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THE MAGAZINE FOR THE INTERNATIONAL FILIPINO
15 MARCH - 15 APRIL 2010
issue
39
THE EMPOWERED
FILIPINA WOMEN OF SUBSTANCE 2010 RECONSTRUCTING THE PINAY IMAGE FILIPINO WOMEN AND MONEY FASHION: MAD FOR HATS THE OTHER SIDE OF INDAY GLOBAL BARRIO THE ANNIE B CHRONICLES
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EDITOR’S NOTE
In Definition of the Filipina Almost 12 years ago, I was laid off due to a merger, in a new company I just joined then. I was devastated. And the shock was followed by depression. My self-esteem plummeted to an all time low. All of a sudden, I was lost - like the rug was pulled from under my feet. And I realized why, because just like any other career-oriented success hungry young Pinay who had to struggle to free myself from stereotypes and breakthrough the glass ceiling - my job defined me. And without it, I felt like I had nothing. I’m glad I now know better. Through the years of highs and lows, discoveries, failures and successes, and leaps of faith, I have learned that I am defined not by my title or job description, but by so many other things. I am defined by the people who are closest to me - the ones whose essence is reflected on me and mine on them. I am defined by my partner in life – who has enriched my existence and to whom I have become an invaluable other half. I am defined by my offsprings: these little humans who carry part of my physical and personality attributes, as well as the values and lessons I have imparted to them and they carry as they grow. I am defined by the people whose lives I’ve touched, not by how many, but how deeply and positively, and if my actions have created other ripples of affirmation out there, that can further move others. I am defined by my “one great thing” – my talent, my passion, my calling and contribution to the world whatever that is - and how it has added or deducted from the human condition. I am defined by my own spirit – my energy, gratitude, happiness, fulfillment and my raison détre. Most of the time, we allow ourselves to be defined by lesser things, without realizing that it’s our essence that makes the real difference. The true measure of a person is not her possessions, stature or popularity - but the capacity of her heart, the strength or her character, the sharpness of her intellect, the clarity of her dream, the largesse of her spirit – her very substance. This month, we bring you Filipinas who are defined, not only by their achievements, but by their contributions, their strength of character and their courage and ability to prevail despite adversity – true Women of Substance; ordinary women, who have done extraordinary things. As it has become our tradition for the last three years, in conjunction with International Women’s Day on the 8th of March, we celebrate Filipina empowerment, and hope that the great stories and examples we bring you serve to inspire and move you to higher heights. In this female oriented month, let us also take the opportunity to thank the men in our lives. The ones, who have stood by our side, provided for and protected us; they who cherished us, who made us better people and took in all of our feminine tantrums in good stride. We cannot make it without you. Dear Illustrados, enjoy the month of March and continue to do great things that make us all proud. LALAINE CHU-BENITEZ Publisher and Editor-in-Chief
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CONTRIBUTORS Francisco Colayco Krip Yuson
Looking at the Filipina from different angles, Philippine literary legend Krip Yuson writes “A Mystique of Many Takes: The Pinay” providing apt introduction to Illustrado’s Women of Substance 2010 issue.
Financial literacy guru author Francisco Colayco delves on the traditional role of Filipina women as keepers of the family’s finances in this issue’s Kabuhayan Money column: Filipino Women and Money
Sherry Tenorio
Championing girl power in this issue is Dubai-based writer Sherry Tenorio with stories on the oft unknown life of domestic helpers in The Other Side of Inday and locally-based Filipinas in unexpected fields of endeavour in Astig ng Pinay!
Anna Loraine Balita
Freelance writer, college teacher and travel junkie Anna Loraine Balita turns the tables on Pinay stereotyping and builds the Filipina’s image through the eyes of foreign men one compliment at a time in “Reconstructing the Pinay Image.”
Filbert Kung and Glenn Peter Perez
The Blackfox Photography duo of Filbert Kung and Glenn Peter Perez once again captures the best of Filipino beauty and style in this month’s fashion editorial featuring Swiss-Filipina beauty Sarah Meier.
Jeffrey ‘Ximo’ Ramos
Appreciation is a very complex art and nobody knows that better than “I know What to Do – Successful Pinoy Handbook” author Jeffrey “Ximo” Ramos. Ximo guides us this month through the intricacies of showing loved ones and friends how much we care.
42
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 Mike Martin Excel Dyquiangco Shar Matingka Francisco Colayco Sherry Tenorio Isabel Warren Sonny Guzman Isabelo Samonte Vic Lactaoen Ivan Henares Victor Sollorano Jack Catarata Jeffrey ‘Ximo’ Ramos 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 CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS PHILIPPINES Dr. Marlon Pecjo Glenn Peter-Perez Filbert Kung CONTRIBUTING STYLISTS & FASHION TEAM UAE Zekundo Chu Basil Yunting Jessie Tabla 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
CONTENTS
March 2010
Elegant Sarah Meier in an exquisite “impalpable dream” creation by Dubai-based designer Michael Cinco, graces this issue’s fashion editorial.
FEATURES IReconstructing the Pinay Image 14 Trailblazing Filipinas 18 Astig ng Pinay! 22 The Other Side of Inday 24 Illustrado Women of Substance 2010 46 The Empowered Filipina Mini-Documentary 66
10
REGULAR COLUMNS Editor’s Note 3 Letters 8 Contributors 6 Contents 7 Illuminati – A Mystique of Many Takes 10 Pinoy Pro 28 Pinoy Entrepreneur 32 Kabuhayan: Mobile Money 30 Kabuhayan: Filipino Women and Money 36 Successful Pinoy: Mastering the Art of Appreciation 40 Spirituality: Stop Fixing People 44 Trippin’ – 5 Things to Do This Month 78 Global Barrio 80 Community 82 Annie B Chronicles 88 Illustrado Faces 92
FASHION Fashion: Mad for Hats 70
46
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Send your letters to: editor@illustrado.net
to me to enter in this kind of a relationship. Better to live alone than to live in sin. Bambi Cajoles
KABUHAYAN INSPIRATIONS
HOT TOPIC, RELEVANT ISSUE Thank you for putting up a great magazine that tackles relevant issues. I’m always looking forward to reading your magazine every month. More power!!! Sally Amado What a controversial issue! Yes, we hear a lot of infidelity with OFs. Our kababayans should take heed if they are involved in this in any way. It is not only morally wrong but it can land them in jail one day. It is so not worth it. Melissa Cuchero Hello Illustrado! Matagal nang ginagamit na dahilan sa infidelity yung “kalungkutan.” Sadly a lot of people make excuses to rationalize their wrong doing. But let’s also be fair – hindi lang naman Pinoy ang may cases ng infidelity. Totoo yan! Minda Avelino Thanks for your magazine. I really do enjoy reading it. It is very entertaining and inspiring, specially your Pinoy Pro column. Some of us are really not aware that there are a lot of Filipinos holding top management position in some multinational companies. Keep on featuring those kinds of stories. And hey! Good feature on infidelity. My reaction here is – it’s more about choice, especially for a woman like me. I am already separated over four years now, but still it never occurred
Thank you for putting a consistently informative magazine, especially your Kabuhayan section which gives people like me (aspiring business owners) hope that we can have our own venture someday. I am Paul C. Honorio. I have been an OF engineer for almost 12 years now. My wife (who’s in the Philippines) and I have been trying very hard to save up enough cash so that we can start our own business in Liliw, Laguna. Of course, it’s not just enough to have money. We need to have enough information. So the articles you are sharing with us really helps. It gives me so many different ideas for a small business back home, and how to handle money. Mabuhay po kayo! Paul C. Honorio Illustrado, I’ve been really inspired by your Kabuhayan column. I love to cook and I was so happy to read your success story about the karinderya business. Actually one time my husband, who really enjoys my cooking, asked me, “Why don’t we put up a small restaurant and use of your talent for business?” I just laughed at him and said “Who will take care you and the children?” But really, at the back of my mind, I really want to do it but of course being a wife and a mother is my priority right now. After reading the column, my husband and I are seriously talking about it and who knows? I hope this will push through. I’m prepared to wait and be patient. If ever we do it, I will keep you posted. Thank you very much again for inspiring us. Keep it up! Heidi Pangan Nice issue guys! Love the topics you discussed in your Feb-ish as well as your glam fashion pages – as always. I just got introduced to your mag, about four months ago and I’m a dedicated fan. I also joined your FACEBOOK page and I do so love the covers and fashion pages you have posted there. Keep on doing what you’re doing Illustrado. Peachy Tornero
TESTOSTERONE BOOST Thank you for featuring something as macho a topic as cars. It’s exciting to see fellow
Filipinos who are equally obsessed as I am with their “girlfriends.” Owning the car of your dreams is something really special, and I’m not ashamed to admit that I’m one of those guys who has given my “baby” a name. I call her “Megan” – and yes, I’m hoping she will transform into a hot chick one day. Killer Bogz Hey, Illustrado! I’m a girlie-girl with a name for my car. So what does that make me? Seriously though, even if I’m not a guy, I take really good care of my car. I make sure that it’s serviced properly; that it’s washed and polished weekly and that my sound system is darn good. I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to change a tire by myself or be brave enough to have anything modified (animal print seat covers is probably as far as I’d go), but I DO love my car. Leslie Pamintuan
ILLUSTRADO on FACEBOOK On Infidelity and Filipinos It’s on case to case basis. Always keep watching your partner, do not always trust as there could be someone who can keep talking to your partner without your knowledge that can lead to emotional infidelity… Milo Torres A sad reality… Infidelity is always a big issue for me... I believe that the woman is the strongest party to say “no” and it depends where she came from and how she was raised . Tinayums Bernice Coping??!! Definitely a selfish choice and yes it is the rest of humanity but every Filipino has a story of infidelity in their lives, every Filipino song you hear is about infidelity; every TV show, every movie. And we are supposedly 90% Catholics who are religious and go to church every Sunday. Have they written off one of the commandments – “Thou shall not covet thy neighbor’s wife or husband (the newer version!)? Anna McBride
I would probably go wayward too if there’s no Church around to support me. We have to accept the fact that man has a fallen nature and he needs a super power to stop his tendency to commit sin. Ody Dela Merced
10 ILLUMINATI
Mystique of many takes:
THE PINAY By Alfred A. Yuson
Ah, the Filipina. Other than magazines where she has graced covers on a 100-to-1 ratio against male counterparts, how many books have celebrated her? Countless. From Rizal’s novels to coffee-table publications — more of the latter in recent decades.
B
ack in the late ‘70s there was that Philippines book that the aging sexpot Gina Lollobrigida produced, backstopped by funds reportedly offered by the First Lady at the time, Madame Imelda Marcos. In the ‘90s, it was the turn of Malaysian PM Mahathir’s daughter Marina to direct Pinoy photographers for a seven-day look-seeand-shoot through our archipelago.
Both of these glossy productions put a premium on our island attractions and other quaint sights, but could not ignore the beauty and allure of our women. Manila has since seen many photography anthologies focusing exclusively on the Filipina, from visual chronicles of beauty queens to Rupert Jacinto’s power portraits of ladies who lunch on imported cosmetics, big hair and much glamour. One exemplary title was Filipina: A Tribute to the Filipino Woman, published in 2004 by Supply Oilfield Services, Inc, a multinational firm headed by Louis-Paul Heussaff, a longtime French resident in Manila who’s married to a Pinay. This coffee-table book also relied substantially on visual splendor, but took the trouble of having half-a-dozen Filipino poets and writers glorify — in brief lyrical prose — the Filipina’s vaunted virtues. Thus, Cesar Ruiz Aquino wrote, on Devotion: “In a country where natural disasters such as typhoons, earthquakes and volcanic eruptions are common occurrences, and which has experienced the vagaries of colonialism three times in its history, the figure of the loving and devoted Filipina is akin to a ray of sunshine, the amihan (wind from the east) or the land itself. An inherent part of her character that cannot be overlooked is her exceptional capacity for love and devotion.
ILLUMINATI 11
“The images of popular culture dictate that the former quality is magnified, and the latter given scant, if any, notice. Yet the heart of Maria Clara beats not only with love for Crisostomo, but also with devotion to her duty. Without the latter, she would not be a true Filipina, and she would not be Maria Clara.” Angelo R. Lacuesta essayed the following on the Pinay’s quality of Determination: “The most determined human beings I know are Filipinas: friends, ex-girlfriends, daughters. My sister. My mother. Let’s add to that presidents, CEOs, film directors, musicians, traffic enforcers. There is something in the way the Filipina makes a meal, or makes a point, or makes love, the way she finally decides on matters of her home or her country, or her heart, and firmly goes the distance — with you or without you. “It is what makes you want to punch the wall with your fist, what makes you weep and what makes you weak — her constant presence, her quiet strength, the soft, water-drop persistence of her enduring life and love.” On Elegance, I wrote the following: “In 1521, Magellan’s chronicler Pigafetta extolled a queen in the Visayas as ‘young and beautiful; her mouth and nails were very red, while on her head she bore a large hat of palm leaves, like the tiara of the Pope.’ Indeed, the Filipina has since been recognized the world over for her sleek and regal image. “Evidence is rife in our own art, on magazine covers, live on TV, from Amorsolo’s portraits of country lasses bathing in streams to models conquering the international ramp, or beauty queens for whom grace has been the winning X-factor.
“The soulfulness of the Filipina shines through, reflecting in her confidence the best of both worlds, East and West. “Her eloquence of spirit spells sheer elegance.” These laudations are undoubtedly sincere; well, at least I can speak for myself. Indeed the attributes whereof we wrote are there, nearly legendary in some instances. Of course we know too that not all Pinays are as devoted, determined, or elegant as others. As Ma’m Meldy put it sometime ago, “Some are smarter than others.” Realistically, the range, gamut, or spectrum of the distaff side of Filipinos must be as encompassing as that of other female citizens of the world. But maybe, just maybe, we have a crack at superiority of variety and randomness. There are the legions of overseas Pinays twittering en masse on “off days” around Statue Square in Hong Kong or at Lucky Plaza in Singapore, in the Trocadero area in Paris’ chic 6th arondissement, with Tour Eiffel in view, as well as in countless piazzas all over Italy. There is the Pinay as GRO, masseuse, spa attendant, call center operator, yaya, teacher, poet, sculptor, entertainer, movie star, nurse, doctor, entrepreneur, baker, chocolatier, housewife, gay moll, crackpot senator, ad nauseam. They are sisters, cousins, nieces, mothers, aunts, grandmothers. They are neighbors, fishwives, cheerleaders, models, eye candy, fantasya ng bayan. They are girlfriends, wives, mistresses, adulteresses, nymphomaniacs. The glass ceiling still exists in some turfs, as in chess, math, or in becoming a grand chef. But the contemporary Pinay excels as much as the Pinoy in most departments, thus is subjected to the kind of stress her Maria Clara predecessor was not, save for the potential ravages of colonial or masterful rape.
14 FEATURE
Reconstructing the Pinay Image By Loraine Balita
As of 2008, 352,108 Filipinos have married foreigners - 144,760 of which are in the United States; 105,048 are in Japan; 27,688 are in Australia and more than 90 percent of them are women, according to statistical data provided by the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO).
A
n on-going research being conducted by the Anthropology Department of the Australian National University, researchers found that “Women from the Philippines are one of the largest groups of female migrants from Asia, and the largest category migrating for marriage to Australians.” Filipinas are also “the most common category of female marriage migrants internationally.”
What’s notable though is that according to the study “An important issue for a Filipino woman marrying an Australian is the continued support that they can offer their families in the Philippines.” Similarly, the concept of “a better future” and economic security were among the most prevalent motives by Filipinas who married US servicemen according to a study by Richard Buttny published in the Communication Quarterly Journal in 1987.
The research titled Legitimation Techniques for Intermarriage: Accounts of Motives for Intermarriage from U.S. Servicemen and Philippine Women involved 143 individual respondents who were either a partner in an intercultural marriage or about to be married. According to Buttny because of the Philippine perception of the “American as a rich man,” for Filipinas “to marry a U.S. serviceman is not only an economic upward step, but also allows her to economically help her family of origin.”
Now while these are very small and specific studies that show that love and economics are often intertwined, these somehow perpetuate the widespread stereotypical image of Filipinas as gold digging scammers who would, without a doubt, milk a man bone dry. On top of all these, are accounts about Filipinas marrying foreigners, as it is the easiest, fastest ticket to a more stable future for themselves and their families, which has become prevalent throughout the WWW. Although no one can deny that, just like in any other culture (and there are those where the economic aspect of marriage is first and foremost), there are women (and men) who marry for money, the situation of these identified Filipinas hardly justifies the generalization. Furthermore, this generalization might be equally unfair to the foreigners who chose to marry Filipinas. Because if the stereotype is to be believed, does it mean that these men are foolish individuals who would intentionally go into such disadvantageous marital arrangement and willingly be a victim of the opportunistic Pinay wife? This time, why don’t we turn the discourse around and look at the staggering figures from a different perspective. Because behind that 352,108 could be thousands upon thousands of happy couples, selfsufficient Filipina wives, and intelligent husbands who consciously made a smart choice to be with a Pinay, and thousands of foreign men who have a lot of positive and well-deserved things to say about
FEATURE 15 Filipinas. It’s time to reconstruct the Pinay representation — rebuild our image one positive description at a time. Pinays are “Mapagmahal” and Good Natured “Filipino women are mostly sweet and warm-hearted,” describes Houston-based American Thomas Abraham who is married to a Pinay nurse. Thomas, a Registered Respiratory Therapist, met his wife of 19 years at work. He describes his Pinay spouse as”very loving, thoughtful and caring”. “She is never pessimistic and has always encouraged me to think positive about life and other people,” he shares. “She hates it when I criticize or give negative comments to others,” he adds. A Pinay woman like his wife according to Thomas “can be conservative in many ways yet modern.” She is God-fearing; peace loving yet likes to take charge. “My wife keeps me in the right direction,” he shares. “She is the best thing that ever happened to me,” he declares. Like Thomas, Ross who has been married to a Filipina for 10 years describes his wife as “very loving, sweet and patient.” Pinays are the Best Mothers While the former says that as a mother his wife “Takes children as a top priority in her life,” Ross in turn says that his wife undoubtedly is “the best mother” anyone could possibly have. His wife never fails to put the child’s needs ahead of her own and showers their 3 year-old daughter with kalinga (care) and attention. Michael on the other hand, who has been married to a New York based Filipina for eight years, says that his wife “will do anything and everything to see that her children get the best opportunities.” Like most Filipino mothers, Michael’s partner “works tirelessly” for her children and “will move mountains if necessary.” Pinays are Independent: No Push -Overs What attracted Michael though was his wife’s “confidence and can do attitude.” His spouse who is currently working to pursue further education in New York, like other Pinays, is “smart and always looking to move things forward.” If something doesn’t work “she tries again, if there is still no progress, she becomes proactive and tries other avenues to get some positive traction,” he shares. “My wife’s best trait is her adaptability and ability to be a survivor,” he declares. Similarly, Bruce, an American who married a Filipina a year ago, says that his Pinay wife who holds a Bachelors Degree in Business Management and a stable job with a corporation is “an intelligent woman” who is very independent. Ross on the other hand feels that his wife while very sweet, softspoken and mild tempered is in fact “very much determined.” According to him, she sets goals and works hard to achieve it. And like most elegantly strong Pinays she doesn’t like stepping on other people’s toes but wouldn’t mind fighting back when wronged. Pinays are the Best, Men Could Have “It is beyond compare,” responds Thomas when asked to look back and consider his past relationships with non-Filipinos and compare to his current marriage to a Pinay. “It’s 100% better,” he adds. Bruce for his part, shares how he believes he made the right choice to stay in the Philippines and be with his Filipina wife. “I came
here in the Philippines with small savings, and I am cared for and loved, as no other woman could ever know how,” he declares. Bruce who used to be an Architectural Residential Project Manager in the US is now Davao based and is the publisher behind www. americanindavao.com where he writes his experiences as an expat married to a Filipina in the Philippines. Bill on the other hand, who met his Pinay wife of 15 years while the latter was working in Singapore says that compared to his past relationships with other nationalities his present relationship is “so far above the others and this can’t be measured.” And while he acknowledges the existence of a few Filipinas who would marry a man’s wallet, he says that there are “those who will marry you for love, and love alone.” “There are those who marry for love and don’t need any assistance with their family, as their family is already self-sufficient,” he shares. Similarly Bruce says that just like in any other countries, there are women who are just looking to deceive a man. But once you find a good Filipina woman, according to Bruce, “never let her go” because she will be with you all throughout - “in good times and in bad.” Reconstructing an image that has well been engraved into the minds of many could prove to be an arduous task because images of the negative stereotype seem to outnumber those that should serve to uplift us. But now, more than ever, is the time to change the discourse and look at things from a different perspective. There are a lot of people who have a good thing or two to say about us if only we could learn to listen ourselves.
16 FEATURE because of who she is - intelligent, independent, fun, and a caring mother to her two children. Janice is beautiful on the inside and out. She has an incredible outlook in life and is always optimistic despite the challenges she faces. I think that’s very much part of Philippine culture. Stephen Neff American
Filipinas are one of the most charming and diversified women around the globe. They know how to manage and balance family life even in times of crisis. Their best asset is their passion and love for their husbands - they submit themselves to their husbands as a manifestation of respect and understanding. But when they love they also tend to give everything they can even beyond their capacity. Also, Filipina women use soft leadership skills and emotional intelligence, while other nationalities are mostly tough and directive, without compromise.
Why do you love your Filipina? Filipinas are basically, simple as they can dress themselves in jeans and shirt but still look classy and dainty. They are well educated and well mannered. They are soft spoken, patient, very hard working as they can keep the balance in their home and work. They are easy to get along with and are very flexible. Most of them can adapt to different situations, culture and religion. They know how to respect their elders and the last but not the least they are “malambing” (sweet). It is needless to say that the reason for marrying my Filipina wife is love and I wanted to spend my life with her. Culture has nothing to do with the marriage. It is said that when love strikes, it can move mountains. Mansoor Khan Pakistani Live, love, laugh and sing - the Filipinas that I have met through my wife are so much fun. A night out with her friends is filled with laughter...and karaoke! I find that Filipinas are independent, strong minded women - that’s their best and worst trait! I don’t think there are many differences between Filipinas and American women; but I will tell you that my wife is the most caring, giving person that I have ever met. Though we have some cultural differences, I don’t think there are many. We enjoy the differences; I think it complements our relationship. I fell in love with Janice
I married my wife because of the great love and undying admiration I have for her. She has all the qualities of a woman that a man would ever dream of. She is also a woman of reality and humility. I fell in love with her not only because of her outside beauty but also her characteristics. My parents love her. She knows how to balance her career and personal life. I am so proud of her principles and determination. She is my wife and the mother of our children. Nevertheless, she is also a leader who always values and supports her team in the organization she works in. Mohammed Al Mahdi Emirati From the short time I’ve been around Filipinas, I’ve found them to be caring, loving, and friendly. One of the best traits I have found with them is their friendship with one another. As for negative traits, I can’t speak about all, but my wife can be pretty emotional when she doesn’t like something. It takes some patience to wither the storm at times. I find that Filipinas are just as kind, caring, witty and smart as other women I have met from other countries. I never looked at the difference in culture as a major issue when it came to my wife. She is the most amazing woman I have ever met. She makes me feel great with the warmth she gives me each day. She can make me laugh when I’m not in a good mood; she challenges my intellect with our conversations. When it comes down to it, she’s just an amazing woman and when my heart fell for her, it didn’t make a difference where she was from because love made our world become one. Jason Bailey American
TA K E R E F I N E M E N T EVERYWHERE
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18 FEATURE
Trailblazing Filipinas They saw. They came. They conquered. By Aby Yap
The Presidents’ Chef Forty-seven year old Cristeta Pasia Comerford, or Chef Cris to many of her kababayans and foreign fans, has once again established that a woman’s place is in the kitchen — in the kitchen of the White House, that is. She has served her signature cuisine to not one but three U.S. presidential families: as Executive Sous Chef to the Clintons (1995-2004) and as Executive Chef to the Bushes (2005-2008) and the Obamas (2009-present).On her appointment as executive Chef Cris became the first woman, the first minority, and the first Filipina to hold the much coveted post, besting 450 others. Although she never got to finish her Food Technology course at the University of the Philippines, Quezon City because her older brother had petitioned her to come to the States when she was only 23, Chef Cris’ food education and passion continued nonetheless. She worked at the Sheraton and Hyatt Regency hotels in Chicago, and at the Westin and ANA hotels in Washington D.C. Then, she went to Vienna, Austria and worked at Le Ciel as Chef Tourant for six months, learning French classical techniques. Her specialty, however, is ethnic and American cuisine. It was the state dinner Chef Cris prepared for India’s Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, though, that bagged her the top toque and paved the way for her celebrity status. What came next were more feasts fit for royalty—literally. Aside from cooking up scrumptious meals for a Congressional picnic of 3,000 people, she has also satisfied the refined palates of the likes of Prince Charles; Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall; Queen Elizabeth II; and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. With Chef Cris’ exemplary performance and the Bushes’ high regard for her, the Obamas thus decided to keep Chef Cris in charge of their kitchen, merely repeating history. This was despite talk last year that the new administration would have to change the White House staff. The rest, as they say, is for the cooks’ books. Her recipe for success is a combination of determination, composure, and innovativeness that not only aspiring cooks but anyone who aspires to be big, could learn from. After all, Chef Cris never stops dreaming and winning. Her latest conquest is the Kitchen Stadium, where she and Bobby Flay won as America’s Iron Chefs.
She’s a Superwoman Filipino-American Jessica Cox was born without arms, but she has shown the world that she can stand on her feet. For 11 years since she was three, she used to wear prosthetic arms. In eight grade, however, she realized that she wanted to live her life proud of who she was. So Jessica chose to put her handicap away in the closet and started living the way she wanted to. This 26-year-old Psychology graduate from the University of Arizona writes in her notebook, types 20 words per minute, texts family and friends, puts on contact lens and makeup, changes clothes, plays the piano, does gymnastics, tap dances, swims, surfs, pumps gas, and drives without special adaptations—by using her feet alone. Also, Jessica engages in Tae Kwon-Do and performs the nanchaku drill with her toes. In fact, she has two black belts. She earned the first one at the International Tae Kwon-Do Federation when she was 14 after five years of training. The other, she obtained from the American Tae Kwon-Do Association during college, where she’s recognized as the first armless black-belter. She, too, flies an Ercoupe 415-C solo; her right foot operating the yoke while the left, controlling the throttle. Yes, Jessica is a certified
FEATURE 19
sport pilot, making her the first person in the history of aviation to achieve such a feat. Jessica says that for every challenge she went through and triumphed over, she only had to rely on the power of “creativity, persistence, and fearlessness, and nothing would be impossible.” This was what actually enabled Jessica to “think outside the shoe,” humorously referring to how she taught herself to tie her shoelaces in grade school, much like buckling the four-point seatbelt in the plane. As an international motivational speaker, Jessica amazingly narrates her personal experiences to various audiences, which include students, teachers, and corporate employees. In this way, she’s also helping people get back on their feet and cut off their fake arms to start flying soon.
Women on Top Politics may still seem to be a man’s domain, but Dr. Ruth Uy Asmundson and Eddie Charmaine Manansala are out to prove otherwise. Ruth, who hails from Gamu, Isabela, is now on her second mayoral term in Davis City, California (2008-2010), after serving as Mayor Pro Tem from 2006 to 2008. She first sat in the City Council as Mayor Pro Tem from 2002 to 2004 and served as Mayor from 2004 to 2006. This makes her one of three people who were elected to the post for two consecutive terms. Government service, though, isn’t really something new to Ruth as her departed husband lawyer Vigfus Asmundson also acted as City Mayor back then. Neither is she unfamiliar to community involvement as well, being a member of different organizations working on the betterment of Davis. She’s also a recipient of numerous awards for her outstanding contributions as a Filipino-American woman. Two of the most noteworthy are the Davis Citizen of the Year in 1990 and the 100 Most Influential Filipino Women in the U.S. (Policymakers & Visionaries) in 2007 by the Filipino Women’s Network. Prior to pursuing politics, Ruth, armed with a BS Chemistry degree from the Adamson University, Philippines was conferred with Fulbright scholarship for further studies at Wilkes University in Pennsylvania and University of California, Davis. She then taught Chemistry at her hometown university. She also took part in educational activities in Davis that she got elected to the school board in the early 90s, a first for an Asian. Manila-born Charmaine shares with Ruth the distinction of being among the Filipino Women’s Network’s 100 Most Influential Filipino Women in the U.S. for Policymakers & Visionaries category in 2007. In 2001, too, she was listed in Political Circus website’s «Top 30 Under 30,» which honors the most influential Asian-Pacific Americans 30 years old and below. As a political strategist, Charmaine held a key role in Barack Obama’s winning the presidency as Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Vote Director for the Obama Campaign—a position Obama himself offered. Currently, she’s said to be the highest ranking Filipino in the administration, being a Senior Legislative Officer at the U.S. Department of Labor.
Her experience in handling political campaigns started from 2005 to 2006 when she led the candidacy of Robert Underwood who was then running as governor of Guam. However, her work on AAPI goes way back during the Clinton administration when the first White House initiative was carried out. Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton also picked Charmaine to be among her Southern California Co-Chairs of AAPIs for Hillary during the Asian Pacific American Heritage Month in 2007. From 2003 to 2005, Charmaine served as policy adviser for Speaker Nancy Pelosi. She was also among the legislative advisers of the National Alliance for Filipino World War II Veterans Equity to promote Filipino Veterans Equity Act of 2007. Indeed, Ruth and Charmaine resonate the battlecry that Pinays rule.
22 FEATURE
Astig ng Pinay!
O By Sherry Tenorio
ver the centuries, there have been too many stereotypes about women that have been simply difficult to eradicate. Nonetheless, women have managed to rise above them. Yet, in this day and age – when the word “equality” is still being shouted at every corner of the world – women doing manly-men-jobs are still considered a rare breed. People find it intriguing how women can fly airplanes, work in the military, or as cab drivers or even engineers. It is amazing that these women can juggle the demands of their chosen careers, their personal life and even family. Indeed, these women possess that impressive power to maintain femininity in tough manly jobs. And, Illustrado is proud to acknowledge some of the astig Pinays that make it here in the golden land of the emirates. from different genres. This project is supported by a good friend from Blacksheep Productions, Mr. Cromwell Ojeda. The launch of this night is called ‘Minimal Techno Session’ (hopefully this March) where I will be playing alongside two of my favorite Minimal techno Djs in Dubai: Dan Price (UK) and Ed Fernandes (BOM).” Indeed, the future in DJing seems to be bountiful for this music fanatic. Although she gets exhausted in juggling her time and shifting her body clock, Pauline never gets tired of improving and practicing her skills. She explains what keeps her going, “The crowd would also tell me how surprised they were that a girl like me could play such hardcore stuff. It is so flattering whenever I get good feedback from the audience. Seeing people having fun while I turntable and spin is such a good feeling.”
Pauline Moreno Miss Pretty Spinner
“I am very passionate with the idea of having an underground club in Dubai where there are no pretentions, no sparkly outfits; just to be in a place where we can play non-commercial music, and people can come there just to enjoy the music,” the charming DJ Pauline Moreno quips. Although she works full-time as flight attendant, she manages to play her music, minimal techno and techno music, mostly underground stuff, in some clubs here in Dubai. A graduate of Communication Arts with experiences in advertising and theatre acting back home, Pauline is indeed a passionate follower of music and arts. In fact in 2002, she even began a radio program with some friends. When she moved to Dubai back in 2005, she has put aside her passion in music and focused on her career instead. But, fate has a different way of getting her attention back to music when she met a couple of Filipino DJs who introduced her to DJing in Dubai. Pauline remembers the first days of her reunion with DJing when people’s heads will turn amused to see a woman spinning the deck, she shares, “They say that being at the turntable is quite manly because they only see boys on the decks. That’s what they are used to seeing. Right now, techno DJs in Dubai are mostly men, and I’d like to be recognized as the first female Asian DJ in Dubai who plays such music.” Yes, Pauline’s dream may be big, but she has definite plans that will help her achieve it. “At the moment I belong to 22.10 Entertainment, a female focused artist management. This March, we will be having our very first Female DJ Networking event called Gossip Girls at Z: ONE in Media One Hotel. I will be one of the DJs performing on that night. It will be the first time all the female DJs here in the region will meet. I am very excited to be a part of this event and to actually perform. It’s an honor to be a part of this,” she proudly reveals. She also adds, “I’m producing a techno night called “Off-the-Cuff Project” that is the sort of open/jam night of underground artists
Ria Mendoza Madame OrangeJar
Have you ever wondered why graphic designers, illustrators, artists, painters, architects, engineers are mostly men? Are women not creative enough to indulge in such artistic careers? Well, Ria Mendoza does not think so. According to Ria, being an illustrator may be considered as “manly” because of the number of men who are into it, but at the same time, she also knows great illustrators who are women. Ria is the creator of the creative platform www.orangejar.com. She says, “OrangeJar is an evolving experiment. The heart will always be art - caricatures and illustrations. My caricatures though are not the traditional depiction where your distinctive features are exaggerated; it’s more of a cartoonised version of yourself. The caricatures now are hand-drawn but colored and finalized digitally.” She also works with her brother Roy who is in Manila when it comes to graphic designs, and his wife Janette for websites. OrangeJar also accepts a variety of projects - writing, editing, layout, web content, web content, and depending on the work, there are different freelancers who work on each project. Aside from these services, she also started the OrangeJar Gift Shop where she sells unique and practical gift items. This portion of OrangeJar is done with friends and fellow Dubai expatriates Marilyn Egdani and Ena Tobias.
FEATURE 23 “I’ve been drawing and doodling ever since I can remember, it comes from my father’s side of the family, almost all of them can draw, but I never trained as an artist or illustrator,” Ria says of her affinity to the arts. Taking encouragement from her father and mother, the young Ria felt deeply inspired to explore her creative side. She muses, “They were always bringing home art materials for me to try when I was a kid.” In Dubai, Ria went back to illustrations and caricatures on her free time. She quips, “We’re all here to work and save enough to go back home, so I figured I might as well use my free time to earn some extra income.” However extra time she has, Ria still wishes for more available time to work on projects or study different styles and techniques. She confesses, “I’m not a trained artist/illustrator so I know my knowledge is limited, that’s why I’m always upfront about what I can offer.” Although her fundamental motivation in establishing OrangeJar is the need for extra income, her creativity as an artist basically comes from her intrinsic fascination with the human face. She ends with the inspiring thoughts, “I have two left feet and I can’t carry a tune to save my life, so I’m happy that at least, I can draw. Kidding aside, it’s the creativity, much like writing, it’s being able to commit to paper or whatever medium you’re working on, something that is uniquely yours. And, it makes me proud that OrangeJar caricatures always make people smile.”
Grace Guino
Lady Rocker-Photographer Who would say that only men can take pictures of famous rock-androll bands? Who would say that only men can do unthinkable stunts just to get a good shot? Those who’d say ‘yes’ have never met Grace Guino - better known as Brutal Grace in the photography world. This petite go-getter is a professional photographer who has been ‘brutalizing’ (that is defeating her men comrades) the local photography scene taking great pictures of concerts and events. Working as fulltime photographer to Alias Publishing, Grace has taken pictures of Dubai’s local and international personalities. Her work, especially for the youthoriented UNI Magazine, allows her full access to events and stuff that the young crowds in the emirates love. Grace affirms, “It was my hobby and now I’m getting paid to do it. It’s like I am getting paid to have fun. Being a media photographer in Dubai gives me a chance to see the best of Dubai and the world for free.” She furthers, “Most of the time, I don’t feel that this is work at all.” As a former rock photographer of Pulp Magazine (Philippinebased music and entertainment magazine), Grace has been exposed to famous musicians, band artists and rock-and-roll fans. She recalls how starting her relationship with her camera brought realizations to her rock-and-roll dreams, “I cannot say it was something I decided to do. It just happened. I remember being fascinated with rock-and-roll lifestyle at a very young age.” On her second year in college, her photography professor, Keith Dador, was also into the rock-and-roll scene, and actually had his own band. He encouraged Grace to take photos of the subjects closest to their hearts - rock stars in concerts, happy-junkie life and edgy band pictorials.
She remembers when all her efforts finally took a turn, “It was in 2003, when I started showing prints of my photos to rock stars back home, and they loved it. They felt immortalized by my shots, and asked for copies to put in their bands’ websites or just to keep as mementos. Then, I became a familiar face to everyone as the ‘chick’ rock photographer.” This familiarity with the rock-and-roll scene moved Grace closer to her dreams when as a Road Manager for a band called KAPATID fronted by Karl Roy (formerly of P.O.T.) drove her to being the youngest (at 21 yrs old) the first girl photographer in Vernon Go’s PULP magazine. Known as the Lady Rocker/Photographer, Grace shares a funny yet interesting thought, “My job is truly interesting, and nowadays almost everyone wants to be one. As a woman, it can get hard some times because of the heavy equipment you need to carry. It is also difficult to maintain a girly attitude because you need to move a lot. So, during shoots, it’s really better to wear jeans not skirts, sneakers not heels.” But, the thing is, Grace knows quite an essential fact, “Being a lady photographer attracts men and, at the same time, intimidates them. I just use both reactions to my advantage,” she says with a knowing smile.
Victoria Viray a.k.a. Prettymonkey
Victoria Viray is definitely ‘one of the boys.’ This 29-year old ultra-talented designer, who works as art director for Leo Burnett, is the only female member of the Dubai-based art collective, the Brownmonkeys. Despite being the only lady in the group of seven, Ivy (as what her friends call her) says that she does not mind it at all, “I am the only female in the Brownmonkeys, but the boys have never intimidated me. I don’t mind it, but simply consider it as part of dealing with the male gender. In general, I try not to think of myself as a girl. Work is work. It doesn’t matter if a man or a woman came up with it, what matter is if it is actually any good.” Known for her moniker “Prettymonkey”, Ivy has been creating wonders with her passions in illustration, digital art, and photography. Her participation in the low-brow movement of the Brownmonkeys allows her to display her works in renowned art galleries and exhibitions such as Five Green, The Jam Jar, XVA Gallery, Sharjah Biennial, to name a few. Indeed, being a woman has not at all affected her in establishing her name, her style and trademark in the local arts scene. “In the past being an artist was usually only associated with men, but today’s generation of young designers and artists don’t believe in this restriction anymore and neither do I,” Ivy explains. She furthers, “Some of the most famous graphic designers and illustrators I know are female. Being female doesn’t make you special or unique as designer; what matters is the actual work you come up with. In my line of work, I usually get the same treatment as guys do.” At work, Ivy’s team consists mostly of men, and she shares, “As a Filipina working in a male-dominated work environment, the fun stuff outweighs the challenges. The occasional green jokes that come my way are the most challenging bit. I don’t subscribe to any stereotype, so I occasionally surprise people when I do things that a Filipina ‘isn’t supposed to do.’ I am first and foremost an individual, it just so happens that I’m a Filipina.”
24 FEATURE
The Other Side of Inday
By Sherry Tenorio
It will be honest to say that when we look at helpers, maids or nannies, however we call them, we see them as regular “Indays” – plain Filipinas who do not know anything about sophistication and refinement. We view them as simple and nonopinionated. We tell them what household chores to do, and it is their job to follow our orders. And though most of us treat them like our family members, without saying it aloud, most regard them as lowly members of our society. But, do we know that Filipina helpers – especially those working abroad – are a rare breed? In fact, they are well-educated, some of them armed with degrees. They earn decent money, and save for future businesses back home. Some of them travel the world, have access to luxury goods, attend exclusive events, and live their lives with the rich and famous. Most of all, they are the trusted keepers and managers of the households of some of the world’s powerful men and women.
M
anang Inday at Work
It has been long since I last saw Manang Inday. She was our helper-slash-nanny back in the Philippines when I was eight years old. We just moved to Batangas, my father’s hometown, and since my mom needed someone to help her with the household chores, my father hired his unemployed relative Manang Inday. I recall that during our first meeting with her, we already sensed that she is a sweet soul, kind and very appreciative of my family. Though I was pretty young then, I could still remember that she sported baggy clothes when cleaning the house. She always tied her hair and it would loosen after doing the dishes and laundry. She would scratch her already messy hair the moment she heard my baby brother cry. Then, her clothes would get wet when she cleaned the bathroom. She only got to relax when my mother and father got home.
Manang Inday turned out to be a part of our family. She would come in and out of our house as a trusted family member. We also became close to her four children whom she was supporting as a single parent. Apparently, as I’d later known, her husband left her for another woman. Nonetheless, Manang Inday showed a great enthusiasm for life that actually translated in the way she worked. She was always cheerful and devoted to her job. She treated me and my brother like her own niece and nephew. It was unfortunate that our family had to leave Batangas after four years. She was left without a stable job for almost a year, and she survived on hourly jobs just to get by. Unknown to her, her temporary unemployment would lead to another phase in her life.
FEATURE 25 It was early 1990’s when Manang Inday took a huge turn from her ordinary life. A recruiter came to town, looking for domestic helpers for postings abroad. Manang Inday grabbed the opportunity despite the wary attitude of the people around her. She had no other choice but to take a chance, leave her kids, and try her luck to seek greener pasture. And, yes, fate had a special treat waiting for her abroad – Manang Inday landed a job in the palace in Abu Dhabi. Because of her hard work, kind disposition, and good attitude, Manang Inday gained the trust of her employers and was tasked to be the personal attendant of very important royal family members. Since then, Manang Inday’s life had never been the same.
I have heard of the same tale of pampered nannies when I went to interview a top ranking official of a world-renowned Dubai-based property development company in his home. Manang Mercy was the Filipina helper taking care of the family’s household. Together with two other maids, she manages the family’s palatial home. She said she is paid well with a very good remuneration package and gets perks, including travelling to the US and Europe where the family would go usually for their vacation.
She was able to travel the world. She would phone my mom from Paris, London, Tokyo, New York, Singapore, and shared stories about her good fortune. She was also able to experience living in five-star hotels and taste the luxurious life. She received expensive jewelries, bags, clothes and perfumes as gifts from her employers. One time she went home to the Philippines for vacation, her employer gave her a ring that she later found out was worth almost a million pesos. But, Manang Inday did not change her simple disposition despite the good life she had tasted. She focused on building her wealth by investing her hard-earned money wisely. She bought properties in the Philippines, built houses and buildings which she then rented out. She was able to afford good education for her children and provide jobs to her relatives back home and here in the UAE. She did not keep her fortune to herself, but shared it with the other people close to her as well.
So while it is true that thousands of Filipinos work as domestic helpers in the region, and we cannot deny that many have met misfortunes in their jobs, there is always the other side of the coin. There are still the likes of Manang Inday. They are hardworking, committed, goal-oriented individuals who, with some streak of luck, found good fortune out of being humble domestic helpers. They work hard, and they also enjoy the fruits of their labor. They are just like the rest of us, doing their job the best way they could. Some get lucky, some get don’t. And just like the rest of us, they are not supposed to be pictured any differently.
Until now, Manang Inday and her other Filipino colleagues are working at the palace, serving as helpers yet living in bliss. The Likes of Manang Inday In a widely stereotyped picture of helpers, the likes of Manang Inday are vaguely known. Most people think that they are just victimized unfortunate women in our society. Without denying the fact that there are indeed helpers who suffer such misfortune, another fact is also undeniable. Even helpers, however they are seen by many, do get to be lucky at times. Take for example the ordinary story a friend told me about a helper named Ate Raquel. My friend’s boss was moving to a new villa and he needed someone to clean the house. Ate Raquel, who works for another family, was the one who got the one-time job. Since it was her day off from work, she said yes to cleaning the house. She got free transportation and earned a thousand dirhams for a day’s work. My friend was beaming for the amount she got paid. It was a sum of money that an average professional employee would not get paid even as overtime fee. My friend later learned that Ate Raquel’s hard work was translated to a large house she’s building back home. On the other hand, another friend working as a driver in a construction company had some great stories to share about the Filipina nannies of his bosses. He said that the nannies were quite pampered. They were given allowances during their day off. They were provided with nice clothes and other personal belongings. They even travelled with the family, attended parties, watched exclusive shows, and were treated as a significant part of the family. He said that his boss would always say that it is difficult to trust people whom they can leave their children and household with, and it is just commensurate that they pay well these Filipinas who are certainly trustworthy.
The Other Side of the Coin
We cannot ignore that fact that the Philippines is still one among the nations that send out a high number domestic helpers into the world. But we should not miss out on the reality that it is also because of the fact that our women are dependable, industrious and devoted. Admit it. The job of a domestic helper is a difficult task that requires stamina, emotional stability and zeal. Filipina helpers are in such great demand because employers have seen
26 FEATURE such capabilities in them. Such employers prove with first-hand experience that Filipina helpers are indeed gems to be treasured; for they are, after all, the trusted backbones of many a households across the globe.
helper, Crisanta Sampang, who found her book on the top ten non-fiction bestsellers of Singapore’s The Strait Times within the first two weeks of its launch a few years ago. The book, “Maid in Singapore,” immediately became a hit, not only in Singapore, but also in Canada, where the author currently lives after having worked for years as a nanny/housekeeper in Singapore.
World’s Super Pinoy Helpers
Filled with ambition and knowing that she can do so much more than just cooking, cleaning and looking after children, Crisanta pursued what she would later on discover she was good at - writing. After working in Singapore, Crisanta decided to take advantage of the federal Live-In Caregiver Program in Canada which allows domestic workers to apply for citizenship after two years. When she was granted Canadian citizenship, Sampang began to explore other options, pursuing the writing career she started in Singapore.
Hollywood Falls for the Pinay Charm Gossip Girl should have taken a note how Kevin Federline (K-Fed), Britney Spears’ ex-husband, had reportedly flirted with his Filipina cook named Toni. As per the gossip buzz, K-Fed threw a Filipino feast (filled with native Philippine dishes) on his Christmas day reunion with his two sons with Britney, his mother and stepfather, and a number of special guests. Well, if this would be true then KFed joins the others who actually fell for the Pinay charm. Remember, Robin Williams married his Filipina nanny (however recently divorced), and Marlon Brando was said to have been very close to his Filipina maid. The late Luciano Pavarotti preferred having Filipina helpers in his home. Another die-hard Pinay helpers’ fan is Christopher Lambert, star of Greystoke: The Legend of Tarzan and the Highlander movies. The same maid also works part-time for supermodel Claudia Schiffer, whom she met when the latter was dating Lambert. Pinay serves the Queen her meal We know about President Obama’s Filipino head chef, yet we haven’t heard about the Filipina who has gone closest to the queen of England. Apart from the dignitaries and privileged people, barely a few could get close to England’s Queen Elizabeth II. So, it was great honor for a Filipina to lead serving the 80th birthday lunch of Queen Elizabeth II back in year 2006. Based on reports, Lady Aurea Taguiang, the native of Malasiqui, Pangasinan in the Philippines, actually realized her dreams in serving the queen. It topped her career being the lead waitress at Mansion House for over 20 years. During her stint at the Mansion House, she has waited upon international leaders such as Nelson Mandela, King Hussein of Jordan, and President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. She has also served notable Britons Baroness Margaret Thatcher, Princess Diana, and Chancellor of the Exchequer Gordon Brown. Aside from being chosen to serve the queen, she and her husband Alfonso also earned the titles Sir and Lady in 1998. They were granted the honor of becoming Freemen of the City of London by act of the Lord Mayor and the Court of Common Council in one of the oldest surviving traditional ceremonies still in existence today; the first one is believed to have been presented in 1237. The titles came 12 years after Taguiang earned a post in the prestigious Mansion House in 1986; there, she has become a favorite of Lord Mayors. The Maid-turned-Successful-Writer Being a best-selling author was only a far-fetched dream. But dreams do come true like it did to the former Filipina domestic
Crisanta has proven her talents as an author, being also the editor of the first Filipino newspaper in Vancouver. She also formed Crazy Planet Films together with two other Filipinos in Vancouver while working as a researcher for the news desk at Canadian TV. Sampang’s dabbling in filmmaking and scriptwriting has earned her awards at the 2001 Vancouver International Film Festival and a Jury Prize at the National Film Board Contest in Banff, Alberta.
28 PINOY PRO Celebrating the Professional Pinoy Engr. Francis P. Cabel Emergency Response Plan Facilities Manager Etihad Airways, Abu Dhabi Having a great career is one thing, but receiving a commendation as a ‘hero’ on top of that is quite another. Engr. Francis Cabel, Etihad Airway’s Emergency Response Plan Facilities Manager, is one Pinoy professional who’s got all that. With his degree, he started as Instructor in Electrical Engineering Department at his alma mater, Adamson University. He joined the aviation industry in 1993 with the Philippines’ national carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) and saw himself rising up the ranks. Armed with an impressive line-up of engineering related and relevant training in the field of aviation, Engr. Cabel’s rise in the corporate ladder saw him moving to Abu Dhabi to join Etihad in his current position. Aside from Engr. Cabel’s corporate success, he had been an active member of aviation groups and received commendations from the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA), PAL and Chartered Institute of Transport Australia. He also received special citations from PAL and the Philippine Department of Transport and Communications (DOTC) for his show of heroism and professionally handling a hijacked flight in 2000. Outside the world of aviation, Engr. Cabel is keen on charity work and community service. He plays the guitar in his free time and likes to listen to country music. Ronaldo Esguerra Deputy Manager Toshiba Gulf FZE, Dubai The technician-turned-manager, Ronald Esguerra, used his ambition, outstanding work ethics, knowledge and hard work in climbing further the corporate ladder. His thirteen-year stint at Sony distributor/ service center in the Philippines helped him enhance his knowledge and widen his perspective on his job. From landing the role as technician to rising thru managerial position providing support and training to all service centers across the country was the fruit of his loyal service. He even garnered an award from an Asian technical contest arranged by Sony Corporation n Singapore. In 2001, after being in Sony for a long time, Ronaldo’s aim to put his career to the next level had brought him to Dubai. He then got the opportunity of working in Sony Gulf as a support engineer covering the whole Middle East and Africa. After five years, Ronaldo moved to Toshiba Gulf for the more challenging post as Deputy Manager to the technical support department that is responsible for supporting all of Toshiba’s authorized service facility in the region. An Electronics Engineer by profession, Ronaldo loves training other people as part of his job. Training people has allowed him to travel to different places and interact with people of multi-cultures. It also gives him the chance to showcase his capabilities thereby giving him pride as a professional Filipino expatriate in the Gulf.
Marietta P. Morada Data Management Manager - Economic Research Department Dubai Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Dubai Born to a poor farming family in the town of Lucban (Quezon), Marietta Morada – more lovingly called Ayet by her family and friends – never imagined a life different from her parents’. Her life started to change when she passed the entrance test to the newly opened Philippine Science High School. At a young age, Ayet had learned the ropes of being independent at the renowned high school. Her innate intelligence and hard work in studying earned her a National Science Development Board (NSDB) scholarship that supported her studies in the University of the Philippines (Diliman). After college, she began her working career at the National Statistics Office where her skills and talents were nurtured thru extensive experiences and trainings in national and international institutions. These had been the key to her continued success in finding a niche, be it as a consultant to the United Nations, Asian Development Bank and World Health Organization in their various projects to include those in developing countries as Cambodia. Her knowledge and skills coupled with commendable work attitude and years of experience in her career allowed her to take on the responsibility as a Philippine representative to international conferences on official statistics and surveys. At present, Ayet holds an essential role as an expatriate manager in the Economic Research Department at a reputable government organization in the UAE, the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Nonetheless, Ayet believes that she would not have achieved her personal success without her family, her true inspiration and tower of strength. Also, she firmly believes that her story is a testament to the old adage “God indeed helps those who help themselves”. Baltazar Junio Finance and Administration Manager The Royal Stables, Abu Dhabi They say life begins at 40, but for Baltazar Junio, or simply Bal, life has begun even at his 20’s. This Certified Public Accountant could trace his corporate roots to leading auditing firm Sycip, Gorez & Velayo Co. in the Philippines. Bal said goodbye to his four years at SGV, and moved to Oman’s Zubair Group of Company as Internal Auditor. He then transferred to Emirates Airlines holding the same post after a year in Oman. Four years down the road, he was hired to be the Finance Manager at The President’s Stable. He handled such a critical responsibility from year 2000 up to 2007. After which, Bal entered his recent post as the Finance and Administration Manager at The Royal Stables. Indeed, Bal has proven his worth handling such crucial roles, and maintaining respect and credibility all throughout. Aside from garnering quite an impressive corporate life, Bal is also an active participant in the Filipino expatriate community in the UAE. He has been a constant leader to many organizations. At present, Bal is the Chairman of the Filipino Expatriates in UAE Foundation Inc. (FILEX). Moreover, his family has been nominated for the Most Outstanding OF Family of the Year Award last 2007. Without a doubt, Bal’s success in the corporate world is also the same success he is extending in his household.
30 KABUHAYAN ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Mobile Money in the Philippines By Bernadette Reyes
The Philippines banking system is a comprehensive mix of established financial institutions comprised of universal banks and commercial banks, as well as reliable thrift banks, rural banks and credit unions which could provide the most complex services to the most basic of transactions to keep our hard-earned money safe. Still, many Filipinos are inclined to hide their cash at home or give it to a family member or a friend for safekeeping and quick access, making it vulnerable to theft and prone to impulsive and unwise spending. What the unbanked – those without access to formal financial services – don’t realize is that they can still enjoy liquidity and security for their money without the hassle of going to a bank by using mobile money.
M
obile money is a new and rapidly growing means of remote banking using cell phones. This technology allows users to use their mobile phones for a wide range of transactions such as making purchases, sending and receiving money, transferring funds, paying bills among other basic financial services simply through text messaging. A mobile user will have to contact their service provider to activate their mobile account. Once activated, you may access your mobile account simply by going to this option in the phone menu. Mobile operators have tied-up up with banks to make the service available to the unbanked through their cellphones. Agents or stations are also placed in strategic areas where customers can cash-in the electronic money sent to them. A study conducted by the Consultative Group to Assist the Poor (CGAP) in partnership with GSM Association, a global trade organization for the mobile communications industry, and McKinsey, a global management consulting firm, discussed the current status and importance of mobile banking, its impact and potential and outlook for the future. Entitled, “Window on the Unbanked: Mobile Money in the Philippines,” the study found out that, “three out of four Filipinos are unbanked”. Worldwide, some 4 billion people are unbanked. While they may not enjoy banking convenience, a growing number of this population is realizing the potential of mobile money. The
study found out that low-income Filipinos are using mobile money primarily to send and receive remittances. One-third is using the service for a variety of purpose such as purchase of airtime or load, cashless payment and for receiving salary. Most active users or about 52 percent access these services once or twice a month. High intensity users or about 40 percent transact four times or more in a month and one out of 11 unbanked mobile money users executes more than 12 transactions per month. This information provide evidence that the unbanked are willing to pay for financial services that go beyond the basis purpose of sending and receiving remittances. The study surveyed 1,042 unbanked individuals in the Philippines composed of mobile money users and non-users. The drawn-out process of opening an account and long queue in banks could very well be some of the reasons why the unbanked are discouraged to go to the bank. The study however revealed more - 50 percent of mobile money users, according to the study, live outside the city and they are 20 percent more likely to have a fulltime job. These suggest that mobile money is commonly used by breadwinners, the unbanked and those that have a need for remote payment because they live outside the urban areas. Mobile money users regard mobile money as reputable. 92 percent of the respondents would recommend mobile money to friends and family while 90 percent feel their money is safe in a mobile wallet which posit that people who use mobile money recognize its usefulness. While mobile money may be gaining grounds, informal means of saving money remain to be popular among Filipinos. Keeping their cash at home is the most popular while giving the money to a friend or a family member for safekeeping ranked second, for reasons of safety and quick access.
ENTREPRENEURSHIP KABUHAYAN 31
In the Philippines, two of the country’s leading wireless network providers are offering mobile money service as they attempt to challenge the proverbial mattress of keeping our money safe. Smart launched its Smart Money in 2001. Three years later, Globe introduced GCash. The study suggests that Filipinos have high awareness of these brands. 64 percent of the respondents are familiar with at least one mobile money product, and they are 25 percent more likely to know the brand name of a mobile network provider than a bank.54 percent understand the potential uses for mobile money in sending and receiving money, remote payments and sale of airtime load. Three out of four respondents believe mobile money would be easy to use. Still, the positive feedback on mobile money is not translating to reality. 48 percent of the respondents are uncertain about using mobile money while only 13 percent of unbanked Filipinos said they are interested in trying mobile money. The study suggests that the industry should focus on encouraging potential customer to try the service by offering bonuses or prizes for first time customers and rewards for existing customers who are able to refer new customers to try the service. Smart and Globe should also expand the use of mobile money in government-toperson (G2P) welfare payments as cash transfers give users a steady stream of payments that manages income and would also generate a steady flow of fee-generating transactions for the mobile money provider.
Mobile money while it is a reliable means of electronic cash transaction is yet to reach its maturity in the Philippines. According to the study, the infrastructure of mobile money in the country is limited particularly in rural areas and outside of malls and ATM kiosks. Urban mobile money users said they have four times more bank branches and ATMs than mobile money agents within 15 minutes of their house. Rural users on the other hand said they must travel to reach a location where they can transact. Intensive users who do four or more transactions per month are 40 percent more likely to live within five minutes of an agent than low-intensity users. Services offered by means of mobile money should also go beyond remittances. When respondents were asked what service they would like to explore, 54 percent said they would like mobile money to offer savings. 1 out of 10 unbanked mobile money users already stores an average of US$31 in their mobile wallet, according to the survey. This amount is about one-quarter of their household savings. While banks are not reaching the unbanked population of the world, mobile phones are catering to the unserved. The mobile money industry is able to provide security for money and nearly as convenient if not more. The study suggests banks and technology providers to “enhance their understanding of how unbanked consumers behave.” If they can do this, more and more people would realize the potential of mobile money, use it and make the world an easier place to live in.”
32 KABUHAYAN
Pinoy Entrepreneur
Engr. Milo Torres I.T. Specialist/Artist Dubai Media City
Please describe your business. I am a freelance Web Application Developer and Photographer based at the Dubai Media City Why did you establish your own business? Can you tell us when and how you started? I started in December 2004. Restructuring in my previous company resulted to my termination. I think the main reason was budget as the company can simply outsource services and in the process save a lot of money. The good thing is that the company has extended my visa, so I could look for another job. Several companies have given me opportunities but the offers were not so attractive. While I was looking for a good employer, I was also doing part time jobs as web designer and photographer. This continued until my earnings from my part time jobs became more than what the companies were offering to me. When I calculated the time I spent for the part time jobs, it amounted to the equivalent of only one week of work compared to being a full time employee. From that moment on, I stopped looking for full time employment and concentrated on marketing my own services. However, at that time, I was limited to marketing my service only to Filipino friends as I didn’t have a company of my own. That was the time I decided to apply for a business license at the Dubai Media City. What was your start-up capital and basic operations set-up? My start-up capital was AED25,000 and that included the license and shared office at the Dubai Media City for one year, plus an AED50,000 to manage operations. I operate alone and do the marketing, administration and provide all the services I am offering. What obstacles did you encounter? The first and second year were difficult as I had to adjust doing everything alone.
Where are you now? How far have you gone? What are the landmarks in your business so far? I am still here, the recession affected my business as many of my regular clients cut their budgets. If the recession did not happen, I think I would be in a better position now. I could have upgraded my business license into a LLC. What are the advantages and disadvantages of being an entrepreneur? The advantages: In my business, you have your own time except when doing photography as you have to be at the location physically and on schedule. You are your own boss and you are happy with what you do to earn a living. You can also prove yourself; you have the opportunity to use your skills, abilities and creativity. You will have a hand in all aspects of the business and you take pride in promoting and marketing your own. The disadvantages are - you have to work extra time when the economy is low or when competition heats up. Pressure is always there unlike when you are employed and you just have to work eight hours a day without worrying about the business. There are also numerous responsibilities and plenty of administrative details that are not the fun part of being an entrepreneur. You also can’t please everyone and there is no guaranteed salary. Would you encourage other Pinoys to go into business? What is your advice to budding Pinoy entrepreneurs? Going into business is not an easy task, it can be one of the most thrilling and rewarding experiences for everyone. Success will not be achieved without a lot of preparation, diligence, guts, and perseverance. To start and run a successful business needs a lot of information but the basics are simple - maintain a positive attitude, stay informed with the current market, stay focused and motivated, plan well, know your customers and keep monitoring all monetary transactions. To my countrymen, if you can take that simple advice, you can be a successful entrepreneur.
34 KABUHAYAN
Pinoy Entrepreneur
Myrna RebulananAnderson Lightform FZE
Ras Al Khaimah Free Zone Photo Courtesy of Rowena Lapuz
Municipality, Dubai Duty Free, Canon Middle East, J.K. & Sons, M.E., M.K. Trading, Panasonic ME, CPL Aromas ME, Advanced Media LLC, Salam Studio LLC, GMA 7 Philippines, ABS CBN ME, Provitech LLC, Caravan Foodcourt, Hamarain Center, Ponderosa Restaurants and Saleh Bin Lahej LLC. Please describe your business. My business is photography and videography. When I receive a clients’ requests, I always conduct photo shoots on location or in their office. There’s no dull moment in my business due to the variety of jobs as photography is very broad - from product, to portraiture, landscape, to travel and the list goes on and on. Why did you establish your own business? Can you tell us when and how you started? Ever since I was young, I have been interested in taking a look at photographs. It amazes me to see the transition of persons from baby, to teenager, to young adults and eventually to senior citizens. Because of my interest in this human metamorphosis, the desire to acquire images in all aspects of life, that turn into memories, created a deep passion in me to know more about photography. What were your start-up capital and your basic operations set-up? When I resigned from Emirates Telecommunication (Etisalat) where I worked for 14 years, I received my gratuity which I used as start-up capital. The cheapest place to register my business, without any national partner is at the Ras Al Khaimah Free Zone Authority. Here, they provided me a flexi and virtual office with PC computer, fax machine, post box, etc. At the moment, I have two sponsored staff and I am planning to expand in the near future. What obstacles did you encounter? The obstacle that I am encountering right now is the sudden and constant change of UAE government policy. These hinder the growth of my company to expand and sponsor additional staff. Where are you now? How far have you gone? What are the landmarks in your business so far? Currently, business is a bit down due to the recession. I am sure that I am not the only one who has the same experience, but I’m happy to say that our company still exists despite tough times, and the term survival is the name of the game now adays. Expansion of our photography services will be launched in Manila by May or June 2010 and additional staff will be required to run the business in the Philippines. For now, I’m proud to say that we have the following clients: Dubai
What are the advantages and disadvantages of being an entrepreneur? When I started my business, the pressure of making my business work compelled me to work 24/7. Not unlike when I was still employed, eight hours is enough and extra hours will be considered overtime. It’s an entirely different scenario, I need to get the business started and earn some money – and I need to do it fast. In short, being an entrepreneur, you hold your own time and at the end of the day, you are responsible for every decision you make. You are alone to decide on everything either small or big issues. Whether you succeed or fail, you only have yourself to blame. And, of course, you create self-fulfillment whenever you achieve your goal in life. Would you encourage other Pinoys to go into business? What is your advice to budding Pinoy entrepreneurs? The time is ripe now for the simple Juan dela Cruz to become an Entrepreneur and enough is enough for working for Uncle Sam. I definitely advice our fellow kababayans to consider these: First, it is ultimately individual businesses, not our Philippine government that will end the current recession. Secondly, we have to let new entrepreneurial firms challenge companies that can no longer compete, and make way for new entrants to push us to frontiers of innovation. And third, the Philippine economy needs more entrepreneurs to continuously advance human welfare through innovation. We need to start taking the risk of having our own business and use our God given talent and skills. In addition to bringing forth innovation, we can also create new jobs for the younger generations. Every time Juan dela Cruz takes the risk to start a new company, he or she strengthens our country and the global economy as well.
36 KABUHAYAN MONEY
Filipino Women and Money By Francisco Colayco
Tradition says that the Filipino family system is matriarchal. It is curious that the men are expected to work and bring in the bulk of the income but the women are followed in most of the decisions. This practice is handed down from generation to generation. Perhaps, it is because women generally live longer and therefore the kids see the widowed mother taking care of everything. Or perhaps, the husband is too busy with his work that he leaves the management of the house and money to the wife. Most often, all the income will have to go to the house needs anyway so the wife is left to balance the money for the needs of the whole family.
W
ith this kind of mindset, Filipino homes bring up children in what could be viewed by some as dysfunctional. It has unfortunately been the general Filipino custom not to train little boys in housework. Nannies or yayas, normally female and having been brought up in the same custom, perpetuate it. Little boys are expected to excel in their studies, be physically strong particularly in sports and build good friendship networks. On the other hand, little girls have to do housework and study as well. Even if there are house helpers, it is normally the wife who will supervise and make sure everything is in order and little girls see the need to understand this eventual responsibility.
Let’s face it‌when Filipino men do housework from cleaning, cooking, washing, ironing etc., it is usually because they have lived abroad and learned there or they are truly enlightened and want to
help out. In most case, if they like doing housework, it would be cooking. But when they cook, most likely, the wife or house helper will be there to clean up after. But today, most wives have to work to make ends meet. Maybe, the wives get bored at home but still, any kind of job (permanent or part time) will take time and effort. Naturally, the wives become even more tired since keeping house is really a full time job in itself. To keep peace in the family, wives should have an agreement with their husbands on the additional load they are taking. If their income is to help in the basic family budget, the husband has to help in the house as well. If the wife’s income is all her own, she must not complain on the status quo in the house management. But she must not spend it all on frivolities but save part, if not most. In other parts of the world, the retired parents live on their own using their pension. In our country and maybe, in many parts of Asia, there is the extended family system where the retired parents might still depend on their children. This is heavy on the wife/
MONEY KABUHAYAN 37
daughter and especially on the daughter-in-law. In such a case, with the additional heads in the family, the wife will naturally be made responsible for the financial budget. Wives should not take this responsibility alone. Everybody, husband, parents, and children, living under the same house, using the same facilities and eating the same food should be involved. Of course, the husband should be responsible for setting the RULE that “Money is a family matter.” And the principle of INCOME less SAVINGS equals EXPENSES. The Savings is necessary for retirement as the husband/wife should not financially depend on children upon their retirement. Are women really more conservative when it comes to investing? Studies show that women are afraid to invest. Yet, there is evidence that more women actually take high risks. More than 60% of investment scam victims are women. I suspect this is because they are under pressure to produce higher returns for their families and they get to invest without any real understanding and skills to evaluate risks. Whether they are conservative or risk takers, the common issue is that they lack information. When they are conservative, they are afraid and stick only to what they know. Unfortunately, the safest for many women is keeping the money secretly under the bed, in the pillow or in a jar tucked away somewhere in the house like a “piggy bank.” That is actually safe only until somebody is tempted to get it. In this “piggy bank” situation, there is real loss because of inflation and loss of opportunity to earn some money, no matter how little, plus the possibility of the physical loss of cash. The next safest way that women usually know is a savings account or time deposit in the bank. At least, the money is safe in the bank up to PHP500,000, which is insured under the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation or PDIC. It also earns some interest though very low, and is definitely below inflation rate. The other types of investment like Mutual Funds, UITFs, Treasury
Bills/Bonds etc. usually takes more effort to learn about. Perhaps, both husband and wife should take time to learn about them directly from the institutions that provide the options. Even I cannot really explain everything because each institution has its own fund management philosophy and has its own unique set of rules. You can write me at info@colaycofoundation.com if you want to get their addresses and telephone numbers. On the other hand, those who offer scams are very aggressive in bringing their products to possible clients. They also tend to use well-connected female agents to solicit from financially-able households. Since more women are at home and/or have more time, they are able to encourage them to listen to their Scam, particularly when they are referred by common friends. Again, the women not knowing any better, will be enticed by the promise of extraordinary high returns and before they know it, they will have been “sales talked” into the scam. Women and Full Time Jobs A working wife does not only bring extra income. She brings a lot of new life and information into the home because of her interaction with other people. Of course, the premise is that the children, if any, are properly cared for even when the wife is outside the home. Fortunately, there are many opportunities now available to either the housewife or the “houseband” to work from homes. Little businesses that cater to their community could be the start of sidelines that can grow through the years. If the opportunity for a business sideline is not yet available, staying at home gives so many chances to find ways for the reduction of expenses and the improvement of education not only for the children but also for both spouses. Everything is dependent on ATTITUDE. Women should force themselves to adopt an attitude of learning financial literacy and particularly, how to be “street smart” when it comes to money. It is not a matter of numbers for those who say that they have a mental blackout when they have to think of math. One simply understands what one gets in return for each activity involving saving, spending, planning, investing and sharing.
38 ADVERTORIAL
Dubai Duty Free Continues to Soar High In a year that posed many challenges for the global airport retail sector, Dubai Duty Free has bucked the trend by announcing record annual sales of Dhs4.1 billion (US$1.140 billion) in 2009, representing a 3.76% increase over the previous year. It has also recorded over 20.3 million sales transactions with an average of 55,800 sales transactions per day. Moreover, in 2009, Dubai Duty Free was announced as the biggest single airport retail operation in the world, based on sales analysis issued by Generation Research. The announcement, made in June 2009, places Dubai Duty Free just ahead of sales at London Heathrow and Seoul Incheon Airports for the first time. Dubai Duty Free has also received the following awards, to name a few: the Global Traveler award for ‘Best for Duty Free Shops’ in Los Angeles won in January, the ‘Middle East Travel Retailer of the Year’ award at the DFNI-Asia Pacific awards in Singapore, and the ‘Best Duty Free Shopping’ award at the Business Traveler Middle East Awards in Dubai, the Frontier Award for ‘Best Marketing Campaign by a Retailer’ in Cannes. At the close of the year, Dubai Duty Free was once again honored by a US-based magazine; Business Traveler
US presented the ‘Best Duty Free Shopping’ trophy to the operation at a ceremony in Los Angeles. While the successful running of the shopfloor is a major focus for Dubai Duty Free, the operation is also highly committed to promoting Dubai through a series of high level sporting events such as the Barclays Dubai Tennis Championships, which is owned and organized by Dubai Duty Free and comprises the only ATP 500 and WTA Premier 5 sanctioned tournaments in the Middle East. The Championships celebrated the 10th anniversary of the women’s event while the men’s event celebrated eighteen years of world class tennis. 2009 has also been a year of personal recognition for Dubai Duty Free’s Managing Director, Colm McLoughlin who received four individual awards including the ‘Businessman of the Year’ in the Middle East Business Achievement Awards.
Mumbai’s Copper Chimney restaurant Opens in Dubai Master chefs fired up the ovens, while powerful aromatic flavors filled the air, as ETA-Star Retail officially opened Copper Chimney restaurant, a culinary landmark in India, on the 24th February, at the Emirates Hills Town Centre in Dubai. Serving flavorful and robust Indian dishes since its establishment in 1972, Copper Chimney has been India’s foremost culinary landmark for over three decades and continues to set new industry standards and benchmarks in Indian cuisine and hospitality. Commenting on the opening, Chugani said, “ETA-Star Retail welcomes the addition of the original Copper Chimney restaurant to our portfolio. With the opening of the restaurant, we hope to satisfy our customers’ cravings for traditional and authentic Indian cuisine.” Tucked in quaint Emirates Hills Town Centre, Copper Chimney’s menu consists of culinary extravaganzas of the grand moguls, brought to life again by master chefs from India who have been with
the restaurant for over a decade. Signature dishes include succulent and mildly spiced chicken Reshmi kabab and lamb Burrah chops .While there is a diverse selection of meat and vegetable curry dishes, there is also popular butter chicken Murg Makhani, house specialty Paneer Masala and the luscious black Dal which are unique to Copper Chimney. Desserts are also a splendid treat with Muzzafar, a crunchy and creamy Lucknowi creation and the freshly prepared hot and crisp Jalebi, Copper Chimney’s master-crafted dessert.
UNI- The New University Magazine UNI is a fun, smart, creative, young, interactive and cool monthly university English publication that aims to fill the gap of what the country needs in terms of a powerful, appropriate and intelligent content-base, relevant to university students across all the prominent institutions in the emirates. Echoing the UAEs cosmopolitan multi-cultural nature, UNI will feature voices of youth from the UAE, the Philippines, Arab countries, Russia, Sub-continent and others countries. According to some Filipinos studying in the UAE, “It is great to know that there is going to be a publication that would represent the Filipino youth and students in this country. Though we’re viewed quite a minority in population, we still have much to say and contribute in so many ways.”
UNI magazine is hip, yet engaging and informative. It features what the youth of the country want, need, and essentially are moved and captivated by, with varied content from academia-related to celebrities’ interviews, prominent authors and influential books; student renditions to celebrated art, and the students themselves and campuses, professors and everything in-between. UNI will be launched and distributed within campuses across the Emirates, as well as in other areas frequented by students.
40 SUCCESSFUL PINOY SUCCESS PRINCIPLES
Tagumpay na Relasyon: Mastering the Art of Appreciation By Jeffrey ‘Ximo’ Ramos
Part II ito ng Valentine’s mo sis and bro! Para sa isang matagumpay na relasyon – you should master the art of appreciation. Kaya ang tanong ko sa iyo, ano ang binigay mo sa partner mo? Nagustuhan ba niya? Or pakiramdam mo ay nagaksaya ka lang ng panahon at pera? “There is more hunger for love and appreciation in this world than for bread.” ( Mother Teresa, Winner of the Nobel Peace Price)
Ilan sa inyo ang aalis sa trabaho dahil hindi appreciated? Kung isa kang ordinaryong empleyado, tatagal ka sa isang trabaho kung nararamdaman mong appreciated ka sa ginagawa mo - gaganahan kang pumasok, magsisipag at magbibigay ng extra effort. Kung nasa medyo mataas ka namang posisyon, tatagal ka kung malaki ang iyong suweldo at maraming benepisyo ngunit hahanapin mo pa rin ang ‘appreciation’ kapag dumating na sa huling baraha na hindi ka na kinikilala sa galing mo. What more in a ‘personal relationship’ – with your spouse, your loved one, your friend, your family? Paano nga ba magappreciate? Give the right gift “The more grateful people are for the gifts we give them, the more inclined we are to give them more gifts. Their gratitude and appreciation reinforces our giving.” - Jack Canfield Author and Motivational Speaker, Chicken Soup for the Soul
Appreciation is manifested in what you give, so it is important that you know the type of person you want to appreciate so that you can be more effective. So, know and master the art of appreciation. To the listener: give words This one wants to hear it from you! Not from someone else but you. You may send them chocolates or notes but for them “verbalized words mean a lot.” Sila yung mahilig sa music, mahilig sa salita at mabulaklak na usapan. Correct, makakatipid ka rito! Inspiring, loving and encouraging words ang importante sa kanila. But take note sis and bro – genuine words at di bolahan ang gusto nilang marinig sa iyo. Kaya magpractice ka nang magsalita at magbasa ng mga may sense na tula at siguraduhing sa puso mo nanggagaling ang bawat kataga! To the viewer: give visual things This one wants your appreciation inside a box. Yes, sila yung mahilig makatanggap ng mga bagay. You may say, “Thank you” to
them and they will reply “You are welcome” but a nice bouquet of flowers will leave a smile on their faces not to mention joyful heart. Most of them are women, sila yung mahilig sa sulat, may mga naka-decorate sa office na tula, etc. To the feeler: give the caring touch A tap on the back, a congratulatory handshake, a hug! Sila yung kailangang may touch. Puwedeng masahe, dinner, o kaya ay ayain mo sa isang romantic na lugar. Naku, tuwang tuwa sila at alam nilang tuwang tuwa ka sa kanila. In summary, TLC ang gusto nito. “Tender Loving Care” – haplos ng pagmamahal. Do it with genuine love and appreciation At kung hindi ka sigurado dahil di mo pa kilala ang pagbibigyan mo, pagsama-samahin mo ito! Combine them para sigurado. And whatever you will use, make sure you do it from your heart – give your thanks and acknowledge that he or she is a blessing from above. Do this and you will never be
SUCCESS PRINCIPLES SUCCESSFUL PINOY 41
wrong. Mean it and it will penetrate their very soul. Sabi nga sa Libro ng m will use, make sure you do it from your heart – give your thanks and acknowledge that he or she is a blessing from above. Do this and you will never be wrong. Mean it and it will penetrate their very soul. Sabi nga sa Libro ng mga libro, in everything give thanks to God. Thank them while thanking God for using them to work with you, help you, and assist you, simply by being there for you at the right time, at the right place and at the right moment. This is your chance and mine “The difference between appreciation and flattery? Simple. One is sincere and the other insincere. One comes from the heart out; the other from the teeth and out. One is unselfish; the other selfish. One is universally admired; the other is universally condemned.” - Sabi ng dayuhang si Dale Carnegie
While you are in your quest towards success, you can maintain this ‘priceless feeling’ by letting these people know how much you
appreciate them- maaaring kaibigan mo na dumamay sa iyo, empleyado mo na naniwala sa iyong sinimulan, your wife who supported you through and through, dati mong teacher na nagturo sa iyong maniwala sa iyong sarili, or yung kasama mo sa trabaho na nagturo ng mga dapat mong matutunan. Sino pa man sila, you can start appreciating them and develop another good habit now. Call them, see them, or send your appreciation to them. As for me, I want to thank you all for reading my articles, for your emails of appreciation and for buying and believing in my book – you just do not know how much I appreciate it! You already have contributed to my success. I also want you to express my appreciation to those people I think about whenever I look back to where I have come from. I just want to say: “I really appreciate what YOU did for me. It made things smooth when things were rough, made the colors of my life more bright through the years. Ate Marivic, for assisting me in my first job in Dubai; Ate Muriel, for helping me on the job; Ma’am Alice Yumang who said that I can do it, in the first play I acted in the first grade; and
Mrs. Quejada, who said, “keep your chin up, you have won, even though I only got 9th place in the feature writing contest and of course; Ms. Santos, who taught me the value of discipline in my studies and to live a life of dignity; to Mon and Lalaine of Illustrado for believing and for being there as friends. To all of you, salamat! Kaya ikaw sis and bro, para sa isang matagumpay na buhay, master the art of appreciation - start thanking and appreciating everything and everyone who are contributing to your success. Salamat, shokran, sie sie, grazie!
42 ADVERTORIAL
A Bigger, Better Home for TMC’s Women’s Health Care Center In line with The Medical City’s (TMC) thrust to provide quality health care in a world-class setting, a ribbon-cutting ceremony and blessing was held for its Women’s Health Care Center (WHCC). The ribbon-cutting ceremony was led by celebrity mom Pia Magalona, assisted by the hospital’s administrators and department executives, headed by Dr. Alfredo R.A. Bengzon, President & CEO of TMC. Originally on the 5th floor of Nursing Tower 1, the WHCC was moved to its bigger, better location on the 6th story of the new Nursing Tower 2. It now features both diagnostic and therapeutic services, such as transvaginal ultrasound, pap smear and colposcopy, that specifically address women’s health care concerns. Its more spacious new home will allow for the Center’s reinvention as a One-Stop Clinic for Assessment of Risk (OSCAR) – a first of its kind in the Philippines.
Marie France Bodyline Launches Biothermie Plus Established in Switzerland since 1986 with over 20 years experience and 200 centers worldwide, Marie France Bodyline brings cutting-edge technology and its international success track record of tailor-made slimming and skincare programmes to the region. Renowned for their advanced slimming and dermatological expertise, Marie France Bodyline is the only centre that designs unique plans to suit individual requirements. Each slimming treatment incorporates dedicated weight loss goals and sensible nutrition habits. Marie France Bodyline’s skincare centre is staffed by a dedicated team of qualified skincare experts who are equipped with the latest developments in specialized skincare treatments and hair-removal services. With a profile of celebrity clients, Marie France Bodyline stays on top of the wellness and beauty industry with continuous investments in market research, new slimming
Liali’s diamond set celebrates the contemporary woman Liali’s exclusive diamond jewelry set celebrates femininity’s eternal magic this month. For the occasions of International Women’s Day on March 8 and Mother’s Day on March 21 this year, Liali Jewellery unveils a stunning diamond jewelry set comprising of a pair of diamond stud earrings and a diamond pendant with chain fashioned in 18k gold. To match different tastes, the set comes in both white and yellow gold and is ideal for dayto-day wear or for an evening out.
“At the WHCC-OSCAR, patients can be thoroughly assessed for any female health care risk in a single location, as the Center will be equipped with all the necessary technologies and staff, as opposed to relying on clinics and laboratories in various parts of TMC,” says Dr. Lyra Ruth Chua, Director of the WHCC. “The new location will also house a Patient Education Area where lectures on varied women’s health concerns can be held, as well as Lamaze classes, yoga classes, and acupuncture sessions.” The move is part of a larger plan to make Tower 2s 6th floor exclusively for women’s health. This Women’s Floor—which will also be the first of its kind in the country—is slated to feature the WHCC; the TMC Breast Clinic, which includes a mammography facility; an operating room for minor surgeries; an infertility clinic; and a menopause clinic. The latest expansion to the TMC compound along Ortigas Ave., Tower 2 provides an additional 100,000 square meters of space for patient rooms, ancillary services, and amenities.
and skincare programmes and technology. Treatments are natural and free from any meal supplements and invasive skincare procedures: BioThermie Plus employs Radio Frequency waves that penetrate deep into the dermis to target stubborn fats and sagging skin. It is safe, non invasive and 100% effective on fatty tissues, and useful in the reduction of cellulite and fresh stretch marks. Depilux Hair Free System is a method that>s as safe as it is sophisticated; where hair growth removal is permanent, without painful bumps, rashes or ingrown hairs, and noticeable result in just one session. It can be done quickly and painlessly, without other effects. Oxyglow treatment revitalizes and adds a glow to your skin. The rejuvenating power of oxygen soothingly hydrates and nourishes your skin, and eliminates those unsightly lines and wrinkles with an infusion of essential minerals and vitamins to stimulate cell regeneration. Call +971 4 344 8760 to enjoy immediate and long-lasting contouring and skincare results.
The set is part of Liali Jewellery’s Petite collection and is priced at AED 4,999. Furthermore, customers may pay just AED833 in six monthly installments at zero interest when buying this set with a credit card. Liali offers Easy Installment Plans on jewelry purchases and has tied up with Citibank, RBS, Emirates NBD, ADCB, Barclays and Najm cards from MAF group. Signifying the timeless beauty and essence of femininity, this exclusive Liali jewelry set makes that perfect gift one is seeking to celebrate the unique bond one enjoys with one’s mother as well as with that special someone!
44 SUCCESSFUL PINOY SPIRITUALITY
Stop Trying to Fix People By : Bo Sanchez
You know what our monstrous mistake is? We try to fix the people in our life. Oh, I see it everywhere. Everywhere I go, I see people complain about the people in their life.
W
ives complain about their husbands. “Bo, please talk to my husband. He eats too much.” “Bo, can you help me? My husband watches too much TV.” But husbands complain about their wives too. “Bo, please talk to my wife. She’s gastadora.” “Bo, help me with my wife. My wife is always hysterical and historical. She remembers all my past mistakes, including date, time, and place.” Parents complain about their kids too. “My kids are too messy.” “My kids can’t focus on their studies.” One mother said, “And everywhere I go, I also hear many kids ask me to fix their parents. One girl told me, “They allow me to swim only if I wear a long gown.” All over the world, people want to fix people. Let me tell you why…
I overheard one mother tell her little boy, “Junior, why can’t you get good grades like your sister? She gets straight A’s in all subjects. But your highest grades are Recess and Lunch.” Parents compare their kids to their classmates, their cousins, and even to themselves when they were young. Their sermons begin with this famous line: “When I was young, I wasn’t like you…” Parents, stop comparing! And there’s also another disease that causes us to fix people. The Virus of “Criticalitis” I pity them so much. Once afflicted, they become miserable people. These people think God created them to criticize others. All day long, they look for the faults of the people around them. But behind this critical spirit towards others is really a critical spirit toward oneself; the critic pulls down others so that he can hide his own failures. Let me now tell you what you should do. Question: Do you want less stress and more joy? My solution is really simple: Stop trying to fix others.
Are You Sick of “Comparasonitis”? First of all, you want to fix people because you love them. Another reason of our “fixing other people” tendencies is we’re afflicted with the disease called comparisonitis. Humans like to look to the other side of the fence to see if it’s greener. Believe me, this urge to compare causes so much misery in marriages. If you always compare your wife’s body with Beyonce or Angel Locsin, she can’t compete. Or if you compare your husband’s salary with Manny Paquiao’s earnings, he can’t compete. Even the pretty officemate who seems so gorgeous on the outside may actually be your worst nightmare the moment you live with her. You really don’t fall in love with her. You fall in love with a projection of how you imagine her to be. Even parents are guilty of this. Motivate Your Kids in Other Ways We have a tendency to compare our kids with other kids. We even say aloud our comparisons in the hopes of motivating him.
I’m talking about idiosyncrasies, eccentricities, personalities, and persuasions that make your loved one unique. If you’re not going to fix people, what should you do? Appreciate them. What You Like and What You Don’t Like - Are Maybe One and the Same Thing I have mixed feelings about my cellphone. My relationship with my phone is ambivalent. I like it and I don’t like it. Here’s what I noticed: The very features that I like are the very same features that I don’t like. Absurd but true. Why do I like my phone? I like the fact that I can call up the 954 people in my phone directory anytime. Useful when I have a flat tire, or when I’m on the rooftop because of Typhoon Ondoy. Why do I not like my phone? I don’t like the fact that these 954 people can call me up at anytime—even when I’m lying on a hammock on a tiny island far out in the Pacific Ocean. Why do I like my phone? Because I can bring it everywhere I go.
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Why do I not like my phone? Because I can bring it everywhere I go! Cellphones are now like one of our kidneys. You can still survive if it gets lost, but it’ll be risky. I repeat: The very things that I like are the very same things that I don’t like. Funny, but this is also true with our relationships… Why Did You Fall In Love? Don’t be shocked, but the very thing that made you crazy for a person will be the very same thing that will drive you crazy in the years to come. If you fell in love with your wife because she was bubbly and the life of the party, today, you want to zip her mouth so that there would be world peace. If you fell in love with your husband because he was quiet, strong, and steady as a rock, today, you want to curse him for being so cold and unresponsive—like you’re talking to a rock. Remember: Every strength has a weakness. Why My Wife Married Me One day, I had a serious talk with my wife. “Sweetheart, I want you to be completely honest with me,” I said to her. “Aside from the fact that I look like John Loyd and Piolo Pascual put together, what else made you marry me?” After laughing out loud and rolling on the floor, she finally said, “Sorry Bo, your looks weren’t the reason why I married you. I married you because you have such a big heart for God.” She’s come to accept this reality as part of the set package called Bo Sanchez. She’s accepted the fact that when she married me, she also married the people I love—the flock I care for. Why am I telling you all these?
Stop Trying To Fix People To repeat my million-dollar point: If you want to have happy relationships, you’ll have to stop trying to fix people and start appreciating them. Jesus said, “Love your neighbor”; He didn’t say, “Fix your neighbor.” Let me tell you what I mean by appreciate. The first level of acceptance is tolerance. The second level is appreciation. Believe me, if you apply this secret into your life, you will change your entire life—radically. You’ll have less stress. You’ll have fewer fights. You’ll have more peace. You’ll be more joyful. You’ll feel and look younger by ten years. It was Dr. James Dobson who said that before you get married, you should have both eyes wide open. When you get married, stop evaluating. Stop critiquing. It’s now time to stop fixing the other person and start appreciating the person in his totality. When you accept the other person and become grateful for him, a great miracle happens: the person learns to accept himself too and thus brings healing to his Heart Wound. Changes begin to take place spontaneously. You can never fix anyone. Because fixing is an inside job. Never forced from the outside. You should inspire. You should guide. You should teach. But you cannot force. At the end of the day, the only thing you can do is to love the person by creating space for the other person to fix himself. One of the ways to show gratitude is to simply to say it. I promise: Gratitude will be like oil in the engine of your relationship. Your relationship will function on a whole new level.
46 WOMEN OF SUBSTANCE 2010
Illustrado Magazine Unveils WOMEN OF SUBSTANCE 2010 Photos courtesy of Cristina Linaza
From left to right: Reynaldo Samson (Nikon), Rony Aquino and Johanna Dalocanog (Illustrado), Regie Dimaculangan (Dove Unilever Gulf), Mariecar Jaya Puyod (Gulf Today and Fil. Press Club), H.E. Ambassador Grace Relucio-Princessa, Lalaine Chu-Benitez (Illustrado) and Shaji Shanmughan (Nikon)
In a press gathering on the 14th of March 2010 (Sunday), Dubaibased Filipino lifestyle publication Illustrado Magazine announced details on the upcoming Women of Substance 2010 event. Happening on the 27th of March 2010 at the Godolphin Ballroom in Jumeirah Emirates Towers, the third edition of Illustrado’s Women of Substance promises to be bigger and better. Aside from honoring a new set of Filipina achievers in the Gulf, the elegant coffee-afternoon event traditionally highlighted by a talkshow will now feature “Empowered Filipina,” a mini-documentary film by Dubai-based Kamil Roxas, winner of the Hayah Film Competition at the Middle East International Film Festival (MEIFF) in 2008, a mini make-over runway show highlighting real Filipina beauty sponsored by Dove - Unilever Gulf, and “The Filipina” photo exhibit supported by Nikon. Moreover, Atty. Katrina Legarda, the renowned Philippine-based lawyer recognized for supporting women rights, will attend Women of Substance 2010 as its main guest speaker. The annual Women of Substance event celebrates Filipina achievers and female empowerment in the Gulf in conjunction with International Women’s Day. It is an advocacy that aims to widen horizons for Filipinas in the region. According to Lalaine Chu-Benitez, Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Illustrado, “We want to foster confidence, a more progressive mindset and contribute to further success within our community by celebrating female empowerment – achievement, societal contribution and exceptional character, by honoring exemplary Filipinas in the region, in the process spreading positivity that extends beyond the local Filipino community.”
Over the years, this celebration of female empowerment held under the patronage of the Embassy of the Philippines in the UAE, has gained growing support from both government and private sectors. H.E. Ambassador Grace Relucio-Princesa, the Philippine Ambassador to the UAE, commented: “It is an honor to be recognized as a woman and more so as an empowered Filipina. I appreciate Illustrado Magazine’s effort in voicing out real issues and promoting positivism amongst the Filipino community. I give them my full support on the advocacy of empowering Filipina expatriates in the region. They can count on my assistance in furthering this aim.” The event’s photo exhibit support sponsor Nikon, represented by Brand Manager Shaji Shanmughan added, “We believe in Illustrado’s advocacy to implement positive change in the international image of the Filipina. We support their exemplary aim in honoring Filipina achievers as well as in spreading goodwill. Moreover, Nikon’s participation in this event’s photo exhibit also highlights our recognition of photography being one of Filipinos’ greatest passions. ” Lalaine Chu-Benitez concluded, “This is our way of acknowledging the contributions of Filipinas in our society. We also hope that this becomes a vehicle with which to uplift the morale of the whole Filipino expatriate community here in the region.” Illustrado’s Women of Substance 2010 event is in cooperation with Dove – Unilever Gulf and Nikon, and supported by Emirates Airlines, London Dairy, Liali Jewellery, Marie France Bodyline and Nanay Tuneng. For more information, please contact Illustrado at 04-3654547 / 04-3654543.
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2010 A testament to the Filipina’s great capacity to love, dream and conquer Illustrado presents nine women from the emirates whose lives serve to inspire. They are proof of the Filipinas innate strength, courage and capability, and show that the indomitable Pinay spirit prevails, despite challenges, fear and hardships.
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H.E. Grace Relucio Princesa Distinguished Public Servant Ambassador for God and Country
For many years, Filipino expatriates in the UAE have always been represented by a “father figure” from the Philippine government. This time around, the community welcomes a doting “mother” to promote the interests of the Philippines and help out in issues facing Overseas Filipinos (OFs) - the first female Philippine Ambassador to the UAE, H.E. Grace Relucio-Princesa. The Ambassador not only brings to the table shining credentials and courage, but also nurturing warmth, joy and people skills – a combination that makes Filipina women of substance a force to reckon with, in any endeavor they choose in life. Having spent over two decades in the Philippine Foreign Service, the newly appointed Ambassador to the UAE had previous postings in Chicago, Cairo, Geneva and Baghdad. She comes back to Abu Dhabi after 13 years. Then, she worked as Consul under the leadership of former Ambassador Roy Seneres, at which time she attended to the high profile Sarah Balabagan case. It was her stint in Baghdad, Iraq, from 2001-2003 that merited her two Presidential Awards, the DFA’s Gawad Mabini Dakilang Kasugo Award in 2003, and the Civil Service Commission’s Lingkod Bayan Award in September 2005 for successfully evacuating some 150 Filipinos from the country just two days before US Allied Forces started bombing the city. She likewise, was given recognition in 2007 by the Ligao City Government in Bicol as an Outstanding Ligaoeño. Since she has formally assumed office in October 2009, the Ambassador has been engaged in a flurry of activities from her diplomatic duties to speaking to community leaders, and doing the rounds meeting Filipino groups and organizations. She has also recently visited Al Watba prison, where she sang and hugged kababayan inmates. Her main responsibility in the emirates is to uphold the three pillars of the Philippines’ foreign policy – national security, economic diplomacy, and the protection of the rights and promotion of the welfare and interests of Filipinos overseas. During her stint here, the Ambassador plans on further strengthening diplomatic relations between the UAE and the Philippines and promoting Philippine trade and investment. Furthermore, the Ambassador will also be launching her own initiatives which are not only slated to promote the Philippines and the interest of Filipinos, but also to contribute towards the long term improvement of our country’s migration issues. Striving to ‘infect’ the community with a more progressive attitude, the Ambassador has also started promoting her advocacies underlining emphatically the importance of national pride and discipline. Without question, the Filipinos in the emirates will find a caring mother, a supportive public servant, a person to run to in the persona of Ambassador Princesa. Based on her words, “This [job] is a gift, a blessing and also a challenge. I am here to wash the feet of other people. Yung position na ito - ginagamit sa pagsisilbi at pagmamahal.” Ambassador Princesa is a Career Diplomat and distinguished Philippine Public Servant. She finished her Bachelor of Science in Foreign Service and Masteral Units from the University of the Philippines. Her father is Salvador Princesa, a former World War II US Veteran and a self-made man who became a legal luminary and politician from the Municipality of Ligao, Province of Albay, and her mother, Cristina Relucio, now deceased, was an Assistant Treasurer of the same Municipality. She comes from a family of professionals; of her ten brothers and sisters, five are Doctors of Medicine and Dentistry, one Lawyer, two Engineers, one CPA and one Educator. Her advocacies for the Filipinos are financial/entrepreneurial literacy, disaster preparedness/ climate change/renewable energy and migration and development.
Photography by Ik Lumberio
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50 WOMEN OF SUBSTANCE
Fe Ging Ging Hyde Budding Film Producer, Actress, Singer Making her dreams into reality
Call it fate or luck, Fe Ging Ging Hyde will attest that she has found both. From carinderia to the Cultural Center of the Philippines, this budding film producer, actress and singer has proven that with faith, passion, strength, commitment and a bit of luck, one can find herself triumphant and glorious out of many occasions. Born to a poor family in Southern Philippines, Fe’s memories of her childhood and adolescence were quite difficult as compared to many. At a young age, Fe recalls working as a waitress and singer in a small neighborhood restaurant (carinderia) in Davao. But while the young Fe worked and toiled for her sustenance, she still found the time to join small community theatre productions in the city honing her natural talent. Fe would also recall that during those times, she already knew what she wanted to become. Without any pretension, Fe would admit that she has always dreamt of being a movie star someday. Her happiest moments would be when performing in front of other people. Yet her status in life hindered her from pursuing her ambition. So, life went on with Fe. And, the pretty Cinderella from the south had taken on her simple journey, and found her way to Dubai through singing. She also eventually met her Prince Charming, got married, became a mother and settled into domestic bliss. Yet her passion for acting and singing kept calling. Thus, she searched for a place to start and joined one of the city’s prime actors’ groups, the Dubai Theater Group. Now having the acting bug reawakened in her, and with a fresh resolve to pursue her dreams, no matter from which angle, Fe somehow found herself jumping head on into indie films as a first time producer. And
despite being totally new in the tough world of independent films, her debut project ‘Hospital Boat,’ released in July 2009 has received not one, but six nominations at this year’s Gawad Urian Awards, including Best Film. Her second production ‘Sheikha,’ where the talented Fe played the lead role, and sung the theme song as well, which will premiere at the Cultural Center of the Philippines in July 2010, has landed within the top 10 of Cinemalaya Film awards. Indeed, these films are testaments not only to Fe’s dreams coming true, but also to her pure natural talent for film. Yet, even with all these achievements, Fe never ceased to be the down-to-earth, friendly and approachable woman that she is. Considering the life that she has, in the limelight, albeit under the harsher glow of the indie film industry, Fe still has that unaffected air of innocence. Her infectious and ultra expressive face with her signature casual animated antics – all eyes, pouty mouth, expressive shoulders and hands – Fe is the same woman that she is, despite the many blessings that come, and will come her way. With her humility and her passionate pursuit of life and her dreams, Fe has shown a rousing image of an empowered Filipina. A woman who does not get embarrassed by her humble past, and strives to take out all the important lessons from it, pushing resolutely forward to achieve her dreams. Fe serves as a true inspiration to those who have nothing, and went on with life with joy, faith and passion, knowing one day that her wishes will come true given her hard work, effort and courage.
Photography by Ik Lumberio
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52 WOMEN OF SUBSTANCE
Leonila Bandigan Committed Community Servant
Helping people with the goodness of her heart Leonila “Nila” Bandigan is known by the Filipinos based in Abu Dhabi as the person to run to, the shoulder to cry on, the helper at times of need, the committed servant. Since she was in high school, she would always be involved in community work, particularly catechism, having been born and raised in a very spiritual family. Now, with her family based in the UAE capital, Nila continues to be an active member of community service. She has formed, together with her friends at work, the Filipino-Friendly organization at a leading Abu Dhabi Hospital and hosted social activities fostering a sense of community in Abu Dhabi. Aside from this involvement in charity work, Nila has also been present at church activities by leading groups of women who are members of the Legion of Mary. Her leadership in these organizations prompted her capacity to serve other people and allowed her to provide them with unrelentless and unconditional help. One great example of Nila’s commendable service to other people was when her colleague’s daughter was diagnosed with a rare disease. Because of this situation, her friend at work was in dire need of financial support so that she could get her daughter the necessary treatment from a hospital in London. Since Nila knew this, she felt that she should do something to help out. She sought the help of the church., and since she was a trusted and well-respected member, Nila was able to get her friend a grant for around AED 27,000. The grant was extremely generous, but was not enough. Nila did not stop her efforts in gathering the sufficient support for her friend. She then persisted on asking for support from the Philippine Embassy. Nila approached then Ambassador Roy Seneres who helped her publicize the appeal to raise funds for the sick child. And before they knew it, they were able to raise some AED 175,000 with the contribution of members of the community. Since then, Nila has been approached by countless individuals with different distress calls, some in need of financial, legal, medical support and the like, and each time, the tireless lady who has become the “go to” person of the Filipino community in Abu Dhabi has never failed to help – drawing from her benevolent sources of the network of church and community friends she has build over the years – people she trusts and who trust her, as well as generous benefactors who proactively share their blessings with the community. Apart from providing valuable support to individuals in distress, Nila has also been an invaluable and tireless volunteer who has coordinated fund raising activities for the church through bazaars, the donations of generous benefactors, as well as the church canteen which she tirelessly manages every Sunday and after work. On her own words, Nila emotionally imparts, “Wag kayong manghinayang tumulong. Maraming tayong mga kababayan na nangangailangan ng tulong natin.” Indeed, Nila is an outstanding image of a Filipina. A woman who selflessly provides her time and service, and continues to help despite challenges and difficulties. She is the Filipina who gives strength to her brothers and sisters who were weakened by certain life’s difficulties. Without doubt, serving without asking for anything in return is Nila Bandigan’s commitment in life. A servant who deserves the highest honor of being a Woman of Substance. Photography By Ik Lumberio
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54 WOMEN OF SUBSTANCE
Ema Trinidad
Fearless Pioneering Entrepreneur Empowering women through beauty Some say that tragedy makes people stronger. That may well hold true for amazingly driven Ema Trinidad, whose father died when she was six and her mother murdered right before her very eyes, at the age of 10. “I had nothing. That’s why I became so courageous. I had nothing to lose.” Sending herself to school through scholarships from age 10, Ema grew up to be a TV journalist, and became Executive Producer for ABS-CBN’s Bantay Bata from 1994 to 1999. Five years into her career, she felt burned-out, “I thought, there must be something more to life than just going to work and going back home,” Ema says. “I wanted to travel. I wanted the freedom of creativity. My passion is my freedom more than anything else.” Although Ema’s original dream was to publish her own magazine in the Philippines, capital requirements set her back. Instead in 1998, she went into anti-ageing beauty product distribution, something she learned from a friend, a good chance to earn money on the side and save up for her dream. Ema recalls that she had no money to kick-start her side venture, “All I had was an engagement ring from a previous relationship that didn’t work.” She recalls, “I had to sell that ring for PHP10,000 to get started. That ring actually set me free!” Pouring herself wholly into her new business, Ema spent a lot of time in training and honing her product and selling skills. Whatever she earned, she reinvested in books and education, going as far as the USA to study aesthetics. She became increasingly competitive and before long was earning three to four times her regular Executive Producer salary. So she eventually left the safety net of her regular job to go full time into product distribution in 1999. Her gearing changed as she found passion in her new field which involved making people look and feel beautiful and training other distributors. She made something big out of a non-traditional venture which eventually saw her on top of a 4,000 strong network of distributors, spanning the Philippines, US, Singapore, Malaysia, Dubai and then India. She also came to an important realization that would give her
an edge in her business, “When you make a woman beautiful, you don’t just beautify her, you empower her. You see, a makeover is more than physical, it is also emotional. It gives women hope.” In 2007, Ema made a pioneering leap as she decided to set up her first facial center in Bangalore, India. “Nowadays, Indian women are looking for something more than just the traditional beauty regime. And there are no such things as facial centers in the country.” Ema says she is in a market where her trade is new and there is huge potential. “India is a tremendously growing market. I am positioning myself for the long term,” she declares with conviction. Despite difficulties in setting up her business in unfamiliar territory, Ema finally opened in 2008, and with sheer guts and determination, S2 Spa became the authority in anti-ageing facial in the Karnataka province in just a year since its opening. Ema has been a guest on numerous TV channels and featured in newspaper and magazines all over India, earning the title of “anti-ageing skin care guru” – a term given by her clients comprised by media personalities and VIPs. Ema adds, “I also feel good that people in India are getting to know about Filipinos through my work.” 2010 holds a lot of promise for Ema’s business not only in India but also with her planned expansion to the Middle East. Last year, she has made headway in Dubai, landing a deal with the Dubai Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, after a successful review by a professional panel of Cosmetic Surgeons. She says, “You cannot be intimidated by anyone, if you know what you’re doing. That’s why you should spend a lot of time educating yourself. Leverage your mind first.” Ema, who never forgot her passion for writing dreams of telling her story someday, “I want to write my book. I want to tell my story and inspire people.” I believe nothing is impossible if you really want it. Recalling her painful childhood and her driven life, Ema shares, “When I started, I had nothing. That’s why I was never afraid. I had to make something of myself, that’s why I strived so hard.”
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Tini Meyer
Contemporary Artist and Humanitarian World-Class Talent
Tini Meyer is not, by any means, your average pretty young thing. Though she has an exciting social life, she devotes most of her time at her art studio, thinking about exploring human liposuction fat, fish eyes and bones as the prime subjects of her would-be artworks. When asked what keeps her busy, she would reply, “I am in the middle of undergoing a big transition as an artist. Up until recently I was focused on just painting contemporary abstracts, but now I am moving into a more conceptual direction. I am experimenting with other media such as human body fat and thinking very differently.” With her exemplary talent in contemporary arts, Tini’s works have been exhibited in various parts of the globe. Her work can be found in corporate collections such as the Aquilini Investment Group, owners of the famed Vancouver Canucks. Here in the Middle East, her paintings were wellreceived and even caught the attention of His Highness Sheikh Nahayan Mubarak Al Nahayan, the UAEs Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research. According to Tini, “Presenting my painting to Sheikh Nahayan was definitely one of the highlights of my art career. It was a great honor and I admire him very much. I also cherish the first time I got official gallery representation as well as my first public art commission in Vancouver. Then there are other things such as my painting session in Pamplona, Spain during the Fiesta de San Fermin (Running of the Bulls.) My Spanish DJ friends from Pamplona throw the biggest underground electro/techno party during the fiesta and one year I painted on stage, it was just fun and different.” Aside from her display of awesome artistry, her works have been meant for charitable causes as well. Over the years, the artworks of Tini were contributed to charities such as the BC Schizophrenia Society, The Kettle Friendship Society, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Canada, Agents of Change and the Canadian Red Cross. She was also one of the artists chosen by Tiko Kerr, Joe Average, John Ferrie, David MacWilliam and Ian Lloyd for the Seeing Red campaign, organized by the Canadian Red Cross for the Red Cross HIV/AIDS Home-Based Care Program in Zimbabwe.
Earlier this year, Tini flew the Philippine flag at the Women and Art Exhibition at the Sharjah Museum – a bi-annual event under the patronage of Sheikha Jawaher Al Qasimi, which brings women artists from all over the world under one roof, giving them the opportunity to exhibit their works to an appreciative audience. Here, she unveiled a video installation entitled “Augenblick” [German for ‘moment’] featuring fish eyeballs with sound effects. Tini says, “The eyeballs represent human conscience. Like someone is watching you all the time.” Tini is also busy with her project to establish studio space for emerging artists in the capital’s Musaffah industrial zone. “Art Hub” as Tini calls it, is slated to open sometime in 2010, and will be providing a much needed platform where artists can proudly display their works in Abu Dhabi. Despite the increasing attention that her works are receiving in the global arena, Tini does not forget the fact that she is first and foremost a Filipina. She aims to exhibit her art in the Philippines, and hopes to be recognized in the land where she grew up as well. She believes, “It’s slowly in the works, but I want to do it when the time is right.” This outstanding international contemporary artist is indeed shining in the growing arts community in the UAE. Her richly eclectic existence, from her German and Spanish-Filipino heritage, her early years spent in the Philippines, life in Canada and Spain, her ability to speak fluent Tagalog, German, Spanish and English, read and write Arabic, and the audiences she has conquered with her art around the globe attests to the boundless potential of young empowered women. Her unique gift and her innate nature to share her blessings with the less fortunate will certainly lead her to brighter spotlight. Her love for the arts that started at a ripe age of six is certainly elevating her to go beyond her limits, and achieve more than her own expectations.
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Remedios Estrada Chu
Educator-Entrepreneur, Philanthropist and Survivor Living her best life Remedios’ life has always been one remarkable story of prevailing extraordinarily despite the odds. Second to the eldest in a brood of six children, she was thrust into responsibility at an early age when her father died when she was a seven year old who had to help care for her one year old youngest sibling. Growing up, she studied and worked assisting their widowed mother who sold snacks and ran a school canteen to support the family. Despite hardships, the young Remy, as she is called by family and friends, remembers a rich childhood filled with fond memories. Elopement thrust Remy into married life at a very young age. Still, she pursued her college degree in education, trying to make something significant out of the life she shared with her husband, who himself was a working student. A lot of sacrifice and hard work helped the couple earn their degrees and take productive careers while they reared three young children. Remy taught at a respected high school in Bulacan, becoming one of the well-loved teachers there in the early 80s. However, a career move saw her joining the ranks of the provincial postal service; to later emerge as the youngest Post Master then in the Philippines, that too, a woman in a male dominated bastion, commended by then Post Master General Roilo Golez. At the height of her career back home, family life posed another test, in a challenge she would share with other Filipinas in the late 70s – dealing with the realities of being the wife of an OFW, as her husband took up employment in Saudi Arabia to further the family’s future. The late 80’s saw Remy moving to Dubai with her husband, and children; a fresh start in the emirates saw the family enjoying life together again. Remy went back to her first love, which was teaching, and provided invaluable support to the establishment of the first Filipino school in Dubai. Life seemed great until December 1992, when she was diagnosed with stage three cancer, specifically non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and was given only six months to live. But little did she know that her real life was just beginning. Armed with her family’s love and support, Remy battled with the disease. First with
radiotherapy, she had gone through remission. But just like any other cancer, she suffered recurrence and had chemotherapy, and succeeded. Through all this time, when she grew weak and tired with the onslaught of aggressive treatment and her body responded to the treatments with side effects, Remy fought on. She has also seen some of her copatients losing their lives, but she kept her spirits high, buoyed by the family’s hope and her own will to live. She just kept going and going. Remy shares, “If you’ve got to go, you’ve got to go. But if not, then just continue living; continue fighting if God knows you don’t want to die. Let him take charge of your life.” She furthers, “A person knows if he’s going to die. Even with a 33% lifeline, I knew I will continue to live.” And through the years of dealing with her illness, Remy has stepped into the richest part of her life. She saw her grandchildren multiply from one to eight. In 1999, she set-up up the family business, a nursery and daycare facility which she started mainly to provide the standard of care she wanted for her grandchildren. Last year, she was able to establish a branch primary and high school in the Philippines. During the same year, Remy also launched another pet project which she is most proud of – “Bahay Aralan” a charity pre-school facility which has some 50 underprivileged children in Longos, Calumpit, Bulacan, as its wards, in an effort to help the local community. “I wanted to share all the blessings that the Lord has given to my family, and as an educator, I am happy to be able to provide this to unfortunate children.” She says. These days, the energetic and always sunny Remy spends her time between Dubai and Bulacan, juggling her duties as doting grandmother, mother and wife, as well as entrepreneur-educator and philanthropist. She says she is most happy spending time with her grandchildren, as well as her pupils and staff, and gets frequent visits from her former students who have now become successful doctors, lawyers, and other professionals in the Philippines. “Somehow, I don’t remember how it felt those years; I can’t remember the hardships,” Remy reflects. “I really don’t even remember that I was lonely once. All I know is that I am happy now and I feel loved.” Photography By Glenn Peter Perez
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Tess Bautista Extraordinary Volunteer Worker In aid of distressed Filipinos
What would you do if a distressed person knocked on your door for help? Would you take her in, provide her shelter and unconditional assistance to your own inconvenience and jeopardy? That is what Tess Bautista has done one fateful night, when a Filipina rape victim, bruised and bleeding, appeared at her doorstep, brought there by a taxi driver who knew about Tess, the Pinay who had a reputation for helping out Filipinas in farflung Fujairah. Tess arrived in the UAE in 1992, to live a simple life in Fujairah with her husband who worked as a crane operator at Fujairah Port. The soft spoken Pinay did modest jobs in the emirate – first as a shop sales lady, then as a telephone operator. In 1994, Tess joined the Fujairah Ministry of Labor, as Chief Clerk, until 1997. As the sole Filipina in the ministry during that period, and since there was no Philippine consulate yet at that time to handle cases in Dubai and the Northern Emirates, Tess somehow became the support person for distressed Filipinos. “Pag may mga nagkaka-problema at nahuhuling mga Filipino, ako yung tinatawag ng mga lokal. Nakilala tuloy na ako yung tumutulong sa mga Pinoy dito.” But Tess did not expect that the simple assistance she was providing, would turn into something more serious, until that day she was confronted by the sight of the broken and bleeding Pinay who came to seek her help. “Natakot ako noong una, pero nung nakita ko na nagdudugo ang mga tenga niya at wala siyang damit, naglakas loob ako at dinala ko siya sa pulis. Sinamahan ko rin siya sa hospital.” From then on, Tess seemed to have been steered into a life of helping Filipinos who have gotten into trouble in the emirate. From victims of abuses, unfair employment practices, deaths, runaways, those needing airplane tickets to go home, even those needing assistance to defend themselves in legal cases, flocked to Tess and she welcomed them with open arms. Filipinos weren’t the only ones who sought Tess’ help. Sometimes, the local or Indian sponsors would seek her advice when they encountered difficulties with their Pinay employees. Even the police used to bring troubled Filipinas to stay in Tess’ house, when
they couldn’t find recourse to certain cases since they are far from the Philippine embassy in Abu Dhabi. Her home became a shelter for distressed Filipinos. “Kinupkop namin sila. Maunawain at matulungin din ang asawa ko. Nabibigatan yung puso ko kaya tinutulungan ko sila. Natatakot ako, pero naaawa rin ako sa kanila.” Referring to runaway cases, especially those involving physical abuse by employers, Tess says, “Minsan nakakatakot yung sponsor. Pero ang sa isip ko, pag nasa katwiran, walang dapat ikatakot.” In 2009, Tess suffered the repercussion of putting her own safety on the line to help out kababayans. She was sentenced to a six month jail term for sheltering runaways. In a dramatic development, to her aid, a AED100,000 bail was personally delivered by Philippine Labor Secretary Marianito Roque and Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) chairman Patricia Aragon-Sto. Tomas. This was done with the help of Assistant Labor Attache for Dubai and the Northern Emirates Ching Ardivilla. Secretary Roque was quoted saying: “We cannot just leave her out there. It has been from the goodness of her heart that she has been helping us and our distressed Filipino workers all these years. Without any pay, she has been doing that.” Due to the rescue Tess spent only six days in jail. She says of her ordeal, “Mahirap, pero maganda na rin na napasok ako sa loob dahil nakita ko ang sitwasyon doon.” She says she has seen two babies in Fujairah jail and has made that as part of her ongoing mission. In October of the same year, with the recommendation of Secretary Roque, Tess was offered the position of PRO at the Philippine Consulate General in Dubai. Now among other duties, she works full time sorting out cases of distressed Filipinos. She is tireless and has very little time for herself and has experienced the danger of her chosen life, yet she says, “Hinahanaphanap ko na rin yung pagtulong. Walang tigil, kahit Friday. Naging misyon ko na sa buhay. Masarap kasi kapag nakakatulong ka. Binigay Niya sa akin ito.”
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Photography by Ik Lumberio
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Laarni Eugenio
Self-Made Entrepreneur Exceptional Partner in Life and in Business It’s a great Filipino partnership we’ve often seen – husband with an exceptional creative talent and the driven multi-tasking wife who can run the business and household and manage virtually everything, almost single handedly. The latter is the role of self-made entrepreneur and partner-in-life-and-in-business Laarni Eugenio, half of the duo that make-up the successful enterprise of Ariel Designs LLC – a stage design company which has seen off many a happy local weddings and events in the emirates. “If it wasn’t for her, I’d probably be working in another office, just like everybody else,” husband Ariel confirms. “I take care of the design, but Laarni, she takes care of everything else.” Laarni Eugenio, never had it easy. At the age of eight Laarni’s mother died, leaving her and six siblings behind. From that time on, Laarni learned the value of working hard and of being self-sufficient. Right after high school, she started working as a set decorator for GMA 7, while attending Jose Rizal College. “Arranging things has always been something I enjoyed doing,” she said. Ariel, who was a neighbor and friend, also worked there at the TV studio. In 1989, when Ariel moved to work in Dubai, Laarni jumped at the chance to follow. They ended up working together at renowned design firm Petals. Here, Laarni immersed herself in the work that she loves, crafting accessories, floral decorations and other arrangements for stage installations meticulously by hand. Together with the manual and physical work associated with her job, Laarni also learned about the business while servicing top notch local clients which ranged from the emirates’ most affluent families, to royalty, as well as government institutions. Her job was demanding and physically taxing, but Laarni enjoyed the experience and was promoted to Project Manager after five years. After 11 years, the couple decided to move on to another company, La Marié, albeit briefly. The call of business independence was just too compelling for them to ignore. Armed with their matured skills, the network of contacts they have established in the market, as well as the confidence in the reputation they built, they established Ariel Designs LLC. Asked specifically about her contribution at the onset of the business, Laarni says, “Siguro yung pagiging strong; having a clear and strong vision. I knew within myself that we can do it, if we strive and we work hard enough.” Three years down the road, since they opened shop, Ariel Designs LLC has become a flourishing business with a loyal clientele that is growing through wordof-mouth and personal recommendation. Laarni attributes it to their commitment to work. She also emphasizes the importance of sincerity, “Maging totoo. Huwag manloko ng customer. It’s not just about the money – trust and the quality of your work is important.” That positive mindset has ensured that their business has been able to ride the tough economic landscape of recent years, despite payment problems with some of their clients. Laarni declares, “Hindi kami nakikipag-away. I believe that the more you give, the more will come back to you. From my early years, natutuhan ko na what is right and what is wrong dahil sa hirap ng buhay.” She smiles when she recounts how Ariel provides the calming presence in their pairing, “Ariel will always tell me – ‘huwag mong problemahin yung problema. Hayaan mong yung problema and mamroblema sa yo.’” Far from her humble beginnings, Laarni now enjoys the comforts that she never had in her life before and the pleasure of being able to provide well for her family, but still keeps an emphasis on hard work, sincerity and being grounded. And though the couple has to be away from their children for now, as the latter opted to stay and study in the Philippines, they make it work and are happy and thankful. “The children understand why we all have to sacrifice. We are here to work. We have to stay committed. That’s how you support your family.” Photography By Ik Lumberio
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Cyrine Pinpin
Former Activist and Volunteer Worker Representing the disadvantaged
Cyrine was 14 years old when a casual conversation with a shoe factory worker in her native Cavite changed her view of the world and eventually her life. “Hindi ko makalimtan nung sabihan ako ng factory worker na ‘gumagawa kami ng sapatos na ito, pero hindi kami nakakapagsuot.’’ That was how Cyrine’s interest in the life of disadvantaged Filipinos started. “I asked myself why,” she said, wondering how these valuable workers cannot even afford the very shoes they helped produce. Growing up with an activist for an older brother, Axel, a poet who later in his life would be known as part of the “Tagaytay 5” – a group of peasant organizers who were abducted, held captive and tortured in 2006 and released in 2008, Cyrine became a keen observer of the plight of workers in their town. “I used to see my brother’s involvement in certain causes and listen to the music he used to play. I became more and more curious.” While attending Emilio Aguinaldo College, Cyrine also witnessed rallies and felt the urge to join. Although things were not yet clear in her head, she felt compelled to be part of a movement that will champion the cause of the poor and help to educate people. At one time, she and a group of friends were asked to give food at a picket line in Cavite where factory workers picketed with their families. They were there simply to hand out rice, sardines and coffee. Little did they know that the picket was scheduled for demolition at that very moment. There and then, they witnessed how the protesters, who were with their children, were neutralized with tear gas, and were beaten with truncheons and then dumped in trucks. “I was shocked and didn’t know what to do at first,” she recalls. “Anger grew in me. I cannot believe how these people were being treated.” Those glimpses of marginalized members of the society and human rights abuses, over the years, somehow cemented Cyrine’s calling. She joined the Cavite Ecumenical Movement for Justice and Peace (CEMJP) where worked to help workers unions, and to assist in uniting conflicting religious groups in the province. In 2002, with the death of her grandmother, Cyrine moved to Dubai. She noticed then the cases of distressed Filipinos which were published often in the newspapers. At that time, she used to visit the POLO/ OWWA and connected with community leaders, some of whom shared the same pro-worker sentiments. So she gathered the handful of like-minded individuals and set-up a small caucus and by 2003, they already had a working committee for the UAE Chapter
of international association Migrante, which was eventually recognized by the Philippine Consulate General in Dubai, in 2005. With Cyrine as the Chairperson, the group formed with the clear mission of helping abused Filipinos by putting pressure on the Philippine government to serve the latter’s interest. Asked how they go about providing assistance, Cyrine explains, “First we meet the victim and provide counseling. What we have noticed is that a lot of people here don’t know what to do and don’t know where to run to for help. We educate them on their rights and help them get an audience with our government in the hope of securing due assistance.” Since they started, the group has helped a lot of Filipinos with various cases – especially abused housemaid and victims of human trafficking. “Naging takbuhan kami nung mga may problema,” Cyrine states. As an on organization, Migrante is seen as radical and is mainly known for protests and tough public statements. To this, Cyrine comments, “A lot of people are not really aware of what we do. They only see the headlines. They do not know that before we do anything radical, we write petitions and talk to people. We exhaust all possible avenues of communication before we issue any statement.” She continues, “We speak mainly for the victims. Iba kasi pag nasasaktan ang isang tao dahil sila ay nabiktima o pinabayaan at pinagtabuyan sila. Kami yung taga-pagsalita ng mga walang boses.” As a young mother with an increasingly demanding career, Cyrine had to relinquish her involvement with Migrante in 2008, but says her concern doesn’t end there. “Yong pag-aalala di natatapos. Even if I am not physically involved, I still carry the hope that we can help as long as somebody needs it. This is already part of my life. Bahagi na ng pagkatao ko yon.” Cyrine dreams of going back home to the Philippines to teach someday. “I want to help in educating Filipinos, and to arouse their awareness.” She adds, “Isa akong nanay, isa akong anak, but I also want to contribute to the society where my child is going to grow.” As for the Filipino community, Cyrine’s hope is this – “Sana mas marami pang tumulong – by way of prayers and contributing their skills and talent tungo sa tunay na paglilingkod.” She concludes, “Sana magkaroon din tayo ng lipunan na lahat ay may opportunidad na mabuhay ng desente ang ating mga pamilya.
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Photography by Ik Lumberio
66 WOMEN OF SUBSTANCE 2010
The
Empowered Filipina A mini-documentary whose time has come
Illustrado has joined forces with Dubai-based film director Kamil Roxas, Winner of the Hayah Film Competition at the Middle East International Film Festival (MEIFF) in 2008, to create “The Empowered Filipina.” The mini-documentary film provides a compelling message of Filipina empowerment that is slated to create positive ripples throughout the Filipino expatriate community in the region and around the world.
I
lllustrado Magazine’s Publisher and Editor-in-Chief Lalaine Benitez states, “This film carries the message of empowerment which is the core of our Women of Substance Project – and that is a call for Filipinas to uplift themselves despite prevalent negative stereotypes.” She adds, “The film has been created not only to make Filipinos aware of the effects of Pinay stereotyping, especially here in the Gulf, but most importantly to create that spark of positive action that will encourage each Filipina to carve a better future for herself and develop love for self, confidence and self-respect.”
“The Empowered Filipina” is set for its premiere screening at Illustrado’s Women of Substance event on the 27th March 2010. The occasion will be graced by key community personalities, as well as guests from the international diplomatic corps. According to Kamil Roxas, “I think a documentary has always been a beautiful medium and a vitally necessary form of information. Even more so when the subject is something that you can really respond to. And so for my part, it was a choice to capture not only the exploitation and the stereotyping but also to change the incorrect mindset some people have of Filipinas and to share that with as many people as we possibly can.” He continues, “Luckily for us, the need
to make it, and the need to raise as much awareness resonates with everyone involved in the production and has propelled us through the very long process of shooting this film.” The mini-documentary whose trailer has been the topic of lively discussion on the WWW has already gained excitement and anticipation throughout the Filipino community around the world. It will be rolled-out in separate screenings events in the region as well as in the Philippines and other countries, through links with Filipino schools, community organizations, Philippine government offices, NGOs, women’s groups, socio-civic as well as spiritual groups. To date, the film showing is already slated for screening in the UAE, Bahrain, Thailand, Malaysia, Ireland, Norway, Canada, Germany, and the Philippines – specifically in Manila, Marikina, Quezon City, Pasig, Nueva Ecija, Cagayan de Oro, Laoag, Dumaguete, Baguio, Cebu and Davao. The trailer can be viewed on Youtube - http://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=X4j6Z1htZi0 For more information about the film Empowered Filipina and the event Women of Substance 2010, please contact Illustrado at 04-3654547 / 04-3654543.
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Left to right: Khalil de Pio, Kamil Roxas, Frantzy Magsakay and Ed Aquino
The production crew Kamil Roxas, Director Kamil Roxas is a director and visual artist whose work includes music videos, award-winning short films, photography and graphic design. Having been based in Dubai in 2007, he has since been awarded a spot in Sheikha Manal’s Young Artist award as a promising young creative in the Emirates. The inaugural Middle East International Film Festival has presented him with a Best Director award for his short film, “Celebrate Life”. He has then gone on to screen his films of the Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi, Dubai Media City and the Bastakiya Art Compound. After having done an intensive filmmaking course in the New York Film Academy, he is currently enjoying a few creative collaborations with video documentary work and short films.
Kahlil de Pio, Director of Photography Kahlil de Pio has been dabbling into photography for the last couple of years and has only been looking more into moving images lately. He has more than 10 years of experience working as a designer for magazines and newspapers and is currently a full-time designer at XPRESS in Dubai. De Pio has also designed extensively for the music industry in the Philippines and was nominated in 2005 for his album packaging design for the band Urbandub. Lately, he has been spotted working on video-related activities all over Dubai and is currently preparing for a shift to a career in film soon. “There is no better way to inspire my love for images, moving or otherwise, than it to be underpinned with a strong message such as this: Filipina empowerment, now! To help change our lot as a people hits right at home for me, that I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to be part of this endeavor.”
Franzty Magsakay, Gaffer Franzty Magsakay has more than 14 years experience as a Graphic Designer and is currently an Art Director in a Dubai-based advertising agency. He is a photography enthusiast with a passion for sports photography after having recently done coverage for two major sporting events. When not doing motion graphics in his free time, Franzty bags Airsoft Tournament Championship trophies along with his teammates. He is also an avid skimboarder who will one day pull-off aerial spins on his board. “When given the exposure it deserves, this documentary can help eliminate the misinterpretations and the exploitations of Filipinas, and the world will see them for who they really are - caring mothers,entrepreneurs, beauty queens, global leaders and more.”
Ed Aquino, Sound Ed is an ad scribbler and a flick junkie who became involved in the action-packed creative works of Timonera Grafik Productions for quite sometime. After a busy start appearing in front of the camera and dabbling in continuity and production stuff, Ed began a transition into set audio, having developed a keen interest in sound design. His intimacy with the recording process allows him to capture and record the beauty and power of creative dialogue and the distinctive ambience, transforming them into an art which perfectly complements the moving picture. His credits include The Winter Wail, Moonlight Café, Iterasshai, Rewind.Play, Sir Aah – What it be like?, Heartland Nightstop and the soon to be released Illustrado Women of Substance Mini Documentary. “Working with this specific project was an eye-opener into a social reality that continues to exist in today’s mainstream consciousness regarding the preconceived notion about Filipinas. This experience meant a closer look into the existing issues but at the same time, allowed me the opportunity to offer new perspectives on their own situations.”
68 WOMEN OF SUBSTANCE 2010 racial stereotypes. I go to Aviation College and I can’t help but notice how ignorant most people can be towards Filipinos. Their comments are packed with racial stereotyping - that all Filipinos are short, dark, ugly, dumb, etc. All these negative remarks really tick me off. Anyway, I try to enlighten them that Filipinos are not what they perceive to be at all. Jomay02
Choice Sound Bites from the WWW: On “The Empowered Filipina” Trailer FACEBOOK Jackielou Orio The trailer made me teary-eyed. I’m glad that someone finally stood up and made use of the power of media and social networking to address the stereotyping of Filipinas. Go PINAY!! Jijie Zablan This video is amazing! I wish you all the best to continue your great work of projecting the true beauty of a Filipina - talented, skilled, beautiful and most of all with a loving heart to make a positive difference in the lives of people they interact where ever they are in the world. Mabuhay po ang Global Filipina! Agnes Pedrosa Mårelid Tears welling in my eyes, goosebumps all over. You make me proud, Illustrado. Thanks for that videoclip. It made my day a ‘TAASNOO FILIPINO’ day. Laina Orbon Remer I’m proud to be a Filipina. Taas noo pa. I told my friends, we shouldn’t settle for anything less. Kaya strive hard for something that you aim for. Darwin Guevarra Ang pagiging Pinay ay dakila. Gaano kadakila? Kasing dakila ng pagkatao – ano mang klase o tinatawag na uri ng kinagisnan – mapa-squatter o subdibisyon. Ang kasayahan bilang isang Filipipna - maging ina o dalaga at iba pa, 100% Pinay sa kanilang pamilya. Mabuhay ka filipina! Prosy B. Montesines This is one good way of showing “malasakit” to our fellow women. We have to encourage one another to find our worth as women in God’s grand plan for the country and for “humankind.” Patricia Zyrinn De Guzman This is very inspirational... I too have realized
the stereotyping of Filipina women, and based several of my art pieces on it too. Thank you!
YOUTUBE Proud to be a FEMALE Pinay!!!! I grew up in Canada since I was literally a baby, so I guess I may not know too much about the Phils., but all I can say is that Filipinas can aspire to be more than just nannies, nurses, janitors, and whatever else they are stereotyped as. All of you are so much better than that. You are all matalino and you are capable of reaching the top if you put your heart and soul into everything you believe in. MABUHAY! Broadworld I hope this video will make foreign employers realize the true value of the domestic helper they usually perceive as «lowly.» Just imagine how crippled the whole world would be if all the Filipino Domestic Helpers and Filipino blue collar workers suddenly stopped working. How severe do you think the global economic paralysis would be? Omp0y This is a great video in tribute to Filipina women all over the world! I hope and pray it will inspire, encourage, affirm and honor the true greatness in the love, sacrifice and excellence of Filipina women overseas and in our home country! Change012409 The real problem is the news makers. They usually focus on the negative side of things because it sells!!! Statistically There are more positive things than negative. Wherever you will go there will always be bad things. Charlescandelario Wow, this is really inspiring. I am a Filipino guy born here in Dubai and I constantly defend our Filipino race against these
Panahon na natin ito! Isigaw ang ating kulay, wika at kultura! Panahon na natin ito. Panahon na para magbago sa ikabubuti at ikagaganda ng Pilipinas. SoldierJuanDeLaCruz It really amazed me - my tears dropped when I saw this. Yes this is true. And for that, we Filipinos, not only women but men, should dream and believe in ourselves. We can make work for change and never look back. Don’t be afraid to face the future. Jessrryl2317 Hooray for sisterhood! First we have to change from within by stopping the crab mentality of envy, gossip and putting down others. We need to support one another through appreciation and modeling of positive values. Believe that we have something good to share. Pbelt10589 I am a Filipina and very proud of it. Wherever we are, we have to be smart and stand for our right and educate ourselves. I came to Canada as a nanny. But I never stopped educating myself. Now I have an excellent job and am very proud of my accomplishments. Also we have to present ourselves properly through dressing, speaking and doing. Bagamanok1 I would like to see this documentary on global Filipinas have some showings in North America. It’s nice to see films highlighting the Filipino diaspora. Michaelmina I’m a filipina and proud to be one. I’m married to an American guy, and the only goal that I am focused on as wife and as a Filipina, is to be the best wife that I can be for my husband and be a great mother to my future children just like how my mom is the best mom for me. It’s because I really want to promote positive things about us Filipinas. I guess that’s why I can proudly say that my husband loves me for being a Pinay. Malynjosh I have a Filipina friend,a classmate from university back in the Philippines. She’s very good in every way, but still humble, sweet and understanding. I want to spend the rest of my life with her. Yes, Filipina’s are great! Jamestorres
Let your child experience the joy of learning
MENT L L O R EN NOW ON! G N I O G
PHILIPPINES: +6344-7603600
DUBAI: 04-398 6218
70 FASHION
MAD FOR HATS It’s springtime ‘hat season’ – the perfect period to don follies and frivolities atop well-coiffed fashionable heads. From vintage to contemporary, simple to arabesque and basic to bejeweled, these exciting headpieces provide the absolutely elegant topping to the perfect dress. Hat fetish, anyone?
Photography: Filbert Kung & Glenn Peter Perez of Blackfox Photography Hair and Make-up: Georgina Desuasido Styling: Alyanna Martinez Creative Direction: Dennis Celestial Model: Sarah Meier-Albano of Calcarries Models Venue courtesy of Froilan Cruz of Grand Palazzo Royale, Angeles, Pampanga
FASHION 71
Shell necklace by Celestina; felt Arabesque fascinator by Dennis Celestial
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Celadon silk jumpsuit with piĂąa callado detail by Frangipani; neckpiece of shell mosaic links with metal shell accents by Celestina; ivory, shell, silk rope neckpiece also by Celestina; felt fascinator with blue airbrushed details by Dennis Celestial
FASHION 73
Asymmetrical Swarovski encrusted fitted mini by Michael Cinco; clutch by Celestina; ring, stylists own; crystal fascinator by Dennis Celestial
74 FASHION
Dress with sequined bodice and floor length tulle skirt by Anthony Ramirez; mirror hat by Dennis Celestial; crystal encrusted bangle stylists own.
FASHION 75
76 FASHION
FASHION 77
Strapless sequined and beaded bodice with full cocktail length ball skirt, by Michael Cinco; white vintage hat with embellishments and feather accents from the collection of Noel Manapat; crystal teardrop earrings by Dennis Celestial
78 FASHION
Striped trousers and top by Frederick Peralta; lace top-hat with feather accents by Dennis Celestial
FASHION 79
Fuschia and orange opera coat and sequined mini bubble dress both Frederick Peralta; neckpiece and rings by Joyce Makitalo; hat from the collection of Noel Manapat
5 1 80 TRIPPIN’
things To Do this
By Sherry Tenorio
Month
Where has the year gone? 2010 is flying so fast, we’re almost at the end of the first quarter. Well, here in Dubai that only means that the season is about to change. Just when we have started to have fun with our winter fashions, our boots seem to have suddenly become unwanted. Imagine that! So, we say this month take advantage of the cool winter breeze. Let’s try everything that is outdoor while the weather is still friendly and pleasant. Enjoy a chillaxing March!
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Take a Day out in the Park There is nothing cheesy about spending your time in the park. In fact, it is totally relaxing and definitely enriching. Grab your picnic baskets and mats, invite your friends (if you want company, though not necessary), and head to Dubai Creek Park, Safa Park, Zabeel Park or if you’re feeling like a long relaxing drive, Green Mubazzarah in Al Ain is a great spot this season. Bring some food preferably those that you can easily pack or grill. Bring your guitar along as well as cameras. Do not forget magazines and books, and you’re all set to enjoy your day at the park. Everyone is sure to have a good time, enjoying bonding moments with friends with the fresh breeze and the kind March sunshine.
Sip some tea or coffee at The Walk-JBR Dubai Marina has always been synonymous with anything upmarket, but there are restaurants and cafes at The Walk that are quite affordable and practical for simple chill out sessions. The Walk is a strip of establishments – cafes, restaurants, retail shops, spas – along the famed Jumeirah Beach Residences. The grand architecture of The Walk-JBR adds interest to the refreshing sea breeze, and laid back leisurely atmosphere at this flourishing area. There are many choices - whether you want to eat lunch, dinner or just try some sweets or sip some coffee. More so, the Covent Garden Market at The Walk-JBR is now open as a flea market by the residential area. There are so many shopping finds that you won’t see in the shopping malls. Budding artists and face painters are also there to delight visitors. Indeed, The Walk-JBR is a good place to be, whether you’re alone or with family and friends. Try driving to Dubai Marina, and experience it for yourself.
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TRIPPIN’ 81
Be a Beach Bum
Want to treat yourself without spending a dirham? Well, there is nothing more heavenly than lying on the sandy Dubai beach, listening to the sound of the waves, under the blue sky, while feeling the cold wind, and simply letting time pass you by. Whether you’re stressed or not, you surely will come out of the beach rejuvenated and utterly relaxed. We assure you, bumming at the beach is the ultimate way of detoxifying minds from the infinite concerns and issues you have in life. You owe it to yourself to go away from the city’s buzz and just be one with nature. And so conveniently, nature is but a hop and a skip away within the city. So, don’t waste the moment – find some time to have a fun, lazy time at the beach.
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Save the Date for Illustrado’s Women of Substance
Of course, March celebrates International Women’s Day. And, Illustrado participates by recognizing Filipina achievers through its annual Women of Substance event. For the past three years, Illustrado has been promoting a more positive and balanced perspective on Filipinas here in the region. Continuing its advocacy, Women of Substance has become bigger and better this 2010. The traditional elegant coffee/tea afternoon highlighted by a talk-show featuring this year’s honourees, will now include other highlights such as a photo exhibit of the many facets of “The Filipina,” a film screening of the documentary titled “Empowered Filipina,” and a mini-fashion make-over segment for real Filipina beauty. To top it all, the event will be graced by special guest speaker Atty. Katrina Legarda, a Philippine-based lawyer renowned for her strong advocacy on women and children’s issues. Remember to save March 27th in your calendars. For your invitation to the special event at the Godolphin Ballroom in Jumeirah Emirates Towers, call (+971) 4 365 4547.
Go Fish!
Admit it. Once in your childhood, you’ve imagined yourself wearing a sailor costume. Well, there is no way we can do that now except during the Halloween parties but you can still try your fate in being a sailor. There are a number of travel agencies that can help you find out if you have a marine blood. One of them is Al Wasl Cruising and Fishing which offers full day or half day fishing trips. Don’t worry about keeping your hands dirty when preparing bait, this experience happens only once in a while so, we say, better enjoy every minute of it.
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82 GLOBAL BARRIO
GLOBAL BARRIO
Illustrado takes you to Pinoy points across the globe – this time Germany and Philippines for a look at the lives of our kababayans around the world. Truly, for the Filipino diaspora, the world is just one big Global Barrio.
PHILIPPINES
Maria and Marian By Carlito Virina
In today’s FHM world, would Maria Clara be a relevant role model for Filipinas? Would she even win admiring glances from men when she enters a bar with Ibarra? Would she not be dismissed as a manang, too inhibited to have fun with, or much too busy sprucing up the church altar in her spare time? Someone you’d think twice before confirming on FB? A Marian Rivera on the other hand exudes much sexuality, in those Love Me clothes (almost used the F word there!) and dancing like she did in Marimar. Geez, men would forgive her if she went out on a date in her Darna costume. But as my daughter points out, it may be a generation issue. Maria Clara could not be a Maria Clara today. She would be a Marian Rivera. Her ways and manners would be appropriate for the times. She’d be swimming in a bikini. Drinking beer with the boys. Driving an SUV. Have a thousand names on her FB friends list (most of them males because many women would hate her). But seeing is different from hearing. How Maria Clara speaks, whether pleasant to the ears we can only speculate but we do hope that she doesn’t sound anything like Marian Rivera. Speaking of ears, by the time you read this, Michael McDonald and Boz Scaggs must have already flown out of Manila, or taking in our beaches, after their 9th March back-to-back concert at the big dome. Also on that day, Paramore at the Mall of Asia.
March is celebrated worldwide as Women’s Month. And celebrate them we should. I’ve always believed that the female, regardless of race, is, and may very well be, the stronger sex. A woman can crush a man with a Schwarzenegger size ego and turn him into a babbling eunuch just by laughing at his boxer shorts. And with equal potency, transform a Jughead into a Superman just by purring, “Love me long time, baby!” into his ear. Before you pull up your boxers and give yourself a terrific wedgie, boys, I’m talking strength of character not brawn here, though I’ve seen and met quite a number of women who have the brute strength that some men can only dream of possessing. Two names that resonate in me this women’s month are Maria and Marian - Maria Clara and Marian Rivera.
Rapper Timbaland on March 27 with Justin Timberlake and Jojo. Timbaland and Timberlake collaborated on the latter’s 2007 Grammy-winning dance single “SexyBack.”
GERMANY
Filipino-German marriages: Until death do us part? By Jack Catarata
One, a character conjured up by our national hero Dr. Jose Rizal for his Noli Me Tangere and has since become the personification of the ideal Filipina. The other an unattainable object of desire of many hot blooded Filipino males today. It may be safe to surmise that the young Rizal (he was 26 when he wrote Noli) considers the Filipina mestiza as a most desirable creature to be coveted. Perhaps the well-travelled doctor, preferred pursuing white leghorns than our native chickens. Consummated or not he did get to marry a white woman before he met his fate (The Filipino obsession with fair skin is appropriate here but that deserves another article). Having a Franciscan friar as a biological father and a Filipina mother, we can imagine Maria Clara as a fair-skinned beauty. Quite possibly Maria Clara, may even look like a Marian Rivera if she existed at all. Marian was born in Madrid, also to a Filipina and a Spaniard with a name that seem to belong in a Rizal novel - Francisco Javier Gracia Alonso.
I was trying to organize my thoughts for an article about Filipinas in Germany when my phone rang. It was my wife calling from the central train station on her way to a conference in Berlin. She was supposed to call me up later in the night, but she said she was very excited to tell me something that she couldn’t wai her arrival in the capital. A bleeding-heart by nature, my wife told me, tongue-incheek, that she was just about to form a self-help group for German husbands oppressed by their - of all women - Filipina wives. She was enjoying her cappuccino at a sidewalk cafe when she overheard the conversation of two German men, who were probably in their ‘50’s, at the next table about their respective wives. One man was telling his friend how his Filipina wife controlled the family’s finances with a tight fist that he had to beg her for every penny he needed. The other one complained bitterly about his wife’s relatives in the Philippines who regularly asked for financial help and who sometimes even used tricks to get money from them. My wife said
FEATURE 83 that she was really touched by their stories that she was tempted to butt in in their conversation to offer some help.
The German national average of divorce is 1 per 3 marriages and I wonder if the Filipino-German divorce rate is also as high as that. A feminist Filipina friend of mine argues that it’s probably lower than the national average because of two factors: cultural and economic.
I told her that she should have done so and should later set-up some kind of counseling for faltering Filipino-German marriages. Having been married to a Pinoy for more than a decade now, she could certainly pass herself as an expert in bi-cultural marital unions, especially on dealing with overarching Filipino in-laws. I teased her.
Being predominantly Catholics she believes that Filipinas are conditioned to stick it out with their husbands, no matter what especially when there are children resulting from that marriage. But I counter that it’s probably true in the Philippines where divorce is not an option for many suffering wives but not in liberal Germany.
Anyway, my wife’s call made me think about the state of marriage of Filipinas in Germany. Actually, stories of helplessness of German husbands against their Filipina wives are not what I usually hear here. More often, it is the other way around with Filipinas complaining about uncaring, parsimonious, or simply abusive Teutonic husbands. *** According to figures (2004) released by the German embassy in Manila, of the 60,000 or so Filipinos living in Germany, about 8 out of 10 are women who are mostly married to German nationals. So, how do these marriages thrive?
The economic, however, is the more important reason, according to her thesis. A good number of our countrywomen here married their German husbands to escape poverty in the Philippines. And while some of them may be professionals back home, they usually don’t have a chance to enter Germany’s highly-regulated job market. This makes them financially vulnerable and dependent on their husbands for survival. She met Filipinas she said who despite being emotionally and physically battered by their husbands wouldn’t file divorce because of economic reasons. So, my feminist friend is predicting that the moment we see more Filipinas becoming financially independent from their German husbands, the more likely you’ll see Filipino-German marriages divorce rate going up as high as the national rate. She may be right. But that prediction, I suppose, will still take long in coming. Meanwhile, I should encourage my wife to set up that self-help group for Filipino-German marriages.
84 COMMUNITY
The Philippine Pavilion Garners Huge Success at Gulfood 2010 Gulfood 2010, the leading food exhibition in the region, witnessed the successful participation of Philippines companies. A total of twelve companies exhibited their products at the Philippine Pavilion at the exhibition which was held from the 21st to the 24th February 2010 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Center. Numerous buyers frequented the pavilion to conduct business which, according to pavilion organizer Department of Trade and Industry’s Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), exceeded their target. The country’s participation was led by Philippine Commercial Attaché Jose Ma Dinsay and CITEM Project Manager Marlon Galang. The Department of Agriculture also took part in the exhibit to promote Philippine agricultural products like mangoes, pineapples and pili nuts. The Philippine government officials led by Department of Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap, Philippine Ambassador to the UAE Grace Relucio Princesa and Dubai Consul General Benito Valeriano also showed their support by visiting the booth and meeting with the delegation members.
According to the Philippine Trade and Investment Centre (PTIC) UAE, the Philippines was able to achieve its sales target for this year’s participation. Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), through its PTIC chapter in the UAE, has been aggressively promoting Philippine food products in the GCC by participating in shows like Gulfood, National Halal Expo and MENOPE as well as through one-on-one business matching during Outbound Business Missions(OBM). With the number of Filipinos either working or permanently residing in the Middle East, Philippine food products have a ready market in this region. But more than this, the DTI continues to work with the food exporting companies to be able to penetrate the mainstream market which gradually, has already been producing good results.
Nanay Tuneng - a big hit at Gulfood 2010 After a successful exhibition at the Gulfood 2010, Isabel Warren, Managing Director of Tri-Trade International FZC and creator of the Nanay Tuneng brand, announced that Filipino native snack, sweets and condiments under the brand Nanay Tuneng would be distributed across the Gulf soon. “Gulfood 2010 brought more opportunities for Nanay Tuneng. It served as a door opener for the brand to be recognized by a number of trading companies all over the GCC,” Warren said. The Filipino native snack, sweets and condiments brand is gaining popularity in the emirates. At present, the products are being distributed not only in popular neighborhood supermarkets but also in huge retail outlets like Spinneys. Warren disclosed that the most sought after products in the UAE are the crackers such as fish, crab and prawn flavors; biscuits, namely Special Jacobina, Mamon Tostado, Pilipit, Garlic Toast, Otap, Butter Toast, Galletas de Patatas; snack like Adobo Peanut, Cornick Garlic, Tamarind in sweet, salted and sweet chili flavors; and bottled sweets such as Nata de Coco, Sugar
Muslim-Filipino Get Together in One Fun Day The diverse and rich culture of the Muslim-Filipino from southern Philippines is making its name in the emirates. In the spirit of oneness and unity as Muslim-Filipinos, a get-together was organized by one of the prominent Muslim-Filipino organization. Coming from the 13 tribes of the Muslim minorities in the Philippines, the event also aimed to lessen the longing and emotional stress of Muslim-Filipino overseas workers. Muslim-Filipinos coming from the 13 tribes to name all, in no particular order are, Maguindanaon, Iranun, Kalagan, Yakan, Kalbugan, Jama, Mapun, Malbog, Sangil, Sama, Palawani, Tausog and the Maranao, were in attendance to this one special day. The event held on the 19th February, was filled with fun and various activities aimed to unite
Palm (Kaong), Sport String (Macapuno), and Agar-agar (Gelatine Bar available in red and green colors). The Filipina entrepreneur also added that she would be investing in product advertising as well as participating in Filipino community events across the UAE. Her goal is to become the leader in distributing Philippine food products in the UAE market within the next two years. Warren also wants to become one of the major suppliers in the region in the future.
fellow Muslim-Filipinos working and living in the UAE. Local Moro artist also known as the King of Moro Songs, Datu Khomeini Bansuan, and his group graced the event as its special guest. It was so timely that the Moro Singer was visiting Dubai after a successful concert in Kuwait.
COMMUNITY 85
Barrio Fiesta is poised for growth in the UAE ETA STAR Retail has announced its plans to further expand Barrio Fiesta – the international casual dining restaurant specialising in traditional and fusion Filipino cuisine. Ishwar Chugani, Executive Director of ETA-STAR Retail said: “Since its opening four months ago, the response to Barrio Fiesta has been extremely encouraging, this has been instrumental in our decision to open more locations in Dubai and Abu Dhabi this year.” With its popularity growing, Barrio Fiesta recently introduced its new menu to include more Filipino staple dishes like kalderetang kambing (tender mutton stewed with potatoes, herbs and spices, topped with green peas and cheese), lechon manok (roast chicken), tinolang manok (chicken in clear soup with papaya, lemongrass and ginger), and ampalaya con carne (bitter gourd with beef strips), to name a few. To cater to lunch time customers, a special value lunch menu has been created that consists of rice, soup, and a choice of vegetables or meat dishes. This is for customers who are looking for a complete meal at a more affordable price. Barrio Fiesta also launched its afternoon fare called ‘Merienda’, which has proved popular among Filipino expat groups for meetings and special gatherings. Barrio Fiesta is now offering special merienda deals for groups of 10 or more. This is a great opportunity for various business groups, school alumni, clubs and associations to meet up. The restaurant is known for bringing Filipino cuisine that is a fusion of native flavours mixed with ingredients, recipes and cooking methods from various parts of the world. The sumptuous dishes find roots from a mixture of Traditional, Spanish, Chinese, and Malay cuisine giving Filipino food a culinary experience unique to South East Asia.
Lulu Hypermarket Celebrates Filipino Food Festival By Agnes Pedrosa Marelid
For the first time ever, the UAE witnessed the Filipino Food Festival launched at the Lulu Hypermarket in Al Wahda Mall (Abu Dhabi). The Philippine Ambassador to the UAE H.E. Grace Princesa, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Director Senen Perlada and Philippine Commercial Attache Jose Ma. S. Dinsay headlined the opening of the event. This Filipino Food Festival, which lasted from March 3-13, 2010, kicked off with a traditional fiesta theme in simultaneous launchings in all Lulu Hypermarket branches across the country including Dubai, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi and Fujarah. Nipa hut cottages bedecked the usual grocery shelves, the notorius Filipino jeepney towed a generous load of food products, fruit sections transformed into a side street fruit stand overflowing with tropical bounties such as bananas (lacatan, latundan, saba, senorita), the infamous durian, sweet mangoes, pineapples and many other delectable fruits all the way from the Philippines, awakening gastronomic senses as it created a symphony of aroma, colors and delight to wide-eyed shoppers.
The tropical, festive and lively transformation of the shopping aisles were filled with happy shoppers enjoying the abundant and lavish selection of Philippine food products, fruits and even an array of traditional dishes for tasting. Indeed, the Filipino Food Festival was able to draw interest not only from fellow kababayans but also from locals and other nationalities living in UAE as well.
86 ADVERTORIAL
“Beautiful on the Outside, Happy on the Inside”
Dove places Beauty, Care and Happiness within women’s reach Finally - products that leave you feeling pampered and beautiful in a few easy steps. Every element of your personal beauty routine is catered for by Dove through its extensive skin cleansing and moisturizing ranges. From the Beauty Bar to the Body Silk Creams, Dove’s range of functional products provides you with Sheer luxury for your whole body every day. Dove’s original Beauty Bar helps your skin retain its natural moisture, bringing out its natural softness and true beauty. With moisturizing cream, richly blended with its mildest cleansers, no other beauty bar has more skin natural moisturizers than Dove and everyday moisture is the key to beautiful skin. Its 1/4 moisturizing lotion improves the condition of your skin, leaving it feeling softer and smoother than with ordinary soap. Dove Silk Glow Body Care products, with a unique combination of energy-rich moisturizers and pure silk, bring out your skins natural, vibrant glow.
Dove Body Silk contains silk proteins which absorb quickly into your skin to keep you moisturized without the sticky feeling. Made with a luxurious combination of moisturizers and delicate skin softeners, this beautifully creamy moisturizer slides effortlessly onto skin and is quickly absorbed. Dove Body Silk Beauty Cream wraps your skin in silky moisture, leaving it beautifully radiant and silky soft to the touch without the sticky feel. As a brand, Dove strives to enable women to take better care of themselves, in the hopes that this will make them look and feel more beautiful and ultimately happier. Krystyna Klimczak, Marketing Manager, Skin Cleansing and Care for Unilever Gulf said: “Even taking five minutes in the morning and evening to care for your skin can go a long way to aiding a greater feeling of well being. If we feel good within ourselves then all the other tasks of the day will seem that much easier and hopefully more enjoyable! ”
Max Unveils Viva La Spring Collection in classic menswear with lots of relaxed elements shown through style, comfort and color. Linens are in, injected with fresh and bright colors. Formals take a new approach with premium fabrics in smart and contemporary silhouettes. Banker shirts and slimfit formal trousers add style to the range. Denims featuring upgraded fabrics and stone washing with hints of dirt and stain contribute to a smartly diluted high street look. Detail is key - the right whiskers, fray marks, rips and washes give vintage denim the best value for its competitive price.
The new Max Collection, now in stores, confirms the arrival of fresh spring and summer wear. Ladies, it’s time to shake off the winter clothes and don a palette of fresh colors including warm corals, purples and orchid tones. Dresses are integral to the season and at Max, many are on offer from floaty florals to draped Grecian styles. Nautical collections come with a twist this spring, and florals, stripes and polka dots are mixed with classic nautical colors. Animal prints are still en vogue, as well as classic plaids. Men, on the other hand, can enjoy the two key trends that are driving the season: global traveler and comfort dressing. These ranges are reflected
Kidswear at Max this season reflects lots of fun and spirit in the smartest and coolest outfits. Sports graphics are key for boys with preppy, varsityinspired tees throwing in lot of freshness to the range. Max also offers Back-to-School styles, with vest tops, T-shirts and cropped jogging pants seen in tones of burnt yellow, cream and blues.
Hwag lang basta ipadala‌ iparamdam pa...
* Tinakdang kondisyon
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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.
Thank You Girl Photography by: Ik Lumberio
Chronicle
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“Magandang, magandang gabi po sa inyong lahat! May kasabihan po tayong mas mabuti pang maging baklang bato kesa naman baklang nagbabato. Siguradong po hindi kayo mababato dahil nandito na si Athena Dafidoll Batobalani mula sa lugar ng mga bato-bato, Biyak Na Batooooo!!!”
Bata pa lang ako, pangarap ko nang maging Miss Universe. Lahat ng mga beauty contest sa probinsya naming ay matyaga kong inaabangan pati na rin ang taon-taong palahok ng Binibining Pilipinas at Miss Universe pageant sa telebisyon. Kapag kaharap ko ang salamin, lagi kong ginagaya ang mga nag-gagandahang contestants na mistulang mga reyna habang rumarampa at kumakaway sa mga tao suot ang korona at kapa with matching paiyak-iyak pa miski walang patid sa kakangiti buong magdamag. Ini-imagine ko na nasisilaw ako sa dami ng mga flash bulbs mula sa mga nagkakagulong photographers at pumaparada ako sakay ng karosa sa buong sambayanan habang pila-pila ang mga binatang gustong makipagkilala sa akin. Oo, bata pa lang ako ay ilusyunada na ako. Pero hindi naman ganoon kabilis bago ko na-realize na hindi pala ganoon kadali ang maging beauty queen. Mula pa kasi pagkabata, iminulat na ako ng aking mga magulang sa kasinungalingang ang ganda ay nasusukat sa ugali. Eh mabait naman ako...kaya akala ko pwede na akong humilera sa mga Montecarlo sisters na lahi ng mga mestisa sa baranggay namin. Madami rin akong friends - kaya super confident ako. Pagdating sa popularity eh winner din ako. Hindi pala. Si Nanay kasi, sanggol pa lang ako eh pinagmamalaki na ako sa mga kapitbahay namin. Maaga daw kasi akong nagsimulang lumakad at wala pang two years old eh kaya ko nang bumilang mula one to ten. Akala nya senyales na yon na kakaiba ako – na ako ang magtatayo ng bandila ng mga Batobalani. Bunso ako sa aming magkakapatid na babae. Pero unlike my older sisters, never akong pinagbawalan nina Nanay na lumandi – ineencourage pa ako. Kailangan daw kasi yun para mas ma-develop ko ang confidence ko. Ako rin ang pinakamatangkad sa aming magkakapatid at magpipinsang babae – kaya paniwala ni Nanay na balang araw ay magiging Miss Universe daw ako. Hula kasi sa akin noon ng matatanda na malayo raw ang mararating ko balang araw. Nagkatotoo nga! Nandito ako ngayon sa Dubai – siyam na oras ang no-stopover na biyahe mula sa Pilipinas. Ganon kalayo! Siguro dahil sa bunso ako kaya paborito akong bihisan at ayusan ni Nanay noon. Maswerte ako kumpara sa mga kapatid ko na naghihiraman at nagpapasahan lang ng mga damit at sapatos samantalang ako laging bago at laging pinagpapatahi. Modista kasi ang Ninang ko kaya lagi akong may bagong damit tuwing may okasyon. Habang ang mga kaklase
FILIPINISMS 89 bayan ng aming probinsya. This time talagang kinareer ko na talaga ito. Sumayaw ako ng “Sino Ang Baliw” at para mas matindi ang concept ay taong grasa ang naging character ko. May moral and social consciousness ika nga. Pero minalas ako dahil Second Runner Up lang ang natamo ko noon. Pamangkin ng Congressman ang nag-title at balikbayan galing sa Australia ang nag-First Runner Up. Ano nga naman ang laban ko dun? Pero hindi ako nawalan ng pag-asa.
“I am but a small boys...”
Noong mag-college ako sa Maynila, fight to win pa rin ako pagdating sa mga beauty contest. Sophomore ako noon nang jumoin ako sa Miss U-Belt kung saan nakalaban ko ang iba’t ibang estudyante from different universities noon. Pagkakataon ko na din maka-meet ng ibang boys from other campuses – yan ang interior motive ko. Kaso mo sa simula pa lang ng contest alam ko nang hindi ako magwawagi dahil sa kalaban naming deaf and mute na contestant. Ano naman ang panama namin sa sympathetic votes from all the teachers, nuns and priests na mga judges? Lalo na nung nag-interpretative number sya ng “Greatest Love Of All” bukod sa naiyak ang audience sa kanya, nakadagdag points pa nang madulas sya during the Evening Gown portion. Hmp! Inisip ko dapat may kakaibang gimmik ako for my next contest. Hmmm…..magMongoloid kaya ako next time? Nang magkaroon ng pa-contest na Red Cross Queen, walang pakundangan na sumali talaga ako. Pero sa orientation pa lang, nawalan ako kaagad ng pagasa dahil bukod sa puro mestisa at matatangkad ang mga kalaban ko eh puro anak-mayaman pa
ko eh naka maong at t-shirt lang tuwing magsi-civilian clothes kami sa school, ako naman laging naka-bestida at high heels. O di ba, the making of a fashionista? Kaya naman kapag may beauty contest sa amin ay siguradong isasali ako nina Nanay. Praktis daw para masanay ako. Huh? Five years old ako noong una akong sumabak sa beauty contest sa baranggay namin. Sampu kaming mga magkakapitbahay ang nagpatalbugan para manalo ng Little Miss Bagumbayan. Saulado ko noon ang kanta ni Lea Salonga na “I Am But A Small Voice” kaya’t yun ang kinanta ko sa talent portion. Halos buong lahi namin ay nanood at sumoporta sa akin kaya’t ako ang nakakuha ng pinakamalakas na palakpak mula sa audience. Kaya hayun – winner! Noong nasa hi-skul naman ako ay isinali ako ng mga kaklase ko at teachers sa Miss Campus Charming - isang patimpalak ng beauty and brains sa iskwelahan namin. Kunyari lang yon – ang sinumang makakapag-benta ng pinakamaraming balota ang mananalo. Kinareer ko talaga yon – Salamat kay Nanay at sa mga kumare nyang tindera sa palengke nag-promo sila noon na kapag bumili ka ng balota ko, may discount ka sa tocino, longganisa at tinapang tinda nila. Si Tatay naman at mga ka-tropa nya sa baranggay TODA ay special offer na sa bawat balota ko, libreng sakay sa tricycle sa return destination. Anong sinabi ng Emirates Airlines Summer Promo doon? Nang dahil sa pagpupunyagi ng mga magulang ko, nakamit ko ang ikalawang title ko sa murang edad na sixteen! At dahil sa pagkapanalo ko ay ako ang naging official representative ng aming bayan sa Bulaklak Ng Bataan – kung saan nakalaban ko ang lahat ng beauty queens ng lahat ng
“Wagi sa talent portion!“
90 FILIPINISMS ang karamihan sa kanila. Nag-brainstorm ako with my friends for a winning strategy at napagkasunduan naming through my good moral character ang solusyon. Nag-donate ako ng dugo sa Red Cross hindi lang isa, kundi tatlong beses bago mag-Coronation Night. Hayun, sa dami ng nawalang dugo sa katawan ko ay halos zombie ako during the contest. Akala ko ay makakadagdag 1,000 ganda points nung himatayin ako sa gitna ng stage ngunit nang magkaroon ako ng malay ay nasa ospital na ako pinaliligiran ng mga kaklase ko. Luz Valdez ka sister! sabi nila. Oooops….wrong move. Dito nagsimula ang sumpa. Sunod-sunod na contest ang sinalihan ko pero hindi na ina-announce ang pangalan ko sa next qualifying round. Lagi na lang yung portion na sinasabi ng Emcee na, “Thank You, Girls” ang inaabot ko. Hindi na ako nakakarating sa next elimination round. Mula noon ay nawalan na ako ng gana at interes na sumali sa mga beauty contest na yan. Looser! Yan ang palagi kong naririnig sa ulo ko. Wala akong mukhang maiharap sa mga kamaganak at kababayan ko tuwing napapag-usapan ang mga beauty contest. Kaya’t bago ako maging self-destructive at magka-low self steam ng lubusan ay sinikap kong baguhin ang outlook in life ko. Sabi nga ng kanta, “Learning to love yourself is the Greatest Love Of All….”
“My Tiara...”
Upang patunayan ko na hindi pa ako laos ay sumali ako sa Miss Gay Universe. Sabi ko sa sarili ko, kapag hindi pa ako nanalo sa mga bading ay senyales na iyon na talagang wala akong pag-asang maging beauty queen kahit kailan. Huling baraha ko na kumbaga. Noong una ay malakas ang kutob
“Luz Valdez na naman?!!!..”
ko na may laban ako dahil wala ni isa mang contestant ang nakabuking na totoo akong babae. Pero noong mag-swimsuit competition na ay halos mapa-tumbling ako sa tindi ng labanan - bukod sa napaka-tatangkad ng mga kalaban ko ay napaka-seseksi pa! Mistulang bariles ang figure ko kumpara sa mga kalaban kong puro mga naka-two piece. Pagdating sa interview portion, lalong gumuho ang pag-asa kong maachieve ang title. Wala akong kalaban-laban sa mga sagot na ganito: Emcee: What is your edge over the other candidates? Candidate #1: My edge? That’s easy…my edge is 19-years old. Thank you. Palakpakan!!!! Emcee: Why did you join this contest? Candidate #2: Well, thank you for the very good question. My answer is…why not??? Thank you. Palakpakan nang mas malakas!!! Emcee: Candidate #3, do you believe that man came from ape? Candidate #3: Yes, I believe so. Just take a look at Candidate #4! Sabay lingon sa akin. Ako yung Contestant #4 ah!!! Nagtawanan at nagpalakpakan ang lahat ng audience…naLuz Fernandez tuloy ang beauty ko. Lintek!!! Simula nang
FILIPINISMS 91 gabing yon ay itinaga ko na sa batong hinding-hindi na ulit ako sasali sa anumang beauty contest kahit kailan. Ever! That became a big eye-opener in my life. Upon realizing that I am not a beauty queen material, I just looked at the bright side – madami din namang naituro at naitulong sa akin ang pagsali sa mga beauty contest over the years. Unang-una, na-develop ko ang aking pleasing personality nang lubusan. Pati ang aking confidence level – mas mataas pa sa IQ ko! Thanks to my experience, I learned that when God closes a door, he opens a window. Ayan, tama yan ha? Gi-noogle ko yan! Thank you girl ako ngayon…better lucks next times. Kumbaga may susunod pa naman, and next time I’ll be sweeter…este better pala! Sorry, Angela Bofill.
“My Pres-shoes!!!...”
Looking back, I am able to handle my life now with poise, self-steam and confidence. Lalo na ngayon panahon ng economic crisis…survival of the fishes na talaga ang labanan. Kung hindi mo kayang sumabay sa agos ng mundo eh you’re not qualified to be in the next round. As I continue to survive in the corporate world, there are more challenges that keep on coming to my way – salamat na lamang at natutunan ko how to keep my cool when I encounter difficult situations. Recently, an officemate of mine accused me of doing a sideline – a policy that is strictly prohibited in our company. Bawal ang magtinda ng kahit anu mang bagay bilang negosyo at sideline sa aming opisina. Since tatlo sa mga ka-opisina ko ang nahuling may baon na bagoong na ako ang may gawa ay ini-report ako ni Stellang inggitera sa aming HRD na patuloy daw akong naglalako ng aking world famous na bagoong matapos akong pagbawalan noon. Walang katotohanan ang mga paratang ni Stella dahil ang bagoong na baon ng mga ka-opisina ko ay galing sa take home nilang handa noong birthday ko at hindi ko ito ibinenta sa kanila bilang negosyo at sideline. But no matter what I try to explain myself eh ayaw akong pakinggan ng aming HR Director. Kinabahan ako dahil baka any moment ay mawalan pa ako ng trabaho at bigla kong naisip ang aking pamilya back home…..paano na sila kung wala na ang hanapbuhay ko? Hindi na makakapag-aral ang mga pamangkin ko. Wala nang pang-mahjong si Nanay at pambili ng load sina Kuya at Ate. Saan sila pupulutin sakali mang mawalan ako ng trabaho ngayon? Bagoong lang ba ang sisisira ng aking career? Oh nooooo….. Laking pasalamat ko nang lumapit sa HRD si Sheila, another Pinay officemate, upang ipagtanggol ako at i-clear ang pangalan ko concerning the sideline issue. She told our boss about the party and the bagoong as a take home item. Kasabay nito, isinumbong nya na si Stella, ang inggiterang nagpasimula ng accusation sa akin, ang syang tunay na nagsa-sideline by selling cellphone credits to everyone in the office sa pamamagitan ng pasa-load. Bawal din yun ah! Kaya hayun, suspended ang bruha for one week without pay. Beh buti nga! Carmi Martin yan para sa kanya. Laking pasasalamat ko kay Sheila, who stood up for me and rescued me from the Bagoong issue. Buti na lang at naging Miss Friendship ako sa office namin – thanks to my beauty contest experience – kaya’t may taong tumulong sa akin. From that day on, naging BFF na kami ni Sheila. Sabay na kami mag-lunch sa pantry at mag-shopping tuwing may sale
sa mall. I also gave her a makeover since ayaw paawat ng mga shoulder pads nya na pang-football ang arrive at ang bangs nyang patuloy na ume-80s sa kaka-tease at buga ng Aqua Net. Tuwang-tuwa sya sa akin kaya’t ipinakilala ko na rin sya kay Adam, ang aking Sunshine Of My Life for the past six months now. Speaking of Adam, just to give you an update on my lovelife, going strong pa rin ang aming “friendship” with matching quotation marks ha? Yes, he still continues to visit me here in Dubai at least twice a month. He says he’s happy to be with me miski hindi pa sya nagtatapat ng true intentions nya sa akin. Kaya up to now, ang Facebook status ko ay: It’s Complicated coz Not In a Relationship Yet. Okay lang din naman basta masaya kami. Why rush into things right? If it ain’t fix, why broke it, di ba? Mahirap nang maging demanding, baka ma-pressure pa sya. It’s something that I’ve learned from my lesson. In fact he just gave me an original Louis Vuitton bag – as in binili nya sa Paris at hindi sa Karama ha? Sa wakas hindi na japeyks ang LV ko. Kaya nga papa-picture ako with my new LV at ipo-post ko ito sa Facebook tapos ita-tag ko ang lahat ng friends at contacts ko para bongang bongga ako di ba? Bravossisimo!!!
And that, is the essence of a woman. Thank you.
92 ILLUSTRADO FACES Celebrating innate Pinoy charm
Enrico Seno Photography by Ik Lumberio Fashion courtesy of Giordano
ILLUSTRADO FACES 93 Celebrating innate Pinoy charm
Rowena Navarro Photography by Ik Lumberio Fashion courtesy of Giordano
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98 CLASSIFIEDS - ILLUSTRADO PARTNERS FILIPINO & FILIPINO-ORIENTED ESTABLISHMENTS BEAUTY SALONS BUR DUBAI, DUBAI Beauty Secret Concord Building 2, Mankhool, Bur Dubai Tel. 04 358 1477 Mars & Venus Beauty Salon Office 202, 2nd Floor, Bin Hamad Building, Opposite Emirates Bank International Tel. 04 344 9219
Mayumy Salon Al Bada Oasis Tower, Satwa (at the back of Chowking) Tel. 04 345 6799
DEIRA, DUBAI Grand Mart General Trading Al- Murraqabat, Deira Tel. 04 297 5888
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
Moonlight Supermarket Near Clock Tower Tel. 04 2942422
Salt & Pepper Karama Tel. 04 396 3770
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
Majestic Restaurant Satwa Tel. 04 332 9860
Queen Saba Supermarket Khalidiyah, Abu Dhabi Tel. 02 666 6280
RESTAURANTS ABU DHABI Hundred Island Foodstuff Madinat Sayed Tel. 02 634 4084
Queen Saba Supermarket Behind Al Salama Hospital, Hamdan St., Tourist Club, Abu Dhabi Tel. 02 677 7626
Kainan Filipino Restaurant Beside Wonder Gift Island, Salam St. Tel. 02 671 5580
RAS AL KHAIMAH, UAE Silky Touch Ladies Salon 1st Flr, Room # 4, Sheikh Umar Bldg., Al Nakheel Road, Ras Al Kaimah, UAE Tel 050 798 5139
KARAMA, DUBAI Bernadita Ladies Salon Al Wasl Bldg., Karama Tel 04 335 3049 Fingers & Toes Salon M4 Karama Gold Bldg., Beside Jumbo Electronics, Karama Tel. 04 336 6495 Fingers & Toes Salon Shop 70 Al-Attar Center, Karama Tel. 04 335 7656 Lilac Beauty Salon Behind Day-to-Day Shop Al Kuwait Road, Karama Tel. 04 397 3369 Reflection Beauty Centre Shops 7-8 Al-Attar Mall, Karama Tel. 04 334 1033 Sensei Salon Behind Day to Day Shop Al Kuwait Road 12 d street Al Karama Tel 043976652 SATWA, DUBAI Mars & Venus Beauty Salon Office # 202, 2nd Floor, bin Hamad Bldg., Dubai Landmark: Opposite Emirates Bank International Tel 04 344 9219
Thai Importing & Trading Tourist Club Area Tel. 02 676 8663 BUR DUBAI, DUBAI Maxim’s Supermarket Mankhool Road Tel. 04 598 5302 SMA Supermarket Bank Street Tel. 04 357 2802
Kainan Filipino Restaurant Fortune Hotel Bldg, Tourist Club Tel. 02 645 5565 Kainan Filipino Restaurant Back of Alaska Fashion, Hamdan St. Tel. 02 671 5850 DEIRA, DUBAI Salt & Pepper Warba Branch Deira Tel. 04 262 8203
Salt & Pepper Satwa Tel .04 345 3459 MISCELLANEOUS DUBAI Spring Glitters Souq Madinat Jumeirah, Jumeirah Dubai Tel. 04 271 3375 or 06 533 5668 United International Private School (UIPS) Muhaisnah 4, Al Ghusais Tel. 04 254 3889 SHARJAH Philippine Tailoring Yarmook, Sharjah Tel. 050 352 7934
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