ILLUSTRADO Magazine Mar 2015

MARCH-APRIL 2015

CHAMPIONING THE WORLD CLASS FILIPINO

ISSUE

94

PHENOMENAL WOMAN THE RISE OF THE ALPHA FEMALE

THE WORLD ACCORDING TO THE FILIPINA

LA VIAJERA A STORY OF A PINAY AND HER BACKPACK

GIRLS JUST WANNA… WHATWOMEN WANT (NOW!)

THE USUAL SUSPECTS

HOW TO SOLVE COMMON LEGAL PROBLEMS

FLYING TOWARDS FREEDOM WHY SOMETIMES LEAVING MEANS LIVING

ASTOUND #PinayPower

PHOTOGRAPHY by EROS GOZE

EDITOR’S NOTE

I was born to a family and nation of strong women.

My grandmother, who became a widow at a young age, just a year shy after giving birth to her youngest child, raised all of her six children singlehandedly.

Not afraid of hard work, she ran a school canteen and a sari-sari store, while maintaining a disciplined household and was able to support all her kids through college. I remember going to the market with her as a child, always before the crack of dawn, so she could score the freshest produce, as well as the sight of her wielding her tabak vigorously chopping

To the fierce women in our We are born to strong women who not only take care of the family, teach our young, but also take care of business and run the country as well. We have women doctors, law makers, architects and engineers, heads of industries and government leaders.

We have

female soldiers and military officials, boxers, martial artists and all sorts of athletes, not to mention, artists, performers and beauty queens. We have heroines in Philippine history and everyday heroes who take it upon themselves to provide for their kin even as they work in faraway lands across the globe.

the weeds that glow around the house, even in her

The Filipina is not just the pleasant, alluring and

twilight years as her strength ebbed away.

sun-kissed presence of Amorsolo’s canvas. She is a

My mother, the big “ate,” second child of the brood helped take care of her siblings. She married young, and took care of us three kids while my father worked

strong, intelligent, capable modern woman, whose resolve to accomplish and prevail, even in the direst of situations, is even bigger than her heart.

abroad. She was a teacher, and then moved to the

We could only hope that we are able to honor her

Philippine Postal Service later on to become the

grace, her sacrifice and fortitude.

youngest Post Master in the country (and a woman at that) in those days. And despite suffering from the “big C” almost two decades ago, she has always been the active driver of the family, pushing us all through growth, setting up businesses as well as charitable endeavors while keeping her eight “apos”

And so, as we continue to champion the world class Filipino, join us in contributing to the continued upliftment of Filipinas.

Let us pay tribute to the

fierce women in our lives.

Taas Noo, Filipino!

in constant check, until she passed away last year.

I am very sure that my stories aren’t exactly unique.

Lalaine Chu-Benitez

Having strong women in the family is something most Filipinos are blessed with.

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TALKING LOUD

Write to us at: admin@illustrado.net or join the discussion at IIlustrado Magazine’s Facebook page

Ronald Awa Sa nakita ko, narinig ko galing sa bibig niya at sa kanyang panlasa ay parang sumasangayon ang panahon na kailangan na niyang ibigay ang responsabilidad sa mga makabagong liderato. Bigyan siya ng masayang exit dahil sa marami na din ang naiambag niya sa miss universe pageant.

ON DRESSING UP OUR MS. UNIVERSE Social media was abuzz about how the Philippines’ entry to the Ms. Universe beauty pageant, MJ Lastimosa, missed inclusion in the Top 5. Most netizens are pointing their fingers at BPCI Chairman Stella Araneta, who gained much ire after commenting that the reason why Colombian designer Alfredo Barraza was chosen to design MJ’s national costume was because the designs submitted by Filipinos were “not good enough for the candidates.” We asked Illustrado fans about what they thought about this incident and here is what they had to say.

USAPANG ILLUSTRADO: DAPAT NGA BANG SISIHIN SI STELLA ARANETA? Armand Sky Zarris Manapat This is not just about the gowns.

Any organization in the Philippines that prides itself to represent or showcase our country in any international contest needs to have unquestionable loyalty, patriotism, and should be proud citizens of our native land. BPCI should be headed by a true-blooded Filipino not by a Colombian nationality/beauty queen.

Change should begin from the roots and everything else will follow.

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Yun lang, dismayado ako na Hindi niya binigyan ng pansin ang kagaya ni Michael cinco, Ezra Santos, Rajo Laurel at iba pang Pinoy designers na di hamak na magagaling naman. At sino naman ang pedeng pumalit sa kanya? Try to consider ex miss universe winners kaya, not actresses like Kris Aquino or talk show hosts like Boy Abunda. Anyway, the gown is awful and I don’t know why MJ Lastimosa did not oppose wearing it.

Angel Villiar de Jesus No we’re not over reacting. The white gown cut her height off! The point is, the designer should consider MJ’s height and that she’s competing tall competitors, the geometric see-thru cutting cut her off!!! The shade of white made her wide!! Judges watch it live. On stage she would look really tiny!!! At least, a flare bias soft fabric fish cutting would do!! She really lost points wearing that bridal gown!! And the national costume? Don’t let me get started.

Diva Zamora Yes, nakakaduda na kasi talaga.

Because of her poor judgement towards Filipino designers, and not being able to choose the right gown, it’s better for her to leave the position.

Because of her, we missed the Miss Universe crown. MJ has everything na kasi sana, andon na eh. Sayang!

Mark Jefferson Gonzaga Remember, Stella Araneta was the head of Binibinig Pilipinas during the reign of Maria Venus Raj hanggang kay Ariela Arida. Just saying. Stop making this issue a big deal. Let’s just

accept the fact na hindi para sa atin itong taon na to. Anyway, MJ gave her best kahit hindi ganong kaaya-aya ang national costume nya.

Cristopher Labio Pagay Someone else should buy BPCI’s franchise. This is to end all the sabotage. I believe, Filipino owners and Filipino designers and the best trainers make queens remarkable and unforgettable. Kung sana si Almodal ang gumawa ng gown, Filipino’s should have been celebrating all year round with the new crown on MJ’s head.

Bene Sales Dapat! National Costume tapos hindi Filipino designers may likha. Tingnan naman yung suot ni MJ - dapat yung nag-design noon ay Filipino - pusong Pinoy.

Dennis Malaluan Mendizabal The Philippine franchise should be under the hands of a Filipino and not someone with foreign blood.

Portia Darlene Lamberte She should have trusted the talents of local designers and not degrade them na kesyo walang magandang design from local designers. Mali naman yata yun. Our designers are well-known internationally, tapos para sa kanya panget ang designs!

Zuharto Endong Mendig Bitawan na nya ang BBP dahil kahit sya ang humawak nito nun pa man ay ang puso nya ay hindi talaga Pinoy. Ang daming rep ng Pilipinas ang nasayang dahil sa mga ipinapasuot nya. Andun na tayo oh, sobrang lakas ng dating ni MJ, mahirap na hanapin ang tulad niya. Sayang lang dahil sinira ni Stella ang chance ni MJ. Kung yung Pink gown na isinuot ni MJ during final rehearsal na gawa ni Leo Almodal ang isinuot nya sa finals, malamang pasok si MJ!

CONTRIBUTORS

ALFRED “KRIP” A. YUSON Esteemed writer Krip Yuson has earned distinctions as a literary author of over 20 other books — from poetry, short stories, children’s stories, biographies, and translation. A Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature Hall-of-Famer, Krip regales us with his musings in his column, “Illuminati.”

ABY YAP Aby’s Onli in da Pilipins

FRANCISCO COLAYCO Resident personal finance guru Francisco J. Colayco and Illustrado’s Money columnist has several best-selling books to his credit, and an advocacy on teaching Filipinos how to prosper. In his column this month, he teaches us how to avoid online scams.

BO SANCHEZ Best-selling author, renowned speaker and TV personality, Bro. Bo Sanchez, doesn’t really need any introduction. This Ten Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) awardee shares worthwhile words of wisdom with Illustrado readers in his column on Spirituality

ANA SANTOS From starting out as a relationship columnist in a men’s magazine, Illustrado’s former Associate Editor, Ana P Santos has moved on – or grown up – to be an award-winning public health journalist. Her series of reports on HIV and AIDS published in Newsbreak was named Runner Up for Best Investigative Report in the 2011 PopDev Media Awards. Ana’s story this month, Finding Emancipation in Leaving” was produced with the support of the Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting under the Persephone Miel fellowship.

KC ABALOS-ORENDAIN KC spends her time reading as many books as she possibly can and traveling to as many places as her piggy bank allows. As a teacher of philosophy from UP, she finds that she really knows nothing and that’s what makes it fun. As a freelance writer for more than a decade, she realizes that words escape her when she needs it the most. As a dancer, she wishes she can jeté higher or shimmy faster. Frustrated by all this, she is now a graduate student studying in Kobe University, Japan.

BARNEY ALMAZAR, ESQ Atty.

EXCEL DYQUIANCO Excel

Barney is a director at the Commercial Department of Gulf Law in the Middle East, Philippines and United Kingdom. He holds Juris Doctor and MBA dual degrees with concentration on International Business and European Union Law (University of London). He is a partner at Avanti Gulf, a recruitment company with access to 400 firms and 16,000 recruiters across six continents.

Dyquianco is both a vagabond and a writer. He has tackled all sorts of topics for illustrado including planning for the future (which included getting a memorial plan) and travel tips. In his article ‘Your Home, Your Work Place,” Excel gets off the wanderer’s trail to write about how influential Filipinas from different spheres of influence from around the world.

ANNA DE LEON Anna de Leon is a

column touches on stories celebrating the exciting uniqueness, the sheer honesty and humor, of Pinoy culture. Aby captures Pinoy way of life so well that everyone can relate to her column or at least see one of your relatives among them! In this issue, Aby writes about Top Pinay Antics.

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make-up artist and stylist who is passionate about educating and empowering women through make-up and styling. Breezing through life in her black stilettos and red lipstick with no excess baggage, this Dubai-based sophisticate talks about aging gracefully in this issue.

CHAMPIONING THE WORLD CLASS FILIPINO

PUBLISHER & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Lalaine Chu-Benitez CREATIVE DIRECTOR Mon Benitez ASSOCIATE EDITOR Ana Santos COLUMNISTS Aby Yap Alfred “Krip” Yuson Barney Almazar Bo Sanchez Francisco Colayco CONTRIBUTING WRITERS – UAE, Mary Ann “Maps” PHILIPPINES, CANADA Santos SWITZERLAND Nephele Kirong Angela Mapa Nikka Sarthou Anna Oposa Nina Terol-Zialcita Barbara Marchadesch P.A. Escalante Candice Lopez Quimpo Princes Nedamo Dante Gagelonia Quay Evano Didi Paterno Rache Hernandez Excel Dyquianco Regina Layug-Lucero Kara Santos Mary Ann Marchadesch Sherry Tenorio Sonny Guzman CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS –UAE, PHILIPPINES & USA Eros Goze Alex Calueng Glenn Peter-Perez Cristina Linaza Dr. Marlon Pecjo Donald Rosales Raen Badua Irvin Rivera CONTRIBUTING FASHION CREW - UAE Ginno Alducente Jessie Tabla Jojo Padua PUBLISHER – UAE Illustrado Communications FZ-LLC 2nd Floor, Building 2, Dubai Media City United Arab Emirates P.O. Box 72280 Office 20C Tel: +971 4 365 4543, 365 4547 Fax: +971 4 360 4771 E-mail: admin@illustrado.net Web: illustradolife.com, illustrado.net Facebook: Illustrado Magazine Twitter: Illustrado Magazine PRINTERS Printwell Printing LLC P.O. Box 18828 Dubai, UAE STOCK IMAGES Shutterstock.com (Unless otherwise specified) Copyright Illustrado Communications FZLLC 2006 – 2015 All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without the written permission of Illustrado Communications FZ-LLC.

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MAR 2015 CONTENTS Young models Fer Mary Baliquig and Fedirica Assenza play with hues in this issue’s color-blocking themed fashion editorial shot by Ari Simangan.

features The Power of Women 8 On Being Filipina 12 A Pinay Backpacker’s Story 16 Finding Emancipation in Leaving 20 Profile: Angeli Agbayani 24 Aging Gracefully 26

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columns Editor’s Note 1 Talking Loud 2 Contributors 4 Illuminati: The Tough Love Woman 8 It’s What I Do 28 Money: Avoiding Internet Scams 29 Spirituality: What Women Want 30 Law: Solving Common Legal Problems in the UAE 32 Illustrado Scrapbook 34 10 Things To Do 57 On the Prowl, In the Know 68 Onli: Top Pinay Antics 72

fashion & Places Fashion: Color Play 36 My Pinoy Life in Uzbekistan 62

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ILLUMINATI

by Krip Yuson

A young lady graduating from the Philippine High School for the Arts on Mt. Makiling recently e-mailed a questionnaire for her paper on National Artist for Literature Edith L. Tiempo, who passed away several years ago. She had been my “Mom” in more ways than one, not just as literary mother and mentor.

One of the tough questions went: “You have been under the tutelage of male and female teachers in literature and became a teacher and adviser yourself. How does the approach of male and female, (that of Edith, most especially) differ from each other? What did you learn from the latter? What can you teach the latter?”

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My reply:

My reply:

“I never really fell under direct ‘tutelage’ or mentorship with Mom Edith, except for those three weeks of the Dumaguete workshop way back in 1968 when I gained a fellowship. But other than that time, simply serving in the panel with her in later years subsequently exposed me to the counsel she had to offer the younger poets with regards poetry, especially on the technical aspects of it. / Also, I never considered any genderspecific features of mentorship.”

“Tradition has to do with it. Only in the past decades has the issue of gender equality been raised and really activated. As in the business of politics or governance, for instance, women had to turn into suffragettes to demand for the right to vote — in our country granted only during the Commonwealth period. Tradition had it that women were housewives, thus leaving most if not all of the public professions to the male — including running a country or business, or writing. It takes time to achieve that equality of opportunities and rewards.

There will be other female National Artists for Literature, in due time.”

Another question was: “Edith is the only female National Artist for Literature. Aside from the fact that the male is more dominant in our society, why do you think women — in the literary world, specifically, struggle for recognition?”

Was that an evasive answer, albeit somewhat placating? I must confess to becoming rather diffident, not really defensive, when beset with gender questions. Beset, because it’s been a relatively new thing to someone of

ILLUMINATI

my generation, who grew up at a time when the gender divide was much more marked.

Heaven knows gender equality has gained much in the past few decades or so, at least in more enlightened societies. I’m all for women playing so much more of a role in governance, especially in our country, and as CEOs, NGO heads, artists, pilots, cab drivers, basketball referees, chefs, even as chess players. But maybe I’m still old-school when I claim it’s still cringeworthy to see them slugging one another in a ring, or engaging in ultimate fighting.

And I’m not too sure if they should similarly function as soldiers out on the battlefield.

Feminists can make too much of still being an oppressed minority, in my view, again especially in our country, where strident groups utilize their feminism to cloak a hard-leftist stance that’s permanently against prevailing government policies.

How I wish they’d direct their efforts at freeing their fellow women from the clutches of terribly abusive medieval mindsets in Middle Eastern countries.

Of course glass ceilings still exist even in democratic countries. To think that a lady still has to be elected President in the great big U.S.A.

But there have been large gains made, and these continue to be manifested.

(I hope I don’t have to apologize for that word, given that feminists who go over the deep end even protest against the use of “mankind” and propose “herstory” as a viable, not just cute, alternative to “history.”)

But then it’s probably why some young girls have become so attentive to the demands of gender-specifity as much as gender equality. Take the student’s questionnaire, which pressed on further on such apparently trending concerns.

“There is a study that men and women write differently because of their contrasting ways of thinking. Males are able to separate information, stimulus and emotions in separate compartments in their brains while females tend to link everything together. Thus, when expressing thoughts through writing, one thing leads to another and yet another and the structure and unity of all content tends to be disregarded while men learn to manipulate their thoughts with fine craftsmanship. Do you think gender really has a role in the way one expresses his thoughts?”

My reply: “I can’t really answer this, never having been a woman or a psychologist. As far as I know, I’ve read poems and stories

— as contest submissions — without knowing the author and their genders, and often couldn’t tell if they were male or female.”

Then this: “Do you think Edith’s sentimentality was her strength?”

Here I had to put my foot down.

“No, definitely not. She had a tough intellect. Whereas she undoubtedly had sentiments, a woman’s, a mother’s, what strengthened her work was her reliance on and use of that formidable intellect.”

Still neither here nor there, maybe, short of keeping to the dictum of “Vive le difference!” Or that men are from Mars, and women from Venus. Still, there’s something to be said about retaining the viewpoint that women are ideally (not best, I didn’t say best!) Venusian.

No faulting the crudest Martian for continuing to appreciate her for her curves as much as, if not more so, than her skills. But when the skills are present, especially those that can be sourced to tough rationality, why then, her inscrutable emotions can be glossed over.

And still most formidable is the toughlove woman, for she remains as mother, well-nigh forgiving of the child that’s the insane, confused, or even one-trackminded man.

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FEATURE

The Power Women

By Excel V. Dyquiangco

For the past decades women have taken on exemplary roles and responsibilities.

At home, in the government and at the work place and in all industries, they serve as visionaries, leaders and as nation builders. They manage to inspire, to influence and to motivate people from around the globe with their wisdom and wit, and their ethereal beauty both inside and out.

family and the masses and celebrated their uniqueness in their fields of endeavor, wherever they may be.

Bette Bolivar USA Rear Admiral

This month we celebrate and honour ten of these Filipino women who have shaped culture, nurtured the heart of the

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Growing up in a family where almost every one serves the country and the community, Bette Bolivar who was raised in the Bicol region, had at first considered about studying Law at

University of Hawaii then decided that she would be most happy serving the people. Now the first woman to be called Commander of Joint Region Marianas and Navy Region Northwest and a high-ranking official of the US Navy, she says that the path ahead of her is very challenging but she can ultimately go on with renewed success.

As part of her responsibilities, she takes charge of the US territory of Guam which is nearest to the Philippines.

FEATURE Nina Aguas

kid, relentlessly being bullied at school because of her braces and her glasses.

But as she grew up to be the kind of woman she is now, she left that persona behind to graduate as J.D. cum laude from Harvard Law School back in 1987 - where she became the first Asian American officer of the Harvard Law Review, serving as an executive editor as well.

Philippines

Photo: FWN

PBCOM President

Having worked for 38 years in the banking industry, Nina Aguas’ career has spun countless of achievements and worldwide success. As the first female Country Business Manager of Citybank’s Global Consumer Group, she has strengthened the sales capability, directed sales discipline, and established telemarketing that allowed her to cross the one million mark in credit cards. She has also worked with the ANZ Group as MD for Retail and Private Banking, Asia-Pacific with responsibilities in Hong Kong, Taiwan, China, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand.

Photo: Erin Patrice O’Brien-WSJ

In 2012, she came back to the country to head PBCOM and become the bank’s CEO. In these years she executed successfully these programs: launching the new logo, transformed the branches of the banks into business centres, and conducted the review of the products of the bank, among others.

Amy Chua USA Lawyer, Writer and Legal Scholar Amy Chua describes herself as an ugly

She has written a total of four books which detail her experiences and her broad and vast knowledge on the conflict of societies through political and economic influences, empires and the tolerance of minorities, cultural stereotyping and even parenting techniques.

Janet Nepales USA Philanthropist The only Filipina member of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA) which gives out Golden Globe statues to deserving actors and actresses and their crew in the movies, Janet Nepales has been improving lives donating over US$13 Million Dollars to foundations, scholarships and charities and aid relief to those countries that have been devastated with international disasters for the past 17 years. One of those who have received helped from her and her organization was UNICEF Philippines during the time of Typhoon Sendong.

Since 2007, she has also been giving scholarships to commendable journalism students at her Alma Mater, Quezon City High School (QCHS).

Known as the “Janet Susan Rodriguez Nepales Journalism Awards”, this award seeks to encourage journalism students to continue on writing to express their thoughts and ideas. She also writes for the entertainment section of Manila Bulletin, “Hollywood Bulletin” and has received many awards to her name.

Analisa Balares USA CEO and Founder Young as she is, Annalisa Balares is already an emerging global leader in the field of community and social enterprise. Having founded Womensphere which aims to unleash the potential of women from all across the globe and inspire transformational leadership, she has already reached and connected over 3,500 leaders through conferences, media and forums both in the United States and in Europe.

She also supports a group of NGOs led by women (Philippine Development Foundation/Ayala Foundation, Women’s Refugee Commission, Shining Hope for Communities, among others) and is part of Polaris Project, an NGO that combats human trafficking.

Because of such an achievement, she has been recognized as the Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum and honoured as one of the 30 Outstanding Women Leaders by the National Council for Research on Women, and other such top awards.

Norma Placido USA Community Builder After getting her degree in Elementary Education, Norma Placido taught at Subic Bay for awhile before following the footsteps of her Navy Husband to Bay Area in San Francisco and finally settling in Vallejo, California. Once there she got involved with the Filipino community, running for president of the Filipino Community of Solano County

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FEATURE Inc. which raises financial support to the aging community of Sonoma Boulevard.

She helped raise a total of US$170,000.

From that time on, she has become a fundraiser and a supporter, bent on helping the Filipino communities in the USA. She also held various positions such as being a Director of the popular Pista sa Nayon festival for three years.

forward contestant as the global brand ambassador for the renowned fashion house of Diane Von Furstenberg.

Kate Ceberano Australia Singer and Songwriter Her soulful music and skilful craft in singing endeared her to many fans.

Kate Ceberano, born to an American father of Filipino descent and an Australian mother, started her career in the music industry as a back-up vocal to an Australian band, The Models which produced one of their greatest hits, Out of Mind, Out of Sight. She then moved on to another funk band known as I’m Talking which paved the way for her winning Best Female Vocalist at the 1986 Countdown Awards.

Brittany Hampton

In the late 1 9 8 0 s she went on a solo career and also ventured i n t o films and

USA Freelance Stylist, DVF Global Brand Ambassador Brittany Hampton started getting interested in fashion when at the age of five she was taught how to sew by her Filipino grandmother. A year later she had begun to do commercial, runway and print modelling for famous fashion brands. At sixteen, she started styling and designing outfits for young women and furthered her passion garnering a degree in Fashion Design at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in San Francisco, California.

Brittany has styled Hollywood personalities such as Ariana Grande, Cymphonique Miller, and Jennette McCurdy, and manages styling for press events, gallery shoots and red carpet premiers for the Kids Choice Awards, Radio Disney Awards and Teen Choice Awards.

Last year, Brittany’s career in fashion took a huge leap forward when she was featured and eventually won in a reality show hosted on channel E! - House of DVF – chosen among a slew of fashion-

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television, having hosted the late night talk show known as Kate Ceberano and Friends and played Jenna in the feature film Dust Off The Wings which was directed by her husband.

Pia Gladys Perey USA Fashion Designer She has suffered a major accident when she was young but that didn’t deter

her from being in the spotlight and achieving her dreams. Pia Gladys Perey who had undergone several surgeries and was left with a 70% percent vision says that with her condition, it’s not easy working in a visual world such as fashion – difficult, yes, but not impossible – and to prove her point, she has just wrapped up her Spring-Summer 2015 collection alongside Filipino designers Charles Cua and Melvhor Guinto.

Aside from dressing up celebrities such as Eva Longoria and Angelina Jolie, her clothing line is also presently available in the following countries: Philippines, USA, Australia, Singapore and Ireland.

In the near future she plans to expand her business in other countries as well.

Patricia Riingen Philippines Senior Vice President Patricia Riingen wears many hats.

Not only is she a devoted mother, a newspaper columnist and a successful career woman she is also the name and the faced that transformed Western Union into a global phenomenon.

Under her leadership, customers can now send and receive both domestic and international transfers through the 8,300 Western Union agents across the country and all over the world. Last year she has also contributed to the country’s economy by helping support agents to facilitate and spearhead money transfers.

Riingen is also the one responsible in developing the Western Union branches in the following countries: Taiwan, Nepal, Korea, Japan, Bhutan, Hong Kong, Macau, Bangladesh, and Indonesia.

FEATURE

On Being Filipina Ilustrado readers share about what being Filipina means to them.

HELENA ALEGRE

CLEENE CRUZ ARCILLA

Artist & Artist’s Muse

Pinay Globetrotter

Plato has different views on women. “A state that does not educate and train women is like a man who only trains his right arm.” I always do believe in equality of gender! I know that women in general can do whatever men can do. We don’t mean to dominate the world of men but we just want to be accepted with respect and dignity in a sense that we aren’t being stereotyped as “women.” A Filipina in 2015 has the essence of strength, intelligence, advocacy, independence, responsibility and empowerment that can serve as an inspiration to many Filipinos today. Filipinas today can actively participate in the male-dominated world of business, the arts, even the fields of politics and medicine. We used to be discriminated and left behind due to maternal duties – but not anymore.

Being Filipina is a privilege. I cannot help comparing Filipinas to how the book of Proverbs 31 describes an ideal wife should be. The verse does not only pertain to wife duties but more how we should be as a woman. Contrary to popular belief, and basing my conclusion from verses written thousands of years ago, women are not just confined to what society dictates them to be. There is actually a huge expectation from our gender.

The Filipina today could turn oppression into opportunity by standing on her own, thinking and speaking deliberately about our rights, gender equality, freedom, education, and power.

It’s not all about recognition and fame. What is important is dignity and being respected and accepted in this world as a substantial part of society.

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Let me show you what I meant. Pardon me for changing the word woman to Filipina. I just want to stress my point on how special and unique we are.

“Who shall find a strong Filipina? Far away, and from the furthest parts, is her price. The heart of her husband confides in her, and he will not be deprived of spoils.” Proverbs 31:1011.

Filipinas, as wives are known to give unconditional love. We are known for our caring and selfless nature. Ever wonder why many men from other countries want to have a Filipina for a

wife? I should know, I travel for a living and if you can only hear what my colleagues and passengers say about Pinays, we will all feel proud. We give everyone respect and honor whether they deserve it or not because we know the ancient virtue “we reap what we sow.”

“A Filipina considers a field and bought it. From the fruit of her own hands she has planted a vineyard.” Proverbs 31:16.

How many of us are wise enough to invest in properties and other money making tools? Finding a livelihood is a basic rule after school but should go beyond that. In my circle of friends, we work to earn a living but we invest. We are taught this virtue that the purpose of money is to secure and prosper us. With this in mind, we make wise choices on choosing investments that will work for us. Pinays are wise enough to buy investments firsts before Chanel bags.

in other countries in terms of socio-economic status. We see more women in all fields of work holding executive positions.

We have seen two women presidents. We have also seen in the past years more Filipinas winning international beauty competitions. We are given more opportunities to be who we want to be - a loving wife, a nurturing mother, a career woman or even all of these. The Filipina is like a precious diamond. The education she gets, her experiences in life, family and cultural values have honed her to perfection - a perfect diamond, brilliant and yet tough to face what life brings to her. Maria Clara, Tandang Sora and Gabriella Silang rolled into one.

“Strength and elegance are her clothing, and she will laugh in the final days.” Proverbs 31:28 Filipinas, have beautiful olive skin, a petite physique and a smile to throw their sorrows away. The strength of a Filipina’s character is her best asset. Her resilience, resourcefulness, fortitude, patience and faith make her the envy of other women. Why? Pinays do not sweat the small stuff that is why we stay young beyond our age.

This is what being a Filipina in this day and age means to me.

Success depends on the person. Like for me, my dream is to have a family, the rest of my accomplishments are just addons. Excel in the areas we have chosen for excellence is doing small tasks as if they are great and noble. From washing the dishes to ruling a country, we should put our love into it. And just as Khaleesi said in the series Game of Thrones, “I will do what Queens do, I will rule’.

DR. CARMELA FELIZARDO GO Doctor Mom The Filipina of today is way ahead compared to other women

JEWEL ROVERA Renaissance Woman The word Filipina itself gives me so much pride. This is because I have met and seen a lot of us who have a greater sense of duty, confidence, doing community service, volunteerism and travel. We are mostly striving for significance for ourselves, family and community. We are more aware of social issues that we are likely to get involved in and contribute in making a difference in turn affecting others positively. We have the confidence when presenting ourselves to others, regardless where they are from or rank in life. We are interesting, because we acknowledge how we used to be perceived and how we have humbly changed that. Glad to know about groups of women that inspire other women. That is the Filipina, especially in 2015. We continuously inspire and support others. We remain valuable and caring for our families, and we talk about that with other people as others pass that along with more and more people. Filipinas seize great opportunities now by taking a higher leap even in their professions, not just settling for what is currently presented to them but they also do risk-taking and go up the professional ladder and become more successful. We now love knowing and learning about people from other places, so more Filipinas travel now and keep discovering what the world can offer and what else they can discover about themselves. They are no longer scared to marry later. They believe that such will come at the right time.

They know their priorities now without fear and pressure.

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FEATURE

DEA FORTES PAREDES

LIZA URANING

Proud Homemaker

Pinay Rock Star

I must say that Filipinas have emerged victorious throughout the years. Unlike before, they are very dynamic and competitive. They can easily adapt to changes and have the full potential to diversify. Filipinas at present are selfdriven and seek substance in everything they do – striving for success in any of the goals they are focused on, eager to learn new things to improve. Unlike before, housewives are not only homemakers. Nowadays, we go out to look and find a niche for self-fulfillment whether it maybe crafting, decorating, cooking, baking especially now that the world is just one touch, one click away. I’ve noticed that most Pinays find balance in their lives by getting more in touch with the world, not keeping themselves confined in the comforts of their home. Slowly, we have gotten to that realization that we are truly empowered individuals. We inspire others through hard work and determination. We know and understand our worth, and we value self-respect in whatever we do.

Being a Filipina is the one thing I am always proud of. I am the eldest of four siblings and when I was a kid, we were poor, but our status in life was not a hindrance for me to finish a degree.

Sabi ko sa sarili ko, kahit sa paanong paraan basta lang hindi sa masamang pamamaraan, I will really finish college. My journey in life, just like other Filipinas’, was not that easy. If you were born in a poor family, I must say its great blessing from God because you get to push yourself and you become a strong independent person.

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Filipinas are very strong and intelligent and we have this huge patience and so much love to give na kahit kung minsan nasasaktan na sige pa rin. But not for me, I believe that we only live once and there is no rewind, so why should I waste my life on something I know I’m not happy with anymore? We are one of the best women in the world, who can endure any kind of pain and still manage to smile and move on with life. Most Filipinas are not materialistic, we value more the love of that special someone over fancy things. If we have love, we have everything. It is okay to cry and make mistakes along the way,

FEATURE as it helps us recognize and avoid the same mistakes that for sure you will still encounter along the way.

A Filipina has this strong drive to reach her dream no matter what - hindi siya yung tipo na uupo lang at mag-aantay for someone to make it happen for her. Instead she will go out there and do something about it no matter how difficult it is.

These days I don’t worry much about how to fit in this crazy world, being true and comfortable with yourself is enough.

If you are being honest with yourself, the right people will definitely find their way to you. I’m not scared to stand up for myself as I hate being taken advantage of. As a singer in a rock band, it’s actually tough to be in a world of male dominated front liners but that doesn’t scare me at all. And if men can rock it, women can rock it out loud!!!

Being a Filipina means being a woman with great attitude and confidence. She always carries herself with class, pride and dignity. A woman with substance - beautiful inside and out.

time and time again. As women we always have to stand up for ourselves and compete equally with men. Our Filipino values and our positive perspective can lead us far towards success. But what we need to understand first and foremost is that, we need to support each other. It starts with us, ladies.

Indeed, we are gaining empowerment in this male dominated world. However, sexism and criticism are still some of the dilemmas women face every day. ‘Special treatment’ is not what we want but to be “included.” Included and acknowledged for the work that we do. We all have a goal and that is to earn a living for ourselves and our families. Men and women are no different from each other, no matter what job you’re in or what position have as an employee. Women are just as good and as brilliant as men. At the end of the day, all of us give our best so why should we be any different?

As Gloria Steinem said, “A feminist is anyone who recognizes the equality and full humanity of women and men.”

As for proving ourselves as Pinays, I hear this notion often that Filipinas (in foreign countries) can only have a job position that is below the level of high earning expats. People label us without realizing how talented we can be given the chance to prove ourselves. Then again, there are the diligent and tireless women of the Philippines, who work day and night just so they could provide for their families back home. These women are a lot more capable than you think they are. Whether they are maids, waitresses, nurses, teachers, entrepreneurs, engineers etc., they give their foremost just so their children can have a much better life than they did. Even if it means not being there to see them grow into extraordinary people, it is a sacrifice they are willing to make.

They are also responsible for engraving the significance of Filipino traits in our hearts and mind - from our infectious smiles, to honesty, hospitality, respectfulness, positivity and resilience.

MANELLE COUSART SUYAT Contemporary Maria Clara Filipinas are now more assertive and goal-driven, trying to make a difference in many aspects. 2015 for the Philippines is a window for more aggressive tourism push and being able to live and grow up in a country as beautiful as ours, I am proud to have travelled to a lot of places in the PH. I personally maintain a travel blog and unlike most women my age who have given in to the call of globe-trotting, it is a personal choice to stay within boundaries and continuously discover hidden gems (in my language - beaches).

To my mother and all the other well-respected women out there reading this, whatever job you are in now, whether it is below or above the level of high earning foreign nationals, I salute all of you with a firm hand in making it through. You are all Phenomenal Women. re’s to strong women. May we know them, may we be them, may we raise them.” - Unknown

JAN CHRISTINE DULAY ALVER Young Gabriela Silang Like every other woman out there in the world, we have a reputation to take care of, and we need to prove ourselves

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FEATURE

By Kristine Abante

Making it in the Middle East A graduate of the University of the Philippines, Katrina (Kach) Medina moved to Kuwait in 2009 to join her OFW father soon after finishing her Economics degree. Articulate and dedicated, she easily got hired to join the Quality Assurance Department of a major Dental Company. From there she worked her way up, and in 2012 she left Kuwait for a high-paying job as Communications Manager in an oil and gas company in Kurdistan, Iraq.

After four years in the corporate ladder, she had a car, her own flat, and real estate investments in her name all at a ripe young age of 24. Most people, especially fellow kabayans would say that she is a success story, but somehow she did not feel accomplished. Something was missing, a sense of fulfillment, a void that cannot be filled by a 5-digit salary and daily luxuries.

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She dreamt to be free, and so she went on doing just that. In what her parents and close friends would consider an unprecedented move, she left her very stable corporate life for a life on the road. Where will it lead and how far will she have to go, she didn’t have a clue at the time, all she knows was that she was ready for change.

“I began to realize that what I really wanted to do was to travel, to be completely free of work and schedules.

To know that I could go anywhere in the world and not just survive, but thrive.

My peers and colleagues told me I was crazy to waste the opportunities I had.

After all, how many 24 year-old women, Filipinas, had the chances and the life I had?”

Quitting the 9-5 in Iraq Her journey started back in 2012 soon after she joined a group of “couchsurfers” on a visit to Armenia.

Inspired by their long-term backpacking lifestyle, she started doing her own research and preparations.

“I read a lot travel blogs and picked up tips from long-term travellers and experienced bloggers as I tried to map out my itinerary. I also started

FEATURE working in Hanoi for the next 7 months.

“Having been living in Vietnam for a few months, we started planning our next big trip – a three year long around-theworld work and holiday adventure. “ To be able to travel far and long, they realized they needed to prioritize sustainability.

saving money. I was never a fan of unnecessarythings like designer clothes, handbags or expensive coffee. There was no big nightlife scene in Iraq, so I never really had to to spend much money to go out partying. It didn’t take long for meto finally decide to hand in my resignation.”

was easy to talk to and we seem to have very similar thoughts and ideas. You could say we were kindred spirits but we were on different itineraries and so inevitably we went our separate ways,”

In May 2013, I left Iraq, and headed home to the Philippines where I planned to start my backpacking tour of South East Asia.”

She continued traveling on her own for next 2 months through Cambodia and Thailand, until she came to a pit stop.

Surviving, Thriving in South East Asia The initial plan was to tour around South East Asia for 6 months. So after her 10day trip to the Philippines, her colorful journey began.

She travelled to Vietnam with her siblings at first and then later moved around Cambodia and Thailand on her own.

“Travelling was everything I had wanted it to be and more. I went to places and saw things I had never seen before; the good, the bad and the completely weird! I tasted new food (a lot of it!), had amazing new experiences and met loads of awesome people.”

One of these people was a 28-year old British guy, Jonathan Howe, who had also quit his steady job in the UK, given away his possessions and begun a new life on the road.

“We met in Luang Prabang, Laos. He

Kach recalls of her first meeting with Jon.

Three months in her new nomad lifestyle she decided to sign up for a month-long yoga retreat in Ko Phangan Island to reassess her lifestyle choices.

“I tried to understand what it was I really wanted to do in life and contemplate if my father was indeed right in saying that I was just having a quarter-life crisis.”

The retreat came to an end as she was approaching her 25th birthday, and then she got a message from Jon. “I had actually kept in touch with the British guy from Luang Prabang, who was now living and working in Hanoi.

He asked me to come back to Hanoi for a motorbike trip around North Vietnam. “ With no specific plan on hand, she decided to just book a ticket to Vietnam anyway, thinking that a big motorbike trip had been on her bucket list for a long time, so this was her chance. The supposed two-week visit got extended as she and Jon got to know each other better and she ended up living and

“We both needed to save as much as possible in order to travel for at least a few months without working. Jonathan was already teaching English in a private school and took on extra work. I decided to get my TEFL certificate so that I could teach as well. I started teaching 1 on 1 English classes to adults as well as children in local schools. I took on a part time marketing job in a Western company and even joined a Vietnamese reality TV show!”, shares Kach.

India, Maldives and the UK From South East Asia, Kach and Jon then spent three months travelling all over India. While in India, both them decided to invest some time and money to become certified yoga teachers and Ayurveda Massage Therapists.

“We have both been practicing yoga for some time, so we thought, why not make a living out of it? Yoga is constantly growing in popularity across the globe and almost everyone loves a really good massage!”

Aside from picking up new skills, they also took on odd jobs to support themselves.

“We have volunteered to help out in bars and restaurants in exchange for free food. We wrote reviews and did some marketing for Hotels in exchange cheaper accomodation.”

It all helped to stretch their budget further. It was this kind of thinking and experience that led them to discover Help Exchange, a website where you can find volunteer work in exchange for free food and accommodation. In their free time they explored, arranged yoga classes and massages for extra income.

As a reward for all their hard work and ingenuity, they went on a week holiday

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FEATURE The two have such lofty goals. First they want to be able to complete their journey around the world by traveling into all of the seven continents, including an ambitious trek to the southern edge – Antarctica.

First Filipina Backpacker in Antarctica If ever, Kach will be the first Filipina backpacker to reach the South Pole.

“I’ve been doing my research about Filipina Travelers going to Antarctica and I have not come across anybody yet. I know there are already a lot of Filipinos who have been there but most of them are working in cruise ships.

in the Maldives and then spent three weeks in the UK to meet Jon’s family before flying out to South America.

South America and beyond After meeting Jon’s lovely parents in the UK, the couple was back on the road, this time headed to the Peruvian Andes and the grand Macchu Pichu. Kach pushed the boundaries of her Pinay passport and discovered that it is not that difficult to get a visa in most of South America.

“We took on a job in a hostel surrounded by mountains and Incan Ruins, in exchange for food and lodging. After some time we decided to settle for another 6 months in Arequipa, Southern Peru where we again took on freelance teaching jobs and set up our own yoga and massage business.

You could say life is perfect. We ate well, ran yoga classes for the soul seekers and healed people’s aching bodies with Ayurveda massage therapy.”

Two Monkeys finding Love Kach shares that she didn’t really expect to find love or at least she wasn’t really thinking of meeting a life partner while travelling.

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“I actually left Middle East brokenhearted so I told myself that I was going to enjoy this trip and learn to love myself fully. When I met Jon in Laos, I didn’t think we would end up travelling the world together.

I dont know how to explain it might sound like a cliché but love will come to you when you’re not looking for it and it will be just at the right time. The best thing with Jon is that we have the same vision, and like me he was free of commitments when we met, so we started planning our life together.”

Kach and Jon started blogging and documenting their experience, sharing travel tips and basically inspiring other travelers to get on with their travel dreams. They called themselves the Two Monkeys.

It’s been more than a year of travelling and the Two Monkeys are going strong with a successful blog www. twomonkeystravelgroup.com that has gone viral in so many places. Today the blog has taken a life of its own, with contributors from all over the world, and sponsors and advertisers that help them raise some money for their next travel plans.

We are targeting to go this year in November, so I’m not sure if there will be other Filipinas who will reach there before I do, but maybe I can be the first one who does it during my longterm backpacking adventure. It’s kind of a challenge for me, and of course I’m excited about seeing penguins!” adds Kach.

Travel fans from around the world are at awe of her achievements, especially Filipinos who thought a travelling around the world was something that is reserved for the rich or for foreign passport holders lucky enough to have less visa restrictions.

For Kach, the sky is the limit, and as long as they both have the enthusiasm she is determined to reach for their dreams.

“Now, after almost 2 years of being on the road, I’m just living my life to the fullest. We might not own a car, a house, or a ‘respectable career’ but our story has so far taken us beyond our expectations. All we have now are our 15-kilo backpacks and ourselves, brimming with optimism and vision that don’t seem possible in our old lives.”

After conquering Antartica, Kach and Jon are aiming to set up a yoga retreat resort in the Philippines in 2018 that will welcome and hire travelers as well as people hoping to learn from their experience.

FEATURE

1. Learn to Prioritize. Figure out where travel rests in your list of priorities in life and identify which kind of traveler you are. You can either be a weekend warrior, who travels to get away from the pressures of work, a luxury traveler who likes to be comfortable, or an adventurous backpacker who can take it as comes. Knowing yourself and being honest about your priorities makes it easier to decide on the next steps.

2. Map out an Itinerary. Contrary to what most people think, most successful backpackers are adept in planning the logistics of their journey. There is a lot of room for spontaneity and fun in between, but to be able to sustain a life on the road you need to have plan that will help you maximize your resources.

3. Start a travel fund. Save, save, save. This tip goes hand in hand with determining your priorities, but whether international travel or some other dream beckons, one needs to be financially secure and independent. Money is fuel, the more you save the farther you can go.

4. Research. Learn as much as you can about the places you want to visit so you can make most out of your time there. There are so many available resources online that you can consult. Learn from other travelers. Kach and Jon’s travel blog www.travelmonkeysgroup. com for one is a great resource.

5. Pack light. Baggage wears you down. To be free you need to let go of your attachment to a full wardrobe. Sometimes a jacket, a pair of jeans, a dress, 2 pairs of shoes and a bikini is all you need.

6. Be open to experiences. Talk to people. As Filipinos we are not very fond of small talk. Even in public transport like the jeepney, people rarely ever get friendly, but this shouldn’t be the case on the road.

Take advantage of your friendly easy-going Filipino personality.

Smile and the world will smile with you, not to mention offer you a ride or if you’re lucky a place to crash.

7. Keep learning. While you’re on the road, never stop aiming for self improvement. If there are opportunities to learn something new, speak a new language, learn yoga, henna painting, beer

brewing, surfing, etc. - whatever floats your boat. You are never too old to learn, and who knows these skills can be useful too!

8. Find a ‘raket’ to earn. Don’t be afraid of menial tasks. Bartending, massage therapy, dog-sitting, housekeeping, if it’s flexible enough to let you earn while exploring, then go for it, more ‘rakets,’ more fun!

9. Celebrate milestones and treat yourself. Life on the road is not always easy, it can also mean hard work, but if you’re dedicated there is no reason not to achieve your goals. You climbed Mount Everes?

Great! You learned to ride a motor bike? Good for you. Big or small, celebrate your milestones and find time to treat yourself.

10. Pay it forward and share your experiences. Sharing is caring as they say, and the more you share the more you will be rewarded.

Traveling will reward with you a treasure trove of stories, anecdotes and tips that people can relate too and learn from. Share your stories and inspire the next backpacker.

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FEATURE

By Ana P. Santos

For OFW (Overseas Filipino Worker) mothers, the financial rewards of working abroad are bittersweet.

T

he word of the day is “emancipation” defined as deliverance, independence and a sort of liberation.

Biting her lower lip in concentration, Mayra Velonza–Ignacio scribbles furiously, repeating parts of the definition under her breath as if to etch it in her memory and not just in her notebook. She underlines the word for good measure.

“Every week we have a new word to memorize,” the 39-year old explains.

“We’re encouraged to practice using the word in sentences so we familiarize ourselves with its meaning and use it in our in daily life.”

It is Friday in Dubai. The sun is munificently warm and welcoming, adding a sheen to the glitter and shimmer of this Middle Eastern oasis.

It is almost a shame to spend an Arabian night like this indoors, cooped up in a conference room with about 30 other people, a mix of mostly Filipinos and Indians, a sampling of the guest

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workers who make up bulk of the city’s population.

But this is how Mayra chooses to spend many of her Fridays – her only day off – sharpening her communication skills with other members of the public speaking organization, Toastmasters International.

At today’s meeting, Mayra is the Timer.

At the end of a member’s display of oratory capability through the delivery of a prepared speech, she stands up to summarize the speech and announce the time each speaker took, noting if he went over the limit.

The word “emancipation” has special significance for Mayra.

“I never dreamed I could do this before.

I really really hated the idea of speaking in front of a lot of people,” she stresses shaking a bit, the thought clearly still terrifying her.

“And you have to speak in English!

Diyos ko po.” [My God.]

Not only has Mayra mustered up the courage speak in front of a group of people, she has also began dabbling in public speaking and writing her own speeches.

“My mentors here told me to write about something familiar and the words would flow,” explains Mayra about her first speech.

So she wrote about Wonder Woman.

Wonder Woman, Wonder Mom Mayra shares a copy of her speech with me; it makes me sad and hopeful at the same time.

FEATURE

“I know every woman wishes to be a WONDER WOMAN for her family, especially her kids.

We were very poor. As a mother, I did not want to see my kids suffering and enduring the same hardship we did growing up. I did not want to just sit in a corner and cry. So I decided to work abroad. Leaving my three little kids behind was painful. My heart swelled and my tears fell hard, but I needed to do this.”

You don’t need extraordinary powers to be a wonder woman or wonder man. Your unconditional love for your family and children is all the power you need. This is Mayra Velonza, a small wonder mom.”

Drawing an analogy between Wonder Woman and motherhood has been done by thousands of working mothers who juggle the pressures of a full time job and the demands of parenthood. But to the thousands of OFW (Overseas Filipino Worker) women, being a working mother commands another kind of superpower: the strength of will to leave their families behind and be denied the usual comfort afforded a working mom--coming home to her children at the end of each day.

First the men, now the women Four decades after the Philippine government first launched its statesponsored migration program, the Middle East remains the top destination country for Filipino guest workers.

In the 70s and 80s, Filipino men were the poster boys of labor migration working in desert oil rigs and construction sites. The slowdown of the building frenzy gave way to the demand for domestic labor in the 90s, creating employment vacancies that needed to be filled by women.

The 2013 Country Migration Report estimates that some 8 million Filipinos have participated in the overseas employment program since the 70s.

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Women now make up almost 50% of the OFW workforce. In the UAE, where the Philippine Embassy estimates about 100,000 work as household workers, there is a particular preference for the Filipino nanny.

“The Filipino nanny can speak and understand English (better than others).

This is number one because she and her employer can communicate. She can receive and carry out instructions about the baby,” said Shaukat Ali, owner of an employment agency in Dubai.

Filipino nannies are also known for the love and care they give their wards, which Marla Asis, a researcher at the Scalabrini Migration Center says “is usually a transfer of love and affection that she cannot give her child”.

“Working as a nanny requires emotional investment. It compounds the guilt for many mothers because it reminds them of what they left behind,” adds Asis.

Abroad: Another place, another life For many Filipinos, “abroad” is not just a place, it is another life. Abroad is both an escape and a solution to a life where

poverty has killed hope and deadened the capacity to dream.

For Mayra, it was the only way out.

When her sister, Nida, invited her to go to Dubai on a visit visa to look for work as a domestic worker, she accepted, despite the objections of her husband.

“He has no dreams. When I told him about my plans to go abroad, he told me: Why do you have to leave? What for? We’re all going to die anyway.”

But Mayra had dreams. They were, by any measure, simple ones: an education and nice clothes and shoes for her children.

They are a mother’s minimum aspirations, but they represented opportunity and a chance to have a better life than the one she and her brothers and sisters had.

Currently, seven of the Velonza sisters work in Dubai as domestic workers. The other six siblings are in the Philippines taking care of their parents and the children who have been left behind.

FEATURE

In her eight years in Dubai, Mayra has worked for various expats earning more than she ever could farming under the blistering sun in her province of Pangasinan, northern Philippines.

Most of her Fridays off, she is at selfimprovement classes like this one at Toastmasters International.

At a Filipino community volunteer teaching organization, she took basic computer courses like Microsoft Word, Powerpoint and Photoshop. Later on, she took Photography. She now knows how to use the computer, a skill which is handy both in her role as nanny and mother.

She teaches her ward in Dubai and when her youngest from the Philippines texts her to ask for help with homework, she can easily Google the answer and give a quick reply.

“The Internet connection in Pangasinan is slow and intermittent,” she explains.

“Thank God for SMS. I text the answer

and she thinks I’m really smart.”

Mayra can still perform a semblance of her motherly duty thanks to the wonders of technology but physical presence and expressions affection are limited to vacations to the Philippines every one or two years.

“They’re growing up without me.

Sometimes it feels like I’m just their relative and not their mother.”

It is one of the many trade offs that she has learned to accept.

“I don’t think I could have learned this before in the Philippines. First of all, where would I get the money for these classes?” she asks in Filipino.

Even with enrollment costs at a minimum, equipment needed to practice a new craft cost money. With her salary, Mayra is able to send home money to the Philippines and still have a little left over for herself. Mayra now has an SLR and a small laptop. She mostly uses the camera to take pictures on the

trips she takes with her sisters while the laptop is used to keep in touch with her kids on Facebook.

“When I go home for good to the Philippines, I will use the skills I’ve learned to open up a one-stop events shop where we can offer balloon making and photography for parties and special occasions.”

When she speaks of the future, Mayra talks of eventualities rather than possibilities, of careful plans rather than desperate pleas thrown to fate.

The word of the day is “emancipation” - a word that Mayra has already begun applying to her daily life. …..

This story was produced with the support of the Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting under the Persephone Miel fellowship.

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FEATURE

Illustrado’s KC Abalos sits down with the Filipina actress who beat Nora Aunor and Vilma Santos at the 37th Gawad Urian, the thespian renowned director Ang Lee called a “national treasure.”

So we were about to wrap the interview when ‘the’ Celeste Legaspi entered the coffee house. Angeli and I were star struck. Our hearty chat suddenly turned into a whispered conversation.

Ms. Legaspi stopped at a table where she said hello to a friend she’s meeting.

Then, she started walking towards our table. She extended her hand to my companion and said, “Hi, I’m a big fan.”

That’s when I realized that my old pal and UP Repertory Company orgmate is now a big star.

When I first met Angeli Bayani, she sported these huge vintage glasses which were her signature look back in college. She was majoring in Voice at the University of the Philippines’ College of Music then and had no inkling that,

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years later, she’ll beat Nora Aunor and Vilma Santos at the 37th Gawad Urian for her role in Norte: Hangganan ng Kasaysayan.

If people were surprised that a virtual unknown has beaten the two finest actresses in the land, then they should know that Angeli was trained by the best of the best in Philippine theater. After UP, she became a scholar of the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ Tanghalang Pilipino. She started her acting career as a member of the company. She later graduated to bigger roles on stage — most worthy of note is playing the coveted Maria Clara in the LumberaCayabyab musical Noli Me Tanghere.

She has since become a veteran of indie films as well such as Melancholia and

Ka Oryang — both of which earned her Urian nominations for Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress respectively.

After a quick look at her acting career, some would say she has certainly paid her dues. It seems that all the recent accolades a long time coming.

“I suppose you could say I paid my dues but I don’t feel that way. I was just at the right place at the right time. Because I can’t help but think that the people who came before me or the people who have taught me — theirs is the work ethic I follow — it could’ve been them,” she pondered and then added, “Kung hindi ko sila naging idol — for lack of a better term — I wouldn’t have gotten this job or gotten to where I am.”

FEATURE Gawad Urian winners Jun-Jun Quintana (Best Supporting Actor), Angel Aquino (Best Supporting Actress), Angeli Bayani (Best Actress), Joel Torre (Best Actor), and Hannah Espia (Best Director) pose with their respective trophies after the awards ceremony held Tuesday night in Quezon City.

Photo by Jonathan Cellona for ABS-CBNnews.com

No Gown for Cannes

The Truth in Acting

Fast-forward to 2011 when she was invited to audition for this little Singaporean film, Ilo Ilo. The film would turn out to be the toast of the 2013 Cannes Film Festival, earning a standing ovation and the coveted Camera d’Or award.

But it is not only the success of Ilo Ilo which made Angeli’s name resonate in the media’s radar. What really grabbed everyone’s attention is the fact that she is in not one, but two of the entries in the festival. It is important to note that both these films were entries to the Oscars as well. Her second movie at the Cannes is the same Lav Diaz piece that would give her an Urian.

“For the first time in my life I thought, ‘ang suwerte ko naman.’ You don’t foresee these things. They just happen,” she shared when asked about the entire experience.

Suddenly, people started to notice the petite actress. Partly because she didn’t have any gowns to wear for the film fest events they would have to attend. After a frantic Facebook plea by a theater friend, designers such as Fanny Serrano and Nikki Veneracion very gladly saved the day. When she auditioned for Ilo Ilo, she never thought that she would get the part and never in her wildest dreams has she imagined that it would lead the way to Cannes.

With Ilo Ilo she explained that, “It was one of those things that I thought I wouldn’t bag. Again, I just wanted to give a good impression because I was the only Pinay (in the cast and crew).”

Impress she did because even director Ang Lee called Angeli a “national treasure” after watching the film as a juror in the 50th Golden Horse Awards.

For the film Norte: Hangganan ng Kasaysayan, Angeli was in her element.

It was her fourth project with the director, with whom she has a more personal relationship. “With other directors, they’d say, ‘this is what I want form you’.

With Lav, hindi. For the first time, I’m left on my own. I always have the most freedom with Lav.” She certainly has more freedom now that the projects are coming one after the other. Late last year, she was seen on the small screen when she played Flora Gasser (veteran actress and comedian) in the TV series Wagas. More recently, she returned onstage with (Philippine Educational Theater Association) PETA’s Arbol de Fuego with the eternal Cherie Gil. In between these major projects were a constant string of characters on various media which are testaments to her fame and, more importantly, her talent. Which then begs the question, does she have a preference in terms of acting on television, movie, or the stage?

She answered, “What’s the difference?

I don’t understand distinctions between acting for TV, movie, and theater. It is any less truthful because of the shot or the medium?”

She says she feels more at home doing theater but, for Angeli, work is work.

In the beginning, she had doubts as to whether she can turn her art into something that can provide for herself and for her family. In fact, art and fame were far from her mind. She just wanted to get a couple of college credits which eventually became a practical desire to earn a living.

Her recent success has proven that it could. All the glamour and glitter of her current life made me wonder just how much Angeli’s world has changed. She seemed the same. She still has the same smile and the same infectious laughter that used to fill our old tambayan in AS (Palma Hall). So many roles, so many masks she can effortlessly put on. She answered my question with resonance, in what I recognize as the culmination of the Angeli that I knew then and the Angeli—with all that experience and diligence under her belt—that she has become now.

“For me, a lot about acting is being true to yourself. If you don’t know your truth, you cannot recognize the truth in another person. Acting is just about finding that truth—having the strength, creativity, imagination, and courage to be able to do it.”

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FEATURE

By Anna de Leon

Men, they say are like fine wine. They get better with age. I just don’t know why this phrase is hardly used to describe a woman who has chosen to embrace and love aging gracefully. When I turned 30, I said that I could not wait until I hit 40 and now that I am two years shy from my Dream Age, I honestly could not wait. While there are some women who choose not to answer the dreaded question, and no, it isn’t “why aren’t you married yet?” and “why are you still single?” rather “How old are you?”

I proudly say 38 and why shouldn’t I be proud? Heck, I survived 80’s fashion and Aqua Net crazy days! Not to mention acid wash jeans and Kaypee High cuts!

With a slew of celebrities that we can all look up to like Jlo, Kate Beckinsale and the quintessential “like fine wine” model, Demi Moore, I find it rather perplexing as to why more and more women are ashamed, or to say the least,

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choose not to proclaim their age.

Accepting yourself

Before you finish reading this article, I want you to pause and grab a mirror and look at yourself. Look at those lines around your eyes. They are there because of late nights studying that got you that degree that got you that job, which enables you to live the way that you do. Those lines are there because of too much laughter for one evening when you and your girlfriends witnessed something funny and too PG to write about. These lines that science is constantly telling you to fear are your badges of honor. So, wear it with pride. This means that you led a life rich enough that it made you laugh, you developed those lines. However, this doesn’t mean that you have to neglect proper skin care.

One of the things that I learned and learned the hard way en route to being 38 was self acceptance. It took me years to accept that I will never be 5 feet 9 inches, therefore, never having a shot at being an Elite Supermodel contestant. I don’t know about you but I was a sucker when I was younger, which leads me to another important point - with aging comes wisdom from past experiences.

In my quest to become taller, I saved up money and bought those growth balls.

Yes, I was that gullible and downright desperate. Not only did I fall for that, but, do you guys remember that “do you want to be taller” book advertised in Panorama? Yup, I bought those too.

Stacking up newspapers, removing them one by one while trying to reach for the ceiling. Lo and behold, I am still me… all of 152 cm. There are other things that I didn’t like about myself,

Now, do you feel better after that exercise? You should because I certainly do.

FEATURE

Look at those lines around your eyes. They are there because of late nights studying that got you that degree that got you that job, which enables you to live the way that you do. but as time went by, just grew to love.

My legs, though not meant to last for day’s are strong and can kick a practice pad during muay thai practice. I didn’t force the issue of being light skinned but embraced my caramel colored skin.

Instead of focusing on what I lacked, I focused on what I had, developed it and now love it.

Self-confidence, not narcissism With the gift of acceptance comes the elusive but so sought after selfconfidence. Self-confidence is not narcissism. Don’t confuse the two. Where cockiness is being loud, self-confidence is being silent. While it has something to do with your appearance much of it has a lot to do with what you know you bring to the table. It’s knowing that you are smart enough to be given the position and remuneration that you deserve.

It is knowing that your thoughts are relevant to be heard and be considered.

It is in knowing that you have assets that deserve to be highlighted.

Believe me when I say that there is nothing more captivating than a woman who walks in a place and totally owns it. She may not be the most beautiful woman but she walks in the room like she has her invisible crown on, with every confident stride she makes and the genuine smile she flashes, she captivates and leaves everyone in awe. This only comes with being truly comfortable in your own skin, a luxury that most young women do not have that us older women get to enjoy.

Experience, the great teacher After 38 terrific years, I have learned that growth balls do not work that there is no lift to success, that being hurt is part of growing up and choosing to smile amidst trials is a must if you want to maintain your youthful looks. There is a saying that, to be old and wise,

we have to be young and stupid. I can vouch for that and boy, am I happy to have committed those mistakes. Not only do experiences make our lives richer and makes for epic stories to tell our kids, but they, more importantly, provide a point of reference for us. At 38, I am still subjected to situations that I already experienced when I was younger, but now that I have the wisdom of past experience, I am able to make sound decisions that yield beneficial results. Having these experiences to back up your decision making not only saves you from trouble, but also sudden flashbacks of those happy, sad, painful, utterly embarrassing moments in your life. The latter will make you pause at random moments, and sometimes smile to yourself or laugh out loud, realizing that you have led such an amazing life.

After all, isn’t that what life is all about?

Richer and wiser When I was a lot younger I dreamt of travelling all over the world but since I was fresh out of school those places remained dream destinations. Fast forward to 2015 and all of those places that I have dreamt of visiting when I was younger have all been ticked off my list.

When you age your skill level upgrades, so does your earning capacity. Being older gives us the financial freedom to enjoy our life and I don’t mean just by purchasing the new IT bag or the latest gadget. It is about using our resources wisely by investing in experiences and memories because these can never be taken away from us. They will be ours forever. That image of those gigantic pumpkins in New York in autumn, that image is yours. The smell of that freshly brewed espresso in Roma is your scent to savor. As we get older and wiser we come to this paramount realization that amassing material possessions doesn’t come close to the bliss of collecting memories. We become less materialistic.

Instead we look around us, the people who surround us, and we pause in awe and gratitude, which, in turn attracts more blessings.

All heart Armed with our experiences, I cannot help but say that with time and age, everything about us is stronger - from our hearts, to our stomachs, to our will, our stand. They said that our heart is the most resilient part of our body because it gets beaten up badly, literally, by the unhealthy food that we sometimes consume and figuratively by the wounds sustained from the battle called life.

Yet it still beats, pumps and supplies blood so we may live. If that is the case, then, older women are all heart.

We are stronger, more resilient than ever because we are all heart - a Harry Winston diamond, tried and tested by time yet it sparkles like no other.

Having said all this, I cannot help but not fall in love with being 38, and eagerly look forward to 40 and 50 and beyond.

Coco Chanel could not have articulated my favorite quote about aging any better when she said, “You can be gorgeous at 30, charming at 40 and irresistible for the rest of your life.”

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IT’S WHAT I DO

It’s what I do

FILIPINO PROGRESS AND DIVERSITY AT THE WORK PLACE celebrities and I get to work with big names in the Philippines fashion industry like Michael Cinco, Furne Amato, Ezra Santos and more. As a Filipino, I am so proud each time I am invited to attend to a big fashion events in UAE because behind those are mostly Filipinos.

My work day Working as a model booker is full of fun and excitement. It’s a stressful but very promising job to be honest. But despite all the stress I make sure I start my day at the gym, then after I go straight to the office to start replying to my client requests or call models and talents if they need to go for any castings, and visit my shoot. I make sure all is well.

I really enjoy working as a booker and working at MMG because I have the best team ever. We make sure all of us support each other. You can feel the concern of your team and they are willing to help if you need it. We are all stressed but we manage to laugh and have fun in our daily work.

Life lessons

Mark Anthony Palabrica Model Booker – MMG Eventz My job I work for the fastest growing modeling agency in the UAE - MMG Models and Events as a model booker, talent manager, stylist, and producer. We work with some of the words leading luxury brands like Dior, Chanel, Luis Vuitton, Fendi, Gucci, Tom Ford, Cartier, John Paul Gaultier and a lot more. I arrange models for big fashion shows for both local and international brands like Bloomingdales, Harvey Nichols, Fashion Forward, Timberland, Ted Baker. I supply models for magazine editorials in the likes of Elle, Marie Clare, Harper’s Bazaar, Gracia, Rake, Revolution and many more.

My work allows me to socialize with ambassadors, royalty,

In my experience, motivation plays a big role in achieving success.

When I came to Dubai I first landed a job as a waiter (an honest and amazing job). It was hard at first. I struggled and I couldn’t make ends meet. But eventually, because of my persistence, perseverance, and determination I found the job that I’ve been waiting for all my life. My passion for fashion has got me where I am today. I have a job where I get to learn new things every day and meet people from all walks of life.

If you are driven and willing to put yourself out there, the rest will follow. You’ll be exposed to opportunities. Develop knowledge and skills. Gain confidence and wisdom and ultimately, you will achieve your goal for yourself and your family. Remember, that sometimes failure is just the first step towards success. Put God at the center of your life and whatever struggles you have, you will feel that he is always at your side guiding you and molding you to become a better person.

Don Andre Honrada Rodriguez Dancer Organizer/Choreographer/ Dancer My job I’ve been currently working as a talent organizer/ choreographer and manager of top ten dancers since August 2006. For almost 9 years, I have been choreographing and handling talented individuals from different countries to perform in various events.

My typical day Coffee! Coffee! Coffee! I can’t make a day without it but of course a lot of music and dancing.

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Life lessons In 2008, while I was performing, I had a knee injury, and that devastating incident changed my life. For 6 months, I wasn’t able to walk and the saddest part of it what that I couldn’t perform. I lost my confidence, and my drive to share my talents with other people. At that point, I chose not to undergo surgery because I believed my injury can be healed naturally even if the doctors insisted. Through this experience I was became closer to God and found healing.

After few months I was able to walk slowly and eventually had full recovery.

In life, I have also learned that dreams do have a cost. But nothing is impossible if you work hard for it.

MONEY

By Francisco J Colayco

No one ever tires of finding ways to “Get-rich-quick.” This precise by-line catches everyone’s imagination. Sadly, what I say - “The best way to get rich quick is to get rich slow,” is obviously not exciting! The great majority will always want to make a quick buck because there’s always this feeling of power and having bragging rights attached to succeeding in an activity that probably involves a lot of risk. then, most likely you know how to work the internet. When you receive such proposals, do the following things: 1. If the returns are incredibly high, you can be sure these offerings are scams. As they say, if it is too good to be true, it is probably exactly that. It’s not true!

2. Google the names to see if they have official websites.

3. If there are legitimate websites for investment proposals, these should be complete with the names of the people involved with addresses and telephone numbers.

These days, scams continue to abound despite all the warnings and for each scam caught, I am sure there are many more that will still continue fooling many willing victims. Scams are precisely very enticing due to the fact that it actually starts well.

Many people earn money that they are able to withdraw. They spread the word to their friends making it incredibly deceiving and very tempting.If these kinds of scams are reaching you,

4. If they seem to be credible, then visit their offices and learn more about them.

5. More importantly, the company or fund must be registered by a credible government regulatory agency like the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) of the host country. All legitimate funds need to be registered with a duly recognized regulatory body. It is not only advisable but also an obligation to secure the opinion of the SEC before investing in any investment offering.

6. You can also write me to ask and I will try to find out if they are legitimate for you. info@colaycofoundation.com

There are times when investments are really legitimate and underwritten by competent and professional people and reputable corporations. However, even in such cases, there are risks involved. Performance risks, currency risks, legal risks and many others are always present in all investments.

That is because all returns are risk-driven and in investments, there is no guarantee that investors will make money. Thus, in legitimate investments, investors may make money or may lose money. However, when you invest in a scam, you will surely lose money.

Why then are people so enticed to invest in such scams when they don’t have any real understanding of investments?

This process seems to be universal. First, the high returns draw them. Second, they instinctively trust the bearer of the

investment proposal as more likely, such bearer is a good friend or a relative. Third, more often than not, these referrors are themselves not knowledgeable in investments. Their main interest is to earn commissions. Fourth, those who initially invest and are able to get back their money with good returns become greedy. Instead of just walking away, they reinvest and lose everything thereafter.

Finally, people get to invest because they want to get rich quick. This mindset is our worst enemy. I have always believed that the best way to get rich quick is to get rich slow! Look for solid investments that will grow over the years. Don’t expect to get rich overnight. It just doesn’t happen that way.

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SPIRITUALITY

By BO SANCHEZ

That’s what we men always want to find out: what women want.

Let’s start with the first ever man in creation history: Adam.

He also wanted to know what Eve wanted. She asked him to eat a fruit from the forbidden tree. He eats the fruit, and you know how the rest of the story goes.

I sit here and think: maybe Adam missed what Eve really wanted. Maybe she really didn’t want him to eat the fruit.

Maybe what she wanted was simply to know if he would do anything for her own good. Maybe, all she wanted was to hear him say something like, “Eve, I would eat the fruit for you, if that’s what you like. But Eve, I love you. If I eat the fruit, we can no longer stay in Paradise. I don’t want that to happen to us, to you — because I love you.

I am thinking this way because I read the book Love and Respect. Written by Dr. Emerson Eggerichs, the book points out the single, greatest secret to successful marriage: women want to feel loved and men want to feel respected.

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Eggerichs says the greatest secret of a successful marriage is actually not a secret. It’s been there for over 2,000 years, in the Holy Bible, in Ephesians 5:33 where the apostle Paul writes: Each of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.

Dr. Eggerichs says couples tend to go through a Crazy Cycle: the wife feels her husband does not love her, so she does not respect him; the husband feels his wife does not respect him, so he does not love her.

If couples want their marriage to succeed, they must learn to stop the Crazy Cycle. And the way to stop the cycle is simply apply Ephesians 5:33 in their marriage: the husband must love his wife without condition, and the wife must respect her husband without condition. Dr. Eggerichs points out that in this passage, St. Paul does not give a mere suggestion, but rather he presents God’s mandate on how a couple must treat each other.

Now let’s go down memory lane and see how Ephesians 5:33 applies in the greatest love stories ever told.

SPIRITUALITY

Napoleon and Josephine Napoleon Bonaparte, French military and political leader during the latter stages of the French Revolution, was not easy to love. He was too busy with his battles. Compared to Josephine, he didn’t have money, and he lacked social graces.

But he won Josephine’s heart and kept their love burning. How did he do it? He sent her love letters. Like any other woman, that’s all Josephine wanted: to know how Napoleon loved her.

And he told her how in his love letters.

John and Abigail Adams John Adams, American Founding Father, a leading champion of American independence in 1776, and second president of the United States was attracted to Abigail because she was always reading - poetry, philosophy, and politics - which not many women did at the time. Like Napoleon, John won Abigail through love letters, assuring her that he cared for her.

And, he held her in high regard, listening to what she had to say about issues that affected his presidency. As historians say, she turned out to be a better judge of people than John and thus, was considered one of the wisest Americans of all time.

Pierre and Marie Curie Pierre, famous French physicist and Nobel laureate, and Marie, Polish physicist and chemist, the first person honored with two Nobel prizes–in Physics and Chemistry, met in Paris where Marie studied in the Sorbonne University in 1891.

Marie hung out in the library and laboratories, and Pierre, director of one of the laboratories where Marie worked, noticed her. He attracted her simply by providing the environment for her to pursue a career, which in the 1800s was unusual for women to have.

What do women want? Women want to know they are loved. And they know they are loved first, when they are told they are loved, and second, when that love is expressed through providing an environment where she can be the person she is meant to be.

Ephesians 5:33 says man should love a woman as he loves himself. A man loves himself when he does what’s best for him. And so if he loves a woman, he must also do what’s best for her – even if sometimes he has to leave his comfort zone.

Women are human beings who want any human being wants: to be dignified for one’s worth. Josephine, Abigail, Marie— they are women, yes. And they are human beings. They wanted not just to have a man, really. They wanted a place in the sun, they wanted, not really to be recognized, but simply to recognize their worth —just like all human beings want to find the meaning of their existence. And what better meaning can you have than to know your worth and be dignified for it.

I don’t have to make a research, or go through history to find out what a woman wants. I see it every day in the woman in my life —my wife Marowe. What Marowe hates most is surprises.

She does not like it when I call her in the middle of the day and tell her I will not have dinner at home because I am flying to the Vatican for a meeting with the Pope. I am exaggerating, of course.

But Marowe wants that I tell her my schedules, that I discuss my plans and whereabouts with her. So I tell her what I am doing or what I am about to do - not so much to get her permission - but to manifest to her that I hold her in so high a regard that I include her in my daily existence.

That’s what she wants: to be worthy, to be dignified for her worth.

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LAW

By Atty. Barney Almazar

Last month, together with our Ambassador Grace Princesa, I represented the Overseas Filipinos (OF) in the Middle East during the 3rd Global Summit of Filipinos in the diaspora.

One of the objectives of the summit is to provide framework and strategies for engaging the OF in the development of the Global Legal Assistance and Advocacy (GLAAD). The aim of GLAAD is to mobilize the support of overseas and local Filipino lawyers and legal experts to provide legal assistance and advice to OFs in distress, as well as advocate for laws, policies and programs that empower Filipinos both in their home and host countries.

Since January 2014, together with volunteer Filipino lawyers, Gulf Law, in cooperation with our Embassy in Abu Dhabi and Consulate in Dubai have assisted more than, 4,000 Filipinos through the monthly legal seminars.

Using the data I have gathered during these seminars and the statistics from

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the office of the Ambassador, we have come up with the top five main problems of Filipinos in the UAE.

First I: Indebtedness Emirati laws regarding debts are straightforward. If you default on payment or issued a bounced cheque, there is a high probability that you will end up in jail. In fact, a lot of credit card companies are using Article 401 of the Penal Code to collect unpaid loans: “A punishment of confinement shall be inflicted on any person who, in bad faith draws a check with no existing or drawable provision, or who, after issuing the check, withdraws all or part of the fund to that the balance becomes insufficient to settle the amount of the check, who orders the drawee not to pay check, or deliberately makes or signs the cheque in such a manner as to prevent it from being paid.�

An amicable or out-of-court settlement

between the bank and debtor is best solution as the very same Article 401 provides the remedy: The penal action shall lapse if payment is made or waived after the crime has occurred and before it has received a final ruling.

According to Central Bank Regulations 29/2011, the maximum loan a person can borrow is 20 times his monthly salary and loan payments must not exceed 50% of his monthly pay. Borrowers should observe these limits and must disclose their existing loan obligations to their creditors when availing additional loans. Credit card agents may advise not to disclose existing loans so your new loan application will be approved but this practice is illegal and is usually the main cause of debts getting out of your control.

Second I: Intoxication It is illegal to consume alcohol without an alcohol license in the UAE. Article 313 of the Penal Code provides the punishment

LAW Article 356 of the Penal Code: “Without prejudice to the two preceding Articles, shall be punishable by confinement for a minimum period of one year any individual who commits an act of disgrace and dishonor with the consent of the victim. However, the punishment shall be temporary imprisonment if the crime is committed against a male or female under fourteen years of age, or if the crime is committed by force.”

This crime is considered a crime against honor and conviction thereof will constitute a valid ground for employment dismissal with forfeiture of termination benefits pursuant to Article 120(g) of the Labour Code.

It is highly recommended for married couples to secure their authenticated marriage certificates before moving to UAE, especially, if they wish to start a family in the country. Proof of marriage is required before a child born in the UAE can obtain a birth certificate.

Fourth I: Illegal Recruitment

for illegal alcohol consumption: The Hadd punishment for drinking alcohol shall not apply to non-Muslim.

Subject to conditions allowed for the non-Muslims, anyone who drinks alcohol shall be sentenced to detention for not less than one month and not more than six months and a fine of not less than one thousand Dirhams and not more than two thousand Dirhams (or with one of these two penalties).

Non-Muslims must have a valid liquor license to consume alcohol, even if done in the privacy of their homes. To apply for a license, the applicant must be non-Muslim, UAE resident, at least 21 years old and earning not less than AED3,000 a month.

Third I: Immorality Unrelated male and female are prohibited from living together.

Consensual sex is punishable by detention for at least 1 year pursuant to

Contract substitution, employment ban, unpaid salaries and benefits, working for a different sponsor are the usual issues faced by employees in the emirates.

Note that household service workers (HSW) are not covered by labour laws according to Article 3(c) of the Labour Code. Thus, HSW must ensure that gratuity and other termination benefits are reflected in their contracts submitted to the Immigration.

An employee can request the assistance of the Ministry of Labour to enforce his employment rights. Moreover, he can go to the labour courts without the need to pay any court filing fees as provided for in Article 5 of the Labour Code: “Cases filed by employees or their beneficiaries under this Law shall be exempted from court fees at all stages of litigation and execution and shall be expeditiously heard. In the event of nonacceptance or dismissal of the action, the court may order the Plaintiff to pay all or part of the expenses.”

Fifth I: Improper Documents Educational

qualifications,

certificates, tenancy contracts and birth certificates are the most common documents needed to be authenticated or attested to be able to transact with government authorities.

According to the Penal Code, forgery or falsification is considered a crime against the security and interest of the state:

Article 217: A punishment of imprisonment for a period not exceeding five years shall be inflicted on any person who falsifies a copy of an official writing and such copy is used as such.

The same punishment shall be inflicted on any person who knowingly uses a falsified copy of an official writing

Article 218: An official instrument is that which a public officer has the competence to prepare or to interfere in its making or to grant it an official quality.

Any other instrument shall be considered as non-official writing.

As can be noted on the second paragraph of Article 217, even if a person did not personally falsify the document, he can still be held liable for knowingly using the same. This is easily proven by the public prosecutor if the accused has personal knowledge that the contents of the document are falsified.

The Essential OFW Guide to UAE Knowing what an expatriate can and cannot do in a foreign land is the first step to avoid being in conflict with law.

In this regard, Gulf Law together with the Philippine Embassy will distribute free copies of The Essential OFW Guide to UAE, the first and only guidebook dedicated to the Filipino community in emirates. Highly endorsed by Ambassador Grace Princesa, the 150page book contains all the information every OF needs to reach their dreams and make it big in the United Arab Emirates. To reserve a free copy, email gulflaw@gulflaw.info

marriage

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SCRAPBOOK

CRIS ANTHONY ORTALIZ BONDOC Dubai, UAE crisbondoc2100.wix.com

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/

SCRAPBOOK

FERNAN AND MARICRIS MALILAYC / Kuwait www.fmfotography.com

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FASHION

CREATIVE DIRECTION / HAIR AND MAKEUP : GINNO ALDUCENTE PHOTOGRAPHY: ARI SIMANGAN STYLIST: JUAN PAOLO GAGUI MAKEUP ASSISTED BY: KEN CORSINO PRODUCTION MANAGER: MICHELLE SALCEDO PRODUCTION ASSISTANTS: FRANCHEZKA CORSINO ROSELYN CORSINO MODELS: FER MARY BALIQUIG & FEDIRICA ASSENZA

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FASHION

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FASHION

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FASHION Dress by Paul Go ,heart sunglass: forever 21 , green soccer socks by Puma, golden nails clips : Aldo , cashmere sweatshirt : H and M , clutch bag and shoes : Mitz , Colorful wooden bracelets and cap stylist own.

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FASHION Silver fully sequined halter dress with micro mini pearls by Leo Almodal , midnight blue Velvet Jacket : Stylist own. Red fedora: H and M . Belt by forever 21

Tailored White tuxedo with silver and platinum swarovski crystal shacks

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FASHION

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FASHION

Bustier and shorts by Paul Go, Fedora : H and M , Purple Leggings : Forever 21 , Red socks :Puma .

Shoes Stylist own.Blue Bonet : Forever 21

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FASHION

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FASHION

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FASHION Dress by Paul Go ,heart sunglass: forever 21, golden nails clips : Aldo , cashmere sweatshirt : H and M , clutch bag and shoes : Mitz, Colorful wooden bracelets and cap stylist own.

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FASHION

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FASHION

Dress By Paul Go

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FASHION Velvet Body suit with acrylic shacks and satin flowerettes laser cut by Leo Almodal , Belt by forever 21

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FASHION

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FASHION

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FASHION

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REAL STYLE. REAL PEOPLE. It’s spring time! Trade in your warm clothes with some easy going numbers like these inspiring cool and breezy ensembles sported by some of the top Filipino style bloggers from all over the globe!

PAUL RIYADH www.paultheprguy.blogspot.com

CAMILLE CO www.itscamilleco.com

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REAL STYLE. REAL PEOPLE.

STEPHANIE D www.fashionbandwagon.com

MIKYLE Q www.mikylequizon.blogspot.com

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REAL STYLE. REAL PEOPLE.

IRA GEORGETTI www.iragiorgetti.com

MIKO C. www.thestyle-architect.com

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REAL STYLE. REAL PEOPLE.

KRYZ UY www.thirstythought.com DAVID GUISON www.dgmanila.com

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REAL STYLE. REAL PEOPLE.

Mark Lacadin www.marlacadin.blogspot.com

PAUL RAMOS www.thestylechoreo.blogspot.com

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10 THINGS TO DO It’s another exciting month for Pinoys in Dubai as we enter the last few weeks of breezy weather. So, go out and have fun while the weather still permits. Here are the much-awaited activities that will certainly keep you hanging up and about.

Catch the promos at GITEX

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One of the most awaited shopping events in the city is the largest gathering of the region’s leading ICT retailers and suppliers at GITEX Shoppers. This high-energy consumer show attracts a diverse audience that includes IT professionals, technology enthusiasts, students and consumers as well as regional traders, not just from the Middle East but also from North Africa and the Indian Subcontinent. GITEX Shopper also attracts the biggest names in the retail sector, with unique launches and special offers across the best technology, communication and entertainment products. Loyal buyers await this shopping bonanza year after year for exclusive deals and bundled offers which are not available anywhere else. This season, it will happen from April 1-4 at the Dubai World Trade Centre. Admission fee is AED 20 per person.

2 Sing with Annie From the producers behind Dubai’s smash hit musicals ‘The Wizard of Oz’, ‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat’, ‘Oliver!’ and the award winning ‘The Sound of Music’ comes the acclaimed classic musical ANNIE. This wonderful musical ran on Broadway for six years and won 7 Tony awards including Best Musical. This last year saw the release of the remake of the film version by Sony Pictures starring Cameron Diaz and Jamie Foxx. This stunning

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production features all the classic songs including ‘Maybe’, ‘Tomorrow’, ‘Easy Street’, ‘Little Girls’, ‘Fully Dressed’ and ‘Hard Knock Life’ with fantastic sets, costumes and a cast and orchestra from London’s West End. It’s the perfect show for all the family this coming April 2-17 to be held at the Madinat Theatre in Madinat Jumeirah. Tickets are priced at AED200 (Balcony), AED225 (Regular) and AED250 (VIP).

Swim, bike and run

Whether you are a runner, a swimmer or a sprinter, this April, take part in the exciting Nissan Triathlon Festival which includes Olympic distance triathlon: Individual and team, male and female by age group swim, bike and run over the Olympic distance (1500m swim; 40km bike; 10km run).

It also features Sprint distance triathlon: Individual and team, male and female by age group swim, bike and run over the sprint distance (750m swim; 20km bike; 5km run) which is ideal for people newer to the sport or those building distance. Also, there will be Schools Sprint Distance Team Triathlon: The ultimate school challenge with teams of 3 taking on the sprint distance swim, bike and run. The Nissan Triathlon Festival is happening this April 3 and 4 at Atlantis - The Palm. For more information and registration, go to www.premiereonline.com.

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10 THINGS TO DO Scream your heart out It’s time to practice your vocal chords. If you are one of their fans, you better start saving your voice before the long-awaited concert of the world’s hottest boy band sensation – One Direction. For a one night only appearance, the teen pop sensation consisting of performers Niall Horan, Zayn Malik, Liam Payne, Harry Styles and Louis Tomlinson, are coming from London, for their first show in the Middle East here in Dubai. One Direction took the pop music world by storm after winning third place in the seventh X Factor competition. Since 2011 they have released 3 albums which have broken multiple records and they became the first band to have all three of their first albums to debut at the number one spot on the American Billboard charts. This amazing pop group will be bringing their world tour to the shores of Dubai this April 4th. There are talks that the concert has been long sold out, but chances are, you might be lucky enough and still get in at The Sevens Stadium.

5 Get your geek on Ready your costumes and prepare your head dress and make-up, for this April, you’ll be attending the region’s largest pop cultural festival, bringing together celebrities, artists, music, art and exhibitors from across the globe.

The Middle East Film and Comic Con (MEFCC) 2015 is the only large-scale consumer event for fans of comics, film

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and gaming entertainment and pop culture on offer in the Middle East. This time around, expect the legend from Star Trek, Capt. Kirk who is none other than William Shatner to make an appearance at the MEFCC, more surprise guests to be announced soon. Tickets are available online and at Virgin Tickets. The event is happening from April 9-11 at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

Put your fashion forward

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Back in its 4th season, Fashion Forward (FFWD) is a movement incorporating bi-annual presentations from the region’s established and emerging fashion designers for consumers, buyers and the media. A public program including talks, panels and workshops by fashion’s leading lights is a key part of FFWD’s role in developing a dynamic, sustainable and definitive fashion platform for the Middle East The event is taking place at Madinat Jumeirah and D3 from April 10-13.

10 THINGS TO DO

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Watch movies at the park, for free A seasonal event that allows visitors to enjoy a film a day in the open air of the Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT) Park, the JLT Outdoor Cinema experience gives both kids and adults something to watch under the stars. The 2nd season begins this March and goes on till the end of April. The movies will be screened at The JLT Park between the O and P clusters from March 13 to April 25.

Fridays will have cinemas for kids showing while Saturday films are for adults. To find out the schedule of movies playing, check out the Facebook page for JLT Outdoor Cinema.

Check out some cool cars Automotive enthusiasts will definitely be enthralled at the upcoming Emirates Classic Car Festival. What was initially staged at Dubai Festival City is now annually held on Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard, a spectacular boulevard that overlooks Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, in Downtown Dubai. Classic car enthusiasts from across the UAE and the wider region take part in the event. The festival brings together an amazing collection of classic cars that also open doors to the history of evolution of the global automobile industry. Since its inception, the festival has been supported by the Ministry of Culture, Youth & Community Development and the Automobile and Touring Club of the UAE (ATCUAE). The festival also drew the support of the Fédération Internationale des Véhicules Anciens (FIVA), Emaar Properties and various museums and classic car owners after it moved to Downtown Dubai, ‘The Centre of Now’. This year, the exhibit will be held from March 19-22 for free admission.

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Run, baby, run

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Get your whole family into some healthy action, and join the Etisalat Dubai Kids’ Run. Giving the whole family an excuse to take a break from daily routines, this promises to be a great deal of fun. The Kids’ Run is not only a day of running but also a number of exciting activities, interactive shows and more are lined up to thrill the whole family. The event is spread across two days with the big run being on the first day and a free-for-all run on the second day. On the first day March 20, the first race will be for ages 9-12 beginning at 9:30 am while the kids from 4-8 will start to run at 9:45am. The event will end on March 21, and both days will be held at the Dubai Media City Amphitheatre. There is an admission of AED 100 for the first day run, while the second day is free.

Put your pretty hats on Yes, it’s that time of the year when gorgeous women parade in their fabulous millinery at the Dubai World Cup. Considered as the region’s premier equestrian event, it pays tribute to the Arabian love affair with horses, and is also one of the UAE’s biggest social and sporting events. Taking place every last Saturday of March at the iconic Meydan Racecourse, it is the richest day of racing in the world with combined prize purse of US$27.25 million. The event features nine races, highlighted by the US$10 million Dubai World Cup sponsored by Emirates Airlines, and a concert featuring Kylie Minogue to cap the races. This must-attend event is happening on March 28th.

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ADVERTORIAL The move sees Giordano expanding its operations in the African continent – alongside its presence in over 40 other countries across Asia, Australia, Canada, Central America, Eastern Europe, Central Asia and the Middle East. In the Middle East alone, Giordano currently operates more than 260 stores and with over 2,500 stores globally.

Splash launches the ‘Love Splash’ perfume line Venturing into the lifestyle segment, Splash the Middle East high-street retailer has announced the launch of its perfume line, as part of its growing business. Titled ‘Love Splash’, the range consists of two variants namely Classic & Sport for both men and women. The perfume has been created exclusively for Splash by perfumer Sergio Momo from Italy bringing in the fashion element via packaging and design and ensuring quality and price levels are met via the scents produced.

“Giordano is strengthening our franchise business and we are proud to successfully open our first store in Central Africa. Our footprint is definitely making a mark, both in providing essential fashion pieces and in growing our stores. We congratulate Giordano Zambia for a splendid launch. Giordano will continue to bring products that are relevant, timeless and known for our quality, simplicity and innovative fabrics,” said Ishwar Chugani, Managing Director of Giordano Middle East FZE and Executive Director of Giordano International.

pendants to AED 8990 for sets complete with earrings and rings

Giordano also signed Christopher Katongo, a former national football team captain and 2012 African Footballer of the Year, as its brand ambassador.

More global expansion for Giordano with first Liali launches store in Central Africa at exciting ‘Mother’s Day’ Zambia Giordano, the global apparel retailer has become one of the first major international fast fashion brands to enter the Zambian clothing market with the successful opening of its store in Lusaka at East Park Mall.

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Stunning and intricate designs from Liali Memories collection are a circular motif to signify her being the center of your world. Crafted in 18k gold, available in yellow, white, rose, and studded with brilliant diamonds, show her you care with prices ranging from AED 2500 for

In celebration of its store opening, Giordano in Zambia launched speciallydesigned Zambian men’s and women’s polo shirts with the number 64, signifying the country’s years of independence.

Talking about a category expansion in the business, Raza Beig, CEO Splash & ICONIC said, “As a business we dress millions of customers across the Region and with an aim to constantly improvise we ventured into Perfume which will be an important category for us to complete the look & feel. The Splash perfume is made in Italy with no compromises on the oils and design and we wish to offer this product at AED 100 for a 100 ml bottle, thus cementing our fashion and affordability proposition to our deserving customers.”

“Love Splash currently includes 4 options and if well received by the audience we do aim to grow this category further,” added Raza.

designed pendants are yet another master-piece expressing undaunted love for every mother. Exquisitely crafted with alternate white and rose gold floral patterns and highlighted with sparkling diamonds in the center, the gorgeous pieces are priced from AED 2000 onwards.

Collection to celebrate heartfelt expressions!

Liali Jewellers launches ‘Mother’s Day” collection. Designed to shower appreciation on the most important relationship in everyone’s lives, the floral

The delicate bracelets in the Petite Fancy range are a sublime combination of grace and sophistication that every mother embodies. The bracelets range is an epitome of individuality which will stand out when worn alone or will gel well when layered with other pieces of jewelry. Priced at AED 3000 onwards, these uber chic gilded pieces exude timeless style and elegance to personify the beauty, every mother will remain forever. Traditional bracelets in yellow and rose gold with ‘Allah’ inscribed and highlighted by well-cut diamonds symbolize endearment near perfect to God and make for a complete Mother’s Day gift. Priced at AED 5600, it expresses divine love forever.

The Liali Mother’s Day 2015 Collection is available at all showrooms across the region for a limited period only. Choose the perfect gift for your perfect mother now!

TAPA KING LAUNCH

Tapa King Opens New Outlet in Al Ghurair Centre, Deira

would find a great following in this region. LMZ Cuisines is very proud to be at the forefront of celebrating the flavors of the Philippines here in the UAE. We know how much the Filipinos miss home, so we’re happy to bring a piece of their home right here.”

About LMZ Cuisines

As a highly anticipated follow-up to the launch of its first branch in the UAE last year, Tapa King has opened another outlet in Dubai, this time in Al Ghurair Centre in historic Deira district. To mark the occasion, LMZ Cuisines, the franchise owner of Tapa King in the UAE, held an evening of fun and festivities called “#Tapaandaran Sa Al Ghurair” (Showdown in Al Ghurair). Attended by key members of the Filipino expat community and devoted fans of Tapa King’s Facebook page, the event included a ceremonial ribbon cutting led by Philippine Consul General Frank Cimafranca, a model competition with a solo and group category, and a Tapa Eating Contest – the first of its kind in the world.

Tapa King has cultivated an immense fanbase in the UAE since the launch of its first outlet last year, in Al Ansar Gallery in Karama. The food has been described as authentic and of the highest quality, with a menu that stays true to the classic offerings that have made Tapa King a heritage brand. “We were very optimistic about launching Tapa King, but within one year of operations, it has surpassed all of our expectations,” says Ronald D’Souza, General Manager of LMZ Cuisines. “The performance of the Karama branch has been nothing short of meteoric, and we knew just days after opening that we needed to expedite the launch of a second outlet. We are very happy to have found our new home in Al Ghurair. It’s in the heart of Deira, which is a major population center for Filpinos. Currently, we are finalizing our plans for launching an outlet in Abu Dhabi, and closely studying the prospect of expanding in neighboring GCC countries within the year.”

These are mainly tie-ups with leading chains interested in launching their popular brands in the Middle East. They include Big Daddy’s New York( American diner), Sloan’s Ice cream (American luxury ice cream,candy,sweets and merchandise shop) , YogurBerry frozen yogurt, Lemongrass Thai Restaurant, Reem Al Bawadi (popular Arabic cuisine), Cream Centre ( Indian, Vegetarian multi cuisines Restaurant), Barrio fiesta ( Highend Filipino casual diner franchise from Philippines), Tapa King (Filipino QSR franchise from Philippines), Sangeetha Vegetarian Restaurant (International popular South Indian restaurant chain) and Ponnusamy (Popular south Indian non-veg chain from India).

“The success of Tapa King is a testament to the power and presence of the Filipino community in the Middle East,” says Deen Sadiq, Group Director of the Landmark Zenath Group. “Filipinos by nature are very loving and loyal, so we had no doubt that a brand as timetested and well-loved as Tapa King

LMZ Cuisines is a leading F&B entity in the UAE; a part of the Landmark Zenath Group operating several restaurant groups, targeted to different market segments.

LMZ Cuisines’ goal is to expand its portfolio of brands across the region while adding more concepts and ideas.

The company is currently in negotiations with famous international brands to add even more diversity to the UAE’s vibrant gastronomic scene.

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PINOY PLANET

BY Jonathan “Jojo” Anciado Dime

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PINOY PLANET

When and why did you move there?

Working for a leading Korean construction company as a Coating Engineer for quite some time now, I was offered the job last May 2014. After several years under the scorching desert sun of the Middle East, I just thought I needed some change. Hearing about greener pastures from some of my colleagues sounded so enticing - such a relief from the sandy dunes here; also, there was always that unwavering childhood dream of being able to play in the snow. A curiosity for these things drove me to this place.

Tell us something about your adoptive country.

The republic of Uzbekistan is a small country which was once part of the mighty Soviet Union. Bordered by the five ‘stan’ countries, which are part of the so-called C.I.S. (Commonwealth of Independent States) namely Kazakhstan, Tajikistan , Kyrgyzstan, Afghanistan and Turkmenistan, it became independent in 1991. Ferdinand Magellan would

have found himself in trouble trying to discover this country since there are no parking spaces for his five ships. Every time somebody asks me again where in the world is Uzbekistan, I would simply reply ‘its somewhere in Russia’ with a smile.

Our project is located at Akchalak, Karakalpakstan. It’s quite far from the capital like the distance from Manila to Mindanao. You have to take a domestic

flight from Tashkent (capital city) to Nukus then a there’s a few hours’ drive to reach Akchalak.

As you roam around the place, you will see what looks like relics from World War II. Nothing much has change i.e. old buildings, old houses, abandoned factories and empty lands are some of the sights to see.

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PINOY PLANET

There are no shopping malls here! Henry Sy will drool to have his chains of SM supermalls built here. You may be lucky to find a few micro-stores along the way, though. The highways are a bit bumpy and there is a railroad system which is similar to the one in old Manila of 1950’s.

The houses are like square boxes mostly painted in white.

Most of the time, you can find horses tied at the fence while the goats and sheep flock the yard. The toilets are merely holes dug on the ground which reminds me of Dr. Jose Rizal’s house at Calamba, Laguna.

The dollar rate is about ZUM-3000 and exchanging US$100 would be a handful. Buying something from the nearby market could be tricky. In dealing with the locals who don’t speak English you will have to use a calculator to discuss prices.

Tell us about your life there.

Construction life is quite mundane. It involves long hours and hard work. Having to cope with living in a very remote place (as most oil/gas plants are situated) and deprived of the usual luxuries is a task.

I guess I am a typical OFW who left his family in exchange for a better life and a brighter future. It was sheer culture shock before but somehow I’ve gotten adjusted to the way of life here where the closest thing to being Filipino is using ‘tabo at timba.’ And where ‘pag-untog ng ulo’ is one way of saying “hello” to comrades.

I don’t know of any Filipino community here. Though there might be fellow OFWs working in Uzbekistan, I believe our workplace might have the biggest concentration in terms of population for Filipinos because of this mega project we’re building.

Your greeting to Filipino across the globe.

Hindi po nakakaputi ang snow sa Uzbekistan.

Salute to all the OFW’s out there! God bless us all.

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PINOY PLANET

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PINOY PLANET

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PINOY PLANET

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ON THE PROWL, IN THE KNOW

Apologize I know for some, apologizing is a sign of weakness. To me, it is not the case. I believe that apologizing can set you free and it is the act of being strong and courageous. It also shows that you have a good heart and that you value the relationship you have with that person over your ego. It’s never too late to apologize.

A good apology consists of; I’m sorry, what can I do? How do I make it right? So go on ahead and tell that person you’re sorry and give them a BIG hug!

Be Real It is a make it or fake it world and to be honest, we shouldn’t take it seriously as no one will make it out alive anyway.

For me, it is important to be real no matter what other people say. It is the only way to know if your friends/family or loved ones will like and love you no matter what. Say what you mean without being offensive and mean what you say without hesitation. If you don’t ask, you won’t get, right? “No matter how plain a woman may be, if truth and honesty are written across her face, she will be beautiful” – Eleanor Roosevelt

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Take Advice It’s important to take advice from people but it’s also important to take it from the right people. Listen to those who have worked in the industry you’re trying to work in. Listen to their words of wisdom but also take into account that, that was their experience and you’re a different person. “The only thing to do with good advice is pass it on. It is never any use of oneself” –Oscar Wilde

No Limitations The only limits are the ones we place upon ourselves.

There are no limits. Nothing is impossible. If the brain can conceive it, you can achieve it. Like Napoleon Hill said “There are no limitations to the mind except those that we acknowledge”. I’d say, dream big and work for it. The only way you can achieve it, is letting go of what has been, move forward and forget the past.

Build Confidence Another way in which you can ensure that you’re travelling on the path of success is confidence. It’s important to have confidence in yourself and your abilities because no one is going to give that to you. Don’t be confident in a

cocky way; be confident that other women will admire you.

It is true that no one is going to believe in you if you don’t believe in yourself. So be sure to build that confidence through whatever means possible. “Nobody can make you feel inferior without your consent” –Eleanor Roosevelt

Be Tenacious It’s great word to keep reminding yourself to keep going despite the rejection and the “no’s” you might hear as you travel along the road towards success. Just keep going and don’t give up.

Sooner or later you will hear that glorious ‘yes’ you have been dreaming of all along.

“Let me tell you the secret that has led me to my goal: my strength lies solely to my tenacity” –Louis Pasteur.

Your heart will get broken.

Some of us are lucky and some of us, not so much. You may be lucky enough to find your true love early in life, get married and have kids. We will get hurt in a relationship no matter how much we avoid it. Maybe it’ll be something small, like him insulting your dress or tell you that you have gained weight. We shouldn’t get depressed about it. And if two people really love, trust

and respect each other, I think they can overcome anything.

If the relationship was not meant to be, we should move on, forget that has been and find a new venture. “You can’t start the new chapter of your life, if you keep re-reading the last one” -Unknown

A degree isn’t a ticket to success.

Education is important, but it won’t guarantee you any success. Someone who has a master’s degree doesn’t always guarantee he/she will be successful. I know someone personally who is a Harvard graduate, and has no job at the moment for the last 5 months. I also know of someone who a high school drop was out and now the Project Manager of the second biggest oil company in Singapore. Also, attitude and character are two important factors to success, at least that’s what I believe in. “I failed in some subjects and my friend passed in ALL, now he is an engineer in Microsoft and I am the owner of Microsoft’ –Bill Gates Follow Tracy – www. misstracyley12.blogspot.com

ON THE PROWL, IN THE KNOW

When I was 15, I was obsessed with one TV-show called “My So-Called Life.” It only aired for one season, and the show was cancelled after 19 episodes. It was not as popular as all the other teen shows at the time like Beverly Hills 90210 or Dawsons Creek. I suppose because it starred a very typical awkward sensitive teenager, expertly portrayed by a young Claire Danes.

She was beautiful. The only problem is she doesn’t seem to know that she is. She was always trying to fit in or to measure up. In fact most days she just wanted to disappear in the crowd, which is probably why I liked the show so much. It felt like it was MY so-called life.

Like most teenage girls I struggled with my own self-image, I’m too short, too brown, too skinny, too smart for my own good. I did not have perfect teeth. I was never quite happy to be in my own skin. There was always someone to compare myself to and as a result I was miserable and angst-ridden.

Bring on the Alanis Morissette soundtrack.

to finally outgrow my own self-doubts. Dubai helped a lot.

Being away from the standards of everyone back home was pretty much a relief. Out here I was allowed to redefine myself and be whoever I want to be without fear of judgement or comparison.

Out here I felt more free to explore – I wore makeup, dresses, high heels, bikinis. I went out with men way taller than me.

I tried Capoiera, long boarding, skim boarding. I read my poems out loud. I did all that until I eventually found myself, until I became comfortable in my own skin. I finally realized I was that butterfly ready to spread her wings.

Today as I look in the mirror, I remember a line from my old favorite TV series – “It’s good to get dressed-up once in a while, and admit the truth – that if you look closely, people are so strange and so complicated that they are actually beautiful.

Possibly even me. “ Follow Kristine - @band-aid-blues.blogspot.com

It was only when I grew older, in my late 20s that I’ve come

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ON THE PROWL, IN THE KNOW

Start fresh and get lean as summer’s about to start.

You can do it, even if it’s just the bare minimum.

You only need to practice these two small habits six days a week, and feel — and see — the difference in a month.

Control your food Avoid stocking up food in your room or office drawer since it has a way of attracting you to want to eat more, and it makes you feel less full. Don’t allow the calories to pile up by staying away from junk food and fill your snack bowl with fruits and energy bars instead. Also, it only takes a few seconds to identify the difference between hunger and emotional eating, since it is important that you understand what you actually feel and this prevents developing health risks later.

Work out Exercise can also help your emotional being, in addition to giving you a fabulous figure. If you don’t like going to the gym or running/walking outside, you can still keep yourself fit at the comfort of your home for 10 minutes. Yes, you read that right.

Choose one routine from these equipment-free methods and fit them in your daily schedule to improve your health and fortify your muscles: skipping rope, push-ups, side-lying leg lifts and squats You can alternate each routine so it would not feel stodgy doing only one thing every day. Don’t forget to warm up and cool down for two minutes before and after to prepare your muscles and prevent any injury.

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ON THE PROWL, IN THE KNOW

While many turn off their alarm clocks on Friday mornings, the Mahatta Park boys set it to 5AM. Regardless if we had a long Thursday night, we want to be on the court by 6Am. It’s a breezy 16 degrees Celsius. Many come in hoodies, shorts and Jordans. It’s the league’s offseason. We come to play tune-up games. One team wears 10 different jerseys – there’s a Kobe Bryant Lakers jersey, a Kevin Durant, several Lebron James, and Michael Jordans of course. There’s also Calvin Abueva, a Barangay Ginebra, and a Gilas Pilipinas warmer too.

Some even wear arm sleeves and compression shorts.

To make sure that the wives are happy, some bring them and the kids along.

The barakos come from all ages. There’s a rookie at the age of 36. There’s also coach Magtoto who plays like a 26 year-old.

But when I asked, he revealed that he’s already 66. SIXTY-SIX! I asked about his secret of how he can still keep up with the game. He shared that he’d rather exercise than watch TV, eat and sleep. Mang Alfredo, who also loves badminton, said his grandchild inspires him to stay active.

I had a chat with Emil, the chairman of the league, about its history. I was amazed by his goals. Despite having a very challenging schedule at work, he still manages to get things organized and delegated to the committee.

The idea of having a community league started when Emil saw the growing number of Filipinos coming to the park to play.

They formed a committee that planned to create a venue for basketball enthusiasts not just to sweat it out, but to develop camaraderie and eventually become a community, regardless of the kind of work we do and the lifestyle we have, as long as we hail from any of the 7,107 islands of the Philippines.

But there’s a criteria to join. You must be within the 5’9” height limit, and you must not be a superstar. This is all about having fun and not about showcasing one’s superiority in the game.

To date, I continue to witness laughter, inspiration and friendship across the 10-team league. It’s great to have physical activity that relieves us from the stress of work and the challenges of being an OF – the reasons that encouraged me to accept the invitation of my friend Ronilo – also an opportunity to get back in shape. It’s even better to know that you are in a group that promotes a support system for each other.

Truly, we are the hopeless romantics of basketball. We breathe basketball wherever in the world we may be.

The Mahatta Pinoy Basketball League is not just a league, it’s a brotherhood.

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ONLI IN DA PILIPINS

The Top 10 Pinay Tactics

By ABY YAP

We’re no Supergirls, Wonder Women, or Darnas. But how do Pinays ever manage to get what we want—well, well (a la Maleficent)—nearly, every time?

This Women’s Month, we’ll let you in on our badass tricks in no particular order because though you’ll already know that these exist, there’s nothing else you can do but surrender to our whims and wishes. Mwahahaha. After all, we are and will always be the Diskarte Divas.

MRT Moves In this dark age of MRT with the fare hike, frequent breakdowns, shortened trips, epic queues, maddening commuters etc., what’s a girl got to do to go places sans the traffic mess? Be either sporty or chubby. So with eyes on the goal, the train entrance, we box out the other passengers and hurl our bags in between the doors until we get in. Or, we play a preggy role—stomach out, chest in—so we can sit comfortably until North Avenue. Don’t judge us.

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Lucky Charm Is it our long, shiny black hair; our kayumangging-kaligatan skin; or our warm and friendly smile that makes us totally irresistible? Hah, we can soften the will of even the toughest Divisoria salesman by throwing just one pa-cute/ pleading look with matching “Kuya, wala na bang tawad?” And voila, we’re offered not just huge discounts but tons of freebies and sometimes the guy’s mobile number, too! If it’s not a haba ng hair moment, we don’t know what is.

(Pa-)Hard to Get You say you love us to the moon/sun/ stars and back. Then show it to us through tangible means! Chop wood, wash the dishes, prepare breakfast, drive us to each and every mall and back—do everything to win our sweet “Yes.” While you already had us at “Hello,” it’s still

very much kilig to see you exert so much effort just to convince us that we’re for keeps. Because you don’t easily let go of anything/anyone you’ve worked hard for.

Tampo Mode Late for our shopping date? Broke your promise to buy us Chocnut?

Squeezed our love handles, which you thoughtlessly called bilbil, despite knowing that we haven’t eaten rice for a week? Prepare for That Thing Called Tampo. Hell hath no fury like a woman who’s napikon or sinumpong. We’ll give you the cold shoulder until you give us lambing—lots and lots of it— through flowers, chocolates, a life-sized Baymax stuffed toy, a daily tribute to our gorgeousness etc.

ONLI IN DA PILIPINS

Death by Drama Don’t try us. We can pull off a Kris Aquino stunt and unfollow everyone, including you, on Instagram. We’ll post every little fight we have, each #hugot we can dig up on our Facebook walls for all of our mutual friends to see. We’ll even create memes using your ugly pictures and bleeding Cupids because you’re breaking our hearts. You’ll never want to see your newsfeeds again. That is, if you can even survive being social media pariahs.

Pinay Bonding

Motor Mouth

Eye Brows

The so-called Mommy Method, this one uses the extreme power of the wide-open mouth aka bunganga (with the larynx’s aid, of course). Depending on the gravity of your offence or the urgency of the woman’s demands, the bunganga can talk non-stop for hours at 50 decibels and for sure will break your eardrums. So there’s no other choice but to own up to your mistakes with all your heart or provide everything that her heart desires, pronto!, in exchange for your sanity.

Picture Bella Flores’ piercing eyes then arched eyebrows. Feels like you already want to stab your heart with a butcher knife? That’s how terrifying the “Makuha ka sa tingin at sa taas ng kilay” device is. We don’t need to utter any words, scream at the top of our lungs, or scrape a blackboard with half-inch long fingernails to tell you we mean serious business. So, you better hide under your mother’s saya or confess your sins. Now.

Cryptic Code

Sugar and spice, and everything nice: that’s what we’re made of or what we can turn ourselves into, tee-hee. Some might accuse us of shamelessly longing to replace Jose Rizal’s monument in Rizal Park. But this martyrdom scheme takes years to be perfected. We’re targeting men’s conscience, FYI. So, we need to drill into them what they’ll be missing— free massages, home-cooked meals, surprise love letters etc.—should they start thinking of looking at another female human.

If Da Vinci had one, we also have ours.

Like (a) “Ewan” for “Yes” that we’re just painfully shy to say to your face, (b) “Okay” when everything isn’t and you even have the nerve to ask us if it’s okay, and (c) “Wala” for when we’re both aware that there’s indeed an issue between us. Let’s play mind games until you come kneeling and weeping before us because you can no longer fathom how our genius brains work.

Remember: we go to the CR by packs.

Friends or strangers, we share funny and sad stories with each other in the comfort of that smelly room. So, don’t ever make the mistake of betraying us and being caught by one of our girlfriends. Filipinas all over the world unite, especially when it comes to stories of unhappily ever afters. We’ll hound you until you’re found. And in your home, we’ll play Pusong Bato at full volume—it will haunt you forever.

Tender Loving Care

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