ILLUSTRADO Magazine_June-July 2010

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THE MAGAZINE FOR THE INTERNATIONAL FILIPINO

112years of

Philippine Independence issue

42

A LOOK AT OUR FREEDOM LOVING A NATION, OTHER THAN A COUNTRY ELECTION PHILIPPINES 2010 GLOBAL BARRIO NEWS FASHION: THE DREM WEAVERS USO PA BA ANG KASAL? GETTING MARRIED IN THE UAE MY PINOY LIFE IN: ALMATY, KAZAKHSTAN BORACAY OFF ROAD ANNIE B: DA IDOLS IN MY LIFE A PUBLICATION LICENSED UNDER THE DUBAI TECHNOLOGY & MEDIA FREE ZONE

12 JUNE- 31 JULY 2010

EDITOR’S NOTE

Are we truly free?

There’s nothing like the month of June to actually get our patriotic juices flowing. Filipino communities, not only in the Gulf, but around the world are abuzz with activities and events honoring that fateful day in Kawit, Cavite, destined to become the most important landmark in our history, when our ancestors lay claim to Filipino sovereignty. At this time of the year, we adorn ourselves with native emblems - the sun and three stars, our archipelago, all to assert, nay, to proclaim, our pride as free Filipinos. But as we bask in the gaiety of commemorative revelry to celebrate 112 years of freedom, it is important for us Filipinos to ask ourselves the question - are we truly free?

It is true that the Filipino today, is not fighting a war against exploitative colonizers. We are a free country and a free people unbound by the grip of foreign oppression. But while we are unmitigated by such forces outside of ourselves, we are in fact, paralyzed by the shackles that lie within us; those which hold us back from progressing as a nation and from growing as a people bound for greatness - just like ghosts which continue to haunt us, despite the fact that we declare ourselves as free.

It is time that we truly liberate ourselves from the bondage of collective Pinoy negativity. From apathy, crab mentality and communal politics; from the attitudes and behaviors that will keep us as insular natives and prevent us from becoming true citizens of the world. It is time that we put an end to accepting mediocrity, employing small thinking, and living with the negative perceptions and labels that follow us around the world. And it certainly is high time, that we make a concerted effort to obliterate corruption, the culture of “pagpapalusot,” incessant complaining and the lack of accountability, and laying blame, that will always weigh us down.

We cannot move further, truly free and unhindered, until and unless, we rid ourselves of that which keeps us bound to the sins, vices, and pettiness of our past.

The good thing is that the Filipino has got what it takes to turn things around. We have the talent, the skill, the resilience, the good nature and the heart to pull things through. But we have to realize that what we really need is to take it upon ourselves, each one of us, the task of doing the right thing in order for us to finally redeem our nation and claim our true freedom.

Let’s put our God-given talents where we badly need them and make this year a true celebration of liberation.

Taas Noo, Filipino!

LALAINE CHU-BENITEZ Publisher and Editor-in-Chief

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Send your letters to: editor@illustrado.net

On Absentee Voting This refers to your article Overseas Voters Absent? In your May 2010 issue. As somebody who loves the Philippines dearly, I feel quite frustrated that a lot of our kabayans here in the UAE are quite apathetic to issues of national concern. Voting is a sacred privilege given to adult citizens of a country, and to refuse it or to not act upon it or is tantamount to saying that we don’t care what happens to our country.

Our country needs us now, more than ever.

As they say, we only get the government we deserve. So if we don’t participate, we should also never complain.

I hope our kabayans will wake up soon and take a more active role so that we can all have a say at how our country is run.

Greetings from Afar Wow! Inspirasyon! Dito sa Canada wala pa akong nakikitang influential Filipino magazine as this one.

I want to be a part of such inspiring movement, being a Filipina. You have an identity that speaks so strongly and yet has emerged from very humble beginnings.

And to all the Filipinos experiencing roadblocks abroad: don’t forget to smile, and still love the world. Our genuine smile and happy personalities create many of the outstanding images of Filipinos.

Ayen Pipit I am a Chicago-based artist. I would like a subscription of your magazine. How do I go about doing that and do you have entries for submission for visual artists not in the Gulf Area? Any way, your magazine looks fabulous!

And I can’t wait to get my hands on it. Do you have an online magazine as well so I can read articles and such?

Cesar Conde

Umaasa at taas noo!

Norberto Badian Congratulations on such an enlightening read!

Mabrook, Illustrado. Keep up the good work!

I’m a regular reader of your magazine and also a fan of your Facebook page. I couldn’t help but notice one post you have put during the Philippine election week – “Tandaan: ang kasaysayan ng bayan ay kasaysayan mo rin.

Ang kinabukasan nito ay kinabukasan mo rin.»

- Filipino designer Brian Tenorio.

I have to agree wholly. Sometimes we think that we are out of the Philippines – therefore, we are not involved and we are saved from the difficulties there and cannot be hurt by the problems far away from us. But in reality, we cannot escape where we came from, because we will have to go back there someday. And of course, we have our family and friends there, too. So if we don’t put an effort to make things right, we will ultimately suffer the consequences.

Everything has to start from each of us. Like what Efren Peñaflorida said, be the change you want to be.

Ma. Fe Manahan

Anyway, how you do you get people for your Pinoy PRO section? I have some friends who have very good qualifications. Can I recommend them?

Esther Montuerto

You may recommend your friends for possible feature in Pinoy PRO. Kindly e-mail us complete professional details at: admin@illustrado.net Editor My husband and I love reading your Kabuhayan pages with the business focus as well as the articles of Mr. Francisco Colayco on money. It teaches us a lot of things, especially since we’re saving up for a possible business.

Can you feature more articles on franchising because that will be very helpful for us? We’re considering going that route in the next two years.

Rozaida Hizon ………………………

Fashion, Annie B, atbp.

Your fashion pages rock, Illustrado! Thank you for featuring the works of great Filipino designers in the Gulf! I’m definitely a fan and I’m gushing just seeing the lovely gowns in your pages.

Unfortunately, I don’t have access to the Dubai Fashion Week, but still, seeing Michael Cinco and Furne One’s clothes, not to mention Reynaldo Gonzaga and Ezra Santos is just such a treat.

Filipinos are so amazingly talented and when it comes to the creative arts, where right at the top!

Go, go, go, Pinoy!

Gesh Anillo Ang galling-galing talaga ni Annie B! Mabuhay po kayo!

Teza Magat

……………..

Thank you very much for your kind words.

Unfortunately, print subscription is specific to the Gulf at the moment, but you can check out our website at: www.illustrado.net.

We are also moving to a more globalized Filipino community approach so you may send us copies of your visual art at: illustrado@inbox.com and we’ll see how we can accommodate you.

Editor

Kabuhayan Enthusiasts Thank for the very educational articles you are publishing, especially in the Kabuhayan section. It serves as an inspiration to people like me who dream of having my own business someday. I don’t want to be an employee forever so I’m trying to learn as much as I can (self-study) on how I can possibly go into my own business venture.

Appreciate the great work you are doing for the Filipino community here, Illustrado. You give us more and more reasons to be inspired every month – from our beautiful country to our great people. It always boosts my spirits to see some good news about our own community. Keep doing what you’re doing, Illustrado!

Mona Villafuerte

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CONTRIBUTORS Bernadette Reyes

Alfred ‘Krip’ Yuson

Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature Hall of Famer, Man Asian Literary Prize shortlister, and distinguished author of 23 books including his 2010 launch “Poems Singkwenta’y Cinco,” Alfred ‘Krip’ Yuson continues to feed Illustrado with his signature articles that are both insightful and irreverent and always written with the utmost delicacy.

This month, Krip tackles the issue of nationalism and shares with childlike glee his kite project dedicated to Noynoy.

Bringing us news on the recently concluded Philippine Elections in May is freelance writer and GMA TV news reporter Bernadette Reyes. Capping all the sleepless nights she spent covering the country’s landmark event, Bernadette tells us why this year’s exercise marks a new era in Philippine poll history.

Ambassador Grace RelucioPrincesa

Sharing her timely insights on the Filipino situation every month is Her Excellency Grace Relucio-Princessa, Philippine Ambassador to the UAE. In her column Bayanihan Corner, dedicated to foster goodwill within the Filipino community in the emirates, the good Ambassador takes us on a reassessment of Philippine Independence and what it really stands for Overseas Filipinos in this day and age.

Bo Sanchez

Sherry Tenorio

Dubai-based writer, editor and girl-about-town Sherry Tenorio fills us with an entire section of wedding bits and pieces this month of brides. From getting married 101, to proposals, unique wedding ideas and the current view on marital unions, Sherry shows us that there is more to weddings than just saying “I do.”

Illustrado contributor Bo Sanchez is a renowned author, motivational speaker and a TOYM (Ten Outstanding Young Men) awardee in the Philippines. In his column this month, Bo rightfully recognizes the significance of fatherhood and discusses the importance of the role of the men in our lives, just in time for Father’s Day, in “Are You Man Enough?”

Eros Goze

Capturing the extraordinary and opulent couture creations of notable UAE-based Filipino fashion designers this month is Eros Goze, in the fashion editorial “The Dream Weavers.” More than just a photographer, fashion designer, and a conceptual artist, Eros’ work is continuously evolving but consistently carries his natural grasp for the creatively glamorous and the darkly thoughtprovoking.

Loraine Balita

Vic Lactaoen

If there’s anybody who know how best to enjoy and appreciate popular Philippine and Asian destinations, it’s definitely Vic Lactaoen. Illustrado’s Associate Editor, Vic is not only a seasoned travel writer for over a decade but also the former head of Public Information for the ASEAN Secretariat. In this issue, he shows us a different way of enjoying legendary Bora, beyond the beach and the nightly parties, this time on two wheels in “Boracay Off-Road.”

“Manila, Manila, I keep coming back to Manila,” says that song about going home. But this time, Illustrado goes way back to the metro, in fact to the Manila of the 30s in Loraine Balita’s retrospective piece ‘Remembering the Beauty of Old Manila.’ Loraine is a freelance writer, a teacher at the De La Salle University and a travel junkie who is smitten with nostalgia for the Philippine capital.

Publisher & Editor-in Chief Lalaine Chu-Benitez Associate Editor Vic Lactaoen CONTRIBUTING WRITERS UAE, Philippines, USA Aby Yap JR Bustamante Anna Lorraine Balita Jude Cartalaba Bernadette Reyes Karen Galarpe Bo Sanchez KC Abalos Carlito Viriña Krip Yuson Chayie Maligalig Lawrence Diche David Poarch Shar Matingka Excel Dyquiangco Sherry Tenorio Flordeliz Samonte Sonny Guzman Francisco Colayco Vic Lactaoen Isabel Warren Victor Sollorano Isabelo Samonte Ivan Henares Jack Catarata Jesse Edep ART DIRECTORS Tom Bolivar Paula Lorenzo Ron Perez CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS UAE Illuminado Ong Pot Ph Ik Lumberio Melandro Sanggalang Mac Antonio Jit Sanggalang Eros Goze CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS PHILIPPINES Dr. Marlon Pecjo Glenn Peter-Perez Filbert Kung CONTRIBUTING STYLISTS & FASHION TEAM UAE Zekundo Chu Basil Yunting Jessie Tabla Gino Aldente PUBLISHER - UAE Illustrado Communications FZ-LLC 2nd Floor, Building 2, P.O. Box 72280 Office 20C Dubai Media City, UAE Tel: +9714 365 4543, 365 4547 Fax:+9714 360 4771 E-mail: admin@illustrado.net, info@illustrado.net Web: www.illustrado.net, www.illustrado.agilaglobal.net PRINTERS PRINTWELL PRINTING LLC P.O. Box 18828 Dubai, UAE Copyright Illustrado Communications FZ-LLC 2006-2010. All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without the written permission of Illustrado Communications FZ-LLC.

48 CONTENTS

May 2010

A rich ensemble of haute couture creations from 12 notable UAE based Filipino designers, make up this month’s indulgent fashion spread – “The Dream Weavers.”

FEATURES

FASHION

Elections Philippines 2010 12 Hoping to fly high, for and with Noynoy Aquino 16 Uso pa ba ang Kasal? 36 Popping the Question 40 Getting Married 101 42 Dreaming of Unique Weddings 44 Uplifting the Pinoy 80

Fashion Editorial: The Dream Weavers 48

PLACES Trippin’: Five Things to Do this Month 72 Trippin’: Remembering the Beauty of Old Manila 74 Bakasyon Grande: Boracay Off Road 76 Pinoy Planet: My Pinoy Life In… Almaty, Kazakhstan 78

REGULAR COLUMNS Editor’s Note 1 Letters 2 Contributors 4 Contents 5 Bayanihan Corner – A Look at our Freedom 6 Illuminati – Loving a Nation, Other than a Country 8 Pinoy Pro 20 Kabuhayan: Outlandish Bags 22 Pinoy Entrepreneur 24 Illustrado Profile: Andronico del Rosario – From Scrap to Success 26 Spirituality: Are you a Real Man? 28 Global Barrio News 30, 32, 34 Community 84 Onli in da Pilipins: Pilipinas Pinaka! 86 Annie B Chronicles: Da Idols in My Life 90 Illustrado Faces 95 Classifieds Listing: Filipino & Filipino-Oriented Establishments 98

42

6 BAYANIHAN CORNER

A Look at our Freedom

By Ambassador Grace Relucio-Princesa

It was 112 years ago, on the 12th of June 1898, when Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo raised the Philippine flag in Kawit, Cavite. Then, we fought and won against the Spaniards. It was a freedom that had to wait until 1946 when we reclaimed it first from the Japanese and then from the Americans.

We were the first democracy in Asia.

But where are we now? What are we free from and what are we free to do?

O

ur first automated elections were held in a transparent manner last May 2010. We are now free to continue what has begun. Specifically, in vigorously participating in shaping our country as Overseas Filipinos (OFs), by ensuring that our voices are heard in the midterm elections in 2013. If we do that, we can inject our own ideas when it comes to migration issues that affect our lives and that of our loved ones. Hopefully, we could free ourselves from apathy from civic duty. We should vote and vote wisely.

We are Asia’s most lively, most rambunctious in fact, when it comes to media freedom. Sometimes, though, there is not enough responsibility in reportage. There is a clarion call for us in the media to be free, but to exercise this liberty with the utmost conscientiousness.

Still, ours is a country with distinctive TLC (tender, loving care).

Thus, we are most sought after as doctors and other allied medical professionals. Likewise, our smiles light up hotels and other service oriented establishments, both in the Philippines and outside its pristine shores. Our “female kasambahays” are still very much in demand. Yes, we are free to travel around the world, but let it be in a mode of migration out of choice, and not of desperation, in order for us to maximize the gains and minimize the pains of labor migration.

We are rich, as a nation and talented as a people. Yet, we need to be free from our prevalent mindset of scarcity towards a mindset of abundance. We are pursuing this vision through financial and entrepreneurial literacy programs which we have initiated in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain. As part of Kalayaan 2010 activities, we had a Roadshow on Financial Literacy led by the Philippine Bureau of Treasury. The team had representatives from BPI Capital Corp., PNB Capital and Investment Corporation and the First Metro Investment Corporation. Simultaneously, we had a Kalayaan 2010 Bazaar at the Maharlika House (the Ambassador’s Residence) to practice entrepreneurial skills. These much-needed skills for Filipinos were further discussed through a lecture on the same topic hosted by the UPAA-UAE (University of the Philippines Alumni Association in the UAE).

As part of our Kalayaan Walk at the Abu Dhabi Corniche, we featured the Sinulog Fesival. We have the freedom of choice to be regionalistic if we compete healthily to showcase what we are known for and best at. But we should free ourselves from mindless competition and, instead share with the world our God–given talents and local culture that is truly WOW Philippines.

We started Team Bayanihan this year. Anybody who wishes to lift up the Philippines is free to join; anyone not free from “crab mentality” is not welcome.

Another year has been given to us; to be free from anything and anyone that prevents us from claiming our birthright to be a light and a model in the family of nations.

Let us seize the moment!

Mabuhay ang malayang Pilipinas!

Mabuhay ang mga magigiting at bayaning Pilipino!

8 ILLUMINATI

LOVING A NATION, OTHER THAN COUNTRY

By Krip Yuson

Nationalism can be a funny thing. It can remind us of the story about blind men describing an elephant that each one has only felt up a part of.

To each his own.

But it can still be annoying to hear some groups monopolize the notion of nationalism, believing that only they have the right to label themselves nationalistic, and only because they spend most of their waking hours calling everyone to account.

W

hat’s often called the extreme Left, and maybe also those that are a few shades within its radius, has made a career of claiming themselves to be the only nationalists. It appears to be predicated on their shrill condemnation of such buzzwords as imperialism, hegemony, subservience, colonial mentality, etc.

Everyone else who doesn’t join in the rabble-rousing is denounced as ignorant or with too little love for the nation. Why, even our military personnel who have vowed to give up lives for country — inherent in their calling — are not accepted by most Leftists as being nationalistic like they are. In their view, Filipino soldiers can only be unknowing pawns or tools of the ruling elite.

Now, one would think that the ultimate manifestation of nationalism is the willingness to fight and die for one’s country. It’s a matter of love me, love my dog. Meaning right or wrong, one defends or attacks for country because it’s the only one you have.

Personally, I find attractive Thomas Paine’s proposition: “The world is my country, all mankind are my brethren, and to do good is my religion.” The total embrace is totally appealing: that humanist notion of universalism, or at least globalism. The fewer demarcations are set up, the stronger we stride forward into a future as dreamed of by John Lennon: “Imagine there’s no country, no religion, too.”

Should I even have to apologize for subscribing to what an American hero said or what a British pop idol sang? I think not. I only know I will not fight for the nation per se. I would have and will likely still take up arms against any invaders who threaten the safety of my family, kindred and friends, however.

That to me is equivalent to fighting for country — my loved ones in this familiar habitat and environment, whether we wholeheartedly appreciate that often restrictive setting or not — because I want to defend all my good memories of kinship and friendship, inclusive of all the halo-halo and leche flan and lechon that we’ve gorged on together.

ILLUMINATI 9

Now, fighting for nation is a different banana. It presupposes an already sophisticated, civilized construct of the mind, enshrined in such abstractions as a Constitution, blah-blah-blah. Call me traitor or coward, but I don’t think I can join in on a war of attrition if the Commander-in-Chief follows the voice of corruption and avarice.

By the same token, I cannot fight for nation if I believe it is wrong in its attempt to take over Sabah by force.

There is also that sad evaluation of our nation as still being immature, with its legislators loving every minute they hear their own voices, no matter how their accents betray even the very idea of burlesque.

One has to love one’s nation as much as one’s country to be able to go out on a battlefield with determined resolve.

We are getting there; we will get there. Or, okay, speaking for myself, I’m joining the rest of the stalwart sons of Fighting Filipinos: Defenders of Bataan and Corregidor, soon enough if I can still raise an arm or arms — because I have faith in the Filipino who will mature and build a unique society that can serve as an exemplar for the rest of the world.

We’re getting there, and I’m proud and happy for us. We’re fast becoming a model when it comes to the dynamism of NGOs and the participation of idealistic groups in the committed stewardship that is nation-building.

Nearly 10 percent of our countrymen are abroad, yielding to the yen aroused by our collective mole in the sole — besides earning money, gaining skills, competing in that larger arena of diversity, AND sending the wherewithal of katas that builds sari-sari stores and gated villages back in the old hometown.

Contrary to conventional wisdom, this phenom of diaspora does not simply stem from lack of opportunity at home. Since Magellan’s slave Enrique reputedly became the first earthling to circle the globe, Filipinos have pushed the envelope on the matter of itchy feet. We’ve sent Carlos P. Romulo off to cover every inch of ground in the planet, but since he had such small steps, we’ve all had to follow it up and are still following it up ourselves as legions of a subverting, eventually conquering horde — not only so we can claim representation in any calamity or disaster from Ulan Bator to Uganda or Uruguay.

People decry the supposed «social costs» of this broken-home migration in most instances. But, truth of the matter is, we are like the Hobbits, we love to wander about and gaze awestruck at the marvels on the other side of the river or mountain.

The Waray just has to come to Manila, the Ifugao would love to vacation in Cebu, the Pinoy will do anything to have a photo-op at Machu Picchu. And they will come home again to tell the ones they left behind that it’s a big wonderful world out there — oh, full of dangers too, but on the whole rewarding especially if one makes a clean breast of it and behaves decently and diligently. And all the lessons and skills learned from the other side of the river, that other island, continent or whatever, will come home to roost with all our loved ones.

This is the new nationalism. It had its precedents with our first ilustrados in Spain and Europe. Our diplomats carried on, as Leon Ma. Guerrero did, the fellow who first brought Rizal to the attention of the literary world.

His son David writes now, in promoting a book he has written on his father: “Leon Ma. Guerrero was driven by an intense nationalism that led him to push for a proud assertion of Asian and Filipino identity.

His break with the pro-US establishment in the 1950s and his subsequent ‘exile’ to a series of prominent Ambassadorships meant he pursued his passion overseas.

“As he put it: ‘There is no nationalist more fervent than the expatriate, who sees his nation with all the enchantment lent by distance and absence; and there is no expatriate more nationalist than an ambassador of whom it might be said that he is almost a nationalist by occupation, a professional nationalist.’”

We will all be pros as nationalists when the time comes. For now we still make a distinction between country — that map of memory and imagination — and nation — that edifice we are still building so we can take our proper place in the community of the world that is our eventual country.

12 FEATURE

Election 2010

By Bernadette Reyes

On the 10th of May 2010, Filipinos here and abroad proved to the world that a country however divided by its archipelagic character can be united and act in unison in the name of suffrage.

T

he Commission on Elections (COMELEC) is confident that the success of the first fully automated election in the country has brought back its lost pride after its office was tainted following the “Hello Garci” controversy during the 2004 national election. “I would say it is our works in this election which will give us credibility,” said COMELEC Chairman Jose Melo in an interview.

While long queues in polling places and malfunctioning precinct count optical scan (PCOS) machines may have slowed down the electoral process in several areas and a number of voters have reported disenfranchisement, the COMELEC maintained that the election is nevertheless successful. The long queues were largely a factor of the newly-implemented system of clustered precincts which resulted in more people assigned to vote in a particular polling place. On the other hand many of the disenfranchised voters failed to vote after their names were removed from the voter’s list for failure to update their transfer of registration. Voters who failed to vote for two consecutive elections were likewise delisted. Others waived their right to vote after the PCOS machine in their precinct encountered a tech glitch. Of the 76,347 PCOS machines that were utilized only about 450 have reportedly malfunctioned and were immediately replaced to avoid further disruption in the process. In spite of these

about 450 have reportedly malfunctioned and were immediately replaced to avoid further disruption in the process. In spite of these setbacks, voter’s interest in automated polls was nevertheless evident with voter turnout of 75.06 percent.

In the 2004 election, poll results were questioned after a wiretapped conversation between former COMELEC Commissioner Virgilio Garciliano and President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo surfaced suggested rigging of results in Mindanao. Since then, COMELEC’s credibility has always been doubted especially with the automation of this year’s polls. Some sectors believed that the system would only computerize electoral cheating while others foretold an unavoidable failure of election. The success of the election this year banished these fears.

The strict implementation of security measures by the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) have likewise contributed to the generally peaceful electoral process albeit marred by isolated cases of violence. Election-related violence this election season decreased by as much 60 percent or 105 cases from 168 cases reported in the 2004 presidential election. The decline is even greater when compared to 2007 senatorial elections which had 182 incidents, a drop of about 73 percent. The decrease in deaths and injuries was even more significant during this election with only 89 reported incidents, a 252 percent decrease compared to 313 cases in 2004 and 163 percent drop from 2007 which had 234 cases.

FEATURE 13 The significant decrease in election-related violence is attributed to a number of factors including effective firearms control and accounting of the PNP. “We firmly believe that firearms, specially loose and undocumented, are the main instruments of crime especially during the election period,” said PNP Chief Dir. Gen. Jesus Versoza. The strict implementation of checkpoints also helped deter crimes with over 1,600 checkpoints conducted and manned by some 12,800 PNP personnel while the security in all precincts and canvassing centers were also intensified. Task Forces were also formed in election hotspots including Masbate, Maguindanao, Basilan, Marawi and Abra. “Now that the election is over we still have to contend with the presence of threat groups that is why our security precautions are still in-effect even in the absence of direct threat.

The contributions of 229,200 teachers who served as Board of Election Inspectors in 76,340 clustered precincts were also instrumental in the overall success of the 2010 elections. Their ability to handle defective PCOS machines, manage long queues and appease disenfranchised voters among other complaints was crucial in ensuring credible and orderly elections. While bombing incidents were reported in La union, Lanao del Sur and Masbate, the Department of Education said not one teacher was hurt in these incidents. «We are pleased that our teachers serving in the frontlines of the election were spared from whatever form of violence,» DepEd Secretary Mona Valisno said adding that the absence of untoward incident among teachers will encourage them to take a more active role in the election process. «There is no more any discretion on the part of the teacher to appreciate the ballots, thus there is no reason to intimidate or harass our BEIs. I think we can say that automation has made it safer for the teacher.»

For the first time in Philippine history, some local officials were already proclaimed less than 24 hours after the election thanks to the automated counting. In fact as of 12 noon following election day, some 84 percent of the total number of PCOS machines have already transmitted election results to the canvassing site, according to COMELEC. Telecommunications companies PLDT and Smart were instrumental in the successful transmission of election returns.

“Exhaustive preparations prior to the polls enabled us to operate our networks trouble-free,” said PLDT and Smart spokesman Ramon Isberto.

COMELEC Commissioner Nicodemo Ferrer admitted the automated election had its flaws but these can always be improved and resolved for future undertaking. “We are learning that there are some glitches that we have to remedy. So what we’re doing is a learning experience. In other words, we get to know our shortcomings and then we can remedy this in future elections,” Ferrer said. Meanwhile COMELEC Commissioner Rene Sarmiento commended the leadership of Chairman Jose Melo under whose leadership the first fully automated election system was launched in the country. The success of the system he said is a “big step towards the restoration of the credibility of COMELEC.”We have much raw data to invoke to further enhance our electoral process so that it will mean a vibrant and robust democracy for the Philippines,” Sarmiento said.

Manila Archbishop Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales who earlier called for three days of prayer for the intercession of a peaceful election commended the voters, volunteers and the poll officials for the conduct of the election.”Thank you to those behind this automation.

They did a good job,” Rosales said.

Even the international community lauded the recent polls and only had good words to say. EU Ambassador to the Philippines Alistair MacDonald was able to witness the local election in Cavite and Batangas while many of his colleagues form the EU Embassies also observed the election across the regions and all were impressed with the turnout of events. “Despite the intense heat, the long lines and the inevitable unfamiliarity of a new process, our observations suggested that this process was carried out smoothly, and the results transmitted rapidly, in the great majority of cases. The elections of May 10, the high voter turnout and the admirable patience shown by the voters were an impressive proof of the resolve of the Philippine people to have their voice heard in both national and local politics,» Ambassador MacDonald said.

Meanwhile the US Embassy deployed 120 observers across the country to witness and assess the election. They noted the active participation of the Filipinos by serving the country as volunteers, exercising their right to suffrage and ensuring the integrity of the ballots from transport to counting. “While there are always lessons to be learned, our overwhelming impression is that the Philippines has much to be proud of the election. We look forward to a smooth transition and, after June 30, to working with the new Philippine government to deepen the friendship and partnership between our two nations, and to advance our common goals for the benefit of the Southeast Asia region and the world.”

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16 FEATURE

Hoping to fly high, for and with

Noynoy Aquino

By Krip Yuson

Last April I thought up an activity that not only would fittingly express my affection, hope and support for my candidate for Philippine President, but could also help out a bit in the yellow cause.

I had ordered through a friend with Divisoria connections, cheap papel de hapon kites – 500 yellow plastic ones, with the text “Noynoy Aquino Is My President.” What I imagined and imaged was that all 500 kites would be made to fly one day in a public place, against a clear blue sky (which might suggest Mar Roxas for VP) — to create a grandiloquent photo ops that could result in a national broadsheet’s frontpage feature on a Sunday. the kids and give ‘em soft drinks, etc. Hmm, tougher than I thought, especially when the lady volunteers let on that all their scheduled Noynoy sorties in Makati left them hardly any day free.

While taking five to rethink the plan, I made sure to test the prototype kite. On a beach in Calatagan, Batangas, it flew well, but tended to spiral before catching that consistent gust that would hold it in elegant fluttering place. I doubled the length of the yellow tail to add more weight as it seemed top-heavy, and also broke off an inch from the protruding bamboo stick that was the nose. It worked. When it soared to about 80 feet, the sea breeze held it in place. Lovely.

Bringing it down, however, a friend made the mistake of running with it on the narrow beach, and the kite snagged on the top branches of a lordly talisay. Haha. We couldn’t get it down before dark, and had to wait for the morning before sending a young boy to climb up the slender boughs and hack at ‘em until we retrieved the kite.

I communicated this to some friends, and everyone thought it was a capital idea. But when it came to actually mounting the activity, the unexpected hurdles came up, in terms of scheduling and, more crucially, the venue.

I had assumed that everyone was free to fly a kite anywhere, that is, on any open ground free of electric wires and leafy trees to avoid entanglement. But it seemed that organizing an army of 500 volunteers to fly that many kites would take some doing.

I preferred to have the spectacle conducted on any of the still empty fields at The Fort or Bonifacio Global City. The initial feedback was that Taguig Mayor Dante Tinga’s wife Kaye was all for the idea, and even offered to bring schoolchildren to fly some of the kites.

But then my projected weekend conflicted with Taguig’s Founding Anniversary activities. And there were questions on who would feed

But the image of that lone kite with the Noynoy visage held in place up there against the sky, with the string taut as long as the wind held up, gave me another notion. Why, I wouldn’t need a battalion of 500 kite-flyers to produce the spectacle — whether at The Fort or Luneta or UP Diliman or the Ateneo campus.

Fifty people could fly the first set of kites until they were lofted in place, then weigh down the string handle or tie it around a spike in the ground, and send up the second set of 50 kites, and so forth.

500 kites flown at, say, ten meters’ distance from one another, would require an open field 100 meters long and 50 meters wide, or about half a hectare.

I wrote an official of the Bonifacio Art Foundation, proposing a performance art event cum ephemeral in-flight installation, with assorted artists and musicians taking part in a celebration of Maytime.

Poems would be recited and chants conducted, percussion music throb while 500 kites fly en masse, in a grand fluttering formation.

FEATURE 17

Calatagan

But I had to own up that all 500 kites would be colored yellow.

Haha. The jig was up. The long and short of it was that word came that the Boni developers frowned on any use of any part of The Fort for any partisan political activity.

Time was running out. The campaign period had a final weekend left. The break came when a Noynoy volunteer group asked me in for a meeting that would lay down the final plans for an Araw ng Dilaw show of force from the Araneta Center to the People Power Monument on EDSA corner White Plains Avenue. I was promised scores of volunteers to help the artist-friends who had sworn commitment. Great.

The day before, the afternoon winds died down. A son and I tried the kites again at the football field in Ateneo, but there was only deadwind more often not, gray skies, with masses of clouds hanging low, meaning a threat of rain.

The next day it became just a bit better. As the activities built up around the stage by the monument, our assigned place at the far end of the avenue, past the skateboarders, would often experience sudden gusts. But as we flew the kites, only at most a dozen would manage to stay up in that lofting area in the sky for a few minutes, before they would tumble down at deadwind.

Well, better than nothing. The skateboarders asked for kites and raced down the avenue with the wind and fluttering kites on their back. Policemen on motorcycles did the same. Families that trooped towards the corner of EDSA asked if they could also fly some, so that artist-friends and I wound up giving away about 200 of the kites. And it was a glorious experience when they would go up and whip about, yellow against gray sky (ominous for Mar, as it turned

Jumeirah

White Plains

out) — our repeated, only half-successful attempts at sending up the Noynoy kites en masse.

It still didn’t produce quite the spectacle I had envisioned, of all 500 kites up in the air for a great shot. But there’s still a chance to send up the 300 leftover kites on the day Corystas and Noynoyistas gather in a public place to celebrate the official affirmation of our champion’s electoral triumph as the People’s President.

It’s already June and the canvassing is proceeding at a slow pace.

But maybe soon after Independence Day, Congress will proclaim the President-elect, and I can only hope that the winds of May will be replicated on whatever day it is that should augur well for our next six years as a high-flying “democrazy.”

Meanwhile, I’ve taken samples of the Noynoy kite to Dubai and flown one with the Burj Al Arab hotel on the sea as a significant backdrop, with the winds on Jumeirah Beach providing the light lifting.

At Antulang Resort an hour south of Dumaguete, I managed to get one up on a cliffside by the sea for some wonderful moments before it dove and it took a swim in the infinity pool. Haha. And on the foothills of Cuernos de Negros past Valencia town, up by the Writers Village at Camp Lookout, some kids are now happy flying their Noynoy kite, which I handed them at the end of the Silliman University Writers Workshop on the last weekend of May. In June, the rest of my yellow Noynoy kites will fly, perchance all together. And as the month ends he will take his oath of office as our President for the next six years — of hope, of change, of decency.

That is all he stands for, but it is enough for the majority of us who voted for him — our smoking President, our Jejemon president, our first bachelor President — the fated one whose nickname ironically began to ring in our hearts on the day his beloved mother left us.

Sure, detractors will keep saying he wasn’t the best prepared or the most accomplished. No matter. More of us believe he is what our times need, if it should have any chance at all to break away from a past that has cultivated a culture of impunity: read garapal, brazenness, total insensitivity and pagka-kapalmuks.

Negros

Can Noynoy do what we expect of him? He will have a tough time.

The Arroyos and Marcoses and all the other remnants of unmitigated privilege and power with a stillborn sense of governance are all over the place, together with various other vestiges of the kind of leaders we should do without.

20 PINOY PRO Celebrating the Professional Pinoy Vanessa Ogilvy Business Development Manager DSV Air & Sea LLC Dubai Cargo Village Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Vanessa Ogilvy arrived in Dubai three years ago to take advantage of the employment opportunities available in the country. Armed with industry specific qualifications, a degree of Bachelor of Science in Customs Administration from the Asian Institute of Maritime Studies and logistics management experience in the Philippines,Vanessa worked her way up the career ladder starting at a basic desk level position, making use of her qualifications, eventually working for three major multinational organizations in the field, and successfully increasing her level of responsibility and authority each time.

She first worked for Kuehne Nagel LLC as Import Executive Operations for Global Key Accounts from 2006 to 2008, and then transferred to DANZAS AEI LLC/DHL Global Forwarding from 2008 to 2009 as a Supervisor for the Ocean Freight Department for Europe Trade Lane and Special Accounts. During her tenure with Danzas/DHL Global, Vanessa received various recognitions in lieu to her contributions in improving the business, including her success in running a department with different nationalities under her management. In January this year, Vanessa joined DSV Air and Sea LLC (De Sammensluttede Vognmand) as Business Development Manager.

In her free time, Vanessa loves to dance and spend time with her husband, British national Andrew James Ogilvy, and their three daughters.

Dawn Almario Senior Art Director Horizon Draft FCB Dubai, UAE

New York Ad Festival silver-awardee Dawn Almario is a Senior Art Director at Dubai-based Horizon Draft FCB. A Fine Arts graduate from the University of Sto. Tomas (UST), Dawn has 17 years of experience in the advertising field and comes from one of the biggest, and most creative ad agencies in Manila — McCann Erickson, Philippines.

Dawn moved to Dubai some over a decade years ago and has worked with Elite Advertising as well as Impact BBDO before joining her current company. She says of her profession, “There is nothing more familiar, more comfortable, more satisfying, more frustrating, more stressful, more fun than what I do for a living. The idea, of ‘selling an idea’ is probably one of the most difficult things, because the idea has to go through a lot of judgments before it sees the light of day.

But once it’s sold—that’s when our job becomes meaningful. After that, you try to sell again.”

Beyond her eight to five job, Dawn loves to paint, hang out with friends and is devoted to learning conversational French. Recently, she has also formed Philanthropilipino, an informal group which aims to give back humbly to the community, with the goal of promoting the well-being of fellow Filipinos. To find out more about Philanthropilipino, visit - www.facebook.com/group.php?g id=118643888168339&ref=ts.

Jinger Panganiban Marketing & Sales Manager Saleh Bin Lahej Group – Hospitality Division Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Holding nine years of solid marketing background as well as experience in events management and banquets, Jinger Panganiban is the Marketing and Sales Manager for Saleh Bin Lahej Group’s Hospitality Division.

She handles eight popular casual dining restaurants, namely - Chili’s, Romano’s Macaroni Grill, El Chico, Cantina Laredo, Black Canyon, The Pizza Company, Swensen’s and Pinoy Grill which have branches across the Middle East.

Jinger is a graduate of BS Commerce Major in Marketing at Saint Paul College of Manila. Right after graduation, she joined the family business to cultivate her entrepreneurial drive and to hone her managerial skills. At the age of 23, she took Master in Entrepreneurship at the Asian Institute of Management where she was introduced to a new dogma that allowed her to gain mastery of self, the business industry and the expeditious ability to comprehend business environment. It is her grasp of holistic business learning that allowed her to understand all aspects of the industry and interact with different individuals from all walks of life.

With her passion for her field, Jinger has initiated the “My Restaurant Marketing» training concept for the managers in her current company, with the objective of cultivating ownership and understanding of the various restaurant brands and trade areas.

From all of her endeavors, her son Jeroun has always been her ultimate inspiration and source of strength and happiness.

Edson Liong Imports Manager ESMA Industrial Enterprises Jebel Ali Free Zone, Dubai, UAE

Proud Zamboangueño Edson Liong works as the Imports Manager for Esma Industrial, a leading engineering company in the emirates providing services to the oil and gas, marine, power generation, and desalination, manufacturing and packaging industries among other sectors. Reporting directly to the Managing Director, Edson’s job entails overseeing the pricing and purchasing of materials and tools sourced from around the world for the company’s clients in the UAE, GCC, Baku and Kazakhstan. The company currently manages over 40,000 line items from some of the most reputed manufacturers in the world in stock at their large warehousing facility in Jebel Ali Free Zone.

Previous to his employment with Esma Industrial, Edson was Asset/Material In-Charge at Drake and Scull International (MEP Engineering) also based in Dubai. This was his first post when he started in the emirate in 2006. In the Philippines, Edson has held the positions of Human Resources In-Charge, Board of Trustees/ Assistant to the President, and Finance Manager consecutively at the Zion Evangelical School, in Zamboanga City. He also worked as Regional Sales Manager for Bookcraft Publishing in Manila.

A highly spiritual individual, Edson believes that success can be had, not only with education, and experience, but most importantly with the utmost faith and obedience to God.

22 KABUHAYAN ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Outlandish bags

By Bernadette Reyes

They say one man’s trash is someone else’s treasure. Four young entrepreneurs in the Visayas make treasures out of what others might deem as rubbish. “Visayas is known to be a copra-producing region but after the dried meat has been taken out, the coconut shells are left behind. We thought why not make something useful out of it?” says Pam Palmares.

P

Pam along with cousins Michelle Jalandoni, Jennifer Jalandoni and Ana Jamora called their collection Outlandish with their bags made of materials out of the ordinary. They recreate and recycle materials into unique pieces by combining them with items made by local craftspeople out of indigenous materials from Panay and Negros provinces in the Visayas. Aside from coconut shells, materials like pandan from the province of Guimaras, hablon from Iloilo, raffia from Aklan and seashells abundant in the coastal towns of the islands take center stage in their designs. While these indigenous materials may not be traditional materials for bags, Pam said bags made out of these have been receiving flattering remarks from their buyers at the same time they are able to help the environment. “We saw a need to instill Pinoy pride into the hearts and minds of our generation. We believed that in our own little way, we could help save the environment, revive patriotism and uplift lives one hip and stylish bag at a time,” said Pam. Aside from unique materials, Outlandish bags are also one-of-akind pieces as no bag is exactly the same. “The bags we produce

for this line are not mass produced. We either make them to suit the taste and personality of clients who order from us, or the embellishments and materials we use are very unique and limited,” Jennifer explained. “That’s why we called our bags Outlandish! They say there’s an element of surprise in every piece,” Michelle said.

A business doesn’t have to start big to become successful as proven by these young entrepreneurs. “We pitched in from our own personal savings, which is a very minimal amount, and started a small collection of bags from that,” Pam said. The business started as a hobby in 2005 for cousins Pam and Michelle Jalandoni. Pam makes the designs while Michelle took charge of accessorizing the bags. Three years after, the business expanded after Jennifer and Ana joined the team.

While all four have various degrees of business background that helped launch the business, Pam said they had their share of problems and challenges particularly in the production process.

“Training the staff in bag making was tedious and entailed a lot of research and consultations. Working with natural materials also had its own concerns especially on preservation. Capitalization was also a key issue since we had to invest on learning, equipment and development of our products. Since fashion is fast paced, we had to learn and be aware of trends,” Pam explained.

ENTREPRENEURSHIP KABUHAYAN 23

Their youth at times also gets in the way of business but instead of being disheartened by these challenges, these entrepreneurs have these to say, “When you are young, mistakes are forgivable and there is still so much time to make up for them,” Jennifer said.

“Most people who have made their mark in an industry are very willing to teach young people the ropes. Their wisdom is a great help for young entrepreneurs and it will aid them all throughout,” Ana added.

Their knowledge in business also taught these entrepreneurs to become innovative. Bamboo, seeds and banana stalks might just be included in their upcoming designs and not just exclusively for bags. “We will also develop our corporate giveaways line so as to come up with more eco-ethical, patriotic designs,” Pam said.

To expand their reach and service a wider clientele, the group is actively looking for business partners and distribution outlets that share the same advocacy and passion for what they call ecoethical products. They are also open to negotiations to market their products abroad. “We believe that the uniqueness of our bags in terms of materials, embellishment and style could be well appreciated abroad. The intricate details also matter for international buyers,” Pam said.

By expanding their business, not only do they benefit but other communities as well. The indigenous materials used for their bags are sourced from some small scale producers and cooperatives that provide livelihood to communities in the Visayas. The more orders they book, the more economic activity they provide to these people.

A business also doesn’t have to be big in operation to have a sense of corporate social responsibility. Part of the sales of Outlandish bags support the education and values formation of child scholars from Brgy. Calumpang in Iloilo.

While this bag business is a part-time activity for Pam, Michelle, Jennifer and Ana, they believe it is their full-time responsibility to inspire their fellow youth and instill pride in proudly made in the Philippines products. “The uniqueness of a piece that we produce can increase the awareness of other Filipino entrepreneurs of the beauty and abundance of the Philippines in God-given resources and talent that have long been taken for granted,” Ana said. “We feel blessed to have been given the opportunity to share our talents; provide livelihood and promote the resources and creativity of the Filipino. We hope to inspire them to also go into business,

not just solely for profit, but because of passion and pride for the “sariling atin”; to realize through the materials that we use, that the most ordinary discarded materials can still be made into something beautiful and that to make a difference one does not need to do great things, though small, but with great love,” Pam concluded.

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26 ILLUSTRADO PROFILE

From scrap to success

By Lalaine Chu-Benitez

The guy with the curly hair ambled around the spacious warehouse in his casual shorts and sneakers, quietly moving props, sweeping the odd discarded bits of paper on the floor, over extending his warm Pinoy hospitality. He is just your average Juan dela Cruz, of medium stature and an easy gait, an unassuming person who’s always quick to smile, this Andronico del Rosario or Andrew to his friends in the industry. But his rise in life from such underprivileged beginnings is no small feat, and his life by no means ordinary.

“I

grew up with the CCF (Christian Children’s Fund). Kasama ako dun sa mga batang madungis na pinapakita sa TV noon,” Andrew recalls of his less than fortunate beginnings. Because his parents were unable to fend for the family, Andrew was sponsored by American foster parents who supported him through high school through the CCF international charity network.

Right after high school, Andrew became a construction worker to provide for his family and studied air-conditioning and refrigeration via free vocational courses offered by the city of Makati in those days.

“I had a dream,” he shares. “I always thought that I should have a specialty so that I can find a proper job. I thought if I finished A/C and refrigeration, I could be a technician, since I couldn’t study engineering and I couldn’t apply in fast food chains which needed college students.”

Andrew eventually found employment in SM ShoeMart starting out as helper/cleaner in the display and merchandising workshop, disadvantaged by the fact that he did not have any formal art training while everybody else in team was a fine arts graduate. Falling in love with the job of doing display, he persevered and strove to learn. He remembers spending hours and hours at National Bookstore looking through books, imbibing the works of Picasso and Monet, then he would bring home paints to keep on practicing. Since he couldn’t draw a perfect picture, he instead played with colors, shapes and expressions and used Picasso’s Guernica, as well as Andy Warhol’s colorful art as his inspirations. Several years down the road, Andrew would be amazed at how he was able to do his biggest painting a 16 meter by 11 meter high piece of the Jumeirah Mosque, which won him the Holy Quran Award in the emirates in 1996.

By some stroke of fate, Andrew found his way to Dubai almost two decades ago helped by his uncle who was also working in display.

He moved to the emirate to make a leap to further support his family. Working as a display artist, Andrew took the opportunity of being in a multicultural environment to further learn his craft.

Something about Dubai also inspired the pioneering spirit in him.

“I saw other people who were not so educated, as I was, having their own business. So I thought, if they can, the I can do it too.”

Andrew worked on displays and windows for popular retail outlets around the emirates. With his industriousness and devotion that showed in the quality of his work, he started getting freelance requests from clients for the fabrication of props and other materials. The side jobs offered Andrew the opportunity of earning extra money.

And with his resourceful idea of fabricating materials from scrap, he was able to create another source of income literally from nothing.

“It started as small requests in the beginning, but then I got more jobs and before I knew it, I was earning more from freelance than from my regular job.”

Newly married at that time, but fearless and ready for challenges, Andrew decided to leave his regular job, to go into a business of his own. He started Artventure, a small set-up with just a AED6,000 capital in 1996. “Mahirap noong una. I had this small workshop in Sharjah, with second hand furniture, and a fake telephone,” he laughs.

But Andrew’s business did not stay small and instead grew from strength to strength. “My first client was Matador sunglasses, but later on, we started serving big companies like Jashanmal, Al Shaya Group of Companies, PICO Middle East, Areej, Al Futtaim, Ikea, and so many others. I was also very fortunate to marry a professional Pinay who helped me especially in administrative work,” he shares.

ILLUSTRADO PROFILE 27

“But she would always wonder how I’m able to convince clients to pay a lot of money.” Andrew continues, “It’s probably because I never had to sell myself. My clients always hired me because they know my work and they trusted me. So I never had to push. Pag mahal mo ang trabaho mo, it will always reflect in the quality of your work.”

Andrew says his small business’ turning point came when he was able to start paying himself a salary after the third year of operation.

Another landmark was when he was able to expand services and offer more than just props fabrication and set design. He branched out into films – i.e. special effects, and was involved in the first ever car commercial shoot in Dubai, providing a big scale sculpture for Toyota Echo.

At that time, Andrew also established a bigger warehouse in Dubai, which since then has been catering to the advertising, fashion and film industry in the region, providing commercial space, display and set fabrication, special effects and in recent years, art direction as well. Artventure has most of the retail giants as clients, as well as Emirates Airlines, Dubai Media City, MBC, Bainunah Channel (Abu Dhabi) among so many others. Andrew’s warehouse has also hosted many a commercial, fashion and film shoots, including the local film production of the George Clooney and Matt Damon starrer Siriana.

While his business grew steadily, Andrew made another major move when he and his wife decided to shift the family to Canada in 2005.

“I felt like there was not much challenge in Dubai anymore as it is quite a small place. We also wanted our kids to have a bigger

environment where they can grow and discover the world,” says Andrew.

While his Dubai business continues to run, Andrew has established and also runs ArtFX north of Toronto. There, his company specializes in model making, set building, staging, once again, mainly catering to the film industry, events, theater, etc. The company works as subcontractor for Brand Power Set Solutions, various production companies, and Radkey Film Groups among a host of other esteemed clients.

Fifteen years since he’s jumped at the opportunity of becoming a full-pledged entrepreneur, Andrew maintains his feet on the ground, and says he is pleased with what he has achieved, especially having been able to send all his 11 siblings to school and provide his family a great future. Now, Andrew’s dreams have changed, “I want to be a fine artist someday. I just want to paint and sculpt for myself and maybe people will see it. I won’t do things just to sell them. I do it because I love it.”’

Andrew says his secret to success is all about believing in a higher power, having an eagerness to always learn and being committed to what he loves to do. “You only live once so you need to find yourself, look for what you want to do and go for it.” He also shares his attitude that has kept him moving higher and higher all these years – “I don’t make plans the way professionals do. Minsan, sa sobrang talino, nagkakaroon agad tayo ng ‘what if,” he observes. “In fact, we are the ones making our own choices. So if you want something nobody can stop you. You should just grab that dream and not be discouraged by the negatives. Take a risk and just do it.”

28 SUCCESSFUL PINOY SPIRITUALITY

Are You a Real Man? By : Bo Sanchez

June, aside from traditionally the “marriest” month of the year, is also the month the world celebrates Father’s Day. Thus, I am reminded of an article I wrote about fatherhood. Here, I share it with you...

The crisis of the world today is a crisis for real manhood.

When my eldest boy, Bene, turned seven years old, I made him a special manhood “Ritual of Passage.” I told him it’s the first of a three-part series: the first at age seven, the second at age 14, and the third at age 21. I copied this pattern from the knighthood culture, where a boy becomes a “Page” at age seven, a “Squire” at age 14, and a “Knight” at age 21 — and since my son loved reading about knights, he was giddy with excitement.

I’ve learned that ancient and medieval cultures always had great manhood “Rituals of Passage.” The Jews have the Bar Mitzvah.

Australian aboriginal tribes had circumcision. African tribes sent their boys into the wilderness — alone. But prior to these ceremonies, Dads usually passed on their craft to their son. That meant countless hours teaching their boys how to hunt boar, or saw wood, or shape iron, or throw a spear. Fathers also taught their sons how to endure difficulty and pain so they could fight for what they loved.

But once they got initiated in these rituals, the boys knew without a doubt that they were no longer boys, but men. They took the leap — from irresponsibility to responsibility, from being carefree to being disciplined, from ignorance to wisdom, from being a follower to being a leader.

Today, we no longer have these “Rituals of Passage”. Why? Because we don’t know what a real man is anymore.

Some guys think they can prove their manhood by getting drunk or picking a fight.

Manhood, my foot. Drunks are sissies with a capital S. And hotheaded bullies are really disguised kids still throwing temper tantrums.

Real men have so much respect for themselves, they prize their selfcontrol.

Because we don’t know what real manhood is, many boys, for most of their teenage life, lose their way. For many years, they get stuck in limbo. They don’t know who they are or where they should go.

As dads, we need to teach what real manhood is to our sons and also recreate “Rituals of Passage” for them today.

For example, before my son’s “Page” ceremony on his seventh birthday, I had three weekly father-and-son sessions with him. I brought him out to his favorite restaurant (Thank God, it’s inexpensive Jollibee), and while he ate his burger steak with mushroom sauce, I discussed

SPIRITUALITY SUCCESSFUL PINOY 29

with him the three virtues necessary for a Page: responsibility, obedience, and service — one virtue per weekly date. I read stories, answered his questions, and gave examples.

And here’s the hard part: I gave him specific projects to do connected to these virtues, things he never did before—like walking to Lolo’s house on his own to visit and serve him.

And on his birthday, we had his Page ceremony. All the men in the family (his grandfather, uncles) gathered around him. We asked Bene to offer a symbol of his being a “Page for the Lord” — which was a pair of brown sandals. We then blessed him, sang a song, and invited the women of the family to join us for a festive meal together.

I’m going to be very blunt here. Do you know why the world is in crisis today?

I’ll tell you why: Because men don’t know how to become real men.

Because fathers don’t train their sons how to live life.

Because fathers don’t raise their sons in the ways of the Lord.

Because fathers don’t mentor their sons to take responsibility.

Because fathers don’t teach their sons how to relate to women.

Because fathers don’t love and protect their wives.

Because fathers don’t lead their families towards a vision.

They’re cowards. They’re macho on the outside but flakes on the inside. They’re irresponsible. They’re passive. They’re parasitic jello.

Fathers don’t really “father” their kids on a daily basis. They leave childrearing to the mothers. They have no vision for their families.

Make no mistake about it. Families are in crisis today because we lack godly husbands and godly fathers.

The crisis of the world today is a crisis for manhood. Let me give you this set of facts: · Men commit 90% of major crimes. · Men commit 100% of all rapes. · Men commit 95% of all thefts. · Men commit 91% of all offences against the family. · Men commit 94% of all drunk driving offences.

One study asked fathers how much time they spent with their kids.

The men were honest and apologized that because of their busy schedule, they could spend only 15 minutes a day with their kids.

After the interview, these same fathers were equipped with audio recorders — and for the next few days — the behavioural scientists measured the actual time they spent with their children. Average time a father spends with kids? 45 seconds a day.

No joke.

By the way, raising your children isn’t just about spending time with them. A father could be spending time with his children watching TV. Hearts don’t engage when you sit passively in front of the idiot box.

Here are the three things fathers need to do with their kids. First, you bond with them. Play with them. Laugh with them. Do things they enjoy doing. Because my sons are small, I play their games, no matter how silly they seem to me. “Waste” your time with them, doing what you may consider totally unproductive. In reality, playing with your kids is the most productive thing you can ever do as a human being.

Second, you teach values. Yes, guys, you actually open your lips.

Not classroom lectures, mind you. But you tell stories. Exciting, inspiring stories. Don’t leave this to Mom. Men, pick good books and read stories to your sons - stories of courage; stories of service; stories of heroism; stories about God. Third, you pray together. That’s right, Dads. Don’t let Mom be the priestess at home. You’re the priest of the family, so act like one.

On Judgment Day, God won’t first ask the mother, “Did you bring your family closer to Me?” He’ll ask this important question to Dad first. Fathers, let your children watch you pray and see your heart for the Lord.

How can you do all these three assignments if you don’t spend at least a weekly date with each of your kids?

Fatherhood isn’t for wimps. It requires men of steel. It requires rock-like warriors totally committed to winning the battle for the heart of their children.

30 GLOBAL BARRIO NEWS

Ambassador Libran Cabactulan Leads Successful UN NPT Review Former Ambassador of the Philippines to the UAE, Ambassador Libran Cabactulan – now the country’s permanent representative to the UN – led the Philippine’s leadership in the United Nation’s Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) Review to success, securing favor from all the 188 other UN member-countries to adopt the final text of the treaty that strengthens global resolve for nuclear disarmament and end nuclear enrichment programs.

The month long NPT review was said to provide a safer condition from nuclear weapons for the world.

The consensus garnered is quite ‘historic’, a stark contrast from the failed 2005 Review Conference.

Ambassador Cabactulan said, “This is a major victory not only for the Philippines but also for the entire world. Over the past four weeks, the States Parties achieved a better understanding of each other’s positions and a clearer appreciation of the need to strengthen the main pillars of the NPT.” According to him, the document also called on China, France, Russia, Britain, and the United States to commit to accelerate concrete progress on the steps leading to nuclear disarmament, take steps to further diminish the role and significance of nuclear weapons, and to report back on progress by 2014, a year before the next NPT Review Conference.

Photo courtesy of Elmer Gozun Cato - Philippine Mission in New York

Film ‘Sabungero’ Bags Recognition in Hawaii and Mexico The winner for this year’s Aloha Accolade Award for Excellence in Filmmaking at the 2010 Honolulu International Film Festival and the Golden Palm Award at the 2010 Mexico International Film Festival is none other than the Filipino indie film ‘Sabungero’ (The Cockfighter). Directors Miguel Kaimo and Rozie Laurel Delgado made the film in order to shed some light on the country’s often-misunderstood cockfighting subculture. The movie includes acting heavy-weights: Joel Torre, Ricky Davao, Nonie Buencamino, Robert Arevalo, Leo Martinez, Mark Gil, Maritoni Fernandez, Sid Lucero and Edwin Nombre.

‘Sabungero’ follows the struggles of a middle-class family man, Paco (Joel Torre), as he loses his way in the dusty, often bloody, cockfighting subculture in the Philippines, torn between the ways of Berting (Edwin Nombre), the cockpit’s “Kristo,” and Badong, (Nonie Buencamino) a shady gambler; Tatang (Robert Arevalo), the cockpit owner, and Paco’s eventual nemesis, Congressman (Leo Martinez).

Photo from www.sabungeromovie.com

Pinays sweep golfing titles in Singapore Chihiro Ikeda and the Philippine ladies golf team swept to victory in the 21st Singapore Ladies Amateur Championship at the Singapore Island Golf Club.

Ikeda battled back from three strokes down in the last eight holes to beat local bet Charlotte Thomas, closing out with a one-under 71 to post a two-shot victory in the 54-hole tournament which drew some of the region’s leading players.

The 18-year-old Ikeda also led the Filipina squad, which included Lovelynn Guioguio and Anya Tanpinco, to the 36-hole team championship, finishing with a 288 aggregate from rounds of 142-146 and beating Macau, which had 147-145 for a 292.

World Olympians Association Filipina golfers (from left) Dottie Ardina, Chihiro Ikeda and Mia Piccio

Daniella Uy capped the squad’s domination of the event by bagging the Class A crown with a solid final round score of 71 for a 228, besting teammate Sheryl Villasencio (78-236) and Singapore’s Lyn Sen (86-252).

32 GLOBAL BARRIO NEWS

Photo from www.charicemusic.com

Charice’s Pyramid Hits No. 1 in the Billboard Since she was discovered by Oprah Winfrey, Charice Pempengco’s pop stardom continues to flourish in the US. After weeks of climbing the charts, her single ‘Pyramid’ made it to the number one rank of the Billboard Dance/Club Play chart, finally overtaking ‘Rude Boy’ by Rihanna. This single is one of 14 tracks from Charice’s self-titled US debut album which hit record stores in the US and the Philippines.

Charice formally launched her album via a guest appearance on the ‘Oprah Winfrey Show’, marking her fourth guest stint on the highest-rated and longestrunning daytime television talk show in America.

Filipino Students Stand Out at Intel Science Fair Four Philippine Science High School-Eastern Visayas students made the country proud by beating tough global competition in snaring the fourth prize in the world’s largest pre-college science competition, the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (Intel ISEF) in San Jose, California.

Jean Reni de Guzman, 16, Marc Mapalo, 16, and Ma. Clara Isabel Sia won in the Team Awards category in the area of Environmental Science for their group study on creating a natural treatment for red tide using indigenous materials. While MarcArthur Jordan Limpiado, 16, won an individual fourth prize in the Microbiology category for his research on the antimicrobial properties of Philippine seaweeds.

The competition involved 1,611 young scientists from 59 countries, regions and territories. The Intel International Science and Engineering Fair 2010 finalists were selected from 539 affiliated fairs around the world. Their projects were then evaluated onsite by judges from nearly every scientific discipline, each with a Ph.D. or the equivalent of six years of related professional experience in one of the scientific disciplines.

Photo from www.hernameisnicole.com

Nicole Scherzinger is the new Dancing with the Stars champ Together with her partner Derek Hough, lead singer of Pussycat Dolls Nicole Scherzinger won the first prize of ‘Dancing with the Stars’ Season 10. Nicole took home the mirror-ball trophy after beating the likes of Olympic medalist Evan Lysacek, legendary astronaut Buzz Aldrin, actress Shannen Doherty, and sexy star Pamela Anderson.

Another proud Filipina-American, Nicole’s talents runs in the family as she hails from a Filipino musician father (from Batanes) and a Hawaiian-Russian mother who was a lead hula dancer.

Django Bustamante Snags World Billiard Title yet Again Former World’s No. 1 billiards player Francisco “Django” Bustamante won his third major title this year by winning the inaugural World Professional Billiard League (WPBL) championship in Winnipeg Canada.

The sporting event dubbed as Super Series of Billiards held at the Mc Phillips Station Casino saw Bustamante thrash American star Johnny “The Scorpion” Archer, 5-2 in the finals.

A slew of topnotch world cue artists invited in the round-robin format are Nick Varner, Shane Van Boening, Corey Deuel and Charlie Williams and John Schmidt of the United States and Erik Hjorleifson of Canada.

This was Django’s third championship after previously being a member of the winning Team Asia last January 17 in what was dubbed as the Asia versus Europe Challenge Match in Brunei.

34 GLOBAL BARRIO NEWS

TENORIO-JORGE:

Filipino specimens on fifth avenue

An Exhibition of Designer Shoes and Bags

Filipino designers Brian Tenorio and Emi Jorge celebrate quintessential beauty and exoticism in their Fifth Avenue shoes and accessories exhibition, “Tenorio/Jorge: Filipino Specimens on Fifth Avenue”.

Designer Brian Tenorio, photograph by Wawi Navarroza

Naloleon’s Home by Emi Jorge Aquamarine inlay of Abalone shells with metal casted Coral detail, trimmed in Ebony Makassar

Designer Brian Tenorio Photograph by Alfred Mendoza

Designer Emi Jorge Photograph by Patrick Uy

Each half—Jorge’s artisan-crafted purses and Tenorio’s exquisite footwear — redefines Filipiniana as a contemporary form in the world’s art and fashion capital. Together, the designers embody the male and female archetypes of Filipino ingenuity, beauty and designintelligence.

Tehran-born Filipino-American Brian Tenorio is the most widely publicized shoe designer from the Philippines. Tenorio’s Dreams collection is his first foray into the New York subconscious — a subversively beautiful and horrifying blend of the magical and macabre, of East and West, of real and imaginary. From the Eight Leather Monster to Tenorio’s masculine version of duckbills — Hammerheads, to his past loves (the Dudu), to family ties (A&A and Ms. T named after his sister), Tenorio’s Dreams Collection enlightens us on the workings of the mind and emotions of one of the Philippines’ most popular sapateros and New York’s newly adopted designing son.

The Eight-Leather Monster The Dreams Collection by Brian Tenorio

Emi Jorge is one of the Philippines’ foremost women’s shoe and accessories designers. On her 10th year of retail success, she debuts her eponymous brand with the poetry of nature. Fourteen exquisitely handcrafted minaudieres give form to stories from home: the graceful curve of the carabao’s horn in a vessel of wood and metal; the ruby red of fireflies in semi-precious stone; and the azure sea mirrored in blue-tinted seashells. Jorge’s collection is a sculptural homage to her nomadic travels to Banaue, Donsol, and Bohol, and other places of rediscovery. From Conquistador to Carabao and Ani, from Rice Terraces to Symphony No. 9, the pieces epitomize natural forms and patinas, and the current bold global sensibilities in fashion.

TENORIO/JORGE: Filipino Specimens was especially selected by the Philippine Consulate General in New York for its “The Best of the Philippines on Fifth Avenue” Project which features Filipino artists and artisans who have received global acclaim for the excellence of

GLOBAL BARRIO NEWS 35

Filipino Specimen: Angel Aquino • Photographed by Juan Caguicla • Radial art by Christina Dy • Curated/produced by Isa Lorenzo of the Silverlens Gallery

Conquistador – by Emi Jorge Casted yellow brass with Red Antubong shell and Red stone clasp

Apple of the Ayer – by Emi Jorge Wooden minaudiere trimmed in yellow brass frame and a hexagonal detail in black lip and white lip oyster shell

their craft. Tenorio and Jorge’s designs were made available on public view at a window display on Fifth Avenue from 29 April to 22 May, 2010. The actual (indoor) design exhibition was held at the main hall of the Philippine Center from May 10 to 23, 2010.

As a backdrop to Tenorio and Jorge’s designs are two of the mostphotographed faces in the Philippines, Piolo Pascual and Angel Aquino — both excellent specimens of quintessential Filipino beauty. Styled by Peps Silvestre and Eileen Ramos, photographed by acclaimed Filipino photographer Juan Caguicla (whose work was recently auctioned off at Sotheby’s), rendered with radial references to traditional Filipino patterns and scallop-styles are by multi-awarded fine artist Christina Dy, and curated by Isa Lorenzo of the Silverlens Gallery, the backdrop discusses a contemporary perspective of Filipino beauty, contrasting cold and harsh urban reality with elegant old-world fire.

Filipino Specimen: Piolo Pascual • Photographed by Juan Caguicla • Radial art by Christina Dy • Curated/produced by Isa Lorenzo of the Silverlens Gallery

Apen & Angelina The Dreams Collection by Brian Tenorio

Tilapia The Filipiniana Collection by Brian Tenorio Tilapia, a fish species from the Philippines, is the inspiration for this scaled-style. Box-leather lace-ups with overlapping leather scales.

Sheepskin leather lining, hand-buffed leather sole.

The Filipino Entrepreneurs & Resources Network, Inc. (FERN, Inc.), maker of FERN-C: the leading brand of Vitamin C in the Philippines, supports the exhibition launch of designers Emi Jorge and Brian Tenorio in New York and shares their aspiration of capturing global markets. FERN, Inc.’s vision of tapping the entrepreneur in every Filipino is manifested in the entrepreneurial spirit of Jorge and Tenorio as they bring world-class Philippinemade products to this global fashion capital. Marking its 6th year of marketing excellence and growth, FERN, Inc. is also truly a specimen of Filipino ingenuity and drive.

With special support from the Department of Trade and Industry of the Republic of the Philippines and the Philippine Consulate General New York, Tenorio/Jorge: Filipino Specimens opened with a pre-launch party at Greenhouse Lounge in SOHO on Saturday, 15 May 2010. The Exhibition Gala Night was held on 21 May 2010, at the Philippine Center, 556 Fifth Avenue, New York.

36 FEATURE

Uso pa ba ang

Kasal?

By Sherry Tenorio

Because of long standing religious and cultural influences, the strong belief in the sanctity of marriage is deeply ingrained in the Filipino’s psyche. That’s why it is considered a must for Pinoy couples who love each other to be bound in matrimony, not only by law, but also by the church. As a matter of fact, this idealism is the main reason why divorce is not allowed in the Philippines. However, in this day and age, this particular concept is starting to encounter major challenges.

With the rise of liberalism, the fast pace of ultra contemporary lifestyle and the inevitable changes in popular culture in lieu to exposure to the West, modern Pinoys seem to put off the oldfashioned thinking that one must marry to experience life happilyever-after. The question now is, whether marriage is still viewed as sacred as it used to be; or, if Filipinos are changing their mindset and now believe that marriage is merely a piece of paper – worse, a cause for inconvenience.

Declining statistics According to a the latest National Statistics Office (NSO) report in May 2008, the number of registered marriages in the Philippines between 2005 to 2006 declined by 10.9 per cent as compared to the previous year (518,595 compared to 582,281). The report also stated that approximately four in every ten recorded marriages were with women aged 20-24, while about one-third of the males get married at ages 25-29, with the median age range of marrying couples is 24.7 years for brides and 27.5 years for grooms. Furthermore, it was noted that 44.8 percent of the weddings are registered as civil rites, and around 38.1 percent were done in the church, perhaps denoting the emergence of a more pragmatic, less religious approach to marriage.

Emotional and religious notions aside, Wikipedia says: “Marriage is a social union or legal contract between individuals that creates kinship. It is an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually intimate and sexual, are acknowledged in a variety of ways, depending on the culture or subculture in which it is found.”

On the other hand, in the Philippines, marriage has never been just a social union, but is considered a sacred binding. The traditional belief of uniting man and woman is highly influenced by religious beliefs. It is commonly understood that a wedding facilitates God’s

blessings to the couple and creates a lifetime commitment that can only be broken by death. This explains why the country is still far from allowing divorce.

Marriage practices vary according to religions, cultures and states.

Laws on marriages also differ from one country to another. Moreso, there are so many reasons for getting married which, more often than not, are not only influenced by love or emotional engagement, but by legal, social, economical, and spiritual or religious factors.

Reasons behind A case in point, love is not the be-all-and-end-all for everyone, especially for Philippine-based Hazel Uy. She admitted candidly that she got married because of parental pressure. Coming from a prominent family in Nueva Ecija, she understood her responsibilities to her family. She has to get married in order to expand long-term business and family relations. She said, “I had to do it. In the end, this sort-of arranged marriage also worked for me. I’m quite settled now, compared to my partying days before.”

But not everyone succumbs to such pressures to settle. Nowadays, couples delay marriage because of financial concerns. Those who are aware of the responsibilities of building a family would often take time before walking down the aisle. Dubai-based Jhun and Isse, engaged for a year now, are still trying to save up for their wedding. They revealed, “We love each other but we know that having a family is not a joke. Just the wedding alone could cost almost a million pesos. What more when we have kids and need to run a household? So, before we go through with it, we have to have enough money in the bank.”

However, fear of responsibilities isn’t the only reason why people stay away from marriage. Committing to a lifetime partner or a

FEATURE 37

totally different lifestyle, and hindering the growth of a career and current social status are just as valid a reason not to rush into this union. Rafael Lara, a banker holding a top management position in Manila, is a highly sought bachelor. He has everything to offer a wife and kids. Only, he does not want to. Rafael says, “I’ve lived my life as a single, and I like it. I don’t say that marriage is a mistake.

I have lots of friends who are happily married. But, I don’t think it would work for me. My priorities are different, and I’ve established my way of life as a single person.”

The desire to stay free and uncommitted also often motivates people, especially young professionals, to live together. Jaydee and Marian, a couple who are both achievers in their own fields, decided that it’s best for them to stay under one roof without marital ties. Jaydee remarked, “We both agree on the circumstance that marriage is not the only way to prove our love for each other. Marriage is so binding that we feel that we’re going through a trap hole if we pursue it.” She added, “It’s the 21st century so I don’t think people would still view this option as a bad thing. We’re good people who are comfortably staying and enjoying each other’s company. We don’t need to say ‘I Do’ just to prove to everyone that we can stay together for a long time. We’ve seen it many times before, and it did not work.”

Needless to say, in some countries, especially in the Gulf, living together for unmarried couples is simply not an option – it is not allowed and is considered illegal. The offence carries possible jail time and deportation.

Still, there are those Filipinos for whom marital bliss is the ultimate step in their adult life. Shelley Bautista, a homemaker based in California, knows that having a family is her destiny. Right after studying in the University of the Philippines and working for two years in Thai Airways, she moved to the US to get married – she was just 23. When most people would question why she decided to leave her family and career for a man, Shelley would just shrug it off. She said, “I love my husband, and I knew from the start that he’s the one I’d live my whole life with.” Shelley is still happily married, and now has two kids, and her outlook on the importance of marriage in life is still echoed by many Filipinos both male and female.

So, uso pa ba ang kasal?

The rate at which Filipinos are getting married seems to be slowing down, largely due to the growth of liberalism and the increasing move towards a more pragmatic, contemporary way of life, and sometimes simply out of financial considerations. Despite declining marriage statistics however, it seems that majority of Filipinos still believe in the institution that it represents and will always find favor in walking down the aisle to seal their union with their chosen spouses both religiously and legally. Young Filipinos will always be hopeful in their romantic lives, and it seems that no matter how modern we get, and how many different views there are on the subject, by and large, marriage is here to stay. The only real question is when and how.

Dubai-based single Pinay Peewee Cuyno Artista, makes an interesting observation on the issue, “Filipinos nowadays really take their time now. There is absolutely no pressure to marry young or just settle for someone; people really marry their supposed “soul mates” and I guess it makes marriages more solemn because you get a feeling that the couple really thought things through. Well, except of course if it’s an emergency wedding - that’s a totally different story.”

Uso pa ba ang kasal? Should the Philippines legalize divorce? What do you make of “living in?” And are more Pinoys deferring marriage? Locally based Filipinos share their opinions.

Eirene Napuli Our country is deeply rooted in traditions, and when it comes to the sacrament of holy matrimony, whether for the right or wrong reasons, everyone still loves weddings.

Still, I think couples should be given the freedom to end relationships when they think that it’s no longer working for them or if the end result of their marriage is killing them rather than helping them. Most people would opt to “live in” these days because it is the safest and the cheapest way to get all the peaks and thrills of marriage without the tight noose hanging around your neck. It’s like test driving a car before buying. It’s also somehow like marriage, but

38 FEATURE the definition of commitment is different because for live-in couples, the commitment is not to be committed.

Michael Fillon Yes, uso pa rin ang kasal, as long as the Philippines remains a familycentered society. Weddings are ceremonies that mark the departure of a child from the family, to start one of their own. It means as much to a parent as seeing his/her child graduate from college. As for divorce, I think annulments pretty much do that already anyway. There are many couples in the Philippines who separate and live new lives, but legalities and the high cost of annulments keep them from moving on. Preventing divorce will not prevent people from not getting along. I think living in is advisable because it’s the only way you>ll know if you can stand living with a person for the rest of your life - and if you can stand their snoring. More Pinoys abroad are deferring marriage because their parents are not around. If they were, they’d be too embarrassed to even try.

Jacquelyn Victoria Yes uso pa ang kasal. Within my circle of friends alone, I know of several couples who just got married and some who are about to be married soon. Legalizing divorce is long overdue. If a marriage is beyond repair after exhausting all means, then there’s no way but out. I wouldn’t encourage “living in” but it’s a way to assess if you would want to be married with a person given that for Filipinos, there’s no divorce law. I think Filipinos are deferring marriage these days either because they are very career-driven, they support the family back home, or they still haven’t found that one special person (or if they have, they cannot marry because one party is married and annulment is almost impossible).

Alex Callueng Hindi na yata uso ang kasal. I’ve seen many kabayans who are in a relationship without the bond of marriage and they’re quite happy; hoping that the relationship will last!

I think mainly it’s culture that steps in when it comes to marriage and the values that our parents taught us.

Divorce to be legalized? I guess, but then again wasn’t it said that, “whoever was brought together by God, let no man separate?” Legalizing divorce will make marriage actually non-existent.

As for living together, it has advantages and disadvantages – the

advantage is for men, but it’s mostly a negative for women. We are in a world of open minded individuals who long for companionship and relationships. People live together to get to know more about their partners, before marriage. And I guess this is also one of the reasons why they defer marriage - to really know their partner well.

For some reason, they put their relationships on trial basis. It’s like a company giving you a six month probation period!

Precious Baque Yes of course, uso pa ang kasal! Because that is the only sacred sacrament that proves to all single ladies that, at last, they are taken seriously and will soon become a mother or ilaw ng tahanan. Marriage is a once in a lifetime fairytale that helps all women to be more mature. But then I also agree with divorce, because not all married couples tie the knot seriously or vow to everlasting love.

There are couples who get married due to family pressure, unwanted pregnancy, blackmail or to double or protect their wealth: in short, forced marriage. You can’t blame the couple, so might as well provide divorce as an option to avoid complications and allow them to find real happiness. “Live in” before marriage? I think even if you married or lived with someone, you will still not know the real him/ her, until you have kids and encounter the worst problems in life.

Peewee Cuyno Artista Yes, but unfortunately the emerging trend is you marry either because you’re pregnant or because you’ve finally met your match and are of the right age (and financial status) and want to seal the deal. What I find interesting with Filipinos nowadays is that people really take their time now. There is absolutely no pressure to marry young or just settle for someone; people really marry their supposed “soul mates” and I guess it makes marriages more solemn because you get a feeling that the couple really thought things through. Well, except of course with the “emergency-wedding,” – that’s a totally different story. Should the Philippines legalize divorce? A big YES!!!!!! Why should you or your partner suffer and be stuck in a relationship that doesn’t work anymore? Staying in a failing marriage will only result to animosity and will further sully the already ruined relationship. Why bother? You’ll be unhappy for the rest of your one and only life. As for living in, it offers a glimpse of what might happen in the future. Better know what you can expect from a man before you commit to a marriage.

More and more Pinoys are deferring marriage because weddings are expensive! And because people are more committed to their careers than ever before. And again, people take their time nowadays. They think things through and go from one relationship to another until they find their match.

40 FEATURE

Popping

THE Question

By Sherry Tenorio

Popping the question “Will you marry me?” usually entails tremendous courage and sincerity. But these days, it should also show one’s ingenuity and creativity.

In the era of grand public gestures and romantic Hollywood episodes, when it comes to proposals, Pinoys are increasingly motivated to be original.

Marriage proposals in Philippine tradition are what we refer to as ‘pamanhikan.’ It is that formal ritual when a man and his parents visit the bride-to-be’s family to formally ask for her hand in marriage. This is quite different from the more Westernized type of proposal where a man would drop on bended knee to ask for a lady’s hand in marriage. This chivalrous gesture, which demonstrates the man’s regard and respect for his future bride is the basis of today’s customary marriage proposal. For centuries, men have ritually bent on one knee to win the women of their dreams. But of late began a modern race to perfect the most romantic episode in a couple’s life worthy of a Hollywood setting.

the courage of the guy. Apparently, that was not the first time the cinema was used for such an occasion.

Who could forget how Tom Cruise pulled out all the stops when he proposed to Katie Holmes? He asked for her hand over a candlelit dinner at the world famous Le Jules Verne restaurant at the Eiffel Tower. Or, when Seal proposed to sweetheart Heidi Klum preChristmas in a custom-built igloo at the top of a 14,000-foot glacier in uncharted terrain in Whistler, British Columbia? What about British actor John Light who dropped to one knee and recited Shakespeare before offering American actress Neve Campbell a ring?

Another totally unique and public marriage proposal had the legendary Burj Khalifa as the setting. Dubai-based artist and Brownmonkey member Rollan Rodriguez definitely found his heart at the top of the tallest building in the world when he proposed to his then-girlfriend, now-fiance. Everyone stopped when he appeared kneeling on one knee wearing a shirt stating the words “Will you marry me?”.

Blame it on all these grand gestures, the romantic comedies or dramatic telenovelas, but the appeal of the Western proposal has certainly influenced how Filipinos pop the all important question these days. So with ‘pamanhikan’ relegated to the past, more and more Pinoys are opting for originality spending time and money to create elaborate, unique wedding proposals that aim to be remembered forever.

Speaking of romantic and surprising gestures, last 14th of February, a marriage proposal was done in a cinema at the Dubai Festival Centre. The manager silenced the crowd about to watch the chickflick ‘Valentine’s Day’ and introduced a video presentation. There it was on the big screen, pictures of a Filipina and her boyfriend.

Then, came out the boyfriend, speaking on the microphone asking: “Jenny, will you marry me?” The crowd was excited and sighed in awe, some of them shouting “Congratulations” to the couple. The manager then capped the public display of affection by commending

Then there was this pre-Valentine’s Day proposal by a Pinoy to his flight attendant girlfriend which was widely reported in Philippine media. Eugene Padua, a nurse at the UST Hospital, proposed to his girlfriend, Marian Ocampo of Asiana Airlines, right at the NAIA Terminal 1 arrival area. The curious passengers and airport personnel who were in the area kept their distance but watched how he bent on his knee in the middle of the airport in order to formally ask her to marry him.

However, public proposals and surprising gestures are not the only ways to make a woman say yes. An inspiring simple and private affair yet still romantic can be equally as memorable. My friend Patricia, banker, who has been seeing EJ, an entrepreneur, for almost five years broke the news that she’s engaged last January. It all happened during their trip to celebrate their anniversary. While on the boat to a private resort in Mindoro, EJ gave her a jacket so she wouldn>t feel the strong wind while they were sailing. With the jacket on her, Patricia didn’t take time to finally put her hands in the front pockets, and find the gorgeous diamond ring waiting for her.

Whether you have a grand plan or not, what is most important in a marriage proposal is that you are certain of what to say and what to do. Before you actually pop the question, make sure that you will not be awkward during one of the most important episodes in your life. Also, create a special day for the proposal. Pick the right ring, make an effort, surprise her, and make sure you tell her honestly why you want to spend your whole life with her. The moment will only be as great as you are prepared to make it.

42 FEATURE

Getting Married in the UAE 101

By Sherry Tenorio

Do you want to be a June bride? Well, before ticking the dates in your calendar, we suggest that you take note of the following guide on how to get married in the UAE. Getting married in the UAE is not as easy as 1-2-3, and we’re certain that you’d need to allot a longer time to finally say “I Do”. So, here is information on the important processes that you should consider before scheduling your nuptials.

Refer to the Philippine Embassy or Consulate General Save yourself time and effort by duly coordinating with the Philippine Embassy or Consulate General before planning anything else. Remember, marriage outside the Philippines entails lots of paperwork and a long lead time. But, as long as you adhere to the requirements, you’re assured that your marriage will be legally recognized in any part of the world.

Filipino couples would need to prepare application, marriage contract and marriage announcement forms. They also have to provide passport photocopies, including their witnesses. The most cumbersome of documentation is the CENOMAR (Certificate of No Marriage) or Certificate of Singleness which you have to secure from the NSO (National Statistics Office in the Philippines), which has its own set of requirements. There is also the Authenticated Advice of Parents (applicants aged 21-25) or the Authenticated Consent of Parents (applicants aged 18-21).

For Filipinos planning to marry a foreigner, the requirements are slightly different. Documents for the Filipino applicant are almost the same. The foreign applicant, however, has to submit a Certificate of Civil Status from the Applicant’s Embassy or Consulate in the UAE. If already married, Muslim males have to provide a written and authenticated Consent of First Wife. UAE Nationals also require a Certificate of Good Moral Character from the UAE Police, a Certificate of No Objection to Marry from their employer, to include employment and salary information, and a joint affidavit from two UAE local witnesses. Complete information and all required forms are available online at www.pcgdubai.net/services. html.

If you are marrying a non-Filipino, make sure that your fiancé contacts his consulate or embassy. Also, remember that only Filipino citizens are allowed to wed at the Philippine Consulate General office.

FEATURE 43

Decide on where to get married If you are not planning to tie the knot at an Embassy/Consulate, there are other venues you can go to. Church weddings are allowed as long as you are both Christians. Get in touch with the parish and inquire on charges, reservations and other particulars. Thereafter, you can start worrying on the dress, reception party, flowers, cake, photography, etc.

Christians can also wed in hotels and other venues, but for their churches to recognize the marriage, they still must adhere to the terms and conditions set forth by the churches.

For Muslim weddings, the marriage ceremony is performed in the Islamic Courts within the marriage section. It is necessary that the couple are citizens or holding residence visas, and that the groom is Muslim. Also, it is important that you have two Muslim males in attendance as witnesses. The couple usually celebrate their union by hosting a reception party after the wedding ceremony.

Attend pre-nuptial classes Your need to attend marriage counselling sessions and pre-wedding seminars depend on your religion. Normally, Catholic churches provide counselling services to the couple before they walk down the aisle. Certificates are given to those who’ve successfully attended the premarital class. These certificates are part of the pre-nuptial requirements. Catholics need to fill out forms in the church, and submit birth and baptismal certificates, original passport and passport copies, and an NOC from your parish priest in your home country. If you’re a non-Catholic marrying a Catholic, you’ll need an NOC from the embassy stating that you are legally free to marry.

Also, if previously married, a copy of death certificate or divorce certificate is required. Once submitted to the church, intent to marry would be posted on the public notice board for three weeks.

If no objections are raised, the wedding is then allowed.

Although Catholic churches ask for more documentation, other Christian churches almost have the same process. Nuptial forms and NOCs to legally marry are also required in the other churches. So better attend your classes to know it all.

Prepare for the pre-wedding health certificates It is said that anyone (locals and expats) marrying in the UAE must have a medical fitness certificate on hand to prove that they’re free of infectious diseases. Aside from the medical check-up, it is necessary that the couple submit to blood test for further screening. These tests and certificates must come from Ministry of Health affiliated hospitals and medical clinics. If a person is found to be an HIVcarrier, the certificates issued by the health authority may be used to stop the registration of the marriage in court.

Make sure that your marriage is registered After the wedding ceremony there comes another set of paperwork.

If wed in an English-speaking church, the marriage certificate would have been in English, naturally. So, in order to register this, it should be translated into Arabic. After getting the translated certificate, you need to submit it to the Notary Public Office at the Dubai Courts for certification. There’s a fee for this as well as the translation. Then, you need to go to the Ministry of Justice to authenticate the certification, and to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to get the said authentication authenticated. Once done, you’re finally set to go back to the Philippine Embassy (if both Filipinos) or to your respective embassies to authenticate the certificate that was authenticated from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. All these documentations are required in order to ensure the legality and validity of the marriage in the Philippines or your respective countries. Arabic translation aside, these steps must be followed in registering the Islamic marriage.

Ask questions If you’re lost in the whole marriage-outside-the-country hullabaloo then don’t hesitate to ask questions. There’s no harm in bothering friends who’ve been married here, or even seeking advice from wedding planners, church people or legal aides. The only way to get through these processes is by having someone to guide you.

44 FEATURE

Dreaming of

Unique Weddings

By Sherry Tenorio

When Carrie Bradshaw tried to tie the knot in the first Sex and the City - The Movie, she decided to turn that simple-civil-wedding dream to the grand-envy-me reality. Her swanky Vivienne Westwood dress complemented the heritage and grandeur of the New York Public Library. The dress was not a big surprise but the venue – who would ever think of getting married in a public library? Well, it goes without saying that the modern wedding ways have to be unique and utterly creative. Walking down the aisle wearing the white beaded dress, carrying a huge rose bouquet is not “in” anymore. Nowadays, the more quirky the wedding is, the better.

To inspire you on how to make most of your nuptials, Illustrado gathers some fun, hip and innovative themes. You may opt to stick in an idea or two, but if you dream of being the talk-of-the-town then feel free to indulging in the whole creative wedding fantasy.

We’re very sure your walk down the aisle is going to get some serious attention.

Eco-Chic and Organic The hype on environmental awareness is global. The world is going green, no doubt about that. Since there’s not much you can do to save the earth, you may want to contribute in your own little ways.

So, why not produce a real green wedding?

E-invites. For starters, send out mass e-mails or electronic invites instead, or create a free wedding website where you can update your family and friends. You can customize the website and create it as personal as you can. This will not just help save trees but also cut your expenses on invitations as well.

The green gown. Not the color, of course. Go green with your wedding gown or your groom’s ‘barong’ by asking your designer to create the dress out of organic, fair-trade, and sustainably produced and harvested materials. Or, better yet, recycle your mother’s wedding dress. That would be the coolest ‘green’ family tradition ever.

Stay near. Wedding venues matter but there is no need to get married in Manila or Tagaytay if you and your partner live in Bicol, Pampanga, Tarlac or if you and all of your friends live in the emirates. Save on transportation, gas and carbon emissions by staying in your area.

FEATURE 45 Organic meal. But, of course, a green wedding is not eco-friendly if it does not serve healthy organic food. This is a big challenge since organic foods are quite expensive and limited. If this will be very difficult, stick to a more vegetarian cuisine.

Out in the Desert This one is especially for those who’d want to get married in the Middle East. Take yourself away from the lavish five star hotels or from the churches and consulates. Be bold and fresh by driving through the dunes, riding the camels and saying “I Do” under the Bedouin tents.

The day. Imagine yourself wearing a sheer ala-Arabian princess dress complete with elaborate headpiece and veil, while your groom is in the traditional Arabic top and trousers. Then, picture yourself riding a camel as you are guided to the tent where proper nuptial awaits. Treat your guests to sumptuous Arabic cuisine, and entertain them with belly dancers.

Check the season. Before anything else, consider the weather and the season if you’re planning to go for an outdoor wedding. Summer is a huge no-no if you don’t want to be subject to the heat and tremendous humidity. The best time to do this would be October, November and December.

Logistics planning. Your wedding in the desert will be a success if you plan properly. Contact travel agencies or operators that offer desert safaris and tours. They could customize their packages according to your wedding needs.

Guest list. Since you’re away from home, try to limit your guests into very close friends and family members. You don’t have to invite your whole office or building neighbours. This way, you’ll be able to lessen your worries and most give you the chance to have an intimate authentic Middle Eastern-inspired wedding.

or have the choir dressed in Dickens-esque, Edwarian or Victorian costumes. More so, you can hand in tiny hand bells to the guests so as they can ring it upon the end of the ceremony or while at the reception.

Christmas Wedding

Picnic and Wedding

Though very few people want to get in the way of traditional celebrations, Christmas is still one of the best seasons to get hitched.

The overall mood is already festive, and people are more generous and thoughtful. Capture the moment with our ‘how to make your Christmas wedding stylish and trendy’ tips.

Mindful of the recession? Worry not. You can still get married without over-thinking your budget. Doing it where and how is not as important as your intentions. Try to whip up a creative but economic crisis-friendly way of celebrating your union. Be it in the Philippines or here in Dubai, despite the cost-cutting you can have the most memorable time of your life.

Elegant colors. A Christmas weddings entail a huge consideration on colors. Since this is the time for traditional red, white and forest green, we suggest that to avoid being tacky, use gold, silver and burgundy instead. Don’t worry, these hues still speak of the occasion.

Best venue. This type of wedding is best done in a hotel or country club. Here in the UAE, there are a number of hotels that offer great deals for wedding receptions. Don’t be shy in asking Banquet Managers about offers, and allowing them to work around your budget.

Decors and flowers. Think about the white red-tipped petals in fire and ice roses as these would be perfect for the theme. Or, if you think roses and poinsettias are cliché as table centerpieces, use sprigs of holly, ivy and pine to recreate mini-Christmas trees or mistletoe.

Then to stay more within the theme, install Christmas trees or use Christmas lights and candles instead of the ceiling lights.

Music. What would make this wedding as festive as Christmas is the music. In the church, let the organist play classic Christmas tunes

Wedding rites. Performing the ceremony in the park is practically the same as getting married on the beach, hotel garden or desert.

It entails a priest or a pastor to officiate the rites. As long as you are not inviting hundreds of guests, this wedding ceremony may go without municipality permits – this goes also in the Philippines. So, make sure that you limit the number of guests and entourage, and make it an intimate gathering.

Picnic reception. Instead of worrying about tables, provide picnic mats for seating, and picnic baskets containing paper plates, cups and forks and spoons to your guests or opt to serve Filipino picnic food in practical but nice flatware and dishes. Then, do the usual bouquet toss, garter game and cake-cutting with your selected guests. And, relish in a relaxing and intimate wedding reception with the people who matter the most.

Jamming. Music is the one thing that can make your wedding/ picnic party lively. Let a guitarist friend play some tunes, especially your favorites as a couple, and let guests to sing along. This can add an even more romantic touch to your special day.

46 ADVERTORIAL

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The Sleek New Hyundai Tucson Sporting a new dynamic “fluidic” design and even better interior comfort

After the Tucson’s successful long run, the challenge of the Hyundai project team was to conceive an even better C-class SUV than the already great original. The development team moved away from the two-box off-roader look in favor of a sleeker, more reformed profile while aiming for a roomier cabin, extra storage capacity and fuel economy leadership.

Hyundai’s new “fluidic” design language finds confident expression in the sweeping, gently curved lines of the Tucson. The hexagonal grille previewed on the ix-onic concept at the 2009 Geneva Auto Salon moves into mass production on the Tucson, a defining look that will serve to unify the family of future Hyundai products. To achieve the desired dynamic and sporty image, Tucson gets an aggressive belt line coupled with a low-to-the-ground feel which is enhanced by the optional 225/55 R18 wheels. Aerodynamic tweaks include the addition of a rear spoiler which aids fuel efficiency.

The interior lines echo the dynamic flow of the sheet metal. For improved comfort, designers have managed to carve out extra legroom and headroom. The feeling of spaciousness in the cabin is further enhanced by the new dual-panel panoramic sunroof with UV blocking. The center panel can either tilt open or can open completely. An anti-pinch system guards against injuries from trapping as well.

48 FASHION

They move in the rarefied field of haute couture, a style circle exclusive to a chosen few. Adored by the royals and prominent ladies of the region, these Filipino purveyors of high fashion envisage, create, execute and embellish exquisite pieces of personal art that many a dreams are made of.

Photography : Eros Goze Models: Chaps Yuson, Tanya Hyde, Elena Ivanova, Rowena Navarro and Kathlleen Monteiro Hair and Make-Up : Ginno Alducente, Jessie Tabla, Jojo Dantespadua and Erwin Sapio Special thanks to Andrew del Rosario of ArtVenture

FASHION 49 On Chaps: Noir Herringbone wool coat dress with tailored lapel and butterfly sleeves with embroidered Swarovski black crystals, paired with silk tulle draped legging with embroidered crystals accentuated by silk intertwined bow.

On Tanya: Noir silk tulle dress with hand-made corded motif with black Swarovski crystals

50 FASHION

On Tanya: Noir silk tulle dress with hand-made corded motif with black Swarovski crystals

FASHION 51

The

divine, the ‘Imeldific’

EZRA SANTOS- style createur of the highest order, is known for his impeccable

taste and exquisitely beautiful designs. His luxurious pieces which

carry a distinct sense of muted aesthetics are worn by an enviable list of royals and prominent ladies in the Gulf. This year, in his maiden gala show, “In the Beginning” Ezra showcased the revolutionized “butterfly sleeves,” the iconic Filipino style element, initiating a bold and credible trend with a sophisticated and edgy global appeal, beyond Philippine borders.

52 FASHION

Of royal designing lineage,

REYNALDO GONZAGA has spun dreamy

creations for the ruling family of Dubai since the late

80s to early 2000. Currently heading the creative department of Scalini Haute Couture a prime fashion house in Jumeirah Dubai, Reynaldo has gone a long way from his first atelier in Chinatown in 1980, working his way into the exclusive coterie of the region’s haute couture mavericks from Saudi Arabia to the emirates, with his exquisitely beautiful and ultra feminine designs.

FASHION 53

On Chaps: Sculptural gown in teal blue silk with ruched bodice, embellished with Swarovski crystals and a draped skirt in bias cut.

54 FASHION

The ruling family of Fujairah’s Royal Designer

ALBERT ANDRADA was born

to design for royalty. His eclectic childhood spent in different cities around the globe, not to mention his constant travels, has shaped his love affair with fashion. Previously one of Issetan’s Board of Designers, member of the Fashion Designers Association of the Philppines, and Chief Creative Director in Sayidat al-Aziya, one of KSA’s most prestigious fashion houses, Albert now heads a team of 30 with three seasoned designers beside him, in the palace’s atelier where he has the best of materials and skills to work with. Albert is not only a royal designer, but is, in fact, royally loved by the community of Filipino designers in the emirates who regard him as a dear friend and natural leader.

FASHION 55

Tanya: Black shantung silk long jacket with shawl collar and bell sleeves, embellished with floral and butterfly embroidery using silk thread with silk pants featuring Chinese character inspired embroidery on side seam, matched with silk gloves with Swarovski crystals and made-to-order wedge shoes with multi-colored straws straps

56 FASHION

A veteran of design competitions, in the Philippines and abroad, is

edgy designer

ANGELO ESTERA. Fresh from yet another fabulous

show at the Philippine Fashion Week in May, where he is a regular, Angelo’s works and designs reflects his skills in pattern manipulation and a simple understated design philosophy leaning to the young and trendy. He is currently preparing his Spring/Summer 2011 collection for the Canadian Fashion Week this fall.

FASHION 57 On Chaps: A couture creation in sheer black stretch tulle, featuring a corseted top with handwork, accented with black Swarovski diamond crystals, and a fluidly hugging skirt, with soft bursts of handmade flower prints

58 FASHION

On Elena: Bustier made of draped tulle at the top, accentuated with brocade lace and Swarovski crystals, with an elaborately fully sequined Serpentina cut skirt with filmy layers of tulle further embellished with drop shaped Swarovski crystals and beads; neckpiece with exposed chainmail and burnished metal alongside delicate crystals

FASHION 59

Romance, femininity and magic – are the hallmarks of designer’s ALDWIN ORNOPIA GUARDIANA’S

work.

Particularly interested in life, events, and the environment which stimulate his imagination, Aldwin who designs for Art Fashion in Abu Dhabi, draws from the world around him to create pieces that are a definitive expression of femininity and an interpretation of romanticism.

60 FASHION

RUBEN SANTOS’ creations are much

like poetry – timeless and elegant with a decidedly edgy twist.

The renowned couturier from the UAE capital Abu Dhabi, designer Ruben of Queen Palace Fashion is adored by a high end clientele for his sophisticated and one-of-a-kind pieces that spell art and glamor in one richly embellished package.

FASHION 61

On Chaps: Strapless bustier top, beaded with Swarovski crystals in hexagonal shapes with layers of airbrushed crisp electric pleated tulle skirt done in uneven geometrical hemlines.

62 FASHION On Rowena: Rich purple evening gown in layered soft tulle: hand-embroidered, fully beaded and Swarovski crystallized from top to bottom and accentuated with trims and lasercuttings of silk velvet. The gown features a one-sided, bias-cut velvet frill on the shoulder and a fish-tail train at the back.

Designer RALPH RAMIREZ says

“respect for the female form” defines his approach to design. And that’s one of

the main things why his well-heeled patrons love his works.

Ralph originally studied architecture but fell in love with fashion and eventually decided to pursue a career in haute couture. Over two decades hence, Ralph continues to dream up and design beautiful pieces in his own atelier Lafana Haute Couture, based in Sharjah.

FASHION 63 On Kathleen: Black organza evening dress with sequins and Swarovski crystal-encrusted bodice and serpentine skirt.

ROMMEL MA. TUMULAK derives his style

inspirations from the rich

Arabesque

design elements of the region. An artist

before he became a fashion designer based in Abu Dhabi for almost two decades now, Mel’s style leanings are based on Arabic influences which he blends with current trends and his own personal flair; thus, his love for intricate detail, beadwork and embroidery.

64 FASHION

FASHION 65

Feeding the fantasies of the woman who wears it is the raison dĂŠtre of each JIMI BUENCONSEJO piece.

Unashamedly partial to the womanly silhouette, Jimi’s self-assured designs are very much skewed to the soft, flirty and alluring. A former member of the Board of Designers for Isetann, before he ventured to the Middle East to explore couture, he is the man behind La Donna Haute Couture in Jumeirah, Dubai, for the last 18 years.

On Elena: Ivory colored evening gown, embellished with sugar beads, petite pearls and Swarovski crytals. This serpentina gown has a long trail of tulle and chiffon; crystallized mask as accessory.

66 FASHION On Kathleen: Delicate transparent tulle Grecian gown in subtle beige, cream and gold, layered with a slightly raised waistline and ruffled collar embellished with beads.

refinement and glamor soft fluid lines.

With always in mind, HENRY MANGAHAS’ designs focus mostly on His

creations always carry alluring silhouettes, sometimes adorned with embroidery and appliquĂŠs, meant to please women of all ages. Henry, who manages and designs for La Reina in Jumeirah Dubai, believes that individuality and the artistic sense of every woman, makes for the perfect combination to come out with a perfect creation.

FASHION 67 On Rowena: A-line ball gown with strapless organza corset accentuated with beads and Swarovski crystals. The skirt features layers upon layers of spiral crystal cut-out tulle and organza.

Joie de vivre is indelibly reflected in

designer ROD BALINGIT’S works. Rod who owns

Gharasheeb in Dubai, stumbled into the world of fashion through designing costumes for dancing, has an irrepressible passion for life which spills through his works that are oftentimes playful and whimsical. His style is for the woman comfortable in her own skin, confidently in celebrating her feminine wiles.

68 FASHION

Scene stealer, enfant terrible ROCKY GATHERCOLE is a designer whose clothes are undoubtedly talking

pieces.

Whether inspired by insects, or some otherworldly futuristic forms, Rocky’s creations never fail to raise eyebrows. The ebullient designer is known for consistently pushing the boundaries of design whether through unusual embellishments or cut work or the use of tantalizingly risquÊ cuts and materials. His designs are always very sensual, and command bravado from the women who wear them.

FASHION 69 On Elena: A two piece avante-garde ensemble inspired by snowy fairytales, featuring Swarovski encrusted wire corset with crystals dangling from the curled arches, matched with electric pleated bustle skirt.

70 ADVERTORIAL

The Panoly Resort Hotel, Boracay

Nestled on the best private beach on the white sands of Boracay, The Panoly brings the best elements of nature, comfort and exclusivity, to create the perfect ambience for your island getaway. The Panoly’s rooms are uniquely designed with native materials like bamboo and abaca rope, while providing first-class modern amenities. Choose from native bungalows to luxurious suite rooms, and let the Panoly team pamper you with service that is warm and genuine. The resort hotel also offers sunset tours, ecological tours and exciting recreational activities ranging from kayaking, cliff diving, scuba diving and horseback riding. If there is one thing you cannot miss at The Panoly, that will be the brilliant sunset from the Voodoo Bar by the beachfront, truly a memorable experience. For more information on packages and promotions, please email reservation@thepanoly.com.

Picasso Boutique Serviced Residences: The fine art of living Ardent Property Development Corporation had a vision to use a hip and modern concept to transform an old apartment building into the residence of choice for the contemporary traveler called The Picasso Boutique Serviced Residences, conveniently located at the heart of Salcedo Village, the center of the Makati Business District.

It took inspiration from the artistic genius and great visual master, Pablo Picasso. While Picasso transformed the way we looked at the world, The Picasso is transforming the look and feel of serviced residences. The Picasso offers guests the ambiance of a five-star hotel with friendly and personalized service that makes one feel right at home.

Delightful canvas of lines, stunning patterns, and eclectic palettes are seen all over the property.

The studios and one-bedrooms are very luxurious in terms of space at 45 and 88 square meters respectively making it ideal for both short and long-term stays.

In addition to stylish exteriors, luxurious designs, and dedication to art, The Picasso offers guests all the amenities they need to ensure a relaxing whilst exciting stay by providing plasma televisions, room service, housekeeping, personalized concierge services, and more. This fine art of living is managed professionally by Hospitality International Incorporated (HII). For more information, visit www.picassomakati.com.

Fridays Boracay Breathtaking sunsets, powdery sand, crystalclear water, and a gentle breeze… the recipe for a vacation in paradise. Fridays Boracay is a resort with boundless opportunities for family adventure and memorable special events. The beachfront of the resort is considered to be one of the finest and cleanest in Bora. The resort’s first two cottages were built in 1982, making Fridays the first small hotel in Boracay.

The name “Fridays” comes from Daniel De Foe’s classic “Robinson Crusoe.” Crusoe was surprised to meet a native young man whom he named Friday and who ultimately became his constant companion and assistant. Like De Foe’s character,

Fridays Boracay aspires to fulfill their guests’ every need, from scrumptious meals prepared by their culinary team to soothing massages by the beach.

The resort’s tropical style cottages are outfitted with modern amenities to suit everyone’s needs.

Fridays Boracay is known for its elegant beach weddings. The resort management understand how important that special day is and the staff is trained to cater to the smallest of details. Fridays Boracay also stocks the island’s most extensive selection of wines from the old and new world whereas their beachfront restaurant offers Asian, European, fusion and Filipino cuisine. Find out more about Fridays Boracay at www.fridaysboracay.com

Calling all Filipino Photographers in the Gulf:

PARTICIPATE IN THE BIGGEST & MOST AMBITIOUS FILIPINO PHOTOGRAPHY PROJECT IN THE REGION! In line with our commitment to uplift the Filipino community - ILLUSTRADO will be providing a platform for the Filipino creative community across the Gulf with which to achieve recognition and prominence in our host countries and in the Philippines, at the same time contributing to the development of the photographic art/discipline in the region.

We are inviting all Filipino Photography Clubs and Photographers at all levels (professional, hobbyists and amateurs) to participate in the biggest and most ambitious Pinoy photography project in the region - the Filipino Photography Biennial, a coffee table book to be published every two years showcasing the works of Filipino photographers in the UAE, Oman, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

2010’s theme - “The Gulf through the Eyes of a Filipino Photographer” will be captured in five photographic categories: Landscape and Architecture (local), Heritage and Culture (local), Pinoy Slice of Life, Fashion, and Beauty (Filipino).

We are also calling all Filipino photography clubs in the region to participate and help us shape this worthwhile project that will boost our community. For each participating org, we will be inviting a representative to join the selection panel.

Deadlines for submissions - August 25, 2010.

For queries, you may e-mail us at: filphotobiennial@gmail.com You may also call us at: (+971) 4 365 4543 or 365 4547

5 1 72 TRIPPIN’

things To Do this

Month

By Sherry Tenorio

When rain begins to pour in Manila, summer sets in the Middle East. And, this means the start of the official indoor-zone season, with Pinoys looking for tons of ideas to spend these coming lazy steamy weekend afternoons. If you’re one of those who don’t have plans of going out of the country for your balikbayan vacation during these dry months, you have to stick to what the UAE or side of the Gulf has to offer. Yet, don’t fret. Illustrado has a list of awesome stuff that can keep you occupied all summer long.

2

Discount shopping with Dubai Summer Surprises

It is expected that when summer comes, we should have excess hard-earned money in our pockets. Why? Well, the year-on-year summer shopping festival is about to offer us the biggest discounts and mesmerizing bargains. There is no reason why we should pass on the chance of buying that iPhone or iPad on a discount, or perhaps that Zara dress and Gucci tote that we’ve been dying to have – especially if they’re offered on a hefty discount, right? Not to mention that we have lots of catching up to do – Dubai has now given birth to new shopping avenues. There are the Mirdif City Centre and Dubai Marina Mall that we’ve yet scoured. So, let’s prep up the budgets and hang on to our slip-ons as we’re definitely going huge on shopping and mall hopping this time around.

Splurge on spa and wellness promotions

Aside from discount shopping, people like us who’d stay in the country during summer are fortunate enough to revel on the many other promotions. One that we can surely enjoy is the numerous luxurious spa packages that are available on attractive offers. During this summer, we can celebrate the lives of the rich and famous by giving ourselves the chance to try the spa treatments from the Shangri-la Hotel, Park Hyatt Hotel, Monarch Hotel, Fairmont Hotel that give them on reduced costs. Call your preferred hotels or check their websites for more info. Who wouldn’t want those rejuvenating and uber-relaxing massages and refreshing facials? Not us, for sure.

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TRIPPIN’ 73

Call from a hotel-arrest

What is the best way to be the envy of your friends amidst the burning 40 degrees temperature in the UAE? Well, call them from your posh room in a five star hotel, that is. Just like anything else that is offered on lesser prices, hotels in the UAE also provide tempting deals for the UAE residents and tourists all throughout the summer. Check out the awesome array of skyscraping hotels in Sheikh Zayed or opt for beachfront hotels at the Dubai Marina area. Better yet, drive down to Al Ain, Ras Al Khaimah or Fujairah for a better resort experience. But, if you want some F1 feel and the noise to go with it, we say stay in Yas Island in Abu Dhabi. Wherever you end up, it’s definitely a great summer at a great discount.

Buy your tickets to FAME

The 80’s hit movie that popularized Irene Cara and her infamous karaoke-favorite song ‘Fame’ is now coming to Dubai for its limited onstage performance. For only five nights, Fame The Musical is being brought to The First Group Theatre in Madinat Jumeirah to entertain the summer residents and tourists in the country. Since we love singing and we love Fame, this is going to be one of the best treats that we’d give ourselves this summer. Better brushed up our memory though, and watch a rerun of the movie. We don’t want to be clueless on the Fame mania.

Dress up early and enjoy brunch

It’s a Friday, and we don’t want to get up if it’s not two in the afternoon.

But, for a change, get up three hours earlier and eat a proper hotel brunch. It might be quite extravagant for our taste, but don’t we want to try something different? That’s why we say, this summer, we’d dress up for brunch. It is both fun and satisfying – hotels provide a wide ranges of buffet offers and unlimited drinks in the menu. With good company, sumptuous food, relaxing ambiance and never-ending refill of drinks, four hours of breakfast/lunch will mark a memorable summer getaway. Though we recommend brunches in Al Murooj Rotana, Le Meridien Hotel and Marriot Hotel in Deira, there are so many other offers in town. Browse the internet, and you’ll see. Just a matter of advice: don’t eat anything before brunch, take the buffet slowly, don’t rush in eating and drinking – buffet is open usually from 12-4pm – they won’t kick out customers just to seat others.

Don’t forget to attend the 112th Philippine Independence Day Celebrations!

Proud Pinoy? Well, it’s time to celebrate! Let us marvel at the day that set us free as a nation. This year, we celebrate our 112th year of freedom, and it’s a must that we support the events around the community that commemorate this landmark occasion. Let’s remember the heroism and love for country of our forefathers by being one and together as Filipinos.

Come by to the Al Nasr Leisureland on th 18th of June to celebrate with Pinoys from Dubai and the Northern Emirates. Better yet, also check out Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and the other emirates for other activities scheduled by the Filipino groups there.

74 TRIPPIN’

Remembering the Beauty of

Old Manila

By Loraine Balita

Taft

The decade was young, the Manilenos were just starting to get used to the ways of their new guests - the Americans. And there I was trailing a few steps behind a man seemingly dressed to the nines in his carefully pressed white suit with a matching white natty hat sitting atop his balding head. I followed him as he traversed the length of the former Puente de Espana or what is now known as the new Jones Bridge – a neo-classical structure built on the site of the old bridge of Spain.

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could hear the hurried clacking thuds of the horsedrawn calesas passing by and the whistling sound of a small tranvia, the country’s modern means of transportation with networks that navigate Escolta.

Perhaps it’s because of an article I read about pre-war Manila titled Manila: The Riviera of the Orient by Paulo Alcazaren, who wrote a piece about a pre-war tourist guide he found. The material “graphically paints a picture of the city still steeped in heritage, colored by cosmopolitan tastes, and relatively unsullied by politics.”

And then I looked up to see a majestic structure by the river banks - overlooking the crystal clear water. This is the neoclassical Post Office Building, its stunning architecture marked by towering columns.

He wrote the vivid descriptions in the guide printed in the 1930s right out of a tourist brochure; it was as if they were describing Paris ala Venice with the neoclassical structures and architectures lining intricate canals. The guide’s text, explains how a trip to the Orient without seeing Manila is “like going to France without touching Paris.”

And while I was admiring the intricate details of this grandiose structure, I heard the noise grew louder and louder as the horse slowly dissolved into a small metal ornament poised atop the hood of a jeepney. Confused I turned to look for the post office as everything else slowly dissolved into a busy hurried street, right above it: a speeding LRT. And alas! I was instantly brought back to year 2010 along Taft Avenue.

Paris is to France as Manila was to Asia Staring at old photos of Manila must have had this effect on me. I have been day dreaming, imagining myself walking down the streets of Manila during its glory days, trying to feel how it was like to walk down a charmingly glorious city that was the envy of other cities in South East Asia.

Queen City of the Orient Or maybe the video I have been watching online by the Travel Film Archive in Pinoy blogs. The 11-minute video documentary titled Manila: Queen City of the Orient shows footages of pre-war Manila in black and white. Filmed in the 1930s, by Andre De La Varre features Manila Bay, Escolta, Old Tondo, Pasig River, the Old Dewey Boulevard (now Roxas Boulevard) and Intramuros still untouched by the ravages of war.

Manila touted as the most beautiful city in Asia then, boasted of a historic walled city inherited from Spain, a number of canals teeming with boat activity, a busy thoroughfare that was the famed Escolta, the crystal clear Pasig river and was spanned by four majestic bridges, and a section called Ermita — a residential area where beautiful mansions and the countries best hotels were located.

TRIPPIN’ 75

The narrator tells of the “wide and well-paved avenues and boulevards of the American city” that were lined with overarching large trees.

One of the largest boulevards then was the Dewey Boulevard, was built on reclaimed land by the Bay. It was the site of the country’s most regal mansions that served as homes of the city’s elite.

Dewey Boulevard: Malate Resort This sudden urge to daydream must have also been because of those old books which had descriptions of areas in Manila which might seem unbelievable at first, as retold by more authors. One such description was written by Luning Ira in the book Streets of Manila published in 1977. Ira tells of the beauty of the Boulevard Strip as well as the areas surrounding it — Ermita and Malate where huge mansions built for the country’s elite were named after American cities and States. It was “chalet town” where the home of the country’s well-to-do were built. These huge manors were also kept so owners “could be near the bay for summer swimming — for that was Malate’s principal attraction — as a resort.”

Sta. Cruz

Among the many mansions situated in the area was that of the American High Commissioner with its large garden and patios that served as venue for many important social gatherings attended by the elite.

Escolta: Philippine Wall Street Another famous book that tells of the beauty of Old Manila is that of author-historian the late Nick Joaquin. In one of the sections of his book Manila, My Manila the author describes Manila’s famed business center — Escolta dominated by two luxury stores: La Estrella del Norte and La Puerta del Sol, formed part of Manila’s downtown district along with Avenida Rizal, Plaza Goiti, and Plaza Sta.Cruz.

During the 1930s when the country experienced a short-lived gold rush Escolta became the home of the city’s “newest and flashiest” building — the Crystal Arcade. This according to Joaquin “became Manila’s stock exchange” with Escolta teeming with “stockholders feverishly trading stocks among themselves.”

The busy financial district according to another author Jose Escoda in his book Warsaw of Asia became Wall Street. It was also the country’s fashion cum commercial capital because of the fine shops, boutiques, and department stores lining the narrow five block-long thoroughfares.

Remnants of old Escolta can still be seen today still standing albeit shadows of its once glorious past.

Memories of Manila If it weren’t the books, the articles, or the videos then it must have been the conversations I had with people over the past few weeks.

Journalist Philip Lustre Jr. a true-blooded Manileño shared how he was able to stretch a few pesos and centavos for his needs as prices then were very cheap.

He remembers Sta. Cruz and Quiapo with major business establishments located around the area. “I remember the Ma Mon Luk, Wa pac, Wa Nam, Moderna, and Ramon Lee restaurants, “he said.

Back then the city “had a great skyline because the LRT did not obscure the sky.” Although the structures are now gone, “I remember the numerous people that congregated in front of the old Jai Alai Fronton along Taft avenue,” he said. “Malate was chic during those days and M. Adriatico was not yet a commercial area,” he added.

Like Lustre, Arnold Buenviaje recalls how his father would take him out as a kid to watch Chinese movies in Binondo,” he said.

PGH

Busy Escolta according to him had Syvel’s where people would go to buy shoes and clothes. Its streets were lined with high-end shops and modern establishments, and people then were “not allowed to walk in flip-flops or slippers in Escolta,” he said.

Like him Timi Banzon, who was born and raised in Manila remembers Escolta as the coutry’s prime business cum leisure destination, leading up to some of the country’s most expensive shops. “It was the commercial hub of Manila back then when Makati was still a land of marshes and cogon grass,” she shared. Timi recalled how as a little girl she would ride the “Motorco,” a double-decker big bus that runs from the Rizal monument to the arch in Baclaran.

Timi’s Grandfather would take her to Echague and then Arranque market “because that was where the PX [imported] goods were.”

The place was “so wide, broad and well-lighted,”she said. Back then, theaters like the Manila Grand Opera House and Odeon were still operational and these “had the orchestra, lodge and balcony sections.”

Timi shared how she stood witness as Avenida Rizal reached its peak and as it went from “its glory to bust with the onset of the LRT.” “The LRT killed Avenida,” she added.

While Timi thinks that some parts of Manila like Avenida are long dead, she feels that Manila as a whole will never die. “Though its magic has faded and newer and better cities have risen, the history of this city is [still] unparalleled,”she said. “For true Manilenans like me, I will always be proud of being born and raised in the heart of this country,” she quipped.

I guess it was really Timi’s story that got me wanting to see Manila back then. Perhaps it was because of Nick Joaquin’s book that I read.

Or maybe it’s a mixture of everything. The videos, article clippings, and books plus interviews with people who allowed me to piece together the beautiful and vibrant picture of old Manila which people like me will never got the chance to see.

Acknowledgements for the photos courtesy of the National Library collection on the Sta. Cruz, Taft Avenue, Binondo and Luneta photograhs; The Jose Sarmiento Collection, TheLuther Parker Collection.

76 BAKASYON GRANDE

Boracay Off Road

By Vic Albornoz Lactaoen

Cycling around Boracay is easy to organize yourself and one of the best ways to see the island, whether you prefer the unspoiled inland or the scenic shoreline.

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here is a saying among serious cyclists that the bicycle is a “transport of delight.” In Boracay, whether you’re easing from one resort to another or across the island, through Puka Shell Beach in the north all the way to Manoc-Manoc in the south, there is no better way to travel.

In all the countries where I’ve ridden a bike, I’ve been amazed at the level of trust placed in me by local people I’ve met from cities, towns and villages, simply because I’ve been on two, pedal-powered wheels. Maybe it’s a vulnerability thing, but trust leads to hospitality and is key to kinship and understanding. In these modern times, when we can be familiar with so much of the area from the comfort of our armchairs, thanks to tv, Google, Facebook and Wi-Fi technology, experiencing this kinship is one of the greatest goals of travel.

Inside the Island Boracay’s shoreline cycle path draws hordes of two-wheeled-tourists every year, during the summer and even in between the dry spells of the rainy season.

There is something powerfully therapeutic about pedaling alongside this great shoreline: the section from Punta Bunga to Tambisaan beach is a strong contender for the most beautiful stretch of Boracay, and it’s so enticingly popular that the shoreline is peppered with all sorts of establishments: sand castles sit side-by-side with installation art. For most of its length, the ride Photoby George Cabig

BAKASYON GRANDE 77 (PHP150) or for a whole six-hour day (PHP850). If you really get bitten by the biking bug, you can join the Cyclone MTB (Mountain Bikers Boracay) Club for their Sunday bike tours of Panay Island, or for one of the races they occasionally organize.

Setting off mid-morning I headed straight to Mount Luho, 100 meters above the sea. For leisure bikers like me, the ascent is easy, winding with some manageably rough roads. The best route is the steep road, going north from Bulabog. This is on the eastern side of the island so you get away from White Beach and suddenly notice a quieter world, with only the sounds of birds and the sight of occasional distant bancas. At the summit, leave your bike, pay the entrance fee of PHP50 and begin the final part of your climb on foot. The bird’s eye views are stunning from its improvised wooden view deck, over Boracay and the neighboring island of Romblon.

The Road Less Traveled In the afternoon we head to Yapak, more popularly known as Puka Shell beach. Be sure to take in the huge variety of scenery along the steep road. There are exotic animals, trees and flowers, small harvested cornfields and the last area of virgin forest. Old timers in the area say that this is where you can see Boracay as it was many year ago – lonely huts, fields of wild grass, rare flowers and dense groves.

There’s a very keen awareness of preserving the habitat and peace of the bats, so we didn’t disturb the day-time sleep of these nocturnal animals. If you take the secondary roads that connect to the main road there are thick forest areas, only accessible by bike, where you can still see monkeys and even waran: large monitor lizards.

This denser part of Boracay leads to a tree-lined path along nipa huts and a public school all the way to Puka Shell Beach, where you can succumb to great souvenir finds. A make shift row of huts sells shells, pearls, beads, hats, batik, shirts and island bags for reasonable prices, if you don’t want the shopaholic scene at D’Mall or D’ Talipapa.

Scenes and Rewards

Photos by George Cabig

Traveling by bicycle is the best way to view Boracay’s landscape, engage with the locals, acquire an appetite and feel a sense of achievement. Not to mention getting a bit more fit!

follows the sea and is kept in good road condition. It passes plenty of sights worth stopping for. In between points of interest, distances are short and allow plenty of time to explore whatever catches your interest along the shores.

The northeast side of the island off Puka Shell beach from Punta Bunga towards Ilig-Iligan beach has coves and caves where bats take full flight at dusk. The road here is less traveled and has turns that can be steep and narrow although enjoyable and still not too rigorous.

I decided to explore the full spectrum of sights along main road route.

Seeing the island on a mountain bike is not only good exercise, but the best way to find those out-of-the way, unspoiled parts of Boracay as paths crisscross most of the island.

Preparing for the Road

How to get there

I started my biking journey with a night at Escondido Resort Hotel along Boat Station 1. It is not your typical beachfront accommodation, but its modern yet Filipino design and friendly staff make your stay here unique.

Caticlan Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific Air now flies direct to Caticlan with their new aircraft. These mini planes started their trips to Caticlan, only a fifteen minute boat ride from Boracay.

Perfect Perspective

Kalibo There are also flights to Kalibo from Manila and Cebu every day with connecting flights from Bacolod, Cagayan de Oro, Davao, Dumaguete, Iloilo and Tacloban.

On the first morning I rented a bike from Boracay Fun & Sports Shop conveniently located at D’Mall. Choose from renting by the hour

78 GLOBAL BARRIO

My pinoy life in‌ A peek at the lives of Filipinos around the world

Juliette Casabal

Almaty, Kazakhstan

Tell us something about your host city and country.

Almaty is the largest city in Kazakhstan, a Central Asian country bordered by Russia and China. The city has a population of 1,348,500 (as of 1 September 2008), which represents nine percent of the country’s population. It used to be the capital of Kazakhstan and still remains the major commercial center in the country. One of the most famous buildings in this city, Kazakhstan International Hotel, where I work currently, is considered as the icon of tourism in Kazakhstan.

This country has some of the most beautiful mountains I have ever seen and has a lot of places for those who love nature tripping. People here spend a lot of their time outdoors

during the summer in the many parks that dot the city. Almaty is also known for ski resorts and has one of the biggest ice skating rinks in Central Asia. Unlike what most people think, Kazakhstan is safe and modern, and is in fact very European when it comes to the standard of living, lifestyle, fashion, etc. The city is teeming with typical urban activity and has a lot of nice restaurants, bars, cultural places and a great night life too.

Since when have you been staying there? Can you recount briefly why you moved there?

Weatherwise, there are four seasons here which represents extreme conditions sometimes. Summer in July can be as hot as 40 degrees centigrade while during winter, when we have snow, the temperature can be as low as -12, even -50 degrees centigrade.

I just recently got promoted to Senior Operations Manager reporting directly to the General Manager.

The company hired me to train all the Food and Beverage personnel and to open three restaurants around the country. I have just opened The Noodles, an Oriental/American concept bar and restaurant which is the first of its kind in Kazakhstan

I moved to Almaty in November of 2007 and took a post offered by the Intercontinental Hotel-Almaty.

Presently, I work for Kazakhstan International Hotel which owns several hotels around Central Asia.

What do you there do for a living?

GLOBAL BARRIO 79

(as this is the first time that a global brand Gloria Jeans Coffee merged with a local brand). I run the entire daily operations and collaborate with the executive chef about the menu and design promotions.

Is there a Filipino community there?

Yes there is a Filipino community here and it’s called Pinoy-Almaty. We are about 65 Filipinos here in the city, although I believe that there are about 3,000 to 4,000 Filipinos working in Kazakhstan, and they have good professions. In Almaty, Filipinos are mainly consultants, engineers, auditors, lawyers, though there are those few who work in domestic services. Still, even the Filipinos here

in domestic services get paid well – from US$500 to US$1,000.

Since most of the Filipinos here are busy in their respective jobs, unfortunately, it is only during Christmas that we are able to get together.

Tell us about your life there.

For some reason, I always get mistaken for a local – a Korean Kazakh, they say. Since it is very multicultural here – although locals are all called “Kazakhs”, they come from different cultures (i.e.

Russian Kazakh, Ukrainian Kazakh, Mongolian Kazakh, Korean Kazakh, etc.), so there is a lot of diversity not only with the way people look but also their traditions.

My life here in Almaty is purely work, since I also live in the same hotel where my job is. I consider my occupation as my social life as well. I have long hours, and spend most of time at work, in fact up to 12 midnight.

Luckily, I have the kind of work and workplace where friends can visit me,

so I can mix business and pleasure.

My friends would come to dine and drink in our outlet, and I get to chat and sit with them from time to time while I’m working.

During whatever free time I have, I love taking walks around the city and spending time just sitting and relaxing with friends at local cafés.

What cultural practices/behaviors have you acquired from your host country?

None really. I must say that the people here are very similar to us Filipinos. Although their lifestyle is very European and they are quite liberal, when it comes to family, they are very much like Pinoys.

They have very strong family ties and values and spend their weekends together. Even their weddings are similar to ours – they too have the same practice as “pamanhikan.”

I love the Kazakhs. They are very friendly, warm and soft spoken people, and yet mysterious for me at the same time. The only thing I hate here is the winter. Sometimes, the extreme cold is just too much for me to take.

Your greeting to Filipinos across the globe.

Always remember that you are a Pinoy and that you are exceptional because of your personality. As Pinoys, we are naturally sensible people and that’s what makes us global.

80 COMMUNITY

Uplifting the Pinoy

By KC M. Abalos

What is a Filipino? How do we really define ourselves as a people? How we view ourselves, individually and as a nation, is essential to our progress. The bottom line is — if our perception of our culture is askew then we are off-center as well. We always say that Filipinos are hospitable and warm, family oriented and optimistic. Well and good. But while we talk about our positive facets, in the same breadth, we must also be aware of our weaknesses which keep us from truly exploring our full potential. It is a good thing there are concerned groups out there who encourage all Filipinos to look inside themselves and discover the true essence of being Pinoy.

Ang Bagong Pinoy Out with the old, in with the new. This adage applies to the principles of Ang Bagong Pinoy. According to their website, “At the core of Ang Bagong Pinoy’s principles is the desire to build a better Philippines, one Filipino at a time. It is about changing ourselves and helping one another change ourselves. We acknowledge that we need to change, each and every one of us, no exemptions, no exclusions.”

These are excerpts from Boogie Boydon’s articles posted at the group’s website and his commentaries reflect the organization’s clear stand on what our country needs. They say one person can change

the world, and according to them, “change is a long and maybe sometimes even painful process.” One needs to take it one step at a time, one person at a time. So the group is there to support each other as they try to live their lives as a “bagong Pinoy” working on themselves first and then helping others by example. Ang Bagong Pinoy sets this out through their concept of the “Bagong Pinoy” model which espouses that the model Pinoy is one who has a deep sense of national pride, a passion for excellence, is constantly striving to improve his/her personal condition and has a global perspective.

Ang Bagong Pinoy believes that striving to imbibe these ideals help Filipinos not only improve themselves but also collectively help the nation eventually.

Let your child experience the joy of learning Enrollment now going on for Summer Camp and School Year 2010-2011

Tel: 04-398 6218

84 COMMUNITY

112th Independence Day Celebrations Schedule of Activities – Abu Dhabi 28 May - Flag Law and International Protocol, Philippine Embassy 4 June - Kalayaan Walkathon, Corniche Road and Kalayaan Bazaar, Maharlika House 4 June - Financial Literacy, Philippine Embassy 5 June - ASEAN Bowling, Marina Mall and Entrepreneurship Seminar, Philippine Embassy 11 June - Kalayaan Bowling League, Khalifa Bowling Center 11 June -Thanksgiving Mass, St. Joseph Church and Leadership Training, Philippine Embassy 11 June - Cultural Presentation, Khalidiya Mall 12 June - Flag Raising Ceremony and Historical Film Showing, Philippine Embassy 13 June - Photo and Collage Exhibit, Filipino and Diplomatic Reception, InterContinental Hotel Abu Dhabi 18 June - Car Show, Khalidiya Mall Front Parking 19 June - Rizal Day Film Showing, Philippine Embassy 25 June - First Aid and Fire Safety Workshop and Photography Seminar, Philippine Embasse 25 June - Appreciation Day and Raffle Draw, Maharlika House

Digerati 7th Term Graduations Digerati held the graduation of its 7th term students last 23 April 2010 at the Taj Palace in Deira, Dubai. The event was attended by the 300-strong graduating class and represented the culmination of three months of hard work for the students, volunteers, and officers.

UPAA UAE Lapis, Papel, Aklat Atbp Project The University of the Philippine’s Alumni Association in the UAE (UPAA-UAE) recently sent four jumbo boxes of 300 textbooks including a number of Dr Zeus’ books, 200 notebooks, 500 pencils, volumes of art supplies as well as 400 pairs of rubber slippers, to beneficiaries in two remote highland schools in Northern Luzon through their program Lapis, Papel, Aklat atbp Project. The project is a school supplies donation drive for the benefit of less-privileged schoolchildren in the Philippines.

Done under the auspices of the Philippine Embassy, and in partnership with Sagip Kapamilya of the ABS-CBN Foundation Inc, LBC, the project aims to provide a better chance at life for students in remote areas by providing much needed supplies. The donations of pencils, writing papers, books and other school supplies have been shipped to the Sagip Kapamilya Foundation for distribution in the Mataguisi Elementary School (250 pupils) and Mataguisi Comprehensive National High School (150 students) in Pudtol, a municipality some 500 kms. north of Baguio City whise people belong to the ethnic tribes of Kalingas, Apayaos and Isnegs.

More than just the handing out of certificates and awards, the Filipiniana themed graduation party was attended by Digerati members in their finest Philippine national attire and showcased an entertaining line-up of Filipiniana numbers including a Sinulog inspired number performed by Zaabeel representatives and a Dayang Dayang folk dance from the Al Ain group. A traditional debate in poetic verse - Balagtasan was presented by Donnabel Cantila, Czarina Maala, Michelle Opalla, Ryan Cabug, Gilbert Allen, Wilfren Papaya and FDA President Rizalina Abuel, as well as a poignant harana from Pacita Sta Ana and Fermin dela Cruz. One of the founding members of Digerati – Granel Juanay, gave a speech that captured the audience’s attention, while Angelo Nino Brijuega and Cherry Joy Vargas Manosa won the Mr. and Ms. Filipiniana contest.

The graduation event was also the venue for the screening of the minidocumentary “The Empowered Filipina”, directed by Kamil Roxas in association with Illustrado, which aims to challenge the negative Pinay stereotype in the region. The film was not only received well but hit an emotional chord with the crowd as the message of common issue and empowerment resonated with the women in attendance.

The event was graced by Philippine Ambassador to the UAE Grace Relucio-Princesa, Consul General Benito B. Valeriano, Consul Jose Jacob and Consular Officer Maribel Marcaida and was supported by Arabian Oasis, and Vanessa Verde and friend for the photo coverage.

86 FILIPINISMS

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

Pilipinas Pinaka!

By Aby Yap

Sure, we’ve had more than our 15 minutes of notoriety.

But who hasn’t? (That, my friends, is what you call pampalubag loob.) We’re probably known for many unsavory things, but it’s time to free ourselves of the nega vibes — inhale, exhale — and focus on our merits. Yes, we have positive superlatives, too, and they come aplenty. A few may sound a little bit strange, and some would probably give you that “meh ganun?!” moment, but many will leave you feeling high, basking in Pinoy pride for days, even years to come.

Presenting the World’s…

Sweetest Fruit - The Carabao Mango from the beautiful island of Guimaras, according to the Guinness World Records (GWR) in 1995. Prepare for a major sugar rush.

Heaviest Mango - Could easily be the 3.435-kilo monster mango that Engr. Sergio Bodiongan plucked from their family tree in Iligan, Lanao del Norte August last year. The rest of their mangoes weighed two kilos more or less. Hebigat!

Biggest Fruit Shortcake - Strawberry cake forever from La Trinidad, Benguet, says GWR 2005. Stats: 12.31 feet long, 8.68 feet wide, 9 feet diameter, total volume of 547.32 cubic feet, weight of 9,600 kilos, and worth of PHP1 million. Ingredients: 2,350 kilos of fresh strawberries, 967.5 kilos of strawberry preserve, and 537.5 kilos of butter — good for 42,080 people.

Longest Barbecue - There’s Bacolod’s chicken inasal; Dagupan’s bangus; San Fernando City, Pampanga’s tilapia; Alcala, Pangasinan’s pork-milkfish combo; and Villasis, Pangasinan’s eggplant. But the winner of them all is Sto.Tomas, Pangasinan’s Klasika glutinous corn, which measures 12,480 feet and 2 inches long.

Most Number of Dishes on Display in a Single Day - A cheesy day it was for professional chefs and culinary students when they whipped up 5,845 cheese-based dishes at the Araneta Coliseum December last year. Sponsored by Kraft Foods Philippines, the feat toppled India’s GWR win in 2007 with 4,668 dishes.

Largest Simultaneous Breastfeeding - In 2006, 3,541 Filipino mothers did it in a single site — in Manila’s San Andres Sports Complex —breaking the record of Berkley, California’s 1,130 mothers. The next year, it tripled to a whopping 15,128 Filipino mothers doing it again in multiple sites — 295 at that — just to show the world the importance of breastfeeding. GWR has got it all noted.

Largest Synchronized Aerobics Exercises - Could very well be the 30-minute activity initiated by the Department of Health at Rizal Park, Manila in 2003 where some 107,000 health buffs participated. Add to that the thousand others who sweated it out in various sites in Cebu and Davao, and you’d know Pinas is the fit candidate.

Largest Dance Class - 7,770 bodies moving to Cha-cha, Jive, Mambo, and an especially choreographed number celebrating Sugbo, a Cebuano song, in Cebu last year became a quick defeat for former GWR champ Budapest, Hungary with only 2,289 participants. Thanks to DanceSport Team Cebu International Incorporated’s efforts.

FILIPINISMS 87 these gold PHP100,000 bills measure 8.5 inches wide and 14 inches long, making them another GWR-holder. Here’s the catch, though: you can keep one, but not spend it.

Largest Sticker Wrap - For wrapping around the entire 29-story PET Plans Tower (excluding the roof) along EDSA, Guadalupe in Makati City in 2008, the “Levi’s Colossal” ad by the Focal Point Advertising-Golden Touch Imaging team won this title.

Specifically, it measured 200 feet high by 235 feet wide for a 47,000 square feet total area. One news report even said such size could accommodate as many as 500 parked cars.

Largest Photo Mosaic - A great souvenir for outgoing president GMA would be this 175 feet by 128 feet (21,875 square feet) masterpiece by photojournalist Revoli Cortez. A thousand images of GMA in action during her nine year-long presidential stint must have wowed the World Records Academy that this entry surpassed those of Great Britain and Canada.

Largest Bamboo Organ - Found in St. Joseph Parish Church, Las Piñas City, this instrument of classic Mediterranean style was built

by Padre Diego Cera as early as 1816 and wasn’t completed until 1824. He used bamboo for the pipes and metal for the horizontal trumpets—1,031 pipes all in all.

Biggest Catholic University - The University of Santo Tomas, Asia’s oldest existing university — with alumni like Jose Rizal, Apolinario Mabini, and the Gomburza — has also the world’s largest student population. 40,000 students in one campus! No wonder traffic in España is epic.

Most Number of Inmates Dancing Simultaneously in One Site and Most Number of Individuals Dancing Simultaneously to “Thriller” - The famous Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center’s 1,588 inmates under the tutelage of security consultant Byron Garcia, who else? Their Thriller video, which has more than 41 million views on Youtube, has gotten even Michael Jackson’s choreographer Travis Payne so thrilled that he taught them MJ’s “The Drill” steps. Now, Beat it!

Biggest Earth Hour Participation - For two years now, the Philippines has emerged as the most cooperative in switching off lights for an hour among nearly 90 countries. Last year had 650 towns and cities joining the event, while this year had 1,076. See, Pinoys love Mother Earth!

Biggest Human Rainbow - Luneta was again witness to another GWR victory in 2004 as more than 31,000 Polytechnic University of the Philippines students, teachers, staff, and alumni dressed up colorfully to make a rainbow in celebration of their Centennial Year. As a result, the human rainbows of Malta Archipelago (11,750 participants) and the Hongkong Polytechnic University (11,500 participants) paled in comparison.

Biggest Shoes - It’s said only a 125 feet tall giant would fit into Marikina’s gigantic shoes, each measuring 5.5 meters long, 2.25 meters wide, and 1.83 meters high with 16-inch heels. Priced at PHP2 million, this footwear was crafted by 10 shoemakers out of 30 square meters of leather for the upper lining and 7.4 square meters for the sock lining; 250 kilos of vegetable tanned leather for the insole, 270 kilos for the outsole, and 80 kilos for the welt; 225 kilos of adhesive; and 1,000 meters of thread for 200,000 stitches. A GWR winner since 2002.

Biggest Money - If you have to collect money, why not take one among the 1,000 pieces of Brobdingnagian bills? Specially created by the Central Bank to commemorate the Philippine Centennial,

Biggest High School - Though Rizal High School in Pasig City, which allegedly has 25,000 students, has backslid to India’s City of Montessori School’s 35,000, this school is still worth writing about if only for its “unique” graduation day. Since they’re that many, graduating students are divided into three batches. Batch 1 attends the morning commencement exercises, followed by Batch 2 in the afternoon; Batch 3 is scheduled the next day. The bad news: honor students are required to show up in all three ceremonies. (Tip: Don’t study too hard.)

Ready to take that longest isaw or fastest fish ball tusok-tusok challenge? Happy Independence Day, kabayans!

88 FILIPINISMS

The Annie B (Batobalani) Chronicles

The adventures and misadventures of a ‘not so average’ Pinay trying to make it in the cosmpolitan city of Dubai.

Photography by: Ik Lumberio

Chronicle

42

Da Idols of My Life

My brader is not a fig!..

Walang himala!..

Hayop....

Hayup...

Hayuuuppp!!!

In my thirtysomething years of existence in this kaleidoscope world of ours, masasabi kong masaya na rin ako sa buhay ko. Oo, hindi man ako lumaking mayaman, eh atleast marunong akong magsaing ng bigas, tumawid sa kalsada, sumakay ng jeep at mag-book ng sarili kong flight. Baket, yung mga mayayaman ba kaya nilang gawin yung mga yun na walang tulong ng ibang tao aber? Miski hindi ako artistahin at habulin ng mga kalalakihan eh marami naman akong mga kaibigan at kakilala sa iba’t ibang lugar. May confidence at self insurance naman akong naipon para miski sino ang makahalubilo ko eh atleast presentable ako, mayaman man o mahirap, kabayan man o ibang lahi – may tapang ng apog, kapal gooms at fighting spirit ika nga – at hindi nabibili sa kung saan mang mall o boutique yun ha?

pelikulang Pilipino. Kakaiba si Ate Guy kumpara sa ibang artista noon – siya lang ang sumikat na hindi mestiza, anak-mayaman o mala-manyika ang kagandahan – kakaiba sya. Kapag pinanood mo sya ng maigi, kikilabutan ka sa galing nyang umarte at sa tindi ng powers ng mga mata nya – parang ang laki laki, parang ang daming sinasabi, matutunaw ka kapag tinitigan mo. Noong napanood ko sya sa pelikulang “Lollipos, Roses at Burong Talangka,” talagang bumilib ako sa kanya. Imagine pinag-agawan sya ni Cocoy Laurel at Don Johnson??? Kaya sabi ko sa sarili ko, aba, hindi lang pala mga mestiza, magaganda at seksi ang may pag-asang maka-score ng gwaping… kung kaya ni Ate Guy, then so can I!!! Naks, rhyming pa ha?

Bakit ba ako nagmamalaki? Because sizes matter? Abso-packshetinglutely! Kasi Pinay ako. Kasi OF ako. Kasi independent woman ako.

Kasi ako ako. Si Annie B. from Baranggay Bagumbayan, Town of Orion, Province of Bataan, Islands of the Philippines!!! Malamang dala na rin ng tatlong benti cups ng Starbucks na espresko na tinungga ko – pero damang dama ko talaga ngayon ang pagiging woman of the world ko. Parang feel kong rumampa sa kalsada, magcatwheel at tumambling at batiin lahat ng taong makakasalubong ko ng “Ang ganda ko!!!” ng walang kakurap-kurap. At kebs ko sa reaction nila!

Patuloy kong sinubaybayan ang career ni Ate Guy. Iba’t ibang pelikua, iba’t ibang role pero ang po-pogi lagi ng mga kapareha nya.

Si Gabby Concepcion sa “Totoo Ba Ang Tsismis”, si Phillip Salvador sa “Tinik Sa Dibdib”, si Dennis Roldan sa “Bakit Bughaw Ang Langit”. Winner!!! At take note, miski sa totoong buhay eh panalo sa mga kajowaan ang lola mo – pinakasalan sya ni Christopher de Leon sa dagat, naging boyfriend niya si Juan Rodrigo at naka-live in ang DJ na si John Rendez! Talbog ka! Basta natutunan ko from Ate Guy, it’s no matter if you’re not beautiful for as long as you have character and a pleasing personality, men will come in your life. Baket?!!

Sabi nga nila, behind the success of every man is a woman. In my case, I would like to look back and paid tribute to the people who have molded me into becoming what I am what I am right now, no more, no less. Kung hindi dahil sa kanilang contribution at influence sa buhay ko eh paniguradong hindi ako ganito ngayon.

Five years old pa lang ako, imbes na mag-siesta kasama ang aking mga kapatid at mga kalaro sa probinsya ay mag-isa akong nagbababad sa harap ng black en white TV namin noon. Doon ko madalas napapanood si Nora Aunor, ang nag-iisang superstar ng

Tapos nung nagdadalaga na ako, tiningala ko naman si Sharon Cuneta, the Megastar herself. Sino bang Pinay ang hindi gustong maging si Sharon noon? Mala-prinsesa ang buhay na kinagisnan nya – mula sa prominenteng pamilya at may sariling trono sa showbiz mula pagkabata pa lang. Pati sa mga pelikula nya, pinatunayan nya na the good will always be the winner versus the evil, at kaya ng lahat maging singing star, miski saan mang lupalop ka pa ng mundo nanggaling. At tinuruan din nya akong lumaban sa mga nang-aapi – kapag sinabuyan ka ng tubig, aba eh buhusan mo rin sa mukha ang

FILIPINISMS 89

Mr Dijay...

Kahit maputi na ang buhok koh...

Tubig at

langeeeess...

kalaban mo. Mas sosyal yon kesa makipagsampalan ka o makipagsabunutan. Bukas luluhod din ang mga tala!!! Hmp. Syempre habang nagka-edad na si Mega, mas lalo ako naka-relate at na-inspire sa kanya. Pinatunayan nyang hindi mo kailangang maging buto’t balat sa pangangatawan, dahil tamo naman ang mga lalake sa buhay nya: Gabby Concepcion, Richard Gomez, Robin Padilla – eh tatlo na sa kasali sa Top Ten ng Pinakapoging Pinoy sa Showbiz yung mga yun noh? Aminin: miski lampas 34 ang waistline mo, pwede ka pa ring maging Bituing Walang Kupas ang Ningning! Dizizit!!!

Pagdating naman sa pagandahan, walang nang tatalo pa sa paghanga ko kay Melanie Marquez, Miss International 1979 at First runner Up ng 1986 Supermodel Of The World. Sa dinami dami ng mga beauty queens at fashion models natin, siya ang natatangi kong inidolize dahil miski hindi rin sya perpekto, napatunayan pa rin nya na she’s got what it takes it all. Biruin mo, kahit na nagsasamplan pa kaliwa’t kanan ang English grammar nya eh nakuha nyang maiuwi ang korona as Miss International – kase, maganda siya period. Walang finishing school at academic authority ang nagtrain sa kanya pero pinatumba pa rin nya ang mga kandidato from other countries – ibig sabihin mas magaling pa siya kay Miss USA miski palpak pa ang English nya – kasi nga hindi naman Extemporaneous Speech ang contest na sinalihan nya kaya kahit anong paninira ang ibato kay Melanie eh Winnie Santos all the way ang beauty nya. Madaming nanglalait kay Melanie dahil sa pag-e-english nya, baket may korona at title ba silang naipanalo para sa bansa natin aber? At huwag isnabin ang mga men in her life ha? Mula kay Lito Lapid, Derek Dee hanggang sa kasalukuyang asawa nya ngayon, talagang pinatibok ni Melanie ang mga puso ng Pinoy, Intsik, Arabo at Kano… Patunay na isa syang tarsier par exellance – Idol ka naming lahat!!!! Kaya naman mala-United Colors of Benetton ang mga anak nya. Yan ang tunay at walang kaparis na kagandahan. Yun na!

Isa rin si Lea Salonga sa mga nag-inspire sa akin upang maging world class. Elementary pa lang ako ginagaya ko na sya – kinakanta ko

noon ang “I Am But A Small Voice” sa mga school program at talent contest na sinasalihan ko. At feel na feel ko with matching braided pigtails din. Kaya naman nang makamit nya ang Lawrence Olivier at Tony Award for Best Actress for her unbeatable performance as “Kim” sa Miss Saigon, talaga namang lalong tumindi ang pagtingala ko sa kanya. Siya pa lang ang natatanging Pilipino na nakapagbida sa West End ng London at Broadway ng New York in a title role at umani pa ng papuri mula sa ibang lahi. Salamat ng marami kay Lea, nailagay niya sa mapa ng world entertainment ang bandila ng Pilipinas bilang factory ng magagaling kumanta, sumayaw at umarteng lahi, di ba? Bravo, Leah – Bon Apettit!!!

At sino ba naman ang hindi mamamangha sa kadakilaan ng CNN Hero Of The Year na si Efren Peñaflorida? Truly selfless and honorable ang ipinamalas nyang mission sa buhay sa pagtulong nya at pagkalinga sa mga batang lansangan thru his teaching program.

Ang sarap isipin na dahil kay Efren, nababawasan araw-araw ang mga future snatcher, holdaper at adik sa mga kalye ng bansa natin. Imbes na maging mga mangmang sila at tambay sa kanto eh natututo silang magbasa, magbilang at mangarap na balang araw ay magkakaroon din sila ng buhay na pwede rin nilang ipagmalaki. Tingnan mo nga, panay ang reklamo natin na ang hirap mag-commute, ang trapik araw araw, ang baba ng sweldo natin, ang dami nating trabaho, samantalang may mga taong katulad ni Efren na nagsasakripisyo, nagtitiis at nagpapakakubang magtulak ng kariton nya under the scorching heat of the sun – at walang aircon ha? Maibahagi lang sa mga streetchildren ang knowledge of learning. Nakakahiya sa kanya ano? Kaya naman super deserving sya nang makamit nya ang world class fame at award from CNN. Ang message - miski mahirap ang Pilipinas, puno naman ito ng mga taong mayaman sa ganda ng kalooban at kadakilaan para sa iba. Ikaw, kaya mo ba yun?

At syempre, sino bang Pinoy ang hindi naging proud sa dinalang tagumpay at pagpupunyagi ng Pound for Pound World Boxing Champion na si Manny Pacquiao? Ibang klase talaga si Pacman – hindi lang sa mga panalo nya sa boxing kundi sa kakayahan nya to

90 FILIPINISMS

You’re barking at the wrong dog!..

Don’t judge my brader, he’s not a book!

So far so good so far...

unite and bring harmony to the lives of the madlang Pinoy people.

Sa tuwing may laban si Manny, buong Pilipinas ang nakatutok sa TV kaya bukod sa tahimik at masaya ang buong paligid ay walang krimen na nagaganap. Hanep di ba? Miski sinong Presidente o politiko hindi kayang gawin yon ah? Isa din sya sa nagpatunay na hindi hadlang ang kahirapan in order for you to achive your dreams.

Basta, tulad ni Manny, mag-focus, mag-sipag at mag-tyaga at laging mananalig kay Lord, siguradong makakamit di lang ang tagumpay – marami ding kakapit sa ‘yong mga lintang politiko at mga artistang walang career – bukod sa instant fame and success mo, pati nanay mo pwede ring sumikat! Now you know!

Hindi lang puro sikat ang mga naging inspirasyon ko sa buhay.

May mga tao ding nagbigay ng daan upang ma-achieve ko ang mga pangarap ko sa buhay miksi pa madaming challenges akong pinagdaanan. Hindi ko makakalimutan si Mrs. Adoracion Gascon, ang aking Grade 6 teacher noon. Sa araw-araw na ginawa ng Diyos, wala siyang tigil sa mga panglalait at pamimintas nya sa akin. Anu mang effort with a capital A ang gawin ko, gaano man kahapdi ang mga sugat sa kalooban ko at balde-baldeng pawis ang tumatagaktak sa katawan ko eh never nya akong binigyan ng approval sa lahat ng mga gawain ko. Pakiramdam ko noon, ipinanganak si Mrs. Gascon para gawing miserable ang buhay ko. Para walang problema eh di nagtiis ako, sumunod sa utos at bilang bonus eh nilagpasan ko pa ang expectations niya. Nang lumaon, nagulat na lang ako nang biglang tumaas ang mga grades ko. Doon ko nakita ang bunga ng mga itinuro sa akin ni Mrs. Gascon. Ayun pala, alam daw nya na kung magpapakatino lang ako eh malayo ang mararating ko sa buhay.

Well, malayu-layo din ang Dubai mula sa Pilipinas ha? Well…

Hindi ko rin makakalimutan si Bulak, ang aming pet dog noon na nagpadama sa akin ng unconditional love. Sabi nila, a dog is a man’s best friend. Eh since hindi naman ako magka-boyfriend noon eh sa aso ko na lang ibinaling ang pagmamahal ko, next level naman ika nga. Naku super sweet si Bulak, pagbaba ko pa lang ng tricycle tumatakbo na yan para salubungin ako sa gate ng bahay namin.

Tsaka miski askal lang sya at hindi mamahalin ang breeding eh may manners naman sya. Alam nya kung sino at hindi ang dapat tahulan, habulin o kagatin. Ilang beses na rin kaming sinagip at tinulungan

ni Bulak laban sa mga magnanakaw at masasamang tao. Hindi rin siya tulad ng ibang boys, wala syang arte sa katawan o sa pag-uugali.

Bukod sa secure ang feeling ko kapag kasama ko si Bulak eh ramdam ko rin na proud na proud syang kapag kasama nya ako. Hay, mahirap makahanap ang katulad ni Bulak sa mga lalaki ngayon. Siya na siguro ang perfect boyfriend that I never had. I miss you, Bulak.

At syempre, walang Annie B sa mundong ito kung wala si Nanay, ang number one fan ko. Mula sanggol pa lang, pinatunayan na ni Nanay ang walang katulad na pagmamahal nya sa akin. Lahat ng bagay na gawin ko, ikinatutuwa ni Nanay – madalas OA pa. Panay nya akong isinasali sa mga beauty contest noon, feeling nya talaga hindi lang ako ang pinakamaganda sa mga kandidato, confident pa na ako rin daw ang siguradong mananalo. Syempre lagi naman akong Luz Valdez. Pero itong si Nanay, sige pa rin. Kapag kailangan ko ng bagong damit o sapatos, halos mangutang pa yan sa mga kumare nya maibili lang ako. Basta da best talaga si Nanay, hindi ko ipagpapalit miski kaninong nanay pa. Hindi mapapantayan ng yaman ni Oprah Winfrey, ng ganda ni Gloria Romero o ng pagkadakila ni Mother Teresa ang lahat ng naibahagi sa akin ni Nanay. Kaya naman laking pasasalamat ko kay Lord na ibinigay nya sa akin si Nanay at wala nang iba pa.

Kung wala ang mga binanggit ko, malamang hindi magiging ganito ako ngayon. Lahat ng talino, tapang, galing at kapal ng mukha ay dulot ng mga taong ito na nagsilbing gabay at inspirasyon ko habang lumalaki ako. Ang sarap isipin na sa buhay nating ito ay may mga tao na nagkakaroon ng impluwensya at epekto sa paghubog ng ating katauhan making us unique and different people at the same time.

Hanep din ng pakiramdam na bilang Pinoy, ano? Ang dami nating pwedeng tingalain bilang role models who contributed pride and honor to our country and race as a Filipino. Ang galing ng Pinoy ano?

Miksi saan laging binabandila ang lahi natin. Kaya sana, ipagpatuloy pa rin natin ang sinimulan ng karamihan and show the world that we can be the best in everything that we do. And to my role models, thank you for molding me into what I am now, the one and only Annie B. Dizzizit!!!

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MAPAGKAKATIWALAAN MAAASAHAN MAGAAN SA BULSA

ILLUSTRADO FACES 93 Celebrating innate Pinoy charm

Mabel Bacusmo Photography by Eros Goze Fashion courtesy of Giordano

94 ILLUSTRADO FACES Celebrating innate Pinoy charm

Alex Callueng Photography by Eros Goze Fashion courtesy of Giordano

ILLUSTRADO FACES 95 Celebrating innate Pinoy charm

Abegail Reniva-Campling Photography by Eros Goze Fashion courtesy of Giordano

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Kabayan, sa panahon ng hindi inaasahang kagipitan tulad ng aksidente, malaking operasyon, pinsala dahil sa anu mang emergency gaya ng sunog at iba pang “acts of nature” – may mahihingan ka ba ng tulong? At sa tagal ng pinagtrabaho mo dito sa ibang bansa, ikaw ba ay may insurance coverage na nakalaan kung anu’t ano man ang mangyari?

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MAGING MIEMBRO NGAYON Lahat ng mga Filipino dito sa UAE – 18 years old and above, ay maaring sumali sa Filex. Membership Fees: 1 YEAR MEMBERSHIP - AED10 contribution plus AED15 para sa annual insurance, or LIFETIME MEMBERSHIP – AED 30 plus AED15 taon-taon para sa annual insurance coverage.

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MEMBERSHIP & INQUIRIES Upang sumali, tumawag sa Membership Committee headed by Isabel Warren ng Dubai (call Raffy at 04-3417964) and co-chaired by Fred Camba ng Abu Dhabi (call Myrna at 050 5610489).

Para sa iba pang mga detalye, katanungan at verification, maari ring tumawag sa mga FILEX Executive Directors: Rene Mallo : 050 641 0718 Al Ruwais, Kent Amores : 0559954397 Abu Dhabi, Thesma Talinga : 0506935411 Al Ain, Gina T. Salazar : 0506527041 Dubai, Justino Arciga : 0506967001 Sharjah, Ronnie Bonifacio : 0501901343 Fujairah, Maria Luisa ‘ Mar’ Catu: 0506271599 Ras Al Khaimah, Augusto S. Marcia l: 0508618734 Umm Al Quwain Visit our website: www.filexpat.org or e-mail to:filex@filexpat.org Ang FILEX ay isang non-stock non-profit corporation na rehistrado sa Philippines Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)

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KARAMA, DUBAI Red Ribbon Bakery Karama Tel. 04 396 8675

Silky Touch Ladies Salon Al Badaa Oasis Tower, Satwa (at the back of Chow King) Tel. No: 04 345 0092

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KARAMA, DUBAI Queen Saba Trading Karama Branch, Fish Market Tel. 04 337 1416

SATWA, DUBAI Big John Restaurant Satwa Tel. 04 344 5677

Sunflower Supermarket Karama, Dubai UAE Tel : 04-3964611 Fax : 04-3964573

Deli Bite Restaurant Al Bada Oasis Tower, Satwa Tel. 04 345 3845

SUPERMARKETS ABU DHABI Saba International Trading Near Dana Hotel, Tourist Club, Abu Dhabi Tel. 02 645 7800

SATWA, DUBAI Well Goal Supermarket Satwa Tel. 04 344 9851

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