ILLUSTRADO Magazine_Oct 2009

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THE MAGAZINE FOR THE INTERNATIONAL FILIPINO

15 OCTOBER - 15 NOVEMBER 2009

BUSINESS START-UPS AT THE DOWNTURN KABUHAYAN SPECIAL FRANCHISING IDEAS PINOY PRO FROM KARAMA TO MARINA FASHION: MAN ON TOP EDEN IN A CORNER OF ENGLAND ILLUSTRADO FACES THE ANNIE B. CHRONICLES

The ENTERPRISING FILIPIN

issue

34

bench

EDITOR’S NOTE

Altogether now It is impossible not to talk about what’s top of mind for almost all Filipinos back home and around the world this month – the damage and devastation, the loss of property and lives caused by typhoon Ondoy. Whether you had family or friends affected by this unprecedented calamity, or not, makes no difference – it was truly painful to see the unbelievable scenes of amazingly high flood, distressed people taking refuge on top of roofs, cars among other things bizarrely floating in the muddy waters.

So much can be gleaned from this collective experience. For one, we have all seen the entire community coming together - first on emergency mode with volunteers spreading information and providing rescue assistance to those who were stranded. Even those abroad who had loved ones in calamity areas back home with no one to assist them found help from strangers – thank goodness for new technology and online sites like Facebook which became a platform for communication and mobilization for millions of Filipinos around the world. Then, there was the relief effort, Filipinos joined together to bring food, aid and much needed funds, even from outside the Philippine. In the UAE alone, Filipino groups scrambled for donations and relief goods, while some 8,000 people, including other nationalities, gathered at Safa Park in Dubai to raise funds in a “Walk for a Cause.”

It is heartwarming to see strangers helping strangers unconditionally – it makes one think that yes, thankfully, “marami pa ring mababait na mga tao, lalo na ang mga Filipino.”

But through the heartwarming scenes of “good Samaritanism” and the extraordinary glimpses of the Pinoy’s indomitable spirit and unusual good nature and sense of humor (we still managed to smile and laugh despite of the gravity of the situation), other sentiments, which have long been simmering within our collective consciousness, have inevitably come to a boil - dredged by these events.

Once again, we realize the wretchedness of our situation - that we are all vulnerable, that our systems are inadequate to protect us, that despite the millions amassed by corrupt politicians, our country does not have funds for emergencies like this. That we have, amongst our midst, people who, wittingly or unwittingly put our environment and ourselves in danger making our metropolitan the grand mess that it is today. And that we have, even at the worst of times, looters and opportunists who take advantage of even the worst of situations. Whether self-pity or anger is your choice of release here, there is no doubt that a singular feeling of helplessness persists among us – “sobra nang kinawawa ang Pilipinas.”

It is noble to feel, sympathize and provide relief as one people coming together – our country needs that. But what will happen to us all if all that we can do is to put out the fires that are the consequences of our situation?

Know that the time for feeling, reacting and relieving will run its course. This would all come to pass. What we should be asking ourselves now is what we should do to rebuild and create real and tangible change so that the cycle of futility that we are all a part of finally changes course towards a better country and a better future that you and I have a birthright to. Believe it or not, we are all part of the answer.

I know what I need to do. Do you?

It’s time to rise up to the REAL challenge, Illustrados.

Altogether now.

LALAINE CHU-BENITEZ Publisher and Editor-in-Chief

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Send your letters to: editor@illustrado.net

with those who just don’t care.

Alfie Neri Halibas

Greetings from Bohol

Warm Greetings from Alona Palm Beach!

My utmost appreciation to you; I just received a copy of your Aug-Sept issue. I really enjoyed the article on Raintree Misibis. My brother works there and I was over for a visit last July.

For sure it will be one of the top destinations in the country.

More power to your magazine!

Cheers, Laura Guest Relations at Alona Palm Beach Hotel – Bohol, Philippines

And from Michigan

I am from Michigan, USA. More power to your magazine. Keep up the good work and the positive attitude while away from home!!

Rita Urbaniak - Michigan, USA

On a “Plea for Appropriateness”

An appeal written to Pinoy expats in the Gulf on the preservation of Pinoy decency and the promotion of a wholesome image especially online – check out link for the full text: http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_ id=157801885659 I stumbled upon your letter in Facebook on appropriateness, addressed to Filipino photographers in the Gulf. Sana maraming matauhan.

I agree, thank you for sharing this - a good approach for re-branding our image. I must say Congratulations to the whole team! You have alot there are hundreds of Filipinas in the Gulf who of achievements to be proud of! are at the top of their careers.

Jacquelyn Victoria - Dubai Malou Valdez Delamare - Lyon, France Happy Anniversary!!!xoxo We, Filipinos, have been many times tagged Princess Pagola Echin as ‘low level’ individuals, which is ridiculously unacceptable! Obviously, a huge number of Happy Anniversary! Any upcoming events? great establishments are being manpowered Lucille Hyde mostly by Filipinos. It is notably inspiring that we stand still notwithstanding destructive Pagbati mula sa SuccessfulPinoyAko TS... criticisms, while highly-brought up individuals Congratulations! continue to believe in our capacity to work and Jeffrey Ximo Ramos - Dubai continue to hire us.

On the lighter side of the story, we, Filipinos, Congrats on your third year! May you have many are naturally born with patience and resilience more to come... GOD bless! for any given situation. Above all things, we Rocky Gathercole - Dubai have a soft heart that is rare with others.

Cielo Salazar - Dubai Illustrado is now 3 yrs old - how quickly time flies?! More power to Illustrado, to you Lalaine Well said Illustrado and I second the motion. I and your staff. hope some of the wannabe photographers and Richie Velasco Burley – Tagaytay, Philippines models heed your call.

Lucille A. Ong - Dubai Congratulations and continued success!

David C. Craig - Dubai

3rd Anniversary Wishes

Someone told me five years ago that in business, if you survive the first three years then you’re doing fine. So a BIG CONGRATULATIONS TO ILLUSTRADO!!!!!!!! Your remarkable record in public service and social empowerment has given us OFs, back our PRIDE and SELF-ESTEEM! Saludo ako sa inyong lahat at maraming salamat po...

Ralph Ramirez - Sharjah Congrats!

Amee Evangelista Marcayda – California, USA Happy Anniversary!!!!!

Melissa Guevarra - Dubai More Power to Illustrado! Congrats!

Heike Manaopanao - Dubai Very cool! Onward and forward!

Michael Fillon - Dubai

More power to you and Illustrado!

Tina Barbacena - Dubai

Congratulations, Lalaine! I’m so proud of you!

Keep up the great work. God bless you always!

Kay Paula Ang – Vancouver, Canada

I’m going to share this...

Geny Villareal Baluyot – Makati, Philippines

herzlichen Glückwunsch!

Jenny Altai - Germany

Go Illustrado, go!!!

Caroline Ladislao Teodoro

Well done and many more to come. Mabrook!

Ishwar Chugani - Dubai

Well done for trying to make the point. It’s also a shame - the ignorance of other nationalities who do not care to know us well!

Anna McBride - Dubai

Congrats and happy anniversary Lalaine! More power!

Anna Tatlonghari – Makati, Philippines

I just hope this note reaches the right target.

There are few who struggle to put the Filipinas in a better light but the boat we share is heavy

Congratulations!!! The Filipinos are definitely up there!!!

Mariecar Jara-Puyod - Dubai

Congrats po and have a fantabulous anniversary!

Gilbert Bragado Onate - Dubai

Congrats on your 3rd anniversary and continued success!!!! Everybody is waiting for this issue kasi very controversial daw!!!!!!

Jhosef B. Curioso - Dubai VOGUISH!!!CONGRATULATIONS!!!

Bandoix Flores - Dubai Congratulations to the Illustrado team on your 3rd anniversary! Keep the creative juices flowing…

Taas noo!

Lucille A. Ong - Dubai Congratulations!!! More power!!! Go go goooooooo!

Ruben Santos – Abu Dhabi Happy anniversary Illustrado!!! More power!!!

Mac Antonio Congrats and more power!!! =D Mariyah Gaspacho - Dubai Congrats Anna De Leon - Dubai Congratulations! All the best! : ) Ting Munoz - Dubai

Stylemonger salute

Congrats!!! It was fun reading your column Stylemonger – it’s very “Butz Fuentes”!!! Thank God I don’t wear printed challis shorts, especially in “public depressed areas.”

Bandoix Flores - Dubai Read your Stylemonger column and once again Butz Fuentes has proven he’s the only fashion shurta (police) in Dubai... Congrats, Butz! I can’t wait to read the next one.

Ralph Ramirez - Sharjah

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CONTRIBUTORS Bernadette Reyes

Hot on the heels of business Contributing to the overall business tone of this month’s issue is Kabuhayan writer and GMA TV News Reporter Bernadette Reyes, with articles on convenience store franchising and the high tech business of solar-charged mobile phones.

Francisco Colayco

On franchising A-Z

Illustrado’s entrepreneurial readers get a basic lesson on Philippine franchising this month from financial guru, author Francisco Colayco.

Krip Yuson

Taking it personally In his column Illuminati this month, distinguished multi-awarded writer Krip Yuson delivers a spirited commentary on the ramifications of the recent calamity in the Philippines.

Jeffrey ‘Ximo’ Ramos

Calling on your inner ‘Good Samaritan’

“Successful Pinoy Ako” author Jeffrey ‘Ximo’ Ramos devotes his column this month to encourage readers to open their hearts to the victims of typhoon Ondoy and teaches us some valuable lessons on why and how we should give.

Sherry Tenorio

A look at local living

Girl-about-town writer Sherry Tenorio delves into issues close to the local Filipino community with articles on Pinoy housing in cosmopolitan Dubai, as well as interfaith marriages this month.

Glen Peter Perez & Filbert Kung

Shooting one for the boys

KC Abalos

Walking down memory lane Freelance writer and philosophy teacher KC Abalos takes a leisurely walk around Manila’s quaint old quarter and marvels at some of the highlights of our rich colonial history in “Trippin.”

Perennial favorites in some of Manila’s hottest glossies, young photography duo Filbert Kung and Glenn Peter Perez capture masculine sophistication amidst the plush setting of the ShangriLa Makati hotel’s Presidential Suite in “Man on Top.”

Excel Dyquianco

Garbage in a different light

Excel Dyquianco, Illustrado contributor and freelance writer, takes a new look at garbage this month in his article “From Agri-Waste to the Grammys” which talks about the rise of a Filipino business based on green values.

Publisher & Editor-in Chief Lalaine Chu-Benitez

CONTENTS

OCT 09

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS UAE, Philippines, USA Aby Yap Anna Lorraine Balita JR Bustamante Jude Cartalaba Bernadette Reyes Karen Galarpe Bo Sanchez KC Abalos Chayie Maligalig Krip Yuson David Poarch Atty. May Flores Excel Dyquiangco Mike Martin Francisco Colayco Shar Matingka Isabel Warren Sherry Tenorio Isabelo Samonte Sonny Guzman Ivan Henares Jeffrey ‘Ximo’ Ramos Vic Lactaoen Victor Sollorano Jesse Edep ART DIRECTORS Tom Bolivar Paula Lorenzo Ron Perez CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS UAE Illuminado Ong Pot Ph Eros Goze Melandro Sanggalang Mac Antonio Jit Sanggalang CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS PHILIPPINES Dr. Marlon Pecjo Glenn Peter-Perez Filbert Kung Parc Cruz CONTRIBUTING STYLISTS & FASHION TEAM UAE Zekundo Chu Basil Yunting Jessie Tabla PUBLISHER - UAE Illustrado Communications FZ-LLC 2nd Floor, Building 2, P.O. Box 72280 Office 20C Dubai Media City, UAE Tel: +9714 365 4543, 365 4547 Fax:+9714 360 4771 E-mail: admin@illustrado.net, info@illustrado.net Web: www.illustrado.net, www.illustrado.agilaglobal.net PRINTERS PRINTWELL PRINTING LLC P.O. Box 18828 Dubai, UAE Copyright Illustrado Communications FZ-LLC 2006-2009. 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.

54

Professional Models Association of the Philippines (PMAP) President Ariel Atendido oozes masculine style and sophistication in this issue’s fashion editorial – Man on Top.

FEATURES

Start-ups at the downturn12 From Karama to Marina 36 A Leap of Faith 40

KABUHAYAN SPECIAL

Pinoy Entrepreneurs 18 Entrepreneurship through Franchising 22 Franchise Ideas 24 Franchising a Convenience Store 26 Green Mobile 28 From Agri-Waste to the Grammys 32

70

REGULAR COLUMNS

Editor’s Note 1 Contributors 6 Contents 7 Illuminati – Calamity Country 8 Pinoy Pro 30 Successful Pinoy: Serving with your hearts and hands 44 Spirituality: Creating Happy Relationships 46 Profile: Medardo Cadiz – Rising Above the Challenges 48 Illustrado Scrapbook 68 Community 77 Onli in da Pilipins: Happy Days, Come Rain or Shine! 80 Annie B. Chronicles: When it rains, it’s flood! 82 Faces: Jericho Martin Tiongson and Anne Kristine de Castro 86

FASHION

Fashion: Man on Top 52

PLACES

Pinoy Planet: Eden in a Corner of England 70 Globetrotter’s Blog: Randi Meneses de Guzman in London 73 Bakasyon Grande: Camiguin – An Island of Mystical Beauty & Legendary Lanzones 74 Trippin’ - Walking Down Manila’s History Lane 78

50

8 ILLUMINATI

Calamity

Country

I

Words by Alfred A. Yuson

have a supposed godson named Ondoy. “Supposed” upcoming journal or magazine issue. because his dad simply informed me, years after his birth, that I had been one of his ninongs, albeit absent Clovis became a journalist for a Bohol paper, where his hard-hitting columns earned him a libel suit or two. He ran for councilor in Loon and unknowing at the time of the boy’s christening. and enjoyed two terms before he became Vice Mayor. We thought The dad was Clovis Nazareno, a young poet from Loon, he was a sure thing for Mayor next time up, But as his widow sadly Moto Sur, Bohol, whom I first met at the Dumaguete reported when the shocking news came, his liver had gone to rot due National Writers Workshop when he was accepted as a writing fellow. to excessive drinking. I hadn’t even known he was nursing an illness.

“Was” because this fine poet-in-English from the South passed away Years later, their oldest son Athelstan, nicknamed “Ondoy,” got quite early, while only in his 40s. in touch to say he was finishing high school and would be moving My finest memory of him was riding pillion on his motorbike one over to Cebu for college. I had taken to sending him and his younger moonlit night on the way back to Tagbilaran from the Chocolate brother sets of t-shirts and jackets for Christmas, and then some. I Hills. We shared a lapad of rum along the way, and spouted poetry to mailed him my Nokia Amazing Phone, a year used, when I got a new model. Sometimes I’d send a bit of cash via LBC. the winding road, the forest around us, and the full moon overhead.

Clovis slowed down and turned his face to shout in the wind, “Bay, nice people ahead.” Half inebriated (since I never go all the way), I didn’t catch on till I saw three men with long-arms on the roadside.

Clovis slowed down even more until he saluted past them and shouted rather jovially, “Mabuhay ang NPA!” That was my cue to raise the rum bottle in a toast to the wind and pitch in, “Mabuhay si Marx!” as we sputtered round a bend.

That was in 1986, late May. We’d laugh over it time and again, when he’d find himself in Manila or we reunited in Dumaguete. He authored two poetry collections that I helped circulate, and he’d send fresh poems whenever I had the cachet to publish them in some

In fact there were three of us in Manila who had been close friends with his dad, poets all, who took turns in sending support. But a couple of years ago we discussed an apparent Ondoy problem, suspecting that the boy might be on drugs or had turned into a prevaricator, since he increasingly appeared to be abusing our trust.

Since then I’ve snubbed his SMS and e-mail pleas for help, on account of this and that. I suppose he’s gotten the message, the same silent treatment he got from Tita Marj and Tito Bimboy.

And then he came back to our consciousness on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2009 — a date which we now hope would finally teach the Philippine

ILLUMINATI 9 to help me sweep back the puddle and mop it up. But there was no stopping what became wave after wave of onrushing rainwater, which now also came through the back and front doors. We quickly shifted tactics to save what we could of newspapers on the floor, low-hanging paintings, woven baskets and whatnot. I woke up a son to assist us in this startling crisis mode.

One car was parked outside the carport; it was too late to take it to higher ground. The water rose to nearly a foot on our ground floor, engulfing a pair of very low electric sockets so that we had to shut off the power downstairs except for the lights. Then all we could do was wait, and hope that the flood wouldn’t reach our ref’s motor or the affected car’s tailpipe.

The incessant rain finally let up after three more hours. Then we noticed how the waterline on our walls and kitchen shelves slowly went down. It was another hour or so before the flood receded.

Everyone in the neighborhood was saying how this had never happened before.

I lost three potted plants that were carried off. Vintage vinyl records on a low shelf got wet; they can be soaped, but I can’t bear to look at the album covers. The car started, thankfully, but it had taken water, and week-long stink would follow. But it was all negligible damage compared to the fate of others.

As we cleaned up the muck, we listened to TV reports on the severe inundation that had swamped an entire metropolis and environs, and sent the body count soaring in areas such as Cainta, Marikina, San Mateo, ad nauseam. The heroism of private efforts and voluntarism then took centerstage. In the hours and days to follow, consternation over a familiar bugaboo turned into general condemnation.

government how to get its act together, starting with its own political will, so that once and for all, water courses would gain not just respect but reverence, same with all the other lessons brought home.

Stripping the land of verdure, developing residential and commercial areas with no regard for proper location, terrain, drainage and all other functions of smart civilization, improper disposal of trash, and allowing the much-coddled “informal settlers” or squatters to reside along waterways should all be humongous NO-NO’s!

That government’s characteristically delayed response to the momentous crisis was shown up by two media networks and a spontaneous proliferation of caring heroes also drove home the point: Who needs government, especially the one that we get because it is what we deserve?

That the depredations and sins of omission are sourced to corruption and greed, not just stupidity, and that we citizens have allowed such onerous conduct all this time, plagues us all.

Each time I see in print or hear on TV that it’s yet another wake-up call, I want to scream. Enough na already of clichés of speech and political conduct! We’ve been waking up for so long that we only assure ourselves we’ve been pretending to be asleep. Let’s get off that horizontal pose and apply change, now na!

At our place on Kaimito St., Kaimitoville, Valle Verde 2, Pasig City, the floodwater started seeping in an hour before noon through the sala’s side glass doors overlooking a small narrow garden and sundry pots of plants under my personal care. I called our driver

The MMDA chief who had been proud mayor of a reputedly wellrun city had not made provisions for rescue watercraft for Marikina, whose river overflowed more than once yearly. The National Disaster Coordinating Council or NDCC couldn’t seem to find its own meager allotment of a dozen motorized dinghies, or get them going. It was the Coast Guard that had to send a couple of rubber boats to Cainta, but through the long route, because most roads were impassable due to high water or all sorts of stranded vehicles.

Where were the large trucks of the AFP, ergo the NDCC? Couldn’t airlift operations have commenced pronto, and dropped boats and supplies, saved families on rooftops? Why weren’t local governments sufficiently equipped against instant calamities such as Ondoy’s onslaught?

Verbiage filled up the target range for finger-pointing: climate change, disaster preparedness and mitigation, denuded hills, violated watersheds, rice fields turned into subdivisions, poor drainage, clogged sewers, tons of garbage, riverside squatters, and not the least, officials> unofficial accommodation of all of the above save for the first two.

The blame-laying will continue. It is likely to even impact on next year’s national elections. For a people so quick to gloss over perennial faults and maladies, this experience may serve as the final ‘waker-upper.’ Now we take it personally.

I text my friends Marj and Bimboy that maybe we should reconsider our surrogate nephew Ondoy’s case; that was a helluva tantrum he may have pulled. We recognize even the most far-fetched of significations, because personally is how we should always take it.

12 FEATURE

Start-ups at the downturn Words by Lalaine Chu-Benitez

The global economic crisis which has resulted in considerable job losses around the world, as well as in the emirates, has curiously given rise to small business entrepreneurship. On the flipside of that development here in the UAE is the government’s attempt to stimulate enterprise start-ups by tweaking corporate law towards greater flexibility, and investor security. At this point when choices at the job front are few and financial independence has become a pressing need for many vulnerable employees, the idea of starting one’s own business seems a very compelling career option – one of increasing relevance to Overseas Filipinos (OFs) in particular.

Entrepreneurship at a time of need In the US, according to a study done by the Kauffman Foundation of Kansas City, as published in the New York Times, the recession has resulted to a rise in entrepreneurship levels in the wake of layoffs and job cuts. Kauffman’s Index of Entrepreneurial Activity showed an increase in the number of adults creating businesses each month – from 300 out of 100,000 adults in 2007 to 320 out of 100,000 in 2008.

The study observes that the difficult economic condition has somehow pushed people to open up their own businesses – making them act more creatively and driving them to become more resilient to adapt to crisis. The development is known as post-traumatic growth, and is also referred to as accidental or necessity entrepreneurship.

In the Philippines where every street is a showcase of entrepreneurial spirit teeming with convenience stores, foodcarts, fastfood stands, vendors, etc., people are no stranger to necessity-based enterprise.

In fact, it is a widespread phenomenon in a country where four out of 10 adults are involved in some form of business – according to a 2006 study conducted by the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) Research Consortium – the largest single source of empirical data on entrepreneurial activities of nations.

According to GEM, one out of two entrepreneurs in the country is in business not by choice, but by necessity. The bulk of businesses in the country is unsurprisingly, tilted towards small scale enterprise.

According to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) 99.6 percent of all registered businesses in the country are considered small and medium enterprise (SMEs). Nevertheless, this sector

responsible for 70 percent of the labor force, contributing about 32 percent to the country’s output is considered the backbone of the country.

Although much still needs to be done to push Philippine businesses to the next level – encouraging expansion, targeting high potential sectors like business services and technology, improving product offer differentiation and raising the bar of competitiveness, the popular belief that Filipinos are not entrepreneurial is a fallacy.

In fact, according to the GEM report eight out of 10 Filipinos are contemplating to become entrepreneurs and see the profession as a desirable career choice. Out of this number more than half are seriously contemplating putting up a business within the next three years. A truth reflected by a local community dipstick survey in the emirates which reveals that 89 percent of the Filipinos surveyed are looking for entrepreneurial opportunities.

Pinoy Business in the UAE Intent aside, whether OFs have actively brought the knack for entrepreneurship with them to their host countries in the Gulf still remains to be seen. Particularly in the UAE, which is home to close to half a million Filipinos, the rise of Pinoy enterprise is still very much at its early stages. However, there is a growing crop of Filipino businesses in the country which include establishments operating in retail, general trading, food and beverage, logistics, real estate, interior design, entertainment, advertising, marketing, architectural and beauty services among others, as well as licensed self-employed professionals offering freelance services in media, marketing, communications, I.T. and other disciplines.

FEATURE 13

According to the most recent available data from the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) – some 70 Philippine companies have set up their operations in Dubai as of end 2006. This figure, of course, does not include Filipino owned businesses in the other emirates, especially in the capital Abu Dhabi, as well as in the Free Zones of Jebel Ali, Dubai Media City, Sharjah, Ajman and Ras Al Khaimah which have become increasingly attractive domains for business start-ups owing to the attractive free zone terms on offer.

Perhaps the modest numbers of Philippine businesses in the emirates can be attributed to the very nature of Filipino migration in these parts which is totally geared towards employment. As preferred contributors to the Gulf’s multi-ethnic workforce, entrepreneurship is quite a new idea within the OF psyche – one that has not been explored by most. Furthermore, the transient nature of expatriate residency in the region coupled with the prohibitive company laws that limit foreign ownership of businesses has somehow prevented a lot of Filipinos from investing in a locally-based enterprise. In fact, despite a huge amount of interest within the community to engage in entrepreneurial activity, most Filipinos would still prefer and feel more secured to put up a business and invest back home.

However, with the continued maturation of the local Filipino expat community over the course of three decades and the proven resiliency to stay put in the country despite difficult economic conditions - things are bound change. Moreso, as the UAE pushes towards cultivating the growth of small and medium entrepreneurship with enticing offers for the business-minded.

Incentivising start-ups In a welcome move slated to improve the overall investment climate in the country, UAE Minister of Economy Sultan Bin Saeed Al Mansouri said in a statement recently that the government is planning to issue revised company, industry and investment laws. This is a major economic policy move that will make it easier and more advantageous for entrepreneurs to open new business by lowering

start-up costs, providing incentives for new company registration and providing more investment asset protection. It is geared to stimulate much-needed investment and to push for the growth of industries, especially small and medium enterprise, making the UAE more competitive vis-à-vis other countries.

14 FEATURE

40% of adults in the Philippines are involved in some form of business

Among the improvements, is an amendment to Federal Law no. 8 of 1984 issued in August by HH Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE President, which removes the minimum capital requirement of AED150,000 for the establishment of a Limited Liability Company (LLC) in the UAE allowing startups to determine their own capitalization needs to establish and sustain operations. Also forthcoming is a possible increase in the cap on foreign investment and ownership of LLCs in essence opening up greater shareholding opportunities for expatriates in certain industries.

These developments come in tandem with the continued promotion of free zone authorities in the country like Ras Al Khaimah which offer start-up packages as low as AED20,000, including full business ownership and ease of operation with infrastructural support for small and medium businesses.

All these incentives make for a compelling argument to start business now, despite the slow state of the economy – a situation some business analysts say has its own advantages.

For one, since the crisis has weeded out a lot of companies from late 2008 to date, there is lesser competition in the market.

And since there is generally less business out there, operating costs have seen a reduction lately as office rents, the price of services, including the cost of hiring new manpower becomes lower, and outsourcing provides alternative operational solutions.

This certainly bodes well for astute entrepreneurs who have the insight to take advantage of such opportunities; certainly a great opportunity for Filipinos who have the natural talent for resourcefulness and the knack for operating frugally, not to mention the creativity and resilience to compete in the business sector.

89% of Filipinos surveyed in the UAE are looking for entrepreneurship opportunities

AED150,000 is no longer needed to establish an LLC in the UAE as companies are allowed to determine their own capitalization needs.

AED20,000 is the cost of business start-up at a free zone like the Ras Al Khaimah Free Trade Zone

100% foreign company ownership is allowed in free zones around the UAE

AED15,000 or PHP200,000 is the total start-up cost of a small franchise venture in the Philippines like a foodcart business

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BAHRAIN

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

MANILA

Powerbooks – Greenbelt, Glorietta, Trinoma, Ermita, Alabang, Mall of Asia and Festival Mall branches Illustrado magazine is sold in over 150 outlets around the Gulf, including Oman and Kuwait.

18 KABUHAYAN SPECIAL

Pinoy Entrepreneurs Nanny Monteiro

Every month, Illustrado features locally-based Pinoy entrepreneurs who share their business experiences with the rest of the community.

Nanny Monteiro

Pretty Style Fashion & Perfume Abu Dhabi, UAE Please describe your business.

I own and manage a small shop selling international perfume brands and the latest clothes and fashion accessories from the Philippines, Thailand, and Hongkong, among others.

Why did you establish your own business?

I put up my own business because I wanted to be independent financially, physically and socially. I already had some clients before I opened the shop, and having the outlet helped my business in becoming more visible and accessible to everyone.

What was your start-up capital and your basic operations setup?

I just had enough money to cover the cost of business registration, shop rental, and the cost of the merchandise for initial display, etc.

I opened the shop in 2004 at a ground floor space in a building in TCA next to a main road with just basic merchandise (perfumes and ladies’ clothes) and hired a friend’s sister as my assistant. A few months after the opening, I added more items to the shop, particularly ladies accessories (jewelry, underwear, shoes, ukayukay stuff, etc.) and had the kind help of my dear husband who also quit his job to run the shop full time with me. To date, the three of us still run the shop.

What obstacles did you encounter?

Of course, as with any other business, sometimes money would run short because payments were increasing faster than the sales. I’ve also had collection problems with some clients who refused to pay on time or had no more money to pay. With a little imagination and flexibility though, we have managed to sort out our finances quickly.

Where are you now? What are the landmarks in your business so far?

I can proudly say now that I have survived the hard times in this business. The business is running well, with new merchandise being added periodically and we are getting more clients. The sales figures are helping keep my kids in school and also helping our family to enjoy the simple pleasures of life.

I have also considered expansion - so far we are thinking of either opening another shop in the UAE or moving to a bigger place, but that would be sometime in the future yet, as we need to plan more carefully for this bigger venture.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of being an entrepreneur?

Being an entrepreneur, you enjoy the independence – being on your own, with no one to boss you around. You also get to meet a lot more people (clients, suppliers, window shoppers) who want to be nice to you so they can get good deals from you. You also make your own money legally and your daily experiences help you learn a lot more about running a business. You also get to travel abroad.

The disadvantages of being an entrepreneur include having to deal with bad creditors. Your work takes up even your personal time and you are responsible for your own decisions, whether good or bad.

KABUHAYAN SPECIAL 19 Would you encourage other Pinoys to go into business? What is your advice to budding Pinoy entrepreneurs?

Yes I would encourage other Pinoys to go into business, but if, and only if, they have set their mind to a goal, and if their mind is set to accomplish that goal. Then when they have made the decision, they should take all their resources and start planning and when everything is set, they should take action accordingly. Most important of all, is to have courage, strength and faith to keep going.

Freddie Torre

Non La Aromasit Restaurant Roxas, Palawan Please describe business.

your

Our contemporary Southeast Asian style restaurant is situated in Roxas, Palawan along national highway; a great dining place ideal for travelers and tourists from Puerto Princesa City en route to El Nido, Taytay, and San Vicente. Here, everyone can experience fine dining at a very reasonable price and enjoy our indoor and outdoor dining facilities.

Why did you establish your own business?

As an OF for over 10 years, who experienced a lot of difficulties at work (i.e. lack of proper compensation, discrimination, office politics) despite my good efforts, I thought about starting something on my own. With my dedication and love for my job, I thought that there is no reason for me not to succeed or prosper. That motivated me to open the restaurant with my sister and brother-in-law, who already had over 10 years of experience in running a restaurant but who were just earning enough to pay for their daily household expenses.

So with my little OF savings, and my sister and brother-in-law finding an ideal place and resigning from their jobs, we started in 2007 with construction, renovation and beautification. In 2008, we finished the venue and were officially open on the 13th May. What was your start-up capital, and your basic operations setup?

We had a capital of PHP1M (about AED77,000), including all expenses (procurement, construction, renovation, permits, kitchen equipments, kitchen wares and operating expenses). We were able to stretch that amount with the low cost of labor and materials in our town.

We are operating on a partnership system, I take care of the financial and technical aspect, my sister and brother-in-law are responsible for operations and management. We also have six regular crew members - kitchen helpers and waitresses.

What obstacles did you encounter?

I don’t remember any major obstacles, except for some minor difficulties like in the procurement of government permits. But all that has been taken cared of prior to operation.

Another thing was that the people in our town were complaining in the beginning as they were not used to waiting for their order to be cooked; most were only familiar with ready-to-eat meals carinderia-style. So we put strategies to make their waiting time more comfortable - I have put one table with lot of valuable reading materials, one of which is the complete one year edition of Illustrado Magazine, and I saw that it works.

Where are you now? How far have you gone, what are the landmarks in your business so far?

Our business is still in its early stages, but despite that, I saw a promising result and a potential for growth in the near future.

20 KABUHAYAN SPECIAL We have also increased our staff. Furthermore, since we started operations, the restaurant was able to generate its own income to pay for the salaries of employees and all other expenses.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of being an entrepreneur?

The good thing is that you get to help a lot of people, providing jobs for them, especially in rural areas where there is very little opportunity. Secondly, you can apply all the strategies that you think of to help your business and devote your full time as much as you like, without feeling that you are not being properly compensated.

And finally you also get acknowledged in society.

The bad thing is that you have very little time for yourself and your family.

Would you encourage other Pinoys to go into business?

It’s good for Pinoy’s especially OFs, to study the possibility of starting their own business in the Philippines. It’s a good move to start while you are still working abroad so if you run into financial difficulties, you still have your other source of income and anytime you can rescue your business. That’s why I am still here; I’m planning to wait for another two years to see if my business is already stable, after that, maybe it’s time for me to wave goodbye to the UAE. If more and more OF’s became entrepreneurs in our country, the Philippines will be well off in no time. Let’s start right now my kababayans.

Trading LLC and CM Supermarket LLC. CM Oriental Trading LLC concentrates mainly on the importation of goods, and wholesale to supermarkets, hypermarkets, hotels and restaurants, while CM Supermarket LLC is doing retail business focused on serving Asians like Thais, Filipinos, Malaysians, Singaporeans, Japanese, Chinese, etc. Bai Tong Restaurant offers authentic Thai food for all nationalities living in Dubai. All in all, we have 60 employees - both Thais and Filipinos.

What obstacles did you encounter?

We came to establish our business in Dubai at the “up-turn” of the economy when all the overhead expenses were very high. The rent for our premises, including government fees have been increasing sharply every year. At the same time, since Dubai is an “open market,” the competition is very high. It leaves our bottom line with very little margin.

Where are you now? What are the landmarks in your business so far?

Our initial plan was to open our branches all over the UAE as well as in Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Oman. When we studied the overheads and overall economic situation, this has pulled us back a little. We may expand in the future when the economic situation has improved.

Would you encourage other Pinoys to go into business? What is your advice to budding entrepreneurs?

It’s good if you have the opportunity to be an entrepreneur. We do encourage Pinoys who have the drive to go into business.

Baby Varodomvanichkul

CM Oriental Trading LLC, CM Supermarket LLC, Bai Tong Restaurant Dubai, UAE

Remember that as an entrepreneur you have to be well equipped with knowledge in the field of business that you want to be in. You have to have enough money to invest, as well as good credit facilities to support your business. You have to have good timing, or you may call it «luck.» And you also need good connections as well.

Please describe your business.

We are in the food business - canned food, Asian ingredients, dried items, grains and frozen foods, fresh fruits and vegetables shipped from Thailand weekly. We import our products from Thailand and the Philippines and we distribute them to the supermarkets and hypermarkets in the UAE. We also have a restaurant specializing in Thai food.

When and how did you start with your business?

We have been in this line of business in the Middle East for the past 25 years. We have the biggest rice mill in Asia and export our Thai Jasmine Rice all over the world. We saw a good potential in the UAE market five years ago, so we established our first three companies in Dubai in December 2004. We have a good friend here whom we have known for more than 17 years, who became our local sponsor. He helped us in establishing the companies and with his good contacts, we got a lot of things done without wasting too much time and going through red tape.

What was your start-up capital and your basic operations setup?

Our start-up capital was US$2M for all the three companies including our head office in Bangkok, Thailand. Our head office functions as the export company which procures all the products ordered by clients in the UAE or any nearby countries, as well as for CM Oriental

It is important for entrepreneurs to be very honest with their customers in order to stay in business. They also have to be willing to work very hard since being an entrepreneur is not like being an employee who has an 8 to 5 work day and receives a paycheck at the end of the month.

Baby Varodomvanichkul

22 KABUHAYAN SPECIAL

Entrepreneurship through Franchising Words by Francisco Colayco

So you have finally decided to be an entrepreneur and are looking at venturing into a franchise business as a tried and tested way to make profit. There are many franchise-related exhibitions and symposia in the Philippines. In these events, the focus is on available business opportunities. In fact, in many instances, for people wanting to enter business, the focus is, unfortunately, on the type of business and not in the process.

I know of an OF who invested all her life savings in a balloon making enterprise and lost all her capital in six months. She could not understand what had happened and wrote me for advice.

Apparently, she was really into cooking but her auntie had strongly recommended balloon making because she had enough money to start such a business. Her auntie also told her that it is a good business because she has a friend that does well in that business.

The cause of failure was quite obvious.

First, she took the advice of one who was clearly not a capable business advisor.

Second, she decided based on the amount of capital she had. Third and the biggest mistake of all is that she went into a business which she did not know anything about and where she had no real personal interest in, and most likely, no technical capability to contribute. It was clearly a wrong decision for this lady entrepreneur “wannabee.”

There are also those who want to know about their business options. One such enterprising lady had the opportunity to set aside PHP5,000 cash every month from the household and personal expense budget.

She had an accounting background and some work experience with an appliance sales and service company as part-time bookkeeper and customer service incharge for more than three years. She really enjoyed the customer relation part of her experience. Today, she is a full-time housewife and loves food related activities.

Given this personal background, she would probably do well in food and/or service type businesses. The question is what type of business and will she have the necessary capital to do it? As much as possible, she also doesn’t want to bother her busy husband for frequent advice and she wants to experience setting up her own business.

This is a situation where getting into a Franchise business may be a viable alternative. Serious franchise businesses provide you tested business models along

with market planning, technical support and logistic systems as well as personnel training and accounting procedures and financial controls. This allows you to learn the business at the soonest possible time with the least number of mistakes which you would otherwise incur if you started on your own without experience.

Choosing a Franchisor and a Franchise Business There is quite a number of Filipino Franchisors offering a broad range of small businesses available. Some are new but quite a number have proven track records.

Let’s assume that you are the housewife who is competent in a food or service type of business and you choose a business that requires first year investments (including franchise fees) of around PHP200,000 (around AED16,000). Most good franchises demonstrate payback of about three (3) to five (5) years and impressive service support. Your most logical starting point is to seriously consider a food-stall business, particularly one with an available franchise

KABUHAYAN SPECIAL 23 near your home. As my partner Entrepguru Andy always says, most opportunities can be found just around your neighborhood. Look around you and observe what is it that your community badly needs? Don’t just follow what everybody is already doing.

4. Find out if the Franchisor has any pending legal cases with any of the Franchisees, and if there is any, find out why.

5. Secure serious legal advice on the merits and demerits of the Franchise Agreement.

Make sure that you are satisfied with all the provisions of the Franchise Agreement, particularly on your option to terminate your Franchise Agreement for good reason, without any difficulty.

Another good thing about Franchise businesses is the business training included in the package. Usually, the training period is three months but you would need to pay 10% or PHP20,000 (around AED 1,600), subject to negotiation with the Franchisor, as soon as you 6.Be aware that anything not written in sign the franchise agreement. This type of a the agreement, even if promised by the Franchise business might project minimum net Franchisor, may not be fulfilled. That being cash earnings of PHP3,500 and possibly up to said, in the final analysis, aside from the PHP6,000 per month. technical know-how, the sincerity and good heart of a Franchisor will be the deciding Here are some tips on how you can move factors on your success; forward: 7. Make sure that all the sources for funding 1. After determining your preferred line of are in place, before you even start investing business, make sure that your chosen Franchise your first peso. business has sufficient and sustainable market in your location. This is where successful Will this lady succeed in a franchise business? and responsible Franchisors can provide you I always emphasize that in any business, there meaningful information and advice. are no guarantees but there are ways to reduce the risks. If she at least follows the advice 2. Validate the Franchisor’s legitimacy and already given above, she has a good chance of claims through the Association of Filipino success.

Franchisors, Inc., or through other Franchising Associations to which your chosen Franchisor Tell your relatives and friends to join our may belong; remaining free seminars this year from 46pm on Saturdays sponsored by SM Malls, 3. Validate the actual experience by directly PLDT, Universal Motors UrVan, KSK Coop interviewing the FIRST Franchisee and some and others. : Oct 3 – SMCity Pampanga; SM other Franchisees to validate the truth or Lucena Oct 17; SM Baguio – Oct 24. falsehood of the market and financial claims of the Franchisor. I am personally aware of For seminars that provide a deeper situations where franchisors do not live up understanding of your personal financial plan to their claims. Do not allow a franchisor to and provide you access to information on a keep you from talking directly to his existing broad range of retail investment options, call franchises for any reason. If the franchisees are Ms. Grace at 637-3731 or 6373741. happy, it is for the Franchisor’s and your best interests to learn about it.

Visit www.colaycofoundation.com and www. onewealthynation.com

24 KABUHAYAN SPECIAL

FRANCHISING IDEAS Whatever your business of choice and st art-up budget, there’s definitely a wealth of franchising options to choose from in the Philippines - from full blown retail outlets, to rest aurant and food cart businesses, to fashion and other consumer services. Here are some exciting franchising ideas for those looking out for entrepreneurial opportunities.

of Monterey pork and beef cuts, as well as Monterey Ready-to-Cook Meats, Magnolia Chicken, Purefoods hotdogs and other selected San Miguel products. Each Monterey Meatshop boasts of modern meat fabrication equipment and display showcase. It is manned by a crew of butchers and merchandisers trained in the Monterey Meat School-to assure customers of courteous and efficient service.

Estimated Initial Investment: Approximately PHP3.1 Million Franchise Fee: PHP224,000 (+ PHP 100,000 for chicken station franchise) Payback Period: 2-2.5 years Franchising inquiries: visit www.monterey.com.ph

Ystilo Salon A member of the Philippine Franchise Association and The Association of Filipino Franchisers Inc., Ystilo Salon offers a wide variety of services from haircut to make-up, nail art, footcare and handcare, haircoloring, perming, highlights, hair relaxing, body treatment, facial to name a few.

Franchise Fee: PHP 560,000.00 Total Investment: PHP 3 to 4M Payback Period: 13 months Contact: Paul S. Vicencio - Business Development Manager Telehone +632 927 7508 to 09, Fax +632 927 7533 Mobile +63 920 946 1739 E-mail: franchise@ystilosalon.com Website: www ystilosalon.com

Unica Hija A Filipino retailer of stylish casual and business apparel for women. Proponents of smart dressing, the company offers designs inspired by the latest international and local fashion trends.

Franchise Fee: PHP 650,000.00 Total investment: PHP 2.5M (inclusive of franchise fee, construction fee, etc) Payback period: 3 yrs

Monterey Meat Shops Monterey Foods Corporation, established in 1969 and became subsidiary of San Miguel Corporation, is the country’s largest hog and cattle operation, with the latest technology in feed milling, breeding, livestock raising, slaughtering, meat retailing, and meat processing.

Monterey meat goes through a process that has passed the Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) System. The company has consistently received the Best and Cleanest Slaughterhouse award and was given the Best Meat Establishment award by NMIS from 2004 to 2006 and 2008 with the revered Seal of Excellence, while its Cavite Meatplant is also ISO 9001:2000 certified. Monterey’s commitment to quality extends from its farm to its countrywide distribution network. Its quality meat products are delivered by refrigerated trucks and are available in a variety of Monterey outlets, namely Monterey Neighborhood Meatshops and supermarket.

Franchising for Monterey started in 1990 with only 4 meatshops, this number has increased significantly over the years to include outlets from Luzon, Visayas to Mindanao. Monterey Neighborhood Meatshops are stand-alone outlets that exclusively sell a wide range

Contact: Telephone +632 371-83 73, 376-2866, 374-6866, Fax + 632 410 1111 Website: www.unicahija.com.ph

Bo’s Coffee Club Specialty coffee house with 38 outlets nationwide offering a range of franchises including cart business, store and full service outlet.

Franchise Fee: from PHP400,000 to PHP700,000 Total Investment: from PHP1.1M to PHP5.3M depending on outlet type Payback Period: 13 months to 2.5 years depending on outlet type Contact: Jojo Cayabyab, Tel: +63 922 887 8056, or +632 894 5519, Fax: +632 729 4668 Website: www.boscoffeeclub.com

Hotshots FlameGrilled Burger A novelty food establishment committed to creating the ultimate burger experience for clients, Hotshots has four company-owned outlets and 10 franchised outlets to date.

Franchise Fee: Php750, 000.00 Total Investment: Php 3 to 5 million Payback Period: 3 to 4 yrs.

Contact: Donnie Castillo HR/Admin Manager ,Telephone: +632 726-0171, 744-0452 Fax: +632 725-6804 E-mail: hotshotsmarketing@yahoo.com, Website: www.hotshotsburger.com

Tokyo Tokyo

KABUHAYAN SPECIAL 25

The leading Japanese fastfood restaurant in the Philippines with more than 60 branches in the Luzon area.

Franchise Fee: PHP1.2M Total Investment: Between PHP9M to PHP10M depending on size and location of the outlet Payback Period: 3.5 years Contact: Joyce De Asis - Licensing Officer or Peach Guevara Licensing Assistant Telephone: DL - +632 746-2429, Trunkline + 632 746-2429 ext. 2045 Email:tokyotokyocircle@gmail. com, Website: www.tokyotokyo.ph

Aquabest

Animaland Stuffery Inc. The first business in the Philippines with the concept of Create-Your-Own-Stuffed-AnimalFriend which involves customers choosing a plush toy skin, stuffing, fluffing, and naming the finished product. The shop also provides plush toy outfits, sounds, scents, and accessories.

Franchise Fee: PHP 250,000 Total Investment: PHP2M Payback Period: 1 year Contact: Telephone +632 563-7881, Fax: +632 562-6365 Email: animaland_ph@pldtdsl.net

Waffle Time Waffle Time Inc. is the first and original purveyor of quality waffles in a cart, with a vast selection of delicious and exciting flavors to choose from. Waffle time provides business opportunities in the format of refreshment stands, kiosks and counters.

Franchise Package PHP 250,000 Contact: Catherine Joy T. Palencia - Franchise Officer, Mobile Phone +63 920 962 2389. Or Telephone +632 550-6569, Fax: +632 552 9208 E-mail: catherine@waffletime.com, Website: www.waffletime.com

GQWEST is also one of the top providers of water system products and solutions for industrial applications. GQWEST, with its flagship franchise brand Aquabest, is a member of the Association of Filipino Franchisers Inc. and the Philippine Franchise Association.

Franchise Fee: None Total Investment: PHP600,000 Pay Back Period: 12-18 months Contact: +632 371-0478 (look for Lyn), or +632 332-2222, Fax No.: (02) 332-1436 Email: franchise@ aquabest.com.ph, Website: www. aquabest.com.ph

Distinctive Blinds & Office Systems, Inc. Distinctive Blinds is a leader in the fabrication of custom-fit window coverings (vertical and horizontal PVC or wood blinds , manual or motorized roman shades, awnings, etc.).

Franchise Fee: PHP100,000 (franchise-on-wheels), PHP200,000 (area or provincial franchise which requires office/showroom) Total Investment: Surety Bond for both type of franchises - PHP1M Payback Period: 1 year Contact: Telephone +632 823 1530, Fax +632 821 4164 E-mail: irene@distinctive.com.ph, Website: www.distinctive.com.ph

Ministop Ministop is the fastest growing convenience store chain in the Philippines – a combo store offering a variety of fast food and convenience supplies in one.

Franchise Fee: PHP728,000 Total Investment: PHP1.4M to PHP3M depends on the package Payback Period: 3 to 4 years Contact: Patty Casumbal-Dantic – Franchise Marketing Manager, Telephone: +632-6379956 to 57

Goldilocks Bakeshop Goldilocks has been an integral part of Filipino occasions for over 40 years. The company has continued to bring quality products to the Filipino’s family home from delicious cakes, breads, pastries, to favorite meals like fresh lumpia, dinuguan, karekare.

Franchise Fee and Total Investment: Depending on the type of the store concept, the size of the store and the existing conditions of the site.

Contact: Lin Deres - Franchise Relations Manager Telephone: +632 533-06-5 Email: lin.deres@ goldilocks.com.ph

26 KABUHAYAN SPECIAL perhaps elsewhere, retail business has been one of the hardest hit this year. “When sales go down your cost should in one way or another adjust or it will be a great challenge to your operations and financials,” Querol explained.

Franchising a convenience store Words by Bernadette Reyes

In these times of economic uncertainty, Philippine Seven Corp. (PSC), the local operator of the 7Eleven chain of convenience stores in the country still see a silver lining. “Historically, economic slowdowns have meant less competition for good store sites, opportunities for consolidation, and increased interest in franchising,” PSC president and CEO Jose Victor P. Paterno said.

B

Businessman Vinzent Querol is one of those whose interest in franchising led him to becoming a full-fledged franchisee.

From trading palay and rice products and operating a chain of rice retail stores, he began running a 7Eleven convenience store. He admitted the first year of operation was not easy but he managed to get by with the support of its franchisor, “I had to adjust to operational standards and procedures as well as get the right people I’d like to work with. What’s nice about owning a franchised-store though is that the franchisor provides for continuous developmental marketing especially operational support from day one up until now,” Querol said.

Even the best of international brands such as 7-Eleven is not immune to the economic crunch. Given the slowerthan-usual consumer spending in the Philippines and

Yet sales of 7-Eleven stores have remained steady despite the unfavorable economic conditions. The company expects customers to hold on tighter to their cash but instead of being complacent, it counters the downtrend with alternative approaches in promotions, product mix and pricing. “We have been adapting to our customers needs, which are changing quite rapidly. We also intend to expand judiciously, but otherwise postpone capital spending, seizing opportunity but protecting our strong balance sheet until the economic picture clears,” Paterno said adding that the company has survived even tougher times. “We are optimistic that our institutional experiences, over the 27 years since our first store opened, stand our company in good stead not just to cope but to preserve profitability in these uncertain times. We began our corporate life during the economic crisis of 1984 to 85 and it taught us to survive and even to prosper in adversity.”

Today 7-Eleven has more than 370 stores nationwide about 55 percent of which are owned by franchisees such as Querol. Just when you think 7-Eleven should slow down, it responds with aggressiveness taking advantage of opportunities to continue its branch expansion to franchising. Before year-end the company is looking at 80 more additional stores.

The Association of Filipino Franchisers Inc. (AFFI) likewise believes there is no better time to join the bandwagon that now. “People who are looking for an investment should seriously consider getting a franchised business because it is tangible unlike stocks and securities.

It is something people can control in these uncertain times. Of course, one should be

KABUHAYAN SPECIAL 27

Franchisee Vincent Querol and his team

careful about choosing a franchise, and should do some homework and research before getting one,” AFFI President Rommel Juan said.

These days, you would have to earmark at least PHP300,000 for a small franchised business such as food carts and anywhere from PHP2 million to PHP5 million for store-type franchises with the return of investment expected in three years or even less for certain businesses such as food. Think of it as a small price to invest as industry figures suggest a franchised business usually has a 95-percent success rate compared to the 80-percent failure rate for start-up businesses.

You may have the start-up capital but before taking the plunge consider if you have the time and the passion to become a franchisee.

“You can’t go into the franchising business without your whole heart into it. Think if the business suits your lifestyle and your expectations since a 24/7 operation is a lot of work but could be a lot of fun too,” Querol said.

“Talk to other franchisees, find out if the proper franchise support is there.

The business you want to go into should have an operations manual, a marketing plan, a commissary for those in the food business, and other forms of support,” Juan explained.

If you are keen on running your own 7-Eleven store prepare to invest PHP5 million. This amount covers use of the brand in the store and its retail operating system, access to 7Eleven’s logistics and distribution resources, marketing, product R&D and operational support, a comprehensive 8-week training program on the operation and management of a 7-Eleven store including an assigned Operations Field Consultant to provide counsel on every aspect of the business such as the preparation of financial and marketing records. For your part you have to undergo 4 weeks of training, devote time to oversee day-to-day operations under the franchisor’s guidance and prepare to work hard in managing people and monitoring finances.

While the staring capital might turnoff investors, Paterno said recouping the amount would come easy since a store averages PHP50,000 in sales daily.

Of late retirees, OFs even displaced ones have turned to entrepreneurship than traditional employment. “We want to promote the re-integration of our OFs into the local economy. We also want to address the doleout mentality of OF families. We want them to realize that they can’t just forever rely on what their OF family members will give them. The franchising business is structured in such a way that even families of OFs can manage or handle franchises,” Juan said. As

for retirees, franchising allows them to be productive without having to go through the birthing pains of an entirely new business.

If you happen to be one of those OFs who have been working far from your families for a good part of your life or a retiree planning to come home, investing a relatively significant amount of hardearned cash into a business with a huge potential for success makes sense, and can be a rewarding experience for those willing to take the challenge.

28 FEATURE

Green Mobile Words by Bernadette Reyes

About to send a very important message and your cellphone battery gets drained? Or it is your first time in Disneyland and the indicator of your digital camera is screaming red? Filipino technopreneur Tristan San Buenaventura says Pinoys can now bid those days goodbye.

w

ith the introduction of Green Mobile in 2008, the first Filipino brand of solar charger in the Philippines, Tristan says Pinoys can now get more out of life. Aside from the prolonged use of their gadgets, users of the solar charger can experience greater mobility and in some ways help in the preservation of the environment.

Solar chargers as the name imply depend on solar energy. Each charger comes with a solar panel or two which gather energy from the sun or other sources of light such as the fluorescent light. Tristan emphasizes that this type of energy depends on the availability of light, not necessarily heat.

“Solar pertains to photo which means light therefore it doesn’t have to be hot or heated to gather energy. You just have to have a source of light,” he explains. Once the indicator on the charger turns red, it means the solar panel is already gathering energy from a source. The moment the indicator turns green, it means the solar charger is fully recharged and you may start using it to charge the battery of various

gadgets. While it is possible to recharge the battery of a gadget even when the indicator on the solar charger is yet to turn green, Tristan says its battery life will only last for sometime. “When this happens first-time users think their solar charger is defective but in actuality its not. That is why we advice users to fully recharge the solar gadget before use,” advises Tristan. Charging time for the GM30 model under the sun will take 10 to 12 hours while the GM50 and 90 models will be fully-charged after eight to 10 hours of exposure to light. The best time to put the solar charger under the sun is from 11AM to 3PM when the sunlight is at its peak.

In the absence of a light source as in the case of a cloudy or rainy weather, you may still recharge the solar charger by attaching it to a personal computer or laptop through a USB cord for a much shorter period of time which only takes three to four hours. “While this alternative allows faster charging time not everybody owns a laptop or has access to a computer. What if you are hiking or out in the woods? In which case you just have to place it under the sun,” says Tristan.

A fully-charged solar charger can power

two gadgets before its energy is fully used up. When not in use, the solar charger can still retain the energy up to three months. “It will not be drained until the three month period has lapsed. It may not be in its full state but at least it has some stored energy,” explains Tristan.

Each package of the solar charger comes with nine adaptors that can be used to recharge the battery of a variety of gadgets such as mobile phones, music players such as Ipods, PDAs such as Blackberry and XDA, digital cameras and gaming gadgets such as PSPs and Gameboy. Compatible with the Green Mobile solar charger are cellphone brands such as Nokia, Sony Erickson, Samsung and Motorola. Next month, three more adaptors will be included in the package that are compatible with LG phones and older models of Nokia. “With our solar charger you can charge not only one, not four, but nine gadgets or up to 12 once the additional adaptors are available,” says Tristan.

With the convenience of the solar charger technology, users are entitled to further mobility. They can engage in long hours of hiking, biking or any outdoor activity without

FEATURE 29

GM30

GM50

GM90

GREEN MOBILE, THE FIRST FILIPINO BRAND OF SOLAR CHARGER IN THE PHILIPPINES

having to worry about finding an electric plug once the battery of their gadgets run out. It also saves space for travellers since they can do away with bringing multiple chargers and sockets. They can even recharge the batteries of their gadgets when onboard a plane and the flight attendant won’t even notice. “The solar charger is really a good investment because it’s affordable, it saves time, space, energy and it’s very efficient. It’s also safe to use even when inside the airplane because it doesn’t have a transmission signal,” says Tristan.

More than providing greater mobility and convenience to its users, using solar a charger can lessen the effects of climate change and global warming because it uses alternative and renewable energy such as solar. “Just like water and air, solar is renewable and it will always be around as a vast source of energy. Also, it is not hazardous for the environment because it is not dependent on the grid which ultimately eases the rapid changes in the climate,” according to Tristan.

Solar chargers were already being sold in the United Kingdom and United States long before its introduction in the Philippines, admits Tristan but he is quick to add that the local version is at par in terms of quality yet its value for money is even better. According to Tristan the cheapest solar charger is in the US and costs PHP3500 while Green Mobile’s most expensive model costs only PHP2500. The brand’s cheapest model, a

solar charger that can be attached to a bag, cost only PHP1800. Ideal for backpack travelling, hiking, mountain climbing and cycling, this type of charger allows users continuous charging as long as they are under the light. “Our company just like the companies in the US and UK source our solar chargers from the same manufacturers in China but our chargers, the Green Mobile, are very Filipino because we make them affordable to Filipinos unlike in other countries where they don’t mind paying more. We understand the buying habits of Pinoys so we try to bring down the price as much as possible,” Tristan explains.

Green Mobile solar chargers are sold mainly in mobile phone stores in Metro Manila but are also sold in some provincial areas through partner-dealers. Distribution of the brand in offshore destinations such as Ireland, US, US Pacific and Taiwan is also made possible through this channel.

Since its launch, it has been receiving a lot of good reviews and positive feedback from various parts of the world. A particular website even cited Green Mobile as one of the five eco-products around the world to watch out for. “The other four products which made it to the list are from Western and European countries. Ours is the only Asian brand. That for me is a prize in itself,” says Tristan.

While many users are satisfied with the performance of the solar charger, Tristan

says the company is finding ways to improve on existing products and thinking of new ones to offer. “In the future we want to speed up the charging time of our chargers,” he says. This year, Green Mobile is also slated to launch their version of solar chargers for laptops.

As a true-blue Filipino technopreneur and environmentalist, Tristan focuses not so much on the revenue but on the value of technology in improving the lives of the people and making the world a better place to live in. “Through our ecofriendly products, I hope more Filipinos will be oriented and encouraged to help in the preservation of the environment by being open to the concept and benefits of renewable energies and taking part in this call to action by using these alternative sources.”

Equally important, Tristan wants to bring pride to his country for being the first Asian brand of solar charger in the world.

“Our solar charger has been getting a lot of attention. Many times when people see me using the Green Mobile solar charger they assume it’s a cellphone. Those Pinoys who have seen one abroad are delighted to know that the technology is already available in the Philippines. It is very fulfilling knowing that in my own little ways I am able to give pride to Filipinos that we too can put up with the technology, we too can have our own tatak Pinoy solar charger,” says Tristan.

30 PINOY PRO Celebrating the Professional Pinoy Ken Lingan Marketing Director for Home & Personal Care Unilever Gulf A recent transferee from the multinational company’s Asia regional office in Singapore, Unilever Gulf’s new Marketing Director for Home and Personal Care, Ken Lingan is a Management Engineering graduate from the Ateneo de Manila University.

He joined Unilever as a trainee in 1998 and since then has assumed a myriad of challenging roles most significantly as the brand champion for Rexona who facilitated product innovations which were rolled out from the Philippines, Asia and Central Eastern Europe, expansion of the brand into new markets like Korea, Vietnam, Bangladesh and Pakistan, as well as the brand’s successful launch and eventual rise to leadership in China in less than a year. From being the Regional Brand Manager for Rexona Asia, Ken moved to Marketing Manager, then Regional Brand Director in 2005 and took the additional role of leading Unilever’s Global Team on Market Development for Deodorants in 2008.

Ken is married to Liza Lingan and together they have a four month old daughter named Sophia. He loves travelling, reading, taking photographs and trying out new food. Ken says that his ultimate dream is to go back home and give back to the Philippines someday.

Ramon Navea Manager, Service Quality Improvement Dubai, Sharjah & Northern Emirates Union National Bank University of Sto. Tomas graduate Ramon Navea started his career in the hospitality sector at a young age of 17, and became a department head at 26. He has worked with a number of multinational companies and diverse nationalities during his stint with Le Meridien, Mandarin Oriental and the Jumeirah Properties, before moving to Emirates Flight Catering where he was involved in TQM (Total Quality Management) Principles in 2001. Ramon joined Union National Bank in 2004 and has been functioning as the company’s Manager for Service Quality Improvement (Dubai, Sharjah & Northern Emirates) for the past 6 years. A tremendous golf enthusiast, he serves as the Chairman of Filipino Golfers in the Middle East (FIGME), a community group that has been very active in organizing structured golf tournaments and donating the proceeds to their adopted foundation - Bantay Bata 163.

Ellen Samano Client Services Director & Strategic Planner Ventures Communications Working in advertising for the past 17 years has given Ellen the opportunity to create advertising campaigns for a leading detergent that “whitens even what seems impossible to whiten”, the next generation cellular, a lotion that whitens your skin in just two weeks, milk that the ‘Star for all Seasons’ and public servant endorse, just to name a few. She’s gone around multi-national ad agencies in the Philippines like D, Y&R-Alcantara, McCann-Erickson, Leo Burnett, FCB Worldwide, and Publicis Manila, as well as a local one - Basic Advertising. In Dubai, she brings this rich experience as a Client Services Director and Strategic Planner for a local medium-sized full-service agency Venture Communications. It has been both an exciting and challenging first year for her, but she claims that a bigger challenge awaits her with a personal mission to create a program that will help Filipino talents and professionals become a sought-after “brand” in the UAE. She defines weekends her 48-hour rejuvenation time dedicated to cooking pasta, reading books, jogging at The Walk, watching movies and sipping some mojitos or coffee with friends.

Yasmine Hidalgo PR & Marketing Manager Renaissance Dubai Hotel Shortlisted at this year’s Hotelier Middle East Awards for Marketing and PR Person of the Year is Yasmine Hidalgo, the PR and Marketing Manager of Renaissance Dubai Hotel. A seasoned PR professional, Yasmine who has gained experience from working with various prestigious hotels in the Philippines including the Makati Shangri-La, the Crowne Plaza Galleria Manila, and Hotel Sofitel is a valued member of the Reinaissance management, credited for bringing in much-needed revenue and energy to the hotel by creating opportunities which leveraged the relationships she has cultivated with the local diplomatic community. Dubbed the “Renaissance Roving Ambassador,” Yasmine has brought in Philippine President Gloria Arroyo’s Labor Conference to the hotel, organized a Filipino Food Festival, among other promotions she has arranged with the various locally-based Consulates and Tourism Boards. Yasmine has a masteral degree in Communications-Journalism from the Universidad Complutense de Madrid and a diploma in International Studies from De La Salle University in Manila.

Zena Baranda Media Manager O2 Marketing Communications A dynamic and creative Media Manager, Zenaida ‘Zena’ Baranda has been a media and advertising professional for over a decade. Organized, flexible and versatile with a key ability to work with both local and international clients, she is one of the key personnel of Dubaibased O2 Marketing Communications an award-winning research-oriented regional agency.

Born and raised in Manila, Zena earned her Bachelor’s degree in Business Management at the New Era University and moved to Dubai in 1999. She started her career in the media and marketing industry with AMC Advertising & Marketing Consultants, also based in Dubai.

32 FEATURE

From Agri-Waste to the Grammy’s Cebu Company Innovates Using Forest Waste Words by Excel V. Dyquiangco

f

or example, the ‘Payatas Ladies,’ aided by renowned fashion designer Rajo Laurel, has turned scrap cloth into bags and other fashion accessories which are also being sold outside the country. The Department of Education, on the other hand, has also launched several recycling projects – including the Zero Waste, Zero Cavities Project – that teaches grade school children to use empty toothpaste tubes for the creation of bags or slippers.

This year, the signs of increased environmental awareness in the country has been underlined with the SM Group of Companies introducing ‘green bags’ that can be reused for shopping, against the typical non-biodegradable plastic bags that contribute much to pollution. The popular company also showed support to “Earth Day” celebrated in April.

“In this time of crises, it is vital that we seek causes that unite instead of divide,”

Sometimes, the best creations come from the most unexpected of materials.

The amount of waste and what are deemed as “unnecessary” materials or scrap in different places in the Philippines has somehow presented opportunities for a different type of creation and livelihood. says Department of Energy Secetary Angelo Reyes in a recent speech. “Fighting global warming through best energy practices is an excellent opportunity for all of us, regardless of faith, creed, or social status, to come together.”

Such green endeavors highlight that Filipinos are eco-conscious in many ways.

For example, recycling is innate in most Filipinos – we use and re-use a lot of materials from empty boxes to clothes, tires and scrap materials without even thinking that it’s a very good green practice. That is why even from the usual manufacturing business comes something extraordinary and relevant with the times.

composed of fallen leaves, shrubs, and twigs – for production. Their R&D and consultants then came up with something workable and sustainable. Trial and error, experimentation and testing were all put into motion, along with getting the right components, formulation, and process to use.

Inspired by nature One couple has adopted green living as the foundation of their innovative business.

During one of the many Clean and Green Community activities that husband and wife tandem of Pete and Cathy Delantar have sponsored, associates and staff were able to gather a heap of agro-forest debris

Pete and Cathy Delantar

FEATURE 33

Naturescast’s innovative products

“Considering that most manufacturing companies source their raw materials elsewhere, we on the other hand felt that the heap of agro-forest castaways and debris was readily available and should be put to good use,” says Pete, environmentalist and owner of Naturescast. “This was the main reason why my wife thought of rescuing them and converting them into functional items.”

Typically regarded as garbage, the materials have been used to create not only furniture, but also fashion accessories, packaging, architectural wall arts and even sandals.

The inspiration in designing their unique and exceptional furniture and products comes from nothing more than the environment itself. “At one time, I was exercising and noticed the ferns and vines that grew on our garden wall,” Pete relates.

“Immediately, that gave me the idea of applying them as wall art. Thus, were born the Fan, Fern and Ivy wall art collection.”

Even with such an extensive and broad spectrum of products and services, Pete claims that there are still lots of things to do. Since the country is blessed with so many raw materials and resources that are considered as wastes, reprocessing and converting them into something useful and valuable are all viable. “At present, we still have three new inventions and two more in

the pipeline,” he adds. “We still haven’t set a date to release these new innovations.”

Awards and Recognitions Because of their innovative designs and creative ways of finishing the products and being recognized in their hometown of Compostela Valley in Cebu City, Naturescast has also been awarded with numerous citations and recognitions such as the Eco-Luxury Award from Katha Awards during the Manila F.A.M.E. (Asia’s Best Design Destination) last April of 2009.

Pete says that such awards and validation of their good work inspires the team endlessly, “These are good tools and motivations for an organization or an individual to move forward and keep up the good work,” he remarks.

Naturescast furniture has also garnered praises overseas as pieces were showcased in last year’s 50th Annual Grammy Awards, with the company as one of the four (and the only Filipino company) members highlighted by the Sustainable Furniture Council of the US. The company’s items were also used as giveaways during the 80th Academy Awards through partnership with American company Distinctive Assets.

“We’re very proud,” says Pete when asked about his reaction to international celebrities

enjoying his furniture. “Not many people get to see or talk to these celebrities up close. It was really a privilege to be noticed and admired.”

Not a Lost Cause With the many opportunities that waste materials offer to Filipinos, the message of what the Filipino people can achieve stands clear. “Filipinos are creative, innovative, talented and can do many great things,” says Pete. “It is important that our kababayans see and appreciate creativity and not just be mere ‘gaya-gaya types’.”

He offers this advice to those wanting to break into the international market: “Find your niche, focus on core competence, sustain and be prudent. The international market has a very specific taste and preference that we manufacturers need to take into consideration,” Pete says.

“Research and analysis is very important.”

With Naturescast, the Payatas Ladies, the government and other private enterprises making an effort to recycle in the country, it seems that the Philippines is ready to live green. It is just a matter of instilling better understanding and a new mind set to be able to make this a farther reaching exercise to benefit both the wider community and the environment.

34 ADVERTORIAL

The Asian Institute of Management The Asian Institute of Management was established in 1968 in the Philippines in partnership with Harvard Business School, visionaries of the business community, Ateneo de Manila University, and De La Salle University. Upon its founding, AIM declared its commitment towards making a difference in sustaining the growth of Asian societies by developing professional, entrepreneurial, and socially responsible leaders and managers. It is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) based on the highest standards developed by deans, faculty, and other thought leaders.

Today, AIM has a network of more than 37,000 alumni located in more than 70 countries worldwide. CEOs, presidents, directors, entrepreneurs – AIM graduates are leaders in their respective professions. Alumni chapters are present in 15 countries: Bangladesh, Canada, China, India, Indonesia, Korea, Malaysia, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, USA, and Vietnam.

AIM has created programs specifically for Asian needs and uses an approach attuned to the Asian mind and to Asian problems.

W. SyCip Graduate School of Business offers two fulltime programs: the 16-month Master in Business Administration and the 11-month Master in Management.

Center for Development Management offers the 11-month fulltime Master in Development Management program and development executive programs.

Executive Education and Lifelong Learning Center offers the 18-month Executive MBA and three major types of public executive education programs: General Management, Function/Industry-Specific, and Special Programs. Custom Programs, designed specifically for the training and development needs of a company, are also offered.

The Institute’s endowed centers create venues to exchange ideas and expertise, sharpen know-how on issues of the day, recommend policies, and propose action.

Makati Shangri-La Opens the Doors

to its Newly Renovated Rizal Ballroom

sconces of bronze vines evoke a classic yet romantic ambience. At the pre-function area, sunlight embraces the foyer with expansive windows providing a striking welcome.

Anticipating the diverse needs of elaborate social functions, business conventions or intimate gatherings, flexibility of the venue provides the ideal backdrop for seamless events. Modern lighting and sound configurations allow an elevated concept in event production. Customized lighting provide precise illumination and highlight each table exclusively – a first for comprehensive meeting facilities in the metro.

The most powerful sound system in the Philippines can also be found within the acoustically ideal walls of the Rizal Ballroom. High-powered speech reinforcement speakers are tuned with sophisticated sound desks for mixing; allowing multiple sound sources to be controlled through computer controlled digital signal processing. Fitted audiovisual facilities bring in a 15,000 lumen-LCD projector that automatically descends from the ceiling.

Makati Shangri-La added another chapter to its history of milestone events with the recent unveiling of the newly-renovated Rizal Ballroom. The distinguished premier event venue is designed to host some of the most memorable affairs of the year.

Hong Kong-based Leese Robertson and Freeman Designers Limited takes a cue from the hotel’s luxuriant feel. Rich palettes of gold, cream and champagne adorn every surface of the ballroom’s interior.

Custom-crafted crystal chandeliers, elaborate moldings and wall

As for culinary pleasures, expect no less than exquisite gastronomic offerings. Sleek interactive buffet stations blend with the interiors of the hotel, providing restaurant quality food and a la minute style of service to banquet functions – a new concept in food service. Guests can collaborate with the hotel’s master chefs in designing authentic and tailor made menus for their events, adding that personal touch to a distinctive epicurean experience.

For inquiries, please call the Events Information Center at 632 813 8888 ext. 74352 or email events.slm@shangri-la.com.

From

Karama to

Marina

© Philip Lange | Dreamstime.com

36 FEATURE

Pinoy Expats get better housing options as rents go down Words by Sherry Tenorio

The cost of living in a posh city like Dubai is reportedly higher than in other developed metros in the world and with the skyrocketing rents of recent years, Filipinos have had to live on extreme “sharing” basis in the acknowledged Pinoy enclaves of Karama, Satwa and Deira. But with the impact of economic slowdown and the current real estate glut leading to reduced rents and more flexible lease terms in certain areas in the emirates, a shift to the more appealing new areas of the Discovery Gardens, International City, even the upmarket Jumeirah Lake Towers (JLT) and Dubai Marina district seems increasingly accessible to many Filipinos.

Living Downtown In Dubai, Filipinos are known to populate three main areas: Karama, Satwa and Deira. Imagine this: Karama, if compared to a city in Metro Manila, would be similar to Quiapo or Recto. It even has a shopping area almost like the famous Divisoria. Wheras, Deira is Sampaloc and Bur Dubai is Quezon City. Satwa, because of its crowded districts and old villas, is somehow the same as Tondo.

Apart from the lower rent in previous years as well as the sharing type accommodation available, these are the areas closest to business serving the Pinoy market, as well as the major downtown shopping areas – hence the concentration of Filipinos.

For an OF like Grace Guino, a photographer from a media company, Karama is still the most affordable place in Dubai that is conducive to her needs. She does not want to venture to the International City or Discovery Gardens because these are “very far from the city proper, and I don’t have a car.” She is not considering transferring as

well as she does not have any relative or close friends who can share a studio with her. So, Grace remains to live in a room with five other Filipinos.

On the other hand, Rafael Valencia, an art director, lives with his family in Satwa while Jim Joquico, an editor in a PR firm, stays with his family in Karama. Both have decided to maintain their flats because they already pay lesser compared to the recent market values. Both of their families got sizeable flats in those districts a long time ago, when Dubai’s rents were still quite reasonable. Besides, they have their flat all to themselves and do not have to share it with other tenants.

The various stories of the Pinoys in the said districts actually provide color to the picture of the eclectic metropolis. Come to think of it, Dubai is not going to be the same without the Pinoys walking around the streets of Karama, Satwa and Deira.

FEATURE 37

The Other Side The “new Dubai” area which includes The Gardens, Discovery Gardens, and the upmarket JLT and Dubai Marina, offer flats that are comparatively like those in Eastwood, Rockwell and The Fort.

Though the Dubai counterparts are far from the city proper and are closer to the industrial Jebel Ali Free Zone, they have better amenities, tighter security and, most of all, a better lifestyle and exclusivity. Sharing a one-bedroom flat with ten people is simply not allowed here. Of course, a price has to be paid for these benefits. The price used to be high – unreasonable to most – but is now attainable to most professional Pinoys in the emirates.

They ended up renting a studio at Discovery Gardens, having found a good deal with the falling rental rates. Now, they pay monthly rent which is almost the same as what he used to pay for his room in Deira.

Also, transportation around the area has improved significantly with the newly opened Dubai Metro. Ibn Battuta Mall is very near while West Zone supermarket which sells Filipino products recently opened. What’s more, Lee says he doesn’t have to rush in the shared bathroom and kitchen anymore.

Darwin Tiambeng, a retail project architect, had a similar experience.

He was living in staff accommodations in Karama when the company gave them a choice to live outside the employee housing. He is now renting a studio at Discovery Gardens with his friends, and is very happy with the decision. He used to wake up early in the mornings to catch his company bus to their Jebel Ali office. While in the evenings,

© Imaani1000 | Dreamstime.com

Lee Candeliria, a booker at a modeling agency, lived in Deira when he arrived in Dubai almost 18 months ago. At that time, rents were on an all-time high so he chose to rent a room with three other friends, sharing the flat with eight other Pinoys. Last February, the landlord notified them of an increase in rent. Lee and his friends weighed their options – they could stay in the same flat and bear the increase, or find another room in Bur Dubai, Karama or Satwa, or move to International City or the Discovery Gardens.

especially when he worked ‘overtime,’ he would fork out AED100 for taxi fare to Karama. Now, he enjoys more relaxed mornings and paying lesser to taxis.

38 FEATURE On the other hand, Bong Castro, a credit card sales executive, lived in Satwa for most of her Dubai stay. But, she got tired of sharing a flat with so many people. Luckily, she found a room at Dubai Marina for only AED4,000 per month and shared it with her cousin. Bong says that you just have to be rigorous in looking since there are a number of good offers out there. Now, she enjoys the beach near Jumeirah Beach Residences, the upscale living with free pool and gym.

According to Ethel Caparas, who works in a radio station, “there is nothing better than having your own space.” Ethel believes that the comfort of living with only a roommate is worth every penny. She has been living at the International City for the past two years and has witnessed the growth in the area.

Both Sides Now Looking for a suitable flat or room in Dubai is not as difficult as it used to be a year ago. These days, agents are more flexible with terms and are more willing to give better options. Scouring the ads over the net and the newspapers, it is now common to find a 2-bedroom flat

“New Dubai” Residents Rose Dalocanog The Gardens I used to live in Al Qusais and the commute to and from work in Internet City was horrendous! I used to spend three hours on the road because of the traffic and I’d be totally beaten when I get home. Most days, my routine was work and home because I was too tired in the evenings to even contemplate going out with my friends plus I couldn’t stay up so late because I had to wake up really early again the next morning. If there is any advantage to the economic recession, it is the stabilization of rent here in Dubai. Residents now have more housing options and because of this, I was given the chance to transfer to The Gardens in Jebel Ali for the same price I was paying in Al Qusais.

Now, it only takes 15-20 minutes for me to get to the office and the community being so near Ibn Battuta Mall, everything I need is nearby and very accessible. Most importantly, I really like the fact that our building is just three storeys high and that we live in the second floor; it makes me feel like I’m living in a homey villa instead of a condo.

To top it all, not only have we saved a lot of money for transportation but nothing beats waking up in the morning to the sound of chirping birds instead of construction!

Olay Rullan Dream Tower, Dubai Marina I fell in love with Dubai Marina when my relocation agent picked the Harbour Hotel and Residences as my temporary home for my first month here in Dubai. I have been researching on the places to stay before taking the post that was offered to me so I had a lot of apprehensions on practicing my religion, the ambiance, how to behave and what type of clothes to wear. It turns out checking the place proved it is a good fit for my lifestyle - work hard, play harder.

Here at the Dubai Marina, I have made friends with so many different nationalities. “Clothing rules” do not really apply here. Almost everything is a five to 10 minute commute to my needs – restos, bars, supermarket, open beach, mall, church and office. The place is also commuter friendly - I don’t feel like I’m missing out much with my

at Dubai Marina or JLT, in the same price as its Karama equivalent.

For AED100,000, one can get a 2 bedroom flat with security, parking, gym, pool and sea view in the said areas.

Studios at the Discovery Gardens and International City are priced at AED30,000 per year (while in JLT it is at AED35,000) thus one would pay approximately AED2,500 per month which is even lesser than the rate of renting a room in Satwa, Karama, Deira or Bur Dubai that is in the range of AED3,000 to AED4,000 – with bedspace at AED 700 to AED 900 plus DEWA fees of almost AED100 to AED200.

Noting the mathematics, it is obvious that the prices of renting a studio in Discovery Gardens and taking a room in a flat in Karama do not vary a lot. In fact, the price of living in a not-so-crowded apartment is definitely reasonable. But those eyeing to move, especially those planning to take a flat under their name for the first time, should also take into consideration the other standard flat costs such as security deposit, agency commission fees, water and electricity deposit, TV and internet installation, furniture and appliances, and other necessary costs.

with my choice of not driving. Cabs are a-plenty if I am too lazy to walk and since the bus passenger traffic goes the opposite way, it is congested. Of course, there’s the fantastic view at the beach, the marina and going into the city from my flat. We’re closer to Abu Dhabi and the rents are still going down.

The only bad thing is that it’s a bit of a distance from Pinoy community restos, but when the 2 metro stations at the Marina/JLT area open late this year or early next year, this baddie is gone so I can’t wait!

Uchi Ocampo Discovery Gardens I was a victim of eviction from the villa in Al Garhoud where I lived when I first arrived in Dubai (2007). The villa was very decent; all units had their own bathroom and kitchen, no sharing required. However, we were given 10 days to vacate and I had to scramble for a place to stay. Luckily, I found a good family who took us in on a temporary basis.

Discovery Gardens gave me an affordable solution to having my own home without putting a big dent on my budget. Furthermore, it’s a peaceful, quiet neighborhood with all the basic facilities nearby or merely a short drive away: a shopping mall, cinema, the beach (Marina Walk), church, etc.

I have my own place back home in Paranaque and getting my own place in Dubai allowed me to continue my life here without sacrificing my basic needs for privacy, among other things.

Robert Inigo Discovery Gardens As we all know, the rent went down especially in this area, and it just so happened that this is the nearest place for me and my wife as we work at the Dubai Media City. Compared to our previous place in Ajman, this area is full of life. Most of the tenants are Filipinos and if you want to go and relax, you can walk all the way to Ibn Battuta Mall unlike in Ajman, where there is so much traffic jam all the time. The only bad thing in this area is… nothing. We’re very satisfied, very happy to be here.

40 FEATURE

A Leap of Faith Words by Sherry Tenorio

At a time when interracial marriages have become commonplace within the community, it is perhaps inevitable that a considerable number of Filipinas are involved in relationships that break racial, cultural and even religious barriers – particularly that of marrying Muslim men. And though this is a sign of the Filipina’s growing independence and our continued evolution as a society existing in a multicultural melting pot, it is important to underline that this life-changing choice for the sake of love, is a path fraught with extraordinary challenges requiring extraordinary measures.

C

hristine, a friend in Dubai, is a Catholic who strongly believes in the freedom to choose whom she should love. She found her match in Ghassan, a Muslim Syrian. Theirs is a whirlwind love story which ended up in marriage two months after they met. They got married at an Islamic court in the Philippines, and had a Catholic ceremony in Boracay as well. Now, the couple is based in the Philippines.

Christine did not convert to Islam before getting married. According to her, “We do not have to convert. Muslim men are allowed to marry Christians or Jewish women.” True enough, the Holy Qura’n recognizes “People of the Book” (Christians and Jews) and permits Muslim men to marry women who follow these religions, acknowledging that they will naturally appreciate and respect their husbands’ faith. *Al-Ma’idah 5:5.

As for their children, Christine states, “Ghassan and I agreed that we will expose them to both religions, and we will ask them to choose

their own faith when they grow up.” Ghassan and Christine’s approach to bringing up their children is liberal and quite an exemption to the rule, because in Islam the children should follow their father’s religion. The Qur’an trusts that the non-Muslim woman of the Book will give her children the freedom to follow their father’s faith and will respect their religion. This notion comes as no surprise as even in Christianity, the Holy Bible and the church also asks women to “submit to their husbands.”

Despite non-conversion to Islam, some Filipinas also show sincere recognition of their husband’s faith in other things. Heart Garcia, an administrative assistant at the Dubai Media City who recently married Lebanese Muslim Abdel Jaber, says she wears the traditional Arabic dress “abaya” to show respect for her husband. Heart told us that she is still deliberating whether or not to convert into Islam.

In the meantime, however, she shows her consideration by dressing appropriately and by fasting with her husband during Ramadan.

On the other hand, Abdel allows her to celebrate Christmas and important Catholic traditions. In fact, Islam teaches the Muslim husband to never deny their wives her rights to worship or to observe rituals.

FEATURE 41 Can the couple who have taken on the interracial and interfaith relationship survive the next level of challenges when families and friends come into the bigger picture? In Christine’s case, she received the cold treatment from Ghassan’s family when they announced that they were getting married. On her side, she was shocked that her own parents where unsupportive of the union. It took her a few trips to Syria, before she finally felt that she belonged.

On the other hand, Sameera Jawad, a bank manager and owner of abaya shops, was instantly accepted by her husband’s family. She met her husband-to-be Mustafa when she first arrived in Dubai in 1984. It was love at first sight. Three months later, Mustafa proposed marriage. She accepted, converted into Islam and they got married.

They now have two adolescent children.

Embracing the Religion “It was needed,” Sameera said about converting. “They did not force me to do it; I changed religions because I wanted to,” she continued.

She was honest enough to admit, however, that even though Mustafa’s family was open-minded compared to more traditional Emirati families, the couple felt that they would be more accepted if she became a Muslim. Sameera also added, “Di mo kasi ma-feel yung Islam pag wala ka sa community. Since nakakasama ko na nga ay mga Muslim, nakita ko na mabuti yung patakaran nila.”

Acceptance was not one-sided, though. According to Sameera, her family readily accepted her decision to convert and change her name.

“Hindi naman ako nahirapan. Naintindihan agad nila yung decision ko.” Her sister, who followed her to Dubai, also converted to Islam. Now, whenever they visit the Philippines, her family would be respectful enough not to prepare dishes made out of pork.

Sameera declares that she is happy to comply with the rules of Islam – even with the possibility that marriage could be polygamous. She remarked, “Pinasok ko ito, inalam ko ang pinasok ko, kaya dapat tanggapin ko.” Fortunately, Sameera still remains the only wife. In case her husband should get another spouse, Sameera says, “Selos, natural lang yun. But, I really accept him and the religion, so tiis na lang siguro if ever, alam ko naman yun mga kasulatan eh.” On the other hand, she was frank to reveal that the marriage is going strong for almost three decades now because of her patience and tolerance.

“There are various misconceptions about the husband’s capability of marrying up to four wives,” Sameera pointed out that the Muslim husband can only do that if he has the capacity to support the wives equally in all terms. However, this is not the only popular misconception which is plaguing Islam.

Brother Ustad Amir, Director of Abu Bakr Siddique Islamic Center, recommends that Filipinos come to the center to be educated on Islam, whatever their reasons are. Abu Bakr Siddique Islamic Center, a product of the charitable couple Filipina Nadia Abdul Samad and Abdul Samad Ali Khalil Juma, is dedicated to teaching Islamic studies and the Arabic language. The non-profit center which currently has about 120 students was licensed by Dubai government since 2003, but apparently, as early as the mid 80’s seminars were already being given by Filipino-Muslims.

The centre helps interested individuals to be enlightened about the religion and learn the language which is relevant to studying Islam. Brother Amir remarks, “Islam is not Muslim, Muslim is not Islam.” He says he has gathered from various instances that the core misinterpretation of the religion comes from the fact that Islam is

judged based on its people and not on its teachings.

A constant visitor of the center, Sister Aida found Islam when she was still single – in 1986, while working as a nurse at the Dubai Hospital.

Her Muslim friends opened her eyes to the religion and she saw that Islam was meant for her. She eventually decided to convert.

Her husband, Brother Hassan, was like her; he too converted when he was single and in search of a way of life that would fit his values.

Brother Hassan said, “I was already exposed to the religion when I was in Saudi Arabia. Then, when I transferred here to Dubai, I found the centre and learned more about it.” He concluded, “Maligaya kami kung maibabahagi namin sa kapwa Filipino yung mga pagbabago sa buhay namin nung kami ay maging Muslim.”

Keeping the Faith Marriage, in every culture and religion, requires deep consideration, so much so if it is of an interfaith and interracial nature which comes with a unique set of challenges. Choosing to spend the rest of your life with a Muslim may be a daunting thought at first. For women of faith, for which conversion is not a must, it is important to remember that whether you become a Muslim someday or not, you are still going to live with a Muslim husband, raise Muslim kids and live within a system of unfamiliar values. But armed with the right awareness and understanding of the religion and the way of life it commands, open-mindedness and the willingness to adjust, as well as assistance from those who have gone through this path before, it is not impossible to find happiness and fulfillment in such a challenging lifelong commitment.

44 SUCCESSFUL PINOY SUCCESS PRINCIPLES

Target of Success: Serving with your Heart and Hands Words by Jeffrey ‘Ximo’ Ramos

Kumusta sis and bro? Apektado ka rin ba ng bagyong Ondoy?

I was preparing my article for this month’s issue when I saw the terrible news on typhoon Ondoy which flooded major areas in the Philippines causing havoc to the entire nation. It made me wonder what to write...

Business, dreams, finances, career, fitness - all these are part and parcel of that big thing we call ‘success.’ But seeing the two to three stories high flood waters in the metro, the countless lives lost and properties destroyed, people on top of roofs watching their dreams being washed away, I guess, the best time to discuss another aspect of your success is now.

Let us talk about your contribution to the community.

Ready ka na…go!

Alam mo ba kung bakit ka nakakatanggap ng biyaya? Bakit ka may kamay na nakakapagsulat, bibig na nakakapagsalita, mga paa para makapaglakbay? Bakit ka nabiyayaan ng sasakyan; ng isang bahay o negosyong pinagkakakitaan?

Ready ka na bang tumulong sa iba? May pera ka na bang extra? Kahit na maliit na bagay puwede kang maka-contribute sabi nga.

By this time, this premise should be in your mind, “that you can only give what you have.” Kaya start by checking yourself, “ano ang meron ako ngayon na puwede ko nang maibahagi rin sa ngayon.”

Kung wala ka pang pera, you have your talent.

Kung wala kang talent, you have your time.

Kaya meron ka lagi - you are ready to serve now!

Cars floating like leaves on gushing water

Smile to produce more smiles You are given charm not only to ego trip but to utilize it...so that others can open their hearts to you.

-Pastor Ed Lapiz, Author and Preacher We have discussed health, fitness and beautification sometime back. Again, this is good. But remember, that this is not for you alone. You were given charm, so that people can open their hearts to you. Charisma is a gift - use it. Communicate with people who are troubled and confused. Listening is as effective as talking. Be a ‘trusted sponge.’

You are free to serve…now

My jaws dropped when I saw cars ramming at each other as they floated in the raging floods.

Yes, we want to own cars, bikes, houses and properties - wanting is good.

But remember sis and bro, that when you receive the keys to these blessings, they are not only for you to enjoy but for others to be blessed with, as well. May sasakyan ka di lamang para maka galaw from one place to another but for you to carry people who are walking under the heat of the sun or on a rainy day. (Ano ba naman iyong isakay mo yung mag-inang nanay at batang babae? Di naman sila siguro mukhang holdaper). You have a house or a flat not only for you to rest in but for you to invite people for fellowship – a place to share ideas in.

The blessings you receive are a means to free you. The eye glasses or contact lenses you are wearing are there improve your eye sight; the job you have provides for your needs; everything that you have frees you to serve better anytime, anywhere for anyone.

So, what are you doing with your freedom?

Baka kasi bawiin lang ito at maalisan ka muli ng kalayaan. Baka pumangit ka lang naman; or malumpo ka or mawala ang iyong pinag hirapan.

The ananayas-safaira syndrome Masagana ang mag asawang Ananayas at Safaira sa kanilang lugar. Ibinenta nila ang kanilang ari-arian upang ibigay sa biktima ng

SUCCESS PRINCIPLES SUCCESSFUL PINOY 45

bagyo. Ngunit nagkasundo sila na ilihim ang tunay na pinabentahan - nagtabi sila ng bahagi para sa kanilang sarilli.

Nang tanungin ng pinuno si Ananayas, sinabi niya na iyon lang ang benta. At kamangha mangha na sinabi ng pinuno, bakit ka nagsinungaling sa Ispiritong Banal? Dahil dito, si Ananayas ay nawalan ng hininga at namatay.

Dumating ang kanyang asawa na tinanong rin ng Pinuno, totoo ba na ito lang ang pinagbentahan ninyong magasawa? ‘’Oo ang sagot ni Safaira. “Bakit ganuon, nagkasundo kayo na magsinungaling sa Diyos? At kagaya ni Ananaias, si Safayra ay bumagsak at wala na ring buhay.

When you cheat you cheat God, “a part of you dies.”

Akala mo lang na nakalusot ka. Pero pansin mo, ang daming di magandang nangyayari sa iyo, lalo ka lang gumagastos at hindi mo na i-enjoy ang iyong nakupit. Kaya when you give, make it clear and transparent. Linawin ninyo at sabihin ang intention ng puso.

1St help! 2Nd help! 3Rd help!

“The only time to look down on your neighbor is when you are bending over to help.”

- Anonymous – Kung may hihingi sa iyo ng tulong, agad, agad mo bang tutulungan? We should know why and how we should help.

1st Help. We help – for immediate assistance and relief. Sabi nga – “aanhin pa ang damo kung patay na ang kabayo?”

Laging isipin na sa pagtulong sa komunidad, ang layunin ay hindi lang para pawiin ang pangangailangan kundi para magbigay ng ng inspirasyon para ang iba naman ang makapamahagi ng tulong sa darating na panahon. Sa kanilang pag-ahon, sila naman ang magbibigay.

kung nagkataon nga na sa iba napunta ang iyong ibinigay, Diyos na ang bahala sa kanila.

Ngunit ikaw na sumunod sa magandang hangarin ng iyong puso ay may gantimpala sa Kanya. Dahil sinunod mo ang kanyang utos – nakita mo Siya sa mga taong iyong tinulungan.

Ask your heart: to give or not to give?

Tweet, blog, email, text inspiring messages

To give or not to give, that is the question?

Tulungan agad ang nasa mahigpit na pangangailangan. Ang tunay na kahulugan ng pagtulong – there is no need for anything in exchange. Real charity is done out of love and concern towards one another.

2ND Help. We help – so people can help themselves. May pera ka? Bigyan mo sila ng puhunan. Turuan at suportahan.

Ang tunay na pagtulong ay hindi panandalian lamang. The needy should know that when you help them, they should help themselves as well. It is not enough for them to be given food to eat or a house to live in. They should know how to stand again.

3rd Help. We help – for them to help others.

Sa bagyong nagdaan marami sa atin ang naantig puso upang tumulong. Ngunit nuong bumubunot na sa bulsa, ang iba nagkakaruon na ng agam-agam.

“Magbibigay ba ako? Baka naman di ito makarating? Naku, ibubulsa lang ito ng organizers, gimmick lang nila ito..huwag na nga lang.”

Sabi ko nga, kung gusto mong magbigay, magbigay ka na. Walang tanung tanung.

Walang agam agam. Walang negative thought na umiikot sa iyong isip. Dapat puso mo ang nagsasabi at ito ay nagagalak. Kapag may duda ka, huwag ka ng magbigay.

God knows our motive when we give. Kaya

At kung hindi mo man kayang tumulong… you can still call, blog, tweet, email or send messages that can comfort, motivate and inspire the needy.

Wala nang sisihan. Wala nang angalan. May panahon para sa pag-alam kung ano ang gagawin sa susunod, ngunit hindi sa panahong nanganagilang na ang lahat.

46 SUCCESSFUL PINOY SPIRITUALITY

Creating Happy Relationships Words by : Bo Sanchez

y

ou need to learn responsibility,” my wife told my son. “If you take care of your potted plant, we’ll know if you can take care of a pet dog.”

The logic was superb. But for some reason, my son wasn’t too happy. My wife pinched me, indicating that it was now my turn to tell my son something. Anything. (I’m very adept in the language of pinchywoo. It’s an ancient dialect where people spoke to each other by pinching.)

In pinchywoo language, my wife wanted me to tell my son that he had to accept the fact that he’ll be the only boy in the entire galaxy that’ll have a potted plant for a pet. Isn’t that cool?

I had to think of something, fast. And eureka, my brilliant mind remembered a profound philosophical insight from an ancient source. I quoted Barney, the purple dinosaur. “Just imagine, just imagine!” I pointed to the plant and said, “Imagine this is a dog.

Let’s call him a name. I suggest Ruff.”

My son’s jaw dropped.

“Ruff is very unique,” I went on, “He doesn’t bark. He doesn’t eat.

He doesn’t poop. He doesn’t walk. He doesn’t lick your face with saliva…” “Uh…maybe because it’s not a dog?” my son interrupted my creativity. “Shhh. Don’t say that,” I whispered, “The plant may hear you…”

“I don’t get it,” my son said. “The plant has to think it’s a dog too.”

His eyes rolled up to the ceiling. “Son, you only have to do one thing.

You have to water it, every day.” “Sure, Dad,” my son intoned with the great excitement and enthusiasm and zest of a…potted plant.

My little boy wanted a pet dog.

But my wife doesn’t like dogs.

So we gave him a potted plant instead. I know. We sound cruel, but that’s not true. We even regularly disinfect the torture chambers in our basement.

Soon, he forgot about watering his pet plant. He found it boring.

Hmm, I wonder why. And in a few weeks, Ruff the potted plant died. We didn’t bury him. After all, it wasn’t really a dog.

Water Your Relationships with Love Do you want to have happy relationships? Your relationships are just like plants.

You need to water them daily or they die. For relationships, their water is love.

If you don’t give your relationships enough time, or attention, or respect, or kindness—all of which are expressions of love—they too will die. Happy relationships don’t just happen. You make them happen.

How do you create happy relationships? Here is the secret: Deliberately nurture them. The key word is “deliberate”.

I know of husbands and wives who live under one roof but whose hearts are so far apart, you’d think one lives in Venus and the other in Mars. (Hmm, why does that sound so familiar?) I know of parents and kids who no longer connect at a deep level—because they’re not deliberate in nurturing their relationship. All the happy people I know in this world are fantastic experts in building happy relationships. No exceptions.

I want to share with you four powerful ways of creating happy relationships in your life.

1) Create Patterns of Connection

SPIRITUALITY SUCCESSFUL PINOY 47

Spending time with each other must be a pattern—or it won’t happen.

You can’t say, “When I have free time, I’ll play with my kids” or “Whenever my schedule lightens up, I’ll date my spouse”. Believe me, they’ll never happen. My wife and I set aside Tuesday night for our weekly date night. Nothing touches that sacred time. This is what “Create Patterns” means. I don’t accept any speaking engagements or place any of my meetings on Tuesday nights. This isn’t easy. I lead nine non-profit organizations, three of which are international. I also run a few small businesses. For over ten years now, my wife and I have been faithful to our Tuesday nights.

And for my kids? On Monday mornings, I have a yummy breakfast with my eldest son Bene. We go out and grab pancakes and omelets together. We talk about life and how to conquer the world. For my four-year old son, we don’t have dates. He doesn’t appreciate them yet. But what he does appreciate is that we go biking together every morning. Correction: He bikes and I run beside him breathless.

Patterns don’t just happen. I make them happen regularly—or they don’t happen at all. But creating Patterns of Connection isn’t enough. You need to determine the quality of these connections…

2) Be Kind I know. Boring, right?

Some of you may be asking, “Bo, can you be a little bit more sophisticated? Call kindness something else. Invent a big word.”

Okay, I can play that game. If you want to be happy, enlarge your psychoneuralsensitivity and affective-interpersonalization skills…”

Nah. Solutions are simple.

Friends, do you want to have happy relationships? Be kind.

Oh, if only husbands become kind to their wives—and vice versa—a lot of marriages will be saved. And if only parents become kind to their kids—and vice versa—a lot of families will become great again.

Yes, I’m talking about old-fashioned kindness! To speak with respect; to be courteous; to show affection (hugs); to give affirmation; to be gentle; to serve in the little things; to smile and delight when you see them; to encourage.

3) Give Priority on People over Money As I write this, there are many rich people who are dying on their death beds, surrounded by their millions, but their heart are hungry for love — and they find none. Friends, there are some things more important than money.

Question: Does this mean that you can’t be wealthy?

I’ve seen many people who’re very kind to visitors and friends— speaking to them with great gentleness. They smile at them. They make them comfortable. And yet these very kind and respectful people will turn around and scream at their own family members!

All of sudden, they’ll be rude, selfish, and uncommunicative.

If you want to create happy relationships, make a decision to be kind to everyone - your family members included.

How many times do you say, “I love you” to your parents? (Answer?

Daily!)

How many times do you hug your kids? (Answer: Many times a day!)

How many times do you praise your spouse? (Answer: 7x a day!)

Show kindness everyday!

The next principle is equally important…

4) Make Others Successful You can aspire to become a millionaire. But there’s something more important than becoming a millionaire: To become a millionairemaker.

If people are more important than money, you don’t want to be rich alone. You can’t. It’s against your identity and your core values. So you take others with you in this journey towards true wealth. You take you partners, your employees, your friends, and your family.

You’re not greedy. You give the people you love the opportunity to make their millions too. You want to share your wealth.

This is the greatest success you can achieve: When you help others become successful. Go!

48 ILLUSTRADO PROFILE

ten years of global practice and his new found expertise, Medardo established Cadiz International in Singapore.

Medardo Cadiz

Rising Above the Challenges Words by Sherry Tenorio

Armed with a strong global design perspective and commendable professionalism, Architect Medardo Cadiz led his international concept design firm to almost four decades of continued success. Medardo’s perceptive strategies have been shaped by experiences gained in the 80s construction bubble in the United States (US), the late 90s Asian crisis and the recent global economic downturn. In an exclusive interview with Illustrado, he reveals the secrets of his deep-rooted discipline and practical philosophies that allowed him to break foreign grounds.

Early days The Cadiz family moved to the US in the wake of Martial Law. The shift, however, did not come difficult to Medardo, who lived in the US as an exchange student in 1969, two years before the family settled in Michigan. He recalls, “The move was a turning point that defined what I wanted to do in the future. In the Philippines, it was difficult to learn the art of being independent. In the US, I learned to do everything on my own.”

After securing an Architecture degree from the University of Michigan, Medardo worked in various firms across the US. His global exposure started when he joined the renowned Design International – where his first international assignment sent him to Jakarta. It was then that he realized the importance of a global perspective. He also saw the opportunity in retail planning and the growing niche in mixed-use developments, for which there was a lot of demand in Asia and the Middle East.

His subsequent decision to focus on Asia was a perceptive move since the states was suffering from slowdown. So, using his more than

Cadiz describes his company as “a boutique design firm that only deals with concepts, which come at the forefront of every design.” He explains, “In every project, we prepare and generate a lot of different designs that will be the basis for the local architects. We tell the story, we conceive the idea – how it will all look, how it will all work with the community – and for us to make a good job we have to make a lot of research.

We visit the place learn the culture the people, its politics, and, most of all, the market fundamentals. These are keys to a successful concept because we have to design according to what the market needs. We talk to real estate agents, researchers, and work with people to understand the demographics and how the market will evolve in years to come.”

Since establishing his firm, Medardo was able to gain clients’ respect that ultimately led to well-built partnerships in different parts of the world. His ties to Dubai started when the company worked on the renovation of Al Ghurair Centre and the building of BurJuman (Tower 1).

However, when Singapore was hit with the Asian crisis in 1998 Medardo had to rethink operations. He said, “We needed to retreat and rebuilt. That tested my character – to stand up again and strategize better.” For almost two years the company lay low and cut back employment, then eventually relocated to the Philippines.

Strengthening operations in Manila paved the way for simultaneous works in his international offices based in the US (Seattle) and Australia (Brisbane). In 2006, riding on the construction boom in Dubai, Cadiz International moved to the emirates gaining not only clients in the UAE, but also around the world.

Now, despite the current global economic crisis and the local construction slowdown, Cadiz International is still working for a number of projects across 14 countries. Medardo says, “Because of the lessons we learned from 1998, we are surviving this downturn very well.”

So, what is the company’s secret to surviving the ongoing crisis?

Medardo explains, “The very first element is flexibility. The second important thing is to be able to create strategies and, as we have learned during the Asian crisis, client relationship is also very important. You should be able to nurture clients in a way that when crisis happens they don’t look upon you as a vendor; they look at you as a friend, a partner to help each other.”

ILLUSTRADO PROFILE 49

Uptown Yerevan, Yerevan, Armenia

On Being Filipino As an extraordinary Filipino owning and leading an international architectural concept design firm Medardo says that nationality was never a hindrance to success, “In the US, I learned that competence is based on ability, not nationality. When we came to Dubai we were able to exceed clients’ expectations, which I think is the foreground, so being a Filipino is not an issue.”

However, Medardo also recalls an event during his early days in Asia, where his first time to represent his own firm became a learning incident. He recounts, “I arrived in Jakarta with three of my staff; two were Australian and one American. As we walked through to the clients, I could see in my peripheral view that they were focusing on the towering Caucasians with me. I thought to myself that they would have presumed that they were the principals and I was just the support. I did not even mind when they offered to carry their bags but not mine. But, when we exchanged business cards inside the car, they realized they made a huge mistake when they read the words CEO on my card. They did not say anything to save face but shifted the focus of discussion to me the entire night. The following day, their secretary sent a message of apology.”

Medardo certainly acquired a more global perspective with his ability to shrug off such occurrences. He professes national pride but says he did not believe in labeling himself or his company Filipino. Moreso, Medardo encourages Filipinos here in the UAE “to professionally bear with other nationalities and socially surround yourself with other nationalities – that is how you can evolve as international people”.

Present and Future “Because we were able to nurture clients, in such a way that we have become very close as partners in business, when the crisis hit Dubai, we did not have to make terrible adjustments apart from lessening the staffing and skewing the projects from being mega to many small ones,” Medardo explained the current situation of his company.

He said, “Because of the previous holidays the slowdown will persist.

The beginning of 2010 will gain cautious confidence but it will only be in the second quarter when people will start investing, and banks will be lending that the market will pick-up. In fact, I am preparing

50 ILLUSTRADO PROFILE

Medardo Cadiz and his family

my staff for this possible good change. As to construction, we need at least three years to fully recover.”

Although some of the firm’s jobs were delayed, they are still on the move. Some of their present projects include huge developments like the Manar Mall and Al Hamra Centre in Ras Al Khaimah (RAK), the Uptown Yerevan in Armenia, Lausanne Golf Village in Kyrgyztan, to name a few. Cadiz International, apart from specializing in mixed-use developments, is now offering master planning service that Medardo finds great positioning.

In the next five years, Medardo says he’s looking forward to the succession of talents in his company as well as expanding his operations from 14 to 20 countries around the world. Currently, he is reinforcing the firm’s human resources by adding a new breed of talents which will include an English and German staff in the coming months.

“I would like to think that I am easy to work with,” said Medardo.

The man behind the towering buildings in countries across the globe reflected on his leadership style. He shared that he was not the usual Filipino business head who loves to be called “boss.” Staff call him by his first name and that has promoted a more open relationship, leading to creativity in his firm. He observes, “The open doors in my office paved the way to more ideas. I do not care if it is mediocre or a great idea. My job is to help turn that idea to a greater one.”

Lakeside Residence Tower

The Cadiz International Team

MAN ON TOP

52 FASHION

Master of my own universe Captain of my ship At the top of my game

Sophisticated classics turn into absolute imperatives when looking like a winner is more than just about attitude.

Photography: Filbert Kung and Glenn Peter Perez of Blackfox Photography Model: Ariel Atendido PMAP Make Up: Paolo Maranan for Paul and Joe Hair: Emar for L’oreal Styling: Mike de Guzman and George Palmiano of MGP Style Shot on location at the Makati Shangri-La Hotel Presidential Suite.

FASHION 53

Black suit by Anthony Nocom, black long-sleeved shirt by Jeff Rogador, black satin necktie by Onesimus and black textured leather shoes by Salvatore Mann

54 FASHION

On Mikee: Black double-breasted jacket with leather belt by Randy Ortiz; checkered slim trousers by Folded & Hung; black leather shoes - model’s own; aviator shades - stylists’ own On Daniel: Black blazer by Terranova Man; black polka-dotted polo, red plaid necktie, white slim canvass belt, all by Folded & Hung; black trousers by Solo; gray sneakers by Wade On Crisenda: Blue short dress and black slim belt by blazer, flat-front trousers and white buttonFreeway;Black black slim-fit double-breasted coat by Ensembles; downby shirt all byPalmiano; Onesimus; silver earrings George red textured printed leather shoes by Salvatore Mann; black belt and silver watch, model’s own; espadrilles by Janylin; bangles and ring - stylists’ own silver necklace, stylists’ own

FASHION 55

On Daniel: Black knitted V-neck top by Folded & Hung; black bubble vest by Terranova Man; black pants by Solo; white beltjacket with silver trim and patenttrousers shoes by Wade; Black motorcycle matched withblack flat-front shades - stylists’

by People R People; white semi-pointedaviator leather shoes by own Salvatore Mann; silver necklace, stylists’ own

56 FASHION

On Mikee: Brown blazer and choco brown cotton twill pants

by Randy Ortiz with red knitted V-neck top by Folded & Hung; checkered newsboy hat by Terranova; white leather flats by Wade; brown shawl - stylists’ own On Melissa: Mocha jumpsuit by Tango topped by black double breasted coat by Ensembles; black leather gloves by Calliope; black patent wedges with wooden heels by Sapato Manila; wooden belt and wooden dangling earrings by George Palminiano; black fisherman’s hat and blue slim belt by Folded & Hung

FASHION 57

Gray fedora hat, black button-down shirt with gray plaid trousers, all by People R People

58 FASHION

On Melissa: Khaki hunchback dress by Mich Dulce at Myth; fuchsia pink opaque tights by Freeway; brown flat rider boots by Janylin; straw hat and wooden bangles - stylists’ own On Mikee: Charcoal black blazer with red top stitch, with charcoal gray tuxedo pants in herringbone, and checkered dress shirt all by Randy Ortiz; striped bowtie

by Folded & Hung; black leather shoes by Wade Mao-collared beaded Barong Tagalog by Nono Palmos; black trousers

by Anthony Nocom; black textured leather shoes by Salvatore Mann

FASHION 59 On Mikee: Black double-breasted jacket with leather belt by Randy Ortiz; checkered slim trousers by Folded & Hung; black leather shoes - model’s own

Black pinstriped suit by Anthony Nocom matched with dress shirt by People R People and black satin necktie by Onesimus; black textured leather shoes by Salvatore Mann; black leather belt, model’s own

60 FASHION

On Mikee: Brown blazer and choco brown cotton twill pants

by Randy Ortiz with red knitted V-neck top by Folded & Hung; checkered newsboy hat by Terranova; white leather flats by Wade; brown shawl - stylists’ own On Melissa: Mocha jumpsuit by Tango topped by black double breasted coat by Ensembles; black leather gloves by Calliope; black patent wedges with wooden heels by Sapato Manila; wooden belt and wooden dangling earrings by George Palminiano; black fisherman’s hat and blue slim belt by Folded & Hung

FASHION 61

Black motorcycle jacket matched with flat-front trousers by People R People; white semi-pointed leather shoes by Salvatore Mann; silver necklace, stylists’ own

62 FASHION

Black blazer by Anthony Nocom with white tuxedo shirt and black flat-front trousers by Onesimus; black bowtie from SM Department Store; black textured leather shoes

by Salvatore Mann; black leather belt, model’s own

FASHION 63 On Mikee: Black double-breasted jacket with leather belt by Randy Ortiz; checkered slim trousers by Folded & Hung; black leather shoes - model’s own

64 FASHION

On Crisenda: Blue short dress and black slim belt by Freeway; black double-breasted coatsuit

by Ensembles; silver earrings by with dress shirt by Black pinstriped

by Anthony Nocom matched People Rred People andespadrilles black satinbynecktie Onesimus; George Palmiano; printed Janylin;bybangles and black textured leather ring - stylists’ ownshoes by Salvatore Mann; black leather belt, model’s own

FASHION 65

SHOP GUIDE Anthony Nocom - available at Menswear Section of SM Deparment Stores nationwide Onesimus - SM City North EDSA, SM Megamall, SM Mall of Asia, also available at Menswear Section of SM Department Stores nationwide People R People - The Podium, SM Megamall, Robinsons Galleria, Robinsons Place Manila, Glorietta 4, Trinoma, SM Mall of Asia Jeff Rogador – contact +63 915 787 9399 Salvatore Mann - available at SM Department Stores nationwide

66 STYLEMONGER

Living up to

Louis Vuitton Words by Butz Fuentes

So you’ve splashed on that icon of a brand. But do you deserve to don the world’s most coveted monogram? Really, who’s wearing who?

I

n retail therapy, having a Louis Vuitton signifies success...“success made flesh”; a self indulgence to those who have “arrived,” conjuring up a vision of extravagance and a posh lifestyle. Buying a Louis Vuitton is about buying dreams.

There’s no denying the social status and recognition the venerable monogram represents. Owning a piece of desire in a name that exudes wealth and sophistication is often self-obsessed and egoistic in nature.

But if you think for a second that an LV slung over your shoulder or arm endows you instant class – think again. Because when it comes to such a prestigious brand like this - you gotta deserve it, dahling!

A bag to die for Iconic and legendary, it is one of the most recognizable brands in the world. Sold at high-end official outlets, it commands high price in luxurious leather goods, ready to wears, shoes, trunks and accessories. Louis Vuitton speaks class, elegance and style. Made from the finest materials and crafted to perfection, it costs a fortune.

The beauty and durability of LV screams for possession – an ultimate seduction to spend a disgusting amount of money just to own one.

Saving to purchase your dream Damier or Monogram Speedy or Messenger bag - did guilt occupy your brain? And just maybe, did the thought of laying your hands on the most coveted brand actually massage potion to your ego?

Will you exude “that feeling” when you wear an LV, shoulders pronounced, hips to the side and lips in an instant pout, showing off to the world that you have impeccable sense of style and taste? Or will you nonchalantly brush off the attention you get (pretend that you don’t care) when you casually carry your LV Neverfull bag? Or will you scream self-advertisement when you hold your LV Limited Edition? Of course not! But oh, the dilemma!

It takes one to know one To be considered a true Louis Vuitton devotee, one needs more than just merely holding or wearing the bag. Do you have the attitude to establish the splendor of having a Vuitton? The big Q is - is it you carrying a Louis Vuitton or is it Louis Vuitton carrying you, for fashion’s sake!

Would you consider a faux LV Eva bag, which costs roughly a quarter than the original tag, a good buy? A nice little replica of the true Eva? It’s a fashion mortal sin! Fake LVs pay little attention to details and have horrible quality. Pay heed too, because these “poor pretenders” will get you in trouble, not to mention bring red-faced shame-shame, if you have the impertinence, even cluelessness, of travelling with them to countries that don’t tolerate fake goods. Because beyond Greenhills and Karama, these babies are not all that welcome, honey!

Luxury will always come with great responsibility. It is easy to recognize the distasteful flaunt of wealth - buying niche opulence to vulgarly display a can-buy-it-all attitude. There are those who barrage malls and cafés with LV so unashamedly loud and pugnacious. I totally abhor this kind of ignorance.

Especially those who wear chalice dusters in prints with slippers and carry LV putting the BAG to shame - it begs for justice.

You just can’t roam around unfashionable and expect to acquire instant style just by wearing the brand. Leave the bag alone and carry better a bayong! Match to match.

Educate yourself; hire a personal stylist to elevate your fashion aesthetics. Reinvent. Bring out a new you.

True blue LVholics have an aura of elan and sophistication. Once LV touches their arms and shoulder, they are transformed to divas and celebrities with the fashion savoir-faire to match.

“It is a part of my fashion diet” says Francis Izhcka Zeta, a fashion stylist at JCK Couture in Sheik Zayed Road. A rabid brand addict, he possesses a Damier Graphite Messenger, a classic LV Monogram bag, a LV Neverfull, wallet, shoes and scarves aside from his Pradas, Guccis, Ferragamos, Diors and Balenciagas and wears his brands skillfully with the savvy of a fashion snob.

A new entrant to the LV Club is Ralph Ramirez, a boutique owner in Sharjah who indulged on a set of bags in Paris recently, reinventing himself totally by ditching a dull and boring wardrobe of the past to a smarter and of-the-moment Dolce and Gabbana type befitting his new acquisitions. Another fashion savvy LV carrier is Valentino Taguba, a fashion designer in Dubai who matches the haughty brand with his exciting style sense expressed in smart casuals and a great attitude.

Truly, “LVliciousness” is not just about what you carry but how you carry it.

A healing journey WELLN ES S • rejuve • recove ry

Deficiencies and congestion are the root cause of all physical, mental and emotional dysfunctions.

Deficiencies prevent the body from operating optimally in sustaining its functions. Blockages impede the body from eliminating substances toxic and damaging to it. The elimination of deficiencies and blockages at the physical, mental and emotional level restores absolute health. The elimination of deficiencies and blockages must be accomplished according to the laws of nature, not by coercing the body for the purpose of producing temporary effects or the mere relief of symptoms without regard for the root cause.

• We believe in the body’s inherent ability to heal itself and maintain a healthy functioning state.

• We believe disease is preventable and curable, naturally.

• We believe detoxification regiments are highly effective tools in rejuvenation and restoring health.

• We believe proper nutrition must be based on raw food and may or may not include cooked foods and animal protein.

Physical, mental and emotional ailments are the cumulative result of our own actions and lifestyle and the disregard for the laws of nature. We create who we are: what we think, what we say, what we do are all ultimately what we become: healthy or ill, happy or unhappy. Disease is not external to us. We do not catch diseases: we do not catch a cold, nor do we catch diabetes, cancer, and hypertension. The doctor does not fix us. Each one of us is the ground on which colds, diabetes cancer, hypertension and other ailments develop, and each one of us has the inherent capability of nurturing our body to health.

The Farm, provides the environment, guidance and support you need to nurture your health and well-being.

The pillars of our center of excellence are: the effectiveness of our holistic medical therapies • the pureness of our cuisine and nutritional programs • the healing power of our natural environment • the love and care for people offered by our employees.

MANILA OFFICE: The Peninsula Manila, Ground Floor Shops 11 Corner of Ayala and Makati Avenues, 1226 Makati City, The Philippines • Email: info@thefarm.com.ph Telephone: +63 2 884 8074 Fax: +63 2 889 1150 Hotline Number: +63 91888 48080 • www.thefarm.com.ph

68 ILLUSTRADO SCRAPBOOK

A platform for budding Filipino creative talent

Chris Calumberan Chris Calumberan started his career working for production companies in Dubai involving himself in model booking, location scouting and management as well as production for TV commercials and Print Adverts.

As a self-taught photographer, he learned the ropes by assisting mentors specializing in portraits, interiors and food providing him a strong background in general photography.

He found his niche, however, in portraits and fashion where he has established a recognizable style in his works. “I find portraits fulfilling when I am able to personify my subject’s character through my photographs,” Chris says.

Local hobbyists and semi-professionals consider him an inspiration for his willingness to share his talent by offering apprenticeship and mini-workshops.

Illustrado welcomes entries to Illustrado scrapbook from all photography enthusiasts in the Gulf. Please send your highresolution images and mini-profile to illustrado@inbox.com.

ILLUSTRADO SCRAPBOOK 69

Danielle Tan High-flyer Danielle Tan is a hobbyist and an aspiring portrait and fashion photographer. She independently models for, directs, photographs, and digitally processes her own images.

Eden

© Adehughes | Dreamstime.com

70 PINOY PLANET

In a corner of England

Project Eden

Words by Al Manlangit

It is quite unnerving to drive on the left-hand side of the road when all your life you’ve been doing the opposite. That’s how I felt as we threaded our way out of Heathrow airport one sunny, autumn morning. So concentrated was I on looking out for the other traffic coming from the “wrong” side that I missed the exit out of the M25 that ringed London and we were running an hour late when we finally got on the M3 that would take us to Southwest England.

It was a joy to admire the beautiful English countryside as we swept past rolling hills thru Basingstoke, Winchester and Southampton, before making a pit stop for lunch in Dorchester. We were at the halfway point to our final destination along the Cornish coast: St. Austell. Since they put up that Millennium structure called The Eden Project, my feet had itched to get to that place. Cornwall, by itself, is a ruggedly beautiful place bounded by the Atlantic Ocean that gives rise to spectacular cliffs, quiet coves and windswept landscapes. This is the place where pirates and Arthurian legends collide so we were pretty in for an exciting visit.

The Merc A4 ate up the miles like a greyhound and before the day was gone, we made it to Bodmin Moor where we took refuge in Jamaica Inn for the night. The Inn, built in 1750 and featured in Daphne du Maurier’s book of the same title which was made into a movie by Alfred Hitchcock, is a destination by itself. Standing desolately on a slight rise from the highway, it’s not hard to imagine eighteenth century pirates and smugglers staggering from the coast to make merry in the inn’s bar.

We were warmly welcomed, though, by the receptionist who promptly warned us about the in-house ghosts who made strange noises in the middle of the night. This made the wife snuggle closer to me as we

brought our luggage upstairs to one of the cozy rooms with a wooden beamed ceiling. “Why didn’t you find some other accommodation,” she whispered nervously. It didn’t help much that in front of our door was a plaque nailed on the floor that said “On this spot Joss Merly was murdered”! Oh well, after a hearty dinner of steak, kidney pie and a pitcher of beer, we slept soundly. Not even the heavy drumming of the rain pelting the window pane bothered our deep slumber under heavy down comforters.

In the morning, we walked around the grounds admiring the quiet and eerie foggy moorland where sheep grazed and nothing else but a gathering of trees in the distance, undulating grasslands and some boulders existed. After breakfast when the fog lifted, we left - map in hand - to explore some more, driving through narrow, hedgelined lanes passing small villages and interesting stone structures with names like The Cheeswring, The Hurlers and King Arthur’s Quoit - natural stone formations or ancient burial chambers made by prehistoric people. One interesting spot was Dozmary Pool, an ancient lake where, legend has it, Sir Bedivere threw King Arthur’s sword, Excalibur, after he was mortally wounded.

St. Austell was a half hour drive away and we got there through winding roads until we arrived at this surreal lunar landscape. Conceived as an

PINOY PLANET 71 educational global garden, The Eden Project was made of two huge biomes: the Humid Tropics Biome which was 240m long, 110m wide and up to 50m high making it one of the largest greenhouses in the world and the smaller Warm Temperate Biome. The Project, which is owned by the Eden Trust, was conceived as a showcase of the world’s varied plant life in a living, theater-like setting where visitors can walk through - an entertaining and educational experience championing the cause of conservation and interdependence of people and plants. To these ends, Eden embarked on art, science, exhibits and school learning programs to garner support for its baby. Over 2 million people had already visited the place since its opening.

The Humid Tropics was filled with plants and trees from the lush rainforests of South America, Africa, Oceania and Asia while the latter contained plants from the Mediterranean, Australia and California – places where there are hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters. Around these two structures were “farmlands” with apple, barley, tea and lavender planted on the slopes, weaving a tapestry of various shapes and colors. It was quite a stunning sight.

We made our way down the zigzagging road passing by orchards and art installations before reaching the entrance to the large biome. A 3-meter footpath wended its way inside as we passed by bananas, palm trees, mangoes, bamboo, rubber, coffee, cocoa, cashew, kapok and other tropical trees surrounded by various plants found in their natural habitat. There were crops such as rice, sugar, yam and cassava and there was a garden of fruit-bearing trees, herbs and vegetables like pak-choy, cabbage, carrots, beans and upo. One viney, exotic plant in particular with deep red-orange ripened fruits that had people oohing and aahing was the ampalaya!

As the path went higher, closer to the roof’s transparent hexagonal panels, it got hotter

Tropical Forest in the biome

and this was done on purpose to mimic differences in topography. Misters and waterfalls kept the air moist while groundlevel irrigation maintained critical soil moisture. The air, meanwhile, was kept at a temperature between 18-35 degrees C. There was a waterfall at the highest point that cascaded down to a pool below where gigantic lotus plants floated. The sloping path going down was surrounded by different creepers, tubers and assorted vines. A bit of trivia: James Bond’s “Die Another Day” was filmed right here!

Another interesting area was the spice and medicinal forest which grew a host of medicinal plants. Since only a miniscule 5% of rainforest plants have been tested for their medical value, conserving this natural medicinal chest may provide cures for Busy bee sculpture other illnesses. Informative signs abounded describing each plant and we learned quite a lot from their brief annotations.

Our tour ended amidst the cola and chewing gum trees. The cola tree from West Africa with its caffeine-rich seeds provides the flavor of your favorite Coke. Meanwhile, the milky latex, chicle, from the sapodilla tree is the main ingredient of Wrigley’s.

That’s why it’s called Chiclet.

The Temperate Biome wasn’t as spectacular as the Tropics but nevertheless, there were quite a lot of interesting plants as well such as capsicum, bell peppers, maize, cotton, olives, tomatoes, grapes, tobacco, citrus and cork. The landscape was more wild in the sense that the plants lived in a tougher environment due to natural and, to a greater extent, man-made causes - overgrazing, soil erosion and intensive cultivation come to mind.

At the Jamaica Inn

72 PINOY PLANET

© Adehughes | Dreamstime.com

The Cheesewring

Flower garden in the biome Rugged coastline in Land’s End

We learned interesting facts like how the old reputation of tomatoes as an aphrodisiac came from a French mistranslation of pommi de mori (apple of the Moors) to pommi d’amour (apple of love); and that chili extracts are now added to sprays and paints to ward off insects, aquatic mollusks and rats. Do you know why jamon serrano from Iberian pigs is the best among all hams?

Well, they feed on fallen acorns from the cork trees. Cork trees regenerate their barks that are stripped at 9-12 year intervals for up to 200 years. 4,000 corks are produced per strip. Think about that the next time you pop the cork of your favorite champagne.

My favorite part of the biome was the vineyard where Dionysus, the Greeks God of Wine, was depicted as a bull. Also known as Bacchus, he was associated with wine, fertility, festivity and intoxication. Starting out as the god of vegetation, he changed when he started drinking the fermented juices of the vine he was growing. Shown around him in the vineyard were sculptures of figures dancing in wild abandon. Party time!

For two more days we loitered around the area checking out various attractions like the garden of Heligan, the rugged coast in Land’s End, the isolated beaches in Newquay and the picturesque fishing village of Mevagissey. It was a great experience worth the long drive to this small corner of England. As we left, I noted down these words on the wall of Eden’s entrance: Work like you don’t need the money.

Love like you’ve never been hurt.

Dance like nobody’s watching. Sing like nobody’s listening. Live like it’s heaven on earth To that, I said, Amen.

Megavissey fishing village

GLOBETROTTER’s BLOG 73

Every month Illustrado features seasoned travel tips on destinations around the world from Filipino globetrotters based in the Gulf.

Destination:

Checking out the iconic red phone booth

LONDON

The famous Big Ben

Globetrotter: Randi Meneses Guzman What the city known for London is a city of great architectural landmarks.

How to get there I flew with Virgin Atlantic. They had the lowest fare at the time.

Emirates Airlines or British Airways are good options, too.

Where to stay It’s great to stay with a friend if you have one! I stayed with a friend. I can’t suggest any hotel, although I saw a string of hotels we have in Dubai like, Renaissance, Premier Inn, Ibis which were near Heathrow.

It’s best to stay near the tube stations.

Catching a play at the West End

These guards never move!

Must do and must see Must use the tube. Get an Oyster Card - it’s the easiest and most reasonable way to go around. Other “musts” - see all the London landmarks, catch musical plays and visit all the free-entry museums.

Also, visit Bath in Somerset (outside London). Established by the Romans, Bath has great architecture and has lots of charming small stores and restaurants to visit. It’s a great day trip.

The city’s best kept secret It should stay as that - a best kept secret :P

Do it like the natives Shop or window shop for fashion around the seven streets projecting from Seven Dials Monument at the West End near Covent Garden and Neal Street.

Be part of the café society in Soho on a nice day. Drink beer day or night!

London Bridge and the London eye

How to dress Fashionably tasteful layers of clothing and accessories (hats, scarves) for cool weather.

Sensible shoes. Again SHOES. NOT flip flops.

What to bring A camera – absolutely.

What to avoid Being out too late and not knowing where you are. Tip: Don’t miss the tube (it closes at 12 midnight) and you’re safe.

How much money do I need for the trip?

GBP50 a day is a good start - exclusive of airfare, accommodation and major shopping, of course. There are days when I spent more and days when I spent less.

Ultimate travel tip Best to visit during summer.

Personally, I LOVE the energy of the city. The Londoners are very nice and polite people. I belong there!

Hanging out with friends

Camiguin: An Island of Mystical Beauty & Legendary Lanzones Words by Vic Albornoz Lactaoen

One of the few festivals in the Philippines that honor the major crop of the island is the famous Lanzones Festival of Camiguin. What used to be the claim of Laguna’s Paete is now the main turf of the island known for its mystical beauty. During the month of October, the whole island is flush with this yellow colored fruit, when it is in abundance and its taste is at its sweetest.

p

erhaps, it is due to the islands claim of being the world’s only island with seven active volcanoes including the most feared Mount Hibok-Hibok and Camiguin Volcano, that the soil is so rich in minerals making it ideal for fruit trees to bear such sweet tasting produce. Aside from the sumptuous parade of fruits, the two-day grand festival features the best of the island’s cottage industry and several indigenous sporting events.

Next to the popular fruit festival is the annual Holy Thursday and Good Friday Festival. It is call “Panaad in Camiguin.” The most significant of these festivities is the yearly procession along the island’s 64-kilometer circumferential road. The holy week devotion culminates in Bonbon passing though what the natives call “the hundred steps of the history of Jesus Christ’s crucifixion.” The

fourteenth station of the cross offers you glorious scenery of the bay lined by coconut trees.

If you miss the Holy Week, you can still catch up with the Bonbon Fiesta held every second week of May. The festivity features a fluvial parade, boat race and Santacruzan. Although measuring no more tha 230 hectares, Camiguin – a pear shape island 90 kilometers southeast of the bustling Cagayan de Oro industrial center in Mindanao – offers the most nature lovers can hope for.

It’s seven volcanoes, often hidden in misty clouds enveloping most of the island – offers a challenge to the strong and adventurous. One can also relax in the natural spa and splendid waterfalls that abound in the island. Camiguin is probably one of the least explored island in the archipelago as one can stroll cozily and undisturbed in the quiet of its verdant natural beauty.

Holgs @Dreamstime.com

74 BAKASYON GRANDE

BAKASYON GRANDE 75

If you are to stay for several days, it is best to reserve one morning for a trip to White Island and frolic under the sun in this white sand bar, two kilometers off Agoho or Yumbing, in the northern tip of the island. Myth has it that all the Camiguin beaches used to boast of this white powdery sand until the eruption of Camiguin Volcano. Besides sunbathing, it’s best to snorkel around White Island where multi-colored starfish can be found.

Besides the uninhabited White Island, a trip to Mantigue, three kilometers off Mahinog town in the eastern portion of Camiguin, should not be missed. The island boasts, not only of white sand beaches but some four-hectares of forested land.

Other beaches within Camiguin island include the Cabaua-an beach, which is nearest the island’s capital town of Mambajao. Cabua-an is the venue for the Hibok-Hibokan festival held every year on June 24. The festival features water sports in honor of St. John the Baptist. Another interesting beach is Agohay beach, which is seven kilometers from Agoho. This is the camping area for HibokHibok mountaineers.

These days, volcanologists monitor the island’s molten soul and tell us in advance when an eruption will occur. The “Camiguin dragons” are presently sleeping quietly. It is hoped that they will stay that way.

To get to Camiguin, you can either go by plane or by ferry. The best way though, is to come by ferry, from Cagayan de Oro. The three-hour trip enables a closer look at the scenery – busy docks and fishing boats that ply the Bohol Sea – and lets you meet Camiguin enthusiasts. These

island regulars are drawn back each year by what they describe as the place’s mystic beauty and by its people too, whose friendly nature is legendary even among their fellow Filipinos. Your landing at Benoni wharf confirms most of what you’ve heard on the ferry.

To travel around the island, you can hire a motorbike or a jeepney with a driver. The trip around the island can be done during the day, with plenty of time for stops along your destination. And stop you have to, if only to exchange a few pleasantries with everyone who hails “hi friends!” as you pass by.

Camiguin has wondrous beauty. Some might say even mystic beauty. It is this, plus those clouds that shroud the island’s high volcanic peaks, that leaves one mindless to the havoc that these same volcanic peaks could wreak.

76 BAKASYON GRANDE

This must be for the Camiguinos too, for their happiness seems to be sublime. Their friendliness is totally sincere and their hospitality as genuine as you would ever hope to find.

How to get there:

Fleyeinh @Dreamstime.com

Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific offer daily flights to Cagayan De Oro. Then take a three-hour bus ride, or car rental to the north of Cagayan de Oro, about 80 kilometers to the port town of Balingoan.

There is a ferry that runs an hourly trip from Balingoan to Benoni, the Port town of Camiguin.

COMMUNITY 77

Participants warmp up at the Safa Park

Filipinos Come Together in Aid of Flood Victims Photos by Eros Goze

In the wake of typhoon Ondoy, that has caused widespread flooding, the loss of lives and rendered over two million people homeless in the Philippines, a fund raising event was organized by the Philippine Business Council PBC-Dubai’s Lucille Ong speaks to a reporter.

(PBC) of Dubai and Giordano under the auspices of the Red Crescent Society – Dubai Chapter and the Philippine Consul General in Dubai - Giothon ‘Hakbang Buhay,’ which brought the residents of Dubai to “Walk for a Cause” on Friday, the 9th October at the Safa Park.

“When a part of the world is affected by such a disaster, the rest of it also feels its pain,” said Benito Valeriano, Philippine Consul General, “ It is always encouraging to know that people still reach out, in their own special way, to help those in need.”

“There is a growing sense of responsibility among all of us here in Dubai, to do our bit to help the people of the Philippines to piece back their lives that have been turned upside down by this devastating typhoon,” said Ishwar Chugani, Executive Director of Giordano.

“Giothon has always been about giving back to the community and Hakbang Buhay is an opportunity to extend our support to the flood victims.”

“We have all been touched by this disaster in one way or the other, and being part of this walk demonstrates our support to those in the midst of the devastation that has caused a state of calamity in most of central Philippines. We thank all of those who have helped us put this event together,” said Lucille Ong, Chairperson of the PBC Dubai.

The event was attended by some 8,000 Filipinos including foreign friends and colleagues. Donations have been turned over to the Red Crescent (Dubai Chapter). The Giothon ‘Hakbang Buhay’ event was supported by Western Union, TFC-The Filipino Channel the various Filipino community groups in the UAE. FGS & FIGME Charity Golf The FGS (Filipino Golf Society) and FIGME (Filipino Golfers in the Middle East) groups of Pinoy avid golfers has organized a charity event - Golf for a Cause - Bayanihan 2009, for the typhoon Ondoy victims.

FGS headed by Joseph Mogallos (President) and FIGME lead by Ramon Navea (Chairman), with the assistance FIGME officers; Chito Albay (Vice Chairman), Erwin Apua (Rules Captain), Dan Alforte (Treasurer), Carlos Navea (Historian & Events Photographer)

and its 91 supportive members from Philippines as well as numerous other nationalities will undertake the challenge at the Sharjah Golf and Shooting Club (SGSC). Martin Duff, Director of Golf at the SGSC has willingly supported the event offering a round of 18 holes with almost complimentary green fee. The event also has the blessings of the SGSC Managing Director, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Abdullah Al Thani.

The event kicked off on the 10th October 2009 with the participation of 56 golfers. All proceeds were handed over to ABS – CBN Foundation/Sagip Kapamilya.

FILCOM Relief Effort The FILCOM (Filipino Community) led by Overall Chairman Robert Ramos has pulled together relief donations from different groups, companies and individuals in the community in the wake of typhoon Ondoy.

Aside from encouraging cash donations to the various aid agencies in the Philippines, the FILCOM also set-up donation points for relief goods including foodstuff, medicine, clothing and blankets at Reef Mall, West Zone supermarket branches in Deira, Satwa and Karama, as well as at the Dubai Outlet Mall with the help of FORAC (Filipino Off Roaders Association). LBC and Makati Express chipped in by providing free sea and airfreight to ship the relief goods to the Philippines.

UAE Exchange & Express Money Charitable Endeavour UAE Exchange has offered free remittance to kababayans sending donations to the aid agencies working towards typhoon Ondoy relief: the Philippine National Red cross, GMA Kapuso Foundation, ABSCBN Foundation, Department of Social Welfare & Development (DSWD), and the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) Xpress Money has also come forward in support donating cash and in kind. Their employees collected and donated food and clothes sent through LBC for free and cash coursed through the ABS- CBN Foundation.

Senior officials of Xpress Money said: “These donations are a small way to express our solidarity with our Filipino friends, who have been the victims of the devastation caused by the ferocity of the typhoon Ondoy. We would like to help them overcome this difficult period in whatever possible ways we can, be it in cash or kind.

Acknowledgement Illustrado acknowledges all the private groups and individuals who have made an amazing effort behind providing much needed relief donations back home.

We may not have received official press releases or information from all of you, but know that your concern for the welfare of our kababayans and your sincerity to help is truly felt and is much appreciated.

We also take this opportunity to confirm, once again, our commitment to support community-oriented, as well as charitable endeavors. Should you feel that we could be of assistance to your project, please do not hesitate to contact us.

78 TRIPPIN’

Walking Down Manila’s History Lane Words by KC M. Abalos and Alekos R. Orendain

n

© Glsa | Dreamstime.com

No matter how much we think we know a place, there’s always something new to learn about it.

And for a place that’s as dynamic and alive as Manila, there’s just tons of stories, facts, and fun pieces of trivia to be had; you just need to know where to look.

The Manila Cathedral

ow, not all of us are history majors or have the time to bury ourselves in books searching for these little scraps of history. Luckily for us, there are people who have done just that and are more than willing to share. Enter the walking tour guides of Manila.

It’s a simple setup — a tour guide leads a group of people down Manila’s historic streets, dishing out little known tidbits of information (complete with a folder full of maps and old pictures), often entertaining, always enlightening. The tours take place at varied places though mostly they center on more storied areas like Intramuros.

The Walled City If you grew up in Manila, chances are you’ve already spent a field trip or two in Intramuros. Your memories may be hazy but walking along the centuries-old walls could probably jog visions of you eating lunch with your classmates or having pictures taken alongside an impressive war canon.

Try going there now, when you’re older and more open to appreciating the history and the majesty of the Walled City. It is fascinating and you just might find yourself having fun. Most tours will start at one of the gates or a puerta. They’ll give you stories such as — this and that goberador heneral once clashed swords with an indio right here.

Intramuros

Manila City Hall

© Ewanchesse... | Dreamstime.com

TRIPPIN’ 79

The Manila Cathedral Fort Santiago

Walking along the pathways towards various sentries, your tour guide will say, “to your right is MAPUA, the Pamantasan ng Maynila, etc.”

From behind a wall, you’ll see the big clock of the Manila City Hall.

Look down below and on the street are horse-drawn kalesas which you can opt to enjoy as well if you’re willing to shell out a few hundred bucks. Scattered in the area are guards-slash-tour-guides dressed in costume, who will gladly answer questions that your guide may not be able to answer.

This majestic structure has been through a lot — from earthquakes to fires. Its battlescars only add to the beauty that is the Manila Cathedral. Now, it is a place not just of holiness and history, but of pomp and pageantry. Because even the affluent have to line-up to get married in this most celebrated of churches.

If you have your tour on a weekend, chances are you’ll witness a traditional (and super wealthy) wedding. If you’re lucky, you’ll get to see a former Manila debutante in a Pitoy Moreno original about to enter the air-conditioned doors of the church. Now, isn’t that a wedding worth crashing?

Clam Shop

The Fort You cannot miss going to Fort Santiago. Your tour guide will insist and you shouldn’t resist. Have a picnic lunch with your group at one of the gardens where ancient trees which probably witnessed the goriest battles of Manila now provide comforting shade for tourists.

Walk along the side of the Fort where the mouth of the Pasig River meets the Manila Bay. The Manila Galleon trade heading towards Acapulco, Mexico used to dock here.

The Jose Rizal exhibit is the heart of the Fort Santiago tour. Here, you won’t only get to glimpse at his prison cell, you will also find authentic pieces of his life — the lamp where he hid his final poem, Mi Ultimo Adios; a complete set of his suits; as well as a letter he wrote to his family.

Before you leave, write your name on the visitors’ log where you will see the names of people who paid homage to our national hero, coming from as far as Europe and the United States.

End your walking tour with a little shopping at the Clamshell, where you will see an array of products offered by various regions in the Philippines. From sugar canes to buko pie, the Clamshell features the best of the Philippines.

Apart from the shopping though, you’ll also find exhibits that present the diverse culture of the islands. Outside, there are houses from the Ifugao, the Maranao, and the Tagalog regions where you can have your picture taken—complete with furniture and things they use on a daily basis. Inside the Clamshell are photos and dioramas depicting life in the Philippines from as far up as Ivatan living to far down where the vintas once reigned the southern seas.

So if you’re tired of Museums and you feel the need to really connect with the city, these walking tours are a great start. To book your tours, just search the internet for walking tours of Manila and you’ll be greeted with numerous sites that offer these services, call them up and you’ll surely be greeted by very friendly people. And if you’re still not convinced, at least you’ll still get some exercise out of it!

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Onli In Da Pilipins - 1. n. a phrase used to define anything or anyone that only exists anywhere in the 7,107 islands of the Philippines || 2. adj. a phrase used to describe a Pinas episode or a Pinoy persona so rare one would never find anywhere else in the WWW (whole, wide world). It merits a documentation of some sort.

Oh, Happy Days! Come Rain or Shine

Note : This article was written pre-typhoon Ondoy . While we celebrate the Filipino’s joie de vivre and love for rain. We comminserate with the victims of the calamity

Words by Aby Yap

So you think whoever said the Philippines is home to one of the most fun-loving people in the world is exaggerating?

Then where else can you find folks who don’t even let rainy days and Mondays (because they’re almost always a holiday as per PGMA’s directive) get them down? Where is there a celebration waiting to happen every month? In our 7,107 islands of course – and everyone is invited!

It’s Raining Fun Just when our western counterparts beg the rain to “go away because little Johnny wants to play,” we chant “Ulan, ulan pantay-kawayan! Kulog, kulog pantay-

bakod! Bagyo, bagyo pantay-kabayo!

«Baha, baha pantay kuba!” while little Juan’s paper boat sails away. And though that would mean a spoiled harvest for our farmers in the provinces and another month of wading through waist-deep flood waters in Malabon and Navotas, we still thank the heavens for the grand shower of blessings.

What’s not to love about the rain? There’s that opportunity to make a child’s wish for a “Class Suspended” announcement come true. There’s that Jollibee value meal treat, courtesy of generous school administrators, waiting for diligent students who’d get stranded in USTe. Why, you could even have your beach adventures right in the murky waters of España —grab your kayak or jet ski – now na!

Well, who can resist the urge to sing and dance and get crazy during a downpour?

(That’s according to Bamboo when he used to sport long hair.) Or get in the mood for some cuddling with your SO (Significant Other), becoming increasingly kilig every time he/she croons “Tuwing Umuulan at Kapiling Ka?” But if your SO has already found an SA (Significant Another), then it could also be the ideal time for some senti moments watching the droplets trickle

FILIPINISMS 81 falls whenever we say goodnight…” playing in the background. Heck, you could even do your crying in the rain, direct your own Basang-basa sa Ulan music video and no one would notice — just say you miss your childhood days when you used to bathe butt-naked with water streaming from the alulod. Be prepared for the effects of acid rain, though.

Rainy season, is always great for family bonding, too. You can hold a DVD marathon over hot champurado; don’t forget the tuyo. Or if Meralco won’t cooperate, then play Bingo! — sa letrang eNe, numero ng babaeng mapanghe — with chicharon and spicy suka on the side. Oh, did I fail to say rainy days also give you a reason for pigging out? And that they’re also the perfect excuse for doing nothing (all lazy bones, rejoice!)? It’d be totally chillaxing to just lie on your bed tucked under a fleece blanket reading a long-forgotten book. Sigh. Or as the Apo Hiking Society trio best put it, why don’t you simply sleep the day away? That’d be at no cost to you, too.

Celebrating Good Times There’s partying every time Pacman wins a fight; and there’s still more partying the minute he lands in Manila, usually declared as Manny Pacquiao Day. That’s another valid cause for celebration — as if we currently don’t have enough of them. Not that we’re complaining, ha!

In the Philippines, there seems to be something worth commemorating and being grateful for, everyday, all year round.

Death anniversary of a barangay’s founder here, feast day of a barrio’s patron saint there, thanksgiving festival for longganisa somewhere. Whatever concerns matters of history, religion, culture, or practically anything that would put us in high spirits or stir our being an appreciative lot calls for celebration galore. And if you know how much of a party people Pinoys really are, then clear your sked and mark your calendar!

Come January, we dance on the streets with ash-covered merrymakers gleefully shouting “Viva, Sto. Niño!” or “Hala Bira!” for the Ati-atihan Festival in Kalibo, Aklan; Sinulog in Cebu City; and Dinagyang in Iloilo City. In Quiapo, we cry “Viva, Señor!” during the Black Nazarene procession where thousands of devotees do a lot of body bumping for a chance to touch the miraculous statue. For February, we drive to Baguio City not just for its AC-like climate but to feast our eyes on the Panagbenga parade of the prettiest flower floats. While March and April are reserved for the quiet observation of

Holy Week, the Marinduque folks won’t have it any other way than by holding the Moriones Festival, where intricately crafted colorful masks worn by men acting out as Roman soldiers highlight the event. In San Fernando, Pampanga, an altogether different kind of experience is in store for the brave participants and spectators on Good Friday: the self-flagellation of penitents and their nailing on the cross.

May, of course, is when the most beautiful ladies in the country’s various communities come out for the Santacruzan pageant.

On this month, too, we celebrate our hardworking carabaos, where they march, race, and kneel before the parish priest in San Isidro, Nueva Ecija; Pulilan, Bulacan; and Angono, Rizal. For those who desire a wife, a husband, or a child, street dancing in Obando, Bulacan might help escalate the case to San Pascual Baylon, Santa Clara de Assisi, or our Lady of Salambao respectively. But if you’d rather treat your taste buds to a banquet of free suman and kiping, the Pahiyas Festival is just in Lucban, Quezon.

Speaking of food, in June a Pineapple Festival is held in Daet, Camarines Norte and a Lechon Parade in Balayan, Batangas — yummy! A reminder, though, don’t go to places where the patron saint is Saint John the Baptist, you might have to take an untimely bath. The Pintados Festival

in Tacloban City is for those who are into body tattoo and body painting. July marks the Sandugo Festival, the famous blood compact between Datu Sikatuna and Miguel Lopez de Legazpi on the Bohol shores and the Kinabayo Festival, the reenactment of the Battle of Covadonga in Zamboanga del Norte. More flowers and fruits are showcased in August through a tribal-themed street bash in Davao City’s Kadayawan sa Dabaw. For Marian devotees, there’s Bicol’s biggest event, the Peñafrancia Festival in September, a beautifully candlelit fluvial procession along the Naga River. October would find us partying on the streets again, this time in Bacolod for the vibrant Masskara Festival. In November, the place to be is the cemetery to celebrate the lives of our dearly departed. For our Muslim brothers and sisters, though the date depends on the moon sighting, there’s definitely the annual Eid’l Fitr as Ramadan’s culminating festivity. Oh, and lest we forget, Christmas in the Philippines is only two months short of a half-year long celebration; it starts in September and ends in January on the Feast of Epiphany. So there, Merry Christmas!

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Chronicle

34

The Annie B (Batobalani) Chronicles The adventures and misadventures of a ‘not so average’ Pinay trying to make it in the cosmopolitan city of Dubai.

Photography by Eros Goze

When it rains

It’s flood!

One thing na miss na miss ko na when I moved here sa Dubai is the rain. Sure it rains not once, but twice, even thrice a year here in the Middle East but it’s nothing like what we experience back home. Growing up in the province, the rain brought good luck to us – it’s a blessing in the sky – sureball na masagana ang ani and business in the farming industry will be fruitful. Winner!

I love the rain. It is so much fond and romantic at the same time. I remember taking a bath in the rain with my siblings and our pet askal dogs, Bulak and Putik.

Priceless! I also love it when it starts raining in school, I would hide my umbrella so that I can make sukob to my crush’s payong - pang-Close Up moment di ba? Tsaka fresh na fresh ang dating ko sa mga boys with my wet look. Nakatipid na ako sa tubig without taking a shower, nakapagpa-cute pa ako. Kaya lang when it floods medyo tragic na. Like there was this time na binaha ang campus namin in Manila – I had to cross the street habang nakasakay sa styrofoam – eh biglang nag cupsize – award! Magastos din - kasi everytime you have to cross the baha, you have to pay PHP5 to be able

to use the instant bridge (made out of a dos por dos). Yung iba talaga ginagawa pang negosyo ang baha. Kainez! On the brighter side of the coin, walang pasok sa school kapag malakas ang bagyo at baha - kaya happy lahat ng estudyante sa U-belt area.

But when I learned about Typhoon Undoy – the latest disaster to hit our country – eh I was completely, totally, absolutely devastated. Grabeh! I was so shocked when I saw all the pictures and videos in Fezbook. A lot of people - rich and poor, old and young, boy, girl, bakla, tomboy – became victims because of the continuous rains and floods. Grabeh!

Even the cars were not spaired – most of the people lost all of their belongings.

Kawawa naman. As of the latest count, more than a hundred died already.

Grabeh! Eto na yata yung tinatawag na Global Warning. You know naman nature kung magbiro. But jokes are half-meant, sabi ng guidance cancellor ko noon. This is no joke, I told myself. Because they really mean it. Grabeh!

All of a suddenly I thought of my family and friends back home. OH-EM-GEE!!!

Kumusta kaya sila??? Nagpanic talaga ako kasi sa kaka-Fezbuk ko bigla ko naalala na taga-Luzon nga pala ako and most of my friends are in Metro Manila! I tried calling them so many times pero puro Network Error – kaka-praning ! I kept imagining kung ano na ang situation sa amin sa Bataan. Baka binaha na din kami at inanod yung mga gown kong pangSantacruzan – sayang naman yun! All of a suddenly, I kept seeing bad things in my mind. What if inabutan ng baha si Nanay habang nagma-mahjong sa kapitbahay?

Pano kung nabasa at na-damaged lahat ng mga furniture and appliances na naipundar ko over the years? Pano kung pati yung latest Kenstar 40-inch Plasma TV na pinadala ko last month eh tinangay din ng baha? Hindi pa bayad yun sa credit card ko!!! Pano na ang mga pamangkin ko, saan na sila manonood ng Rosalinda nyan? Naku, I’m so worried…

After five hours of feeling scarry and helpless, I finally received a text message from my Ate that they are safe and sound in our home in Bataan. Mabuti na lang at nagkataong nagpapa-pintura daw sila ng bahay kaya naka-ligpit lahat ng gamit sa second floor kaya hindi na-damaged

nye! brown out!

FILIPINISMS 83

give aways my preciouss... ang mga furniture at applicances namin.

Hindi rin daw masyadong inabot ng baha ang house namin kasi mataas naman ang area namin. Hay salamat naman! I was so relived to hear the good news. I don’t think I can take it anymore if something bad happens to my family.

Yun nga lang, bored daw sila kasi walang kuryente buong magdamag kaya hindi sila nakapanood ng The Buzz. But still, they’re safe. Thanks God! But moments later, I also heard some bad news about my friends and former officemates who are living in Metro Manila. My former classmate and her family got stranded for almost 12 hours on top of their roof. My boss lost his brand new SUV na natangay ng flood. My friend is still looking for her grandfather who went missing in the floods. My ex-officemate’s house got flooded up to their second floor and all of their furniture and appliances got wet and damaged - all of them gone and useless now. How sad to hear all of this. Such tragic news! Napa-tumbling ako!

Out of the blues, I felt blessed and lucky. First and for all, that nothing bad happened to my family back home. That all of my family members are complete and still alive and kicking. And that I am here, safe and sound in Dubai, able to earn money so I can provide for my loved ones. I cannot imagine all the pain and sufferings and sorrows that those poor unfortunate souls who were victims of

the flood are feeling right now. Imagine you work very hard all of your life to build your house and decorate it but in the wink of an eye your possessions can be gone and disappear just like that.

Swept away. Soiled and mudded. What a waist!

As I continue to surf around Fezbook and other internet sights, I am touched and amazed on how the Filipinos are now united and helping each other during this time of crisis. I admire those who go out of their weight just to be able to save those still in need, those who volunteer in rescuing the victims, those who send money and donate releaf goods for those poor unfortunate souls. That’s the true Pinoy spirit! Bayanihan in action – extending each other’s right and left hand to help and save our fellow countrymen.

I’m so proud of my kababayans back home. Even the ones abroad, they donate to the Red Cross – how thoughtful and caring of them.

Which brings me to think: how can I, as an OF who is miles away from home, be able to help and save lives of those in need, without riding an airplane and making long distance phone calls?

Magastos yun eh.

Then an idea crossed at the back of my mind. What if I donate my stuff to our less fortunate countrymen back home? I have so many things that could be useful to the flood victims. Most of these stuff are just lying around my place. Konting

para sa nilalamig... diskarte lang plus a lot of creativity equals instant donation!

Dizzizit! Without battling an eye last, I quickly scanned my room, my closet and my baul and looked for things that can be donated as releaf goods. Here’s a list of the stuff that I collected and sending back home to those who are in need: Used blankets, comforters, bedsheets and towels. Maginaw sa atin because of the stormy weather so people need to be warm and dry. If not baka magkasakit sila. If they are creative enough, pwede ring gupitin at tahiin ang mga tela and transform them into evening gowns, sundresses and poncho coats. At least mas fashionable pa compared to the usual used clothes na pinamimigay sa releaf centers.

Used clothes and accessories. My super fashionista sweater will surely be useful lalo na sa mga lamigin – perfect para doon sa mga rumoronda at nagrerescue. Kapag suot nila ang mga ito, they can easily be spotted from afar – mas mabilis sila makakasagip ng mga iba pang victims. Madami akong mga tube top,

84 FILIPINISMS

pwedeng pamputik? donations galore!!! pweding gawing pillowcase! Para may iba ibang design din naman ang mga unan sa evacuation centers – for individuality and self expression di ba? Ay, ang paborit platforms ko – my dear shoeseses - can be very useful sa pagsugod sa putikan – aminin ang mga germs at bacteria nagkalat everywhere! Ang mga scarf, feather boas, pashmina shawls can be tied together and pwedeng kapitan ng mga rescuers sa pagsagip nila ng mga kabayans.

For those who want to impovise, my used stockings and pantyhoses can be used as fishing nets – since madaming mga isda ang lumalangoy din ngayon sa baha. I’ve seen this before sa pelikulang “Temptation Island.” Isa ito sa mga survival tactics na ginawa ng mga Miss Manila Sunhine na na-stranded sa isang isla. Pang-McGyver di ba? Anyway one has to eat and survive and fish is healthier compared to canned goods na puro preservatives at bad cholesterol lang, di ba?!!!

Shampoo, conditioners, body wash and bath salts. Most of the time bili tayo ng bili ng mga ganito pero hindi naman natin nauubos. So they will be very useful para miski nasa evacuation at refugee camps ang mga kababayan natin eh fresh pa rin sila. Besides, what to do with all the water around? Eh di maligo nang maligo! Malinis na sila, mabango pa! Iwas-sakit di ba?

Moisturizing lotions and Sunblock with SPF 25. Syempre naligo na rin sila aba eh dapat mag-mositurize para hindi mag-dry ang skin. At dapat lang na

may proper SPF – para hindi sila magkawrinkles at skin cancer. Most of these people are exposed to the sun during daytime since they’ve lost most of their homes.

Make-up, waterproof mascara, lipgloss and extra super strong hold hairspray. It’s important for these people to look good since lagi silang ini-interview sa TV. Alangan naman umappear silang haggardness and kawawa oncam habang nananawagan, baka lalo lang mag-worry ang mga relatives nila abroad kapag nakita sila sa TFC. So since lagi pa rin umuulan dapat yung hindi mabubura at magsma-smadge. Dapat yung magtatagal din buong magdamag kasi malakas pa rin ang hangin at madaming TV shows ang nag-iinterview by the hour.

Old CDs and DVDs. Yung other side pwedeng gawing mirror. Since most of the victims lost their stuff during the flood, I’m sure they will need a mirror to check from time to time hung fresh pa ba sila o haggardness na. Mahirap mag-apply ng waterproof mascara kapag hindi ka sanay. So dapat swak na swak ang paglalagay para hindi rin masayang ang cosmetics and others can share them.

The more, the many-er!

Ayan. I hope these will be very useful to our kababayans back home. Konting imagination at creativity lang po siguradong magagamit nyo rin yang mga yan. Remember, sa panahon ng crisis eh dapat pa rin tayong maging maganda, malinis at malusog. Pagpasenshahan nyo na lang po ang mga nakayanan ko.

At this point, I am encouraging all of our other fellow OFs to do the same - how ever small or big you can – to join hands in helping our unfortunate countrymen back home. Aminin, walang bagay ang walang malay – finders keepers, losers winners. It’s time for all of us to unite and become one. Let’s not forsake our families, relatives and friends who need our help. This two shall past. We must not loose hope for every cloud has a silver lightning. Let’s count our blessings and be thankful that we still have the ability to make a different. For you and for me.

So what are you waiting in for? Don’t just do something, stand there. Donate na!

Dizzizit!

K mag abayan, -d para onate na s typh a mga Ondo oon Kahi y victims t cas ! h o r k bastaind Help tayo!

May tatakbuhan ka ba sa panahon ng matinding pangangailangan?

Kabayan, sa panahon ng hindi inaasahang kagipitan tulad ng aksidente, malaking operasyon, pinsala dahil sa anu mang emergency gaya ng sunog at iba pang “acts of nature” – may mahihingan ka ba ng tulong? At sa tagal ng pinagtrabaho mo dito sa ibang bansa, ikaw ba ay may insurance coverage na nakalaan kung anu’t ano man ang mangyari?

SUMALI SA FILEX Ang foundation na binuo upang makapaglikom ng pondo para makatulong sa mga Filipino expats sa UAE sa panahon ng matinding pangangailangan.

MAGING MIEMBRO NGAYON Lahat ng mga Filipino dito sa UAE – 18 years old and above, ay maaring sumali sa Filex. Membership Fees: 1 YEAR MEMBERSHIP - AED10 contribution plus AED15 para sa annual insurance, or LIFETIME MEMBERSHIP – AED 30 plus AED15 taon-taon para sa annual insurance coverage.

MGA BENEPISYO Ang mga miembro ng Filex na nakapagbayad ng katumbas ng 3 minimum contributions (o lifetime membership) ay maaring tumanggap ng tulong na financial mula sa foundation base sa pagsusuri at angkop na pasya ng Filex Board. Ang financial aid facility ay magsisimula sa June 2009.

Lahat ng mga miembro ng Filex na may valid UAE residence visa at nagbayad ng karampatang insurance fee (AED 15 per year) ay magkakaroon ng annual insurance coverage na may kasamang accidental death, total disability, medical and repatriation of remains to the Philippines. Ang lahat ay makakatanggap ng angkop na insurance certificates.

Maging miyembro na ng FILEX ngayon.

Mga kabayan,atin ito.

MEMBERSHIP & INQUIRIES Upang sumali, tumawag sa Membership Committee headed by Isabel Warren ng Dubai (call Raffy at 04-3417964) and co-chaired by Fred Camba ng Abu Dhabi (call Myrna at 050 5610489).

Para sa iba pang mga detalye, katanungan at verification, maari ring tumawag sa mga FILEX Executive Directors: Rene Mallo : 050 641 0718 Al Ruwais, Kent Amores : 0559954397 Abu Dhabi, Thesma Talinga : 0506935411 Al Ain, Gina T. Salazar : 0506527041 Dubai, Justino Arciga : 0506967001 Sharjah, Ronnie Bonifacio : 0501901343 Fujairah, Maria Luisa ‘ Mar’ Catu: 0506271599 Ras Al Khaimah, Augusto S. Marcia l: 0508618734 Umm Al Quwain Visit our website: www.filexpat.org or e-mail to:filex@filexpat.org Ang FILEX ay isang non-stock non-profit corporation na rehistrado sa Philippines Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)

FILIPINO EXPATRIATES IN UAE FOUNDATION INC. S.E.C. Company Registration No. CN200809554 Under the Auspices of the Philippine Embassy Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates Hotline No.: +971-50-181-5129

86 ILLUSTRADO FACES Celebrating innate Pinoy charm

Jericho Tiongson Dubai

Photography by Eros Goze Fashion courtesy of Giordano

ILLUSTRADO FACES 87 Celebrating innate Pinoy charm

Anne de Castro Dubai

Photography by Eros Goze Fashion courtesy of Giordano

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