ILLUSTRADO Magazine Nov 2013

NOVEMBER 15 -DECEMBER 15, 2013

SOCIAL CLIMBING

101 FASHION: AUTUMN IN NEW YORK

LEAVING ‘EM IN STITCHES: FIL-AM COMICS AND COMEDIANS TURN PHP30 INTO MILLIONS (YES, YOU READ THAT RIGHT.)

CHAMPIONING THE WORLD CLASS FILIPINO

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LEAD WITH INFLUENCE

UNDER THE SEA: THE MERMAID BOOT CAMP

FURNE ONE LEAVES THE DARK SIDE ENJOY COFFEE SLOWLY: THE THIRD WAVE COFFEE

STAND OUT

Editor’s Note

TAAS NOO FILIPINO! BANGON PILIPINAS!

Talking Loud

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

serving up these pamahiins – and a laugh trip.

We have all these superstitious beliefs about relationships! Like, you’re not supposed to give your lover a pair of shoes or he’ll walk all over you. You’re not supposed to give jewelry like a necklace chain because it can be broken, like your relationship. With all the usual gift items labeled as bad luck, is it any wonder that lovers just end up giving their bodies to each other as a sign of their love? LOL! ~ Arnie

Talk About Men Finally! Thank you for churning out an all-male testosterone laden issue, Illustrado!

Love, love, loved reading about all those wonderful “12 Awesome Men” – they were truly oh-so-awesome. And the fashion pages – breathtaking! I’m so glad that Michael Cinco has finally included men in his couture collection.

Thanks for giving us something to read and swoon about ~ Kendi Candy Kudos, Illustrado on your maiden “12 Awesome Men” feature. I hope it’s going to be a regular fixture in the magazine. It’s good to know that our men are also getting the recognition they deserve. ~ Chester I’m a fan of Christopher Lawrence Frostyle Trasmaño. Kickin’ up some good dancing while still being a simple and spiritual Pinoy.

He deserves to be in the Guinness Book of World records – the guy is hard working and supah-cool! ~ B-Boy Def

Weird and Wonderful November Since it’s the Weird and Wonderful issue and the month of witches, wizards and warlocks, we asked our readers to share the funniest, weirdest Filipino superstitions. The responses were both a trip down memory lane – we could totally imagine our grandmothers

ILLUSTRADO 2

I’ve always heard that couples that get married in the Manila Cathedral would split up. I would always find this completely absurd and borderline disrespectful; how could a sacred place be supposedly bad luck?

Then I met three different people (all my colleagues) who split up within 1.5 – 2 years of being married. All of them were wed at the Manila Cathedral. Yikes! I still feel uneasy about even saying that a church is a source bad luck, but I guess it’s better to be safe than sorry. ~ Toneitte Me naman, I love the rituals and superstitious beliefs that come with eating a meal. My siblings and I used to tease and torment one another by finishing first and then cleaning up our plates ahead of everyone else. We used to tell our Ate that it meant securing an old maid fate for her. You can imagine how our dinner table was growing up: mapipikon si Ate tapos pagagalitan kami ni Mommy.

Now, Ate is happily married and I love spoiling my nieces and nephews because I am still single. : ) ~ JC Who hasn’t bitten their tongue and asked a friend to give them a “random” number?

In high school, when we first started having crushes, the number wasn’t really a random one. Makes absolutely no sense, but it always made for kilig moments. ~ Tin-Tin As kids, we would always welcome the New Year by jumping up and down when the clock strikes midnight. I’m not sure it ever

made any of us taller, but we did it any way.

And for good luck, Mama would always buy round – shaped fruits like grapes and oranges. Of course, we each had turotots to blow and wore red. I’ve been living in another country for the last 6 years and have celebrated many more new years away from home. I know those superstitions are nothing more than superstitions, but I still buy any round shaped fruit and wear red on the last day of the year. ~ Atchie Joy I love the funny silly beliefs like if your nose is itchy, someone is thinking of you. Or if the a spoon falls during dinner, a female visitor is expected, if it is a fork, it is a male visitor.

Hmm…what it is a knife or a teaspoon?

Might be a good way to inject some gender sensitivity during meal time. ~ Beth When I first got my period, my grandmother told me that I should use the “first blood” to wash my face. Yuck! Thank god, my mom intervened and told my Lola that she never did that and didn’t expect me to do it either. It was the first time My Lola heard that my mother had defied her “order” as an adolescent. ~ Marie

PUBLISHER & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Lalaine Chu-Benitez CREATIVE DIRECTOR Mon Benitez ASSOCIATE EDITOR Ana Santos COLUMNISTS Aby Yap Alfred “Krip” Yuson Bernadette Reyes Bo Sanchez Carlito Viriña Francisco Colayco Jeremy Baer Dr. Margarita Holmes CONTRIBUTING WRITERS – UAE, PHILIPPINES, CANADA SWITZERLAND Mary Ann Angela Mapa Marchadesch Mary Anna Oposa Ann “Maps” Santos Barbara Marchadesch Nephele Kirong Candice Lopez Quimpo Nikka Sartgou Dante Gagelonia Nina Terol-Zialcita Didi Paterno P.A. Escalante Excel Dyquianco Princes Nedamo Johanna Michelle Lim Quay Evano Kara Santos Rache Hernandez Liza Lacuesta Regina Layug-Lucero Manny Escosa Sherry Tenorio CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS – UAE & PHILIPPINES Eros Goze Alex Calueng Glenn Peter-Perez Cristina Linaza Jef Anog Donald Rosales Dr. Marlon Pecjo Filbert Kung Will Dy CONTRIBUTING FASHION CREW - UAE Jessie Tabla Frankie Melendez Jojo Padua Ginno Alducente PUBLISHER – UAE Illustrado Communications FZ-LLC 2nd Floor, Building 2, Dubai Media City United Arab Emirates P.O. Box 72280 Office 20C Tel: +971 4 365 4543, 365 4547 Fax: +971 4 360 4771 E-mail: admin@illustrado.net Web: illustradolife.com, illustrado.net Facebook: Illustrado Magazine Twitter: Illustrado Magazine PRINTERS Printwell Printing LLC P.O. Box 18828 Dubai, UAE STOCK IMAGES Dreamstime.com (Unless otherwise specified) Copyright Illustrado Communications FZ-LLC 2006 – 2013 All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without the written permission of Illustrado Communications FZ-LLC.

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Nov 2013 Contents

Filipina supermodel Danica Magpantay poses in the Big Apple’s famed Central Park in this month’s fashion feature “Autumn in New York.”

contents

Illuminati: Weird if Wonderful 10 Social Climbing 101 12 In Stitches 14 Coffee for the curious: Manila’s Third Wave Coffee 18 Loudbasstard 36 Designing Young 22 The Bamboo Surfboard 90 Under the Sea: Swim Like a Mermaid 92

columns

It’s What I Do 28 Leadership: Leading with Influence 30 Kabuhayan: PHP30 Each Day Can Grow to Millions 32 Kabuhayan: The Art and Business of Sculpting 34 Spirituality: How do you want to die? 40 Illustrado Scrapbook 42 10 Things to Do 76 Community 80 On the Prowl, In the Know 94 Onli in da Pilipins: It Bulaga! 98

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fashion & beauty Real Style, Real People 44 Fashion: Autumn in New York 48 Illustrado Runway: Ezra Santos in Fashion Forward 68 Illustrado Runway: Furne One in Fashion Forward 70 Redefining Beauty: Fanny Serrano’s Magic Touch 72

places

Pinoy Planet: My Pinoy Life in Bangalore 82 Trippin’: Art in the City of Pines 86

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NOVEMBER 2013

Contributors ANNA OPOSA

BO SANCHEZ

You’ve probably already read his best-selling books, attended one of his seminars, or even seen him on TV or online. Bo Sanchez, or Bro. Bo, doesn’t really need any introduction.

This Ten Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) awardee, best-selling author and respected speaker shares worthwhile words of wisdom with Illustrado readers in his column on Spirituality.

ZEE ZAMORA PEREZ

NEPHELE KIRONG

Neph is a history lover, tech junkie and a pop culture worshiper. A Journalism graduate from the State University, she currently works as a business news writer, although she also dabbles in sports and lifestyle writing from time to time. An obsessed multi-tasker, Neph is also enrolled as a graduate student in one of the best schools in the Philippines.

As a big fan and supporter of Pinoy handiwork, writing about young, up and coming fashion designers was both fun and inspiring. “With Philippine fashion making huge strides in the past few years, I’m happy that I’ve been able to feature these awesome Filipino designers, who’ll probably also make a name outside the country if they’re not doing it already,” says Neph.

Zee Zamora Perez currently manages a green coffee buying portfolio the size of her biggest backpack. Still, she finds fulfillment in slowly earning the title of “coffee producer” as she collaborates with coffee growers in the Philippines. Together with these coffee growers, she develops quality coffees for the high-end specialty coffee market under her start up coffee bean buying team called the Elephant Rider Collaborative. Images from her coffee origin backpacking are on IG via @zeescauldron.

NIKKA SARTHOU

MARY JANE ALVERO

In 1992, Mary Jane Alvero left for Dubai and worked in a textile factory before she took on a job as a quality assurance officer for Geoscience Testing Laboratory. Ten years later, she was named its CEO.

RAEN BADUA

Raen Badua is a Filipino-American fashion photographer and graphic designer currently based in New York City. After serving the US Army for six years, he decided to pursue graphic design at the International Academy of Design & Technology in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Though he was studying graphic design, he knew photography was his first love and incorporated most of his projects with his own photography – most recently with fashion as his favorite subject. Raen currently works in Manhattan for Hearst Magazines’ Studio D and for Z!NK Magazine. Raen shoots this month’s fashion editorial – “Autumn in New York” against the romantic backdrop of NYC’s Central Park. www.raenpbadua.com

Anna Oposa is a writer by profession and marine conservationist by passion. She has two ideal Awesome Pinoy Men in her life: her dad and her boyfriend. Her dad, Atty.

Tony Oposa, is the ultimate eco warrior who pioneered environmental law in the Philippines, while her boyfriend, Ike, makes her laugh and feel secure. In other words, a clown ninja. In this issue, Anna writes about the Fil-AMs that are making waves by getting people to LOL or ROTFL. Read her story about the comic geniuses, “In Stitches”.

Added to her many achievements of being a successful career woman, loving wife and mother, Mary Jane also started a private foundation to help street kids in the Philippines. Just this year, Mary Jane was named Emirates Woman of the Year for 2013. On the official website, Mary Jane was described as being “instrumental in growing her team from eight to over 450 staff.

Despite her busy corporate role, Mary also finds time to give back to the community through charitable causes and set up ‘The Livelihood Programme’ helping people in the UAE upgrade their skills with free education.”

Having flexibility is what Nikka Sarthou enjoys as a full-time freelance writer and editor.

Being her own boss, she gets to indulge in her passions--writing and traveling--whenever she wants. She is currently a Contributing Editor for Smile magazine and one of the Co-Founders of Writer’s Block Philippines. For this month’s issue, Nikka writes about an unlikely boot camp – one where girls can be mermaids for a day.

Read her weird and wonderful story in “Under the Sea.”

EXCEL DYQUIANGCO

Excel writes for various publications in the Philippines, on a range of different diverse topics like travel, men’s health, sports and hobbies, and enjoys the opportunity of being able to explore the country as a writer with appreciative eyes. Excel surfs the waves – figuratively by writing about Richard “Deepo” Matthews who makes surfboards from bamboo.

Get ILLUSTRADO AT A STORE NEAR YOU!

CHAMPIONING THE WORLD CLASS FILIPINO

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES ABU DHABI & AL AIN

Abela Al Ain, Abu Dhabi Airport Lobby and Airport Transit areas, Abu Dhabi Coop Society – Khalifa, Hamdan, Meena and Buteen branches, Al Ain Palace Hotel, Albert Abela Superstore, Al Atial Novelty Store – INTCO and Rotana branches, All Prints, Bookplus Store - Al Ain, Books Gallery, Carrefour – Abu Dhabi Airport Road, Marina Mall and Al Ain branches, Hilton Abu Dhabi, Limar Bookshop, Milan Gifts, Raouat Al Reef - Al Ain, Sana Modern Trading, Spinney’s Khalidiya, United Bookstores and Westzone Trading * Distributed FREE to Meritus Club Members

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Asia Pacific Cargo – Karama, Books Gallery – Jumeirah, Mall of the Emirates and Sahara Center branches, Carrefour – Ajman, Century Mall, Deira City Center, Mall of the Emirates, Sharjah, Shindagha, Ras Al Khaimah, Choitrams - Emirates Hills, Green Community, the Greens, Rashidiya, Safa Park, Springs and Umm Suqueim, CM Supermarket, Karama, Dubai Airport Duty Free Shops, Geant Hypermarket - Ibn Battuta Mall, Hyper Panda - Dubai Festival City, Jashanmal - Caribou Uptown Mirdiff and Wafi City, Magrudy Bookshop - Deira City Center and Ibn Battuta Mall branches, News Centre - Deira City Center, DIFC, Mall of the Emirates and Sahara Center branches, Philippine Supermarket – Satwa, Spinneys - Al Ghurair Center, Bin Souqat, Meadows Town Centre, Mercato, Mirdiff, Prime Rose, Ramada Bur Dubai and Trade Center Rd. Bur Dubai branches

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24 Hours – Al Hamala, Al Zahra Avenue, Busaiteen Muharra and Hoora branches, Al Batra Supermarket, Al Fahad Cold Store – Zallaq, Al Ghadeer Foodstuff – Al A’ali, Al Hilal Administration – Sheraton Complex, Al Jazira Supermarket – Zinj, Adliya and Juffair branches, Al Mena Supermarket – Adliya, Al Shahd Market – Hamad Town, Buheji Center – Budaiya, City Pharmacy – Sitra Mall, Dairaty Market – Duraz, Evershine Supermarket – Rifa’a, Geant Hypermarket – Manama, Hamad Town Supermarket, Hassan Mahmood Cold Store – Opp. Awal Cinema, Hidd Co-Op Society, Jassim Markets – Busaiteen Muharra, Jawad Convenience Stores – Budaiya, Jawad Express Bapco Station – Seef, Jawad Supermarket – Nuwaidarat Sitra, Kaifan Cold Stores – Hamad Town, Little Kingdom Cold Stores – Manama, Manayer Supermarket – Awali, Midway Supermarket – Hamala, Muharraq, West Rifa’a and Gudaibiya branches, Muntaza Supermarket – Muharraq, Muntaza Supermarket – Sitr Muharraqa, The News Stationery – Manama, Universal Food Center – Rifa’a

QATAR

Ahlan Wassahlan Bookshop, Alam Al Agziya – Landmark, Al Aaela Shopping Centre- Al Nasr, Airport and Al Rayan branches, Al Madina Supermarket, Al Mustaqbal Bookshop, Al Qalam Bookshop, Al Usra Bookshop, Al Waha Marketing Centre, Daheel Food Centre, Dar Al Oroouba Bookshop, Dar Al Thaqafa Al Kitab and Al Nasr, Dasman Hypermarket, Dasman Shopping Centre, Jarir Bookshop, Jehaz Bookshop Al Mansoora, Khayat Fitwell, Lamcy Supermarket, Lulu Al Sharq, Megamart Centre, Newsstand Landmark, Rawabi Food Centre, Strand Bakery, Supermarket Al Taif Al Nasr and Supermarket Sak Illustrado magazine is sold in over 150 outlets around the Gulf, including

Oman and Kuwait.

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PALLADIUM SHOES STEPS INTO THE MIDDLE EAST

PALLADIUM BY RICHARD CHAI COLLECTION FALL 2013

A brand with an interesting history – Palladium was founded in 1920 in Lyon, France to make aircraft tires for the aviation industry.

However in 1947 after the end of WWII saw the demand for tires dry up, Palladium switched gears and put their canvas and rubber expertise to use by making boots that were as hard wearing as their tires. They were so successful that they soon became outfitters of the legendary French Foreign Legion in the North African deserts.

Over 60 years later the timeless design of Palladium’s signature Pampa boot is as relevant as ever and available once again for explorers worldwide.

Today, Palladium enables you to explore in city terrain. These urban environments are where people live, where culture thrives, and where the action is. Recently the brand has expanded its fan base even further with exclusive collaborations with Pharrell William’s Billionaire Boys Club, Richard Chai and Maharishi.

Marketing the boots as footwear for city life, whether it is via a series of urban-inspired short films or concrete-filled display case “rubble bins” at every point of sale, has also differentiated Palladium from typical woodland-inspired boot brands.

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DUBAI OUTLET MALL’S DONATION DRIVE FOR YOLANDA VICTIMS Dubai Outlet Mall shares the sorrow of those affected and has organized a donation campaign from Tuesday, 12 November till Saturday, 30 November 2013, whereby you can donate cash, bottled water, food (with a minimum 6 months expiry date like canned food, biscuits, rice, sugar and noodles), medicine, clothes, blankets and tents.

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As the need for assistance is very urgent, arrangements have been made, in cooperation with UAE Red Crescent, to deliver donations to the Philippines Red Cross on urgent and regular basis.

Please drop donations at the designated place inside Dubai Outlet Mall anytime during mall trading hours, 10 AM to 10 PM weekdays and 10 AM to 12 Midnight on weekends.

illuminati

Wondrous if

WEIRD

By Krip Yuson

Picking up a couple of sugar packets at a hotel’s breakfast nook to break off and pour their contents into a coffee cup, I suddenly remembered a story related by a friend — which I still think might be apocryphal.

He said that he had read somewhere how the inventor of that handy sugar packet — you know, those small, slim, 3-inchor-something paper containers that you usually tear off at one end — had disconsolately taken his own life over his disappointment that people all over the world weren’t conducting the simple rite the way he had envisioned it.

And how was that? Well, the fellow had imagined that everyone would hold it straight up, that is, horizontally, and break off the packet in the middle before pouring out the sugar.

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Hmm. Talk about vision. And a passion for perceived purposes of particular inventions.

But I’ll say that if the story were true, I’d still find that inventor to be a tad too rigorous in expecting everyone else to do it his way.

Just like some institutions that are clearly on their way out, owing to a medieval-mindset refusal to acknowledge the generously tolerant principle of “Vive le difference!”

And happy if not carefree acceptance of the increasing verity of “Different strokes for different folks.”

The breakfast place where I had that coffee, in fact two consecutive cups of UCC brew, self-served from the machine, was in fact called The Nook — on the Basement 1 level of a newly opened boutique hotel in Singapore called the BIG Hotel, with the

letter B fashioned in reverse in most of its signage. (If that gives you envisioning difficulty, think of the R in Toys ’R Us.) I was in Merlion City on a four-day media coverage assignment. The Singapore Art Biennale 2013 would be officially launched on October 25, with international media privileged to preview the entire gamut of wondrous contemporary art from all over Southeast Asia for a couple of days before its public launch.

The first irony was that BIG Hotel had tiny rooms. Well, not really as tiny as how a large man, a fellow hotel resident who had preceded us, confided in the lift upon noticing our luggage. I was prepared to open my room door and expect it to hit the side of the bed, the way the six-footer had described it.

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In truth, it took several steps to get to the bed upon entry, and on one side of that passageway were the toilet and shower stall rather cutely put together within an alcove, then a washbowl and mirror before one reached a chair and Internet-use ledge-desk to one side of the wide bed. It was a narrow room, but entirely serviceable, modest but modern in design.

What made the hotel even more charming was that pre-Halloween stuff was all over the lobby and inside the lifts — where green-faced monster masks asked to be pressed, resulting in fingers being snapped at by a plastic mouth that also cackled dire verbal warnings.

Fronting the check-in counter were motley items suspended from the cobwebbed ceiling, including hairy giant spiders that swung down to threaten guests’ heads.

One’s entry towards that lobby was greeted by a life-sized witch figure with pointed black hat and broom in hand. When I did my usual duo selfie trick with my iPhone cam’s reverse lens, sidling up to the welcoming witch, it got activated into its cackle, while also swiveling towards its newfound partner, er, victim, and flashing

both eyes with blinding white LED lights.

How wonderful. That we now live, visit, and play in cities that affirm exactly that: the ludic way of life for homo sapiens, that is, homo ludens — the planet’s sentient creature that believes in fun.

Oh, Halloween is big as a commercial holiday draw in Singapore, as it has been in upscale enclaves in Metro Manila, where Trick or Treat and other adaptations from the West are observed in gated villages.

Halloween décor also goes rampant in malls and commercial centers.

As early as a fortnight before the more traditional All Saints Day, I caught a TV feature on a Zombie Run in the AlabangFilinvest area, where 5K runners had to slalom their way past an army of zombies — costumed and made up that way, that is.

Of course the Philippine Roman Catholic Church had something to say again about the fun practice. Or at least yet another outspoken, busybody prelate had to shake his head and condemn the apparent affinity with creatures of lower mythology. Why not emulate angels and saints instead, one cried

It’s a world where wonders never cease, whether they’re of nature or manmade, whether they’re in five-star or boutique hotels, or in museum and gallery halls profuse with Southeast Asian artists’ out in a reprise of recent years past, when an attempt was even made to influence a barangay village to outlaw Trick or Treat.

Just as dutifully, mothers protested against that dire prospect. After all, they already had large sacks of goodie treats prepared, and their young kids were keening to wear their costumes.

It’s a world where wonders never cease, whether they’re of nature or man-made, whether they’re in five-star or boutique hotels, or in museum and gallery halls profuse with Southeast Asian artists’ marvels of creativity.

In theme partying, we simply extend our sense of wonder-full fun, even as the party poopers do their best to hold everyone else to incongruous limits. Now who’s weird, us who validate the playfulness of quality time, or the disciplinarian as false prophet who says everything has to be treated in all seriousness?

The B*tching Hour Social Climbing 101

By Ana P. Santos

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feature

It must come with that other Filipino favorite pastime of gossiping - social climbing. After all, isn’t who’s wearing what and who’s wearing not, who is sucking up or sucking face the very essence of social climbing?

The very fodder for gossip. Knowledge of these details and who is coming and who is going are your key to entering the social climbing circles and guaranteeing your place in it. Of course, there are other ways, too.

And yes we’re talking about you.

1. Have an ooh-inspiring address

4. Fill your bathtub with money

Let’s face it, when you’re 22 and can say you live in a condo in the Ritz Carlton, it’s going to be met with a lot of “oohs” and “aahhs”.

You won’t get the same reaction when your zip code is Tondo or some far flung province in Mindanao like Sulu or Butuan for example. And before you raise your arms in protest at that, think about it. I mean, really think about it.

Even Cleopatra, queen of Egypt, could only brag about bathing in milk, but you social climber extraordinaire can actually say you bath in money in your tubs filled with cold hard cash. Too bad you don’t realize that milk smells a lot better than money. Oh well.

There really are things even money cannot buy.

A lot of people are going to want to be invited to your place just so they can say they’ve been inside the Ritz Carlton.

2. Go designer from head-to-toe Of course, it screams nouveau but social climbing IS for the nouveau, dearie. Those at the top no longer have to climb; that’s an activity reserved for the bottom dwellers and the wannabes. It’s easy to distinguish the lowborns and bottomdwellers. They throw lavish parties mainly because they would never be invited to one.

And because no one would ever think of them as having class or being able to afford designer items, they need to take photos of their evening ensemble, replete with name of designer items and post it on a blog. Then they follow up with event pics of them hobnobbing with famous Hollywood celebs. They think everyone is gushing with envy at their luck, but all we really notice is that large lanyard obstructing their designer dress. The celeb doesn’t need a pass or form of identification, but they do. Tsk, tsk, tsk.

3. Preen around in your ride No squishing in like sardines and mixing in sweat for sweat, armpit to armpit with the masses. Eeww...no, real social climbers need to have cars that show their worth. You can always flash around that swanky zip code of your residence, but you can always show off your car and show how much you stole -- oops, I mean, how much you’re worth without so much as being asked.

5. Engage in philanthropic activities with public officials It’s all the rage and no one will question your good intentions. Start your own NGO that promises to benefit the poorest of the poor, advocate the rights of the marginalized and advance the welfare of those who are suffering. They need all the help that they can get, but of course, you have a lifestyle and a reputation to fund. So what’s a few billion pesos here and there? No one will ever notice.

Besides, the ones who should punish you and called on to hold public good are the very ones protecting you. How can you ever go wrong?

Just for extra insurance, you take the Filipino penchant for picture picture to work in your favor. You have your photo taken with these public officials at events and parties and If one of them deny ever knowing you, you can simply “re-share” those photos on your blog or leak them to another person who loves to gossip (just about every Filipino) so they can do the sharing for you.

Oh, social climbing is an arduous task and it does require some financing. But that’s nothing to you, darling social climber, you have the key to the nation’s coffers and the phone numbers of sexy and to make the climb to the top an easy one. Just remember that the law of gravity applies even to those who naively try to defy gravity and their humble beginnings. The higher you climb, the longer the drop and the harder the fall. Be careful now, you just might crack the heels of those Jimmy Choos.

ILLUSTRADO 13

feature

In Stitches

by Kara Santos

The l ist of global Fil ipinos just keeps growing. This month, Illustrado puts a spotl ight on four Fil ipino-Americans who are leaving audiences in Amer i ca and all over the world breathless from laughing: actor Alec Mapa, comedian Jo Koy, and filmmakers Stephen Dypiangco and Patrick Epino. including The Jamie Foxx Show, Roseanne, Seinfeld, NYPD, Friends, and Dharma & Greg. He was reunited with college classmate Rachel True in Half & Half, where he played the role of Adam Benet for four reasons.

school. The champion orator was bitten by the acting bug when he landed a meaty role in the high school production of Bye Bye Birdie. Before graduating George Washington High School, Alec already bagged the lead roles in the productions Cabaret and Harvey.

ALEC MAPA A.K.A. UGLY BETTY’S SUZUKI ST. PIERRE San Francisco-born Alec Mapa has been entertaining audiences since he was in high

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Alec headed to New York for college and studied drama at the New York University Tisch School of the Arts. According to Alec, he was “frustrated” in college because he couldn’t get cast in any plays. He jumped into comedy after watching Whoopi Goldberg on Broadway. In an interview with LA Times, Alec said Goldberg was inspiring because she “wasn’t limited by her race or gender.” He took the cue from her and started doing his share of performing standup in clubs.

This Filipino-American got his first professional break at the age of 25 when he replaced B.D. Wong (who played Dr. George Huang in Law & Order: Special Victims Unit) in the Broadway production of M. Butterfly. Since then, Alec has appeared in over 40 television series,

Alec is best known for his roles in Desperate Housewives as Gabriel Solis’s (Eva Longoria) personal shopper named Vern, and Ugly Betty as the fashion reporter Suzuki St. Pierre.

But take note, Alec’s acting skills are not limited to the tube. Variety magazine has described him as a “freak,” because “no one should be this talented.” He has conquered the stage in pubs, bars, and cruise ships, and the big screen as well. He has performed in six cruises with Atlantis Events, and another one with Rosie O’Donnell’s R Family Cruises.

Alec left the crowd in stitches as N’Cream in the movie-musical Connie and Carla.

Other film credits include Marley and Me; Bright Lights, Big City; and Playing

by Heart. He starred as a stylist in You Don’t Mess with the Zohan, which was top billed by another college classmate, Adam Sandler.

Alec, who Ellen Degeneres called “smart, hilarious and funny,” has landed several hosting gigs on Logo TV, a network that celebrates one-of-a-kind personalities and unconventional stories. His first was Wisecrack, a standup comedy special that

feature debuted in 2005. That same year, Alec was awarded a Visionary Award from East West Players, the nation’s premier Asian American theatre organization.

his performance to another level when he rented the Huntridge Theatre and literally went door to door to sell tickets for his shows.

In 2008, Alec hosted Logo’s Transamerican Love Story, a reality dating program, and Animal Planet’s Dancing with Dogs. A couple of years later, he became one of the co-hosts of Logo’s The Gossip Queens, a daily series where he helps present celebrity gossip.

Jo is one performer who knows what he wants—and makes sure he gets it. He dropped out of University of Nevada, Las Vegas, to pursue standup comedy in Los Angeles. He impressed a talent coordinator along the way, who helped him secure a spot in his first TV appearance in BET’s Comic View.

When Alec is not on stage or behind a camera, he is busy championing equal rights for the LGBT community, AsianAmerican communities, and raising awareness on HIV/AIDS. He has toured America to represent The Human Rights Campaign and The Matthew Shepard Foundation. For his efforts, Alec was awarded the Davidson Valentini GLAAD Award for promoting equal rights for the LGBT community.

JO KOY: THE FUNNY FAMILY MAN Jo Koy, or Joseph Glenn Herbert, is the son of an American who was a member of the Air Force when he wed Jo’s Filipino mother. Jo names his mom as the source of his talent. When Jo was growing up, his mom encouraged him to hone his skills by participating in school talent shows and performing in front of family and friends.

Jo moved from Washington, where he grew up, to Las Vegas to be with his ailing grandmother. In Vegas, he learned to pay his dues. He started testing his standup comedy skills in a coffee house and then a comedy club in 1994. From doing open mic nights, he landed a regular spot in a show called Catch a Rising Star at the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino. He took

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In 2005, more than 10 years after his coffee house and comedy club performances in Las Vegas, Jo got his big break when he became one of the few performers to receive a standing ovation on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. He has since appeared in a number of TV standup specials like Jaime Foxx Presents: Laffapalooza! and VH1’s I Love the 70’s, 80’s, 90’s. As part of Carlo Mencia’s set of performers in “Punisher Tour,” Jo had the opportunity to perform in front of arenas that could hold up to 10,000 audience members. Now he can be seen as a panelist on E!’s Chelsey Lately and a co-host of the podcast The Michael Yo and Jo Jo Show.

Much of this single dad’s material is inspired by his family. Writer Patrick Bromley describes Jo’s humor as “the family-based comedy of Bill Cosby, but with a harder edge.” His son was the muse for his first

Comedy Central special “Don’t Make Him Angry,” which aired in January 2009.

His second Comedy Central special “Lights Out” aired in October 2012. The show with the same title toured around clubs and theaters in America and the rest of the world. His set included stories about his mom, the Filipino accent, and what it’s like to be a dad to a nine-year-old. He inserts ‘90s R&B songs in the set too!

As someone who has not forgotten his humble beginnings, Jo is an artist who continues to give back. He established the Jo Koy Foundation, which aims to help children with needs. In 2009, he organized “Hilarity For Charity” for the benefit of The Children’s Hospital of Orange County. Jo Koy also works with The Lupus Foundation to raise awareness for the cause.

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STEPHEN DYPIANGCO AND PATRICK EPINO: THE AWESOME ASIAN GUYS In September 2012, Filipino-Americans Stephen Dypiangco and Patrick Epino launched an online campaign to raise US$50,000 for Awesome Asian Bad Guys, a 5-episode action comedy web series that they describe as “a cross between The Expendables and Dumb & Dumber.”

Their motivation?

“When we were growing up in the ‘80s and ‘90s, we’d always see hard-hitting Asian bad guys in flicks like Die Hard, Bloodsport, and Karate Kid 2,” they explained in their YouTube video. “These badasses were often cooler than the heroes they fought, but they’d usually have a 2-minute lifespan before they were mortally wounded or beaten to a pulp.” Their objective with their project was to place the Awesome Asian Bad Guys in the frontline for a change.

In only 30 days, the duo was able to raise US$54,132 from 806 backers on Kickstarter.com.

The plot of Awesome Asian Bad Guys revolves around two filmmakers who put together a motley crew of washed up Asian bad guy actors with one mission: to take down Los Angeles’ most nefarious mobster. The mob is determined to kill the city’s top Asian American talents. “But in order to pull off their tricky mission, this unpredictable batch of misfits must do the one thing they hate most - work together,” the synopsis states.

a star-studded cast despite the limited budget. Season 1 stars Asian faces that are no strangers in Hollywood: Al Leong (Die Hard, Lethal Weapon), Yuji Okumoto (Karate Kid 2, Inception), Tamlyn Tomita (Joy Luck Club, Glee), Aaron Takahashi (A Jillion Commercials), Randall Park (The Five-Year Engagement, Larry Crowe), and Dante Basco (Hook, Last Airbender).

The pair is proud to say that they have already finished filming Season 1 and are currently in post-production. Awesome Asian Bad Guys is slated for release in 2014. All five episodes took eight days to complete.

The venture is already gaining some traction: Awesome Asian Bad Guys is the first web series to be selected for the Independent Film Project’s Film Week. It has also spawned a merchandise line with shirts, hoodies, and stickers.

Stephen is an alumnus of Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service and New York University’s graduate film program. Some of his noted projects are the Oscar-winning short film God of Love and the feature documentary How To Live Forever. He

Both are co-founders of the National Film Society, a production company that produces YouTube videos in partnership with PBS Digital Studios. The new media studio has been featured by PBS, Filmmaker Magazine, and The Wall Street Journal, to name a few.

Catch any of the two-man team’s videos and you’ll see why Patrick and Stephen received so much support for Awesome Asian Bad Guys in such a short time.

Their Kickstarter video radiates with their passion for filmmaking and advocating for more airtime for Asians.

When they hit their US$50,000 target, they pitched a 6th bonus episode that they described as a “crazy, all-out song and dance routine featuring our AABG cast members!” The peg would be the closing musical number of Slumdog Millionaire.

The badass Asian duo fell about US$6,000 short from their additional target, but with their unbridled enthusiasm, this musical episode may just make it to Season 2.

Patrick was named one of The Independent magazine’s “10 Filmmakers to Watch” for his first feature film, Mr. Sadman. He graduated from the University of Chicago and earned his MFA in Cinema from San Francisco State University.

Stephen and Patrick managed to assemble

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COFFEE for the curious:

Manila’s Third Wave Coffee Beginnings

LatteArt by Kevin Israel - CuratorBarista 2012NationalBaristaChampion

From opening a sachet of instant coffee or ordering coffee to go, coffee r i tuals are evolving and slowing down. Zee Zamora Perez fills us in what’s brewing.

Leaning forward to push his upper body weight onto his right arm bent over a small manual coffee brewer, 2012 Philippine National Barista Champion, Kevin Israel, slowly pushes coffee that had been brewing in hot water into a ceramic mug. The diminutive brewing ceremony flourishes with a soft but audible pop as Kevin completely flushes out all the coffee and air out of the Aeropress - his brewing method of choice today. As Kevin hands me the cup of coffee, he tells me to anticipate pronounced floral notes in the brew I’m about to try, an Ethiopian Yirgacheffe. He’s having me try three coffees on my visit that day to the Curator, a pop-up coffee cart at

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a menswear boutique on Gamboa Street in Makati overlooking the Washington SyCip Park.

No sugar please!

Coffees prepared at the Curator by baristas like Kevin are all taken black.

Characteristically roasted to a slight bark color to bring out otherwise aromatic and flavor traits, the coffees they curate are appreciated for their complexity. Their flavor is discernible only if the liquor is not tainted by adding sugar or creamer.

Baristas here are chatty and the coffees they serve come with an often a laid back conversation about your beverage. They will walk you through their brewing method choices; engage you in a playful debate over why one coffee is better brewed over a French press than in a pourover; something to do with flavor extraction of course. They’ll coax you into illustrating the elusive traits of the coffee they’ve prepared for you. Do you recognize a berry note? Are the Colombian coffees slightly nutty? Did you recognize that buttery taste? They’ll tell you the coffee was processed after harvest through a washed method, what is the traditional post harvest process in Latin

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Coffee drinking Pinoys, Andre thinks “will slowly be exposed to coffees, brew methods and equipment from different parts of the world.

MikoSimangan -CuratorBarista, 2013NationalBaristaChampion

Americans. Your conversation with them will possibly end on a discussion about why coffees processed this way have a more brilliant acidity.

People like Kevin and his boss, Sly Samonte, the brain and muscle behind the Curator, are pioneers of the Third Wave Coffee movement in the country. A movement that fellow pioneer in the space, Yardstick Coffee founder, Andre Chanco describes as “a coffee movement that focuses deeply on quality and flavor and sharing that experience with customers.” A movement that has brought to Manila a new culture to enjoying the coffee ritual.

Third Wave coffee finds its roots in North America’s specialty coffee industry.

Roasters and retailers in the Third Wave coffee movement are fastidious about quality and are attentive to the harvest and post harvest practices as each step in the process influences what makes each coffee extraordinary. As a roaster, Andre continues,

“Third Wave is about transparency and traceability; it’s knowing more about what happens at origin and translating that into a product that highlights the origin nuances rather than roast character.”

In contrast to the first wave of coffee that is characterized by the proliferation of instant coffees and the massive multinational growth of cafes like Starbucks identified as the second wave, the Third Wave of coffee history endears coffee as artisanal food experiences like wine. Andre continues, “the Third Wave movement exposes everyone to coffee as a culinary product rather than a utility beverage.”

As a barista in this movement, Kevin believes he does not offer a transactional experience.

He believes it’s his responsibility to take the time to represent the story behind the coffees to his drinkers. “The challenge for the barista is not just to serve brewed cups of coffee or just understand the roasted ground powder but he has to talk about

the raw material and the entire process behind it.” Kevin carries on to say that by communicating the details throughout the chain that developed the coffee he offers, he believes he also “helps the coffee farmer” who is responsible for growing his coffee.

Curiouser and curiouser Miko Simangan, 2013 Philippine National Barista Champion, is also a curator barista.

Along with Kevin, he is also co-founder of the social media advocacy Stop Bad Coffee.

Miko predicts that the Third Wave coffee movement in the Philippines will expand in 2014.

Although he recognizes that the Third Wave movement in the Philippines is still at its infancy, Andre sees promise and is excited about the future of the Third Wave; for both the small community that is leading it and coffee drinkers in the country.

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Bukidnon. SlySamonte of the Curator

Coffee drinking Pinoys, Andre thinks “will slowly be exposed to coffees, brew methods and equipment from different parts of the world. [Filipinos] will start to taste coffees which will either excite or confuse their palate.” He expects that once coffee drinkers in the country experience better coffees from around the world, it will develop a culture that is coffee “curious”.

He continues to forecast that this will encourage opportunities for roasters, baristas and consumers to have more discussions about the coffees themselves and explore the reasons behind what makes each coffee drinking experience special.

Andre adds that as more Filipinos travel abroad and experiencing new culinary delights, “with anything food or beverage related, as long as we taste something of higher quality, it will be a lot more difficult to settle for less.”

More importantly, Andre hopes as does Kevin, that the Third Wave movement will help Philippine farmers. By bringing coffees of top quality from all over the world and promoting a coffee drinking culture that prizes quality, they anticipate this will drive innovation in local farming

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AndreChanco- YardstickCoffeeAtColab

practices; encouraging Filipino farmers to be competitive in the international high end coffee market by focusing on quality.

Drink more coffee.

Speaking at a mixer celebrating International Specialty Coffee Month, Andre encourages a small audience to “drink more coffee.”

Third Wave coffee pioneers like Andre, Sly and even Kevin carving out a space for this movement in a country with pockets of its own coffee growing and drinking culture that ranges from Nescafe 3 in 1 to Starbucks Venti beverages.

As I slowly sip my Ethiopia Yirgacheffe, I look out the Curator’s glass floor to ceiling window and see another Curator regular walking through the park come towards us.

He is not going to order a cup of coffee and rush out the door. I know that he is looking forward to a leisure hour or two enjoying coffee Kevin’s prepared over pour over from a small coffee growing hill tribe in Thailand roasted by an artisanal coffee company based in San Francisco. The Third Wave Movement of coffee has begun.

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DESIGNING

YOUNG

By Nephele Kirong

Illustrado shines the spotl ight on the young and emerging talents, the darl ings who are making their mark in fashion.

Vania Romoff

the first couturier in Cebu, where Romoff also hails from. Her mother and her brother followed suit, and of course, she did too.

First in our list is 24-year-old Vania Romoff, who could make a living from modeling if ever she decides to stop designing clothes.

Growing up amidst haute couture wasn’t enough for Vania.

She moved to Manila to study at the School of Fashion and the Arts, solidifying her knowledge in the craft.

But more than wearing gorgeous clothes on the well-lit catwalk and in prestigious glossies, designing and styling them is in her blood. Fashion is in her genes. Her grandmother was

“This move was instrumental in further refining the skills and the creativity she developed in the family business, which she desired to make her own,” she shares on her website.

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And her pursuit for refining her skills and creativity was indeed a good move.

She was named in Preview’s Ten Designers to Watch and MEGA Magazine’s 10 Women to Watch for 2011. Romoff was also included in the 69 Artists to Watch For in the Philippine Yearbook 2010.

Currently, her works are catalogued in look books. The lovely dresses she designs are worn by beauty queens, celebrities and politicians. Her clothes are what magazines make their cover girls wear. After all, in her website, it says that “Her raison d’être is the creation of women’s fashion, which translates into her design philosophy of dressing a woman to flatter her curves through a predominantly feminine, yet modern and understatedly sophisticated style.”

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Choc and Y vette

Religioso

And then there are sisters Choc Religioso-Dayrit and Yvette Religioso-Ilagan. And as you might guess, they are the ones behind the Religioso brand.

Choc holds a business administration degree from the University of Santo Tomas and has studied fashion design at the Philippine International School of Fashion at La Salle College. Yvette, on the other hand, has a management degree from De La Salle University and took some interior design courses from the Philippine School of Interior Designs, all according to local brand Ensembles, where they did a collaboration project.

So how did they end up in the fashion business?

The sisters started doings weddings, particularly for Choc’s entourage, in 2005. Then, the sisters were able to expand and open their first Religioso boutique in 2006. And making use of their surname has been a great choice! Religioso is anchored on fashion a religion with shopping as a sacred rite. Their mantra? Being fashionable is a divine right.

Under their also eponymously named brand, the sisters are spreading the creed of classic chic, according to Religioso’s Facebook page. It adds that “each piece has the feel, cut and meticulous detailing of couture. Every item is something that the owners themselves would proudly wear.”

But did you know that Religioso is not their only line? The sibling design duo has already started a direct selling brand called KidsAhoy.

It offers clothes, shoes, toys and other accessories for the newborn to the pre-teens.

Truly, these two are spreading the religion among the fashion faithful.

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Betina Ocampo The next designer on our list also follows a tradition of fashion.

Betina Ocampo is the daughter of former fashion model and now entrepreneur Tina Maristela-Ocampo of Celestina, an international luxe handbag brand.

Ocampo founded in 2012 the eponymously named Betina brand, just when she was just a junior student at Parsons in New York. It is a line of luxury hand-embroidered t-shirts that Marina Larroude of Style.com describes as “looking strong, with heavy attention to detail.” And that shouldn’t be a surprise as the BETINA website says the aim is to experiment with indigenous materials and intricate techniques that create dimension transcending both time and geography.”

The shirts are made in the Philippines and are priced from between $300 to $1,000. Yes, it is pricey, but hey, as Betina told USA Today, her works are devoted to sustaining practices of many artisan communities. Also, each design is a “progressive collaboration between Betina’s contemporary vision and the weathered hands of skillful artisans.

Betina is available at Barneys New York and Excelsior Milano.

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It’s What I do CELSO II BERINGUEL CREER

I am currently working in Abu Dhabi as a Senior Architect. I occasionally travel to other countries like Italy and France to get inspiration and spark new ideas for projects that I have to design. But mostly, I find distinctive and innovative ideas in the local scene just by travelling to the different parts of the seven Emirates with my camera, since I am a photography hobbyist.

Creating new ideas and ingenious concepts to win the approval of my boss and clients are my daily challenges and what I enjoy the most. I start my day with hand sketches, carefully wrapping the ideas together, discussing it with my friends and supportive team members.

Then, I prepare it for presentation and bringing it to the next level. It is not by luck but by precise rendition and deliberation that has made me and my team win projects in the Emirates and outside the country. I share my passion for arts by conducting design workshops for other companies around UAE. It is

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very fulfilling to share what you know best.

It is a big world and I know I still have a lot to learn. The need to research, collection and creation of new ideas are the main reasons that keep me going. These drive me to speed up my continuous learning. My love for the arts and desire for excellence in everything I do all started in my academic years. I was given gold medal awards in the arts when I was in high school and college.

I was also awarded one of the 10 Most Outstanding Architecture Students of the Philippines 1999. I was also a topnotcher in the Philippine Architecture Licensure Exam with 98 percent rating in design criteria. All these inspire and move me in creating innovative and practical design concepts.

To all my fellow Filipinos, especially in the architectural world, know that art has no limits. I say it again; it’s a big world. Have big dreams and never stop dreaming. With determination, good attitude and hard work, big dreams can be reached.

DAN N Y R I C O I am an architect, but I also dabble in photography and videography at the same time. I am working as an architect in a Canadian owned and managed consulting company, Norr Group Consultants International. We provide architectural, engineering and planning services. My key function is to provide construction documents of a particular project; this includes articulating the architectural vision, conceptualizing and providing alternative architectural solutions and preparing documents for municipality permits. I am trained to conduct the planning, detailing and drawing of the design, as well as overseeing its construction. This involves

it’s what i do

taking into consideration not only environmental and economic needs, but also the concerns of construction teams, which include materials and safety.

JOS H U A BUM AK I L

I think 10:00AM is the most productive hour of my day. My brain cells are wellrested but awake.

I work as a mechanical engineer for the Special Projects Department of Al Ghurair. We are currently constructing a cement plant in Syria and in Turkey.

I always try to schedule my tasks. I don’t mind working long hours as we are being paid for overtime and cope fairly well under pressure. My “after office” time is usually as busy and requires as much planning and scheduling as my workday.

I work out almost every other day and I have a part time job as photographer and videographer with my brother. But that’s not the end of my day, I have some design projects from my personal clients to do at night, in my home.

I am working in a company with different nationalities and I’m proud to say that Filipinos are recognized as very efficient and hardworking employees. I have been recognized by my boss as a dependable team member and have provided valuable support to the project seniors on certain projects. For me, making an impression and recognizing my skills have made me a more competitive, confident and proud Filipino.

Working in Dubai is really a worthwhile experience. To all the Filipinos out there who are planning to work or already working abroad, always remember that there are advantages and disadvantages.

The worst feeling is homesickness. Just always think that we are doing this for our family, we are doing this for the future of our children. For me, an overseas job experience is the one that I will cherish my entire life. This experience, good or bad, will give me some great stories to tell my family and friends when I move back to the Philippines.

My job entails preparing tender documents, review of bid offers submitted by bidders, coordinating with equipment suppliers and consultants, checking of equipment specifications if it conforms according to our tender requirements, installation of equipment and machinery and commissioning of the project after construction.

With our projects overseas, I get the chance to travel for work, which is one of the things I love. It’s a chance to unwind from the stress in the office and the opportunity to encounter another challenging job ahead.

My day is mostly spent reviewing drawings, technical specifications of equipments and correspondence with the contractors and consultants.

My evenings are usually spent on my passion, photography. Through photography, I have learned to control

my anxieties and have a sense of renewed self-confidence. I often shoot events courtesy of fashion blogger and professional photographer Ms. Cristina “Tinayums” Linaza, who also happens to be my mentor in photography. I usually spend Fridays doing community service by volunteering with Filipino photographers’ organization as logistics and assistant trainer, which caters to our fellow Filipinos under the auspices of Philippine Consulate. Then I finish the week with my wife and daughter watching movies, strolling around the city or sometimes a weekend in one of the neighboring emirates.

I would tell other Filipinos out there that success is not earned overnight. Hence, we should always be mindful of our goals.

We are the engineers of our dreams. We may encounter distractions, but we must always keep our focus and stand our ground. And the most important thing is to keep our faith and prayers to Him and remember to thank Him for every achievement. days before Dubai. My parents are both talented cook and this is what I missed a lot about them. But I’m lucky to have a brother who makes our weekends here in Dubai special with his copycat dishes from restos and successful experiments.

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leadership

LEADING WITH INFLUENCE

By Engr. Mary Jane Alvero Al Mahdi

B

eing given the opportunity to meet the influential women leaders around the world is a great privilege. I listened to different inspiring stories of leadership, about being a Filipina leader and having it all. Remarkable women of leadership and power spoke about how they became millionaires, and how they manage success without guilt. We delegates left each session feeling inspired with new ideas on how we could sustain our business, achieve our dreams, and share our prosperity with those who need it.

It was a three-day celebration of Pinay power and understanding the leadership struggles and triumphs of the Filipina leaders. The leadership story of Cora M. Tellez, who is the president of Sterling Health Services Administration, a company she founded in 2004 inspired me. Cora described her leadership values and spoke about the challenges she faced, striving for excellence and leadership. Her dreams ran contrary to conventional views of Filipina women as being obedient and not questioning authority. Her mother, a devout Catholic, wanted her to be a nun. She sensed that she would fail as a nun, because she knew she couldn’t honor the vow of obedience to laws and rules that don’t make sense to her.

A character trait (or flaw) that has defined her is an aversion to being told what to do, especially to follow practices and policies that she doesn’t agree with. From here, she figured out that the only way she could live a productive and fulfilling life was to be a business leader. In her professional history, she has relished destroying the common stereotypes that Filipino women are supposed to be shy, modest, retiring, hardworking, but not assertive — meaning, we’re not leadership material. She began

by destroying those views inside her head, because she believes that our mental models hinder us far more than external stereotypes do. When our self-image is positive, strong and confident, there is no leadership position we cannot tackle.

Isabelita Manalastas-Watanabe, is President/ Representative Director, and founder of the Speed Money Transfer Japan. Lita has studied, worked and lived in Japan for more than 25 years. Getting to where she is today was a constant uphill battle for Lita: she is not Japanese, she is not male, and she had to overcome a significant barrier to entry in her industry--huge capital outlays in advance of opening her business. Her leadership story of courage, sheer determination and a very clever way to raise capital among Filipinos in Japan, is a celebration of defining leadership success on her own terms.

Meeting and talking with these influential women taught me that leadership is influence—nothing more, nothing less.

When you become a leader, as I am, you recognize people’s level of influence in everyday situations all around you. I have

leadership

heard different definitions of leadership.

Most leaders put a great deal of time into crafting strategy, selecting winning products, and engaging with analysts, shareholders, and major customers. Influential women leaders succeed at changing behavior, spend time thinking about influencing the behavior of those who will lead others’ performance.

Influence demands more than verbal persuasion, it involves challenging societal views of what a woman should be, how she should act like, and what she should have by way of career success.

Influence creates opportunities for others.

The influential women leaders I met were generous in sharing what they’ve learned.

Symbolically, they hold the door open for other women.

Influential women leaders are the beneficiaries of support from their families, from husbands, children, parents, siblings, co-workers and friends who believed in them. What I’ve learned is that when you know what you’re doing, change can happen quickly. It all starts with clarity about what leadership really means, then applying the fundamental principles of influence.

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PHP30 Each Day

Can Grow to Millions

By Francisco J Colayco

Yes, you read that right. A mere PHP30 each day can grow to mill ions? Isn’t that weird and wonderful!? What you spend for some useless i tem l ike an unhealthy soda and some cigarettes can grow to mill ions!!! If you are thinking properly, you will take this advice ser iously and sei ze this opportunity very quickly.

The first thing you need to do is SAVE. One of the most frequent questions I am asked is, “How much should I save?” My rule-of-thumb is 20%. You might recall the equation we have been taught all our life: INCOME - EXPENSES = SAVINGS This is wrong. Nowadays, the prevalent financial equation is EXPENSES – INCOME = UTANG (DEBT)! This is worse!

The correct equation is INCOME – SAVINGS = EXPENSES You must put aside 20% of your monthly income before you start spending. If you earn PHP500 each day, the tendency is that you spend it all. If you only earn PHP400 per day, you will manage to live within that PHP400. That is why you should

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already set aside the PHP100 (equal to 20% of P500) and live within the PHP400 (roughly 80% of your income). This way, you will live within the amount available to you. As they say, water seeks its own levels.

If you don’t have the money available, then you will be forced to cut your expenses because you have no choice. The PHP100 is your payment to yourself to prepare for your financial future.

One half of the 20% you set aside (or 10%) should be used to build up a cash reserve until it accumulates to an amount equivalent to your six months income.

This cash has to be placed in financial instruments (with minimal risks) that generate income at a rate higher than our inflation rate of 3%. The other 10% should be allotted for paying your life and medical

insurance premiums as well as your longterm savings plans.

Over time, this 20% should increase in absolute amount. When this happens, you will be able to reach your goal faster. It is very difficult to start this habit, but once you do it you will be surprised to see how fast your financial assets grow. The key is to leave your savings and investments alone.

You will also realize that your savings really come from not spending on certain things that you do not need at all.

Saving PHP33 a day or PHP100 a month invested prudently can earn an annual rate of 12%. At this rate, if you leave your money alone, and just let it “roll” it will compound and grow to a value of PHP 232,340. in 10 years. Look at what

kabuhayan money

happened here? Over a period 120 months or ten years, you gradually saved only PHP125,000 (including the initial P5,000) and it grew to almost the double amount.

If you are able to continue this process for another 10 years, meaning saving another PHP120,000 over 120 more months, your savings will grow to PHP 999,150, or more than four times more than the total amount of PHP245,000 (including the initial PHP5,000) you saved over 240 months or 20 years.

What if you can earn 15% per year (a real possibility) instead of 12%? Then your PHP1,000/mo will grow to PHP278,660 in 10 years, PHP1,515,955 in 20 years, PHP7,008,200 million in 30 years or PHP31,403,760 million in 40 years.

And what do you have to do to accumulate this wealth? Save an initial PHP5,000 and invest it and add to the initial investment only PHP1,000 per month.

How does Weird and Wonderful Phenomenon happen? Other than your being able to start with an investment of PHP5,000, the secret is a wellmanaged mutual fund and the power of compounding over time. Compounding over a long period of time grows your investments at exponential rates.

One of the reasons why I like mutual funds as an investment is that you can leave your money there and it automatically

compounds it for you for as long as you leave your money alone and keep it invested.

Why is compounding so important?

Rich or poor, we all have 24 hours a day.

No amount of money can buy us even an extra minute to extend our day. An hour that has passed is forever lost. This is why it is important for all of us to realize that whatever it is we want to do, we must do it now.

Time is the most important resource that we all have. It is the first capital we have to grow our wealth. The secret to this is to save, earn interest on the savings, keep on saving and keep the interest earnings invested over a long period of time. And while this is happening, you must leave your money alone.

This is called compounding. You just “roll” your money. You allow the earnings on your savings to be added to your principal or original savings amount. The result is your principal and its earnings will earn even more earnings each year.

“Compounding” is a phenomenal opportunity to grow wealth. Even a little amount can grow into a huge amount if you will allow it to stay invested for a long period of time. Your money starts to work for you and the income that your money earned again works for you to earn

you move passive income and so on and so forth. Compounding is exponential; meaning the increase in income is very rapid.

It is easier to allow the compounding of your passive income when you choose an investment option that will automatically do it for you. If you have to make a decision to re-invest the passive income each time you receive it, you will be tempted to spend it, you might not know where to invest it again or you might just forget to re-invest because you are so busy.

If you spend your passive income as you receive it, your income ends there. It will no longer grow. It becomes even more of a pity if you spend the passive income on a “want” that is not truly so important to you. Just make sure that you really enjoy whatever it is so that it is not wasted and make sure that you don’t waste another minute. Start investing now. Start with Php30 a day and watch it grow to millions.

Check out www.colaycofoundation.com, www.franciscocolayco.com and www. kskcoop.com for more information. Watch Pisobilities at the following channels and time: Light TV 33 every Monday, 8:30 pm9:00 pm, GMA News TV every Saturday, 6:00 am, and GNN every Tuesday and Saturday, 11 am. Follow RHTV Pera Pera Lang Iyan every Wednesday, 11:30 am1:00 pm at Seminar School Plus every Saturday, 1:00 PM-2:00PM.

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The Art and Business of

SCULPTING ART

By Bernadette Reyes

Nathaniel Venus shows why sculpt ing clay is not just for making toys.

A registered nurse by profession, Nathaniel Venus worked as a clinical instructor for a time until he decided to clock out on his job in the medical profession to pursue his dream to an artist. “I was dragging myself to work because I didn’t like what I was doing,” he recalls.

He discovered his talent to make sculptures at an early age. “Since I was five years old, I made figures using modeling clay,” he recalls. His parents, however, didn’t want him to pursue the arts. “We were six in the family. They wanted one to be in the medical field,” he explains.

In

2009,

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Nathaniel

started

making

miniature figures for giveaways, cake toppers and display. Family and friends were some of his early clients. He later explored the power of social media to market his products.

The absence of a permanent store turned out to be a huge disadvantage. “Its hard to establish credibility among clients especially since I don’t have a store unlike my competitors.”

To make up for the lost opportunity, Nathaniel differentiates his products and services from competition. Using polymer clay, he practices what he calls hyperrealism, defined as a genre in sculpture, which

resembles high-resolution photos.

Polymer clay or oven-baked clay lasts longer and offers a variety of colors, which allow artists to resemble a closer replica of the original. “I copy even the scars on the face, for example, to make it as close to reality as possible.”

Nathaniel also does not use standard body figures. Instead he customizes everything from the face to the outfit. “They have a ready-made body while I customize the outfit, the pose even the facial expression,” he says.

He admits he has no formal training in sculpting but his innate talent is exemplary.

Kabuhayan - Entrepreneurship To make up for the lost opportunity, nathaniel differentiates his products and services from competition. Using polymer clay, he practices what he calls hyperrealism, defined as a genre in sculpture, which resembles highresolution photos.

“I don’t have a degree in fine arts but when I see a face and I know I can draw it, I can make it three-dimensional in the form of a sculpture,” he says. His interest in the human anatomy also comes in handy. “I am familiar with the skeletal and muscular system. When I make sculptures, I start with the skeletal framework then work on the muscles then the skin.”

His craftsmanship has caught the attention of various TV shows. His works were previously featured in GMA 7’s Kapuso Mo and ABS CBN’s Matanglawin.

As Nathaniel struggles to carve a name in the industry, he faces yet another battle, this time together with fellow artists. While polymer clay is a popular art medium in other countries, Filipinos, he says, have less appreciation for their art. He recounted how a friend of his sold jewelry made of polymer clay in a bazaar but received mockery instead of praise. “People who passed by her stall compared her works to products sold in Quiapo and Divisoria.

People chose to look at the appearance more than the process. Clay alone may come cheap but the effort that the artist

puts into it is priceless,” he explains.

In fact, Venus spends sleepless nights working on his clay sculptures sometimes enduring days with little sleep just to finish a project.

In spite of the cold appreciation for their art from, Nathaniel continues to work together with the Philippine Polymer Guild to boost interest in polymer clay as an art medium. The group assists its members in sourcing materials and helps promote interest through its advocacies.

Unlike other medium, polymer clay according to Venus is the most versatile.

“With a few tools you can make shapes and figures. Unlike bronze, you have to melt it.

For wood, you must be able to have strong hands and marble is difficult to chip.”

Asked what legacy he wants to leave behind as an artist, Nathaniel says he wants to be known as someone who promoted sculpting among the youth in the Philippines.

sculpting is more than just making a toy.

It’s also a way to exercise the brain by developing hand and mind coordination.”

While he wants to be known for his craft, fame is just secondary for Nathaniel.

“Many artists die in obscurity like Van Gogh. It’s only after their passing when their art begins to command higher prices because the artist is no longer there.”

New artists will rise as old ones shall pass but he will always be proud of his works.

“Every artist will perish but the art will continue to live on,” he says.

Nathaniel has made sculptures of some of the most prominent people such as former President Joseph Estrada, Catherine, The Duchess of Cambridge and US President Barrack Obama. What then could be his next dream project? “I want to make a sculpture of President Aquino. I think he will be a great ambassador to help promote sculpting in the Philippines,” he concludes.

He laments at the fact that there are not many young people today who are familiar with sculpting as an art form. “Clay

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loudbasstard™ for the love of music and the environment Photos courtesy of loudbasstard™

What measures about 22.9 cm. long and 8 cm. high, weighs less than a pound, has no wires, requires no batteries, looks l ike a bamboo shoot, but acts l ike a speaker? Anna Oposa sounds us off with this story.

Audiophiles be warned: Since the loudbasstard™ bamboo sound amplifier was launched last year, it has been making (sound) waves all over the country—and other parts of the world.

It can only be loudbasstard™, the small wonder of a sound amplifier created

by Cebuanos Koh Onozawa and Franz Ignacio. Koh is an anthropologist by training while Franz is a furniture designer who took his undergraduate degree in Pratt Institute, New York—the same school that produced renowned Cebuano designer Kenneth Cobonpue.

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“Both Koh and I were on vacation in the Philippines and were introduced by our mothers who are originally from Cebu.

After meeting, we realized we shared a common goal: our mission of creating and designing products that cater to an environmentally conscious lifestyle and consumer for all generations,” Franz recalls. “Shortly after that, we set out to put our goals into action and came back to Cebu to collaborate. Koh and I left behind our 9-5 jobs in Japan and USA, respectively, to live in Cebu.”

“The loudbasstard™ was inspired by

my girlfriend, Julie,” Koh shares. One night out, Julie slipped her iPhone into a cup to amplify the music. “That simple gesture gave way to the possibility of making an actual apparatus for this sole purpose,” he continues.

The speaker costs around P995 and its nifty size makes it ideal for trips. It’s easy to use; just slip in your iPhone, iTouch, or smartphone like the Samsung Galaxy S3 and play music. No wires, batteries, or charging required. It may not be the loudest speaker, nor will it give you the sound quality that brands

feature

“The ability to innovate and continue to compete as a category leader, either through innovation or creating new products, is a process that we are trying to maintain.

The process of innovation isn’t about being amazingly creative—that’s easy,” Franz admits. like Bose and Harman Kardon will, but the bamboo helps increase volume, while the cylindrical shape helps direct the sound. As a sound amplifier, it offers the perfect equilibrium between music and conversation, making it ideal for the beach or intimate meals and conversations.

A sound homegrown greener alternative Franz brings in the quality designs while Koh highlights the social aspect and the strong desire to empower the Cebuano community.

Both are nature lovers and scuba divers, which may be one of the reasons why the loudbasstard™ scores high in the eco-friendly scale. In addition to not using batteries and electricity, the material used is bamboo, a fast-growing grass (yes, it’s not a tree) that absorbs more carbon dioxide than trees. The bamboo is grown in Cebu, and the products are all handmade and packed by craftsmen and artisans in Cebu by Cebuanos. No two products are alike because each bamboo has a different texture and pattern.

“By purchasing a loudbasstard™, you’re helping us help [the craftsmen] provide for their families, and ultimately, improve their quality of life. We want to foster an economic growth,” Koh declares.

He adds, “We also pay homage to our cultural heritage by using traditional techniques in cutting and shaping the bamboo. Who knows how to handle bamboo better than a family that’s done it for generations?”

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feature

Loud and Proud owners of the loudbasstard™ Lucy Torres, Congresswoman Aga Mulach, Actor Jericho Rosales, Actor Carlo Celdran, Tour guide Kenneth designer

Cobonpue,

Furniture

Mark Nelson, Model Tim Yap, Eventologist Karen Davila, Journalist Gabby Alipe of Urban Dub Up Dharma Down

The beat of a booming business In the last year, loudbasstard™ has had collaborations with Up Dharma Down, Nike, the World Wildlife Fund, Kenneth Cobonpue, Hyundai, and Fox Philippines, among others.

Their reach is expanding even more, having been invited to Bread & Butter in Berlin, Germany, a bi-annual tradeshow event which showcases over 600 exhibitors that represent the contemporary segment of street and urban wear.

“This year marked Bread & Butter’s 10th anniversary. We were really looking forward to this event since this was our first major trade show,” says Franz. “The size of the show and all the different brands absolutely blew me away. I am still struggling to wrap my head around this mind-boggling experience. If I could use one word to describe my experience at this event, I would say overwhelming. And I mean that in the most positive of ways.” loudbasstard™ is already being distributed in Canada, Spain, Switzerland, Italy, and Australia.

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But the duo insists that they’re just starting to build up their tempo. Franz shares, “We are in constant research and development, with a few products on the pipeline.” Soon to be released are sleek, bamboo iPhone cases.

“The ability to innovate and continue to compete as a category leader, either through innovation or creating new products, is a process that we are trying to maintain. The process of innovation isn’t about being amazingly creative— that’s easy,” Franz admits. “It’s having a process in place for recognizing what you need to do to remain, or become competitive. That involves understanding consumers and keeping an eye on what our competition is announcing.”

The loudbasstard™ bamboo amplifier is available online at beanstalk.ph, zerothreetwo.com, chicify.com, my marquee.ph, and muni.com.ph. It is also available in selected stores in Cebu, Manila, Boracay, Cagayan de Oro, and Davao.

How do you want

TO DIE?

By Bo Sanchez

In the morning of November 11, 2008, Tita Neneng Mangahas died.

My dearest friend was 83 years old.

Who was she? She was God’s love to me.

Really. Let me tell you her incredible story.

She was a short, plumpish, silver-haired, never-been-married woman with a contagious laugh and a heart as big as a boat. For years, she was a very successful businesswoman who owned a gigantic canteen in a hospital. All her life, she cooked and fed people. If she fed a

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human being and that human being said, “Sarap!” (Delicious!), she was in heaven.

I first met Tita Neneng in 1980, when she joined our then tiny prayer group we called Light of Jesus. After a few weeks, I noticed how people loved her.

People greeted me with respect because I was their leader. But when Tita Neneng walked into the prayer group, everyone stood up and adored her. Because each week, without fail, she brought a humongous pot of steaming tinola

(chicken soup) for everyone.

Here’s a secret I’d like to share with you…

She Was My Second Mother One day, when I was only 18 years old, Tita Neneng pulled me aside and pressed a thick, white envelope in my hand.

“Brother Bo,” she said, “I know you’ve been praying for a car. Instead of just praying for it, I’m giving you money to buy a second-hand car.”

spirituality

I couldn’t believe my eyes. Tita Neneng gave me PHP50,000 — in cash! It was the biggest amount I’d ever held in my hand.

In 1984, PHP50,000 was a big amount of money.

But I simply couldn’t buy the car for myself. So months later, I told her, “Tita Neneng, I’m donating your money to the community. We need a community van more than I need a personal car.”She understood. “That’s up to you, Bo.” She was like a second mother to me.

Whenever she saw me, she’d give me food, stories, and laughter. When community needed money, she’d be the first person I’d call. “Tita Neneng, I want to buy a small piece of property for our community office.

Will you help me?”

She didn’t even ask me to explain. She pulled out her checkbook and wrote a check for PHP100,000. (Today, that would be worth PHP500, 000.) Our office building is now sitting on that same property.

“No,” she said, “I want to serve in Anawim,” she said. “This is now my second life. Please let me live with the poor and cook for them every day.” Anawim is a ministry for the poorest of the poor which I founded a year before. Today we house abandoned elderly in Anawim concrete cottages on a 5-hectare property in Montalban.

Tita Neneng left everything—her big house, her air-conditioned room, and her brand new van. And she also left her businesses.

She lived in Anawim and took over the kitchen. Tita Neneng moved into one of the houses where the poor old women we’d pick up from the streets stayed. In that house, she shared the same toilet with these street people. It wasn’t an easy life. During these early years of Anawim, we didn’t even have electricity or running water. But every day, with great love, she cooked dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner for our Anawim residents. Indeed, we called her the Mother of Anawim.

When I ran out of money for the salaries of our full-time staffers, I called her up. When I greeted her, “Hi Tita Neneng,” she didn’t even let me speak. She just said, “I have a check for you. Visit me.”

Many times, she pulled out her own money and gave it to the ministry. Until one day, she said with a laugh, “Brother Bo, I don’t have money anymore. It’s all gone.”

She Left Everything for Love

She gave everything. Her strength. Her time. Her money. Her life.

Something happened when she was 70 years old. She suffered a massive heart attack. So massive, she died—for one minute. Thankfully, the doctors were able to revive her.

I visited her in the hospital and I was shocked by her request. Even as she was still lying down in bed, this 70-year-old woman said, “Brother Bo, I want to serve the Lord.”

I said, “Tita Neneng, you’re already serving the Lord.”

The Happiest Woman I’ve Ever Met Many times, Tita Neneng and I talk over lunch. She loved telling me, “Brother Bo, I can die right now. I’m so happy. What else will I ask for?” Every time she said these lines, she cried tears of joy. Believe me. She was one of the happiest persons I’ve ever met in my life.

Her death was as dramatically beautiful as her life. Here’s how it happened.

worship in Anawim. And the last song she sang was a song I composed titled Draw Me. Here are the lyrics (Reading them gives me the chills).

Draw me now closer to thy throne, Take me near to receive thy mercy, Draw me deep into thy presence, Oh lift my soul higher and higher…

Refrain: Higher, draw my soul higher, To thy throne where I will rest…

After worship, Tita Neneng should have rested — because Monday was her day off.

But this 83-year-old woman insisted on orienting the new batch of caregivers. At the end of the orientation, she closed her eyes, her head falling to the side. And that was it. The Anawim staff took her to the hospital, but even in the van, they could no longer find her pulse.

After 13 years of service to the poorest of the poor, she suffered another heart attack.

This time, God didn’t let go of her.

Heaven is now celebrating. No wonder.

God and his Angels must like tinola too.

For the longest time, Tita Neneng often told me, “Brother Bo, I want to die on active duty for the Lord.”

And God granted that request. To the letter.

I don’t know about you, but that’s how I want to die. Peaceful. Quick. Painless. And with my boots on — serving the Lord.

Do you want to be happy? Serve the Lord like Tita Neneng did. It’s the greatest thing on planet earth.

The Monday morning she died, she led

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Scrapbook

RANNIE BOOTS C. TOMALON My great passion in life is photography. Through my photography, I seek to document my own personal experiences, capture scenes and events and share the beauty and diversity of various places.

I use my vision and my camera to share the experience and beauty of life with others. Every day I photograph the simple, passing moments of life. As the images of other photographers have inspired me to explore the world, I hope my own contributions will inspire others to do the same. I view the art of photography as a subtractive process, a distilling of reality into a personal vision. I often use the tools of modern photography such as different film stocks, filters, and digital enhancement. This helps me best capture in an image the emotions I felt at the moment I tripped the camera’s shutter.

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Scrapbook

FITZGERALD FIESTA I am a native of Baggao, Cagayan de Oro. I have been working for the Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services for the least eight years. I consider myself a serious photography enthusiast. I love taking pictures of things that are of interest to me, I love capturing its beauty to convey the significance of its existence. Landscape is one of my main interests in photography because I admire the wonder of nature’s beauty. To me, it is proof of God’s existence in this world and capturing these wonders is just preserving and admiring God’s craftsmanship.

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REAL STYLE, REAL PEOPLE

We scoured the web for styl ish Fil ipinos from all over the glob e and these are our picks for the month!

ALLEN MADRIGAL fashion blogger, at allenationblog.blogspot. com certainly knows how to pull off eclectic looks from camouflage military to edgy Lagerfeld-esque.

MIKO CARREON (mikocarreon.com) proves basic casual can still look good. A basic tee, topped by a hoodie or a plaid printed shirt plus a little bit of character equals a stylish urban get up.

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real style, real people

Fashionably brave USHI SATO gives jerseys a new sense of style. Follow him on: theshadesandscarf. com

LO PASCUAL (locloset.blogspot. com) an Abu Dhabi based blogger delivers preppy flawlessly with bow ties and jacket pieces, setting the Ivy League mood.

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real style, real people

BERKELEY BESWILEN of Abu Dhabi embodies city chic with a lightweight jacket and casual tees and jeans

KRISTINE G. from Manila plays “suit it up� with her jacket and shorts combi.

Masculine tailoring meets feminine styling. More of her at heteroheroine.tumblr.com

KOOKIE B. from Manila establishes her 2 sides of style; a relaxed maxi with a knot twist & a leather mini skirt ensemble defines her her approach to style. See more of her at deathbyplatforms. blogspot.com

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Fashion

PHOTOGRAPHER: RAEN BADUA STYLISTS: RJ FRAZER & THEO HANSON MAKEUP: TONI REY HAIR: ELLIOTT SIMPSON ASSISTANT: CELESTE ROSARIO MODEL: DANICA MAGPANTA LOCATION: CENTRAL PARK, NY

AUTUMN inNEW YORK Black Leather and White Tooled Dress: Alice + Olivia, Printed Jacket: BCBG MaxAzria, Shoes: Top Shop, Earrings and Bracelet: Gemma Redux, Necklace- Mary Josephine

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Fashion

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Fashion

Black Quilted Jacket: Catherine Malandrino Floral Dress: A.B.S, Shoes:Top Shop Necklace- Mary Josephine

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Fashion

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Fashion

Fur Jacket: Diesel, Black Leather Top: Milly, Tan & Black, Jeans- Seven 4 All Mankind, Shoes:Top Shop Jewelry: Gemma Redux

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Fashion

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Fashion

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Fashion

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Fashion Black Leather and Tweed Jacket: BCBG MaxAzria, Purple Python Dress: TIBI New York, Jewelry- Gemma Redux, Shoes: Steve Madden

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Fashion

Dress: Robin Thomas Jacket: Saint Wobil Jewelry: Gemma Redux

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Fashion

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Fashion

Gold Dress: Saint Wobil Shoes: DKNY, Necklaces Layered: Gemma Redux and Mary Josephine

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Fashion

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Fashion

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Fashion

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Fashion Jacket: BCBG MaxAzria, Dress: A.B.S, Bracelet: Gemma Redux, Necklace: Mary Josephine Shoes: Top Shop

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Fashion

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Fashion

Ivory Dress: Saint Wobil Fingerless Lace Gloves: Stylist Own Jewelry: Gemma Redux

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Fashion

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E zra S antos

at Fashion Forward Season 2 Dubai fashion exhales with the designer’s art deco offering

By Lalaine Chu- Benitez

After being spoilt for choice year after year viewing the luxuriously elegant and sometimes out-of-this-world creations from what the local press calls Dubai’s couture kings - Cinco-One-Santos - one wonders what else is there within the context of the region’s own brand of decadently detailed couture.

Enter Ezra Santos, at the “definitive opening show” at Fashion Forward’s second season’s first day, with a collection replete with clean details, and pure silhouettes, one could almost hear Dubai’s fashion world giving out a much needed long and cleansing elegant exhale.

Entitled Divine Romanticism – Ezra’s new offering inspired by the Art Deco and Art Nouveau movements pays homage to the 1920s golden era where glamour, beauty and art reigned supreme.

The collection had three highlights allowing the designer to

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delve into a braver more contemporary and fashion forward category, whilst at the same time providing his loyal following the rich, elegant and classic couture staples Ezra’s designs have always been known for.

First on the runway were pristine ensembles in white with art deco gray prints punctuated with brilliant crystals providing a lift to the elegantly restrained background. The pieces featured strong architectural details and atypical silhouettes – away from the usual hour glass and body con shapes ubiquitous in the region’s couture. Part of this sub-collection were dresses in the season’s fave futuristic material – neoprene. Used in runways across the world for edgy, sporty and avant gardeleaning ensembles, Ezra’s skill was in turning this industrial material into elegant and feminine sculpted gowns, which – for lack of a better term, were very “Ezra.”

Then came the hour glass dresses with serpentine bottoms that looked like they were made of liquid metal – liquid black,

illustrado runway

gold and raspberry, pieces that look like they were designed to slink their way into Hollywood red carpets and glamor capitals across the globe.

Last of the collection highlights were the multi-colored dresses in tulle, crepe, lace with multicolored crystal embroidery echoing art noveau patterns. Elegant, rich but restrained and very sexy, none embellished for excess. The kind of pieces one comes to expect from the house of Ezra.

The show ended with an art deco wedding gown – an incarnation of the quintessential Ezra dress of previous years – this time, instead of featuring strands of pearls, the gown’s focus was on waves upon and waves of meticulously sewn dainty pearls which was a study of beautiful symmetry.

If there was one thing that could be called a disappointment during the show, it was the fact that we didn’t have enough and couldn’t get enough of the white printed art deco gowns and other contemporary pieces which signify a sort departure from the more obvious couture choices of the region – we definitely were left wanting for more!

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F urne O ne

Leaves the Dark Side

Amato Couture showcases Japanese-VictorianElizabethan inspirations on FFWD 2’s runway

By Lalaine Chu- Benitez

Last night was perhaps one of the busiest nights for the Madinat Jumeirah. The area, where traffic was choc-a-block, was absolutely teeming with fashion fans at Fashion Forward Season 2’s closing evening.

Amato Couture by Furne One opened their show to a restless crowd – no doubt uber excited at the prospect of seeing, yet again, another dramatic show the fashion house is known for.

The show opened with a video featuring blasé couture clad models shopping at a grocery store – whimsical but with an odd air of nonchalance. Then the models started streaming in one by one, dressed in white, to the rousing sounds of Japanese taiko drumming and shakuhachi – out of the Memoirs of a Geisha soundtrack - and it was apparent that this was not the same Amato show of yore.

Designer Furne One unveiled a beautiful east meets west collection last night, taking on a couple of interesting

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historical and cultural references to come up with pieces that are a cross-cultural mélange tied together with Amato Couture’s signature maximal approach to fashion.

Just as a number of international designers have come down the same route before, it is not the first time that the designer has touched on the land of the rising sun for inspiration – in fact he has used Japanese details in styling a previous campaign. What makes this collection different from other takes, however, is how Furne has skillfully and convincingly, juxtaposed traditional Japanese with old world British – Elizabethan and Victorian, and made it all look like it made perfect cohesive sense.

Japanese kimono jackets, exaggeratedly stiff geometric Geisha-esque tops, extended silk sleeves, melded seamlessly with Elizabethan lace ruff collars, voluminous ruffled skirt bottoms, as well as florid Victorian patterns on the lace and illusion tulle bodices embellished with a number of materials

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and techniques – from embroidery to beadwork to laser cut acrylics, flower appliqués and etc,. The typical body conscious Amato silhouette was cinched in by the designer’s maximal version of the traditional obi featuring yards upon yards of satin bows and other whimsical attachments. The color palette was tone-on-tone - ivory, salmon, powder blues, soft beige and gray – fresh, clean, delicate.

For the designer, it would seem, gone are the dark obsessions of the past - the gothic, the macabre, the ultra-edgy, stealthy and Gagaesque. For now, at least, Furne One’s muse appears to be content in being beautiful, feminine, yielding, but still unabashedly rich and dramatic.

Ironically - a new Amato, but always ever the same Amato.

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beauty

Redefining Beauty:

Fanny Serrano’s Magic Touch

By Kristine Abante Photos By MJ Suayan

Much has been said about beauty being in the eye of the beholder and most Filipinos, particularly, have a very critical eye when it comes to what is considered as “maganda.” The latter is usually equated with flawless white skin, perfect cheekbones and a pointed nose. Yet in the hands of veteran make-up artist, fashion designer and beauty expert Fanny Serrano, loveliness is not limited to a person’s facial features. With the artist waving his magic wand like a virtual fairy godmother, beauty takes on a different level.

C

TF with another make-over subject

onsidered as an institution in the Philippines, with his string of A-list clients, successful salons, his own cosmetics and fashion line, Tita Fanny or TF, as he is fondly referred to in the industry, has been known to create beautiful flawless faces for countless celebrities, runway models, elite debutantes and blushing brides.

So when he decided to take on a makeover project for Kiray Celis, a young actress that has been the subject of unwelcome criticism after her appearance on the much-talked about Star Magic Ball, everyone just had to hold their breath for the big reveal.

The result was a stunning portfolio that not only launched a “never-before seen” Kiray but has also challenged the typical Pinoy standard, with Tita Fanny at the helm, showing us his take on what real beauty is all about.

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How would you define beauty?

I have a different perspective when it comes to beauty. For me, beauty is regardless of whether you have prominent features like you have beautiful eyes, pointed nose, pouting lips or the exact opposite of those.

Beauty for me is the ability of a person to carry herself and be able to create an image that becomes attractive and pleasing to the eyes of other people. One doesn’t need to be physically beautiful per se to be really beautiful. She just needs to be able to carry herself with poise and confidence.

What can you say about Filipino’s idea or standard of beauty? Are we too harsh on ourselves and on others? Would you say our (Pinoys) standards changed over the years?

There’s a big change when it comes to the Filipino’s idea of beauty nowadays. I’ve seen rampant cases of cosmetic surgeries where

beauty

Kiray before and after

certain individuals believed that having it done to them will make them more beautiful. I have nothing against it but for me, it should be done minimally, - only to enhance one’s beauty and not to totally change how a person looks like to a point where he/she is already unrecognizable.

Less is more. Don’t overdo it.

Do you consider “Pinoy” standards whenever you do a makeover?

It depends. I would be honest and sincere in suggesting only what needs to be minimally improved. While others would only do it out of “envy” of other people or they would like to look like a particular celebrity, I would still suggest they keep their natural image, hide their flaws and enhance their assets.

Why did you decide to do a makeover on Kiray?

Let me start by saying that I do not know Kiray personally. But I was able to watch her during her “Goin’ Bulilit” years and this little wonder made me such a fan because of her wit and talent. I find her cute. Her acting abilities and talents made me such a fan.

ABS CBN has a yearly Star Ball where all of

their artists walk wearing their best dresses.

Kiray has been spotted wearing something that was less pleasing to many. She received negative comments.

But what really brought me to the idea of doing the makeover for her is when the comments started becoming more personal - they weren’t just talking about the dress anymore but putting out negative feedback about her physical appearance. This inspired me and brought on the challenge.

Kiray’s greatest asset is her beautiful skin.

Kiray is very petite yet sexy. Her body measurement is proportioned. The only flaw that I considered was her “droopy” eyes. I lifted up those through eye make-up and emphasized them. I turned her chinky eyes into bigger and made them more visible.

How did you do it? What were her greatest assests? How did you deal with her flaws?

The concept of the shoot/pictorial is the 7 different looks of Kiray. portraying different images, a transformation from an ordinary girl into a model.

What was the concept of the shoot?

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beauty

Being an actress, Kiray can project the character of every kind of make-up done to her. She is very easy to work with. I really enjoyed working with her.

expensive make-up believing they’ll do wonders on your face. Just a simple makeup will do. Less is more. Maintenance of a daily regimen should be done.

years, that I would say gives me fulfillment.

For someone who has devoted his life to making women beautiful, what is the greatest lesson you can share?

What advice would you give the regular Pinays? Or those who consider themselves “ugly ducklings”?

As a seasoned makeup artist, having worked with so many different celebrities and accomplished so many things, what continues to bring you fulfillment?

Being honest with my client is the greatest lesson I always bear in mind. I always take into consideration my clients’ feelings and I assess them honestly. For those clients who would like to look like their celebrity idols, and wish to have the same make-up as theirs, I’ll be honest to them to say if it will be possible or not. And though I am doing a different style of make-up on them, I’ll make sure that it will enhance their beauty.

Are there other artists/celebrities or personalities in mind that you wish you can do a make over on? Who would be your dream makeover project?

To all the Pinays and to those who might consider themselves as an ugly duckling, it takes courage but we need to accept our flaws. There are a lot of beauty products available in the market which they can avail of. Consult an expert on personality development and beauty enhancement and make sure skin and hair are well taken cared of.

For those who don’t know how to put make-up, a little of the eyeshadow and lipstick will do. You don’t need to purchase

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I am so honored that up to this date, a lot of people still look forward to being touched by a Fanny Serrano. While others look at it like a dream come true, for me, it’s an honor to be part of that somebody’s dream.

It is even more heartwarming to see old clients who come back to me with their daughters, and ask me to do their hair and make-up for their proms, debuts and weddings. Being part of their lives, and their precious moments throughout the

My door is always open to all celebrities and as well as ordinary people who would like to experience my touch.

beauty

FANNY SERRANO Rediscovers the original Filipina Supermodel with his distinctive glam face and ‘Pilipiña’ fashion Photo by: Mj Suayan Top: Flamboyant matching of a very loose top oversized collar and cuff fastened with beribboned drama, and the widest palazzo pants there is. All in crinkled piña fabric. For a “big bang” finish, a huge rolled buri hat dyed in ebony.

Right: Royal blue structured sculpted avant garde blouse in double layered piña cloth for an opaque effect. Richly sheared biased stretch silk skirt softens the strong message of the twists & turns of the top.

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10 things to do With the weather getting better, there are more things luring us to go out, and have fun.

Enjoy the colder breeze this month in Dubai’s must-visit destinations, and check out the must-attend events of the season. Here, Illustrado shortlists the exciting things you can do with your free time in November.

BE AMAZED WITH THE AIR SHOW The five-day flying exhibition is touching down in the emirates on November 17 until November 21. Considered as one of the most remarkable trade event, open for public, the Dubai Air Show is expected to attract thousands of visitors especially now that it is being hosted at the world’s largest airport, the Al Maktoum International Airport in Jebel Ali. Since its inception as the Arab Air Show in 1986, the biennial event has drawn enthusiasts, media, and, of course, experts in the aviation industry from all over the world. At a special Skyview, public can anticipate to witness the thrilling flight demonstrations involving the best pilot skills and breathtaking techniques they do with the most sophisticated planes.

Meanwhile, trade guests can look forward to this key event in the industry since it allows companies to showcase their new launches. For more information, call 04-6033300.

LEARN THE COMPLETE WORKS OF SHAKESPEARE WITNESS CULTURE IN CAMEL RACING A heritage important to the Emirates is camel racing. Yes, camels can get very exciting and competitive, they race against each other. Be a witness to this amazing local tradition, and check out the current season of the Al Marmoum Camel Racing 2013/2014. As the season begins, the camels start to race off to the finish line on November 17 and 18 at the Al Marmoum Camel Racetrack located in the Dubai-Al Ain Road. It offers free entrance to the public so don’t miss out on this opportunity to get first-hand experience of the renowned local sport. Race timings are from 6am-8am and 3pm-5pm. For more information, call 055-6760006.

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Want to know Shakespeare’s masterpieces in 97 minutes? Well, then, go ahead and book a seat to London’s long-running theatre show, “The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged).”

This stage play is definitely one for theatre fanatics as it takes one to a fast and frenetic journey through the 37 plays that Shakespeare had written. Guests can expect a rap rendition of Othello, a cooking show out of Titus Andronicus, and an American football game depicting The Histories. Seen by millions around the world, this show is now set to bring smiles to the Dubai audience from November 21-26 at the Madinat Theatre in Souk Madinat Jumeirah. Tickets are priced from AED 160 to AED 200. For more information, call 050-2814677.

10 things to do

GET DOWN FOR RUGBY ACTION Have you ever wondered what happens at a rugby match? The perfect opportunity comes to you this month as the 44th edition of the Emirates Dubai Rugby Sevens is about to display massive action. A popular event among the expats in the city, Rugby Sevens as it is more famously coined has been voted as the public’s ‘Favorite Sport Event’ for nine times since its inception. Not only a time to watch rugby sportsmen compete among each other, this event is also an incredible chance to bond with friends and families. Entertainment will be provided as well, having musical concert and cheerleading performances in between games. It will run from November 28-30 at the 7he Sevens Stadium where tickets are priced as Day Pass/Early Bird- AED 300 / 250, Season Pass/ Early Bird- AED 400 / 500. For more information, call 04-3210008.

TREAT YOUR KIDS TO A DAY OUT

Moms and dads, there is one special show where you can bring your children to enjoy. Happening at the Dubai Media City Amphitheatre, the Peter Pan & Tinkerbell show is surely going to enhance your little tots’ imaginations, taking them far away to Neverland, the famous fictional land filled with fairies and pirates. Indeed a timeless classic, this stage performance is a must-see for children who would have fun singing along and grooving along through the fantastic display of theatrical magic. The shows are scheduled from December 5-7 (with timings at 3pm on December 5 while 2pm on December 6-7). Tickets are priced at AED 150 each. For more information, visit www.dubaichristmasfestival.com.

CELEBRATE UAE NATIONAL DAY The buzz of a long weekend is already the talk-of-town since the official celebratory events on the UAE National Day have been announced.

But, whether it would be a holiday or not, it is definitely a must to join the festive merriment commemorating the 41st year of the formation of the country that unites federation of the six emirates – Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Fujairah and Ajman – and the addition of Ras Al Khaimah a year after. The wonderful and successful union will be celebrated on Decem-

ber 1 at the Burj Park in Downtown Dubai in free-of-charge shows retelling the history would be witnessed as well as in beautiful fireworks display.

Special commemorative gift are to be given to attendees, too. The joyful activities continue across the UAE on December 2 (the official day) where a wide range of entertainment shows, downtown parade and shopping entertainment are in line.

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10 things to do Source: David Cannon/Getty Images Europe

GO FOR GOLF It’s women’s time to shine in the golfing scene now that the Omega Dubai Ladies Masters is back in action. Being the first full Ladies European Tour (LET) to be held in the Middle East, this is an important event to witness. Since it begins, the likes of Annika Sorenstam, Laura Davies, Michelle Wie, Christina Kim, InKyung Kim, Natalie Gulbis Kerry Webb and Catriona Matthew have been seen throwing some good competition at the Emirates Golf Club, the events official home. This season, from December 1-7, the ladies would battle for the title and fill the massive golf club with excitement, and public are welcomed to witness the games for free. For more information, visit www.dubailadiesmaster.com.

CHECK OUT CHAMPS OF PARACHUTING

RACE THE KART Motorsport aficionados, this one is for you. A staple at the Dubai calendar, the Kartdrome Endurance Challenge is a must for the fanatics to participate, and enjoy. Indeed a great challenge on motoring skills, this race takes kart drivers for a period of 24 hours (with a swap on the 12th hour) straight of tremendous driving experience that requires stamina, concentration, speed, consistency and team work. The driving challenge is open to public for free, while drivers are to register online. To be held at the Dubai Autodrome in Dubai Motor City, it begins from December 6-7. For more information, call 043678700.

WATCH INTERNATIONALLY ACCLAIMED FILMS Red carpet is rolling out and stars are coming down to Dubai, and sure you don’t want to miss them. The 9th edition of Dubai International Film Festival is set to take center stage from December 6-14, bringing a wide variety of local and international films for public’s viewing.

The festival also serves as a platform for directors, filmmakers, writers, actors and media from around the world to come together, share ideas and network through a series of workshops and seminars.

International celebrities like Tom Cruise, Gerard Butler and Paula Patton, among many other famous A-list stars, have walked through the DIFF’s red carpet. This year, a host of remarkable films and notable celebrities are expected to join the DIFF success. The viewing of the films happens at Vox Cinemas at Mall of the Emirates. For more information, visit www.dubaifilmfest.com.

The 4th edition of the Dubai International Parachuting Championship is open to public for free, and this is indeed an exciting activity to watch out for. Experts in the field are definitely going to show off their best competing in various categories including accuracy landing, formation skydiving, canopy formation, canopy piloting and artistic events. The competition is open to both men and women, and they would demonstrate their skills and talent in a must-see show at Skydive Dubai in Dubai Marina (behind Habtoor Grand Beach Resort & Spa). The exhilarating parachuting event is set to amaze from November 27 to December 10. For more information, visit their facebook page.

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community XALBAJE’S MULING MASISILAYAN RELEASED ONLINE

Local band Xalbaje released their original song “Muling Masisilayan” online this month. The group which started this year to make their own original music has a sound that’s heavily influenced by classic rock with a touch of metal. Most of the original songs they write talk about being alone, or lost, or the usual feeling of OFW homesickness which is so familiar to many.

Fronted by Liza Uraning, joined by lead guitarist Joven Peralta, bassist Zandro Aquino and drummer Tziz Cortez the band has

played a lot of covers in underground gigs like the Blacksheep Production and Rocknation but under different names such as Tugpak, Midnight Swell, Monthly red, Red Hot Chilli Tikka etc.

The band members said they were not bothered about their name so they just came up with silly monikers for every gig. Basically, they just wanted to play music, until earlier this year when vocalist Liza got tired of covering Alanis Morissette songs and pushed Joven to put harmony on her lyrics.

Fast forward to this month when the band release their original song - “Muling Masisilayan” a number with a distinctive dark metal sound and uplifting chorus. The band also has “Pag Iisa” – a softer version of alternative rock and has eight other songs lined up for recording.

To listen to Xalbaje – check out their video “Miling Masisilayan” produced and directed by John Ruzz Merca http://vimeo.com/77039733 or visit their Facebook page - https:// www.facebook.com/pages/Xalbaje/184574815043868. Xalbaje’s songs have been recorded in collaboration with Reigel torrevillas of Brownfusion.

KAPIHAN SA MAYNILA Philippine Business Council – Abu Dhabi members, guests, friends and sponsors raised a cup of kapeng barako, talked business and enjoyed La Carne’s Tapalicious on the second breakfast meeting “Kapihan sa Maynila,” on the 8th November at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Abu Dhabi.

Over 50 people attended the event, including Her Excellency, Ambassador Grace Relucio-Princesa, and Senior Marketing Executive of event sponsor Qatar Airways, Alla Popova. The second “Kapihansa Maynila” also featured presentations from Creo-Illustrado Communications, Mashreq Bank and Gulf Law. During the event, a separate table was made available to Gulf Law for anyone seeking advice, information, resources and legal support. Gulf Law has been working in partnership with PBCto promote their legal services to the Filipino community. World Vision also had a table to showcase accessories and gift ideas from recycled items to raise funds for their cause.

Agnes Marelid, Acting Chairman of the Philippine Business Council – Abu Dhabi, said: “The Coffee Morning was a great success. It gave people a chance to get together, re-connect, learn from the experts and experience what the council can offer its members and sponsors. Furthermore, it helped the World Vision organization to raise funds for their good cause”.

PBC is a business group for entrepreneurs and professionals who share an interest in local business opportunities and developing

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trade between the Philippines and the UAE. For more information check the council’s website www.philippinebusiness.org or email agnes.marelid@philippinebusiness.org.

pinoy planet

My Pinoy Life In

“BANGALORE, INDIA”

I

Mae Flores

have been living and working in Bangalore, India since July 2012.

I moved here temporarily in order to open the subsidiary for a California-based technology company, called, GiLUXE, of which I am a co-founder.

As for the question, what do I do for a living, that’s a bit tough to answer. Most will know that I am a Filipina-American actress and entertainer, first and foremost. I was based

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in Los Angeles and doing most of my work in entertainment there. But what most do not know about me is that I am also the co-founder and chief operations officer for a technology-finance company named GiLUXE. This is what actually brought me to stay temporarily in Bangalore.

Last year, we opened the production and development office in order to build our own in-house technology products. So my partner, Marco Bartoli, and I came to

India ourselves in order to stabilize business operations and solidify our presence in the Silicon Valley of Asia.

Filipino Community in the Silicon Valley of Asia I am very active in the Filipino community back in the United States, so when I came to India, I was hoping for the same type of community here – especially since we are

pinoy planet

in Asia. Unfortunately, there is no Filipino presence here in Bangalore.

The small number of Filipinos can be found mostly in Mumbai. It has been very sad for me to have been in Bangalore now for almost a year and not meet or run into a Filipino here. I am hoping though that with the communal assistance of the Consulate Office and Embassy, I can encourage more Filipinos to come to India, especially with the large and thriving technological presence here. We Filipinos have so much to offer in that area and I would love to see more of them taking advantage and sharing their expertise here in Bangalore.

make sure the India office is up and running. My daily life includes managing the office, hiring the appropriate individuals for specific positions within the company, as well as managing US operations as well as operations here in India.

It has been quite a challenge maintaining my life in entertainment since GiLUXE requires me to work full time at the moment. I have had to hang the entertainment hat for now and

My days are filled with work quite literally, peppered with the occasional days when I can explore the city, the food, the culture and everything that comes along with it.

I have a passion for Latin dancing

Every day, there is a new challenge, which is to be expected when moving to a new country. We Filipinos adjust and adapt quickly to new places and experiences, so I feel fortunate to have been able to learn everything quickly. I have learned so much about myself and my resilience to see challenges through.

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pinoy planet

so I have been able to participate in this here in Bangalore. I also try to learn as much as I can about my employees – their lives, their families, their daily struggles living and rowing as adults here in India. I have gained so much respect for their culture and see plenty of similarities with the Indian lifestyle. I look at the young people GiLUXE employs and I feel like their belief and trust has been a mutual and enriching experience. We are quite literally a family, as you can see from the photos.

Renewed gratitude and spirituality

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There is such an emphasis on family and their homeland. Everywhere I turn I miss my family and get homesick quite a bit. India has actually taught me more than ever, how strong the bond of family is. I feel that even through distance, plenty of things slowly healed within my family and in my life in general. I

really grew and came to my own here.

I also appreciate the great respect Indians have for their religion. This has encouraged me to tap into my spirituality again, since I feel I have lost it more and more as an adult who grew up in America. I find myself praying often, observing holy events, even when I do not belong to their specific religions.

Stepping onto Indian soil is like being showered with blessings from their gods and it’s like a renewal of the spirit and the soul.

Temples are everywhere I turn here, and even the poorest and smallest of communities will do whatever it can to spare their last rupee in making sure they have a place to worship, whether it be a mosque or a Hindu temple.

The country is so poor and this hits you the moment you turn your head and step out of your home. And the poor is not only in specific regions or locations; they are everywhere. The poverty is overwhelming and being

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here will change anyone’s life. It surely changed mine. I find myself saving more, living frugally and giving as much as we can to enrich and motivate young Indian men. We devote so much of our time personally and professionally with GiLUXE to make sure that we are providing advanced tools for them to succeed, whether they stay with us or move on in their careers. It’s not just about money or taking what we can get. It’s all about making a small difference in their lives while they help in accomplishing our goals. There’s no hidden agenda or plans to exploit, but there is a true desire to bond and help one another progress and grow.

India has not only been a reality check, but a gift I will always cherish. It renewed my spirit and gave me hope, not only in my professional career, but in my personal one as well.

I would tell all Filipinos to continue to be fearless and resilient no matter where life’s journeys take us. As a people, we are all adventurous, strong and unafraid.

Don’t lose that fighting spirit that sets us apart! We may not always know where we are headed or what may happen when we get there, but in one way or another, we must continue to carve a path for those who may need an example of strength to guide their way.

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View from cafe sabel

Art in the

City of Pines

by Kara Santos

Immerse yourself in Baguio’s thriving art scene and get a taste of Cordillera culture at the BenCab Museum.

Glimpses of the same mysterious woman appear in different paintings throughout the museum. Her figure scribbled in black paint seemingly dances on a mural on a white wall in an outdoor hallway.

Sometimes she appears young and beautiful, a picture of perfection. Other times, her grimy face and unkempt hair peeks from behind a veil of plastic sheet.

This is Sabel, a vagrant woman who is one of the best-known muses of Philippine National Artist Benedicto Reyes Cabrera,

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more popularly known as BenCab. The painter and printmaker who lives and works in Baguio City, is widely hailed as a master of contemporary Philippine art.

She, along with the permanent collection of the artists’s work, remains immortalized in the BenCab Museum.

The museum, a 15-minute drive from the heart of Baguio City, sits on a promontory with a breathtaking view of the adjacent garden, farm, hill and mini-forest, the surrounding mountains, and the South

China Sea in the distant west.

With its vision of bringing arts closer to the people, the museum houses the permanent collection BenCab’s work in several galleries. The Philippine Contemporary Art Galleries showcase a collection of his paintings, drawings, prints, and sculptures while smaller exhibition rooms display other collections that the artist has accumulated through the years.

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The Museum aims to promote the arts, and the preservation, conservation and protection of the environment, as well as the culture and traditions of the Cordilleras, as an expression of the artist’s gratitude to the country that nurtured and inspired an artistic career that continues to grow, mature and fascinate.

Aside from housing the artist’s extensive body of work, it also pays tribute to the work of acknowledged Filipino masters and rising contemporary artists. There are galleries dedicated to Cordillera culture, Erotica, Maestros, and Philippine Contemporary Art, to name a few.

Sabel mural

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cordillera gallery

One hallway is filled with images of the bul-ol, the carved wooden figures known as rice gods, revered by the people of the northern Philippine highlands. The extensive collection of lime containers, tribal weapons, native implements and other indigenous arts and crafts from the region highlight the rich culture and traditions of the Cordillera region.

The museum also serves as a gallery and exhibit space for young, emerging painters and established artists to showcase their work. Regular exhibitions focused on different subject matter and art techniques are held regularly.

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Aside from the art pieces on display, the BenCab museum also has a small shop that sells souvenir items and art books, postcards, notepads, highland art and crafts such as wood carvings and textiles.

Café Sabel, a cozy café named after the artist’s muse, sits on the ground floor of the museum. Here, amidst colorful chairs and the refreshing surroundings overlooking the forest and pond, you can enjoy refreshing meals of pasta, salads and desserts made from vegetables and herbs sourced fresh daily from BenCab’s organic farm. The cafe’s signature coffee blend, BenCab’s Brew, is also sourced

from coffee trees on the farm.

With its scenic natural surroundings and the rich cultural heritage of the Cordillera Region, Baguio really inspires creativity.

A visit to the BenCab Museum is just another reason to head up to City of Pines.

The BenCab Museum is located along Asin Road, Km. 6, Tadiangan, Tuba, Benguet (six kilometers from the center of Baguio City). For more information, visit http://bencabmuseum.org

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Sabel Paintings

Wood and rubber cut artwork by Leonard Aguinaldo

Posters

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feature

The Bamboo Surfboard

by Excel V. Dyquiangco

Richard Matthews doesn’t just make surfboards. He experiences the culture and the heritage of the place first – and then he makes the surfboards.

The Australian surfer who goes by his Indian Name Mandeepo or Deepo for short has a long lost love for passion and surfing.

Decades ago, he lived in the northern part of the country and observed a local fisherman tying bamboo poles together to go fishing. This man went out into the sea, caught a wave, and then turned his craft around. He stood up in his makeshift boat with a spear in his hand, ready to skewer fishes darting under the sea.

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“As I watched that man, I observed that this was the start of surfing,” he says. “It has that desperate need to really feed the family, adapt to the environment and nature one is in. It is using everything that he has got to catch that fish.”

The scenario was the basis and inspiration for Deepo to think about how bamboo could be used to make surfboards.

Years after that, this slender man with blonde hair finally came to the surfing

spot in Mindanao, Siargao Island and stayed there. He simply fell in love with the place. In his search for bamboos and surfing, he came to the lesser-known town, Lanuza. Here, he found the warmth of the people so inviting and the smiles on their faces so welcoming that he couldn’t resist staying behind. “This country is so much like a melting pot of different cultures and heritage,” he says. “It was a variety of sorts and I felt like I was in very peaceful waters.”

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As he gets to create these surf boards with unique designs and styles, he believes that the country is indeed where surfing originated. This is the place where surf breaks happen and this is the place where waves come and go.

The Bamboo Material The technique of using bamboo as surfboards has created a mass following.

Not only has this generated more local jobs, it has brought back the passion – and opened their eyes that surfing is not just another rich man’s sport.

So why make use of bamboo?

“It’s a strong grass,” he says. “This is one of the strongest structures in nature – a storm couldn’t uproot it from the soil. This is also flexible like fiberglass or diamonds.”

While he uses bamboo, the process of carving and designing these plants can be labor-intensive and takes a lot of hard work. The gradual transformation becomes

technical and it takes around 10 days before a surfboard is completed.

Other materials that he uses for making surfboards include a hotwire, Styrofoam blanks, a wooden stringer, and of course, a wave design that he applies from top to the bottom of the surfboard. Then, he works on the rails and to top it off, Deepo finishes the surfboard with a coating.

“When I told my wife that I’ll be using bamboos for surfboards, she thought that I was in over my head,” he says. “But these days, it’s truly world-class as I have been sending the culture and heritage of the Filipinos to other parts of the world. We also use some colored weaves to make this craft. My message for those who truly want to buy these surfboards is that they should come down to the Philippines, experience the culture, the food and the people and then buy these surfboards. I don’t personally bring them out of the country. This is truly a mind-blowing event that can change the face of the world.”

The World-Class Surfboards The surfboards created by Deepo are now being used abroad for competitions. The long boards, which are sometimes made up of abaca weaves, are lightweight enough to carry around and the styles reflect the uniqueness of the makers.

“It actually takes a month to finish a custom-made long board,” says Deepo.

“On the other hand, a surfboard that is made entirely made of wood takes around two weeks. This is less expensive than the other one, of course.”

In recent years, the place where Matthews lives has held competitions such as the Lanuza Surfing Festival and in which several Australian surfers had also competed. In the next few years he hopes to travel to other places in the South to share his experience and techniques about making surfboards.

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feature

Under the Sea: Swim like a mermaid

by Nikka Sarthou

True, mermaids only exi st in fairy tales, but those who fantasi ze about being one could now pretend to be l ike these magical swimming creatures, even just for a day.

What child doesn’t dream or wish (even a little bit) to be like the mermaid, Ariel, swimming and gliding, flapping your tail to move about and showing off your fins. Now, that dream of being under the sea and being a mermaid can be a possibility, thanks to the Philippine Mermaid Swimming Academy (PMSA), the brainchild of Normeth Preglo who has a natural fascination for mermaids.

Normeth is a licensed diving instructor and an owner of a kite boarding school in Boracay. One Halloween, she was searching for a costume on the Internet and stumbled upon a mermaid community online. It inspired her to open a school to swim like mermaids and shared the idea with Anamie Saenz.

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“I saw through my good friend’s passion for mermaids the business potential—it’s a marketing person’s dream—you only need to show a photo and it will rekindle every woman’s childhood fantasy of mermaids,” shares Anamie. “Suffice to say, the mermaid tails didn’t arrive for Halloween. But as soon as it did first week of November 2012, we hit the waters and the rest, you can say, is history.” They formalized the group along with their friend, Franziska Limmer who is also a kite boarding instructor and licensed scuba diver.

The group welcomes anyone in the class regardless of age, race, or gender. The only requirements are knowing how to swim and fitting into a mermaid tail. But before they let you dive into the waters, the trained

instructors will lead you through a briefing, which explains the proper way to wear and care for the mermaid tail, run through mermaid strokes and proper breathing, and a series of stretching exercises to prepare yourself for the swimming. After all the do’s and don’ts, the students will be sent to the water to practice the mermaid strokes and do drills.

Participants would also be glad to know that there would be time for photo opportunities as they are guided through various mermaid poses. According to Anamie, “We establish an atmosphere of fun but with safety as a priority. We don’t have a physical school per say. We like to go with the flow so to speak. Expect a structured activity that is safe and fun, with

feature room to socialize with like-minded individuals and room for self expression.”

and schools—think PADI for scuba diving, IMSIA will be for mermaiding.”

Being able to express yourself is not the only benefit of mermaid swimming though. Anamie mentions, “We have had some adult students who overcame their fear of the water. In these cases, we offer one-on-one sessions and assign an instructor who is certified to teach non-swimmers how to swim.” The activity also provides a great core exercise and is a nice form of meditation. “We had a young student that overcame depression. She was withdrawn and didn’t speak to anyone, but when she started mermaiding, she opened up and became more social.”

PMSA, which originated in Boracay, currently has operations in Manila and will soon open in Cebu. The group aims to have schools all over the world. Anamie believes, “Everyone has the mermaid spirit in them, we just have to let it out and play. I find when you do something with passion, a sincere heart and grace, things flow and challenges are easier to overcome as long as you don’t lose sight of why you’re doing it in the first place.”

One participant, Ingrid Nieto, got into mermaiding when her friend informed her that they would bring the classes to Manila.

Her friend knew that she simply adores The Little Mermaid—and even has dolls to prove it. “I read that it was actually a form of exercise so that got me curious,” shares Ingrid. “It’s like hitting two birds with one stone—I get to fulfill my mermaid dreams and work on some muscle groups.” She enjoys the activity a lot, which offers a different kind of swimming. She finds it challenging to get all the moves done smoothly. “It’s a form of exercise and I believe it’s stress-relieving, especially for working girls because you get to live your childhood fantasy for a good two hours, not thinking about the your problems, deadlines, or assignments.”

As mermaiding is gaining popularity in the Philippine shores, the founders of PMSA are thinking of going global. “We are in the midst of setting up International Mermaid Swimming Instructors Association,” discloses Saenz. “The goal is to certify instructors

Learn to swim like a mermaid Experience being a mermaid for a day with the Philippine Mermaid Swimming Academy. To book a class in Boracay, call (+63 917) 324-3947. For Manila, call: (+63 918) 918-1083 or (+63 917) 794-8145. For online inquiries, email pmsa.manila@ gmail.com.

Watch out for Mermaids On a Mission PMSA will soon launch Project M.O.M (Mermaids On a Mission) together with the Red Cross. They will go to rural areas to impart information on proper waste management, first aid, and CPR training. They will also teach children about proper oral hygiene and provide free workshops through their “mermaid therapy” program.

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On the Prowl and In the Know

NOVEMBER RAIN

by Kristine Abante – Dubai November always makes me think of Guns and Roses and their song November Rain that goes “Nothing lasts forever and we both know hearts can change …”

It almost never rains in Dubai, but the thing about being away from home is that nothing seems to last. At some point you’ll come to realize that everything is temporary – your flat, your job, your visa, your workmates, your dates, and sometimes, even friends.

KEEP CALM AND MOVE ON

When I first came here, I spent most of my weekends visiting old friends because it is such a relief to find roots, to be around people who have stopped judging you, and because the new ones doesn’t seem to stick around long enough.

Why bother when you know it won’t last long? On the surface, it seems like most people around here have their own agenda. Like in most big busy cities, time

is a luxury and perhaps, this is why people are hesitant to invest too much of it on others.

Over the years I’ve moved around a lot, lived from one end of the city to another.

I met plenty of cool people, gained some good friends, lost a few as well. No regrets though. I learned that the best way to live in an “airport city” like Dubai is really to just stop giving a damn about people coming and going, to just enjoy the ride, welcome the adventure and simply hope for the best with every encounter.

In my head, Axl Rose sings “Nothing lasts forever and we both know hearts can change….” so I am thinking why not just embrace the present before it turns into dust and disappear into the desert. Play Slash’s epic solo and it’s all good.

Follow Kristine - bandaidblues.blogspot.com

by Rian Miranda – Riyadh

Everyone is entitled to a love that is mutually passionate, life-changing crazy and mind blowing. But what if your current relationship suddenly fails? Sometimes no matter how sincerely we share ourselves, it’s still not enough to keep that lovin’ feeling.

that profound feeling about your destiny.

The more you learn, the more you aspire to keep going. You might not understand why there are couples that always break up, and then are back in each other’s arms a week later. You can never fully understand something unless you find yourselves in the same position. If your partner is someone whom you really can’t imagine living without, then give it the number of chances it needs until it’s faultless in your opinion, not by others.

Accept it. Love is an unexplainable madness and life is changing relentlessly.

It’s fair for people to arrive and depart from your lives as they please, and it should be expected that this will constantly occur. If someone’s meant to be in your life, they’ll find a way to be there and stay. Same goes with love that mysteriously is ridiculously senseless most of the time. It drives you to do silly things you’ve never done, break you more than you’ve ever been, be blissful than you could ever dream, and gives you

However, regardless of the reason why relationships fall flat, moving on from a person you once loved is a very tough course. It takes time, prayers, effort and patience. A lot of people go through this phase and successfully come out better and smarter. Love does not fade easily after a failed relationship, but changing your mindset and understanding that there are a lot of opportunities for change as you grieve, helps a lot in the process of letting go.

“Anything less than mad, passionate, extraordinary love is a waste of time. There are too many mediocre things in life to deal with and love should not be one of them.”

-Tiffanie DeBartolo

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Finally, accept that sometimes a broken heart will have scars that does not need mending, and in due time you’ll personally believe that letting go is sometimes an act of love, too.

Follow Rian - Instagram: msrianmiranda, Youtube: www.youtube.com/rianmiranda

IT’S WHAT MY SKIN CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT by Tracy Ley - Dubai – Dubai I’m a mother, beauty blogger, fitness enthusiast and a corporate lady rolled into one. I have been living in Dubai for 14 years now and I just love sharing my ideas with everyone, especially on beauty products, make up, skin care, having a healthy lifestyle and just being a woman. I believe that when you love life, it will love you back.

As a beauty blogger, I continuously find ways to share and discover amazing beauty products, especially since one of the main concerns of women today is their skin. They want it to be flawless and smooth.

When I find products that truly work for me, I stick with it. I even buy a couple so I won’t run out of it, examples of which are Hadalabo and Tokyolovesoap – my current obsession.

Hadalabo and Tokyolovesoap are widely known in Asia and slowly becoming popular here in the UAE. I love these products

because they are cruelty free, 100% natural and organic. It is also suitable for people who have very sensitive skin. Hadalabo and Tokyolovesoap are also inexpensive and work very well.

If you have trouble with acne, large pores and if your skin is prone to scarring, Tokyolovesoap can do wonders. It also helps in whitening, including intimate areas, and evens out skin tone. Tokyolovesoap is also perfect for oily skin.

If you have dry skin, Hadalabo products are perfect. You can try the dynamic trio of facial wash, toner and facial lotion. Even if you have an oily skin, you can still use Hadalabo.

Follow Tracy – www.misstracyley12. blogspot.com or like the FB page: tokyoloveproductsmiddleeast

ANNA IN THE BIG APPLE

by Anna de Leon – Dubai The Big Apple. Concrete Jungle where dreams are made of. New York City.

As I write my article while eating breakfast on my last day here in New York, all I can say is that I am leaving my heart here. I fell in love with the city, not only because of the diversity that is New York. All shapes, sizes, colors; they do their own thing with that inimitable swag that is very unique to New Yorkers. They own it!

The highlight of my trip was attending the makeup workshop of celebrity makeup artist, Mario Dedivanovic. As a makeup artist, I will never get tired of learning. There is always something to learn and what is amazing about being in this industry, there is always something new.

shortcut to success. Practice. Practice.

Practice. It can get discouraging at times, but if being a makeup artist is truly what you want, you have to stay focused. There should be no option for failure. And once you hit big, keep your feet on the ground. Stay humble.

Meeting Mario was truly inspiring. It is seeing a talent like him and hearing his stories that makeup artists like myself use to fuel our passion and drive to make women beautiful and share our knowledge.

So let me savor my last day in the Big Apple...

Where the big lights will inspire me because here, there is nothing you can’t do! It’s New York City!

Follow Anna – www.annadeleonmuastylist. blogspot.com

Like what I tell my students, there is no

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On the Prowl and In the Know

FILIPINO-KUWAITI STYLE COLLAB

By Bruha Eve – Kuwait stand for this cause.

Pink is a color that represents compassion, nurture and love. It relates to unconditional love and understanding, the giving and receiving of nurturing. In color psychology, pink is a sign of hope. It is a positive color that inspires warm and comforting feelings – a sense that everything will be okay.

“Pink Month” is an annual international health campaign for breast cancer awareness every October. Women, from all parts of the world and every walk of life, take a

Here in Kuwait, I finally got the chance to meet one beautiful soul who spearheaded our very own campaign called “Think Pink.” Also, a week ago, I decided to shave my head bald and dye it pink to pledge my support.

Four of my paintings that depict the essence of big-C survival are to be auctioned until November to help raise funds for the campaign.

Meet Tara Sillery and Cary Al Hambra.

The two-ladies inspired by my brave new haircut. Tara Sillery, of Irish decent, is the owner of Boutique Public Relations and Media Company “PR Passion.” She runs the majority of her business activities from Kuwait, Dubai, Beirut and Europe. She

is a global brand ambassador for Rola’s Beauty Lounge who hosted our event. Cary Al Hambra is a long-time friend of mine who survived breast cancer. Her stories of hope and faith are just overwhelming. I would shave my head all over again for her and millions of women that suffered breast cancer.

With the support of other strong and amazing women of Kuwait like renowned Kuwaiti Artist Shurooq Amin, Moni&J Bags, Lulwa Al Terkait of Jelala Jewelry, Aboozi of Hayabina Magazine, Sbakheshof Mpharm, together we dedicate ourselves for this beautiful cause.

We are trying to help women of Kuwait understand the importance of “Think Pink” and make them feel that they’re not alone. After all, pink is all about love.

Follow Bruha Eve - www.bruhaeve.com

HOW LINKEDIN LINKED ME TO A JOB

by Ion Gonzaga – Dubai Back in January 2010, somebody The Emirates Group contacted me on LinkedIn for a designer job. The screening went well. I got “hired,” arranged the necessary documents, signed the contract, and even severely injured my toe in my excitement.

A week before I was supposed to start, I got a call saying that I won’t be able to join Emirates anymore, as the company was cutting down on employment that time.

It hurt. I paid for the document processed them myself and how about my toe injury?

Three months later, I received an invitation via LinkedIn again from the UI Design Team of Emirates IT, inviting me for a possible job as a Senior UI Designer. The meeting went really well, but they didn’t get back to me for a while. Another great offer came from a startup web design company.

Thinking that Emirates won’t get back anymore, I grabbed the opportunity. Two

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months later, I got a call saying Emirates IT wants to hire me and I just had to undergo the formal hiring process. Honoring my newly signed contract commitment, however, I declined with a really heavy heart.

Fast forward 11 months later, another LinkedIn message came from the same IT Manager, asking if I’d like to take another shot. I met him, got an offer, and though I was enjoying work at the small startup company, I grabbed it and resigned from my job.

This month marks my second year in Emirates where I work as a Senior UI/UX Designer consultant for web and mobile apps. And what a way to get in!

Unknown to many, a lot of employers use LinkedIn as a resource tool to find

talent. So make the most of your LinkedIn account. Here are just few tips that could help you get started: 1. Make your profile marketable. Add the best possible keywords matching your expertise or the job you want.

2. Showcase your works. Add links to your portfolios.

3. Make sure your CV is updated.

4.Get recommended, and recommend others as well.

5.Get endorsed by others.

6.Join discussions and actively participate in professional groups.

LinkedIn may be the less exciting social network out there, but it can be your best tool towards your desired job, even a career perhaps.

It Bulaga

by Aby Yap

Once upon a time, we were kids frightened of the wildest, craziest things.

So preposterous, in fact, that we might have found ourselves at one point in our adult lives wondering why we were such a brainless lot way back then. Maybe we had even cursed our “well-meaning” elders for setting off those fears and feeding them until they had grown too fat that we could no longer shake them off our Pinoy systems. That to this day, we can’t help but use the same old tactics to scare our own kids into behaving properly so they won’t disturb our afternoon and evening telenovela marathons. Di ba?

Presenting the Top 13 (Oh, this number alone is spooky. Turn the lights on, please.)

Scariest Stuff from our Childhood…

(1) Electric Fan It would cut fingers off, catch long hair leaving us bald, and distort our features for the rest of our lives, e.g. become crosseyed, simply for making faces in front of this horrifying household appliance. Why, it belongs to the ranks of the pridyider and absolutely deserves a movie of its own!

(2) Cooking Pot As Lola was our witness, we had never slept on empty stomachs as children because of the creepy kaldero. How could we when she’d tell us during supper that hungry souls wander in the kitchen come bedtime to find something to eat? Problem would be if they got trapped in the cooking pot when someone put the lid back.

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(3) Religious Statues Forgive us. We weren’t being irreverent or paranoid. But truth be told, we were very afraid of those statues hanging on the church’s walls or standing on the altars at home. They seemed to be looking at us even if we looked away, their eyes always following us wherever we go. Wah! Don’t get us started on the Black Nazarene.

(4) Holy Week The week was supposed to be holy then we’d be told that Jesus would die on Good Friday and so the evil spirits would be free to roam the earth. Where was holy or good in that? Why not call it Frightful Friday instead since bathing water after 3PM would turn bloody red anyway?

(5) Wound As if the oozing blood and unbearable pain weren’t enough, we’d be even warned that a priest/nun/train/airplane would come out of the wound. Logically, we’d be totally horrified at the thought that someone or something apparently taller and bigger than us could actually fit inside our little, frail bodies. Unless we were aliens.

(6) Seeds Now nurturing seeds into trees, again, inside our little, frail bodies was another idea we had dreaded for a good number of years. Every time we accidentally swallowed lanzones, atis, or santol seeds, we’d try to

vomit them with all our might because we never aspired to be human trees or gardens.

(7)

Kuto

If there was one creature more terrifying than Dracula or the Cullens, it had to be lice. They sucked the blood from our heads, turned us into social outcasts, made us the target of lice-obsessed monkeys and suyodequipped mothers, and could take us to the mountains once they infiltrated every hair on our heads.

(8) Kidnappers They could be anyone: the Bumbay selling all sorts of wares, the Intsik managing the siopao-and-mami eatery, the workers building a bridge, or even the policeman who lived next door. And like Santa Claus, they knew if we had been bad and they were just waiting to snatch us away for good.

(9) Punisher No one ever escaped the ire of Daddy/ Mommy once mischief was committed. It was just a question of who would punish us. If it was Dad, we better get ready for a butt swollen from the lashings of his leather belt. If it was Mom, might as well think happy thoughts as we kneel on monggo seeds facing the statue of Mama Mary.

(10) Yaya It wasn’t really her that gave us sleepless nights, but her countless tales of terror.

ga!

Onli in da Pilipins

The manananggal whose body was cut into two. The hairy kapre who smoked an enormous tobacco. The half-human, halfhorse tikbalang. The engkanto who might trick us into marrying him. The dwende who could bring us pimples when we step on his home.

(11) Mascot You think a giant bee with a huge ass that could hit you anytime or a sneaky-looking clown with red lipstick smudged on his face was funny? Well, not to us when we were still at the age of innocence. They gave us goose bumps that all we could do was to cry our loudest, so you could take us away from them.

(12) Mumu Long before we got to know the infamous White Lady, there was Mumu. No child was (un)lucky enough to see how it looked like, but the sound of its name alone when said with feelings could already send shivers down the spine especially when parents wanted us to go to bed en punto.

(13) Mama She might be sweet and soft-spoken, but she could beat any head-spinning or spider-walking Linda Blair for The Scariest Award—just by looking at us. No words or movements were ever necessary for that makuha-ka-sa-tingin moment. We’d just suddenly freeze, keep mum, and pray that Mommy would spare us the sermon that lasted longer than the Sunday mass.

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