ILLUSTRADO Magazine Nov 2014 by Illustrado Magazine

PHOTOGRAPHY by EROS GOZE

EDITOR’S NOTE

Just recently, Oxford Dictionary announced 2014’s international word of the year - vape, and with it, shortlistees bae, slacktivism, indyref, contacless, and normcore. The latter is fashion’s current ‘it’ word, a combination of normal and hardcore, referring to conventional, nondescript, unremarkable fashion. After years of celebrating people who standout by expressing themselves through style, the normcore trend promotes being average. Normal. But does anybody really want to be, just normal? Isn’t life made more interesting and enjoyable by the not-so-ordinary, the complexities and contrasts? Whether in food, music, or the arts - there is curiosity and satisfaction, not in the one note dish, or the artist who’s a one trick pony. What makes a creation sing is complexity, richness. Even the minimalist art of Zen, which espouses the value of simplicity, has a distinct appreciation for the imperfect. And certainly, in life, one grows in wisdom after going through peaks and troughs. Isn’t it true what they say that you only gain a distinct appreciation for life, when you’ve gone through some of the worse things in life?

The Beauty of Chiaroscuro So we look at this curious, not so normal point in our year, a sort of ‘chiarascuro period’ where we transition from the darkness of November, to the brightness of December. We are at that junction between the month which in Philippine culture is all about remembering the dead and supernatural beliefs, and the happiest, most cheerful time of the year for us Filipinos. And quite rightly so, this issue is dedicated to the out of the ordinary, the atypical, and the weird and wonderful. We feature weekend indie rockers with a day job, obsessed fan girls, the creations of a mad haute couture hair savant, the spookiest places back home, intoxication in the emirates, among a host of other interesting bits and pieces. Let the world marinate in the banality of normcore and normal, while here at Illustrado, we choose to dance in wild abandon with the not so normal. Taas Noo, Filipino! LALAINE CHU-BENITEZ Publisher and Editor-in-Chief

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CONTRIBUTORS

CHAMPIONING THE WORLD CLASS FILIPINO

BO SANCHEZ The Preacher in Blue Jeans Bo Sanchez tells us how to enjoy life by savoring each blessing we receive. Each month, this best-selling author, Ten Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) awardee and respected speaker shares enlightening insights on living a fulfilling spiritual life

BARNEY ALMAZAR, ESQ. Atty. Barney is a director at the Commercial Department of Gulf Law in the Middle East, Philippines and United Kingdom. He holds a UAE legal consultancy license and is a lifetime member of the Philippine Bar. He is a holder of Juris Doctor and MBA dual degrees with concentration on International Business and European Union Law (University of London). Each month, he enlightens us on the intricacies of UAE law.

NICHOLO JALLORES Nicholo Jallores is an advertising account executive, writer, singer, dancer, cardio junkie and a wannabe theoretical physicist. When he was young, his grandmother convinced him that anything is possible, and gullible child that he was he believed her. He engraved that mindset so deeply on the core of his being that now he walks around the city thinking that he can be anything and everything — a dangerous man. He eats his steak rare and mooing, because he believes that if one wants to have the best things in life, he must not be afraid of tasting a bit of blood in his mouth.

ABY YAP Pinoy culture—its quirks and twists— never fails to amuse Aby Yap and give her something to write about. She aspires to deliver material that’s both entertaining and demanding, one that celebrates our exciting uniqueness and sheer humor. One of her ultimate goals is to visit every one of the 81 provinces of the Philippines. Unfortunately, she still has a long way to go. In the meantime, she talks about the top 10 Pinoy scare tactics adults have been using with kids for the longest time.

KC ABALOS-ORENDAIN KC spends her time reading as many books as she possibly can and traveling to as many places as her piggy bank allows. She is a teacher of philosophy from UP, has been a freelance writer for more than a decade, and is also a dancer. Frustrated by all this, she is now a graduate student studying in Kobe University, Japan. In this issue, KC delves into the rise of the Pinoy truck in the US – a veritable cultural revolution conquering communities one bite at a time.

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ALEX CALLUENG Alex Callueng is a Dubai based Fashion and Beauty photographer. He firmly believes that the greatest works come from one’s burning desire to create. He communicates his thoughts, visions and goals through his work and seals it with his heart and soul. His principle in his craft is straightforward and simple- it’s about being true to oneself and professionalism. Apart from his commercial work and his recent campaign for BySymphony where he shot Alexander McQueen, YSL, Gucci, Emporio Armani and Balenciaga, Alex’s images have graced magazines such as Harper’s Bazaar Arabia, Grazia Middle East, Xander Magazine USA, WKND and Physique among others.

KRISTINE ABANTE Dubai-based Kristine Abante calls herself an analog girl in a digital world. A struggling writer in the guise of a corporate executive, she believes in seven impossible things before breakfast and in silly things like peace, love and understanding. A cat person and fan of social media, she spends a little too much time in the internet. She has spent most of her career promoting what she loves the most – music, so it’s no surprise that she authored this month’s look at Filipino indie bands in the emirates.

JOJO DANTESPADUA “Absolutely possessed” is what comes to mind when one watches Jojo Padua talk about haute couture coiffure. The hair savant whose creations have been featured in countless couture fashion shows in the UAE has created amazing looks for top designers Furne One, Michael Cinco, Ezra Santos and other prominent fashion brands and events like The Cartel, Splash, ICONIC, KAY LI, Fashion Forward, Luxury Fashion Week and Galeries La Fayette. His work has also been featured in various ad campaigns and leading style mags like Eluxe Magazine, Velvet, Gulf Connoisseur, Ara Magazine, Desert Fish and Illustrado. This issue’s fashion editorial focuses on his out of the ordinary Mad Hair pieces.

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 Francisco Colayco CONTRIBUTING WRITERS – UAE, Mary Ann “Maps” PHILIPPINES, CANADA Santos SWITZERLAND Nephele Kirong Angela Mapa Nikka Sarthou Anna Oposa Nina Terol-Zialcita Barbara Marchadesch P.A. Escalante Candice Lopez Quimpo Princes Nedamo Dante Gagelonia Quay Evano Didi Paterno Rache Hernandez Excel Dyquianco Regina Layug-Lucero Kara Santos Mary Ann Marchadesch Sherry Tenorio Sonny Guzman CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS –UAE, PHILIPPINES & USA Eros Goze Alex Calueng Glenn Peter-Perez Cristina Linaza Dr. Marlon Pecjo Donald Rosales Raen Badua Irvin Rivera CONTRIBUTING FASHION CREW - UAE Ginno Alducente Jessie Tabla Jojo Padua PUBLISHER – UAE Illustrado Communications FZ-LLC 2nd Floor, Building 2, Dubai Media City United Arab Emirates P.O. Box 72280 Office 20C Tel: +971 4 365 4543, 365 4547 Fax: +971 4 360 4771 E-mail: admin@illustrado.net Web: illustradolife.com, illustrado.net Facebook: Illustrado Magazine Twitter: Illustrado Magazine PRINTERS Printwell Printing LLC P.O. Box 18828 Dubai, UAE STOCK IMAGES Shutterstock.com (Unless otherwise specified) Copyright Illustrado Communications FZLLC 2006 – 2014 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.

NOV 2014 CONTENTS

Models Emilia Järvëla and Anne Llagas don mad, mad coiffure by haute couture hair savant Jojo Padua. Photography by Alex Callueng.

features

Pinoy Singers Unleashed 12 Rocking the Casbah: Pinoy Indie Bands in the UAE 16 Pinoy Food Truck Revolution 22 A Day in the Life of a Fan Girl 72

columns

Editor’s Note 1 Talking Loud 2 Contributors 4 Illuminati: Have we reached our quota for weirdness? 8 It’s What I Do 26 Spirituality: Weird and Wonderful Strategies 30 Money: Christmas Engagement 32 Law: Intoxication in the UAE 34 Scrapbook 38 Community: The First Terno Ball in the UAE 62 Trippin’: 10 Things to Do 69 Onli in da Pilipins: Top 10 Panakot for Pinoy Kids 84 On the Prowl, In the Know 86

fashion

Mad Hair 40 Real Style, Real People 52 Supreme Dazzle 56

places

Global Barrio: My Pinoy Life in Singapore 74 Trippin’: The Philippines’ Most Haunted Spots 82

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ILLUMINATI

Have we reached the quota for weirdness? by Krip Yuson

Is anything weird anymore? Mikhail Gorbachev just warned, on the day that part of the world celebrated the 25th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin wall, of an imminent threat of a new Cold War. Meanwhile, his younger countryman Vladimir Putin just got named as the most influential man in the world. And Putin is generally seen as the fellow who’s been wielding that threat of a Cold War renewal. Across the Atlantic, Barack Obama is said to have just been rendered a lameduck, thanks to the traditional midterm election victory of the Republicans. That’s Strike Two

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in recent weeks for the US Prez, the man pipped by Putin for Most Influential — for the second straight year. Make that Strike Two in more ways than one. So what else is happening in the world? On ground level, Israelis and Palestinians are ratcheting up on street violence, duking it out with knives, even. Elsewhere in that region, the ISIS blackshirts continue to mount assaults in Syria, courtesy of substantial funding and the allure of social media recruitment. The 200 African schoolgirls kidnapped months ago stay kidnapped. It appears that

interest in their rescue or release has waned, despite US First Lady Michelle Obama’s well-disseminated appeal on TV screens worldwide. The status quo has remained — the way women are generally and specifically disadvantaged, often abused, in countries suffering from fundamentalist and terroristic mindsets. Pope Francis has wielded the axe on a loose-tongued Cardinal who dared question the Pontiff’s authority and reform-minded agenda. But what else is new in that department of conundrum with regards faith and its errant application?

ILLUMINATI

Meanwhile, Richard Branson apologizes for the crash of a private spacecraft he’s been funding, and promises to return money deposited for reservations on future private space flights. Random developments continue to transpire all over the world, some of these unexpected, especially those involving natural phenomena inclusive of disasters. Some however are anticipated only too well, even those that continue to paint parts of our planet as comparatively or relatively backward. Somewhere through all those, one may pause to wonder if there’s anything strange or uncommon anymore, given the widening scope of irregularities, anomalies and other unwelcome or just plainly quirky developments. The question may also be phrased thus: Have we turned so jaded and blasé that even Trick-or-Treating on Halloween doesn’t cause us to marvel much anymore at the creative ingenuity of participants, or kids’

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parents, in coming up with scary characters? Zombies and ghouls, flying witches, Count Dracula and werewolves — are they still seen as strange or weird? Or even as just wonderfully entertaining? Or is everything grinding to dead-center satiation, thus boredom. Been there done that — it’s often said nowadays. While surely a myriad of experiences still lie open for first trial by human beings, doesn’t it seem to be dwindling in range, scope, and character? Volcanic eruptions, the aurora borealis, other more common natural phenomena such as autumnal color change as witnessed enjoyably in certain parts of temperate countries — now these of course haven’t been shared as spectacular visual experience by most people on earth. Besides, they qualify more as wonderful, in essence, with nary a hint of strangeness or weirdness. Where then are the weird stuff? Men biting dogs, Santa Claus wanna-bees getting stuck

on chimneys to abort robbery attempts, right-to-die self-helpers … No cause for amazement, wonderment, titillation, horror in any of those. MEGO. Mine Eyes Gloss Over when I read of such. The latest item of amusement I’ve encountered in social media had to do with an energetic girl inadvertently letting loose in her short shorts while twerking. Well, not really weird, no, nor even surprising, given such butt motions. So has it become something like just the same old story, of fight for love and glory, etc.? Or the more things change, the more they stay the same? Where is Dr. Strangelove? Or have we learned to love the bomb? Even movies are mostly sequels or remakes now. Are we running out of narratives? Maybe what’s weird is that it seems to be turning into a ho-hum universe.

FEATURE

FEATURE This is especially evident in a place like Dubai – a city that often struggles to maintain its culture and character in an environment that is predominantly expatriate. Here, Filipino singers have to sound like Jon Bon Jovi if they want to sound rock, Michael Buble if they want to sound Jazz, or Celine Dion if they want to sound adult contemporary – they are paid to be musical caricatures, with painfully little focus on nuances and subtlety. Nonetheless, a singer’s occupation is more complex and multifaceted than it seems – a fact that is often neglected, given that part of the job requirement is to look natural, unaffected and effortless. When Beyonce goes onstage, she means to hit you over the head with her performance; what very few people realize is that she probably spent hours upon hours creating the musical arrangement, learning the choreography and stage traffic, making sure the sound system is configured correctly, and putting together an outfit that will not result in a nip-slip.

By NICHOLO JALORES

“I’ve learned 2 things about TV. It’s always easier with vodka & some of the best singers are from the Philippines.” – Ellen DeGeneres There is something about Filipino singers. They are so good at what they do, they confound the world. It’s not just that that they are so skillful; it’s that they are so many. Good singers are so numerous amongst our populace that a lot of other nationalities easily assume that all Filipinos can sing. And they are not far wrong. Every clique, every office, every apartment unit has at least one person who is good enough to join a singing competition. We are a highly melodic folk, and singing seems to be coded deeply in our cultural DNA. There always has to be some kind of music in everything that we do – a fact that politicians use with great effect during election season, when their campaign jingles echo through the streets at 8am in the morning. Our vocalists are not just trained as artists; they are drilled like athletes and hardened like real gladiators.

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Used to be that OFW’s were stereotyped as either nurses or domestic helpers, but that mode of thinking has changed to include singers. Our performers are entertaining, quite literally, the entire world – their voices heard in every continent except perhaps in Antartica. Here in the UAE, Filipino performers have developed quite a reputation as vocal Spartans who can sing anything, at any time of day, for hours on end without rest. They are deemed as having an almost unfair advantage over their foreign counterparts in terms of range, emotional depth, and sheer physical endurance. As stage performers they are a force to behold, as they are willing to do anything to please their audience. They are almost machine-like in their efficiency and resilience. But as much as Filipino singers are lauded

for their extreme talent, there are times when they are denigrated as mere musical copycats with plenty of skill but very little imagination. See, most Filipino singers are trained for strength, power and attention to detail, but are not typically groomed for musical intelligence, artistry and cleverness: good mimics, but not terribly creative. Coupled with our penchant for good ol’ fashioned colonial mentality, the typical Filipino singer then becomes a mere parrot trained to squawk and echo the aesthetic sensibilities of the west. Remember when Freddie Aguilar blasted Charice Pempengco for allegedly trying to just sound American? His statement could have been phrased better but Ka Freddie had a valid point. Filipino singers are so used to following the standards set by foreign artists, they often struggle with finding and asserting their own unique identity.

In plain sight, a performer is all flash and bang, but beneath that veneer is a tireless, even obsessive dedication to perfection. Here is a list a few things you may not know about your typical Filipino singer abroad.

Most singers really don’t make a lot of money Singers may dress, walk, and talk like celebrities, but most of them really do not have a lot to boast about in the way of net worth. Unless you are signed under a major record label with plenty of capital and a fully equipped marketing arm, chances are that you won’t get rich from a singing career. In the UAE, a Filipino singer usually grosses at around USD1000 to USD1,500 monthly, but when you factor in high operating costs and overheads such as wardrobe, make-up, accessories, and equipment, that amount becomes laughably dismal. Think about this the next time you request the band to play your song. The bulk of a singer’s work is in learning songs and rehearsing, not the performance

Oh they may occasionally complain about being tired, overworked, underpaid, and frustrated, but the truth is that most singers love what they do. They love it to the point that it does not even feel like work anymore. And what’s not to love? They get paid to look and sound like superstars, mingle with guests who think the world of them, and basically party every night. It’s a rockstar of a life. The real work is in the hours leading up to the performance: the time spent learning the songs, rehearsing the arrangement, memorizing the lyrics, figuring out how to “sell” the song, and other technical nitty gritties. The point is to practice the song so well that the performance looks completely effortless.

Singers get upset when their voices are not in top condition A singer with a damaged vocal cord is like a pianist with broken fingers. When your voice is hoarse and bent out of shape, you feel as though your body has revolted against you. It is extremely frustrating to have to under-sing a song that you have practiced to be a showstopper. There are a variety of factors as to why a singer’s voice goes awry, ranging from faulty technique, to pollution, to extreme weather changes. Regardless of the reason, an out-ofcondition singer is an upset singer. So have a little more compassion the next time you hear a performer crack or hit a flat note. That fella is having an awful night.

All singers are innately competitive Call it a cultural byproduct of being born and raised in a country where amateur singing contests are held regularly in every barangay. In the Philippines, we train singers in the same manner that we train boxers and basketball players. They are bred with the desire to be the best at what they do. This attitude can either be productive or utterly devastating to the singer’s ego. There are singers who enjoy listening to other singers and treat it as a learning experience. And then there are those who

choose to live in their made-up world where their talent is completely unbeatable – in colloquial terms, “Sila lang ang magaling.” A reasonable sense of competition is always helpful, but it can lead to contempt and insecurity in heavy doses, which tends to be crippling to one’s growth as an artist. At any rate, overly competitive singers are hardly a cause for a complaint. Whenever two singers compete, it’s the audience that wins.

Singers ARE athletes What most folks tend to take for granted is how physically demanding singing could be. Singers need to train and condition their entire bodies to produce good sound – similar to how athletes prepare for sporting events. It’s not just the vocal cords that do the work. To get through one performance, you have to manage your breathing, access the right resonators, shift from one placement to another, control your diaphragm, make sure your mouth is formed properly, smile internally, raise your eyebrows, draw the note in, push the note out – all the while trying to look like the song just flows out of you naturally.

Singers love it when you listen Not just hear, but actually listen - Because you could sit through all three of the band’s sets and miss everything that the singer is trying to express. Your senses could be addled by alcohol, you could be pouring all your attention on that hot babe across the room, you could have just come to the gig for the dancing – you could be distracted by so much nonsense that you fail to listen to the very qualities that make the singer’s performance great. Singers appreciate an attentive audience a lot more than any tip or passing compliment. They may be gladiators, athletes, and occupational copycats, but they tear out a bit of their soul to breathe life into their song – the least that you could do is pay attention. Remember: you came to the gig to witness greatness. So listen.

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FEATURE

The Illustrado Singers’ Hall of Fame We’ve searched high and low to find the best, most accomplished Filipino singers in the UAE! Here are some of them.

Raymond Malavega

Royce Aldrich Centeno

Anchell Antonio

Honey Lhet Acuna

The Voice: Mighty tenor belter that easily overcomes the most demanding power ballads. Royce has been singing back-toback gigs for years, but his voice shows no signs of faltering – a testament to his reliable technique and discipline.

The Voice: Sweet, silken, and sultry tone of voice that can make any man weak at the knees. She may sound delicate but don’t let her pixie appeal fool you. That voice packs a punch – and it stays forever young!

The Voice: Rich, intoxicating alto that’s soft like butter and slow like, well, honey. In an industry that is oversaturated with spritely sopranos and power belters, her voice stands out – dark and mysterious like single malt whiskey.

Musical Influences: Stevie Wonder On his favorite song to sing: What might have been by Lou Pardini. They said that song suits my voice and I feel like the song is showcasing my skill to it’s full potential. On what makes Filipino singers so good: Filipino singers have a distinct sound in singing. Full of emotions. They make you feel the message of the song. Listen to Royce Aldrich! Nightly, at Kitakits Kafe & Klubb, Marco Polo Hotel, Deira, Dubai

On what’s great about singing: I can express what I feel through singing and earn money at the same time. On what’s not so great about singing: Reality is singing is still a job and like any other job you have to work hard. When you’re sick u have to look ok. When you have problems you still have to be professional. The worst scenario is when somebody does not appreciate your singing. Worst feeling! Listen to Anchell! Nightly, at Kitakits Kafe & Klubb, Marco Polo Hotel, Deira, Dubai

Reggie Sandoval The Voice: Dexterous, versatile baritone that can glide across different genres. As a comedian, Reggie often uses his voice to great comic effect, but he can class it up at the drop of a hat. Not many singers can sing Endless Love as both Diana and Lionel, but Reggie makes it sound like the most natural thing in the world. Oh, and you haven’t lived until you’ve heard him impersonate Jaya! On what made him decide to be a singer: Singing is in my blood! I come from a family

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On what made her decide to be a singer: I decided to be a singer when my mother and peers kept complimenting me on my voice. I’ve also won some competitions. On her favorite singer: Whitney Houston because she sings from the heart and most of her songs are based on her life. On what makes Filipino singers so good: Filipinos are very emotional. They perform straight from the heart, which gives more value and creates strong impact. Listen to Honey! Nightly, at Kitakits Kafe & Klubb, Marco Polo Hotel, Deira, Dubai

The Voice: Ballad powerhouse that’s built to echo across large concert halls and break many hearts! As a seasoned vocalist, Raymond is as impressive as he is expressive. His performances are noted for their great strength and awe-inspiring emotional depth. Musical Influences: Regine Velasquez and Martin Nievera On what’s great about singing: Money! On what makes Filipino singers so good: Most Filipinos are born artists. Their talent just naturally flows from the heart! Listen to Raymond! Nightly, at Makati Comedy Bar, Asiana Hotel, Deira, Dubai

Rosa Reyna Salatandre aka Mika The Voice: Thick, tasty alto that grows stronger and richer in the upper registers. One fascinating detail about Mika’s voice is her beautiful vibrato – luscious and flawlessly symmetrical, perfect for dramatic ballads or jazzy numbers. And she’s super funny too! On how she practices for her performances: I listen to the music and get the cues of the songs. If I can’t reach the high notes I just make own style . On her favorite artists: Christina Aguilera, Alanis Morissette, Natalie Imbruglia, and Tina Arena. They have unique style compared to others. On what makes Filipino singers so good: They are competitive and they make sure they sing songs better than the original artists. Listen to Mika! Nightly, at Makati Comedy Bar, Asiana Hotel, Deira, Dubai

Karen Peachey of entertainers. 5 of my siblings are also singers, and I really look up to them. On the one song that you enjoy singing the least? It’s Dance with my Father by Luther Vandross because it makes me so emotional. I always remember my Dad. But I know he’s in good hands now so everything is fine. Listen to Reggie! Nightly, at Makati Comedy Bar, Asiana Hotel, Deira, Dubai

The Voice: Queenly, stately, and regal. Karen is often compared to Whitney Houston not only because of her emotive style of singing, but also because of her truly captivating stage presence. You don’t just listen to Karen - you experience her. She draws you in with her voice. She may be performing to a crowd of thousands, but somehow she sounds as if she’s singing only for you. She’s THAT good.

Cris Bernardo The Voice: Incredibly strong mid-belt and head voice with practically unlimited potential. Her tone becomes even more brilliant and crystal clear on the high notes, which is trait that is commonly heard in gospel singers. On what made her decide to be a singer: My dad had cancer when I was in college. I had to sing at night and study in the morning. I used the money I earned from singing for my allowance, and for school projects. On what’s great about singing: You get the chance to share your talent to thousands of people, around the world. You can express your emotions when you perform. Sometimes, the only way to let your feelings out is to sing it out. You can’t express it any other way! Listen to Cris! Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, at Rodeo Drive, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai

quiet. Singing was a way for me to express myself and give myself confidence . On what’s not so great about singing: I honestly believe that there is nothing bad about it. On what makes Filipino singers so good: We are committed to ensuring that we always give 100% to every performance. Listen to Karen! Fridays, at Stars and Bars, Yas Island Abu Dhabi

On when she realized she wanted to be a singer: As a kid, I was extremely shy and

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FEATURE

Old school punk vanguard, Reymond Bravo, vocalist and chief songwriter of quirky punk rock trio No Brains, goes a bit more graphic, describing their music as “tall, dark and gruesome.” “Our songs are about everyday stuff heartaches, greedy landlords, fat-ass lazy kabayans who wants to be slim but do nothing else but eat donuts and troll on Facebook until they mutate into Jabba the hut, wife-stealing douchebags, gold digging whores, bad odor, terrorism etc… ” Reymond elaborates.

By Kristine Abante

It is inevitable to find an incredible amount of Filipinos at the helm of the underground, do-it-yourself rock movement in Dubai, and the rest of the Emirates. Home to over 600,000 of our working class heroes, music – specifically, rock and roll, has been the drug of choice by a good number of Pinoy expats beating the blues and the numbness brought on by the heavy toll of the daily grind.

Call it the Mr. Hyde to our Dr. Jekyll persona, unsuspecting bosses, clients and customers will be surprised to know that the smiling accommodating, friendly Filipino staff you find at the counter or sitting quietly in the office cubicle is not really who you think he or she is. For most of our musicians playing after dark, sitting still was never enough. The typical Dubai expat might be content jugging copious amounts at happy hour, drowning out everything with mindless DJ music, yet there is simply no killing the creative noise where it breeds in abundance. Liz Uraning, vocalist of the band Xalbaje, who recently released a music video to complement their debut single Breaking Silence sees their music as a form of stress relief – “Like most of the other bands I just got together with the guys to jam after work, until one day we decided to form a band to play our own kind of OPM. OPM for OFWs, our lyrics, our melodies all describe our life as an ordinary working Filipino in the UAE.”

Rebels and Comrades With “disgustingly talented Pinoys” (quoting another Filipino expat based in Saudi) present in almost every square mile of this city, it is not hard to stumble upon like-minded rock and roll comrades and rebels of the 9-to-6 who simply refuse to be defined by their day jobs. Computer Engineer, Ariel Aquino, the drummer and lone Filipino member of the heavy-hitting 3-piece band Fighting Superheroes found his rock redemption

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playing with two other Syrian dudes who describes him more of a brother than anything else. “Playing with Ariel has been a blast since day one. We had the same influences and taste in music, that’s how we got together in the first place. Good vibes, enthusiasm, rock and roll, that’s what we get from him, plus it’s just great to know that your brother has your back at all times, says Rashwan Zaza, lead guitarist and vocalist of Fighting Superheroes.

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FEATURE

pursuits, putting in more time and effort on his new Electro dream pop band – Parallel Sound System while still on drum duties for hard rock band Goddamn Electric.

find time to practice so we decided to form the new band (Cynthia Luster)” says Owgs. “We used to practice at this studio which just opened recently, I think we were their first customers but sad to say we were probably also their last as the police gave the owner a warning about the loud noise. To think we were not even playing death metal!”, Coni adds jokingly. Bebot Lofranco who plays drums for two bands (Beanies & No Brains) have a hard time juggling rehearsals and writing music in between day jobs, and having other priorities.

Coni Mangasar and Owgz Pelaez of the band Cythia Luster who plays “fast core” punk also share their own observations from the scene and the challenges they are faced with.

Shao Panizales, who works for a Dubai-based ad agency describes finding her band mates as “a fortunate stroke of serendipity with scattered musical instruments.” “We were batchmates, schoolmates and townmates who incidentally found ourselves in same part of the world. We don’t work as musicians, but we all believe that we were born to play,” all of them proud “iskas” hailing from UP Los Banos. Shao’s all girl-group Beanies plays rousing punk music and is poised to rock hard with the best of them.

Blacksheep and the perils of DIY… Indeed, the clash of guitars, drumbeats and powerful voices come out kicking and screaming wherever it finds release, more often than not in small seedy clubs, where the audience is much more enthusiastic. The older bands from the scene recall that it was sometime in 2006 when there was a huge influx of

“Most people here listen to music fed by radio stations, not everyone digs original music, so big props to all the musicians and bands here in Dubai who devote time and money to make their own music. We all do it for the love and passion. It’s not easy over here, but there are places in the Middle East that would not even allow such freedom”, Mac James of Goddamn Electric adds.

“I started Blacksheep in 2008, the goal was to provide a platform for the growing underground Filipino rock scene.” shares Cromwell. Blacksheep was successful for a time as it was able to consistently come up with concept gigs such as “Que Horror” and “Plug and Play”, pulling in a great line-up that featured good number of Filipino indie rock bands and a steady crowd of fans, not just Filipino but from all different nationalities.

“The good bands started leaving the country when the recession hit. We lost a lot of good talents and friends. I guess you could say it came to a point when the brotherhood in the scene was not as solid as before. Also, the scene was not immune to the typical crab mentality and the drama that builds out of being involved closely with the bands, so organizing gigs started to take its toll on me personally. “ Despite Blacksheep being on a semi-hiatus, Cromwell remains persistent with his musical

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Apart from personal challenges, there are also external forces influencing the growth of the scene, like the over-all reception of original music in Dubai. Mac James of Goddam Electric notes that it’s not easy to crack a saturated environment such as Dubai.

Filipino bands that frequented festivals organized by such well know grassroots underground productions, most notable of which is a collective known as Blacksheep spearheaded by graphic artist/ musician Cromwell Ojeda.

As most things DIY, the road to rock was a path fraught with thorns. Cromwell recalls the recession of 2009 hitting them hard.

I started playing with the band when I was just new in Dubai and my work schedule wasn’t as crazy as now. The situation now is a lot different. If I get a decent time off then I will jam with the band. It would be good to record some songs but it’s just not my top priority now because I have a son who’s going to college soon and I need to focus on my job. “

“Shows here are way different from back home. Some bar venues would have divisions that would separate the band from the crowd whereas in the Philippines everyone is encouraged to join the mosh pit. Also, the bands are required to have proper permits just to play so there’s a lot more hassle for the organizers and the bands to put up gigs” shares Coni. With their day jobs, finding time and a place to practice is also not easy. “As of now, I’m working as bike expert in a shop here in Dubai, I used to play with guys from Abu Dhabi in a band called Maticrust but it was quite difficult to

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FEATURE

Breaking the Silence In any country or community music breaks barriers, and rock and roll breaks it the loudest. Perhaps being Filipino has its merits when it comes to talent and depth of influence, having had the advantage of being exposed to a great deal of Western culture, but at the same time, the Filipino indie bands are all in unison saying that being Filipino has absolutely nothing to do with rocking out. The Pinoy indie rock scene in the UAE is another testament to the old adage that rock and roll is a way of life that transcends beyond race, languages and even religion. For beyond the cool band shirts, the booze, the artsy gig posters, it will always be about following your fire, being true to yourself, and hopefully getting everybody to share the same solid buzz.

FIGHTING SUPERHEROES Members: Rashwan ZaZa (lead guitar/vocals), BiBars Nakhesh (bass), Ariel Aquino (drums) Genre: Hard Rock / Metal / Punk https://www.facebook.com/fightingsuperheroes

GODDAMN ELECTRIC Members: James Casimiro (Vox), David Ojeda (guitar), Cromwell Ojeda (drums), Paulo Refundo (bass) Genre: Rock, Heavy Rock, Alternative Metal https://www.facebook.com/DAMNELECTRIC

Keep the scene alive, go to the gigs and check out the incredible wealth of Pinoy Indie rock in the UAE. Stay loud and proud, and remember â&#x20AC;&#x201C; you are not your day job.

NO BRAINS Photo by Rica Salario Members: Reymond Bravo (vocals/guitars), Rica Salario (bass), Bebot Lofranco (drums) Genre: Punk Rock https://www.facebook.com/noXbrains

PARALLEL SOUNDSYSTEM Members: X (vocals), Mckie (synth), Crom (beats)

BEANIES

Genre: Electro Dream Pop

Members: Xyza Aller (lead vocals and rhythms), Olen Lofranco (lead guitar), Shao Panizales (bass guitar), Bebot Lofranco (drums)

https://www.facebook.com/ParallelSoundSystem https://soundcloud.com/parallelsoundsystem

Genre: Rock https://www.facebook.com/Beanibinis

CYNTHIA LUSTER Members: Coni, KJ (vocals/guitars), Erickson (guitars), Leo (drums) Genre: FastCore Punk

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XALBAJE Liz Uraning (Vocals), Tziz Cortes (Drums), Joven Peralta (Guitar) , Zandro Aquino (Bass) Genre : Pinoy Rock https://www.facebook.com/xalbajeband?fref=ts http://www.youtube.com/user/xalbajeband

FEATURE

Señor Sisig

Señor Burrito

By Kc Abalos ORendain BluIz60 / Shutterstock.com

Finally, Pinoys in the USA have joined the food truck fad! Armed with their drivers’ license, spatula, and their Filipino passion for hearty, yummy dishes, they’re conquering the states, one city at a time. Food trucks are all the rage. It seems only recently that it has become this huge gastronomic fad. But actually, good food on wheels has always been a big part of the urban and suburban life. The young and the young at heart still remember the days when the cheery music of an ice cream truck would come along. Dogs start barking. Moms check their pockets for change. And, children run towards this cold treat. Nowadays, you only need to check your smartphone, search online, or ask Siri for the nearest burrito and, voila, you can get your hands on some mean fusion fare without whipping out your credit card. A few coins and you’d have already sated your craving for a wicked rice bowl of adobo. Sure, you had to eat it while standing up. And sure that dude behind you cut in front

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of the line because apparently he has a major ketchup deficiency which just cannot wait until it’s his turn, but still, truly great food is worth all the trouble. And truly great Filipino food? Well, it is definitely a must¬ try!

Park at Your Own Risk Filipino food has recently been dubbed as THE next big thing in the New York dining scene. Fancy Pinoy fusion restaurants have cropped up in major cities worldwide and netizens have helped spread the word. This is a big boost to our food culture because the sad reality is that for the longest time, Filipino cuisine has taken a back seat to our other Asian neighbors.

Chinese and Japanese food has always been the exotic staple for the North American market. Indian food has just been there all this time. Then everyone discovered Korean and Thai, albeit a little toned down for those who are faint of heart. Then Vietnamese pho was suddenly hot. We kept waiting for our turn. This is a humongous deal for Filipinos because we looove our food. We love it so much we use everything we could from meat carcasses to nutritious fruit peels. We love it so much we spend hours in front of ancient stoves to squeeze the best flavor. We love it so much, we die from it. Literally. So we have friends over for big lunches. We have fiestas. We experiment and eat. I am willing to bet that each and every Filipino

has harbored a dream of opening his or her own restaurant. Of course not everyone has access to the big bucks needed for a nice restaurant. The solution to a restaurant dream and no funding is, of course, food trucks! Not only are meals on wheels cheaper and easier to maintain, they also streamline food preparation and give you mobility in looking for your market. Not to mention the fact that food trucks are super popular, having one, regardless of cuisine, is already a win-win for any food business. Filipino cuisine has the added bonus of being a perfect fit for in-truck prep! Let us tell you a little secret, the best Pinoy bites are... street-food! From grilled meat to sautéed peanuts, icy gulaman to sweet fried bananas. We want our food wrapped in banana leaves even if it’s in the middle of EDSA. Yes, even if it’s dashed with a little dust and grime. Food trucks basically follow the same concept, only more hygienic and more mobile. So whether you’re a Pinoy craving for mom’s dishes or an American curious to try what the fuss is about, catching these vehicles of gourmet goodies are a must!

Sisig on the Go One of the earliest players in the food truck scene is Manila Machine, run by Filipino food bloggers residing in the US. After a huge success and acquiring a sea of loyal followers, it has introduced the American palette to the rich flavors of Pinoy cuisine. Shame Manila Machine had to park their wheels but it did help pave the way for other trucks to roll into action. Have you ever tried a tocino (sweet pork) burrito or a white chocolate champorado? These are the signature dishes of White Rabbit Truck. Starting with only a thousand dollars back in 2010, a group of friends realized that there is a need to represent the Pinoy taste in sunny Los Angeles. Now, they have a permanent cafe in California and Las Vegas, Nevada. With the help of innovative recipes and the social media, and traditional media following suit, they have been riding the waves of success, a veritable example of the American dream.

of creativity. The geniuses behind Señor Sisig decided to fill a taco shell with Sisig, the Philippines favorite pork dish. Simple, but utterly savory and meaty. We dare you to try this pig’s ears dish which Anthony Bourdain hailed as one of the best pork dishes he’s ever had. Apparently, it’s even better on nachos and as a burrito. Also making waves in San Francisco is Naked Chorizo, literally refers to a Spanish Sausage that has been stripped off its skin. Their Naked Chorizo slider is lovingly wrapped in the ultimate Filipino breakfast, pan de sal. Spanish cuisine has been fused with the Filipino food culture seamlessly resulting in rich, flavorful dishes that have a hint of old Spain and a jolt of Pinoy taste.

The sinful goodness of sisig has hit the tram-filled streets of San Francisco because of Señor Sisig. Now a food truck success story would not be complete without heaps

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FEATURE

Big Boys Filipino Food Truck

Roaming the roads of Houston, Texas is Flip ‘N Patties. Cute name, a play on the street term for Filipinos, i.e. Flip. Can’t get any more Fil-Am than that! Except, maybe for their yummiest dish, the Jeepney Burger, a longaniza patty on a truffle patty on a sunny side egg with other delicious stuff that makes it a cowboy-meets-kalesa type of fusion. Did we mention they use farmraised meat and other fresh ingredients? It is not only big boys who love what Big Boy’s Filipino Food Truck has to offer. Everyone is sharing, tweeting, and posting the yummy original recipes of this mobile resto. Who has heard of longganiza sandwiches and spam burritos? They attest to the simple rule that with meat and cheese, you can’t go wrong! Their haunt is around the Washington area.

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Hey Joe! Filipino Street Food Truck roams the streets of Phoenix where they were hailed as the best food truck in 2012. Brian, the American and Margita, the Filipina fell in love and are the brains and stomachs behind Hey Joe! Brian wanted to bring the flavors of Lapu Lapu city, where his wife hails from, to Phoenix. Since he was always greeted by the locals, “Hey Joe!”, it seemed appropriate to name his food truck business that affectionate nickname. Straightforward and flavorful, his signature dishes are pancit, lechón kawali, and mongo vegan. No doubt about it, Filipino cuisine reigns supreme even in the streets of the US. The Filipinos’ love for food truly knows no bounds. But then again, home is wherever the hearth is.

IT’S WHAT I DO

Jeorge Y. Orines Manager, Banqueting - Atlantis, The Palm Jumeirah, Dubai What I do for a living I work in the capacity of Banquet Operations Manager in Atlantis - The Palm. I handle social events and conferences including high profile events where guests include prominent local and international politicians and celebrities. Part of my main task is to develop and enhance the competencies of our staff through comprehensive training and workshops. This is to ensure that we maintain top class five-star hotel service.We are even extending our services outside the hotel, if guests request to have a private event in their own residence. I started my career in banking in the Philippines right after I earned my accountancy degree. Five years later, I jumped into the hospitality field here in Dubai, starting modestly as a waiter in December 2004 at the Jumeirah Emirates Towers. In 2006, I was promoted as Team Leader in the same company.

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By October 2008, Atlantis - The Palm gave me chance to join the organization as Assistant Manager. After we showcased what Filipinos could do at the workplace, I was then promoted to the post of Operations Manager in 2011.I was part of the Grand Opening of Atlantis - The Palm in 2008. We had almost 4,500 guests including celebrities like was Michael Jordan, whom I had the chance to meet and chat with. The most memorable events I have handled so far are the Philippine Independence Day and the recent TernoBall hosted by the Philippine Consulate General and Illustrado, respectively. These events brought me back to my younger days of “Maria Clara and Juan dela Cruz,” especially during the performance of our cultural dances. My typical working day Being in a service oriented field, I work five days a week and I do not have regular days off as it usually varies according to the requirement of the business. However, I do make sure that I give quality time to my wife and son, who are with me here in Dubai. In the morning, I always make time to drop my lovely wife at work, and pick her up in the evening. Message to kababayans out there Never stop dreaming. Make God the center of your lives and everything will follow. Doing a good job at work is what is expected from us, doing an excellent job is what makes us different!

FILIPINO PROGRESS AND DIVERSITY AT THE WORK PLACE

Venus Dulce G. Borlongan Executive Secretary & Admin Assistant - Actavis What I do for a living I am an Executive Assistant/ PA to Middle East, Greece and Turkey Management Team, and an Administration Assistant and Local Contracts Administrator for Actavis, a multinational pharmaceutical company with global headquarters in Europe and the U.S.A. What’s interesting about this role is that you can rise to the challenge of wearing different hats at any given time. There is a variety of things to accomplish, projects to work on and exposure to arrangements of different sorts. There will always be an opportunity to bring out your best ability in problem solving and trouble shooting, on different scenarios. You can develop a lot of skills as well as meet and engage in discussions with wellexperienced people from diverse nations. My typical day A typical working day for me means coming to the office before everyone else does. I make an initial check of the office, make notes of office concerns and check the admin calendar. Then, I tend to new emails. When the directors arrive, I discuss with them of what they need my assistance for - new meetings to arrange, new requests to facilitate, documents to be printed, filed, presented, research to be carried out, projects to accomplish,

It’s what I do

FILIPINO PROGRESS AND DIVERSITY AT THE WORK PLACE

among other requirements. After addressing all the directors’ priorities, I would look into my travel, hotel or group meeting arrangements that are not solely for the executives but also for clients and employees. I visit anything pending that needs follow up with my commercial agreements; update the contract database whenever necessary; produce documents whenever required. I take the phone, screen the calls, cover the reception in case our office assistant runs errands, welcome guests and perform other duties. As there as so many things a PA like me does for the directors on daily basis, in general, all of these things make an impact and affect the busy lives of the executives. The executives rely heavily on the PA, entrusting work will be done efficiently even in their absence. A PA should never take no for an answer, because there is always a way to get things done. Being in a job like this is already a remarkable thing! Message to kababayans out there Put passion in everything that you do and believe in yourself. Be kind and humble and thank God for all the blessings coming your way.

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IT’S WHAT I DO

It’s what I do

FILIPINO PROGRESS AND DIVERSITY AT THE WORK PLACE

Edsel Jacob Head – Commercial Producer, Channel 4 Coast FM What I do for a living Dubai is sweeping the revolution of media very significantly. My passionate attitude, excitement, commitment and personal touch have given me the opportunity to become Head Radio Commercial Producer. Producing commercials in Arabic, Hindi and English is fun using the latest technology and techniques available, while applying my creative streak and seasoned judgment. I work in an industry where I am given the chance to come up with my own ideas and be personally involved in developing, nurturing and executing these for broadcast in different networks. Staying in the radio industry job is tough and competitive. However I truly believe I have an edge due to my flexibility, creativity, independence and superb interpersonal skills which allow me to function effectively on-the-job. Personally, I gain a lot of satisfaction from challenging myself and succeeding.

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My typical working day Playing music improves one’s concentration and brain function, so my typical work day starts with playing and listening to music. It’s just like my morning coffee, without it, I am not able to start any recording. Out here, they are fond of UK and US voice over talents, hence, work starts 4 hours after 9AM daily and Thursday is my “Nightmare Thursday.” Sending voice overs late afternoon requires me to stay very late at work to ensure the job order is achieved on the day. High volume requests come before the weekend and airing is mostly over the weekend too. Dealing with different network presenters and hearing my produced radio commercial on-the-air and shared with other sister radio stations is very fulfilling. It makes me forget the daily grind. Another thing that’s exciting in my job is that I get to meet local and international artists visiting to promote their latest gig at the station, especially with my involvement with the breakfast shows from previous radio stations like Radio One and Radio 2. It becomes even more personal when you get to bond with the artist after the show and they become your friend for the day.

SPIRITUALITY

One time, after a vacation, I had a difficult time getting over jet lag.

But because you’re moving from one zone to another, you’re also experiencing a “lag”.

I felt sleepy the early morning and late afternoon. And then when it was time to sleep at 10 p.m., I was totally awake. After tossing and turning in bed, I’d finally fall asleep at 1 a.m., only to wake up almost close to dawn - totally awake again. It was nuts.

Sometimes, you’re patient. Sometimes, you blow your top.

It’s the same with your life journey. You’re moving from one spiritual zone to another. From a Doubt Zone to a Faith Zone. From a Scarcity Zone to an Abundance Zone. From an Impurity Zone to Purity Zone. From a Selfishness Zone to Selflessness Zone.

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To slap you on the right cheek, one has to use a backhand slap.

If you follow this quote, you’ll avoid many unnecessary conflicts.

And a backhand slap meant something very specific to the Jew. A backhand slap was how a master slaps a slave, or how a Roman slaps a Jew. The right cheek slap meant, “You’re beneath me! I shame you. I humiliate you.”

There are two kinds of conflicts: (1) Conflicts of Principle and (2) Conflicts of Preference.

By BO SANCHEZ

Though I’ve moved to a new time zone, my body was still operating in the old time zone.

unity; in non-essentials, liberty; in all things, charity.”

again. And move on.” Hold that thought for awhile because I’ll get back to it later.

I’ve realized that most of our Conflicts are Conflicts of Preference, pretending to be Conflicts of Principle. It’s just our selfcenteredness and pride that’s causing the conflict. Fourth, be foolish. Jesus said, “If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also.” (Matthew 5:39)

Sometimes, you walk straight. Sometimes, you stumble.

It’s when you’re suffering a lag that you most likely get into conflict with people around you. You become a peace breaker instead of a peacemaker.

Strategies To Be a Peacemaker

This is one of the hardest Bible passages to interpret.

Sometimes, you act in love. Sometimes, you act indifferently.

There are 5 strategies to avoid unnecessary conflicts in your life:

Yes, weird and wonderful.

First, be faithful. That means making constant deposits in the emotional bank account of the people in your relationships.

Sometimes, you have it all together. Sometimes, you fall.

I have a simple message for you: Don’t be too hard on yourself. Don’t condemn yourself. Or you’ll get worse. You’ll be trapped. God forgives you. God understands that you’re moving in the right direction; you’re just experiencing a lag. And He says, “Don’t be too hard on yourself. Get up. Stand up

Second, be forbearing. That means accepting the weaknesses of others. Third, be flexible. Let me tell you one of my most favorite quotes. It’s from St. Augustine, written some 1600 years ago. He said, “In essentials,

Its nuanced meaning is lost, because we don’t know the culture of that particular time and place. Dr. Walter Wink, a Bible scholar, explains it in this way: In ancient culture, being slapped on the right cheek is very different from being slapped on the left cheek. First, the left hand cannot be used for slapping, because it was used for unclean tasks. (I won’t have to expound on this one. Use your imagination.) Only the right hand was used for slapping.

When Jesus said, “Give your left cheek,” it meant something totally different. If I’ll slap you on the left cheek, I can’t use the back of my right hand. I’ll have to slap you with a fist or the front of my hand. Which had a totally different meaning to them. In their culture, it meant, “We’re equals.” You’ve reclaimed your dignity and refuse to be humiliated. When someone abuses you, God wants you to defend yourself. Not allow yourself to be humiliated. But He wants you to do something utterly foolish: “When people hurt you, don’t slap back. Don’t strike back. Don’t seek revenge. Don’t punish. Don’t get even. Instead, do good. Hope that your goodness will shame them, and their conscience will move them to change their lives.” Fifth, be funny

end up with a lot of conflicts. Why? Because they get easily offended. Their pride gets easily pricked. Here’s my advice. Don’t take it too seriously when people disagree with you. Or when people offend you. Or when people criticize you. At the end of the day, they don’t matter. Don’t make people with problems ruin your day. Why expend energy getting angry? It’s not worth it.

Peace Breaker or Peacemaker? Friend, you have a choice. You can live your life as a Peace breaker or a Peacemaker. At the start of this message, I talked about how you’re moving from one Zone to another. And how you’re experiencing a lag. So I told you God’s message about not to be too hard on yourself. Here’s God’s other message for you today: Don’t be too hard on others too. Because they’re experiencing a lag, just like you. They still fall. They still falter. They still stumble.

Don’t take yourself too seriously.

They’re weird now, but things can get wonderful.

Here’s the truth: Nobody does. (Ha-ha!)

Understand them. Accept them. Love them.

People who take themselves too seriously

And you’ll become a Peacemaker.

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MONEY

Christmas Engagement

present her. It becomes not only a reminder for the lady about her engagement but also a “show piece” to show the world about how happy she is. Lately, in addition to the engagement ring, there is a “production” on how the man will propose to the woman. This may seem a little too much for people who are not so “romantic” but it seems that it could go a long way in the man’s proving to his beloved how important she is. This is especially true if the woman is not really that eager to get married yet. She might just be swept off her feet and out of her logical reasoning to agree because of the manner of his proposal. I just wonder if an “all-feelings” scenario is the best way to start an engagement. In any case, the creativity of the proposal will definitely be an important and precious part of the memories of the couple in their married life.

by francisco J. colayco

Many couples like to get married during the Christmas season because the weather is cool and the decorations are beautiful all around. However, in truth, it is very stressful to prepare and actually have a wedding during the Christmas season.

All Churches and venues for receptions are busy with programs, weddings and Christmas parties. Your entire family and even your guests are busy with their own activities related to Christmas. Traffic is bad everywhere with Christmas shopping and celebrations all over.

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Perhaps, you could reconsider your wedding for another month but still make the Christmas season extra special for the two of you. Would you like to consider an engagement during the Christmas season instead? “Marriage is a three ring circus: Engagement Ring, Wedding Ring and Suffer Ring.” - Aeschylus

So, the Engagement Ring is the first physical show of your move towards Marriage. It could be your first positive financial purchase or it could be your first big financial mistake.

How Much Should an Engagement Cost? An engagement ring is given by a man to his fiancée to mark their engagement to marry. It is worn on the ring finger of the left hand. There is usually high anticipation among the family and friends of a woman about the kind of engagement ring her fiancé will

Practical couples consult each other on the kind of engagement symbol they want or should have. This is especially true when there is a mutual agreement on how much they can afford to spend from beginning to end of the wedding “program”. This may not be as romantic as when the man actually surprises his ladylove but any couple in love can find their own creative ways to make anything romantic. What is equally important is not to lose sight of the fact that they should be open in talking about finances even before they tie the knot. Compatibility in money matters is extremely important.

How much should a man spend for a proposal complete with ring and production? I have heard of amounts ranging from millions to nothing. It could be millions if he chooses a high carat and flawless diamond solitaire. He could even add to the cost by creating a proposal scenario out of town or even out of the country. This would really be impressive but by this time, she should already be reasonably impressed. After all, they are about to get married.

dire need. Unfortunately, when jewelry is being sold because money is immediately needed, the seller will probably have to bring down the price considerably. Many times, the item is sold at a loss.

No cost means no engagement ring and just a simple proposal without any ring of real value. I think the most disappointed in this kind of a scenario would be the future bride’s family and friends. I observe that there is so much excitement in showing off a ring to everybody.

Financial Responsibility

But a practice I find more meaningful is when the engagement ring is borne by his parents or grand parents. For example, a family heirloom is given to the bride-to-be as the engagement ring. In many cases, this family heirloom is not even a ring. It is a pair of earrings or a pendant that his now officially-declared fiancé could show off and use regularly. A family heirloom that is given away is a more impressive symbol of the family’s bestowal of honor to the brideto-be.

When a man does not spend for the engagement ring and its attendant “production”, it does not mean that he loves his lady less. It could actually mean that he loves her even more because he is saving the money for their future. If in the course of their married life, they become sufficiently wealthy, they can always more than make up for that “cheap” engagement ”program”. Both of them will probably look back and have a great appreciation of what they have achieved since then.

Is the engagement ring an investment?

It always bothers me when so much money is spent on the engagement and wedding when a couple is just starting their life together. If they do not have the money, then it doesn’t matter that they do not have any outward manifestation of their engagement. I believe that what matters is their love for each other, their common beliefs in God and their culture, values and principles.

Technically, the engagement ring is a love symbol. It is more a life “asset” than a possession to be eventually assessed for its future value. I realize though that a man would spend good money for the engagement ring based on the thinking that it is an investment because it is a purchase of a long-term asset to be shared with his future wife. If this were the case, the more relevant question is whether it is a good investment or not. I personally believe that, generally, jewelry is not a good investment (unless one is in the jewelry business). Even if the item actually objectively goes up in price, the sale of jewelry is too personal in nature and very dependent on the personal taste of the buyer. To match the right price with the right buyer, the sale should not be hurried. In the case of an engagement ring, there is no intention ever to sell it. If at all, the intention is probably to pass it on to the future children and grand children. Therefore, it is an investment that will not earn, (i.e. give out cash flow). The sale could happen only if the engagement or the marriage breaks up or if the couple is in

Even if their parents are the ones footing the bill, the money could still be put to better use by the couple. In fact, parents who have saved money for the engagement/wedding of their children might want to consider offering them the money instead of paying for the festivities. If the couple is practical, they can use the money to start their fund to buy a house or some important asset. If they have all those assets already, they can start or add to their investments for their future needs. The earlier they start, the better and faster it will be for them to reach their goals. Come visit our websites www. franciscocolayco.com, www. colaycofoundation.com , www.kskcoop.com and increase your knowledge on personal financial management.

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LAW

Alcohol License Non-Muslims must have a valid liquor license to consume alcohol, even if done in the privacy of their homes. To apply for a license, the applicant must be non-Muslim, UAE resident, at least 21 years old and earning not less than AED3,000 a month. The documentary requirements are the following: • Passport and residence visa • Ejari-registered tenancy contract or proof of ownership of residence. If the contract is not under the name of the applicant, he must get a no objection certificate (NOC) from the registered tenant • 2 Passport-sized photos • Copy of employer’s establishment card • Proof of income such as salary certificate and employment contract – the monthly limit of alcohol purchases depends on the applicant’s salary

ATTY. BARNEY ALMAZAR

Alcohol intoxication is a serious offense in Muslim jurisdictions as evidenced by the gravity of penalty associated to it. A person guilty of illicit sexual relation will be given 100 lashes while alcohol drinking warrants 80 lashes. This is because drinking is considered a crime against the rights of God. Different Penalties for Muslims and NonMuslims The UAE Penal Code, particularly Article 313 of Book 2, Part 5 on Crimes against Religious Faith and Rites provides the penalties for alcohol consumption:

“Article 313 1. The Hadd punishment for drinking alcohol shall not apply to non-Muslim. 2. Subject to conditions allowed for the non-Muslims, anyone who drinks alcohol shall be sentenced to detention for not

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less than one month and not more than six months and a fine of not less than one thousand Dirhams and not more than two thousand Dirhams (or with one of these two penalties). Hadd is a specific punishment prescribed in the Quran such as amputation of the hand for theft, death by stoning or one hundred lashes for illicit sexual relations, and death or banishment for highway robbery. Muslims are prohibited from consuming intoxicants and if caught, the punishment fixed by Quran is eighty lashes. Although Hadd punishment is rarely applied, it is still

written in statute books and can be ordered by a judge. On the other hand, non-Muslims are allowed to consume alcohol only if they hold an alcohol license. If caught drinking without a license, a jail term from 1 to 6 months and/or fine not exceeding AED2,000 can be imposed. In certain instances, a deportation order is also given especially if the crime was committed during Ramadan.

• AED160 application fee Those working in the free zone will need to secure NOC from the free zone authority allowing the employee to get a liquor license. Application forms are available from any MMI or A+E stores. The completed form stamped by the employer, and together with the other requirements, can be submitted to any MMI or A+E stores. Processing time may take about a month and notification will be sent to the applicant by SMS when the license is ready.

The license is renewable annually. Duty Free Limits Alcohol is subject to 30% tax. The Dubai Customs allows arriving passengers to bring in up to 4 liters of alcoholic beverages or 2

cartons of beer (each consisting of 24 cans, not exceeding 355 ml for each can or its equivalent) without paying customs duty.

Transporting Alcohol The alcohol license gives the holder permission to transport reasonable quantity of alcohol purchased from an authorized dealer to his residence using a private vehicle. The license holder can share alcohol to family members aged 21 years and above. Carrying alcohol in public transportation is illegal. Do not transport alcohol using Dubai Metro. According to Section 2.4 of the Dubai Code of Conduct, alcohol buyers must “respect the local culture by carrying alcohol in paper bags such that it cannot be seen.” It is recommended to buy alcohol in the emirate which issued the liquor license as the rules on transporting alcohol to another emirate are prone to different interpretations. Moreover, each emirate has its own rules regarding alcohol. Sharjah, for example, being a dry emirate does not allow selling of alcohol (except at the Sharjah Wanderers Club and Sharjah International Airport). Residents of Sharjah with alcohol licenses are permitted to buy alcohol in another emirate and transport it back to their homes.

lead to a fine or jail term. The UAE has adopted a zero-tolerance policy in terms of driving under the influence of alcohol. Anyone found driving with even the smallest dose of booze will face fine, incarceration or deportation (Section 2.3). Drunk drivers involved in accidents run the risk of losing their driving license and loss of insurance coverage. Deportation is a possibility, especially in serious accidents resulting to injuries or death. Whether heading to happy hour, a birthday, a wedding, or a party, do not overindulge. Getting an alcohol license and drinking in moderation are the most effective ways to sip your spirits without spending some R&R time with the jail warden the following morning. Avoiding alcohol, however, will not only save you from police trouble but is also the best prevention for hangovers.

Being Drunk in Public, Drinking and Driving Possession of an alcohol license enables the holder to purchase alcohol, but does carry with it the right to drink it in public places or to be drunk in public areas. Section 2.2 of the Code states that alcohol consumption shall be confined to designated areas (i.e. at home, licensed restaurants, and venues where alcohol is authorized to be served). Being caught under the effect of alcohol, even in light doses, outside these places can

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ADVERTORIAL

Pure Gold Jewellers launches inspirational jewellery designed by Arab designer for UAE National Day Osama Kurdi,whose exquisitely designed pieces are endorsed by celebrities and high profile personalities, said:“When Pure Gold Jewellers approached me to design a special jewellery line to mark the43rdUAE National Day, I was very excited. As an Arab national who has worked and lived in the UAE and enjoyed the country’s hospitality, I consider it an honour to use my skills to create a truly memorable piece of jewellery to mark the National Day. I immediately thought of UAE National Anthem ‘IshyBiladi’ which expresses deep love for the nation, and decided to use it as the main theme for my design. I designed the bracelet in such a way that the inscription ‘IshyBiladi’ is nestled on the pulse point of the wrist that connects to the heart, truly symbolic of everyone’s love for the UAE, irrespective of their nationality. The pendant too sits comfortably close to the beat of the heart. ” The ‘IshyBilady’ pendant is available for AED 3499, and the bracelet for AED 2999 from all Pure Gold Jewellers outlets in the UAE.

Designed by renowned designer Kholoud Osama Kurdi, the jewellery draws inspiration from UAE National Anthem ‘IshyBiladi’ Dubai, UAE; November 16, 2014:Award winning international jewellery retailer, Pure Gold Jewellers has launched UAE National Day commemorative jewellery designed by celebrated Arab designer Kholoud. Inspired by UAE National Anthem‘IshyBiladi’ which means ‘Long Live My Nation’, the jewellery consists of a beautifully designed pendant and bracelet as a true expression of love for the UAE.

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Both the pendant and the bracelet are set with diamonds and colour stones in the hues of the UAE flag. According to Karim Merchant, CEO & MD, Pure Gold Jewellers, “UAE National Day is of great significance to all as it is a celebration of the indomitable spirit and achievements of the country; and Kholoud’s designs based on ‘IshyBiladi’ is a true celebration of the National Day sentiments. The tastefully designed pieces have an authentic Arabic vibe to it and effectively captures one’s love for this great country.” Speaking about the designs, Kholoud

Merchant added: “This UAE National Day is very special for us as our company completes 25 years of operations this year. As a brand that was formed in the UAE, we are conscious of the values we emulate wherever we establish presence and are deeply committed to the welfare of this country.” Pure Gold Group works closely with Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Humanitarian and Charitable Foundation, UAE Red Crescent Society, Dar Al Ber Society, Bait Al Khair Society, Zakat Fund Abu Dhabi, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Health, JamiyatAsarika Al Khariya (Sharjah Charity International) and other non- profit organisations.The company is also known for its initiatives in helping to release insolvent prisoners from UAE jails either by paying back their debts or paying for their air fare.

SCRAPBOOK

Al Chester L.Roa Abu Dhabi, UAE I’ve always been a fan of great photographers and always loved the way images portray an event or a moment in life. Just last year, when I bought my first camera, I fell in love with photography instantly, on my first shutter click. The challenge of street photography is what drives me - you have to think fast and be brave enough to capture the scene as it will be gone in a matter of seconds. I believe that a photographer is constantly evolving through experience and right now I’m just taking my time, enjoying what the street has to offer. For me photography is a way of expressing myself.

Anthony ‘Twone’ Fernandez Dubai, UAE

I wanted to have a new way sharing the artist in me aside from the usual sketches and 3Ds I create as a graphic/interior designer. I brought my first DSLR in 2012, self-studied and took free photography lessons. I then fell deeper in love with the craft of photography. I particularly love street and portrait photography.

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FASHION

D H

Step Into The Wonderfully Demented World Of Haute Coiffure HAUTE HAIR BY JOJO PADUA PHOTOGRAPHER: ALEX CALLUENG POST PROCESSING: JAN MICHAEL VINCENT CASTILLO PHOTOGRAPHY ASSISTANTS: DANILO QUIAMBAO AND JAN MICHAEL VINCENT CASTILLO

Baroque Obsession

MODELS: ANN LLAGAS EMILIA JÄRVËLA

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Crimson Schizophrenia ILLUSTRADO 44

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Passive Aggression

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Hallucinogenic

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Confection

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REAL STYLE. REAL PEOPLE.

Cool Pinoy style inspirations to keep you warm this season! Here are our top picks from fashion bloggers from all over the World Wide Web!

“Vampire” boy cutie Ira Giorgetti looks good whether on sporty or preppy mode. Follow him on www.irageorgetti.com

Manila style blogger Paul Riyadh of www.paultheprguy.blogspot. com does relaxed winter with much ease in a denim-on-denim look and casual blazer-sweater combo.

Not just your ordinary sweater! Mariel Y does a couple of takes on her version of slouchy cool weather wear. Find more of her looks at www.wickedying.com

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On top of the Filipino style bloggers heap, Tricia Gosingtian (www.blog.triciagosingtian.com) always has the prettiest looks. Check out her mix and match style.

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REAL STYLE. REAL PEOPLE.

Menswear and shoe addict blogger from Manila Mikyle Quizon, is clearly not just about the shoes. Follow him at www.mikylequizon. blogspot.ae.

Dominique Marie Tiuâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s style is as eclectic as her mixed FilipinoChinese-German-English heritage. Check out her fun styles at ww.konichiwear.com

Pinay about Toronto Bianca Venerayan (lookbook.nu/ peanutbutta) is a s cute as a button in these layered ensembles.

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SUPREME DAZZLE Unabashedly rich; unapologetically dazzling

PHOTOGRAPHY: EROS GOZE COUTURE, STYLING, HAIR AND MAKE-UP: FANNY SERRANO HEADPIECES: PATRICK STARR SHOES: NERE KU MODEL: APRIL TANHUECO SHOT AT LE CHATEAU, BAGUIO, PHILIPPINES

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COMMUNITY

Ezra Santos’ Terno

Consul General Frank Cimafranca and wife Mme Luciila Cimafranca

Style and Culture Collide at the First Terno Ball in the UAE Photos by Eros Goze and Emme Benida The first Terno Ball, attended by some 300 diplomatic dignitaries, as well as leading community figures, was held on the 7th of November at The Atlantis Hotel – The Palm Jumeirah. The prestigious event, organized by Illustrado, under the patronage of the Diplomatic Ladies of the Philippine Consulate General together with the Ladies of the Filipino Community in the UAE, was created as a unique showcase of Filipino culture in the United Arab Emirates for a select group of VIPs. A highlight of the event is the “Rigodon de Honor” – a traditional Filipino-Spanish quadrille folk dance, performed by select Philippine Consulate General staff members. Dancers from the United International Private School and the Filipino Dancesport Social Club performed folk dances “Sayaw sa Bangko” and “Tinikling.” Filipino fashion

Jimi Buenconsejo’s Terno

designers, including Michael Cinco, Ezra Santos, Jimi Buenconsejo, Carla Fuentes, Alberr Fontanilla, Bambi Alcantara and Nelson Buhain, also showcased one-of-akind Filipiniana-inspired couture gowns.

Cultural Officer Cheche Caparas and husband

In her welcome address, Mrs. Lucila Cimafranca, wife of Philippine Consul General Frank Cimafranca and main patron of the event, paid tribute to Filipino trailblazers in the emirates while expressing her thanks to the UAE for being “a gracious and generous host to the Filipino people.” The event is sponsored by BMW, Ghena Tourism, Ayala Land International, Al Saif Group of Companies, The Farm at San Benito, Ariel Weddings and Rotana Hotel. Special thanks to models - Ann Llagas, Glacy Marano, Benedickte Namia-

Gamelgaard and FLC Models and Events, as well as hair and make-up professionals - Jhoana Nelissen, Yhence Sioting, Maricel and Bobby Caparas.

Fashion Forward founder Bong Guerrero and companion

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Designer Alberr Fontanilla

Michael Cinco’s Ternos

Nelson Buhain and Models

Alberr Fontanilla’s Terno

Designer Carla Fuentes

Lucille Ong – former Philippine Business Council of Dubai Chairman

Dubai Duty Free’s Lilian Vargas

Ezra Santos’ Terno

Key members of the Philippine Business Councils of Dubai and Abu Dhabi with Mme Lucila Cimafranca L-R: Jovy and Janet Tuano, Agnes Pedrosa Marelid, Mme Lucila Cimafranca, Lucille Ong, Bobbie Carella, Agnes Aquino-Briggs and Atty. Barney Almazar

Natalija Norikova (right) of BMW and companion

Community Leader Matilyn Bagunu

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The Cunninghams Alberr Fontanilla”s Terno

Assit.Labor Attache Venus Abad and Labor Attache Delmer Cruz of the POLO-OWWA Dubai

Entrepreneurs Jovy and Janet Tuano of the Phil Business Council – Abu Dhabi

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Mme Lucila Cimafranca with the wives of diplomats

Con Gen Frank Cimafranca and Mme Lu Cimafranca with organizers Team Illustrado and friends

Consul Giovanni Palec and May Rico – PCG Dubai

Community Leader Gina Salazar and friend

Consul Giovanni Palec and his wife Novelyn

TV and radio personality Jeff Price and wife Cynthia Villanueva-Price

Jennifer Gonzales of UIPS

Ramon and Cherry Navea

Vanessa and Rolly from Ayala Land International Carla Fuentes’ Terno

Gurbax Sing of BMW and family

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Phil Business Council Abu Dhabi’s Mogens and Vikk Mikkelsen

Model Glacy Marano

Bobby Carella – Phil Business Council of Dubai Chairman and daughter Natasha

Sanrtiago Gagaza Fronda of Petrixo oil and his wife

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FDSC â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Tinikling

Community Leader Wafa Kasimieh

Journalist Mariecar Jara and companion

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Comunity leader Tinette Samala-Pudda

10 THINGS TO DO

In Dubai, this month signals the start of doing activities outdoor. As the weather gets better, we’ve got the green signal to leave our flats, and ditch our summer wardrobe. It’s time to don our sweaters and boots and enjoy the nice building up of the UAEs winter breeze.

Seek inner peace in yoga festival

Like cars? Check out Dubai Motor Festival

The 3rd annual Yoga and Music Festival brings the same elements you’ve come to expect at the festival with new elements that serve to better the experience. The event will offer visitors a number of workshops and networking opportunities to meet with other like-minded individuals. Speakers from around the world will be at the event to educate the public on the art of yoga and yoga as a lifestyle. To top it off, there will be a screening of the Dalai Lama’s latest documentary “Compassion in Action” and a number of useful products and services on sale to assist visitors on their journey to harmonize and find inner peace. Happening on November 20-22, the Dubai Yoga and Music Festival 2014 is to be held at the One & Only, The Palm. Cost for one-day pass is AED 100 while it’s AED 175 for two-day pass. For more info, call 050-4539727.

An 18-day exhibition of vintage and contemporary vehicles will be starting on November 19 up until December 6. Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, the Dubai Motor Festival returns to Dubai for its second year. The event brings with it the phenomenally successful and popular Dubai Grand Parade and the exciting Red Bull Car Park Drift Championships. New events taking place this year include the Dubai Motor Village, where you can find all things related to motorsports and the motor industry, a light show conducted entirely by cars called Inspired Light by Infinity and the Infinity F1™ Showrun display which will give citizens of Dubai a chance to see a real F1 car race at Skydive Dubai. Indeed, the dreams of all motorists will be fulfilled during the days of the Dubai Motor Festival.

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Witness the Sharmila Dance Gala Do you know that a number of Filipino dancers join in the annual Sharmila Dance Gala, a prestigious dance spectacle held at Dubai Community Arts & Theatre (DUCTAC)? With a host of professional dancers and dance companies, these talented Pinoys will showcase a range of dance styles in spectacular fashion. Awaited every year by the dance community, this time around Sharmila Dance Gala welcomes the stunning French dancer, choreographer, YouTube sensation and Britain’s Got Talent finalist Yanis Marshall with dancers Arnaud and Mehdi for their very first stage performance in the Middle East. It’s a one-time only event to be held at DUCTAC in Mall of the Emirates on November 21 from 2:30pm to 8pm. Tickets are priced at AED 195 for Stalls and AED 150 for Balcony seats. To know more, call 04-3414777.

Join the Dubai Grand Parade

The Dubai Grand Parade returns for a second year through the iconic streets and breathtaking landmarks of Dubai featuring the world’s most incredible super, exotic, luxury, concept, extraordinary, modified and vintage cars and bikes in UAE. The parade will feature over 500+ cars and bikes and will be led by Dubai Police Supercars and end with a display of awe-inspiring premium, super luxury and unique cars and bikes. In addition to the Grand Parade, visitors can enjoy an especially-designed Motor Village at Meydan where the venue is transformed into a fascinating world of motorsport entertainment as it plays host to an elaborate line-up of activities ranging from the world’s first car lighting show by Infiniti, to the pulsating excitement of the Dubai International Rally Championship. The Motor Village will also host dedicated events celebrating the UAE’s 43rd National Day. Don’t miss the coolest national motoring celebration to hit Dubai on November 28 at the Meydan Racecourse. It’s free admission.

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Admire street photographs

Part of a Street Photography Series running at Gulf Photo Plus in November, internationally acclaimed photographer Eric Kim will also be leading workshops, a seminar and a movie screening on the topic of street photography. Exhibiting photographs from all corners of the globe, the STREET collection celebrates the decisive moment; beautiful tableaus that play out before us in the public spaces that dot our paths every day. Each photo in the collection is vastly different from the next, capturing a humorous exchange, a curious juxtaposition, or a brief balance of visual elements amidst a chaotic overlap of everyday events. Framing scenes that busy commuters pass by without a second glance, street photographers rekindle our interest in familiar surroundings. Patient observers, they watch and wait at times for hours, while others walk endlessly, exploring new territory or frequenting old haunts, in search of one frame that might communicate a compelling perspective of the human condition. The exhibit is held at Al Serkal Avenue in Al Quoz from November 25 up to January 3 next year. It is free admission.

Do a throwback with music

Go back to the ‘90s as MixTape Rewind 2014 Season 2 returns with three fantastic performances. MixTape is holding its second season this year with hosting bands and artists from days gone by, helping partygoers take a fun trip down memory lane. This time around, experience the classic pop tunes of 5ive, the English boy-band with their hit singles “Keep on Moving” among others. Joining them will be B*Witched, the Irish girl-group who rose to fame during the 90s with C’est La Vie and more. To add the cherry on top of the night’s performances is Peter Andre who is most famous for his catchy tune “Mysterious Girl”. This is a concert not only for the 90s crowd but for anyone who wants a great night out. The concert will be held on November 21 at Emirates Golf Club. Doors open at 5pm while tickets are on sale at AED 275 each.

Watch Sarah G. Live

As the Philippine Pop Princess does her world tour titles Sarah G Perfect 10, Sarah Geronimo makes a stop in Dubai to serenade fellow Filipinos with her popular OPM hits. The singer/actress, who has been known for her vocal prowess, excites her fans who have always been longing to see her perform live on center stage. Don’t miss this one-time only event on December 1 happening at the Dubai World Trade Centre, Hall 7. For tickets and other queries, call 04-2500771.

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10 THINGS TO DO

Have fun in colorful run

The happiest and most colorful 5k run is back in Dubai. Out and about for its second time, The Color Run, one of the world’s largest gatherings had a humble beginning not two years ago, and is now one of the world’s most participated events. The run will begin and end on the Dubai Autodrome tracks and participants will start in waves that have a three to six minute interval between them while color throws will occur every 15 to 20 minutes. This 5k run is open to all levels of runners and is all about the fun rather than the race. Tickets will be available online at the link below and at Adventure HQ Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The requirements are simple, come dressed in white at the starting line and be covered in color at the finish line. Get ready to run through the colors of the rainbow all while having a blast with your family and friends at the Dubai Autodrome in Motor City on November 29 at exactly 7:15am. Admission will be AED 140 including a Color Run goodie bag.

Tour the Global Village

The city’s biggest outdoor shopping arena opens up again bringing a world of options. Global Village is the largest seasonal cultural extravaganza in the region that offers visitors an amazing array of festivals, shopping and entertainment in an open-air theme park. This entertainment and shopping destination is open from November through to April and hosts over 70 participating countries presented in over 36 pavilions, with more than 50 fun rides and 26 restaurants offering food from around the world. Also included at the Global Village this year is “Illumination World” a Lantern city with popular monuments of the world. Come and see the world light. And, don’t miss the wonderful Philippine Pavilion, and enjoy the best of the Philippines while in Dubai. Global Village is open from November 6 until April 11. Tickets are priced at AED 15 each with kids under 3 years old for free.

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Celebrate UAE National Day

Join Emaar Properties as it brings back the much-anticipated annual parade celebrating the UAE National Day. Happening on November 29 at the Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard, Downtown Dubai, everyone is called upon to participate. From biker clubs to schools, government entities and corporations, all groups are welcome to participate in the parade and make this year’s National Day celebrations a memorable one. Be a part of a proud tradition, celebrating the birth of a nation by participating for the parade or simply attending the event, designed for the whole family to enjoy.

By Excel V. Dyquiangco

The Philippines is steeped in rich culture, traditions and a colorful history that’s got its own share of shocking stories - from the bombings of World War II to the political deaths and mass incarcerations that transpired during the Martial Law era. Some are factual, accurate and true but there are others that are quite mystical – and sometimes, horrifying in nature. Here are various places in the country where some people have experienced paranormal activities, have seen ghosts during their unguarded moments – and have lived to tell the tale.

The Diplomat Hotel The old City of Pines is not a stranger to horrific events and stories. While it can be the perfect and ideal destination for travelers looking for cool fresh air and idyllic spots, this city up north holds a myriad tales of chilling apparitions that have transcended through the years.

Aside from the military academies, there are the cemeteries and the old sites and hotels. The 1990 earthquake that toppled the once famous Hyatt Hotel and killed thousands of people is said to be haunted with the spirits of those who died. Another example is the Diplomat Hotel, a place in the Dominican Hill where nuns and priests were said to be decapitated during the Second World War. Some people say that wicked witches use these places as their mythical playground, practicing their dark arts. They can be seen flying through the night, capturing the bodies of men and women. Residents say that their victims can be heard screaming even during the day. Some also have seen

headless ghosts carrying their heads on a platter. The Diplomat Hotel is so haunted that it recently became the subject of a movie starring Gretchen Barretto - the cast and crew of the film were also not spared from experiencing unexplainable events.

Fort Santiago The Second World War saw many civilians and soldiers being tortured and killed in what is now known as Fort Bonifacio in Intramuros, Manila. Many people have died in this site and because of this it is believed that those who departed in the most gruesome way are haunting its fortified

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walls. Before his execution, Jose Rizal was also imprisoned here and many tourists feel chills when they retrace and following his footsteps. Some say they can feel him touch them too. However haunted Fort Bonifacio may be it has become one of the top destinations to look for when visiting Metro Manila. Probably out of curiosity, these people would try to find out if the stories hounding this place are true or just tall tales to scare the wits out of the cowardly.

The Manila Film Center During the early 1980s, the Manila Film Center, under the supervision of former first lady Imelda Marcos, was built as a venue for an upcoming film festival. But something disastrous happened; there was a construction accident and many construction workers fell to their deaths. It is said that Marcos didn’t delay in finishing the edifice – she is said to have ordered

FEATURE

the other workers to pour cement over the affected area, permanently sealing the bodies of the dead. Some of the victims were believed to be still alive when buried. Because of such a dreadful and tragic accident, ghosts have haunted the center ever since. People say that the spirits who are roaming the dreaded halls are looking for men and women whose bodies they can possess and take over. Aside from the paranormal activity, the place is also said to be cursed. The government once tried to put the Manila Film Center to good use, but to no avail.

San Jose de Buenavista

In a documentary produced by TV network GMA, the roots of the 169 workers were traced and more than a dozen of them have died. All of the bodies were reportedly unearthed and they were given the proper burial they deserve. However, many still believe that this is untrue and that the spirits of the construction workers are still walking the halls to this day.

One of the many tales of haunting involve an old church in Hamtic located inside a cemetery. Known as a site where evil dwells, it is believed that ghosts roam the place. Other known haunted places in San Jose include the Old Capitol Building, La Granja and Binirayan Hills, San Pedro Old Church, ADF Handicrafts, Evelio B. Javier Memorabilia (New Capitol), EBJ Freedom Park (which is called the devil’s playground), among others. These are believed to be spots where unrestrained spirits still appear unabashedly.

Visiting Antique in Panay Island is not for the faint of heart especially when stories and tales of mythical creatures like the aswang and the tikbalang surround the place. It is also said that the WakWak, a vampiric-like creature which is similar to a witch, inhibits this province in the Visayas region. San Jose de Buenavista which is the capital town of Antique promises to scare the daylights out of people – what with accounts of ghosts of native and Spanish settlers and haunted cemeteries all abounding.

The Ozone Disco The Ozone Disco along Timog Avenue in Quezon City used to be one hot night spot for dancing and for recreation, especially for students and young professionals. But on the night of March 18, 1996, the club caught fire, killing hundreds of people, some graduating students who were celebrating the end of the school year. The investigation of these deaths has led to astounding and dreadful conclusions: the emergency exits have been blocked by a new building, no proper exit was found and that the door to the club only opened inwards. The fire was so deadly that it ranked number six in the “world’s deadliest nightclub fires”. Today, the rubble of Ozone still stands, but the place is now condemned and hasn’t been occupied ever since.

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Because of this incident, there have been sightings of ghosts roaming around the walls of the Ozone disco. People who pass by the place also report strange noises coming from inside. A couple of times some spirit questors have entered the place to hold a séance. They “talked” with some of the victims of the deadly fire who told them what really happened during this fateful event.

Pindangan Ruins Many people flock to La Union, particularly in San Juan, to experience riding the waves. But there is one place there that is the site of ghostly encounters. Pindangan Ruins believed to be haunted by a headless priest carrying his head or looking for his head

was once a church during the Augustinian Order. Some say they can hear the priest’s head looking for its body as well. There are also those who find the wind calling out in whispers, saying strange maledictions to those who don’t honor the location. There are also sightings of a white lady in this town, smiling down at those who would pass her way, and the Devil Cigar Man, a faceless man who would ask for a light for his cigar. When one doesn’t oblige to his request, it is believed that he would drag this person to hell and would strike him dead on the spot. Sources: http://www.hauntedamericatours.com/ ghosthunting/phillipines.php

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PINOY PLANET

Janice De Sagun Ritt Moving to Singapore Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been almost a decade since I moved to Singapore. During my earlier visits, I was amazed to see all the Filipinos, especially the ones from my province, and that gave me an idea to try and become one of them. Even in my young age I decided to work abroad for my family, just like most Filipinos who have gone abroad.

Living in Lion City I am living here in HarbourFront Singapore which is not far from the city. As we all know, Singapore is not that big a country. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s such a nice place with very convenient public transportation. Singapore is just like the

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Philippines in some ways. The weather is just fine, although here I think here there is more humidity compared to back home. As for the food, for me it’s too spicy! Singapore is very famous for their chilli crab dish. You can easily find that everywhere. There are so many hawker centers here, where the locals and most people eat. For Filipinos, the most famous venue is Lucky Plaza, called “Little Manila.” There, you will find most of the Filipino restaurants and our local products.

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My Pinoy Life I am a private tutor here and I’m very proud that I can share my knowledge with the little kiddos. It’s a fun job and I’m usually not so busy. Most importantly, I still have lots of time for my husband. At first, it wasn’t very easy to settle down. There were so many new things – culture, etc., but then when my husband decided to move here to work, it became easier and exciting living abroad. As a couple we have learned how to be independent and embrace Singaporean culture. It is not really difficult for us to adjust.

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PINOY PLANET

We usually go to church every weekend and meet our friends. We are so blessed that we get to stay in a place where we can do our favorite things like swimming and visiting our favorite places like the Garden by the Bay, Sentosa Island. Sometimes, we also go for some adventures at the Universal Studio Singapore. And we also get to visit our neighbor country Malaysia as we have easy access via bus from Singapore. Filipinos have a massive community here which keeps on growing as this country is not far away from home. We do a lot of things here together and I am also involved in doing charitable work. I was a member of Singles for Christ for many years. Now, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m trying to fix our schedule so my husband and I could members of Couples for Christ. I am also gearing to be a choir member of the Novena Filipino Community. Basically, my Saturdays are for my SFC family and Sundays is to serve at the Church. I am so lucky that I am able to serve our less fortunate kababayans.

Always a Filipino Our warm greetings to all the Filipinos reading this article... Ni Hao! (Hello) No matter where we are we are always be a Filipino!

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FEATURE

A Day in the Life of A Fan Girl By Flordeliz Samonte

Every moment, we are watching and anticipating every word and every move. That’s the life of a fan. Some scratch their heads in wonder when they find out how our daily life is spent - on everything and anything about our idol. Before joining a fans club, I was completely unaware that a fans club would involve so much time and effort. It demands your complete attention. For most Overseas Filipinos who don’t have much hobbies or forms of entertainment, a fans club can be enjoyable and offer more than friendship but also a sense of belongingness. How does one become a fanatic? For me it started a few months ago, exactly five months ago during the Voice Kids Philippines first season. One particular star shone bright that day during their blind auditions. I was enamored and captivated

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by the voice of Darren Espanto who sang the song Domino by Jessie J. Bamboo and Sarah Geronimo turned around and the rest was history. He placed first runner-up in the competition but certainly placed number one in our hearts. Naturally, I searched online for other crazies like me. I doubted that I would find someone else who is as crazy about Darren Espanto as I was, but I was mistaken. There were thousands of crazies in one Facebook page who named themselves Darrenatics. Due to some stringent criteria (I believe the number of posts and likes I made in a day

or forgetting to do some household chores just because we were more intent on watching his TV appearances. Then there was that time when one member traveled to the Philippines just to watch the concert of Darren Espanto. Often, we laugh at ourselves and cannot believe we all have the same experience. We were not just crazy, we were very crazy - but in a good way. We have group meet ups, group purchases of merchandise, and most of all, we share laughs and enjoy our time like one big family. We are, after all, a family who move

as one in supporting Darren Espanto to have a successful career as a Filipino singer. To each one of us, Darren is not just an idol, he is a source of joy who uplifts us when we are down or when our day is stressful. Just watching a video of him singing allows us to forget our homesickness and our loneliness overseas. We believe in his talent. We treat him like a family member who needs support to achieve his dreams. To some, ‘fangirling’ is only fit for teens but behind the craziness and the frenzy which ensues all the time, there

is complete dedication and belief in a person’s capabilities. It is perhaps one of the common traits of Filipinos as well. We want other people to succeed as well because when we root for the underdog, we are really just rooting for ourselves.

Darrenatics Singapore And Darrenatics Worldwide Facebook: Groups/DarrenaticsSingapore

on the Facebook page), I became the leader for the fans club in Singapore. We organized ourselves per country. We have active members in Kuwait, U.A.E., Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Canada, USA, Australia, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau, Thailand, Japan, France and Singapore. As we learned more about our individual lives, we found many similar stories which are oftentimes funny and unbelievable to some. Just like how a few of husbands became jealous of the time spent for watching videos of Darren Espanto. Other random stories include, staying up late to watch the latest videos on youtube

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ONLI IN THE PILIPINS

Anthill Typically found in the backyard, it’s the home of the DOM aka Diminutive Old Man, Nuno. Sporting a big hat and a long beard, he’s grumpier than grown-ups and won’t hesitate punishing you should you touch even just a sand grain of his punso. Spit on it and you might have a sore tongue. Kick it and you’ve got a swollen foot. Piss on it and be ready for a massive pain in you-wouldn’twant-it-there.

Lice

The Ten Craziest Panakot for Pinoy Kids By ABY YAP

We understand. Mom and Dad (and Yaya and the rest of the clan) had our best interests at heart, so they thought up silly tales to get us out of their way ensure we’d be good little boys and girls deserving to be on Santa’s “Nice” list. But do these scare stories really have to be this preposterous? Having sleepless nights terrified over what would happen next if we ignored your warnings is one thing.

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But we had to suffer the shame of being helplessly uto-uto at such an innocent point in our lives for believing in you, you conspirators! Then again, we have to hand it to you. These panakot tactics never fail to frighten even the naughtiest kids of our time and this generation’s. Muahahaha

No child has been spared from the curse of the kuto. Those crawling teeny-weeny creatures on your head are the culprit why you have to endure the mighty suyod, that comb designed to kill lice while torturing your scalp in the process, ALL AFTERNOON. Otherwise, these cooties will multiply and form colonies that will soon be able to carry your weight and fly you to Mount Kuto— where you’ll itch alone, miserably ever after.

Seed Branches, twigs, and leaves hideously springing out of your ears, mouth, and navel. That’s the picture you see every time you’re offered a santol or any fruit with huge seeds. A single seed swallowed, you were told, would grow a tree inside your body eventually. What else can you say, but “I am Groot?” So, you’d rather eat seedless anything than live through the dreaded fate of a human tree.

Wound Incurring a gash from playing rough isn’t just excruciating; it’s bloodcurdling. The only option is to pour an entire bottle of

alcohol on your gash and cover it with Band-Aid ASAP. Or, the impossible (and most laughable) might occur and leave you speechless as any of these could gush out of a simple wound: rice, carabao, train, airplane, or even a headless priest! No wonder children faint at the sight of blood.

Dinuguan A serving of this delicious blood stew can provide you the biggest transformation of your life—for you can become an aswang come full moon, awoo! An aswang is the infamous monster that changes into an enormous black dog/pig/bat with glaring red eyes when in search of food, i.e. human flesh. Before you puke your brains out at the thought of turning into a cannibal, here’s a secret: dinuguan is a pork dish. Enjoy!

Pot For kids who’d rather play than eat their meals on time, here’s why you should never ever skip dinner. Your body may not know it’s hungry, but your soul feels when deprived of a two-piece Chickenjoy. So, while you’re asleep, your soul departs from your body to look for food in the kitchen. Soul uncovers the pot of rice and devours everything until it dozes off in the empty pot where it gets trapped…forever.

Overeating Now for the gluttons, eating excessively during dinner and before bedtime won’t guarantee you a happy soul or a long life either. Sleeping on a full stomach can give you nightmares or bangungot (e.g. you strapped to a chair while being force-fed lechon, sisig, and crispy pata), which causes breathing difficulty and heavy snoring. It

could even lead you to an untimely death— unless someone wakes you up before you go-go.

Overhappiness ROFL (Roll on The Floor Laughing) today and you’re bound to CYHO (Cry Your Heart Out) tomorrow. As the Spice Girls sing, too much of something is bad enough. That includes being on cloud nine. It’s as if you’re tempting the gods of gloom to send you something that would puncture your cloud, so you go crashing down in despair. Just be moderately happy. Laugh if you must, but don’t laugh out loud.

Siesta It’s not enough that you stay indoors in the afternoon—when it’s most fun to play under the scorching sun, tsk—to avoid catching kuto. The unbreakable rule is you have to take a nap or you won’t grow at all. This bullying threat is often followed by: Take a look at (depending on the era you were born) Weng-weng, Niňo Mulach, Mahal, Mura, or any acquaintance you know who’s vertically challenged.

Kidnapper Behaving badly? Bawling nonstop? The mumu (ghost—even in broad daylight), pulis (Aha, so this started our fear of cops!), Bumbay (particularly motorcycle-riding Indian guys wearing turbans), or any ale (lady) or mama (man) passing by will come and get you! They’ll put you inside a sack and offer you as a sacrifice for bridges and buildings being built <insert evil grin>. That should make any child think twice about being pasaway.

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ON THE PROWL, IN THE KNOW

Getting FIT! and self-motivating posts.

By Tracy Ley - Dubai

Everywhere I go, that’s the case - people complaining about their situation.

6. Trust the process. Do not compare yourself with anyone because we are all different. We

Again I quote from Rounders -” “You gotta

get different results and our bodies are not

play with the hand that you’re dealt with.” The

all the same. Do your best and your body will

truth is it’s not so bad; it’s just that it’s not good

reward you?

enough for you, but when is it ever enough?

7. When it comes to cheat day, don’t go

My life is far from perfect, and I’m totally far

overboard. Keep it in moderation.

from being the happiest person, but I’ve had my share of great moments and for that I’ll

8. Keep a diary! Note down all your daily

always be grateful. In a way, it’s good that I’m

exercises, food intakes, cheat day and rest

not happy all the time, because it makes me

day. In this way, you can keep track of your

value those good times even more.

process, I am old school, so I still use pen and paper for this.

So I say let’s roll along and sing a Green Day song... “It’s something unpredictable, but in

I know some of us cannot afford a personal

same time, have a girly time.

trainer nor have the luxury to have a

9. Set a goal. Think of why you started and

the end its right, I hope you had the time of

why you need to achieve that goal. Once your

your life”.

membership at a gym. I for one, never had a

2. If you do not know what exercises to do,

reach that goal, maintain it and just become

PT and I am not planning on doing so, anytime

search YouTube or Pinterest, they have tons of

better at it.

soon. I have been doing Insanity fitness work

ideas and guidelines on how to do an exercise

out by Shaun T and I have been lifting weights

properly.

Follow Kristine on www.band-aid-blues. blogspot.com

10. Take a photo of yourself before you start your fitness mission. Measure and weigh

since May 2013. 3. Do your research. Make sure you read and

yourself, too. Every two weeks, measure,

Getting fit requires dedication, hard work and

add more knowledge about your exercise.

weigh and take a photo again. See the

this never comes easy.

Practice proper form all the time.

progress and see the difference. It does help

So in this post, I would like to share ways and

4. Food is number one priority. There are

tips, to get fit without spending way too much

hundreds of healthy food ideas on Pinterest

money, but will deliver results.

and Youtube.

Lessons they don’t teach you in school

was launched in July 2011. It is not a retail

like us on Facebook at:/FlufflesHP and follow

you one step at a time.

bakery. We create daily home style pastries

us on Instagram (@fluffleshp) to watch out

that are made fresh to order. We provide a

for our official launch soon and standby for

Be MOTIVATED! Stay INSPIRED! Never GIVE

By Rian Miranda – Riyadh

casual dessert treats at reasonable prices

surprising freebies on our first day.

when you see the old you, become the better

UP! Do your BEST!

for enjoyable homey experience. Taste is

1. Get a work out buddy to come with you and

5. Follow a fitness trainer. I personally follow

My passion for cakes never waned since

important to us, so we strive to use the best

have a jog/run at the park. It is always fun to

Emily Skye, Shaun T, Andrea Ager and Chalene

Follow Tracy – www.misstracyley12.blogspot.

childhood. Whenever I go to parties, after

ingredients, presenting handcrafted pastries.

go with someone, get fit together and at the

Johnson. They offer tons of tips, food nutrition

com / Instagram: mstracyleydxb

greeting the celebrant, I would subsequently

Trading Places

happening. I could grow old doing the same

middle, but you can’t win much either” from

By Kristine Abante - Dubai

things being around the same people - not

the movie Rounders, I’ve seen this movie from

that it’s a bad thing, but it just gets stale after

way back, back when poker was still popular.

Looking back, I was never really sure if I was

awhile and I didn’t seem to have enough ties

mentally and emotionally prepared for leaving

to stay.

I took the risk coming to Dubai, I cut loose from all the things holding me back and flew

my old life behind and venturing into the unknown. In fact, to be honest I didn’t even

I knew by taking the risk, there is that chance

to the desert without much ammunition.

think about it that much, because I knew no

of having everything turned upside down,

I’m surprised to find myself rolling with the

matter how much I weigh my options, it would

there would be changes, good and bad, you

punches. Sadly, from the time I got here

all boil to down one thing – change.

won’t really know until you’ve risked it all.

I have heard so many stories, mostly of

I know if I stay, there is less chance of that

“You can’t lose what you don’t put on the

C’est la vie! Follow Rian - Instagram: msrianmiranda,

look for the cake. I started baking at the age

I don’t think I’m great as I have fallen down

of 14, with my mother’s help. She would buy

more times than I could count just like so many

Betty Crocker’s premix for pastries and I would

other women out there. But I want to show

eagerly bake it on weekends. Since then, it has

you that there is always hope and the choice

always been a fantasy of mine to have a fridge

to make yourself better. Sometimes we think

full of cakes, brownies, cookies, and pies. So

we’re trapped in a situation and we think we’re

that when I wake up in the middle of the night

alone. So maybe Fluffles is born out of hobby.

craving for a sugar fix during a bout of PMS…

But this is liberating not only for me, but also

and voila! Problem solved. Scratch that, the

to those other women out there. I want them

kitchen is where my creative juices flow and

to know that there’s always a chance to get

Fluffles is where I can share it all with you.

something right. Even if it’s just a homemade

Youtube: www.youtube.com/rianmiranda

cake. Fluffles was previously called Sweets Tease, my home style pastry business in Riyadh that

So if you want to taste the difference, please

discontent. I’m tired of complaints, I’m tired of

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hearing them, and I’m tired of making them.

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ON THE PROWL, IN THE KNOW as cleansing. They are entirely different. For

5. Moisturizers and serums. It is a common

make-up wearers, it is imperative that you

misconception that moisturizing is only for

remove your make up. Yes, there will be times

dry skinned women. It is also for women have

when you will be exhausted and cannot be

oily skin. Instead of cream based moisturizers,

bothered. In times like these, reach for your

choose water based ones. And when you

baby wipes. Non-removal of makeup can lead

apply, don’t forget your neck.

to blocked pores, eye infection and the list goes on.

For Women who are over 35 like myself, I apply a serum prior to my moisturizer. As we age we

Beauty is skin deep

2. Cleansing - Find a facial cleanser that fits

lose collagen and having a serum helps the

your skin type.

moisturizer perform ITS job better.

3. Toning - toning your skin has a lot of

6. Eye creams - The skin around our eyes are

benefits. First, it removes dirt that your wipes

the thinnest and therefore should be handled

and cleanser cannot remove. Yes, some are

with care. Investing on a good eye cream as

that stubborn. It balanced the ph level of your

early as 21 will help you ward off fine lines.

skin and lastly closes open pores. 7. Facial Masks - indulging on a weekly facial

By Anna de Leon - Dubai 4. Facial Scrub - just because you have oily skin

mask, whether it is for deep cleansing or

With 2014 coming to an eventful close, I want

doesn’t mean that you have to scrub every

moisturizing will you looking fresh and glowing

to start my articles with the basics. Let us go

day. Our skin detects if it is lacking sebum and

back to the fundamentals and with that I want

over scrubbing can lead to over production of

Follow Anna – www.annadeleonmuastylist.

by addressing loving your skin.

oil instead of eliminating it. If you have dry skin

blogspot.com

chances are you have dry patches that can dull 1. Make Up Removal - Do not mistake

the skin, therefore, you still need to scrub. The

Follow Anna – www.annadeleonmuastylist.

removing your make up with cleansing wipes

key is moderation. Three times a week is best.

blogspot.com

Taking care of # 1

else but fun, excitement, so carefree and full

Again with age, were not getting any younger

of energy. Yes there’s that notion that you will

and as a woman, my vanity has also taken a

By Leslie Fiestan - Riyadh

live forever. It’s only when you’ve reached

new toll, being a late bloomer and all. Back

a certain age or in my case, when out of the

when I was younger, I hardly cared about my

blue, I was diagnosed with something that

body or how I looked. I had no beauty regimen

was once insignificant and turned out to be

- just regular soap, moisturizer and lipstick.

something major, that health becomes a

When the tiny wrinkles, dried patches and eye

priority and you get determined to set things

bags appeared on my face, then hair and even

right. The thought of being operated on was

my teeth started to disturb me, I then became

frightening enough especially when doctors

aware and slightly obsessed with beauty

told me that they can’t proceed until they’ve

products. Nowadays, part of my regular

stabilized my blood pressure, which never did

purchases include skin and hair care which can

go stable. Fortunately with antibiotics I was

sometimes be heavy on the wallet, especially

healed and my operation was cancelled, but

when you’re looking for one that works well on

it came with a warning, I need to take care

you. Looking at old photos, I’m happy to say

of my heart. Then came another diagnosis

that I’m satisfied with the way I look now than I

with my liver. I somehow went to slight panic

was 10 years ago. I’m aging gracefully, at least

when they mentioned my liver, I never thought

I think so.

about that. This has put a new perspective, aside from sticking to my regular exercise and

Remember, investing on yourself is definitely

Age is nothing but a number, but age comes

diet, I went to research mode and was advised

the wisest decision.

with a hefty price if you don’t look after

to take supplements including my now regular

yourself and your overall health.

heart medication. I was now more concerned about health meds than I ever did before.

When you are young, you think of nothing

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Follow Les - http://lesfiestan.daportfolio.com/