ILLUSTRADO GO> ISSUE 6 > 24-07-16

ISSUE 06

24•07•16

TRANSCENDING

101

Level up the way you live

IT TAKES A VILLAGE

How you can help the government help you

HOW TO HANDLE A GOLD DIGGER

(Hint: with grace and dignity)

PINOY SUPER POWERS!

Meron tayo niyan!

evolve

The CHANGE Issue #tunaynapagbabago

EDITOR’S NOTE/ CONTENTS

#tunaynapagbabago

There’s a huge positive shift in our country, but there’s also great upheaval around the globe. So, what has that got to do with you, kababayan?

A lot. You see, being concerned about world is not about being nagmamarunong or highfalutin. The truth is, whether you like it or not, we’re all in this together. Perhaps, you can’t solve world hunger, climate change or settle everybody’s debt. But you can certainly feed your family well, reduce waste, and live a more frugal, mindful and happy life. Believe that old adage that says change has to come from within, and that we as individuals, can contribute to make a better world.

ISSUE 06

29th • JUNE • 2016

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This issue of Illustrado GO pushes you to look beyond and within yourself – on how you can make an impact. We don’t need to make huge sweeping gestures to change the world. Sometimes it just takes a small act – something as simple as putting a tiny seed into the ground.

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LALAINE CHU-BENITEZ Editor-in-Chief

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PINOY-PROGRESSIVE

ILLUMINATI: MENUS OF MILLENNIAL CONVERGENCE >6 KEEPING UP WITH THE CON GEN: NEW PERSPECTIVES IN PUBLIC SERVICE >8 EVOLVERS >9 GO VEGAN >10 BE AN URBAN FARMER >12 GO MINIMALIST >14 LIVE WITH A DOG >16 CONNECT WITH YOUR SPIRIT >18 BE A CRAZY SURVIVALIST >20 ADVOCATE A CAUSE >22 TRAVEL >24 BE ACTIVE >26 VINA LUSTADO’S TINY HOUSE: LIVING BIG IN A SMALL SPACE >30 USAPANG ILLUSTRADO: UPGRADE YOUR LIFE >32 FILIPINO ENTREPRENEUR: JEN EBRADA >33 IT’S WHAT I DO: REA RABE AND FRITZ SAPON SERVANEZ >34 MONEY: LOOKING FOR A RICH HUSBAND? >50 LAW: BREAKING UP IS NOT HARD TO DO >52

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

SCRAPBOOK: ANGELITO ESTOYE CORTEZ AND JAN MICHAEL VINCENT >28 ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: EUGENE CUBILLO >36 ILLUSTRADO CALENDAR >48 ENTERTAINMENT >49

28> BEAUTY & FASHION

WEARING IT WELL: PAUL RAMOS >43 REAL STYLE, REAL PEOPLE >44

JUST BECAUSE

ILLUSTRADO STUFF >35 MY PINOY LIFE IN TANZANIA >38 SASSY GUIDE: WHAT WOMEN NEED IN A RELATIONSHIP >51 ONLI IN DA PILIPINS: PHENOMENAL PINOY POWERS >53 REST FOR THE WICKED: SPINACH SALAD >54 THE ANNIE B. CHRONICLES: FEELING BEACHY>55

Contributors

LALAINE CHU-BENITEZ Editor-in-Chief “almost superwoman” Lalaine has been driving Illustrado’s mission to uplift Filipinos in the region for almost a decade now. A former corporate dynamo living in Dubai for over 20 years, she has recently discovered her most interesting and challenging project yet – that of becoming an urban farmer in the sandpit.

NICHOLO JALLORES

Associate Editor Nicholo Jallores used to like his steak rare and mooing, and scoffed at those who liked theirs welldone. He once believed that a person does not deserve anything as profound as a piece of steak if he is afraid to have a little blood in his mouth.

Now he only eats plants. Why the switch? Read all about it in this issue’s main story “The Evolvers.”

KRIP YUSON Krip Yuson will soon have his third novel published, titled “The Music Child & the Mahjong Queen,” a follow-up on his seventh collection of poetry, “Islands of Words & Other Poems.” In this issue, the Palanca Hall of Famer comments on how the digital age has revolutionized the way people think, learn, and communicate their experiences.

FLORDELIZA PESIGAN

Flordeliza is a multidisciplinary artist pursuing her initiative called ‘Creative Alchemy’ where she teaches people to connect to their spirit through therapeutic arts, dance meditations, voice activations and sound healing. She shares, “I feel passionate about inspiring people, especially the ones in the big cities to re-connect with themselves and the earth, to access their authenticity, truth, joy by unleashing and activating their creative energy.”

PA ESCALANTE RAYMUND TAMAYO

Raymund Tamayo is a writer and author, blogger and online entrepreneur.

He is the Chief Content Creator at Plain Haven (www.plainhaven.com) and Minimalist on Purpose (www. raymundtamayo.com).

He works at the Tsidkenu Community Church, Inc. and loves music, basketball, running, and legos. Simply put, he says he is “a simple man of simple needs.”

Geneva-based P.A. Escalante works for the United Nations and was previously involved with the Agricultural Training Institute of the Philippines. She lives a new age lifestyle as a Crazy Survivalist growing her own veggies, catching fish, foraging for food in the forest, recycling, even composting and growing her own worms.

CONSUL GENERAL PAUL RAYMUND CORTES When not performing his duties as the head of the Filipino community in Dubai and the Northern Emirates, or the obligations of a dutiful dad, passionate patriot Paul Raymund Cortes, mulls over how to further enrich the local Filipino community by promoting a more progressive mindset.

MON BENITEZ

Illustrado’s Creative Director, multi-awarded ad man Mon Benitez is an evolver who’s discovered the life-changing effect of having a pet as a member of the family 3 years ago, when he adopted a black Labrador pup who’s now the huge monster of a baby called “Pepper.” In this issue, he shares why living with a dog is not only good for health, but also good for the heart.

BARNEY ALMAZAR, ESQ. DESIREE VLEKKEN JAKE OFRASIO

Actor. Visual artist. Constant traveller. Jake is a man of many skills and passions. In this issue, he talks about his insatiable wanderlust, and why everyone must put “travel” at the very top of their to-do lists.

GERALD Du

As a certified fitness instructor, Gerald is a regular fixture in Dubai’s most prominent gyms and fitness hubs. By day he is a graphic artist, but when he ticks out of the office, he turns into a superhuman dynamo.

Inspired by her father’s memory-related health problems, Desiree founded 4get-me-not; a non-profit organization that works with community groups, corporate and government entities, to promote brain health and provide information on caring for Alzheimer’s patients.

TOYM Awardee Barney Almazar, Director at Gulf Law in the Middle East, Philippines and United Kingdom, is ‘the’ legal vanguard for Filipinos in the country. He has authored 4 books dedicated to inform and educate kababayans in the region about the legal system, as well as financial literacy.

From The Publishers of Illustrado Magazine

PUBLISHER & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF LALAINE CHU-BENITEZ CREATIVE DIRECTOR MON BENITEZ ASSOCIATE EDITOR NICHOLO JALLORES COLUMNISTS ABY YAP ALFRED “KRIP” YUSON BARNEY ALMAZAR FRANCISCO COLAYCO KRISTINE ABANTE EXCEL DYQUIANCO CONTRIBUTING WRITERS – UAE, PHILIPPINES, CANADA ANGELA MAPA ANNA OPOSA BARBARA MARCHADESCH CANDICE LOPEZ QUIMPO DANTE GAGELONIA DIDI PATERNO KARA SANTOS MARY ANN MARCHADESCH MARY ANN “MAPS” SANTOS NEPHELE KIRONG NIKKA SARTHOU NINA TEROL-ZIALCITA PRINCES NEDAMO QUAY EVANO RACHE HERNANDEZ REGINA LAYUG-LUCERO SHERRY TENORIO CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS –UAE, PHILIPPINES & USA EROS GOZE RAEN BADUA IRVIN RIVERA JEF ANOG ALEX CALUENG CRISTINA LINAZA ROZEN ANTONIO HERSON NEBAYA CONTRIBUTING FASHION CREW - UAE, HONGKONG, PHILIPPINES GINNO ALDUCENTE JESSIE TABLA VALENTINO MONTUERTO JASMIN

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ILLUMINATI

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Deconstructing the Filipino zeitgeist. In short, dibdibang pagmumuni-muni.

Menus of Millennial Convergence B y > K r i p Yu s o n

…it’s technology that has ushered in this brave new convergence of mindset optimism and apps or applications acceptance. Decades after Alvin Toffler’s “global village,” the wired planet has become democratic in the opportunities for progressive lifestyles.

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onvergence may be said to be synonymous with intersection, or crossroads, or a rotunda where elements go ’round, weaving and momentarily merging till each go their own happy way. As a trendy word, convergence came up by the turn of the millennium, and became increasingly prevalent in the IT world, where it generally refers to “the combination of two or more different technologies in a single device.” Common examples would be taking pictures with a cell phone and surfing the Web on a television set.

In this case, since convergence is a coming together of two or more distinct entities or phenomena, it veers away from the crossroads analogy, where objects on the go, such as motor vehicles or even pilgrims on foot, meet up only briefly but just as soon separate.

Well, a philosopher may opine that in that ephemeral get-together, an exchange of sorts has already occurred, even a union, that is then rendered permanent by memory.

Sure, we can stretch out meanings in a rapidly evolving world, where analogue to digital has been the byword in the evolution of varied technological species. Indeed, it’s a far cry from what Charles Darwin laid out in his study of creatures in the Galapagos, where the evolution was at best tortoise-

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paced. These days, even the impressionable rhetoric “What-will-they-think-of-next?” has outstripped the banality of the cliché in no time flat. From New Age consciousness — rendered familiar to most in terms of music, a case of meandering quasi-spiritual muzak — to First World trappings, the hopskip-and-jump appears to be accomplished with ease.

Again, it’s technology that has ushered in this brave new convergence of mindset optimism and apps or applications acceptance. Decades after Alvin Toffler’s “global village,” the wired planet has become democratic in the opportunities for progressive lifestyles. Count in the techsavvy Pinoy in all this bravado of a new world. From SMS use to FB addiction, our cybernetic legions, having fanned out to the rest of the world, have gone gung-ho, well past convergence, towards zooming evolution.

While the social media exchange can range from easy affirmation with a click of a Like button to the illiterate rant or rave, trolling and hate communication, not to mention hacking and scamming, it also provides new horizons in terms of awareness and knowledge.

Urban dwellers are convinced that they, too, can turn into greenies even without God’s little acre that is a plot of land.

Antidotes against flies, mosquitoes and cockroaches are shared, with seemingly

strange new devices that utilize ziplock bags or plastic bottles cut in half. Recipes from healthy salads to full-blown exotic meals are disseminated around the globe in seconds. Everyone has become ecoconscious, and with some intelligence that goes beyond selfies and photobombers, can take sides between Greenpeace advocates and actual scientists with regards GMO farming.

It makes for quick-and-easy learning experience, all the data that’s kept up to speed by Google, Wikipedia and Snopes. As well has it turned into a minefield, with all the dangerous new knowledge available at one’s fingertips.

Like pilgrims headed different ways but chancing on one another at that crossroads of brief convergence, we either benefit from the shared literature or allow ourselves to be damned by it.

It’s a matter of choice when it comes to alternative lifestyles. Why, again turning philosophical, we could say that the New Age vis-à-vis the First World can also be a hit-or-miss applicaton of alternating currents.

Let’s just be careful not to blow up any gizmos, least of all that evolved one that is our own mindset. Oh so millennially, it is often blown away by a virtual buffet of options.

KEEPING UP WITH THE CONGEN > Tales from your friendly neighbourhood Philippine Consul-General.

NEW PERSPECTIVES IN PUBLIC SERVICE By > Consul General Paul Raymund Cortes

… the government must tap into the skills and expertise of the private sector, finding ways to collaborate with the community in responding to everyone’s clamor for hope.

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ince I assumed my post as Consul General last year, I have always made it loud and clear that the government will never claim to know everything and will never suppose that it has all the answers to the concerns of our fellow Filipinos in Dubai and the Northern Emirates. It cannot prescribe the cure-all to the worries of the fastest growing Filipino community in the world. And yet, the Consulate is expected to be the savior of all Pinoys in distress - the last ray of hope for Filipinos begging for reaching arms that could pull them out of the misery they find themselves stuck in.

To bridge this expectation-reality gap then, I emphasized that the government must tap into the skills and expertise of the private sector, finding ways to collaborate with the community in responding to everyone’s clamor for hope. Time and again, I stressed that I would be open to all who offer themselves in ensuring that this office is able to provide a better service to the Filipinos in this part of the world. I called on all to chip in.

One heeded our plea. The Canadian University of Dubai and a few private individuals, offered to facilitate a training program for Consulate personnel in providing psycho-social services for Filipinos in distress. As is public knowledge, our gates receive quite a number of our kabayans who run to the Consulate when they feel they have no one else to turn to.

When they get here, they are distraught, some even hysterical and inconsolable.

We are expected to calm them, assuage their fears of reprisal, and soothe their bruised spirits. This service requires a competence that could be learned with illustrado go>10

scientific precision through a university degree. Sadly, not many of our Consulate personnel are trained in such skill nor do they have in-depth training on psychosocial counselling. Considering our mandate to assist our nationals in the best way possible, the CUD offer, I thought, was timely, relevant, and definitely imperative.

The Psycho Social Counselling training stretched over four months covering four modules that lay down, at least even in the most elementary sense, what our personnel must do or say when we receive our desolate kababayans. What should we ask them? How do we make them feel that we are to be trusted? What is the underlying science in analyzing their state of mind? The 4-month program tried to answer these. Akin to a crash course in psychoanalysis and psychotherapeutic training, the training is not to be construed as an effort to replace a university degree or boost the credentials of personnel for promotion’s sake. It made the personnel understand more clearly the science behind psychotherapy and analysis, hopeful that such a program would make them better providers of government service.

Beyond the new skill learned, what I believe must be stressed is that the collaboration between the university and the Consulate inculcated the minds of our constituency the utility of a cooperation between us and the community. While government lacks resources to train their personnel for crucial skills-development programs, the private sector, particularly the academe, is more than willing fill in the slack and share elements that could enhance our capability to render real and effective service to our fellow Pinoys.

From my end, this is the crux of the matter – how the community can play a role that the government is expected to deliver.

Many demand that government shell out all that is necessary for its citizens and in this particular case, providing a safe haven, both physically and psychologically, for Filipino nationals in distress. The term private-public partnership comes to mind, this time less in the business sense but rather a sense of trust between government and the community it serves – a symbiotic relationship that inspires cooperation and co-optation so that everyone could avail of the most efficient and effective public service.

Perhaps the days where government is the sole provider of everything society needs is slowly drifting away. New age governance and new age diplomacy allows our people to be more interactive in various endeavors, long thought to be within the exclusive parameter of government.

The advances of information technology obviously changed the manner at which information is shared among different sectors and even how this is disseminated.

Perspectives in shared governance, diametrically opposed to old-school theories of public administration, now dominate discussions on the field, allowing a more innovative and recalibrated brand of public service to surface. New ideas are explored, new ways are devised. And as Dubai aims primacy in the league of the world’s great capitals of aviation, tourism, education, finance, trade, investment, and management, the provision for even more relevant services to the thousands of Filipinos continually lured to this city must likewise be new age, in line with the times.

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The Evolvers Whenever we think of leveling up the way we live, we tend to think in terms of worldly possessions. We upgrade our smart phones, our homes, our mobile packages, our cars, our credit limits, our Netflix subscriptions.

We are conditioned to think that the more we own, the better. The bigger the house, the happier the family. The swankier the car, the happier the driver. But here’s a novel idea: what if being better is not about what we have, but about what we do? And more specifically, what we do to affect positive change in the lives of those around us. What if, to be happy, we have to start living a little less selfishly, and a little more conscientiously? What if, to find true transcendence, we have to go back to basics? Wouldn’t that be cool?

Meet the everyday brave and audacious (if not slightly mad) souls who, in their own fashion, try to pursue the transcendent lifestyle whilst trying to make the world a happier and prettier place. They are not trying to be better than anybody other than themselves. They are not “evolved.” They are “evolving” – and their evolution comes from the strength of their imagination and will.

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Go Vegan By> Nicholo Jallores

WHAT VEGANISM MEANS TO ME

HOW I GOT INTO VEGANISM

TIPS ON HOW TO GO VEGAN

This is veganism in a nutshell: no animal products - no if’s, and’s, or but’s about it.

Diet-wise, that means no dairy, meat, or fish, not even honey. It’s actually the most no-brainer diet around, as the parameters are very straightforward and unforgiving: simply “no animals.” But the thing about veganism is that it’s not just about what and how you eat: it’s also about how you choose to conduct yourself in the world as a human being. It’s about living compassionately by default. It’s about being constantly aware of how your choices as a consumer affect the state of the planet, and how they will affect the lives of the future generations.

I always say this: blame it on Netflix. I was #NetflixAndChill –ing at home one day and stumbled upon a film called “Cowspiracy: The Sustainability Secret.” That film served as the jump-off point for me. As soon as I finished watching it, I began fact-checking furiously. For days, I read any and all research or study about animal farming that I could get my hands on. Eventually, I arrived at the conclusion that the only way forward for me was to go vegan. I could not go on calling myself a “decent human being” and still eat meat. For me to enjoy meat, I would have to suspend my humanity. It didn’t even feel like a choice anymore.

Reasearch, research, research.

And then research some more. I say this because I do not want you to take this decision lightly. Going vegan is a massive change, and if you really must do it, let your choice be backed up by honest information.

Perhaps what confuses non-vegans about veganism is that ultimately, it is not an act of vanity. Most vegans will tell you that they decided to forsake all animal products for environmental and ethical concerns. That is most certainly the case with me. Here’s another no-brainer: animal farming is destroying this planet faster than any other industry. There are plenty of published, peer-reviewed science and UN reports to back this up. The incontrovertible fact is that the way we eat is literally turning our world into a pigsty, and we need to do something about it now if we do not want our children or grandchildren to end up going to school wearing gas masks.

HOW VEGANISM AFFECTS MY DAILY LIFE

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From what I eat to what clothes I wear to how I deal with people, veganism inspires me to just be better. When I was nonvegan, all I ever needed food to do was to stave off hunger. But now, I feel a deeper, more intrinsic sense of connectedness to what I eat. Now I need to know where my food comes from, how it was grown, and how it will affect my body. This principle of mindfulness and self-regulation resonates across every facet of my character, and with good reason. After all, we are what we eat.

Don’t take it out. Crowd it out. Say you’ve already decided to go vegan. Unless you are absolutely certain that you have an iron will, don’t take out all animal products from your diet in one fell swoop. Instead, phase them out slowly and “crowd” them out with plant-based alternatives. For example, if you’re cooking menudo and you normally use 1 kilo of meat, reduce that to half a kilo and fill out the difference with potatoes, carrots, and raisins. Slowly wean yourself out of your taste for meat.

Opt for whole, unprocessed foods and vary it up. Can one be an unhealthy vegan? Definitely. Remember: French fries are technically vegan too.

A lot of new vegans fall into the trap of depending on meat analogues like tofu and tempeh, but in that regard, you’re really just replacing one addiction with another.

The trick is to go for what your body needs to function in top condition. Choose whole foods like vegetables, fruits and nuts. The less processed the food is, the better it is for you.

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The thing about veganism is that it’s not just about what and how you eat: it’s also about how you choose to conduct yourself in the world as a human being. It’s about living compassionately by default.

Learn to cook vegan . Transitioning to a vegan diet was easy for me, as I know my way around the kitchen. I could imagine how it could be infinitely more difficult for someone who doesn’t. If you’ve never bothered to improve your cooking skills, veganism will challenge you. Accept that challenge.

Have a support system. Face it: you can’t convince everyone on your friend’s list to understand your conviction, all the

more share it with you. But having friends who support your choices really does help.

Explain to them how committed you are to this new way of living. If they are any friends of yours, they will help you stay on your track, even if they don’t have to join you in your journey.

Try going vegetarian first. The difference being, you can still have fish, dairy, and honey. It’s a great way to slowly transition into a full vegan diet while

mitigating the chances of backsliding into the welcoming arms of a hamburger.

Having said that, it really does help to have a solid but realistic timeline, e.g. you’ll go vegetarian in a week, for 3 months, and then 100% vegan forever thereafter. Be kind to yourself throughout this period of change. You are doing something great for the environment and for the animals! Going vegan should not and does not have to feel like a punishment.

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U rban F a rmi ng By> Lalaine-Chu-Benitez

Photo by> Eros Goze

WHAT BEING AN URBAN FARMER MEANS TO ME

Imagine having a scrumptious salad with produce that you have just harvested from your very own backyard. It’s delicious, healthy and absolutely organic. You didn’t have to buy it. Best of all, you’ve grown it yourself! When it comes to eating, believe me that there is nothing more satisfying than feasting on your very own farm-totable veggies.

For me, urban farming is so much more than just planting a seed and consuming the fruit that comes as a result. Practiced even in just a small scale, it is quite empowering as it allows us to provide our family food that’s absolutely healthy.

Especially considering the GMO food scare, it’s great to have access to organic vegetables that you have grown yourself.

Urban farming in our small backyard in Dubai has also taught us about living sustainably, mindfully, healthily and simply.

We save money and appreciate what we eat because we have grown it ourselves.

Our diet has changed because we eat more veggies and fruits. We have also become very conscious about reducing any kind of wastage at home, and we learned to repurpose materials. It’s all connected somehow.

Most importantly, urban farming has allowed me to commune regularly with nature – giving me priceless de-stress time while I work on the earth and care for my plants. It has given me a sense of wellbeing and positivity. Planting something into the ground and believing that it will illustrado go>14

grow is an act of optimism, and being able to grow life – that is bound to give anybody some measure of joy.

HOW I GOT INTO URBAN FARMING

Ted Talks by ‘guerilla gardener’ Ron Finley on urban farming, as well as Pun Pun Center for Self-Reliance founder Jon Jandai’s on simplifying life, have made such a profound impact on me. Moreover, as a foodie surrounded by foodies, my interest in growing food is like second nature.

So, I started experimenting two years ago and tried to grow some basil. During the last planting season (Dubai winter), we planted some 30 varieties of veggies. Not everything was successful, but we were able to grow our own herbs, collards, various lettuces, greens, different types of tomatoes and peppers, bitter gourd and eggplant, among other things.

I’m still an ‘aspiring’ urban farmer who learns with each season, but it has been a very fulfilling and exciting experience so far.

HOW MY BEING AN URBAN FARMER AFFECTS MY DAILY LIFE

In winter, our backyard is absolutely green.

I look forward to the weekend just to be able to spend hours and hours tending to our little urban farm. Daily, I make sure that plants are watered and checked, because by observing them regularly, you get to understand how they grow and react to the elements. I even touch my plants because (and it might sound crazy) it seems like they get energized with positive vibes. I can’t explain why.

When our plants mature, we enjoy salads and other produce from the garden regularly. Last season, we also started to preserve veggies that we cannot eat immediately. So, we’ve made sundried tomatoes and peppers, and let peppers dry to make chili flakes. On the side we’re also sprouting mung beans (monggo) and started planting microgreens that we use for smoothies.

We also started our own compost bin in the backyard. We have been collecting garden waste (cuttings, leaves, etc.) and food scraps (vegetable and fruit peels, egg shells, etc.) at home, including spent coffee grounds from our neighborhood coffee shops. We have also repurposed large water bottles into plant containers. Add to that, we also collect seeds from fruits and veggies we eat.

Our garden is on hiatus this summer, but we still work on building compost, collecting seeds and preparing for the next season.

It seems an awful lot of things to do but once you’ve incorporated the whole thing into your family’s daily life, it becomes almost automatic.

TIPS ON HOW TO PURSUE URBAN FARMING Start small, but try it. The only way to learn it is to get into it. It’s not rocket science, and don’t think that you need to have a ‘green thumb.’ There are plenty of instructional videos on Youtube. Observe the basics – i.e. light, water, soil and environment requirements.

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Planting something into the ground and believing that it will grow is an act of optimism, and being able to grow life – that is bound to give anybody some measure of joy.

Start simple with easy-to-grow herbs like basil, or microgreens which provide quick gratification (you can eat your produce after week 1) without the long-term commitment.

Plant as much as you can and don’t get frustrated. Best way to succeed is to keep trying and experimenting. It’s always trial and error and not all the seeds you will plant will germinate; not all the seedlings you will replant will grow and survive. I

say, the more the merrier. Just plant that seed. There’s something to be learned every step of the way.

Even small spaces work. Just because you don’t have a garden doesn’t mean you can’t plant! Do you have a balcony or a sun-lit window? If your answer is yes, then you can plant. There are groups that discuss balcony gardening or even indoor vertical gardens. Get the info. It’s all out there.

Save seeds. The fact that each tiny seed contains a plant or even a tree that bears fruits is just miraculous! So the next time you eat veggies or fruits with seeds, don’t throw them away. Dry them up, store in an envelope to keep them safe and dry for planting. If you don’t want to plant, give them to a friend, or send them back home for planting in the Philippines. You will be doing the earth some good.

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Go Mini m a l i s t By> Raymund Tamayo

WHAT BEING A MINIMALIST MEANS TO ME

Every minimalist practitioner has his own definition for minimalism, but the main principle can be summed up in four words: less excess, more essentials.

Some people have the wrong impression that living simply leads to mediocrity, which could also be true for others. However, for me, living a simple life should be done to pursue a more meaningful and significant one that also involves other people and not only myself. It means eliminating the unnecessary things in life so you could focus on the necessary. When I say “things,” it includes beliefs, relationships, possessions, and activities.

I use minimalism as a tool to maximize the time, talents, and treasures that I have in fulfilling my purpose and affect lasting impact to everyone around me. A focused life is like a powerful laser. It is proactive, intentional, and founded strongly on personal principles and values. It stirs change, not only to the self but also to lives that come in contact with it.

Minimalism can help a person discover his values. For example, I believe one of my life purposes is to love my wife and raise my children. Having a a mistress will not fulfill that specific purpose, so I do not entertain even the mere thought of it. When it comes to activities, I have set my own schedule based on my life purpose, and so I say “no” to anything that is not in line with it. If it

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is not aligned to my calling, the answer is a straightforward “no”, which means my “yes” becomes extremely valuable.

HOW I GOT INTO MINIMALISM

There was a time when I was a “yes” man.

I spread myself too thin just to do the whim of others, until I realized that I was sacrificing my own happiness just to please other people. There was too much stuff in my life. Too many commitments, too many responsibilities and things to do.

Living in a multi-tasking environment resulted in an existence of mediocrity that damaged my self-esteem. To ease the pressure and cope up with my draining sense of worth, I turned to shopping, television, and food for comfort. I got a temporary high whenever I bought a new shirt, new pair of shoes, new watch, new jacket, new anything. They made me feel that my life amounted to something, and that I was a better person. Even when I didn’t have enough money, I would find a way to get something new to fulfill my desire for meaning.

However, it didn’t work.

My wife and I would sit in front of the TV from the time I got home ‘till half past midnight, with chips, bottomless soda, and other greasy snacks. It was a nightly event, which resulted in my blood sugar going up and me becoming 40 pounds overweight.

Because of that, I couldn’t wear most of my clothes, which filled three whole closets.

These are the same clothes that I bought in an attempt to get me out of my miserable situation. We were wasting money on things we didn’t need, and ironically, things we couldn’t use.

And then I realized that something had to change. I needed to simplify my life and give it direction. I didn’t want to die and take my fullest potential with me to the grave.

HOW I PRACTICE MINIMALISM IN MY DAILY LIFE?

Being a minimalist requires a lot of changes both in attitude and behavior. The most important thing to remember when trying to influence change, especially to oneself, is to do it gradually. For example, after eliminating all my unhealthy habits, such as smoking, drinking, and eating unhealthy food, I planned to replace it with running and working out. During the first two weeks, I jogged daily for ten minutes only before gradually increasing the duration and pace as time went on.

Being a minimalist is most noticeable when it comes to how I deal with material possessions. It may sound crazy, but now I hate accumulating stuff. I have a 25-item wardrobe, my personal possessions are less amount to just 100, and my physical books are now down to 23 from hundreds.

One advantage of being a minimalist is everything you own is your favorite. If it doesn’t give joy and meaning, if it is not useful and beautiful in my eyes, then I discard it.

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Minimalism means eliminating the unnecessary things in life so you could focus on the necessary.

That includes beliefs, relationships, possessions, and activities.

TIPS ON HOW TO PRACTICE MINIMALISM

to sustain the lifestyle that you are trying to create.

the future. Let go of emotional clutter by focusing on what you only truly have: now.

Find your own path in the vast minimalism spectrum. Minimalism has many different levels, ranging from mild to extreme. It is a journey, and as you begin simplifying your life you will discover your own essentials. You just have to begin.

Do less to do better. Multitasking is the number one enemy of quality. If you want to become more productive or to produce excellent work, then you have to pare down your activities, prioritize, and do things one at a time.

Apply minimalist principles gradually. Begin slowly and don’t hurry. By starting slowly, you will be able

Live in the moment. Much of the stress, anxiety, worries, and frustrations of people happen because they dwell too much on the past and worry too much about

Live with contentment. Be content with what you have, but never be satisfied by what you can become. Contentment should only be tied up with our material possessions, and not with our character.

Living a minimalist life focuses on developing character and not on accumulating stuff.

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L IVE with a

D OG By> Mon Benitez

WHAT LIVING WITH A DOG MEANS TO ME

Note that I use the term “live with a dog,” and not simply just “have one, because that is exactly what being with a dog is like for me and my family: it’s not as much as ownership, as it is really co-habitation.

A pet is not just some furniture, or piece of property that you acquire. It is alive, sentient, and – although some pundits will disagree – it has emotions. Living with a dog is a big responsibility. It literally means placing the well-being of another living being in your hands. It’s just like living with another person, only that person is furry, walks on all four’s, and loves you unconditionally.

A dog around the house seems to lend itself to better heart health. I can vouch for this personally. Taking care of a dog – especially if it’s a particularly active breed - requires quite a bit of physical exertion, so you would have to maintain a certain modicum of fitness. Forget the treadmill. If you’re looking for the latest in home exercise equipment, you may want to consider something with four legs and a wagging tail.

The love that I receive from my dog also helps me to stay positive. Experts say that even the mere act of looking at your pet increases the amount of oxytocin, the “feel good” chemical, in the brain. Just the act of petting a dog lowers heart rate and blood pressure.

Pepper my 3 year old labrador is our family’s little giant princess. We take turns feeding and training her – plus the occasional bit of spoilage! She is a very smart girl who loves attention. Whatever illustrado go>18

affection that we give to her, she gives back to us tenfold. When I step in the door after a long day at work, she welcomes me and treats me as if I’m Ryan Gosling!

WHY PETS ARE AWESOME

A pet can be just as relevant and important to your home as any member of the family.

They become a part of your “tribe.” How we take care of them and value them helps improve the way we interact with other people.

I certainly have noticed Pepper’s positive impact on my kids. Somehow, she has helped them become more pro-social and responsible, not only towards the welfare of others but also towards addressing their own needs. Personally, I can say that our pet has helped me become more altruistic and compassionate.

But despite the widespread awareness on the beneficial effects of pets, animal cruelty is still rampant in many parts of the world – this includes irresponsible ownership.

You inflict pain and suffering on your pet whenever you fail to look after its well-being, or worst, when you abandon it completely.

Dr. Nasser Lakhrebani Al Nuaimi, Chairman of the Emirates Animal Welfare Society, mentioned in a statement that the Society will be doubling its efforts this year, as it aims to shed a greater light at animal welfare issues. He also encouraged all residents of the UAE to lend their voices in the call for the humane treatment of animals.

#PETPROBLEMS

Before my family and I decided to adopt a dog, we had to ask ourselves the difficult questions: who will be responsible for feeding, training, walks, exercise, cleanup, vet visits and more? Are we financially prepared for a pet? Will we be able to care for the pet for her whole life? We knew what we were getting ourselves into – a dog would likely change our lives! We needed to be ready.

We are now on our 3rd year of having Pepper around, and despite the initial adjustments and minor incidents, we have no regrets whatsoever. We’ve entered into a whole new relationship with a living, breathing, very needy, and very loving animal. She’s the little daughter we never had.

Taking care of a pet is really just a matter of getting into the routine. In addition to her weekly baths, I also brush Pepper’s coat regularly. This minimizes shedding and allows me to assess her physical health. A dog can’t exactly walk up to you and tell you that she’s feeling a little off, so she relies on you to stay alert for any warning signs.

Food is not the only thing that a dog needs to survive. For us, that means exercising, socializing, and playing with Pepper whenever we could. We also take her out for long drives - sometimes as far as the next emirate. We have her vaccinated yearly and give her deworming tablets every 3 months.

I give her raw hide to keep her busy, especially when I leave for work, and special treats to reward her for being a good girl.

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A pet can be just as relevant and important to your home as any member of the family. They become a part of your “tribe.” How we take care of them and value them helps improve the way we interact with other people.

TIPS FOR CHOOSING THE RIGHT DOG TO LIVE WITH

Just as you can’t live with just anybody, you also can’t live with just any dog. There is such a thing as a right human-to-dog match, and it’s important that you know exactly the type of dog that you and family will be compatible with.

Make a checklist. Yes, an actual list actually helps. Don’t spare yourself the tough questions. Do I have the time and energy to take care of a pet? Can I afford it? Will the landlord, facilities management, or homeowners’ association allow it? Make sure that you are ready for this big change.

Determine what size of dog is appropriate for your home. If you live in a studio apartment, then you probably shouldn’t bring home a Great Dane. If you

are not a physically active person, then you probably shouldn’t bring home a Collie. Pick the dog that fits the way you live, so the transition is less strenuous – for you and the dog.

Train your dog. Dogs are pack animals, and pack animals require strong leadership. The lack thereof may lead to severe disobedience and even destructive behavior. You can have your dog trained professionally, but know that you will still need to dedicate your own time to work with her on a regular basis. Some dogs also need to be socialized from a young age, otherwise they will grow up shy or skittish.

Prepare for the added expenses. Did you know the cost of caring for a pet over its entire lifetime can cost as much as AED 60,000 or more? These costs range from veterinary visits for routine vaccines and

teeth cleanings to unexpected illnesses and accidents. All the little things add up, too: microchipping, grooming, leashes, dog bowls, food, flea medication, toys, doggie doors etc. You might also need to hire a dog walker if you work long hours, or leave your dog in a kennel when you go out town. Make sure that you are equipped to shoulder these extra expenses.

Pick the right breed. This is easy enough to do with a bit of research. Again, take your lifestyle into consideration. Many factors may go into this decision, but the bottomline is that you and your dog should both be happy. There is no point in pursuing this new and exciting relationship if you cannot sustain it. Be truthful to yourself about your capacity to care for a dog. Love her and look after her as you would any member of your family. What you get in return is priceless. illustrado go>19

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Connect wi t h y o u r

Spi ri t By> Flordeliza Pesigan

Photo by> Kate Petrova

WHAT SPIRITUALITY MEANS TO ME

be emotional baggages, childhood issues, and traumas.

To me, spirituality is having a sense of being, a sense of peace, and a sense of authenticity; a connection to something bigger than the ‘self’ that we perceive to be; a connection to the highest source of all that is.

The moment I worked on cultivating my body, emotions, mind and energies to function on a higher level of awareness, spirituality became a way of life. I just see and react to things differently now. There is a completely new sense of meaning to life.

The things that used to be mysterious and esoteric to me suddenly felt natural - even practical. The world became my school, and every person became a teacher.

A few years ago, I decided that I will flow with where the universe and my heart would take me. They took me to Bali, a place that I have always felt a deep connection to. It turned out to be one of the best decisions I have ever made, as not only is Bali good for my art, it is also good for my physical and spiritual healing.

One of society’s greatest tragedies is that we seem to have, as a whole, forgotten to respect the connection between our body and our spirit. What happens to one affects the other, hence it only makes sense that we aim to heal both. Through my experience, I have come to believe that illnesses can be physical manifestations of misalignments in our heart, body, soul, purpose. Buoyed by my healing sessions here in Bali, I have gone deep into the roots of my physical problems, which happen to

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HOW I INCORPORATE SPIRITUALITY INTO MY DAILY LIFE

To keep myself in a state of constant connectedness to my spirit, I practice several types of yoga and meditations, qigong, conscious dance, meditative painting, self-inquiry, self-healing and singing. Most of all, I consciously connect with and ask support from nature.

TIPS ON HOW TO STAY CONNECTED WITH YOUR SPIRIT Listen to your body. This takes practice and a lot of trust. Our body knows how and has what it needs to heal itself.

Try to resist the urge to just stuff yourself with medicine the moment you feel that’s something is wrong. Your body may be trying to tell you something important about your state of being. Pay attention.

Listen to your heart. What makes you happy? Do it! It doesn’t always mean leave your job. It means finding the space and time for what excites you and makes your soul feel alive and young.

Pause. We are conditioned to just keep going, keep working, keep moving, and keep churning when in fact, there is so much power, energy, healing and wisdom to be had from taking rests and appreciating the ‘now’ Love yourself. Nurture your Body. Give it what it needs: proper exercise, healthy food and good habits. Find a way to live with joy in your heart at all times. You owe it to yourself and your spirit.

Be grateful . The world is beautiful, and so are you. You have, inside of you, everything that you need to live a bountiful life. Celebrate it, and move forward.

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One of society’s greatest tragedies is that we seem to have, as a whole, forgotten to respect the connection between our body and our spirit.

What happens to one affects the other, hence it only makes sense that we aim to heal both.

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be a

C RA Z Y SURVIVALIST By> P.A. Escalante

WHAT BEING A CRAZY SURVIVALIST MEANS TO ME

Being a crazy survivalist means that when the zombie apocalypse comes, y’all will be looking at me for help! But kidding aside, I have always lived in a crazy survivalist kind of way. You see, we grew up poor and we didn’t have a lot of things. If we wanted something, we either had to make it from what we have or grow it. I grew up watching the 80’s show Mcgyver. The main character inspired me to be resourceful and ingenious – values that I adhere to even up to now.

I got deeper into this lifestyle when I moved to Geneva. Here, my friends and I would turn somebody else’s trash into all sorts of crazy things we can use at home. I grow my own vegetables and herbs, catch fish, and share my harvest with others. I walk or bike so that I minimize my carbon footprint. I also compost my own food scraps and use the compost to feed my plants.

Some might call it being a “hipster” or being “self-sufficient.” But while “crazy survivalist” is making do of what you have, it is also about taking care of the environment, having a healthier lifestyle and living simply. We only have one Earth and we must be good stewards of what God has given us. Being able to survive on

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what you have is also important because it disciplines you to be frugal and responsible.

As the saying goes, “Waste not, want not.”

HOW I GOT INTO THIS LIFESTYLE

I’ve always thought and functioned this way ever since I was small. My father taught me how to fish. My mother encouraged me to be frugal and practical. Where I grew up in the Philippines, it was commonplace to use tin cans, plastic bottles and packaging materials over and over again. I am just fortunate that I get to live in a country that supports and encourages this way of living.

Switzerland is big on “being green.” I really admire how people go to great lengths to sort their recyclables and to deposit them at collection points. It shows a lot of character and care for the environment.

HOW MY BEING A “CRAZY SURVIVALIST” AFFECTS MY DAILY LIFE

To give you a broader idea of how I practice being a “crazy survivalist,” here’s a quick and simple list: Reusing. In the house, we usually reuse plastic bags. For example, toilet paper packaging is turned into the garbage bag lining. Plastic bags from grocery stores will go to the toilet as the garbage bag.

Upcycling. When I see spare wood outside, I either make shelves, boxes or planters for the garden area or use them as stakes in the garden. We also upcycle mason jars for our yearly pesto harvest, or turn it into other things.

Composting. We have a vermicompost under our sink where we grow red wriggler worms for when we go fishing. We feed the worms with our food scraps – from peelings to moldy bananas. The scraps feed the worms, the worms produce black compost (which is plant superfood) and then we use the worms to fish (and we eat the fish of course).

Growing my own food. I grow most of the veggies that we eat at home. I have a few ornamental plants as well, but I choose “functional plants” that not only look pretty but also serve a practical purpose, like warding off bugs or purifying the air.

Foraging. In the springtime, we go to the forest to collect wild garlic and make them into pesto which we give to our friends as gifts.

Economizing. We also save money by cooking our own food and bringing the “baon” to work.

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Some might call it being a “hipster” or being “self-sufficient.” But while “crazy survivalist” is making do with what you have, it is also about taking care of the environment, having a healthier lifestyle and living simply.

TIPS ON HOW TO PURSUE THE CRAZY SURVIVALIST WAY OF LIFE Start your own garden. It doesn’t have to be massive. It doesn’t even have to be outdoors. It could be as small as a one foot by one foot planter in your kitchen. Get into the groove of growing things.

Segregate your trash. You probably know this drill already. Look for the segregated trash station in your neighborhood and make sure that you transport your trash there.

Do not waste food. This is the simplest, quickest thing you can do. Just think of all the people in the world who are suffering because of hunger. Consume only what you need.

Watch Youtube or go to Pinterest for tips. There is a great big community out there of survivalists. Connect with them and learn from them.

Be conscious and conscientious.

Whatever you do affects those around you.

Be mindful and aware, always.

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Advocate a Cause By> Desiree Vlekken

WHAT ADVOCATING CAUSES MEANS TO ME

One of the best things about advocating a cause that you care about is that there is very little “you” or “me” in it. Society tends to condition us to be inward-facing in many superficial ways, but promoting advocacies, if done truthfully, is selfless. It gives us the chance to use our blessings to bless others, not for want of personal glory, but simply out of genuine compassion.

Empowered by this authentic, altruistic energy, I founded the 4get-me- not Alzheimer’s - a non-profit organization aimed at raising awareness about Alzheimer’s and promoting brain health.

My personal connection with Alzheimer’s is just one aspect of the advocacy. The bigger picture is that this disease remains one of the most critical global health issues. It has no cure, and its origins are still largely undetermined.

HOW I GOT INTO ADVOCATING THIS CAUSE

I started to take interest in how elderly people live when I went to Belgium, my husband’s motherland. My in-laws are in their mid-70’s just like my parents, but their way of life is very different. I could say that it’s more dynamic. They are still very outgoing, and they keep a social calendar.

They don’t really like to stay at home for too long. Instead, they prefer to be in the company of friends and relatives. I surmise that this is why they are aging gracefully.

My parents on the other hand, particularly

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my father, prefer a very sedentary lifestyle.

At first I thought that this was ok – but then I began seeing the negative consequences.

My family and I did have enough knowledge to recognize depression, and how it poses elevated health risks to the elderly. It was in 2011, at the age of 70 when my father started showing symptoms of early on-set Alzheimer’s.

Alzheimer’s is a stigmatized subject matter. The stigma is associated often with suffering, loss of mind, loss of independence and disability. The fear of this stigmatization may delay patients and their families from seeking timely medical diagnosis — even when the symptoms are already obvious. This is where the importance of raising awareness comes in.

4get-me- not represents a small but stalwart voice in the ongoing dialogue about this disease, but in order for us to sustain our mission, we need all the help we can get – by way of volunteerism, sponsorships, and yes, social media advocacy. www.4get-me- not.org HOW I PRACTICE MY ADVOCACY IN MY DAILY LIFE

A lot of people think that the only way to support an advocacy is to give cash donations or to volunteer their time. No charitable institution will ever turn down these kinds of support, but even something as simple as sharing a cause-related article on your Facebook page could be

a huge help – especially if the objective is to raise global awareness. The point is to find a subject that you are passionate about and doing all that you can to make your passion contagious.

4get-me- not Alzheimer’s is the only entity of its kind in the UAE. When we launched 4get-me-not in 2013, very few understood, let alone cared about, our advocacy.

We were getting very weak responses from the younger audiences, which was understandable, as Alzheimer’s is not a disease that is commonly attributed to the youth. But through the help of the private sector, we eventually earned the noise that we needed to sustain our advocacy for the long haul. I am happy to report that currently, the majority of our volunteers come from the age 18 and below bracket.

TIPS ON HOW TO PURSUE AN ADVOCACY Practice altruism. Being Altruistic is the heart and soul of any advocacy. If you find that you only want to do it when it’s convenient, then your commitment is not strong enough. Personal sacrifices are needed for the advocacy to succeed.

Stay positive at all times . Promoting a worthwhile cause can be daunting. It offers many pitfalls where you can lose your motivation. Always look at the bright side of any situation, and keep your eye on your purpose.

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Society tends to condition us to be inward-facing in many superficial ways, but promoting advocacies, if done truthfully, is selfless. It gives us the chance to use our blessings to bless others, not for want of personal glory, but simply out of genuine compassion.

Be flexible. Any start up advocacy will have a learning curve. Learn how to be mentally dexterous, whilst staying true to the heart of your cause. You’ll find yourself having to compromise on a lot of things.

Accept this as part of the journey, and focus on making better choices.

Formalize commitments. Any type of support or commitment from third parties must always be in writing, or better yet, supported by a memorandum of understanding. This goes for your sponsors, volunteers, and even suppliers.

Be extra vigilant in protecting the integrity of your organization wherever agreements are concerned.

Collaborate wisely. Connect with people, groups, or other organizations that can add value to your advocacy. Don’t try to work in silos – you will only make it harder for yourself. And anyway, working with others is always more fun. Advocacy must always be a team effort. One person can start an advocacy, but sustaining it requires the passion and courage of many.

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TRAVEL By> Jake Ofrasio

WHAT TRAVEL MEANS TO ME

Travelling is a stress buster. Being able to remove yourself from your present environment and go somewhere totally different; it’s refreshing. For me, it helps me restart my mind and get a totally different perspective on things.

I think everyone who could travel should travel. It doesn’t even have to be a lavish trip to some exotic island in the Caribbean, or a ski holiday on the Swiss Alps. Any place where you could see the world from a different context will do. It all depends on your intent, and your attitude about discovery. Adopting the mindset of a traveler will make you realize that the world we live in truly is amazing. It widens your understanding of different cultures and ideas. It would be such a pity if you don’t get to experience all of these and just keep yourself boxed in.

one day I took one of her olds passport, put my ID photo on top of hers and pretended that I too was a traveler. Now I don’t have to pretend anymore.

HOW TRAVELING AFFECTS MY DAILY LIFE

Traveling is my ultimate splurge, so in a very practical way, it affects the way I conduct my life when I am home. For example, whenever I consider buying something, I would always have this voice in my head telling me that it’s too expensive, and that it would cost a round trip ticket somewhere so I better just save my money. But beyond influencing how I manage my finances, traveling has also affected how I deal with people. It has made me more understanding and openminded. It made me realize that “different” doesn’t necessarily mean “better” or “worse.” It’s just different.

HOW I GOT INTO TRAVELING

My mother used to travel a lot for her job.

Whenever she would come home from abroad, she would show me amazing photos from her journey. I would beg for her to bring me with her on her next trip, but obviously, it wasn’t allowed. And then

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TIPS ON HOW TO BE A BETTER TRAVELER Dream. Don’t be afraid to dream and wanderlust about the places you’ve always wanted to visit. Dreaming is the first step you will ever take in your journey.

Save. That new designer bag or gadget may you instant satisfaction, but nothing beats the emotional rush that you get when you are finally able to see the Eiffel Tower in Paris, or eat street food in Bangkok.

Research. Applying for a visa can be intimidating, but you’ll be surprised how straightforward it can be once you have all the right documents. Moreover, a lot of countries do not require visas for Filipinos.

Start with those, if you find the prospect of applying for a visa daunting.

Do not be afraid to travel alone . We usually think that traveling alone is boring or scary but it’s actually really fun. You get to meet a lot of friends along the way, and you get to know yourself better.

Just go. Don’t over-think it. You can drive yourself nuts trying to perfect your itinerary, but the truth is, travel is best when things happen spontaneously. So if you want to go, just go. Book the flight, pack your bag, and go see the world.

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Adopting the mindset of a traveler will make you realize that the world we live in truly is amazing.

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Be Fit By> Gerald du

WHAT BEING FIT MEANS TO ME

Fitness in my opinion is the most important thing you can invest in yourself, second only maybe to education. The fitter you are, the longer you get to live healthier and happier. It also helps greatly with selfesteem. It’s a simple but effective way to make you feel better about yourself. I think everybody should be into it, regardless of age or background.

HOW I GOT INTO FITNESS

I wasn’t the most active kid, growing up.

I was a couch potato and wasn’t into any sports. Plus I was born into a family of diabetics. I realized that if I stayed on that sedentary lifestyle, I’ll end up just like grandfather, my uncle and my dad. So I enrolled myself in a gym the moment I started earning my own money. So far, it paid off. It even motivated me to become a certified Les Mills fitness instructor.

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HOW MY COMMITMENT TO FITNESS AFFECTS MY DAILY LIFE

My daily routine is based heavily on my fitness schedule. I guess fitness is officially my lifestyle. I’m not saying that it dictates my everyday life, but it definitely is a commitment. It’s all about planning ahead and making sure my social life and fitness routine don’t clash. You can’t just work out when you have the time – you have to make time. You owe it to yourself turn your motivation into a sustainable action plan.

You have to be in it for the long haul.

TIPS ON HOW TO ADOPT A FITNESS LIFESTYLE Get a gym membership. Youtube and Google are great tools for gym and fitness D.I.Y.s, but it’s important that you execute the fitness routines correctly and safely.

There’s no point in going beast mode today if it means you will be injured tomorrow.

Get a professional fitness coach to help.

Don’t starve yourself. Dieting to lose weight doesn’t mean depriving yourself of all carbs and fats. It’s all about eating in moderation and being aware of how much your body needs to lose or gain to get and stay fit.

Get by with a little help from your friends. Surround yourself with friends that are into fitness. It works wonders.

Being in a group of like-minded friends will help keep you inspired and motivated.

Make it work for you. Working out with weights and running in the treadmill doesn’t work for everyone. Try group fitness classes. Most gyms offer a wide variety of fitness classes like Zumba, Body Combat, Body Attack, Body Pump, Freestyle Aerobics, Yoga, etc. Mix them up and find what works for you.

Don’t give up . This is probably the most cliché tip, but it really is true. Fitness doesn’t happen instantly. It’s a long journey. Result will come. Be patient. Work hard.

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You can’t just work out when you have the time – you have to make time. You owe it to yourself turn your motivation into a sustainable action plan. You have to be in it for the long haul.

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SCRAPBOOK >

Angelito Estoye Cortez Saudi Arabia www.facebook.com/angelito.cortez1

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SCRAPBOOK >

JAN MICHAEL VINCENT CASTILLO DUBAI, UAE www.flickr.com/photos/33891751@N07

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VINA LUSTADO’S TINY HOUSE: LIVING BIG IN A SMALL SPACE By >

Lalaine Chu-Benitez

Photos > Eileen Descallar Ringwald

F

or most people, the ultimate achievement of one’s dream is often anchored to a big impressive house - one with plenty of rooms, big screen TVs and a multi-car garage, plus all the furniture and gadgets that money can buy. But not for this new age architectural designer who lives in picturesque Ojai, California, who found her ultimate dream home in a 140 square foot space.

Filipino-American architectural designer Vina Lustado spent over two decades in the high-end corporate path, working for notable offices in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Chicago, with projects ranging from high-end custom homes to large corporate headquarters. Having specific interest in various social and environmental causes - particularly sustainability, she has decided in recent years, to focus her career on smaller scale projects that could make a difference. One such project was Vina’s tiny house that truly reflected her values.

Vina’s house, which she has designed from scratch, and built with the help of the community, has 140 square feet of living space (based on 8’ x 20’ trailer).

It is totally off-the-grid and is equipped with luxuries such as a gas fireplace and operable skylights. The interior is bathed

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in natural light and feels spacious and serene. There is plenty of storage and multi-purpose furniture for functionality and livability including seating, storage and guest bed. The tiny house has drawers under the kitchen cabinets instead of baseboards, and storage behind the bed.

The coffee table is on casters and can be used as a dining table, side table, or storage. Above Vina’s desk is a small loft for additional storage, which can also be used as an extra sleeping space. The tiny house, which costed US$40,000 to build, was developed utilizing reclaimed, nontoxic materials. The French doors are from Craigslist, three windows and a pocket door were from Habitat’s ReStore, and the oak flooring and all the wood for the exterior deck were reclaimed.

For Vina, her tiny house is more than just a place to live. It is the embodiment of her philosophy in life reflecting simplicity, sustainability, and living within her means.

Why a tiny house? What does this project mean to you?

The Tiny House is a personal project: building my own house. It reflects my philosophy about simplicity, sustainability, and living within my means. I wanted to live in a way that reflects my values.

Because of my profession in design and construction, I wanted to learn about

building my own home. And plus, to exercise your core values, and live with more integrity is my main driver for the project.

How did you get into the tiny house project?

I am an active person who loves to be outdoors. Most of my life I moved from house to house, city to city, so I wanted to maintain a flexible lifestyle. More importantly, I wanted to minimize my debt and a tiny house allowed me to do that.

I heard about Jay Shafer’s tiny houses before, but the traditional gingerbread style did not appeal to me. However, the philosophy behind tiny houses did appeal to me. I realized later that I could design and build my own house, so it was a perfect opportunity to express my own values.

What was your design inspiration?

My design inspiration is from Scandinavian and Japanese architecture. They have beautiful design sensibilities combined with utility and function, light filled spaces that are timeless, simple and clean.

Is it difficult to live in a tiny house? Do you miss anything from living in a bigger space?

I’ve lived in small spaces throughout my life, so it has been surprisingly easy to

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I’ve learned that there are only a few things in life that are truly essential for happiness, and most of it is not based on material wealth. It’s not about what you buy. It’s about experiences. It’s about the different connections you make with people, with the environment, and the community.

live tiny. The bigger challenge is living off the grid. I choose to live very simply with minimal power consumption, so I don’t have a washer/dryer, nor large appliances like a full-size refrigerator. Going to the laundromat has its inconveniences, but the trade-offs are well worth it.

People ask me - “Why don’t you have a TV and some other means of entertainment?”

And really, what better entertainment is there than watching the squirrels, and the birds? Just the nature all around me all the time is amazing.

small house designs, especially when it’s designed to be off-the-grid.

After living in my tiny house for more than two years, I would say the one thing that has changed in my life is that, the feeling of gratitude is magnified. I’m so grateful for the little things in life, for the people in my community, and for the natural beauty of the earth.

Read more about Vina Lustado’s Tiny House and other projects at www.vinastinyhouse. com, or www.solhausdesign.com or follow Sol Haus Design on Facebook.

What have you learned from living in a tiny house? What do you wish to share with people from your experience?

I’ve learned that there are only a few things in life that are truly essential for happiness, and most of it is not based on material wealth. It’s not about what you buy. It’s about experiences. It’s about the different connections you make with people, with the environment, and the community.

In terms of my profession, I’m thrilled to be able to help others live smaller and live simply, rather than contributing to the “bigger is better” mentality of large houses. I’m also proud of minimizing environmental impact with tiny and

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USAPANG

ILLUSTRADO >

Say no to usapang barbero. Dapat, Illustrado!

If you could upgrade or evolve on thing in your life right now, what would it be and why?

I f th e r e c e nt p re s i d e nt i a l e l e ct i on i s any i nd i cat i on, t he P hi l i p p i ne s i s a n a tio n th at i s hung ry fo r cha ng e . W e w ant t o se e t ang i b l e and i mme di at e re fo r m s , n o t j us t i n o ur g o v e rnm e nt , b ut i n our soci e t y. But w hat w e must n ot fo r get i s t h a t f o r u s t o s e e chang e i n our communi t y, w e m ust fi rst a f fe ct ch a n g e w i t hi n o u rs e l v e s . M i chae l Jackson sai d i t b e st : “If you w anna m a k e t h e w o rl d a b e t t e r p l a ce , t ake a l ook at yourse l f and m ake a chang e . ”

Kristine Alcazar – UAE If I could evolve or upgrade an aspect of my life right now, I would opt to be multilingual. In this fast-paced and modern world where people become more and more connected through technological advances, it would be wise to keep up with some sort of advantage. Being able to speak and understand several languages would give me the privilege to interact within multiple communities which is highly essential now that I’m living in Dubai. As i am working in the airline industry as well, traveling around the world would be more fun as i get to broaden the range of people I interact with and it would be much easier to embrace different cultures. Imagine enjoying Japanese cuisine while the Chef explains the Zen way of eating, or chatting around in French over coffee and croissants in a Parisian cafe or going around the outskirts of Italy and speaking to random locals about wines and their way of living.

“The limits of your language are the limits of your world”, a great philosopher once said and I believe he is right.

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Phil Domingo - UAE I would create a vision board of all the places I would like to visit and make it happen. You can never go wrong with travelling. It doesn’t matter if it’s a weekend day trip or a weeklong vacation.

Put it on your desk or somewhere in your bedroom as long as you see it regularly.

This will inspire you and it will help you focus and motivated on taking steps to achieve and reach that destination.

Every journey changes your perception towards life and the world you live in. Not only does it leave a mark on your memory but each journey you take leads you to self-discovery. These experiences enrich your heart and soul and in the end, you will always go back home with something far better than what money can buy.

Live your dreams, take risks, and live life to the fullest now.

Alvin Joseph Mateo – Philippines I would want to increase my emotional intelligence. It is in my opinion, an aspect of life that is hardest to master. The ability to discipline the mind and control emotion is paramount not just in surviving our daily struggles but also in dealing with and accepting difficult realities of our lives and of this world. I cannot stress enough how essential this is.

Elea Katindig - USA I would take Trainstation’s “Breaking Through Barriers” again. It’s a workshop on the basics of Neuro-Linguistic Programming that teaches mindfulness and, taking control of your mind, your life, and your results. You really come out of it being transformed into an upgraded version of yourself.

PINOY ENTREPRENEUR

>

There’s no business like a kabayan with a business!

Jennifer Ebrada Managing Director Events Plus Consultancy

My Enterprise Event Plus is a Dubai-based full-service destination management company.

It offers a full spectrum of destination services such as groups and incentives programs, conferences, corporate events, teambuilding events, AV production, weddings, destination PR, sales representation, and corporate outbound group travel.

My Beginnings I have been in Dubai since 2003. Just like most of our fellow Filipinos, I came here with a hope that I will only stay for couple of years. Then 2 years became 5 years, and next thing I knew I was already on my 10th year mark. Eventually, I decided that I didn’t want to be an employee anymore. In early 2014, I launched Events Plus. I did everything on my own, from the business plan, down to the website. I had very minimal capital. I even worked from home during the first 6 months to save cost.

My hospitality experience, determination and dream were all I had to start with.

My Struggles Being an Asian entrepreneur with a startup company is definitely not easy. We like to think that ethnicity doesn’t matter, but the reality is that some – if not most people will assess you and your business at face value. And as a start-up company,

My Life As An Entrepreneur The most obvious advantage of being an entrepreneur is being your own boss having the freedom to work whenever and wherever you want. You’re working for yourself and nobody else. You may find yourself working 18 hours at any given day, but in the end its all for you. Every day is full of opportunities.

the real struggle is to build a solid level of trust with your prospective clients.

These are very challenging circumstances indeed, but you just have to plow through them, continue knocking down doors and give your 100%. One day, it will all pay off. This has been my experience as an entrepreneur.

We are now 4 people in the team with a representation office in UK and Germany.

I’m also looking at setting up a satellite office in the Philippines, hopefully by next year. Despite the obstacles, I am proud to say that the future is looking bright for our company.

But in as much as it is exciting and joyful, it can also be lonely and scary. The stress levels of making all the decisions can sometimes be overwhelming, and can put a strain on your personal life. Your work schedules can also be wildly erratic.

However, the pro’s still outweigh the con’s.

It’s all a matter of striving for worklife balance, and setting your priorities straight.

My Advice to Aspiring Entrepreneurs An entrepreneur’s life is not for everyone.

It requires a lot of perseverance, determination, and most of all, patience.

Always strive to give the best service to your customers and try to always say “yes,” even if their requirement seems impossible.

It’s a fierce market out there. Your only edge is how well you serve the needs of your clients. If you think you have what it takes, go for it. Go for it now.

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Filipino Progress & Diversity

at the work place >

MY JOB As Assistant Manager for the Administration and Accounts department of LG Electronics Middle East, I am responsible for processing payments to all our employees and suppliers. I am also authorized to transact with banks. My manager and I are the contact persons for all queries with regards to our companies accounting and financial issues.

FRITZ SAPON SERVANEZ Assitant Manager for Administration & Accounts Dept.

– LG Electronics Middle East Dubai, UAE

JENNIFER O. GONZALES HR and Relations Manager United International Private School Dubai, United Arab Emirates

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MY WORK DAY To start my day right, I offer a prayer.

I pray for the renewal of my strength and patience. As an accountant, a typical day means checking and responding to e-mails from employees and suppliers. It also means checking bank statements for all cash inflows

MY JOB As Human Resources and Relations Manager of UIPS in Dubai, I am part of the management team that handles policy formulation, direction, recommendation and review for the improvement of existing systems and programs in the school. Most of all, I am responsible for training and developing employees to help them excel in their respective fields of expertise. Having worked in the Philippine government for 26 years or so, my skills set is unique as it is rigorous and extensive. I am also credited for spearheading and institutionalizing several CSR programs for UIPS. MY WORK DAY My job entails common sense, hard work, discipline, and promoting the Filipino heritage of excellence. It is a demanding job, but thankfully, I manage

and outflows, preparing checks for any urgent payments , and asking suppliers for updated statement of accounts for reconciliation. Yes, it all sounds very routine, but for me it is a very fulfilling job.

CAREER ADVICE Lasting success doesn’t come overnight. We all have to work hard for it. Respect your seniors, do what is right and treat your company as if it’s your own. Trust in God’s plan for your life.

His timing is always perfect.

God’s plan for your life. His timing is always perfect.

to take the challenges that come my way in stride. Despite my hectic schedule, I make sure to accommodate projects that help galvanize the spirit of volunteerism in the hearts of our kabayans.

CAREER ADVICE Be proud of your identity as a Filipino!

Help those who are underserved and underprivileged. It will give you inner peace and the confidence to face your Creator.

ILLUSTRADO STUFF >

HIKING With all the majestic mountains in the Philippines, it’s a bit of a wonder why Filipinos in general aren’t keen on hiking. It’s a fantastic pursuit. Not only does it give you an intense workout, it also helps clear your mind and make you more in tune with your environment. And very few things are as rewarding as that majestic view that you get after a long, arduous climb.

NIKON KEYMISSION 360 A shockproof, waterproof Nikon action camera that can shoot ultra high definition 360-degree videos?

Hot dang Nikon, take our money!

The things that we can do with this imaging bad boy.

KIEHL’S ULTRA FACIAL OIL FREE LOTION Sometimes, trying to pick the right moisturizer for your skin type feels like rocket science. If you neither have the time nor the patience to go through hundreds of options, there is Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Oil Free lotion. It does everything that a moisturizer’s supposed to do – that is, hydrate and make your face look and feel like a million bucks - minus the risk of breakouts and funky skin reactions. Sensible vanity, it is.

Money can’t buy happiness, but admit it - sometimes you just gotta have your stuff! Get a load of these interesting, very Illustrado sundry. Can’t live without ‘em!

NUTRITIONAL YEAST Are you over dairy but can’t get over the taste of cheese? Don’t worry. Nutritional yeast is a great, super healthful substitute.

It gives you the cheesy-umami flavor that is hard to replicate on a vegan diet, and gives you a hyper boost of the elusive B-vitamins.

100% plant-based deliciousness!

POKEMON GO #TeamIllustrado is divided over this. The Pro-PG’s say it doesn’t hurt to keep up with the trends in the digital landscape. The Anti-PG’s think that it’s just a waste of time and data. We do agree on one thing, though: whatever gets people out of the house to do any form of exercise is a good thing. Just try not to fall off a cliff while you’re at it.

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ARTIST SPOTLIGHT

>

Contemporary Artist

EUGENE CUBILLO

Celebrating Filipino artistry, passion, and cleverness.

I am Eugene Cubillo.

My art is a visual diary - an extension of myself and my experiences. Most of my works are in mixed media. This allows me to address different issues in a storytelling manner whilst giving myself more creative freedom. The challenge of using mixed media is part of my statement.

It represents my commentaries and observations on the crucial issues that beset our society today. It helps me to manifest how I perceive the Filipino culture in my head– where it is now, and where I feel it is headed to.

My Journey I’ve always loved drawing. One time when I was a kid, drew myself as a stick figure playing basketball in every page of my notebook. I remember how surprised I was when I flipped the pages and saw the stick figure moving.

Hindi ko alam na animation pala yun! So when I grew older, I took up my first ever job as an in-betweener/ clean-up or assistant animator in an animation studio.

In college, I studied Computer Engineering for almost two years, but eventually shifted to Fine Arts and Design.

By then, I started getting exposed and introduced to different media and techniques. In the year 2000, I decided to work full time as a painter. It was very difficult at the beginning. At times, I had to choose between buying oil paint or buying milk for my child. Challenged by this circumstance, I came up with the idea of producing art from found objects. This allows me to sustain my art production, but still challenge my creativity.

To supplement my income, I also conduct workshops on basic painting. I always remember to treat my art na parang babae na kailangang mahalin, bigyan ng oras, panahon at halaga para hindi magtampo, at pagkatapos nun ay mamahalin din ako ng art ko. Trust me: it works!

My Process From being traditional, my work has evolved into my own unique hybrid art form. Combining different media frees me from the usual creative constraints. My inspiration tends to come from the mundane: everyday experiences that are often dismissed as boring or ordinary, such as commuting in trains, buses, and jeeps, meeting people at the streets, and neighbors chatting.

My idea is to create a visual language that associates the object to an experience outside of its environment. My approach is representational and spontaneous. I use marks and texture in all (or some parts) of my artwork. The objective is to capture the essence, substance, and association between forms in order to suggest a deeper meaning and a sense of connectedness. In a way, I try to draw comparison through contrast – showing how two things can be similar even though they are wildly different from each other on the surface.

My Accomplishments, Thus Far On top of winning some art competitions and participating in group shows, my most memorable experience is my first solo show entitled: Mga Barahang Ligaw, which I launched in 2011.

My idea then was to use playing cards as a medium to express the notion that life is like a gamble. Since then, I’ve been doing

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ARTIST SPOTLIGHT

>

Celebrating Filipino artistry, passion, and cleverness.

solo shows every year, the last one having concluded on the 13th of July 2016. I am now planning and conceptualizing for next year’s show.

My Advice to Aspiring Artists Just love what you are doing. Enjoy it as best you can. When the struggles come, make them your strength. Attend art exhibitions and connect with other artists. Learn from them.

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MY PINOY LIFE IN > Living the dream, loving the world, learning new things everyday

My PINOY L I F E i n Dar Es Salaam, In June 2003, my father passed away and suddenly I didn't feel like staying in the Philippines anymore.

Serendipitously enough, a friend invited me to go to Africa and as they say, the rest is history.

By> Ferdinand Acosta

T

anzania, I can say, is the crown jewel of Africa. It is famous for the biggest safari game park called Serengeti, the beautiful Mt. Kilimanjaro, and amazing beaches with sparkling sands and blue waters that are heavenly to look at. For those who want to visit, I would recommend all of the above and a visit to the island of Zanzibar, the land of spices). Tanzania has two types of weather: summer and winter, but I can describe it as being hot and cold.

During summer, it is hot but dry and during

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winter, there is no snow, save for the top of Mount Kilimanjaro.

There are plenty of cultural practices among Tanzanians. One example is their traditional dancing styles that vary from one tribe to another. They also have various dressing styles that are attractive to visitors and foreigners like us. But even if we are in a foreign land, we still observe Filipino customs and traditions and instill Filipino values in our children - like religion. We make sure our children do not to forget Catholicism. Likewise, there is the Filipino value of family and the importance of close

MY PINOY LIFE IN > Living the dream, loving the world, learni ng new things everyday

Tanzania

View of El Pas de la Casa from a mountain - Andorra

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MY PINOY LIFE IN >

family ties. We also try to typify the Filipino value of hospitality and helpfulness. We extend support or offer help to others, when we can.

Work in the Crown Jewel of Africa

I work in a private security company. I am in charge of the country’s business operations, focusing mainly on the petroleum depot, embassies, power plant and other private companies. It is challenging and pressurefilled, but I enjoy it. It is a big help and a great joy that my wife, Chari and our four children, Theo, Kimberly, Marco, and Naomi are with me. Filipinos are highly regarded here. They are professionals and skilled workers. I have been living here for more than 10 years and so far, I have not seen or heard of any mistreatment of Filipino workers here.

There are Filipino communities in my area. I don’t have the exact number of the Filipinos in the whole country, but I could roughly estimate the number to be about more than a thousand. The communities are quite active. They celebrate Independence Day, Halloween, and the Christmas holidays.

They also conduct outreach programs to help the poor and the orphans of Tanzania.

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MY PINOY LIFE IN >

Love it, hate it – but this is home

Other people call this place Tanzania, but for me and my family, we call it home. Two of my children were born here. We left and yet we came back. You hate it, you love it - that’s how I would describe my relationship with this beautiful country. I like this country a lot-- its beaches, food and the friendly people, but there are also things I don’t like here. For example, I don’t like the congested roads, garbage all over the place especially after the rain and some other things best not to mention. But no matter what, this is still home to me.

I think I am one of the lucky few that didn’t find it hard to adjust living here because I had the privilege of bringing my family immediately. So, I have not succumbed to bouts of homesickness.

I think it also helps that I have other hobbies. I have formed a band with some friends who also work here. We named our band “Traffic Jam.” I play the drums, I have two Filipino friends who play the bass and rhythm, a Dutch friend of mine plays the lead and another good friend from Sweden plays guitar as well. illustrado go>43

MY PINOY LIFE IN > Living the dream, loving the world, learning new things everyday

Teaching Filipino values

I would suggest to any one living away from the Philippines to teach your children the culture of the Filipinos, especially the language. Don’t let them forget their origin so that they will grow up with a sense of Filipino identity. Visit the Philippines from time to time and promote our country to your foreign friends to help boost our tourism industry.

Tanzania is a good place to work for overseas Filipino workers as they respect Pinoys in this country. Most of the Filipinos here are in managerial positions, working in NGO’s, in development agencies like the United Nations, big companies, hotels, telecommunications and power plants.

Tanzania is a peaceful, quiet place to live in. So, KARIBU Tanzania! (In English, “Welcome to Tanzania”)

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WEARING IT WELL

>

How to work it when you wear it coz you’re worth it.

PAUL RAMOS FAS H I O N A N D L I F E S T Y L E B LO G G E R T H E S T Y L E C H O R E O . B LO G S P OT. A E Photos by Mark Ross Argana

What role does fashion play in your daily life?

Fashion is my passion. I live with it as I work full time as Visual Merchandizer for British brand F&F, and at the same time run The Style Choreo - a fashion and lifestyle blog based in the UAE’s capital, Abu Dhabi. Fashion is absolutely important to me and for my full time job, as I need to be updated in the latest trends what’s in and what’s not. And of course for the blog, as well.

Do you consider the ‘regular you’ a fashionable person?

Well, I don’t really consider myself a ‘fashionable person.’ I would like to think of myself as ‘stylish’ instead. I incorporate fashion into my daily life.

Although probably having a unique style that stands out, I guess, doesn’t make me a ‘regular person’ anymore.

What do you typically wear daily?

My go to pieces - slim trouser in navy blue or khaki/ brown, a plain white shirt and a blazer with a pocket square. And then I’ll just throw on a good pair of loafers.

What can’t you live without?

Well, as a blogger, I guess, I can’t live without my phone.

What is your fashion philosophy?

“Dressing well is a form of good manners,” according to Tom Ford.

“Style is a way to show who you are without having to speak,” said Rachel Zoe. I say: dressingup is like dance choreography, everything should be synchronized.

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REAL STYLE, REAL PEOPLE

>

Authentic, street-level suave and swankiness.

Dress down but style up! Here’s how you do ‘fab casual.’ on the WWW. Check out our exciting fashion picks from some of the most fashionable Filipinos

NICOLE ANDERSSON Manila – Philippines nicoleandersson.blogspot.com Photo by Sweet Escape

GILLIAN UANG Cebu, Philippines www.bydetails.com

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REAL STYLE, REAL PEOPLE

>

Authentic, street-level suave and swankiness.

JERNIH AGAPITO Nueva Ecija – Philippines jernihagapito.blogspot.com

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REAL STYLE, REAL PEOPLE

>

Authentic, street-level suave and swankiness.

LESTER IVAN Dubai - UAE www.instagram.com/strawhatlester themetrosapiens.wordpress.com

KHEL RECUENCO London - UK themetrosapiens.wordpress.com

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REAL STYLE, REAL PEOPLE

>

JOE DARK Dubai - UAE

Authentic, street-level suave and swankiness.

JOSIE DELFIN Dubai - UAE

Photo by Val Montuerto

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What to do yani?

ILLUSTRADO CALENDAR

>

K. Here.

2016

JUL

onward

s

Market, market!

The much-loved winter market spectacle, Ripe Food & Crafts Market, has extended its run this summer. Find the fresh and organic produces as well as artisan crafts at its indoor home in the Time Square Centre. From May to October, it is open only on Saturdays from 9am to 3pm.

Get into sports Afraid that the summer heat refrains you from practicing your favorite sport? Fret not. The Dubai Sports World returns this year with a host of indoor amenities that will allow you to play basketball, football, volleyball, tennis and more without getting burned under the blazing sun.

To book a court, register online at www. dubaisportsworld.ae. It is open at the Dubai World Trade Centre until August 27.

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A Night At The Circus Cirque Du Soleil returns to Dubai with Varekai – a breathtaking show that promises amazing acrobatics and world class production values for the young and young at heart. The show runs from September 16 to 24. Tickets are available at Tixbox.com.

Explore the world of Modhesh The annual edutainment spectacle comes back to the Dubai World Trade Centre from June 27 to August 27 to bring the families an exciting host of activities.

Since Modhesh World is the most popular family destination during the season, it’s a must to explore it.

Shop ‘til you drop at DSS 2016 The Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS) returns to the city this year with a huge offering of amazing bargains at over 6,000 participating outlets across the emirates. Aside from shopping, the muchawaited DSS is also full of astonishing raffles and exciting entertainment programs that thrill the mall goers.

ENTERTAINMENT

>

Because there’s no business like showbusiness. Boom panes!

By> Kristine Abante

Pinoy Acapella Group Wins International Tilt in Singapore Filipino Acapella group Pinopela sweeps the top honors in the International A Capella championships in Singapore on Saturday.

In a post on its Facebook page, Pinopela reported that it was named champion in the international category, judges choice and the overall champion in the competition.

Member Anthony Castillo also took home the Most Impressive Soloist award while another member Zsaris Mendioro took the gold in the looping category.

Pinopela performed Adele’s “Skyfall” , “All I Ask” and Bruno Mars’ “Treasure” for the contest.

Photo : PLDT Home – Akapela Open

Rachelle Ann Go bags West End Frame’s Best Performance of a Song London-based Filipina singer and theatre actress Rachelle Ann Go just won the West End Frame’s 2016 Best Performance of a Song award for her rendition of “I Dreamed a Dream” in Les Miserables.

The Filipina performer is elated over the recognition and told the site that she feels blessed to be able to be doing work that she loves in the world famous West End. “I’d like to thank all those who voted for me. It’s an honour to be performing and

appreciated here in beautiful London’s West End. I owe this great award to you, guys! And to the whole Les Miserables company, thank you for being so amazing and for all the support and encouragement.

What a dream come true to be part of this phenomenal long running show,” she said.

Photo : Broadwayworld.com

Basti Artadi reveals truth about health condition Wolfgang’s legendary rock frontman Basti Artadi is grateful for the overwhelming support he has received from fans and colleagues after he announced on Tuesday that he was suffering from facial paralysis caused by a tumor. Posting on facebook, the singer explained that what he has was a benign facial nerve tumor. “I do NOT have a brain tumor as what’s being reported in the news. I have a BENIGN facial nerve tumor that affects the movement of my face. Unfortunately, in my line of work, this means a lot. So as mentioned in my previous post, I intend to have the

procedure that will help my situation. I’ve got it planned out, just waiting for the right time to do it,” he wrote.

The band vocalist is currently selling t-shirts to help him fund the procedure, which he called a facial sling, that would temporarily help his situation. Fans who want to buy Basti’s shirt can place their orders online at https://www.facebook. com/Jeepneyrockstop Photo : Artist supplied

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MONEY

>

Make money. Maintain that money. Money pa more!

Looking for a Rich Husband By> Francisco J. Colayco

I

came across this post from a young and pretty lady posting on a popular email forum about her desire to find a husband. This is part of what she said:

I’m going to be honest of what I’m going to say here. I’m 25 this year. I’m very pretty.

I wish to marry a very rich guy. You might say that I’m greedy, but I don’t think so, considering that there are many others who have higher salaries. Is there anyone in this forum who is very rich? Are you all married?

I wanted to ask: What should I do to marry a rich guy like you? ~Ms. Pretty Here’s the awesome reply from a professional investor: Dear Ms. Pretty, I have read your post with great interest.

Guess there are lots of girls out there who have similar questions like yours. Please allow me to analyze your situation as a professional investor. I am very rich, which meets your requirement, so I hope everyone believes that I’m not wasting time here.

From the standpoint of a business person, it is a bad decision to marry you.

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The answer is very simple, so let me explain.

Put the details aside, what you’re trying to do is propose an exchange of “beauty” and “money” - Person A provides beauty, and Person B pays for it, fair and square.

However, there’s a deadly problem here, your beauty will fade, but my money will not be gone without any good reason. The fact is, my income might increase from year to year, but you can’t be prettier year after year. Hence from the viewpoint of economics, I am an appreciation asset, and you are a depreciation asset. It’s not just normal depreciation, but exponential depreciation. If that is your only asset, your value will be much less 10 years later.

the way, you could make yourself out to become a rich person. This has a better chance than finding a rich fool.”

By the terms we use in the stock market, every trading has a position, dating you is also a “trading position.” If the trade value drops, we will sell it. It is not a good idea to keep it for long term - same goes with the marriage that you want. It might be cruel to say this, but in order to make a wise decision about any asset with great depreciation value will involve either selling it or leasing it.

The advice to the pretty lady to make herself a rich person instead of looking for a rich person to marry is very solid. A rich, pretty and financially educated lady is a great catch for any man!

Anyone who is very rich is not a fool; we would only date you, but will not marry you. I would advise that you forget looking for any clues to marry a rich guy. And by

Sad to say, the pretty lady in this example is not really a person with good values.

Therefore, she is not really ideal material for a good wife. Notice that a rich person will always be rich if he manages his wealth properly. However, there are also rich people who lose all their money because they are not very bright. In fact, a rich person is not very bright if he marries a pretty girl who is only out for his money.

He could precisely lose all his money because of his expensive pretty wife.

Whatever the case, financial education is a must. Teach your daughters, girlfriends and other women in your life to educate themselves. Teaching your sons, boyfriends and other men in your life the same skills won’t hurt either.

SASSY GIRL GUIDE

>

Sizzling sisterly advice from one fierce Filipina

What Women Really Need In A Relationship B y > B y Tr a c y L e y

T

ime and time again, I see and hear women discussing what they want and need in a relationship. I would like to believe that through observing the relationships of my friends, engaging in several of my own relationships and trying to openly understand all different types of people and connections, I think I have a good grasp on what women really want. Now, I am not saying men should do all the work, as we all know that it takes two to tango, but men do need a bit of guidance sometimes.

So if you’re a dude and you’re reading this, you’re welcome.

To be loved I think most women are hopeless romantic.

When you love us and nurture us, we become 10 times the woman we are. If a woman loves you then you will always be on her mind every minute of the day and she would love to stay connected to you all the time. Just remember she is taking out time from her busy schedule just to give her and time and attention to you. If she shows jealousy towards other women in your life, it means she just can’t share your attention with anyone else. If she is truly in love with you she can go to any extent to show her love and affection.

To feel safe We want our partner to let us feel that we are safe with them; to let us know that no matter what happens they will be there for us. We want to know that you will never leave our side when the going gets tough.

A woman needs a man who can keep her heart safe. If a woman loves a man from the depths of her heart, she can deal with all his bad habits. A woman can deal with a man who can’t keep his room clean or who can’t keep his shoes in place but she cannot deal with a man who can’t keep his heart in one place. She can even deal with his laziness and his laid back attitude but she cannot cope with his flirtatious behavior. Every woman needs a man with a strong character whom she can admire for the rest of her life and be proud of choosing.

To be seen We want you to pay attention to us every now and then and appreciate the little things we do to make ourselves more attractive. But beyond aesthetics, we also want you to notice if we are sad, hurt or lonely. After all, communication is the key to any relationship. We want you to hear our cries and be aware of our emotional state.

To be trusted, respected, and treated with dignity If you don’t have feelings for a woman — one who is pouring her heart and soul into your relationship — let her know it and be honest. Stop stringing her along like a doll.

She is only human; thus, she will only act as her emotions tell her. Trust the woman you are in a relationship with. You won’t be able to stay in a relationship with her if you are always spying on her, checking her phone all the time and questioning her about the people she meets. You need to respect the woman you love so that she can also respect you back. There is nothing left in a relationship if trust and respect are lost.

To be appreciated A man may say it, but a woman gets it done. We will do anything and everything for the one we love. You men might beg to differ, but you know this is true. I believe that the fastest way to ruin and run your relationship to the ground is when you take us for granted and do not appreciate us.

Appreciate what we bring to your life and make sure you aware of it. Know a good woman when you have one. Treat us right and we will treat you better. Hold on to us and realize that you are fortunate enough to meet one woman who can become your soul mate.

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LAW

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Get right with the rules. Here’s how.

Breaking up is not hard to do By> Barney Almazar, Esq.

W

hat are your options if you want to dissolve a marriage? Do you even have any options.? NonMuslim’s OFW in the UAE, take heed. Knowing where your relationship stands in the law is an imperative.

Annulment The Family Code of the Philippines provides limited grounds for filing a petition for annulment. The most common ground to render a marriage void is Article 36— psychological incapacity. Thus, if either party cannot comply with the essential marital obligations (to live together, observe mutual love, respect, fidelity, and render mutual help and support), the marriage can be declared void ab initio.

Annulment is recognized in the Philippines and anywhere in the world.

When you remarry, it will be valid anywhere.

The effect of annulment is as if your marriage never existed. Declaring it void ab initio means the marriage is null and void from the very beginning.

Annulment is suggested if you have properties in the Philippines or planning to go back to the Philippines and marry a Filipino.

Annulment can only be filed in the Philippines even if you were married abroad.

The annulment process takes a longer time to conclude.

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The parties cannot mutually consent to an annulment. If the court is convinced that collusion exists, it shall dismiss the petition.

Annulment costs more as you will need to pay for the psychological evaluation and other incidentals (air fare going to the Philippines, among others.)

The annulment process starts with the filing of the petition with the Family Court of the province or city where either spouse has been residing for the last 6 months prior to the date of filing, or in the case of a non-resident,where he or she may be found in the Philippines. The court will notify the other party to give his or her side. If the public prosecutor determines that there is no collusion between the parties, the case will be set for pre-trial so parties can agree on the facts surrounding the case.

During this process, the parties will submit evidence for the evaluation of the court.

If the court finds the petition meritorious, it will issue the decree of annulment after certain formalities with the Civil Registry and Register of Deeds (if there are properties involved) have been complied by the parties.

Divorce Filipinos are governed by Philippine laws relating to family rights and duties or to the status, condition and legal capacity, even though living abroad. A divorce decree secured by a Filipino from a foreign court will not be recognized in the Philippines but will have legal and binding effect in jurisdictions where divorce is recognized.

Divorce is filed before the courts having jurisdiction over your residence. Thus, if you are a Dubai resident, the case will be filed before the Dubai courts. You need not go to the Philippines.

You and your partner can agree to request the court for a divorce. This will in fact make the process a lot easier. This is applicable even if your partner is outside UAE. The decree of divorce can be issued by the court in about 3 months.

Divorce is suggested if you are marrying outside the Philippines, marrying a foreign national, have no properties in the Philippines, retiring abroad or acquiring another citizenship.

Divorce is not recognized in the Philippines; you will still be considered married to your previous partner as far as the Philippines is concerned.

Divorce is not advisable if you plan to live with your new partner in the Philippines.

The process of divorce in Dubai starts with the registration with the court’s Moral & Family Guidance section. A marriage counselor will mediate between the husband and wife for a possible reconciliation. If saving the marriage is unlikely, the case will be endorsed to the courts. If the other party is outside the UAE, the court will order that a notice be sent to him or her by courier.If the judge is convinced that sufficient reasons exist to grant the divorce, a divorce decree will be issued.

ONLI IN DA PILIPINS

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Filipinisms. Sometimes awesome. Sometimes facepalm.

Phenomenal Pinoy Powers B y > A b y Ya p

• Strength of Steel

Isang daang porsyentong kapangyarihan ng kawayan! Even the tough-talking Toguro brothers won’t win against us. Our spirit as a people is untiring. We may bend, but we never break like the resilient bamboo. And so, the world had witnessed us survive the fury of Ondoy and Yolanda, the madness of Ferdinand and Imelda. We shall live through whatever disasters that come our way (not that this is an invitation, though!).

• Adaptability Agimat

Like the omnipresent cockroach, we can fly and live almost anywhere. Name the place and there’s surely a Filipino community partying, er, thriving there. That’s because we can adjust easily to any situation without too much arte-arte. When in Rome, we do as the Romans do. And of course, we post everything on Facebook.

• Flash Fiction

Faster than a speeding bullet! More powerful than a locomotive! That’s what we can effortlessly turn tsismis into. Because every Pinoy apparently dreams of being a

We’re #blessed. Within our Filipino DNA lies amazing abilities that we can claim uniquely ours—for better or for worse, ‘til one of these becomes the death of us. All we can say is that with great power comes great responsibility. So help us God.

scriptwriter, we embellish the story that’s passed on to us to make it larger than life.

Then we tell the next person in the gossip queue the magic line “Keep it a secret.”

And voila, the whole barangay and Fashion Pulis know!

• Force Within Us

For a kapamilya, kapuso, and kapatid, we can endure the sorrow of leaving home sweet home and working alone in a strange land for a bigger pay. We battle that deadly homesickness for we want to give our family a brighter future. We go to all store clearance sales, tired or broke, just so we can fill gargantuan balikbayan boxes. Because, well, love. Love is because.

Enough said.

• Super Friends

With our flair for making guests feel at home, Magellan and company had overstayed for 377 years. Can anyone beat that? We say “Tagay!” and “Kain!” to even unfamiliar faces, inviting them to drink and dine with us. We serve a feast fit for a king/ queen and then we starve the next day. Yes, we’re your friendly neighborhood Pinoys.

• Fanatic for…

Whether it’s for a religion, love teams, or the trapos we vote for, the Filipino won’t fail you with our fantastic level of loyalty. As in we could come up with 37.2 million tweets in a day for the love of AlDub. Or, declare an FO or Friendship Over with long-time pals who rant about Duterte and rave about Roxas. This is just an example, people.

Don’t hate us.

• Jolly Be

Getting by with a smile or something to crack us up about amid hardships is probably God’s greatest gift. Though submerged in filthy flood, we grin and wave for the news TV crew as if we’re vacationing in Boracay. While we despise the Binays, memes of Nancy Binay a la Princess Fiona or Black Nazarene provide our daily dose of medicine: laughter. It makes everything forgivable and forgettable.

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REST FOR THE WICKED > For the Young, Single, and Hungry

By> Nicholo Jallores

MUSHROOMS SAUTEED IN LIME + ALMOND & GREEN CURRY DRESSING OVER BABY SPINACH Every once in a while I chance upon a recipe that comes out way better than I imagined it would be. This is one of those rarities. Here’s how it went down: I was in the middle of a vegan superfood-themed week, and I was for the life of me craving for something meaty and creamy. Pasta Carbonara would’ve been perfect, but I have yet to find evidence that points to bacon being superfood (help me lawd I’m still trying!). So I thought of 1.) mushrooms for the meatiness, and 2.) an almond dressing in place of cream. It totally worked! Can’t say it beats Carbonara in the Comfort Food Competition, but it certainly packs a lot of flavor and attitude for something so healthful.

I need to tell you though: don’t overdo the Thai Green Curry. Put enough for the dressing to taste unapologetic of it’s curry-ness, but that certainly won’t require a whole tablespoon-ful. You’ll be tempted to add more green curry paste, but don’t.

Start with half a teaspoon, and work your way from there. Oh and don’t skip the marmite. It adds a fishy note that makes the curry come alive.

FOR THE SAUTEED MUSHROOMS YOU’LL NEED: 1 tbsp. olive oil 1 clove of garlic, sliced thinly A pack of fresh button mushrooms, halved or left whole if they’re already bite-sized (white or brown. Color is irrelevant.

What matters is that you don’t use a mushroom that’s too flavorful, like shitake.

It could clash with the complexity of the almond dressing. Also, don’t use canned mushrooms. Just… no.

Juice and zest of half a lime 1 clove of garlic, sliced thinly (or minced. I happen to like biting into small slivers of garlic) 1 1/2 tbsp. chopped coriander or flat-leaf parsley

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A pinch of sugar or a dribble of agave Salt and pepper FOR THE ALMOND DRESSING YOU’LL NEED: 1 cup of whole almonds, lightly toasted 2 cups of water 1/2 tsp. thai green curry paste (keep this vegan by going for a curry paste that does not use fish sauce) Juice and zest of half a lime 1/2 tsp. marmite FOR THE SALAD BASE YOU’LL NEED: Handful of baby spinach.

As much as you can handle.

You can also use other mild-flavored greens. Don’t use strong greens like rocket or urugula.

A scattering of chopped almonds HOW: 1.) Start with the dressing. Put all of the ingredients in a blender and blitz till it forms a runny paste or batter. It should resemble South Indian coconut chutney, in both look and taste.

2.) Get on with the mushrooms. Saute the mushrooms in the olive oil for a minute, then add the sliced garlic. Don’t start with the garlic because you’re likely to burn them that way.

3.) The mushrooms will release a bit of liquid. Just let them saute/braise in medium heat until all of the liquid has evaporated. Then the mushrooms will start to caramelize around the edges.

4.) When the mushrooms have browned, add the juice and zest of half a lime and the pinch of sugar. Reduce until there’s barely

any juice. Add the chopped coriander.

Season well.

5.) Time to put it together. Lay the handful of baby spinach on the plate, and top with the sauteed mushrooms. Some of the spinach will wilt in the heat of the mushrooms – PARADISIAL! Drizzle with the almond dressing and finish off with a scattering of almonds and chopped coriander.

NOTE: You could very easily turn this into a raw vegan dish. Don’t sautee the mushrooms. Instead, slice them thinly and toss them them in a dressing made of the same sauteeing ingredients. Replace the olive oil with extra virgin olive oil and up the quantity to make a respectable dressing. You may also need to add a bit more lime juice.

ANNIE B CHRONICLES

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Th e ad v e n tur e s a n d mi s ad ve n tu re s o f a ‘ n o t s o a ve ra g e ’ P in a y tr y i n g to ma ke i t i n th e c o s m o po lita n c ity o f Du b a i

“F e e li ng Beach y”

I beach!

t’s happening – my skin getting dry, my nose is moisty, my armpits are sweaty, and my bungang-araw are hume-hello….yes…summer time is just around the corner – all the signs are telling me to hit the

One Friday afternoon, my flatmates and I headed for the Jumeirah Open Beach – by chance, try to meet new guys and display our pang-Temptation Island outfits. Armed with kalderos of adobo and steamed rice with matching litro of softdrinks , we set up our area at the beach where everyone can see us. Of course, the traditional kodakan would always be there – for new pictures to send to our family back home and upload in our Facebook.

But by sudden twist of faith, a group of six-footer Russian girls started laughing as we were doing our version of Viva Hot Babes’ Bulaklak. Aba, aba, aba! Who are they making fun to? We maybe all under 5 feet and 2 inches but our legs are definitely shapelier and our skin smoother than theirs. They look like a bunch of Super Sireynas wearing those tacky colorful swimsuits anyway. Annoyed and opended, we decided to set up our banig in another area. Then I gave them the pinger. Etong sa inyo, o!

We continued to explore the rest of the beach when I suddenly spotted a fafa – some Arab buy who’s looksalike Collin Farell – jogging. I had to put on my Vina Morales spirit in an instant and started jogging away. I ran as fast I could so the cute habibi would notice me, but after twenty minutes, I got the feeling he’s not interested. So, I stopped and I decided to try the water and thought of other tactics to attract other guys. Sayang naman ang outfit ko noh!

While doing my backstroke, I didn’t notice that I was swimming far away from the shore. Suddenly I realized that I was alone.

Then in a wink of an eye, I saw something coming towards me…it was a black fin…. as in ANAK NG PATING…. Jaws na itu!!!! I paddled as fast as I could, but the more I moved, the more I sank into the water – I’m losing control……Jaws koh….I think this is the end of my life…. I could feel the water getting colder….dizzizit-so-not-it!!!

HEELLLLPPPP!!!! Jaws ko pooo…..may pateeeeeeeeeeeng!!! The boat is sinking!!!

Then I felt a strong force grabbed my hair… anak ng….wala namang ka-poisepoise itu oh! I felt like a dog being rescued from drowning. When we reached the shore, the guy who saved me out of the water dragging my left arm…araay…teka, teka…then he said, “Hay salamat, akala ko

nalonod na….akala ko nagainom ng tobig.

Mukhang cunsyus naman si Ati eh….” I saw his face – “uy, kisig Pinoy!” It was the Pinoy lifeguard.

Before the opportunity walks away, I quickly pretended to be unconscious – so that he’ll revive me by mouth-to-mouth resusotacion – French kiss na itu!!!

But I think he knew that I was faking it. Still I didn’t move….as my friends were starting to panic and tarantated. Deadma pa rin ang lola nyo-pagkakataon ko na ito noh!

But instead of the Pinoy lifeguard coming close to me, it was and old guy with long ang kinky beard that wanted to give me a mouth-to-mouth “Ok, I kiss Filipini now….

Oh noooo…. I quickly opened my eyes and breathed loudly – hirap pala magpigil ng hininga!!! “I’m ok! I’m ok!!” I shouted just as the old bearded man was trying to lay me down the sand again. “I sed, I’m okay!!!

Maga-patuka na lang ako sa ahas!!!!!!

Dizzizit!!! Ayoko na….who thought my first beach escape would turn out to be such a disaster? From the Russians to the padelicious Arab jogger to the sharks and to the Father Tropa lifeguard wannabe? Hay, this is too much! Hindi kaya ng powers ko!

Next time, I will just sun bathing in my flat rooftop by myself. Yes, life is a beach…but mine is a double beach…a double beach!!!!!

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