Photo by Eros Goze
EDITOR’S NOTE
Living “la vida de arte”
Most Filipinos still think that art is the exclusive domain of the few well-heeled “gallery-opening” types or the cultural or intellectual elite. In reality, however, we’ve all grown up surrounded by art. Those of us born and raised in the homeland had the privilege of living a life full of art that is the expression of the Filipino soul. Here, I’m talking beyond the great works proudly displayed in our museums - the likes of Juan Luna’s Spolarium, the sun-kissed pastoral-inspired paintings of Fernando Amorsolo, or even the works of budding contemporary artists displayed in galleries all over the metro. For that matter, we have also been exposed to art outside the writings of literary legends like Jose Rizal, Jose Garcia Villa, Nick Joaquin and F Sionil Jose, even our own Krip Yuson, to name a few; or beyond grand performances usually held at the Cultural Center of the Philippines featuring such acts as Filipina prima ballerina Liza Macuja-Elizalde or the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra. One need only look around a Filipino’s everyday life to see how we are surrounded by expressions of beauty and aesthetics. I’ve been blessed to have an appreciation for such things even as a young girl fascinated with the most mundane of objects at home – like the curiously patterned inabel sheets hand-loomed in Ilocos we used as kumot, table linens with delicate hand embroidery made by the women of Lumban that would top the dining table, itself a work of art from the wood carvers of Bulacan. In the living room, there is narra furniture with solihiya and bone inlay in sampaguita design – a pattern which I so love to this day. I adored the bakyas my grandmother would buy for me from the palengke – these would sometimes sport small carvings or dainty hand-painted flowers on the heels. Speaking of wood carvings, most of us had a carabao, perhaps a bulol, probably even a Barrel Man, and (don’t deny it) the ubiquitous spoon and fork, which are usually made in Baguio, on proud display somewhere in the house. All of us grew up on a diet of komiks, pelikula (if you’re lucky you would have seen some of the amazing Filipino black and white Sampaguita Films classics) and videoke. At school, we danced Filipino folk dances, performed kundiman classics in choral groups and did straw weaving in art class. On the streets, we are bombarded with both Filipino pop art and popular art on every corner - from the over-the-top embellished jeepneys, to posters, to hand-painted old-school cinema billboards, graffiti and street murals, not-to-mention both subversive and patriotic t-shirts worn by young artsy types. Philippine life, as we know it, is full of artists, artistes and artisans. To say that art is the exclusive domain of the few, is to say that one has unfortunately missed all the wonderful, sometimes weird and wacky, but nonetheless colorful accoutrements of Filipino existence. Art as the articulation of human creative skill and imagination is neither bound by socio-economic status or level of intelligence. It is democratic and does not discriminate; it is not made to intimidate and it is free for all; it is all around us and is within us. So while we acknowledge how our Filipino existence is so filled with things borne of creativity, it also pays to stretch our interest further to cultivate an understanding and appreciation for the significant body of work created by Philippine art greats. Let us embrace our culture’s legacy. After all, it’s part of what makes us special – as Filipinos. Here’s hoping that summer in the Gulf is treating all of you kindly… Taas Noo, Filipino! LALAINE CHU-BENITEZ Publisher and Editor-in-Chief
2 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Send your letters to: editor@illustrado.net or join the discussion at IIlustrado Magazine’s Facebook page
Thank you, Illustrado for putting an effort on promoting the true talents of our kabayans here in Dubai and the UAE. It makes a big difference when other nationalities can see how beautiful our country really is and how talented, hard-working, loving and God-fearing we Filipinos are. Salamat sa walang sawa ninyong pagtataguyod sa lahing Pilipino! Oskee Banal
Do the Filipino Proud A Job Well Done For the past issues, Illustrado magazine exuded glam not only in style, but also with its intelligent content. The conceptualized as well as well-researched and brilliantly done issues show its position as the frontrunner of style bibles in the region. There will be pretenders, and there will be copy cats. But indeed, Illustrado remains the fierce lioness in the arena. So chic… so feline, so purrrring with sheer glossiness. Bellissima!!! Butz Fuentes The Filipino is worth dying for as the saying of the late Sen. Benigno Aquino goes. It is very nice to know that there are still publishing companies, readers, reading paraphernalia and the like that care and give significance to the Filipino race not only in the Philippines, but also thousands of miles from our archipelago. I salute your service to the Filipinos and how I wish that other FIlipinos out there will realize and value our own humanity. Seprina Teves-Sangcajo Zabala Just when I am almost at the threshold of finding a balance between my community and personal life, I come across a post from Illustrado that’s truly empowering. Thank you for confirming that I really need both community endeavors and personal pursuits. Yucel Sevdi Zerrin
We, Filipinos from all over the world, should do good things and project positive values to all our neighbors regardless of their race or nationality. Remember our Panatang Makabayan? It says there - “Iaalay ko ang aking buhay, pangarap at pagsisikap sa bansang Pilipinas.” Nag-iisa lang ang Pilipinas, mahalin natin ito hanggang wakas... Haven Hamilton Villapando For me, who has experienced the best and most outwardly impoverished aspects of the Philippines and of Filipino culture, I celebrate the warmth and hospitality and vitality of your wonderful land. Mabuhay! Rick Passo The real heroes of the Philippines... OFs who succeed despite all odds... Let’s sing them happy songs… Support them for their efforts and be there when the chips are down... A Liza Julao Respect is something all Filipino expats must have – respect and a spiritual relationship with GOD; respect for oneself - preserve your dignity; respect in their partners no matter what they have done in the past; respect for their children - that bind them as family. If you want to be respected, be respectable and have big dreams. Efraim Evidor
Kabuhayan Kaalaman Hello, Illustrado! Thank you for releasing valuable stories every month – especially thru your educational column – Kabuhayan. The articles are so inspiring and I’m learning a lot from them. Hopefully, I will be able to save enough money to build my own business someday, for the good of my family and my children’s future. Maraming Salamat po! Shirley Cunanan I’m a fan of both Bo Sanchez and Francisco Colayco! I’m getting a lot of tips and practical solutions in the articles that they write. It’s good that they are stressing on the importance of financial literacy and planning, especially right now – when lots of our kababayans suffer from financial issues due to the recent economic crisis. More Filipinos should become more aware and conscious about spending wisely and saving. We need to change our careless attitude when it comes to money (we like to have a good time, all the time!) and be disciplined in saving. We also need to learn how to invest our hard-earned dirhams wisely. If Bo Sanchez’s household helpers can become millionaires someday, there’s no reason why we OFs can’t make that happen. Let’s go, Pinoy! Nestor Tiongson
Fil Photography Boost Taas noo, illustrado! You should justifiably be proud of the Illustrado Biennial project showcasing the finest works of Filipino photographers in the region. Please continue with such initiatives aimed at achieving your rallying cry... Taas noo, Filipino! Marian Celeste Suarez Carella Thank you for the birthday treat from Illustrado Magazine! One of my photographs went in the final 28 and will now be exhibited at the Dubai Media City. I was born on the 28th day of June (the same day I received this news). Coincidence? Maybe or very likely another blessing from heaven. Randy Ramos Recio
CONTRIBUTORS Bo Sanchez You’ve probably already read his best-selling books, attended one of his seminars, or even seen him on TV or online. Bo Sanchez – or Bro. Bo, doesn’t really need any introduction. This Ten Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) awardee, best-selling author and respected speaker shares worthwhile words of wisdom with Illustrado readers in his column on Spirituality.
Alfred ‘Krip’ Yuson
Esteemed writer KripYuson has co-authored travel books (among these APA Insight Guide to the Philippines and Philippines: Islands of Enchantment). He has earned distinctions as a literary author of over 20 other books — from poetry, short stories, children’s stories, biographies, and translation. A Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature Hall-of-Famer, he has also received the SEAWrite (SouthEast Asia Writer’s) Award from Thai royalty and the UMPIL or Writers’ Union of the Philippines’ Gawad Balagtas for lifetime achievement.
Francisco Colayco
Resident personal finance guru Francisco J Colayco discusses an importantbutoftenneglectedissuewith Filipino families – teaching children about money. Here, he gives parents an easy step-by-step plan to get kids thinking about their own finances from a very young age. Illustrado’s Kabuhayan columnist has several best-selling books to his credit, and an advocacy on teaching Filipinos how to prosper.
Endzo Mondejar Enzo Mondejar is a fashion photographer who has the conceptual mind of a fine artist; and a fine artist with the sensual sophistication of a fashion photographer. Originally trained and educated at the University of Santo Tomas to practice fine arts, Enzo works as a freelance conceptual photographer, who also takes styling assignments for Philippine television and fashion shows, at the same time developing several projects on print and other media as his strong sense of visual artistry expands. His eclectic professional background has clearly given him an edge, while his quirky sense of visual aesthetics puts him in a wicked league of his own.
Tara FT Sering
Tara calls herself a writer/editor/ publisher on “all somewhat official” basis. She currently contributes to the Art and Culture Section of the Philippine Star in a column called Yellow Light. Tara describes the art scene in Metro Manila as “incredibly vibrant these days, and it’s generating a lot of interest in neighboring countries, even in places with which we have a rather thin historical connection, and where people make no ready emotional associations with Philippine art.”
Margarita Go Singco Holmes & Jeremy Baer Famous author and TV personality Dr. Margarita Go Singco Holmes is a clinical psychologist and professor at the Department of Psychology, UP Diliman who has written 17 books. Oxford University law graduate Jeremy Baer, the former Global Head of Ship Finance at Lloyds TSB Bank in London, has been training for the last six years as a psychotherapist under Dr. Holmes. He is a columnist for OPINYON, co-hosts an OPINYON radio show with Dr. Holmes and is currently working on his first book. Together, this husband and wife team tackles relationship issues in their monthly segment.
Rache Hernandez UP graduate Rache Hernandez has a degree in Communication Research and currently works as a writer for a media/marketing company in Dubai. For Illustrado’s August edition, Rache reveals what makes Filipinos “hot commodities” in the advertising field in the region.
Isabelo Samonte
Illustrado contributor Isabelo Samonte is a freelance writer, consultant and PR practitioner who specializes in Philippine Labor issues and has a particular interest on everything and anything Pinoy. A former Program Manager at the Asian Institute of Management Policy Center, Isabelo shares with us this month the beauty and majesty of the Puerto Princesa Underground River and reminds us that we still have time to vote to seal the PPURs position as one of the 7 New Natural Wonders of the World.
Roll Jervis Manahan Roll, who grew up in Dubai, is a senior Broadcast Communication student at UP Diliman. He is fascinated by how art is a creative narrative of history. In writing about the group Filipinas, he discovered that there is so much that we are yet to learn about our culture. When not writing or studying, this former Illustrado Junior Contributor, blogs and shoots videos, reads books and magazines. He also enjoys visiting museums/ galleries and occasionally catching a theater play whenever possible.
Publisher & Editor-in Chief Lalaine Chu-Benitez Associate Editor Ana Santos CONTRIBUTING WRITERS UAE, Philippines, USA Aby Yap Anna Lorraine Balita JR Bustamante Bernadette Reyes Jude Cartalaba Bo Sanchez Karen Galarpe Carlito Viriña KC Abalos Chayie Maligalig Krip Yuson David Poarch Lawrence Diche Excel Dyquiangco Rache Hernandez Flordeliz Samonte Shar Matingka Francisco Colayco Toni Loyola Isabelo Samonte Sonny Guzman Ivan Henares Vic Lactaoen Jack Catarata Victor Sollorano Jesse Edep ART DIRECTORS Tom Bolivar Paula Lorenzo Ron Perez CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS UAE Eros Goze Mariyah Gaspacho Christina Linaza Illuminado Ong Donald Rosales CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS PHILIPPINES Dr. Marlon Pecjo Glenn Peter-Perez Filbert Kung Alan Desiderio Enzo Mondejar CONTRIBUTING STYLISTS & FASHION TEAM UAE Jessie Tabla Ginno Alducente Ushi Sato Jojo Padua PUBLISHER - UAE Illustrado Communications FZ-LLC 2nd Floor, Building 2, P.O. Box 72280 Office 20C Dubai Media City, UAE Tel: +9714 365 4543, 365 4547 Fax:+9714 360 4771 E-mail: admin@illustrado.net, info@illustrado.net Web: www.illustrado.net, www.illustrado.agilaglobal.net PRINTERS PRINTWELL PRINTING LLC P.O. Box 18828 Dubai, UAE Copyright Illustrado Communications FZ-LLC 2006-2011. All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without the written permission of Illustrado Communications FZ-LLC.
CONTENTS
60 AUG 2011
Models Manuela Basilio and Gerald Go are captured by the mad lens of artist-photographer Enzo Mondejar in this month’s fashion editorial – Hallucinations in RGB.
8
FEATURES
Virtual Virtuosos 8 Art Now 12 An Advertising Mafia, Filipino Style 17 Filipino in the UAE Art Scene 20 PinoyPower:JammingtothebeatoftheirownDrum28 Filipino Schools in the UAE 46 Filipino Muslims 52
REGULAR COLUMNS
Editor’s Note 1 Letters 2 Contributors 4 Pinoy Pro 32 It’s What I Do – Pinoy Talent On-the-Job 34 Pinoy Entrepreneur 36 Kabuhayan: Narda’s Handwoven Arts & Crafts 39 Kabuhayan- Money: Teaching Children About Money 44 Spirituality: Homeschool – The Best School in the World 48 Relationships: Working Mom Dilemma 54 Illustrado Scrapbook 56 Illuminati: Verde Que te Quiero 58 Five Things to Do 74 Onli in da Pilipins: The Art of War 86 Annie B. Chronicles: Eskwelang Kwela 88
FASHION
Hallucinations in RGB 60
PLACES
Bakasyon Grande: Puerto Princesa Underground River 76 Trippin’: The Filipinas – Uncovering Manila’s Landmarks 78 Pinoy Planet: Taipei 80 My Pinoy Life in: Trinidad & Tobago 84
80
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8 FEATURE
VISUAL
Virtuosos
Young Filipino artists are taking the world by storm. Illustrado Contributor and art aficionado Niña Terol-Zialcita looks at some of the hottest young names in Filipino contemporary art and their works which command a worldly price.
Ronald Ventura’s Greyground
That Filipino artistry and ingenuity shine in all corners of the world cannot be denied. From the time the legendary maestro, Juan Luna, won a gold medal in the Exposición Nacional de Bellas Artes in Madrid in 1884 for his now-immortal piece, Spoliarium, generations after generations of Filipino artists have splashed different parts of the globe with the proud colors, the layered textures, and the vibrant expressions of Filipino cultures and mindsets. Whether it was Luna’s powerful and haunting images of slain gladiators in the 19th century; art revolutionary Victorio Edades’ bold modernist strokes in the post-World War II era; or the dark, satirical, and often-subversive images of Manuel Ocampo in the late 20th century, there has always been something about the Filipino spirit that broke free from his art and enraptured art critics and collectors of different tastes and inclinations. In the 21st century, a new generation of Filipino artists are creating a stir, commanding box-office numbers in the world’s two biggest auction houses and making the Philippines a hot name for contemporary art. Here, we look at some of the most familiar Filipino names in the international art scene.
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Ronald Ventura Life is neither black and white, but deliciously, complexly gray. This couldn’t seem truer for Ronald Ventura, the artist who set tongues wagging when his contemporary graphite, oil, and acrylic masterpiece, “Grayground,” sold for a whopping HK$8,420,000 (PHP46,995,832 as of sale time) at the Sotheby’s Modern and Contemporary Asian Paintings auction in Hong Kong. A recipient of the prestigious Thirteen Artists Award (Cultural Center of the Philippines, 2003) and the Ateneo Art Awards (2005), Ventura’s works have been known to show complex layers and a mash-up of elements inspired by photography, graphic art, graffiti, hyperrealism, and cartoons, among others. His works don’t seem to take themselves seriously, but serious art buyers do. Aside from his latest performance at Sotheby’s — reportedly the highest-ever price for a piece of Southeast Asian contemporary art — Ronald’s works “Rainbow Punch” and “Head Study” were also sold at the Christie’s Southeast Asian Modern and Contemporary Art auction in Hong Kong, for HK$1,004,000 (PHP5.6M) and HK$437,000 (PHP2.4M), respectively.
FEATURE 9
Geraldine Javier Educated to be a nurse before she eventually pursued art at the University of the Philippines, Geraldine Javier was also one of the Thirteen Artist Awardees in 2003 and has been a consistently rising Filipino name in the international art scene. She is known for conceptual pieces that, according to some art critics, seem to have a more intellectual, rather than emotional bent. Her works appear to examine the complex relationship between Man and Nature, or Man and Nature within itself, as in her exhibitions “Always Wild, Still Wild”, which fuses floral inspirations with a 19th century art form called “tatting,” a lacemaking technique that, together with Javier’s “always wild imagination,” conjured intricate installation pieces that brought the forest to the city. Another past exhibit, “Butterfly’s Tongue,” featured a mix of haunting and enigmatic human themes with flora, fauna, and insects. Geraldine was a hit at the recent Christie’s Southeast Asian Modern and Contemporary Art auction in Hong Kong, where her mixed media-and-lace piece, “Chopsticks on a Saturday Fun Machine Morning”, was sold for three times its estimated price, at HK$ 920,000 (PHP5.1M). According to the Bloomberg Businessweek website, although Asian art in general had taken a dip because of the global financial crisis, “back home in the Philippines, there’s a waiting list of 100 people for works by 38-year-old Geraldine Javier.”
Chopsticks on a Saturday Fun Machine Morning
year he won a faculty grant from his alma mater.
Paper Dolls
José John Santos III Although not yet as active as some of his contemporaries in the international auction scene, José John Santos III surprised the art world when his piece, “Paper Dolls”, was among the “fiercely contested” pieces at the recent Christie’s Southeast Asian Modern and Contemporary Art auction in Hong Kong. According to published reports, “The 2011 oil-on-canvas work which was estimated to sell at HK$ 120,000, realized a final gavel price of HK$1,100,000, roughly more than six million pesos.” A fine arts graduate of the University of the Philippines, Santos was awarded as one of the Thirteen Artists Awardees in 2000, the same
His works, playfully thoughtful but not whimsical, juxtapose seemingly contradictory or contrasting elements to give new meaning to seemingly everyday objects or concepts. In “Paper Dolls”, for instance, the collage of clothes, disembodied heads, and headless bodies gives one the feeling displacement in a world where everything is transitory. Another piece, “Terminal” shows images of the national hero, José Rizal, together with 19th century women mixed in early icons of travel: suitcases, a Ford Model T, a man on a unicycle, a boy balancing atop a ball, and a postage stamp dated 2004. It is laid out like a timeline, in what seems to be a commentary to the Filipino’s connection to travel while being separated from each other by it. According to the website ArtSentralAsia, “[Santos’] works traverse the realms of the personal and the mythical. The artist taps both his existential situation as an individual and the rich storehouse of myth and spirituality to create works of compelling presence. Indeed, it is the story behind each painting that captures so many people’s attention and it is hard to walk away from a Santos painting without a sense of realization and beautiful imagery.”
10 FEATURE
as a DJ), Escora traverses the different genres in the art world, shifting easily from painting and sketching to photography and designing clothes. A Thirteen Artists Awardee in 2003, Escora’s works have been exhibited throughout Southeast Asia, as well as parts of the United States and Europe, fetching tens of thousands of dollars in contemporary art auctions. According to an interview in the Manila Bulletin in 2009, and quoted in one of the most authoritative art blogs in the Philippines, Manila Art Blogger, “… It seems Escora is one to know about indulgence and wistfulness. His works stir up feelings of such from audiences. However, there is more to Escora’s Untitled Charcoal on paper Maskara Charcoal on paper opuses than the two. Seen in his paintings are narratives felt in the most palpable sense. Kiko Escora More than just painting the faces of strangers, friends, past lovers, Another staple in auction houses like Sotheby’s and Christie’s, Kiko and his girlfriend, Escora is more focused on arresting on canvas the Escora is a master of portraiture and is known in the art circles for his beautiful awkwardness, the natural nuances, the odd gestures, the figurative pieces that, while traditional in form and medium, express otherworldly presence, the libertine spirit, the nonconformist ways, the individuality and the edginess of his subjects and outlook. and the intensity of his subjects. There is no doubt that Escora is very adept in doing so, as his pieces come out as intricate and thorough, A self-taught artist who could easily pass for a rock star (and who, each of them brimming with a life of its own.” unsurprisingly, loves to prowl the Manila nightlife and moonlight
Patricia Eustaquio Another breakout artist from the Christie’s Southeast Asian Modern and Contemporary Art auction is local favorite Patricia Eustaquio, who entered Philippine public life through fashion but has since metamorphosed into one of the most technically skilled young artists today. Another Thirteen Artists Award and Ateneo Art Awards recipient (both for 2009), Eustaquio’s first-time auction piece, “A Bird in Cloud Country”, fetched HK$300,000 (PHP1.6M) at the Christie’s auction, almost three times its estimated high price. Eustaquio’s works demonstrate her predilection for sculptural, architectural pieces, whether they are done on fabric, cardboard, wax, oil-on-canvas, or found objects. Her 2008 exhibit for the Silverlens Lab, for instance, paid homage to the gallery’s history as a former piano school and featured an ingenious piece “Psychogenic Fugue,” which was sculpted out of epoxy resins and hardened cotton lace. The artist notes in her website, “People often refer to this sculpture simply as “the piano.” Ironically, of course, there is no piano.” In an ongoing exhibit at the Ateneo Art Gallery, Eustaquio’s cardboard piece, “Two Campers in Cloud Country,” inspired by poetry by Sylvia Plath, juxtaposes what seems to be a lone standing envelope with two houses seemingly overtaken by a giant tarantula (or crab). Her pieces are known for having a hint of little whimsy and a lot of poetry. Aside from having her works exhibited in the Singapore Art Museum’s collection, Eustaquio was also an artist-in-residence in Delft, The Netherlands (2009) and Art Omi, New York (2010).
Illustrado Magazine
Psychogenic Fugue
Two Campers in Cloud Country
12 FEATURE
ART
NOW
There’s never been a better time to be either an artist or an art lover in the Philippines. In cosmopolitan Metro Manila, the local art scene swirls at hyperactive pace. By Tara FT Sering Photos and Artworks from Tin-Aw gallery
Any given weekend will find a gallery opening an artist’s show, or a museum unveiling an exhibition. On a particularly hectic Friday or Saturday, an art lover bent on not missing a beat might find herself running to and from as many as three art events across town — from the spacious convertedwarehouse galleries of Pasong Tamo showing massive paintings by the local art superstars, to a city museum such as the Ayala Museum or the Yuchengco Museum exhibiting a group show involving both local and foreign talent. Then, there are the intimate gatherings, showcasing for the first time the passionate efforts of a young painter, at a small venue along a quiet street somewhere in Quezon City. This, and the international headlines of record-breaking hammer prices at the Hong Kong auctions by Filipino artists, is a telling sign of the local art scene: it’s vibrant, it’s pulsating, and it’s got something for all kinds of inclinations. The broad spectrum of prevailing art tastes is nowhere more pronounced than in two big annual art events. Early in the year, there’s the “Art in the Park”, the much-awaited affordable art fair that sets up tent in the Jaime Velasquez Park in Salcedo Village, right in the residential enclave of the Makati Central Business District. A project of the Museum Foundation of the Philippines (headed by Trickie Lopa, whose blog, manilaartblogger.wordpress.com, is an excellent and comprehensive guide to the local art scene), the one-day-only art fair is designed to raise funds for the National Museum, as well as serve as a platform for new artists and their works.
ALTAR (TUMOR, AND THE WORD IS MADE FLESH, PYRAMID BABEL) Mike Adras Charcoal on paper /15x5 feet
Illustrado Magazine
MY BOAT OF DREAMS Plet Boilpata
FEATURE 13
MY BOAT IS PARKED IN A PARALLEL UNIVERSE Plet Boilpata Oil and collage on canvas
Here, both budding and seasoned collectors looking for the high that a great find might bring arrive in breezy weekend attire and - like giddy treasure hunters - rummage through stacks of student work for gems and other pieces that show enormous promise. Otherwise, they might find some long-forgotten work by a master or a rare piece by contemporary hotshots such as Mark Justiniani or Elmer Borlongan, all for a steal. Slightly heady from the intoxication of their finds, but fully satisfied, they are content to enjoy the rest of the afternoon sitting on a park bench under a tree, refueling on sumptuous bites from one of the select food stalls, and listening to a four-man jazz band. The affordable art fair has been known to launch young artists into the limelight, and to attract collectors from far and wide. Dawn Atienza, an art dealer whose Tin-Aw Gallery is one of Art in the Park’s mainstays, reports that during last year’s fair, a group of foreign nationals with a deep interest in Philippine art decided to fly in for the weekend just to see what they might find. Whether or not they found a painting or a piece of sculpture they couldn’t resist, they were certainly treated to a visual feast, starting with a bright orange installation made from recycled materials by young sculptor Leeroy New hanging from one of the park trees. This year’s fair was also the broadest thus far; it included simultaneous sideshows at nearby establishments — a photography and conceptual art exhibit by At Maculangan and Katya Guerrero at Apartment 1B, a restaurant on the corner of Sedeno and San Agustin Streets. Also included was a group show that included graphic artist Dan Matutina and graffiti artist Caliph8 at the Picasso, a boutique hotel on Leviste Street with — surprise! — an artistic side. Of a far different flavor is “ManilArt,” a bigger, more formal art gathering of artists and art lovers, that takes place around July or August. Now on its third year, ManilArt, scheduled for the end of August, is an effort of the Bona Fide Art Galleries Organization (BAGO). ManilArt brings together the country’s premier art galleries, showing current works of their best artists, in one venue.
MINING MIME FIELDS Mark Justiniani Oil on canvas 15 x 8 ft.
14 FEATURE
PAG-AHON Elmer Borlongan Oil on canvas 7.5 x 15 ft.
LEAD WHITE Antipas Delotavo Oil on canvas 6.71 x 11.25 ft.
AMEN Ferdie Montemayor Acrylic on canvas 8 x 12 ft.
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OIL SPILL Jose Santos III Oil on canvas 6.4 x 10.8 ft.
This versatility extends beyond annual art events to the cityscape of Metro Manila, where galleries - big and small - have begun showcasing a wider variety of works. Along Pasong Tamo, where large, high-ceilinged art spaces have made a home, you’ll find Finale Art File, a vanguard gallery of contemporary art, within the La Fuerza compound. Finale often throws its doors wide open for solo shows by such celebrated young artists as Geraldine Javier, Nona Garcia, and Annie Cabigting. The gallery also regular stages group exhibitions by conceptual artists such as Juan Alcazaren and Bernard Pacquing. Further along are Silverlens, a space for fine art photography, and the adjacent SLab, which features paintings, sculpture and large installations — such as France-based Filipino artist Gaston Damag’s bulol (traditional carvings of rice gods found in the northern Luzon region). Just beside Silverlens is Manila Contemporary, another massive space that brings together works by both Filipinos and other artists from the Southeast Asian region. Manila Contemporary staged one of 2011’s most exciting group shows, “Monumental”, that brought together a collection of massive works by some of the country’s hottest artists such as Jose John Santos III, Plet Bolipata, Antipas Delotavo, Alfredo Esquillo, Jr. and Maya Muñoz, among many others.
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JUDGEMENT DAY Alfredo Esquillo, Jr. Oil on rubber 7 x 10.8 ft.
HERE ON EARTH Maya Munoz Oil on canvas 6.4 x 10.8 ft.
In another area of Makati, another converted warehouse compound called The Collective is home to spaces that offer art borne out of the street culture — the Vinyl on Vinyl, for instance, carries the works of some of the country’s most celebrated graphic designers, toy artisans, and contemporary artists. Another space, The Office of Culture and Design, features thought-provoking exhibitions, the most recent being Chair Porn, a showcase of thought-provokingly designed chairs, curated by conceptual Gary Ross Pastrana. The Collective is a kindred spirit of Cubao X, formerly the Marikina Shoe Expo, in Cubao, Quezon City. Cubao X, a low, U-shaped sprawl of small art galleries and trendy boutiques has long been a favorite destination of young artists. This is the scene in Manila. Any given weekend, new talent is revealed to an eagerly waiting public — an audience who is clearly caught up in the hustle and bustle of the landscape where there is always something artfully stirring. For more details of next year’s “Art in the Park” fair, check out http:// www.museumfoundationph.org
LITANYA Joy Mallari Oil on canvas 15 x 8 ft.
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AN ADVERTISING MAFIA, Filipino style By Rache Hernandez
When the unmistakable whiff of a body scent that is not exactly comforting presents itself, do you find yourself thinking, “Thank you, body odor!”? Or when you get your hands on a bottle of Smirnoff Ice, do you sigh, “Hay… I’m clearly bitten…”? Advertising takes the mundane from our everyday lives, spruces them up with wit and creativity, compresses them into 30-seconders commercials or one page print ads — and immortalizes them. Rache Hernandez sits down with notable Filipino ad executives in the UAE and gets into the bright minds behind these brilliant ideas.
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© Creativei | Dreamstime.com
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Advertising figures so prominently in people in that it influences decisions that affect self-image - like what brand of jeans to wear; or a snap decision like which fast food chain to call for take-out. Whether subliminal or otherwise, commercials are powerful, and it takes a powerful mind brimming with ideas and creativity to make these big ideas stick to hearts and minds. And now, for the best part: the creators of a significant number of UAE and regional ads are Filipinos. They are just some of our compatriots who personify, on a daily basis, our natural creativity. They could very well be the Filipinos’ very own advertising mafia in the UAE, operating in an industry that is currently the Arab world’s top market, with a total spending of $349 million or 12% of the total Middle East ad spend during the first quarter of 2011. These head honchos say that there are factors that make the Filipino “a natural” when it comes to advertising.
Brain power Edan Aggarao, considered as the “Godfather” of the Filipino ad community in the UAE and Creative Director of AGA ADK, one of the top communications networks in the Middle East and North Africa, believes that the Filipinos’ edge is their intellect, talent, and skill. He said that ‘’Filipinos are naturally gifted with high IQ and skill.” This intellect and skill are manifested in the everyday work of Filipino ad professionals, something that Michael Fillon, Creative Group Head at Impact/BBDO, a leading marketing communications group in the Middle East, has observed as well. “Filipinos Edan Aggarao in the industry tend to have a very holistic approach towards design,” he explained. “We direct, design, illustrate, sketch, and even do 3D, and complete the layout before 6PM,” he added.
This approach has paid off for Michael. He co-wrote the “Thank you, body odor” radio commercial for Gillette. The witty commercial tickled the judges’ funny bone and won a bronze medal at the 2011 New York Festivals, an international award that recognizes the world’s best works in advertising and TV, film, and radio programs.
Right attitude For Dawn Almario, Associate Creative Director at Dubai-based Horizon Draft FCB, one of the world’s largest communications networks, the Filipinos’ edge is in their attitude. “Creative talent is a given,” Dawn explained. “What sets Filipinos apart is their attitude towards work and co-workers. We have a positive and sunny disposition. Plus, we are resilient, and accommodating and tolerant of other cultures,” she added. Dawn has been in advertising for 18 years. “It’s stressful, but amazing,” she quips. She studied painting and worked as a graphic designer at first, Dawn Almario but she soon switched to advertising at the urging of friends. It was apparently the right creative direction for her. Dawn has been a finalist at the Clio Awards, an annual award that honors creative advertising in package design, print, radio, and television, and the London Advertising Festival an awards body honoring creativity and new ideas in advertising. From winning a silver medal at the New York Festival to awards in the Philippine Advertising Congress, Dawn has been shaking things up from East to West. Romy Miclat, a freelance artist working with most of the ad agencies in Dubai, and creator of Mhodesh, the hugely famous icon of the Dubai Summer Surprises, lauds the Filipino work ethic. “We are passionate about our work and happy with every job,” says Romy. “Aside from that, we are fast learners and are always willing to share our talent and skills,” he added. Another attitude that Filipinos in the industry exhibit is giving their best in every job. “They are willing to go the extra mile,” Edan asserted. For Romy, this also means the constant and conscious
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not helping us at all,” he said. “We should also learn to lead because we have what it takes.”
avoidance of mediocrity. “We are always looking for ways to improve ourselves and our job,” he remarked. However, for Mon Benitez, Creative Director at Leo Burnett Dubai, the ninth largest advertising agency in the world, this practice can have negative repercussions. “Things may get bad if we don’t know how to set the limits,” explains Mon. “Just like rubber bands, we can snap, and we may end up being the bad guys.” Mon is a multi-awarded ad professional having won 10 gold awards and four silver awards from the International Advertising Association (IAA) UAE chapter, a partnership of advertisers, advertising agencies, media, and related services.
The culture factor “Our culture has a strong emphasis on Western style commercialism,” Michael explains. “This is why Michael Fillon advertising is intricately woven into the fabric of our pop culture.” Besides this, Filipinos in general have a natural inclination towards the arts. As Edan said, “We love art. Period.” Dawn put it in the simplest form: “It’s being Filipino,” she said. Mon believes that this cultural uniqueness plus natural talent and creativity is a formidable combination. “The Filipinos’ innate skill and creativity, synergized with passion for the arts – music, animation, film, and even photography - definitely puts us in a league of our own,” he declared.
ADvisory : Learn to lead Owing to their natural creativity, most Filipinos in the ad industry in Dubai are involved in the creative and production aspects. “There are a lot of creative directors and art directors nowadays,” Romy observed. However, Edan also expressed that most Filipinos in the industry still belong to the low to middle executive level. Edan explains this: “This may be because we were brought up to be obedient, respectful, and humble, but these are
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The ad industry remains to be an attractive field for Mon Benitez budding creatives. But as Edan forewarns, “Talent is not enough.” What, then, does it take to cross over the threshold and win a lead position in the local advertising field? For starters, Michael recommends that a portfolio should be developed. “Keep putting creative stuff into it even if they don’t run,” Michael asserts. “This will show potential employers what you are capable if given the chance,” he added. For Dawn, perseverance is the key. “Remember that you are surrounded by great talent, so there’s no room for complacency.” Perseverance can take the form of improving the craft through continuous learning. “Learn, practice, join art groups, avoid mediocrity, and welcome criticism,” Romy remarked. Mon, on the other hand, believes that a degree of aggressiveness is important as well. “You should know how to package yourself,” he suggests. “You have to have the right mix of confidence and creativity. It doesn’t always pay to be humble in the ad industry in the Middle East.”
Go for it! The ad industry is a logical destination for Filipino creativity to thrive, excel and be recognized. The success that Edan, Mon, Dawn, Romy, and Michael have had in the UAE will Romy Miclat prove to be encouraging for all the hopefuls out there. What’s more, as Mon said, “If you have the talent, advertising can be a very enjoyable and rewarding field.” So, go for it. Rest assured, malayo ang mararating.
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yellow, happy-faced creation rules all the malls in Dubai as well as various billboards and posters everywhere. His name is Modhesh (Arabic for ‘amazing’), the wildly popular mascot of the DSS, created by Filipino, Romy Miclat.
...And the Philippines brings home a Lion…or two…or more 2011 Gold - Angeline Go and Justine Ferrer (Del Monte Philippines), Cannes Young Lions Marketers Competition Silver - BBDO Guerrero, “Laundry”/”Snail”/”Fish campaign” for Bayer Saridon TBWA/SMP, “Jelly Fish”/”Snail” campaign for Boysen Paints Bronze - DM9 Jayme Syfu - “Limestone” poster for Boysen Paints
2010 Silver - David Buenviaje and Mei Marasigan, Cannes Young Lions Marketers Competition Ace Saatchi & Saatchi - “Nature Products” ambient works for North Face/Primer Group sportswear DM9 JaymeSyfu - “Rollercoaster” poster for Mini Cooper vehicle Bronze - BBDO Guerrero, “Mud” billboard for Fedex Express JWT Manila - “Jen Jen” and “Jun Jun” radio spots for Kythe Foundation
Amazing Filipino Summertime in Dubai means, not only sweltering heat, but also the Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS), a retail sales festival when this
Romy is a Filipino freelance artist based in Dubai whose specializes in illustrations. “You’ll always find me working on storyboards, concept boards, character/mascot design, advertising visuals, caricatures, cartooning and comic strips,” Romy shared. Bates Pan Gulf, a Dubai-based marketing solutions company, tasked Romy to create the Modhesh mascot. The idea was to have a jack-in-the-box figure (thus, the “spring” torso) that could step out of the box and mingle with children. Modhesh is colored bright yellow to represent the summer sun and has seven tufts of hair on his head that stand for the seven emirates of the UAE. “The entire production took place in just about three weeks,” Romy recalled. “That includes the character design, illustrations of the storyboard, ten 70x100 centimeter posters for the launching, plus all the other stuff for print ad purposes.” Romy says that he himself was surprised at the popularity of the mascot. He lamented, though, that while kids love Modhesh, adults sometimes don’t. Romy surmised, “There have been reproductions of Modhesh, especially as 3D figures sculptured out of fiberglass or Styrofoam, with a big scary smile, making the mascot look like a monster.” But as Modhesh is really for kids, Romy gets his fulfillment from seeing how enchanted children are with Modhesh and how his presence signifies the coming of summer. “Maybe the lives of children change a little every time Modhesh comes around for some summer fun. If that’s the case, then that is enough for me,” he concluded.
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FILIPINOS IN THE
UAE ART
SCENE By Lalaine Chu-Benitez
Despite the burgeoning art scene in the country characterized by multicultural influences from all over the world and a budding local art consciousness, Filipino art has yet to make its major presence felt in the many galleries which have opened up around the emirates in recent years. True, the clout of the Filipino artist is well defined in the field of commercial arts. And yes, our community has showed flashes of brilliance in its participation in some of the more prominent urban art exhibitions, as well as competitions in the country in recent years. However, the very nature of expat existence in the emirates – that most are here specifically to engage in the traditional type of employment – means that full time artists are hard to come by. Still, there are a handful of Filipinos who are pushing through the boundaries, able to command attention for their works. A few of them live and breathe art on a daily basis, while some of them hope to get to that level someday. Illustrado puts the spotlight on the Pinoys making a difference in the local art scene.
Darwin ‘Japat’ Guevarra He has the distinction of being the first Filipino to have his solo exhibition in the emirates; that too, no less than under the patronage of Shaikha Lateefa Bint Maktoum, influential art benefactor and owner of Dubai’s prestigious Tashkeel Gallery. Darwin ‘Japat’ Guevarra - with his sheer talent, struggle to uphold his art through the toughest of times, his humility and all – will always be considered a local art hero for the Filipino community in these parts. A native of Taytay, Rizal, who had an interest in the creative field since he was a young boy, Japat’s talent for visual arts, sculpture, painting, performing arts and photography - where most of his skills are admiringly self-taught, is undeniable. The artist who had the opportunity of being mentored, fresh out of high school, by award-winning artist Godofredo Zapanta, is active in both local and international exhibits. He is now a fulltime freelance artist who also does commissioned commercial work, while balancing it with his solely creative pursuits. He is also a committed member of Guhit Pinoy, UAE, Group Artists of Taytay and Art Association of the Philippines.
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Despite his struggles as an OF trying to survive in the UAE, Japat was relentless in the pursuit of his art and brought honor and prominence to the Filipino community in the emirates by winning competitions such as – Red Bull’s Art of Can competition (2nd Prize, Mixed Media category, November 2006), Sony World Photography (France, 2008) and Dubai Ladies Club Shaikha Manal New Signatures Young Artists Award (Grand Prize, Fine Arts Category, 2008). His first solo exhibition in May 2009 at the Tashkeel Gallery entitled the Time of Humanity was a collection of surrealist mixed media pieces which were not only inventive, but also powerful and moving. Depicting humanity’s struggles in life – the pieces where sociopolitical commentaries and reflections of his struggles to survive and emerge triumphant despite the shackles of everyday reality. Japat, who encourages each Filipino to pursue their passions, whatever they are, says, “Dream to fly, no matter what directions may require. For in my heart, I am willing to give my last gasp of air for love and the arts. And as long as there remains a glint of color available, how wonderful it is to be alive. But even if a speck of light does not exist, the will continues to survive.”
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Pieces from Darwin ‘Japat’ Guevarra’s 2011 collection
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Tini Meyer For Tini Meyer, the world is her canvass. This international contemporary artist has exhibited in Canada, Spain, the UK and China. She also actively donates to charities and her artworks can be found in corporate collections in different parts of the globe. Her creations are patronized by collectors and royalty in the Middle East region. This month, Tini has just successfully participated in an exhibit in London - Frameless – Emerging Painting and Sculpture, presented by Newertown Art. With her extensive travels around the world, Tini draws from her observation of different cultures as well as eclectic lifestyles, and brings that wealth of experience to her pieces.
Caminos
Formerly based in Vancouver and Madrid, Tini has moved to Abu Dhabi in recent years and has become an active part of the emirates’ artistic movement. Among many of her activities, in January last year, she showcased her first installation work at the Women in Art exhibit at the Sharjah Art Museum. Entitled “Augenblick,” the avant garde exhibit depicting social paranoia was a video instillation with preserved fish eyes as the main subject, enhanced by auditory effects. In the same year Tini also created “Samak,” a 13 ton sculpture made largely of discarded fish bones painstakingly collected by the artist at the Abu Dhabi fish market in the course of three months. The piece was commissioned for Green Abu Dhabi 2010, an event under the patronage of Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, created to raise awareness on environmental issues. Tini says she is particularly captivated by working on public art commissions, such as “Samak” as she enjoys collaborating with other people and likes the capacity of public art to connect people together beyond cultural boundaries.
Augenblick
Khaleej
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Flordeliza Pesigan Flordeliza Pesigan is a painter and dancer who grew up thinking that the National Museum, where her parents worked, was her playground. She used to sneak to the Museum’s Main Gallery to marvel at Juan Luna’s Spolarium, awestruck with the master’s work as a young child. She says she knew even then that art speaks to her soul and that being an artist is stamped in her very core. Despite her passion, Flordeliza took the practical route and received a degree in Business Administration. She, however, got to express her creativity commercially through jewelry design with her work exported to cities around the world. She did this while working in marketing, administration, management and events. It was in 2007, however, while supervising an event in Dubai, part of her corporate work, when she was inspired by other artists selling their paintings that she got the bug to go back and concentrate on her real calling in life. Since then, Flordeliza poured all her energy into painting. In 2009, she auctioned her favorite piece “La Vie En Rose – Street Performers in Barcelona,” inspired from her trip to Berlin and Barcelona, for typhoon victims in the Philippines. The fulfillment she derived from the exercise was the last straw that would complete her eventual move to the art world. It was then that she left her corporate job to become a full time artist. As a self taught artist who enjoys both realism and abstraction, Flordeliza works with different mediums from pencil, ink, charcoal, pastel, water color, oil and acrylic. She also likes experimenting with different styles keeping her subjects raw yet sincere to engage viewers emotionally. Though she has not formally exhibited in the country yet, her work can be found adorning the homes of the well-heeled in Dubai and other parts of the world. Krista III
Encounter
Contained bliss
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Sneaker Summit entry
Frida Kahlo
Ella Orencillo Romela Elenzano Orencillo, Ella to her friends, says she is “just an extraordinary ‘Plain Jane’ with highfalutin dreams.” The young lady who longs to pour all her thoughts into images and create her own fantasy world, is an airbrush artist, illustrator, muralist and decorative painter. Ella describes her work as pop surrealism to semi-realism that is highly influenced by dreams, feminism, love, chaos and everything in between. She started as an airbrush trainee for Airart Asia in 1999 while on her second year in university studying Psychology. She moved to the emirates in 2008 to work for a company that specializes in murals and decorative painting. Ella pursued her love affair with drawing and illustration actively again in 2010, joining the largest artistic collaboration and custom toys exhibition in the Middle East – Project: MEGA, her first opportunity to join an exhibit in the UAE. She then won first place in a category for Kids Robot’s Annual MunnyMunth’s competition and also joined a group exhibition, the Proyecto Bateulona in Badalalona, Spain. In the first quarter of 2011 alone, Ella’s works were exhibited at the 3 Keez Illustration Exhibition at the American University of Dubai, at the Sneaker Summit and Worlds Together events. She also created artwork for the New York Fashion Week, as well as a piece displayed in Tempe Arizona. Brandon Boyd
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Victoria Viray Known by the moniker ‘Prettymonkey’ within Dubai’s urban art scene, Victoria Viray is a member of the Filipino art collective Brownmonkeys – the ‘only rose among the thorns.’ Ivy, as she is known to her friends, works as a Junior Art Director at Leo Burnett by day, and has been creating definitive works in illustration, digital art and photography, using varied bases for her work, from the traditional to more unexpected materials such as skateboard decks, custom toys and even bags. Her partnership with the low-brow movement Brownmonkeys has facilitated the exhibit of her works in the popular art galleries and urban art events in the country such as the Jamjar, XVA Gallery, Ductac, Five Green, including the Sharjah Biennial to name just a few. Independently, her works have also been displayed at Project: Mega and the Philips Senso launch at the Burj Khalifa last year, as well as at Quint @ The Fridge and Worlds Together this year. Ivy whose works have a distinctly surreal rebellious feel, characterizes her art with the words - punk, rock, sexy, sensual, fluid, angst-ridden and feminine. In a recent piece entitled Isabela and Cristina, the artist who is a native of Bicol, depicts sisterhood with the backdrop of a dual Mt. Mayon with elements she remembers from growing up in sleepy Albay. Midnight-surot-club (framed)
Lady bug (framed)
Isabela and Cristina
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Pinoy Power: Jamming to the Beat of their Own
DRUM
You can take the Pinoy away from music, but you can’t take the music away from the Pinoy. He will find a way to make it, sing it and play it. It is an axiom that the Pinoys in the UAE adhere to, and a way for some people to answer a calling. In this issue, Illustrado shines the spotlight on locally grown original Filipino bands which have performed on the Dubai center stage. Bulletcells as they are collectively known is a post hardcore/punk group in Dubai. This all-Filipino band has certainly grown from their humble beginnings in 2008. Boyet Santos still plays second guitar; Ryan Mateo, the lead guitar; while Edmon Malinao still belts out the notes. New members of the group include - Weng on bass, as well as Klein Garcia and Mark Joseph Hilario on drums. These young men have the dream to be heard through music, as they put it, “maybe someday someone would listen and realize how important equality is.”
Bulletcells
Genre: Rock/post hardcore
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Bulletcells write their own music, mostly inspired by social issues like poverty, discrimination and corruption. The band was formed in 2008 to join the first “Strong South” gig organized by The Blacksheep Production, a Dubai-based events group catering mostly to the underground scene. As part of its many accomplishments, Bulletcells won the “Best Performance Award” in the 2009 Gawad Kalinga Rock Aid Battle of the Bands held in Sharjah. They also have performed in Alpha
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Club in Le Meridien Hotel, Ratsky Ramada Continental, and the Music Room in Majestic Hotel. A constant fixture in the UAE press, Bulletcells, will no doubt, continue drumming it up in the country’s underground music scene for years to come.
Its members include Alver Pacis on lead guitar and vocals, Lester Labasan - second guitar and vocals, Daniel Balana on bass guitar and Reigel Torrevillas on drums.
Brownfusion
Genre: Pinoy alternative/rock/ reggae An engineer, multimedia artist, administrative staff, architect and a nurse, form the Dubai-based alternative-cum-rock-cum-reggae band Brownfusion. The eclectic group with members who have various interests are bound together by their passion for music and the reverence for its power to unite people. Shaped by different genres, Brownfusion create a musical mix that unites Filipinos into one sound, one rhythm, one creative nation. And Brownfusion does this without the characteristic anger and opposition music groups in the underground scene are known for. Alternatively, the group’s sound embodies the lighter side of life with a more positive ring to it.
Viscous Mishmash Genre: Funk/rock/blues/jazz
Viscous Mishmash consist of a group of Kapampangan musicians. Back in 2007, Randy (guitars) and Paolo Refundo (bass) banded together because of their love for music. Looking for the other members of the group was quite difficult as they couldn’t easily find a good fit with other music enthusiasts. But then came Norman Fernando who impressed them with his funky style and cool approach to drumming. The vocalist was the hardest to find. It was in an unexpected jamming session where Edgie Muncal’s vocals were discovered and where he was asked to front for the band.
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Now finally complete, Viscous Mishmash is ready to take on challenges in their pursuit for musical expression, especially after their successful participation in Blacksheep Productions Strong South Gig at Alpha Club early this year.
Revolution Junkies Genre: Hard rock
Tsinelaz
Genre: Gutter punk It was all because Randy Barros was bored. So he decided to build a recording studio using a basic drum kit, a 15-watt amp, a starter Yamaha guitar and an old personal computer. After a year, he began forming a band to play in the studio.
Taking inspiration from greats as Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin, AC/DC, The Doors, Jimi Hendrix, The Black Crowes, Revolution Junkies started playing their music in 2009, determined to live out their rock ‘n roll dreams. The group is composed of John on vocals, Von on bass, Nante on strings and Dale on drums. What began as jamming sessions and a one-time onstage performance led to more gig invites including The Music Room in Majestic Hotel, Strong South Gig under Blacksheep Productions. Now signed with Metal Asylum, the Revolution Junkies get to share the stage with other local bands in the UAE and Germany’s heavy metal band Hatred. Clearly, a rising talent, the Revolution Junkies are now planning to release their own album very soon.
Fist in Your Face
Genre: Hardcore/Metal/Trash Another band that is quite in line with hardcore alternative music is Fist in Your Face - comprised of Ben (vocals), James (bass), David (guitars), Marlon (guitars) and Crom (drums). These young men may have come from different professional backgrounds, but this only spiced up their approach to the music they play. Fist in Your Face is actually a collaboration of two allFilipino underground bands from The Blacksheep Production. The group founded themselves mid 2010.Their musical influences are from hardcore to trash metal, from heavy beat down riffs to pounding pedals.
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The switching and changing of members was harder to contend with than forming the band. This forced Barros to declare the band a duo together with Cromwell Ojeda. Together they re-recorded all Tsinelaz demo tracks and re-arranged it to give it a fresh new kick. Cromwell introduced some heavy influences and background, paving the way for Tsinelaz’s new character. Their songs are based on the frustrations of being a musician in a place where instruments and rehearsal studios are equal to gold and diamonds, the crazy world of being in love and the life’s negative experiences. The band is now set to have their upcoming tour in Manila by early 2012.
QANAWAT
32 PINOY PRO Celebrating the Professional Filipino
Dr. Flordeliz Guarin Environment, Health & Safety Department Manager Tebodin Middle East Ltd. United Arab Emirates Flordeliz has always been an achiever. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Zoology, a Masteral degree in Marine Biology and a PHD in Environmental Biology all from the University of the Philippines. Before moving to the Gulf, she had already occupied several high level positions ranging from Country Manager to Vice President of various international companies with offices in Manila. “My last post before coming to the UAE was country manger for a British engineering and consultancy company, regularly reporting to the UK headquarters. Prior to that, I served as an independent environmental consultant for the Asian Development Bank, World Bank and International Finance Corporation on various projects in Asia.” All in all, Flordeliz has worked in about ten different countries as Environmental Consultant before coming to the UAE.
East and Africa. His office, he says, is either the airport or inside the airplane. “There’s a lot of travelling involved not only within the Middle East and Africa, but anywhere around the world where our products exist. That’s one of the perks of the job for me.” Dennis was also fortunate to have been able to bring his family with him right from the start, even during his earlier years in the Gulf. “I did not miss any of my kids’ growing up moments. I was there to provide guidance and impart Filipino values to my children,” says Dennis who has three children, ages 17 and 14.
RYAN SALCEDO IÑIGO Business Development Manager The Monarch Hotel, Dubai Adamson University BSC Management graduate Ryan Iñigo may have worked in different industries like restaurant, shipping, and construction, but in one way or another, he was always involved in sales and marketing.
In her current post as Environment, Health and Safety Department Manager, she oversees business development and provides technical consultancy on environment and health for on-going projects in Oman, Qatar and Bahrain. Another feather was added to Flordeliz’s cap of achievements when she was recently certified as a LEED Green Associate from U.S Green Building Certification Institute. “This will now allow me to recommend sustainable solutions to clients in terms of water and energy efficiency and waste management,” she explains.
Ryan first came to Dubai in 2004 looking for a “fresh start.” And a fresh start it was — working as a doorman at the Fairmont. His patience, hard work, tenacity and determination, however, allowed him to climb the corporate ladder and find himself back in Sales and Marketing. Currently, Ryan is Business Development Manager for The Monarch Hotel - Dubai along Sheikh Zayed Road, one of the emirate’s most prestigious addresses. “I’m the person who brings in the business whether it be for rooms or events,” he says, with evident pride in his work.
Still, she says her biggest achievement is being a wife and mother able to raise her children even while pursuing her doctorate degree. “I belong to a family of engineers. My husband is a manager of a power utility company and is a professional electrical engineer. Our son, Andrei graduated from the University of the Philippines Diliman with a degree in Industrial Engineering and works as a Business Analyst of Chevron, Our daughter, Katrina is finishing her degree in Industrial Engineering, also in UP Diliman. They are all based in Manila.”
“I spend 80% of my time in meetings outside of the hotel and the other 20% in the office catching up with clients and internal issues, missed calls from both my mobile and direct line and other admin tasks like replying to a gazillion emails.”
Dennis Belgrado Regional Sales Manager - Middle East & Africa Trimble, United Arab Emirates They say that sometimes fate ushers in life-changing moments. In Dennis’s case, fate’s life changing moment walked right up to him and started a conversation about computers. “I was working as a Computer Engineer/Salesman for Genesis Computer Systems at SM Mega Mall when a computer customer came to the shop and asked a lot of questions about I.T. and telecommunications. After a long conversation, he admitted to being a recruiter - luckily, not a fake one. Our conversation was actually the job interview!” Dennis recalls. Dennis was then offered a job in Saudi Arabia which marked the beginning of his life’s new chapter in the Gulf. That was in 1996. Now, 15 years after, Dennis is a Regional Sales Manager at Trimble handling two divisions for the region: Mapping & GIS and Mobile Computing Solutions covering the whole Middle
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Never forgetting the importance of “me time,” Ryan makes it a point to always find time to develop and fine tune both his mind and body. “I always make time to go to the gym to keep fit. I weight train and am into martial arts.”
ANNA LIZA ANTONIO-FEIR Reservations Manager Dusit Hotel, Dubai Anna Liza moved directly to Dubai to join her family right after college. Currently, she is a Reservations Manager at the Dusit Thani Dubai. Guests will see her happily buzzing along seeing that all reservation requests are carried out and addressed within the standard response time. Making guests feel at home in the Dusit Thani is a great honor and privilege for Anna Liza, to whom a nurturing sense of hospitality comes naturally. When she’s not taking care of hotel guests, you will find De La Salle University graduate Anna Liza taking care of her family, baking for them, or going to the mall and watching movies with them. “I can say that I am very fortunate to to live in Dubai with my whole clan. Even here, we are close — literally — as we are all neighbors, who live just one flat away from each other. My Mom and my older brother work in the airline while my younger brother works as a salesman. My siblings and I have all established our respective careers and started our own families here in Dubai and for that, I am grateful,” says Anna Liza.
Is the money that you are earning today being used wisely to provide for tomorrow? Most have learned the hard way in the last two years; how employment is so fragile and how money, if not used wisely, can go quickly down the drain. If you haven’t set a proper Financial Plan yet, or don’t know how to go about it, talk to us. Our expert Financial Advisers are geared to provide you free, unbiased and personalized financial advice to help you save, protect your interests and put your money where it can grow -
Karina Calvero-Carreon Cabin Crew Prosperity client
I’ve been a Cabin Crew for 10 years and my job allowed me to enjoy traveling the world, while supporting my family back home. Although I made investment mistakes before, Financial Planning helped me get me back on track. Meeting up with a Financial Adviser was the start of the realization of my plans. I learned to save and to grow my assets. My money was put into investment bonds and mutual funds which are growing with the returns that I wanted, and at best, fighting with the high inflation in Philippines where I want to retire. Now, I can see a promising and enjoyable life in the future with my family and future kids! I encourage all kababayans to do the smart thing and seek professional advice. So we can all go back to our country with a secured family, peace of mind and financial independence.
So that you can have the lifestyle that you want and deserve in the future.
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34 PINOY TALENT-ON THE-JOB
It’s What I Do
PINOY TALENT
ON-THE- JOB
It’s all about Filipino progress and diversity at the workfront.
Louie Da Costa
Radio Announcer, Virgin Radio, Dubai
My Job
Although most of my time is spent being a mom and wife, every weeknight you’ll find me at the Virgin Radio studio working as an announcer. At Virgin Radio Dubai we believe in multi-tasking, that’s why each presenter/announcer isn’t restricted to just their onair program. So other than being one half of “Mak and da Costa,” our show every weekday from 8pm to midnight, I assist the music manager as well as assist in the production of special shows. Being a radio announcer, people think my work is just a lot of fun, and well, admittedly, it is! We get to interview artists, play great music, laugh around… but there’s much more to it. We also have to do lots of research on anything and everything worth talking about; write and produce segments, promotions and contests; run the contests; play all our commercials and read out announcements properly; collect and tally all the votes for our nightly countdown (Hit 10 @ 10); update our website, Facebook and Twitter accounts; entertain callers and sometimes assume the role of their therapist… all of that while making sure the music is sounding tight and that our talk breaks are kept short, entertaining, meaningful and inoffensive.
A typical working day for me
Since I’m a mom by day and an announcer by night my day starts at 6:30am and ends at 1:30am. Yes, you read that right, AM to AM! I bring my daughter to school, try and get a bit of a nap in between running errands or doing chores, pick my daughter up from school,
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then it’s more mommy time before running off to Studio City. When I get there, first on the list would be the off-air duties like assisting the music manager or producing special shows. Then it’s time to start tallying the votes for the Hit 10 @ 10 countdown, start lining up all the music that we’ll play during our show, and researching entertainment/local news or anything else that would be of interest to our winners. Our show starts at 8pm and from then ‘til midnight most of the work happens in between each time you hear us talking on the radio. While you’re hearing the music or commercials, my partner, Ali Mak, and I would be busy making certain the songs mix well with each other, entertaining calls, trying to read and respond to all messages (SMS, Twitter & Facebook), tallying votes and planning our next talk break.
Career Advice
As OFs in a country filled with different nationalities, we have to be mindful that everything we do is a reflection of not just ourselves as individuals, but of who we are as Filipinos. We’re in an international market now and we have the opportunity to start afresh and show the world what we have to offer. We can erase all the negative preconceptions about us. Simple things like working hard and following the rules, being more accommodating and friendly with everyone (including fellow Filipinos), dressing smart, being confident but not boastful - these are little things we do can help pave the way, not just for ourselves, but for other Filipinos to succeed and rise up on a global scale. So despite the risk of sounding cheesy and clichéd, I say, let’s do it! Starting today, let’s make an effort to put our best foot forward. Because we are much much more than what others see us to be. Let’s show them who we Pinoy’s really are.
PINOY TALENT-ON THE-JOB 35 students are not in the mood or are tired of listening. That’s why I see to it that there are no dull moments. I let them speak and write their ideas and discover their own learning by merely facilitating the discussion. I spend my break time with my students. They share their own stories and problems with me. Our school ends at 1:45pm.
Jhasmin Cipriano
Teacher, St. Mary’s Catholic High School, Dubai
My Job
I teach English Literature, Language, PSHE (Physical, Social and Health Education) and Citizenship to middle and senior level students at Saint Mary’s Catholic High School. In the life of a teacher, every day is remarkable when you give a piece of yourself to your students. One of my uplifting experiences is when one of my students told me that she sees her mom in me. She said, “Miss, I never miss my mom when I’m here in school because I have you.” There was also that time I burst into tears when I was able to help a student who had a speech problem. I knew and believed that she has so much to say, despite her difficulties, so I would always ask her during discussions and listen up to her last word. At the end I will just say, “That is a brilliant idea!” And my student’s eyes will show me a reward that is just priceless.
A typical working day for me
We teachers join the school assembly at 7:15am. My morning in school begins by reading the front page of any broadsheet. My subjects require a lot of reading. Teaching and talking are like the two sides of a coin. I pay more attention to my voice because I also a singer inside the classroom. Often times I shift to different personalities just to get the attention of my students - puppet show, illustration with funny dialogues, dances and songs are just few of the teaching styles I use in my show. Discussion is challenging especially when
Renuel Sanchez Personal Trainer, Fitness First, Dubai
My Job
I work as a Personal Trainer and as an internationally certified PT level 3. My job is to change people’s lives – to help clients have a healthier lifestyle and get a trim body. Achieving their goal is my goal. Many of my clients have lost weight and have improved fitness now. It gives me pure joy knowing I have been instrumental in changing their lives for the better. Just like when I taught my trainee, who’s in her mid-40s how to run, and she eventually did a full 42K marathon; or how another trainee became slim and finally got a boyfriend - that’s her goal!
Career Advice
Working abroad, we should always remind ourselves that each of us represent our country. I believe that we are all skilled and have the capacity to learn new things. Maabilidad tayong mga Pinoy. We are known as excellent in all service oriented works. But we should also know how to fight and defend our rights when people around us are exploiting us in any way. We should not let others abuse us. We should always tell the whole world how great we Filipinos are.
A typical working day for me
A typical working day for me involves having an average of six to eight clients for a one hour training session each. In each session, it’s all about them and their fitness - giving them a workout that will challenge them and checking how they are doing with their nutrition. Not all exercises are good for a certain individuals, so I do a specially tailored program for each of my clients. Although the program is hard (it’s designed to be tough so they can have results), my job is to keep it fun as well. Good rapport and a sense of humor are essential in my work. An assessment is done at least every two weeks to see how much fats have been lost and if the muscle mass has improved.
Career Advice
Love your job and success will follow. I train different nationalities - a lot of whom are entrepreneurs, CEO’s and other high profile executives, yet in the gym I am their boss. And you need to be professional, knowledgeable and experienced in order to gain their trust and confidence. I’ve been in the game for almost a decade now and my goal is to keep getting better, while helping people along the way. I shifted to management after being awarded as Fitness First Ibn Battuta Personal Trainer of the year last 2008 and a runner-up for the Middle East Personal trainer of the year. Being a Gym Floor Manager, I helped motivate, develop and promote our hardworking countrymen during my tenure. We grow professionally by accepting challenges and not by ducking or running away from it. Don’t be like Floyd Mayweather. Be like Manny Pacquiao!
36 PINOY ENTREPRENEUR SPIRITUALITY
CHERRIE ACOSTA
Managing Parnter - Ghaliyah Travel Dubai, UAE Cherrie Acosta turned her natural inclination for business and her fascination with the tourism industry into Ghaliyah Travel, a bustling Dubai-based travel services provider. Here, she shares with us how to take off with a business idea, navigate turbulent times and always manage to land safely on the ground. Ghaliyah Travel is a travel and tourism company based in Dubai. We provide clients with good-value-for-money comprehensive services that range from travel management (visa sponsorship tourist, visit and transit visas), outbound tours to Europe/Asia, visa change packages to Kish and visa packages from the Philippines to the UAE. For the latter, I am pleased to say that we do not require a cash bond for Filipinos. I used to create business concepts for clients. When I did a business concept for the Travel and Tourism Industry, I realized its potential, especially with Dubai being a destination of choice that is also “entrepreneur-friendly” with its tax free environ and a relatively easy procedure to start and operate a businesses. I then established Ghaliyah Travel in 2006 with myself as Managing Partner. Back then, the startup capital for a non-IATA Travel Agency was AED250,000.
Charting the right path To set up a business, it is most important to have the right people for the job. I started with two qualified employees that I hired directly from the Philippines. As I was not familiar with the intricacies related to ticketing, I took training courses in airline reservations and ticketing. Location was a prime consideration in setting up the business. To initially capture the Filipino market, I set up operations in Al Attar Shopping Mall in Karama, Dubai. Though our main market is the Filipino community, I am glad to say that we now also cater to an international clientele.
Setting your sights on the right attitude Trials and challenges are part and parcel of every day existence and of operating one’s own business. One has to be always ready with viable solutions, alternative options and/or strategies to keep the business going. I cannot have a laid back attitude as there are always challenges in the business. These are mainly concerning the changing government rules and regulations, not only in the UAE but even in the Philippines. For these I have to keep abreast with the latest news. I also have to be vigilant in monitoring up-to-date cash flow for maintaining cash requirements for all the operational costs. Also, as every entrepreneur knows, in whatever business one gets involved in, there will always be competition. To maintain a competitive edge, I ensure that my staff are truly committed and dedicated in providing a high standard of professional service. I am glad to say that since the inception of Ghaliyah Travel, our hard
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work has generated impressive results and we opened a new branch in Bur Dubai in April 2011. Our success could be attributed to our commitment to provide the best possible quality service to our clients. Innovation does not apply only to the company. There has to be an innate desire to improve and innovate one’s self; acquiring new knowledge is part of that. I am currently taking up Masters of International Business (MIB) at the University of Wollongong in Dubai.
Weighing risks and managing turbulence Entrepreneurship involves a lot of risk taking. Yet, it can pay off very nicely as well, with rewards such as profits and the opportunity to be your own boss and make your own decisions. Having your own business frees you from the usual 8 to 5 office routine. Though there is flexibility in the schedule, an entrepreneur’s work schedule could also easily be 24/7. When one is just starting, one cannot expect to have one’s own salary for several months at least, and in a worst case scenario, for the next year or two. Also, setbacks may gravely impact your confidence and consequently the survival of the business — if you allow them to. One has to be realistic: learn from difficulties and be prepared with contingency plans. Once success is achieved, you cannot just rest on your laurels. Expanding too rapidly, or conversely, not being quick enough to seize a chance may be detrimental.
Flying high In my opinion, it is inherent in human nature to want to be one’s own ‘boss’ and one way of making this a reality is to set up one’s own business. The first question that usually comes to mind is: is this the right time, especially with the current economic climate?’ For me, there is no such thing as the ‘’right’’ time as it all depends on when one is really ready to do business. To be an entrepreneur, aside from having the start-up capital, one has to have courage, determination, a positive attitude, confidence, trust in one’s self and in God along with the willpower to become the person you believe you are meant to be. Every day brings new opportunities. Sometimes they just come your way when you least expect them; other times you have to seek them out.
38 ADVERTORIAL SPIRITUALITY
Quality and Freshness: The Passion at Al Rawabi Dairy Over the last two decades, Al Rawabi Dairy has grown remarkably to become one of the leading producers of milk products in the region - retaining more than a third of its domestic market. The company’s success has been largely driven by its focus on quality, innovation and freshness. Al Rawabi started with 500 Holstein and Friesian cattle – an imported breed of Australian cows. Today, the dairy farm has over 8,000 cattle in a 300-acre farmland which also houses a world class processing plant. The cows are cross-bred through artificial insemination to ensure a better quality whole milk as cross breed are known to produce higher fat percentage than pure breed. The farm in Al Khawaneej in Dubai has been HACCP-certified by Dubai Municipality; resident veterinary doctors keep the cattle healthy and a comprehensive vaccination program ensures a disease-free herd. In addition, a high quality air conditioning system protects them from the summer heat. “We are passionate about maintaining the high quality and freshness of our milk; Al Rawabi is perhaps the only dairy company in the region with its farm adjacent to its processing plant, so it takes only minutes to move the milk from the farm to the plant for pasteurization,” said Dr. Ahmed Eltigani Abdul Rahim, General Manager, Al Rawabi Dairy Company. “Other milk producers transport milk over long distances from farms to their plants and hence there is a significant chance of higher bacteria count.”
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At Al Rawabi, the milking operation is highly automated, producing about 250,000 litres of milk daily. The cows are milked three to four times a day. The milk is then chilled immediately to 5 degrees C to maintain its freshness, before being transported to the factory where it is pasteurized at 75 degrees centrigrade to retain its proteins and other nutrients. Al Rawabi was listed among the strongest 40 brands in the Arab world by Forbes magazine. The company has achieved all of the top quality benchmarks including the ISO 22000 HACCP Food Safety Management System. Launched in 1990, Al Rawabi Dairy Co. was the first brand to pack fresh milk in plastic bottles, an instant hit with the consumers which inspired the entire industry to follow suit. The dairy product range of Al Rawabi extends from fresh milk - full cream, half cream, double cream, low fat milk, skimmed, flavored milk to laban, Yoghurt (Robivia), to a range of functional health drink (B-Activ). Al Rawabi juice drinks and desserts are also very popular with consumers.
KABUHAYAN ENTREPRENEURSHIP 39
Narda’s Handwoven
Arts and Crafts By Bernadette Reyes
The genius behind the exquisite Narda scarves, bags and decors is a registered nurse by profession. She may have traded her scrubs for looms, but her compassion for people is non-negotiable. In 1970, Narda Capuyan was teaching family planning methods to the women of Mountain Province. She would patiently wait for the mothers to come while weaving to pass the time. In spite of her efforts to educate them, they would still end up pregnant. “I asked them, ‘Wala na ba kayong ibang alam gawin?’(Don’t you have anything else to do?). Then one mother said, ‘Marunong akong maghabi. Kung bibigyan mo ako ng sinulid mo, ‘di na ako ulit magbubuntis.” (I know how to weave. Give me your threads and I will not get pregnant anymore).
With only PHP3,000 as initial capital to launch her business, Narda went to Manila to look for raw materials until she chanced upon a factory that had excess fabrics. “They were trimming patterns and the excess [fabrics] was just falling on the floor and then went straight to trash. I didn’t want such good quality thread to go to waste and thought of using them to weave other products,” said Narda. To this day Narda continues to use excess fabrics, but only from high-quality materials such as Italian lamb skin.
A perfectly-woven blanket was produced by the woman who inspired her peers to try their hands in weaving as well. The response was so overwhelming that Narda had to resign and focus on teaching the other women how to weave.
In 1972, she launched Narda’s Handwoven Arts and Crafts, weaving blankets from recycled acrylic yarns. Just as the business was gaining momentum, imitations began to surface. These items were sold at a cheaper price and were peddled on the sidewalks by some of the
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Weaving a Seamless Path to Success
40 KABUHAYAN ENTREPRENEURSHIP
But what makes Narda’s a world-class product? Narda said more than the materials used, it’s the people who weave that make the product a true beauty. “Our weavers are very good. These are the women from the mountains who have innate skills in weaving, passed on from one generation after another. The materials are also durable - even after two decades, the products still look brand new. Despite of her success, Narda never stopping working as a nurse who looks after the health of the women. “People with a background in nursing can go into business because of the compassion they have. When we started weaving, we were also the community ambulance, bringing down patients to some the country’s best hospitals. It’s really all about loving your work and having courage to go ahead with it.” women who used to work for her. Narda overlooked the betrayal and continued to focus on her business. “It keeps women busy and they also earn a living. Besides you cannot copy an original. Our products are mostly made for export and must meet certain quality standards.,” said Narda.
Recently Narda’s started promoting indigenous materials from the Philippines such as abaca and banana. Some of the first creations were exhibited at the Petronas Tower in Malaysia where the products were well-received and where Narda was kept busy booking orders from all over the world.
To distinguish her products, Narda began to cater to the hotel market, selling wall hangings and bedspreads. Patterns were modified and the colors were adjusted to suit the taste of an international clientele. From the UAE to the United States, people started to take notice of Narda’s intricately weaved products. A hotel in Dubai loved Narda’s wall hangings so much that they bought all of Narda’s available stock to decorate their walls. A Florida-based hotel was so enamored with her designs that it ordered 20,000 yarns to decorate their walls. Soon after, US-based luxury mall chain Bloomingdale’s started to place orders. “The production took six months but all items were sold out in two weeks,” said Narda proudly. While her story seems seamless, Narda admitted the business also went through rough patches. In 1975, the business was swindled out of almost PHP1millon which was a substantial amount of money in those days, even in those days. “We borrowed PHP475,000 but we lost twice that much. We lost our items but we still had to pay our suppliers,” she explained. Asian Development Bank came to the rescue. “The [bank’s] president referred me to the hotels they were working with. Half went to the bank as payment for a new loan, half went back to the business,” she said. Narda’s was inundated with bulk orders allowing the business to recover sooner than expected.
Creations to dye for
Narda also modernized Ikat, a tie and dye process of creating designs on threads prior to weaving. While these may be one of the fastestselling products today, it didn’t sell back then. That is, until a foreign designer came and mentored Narda about designing patterns that suited the taste of the international market. Today, ikat creations such as wall hangings, table runners, bed covers made from tie-dyed fabrics are seen in a number of five star hotels, homes and offices both here and abroad.
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From blankets made of acrylic yarns, Narda’s product line has expanded to include shawls, bags, wall hangings and has even gone to the extent of bespoke bed and pillow covers and tablecloths for certain clients. A Narda’s creation may not come cheap at PHP2,000 for a scarf, but more than the quality, it is the life and love that you buy with the product that makes each item truly priceless. “What you get is more than what you paid for. You have a beautiful product and you sustain the livelihood of our women and their families. More importantly you help them send their children to school,” said Narda. Many have tried to produce exquisite handwoven products similar to Narda’s creations but they can never really compare with Narda’s works - painstakingly woven fiber after fiber, made to perfection by women of the Mountain Province. A product with Narda’s brand is a testament to Filipino craftsmanship when it comes to weaving, which can never really be copied because more than a skill, it is a tradition handed down from generation to generation.
ADVERTORIAL 41
Al-Futtaim Honda launches the New 2012 Honda Accord
Al-Futtaim Honda recently launched the new 2012 Honda Accord in the UAE. With a greater emphasis on its sophisticated design, comfortable passenger space, agile handling and sporty yet fuel efficient performance, the 2012 Accord packs safety features such as six airbags, active head restrains (front), Vehicle Stability Assist, Anti-lock disc brakes with Electronic Brake Distribution and
Sizzling Inihaw Treats at Barrio Fiesta this summer The Original Barrio Fiesta – the international casual dining restaurant specialising in traditional and authentic Filipino cuisine – recently launched Inihaw Festival in its Burjuman Centre and Lamcy Plaza restaurants. Available from now, are all-time inihaw (grilled in open fire) favorites such as Inihaw na Tadyang ng Baka, Inihaw na Hipon, Inihaw na Pusit, Inihaw na Tilapia, Inihaw na Manok, and Inihaw na Talong at Okra for easy on the budget prices ranging from AED20 to AED42. In addition to enjoying the grill treats, customers can also book party packages at Barrio Fiesta for special occasions in both restaurants. For more information, just call Barrio Fiesta at 04-3358318 (Lamcy Plaza) and 04-3594158 (Burjuman Centre).
Lulu opens store number 90 Lulu, the leading hypermarket operator recently opened their 90th store in Arabian Center, Dubai. The 100,000 plus square
Advanced Compatibility Engineering body. All the grades of Accord are fitted with these features as standard thus reflecting Honda’ Safety Philosophy of safety for everyone. The new Accord’s distinctive chrome grille, sharp character lines, sporty alloy wheels design gives the 2012 Accord a powerful on-road presence. feet hypermarket has been designed with easy navigation in mind and will stock several world renowned brands and a wide range of product lines including white goods, electronics, sports equipment and IT not to mention LuLu’s hugely popular produce, butchery and bakery sections. Ample cash counters coupled with a 1,500-vehicle car park will ensure a hassle-free shopping experience. “The opening of this new hypermarket goes well with our policy of being as close to our shoppers as possible thus reducing the drive time. We are sure that this will help us further to effectively cater to the needs of residents of this part of Dubai. Going ahead we are all set to open two new hypermarkets in Mushreef Mall and Madinat Zayed Mall, Abu Dhabi before Ramadan” commented Yusuffali MA, Managing Director of Lulu Hypermarkets Group. “Our focus is on reaching 100 stores by the 2012 and I am quite upbeat about it” he added. In this photo: Yusuffali MA, Managing Director of Lulu Hypermarket along with Ashok Gupta CEO of Bank Baroda, Lal Ganwani, Chairman of Lal’s Group and other dignitaries touring the newly opened Lulu Hypermarket in Arabian Center, Dubai.
42 KABAYANIHAN
Kabataan: Pag-Asa ng Bayan By Ambassador Grace Relucio-Princesa
A blessed Ramadan Kareem to our brothers and sisters who are celebrating the Holy Month of Ramadan. I hope our Filipino readers will remember who said those famous lines which is the title of my article. He observed quite rightly that the “youth is the hope of the Motherland, the Philippines.” As we prepare again, to go back to school, I pray that we, Filipinos, will put his reminder to heart, even if we are far away from our “Bayan.” My article on the same month last year was about” Education and Livelihood… Keys to Success,” a concept popularized by Carlos Slim, a Lebanese-Mexican, who since then and until now, is still the richest man in the world. This time around, I wish to remind the Filipino youth, their parents, and Filipino teachers to take education seriously, while having fun, as a means to succeed in life. The promise of then newly elected President Aquino to add a year or two to the Philippine educational system in now under way. We can now look forward to adding competitive advantage with a better education system, as a country with a highly educated population. As someone who has observed the Philippines and the Filipinos over the years, I am proposing a topic that I hope our educational system both in the Philippines and here in the United Arab Emirates will also, allocate some time for. I am talking about financial and entrepreneurial literacy. It seems we Filipinos still need more information and exposure on how to make our financial blessings work for us more instead of us working as employees. The knowledge will allow not only improve our opportunities in the future, but will also help us avoid the pitfalls that lurk in the guise of credit card and bank loans.
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The Embassy has already launched the Training of Trainers for Financial Literacy. In cooperation with interested schools and institutions for the young, perhaps, we can partner with them to introduce this all important topic. If we are able to do this, then, we would have covered the two keys to success that Mr. Slim shares with us. If we educate ourselves on these important issues, we can begin to think and engage in livelihood activities now and in the future. I do not think it is too early to start our young children and the youth on the road to financial literacy for them to realize the wise pronouncement that is the title of this article. Another subject that I hope the children and the youth, especially, those abroad will focus on, with the help of their parents and teachers, is to cultivate a thorough knowledge of our culture. The same wise Filipino said that “Ang hindi lumingon sa pinanggalingan ay hindi makakararating sa paroroonan.” (He/she who does not know where he/ she came from cannot reach to his/her destination). For those who still remember, all the reminders I quoted are from Dr. Jose Rizal, our national hero, who celebrated his 150th birth anniversary this year-19 June 2011. He was a nationalistic “student” who wrote the two greatest novels that educated us towards democracythe Noli Me Tangere and the El Filibusterismo. Likewise, he engaged in entrepreneurial activities while in exile in Dapitan. The two keys to success - mga mag-aaral ( students ) at kabataan ( youth ) na pag-asa ng bayan, huwag ninyong kalilimutan.
44 KABUHAYAN MONEY
TEACHING CHILDREN about money By Francisco Colayco
When do you start teaching a child about money?
As soon as they understand that they can use money to buy the things they want. When they show some interest, you can start teaching them how to handle money wisely. The simple lessons you teach today will give your child a good base in financial literacy. Let’s start with lessons for the youngest children who are ready. Lesson 1: Explain our monetary system Very young children logically believe that metal is better than paper and more paper is better than less paper. Thus, they might think that a 10 peso coin is better than a PHP20 bill and that three PHP20 bills are better than one PHP100 bill. It would be good to practice their understanding as a game. It will be very interesting to them especially if there is a small simple prize for the winner.
Lesson 2: Give your child an allowance An allowance gives your child the first idea about finance. With the allowance money, your child can begin saving and budgeting for the things he/she wants. The amount you give depends on your budget. However, if your budget is unlimited, be sure you give an amount that is reasonable for his/her age and not too much. In fact, it seems that children who
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receive too much allowance end up having the wrong notion about money and worse, end up being spoiled rotten. Some parents pay extra money to their children to do special chores around the house. This is also a good idea provided these are chores that are not normally expected of children. For example, children are expected to fix their beds and their personal things so they should not be paid to do this. If you decide to pay for chores, try to estimate the amount that your child will be getting in one week with both the chores and the allowance. With the start of school, some parents may choose to reward good studying habits and/or good grades with money. There are different thoughts to whether this is good or bad. Each parent knows what is best for his/her child. You can adjust your budget accordingly if you include this parameter.
KABUHAYAN MONEY 45
When you have decided on the amount to give and the way you want your child to get it, you have to explain the following: • How he will get the money (allowance and chores) • How you expect him/her to use the money • How at least 20% should go into savings that he/she cannot touch because you will invest it together to make it grow. Here, you might want to incentivize your child to save by matching up to 100% whatever he is able to save. • If your child already understands written numbers, it is best to put everything in writing • Agree on the date you will review with him/her what happened. Encircle the pertinent dates in his room calendar so he/she knows when each event happens.
Lesson 2: Start with a piggy bank Choose a piggy bank that makes it exciting to save. There are many fun and quirky options available in toy stores. Keep the piggy bank in an area where your child can see it, but cannot play with it to prevent accidental losses. At the same time, it is good that you have an idea of how much has already been deposited in the piggy bank. When the amount reaches an amount, say PHP1,000 you can make an event of opening it and counting the money with a lot of fanfare.
Lesson 3: Open a bank account If your child knows how to count and add, you can actually, bring him/her to the bank to open an account. This may be the right time to let him/her know that his/her Ninong or Ninang or some relative gave him/her some money as a baptismal or confirmation gift. Let him/her learn how savings accounts work, and he/she will enjoy trips to the bank to make deposits. Choose a bank that has activities and incentives designed to help children learn financial basics. Here are some ways to give more savings tips to your child: • Show him how the interest compounds by explaining the “free money” that goes into the account. • If you can afford it, offer to match the interest that he/she earns every month.
• If your child has a special want that can be covered by his/her savings, withdraw the amount from the account before actually buying it. This way he/she knows that the money is there anytime he/she wants it. Make sure though that he/ she realizes the reduction in interest and savings because of that withdrawal. • Withdraw some money every month to give to charity to teach your child the value of sharing. Explain that in this situation, the loss of interest income is not important because of the help he/she is giving.
Lesson 5: Set some targets It is very difficult for children to set targets especially for savings. This is particularly true for families who are obviously not wanting for money. There should still be budgets made whether you need it or not if you want to teach your child the value of saving. You need not show your child the entire budget, just show him/her the limits of what you can spend for his/her needs and wants. Explain to him/her that the other amounts will have to come from his/her savings.
Lesson 6: Children have to learn from example. There are temptations everywhere… advertisements, pressure from friends, offers in malls/playgrounds. Our children are constantly tempted to spend money but unfortunately, they do not yet have the ability to know how to spend wisely. Your child is completely dependent on you to make good buying decisions. Of course, unfortunately, there are parents who themselves do not know how to save and/or are not wise spenders. If you are this type of parent, it would be best if you first learn to save by reading my two books and workbook, “Wealth Within Your Reach,” “Making Your Money Work” and “Pera Palaguin Workbook” before attempting to teach your child. Finally, keep this entire exercise simple. It may sound daunting because it is condensed in a few pages, but it is actually quite simple. Remember, you have many years to do all these so lighten up! (It will be even more difficult for your child if you are uptight.) Both you and your child will be happy — and hopefully, financially wiser — because of this shared experience.
46 FEATURERITUALITY
FILIPINO SCHOOLS IN THE UAE It’s August again and that means back-to-school for students studying in Filipino schools around the region. Filipino schools follow a curriculum prescribed by the Department of Education (DepEd) in the Philippines as approved by the host government. Programs are geared to help ease the eventual transfer of high school graduates to universities back home. Here’s a listing of Filipino schools in the United Arab Emirates.
Far Eastern Private School (FPS)
Sharjah, UAE Established in August 2000 TotalStudentPopulation:1,226students(SY2010-2011) Website: www.feps-me.com Far Eastern Private School is one of the respected Filipino schools in the region known for its academic rigor, its outstanding curricular offerings, superb faculty, comprehensive student services, and excellent facilities catering to the needs of students. FEPS offers a transformational experience to students and aims to become a globally competitive center of academic excellence and human development by providing holistic quality education in the UAE. The school is committed to developing God-fearing, academically equipped, and socially upright individuals regardless of race, creed, culture, gender, and ethnicity. PHILIPPINE UNIVERSITIES QUALIFYING RATE (20102011): Mapua Institute of Technology/Enderun Colleges, Adamson University, La Salle Cavite – 100%, Univertsity of Sto. Tomas – 93%, University of the Philippines – 60% RECENT AWARDS: 3rd Place (Junior and Senior categories) – 11th Interschool Public Speaking competition (UAE-Wide competition sponsored by the Emirates Environmental Group), 2011; Champions, HS Basketball– 6th and 7th Filipino Inter-School Athletic Association 2009 and 2010; 2nd Place (Seniors) – 10th Interschool Public Speaking competition (UAE-Wide competition sponsored by the Emirates Environmental Group), 2010; 1st Place, HS - Poetry Writing Competition, Buwan ng Wika International Literary competition 2009-2010, Inter-Agency Committee on Philippine Schools Overseas ADMISSIONS: Tel Numbers: +9716 538 9556, 538-9695, Fax Number: +9716-538-9557, Email: info@feps-me.com
PISCO Private School
Abu Dhabi, UAE Established in 1995 Total Student Population: 800 (SY 2010-2011) PISCO Private School upholds academic excellence as its major thrust and provides an environment for the development of a student’s maximum potential through wholesome classroom and extracurricular activities while cultivating pride in Philippine cultural heritage and national identity. The school is committed to endow
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quality education anchored on a relevant and dynamic curriculum with the vision of turning out graduates who are not only productive but are also values-oriented individuals as well. PISCO, which is a Member of the Abu Dhabi Environment Agency’s Sustainable Schools, as well as the Order of The Knights of Rizal (Middle East and Africa Region) also participates in special charitable projects and environmentally friendly endeavors, in an effort to instill positive values among its students. RECENT AWARDS: Champions, Category 2, 3 and 4 - MARRs Spelling Bee International; Champion, Volleyball Girls Category – Filipino Inter-Schools Athletic Association. 3rd Place - UAE Schools Research Competition Sponsored by The Environment Agency, Abu Dhabi PHILIPPINE UNIVERSITIES QUALIFYING RATE (20102011): Average of 70% passing rate in college entrance examinations conducted by Philippine universities last school year. HONORS: PISCO Private School is proud of its alumni who graduated Cum Laude at the University of Sto. Tomas (UST) last school year 2010 – 2011, with degrees in Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy, and Bachelor of Science in Tourism and Hospitality Management ADMISSIONS: Tel Numbers: +9712-641 0918/641 9611, Facebook Page: PISCO Private School
The Philippine School (TPS) Dubai, United Arab Emirates Established in 2008
TPS Dubai adopts the RBEC Curriculum used in the Philippines by the Department of Education (DepEd), providing continuity with life in the homeland. Located in Al Rashidiya, Dubai in an expansive and more modern campus, it offers Kindergarten, Elementary and High School curriculum, as elective subjects in Mathematics and Science, Journalism, Research, Arabic and Islamic Education, as well as a gamut of extra/co-curricular activities, including Scouting. Among the school’s annual activities are - Foundation Day Celebration, Sports Fest, Buwan ng Wika, Academic Contests, UAE National Day Celebration, and Independence Day Celebration. In keeping with its promise of academic excellence and values formation, TPS offers a broad range of experiences, such as clubs, cultural shows, and activities that promote the well-rounded development of its students. ADMISSIONS: Tel no.: +971 284 4465, Email: dina@ thephilippineschooldubai.com
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Philippine National School (PNS)
Abu Dhabi, UAE Established in 1998 Total Student Population: 1,000+ (SY 2010-2011) Philippine National School (PNS) offers a non-sectarian Filipinocurriculum for Kindergarten 1 and 2, Elementary 1 to 6, High School I – IV with English as its main a medium of instruction. The school also provides Islamic Studies for Muslim students and includes Arabic as well as UAE Social Studies as required subjects. Geared to cultivate young minds through high-quality education in a multi-cultural setting, PNS provides varied student-centered learning activities and co-curricular activities that will transform learners into well-rounded individuals. The school employs premier and proficient educators hired from the Philippines and uses a holistic approach to provide students the opportunity to enjoy learning in an atmosphere that promotes excellence and camaraderie. RECENT AWARDS: 2nd Place, HS Category - Short Story Writing Competition, 3rd Annual Literacy Contest of the Philippine Schools Overseas; PNS Eco-Club was awarded with an Emirates Foundation Grant of AED10,000 to be used by the school for setting up and running the Eco-Club activities; PNS’ has been recently qualified to participate in the MaRRS Spelling Bee International Spelling Bee Competition to be held in Malaysia. ADMISSIONS: Contact the School Principal Dr. Ofelia F. Padilla Tel no: +971 50 613 4465
The New Filipino Private School (The NFPS)
Sharjah, United Arab Emirates Established in 1996 Total Student Population: 800 (SY 2010-2011) NFPS takes pride in producing graduates who excel in their chosen field of endeavors in the most prestigious universities back home – University of Santo Tomas, University of the Philippines, De La Salle University, just to name a few. The school believes that education does not only mean equipping students with academic competence, but also keeping them physically fit and religiously responsive. Hence, students are provider well-planned, well-balanced activities to shape them into well-formed, well-adjusted individuals. Apart
from programs geared to promote academic excellence, the school also puts an emphasis on sports as well as community service. In collaboration with the Philippine Embassy in the UAE, the school’s PTC and Student Council conduct a “Share-A-Toy” project each year, which benefits underprivileged children in the UAE and the Philippines. ADMISSIONS: Tel: +9716 566 1331, Fax No: +9716 566 0570, Email: nfps@emirates.net.ae
United International Private School (UIPS) Dubai, United Arab Emirates Established in 1992 Total Student Population: 1,500 Website: www.uips.ae
The first Filipino school in Dubai, UIPS upholds the holistic development of mind and body through academic excellence, quality performance, uncompromising service, respect for human principles and fervent love of God, country and fellowmen. On its 20th year, the school is expecting some 1,500 students, to its well-equipped campus in Ghusais with state-of-the-art facilities including fully equipped science and three computer laboratories, elementary and high school library, audio-visual room, the indoor and outdoor activity rooms, multi-purpose hall, reading room, a large cafeteria and a swimming pool for kids. The school is the venue where Philippine universities such as Dela Salle (AMCAT), Dela Salle Dasmarinas, MAPUA, Enderun Colleges, Emilio Aguinaldo Colleges, St. Jude Colleges and Adamson University, administer their college entrance exams. This year, the Ateneo University will be joining the group. RECENT AWARDS: Overall Champion, Sub-Senior and Senior Categories - 11th Emirates Environmental Group Inter-School Environment Public Speaking Contest. Champion, HS & Elem Basketball and Table Tennis - 8th Season of Filipino Inter-School Athletic Association (FISAA) January 2011; Outstanding Marks from the KHDA, Dubai Appreciation and Promotion Program (DAPP); UIPS 3rd grade student topped the Science exam from Middle East examinees at the TIMSS/PIRLS and PISA under the external assessment program, International Benchmark Test (IBT) by the Australian Council for Educational Research. ADMISSIONS: Tel no.: +9714 254 3888 loc. 204
48 SUCCESSFUL PINOY SPIRITUALITY
Home School:
THE BEST
SCHOOL IN THE WORLD By BO SANCHEZ
“But aren’t you depriving him of his socialization?” I cannot count the number of times I’ve heard this line from wellmeaning friends when they learn that we don’t send our son to school, but instead teach him at home. Here are other comments we’ve heard—some with sense, others just plain funny: “Won’t he become… uh, abnormal?” “You’re overprotecting him. Let go and let God!” “He needs to learn how to fight, become tough, and experience the world.” “Di ba yung homeschool pang artista lang yan?” I smile at everyone who gives me these comments and then explain these facts: today, there are millions of kids in the world who are homeschooled. And test after test shows that the average homeschooler academically beats the average of all students every time, at every year level, at every subject.
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Why? Because homeschooling is the best educational system in this planet. It beats the most expensive, the most exclusive private schools money can afford. Unbelievable? Read on.
Some Homeschooled “Kids” Just in case you think that homeschooled kids become social misfits, let me show you a list of some homeschooled “kids” - Albert Einstein (Scientist), Leonardo da Vinci(Painter/Sculptor/Inventor), Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (Composer), Douglas MacArthur (U.S. General), Winston Churchill (British Prime Minister), Mark Twain (Writer), Charles Chaplin (Actor), Sally Ride (Astronaut), Leo Tolstoy (Writer) and Alexander Graham Bell (Inventor of the Telephone). Homeschooling can produce world-class achievers because of the core principles embedded in the system of teaching your own child.
SPIRITUALITY SUCCESSFUL PINOY 49
10 Core Principles that will dramatically change your child’s life — and yours as well Core Principle #1:
Follow Your Child’s Passions One of my son’s first words was “horse.” As a toddler, he already loved playing with plastic toy horses, riding his wooden rocking horse, and looking at pictures of all sorts of horses. So we gave him large books on horses, and he gobbled them up and kept asking for more. At three years old, he was already riding real horses by himself. Today, he dreams of owning a ranch where he’ll own ten horses — as a business! Because of his passion for horses, he learned the following: To read a lot, do artwork (coloring), study science (horse anatomy), history and culture, physical education, and even business. Yes, he studied all those subjects — just because of his love for horses. Because it was his passion, he loved to learn. That is one of the best secrets of homeschool.
Core Principle #2:
Follow Your Child’s Learning Style Your child is a genius. You just have to know what kind of genius. Let me give you a very simple example of what I mean by following your child’s learning style. When my son Bene was five years old, he was having problems with his Math exercises. Bene would get totally bored, and we’d catch him stalling and dilly-dallying in the middle of the writing exercise. It would happen every time and my wife would be totally frustrated. After many weeks of tension- filled homeschool sessions, my wife was wondering if Math was his waterloo. And then an idea struck her. She made a game out of Math homework. Bene would stand on the far end of our living room and he’d take one step for every right answer. Guess what: He breezed through it. At least at that particular stage in his life (five years old), oral and mental math was better than written math. Do you now see how only homeschool can make that kind of adjustment? Because the mother is teaching her child one-to-one, she can change teaching methods depending on the learning style of her child.
Core Principle #3:
Follow the Learning Pace of Your Child Per Subject A traditional classroom with 40 kids has one established pace of learning. Usually, they try to go mid-speed — not too fast, and not too slow. Sometimes, this learning pace is too slow for your child — resulting in boredom. On a few occasions, the pace may be too fast— and your child is left behind. Your child has different speeds per subject. In homeschooling, you can simply adjust with his pace for each subject. When you see him bored, usually it’s because he already knows the material. Try going faster and introduce new material. If you follow your child’s pace, you may be surprised at his speed of learning. On the other hand, there’s no point in rushing a child to read (or write or do math) when he’s not yet ready. Tests have proven that kids who learned to read well as late as age 10 onwards catch up very quickly — and surpass the early readers from regular schools. Don’t pressure yourself or your child! If you follow their passion and learning pace, you don’t need pressure.
Core Principle #4:
Never Use Fear and Punishments as Motivation I learned that the expert animal trainers of dogs, lions, seals, and even dolphins have very important basic rules: Never insult, offend or hurt the animal. Or the animal won’t learn. How many times have I heard parents and teachers insult little children? We scream at them, we call them names, we bully them, we intimidate them, we make them cower in fear—just so they do what we want them to do. The moment the teacher is shouting in anger, true learning stops. True learning means having fun. If it’s not fun, do something about it! In homeschooling, true learning has to be fun and exciting for your child.
50 SUCCESSFUL PINOY SPIRITUALITY
Banish fear and punishments from your educational system. In homeschool, you can simply drop whatever isn’t helping a child because you’re not tied to one way of doing things. So if you see that your teaching method or curriculum or class schedule or textbook isn’t helping, drop it and try something new. It’s much better than anger, intimidation, and threats of punishment.
Core Principle #5:
Remove Tests and Grades as Tools for Teaching Traditional schools create good “test-takers,” But do they create good learners and critical thinkers and passionate kids? Kids, under enormous pressure, memorize stuff. And when grades are given, the kids are labeled, categorized, and branded. I believe that we have adults now who are totally un-proactive because they have a fear of making mistakes — which they learned from school. But mistakes are important! The most successful people in the world are those who have made the most mistakes!
Core Principle #6:
Nurture a Great Love for Reading Our goal is self-directed learning. You want your child to start learning on his own, because of his sheer love for knowledge. Yes, every child has an insatiable hunger to learn. You just have to connect to that, release that desire, and see her conquer the world. Self-directed learning can happen more easily if a child develops a love for reading as well. How do you nurture that in a child? Read to your child books that interest them and surround them with books, books, and more books. Find out what interests a child. Tip: Get those “series” books. Because when your child gets hooked on one book, he’d want to read every other book in the series. And parents—your kids have to see you reading books as well! Cut TV watching and computer games to a minimum so that there’ll be generous time for reading every day. Reading for pleasure is so important to learning. I’m saddened at the huge amount of “homework” kids bring home from school.
Core Principle #7:
Make Ordinary Life Events as Your Classroom Trust in your child. She learned how to smile, crawl, walk, talk, run, dress by herself, and understand her world before starting school - because each child loves to learn. For them, it’s as natural as breathing. Kids learn the way adults do: by their interests and by their curiosity. You merely provide the learning environment and resources so that your child self-learns. In the end, true learning and living cannot be separated.
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Core Principle #8:
Make Work and Service Essential to Your Child’s Education The best way to learn is to actually do it. It beats any lecture, any book, any field trip, any counseling. For example, our son has a bangus business and has gained much confidence because of it. At the age of five, he handed out flyers to our visitors at home. He went around in his three-wheel bicycle and delivered them to his grandmother’s house. I asked him for suggestions when we designed that leaflet. He also wrote down his first “prospect” list of 10 persons who’d buy from him (mostly our family). As he grows older, we will slowly give him more and more responsibilities to his growing business.
Core Principle #9:
Build Your Family Relationships In homeschool, you spend each day with your child playing games, swapping stories, taking adventures, reading stories — and creating memories that will last a lifetime. Yes, you bond with your child in an extraordinary way. And if you have more than one child, you bond the siblings together, too. The older children teach the younger children. And because teaching is the best way of learning, everyone benefits. Probably the first question people will ask about homeschooling is, “What about your child’s socialization?” Here’s the answer: On average, homeschooled kids have been known to be more socially adept and more socially confident than other children. In homeschool, kids get the right kind of socialization. Because you want your child to learn character, morals, and manners from you, and not from his peers.
Core Principle #10:
Personally Share Your Faith and Values to Your Child Today, many kids have tepid faith and weak values. Parents are no longer seriously taking their spiritual responsibility to introduce the Lord to their children. Instead, many parents pass this spiritual responsibility onto the school. As parents, one of your most important roles is to bring your child into a vibrant relationship with God. A teacher or priest can do this — but only as an added support to you. Ultimately, that’s your job. Faith and values aren’t taught as much as “caught.” Homeschooling is the perfect context where this “contaminating” can take place.
52 FEATURE
By Shar Matingka
In Christian-dominated Philippines, where over 85% of the population is Roman Catholic, Islam is oftentimes associated negatively with terrorism mainly due to the intense media coverage in war-torn areas, not to mention the stereotypical perception on its believers. What is largely missed, however, is the historical and cultural significance of this community, as well as their unique sense of humanity.
The holy month of Ramadan provides the perfect opportunity to improve understanding and widen the perspective on our Filipino Muslim brothers. Today, Muslims make about 5% of the Philippine population. Mindanao is where we find concentrated areas of Muslim inhabitants. On the contrary, present day statistics cannot topple the historical value of how Muslims governed main areas of the archipelago; stretching from Mindanao to Manila even before the Philippines was named after King Philip II of Spain. It is safe to say that we owe Muslims part of our national pride and strong heritage during the infant stages of our rise to civilization. Do most Filipinos know that Lapu-lapu was a Muslim chieftain? This interesting fact is not mentioned in history books widely used in schools, nor is it ever a trivia question in noontime shows. Filipino Muslims are more than just a misunderstood minority. Certainly more important than the way they dress, eat or pray is the fact that theirs is a uniquely diverse community that follows an entirely different way of living under the commands of Islam. The adopted western culture in the Philippines often poses challenges for Muslims in terms on maintaining religious practice. Furthermore, due to lack of understanding, it is a common mistake to generalize the Muslim crowd as a backward society
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because of how they have been portrayed in the media. In reality, however, most of the members of this Philippine group excel in highly sought-after professional qualifications mainly in the fields of medicine, engineering, public administration and law. During this season of Ramadan, this article provides an opportunity to showcase brotherhood and important virtues constantly observed by the Muslim community. A deeper sense of humanity is felt throughout the holy month; the act of fasting is just the tip of the iceberg. The human tolerance to withstand hunger pangs and thirst during Ramadan does not measure or even define a Muslim’s spiritual journey during the holy season. It is a believer’s willingness to completely submit to God that is tested during the Holy month, through the faithful observance of the teachings of Islam. Bad thoughts against another human being borne by greed, anger, lust, gossip and envy should be repelled. Instead, Muslims are recommended to read the Quran throughout the Holy month
FEATURE 53
and observe the importance congregational prayer.
consideration of those less fortunate. It helps us focus on strengthening spirituality and Islamic teachings to practice the virtues of patience and charity. We believe that these values unite Muslims and non-Muslims around the world.”
of
Sexual intercourse is prohibited during the hours of fasting but permissible after the fast. Watching television is also allowed. However, obscenities, violence and sexually suggestive themes should be avoided. It is only common sense to note that when a person is in state of penitence and spiritual obligations, modesty must be observed at all times.
She also stresses on the benefit of sharing Muslim traditions and practices during their holy season to create better understanding, “God created each of us different and unique. People, specifically non-Muslims usually have wrong ideas about Muslims due to ignorance. It is our responsibility, if other people are indifferent towards us, to enlighten them and show them what we Muslims are, sharing our values, belief and our way of life, by letting others see our actions and behavior. May the spirit of Ramadan bring us the utmost in peace and prosperity.”
Brotherhood among Muslims is indescribable. No words can express the camaraderie and unity contrary to popular beliefs. One can expect a unique kind of generosity between Muslims because they are basically taught to love and respect brothers and sisters in faith. When one is in need or falls destitute, it is not surprising in Filipino Muslim communities to have more than one clan reaching out. This is the equivalent of bayanihan, only with a different term in Islam – Zakat (charity).
© Philippa Banks | Dreamstime.com
During Ramadan, families become closer and the daily Iftar (breaking of the fast) is almost like a celebration in its own. The familial bond Muslims families enjoy during Iftar is similar to that of Noche Buena for Christians, but for the entire month, every single day. And of course, there are the grand celebrations of Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha, which to non-Muslims, is just like Christmas.
The Maranao Community in the UAE is one such Filipino Muslim group promoting comradeship in the country. Under the chairmanship of Engr. Marohombsar, the association actively participates in different socio-civic activities driven by its objectives to propagate kinship, friendship and brotherhood. During the holy month of Ramadan, the group conducts house visits for iftar, inviting non-Muslim friends to join so that they can experience the essence of the practice where families and friends share the happiness of gathering together and for prayers. With selflessness, charity and compassion which unite Muslims and non-Muslims in mind, the organization also holds iftar for the distressed OFs sheltered by POLO-OWWA, and sends dates to Muslim brothers in Lanao. According to Inshirah Hadji Taib, the secretary for Maranao Community UAE, “Our group as a whole, believe that holy month of Ramadan is a time of strong devotion and reflection, which is highlighted in prayer, the gathering of family and friends and
For Dr. Amilbahar Matingka, who recently settled in his hometown after 25 years in Saudi Arabia, Muslims shouldn’t be treated as merely second-class citizens. “Those [Muslims] who ended up in unfortunate paths are merely driven by their deprivation of their right to their land. What people see on TV are just fragments of facts and not the entire picture of what is really going on here.” Although political history is partreason of the tense relationship between Muslims and Christians in the Philippines, it is not a fence that builds total hindrance. While the advancing generations partake in the wide-range of opportunities of globalization, perhaps it is about time we made our social boundaries out of respect and not from stereotypical point of view and hearsays. It is not difficult to understand Muslim culture and to be able to recognize the community’s positive achievements and contributions to improve our country. So next time, instead of asking the Muslim sitting next to you about the prohibition of pork in Islam, the Abu Sayyaf or morality, which has different interpretations in every religion, ask what they value most in life. In this holy month of Ramadan, non-Muslims might want to keep in mind the comforting fact that Muslims do not measure their faith by withstanding hunger and thirst, but rather, they fast in remembrance of Allah and forgiveness. And like any other God-fearing soul, there is a unique sense of humanity in a Muslim that believers of other faiths might surprisingly take inspiration from… if given the chance.
54 SUCCESSFUL PINOY RELATIONSHIPS
Working
MOM
Dilemma
Dear Dr. Holmes and Mr. Baer, I am a working mom with 8-month-old twins. We’re living in the compound with my in-laws. My husband’s aunts are the ones taking care of my babies from Monday to Friday, and all of them are crazy about my kids. My problem is that I feel that I am not getting respect from the caregivers of my kids. They bring the kids anywhere, sometimes without my knowing it. On weekends, when I’m at home them, they still take the children instead of letting me have time to bond with my babies. Many times when I’m holding my baby, and she cries, they immediately get the baby. I feel that they act more like they are the mothers than I am. However, I’m afraid if I say something to my in-laws, it might create trouble. But I’m really afraid that my babies will be closer to them than they are to me, their real mother. They are kind and I thank them for loving my kids, but I need them to give me space and time to bond with my kids. I want to know if I’m wrong thinking this way. I cannot help being jealous. Please help me. - Judy
Dear Judy, There are two basic issues: is your jealousy reasonable and how will all this affect your children? In my view, you are perfectly right to feel jealous since the twins, after all, are your children, not theirs. However, your position is complicated by the fact that you are a working mother who needs people to look after your children while you are away and just as importantly, you are living with your husband’s family. The joy of living with your in-laws is unfortunately not without its problems. Most significantly, the double whammy of being younger and not a blood relative makes your situation particularly fraught. It’s great not to worry about the kids while you are away at work, or commuting, or having little time to yourself (shopping, with friends etc.). But there is a price to pay for free babysitting and in your case, it is your in-laws thinking that, since they spend more time with the kids than you, they know and can look after them better. Were you just dealing with a yaya (nanny), you could simply change her for another so that your children do not get too attached. But that is not your case.
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One obvious course of action is to get your husband to deal with the problem, either by himself or jointly with you. He is the nephew/ stepson and better placed to sort things out. However, since you don’t mention him at all in your email, I wonder whether this suggestion has any real value. He seems to be totally absent from your lives. Perhaps he is an OFW or perhaps he just isn’t supportive? Another course of action is to stop working. This may not be a practical suggestion now, but perhaps in the near future it could be a solution, unless of course your absent husband is also a noncontributor to the family finances. If he cannot help, one way or the other, there is still another consolation. Thousands upon thousands of children have grown up spending the vast majority of their childhoods apart from their parents - physically and/or emotionally. This is not just the case when their parent(s) are working or are OFs, but also where the non-working parent(s) simply prefer to spend their time with other people, rather than their kids. It is a fact of life that not all parents are maternal/paternal, though this does not stop them from having
RELATIONSHIPS SUCCESSFUL PINOY 55 kids, either because of family pressure or the perceived demands of society. Ignorance of, or lack of access to, contraceptives is also a big contributor, as is the belief that contraception is morally wrong. So all is not lost even if there is no immediate solution to your problem. That does not have to alienate them or scar them for life. Circumstances change and the kids will grow up understanding perfectly well that however close they may be to their more distant relatives, you are still their mother, the only one they will ever have, and as such, irreplaceable. Please write again if there is more that you wish to discuss. All the best. JAF Baer P.S. I must admit a certain personal involvement in this. From the age of 9 to 18, I lived away from my parents, seeing them for only four months of the year while away at boarding school in England. I feel I am not that warped. After all, Dr. Holmes married me (joke only - though I have the certificate to prove it!)
Happily, it is simple to distinguish between the two. A friend is someone who agrees with you that bonding with your baby is of utmost importance. Thus, since you work on most days, you get to be with them when you’re not working. A foe is someone who feels they are more important caretakers than you since they spend more time with your babies. Spending more time with them, your babies will always prefer them to you, but only if they are hovering in the background, eager to take them away from you at their first sign of distress. (foe, foe, foe). In other words, anyone who considers you competition for your babies’ attention is a foe.
If they are friends, then do the following: • Share your frustration at having to work and thus not being able to mother your kids 24/7. • Thank them profusely for allowing you to leave for work with a clear conscience, confident that your twins will be nourished not only physically, but also mentally and emotionally. • Ask for their help so that, despite your having such little time with them, your kids still realize that you are their mom. • You can even admit you are a little jealous of them and ask for advice on the best way to engage your kids since they probably know your kids better. In our clinical experience, such admissions, if honest, work wonders on their willingness to cooperate. If they are foes, however, life gets a bit more complicated. Admittedly, there are numerous strategies you could employ, but each will require knowing your foe/s well enough to know their vulnerabilities and knowing yourself well enough to decide which particular strategy you can sustain.
Dear Judy: Mr. Baer has given you the reassurance and the perspective to accept your feelings and to realize that all is not lost despite the constraints you are living with at the moment. Anyone who feels parenthood is the most important calling in the world and/or anyone who feels or has felt he has been unfairly treated by more powerful forces, be they in-laws, corporations etc. cannot help feeling one with you. It is precisely because your plight resonates so much with so many of us that I have purposely chosen a more strategic, rather than an emotional approach to your concern. (Not because strategy is more important than feeling but because to get what you want, you need to strategize.) The first thing is to determine whether your aunts are friends or foes. This may seem diametrically opposed to our espousing that people are too complicated to classify as one or the other, but because you are working under so many constraints — no yaya, only free time is on weekends, (seemingly) no support from your husband — it is best you simplify so you achieve your goal. Knowing whether they are friend or foe will help you decide whether to try sugar (ask for cooperation) or ampalaya (lay down the gauntlet).
However, because you appreciate what your aunts are doing for you and your kids, you cannot turn into a cold blooded, relentless, practitioner of Sun Tzu’s The Art of War…at least not until you realize that that is the only way to truly bond with your kids. Because it will take many more columns to evaluate each and every strategy possible, may I suggest you read Spousonomics: Using Economics to Master Love, Marriage and Dirty Dishes by Szuchman, P. and Anderson, J. (Random House, 2011). This will be truly helpful for you, because not only does it explain the perspective which makes each strategy helpful, but because it deals with spouses, which are similar “foes” to aunts. They are people you love and appreciate, but who drive you crazy. Also, if you let either get away with everything, your life will be a living hell. But what things are worth fighting for and what are best left for time, patience, deeper understanding to work out in its own time? Perhaps that is something that you need to find out for yourself. Write to us again when you’ve figured out things a bit more clearly and we promise we shall be here to help you all we can. Ingat… MG Holmes
56 ILLUSTRADO SCRAPBOOK A platform for budding Filipino creative talent
Jeffrie Inocencio
Senior Graphic Designer/Associate Photographer Being a Senior Graphic Designer helps Jeffrie connect the visual outcome of his shots to the moment in real life that it represents. Jeffrie took a basic film photography course in Manila under the Federation of Philippine Photographer’s Foundation in 2004. But interest in photography intensified only when a member of one of
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the photography associations in Dubai encouraged him to pursue photography as a serious hobby. Working in Dubai for the last 5 years as a senior graphic designer and associate photographer for a media and advertising company, Jeffrie’s interest in photography has expanded to the following categories: portraiture, fashion, product, landscape, interior and architecture. Jeffrie says casually. “I don’t consider myself as being formally educated in photography post processing; I just relate my everyday work to everyday life.”
A platform for budding Filipino creative talent
Aubrey Tiosen Photographer
Aubrey took to photography like bees to honey. Last year, she purchased a second hand DSLR camera and took to the streets snapping photos of anything that sparked her eye and fired her imagination. “I fell in love with the camera and how it could capture moments of our life on film,” confessed the photography enthusiast, who is also quite surprised at how quickly she took to the speed of the shutter.
Andy Ramos
Photographer, Graphic Designer
A n often asked question is if photographers are made or born? In some cases, like that of Andy Ramos, a photographer was self-made. Without any formal training in photography, he acquired the necessary skills through his own effort, persistence and hard work. “I am insatiably curious,” says Andy, attributing the persistence and effort he put into teaching himself to become a photographer. “I want to be both a practitioner and a professional,” he explains.
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“I only took a one week basic photography workshop in the Philippines and was very surprised, but immensely pleased, to have been awarded 1st Place in Portrait, 3rd Place in Still Life and 4th Place in Composition. Then I took a Wedding Photography Workshop and won 2nd Prize in the Details category.” Aubrey would have probably continued racking up the awards and accolodaes had it not been for the opportunity to work in Dubai, which came to her by — of all places — Facebook. “A media company just found me through my Facebook page,” explains Aubrey who now works as a photographer in a media company. “It’s certainly a dream come true for me. Who would have thought that the click of my camera would bring me to Dubai?”
Having taken up photography only in 2009, Andy, who works as a graphic artist still pretty much considers himself a student of photography. He experiments and photographs objects, landscapes, still life and people. In every picture, his hopes to capture one’s imagination through the basic principles of photography: interesting concepts, vivid colors and fascinating elements. “Later, I hope to move on to a level where my photographs will not just be a thing of creative beauty, but a medium that will move people and inspire them.
58 ILLUMINATI
Verde que te quiero... By Krip Yuson
We had a brief little debate on Facebook recently, a couple of fellow Filipino poets and I. The first had posted a comment on a photo of his, which had lush foliage in the foreground: “Verde que te quiero...” Memory bade me to react, and comment bilingually: “Di ba yo te...?” I meant: Shouldn’t it be the Spanish word for “I” instead of for “that” — still hearing in my mind’s ear the refrain from Nick Joaquin’s finely cadenced poem which I thought the poet-friend had quoted. He replied: “That would be translating one English translation into Spanish — but let me check, my memory is not so green any more.” Another poet-friend interposed to corroborate my correction. He wrote: “‘Verde Yo Te Quiero Verde,’ 1939. That is Nick’s title for his poem; have checked it.” Me: “There. Ze memory master has spoken. Like a true Mormon sidekick, I aver that he speaks ze veritas.” The interjector acknowledged that he had looked it up in an anthology he himself had edited; it wasn’t so much his memory he had trusted.
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Two against one. The minority struck back: “Yes but — though I still haven’t checked it yet — Lorca’s poem goes (1st line): ‘Verde que te quiero verde’ which one translator renders: ‘Green, as I would have you be, green...’” Then came his clincher: “I just checked it: ‘Romance Sonámbulo — Verde que te quiero verde./ Verde viento. Verdes ramas...’ Pahiya kayong mga Mormons, ano?” I could only reply thus: “Indeed, aber, yo aver that. Federico vs. Nicodemus!” As the first poet suggested, it was our own Joaquin’s poem that was a take-off on Lorca’s. All well and good. Both premier poets, long gone, had gloried in green, the green that we love, the green that we would have as green.
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Dylan Thomas, legendary and acclaimed, also sang, in his poem “Fern Hill”: “Now as I was young and easy under the apple boughs/ About the lilting house and happy as the grass was green...” No doubt countless other poets and writers have lauded Mother Nature all around us, encapsulating it in one word: the same “green” that also means fresh or go forward. It is with this reflection that I must then express certain misgivings about what I see as an occasionally over-driven crusade of environmental awareness especially among young people all over the world. As with any advocacy, it has drawn overbearing militants for whom activism has to be an in-one’s-face-assault; one that takes no prisoners. In brief, extremism bodes forbiddingly, chillingly. What may have been right and fun soon becomes self-righteous and fundamentalist, so much so that the familiar Greenpeace flag does not anymore stand for a healing of the planet, but for waging another form of relentless war. Call me reactionary, but I have a natural inclination to question anything that even approaches a closed-door policy, let alone a closefisted one. I have yet to determine whether “the rainbow warriors” are right in crossing swords with Japanese whalers perpetuating a cultural tradition. Should the facts be laid down before me that the whales being hunted down are an endangered species, then my vote is cast for this kind of determined greenie effort.
with. As we know, it is not so much the idea of creating loopholes that prevailed, but the practical reckoning that industrial tree farms, responsibly undertaken and maintained, can continue to provide the age-old materials that address the construction industry’s needs. Why, a total logging ban would even deprive rural dwellers with the bamboo for building humble huts. For the most part, as studies and proper legislation have shown, any “total ban” works against common sense. That is because the delicate balance required in much of our mundane and worldly affairs gets short shrift, and we become like plodding, unthinking armies of the night that lay waste to everything in their path. “Responsible” and “sustainable” become key words. Sure, there will be violators. Policing is then required. But it’s never been okay to picture everything in black-and-white, and throw out every baby with the bathwater. Responsible mining is possible in our country, just as that practice has been allowed, nay, even encouraged, in first-world countries. We also have to learn to become responsible, while keeping an eye towards the sustainable, indeed, guarding the desiderata to be preserved with vigilance. But we have to strike the balance, and dance in equipoise. On a personal note, I know that I have planted scores of trees and hundred of other seeds of varied flora thus far in my life. That makes me a greenie. I love green and being green. But there are other colors to the rainbow.
I also have qualms about the current crusade being led by churchmen in our country that pushes for a total ban on mining. We’ve had this sort of thing decades before, when a total logging ban seemed to be the only ideal that purported environmentalists could live
I see them in the flowers that bloom among the plants I’ve raised and maintain. They are beautiful. While I cherish greenery all around, I shiver at the thought of a world going black and white.
60 FASHION
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PHOTOGRAPHER: ENZO MONDEJAR STYLIST: ERIC POLIQUIT HAIRANDMAKE-UPARTIST:NINADUMPA MODELSM : ANUELABASILIOANDGERARDGOOFYEOHMODELS SHOT AT THE MONDEJAR STUDIO
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BURGUNDY MANDARIN COLLAR CHEMISE AND HOT PANTS BY EDWIN TAN; TURQUOISE AND SHELL NECKLACE, WOOD AND TURQUOISE CUFF ALL BY RONALD MABANAG
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FASHION 69 BURGUNDY MANDARIN COLLAR CHEMISE AND HOT PANTS BY EDWIN TAN; TURQUOISE AND SHELL NECKLACE, WOOD AND TURQUOISE CUFF ALL BY RONALD MABANAG; RASPBERRY PEEP-TOE SHOES BY RUSTY LOPEZ
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FASHION 71 DRESS BY COLLEZIONE C2; HERMAN NECKLACE FROM BOSQUEJO; WOOD AND TURQUOISE CUFF BY RONALD MABANAG; COLORED NECKPIECE BY JING MONDEJAR
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5 Month 74 TRIPPIN’
things To Do This
Dubai slows down this month as summer comes to a full swing and the Holy Month of Ramadan kicks in. But, that’s no excuse to stay at home and bum in front of the television. In fact, despite the quiet approach to paying respects for our Muslim brothers, Pinoys in the UAE can still manage to celebrate during this month of August. We at Illustrado have amazing suggestions on how you can enjoy your Ramadan month. So, don’t worry about your social calendars because it will surely be filled with some fun activities.
Experience iftar and suhoor gatherings
Since we know that fasting during the day is a requirement in Islam during the Holy Month of Ramadan, Filipinos who do not follow the religion should at least know and understand what is expected at this time. Eat and drink discreetly during the day. But it’s also a great idea to join in the ‘after-fasting’ meal commonly known as iftar and/or the late and light dinner meal and with lots of sweets, which they refer to as suhoor, before they start another day of fasting. Leading hotels and restaurants have tons of offers for iftars and suhoors, and surely you’ll find something that fits your taste and budget. We have tried the offerings at The Palace in Downtown Dubai, Al Bustan Rotana, Crowne Plaza in Deira and Intercontinental Hotel in Dubai Festival City. These hotels present festive and sumptuous Arabic cuisine at affordable prices, most of which come buffet style (meal and drinks) at a range of AED 120 to AED 200. So, check out the iftar and suhoor offers, and experience the joys of Ramadan at least once in your life.
© Liseykina | Dreamstime.com
Visit Mosques
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Although the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi is a splendid sightseeing spot to visit, residents and tourists in Dubai who have no time to drive through the capital can opt to pay homage to one of the most celebrated religious sites in the country: the Jumeirah Mosque. Coined as the Big Mosque in Jumeirah – because of its marvelous stature along the Jumeirah Beach Road – the mosque is actually one (if not the) most attractive mosques in the city. Built under Fatimid Tradition of the Medieval Period, Jumeirah Mosque is a secular symbol for all tourists who visit Dubai. Furnished with white stones, it is indeed one of the finest examples of Modern Islamic Architectural Style. Though strict dress codes are to be followed by all visitors, this mosque is lenient towards non-Muslims as it allows everyone, of any religion and faith, to enter its premises if you are a part of an organized tour. Sheikh Mohammed Center for Cultural Understanding (office at the Bastakia Quarter stop 3) collaborates with Jumeirah Mosque to conduct a guided tour, ‘Open Doors, Open Minds,’ which takes you along all major cultural centers in Dubai. To get more information on how you can join this public tour, contact the Sheikh Mohammed Center for Cultural Understanding by calling them at 04-3536666 or sending email at smccu@cultures.ae.
TRIPPIN’ 75
Visit Dubai’s art galleries
Since the clubbing and entertainment scenes in Dubai slow down during the Holy Month of Ramadan, paying a visit to Dubai’s well-known art galleries would be the best way of spending your free time. This August, check out the art scene of Dubai – take a moment to go around Bastakiya where Basta Art Café, Eye Art Gallery and Ostra Art Gallery are located. Add more culture and history to your experience by strutting to Al Quoz where a series of art galleries can be easily spotted. Located there are the B21 Gallery, The Courtyard Gallery and Third Line. If Al Quoz is out of your way, then head to the popular financial hub Dubai International Financial Centre where XVA Gallery and The Gate Village are situated. So, whether you’re an art enthusiast or not, visiting any of these art galleries can broaden your horizon. Who knows? you might even find the inspiration to be one of the budding artists in Dubai’s fairly new art scene?
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Plan your Eid holiday
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Give back during Ramadan
One of the most essential points of the Holy Month of Ramadan is charity. During this month, followers of Islam exercise more generosity than the usual by giving back to the less fortunate. Despite the fact that we’re not all Muslims, we of course should not neglect the importance of charity. So, it is much better if we practice this virtue with them during the month. Charity drives are usually announced during Ramadan but it is better to keep an eye on our belongings that we would want to share with the charity organizations. There are boxes located in the shopping malls where people can drop off goodies for various charity groups. Also, since there are a lot out there, you can choose your own group to help or sponsor. If you opt to help Filipino-related charity organizations, you may as well contact the Philippine Consulate – email: Mrpdxb@yahoo.com.
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Once the religious practice of Holy Month of Ramadan is over then the time to celebrate Eid Al Fitr comes after. With this religious holidays in mind, we can then opt to plan for a short getaway to neighboring emirates or to nearby countries as well. There are a number of Eid holiday vacation plans that can be availed or better yet planned personally. We recommend going to Fujairah or Ras Al Khaimah for some beach holidays as these emirates boast the sandy coastline, or a drive to Hatta or Oman for some outdoor adventure. Some people may even find a budget for Jordan, Egypt, Nepal, Sri Lanka, India or Turkey. Going to these places from the UAE may not take much of your finances as there are number of budget airlines you can book with, plus the fact that securing a visa is not much of a worry. So, if you think you want some time away from the hustle and bustle of the city life in Dubai then go ahead, plan as early as now for your Eid holidays.
76 BAKASYON GRANDE
Poised to be One of the
7 NEW WONDERS OF NATURE
In 1999, the Puerto Princesa Underground River (PPUR) was named a UNESCO “Natural World Heritage Site.” Ten years later, it is in the running to be one of the “7 New Wonders of Nature.” Isabelo Samonte takes us on a virtual cruise of the Underground River and marvels at this natural Philippine treasure. The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River is full of natural beauty to behold. For many long years, it was untouched and remained mysteriously hidden from the outside world. Drawn by her haunting beauty and to have a firsthand look at Mother Nature’s intricate and deliberate handiwork, visitors now come in droves. As many as 800 guests visit of a regular day. During peak season, the river welcomes as many as 1,000 daily.
capture in your mind (and video-cam) the rare sights and the sheer spectacle of the Underground River’s natural wonder.
Located about 50km north of Puerto Princesa, Palawan, the area features a limestone karst mountain with an amazingly long underground river. The river which winds through a cave, features rock formations and several chambers and flows directly to the South China Sea.
Foreigners are also not immune to the PPUR’s beauty. According to a group of Italian explorers from La Venta Geographical Association, comparing the PPUR to the many other caves they have studied from all over the world, the PPUR is the most unique. The La Venta group discovered that the caves have exceptionally high content of energy, making the PPUR the most complex in the world.
A gush of air, so full of high energy and yet so gentle welcomes visitors when they arrive at the mouth of the cave which features a clear lagoon. Inching deeper the boat glides gracefully into the currents of the underground river, revealing the sheer beauty of natural rock formations. Here, you could close your eyes to soak the wonderful ethereal atmosphere, although every moment is needed to visually
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The underground river was originally thought to be about 8.2 kilometers deep. New exploration however recently discovered that the river further extended to about 22 kilometers, making the PPUR a contender to the world’s longest underground river.
The underground park is not exactly another “Jurassic Park,” but the La Venta Group also discovered within the caves rocks dating 20 million years. The group discovered, embedded on the rocks, a fossil bone that paleontologists confirmed to be one in a million Miocene Age mammal called “Sirenea” or Sea Cow. The mammal inhabited
BAKASYON GRANDE 77
the earth in the geological period sometime 20 to 23 million years ago. It is a mammal that had only five species and two families. Found in remarkably perfect condition, the fossil’s discovery at PPUR has provided vital leads as to the origin of the continent where the Philippine archipelago first belonged to. In archeology, fossil remnants rose with the masses from the bottom of the sea which could have formed the archipelago. Whatever mystery the new discovery at PPUR has unlocked, it can only add to the majestic grandeur of our very own Philippine treasure. It would only serve to enhance the value of the PPUR’s natural facets - stalactites and stalagmites, caverns, corridors, open chambers with natural colossal structures of coliseum-like domes, as well as ethereal figures. The PPUR is a unique world that very few people would have the opportunity to see in their lifetime one that is often referred to by guests as “out of this world” and one that makes you believe that there is indeed, a Supreme Being whose hands can carve something as astounding in Mother Nature.
On the running for finals The PPUR is now one of the 28 finalists for the “7 New Wonders of Nature,” an initiative started in 2007 to create a list of seven natural wonders as chosen by people through a diplomatic global
poll. The worldwide project is led by Canadian-Swiss Bernard Weber and organized by the New 7 Wonders Foundation, a Swissbased government controlled foundation. The campaign follows the New Seven Wonders of the World, which attracted 100 million votes from around the world. The official announcement would be on November 11, 2011. No less than the President himself has made a call to every Filipino to vote for the PPUR. Citing the Philippines’ monicker as the SMS/Texting Capital of the World, President Aquino implored, “If only half of the texts that are sent out every day were to vote for the PPUR, panalo na tayo.” To cast your vote for the Puerto Princesa Underground River, log on to: http://www.new7wonders.com/ Filipinos in the UAE can also vote via SMS. To vote send the correct keyword for your chosen Finalist, in Arabic or English, by SMS to 3888. Each SMS costs AED 2, and you can vote on both the Etisalat and Du networks.” The keyword for Puerto Princesa Underground River is PPUR. See http:// n7wpress.wordpress.com/2011/02/08/filipinos-in-the-uae-canvote-ppur-with-sms/ for more details.
78 TRIPPIN’
Uncovering
Manila’s Landmarks By Roll Jervis T. Manahan, Photos courtesy of The Filipinas
Hoping to ingrain a better appreciation of our cultural roots by promoting the often unnoticed but historically significant structures in the country, two young and hopeful Filipinos have taken on the challenge of giving kababayans a glimpse of the hidden charms of our very own metropolis. Roll Manahan blows away the dust and takes a closer look at Manila’s lesser-known landmarks, uncovering their surprising beauty and rich history. Plaza Goiti, Fort San Antonio Abad, and the Metropolitan Theater may not draw the tourists’ eye as Luneta, Fort Santiago, and Intramuros - but they boast of rich histories that equally rival their more famous counterparts. Armed with a good camera and multimedia knowledge, Paolo Bustamante and Rinna Leong, both 18 year old students from De Le Salle College of Saint Benilde are shining the spotlight on these long forgotten architectural wonders of Manila. Highlighting overlooked structures like these and creating appreciation for them is the goal of ‘The Filipinas,’ a http:// thefilipinas.tk/ website featuring a collection of photos and articles compiled by Bustamante and Leong to educate Pinoys, especially the youth, about the existence of these landmarks and their rightful place in our country’s history. The pair’s routine is pretty simple and inexpensive. They do online research, read articles by noted historians such as Ambeth Ocampo, and pay the place a visit. Bustamante who is studying AB Multimedia Arts writes the articles, while Leong who is an AB Photography student takes the shots.
His Story Knowledge about historical sites is vital to the development of national awareness and identity. And that’s why The Filipinas is trying to reach as wide an audience as possible. Apart from the website, the team has also set up a Facebook page where photos and articles are uploaded and where the project’s initiators can interact and discuss issues of interest with followers of the website.
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Bustamante had the idea for the project in mind for almost three years, but it was only last May 2011 when the project materialized. Encountering teenagers who are unaware about historical places in the Philippines as well as their cultural value, motivated the duo to starting the endeavor. For Bustamante, “It is alarming that Filipinos read more about K-Pop than they do about their own culture.” The thought gave the youngsters the impetus to unravel the hidden jewels of Manila and the drive to raise awareness about these landmarks. They confess, however, that starting the advocacy was a struggle. Many were skeptical and laughed at their idea, while others saw no point in endorsing a city generally known to be dangerous, thief-infested, and overcrowded. However, seeing the need for Filipinos to know more about their past and cultivate an appreciation for it – the two were undaunted and went about capturing the metro’s noteworthy historical spaces. Barely two months from the project’s inception, the group already has over a thousand Facebook likes.
The Charm that is Manila For Bustamante, while Manila has been identified by its overcrowded and dirty streets, as well as slum districts, the city has an unseen beauty that Filipinos should know more about. “We need not go inside museums or read history books to know about our country, for mostly, structures that we pass by everyday have their own silent stories,” says Bustamante. She continues, “Many of us take these for granted.”
TRIPPIN’ 79 One such structure is the Quezon Bridge which connects the Manila districts of Quiapo and Ermita across the Pasig River. Many people pass by it every day, but only a few know that it was engineered by Gustave Eiffel, the constructor behind the famous Eiffel Tower in Paris. The Quezon Bridge was also the first suspension bridge built in Asia, started in 1849 and completed in 1852. Asked what is most exciting about the city, Bustamante says, “Manila is an adventure-filled jungle. For example, I ride the train every day. It’s a struggle, and yet, it’s exciting,” Bustamante insists that on his daily ride, the LRT cuts through old Manila and always offers a scenic view to compensate for the stress of boarding the overcrowded cabins. He shares, “The trip from station to station always tells a story.”
Fortress within a fortress So far, The Filipinas team has already visited a number of attractions such as the Monte De Piedad Building in Santa Cruz, Plaza Goiti, Carriedo Fountain, Santa Cruz Church, and the Manila Central Post Office. Perhaps the most notable site Bustamante and Leong have uncovered was the Fort San Antonio Abad, located inside the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas building. The Fort was a silent witness to many battles and wars in Manila. It was occupied by British and American troops, but was partly destroyed in the Japanese War. Near LRT’s Carriedo station is Plaza Goiti which witnessed the city’s industrialization. Back in 1932, the place was teeming with horse-drawn carriages. Now, overcrowded polluted streets cloud the beauty and prominence it once held. The Manila Metropolitan Theater, on the other hand, an art deco wonder, used to be a powerhouse for art performances, but poor maintenance and ownership issues led to its decay. The team hopes to further explore places outside Manila like like Ilo-ilo and other provinces, but for the meantime, their upcoming projects include revisiting Escolta, the old buildings of the De La Salle University, and the old houses along Vito Cruz.
The Challenge The Filipinas also aims to sound a wake-up call to preserve our culture for coming generations. Many of the structures are not well-kept and are deteriorating due to lack of maintenance and misuse. Some sites are in need of government intervention to restore them to their former glory Bustamante and Leong encourage every Filipino to revisit their past and know more about our cultural roots - “Huwag maging dayuhan sa sarili mong bayan,” they call out. With their work and website, they hope that Filipinos will be captivated by the beauty and richness of the place we all call “our own” and in the process deepen our love for it. They reveal, “Sometimes it just takes a bit of imagination, a camera and a touch of modern technology for us to see Manila in a different way. An occasional train ride with a scenic view wouldn’t hurt either.” The Filipinas is open for article and photo contributions. Write to them at booostie@yahoo.com, or visit their website in www.thefilipinas.tk
Get Re-Acquainted with Manila
Get your own up close and personal view of our very own metropolis by checking out these tour options: :
Carlos Celdran’s Walk this Way Carlos Celdran is trying to change the way you look at Manila – one step at a time. Contact Telephone: +632 4844945, +63 920 9092021, e-mail: celdrantours@hotmail.com. For more information on schedules and rates, visit http://www.celdrantours.blogspot.com
Heroes Square - Rizal@150 Educational Tours of Intramuros The aims of the tours is to give the students a unique and memorable experience of learning Philippines history within the historic walls of Intramuros that will inspire them to dream and become heroes of their generation. Contact - Andrew Albert, Heroes Square Heritage Corporation, Heroes Square, 1 Fort Santiago, Maria Clara St., Intramuros, Manila. Telephone: +632 4816637.
Jeepney Daily Tours Discover the best of Manila inside an airconditioned jeepney! Visit http://www. jeepneytours.com/ for more information.
On a tight budget? Make a do-it-yourself itinerary! Most of the places in Manila are accessible via LRT and MRT lines. Tour Manila in less than a hundred pesos!
80 PINOY PLANET
Taipei By Bernadette Reyes
A view of Taiwan’s capital and Taipei 101
“Bakit sa Taipei ka magbabakasyon?” [Why would you go to Taipei for vacation?]. Family and friends would ask me every time my trip would get mentioned. Their badgering didn’t make me feel doubtful of my decision though. In fact, it got me more excited to travel to a new place which is not your usual Southeast Asian tourist destination.
I can hardly understand Mandarin. My forays into the Chinese language merely consist of a few mispronounced phrases involving restrooms, gratuity and money. Let’s not forget about the food, too. Menus in restaurants are mostly written in Chinese. So evidently, a visit to Taiwan would involve a lot of sign language for me to get by, and probably several hits-and-misses on the menu.
After boarding a budget airline, which only cost me about PHP3,000 (US$68), and exiting immigration, I encountered my first mishap. I left my digital camera in the washroom. In other places, a valuable item such as this would have disappeared without a trace. But lo and behold, my camera found its way back to me through an immigration officer. Things were definitely starting to look up.
Despite all those uncertainties, I stood by my vacation plans; something about Taiwan had always piqued my interest, and what I was bound to experience was incentive enough for a valiant attempt at getting past the language barrier. My friend Joanne tagged along for the ride.
As soon as Joanne and I exited the Taoyuan International Airport, we got lost on the way to our backpacker’s hostel. We had ask help from an airport employee, who later turned out to be the manager of a car rental business. Desperate to get a ride, we took the bait and rode a Mercedes Benz to our destination. We coughed up a whopping NTD1300 (US$44) for the ride.
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PINOY PLANET 81 The hole in our wallet was quickly relieved when we arrived at the Zebra Apartment, our residence for the next three days. Small yet cozy, the hostel would definitely suit any backpacker’s budget, with accommodations amounting to only US$17 per night. It even came with the convenience of an English-speaking hostess, free maps, WiFi connection and complimentary use of the telephone and internet. Merely a stone’s throw away from the MRT, the Zebra Apartment is definitely a smart choice for any tourist on a tight budget. Despite our 2AM arrival, we denied ourselves sleep and set off on a food trip. Apart from the ubiquitous 7 Eleven stores, all shops were closed. That is, until we chanced upon a 24-hour dumpling store in the vicinity. The menu was littered with Chinese text, and the waiter couldn’t speak English. As expected, placing our orders involved lots of hand gestures, pointing at pictures on the food cart and overall confusion - but we got it done. That was my first meal in Taiwan and, while placing our orders was a struggle, those were some of the yummiest dumplings I had ever eaten. While restaurant dining can be tough, on the flipside, a street food adventure in Taipei can be enjoyable. The Philippines boasts of numerous barbecue joints, but Taiwan has its own brand of street food. Food stalls feature the usual barbecued pork, chicken and beef, as well as unique creations such as stinky tofu. Brushed with soy glaze, stinky tofu takes its name from the intimidating smell it releases after fermentation. It’s a lot like durian though; once you get past its stink, it’s an amazing treat for your taste buds.
Chiang kai Shek memorial
For the more conservative palate, try the ba-wan made of tapioca dough filled with pork, bamboo shoots and mushroom topped with a savory sweet, yet spicy sauce. If you fancy sausages on the other hand, try the kaoliang which is filled with various condiments wrapped in glutinous rice. Feeling adventurous, I tried the spicy variant, which gave me a nearly intolerable mouth-burning sensation. My advice: If you can’t handle the spice, it’s best to stick to the mild variety. Other Taiwanese delicacies include various cakes filled with a choice of red bean paste, cream or peanut butter. For a more exquisite dessert, try the candied crabapples (those red, candy-coated, bite-size fruits on a stick). Wash it all down with bubble or milk tea, or choose from a variety of drinks sold in juice stands. The MRT is the best way to get around Taipei. We tried to avoid riding buses as much as we could, since most signs in bus terminals were in Chinese. Take the cab if all else fails. Transport fare isn’t something to worry about, but always have your next destination written on a slip of paper (in Chinese) to better communicate with your driver. Apart from the gastronomic adventure, the rest of our stay was spent visiting several tourist attractions. Once the tallest building in the world, Taipei 101 was a priority on my to-do list. The Taipei 101 experience is a lot like that of Macau Tower, Baiyoke Tower in Thailand and the Petronas Tower in Malaysia. In this one hundred and one-floor tower, tourists can enjoy the view of the city’s breathtaking skyline, shop for well-known brands at the mall, and even take a trip to the tower’s outer observatory deck. While all four towers have their fair share of similarities, Taiwan’s felt as though it were the most unique of them all.
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Just across Taipei 101 is the SunYat-Sen Memorial Hall. Aside from the historical artifacts housed in the building, the place is surrounded by wide, open spaces where various social activities are held. Even more beautiful is the Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall, standing in the heart of the city. Erected in memory of the former president of China, this site creates an exquisite contrast of white walls against blue tiles, leading up to a large bronze statue of the man himself. The memorial also houses a library and museum – an impressive display of the former president’s life and works. Adjacent to the memorial hall are more landmarks including the National Theater and the National Concert Hall. To cap our list, we went to see the National Palace Museum which holds one of the largest collections of Chinese artifacts such as calligraphy, porcelain, bronzes, landscape paintings, and portraiture in the world. A bus away from the museum is Yangmishan National Park, which with its volcanic landscape and hot springs, is a favorite destination of locals and tourists alike. Taipei is just as engaging as well-known shopping capitals, Bangkok and Hong Kong. The Shilin Night Market, one of several shopping sites in Taipei, is a must-visit for bargain addicts. With shops open from an early 4PMto as late as 2AM, ten hours of shopping still isn’t enough to scour the seemingly endless stands for the perfect souvenir. With so many shops in the market, working on a systematic route is advisable. I would also recommend that you buy your item of choice as soon as you spot it, lest you be unable to find the same shop again. Before we knew it, our three-day trip had ended. On our flight back home, I kept thinking about how much I wanted to extend our stay, about how I sorely missed all the great shopping, delectable dishes and scenic destinations. It was all over once the plane touched home soil, and by then only a single thought lingered. The next time someone asks me “Why visit Taipei?” I now know for sure that the only answer is: “Bakit hindi?” [Why not?]
A Buddhist temple
Taiwan Travel Tips and Trivia It is polite to take off your shoes when entering a religious site or someone’s home. This can be traced back to the perception that the feet are dirty because they are the lowest part of the body. Conversely, it is considered impolite to touch someone else’s head — even that of a child — because it is the highest part of the body. Greetings are usually a nod of the head or a handshake. There are numerous cash machines in the city; some of which may even be found in all night convenience stores. The only place where cash machines are scarce are in the rural areas so be sure to bring enough cash for out of town trips. Taipei Metro
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For more information about travel to Taipei, visit the official Tourism Bureau Site at: http://www.taiwan.net.tw/
84 GLOBAL BARRIO A GLIMPSE AT THE LIVES OF FILIPINOS LIVING IN DIFFERENT COUNTRIES AROUND THE GLOBE
My Pinoy Life In...
TRINIDAD AND
TOBAGO
In the birthplace of steelpan, calypso, soca and limbo, Joey Buo shares with us her carnival of a Pinoy Life in Trinidad & Tobago. Can you recount briefly why you moved there? I have been living in the Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago since April 15, 2007. I moved here for professional career development, and advancement, in search of the proverbial “greener pastures.”
Tell us something about your host country
Trinidad and Tobago is an archipelagic state in the southern Caribbean, lying off the coast of northeastern Venezuela and south of Grenada in the Lesser Antilles. It shares maritime boundaries
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with other nations, including Barbados to the northeast, Guyana to the southeast and Venezuela to the south and west. It consists of two main islands, Trinidad and Tobago. Trinidad is the larger of the two islands. It is home to 96% of the total population of the country. They have a population of 1.5 million which is composed of African, Indian ethnicity. Other ethnicities include Chinese, Syrian, Portuguese, and Lebanese. The terrain of the island is a mixture of mountains and plains. The country’s economy is strongly influenced by the petroleum industry and tourism. Trinidad and Tobago is considered a key financial centre in the region and is ranked 69th in the top high income economies of the world.
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The diverse cultural and religious background allows for many festivities and ceremonies throughout the year. The country has only two kinds of season: the sunny and the rainy season.
What do you there do for a living?
I work as a nurse in a government hospital. Filipino nurses were recruited by the government starting 2005 in order to solve the short staffing problems in their government hospitals. The Filipino Community Association of Trinidad & Tobago (FCATT) has approximately 300 members. It is a Filipino organization organized to help co-Filipinos who are victims of unfair labor practices and conduct fund raising activities. They have their annual activities such as the Independence Day Filipino Party, Family Day, and Christmas Party. The most recent activity is the Basketball League. Now, they are conducting the FCATT membership campaign. Every Filipino is invited to join the association with the goal of helping each other.
Tell us about your life there.
At first it was difficult to adjust because we nurses were told to go out together as one group and to stay away from dangerous bandit-prone places. But after getting used to the place, we learned to go out on our own; exploring the city, finding the nearest marketplace, and the Roman Catholic Church to attend mass. I also became familiar with how to commute to the distant malls and find the nearest post office. Some Asian and Chinese restaurants serve food which are somewhat similar to Philippine delicacies like siopao, which they call here as “pau.”
I spend my leisure time jogging at the Savannah as early as 5am or late in the afternoon, past 4pm. I also joined a dance school which teaches waltz, bounce, rumba, salsa, and other Latin dances. My friends and I sometimes spend time at the mall, watch a movie, or go island hopping to the neighboring islands to unwind from work. I also visit the National Library here and take time to read their interesting books and magazines. There, I can also borrow DVD movies for three days. What I like best about Trinidad & Tobago is that there are many opportunities for professional advancement offered by the government. Skills training, such as computer literacy programs and educational programs on how to be a successful entrepreneur provided by the government are all over the newspapers. Another good thing I admire most in about this country is the free education for all the citizens. On the other side of all that, the alarming crime rate is one of the things that I don’t like about my host country.
Your message to Filipinos across the globe – My message for all OF’s is let’s avoid judging each other and destroying each other’s lives. Let us instead give our time to our own individual improvement so that we won’t have time to criticize our fellowmen. Let’s all continuously observe and keep the positive values of our Filipino culture alive and live a peaceful, united and harmonious life.
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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.
THE
ART OF By Aby Yap
WAR
(or Commuting in Manila)
For Manila boys and girls, you know that dreamy-smooth journey on the road you’ve been enjoying all summer long officially ends the moment school starts in June. And like it or not, we’re back to the battlefield that’s known as taking a PUJ or MRT ride—well, until the next Pacman fight. To the uninitiated, this experience is sadly not for the weak of heart, bones, or brain cells. And as with nearly everything in Pinoylandia, you’ll need a huge dosage of humor (being in pagpapasa-Diyos mode does wonders, too) to pass the test and actually enjoy the show, este, ride. PUJ: Peace and Unity in the Jeepney PUJ is Public Utility Jeepney; jeepney for short. It’s our pambansang sasakyan. It’s also second home to the driver — notice the floral curtains and disco sounds, the altar on the dashboard complete with sampaguita, the personal burloloys hanging everywhere — who believes he can
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invite every guest a.k.a passenger he sees waving to him. The PUJ also usually comes with the archetypal pushy konduktor and overexcited barker, who insist on upong otso pesos — imagine how much of your butt can fit on that. Together they make possible the miracle of or squeezing five more people into a jam-packed jeepney when only two passengers have gotten off. Now, how can you say that “basta driver, sweet laber” when obviously he thinks too little of you—literally? Everyone sits shoulder-to-shoulder, knee-to-knee, and sometimes head-to-roof (especially when it’s in that puny UP Ikot/Toki jeepney in the Diliman campus) and a kind of closeness usually develops, awww. And it immediately hits you that people do really come into your life for a reason.
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In the case of your fellow passengers, it’s either to: • Hand your money to the driver and/or return the driver’s change to you without being annoyed • Publicly inform others about their neighbors’ latest scandal as they talk loudly on the phone • Offer a free leaning board as you sleep away your frustration at being stuck in traffic, or • Remind you that bayanihan exists with or without Ondoy. Awww… It’s yet another mystery how someone seated on the farthest end of the PUJ area able to alight from the vehicle in one piece at bullet’s speed. Yes, you can stop the jeepney in an instant anywhere you want with the magic word Para! You can also do the classic sutsot, katok on the roof, taktak on the handrail, “prezz the buzzer,” or “full the string to stuff.”
We embark on our daily struggle Mondays to Fridays, 7-10AM. and 5-8PM. Then the horror of the rush hour occurs and MRT alone is the silent witness to countless tales of inhumanity. North Avenue, Cubao, and Taft Avenue stations have been cursed from the onset: endless stairways to climb, long queues to the ticket booths, some sort of offensive smell wafting through the air. What you can do: Eat a hearty meal (just make sure you don’t throw up inside the MRT - there won’t be space for you to do that). Invest in a stored value ticket. Bring a surgical mask. Convince your boss to change your schedule. Search for a work-from-home job. If you manage to get a ticket, cheers. But it isn’t over yet. You’re in for the next traumatic or thrilling 10 minutes of your life, depending on how you view adversity and whether or not you had a happy childhood.
What you should expect on an ordinary day: • Competitive passengers inching to the yellow line to get ahead • Outgoing passengers charging at you. HA-OOH! HA-OOH! HA-OOH! • Lots of pulling and pushing, hair-tugging • Cries of “aray!” someone screaming for a missing slipper; another, a missing companion. • Being swept along by the entire human race • Finding yourself in a sea of strangers, some more sweaty and smelly than others • Finding yourself sweaty and smelly just the same • Trying to take the hanky out of your pocket, but there’s just no space to move
But make sure you’re: • Sporty enough to endure the patok challenge as you relearn what happens when a speeding object stops suddenly (Sabit, aleeert!) and/or • Brave enough to play the patintero with zooming vehicles if and when the jeepney drops you off in the middle of the road. So, you think riding the jeepney is a painless feat? Ikaw na! Just keep your eyes wide open for unwelcome bwisitors — the type who slash bags or snatch jewelry. There are many of them. One is probably sitting next to you. Though “God knows Hudas not pay and Hudas all sorts of modus operandi,” it won’t hurt to say this famous Pinoy driver’s little prayer: “God bless our trip.”
MRT: Martyrs who Refuse to be Tardy Manila Metro Rail Transit System, or MRT, is the mode of transport for everyone trying to escape the specter of “Filipino time.” Congratulate us!
• Deliberating what the passenger facing you had for breakfast — tuyo or tinapa • Deliberating whether the passenger behind you is groping for your butt or wallet • Trying to take the umbrella out of your bag, but your bag is nowhere • Realizing that you don’t want to be a sardine in your next life • Realizing that to be a domino tile is no good either • Clutching the handrail, but it’s beyond your reach or clutching the pole, but it’s already someone else’s leaning board • Keeping an eye on the next L.Q. (Lover’s Quarrel) or P.D.A (Public Display of Affection) episode • Memorizing Alam n’yo ba? trivia for bragging to non-MRT riding friends • Preparing to exit with a little speech, “’Wag n’yo po kami salubungin. Hindi n’yo po kami kamag-anak.” Exhausting? Rejoice. You’re everything (i.e. bilasa), but late.
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If there is one thing I never really liked while growing up – it’s going to school. Sino ba naman ang matutuwa sa daily routine na pag-gising ng maaga, makipag-unahan sa banyo kalaban ang tatlo kong ate at dalawang kuya, pati sa brekfast, ako rin ang kulelat kasi dinadaan nila sa laki at lakas ang pakikipag-wrestling kung sino ang makakakuha nang pandesal, Reno Liver Spread at itlog. Tapos maglalakad pa ako ng halos fifteen minutes papasok sa Mababang Paaralan ng Udyong – ang sakit sa paa at ang harsh sa balat! Hindi kasi uso sa probinsya namin ang school bus noon eh. Besides, nasa tabing plaza lang naman ang eskwelahan ko kaya kapritso na ang sumakay ng traysikel. Bilang bunso sa aming anim na magkakapatid, puro hands-medowns din ang mga gamit ko na pang-eskwela. Hindi ko natikman ang magkaroon ng mga bagong libro, bagong uniporme at sapatos – kasi nga madami akong mga kapatid na may mga pinaglumaan. Pati nga notebook eh – yung hindi nila naubos sulatan nire-recycle ni Nanay – sayang naman daw kasi. Kaya inggit na inggit ako noon sa mga kaklase kong panay bago ang mga gamit tuwing pasukan. Mabuti na lang at simula pagkabata pa eh Miss Friendship na ako – kaya may mga nauuto akong mga kaklase na nagdo-donate sa akin ng Funny Friends – yung ballpen na may tintang mabango? Pati na rin mga notebooks at stationary ng Hello Kitty at Little Twin Stars – kaya paminsan-minsan feeling ko eh coño na rin ako. Charing! Pero miski makapal ang mukha ko eh shy ako noon lalo na pagdating sa recitation. Eh kasi naman, yung mga titser ang hilig magtanong ng mga bagay na hindi ko naman alam. So kapag naa-amoy kong tatawagin ako ng titser ko, inuunahan ko na sya, “Ma’am, may I go out?” Pumapayag naman. Krriiinnnggggg…Ahh, Reccess na – my favorite subject! Kapag kumukuliling na ang bell eh mabilis pa sa alas-kwatro akong nakapila sa canteen noon.
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Nung tumuntong ako ng HighSkul, lumipat na ako sa Jose Rizal Institute, ang pinaka-sikat na eskwelahan sa may amin. This time na-eenjoy ko na ang pag-aaral kasi na-kick out na sila kuya noon at dalawa sa mga ate ko eh nag-college na. So, binibilhan na ako ni Nanay ng mga bagong uniform at mga gamit. Mas may budget na, kasi tambay na lang sina kuya eh. Ang saya ng high skul noon. Syempre nagkaka-crush ka na, may mga boys, like that. Kiliiig to the max! Pero upto now hindi ko lubos maisip kung ano ang relevance ng karamihan ng mga subjects noon sa buhay ko ngayon. Algebra? Geometry? Trigonometry? Physics? Ano naman ang kinalaman noon sa trabaho ko ngayon? Kailangan ko bang i-solve ang x minus y para lang malaman kung ano ang z eh hindi naman nakakatulong sa pag-gawa ng Powerpoint presentation ko yun o pag-asikaso ng timesheet ng boss ko ah? Pati Philippine History! Ano naman ang effect ng Hukbalahap Movement o ng Commonwealth Government ni Manuel Quezon sa mga panahong gusto kong mag-shopping o kapag nag-aabang ako ng taxi? Guminhawa ba ang buhay ko dahil sa mga tangent, sine at cosecant na yan? Nai-apply ko ba sa lovelife ko ang mga lintek na Law of Octaves, Linear Velocity at Pythagorean Identities? Hindeeeee! Kaya noon pa lang talaga, duda na ako sa mga titser na yan eh. Mas naaliw pa ako noon sa subject na Pilipino. Common sense di ba? Pilipino tayo kaya sisiw lang dapat sa atin ang subject na yon? Helller? Kapag Linggo ng Wika, ako lagi ang nagvo-volunteer na mag-direct ng mga dance number namin. Classic na yung mga ipinanalo ko sa mga contest noon tulad ng Saranggola Ni Pepe, Isang Dugo, Isang Lahi at Handog Ng Pilipino sa Mundo, kunsaan nag-doble cara
FILIPINISMS 89
role pa ako bilang Imelda Marcos at Cory Aquino in one number. Immortal yung number na yun! Kapag may play din sa Pilipino, ako lagi ang leading lady – whether si Mariablanca sa Ibong Adarna o si Laura sa Florante at Laura. Nung Third Year kinareer ko yung role na Maria Clara sa Noli Me Tangere, pero sa sinawing-palad, na-demote ako as Donya Victorina sa El Filibusterismo noong Fourth Year kasi tumaba na ako noon eh – hindi na magkasya sa akin ang costume. Award! Dati nga may assignment kami noon sa English. Write a paper based on a movie. Ay, walang karurap-kurap nag-submit talaga ako ng movie review ng Hindi Mo Ako Kayang Tapakan! The story of Tacing (Charo Santos) – a woman involved in different love affairs which resulted in endless trials and tribulations! Pero hindi pala mahilig sa World War II movies ang titser ko kaya binagsak nya ako. Eh malay ko ba sa Wuthering Heights noon? Hindi naman pinapalabas sa Piling-Piling Pelikula sa Channel 13 yon kaya Luz Valdes ang movie review ko. Tse! Still, pumasa ako sa Highskul nang parang naglalaro lang ng bahay-bahayan. Nang mag-college ako noon, hirap na hirap ako sa pagpili ng kursong kukunin ko. Sabi ni Nanay, Nursing daw para makapagtrabaho ako sa Amerika o sa London. Eh jusko, makakita lang ako ng dugo eh hinihimatay na ako. Gusto naman ni Tatay mag-Physical Therapy ako, para daw may mag-hihilot sa kanya. Pwede rin daw akong magabroad. Eh wala naman akong hilig sa mga science-science na yan. Yung gusto ko yung mag-eenjoy ako, at magiging istariray balangaraw. Kaya nag-Mass Comm na lang. Bagay sa akin kasi pang-showbiz, di vah? Nag-aspire ako noon na maging the next Korina Sanchez o kaya CheChe Lazaro na sikat na host sa TV. Kung sila kaya nila, aba ako kaya ko rin, sabi ko. Sa awa ng Diyos at salamat na rin sa mga kaibigan kong nagpa-kopya sa akin dun sa entrance exam eh pumasa ako. Akala ko madali ang Mass Comm. Pabasa-basa lang ng libro, paresearch research lang sa library, pa-arte-arte lang sa mga play. Hindi pala, tadtad pala ng puro English subjects!!! As in. Nose bleed kung
nose bleed talaga ang college life ko. Kapag naka-schedule akong mag-recite sa klase namin, tinatakasan ko talaga. Duon ko nadiscover ang wonderful life of cutting classes! Nang mag-second semester, kasama na ang pangalan ko sa listahan ng public enemy list ng mga pasaway sa bulletin board ng security guard ng gate ng campus namin. Lagi kaming ume-eskapo ng mga barkada ko para gumala sa Recto maghapon. Pag may extra budget, sugod sa Greenhills! Cool na cool kami ng barkada noon – salamat sa kaklase naming may magarang Telstar, libre ang wheels namin saan man sa Maynila kami gumimick. Kapag finals na, tatlo sa mga subjects namin ang siguradong pasa. Basta bumili lang kami ng mga panindang tocino, tapa, embutido at longganisa ng mga professor namin, garantisadong may dos na lalabas sa report card namin. Yun nga lang, butas ang bulsa naming. Bukod don, purga pa kami sa tapsilog, tocilog, longsilog at kung anu-ano pang laman ng menu ng Goodah. Buti na rin yon kesa mangitlog kami sa mga grades namin. Nakaraos naman ako at ang aking mga kabarkada. Siempre, me mga panahon na hindi maiiwasan at wala na talagang ibubuga ang mga diskarte, so namamaga sa mga markang singko ang iba pang mga subjects sa report card ko. Kaya kapag umuuwi ako sa amin sa probinsya tuwing Sem Break, walang patid na sermon inaabot ko kay Nanay at Tatay pagkakita sa report card ko. Panay paalala nila sa kin na tuloy ang kayod ni Tatay sa pamamasada ng traysikel at si Nanay naman sa katitinda sa palengke para matustusan lang edukasyon ko. Ako na lang daw kasi pag-asa ng pamilya namin na magkaroon ng diploma. Sina kuya kasi hanggang highskul lang inabot, dalawa naman sa mga ate ko eh parehong nagtanan nang mag-college sa Maynila. Yung isa naman, hindi sigurado kung ga-gradweyt dahil panay ang sali sa mga rally at demonstrasyon. Pagdating ng Fourth Year, buminggo ako sa dami ng mga subjects na ibinagsak ko at na-incomplete dahil sa kaka-lakwatsa ko. OMG! Hindi ako pinatuloy ng Dean sa Second Sem dahil dito. Halos ibitay ako ng patiwarik ni Tatay noon nang makarating sa probinsya namin ang balita. Hay naku! Halos isang buwan akong tinnalakan
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at sinumbatan nina Nanay at Tatay. Wala akong magawa kasi totoo na niloko ko sila at ipinahiya sa buong baranggay namin. Biruin mo, ang pagasa ng pamilya na syang tanging inaasahan ng lahat eh ayun – lagpak at PMA (Pahinga Muna Anak) ang kinalabasan. Nakakahiya! Halos kalahating taon din akong naka-tengga nun. Noong una, wala akong ginawa kundi ang mag-self pity at magkulong sa kwarto tuwing sermonan ni Nanay. Hanggang sa isang araw, napanood ko sa TV ang isang commercial ng DBP. Sabi ng bida, “Ayoko nang maging dukhaaaaaaaa!!!” Natauhan ako doon. Parang sinampal ako at halos mahulog ako sa kama. Napa-isip ako bigla, ganito na lang ba ako habang panahon? Hahayaan ko na lang bang masayang ang lahat ng pinaghirapan ng mga mga magulang ko? Paano na ang mga pangarap ko sa buhay? Eh hindi naman ako kagandahan para magartista at wala naman akong exceptional talent para maging singer… paano ko na iaahon sa kahirapan ang pamilya ko? Ako na lang ang inaasahan nila? Hahayaan ko na lang bang maging bigo at sawi ang pagkatao ko habambuhay? Kinabukasan ay dali-dali akong gumawa ng resume nagpa-pictyur sa Foto Me at naghanap ng trabaho sa bayan. Humingi ako ng tawad sa mga magulang ko ng bongang bonga at ipinangako ko sa kanila na hindi na mauulit ang nangyari sa akin. No reaction sina Nanay at Tatay. Nadala na siguro sa mga pangako ko. Ang tingin nila sa akin ay the boy who cried foul. Double award! Pinalad naman akong makakuha ng trabaho after a few days. Natanggap akong clerk sa munisipyo ng Kapitolyo namin, maliit lang ang sweldo pero marami akong natutunan sa kaka-file ng reports at complaints. Na-practice ko rin ang konting napag-aralan ko sa typing at paggawa ng business letters. Nang di lumaon, naging receptionist ako sa shop ng isang sikat na fashion designer sa Maynila. Doon nna-enhance ang aking social climbing skills! Andami kong na-meet na mga designers, suppliers, models at celebrities na sosyal-sosyalan sa buhay. Lalo akong na-inspire na magpursige. If they can make it, so I can! Sa loob ng anim na buwan, nakaipon ako ng pera at sandamukal na experience. Tinaga ko sa bato - sa susunod na school year matatapos
Illustrado Magazine
ko ang kurso ko at ga-gradweyt ako. This time nakumbinsi ko sina Tatay na hindi ko sila bibiguin. Salamat naman at nagtiwala sila. Pagbalik ko sa eskwela, mistulang maamong tupa akong nagsipag sa pag-aaral at iniwasan ang pagbabarkada. Hindi lang ako nag-fight to win sa studies ko, kinareer ko rin ang pagiging working student bilang part-time secretary sa isang radio station noon. Laking bonus nito dahil konektado sa kurso ko ang experience ko sa pagtratrabaho sa radyo. Nang matapos ang school year ay nag-martsa din ako! Pag uwi ko sa amin, pang-celebrity ang party na sumalubong sa akin. Pinaghanda ako nina Nanay sa may basketbol court sa kanto, bilang kaunaunahang miyembro ng pamilya Batobalani na nakapagtapos ng college. Ipina-laminate ni Tatay ang diploma ko at idinispley sa tabi ni Santo Niño sa altar namin. Huli man daw at kunwari magaling, nairaos din. Major achievement! Looking back, hindi man ako naging newscaster o TV host, malaki pa rin ang pasasalamat ko at tinapos ko ang kurso kong Mass Comm. Kundi dahil dito ay hindi ako makakapagtrabaho sa PR sa Maynila at Fashion Industry dito sa Dubai. Malayo-layo rin naman ang narating ko sa buhay. Walong oras din ang non-stop na biyahe sakay ng eroplano pauwi sa Pilipinas di ba? Well atleast napatunayan ko kina Nanay na miski hindi ako naging nurse or Physical Therapist eh nakapag-abroad pa rin naman ako in fairnest. Tama sila, education is the key to a better life. Hindi ko ma-imagine kung anon a ang nagyari sa akin sakaling hindi ako nakapagtapos ng pag-aaral. Naging kundoktora kaya ako ng bus? kubrador ng Jueteng? O taong grasa kaya? Remember life is what you make out of it. Sa tulong ni Lord at patuloy na pagkayod sa buhay walang imposible - but with education – kumpleto ang armas mo at handa kang sumugod saan mang giyera ka man itapon ng buhay. Kaya finish or not finish, pass your papers. Now na! Dizzizit!
COMMUNITY 91
FDAs Holds 1st Summer Festival
The 1st of July 2011 saw the FDA host its first ever Summer Festival at the Safa Gym, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai. About 400 members and guests from Dubai, Sharjah, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Al Ain, attended the event designed not only to provide healthy pursuits for the group’s members over the summer season, but also to promote sportsmanship. FDA President Lilian Bautista opened the proceedings, leading all FDA teams, namely - Zabeel Cares, Deira Heroes, RAK Stars, Sharjah Angels/Umm Al Quwain Jewels, and Al Ain Mavens, as well as FDA officers. Highlights of the day included the basket ball and volleyball competitions, surprise dance numbers, as well as a special performance from FDA’s very own dPinoys Live Band. There were also parlor games, a cake-for-a-cause sale, as well as a bazaar, which kept all guests in high spirits. Speaking at the event, Engr. Bautista shared, “Digerati life is not just about sharing and earning knowledge, but also having fun at the same time.”
H.E. Ambassador Grace Princesa, a UP alumna herself, was the Guest of Honor, Main Speaker and Inducting Officer. Her inspiring message was about how UPAA-UAE can further contribute to nation building and in uplifting the image of the Filipino globally. Attendees all came dapper and glamorous in formal attire to shine at the event’s red carpet. Photography was provided by LENTE – UPAA-UAE’s camera club. The program was spiced up by musical performances from Harana– a band composed of UPians - and a photo exhibit/benefit sale in support of the association’s Scholarship Program Fund. Event highlights were the induction of the 2011-2012 Board of Directors and the general membership, special elections, committee and financial reports, the message of the association’s President Janice Ong and an open forum. The initial PHP500,000 installment to the UP Scholarship Endowment Fund was also formally announced. The event also saw the launch of the seventh edition of UPito – UPAA-UAE’s official newsletter spearheaded by its Editor-In-Chief, Boyet Damot.
SPOTLIGHT: Pinoy Bankers The Pinoy Bankers Organization (PBO) in the UAE is a non-profit organization, which aims to uplift career opportunities for Filipino bankers through its career advancement program and exchange of expertise among members. Founded in 2008 by current president Ronald Hullana, the group was initially created to provide support and assistance to OFs when the global economic crisis hit the UAE leading to mass staff layoffs.
Barrio Fiesta Hosts VIPs The Original Barrio Fiesta Restaurant at Bur Juman Centre hosted H.E. Philippine Consul General Benito Valeriano and his Family, world renowned Psychologist Dr. Margarita Holmes and her husband Jeremy Baer, well known Philippine Journalist Teddy Montelibano of Manila Bulletin and Christine Cunanan - Publisher of Travelife, Lucille Ong - President of the Philippine Business Council and members of the PBC.
Seven in 2011 UPAA-UAE holds 7th Annual GA and Induction Ceremony The University of the Philippines Alumni Association-UAE Chapter (UPAA-UAE) held its 7th Annual General Assembly and Induction Ceremony at the Al Hamra Ballroom of the Metropolitan Palace Hotel in Deira, Dubai last 22nd July 2011. Seventy four former students of the Philippines’ premier learning institution attended the event which had the theme ‘So Much More!!!’
In the past, the PBO has organized job fairs locally and established networks for potential employment referrals. The group also facilitated an outreach program to OFs outside the banking sector, in partnership with the OWWA (Overseas Workers Welfare Administration), by conducting financial awareness workshops, as well as other charitable endeavors. Moving forward, the PBO aims to focus largely on activities that will help transform the potential of members into real strength and career growth opportunities. The group plans to achieve this by enhancing members’ soft skills and banking knowledge through education and information exchange. The association aspires to become a renowned and respected bankers’ organization which can provide notable contributions to the local banking community.
Alvero Martini Shoulder Bag Original Price: AED, 2990; Outlet Price: AED 1,495 Sacoche, Dubai Outlet Mall
Viennois Charm Bracelet Original Price: AED 100; Outlet Price: AED 35 Viennois, Dubai Outlet Mall
Parah Swimsuit Original Price: AED 1,020; Outlet Price: AED 410 Parah, Dubai Outlet Mall
Funky Fish Shades Original Price: AED 70; Outlet Price: AED 49 Funky Fish, Dubai Outlet Mall
Men’sNaturalBrownLinen ShirtandDrawstringPants Prices: AED 150 (shirt), AED 145 (trousers) Giordano
Men’s Specially-Woven Yarn Dyed Linen Shirt And Flat Front Trousers Prices: AED 170 (shirt), AED 145 (trousers) Giordano
Lyne’s Strappy Wedges Original Price AED 326; Outlet Price: AED 169 Lyne’s, Dubai Outlet Mall
Women’s White Linen Shirt and Beige Drawstring Pants Prices: AED 120 (shirt), AED 145 (trousers) Giordano
Back-to-School collection of school uniforms from Babyshop
Dora Trolley School Bag Price: AED 169 Babyshop Ferrari Trolley School Bag Price: AED 139 Babyshop
Al Rawabi Strawberry Milk The delicious taste of real strawberries with all the nutritionalgoodness of farm-fresh milk
Al Rawabi Orange Juice 100% pure juice content From the finest Florida oranges Rich inVitamin C
Al Rawabi Chocolate Milk Real chocolate withfarm-freshfull cream milk