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Fashyown! Fashion
for every Juan!
#O wnYourFashyown
The Style Mafioso
Changing the world of fashion one OOTD at a time
Fashion for the Unfashionable
How to not roll your eyes at a fashion show
La Vie Parisiene Loving life in the City of Love
Fashion-fashionan! Beware Les Poseurs
EDITOR’S NOTE/ CONTENTS
ISSUE 10
10th • Oct • 2016
#ownyourfashyown
The new fashion season is here and just like other glamor spots around the world, October breathes new life into the city’s fashionistas who are raring to see the latest and most fabulous from the Filipino design greats in the emirates. But let us veer-off our designers just this once, and point the viewfinder to the other side of the fence instead, to the fashionistas, the unfashionable, and the puma-fashyown. We look at all sides and ask - is there a place for style in the lives of regular Pinoys? And of course, the answer is a resounding yes! So read on friends, this one’s about “fashion for every Juan.”
LALAINE CHU-BENITEZ Editor-in-Chief
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PINOY PROGRESSIVE
ILLUMINATI: LUXURY’S LUSCIOUS LAP >6 POWER TO THE PINOY >7 KEEPING UP WITH THE CON GEN: TO BE EXOTIC AND PINOY >8 FEATURE: STYLE INTELLIGENTSIA >10 USAPANG ILLUSTRADO >17 FEATURE: THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS >24 FEATURE: LES POSEURS > 26 MONEY: WHY YOU SHOULD BE AN ENTREPRENEUR >50 SENSE & SPIRITUALITY: OVERCOMING EMPTINESS >51 LAW: 5 LAWS EVERY FILIPINA SHOULD KNOW >52
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: KIMBERLY F.A.R. >38 ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: SONIQ >40 SCRAPBOOK: EUGENE SANTOS & GABRIEL RIMANDO >42 ENTERTAINMENT >55
FASHION & BEAUTY
EDITORIAL: YOWN! FASHYOWN! >28 REAL STYLE, REAL PEOPLE >46 WEARING IT WELL: AGNES STOTT BRIGGS >49
JUST BECAUSE
MY PINOY LIFE IN PARIS >18 ILLUSTRADO STUFF >36 BEAUTY: IT’S A LUSH LIFE! >34 LA-LA-LA-LIFESTYLE: 7 QUALITIES OF AN INSPIRED LIFESTYLE >35 IT’S WHAT I DO: LOU BUNYI PAREJA & ENGELICA YANIG-PELAEZ >36 COMMUNITY: THE MEDICAL CITY >37 THE ANNIE B. CHRONICLES: FAZIONABLY ANNIE >53 ILLUSTRADO NOM NOMS: GAENG KIEW WARN GAI FROM DUSIT THANI DUBAI >55 ONLI IN DA PILIPINS: THE WAIS PINOY… BOW! >56
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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, her natural knack for marketing and mass communications makes her a formidable authority in any dialogue regarding the rebranding of the Filipino image on a global scale.
NICHOLO JALLORES
For a long time, Associate Nicholo Jallores identified himself as somewhat of a style savant… up until he realized that he had more things to worry about than clothes. So now he tries to go the way of Mark Zuckerberg, that is to spend as little of his IQ points on wardrobe as possible and focus his decision-making on life’s more pressing questions such as “What to eat?” or “What else do I want to be when I grow up?”
KRIP YUSON Esteemed writer Krip Yuson has earned distinctions as a literary author of over 20 books – from poetry, short stories, children’s stories, biographies, and translation. A Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature Hall-of-Famer, Krip regales us with his musings on the Filipino condition via his column, “Illuminati.”
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.
BARNEY ALMAZAR, ESQ. KRISTINE ABANTE
An entertainment industry expert who spends her downtime looking for the next great adventure wherever she could find it, Kristine uses her writing to relive her experiences twice and to encourage others to join the ride.
ABY YAP
TRACY LEY
Beauty expert and blogger Tracy Ley aka “Ms. Tracy” is Illustrado’s resident sassy lioness. In this issue, she talks about ‘The Lush Life’. Keep up with her sassy shenanigans via her FB page https://www.facebook.com/ MsTracyLey, or on Instagram: @mstracyleyofficial
What makes the Pinoy tick? Aby Yap’s long-running column “Onli in Da Pilipins” often answers that question. She talks about the familiar Pinoy life, turning it into something fun and extraordinary. With a talent for finding every Juan’s funny bone, Aby’s wit and obvious affection makes the Filipino a whole lot more lovable.
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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.
ROMAN GUEVARA
Spiritual advisor. Life Coach. Rockstar. Roman Guevara, better known as “Kuya Roman,” has made an indelible mark in the Filipino community in the GCC with his unique brand of empowerment. In this issue, he talks about how what people should do when they feel empty. Get in touch with him on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ romanguevaraRU
JOSEPH ALCANTARA
A marketer by profession and a blogger by passion, Joseph found his niche in inspiring others using his personal travel, fitness, career, and lifestyle stories. He believes that the world is one’s oyster and breathes the essence of ‘carpe diem.’ Follow his adventures through his blog www.flywithjoseph.com, or his Facebook page www.facebook.com/ flywithjoseph.
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 ANNA DE LEON BARNEY ALMAZAR EXCEL DYQUIANCO FRANCISCO COLAYCO KRISTINE ABANTE CONSUL GENERAL PAUL RAYMUND CORTES TRACY LEY ORENCIO CONTRIBUTING WRITERS – UAE, PHILIPPINES, CANADA AJ MARASIGAN DANABELLE GUTIERREZ KENNETH EPHRAIM SURAT MAI BAUTISTA NINA PEÑALOSA-CARPIO RACHE HERNANDEZ REX VENARD BACARRA ROSAN KATLEA REODICA 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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SPECIAL QUARTERLY EDITION BI-WEEKLY PUBLISHER – UAE ILLUSTRADO COMMUNICATIONS FZ-LLC 2ND FLOOR, BUILDING 2, DUBAI MEDIA CITY UNITED ARAB EMIRATES P.O. BOX 72280 OFFICE 20C TEL: +971 4 365 4543, 365 4547 FAX: +971 4 360 4771 E-MAIL: ADMIN@ILLUSTRADO.CO WEB: ILLUSTRADOLIFE.COM, ILLUSTRADO.CO FACEBOOK: ILLUSTRADO MAGAZINE INSTAGRAM: @illustradomagazine PRINTERS ATLAS MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS FZ-LLC PO BOX 14833 DUBAI, UAE STOCK IMAGES SHUTTERSTOCK.COM (UNLESS OTHERWISE SPECIFIED) COPYRIGHT ILLUSTRADO COMMUNICATIONS FZ-LLC 2006 – 2016 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. NO PART OF THIS MAGAZINE MAY BE USED OR REPRODUCED IN ANY MANNER WHATSOEVER WITHOUT THE WRITTEN PERMISSION OF ILLUSTRADO COMMUNICATIONS FZ-LLC.
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Deconstructing the Filipino zeitgeist. In short, dibdibang pagmumuni-muni.
B y > K r i p Yu s o n
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ock-eyed optimist of a visionary that I pride myself to be, I foresee a time when Earth will be in total peace, its humans in perfect harmony. Maybe it will happen long after a nearly apocalyptic conflagration that will minimize global stress, in terms of number of stakeholders. Maybe a unifying force, even dictatorial albeit benevolently rational, will see to the idealization of population. Or by that time, human technology would have allowed space colonization, and effective migration. Oh, it won’t be a totally classless society. The truly wealthy will have vacations on the moon and/or beyond. But those who stay on the planet do so without any or all of the previous levels of want that once characterized one end of the spectrum of human life and longing. Each family will have a private villa with an infinity pool by a beach. Caviar may have gone through, and recovered from, a ban owing to once-decimated sources, and foie gras might already have found a replica illustrado go>8
— much like kani or the Japanese artificial crab stick — that passes muster even under the noses of the PC police. What is the purpose of life, anyway? Apart from decoding its possible meaning, and indulging in matters philosophical, cosmic, literary, cinematic, musical and artsyfartsy, everyone wants to have a stress-free environment in the company of loved ones, enjoying a lifestyle that allows for the least drudgery of work (exempted is creativity for its own sake, which is never drudgery, anyway) that in turn reaps as many of the perks and privileges as possible. That means having frequent vacations, preferably in idyllic settings such as a paradise of sun and surf, or ski slopes and Alpine scenery, or rolling countryside a la Tuscany or Provence, or amidst ruins of ancient capitals, with history for the taking in the form of souvenirs like refrigeratordoor magnets. And everyone wants to eat well, drink well, gorge well, taste everything at least once, unless the philosophy purposively
embraced is vegetarianism, veganism, fruitarianism… Or when one’s religious faith (would we still have that animal for much too long, I wonder) disallows intake of certain… well, animals, as purveyors of faith, should we suppose? Everyone wants to have the best things in life, unless that faith (again!) decrees simplicity under a metaphorical Bodhi tree for a lifetime. But if we’re talking of the average Joe or Jose or Joao here, the sublimation of desire can only be a no-no, if not downright foolish.
To live in the lap of luxury is a goal, an ambition, a dream, a fantasy cherished by many. By most of sentient beings, in fact. Thus, I believe (such is my faith in human genius) we’ll all get there somehow — or at least our descendants will.
POWER TO THE PINOY
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Towards empowering Filipinos.
By > Lalaine Chu-Benitez
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hen you think about Filipinos and fashion – and I mean, mere mortals like us who do not inhabit the style firmament of the Michaels, the Furnes and the Ezras of this world, you are presented with extremes. On one hand we have the t-shirt and jeans, flip-flop wearing Pinoys who walk around like the world is their little Boracay. Then you’ve got the fashionistas who live for Fashion Forward, so that they can prance and show-off their fierce statements, svelte silhouettes and sometimes gasp-inducing stylings. Even our own folks say that we are a “t-shirt nation,” a people who lack fashion sense. And yet, some of our most talented occupy the highest echelons of creativity and daring when it comes to designing style. Is fashion really relevant? How important is it for the ordinary Filipino? Is it a useless and frivolous exercise? Or is fashion the hallowed domain of the snobbish airkissing and pouting few? Let me frame this question with an incident from the past. A few years ago, while presenting Illustrado Magazine to an agency in Dubai, the director suddenly remarked – “But aren’t Filipinos laborers?” Excuse my thin skin, but I was miffed. Here we were, impeccably dressed in sharp suits, eloquent in our line of expertise, and we were being asked if we are laborers. One wonders how the happy-go-lucky-tshirt-and-jeans-wearing-flip-flop-swinging Pinoy would be treated here. Then, again, perhaps these outsiders are not to blame. Because, really, by and large, we as a community are not exactly exuding an air of success out there in the streets – where perceptions are formed and our value, summed up.
Case in point, if I had to count the number of Pinoys who applied here for a job wearing what they would wear to the supermarket, add to that the number of Pinoys walking in certain parts of the city (especially on a Friday) like they just got out of bed (in pajamas, sandos, and pak-na-pak shorts), I would be totally overwhelmed. Our Consulate General and Embassy have to carry notices that visitors should be appropriately dressed – something we don’t see in other diplomatic offices. Why is that so? Sadly, the immaculately and appropriately dressed Pinoy is more of an exception than the norm. What is an outsider supposed to conclude when they see most of us shabby? And when sometimes, even the real honestto-goodness laborers are more decently dressed in slacks and collared shirts during their days off? Whether you like it or not, the ugly truth is that - hindi ka babayaran ng mahal, kung mukha kang mumurahin. There is one important thing to be learned about fashion that goes beyond just being trendy and acquiring brands, and that is –
that style is an important part of how you package yourself. It is intrinsic to your personal brand. You might think that you are smart, that you have substance and that there are more important things in life than what you wear; or you might be one of those arrogant types who couldn’t care less due to over confidence. But remember this - in the harsh glare of reality, especially under the glitzy lights of Dubai, your weight as a person is summed up in a cursory glance. And in advancing in life, unless you’re the complete package and look convincing enough for the ambition you hold, I’m sorry dahling, but that glass ceiling and that negative Filipino stereotype will always be there. So come on now, it’s time to shed that inferior image. Retire those scruffy t-shirts, those sandos and flip-flops. Burn those pak-na-pak shorts. Get rid of that fresh-off-the-barrio look for something more dignified. Dress for success, they say. I say, dress for how you value yourself.
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KEEPING UP WITH THE CONGEN > Tales from your friendly neighbourhood Philippine Consul-General.
By > Consul General Paul Raymund Cortes
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ne staple activity organized by almost all Philippine Foreign Service posts around the world is the ubiquitous cultural program that features “traditional” and (they say) authentic Filipino dance and music. Every year, Philippine Embassies and Consulates General scramble after the Bayanihan and the Ramon Obusan Folkloric Group; or the Madrigals, the UST Singers, or the Ateneo College Glee Club or others dubbed to be performers of authentic Filipino art. These groups, as most Pinoy diplomats would justify and without doubt, highlight the best in traditional Filipino art and showcase the rich history of Philippine music, dance, and performing art. In 2015, the Department of Foreign Affairs embarked on a project that brought Philippine ballet to the Middle East. Ballet Philippines toured Dubai and Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, and Jordan and performed to jampacked crowds in these cities, earning praise not only from the Filipino communities there but also from among the European and Arab audiences. While some lauded the effort of Ballet Philippines to spread their wings in this part of the world, some community leaders questioned why government opted to feature a dance form that wasn’t particularly authentic Filipino. Ballet, they add, is a European concoction with roots from Italy, France, and then Russia. It seemed, critics stressed, that we were orchestrating the preponderance of
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KEEPING UP WITH THE CONGEN > Tales from your friendly neighbourhood Philippine Consul-General.
When Michael Cinco or Ezra Santos refashion the terno to something more palatable to the women of the Arab world, I call it a Filipino interpreting Islamic fashion. Better yet – I call it art – no cultural nomenclature, no categories, no classifications.
are those that we classify as traditional such as singkil, tinikling, pandango, or in musical terms, kundiman though many will likewise disagree that these are hybrid products of Spanish and Filipino cultures. Do variances of these traditional forms or interpretations of foreign art not qualify as Filipino? What happens when one artist injects his/her personal perspective and soak their own cultural experiences in their interpretations of these “borrowed” arts – are we to dismiss it then as inauthentic?
Western or European art forms at the expense of Filipino art --- reeking of colonial mentality. But what then do I consider unadulterated Filipino? Pre-colonial times in the Philippines suffer a dearth of information and written history on the various art forms of those eras and sadly, academic discussions on Filipino art were not recorded for our ease of reference. And as we had seen our world more connected, more blended, and more interactive in the past hundreds of years, can I even classify each facet of art I see today as pure Filipino -- racial and cultural miscegenation and all? Perhaps what we consider as authentic
Some years back, as a struggling professional artist, I was told by my mentors and audience to be authentic – someone like Joey Ayala or maybe in the same musical vein as Grace Nono. My musical influences began with Basil Valdez and Original Pilipino Music or OPM, from which I then graduated to pop balladeers like Martin or Gary and at one point even opera. Somehow, I felt more comfortable in this genre and I could not envision myself dabbling into alternative folk music or even downright traditional folk. To do so wouldn’t be me. Granted, being authentic is being true to oneself but being dictated to be authentic in the standard our audiences demand appears oxymoronic. If audience standard is the only determinant to be true to oneself, then we contradict our search for authenticity and become pawns of the people we seek to be authentic for. Filipino ballet dancers or Filipino rappers or Filipino artists who interpret American or Western or even Korean art must not be condemned as inauthentic or un-Filipino simply because they choose to speak foreign art using their native tongues. Doing so negates their experiences as
Filipinos and how these help redraw their perspectives of global art. How much more Filipino can one get when a Pinoy dances ballet or sings American music or raps in the manner Eminem does albeit in his own language if one uses his Filipino soul to paint new renditions of these art? Should they be booed off the stage for being unFilipino? This is my greatest beef with standards and nomenclature. To determine what is authentically Filipino and who determines it is subject of much discourse and debate. And at the end of the day, whose standard are we to use as the benchmark? When Michael Cinco or Ezra Santos refashion the terno to something more palatable to the women of the Arab world, I call it a Filipino interpreting Islamic fashion. Better yet – I call it art – no cultural nomenclature, no categories, no classifications. After all, in a globalized world such as ours nowadays, we have become a mix, a salad bowl of cultures and art so that ascertaining which is pure and uncontaminated is simply anathema to present day realities. None of us hold the key to whatever it is we deem is purely Pinoy. Folk Ilokano art is as Filipino as the triads of Cordillera sounds or the melodic rhythms of the Tagalogs and Cebuanos or the disco sounds of VST and Co., the ballads of Basil and Martin, the terpsichorean choreography of G-Force and Ballet Philippines or the jerky rap tunes of Blakdyak. That these art are explored and rediscovered through the eyes, words, voices, hands, and the bodies of Filipinos makes that art form uniquely Pinoy and definitely authentic. No critic should ever dismiss you as otherwise.
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INTELLIGENTSIA “Clothes make the man. Naked people have little or no influence on society.” -Mark Twain Welcome to the Age of Aesthetics – a time when image and public perception has become inextricably linked with one’s worth in the society. Ours is a show and tell generation, as in “show us what you’ve got, and we’ll tell you who you are.” This climate of hyper consumerism is made even gnarlier by the recent strides in communication technology. Nowadays, everyone who has a social media profile has a platform. Everyone who has a website is a brand. Everyone who has access to Google is an expert. Everyone who has an opinion has a voice. Like it or not, this is the world we live in now. It’s great for the consumers – but for fashion editors, not so much.
U S H I S AT O
www.theshadesandscarf.com www.ushisato.com Style Philosophy When you don’t dress like everyone else, you don’t have to think like everyone else. What makes your point of view unique? I guess the urge to revolt against what most people identify as “stylish.” I tend to
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Recently, Vogue.com editors published a recap of the Milan Fashion week, which ended up making headlines for its vicious commentaries on the rise of the blogging industry. Yes - the exercise now warrants the word “Industry,” for not only are bloggers “many,” they have also become increasingly academic – obviously, to the point that fashion editors now feel the need to mitigate their presence in the media space by undermining their qualifications. We sat down with some of our favorite bloggers to get their insights on the blogging phenomenon, as well as their opinion on the issue of Bloggers Vs. Editors.
make my own flow than to go with the flow. There’s always a story to the outfits I wear, and I think it’s that element of expression that makes dressing up more interesting. I don’t sacrifice my style or sanity to fit in. It’s just never worth it. A day in the life of a fashion blogger When I was still balancing being a blogger with my job as a buyer and merchandiser, it was full of fashion and out and about moments. It was pretty hectic but fun. But now, having my own business as a
full time designer, I have to focus more on the quality of my content, and not just the quantity. The content that I usually blog now are related to what I like to do and what I currently do. It’s more on sharing my lifestyle - more suggestive and informative. In a week I blog around 4-5 posts. I’m not the best writer, so I tend to like on focusing to it than sharing social media photos. I draft my blog post in advance whenever I’m not too busy.
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Just how much work goes into maintaining a successful blogging career? I’ve been blogging since early 2009 and I must say if you put a lot of fun on doing it, you’ll never feel that there’s a lot of work on maintaining a blog. Dedication is a must, and you need to work hard on it patiently. Success doesn’t come overnight. You know you’re successful if you manage to maintain the image of your blog throughout the years. Your content and reach grow, but the core values of your “brand” remains the same. That’s how you become unique and memorable. Staying true to your identity is the best way to carve your niche in the mediasphere. Are bloggers the new fashion editors? There’s a big difference between the two. The whole point of being a blogger is independence. We are free agents. We do not have a boss to review and approve our work, and constrict our thinking with editorial calendars. We are the creators, editors, and critics of our own content. Everything is direct and honest. Fashion Editors, they EDIT what they want to publish - they have to conform to the rules of the publication, and oftentimes, to the demands of their advertisers. It’s pretty easy to understand actually. I think the Bloggers Vs. Editors debate arises because of brands and retailers who tend to rely solely on bloggers for their marketing strategies. It’s all about business, and bloggers today are business people! We also have bills to pay! What roles do bloggers play in the fashion industry? Fashion bloggers today play a huge role on “fast tracking” a campaign. Bloggers can very quickly decide and communicate if the product is an absolute ‘no’ or a ‘yes’. We can whip up a campaign in an instant: modeling, photography, reviews, etc. And because we do not have the system of feedback and approvals that plague a marketing department or editorial team, we can get our message out quickly and spread it across the Internet like wildfire. What is your ultimate goal as a fashion blogger? I’m a designer by profession and my goal is to make my brand more stable. My blog is already my brand. :) What can you say to aspiring fashion bloggers? You need to enjoy the things that you do. Do not sacrifice your style or sanity to fit in. Be original and consistent, and stand for what you believe in. What do you say to your critics? Just continue watching me. I know you enjoy it. illustrado go>13
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INTELLIGENTSIA
JIM JOQUICO www.fashionchameleon.ae
Style Philosophy I’m not the kind of person you’d be able to box into one specific style, because I tend to wear a little bit of everything. Menswear is already boring and restricted enough and sticking to certain look isn’t going to help any. I don’t prepare outfits even a minute in advance because it’s the spontaneity in putting things together that I really enjoy. I guess what makes my work unique is instead of showcasing a “signature style,” I inspire my followers to explore other avenues of finding their own aesthetic. Rather than copying people on Instagram, they should arrive at their own take on personal style - and they’re not going to get there if they do not experiment even a tiny bit. A Day In the Life of a Fashion Blogger First there’s the research – you need to know what’s happening now and what designers are putting out there. Then you either buy clothes and accessories or arrange to work with brands who will gift or loan you some pieces to shoot. Then there’s more research to be done – i.e. where do you shoot and are you allowed to do it there? What’s the concept? What will make this shoot unique? All of this questions need to be answered ahead of shooting day. Then comes the easiest part of the job – the shoot. You need to prepare the essentials – camera, lenses, memory cards, any other equipment you might need to support the concept you are bringing to life. Afterwards, there’s the processing bit for the photos you’ve shot. With up to 300 raw images per look, the first thing to do is narrow the set down and choose your 10 best. Then you choose the five that you’re willing to spend time in editing, which can take about 15 minutes per image if
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you’re just doing minor corrections. Once the visuals are done, you go back to the original concept and write up a blog post – this one can take days if you value what you put your name on. The last part is planning for different social media platforms and how you’re going to go about making the same set of photos interesting for your followers.
Bloggers, at least when they started, presented a different take on fashion that was away from the establishment. If Vogue was telling its readers, this is what you need to wear now, bloggers were showing their followers, this is what I chose to wear, period. There was no hint of authority, but instead inspiration for people who run out of ideas what to wear on some mornings.
Are bloggers the new fashion editors? No, that was never the intention of having bloggers join the fashion scene. I think brands are to blame for oversimplifying the equation in the beginning. Because they had never had to deal with bloggers before, they didn’t know what to do with them. So they treated them the way they had been treating traditional fashion media for decades and this whole feud came to life and would never just die.
The dynamics have since changed, with the idea of blogging becoming so commercialized that people are not only doing it as a career, but also inspiring others to get into the business themselves. To assume that bloggers need to play a role that affects where the industry goes is a little arrogant, but that’s not to say they don’t. The really big ones can make or break a startup looking to get noticed, but other than that, even I don’t think bloggers should concern themselves with such an
overwhelming task, because it takes away from the roots and essence of blogging. What can you say to aspiring fashion bloggers? If you’re in it for the money, there are other, easier ways to make it. Know what you’re getting into because this is a lot of hard work. You’ll reach a point where you’ll turn a profit, but until then, you’re going to have to suck it up and make a name for yourself. You really need to want to be doing this so ask yourself if it’s going to be worth your time. What do you say to your critics? Learn to write and take better pictures. Then maybe you’ll be good enough to criticize people.
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INTELLIGENTSIA
L O PA S C UA L www.locloset.blogspot.ae
Style philosophy Composition. It’s like photography, you have to have an overall angle of vision to make your style work. It’s all about the details and how you would play around with it. I actually learned the hard way since I used to buy a lot of stuff and end up taking one outfit photo of it and never wearing it after which also took a lot of space in my closet. I’m now typically someone who would buy a shirt and would have to think of five ways on how I would wear it and which type of occasions I would wear it.
NEVER be afraid of repeating a piece of clothing, ‘cause why not? I always remind myself that if I look good in it, there’s no reason not to repeating it again. Be practical and don’t think about what other people would say. You do you. A Day in the Life of a Fashion Blogger To give a rough outline, you firstly have to plan and schedule your shoots especially if like me you have a day job.
Plan your blog OOTD at least two days before and try it out in the mirror before the day of the shoot, I always have to have a back-up outfit just in case I realize the first outfit doesn’t work. Early in the day I think of a location on where to do the shoot and make sure that my memory cards are clear and my camera batteries are full.
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Most fashion bloggers like me rely on natural sunlight so I suggest you do your shoots at least an hour and 30 minutes before sunset meaning you also have to quickly Google what time the sunset will be. In the evening do your edits and blog draft and schedule your posts depending on the peek time and day where you are located. Are bloggers the new fashion editors? I would strongly say no. The way I would go with this is that Fashion Editors have dedicated their full life with fashion. They know all the past, present and could event predict a new trend. They know the history and the story behind all the fashion brands and designers and always in the lookout of an upcoming new talent. And yes some fashion bloggers are the same but most bloggers I know and follow are more in a controlled environment with a like-minded follower base that relates to their specific style or taste. We don’t necessarily have to know everything about fashion because we basically follow our own rules. It’s really an apples and oranges type of situation and no one is better than the other but each has the same end goal to inspire people to discover their own unique sense of style. What roles do bloggers play in the fashion industry? Relatability is usually a strong point that all fashion bloggers should have. Like
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I previously said we are here to inspire likeminded people that strongly relate to our unique style and taste. In my personal experience and observations, people who follow me also follow the bloggers and influencers I follow. Look at this like a Pinterest board: You filter things you don’t like and pin the things that you are specifically interested with. It’s all about our ability to create a visual impact that mirrors our follower’s thought vision which makes them think “Hey, I could also wear that!” What can you say to aspiring Fashion Bloggers? Be patient. Don’t expect one outfit post to put you in the map. It takes a lot of hard work. Aside from outfit posts, you have to be able to connect with your followers and even fellow aspiring fashion bloggers. Have fun, do meet-ups, get to know each other and be open to do collaborations. What do you say to your critics? I take critics as people whom I can learn from. These are the people who would help you grow and not necessarily tell you what to do and what not to do. It’s important to pay attention to them especially if their comments are constructive and something you could develop. However, there’s a strong difference between critics and haters. I see influencers and even celebrities who continue to feed on their haters because they keep on addressing them. The best thing you can do against haters is to ignore them completely and go on to continue what you like doing as long as you don’t say or do something offensive. Always put your best foot forward.
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FEATURE
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INTELLIGENTSIA
RY L E T U V I E R A www.iamthefiercewalker.blogspot.ae Style philosophy? My style philosophy is classy, edgy and cohesive. I always have a vintage piece somewhere in my outfit – though it might not look obvious. I always like to take something old and turn it into something fresh and relevant.
My point of view is unique, especially here in the UAE, because I always break the rules. I don’t wear trendy stuff. I always like to convey a sense of exclusivity and mystique. I don’t want to look like anybody else other than my true self. Just how much work goes into maintaining a successful blogging career? It depends if the blogger has a full time job or if he’s freelancing. In my case, I have a full time job. I do a lot of work here and internationally, so planning is a major part of my process. If you think you can just start a blog and then it’ll just sort of run itself, you’re wrong. Blogging requires a lot of coordination and collaboration.
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Are bloggers the new fashion editors? Bloggers are not the new fashion editors, and they shouldn’t have to be. We all have a role to play in this industry, and we do not have to cannibalize each other’s importance. Fashion Editors represent a more “learned” perspective – one that is honed by years of experience, be it practical or academic. It’s not just the content that they need to think about. They also need to factor in business concerns and best industry practices. For us bloggers, it’s always going to be just about our point of view – which makes us more relatable, because for most readers, it’s always going to be just about the clothes. But no – we’re not out here to replace anyone. I’m just doing my own thing. How has the fashion industry in the middle east changed over the decade? Where do you see it going? Not sure where it’s going, but it sure is going there quickly! There are a lot of emerging talents here, and it’s great that we have entities like the Dubai Design
District, Dubai Design Fashion Council and Fashion Forward that keep the style industry on its toes. Already, we are seeing a lot of Middle East-based designers rocking the international fashion scene, and we’re only going to see more. What is your ultimate goal as a fashion blogger? Apart from doing more campaigns and brand collabs, I want to eventually do a lot of charity works that are geared at supporting young, emerging talents here and back home in the Philippines. It’s not just about the glitz and the glam! As with any industry, it’s also about giving back to the community. What can you say to aspiring fashion bloggers? Be humble. Be authentic. What do you say to your critics? Stay fierce! Love you! Thanks for making me better and stronger!
USAPANG
ILLUSTRADO >
Say no to usapang barbero. Dapat, Illustrado!
Fashion nga ba yan, o fashion-fashionan? Filipinos are obsessed with looking good. Di na kailangang i-memorize yan! We put a high premium on being well-groomed and well-presented, but is fashion still as important to us as we think? How Important is Fashion to you?
Shadda Berr, Dubai > Fashion is a huge statement for each of us. It defines what we represent and how we want people to perceive us. A person uses clothes to express their confidence. Trends help people brainstorm different ways to show off their style. A person’s style gives you a piece of their personality because it’s their own way to artistically define themselves. The clothes are the colors, while the person is the canvas.
Elton Ladd Batinga, Philippines > Fashion is more than just clothing. It is an image and an identity. It is your brand. That being said, it is important to me that when other people see me, they see relaxed but sharp and smart sophistication. Others might say it is very superficial and it might very well be, but we can’t deny the fact that image plays a very big role in business; and we all are, in some way or another, selling something. If you have a job that doesn’t require you to get out of the house then by all means, wear whatever you feel like. But, if you’re going out into the world, be aware: you are what you wear.
Emil Arellano, Philippines > Fashion is my way of expressing my personality. It’s a way of telling people who I am, without uttering a single word. But unlike some people, I have a very practical approach
to fashion, in that comfort has to come first. I will not wear anything that’s going to distract me from doing the things that I need to do.
Ion Gonzaga, Dubai > It is important to be presentable. But it is not really important for me to conform to the patterns of this world with regards to fashion. What’s important for me is I’m comfortable with what I wear and how I present myself to people without compromising my character.
I appreciate all fashion ideas coz that’s where I get inspiration on how to make myself presentable.
Des Zapanta Duran, Dubai > My fashion sense (if I have any, at all) is simple and straightforward: decent, timeless and comfortable. Keeping up with the latest trend is quite a challenge anyway – I’m not sure if my wallet can handle it. There are more important things to prioritize; like travel and insurance!
Lency Sangalang, Dubai > As per my basic comprehension of what fashion is, it’s all about trend and hype. Given that definition, I can say that fashion is somehow important to me, as it’s always a good idea to be aware of the times. Culture is ever-changing, so if we cannot be ahead of it, the least we could do is keep up. This is especially important in a place like Dubai, where the best of all worlds collide, and where image plays a huge role in business. The last thing you would want in a meeting is to distract your client with a bad outfit.
Casey Soltura, Philippines > Whether we like it or not, we are also judged by our fashion choices. While others see it as an avenue for self-expression, I see it as a way to brand myself. Working as a sales executive, I want to align the company’s brand and integrity in me, in how I carry myself, by carefully paying attention to how I dress, how I put myself together – to be the best representation of the company. Sure there are times you don’t feel quite confident, but dressing sharply can certainly fake it and eventually your mind just follows.
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MY PINOY LIFE IN > Living the dream, loving the world, learning new things everyday
My pinoy life in I have a tattoo on my back that says, “The greatest risk in life is risking nothing.” Moving to France was a risk for, but with God’s help, I am now in the best place that I could be. I hope all of you will take risks too.
By>Uno Rodriguez
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I
moved to Europe in 2010. I first stayed with my relatives in Antwerp, Belgium and after a year, I moved to Paris. I moved to Europe because at one point in my life, I asked myself about where I see myself growing old. I love the fact that in France, you can enjoy the benefits of the tax that you are paying; that you can secure your future here and you can live life to the fullest. You can live your life here quietly, or loudly, simply or extravagantly - it’s really up to you. People here are very tasteful and fashionable, but also very polite and mindful. Indeed, “Viva La vie à Parisienne”.
My Paris Well, we all know that Paris is considered an international city. Aside from having breathtaking historical sites like churches, museums and chateaus, Paris is the birthplace of “People Power”. We all know that this is the place where the voices of the people are heard – case in point, the beheading of France’s last King and Queen, King Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette. This is the reason why France gave the Statue of Liberty to the US, as Americans tried to emulate that strong spirit of democracy. In addition, every day in my life here, I always see these three important words:
MY PINOY LIFE IN > Living the dream, loving the world, learning new things everyday
Architecture of Paris, France, traditional buildings and streets
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MY PINOY LIFE IN > Living the dream, loving the world, learning new things everyday
Old town with the Justitia
statue in Frankfurt, Germany
Pont neuf, Ile de la Cite, Paris - France
liberté, égalité, fraternité which means Freedom, Equality and Brotherhood. I may not be French but indeed, the French have made me feel like I am their brother as I enjoyed both equality and freedom. Is there a Filipino community there? There is a big population of Filipinos here in France. In fact, there are a lot of active associations here in Paris. To name a few: BBM (Bagong Bayani ng Mamamayan), Calabarzon and Metro Manila Association, Sandigan Group, Peñafrancia, Hiligaynon, VisaMin, Proud Pangasinense, Bisdak and other organizations consisting of Filipinos from from Pampanga, Ilocandia and Caviteños. I can attest to the fact that every weekend, there are different events happening all over the city. My Pinoy Life I see myself growing old in France. You can always feel like a tourist here and be mesmerized by the beauty of the Eiffel Tower and Sacrè Cœur, and the grandness of the Louvre and Chateau Versailles. And it’s not just Paris that’s wondrous. There are also the neighboring cities of Nice, Cannes, Antibes, Monaco, Lyon, Bretagne, Toulouse and Normandie.
It’s no secret that France has the reputation of being a culinary epicenter. If there is such a thing as “good food” in the world, you will find it in France. Plus, the shopping here is marvelous.
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Arc de Triomphe Paris city at sunset - Arch of Triumph
MY PINOY LIFE IN > Living the dream, loving the world, learning new things everyday
Balneary of Caldea in Escaldes, Andorra. Caldea is Europe’s largest health spa designed by the architect Jean-Michel Ruols in 1994.
View of typical paris cafe in Paris.
Montmartre area is among most popular destinations in Paris, Le Consulat is a typical cafe.
The Louvre Museum is one of the world’s largest museums
and a historic monument. A central landmark of Paris, France.
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MY PINOY LIFE IN > Living the dream, loving the world, learning new things everyday
Eiffel Tower is the tallest structure in Paris and the most-visited paid monument in the world.
When people ask me if I am happy here, I answer them “No.� Why? Because, I am tranquil here. For me happiness, is just temporary - but if you are in a tranquil place in your life, then you have inner peace. Peace is always joyful. What cultural practices/behaviors have you acquired from your host country? A lot of people think that French people are snobs. I disagree. The French are very courteous, and will go out of their way to extend politeness to strangers. I think the issue comes from the fact that very few of them know how to speak English, and they are generally unwilling to learn it. Hence, they appear snobbish. In France, I learned to value the time I spend with other people. A casual dinner with friends can last for hours. In Paris, after work, you can invite your friends for a dinner in your place or in a restaurant. True human interactions are important here. This has taught me how to appreciate good conversations, how be polite, and how to appreciate the arts and cultures of different people from different countries.
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The Cathedral of Notre Dame de Paris, France
MY PINOY LIFE IN > Living the dream, loving the world, learning new things everyday
Ferris wheel (Roue de Paris) at Place de la Concorde in Paris, France.
My message to Pinoys around the globe Embrace the unknown! Naturally, France felt like a mystery to me at first, but it didn’t take long for me to get used to its quirks and fully embrace its unique culture. To all the Filipinos worldwide: enjoy life, take chances, travel more, and experience the beauty of this world while you still can.
I have a tattoo on my back that says, “The greatest risk in life is risking nothing.” Moving to France was a risk for, but with God’s help, I am now in the best place that I could be. I hope all of you will take risks too.
Moulin Rouge is a famous cabaret built in 1889, located at the Paris red-light district of Pigalle.
Spring gardens in front of Louvre palace, Paris
FEATURE
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By> Kristine Abante
F
or someone who grew up in the 90’s grunge era, my fashion sense will probably never go beyond ripped jeans and a clean white shirt. Okay, maybe you can include wedge shoes, sneakers, a boho blouse, a black dress, Ray-Ban’s and the staple plaid, but that’s pretty much my standard range. Think Winona Ryder in Reality Bites and I won’t even have to show you my closet. In fact, I have not really paid much attention to what’s in season had it not been for Carrie Bradshaw and a younger gay cousin who was only too happy to introduce me to Vogue magazine and people like Marc Jacobs, Alexander McQueen and Oscar dela Renta as his way of coming out. Now that we’ve got the disclaimers out of the way, I want to be able to say that I as I grew older, despite my fashion range remaining stagnant, I have developed a
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certain appreciation for designers and people who work behind the curtains of the fashion industry. Sure Gigi Hadid and perfect 10 models may have poked at my insecurities on more than one occasion, but pouring over fashion magazine spreads and looking at confident women (and men) donning crazy outfits, I have come to accept the fact that the fashion world in essence is this one giant fantasy world as colorful, as bizarre, and perhaps a thousand times more cutthroat and obscene than the one Alice found down the rabbit hole. After getting dragged into a couple of fashion events by insider friends here in Dubai it further dawned on me that this thing they call Fashion didn’t have to make sense in the way that we, the uninitiated muggles of the MRT or the Dubai Metro, expect it to make sense.
Much like art, the beauty of fashion and fashion statements lay in the expression, and in the subjectivity, measured in the amount of guts you have in you to show off a chunk of your personality to the outside world. Unfortunately, I think growing up in the Philippines, where “pamimintas” is a national sport, and where one could easily draw raised eyebrows by wearing clothes that would not be deemed “appropriate” for the streets, the weather or your body type, did not exactly help cultivate our individual “fashion sense” but I would say things are slowly looking up. Thanks to the new breed of outrageously talented Pinoy designers like Michael Cinco, Furne One, Rocky Gathercole, Monique Lhuiller who have in recent years put us on the international map as far as the industry is concerned.
FEATURE
Thanks to social media and millennial kids who have brought a whole new game of style to the table with their fashion blogs, their curated Instagram feeds and their avalanche of hashtags #flatlays, #ootd, and #dapper.
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After getting dragged into a couple of fashion events by insider friends here in Dubai it further dawned on me that this thing they call Fashion didn’t have to make sense in the way that we, the uninitiated muggles of the MRT or the Dubai Metro, expect it to make sense.
Nowadays, it seems anyone can just have go at fashion. It doesn’t matter if you’re not a size 2 and don’t have flawless skin that’s what filters are for. There is no need for runways, just own that bolero jacket and push na yan, rampa everywhere ate gurl! Looking around it does seem like more Pinoy’s are finally becoming more fashion conscious, though certainly still a far cry from people you would see on the streets of Paris, Milan or Shibuya Crossing, one could a see little bit of awareness on trends, with more ordinary people wearing dresses and scarves, and lesser judgment thrown at those who wear boots and have pink hair. With the world spiraling out of control and with so many important issues of the day, sometimes putting too much thought on a skirt would seem like a crime. Sure it’s not going to reverse the effects of climate change or end world hunger, but it might help make your day go by a little better, perhaps if you’re lucky, help land that dream job or get asked out by your crush on a date, then maybe in that sense fashion has its merits. At the end of the day, I would still say fashion is just a game where we all get to play dress up and feel good about ourselves. The moment we take it too seriously is the moment we fall into that trap of a fashion victim. So while not all of us have the same amount of courage as Bjork wearing a Swan dress on the red carpet, we should at least appreciate a well-coordinated outfit and work towards our own personal styles whatever that maybe, whether that involves a boring cardigan sweater or a five-inch Louboutin heels, that’s all on you. Now go ahead and take that elevator selfie.
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FEATURE
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By> Nicholo Jallores
“This above all: to thine own self be true.” – William Shakespeare
We are often told, “Fake it till you make it.” True enough, there is great value in knowing how to project an image of success in a world that is obsessed with image and celebrity. A crisp business suit, a perfectly choreographed handshake, and a calm but confident demeanor can mean all the difference between landing that elusive plum job or having to pack your bags for a 30-day stay in Kish. Never mind that you lived the life of an indoor plant in the Philippines – in Dubai, you can present yourself as a marketing honcho, an entrepreneur, a fashion designer, a respected “international” blogger, or even a magazine writer (hah!). The possibilities for personal reinvention are quite endless, hence many ambitious denizens have made perfectly good living out of exhausting the possibilities. Every so often you will
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encounter and be inspired by a kabayan with a genuine success story: one of honest-to-goodness hard work, patience, and diligence. But to get to the truly triumphant, you will have to wade through an ocean of fakers, fabmonsters, and brand victims – those who fake it, but never make it. They live in a made-up world of smoke and mirrors, powdered noses held high, haunting the city’s most prestigious gatherings looking smug and mouthing off words that they do not truly understand, like “quadruple bottom line,” “silhouettes,” and “fabulous.” Dubai is the playground of the ambitious. It is also a circus of pretenders. Ladies and gentlemen, Les Poseurs. The Faker
“What to do yanni? What to do!?!”
The corporate world can be a coldblooded place – the corporate ladder, a slippery
slope designed to cull the weak and eviscerate the spineless. There are those who thrive in this environment because they have the right knowledge, discipline and training for the job; then there are those who manage to survive and ascend the ranks due solely to charm and sheer chutzpah. You might have encountered one or two fakers in your office; they fumble from one task to another like headless chickens and you wonder how the hell they bagged the job in the first place. This has become a widespread phenomenon in the cutthroat career-hunting arena of Dubai, as hyper-competitive expat jobseekers have become more cunning and sly in playing up their strengths and hiding their shortcomings. According to Vagelyn Tumbaga Federico, Human Resources Director of Dusit Thani Dubai, “You cannot confirm the potential of an applicant through his CV or the way he presents himself in an interview because
FEATURE
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At its purest, Fashion is Art. At its sleaziest and most vile, Fashion is the lazy thinker’s indicator of wealth, influence, and social status. That’s where it becomes cringeworthy.
those can be rehearsed or faked.” It will be foolhardy for any employer to assume the best of an employee out of face value. The worker’s real worth comes out in the daily grind. “ The best thing for an employer to do is to conduct a reference check with previous employers.” The Fabmonster
“Fabulous, darling! Fabulous! Do you have data? Pwede pa-connect?”
Fashion has a curious way of turning people into egotists and braggarts. Of all the manifestations of the visual arts, it tends to be the most divisive. Fashionistas cannot just collectively call a nice coat a nice coat – appreciating a nice coat has to be a loud display of expertise and insider know-how, enunciated in a slightly high English accent reminiscent of Gloria Vanderbilt. Rare are the true devotees who come to fashion shows purely to observe passion and artistry. Most people attend simply to be seen and be heard trumpeting their own conjured up sartorial authority. And it’s ever so easy too, as fashion, obviously, is not theoretical physics. You don’t need a degree in fashion design to sound like you know what you’re talking about. No one needs to know that you used to be a slob in Manila, or that you can’t properly pronounce Comme des Garçons to save your life: all you need is a nice dress, a laptop, a bit of 5th grade English and voila – you’re a fashion blogger. Learn how to hold a martini and voila – you’re a socialite. At its purest, Fashion is Art. At its sleaziest and most vile, Fashion is the lazy thinker’s indicator of wealth, influence, and social status. That’s where it becomes cringeworthy. One can affect an air of success and power simply by faking a devotion to fashion. Talking about it has become the intellectual realm of pretend-pundits and
insta-experts. Dubai is overflowing with Anna Wintour’s. The Brand Victim
aka “Kit-kit kuko”
Ideally, a person gravitates towards the brand that fits his lifestyle; but any savvy mass communicator knows that the most gratifying exercise in marketing is to convince a person to fit his lifestyle around the brand. In this model, the product sets the agenda, not the consumer – and the best agenda is always the one that appeals to aspirations. It’s a sleazy snake oil salesman kind of tactic, but it works brilliantly in a place like Dubai, amongst impressionable and gullible kabayans who are always on the lookout for ways to prove that they are bigger, better, and more moneyed than their neighbors. Ladies would splurge on designer bags and go home to gnaw at their nails for the lack of better food. Guys would buy expensive basketball shoes named after their favorite players and then sleep in bunk beds at night with 10 roommates. With every Apple release, social media explodes in a giant fireball of anticipation – as people start applying for loans and credit limit extensions to herald the arrival of the newest-model smartphone. There is nothing wrong with buying the things that you love, granted that you can truly afford them. But when living the life that you want turns into living beyond your means, you fall victim to a brutal cycle of consumerism designed to make you part with your money as quickly as possible,
and keep you going after a dream that is, for all intents and purposes, unattainable. You can never have the best bag, the best phone, the best shirt – but corporations want you to keep trying. This is the raison d’être of branding. La Vie Authentique Do you live authentically, or do you live a life of never-ending fakery? Authentic living means that you are in tune with your true self, and you are able to hold on to the core of your identity amidst a constant tidal wave of branded stimuli. You stay rooted to who you are. Fake living means that you are caught in a web of fiction, desperately trying to be what the world tells you to be. Your life is a perpetual struggle for recognition and validation. You will not be good enough until the world says you are good enough – and it probably never will, so you stay in a constant state of hunger. Your time and focus are wasted on desperately seeking approval.
When you are not faithful to your authentic self – the “awareness”, the “you” that reads this article – you find yourself feeling inadequate and unworthy. You find that it’s easier and less troublesome to just play the roles that the other people assign to you, instead of living in your own terms. And when the world fails to recognize your efforts, you sulk and coil in resentment, asking why no one ever appreciates you. Take it from Shakespeare: to thine own self be true. Find your true self and run with it. Authentic people are passionate, creative, refreshing, and essential. Why be run of the mill? There’s only one “you” in the universe – do not let yourself forget it.
Viva la vie authentique.
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Red peplum dress - KRISTINE AMARILLO Purple straight pants - RALPH LAUREN Yellow-striped pumps - NINE WEST
FASHION
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Yown! Photographer/ Creative Director: IRVIN RIVERA Model: MANUELA BASILIO @ WILHELMINA NY Styling: ADRIAN DE AUSEN JENNA ENNS Make-up: ADA TRINH Hairstylist: NICOLE BELLOWS Photography Asst: DARWIN ABAD Make-up Asst: KRISTIN FORGY & JENNY KEY Hair Asst: KRISTEN DONDERO
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Production: JOE ADAMS, VIA JIMENEZ
FASHION
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Fashyown! Because style perishes when you take it too seriously. Forget the rules, throw caution to the wind, and harken back to what makes fashion fun – unpredictability, audacity, individuality. And if anyone reads you for it, offer no apologies.
Purple dress - ALBERT ANDRADA
Green halter top - KRISTINE AMARILLO Pink plastic vest - LUVGEN BY MALCOLM BACANI Yellow belt - TOPSHOP White skirt - MOSSEE Purple shoes - BELLA VITA illustrado go>31
FASHION
Purple dress - KRISTINE AMARILLO Yellow printed top wrapped on waist - TOPSHOP Green shoes - FOR THE STARS FASHION HOUSE illustrado go>32
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White tube top - KRISTINE AMARILLO Pink capri pants - ALFRED DUNNER Platform heels - PENNY LOVES KENNY Multi-colored peplum skirt used as scarf - KRISTINE AMARILLO Bracelets - ICELINK Jewelry- STYLISTS ARCHIVES
Multi-colored dress - TUBE GALLERY Yellow hat - TOPSHOP Black pumps - STEVE MADDEN illustrado go>33
FASHION
Marble-patterned dress - PUEY QUINONES Yellow-striped pumps - NINE WEST illustrado go>34
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Purple dress - ALBERT ANDRADA Yellow flip flops - FOR THE STARS FASHION HOUSE
Snake skin sequin dress - YEN AB Printed jacket - LUVGEN BY MALCOLM BACANI Red scarf as arm accessory - KRISTINE AMARILLO illustrado go>35
BEAUTY > Kagandahan 101
B y > Tr a c y L e y
I
have been a fan of Lush for almost 5 years now. Their products have definitely become a part of my everyday routine. I die for their body scrubs, cleansers and bath bombs. So a few days ago, me and my sister went to their 2-week old branch in City Walk Dubai, which turned out to be an awesome visit. One of the things I like about Lush stores is that they always have a friendly and accommodating staff who make you feel at ease. I also love the fact that the stores are always so colorfully decked and laid out. That explosion of different flavors and smells just instantaneously uplift your spirit. I also love the fact that they are so creative with the products names and packaging. Most of them look good enough to eat! My ultimate goal when I visited Lush store in Citywalk this weekend was to try and learn about products that can be used as
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a home spa treatment. What I didn’t really expect was to see the best…Lush store… EVER! I felt like a kid in a candy store with the massive selection of products, plus unique, in-store features that made my visit truly one-of-a-kind. And it was such a treat to have an ultra-friendly and knowledgeable Lush crew to guide me through the whole experience. I was fortunate enough to have been assisted by Betty, who was amazing in answering my queries and definitely took the time in explaining each of the products. She even went into the products’ key ingredients plus their benefits. I wouldn’t be surprised if she has a PhD in Lush-ology! Personally, my favorites are the Buffy Body Butter Soap, Sexy Peel, Ocean Salt Face And Body Scrub, Cup Of Coffee Mask, Don’t Look At Me Mask, Popcorn Lip Scrub And Aqua Marina Cleanser. Oh, and don’t forget the amazing bath melts and bath bombs.
I also love that Lush is cruelty free and continuously fights animal testing. Their bottles are also 100% recycled. In fact, you can go to any stores to return empty tubs, and in return, you’ll get a freebie. The Lush City Walk branch is the only branch with a Hair Lab in the Middle East. Hair Lab is where you can have hair treatment using the awesome lush products. Email citywalk@lushmena.com to set up an appointment. They also have a lounge called The Gorilla Perfume Lounge where you can custom made perfumes while listening to some good tunes. Want to visit Lush as well? I promise you – it’s one shopping experience you will never forget! Check them out at City Walk 1, Dubai. The store is open from 10 am to 10 pm, Sunday to Thursday.
LA-LA-LA-LIFESTYLE
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Live your life…style!
The 7 Qualities of An Inspired Lifestyle By> Joseph Alcantara
Y
ou always have two realities in life – chances and choices. Whatever you do and wherever you go, your lifestyle will be subject to both. It’s up to you how you’d play these cards to make them work to your advantage.
times – job interview, first date and client meetings, to name a few. While I believe in the saying “Don’t judge a book by its cover”, packaging helps in making a good impression. Dress the part, look smart, consider the occasion, feel comfortable – simple, right?
There’s no rule of thumb in living the best lifestyle. If there’s one, the essence of each one’s uniqueness, freedom and responsibilities will be defeated. So, from personal experience, I culled my top lifestyle picks. I guess most of these are highly relatable and will hopefully give you better choices to have stronger chances in doing well in pretty much everything.
3. You can manage your thoughts and emotions. Your brain is above your heart and it can manage what the latter feeds. All negative thoughts and emotions resulting to stress, difficulties and failure are avoidable if you know how to manage, divert, respond and move on. Life is too short for drama, spend it making great memories instead.
1. You are what you eat. Seemingly basic, yet eating has meaningful layers – it nourishes us, it can be a form of indulgence, and it can bring people together as a universal language that harmonizes cultural differences. Knowing the physical effect of every food we prepare, buy, or enjoy is a must, as it affects our over-all wellness.
4. You are not busy, you just need to make time. Being busy is a modern day glorified concept that’s a scapegoat for failing to do things that matter. There are days where the long “to do” list is simply impossible, but it all boils down to poor time and resource management. Simple ways to be life-efficient: know what you need and want to do, have a plan, be focused, procrastinate less, consider a back-up, follow a schedule, have a rest.
2. You wear your true colors. Functional dressers will think that this is nonsense. Sorry to break the news, but people give a crap about your style at
5. You need to spend wisely. Pretty basic, I have to say, but difficult to do.
Wanting more and wanting it now without thinking of tomorrow is human nature. What’s funnier is that all of the trinkets that we desire are the ones that matter the least in life. Living simply and within one’s means, saving for the rainy days, investing in opportunities and paying it forward might be workable tips to get sorted on this aspect. 6. You are never late to do what you want. Finding and knowing your passion, needs and aspirations should not be stopped by anyone just because it’s different or not age-appropriate. It’s never late to start anew or have a second wind to fulfill whatever you’ve set your mind on. Just go for it! 7. You are not alone. The most fulfilling experiences in life are not experienced alone. Family, partners, friends, loved ones, teammates and co-workers usually share these special moments that make life colorful. Relationships are valuable that they should be shaped and cultivated. When all’s gone and you’re down and out, this is the meaningful aspect that will remain. Make sure you have one.
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Filipino Progress & Diversity
at the work place >
This is very challenging to me because I encounter different kinds of people with different personalities on a daily basis. I still very much feel like I’m growing, and learning new things everyday. What I do As a stylist, I sometimes get the opportunity to travel. I just recently went to the Philippines for a 5-day shoot. This is to promote Philippine tourism, with Maxine Medina as the model. Maxine will represent our country this coming Ms. Universe competition 2016.
LOU BUNYI PAREJA
Hair Stylist – Teng Roma Salon Dubai, Uae My Job I am now currently working as a hair stylist at Teng Roma Salon. Since Teng Roma is based in the Philippines, I also supervise the salon when he is not here in Dubai.
As a Head Model Booker, my responsibility includes the refinery of every little detail to exceed the client’s expectation. From the client meetings – job confirmation, casting – booking, to implementation. The pressure of being on top of every job is extreme as I am the face that represents our company in every project I manage.
Head Model Booker – Gaia Modelling and Eventz FZ Dubai, UAE
My Job I am a Head Model Booker at Gaia Modeling and Events. I came here in Dubai 8 years
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My message to my fellow Filipinos To all the Filipinos out there: don’t just settle for what you have now. Try to explore and see what the future has in store for you. Show your talent and enjoy life!
Sometimes, I don’t feel like I’m “working” because I enjoy what I do. I used to model before, and even competed in Paris for The Look of the Year modeling competition. That experience gave me the confidence to pursue my career to teach how to do the catwalk. I also have a business partner back in Manila - Patty Betita. She teaches personality development, while I teach basic makeup. Our clients were mostly hotel staff, bank employees, etc.
ago fresh from college. AI started out as a promoter, assistant model booker, got promoted to a model booker and finally, a head model booker. I am lucky I get to experience each and every stages. I must say, the struggles are real.
ENGELICA YANIG - PELAEZ
Leading workshops is always a fun experience for me. The most memorable one was when I conducted a seminar for breast cancer survivors. My goal then was to show them that despite the ravages of cancer treatment, they can still look good and feel good if they truly wanted to. They were very appreciative and cooperative.
My typical work day My typical Model Booker life always starts with a professional look-through for walk- in clients and aspiring models. Daily social media updates also fall under my responsibility. I also do a ton of portfolio screening and talent scouting and or giving advice to aspirants on what kind of images they should and should not send to a model agency. I am also responsible for looking into job enquiries. Every once in a while,
I attending some workshops to enhance my skills and expand my network. Lastly, I always end my day with some quality time with my family at home. My message to my fellow Filipinos Follow your heart and choose what you think will be more substantial and beneficial for you in the future. Find a job that you absolutely love, and I guarantee you tha you will never work a day in your life.
COMMUNITY >
THE MEDICAL CITY ADVANCES HEALTHCARE PROGRAM TO BOOST MEDICAL TOURISM IN THE PHILIPPINES Delegation shares recent advancements to attract medical tourists to the country Dubai, UAE (October 9, 2016) – The Medical City (TMC), a private tertiary care hospital in the Philippines, will continue to make advancements in its healthcare services in a move to boost the country’s medical tourism. At a press briefing on Medical Tourism in the Philippines held at Millennium Airport Hotel, the delegation from TMC Philippines presented innovative healthcare services such as Robotics Surgery, Human Stem Cell and Cell-based Therapy Program and Laser Treatment for Scars that are available to the increasing number of tourists seeking medical treatment and procedures in the country. The delegation from the Philippines include Dr. Cenon Alfonso, an experienced surgeon and the CEO of TMC Clark, Dr. Julius Cajucom, Urologist and head of the Robotics Surgery Program, Dr. Maria Mercedes C. Cruz, Dermatologist and Head of Laser Unit, Centre for Wellness and Aesthetics and Dr. Samuel D Bernal, Consultant, Institute of Personalised Molecular Medicine (IPMM), The Medical City. The event was also graced by Consul General Paul Raymund Cortes of the Philippine Consulate General – Dubai and the Northern Emirates, Jose Javier Gonzales – TMC CEO for Europe, Middle East and Africa, and Margaret Bengzon, Managing Director for Global Business Development & CEO of Guam Regional Medical City. According to Dr. Alfonso, the target of TMC is not only to be on top in terms of provisions but on providing value to health as well. “We are not only talking about short-term cost but long-term cost of health care.
The new value to care is not sick care or disease care but wellness care – preventive rather than reactionary which is what we want people to engage in especially those who are exposed to various unhealthy socio-economic-cultural lifestyles.” Dr, Alfonso, who discussed “Quality and Innovative Healthcare with Tender Loving Care in the Philippines,” said that medical tourists seeking treatment or procedures in the Philippines will find the cost of care highly competitive, the quality of care is at par with the world and the country ranks top in the world for the most welcoming and happiest population. “The cost of treatment at TMC is very competitive against Singapore, Thailand and any Western country considering complexity. We have well-trained, Westerneducated and English-speaking healthcare professionals, we are known for our care and compassion and the tourism attractions which are available for fast healing and relaxing recovery after a medical procedure,” Dr. Alfonso pointed out. Medical tourists who seek less invasive treatments will find TMC’s Robotic Surgery procedures effective and convenient. TMC has been offering robotic surgeries since 2010 for procedures that target difficult and hard to reach areas. Recently TMC acquired its second robot, the more advanced da Vinci Si Surgical System for many urological, colorectal and gynecological operations. “The advantages of robotics surgeries are manifold. Compared to open surgeries, it only makes tiny incisions on the patient’s body where holes are made and through these holes, the arms of the machine are inserted to perform the needed procedures.
It is less traumatic, less bloody, causes less pain post-operatively and promotes faster recovery,” explained Dr. Cajucom who discussed TMC’s Robotics Surgery Program. Dr. Cruz discussed treatment of scars by using laser procedure while Dr. Bernal focused on the first fully-accredited Human Stem Cell and Cell-based Therapy Program in the Philippines. The backbone of the IPMM is Regenerative Medicine, involving the engineering of cells and other biomaterials to restore or replace organ function lost or impaired due to disease, injury or aging, and ultimately improving the quality of life. As one of the top medical institutions in the Philippines certified for excellent medical care, The Medical City is promoting health through different approaches, one of which is interventions for those who are already requiring them due to illness. TMC has the widest spectrum of care provided by its specialty centre, from the simplest consultation, second opinions, check-up, dental surgery up to the most complex Cardiac, Organ Transplantation, Orthopedic, Weight Management, Aesthetic, Eye Surgery, Physical and Occupational Rehabilitation Programs and many more. The Medical City is accredited by the Joint Commission International (JCI), the only patient safety and quality healthcare accreditation and certification body with membership in more than 100 countries worldwide. TMC’s health network serves over 50,000 in-patients and more than 1.5 million outpatients every year. It has more than 1,500 medical staff complemented by 5,000 allied medical and administrative staff.
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ARTIST SPOTLIGHT
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VISUAL ARTIST
EvoNano /• Evo917
aka Evo /
Kimberly F.A.R.
Celebrating Filipino artistry, passion, and cleverness.
My Art I first got into drawing in around 2006. I was a huge fan of Sonic around that time, so most of my drawings back then revolved around drawing most of the cast – and some fan-characters. Starting out as an introverted traditional artist, I originally resorted to doing artworks to express my personality and love for a multitude of inspirations. I’ve come to love it as it has become part of who I am. After developing experience with digital artworks, my passion grew along with my talents. Generally, I try to give my works a strong, yet harmonious palette with bold lines to differentiate background from character. I’m not one to do a lot of research, but I do pick up a lot of things I encounter on the internet. As a person who is a sucker for a little symbolism, I tend to incorporate a lot of smaller additions into a piece so that if you spend time looking at my works, you can figure out a story hiding behind them.
My Process Most of the time, inspiration comes to me spontaneously. I’m more attracted by darker or more unique themes like Alice: Madness Returns or Undertale. I never start with a refined artwork for one thing; it’s always very rough till the coloring phase. I picked up my artistic habits from a Riot Games artist that goes by the name Kienan Lafferty. Once I like how the overall image is going, that’s when I go for the coloring and rendering phase. It’s incredibly tedious, yet I find the rendering to be the best part. My journey thus far Some of the main highlights of my art career were the first two conventions I participated in. Honestly, the first convention isn’t something to write home about, as the event turnout was quite low. But despite the poor attendance, I did get a lot of fantastic feedback from the folks who visited my stand. My second convention participation was at Middle East Film & Comic-Con 2016 (MEFCC2016). That was when my reputation as an artist skyrocketed. Future plans I have been planning this one story which temporarily goes by the name ‘D.Play’. I’ve spent about 7 years trying to develop the story, and I aim to publish it as a webcomic sometime in the future once I complete my college degree. My advice to aspiring artists The best advice I’ll ever give is that whenever you look at someone else’s art, you mustn’t downgrade yourself by comparing yourself to them. Instead, look at them as your inspiration to develop your talents. The only thing you should ever compare yourself to is your past self; so you can see your own progress. Keep those old drawings of yours for that reason!
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The only thing you should ever compare yourself to is your past self; so you can see your own progress. Keep those old drawings of yours for that reason. Follow Kimberly F.A.R. on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/Evo917 Photo Credit: Anna Castillo
ARTIST SPOTLIGHT
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Celebrating Filipino artistry, passion, and cleverness.
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ARTIST SPOTLIGHT
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Celebrating Filipino artistry, passion, and cleverness.
SONIQ DJ DUO
What we do CARL: Being a DJ isn’t just about blending 2 or more songs together, it’s about having that sense of passion with music. It’s very important to have that distinctive taste that will somewhat “brand” you different among others. Let’s admit it: there are a lot of famous DJ’s out there who are more experienced than we are, but I’d say the “identity” of our music makes us “different.” We specialize in Dirty House, Tribal house & Afro house. Genres as such can only be heard live in music festivals and massive events that do require the specific genre. So penetrating the regular night scene makes everything way more interesting than playing your regular favorite song on repeat.
JAY: For me, being a DJ is really all about your love for music. Once you have this down, everything else will flow. You won’t even realize how much time you’ve spent on practicing and mixing. Playing in the morning would feel just as right as when you play late at night. It’s more than just performing for the crowd; it’s being with them in the journey to euphoria. As a DJ duo, Carl and I collaborate on ideas to see what works and what doesn’t, to see which mixes make sense and which ones we need to scrap. We like to play tribal house music. Something you don’t usually hear in clubs, but is definitely a banger.
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How we got into it CARL: I have always been fascinated by the idea of being a DJ. When I came here in the UAE, I met a seasoned DJ named Andrew who introduced me to the scene and eventually became my mentor. It was overwhelming at first, since I never really thought that I had the potential for it. He taught me the basics, and I found myself hooked with the whole concept. Then I met my fellow DJ “Jay” who works in the same frequency of insanity as I do. Hence, Soniq was born, and the decks became our second home.
JAY: Stress! Yup, because of stress! Working can be toxic at times so I figured there has got to be a way to beat it. One of my close friends, Red, suggested I try DJ’ing. So I got my first mini DJ controller, learned how to play and I was hooked. I couldn’t stop playing. It felt good. A few months later I was introduced to Andrew who handles gigs and club events. He encouraged me to try out playing for crowds to get a feel for it and he invested his time teaching me more about DJ’ing. Andrew later introduced me to Carl who was also a DJ. We got along well so we decided to form a duo. How we do it CARL: I can’t say I have a formula or “process” that I stick to. Everywhere I go, whether I’m listening to my usual playlist
or accidentally stumbling into a new tune, I always tend to dissect and mix tracks in my head. We come to gigs armed with specific repertoires as our own “music library” for the night, but we often change things up on the spot and do most of the mixing live on decks. Spontaneity is key! JAY: It’s all about listening to music day in and day out, exposing myself to different genres all the time so I get ideas and inspirations on what songs to play. When I find songs that interest me, I add it to my current playlist. I usually play around with it by mixing it with 2 to 3 songs to see where it fits. Once I feel the vibe, I share it with Carl to get his input. When we both agree that it’s something that we can work with, we put it on hold in our regular playlist and wait for the right moment to play it. Our journey, thus far CARL: It’s cool how in such a short time span, we came from just practicing at home, into doing events and regular gigs. We like playing for small, private gatherings where the vibe is very intimate and tribal, but we also like playing for packed houses, such as the one that we had in our first gig in Mint Leaf, and the crowds that we get every Wednesday in Warehouse, at Le Meridien Al Garhoud.
JAY: I would have to say one of the major highlights we’ve had was our first gig at
ARTIST SPOTLIGHT
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Being a DJ is really all about your love for music. Once you have this down, everything else will flow
Mint Leaf London, Sheikh Zayed. We were simply duo Dj’s who loved to play. We were fresh out of the oven so it was an awesome surprise that we had the place packed. Advice to aspiring DJ’s CARL: Always be brave and bold in doing what you’ve always wanted to do. Your only limitations are those you set upon yourself. And yes, the only way to prove oneself is to better thyself.
JAY: Enjoy what you’re doing. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes - it’s part of life. Take risks. Grab opportunities. Ignore the critics. As the saying goes “Let whoever think whatever. Just keep getting better.” ☺ Follow Soniq! Facebook.com/Soniq2k Instagram.com/soniqmusic
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SCRAPBOOK >
EUGENE SANTOS Dubai, UAE www.eugenedsantos.com
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SCRAPBOOK >
GABRIEL RIMANDO Dubai, UAE http://www.gabrielrimando.com/
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ILLUSTRADO STUFF >
Tour of Lush at City Walk, Dubai
You know what’s better than a Lush store? A fully interactive Lush store! It’s like Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory for the cosmetics-obsessed. On top of the usual Lush fare, you have the fabulous Hair Lab where you can sample a cacophony of hair care treatments. Then you have the Gorilla Gallery, dedicated to scents, essential oils, and all things deliciously olfactory. And if that’s not enough, they also have a designated private function area for parties and beauty workshops. We would say it’s “too much,” but who we kiddin? We can never get too much of Lush! Visit them at City Walk 1, Dubai.
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!
KeyMission 170
Havaianas – Brasil Logo
Tsinelas noon. Tsinelas ngayon. Tsinelas magpakailanman! You can take the Filipino out of the Philippines, but you can’t take the flip-flops off the Filipino. Winter, spring, summer, or fall – we have a tsinelas for them all. And if you’re a kabayan who places equal importance on style and value for money, chances are, you love Havaianas like we do! We particularly dig the simple and iconic Havaianas with the Bandeira do Brasil flag on a matte strap. And you can’t beat that AED120 price for a smart-looking pair of flipflops that won’t turn into a mousepad after a few months.
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Waterproof, shockproof, freezeproof, dustproof, and most importantly, NIKON! The world had been wondering when Nikon would enter the action camera category - and when it finally did, it did so in great style, with 3 brand-spanking new cameras to please the planet’s most ardent adrenaline junkies. Of the KeyMission range, the KeyMission 170 is the most “familiar” in terms of action-cam specs, but it comes equipped with Nikon’s latest innovations, such as SnapBridge wireless connectivity, and 4K UHD movie recording capability. Visit www.nikon-mea.com to learn more!
Seafood Nights at the Californian, Dusit Thani Dubai
You can never go wrong with dinner at Dusit Thani Dubai. It’s practically foolproof. Amazing food, convenient location, rich interiors, the quintessential Thai-hospitality – it’s Dubai dining at its finest. And for Filipinos craving for sumptuous seafood, Thursday nights at the Californian is the next best thing to teleporting to Boracay. There’s even the “pa-luto” concept, where you can take your pick from a spread of the freshest fruits of the sea and have it grilled to your liking. For enquiries and reservation please call 04 317 4515.
REAL STYLE, REAL PEOPLE
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Authentic, street-level suave and swankiness.
its worth and slowly wean your Summer is almost over (thank goodness!)! Time to squeeze your summer wardrobe for all prolific fashionistas. most media’s social of some from ideas few a are Here style into the winter season.
DOMINIQUE MARIE M. TIU >www.konichiwear.com Philippines
IRA GIORGETTI > www.iragiorgetti.com London, United Kingdom illustrado go>48
REAL STYLE, REAL PEOPLE
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Authentic, street-level suave and swankiness.
CHEYSER PEDREGOSA > www.cheyserpedregosa.com Berlin, Germany
KRYZ UY thirstythought.com Cebu, Philippines
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REAL STYLE, REAL PEOPLE
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Authentic, street-level suave and swankiness.
KARL PHILIP LEUTERIO www.inkarlcerating.com Australia
PAOLO BENITEZ >www.powbenitez.com Dubai, AE
MIKO CARREON www. thestyle-architect.com Manila, Philippines
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WEARING IT WELL
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How to work it when you wear it coz you’re worth it.
AGNES STOTT BRIGGS I M A G E C O N S U LT A N T
Photo by: Laliebeth Petancio
& COMMUNITY LEADER
What role does fashion play in your daily life? Fashion is an expression of oneself thru clothing. It is an expression of life. At work, I am the first person who welcomes more than 20 nationalities joining the company, and as such it is important for me to visually project myself according to the company values without losing my personality. Dressing to convey competence, credibility and reliability yet welcoming and friendly is sometimes contradicting and often a challenge.
What’s your favorite thing to wear? A tailored jacket has always been my top choice. It is so versatile – you can achieve a dress up or dress down look depending on what you mix and match it with. Whatever you pair or accessorize it with, you always look sharp and smart.
Finding the right balance by adding some accessories such as a scarf, a bright colored belt or shoes to tweak a traditional attire, makes it more ‘me’ and people relate to it. I perform with confidence when I know that I look good and feel good.
What can’t you live without? I can’t live without the basics: a tailored suit, foundation with sunscreen, red lipstick, a pair of high heeled pumps, hair product, body lotion, mascara and my foot scrub. If I have to pick just one: a warm red lipstick.
What do you typically wear daily? The corporate look. I like to look well put together and professional everywhere I go. I am always on the go and sometimes have to wear so many hats. I carry a wardrobe in my car. Tailored and a casual blazer, a vest, a few scarves, casual wedge and high heeled pumps, make up kit and I change to suit the occasion accordingly.
Photo by: Adelle Lumalang
What is your fashion philosophy? Don’t let the price tag define your fashion style. Not all expensive branded clothes will make you look the part. No one can guess the price tag of a well - put together ensemble.
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MONEY
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Make money. Maintain that money. Money pa more!
Why You Should Be An Entrepreneur (Yes, YOU!) By> Francisco Colayco
S
ure, any employee can be a passive entrepreneur by earning income from his invested savings. He can also be an active entrepreneur by having a sideline after office hours and during weekends. But when I say that an employee should be an entrepreneur, I am talking about mind set. What makes an entrepreneur different from an employee? An entrepreneur owns his business and has “placed his money where his mouth is”. He believes he is good in a specific business and he will run it as the owner. His success is completely dependent on his creativity, strategy, hard work and determination. The latest learning craze is entrepreneurship. Employment jobs are hard to find and most would like to find a way to set up their own business, no matter how small. So many are taking courses or joining seminars to learn entrepreneurship. This is great but generally, the biggest hurdles for them is knowledge of accounting (i.e., financial record keeping) and the capital needed for the business.
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Those who do not have capital probably have to be employees first unless they can get the capital from “angel investors” such as rich relatives or friends. Jobs are hard to find, you say? Why is it that when I talk to companies, it is ironic that there are so many jobs that cannot be filled up. They cannot find the right kind of person for the jobs available. I submit that those who have an entrepreneurial mind-set will always be able to find a good job, succeed and eventually be the entrepreneurs they want to be. An entrepreneurial employee, to my mind: 1) Knows how to discern the activity that to him would be fun even if it is work. He will find a way to structure his work so that it will be fun, no matter how mundane it may be. 2 Treats his company like his own. He will look for ways within his sphere of influence to ensure that the company sustains the profitability of its products and services. 3) Understands what is fair for both himself and the company. He will work
beyond the call of duty but at the same time, will realize that he and his family come first. This is an issue that he would discuss and keep open with his boss. 4) Makes education a priority. What I mean by education is not just have a degree or a diploma, but actually taking up courses and/or being an apprentice in an activity that will further his entrepreneurial dreams. Sometimes, having a degree even hinders a person from taking on an entrepreneurial opportunity because he feels the activity is too “low” for him.
But, whether a person wants to be an employee or an entrepreneur, the reality is that, to survive economically in this world, he has no choice but to have both the active entrepreneurship and the passive entrepreneurship strategies. Reality also dictates that it is an obligation to learn to be a knowledgeable investor, to become a passive entrepreneur. We can be an active entrepreneur only for a part of our lives, but we can be a passive entrepreneur our entire life. This is the fundamental principle behind the need for financial planning at all stages of our financial and physical lives.
SENSE AND SPIRITUALITY
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Finding your true self as you make sense of the world
OVERCOMING EMPTINESS By>
D
epending on your belief system, emptiness could either be a bad thing or a good thing. To most of us, it’s more of a negative thing.
When you’ve lost someone you love, you feel empty. When you feel that no one needs you anymore, you feel empty. When people belittle you and say bad things about you, you feel empty. When you are getting older and you have not yet achieved the things you sat out to accomplish, you feel empty. What should we do? What can we do when we feel this way? Read a good book. Not many of us Filipinos read. We talk, sing, listen, and watch movies. But very few us actually read. Reading opens up a whole new world for your mind like no other medium could. Tyrion Lannister of Game of Thrones lore said, “The mind needs books as a sword needs a whetstone.” Reading keeps your thinking sharp and on point, so keep at it! Start going to bookstores. Watch a really nice movie. Have you seen the Godfather? The Shawshank Redemption? How about The Sound of Music? It’s A Beautiful Life? Movies have the power to influence quickly and thoroughly. They make us laugh and cry, sad or angry, even depressed at times. But it’s also a fact that a really nice movie can also inspire us and challenge
Roman Guevara
us to do something great in life. This may sound funny to some, but way back in the nineties, Batman Forever inspired me. I can’t really recall how or why – all I know that it stirred something in me that empowers me up to this day. Find movies that makes you feel, think, and act. Travel. This is one surefire-way to fill us up with beautiful sights, wonderful memories, and experiences that will make us feel alive again. You can travel alone, or you could have travel buddies - whichever works for you. But go places. Realize this: we live and work in the Middle East. From here, we can go to many parts of the world, sometimes even visa free, and most importantly, at very low costs. Take advantage of this. See the world. Talk to someone with sense. Many of us don’t realize this, we waste so much of our precious time talking with people about a lot of non-sense. It can be hard to find people who stimulate us intellectually, but they are out there. You just have to try a little harder. Don’t be afraid to start the conversation - to invite people we feel can click with you. And when you’ve found each other, maintain that relationship. Join a worthwhile cause. Some people feel empty because they do not know their purpose for living. They do not feel that their existence matters. This
can change as we embrace a cause that can make a difference in people’s lives. Find a void in the society and fill it with your dedication and talent. Look around. See what is lacking in the planet. Somewhere out there, people need you. Be a part of a spiritual community. Thank God that nowadays, especially in Dubai UAE, various groups are allowed to practice their faith in areas designated by the government where religious activities could be held. Being part of a spiritual community connects you to different kinds of people and exposes you to different experiences in life. It gets you to pray, to worship, to study, to listen. To many people, this truly fills the emptiness they feel inside. Love again. Get into a new romantic relationship. Make friends. Rekindle old friendships. Help someone helpless. Adopt. If there is emptiness within you, choose to fill it with positivity. Why opt for hate and bitterness, when you can just as easily opt for hope and love? When all else fails, turn to love. Love yourself. Love those who are around you.
If you feel empty, remember this, it’s not the end. You can do something about it. Live. Life is beautiful.
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LAW
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Get right with the rules. Here’s how.
5 Laws Every Filipina in the UAE Should Know By> Barney Almazar, Esq.
1. UAE Labour Laws Equal pay for equal work – Article 32 A working woman shall be entitled to the same wage as that of a working man, if she does the same work.
Night shift prohibition - Articles 27 & 28 Except those holding managerial, technical and medical positions and during emergency situations, women may not be made to work from 10 pm to 7 am. Article 29 Women may not be employed where jobs are hazardous, harmful or detrimental to health or morals. Maternity Leave – Article 30 • 45 days with full pay if she has completed 1 year of service; otherwise, 50% pay • Up to 100 days of unpaid maternity leave if there complications resulting to pregnancy or delivery • Maternity leave is not deductible from annual leave 2. UAE Immigration Laws Visa sponsorship Daughters, regardless of age can remain on their father’s sponsorship as long as they are unmarried (sons can only be sponsored by their parents until age 18, unless they are enrolled in a university).
A working woman can sponsor her husband’s visa which is renewable annually.
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A mother can request the court to transfer the visa sponsorship of her children from their father to her. Wife’s visa depends on the validity of her husband’s visa Giving birth in UAE • You will need to apply for your baby’s UAE birth certificate within 30 days of delivery • To obtain Philippine citizenship of your baby, register the birth with the Philippine Embassy or Consulate. • You can apply for passport for your newborn at the same time you register the birth • Apply for a residence visa for your newborn upon completion of the steps above 3. Family Code and Civil Code of the Philippines
Article 15 of the Philippine Civil Code provides that laws relating to family rights and duties, or to the status, condition and legal capacity of persons are binding upon citizens of the Philippines, even though living abroad. A petition to terminate the father’s parental authority over the child pursuant to Article 229 of the Family Code of the Philippines can be filed by the mother even if both of them are outside the Philippines. What can be demanded from the father? Article 194 of the Family Code Support comprises everything
indispensable for sustenance, dwelling, clothing, medical attendance, education and transportation, in keeping with the financial capacity of the family. 4. UAE Personal Status Law Marital Problems & Family Disputes – how to deal with them • File a complaint against your husband at the Family Courts • Bring passport and marriage certificate (attested) • A counsellor will help you reach an amicable settlement • If settlement is not possible, you will be referred to the judge for divorce
Last Will and Testament If you do not have a will in the UAE, the default rule is your son will get twice more than your daughter. If your husband dies leaving no children, the wife gets 25% inheritance but if the wife dies leaving no children, the husband gets 50% inheritance. 5. Cybercrime Laws Defamation - Article 21 Punishment of imprisonment for a period of at least six months and/or fine ranging from AED150,000 to AED500,000 to whoever using a computer network, electronic information system or any information technology means for the invasion of privacy of another by publishing news, electronic photos or photographs, scenes, comments, statements or information even if true and correct.
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
“Fazionably Annie”
G
rowing up as a young barrio lass in barangay Bagumbayan in the town of Orion in the province of Bataan, I have always been in the center of fashion and glamour. Every year, thanks to dengue fever, malaria at kung anik anik pang sakit ng mga kabataang laki sa am at hindi sa Jollibee at McDo, ako lagi ang default replacement ng mga batang mestizang minamalas dapuan ng sakit days before our annual Santacruzan. Since then, I have been exposed to all the drama of beauty and fashion. Fashion is my passion (uy, nag-rhyme pa!) after dancing and singing yata noh! Kaya nang ma-tsugi ako sa trabaho ko dahils sa kaka- Fezbook at Skype ko, it downed to me that it is time for me to pursue my dream of a lifetime – to work in fashion. Blessing in the sky na rin na kaka-chat ko at networking, I landed a new and exciting job just a few minutes after my ex-boss gave me the acts. From being a PR Assistant, isa na ako ngayong ganap na Fashion Assistant. Dizzizit!!!! Kaya on my first day of work, um-outfit nang kung todo to the max ang lola mo feeling red carpet ako para naman swak sa title na “dress to imfresh”. Wearing my latest shimmering bangus-bangusan outfit from Karama – I sashayed my way to the corridors of my new office. Miss Friendship ang dating ko upon meeting my new workmates. Naisip ko kasi na hindi lang beauty from outside ang importante kundi also the beauty from within. At para welcome na welcome ako sa mga new colleegs ko, binigyan ko pa sila ng baon kong EngBee Tin Hopia at Dingdong na
naiskor ko pa sa De Belchoir. A taste of da Pilipins ba. Enter my bossing….small, dark and handsome nga!!! He is just as what in my imagination. The episiotomy of the perfect male. Matangos ang ilong, salubong ang makakapal na kilay, mabuhok na mabuhok all-over, tisoy na tisoy at nangingibabaw ang nakakahumaling na Arabian Oud fragrance…looks alikes a younger Mark Gil…pagkakataon ko ng makatanso ng Eigenmann nito! Sya na nga kaya ang aking minimithing Papa Shake? I’m only human in nature….Tao lang akoh!!! I was so carried in a way na bigla ko na lang na greet si bossing “Hi, I’m Annie, what’s yours?” Pero teka wait ha, bakit wala lang pumansin sa kanya sa mga officemates kong girls..Is it because wala silang laban when it comes to beauty and brains compared to me?
I was heartstruck, feeling wawa for myself, ng bigla ko na lang narinig sa backroom ang mga goses na parang naglalambuchingan. Owmaygash!!! It was bossing making landi the male models. Parang kandila akong natunaw right there and right then. It was the list of my expectations n asi bossing pala ay member of the same feathers as in ka-featherrasyon din pala!!! Verde ang dhuglis ng hitad!!!! Diz time, ang extra espesyal ability kong gaydar ay hindi man lang gumana. Tama nga naman that first impression is never last. It just like adding insult plus injury. First day pa lang yan ha! Follow my adventures and misadventures on social media! Add niyo ang aking personal profile: Annie Bee. Magkapersonalan na tayo mga friends!
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ILLUSTRADO NOM NOMS > Because we. Love. FOOD.
GAENG KIEW WARN GAI Green curry chicken with Thai eggplant and sweet basil recipe of Chef Naruemol Poolkuan, Chef de Cuisine of Benjarong, Dusit Thani Dubai “Heavenly” is the word we would use to describe Thai food. Though it’s often so fiery as to remind you of another place in the afterlife, there is something about it that feels very harmonious, light, and ethereal, even at its richest and most decadent. It’s that effortless balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy that makes the quintessential Thai flavor profile so unique – qualities that are best typified in Gaeng Kiew Warn Gai. This green curry chicken dish is our idea of a food embrace; comforting and hearty, but so multilayered and complex, it feels like a chorus of angels on the tongue. Oh, and the one served at Benjarong at Dusit Thani Hotel? PERFECTION. We are so happy that we got their Head Chef, Naruemol Poolkuan to part with the recipe!
Green curry chicken with Thai eggplant and sweet basil
Prep Time: 10 minutes (Now that’s what we call fast food!) Serves 4 Ingredients: 480g chicken sliced 120g green curry paste 320g Thai eggplant 20g sweet basil 30g red chili finger 15g kaffir lime leaves 40g sugar 1 liter coconut milk 60ml fish sauce
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Method
About Benjarong
• Heat coconut milk until boiled, add green curry paste and simmer for 2 minutes
Enjoy the majestic setting of Dusit Thani Dubai’s award-winning signature restaurant, Benjarong, serving Royal Thai cuisine straight from the palaces of Thailand. At Benjarong you will experience the very best of Royal Thai cuisine, with the utmost care taken to ensure that classic, centuries old recipes are prepared and presented to perfection.
• Add chicken sliced and Thai eggplants, keep cooking until cooked for 5 minutes • Seasoning with fish sauce and sugar • Add kaffir lime leaves, red chili finger, sweet basil , soft stir and removes from heat • Serve with rice or noodles (We like to have this with flat rice noodles!)
Timings: Lunch: 12-noon – 3pm; Dinner: 7pm – 11:30pm For enquiries and reservation please call 04 343 3333, or visit http://www.dusit.com/ dusitthani/dubai/dining
ENTERTAINMENT
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Because there’s no business like showbusiness. Boom panes!
By> Kristine Abante
Janine Tugonon scores NU Muses Top 12 On Facebook, Janine shared her experience, saying she thought she did not do well in the test shoot.
Hot off the heels of her recent Victoria Secret ad that scored a win for diversity, beauty queen Janine Tugonon continues to captivate the International stage, this time bagging a spot on NU Muses calendar a project of Treats! magazine founder Steve Shaw and celebrity photographer David Bellemere that aims to celebrate the “uncensored beauty of the naked body.”
“I thought I did really bad during the test shoot and final casting since I was having a bad day that day,” said the New York-based Tugonon, who finished first runner-up in the Miss Universe 2012 pageant. “But [I] got the call from my agent few days after and it was AMAZING!” According to the Nu Muses website, Tugonon, along with 11 other models who were picked by a panel
of judges and through social media voting, will receive $10,000 each and will be “photographed nude” by Bellemere at an “exclusive location.” The winners will also be “flown to Miami for the VIP launch event at Art Basel covered by major press outlets, featured in the December issue of Treats with the chance to grace the cover of the magazine, and featured in a documentary to be shown on one of the largest TV networks in the USA and distributed worldwide Photo credit : Artist portfolio
Jodi Sta. Maria earns Emmy nod for Best Actress She is one of only four nominees for Best Actress that also include Academy Award-winning British actress Dame Judi Dench, who is cited for “Roald Dahl’s Esio Trot,” the BBC One romantic comedy in which she starred opposite Dustin Hoffman. Jodi Sta. Maria who played the famous character of Amor Powers in the latest remake of the phenomenal tv series “Pangako Sayo’ has reportedly earned a Best Actress nomination for an International Emmy Award for her performance.
The other two nominees are Grazi Massafera, “Verdades Secretas” (“Hidden Truths”) from Brazil and Christiane Paul, “Unterm Radar” (“Under the Radar”) from Germany.
Jodi’s performance as Amor Powers in “Pangako sa ‘Yo” has already earned her a Best Actress trophy from this year’s Gawad Tanglaw awards and was also nominated by other award-giving bodies. The winners will be announced at a ceremony on November 21 at the Hilton New York Hotel. Photo credit : Star Cinema
Mocha Uson to be first Filipina on Online Game
Mocha Uson’s fierceness and popularity online seem to be paying off as she has recently been tapped to be the first Filipina to have a character modeled after her on top-grossing online game
Crossfire. The character will be released in 2017.
nature and fun, playful personality,” said Parada in a press conference.
Rene Parada, the product manager of Game Club said that they wanted to tap into Uson’s competitive and playful personality. “We wanted to have a face, the best fit to describe CrossFire. That’s why we picked Mocha, for the fiery, competitive
Uson will also be the new face of CrossFire, and represent the game as an ambassador. The Mocha Girls will also be working with the brand. CrossFire, a multiplayer first-person shooter game, will be holding an international competition in Manila from October 14 to 16. Photo credit : Abs-cbn illustrado go>57
ONLI IN DA PILIPINS
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Filipinisms. Sometimes awesome. Sometimes facepalm.
The Wais Pinoy…
Bow!
B y > A b y Ya p
On the nth day, God said, “Let there be a shower of resourcefulness.” And all Pinoys rushed outdoors, eager to grab the freebie from heaven. Many brought out containers—wine bottles, tabos, timbas, palangganitas, palangganas, steel drums, and what have you— to save some for the rainy, er, dreary days.
Consequently, some have become more amusingly or annoyingly wais than others. Long Live the Lumens (and Lola Obangs) Recession or not, truly wais Pinoys know how to make tipid all they can! So aside from going to the mall and enjoying free A/C (and free water c/o the fast food, free taste c/o the grocery, free reading c/o the bookstore, free sightseeing c/o the shops), we wait for the magic word that’s “Sale!” Three-day, midnight, factory, bazaar (where “tawad” and “wholesale” are the secret codes) sale: these are the times we look forward to every year of our lives to shop for what we need (or don’t) at half the cost, which is the minimum requirement.
With the wais Pinoy, nothing ever goes to waste, too. We find even the cow’s bone marrow, the pig’s intestines, the chicken’s feet, the fish’s eyes, uh, appetizing, don’t we? Never mind aesthetics, anything edible is precious. Oh, and lest we forget, another amazing recycling feat, remember the teabag—that which serves us until its last trace of flavor, giving color to several cups of hot water. And we still refuse to toss it aside without putting it on swelling eye bags! Indeed, recycling works wonders. So we bring home plastic utensils and Styrofoam cups from fast food chains, along with ketchup sachets, to form part of our “For Kiddie Parties” tableware collection. For illustrado go>58
our stay-in house guests, any hotel’s complimentary kit (mini shampoo bottles/ bath soap/shower caps/toothbrushes/ toothpaste tubes/matches) and flight “giveaways” (salt/pepper/sugar/butter/ jam packets or sleep mask/ear plugs/ blankets/magazines)—which we keep for souvenir’s sake, so we say—come in handy.
Wais the Matter with These Pinoys Sure, getting as many ninongs and ninangs—preferably CEOs or mayors—to secure your child’s future as one way of being wais is acceptable (a little cheap, though). And the clever methods of cheating, can be quite entertaining when you go nostalgic over your ancient high school years. But when waisdom goes out of hand, it’s definitely no laughing matter. Especially so when it becomes a serious offense.
For those whose “Oy, cheatmate, share your blessings!” line didn’t succeed in school, the “deans” of the Recto University are their wais idols. Why, they can produce the most authentic-looking certificates from NSO and DFA, give you a passbook that boasts of a million savings, or proclaim you a graduate of the most sosyalsounding school with matching Transcript of Records—all uno grades, of course—for a few hundred pesos.
Then there are professional borrowers and beggars, most of them adept at their respective careers. There’s the borrower’s classic piece called “A Series of Unfortunate Events”. The grandma died last month, the dad got kidnapped last week, the niece fell into the manhole yesterday— all of these people are related to only one wretched individual, who by the way has lost her fare, surprise surprise! There’s also the street production Beggars: Total Performers, whose characters you often see at night running down the road engaged in a shouting bout with motorists. You’ll even be sorrier when you chance upon the most wais of the pickpocket gangs, so be on the lookout…always! When riding a bus or jeepney, stay away from guys whose jackets conceal their hands (particularly during summer—honestly, why would you bring a jacket when the sun is at its peak?) or whose backpacks are positioned in front of them (they’re not called backpacks for nothing. Getting scared of these villains now? Well, don’t be. It’s just part of the crazy albeit exciting Pinas (mis)adventures that would put your innately Pinoy wais skills to the ultimate test. No cheating, please!
NOW OPEN! Al Wahada Street
SHARJAH 06-5248848 • 0551806836
Burjuman Center Food Court Level 3 04-3576700
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