ILLUSTRADO Magazine June-July 2007

The Magazine for the International Filipino

JUNE-JULY 2007

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EDITOR’S NOTE

It has been 109 years since the Filipino nation has been freed from the clutches of Spanish colonial rule and 61 years since America granted our country complete sovereignty. As we celebrate that one day in a year, we are reminded of the turbulent road that has lead us here; of lives of heroes lost in freedom’s quest.

But have we freed ourselves from oppressors only to be enslaved by our own?

At this day and age, are we independent if 8 million of our kababayans are scattered all over the globe, away from home, in search of greener pastures, remaining vulnerable to the elements of unpredictable labor markets? Are we independent if we have a government overshadowed by a reputation of graft and corruption? Are we independent if an overwhelming number of our brothers and sisters are living a miserable life of poverty back home? Are we truly independent if most of us emulate the west and systematically shun who we are and deny our roots? And if all we can give to our kababayans here is of ‘crab mentality’, pang-mamayabang, or panloloko, are we truly independent?

Realization is a bitter pill to swallow, because independence is not only about dropping the demeaning colonial moniker of indio but being able to stand well on our own, free from the chains of helplessness, from the bondage of fraudulence, emancipated from our own petty limitations.

Are we better off? We can certainly be better. The larger representation of independent and opposition candidates in congress might be an indication of a maturing political process. We have people like Antonio Meloto and organizations like Gawad Kalinga, among so many other well-meaning NGOs, who are helping to rebuild the lives of thousands of needy kababayans back home. Here in the UAE, we have an ambassador who is setting up a foundation to provide a reliable ‘pader’ that people can rely on in times of need. Globally, we have artists and entrepreneurs like Josie Natori, the FDAP and businesses such as Chowking, which are reinforcing the greatness of Filipino identity, talent, skill and hard work. We are conquering the world stage and are proving the importance of our contributions to economies around the world. We are even, perhaps, learning to love and celebrate who we are.

Yes, the spirit of independence is alive and flourishing. The fact that there are those amongst us who have taken it upon themselves to move and improve the Filipino condition is a step towards true liberation.

And we will get there soon enough, if each of us recognizes that we all have a role to play, a calling to achieve.

It is up to YOU, my dear Illustrados, to figure and act out your own special purpose and involvement in this quest for true independence.

A very Happy Independence Day.

Taas Noo, Filipino!

Lalaine Chu-Benitez Publisher and Editor

Lupang Hinirang Bayang magiliw, perlas ng silanganan Alab ng puso, sa dibdib mo’y buhay.

Lupang hinirang, duyan ka ng magiting, Sa manlulupig di ka pasisiil.

Sa dagat at bundok, Sa simoy at sa langit mong bughaw, May dilag ang tula At awit sa paglayang minamahal.

Panatang Makabayan

Ang kislap ng watawat mo’y Tagumpay na nagniningning; Ang bituin at araw niya Kailan pa ma’y di magdidilim.

Lupa ng araw, ng luwalhati’t pagsinta, Iniibig ko ang Pilipinas.

Buhay ay langit sa piling mo; Ito ang aking lupang sinilangan.

Aming ligaya na pag may nang-aapi Ito ang tahanan ng aking lahi.

Ang mamatay nang dahil sa iyo.

Ako’y kanyang kinukupkop at tinutulungan, upang maging malakas, maligaya at kapakipakinabang.

Bilang ganti ay diringgin ko ang payo ng aking mga magulang.

Susundin ko ang tuntunin ng aking paaralan.

Tutuparin ko ang mga tungkulin ng isang mamamayang makabayan at masunurin sa batas.

Paglilingkuran ko ang aking bayan ng walang pag-iimbot at buong katapatan Sisikapin kong maging isang tunay na Pilipino, sa isip, sa salita at sa gawa.

The Filipino Spirit is Rising

By Antonio Meloto

The Filipino spirit today is rising wherever he is in the world. He is starting to discover that he has the power to liberate himself from being a slave of the past... that he can remove the label stuck to his soul as a second class people from a third world country... that he can correct the scandal of history of being the most corrupt in Asia until East Timor, in the region.

In the right setting the Filipino has proven that he can be law- abiding, hardworking, honest and excellent.

Over the years, I have not met a Filipino beggar in my travel to the US, Canada and Australia...not a single beggar that I have seen or have heard of out of more than two million Filipinos in the US. Clearly, it is not the nature of Filipinos to beg if he is in the right home and community environment. The mendicant culture in his native land is man-made and artificial and can therefore be unmade and corrected if we give him back his dignity, which is his birthright.

In the same vein, we know that the Filipino is not lazy. Time Magazine in its 2006 article on Happiness identifies the Filipino as one of the ethnic groups in America least likely to go on welfare. How many of us know of friends and relatives who would take on two or even three jobs in pursuit of their dreams for a better life. Hardworking when motivated, resilient when tested- that is the Filipino...that is us. It is no surprise therefore that the average income of the Filipino- Americans is higher that the US national average; the former slave is now richer than the master in his master’s home country.

We must believe that we were designed for excellence. World-class Filipino doctors and nurses are healing the sick of America and Europe. Our sailors dominate the seas in every mode of marine transport for commerce and pleasure providing every imaginable form of service - and often always, they are the best navigators, the best chefs, the best entertainers. Thriving economies in Asia carry the mark of Filipino managerial expertise in their start-up stage. Filipino CEOs, CFOs, COOs captain top multinational corporations carrying on the proud expat tradition of SGV’s Washington Sycip, PLDT-SMART’s Manny Pangilinan, P&G’s Manny Pacis and many others.

Sadly, we are top of the line, crème de la crème, the best of the best elsewhere in the world except in our homeland. While the Arabs were busy building abundance out of their desert, we were busy creating a desert out of our abundance.

Let us put a stop to our inanity and hypocrisy. Let us stop cracking jokes about our shame and misery. Instead let us celebrate with our hard work and integrity the return of our honor and pride as a gifted people, blessed with this beautiful land. Let us honor every great deed, every sacrifice, and every kindness that we extend to our disadvantaged and needy countrymen.

Let us put an end to our lamentation. We have suffered long enough.

For 400 years, we have been gnashing our teeth, blaming one another, stepping on each other and yet have the temerity at the end of the day to ask why this is happening. It is now time to hope, to care, to work together and to rejoice.

Yes, we will rise as a nation if we nurture this emerging beautiful spirit of the Filipino and cultivate an intelligent heart. How? By being our brother’s keeper- giving land to the landless, homes to the homeless and food to the hungry. This is about love and justice in a country where the majority of our people are landless, millions of them living in shanties and slums and 17% of them experiencing hunger in a

rich and fertile land. This is not about charity but about authentic stewardship and nation building.

We will rise as a nation when rich Filipinos will consider the poor as an heir, like our youngest child, equal in worth and dignity with our own children, deserving an equal share in our children’s inheritance. A beautiful spirit and an intelligent heart consider the poor as family, and see the paradise that every slum community can become.

This nation will rise if her sons and daughters abroad will see wisdom in helping not just their relatives, which is an admirable Filipino trait, but also the poor they do not know who need help the most.

You have the choice and the opportunity to correct the mistakes of our generation and build a future full of hope in this country. You can be the new breed of political leaders who will gain your mandate through visible and quantifiable performance, rather than mastery of the art of winning elections through cheating and corruption. You can be the new captains of business and industry who will work for profit with a conscience, expanding the market base by wisely investing in developing the potential of the poor for productivity. You can be the new elite of this country who will not be happy to send your children to exclusive schools and live in exclusive subdivisions if out of school street children are ignored and Lazarus continues to live as a squatter outside your gates.

Who can stop us from claiming our Promised Land? Spain is not our master anymore. America is not our master anymore. Japan is not our master anymore. Our enemies are not the corrupt politicians, the greedy rich, the lazy poor, the religious hypocrites and other convenient scapegoats. Our enemies are not out there anymore. Our enemies are now within us.

We have compromised our values and tolerated corruption. We have lowered our standard and tolerated poverty. We have sacrificed the truth for hypocrisy. We have chosen convenience for vision, popularity for leadership...and have chosen despair over hope.

Do we fight or do we run? Is there a King Leonides among you who will fight for honor and freedom? Are there 300 Spartans among you who will confront our enemies with extraordinary courage and love? Can you be the army who will lead our people to victory following the path of peace? Are you the generation of patriots who can shout to the world that no Filipino will remain poor because you will not allow it; that no Filipino will remain a squatter because you will not allow it; that no politician will remain corrupt because you will not allow it?

Together, we can build a great nation, first world in the eyes of God and respected by other great nations.

Godspeed to you our patriots and heroes. God bless our beloved Philippines.

Published with permission - excerpts from Antonio Meloto’s speech in the 2007 Commencement Exercises, of the Ateneo de Davao University.

Publisher & Editor Lalaine Chu-Benitez Associate Editor Elle Crisostomo Art Directors Paula Lorenzo Ron Perez Contributing Writers Philippines Carlito Viriña David Llorito Bernadette Reyes Lisa Cruz Mike Martin Jan La’O David Poarch Aby Yap United Arab Emirates Maripaz Febrero Giselle Estrada Dawn Almario Sonny de Guzman Antonella Andrada Shar Matingka Jonie Jose Michael Vincent Serrano United Kingdom, Singapore, Oman Cecile Samson-Aquino Law Diche Cathy Cheng Doña Contributing Photographers Philippines Ben Chan United Arab Emirates Pot Ph Monina Uy Joel Guerrero Contributing Stylist Zekundo Chu Advertising & Retail Sales Michael Maguigad Subscriptions & Admin Frances Therese Macaya 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

June-July CONTENTS Features The Filipino is Rising 3 Revisiting History: June 12, 1898 10 A Walk Through Philippine History 14 Romancing Remittance 18

Columns Contributors 6 Letters to the Editor 8 Famous Filipinos 18 Famous Filipinos: Myleene Klaas: A Class Act 22 Kabayanihan: Through the Looking Glass 24 Kabayanihan: Gawad Kalinga 26 IFX Files 28 Kabuhayan: Financial Independence 32 Kabuhayan: Chowking – A Pinoy Superbrand 36 Fashion Round-Up 72 The Annie B. Chronicles: Cuzin to the Rescue 86 Usapang Kanto: Are you proud to be Pinoy? 88 Filipinisms: Pinoy Movie Titles 89 Hot Releases 90 Community Spotlight 92 Pinoy Marketplace 94

People & Places Illustrado Profile: Ambassador Libran Cabactulan Bakasyon Grande: Pearl Farm Davao Pinoy About Town: Going Indian for a Day An Interview with Lingerie Magnate Josie Natori

30 82 84 66

Special Wedding Features Kasalang Filipino 38 Fashion: Down the Aisle to “I do” 40 Designer Profile: Michael Cinco 47 Magical Weddings at the One&Only 50 Charming Wedding Venues in the Philippines 52 Jewelry Traditions and Trends 54 Beauty: A month to Flawless Bridal Skin 56 Killing the Romance: How to get hitched in the UAE 57 Food: Art in a Cake 58 Homes for New Couples 62 Putting Romance into your Bedroom 64

Bb. Pilipinas International 2002 Kristine Alzar poses in sumptuous couture as this issue’s elegant bride.

CONTRIBUTORS

Joseph RichaRd papa Fine Arts graduate Joseph Richard Papa is the photographer for the sumptuous FDAP Silver Jubilee book Sagala. He is also a very talented fashion designer who represented the Philippines in the prestigious Concours International des Jeunes Createur de Mode, one of the world’s most prestigious international competitions for fashion students, in Paris in 1995, and has to his credit the following accolades Mega Young Designers Award, Mega Magazine (1999), Grand winner and the Designers Choice Award, “Flores de Mayo” Manila Hotel (1999).

Ivan Henares Ivan jumps at the prospects of being able to write about his favorite subjects – history and travel. A frustrated historian and heritage activist, Ivan is a member of the Board of Trustees of the Heritage Conservation Society. He is well on his way to exploring the country’s 7,107 islands and more, and is a passionate promoter of backpacking as a cheap and reasonable way to travel.

Illustrado 2

Kris Lee Tasked with ‘Going Indian for a Day’ for this month’s Pinoy About Town column, Kris Lee, photography hobbyist and occasional blogger, took to the challenge like a fish to water, “I didn’t know what to expect, but it was exciting.” Kris is involved in business development for an Abu Dhabi-based international group since 2006, and indulges in his love affair with photography, as well as road trips with his Dubai-based friends during weekends.

Trish soriano

Antonella ANDRADA Fashion, shopping and chick lit – the stuff that women’s lifestyle magazines are made of, are the three things that make Antonella Andrada’s eyes light up in excitement. Manila-based Antonella is a seasoned Public Relations professional and avid community service volunteer with special interest in helping Filipino kids. She enjoys creative writing and culinary adventures, among her other pursuits.

Freelance writer and editor, Trish Soriano has almost a decade’s worth of experience in writing and editing. Her articles have been published in leading Philippine lifestyle and fashion publications.

A young mother with boundless energy, Trish also enjoys making soaps, candles and craft projects during her spare time. She loves food, cats, travel, and anything pink, and dreams of retiring young and living by the beach.

EsmEraldo Pangilinan “Just a simple guy,” that’s how cool dude Esmeraldo ‘Esmie’ Pangilinan who has photographed this month’s Illustrado personality, humbly describes himself. Esmie is a commercial and fine artist, who loves photography and painting portraits and is ‘obsessed’ with functional sculpture and scale modeling. He is a pioneering Filipino advertising entrepreneur running a creative agency in Abu Dhabi, with his partner in crime – Loi, his wife.

Apart from being all that and a doting dad, Esmie is also an active member of the Philippine Business Council in his emirate. Now, how’s that for simple?

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Send your letters to: editor@illustrado.net Dear Editor, I for one would like to congratulate your magazine.

It has tremendously improved- by leaps and bounds.

I really appreciate your efforts on injecting/imbibing the very essence of intellectual reading to the majority of the Filipino expats. Because I do believe that there is more to life or more significant issues to inspire/read than reading showbiz-oriented magazines, pardon me! But really when I got hold of your magazine and read it, it really inspired me to be more confident and proud as a Filipino.

Hey, got an impressive magazine, it’s another head turner cover, which I can’t get over with. After having the Beautiful Philippines copy, I got addicted to Illustrado so I started looking for the next issue fortunately I immediately spotted one in a Filipino Supermarket. Keep it up guys!

of you guys for bringing this up; before I just used to see showbiz publications, which talks only about their actors and actresses. At least now there’s Illustrado which talks about sensible things like Filipinos who have made the world notice their talents and drive to make a difference.

Carlo Aldan, Abu Dhabi …………………..………………….………………….

Kristoffer Mercene, Dubai …………………..………………….………………….

Dear Ms. E,

I just hope that you maintain all these feature articles from famous/successful Filipinos, Arts and Culture to Annie B rather than following the trend of the mainstream/majority Filipino showbiz oriented magazines circulating around the UAE.

I so like your Fashion Feat. Actually, I’m impressed with the way you shoot and style your models; the way you get your locations and the choice of the clothes that you are using. The one you have on May’s issue is simple yet very sexy; it goes well for the summer.

My kudos to all of U!

Belinda Mayer Dubai …………………..………………….………………….

PETERJ …………………..………………….………………….

Hello! I’m Chi, just sending you a small note from Singapore. My sister from Dubai sent me a copy of the previous issue as a reference for a design feature on Filipino furniture. We love the magazine and we hope to have it here soon.

Congratulations Illustrados! For sure, this is going to be a super hit again...

Louie Medrano, DUbai …………………..………………….………………….

Hi Ms. Editor, Ako po si Mardi, fan ako ni Annie B., I’m so proud of her -- Character talaga ang lola mo…and lahat ng stories niya ay may kakaibang dating. Adventurous ito. Swak na swak sa panlasang pinoy, ika nga ng Illustrado “Sauce it, Spread it, Love it, Ang Rich na Lasang Pinoy” o diba?! ahahha!

Mardi Gonzaga, Dubai

Ang ganda ganda ng Illustrado magazine grabe wala akong masabi. Kakaiba talaga! Nakakaaliw ang mga features lalo na ang Filipinisms section.

Nakakatuwang malaman ang ating mga pag-uugali lalo na kapag tumutugma sayo.

Marissa Gumalog, Ajman …………………..………………….………………….

Thank you for giving us Overseas Workers a reason to be proud of. I always wanted to promote our home country by showing a good example at work and as a person. Now I would definitely say that we can compete with any other nationality; seeing Illustrado is the best thing I have seen in Dubai. You can bring it anywhere and tell other people that this is a good Filipino Magazine where you can find details on how we excel in different categories.

Jose Dumlao, Abu Dhabi …………………..………………….………………….

…………………..………………….………………….

I find your Kabuhayan section very inspiring. In fact, I’ve been planning to put up my own business when I get home this July. I’ve read a lot of stories in your magazine and I think I got all the ideas and inspiration I need know.

Sam Carreon Abu Dhabi

Christine Sy

Illustrado – The Magazine for the International Filipino, Amazing! It sounds very interesting just hearing it; what more if you read it. I’m fond of collecting different kinds of lifestyle magazines. I see to it that I have them all before the month ends. One time I was checking the bookstore and I saw this beautiful face (it was May’s issue); I’m not familiar with the magazine yet but I immediately bought it.

I even started scanning the pages while I was still in the counter just checking what’s inside. I find it very nice for a Philippine Magazine and I’m proud

…………………………….………………….…………

Dear Editor, I’m a fan of your magazine and I would like to subscribe. I’m just borrowing a copy from my friend’s neighbor and now she’s going home to the Philippines ☹. I really like Illustrado; it gives a lot of information unlike others, just entertainment.

Maricel Chua Dear Maricel, thank you for your kind support. Please call us at 04-365 4547 Sundays to Thursday, to subscribe. - Editor

Revisiting History Illustrado 10

On June 12, 1898

Filipino revolutionary forces, under the leadership of General Emilio Aguinaldo (who became the Philippine’s first Republican President), proclaimed the sovereignty and independence of the Philippine Islands from the colonial rule of Spain after the latter was defeated at the Battle of Manila Bay, during the Spanish-American War. The Philippine Declaration of Independence saw the culmination of a people’s struggle against the tyranny of its colonial masters who ruled the archipelago for 400 years.

A huge gathering of patriots in General Aguinaldo’s residence at Cavite el Viejo (Kawit), saw the most symbolic moments in Philippine history . The Act of the Declaration of Independence, was prepared and read by Ambrosio Rianzares Bautista. Signed by ninety-eight persons, among them an American army officer who witnessed the

event, the Declaration proclaimed that “the Philippine Islands have the right to be free and independent and that they ceased to have any allegiance to the Crown of Spain”.

It was also during this event that for the first time, the Philippine National Flag was officially hoisted. The flag was sewn by Doña Marcela Marino de Agoncillo with the help of her daughter Lorenza and Delfina Herbosa de Natividad, the niece of Philippine National Hero - Dr. Jose P. Rizal. It was made of silk with a white triangle containing a sunburst of eight rays at the center, a five-pointed star at each angle of the triangle, a blue field and a red field. The white triangle stands for equality and fraternity; the blue field for peace, truth and justice; and red field for patriotism and valor. The eight rays of the sun stand for the first eight provinces that the colonizers have

put under martial law. The three stars symbolize Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

The hoisting of the Philippine flag was accompanied by a beautiful melody that stirred the people’s patriotic fervor. Composed by Julian Felipe, the Marcha Nacional Filipina (Philippine National March) was played by the members of the San Francisco de Malabon band. For more than a year, the anthem remained without words. Towards the end of August 1899, a young poet-soldier named Jose Palma (younger brother of Dr. Rafael Palma) wrote the poem entitled “Filipinas”. This poem expressed in elegant verses the ardent patriotism and fighting spirit of the Filipino people.

History of the Filipino People. Teodoro A. Agoncillo

SUBSCRIPTION

Contact us today at 04-3654543 or 04-3654547 And get a Free Gift With your annual subscription

FEATURE Photo by George Tapan Courtesy of the Philippine Department of Tourism

A walk through

Philippine History

By Ivan Henares

Philippine independence was indeed hard-fought. As we celebrate the 109th anniversary of the declaration of Philippine independence, it is but proper to revisit the different historical sites, which memorialize events that shaped the Filipino nation. It’s however sad that many Filipinos do not value these historical sites as much as other nations value their own. And there is a need to re-awaken the heroic Pinoy spirit by really giving importance to these places that are an integral part of Philippine history.

Illustrado 14

Inside the walls of Intramuros

Intramuros is usually the first place that comes to mind every time we say historical site. A must visit is the San Agustin Church, a UNESCO World Heritage site. It was the only church in Intramuros left standing after the Second World War. Indeed, the church is a splendid example of Philippine Baroque with its trompe l’oeil murals. The San Agustin Museum houses some of the best examples of Philippine church treasures in its museum.

After a tour around San Agustin, you could walk across the street to Casa Manila, a museum that showcases the opulence of a bahay na bato in Intramuros during its heyday. And don’t forget to visit Fort Santiago, another Manila icon which tourists should not miss. Inside you could see the Rizal Shrine and the cell where Rizal was incarcerated before his execution in 1896. Other Rizal shrines can be found in Calamba, Laguna and Dapitan, Zamboanga del Norte. From the cell, footsteps mark the path of Rizal from Fort Santiago to his execution site in Luneta.

When was the last time you visited Rizal Park?

Rizal Park is a hallowed ground where many Filipino heroes and martyrs were executed. The Rizal Monument, one of the country’s iconic memorials stands at the foreground of this historical site.

FEATURE

Photo by George Tapan Courtesy of the Philippine Department of Tourism

Around the park were several memorials to the martyrs of Bagumbayan and markers at the sites of execution of Jose Rizal, and the three priests namely Mariano Gomez, Jose Burgos and Jacinto Zamora. Across Roxas Boulevard was the Quirino Grandstand. If you notice a small marker with the number zero on it, that’s Kilometer Zero which is the reference point for all road markers in Luzon.

There are several important heritage buildings around the perimeter of the park including the Elks Club Building (Museo Pambata), the Luneta Hotel, Army & Navy Club and Manila Hotel which are all national historical landmarks, and the former Department of Finance and the current Department of Tourism buildings.

Metro Manila historical sites

Other Metro Manila sites in the Philippine Centennial Freedom Trail are the Pinaglabanan Shrine in San Juan which commemorates the first major battle of the Katipunan against the colonial forces, the site of the Cry of Pugad Lawin in Project 8, Quezon City, and the house where the Katipunan was founded in Tutuban, Manila.

Around historic Cavite

Photo by Ivan Henares

Cavite is a treasure trove of historical sites being the hotbed of the Philippine Revolution. Our first stop was the Emilio Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit. The ancestral home of Aguinaldo, the first president of the Philippines, it was the site of the proclamation of Philippine independence on June 12, 1898. On that day, the declaration of independence from Spain was read from a balcony of the house and the Philippine flag formally unfurled by Ambrosio Rianzares Bautista (and not Aguinaldo as is erroneously depicted in the old five peso bill).

The Philippine National Anthem was also played for the first time by the Banda Malabon (of San Francisco de Malabon, now Gen. Trias).

FEATURE

A walk through

Philippine History Photos by Ivan Henares

Around the park were several memorials to the martyrs of Bagumbayan Cavite.

From there, it was a forty-minute drive south to Maragondon where we visited the church and the Bonifacio Trial House, a national historical landmark. The bahay na bato of Teodorico Reyes was where Andres Bonifacio and his brother Procopio were court-martialed. It was a kangaroo court as many historians put it. And their conviction for sedition and conspiracy and subsequent execution in the mountains of Maragondon haunts Aguinaldo’s legacy to this day. In the end, it was Bonifacio whom the nation recognized with a public holiday and grand monuments in Metro Manila.

Also check out Casa Hacienda and its environs, the site of the Tejeros Convention in Rosario and Gen. Trias, and the site of the Battle of Alapan in Imus among many others in Cavite.

Bataan and Corregidor

World War II memorials abound in Central Luzon. Every year, April 9 has always been among the much-awaited public holidays in the Philippines. This year, it fell on Easter Monday giving everyone a fiveday vacation which kept resorts nationwide filled to the brim. But, aside from it being a holiday, do most Filipinos know what Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) is all about?

On April 9, 1942, approximately 75,000 Filipino and United States soldiers, commanded by Major General Edward ‘Ned’ P. King, Jr., formally surrendered to the Japanese army under Lt. General Masaharu Homma.

Over the next few days, these prisoners of war were transferred to Camp O’Donnell in what would become the Bataan Death March.

To commemorate the gallantry of these troops, April 9 of every year

Illustrado 16

was declared Araw ng Kagitingan. The Dambana ng Kagitingan (Shrine of Valor) was also built on top of Mount Samat in 1966 in memory of the soldiers who saw action during the Second World War. The most distinct feature of the shrine is the Memorial Cross, a 92meter marble, steel and concrete structure built 555 meters above sea level. At the base of the cross is a sculptural bas-relief that depicts important historical events and battles in the Philippines. An elevator takes visitors up a viewing deck in the arms of the cross.

Corregidor Island on the other hand, is actually part of Cavite City although it is closer to Bataan. Today it is one of the most important Second World War shrines in the country having been the site of one of the bloodiest battles of the war, the Battle of Corregidor. Some of the more popular sites on the island are the batteries, the Corregidor War Memorial, the Corregidor Lighthouse which is one of the few remaining Spanish structures left standing, and Lorca Dock where MacArthur uttered his famous lines, ‘I shall return!’

Also check out the Capas National Shrine in Camp O’Donnell, Capas, Tarlac and the San Fernando Train Station and Death March marker in the City of San Fernando, Pampanga.

Celebrating Independence Day in a different way

With Independence Day upon us, it would be most proper to revisit these sites scattered all over the country, and look beyond the facades, taking a much deeper look into their history and contributions to the entire nation. Only when we understand their importance will we truly build a Filipino nation with ‘pride of place.’ Filipinos must take the lead in strengthening nationalism and patriotism if the country is to prosper and move forward. A Filipino nation grounded on its identity is the only hope Juan de la Cruz has.

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FEATURE

R

omancing emittance

By Law Diche

It has been called a phenomenon.

Adjectives thrown include ‘staggering’, ‘monumental’, ‘huge’, even ‘unbelievable’.

Much has been said about the phenomenon that is the Pinoy OFW remittance. And with good reason. After all, we’re not just talking millions here, but billions, tens of billions. And that’s in US Dollars.

From just about a billion dollars in 1989, the latest BSP (Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas) figures reported US$12.8 billion in 2006. This is a record high of 37.2 % annual growth over 2005. Plus, the December 2006 remittance of US$ 1.3 billion was higher by 19.4 percent from 2005, and also higher by US$ 500 million as forecast for the whole year.

Get a piece of the action

Of course, when we hear figures like Bill Gates’ US$50 billion worth, you might think it’s not that much. But take it in the context that in 2004, these annual remittances were three times larger than ALL the foreign direct investment that the Philippines have received; well that’s a lot of greenbacks.

These billions are after all, cold cash and genuine wealth in the real sense of the word. And it’s expected to rise 10% more this year according to projections of the BSP. This increase in dollar inflows likewise contributes significantly to the Philippines’ gross international reserves (GIR) that reached an all-time high of $20.84 billion in March 2006.

Still not that much? Let’s talk in tangible terms.

How about this: the 2006 US$12.8 billion remittance can be used to build to 325,000 kilometers of roads. That much concrete can run across the length of our archipelago 175 times. And one more thing, that much money is worth over half the 2007 Philippine Budget.

Illustrado 18

With that kind of moolah, it’s no wonder everybody wants to get their hands on it. Perhaps, you’ve got the email by now about how some ‘wise guys’ are proposing to tax these remittance even while the government is gaining from it already.

Even the New York Times has taken notice, publishing a recent cover story on Filipino migrant workers, titled ‘A Good Provider Is One Who Leaves.’ The irony is not lost on the renowned publication as the good provider is not only one who provides for their family but for their country as well.

The billions are not lost either, i.e. has not gone unnoticed even to the corporate behemoth that is Microsoft.

FEATURE Establishing a tie-up with no less than OWWA (Overseas Workers Welfare Administration), the duo has started an electronic remittance system that uses wireless and desktop Internet-based platforms.

‘One Follow Me’ allows OFWs to send money, make voice-overIP phone calls and Internet instant messengers from virtually anywhere in the world via phones using Microsoft Windows Mobile 5.0 operating system that runs on an OWWA-hosted Microsoft Live Communication Server. This system is targeting over 8 million OFWs potential users.

Banks et. al. laughing all the way While a large piece of the OFW remittance pie is sent through informal channels rather than through the formal financial system, the Philippine banks are now gaining and learning fast.

Over the usual profits from remittance fees, leading banks have started developing special loan, deposit and investment products, heeding a recent call of the BSP. With the aim of having local banks focus not only on the remittance side of the business but also on other products and financial services that could give OFWs investment options, BSP Governor Amando Tetangco reports that it is undertaking projects to “streamline the tagging systems of banks to compile and identify OFW accounts with an end in view of granting special incentives to OFWs.” An example is Metrobank’s ‘World Cash Card’ which enables the beneficiaries to inquire and withdraw remittances through ATMs. BPI, the largest banking channel of OFW remittances offers 10.99% exclusive housing loan rate for 10 years, that offer a wide array of specialized products.

Of course, the biggest gainer in this remittance business is still the government. Lualhati Roque, Executive Director of the International Migrant Resource Center notes that the government raked in PHP14.4 billion from the government fees charged to all the 933,588 workers who were deployed in 2004 alone. The more obvious gain is that the remittances comprise about 14% of GDP (Gross Domestic Product) in the Philippines. GDP, if you remember your Social Studies in High School, refers to the total income of a country in a given period sans the foreign investment, which basically means it is the net income.

Remittance for the ‘common tao’ Studies have shown that it all boils down to increased purchasing power. Remittances are basically spent to send kids to, if not, better schools; buying houses and lots; purchasing cellular phones, appliances and vehicles; daily food requirements and recreational needs; medical, and health services and vices and conspicuous consumption.

The variety is a good sign however since during the 70-80s, the focus were on housing needs.

Does this translate to better life in the long term? What happens if this phenomenon comes to a halt?

Putting remittance to good use As quoted by the Philippine Daily Inquirer’s Juan Mercado in his column on a warning given by the Migration Policy Institute, “No country broke free of penury just by remittances. Remittances can’t compensate for corrupt governments, nepotism, incompetence or communal conflict.”

What does this mean for us OFWs? Simply put, it means that we must start learning to help ourselves.

Former BSP governor Edgardo B. Espiritu notes that although “OFW remittance inflows already play a critical role in the Philippine economy, we are yet to tap their contributions to sustained longterm development. Yes, they do help fuel economic activity, but this is largely through consumption spending and not much goes to investment, which is what is needed to generate further economic growth.”

Alternative investments With this in mind, we can start learning the ropes, so to speak, of sound investments. Indeed, considering alternative financial instruments offered by banks e.g. trust funds, mutual funds and the like may not be such a bad idea.

Not that we’re advocating these products, but common sense tells you that these are far more viable channels than savings accounts alone. Besides, the yields are far greater as well. Savings accounts earn between 1-3% per annum while investment funds can make as much as 9% p.a. profits.

Of course, the disclaimer is that profits are not guaranteed. But this is where you have to start to sweat it out by doing research on which investments to pick.

In a study conducted by the DOLE-ILS Department of Labor and Employment - Institute for Labor Studies), with the help of NGOs (Non-Government Organizations), success stories where also discovered on OFWs who pooled their savings to make the investments, specifically in a rice mill, an agricultural farm, a rural bank, a dairy farm and beekeeping businesses, all in provincial areas.

As you can see, with a little research and yes, a little help from your friends, you can make remittance work for you.

If most OFWs would start considering this option, then another phenomenon would soon be in the offing. Now go get your thesaurus for the adjectives.

Famous Filipinos

By Maripaz Febrero

Mabuhay tayong lahat! ! Here’s another line-up of Pinoys blazing the trail on Broadway stage.

Talaga namang di mapigilan ang galing nating mga Pinoy!

Ali Ewoldt and Adam Jacobs Two Fil-Ams make Broadway history in “Les Miz” revival Two Filipino-Americans have landed major roles in the Broadway revival of Les Misérables which opened Nov. 9, 2006 for a six-month run at the Broadhurst Theater. Ali Ewoldt 25, who hails from Pleasantville in Westchester County, New York, will sing and act in the role of ‘Cosette’, while 27-year-old Adam Jacobs, from Half Moon, California, will display his talents in the role of ‘Marius’.

Ali Ewoldt

Adam Jacobs Adam grew up in Half Moon Bay, California, raised by his Filipino mother and his Russian-Dutch-Jewish-Polish father. His mother, Abby Sorio, moved from Baguio to the US with her parents in 1965. Adam complains, “I didn’t grow up speaking Tagalog and I yell at my mother every day because I wish I could!”

Even though Adam played ‘Marius’ for over a year on tour, the 5-foot-10 actor is making his Broadway debut. At age of five he saw Yul Brynner in The King and I and remembers, “I was mesmerized. Because I sat through it and didn’t cry, my mom said she knew I’d become an actor.” He is the first Asian-American actor to play ‘Marius’. Whenever asked if being an actor of color is a plus or a minus, Adam says it’s definitely a plus. “The great thing about being half-Filipino is that I could play anything. When I was 15, I played a Native American. I’ve also played Latinos a lot. Sometimes, you do fall through the cracks or you’re told you look too ethnic. For example, I’ve always wanted to play Tony in West Side Story, but I look too much like I could play Bernardo. Maybe I could play Tony in the winter because I’m not as tanned then,” Adam laughs.

Illustrado 20

She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Yale University, where she also lent her beautiful soprano voice to the Yale Opera. Her mother, Leah Vergara Anolin, is from Pangasinan.

Singing and dancing from age 10, Ewoldt did musical theater throughout high school, and after college, Ewoldt was cast as the Jasmine body double/understudy in Aladdin at Disneyland. “One of our Jasmines was Deedee Magno Hall,” she recalls. “She did Miss Saigon on Broadway, but I knew her from The Mickey Mouse Club. I grew up in a very white-bread town; my mom’s Filipino, and there were only a handful of Filipinos here and there, but not so much in the performing genre. Basically it was Deedee and Lea Salonga, who, of course, is the icon of all Filipino icons,” she says.

After her stint as Jasmine, Ewoldt spent seven months at Tokyo’s DisneySea Park, singing Hello, Dolly wearing an enormous hat. After returning to the States, Ewoldt was simultaneously cast in a small role on the national tour of The King and I and in the ensemble of Les Miz’s national tour. She chose Le Miz and ten months later, the cast was told the tour would be closing but that they could all audition for the new Broadway production. Ali flew in two separate times to reaudition and of eventually, got the part of ‘Cosette’.

Pinoys are really amazing! There are obviously no limits to what we can achieve once we put our talents and skills to the test. Suddenly, no stage is too big, no universe too vast. So, once again, please…with feelings. Applause!

Applause!

FAMOUS FILIPINOS

Myleene Klass

A Class Act

From Popstar to host of CNN’s ‘Screening Room’

On April 6, 1978, Myleene Angela Klass was born in Norfolk, England. Her father, Oscar, was a ship captain and was therefore often away from home. Her Filipina mother, Magdalena, took on the duties of raising Myleene and her younger siblings, Jessie and Don. Myleene was only four years old when she began playing the piano, as well as her grandfather’s violin. Music was definitely in her genes. During the same period, Myleene and her siblings formed a singing trio and everyone called them the ‘Von Trapp Kids.’

When she was 14, she was fortunate enough to be offered a scholarship to the Guildhall School of Music, where she learned to play the harp. She had to travel to London from Norfolk every weekend, but it was a great experience for her.

As her high school graduation rolled around in the mid-’90s, she was offered a spot at Cambridge University but turned it down because she wanted to pursue a musical career. She didn’t waste any time, either, because she soon got a part in the ‘Miss Saigon’ musical at the West End. It was also during those years that Myleene got work singing back vocals for Cliff Richards, k.d. lang, and Michael Crawford, with whom she spent two months on tour. Next for her was the Royal Academy of Music. Even though she had no university degree, they listened to her music and took her on as a post-graduate student. In January 2001, the British network ITV launched a new TV show called ‘Popstars’, in which a nationwide talent search would allow the public to vote to form a five-member pop group. Each week, millions of viewers tuned in to watch the auditions.

Illustrado 22

FAMOUS FILIPINOS

Myleene was interested in the idea and submitted herself to this grueling process. The group of hundreds of hopefuls was brought down to 60 and finally to 10. The young musician from Norfolk managed to hang on for the ride. Finally, the votes were in and the final five were chosen. They were Noel Sullivan, Kym Marsh, Suzanne Shaw, Danny Foster, and, of course, Myleene. The band would eventually be named ‘Hear’Say’.

At the same time, Myleene was offered a classical record deal, but she turned it down as she didn’t feel she could commit herself to both. She wanted to give herself wholeheartedly to her new band. Before their first album, ‘Popstars’, was released in March 2001, Hear’Say was already one of the greatest cultural phenomena the United Kingdom had ever seen. Their debut single, ‘Pure and Simple’ sold over 1.2 million copies and they were on top of the world. It was the fastest selling single in UK chart history. In July 2001, they released a second album called ‘Everybody’. However, after singles like ‘Lovin’ Is Easy’, ‘I Knew You Were Waiting’, and ‘Way to Your Love Pt. 1’, the British public soon grew tired of the endless tabloid articles on them and their numerous TV interviews.

As quickly as they had become popular, Hear’Say became the butt of all jokes. In the fall of 2002, the band split up. But as the only member of Hear’Say with any formal musical training, Myleene had plenty of options open to her. In early 2003, Myleene was offered both a pop and classical record deal. It was a no-brainer for her and she signed a six-record deal with Universal Classics, worth more than a million pounds. The record label has many world-renowned artists including Pavarotti, Bocelli, Bryn Terfel and André Previn. Her album, ‘Moving On’, was released in Britain in October 2003. On it, she simply plays the piano, placing a new contemporary spin on classical pieces and movie scores. Her training at The Royal Academy of Music, one of the world’s leading music conservatoires, inspired her to bring pop and classical music closer with her own brand of music.

Myleene Klass’s journey from one of the country’s most hated pop groups to celebrated TV host is complete – when the former pop performer was signed up by broadcasting giant, CNN. Klass joined the global news network to anchor a celebrity film show, which feature interviews with actors, red carpet footage and film festival news. “CNN has kudos and gravitas all over the world, and that strong brand will ensure that I will get the very best interviews,” she said.

Myleene hopes to use her talents to far greater effect with her new career.

The show premiered on CNN last March 30, and the news channel’s senior vice-president, Rena Golden, added “Myleene is a talented presenter and ‘The Screening Room’ is an ideal international platform to showcase her talents.”

Photos from www.myleenofficial.co.uk

Tributes to the Filipino Spirit KABAYANIHAN

Through the

looking glass

by Aby Yap

My friend who has worked in Dubai for four years warned me that coming here was an ultimate pakikipagsapalaran and sakripisyo (risk and sacrifice).

But my head then was too pre-occupied with visions of myself working extremely hard to give my family and myself a bright future while having the time of my life exploring this side of the world.

Sacrifice for me would just mean replacing my mom’s delicious homemade cooking with all sorts of canned goods and frozen food, missing my family and friends, doing my own household chores. But of course, I already prepared myself for the life of independence in another country!

Yet I must say that nothing could have prepared me for the Dubai experience, or better yet the OFW life. The relentless search for respectable jobs under the tremendous pressure of an expiring visit visa; nerve-wracking exit ventures to Kish Island; sharing of a small room with eleven other kababayans; hand-washing laundry and ironing clothes among the blistering ruins of a broken down washing machine and air-conditioner, were just a few clear-cut examples of sakripisyos many nagsasapalarang Pinoys like me go through before finally being ushered in to what you would call a more ‘economically stable’ status.

I was also warned about my kababayans’ ‘kanya-kanya’ (indifferent) attitude, making all my other complaints seem petty. I used to think that this lack of empathy could actually provide a measure of relief, from people’s sore tendency to gossip and interfere with lives other than their own. But I would learn (rather surprisingly) that despite this pervasive negative trait, pakikisama and pagmamalasakit are essential codes many honorable kababayans live by to survive ‘with some kind of meaning’ in a distant place like Dubai. My kababayan friends were the only ones I could depend on to ease my solitary existence in this cosmopolitan city.

Still a far worse trait was the utak talangka (ie crab mentality i.e., your kababayan pulling you down because they would not want you to reach a higher position than theirs). Some well-meaning acquaintances even advised me against taking a job in a workplace where there are Filipinos because they

Illustrado 24

would only jeopardize my career out of envy so the less Pinoys, the better. In a way I thought, this sad assumption, let alone resignation, is far worse than the ‘utak talangka mentality’ itself.

The OFW life had always been a story of survival. I should know, my father worked in Saudi Arabia for over 10 years. This he did so that he could build a house for us and equip us with a good education. This was the same tale of many fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters and children I have met in the streets Bur Dubai, Satwa, Karama and Deira. They have risked it all so they could uplift their families’ way of life. This meant sacrificing memorable moments with their loved ones…anniversaries, birthdays, graduations, or even a baby’s first word.

What was disquieting for me was the box of ugly pictures of the Filipino painted by our own kababayans. Why preserve a means of division when we all share the same stories of survival. Why imprison the Filipino identity when each and every OFW know too well the depth and capacity of the Pinoy heart?

This for me is the greatest asset we have that surpasses our shortcomings.

Why not repair the brokenness of our innately powerful spirit, and by doing so destroy the cynicism we see in ourselves?

As ‘enlightened’ OFWs, let’s make it a mission to free ourselves from those who impoverish our kabuhayan, and degrade our ka-Pinoy-an. As our elders would say, “Ang sakit ng kalingkingan ay sakit ng buong katawan”. Let’s live our lives knowing fully well that individual success is a triumph for all, and take every opportunity to make the life of a kababayan an easier burden to bear in this foreign land. After all, what could be a more fitting tribute to our humanity and to the sacrifices made by many before us, than preserving our Kabayanihan?

Tributes to the Filipino Spirit KABAYANIHAN

Gawad Kalinga:

Changing Lives,Transforming Filipinos

By Lisa Cruz Photos courtesy of Gawad Kalinga There was Enteng the father, pressed out of luck finding a job and Mode the mother, who barely earned doing laundry; and all five of their children (two were out of school, another two were active in juvenile gangs) squeezed into a shelter made from broken cardboard boxes, rusty GI sheets and worn out tires. For the Adduro family back then, life began and ended in the slums.

Enter Gawad Kalinga, (which means ‘to give care’ or an ‘award for caring’).

From a 30 square meter shanty, the Adduros now live in a 92 square meter house they themselves built mostly on their own. Enteng got a job and Mode heads the neighborhood micro financing. All five children went back to school and got their college degrees.

So why the transformation? What changed?

The journey began much earlier in 1995 through a youth camp conducted by Couples for Christ, a Catholic Lay community comprised mainly by juvenile gang members from Bagong Silang, Caloocan, one of the biggest slums in Metro Manila. Through the course of several rehabilitation programs, the group realized the need to transform the slum environment in order to change the slum behavior.

To change the way we live, we must start at where we live. And so the very first Gawad Kalinga house – was built for the Adduro family in 1999.

Each Gawad Kalinga community is composed of about 60 – 100 families organized through a Kapitbahayan Neighborhood Association, where the strong values formation is translated into concrete guidelines for community living. A team of volunteers then provides the backbone for the work of Gawad Kalinga through their sustained presence in the community and implementation of GK programs in health, productivity, community empowerment, child and youth development, site development, environment, even in tourism – where GK communities welcome visitors through the Mabuhay program.

Sponsored by Filipinos from Northern California, the first Gawad Kalinga community now includes 2,000 homes in 18 villages in Bagong Silang, Caloocan City—providing at least 10,000 underprivileged Filipinos a new decent life.

The vision to build 700,000 homes, in 7,000 communities in 7 years was launched on October 4, 2003. From a single house to almost 1,200 communities to date, Gawad Kalinga under the leadership of Antonio C. Meloto Jr is by far the most successful NGO in the country today and is fast becoming a global model for development for other countries such as Indonesia, Cambodia and Papua New Guinea.

According to Dylan Wilk, GK’s International Partnership Head, there have been about 500 villages funded by Filipinos from abroad, the biggest group coming from North America (with GK offices in almost every state), Australia, Europe and in the Middle East.

It’s remarkable to note that despite similarities to past programs of previous administrations that fizzled out even before full implementation, Gawad Kalinga has managed to move forward with amazing concrete results that guarantee sustainability in the years to come.

Backed by an army of more than 200,000 volunteers, Gawad Kalinga has successfully generated more than PHP8 billion in eight years (PHP3 billion for houses, PHP500 million for schools, clinics and other infrastructure, PHP2 billion for land and site development, PHP2.5 billion for social preparations, donated professional services and volunteerism, programs for health, education and livelihood). Funds flow from corporations and socio-civic groups, the national and local governments, Filipino organizations abroad, schools and universities, and philanthropic families and individuals. The Canadian government sends aid directly to Gawad Kalinga, while American companies like AIG USA, Fedex, UPS and Proctor & Gamble send funds directly from their head offices.

From Filipinos working and living overseas some of the most heartfelt contributions come: a waiter from Barcelona who gives his Christmas bonus for the cost of one GK house; a postal worker in Vienna gives up his full pension to work full-time for Gawad Kalinga’s European office; a businessman whose wife died in the 9/11 bombings comes home to build a village under her name; a group of workers from Bahrain gather their resources to fund several GK villages in Mindanao and scores of young Filipino- Americans come home every year to render several months to a full year volunteer work for GK communities.

With the inspired leadership of Meloto, Gawad Kalinga has successfully mobilized a steady and increasing number of volunteers by championing genuine stewardship based on self-sacrifice.

In one of his speeches to Filipino youths, Meloto states the core of Gawad Kalinga’s mission.

“Because we love our children, not pity them, we do not give them charity and abandon them after doing so. We sacrifice and invest in their future. With the way poverty is growing in this country, they will not be safe or secure here unless we move from charity to genuine Christian stewardship and bring our people out of poverty. Neither will they be whole anywhere in the developed countries, where they will be seen or feel second-class even if they are rich or successful, as long as the Philippines remains poor and corrupt, because we are viewed collectively as a people.”

GK contact: Middle East/UAE: Rouquel Ponte, tel: +63 9189239151, e-mail: rponte@cfcglobalmission.org For more on GK programs and activities login at www.gawadkalinga.org

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Views and issues of the International Filipinos

By Elle Crisostomo

MGA BITUING WALANG NINGNING, atbp.

Popularity alone can no longer assure an

growing number of mature voters comes the

by the newspaper’s mention of their Filipino

electoral victory. This is the hard and bitter

demand for stricter accountability from public

nationality. Some of them have been victims

lesson learned byå many of the entertainment

officials, movie star or not. Their candidates

of illegal recruiters; of crimes of passion;

and sports personalities that ran in the

must perform and deliver change, or else….

or been mislead into working with abusive

recently concluded Philippine elections.

employers. Different names and faces, but in Now where could this tide of mature and

the end they are our kababayans.

At the time of press, showbiz stars like Cesar

sensible voting come from? I have a few

Montano and Richard Gomez are languishing

hopeful theories. The ratio of young voters

But have you ever asked yourself if there’s

at the tail-end of the National Movement

continue to outnumber old folks by at least 3

anything you could have done to help a

for Free Elections’ (NAMFREL) count, at

to 1, so idealism is inevitably creeping in; or

kababayan escape such a misfortune?

18th and 25th place respectively. Ex-senator

people (young and old) are just fagged to the

Tito Sotto couldn’t recapture his primetime

teeth by all the corruption and inefficiency

Although our government through the labor

appeal and was even edged out by Montano

they see in their lives.

As millions of Filipino OFWs (and their families) get exposed to other cultures and different governments through labor migration, their expectation from their own socio-political systems become more acute and urgent. Most of them are simply frustrated with being haunted by misconceptions in their workplace; of having to work twice as hard to prove something; and of having to go home to a countr y that offers ver y little choice but to leave again.

department back home, and the embassy

at 19th place. Victor Wood also realized that at 34th place, his decision to run was way out of tune.

One of the most popular losers of all was probably boxing champ Manny Pacquiao who reportedly (?) spent at least PHP50 million of his own money in his congressional seat campaign, only to be convincingly knocked out by a veteran lady politician. How’s that for irony?

The days when movie or media stars were perceived as incorruptible because they were moneyed seem to be over. It seems that if one more ‘masa’ candidate brandishing a

PINOY HELP LINE

wristband and well-oiled hair comes out of

You read about them in the papers. Their

the woodwork, there’d be chaos. With the

real names hidden by initials but betrayed

Illustrado 28

and consulate here are constant source of information and support in times of need – a Pinoy Help Line consists of volunteer Pinoys might help in providing a more personal ‘kapatiran’

guidance

on

many

issues,

especially addressing the concerns of newlyarrived OFWs. This is just a simple bright idea for now. The potential logistical and financial implications exist as much as the idea is broad, but hopefully one day a Pinoy Help Line will come into existence with the help of many concerned kababayans.

ILLUSTRADO PROFILE

our horizons are unlimited. Just like a computer, alone it has limited capabilities.

But connect it to a LAN, and the utility is multiplied a thousand more. Now connect it to the Internet, and it’s the whole world – its globalization.” He concludes smiling.

The Filipinos in his former post took this very positively; the ambassador was able to unite the splinter groups into a more cohesive unit.

But perhaps even more significant than his promotion of community ‘inter-linkage’ was the tangible legacy he was able to leave behind. The ambassador created Trust Bank, a financial institution being managed by the community leaders with the help of NGO Opportunity International.

The body was tasked to raise funds to help the victims of the tragic Payatas landslide – to support them into recovery by encouraging small businesses through micro financing. The grant recipients are guided and trained to financial self-sufficiency.

The project continues to be a huge success with the support of the community, which raised funds enthusiastically. And for every AUS$20,000 raised, the Australian government would match the contribution. Now, there are two Trust Banks in Sydney, still being overseen by the Filipino community umbrella organization, serving over 200 families. “It is a project which continues to benefit people even if I’m not in Sydney anymore,” he states simply.

From consular duties, Cabactulan moved to the UAE, after a brief stint as Executive Director for the Office of Consular Affairs at the DFA Home Office, and then at the UNIO (United Nations International Organization), to work on bilateral diplomacy as the Philippine Ambassador to the UAE in December 2003.

Apart from managing bilateral affairs, the day-to-day operations of the embassy, as well as overseeing community issues with his team, the ambassador is working on a huge advocacy project – an undertaking slated to be the most significant endeavor to benefit the Filipinos in the country. “I am thinking of a bigger thing - to come out with an institution that will persist beyond my tour of duty here. It will be called the Filipino Expatriates in the UAE Foundation,” he states.

The objective of this foundation is to support Filipinos here who are in great need of help. Utilizing his know-how as a political economist, the ambassador explains that with a very nominal annual contribution, Filipinos in the country can create a huge fund, whose interest can help provide financial support to those who need it. “It is like a ‘financial pader’ – para mayroon tayong matatakbuhan when we need assistance.”

Quite different from fund raising activities that channel proceeds to charities back home, the ambassador remarks, “This grand design is to help all of us. We are always very generous in helping the less fortunate back home, but we should also try to help ourselves.”

I asked him why he felt driven to initiate such a project, in spite of the steps the government is taking to cover the OFWs in the area. He replies, “The government is doing its best, but it’s never been enough. A lot of Filipinos here need help. And just like John F. Kennedy said – ask not what your country can do for you, but what YOU can do for your country”.

I also boldly raised the issue of possible skepticism from the community and how he planned to deal with such. Carefully choosing his words,

The Ambassador relaxing at home with his wife

the ambassador answered, “Yes, there might be some skeptics, but I always believe that actions speak louder than words. There must be real financial planning, real transparency and real accountability.”

He then proceeds to explain that this entity is already registered with the UAE government and the Philippine SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission). The project should be operational by next year and will be managed by a committee from the community. Regular audits will be put in place to ensure checks and balances. “Hopefully, the community will see for itself,” the ambassador comments.

With so much accomplished and happening in his day-to-day life as a diplomat, surely there must be little time for anything else, I said to the ambassador. To which his wife immediately chips in, “He is into computers.” The ambassador says, “I’m actually a computer geek,” with a big smile on his face. To my amazement, he produces a CD and begins to explain that he actually created encryption software, which is being used by the DFA in its security systems since 1994, saving the department huge sums of money. I later ran the program at home, to be greeted by the familiar smiling face of Fe Cabactulan on the software’s opening prompt, not surprising considering the number of times I have seen the ambassador and his wife walking together hand in hand. Apparently, not only is the man a computer geek – he is a romantico computer geek.

Jokingly, I told the ambassador that I wouldn’t be surprised if he also can sing, to which he immediately replied, “I don’t know about that, but I did train to play the piano and the violin.” He was smiling very enigmatically now, “We have just talked about half of my life.”

“So who is Libran Cabactulan the man?” I asked quickly, conscious of the people waiting to see him for his next engagement. “I am a good husband and father. It’s God, family and my job above all,” said the ambassador softly.

“We all belong to the same humanity, we are all the same and we will all die one day – so we should be kind to each other. We should not only help the ‘big’ people, it’s the ‘small’ people we should help more.”

He said capping off the interesting discussion.

He is most certainly not just another career diplomat - he is a self-confessed computer geek, a romantic husband, and a ‘would-have-been’ priest. Shining credentials, accolades and all, perhaps the most amazing facet to this Ambassador is the fact the he is trying to do something substantial for the community beyond the call of duty, minus the influence of the government, that would live on beyond his tenure - to ensure that we all have a ‘pader’ to fall back on. A reachable dream, if only we can see the value of doing something for the community – ourselves.

Illustrado 31

ILLUSTRADO PROFILE

Meet your Ambassador He might just be another community figurehead. A representative of the government for which we have mixed opinions, a ceremonial leader you see cutting ribbons in establishment openings, doing ‘inspirational speeches’ and getting photographed in countless events. But take a closer look and you would be surprised - the man you would discover will not only amaze you, he would actually make you think about what YOU should be doing for your country.

By Lalaine Chu-Benitez Photography by Esmeraldo Pangilinan

“I

t hit me early on, when I was in high school, that I wanted to move around the world, first as a teacher, then as a priest,” Ambassador Libran Cabactulan says thoughtfully, sitting relaxed in the perfumed arabesque air of the Al Qasr Hotel coffee shop, his elegant wife, Fe Cabactulan, a constant companion to the diplomat’s grueling commitments, looks on with a serene expression on her face.

H.E. Libran Cabactulan, Philippine Ambassador to the UAE is a man of many facets. His credentials are nothing short of impressive. From shining educational qualifications starting from being class valedictorian in high school in Camiguin province to his bachelor and masters degree in Political Science, and Development Economics certificate from the University of the Philippines in Diliman, not to mention a diploma with merit on Commercial Policy from the GATT (General Agreements on Tariff and Trade), now known as the WTO (World Trade Organization) in Geneva, the man who once thought he would be a priest eventually grew into a political economist who served with the country’s brightest

at the NEDA (National Economic Development Authority), providing invaluable support to then Director General Sicat, for nine years.

In his first venture abroad, Cabactulan was a member of the Philippine Delegation, which negotiated the Philippine accession to the GATT. Thereafter, he embarked on a diplomatic career specializing in multilateral diplomacy with assignments in the Philippine Mission to the United Nations in New York (from 1986 to 1990, then again from 1995 to 1999), and the Philippine Embassy in Belgium (1990 to 1993), in between postings with the DFA Home Office. In those years, he contributed significantly to multilateral trade agreements and related matters such as the textiles and clothing under the MFA (Multi-Fiber Agreement), coffee export quota, the GSP (General System of Trade Preferences), and trade negotiations under the GATT during the socalled ‘Tokyo Round of Multilateral Trade Negotiations’.

His duties shifted in 2000, when the Cabactulan was posted in Sydney, to be in charge of the city and six other islands in the Pacific. As Consul General, it was his first foray into Filipino community dynamics.

“There were about 80 Filipino associations then, with two umbrella organizations,” he remarks. “It’s a classic situation with Filipinos, a manifestation of us as a people, our multiplicity - because we come from different provinces and we have so many different interests,” he added.

The ambassador, however, believes that this ‘multiplicity’ is not all negative. “We don’t have to belong to the same group, but what it is important is that we are linked together.” He continues to explain, “Because if you stay by yourself you cannot achieve much, but together

KABUHAYAN ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Money, Assets and Investing

Financial Independence Eight UAE-based Filipinos talk about entrepreneurship and how it has changed their lives Introduction by Alex Bangcola Entrepreneurship. It is THE opportunity to finally make your own professional decisions and steer your own career path, a move towards financial independence that is a dream for many, but seemingly a rare situation for most Filipinos conditioned to focus on just being the very best employees.

In conjunction with the Philippine Independence Day celebration this month, we feature eight Filipinos, from the growing number of local Pinoy entrepreneurs, who have attained some degree of financial independence in different parts of the emirates through initiative and business excellence.

As great entrepreneurs from extremely humble beginnings like Henry Sy and Lucio Tan have proven, the limitless opportunities and financial freedom self-employment can bring do not depend solely on an enormous bank balance, or a huge start-up operation.

A well-thought out idea, a vision, a sound plan, the courage and ability to take risks, lots of hard work and an unshakeable faith, are but a few of the many pre-requisites to making the crucial transition from employee to entrepreneur.

Unlike other OFWs who have opted to return home and start a business, our featured Pinoys have ventured into the competitive and complex UAE marketplace, in the process, attaining some financial leverage for themselves and their families.

Esmeraldo Pangilinan & Emilie Barredo Mindmill Business: Advertising Filipinos are known as top-notch creatives in the advertising field in the region. Husband and wife team, ‘Esmie’ and ‘Loi’, are part of the handful of Pinoys who were brave enough to compete head on with mainstream agencies, running their own full-time ad company.

Both husband and wife are seasoned advertising professionals who have worked in the Gulf for several years – Esmie was based in Kuwait while Loi worked in the emirates. They eventually decided to start their own business frustrated with how working for a company restricted their ability to create.

“We started Mindmill, a graphic and visual communications company, doing small assignments like menus, fliers and portraiture.

At the beginning of our operations, we also had to conduct extra activities such as art workshop for kids and mini sculpture and sketching sessions for expats to sustain our operations”, remembers Loi. The couple acknowledges that putting up a business meant a lot of efforts and sacrifice, saying that it’s not hardwork, but ‘heartwork’,

Illustrado 32

We hope their stories provide inspiration, useful insights and encouraging options to those who have dreamt many times but have yet to make that brave step into the world of entrepreneurship referring to the passion that kept them going even through the rough patches.

A couple of years down the road and the pair are in a much better shape. With their strong creative skills and the good relationship they have fostered with their client base, Mindmill has earned a decent portfolio to speak of. Esmie comments, “People are now coming to us with varied creative requirements – from designing marketing materials, to presentations, to the interior themes for food and beverage outlets.

We also gained the confidence of different clients from start-up businesses, to oil companies and real estate brokers, to hotels, restaurants, bars and beauty salons.” He adds, although I cannot exactly describe to you what makes us unique, I can certainly say that some of our competitors are running to us for creative assistance.”

For the future, Mindmill is targeting to secure sizeable mainstream ad campaigns to benefit from bulk media placements.

With added capital, the team is also contemplating on trying out other graphic-related businesses such as ondemand print service, theme display designing for events, and even a craft shop.

Far from being hardcore business people, Esmie and Loi say that entrepreneurship, apart from giving them creative and financial independence has changed their perspective in life. Esmie chuckles, “Now we understand why our previous bosses behaved the way they did. The opportunity now is to be able to approach situations differently – more positively. Loi adds, “We also became more conscious about scheduling and planning financial activities. It’s rewarding in all aspects – the financial gain is just a bonus.”

KABUHAYAN

Remy Estrada Chu

DLSM - De La Salle Montessori International Business: Education Remy Chu’s main purpose for going into an entrepreneurial venture in Dubai was not for business-related reasons. “My motivation was my first grandson. When he turned two years old, I could not find a nursery I felt comfortable with. Most nurseries here were just playschools, some were not clean and I just couldn’t find a place worthy of my trust”, the former educator and young grandmother to seven bright children recollects.

“I wanted the best nursery for my grandson. Hence, with the support of my family, I put up DLSM to ensure that my grandson’s growth and happiness is encouraged and championed,” she says.

DLSM started very modestly in a villa in Mankhool, Bur Dubai in 1999, with merely two staff – a nurse and a teacher with Remy as the Headmistress.

The school opened with only one pupil – Remy’s grandson. But through word of mouth, even from their first month of operations, parents of different nationalities started enrolling their children, some of them coming from as far as Umm Suqueim and Sharjah.

Now after almost eight years, DLSM has 22 staff and over a hundred pupils per school year, excluding summer camp. An annex has also been built to accommodate three extra classrooms and a storage room, to cope with their increasing enrollments. Remy is also currently in the process of acquiring a school in the Philippines in her hometown in Bulacan, which will cater to pupils from kindergarten up to high school.

“DLSM has been able to build a good reputation as an early learning and child day care center run by experienced and caring professionals,” remarks Remy. “We offer very high standards of education to young children, who then excel in academics when they move to their primary schools. On top of that, we ensure that all our children are very well cared for. These are the things that set DLSM apart from competitors.”

According to Remy, hardwork, constant innovation and the support of her family, have been the key factors to the success of her business. But over and above that, her passion to do well for her grandchildren has kept her driven and enthusiastic in pushing DLSM forward. “It is great to achieve financial stability by having your own enterprise. But even more importantly for me, this business has allowed me to influence the future of my grandchildren very positively by giving them a good head start in life. I am also glad that I am able to give job opportunities to fellow Filipinos, and provide help to the needy in my hometown through charity work.”

Working for a Sharjah-based IT company and dealing with clients engaged in the second-hand vehicles business, Rosie Aquino saw an opportunity, which nobody has tapped, before - the Filipino market for used cars.

“I established Philippine Car Showroom in 2003 to cater to the needs and demands of the growing number of Filipinos who needed good cars,” says Rosie. She adds, “I knew that given the ‘Philippine’ branding it would attract ready second hand car buyers because Filipinos are well known for maintaining their cars in good condition, even upgrading it.”

With persistence, perseverance, and a positive outlook, Rosie was able to make inroads in the lucrative business and was able to harness the opportunity from the Pinoy market – promoting her establishment actively through community channels. She is now planning expansion through new outlets, and is also looking at other business ventures.

Rosie Aquino

Philippine Car Showroom Business: Used cars dealership

Steering her own professional path, Rosie confirms that she has made the right decision on becoming an independent entrepreneur. “I have been financially rewarded. I earned the respect of my peers, and gained self-esteem along the way. Most of all, I have been able to help so many countrymen in return for this good fortune. So my advice to Filipinos is to have self-confidence. Because we can do it.”

KABUHAYAN With his former job in banking which gave Alex a decade’s worth of experience with OFWs in Europe and the Middle East, he decided to create a business to answer one of the community’s most popular needs. He has established a cargo company that primarily caters to Filipinos wanting to send personal effects to the Philippines. His company, Asia Pacific Sea Cargo also services Filipino exporters who may want to bring goods to the UAE.

“To be an entrepreneur, one must want and need the extra income. One must also be willing to put in extra effort and take responsibility, especially for the people who derive their livelihood from your business. Finally, there must be a vision of where you are heading with your business, and whether that direction of your life has meaning for you” - words of wisdom from former banker and educator Alex Bangcola.

Alex says that the business itself is not unique, but that they have added service features designed to make it more convenient for clients to use their infrastructure. “The guarantee that the cargo is handled well and arrives on time and in good condition, is something that we assure our customers of,” he states. He then adds, “The cargo business is highly personalized. Our clients are not just customers - we treat them as friends.”

Alex Bangcola

Asia Pacific Sea Cargo Business: Cargo Freight Forwarding

From the company’s beginnings in 2005 in Dubai, Asia Pacific now has a branch in Qatar, and is planning to expand to Oman and Saudi Arabia in the very near future. For his business, Alex says that he aspires for more expansion and improved profitability. On a personal level, however, he remarks, “I would like to contribute in any way to the establishment of a Philippine College in the UAE and a Philippine Hospital, and I would love to meet with like-minded Filipinos!”

With loads of lessons to share from his wealth of experience, as well as his interaction with Filipinos all over the world, Alex Bangcola’s message to would-be entrepreneurs is quite inspiring. “Financial independence allows you to look beyond the needs of your family. It gives you both time and resources to contribute something to the community.”

From being a beauty

consultant to selling assorted goods door-todoor, Nanny Monteiro owner of Pretty Style Fashion & Perfume, has come a long way from being a humble vendor to successful perfume and fashion retail entrepreneur.

Nanny Monteiro

Pretty Style Fashion & Perfume Business: Perfumes and fashion retail “Nanny proudly recalls her early years as a struggling part-time businesswoman; “I used to sell clothes, shoes, accessories, etc. to my friends during my free time. I even sold repacked dried fish. When my clientele expanded to other acquaintances and nationalities, my friends and family convinced me to set up shop, to make it easier for customers to reach me. It was then that I decided to quit my job and become a fulltime entrepreneur.”

When she opened her business in February 2004, Nanny only had one staff to support her operations. Now at the helm of a burgeoning business, Nanny’s Pretty Style Fashion & Perfume shop has a steadily growing clientele and sells branded perfumes, bags, shoes, clothes and accessories. “My shop is unique from others of the same trade in that though we are small-scale we deal with clients of various nationalities.

Except for the perfumes, most of our goods are from Thailand, Philippines and China and we sell them at very competitive prices,” Nanny explains.

Looking forward to opening her second shop, Nanny believes that the success of her business can be attributed to all the hard work, patience and understanding of her family, friends and staff. She also acknowledged her loyal patrons whose discriminating tastes have made her shop very competitive. Mother to three girls, Nanny claims that her business has given her and her family the financial leverage to live comfortably, something that would have been otherwise difficult to achieve if she was just an employee. “Now I can say that my husband and I will be able to send our girls to universities abroad.”

As much as there are attractive rewards, Nanny believes that entrepreneurship is riddled by challenges and has sound advice for her kababayans. “I would advise prospective Filipino entrepreneurs to think a thousand times and plan their strategies well before setting up business.

Putting up a business is not a joke; it is a very big investment. Not only do you need to invest time and money, you also need a lot of patience and perseverance. But of course, I believe that when a person has a strong will power, paired with lots of charisma and an open mind, anything can be done. And of course, never forget to seek guidance from Above.”

Not a bad piece of advice from a successful and driven entrepreneur.

KABUHAYAN

Regina Martin-Marauta

Meeting Garments Trading L.L.C. Business: Dance and Leisure Wear Retail Formerly an English language teacher in Italy, then a full time mom and corporate housewife, Regina now owns a specialty dance and leisure wear boutique in the swanky Jumeira Palm Strip – a lucrative niche business serving the well-heeled dance and fitness enthusiasts in exclusive Jumeira area. What makes Regina’s business interesting is that she is able to compete with giant sportswear retailer brands not only due to product excellence, but also because of personalized service and her thorough understanding of the market. “‘MeetingLoveSports’ is unique as we are the only one-stop shop ‘boutique-concept’ in the whole of the UAE offering high quality Italianmade clothes for the dance and fitness enthusiast, as well as the fashionconscious who want a chic yet casual look,” says Regina. She sells topof-the-line DEHA, the Italian ‘signature’ brand for modern dance, as well as Italian-made CALIFORNIA blocks and soft shoes for jazz and ballet dancers, as well as SANSHA pointe shoes.

Jes Galang

Galang L.L.C. Business: Foodstuff distribution A former Petroleum Exploration Executive before he eventually ventured into business, and a Geological Engineering graduate with an MBA from the Asian Institute of Management, Jes Galang is one of the pioneering Pinoy entrepreneurs in the UAE.

Stumbling on a niche market while going to dance classes, Regina started her business in September 2005 after realizing that leisure clothes available in the market where not suitable for the local hot weather. “I came back from Italy armed with cotton-based clothes,” she recalls. Since then, her operations have grown steadily through the support of the best dance teachers, choreographers and health instructors in the UAE, with clientele from around the emirates as well as from neighboring Middle East countries. Regina has expanded her line to include ballet wear, with salsa gear in the pipeline, and plans to open a second shop in Dubai.

In retrospect, Regina says that apart from having a really exceptional product offering, personalized service to clients has been a big part of her success. As for being an entrepreneur, Regina comments, “Being my own boss means I get to call the shots and do the major decisions though I consult others before doing so. With my husband having his own business venture, being entrepreneurs also helps us provide a good future for our daughter. Apart from that, I also enjoy meeting so many interesting people.”

Regina’s advise to would-be entrepreneurs – “Come up with a unique concept, do extensive research, arm yourself with loads of determination to unleash the talent within you, stand on your own two feet, but don’t forget to keep them planted on the ground. Filipino tayo, kaya natin ‘to!”

Jes established Galang L.L.C. in 1995, and since then his company has become a leading distributor of Filipino food products especially dried fruits and noodles. Galang L.L.C. also distributes Hope cigarettes and holds sales representation for Tanduay rhum in GCC countries.

He admits that his entrepreneur status has made him happier than he would otherwise have been if he were working for somebody. “I had a keen desire to control my own life and destiny, and this passion has led me to becoming an entrepreneur”, Jes explained.

Like many successful entrepreneurs Jes acknowledged the importance of hard work and focus, and hopes to pass on the legacy of his company to the next generation of his family.

To inspire his business-minded kababayans, he urged, “Have sufficient resources to support the business and work hard on it. If resources are not sufficient as sometimes happens, consider pooling with associates.”

KABUHAYAN PINOY BIG BUSINESS

Money, Assets and Investing

A True Pinoy Superbrand

By Elle Crisostomo

In the highly competitive Philippine market where aggressive branding and consistent innovation is the order of the day, where marketers invest heavily on advertising, promotions and public relations in a cut throat bid to have a big piece of the consumers’ ‘top of mind awareness pie’, very few brands stand out strong and endure the test of time. There are, however, a number of homegrown Filipino true great brands, and one of them has become synonymous with delicious Chinese-Filipino food served fast and friendly – it’s Chowking.

Chowking was established in 1985 at the time when burger chains where the main players in the Philippine fast food segment. Its founder Robert Kuan initiated a revolution in the category by offering the market something quite unexpected, creating a new niche in dining. Published reports quote Kuan saying “Panciterias were becoming a thing of the past then. There was a need and a void in the Chinese restaurant business. Besides, the fast food industry was dominated by Western food.”

Kuan thought of combining the old and the new, using the pragmatic western concept of ‘fast food’, as the setting for traditional and familiar Chinese-Filipino dishes, which many are fond of.

Thus, Chowking has pioneered the quick-serve oriental concept in the Philippines and combined it effectively with the delicious taste of Chinese food from traditional restaurants. So each time you enter a Chowking outlet, one has come to expect the standard of a cheerful, attractive and clean environment, great food at reasonable prices, as well as snappy service from a young and energetic staff.

The company has also superimposed branding through aggressive and memorable advertising campaigns creating a distinctive friendly brand image – building Chowking as the Chinese-Filipino equivalent of McDonalds.

Because of the strength and consistency of its brand franchise, Chowking has earned the distinction of being a ‘Superbrand’, an accolade given to each country’s most highly acclaimed brands. Based on exhaustive consumer research in specific categories, conducted by Synovate, a globally respected market intelligence agency, the

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Chowking's newly opened branch in Abu Dhabi, UAE

Spicy Chao Fan

Beef Wanton

Delectable oriental dishes - the company’s main asset.

‘Superbrand’ status is conferred only to brands with undisputed market dominance, customer loyalty, longevity, overall market acceptancy and goodwill - a stamp of legitimacy confirming Chowking’s Pinoy powerhouse position.

Another key factor for the brand’s success is how aggressively it spread its wings nationally. In 1989, in an effort to reach the provinces, Chowking has initiated its franchising operations, dramatically expanding its client base. The vigorous expansion has eventually paid off and within 15 years of its establishment, the chain had grown to 155 outlets nationwide.

2000 saw an important landmark in the chain’s history, as Chowking became a wholly owned subsidiary by the largest and most respected restaurant group in the Philippines – the Jollibee Foods Corporation which is the umbrella company for Greenwich Pizza, Delifrance, Red Ribbon Bakeshop, and famous Jollibee. The merger saw the reinvigoration of Chowking’s retail identity, in line with JFCs core values of high standards in Food, Service and Cleanliness (FSC) – with the goal: “To serve consistently delicious and hot food in five minutes, amid clean and clean-smelling surroundings.” This is a reflection of the company’s vision and missions which, simply put, is: “Make the Customer Happy.”

The strategic alliance between Chowking and Jollibee has proven mutually beneficial to both companies, bolstering their individual positions in the Philippine market-Jollibee as the undisputed market leader in the fast food industry, Chowking as the country’s number one oriental quickservice restaurant chain - shaking even fast-food

predecessor McDonalds’ position in terms of store count in the QSR stakes. Hardwork and vigilance on the service front has also resulted to consistent double-digit growth in system-wide sales since 2001, the fastest in the industry. Today, the group boasts system wide sales of the PHP 8.9 billion in the first half of 2006 alone.

International expansion has also been a key growth factor for the company, JFC has 1,300 branches worldwide which includes Chowking’s 365 outlets in the Philippines, 11 in the U.S., four in Indonesia and seven in the UAE, on top of aggressive expansion plans.

In the UAE, through Dubai-based Chowking Orient, a franchisee of Chowking, the company operates fine-dining outlets, which have become a favorite for Filipinos not only for eating out but also as venues for special occasions. Since operations have started in 2002, they now have seven branches all over the emirates - four in Dubai, one in Sharjah, one in Ajman and a recently opened outlet in Abu Dhabi.

Speaking at the launch of their new Abu Dhabi outlet, Mr. Lafir the Managing Director and the Master Franchise-Holder in the UAE said, “The whole team in the UAE is geared to battle head on with the major players in the restaurant business here. Our vision is to establish 10 outlets within this year and 50 branches in the emirates in the near future.” He added, “By adding more dishes to our delectable menu, observing superb Food, Service and Cleanliness, and by caring for our customers with our friendly staff, we will endeavor to make Chowking the number one oriental restaurant in the emirates and soon the Middle East.”

WEDDING FEATURE

P

inoy wedding rituals actually start long before the nuptials – they begin from the time of the engagement, when the couple has agreed to be bound by matrimony.

Though considered nowadays by younger people as a conservative practice, it is customary for the groom and his parents to visit the bride’s family to ask for her hand in marriage formally – this is called pamanhikan. Not only an opportunity for getting to know each family, the pamanhikan is also a time when wedding plans, as well as budget and guest arrangements are made.

In the run-up to the wedding, the groom is not the only one treated to a bachelor’s send-off. The Despedida de Soltera is held close to the wedding date in honor of the bride-to-be and is hosted by her family and friends – a wholesome bachelorette party. The despedida is a celebration of the family’s consent to their daughter’s marriage where the parents give their blessings wholeheartedly.

On the day of the wedding itself, a lot of the elements of the nuptials owe their significance to tradition. For a start, it is customary for the bride to wear white as a symbol of purity. For grooms, the barong tagalog, our elegant almost transparent embroidered shirt, is the choice for formal wear.

In Filipino weddings, many sponsors, ninongs and ninangs, are present to witness and bless the union of the couple. These sponsors play a very important role in the life of the bride and groom. Just as in baptism when god-parents are chosen to act as role models for the newly-baptized individual, these sponsors are committed to providing the couple guidance and support throughout the rest of their married life. The wedding entourage also includes the closest friends of the couple, the groomsmen led by the Best Man, the groom’s best friend, and the bridesmaids, led by the Maidof-Honor, the bride’s best friend, who are involved in the rituals within the wedding mass.

Apart from the exchange of wedding rings and vows, four rituals practiced in the wedding mass, are of utmost significance to Filipinos.

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WEDDING FEATURE

First among these practices is the exchange of arras (a Spanish word meaning ‘earnest money’). The trickling of these thirteen silver coins from the priest to the cupped hands of the groom and then the bride signifies a life of fidelity and wealth. With the participation of some of the sponsors come the laying of the veil, placing of the cord, and the lighting of the unity candles. The veil symbolizes unity as the couple is “clothed as one”, while the cord which is put loosely around the bride and the groom’s neck, in a figure of eight, represents a lifelong bond between the two. The unity candles are lit by both sets of parents, and then by the couple, marking the union of the two families and the lifelong bond of their children.

And as the festivities start, right after the mass, the couple is ushered outside the church and is showered with rice by guests as a wish

for prosperity. What follows next is a wedding reception replete with food, dancing and merriment, sprinkled with mainly westernized practices like releasing two white doves, the cutting of the wedding cake, the garter ceremony and the throwing of the bouquet to hopeful bachelorettes, though in some Filipino weddings, one might still see the couple doing a ‘money dance’, a native tradition wherein guests pin money on the bride and groom while they dance, as an expression of their good wishes for the newlyweds.

For the Filipino-style celebration that marks a couple’s union, heralding a new life of togetherness, the best thing about a kasalang Filipino is that it is celebrated among family and friends, with much hope and good wishes, and with the immaterial and spiritual things that we have come to value the most, from time immemorial.

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It’s every bride’s desire The grace of elegance, the sparkle of unabashed opulence, and the touch of romance. It’s the promise of magic, a vision to behold -

Down the aisle to “I do”…

Text by: Lalaine Chu-Benitez Photography by: Monina Uy Couture by: Michael Cinco Model: Kristine Alzar Styling: Zekundo Chu Make-Up: Basil Model Coordination: Andy Penano Shot on location at the One&Only Royal Mirage Resort - Arabian Court, Dubai

DESIGNER PROFILE

It is easy to spot a ‘Michael Cinco’ original. Because unlike other local couture creations that rely heavily on over-the-top mismatch of riotous beadwork and excessive detailing, the designers’ gowns achieve their signature luxury through the elegant combination of muted design elements. It is the creativity and technique with which he combines monochrome crystals and fabrics – especially his bridal gowns of white on white with clear Swarovski’s, or how he utilizes, shapes and sews materials in new and inventive ways that produce amazingly opulent and utterly stylish clothes that appeal to well-heeled sophisticates. “A ‘Mi-chael Cinco’ appears seamless. It looks heavy and yet it floats. It looks expensive simply because it is,” the designer states as a matter of fact.

Michael draws from a huge range of visual stimuli, which helps him create stories for his designs. “I believe all fashion designers are eclec-tic ‘borrowers’, throwing their nets wide in the search for inspirations. I travel a lot. My visual research ranges over many cultures and period.”

I asked Michael whether a specific designer influenced him. He an-swers, “I try not to be influenced by any designer. But I am ‘inspired’ by the likes of John Galliano, as well as the Incas of Peru, the Mayans in Apocalypto, the marquee for the launches of the Palazzo Versace, including the wilted rose petal on my table, and the Curly Tops wrapper in the bin. I try to see beauty in everything.”

Michael Cinco

By Lalaine Chu-Benitez

It’s 7:30 am on a sleepy Saturday. As the Illustrado crew prepp pares for the second fashion shot of the day in the luxurious Royal Mirage, a theatrical voice declares, “I travelled to France and I cried when I got there. I must have belonged there in another life – the reincarnation of…” the voice trails off. “Coco Chanel?,” I chipped in. The group breaks out in hearty laughter slicing the quiet weekend morning air. That was Michael Cinco, expressive hands, pouty lips, oversized shades and all, enterpp taining the hotel’s French PR Executive. “You might think that my accent is French, but no, in fact it’s Bisaya – I’m from Samar, you know.”

With his dramatic phrasing and his ‘Hollywood-esque’ demeanour – one could easily imagine how this haute couture designer known for luxurious elegance, was drawn into fashion design as a child growing up in picturesque Samar, watching black and white Hollywood films, adoring larger than life glamorous muses Grace Kelly, Audrey Hepburn and Bette Davis dressed to the nines in their deadly stilettos. “I pictured those fabulous heroines and imagined dressing them up with my creations. I chased after that vision….”

Finally finding that dream, after a fine arts degree from the University of the Philippines in Diliman, fashion design training in reputable schools, specialist courses in one of the world’s most prestigious fashion institu-tions, the Central St. Martin’s in London, and training with a couple of the best designers in the Philippines, Michael Cinco now dresses a clientele that reads like the ‘who’s who’ of the Gulf’s elite, with his opu-lent creations commanding five to six digit fees.

“Moving to the Middle East was a big leap for me. But I took the plunge because this region is the haven of haute couture,” he says. “In my first job in Dubai, I reinvented the image of a slightly staid fashion house, injecting new vigor into couture. It was very successful. Now it’s great to know that the elite fashionistas of Dubai eventually saw the cachet of an edgy, new young designer,” Michael recollects jubilantly.

As a consummate fashion instigator, Michael puts a lot of importance on creativity and drama but insists that this must be balanced with reality.

“It’s great to tell a story in every design but you must never forget that despite all the fantasy, the woman has to be satisfied and the dress has to be sold. I have to seduce women into buying and wearing my clothes...that’s my role.”

With undeniable success in the local haute couture market, there’s nothing that even remotely resembles Michael’s cheeky mien and amusing dramatics, when it comes to his highly regarded body of work that has earned serious respect from his peers. And inspite of it all, the designer still keeps a firmly rooted attitude attributing his success to hard work and luck. “I always believe that I’ve been lucky all the way. There are a lot of designers who work hard but don’t make it,” he comments in earnest.

And after a truly amazing 15 years in the business, the imaginative artist from lush Samar says he doesn’t want for so much more. “Apart from my lifelong dream to stage my own fabulous show, I’m not obsessed with anything else.”

“I’m quite happy dressing up Maria Callas, Billie Holiday and Edith Piaf in my mind while they sing me to sleep at night.”

ยน % L I ZABETH ! R DEN ) NC

Catherine Zeta-Jones

The fragrance

WEDDING FEATURE

For sheer romance, few settings can match that of the One&Only Royal Mirage. And for a wedding that’s truly unique and memorable, Dubai’s most stylish beach resort promises a meeting of fantasy and tradition, amidst an ambiance of Arabian influenced refinement and majesty, for an experience that can only be called - magical.

Overlooking the Arabian Gulf with a kilometer of private coastline and 65 acres of lush landscaped gardens, ensuring a sense of place and an abundance of space, the One&Only Royal Mirage, a distinctive landmark in Dubai is known for its exclusive charm and understated elegance.

The entire property includes The Palace, a domain that conjures the magic of Arabia, where guests may wander amidst the abundant gardens or stroll amongst the meandering water features; the Arabian Court, an illusive and mysterious ancient dwelling disguised behind a sheltered oasis, protecting its inner beauty, with dramatic architecture creating symmetry, amidst a landscape of fountains, walkways and courtyards; The Residence & Spa an intimate sanctuary with Arabian styled private residences- a retreat for those who wish to languish in the comfort of prosperity, as well as the Health & Beauty Institute which houses an oriental hammam, and the Givenchy Spa. For discerning couples looking for a romantic wedding in an exclusive environment, the beach resort offers exquisitely arranged ceremonial weddings with a choice of breathtaking venues including the seafacing Half Moon Terrace at the Palace, and the Arabian Gazebo and Oval Garden, both located at Arabian Court. There is also a choice of elegant ballrooms for those who prefer to celebrate indoors. The

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experienced staff ensures that life’s most important occasions are attended to with true Arabian hospitality and a gracious attention to detail.

As a honeymoon destination, the One&Only is a tranquil haven with generous facilities that include hundreds of charismatic guestrooms and elaborately styled suites, secluded gardens, pools and a private beach, as well recreational facilities and venues for wining and dining, perfect for couples looking for some for rest and relaxation.

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WEDDING FEATURE

Shangri-La Hotels Not to be outdone in the engrande stakes is the Shangri-La Hotel chain, which offers a range of exceptional wedding packages from romantic outdoor garden weddings to lavish receptions at the hotel’s stately ballrooms at the Shang in Edsa and Makati, as well as beach side nuptials at their Cebu Mactan Resort. The Dream Wedding Package gives you a variety of options that will make your special day truly memorable. Events at the Shang are supported by world-class banqueting service resulting in the most talked-about events and receptions of recent history in cosmopolitan Manila. www.shangri-la.com/manila/makatishangri-la www.shangri-la.com/cebu/mactanisland

Sonya’s Secret Garden Tucked away in Tagaytay, is this romantic property overflowing with flowers and greens; a much-loved haven for those who seek the different but long for the familiar. Fondly called Sonya’s Secret Garden – this bed and breakfast has become a very popular place, a secret no more, for outdoor wedding receptions and feature sumptuous country cuisine with fresh organic ingredients grown directly from the garden. www.sonyasgarden.com.ph

Ville Sommet La Terrazzo North of Manila, in Longos, Bulacan, across green farmlands and imbued with the stillness of pastoral life is a delightful little hideaway where couples can hold an intimate celebration and relax after the festivities. La Terrazzo features a pavilion and lovely gardens, as well as pools with cascading waterfalls, and a guesthouse for that all-important quiet getaway. Say your vows amidst the beauty of country life among gumamelas, roses and other brilliant blooms.

A quaint dirt road right off the Tagaytay highway leads to this exclusive one and a half-hectare gated estate that promises big beginnings and happy endings. ‘The house on the hill’, Ville Sommet features perfectly manicured grounds and a choice of venues ranging from outdoor to a glass walled pavilion. The beauty of nature serves as the perfect backdrop for intimate get-togethers and small soirees, with greenery around and the sky as your canopy; nothing spells unique quite like this www.villesommet.com.ph

Tel: 0063-44-675 0241

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Photos courtesy of LIALI Jewellery

JEWELRY FEATURE

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No other piece of bridal adornment is perhaps more important than jewelry. Because bridal jewelry is not only worn to add beauty and sparkle to the bride, but is also carefully chosen to embody traditions, carrying with it the couple’s hope for a blissful life of togetherness – courting eternal love.

BEAUTY FEATURE “There has been a shift in perceptions throughout the word when it comes to the use of natural products. People are beginning to discover that the herbal alternatives are often the most effective and potent, without the side effects associated with chemicals. Himalaya, with its state-of-the-art herbal research and development, is providing its consumers with well researched herbal products that provide gentle care.”

Himalaya’s forte is the Facial cleansing segment, the most important step to good-looking skin. Himalaya has a wide range of daily cleansing and deep-cleansing products suited for different skin types like dry skin and oily skin specially formulated for different types of skin so that they can provide the maximum effectiveness to make your skin soft and radiant.

Daily cleansing of the skin is the starting point of any good skin care regimen and Himalaya has soap-free face washes like the Gentle Wash Gel with citron and honey cleanses and refreshes the skin for an oily skin type while the Gentle Face Wash Cream with Aloe Vera and Cucumber is suited to the normal to dry skin type

A month to Flawless Bridal Skin Through The Gentleness Of Herbs Perfect, flawless skin can be achieved for the ‘big day’ by putting faith in nature and relying on the right herbal products to cleanse and rejuvenate the skin. When the power of herbs is harnessed the correct way, the results can be miraculous.

And, as with the joys of marriage, brides-to-be are discovering the benefits of using herbal products to nourish and care for their skin and hair in the lead up to the wedding day. Weddings are a time where skin should look its immaculate best. However, the stresses associated with the organisation and build up to weddings can be a breeding ground for bad skin, pimples and other problems. The proven power of herbs can be your answer for ensuring skin looks its radiant best, not just on the ‘Special Day’ but every day.

The benefits of herbs are listed in the foundation of the ancient Indian system of natural treatment, Ayurveda, a 5,000-year-old holistic system for good health. Today, there is a real movement towards mixing modern science with traditional treatments.

The trend towards herbal-based alternatives has also seen a huge rise in these products on the shelves of Middle East retailers. Himalaya, the market leader in herbal healthcare and personal care, launched its range of herbal skincare, haircare and babycare products in the Middle East in 2001 and are the pioneers of bringing modern science and the ancient learning of Ayurveda together in a unique synthesis.

Based in Dubai, Shailendra Malhotra, president and CEO of The Himalaya Drug Company, explains the boom in popularity of herbal products.

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Regular exfoliation (once or twice a week) of the facial skin should also an integral part of everyone’s cleansing regime to prevent dead skincell build up and to reshape the pore itself so oil can flow more evenly, preventing clogged pores. An essential part of every bride-to-be’s skincare regime, Himalaya Herbals Gentle Exfoliating Scrub removes dead skin cells and blackheads, stimulates fresh cell growth and deep cleanses the skin. It contains Juglans regia (walnut) shell granules, which gently scrub the skin and remove dead cells and deeply embedded dirt. Regular use also prevents blackheads and pimple formation.

As a bride to be, there is an expectation from everyone around you for your skin to look radiant and glowing and you can achieve this by following up the exfoliation process through a scrub with a mask (or a pack). Using a face mask after scrubbing has exceptional results since during the scrubbing process, the skin’s pores open up and provide easy access for the mask to absorb excess oil and impurities embedded deep into the skin. Himalaya’s Almond and cucumber peel off mask for all skin types and the fruit pack and mud pack for normal skin and oily skin respectively again provide the best options in the segment to achieve radiant glowing skin.

Like all good relationships, the results of using herbal products improve over time. Use of the products months in advance of the wedding day will help ensure dazzling skin when the time comes.

FEATURE

Killing the Romance:

A quick guide to getting hitched in the U.A.E.

By Shar Matingka • Photography by Kris Lee

A romantic walk down the petal-strewn aisle leads to a new chapter in the lives of starry-eyed smitten couples. The exchange of vows of eternal love is alternatively translated into ‘You’re officially MINE’. The world stops for a few seconds to capture that monumental kiss and they live happily ever after… NOT! A wedding doesn’t start with a walk in the clouds and imaginary cherubs flying overhead. In the UAE, it is an inevitable tug-ofwar between romance and practicality. Probably the reason they don’t show the bureaucratic hurdle before the wedding in ‘chick flicks’ is that it simply kills the romance. There is absolutely no ‘kilig factor’ in documents like Authenticated Certificate of Singleness, which can be requested, online at www.e-census.com.ph.

A Philippine Marriage License has a funny ring to it especially in the paragraph that says – “This License shall be valid for not more than one hundred twenty days from the date of issue and shall be deemed canceled at the expiration of said period if the interested parties have not made use of it.”

Roughly translated - “Think it over.”

To get started, the basic requirements for getting married are the marriage license, passport copy of couples with the visa page, passport and visa copies of two witnesses, affidavit of parental consent for age group 21 years and below, affidavit of parental advice for age group 25 and below, and two passport-sized photos each. One photo goes into the file and the other is posted on the bulletin board as notice to the public like the FBI’s most wanted – just to make sure that both persons do not have ‘undeclared’ spouses hidden in their past.

The marriage license is another adventure. Couples will need certificates of ‘singleness’ that need to be authenticated at the Malacañang and because the wedding will take place overseas and is, literally, a ‘foreign affair’, the DFAs approval is the last stop.

A lot of young Filipino couples these days prefer a more practical approach to wedding ceremonies. They exchange their vows in simple

rites usually held at the Philippine Consulate General or Philippine Embassy. Officiating wedding rites on a regular basis may sound exaggerated but this is unsurprisingly fixed in the Consul’s ‘to-do’ list.

Couples are notified about the ceremony schedule a week before their wedding day, somehow similar to confirming that dental appointment.

On that fateful day, couples will have to register for their turn or in Filipino terminology ‘pa-lista’.

The rites take approximately 15 minutes, just about the same as that dental check-up and the marriage contract is released the same day.

The rest of the marrying Pinoy population performs their wedding rites in churches in the UAE. The requirements are just about the same, except for the confirmation certificates and pre-marriage seminar. The seminar is a crash course on family planning, counseling, and a review on the reproductive system and the wonders it can do.

Still, the romantic traditionalists among us opt for a church wedding in their hometowns in the Philippines. No 15-minute wedding rites can replace the immaculate experience of white weddings and walking on petal-strewn aisles, surrounded by family and friends.

Wedding ceremonies happen within a day or in some cultures, could last up to a week. Majority of Filipinos value the importance of how a wedding should be celebrated. Disregarding the dry humor attached to some bits and pieces in this feature, it is the companionship and the capacity for a lifetime commitment that matter the most.

Whether a married couple’s life was initially bound by simple civil rites or an extravagant white wedding, in the years to come - after being pronounced as husband and the cheesy fairytale moments – come the real stories of true partnership. It takes patience, love, respect, forgiveness, sacrifice and trust to brave more temptations and obstacles especially in a foreign country. Getting hitched isn’t hitching the next ride to a new chapter. It takes two to tango and three to fall apart.

Amen.

So, is there anyone getting married today?

Sigh.

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FOOD

by Trish Soriano Photos courtesy of the Cake Artist

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lanning for the most important day in a couple’s life is no small exercise. Attention to detail is imperative, and couples plan for every wedding element meticulously - from the wedding ceremony, to the clothes, to the invitations, the reception, the choice of food and beverage and, of course, THE cake.

As with any other traditional Filipino wedding reception, the wedding cake takes pride of place. It is the single most important item in the banquet, the piece de resistance that ads that festive matrimonial touch to the celebration. It is often the definitive wedding showpiece, whether in lavish engrande party or smaller more intimate gatherings.

In the Philippines, one very creative and enterprising lady is helping couples realize their dreams of a fairy tale wedding by creating cakes that are nothing less than works of art.

UP Fine Arts graduate Judy Giron Uson, also called ‘The Cake Artist’ is proudly known back home for beautiful cakes decorated with exquisitely sculpted sugar flowers that look so deceivingly real they are often mistaken for fresh blooms. Each flower is patiently handformed and colored petal by petal. Clients describe Judy’s work as being “so botanically correct” and “amazingly life-like you’d have to touch them to believe they’re actually made from sugar”. No fresh or faux flowers for this cake designer, as the elements are all edible - from the sweet petals, down to the vines, the lace, the bows, pearls and all.

Judy’s effervescent creativity allows her to tailor-make the cakes to the couples’ requests to match their wedding theme. Forget about your standard three-tiered white icing affair, The Cake Artist can create designs that range from elegant to romantic, classical to whimsical.

Judy’s current on-line portfolio includes delicate Japanese-inspired cakes with cherry blossoms, unraveling sugar paste petal cakes, creations with white lace, delicate blooms, and flower cascades, cakes covered with white chocolate curls and whimsical pieces made out of Tiffany boxes or pillows.

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FOOD

Clients are given a choice between fondant, chocolate covered cakes or gourmet options. The latter is definitely Judy’s signature cake composed of delicious portions that are individually wrapped so that guests can take them home conveniently as a souvenir from the wedding – that is, if they can wait because the cakes are just too irresistible to keep.

The Cake Artists’ different flavors go way beyond traditional chiffon – firm favorites are carrot walnut (her best seller), apple spice, and apple walnut and cinnamon nut cake. There’s also moist chocolate with ganache filling, red velvet cake with cream cheese nut filling or butter cake with whipped filling flavored with a choice of mango, strawberry, lemon, or white chocolate. Couples can also opt to have a different flavor for each cake-tier giving guests variety.

Deservedly so, Judy’s amazing works have been consistently featured

in the Philippines’ most authoritative bridal and food magazines, such as Bride and Home, Metro Weddings and Wedding Essentials Magazine, as well as in widely read national dailies and other leading publications like The Philippine Daily Inquirer, Business World and Manila Bulletin. The Cake Artist has also been featured in highlyrated TV shows and news feature programs such as Magandang Umaga Pilipinas, Breakfast on Studio 23, Business Nightly on ANC, Shop Talk with Pia Hontiveros and Rated K with Korina Sanchez, among others.

The busy artist-entrepreneur also does food styling, culinary consultancy and recipe development for major food manufacturing corporations, as well as conducts special cooking and baking demos. Next on Judy’s lively list of plans is to open a cake shop in Sharjah, UAE towards the end of this year. Something for all you ‘soon-to-be-wed’ and cake lovers to watch out for!

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FOOD The Cake Artists shares some of her popular recipes with Illustrado

Chocolate Fudge Cake 3 cups brown sugar 3/4-cup oil 3 eggs 2 2/3 cups flour 2 1/4 teaspoons baking powder 2 1/4 teaspoons baking soda 1 1/2 teaspoons salt 1-tablespoon vanilla extract 1 1/2 cups milk 1 1/2 cups water 1 cup cocoa powder Frosting: 1 1/2 pounds unsalted butter 3 cups powdered sugar 2 tablespoons vanilla extract 1 pinch salt To make the cake: Preheat the oven to 350° Fahrenheit. Oil baking pans and line the bottom with parchment paper. Alternatively, oil the pans and then flour them.

In the bowl of an electric mixer, combine the brown sugar and oil. Mix in the eggs. Meanwhile, sift together the flour, baking powder, soda and salt in a separate bowl. Set this mixture aside.

In another small bowl, mix the vanilla into the milk and set this aside as well. Bring the water to a boil and pour over the cocoa and whisk it until it is smooth.

To the egg mixture, add the flour mixture and the milk mixture beginning and ending with flour. With the mixture at a low speed add the cocoa. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and pour this mixture into the prepared cake pans.

Bake the cake until done or until cake tester comes out clean.

To make the frosting: Beat the butter in a bowl and add in the powdered sugar. Mix until thoroughly incorporated. Add the vanilla extract and salt and continue beating for about 5 minutes on medium speed. Fill and frost the baked cake with the ready mixture.

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Red Velvet Cake 2 1/2 cups flour 1-teaspoon salt 1 1/2 cups sugar 1 1/2 cups oil 2 pcs. large eggs 2 tablespoons red food coloring 1-teaspoon vanilla extract 1-cup buttermilk 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda 2 teaspoons white vinegar To make the cake: Heat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Butter and flour baking pans and set aside.

In a medium bowl, whisk cake flour, salt and cocoa. Set aside.

In another bowl, combine sugar and oil, and beat on medium speed until well combined. Add eggs, one a time, beating well after each addition. Add food coloring and vanilla, and beat until combined.

Add flour mixture, alternating with buttermilk.

In a small bowl, mix baking soda and vinegar until combined and add to batter. Beat for 10 seconds. Pour batter into prepared pans and bake until done or until tester comes out clean. Fill and frost with desired icing or with cream cheese frosting.

FOOD

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PROPERTY FEATURE

Homes for New Couples

A new life, a new home …

It’s never too early to invest in your own home, especially if you’re a couple starting a life together. For duos looking for a place to call their own, or simply a place to park whenever they’re vacationing back home, Manila’s top developers are offering a myriad of property options in the metropolis, which combine urban sophisticated lifestyle, creature comforts for relaxation, accc cessibility within the city in amazingly affordable rates. Here are some choice alternatives, which come highly recommended:

Chateau Elysée

La Vie Flats

La Vie Flats brings freshness to urban living with a home that lets you enjoy the best things in life. This 22-storey residential tower gives you the luxury of breathing space in a nature-inspired setting south of Manila.

Experience the advantage of living in Filinvest Corporate City, a master-planned urban center where everything you need is within reach. La Vie is within walking distance to Festival Supermall and Palms Country Club and is right across Southpoint Driving Range.

Developer: Filinvest c/o Asia Gulf UAE (tel: 026447373)

Entering the brightly colored gates of this community erases the memory of the urban landscape. Soak in the openness, greenness and quiet of this 4.7-hectare development of clustered six-storey condominium towers in Parañaque. With its FrenchMediterranean design and club resort-type amenities, Chateau Elysée imbues life with joie de vivre. Ideal for young couples, small families or dynamic professionals, the community offers a relaxing lifestyle but with easy access to services, business and shopping. Chateau Elysée is a mere 15 minutes away from the Makati business district and five minutes from SM Bicutan.

Developer: SM Development Corp. c/o Asia Gulf UA (tel: 02-6447373)

Mezza Residence

Mezza residence is a treat for those real ‘shopaholics’. Mirroring the developer’s idea of lifestyle coupling, the residence’s four towers are connected by a retail podium – in essence being anchored on an SM Mall. Ideal for those who love convenience and easy access, Mezza Residence lies in the vicinity of Araneta Avenue and Aurora Boulevard in Quezon City, and offers an impressive array of deluxe amenities and service features in practical and affordable one to three-bedroom options.

Developer: SM Development Corp. c/o Asia Gulf UAE (tel: 02-6447373)

Ridgewood Towers

Pioneer Pointe

Pioneer Pointe is a 29-storey residential condominium that lets you experience the best of urban living in the heart of Mandaluyong City - halfway between Makati and Ortigas, walking distance to EDSA and the Boni MRT Station. With its enviable location, Pioneer Pointe makes an ideal vacation home for out-of-towners. You can turn your unit into an income-generating investment should you decide to lease it out.

Developer: Filinvest c/o Asia Gulf UAE (tel: 02-6447373)

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A stone’s throw away from leisure, entertainment and commercial establishments, Ridgewood Towers offers the experience of contemporary living right in the heart of a thriving metropolis. Situated along C-5 National Road and across the Global City of Makati with a 360° view of Global City, Pasig-Ortigas, Laguna Lake and Rizal Mountains, the towers boast amenities which include swimming pools, fitness lounge, landscaped gardens, jogging and cycling paths and a putting green among many others. With a choice of one to three-bedroom units Ridgewood Towers promises delightful living in its 888 residential units.

Developer: C-5 Mansion Development c/o Canyon Woods LLC Dubai (050-525 1102)

MIDDLE EAST CONTACT: ROSIE AQUINO M 11, UAE Exchange Bldg. Al Nahda Road, Al Ghusais P.O. Box 84642 Dubai, UAE Tel No. (04) 263-3280 Fax No. (04) 263-3281 Mobile No. (050) 525-1102/ (050) 282-5391 email: rizaximena@yahoo.com

Whether you prefer the Mountain, the Sea or the Urban Living, we know the perfect investment for you and your family.

DESIGN FEATURE

There’s nothing more special than coming home to someone you truly love. Whether you are a young couple starting a new life together, or a pair about to celebrate your nth anniversary, it’s great to create an atmosphere of romance at home to help you unwind at the end of the day, and to keep the ‘flame’ alive. What better way than to start with your bedroom? Your sanctuary, a special place that is just for the two of you.

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WOMAN, FILIPINO An Interview with Lingerie Magnate Josie Natori

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By Lalaine Chu-Benitez Photos courtesy of Natori Company, New York

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orn Josefina Almeda Cruz, Josie Natori has become an icon for Asian-inspired fashion and an inspiring symbol of Filipino international success. As founder and CEO of the Natori Company, she has literally configured a global industry transforming innerwear to outerwear, bringing elegant and sensuous lingerie into the light of day. And she has done so with admirable aplomb tapping Filipino creativity and craftsmanship, taking it to the world’s fashion capital, New York, and to the rest of the world.

Bloomingdales among others – across the US, Canada, Spain, Ireland, Philippines, not to mention the UAE.

Thirty years since this Filipina started her groundbreaking venture, Natori has become a brand synonymous with quality and elegance and has earned the following of a discerning clientele who pay top dollar for her delectable creations sold in fine stores like Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman, Nordstrom and

Natori’s earliest success was as a classical pianist. She performed solo with the Manila Philharmonic Orchestra at the tender age of nine. But early on in her life, she already knew that her real calling was for business and she left Manila for New York in 1964, at the age of 17, to study economics in Manhattanville College.

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But her success in business is just the tip of the iceberg. Natori grew up in the Philippines, the eldest of six children in a close-knit family, surrounded by supportive role models who have shaped her outlook in life. “I come from a family of strong women, although my father is also a self-made man. My grandmother was definitely a great matriarch.”

FEATURE Right after graduating, Natori quickly ascended the corporate ladder. In 1971, she moved to Merrill Lynch as an investment banker. While there, she met her future husband, Ken Natori, a third-generation Japanese-American, managing director at Smith Barney. Within a few years, Natori was married, had been named the first woman vice-president in investment banking, and had given birth to her son, Kenneth, Jr. But by 1976, the year her son was born, Natori was ready to move on to something more creative. “The novelty had begun to wear off,” she says. “I just wasn’t challenged anymore. I knew there must be something else.”

“I was really looking for something that would allow me to take advantage of being Filipino and a woman,” she explains. An old friend sent her a variety of hand-embroidered clothing, including some blouses that Natori took to a buyer at Bloomingdale’s. The rest, as they say, is history.

Natori boldly quit her job, and set up shop in her living room. Without any experience in fashion or manufacturing, within a few years she was working out of an 11,000-square-foot loft on 34th street, complete with a showroom and sample and design workspaces.

Natori intuitively understood what was missing from the lingerie market, and her confidence grew with her success. She soon became known for vibrant colors, bold patterns, and designs so sophisticated they begged to be worn beyond the bedroom. Her hallmark - the signature detailing, embroidery, and appliqué work of the Philippines - remains integral to Natori’s designs, translated into a collection that now includes four distinctive lines of lingerie as well as home accessories.

“The basis of my business is Filipino craftsmanship. The injection of our heritage gave the Natori brand a unique image, and lot of its desirable factors,” she remarks. Maintaining close ties to her homeland, Natori, with the help of her father, established a factory in the Philippines in the late ‘70s. She now employs close to a thousand local craftspeople and has a showroom in Manila.

Sans the native design elements, I asked her how much of being a Filipino helped her succeed. “I always say that my biggest asset is being a woman and being Asian. It put me in the best position to create things to make a woman feel good about herself”.

She adds, “As Filipinas, we are lucky because we come from a country where women have careers and are encouraged to be entrepreneurial. We have good genes. There’s a lot to be proud about. We have an entrepreneurial spirit and great work ethics.

We have drive and determination in our blood.”

With all her success and her role as an inspirational icon to Filipinos worldwide, Natori was honored for her achievements with the Galleon Award, presented in 1988 by President Corazon Aquino. The honors have continued to accumulate: Natori sits on the board of trustees of the Asian Cultural Council; the board of directors of the Educational Foundation of Fashion Industries; the corporate board of Alltel Corporation and the boards of the Philippine American Foundation. She is a member of the Council of Fashion Designers of America, the Committee of 200 and the Fashion and Design Council of the Philippines. In 1998, Natori was chosen as the New York City Partnership’s Business Woman of the Year and she served as a delegate to the Clinton Economic Summit Conference in Little Rock in 1992 and as a Commissioner to the White House Conference on Small Business in 1993. This year, President Macapagal-Arroyo presented the Lakandula Award to Natori at Malacañang, honoring her exceptional skill and dedication to her craft for the welfare of the Filipino people and society.

In spite of all the accolades, she remains firmly grounded and comments, “It was about hardwork, being at the right place, at the right time and the support of my family. I’m blessed with all this.”

I asked her if there is anything else left for her to achieve, to which she immediately replied, “The most dangerous thing is to say is that you have achieved. My interest is being able to give back.

I’ve been in the US for 43 years, but I am a Filipina at heart. I want to show that many other people can do it too.”

To this effect, Natori devotes significant amounts of time and energy to charitable efforts on behalf of women and fashion in the Philippines. “I love my work, but success in fashion is not enough,” she explains. “I want to be able to make a difference in people’s lives. Only then will I feel as if I’ve accomplished something.”

Natori was in Dubai recently to attend the Dubai World Cup on invitation from Saks Fifth Avenue, and had a glimpse of the Filipino community in the emirate. “I was very pleased to see so many Filipinos from different walks of life. Filipinos are a big asset to this area. We have so many desirable traits – we have skills, we are nice and hardworking. We are also inherently creative. It’s in our blood - we just need support.”

She was especially impressed by the OFW phenomenon and said, “I admire the OFWs, for being enterprising and for sacrificing to leave their families just to make a living. I admire very much their efforts – it’s incredible.”

Natori adds, “Ours can be a better country. Don’t lose hope. We should be proud that we are unique.”

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FASHION ROUND UP

Pretty Perfect New Summer Collection Straight from the catwalk, Pretty Fit’s new summer collection embodies contrasts and opposites, harmonized in color and style for maximum fashion impact. Tones and shades for everyday are combined with delicious citrus shades to compliment the season’s vibrant, acid fashion colors. Feminine twists and contemporary detailing provide the final touch to chic summer style. Glittering fabric and metallic lambskin as well as natural and refined leather in warm, earthy tones are accented with oversized diamantes, delicate colored gems and textured stones for unique shine and shimmer. Female styles feature comfy, sophisticated pumps, summer-essential strappy flats, elegant stilettos, chunky heels, flattering wedges and platforms for that extra stylish lift.

Benetton’s Full Color Summer Collection Models recently walked the runway in this season’s summer collection from United Colors of Benetton at a fashion show at Dubai’s Grosvenor House hotel. The show featured eye-catching colors, lively patterns and youthful beat-the-heat designs the brand is famous for. Models showed off a combination of styles for daily wear, beachwear and more formal occasions, all themed on the trendiest shades of the season in an absolutely flamboyant show.

Pinks and yellows featured heavily in Benetton’s new line-up, as models showcased an array of summer dresses, short-and-top combinations, denim skirts and two-piece swimsuits with striking accessories to match.

Flip-flops make a strong comeback at Shoe Mart Beetlebug Men’s Sandals Based on the same great concept as prettyFIT – fabulously priced shoes with real leather uppers, beetleBUG offers guys a fashion-forward range of styles with a focus on sandals. Look out for distressed leather and suede in natural shades of earth and stone. Each style combines comfort with high fashion and unique detailing, for the ideal answer to sophisticated summer footwear for men. prettyFIT and prettyFIT Else ranges are available from Deira City Centre, Mercato, Mall of The Emirates. Beetle BUG shoes are available from Deira City Centre and Mall of The Emirates.

As flats are en-vogue in a big way this season, Shoe Mart have put together a seductive collection of flip-flops – ideal for jaunts to the mall, a walk on the beach, for work and even for after-work party scenes. Also called thongsandals, the collection opens with work-friendly demure styles, with a bit of hidden flash – patent leather touches and metallic nuances that elevate the otherwise sedate styling into a higher-fashion mode. You can choose from thumb-separators or go for good-looking slipons in zebra stripes or reptile-skin bejeweled numbers. If you are looking for something more glitz and glam, there’s a metallic range, beginning from simple strappy slip-ons, going all the way to gem-encrusted lovelies. And for those looking for the unusual, an all-white ankle-padded beauty or the redstriped glossy can’t be beat.

Stylish and Relaxed Season for Giordano A beautiful feeling of lightness flows through Giordano’s new summer collection with exciting new combinations that can be created with casual denim or trousers matched with girly, feminine tops or printed polo t-shirts. The range, dominated by radiant white and subtle shades of grey, offers a choice of multi-functional, stylish clothing of timeless quality in comfortable light fabric. One can play with the styles and the color combinations so that outfits cross-match for maximum use for different occasions. The possibilities of mix and match are endless!

Men’s collection this summer includes shirts and blazers that are smart enough to wear anywhere. There are also printed tees, striped shirts and polo to easily go with denim, cargo pants or skaters.

Giordano recently opened a new outlet at the Dubai Festival City.

ARTS & CULTURE

Ambassadors of Filipino Fashion to the World The Fashion Designers Association of the Philippines Inspired by the Philippine Couture Association set up by fashion legends Pitoy Moreno, Ben Farrales et al. in 1958, and the Fashion Designers Guild of the Philippines, lead by Ramon Valera, the FDAP was established in 1981 in a most opportune time when the concept of prêt-a-porter designer clothes was starting to catch on in the local market.

Spearheaded by prominent designers Cesar Gaupo and Ernest Santiago, the group was an amalgamation of the top and talented names in Philippine fashion design. The FDAP’s sudden burst into the fashion scene was welcome news to the Philippine’s garment and design industry as it acted as the representative body whose goal is to bring Filipino designers successfully to the international market.

Known for its glittering galas, which presented fresh fashion ideas with an undeniable Filipino flair, the FDAP made news abroad in trade shows and missions, wowing foreign spectators with the buoyant Filipino sartorial spirit and world-renowned craftsmanship.

In celebration of its 25th anniversary in 2006, the FDAP published the book Sagala: The Queen of Philippine Festivals, a sumptuous tome dedicated to the preservation and continuance of Filipino May time festivities – the sagala, in an effort to remind Filipinos of these wonderful traditions.

The book, created with the help of Alfred Mendoza and FDAP member Richard Papa, captures, in beautiful photographs, the best sagala and hermana gowns created by present and past members in the last 25 years. The book also features outstanding Bodyshots models from batch 1987 to the present.

An ode to Philippine traditions, Sagala is a legacy to Filipinos who would carry the beautiful custom through to the next 25 years and beyond.

For information on FDAP and the book Sagala, check out www.fdapsilver.com

Efren Africa

A figure-hugging serpentina gown in ivory silk gazar is embellished with glass beads in shades of tangerine and burgundy. The shrug with stylized terno sleeves is fastened by a strand of rhinestones on the empire.

Model: Lynn Roxas • Makeup: Cesar Bactol

Vivo Nazareth An off-white shantung silk terno with stylized beadwork and swags of gold cut crystal beads for added texture.

Model: Carol Garcia • Makeup: Meinard Gicommo Salon & Facial Haus

Arielle Agasang

A serpentina-cut terno in bronze stretched jersey embellished with circular-cut lace in copper shades and traced with bronze sequins. Topaz brooches accentuate the bodice and butterfly sleeves.

Model: Bridget Inoferio • Makeup: Cesar Bactol

Alex Bitong

A duchesse satin terno with asymmetric bubble hem has accents of woven gold cord that adorns the bodice, sleeves and train.

Model: Manette Mercado • Makeup: Marlon Suarez

Ramon Esteban

Carnival Queen-inspired terno in multilayered emerald green chiffon has a brooch in the center of the neckline adorned with linear ray-like beadwork interspersed with feathers and jewel stones. To complete the look is an elaborate collar made of ostrich feathers, stones, beads and gold-plated brooches. The winning gown of the La Flor de Manila 2003 Flores de Mayo.

Model: Pia Rivera • Makeup: Marlon Suarez

Jerome Ang

A serpentina-cut terno intricately beaded with parrot fish scales and Swarovski crystals in rainbow hues, and innovatively accented with shredded piùa strips Model: Carol Garcia • Makeup: Meinard Gicommo Salon & Facial Haus

Mike dela Rosa

An empire-cut terno in silk chiffon draped at the center and embellished with satin cords and pearls.

Model: Yra Cruz • Makeup: Marlon Suarez

Milo Afable

A highly stylized terno in a fully beaded stretched jersey made to appear like an angel’s trumpet.

Model: Bridget Inoferio • Makeup: Jomar Evano

Alex Bitong

A duchesse satin terno with asymmetric bubble hem has accents of woven gold cord that adorns the bodice, sleeves and train.

Model: Manette Mercado • Makeup: Marlon Suarez

BAKASYON GRANDE

PEARL FARM

For those looking for total privacy, Pearl Farm offers the ideal hideaway in Malipano, a quaint little island across the resort where couples can spend the day in seclusion in bamboo inspired Spanish villas as designed by renowned Filipino architect Francisco ‘Bobby’ Mañosa. While admiring the stylish and ingenious interiors, we caught sight of a beautiful sunset that cast a perfect silhouette at the lazy hammock that faced the deep blue pearl seas.

Text and photographs by Lisa Cruz The first sign was the clouds.

Thousands of feet above sea level in an airbus to Davao City, I looked out my window and there they were - an immaculate herd of cotton cloud balls filled my vision. All bright and bubbly, looking so white and so soft. Reminded me of one of the first assignments I had in art school - to paint clouds. It made me strangely happy to discover and depict the varying shades and sizes of what seemed such a mundane commonplace subject.

Since then I‘ve always looked out for clouds whenever I travel, whether they’re up above or around me. This would be a happy trip. I crossed my fingers and hoped.

It was humid and not cloudy when I arrived at Davao International Airport. From there, a van from the resort picked us up and brought us straight to the marina. The trip took about 45 minutes but felt a bit shorter. Thanks to the refreshing deep blue that surrounded us as we approached the Island Garden City of Samal where the resort lies. Yes, that is the name of the island, not a word less. It is part of an archipelago consisting of nine islands spread over a land area of 28,000 hectares with a coastline adorned with white sand beaches, abundant marine life, rock formations, mangroves, coconut trees and other lush vegetation. On the quiet west side of the island lies the Pearl Farm Beach Resort. The 14-hectare property was so named since 1958 when it was once a farm where white-lipped oysters from the Sulu Sea were cultivated for their pink, white and gold pearls. The pearl farm is no more but in its place now lies a world-class triple-A

Illustrado 82

resort currently owned by the Floirendo Family and run by the Fuego Hotels & Properties Management.

Our arrival was greeted by sights of almost everything on stilts: the Parola Wharf with its own parola bar, definitely the most wellknown Pearl Farm landmark; the Samal houses made of bamboo and rattan, all patterned after the stilt houses of seafaring T’boli tribes; and of course the two level infinity pool perfectly merged with the ocean waters that seemed to wrap itself around this island hideaway.

Completing the welcome ritual was a colorfully clad marching band along with the very cordial island staff who served us the freshest pineapple juice - freshly squeezed, sweetest ever. I found myself asking for it again and again throughout my stay that I ended up exceeding the allowable number of drinks for my full board.

After an hour’s rest at our samal house cottage, we spent the rest of the afternoon doing a quick tour of the property and its facilities. As we made our way around the island, it was hard not be enamored by the surrounding waters at the pool and by the beach. The ocean’s reflections, which beamed in nuances of blue, turquoise to aquamarine made me, wish to float my blues away pronto. But first, there were photographs to be made, images to capture.

There are about a total of 73 guest rooms, suites and cottages, each with interiors designed to promote the ethnic diversity of the local tribes and come complete with modern amenities including WiFi by the beach. The Balay Houses by the hilltop offers standard hotel type accommodation each with a veranda overlooking the beachfront

BAKASYON GRANDE below. It doesn’t give you much of a view but its modest rates are enough lure for groups who plan to spend more time by the beach not by their beds. The Samal houses are geared more for families and couples with a lot more budget and desire for privacy. True to its Muslim-inspired themes, the interiors are splashed with the bright colors of pink, yellow and blue of the Samal tribe. The cottages are lined up perfectly side by side each with a balcony where underneath one can see schools of tropical fishes almost anytime of the day.

For something more exclusive, there are the two-storey Musliminspired cottages - Samal Suites all named and designed according to the different Mindanao tribes such as Tausug, Yakan, T’boli, Bagobo, B’laan, and Maguindanao. For water sports enthusiasts, the Mandaya Houses are strategically located near the aqua sports area of the resort where one can go kayaking, scuba diving, snorkeling, windsurfing, jet skiing. Add to that, an exclusive Pearl Farm treat for avid scuba divers - two sunken World War II Japanese vessels just 60 meters away from the resort. Even Captain Jack Sparrow would be pleased.

For those looking for total privacy, Pearl Farm offers the ideal hideaway in Malipano, a quaint little island across the resort where couples can spend the day in seclusion in bamboo inspired Spanish villas as designed by renowned Filipino architect Francisco ‘Bobby’ Mañosa.

While admiring the stylish and ingenious interiors, we caught sight of a beautiful sunset that cast a perfect silhouette at the lazy hammock that faced the deep blue pearl seas.

In the evening we were treated to a special seafood dinner at the Maranaw restaurant. For our nightcap, we took a quiet walk pass the manmade waterfalls that flowed into a lagoon which then led

Davao is about an hour and a half by plane from Manila and about 45 minutes away from Cebu City. Apart from its beautiful islands, other main tourist attractions are Mt. Apo, the highest mountain peak in the Philippines, the monkey-eating Philippine eagle and the T’boli, Yakan and Mandaya tribes, considered to be among the oldest ethnic groups in the Philippines.

us to the resort’s Ylang Ylang Spa - a one-of-a-kind spa offering a wide range of beauty and health treatments such as wraps, facials, body massage and foot spas – all to pamper oneself in the midst of coconut palms and soothing sounds of the ocean. Exhausted, we surrendered willingly and later succumbed to a great samal sleep on stilts, no less.

The rest of the weekend was a blur in bliss. Taking pictures of the island resort, taking in the island. I have never been into visiting the ‘good life’ places. You know what I mean - the ones where everything always costs far more than what you have saved up - dream vacation or not. Am always partial to off the beaten tracks – never mind if I get beat as long as I am on track - with my interests and yes, with my budget. But this travel offer sort off came with the clouds – a piece of peace for a couple of days. Everything on them, all I have to do is take photographs. It’s not my usual countryside discovery trip, but it was a joy nevertheless to discover why these places cost more. And why it’s our experience which makes them priceless.

One of my favorite things in the resort was the jar of water and coconut shell dipper placed right at the entrance of each house so that guests can wash away the sand on their feet after a day of at the beach. According to local tribal custom, it can also mean a symbolic cleansing of the spirit.

On my last day at the farm, hoping to catch one last Pearl Farm sunrise, I woke up at dawn and walked from our cottage to the Parola bar, about several hundred meters of almost total darkness. Somewhere between the pool and the bar, I felt my bare feet step on something soft and cold. It moved and then slid quickly right past my right big toe. With a quick prayer but without looking down, I ran to one of those jars, and quickly started pouring water at where I hoped my feet still were. Almost instantly, whatever it was that was there was gone. After counting my toes and cleaning my feet, I felt my spirit soar in relief.

PINOY ABOUT TOWN Stepping out of the proverbial ‘kabayan box’ beyond Pinoy cafeterias and videoke

Going

Indian for a day

ado contributor like me the What to do?! For a bagito Illustr day’ is probably equivalent to a a for ian Ind ‘go to nt me ign ass ing deployed to Baghdad! It is seasoned Reuters journalist be e Pinoy would fret about given definitely a project that an averag from foreigners, and ‘sticking to ay aw ing shy of it tra in iltbu r ou our own’ as much as we can.

I was anxiously tossing and turning in bed the night before my little ‘immersion’ project, imagining the ultra-spicy food I had to eat and the prospect of a clammy Abu Dhabi summer afternoon spent with my newfound Indian kabarkadas.

I went early morning to the home of Mohammed, an officeboy at a multinational company in Abu Dhabi. He was waiting by the door of his modest quarters located at the basement of a rather huge villa in the Khalidiya area’s quiet west-end. With him were his buddies Sabeer, Amjath and Salik – welcoming me to the world of Indian bachelors in the UAE. With their families in India, the four meet every Friday— same time, same place —for the simple yet profound reason that all that they have, right here, right now, is each other. If only for this common denominator, I already felt that I am in no way different from any of them.

My new Indian friends were incredibly hospitable. For the rest of the day, I forgot about my belief that Pinoys are the warmest people on earth. To ensure that I was comfortable and not bored, they offered me literally anything and everything - the stream of hot Indian tea (a.k.a. chai), mango juice, diet cola, and cold water was endless.

To increase my comfort, Mohammed gave me my very first lungi, the traditional pambahay for Southern Indian men. Like the malong of our Filipino brothers and sisters in Mindanao, it is a huge piece of fabric, which can be wrapped in different ways around the body. It is normally used to cover the body just like a skirt. At first, I felt terribly awkward wearing the lungi without my trousers - I felt so exposed! Eventually, I learned to love it—because it was really comfortable and cool just like my Indian friends said.

Illustrado 84

By Kris Lee

At around 10:30am, Salik, the designated chef, began preparing vegetables and spices for our Indian lunch. Jars of all sorts of powders and herbs were opened, the peppery, garlic-ky, earthy, turmeric-ky odor assaulted my nostrils and almost sent me scurrying out the door.

Thankfully, I was able to hold myself, as I chatted with the guys who were more than happy to tell me their life stories.

Salik finished cooking three dishes by noon and they all made a brief trip to the mosque.

It was chow time at around 1:45pm and the guys laid newspapers on the floor. We ate an assortment of fish and vegetables in a spicy deep-orange sauce called masala, as well as fried fish marinated in a reddish, highly potent concoction of turmeric, chili, pepper, onions, olive oil, tomatoes and garlic. The dishes were great, save for the stubborn pungent scent it left on my fingertips. I really enjoyed the masala, which indulged my inherent Pinoy appetite for sarsa and just kept pouring it on my plate of rice.

Add to this was a side dish which is now my favorite Indian food. It didn’t have a traditional Indian name since it was just one of those homemade creations by Salik. They comically called it ‘boil-fry’ simply because the eggs, the main ingredient, were boiled, sliced and spicedup before eventually frying. Man, was it delectable! Crunchy on the outside, but soft on the inside - it should give our own sinister-looking hepa eggs or kwek-kwek a run for its money.

After the hearty lunch, we braved the summer heat and drove down to Mussafah at around 3pm to play the sport the whole sub-continent is crazy about— cricket. Mussafah is an industrial area just outside Abu Dhabi’s central business district where many Indians play the game every Friday afternoon.

We stopped by a sandy vacant lot where at least four cricket games were being played simultaneously. The gang taught me the basic rules, as well as the proper way of handling the bat and throwing the ball. Playing cricket reminded me so much of softball which I used to enjoy back in my grade school days.

PINOY ABOUT TOWN

Totally zapped by the heat, we headed back to town for snacks by 4:30pm. It was already late afternoon – Indian teatime. The Indians, I observed, guzzle chai like a Toyota Land Cruiser guzzles petrol.

Mohammed, for one, drinks 10 to 15 cups of chai each day! In my case, I was only able to handle four cups before my heart started palpitating.

Indian afternoon tea was something I could relate to, because it was just like our merienda time. We ordered vada inside an Indian cafeteria along one of the crowded alleys in the Hamdan-Electra district. The vada looked like stale donuts - but as with any other Indian food, I told myself not to judge it by appearance alone. A set of vada, which includes a plain one, an onion version, two kinds of dips (coconut chutney and sambar) and a serving of hot chai, costs a measly four dirhams in any regular cafeteria in town. The onion vada is a winner; it tastes a lot like okoy minus the shrimps. Rejuvenated, we left the cafeteria to go window-shopping in one of their favorite retail outlets, the ubiquitous Lulu Center.

As expected, Lulu Center was full to the brim. We made our way through the sea of people to the men’s section to try contemporary Indian fashion. I asked my friends to find me some shirts, which they think are nice, and went to the nearest fitting room to try them on, while Amjath covertly took some pictures.

I would have tried more clothes on just for the heck of it, but Mohammed thought the manager might kick us out if he found out about our little photo shoot. Later, as we saw the pictures, my Indian friends jokingly agreed that I could pass for a Bollywood hero! I would have to start growing a moustache soon though, Sabeer quipped.

We returned to Mohammed’s place at around 6:45pm to hang and relax from the long day that was. Before settling down, we played first with Salik’s new office motorcycle — boys will be boys! I told them of how in Manila, the motorcycle was (and probably still is) the most famous Bumbay symbol next only to the turban.

As Mohammed prepared some puri (fried bread cakes), baji (spiced chunky potatoes), and ‘boil-fry’ for supper, and as Amjath took a nap, Salik and Sabeer taught me how to play this card game called ramee.

After a few rounds, we all hit the floor again as dinner was served.

As we said our goodbyes, Mohammed extended his hand saying, “Too much I enjoyed this day with you, my friend” before I could even say the exact same thing to him. With that simple remark, everything that made me feel different from them ceased to matter. In my search for differences between our cultures - all I found were similarities. I realized that in our daily lives away from home, all of us share the same dreams and struggles, and it really helps if we make an effort to find comfort and belongingness in each other, regardless of race or nationality.

After all, in the grander scheme of things, the superficial stuff like skin tone, language, and cultural idiosyncrasies just fade silently into the background.

So what if Indians incessantly bob their heads and Pinoys point with their lips? At the end of the day, we are all, as Indians might say, “samesame… but different.” *According to the latest census, there are around 1.2 million Indian expatriates living in the UAE today. Indian nationals make up almost 25% of the UAE’s growing population.

Illustrado 85

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.

Cuzin

to the Rescue

Once upon a time, in the sleepy barrio called Capunitan in the quiet town of Orion in the no-SM Mall-yet-province of Bataan, there lived two dreamy lasses. They treated each other like sisters, even though they were just cousins. They both shared their dolls – or manyika, played hide-and-seek, luksong tinik, ‘jackstone’ and sungka all the time, watched re-runs of old black and white Tagalog memorizing the lines from the movies of Sharon Cuneta, Vilma Santos and Nora Aunor.

Up to their early teens, both even shared the same crushes. They never fought – except for that single incident when they had an on who was cuter – Bryelle Mondejar or Ronell Victor – which eventually got settled when they both realized that Jestoni Alarcon was, two thumbs up, THE ultimate Adonis during the days of That’s Entertainment back in the 80s. This strengthened their sisterhood – and they never doubted each other since then.

But just like the song, some good things never last. Eventually, one of them left the barrio to pursued a degree in Mass Communications in fast paced Manila, the other had to stay and continue her studies in the provincial capitol. As they looked forward to reunite every holiday, things changed along the way.

The other enjoyed city life more, and chose to spend holidays with her new found friends while the other had to take care of her family’s non-stop chores. During the few times they would meet, it felt oakward – as they slowly became strangers to each other after being apart within those years.

That’s what I remember of Corazon Candelaria Catacutan Curapot - or my cousin Cookie. The last time we saw each other was during the Miss Gay Undas in our town plaza five years ago

Illustrado 86

– where I discovered that my first ka-M.U. in high school, Caloy, is now known as Kylie. Yes, the boy I used to do FLAMES with won the beauty contest then. I was about to confront him backstage when I bumped into Cookie who was carrying his costumes. We just said hello to each other and that was it.

Until I got a text message from an unknown number last week. “hI aNniE! C cUKi i 2. D2 nA riN mE sA dUbAi. kItA nAmN tA U.” Little did I know that Cookie and I would cross each other’s paths once again – here in the cosmopolitan city of Dubai. Apparently, my mother has already been flagging (bina-bandera, to those who can’t understand) my whereabouts to the whole town. And as expected, she’s also given out my mobile phone number to everyone who asked. Kulang na lang i-post ni Nanay sa bulletin board sa plaza, as in!

In our exchange of texts, I learned that my long-lost cousin Cookie arrived in Dubai over a month ago to work as a cashier in a newly opened restaurant. This is nothing new to her, I thought, as she also used to run her auntie’s tapsilugan back home - from waitressing to cooking to accounting the shop’s earnings, all at the same time, among the other hundreds of jobs she did for her family and relatives out of love and utang na loob. Being new in the city, she stays in the company accommodation, which she shares with dozens of other Pinoys within their company.

So one weekend, I decided to drop by her place so we could see each other. I imagined she’s already changed a bit from the barrio lass that I last saw in the town plaza years ago – since she’s now exposed to the modern settings of this city. But boy, oh Kuya Boy….what I saw horrorfied me. It was really scary. More horrifying than Regal Shocker and Ngiiiiinig!

FILIPINISMS

Poor old Cookie hasn’t changed a single skin. She’s now even worsed. Here’s Cookie’s new story: She shares a room with eleven other Pinays. They’re all burara and lazy. They all complain that they don’t have time to clean because of their shifting schedule. So Cookie, who is always organized, does all the cleaning for them, even their own laundry and ironing. They praise Cookie for her delicious cooking, so she also does all the cooking, even the washing the dishes. They always rant about their financial problems, so good old Cookie lends them money for everything – for buying prepaid cards, toiletries like shampoo, toothpaste, Eskinol, Likas Papaya even sanitary napkins, because Cookie saves a lot and is good with handling her salary.

And since Cookie is a homebody, and never goes out, they always wear her nice clothes without even borrowing from her.

They say she doesn’t need them anyway. Sila ang mga outfit Best In Daywear while si Cookie Best in Day Off?!!!

Aba, aba, aba! Now all that made my blood boil. And insfight of all these, Cookie does NOT mind at all. How pateticks!!! How can anyone be this naive? Naiiva talaga itong pinsan ko o - napakaclueless - hindi naman nya kamukha si Alicia Silverstone!

Hay naku, enough of this pa-martir effect. This abuse should come to an end. Now na – as in NOW! Wala sa lahi naming ang mga api. Stooooop meeee!!! (Tigilan ako!!!)

I quickly gave Cookie a lecture on how she should stop these people from abusing her kindness and generosity. They complain about their work, their time, their problems – but who doesn’t?

We all have to deal with these issues – we’re in another country now. And it’s not as if these people were used to having someone do things for them – as if?!!! They just hide their abusive manners behind never-ending excuses and take advantage of Cookie’s kabayanihan. For as long as Cookie doesn’t complain, these people na naturingan pa man ding kababayan will never return the favor and change their old habits. They want to eat? Eh di magluto sila! Their room is dirty? Eh di maglinis sila! They don’t have money anymore? Eh di manigas sila!!!

From now on, they will witness a new Cookie – a woman with confidence, style and a new attitude. I will groom her to be just like me – independent, fashion fastforward, abilitated (ahem, maabilidad…), a go-grabber….mmmmm…ano pa ba? Ahihihi….I’m flattering myself na ba? Echos lang! From now on, Cookie will have a life – far from cleaning up other people’s mess – and will start enjoying the fruits of her own tree.

So my darling cousin Cookie, toss that broom and start dressing up. The clock is sticking - the Dubai Summer Surprises is here.

Sugod kafatiiiiiiiiiiid!!!

Annie B’s Super Style Tips for a Pa-Delicious Summer: Dizzizit! Update your shoe-seses. Who says you have to spend your salary na pambili ng bubong sa Pinas, to get the latest killer looks? See my lotus feet shoes that match from my winter clothes to my summer sexy outfits? Konting Roman straps lang, a little Scotch tape at the back and it’s trendy na! Anong sinabi ni Manolo!

Attack na sa 10-20 shop! Go wild with super colorful accessories to match my super pretty colorful make-up. The more, the prettier….

The latest hairdo from the catwalk to my favorite telenovela - tarantitas with headband. I know, I know – you think I look like Anne Curtis, isn’t it?

Of course, the latest moves for my newly fitnessed body – since I drop 6 kilos with my super sweaty work-outs (kina-reer ko itu!) with matching South Bitch diet (ang sarap ng isa lang ang chin!) I can now emphasized my sexy moves. Kalimutan na ang ocho-ocho, coz it’s Fergalicious time na!

Most of all, stay sweet, stay pretty and always pray everyday!

Illustrado 87

The view from your regular Juan dela Cruz on the street

Usapang Kanto

Are you proud to be Pinoy?

Compiled by Jonie Jose

Minus points

I am not only proud, but I also love being a Filipino. Our culture, love for our families, unity in times of extreme needs, concern for others, professionalism are just some of the values a Filipino is highly honored. We are even willing to sacrifice ourselves for the benefit of our loved ones and others who need our help. But there are things I’m not proud being a Filipino, that is the status of our country, in terms of economics and politics. If only we are in a stable country, no corrupt politicians, I believe no one will leave their families to work abroad.

- JOSEF PATRICK H. MANIQUIZ

For better and for worst

I am proud to be a Filipino. I don’t care about the negative reaction of other people who simply judge all Filipinos based on what they hear about our country. I’m pretty sure that once they get to know Filipinos, they can say that we are the best people to be with and to work with. Nevertheless, we can also be the worst people if someone tries to fool us.

- DAVID AGAGNE JR

Don’t judge the book...

In a way, I am ‘coz no one should be ashamed of who they are or where they came from. But being a Filipino also means belonging to the Third World class and that is something you can’t be proud of, and the whole world knows about it, that is why oftentimes other nationalities judge us from our country of origin and not as individuals. But once we have proven ourselves, that’s the time we earn their respect and gain pride for ourselves.

- MIGZ SANTOS

Top choice!

Siyempre naman! Everyone should be proud of who they are and where they came from. It makes me feel really great every time I hear that we are often the top choice of employers. That’s what we are - very creative and talented people.

ORLANDO GUEVARRA JR

Mix or be nixed

Filipinos are admirable, unique human beings, and most of all, known for being hospitable with good moral values. As a young Filipina living in a foreign land, I must admit that we should change some values to be accepted in this society. But no matter what happens, I will still be proud of who I am and where I came from.- NELLY PENALOZA

Against all odds!

In spite of the flaws in Philippine society, I can say that I am still proud to be Filipino. We are survivors - no matter how many times we fail along the way, we still stand up, strive and continue living. Our resilience makes us go through all the challenges we encounter and will continue to encounter. I take pride our adaptability and unrivalled hospitality, which sets us apart. Some Filipinos may not have faith in our nation, but I still believe that the Filipino’s strength, abilities, talents, good traits and intelligence will help us rebuild our nation. Idealistic as it may seem but with God’s mercy, Filipinos will prevail!

- MARY JEAN BERNABE

Illustrado 88

Panalo!

Yes I am! We are born to excel in every way because of what we call ‘diskarte’. Dyan tayo magaling, aside from being professionals, madiskarte pa. That’s why kahit saang panig ng mundo mo ilagay ang Pinoy panalo pa rin ‘coz we can also easily cope with any situation and environment.

- DIVINE C. LIQUIDO

BG’s

I am proud to be a Filipina because Filipinos are great and smart people. However, there is a part of me that is ashamed of being a Filipina. All of us are aware that there are a ‘few’ who end up doing indecent jobs due to lack of good opportunities in life. It is somehow degrading to those who have a successful life and career ‘coz other nationalities look on us not as individual but as a whole.

- MA. FELICIDAD SANTOS

FILIPINISMS

PINOY MOVIE TITLES Kung tulad ka ng nakararaming Pinoy,

pihadong mahilig ka sa pelikula! Lagi tayong ‘updated’ sa mga bagong movies, hindi lang doon sa galing sa Pinas, kundi pati na rin sa Hollywood. Enjoy ka lang sa iyong favorite English films – basta ‘wag mo lang i-translate ang mga titulo sa Tagalog, dahil malaking disaster!

Eto ang ilang ‘magagandang’ ehemplo Brokeback Mountain - may nawasak sa likod ng bundok ng tralala Dead Man’s Chest - dodo ng patay I know what you did last summer - uyy... aminin!

Love, Actually - sa totoo lang, pag-ibig Million dollar baby - 50 million pisong sanggol (it depends on the exchange rate of the country) The Blair Witch Project - ang proyekto ng bruhang si blair Black Hawk Down - ibong maitim sa ibaba Snakes on a Plane - nag-ahasan sa ere Sum of all fears - takot mo, takot ko, takot nating lahat Swordfish - talakitok Pretty Woman - ganda ng lola mo Four Weddings and a Funeral - kahit apat na beses ka pang magpakasal, mamamatay ka rin The good, the bad and the ugly - ako, ikaw, kayong lahat Click - isang pindot ka lang Mary Poppins - si mariang may putok There’s Something About Mary - may kwan sa ano ni maria Employee of the Month - ang sipsip Resident Evil - ang biyenan Kill Bill - kilitiin sa bilbil The Grudge - lintik lang ang walang ganti Nightmare Before Christmas - binangungot sa noche buena Never Been Kissed - pangit kasi Gone in 60 seconds - 1 round, tulog The Fast and the Furious - ang bitin, ang galit Too Fast, Too Turious - kapag sobrang bitin, sobrang galit Dude, where’s my car? - dong, anong level ulit tayo nag-park?

Beauty and the Beast - ang asawa ko at ang nanay nya The Lord of the Rings - ang alahero Haaay! Ang Pinoy nga naman!

Illustrado 89

Edifice Complex: Power, Myth and Marcos State Architecture

Campaign Politics - by Ma. Lourdes N. Tiquia and Maria Irene R.M. Cariaga

- by Gerard Lico

With authors having more than a decade of government experience in the Philippines and abroad, they present this book, a primer on campaign politics. This book may be for you if -- you’re a political novice and you wanted to learn the tricks of the trade; you have been involved in an electoral campaign and would want to further enhance your skills; you want to prepare your team for the elections and would want to make a checklist of things to do; you believe that there is a science and art of campaigning; and if you are planning to run for office.

Gerard Lico’s contribution to Philippine architectural history and criticism covers the late twentieth-century phenomenon of a distinctive, but slightly demented, architectural aesthetic wielded by a ‘conjugal dictatorship’ to legitimize its regime and perpetuate its power. It is this relationship between power and architecture that provides the framework and context for this book.

Gerard Lico is assistant professor at the College of Architecture and College of Arts and Letters of the University of the Philippines.

State-society Dynamics Policy Making In A Restored Democracy

The Fall of Joseph Estrada: The Inside Story - by Amando Doronila The popular uprising called ‘EDSA 2’ caught the world’s attention as the Philippines ousted another president.

Now using the most accurate and exclusive sources, Amando Doronila, one of the country’s most respected journalistic minds, brings us behind the scenes of this important event that saw the removal of Joseph Estrada from power and witnessed Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo rise to the country’s highest office. Find out what really happened, from Estrada’s inauguration all the way to the aborted attack on Malacañang by pro-Estrada demonstrations as those in the know speak out for the first time.

- by Jose Magadia Jose Magadia provides insight into the ways that politics is done in the Philippines. But he also illuminates an arena of politics central to all democracies. We know about electoral, parliamentary, and party politics, but only generalities about what shapes the complex arenas where interest groups, grassroots organizations, NGOs and public opinion impact the policy process, and often, shape the authoritative debates.

Magadia, in this book, offers a theory that begins to explain the dramatic variations in these arenas, even within one political system.

Books available at Powerbooks, Phils. www.powerbooks.com.pH CDs available at Tower Records Phils. www.Tower-records.ph

Dekada ‘70 An adaptation of Lualhati Bautista’s prize-winning novel Dekada 70 chronicles a middleclass Filipino family who, over the space of a decade, become aware of the political policies that have ultimately led to repression and a state of martial law.

The Public’s Eye: Investigative Reports 1989-1999 The PCIJ’s first CD-ROM, contains all the work of the Center since 1989. This includes the full texts of almost 200 investigative reports, clips of five full-length video documentaries, abstracts of 18 book titles and the i quarterly magazine. The CD-ROM also comes with a brief description of the Center’s history, its organization, and the impact that its work has had in the Philippine politics and society.

Imelda Controversial, outspoken, and even misunderstood, this piece marks the first time that Mrs. Marcos agreed to tell her story in a feature documentary that details her rise from humble provincial origins to become one of the richest and most powerful women in contemporary history.

Mga Palasyo ni Erap If former First Lady Imelda Marcos left behind a trail of shoes, President Joseph Estrada is leaving behind a trail of palatial homes and pricey lots that, unlike footwear, cannot be hidden away in some dark closet in Malacañang. Investigation shows that in the last three years, Estrada, his family members, or corporations otherwise associated with the President have acquired at least 17 pieces of choice property worth over PHP2 billion in Metro Manila, Baguio and Tagaytay.

Miss Pinoy A fiction inspired by a group of Overseas Filipino Workers who looked for a good investment in preparation for their eventual return to the Philippines but turned out to become victims of a million dollar fraud.

Together they triumphed over insurmountable odds, gained the support of the media, help of NGOs, and attention of the government.

20 Speeches That Moved A Nation A five-CD audio book of some of the most significant speeches in Philippine history, recorded by some of the best actors and actresses in Philippine cinema, theater, and television. The selection includes Cory Aquino’s landmark address to the United States Congress, Joker Arroyo’s opening address at the impeachment trial of Joseph Estrada, and SP Lopez’s announcement of the surrender of Filipino-American forces in Bataan. Readers include Jaime Fabregas, Miguel Faustmann, Subas Herrero, Tessie Tomas, Bart Guingona, Mark Gil, Eric Quizon, and Janno Gibbs. The full, unabridged text of each speech is included in the collection.

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COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

The Board of Directors and Executive Committee of the Philippine Business Council Abu Dhabi Launch of “Negosyanteng Pinoy 2006” with

Philippine Business Council

H.E. Ambassador Libran N. Cabactulan

Abu Dhabi and Dubai Chapter The Philippine Business Council is an organization composed of Filipino entrepreneurs, and professionals who share a common Abu Dhabi andbusinessmen Dubai Chapter interest in developing local business, trade and investment between the Philippines and United Arab Emirates.

The club’s vision is to become a catalyst of economic growth for council members and Overseas Filipinos for the mutual benefit of the host and home country by providing a forum for exchange of knowledge and resources, promoting entrepreneurship among Filipinos and encouraging Philippine companies and businesspersons to establish operations in the UAE, while establishing a strong relationship with local government agencies.

Leaderhip training workshop participants

The PBC has two chapters in the emirates – one and Abu Dhabi and another in Dubai, with both organizations initiating a host of activities to benefit members and the community in general.

2007 Activities Abu Dhabi - UAE Business delegation to “MANILA NOW”-Philippine International Furniture Show in cooperation with CFIP, Philippine Property Show, Negosyanteng Pinoy, Leadership Training and Workshop, First Philippine Business & Professionals Conference , Annual Business Forum Dubai - Second Filipino Achievers Awards, Managing for Business Success – a lecture series featuring international facilitators, the Philippine Pavilion at the DSF Global Village, the Bayanihan Dance Company performance, Raul Sunico Classical Piano concert, as well as other trade, investment and tourism-related activities.

With Dr. John Maxwell, Resource Speaker

PBC membership is open to all natural-born and naturalized Philippine citizens as well as foreign spouses of Filipinos who are investing or doing business in the Philippines or within the UAE. Companies established in the UAE or in the Philippines having Filipino shareholders and/or management may join as Corporate members. Otherwise, any company or individual willing to contribute resources towards achieving the mission of PBC may also join as Associate Member.

For more information contact: PBD Abu Dhabi Dick Orense (Exec. Dir.) 050 3579811 Jovy Tuano (Chairman) 050 443 2656 e-mail: pbcauh@yahoo.com website: www.pbcabudhabi.org

PBD Dubai Lucille Ong – 04 340 8381 Eden Borja - 50 3579811 e-mail: lucilleaong@yahoo.com PBC-Dubai with Bituin Escalante

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

Wow Pinoy Badminton Club (WPBC) Created in June 2006, the WOW Pinoy Badminton Club in the United Arab Emirates provides a regular opportunity for badminton enthusiasts to meet up and indulge in their favorite pastime with like-minded individuals. With its motto “Good Health Makes A Peaceful Mind� the club aims to promote individual par-ticipation in social, mental, cultural, moral and physical development. WOW Pinoy Badminton Club recently held their successful 1st quarter tournament in April this year, with 50% of the proceeds dedicated to charity.

Activities Regular Queuing, Fridays at Al Safa Gymnasium, Dubai (from 1 pm to 5pm)

For more information contact: Edwin Lasquite (Founder) 050-6871265 e-mail: edwin@alhamid-group.com Mylene Mendoza (First Lady of Badminton, UAE) 050-6926182 e-mail: my7ene@yahoo.com website: wowpinoybadmintonuae.multiply.com

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If you tell me, I forget.

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