15 MAY-JUNE 15 2013
BEAUTY AND THE BEACH THE FILIPINA EMERGES IN A TWO-PIECE
IN THE BUFF
THE HEALTH CRAZE THAT PINOYS ARE CRAZY ABOUT
AGING GRACEFULL Y TRICKS AND TIPS THAT DON’T REQUIRE SURGERY
74 SUMMER FLING
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STYLE SENSE: STAYING
COOL &CHIC IN THE HEAT
PHOTOGRAPHY by EROS GOZE
Editor’s Note
Hello, summer.
It happens almost overnight. Or at least it feels like that. You wake up one morning and realize that the flame trees that generously line your neighborhood, as well as roads and parks all over Dubai, have suddenly gone back to vibrant life - showing off new fresh green leaves and vivacious flowers all ablaze in happy orange. Lush “gardens”, which we’re fortunate to have almost everywhere in the city, are awash with color thanks to vigorously blooming bougainvillea, desert roses, dahlias, periwinkles and all sorts of flowers I cannot put a name to. It’s summer. The season that most of us out here dread. The temperature is rising and we are loath to let go of the cool comfort of winter past. But just to see all the bright new life around you, is probably enough of a salve to sooth your spirits for the coming months of heat and humidity. I’ve always thought that it’s nature’s way of compensating, making the summer more bearable. The heat aside, there is certainly something about summer that lends itself to new beginnings, being young again, or simply acting in youthful abandon. For a lot of us Filipinos, summer back home is all about chilling with friends, biking in the countryside, swimming or going on outings, eating halo-halo, finding a new crush, and just wiling away the days of idyll, doing as we please. Out here, for those of us who have not opted to fly out to cooler climes, there is always that chance to escape to the relaxing resorts around the country, or find summer bliss in some beautiful quiet spots far from the madding crowd. (My personal favorite is green Al Ain, where, if lucky, you might even experience the surprise of rain, right in the middle of summer.) You can spend your day lounging in a temperature controlled pool, or discovering places you’ve never been too, and your nights just hanging out with friends over chilled drinks basking in the ambience as the city slowly winds down, week by week, for its annual hiatus – a chance for everybody to exhale and feel revived again. Not such a bad deal, right? So ready or not, here’s to the beautiful summer…
Taas Noo, Filipino! LALAINE CHU-BENITEZ Publisher and Editor-in-Chief
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MAY 2013
Contributors
Ana P. Santos
To Ana, working out is like the primal human need to eat, sleep and procreate. She tries to work out at least 3-4 times a week. She tells people that if she doesn’t get enough of her weekly workout, she gets really really cranky, but in reality, she just means that as a freelance writer and creative entrepreneur, she has no excuse not to take care of her health. Besides, she knows that keeping fit and not skinny is one of the secrets to aging gracefully.
Nikka Sarthou
With a passion for writing and traveling, Nikka Sarthou continues to let her wandering shoes explore new places and experience new cultures. She is currently a Contributing Editor in Smile, the in-flight magazine of Cebu Pacific Air, and a Co-Founder of Writer’s Block Philippines. She recently visited The Farm at San Benito to discover all about its health and wellness programs, as she believes that it is time to invest in her health and detoxify—even for a day.
Didi Paterno - Magpali
If there’s one thing that Didi can’t stop talking about: it’s food. She believes that it was destiny that got her the assignment to interview Filipino chefs and write about Filipino cuisine in this month’s issue. To Didi, this intense passion for food comes great responsibility. With her recent move from Dubai to the United States, Didi does plan to stay fit albeit her planned food explorations in her new home.
Anna Oposa
As co-founder and Chief Mermaid of Save Philippine Seas, Anna Oposa goes to work in a bikini. Her work requires her to travel coast to coast (quite literally) which means summer is all-year round. When Anna’s not underwater or on the shore, she’s writing for various online and print publications and implementing other projects that empower the Filipino youth. This summer, Anna is trying to do yoga at least once a week and swim 1 kilometer twice a week. She’s also starting to run again!
Dr. Marlon Pecjo
His works have graced the covers of the country’s top glossies and have featured the most stunning models and fashions. Originally trained for the medical field, but eventually diverted to his real love of fashion photography, ‘Doc Marlon’s’ images are known for their crisp decisiveness and decidedly first world fashion flare. In this issue, he captures some the most stunning gorgeous summer and swim wear from Manila.
Excel V. Dyquiangco
Excel V. Dyquiangco is not a fitness buff. He sometimes tries his hand at running, but immediately gets tired after a couple of minutes and just walks around the block. Doing the interviews for “In the Buff” made him realize that it is important to get a good workout to have a more positive outlook in life, too. He hopes to go back to the gym this summer and build up some muscle.
Aby Yap
There are only three things Aby lives for: travel, (non-exotic) food, and fat cats. Her ultimate dream is to visit at least 25% of the world in her lifetime. The rest of it can follow in her next life preferably as a well-fed adventureseeking puss in boots. In her piece on raising a beauty queen, Aby realized there’s so much hope for anyone who wishes for that gandang di inakala! And no need to be belofied to be beautiful. We just have to follow Lola’s ageless “natural” beauty secrets and Miss Valenzuela of PI can beat Miss Venezuela anytime. Her fitness goal this summer is simply not to die from the notorious Philippine summer heat by drinking 1 gallon of water everyday and 1 strawberry shake every morning.
PUBLISHER & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Lalaine Chu-Benitez CREATIVE DIRECTOR Mon Benitez ASSOCIATE EDITOR Ana Santos COLUMNISTS Aby Yap Alfred “Krip” Yuson Bernadette Reyes Bo Sanchez Carlito Viriña Francisco Colayco Jeremy Baer Dr. Margarita Holmes CONTRIBUTING WRITERS – UAE, PHILIPPINES, CANADA SWITZERLAND Mary Ann Angela Mapa Marchadesch Mary Anna Oposa Ann “Maps” Santos Barbara Marchadesch Nephele Kirong Candice Lopez Quimpo Nikka Sartgou Dante Gagelonia Nina Terol-Zialcita Did Paterno P.A. Escalante Excel Dyquianco Princes Nedamo Johanna Michelle Lim Quay Evano Kara Santos Rache Hernandez Liza Lacuesta Regina Layug-Lucero Manny Escosa Sherry Tenorio CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS – UAE & PHILIPPINES Glenn Peter-Perez Cristina Linaza Mariyah Gaspacho Donald Rosales Dr. Marlon Pecjo Filbert Kung Paelo Pedrajas Eros Goze CONTRIBUTING FASHION CREW - UAE Jessie Tabla Frankie Melendez Jojo Padua Ginno Alducente 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 Dreamstime.com (Unless otherwise specified) Copyright Illustrado Communications FZ-LLC 2006 – 2013 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.
38 May 2013 Contents Filipina model Red Dela Cruz smolders in this month’s fashion editorial featuring Manila’s hottest summer and swimwear.
news & features
Aging Gracefully Great Women Brand In the Buff Beauty and the Beach Summer Fling Your Body, Our Business The Pinoy Belly Filipino Chefs and Food Illustrado Day of Sisterhood Summer Peace Festival Nikon Portrait Shoot Out Challenge Winners
10 14 16 18 26 28 64 65 88 91 92
regular columns
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Editor’s Note 1 Contributors 2 Talking Loud 4 Illuminati: Flora for Longevity 6 Style Sense: Cool and Chic for the Summer 22 It’s What I Do 30 Kabuhayan Money: Body Balance 32 Spirituality: The Best Medicine 34 Illustrado Scrapbook 36 Trippin’: 10 Things to Do 58 Bakasyon Grande: My First Holistic Healing Holiday 70 Pinoy Planet: My Pinoy Life in Florida 74 On the Prowl, In the Know 76 Bayanihan Corner 84 Onli in Da Pilipins: Raising a Beauty Queen 86
fashion
Fashion: Sun-kissed Fashion Forward: Ezra Santos Fashion Forward: Michael Cinco Fashion Forward: Furne One
38 52 53 54
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Talking Loud
Write to us at: editor@illustrado.net or join the discussion at IIlustrado Magazine’s Facebook page
anyone can do something. In volunteering, I feel honored and privileged to be a member of the group, which has no age, gender, status or culture barrier. I feel like I can make a little difference in an ordinary and tedious life as well as meet new friends so much younger and yet more successful than myself! It is amazing that I get to learn more from the young ones. Volunteering, for me, is also a cure for homesickness. I have not influenced a lot of young ones to join me in volunteering their time, but I can say that those that I have invited are dedicated to their tasks and actions.
It has been our custom every month of March to celebrate International Women’s Month by way of holding a Day of Sisterhood. It’s on this day when we Pinays come together, let our hair down for some serious girl talk. We’d like to thank everyone for joining us at our last Go Pinay! Day of Sisterhood and making it a success. ~Lalaine My dear Lalaine, Ronette and Rhon A thousand thanks for organizing the GO PINAY event! They say that the best things in life are FREE and we did enjoy all the freebies: free useful information, free advice on love life and career, free giveaways, free food--what more could we ask for? I heard about the WOMAN of SUBSTANCE last year from a friend. I was intimidated to join at that time because I felt that I did not have the “substance” to lead or inspire our fellow kabayans. If I ask myself, what have I achieved to promote the Filipino way of life and culture here in Dubai, I have no answer. My years here have not been very exciting. I am ensconced in my so-called comfort zone. My routine is work, pray, eat and communicate with my loved ones back in the Philippines. Every Saturday I volunteer three hours of my time to the Senses Home for Special Needs and do the ironing. Some friends commented that this country is so rich, there is no need to assist or volunteer. I don’t think so. Volunteering is a win-win situation. Nobody can do everything but
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Lalaine, I pray that all of you will have the best of health and success so you can continue with your noble deeds in inspiring as many as Filipinos from different walks of life in upholding good moral values, striving for excellence in their chosen career and leading an exemplary life. During the event, a lady approached me and reminded me that we used to be classmates in one of the Degirati computer classes and she is going to be a Trainer in the forthcoming Cosmetology class. Isn’t it inspiring? I salute her and wish her more success! Thank you again. Generosity is helping those who cannot afford to pay in return. God bless. Liberty L. Que Law Offices of Mahmoud Al Hawai Having gone abroad for the first time, leaving five children behind and running away from the nobility of my teaching profession has been an extremely miserable plight for me. For the past two years that I have been here in Dubai, the degrading stories I have heard about my fellow Filipinas with all the discrimination I received myself for being brown and not having the “slang” accent of the whites, have doubled my excruciating miseries, and at some point, made me feel so insecure. At Illustrado’s Day of Sisterhood, having heard the “Filipinas with Substance” speak for real, seeing them oozing with so much confidence, feeling their patriotism and concern, well, what else is there but to be grateful and proud that I am indeed
a beautiful, Filipina!
intelligent,
hard-working
The day was opened with the sweet and sincere, funny yet cutting remarks of Her Excellency Grace Relucio Princesa. When she started to speak, I felt a grip of excitement! She did make me laugh; she also made me think so deeply; and I was taken by surprise, she also made me cry! I appreciated the way she was been so open about her life, sharing her struggles and successes. I could very well relate to her. Just like her, I have my own times of triumphs and though I continue to struggle, I was glad to have had the opportunity to hear her words of encouragement of how we should keep our faith in our Almighty God. Truly, hers is a story of courage, which for the rest of my life will echo an inspiring thought: “ang mga pagsubok ay paghuhubog”. I can still (and I will) achieve more in life, not necessarily in terms of financial gains but more so, the wealth of living a meaningful life. How I ended running after her when she was about to leave the hall just to have one photo, with the Philippine Ambassador to the UAE. She is a true epitome of a Filipina heroine. I was so happy that I was able to hug and thank her at the end! The whole day was packed with exhilarating lessons of practical application and motivation. How I wanted the day not to come to a close! I may not be able to recall all that was said and done during the event, but, how I was made to feel will surely stay with me for a long time. Feeling so proud, so inspired, and so blessed --- “taas noo dahil ako ay Filipino”--- go Pinay! To all the sponsors and most especially to the Illustrado Team, my heartfelt thanks to all of you. Know that you got a fan here and a volunteer, too, just incase you would need one someday. Godspeed! Nezz Waves via Facebook
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Flora for
LONGETIVITY By Krip Yuson
Christmas of 2011, I received a gift of a pot with a leafy plant, which the generous friend said was called Ashitaba. It was a plant endemic to Japan, I was told. And as the lore goes, it was found growing on a rocky island where prisoners were occasionally thrown to fend off on their own. The poor blokes had to scrounge around for themselves, and soon learned to chew on the Ashitaba leaves. They all went on to become centenarians, or so the story goes. The Ashitaba eventually became known as the longevity plant, or “Nature’s Longevity Herb.” The instruction was to snip off, chew and ingest at least a couple of leaves daily. It would be good for all internal affairs, my friend said. And we’d both live to a hundred. Not that I looked forward to doing that, I mean getting there — but heck, I did what I was told. The plant was very easy to propagate. Every snip of a leaf caused the branch to shoot out a new branchlet, so that constant
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snipping led to vigorous, bushy growth. And cutting off and sticking a fairly firm branch into soil grew into another plant in no time. I soon had new Ashitaba pots to distribute to friends similarly inclined to care for even just a mini-garden. By the time we had to move to a new place, I had several bushes, a few of which I replanted on the ground — where they didn’t thrive too well, so blame that on poor soil in our backyard. In any case, even before that transpired, after nearly a year of helping proselytize on the supposed health benefits of the supposed Ashitaba plant, I learned from a friend in the U.S. that it wasn’t quite Ashitaba I was growing, and ingesting. He had done research on the subject, and noted that my plant’s leaves weren’t at all those of the Ashitaba, but rather of a relation, the Gynura procumbens. By this time another friend in our old Bedan loop, a surgeon who had also begun to raise the plant, found affirmation that indeed it wasn’t Ashitaba we had.
A few other friends had also learned of Ashitaba, and in fact I received yet another Christmas gift, two pots this time. It almost broke my heart to inform the giver that it wasn’t Ashitaba, but Gynura procumbens — which by the way, we could all do well to continue propagating, and ingesting for the sake of our internal affairs. Our Bedan friend in Florida who first alerted us on the distinction also sent more clarification, this after I sent him a YouTube clip of a Manila TV station’s feature on “Ashitaba, the Amazing Dahon.” They had also been had, as seem to have been most plant lovers hereabouts who’ve been sold what was passed off as “Ashitaba” by commercial growers. In all likelihood, unwittingly. Comparing the two plants is a post on the Ashitabaplant blog (which indeed bears the same title as the plant itself ): “Though both herbs are beneficial to the health, Ashitaba and Gynura procumbens are of two different types. Their leaves might be the same, but a closer look would
illuminati
prove it otherwise. The ridges of the leaves are more pronounced in Ashitaba than in Gynura procumbens. To the untrained eye, both plants may look similar and often people will mistake one for the other…” “Gynura procumbens is believed by the Chinese to be one that possesses the ability to lower blood pressure and sugar levels. Usually it is recommended to eat 3–7 leaves daily in raw form…” Supposed studies in Singapore and South Korea reputedly show that “an alcoholic extract reduces elevated blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels,” and that “the herb possessed anti-hypertensive properties.” It is also recommended as “an herbal treatment of eruptive fever, rash, kidney disease, migraine, constipation, hypertension, diabetes mellitus and cancer.” It’s also used in Africa, per the Plant Resources of South East Asia (PROSEA) — with “boiled leaves… applied externally to relieve general body pains and raw leaves for rheumatic pains. Dried and pounded leaves are mixed with oil and applied as a poultice to treat skin complaints. It is also
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used for the treatment of kidney problems and dysentery.” In Java, the young shoots are eaten as a vegetable. In Singapore, the leaves are blanched before consumption. Its Malay name is “Sambung Nyawa” — meaning “Leaves of the Gods.” Hmm. Oh, so, well and good, we still have something beneficial thriving in our gardens. And yet I can’t wait to get shared specimens of the Ashitaba, which a friend says he’s asked a friend in Tokyo to send seeds of, and promised me some. I’m still curious — if it’s even more potent than its cousin the Gynura, especially since the Japanese call it their longevity or centenarian’s plant. Meanwhile, I’ve also kept track of all the other recommended ways of staying alive or at least in better shape — thru the instant magical library courtesy of the Internet. For one, there’s the supposedly powerful concoction one can compose with the juice of ginger, garlic and lemon mixed with honey. Why, my Significant Other (not of the kind that sings “I Love You Poh”) has
even purchased a juicer for me — else, how does one extract cups of liquid from garlic and ginger, unless one is supposed to also build up his biceps from all that pounding? I’ve tried juicing veggies and fruits together, for what comes out as delicious smoothies — parsley, cucumber, carrot and papaya. Still need to get sackloads of garlic and ginger. And for the nonce, I’ve concocted a colonics-type of juice diet, rather a daily double-dose, of apple juice, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon and honey. Together with the buko juice I pick up now and then, why, I’m beginning to feel like Superman. When that “real” Ashitaba comes around, and I mix its leaves with those of the Gynura procumbens and throw them along with alfalfa sprouts and cherry tomatoes into my juicer, why, maybe I even stand a chance to have a brush with immortality! But do I really want that? Jeez. Belo or no Belo, not on your life!
AGING Gracefully by Ana Santos
The secrets to aging gracefully are not to be found in bottles or on the other end of a laser treatment—well, at least not all of them. There are easier and less costly ways to shave off a few years. Updated not outdated These things could be dating you and you might not even be aware of it.
Glasses Are you still wearing the thick-framed glasses that are so smart and sexy on Clark Kent? Trade them in for classic leaners
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frames made from various metals like aluminum and in matte finish.
Posture Keep your stomach in and your chest out Your posture is a subtle indication of your age. As we age and our bones weaken, we tend to slouch more and appear a
few inches shorter. Be more conscious about slouching. Keep your neck straight, shoulders and feet leveled directly below hips. Engage your abs by imagining that there is a cord that connects your abs to your head, then imagine that cord being pulled up from the top of your head forcing you to straighten up.
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The secrets to aging gracefully are not to be found in bottles or on the other end of a laser treatment.”
Get a speedy 2.0 upgrade The world will continue to be a wired one and not knowing how to use the latest social media platform, app or gadget is already an indication of what era you were born in. Get on the Net and search for tutorials on YouTube or useful downloads. In the age of modern technology, it’s not just about having the latest gadget, it’s all about knowing how to use it.
Dress your age Yes, there are certain things that we cannot fight off like gravity and the effects it will have on body. Parts will start to sag and
become flabbier. Resist the urge to dress in loose shapeless clothes to cover up the slouchy parts. Now, this does not mean we should defy aging (and all sense of social propriety) by dressing inappropriately and showing skin. The middle ground between frumpy manang and going hoochie is getting clothes that fit well. More than ever, your clothes should accentuate the new curvatures of your more mature body. Invest in formfitting, tailored classic pieces that are sexy and classy. Getting rid of high-waisted Mommy jeans or those tops with heavy shoulder pads will help turn back the clock, too.
Hair there and everywhere It’s not just your hair color that dates you; it is also your hairstyle. If you’ve been sporting the same hairstyle for the last two or three years, it’s time to have a chat with your hairstylist and tell him to give you a cut that is modern, young and stylish and easy to maintain. “Easy to maintain” is essential to this brief because an overly severe or a coiffed hairstyle is so last decade. It is only Imelda Marcos who can get away with the same hairstyle.
Color your hair and venture into getting highlights for a more youthful appearance. Watch for thinning hair and hair that isn’t supposed to be there Hormonal changes may cause hair to sprout where it wasn’t before and it may cause hair to thin out. Check for hair thickening on your upper lip and wax it away with a hair strip. Eyelashes may start thinning so explore getting eyelash extensions. Just don’t go overboard by getting camel-like eyelashes. Pay special attention to your eyebrows. Your brows can instantly change your facial appearance. Invest in getting your brows professionally shaped and tinted. Yes, tinted. Use of astringents and facial creams discolor your brows; tinting them makes sure its shade matches the color of the hair on your head.
Get a quick and natural boob job Your middle region is not the only thing that is more prone to the gravitational pull. Your boobs, even the modest-sized ones, will start to drop a few inches and their size may also change. Accumulation of back fat might also be accentuated by bra straps that are too tight calling for an investment in a good fitting,
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push up bra. Get yourself measured in the lingerie store before buying. While you’re at it, purchase some new underwear, preferably the ones that won’t pinch and give you an appearance of a muffin top. Add Spanx to your shopping bag and get an instant body – bust lift. Your outer clothes will look much better on you when you’ve got your insides tucked in properly.
Teeth as white as snow While no one will ever really have pearly whites that are white as snow, those cups of coffee or tea and cigarettes are bound to show up somewhere—mainly, in the yellowing of your teeth. Make a teeth whitening session part of your make-over. No one will ever guess how many tobacco sticks or teeth staining beverages have made it past your lips.
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Weigh yourself regularly
Sunblock
Weighing scale can be a friend, rather than a foe—if you pay it a visit regularly. Monitoring your weight will make it easier to fight out an age-telling matronly figure. It’s easier to work off two extra pounds than 20 pounds that snuck up on you while you put off checking your scale. Remember, there is a reason why a figure is called matronly. All other beauty potions do come in a bottle or a tube.
Never ever go out without sunblock. Shop around and experiment for the best brand with the texture, thickness and finish that will best suit your skin’s needs. If your daily activities and your environment require you to be under the sun a lot, re-apply sunblock in the middle of the day. Apply lip balm with SPF under your lipstick to protect your lips. The skin on our lips is thinner than the rest of our face so it is crucial to shield them from the sun.
Moisturizer
Sleep
Moisturizer is the closest we will ever get to the fountain of youth—just ask those who were smart enough to moisturize early on in their adult years. Those who need to do some catching up, don’t forget to moisturize especially in the evening. Apply moisturizer to your neck and décolletage area as well.
Nothing beats a good night’s sleep—at least 7 to 8 hours a day. It is during sleep when the body repairs itself and by its own accord, turns back the hands of time. It isn’t called beauty sleep for nothing.
news
The Great Women Brand: Carving out a market space for small scale enterprises
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he ECHOsi Foundation, the non-profit development arm of ECHOstore Sustainable Lifestyle retail brand, in partnership with the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW), launched the GREAT Women Project. With funding provided by the Canadian International Development Agency, GWP is made possible through the concerted efforts of the private sector and national government agencies such as the PCW, regional representatives of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Science and Technology (DOST) for food certifications, and local government units (LGUs). Forging a public-private partnership, the ECHOsi Foundation and the PCW is providing assistance to micro-enterprises owned by women in the provinces of Quezon, Bohol, Iloilo and Naga by filling in gaps in the product development and supply chain. Enterprising women who have backyard industries are evaluated and critiqued so they can enhance their products. The ECHOsi Foundation, which offers culturally-sensitive, specialized enterprise development services linked to social enterprises, retail stores, and global market access. It saw the creation of a consolidated
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brand any women’s micro-enterprise could use. Aptly named “Great Women Brand” this one brand can strategically bring products to niche or specialty markets. The foundation also agreed that Great Women Brand can be licensed for use by any women’s microenterprise which needs a brand to help them get their products distributed through a wider network. ECHOsi, along with designers and product developers who have their own markets, and other regional government agencies like DOST and DTI, lend their expertise and knowledge to help women micro-entrepreneurs create specific product for a specific market. Products developed under the Great Women Brand include food products, home textile accessories, couture and fashion accessories and home décor pieces. Among the designers, exporters and product developers who have travelled the country with ECHOsi are fashion designer Lulu Tan Gan, Movement 8 co-founders Tes Pasola and Ann Pamintuan, Banago Bags’ Renee Patron, Filip+Inna’s Lenora Cabili, product merchandiser Rambie Lim, architect and ECHOsi Foundation chairman Dan Lichauco, artist-designer-curator and ECHOsi Foundation president Jeannie Javelosa, graphic artist Reena Francisco and coffee product specialist Chit Juan.
Other supporters include the Women’s Business Council of the Philippines (WBCP), the Mindanao Trade Association and retailers who will market-test products such as Tesoro’s, Malu Gamboa of Milky Way fame, and ECHOstore Sustainable Lifestyle. GWB was launched last March 19 at the Yuchengco Museum, RCBC Plaza in Makati City. product developers who have travelled the country with ECHOsi are fashion designer Lulu Tan Gan, Movement 8 co-founders Tes Pasola and Ann Pamintuan, Banago Bags’ Renee Patron, Filip+Inna’s Lenora Cabili, product merchandiser Rambie Lim, architect and ECHOsi Foundation chairman Dan Lichauco, artist-designer-curator and ECHOsi Foundation president Jeannie Javelosa, graphic artist Reena Francisco and coffee product specialist Chit Juan. Other supporters include the Women’s Business Council of the Philippines (WBCP), the Mindanao Trade Association and retailers who will market-test products such as Tesoro’s, Malu Gamboa of Milky Way fame, and ECHOstore Sustainable Lifestyle. GWB was launched last March 19 at the Yuchengco Museum, RCBC Plaza in Makati City.
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IN THE BUFF Excel V. Dyquiangco
Excel Dyquiango examines the emerging trend of fitness in the metropolis and why so many Pinoys are trying to make it across the finish line and in good time. When the Condura Skyway Marathon, one of the most anticipated marathons every year, started in 2008, there were only 2,000 registered runners. Now five years later, the run saw 14,000 participants make a run for it at a route that began at the top of the Skyway. Ton Concepcion, the founder and chief organizing officer of the Condura Skyway Marathon, says, “The run has actually attracted nearly 58,000 runners in its six-year history, and just keeps on growing.” In the past, marathons only took place in a particular area in Metro Manila. Now, where there are streets, there are runners. Racers are coming in from all directions, along with restaurants that offer healthy and delightful recipes for those who want to lose–and even gain–weight, a plethora of new and exciting fitness exercises such as barre and hanging yoga, and the continual appearance of health and fitness shops and specialty stores, brands and sporting gears all around the country. The fitness craze, which morphed into a habit, is now turning into a lifestyle. “This trend is caused by the prominence of social media and improved communications via the Internet and through smart gadgets which enable us to stay better connected and receptive
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Racers are coming in from all directions. The fitness craze, which morphed into a habit, is now turning into a lifestyle”. ILLUSTRADO 18
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to health issues,” says Dr. Denise Marie L. Herrera-Lavilles from the Department of Internal Medicine of The Medical City. “Filipinos have also begun to realize that the treatment for disease complications costs more than prevention of illness.” She also adds that the rising incidence of chronic disease and lifestyle-related illnesses and technological advancements such as diagnostics and access to health care in general are also some of the key reasons why Filipinos have no time to waste—and no excuse--in keeping physically fit and healthy.
The Filipino Culture Raymond Racaza, founder of Run.ph, an advocacy to promote running and a place where people get inspired to embrace an active lifestyle looks at running on a whole new level. Instead of looking at it from the perspective of technology, he looks at it from the viewpoint of the culture of the Filipinos. According to him, since the country is not a walking country where low-cost and effective public transportation is available, people just want to try other avenues of mobilization. “The Philippines has cabs, jeepneys and tricycles that allow a person to take the ride of his choice, but often the place where we live is not near where we work,” he says.
Second is because of the horde mentality. “When you see other peers and other people getting into fitness, it has a snowball effect and when you look at the benefits, who wouldn’t want to get into it? The benefits are boundless and immeasurable.” Raymond also says it is because Filipinos are very passionate bunch. “When we begin to love and like something, we have the tendency to go for it – running included,” he says. “Nowadays, people want to find balance amidst their busy lifestyle,” says Cel Torrefranca, Brand Manager of The Spa. “What drives this trend is that the need to be physically, emotionally and mentally fit to do the things that they need to accomplish in life.” Dr. Virgilio Ofiana, a fellow in pharmaceutical medicine, who also organized the Mall Walkers Club of Senior Citizens, a joint advocacy on active aging between Unilab Bayanihan Foundation and SM Bicutan says that the reason some people go to the gym or join marathons also includes joining events for a cause. He warns, though, “Personally, I feel that the increasing number of fitness buffs is more apparent than real,” he says. “There seems to be more people now going for yoga or tai chi or Pilates but only for those who can afford, which are conducted in a very limited number of facilities, and mostly in the cities. Fitness requires an individual’s commitment, and that there’s a tendency for fitness programs to gravitate to the elite for reasons of cost.”
From Skinny to Fit Because of such marathons and races, healthy eating and a diverse variety of fitness regimens, there is a notion that one needs to be skinny in order to be fit. In fact most commercials and television and some advertisements in print say that being skinny is the “in” thing.
But there is a difference. “Being skinny is merely a perception of having an ideal body weight or of looking good by being thin, but this doesn’t necessarily equate to having good health. Being fit, meanwhile, is related to a person’s over-all functional capacity and how well he is able to exercise, remain physically active and be able to lower one’s own disease risks,” says Dr. Denise. “A person’s level of fitness is an important predictor of health. The goal of being fit is definitely more preferable to just being skinny.” Moha Barakat, a student in Barre 3, an exercise composed of different elements from yoga, Pilates and ballet, says that skinny is not always fit. “There are skinny people who are actually unhealthy or are just skinny because of their genes,” she says. “Fitness pertains more to the lifestyle of a person. Eating right, regular exercise and healthy habits like not smoking and moderate alcohol drinking make a person fit. I think more people understand this now and more people pursue fitness now rather than just being skinny.
“
Fit not skinny. The goal of being fit is definitely more preferable to just being skinny.”
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Beauty and the Beach:
THE FILIPINA AND HER BIKINI by Anna Oposa
Filipina girls/they’re unforgettable/bikini and t-shirt on top.” ~ A parody of Katy Perry’s song, “California Girls” A bikini and a t-shirt on top—in extreme cases, shorts and t-shirt on top--was probably what most Pinays would wear on the beach. Ten to fifteen years ago. Now, our sunny shores are filled with Filipinas donning twopiece swimsuits in various styles and prints. This month, Illustrado explores why Filipinas dove into this trend. From a one-piece to a two-piece “About ten years ago, I would already see bikinis splattered all over the summer issues of the biggest Philippine women’s magazines. They had headlines like, ‘300 bikinis for the summer.’ Naturally, women want to be in vogue,” says Ria, 24, a social media manager. She holds a master’s degree in Luxury Brand Management from Instituto Maranggoni in Milan, Italy. “Wearing bikinis started off as a trend I wanted to join. Swimwear brands hadn’t
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come out with fashion forward one-pieces then, only those that looked like they were for the Olympics,” Ria explains. Clars, a category manager for a food and beverage company, says she started wearing bikinis 13 years ago, when she was 25 years old, due to the encouragement of her friends. “At first, I was self-conscious because I have an unusual body shape,” she shares. Clars describes her body as “top heavy with a narrow waist but not your typical hourglass body figure”.
“Some girls were already wearing them in the Philippines, but not as common. Today parang mas nakakahiya pa if you’re in a one-piece,” Clars says with a smile.
Bikinis in the Philippines With the Philippines’ many white-sand beaches, it only seemed natural for Filipinas not just to wear bikinis but produce them. In 1997, SWIM Philippines Inc. and its retail store Nothing But H2O were established. Over the last 16 years, Nothing
trippin’
But H2O has grown into the prime swimwear store in the country. Anemone is its first house brand. According to Lauren dela Cruz, who is part of the business development team of Nothing But H2O, founder Dimples Balaguer-La O created Anemone with a belief “that the Philippines should be the ultimate source of swimwear because of our never ending summer.” For fashion designer Twinkle Ferraren, her swimwear line was inspired by homesickness. “Twinkle Ferraren Swimwear was conceptualized in 2003, during my first winter experience while studying in London. We were coming up with concepts for clothing lines as a project for school,” Twinkle recalls. “I started missing everyone back home, especially the weather. I wanted to create a brand that encapsulated and represented that part of the country.” Twinkle Ferraren Swimwear offers embellished, bespoke, limited edition
Turning point There are many reasons why the bikini has gained popularity steadily over the years. Ria thinks that the “growing Western influence, media presence, and increased sense of liberation” caused the trends to tip towards the bikini. “It could also be because the Filipina is traveling more often now. Being more exposed to other peoples, cultures, lifestyles and traveling bring about confidence in oneself,” says Twinkle. For Lauren, the spike in bikini sales is more about availability. “I think the turning point was really having swimwear styles available in the country,” she muses. “When Nothing But H2O first opened its doors, there was no store like it. It gave Filipinos direct access to a wider selection, more upto-date swimwear pieces. It has grown and responded to the needs of the Filipinas by empowering its clientele to celebrate their bodies and express their personalities by
who are “way past 50 years old.” “Even one woman who’s over 70 years old!” she exclaims. Clars, at 38, wears her bikinis with pride. “There are so many styles and cuts that create optical illusions, like high-cut bottoms or tankinis,” she says. “There are also so many designs and sizes to suit your age and personality.” For Ria, another reason why bikinis are so popular is because they can be mixed and matched. “It won’t be obvious that you only have 2 or 3 bikinis,” she pauses. “And most importantly, it’s so much easier to pee!” she says with a big laugh. The diversity in styles and sizes prompted Anemone to upload a “Perfect Swimsuit for Your Body” guide on their Facebook that can also be seen in their stores. “We want our clients to be comfortable in whatever it is that they will buy while being comfortable with their own body. Whatever decision they make in purchasing or wearing our swimsuits, we can be sure that we have helped them in making right decisions when it comes to swimwear,” Lauren says.
The future of the bikini
swimwear. The brand also offers a new multi-wear swimwear concept, where one can wear the pieces several ways. Twinkle, like the team behind Anemone, is also passionate about producing a proudly Filipino line: “Since 2005, it’s been my advocacy to produce and source everything locally as much as possible and always to have a hint or touch of something Philippine-made.”
ILLUSTRADO 22
making available a wider selection of styles and sizes to the Philippine market.” “There also so many local and foreign brands with different price points,” Clars adds.
The bikini and the body With easier access to designs and price points, Filipinas of all ages can now be seen in bikinis. Twinkle divulges that she clients
Ria sees no expiration date for the popularity of bikinis in the Philippines. “With social media and more foreign fashion influence, swimwear in the Philippines can go in many different directions all at the same time. This ‘trend’ is going to stay for a very long time!” “Swimwear in the Philippines will keep growing, until we get into that state where it’s not a big deal and one can flaunt it generously,” says Twinkle. “There will be more innovations, styles, brands and women wearing it. We are a tropical country after all, and that means we have 7,000-plus islands we need to fill up with women in bikinis!”
style sense
Cool and chic FOR THE SUMMER Look hot this summer without breaking into a sweat with these cool fashion tips by Agnes Stott-Briggs. Summer is the time of the year when people dress in a more relaxed and casual style for comfort and fun.
Here are some style solutions for looking polished and staying cool in the summer heat.
oranges, greens and light blues. Mix and match these with summery floral prints for a fresh and trendy look.
However, in this part of the world, dressing for the summer poses some challenges. There’s the searing heat outdoors and cold air-conditioned indoors to contend with and of course, there is always a need to dress within culturally accepted standards. Chances are, by the time you leave your air conditioned haven, get to the parking space and arrive at your destination, both your outfit or comfort have suffered and your confidence level has dropped a few notches.
1. Wear natural fabrics. Mix and
3. Give the jeans a break. Denim is
match light colored natural fabrics like cotton and linen. Avoid Lycra, leather and other synthetic materials that trap moisture and can make you look sweaty and frazzled. Try mixing and matching materials, like a blousy silk top with crisp, linen shorts or a cotton skirt.
a staple for all wardrobes and all ages, but it is a heavy material and does not breath. Try lightweight chinos or linens instead. If you must wear denim, try a lightweight denim skirt.
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2. Wear light colors. Remember that dark colors absorb and retain heat. Hide your black, gray and dark colored outfits and bring out your classic whites, yellows,
4. Layer up in style. The extreme heat outdoors can be quite challenging especially for those who need to maintain a corporate look. Plan your day ahead and dress for the coolest and warmest situation you are going to be in. That way, you can
style sense
add and remove layers as needed. Wear a linen or lightweight sundress, but have your linen blazer and scarf on hand. It’s an outfit that can take you from daytime office to a dinner date or sundown cocktails.
5. Maxi dress your body type. Although I find maxi dresses and maxi skirts too relaxed and ‘’homey’’, with the right accessories, you can dress it up or down to suit the occasion. Find the right maxi dress to suit your body shape and pair them with summer flats for a daytime look. Add chunky jewelry or a scarf, pair off with wedges and you’re ready to take your look from sun up to sundown.
6. Fashion styles. Clothing styles
7. Show some toe. The rising
accentuate, hide or even slim certain body parts. If you don’t want to show off your arms completely, go for see-through fabrics like chiffon, which will give just enough coverage but still give that illusion of bareness.
temperatures can cause your feet swell and wearing closed pumps and leather shoes that cover your whole foot is uncomfortable. Let your feet breath in the summer breeze with peep toe wedges and strappy sandals. Choose neutral colors and those made of natural materials like canvas and jute. Shoes in neutral colors paired with your light colored clothing can make you look taller and well put together. Just make sure to get a proper pedicure and foot scrub.
Wear statement jewelry on the wrist area to deflect attention away from the upper arm. There are also great cut-out sleeves and open-shoulder styles with half sleeves. The secret is if you have flabby arms, do not wear sleeves that end on the widest part of your arms.
8. Swimsuit Style. The colors and patterns of your swimsuit also play a part in either disguising or accentuating a large
ILLUSTRADO 25
style sense
belly and thighs. Large blocks of a single darker color will make your stomach appear relatively small, whereas a small and fussy design will emphasize the overall area of your torso. The appearance of your stomach can also be minimized if you wear a swimsuit that increases the size of your bust; padded and underwired bras in swimsuits will make your belly appear smaller in relation to your chest. Horizontal stripes will make your torso appear wider, while vertical stripes have a slimming effect. A structured swimsuit with a tummy control panel can also hide your belly and a matching sarong
can hide your thighs.
to your waist by wearing a statement belt.
9. Accessorize, accessorize. Have
10. Natural make up. Stay fresh and
fun with accessories. A chunky choker, a bright bracelet, a straw hat or a scarf made into a belt can really spruce up your outfit and your body appearance.
young by going with a natural look in the daytime. In the evenings, add a brighter shade of lipstick, dab bronzer on your cheeks and you’re good to go.
Not known to many, accessories are tools to attract and distract attention to the certain body parts. For example, if you have a short neck, wear a long necklace to create an illusion of height. If you have a flat round face typical among Asians, wear a hat that has volume on top and stay away from the baseball caps. Refocus attention
Now that you know what to do and what to wear, you are on your way to a more radiant looking you that even the summer heat can’t wear down. Remember to drink lots of water to hydrate your skin, apply sunblock everyday, exercise and get toned-summer is not complete without a tan.
“ If it’s too hot to be all covered up, but you don’t want to show off your arms completely, go for see-through fabrics like chiffon. Wear a linen or lightweight sundress, but have your linen blazer and scarf on hand. It’s an outfit that can take you from daytime office to a dinner date or sundown cocktails. “
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feature
It’s hot. It’s sizzling. And it ain’t called summer lovin’ for nothin’. It’s scorching hot. You’re on a break and it seems that you’re coming home with more than just a tan— you’ve packed a story about your most recent summer fling. Summer flings come in all shapes and sizes. There’s the guy you worked with in your summer internship. There’s the chick you met in Baguio when you needed body warmth. And let’s not forget the ex who moved to America and came home for spring break. What is it about this particular season that makes it conducive to hookups and immediate breakups? There’s a science to it, really Science says we can blame sunshine. More sunlight means our brains create more serotonin, a hormone linked to happiness and wakefulness. When the ultraviolet rays kiss our skin, our bodies produce Vitamin D, which helps maintain high serotonin levels. With this in mind, perhaps it shouldn’t come as a surprise that we have more fun under the summer sun. “Or it could just be that we’re on vacation and looking to heat things up even more,” says Drew, 24, an engineering student from De La Salle University. “Summer is an opportunity to travel and be away from home. Being in a place where no one knows you makes you braver and more adventurous,” Jeff, 23, says. “Plus, there’s no schoolwork to think about!” says the incoming sophomore at the University of the Philippines-College of Law.
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SUMMER FLING by Anna Oposa
IT’S HOT. IT’S SIZZLING. AND IT AIN’T CALLED SUMMER LOVIN’ FOR NOTHIN’.
Onli in da Pilipins feature
Defining the fling “A summer fling is a relationship that’s really not a relationship. It’s a time to feel all giddy and happy, and it can last for a night or a couple of months,” explains Gabriella, 25, a freelance journalist. “It can have the components of a relationship, like holding hands and watching movies, without the ‘hassles’ of one, like paying for the bill and meeting the friends and parents,” Drew describes. “There’s no pressure, no this-is-going-tobe-the-mom-of-my-children mindset.” “The best part is that summer flings are meant to end when the heat fizzles out, much like the weather,” says Rachel, 24. The social media manager adds, “You pursue it without inhibitions and overthinking because chances are, you’ll never see him again.”
He says, she says “When the summer fling starts to feel like the real thing, defenses break down and you may find yourself getting attached. Once she asks, ‘where is this going?’ that’s your cue to leave. She—or you—might end up getting burned,” warns Jeff. “But men tend to have it easier since they naturally don’t invest any emotions and feelings,” Drew says.
Gabriella disagrees: “There’s hardly any difference between guys and girls now, because girls are playing the game, too. Sometimes, even better than the guys,” she says with a laugh. However, Drew points out that society doesn’t see it that way. “Once word spreads about the summer fling, girls tend to be frowned upon more than the guys.”
From summer fling to the real thing? According to Rachel, if a summer fling goes beyond one night, a little bit of “research” is required. This is usually done through social media. “My girlfriends and I search the guy on Facebook to see who our mutual friends are and assess whatever information is public.” If the answers are satisfactory, the temperature could keep rising. “Oh, and we never add the guy first!” she quips. For Gabriella, what happened in Boracay didn’t just stay in Boracay. “My second boyfriend and I broke up in Boracay,” she shares. “That night, my would-be third boyfriend saw me alone at the bar and asked if he could buy me a drink. The stars, the beautiful beach, and alcohol provided the perfect backdrop. We ended up staying together until sunrise.”
She continues: “I had to go back to Manila that day. I wasn’t expecting anything, but he asked for my number and started texting me. When he got back to Manila, he asked me out. Our one-night fling evolved into a four-year relationship.” Gabriella says summer flings can change your life, no matter how brief. “Maybe it will make you more open to new things, not just in terms of relationships,” she muses. “And whether your fling lasted for a night or three years, you can’t help but associate the place with the person you hooked up with. If it doesn’t end well, your memory could be tainted for a long time.” She confesses that she hasn’t been to Boracay since she and her ex broke up in 2009.
Summer love It’s been 35 years since Grease’s Danny and Sandy belted, “Summer lovin’, had me a blast, summer lovin’ happened so fast.” You may be able to sing the rest of the song, but that’s really the only part that matters. The term “summer fling” begins with “summer” because it’s meant to last for the summer. “Just keep your heart closed and your mind open,” Rachel advises. “And always remember that this time is for all of us to have fun—with our without a partner. Go seize the summer!” ILLUSTRADO 29
YOUR BODY, OUR BUSINESS By Nephele Kirong
Lea Cordon Rouf is adding a signature Filipino touch to luxury pampering. For most people, having a clear and set future is enough.
Lea Cordon with her staff
But Lea Cordon Rouf is not like most people. Growing up in a family running a business, Lea’s entrepreneurial skills were groomed early on. By the time she was in college, she was already working full time for their company. But working in the family business wasn’t a breeze. To relieve the stress, Lea began seeking solace by going to spas and trying various treatments. Soon she began buying books, researching on spa treatments and
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thinking about a business model for a spa. After her father past away in 1997, Lea remembered their conversation on the possibility of her resigning from their company. Her father’s approval, she says, was conditional. He said she could only leave the business is she had a clear and defined plan in a specific field where there would be diverse opportunities for growth. “It was apparent to me that it was my time to take that moment in my life as a stepping stone to plan my new career in the spa industry,” she says.
Back to school As the one handling the finance department of their family business, it had already been planned that she will pursue an MBA. However, to the shock of her mother, she left the company – the first one
to do so in five siblings – and enrolled in a beauty school. “I believe my family saw how determined and passionate I was that my mother finally approved of my plans. She however refused to sponsor my schooling and living expenses and asked that I wait for my father’s one year death anniversary before I left,” she says. Lea enrolled at the Aveda Institute in Minneapolis, USA for the Esthiology licensed program, a skin care course which included massages, beauty, make-up and depilation. She says Aveda, which is known to use natural ingredients and plant extracts, had a “very holistic approach to beauty and wellness” which she instantly connected with.
feature
“
Spa Cordon is the first independent luxury spa in Dubai that is not connected to a hotel or a club.” Joining the industry Lea thought that finding a suitable job in the Philippines was going to be difficult as spa standards were different back then. But little did she know that she was in a position to not just change the spa standards in the Philippines, but also set them. Lea was initially hired to manage Discover Spa in Pasig for Discovery Suites. After a year, she moved to the ShangriLa Hotel Mactan property. Here, she was tasked with taking over the concessionaire and running the spa under the Resort. “We had to prove to corporate office that it was more profitable for us to run [the spa] ourselves, even with expenses of staffing and operations. It had never been done before,” she shares. Her first move was to hire only physical therapists to upgrade the reputation of what was then sometimes referred to as a massage attendant. According to Lea, her stint at ShangriLa gave an understanding of the industry on a global level; and it also led started a career of globe-trotting to manage different spas all over the world. Lea’s other postings included Punta del Este in Uruguay for Cipriani Hotels & Resorts, Le Meridien Cancun Resort & Spa, Raffles Resort Canouan Island and Las Ventas Al Paraiso
in Los Cabos, Mexico. “I basically wanted to prove to myself that my skills and knowledge were competitive worldwide to service the discerning spa clientele,” she says.
From manager to owner: Adding a Filipino touch As her experience increased, Lea dreamed of owning her own spa. Her marriage and a posting in Dubai proved to be serendipitous. It led her to open Spa Codon in Dubai, which she says is her way of bringing the Philippines to Dubai. “I wanted to showcase another side of the Philippines with our designs, innovations and craftsmanship.” In the Philippine-inspired Spa Codon, the staff uniform designed by Dita Sandico-Ong is made with abaca materials. The treatment rooms have a “bahay kubo” theme and the oriental bath is based on the “batis” feel. Spa Codon is the first independent luxury spa in Dubai that is not connected to a hotel or a club.
Pampering
faith to follow her passions and carve out a future for herself. Following her instinct has served her well. Although she notes that surviving in the pampering industry is not easy. After all, when she was just starting, the industry was very small and more personal. “Never did I imagine the industry to have global effect and create a new trend of wellness.” Lea says it will always be about giving the clientele “quality service beyond their expectation” through customizing services based on their needs and giving them more value for their money. “You then create a loyalty, trust and integrity which will be the core of one’s business,” she emphasizes. She adds that expectations will continuously rise as spa goers become more knowledgeable about service and value perception. “The search for their perfect solitude will need to surpass a four corner wall with a massage bed,” Lea says. And you can bet that Lea will be at the forefront of anticipating what a more discriminating clientele will look for and once again not just changing the standards for spa pampering, but setting them for everyone else to follow.
From settling into an established family business, Lea took a proverbial leap of
ILLUSTRADO 31
It’s what I do
SUZETTE BAYONITO Architect National Engineering Bureau - UAE
I am an architect and a part-time photographer. As an architect my job is to prepare construction as well as visual presentation drawings; liaise with clients, contractors and subcontractors; perform site inspection duties for ongoing construction projects for hotels, residential and commercial building projects. As a photographer, I shoot events, interiors and portraits.
To my fellow Filipinos, we should change. We so often are afraid to try because we think that small changes would not matter. We grow old believing that we will not be able to pull ourselves from the problems our country is facing. We are taught to believe that being content with our situation will be fine. Don’t wait for anyone to help you - help yourself. Step out of your comfort zone and start building your own future. Hard work pays off.
My full time job is from 8am to 6pm, but when I leave the office, my work doesn’t end there. I don’t stop learning. I read books in my spare time on how I can improve my work or learn new things. Weekends are devoted to photography; I’m either covering an event or post processing photos. A week after passing the architect licensure examination in the Philippines in 2006, I flew to Dubai to work as a detailer in a precast Company. In 2008, I ended my contract and pursued my profession as a full-pledged architect. Working in a man’s field and in an Arab country is not an easy feat. I quickly learned to work under pressure and meet my project deadlines. That earned my boss’ and colleagues’ trust and opened up more opportunities for me to deal with the clients, project managers, contractors and sub-consultants. In April 2011, I worked as an architectural site inspector for Palazzo Versace Dubai, a luxury hotel and residential complex. In 2011, I discovered my interest in photography. I got more inspired when I first joined “Shoot for a Cause” for Iligan typhoon victims in December 31, 2011. Since then, I have ventured in working as a freelance photographer.
GALO CALIZO
These two jobs keep me busy but fulfilled. Dealing with different kinds of people and receiving praise as well as criticism from them has helped develop my confidence in my capabilities and push me to become better. I don’t want to be complacent.
I am currently working with Lamprell Energy Ltd., a leading provider of diversified engineering and contracting services to the onshore and offshore oil, gas and renewable energy industries. I joined the company to set up and head its travel department tasked with streamlining travel-related systems and procedures.
ILLUSTRADO 32
Team Leader – Travel Lamprell Energy Ltd. - UAE
It’s what I do
Mine would seem like a simple 8 to 5 desk-bound job, but it actually entails a lot of interaction with airline people, travel agents, hotel sales and reservations staff and, of course, the company’s employees of around 8,000. My travel team is composed of three more Filipinos who coordinate with their counterparts in our four other facilities and sister companies. On top of this, I am also responsible for canteen operations at our Hamriyah facility. We have our own chefs and servers. I volunteered to do this when they were looking for someone to look after operations. This was my way of making myself invaluable to the company and I have since gotten a raise for it. With my previous experience with Jollibee and managing our family restaurant, plus my passion for cooking, I thought it would be a breeze. Well, it’s challenging and adrenaline-pumping to say the least. So now I juggle between the travel department and the canteen. I have worked hard to gain the respect of my colleagues and gotten complimented on my work ethics. One British colleague summed it up when he said, “You Filipinos work really hard and are very good at what you do.” Replaying it in my mind never fails to make me feel better. The indomitable Filipino spirit is proud and happy! The OF, on the other hand, has some traits that he needs to work on. I am very passionate about uplifting the Pinoy image in the UAE. And power dressing is one of the things we need to work on. We should also maximize our potential. We have so much to be proud of, yet so much to learn and improve upon. Rest not on your laurels and always be on the lookout for things to better our lives. Please always look back to where we were and not be blinded by the glitz and glamour this country has to offer. Give back to the Filipino community, adopt a student back home, plant a tree and always buy Filipino. Speak well of our country and countrymen and be the best walking billboard the Philippines has ever had.
CHRISTOFERTSON “CHUCK” SILVA
Product Manager for the Filipino Market OSN - UAE I am mandated with strategy and business development, and developing the right packages, sales offers and marketing-mix for the Filipino business segment of OSN. As part of my job, I travel to the different countries where OSN operates to seek out partnership opportunities with various Filipino community organizations aiming at providing the best Filipino entertainment to our subscribers. I start my day early, catch up with the latest news from back home, and arrive at the office at 9am. We start the day with a team meeting where the sales team updates me on the market, and we discuss details on new markets, promos and scheduling. Of late, our new tie-up with ABS-CBN keeps the team extremely busy. There are a lot of meetings with retail partners, which sometimes means skipping lunch, or eating at my desk. A typical work day finishes at 6pm, and I either head to the gym or meet friends. Back home, I watch my favorite programs, before hitting the sack at about 11pm, other than on Thursdays, when it is indeed weekend celebration time. Living so far away, I feel it’s important to keep track of what is happening back home. This is extremely important for OFs. My message to you all would be never to lose your connection with your home. Our identity is our strength, and we must continue to uphold the spirit of solidarity we are known for.
ILLUSTRADO 33
kabuhayan - money
Your
BODY BALANCE
sheet By Francisco J Colayco
YOUR BODY IS YOUR OWN PERSONAL STATEMENT OF INCOME AND EXPENSES. HOW ARE YOU TAKING CARE OF YOUR ASSETS AND LIABILITIES?
Do you really care about your body? For the purpose of this article, let us define the body as everything from the tip of the hair to the toes. What does this question have to do with your personal financial situation? Let’s see. Looking at your body, you might consider it as a “balance sheet”. You have assets and liabilities and you can consider your body’s maintenance as your “personal statement of income and expenses.” Assets could include: healthy hair; clear skin on the face and visible areas; appropriate weight, lean physique, and good posture. For all these assets, the adjective that should be a common denominator is clean. Liabilities would include the exact opposite of assets. Of course, the possibilities are enormous in defining each category but let’s just concentrate on the more obvious liabilities that are immediately visible to any person who looks at you.
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kabuhayan - money First Category: Do you really pamper your body? Do you spend so much on expensive creams, diets and beauty products? Good if these work but woe to you if you were just influenced by marketing hype. Second Category: Do you totally ignore your body and don’t even care how you look? Unless you are extremely brilliant and have no time to think of your grooming, you probably have a complex of some kind hidden somewhere. Invest time in finding out the possible psychological causes of your hidden complex. Third Category: Hopefully, you are one of those who are in the middle ground. A balanced personality and balanced lifestyle always result in healthy moderation. In terms of financial implications, each category has both good and bad. Some people are born with genes allowing for better facial and body features. Although there are now surgical methods to change features, it is really best to learn to live with what God gave you. Popular cosmetic solutions are usually quite expensive and would eat up your financial resources. It is much cheaper to work on whatever liabilities you might have to turn them into assets with many available lowerpriced and even natural options. Naturally, there are situations that really need surgery and these are best treated as exceptions. When you decide to spend on any treatment, make sure to research on viable alternatives and evaluate your options as far as the method and final surgeon are concerned. Always get a second or even a third opinion from qualified medial doctors. Be prepared psychologically to accept the results. Otherwise, you might just end up like many, repeating the same surgery at great expense, ending up in a situation even worse than when they started. This is where your personal statement of income and expenses would be helpful. Your body, which includes your brain, helps you to maintain a living to give you the income you need. If you have a good list of assets, you will probably have more opportunities to land a good job. Therefore, to maintain your assets, you
need to judiciously spend. You may have to allot some funds to maintain body assets maintenance, and as we mature, this expense might fall in your needs category after your basic food and shelter needs. You can properly integrate some of these maintenance expenses into basic needs. For example, you could switch to a diet comprised of low-priced healthy foods. You could cut on transportation expense by walking for exercise. For those who have enough resources to buy wants, it is still important to maintain a mindset that would choose those wants to help maintain your body assets. For example, if you own a car, you will probably want to maintain it carefully and ensure that it looks as new as possible. Doing so would lessen bigger expenses in the future and in perhaps even result in a better re-sale value in the future. Given a choice though, wouldn’t you choose to take better care of your body than your car? Of course, you would and yet, you might not think twice about eating junk food regularly, drinking too much alcohol, smoking to relax your nerves and taking as little physical exercise as possible. These are big inconsistencies that are not always obvious. You just realize the wrong choices you made when your body starts falling apart and you start spending more on medical expenses. In the final analysis, health will always be equated to wealth. Healthy living is the best investment you can make. If you are guilty about forgetting this, it is never too late. You can still reverse your habits. It might help if you compute how much you will save by changing your spending habits. When you learn how to invest your savings, you will be amazed at how big your savings can grow to. For example, P1,000 per month can grow to P2.1M in thirty years at an annual growth rate of 10 percent. If the monthly P1,000 you saved is not invested, you would only have P360,000 at the end of 30 years. This growth is really possible. Learn more by checking out our activities at www.colaycofoundation.com.
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Looking at your body, you might consider it as a “balance sheet”. You have assets and liabilities and you can consider your body’s maintenance as your “personal statement of income and expenses.”
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THE BEST MEDICINE IN THE WORLD IS RIGHT IN FRONT OF YOU by Bo Sanchez
According to immunologists, 99 percent of all diseases are not caused by germs; they are caused by a starving, weak, malnourished immune system. Your body has an incredible, God-designed, super-elite army capable of destroying any germ that tries to attack it. This internal army consists of billions of cells that can prevent and cure any disease in your body. But this is the problem: we don’t eat the food that God designed for us to eat so that army is starving. No wonder we get sick! The good book gives you very practical recommendations on what you should eat. 1. Eat plants The Bible says in Genesis 1:29, “I have given you every plant with seeds on the face of the earth and every tree that has fruit with seeds. This will be your food.” The Bible tells us that plants should be our main food. If you study the human body, you’ll find more similarities with herbivores than carnivores.
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Go to the mirror now and check your teeth. What do you notice? They’re flat. Just like the teeth of cows, goats, and sheep. (If your teeth are all sharp, I suggest you find a good Exorcist.) Carnivores, like lions and tigers, have sharp teeth. Second, herbivores have very long digestive tracks. Just like ours. Carnivores have short
ones. Our anatomy is telling us that our major food should be plants. The reason we get sick is because for many years we’ve not been eating enough plants. Let me give you two very practical steps on how to apply this important food recommendation into your daily life.
Action 1: Eat local fruits for
breakfast every day
3. Eat other ‘food’
I have a simple solution for you. Instead of a breakfast of hotdogs, pancakes, bacon, eggs, and rice—why not eat fruits? Here’s what I do. Every morning, I eat local fruits for breakfast: pineapples, watermelons, melons, star apple, mangoes, bananas, guyabano and papaya. I bless my body every day with the following: • I load up with natural vitamins and minerals. • I take in necessary living enzymes. • I cleanse my internal organs of toxins. • I give my body an alkaline environment. Suggestion: To really get the maximum effect of the fruits, wait for an hour before you eat any other food or drink water.
Food isn’t our only food. Your body requires other kinds of nourishment. Let me mention four of them very quickly.
Action 2: Eat raw veggies for lunch and dinner every day Here’s my very strong recommendation: For lunch and dinner, eat a huge bowl of raw salads. What veggies? Sing Bahay Kubo. Organic, if you can find them. If not, wash the veggies thoroughly.
2. Eat clean God calls some animals “clean” and others “unclean”. Here’s one example in Leviticus 11:1-3: The Lord said to Moses and Aaron, “Say to the Israelites: ‘Of all the animals that live on land, these are the ones you may eat: You may eat any animal that has a split hoof completely divided and that chews the cud.’” According to the Bible, cows, sheep, and goats are clean. Pigs aren’t. Chickens and turkeys are clean. Rabbits aren’t. Tuna and salmon are clean. Crabs, shrimps, shells, and squid aren’t. The list goes on. Science is now discovering that animals labeled as “unclean” the Bible carry more diseases and more toxins than the “clean” variety.
spirituality
Oxygen God formed Man out of dirt from the ground and blew into his nostrils the breath of life –Genesis 2:7 Germs can’t live in a highly oxygenated environment. Take deep breaths every day. De-stress yourself at different times of the day. This naturally happens when you follow the next “food”…
Movement Physical exercise has some value… –1 Timothy 1:8 Find an exercise that you enjoy. I love walking. When you walk, you go outdoors, you get sunlight, you oxygenate your body, you get an emotional lift, you lessen your stress.
Sunlight The light is pleasant, and it is good for the eyes to see the sun. –Ecclesiastes 11:7 Many are sick because they lack Vitamin D. Because Vitamin D prevents osteoporosis, prostate cancer, breast cancer, depression, diabetes, and obesity. No one is marketing sunlight because we can’t bottle sunlight and earn from it.
Sleep Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain…; for he gives to his beloved sleep. –Psalm 127:1-2 Many don’t sleep enough.
People around her were aghast. How could someone whose diet was so healthy have cancer? The answer came from those who knew her predicament: Last year, she discovered her husband was having an affair. It was such a painful experience for her. Her heart was filled with rage and bitterness. We’re not just biological creatures. We’re spiritual and emotional beings too. Go ahead. Cleanse your soul. Cleanse your body.
Cleanse your soul, cleanse your body I know of a woman who was almost a vegetarian for ten years. But recently, she was diagnosed with cancer.
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ROMY ISRAEL Romy Israel is a self-taught Filipino photographer based in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. He started photography in September 2009 after some experimenting with Photoshop. Since then, he has pioneered a few photography clubs and has organized activities to help fellow hobbyists. He’s been commissioned to do shoots for pre-nuptials, weddings, events and product photography. In addition, some of his works have been published in magazines like Destination Jeddah, Jeddah Links and even Dubai-based Full Frame Magazine. He’s affiliated with Spectrum, The Filipino Photographers’ Realm - Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and served as president in 2011 and currently, as adviser to the group. He’s both a mentor and critic to his colleagues. He believes that learning does not end and he continues to explore photography and the arts to keep him inspired.
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DENNIS DELA CRUZ I was seven years old, in grade school in my hometown of Bulacan when I discovered my artistic ability. Basic cartoon drawing, sketching, and coloring became my hobbies, together with my grade school classmates. I graduated with a degree in Fine Arts, major in Advertising at the University of the East, Caloocan, where I developed my skills in visual arts, particularly in graphic design. I worked for several well known design companies in the Philippines after graduating. I spent almost eight years in the field of designing and advertising and during that time I found myself searching for a hobby, something new. That was when I discovered photography. I bought my first camera, enrolled for a photography class and won major awards in both portraiture and still life category. For better opportunities and for my family, I decided to work abroad. I faced a lot of struggle and challenges before Landmark International hired me as their graphic artist. Staying and working here in Dubai has given me an opportunity to share my talent in photography with some of newfound friends. This is life for me, working hard and earning for my family, as well as refining my skills by continuous learning and sharing
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Fashion PHOTOGRAPHY: DOC MARLON PECJO STYLING: REY SANTOS ASSISTED BY: MARITESS SANTOS MAKE UP: FATIMA RABAGO HAIR: MELANIE VASQUEZ MODEL: RED DELA CRUZ
SunKissed Gorgeous summer and swim wear with fierce detailing are all the rage for a smoldering season for honey-loved sun worshippers.
Fashion
Printed one shoulder asymmetrical dress from DNA by Chris Jazler; bangles by WWW; neckpiece by Rencie Santos; beige heels from Privileged shoes
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Fashion Animal print halter dress from DNA by Chris Jazler; bangles and rings from WWW (What Women Want); black high heels from Privileged
Fashion
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Fashion Sun hat from DNA by Chris Jazler; cape by Jun Escario topped sweetheart tube swimwear by Mikee Tejano; bangles from Vanity Accessories; green straw lace handbag by Adante Leyesa
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Fashion
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Printed one shoulder asymmetrical dress from DNA by Chris Jazler; bangles by WWW; neckpiece by Rencie Santos; beige heels from Privileged shoes
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Fashion
Cape by Jun Escario; neckpiece by Adante Leyesa; swimwear by Eric Delos Santos; gold ring from Vero by Gladys Young; gold cuff by Vanity Accessories
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Fashion Animal print halter dress from DNA by Chris Jazler; bangles and rings from WWW (What Women Want)
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Fashion
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Fashion Swimwear by Eric Delos Santos; gold bangles by Vanity Accessories; neckpiece from Vero by Gladys Young
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Fashion
Cape by Shanon Pamaong; asymmetrical sheer Swimwear by Badj Genato; gold/black zebra print with Tassel by Jun Escario; gold ring/earrings from Vero by Gladys young; black cuff and bracelet by Vanity Accessories; horn bag by Cherie Miller
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Fashion Sicilian Dropped earrings by Adante Leyesa; white sheer haltered top by Badj Genato paired with printed trouser by Eric Delos Santos; pumps by Privileged Shoes; bangles from WWW (What Women Want)
SHOPPING GUIDE:
ADANTE LEYESA - 2/F Greenbelt 5, Legaspi St. Ayala center, Makati City BADJ GENATO – 0063 917 857 4833 CHERIE MILLER – 0063 917 6238841 CHRIS JAZLER - 0063 917 881 5818 ERIC DELOS SANTOS – 0063 920 926 4342, Unit 1009 Prince Plaza, Dela Rosa, Legaspi Village, Makati City JUN ESCARIO - 2/F Greenbelt 5, Legaspi St., Ayala Center, Makati City MIKEE TEJANO – 0063 917 553 2828 PRIVILEGED SHOES - Available at Robinsons Department Store RENCIE SANTOS – 0063 917 856 1114 SHANON PAMAONG - 0063 917 830 2108 VANITY ACCESSORIES - Available at Robinsons Department Store VERO BY GLADYS YOUNG - Available at Jun Escario 2/F Greenbelt 5, Legaspi, St., Ayala Center, Makati city WWW (What Women Want) - Available at SM Department Store
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illustrado runway
EZRA
Fashion Forward, Dubai 27, April 2013 Photography: Meij Sangalang
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Michael Cinco
Fashion Forward, Dubai 27, April 2013
Photography: Meij Sangalang
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illustrado runway
Furne One
Fashion Forward, Dubai 27, April 2013 Photography: Meij Sangalang
like us on
NAOMI
NAOMI: 2/F Mega B., SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City • Tel: (632) 636.0446 NERO: 2/F Main Bldg., SM North EDSA Quezon City • Tel: (632) 376.0168 info@naomi.com.ph . www.naomi.com.ph
10 things to do by Sherry Tinorio
The soaring temperatures make most of us to stay at home and bum in front of the telly, with the air-conditioning turned up. Illustrado’s list of 10 Things to Do this month of May just might make you want to come out for some fun in the sun.
RELAX AND REJUVENATE WITH THE NEW SHELL MASSAGE Forget hot stone massage and try its spin-off instead: the shell massage. This treatment is actually a warm lava shells massage that uses tiger-striped clamshells, which retain heat up to 12 times longer than stones. Interested? Set aside AED 475 for a 60-minute session or AED 60 per shell as an add-on to other massages, and head to any branch of Sisters Beauty Lounge including the one at The Dubai Mall.
PLAY WITH PENGUINS AND SKI One of the best ways to forget the rising temperature and humidity is to go to a place where it is at least -4°C. In a heat-covered desert, the icy indoor Ski Dubai offers a number of alternatives to spend the whole day in chilly weather. Play with Ski Dubai’s resident Snow Penguins; enjoy skiing and snowboarding or simply the snow. Savor the cold weather in this amazingly massive indoor ski, and don’t worry about the clothes and gear. Ski Dubai has it all covered. Cap off your mini-ski holiday with brunch at the Ski Dubai’s neighboring restaurant, St.Moritz Café. Visit www.skidxb.com for more information.
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BE THE NEXT DUBAI TOP MODEL Do you have what it takes to be a top model? International modeling agency Elite Model Management is holding open castings in the UAE and Qatar for its Elite Model Look 2013 contest. Elite handles the world’s biggest supermodels such as Cindy Crawford, Gisele Bundchen, Alessandra Ambrosio, to name a few. Now in the UAE, Elite is in search of would-be-models who can sashay down the catwalk in form-fitting clothes with minimal make-up, and are at least 172cm tall. The ongoing national castings will see 60 shortlisted candidates, and will be closed to a total of 15 for the finals in September. The winner will have a spot in the Elite Model Look World Finals to be held in China late this year. For more information, check the Facebook page of Elite Model Look UAE & Qatar.
10 things to do
LEARN HOW TO SURF Getting into sports in this kind of weather is a real challenge to anyone. Try a new physical activity that will refresh you and keep you fit like surfing or paddle boarding. The sports are gaining popularity so why not grab some friends, head to the beach area in Jumeirah and make a go at it? If you want to learn the basics from the pros, head to Surf School UAE for lessons in surfing. It will cost AED 125 per person for a 90-minute tour including equipment rental. The Surf School UAE is located at Al Manara, call 0556010997 for more information.
SKYDIVE INSIDE THE MALL A little bit of extreme sports would not hurt, would it? The Mirdif City Centre offers a sampler of musttry-once-in-a-lifetime extreme sports: skydiving. Inside the mall, there is iFly Dubai, a skydiving simulator that makes flying easy, fun and exciting. From providing one-
on-one instruction to providing free complimentary actual skydive gear; the flight experience is sure to excite both kids and adults. For more information, check out www.iflyme.com
GO TO THE NEWEST WATER PARK Troop over to the capital emirates and try the newest water park. The Yas Waterworld in Yas Island, Abu Dhabi is a refreshing getaway option from the city hustle. The water park is said to have around 43 rides, but the Liwa Loop is the mustride. It drops riders through a trapdoor and sends them plummeting into a series of loops before being shot out into the pool at a cost of AED 225 per person. To book or get more information, call 02-4142000.
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10 things to do
JUMP ABOARD FANCY DHOW IN DUBAI MARINA Fancy dhows, speedboats and yachts are making a splash at the Marina Walk in Dubai Marina. These glitzy water gliders offer rides for private groups who are looking to tour around the luxurious city. The experience is surprisingly affordable, so we say try cruising around with family and friends aboard the traditional dhow. The Alexandria, a lovely fairy-lit dhow that is perfect for dinner and dancing with friends, by Lotus Marina Hotel & Spa is for rental at AED 130 per person. The cruise departs at 8.30pm Friday-Sunday and Tuesday-Wednesday. For reservation or more information, call the Lotus Marina Hotel & Spa at 050-9240550.
SWIM WITH SHARKS Add swimming with sharks to your list of extreme sports to try this summer. Dive into depths of a 10-million liter tank and experience the thrill of a lifetime by meeting the largest collection of Sand Tiger Sharks in the world. A dip will set you back AED 875. Check out the Al Boom Diving located at Al Wasl Road. For more information, call 04-3422993 or email dives@thedubaiaquarium.com.
SAVE THE DATE FOR DUBAI ROCK FEST Rock fanatics will have the time of their lives this coming June 7 as the Dubai Rock Fest in the Dubai World Trade Centre. Six heavy metal and rock groups will come together at the Dubai Rock Fest including France’s Nightmare, Tunisia’s Myrath, Holland’s Epica and local rockers Anuryzm. Guitar genius Yngwie Malmsteen and Swedish death metal bank Dark Tranquility will also be at the rock festival. Tickets at Grandstand cost AED 250 while it is AED 450 in Fan Pit. Festival starts at 6pm but doors open as early as 4pm. For ticket inquiries or more information, contact M Premiere at 04-4473864.
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SING ALONG WITH AIZA Mark off June 7 for the upcoming concert of Asia’s acoustic sensation, Aiza Seguerra. Be serenaded by the child wonder who grew up to be known for her original OPM songs and acoustic covers. It is definitely going to be a memorable night that is expected to make us fall in love and sing along. The concert will be held at the Boracay Night Club in Asiana Hotel, Deira. Show starts at 10pm but doors will open at 7pm. For ticket inquires or more information, call 050-4597533.
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Inside the
PINOY BELLY
Inseparable is a word to describe Pinoys and food But do we actually know what we’re eating? Maria Rivera eats her way to healthier food. The fact cannot be denied: Filipinos love to eat. Whether it’s on a Sunday after going to church where the entire clan gathers at their ancestral home to feast, at a friend’s birthday party, or at the mall (aka our favorite hangout), one thing’s for sure – we eat like we mean it! Save for the fact that we actually love the art of eating, we do it for a deeper reason too, and that is to spend time with our friends and family in celebration or in the mere mundane days of our lives.
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But has anyone ever stopped and thought about this: yes we love to eat, and yes we love to celebrate over food with the ones we love, but are we actually eating quality food? By quality, we don’t mean expensive, we mean nutritious, healthy food. We Filipinos today go for affordable meals (hello, P50 value lunches!), supertasty treats (read: excessively sweet and/or salty snacks and desserts), and the latest food craze.
It’s time we become aware of what we put in our mouths, and start doing a little research. Here we break down some of Pinoys’ favorite go-to foods and meals both in Manila and in Dubai to help you decipher what is good from bad, what you can continue eating, and what you should start avoiding. Don’t think of this guide as a restrictive list, but instead, see it as an opportunity to try new things.
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WHEN IN MANILA
dinner.
1.When it comes to noodles, don’t go instant.
Eat this: Substitute your chicken craving with the lean type – chicken breast fillet that’s either grilled or baked. Some restaurants serve this, but if you have the time, making your own could save you some money, and you could tailor fit the taste! Have it with a green salad and you’re good to go!
Eat this: Opt for high-quality ramen instead – there is a ramen craze in Manila right now and some of the restos have a pretty impressive way of preparing their noodles. They are way more delicious and definitely not fake. Not that: Sad to say, no one can live on instant pancit canton or mami alone. Sure, the idea of preparing your meal in less than five minutes sounds enticing, but think about what you are actually eating: processed white flour, made into noodles by deep frying, plus a mixture of mystery ingredients including MSG, tons of saturated fat, and sodium. 2. Good ol’ fried chicken, who doesn’t love it? Who has not had a bite of fast-food chicken? We have grown in a culture where fried chicken is the ideal pick for lunch or
Not that: Avoid deep-fried chicken. Save for a few measly grams of protein, all you are left with are a ton of saturated fat and a growing belly. As far as fast food in general is concerned, it’s time to go back to home cooking when meals were made with love and care. Home cooking rules! 3. Chips: We all love a salty snack! But there is a better healthier way to have them. Eat this: Try making your own chips instead. They taste much, much better and are excellent at giving you nutrition that you need. Good options are baked kamote
fries or carrot chips. Google some recipes and a million will pop up! Not that: Regular chips, just like everything you eat that is deep-fried, your bad cholesterol content soars to levels that could be potentially harmful to your health when taken in the long-term. Milk tea – Just because there’s the word “tea” in there does not mean it’s healthy. Eat this: Try ordering a cup of iced green tea with honey from your favorite coffee shop instead. Antioxidants for way less calories? Yes please! Not this: We are not fooling anyone but ourselves if we drink large cups of milk tea with an extra serving of pearls and expect to be svelte and in tip-top health. These drinks are laden with the bad kind of sugar, plus those pearls are incredibly high in empty calories. And no, tapioca starch is not a vegetable.
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WHEN IN DUBAI 1.Shawarma – This Middle-Eastern favorite has been here all these years, and it definitely isn’t a craze! Eat this: Time to opt for whole grain varieties instead. Enjoy your Shawarma with a ton of vegetables and less bread next time! Not that: All that white pita bread could hurt your health and weight if overly consumed. White, processed carbohydrates such as white rice, white pasta, and white bread are not good for us as they are laden with empty calories, virtually no vitamins, and they make our blood sugar spike after a meal. Ever feel like your energy has been sucked out of you right after lunch? This is the culprit.
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Chicken tikka, lamb chops, broast chicken – Did anyone say meat fest? Yes, Filipinos in Dubai are spoiled rotten with rotisseries left and right, at such affordable price points. Eat this: You can enjoy these treats one to two times a week, then opt for “No Meat” meals on other days. Feast on fish and vegetables instead--cheaper and way healthier! Not that: Having meat all day, everyday could take a toll on your health, as consuming large amounts of animal meat has been linked to serious diseases such as cancer and heart disease. No one said you should cut it out totally. White rice – Otherwise known as “whatcompletes-a-meal”, white rice seems to still capture the hearts of Filipinos the world
‘round! We’ve been taught that rice and an ulam makes for a complete meal. Eat this: It’s time to shift to whole grain varieties such as brown, red, or black rice. They may taste a bit different, but give it a chance to grow on you. Knowing that it’s healthier makes up for missing white rice. Not that: White rice is a highly processed carb that is lacking in vitamins, minerals, and nutrients, and is one of the main reasons a lot of people’s bellies are so big. The rules are simple: find out what’s in your food, eat in moderation, and best of all: never deprive yourself. Enjoy your favorites once in a while, but stay disciplined 90 percent of the time. That 10 percent makes it all the more exciting to eat anyway.
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FILIPINO CUISINE CELEBRITIES ARE ALSO BORN IN THE KITCHEN
Didi Paterno-Magpali talks with Filipino celebrity chefs who are winning the hearts of Filipinos through their stomachs Filipino food legend Nora Daza, to see how far has Filipino food gone in winning the hearts of Filipinos of today, both in the Philippines and abroad, and the rest of the world.
Chef Sau del Rosario: Learn, accept and love who you truly are as a Filipino
“The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach”, said the cliché. But for Filipinos, now citizens of the world, scattered in various countries around the globe apart from the motherland, munching on food more than three times a day, does this cliché still apply? Can something so simple and humble such as the breakfast combination of fried dilis, sinangag and itlog or the infamously
pungent bagoong or the slick and sticky banana-que tug on one’s heartstrings and evoke feelings of nostalgia and longing? How could simple everyday sustenance like steamed milagrosa rice, feed the need for the sustainability of our national identity? Illustrado magazine chats with modern day Filipino cuisine movers and shakers: Chef Sau del Rosario and Chef Giney Villar, and takes a look into the life of
Chef Sau is one of the many chefs who represent the global Filipino, having lived in five cosmopolitan urban centers across three continents and 38 cities around the globe. Recently, Chef Sau was Dubai, where he was invited to do a Filipino food cooking demonstration and dinner for kababayans and non-Filipinos alike. Being abroad has helped shape Chef Sau into the Filipino chef that he is today. “I’ve always wanted to be away from home to escape, to prove to my family that I could make it on my own.” And prove he did as he survived and thrived as a Filipino culinary professional abroad. But being a Filipino living outside the country was a struggle, which always brings tears to his eyes. “People don’t believe me when I say it was not easy.” One of his greatest challenges was when
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he was given the position of Executive Chef of Equinox restaurant at the Raffles Hotel Singapore. Chef Sau had to work hard to gain the respect of his subordinates and colleagues, even if he was properly promoted and appointed to the position. He described his struggle to prove his worth, especially since that position was usually given to Westerners. “Even if (my staff) would respond to me with ‘Yes, Chef.’, they couldn’t look me directly in the eyes. I knew something was amiss.” Early on in his career, Chef Sau learned that the Philippines, Filipinos and, moreso, Filipino cuisine were alien ideas to many of his multi-national colleagues. Whenever he said he was Filipino, they did not know where the Philippines was on the map or, if they had heard about the country, all they knew that it was a poor, corrupt and wartorn place. To help change that image, Chef Sau reinforced his identity as a Filipino by
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digging deeper into his roots, accepting it and educating others about the country. In the restaurant kitchen’s meals, prepared by and for the staff, he was often asked to cook Filipino food like adobo for Europeans and other fellow French migrant workers, who grew sick of eating the usual cheese and bread and wanted to try something new. When asked how we could introduce our cuisine to the international table, Chef Sau answered: “We must accept and love it, even our (colonial) influences.” Despite the fact that he enjoyed living a challenging life abroad, Chef Sau still calls the Philippines, where he grew up with family and friends, home: “The Philippines is seen as kawawa (pitiful), but I like to live there. It is cliché, but there is (truly) no place like home.”
Chef Giney Villar: The future of Filipino food is brighter than it seems
Chef Giney Villar, co-owner and executive chef of Adarna Food and Culture Restaurant in Quezon City, has spent her entire cooking career working in the Philippines. The restaurant, which was her culinary entrepreneurship course thesis, is home to regional, historical and heirloom Philippine cuisine, frequented by Filipinos with balikbayans and foreign guests in tow. But why put up another Filipino restaurant? How can it thrive in an environment, especially in Metro Manila and other urban centers, where there is an increased influx of foreign restaurant brands and foreign cuisine inspired local restaurants that are preferred by consumers? “When we did our market study prior to opening Adarna that was what we exactly found out. Those in the 20-30 and even 31-40 age range preferred Italian and Japanese food, with Filipino food a far third. With globalization, our exposure to foreign influences is inevitable.” Yet after almost six years of still being in business, Chef Giney and team proved the Filipino cuisine skeptics wrong. Adarna Food and Culture restaurant, whose name is based on the mythical bird, bagged recognition locally, winning the Nescafe Gold Spot Awards in 2008, and abroad, consistently being on the Miele Guide’s top 500 restaurants of Asia list since 2011. Chef Giney attributes Adarna’s success to the restaurant’s patrons, who continually
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to name a few advantages. In addition to studying, promotion and consuming our food, it also has to be made available so the younger generation will develop the taste for Filipino food and continue the ‘demand’ for it in the future.” “But we have to go beyond the 20 or so dishes that we rotate at home. If people can spend hundreds even thousands to study Italian dishes to try at home, then it can also be done with Filipino food. It is really a matter of consciousness and finding our national pride,” Chef Giney concludes.
Nora Daza: Filipino cuisine living legend
long for and revel in the richness of our own cuisine “The best compliment is when guests return to enjoy our food. We are a favorite for private and corporate functions especially those with a cultural, nostalgic theme. We’ve had functions that have conducted pamamanhikan, harana, weddings. I guess the place lends itself to those types of rituals. For that we thank our regulars—families, couples, companies, even kids who bring their parents back!” Then future of Filipino cuisine does look brighter with a continued interest to reconnect with it on both personal and large-scale industry level. Chef Giney couldn’t agree more on the importance of cuisine to our being as a people: “That is why, it is important for us to study, promote and consume our food. In every sense it is good for the country—we become in touch with our history, we will continue to encourage the propagation of our indigenous produce and ways of cooking
Today Filipinos have more then enough celebrity chefs, including Chef Sau del Rosario and Chef Giney Villar, to look up to for home cooking inspiration. But there was a time when it was only Nora V. Daza. There was a time when her word on Filipino cuisine was Gospel truth and her cookbooks were Bibles for newly weds and expat Filipinos. A generation past spent an inordinate amount of time listening to and watching her shows on the radio and TV, reading her columns on the newspaper, and leafing through yellowed copies of her cookbooks, lovingly passed on from their parents, over the stove. Nora’s knack for food manifested itself when she was young, when she made pancakes for the first time and her work was praised to the high heavens. Then she knew that there was great reward when people appreciate your cooking. This motivated her to do everything for food, so it was just a natural progression for Nora to study Home Economics at the University of the Philippines in Diliman
and finish her Master’s degree in Restaurant and Institution Management at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. Working on Filipino cuisine specifically was also something that was in Nora’s blood. “I come from a family that’s very patriotic and I really wanted to push Filipino cuisine.” And push she did, both in the Philippines with her cookbooks and media exposure, and abroad with Aux Iles Philippines (The Philippine Islands), a Filipino restaurant in Paris recognized by the distinguished Michelin Guide. In fact, son, Sandy Daza, started his culinary career waiting on tables at the restaurant. Nora’s legacy and passion for Filipino food was so infectious that her legacy lives on through her children: Sandy Daza, who has been a restaurateur as well, and Nina Daza-Puyat, editor-in-chief of Appetite Magazine Philippines. More importantly, she was able to transfer the knowhow of Filipino cuisine to the masses, who will pass on the torch of our beloved cuisine to the next generation of Filipinos.
Sources on Nora V. Daza: http://www.philstar.com/travel-andtourism/2012-12-16/886376/why-noradaza-still-love-paris http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/ lifestyle/05/19/11/cooking-it-culinary-iconnora-daza http://lifestyle.inquirer.net/food/food/ view/20110310-324455/Nora-Daza-Pinoycooking-pioneer-gets-her-due http://lifestyle.inquirer.net/food/food/ view/20101125-305133/Once-more--NoraDaza-and-her-recipes
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THE FARM AT SAN BENITO WINS THE WORLD’S BEST MEDICAL WELLNESS RESORT The spa industry’s Oscars equivalent, SENSES Wellness Awards were announced in early March and The Farm at San Benito was deemed “Best Medical Wellness Resort” worldwide for the second time running at the Internationale Tourismus-Börse (ITB), one of the world’s largest tourism fairs in Berlin, Germany. Luckily The Farm’s trophy cabinet is large, as this award marks 26 international accolades in just a decade of operation. Judges reward outstanding resorts and spas that adhere to and embody the SENSES Wellness ethos – offering comprehensive,
holistic service that includes exemplary wellness standards, medical treatments and therapies, expertly administered by highlytrained staff at unique, serene and tranquil locations. Located in Batangas, Philippines, The Farm at San Benito team guide and support thousands of new and recurring guests to attain and sustain improved quality of life through preventive health strategies, integrative medical services and pure, nourishing food. Combining detoxification/cleansing retreats with raw, live cuisine which was considered
revolutionary in 2002. Today, The Farm at San Benito remains the only Philippines resort to offer natural and holistic health programs that address cancer care, diabetes, hypertension and obesity. Change your health and your life with a nourishing and cleansing holiday. Allinclusive Wellness Programs start at USD 299++ and Detox Cleanse/Specialised Healing Retreats are priced from USD 499++ per person per night. Call +632 884 8074, email reservations@thefarm.com.ph or visit thefarm.com.ph.
SUN CELLULAR PHILIPPINES LAUNCHES IDD MIDDLE EAST LOAD Introducing Sun Cellular’s newest and most affordable Sun IDD load exclusive to Middle Eastern countries! With Sun IDD Middle East load, your loved ones in the Philippines using Sun Cellular services can call Saudi Arabia,
Dubai, Abu Dhabi and the rest of UAE plus Kuwait for only P8.00 per minute. Sun IDD Middle East load is available in P40 denomination valid for 1 day. Keeping relationships stronger despite the distance, Sun Cellular lets us enjoy
meaningful and longer conversations with our loved ones back home through Sun IDD Middle East. So ask our loved ones to avail of Sun IDD Middle East load and feel like we never left home at all.
OSN BRINGS THE BEST FILIPINO TV ENTERTAINMENT TO VIEWERS ABS-CBN’s popular Filipino channels, TFC, Bro, Cinema One Global and ANC, now on OSN OSN, the leading pay-TV network in the Middle East and North Africa, has partnered with ABS-CBN, the largest Filipino TV network in the world, to bring viewers in the region the very best Filipino TV entertainment from May 1st, 2013. OSN will offer its Filipino viewers four new ABS-CBN channels featuring premium content across a variety of genres so there’s something for everyone. Channels include TFC (The Filipino Channel), the network’s
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flagship entertainment channel and the No. 1 Filipino TV channel in the world; Bro, a dedicated sports and entertainment channel; Cinema One Global, featuring the biggest and latest movies from top studios; and ANC (ABS-CBN News Channel), a 24-hour news channel broadcasting talk shows and documentaries from the Philippines and the world. The addition of these channels will significantly boost the choice of premium Filipino entertainment on OSN, which already offers a bouquet of over 40 channels
through its Pinoy packages. To subscribe to the newest and largest selection of Filipino entertainment or to know more, please visit www.osn.com
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LIGHT UP YOUR LIFE WITH THE NOKIA LUMIA 820 POWERED BY WINDOWS 8 The Nokia Lumia 820 is a stylish, midrange smartphone that delivers high-end performance in a compact package. It comes with an exchangeable shell design which not only makes it possible to select from a range of colors, but also to add wireless charging. The Nokia Lumia 820 is powered by Windows Phone 8 which allows you to enjoy a more personal smartphone experience, with a start screen that can be easily rearranged with new animated Live
Tiles for real-time updates on the things that matter most. With the latest Internet Explorer 10 you are guaranteed faster and safer browsing. The Nokia Lumia 820 comes with Nokia City Lens, the latest addition to the Nokia location suite. By pointing the camera at a city street, City Lens overlays information about restaurants, shops, hotels and more on the surfaces of buildings. Nokia City Lens is the start of a new augmented reality experience that also enhances Nokia
Maps, making it possible to move between maps view and augmented reality view to help people check their direction and surroundings. Along with enhancements to Nokia Drive and Nokia Transport, the Nokia location suite of services represents the most comprehensive, integrated mapping experience, and the only offline mapping experience available on any smartphone.
2013 HONDA CIVIC DEBUTS IN GCC WITH SPORTY AND PREMIUM STYLE Exterior design improvement, new safety technologies make Civic stand out among its peers The legendary GCC favorite car, Honda Civic makes its 2013 debut with major design upgrades with a multitude of standard features, while still maintaining the efficiency and value that has made the Civic an automotive icon for the past 40 years. The 2013 Honda Civic Sedan now comes with all-new front and rear exterior styling, along with extensive interior styling improvements on all models. Retuned steering and suspension sharpen the Civic’s handling, while extensive body and chassis upgrades improve the ride comfort and interior quietness.
The Civic lineup offers more style, performance and technologies in a sleek, sporty exterior and premium hi-tech interiors while keeping intact its core attributes of safety, spaciousness and fuel efficiency. With such a combination, the 2013 Civic is designed to meet the diverse needs of today’s car buyer. The 2013 Honda Civic will be available in LXI, EXI and VTI grades.
The new safety technologies built into the 2013 Civic include application of the next-gen Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ II (ACE™ II) body structure. It has additional front end structures designed to help increase occupant protection by dispersing crash energy in narrow overlap frontal crashes.
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Bakasyon Grande
MY FIRST HOLISTIC
Healing Holiday By Nikka Sarthou Photos from The Farm at San Benito
Traveling is a learning experience for me—a way to explore new places and discover more about its people and culture. But rarely do I travel to focus on myself, more particularly, my health and wellness. I figured it was time to do so, which was why I planned a trip to The Farm at San Benito.
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Just like when exercising, I thought it would be more fun if I had a “workout buddy” with me while at The Farm, so I brought along the person who I would appreciate it the most—my mother. Even if an overnight stay would cost around a month’s salary of a regular office worker, I changed my mindset and considered it an investment in our health.
The journey to the spa sanctuary As we packed our bags, it helped that The Farm sent us information on its activities for the week. We found out that there were complimentary fitness and recreational activities that we could join so we brought along comfortable outfits and exercise shoes. I decided to drive to the destination,
Bakasyon Grande
as it was another opportunity to bond with my mom. We had a leisurely trip on the road as we looked forward to our retreat from the bustling life in the city. We passed through highways and towns, and a long and winding tree-lined road before we reached the secluded resort. It was a nice feeling to get away from the metropolis and be one with nature. Picture a place where there are lush landscaped gardens, top-notch facilities, posh accommodations, with fresh and cool air— The Farm is about all that and more. Upon check-in, we were given our welcome drinks of fresh coconut juice and their daily newsletter, which includes the list of activities and promotions for the day. There were featured medical services, treatments and restaurant items that were on discount, which guests who booked just accommodations may take advantage of. Those who booked packages like the Detox Cleanse and Specialized Healing Retreats have specific service inclusions. We stayed at the Palmera Suite, which
gave us access to use the meditation lounges, gym and swimming pools. We were also allowed to take part in the daily activities such as yoga, meditation, aqua aerobics, and Mandala floral arrangement, among others. A bowl of fresh fruits welcomed us as we settled down in our room, which was designed like a nipa hut bungalow with modern amenities. It had a big bed, pretty patio, and a bathroom with an open shower, but there was neither a television nor a radio. It was actually a pleasant treat to be disconnected from technology even for a while. We explored our surroundings right away and walked around the area to check out the various pavilions, gardens, and lounges. We even got a glimpse of the majestic peacocks that aimlessly wander around the resort. After a quick stroll at The Farm, we decided to join the Alive! Cuisine Prep Class where we watched a chef prepare different kinds of “live” and nourishing food. I enjoyed watching the chef prepare
food without the use of heat for cooking. It was amazing how she was able to concoct healthy and delicious cuisine. The highlight of the class was the food sampling during the demonstrations where I tasted fresh vegetable and fruit juices, all-natural salad dressings and more. My mom and I had time to bond over afternoon tea as well. Guests were treated to a mini-buffet of healthy snacks and herb teas. It was relaxing to simply lounge in the pavilion and enjoy the leisurely pace of life there. Since we had energy to burn, we joined the Power Walk where a fitness guru toured us around the premises and even some parts outside of it. For about five kilometers, we walked at a brisk pace, as we exercised our bodies while we explored the idyllic setting. We missed the Gentle Yoga session because we lost track of time. It was a full day and we had no problem getting a restful slumber in such peaceful surroundings. It also helped that I had a refreshing shower under the stars. I could
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bakasyon grande
literally see the stars twinkle in the dark sky from the shower booth. My bath experience was made even nicer with the use of toiletries created from all-natural coconut products from The Farm. The next day, I found out how they make the soaps and shampoos through the Oil of Life tour. Before we left The Farm, we indulged in a heart healthy breakfast where I had a
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taste of cereal made with gRAWnola, and a scrambled tofu dish topped with coconut bacon. It was a treat for my palate to sample new flavors that were good for my wellbeing, too. Consuming all healthy foods and breathing the fresh air there helped me cleanse my system and made me feel stressfree. Even if we only stayed overnight in
The Farm at San Benito, I instantly felt rejuvenated and ready to come back to my urban life with a big smile on a face. I think I will make it a yearly habit to travel for myself, my health and overall well-being. Maybe next time I will go for the 21-day healing retreat to totally recharge my mind, body and spirit.
bakasyon grande An award-winning spa The Farm at San Benito is a winner of 26 international accolades including the following: • tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice 2013 • Asia Spa Awards 2012 Spa Cuisine of the Year • SpaFinder Readers’ Choice 2012 Winner • Senses Awards 2012 (Germany), Best Medical Wellness Resort • SpaAsia Crystal Awards
The road to wellness The Farm at San Benito is approximately a 90-minute drive from Metro Manila. Take the southbound lane of the South Luzon Expressway until you reach the Star Tollway and look for the Lipa Exit. From there, pass by the city proper of Lipa. The Farm can provide its guests with map and exact directions; it also offers land transportation and helicopter service. Address: 119 Barangay Tipakan, Lipa City, Batangas, Philippines Telephone number: (+63 2) 884-8073 to 75 Mobile numbers: (+63 918) 884-8080 and (+63 918) 884-8078 Email: reservations@thefarm.com.ph or info@thefarm.com.ph Website: www.thefarm.com.ph
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pinoy planet
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pinoy planet
My Pinoy Life in
Florida USA I
Liza Julao
moved to Florida in 1988 basically for quality of life. Our city St. Augustine won many awards for being one of the best places in United States to retire and raise a family. It has the best hospitals and boasts of being a sportsmen paradise for hunting, fishing, and boating. We don’t have to pay a state income tax and sales tax is one of the lowest in the whole of the United States. There’s a lot history, being the “Oldest City in USA”, there are no severe disturbances; we have almost perfect temperature all year around…I can go on and on.
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pinoy planet
I have lived all over USA and I visited many countries in the world and I just love St. Augustine, Florida. St. Augustine is a very quiet place. It is peaceful, contrary to what others will say. It is a great place to visit and to stay especially since the world is getting to be too noisy, too busy. We all need to have a place to recoup, recover, recharge and renew.
Home of the Commissioner My home is the perfect place to do a lot of things. I have a big yard for gardening (one of my passions) and a huge garage that can house endless collections. I usually use the carport for outdoor entertaining. I work as a Tax Law Specialist, handling complicated tax law issues and a “facilitator� for the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Treasury Department. Concurrently, I am also a commissioner for Jacksonville, Florida, the biggest city in United
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States in terms of land area. I am have served as commissioner for two terms and my term will expire in 2014. The Filipino community in St. Augustine is very small compared to Jacksonville, where I work. Jacksonville has a lot of Filipino servicemen (usually the Navy) and a lot of medical practitioners like doctors, nurses, and the like. Overall, I would say that I cannot complain about life here. I am blessed with a great job, great place, almost perfect weather, lot of things to do so there is never a boring moment and lots of friends. To top it all off, I keep most of the money that I make because of the very inexpensive cost of living. My years of living and working the US have taught me lessons. I think the most important ones to share would be about knowing your worth and not being embarrassed to tell others. You have to value yourself. If you don’t know your worth, you are worth nothing. Others can bully you and treat you badly, if you don’t treat yourself with dignity.
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on the prowl and in the know
ISLAND IN THE SUN by Kristine Abante – Dubai Summer time always makes me think of home: the roadtrips with friends and family, the out-of-town weekends, having dirty ice cream on the street, sipping fresh buko juice or eating halo halo on a hot summer day. The flood of memories makes me want to be back in the Philippines. I yearn to be warmly embraced by its familiar welcoming shores, to leave the cruel indifferent desert-concrete jungle of Dubai and once again be treated as a golden island senorita. Yes, this is the stuff of my summer daydreams. When people, foreigners, ask me about the Philippines, I answer with a question: “Do you like the beach?” If they say yes, I immediately brighten up and become an unofficial tourism
ambassador, happily going on about the places I love the most: Boracay, Palawan, Batanes, Pagudpud, the list goes on. If they say no, I alwayhs have another answer: “San Miguel Beer, sisig, balut and karaoke.” There are so many good things to say that I sometimes wonder why some Filipinos choose to brood over or highlight the bad things. I think of home in the summertime and I hear a song in my head that goes, On an island in the sun, we’ll be playing having fun, and it makes me feel so fine, I can’t control my brain… Follow Kristine @ band-aid-blues. blogspot.com
“I’M SEXY AND I KNOW IT” by Bruha Eve – Kuwait
It is often said that a woman in stilettos exerts more pressure than an elephant. I tell you, it is a pain in the butt borne in the image of Venus, the Roman goddess of perfection, the personification of love and sexuality. We do everything anything possible to achieve that all too elusive standard of beauty. Women of today try very hard to achieve that goddess look. Some go for temporary and others with fat pockets venture into more permanent (and very expensive) makeovers. Society has misled our minds into thinking that being “beautiful“ is all about voluptuous curves and a pretty face. I disagree. Beauty is skin deep and being sexy is a state of mind. It’s all in our head.
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Having that “sexy” aura is not so hard anymore. You can “cheat” a little by adding things that will enhance our natural assets. Better yet, have an expert to help you out. Lucky for me, I always have La Rene by my side. My very own friendly beauty superhero. La rene’s expertise in make-up , hair and eyelash extensions have saved me a lot of boohoo dilemmas. She taught me that the very essence of beauty is confidence and that a trip to a spa will always be a girl’s best friend…next to diamonds, maybe. It’s indeed very important to be comfortable in your own skin. After all, we are all descendants of Venus. Follow Bruha Eve - www.bruhaeve.com
YOUR FACE, YOUR GRACE by Rian Miranda – Riyadh
I believe summer is the season of love. Seeing the dazzling hues of chrysanthemums, calla lilies, cosmos, daisies and other flowers that bloom during this time, brings a refreshing feeling of fondness for ourselves and others. We feel the need to transform the laid-back sluggishness of winter into something revitalizing that sizzles. In other words, we want to be HOT! Nothing is more attractive for men and women, than beautifully nourished skin. Whatever your complexion is, a blemishfree face will complement your entire look.
They say attractiveness runs skin deep and love sees past flaws, but let’s be honest; most of the time people count on first impressions and what better way to impress someone—more than once--than seeing your skin at its best. Call it vanity, but from experience, those who take good care of their skin and appearance are the ones who get their ideal job, a good seat in a restaurant, or the object of their affection. Allow me to share with you five essential skincare tips that I swear by: 1. Get a facial once or twice a month. If you already have zits and the dermatological boo boos, you definitely need to have it cleansed by a professional so your skin can appropriately breathe again. 2. Detoxify. Dedicate at least two days a week to a strict diet of fresh fruits, vegetables, and water. You will see results immediately.
3. Establish a cleansing routine: Wash. Tone. Moisturize. Twice a day and every time your skin feels suffocated. 4. Sunscreen is your friend. Apply sunscreen religiously especially if you’re often exposed to the sun’s rays. 5. Drink lots of water. Hydrate internally as often as you can to immediately flush out the toxins your skin has absorbed from the consumption of oily food or exposure to the harsh elements of the environment. There is nothing wrong with loving yourself the healthy way. My wish is for you to enjoy a blessed life, with overflowing love and with skin that is always exquisitely glowing. Follow Rian - Instagram: msrianmiranda, Youtube: www.youtube.com/rianmiranda
MAKEUP FOR PHOTOGRAPHY by Leslie Fiestan – Riyadh
“The best secrets to makeup, is the makeup that makes you look like you’re not wearing any.” This is a line from the 90’s comedy sitcom, Full House that always comes to mind when I put on my daily makeup. But this rule does not apply when it comes to having a portrait taken. Then it’s more about turning on my inner diva. Makeup is magic if you know exactly how to apply it; it hides imperfections, enhances or exaggerates your best features, if correctly applied.
There is a misconception that what you see in the mirror will be exactly what will come out in photographs. This is so wrong. I’ve had clients and friends tell me that they only want light makeup, but their notion of light/less is the use of only two things, powder and lipstick or just lipstick alone. After seeing their raw photos, they realize that they look pale and lifeless and ask me to make adjustments. Remember, photography makeup is different from everyday makeup. The extra studio lights and flash used during shoots will make your simple makeup fade. Here are some basic tips: 1. Color your eyes using a matte finish and earth colors. 2. Fill in your eyebrows especially if you have thin ones. 3. Wear mascara or fake lashes. Believe me, those lashes won’t show on film unless you have thick long lashes.
5. Use concealer to hide scars and blemishes, especially dark under eye areas. 6. Seal off with powder. An oily face does not look good in photos. 7. Wear lipstick or lip gloss. Remember that darker shades appear lighter in photos. 8. Learn to contour if you want your face to look thinner and have a nose line. Try to do a bit of research if you want to learn more about makeup application. There are plenty of tutorials and tips on the Internet for doing everyday makeup as well as for photography. One of my favorites is from Michelle Phan, who has step-by-step video tutorials. Most importantly, be fearless, experiment and practice, practice and practice. Follow Les - http://lesfiestan.multiply.com/, http://lesfiestan.daportfolio.com/
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On the Prowl and In the Know
DIY BEAUTY PRODUCTS PT. 1 by Tracy Ley – Dubai
I think that having super smooth skin would be awesome, but can be difficult because the water in the Middle East is just so harsh. I’m always willing to try products that can make my skin feel like a baby. Lately, I have become obsessed with DIY beauty products and am loving it. One
of my ultimate favorite DIY finds is body scrub made of honey, apple cider vinegar, extra virgin olive oil and brown sugar. It’s inexpensive, easy to do and will leave your body silky smooth. All you need to do is 1. Mix 4 tbsp of raw brown sugar (ordinary brown sugar is ok) along with 2 tbsp of extra virgin olive oil, 1 tbsp of apple cider vinegar and 1 tbsp of honey. 2. Mix it all together in a bowl. 3. Apply on your entire body and follow it up with your favorite shower gel slathered on a loofah and rinse properly. 4. Make sure you also put some body lotion after. You can do this once a week or whenever you feel like you just need an amazing scrub. Since this is all natural, there are no harmful side effects (not unless, you are allergic to one of the ingredients). You can also use this scrub on your face. My second favourite DIY would be is the
hair mask made from yogurt, avocado and egg yolk. This will make your hair super soft and healthy. 1. For this, you will need is one tub of plain organic yogurt, one small ripe avocado and one egg yolk. 2. Mix it all together until it creates a pasty texture. 3. Apply it on your scalp and spread to the ends of your hair. 4. Massage it in for a few minutes and then comb it out with a wide tooth hair brush. 5. Leave on for 30 minutes, shampoo and condition after. You can do this once a week and it still wouldn’t make much of a dent in your pocket. For more beauty tips, please follow: misstracyley12.blogspot.ae and MstracyleyDxB on Twitter. Follow Tracy – Instagram: mstracyleydxb ; Twitter: MstracyleyDxB Blog: misstracyley12.blogspot.ae ; EyeEm: misstracyley ; Pinterest: mstracyley
MAKE UP MASTERCLASS –CONCEAL AND CORRECT by Anna de Leon – Dubai
Last month I started my Make Up Master Class with a simple how to guide to finding the right foundation. However, perfecting the base is just the beginning. About thirty percent of secret of flawless skin is how well you conceal those dark circles and other skin imperfections. If you are one of the few lucky women blessed with the absence of dark circles or discolorations caused by a pricked pimple, then you can skip this issue and wait for next month’s Make Up Master Class. However, if you are like me and millions of others who occasionally stay up late watching our favorite TV series (DEXTER, in my case), then please read on. A lot of people ask me as to why they still have to conceal when they have already applied their foundation. Simply because there are some spots and blemishes that
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LEADERSHIP AND SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP PROGRAM by Ion Gonzaga – Dubai
Over the last 6 months, I’ve spent 9 Fridays schooling under the 1st Leadership and Social Entrepreneurship (LSE) program by Ateneo School of Government. The program brings topnotch guest speakers and motivators from Ateneo de Manila University and other LSE programs in other countries like Italy, Hong Kong and Belgium. They help us be molded into well-rounded individuals and teams. They inspire us to create effective social enterprises that aim to address various problems particularly those affecting the
marginalized sectors in the community. Unlike usual business ventures, social enterprises also measure success by achieving desired positive social changes. The training gives us fresh ideas about leadership and how to equip ourselves with the right attitude towards becoming entrepreneurs. The program is very fitting here in Dubai as I don’t see a lot of Filipinos running a business. It’s a sad reality that most of us only see employment as the road after college. Our culture has raised us with the common aim to graduate to find the best possible job, not to create the best possible business. I personally feel that this notion has to change. LSE is also teaching us very valuable lessons about financial literacy, giving us better understanding on managing our finances and avoiding or overcoming roadblocks ahead.
have a different undertone compared to the undertone of our skin. These kinds of blemishes require color correction followed by your concealer. Merely piling on the foundation will not conceal, but will most instead, highlight these imperfections. If while covering dark circles, you notice that your favorite concealer doesn’t work, pat on a peach corrector on your dark circles (for light to medium skinned ladies) and then apply your concealer. Concealers for your dark circles should have a yellow undertone and will work better when it is a shade lighter. Aside from concealing, it doubles as a highlighter. For women who have extremely dark circles or ladies who have darker skin, an orange corrector is an essential investment. You may begin to wonder and ask ,”Why orange?” Peach and orange combat the violet undertones of your dark circles. It all goes back to the color wheel but I’ll reserve this explanation for an-
At the end of the program, the class of 45 has submitted significant proposals that address some issues on environment and recycling, sanitation, education, fish farming and agriculture, and more. We get inspired as we discover how some pioneer Filipino social entrepreneurs were able to build their businesses while reaching out to the community. It has opened a golden door for me to network with like-minded people. It has encouraged me to spearhead a Filipino social enterprise revolution here in Dubai and soon back home. LSE is a realization that we can do business while responding to the needs of the society - and this brings greater fulfilment to me. LSE is fun, so watch out for the next one. Did I say we had good food too? Follow Ion Gonzaga - http://www.boydubai. com/ or on Twitter @ionGonzaga
other class, like Physics. : ) The color correcting applies to discolorations caused by pimples or other skin complications. Most of the time they have a gray undertone and applying your concealer will not be enough to hide it. As a rule of thumb, when you are trying to conceal a blemish on your face, the concealer has to perfectly match the color of your skin. For blemishes that have some redness in them, a green corrector applied prior to your concealer will hide it even from the most discriminating eye. Finish off with a little powder and you are ready.... for next month’s Make Up Master Class. Photo Credits Models: Michael Zuniga Follow Anna – www.annadeleonmuastylist.
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news
Getting ahead of other national carriers based in the region, Emirates announced that it will commence daily direct flights on October 1 to Clark International Airport, the airline’s second destination in the country. Cebu Pacific, one of Philippines’ national flag carriers, will begin daily non-stop flights from Dubai to Manila this October 7, marking the airline’s first long-haul destination. The DOT has been implementing a series of promotional and marketing activities in the region to continue building on the momentum. Last month, 22 key travel trade industry specialists from Saudi Arabia and the UAE immersed in a more fun experience of the country’s top tourist attractions through a familiarization tour that covered Manila, Bohol, Cebu, Boracay, Clark and Subic.
PH tourism registers steady visitor arrival growth from the Middle East Tourist traffic to the Philippines from the Middle East continues to show steady growth as visitor arrivals for the first three months of the year totaled 16,423 for a 22.10 percent increase over the previous year’s figures during the same period, with Saudi Arabia as the visitor market, followed by the United Arab Emirates. Since the roll out of the tourism campaign “It’s more fun in the Philippines”, the Department of Tourism (DOT) has been actively working with the private sector, other government entities and relevant stakeholders to foster enhancements in the travel and tourism industry. Major airlines in the Middle East and the rest of the world are expected to gain renewed interest to start flight operations to the country or increase their frequencies due to these collaborations.
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The DOT has also participated in different trade and consumer fairs to connect directly with holidaymakers and possible business partners. The department had its first-ever participation at the Riyadh Travel Fair last April 23 to 26 through the initiative of the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh, supported by the DOT Middle East. The DOT also had its fifth consecutive participation at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) held at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre from May 6 to 9. The Philippine delegation, led by DOT Assistant Secretary Benito C. Bengzon Jr., included fifteen organizations representing ten tour operators, four hotel and resort companies, and an airline.
Leadership and Social Entrepreneurship (LSE) Program for Overseas Filipinos The Leadership and Social Entrepreneurship Program (LSE) is a 6-month training program for overseas Filipinos that develops their Leadership Skills, and educates them on Financial Literacy and Social Entrepreneurship. The program is primarily run by the Ateneo de Manila School of Government (ASoG) and other civil society organizations in collaboration with various government agencies. To date, the program has over 500 graduates coming from Italy, Hongkong, and Dubai. It has 3 modules namely Leadership, Financial Literacy and Social Entrepreneurship, each with 4 full-day sessions. The Leadership module aims to empower each OFW to view him/herself as an agent of change and transformation. The Financial Literacy module includes both financial concepts and skills that the participants can use to improve their economic security particularly for their retirement and/or reintegration into the Philippines. Finally, the Social Entrepreneurship module empowers the Overseas Filipinos to explore their potentials for changing their livelihood options, either in the host country or back in the Philippines, instead of relying solely on paid employment. The LSE was successfully conducted in Dubai from October 2012 to April 2013 with 45 graduates. Another one is scheduled from May to November 2013, starting on May 17. For inquiries, email lse17dubai@gmail.com.
How to Raise a
Beauty Queen/ King Pinoy Way by Aby Yap
It’s actually not really much of a surprise since we rank top 7 in the countries with the most number of Miss Universe wins, a total of 17 including two grand prizes. Our gorgeous kababayans—ladies and men alike—have conquered Miss Earth, Miss World, Miss Supranational, Miss International, Miss Humanity, Miss Tourism, Miss Asia Pacific, Miss Teen Universe, Mrs. Universe, Queen of the Pacific, Miss International Queen, Carnival Queen, Mister World, Manhunt International, and of course, Classroom Muse/Escort, most importantly. The list just keeps getting longer, sorry. So, how can we raise a beauty queen worthy of world competition that when we don’t even have Venezuela’s famed beauty schools with military-like training? When you’re nurtured with the wisdom of the elderly, the road to the Miss/Mister <insert beauty pageant> crown—with or without the tsunami walk—is not at all that difficult. Presenting some tips in raising a beauty queen/king the natural Pinoy way sans the aid of Vicki Belo and/or Stella Araneta: • For moms, formulate your game plan as soon as you learn you are pregnant. Look only at pretty people and/or their pictures. (The amount of time you spend looking at the mirror will depend on your level of self-confidence.) This should help you give birth to a cutie baby. Watch what you eat since it might affect how your child would look like. Ginger or crab might add an extra finger/toe to your little one. Radish could make her/him like Snow White while chocolate, well, like Black Beauty.
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• For dads, unless you can compete with the likes of Piolo and Coco in the looks department, never get your preggy wife angry or your kid might look like you. Again, this is a question of self-esteem. Also give in to your spouse’s food cravings to avoid having a child whose life disposition is as bitter as ampalaya or as sour as green carabao mangoes. Your baby might never win the Miss/Mister Congeniality/ Friendship award. • Once the baby is born, bury the placenta with a book (Please, pick one that has substance. If you’re a Twilight fan, settle for the dictionary), so she/he’ll grow up smart and won’t make a major, major blunder in the beauty contest’s Q&A portion. For extra intelligence, use a book as his/ her first pillow. She/he’ll never need the assistance of an interpreter ever, guaranteed. • First beauty enhancement tip for the baby: trim your newborn’s eyelashes within her/his first three months, so they’ll grow long and curly. Think of how much you will save from eyelash extensions later on. • Keep the child healthy. It’s never too early to take up rigorous physical fitness training, given our daily rice + everything oily diet. • Pin a religious medallion to her/ his clothing to ward off evil spirits. To someone who compliments your baby, say “Pwera usog” to prevent tummy aches. For additional vigor, bathe her/him under the rain come May—only if it’s still safe. • Make sure that your future candidate doesn’t go home luhaan. Secure her/ his chances of bagging the Miss/Mister Congeniality/Friendship trophy already. After baptism, display her/his christening
gown at the reception for everyone to see so she/he’ll become sociable. • Now, the first birthday is the most crucial part for this will decide the child’s fate. Objects should be gathered around her/him and whatever she/he chooses to play with will reveal her/his career. Assist your kid’s decision-making. Just place everything that’s beauty pageant-related, e.g. tiara, scepter, sash, swimsuit, long gown so she/he ends up with only one option—yours. • During the first haircutting ceremony, have someone whom you want to be a role model for your kid cut her/his hair. You may contact Ruffa Gutierrez through Tita Anabelle if she’s not busy waging war against Congress by then. • For a voice like Charice Pempengco or Ariel Pineda, let your child eat ants—red or black depends on their taste. They’ll help her/him succeed in the talent portion. • For the height of a basketball player, ask your child to do Jumping Jacks every New Year’s Eve. Don’t get your hopes up too high, though. • For excellent oral communication skills that will wow all the judges but gross your kid out, (force) feed her/him a female pig’s cooked genitalia. • For a pimple-free face that will your earn your up-and-coming beauty queen a Miss Photogenic (and you her disgust), beg her to wipe her first period blood on her face. Oh, and remind her not to take a bath every time her monthly visitor comes lest she goes crazy. (Can anything get crazier than this?) • For smooth and sexy legs to wow the swimsuit round, never let your kid walk
Onli in da Pilipins
This year, Google confirmed what everyone else already knew: we’re neck deep in BPO a.k.a Beauty Pageant Obsession. Maybe, for lack of more interesting information to search online, Filipinos Googled “Miss Universe” from 2004 to 2012 more than any other citizen of the world. All together now:
Pinoy Pride!
barefoot or she/he’ll have varicose veins as horrible as the roots of the Balete tree. • For long, black, and shiny hair that’s the Filipina’s signature crowning glory, don’t allow your child to pluck out white hair—not even a single strand—or it will multiply by 10. • Rub elbows with your town’s Hermana Mayor so your teenager can join the Santacruzan, preferably as Reyna Elena. Then she can already practice wearing long gowns and walking down rough roads in high heels amid boos, leers, and cheers. As always, try any of these at your own risk. Good luck and mabuhay!
illustrado event
“Day of Sisterhood” gathers more
than 600 Filipinas to discuss women’s issues and establish ties The free for women-only event, “Day of Sisterhood”, saw a successful end to a day filled with activities dedicated to female empowerment and self-improvement. More than 600 Filipinas gathered at the Almas Tower Ballroom in Jumeirah Lakes Towers last Friday, April 12, 2013, in noholds barred discussions of women’s issues. The event hoped to establish ties among
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Filipinas in the region, and ultimately cultivate a ‘women-helping-other-women’ spirit among them. According to Lalaine Chu-Benitez, Publisher and Editor-inChief of Illustrado, the Dubai-based Filipino lifestyle magazine and organizer of the event, “We greatly appreciate the presence of all Filipinas in this year’s edition of ‘Day of Sisterhood’. We are pleased
that Filipinas are getting more aware and conscious of finding answers to their issues. We also see that they get together quite well with each other, and we’re positive that this day helped in creating bonds and friendships among the attendees.” In her welcome speech during the event, Ambassador Grace Relucio-Princesa, the Philippine Ambassador to the UAE, shared
illustrado event
her life story and the challenges she went through in raising five children. She also encouraged the attendees to be strong no matter what challenges life throws to them, to trust in God and nurture love for self. After its successful initial run last year, which was graced by more than 400 Filipinas, this year’s “Day of Sisterhood” did not disappoint with a whole day affair filled with discussions on relationships, reproductive health and building selfimage. Tips on health and nutrition,
career advancement, personal finance and investing, conducted by topic experts were some of the highlights of the day. Additional topics on how to get out of credit card debt and how to nail interviews were also heard during the day. Aside from these, there were also workshops on style, image, grooming, color analysis and makeup. Other exciting segments are the miniworkshops dedicated to teaching selfdefense for women, dance-off, bazaars
and the Nikon Portrait Shoot Out which was attended by over 100 photography enthusiasts. The latter, an exciting photography challenge supported by Nikon, a global leader in photography equipment, tested the skills of 30 budding photographers who battled it out in a 5-minute clickand-download photography competition featuring ten of the most beautiful Filipina faces in the community. The contest that required no-photo manipulation declared
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illustrado event the following winners - 1st Prize: Earl Dominic, 2nd Prize: Eros Goze, Best Model: Shayne Carlos Garcia, Best MakeUp Artist: Yhence Sioting; People’s Choice - Jose Giovanni Castillo and Model: April Joy Panopio. On-the-Spot winners were chosen by Mrs. Lu Cimafranca – President, FLAG (Filipino Ladies Association for Growth) and Wife of Hon. Frank Cimafranca - Philippine Consul General (Dubai & Northern Emirates), Ramy
Eldaghma – Product Executive, Nikon/ Grand Stores UAE and Ramon Benitez – Creative Director, Illustrado and the shootout was supported by the Strobists Group, UAE. Being a spin-off from the magazine’s Women of Substance event which is focused on honoring Filipina achievers in the Gulf, “Day of Sisterhood” also pushes for the similar values. At the same time, the “Day of Sisterhood” also provides the
opportunity to superimpose the message of the Pinays Take Charge Pledge (a 10 point list which guides Filipinas on how to take care and protect themselves). DOS was held in collaboration with Honda and Nikon. The event was also supported by Sun Cellular (Philippines), Xpress Money, Nanay Tuneng, Avon, Nokia, Arab Beverages, Asiento Restaurant and Woman by Anna de Leon.
news
A Summer of Peace
For decades, repeated appeals and numerous efforts have yielded little results. With war, violence and corruption dominating coverage about Mindanao in the mainstream media, it is no wonder the island is perceived to be off-limits to the average Filipino.
I
n 2013, a group of young individuals with roots in Mindanao went to change that through the Summer Peace Fest 2013 (SPF13). Spearheaded by Good Karma Productions, Muni Productions and Ministry of Mushrooms, Inc., it will be a week-long collaborative festival from April 26 to May 1 in Cagayan de Oro and Zamboanga City. The event will bring together local tradition and contemporary art in the name of peace, in harmony with nature, in celebration of its diverse culture and people. As a festival, SPF13 aims to be intimate and personal in spreading the message of peace. It also intends to promote Mindanao’s culture, and support local talents and the local community through jobs during the festival season.
But beyond these aims, the festival hopes to promote three kinds of peace: (1) Peace among men, (2) Peace between Man and Nature, and (3) Peace with oneself. For the Peace among men, SPF13 will encourage participants to look beyond race, religion, social status and other labels that may divide them through art, music and fun. Meanwhile, for Peace between Man and Nature, SPF13 will focus on the rehabilitation of parts of Mt. Kitanglad, which provides 90 percent of Mindanao’s drinking water. Together with Hineleban Foundation, SPF13 will lead the soft launch of the Sip & Reforest Campaign. The “Why Reforest & How You Can be Involved” videos will be also launched during the festival. Lastly, for Peach with one self, SPF13 will offer ways to achieve inner peace
through food and activities designed to bring inner calmness and to raise creativity and compassion. Festival goers can go see artworks and installations, hear talented musicians who support the advocacy, participate in fun tours prepared by the festival’s ecotourism partners, join the community in exchanging ideas, learn in workshops meant to get creative juices flowing and taste healthy food, all of which are interpretations of the festival. For questions, more information and concerns, media relations officer Megan Mendoza can be reached at 09178328968 or meg.mndza@gmail.com. More information on event can also be read at its website www.summerpeacefestival. com, Facebook account www.facebook. com/SummerPeaceFestival and instagram account @SPF13festival.
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THE NIKON PORTRAIT Illustrado Faces SHOOT out CHALLENGE
Earl Dominic Lirio Model: Gihan Halim
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THE NIKONFaces PORTRAIT Illustrado SHOOT out CHALLENGE
Best Model: Shayne Carlos Garcia Best Make-Up Artist: Yhence Sioting
EROS GOZE
Model: Shayne Carlos Garcia ILLUSTRADO 91
THE NIKON PORTRAIT Illustrado Faces SHOOT out CHALLENGE
Jose Giovanni Castillo Model: April Joy Panopio
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THE NIKON PORTRAIT
SHOOT out CHALLENGE
Subject: April Joy Panopio Photographer: Mario Cardenas
Subject: April Joy Panopio Photographer: Marlon Bautista
Subject: Jaja Photographer: Reynante Cayon
Subject: Jaja Photographer: Zarc Bautista
Subject: Shayne Carlos Photographer: Roderick Niverba
Subject: Anna Liza Liagas Photographer: Mark Peregrina
Subject: Gesh Malapo Photographer: Eric Flores
Subject: Donna Decena Photographer: Ermie Uson
Subject: Shayne Carlos Photographer: Jake Royce ILLUSTRADO 93
THE NIKON PORTRAIT
SHOOT out CHALLENGE
Subject: Shayne Carlos Photographer: Aldrich Centeno
Subject: Ahdi Dizon Photographer: Dino Kintanar
Subject: Anna Liza Liagas Photographer: Shafy Daligdigan ILLUSTRADO 94
Subject: Shayne Carlos Photographer: Adelle Lumalang
Subject: Ahdi Dizon Photographer: Divino Aquino
Subject: Gihan Halim Photographer: Hyku Desesto
Subject: Shayne Carlos Photographer: Dennis Dalisay
Subject: Ahdi Dizon Photographer: Gabriel John Rimando
Subject: Gihan Halim Photographer: Joel Valenzona
THE NIKON PORTRAIT
SHOOT out CHALLENGE
Subject: Gesh Malapo Photographer: Jeff Ray Magbigtang
Subject: Bianca Ancheta Photographer: Kenneth Sudova
Subject: Bianca Ancheta Photographer: Dale Adusen Agustin
Subject: Anna Liza Liagas Photographer: Jerwin Marcelo
Subject: Gesh Malapo Photographer: Lennie Rose Tolosa
Subject: Anna Liza Liagas Photographer: Ulesses Caronongan
Subject: Bianca Ancheta Photographer: Jhim Abu Cayon
Subject: Donna Decena Photographer: Mark Peregrina
Subject: Donna Decena Photographer: Zandro Ybanez ILLUSTRADO 95
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