ILLUSTRADO Magazine Aug 2008 by Illustrado Magazine

The Magazine for the International Filipino

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AUGUST 2008

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PINOY NOSTALGIA

THE LIFE & TIMES OF JUAN DE LA CRUZ 100 YEARS OF U.P. GIVE MORE TO GET MORE ROMINA DIAZ: LOVING LORING FASHION: PAST PRESENT IN THE NAME OF KAPINOYAN ANNIE B. CHRONICLES

The Philippine Eagle (Pithecophaga jefferyi) is one of the rarest, largest and most powerful birds in the world; one of the great predators in the sky together with the Harpy and Crested Eagles of the Americas. This raptor, also known as ‘Haribon’ or ‘Haring Ibon’ (meaning ‘bird king’), has been declared a Philippine National Emblem in 1995.

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SOON IN THE PHILIPPINES

EDITOR’S NOTE

Noong bata pa ako… I remember spending afternoons in our paternal grandparents’ cool and dark living room, under the constant whirr of a large postwar ceiling fan, sitting on solid Narra chairs while watching old (even then) black and white films from LVN and Sampaguita studios. There would always be a Nida and Nestor starrer, re-runs of Manang Biday with the youthful Gloria Romero, more comedies with Chiquito, Aruray and Bella Flores and of course, our favorite then, the slim young Dolphy with his ‘magic plantsa’. Towards the end of the day, we would hang out in our lolo and lola’s huge sari-sari store, which sold all manners of things - from rice, snacks, beverages, stationery supplies and hardware, fruit and vegetables, kerosene and all types of herbs imaginable. There and then, you could buy 25 centavos worth of cooking oil, to be brought home in a recycled Blend 45 glass. We would be treated to a merienda of Sarsi or Pop Cola and some mamon or hopia, and if we were really good, we’ll be allowed to dip into one of the many garapons in the store for candy or some other sweet treat. During the weekends we would spend time with my maternal grandmother who lives in a place we loosely refer to as ‘bukid’. There my brother and I, including some neighborhood kids would while away our time chasing tutubis, playing cooks with our palayok-palayukan sets, while pounding gumamelas to extract make-believe cooking oil. It’s in the same ‘bukid’ where we spent summers playing on mountains of hay after the harvest, and a lot of rainy days splashing in the muddy rice fields, collecting kuhol, and at one time boating on a makeshift raft when a storm deluged the green farms turning it into something that looked more like a huge lake. I remember these and more with delight, every time I go

back home. Even though the ‘bukid’ has now become a subdivision full of bungalows, and there’s no more trace of our homegrown classic films on TV. I can still hold on to that certain feeling, even as I look, with a tinge of sadness, at the old dilapidated family home on the street, that for a time, defined the entire neighborhood around it. It’s a feeling that’s as warm as sepia – a memory of the more innocent times when the world seemed more ‘gentle’. Memories are good; they tide us over the most difficult, most tedious, even the most monotonous of times. It keeps us sane in this sometimes insane world. And at its most basic gives us certain moments of simple pleasure. Certainly the vivid memories of playing in the rain, and the thought of sipping mainit na kape while you watch the downpour outside your window should refresh your mind while you endure of the scorching heat of the Gulf summer. Can you feel the monsoon chill with me? And bring you some vivid memories we will in this issue, as we take you through the Life and Times of Juan dela Cruz a.k.a. Pinoy, as well as Pinoy Nostalgia. We also talk about our country’s premier university’s centennial birthday, and take you back in time with vintage style in our fashion pages. Even girl-about-town Annie B. gets to reminisce in this issue’s episode of ‘Blast from Da Past’. So here’s to a gentle summer, I hope you would enjoy, with a glimpse of scenes from home and fond memories of old, in the magazine that has become the reflection of the Filipino dream. LALAINE CHU-BENITEZ Publisher and Editor-in-Chief

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Send your letters to: editor@illustrado.net

find real stories, tips and news features that make you feel you’re at home and make you think of striving more, and working harder for your future and your loved ones. Jovito Lanuza a.k.a Remos Supremo- Airsoft Team, UAE …………………….. Dear Illustrado,

Thank you for celebrating Filipino Independence Day with us with a big issue loaded with great Pinoy stuff! Joseph Candaba, Dubai ……………….. Dear Illustrado, I’m very pleased to see how your ‘Successful Pinoy’ column is growing and becoming more and more informative. The discussion on salary in your June issue was a real eye opener. It’s true, most of the time our shyness (especially when it comes to asking for things) always proves as a hindrance towards getting what we truly deserve. Of course, your Kabuhayan section always gives out interesting ideas for people like me who dream of running their own business someday. Thank you for giving us such thoughtful educational articles that will guide us in making a better future for ourselves. Best, Amelie Ann Gonzaga, Dubai ……………………… To ILLUSTRADO MAGAZINE, There are lots of magazines that we can find nowadays in some bookstores, but very few of them have contents that are useful and at the same time remind us to be proud of being a Filipino. I find ILLUSTRADO MAGAZINE as the best Filipino Magazine ever! Unlike other Filipino magazines that are full of gossips and publicity about movie stars, the ILLUSTRADO MAGAZINE is different and extra special. Here you can

I just want to thank you for continuously creating a magazine that serves to open my eyes and lot of our kabayans, to things that are going on in the world and back home that we normally don’t hear about - specially on the talented Filipino people. From your Famous Filipinos, to your Successful Pinoy and Kabuhayan columns, and especially Filipinisms (Annie B. and Onli in Da Pilipins), it’s a magazine that informs as thoroughly as it entertains. Well done to your entire team – keep up the great work! Cheers, Susan Lansangan, Sharjah …………………….. I’m one of the loyal buyers of your great magazine. Ever since I found out that there is a good quality Filipino magazine being sold here in the Middle East, I just couldn’t stop buying it. I haven’t missed any issue since March. I really love reading it, especially because it gives me information about putting up a business in the future. It gives me inspiration to think of something to earn more. Thank you for giving us the right motivation. Mindy Veneracion, Ajman ………………………… Dear Illustrado, I’ve been reading Illustrado sometime now, being an admirer of your meaningful articles and very attractive features. I just happened to bring the magazine to work one day and was quite surprised at the way a few of my colleagues reacted. They were very impressed with the beautiful Filipina featured in your fashion column and were shocked to see the great places you have in the travel section. They couldn’t believe that the Philippines is such a beautiful country – probably because we never see anything good about the Philippines whether on TV or the newspapers.

Anyway, what can I tell you? Of course, I was a very proud Pinoy that day. I really enjoyed all the good words my colleagues had to say. It really makes a difference when you hear people taking about your country in such a nice way. Proud Pinoy, Oskee Valdez,Jebel Ali …………………………………………. Dear Ms Editor, As one of your readers, I’m so happy to have this very informative, interesting inspiring and entertaining magazine. I have learned a lot from it and relieves my homesickness because I feel parang nasa Pilipinas lang ako when reading funny and happy features, lalo na ang ’The adventures of Annie B. in Dubai’. Nakakaaliw at nakakatawa!!……… More power Illustrado, Beverly T. Dagohoy, Dubai ………………………………….. It’s really good to know that there is one Filipino magazine for us expats here in the Middle East. It’s very hard to be away from our families but with Illustrado giving us information and stories in your features section, tips for business in Kabuhayan, and a load of laughs in Filipinism, I know our homesickness is lessened. BTW, thank you for featuring the Hotdog Band in you June/July issue. I’ve been a fan of the group since I was in high school. More power to your magazine, keep up the good work. Rock on! Mel Bulosan ……………………………… Dear Editor, Thumbs up for a job well done. Illustrado is doing great! I feel so inspired and motivated every time I read your editorials and I know that there a lot more inspiring articles to come. Your June/July issue made me feel so proud to be a Filipino. Being here in Dubai for quite sometime now, we tend to forget how it feels to be nationalistic. But your magazine reminds us that we are unique Filipino and that we have a lot of great things to share to the world. Anita Caluag,Dubai

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CONTRIBUTORS

Victor Sollorano Victor Sollorano is a senior editor of BusinessMirror. He has lived in Bangkok, Thailand, for more than a year, doing fine art photography, and in Europe for eight years where he did freelance writing, editing and photography for local and international organizations. Prior to that he has worked as Philippine correspondent for Knight-Ridder Financial News (now defunct) and AP-Dow Jones News Service, as well as various Philippine dailies. He has held exhibitions in fine art photography in the Philippines and Thailand, and was the Director’s Choice for the Ayala Museum ArtistSpace in 2007. Victor looks at the life and times of Juan dela Cruz and speaks to foreigners about life in the Philippines in this issue.

Jeffrey ‘Ximo’ Ramos

Mikkel Bolante Assistant Editor Mikkel Bolante has been

Contributor Jeffrey ‘Ximo’ Ramos is slated to be the Filipino expats’ version of Jack Canfield of ‘Chicken Soup for the Soul’ fame. With a formula for success based on deep spirituality and sincere nationalism, Ximo strives to provide emotional support to Pinoys on the long, hard road to success. He shares his insights to anyone willing to listen, or pick up his motivational book ‘I Know What to Do – A Pinoy Success Handbook.’ In his increasingly popular column ‘Successful Pinoy,’ a series of self-help articles, he shares with us the ingredients that lead to personal triumph

interested in the publishing industry since he – along with his kuya and ate – were babyfaced conmen, with their parents and relatives the willing victims of their family newletter-slashmoneymaking cash cow. Sixteen years hence, he’s still doing the same thing; only this time, he’s armed with journalistic experience, creative ability and actual editorial output. He’s proven his versatility in his craft, with experience in several different magazine niches like fashion and lifestyle for men, teen girls and today, the nationalistic Illustrado.

Doc Marlon Pecjo Doc Marlon is one of Manila’s hot, young photographers, shooting a steady diet of fashion editorials and stylish ad campaigns. He has an edgy reputation – trained as a medical student at the University of Santo Tomas and with a keen eye and clinical sense in cutting through the clutter to present in his images his unique take on life. The cool doctor finds uncommon meanings in the most common of things, and it shows in his work on the pages of Illustrado.

Chelle Laborte Multi-talented Chelle Laborte, Illustrado’s resident Martha Stewart, was once an account manager and contributing writer at Summit Publications and a part-time teacher at the Philippine School of Interior Design. Today, she doubles as a licensed interior designer by day and an intuitive cook by night – indulging in watersports, outdoor adventure and yoga in her free time. In this issue, Chelle gives us tips on how to make the most of the steamy Gulf summer.

Janet dela Fuente

Janet dela Fuente has a natural sense for creativity, making her a perfect fit as Illustrado’s resident Manila stylist. She has worked with some of the country’s best photographers and directors, as well as other respected people in the advertising and entertainment biz. Her styling has been featured in various glossies as well as shows and events. Janet’s approach to style reflects her background in theatre, her inspirations from her many travels, her love for diverse cultures and the eclectic Manila lifestyle.

Chayie Maligalig Rosary Diane Maligalig is a social development worker and journalisthopeful who describes herself as a “pseudo-poetess.” Chayie, as she is better known as, has a dream of conquering a world that is made go round by love and peace and sharing her writing with everyone she meets as she continuously writes the story of her life.

Publisher & Editor-in Chief Lalaine Chu-Benitez Assistant Editor Mikkel Bolante Art Directors Paula Lorenzo Ron Perez Contributing Writers Philippines & U.S. Carlito Viriña Bernadette Reyes David Poarch Aby Yap Ivan Henares Gabbie dela Rama-Talan Chayie Maligalig Apple Lopez Karen Galarpe Vic Lactaoen Victor Sollorano Lorraine Balita KC Abalos JR Bustamante Excel Dyquianco Jude Cartalaba Isabelo Samonte United Arab Emirates Maripaz Febrero Giselle Estrada Dawn Almario Sonny de Guzman Antonella Andrada Shar Matingka Jonie Jose Michael Vincent Serrano Contributing Photographers Philippines Marlon Pecjo Charles Lu United Arab Emirates Pot Ph Illuminado Ong Kris Lee Mariyah Gaspacho Contributing Stylist Zekundo Chu Janet dela Fuente Publisher Illustrado Communications FZ-LLC 2nd Floor, Building 2 P.O. Box 72280 Office 20C Dubai Media City, U.A.E. Tel: + 9714 365 4547 Fax: + 9714 360 4771 email: admin@illustrado.net Website: illustrado.net Printers Delta Printing Press L.L.C. P.O. Box 37140 Dubai, U.A.E. Copyright Illustrado Communications 2008. All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission of Illustrado Communications FZ-LLC

August08 CONTENTS Features The Life and Times of Juan dela Cruz 12 Pinoy Nostalgia 16 100 Years of U.P. 18

Columns Editor’s Note 3 Letters to the Editor 4 Contributors 6 Famous Filipinos 22 Illustrado Q: Foreigners in the Phils. 24 Kabuhayan: Cinturra 28 Successful Pinoy: Negotiating Salary 32 Successful Pinoy: Give More to Get More 34 Illustrado Profile: Romina Diaz: Loving Loring 40 Community Event 60 Usapang Kanto 69 Onli in da Pilipins 70 The Annie B. Chronicles 72 Filipinisms 74

Lifestyle & Fashion Throw a Cool Summer Party 36 Fashion Past, Present 44 Rags to Riches 54 Fashion Round-Up 58

Illustrado goes back in time with today’s hottest retroinspired styles in Fashion Past, Present.

Places Pinoy Planet: Laos 62 Bakasyon Grande: Palawan 66

Entertainment This Modern Love 75 Hot Releases 77

Photography Dr. Marlon Pecjo Fashion Styling by Janet dela Fuente Makeup by Bem Abeleda Hair by Marie Sorsona Models: Ana Sideco, Girlie Benitez and Mikee Carrion - all from the Professional Models Association of the Philippines (PMAP)

10 RAINY SCENES FROM BACK HOME

RAINY SCENES FROM BACK HOME 11

12 FEATURE

The life and times of Juan dela Cruz, a.k.a. Pinoy By Victor D. Sollorano

Before Computers:

MEMORY was something you lose with age; an APPLICATION was for a job; a PROGRAM was a TV show; a CURSOR swore a lot; a KEYBOARD was a piano; a WEB was a spider’s home; a VIRUS was the flu; a HARD DRIVE was a long trip on the road; a MOUSE PAD was where rodents live; if you have a 3-1/2” FLOPPY you just hoped nobody ever finds out! —A text message received on my mobile phone in March 2007

An apple used to be a 35-centavo delight my friends and I bought at Mallari’s Grocery Store at the corner of Instruccion and Calamba in Sampaloc, Manila. In those days, the fruit came in three colors: red, green and yellow, speckled with tiny golden specks. Always crunchy, juicy and definitely mouth-watering, the apple used

to keep my existential being hanging in the balance as I savor its flesh and juice in my mouth as nothing existed anymore except for that reality, not even Marissa, Mallari’s granddaughter who was the apple (pun intended) of every boy’s eye in that neighborhood of the 60s.

These days there is an Apple that makes the Macbook among other electronic consumer products like the iPod and the iPhone. Macbooks also come in three basic colors: Aluminum silver, black and white. The Macbook starts at a basic price of around PHP80,000 and could go all the way to PHP200,000. It is used by millions of people around the world to write stories using a program called Word. (Oh, yes. A program was also a school event, usually a class presentation, or something as elaborate as a song and dance production performed in the school auditorium.) The Macbook does many other things — for such a price tag, it’s only fair. It can edit digital video and photos so you can send 30-second clips and images to friends by e-mail, or upload them to Friendster, or Multiply, or YouTube. The Macbook may not make you salivate as the 35-centavo organic apple that that now sells for PHP25 in today’s peso term, but others who see you using it in a Starbucks, or The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, or Figaro certainly would because like the coffee houses, the Macbook represents not only the training of your taste buds but your capacity to spend in this day and age of consumer culture and that translates into power. Spending power that is. We are, of course, living in an era of double-digit inflation and record levels of commodities, especially crude oil prices,

FEATURE 13

when many a consumer’s spending power has been significantly eroded. In Metro Manila, for instance, gasoline prices are raised by between PHP1 and PHP1.50 every Saturday at 12 Midnight, and will be so until local pump prices correspond to the cost of world crude oil as raw material in the production of fuel. That is why a queue of cars and jeeps are now a common sight in gas stations Fridays before midnight as motorists tank up before the gasoline prices are adjusted. (But the Asian Development Bank, a multilateral lending institution that “promotes economic and social progress in the Asia Pacific region,” according to its web site, has assured the world that global inflation will likely taper off and settle from the current turmoil in the commodities and equities markets by 2009. The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas shares the same view that double-digit inflation will prevail throughout the third quarter before retreating back to single-digit levels next year. Inflation in the Philippines hit a 14-year high of 11.4 percent last June, from the seasonally adjusted 9.4 percent in May.) If you are a gamer, you would likely be using the Mac’s cousin that, in the late 1980s through the mid-1990s, which was referred to as a clone to signify that it was actually

descended — cloned, if you will — from the original IBM computers. The Big Blue was the most dominant brand in the information technology industry, or IT, in those days when branding and infotech were unheard of household terms that they are today. There is somehow a need to explain and justify these terms and connotations in conjunction with the life and times of Juan dela Cruz, a.k.a. Pinoy. That is why terms such as penetration rate have been lost in translation from its Freudian origins of sexual denomination to a tool in the box of the marketing professional that telecommunication giants Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co., its wholly owned subsidiary Smart Telecommunication Inc., and rival Globe Telecom Philippines Inc. have been trying to unravel and raise to improve their bottomline. What this means is that the Pinoy is part and parcel of the global village — a term coined by American author and social scientist Marshall McLuhan in the early 1960s to describe how the globe has been turned into a village by the electronic mass media. This electronic mass media is actually the precursor of the term information technology, which helped deconstruct — or collapse — space and time barriers in the way humans communicate. McLuhan’s term encompassed the radio

and the television, the two basic forms of electronic mass communication prevalent in his time. Today, infotech has come to encompass almost anything and everything that has got something to do with computers, the Internet and the worldwide web. Loosely speaking that is. Social networking is an integral part of the Internet and the worldwide web, and the email has become a daily habit for hundreds of millions of people around the world. For example, Yahoo! claims to have 220 million users. Internet research company comScore says that Internet users in Asia grew 14 percent to 319 million in the first half of 2008. These days, boys and girls spend more than eight hours a day glued to their Yahoo! Messenger and having a chat with friends they were with in school earlier in the day. On weekends, they chat overnight with friends located in their own country and with others somewhere across the globe. That’s global village exactly, where people from around the world are connected online and communicating to each other through computers. Who doesn’t have a Friendster or a Multiply account, or a YouTube site these days?

14 FEATURE

As a kid who grew up in Manila’s Sampaloc district during the 1960s, my world, my village was the neighborhood.

the sides and top, and tied to a string, to create a drag-and-lift effect as you ran praying that the wind will take your bokaboka to the air.

The streets now look and feel smaller. Mallari’s is no longer there — the corner where stood the grocery store is now a rented apartment. Most of my childhood friends have moved on to pursue the lives they chose to live.

Gosh! Who plays patintero, or tumbang preso these days?

About a quarter of the friends I used to play with in the churchyard now live abroad, mostly in the US west coast. The games we played were, taguan, or hide and seek, patintero, or crossing over the line without getting caught, which are actually versions of catch me if you can. We also played tumbang preso, or prison break — another version of catch me if you can, or cops and robbers — sipa the neighborhood version of the Southeast Asian sport sepak takraw. Then there was tex, or play cards and, of course, jolens, or marbles. Sometimes we took our two wheel scooters, popularly known as the trolley, to cruise around the neighborhood. When the dragonflies were out we caught them by hand, or with a messy contraption of greasetipped ting-ting — the spine of a coconut leaf that is part and parcel of the broomstick of that material — and keep them in bottles. We also flew kites. If you didn’t have the money to buy a kite, or the patience to make one at home, you went for boka-boka — a rectangular piece of paper folded neatly at

Yes, the computer and computer games have replaced much of the games children used to play. In 1990, I bought my first computer in a shop in Robinsons Galleria’s Park Lane, that strip in the mall’s basement where the computer stores were located. The shop was more like a hole in the wall owned by a Chinese husband and wife team in their late twenties. There were a lot of technicians there and none of them, I think, had formal training. They assembled the computers based on specifications a customer ticks on a list. This was what I ordered: an ATX with a 286 processor, 40 megabytes of built-in hard drive and 2 megabytes of memory. It was in a mini-tower case. It ran on Windows 3.1, and had dual floppy disk drives — one for a 3.5-inch floppy, the other for a 5.25inch floppy. Except for a virus infection in the first month, which was cleaned by one of the technicians from the shop, there was no other incident that occurred with the computer. In 1995, when I left for Europe, I sold it to my sister for PHP5,000. The life of Juan dela Cruz, a.k.a. Pinoy, has gone through and witnessed many changes.

He used to listen to cassette tapes of his favorite music. Now he has stacks of CDs. He used to watch 35-millimeter films of Dolphy and Panchito at a neighbor’s house before his mother bought their own television set. It was black and white. Then Betamax came, only to be replaced by DVDs. In the offing are Blu-Ray discs. Whatever life has to offer, you can be sure Juan dela Cruz is ready to embrace innovation and new technology, for part and parcel of the essence of his existence is that footprint unique to his breed: flexibility. Like the proverbial bamboo in the wind, he bends with the times and can live anywhere on this planet, er, village. The world has indeed shrunk into a village, and Juan Dela Cruz reciprocates with a heart and mind that grow exponentially bigger to embrace other worlds, other cultures and other ways of thinking. He hails not far from such an existence. His beginnings, his roots, his race can be traced to the baranggay — the earliest concept of a village. Instead of Cyber space, the baranggay that carried Juan dela Cruz surfed on the waves of the blue Pacific, guided by the sun and the moon and the stars — his destiny is written by his history. He is here, there, everywhere in this global village he calls home; and the space and time he shares with the rest of humanity is the gift that is a delight to receive in this journey called life.

16 FEATURE

Pinoy Nostalgia By Mikkel Bolante

THE BAND SANDWICH’S 2008 RELEASE BETAMAX, REMINISCES ABOUT THE NOT-SO-DISTANT PAST. THE BAND SINGS “WALA PA NUNG MYX, WALA PA NUNG MTV, WALA PA NUNG INTERNET, WALA PA NUNG IPOD O MP3, WALA PA NUNG CABLE, WALA PA NUNG CELLPHONE, WALA PA NUNG CD OR DVD, MERON LANG BETAMAX.” THE SONG HAS A WAY OF BRINGING YOU BACK TO SIMPLER TIMES; BACK TO THE DAYS OF CASSETTES AND PLAKAS, OF TRUMPO, PIKO AND PATINTERO, OF TEX, SIPA AND SYATO, AND OF SOFTDRINKS SERVED IN PLASTIC. Lost in my little jaunt to my childhood memories, I wondered whether Filipinos were a nostalgic bunch. A lot of times it seems that most of us think that older is better. We love reviving what we consider in our own idiosyncratic ways are ‘classics’. Look at our television programming - you’ll see familiar titles like Maria Flordeluna (2007) and Marimar (2008). In fact, some old shows don’t even need reviving. Old cartoons like Voltes V and Peter Pan and Wendy still run in the mornings, in their original form. And our current music choices, as a country, are no different. You listen to the local radio stations and you’ll still get your dose of Air Supply and The Carpenters, while some of the more upscale stations are content with having a retro day, where songs from the 80s, 90s and early 2000s revive youthful memories for the country’s 30-somethings. Still, there are those other stations (“Kailangan pa

bang i-memorize yan?”) who have these ‘ancient’ songs on their regular run-of-theday playlist. I remember laughing at this one time when I was listening to a DJ play a countdown of top hits, with Color Me Badd’s All For Love as the first song on played. Seriously? Are we that nostalgic? It does seem odd to think that Filipinos are so nostalgic — maybe a tad too much — that instead of just allowing our old favorites to keep popping back into current culture through revivals, we actually skip a step (destroying all the possibility of a possible comeback), by making these oldies ‘goodies’ that never even left. In the interest of the matter, I decided to do a little digging on what exactly nostalgia was. Some quarters defined nostalgia as a bittersweet longing for things, persons or

situations of the past. Another defines it as the condition of being homesick. I suppose a prerequisite to nostalgia is a certain degree of misery. Looking back fondly on the past isn’t quite the same thing. And being nostalgic shouldn’t be an act. It’s a condition; a state of being. One does not attempt to be nostalgic, one simply is. Nostalgia manifests itself often when we talk about our memories. People often look back to the “good old days” or say that “they don’t make things like they used to.” The older generation complains about the music young ones listen to (“Ang ingay ng pinakikinggan ninyo!”) and the basketball we watch (“Noong panahon ko, traveling na yun eh.”). And I realize, to a certain extent, my generation does the same too. Us older kids scoffed at the way our younger cousins all went out and bought beyblades (‘plastic na trumpo’) one Christmas, and

FEATURE 17

there’s no way you can convince me that college basketball today was as good as it was back when I went to school. They don’t make things like they used to - sure. But maybe that’s not a complaint, but just an observation. Maybe things shouldn’t be made like they used to. There seems to be a strong assumption that runs deep in all our veins that the old days were the good days. Perhaps it’s the way time compassionately clouds our memories. As the years go by, the sharpness of which we remember events dull a little; and we slowly lose the memories that weren’t so kind. This phenomenon reflects when you pay a visit to a wake of a recently-departed person. You hear stories of how he was such a nice fellow, a family man, and generous to his friends. You hear of how he always worked so hard, but how he always made time for the important things in life. It all sounds like a fitting tribute to a great man, before you start to realize that no person is this perfect. But time has a way of forgiving us of our faults, and eventually, immortalizing us people and things — leaving our memories of them unblemished, if a little inaccurate.

In fact, I was able to watch on DVD some of the old cartoons of my childhood. I’ll say one observation, Thundercats had such terrible writing and I have no clue why I liked it in the first place. It was nowhere near as good as I used to remember, and sometimes I wish I never tried watching it again in my ‘old age’ (yes, twenty-something is old considering I’m talking about watching cartoons). We are fiercely protective of our memories. In the same way I refused to accept that my old TV shows weren’t really very good, so is the Filipino way of remembering the past. It was with a tinge of sadness that I watched the Crispa-Toyota reunion game, sponsored by the PBA a few years back. As I followed the heroes of yesteryears take the court, I couldn’t help noticing that despite the fact that these were some of the best and brightest of their era, this showcase was simply this — a bunch of old guys playing a poor game of basketball. Of course, I refused to accept this. I convinced myself how it was amazing they were playing the game at such a high level. I watched in awe as it wound up how old great rivalries were supposed to, with a last minute heartbreaker of a shot. I came away thinking it was one of the best played games in the history of the sport.

It’s simply the Pinoy way of being nostalgic. We grew up believing that the old ways were the best ways; that our parents, and our grandparents before them, always knew better, true or otherwise. That’s not such a bad thing. Noong unang panahon is and always will be the age of wisdom. Nobody mocks our past, and one day in the future, nobody will be allowed to mock what is currently our present. The good old days will always be good. And never too old that a little comeback couldn’t fix.

18 FEATURE

100 Years of UP

“EXCELLENCE, SERVICE AND LEADERSHIP IN THE NEXT 100 YEARS” IS THE OFFICIAL THEME OF THE UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES AS IT CELEBRATES ITS GRAND CENTENNIAL. FOR AN ACADEMIC INSTITUTION WHICH HAS HELPED SHAPE THE HISTORY AND THE VERY IDENTITY OF THE NATION, THERE IS NO BETTER WAY TO CAPTURE ITS VISION THAN WITH THESE SIMPLE BUT POWERFUL WORDS. By KC M. Abalos

I was not able to watch the kick-off event of the UP Centennial Celebrations last January 2008. I missed the pomp and the pageantry, the fireworks and the frenzy; but most of all, I missed the possibility of seeing old friends, professors and colleagues. As a former student and faculty member of Peyups, this was especially saddening. Because for most students, UP is not just a school, it’s home. This is what most people do not know about this particular academic institution, it is not just a center of learning; it is a community of individuals and groups who all strive towards more.

Celebrating Excellence This is affirmed by current UP President Emerlinda Roman. “UP is, I think, acknowledged as the leading university in intellectualizing for this country. We lead in terms of, not just disseminating knowledge, but in discovering, creating knowledge.”

Most of the presidents of the country graduated from UP. Twelve chief justices of the Supreme Court, 36 out of the 57 National Artists and 30 out of the 31 National Scientists are associated with Peyups, not to mention the various sectors where UP alum have been distinguished — like in media, business, non-governmental organizations and others. The variety of these accomplishments of individuals and groups are manifested in the numerous activities of the Centennial Commission headed by Senator Edgardo Angara and the many other events planned by the UP Campuses, alumni associations and student organizations. There was a Centennial Awards and a Grand Alumni Homecoming in June. In July, the Fighting Maroons hosted the UAAP (University Athletic Association of the Philippines). There will be an even more colorful Lantern Parade in December and one-of-a-kind collectible items for sale the whole year — like the UP Centennial 100 peso bill.

And if the system-wide celebrations aren’t enough, other UP units have their diverse ways of observing the 100th anniversary. The launch of the celebration of UP Iloilo was held during the Dinagyan Festival while UP Baguio did theirs during the Panagbenga. From coffee table book launches to various contests, the whole school year is packed with activities that will immortalize this significant year. “We need to celebrate. We need to be happy. We need to be reminded that, hey, we come from a great institution,” says Dr. Roman. “We need to feel good, we need to feel proud. We have survived. And after all this 100 years, our credibility is intact. We are deeply admired, we are deeply respected, very few institutions are like that so it should be something to be proud of.”

Level UP Much has been said about UP and its achievements. It has become an icon of intellectualism and critical thinking — a status that most institutions can only hope

FEATURE 19

to aspire for. It houses the most number of Centers of Excellence among all academic establishments in the country and has consistently been ranked as one of the Best Universities in Asia. However, as a child of the Oblation, I am first to admit that my alma mater has its own share of faults. After teaching at the Department of Philosophy in the Diliman Campus for more than seven years, I have experienced the politics, the issues and the difficulty of the remaining true to the ideals of the university. Like most institutions, it is prone to the intricacies of economy, policy and good old political pettiness. These and other issues give way to the core of the centennial celebrations this year, the Centennial Lecture Series. President Roman proudly enumerates the lectures — organized in four distinct but related classifications. The first category features the centennial fellows, insiders from UP who will do a critique of the institution which they are a member of.

“They will, of course, talk about our successes and achievements but, at the same time, they will talk about our shortcomings and our failures. It’s a self-criticism, self-reflection, [because] it’s better for us to admit to our faults,” describes Dr. Roman. The second category introduces the people who are not from UP but who have taken an interest in UP so they will give the view from outside. The roster is just as impressive: Sheila Coronel from the media, Satur Ocampo from the left, Ramon del Rosario Jr. and Washington Sycip from the business sector. The third category features very distinguished individuals who are Nobel Laureates. The last classification will show lectures of experts from and outside of UP who will talk about various issues. “The first and 2nd categories are critiques, the third category is on topics that we are experts on, and the 4th issue-oriented, global warming, poverty and the like,” explains Roman. “We would like to think that this is the centerpiece of our celebrations, the centennial lecture series — given the fact that

we are an academic institution. The others are celebration activities.”

The Next Century Forward looking as ever, the series of lectures is actually a way for the university to analyze itself as an organic whole. The objective is to determine the flaws of its structure by studying its past, and celebrating its present, so that it can forge new achievements in the future. “I think the university has done its role in emphasizing academic excellence. A university that does not aspire for academic excellence is not a university in its fullest sense. I think that UP has remained faithful to that aspiration. This we have manifested in the quality of our faculty, in the quality of our students, and the quality of our programs.” President Roman answers when asked what she considers the biggest achievement of the university.

20 FEATURE

She then adds that the fact that UP offers a whole range of courses and disciplines not found in any other university in this country is a “service to the nation.” Most universities go into programs where the demand is high so that they will, at least, recover the cost.

President Roman stresses that while she is tempted to say that the biggest challenge that the university faces is its budget, she says she will not succumb to this economic quagmire. She states that “UP has been working under severe constraints and has managed.”

She says UP dares to “go into programs that are very expensive, but for which demand is very low. An example is the Archeological Studies program. It’s an expensive program — lots of field studies, lots of lab work, but we dare go into it. Otherwise, who will take care of trying to dig deeper into our cultural identity — learning more about us, as a people, our culture, and our history?”

“I’d like to think that our problems are more strategic rather than financial. For example, one problem is have we been able to nurture in our students, a sense of country? How can we serve this country more effectively? Have we been successful in developing character in our students?”

This is a gap that Peyups fills because it owes the nation its inception and over 70% of its budget. It is a testament to the strength of UP’s will and determination to remain autonomous despite its dependence on government’s allocation of funds. In the past 100 years, UP has managed to flourish and basically do its own thing despite the passage of various administrations and cuts to its financial resources.

Iskolar ng Bayan More than the academic excellence that is demanded of us Iskolars ng Bayan, I firmly believe that it is the experience of reality that the community provides that helps Iskos and Iskas have a firmer sense of self and country. In my stay as an undergraduate student, I did not just go to class. I was able to attend the bigger classroom of life. I was not just required to read books, I was tasked to observe first hand the problems that existed and continue to exist in our society.

I did not just take exams, I had to test myself as to how I can contribute in improving the status quo. No, this does not mean that my classmates and I were required to go to rallies and protest globalization or the never-ending debate on the education budget of the current administration. The experience of reality that I am referring to is the freedom afforded to all UP students — the freedom to seek truth, the freedom to express ideas, and the freedom to act on these ideas. Now, whether or not these ideas will work is open to criticism by the community. And this transparency, this liberal exchange, this is the UP way of educating. Dr. Roman words it succinctly, “We should be able to produce graduates who feel for this country, who feel that they need to serve this country.”

22 FAMOUS FILIPINOS

Behind the Scenes

in Hollywood By Maripaz Febrero

WE’VE ALL SEEN OUR SHARE OF DISNEY’S ANIMATED FILMS THROUGH THE YEARS, BUT WHAT MOST OF US DON’T KNOW IS THAT MANY OF OUR BELOVED CHARACTERS FROM THE MOVIES — MULAN, THE LION KING, LITTLE MERMAID — WERE BROUGHT TO LIFE BY OUR VERY OWN PINOY ARTISTS AND ANIMATORS. The blue fish named Dory, who suffered from short memory loss and was voiced by famous comic Ellen Degeneres in Finding Nemo, was animated by Ginny Cruz, a Fine Arts graduate from the University of Santo Tomas. Watch the movie again and you might notice a little bahay kubo and a Mt. Mayon-like miniature volcano in Nemo’s aquarium. These were the handiwork of Nelson Bohol from Catbalogan, who tries to put a touch of Pinoy in many of the animated blockbusters he’s involved in. In another beloved animated film, Lilo & Stitch, Manila-born animator Armand Serrano included parols in little Hawaiian girl Lilo’s Christmas scene. While the award-winning animator Ruben Aquino, a 20-year veteran, breathed life into Lilo’s surfer friend David, and the lovable alien Pleakley. Another Pinoy animator, Anthony Ocampo, a Fine Arts graduate of the University of the Philippines, won the Visual Effects Society Award for his work on the Trojan horse in the 2003 television movie Helen of Troy. Over at 20th Century Fox Animation, you will find outstanding Filipino animator Jessie Romero. For the past 11 years, Jessie has worked for Fox Animation Studios, Film Roman, Klasky Csupo, Nickelodeon, Hanna Barbera, Paramount Pictures and Walt Disney TV. He was one of the few artists who were chosen to do Rugrats. Among the many other animation films Jessie has worked for are Flintstones Christmas Special, Yogi the Easter Bear, Tom and Jerry, Addams Family, Johnny Quest, Captain Planet, Power Puff Girls, Winnie the Pooh, Beauty and the Beast, 101 Dalmatians, Avengers, Darkwing Duck, Avatar, King of the Hill and American Dad.

“Bata pa ako, mahilig na akong mag-drawing,” Jessie recalls. “When I learned that Fil-Cartoons needed artists, I applied. There were several hundred applicants. Thank God, I was among the few who made it. Two of us were immediately transferred to work on Walt Disney projects.” Thanks to Jessie and other Pinoy animators, Filipinos have been regarded in the global market as excellent animators. With so much of their work out there, you might want to check the credits each time you watch a TV cartoon or an animated film. You might also want to take a closer look at the scenes, so as not to miss some Pinoy touches like a colorful jeepney, or maybe a kalabaw.

FAMOUS FILIPINOS 23

JOHNNY BRAVO

Created, Directed and Written by VAN PARTIBLE

His internet bios may not say it, but Van Partible was born in Manila and is a fullblooded Filipino according to his father, Sal Partible. So how did this Pinoy get into the Hollywood cartoon business? Van simply turned an old Saturday morning habit into a lucrative career. Remember waking up on Saturday mornings and parking yourself in front of the TV for hours of cartoons on end? Well, Van soaked up so much cartoons that it was only logical he ended up working as a cartoon animator for Hanna-Barbera. He loved to draw, copying artwork from his collection of comic books. But it wasn’t until college that he decided to pursue a career in animation. At Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, Van majored in studio arts, majoring in animation. It was here that he began work on his first animated short film, A Mess O’ Blues, about an over-the-hill rock star. After graduation in 1993, Van didn’t have the extensive portfolio or experience that studios were looking for. For several months, he worked at an elementary school in a day care program, hoping for a break. It came seven months later, when he learned about the HannaBarbera Shorts Program. Each year, Hanna-Barbera and the Cartoon Network invite the submission of seven-minute animated films. Anyone with a funny idea can submit a piece, so Van decided to give it a try. Out of hundreds of pitches, the network chose Van’s entry. Even luckier still, Van was asked by Hanna-Barbera to turn his work into a weekly cartoon series — 13 half-hour episodes of a new show, Johnny Bravo. “Johnny Bravo is a very narcissistic man. He’s kind of a womanizer. It’s basically about him and his life,” Van explained. “I just came up with this guy who doesn’t get it. He’s kind of sleazy but he has a good heart and he listens to his Mom.”

Van’s goal in making Johnny Bravo was to make the animation reminiscent of the old Hanna-Barbera cartoons. To help achieve this, he enlisted the help of the master animators who originally developed the Hanna-Barbera cartoons years ago. Even Joe Barbera himself sat in on the creative sessions as a mentor, answering Van’s questions and helping him come up with gags for the show. “The hardest challenge with making this series was finding people who can write funny,” Van says. “I eventually found this great group of people. Every single episode I watched, I laughed out loud.” Van’s advice for becoming an expert animator is to keep drawing. He says it’s important to emulate cartoonists that you like and then work on developing your own style. Johnny Bravo has captured the hearts of young and old and is one of the more popular cartoon series on Cartoon Network. For now, Van teaches animation at Loyola Marymount but looks forward to writing and directing future cartoon series that the whole world will enjoy.

24 ILLUSTRAD0 Q

Foreigners in the Philippines

Text and Photography by Victor Sollorano

FOREIGNERS WHO’VE BEEN TO THE PHILIPPINES ARE OFTEN SURPRISED BY THE HOSPITABLE RECEPTION THEY RECEIVE FROM FILIPINOS — NOT THE TOUR OPERATORS AND HOTEL WORKERS WHO ARE TRAINED IN THE RUDIMENTS OF HOSPITALITY, BUT YOUR AVERAGE FILIPINO, THE VERY SAME JUAN, OR JUANA, IF YOU WILL, THAT YOU WOULD LIKELY MEET ON THE STREETS OF MAKATI, THE COUNTRY’S PREMIERE BUSINESS AND FINANCIAL DISTRICT, OR ON BORACAY ISLAND, ONE OF THE WORLD’S MOST POPULAR TOURIST DESTINATIONS. BASICALLY, IT’S BECAUSE THE REPORTS THEY READ IN NEWSPAPERS AND SEE ON TELEVISION HAVE A PARTICULAR SLANT THAT SOME DESCRIBE AS THE KIND OF STORIES READERS AND AUDIENCES WOULD WANT TO READ AND SEE. A FAR CRY FROM THE SPONTANEOUS REACTIONS FOREIGNERS HERE GET WHEN THEY ENCOUNTER THE REAL FILIPINO. Latest numbers from the Department of Tourism show that 858,244 tourists from all over the world visited the country during the first three months of 2008, up 8.5 percent from790,888 a year earlier. Reports say that the equivalent receipts from these tourists surpassed $1 billion, and a chunk of that came from Koreans. Now, that’s encouraging.

own land in the Philippines Laws in most countries worldwide also forbid such ownership. The law, however, espouses (no pun intended) a kind of escape clause wherein property ownership by foreigners as a minority may be realized via a corporate vehicle or by way of marriage. For more on property ownership, it is best to consult your lawyer or property specialist.

What this tells us, is that there is plenty of interest out there globally in Philippines as a tourist destination. From the leisure crowd, that is.

Americans belong to the second largest group of tourists that come here from January to March. They were 156,226 strong. The Japanese came in third with 99,453. About 4 percent lower than the year earlier figures. The department did not elaborate. Those from mainland China were 48,619, and from Taiwan 31,441. They rounded out the Top 5 in tourism arrivals by nationalities for the Philippines.

Of the first quarter visitors, more than 20 percent, or 175,147, were Koreans—the largest contingency of foreigners by nationality, according to the tourism department’s report. In fact, it isn’t uncommon these days to find huge, mixed-use consumer complexes in Metro Manila that cater exclusively to Koreans. Some of the biggest resorts on Boracay island are partly owned by Koreans — by law foreigners are not supposed to

What the numbers also tell us is that despite the onslaught of negative news, the good vibes continue to thrive and attract more visitors into the country.

ILLUSTRAD0 Q 25

In this day and age, a warm smile that comes from the heart and an invitation given without a hint of selfish motive remain the winning traits of a Filipino wherever he may be. Monologists who speak only in English, of course, celebrate deep down inside. No more struggles with how to speak in… booklets just to order a glass of soda in a restaurant. They are here, the foreigners, in droves for all that and more. From looking at numbers, Illustrado Q talked to foreigners who live in the Philippines. Two distinct personalities, a Korean and a German, agreed to share their stories and insights on the Philippines. They should know a thing or two about the country. They live and work here. Korean national Lisa Naidas is the social welfare director of the United Korean Community Association in the Philippines. Naidas is a resident of the Philippines for 18 years now, being married to businessman Lito Naidas of Antipolo City. They met in the US when she was still a student. Apart from her involvement with the Korean community, Naidas is co-owner of Eastern Manila Hotel, together with her husband and son. Their business is a popular resort hotel in the hills of Antipolo that houses the iconic Las Brisas compound, a landmark that has been here since the 1960’s. What makes Koreans come to the Philippines? Geography plays a vital role in the decisionmaking process. It takes only three hours and forty minutes from Korea. Travel to Boracay and Palawan are mostly on top of many a Korean’s agenda in the Philippines. The experience of closeness to nature and warm weather are extras that don’t cost a thing. The Philippines also serves as an orientation ground for many Koreans, a place to learn and get acquainted with the ways of the Western world before heading to destinations such as the US, Canada or New Zealand. Was it difficult to adjust to a crosscultural household? Being both Asians, my husband and I did not experience any dramatic adjustments

Korean national Lisa Naidas - Social Welfare Director of the United Korean Community Association in the Philippines.

when we were in the [US]. Although it took a little effort [on my part] to adapt [to the] culture when we moved to the Philippines, I can say that I was fortunate enough to have families and friends who [were and still are] supportive.

Furthermore, the association is also preparing a directory of all Koreans who are living in the Philippines.

What plans does your community association have for the coming year?

ILLUSTRADO Q also talked to Franz Roland Odenthal, President and Managing Director of Bosch Philippines. Bosch is a global leader in tool manufacturing with more than 20 production sites located throughout Europe, North America, South America and Asia. With its global headquarters in Leinfelden, Germany, the company markets and services a comprehensive range of power tools, accessories and related products to the industrial and do-it-yourself markets worldwide.

We’re looking forward to 2009—the 6th year anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and the Philippines. The community is raring to show the world how the relationship between the two countries has developed and progressed [through the] years. We will award scholarship grants to deserving Korean and Filipino students. Social welfare activities are also planned, including medical optical and dental assistance to both missionaries and victims of natural calamities. Local and international supporters of the Korean communities will also get the recognition they deserve.

...........

Odenthal, who has also served Bosch in Venezuela and Indonesia, shares with Illustrado Q, the insights of a global corporate habitué, and a top tier executive in the world of consumer and industrial parts, equipment and supplies.

26 ILLUSTRAD0 Q

Franz Roland Odenthal, President and Managing Director of Bosch Philippines

How do you find the country and its people in professional and private terms? In general, I find Filipinos to be very diligent and dedicated workers. And since the Filipinos’ English proficiency is excellent, communication was never a problem. There is also a high level of skilled workers here: may they be accountants, nurses, lawyers and industry professionals. This is a major consideration for international corporations like Bosch. How would you describe living here? The cost of living in the Philippines— compared to Europe—is quite reasonable. The country also presents an abundance of travel opportunities for [me and] my family... Boracay and Mactan in Cebu are truly worldclass. And as an avid golfer, there are also a lot of very challenging courses to choose from. On a scale of one to 10, how would you rate the Philippines as a business center? Why?

Seven. The Philippines has a thriving economy [that emits] a very positive signal to foreign investors. The market is quite aggressive and the demand for technology is on the rise. In connection to our business lines, [overall sales in the car industry] has breached the 100,000th mark in 2007—the first time since the Asian crisis. Bosch automotive parts will definitely be needed to serve the growing needs of the country’s motorists. Secondly, with the fast-paced countrywide development, Bosch power tools technology will be available to help deliver infrastructure projects on time, within budget and according to specifications. If it was up to you, what changes would you bring into the country and its systems? In every developing country, there is the need for sufficient infrastructure —physical, political and educational. The Philippines can definitely improve its roads and bridges — and for greater accessibility — airports.

Public housing should also be an affordable commodity. The political infrastructure can also introduce some policy improvements in order for the country to be more “investorfriendly.” Finally, for the Philippines to be truly competitive in global terms, it should nurture more skilled professionals through education. This is why Robert Bosch Inc. does its part through its Class of 2010 project—our educational program for two batches of high school students in Siena College Quezon City and Taytay, Rizal. What makes the Philippines and Filipinos truly special for you? Your crispy pata. It reminds me of our Schweinshaxe back home. Your hospitality. I feel very much welcome wherever I go. The Filipino’s determination to succeed. This is a great testament to the human spirit.

DANCE AND LEISURE WEAR

First Floor Palm Strip Mall Jumeirah Beach Road PO Box 75658 Dubai UAE

04 345 4563 MeetingLoveSports@gmail.com

28 KABUHAYAN

ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Money, Assets and Investing

Cintura By Bernadette Reyes

FOR THREE YEARS AIRA FRANCO, A BUSINESS ECONOMICS GRADUATE AT THE UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES, WAS IN THE MEDICAL BUSINESS SUPPLYING CARDIOVASCULAR DEVICES TO MOST HOSPITALS IN METRO MANILA. THEN BEING ONE OF ONLY THREE DISTRIBUTORS IN THE COUNTRY, FRANCO WAS STANDING ON SOLID GROUND. A FAT PAYCHECK LANDED ON HER DESK FOR EVERY SUCCESSFUL TRANSACTION BUT EVEN THE GOOD INCOME FAILED TO GIVE HER THE SATISFACTION SHE SOUGHT AS A SUCCESSFUL FULL-FLEDGED ENTREPRENEUR. “IT’S NOT FOR ME,” FRANCO RECALLS SAYING TO HERSELF. “THE MONEY COMING IN WAS REALLY GOOD BUT I WASN’T HAPPY WITH IT. I GOT DRAINED AND I FELT I WASN’T GROWING,” SHE ADDS. In July 2007 with only PHP1,500 as capital, Franco was able to manufacture 12 belts as part of her first-ever belt collection which she sold to friends. In two weeks she was able to recoup her investment along with a modest profit which she bankrolled to produce another set of belts. She named her collection, Cintura which means “belt” in Italian. She came up with interesting names for her belts which more or less represent her designs. Corset belts are named Contessa and Regina; garter belts are named Sitrata which means “stretch” and Signorina for reversible belts. She even named one of her belts after her grandmother, Felicita. By September that same year, the business was in a full swing. Orders came in through the Internet and by referrals as her primary marketing tools. Only a year after its debut, Cintura has started to make a buzz in the local fashion industry. Local fashion magazines

such as Cosmopolitan, Preview, Seventeen and Candy have featured her belts on its pages while online fashion forums have started talking about her products and designs. Recently, her belt collection made its first-ever TV premiere when she was featured in US Girls, a lifestyle program in the Philippines. Inspite of these achievements, Franco remains humble. She says her business is still its infancy, but she takes pride in the fact that in a short span of time she already has “suki”, a steady clientele who look forward to her collections. At PHP150 to PHP950 a piece, Franco says her belt collection is the cheaper version of top fashion brands such as Topshop, Zara and Mango whose belts carry a whooping price tag. But while Cintura shares the same quality and appeal of international brands, Franco says she doesn’t copy their designs. “All designs are original. You are assured you

won’t find it in anywhere else because it’s customized,” she explains. Customers have the liberty to choose their size, pick out a color or accentuate their belts with buckles and buttons to suit their tastes. The designs are so very versatile it has captured a wide market base from the trendy youth to the old yet fashionable. Her youngest client to date is a 12-year-old student while her oldest customer is a 55-year-old mother. Her knack for business may be attributed to the business courses she took up during her college years. Basic accounting and marketing lessons helped her survive the grueling stages of the business. “I might have committed more mistakes if it weren’t for my business background,” admits Franco. But while her education has played an important role in determining her success, she believes her father is her greatest mentor. His father, Alex Franco is the proud owner of Albettie Leather

ENTREPRENEURSHIP

KABUHAYAN 29

Money, Assets and Investing

is looking at the possibility of expanding her merchandise to include overnight bags and handbags. But the holy grail for this young entrepreneur is a specialty store that will carry vintage clothes, belts and bags on its racks.

Manufacturing, the business behind the successful Alexandria brand which distributes belts in SM Malls in the Philippines. Her dad has been in the business for the last 26 years. “I have the best teacher - my dad. He regulates my designs. He knows what fits well and which material makes a good belt. He helped me a lot in the production,” she says.

Her designs are so unique that it has caught the attention of an international Filipino designer in Dubai. Inspite of the international recognition, she says exporting her products is outside her radar for now. She wants to establish a uniquely Filipino brand before going global. “I want to be a Filipino brand that will gain international recognition.” she says.

This year, her goal is to gain brand recognition as she tries to establish Cintura as a local brand. She wants women to proudly say “I’m wearing a Cintura belt.” Today Cintura belts are available via online at www.cintura. multiply.com. In the short-term though she

Franco, who has always dreamed of becoming a full-fledged businesswoman one day, has started selling belts and bags way back her college years. She says these were the items she wants to sell not the catheters and stents she used to sell to hospitals. Selling belts may not

be as financially rewarding as when she was in the medical business but she believes her product will be able to stand the test of time. Belts, as she says are affordable accessories that are aesthetic and useful at the same time. “It gives every woman that instant contour and it its cheaper accessory which you can wear over and over again,” she says. But she warns pursuing your passion and cashing in on what you love doing most are two different things. For Franco, divine intervention, proper education and hard work are the perfect formula en route to a successful business. “I prayed about this business. It’s humbling at the same time I’m overwhelmed with the blessings because every sacrifice, every hard work that I put in the business, nababalik tenfold eh. Iba yung joy that I feel because this is what I really want to do,” she says.

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SUCCESFUL PINOY

Career Upliftment

Negotiating Salary By Ron Villejo, Ph.D.

Years ago, I was in the corner office of the dean of a university in Chicago. After several meetings with him and his faculty staff, we were closing the deal on a professor/director job. He offered me a salary, and I said I was expecting this figure ($1000 higher that his proposal). He was virtually at the figure I had in mind from the beginning, so he agreed.

I was pursuing a promotion. This time, negotiating my salary took longer, but my preparations netted me a $20,000 increase! Mga kababayan ko, if I can do it, you can do it. Talaga!

This negotiation lasted just seconds. There was no haggling. It was matter-of-fact. One thousand US dollars maybe ‘peanuts’ to some people, so it’s no big deal, right? Well, imagine what our salary rates would be, if we could make this amount of money in just seconds! In reality, this negotiation lasted longer than that: it began when I set out to pursue the post, and the salary bit was part of hours of preparation and hours of conversation. This is at the heart of this article: some perspectives and practical advice on negotiating salary. I hope to make an often daunting effort more manageable and successful for you. These remarks build on my article from the June-July issue of Illustrado.

Negotiating salary is a process, not an event.

Negotiating salary is a series of steps, strategizing and conversations – not an event that happens once. You might have to first ‘plant the seed’ with your boss, well before you get into any active, detailed negotiation: for example, “I’d like to talk with you about my salary, when we meet for my performance review next month. I have some ideas and questions.” Prepare, prepare. In the previous article, I lay the groundwork for such preparation: (a) reflect on your worth – personal and spiritual, (b) draw on your pricelessness, (c) do your homework, and (d) determine your financial worth. Two years into that university job,

Here’s another personal example with my present employer that took over a year in the making. I was looking to transition from Chicago to Dubai. In several conversations with the hiring manager, salary came up twice. Prepared, I gave a range as my expectation. It was about eight months between conversations, and on the second time he raised it, I said confidently that my range had shifted up – because I had received a big pay raise in the meantime and my expertise was in fact higher. The offer came in the middle of this range – that was good. But I said simply, earnestly, “I was hoping to get closer to [the upper figure of my range].” No hard, acrimonious negotiations here at all. Two weeks later, the offer was bigger and we had a deal. It’s best done within the context of good relations.

Whether it’s the hiring manager whom you’ve just met or it’s your current boss, be professional, confident and earnest in your interactions. Build the best possible relationship you can. This is key to getting a positive response when negotiating your salary. Put salary into context – address it openly, but don’t obsess about it. Once you’ve come to terms, move forward and don’t mention it needlessly. It’s best to focus on your work and performing at a high level.

SUCCESFUL PINOY

Career Upliftment Successful negotiation is about win-win.

You can make demands and raise the stakes with your company, for example, “Pay me more, or I’ll leave!” But this is a risky approach, and it takes a lot of finesse, courage, and positioning to make it work. So I wouldn’t recommend it, unless I knew more about you and your situation and I was coaching you directly. Instead, think win-win. Approach the salary negotiation from the standpoint of what you contribute to the company and what remuneration your worth deserves. One of the strategies I’ve used to move my salary up is to ask my manager, “I’m committed to my work and the company. What can I do to warrant a promotion and a higher salary?”

There are ‘natural points’ in your job or career, where salary decisions are made – and therefore where your influence (i.e., negotiation) can have the most impact:

• At entry into a company, as you pursue a job • During your performance appraisal and contracting • When you’re being promoted Identify these natural points, and again prepare, strategize and plan. Outside of these, you’ll need to be patient because your salary isn’t likely to change. Mention salary at the beginning or at the end of an interview?

The general advice for job-hunters is to wait until near the end of the interview to raise the issue of salary. In the Middle East, however, it is sometimes asked first by the recruiter, hiring manager, or HR professional. My advice:

• Be clear and accurate about your current salary, if asked. • Express your salary expectations as a range, rather than a specific figure. You should know the range di ba, based on your homework on salaries for your position.

• Better yet, say: “My specific salary expectations will depend on the responsibilities and challenges of the job itself and on the expertise and experience required of someone like myself.” • Don’t be afraid to ask, either generally “What is the salary range for this position?” or specifically “What salary can I expect?” I suggest you ask this in the latter part of the interview. Whether you mention salary at the beginning or at the end, know the conventions or culture in your part of the world. Then, decide accordingly when you should bring it up.

Please take care…

You have to make your own judgment and decision about your particular situation. Consider my advice – adopt it, modify it, or drop it – as it suits your purpose. Consult with colleagues, friends or family members to get additional perspectives and advice. Negotiating salary is often a daunting effort for many of us. It calls on us to ask for money, when asking for money may be very contrary to our values of altruism, sacrifice or service. Still, I urge all of us Filipinos to stand tall, stand strong, be prepared, when it comes to garnering the salary that we rightfully deserve. Taas noo!

SUCCESFUL PINOY

Success Principles

Give more to Get More! By Jeffrey ‘Ximo’ Ramos

Si James ay matagal nang nagta-trabaho at malaki rin ang sinusuweldo ngunit mahilig siyang gumimik. Isang araw nabigla siya sa sinabi ng kanyang boss na kailangang magtanggal sa kanilang kumpanya – at unfortu-nately isa siya doon. Si Winoy naman ay isang baguhan na nagta-trabaho sa Dubai ngunit may malaking pangarap na maging matagumpay kayat pinagsasabay niya ang pagtitinda ng tinapang bangus at samu’t-saring produkto upang maisakatuparan ang kanyang pangarap. Now sis and bro, kumatok si James at si Winoy sa inyong accommodations upang humingi sa iyo ng tulong. Isa para makaipon sa pag-uwi niya sa Pilipinas (dahil na-advance na niya ang kanyang ticket niya noon) at isa naman para ialok ang kanyang AED10 na bangus. Sino ang inyong pagbibigyan?

continual abundance”. Jack Canfield

Ito ang tunay na sikreto ng mga mayayaman at matagumpay na tao sa Pilipinas at sa buong mundo! Tithing or “giving what is due to the One who has given you” is not only a “success principle” but it is a divine direction for man to be assured of his continuous blessings. Tithing is giving 10% of your earnings to charity – it can be given directly to any project that supports His work. Well, you may still have questions in your mind that need clarification like – “how can giving more result into receiving more?” and “nagbigay na ako sa kapatid ko ng allowance, another 10% ibibigay ko na naman?”

Your are blessed to bless “I have two hands the left and the right, one is to receive, the other to give”. - Pastor Albert De Ocampo I was interviewing some Kababayans working in Dubai and I asked them what they thought about giving. One said, “I give all my money to my family back home and that makes me happy (sabay kain ng biscuit dahil iyon na lang raw ang kanyang hapunan).” Then, one said, “I save all my money and eat the food of my flatmates” (Aba, mas matindi ito!) “This is how we should do it here, dapat mautak ka.” (Kaya ayun, di niya alam kung sino ang tunay niyang kaibigan at nilalayuan siya ng mga taong puwede sana siyang lalong mabiyayaan).

Sis and bro, the reason why you were given the opportunity to work and earn more than before is to be a blessing to others (sila yung dating nasa kalagayan mo noong ikaw ay naghahanap ng trabaho or nangangailangn ng tulong). It is the power of giving that opens up better relationships with others and that same relationship opens up better opportunities for you. He wants you to overflow – to be a blessing wherever you go. For when you give, it comes back to you.

Give your 10% and get 100% - plus interest! “By tithing regularly, you, too, can put into motion the universal force, bringing you

Let me present it to you this way. All of us live in this world – co-existing with one another. Some are bakers, some are farmers, some administer our government while others protect our nation from outside forces; you, on the other hand, may be a businessman or an employee who provides goods or services for the consumption of others. From all our different functions as individuals, we have something in common – we ‘profit’ when we do all of these. But there are some people who were called to “directly” do His works – to spread His words and tell us what to do in our lives. The projects and activities these people will do for us can only be funded thru the tithes you and I give. So, without our tithes, the universal wheel of harmonious existence may slow down and the grand masterplan of continuous blessings in giving and receiving will be affected. Medyo malinaw na?

SUCCESFUL PINOY

Success Principles Now, what will you get when you give your 10%? You will get 100% plus interest! Mapapansin mo ito, kagaya ng nangyari sa maraming matagumpay at mayamang Pilii ipino at kapatid sa buong mundo – lalong naglaguan ang negosyo, naging doble ang kita, ang iba na triple pa. At may bonus pa. Gumanda ang samahan sa trabaho at pamilya, naging healthier sila i binigyan sila ng proteksiyon laban sa ano mang puii wedeng kumuha ng kanilang kinita. Your Test is to “Test Me” “Money is like manure: If you spread it around, it does a world of good; but if you pile it up, it stinks to high heaven.” - Junior Murchison

There is power in giving. Sabi nga sa Science, “matter occupies space.” Kaya kapag inalis mo ang tubig, may tubig ring pumapalit. Ganoon rin kapag pera ang iyong ibiniii gay, pera rin ang kabayaran. This I learned from my successful cousin, Sangko Benny. He checks his blessing not from the amount of money he receives but from the amount of money he gives to tithing. Ito ang victorious na paraan upang lalong yumaman! Ganito ang kanyang ginagawa kapag may gusto siyang bilhing bagong gamit o saii sakyan. He will increase his tithes from 10% to 15% or more. And he will let his faith in-crease more in God to let him earn more and more until he gets the amount for the car he wants to buy. And that’s what happens exactly

– financial blessing upon blessing ang duii marating. Nabili niya ang bago niyang sasakyan, habang lumalago ang kanyang business. Kaya ngayon pa lang ay nakaipledge na ang kikitain ng librong naisulat ko. Bakit naman? ‘Di ba, noong una, walang wala ka naman? Tapos, humiling ka at sa iyo ibinigay. Hindi mo kayang ibalik ang porsyentong para sa Kanya? He owns everything, marami na Siyang riches. In fact, hindi na Niya kailangan iyon. Ang kailangan Niya ay ikaw at ako. He is testing our obedience. He is test-ing kung uunahin natin siya kaysa sa mga bagay na kanyang ibinigay sa atin. He is testing if we can be corrupted by money and success! Now, you understand? Kung hindi pa, pakiiulit ang pagbabasa dahil nakakataii kot isipin na makoicorrupt ka ng pera, ng sobrang pagmamahal sa tao at sa baii gay, sa iyong trabaho at kasikatan! Kaya mo iyan. Mamili ka: 10% sa Kanya at 90% sa iyo or 100% sa Kanya at 0% sa iyo?

Filipinos are blessed to give blessings The Philippines is so blessed! And so are the Filipinos…hindi pa lang nila gaaano alam ito. (but now, You Know What To Do!) Sa mga Pilipinong tingin sa kanilang sariling bansa ay wala ng kapagaipagaii sa ay repleksyon lamang ng kanilang paii nanaw sa kanilang sarili. Kasi nga ang hindi matagumpay na sarili ay tumitira lang sa hindi matagumpay na lugar. So, sis and bro. I will ask you again, sino ang tutulungan mo? Si James na naging ireii sponsable o si Winoy na pinaghihirapan makabenta para ‘wag maging problema at malamang makatulong pa? I have a story: May apat tayong kababayii an sa hospital nagtatrabaho, nakahanap ng paraan tumulong sa kapwa tao. Taii tay ng kasamahan kanilang tinulungan, ipinakisuyo sa mga doktor upang magaii wan ng paraan ang gamutan. Kaya di laii mang sa pera ang paraan ng pagtulong kundi sa kawanggawa makakaibless tayo. Ang Galing ninyo mga kabayan! So, now I want to ‘give’ this direction to you – GIVE more to get More! This is the best guarantee to your prosperity.

36 LIVING

Beat the Summer Heat:

Throw A Cool Summer Party

EVERYBODY KNOWS THAT IT ISN’T EASY BEING COOL WHEN YOU ARE UNDER THE DESERT SUN. AND I AM NOT EXAGGERATING WHEN I SAY THAT THE DESERT SUN CAN BE AS UNFORGIVING AND AS HARSH AS 50 DEGREES CELSIUS. FOR NEWBIES IN THESE PARTS WHO HAVE NO CLUE AS TO HOW HOT THAT COULD GET, WELL IMAGINE YOURSELF STANDING BY THE AIRCON CONDENSING UNITS, PLACING YOUR ENTIRE BODY UNDER BATHROOM HAND DRYERS, OR STANDING NEAR THE BACK OF REFRIGERATORS FOR 24 HOURS A DAY, 30 DAYS A WEEK, AND MAYBE 4 TO 6 MONTHS A YEAR. NEEDLESS TO SAY, AIRCONS ARE EVERYBODY’S BEST FRIENDS ESPECIALLY WHEN YOU ARE LIVING IN DUBAI OR IN ANY PART OF MIDDLE EAST. By Chelle Laborte

If you think that running to the beach and dipping in the cool waters will make summer heat bearable, think again. Hitting the beach during the 50 degree-Celsius summer in the desert is not exactly the best way to keep your cool. In fact, avoiding the sand and sun, not to mention the dangerous UV rays could be a wise thing to do during the summer peak. No wonder you will see everybody heading towards the ever-reliable cool malls while resisting the urge to spend, spend and spend some more. After all, you are only there to pass the time while escaping the outdoor heat. Well, don’t fret because you do have the option to stay cool without spending a lot while enjoying the company of your family and friends. And the great news is that you have the chance to let your

untapped creative juices flow! First things first: Set the theme. Pick a date. And you are ready to keep it rolling.

Theme: It can be as simple as an allwhite party. So ask all your guests to wear their favorite white shorts and tank tops, or white linen dress (for the ladies) and white linen pants with white linen top (for guys). Whites also make a good photo-opportunity especially if it is set against a colorful background. Where to party: You can have it in your home or even the pool lounge of your flats or villas. You can have all-white decorations. Or you can have cool summer colors such as: popsicle orange, citrus yellow, pistachio

green and turquoise blue. Then combine with hues of whites. You can show these colors in your curtains, rugs, fresh flowers and vases, throw pillows, paper plates, placemats, coolers, tumblers or even straws and paper napkins.

What to do: You can chat the day or night away. Or you can show some movies or videos such as “Temptation Island” or have a “Sex and the City” Marathon. But if kids are also invited, any animated movies such as “Shrek 3” or “Ice Age” would also do the trick. You can also download music that would be perfect for the summer and beach ambiance such as: Chicane, Café del Mar, Reggae, Buddha Bar or Asian Lounge. The important thing is for you to chill-out and enjoy each other’s company.

LIVING 37

What to serve: You can turn any simple dish into something ‘gourmet-ish’ by giving it a twist. Here are sample recipes that you might want to consider:

Banana Bourbon French Toast Sauce: 2 tbsps. unsalted butter, 1 cup light brown sugar, 4 bananas sliced lengthwise, ½ cup bourbon (Kahlua or coffee diluted in little water) In a small pan, melt butter and brown sugar over medium heat. Carefully add bananas and simmer for 2 minutes. Remove from stove and add bourbon. Return to flame. Simmer for another 2 minutes. Batter: 6 large eggs, ¼ tsp salt, 2 tbsps. vanilla, ½ cup heavy cream, 4 to 8 tbsps butter, 8 slices country slice white bread, maple syrup (optional) In a large bowl, whisk eggs and salt. Add vanilla. Pour in cream. Whisk till blended. Melt 2 tbsps butter in pan over medium heat. Dip 2 bread slices in batter and cook each side till golden brown. Repeat with other bread slices. Transfer 2 bread slices to individual plates and top with banana slices in sauce. Yields 4 to 6 servings.

Asian Salad Dressing 2/3 cup peanut oil, 1/3 cup sesame oil, 1/3 cup red wine vinegar, 2 tbsps soy sauce, 3 cloves garlic, 1 tbsps sesame seeds toasted Just mix them all up, put in a clear bottle and pour over your favorite veggies.

Spaghetti Carbonara 150 g. bacon sliced, 3 tbsps minced garlic, 1 box spaghetti, ½ cup all-purpose cream, ½ tsp salt, ¼ tsp pepper, 2 eggs, ½ cup grated parmesan cheese Cook spaghetti in a pot of boiling water until al dente. In a pan, sauté garlic and add bacon. Prepare sauce in a large bowl - whisk egg, parmesan cheese and cream. Working quickly, mix sauce with the drained pasta and add bacon.

Chocolate Fondue You can also get a fondue maker from the home store or supermarket. Melt Toblerone or any chocolate of your choice, mixed with cream. Prepare slices of fresh fruits (bananas, grapes, strawberries, oranges, etc.) and marshmallows. Then let your guests dip them all in the chocolate fondue maker, as they wish.

38 LIVING

Cool Drink: Have a MINI BAR for the drinks. Prepare pitchers of iced lemonade, iced tea, spiked orange juice, margaritas and anything that will make your guests forget about the sizzling summer. A bucket of ice comes in handy.

What to give: Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t let your guests leave your party empty-handed. Prepare some souvenirs that will remind them of good summer times. You can prepare some bath souvenirs. Get clear or colorful soaps, colorful shampoos, and sponges from the supermarket. Re-pack them in small, clear plastic containers. Then put them in a cute plastic box or container. You can also include some bright-colored rubber slippers to complete the set. Then tie them up and tag them with your guestâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s individual names. Another summer souvenir idea would be colorful candies and jelly beans placed in a clear bottle with ribbons and tags on it. There will be countless ways of spending summer year in and year out. But whatever you do, do not let the unbearable desert summer heat bring you down. Start this cool summer party tradition this year and it will undoubtedly be talked about for days on end. But beware, your family and friends will surely badger you again about it next year. So just chill and look forward to summers in the desert!

ILLUSTRADO MODEL SEARCH

ARE YOU THE NEXT FACE OF ILLUSTRADO MAGAZINE?

Illustrado is looking for models, both males and females of all ages. Are you a photogenic Pinoy with a sparkling personality that shines through? Do you love being in front of the camera? Send your close-up and full body picture, as well as your contact details to info@illustrado.net You just might have what it takes to be part of our next issue.

40 ILLUSTRADO PROFILE

Romina Diaz: Loving Loring By Mikkel Bolante

TURNING FROM THE CORNER OF EDSA TO LORING STREET, I COULDN’T HELP BUT BE UNNERVED AT HOW DARK THE PLACE WAS. I ASKED MY FRIEND MARCUS, WHO WAS WALKING WITH ME AND HIS SISTER MEREDITH, IF HE WAS SURE WE WERE AT THE RIGHT PLACE. IT WAS THE KIND OF STREET THAT MADE YOU NERVOUS, ESPECIALLY AT NIGHT; A DIMLY-LIT ROAD LINED WITH LARGE, GATED HOUSES AND WHAT SEEMED TO BE A SQUATTER’S AREA FURTHER ALONG. “YOU SHOULD’VE SEEN THIS PLACE DURING THE LAUNCH,” HE TELLS ME. “IT WAS BRIGHTLY LIT, MUSIC BLARING, PEOPLE ALL OVER THE PLACE. IT WAS SO MUCH FUN.” FURTHER ALONG, WE SEE WALLS WITH ARTWORK PAINTED ON IT AND GRAFFITI SPRAYED ON TOP. MARCUS POINTS AT THE STRANGE GATE RIGHT ACROSS The Diaz house is an old rich house. Some gates just stand, but this one looms. We knock on the gate and are soon ushered in and asked to wait at a small (by old rich standards) plaza which serves as the reception area for the guests of either the Diaz household or the Galleria Duemila, the family-owned gallery housed in a separate structure within the compound. We ask for Romina, who promptly joins us to view her exhibit, Living On Loring. Romina Margherita Regina Ancellotti Diaz grew up on the street of Loring in Pasay, one of the many areas here in the Philippines that harshly brings together the privileged and the impoverished in one street. Growing up was fun, as Romina recalls because she had so many friends. “Everybody would play with me and if I didn’t have kalaro,

I’d go down the street and find them.” But the experience was also difficult for her. She was completely aware of the situation that she and her friends were in. “I’ve had a good life. But everyday, it’s also very painful, to see what’s real.” And the reality was the existence of the large material gap between the rich and the poor.

At the age of six or seven, the girls from her street were already taking care of the family babies. “At that age, I didn’t even know how to brush my own teeth,” she says. She noticed that by the time the neighborhood girls were 15, all they knew about was children. “Then, they get into their first sexual relationship and have a baby themselves.” She and her brothers were raised with a social conscience, distinctly believing in the

equality between human beings, but for a long time, she didn’t know what she could do for her marginalized neighbors. “When you step out of your gate, you’re shocked,” she says. “You’re not ready naman to give all of your savings, so what do you do? I wanted something new.”

Another thing about Romina’s childhood was that it was very much immersed in the arts. “I grew up in a very artistic family,” she shares. Aside from her mother, who ran the gallery, she was raised surrounded by artists, musicians, architects and interior designers. “I really stuck with the arts and music scene, especially in Manila - it’s a great scene. I absorbed everything that surrounded me.” Four years ago, she moved to Florence to pursue studies in art.

ILLUSTRADO PROFILE 41

When her mother, Silvana Ancellotti-Diaz and Ann Wizer – the gallery’s de facto curator, came up with the idea of creating an art project concerning women, Romina was quick to decide to share what she’s learned with the neigborhood’s young girls. “I wanted to see if inspiring them with their own capabilities, and giving them confidence in what they can do, could nudge them out of the cycle.” Her art project Living On Loring is an art and photography workshop for a small group of young girls in the area. “Like I said, I can’t save them, but I could try to inspire them in some way. She used several donated cameras and taught the Wild Cat Girls (their name comes from the movie “High School Musical” which the girls love) the basics of photography. She also asked them to create dream dollhouses — where the girls were able to express their personalities. “It represents so much who they are,” Romina says. “They show you exactly what they want to achieve.” She shows us around the exhibit and we hover around one particular box that looks Right: Living on Loring poster Below: Girls of loring street

a little like a presidential suite. “Her name is Joyjoy. Her mom, actually, owns a sarisari store,” says Romina. “From this box, you can tell she likes transactions, she likes business.” Photographically, Romina marvels at how the girls were able to separate themselves from their realities. “For minutes, or snapshots, of a day, they just stand back and watch. Those are huge momentary breaks in their life cycles,” she says. “All of a sudden, they became observant to what’s beautiful.” She believes that the artistic sense of it all, from the houses to the photographs, were such huge conversations. She describes them as “stories of what’s real.”

42 ILLUSTRADO PROFILE

Artworks from the kids of Loring

“Dreaming is very important to me,” says the 26-year-old artist. “I think it’s what pushes a lot of people ahead. But apparently, it’s very hard to sell dreams. It’s very hard to sell two things — it’s hard to sell dreams and it’s hard to sell reality” - two things which were integral to her show. “I faced that in this show. But I think I was successful in really inspiring the girls – and that is something nobody can pay for.” She advocates art as a medium for social change. “I think art is one of the most powerful weapons. Media has huge control over society. You ask these girls who they want to be, and because they’re exposed to Marimar 24/7, they want to be Marimar,” she says. “But if you put them beside artists, writers, singers, perception changes.” She flirts with the idea of bringing art on the streets like they do on Loring. “It’s a language that everybody can understand. There are people, lower and middle class, who enjoy it but there’s no place in the Philippines to enjoy it.” Romina believes art is very powerful in building social conscience in the world. “Banksy, the graffiti artist, he puts stencils in war areas and imagine what young kids, when they see that, will feel. I think art can push for issues like peace, I think it can move people to think differently. It has a power all on its own. It’s just people have to start endorsing it and not make it commercial.”

Romina Diaz loves living on Loring. “There’s not a day that passes by that I don’t go out of the gate and I have these flocks of, I’m not kidding — 50 kids — running at me, screaming ‘Ate Romina, Ate Romina’ and they just run into my garden.” She took us out and offered to walk us back out to the corner of EDSA. “It’s beautiful, because after some time, you just feel so much love from the children.” As soon as we step out the gate, we learn this was no exaggeration. A wave of children rushes towards us as we trot along our way. “Ate Romina! Ate Romina!” Before long, Romina is unable to move. The kids are all over her, some riding on her back, some grabbing her by the arms, several blocking her way. We realize that Romina does not belong with us, her friends, or anywhere else. She belongs to Loring and its children who care for her as much as she does for them. We say our hurried goodbyes, certain that she wouldn’t be able to follow us an inch longer. We also realize that, as Romina says, the line between the rich and the poor really is merely material. Human dignity, respect — all concepts we realistically should have the courtesy to extend to others. Living in Loring, even for just a few hours, says it all.

-end-1341 words-

44 FASHION

Past Present

‘70s style makes a comeback with the resurgence of hot hippie and bohemian chic. The new retro modern is all about contrasting textures and colors, bold radical prints, whimsical detailing and a distinct Pinoy feel. It’s vintage with a happening twist that is truly fashion forward - taking you from past to present.

Photography Dr. Marlon Pecjo Styling Janet dela Fuente Model Michelle from Calcarrie’s International Models, Philippines

Maxi dress and knee high boots from Raoul Ramirez; accessories from Get Happy

Designer & Shop Guide: Alex Bitong +63920 321 5302 Debbie Co +63917 833 4476 Raoul Ramirez +63917 999 6714 The Ramp - Crossings Department Store (Shangri-La Plaza) Peppered Cherry - Serendra (Bonifacio Global City) Victoria Marin - Greenbelt 5 Get Happy - available at all Rustanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Department Stores Ruth & Esther - Archaeology Section (Power Plant, Rockwell) Salabianca - Greenbelt 3 Charles & Keith - Trinoma, Megamall, Robinsonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Galleria, Bonifacio High Street

46 FASHION

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Hippie top and psychedelic print high-waisted pants from Raoul Ramirez; sandals from Charles and Keith

48 FASHION

Halter dress by Alex Bitong accentuated with Pucciinspired printed gloves by Raoul Ramirez; earrings and belt by Victoria Marin

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Lace mini retro-dress from Ruth & Esther paired with printed stockings by Raoul Ramirez; shoes from Charles and Keith

50 FASHION

Flouncy dress by Debbie Co; sandals from Charles and Keith; necklace from Get Happy and bag from Salabianca

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52 FASHION

Flower-print coat dress by Debbie Co topped by scarf from The Ramp @ Crossings; sandals from Charles and Keith; Bag from The Ramp @ Crossings

Ruffled top by Debbie Co paired with a printed skit from Salabianca; accessories from Peppered Cherry

FASHION 53

54 DESIGN FEATURE

Rags to Riches: Fashion with a heart Text by Rosary Diane B. Maligalig Photography by Diana Jean V. Moraleda

For us style-aholics, we scope out items we like practically anywhere we go. We all want to be fashionable; and bags and shoes are usually on top of our wish lists. Fashion makes our life interesting – it allows us to be creative and to express ourselves the way we want others to understand us. But there is the question of how important fashion is? We know it’s interesting and beautiful and creative – but is there nothing more to it than that? Can it be used for something greater? Can it have a heart?

Fashion with a heart? Is there such a thing? In bazaars, movie stars sell old clothes for the benefit of charities and others who need help. Then, there are also booths that sell livelihood products made from different materials – bags made from recycled items. This was the story that led to the creation of Rags to Riches. Rags2Riches: empowerment + social conscience Since the early 90s, women from Payatas, a community known for the presence of the garbage dumpsite, have been making rags. They earn PHP1 per rag while the middlemen who buy their rags and sell it to outlets make about PHP25 per rag. It was through the apostolate of the Jesuit scholastics of the Philippine province and the students of the Ateneo Theology class 141 and business innovations class that the idea of Rags2Riches was born. Under the synergized efforts of Simbahang Lingkod Bayan (SLB) of the Society of Jesus Philippine province, Life Directions community and students of the Ateneo, the project began as a social entrepreneurship outreach program for the women of Payatas. From the original profit of PHP1 for the beneficiaries, they began to earn PHP15 per rag that they make. Aptly put, “Rags2Riches

DESIGNFEATURE 55

The rags were marketed as ‘sosyal na rags na may social conscience.’ In July 2007 bazaar in the Ateneo, the rags were sold out. After such success, the idea of producing something more creative from the rags was born. RIIR: fashion + heart = labor of love Upon meeting with renowned fashion designer Rajo Laurel, it became apparent there were more to the items then being just plain rags. He then designed an exclusive line of bags and multipurpose items from the rags. Thus, RIIR was born. The women now get almost the entire profit from every tote, yoga mat carrier, eyeglass case, wine holder and bag that they make. Meeting the women who wove the rags and turned them into his creations for the first time, Rajo was filled was positive energy as he gave them pointers while asking them what their concerns were. He began his pep talk by telling them people found the bags beautiful. “Ang saya-saya ko kapag nakikita ko ang mga gawa ninyo sa mga parties (I am very happy when I see your creations during parties),” he enthuses. He even told them that his celebrity friends would buy the bags to give as gifts. He reminded the women that the quality of their work was important because the more beautiful their work, the more orders were going to be placed. He also reminded them

that it was important to avoid gossip and to help and respect each other. The women were quiet at first in the presence of the fashion designer. One even said, “wala kaming nasabi, namangha kami (we couldn’t say anything, we were in awe).” Only when he began to ask them what their concerns were did they open up. They told him about problems in production like the lack of used clothes or retaso as we call them and how it was difficult to knot and fasten the weave together. Rajo told them that these ware all challenges. “Sa akin walang mahirap (for me nothing should be too difficult),” he said. He also told them, “gusto ko mag-contribute sa pangarap ninyo (I want to contribute in the achievement of your dreams).” The fashion designer – who was once called Rags in his younger days – ended his pep talk by asking the women to introduce themselves one by one and to tell him about themselves. He told them their creations are made from “labor of love.” When personally asked, Rajo said that he has been blessed by so much and that he wanted to pay it forward. Thus, helping these marginalized women become empowered. He said “you can’t buy this energy – the positive force happening to them because of this, they themselves feel empowered realizing their potential to become better persons.”

56 DESIGN FEATURE

DESIGN FEATURE 57

Extreme left: Mark Wine Holder Middle: Tony , Right: Reese

RIIR: weaving lives Among these weavers who realized her potential is Jona de los Santos. She is joined by husband Edward in this endeavor. Interestingly, Edward is the only male weaver in the group. Jona first taught her husband how to weave when his plumbing services project finished. She said that “mas nakikita naming yung value kapag tulong kami mag-weave (we see the value of the work we do when we do it together.” They also said as newlyweds, weaving has helped them become more open to each other. “Nakatulong sa communication (it helped in our communication),” they shared. They also added that they have bonding and quality time while making bags. Jona is due to give birth to her first child this April. And like the women weavers of Payatas, they don’t just weave rags and bags, they weave lives – empowering themselves in every rag, bag, tote, eyeglass carrier, wine holder and other item that they make. Now fashion is not only something that catches the eye, it has become something more for the women of Payatas, it is their very own brand of fashion — fashion with a heart.

RIIR is available at the House of Laurel, Firma at Greenbelt 3 and in SLB at the Ateneo. For orders and inquiries, please contact +632 4266101 local 3440 or 3441 or +63905273999. You may also write to slb@admu.edu.ph or r2rcorp@ gmail.com

58 FASHION ROUND-UP

Givenchy’s S/S 08 Pret-a-Portêr Givenchy has recently launched its women’s Spring/Summer 2008 ready-to-wear collection. While the collection designed by Riccardo Tisci has received mixed reviews, many observers feel that it is by far the best he has created for this fashion house – beautiful, experimental and unique. The look has pleased even haute couture clients who had described his work as being too dark and ‘gothic’ and criticized him for altering the sacrosanct Givenchy house codes. Since his appointment as creative director of the fashion house, it has been clear that Tisci’s goal is to reinvigorate Givenchy and transform it into an edgier, more fashion-forward brand. And this season he has refused to follow the trend of colorful clothes sent out by his peers. Instead he has opted for a more neutral scheme – black, white and beige with a dash of pale blue. And rather than going crazy with prints, he took the polka dot and presented it in a way that is entirely his own. No traditional dots can be seen on these clothes, only big, bold ones playing with fashionable minds innovatively punctuated

Crystal Celebration at Splash Splash celebrates its annual promotion with a new range of stylish Crystal gifts. It’s the perfect excuse to give a loved one a special something this summer holiday season. All you have to do is indulge in summer’s hottest

by rivets giving it an industrial spin, while keeping a sophisticated silhouette. The collection is not blatantly girly, but mature and sophisticated. The look is simply sensuous, beautifully bold and flamboyant. Through Tisci’s vision, Givenchy continues its lonely role as a couturier for elegant women. Givenchy products are available at select Rodeo Drive outlets in the UAE.

fashion buys and walk away with your choice of Crystal goodies on a mere purchase of AED 150. The promotion offers a range of styles and colours in crystal photo frames, scented candles and exquisitely crafted crystal encrusted candle holders that come complete with a chic gift box. Fashion retailer Splash introduced this special initiative in a way to thank its customers for their support and loyalty. “Its

summertime, the season where everyone plans a holiday getaway, so we thought apart from the great shopping experience at our stores we would give our customers something memorable that’s in fashion and just right for the season. This is our way of thanking our customers and wishing them and their loved ones happy holidays” said Raza Beig, CEO, Splash. Step into Splash and choose from an irresistible collection of gifts that are a must have accessory of the season. Hurry! Indulge your fashion appetite before stocks run out.

A quiet place to chill north of Manila

LA TERRAZZO celebrations & relaxation

Contact: +63 44 675 0241â&#x20AC;˘ Calumpang, Calumpit, Bulacan (near CEU University)

Parties and conferences, weddings and anniversaries, birthdays and christenings For special occasions or just weekend relaxation Amenities: two adult pools and one kiddie pool, pavilion for parties, kidâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s play area and gift shop, 5 bedroom guest house for daily rental or longer term stay.

60 COMMUNITY EVENT

Philippine Embassy Diplomatic Reception The Philippine Embassy in the United Arab Emirates held a diplomatic reception to commemorate the Philippinesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; 110th Independence Day. Hosted by Ambassador Libran Cabactulan, the event held at the Abu Dhabi Hilton Hotel on the 23rd of June was attended by over 200 guests from the international diplomatic community, as well as by Filipino community leaders.

The Philippine diplomatic corps in the UAE led by Ambassador Libran Cabactulan (center).

Abu Dhabi Philippine Embassy staff.

COMMUNITY EVENT 61

Abu Dhabi Consul Gen. Noel Servigon (center) and Mrs. Chi Servigon flanked on the right by Lalaine and Mon Benitez of Illustrado, and on the left by Maricar Romanillos (Asst. to Amb. Cabactulan), Ronette Pagtakhan of Illustrado and Dick Orense of the PBC AUH.

Dubai Consul Gen. Benito Valeriano and his wife Mrs. Jaclyn Valeriano pose with Illustrado magazine.

Filipino Muslim community leader Mr. Andy Saripada (first â&#x20AC;&#x201C; right) with guests.

Ambassador Libran Cabactulan with guests

Ambassador Libran Cabactulan with guests led by Filipino community leader Bal Junio (first â&#x20AC;&#x201C; left).

Mrs. Chi Servigon (second from left) with guests.

Consul Adel Cruz with wife Mrs Lileth Cruz

The rondalla band welcoming guests to the reception

62 PINOY PLANET

Getting toLAOS* ahead of the Guidebooks

LAOS SEEMS LIKE A LONG SHOT TO BECOME SOUTHEAST ASIA’S NEXT BIG THING. THE FOOD DOESN’T WIN ANY PRIZES, THE ROADS ARE SEVERELY POTHOLED BY FREQUENT FLOODING AND LOCALS REGARD THE PROSPECT OF INCREASED TOURISM WITH A SUNNY INDIFFERENCE THAT EXCEEDS EVEN MEDITERRANEAN PROPORTIONS. By Vic Albornoz Lactaoen

Laos is the least developed and most enigmatic of the three former French Indochinese states. A ruinous sequence of colonial power, internal conflict and unbending socialism finally brought the country to its knees in the 70s. But while the big time is a long way off, the little things make Laos a great place to visit.

Vientiane, capital of the People’s Democratic Republic of Laos, sometimes seems to be all things to all tourists. I’ve met American veterans of the Vietnam War who remember the city as a dark jungle hideaway where opium was easier to buy than beer. Across the Mekong River in Thailand, people warned me that Vientiane and all of Laos is primitive and dangerous. For low-budget backpackers, the city is

PINOY PLANET 63

Victory Monument – as well as the Revolutionary Museum, but the city was largely razed in 1828 by invaders from Siam (today’s Thailand). Little of historical importance remains. But what Vientiane may lack in history, it charms with its present-day details, as dazzling as any gold-leaf flecked Buddha. The labyrinth of stalls at the morning market sells imported manufactured goods, wood carvings and furniture, silverware, gold, jewelry and fabrics. Unlike in other more popular South East Asian haunts, the shops open late, the dogs are friendly and taxi drivers don’t cheat you.

This photo: Buddha Park Top right: Patuxai monument

a paradise of hot showers and sit-down toilets. Well-heeled Western tourists admire its fine European-style restaurants and luxury hotels. Vientiane has many reminders of French colonialism. France ruled Laos from the late 19th century until 1953, when the Southeast Asian country was granted full sovereignty. On street signs, French is as common as Laotian. And the French influence lives on in shuttered colonial villas, with their pastel paint peeling and a lone buffalo feeding in one overgrown garden. If you come to Vientiane for history, you will be disappointed. Guidebooks list a handful of Buddhist temples and stately landmarks – That Luang; Wat Sisaket, with 6,800 Buddhas; and the climbable

The tourist neighborhood surrounding the city’s central water fountain is full of higher-priced hotels. This area also caters to the tourist who has overdosed on fried rice (nasi goreng) and noodle soup. I’ve enjoyed Italian pizzas and price fixed French dinners prepared by expatriate chefs for less than five US dollars. But don’t miss such local favorites as paté sandwiches on freshly baked baguettes, sticky rice with grilled chicken and papaya salad, iced lemonade (nam manow) sold by vendors with a blender and stack of limes. Several watering holes are also here, where tourists and expats share US$1.25 pitchers of Beer Lao or local moonshine rice whiskey called lao-lao. A shot costs about a quarter; be sure to pour the first one on the floor for good luck and to please the building’s resident spirit. Vientiane’s real treasures, however, are its people – residents and non-residents. Laotians see few Westerners, tourists or otherwise. They don’t seem to be “corrupted” yet by outside influences, so maybe the government’s cautious approach to tourism is right.

64 PINOY PLANET

Old World charm in Vientiane

“We’ve all fallen in love with Laos,” said Sarah, an Englishwoman on a year’s contract with a Swiss Development Agency. We sat at adjacent tables at the Scandinavian Bakery – it’s an expatriate’s watering hole; CNN plays on the TV screen upstairs. Foreign aid is one of the backbones of the Laotian economy, and Vientiane’s tourist population is almost invisible next to the hundreds of resident foreigners. Most like Sara, are both intoxicated and frustrated by the country – “the people are wonderful,” she told me, but nothing ever changes.” I enjoyed exchanging pleasantries with some passing foreign journalists and aid workers, and found their company useful, because guidebooks to Laos are quickly obsolete. Vientiane, thanks to its French heritage, is a restaurant town, but quality fluctuates. Sarah’s friend Martin steered

me to an Indian restaurant which serves excellent South Indian food for around US$5. Another foreigner gave me his list of favorite “upscale” restaurants, including an excellent Italian bistro. Upscale, in Vientiane, means dinner for less than US$20. The expatriates knew everything: from restaurants and shops, to which of the dusty antique shops selling celadon teapots and silver bracelets on Setthathirat Road. Vientiane combines the faded colonial charm of cities like Hanoi and Laoag with a dusty, frontier feel (leavened by the French patisseries). A peaceful riverside city with a few shops, banks and restaurants cut into the Mekong delta, it lacks the monuments and museums of most capitals.

PINOY PLANET 65

Right: A young Buddhist novice, Below: Pha That Luang, Vientiane

Of the numerously elaborated temples around the city, Pha That Luang is the most elaborate. More than 500 kg of gold coat its four-sided tower. Known as the Great Sacred Stupa, this fine example of Khmer design was built in 1566 and plays host every November to the That Luang full-moon festival, when hundreds of orange-robed monks form a procession at dawn around the temple. A few days of temple-hopping and evening strolls along the banks of the Mekong usually exhausts Vientiane’s humble offerings, so many visitors move on to explore the capital’s environs. The countryside north of Vientiane rapidly turns hilly, then mountainous. Head to Lao Pako, an eco-resort on the banks of the Nam Ngum river that has been

run since 1995 by an Austrian owner. A variety of nature trails and river-rafting trips provide an outlet for those who feel the need to do something. But most visitors, like myself, fall into step with Laos’ rhythm and are satisfied to sit on the large veranda watching the sunset with my bare feet. I knew I had found the road less traveled. Visit the country now — for Laos may not be Indochina’s reclusive cousin for much longer.

66 BAKASYON GRANDE

Palawan*

PALAWAN IS NOTHING SHORT OF A PARADISE THAT HAS CAPTIVATED TRAVELERS AND HAS ALWAYS MADE THE LOCALS PROUD WITH ITS LUSH RAINFORESTS EMBEDDED IN MAJESTIC MOUNTAINS AND THE EMERALD WATERS LAPPING ON SOME OF THE BEST BEACHES IN THE WORLD. By Bernadette Reyes

Located on the southwestern tip of the Philippines, Palawan is accessible by plane with the rich green thickets and immaculate waters the two most prominent sights prior to landing. Its airport terminal in Puerto Princesa, the capital city, is connected by regular flights from Manila, Cebu and Iloilo. Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s great about Palawan is its seemingly endless choices of anything and everything. The minute you step out of the airport, you may either rent a van for PHP1,500 to PHP3,000 a day or take a tricycle to get you around. Then you can choose whether to stay in a posh hotel such as Legend Hotel, Hotel Fleuris or Asturias Hotel to name a few or choose budget pension houses found around the city to cut back on costs. If snorkeling and beach hopping is your kind of thing, ask your driver to drop you off at Honda

BAKASYON GRANDE 67

Opposite page Dos Palmas and an aerial

And if you can’t get enough of Palawan’s spectacular scenic spots, travel 200 kilometers northwest of Puerto Princesa and you’ll be confronted with breathtaking sights as you are ushered in the province of El Nido.

view of the resort. Top right: Beach with Limestone formations, Right: Plaza Cuartel

Bay – a good 20-minute drive from the city proper – hop on a motor boat for PHP1,000 for a group of six and you’re on for an adventure ride under the sun. On my first visit, Snake Island was my first stop and that was enough to make me fall in love with the place. Rare species of fish abound while the pristine waters allowed me a good view of the corals underneath. My visit to the succeeding islands was nothing short of the first if not even better. Pandan Island, Pambato Reef and Starfish Island each had

their own attractions with the latter as my personal favorite owing to its life-size corals and abundance of clown fish and starfish in the island. A side trip to the Dos Palmas Beach Resort is also possible with this tour. Of course there will be anxieties visiting the island largely due to the abduction of foreigners in 2001 but local authorities assure no incident is likely to take place again with military forces manning the islands to ensure the safety of tourists and locals alike.

Conquered by towering marble cliffs, breathtaking mountains, primeval caves, coral reefs, and pristine beaches – El Nido has it all. Whether you plan to kayak in well-kept lagoons and uninhabited islands, snorkel or dive with colorful tropical fishes or simply sunbathe or picnic in white sand beaches, El Nido Resorts can accommodate your request. If you happen to include the island in your itinerary, make sure to try their famous nido soup whose main ingredient is found in the nests of birds resting in the crevices of the limestone cliffs. As someone who has been to the island once, it’s the scenic landscape, crystal clear waters, and isolation from city hassles that fascinates and attracts me to El Nido. If you want to experience quiet time away from the scorching sun, then visit the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, the world’s longest underground river. Be mesmerized by the mineral formations made

68 BAKASYON GRANDE

This picture: Sub-terranian cave in Perto Princesa Below Left : City Coliseum Below right : Cathedral Church

from droplets of stalactite and stalagmites. Religious images such as the Nativity, face of Jesus, image of the Virgin Mary and angels leave tourists in awe. While the fruit and vegetable shapes of banana blossom, corn, garlic and mushroom are a treat for the eyes. For the proverbial ‘hole-in-the-wall’ dining experience, visit Ka Lui or the Badjao Seafront for succulent seafood. I especially enjoyed my gastronomic experience in Ka Lui with a plethora of dishes to satisfy my palate. For first timers I personally recommend the eel cooked in gata peppered with what seemed like unlikely vegetables pairings but came together very well. If you are looking for a place to let your hair down while gulping down beer or a shot of caffeine to keep you up late, then Kinabuch’s is the place to be. I loved Kinabuch’s sinfully crispy pata, the healthy labo-labong gulay and their flavorful café mocha.

However, if you are looking for a more expansive menu to satisfy your daily doze of caffeine, Puerto Princesa has two branches of Itoy’s, the city’s own version of Starbucks. Itoy’s serves coffee that will give Manila brews a run for their money. Named after prominent people in the city, I enjoyed the cold version of Kapeng Halo ni 04 while my companion got his caffeine fix with Kapeng Halo ni Tagle. By the time you are ready to go pack your suitcase you might find yourself working with a tight budget. But even if you find yourself running short on cash, you will definitely have to have time to visit the market in the city proper to buy pasalubongs for family and friends and simple mementos to remind you of your getaway. Cultured pearl earrings will only cost you PHP10 to PHP25 or get them at a much lower price for bulk purchases. If you feel you deserve a more

luxurious treat then splurge on south sea pearls which would still cost you a fraction of a price than if you would buy them at chic fashion stores in the metro. Edible pasalubongs such as cashew nuts (sell at PHP340 to PHP380 a kilo depending on the season), dried seafoods such as danggit, pusit and daing and Palawan hopia are aplenty in the market. Palawan may not have movie houses or the big malls found in the cities but who cares as long as there’s the sound of gushing water, the frequent chirping of birds and sprawling greens to keep my mind off the stress and worries of city life. For me, Palawan is the perfect refuge, an amazing albeit temporary respite from my hurried daily life - definitely a place worth visiting over and over.

The view from your regular Juan dela Cruz

Are you proud to be an OFW?

Usapang Kanto Compiled by Jonie Jose

It makes me so proud and happy to see the smiling faces of my family, especially when they tell me, “Thank you so much for helping us.” CARLO BAUTISTA

I am proud to be an OFW because it has helped me become a better person. I’ve learned so many things that I haven’t learned from my own country. I’ve learned to be independent and to appreciate every single thing in my life. Dubai taught me lessons that could never be forgotten and that makes me very proud to be an OFW, and proud to be Pinoy! AILEEN MAE CHUA

I am very proud to be an OFW. It’s a way of life and a tremendous journey of opportunities. Good values, respect and honesty are valuable assets that I’m most proud of; no matter how dreadful a situation may be. Being an OFW is a never ending battle towards expertise and professionalism, which contributes to the enormous success and remarkable developments of the country we serve. ALLAN T. DELA CRUZ

OFWs are living heroes! I am proud to be one. It is an honor for me to serve my country and family. Knowing that I am one of the reasons why our country is still hanging on despite the struggle for economic growth is more than enough to cheer me up and strengthen me to face the challenges in this foreign land. ABIGAIL CATALIG

I am proud to be an OFW because I’m here in a foreign land working and struggling more to have a secure life in the future. I work hard for myself and most especially for my family. MARICEL LAXAMANA

I am proud to be an OFW in the sense that I’m helping my family and the economy of the Philippines at the same time. As an OFW, I am also able to contribute my knowledge and skills at an international level, another thing to be proud of. ROMEO TORRES

Being an OFW is not easy, making a living away from your loved ones and dealing with different nationalities is very tough. Considering that you are by yourself with no one to run to in troubled times. But in spite of the hardships, I remain proud to be an OFW because it takes a lot of courage, discipline, sacrifice and effort to face life away from home — not everybody can do this. JEFFREY BANTIGUE

70 FILIPINISMS

Onli In Da Pilipins - 1. n. a phrase used to define anything or anyone that only exists anywhere in the 7,107 islands of the Philippines || 2. adj. a phrase used to describe a Pinas episode or a Pinoy persona so rare one would never find anywhere else in the WWW (whole, wide world). It merits a documentation of some sort.

In the Name of Kapinoyan By Aby Yap

IF THERE’S ONE LIST FILIPINOS NEVER RUN OUT OF (ASIDE FROM KAUTANGAN), IT’S GOT TO BE THAT OF UNIQUE NAMES FOR PRACTICALLY ANYBODY AND ANYTHING. JUST NAME IT (NO PUN INTENDED), AND THE PINOY HENYO COULD INSTANTLY WHIP UP A TITLE THAT BEST BEFITS THE BEARER, FROM A COUPLE’S NTH-BORN INFANT TO THAT LITTLE NEIGBORHOOD SARI-SARI STORE. PINOY NAMES CAN BE MANY THINGS — HILARIOUS, BLASPHEMOUS, SCANDALOUS, EMBARRASSING, BUT DEFINITELY NOT BORING. IN THE PHILIPPINES’ NAME GAME, CREATIVITY AND ORIGINALITY ARE THE THINGS THAT COUNT. We baptize thee… In the name of the father, mother, grandparents, parish priest, and the whole community — this is how Filipinos get names which they carry with pride (or die in shame of). The parish priest would most likely recommend the patron saint of the baby’s birthday, say Juan for St. John, if it’s a boy. If the grandfather’s dream is to create clones, he would have every male-born in the family baptized after his name, with succeeding Roman numerals – like Ruben Padilla III. Not to be outdone, the grandmother would naturally want her first female apo to immortalize her life, so she’d call the baby her name – for example Flaviana. But if the parents would rather pay tribute to their love, then they might simply join their names together to give their child an ID. So Mommy Mary and Daddy Peter would have a daughter named Mapet. As the children grow up, so would their names evolve, which is when the community comes in. As toddlers, Juan, Ruben, and Flaviana might become Boy, Junior, and Baby to their doting elders. Once they enter school, they’d probably be christened Juanito, Beng-Beng, and Girlie by their classmates. And when they start noticing the cute ones in class, these teenagers would surely need hip names to catch the attention of their crushes. Thus, Jhun, Idol, and Flovely would be born. But as they turn into serious adults, they’d be simply called Jun, Ben, and Flavi; or John, Rob, and Flavah if they decide to work in the US. As their hair and teeth begin falling off, Juan would be back, with Bentong and Bebang joining him. As for Mapet, she would probably have a brother called Papet. Of course, the Pinoy style of giving a name doesn’t end here. There are a hundred more ways of doing so. One is by being nationalistic and naming

My Name is...

FILIPINISMS 71

Hopia Like It... My Yummy Vice...

a child Antonio, especially if the surname is coincidentally Luna — and be nicknamed Hero. If it’s a kid from the Santos clan who’s into celebrities, one would be certainly baptized Vilma, after the Star of All Seasons. If the date of birth falls on a holiday like Christmas, she’d be called Natividad. Pet lovers might consider calling their twins Kathie and Douglas, so that these amazing kids would be known as Kat and Doug. Themes are limitless, so parents could choose from their favorite fruits and flowers to places and personalities just to give the right tag for their kids.

Now, pun intended Even without a PhD in Marketing, Filipino entrepreneurs would win hands down in coming up with the most unforgettable names for businesses and products. Born wordplay smiths, we could coin witty tags as easy as discovering which brands to “innovate.” Starbucks has long ceased being just a sosyal coffeehouse. It’s also a moneychanger, a movie theatre in Batangas (Star Box), and Starback, a store behind the real McCoy in La Salle Taft. The same is true with Seattle’s Best Coffee, also a badminton court called Shuttles Best, and Cinnabon, additionally known as Cinna Von Laundromat. Microsoap is a soap vendor in Pinas, and Cainta has its own version of KFC—the Caintacky Fried Chicken. McDonald’s currently has Pinoy counterparts in McBo and Mang Donald’s, which are both carinderias, and MacDonuts doughnut shop, while Pizza Hut has Pizza Hot and Chichahut. We also have Side-saki, a side-street eatery; Aristocart, de-kariton food sold around UP campus; and Jollijeep, Makati’s turo-turo on stationary jeeps. Here are some more: The Fried of Marikina (fried chicken), Pancit ng taga-Malaboni (Boni, Mandaluyong), Chicago Balls and Papa Bols (fish/squid balls), TapSi TurBi (Tapa, Sinangag, Turon, Bibingka), Wrap and Roll (lumpia), Angels Goto Heaven (gotohan), Wok This Way (Chinese cuisine), TANGING INAsal (chicken inasal), Isaw-saw Mo (isawan), Bicho by Golly Wow (bicho-bicho), Bite Club, My Yummy Vice, Pinoy Big Burger, Let’s Goat-Together, KungFood, Eat Bulalo, Pork Barrel Grill and Restaurant, Cafe Pin. Dot, and Hopia Like It. Hollywood and local superstars, even fictional or historical characters couldn’t escape us, too. Joseph Strata serves fast food in Strata 2000, Ortigas, while Susan Roses wows her fans with flowers. Marimart left Sergio to manage a supermarket. Halliwood not only supplies films, but lumber as well. James Tailoring and Elizabeth Tailoring sew garments. Maruya Carey sells banana fritters. Bread

Pitt bakes bread and Brad Pets breeds pets. Ben Diesel chronicles auto part sales. Miki Mao cooks noodles; Goldirocks houses gravel and sand; and Alice in Launderland washes clothes. Felix the Cut, Captain Barbers, Sylvestre Salon, and Harry Cutter are all enjoying a new career as haircutters. Cleopata’s is still the reigning queen — among beef and chicken restaurants, that is. And if you’re a movie buff, these are worth your two hours: Leon King Video Rental, Petal Attraction Flower Shop, The Way We Wear boutique, Joey’s Sixth Scents perfumery, and Hair Force One parlor. If you’re a party animal, then it’s time to come to BALLOONBALLOONAN for some bright balloons. House music could be easily burned into a CD from What’s Disc? CDR store. But if you got broken dancing footwear - Shoes Ko Po! would be ready to repair them. And for your car’s flat tires, Mayon Vulcanizing Shop is sizzling hot to take care of it. Barbecued meals are possible with Meating Place, the perfect hangout of quality meat. You could also take out a smorgasbord of ready-toeat Pork Bongga Longganisa, Sisig na Makisig, Pride Tilapia, Viva Tocino, Bistek Walastik, and Tapa Rap Sarap from Binalot. Grab some poetic veggies as well—Where Have You Beans, You Bet Pinakbet, Along Came Talong w/ Bagoong, Toguether Again! For sawsawan, use the Happy Birthday Toyo soy sauce once endorsed by singer-actress Timmy Cruz. Watch out what you eat though - Funeraria Mabuhay, Last Trip, and Sweet Dreams — all funeral parlors — are just one final breath away.

72 ENTERTAINMENT

The Annie B (Batobalani) Chronicles The adventures and misadventures of a ‘not so average’ Pinay trying to make it in the cosmopolitan city of Dubai. Photography by Mariyah Gaspacho

Ikaw ba ay nalulungkot, nalulumbay, nai-inip, nababagot at walang maka-usap? Pakiramdam mo ba’y ikaw ay natutuyot, nalalanta, nalulupaypay sa labis na init ng panahon? Gusto mo bang mahimasmasan, maginhawahan, magpa-presko miski isang basong sago’t gulaman man lang? Pwes, pareho tayo!

BLAST FROM DA PAST Hanep na Global Warning yan, taon-taon na lang painet ng painit ang panahon! Halos mamulubi na ako sa kakabili ng mga iba’t ibang moisturizers at age-definying beauty products eh panay pa rin ang pag-dry ng skin ko at pagtubo ng wrinkles sa iba’t ibang parte ng katawan ko - sana man lang naging frestzkels ang mga tumubo sa katawan ko para mestiza ang dating ko kuning. Tuwing umaga na lang, halos makalbo ako tuwing mapapaso ng pagkainit-init na tubig ang mga anit ko at balat - ibang klaseng hot water nga itu - nasa maximum level - walang choice na hot or cold water: ang meron lang eh hot, hotter, boiling!!! Kakaloka! Mabuti sana kung mare-refresh ka kapag naligo ka, eh ilang segundo pa lang pagpunas ko ng tuwalya eh pinagpapawisan na ako ng butil butil - ayaw tuloy kumapit ng Chin Chinsu sa balat ko dahil basang basa na sa pawis! Kasi naman, ngayong summer eh walang patayan ang AC namin dito sa flat - kaya siguro halos bumigay na rin ito sa pagbuga ng lamig.

So walang magawa? Eh di mag-internet to death! Mukha ka nang busy, feeling pa nila masipag at matalino ka, o di bah? Salamat sa Fezbook, nabuhay ang tuyot at tigang kong summer. Nag-umpisa ito nang isang araw ay may natanggap akong invitation - not for a party but to be a contact in Fezbook. Teka, teka, bago ang lahat, alam mo ba ang kung ano ang Fezbook? Kung hindi pa ay mag-alsa balutan ka na ngayun din at bumalik ka na sa bundok na pinanggalingan mo, sister. Anukabaaaa???? Fezbook ang usong uso na connection site ngayon dito sa Dubai - pati mga Pilipino sa Maynila eh ka-join na rin sa kaschushalan na itu. Para itong Friendster (o, alam mo na?!!!) pero mas bago, at mas frez ang applications dito, bukod sa hindi pa sya ganoon ka-jologs at kagasgas sa madlang masa. Thanks to my connections in fashion and chika places, I was able to introduce to the wonderful super chika world of Fezbook six months ago. Nuong una mabagal ang progress ko - puro offismeyts at supplier lang ang contacts ko - mga siyam lang sila noon. But thanks to networking and hardwork and neverending effort, sa awa ng Diyos eh I have 221 contacts na now - at six months lang yan ha? Ang style kasi dyan eh ang magpa-schushal ka to the next and higher level. Kapalan lang din ng mukha - basta kaya mong panindigan. Miski hindi mo sya masyadong kilala eh i-message mo na,“Hey you, we met last time at the fartee, remember meeeh?!!!” Pasasaan ba at i-

a-add ka rin ng mga pa-schushal na mga yan - eh sino ba ang ayaw dumami ang contacts at magmukhang laos at kawawa sa Fezbook di ba? So any, where was I am? Ah, one day nagulat na lang ako nang makatanggap ako ng isang invitation to be his contact from a very familiar name. Yesterday mga manay - hindi ko agad natunugan kung sinitch ang may-I-invite sa akin to be his contact sa Fezbook. Basta sabi nung email eh, “Chippy Chua Go added you as a friend in Fezbook...” Nagulantang ako, Chippy? Kilala ko to ah....teka, napapikit ako ng aking mga mata at biglang nanumbalik sa akin ang mga araw na nagka-cutting classes ako at rumarampa sa Shoppesville sa Greenhills nang naka-checkered na mini-skirt at leather boots habang umiindak to the tune of “Street Beat” ni Toni Basil. Aaaaaayyyyy, si Chippppppppyyy!!! Oo, kilala ko si Chippy Chua Go. Isa syang kaklase ko noong freshman pa ako sa FEU na nagturo sa akin mag-cutting classes. Sya, na nabibilang sa upper-class society ng Binondo Chinese Federation na naka box-type na Lancer and akin ding first kiss sa Maynila - pero hindi naging kami. Bakit ka nyo? Dahil sa malaking katangahan ko - na iku-kwento ko din sa inyo mamaya. Haaay, si Chippy....isa syang campus hearthrob nuong freshman year namin - kesehodang sixteen lang ako noon at twenty-one na sya. Maloko kasi itong si Chippy at hindi mahilig mag-aral. Kaya ayun, taon taon na lang ay pabata nang pabata ang mga dinedate nya samantalang sya eh napag-iwanan na ng kanyang mga ka-batchmates na panay mga doktor, at abogado na. Pero bigtime talaga si Chippy! Obvious bang okey lang sa school administration na bumagsak sya every year at patuloy na payagang mag-enroll nang muli kung hindi nag-donate ng isang building ang lolo ni Chippy sa campus. Kaya carry lang - with Chippy, life is a farty! Si Chippy ang sumira sa aking innocent kolehiyala image during the 80s at nagturo sa kin ng kung anu-anong kalokohan. Tuwing weekend, kinakaladkad niya ako para tumambay sa parking lot ng Greenhills para sumali sa drag racing. Tuwing nale-late ang professor namin sa Theology noon ay niyaya niya akong mag-cutting classes at take note ha – hindi kami sa Recto at Morayta gumigimik kundi sa Cubao, Greenhills at sa Makati – sosi diba? Madalas kami kumain noon sa ChewChew Junction na pinaka-in na

ENTERTAINMENT 73

hangout noon at sa Shakey’s naman para makinig ng mga banda. Kapag ginagabi naman, sa Halfway Inn at sa Tia Maria sa Annapolis Street kami tumutungga ng Zombie at lumalaklak ng Flautas – lahat ng mga japorms na teenager noon eh doon mo matatagpuang nagpapakalasing, nagyoyosi, nakikipag-smooching o sumusuka sa CR. Op kors, sya din ang nag-intoduce sa aking gumimick sa disco clubs like Rumours, Zigzag, Faces at Equinox sa Makati and sa Heartbeat at Hot Gossip naman sa Q.C. – doon kami nahaling sa pagsasayaw to the tune of Da Cure or Cindy Loafer at Madonna, at bandang huli ka Rick Assley. Aaaayyyy, nakakaloka sariwain ang nakaraan……. In fairness, perfect gentleman si Chippy. Ni minsan eh hindi sya nag-take advantage sa akin – o baka naman talagang hindi nya ako type – at parang nakababatang kapatid ang turing nya sa akin. Pinagbubukas pa ako nyan ng pinto ng kotse kapag nasa mood sya at pinapasalubungan ng Dunkin Donuts kapag may kasalanan sya sa akin. Ang sweet noh? Bakit kamo hindi kami nagkatuluyan? Eh kasi isa po akong martyr. Kasi naman, akala ko noon eh okay na okay na kami – barkada - kasi masaya naman na ganoon kami eh – walang komplikasyon at problema. Gusto mo gumimik? Game ako! Walang ni ha, ni ho….no ifs and butts…madali akong kausap – hindi tulad ng ibang girlash na saksakan pa ng pakipot eh magpapalibre lang din naman sa bandang huli. Basta ako join lang at kampante kapag kasama ko si Chippy at lagi nya akong inaalagaan – at binubusog pa! Minsan, nagka-crush si Chippy sa isang kaklase rin naming – si Grace – na saksakan ng kaka at burgis. Maganda rin naman si Grace – mestisahin at salamat sa Eskinol eh makinis ang balat. Isa syang nerd at consistent dean’s lister – total opposite ni Chippy na annual repeater at walang interes sa pag-aaral. Alam kong trip na trip ni Chippy si Grace, pero nato-torpe sya dahil sa laki nga ng difference nila. Ano ang ginawa ko? Ako ang lumigaw sa kanya – in behalf of Chippy. I wrote her all sorts of loveletters na kinopya ko sa Mills & Boons at mga lyrics ng New Wave Love Songs mula sa Jingle Extra Hot Magazine. Ang bruhang Grace – na noong una eh panay pa ang pakipot – aba’t lumaon din eh bumigay na. Nakuha sa lyrics ng “Somebody” ng Depeche Mode. One Valentine’s Day, inabutan ako ni Chippy ng 3 red roses – miski kinilig ako at inima gine kong para sa akin ang mga iyon eh pikit mata kong inalay kay Grace – sabi ko galing kay Chippy para sa kanya. Ayun, habang nagpiP.E. ako ng Folk Dancing eh nag-cutting classes na pala ang dalawa at nagdate sa Birdland sa may Tomas Morato. Makalipas ang ilang linggo, hindi na ako kilala ni Chippy – nagpakalango na sya sa pag-ibig kay Grace. Nawala na sa eksena ang beauty ko. Bago matapos ang semester, nabalitaan kong itinanan na ni Chippy si Grace.

Ako naman, halos i-untog ko sa pader ang ulo ko sa sobrang katangahan. Bakit kasi hindi ko pa inamin na may feelings ako kay Chippy eh. Bakit kasi tiniis ko na pigilin ang tibok ng puso ko sa kanya? Bakit ba kasi ako pa ang nagsilbing tulay para magkatuluyan sila ni Grace? Bakeeeeetttt??!!! ‘Ginto na naging bato pa! Para hindi ako malunod sa pagkasawi noon, araw-araw at gabi-gabi wala akong ginawa kundi magaral– salamat sa pagti-tyaga ko, matataas lahat ang grades na nakuha ko sa finals at nakabawi ako pagka-cutting classes ko. Mabuti na rin siguro – kundi malamang bumagsak ako eh Freshman lang ako noon. Kung ganun baka pinabalik na ako nina Tatay sa probinsya – kaya maganda na ring nakalimutan ko agad si Chippy. Blessing in the sky talaga siguro na hindi kami nagkatuluyan … Haaay, Chippy……doon din mismo sa Fezbook ko nabalitaan na matapos silang magka apat na anak ni Grace eh naghiwalay din sila - pinagpalit sya nito sa gym instructor. Sya naman daw, ayun panay ang date at gimmick kasama ang iba’t ibang chicks. From his profile picture, cute pa rin sya miski medyo HIV na sya (Hair is Vanishing) at miyembro na rin ng DPWH (Department of Public Works and High Waist) kung pumorma. Eto pa ang killer – hanggang ngayon eh naka-Sperry Topsiders pa rin sya – saan ka pa. Well, some boys never really grow up…….but it’s fun reminiseeing those wonderful memories. Bumata ako sa pag-recall ng mga panahong iyon. Masarap pa sanang makipag-trip down the memory’s line kundi lang sa kontrabida kong ka-opisina. Itong si Leonora, porque alam na petiks ako at nakabakasyon ang bossini ko eh lagi akong pinupuna – pati mga 15 minutes late ko every morning lately eh ichini-tsismis pa dun sa kabilang department – inggitera!!! Palibhasa kasi 67 lang ang friends sa Friendster nya at wala syanag Fezbook (hindi kasi nya alam yun!) at wala syang makachat sa YM kaya ako itong pinakikialaman minu-minuto. Grrrrrr!!!! Pinay pa naman – hindi na lang makisama – instead eh nang-iintriga pa at nagchitsismis. Naunahan lang ako dito sa company ng six months eh kung umasta eh akala mo amo ko sya. Ang nega! Hay naku, magmula ngayon ang itatawag ko na sa kanya eh Leonie, the Negastar! Bagay sa kanya yung kasi punong puno na sya ng negativity sa buhay nya eh pa-istariray pa, hmp!!! Kaya miski nasa langit ako habang nakikipag-Fezbook kay Chippy eh kinailangan ko munang mag-slow down. Kundi baka matampal ko lang itong si Negastar sa kakapuna sa lahat ng ginagawa ko bawat minuto. Tse! Palibhasa hindi sya naka-attend ng Prom nya dahil walang gustong umescort sa kanya. O sya, tigil na rin ako sa pagta-type, baka basahin pa nya eh maagawan pa ako ng career dito sa Illustrado. Til next time, mga sis! If you can’t beat the summer heat, mag-Fezbook na lang at Friendster lang. Just don’t forget to add me: anniebdxb@yahoo.com. Dizzizit!!!

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Naalala mo pa ba? Halina’t bumalik sa masaya nating nakaraan via the WWW. Heto’t sariwain and inyong mga ala-ala Nung ikaw ay bata ba...... Nung ikaw ay bata, nagawa mo ba and mga ito?

* Idol mo si McGyver at nanonood kang perfect strangers?

* Kumakain ka ba ng aratilis?

* Nakakatawag ka pa sa pay phone ng tatlong bentesingko lang ang dala?

* Nagpipitpit ng gumamela para gawing soapy bubbles na hihipan mo sa binilog na tanggkay ng walis tingting?

* Cute pa si Aiza Seguerra sa Eat Bulaga at alam mo ang song na “Eh Kasi Bata”?

* Pinipilit ka bang matulog ng nanay mo pag hapon at di ka papayagan maglaro pag di ka natulog?

* Inabutan mo ba na ang Magnolia Chocolait eh nasa glass bottle pa na ginagawang lalagyan ng tubig ng nanay mo sa ref?

* Marunong ka bang magpatintero, chinese garter, langit-lupa at luksong tinik?

* Meron kang pencil case na maraming compartments na pinagyayabang mo sa mga kaklase mo?

* May mga damit ka na U.S.E.D., Boy London, Cross Colors, Esprit, Blowing Bubbles at pag nakakakita ka ng Bench na damit eh naalala mo si Richard Gomez? * Nanood ka ng Rainbow Brite, Carebears, My Little Pony, Thundercats, Bioman, Voltes V, Mazinger Z, Daimos, G.I. Joe, He-Man at marami pang cartoons na hindi pa translated sa Tagalog?

* Noon mo pa hinahanap kung saan ang Goya Fun Factory? * Sosyal ka pag may play-doh ka at Lego... at nag-iipon ka ng G.I. Joe action figures at iba pa ang mukha ni Barbie noon? * Inabutan mo pa yung singkong korteng bulaklak at yung diyes na square?

* Marunong ka mag Wordstar at nakahawak ka na talaga ng 5.25 na floppy disk?

* Laging lampin ang sinasapin sa likod mo pag pinapawisan ka?

* Inaabangan mo lagi ang Batibot at akala mo magkakatuluyan si Kuya Bodgie at Ate Sienna.

* Bumibili ka ng Tarzan, Texas at Bazooka Bubble Gum, tira-tira, at yung kending bilog na sinawsaw sa asukal?

* Gumagamit ka ng Aquanet para pataasin ang bangs mo matapos mo itong i-tease ng halos malugas ang buhok mo? * Meron kang blouse na may malaking padding kung babae ka at meron kang sapatos na Mighty Kid kung lalake ka? * Nangongolekta ka ng paper stationaries at mahilig ka magpapirma sa slumbook mo para lang malaman mo kung sino ang crush ng type mo?

* Takot kang dumating ang year 2000 dahil sabi nila magugunaw daw ang mundo? Kung alam mo lahat ito, mahigit 25 years old ka na, kung halos lahat naman ay natatandaan mo 23-25 ka. O wag nang i-deny, aminin kung gaano nang katanda… tumawa ka na lang!

ENTERTAINMENT 75

Kakoy Legaspi and Johnoy Danao with Dan Shepherd in the foreground during a 70s Bistro gig.

ThisJohnoy Modern Love Danao & Kakoy Legaspi By Gabbie de la Rama-Talan • Photography by Aries Guinto

WORD WAS OUT THAT A NEW ACT WAS DRAWING IN THE CROWDS AT LONGTIME MUSIC HAUNT 70S BISTRO IN ANONAS. TRUTHFULLY, I AM NO ACOUSTIC FAN AND NEITHER AM I ONE OF THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN BITTEN BY THE COVER BAND BUG WHICH, IN MY OPINION, IS AN EASY WAY OUT FOR MUSICIANS LACKING ENOUGH TALENT TO PRODUCE ORIGINALS; EITHER THAT OR THE PERFECTLY LEGITIMATE REASON THAT THEY NEED THE MONEY INCURRED BY FAMILIARITY, A GOOD SET LIST, AND A DRUNKEN, MAUDLIN CROWD. WHEN I HEARD WHO MADE UP THIS NEW ACT, I LOST ALL MY RESERVATIONS AND DECIDED TO JOIN THE CROWD BECAUSE THE NAMES JOHNOY DANAO AND KAKOY LEGASPI CAUSED THE PHRASE ‘LACKING TALENT’ TO LOSE ANY SHRED OF MEANING. Danao, former frontman of the band Bridge, responsible for the hit ‘Stay,’ is a talented songwriter and guitarist with a voice many have described as velvety while Legaspi, formerly of Rivermaya, Mr. Crayon and, Barbie’s Cradle is considered by many to be one of this generation’s greatest guitar players. True to their reputations, the duo performed two spectacular sets to a crowd whose approval was made evident through a complete, respectful silence during every song, followed by catcalls and riotous applause after.

And I had been put in my place. Let me digress for a moment and explore the meaning of the word ‘troubadour.’ According to the Merriam Webster dictionary there are two definitions: one, “a class of lyric poets and poet-musicians often of knightly rank who flourished from the 11th to the end of the 13th century chiefly in the south of France and the north of Italy and whose major theme was courtly love.”

And the second, “a singer especially of folk songs.” And in Danao and Legaspi’s case you could say both shoes fit. Many believe the duo to be a folk rock act but in reality, that isn’t the case. Because while there is something undoubtedly ‘folksy’ about the whole feel of the performance — something raw and unhampered — the music has a rock hard intensity that prevents it from being wedged into this category. According to Legaspi, “Somebody once said that our music is acoustic hardcore. I don’t really know what he meant by it but it feels

76 ENTERTAINMENT

Left: BREAKING THE SOUND BARRIER: Johnoy Danao displaying his trademark intensity. Top right: LOST IN SOUND: Kakoy Legaspi, eyes shut, unaware of the musical spell he is weaving.

apt. A lot of the folk rock artists before used the acoustic guitar coupled with an electric for nice contrasting texture. There’s a lot of light and shade coupled with a lot of heavy, earthy stuff with what we do too.” Their set list, though made up entirely of covers, encompasses a varied range of artists: The Dave Matthews Band, Paul Simon, and Crosby Stills and Nash, to name a few, and all songs of pure emotion, love songs if you will. “I’m very particular with song lyrics. Mostly, I sing these songs because the messages they contain are applicable to me, if not actually happened to me. I love songs na sapul sa akin. Nakaka-relate,” says Danao of their repertoire. Sitting down and watching his impassioned singing and strumming while barely being able to keep his seat from the intensity (he sits on a stool, beside him a little table, and on it a cup of coffee for that extra kick) is a sight that renders many awestruck. It doesn’t help that he’s got a really good voice; one that possesses a unique, well-

timed growl that he uses to great effect, which I suspect is responsible for the female percentage of the audience. On the other side of the stage sits Legaspi with his eyes closed, oblivious to the audience, delivering riff after inspired riff, his fingers dancing over the guitar strings so fast, I get dizzy trying to keep up. When the fancy strikes them, the pair invites other musicians to jam like Harmonica player Roni Padilla (who has been performing often with them the past couple of months) and Aussie lap style guitarist, Dan Sheperd. The presence of other musicians in the audience sometimes leads to a spontaneous jamming session, something welcomed by Legaspi who says “We like it when fellow musicians stretch, let loose and get creative on stage with us.” Before joining up with Legaspi, Danao was performing solo. “I strip it down to just my

voice and acoustic guitar. Hubad,” he says affably. He still does this on some nights, performing for an audience that has not diminished with the absence of Legaspi. In fact, his is an audience that runs a wide gamut: young, old, female and male — all are real fans that watch him on a regular basis. He is also in the process of recording his first studio album. Though both Danao and Legaspi are content with playing live there are also some informal plans to record some originals. “Though we started off just jamming, it has become serious in terms of what we want to do as a duo. We’ve written some songs already,” explains Danao — something to look forward to from these contemporary troubadours who have redefined the acoustic genre, spinning it away from the whiney, bland, and trite. More than anything else, this is an acoustic act with balls, and that is just the tip of the iceberg.

Novels and CDs are available at Fully Booked Philippines. Visit the website at www.fullybookedonline.com

HOT RELEASES 77

Newspaper, Bottle By Liquid Jane Liquid Jane’s foray into the music scene started innocently enough as a side project engendered by Chad Rialp, bassist of electro-soul act Sound, and Benito Gonzalez in August of 2001. One after another, members came and went, each leaving an indelible musical thumbprint behind: David Esteban (percussions) and Erwin Fajardo (keyboards), also both members of Sound, and Ken Navarozza on drums. With the release of their four-track EP in 2004, Liquid Jane had grown from its former “sideproject” status to something more concrete and what is more—impressive. Of the five members, only Rialp and Fajardo remained, joined by Gino Aguas (guitars), and Dru Ubaldo, who replaced Navarozza on drums. In 2007, the band released Newspaper Bottle, their debut LP with 12 tracks of, as the band describes their music, “dark funk.” An apt term yet easy to misunderstand. Rialp’s singing has revealed itself to be a force to rival his consistency on the bass and is tinged by a refreshing surge of melancholy, which is set off perfectly by Fajardo’s wizardry on the keyboards. The music possesses none of the sadness or heaviness that may be associated with such a term. In fact, you could say it is almost hopeful. The lyrics were intelligently composed, possessing none of the maudlin notions that seem to permeate the music of the present day. Must listens are “Kings of Freedom,” and “Typhoon Girl.” The latter leaning more towards rock, while the former more of a ballad. All in all, this is a great album for every kind of mood, but one which inspires a fresh, almost healing perspective for listeners with a more serious intent, but not too serious that good times are foregone for moping and whining.

Cityscapes By The Rinka Collective Nowadays, it is quite common to watch more than to listen, especially when it comes to music. In fact, the sight of acts with performers dressed more in their own skin than actual clothing take precedence over their actual ability to sing. Throw in someone with a passable voice with the rest providing some contrived gyrating, and you have hit after hit after hit on your hands. Not so with, The Rinka Collective, fronted by Rinka Romero, whose beauty is more fragile than sexual. It is a stark, yet appealing contrast to the power of her voice. She is backed by a young five-piece band whose individual talents, complement rather than detract from the arrangements, which can be loosely described as intoxicating stuff delineated by folk and world music, leaning more towards the former. The percussions lend an exotic feel to the music while the saxophone gives it a sensuous though far from vulgar air. Cityscapes is a collection of intimate songs that makes you feel almost as if you are reading somebody’s journal—not an angst-riddled diary but rather one belonging to a young girl, who coming of age, is filled with the wonder of the world around her, especially in the tracks “Windowseats on Trains,” “Circle,” and “Gomer.”

Songs From Home By Lea Salonga Perhaps the best thing about Lea Salonga besides her undisputed talent is that she has served as a benchmark for Filipino performers everywhere, that her success worldwide has shown the breadth of Filipino talent. And though she has lived overseas for years, her commitment and pride to her country is evident in all her projects. But most of all, her live CD Songs from Home exhibits her patriotism. Rather than originals, of which she has dozens of, Salonga pays tribute to other Filipino artists with versions of their works. It is a surprising range, including pieces like Mike Hanopol’s “Laki sa Layaw,” medleys from Regine Velasquez and and Basil Valdez, and Nanette Inventor’s “Salamat, Salamat Musika,” and the timeless “Waray Waray/Galawgaw.” Salonga’s vocal prowess is extraordinary, and her clear enunciation of the lyrics makes this album for real listening pleasure.

78 HOT RELEASES By Gabrielle de la Rama-Talan

Chic Happens: An Explosive Celebrity and Fashion Insider Account By Kitty Go In 2005 former magazine editor and publisher, Kitty Go, released a highly controversial piece of “fiction,” entitled When the Chic Hits the Fan, that centered on the ills and wills of Manila’s High Society to the delight of many—bored housewives, stressed out working women (and gays) in need of a good laugh, people on the outside or on the fringes of Manila’s so-called social register—and the dismay of the local crème de la crème because although labeled as fiction, the book is said to be a dirty tell-all on certain moneyed (and/or powerful) individuals. Sure she didn’t go dragging their illustrious, real names in the dirt by assigning them (amusing) monikers, but rumor has it that by reversing their surnames with their first, and keeping the first letter intact, and a little bit of research, unearthing their identities is pretty much smooth sailing from thereon. Though it received quite a number of bad reviews, astronomical book sales catapulted it to the top of the local best-sellers list, much to the chagrin of her bejeweled cast of characters. Chic Happens: An Explosive Celebrity and Fashion Insider Account is Go’s follow-up to her hugely successful debut (and a third is in the works). In it she continues her brazen lambasting through her protagonist, Giselle Cordero. Meet characters such as social climbing couple, the Niveras; the funny and vengeful Evil Bading duo; the delusional Ursula M. Bitanga-Mueller, and many more. Go’s writing is oozing with name brands, scandal, and cattiness galore. This second book is pure evil that will have you laughing your guts out, playing guessing games the whole length of the book, and in a sense, give you relief that you’re wearing your dirty, battered but comfortable, and loved pair of house tsinelas instead of a pair of Manolo Blahniks—whether by choice or necessity, it’s a startling realization. Not a little dismaying is that even a third world country with starvation, corruption, and poverty issues knows what it is like to be filthy and “filthy rich” in the true sense of the word, but the choice to take it as “pure fiction” is there. The writing isn’t Pulitzer Prize material but its entertainment value more than makes up for what is not. Perhaps even more interesting is the fact that this woman has the kind of guts that would have probably daunted a pre-Parkinson’s Disease Muhammad Ali. In the words of one columnist, Gino de la Paz, “This lady has balls the size of Jupiter and I bet she’s on a lot of people’s hit lists by now. Scratch that—I mean, ESPECIALLY now.”

Women, Power, and Kinship Politics: Female Power in Post-War Philippines By Mina Roces

If we explore the role of the Filipina in society then we will see something highly convoluted, debatable, and contradictory. From early on many of us have been told that the woman’s place is at home with her children. The man is the breadwinner while the woman takes that “bread” and disburses it as she sees fit, transforming it to meals, clothing, and a sparkling home for the man to come home to at the end of his long, hard work day. The Philippines is a society, which bestows upon women a respect but is at times, a grudging one. Through the centuries women have moved out of their usual seats at home to take those behind multimillion-peso corporations, the frontlines of rallies and revolts, and in the media as respected journalists and anchor women. But perhaps the biggest breakthrough is a slow but sure ascension to power, stepping up from a household to an entire nation. Written before our current leader, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, rose to power, The book Women, Power, and Kinship Politics: Female Power in Post-War Philippines is about just that. Or is it? If we take an unmitigated look at how these women came to be in power we see that as a stepping-stone, they used their ties with their kin—especially as a politician’s wife. In Corazon C. Aquino’s case the nation saw a bereaved widow, who seemed almost unwilling to take on the cause of a nation, but spurred on by the murder of her husband, Ninoy and the cries of her countrymen, and not without the prodding of enemies of the opposition, she did so, serving as the symbol for freedom from tyranny. There are many other notable women mentioned in this book but it is crucial to note that it is not a question of their abilities or capability, but that before coming into power they were already considered “unofficially in power” by virtue of their ties. Wife of former president Ferdinand Marcos, his wife Imelda, wielded this power in what some considered a “conjugal” dictatorship. To sum up this well-researched piece of work is that behind every great man, is a great woman. And although Philippine politics is considered by many as “male-dominated,” in reality, it is “gendered.” Even the nuns who have behind them the patriarchal support of the Catholic Church have exercised their moral duty against oppression, some to the point of being called militant. Exactly how much of politics in post-war Philippines is pre-determined by women with kinship ties to power cannot be measured but soon, Filipinas will take the complete step from their seats of influence to true symbols of power—if we have not already.

I know What To Do Pinoy Success Handbook by Jeffrey ‘Ximo’ Ramos So you want to be successful – but do you know what to do? Author Jeffrey Ximo Ramos unlocks the secrets to achievement in his substantial motivational tome ‘I Know What To Do’. Lifted from his personal learnings from the challenges and triumphs of living in the United Arad Emirates, the book is packed with useful tips and fundamental truths that can help you accomplish your dreams. It is divided into three main sections – How to be successful, how to maintain success and how not to get corrupted by success. With its words of wisdom, not to mention the writers’ interestingly casual style and wit, the book promises to be a veritable ‘success handbook’ one would eagerly be reaching for, from time to time. Available in the UAE through Illustrado. Please call 04-365 4543 to reserve your copy or e-mail info@illustrado.net

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at DLSMâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Prince & Princess Camp June 29 to August 23

Campers will have the opportunity to share a very special experience designed exclusively for princes and princesses.