. Tickets range from Dh295 to AED 1,500 at www. timeouttickets.com. For more info, call 04368 9977.

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LIBERATE YOUR IMAGINATION WITH THE IMAGENEERS This production by the Vegas-based Le Petit Cirque will use 11 acrobats to tell the story of a man trying to decipher his dreams against a giant IMAX backdrop amid the pulsing beats of techno. The show is directed by the former Cirque du Soleil artist, Alexander Stroynov. The troupe will be led by the Kosovo-born dancer and acrobat Halil Gashi, who spent three years performing in The Beatles LOVE by Cirque du Soleil. The Imageneers will be performing at the Meydan IMAX Theatre from April 17-19. Tickets are priced from Dh150 and are available on platinumlist. net.

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10 THINGS TO DO

JOIN THE KID’S FILM FESTIVAL

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The Children’s International Film Festival provides a platform for the children of UAE to express their infinite creativity through the medium of motion pictures. Participants will take part in the nationwide inter-school Filmmaking Competition and will screen award-winning, inspiring films from all across the world in the International Films section. The film festival is happening from April 24 to May 2 at Mall of the Emirates. Tickets to the show are sold at VOX Cinemas only. For more information, call 055-6073372.

JOIN THE MARATHON

The Dubai Desert Road Run is a sports event that allows you to follow your progress throughout the year and socialize with fellow runners. The race takes place several times during the year, so runners can keep track of their progress. Participants are able to enter a single run or register for as many dates as they wish. A running event for both social and experienced runners, it is happening on April 26 at the 7he Sevens Stadium. For more information, call 055-8894568.

ENJOY FRIDAY BRUNCH AT DUSIT Combining three of the hotel’s restaurants – Benjarong, PAX and The Californian – Dusit Thani Dubai’s Friday Brunch features an extravagant feast of delicacies.

Enjoy a truly memorable dining experience! AED 210 per person with soft drinks and chilled juices.

AED 250 per person with house beverages. For reservations and inquiries, call +971 4 317 4515 or e-mail dine.dtdu@dusit.com.

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MONEY

Saving up for vacation by francisco J. colayco

Go on vacation without busting the bank. It just takes a bit of planning and saving.

T

his time of the year is your regular family vacation.

You should h a v e planned for this at least one year ago complete with budgets, savings plan, and investments. You should have followed my advice of the past years to invest monthly and regularly in a mutual fund specifically to pay for your vacation plans. If you did, congratulations on your determination and your discipline!

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But you must be wondering how can I say this when the Net Asset Value (NAV) of your choice mutual fund could be down in value versus your purchase price. Almost all mutual funds at this point in time as I write this article in end March 2014 have a relatively lower NAV. Generally, it is the time to buy more shares. It is not the time to sell your shares to get money for your vacation.

cost. Unfortunately, it is possible that you might feel that all my advice was wrong.

Your family might be very upset that you don’t have the money to pay for your dream vacation. But I also hope you took my advice to explain your plan to your family from the start. Remind them now about what you explained to them as you started on your investment in a mutual fund for the purpose of your vacation.

I assume you remembered my warning that there is no guarantee on the NAV of any mutual fund. NAV goes up and down.

Well and good if the NAV today of the fund you chose is higher than your purchase

Whatever the case, don’t despair! Think up of a much simpler vacation. Maybe, you can use one or two weekends enjoying activities near your home that you don’t normally do.

The whole objective of a vacation is for the

MONEY

4) Look for the freebies connected to your credit card usage, but make sure you know how to manage your credit card bill. The last problem you want is credit card debt— but that’s another whole subject matter.

whole family to relax together for a longer period of time. Define a long weekend vacation together with the entire family.

The main rules are: 1) Absolutely no housework or homework.

2) Each family member can elect a family activity who will truly make him/her happy.

3) Everybody has to agree to positively join in that family activity. No grumbling.

4) The family activity has to be within a financial budget to be set depending on the funds available.

Since you are now in a hurry to raise funds for a simpler vacation, you can try some possibilities: 1) Search for quick sources of income. Look around your house for items that you do not use and can sell. It may not be much but you would be doing yourself a favor by giving yourself more room in your house in addition to a little more pocket money for your little vacation. Involve your entire family.

2) Stop going to the grocery or market and eat only what you have in your house.

Check what you can do with all the leftovers and everything you have in bottles no matter how funny these might be.

3) Remember the need to diversify your risks? Perhaps, you have another savings fund set aside for another objective like for

example, the purchase of a car. If your other savings objective can wait and if the value of your other savings funds will not result in a loss if you sell, perhaps you can borrow from the fund. I say this because you may have shares of a good mutual fund meant for your vacation and you just can’t sell it right now. When the NAV is better, you can sell your shares and return the amount to your other savings fund.

During this year’s simple vacation time, prepare for next year’s vacation so that you are all on a positive note of hope. Follow all or some of the following: 1) Draft another spending plan for your next vacation. Perhaps, you can look forward to a bigger budget vacation because you already have some unused money from your unsold mutual fund shares. When you have your next vacation plan and budget, check the NAV of you mutual fund and sell the shares when you have your targeted budget amount so that you are sure you will have your next vacation.

2) Run down all your monthly expenses, like cellphone, electricity, water. The little you can save by turning off the lights, being more conscious about water and mobile usage adds up!

3) Lessen eating out. Eating out--even at fast food places—will cost you. Cooking and eating at home will definitely be more cost effective.

As you see, there are many ways to plan your vacation and at the same time be ready in case plans don’t work out. Again, what is important is you find time to bond with your loved ones and “re-charge” your batteries.

After all, you need to do a good job to earn more money for next year’s vacation!

Meanwhile, I want to encourage you to join www.onewealthynation.com. You will learn so much at your own choice of time for such a small amount. As an OWN Community member, you will get books, seminars and so many other educational tools.

Make saving for holiday a fun, family activity 1. Keep a colorful chart in a special place in the house where you can track contributions and watch the amount add up.

2. Keep the money in a special account or in a specially decorated jar or can.

3. Make a ritual of out making weekly contributions and recording the additions in your chart. Motivate each other by measuring how close you are to meeting your goal. Remember how excited you were whenever you measured your height and saw that you grew? You get the idea.

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LAW

ATTY. BARNEY ALMAZAR

Whether you are working to live or living to work, it is important that you know your rights as an employee in the UAE. Employer-employee relationship in the emirates is primarily governed by Federal Law No. 8 of 1980 or commonly known as the UAE Labor Law. Although Article 63 talks about minimum wage, the Minister of Labor and Social Affairs has yet to propose a minimum wage. Until this happens, the employers and employees are on their own to agree on what constitutes as acceptable pay. With the government not interfering

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on the amount of remuneration, it is up to the job market to put a price on labor.

Employees representing the labor supply would definitely want the highest wage possible while the employers, on the other hand, representing the demand side will push to have the least salary expense on their income statement.

Landing your dream job People come and go in the UAE. New companies open and employees move to their next job. In a playing field where the respective bargaining powers of employers and employees are left by the government to Adam Smith’s invisible hand, how could the labor laws help you get your dream job?

LAW

It all starts with pre-employment. A common misconception is that issues arising before one becomes employed are not covered by Labor Law. Even if an employee is not yet hired, he is already covered by the law. For example, Article 18 prohibits demanding or accepting a commission or material reward for arranging recruitment--whether before or after his recruitment. It prohibits receiving payment for any expenses related to his employment.

If your potential employer is requiring you to pay for your recruitment cost or is charging an application or processing fee, you should take that as a warning and look for another employer. Your potential employer has already violated the law even if you are not yet under his employment. It is only logical to expect worse when you are already under the company visa sponsorship.

Salary negotiation: Balancing basic wage and allowances Your monthly salary of AED10,000 is broken down into Basic Wage: AED6,000 Transportation: AED1,500 Housing: AED2,500 Since you are getting the full AED10,000 every payday, should the breakdown matter?

UAE, salaries are non-taxable. Moreover, for OFWs registered with Overseas Workers Welfare Association, salaries earned outside the Philippines are not subject to Philippine income tax. Other nationals may be subject to income tax in their home countries for income earned in the UAE. Under Article 134, the wage which is considered as basis for computation of the end of service gratuity shall not include any allowances. In addition, overtime pay computation is likewise based on basic wage only. Thus, in the example above, the basis of gratuity pay will be AED6,000 since allowances will not be considered. If you are an OFW in the UAE, it will be beneficial if you will negotiate your basic salary to be AED10,000 instead, without any allowance.

Probationary period is not mandatory If you are good at what you do, why would you give up your seniority and move to a new company and be subject to a probationary period? Standard employment contracts often provide for a probationary period but this is not mandatory as the law only permits this as an option. According to Article 37, the employee may be appointed for a probationary period not to exceed six months. During this period, your continued employment is not guaranteed so it will be at your advantage if you can shorten or skip the probationary status.

It depends.

In a jurisdiction where salaries are taxed, employees would prefer to have part of his wage classified as non-taxable allowances.

This tax shield will give the employee a bigger take-home pay. However, in the

Employment contract must be regularly updated

of course that its terms and conditions do not contravene the law. Even if you sign a waiver, such waiver will be void if you will get less than what the law provides.

Every time you are promoted or given salary increments, always request your employer to execute a new contract, or at the very least, put your promotion or any change in your employment status in writing.

Remember, Article 134 states that gratuity shall be computed on the basis of last wage which you were entitled to. If you do not have a new contract reflecting your new salary and your employer claims otherwise, proof of burden is on your side.

Dual Employment Rights Those working in multinationals may find themselves working in different jurisdictions, either being seconded or placed on a temporary assignment whereby the employee will have several employment contracts. It is wrong to think that employment contracts executed by seconded employees and thereafter submitted to the authorities for the purpose of UAE visa processing have no binding effect. If an employee executes several contracts under different jurisdictions and conflict arises, the same will have to be resolved in favor of the employee. Thus, the employee may take advantage of whichever jurisdiction has more generous employment benefits.

Both employers and employees should abide the labor laws, but it is never illegal for employees to use the same laws to their advantage.

Your employment contract is the law between you and your company, provided

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SPIRITUALITY

I t’s Summertime…

Make Make the Living Easy!

By BO SANCHEZ Many years ago, I saw the beauty of America. I really went around the country.

In a span of 13 days, I took 13 flights. I absorbed the sights, the smells, the sounds.

And I met Filipinos there who told me, “Bo, we’re in paradise here.” When I flew back home, from the airport, I headed straight to Calamba to give a retreat. The retreat house was right beside Mt. Makiling and overlooking Laguna de Bay. And the vista was gorgeous. Breathtaking!

As I stood on the view deck of the retreat

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house, it hit me: We don’t know how beautiful our country is. We appreciate America but we don’t appreciate Calamba.

Why? Because from Manila, America is 13 hours away by plane. From Manila, Calamba is just 1 hour away by car. Calamba is too close, too available, too familiar.

That day, I made a deliberate decision to do nothing else but appreciate the beauty around me.

Yes, it’s much more fun in my country of birth, where I’ve lived all my life. I believe

it’s so much fun here not only because the Philippines—all its 7,107 islands—is blessed with the most picturesque of tourist destinations. And not to mention, we are forever a smiling, truly hospitable people.

The Philippines is the place to be because Filipinos, even amid life’s trials and tribulations, enjoy life. It’s a kind of joy rooted from our faith that God takes good care of us.

SPIRITUALITY

But once upon a time, I didn’t believe in enjoying life. Suffering, yes. Enjoying, no.

I almost felt it was a sin to enjoy.

Why? I believed that the mark of the holy person was suffering and that the mark of a sinner was pleasure.

Thanks be to God, my thinking has changed.

Today, I believe that one very important way of thanking God for His blessings is enjoying those blessings. (The other important way of thanking God is by sharing your blessings with others.) The Bible says that God richly supplies us with all things to enjoy. (1 Timothy 6:18) Don’t apologize for your blessings.

Don’t be ashamed of your blessings.

Instead of being ashamed and apologizing for your blessings, proclaim the Blesser!

Isaiah 63:7 says, I will tell of the kindnesses of the LORD, the deeds for which he is to be praised…

Has God been kind to you?

If you have a family, if you have a home, if you have food on your table, then tell of the kindnesses of God.

Savor Life Today, I’m trying to perfect the art of savoring life. Of tasting. Of relishing. Of appreciating. Of delighting. Of slowing down. Of smelling the flowers.

More and more, I’m realizing that slow is better than fast.

So “be”.

Be here, now. Live in the present moment.

Feel the beauty and grandeur of this slice in history and enjoy it. Linger. Luxuriate.

Live in Kairos, Not Just in Chronos Greeks have two words for time. One word isn’t enough.

First was chronos. And that’s what we’re familiar with. Chronos is measurable time.

It’s the time told by a clock on the wall or a watch on your wrist.

Second is kairos.

Kairos cannot be measured. Because kairos is now. It’s indivisible. Kairos isn’t the past or the future. Kairos is the “now”—that special “now”—that is right in front of you.

I believe that though you can’t control chronos, you can expand kairos by practising to be more present in your “now”.

The Bible says, “This is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.”

(Psalm 118:24).

The Bible didn’t say, “Yesterday was the day” or “Tomorrow will be the day” but “This is the day.” Now! I’ve noticed that some people in rural areas still live in kairos.

One day, I took a trip to a smallish town down south. I noticed that people there have all the time in the world. I was walking on the street, and total strangers would chitchat with me. They were not in a hurry.

I’m realizing that single-tasking is better than multi-tasking. By focusing on one thing, I do a better job and I enjoy it more!

One woman, who gave me the most beautiful toothless smile, asked me where I came from and what I was doing there. I told her my busy schedule.

Friend, you’re a human being, not a human doing.

Then I asked her, “And how’s your life?”

She told me stories about her husband, her five kids, her in-laws, even her grandfather’s ingrown toenail problem.

And I noticed that the toothless woman was happy.

4 Ways of Living In a DVD player, there are four buttons: eject, rewind, fast forward, and play. These four buttons represent the four ways people live their life.

First are those who live by the “eject” mode.

They just want to escape. And they escape through their vices and addictions. They’re running away from life.

Second are those who watch their life using the “rewind” mode. They can’t move forward. They can’t forget the pain of the past. They’re stuck in their traumas and are always miserable.

Third are those who live in the “fast forward” mode. They are so busy. They are always in a rush. They go here and there, doing this and doing that, and they have no time to understand or appreciate the “movie” of their life.

Fourth are those who live in the “play” mode. These are the people who savor life. These are the people who enjoy life to the full. These are the people who are the happiest of them all.

Friend, play!

Savor life. Simplify pleasures. Strengthen relationships. Show gratitude. And share generosity.

It’s summertime. Make living easy.

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ONLI IN THE PILIPINS

Pasalubong: More Fun in the Philippines

By ABY YAP

So, you’ve been here, done that. You climbed Mount Apo, skinny-dipped in Bora, and toured the tiangges of Manila. Nice. You learned some Tagalog phrases, even a few Ilocano cuss words. Oops. You hung on for dear life riding the infamous patok jeepney and survived a videoketagayan session with the neighborhood tambays. Congratulations, sounds like you’ve had a grand time in the Philippines.

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ONLI IN THE PILIPINS

Then why are you bringing dull souvenirs to family and friends back home? You having all the fun and them having five key chains each is utterly unfair. We Filipinos demand justice! Show them what Pinoy pasalubong is really made of and let them discover why it’s always more fun in ‘Pinas.

• Balut

• Lechon

• Banana Ketchup

There’s a reason why we’ve come to be known as the land of the brave and strong (knees). With eyes wide open, we can eat an unborn duckling complete with the beak, feather, and bones—yes, the yucky stuff—without our stomachs turning upside down, exclaiming “Yummy!” the way Coco Martin does it. Dare your pals to devour baluuuut and see who’s the most fearless of them all.

Want your loved ones to experience our vibrant fiesta spirit? Then serve them the centerpiece on every party table in town, the roasted pig (preferably with the apple still in its mouth for a picture-perfect photo op). Its mouthwatering shiny, brown skin— with or without Mang Tomas, our national lechon sauce—will leave them begging you for more. And you’ll find yourself back here sooner than you expect.

Anybody who loves experimenting in the kitchen would be thrilled to have a bottle of this one in their cupboard. Can you imagine French fries or cheeseburgers with banana and NOT tomato ketchup? Who would have thought! This is just between us, but it’s in fact the secret ingredient of the much-celebrated Filipino-style sweet spaghetti. Shhh. You can ask any Pinoy for the recipe.

• Rainmaker

• Malong

• Sto. Niño

Could this be the reason why we’re a favorite stop-over of the likes of Ondoy and Yolanda? No one knows. But shaking this Palawan bamboo tube, which holds teensy weensy pebbles and shells, might help to summon the rain when you get too hot and sweaty. If it fails, you might as well enjoy the rainmaker’s beat as you perform the JLC rain dance.

Behold the magic of the malong from Mindanao! Designed to be a tube skirt, it can transform into anything that you need in an instant: a picnic mat for outdoor rendezvous, a blanket should you feel sleepy, a hammock for your little kids, a cloak to keep you warm and/or hidden, and even a dressing room for a quick costume change. It’s the ideal gift for explorers.

• Chicken Joy

• Bagoong

The jolly bee isn’t paying us to promote them, but what to do yanni? We can’t resist the temptation of the ultimate Pinoy pride chicken. The aroma of this finger food alone will render anyone hungry and greedy for juicy-, crispy-, and oily-licious fried chicken skin. (What cholesterol?) To taste is to believe. So, buy a bucket or more and grab some extra gravy.

For the uninitiated, this fermented fish or shrimp looks weird and smells so bad that you might be thrown out of the plane if you are found out having it in your carry-on.

(Take this as a warning. Seal the container carefully and you’re safe.) But bagoong tastes so heavenly! Your beneficiaries would be forever grateful to you especially when they eat it with sour carabao mangoes. Stop drooling.

What would be a more appropriate something—or someone—to remember us by than a statue of the child Jesus whom we’ve embraced as one of our own since 1521? He has become such a dear cutie kababayan through and through that you’ll see him dressed up in Barong Tagalog or Ifugao loincloth, as a student/scout/ farmer/carpenter/ fisherman/driver/ teacher/singer/ dancer/basketball player/NBI agent, and even as Superman or Pacman.

• Barrel Man Unlike Machete, he’s no macho and won’t come alive (and therefore will save you the trouble of contriving a fantastic explanation how the unthinkable can happen). But this little, unassuming Mr. Woody from Baguio has got a mighty big surprise for everyone. He’s out to shock the squeamish and amuse the rest of the clan.

Simply lift the barrel and taaaran! Don’t blink.

• Lucky Charms Medallions to give you immunity to bullets and knives, candles to keep your love life on fire, crystals to help you think like a genius, herbs to cure falling hair, chants to ward off nosy relatives and/or the dark force, and more! You’ll surely unearth a present for everyone on your list in Quiapo’s haven of odd treasures. Advise them not to take it seriously, though.

Don’t judge us. We’re not making fun of Sto. Niño. We’re just sharing with him our faith and dreams, customs and quirks—everything we are. He’s part of the family, after all.

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ON THE PROWL, IN THE KNOW

Sandstorm Troopers

By Kristine Abante – Dubai

By Kristine Abante – Dubai

It’s official. The Geekdom has expanded its empire in the Desert city. As the 3rd year of Middle East Film and Comic Con concludes this month, kids of all ages, shapes and characters came to celebrate what is turning out to be the biggest pop culture festival this side of the world.

Like most things in Dubai, it didn’t take the organizers much time to step up their game. With the international panel led

by Hollywood boy wonder Seth Green, whom I know from Buffy, the Vampire slayer days, (yes I’m that 90s-kid), it will be no surprise if next year’s con will bring in more A-list geekiness.

Of course, no Comic Con in any galaxy will ever be complete without a trace of the legendary Star Wars. Storm troopers were everywhere this year, turning into sandstorm-troopers, and the rest of crew like good ol’ Darth Vader and Yoda found themselves right at home in traditional

My Climb to the Top

ghutras and kanduras. Y0u might have actually believed that George Lucas spent some lost years of his adolescent in the Middle East.

I can go on and on about all the cool things, but what I find interesting in the Middle East Film and Comic Con is how they seem to have adopted a western concept and neatly folded it into their own unique identity so seamlessly and so quickly. Even though it might not be in the same league (yet) as the original San Diego convention, it will always be a unique affair, and we are all lucky to have it right next door.

As I contemplate wearing a costume next year, (the way I always do every year but never really get on it), I also realize the greatest part of this whole thing for me, and perhaps all the other kids-at-heart out there, is the opportunity to forget about being an adult for a while. For a few hours, we get to put on my favorite sneakers and play outside with the strange kids from the neighborhood.

Till next year MEFCC! May the force be with you.

Follow Kristine @ band-aid-blues. blogspot.ae

The idea of traveling and adventure was thrilling though but I doubted my strength and wondered if I was capable of walking almost all day, so I kept delaying our plans.

walking before I felt tired due to the uneven, rocky, semi-steep trail. I had not even reached the starting point and I was already thinking of going back.

In 2013, I decided that I should be more courageous, to go ahead and start scratching things off my bucket list. One of which is hiking. My buddy was more than happy to join and document my first climb to Mt. Batulao in Nasugbu, Batangas.

But something in me wanted to finish this trail and though I was slow, I was determined.

By Les Fiestan-Riyadh, KSA

A few years ago, my college buddy asked if I wanted to go on a day hike, I was interested but at the same time I wondered about the long hours of trekking I had to endure.

I expected it to be full of trees and rocky, muddy grounds.

Worst of all, I was scared of encountering a snake along the way. My college buddy mentioned his encounter with a small snake during one of his climbs and that was stuck in my head.

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We left Manila at around 5am and headed to Nasugbu by bus which took two hours and then took a 15-minute bumpy tricycle ride to the village where we started our walk.

I can’t remember how long I had been

I realized that as I reached a higher level and every peak I passed, I started to forget how tired I was because to the amazing view and the cool breeze. When I was near the summit, other hikers cheered me on “Kaya mo yan Ma’am, ang layo na ng narating mo, konti nalang” (You can do it Ma’am! You’ve come this far, just a little more.) And with just a few more steps I managed to reach

ON THE PROWL, IN THE KNOW the top! It was a gratifying feeling. Given my weight, I knew some hikers doubted that I’d ever reach the top.

I couldn’t believe I managed to finish with no wounds or any bruises. I was exhausted, and it really pushed and tested my faith and courage especially when I unexpectedly had to rappel down an almost vertical trail. Though it was a long day for both my friends -- since I had to catch my breath almost every 10 steps on the way back -- I was truly grateful that they were around to motivate, guide laugh, document/capture my first ever hiking trek.

Photo Credits: Raphael Oliver Jubida, Jr. & Eugene Flor Ulpindo Follow Les - http://lesfiestan.multiply.com/, http://lesfiestan.daportfolio.com/

an onslaught of whitening products in the market endorsing all types of whitening soaps fueling this incessant desire of naturally tanned Filipinas to get fairer. This leads me to another disturbing realization.

Do Filipinas think that they are not naturally beautiful until they achieve paper white skin? Do they think that our enviable caramel colored skin is considered ugly?

I AM BEAUTIFUL CAMPAIGN

By Anna de Leon - Dubai

Dove Philippines recently took a survey and asked women about their least favorite body part and the average response time was 2 seconds. However, when asked about their best assets, the average response time was longer. From the survey, they found out that only 7% percent of Filipinas think that they are beautiful. That is an alarming statistic, don’t you think?

Prior to seeing this campaign, I noticed

Growing up I was surrounded by mestizos.

Being naturally tanned, I did feel slightly jealous of their fairer complexion. I toyed with several “papaya soaps” but as I got older I realized just how lucky I am to have been blessed with my skin color.

Now that I am blessed with a teenage daughter, telling her how lovely she is in all her morena glory is a responsibility that I take to heart. I am a mother; it is my responsibility to help her realize her natural beauty and not to conform to what the billboards dictate. It’s easier to conform than to stand out.

I believe that embracing your beauty starts with accepting what you are born with. So, I end this article with an exercise that I urge everyone to take. Look in the mirror, stare at yourself and list down all the things that you find attractive about yourself and list down what you don’t like. Look at the list in the end and if the dislikes are more than the likes, then you have to re-evaluate how you see yourself. As a make up artist, I find myself constantly reminding my clients how beautiful I find them. You don’t have to wait for another person to tell you this.

Get up every morning and tell yourself that “I am beautiful.” Say it. Believe it.

Follow Anna – www.annadeleonmuastylist. blogspot.com E: annadeleon@live.com W: http://annadeleonmakeup.com T: duchess_1977 IG: annadeleon1977

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ON THE PROWL, IN THE KNOW

Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door

By Rian Miranda-Riyadh, KSA

I am not a holy person, a sinner just as most everyone is. But I do love to pray, and talk to God. I have had a deep relationship with Him for more than a decade now. Just like you, I am still on a journey of discovering the purpose of my existence. I am not trying to impose myself by urging you to read my dose of life testimonies, but I do hope you find time to see and learn whatever you can take from my stories.

Throughout history, thousands of people have reported near-death experiences that say that death is not that scary. When I was six years old, I believed I saw heaven when I drowned in an adult pool after jumping after my cousin who had a life vest on. I did not feel any fear when I jumped. Instead, I saw a radiant light and a beautiful woman who was wearing white beneath the water.

Everything was so calm and bright. Then my eyes suddenly snapped and I woke up on cold hard cement at the same time vomiting a sizable amount of water from my chest. I

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saw my mother’s terrified tear-streaked face. I learned that I died for 8 minutes. That experience has left a tangible effect on me to this day.

My favorite prayer goes, “I’m totally, completely, and perfectly loved.” I say this plenty of times a day. It heals my body. It heals my emotions. It heals my spirit. I do my best to rise above the pain I am going through. Why? Because feeling loved is the deepest need of my entire being. I share the emotion everyday not only with the people I love but also to those who seem hard to love. I do not expect them to return the same kindness or affection, because I focus on the prize that waits in Heaven.

Have a blessed Lent everyone.

Follow Rian - Instagram: msrianmiranda, Youtube: www.youtube.com/rianmiranda

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