ILLUSTRADO Magazine Jan 2008

The Magazine for the International Filipino

JANUARY 2008

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Pinoy Globalization

World domination a la Pinoy Globalization Stabilizes the Philippine Economy Feng Shui 101 Fashion: URBAN ETHNIC Manuel Baldemor Paints the Philippines and the World The Ati-Atihan Fetsival of Kalibo Tirador at the DIFF The Annie B. Chronicles

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EDITOR’S NOTE

Can you feel the winds of change blowing?

It’s probably just like any other time of the year, another day, another month – except that we’ve already said goodbye to 2007 and a brand new year lies ahead of us. Probably full of the same ordinary things that mark our daily existence in this great big movement we call the Pinoy diaspora.

Life out here in the Gulf continues to be a challenge for kabayans, what with the continued rise of the cost of living and the fast-paced progress that comes with its own set of pros and cons. Back home, a lot of our compatriots continue to live in tough conditions while the prices of commodities increase unabated – “mahal pa rin ang galunggong”, difficult times set amidst the backdrop of a constantly rambunctious political landscape.

But is it really, as we say – “same-old same-old”? Are we missing signs which point out that the winds of change are blowing on our collective destiny?

In the last couple of years, our country has been able to get out of the boom and bust cycles which marked our economic past, emerging as a nation growing steadily, with a strengthening peso, flourishing business sectors and a healthy increase in employment rates. Filipino expats are buying properties in the Philippines, left right and center, while enterprising individuals are fuelling business ventures back home – balikbayans and foreigners included. The youth are talking about a return to patriotism and are facilitating resurgence to our roots.

Curiously enough, we Filipinos also seem to have developed a form of ‘immunity’ to the shenanigans of Philippine politics, because life, business and growth go on - despite the continuing antics of renegade groups.

And on a more trivial plane, the evolution can be as ‘weird’ as hearing Fil-Ams Nicole Scherzinger and Cassie Ventura singing their hits on local English radio every single day, seeing Pinoy dancers compete on an American dance, show via regional satellite TV or encountering kabayans in such areas as far flung as Congo, Sarajevo even Mongolia. You could almost hear the cheeky proponents of the ‘Pinoy world domination’ theory laughing their heads off!

There is definitely a shift – a transformation happening on the realm of the global Filipino.

It might be imperceptible to most, but it is undeniable when you look at the bigger picture.

And guess what? YOU can be part of that change in 2008.

Taas Noo, Filipino!

LALAINE CHU-BENITEZ Publisher and Editor

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Send your letters to: editor@illustrado.net

Well done to Kamil Roxas for making a mark for Filipinos at the Middle East International Film Fest!

You represent the new breed of brave and talented young Pinoys. This is a boost for all the Filipino creatives out there who work quietly behind the scenes. We’re great and we rock!!

Thank you Illustrado for featuring the story.

Derek Cruz Dubai ………………….………………….

Hi Illustrado Team, I really love this magazine. It makes me feel proud to be a Filipino.

Hello Illustrados, It’s my 3rd year here in Dubai and this is the only time I didn’t spend the holidays back home. I must say your Christmas articles are so relatable to so many people like us who left behind their families in search of greener pastures. Thank you for tips on how to celebrate Christmas in our own little way.

I wish you and the Illustrado team a Happy New Year!

Linda Macaraeg Dubai ………………….………………….

Dear Editor, Thank you for reminding us about the true spirit of Christmas - which luckily, most of us Pinoys still appreciate during the holidays. It really is about family and giving and most importantly about remembering how blessed we are by Him. A very successful and bright 2008 to you and to the rest of your team!

Sincerely, Yolly Quinto Abu Dhabi ………………….………………….

Dear Lalaine, Truly Filipinos are international, there’s no denying it. Your article on Famous Filipinos Annual ’07 is a proof, that we Pinoys are a special breed - talented and cool! Yes, I repeat ‘cool’!

I was just shopping for music CDs the other day and I asked the Pinay sales lady if they are selling CDs of Filipino artists.

She told me,“Wala pong OPM ma’am, pero meron kaming Black Eyed Peas at Nicole Scherzinger of Pussycat Dolls - Filipino po mga yan!” I smiled and said “OO nga naman!”.

I realised, that what we hear very often these days on local radio stations are the pop hits of Nicole Scherzinger and Casey Ventura to name a few, who are actually Famous Filipinos!

Music to the ears di ba? :) Susan Dubai ………………….………………….

Dear Editor, Another beautiful issue! It’s very heart warming to see such a magazine with soul and real beauty. It always reminds me of how much the Philippines is blessed with talented, lovely and happy people! My wife always keeps a copy of the magazine on her bed side table.

Let’s keep celebrating being Filipinos.

Mabuhay, Paul Dubai ………………….………………….

Dear Editor, Congratulations on an always fabulous magazine. I’ve been reading Illustrado for almost a year now and I am always impressed especially by your fashion pages - I’m a closet fashionista, obvious ba?

I’m writing to you to extend my praises for Filipino designer Ezra - I liked his designs very much and I was inspired by your article.

I’ve always dream about going into fashion design someday and it is so encouraging to read about creative Filipinos who have made it.

I hope I’ll be one of them in the future.

Gerard Lagdameo Dubai

Anna Rose Dedicatoria Jebel Ali ………………….………………….

Dear Editor, I arrived in the UAE just six months ago.

Like everybody else, according to the stories I’ve heard, I have suffered from homesickness and culture shock. It was difficult for me to adjust to the aggressive and super competitive environment here in the emirates. Little did I know that my abilities, professionalism, patience and hardwork are not enough assurance to get me a good career. Here, one has to be good but also tough as nails to be able to survive, especially in front of so many different nationalities.

So, I was really excited to have found Illustrado.

Reading your magazine has given me a boost of confidence - something which I really need at this point in my life. To see how great we Filipinos could be is an inspiration that keeps me going everyday.

I still struggle daily to figure out how I can improve my chances of becoming successful here in the UAE, but I don’t feel so lost as I used to. With new friends and some inspiration from great Pinoys, I think my stay here won’t be so bad after all.

Pauline Rose Cordero Sharjah ………………….………………….

Hi Lalaine, Naaliw naman ako kay Annie B at ang kanyang hoard of gifts and goodies! The balikbayan box somehow reminded me of our Pinoy mentality na kahit anong pwedeng iuwi ay iuuwi maski na fire extinguisher! Haha! And that’s in good faith, para lang me maiabot na pasalubong sa mga mahal sa buhay. Pinoy nga naman kahit tayo’y nagtitiis, we’ll have something for everyone!

Janet Abu Dhabi

CONTRIBUTORS

David LLoRito

Vic Albornoz

Associate Editor of Entrepreneur Magazine Philippines and former Research Chief at the Business Mirror, a Manila-based daily, Dave has more than a decade of experience in socio-economic research, policy analysis and businesseconomy journalism in the Philippines.

He is a recipient of the Jaime Ongpin Award for Excellence in Journalism (Explanatory Category) and the Australian Ambassador’s Choice Award in 2006. Apart from bringing Illustrado readers the good news on the Philippine economy, Dave also gives us an uncommon take on travel with a story that focuses on innovation in Silicon Valley for January’s Pinoy Planet column.

Lactaoen

Vic has been traveling throughout the Philippines and Southeast Asia for the last twelve years as part of his consultancy work and on some instances - vacations.

Aside from his jaunts around the region, Vic is currently finishing a Southeast Asian Travelogue, aptly called Wish You Were Here -- Travels in Southeast Asia, to be published very soon. Vic also works as a freelance travel writer for several major dailies and SMILE, Cebu’s in-flight magazine, and for Click The City’s travel section. He also provides guided tours, having toured no less than Melissa Gates of Microsoft on a shopping trip around Jakarta, Indonesia. For his Illustrado debut, Vic paints for us a colorful kaleidoscope that is the Ati-Atihan Festival of Aklan in this month’s Bakasyon Grande.

DAVID PoARCH

A veritable legend in the Filipino blogosphere with thousands following his adventures in the Philippines via the WWW, talented young FilipinoAmerican David Poarch was raised in the US, but eventually left behind the ‘American Dream’ in 2006 to find his roots, and eventually, himself in the Philippines. Featured in ABS-CBN’s ‘Nagmamahal Kapamilya’ program in 2006, David’s journey of rediscovery and choice to live the simple life in the homeland struck a chord in many a patriotic Filipino’s heart. This time around, David bids goodbye to the home of his childhood memories, albeit temporarily, to move on to the next chapter in his life.

Dr. Marlon Pecjo

This cool ‘doctor’ is one of Manila’s hot young photographers, shooting fashion editorials for major glossies and dailies as well as stylish ad campaigns, in between travels around the world where he finds uncommon meaning in common images. ‘Doc Marlon’ as he is fondly called by friends has a reputation for truly edgy photography; his training as a medical student at the University of Santo Tomas gives him a keen eye and clinical sense in cutting right through the clutter to present in his images his unique take on life. This month, Doc Marlon and Illustrado’s Manila fashion crew took to the streets and the Ortigas flyover no less, to capture extraordinary Filipino style.

Janet dela Fuente

Illustrado’s Manila stylist, Janet dela Fuente has a natural sense for creativity and fashion which has enabled her to establish a strong client base when she entered the Philippine fashion biz. She has worked with some of the country’s top photographers, directors and other highly respected creative people in the advertising and entertainment business. Her styling prowess has been featured in various glossies as wells as shows and events back home. This young lady’s approach to style reflects her background in theater, inspirations from her travels, and her love for the diverse culture and eclectic lifestyle of Manila.

Bernadette Reyes

As a TV news reporter for GMA Network, chasing after ‘bad guys’, literally, while everybody else in the city sleeps, is all in a day’s work for petite Bernadette Reyes. But all is not guts and grit for this fearless lady, Bernadette is also an active contributor in various local business publications, and was a former business reporter for Today Independent News where she covered the Philippine Stock Exchange and the Securities and Exchange Commission.

When not running after the day’s beat, Bernadette indulges her love for books and her self-confessed ‘addiction’ to Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf Manila’s frappes.

KAREN Galarpe

Illustrado’s resident art writer Karen Galarpe is a magazine editor based in Manila. A CPA who hates accounting, she decided to pursue journalism as a career in her 20s.

Now in her early 40s, Karen says she has never regretted pursuing her first love - writing. A single mom to a gifted 12-year-old, she writes about business, parenting, food, and art with a passion.

FROM OUR READERS

Dong Dimal Illustrado enthusiast Dong Dimal is an architecture graduate from the University of Santo Tomas, a self-confessed shopping addict who loves traveling and lists designing, reading and music as his main passions. Dong has been living in the UAE for the last nine years, after a two year stint in Indonesia.

He says that being a Pinoy expat has been quite a liberating learning experience as it has made him realize how small the world really is, and see our weaknesses and strengths as a people. Dong believes that Pinoy values are what sets us apart from others, and reminds us about these important traditional concepts in his piece On Filipino values.

Publisher & Editor Lalaine Chu-Benitez Art Directors Paula Lorenzo Ron Perez Contributing Writers Philippines & Singapore Carlito Viriña David Llorito Bernadette Reyes Law Diche Lisa Cruz Mike Martin Jan La’O David Poarch Aby Yap Ivan Henares Gabbie dela Rama-Talan Chayie Maligalig Apple Lopez Karen Galarpe United Arab Emirates Maripaz Febrero Giselle Estrada Dawn Almario Sonny de Guzman Antonella Andrada Shar Matingka Jonie Jose Michael Vincent Serrano Contributing Photographers Philippines Marlon Pecjo Charles Lu United Arab Emirates Pot Ph Illuminado Ong Monina Uy Joel Guerrero Kris Lee Mariyah Gaspacho Contributing Stylist Zekundo Chu Pam Quinones Janet dela Fuente Advertising & Retail Sales Michael Maguigad Publisher Illustrado Communications FZ-LLC 2nd Floor, Building 2 P.O. Box 72280 Office 20C Dubai Media City, U.A.E. Tel: + 9714 365 4547 Fax: + 9714 360 4771 email: admin@illustrado.net Website: illustrado.net Printers Delta Printing Press L.L.C. P.O. Box 37140 Dubai, U.A.E. Copyright Illustrado Communications 2007.

All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission of Illustrado Communications FZ-LLC

January08 CONTENTS Features World domination a la Pinoy 8 Globalization Stabilizes the Philippine Economy 12 Losing the Holiday Pounds 38 Feng Shui 101 40

Columns Editor’s Note 1 Letters to the Editor 4 Contributors 6 Famous Filipinos 16 Famous Filipinos: Tessy Sy Coson 18 From our Readers: On Filipino Values 42 Kabuhayan: Multi-Level Marketing 44 Kabuhayan: Investing in Phil. Tourism 48 Kabuhayan: Setting Your 2008 Financial Goals 50 Successful Pinoy: Facing Your Fears 52 Coconuter: Goodbye, My Philippines 67 Onli in da Pilipins 68 The Annie B. Chronicles: Homecoming Queen 70 Filipinisms 72 Usapang Kanto 73 Community Spotlight 78

Fashion Urban Ethnic 22

Arts & Culture Manuel Baldemor Paints the Philippines and the World 54

People & Places Pinoy Planet: Silicon Valley 60 Bakasyon Grande: The Ati-Atihan Fetsival of Kalibo 64 Pinoy About Town: Tirador at the DIFF 66

22

Illustrado brings urban ethnic Filipino style to the fore in January’s fashion pages featuring models Charmagne de Guzman and Carlo Adorador.

40

Entertainment Pinikpikan 74 Hot Releases 76

54

8 FEATURE

World domination a la Pinoy

By Law Diche

“Maids. We have maids all over the world. The leaders of all the nations have maids. At one time I will give the signal for them to stop working, and so the world crashes to a stop. They will force these leaders and honchos to fall on their knees in submission, and, mwahahaha! The world is ours.”

- Jessica Zafra, ‘World Domination Guru’

“Where in the world are there no Filipinos?”

It’s the kind of question that sets your brain gears upward- especially when you think about it in the context of world domination – albeit jokingly. A look at the 2006 statistics of Deployed Land Based Overseas Filipino Workers by Destination from the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), is like reading the list of the world’s nations as they are all virtually accounted for.

To quote Wired magazine’s David Diamond in his article One Nation, Overseas, “The Philippines is the forerunner of tomorrow’s distributed economy… the machinery has gears in Andorra and the Seychelles and even Diego Garcia - wherever the heck that is.”

Virtual nationhood The same article continues to say that the Philippines has discovered the future of work. “This archipelago nation has succeeded at creating the world’s most distributed economy, where the sources of production are so far-flung it boggles the mind.”

That indeed is what makes us different. This Filipino diaspora (in Greek - “a scattering or sowing of seeds” referring to any people or ethnic population forced or induced to leave their traditional ethnic homelands) is now estimated at more than 10 million worldwide, the top three locations being the United States at an estimated 4,000,000, Saudi Arabia well over a million and Malaysia at over 800,000. These are official records though, and everybody knows about the perennial

TNT (‘Tago Ng Tago’) situation. Canada, UAE, Japan, Italy, Mexico, United Kingdom, Taiwan, Singapore, and Hong Kong - make the top dozen nations that play host to Pinoys.

The over 10 million Pinoys worldwide represent about 11% of the total population of the Philippines. But it is not really so much about numbers, as the Chinese have arguably the biggest overseas contingent.

It’s about how extensive and highly distributed it is. And yes, it’s also differentiated by how intensive the Philippine government’s campaign is to send out more of its citizens, which is a relatively unique practice to us visà-vis other countries.

FEATURE 9

Should I stay or should I go?

Most Filipinos, of course, still need not be pushed outwards. A recent survey by Manilabased Pulse Asia, carried out from October 1527 2007, revealed that one in three Filipinos want to leave for other countries, or to move to another country.

On the other hand, out of the millions outside the country, 43,000 former citizens have opted to reacquire their Filipino citizenship in the past three years under the dual citizenship law, according to the Bureau of Immigration (BI). The dual citizenship law declares that former natural-born Filipinos who later became naturalized citizens of other countries have not lost their Philippine citizenship.

Naturally, vacations are a different story.

The pilgrimage home, especially during the Christmas season, sees a full-to-the brim Ninoy Aquino International Airport, with planeloads of Pinoys and their welcoming relatives and friends. The same thing happens during the fiesta months. So really, it’s nothing short of a reverse diaspora.

Boon or bane?

No Pinoy diaspora story of course would be complete without the remittance issue.

Indeed, it has become more, often than not,

the main issue when talking about Filipinos abroad, what with 2007 marking the Philippine peso’s dizzying rise and subsequent title as Asia’s most outstanding currency performer of the year - not to mention predictions that it could possibly even breach the Php37US$1 mark, a development that has hurt the OFW buying power.

Furthermore, OFWs, to a certain extent, have also become ‘negotiating issues’ for our government. Philippine Daily Inquirer’s Rina Jimenez-David has put it succinctly, “OFWs are both the country’s strength and its vulnerability. While they keep our economy afloat, and lift their families here from the trap of poverty, they have also shaped our foreign policy and made it vulnerable to the laws and policies of their ‘host’ countries.”

Pax Filipiniana and the Chosen Ones If we are to believe Zafra’s Pax Filipiniana prediction, the Pinoy diaspora remains overall a boon. Pax Filipiniana or literally Philippine Peace refers to world peace brought about by a dominant ruling nation, and believe it or not, in this case - the Philippines. Precedents of this include that of the Pax Roman, when the Romans ruled most of Europe, as with Pax Brittanica of the U.K. and the present Pax Americana (though the latter of course is very much subject to debate).

10 FEATURE

This is a curious possibility if you add to that the theory of Alexander L. Lacson, lawyer and author of the best-selling book 12 Little Things Every Filipino Can Do to Help Our Country, on signs why Filipinos are the ‘chosen ones’. Among others, Lacson cites how Filipinos have been claimed in the name of the Creator, the Philippines’ location in the middle of the world and yes, the Pinoy diaspora, a phenomenon of ‘biblical proportions’ being the most conspicuous sign of all.

“Maybe today we don’t see it yet. But maybe in the future, we’ll see how the seeds sown by these Filipinos working as domestics — attending to these kids, influencing their minds and affecting their hearts on how to see the world and how to act — will bear fruit,” Lacson claims.

The exodus continues Of an interesting note is a report on how the demand for Filipino seafarers will continue to grow as more ships are being built in different countries, and our seamen of course, being the favored crew worldwide. The report goes on to say that as much as 90 to 95 percent of cargo worldwide will be transported via ships. Taking the cue from Jessica Zafra’s ‘maid’ postulation, if Filipino seafarers would all at once hold these ships hostage, then the world will stand still.

Anyway, putting aside all these world domination jests, the BSP (Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas) expects an estimated $15.7 billion remittance in 2008 – a 10-percent surge. This also means a further surge of Filipinos leaving the country.

So Pinoys, (was this a previous Microsoft campaign tagline?) “Where are you going today?”

12 FEATURE The Philippines is no longer the same place we knew ten years ago.

In the last few years, the Philippine economy has been growing within the 5-7 percent GDP growth band overcoming the boom and bust cycles of the 80s and 90s.

Why? Because of the emergence of new growth drivers – the globalized sector of the economy which now accounts for 60% of the country’s GDP, and which appears to have diminished the impact of our rambunctious politics which traditionally held the country’s economic fate at gunpoint.

GLOBALIZATION

By David Llorito

Stabilizes the Philippine Economy

From coco chips to micro chips Ten years ago, electronics and semiconductors accounted for only 42 percent of the country’s exports with farm-based products like coconuts, pineapples, bananas, tuna, seaweeds, and baskets having significant percentages.

Today, manufactures account for 86 percent of the country’s exports, the bulk of which are electronics and semiconductors. Farm-based products now account for only 4 percent.

Ten years ago, 36 percent of our exports were purchased by the Americans - such that we would always a catch cold, nay influenza, when America sneezed. Combined with our exports to Japan, Netherlands, Hong Kong, Great Britain and Germany, more than 70 percent of our exports were purchased only by seven countries. China and India were not even listed among our markets.

Today, America only accounts for 18 percent of the country’s exports. China is now our third largest market next to Japan. Suddenly we can see our friends in the ASEAN buying about 17 percent of our products. The rest are accounted for by Europe and the rest of the world. What we see here is a diversifying export market for Philippine products, a trend that should lessen our vulnerability to external shocks.

growing Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) industry that includes back office operations, medical transcription, software engineering and animation, among others.

BPO shot up rapidly in the last five years, growing at 57 percent per year on average.

Today, the industry generates more than 3 billion dollars in service exports, and employs more than 250,000 workers. At the rate it is growing, industry leaders project 12 billion in export revenues by 2010 with Outsourcing blooms It used to be that after office hours, Ayala the total number of jobs reaching as high as Avenue and the main thoroughfares of Ortigas 800,000 to a million workers.

Center are empty. People are home after their 8-5 routines. Now, going around these places The rapid growth of this industry has been so after five, you will see young people arriving. fast that Makati and Ortigas business centers Work for them starts at 9 pm until the five in are running out of office space. During the the morning. These young people are workers height of the Asian financial crisis, vacancy of call centers, a major component of the fast rates in Metro Manila went as high as 50

FEATURE13 percent; now it’s down to three percent, thus sending developers on a scramble to build more buildings. That is why developers these days are experiencing a property boom.

Overseas Filipinos It is a common perception that OFWs are hardscrabble workers in some far away desert who can only afford lowcost dwellings. Surprisingly, the same OFWs comprise a huge percentage of the buyers of high-end condominiums like the ones situated in prime areas like the Makati Central Business District. By local standards, prices in these prime locations — at least 100,000 pesos per square meter — are beyond the reach of ordinary office employees. But at the current exchange rate, that’s only about US$300 worth of monthly amortization for a nurse working in the US, UK or the UAE. Overseas Filipinos are now major players in the local property market.

It would be easy for OFs and even the emerging middle class, to buy properties these days because interest rates are low — as low as 3 percent. Banks are offering a fixed 11 percent rate for properties payable within 25 years. They are doing this lately because inflation rate is tapering off, and they were able to unload their bad assets due the SPV law that was passed a few years ago. With the SPV law, they were able to securitize those assets and dispose of them easily.

Revolution from beyond One might wonder how these new growth drivers emerged. There are a lot of reasons, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) started labor and lower cost areas in response to the promoting the Philippines as an investment appreciating yen since the early 90s brought a but a couple stands out significantly. destination for BPOs in 2000, the country was lot of them to the Philippines.

First, demographic change in advanced prepared for the challenge.

Somehow,these two factors qualify as examples countries prompted rising demand for medical and other professionals and Filipinos The BPOs in the Philippines are part of the fast- of what journalist Thomas Friedman, author of responded to this opportunity quite well. growing global ‘new economy’ that emerged in the Lexus and the Olive Tree, calls “revolution Also, high crude prices brought riches to the 90s. The global recession that followed the from beyond,” an externally induced process oil and gas producing countries. They are dotcom bubble in 2000 may have discredited of change that is affecting almost every facet recycling these petrodollars in exploration the ‘new-economy’ prophets. Nevertheless, of Philippine society, including politics. and development as well as construction ‘new economy’ remained current as global of rigs and oil platforms and are hiring an companies took to heart its core doctrine Globalization as a stabilizing element increasing number of Filipino engineers, that companies should “focus on their core Based on estimates, more than 60 percent architects, geologists, mining engineers, and competencies” and outsource the rest using of the country’s GDP are accounted for by skilled construction workers. That explains information technology. That’s how we came the globalized sector of the economy whose the double digit growth of remittances each to have all these outsourcing companies in imperatives are determined largely by global our midst. And their presence is expanding month in the last three years. economic and political dynamics. Somehow, rapidly. Its new metamorphosis is Knowledge this has led to the ‘decoupling’, albeit partially, And the second — the Philippines has a Process Outsourcing (KPO) where local MBAs, of the country’s growth prospects from the relatively more open economy, courtesy of a engineers, and economists perform analytics country’s rambunctious political dynamics. major wave of economic reforms unleashed like risk analysis for global corporations and by the Edsa people power revolution, a organizations.

The economy has been growing quite decently process that was accelerated by World despite all the political noise. Critics of the Trade Organization’s entry into force in The electronics and semi-conductor industries government are finding it hard to mobilize 1995. Specifically, greater competition of course have always been there since the warm bodies for mass actions. If that’s any led to the modernization of the country’s days of the Marcos dictatorship. But the indication, it would appear that middle or telecommunications industries. When the search by Japanese companies for skilled

14 FEATURE

the lower middle classes, the main actors of the Edsa I and II revolutions are benefiting from the opportunities generated by the new growth drivers.

Second, globalization has completely changed the references in political and social discourse, thus making the old framework about what is ‘left’ and ‘right’ (from which the great political debates were anchored) less relevant. In the formulation of old, Leftists long for the “historical inevitability” of change in contrast with those of the Right who cling to the status quo. These days, however, the Left instinctively oppose market-oriented reforms aimed at undoing local monopolies and oligopolies, policies that should have immense welfare benefits to society. They long for the return of dirigiste policies of the past that nurtured the oligarchic structure of the Philippine economy. It’s so easy for Leftists these days to link arms with military ‘adventurists’ and Marcos remnants for whatever issue they find convenient to oppose, thus lessening their credibility.

Class struggle within the country’s borders, the imagined schism between the owners of capital and the possessor of the brawn, has lost its immediacy as both workers and capitalists suddenly find themselves struggling for survival against

foreign competition. Suddenly, “global competitiveness” became the buzzword requiring strategic alliances among the various social actors — politicians, business, workers, and civil society.

The current crop of politicians now generally assume the future of the country lies in global connectivity, and the only debate left is to what extent and how fast should we hitch on that global dynamics. These differences by themselves wouldn’t make interesting election discussions as politicians would rather go for mass marketing techniques characterized by hype and spectacle to get the votes.

In the campaigns, politicians sing and dance and the crowds are entertained. Yet it seems to be no big deal to many. That’s because the increasing globalization of the Philippine economy is making the mid-term elections a side show to what the people think are the “real issues.”

Based on the intensity of media coverage, the recent nursing board leak scandal that doomed the November 2006 batch of nursing graduates from practicing in the US was a bigger issue than the mid-term election. When Angelo de la Cruz, a construction worker captured by insurgents in Iraq was shown on CNN pleading for his life a few years ago, the

sympathy generated at the grassroots forced President Arroyo to pull the few troops we had in Iraq, thus altering the country’s foreign policy overnight.

Lately, Senator and rebel soldier Antonio Trillanes holed in at the Manila Peninsula Hotel, hoping to catalyze another ‘people power revolt’. The people simply ignored him.

It seems there are more economic incentives for the ‘middle forces’ to shun political action in favor of ‘stability’ by which they could maximize the opportunities by the new growth drivers.

There are indications that most of those uprisings in the past were supported by the business elite. They are concentrated in the banking, real estate, export, and trading. Most of these sectors now are raking in money from overseas remittances, outsourcing, and recovering exports. It means they now have a stake in the relative stability of the system.

Certainly, globalization poses certain risks and challenges, but so far it has become a stabilizing force in Philippine politics.

High energy prices remain a downer but, assuming that the global economy would prove resilient, the Philippine economy may yet sustain its momentum. More likely so if we could conduct a credible and peaceful presidential election in 2010.

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16 FAMOUS FILIPINOS

By

Maripaz Febrero

Happy New Year to all our readers. It is with pride that we present you with yet more amazing tales of Pinoys with international celebrity status. Here they are, in all their glory!

Valdez? Where did the Lee come from?

Reggie explained, “I took the Lee from my grandparents who took care of me during the day while my mom was away working.”

With all this Hollywood glitz and glamor, has Reggie lost his Filipino-ness? He insists, “Oh no, I haven’t. I’m Pinoy through and through.

I watch The Filipino Channel (TFC) and Pinoy TV (of GMA) all the time. I miss the culture.

I watch A.S.A.P. and S.O.P. because I love the singing. I watch all the teleseryes. Name them and I watch them. I’m a big fan of Christopher de Leon, whom I first saw in American Adobo, and Sharon Cuneta.”

Reggie Lee Pinoy Villain of ‘Prison Break’ Reggie Lee is not your typical Pinoy matinee idol. He’s not handsome like Papa Piolo and Richard Goma. He’s not even tall! But he recently played pirate Tai Huang, the sidekick of Chow Yun-Fat who plays Singapore pirate Captain Sao Feng in ‘Pirates of the Caribbean at World’s End’. And, of course, he has become infamous as Special Agent William “Bill” Kim in the TV blockbuster series ‘Prison Break’.

Reggie was also in the original ‘The Fast and the Furious’ with Vin Diesel, where he plays the motorcycle-riding, cold-blooded killer Lance Nguyen.

He was born in Quezon City, the oldest of three sons of Dr. Jesus Espiritu Valdez, an OBGyne (retired), and Zenaida Telmo. Reggie was five years old when the family migrated to Cleveland, Ohio, where his two brothers were born. His father came to the US first to finish his internship, and then Reggie and his mom followed.

When asked for tips he could give other Pinoy talents dreaming to break into Hollywood, Reggie suggested, “Hollywood used to look at Asian actors as the bad boys, the delivery boys, whatever. But now, they are starting to see beyond that; they’re starting to see Asian actors as human beings and casting them in better roles. So I always tell Asian actors, especially Filipinos wanting to break into Hollywood to study, study and study, and show their best. I haven’t stopped studying.

There’s an abundance of roles and all you have to do is prove to them that you are good for the role(s). Prove to them that you are just as good as anyone else. See yourself as a human being first, and not just an Asian.”

In 2003, Kimee joined the American counterpart of the famous Australian kid’s show ‘Hi-5’. As a member, she is the American counterpart of Sun Park. In ‘Hi-5’, her segment is ‘Puzzles and Patterns’, in which she figures out various solutions and solves problems.

This segment teaches children problemsolving and math skills.

Kimee has since lived in Los Angeles, where in December 2006, she started her very own jewelry line called ‘Kimeejay’.

Kimee graduated from the Castle Performing Arts Center on Oahu. In high school, she worked on a dinner cruise, singing and dancing for the customers and was a member of 24VII Honolulu Dance Company.

Kimee Balmilero Hi-5 na Pinay Kimee Jonelle Balmilero was born on December 13, 1979 to Filipino parents in Hawaii and grew up to be an American actress.

When she was 17 years old, she left Hawaii and joined the 2nd National touring company of ‘Miss Saigon’. After touring for almost 3 years she moved to San Francisco to study at Studio A.C.T. for six months. Kimee then moved to New York to be part of the Original Broadway Cast of ‘Mamma Mia!’

Mars Pucay Pinoy Golf Champion in Vietnam Mars Pucay celebrated his victory at the Mercedes-Benz Vietnam Championship 2007, a Vietnamese news report said. The 37-year old Pinoy golfer won the $50,000 MercedesBenz Vietnam Championship in Ho Chi Minh City for his second victory of the season on the ASEAN Golf Tour.

By

Maripaz Febrero

FAMOUS FILIPINOS 18

In the 1950s, Sy peddled cheap American shoes in his Manila store, whose brass cash register today sits in a corner of his office as a reminder of his earlier struggles. Sy branched out into department stores in the late 1950s and supermarkets in the 1970s. But his big break came in 1985, when he opened his first supermall in Quezon City.

Tessie Sy-Coson

Henry Sy inspired the same zeal for work in his children. Starting at age 13, Tessie and her siblings stocked shelves and manned cash registers. They were discouraged from studying overseas, Henry Sy being fearful they would stray too far from the business. Even today, when Tessie, Hans, and another brother, Herbert, who looks after SM supermarkets, are asked what they do for fun, all three simultaneously mutter, “Work.”

Tessie, however, wants her own family to enjoy the luxury of her success. She doesn’t put as much pressure on her own kids to join the would people do things for me? I’m nobody, family business. Three are currently studying so I have to really go and do things and try to in Australia. “Life and work become one. My get the things that I want. I always work for it father would love that. He hoped we would be his clones,” Tessie jokes. But now “we do have anyway.” our own lives. That is the evolution,” she says.

Tessie is also Vice Chairman of Equitable Banking Corp., the country’s third largest bank; When Henry Sy eventually retires from the president of SM Inc., which handles SMs retail business, Tessie is expected to take the lead. businesses; and director of SM Prime Holdings, She envisions a different role for the family, in which they oversee operations while which owns and operates SMs supermalls. professional managers handle day-to-day To understand the daughter, one has to details. Then “we can sit back and relax,” Tessie look closer at the father, Henry Sy. He runs hopes. the Philippines’ largest retailer, SM Group, as if it were a family-owned corner green Happiness, to Tessie, “is being in that place grocer. Each week, the 80-year-old (with an between having too much and too little.” And estimatedd net worth of $1.2 billion), sporting is she in that special place right now? “I’m not his trademark Hawaiian shirt, gathers his six complaining,” she smiles.

Charisma and financial savvy, she’s got it all for you!

The first and only Filipina to make it to Fortune Magazine’s 50 Most Powerful Women in the World, Teresita Sy-Coson has again landed on this year’s list as no. 41.

The 56 year old Vice Chairman of SM Investments, Tessie Sy-Coson is credited with brokering one of the largest banking deals in recent history – Banco de Oro, as well as the holding company’s skyrocketing sales year, hitting an increase of 68 percent for this period. Sales for 2006 hit a record high of $1.7 billion, securing her berth in the prestigious global list of the world’s most powerful women.

“Sy-Coson, eldest daughter of retail tycoon Henry Sy, scored big with the opening of the Mall of Asia in Manila, one of the largest malls in the world,” writes Fortune Magazine’s Jenny Mero. “Foot traffic hit record numbers, which will surely boost revenues ($1 billion last year) at the holding company.”

When asked what drives her to do what she does, Tessie insists she has always been resilient from a very young age. ”I worked for everything that I have accomplished. Nothing comes to me easy. It’s my personality. Why

children at the company’s warehouse-style With her drive, her work ethic and yes, her offices near Manila’s waterfront, where they nurturing spirit, Tessie Sy- Coson isn’t just into oversee nearly every aspect of the business malls, real estate and banks. She’s into fulfilling from property deals to labor negotiations. dreams, a legacy from that poor but ambitious On Saturdays, family members make firsthand migrant from Fujian, China. inspections of their SM malls, department stores and supermarkets. On Sundays, Sy insists that the family meet yet again, either at his $2 million luxury log cabin in the lush hills outside Manila or the family home in the posh Forbes Park district of the capital.

Though he is one of the Philippines’ richest men, Sy sometimes spends Sunday mornings shopping in Manila’s seaside market for fresh fish for the family’s lunch, which he cooks himself. His specialty: fish soup with noodles.

Henry Sy was not always this rich. In 1936 at the tender age of 12, Sy left Jinjiang, a town near Xiamen in China, for the Philippines to join his father, who had a tiny grocery store in Manila. He was dirt-poor. “I cried when I first saw him,” Sy recalls. Each night, Sy would clear the counter so that he would have a place to sleep.

By

Maripaz Febrero

FAMOUS FILIPINOS 18

In the 1950s, Sy peddled cheap American shoes in his Manila store, whose brass cash register today sits in a corner of his office as a reminder of his earlier struggles. Sy branched out into department stores in the late 1950s and supermarkets in the 1970s. But his big break came in 1985, when he opened his first supermall in Quezon City.

Tessie Sy-Coson

Henry Sy inspired the same zeal for work in his children. Starting at age 13, Tessie and her siblings stocked shelves and manned cash registers. They were discouraged from studying overseas, Henry Sy being fearful they would stray too far from the business. Even today, when Tessie, Hans, and another brother, Herbert, who looks after SM supermarkets, are asked what they do for fun, all three simultaneously mutter, “Work.”

Tessie, however, wants her own family to enjoy the luxury of her success. She doesn’t put as much pressure on her own kids to join the would people do things for me? I’m nobody, family business. Three are currently studying so I have to really go and do things and try to in Australia. “Life and work become one. My get the things that I want. I always work for it father would love that. He hoped we would be his clones,” Tessie jokes. But now “we do have anyway.” our own lives. That is the evolution,” she says.

Tessie is also Vice Chairman of Equitable Banking Corp., the country’s third largest bank; When Henry Sy eventually retires from the president of SM Inc., which handles SMs retail business, Tessie is expected to take the lead. businesses; and director of SM Prime Holdings, She envisions a different role for the family, in which they oversee operations while which owns and operates SMs supermalls. professional managers handle day-to-day To understand the daughter, one has to details. Then “we can sit back and relax,” Tessie look closer at the father, Henry Sy. He runs hopes. the Philippines’ largest retailer, SM Group, as if it were a family-owned corner green Happiness, to Tessie, “is being in that place grocer. Each week, the 80-year-old (with an between having too much and too little.” And estimatedd net worth of $1.2 billion), sporting is she in that special place right now? “I’m not his trademark Hawaiian shirt, gathers his six complaining,” she smiles.

Charisma and financial savvy, she’s got it all for you!

The first and only Filipina to make it to Fortune Magazine’s 50 Most Powerful Women in the World, Teresita Sy-Coson has again landed on this year’s list as no. 41.

The 56 year old Vice Chairman of SM Investments, Tessie Sy-Coson is credited with brokering one of the largest banking deals in recent history – Banco de Oro, as well as the holding company’s skyrocketing sales year, hitting an increase of 68 percent for this period. Sales for 2006 hit a record high of $1.7 billion, securing her berth in the prestigious global list of the world’s most powerful women.

“Sy-Coson, eldest daughter of retail tycoon Henry Sy, scored big with the opening of the Mall of Asia in Manila, one of the largest malls in the world,” writes Fortune Magazine’s Jenny Mero. “Foot traffic hit record numbers, which will surely boost revenues ($1 billion last year) at the holding company.”

When asked what drives her to do what she does, Tessie insists she has always been resilient from a very young age. ”I worked for everything that I have accomplished. Nothing comes to me easy. It’s my personality. Why

children at the company’s warehouse-style With her drive, her work ethic and yes, her offices near Manila’s waterfront, where they nurturing spirit, Tessie Sy- Coson isn’t just into oversee nearly every aspect of the business malls, real estate and banks. She’s into fulfilling from property deals to labor negotiations. dreams, a legacy from that poor but ambitious On Saturdays, family members make firsthand migrant from Fujian, China. inspections of their SM malls, department stores and supermarkets. On Sundays, Sy insists that the family meet yet again, either at his $2 million luxury log cabin in the lush hills outside Manila or the family home in the posh Forbes Park district of the capital.

Though he is one of the Philippines’ richest men, Sy sometimes spends Sunday mornings shopping in Manila’s seaside market for fresh fish for the family’s lunch, which he cooks himself. His specialty: fish soup with noodles.

Henry Sy was not always this rich. In 1936 at the tender age of 12, Sy left Jinjiang, a town near Xiamen in China, for the Philippines to join his father, who had a tiny grocery store in Manila. He was dirt-poor. “I cried when I first saw him,” Sy recalls. Each night, Sy would clear the counter so that he would have a place to sleep.

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FASHION 22 On Charmagne: Samal ‘Tawi-Tawi’ inspired top by Amir Sali; pencil skirt by Faith Hope Love at The Ramp; leather boots by Unisa at Rue de CMG; ‘Scale’ chain necklaces in copper and yellow jade tribal monk necklace by Ga Alagdon, arm band by Kathang Kamay at Souk at the The Ramp On Carlo: Long sleeved shirt by Axis at The Ramp; Inaul capelet hand-woven by Maguindanao women, bead work by Tiboli tribe – by Modi; Slim pants by Mundo at The Ramp; leather sandals by Kartel at Rue de CMG

URBAN

Text: Lalaine Chu-Benitez • Photography: Dr. Marlon Pecjo • Stylist: Janet dela Fuente • Hair and Make-Up: Bem Abelleda

From the richness of the archipelago’s indigenous traditions, comes a fresh and edgy style that’s uniquely and undeniably Filipino. Inspired by nature’s organic shapes and hues, fashioned by skillful tribal artisans’ hands, meant to make our forefathers proud – Pinoy urban ethnic stands a cut above the rest from the eclectic streets of Manila, to the cosmopolitan global fashion stage.

ETHNIC Models: Charmagne de Guzman and Carlo Adorador

Fully embellished top by Tina Daniac; black jeans - model’s own; accessories - bejeweled elastic headband by Kathang Kamay at Souk – The Ramp, bronze platform sandals by Lewre at Rue de CMG

FASHION 25

26 FASHION

“Animalia” top and bra embellished with Murano Beads by Amir Sali; black culottes with suspenders

by Another Place at Souk at The Ramp; accessories - choker with handcrafted “sea weed” Tawi-Tawi pendant and beaded necklace by Ga Alagdon, patent violet slingbacks by Matthews at Rue de CMG

FASHION 27 Embroidered jacket by the Tiboli women from Modi, flat silver necklace by Lime at The Ramp

Text: Lalaine Chu-Benitez Photography: Illuminado Ong Model: Sheila Teodoro Hair & Make Up: Basil Couture & Styling: EZRA Fashion Design, Al Wasl Rd., Jumeirah, Dubai

“Animalia” top and bra embellished with Murano Beads by Amir Sali; black culottes with suspenders

by Another Place at Souk at The Ramp; accessories choker with handcrafted “sea weed” Tawi-Tawi pendant and beaded necklace by Ga Alagdon, patent violet slingbacks by Matthews at Rue de CMG

FASHION 29 Long sleeved button down shirt by Mundo at The Ramp; Inaul shawl, hand-woven by Maguindanao women made of Rayon silk by Modi; slim pants by Jun Escario at The Ramp

Hand woven French tulle wedding gown with fabricated cabbage roses embroidered with Swarovski crystals

FASHION 31 Paisley dress (worn as top) in heavy gray and black cotton by Gerry Katigbak; black jeans and patent black pumps - model’s own; silver bangles by Lime at The Ramp; bejeweled feather hair comb by Amir Sali

FASHION 25 32 FASHION

On Charmagne: Off-white tunic dress with corded bib front by Souk at the The Ramp; Ilocos-made black and white woven shawl

by Gerry Katigbak; abaca bag by Modi; earrings - stylist’s own On Carlo: “Pinukpok” barong with built-in scarf and black pants by Gerry Katigbak; off white shoes by Red Alert at Rue de CMG;

FASHION 33

On Charmagne - Tank top with Tiboli malong patchwork and natural seeds by Modi; bolero and capelet (worn as skirt) handwoven with Tiboli bead work by Modi. Bolero; accessories handmade Tiboli ribbon necklace with brass pendant made from recycled materials, and black bead and brass chain necklace all

by Modi, tights – stylist’s own On Carlo - Embroidered long-sleeved button down shirt by Mundo at The Ramp; paisley suspenders by Gerry Katigbak; jeans: - model’s own; sneakers by Red Alert at Rue de CMG

34 FASHION Blue mini dress with Antik patchwork by Souk at The Ramp; yellow leggings - stylist’s own; red peep-toe platform shoes

by Matthews; accessories - pearl neckpiece with colored and metal beads and copper wire by Kathang Kamay at Souk at The Ramp; copper wire clutch by Souk at The Ramp

FASHION 35

FASHION 36 Apple green tank dress with multicolor beadwork from Souk at The Ramp; dark blue and cream lace bolero by Richie Ortega from Souk – The Ramp; leather earrings with beads from Souk at the The Ramp; abaca sling bag with beaded strap from the Higaonan tribes by Modi; tights - stylist’s own

37 FASHION “Pinukpok” barong with built-in scarf and black pants by Gerry Katigbak

38 FEATURE

Losing the Holiday Pounds

By Bernadette Reyes

The holidays have come and gone and life would have been back to normal except that you are feeling slightly heavier, your clothes a little tighter and your tummy somewhat bigger. You tip the scale and you are greatly disappointed with those extra pounds you have gained reminding you of all the holiday lechon, hamon, quezo de bola and kakanin.

A

ll of us are guilty of eating a lot if not excessively during the Holiday Season. Greasy food and sweet treats are the usual culprits for the added weight. Surprisingly, a study conducted by the United States National Institutes of Health revealed that an average person gains just over one pound during the holidays. However, if you continue adding on that extra pound yearly, you can gain 10 pounds in 10 years or maybe even more.

In order to break the pattern, the way to go is work out a realistic diet plan that will help you keep those extra pounds at bay. It shouldn’t be difficult to attain and maintain your desired weight with a little planning and a lot of discipline.

I recently read the book French Women Don’t Get Fat written by Mireille Guiliano which talks about the “French paradox” of enjoying

good food while staying slim and healthy. She begins the story with her personal experience of being on the heavy side, and goes on with her personal struggle on losing weight and successful endeavor to get back in shape.

The book is also interspersed with recipes you’d thought were fattening but are actually healthy dishes.

Fond of good food, not only does Mireille enjoy three-course meals, she also devours bread and pastry, considers chocolates as if it were a staple, drinks wine, eats importunately on Holidays and other merry occasions.

She went to the US as an exchange student and following her carefree eating habit she transformed from a typical slender French girl to what her dad calls her, a “sack of potatoes.”

But following traditional wisdom on weight loss and control, she soon got back in shape.

Her doctor, “Dr. Miracle” reintroduced her to classic principles of eating fresh and healthy

food, maintaining a balanced diet and incorporating painless physical activities into everyday routine. She learned that deprivation is not the key to stay in shape but attaining a sense balance and she has since then relished a life of indulgence minus the bulge.

Most physicians are likely to suggest the same principles as the key to keeping your desired weight after much merry-making during the past holiday, Dr. Imelda Agdeppa of the Department of Science & Technology (DOST) suggests reverting back to eating in moderation and increasing physical activities to lose any unwanted bulge.

If you are already engaged in physical activities such as jogging around the village or hitting the treadmill once in a while, try changing you cardio routine to burn more calories. If you usually jog 15 minutes twice a week, try increasing the numbers to 30 minutes, three times a week or add or engage in new activities like ditching the treadmill for

FEATURE 39 the StairMaster. Altering your activities will keep you from reaching a plateau and help you to continue losing weight. If you are not lifting weights, try to begin a new program to help jump start weight loss and build more muscles that increase metabolism. The more muscles you have, the faster your metabolism. Then again some people don’t have the time to hit the gym on a regular basis in which case try walking for exercise or take the stairs rather than the elevator.

Complement an increased level of activities with more water intake.

Unless a medical condition disallows much water intake, drinking water throughout the day is beneficial to one’s health. Water doesn’t have calories, fills you up, and prevents the shakiness of dehydration. Water also aids in speeding up the body’s metabolism up to three percent faster. Doctors suggest getting at least 8 glasses or 64 ounces of water daily.

However, no amount of exercise or water intake can get you back in shape without maintaining a proper diet. Nowadays there are many fad diets such as South Beach, Atkins, grape diet or eating just one type of any fruit, water diet and the list goes on. Using diet pills have also gained a steady following in recent years. But before engaging in any form of diet consult first with your physician - be certain that your diet and exercise plans are safe and compatible with your health status.

Nutritionists still advise to go natural. According to Dr. Agdeppa the best way to get back in shape is losing weight gradually. You might be in a rush to lose the unwanted bulge you’ve gained during the Holidays but it is likely to creep back no sooner than you lose it if you try to lose weight drastically. Start eating a big breakfast as it helps you eat fewer calories throughout the day.

Use a salad plate instead of a dinner plate. Eat the low-calorie items on your plate first such as salads and vegetables, then

graduate to meats and starches. By the time you get to them, you’ll be full enough to be content with smaller portions of the high-calorie choices. The key is to “trick yourself”. Whenever you put something into your mouth, make the eating purposeful, not mindless. Whether its chocolate or banana peel it, unwrap it, plate it, and sit. Engage all of the senses in the pleasure of nourishing your body.

Now you ask yourself when to ditch your carefree eating habits and begin your diet plan. Stop procrastinating and start mapping out a plan that will suit your lifestyle. Losing weight is a challenge, and requires the same careful consideration that you would give to changing your job, moving, or choosing a college. Plan to start during a quiet time in your life, not when work and family responsibilities are likely to be at their peak.

As you go about your new diet, try keeping a ‘food diary’ like Mireille does. Write down what you eat, how much you eat, when you eat it, and how you feel as you’re eating. You will soon be able to see a pattern and adjust your eating plan accordingly.

Following these tips will likely result in weight loss and help you get that new physique. However, losing weight is only your first challenge. Keeping the weight off is the next. Losing weight means reducing your food intake or switching from high to less energy containing foods and exercising more. It does not mean starving oneself. So whether it’s Christmas or not, rather than going without meals you should be able to adopt your new diet plan as a habit and always practice a healthy lifestyle and good nutrition.

40 FEATURE

FENG SHUI 101

Clearing the Clutter & Making Room for the Good Stuff Everybody dreams of a beautiful home. After a hard day’s work, you crave to go home to a relaxing and pleasant place.

How you design your place reveals a lot about your personality.

It is a direct reflection of how you feel and think. You cannot have “not having enough money” or “not having enough time” as an excuse to not be able to create a beautiful home. In fact, all you need is a great deal of intention and visualization on how exactly you want your place to look, and feel like.

t

his is where all sorts of design principles come into play. One of which is Feng Shui. Okay okay, you may be the skeptical type – cringing at the mere mention of the words Feng Shui. You link a certain air of mysticism or cynicism to it. Or you could be the open type – willing to try-out some principles that could pass as either ancient or novelty. Whichever attitude you have towards this ancient art, you may find it fascinating to note that Feng Shui is based on one of the simplest rules in creating a happy and positive place – that is - to clear the clutter; to empty out the old, and make way for the new.

Of course it’s easier said than done because Pinoys naturally love to hold on to things either due to sentimentality or thriftiness (or panghihinayang.) Whatever the case may be, it takes a bit of an effort let go of the old and familiar things. While it is good to maximize the value of things, it is also important to remove clutter from your life – the basic principle of Feng Shui. Pronounced as “fung

By Chelle Laborte

shway”, the phrase literally means wind and water. It is based on a Chinese philosophy of the movement of ‘chi’ or energy within ourselves, our home and our surroundings.

It is quite amazing to learn that you are part of the universe in creating balance and enhancing chi in your life. To enhance balance and harmony, you can use some subtle but significant elements here and there. As a basic guide, you can use the bagua to determine the nine areas of your ‘life lay-out’. The location of the door will always coincide with any one of the three areas: knowledge, career and helpful people shown at the bottom of the map.

Also with the help of some natural elements like wood, metal, earth, water and fire, you can put some balance into your life by trying out simple and basic feng shui tips:

health.

• Decorate with the color purple as this is the color of wealth.

• Make sure your entrance doors are clean and inviting. Make the doorways welcoming enough for your family to come home to by removing any blockage such as storage boxes that might get in the way.

• Put adequate lighting to make the entrance

prosperity

Fame And reputation

Relationships and love

family

health

creativity and children

Skills and knowledge

career

helpful people and travel

WEALTH & FAMILY • Wood is the element for wealth and family, so decorate the wealth and family parts of your room (with the bagua as your guide) with healthy and broad-leafed plants. Avoid putting dried plants as they symbolize ill

FEATURE 41

• Put adequate lighting to make the entrance feel more spacious and open.

FAME • If you want fame, decorate with the colors orange, red, russet or wine since fame is of the fire element. Colors need not be bright.

It can be toned down to hues of warm peach and salmon.

• Use lighting fixtures such as floor lamps, table lamps and candles.

LOVE/ RELATIONSHIP • Decorate in two’s as this promotes a pair.

Have 2 side tables, 2 pillows, an artwork that shows a couple instead of a lone figure.

• If you are searching for a partner, make room for him/ her especially in the bedroom.

CAREER • Water represents the Career area. A water fountain or a bowl/aquarium of fish brings positivity.

• Paintings with some water scenes as well as the colors black and white are great choices especially in homes of contemporary style.

• Clear spaces and remove clutters especially from working desks to allow new energy to come into the space. Throw away outdated files to make room for new deals, projects and businesses to come in.

• Remove stuff from previous relationships.

• Sharp angles do not enhance harmony so put oval or round shapes. Shades of mauves and reds likewise enhance relationships.

Put candles, fresh flowers and anything that reminds you of a good relationship.

HEALTH & KNOWLEDGE • Health and knowledge are both of the EARTH element so decorate with natural materials such as terracotta tiles and natural stones as well as earth colors such as mochas, tans, beiges, browns, yellows and oranges.

• Light a yellow candle or put photos in yellow picture frames in the health area which is in the middle of the room.

• To enhance the earth element, bring in some fire (reds) into the picture and create a warm, earth-toned palette.

CHILDREN/ CREATIVITY, HELPFUL PEOPLE & TRAVEL • Children/ creativity, helpful people and travel have metal as the element. Decorate with silvers, bronzes, golds or wrought irons.

• Hang some wind chimes to call in the energy of other metals.

• It is also great to combine white with these metallic tones to give a more balanced look.

FENG SHUI DECORATING 101 • Keep the designs and lay-outs free flowing.

• Try to minimize sharp corners.

• Put healthy plants in a stylish way in various areas of the house.

• Arrange sofas and chairs that will encourage people to interact and connect with each other.

• Try to avoid having too many knick-knacks and remove stuff from underneath your bed to make way for the energy to flow freely.

• Design with a variety of lighting tones and set-ups while making sure that you’re not overdoing it.

Following the basic Feng Shui tips surprisingly creates some harmony and balance into your living space – no matter how big or small it may be. Let go of the old stuff so new can come in. Use and combine the necessary colors, sounds, scents and natural elements to help you clearly visualize the finest things in life. Once you allow the energy to move freely, you make the room feel better. You can even feel the change in your body. Experiment on these tips and let the energy of wealth, love and health flow into your place that you would surely love to come home to.

42 FROM OUR READERS

As we look forward to a brand new year and vow to adopt a new attitude, it’s good to be reminded about traditional values that we hold close to heart. Avid Illustrado reader Dong Dimal looks back at some of the ideals and principles that set Pinoys apart

On Filipino Values

W

e Filipinos are known the world over for our hospitality and very sunny attitude. These positive traits are part of our value system which has kept the Pinoy spirit intact through the toughest of times. These traditions are put to the test for most kababayans when they find themselves working outside the country in search of a better future for their families back home. Living in a highly modern environment and encountering people with varied backgrounds and beliefs is quite a challenging proposition - and this may bring about some changes within us.

within reason, observing ‘utang na loob’ is an exemplary practice. We all know the popular quotation- “ang hindi lumilingon sa kanyang pinanggalingan ay hindi makararating sa kanyang paroroonan.”

Another worthy Pinoy value is reflected in the saying, “Ang taong sobrang bilis maglakad, kapag napako ay malalim.”

Pinoys in general are known to be patient, calm and hardworking. We do tend to wait for our turn, be it in the most simple of tasks like lining up to ride a bus, queuing for our turn at a fast food restaurant, or in something as important as waiting for our deserved promotion in the workplace. In most cases, being patient is positive as we tend to focus doing more than fretting and getting edgy. As long as it is not used as an excuse for lack of ambition or the absence of drive, patience is a good Pinoy virtue which endears us to other people.

Lastly, ‘pakikisama’ or camaraderie (or even bayanihan) is a very unique and infectious trait which other nationalities have come to appreciate when it comes to us Filipinos. Within our own community and certainly among others, it is very common for us make people feel at home.

It is normal for us to make an effort to accommodate friends, even strangers and to extend a helping hand at a time of need. This somehow promotes a peaceful and cheerful co-existence and lends an air of generosity and kindness.

Everyone calls each other pare or mare or kabayan – when you think about it, it seems that Pinoys actually regard each other as members of a huge extended family.

One of the most prominent Pinoy values we need to remind ourselves of time and again is the concept of palabra de honor (word of honor). Even in this age of e-mails and internet, integrity in communication still plays a vital role in an individual’s day to life.

Keeping one’s word and fulfilling a promise, ensures trust and respect. We are fortunate as it is not unusual to hear people of other nationalities to remark that they like Filipinos because of being trustworthy.

only a disgrace to him, but also to his whole community.

Coming from an impoverished but proud nation, most Pinoys consider their ‘selfrespect’ as their most prized-possession.

However, due to poverty and other external difficulties, some people are driven to engage in inappropriate things and consequently find themselves in trouble. For all of us working and living abroad, there is a need to think of self-worth not only in the eyes of our kababayans but more so with the rest of the world, because when a Filipino has done something bad or unworthy, it is not

‘Utang na loob’ or showing deep gratitude to anyone who has done us favors is one of the best Pinoy values, but at the same one of the most abused. All of us her must have had people who have helped in some way to get us where we are today – whether through financial means or moral support. The very Pinoy thing to do is not to forget to show our sincere appreciation to those who have extended their assistance. Even better, we can return the favor by providing help to another kababayan who needs it. As long as it is

Working abroad might help improve life for us and our loved ones back home. But it is also easy to get carried away within the highly modern and mixed multicultural environment we exist in. There is nothing wrong with this as long as we remember our good Pinoy values; because these will keep our feet firmly planted on the ground, while we strive to reach our goals and dreams.

So when someone asks you what is it that makes Filipinos hospitable and cheerful despite the hardships – remember that it is your self-worth and the beliefs that you have grown up with that makes you truly special.

Mabuhay and Pilipino!

KABUHAYAN

ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Money, Assets and Investing

Multi-Level Marketing Multi-level Marketing (MLM) in the Philippines and in other parts of the world has earned the reputation of being an investment scam with a number of companies engaged in this type of business defaulting on payments. But the success story of Teresita Castillo and husband Fidel is about to challenge the negative impression MLM companies have gained through failed partnerships.

By Bernadette Reyes

F

idel and Teresita began joining MLM initiatives since 1987, shortly after they were introduced to multi-level marketing company Barclay.

The couple found the income rewarding but still maintained their respective day jobs. In August 2007, Teresita resigned from work to engage fulltime in LR Health & Beauty Systems, another MLM company. In a short span of three months, the couple has exceeded the quota requirement and became the first-ever recipient of the latest C-class Mercedes Benz in the Philippines as a reward for their hard work.

Teresita said the business has been very productive since. The couple’s combined monthly income arising from commissions, retail profits, rebates and other bonuses has hit a whopping six-digit figure in Philippine peso and they are eyeing to breach the million-peso target soon. “Compared to how much we used to earn when we were employed, I could say we are earning more

now,” she said modestly.

Multi-level marketing is a legitimate business strategy to attain a wider distribution of products while lowering costs by means of networking with other people. MLM differs from pyramiding which is considered illegal under Section 53 of the Consumer Act of the Philippines.

While MLM recruits and sells products at the same time, pyramiding is usually a financial transaction, wherein a borrower promises a very high interest rate to the lender then eventually defaults on the payment when no new distributors can be recruited. When such a scheme collapses, investors especially those at the base or lower levels of the pyramid, lose their money.

MLM on the other hand does not promise unbelievably high returns from the investment. Although companies may require entry fees, they are usually minimal and consumed to pay for services or products to be sold. There is also no promise of income by

simply recruiting. Income is earned through commissions which are derived from your sale of the products or services and through the sales of the people you recruit as distributors.

Usually, this business plan pays commissions through two or more levels of recruits, known as the distributor’s ‘downline’.

Globally, the most well-known and widely considered originator of MLM is the Amway Corporation in the U.S. which started with its Nutrilite product line. Nutrilite was a food supplement claimed to have unusual therapeutic value. Products were sold to the family and friends of the inventor at a commission. Out of state distribution of Nutrilite supplements soon followed through the company, Mytinger, Casselberry and Rehnborg, and some 15,000 door-to-door salesmen.

In the Philippines, MLM is an offshoot of the direct-selling industry which began in the 1970s. Through the years, MLM has attracted interested investors thus increasing the number of companies involved in the

KABUHAYAN

ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Money, Assets and Investing

Fidel and Teresita Castillo receive their awards for exceptional sales

business. Aside from Amway, some of the more prominent MLM companies in the Philippines owing to the size of their membership include Powerhomes Unlimited Corp., Forever Living Products Philippine Inc. (FLPPI), First Quadrant, Herbalife, Sunrider Philippines, Waters Philippines, GoldQuest and LR Health & Beauty Systems.

Despite the increasing popularity of this business model, many MLM companies have been the subject of investigation by regulatory companies. Some of these companies have been found out to be illegal operations masquerading as companies involved in Internet Web Hosting, e-commerce, real estate, insurance or other legal businesses. To facilitate the investigation, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) together with the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) formed a task force to probe certain companies following complaints that some businesses in the Philippines operate as unauthorized quasiinvestment schemes. “We are checking if these firms are actually vehicles for investment fraud.

We want to ensure that the hapless public will not be lured into another investment scam,” SEC compliance and enforcement director

Atty. Hubert Guevara said. He advised investors to exercise prudence so as not to be blinded with insincere promises of earning unlimited income.

Even the Castillo family who has been involved in the MLM business for more than 20 years had a close call of being victimized by an investment scam. In order not to get hit, interested investors should check with their respective local business bureaus and government regulators whether a particular MLM company is legal especially when the claims about the product or your potential earnings sounds too good to be true. Be wary of companies that ask new distributors to purchase expensive inventory and refrain from paying or signing any contracts in an “opportunity meeting” or other high pressure situation.

Insist on taking your time to think about the investment and consult others before deciding. Teresita said she studies the companies to make sure the business she is joining is credible. “After all, it’s not only the name of the company and the product that are at stake. You might also lose face should the business turns out to be a

hoax,” Teresita warns.

If you have been victimized by a pyramiding scam, report directly to the Philippine regulatory agencies concerned including the SEC, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).

Teresita and Fidel hope to inspire individuals and families and realize the same success they are experiencing now. They believe MLM is a practical business opportunity for OFWs and people who want to retire early. “Many of these OFWs send money to their relatives in the Philippines; invest it in a sari-sari store and in a few months the business folds up.

Instead, they can use the money to engage in MLM. Once the business becomes profitable, they can retire or go back [in the Philippines],” the couple explained.

But just like in any business, remember that you may be affiliated with one of the best MLM companies or have the finest products in the market but those are only part of the equation. You must expect to invest a lot of hard work apart from your money for your investment to payoff.

Become a shareholder and enjoy the following privileges and benefits: • Spend 6 days/5 nights free every year for the next 10 years • Get 20% discount on food and beverage • Get a cash dividend of projected 12% each year • Benefit from property value appreciation over the next 10 years • Annual distribution of dividends

The “No Problem – No Worry” Package • No further financial obligations after one time payment • No hassle of maintenance • No Sales & Marketing headaches on how to rent it out • No worry to receive your rental income dividends • Full Financial and Legal due diligence • Managed by a professional hotel management company • Satisfaction Guarantee: Payback after 5 years if dissatisfied

The Boracay Destination Advantage • Boracay is the number 1 Top Philippine Tourist spot • Number of incoming tourists crossed 600,000 in 2006 • 20% of tourists coming to the Philippines are going to Boracay • Un-paralleled demand for resorts and condominiums • Rising land value • Progressively increasing number of tourists • The site of the new “Shangri-La Hotel”

The Philippine Economical upswing • Highest number of incoming foreign tourists since 1983 • Lowest inflation rates since 1985 • Highest growth rate of 7,5% in Q2 2007, the highest in 20 years!

• No better place to invest than investing in the Philippines!

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Please call or send an email for further details

KABUHAYAN

INVESTING

Money, Assets and Investing

Investing on Philippine Tourism

By Lalaine Chu-Benitez

L

ately, bouyancy in the sector has resulted to the popularity of alternative property ownership concepts which offer options like earning and vacation opportunities that go beyond the mere purchase of homes.

Unlike the latter which entails a major longterm financial engagement, as well as a lifetime commitment on upkeep and management, which Filipino expats might find cumbersome – condotels, time share and fractional ownership projects offer a totally different arrangement to Filipinos who have increasingly varied requirements and goals.

Condotels Since a lot of Filipino expats interested to purchase vacation homes will only be able to occupy the property rarely, it makes perfect sense to invest in a ‘buy to let’ income generating set-up run by a condotel management company while owners are away.

There is a caveat, however, in getting into a condotel arrangement as conflicts may arise

© Phtographer : Simon Guney

Agency: Dreamstime.com

The Philippines continues to be a favorite destination for foreigners. The Bureau of Immigration (BI) reported in December 2007 that 4.4 million tourists entered the country in the first 10 months of 2007 – a 7% increase on the same period in 2006. Add to that the regular influx of balikbayan vacationers, domestic tourism, with a steadily growing economy at the base, and what you have is a flourishing sector that offers attractive business options for investors.

if the articles of association are not welldefined. For starters, there is normally no guarantee that your unit will be leased as often as you would want, add to that regular running costs such us water and electricity, furniture replacement and monthly dues.

Before committing, one has to understand thoroughly the proposed conditions of the owners association.

is not per (physical) unit. Instead each investor owns a fraction or a stake in the entire project. In this type of agreement, there are no delineations between public areas and private apartments, as everybody is a shareholder. The main purpose of going into fractional ownership is not to possess a vacation home, but to primarily make profit on the investment.

Time Share

Just like in time share projects, investors get the benefit of certain days free stay at ‘their own resort’. The rest of the year, the place is run professionally by a hotel management company which will be paid a certain management fee. The entire profit after expenses will be equally divided by the numbers of shares, as annual dividend.

Over a period of time, shareholders will also benefit from increasing land prices, brand recognition and property value increase.

The time share concept is an option wherein the only benefit one gets is the ‘right to stay’ for an agreed period of time at the property.

Unlike condo or condotel buyers, time share owners are not given property equity – therefore, making this scenario suited only for those looking for vacation homes and not investment. In recent years, the time share concept has also evolved into ‘vacation clubs’ where time share companies have teamed up to offer their clients the opportunity of staying in a variety of properties and locations.

Fractional Ownership A relatively new concept in the Philippines, fractional ownership operates like a real estate investment fund where the ownership

But just like any kind of investment, fractional ownership projects have both opportunities and risks, so investors should exercise due diligence and thoroughly understand the subscription prospectus. It is also important to note that this type of investment proposal is not a short term but a medium-term engagement.

KABUHAYAN

INVESTING

Money, Assets and Investing Boracay investment opportunity Seasoned hotelier Bernhard Ilming, Managing Director of Dubai-based Hotel and Resort Properties Inc. with projects in the Philippines, is an entrepreneur promoting the idea of fractional ownership to the Filipinos in the UAE. According to him, “The concept of fractional or shared ownership opens a new avenue for middle income Filipinos in the Middle East.

Shared ownership provides the opportunity to invest and build up value with a much lower investment and a lesser financial commitment than a regular condominium unit, which costs usually US$ 100,000 and above.”

approach of being an investor and having a monetary contribution as shareholder. He concludes confidently, “However, the most important thing here is that the investor is the winner by getting the triple benefit of low entry investment, no further obligations or loans to pay, annual dividends, free vacation and property value increase.”

With the growing purchasing power of Filipino expats in the region and worlwide and the relatively cheaper cost of property investment opportunities, it appears that Filipino expats are now spoilt for choice on options from which they can reap benefit from a flourishing sector of the country’s economy, with their hard earned cash.

Ilming’s current project on offer is a 20-room hotel in popular Boracay with a restaurant, bar, swimming pool, sun pool-deck, and other amenities, standing on a 2,000 sq m plot of land, slated for expansion to a 35 room property offering spa and wellness treatments. “Instead of developing new resorts which takes more time and entails bigger risks, we buy existing resorts which have been in operation for a few years with good business and therefore instant cash flow for the investors.”

The property’s location in itself is a good draw for investors as Boracay remains the top tourist haunt in the country. According to Aklan Governor Carlito Marquez, Boracay registered 558,084 tourists in 2006, while there were already 387,288 arrivals from the first half of 2007 which include local vacationers, foreigners, as well as Filipino expats. The province is confident that Boracay will sustain it’s number one position in the years to come, and is geared to achieve a million tourist arrivals target in 2010, which will be facilitated by the expansion of Kalibo Airport for more international flights, a project that is a top priority with the Arroyo administration.

Ilming remarks, “We have made Boracay our first destination because every Filipino knows Boracay and dreams about it. Koreans are also very strong segment and they come regardless of the season.” He continues, “Being a vibrant and well known tourism destination with such high demand is almost a guarantee for success ensuring high room rates, high occupancy, as well as good profit levels for investors.”

Considering the challenges of this newly introduced investment concept, Ilming concedes, “We might have to overcome a mentality barrier because most Filipino buyers are used to owning a physical unit such as a ‘condo’, versus the more entrepreneurial

Bernard Ilming, with wife Marivic and daughter Katrina

Bernhard Ilming: Banking on the Philippines Austrian national Bernhard Ilming was a hotel General Manager since 1981; his successful career in the hotel industry taking him to prestigious projects in Germany, Russia, Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia, Azerbaijan, Sri Lanka, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, the UAE, as well as the Philippines where he worked at the Puerto Azul Beach Hotel in Cavite, and was the Opening General Manager for the Holiday Inn Manila Galleria (previously Manila Galleria Suites Hotel) in Ortigas.

He is married to Marivic, a Filipina whom he met in Dubai in 1987, then working as IT Specialist for an American Oil Company. The Ilming family has, since 1999, settled in Dubai, where Bernhard was General Manager at the Metropolitan Resort Hotel in Jumeirah, followed by a stint in hotel development and brokerage where he was also Owner’s Representative and Hotel Development Consultant for a 1000-room fractional ownership hotel in DubaiLand, later joining EMAAR as Director of Hospitality.

Of the Philippines, Bernhard Ilming had this to say, “The Philippines had a deep impact not only on my private and married life but in general. The genuine friendliness, goodnature and positive attitude of the Filipinos influenced my personal style. Certainly I have become much more patient, accepting stressful situations with stoic calmness. There are some Filipino family values that seem to be long lost in parts of Europe which I very much appreciate. I embraced the family of my wife whole-heartedly and our house in Dubai is open to all visiting relatives.”

Business-wise Bernhard believes that the country is on the right track to progress, hence, his confidence on establishing a fractional ownership business venture. “Economically, it seems that finally, after so many years of misfortune, the Philippines is on the up-swing with remarkable results. The economic indicators are very good, tourism is booming and it just seems to be the right time for a new start, giving the Philippines a dose of adrenalin to get it back on track.”

KABUHAYAN INSURANCE

Money, Assets and Investing

Insuring your Future

By Ben Parco, FAIQ (CII) UK

best-intentioned New Year’s resolutions. Fortunately, there are so many resources available now to help people tackle even the most complex financial planning issues.

Take Time to Educate Yourself If you have the time, it will greatly benefit you to read books, magazines, and periodicals on insurance, investments, and financial planning. Or if you have internet access, you can search and read articles, write-ups, and practical tips on how to start a simple personal financial planning program. This will make you become familiar with the basics and terminologies and prepare you for intelligent discussions with your lawyer, accountant, or insurance broker and financial adviser. Doing this over a period of time will definitely make you an educated person in this particular field.

Work With a Qualified Financial Professional Another approach is to work with a professional insurance broker or financial adviser or investment manager to help you analyze and evaluate your financial situation. Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to be very wealthy to work with a financial professional.

Setting Your 2008 Goals This is the time of year when people traditionally make New Year’s resolutions to improve their lives and anticipate steady progress in the years ahead. Some set goals to spend more quality time with family, quit a bad habit, lose weight, or get into shape, but one of the most vital resolutions you can make is to embark on a financial program and seriously commit yourself to stick to it. Even the most regimented individuals find it difficult to achieve success when it comes to their personal financial goals. Yet, taking some time to reflect and plan on this important issue will be make it much easier to get things moving in the right direction.

Identify Your Personal and Financial Goals The first step is simply to identify your personal and financial goals.

We have competing goals so once we have listed down a number of important goals that we want to achieve in life, we have to simplify further by setting our priorities. The most common priority areas are buying a home, saving for children’s education, saving capital to start your own business, saving for a comfortable retirement, and to many people, getting a life insurance policy to make sure that the family is financially protected when the unthinkable happens.

The Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards in the US defines financial planning as “the process of meeting your life goals through the proper management of your finances.” It is therefore wise to invest a little extra time to clearly identify your goals and priorities. By doing so, you will have completed an essential first step in the process of developing your personal financial program.

Assess Your Current Financial Situation The next step is to accurately establish your current financial situation, understand what you may need in the future, and formulate a strategy to meet your goals. It may sound simple, but actually for many people, this part of the process is so overwhelming that it can foil even the

A good financial professional will start by gathering detailed information about your current financial resources. He will work closely with you to jointly identify your goals and establish your time horizon. Before making any recommendations, a reputable financial professional will listen carefully to any concerns you may have, including your tolerance to investment risks. He will also provide you with investment planning and projection scenarios to help you prepare what to expect in the future Working with a financial professional to formulate a personalized strategy can be extremely advantageous - especially when it comes to customizing your plan to account for all the complex factors that can possibly affect your situation. A good financial professional has the expertise to determine if you are saving and investing a sufficient amount of money to meet your future goals while taking into account the effects of outside variables such as inflation and investment returns.

Most investment scenario analysis deals with inflation, asset allocation, real returns in various asset classes, and other objectives that are not continuous such as educating children or grandchildren or engaging in significant amounts of travel in the early retirement years.

Once you have established and implemented your plan, a financial professional can review your progress with you, accurately measure your success and provide objective recommendations on an ongoing basis. Perhaps you have experienced a life event such as birth of a child, inheritance, or major illness. As your life situation changes, a financial professional will help you adapt and adjust your plan so that your goals stay on track.

Enjoy the Benefits Going through the process of creating a personalized financial program will give you peace of mind and with the help of an experienced financial professional, it can be easier than you think. Having a financial program can benefit you at any stage of your life – whether you are just starting out or you are enjoying your golden years. Practically anyone who is planning to retire, send children to college, or has moderate wealth can benefit immensely from financial planning. Whether you choose to “do it alone” or seek help from a financial professional, my advice is - get started today!

Happy New Year.

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SUCCESSFUL PINOY Fear is one of the biggest impediments to success. But it can also be positive if one knows how to utilize this energy. In this edition of Successful Pinoy, motivational guru Jeffrey ‘Ximo’ Ramos teaches us how to make use of our apprehensions, convert it and overcome it on our path to achievement - something we have to master to start the New Year on the right footing.

Facing your fears

By Jeffrey ‘Ximo’ Ramos

Fear is real.

Nandoon iyan noong nag-apply ka ng trabaho, noong nag-entrance exam ka sa kolehiyo; noong nanligaw ka; noong una kang nagpatakbo ng sasakyan.

Nakakatakot ang takot nakakatakot!

dahil talagang

But that’s okay because it will not hinder you from success. In fact, you can even use fear to your advantage.

Your driving force “Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear, not the absence of fear.”

- Mark Twain

Fear is good if you know how to handle it. The feeling that causes you to be apprehensive about facing your future, is the same sense that makes you alert and cautious during challenging situations.

You can relate to this by recalling how you have passed your driving test in Dubai parang Masters degree di ba? Basta ang ending noon kahit kinabahan ka, nag-test ka pa rin, at ngayon nasa iyo na ang lisensya. Tama? It is that same fear that caused you to resign and look for a more fulfilling job. Kung hindi mo sinugod yung takot mo, nandoon ka pa rin sa dati mong trabaho na halos hilahin mo na ang iyong katawan sa pag pasok mo sa umaga.

Tama, di ba?

Tandang tanda ko ang ‘kabog’ ng aking dibdib

sa bawat declamation contest na nilahukan ko noong kabataan ko. Nanlalamig ang aking mga kamay at bumibilis ang aking paghinga kasabay nang pag-iisip sa mga dapat kong gawin: look into the audience; speak soft yet clearly, strong but with passion; utter the words with feelings as if the characters are alive; diction is important but intonation is equally important too; and lastly, say the title at the end of the piece - make a pause, look the audience in the eye, make a step forward and say, “The (thee) Owl and The (thah) Pussycat”, then “bow!”

Sa umpisa grabe ang kaba ko, pero habang tumatagal parang yung kaba ko ay na-convert ko na into a force that gives me the energy and presence of mind to perform at my best level. Contest after contests; fear after fear; win after win.

SUCCESSFUL PINOY

Uncontrollable fear on the other hand, can break you. It can result into anxiety, disappointment, reservations and breakdown.

But the right amount of fear can stir up your adrenaline and boost yourself forward.

The secret is to balance it. Too much fear can hold you down, while the absence of fear can make you proud and careless - makakalimot ka sa mga detalye at magiging pabaya ka sa iyong mga ginagawa.

Kaya gamitin mo ang ‘takot’ para sila ang matakot!

What’s the worst thing that could happen?

Nakaka-kaba talaga ang mag-apply ng trabaho or worst, ang mag-hanap ng bagong trabaho; ang mag-invest sa negosyo, ang humiwalay sa ‘maling gawain’; maging ang ‘mag-bagong buhay’ (bagong taon...matagumpay at matuwid na pamumuhayyy...hayyy…hirap ba?)

If not NOW, when? If not YOU, who?

That’s why when you are facing such situations, you should always ask yourself “what’s the worst thing that could happen to you?”

Kung ipagtatapat mo sa babaeng iyong ‘sinisinta’ ang iyong nararamdamang pagmamahal na nag-ugat pa simula noong kayo ay nasa elementarya at ngayon ay biyuda na siya at may-anak na rin sa elementarya - what is there to lose? Takot kang marinig na, “hindi pa ako handang pumasok sa isang relasyon uli, pero kung kaya mo pang maghintay…”. Aba, naghintay ka nga ng pagkatagaltagal. Ngayon ka pa ba kakabahan? By all means please, sabihin mo na!

Takot kang mag-propose ng iyong pag-ibig, kasi baka hindi siya magsabi ng, “yes”. So what?

It can only mean two things - she needs more time and you need more time to think about your individuality. And the worst that could happen is – hindi ka niya talaga mahal!

So? You knew it at an early stage. Wala ka palang inaasahan. Hindi ka na mag-aaksaya ng panahon, oras at pera. You can move on!

Urong sulong ka sa pagtatayo ng negosyo dahil natatakot ka na baka malugi at mapunta lang sa wala ang pera mo. The question here is reversed - what is the worst thing that is happening right now? Ang pera mo ay nasa bangko - natutulog. Kapag kinabukasan ay hindi ka na nagising dahil sa kakaisip mo kung mag-nenegosyo ka o hindi, hindi mo mapapakinabangan ang iyong pinag-ipunan ng ilang taon – sandali lang naglaho. Ang pera mo kasi ay kaya mo uling ipunin pero ang oras na nawawala ay hindi mo kayang mabalikan!

At kung natatakot ka naman sa paghahanap ng trabaho dahil sa haharapin mong mga tao – like yung mga masusungit na sekretarya, ano naman ngayon? The worst thing that can happen ay iisnabin nila ang beauty mo. So what? Nabawasan ba ang iyong buhay? Ang iyong pagkatao? Maniwala ka sa akin, sila rin kasi noon ay inisnab ng mga nag-hire sa kanila.

I came to know fear. I saw that there is nothing to fear, and I eventually conquered fear.

But fear only one Huwag kang matakot kung wala kang pera bukas, huwag kang matakot kung wala kang kasama ngayon, ni hindi mo kailangang matakot sa kamatayan dahil may buhay muli… pero may isa lang na dapat mong katakutan.

Ang lumikha ay may kakayahang sumira; ang tagapagbigay ay may karapatang bumawi; ang kayang mag pasikat ng araw ay kaya ring palubugin ito.

Ang pagmamahal ng Diyos sa atin ay walang kapantay kaya inihanda na Niya ang ating mga silid sa Langit. Ngunit ang mga tumalikod sa Kanyang pag-ibig at kadakilaan ay mayruon ring pupuntahang lugar na kung saan ang apoy ay walang katapusan.

“I came, ayy! Sus! I conquered.”

I usually write my book in malls and coffee shops. One time, I was writing in a fastfood joint in Manila, I have noticed that there was a product launch being held in the function room – the speaker of which was Congressman Roilo Golez. (Eksakto! He was in my list of interviewees for the book).

Pero, paano ko siya ma-aapproach? Ang daming tao. Ngayon ko na ba siya lalapitan, o bukas na lang sa kanyang office sa Congress?

Kinakabahan ako. Then, I saw him coming, passing by my side, lalo akong kinabahan. “Ayy, sus, bukas na lang.”

I knew that they were about to start. I went into the function room and saw him talk.

It was a very informative and motivating speech. I got some information about his success secrets. After we clapped our hands, he shook hands with the guests while exiting.

Again, I saw him passing by my side. “Ayy, sus, bukas na lang talaga.”

But I decided to go for it. Tumayo ako. Hinabol ko siya at kinamayan. After that I just realized na tao lang sila. They can be approached anytime. That’s one way of conquering fear – by simply facing it and charging through it!

‘I know what to do!’ is now available in the UAE through Illustrado. Please call 04-365 4543 to reserve your copy or e-mail info@illustrado.net

54 ARTS & CULTURE

Manuel Baldemor

paints the Philippines and the world

Born after World War II in 1947, country boy Baldemor hails from Laguna, from the town of Paete, to be exact, which is well known for its wood carving industry. In fact, that is how Baldemor got known in the arts, as a master wood carver.

He was the only wood carver who could draw and carve well. Baldemor also painted papier mache artworks when he was 9 years old. At 14, he painted movie billboards, and as a reward for his services, he earned free passes to the movies being shown in his hometown.

By Karen Galarpe

W

hen he was in high school a long time ago, Filipino artist Manuel Baldemor would spend his recess poring over world maps and atlases in the school library. “I would look up places on the world map. It became a game for me,” he says. “I would ‘travel’ based on that map.

Never did I think that one day I would travel outside the Philippines.”

But travel he did, and it looks like he’s been

ARTS & CULTURE 55

all over, almost. He has been to Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and the Americas.

And in each of these stops, he would take in the country’s culture, create paintings of his impressions of the country, and promote his art and the Philippines as well. So good has he been at it that he has become an unofficial walking ambassador of the Philippines.

His most recent travel was to France, where he stayed from July to November 2007.

Compared to his first visit to France in 1975, this latest sojourn took him to the provinces of France located in the north and south.

“In 1975, I thought Paris was France. But in my subsequent trips, I discovered the countryside.”

This has inspired him to paint a whole collection of acrylic paintings of the French countryside which was shown last December 2007 at the SM Megamall Art Center in Manila.

The said exhibit, dubbed “Somewhere in France,” was sponsored by the French Ministry of Information and Communications.

There are paintings of Provence in southern France near the Mediterranean Sea, Nice, Normandy, the cathedral of Liseux named after St. Therese, and Medieval cities on mountaintops. Through his textured brushstrokes and muted colors, Baldemor has given us a glimpse of the tranquil life in

56 ARTS & CULTURE

these places. Asked why he is drawn to the provinces, Baldemor says, “I think it’s because I’m still a country boy at heart. I’m still excited with provinces.”

Born after World War II in 1947, country boy Baldemor hails from Laguna, from the town of Paete, to be exact, which is well known for its wood carving industry. In fact, that is how Baldemor got known in the arts, as a master wood carver. He was the only wood carver who could draw and carve well. Baldemor also painted papier mache artworks when he was 9 years old. At 14, he painted movie billboards, and as a reward for his services, he earned free passes to the movies being shown in his hometown.

He took fine arts at the University of Santo Tomas in Manila in the late ‘60s. He wowed the art crowd by winning twice the grand prize in the painting competition of the Art Association of the Philippines in 1972 and 1973. Baldemor then represented the Philippines in the XIV Salon International Art in Paris.

There was no stopping Baldemor after that, as he pursued painting professionally and going into printmaking, book illustration, and writing as well. From his first one-man show in 1972, he has exhibited in the Philippines and in so many countries abroad—the results of numerous grants given by foreign governments and private entities—that it is hard to count them all. He was even artist-inresidence in countries like Japan, Israel, Chile, Portugal, Estonia, Singapore and Switzerland.

His artworks have been chosen for UNICEF cards for the past 17 years, and these have generated at least sales of P35 million for UNICEF. In 2007, he was named one of the most outstanding alumni of the University of Santo Tomas.

Painting what he sees in his travels abroad is just one half of the coin, though. Baldemor is most famous for his colorful Filipino paintings depicting fiestas. If Malang is famous for his women, Baldemor is well known for his fiestas. He is known to paint every detail, down to the last parol in his Filipino Christmas paintings. He would usually paint scenes from markets and churches, “because that’s the pulse of the town,” he says.

The big crop of paintings Baldemor produces each year can be attributed to his diligence even today at the ripe old age of 60. “I’m a

senior citizen now,” he laughs. He would paint from 5 in the morning until 10 at night if he doesn’t have art openings or embassy events to attend in the evenings. “I’m already in the mailing list of embassies,” he reveals, a result of many years of working with foreign governments for various grants and exhibits.

“It’s really a blessing,” says Baldemor, of his success in the art scene. And he has always

wanted to share some of his blessings. His designs for UNICEF cards are all pro bono.

He has also taken part in various fund raising activities such as those for the victims of Typhoon Reming in 2006, the dying children being supported by SM Foundation, and the projects of the Tuberculosis Stamp Society (which he chairs) and the Leukemia Foundation, among others. “Every artist has to do something like that. Life is too short.

If you reach 50 years old, the rest of your 2008: a 5 meter-by-3 meter mosaic piece to f you reach 50 years old, the rest of your 2008: a 5 meter-by-3 meter mosaic piece to years are just a bonus. I’m blessed with the be installed at the Cathedral of St. Therese years are just a bonus. I’m blessed with the be installed at the Cathedral of St. Therese opportunity and the talent,” he says, that’s in Liseux, France, and some time taking in opportunity and the talent,” he says, that’s in Liseux, France, and some time taking in the sights of Norway, for yet another exhibit why he wants to give back. the sights of Norway, for yet another exhibit why he wants to give back. being planned. being planned.

And he wants to paint more so he can give And he wants to paint more so he can give more to society. “I never get tired. The secret “I’m like a traveler who never gets tired,” he more to society. “I never get tired. The secret “I’m like a traveler who never gets tired,” he is I like what I’m doing. It’s not work; it’s says. And may we add, an artist who never s I like what I’m doing. It’s not work; it’s says. And may we add, an artist who never more like play,” Baldemor says. Already, he’s gets tired. And that is good for all of us. more like play,” Baldemor says. Already, he’s gets tired. And that is good for all of us. looking forward to his next projects this ooking forward to his next projects this

& CULTURE ARTS &ARTS CULTURE 57 57

58 ARTS & CULTURE

ARTS & CULTURE 59

60 PINOY PLANET In 2007, Illustrado contributor David Llorito participated in the Jefferson Fellowship on “innovation off-shoring” sponsored by the East-West Center in Hawaii, funded by the Freeman Foundation. The fellowship brought him to major innovation centers in Beijing, Shanghai, Bangalore, Chennai, and Silicon Valley – the acknowledged home of global innovators, tech start-ups, venture capitalists, academics and technology experts who are shaping the world.

SiliconValley

San Jose California

B

ohemians and poets in the 70s used to call Silicon Valley, a rural wilderness in California where prunes and apricots grew, the “Valley of Heart’s Desire.” These days it’s a technological haven where ‘big things’ emerge - from the most exciting microchip to the coolest gadgets.

But don’t you know that the future of developing countries like the Philippines is influenced by what’s happening here?

Experts believe if the rest of the developing world could tap into the dynamics of this collaborative network, everybody else could flourish.

The term “Silicon Valley” emerged in the 70s when journalists tried to describe a concentration of electronics firms in Santa Clara County that flourished after Stanford University in Palo Alto leased a huge chunk of its campus to high-tech companies after World War II. (Silicon is extensively used in the manufacture of microchips, hence the term ‘Silicon Valley’.) Stanford then was in dire financial straits and addressed the problem by setting up an industrial park.

Thus, from the sleepy rural backwoods, the area evolved into what it is today - a kaleidoscopic region whose fortunes and boundaries continue to change as companies experienced

By David Llorito

booms and busts leaping from one “next big thing” to another: semiconductors in the ‘60s to the ‘70s, personal computers and work stations in the ‘80s, network computing and the Internet in the ‘90s, and mobile computing, biotechnology and nanotechnology in the new millennium.

“Today the tech-focused kingdom has expanded up the peninsula and over the Santa Cruz Mountains,” says Bell, a participant of the Jefferson Fellowship. “It spreads from downtown San Francisco, down Highway 101, past the biotech campuses of South San Francisco and the corporate campuses to the IBM software labs in south San Jose and on to the RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) works in Morgan Hill. To the west, it has spread to the coast, where the University of California Santa Cruz is making a name for itself in gaming and nanotechnology.”

Marguerite Gong Hancock, associate director of the Stanford University Project on Regions of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, estimates that Silicon Valley today covers 1,500 square miles, covering 35 cities and four counties populated by 2.4 million people, about 40 percent of whom are foreign born. It employs 1.2 million workers, about a fourth of whom are doing high-skill occupation, with productivity rate 50 percent than the national average.

And for such a small place, Hancock says Silicon Valley accounts for 5 percent of the US gross national product and a tenth of the total number of the US patents being the home of current icons of American global economic power and influence - Google, Yahoo, Sun Microsystems, Hewlett Packard, Oracle, Apple, Intel and YouTube.

“It’s a complex, dynamic region,” says Hancock. “It’s a proximate collection of independent cities, most of them small towns.

It was unplanned, has no formal identity, no borders.”

Enduring strength What makes Silicon Valley tick? And could it survive offshoring and outsourcing as global companies seek the cheapest locations worldwide?

These are the questions confronting Silicon Valley today but Hancock points out that over time it has evolved “four pillars of enduring strength.” It is a nexus of innovation and entrepreneurship; a fertile habitat for the best talents; it has supporting institutions (universities and research institutions,including Stanford and University of California); and a linkage of people, technology and capital—a network that spans across innovative cities in countries like Israel, China, Taiwan, India, Germany, Sweden, Singapore and Japan.

Places and faces, through the eyes of a Pinoy Viajero. It’s a small planet a “People here are willing to take risks,” explains Hancock, stressing that entrepreneurs are not all afraid to fail. “When firms collapse, government doesn’t rescue them.”

PINOY PLANET 61

From downtown San Francisco

Bell describes Silicon Valley as having the “frontier mentality” manifested by its “everchanging cut-throat search for the next big thing.”

“The result is a boom-and-bust economy where serial entrepreneurs proudly list their failures and venture capitalists bet millions on companies with no customers and no revenues,” Bell writes in a paper for the Jefferson Fellowship.

The business environment is almost Darwinian: those who have the best business ideas and models thrive because, according to Hancock, the Valley has a fertile business environment or “habitat” characterized by meritocracy, favorable government policy, open business environment, and the presence of specialized business service infrastructure that include venture capital, hotshot lawyers and accountants.

Adobe

Hancock, though, admits that Silicon Valley is losing some jobs due to offshoring to other centers of innovation in Israel, China, Taiwan and India. Mass manufacturing, R&D, back office operations as well as the jobs of IT administrators, legal assistants and statistical analysts, are going to India and other offshore locations like China and the Philippines.

Fast changes As early as 2003 Oracle CEO Larry Ellison already pronounced “the end of Silicon Valley as we know it.” Even further back, in 1991, the Los Angeles Times noted in an editorial that the “dreams of striking it rich are fading in Silicon Valley.”

Yahoo!

But Anna Lee Saxenian, professor and dean of the University of California School of Information, is just amused by this kind of talk. In the 80s she predicted that Silicon Valley was going to consolidate mainly due to high cost of housing and labor, that only a few big companies will survive and that new companies will not locate operations in the area.

By the mid-’80s, however, the Valley’s economy was still booming, fueling a robust growth in the demand and production of personal computers lead by Apple, Silicon Graphics and Sun Microsystems.

“I was wrong,” Saxenian concedes. “I had to revise my ideas.” There were a couple of things she missed, she says. The first is the fact that companies in the region are part of a “regional ecosystem” built around a network

62 PINOY PLANET Oracle

of open collaboration, making firms in the Valley more resilient and flexible. The flow of information is fast and smooth and this has accelerated technological change.

The role of immigrants The second factor she missed is the role of immigrants. Silicon Valley has a tremendous depth of talent, and about half them are foreign born, mainly Indians and Chinese.

Since the ‘70s and ‘80s, thousands of students from developing countries, including Ireland, Israel, Taiwan, China and India, went to Stanford and other universities in California to study engineering and the sciences. Based on a 2000 survey, there are around 20,000 Indians and another 20,000 Chinese.

Unsure of what awaits them back home, many of these students, armed with postgraduate degrees, ended up working in high-technology companies in Silicon Valley, some even set up their own businesses in the area.

Stanford University

A good example of this process is now underway linking both Silicon Valley and the urban centers of Eastern China,” Saxenian notes in her paper for Cornell University entitled ‘Brain Circulation and Capitalist Dynamics: The Silicon Valley-Shinchu-Shanghai Triangle’.

She states, “Transnational communities have played a central role in the emergence and upgrading of software capabilities in India, Ireland and Israel.”

Tapping into this dynamic global network, Saxenian explained, could bring benefits to developing countries like the Philippines. To take advantage of the network, developing countries should invest in technical education.

Saxenian believes Silicon Valley serves as the hub of this global innovation network that reaches as far as Beijing, Shanghai, Bangalore, Ireland and Israel. “These [innovation centers] don’t compete; they complement each other,” she says.

She admits, however, that regional economies in the Asia-Pacific region will eventually develop their capabilities in innovation as they invest more in education and research, and form relevant institutions, therefore causing Silicon Valley’s dominant role to diminish. “This does not imply decline,” she quickly clarifies.

“Rather it will become one of the many nodes in a more open and distributed global network of differently specialized and complementary regional economies.”

Competition

Will Saxenian be proven wrong again? Only The rise of innovation centers in Asia, many time will tell. of which are manned by returning scientists, has been worrying some analysts, especially since this has often been associated with the loss of jobs, as well as the perceived decline in Today more than a quarter of Silicon Valley’s American technological superiority. highly skilled workers are immigrants from China, Taiwan, India, the United Kingdom, Iran, But Gregory Shea, president of the United Vietnam, the Philippines, Canada and Israel.

States Information Technology Office representing high-technology companies in “By the end of the 1990s, Chinese and Indian China, dismisses this view. “When you look engineers were running 29 percent of Silicon closely at these [R&D centers], they usually Valley’s technology businesses. By 2000, these involve less-than-leading-edge technology. companies collectively accounted for more Rather they are aimed at producing highthan $19.5 billion in sales and 72,839 jobs. And volume, relatively commoditized products and the pace of immigrant entrepreneurship has components for local and regional markets,” accelerated dramatically in the past decade,” notes Shea. “These investments are critical notes Saxenian. for securing and building a strong market position in such a large and expansive market After working a decade or more in Silicon as China.”

Valley, many of these workers went back to their homeland, setting up businesses, He adds, “They are also critical to ensuring especially when the economies of their continued revenue growth for the company respective countries started to improve. Some as a whole, which is vital to supporting highof them shuttled back and forth between end jobs in research, design, marketing, Silicon Valley and their home countries, finance, legal and other areas of corporate Apple HQ engaging in high-technology industries, and administration in the headquarters [in the US] serving as bridges to firms and innovators in and other countries.” both countries.

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64 BAKASYON GRANDE

The Ati-Atihan Festival of Kalibo

The Mother of Philippine Festivals No, it is not a spectator festival like all the others.

It is there for you to let your hair down. Hala bira!

Text and Photos By Vic Albornoz Lactaoen

O

NCE upon a time there was only one festival to speak of in the whole Philippine Archipelago. There was only the Ati-Atihan. And that was only in Kalibo, an old town in northern Panay.

But few Filipinos today know that. Indeed the Philippines of today is not only a country of religious and civic fiestas but also of ‘festivals’.

Check any month in the tourism calendar and you’re bound to find any number of festivals in these islands. There’s the Dinagyang in Iloilo and the Sinulog in Cebu in January; there’s the Panagbenga (flower festival) in Baguio in Feb; there’s the Guling-Guling (street dancing) in Paoay, Ilocos Norte in March; the Moriones Festival in Marinduque on Holy Week in April; the Flores de Mayo/Santacruzan all over the country in May; the Pili Festival in Sorsogon and the Pintados Festival in Leyte in June; the Kinabayo Festival in Zamboanga del Norte and the Sinulog de Tanjay in Negros Oriental in July; the Palu-Palo Festival in Batanes and the Kadayawan sa Dabaw in Davao City in August; the Penafrancia Festival in Bicol in September; the Masskara Festival in Bacolod in October; the Higantes Festival in Angono, Rizal in November; the Christmas Festival in

Marikina in December… and that’s only a small picking of the more famous events.

But the mother of all Philippine festivals still remains the Ati-Atihan of Kalibo in January.

After all, it is almost 800 years old to date.

Also, it is the only festival in a real sense.

While the other festivals are spectator festivals where you go and watch, the AtiAtihan is a festival of total immersion.

There you kick off your shoes and dance in the streets like there is no tomorrow— alone, or hitched to whichever group you fancy. At the Ati-Atihan in Kalibo, there are no spectators. You don’t even have to be in costume. The Ati-Atihan of Kalibo is simply where you let your hair down!

How It All Began The island of Panay in the Visayas which is made up of four provinces: Aklan, Antique, Capiz and Iloilo—no, make that five for reasons of politics to include Guimaras (erstwhile a small island belonging to Iloilo, which somehow rose as a province on its own a few years back), is where this particular detail of Philippine history took place sometime in late 12th or early 13th century. For centuries

hence, it has been commemorated in one specific place, in Kalibo, the capital of today’s province of Aklan—so we couldn’t be so wrong to assume that that was where this piece of history unfolded.

In the beginning there were only the little black skinned people, the ati, living in Panay.

They were ruled by a king, Marikudo, and his queen, Maniwang-tiwang. Then their world changed when in boats came the taller, more advanced brown skinned people from the Indonesian archipelago. Tradition tells us that these migrants, a merry mix of tribes under ten datus led by Datu Puti, were fleeing from a cruel king back home, in search of a new land.

The newcomers came upon the ati people of Panay and bargained with the latter for their land. This deal is written in history as the Barter of Panay. In exchange for a gold salakot (hat) for Marikudo and a gold necklace for the queen, the atis agreed to take to the mountains, relinquishing the lowlands to the newcomers.

As the new settlers prospered in their new land, so the story goes, they began to hold festivities. To honor the absentee atis from

BAKASYON GRANDE 65 whom they owe their new life and land, the brown settlers covered their bodies in soot mimicking the little black skinned people.

Thus was fashioned, the ‘ati-ati’—which means mock, or imitation, ati.

Thus also Festival.

was

born, the

Ati-Atihan

Centuries later, the Spanish colonizers came.

But try as they might, the new, white skinned, European masters could not part the brown natives from their “pagan” festival of dancing and merry-making in soot-blackened bodies.

Old-timers recall that even through the Japanese Occupation during World War II, the natives of Kalibo braved the occupying forces and went on with their festivity when the third Sunday of January—the traditional festival date—came along.

“If you can’t lick ‘em join ‘em!”, the Spaniards must have thought because before you knew it, the Santo Nino, the Holy Child, became the rallying icon and the rallying cry (“Viva, Senor Santo Nino!”) of the Ati-Atihan. The sootblackening, street-dancing festival became religious in nature, complete with a torch procession!

The Beating of the Drums I have been to Kalibo since the early 80s and I’ve grown accustomed to the beating of the drums every January when I visit. In fact, the drums come as early as Christmastime in December—faint and sporadic at first, growing louder and louder and bolder and bolder as the third week of January comes along.

But the beating of the drums heralding revelry, are but an accompaniment to the wild costumes and even wilder dancing in the streets, which build up and climax into a gigantic frenzy on Saturday and Sunday, culminating in a huge procession that lasts into the night of Sunday evening.

And then you wake up on Monday morning and everything is peaceful and quiet again.

A curious silence returns. Like there was no beating of drums and lilting xylophone music that crept up on you from faint and sporadic in late December to a soaring crescendo only yesterday. Only festival litter remains on the road for the street sweepers.

Such is the heady excitement of the festival that for days building up towards the climax on the third Sunday of January, all the streets of downtown Kalibo naturally swell with revelers—natives, guests and tourists, shoulder-to-shoulder—and there is no better way to move around than on foot.

According to one of my friends in Kalibo, the Ati-Atihan festival was also the only time he ever saw Caucasian tourists mingling with the soot-blackened natives like towering white gods. Years later, Boracay, the paradise island at the northern tip of Aklan, shot to international fame and today, Caucasians, as are other nationalities, are no longer so conspicuous in the area.

No, the Aklanons don’t invite guests to their festival. The visitors simply present themselves at the door, and the locals are happy to have them.

So remember now: when you come to Kalibo’s mardi gras you don’t just look. You warm to the merry beat of the drums and plunge into the dancing and have the time of your life. Hala bira!

66 PINOY ABOUT TOWN

‘Tirador’

at the Dubai International Film Fest

FILM TITLES CAN SOMETIMES MAKE AN IRREVERSIBLE FIRST IMPRESSION. SOME AWARD-WINNING FILMS CARRY A DODGY TITLE SO SCANDALOUS THAT IT IS UNLIKELY TO BE APPEALING. TIRADOR FOR A FILM TITLE IS TABLOID MATERIAL – LOUD AND EXAGGERATED. IN FILIPINO STREET VOCABULARY, THE WORD MEANS “SMALL-TIME CROOK”. IT IS ALSO THE TITLE OF THE ONLY FILIPINO ENTRY IN THE CINEMA FOR ASIA SECTION AT THE DUBAI INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL HELD IN DECEMBER 2007.

By Shar Matingka

theater during the screening we attended. Out of this, only seven were Filipinos. The small pack was lucky to meet Brillante Mendoza himself who came all the way from the homeland. The film received very positive reviews from the audience and the film fest organizers themselves.

Everyone left affected – and that is the most gratifying feeling especially considering that Tirador is a phenomenal, homegrown film.

Written, directed and produced by international award winning director Brillante Mendoza, Tirador is a journey into the narrow and chaotic world of petty criminals in Quiapo’s depressed area. The film is shot documentary style to transport the audience to a dimension of the slums that could only be stereotypically imagined by one who has never been to such impoverished quarters.

A different dimension indeed as the story unfolds into and eye-opening and thought-provoking drama.

The sequence starts off with a group of men passing through narrow paths. With the grating sound of tsinelas (slippers) and Divisoria shoes against the rough footpath, they discreetly command the residents, “uwi na kayo! May sona.” Shortly after, the police raid the shadowy neighborhood forcing the men out of their homes and gathering them into a circle on the street. Here is where we obviously find out that the film does not promote tourism. Instead it promotes painful awareness – which appears to be the agenda of Tirador.

The film is an accurate overview of the lives of petty criminals who sow disorder, but at the same time, are the victims of manipulative government officials.

Brillante Mendoza brings us another side of reality to ponder, an understanding of unfortunate situations that shape people. You find common pickpockets, sleazy drug pushers, snatchers, sneaky shoplifters and even out-of-school youths or jammers who are somewhat like your regular bullies in the schoolyard, except for the fact that lunch money is not all that they need. Interestingly enough, there is a distinct sense of humanity in them that is oftentimes overshadowed by the grime of poverty. These people we protect our valuables from, are left with little room for choices. Although reforming and giving up the old up ways may be the answer, for this group, stealing and access to easy money puts food on the table. It’s pitiful but it is also a result of irresponsible leadership.

Tirador in its own right is a subtle form of revolution – uncensored and raw. To censor the film is to strip off its core, that is why it was screened only once during the UP Human Rights Filmfest. Brillante wisely decided not to premiere the independent film in the mainstream. With special appearances by seasoned actors Julio Diaz and Jacqueline Jose and the outstanding performance of the young cast lead by Jiro Manio, Nathan Lopez and Coco Martin,

The world is full of dangerous places. A glimpse of the slums on the silver screen is no reason for tourists to miss out on all the wonderful treasures of the Philippines. For us, it should not only be another 86 minutes of entertainment and controversy. There is a recycled point read over and over in this movie, and someday, someone inspired enough by Tirador’s message would make a difference.

revolutionary Brillante Mendoza is able to bring Filipino indie film into the finicky international crowd. Film critiques would be left speechless for a good sixty seconds once the end credits start rolling up. It is a fictional story within the theater, but a harsh reality in the outside world after all.

Just how close was fiction to reality in the case of Tirador? The film was shot during the local elections, hence, viewers will find snippets of high-energy level speeches - or empty promises, depending on one’s politics. It is clear that the film is aimed at exposing corruption, especially as highlighted by the scene on ‘vote buying’ where people were shown literally lining up to collect bribes. As for violent encounters and shocking scenes, Brillante made sure it is as real is it gets utilizing an interesting approach to spontaneity. Before shooting a fight scene, the director would talk to one actor in private telling him what to do and what to expect. He would then tell the other actor something entirely different. The result is two actors responding to each other’s unexpected actions, giving the scene the feel and grit of a real brawl. It is quite a risky technique, but skilfull Brillante instinctively knew when to say “cut!”

The only Filipino entry in the DIFF, Tirador was screened at the Mall of the Emirates. There were only approximately fifteen people inside the

Brillante Mendoza’s movie, from the DIFF, then went on to win the Special Jury Award (in a tie with the Russian film Kremen) in the 7th Marrakech International Film Festival in on the 15th of December 2007. Tirador is Mendoza’s fifth film to win international recognition. His first feature Masahista won a Golden Leopard in the video section at the 2005 Locarno International Film Festival in Switzerland and Interfaith Award in Brisbane, Australia in 2006.

Film Director Brillante Mendoza

Brillante Mendoza with casts and crew on the set

COCONUTER 67

Goodbye, My Philippines

From atop a towering monolith, I sat comfortably on a window-side sofa. With pen and paper in hand, compliments of this five-star hotel - I battled against writer’s block. Peeling back the curtains, I peered out to the brightly-lit Metro Manila skyline for some inspiration. The pupil-piercing lights took me into a trance. Before I knew it, typhoon rains began to pour, as droplets hit and trickled down the window.

Perhaps brought by the rain, hundreds of images flashed before my eyes, showering my mind with memories.

By David Poarch

It is amazing how just one year and nine months worth of raw life and adventures in the Philippines could have brought so many cherished moments and fond recollections. Contrastingly, my mundane corporate American life nearly draws a flat line in the memory meter, even despite money’s supposedly uncanny abilities to purchase all needs.

Why live to work when I’m much happier just working enough to live? As I only have one life to live, why can’t I continue to enjoy life while young and able, instead of working all my life to try and buy back time, health, and happiness when I retire and am already too old and feeble to enjoy life? These were my thoughts when I decided to embark on an adventure going back home to the Philippines, opting to leave my convenient yet colorless thirteen year-life in the U.S. - attempting to pacify my restless spirit.

I went back to Subic, to the place of my fond memories – a place where the rice fields are surrounded by luscious green mountains, where the blue sea was kissed by the gentle sunshine, and where I can almost faintly hear the echoes of childhood banter, remembering the games I used to play with my cousins. I’ve visited beautiful untouched places, met simple country folks. I have tried to live off the land and the sea, learning how to survive with meager means. I have felt hungry, but kept my sprit nourished. I struggled, but found some things which are more precious than wealth.

Yet, despite asking myself those fundamental questions over and over again, I still find myself returning to the U.S., voluntarily re-clasping the chains of modern civilization to make sacrifices for the people I love - leaving me to dream, for the timebeing, until the opportunity comes again (should it ever come) when my wings can spread and I can fly free once more.

My thoughts were disturbed by a knock on the door.

It was my host, offering to take me out for dinner. I remembered the hard times when I first started on this ‘journey’, feeling the pangs of hunger as I scoured the countryside for a few kamote tops and roots and struggled to make a fire outside during tag-ulan for cooking. I remembered staring at the gray walls and tin ceiling of my exoskeleton of an abode at night, somewhat unsatisfied by the inadequate meal, yet satisfied by the fact that I was fending for myself and surviving.

The waiter came back with my meal, and asked curiously if I was David “The Coconuter” who was featured on GMA-7’s Wish Ko Lang. “Oo at hindi,” I said laughing. I confirmed my television feature, but corrected him on the station as it was ABS-CBN’s Nagmamahal Kapamilya who featured me. Despite the subject of my feature (a Fil-Am goes back home to live a poor Pinoy life), he smiled and said sincerely that he was moved and inspired by my interview. I was amazed about the influence it had on him and the fact that he still recalled it.

Such events have shown me that it’s not about fame or how much money you have. All things material disintegrates with time. It’s about how many lives you have come across, how many hearts you have touched, and how many remember you when you are no longer there.

Those times of hardship are what make such occasions as a fancy restaurant dinner in Metro Manila much appreciated and not taken for granted. And although I am still far from being well-off, a ‘once in a blue moon’ occasion like this is what feeds the curiosity and makes a colorful addition to a rich bank of experiences.

We decided to eat at Ayala’s new Trinoma mall complex, where there were dozens of fine restaurants, each with its own exclusive theme and unique flare. The malls I had been to in the U.S. are just incomparable to Ayala’s wonder. I thought about why, and it seems that U.S. malls are more geared towards strictly ‘business’, while Philippine malls exude more life. Perhaps the malls just inherited the stereotypical traits of the people who designed them, I thought, as the warm and relaxing atmosphere together with the intricate and unique concept seemed to exemplify the characteristics of the Filipino.

As I asked the waiter for some water, I instinctively called him kuya. Perhaps even more significant than anything else, I realized, was the sense of community and family prevalent in the Filipino establishments, which contrasts with the ‘every man for himself’ mentality and individualization so prevalent in the ‘melting pot society’ of America. I’ve learned from experience that you cannot live as an island forever. Although possible, doing so would leave one utterly miserable.

It was a quiet ride inside a taxi on the way back to the hotel. I was almost at the point of dozing off as we sat waiting for a while at a red light with traffic being a bit heavy. But before my eyelids shut, a child in the middle of the street caught my attention. The little girl was selling Sampaguita flowers. She should not have been there, being no place for children or anyone for that matter. But there she was taking a huge risk. Yet she was so full of hope and faith at the same time. It was a very disturbing emotion that left me feeling hollow inside. I had to give her something. I frantically rolled down the window as the light turned green. It seemed too late, but I would not give up on this girl, just as we did not give up on this land where we are one and bounded by the land of the Sampaguita - the Philippines. I tried to hand her some money, but ended up only tossing it her way as the line of cars began to move. I looked behind me to see if she got it. And she did, as she smiled and waved, Sampaguita flowers still in hand.

68 FILIPINISMS

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

By Aby Yap

Of Big Bang and Beep-Beep You have to hand it to the Pinoy! When it comes to innovation of any kind, we simply do not run out of ideas. Our creativity and resourcefulness is bottomless. Whether we apply this to cultural or material hand-me-downs, it is easy for the Pinoy to integrate inherited bits and pieces, creating something that then becomes uniquely ours - gaya-gaya, puto maya man!

Just take a look at how we celebrate our New Year with festive sparklers from the Chinese, or how an originally American vehicle was converted into a popular symbol of Pinoy culture.

Ika-nga, onli in da Pilipins!

With a Big Bang We always celebrate New Year in the Philippines with a big bang, some burns, and bandaged limbs (at least, for a few) courtesy of our appetite for fireworks and firecrackers which traditionally came from China (which we now produce like experts in places like ‘explosive’ Bocaue in Bulacan). Fireworks light-up the skies on the run-up to New Year, while firecrackers abound in streets around the country. Never mind if these are in public places where innocent bystanders may suffer from watusi, bawang, and trianggulo injuries – Pinoys just have to have their fix of paputoks.

Hence, people glued to their TVs on New Year’s Eve are no longer surprised or nauseous to see bloody fingers, hands, arms, and feet on their wide screens, while they feast on the delicious banquet of Media Noche. Funny that it has already become a Pinoy tradition to have real-life ER episodes unfolding before our eyes - that too, on such a festive occasion.

FILIPINISMS 69

as always, the last meal of the year is shared with the entire family and loved ones in a festive mood that is so uniquely Pinoy.

Beep Beep…

Of course, before the bloody scenes come reminiscing and stargazing. There are the usual documentary specials recapping the previous year’s events. Pabonggahang New Year’s Day countdowns led by Kapamilya and Kapuso celebrities are also televised.

For those who desire to know what lies in the future, Madam Auring (yes, she still has asim…on pambobola, er, panghuhula!) and other known fortunetellers have their crystal balls ready as they appear from one show to another.

As much as there are now new ways for Filipinos to celebrate the New Year, old habits just never die. Before 12 midnight, tradition here is religiously observed. All doors and windows of the house are opened to bring the good luck in. All lights are kept on to signify a bright year ahead. Aside from scattering coins in every room and keeping a whole bunch jingling in one’s pockets, everybody wears polka-dot clothes for, you guessed it wealth. Twelve kinds of round fruits, including a significant number of round foods, are on the table for prosperity.

Noisemaking is a must despite the already deafening sounds of torotots, kalderos, Judas’ Belt, and honking cars combined. Watching the neighbors’ fireworks display is an affair as well, even if the smog produced by lusis, fountains and Roman candles is enough to make one’s eyes teary and nostrils filthy. And

… goes the jeep, the unforgettable vehicle for which Filipinos abroad would always come back home for (or at least, that’s how the song goes). Despite the splendor of San Francisco, the bullet trains in Tokyo, or the kangaroos in Sydney, nothing else comes close to the speeding patok jeepney.

Another isteytsayd item, surplus US military jeeps were left to the Filipinos in 1945. This was after the World War II, when most means of transport were destroyed. If necessity is the mother of invention, then the Pinoy must be the father of ingenuity. Soon, kalesa driver Leonardo Sarao realized the business potential of the four-seater jeep. Later in the 1960s, they reinvented it, giving it a wider Japanese engine and a longer and bigger body.

Now, the ubiquitous jeepney can accommodate up to maybe 30 people, minus the driver. Ten people in each of the two bench-like seats facing each other, two more beside the driver, four can “make sabit“, and the rest may sit on their companions’ laps.

How Pinoy, di ba? Interestingly, the word ‘jeepney’ happens to be a combination of ‘jeep’ and ‘knee’ which actually describes how passengers who are usually squeezed into the jeepney, must sit knee to knee. Think old UP Ikot/Toki or provincial jeepneys with people and cargo all cramped inside, while thrill seekers hang on or sit on the roof.

The jeepney is a metal showcase of the

Filipino’s engineering, artistic, literary, and musical prowess. On the body of the vehicle are colorful canvases of famous landscapes or portraits of the jeepney owner’s loved-ones.

On the front area are names of the jeepney owner and all his family members (Jhon, Jhane, Jhen) or a catchy phrase usually telling the story behind the vehicle (Katas ng Dubai).

Some have borloloy horses and antennae on the hood as well. Inside the jeepney, there may be disco lights and buttons to press or strings to pull for the driver to stop. Some even sport huge speakers and hi-tech audio components to carry blaring Metallica or Love Radio songs along the way. Horn sounds are also customized ranging from annoying laughter to panic-inducing honks. When stuck in traffic, jeepney stickers are always an interesting read. Two of the most popular are “God knows HUDAS not pay” (ouch?!) and “Basta Driver, Sweet Lover” (really?!). Aside from the “God Bless Our Trip” sign, it is also common to see an altar with sampaguita beside the moneybox on the dashboard.

Never to be left behind, the jeepney takes part in the global aim for environmental friendliness, too. “No Smoking” signs and trash cans are present in jeepneys nowadays.

Air-conditioned jeepneys, called Erap jeeps, roam the streets of Ayala. The latest is the ejeep, a 12-seater electrical jeepney operated by five-horsepower electric motor engines with 12 six-volt, deep-cycle batteries that can run up to 140 km. They only need an eight hour-charge daily to remain functional. The electricity is created by a renewable energy power plant from market and household wastes. Currently being tested in the streets of Bacolod and Makati, the P550,000 worth-ejeep may just solve air pollution and climate change in the future. And if everything goes well, we should have a new sticker ready saying, “He who pollutes is a sonofabelch!”

70 FILIPINISMS

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

Photography by Mariyah Gaspacho

Homecoming Queen

Annie B. details her memorable trip back home capped with her fabulous red carpet appearance at her hometown’s New Year party sa plaza …

“Kay tagal mo nang nawala, babalik ka rin, babalik ka rin.......”

This has been my LSS (Last Song Syndrome) ever since I boarded my Emirates Airlines Dubai-Manila non-stop flight. The whole airplane, coming from Kuwait and Riyadh, was filled with kabayans, mostly goons-lookalikes (think Joaquin Fajardo and Romy Diaz...or kung mas mabata-bata ka, Mon Confiado or Bearwin Meily) all clad in the official OFW travelling outfit - maong jacket, oversized jerseys, Nike basketball rubbershoes, plus accessorized in bull caps and lots, as in lotsa bling-blings!!! From head to toe, talbog ang Chrsitmas Tree sa kumukutikutitap na kabayan: hikaw, pati sa ngipin may kumikinang! Multi-layered necklaces, bracelet, watch, rings, belt - pati shades nila may kintab factor!!! Could it be that April Boy Regino designed and conceptualized our national kabayan japorms get up? “Di ko kayang tanggapiiinnn!!!”

Anyway, feeling nasa Cowboy Grill ako during the flight kasi nakakaaliw ang mga kwento ng mga kabayan. While non-stop din ang toma namin, may mga kumakanta pa at nag-papatawa. I missed my beauty rest dahil sa kakachika with a lot of kabayans - but ok lang - for some of their stories really touched my hearts.

Like most of them, this is my first time to come home after a long time. That’s almost a year and a half for me - madami na sigurong nabago sa Pilipinas since I left. I had mixed emotions all through out the flight. Excited of course - I’ll finally be with my family and friends; also a little bit of the nerves - what if hindi na ako kilala ng mga pamangkin ko at mga crush ko? Bahala na si Batman, basta alam ko mas masaya pa rinmag-Pasko sa atin. Kaya lang sa Pilipinas walang snow, sa Dubai meron. Dedma.

I fell asleep for about thirty minutes when I was awakened by this loud noise nagpapalakpakan ang mga kabayan, ang entire pasahero crowd! “Huh, bakeeet?

Ano nangyayari?” I asked Chona, my parloric seatmate, while wiping the saliva off my mouth.“Gaga, naglanding na tayo. Ay sister, nasa Manila na tayooooo!!!”, Chona blurted out. Ohmygas! Paano na ang balikbayan look ko? Hay naku, habang naguunahan at nagtutulakan ang mga kabayan palabas ng eroplano eh may-I retouch ako ng fez at spray ng body mist. Tadaaaan!!! “I am Annie B. and I am a balikbayan” na ang drama ko.

As usual, I felt overdressed paglabas ko ng airport. Ok lang, one should always aspire to be a nuts higher when travelling. As I walked down the ramp at the arrival area, may-I cry me a river ang emote ko upon seeing my parents, my sisters and brothers, my pamangkins, my cousins, friends and neighbors na sumalubong sa akin. Ganoon pala ang feeling - tumpak nga si Gary V. sa kanta nya! Damang-dama ako ang pagiging OFW ko. Lalo na’t tatlong punong punong jeepney from the province ang sumundo sa akin. Aaargh...ang init!

A quick glimps of Metro Manila from the airport to the North Luzon Expressway made me realize na wala masyadong nabago: grabe pa rin ang trapik sa atin!

Na-miss ko yung mga pulubi at mga nangangarolling na mga batang yagit sa kalsada, though. Wala sa Dubai noon eh. Two hour and a half hours later, I arrived at our humble abowde in Bagumbayan, Orion, Bataan. Haay, ang sarap ng feeling of being home again. Pagkababa na pagkababa ng mga lugages ko, pumarada na ako sa buong baranggay - feeling ko ako si Dayanara Torres na nagbalikbayan everyone was happy and excited to see me. Ang ganda ko - they kept touching my clothes, my face, my hair - I am the homecoming queen! Sayang sana nag-korona ako. After walking for forty five minutes and not seeing Pinggoy, my ex, I decided to call it today. Bukas naman, para new outfit for the baranggay to see. You know, I plannned my entire wardrobe for the next twenty days. OwC ba? Syempre iba ang

FILIPINISMS 71

coordinated – mahirap na baka ma-lait pa ako ng mga kapitbahay namin masisira ang image ng entire Balobalani clan noh? Syempre I’m taking advantage of all of this – I’m the current toast of the town yata! Paminsan-minsan lang mangyari ito dito. If I remembered it right, nung nanalo pa sa Tawag ng Tanghalan yung kaklase ko nung highskul, si Irene Bautista, was the last time we had a Toast of the Town. Or was it when Kirby Raymundo made it to the PBA? Ewan, basta alam ko ganito ang feeling ng sikat. Aylaveeet!

Five days later, after experiencing my mother’s award-winning cooking, I gained 5 pounds. Pakshet! Paano na ang mga outfits ko? But as the days went by, I found myself not resisting our Batobalani style morcon, menudo, bistek, apritada, patatim, pinakbet, sinigang, etc. isama mo pa ang halo-halo at gulaman at sago sa tindahan ni Merlee and the bibingka and puto bungbong in the plaza during Simbang Gabi - on Christmas Day I looksalike Santa Claus already! I was thinking of pulling a Nancy Ajram pa naman – eh Ruby Rodriguez na yata ang naging projection ko sa dami ng kinain ko. Paano na ang New Year? All of a suddenly, I resorted to Ouchkin’s Diet - wala munang carbs - para naman hindi ako lumobo at pagkamalang bida sa Hairspray the movie ng mga classmeyts and ex-ofismeyts ko.

I attended reunions almost everyday in Manila. This gave me the opportunity to shop and splurge. I went to the new malls: Gateway - ang laki!!! Trinoma - mas malaki!!! SM Mall Of Asia – pinakamalaki!!! I was sort of dissappointed to find out na most of the brands na meron sa Dubai eh nasa Manila na rin pala: Zara, Debenhams, Springfield, Forever 21, Aldo.....so nabawasan ng surprise yung mga ipinapadala ko sa mga kamag-anak ko kasi meron na rin pala dito. And dami ring mga bagong restaurants and shops – pati Krispy Kreme meron na rin!

Para na rin akong nasa Dubai. One thing they have in common – ang gastos!

Mabuti na lang at maaasahan ko ang mga plastic friends ko – kaya sige, kaskas ng kaskas!!!

During New Year’s Eve, I attended a party in our plaza. This is the place to see and be seen here in our town. Of course, I’ve been planning my outfit for this night since I arrived. This will be my revenge to all those inggitera kapitbahays and my ex-boyfriends and crushes – tumulo sana ang mga laway nyo kapag nakita nyo ako! Teka, di kaya tumulo nga ang laway nila because I might remind them of a lechon? De Leche! As usual, I made sure my outfit will be the most original of them all – afterall, I’m now a trendsetter. True enough, everyone complimented

me on my pang-red carpet outfit as I made my grand entrace at the venue. Miski mas na-late pa ako sa Mayor and his socialite wife, mas pinalakpakan ako ng mga tao. Ganda di ba? I danced all night and snobbed all of my ex-boyfriends. Nagpadelicious naman ako sa mga crushes ko. But most of them were turn offs. Feeling ko may interior motive sila sa akin. Visahan ko daw sila para makasama nila ako sa Dubai? Hellleer? Sino ako, si Vicky Morales? Wish n’yo lang!

I distributed party flavors that I got from my company’s party some months back – kaya sikat na naman ako miski sa mga bagets at mga thundercats sa party! “Tipirin yo yan..mahal yan...galing pa ng Dubai yan....” I reminded them.

As expected, a bunch of pasaways got over excited with my party flavors, ayun, nagkagulo at nag-agawan, lekat, pati tuloy ako naputukan sa mukha ng sili strings!!!

Because of this, I decided to spend the whole New Year’s day just inside the house. I had to hide so that they wouldn’t see my hagardness and burn marks from the party the previous night. This gave me the chance to bond with my Lola, my parents and the rest of my family. For almost a week, I was just the old Annie, wearing my old dasters and Spartan, watching telenovelas on TV, reading tsismis magazines and chatting with my sisters all night long. Everyday I woke up to Nanay’s breakfast: tuyo, tinapa, itlog na pula, sinangag, hot pandesal......dedma sa Ouchkin’s Diet! I played with my pamangkins – I’m so glad they liked my Hummer Toy Truck pasalubong to them – I promised them I’ll send a Playstation naman next time. I taught my sisters how to apply proper make up and we experimented with the Hair Coloring Products I bought back home. In return, they took away my blackheads and massaged me every afternoon. After dinner with the entire Batobalani clan, we would all drink ice cold San Miguel Beer, San Mig Lights and Red Horse with my brothers and their toda-mates. Feeling crush ako ng mga boys sa amin, kasi gabi gabi ako ang taya sa inuman eh. Ok lang beer lang naman - kesa naman visit visa, di ba?

Ang sarap ng feeling! The simple moments were the ones I truly cherished. The shopping spree and gimmicks and parties were nothing compared to the time I spent with my family and loved ones. The small but memorable things that I will bring back with me when my vacation is over. The laughter, the bonding, the nonstop chismis and kwentuhans with my family and friends. The food...the trees..the fresh air...these are the things that I will truly miss. Wala sa Dubai nito.

72 FILIPINISMS Yaman di lamang at napapag-uusapan natin ang innovation – heto ang isang ehemplo ng talentong Pinoy, mula na naman sa WWW. Tabi mga orig na Transpormers - Optimus Prime, Bumblebee, Jazz, Ratchet, Ironhide atbp. Anong sinabi ng Peterbilt truck, Chevrolet Camaro, GMC Pick-Up at ng Hummer H2 sa sariling atin na version ng mga mean machines na ito? Heto na ang Pinoy TRANSPORTMERS – ang lupet!

Pahabol – Isang ehemplo ng Pinoy Transpormer na unique sa Naia ang Kabayan Box Transpormer – pag-ingatan!

The view from your regular Juan dela Cruz 73

Usapang Kanto

What are your ideas for success in the New Year?

Compiled by Jonie Jose

In pursuit of success

To me, success is consistent with happiness.

Being successful is being happy at whatever job, relationship or situation that one is in. Success is a manifestation of our goals, dreams and ambitions.

How we define it says a lot about our character and helps shape our future. Success is exceeding the expectations that we set out for ourselves, and going beyond what we thought to be impossible in the beginning. When you look back over the last couple of years and find yourself having abundance, whether it is in love, career and health - or all three, then you are truly successful. Success always starts with humble beginnings and can only ever be achieved with continuous hard work, support, prayers and belief in oneself!

Hazel Libo-on

Success Tips

Here are my ideas for success - work smart, think big and plan ahead. Be a righteous person; don’t step on anyone to get to where you want to be.

Van Randell Almontero

My family, my success

As a little girl, I’ve dreamt about being a rich, successful woman who owned something grand. Success to me then was about having material luxuries in life; being recognized as someone important. However, as I grew up, I learned that I could share a room with four other students, not mind the ‘limited luxuries’ and still feel happy. Now that I’m married and have a family, my idea of success has changed. Success is being happy with what you have and who you are. Being happy that everyday is an opportunity to change things and be better. Success is going home after a fruitful day and seeing my daughter running towards me. Being able to enjoy the simple pleasure of seeing her eyes light up; enjoying a sweet embrace with my husband - this is when I feel rich, when I feel important. They are my success, they are my happiness.

Donna Camero

Enjoyment of life

Manage your time well, and don’t forget to enjoy life. During difficult times, have a smoke to get new ideas.

Shoty Castillo

A Balanced Viewpoint

There are two things about how people perceive success. The first is that it is always relative to others (usually peers), and the other is that it is mostly measured in financial terms.

Some will use themselves as measuring sticks, and compare others who seem to have more of everything and consider them as successful. Or others may see a person as successful, but he may see himself in a different light. Thus, success is much like happiness. It all depends on how you view things in life.

The other common perception is that money equals success. Don’t get me wrong. Having lots of cash is desirable and is an achievement in its own right. The thing is, success should also be determined by other things. My list among others - losing weight and keeping it off, the number of people you’ve helped, being able to achieve selfactualization, and for me, the best measurement for success is the happiness of one’s family and one’s wealth of friends.

Red Vargas

Sheer Contentment

Success for me is contentment with having just enough out of nothing ...

Thank you and mabuhay!!!

Cheryl Lyn Formoso

Happiness and contentment

Success is when you have reached your goals in life... but I guess, not all material things you’ve got will be the measurement of success. It is when you have made yourself happy, contented and can share the love and blessings with your family, friends and other people who need you.

Maria Mellany B. Fule

74 ENTERTAINMENT

GROOVE is in the Blood

Gabby de la Rama-Talan Photos by Jesus G. Pernas and Tamille Perez

In the Cordilleras, pinikpikan refers to a ritual involving the hanging of a native chicken by its claws and beating it with a piece of wood: first on one wing and then the next, going from one end to another, taking special care not to break any bones while pleading special favors from Kabunyan (god of the Kalingas) or ancestral spirits. The chicken is kept alive. Only until its strength is completely sapped is the final killing blow delivered to the back of its neck. The chicken is then cooked— a delicacy praised for its flavorful tenderness. Of course, the reason behind its succulence is the coagulated blood resulting from the slow beating.

i

t was that beating—but the beating of drums—that National Artist Bencab had in mind one day in 1989. He was in Baguio with a group of artist friends who got together for the occasional music jam.

Listening to them, he suggested they call themselves “Pinikipikan” after the ritual.

“In the beginning, Pinikpikan was all about friends getting together to jam,“ says musical director/singer/guitarist Sammy Asuncion.

There was never really a set line-up until much later when Boy Yuchengco, frequent jammer turned Executive Producer, realized Pinikpikan’s potential as an actual music group.

The transition from something so loosely fashioned and informal to a more structured entity was nothing short of an upheaval.

In fact, you could say Pinikpikan has never

been able to relinquish its initial spontaneity completely. Up to today, it’s quite common for the group to invite fellow musicians (or spectators) to jam with them on the spot.

Everyone from Grace Nono, Bituin Escalante, Rivermaya’s Mark Escueta and jazz chanteuse Mishka Adams have been cajoled up that stage. Even actress Julia Clarete has danced with the group onstage at various gigs.

It remains unsurprising that there are a few who have never heard of Pinikpikan.

Heralded by many as pioneers of world music in the Philippines, they have represented the country abroad (Association of Southeast Asian Nation’s (ASEAN) Cultural Summit in Cambodia in 2002, the World Rhythm Series in November 2002, and the Singapore Music Festival in 2004) and released four successful albums and countless music awards (AWIT and KATHA to name a few). Pursuing fame for its own sake was never the group’s style though.

“Ang daming beses ginamit yun mga kanta namin sa mga kung anu-ano—TV shows, cultural performances—without our permission, but it has never really mattered,” says Asuncion. Given their nonchalance, even the word “pursue” is amiss. The opposite is probably more likely: fame follows them.

Indicative of this are their admirers, who flock in droves to venues ranging from hole-in-thewall beer joints to the more formal museum spaces up to the bright big stages of stadium X. For them, the Pinikpikan experience is always a heady, uninhibited fusion of “indigenous beats and melodies” peppered with an African rhythm here and a hint of Arabic melody there, driven by the ululations of singer Carol Bello and the funk-laden riffs of Asuncion’s guitar.

A Pinikpikan performance is also visual— sometimes with members doing a kind of crazy war dance while playing their instruments.

Dressed in their over-the-top neo-ethnic

ENTERTAINMENT 75

Multi-talented instrumentalist Butch Aldana playing the flute

GUITAR PRODIGIES: (From left) Bass guitarist Louie Talan and Guitarist Sammy Asuncion

Singer Carol Bello caught in a moment of pure musical rapture: eyes closed and head bowed with now-and-then session drummer Koko Bermejo in the background.

(From left) Billy Bonnevie, Carol Bello, Boy Garrovillo, Buddeths Casinto, Gerry Baguio, and Sammy Asuncion during a video shoot at the home of sculptress Agnes

fashion sense (think a batik vest and a bahag over jeans with a black fedora), the entire ensemble impresses even before they play a single note. Bassist Louie Talan—known for his quiet reserve—says, “When we do dress up, it’s a spectacle even I enjoy observing from my usual spot.” Things get even more interesting when the group’s creative director, percussionist, and reputed shaman Billy Bonnevie, goes into a trance-like state that has him performing a series of otherworldly, heathen-inspired movements.

It’s also noticeable that there are as much getting together for a good time. After all, it’s still all about the jam. GABRIELLE J. DE LA foreigners in the crowd as Filipinos.

RAMA Far from being a straight-up cut and dyed cultural group, Pinikpikan’s penchant for Pinikpikan is Carol Bello (vocals), Rene indigenous instruments and ethnic melodies Tengasantos (drums), Sammy Asuncion is wholly uncontrived. According to Asuncion, (vocals, electric guitar, higalong), Boy Garrovillo a native of Bukidnon, “We are not trying to (djembe, tungatong), Louie Talan (bass guitar), be a ‘tribal’ group. We never really thought Butch Aldana (flute, gabbang, seed shakers, much of using these instruments. Most of us T’boli bells), Billy Bonnevie (kubing), Buddeths [Pinikpikan members] grew up with them and Casinto (gangsa, kulintang) and Gerry Baguio so it comes naturally. (djembe, shakers).

The group’s primary virtue remains their universal appeal, an uncanny ability to make everyone shed their inhibitions and just dance—no matter if they’re rhythmically challenged or have never “shaken booty” in their lives. Gender and age don’t seem to matter. You’re just as likely to see a crossdressing transvestite dancing wildly to their music as maybe an entire family (grandparents included) out for some good wholesome fun.

“If you’re not into world music, it doesn’t matter,” he adds, pointing out that his 15year stay in Paris has as much influence on his playing as the other members own personal experiences. “You will still be able to relate because of all the other elements in our music.”

All things considered, Pinikpikan remains essentially what it has always been: friends

76 MANILA’S HOT RELEASES

Books and CDs are available at Fully Booked, Philippines.

Visit the website at www.fullybookedonline.com

By Gabrielle de la Rama-Talan

Relevance

by Gary Valenciano ‘Relevance’ by Gary Valenciano is a combination of some of his fresh originals, as well as a few by other songwriters. The latter category includes the carrier single ‘Wait Forever’ by Jude Thaddeus Gitamondoc.

This album took nearly three years to complete and is dedicated to Universal Records’ former Managing Director, the late Bella Tan, Valenciano’s close friend, and long time producer. In a poignant letter on the album sleeve he writes, “It is to her that this album is dedicated. Bella… thank you for your precious life. I am deeply honored to have been a part of it.”

Must-listen tracks are the heartfelt ‘Kailan’ and the touching ‘Only a Friend’, which speaks of veiled emotion and unrequited love. Another bonus is the AVCD which carries two music videos: ‘Wait Forever’ and ‘You Gave Me Reason’ as well as different versions of all-time favorites ‘Sana Maulit Muli’, and ‘When I Hear You Call’.

A must-have for fans of this incomparable, ageless showman—proof that Mr. Pure Energy is not likely to ‘lose it’ for a long time yet, and that’s if he ever does.

The Sacred Works of Ryan Cayabyab

by Ryan Cayabyab This double-disc contains 14 of the ‘Maestro’s’ religious compositions, including ‘Misa’, his thesis composition as a graduate from the UP College of Music.

His later rendition, entitled ‘Misa 2000’ was his entry to the 2000 Onassis Cultural Competition in Greece where it won Original Music Composition for Dance (he was the only Asian winner.). The album later on won Best Religious Album in the 2004 Catholic Mass Media Awards. Not surprising when you consider the amount of talent (besides his own) that went into the production of this album: the renowned San Miguel Philharmonic Orchestra (SMPO), The San Miguel Master Chorale (SMMC), conductors Julian Quirit and Jonathan Velasco, and a prolific group of solo artists: Edward Granadosin, Teresa Fajardo, and Grace Nono.

Listen to ‘Credo’ where Grace Nono’s mesmerizes with her deep, mystical voice or ‘Agnus Dei’ where the three soloists combine forces in an almost unbelievable display of talent. Praise should be bestowed on the SMPO and the SMMC for their intensity and pure virtuosity.

Beyond than the obvious, this collection speaks more of Cayabyab’s undisputable talent and ability to excel at any musical genre, it is a true homage to his religiosity, and if anything is a clear indication of his gratitude and strong faith.

Wildlife

by Pupil

Pupil’s 12-track sophomore release still somewhat bears a sound reminiscent of their debut ‘Beautiful Machine’ hopeful yet with something unmistakably dark lurking in the corners — though it does bears the mark of a band that has been through some sort of upheaval. What with the departure of drummer Bogs Jugo and frontman Ely Buendia’s close yet mercifully victorious battle with a heart attack at the age of 36.

Replacing Jugo is seasoned musician Wendell Garcia, known for his meticulous drum work, and genre hopping skills. Though Garcia plays on almost every track, Pupil gives a fitting farewell to their former drummer with the inclusion of the albums final track ‘Set Me Apart’, his final song as their drummer. It was this track with a droid-like feel that grabbed the attention of animation moguls Animax.

Personal favorites are ‘Fin’, an immediate stand out with Diane Buendia’s charmingly disjointed trilling and plaintive lyrics, and the haunting ‘Bato’. Not to mention the catchy ‘Disconnection Notice’ and the album’s carrier single ‘Sala’ which hit number one in NU 107’s ‘Stairway to Seven’.

The album’s name aptly sums up the feel of this menagerie of cool sounds and animal-like emotion. A big thumbs up to what Pinoy alternative should be.

MANILA’S HOT RELEASES 77 Myths & Legends of the Philippines (Vol. 1)

By Marlene Aguilar “Myths and legends reflect a people’s beliefs and core values…” says Marlene Aguilar, author of this collection of Filipino myths and legends — the first of five volumes.

And, it is with this thought that we dive into 30 retellings, each from a particular region.

Aguilar’s masterful storytelling hearkens back to a time when lolas and lolos would gather their apos around them and regale them with fantastic tales, in a language suitable for children, yet mature enough for adults to revel in. It comes as no surprise the book bagged the Ceres A. Alabado Outstanding Literature Award.

Who knew that the town of Cainta in Rizal was so named in honor of a generous, old woman? Or, that the three main islands of the Visayas, Luzon, and Mindanao sprung up to provide shelter for three shipwrecked princesses?

Life is breathed upon these stories by the art of Jun Martinez, who was chosen by virtue of his extraordinary facility at rendering children.

Aguilar came up with this series so her own children would be able to share in the treasure trove of stories she grew up with. In doing so, has shared her heritage with millions of Filipinos—young and old. A wish captured so clearly in the book’s dedication, which reads, “To all the Filipino children. I pray you will learn to love the Philippines. It is our home.”

The Best of Lola Basyang

By Severino Reyes It is close to a century since Lola Basyang’s stories first appeared in Liwayway magazine. Today, they are still in existence, having been passed from one generation to the next.

Unknown to many Lola Basyang is a pen name for the genius Severino Reyes, who wrote these stories as a means of entertaining his wife and children. Fortune smiled on us all when the he decided to publish these as founder and editor of the magazine.

This book is a compilation of Lola Basyang’s most popular stories, translated to English by award-winning writer Gilda Cordero-Fernando and illustrated by Albert Gamos. Although not done in full color, the illustrations—done in ink and pencil—are charmingly executed in such a way that they give off that old photograph, sepia feel.

Included in this tome are the all time favorites: ‘Clever Penduko’, ‘Santiago Karagdag’, and ‘Pedrong Mabait’. This is a mustread for children, as well as for anyone aspiring to hold future grandchildren spellbound with storytelling sessions.

A Handbook of Philippine Folklore

By Mellie Leandicho Lopez Based on Lopez’s PhD dissertation, the book is an indispensable tool for Filipino folklorists, but definitely not reading material for children as it tackles the theoretical aspect of the subject matter at hand.

Interestingly enough, the dissertation made the jump to its present form when a group of students and teachers approached Lopez asking when the handbook would be published. Not to mention the unanimous opinion of university professors that the need for a handbook on Philippine Folklore was beyond great as none existed at the time.

Basically, the book is divided into two sections. The first is preceded by a cultural history of the country, and then begins with a survey on Philippine folklore from as early as the Spanish colonial era to the present. The survey presents all manner of significant findings from studies conducted within that time period. The terms ‘folk’ and ‘folklore’ are defined, as is the role of a folklorist. More importantly, a “classification scheme” revolving around the genres of “Philippine traditional material” is given. The second section involves a thorough analysis and explanation of each of these genres.

Though bearing none of the romance or excitement of fiction, this book is far from a dismal read. Knowing that you are delving into that which has made a Filipino’s makeup singularly Filipino, and this explained via solid fact and intelligent theorizing, can be quite uplifting. From dance to song, to custom to etiquette, this book covers it—giving you a true sense of national pride.

I know What To Do Pinoy Success Handbook

by Jeffrey ‘Ximo’ Ramos

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

Now available in the UAE through Illustrado.

Please call 04-365 4543 to reserve your copy or e-mail info@illustrado.net

78 COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

Join us

T

FILIPINO RIDERS DUBAI (FRD)

for a joyride

he passion for bikes and the open road prompted Pinoy enthusiasts Dennis, Francis, Jan, Jun and Roy to form the Filipino Riders Dubai (FRD) group in the summer of 2007– taking sport bike riding to a new level. The club has since evolved into a purposeful formal organization recognized by the Philippine Embassy in Dubai. FRD is a group that’s about riding, being a family, enjoying bikes, and having a good time, fostering a strong sense of brotherhood, loyalty and mutual respect.

The club’s simple objective is to bring together positive motorcycle enthusiasts, building a group of Filipino riders in the UAE, who would help each other to improve their skills and knowledge on safe riding, while making new friends and having fun on the road. The group actively organizes and participates in various ride-out events in the emirates, and also initiates charity projects within the community and in the Philippines.

The FRD currently has 39 members and many more geared to join lured by the excitement of the open road. To be part of the group, you must have a valid UAE motorcycle license or international permit. And of course, you must own a motorcycle which is in good operating condition, and is properly registered and insured according to the requirements of the Road and Transport Authority of the UAE (RTA).

Officers: President: Dr. Roy Alexis “Prez” Sison Vice Pres. : Jan Bejar Secretary: Francis “Headstrong” Eugenio Treasurer: Jun Ganzon Sergeant-at-Arms : Francis Milla Joey Capulong Robert Paez

Calendar of events: February 11, 2008 : Seven Emirates Ride March 2008 : East Coast Ride and Dive April 2008 : Dubai Bike Week May 2008 : Summer Rides

For further information, please contact FRD on mobile no. 050-9444783; email: filipinoridersdubai@yahoo.com.

Or check out their webpage at www.friendster.com/45139194

8 FEATURE

World domination a la Pinoy

By Law Diche

“Maids. We have maids all over the world. The leaders of all the nations have maids. At one time I will give the signal for them to stop working, and so the world crashes to a stop. They will force these leaders and honchos to fall on their knees in submission, and, mwahahaha! The world is ours.”

- Jessica Zafra, ‘World Domination Guru’

“Where in the world are there no Filipinos?”

It’s the kind of question that sets your brain gears upward- especially when you think about it in the context of world domination – albeit jokingly. A look at the 2006 statistics of Deployed Land Based Overseas Filipino Workers by Destination from the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), is like reading the list of the world’s nations as they are all virtually accounted for.

To quote Wired magazine’s David Diamond in his article One Nation, Overseas, “The Philippines is the forerunner of tomorrow’s distributed economy… the machinery has gears in Andorra and the Seychelles and even Diego Garcia - wherever the heck that is.”

Virtual nationhood The same article continues to say that the Philippines has discovered the future of work. “This archipelago nation has succeeded at creating the world’s most distributed economy, where the sources of production are so far-flung it boggles the mind.”

That indeed is what makes us different. This Filipino diaspora (in Greek - “a scattering or sowing of seeds” referring to any people or ethnic population forced or induced to leave their traditional ethnic homelands) is now estimated at more than 10 million worldwide, the top three locations being the United States at an estimated 4,000,000, Saudi Arabia well over a million and Malaysia at over 800,000. These are official records though, and everybody knows about the perennial

TNT (‘Tago Ng Tago’) situation. Canada, UAE, Japan, Italy, Mexico, United Kingdom, Taiwan, Singapore, and Hong Kong - make the top dozen nations that play host to Pinoys.

The over 10 million Pinoys worldwide represent about 11% of the total population of the Philippines. But it is not really so much about numbers, as the Chinese have arguably the biggest overseas contingent.

It’s about how extensive and highly distributed it is. And yes, it’s also differentiated by how intensive the Philippine government’s campaign is to send out more of its citizens, which is a relatively unique practice to us visà-vis other countries.