fil-am who’S WHo August 2018
PAL NEW YORK TEAM
Ready for non-stop flights to Manila
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InInThis ThisIssue. Issue.....
At AtYour YourService Service •• Tourism Attaché Tess SusanDizon-De Del Mundo Consul General Vega Milestones Moments Community&Shakers •• Saleaflor Foundation Dennis Sy • Explore Islands Philippines Rewind Rewind • Event Photos by Rolan Gutierrez • Event Photos by Rolan Gutierrez Organizations We Love Cover Story • Saleaflor Foundation • Jaime J. Bautista Cover StoryMovers & Shakers Community B. Holgado •• Dr. JoshCesar Vasquez Milestones & Moments • JCI Icons of Impace / Jhett Tolentino
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A Word from The Editor
Oliver Oliveros
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Philippine Airlines On A Roll! On my way to Manila last Spring, I was pleasantly surprised with what I saw upon boarding a Philippine Airlines (PAL) plane. It was a new aircraft: the economy section was more spacious; the entertainment screen in front of me was unusually bigger, the images crispier; its legroom was, thank goodness, roomier, and it smelled like a brand new plane!
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As I put my luggage in the overhead bin, I asked the lady flight attendant who was near me: Is this the plane you’ll be using for the New YorkManila non-stop flights? Is this PAL’s newest Airbus A350-900?
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She beamed with pride, “Yes, it is.” I smiled back and said, “Wow, just wow!” At the back of my mind, PAL is indeed on a roll, especially after Skytrax, an international air transport rating organization, has given the Philippines’ flag carrier the highly coveted 4-Star Status as well as named PAL as the ‘World’s 2nd Most Improved Airline’—after China Southern Airlines—in 2018. It was such a long-awaited feat, given the premise that PAL is the first commercial airline in Asia and it turns 77 this year. In my 25-year career as a public relations person and as an arts journalist, PAL has always brought me safe and sound to my various work destinations and back home in Manila, Philippines. It has been a constant companion in my meetings at numerous Pepsi-Cola plants across the Philippines; at the red carpet coverage of various American and British musical openings in the United States, New Zealand, Australia, and Singapore, and, of course, in my business trips for this magazine, Fil-Am Who’s Who.
Photo courtesy of PAL
I never had a major bad customer experience with PAL, from the checking-in to the actual flight (whether it’s a short or a long-haul flight) to the boarding off the plane.
Jaime J. Bautista
Philippine Airlines’ (PAL) President & COO
Fellow Pinoys, Fil-Ams: PAL is about to shake off the international airline industry anew with the launch of its uninterrupted, non-stop flights from New York to Manila and vice versa starting October 30, 2018. PAL’s biggest brand ambassadors should be no one but us, the Filipino traveler, which the airline proudly represents in the international aviation scene. I say, experience the already familiar Filipino hospitality in your next flight. Fly PAL! Fil-Am Who’s Who accepts article submissions, event photos, and news tips. Send us an email at info@filamwhoswho.com.
We use information sources that we believe to be reliable, but do not warrant the accuracy of those sources. Reasonable care is taken to ensure that Fil-Am Who’s Who articles and other information on the website are up-to-date and accurate as possible, as of the publication date.
fil-am who’s who
STAFF Executive Editor Myrna Gutierrez • Editor-in-Chief Oliver Oliveros • Layout Artist & Photo Editor Rolan Gutierrez • Contributing Writer Maricar CP Hampton • Contributing Writer Rachel Davis • Contributing Writer Wendell Gaa • Contributing Writer Fernando S. Esguerra Contributing Writer Niza Esguerra • Contributing Photographer Miguel Gutierrez • Marketing Executive Cecile Duyongco • Philippines Marketing and Sales Manager Jekelyn Nisola Publisher Fil-Am Who’s Who, Inc. Copyright © 2018 Fil-Am Who’s Who, Incorporated. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. Fil-Am Who’s Who invites you to contribute articles, letters, comments, or pictures to the editor. For inquiries, please email info@filamwhoswho.com or call (917)
502-9887 • (917) 502-9891.
Susan Del Mundo
At Your Service
Wendell Gaa
Bolstering the Philippines’ international tourism from New York City
Photo courtesy of PDOT-NY
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he promotion of Philippine tourism in the world’s financial capital has been greatly benefiting from the leadership of Tourism Attaché Susan Del Mundo. The Philippine Department of Tourism’s (PDOT) senior representative in the Northeast U.S., and a relatively new face amongst the New York Fil-Am community, she assumed her post in November 2017, with her regional jurisdiction covering the U.S. East Coast, U.S. Midwest, and Eastern Canada. Since her arrival in N.Y., Del Mundo has expressed her enthusiasm and confidence that the national Philippine tourism campaign in continental America will only intensify in the coming years, resulting in an everincreasing number of visitors arriving from North America to explore and enjoy the varied cultural and natural attractions which the Philippines has to offer. “Our vision is to establish the PDOT-NY as one of the key marketing offices of the DOT that will lead in aggressively positioning the Philippines as a preferred tourism destination in Asia,” she says, “our mission is to carry out an intensified and integrated promotional program that complements all areas covered by PDOT-NY. We aim to make a bigger share in the tourist arrivals from America and to heighten awareness, appreciation, and cooperation in target markets.” With over three decades of public service, Del Mundo’s career record has truly exemplified her experience in bolstering the Philippines’ international tourism promotion campaign. From 1999 to 2005, she served as marketing and administrative officer for the Tourism and Cultural
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Office in London, England, where she provided assistance to the Tourism Attaché in managing the marketing and promotional programs for the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Scandinavian regional markets, along with overseeing the administration and financial matters of the tourism office. Prior to her N.Y. posting, she served as the officer-in-charge at the Domestic Promotions Department of the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) in Manila where she managed the marketing and sales manpower and other resources of the TPB in collaboration with other tourism stakeholders. It was during this time when one of her proudest project achievements was realized through the Grassroots Entrepreneurship for Eco-Tourism (GREET) program conceived to support eco-tourism livelihood projects in areas in the country needing both financial and technical assistance to sustain community economic growth. “Before its turn over to the DOT, we were able to assist more than 500 proponents in establishing smallscale industries to augment their income,” she remarks. Several promising and exciting projects are in the pipeline for Del Mundo and PDOT-NY in the coming weeks and months, with the launching of the direct flights of Philippine Airlines (PAL) from Manila to New York and promoting the re-opening of Boracay Island after its “environmental rehabilitation,” to name just a few. Del Mundo and her entire PDOT-NY team are on hand at their 2nd floor office at the Philippine Center in Manhattan to entertain any needs or queries which officials, balikbayans, Fil-Ams, and would be-tourists alike may have.
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Milestone & Moments
Photos by Rolan Gutierrez
Saleaflor Foundation Launch
Sally Nunez celebrates her 50th birthday.
David Pomeranz
Angel Ram
L-R: David Pomeranz, Florida Lucas, Sally Nunez, Lea Batomalaque
Shane Ericks
Gail Banawis
Josh Vasquez of PAL hands over travel certificate to Aileen Gatinao.
Adrian Francisco wins the top raffle prize - 2018 Honda CRV.
Adrian Francisco claims his Honda CRV prize.
Singers Princess Alandy and Louane Cuenco with their band
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Milestone & Moments
Photos by Rolan Gutierrez
Event organizers Edwin Josue, Jerry Sibal (back row, center) and their cultural dance troupe
Ria Carreon Domingo and Josh Vasquez lead the Philippine Airlines exhibit and information campaign.
Jun Policarpio launches his book at the NY Philippine Center.
Celebrant Jan Andrada parties her 50th birthday with friends boatrocking-style in a NY Circleline cruise.
(L-R:) DJ Chinita, Ann Beck, Jan Andrada, Laura Garcia Myrna Gutierrez, Adelina Regalado
Rewind Rewind Rolan Gutierrez
PIDCI 2018 Honorary Grand Marshal Ambassador Mario Lopez De Leon, Jr and 2018 PIDCI Grand Marshal Dr. Restituto Estacio
Fil-Am Who’s Who Team Oliver Oliveros, Cecile Duyongco Myrna Gutierrez and Rolan Gutierrez
Fil-Am Who’s Who publisher Myrna Gutierrez wearing a creation of icon fashion designer Rene Salud (left)
Permanent Ambassador to the UN Teodoro Locsin and his wife Ma. Lourdes Barcelon (Louie)
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Fashion designer Rene Salud’s gorgeous models
The Drifters
ConGen Claro Cristobal and wife Marilou (center) flanked by Kaye Moran (left), The Drifters and Myrna Gutierrez and Rolan Gutierrez (right)
Elvis impersonator Steve Mitchell august 2018
FIL-AM WHO’S WHO 11
Philippine Airlines
On Track To Achieving 5-Star Ranking By Oliver Oliveros
Photos courtesy of PAL Improved Airline in 2018; Skytrax has also certified PAL as a four-star airline earlier this year, and at least 15 new aircraft were added to its fleet of around 85. Take note though, the road to the top is not easy. There’s a fierce competition among major airlines. Change is inevitable for the 77-yearold company: improve the customer experience and come out with an attractive pricing or be left behind. Bautista calls to mind, “The last two years were a roller-coaster ride of the constant struggle to overcome various obstacles to implement truly transformative changes in all areas of operations. By rallying everyone in the PAL organization—making them understand and embrace what we are doing and why—we solicited their support to make small but significant changes at all workstations/areas, ultimately making the impact on overall passenger service. “We’ve also made big investments in aircraft: 15 new planes earlier this year, but at least 43 new aircraft over the 2016 to 2024 period, and full cabin reconfiguration of existing planes—to offer the public a truly elevated customer experience.” He adds, “To thrive in our industry, it’s not enough to react quickly and efficiently to competitive moves; we have to be relentlessly pro-active and lead the way, whether it’s pioneering new routes to develop new passenger markets or introducing new service innovations as an industry leader.”
Jaime J. Bautista
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aime J. Bautista, Philippine Airlines’ (PAL) President & COO, knows from the get-go that he needs his entire team—around 8,300 employees spread across the globe—to align with the company’s vision: to become a five-star airline by 2020 by providing a safe and pleasant flight to every customer, who is most likely a discriminating Filipino passenger. “To stay in the lead, one must always adapt and innovate. This requires constant investment, creativity, and 100% commitment of a dedicated workforce,” Bautista tells Fil-Am Who’s Who in a recent interview. “Our goals and targets were clear, and it was important that all PAL people understood them before we solicited their commitment...We also rallied our people in the less-visible back offices and shops whose contributions were just as crucial as those from the higher-profile frontliners. We keep everyone updated in regular town hall meetings to track our progress and discuss each innovation that we introduce.” A top management officer at PAL for 23 years, Bautista believes that investing in innovation in the company’s products and services has paved the way for its recent feats: a global survey of 20 million passengers conducted by Skytrax, an international air transport rating organization, has ranked PAL as 49th in the world airline standings and the Second Most 12 FIL-AM WHO’S WHO a u g u s t 2 0 1 8
With hubs at Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila, Clark International Airport in Pampanga, and Mactan-Cebu International Airport in Cebu, PAL travels to at least 33 destinations across the Philippines and 43 international destinations including Southeast Asia, East Asia, Middle East, Oceania, Europe, and the six major cities in North America: Toronto, Vancouver, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and New York. PAL has recently purchased six Airbus A350-900s, which will primarily provide non-stop services to Europe and North America, especially to New York, the carrier’s longest route so far. East Coast Expansion Half a million Filipinos are based in the East Coast USA, which is hard to ignore. At 15 to 17 hours of non-stop flight from New York to Manila and vice versa, PAL’s newly acquired Airbus A350-900 makes the longhaul travel a lot faster and more convenient for the passengers beginning October 30, 2018. “When we decided to modernize our long-haul fleet with ultra-long-haul airliners, we had in mind the expansion of our network in the U.S. as well as Europe, and in particular the East Coast. We believe our product, particularly the Business Class and Premium Economy high-end cabins in the A350-900, and the roomiest Economy Class ever in our A350s and retrofitted A330s, puts us at par with or superior to other global carriers operating in the same regions,” Bautista explains. He says further, “We fully expect the U.S. market to grow steadily, while competition will intensify. This is why we’re the only airline offering non-stop flights from New York to Manila, as well as non-stop flights from Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Honolulu.”
L-R: Angelique Tinsay, VP Information Systems; Atty. Siegfred Mison, SVP General Counsel; President Bautista; Stewart Lim EVP/Treasurer & Chief Administrative Officer; Maria Antonia Llamzon, VP Human Capital; Cielo Villaluna, Manager, External Communications; Emilio Yu, Special Assistant to the Chairman & CEO World’s Most Advanced Commercial Aircraft
Resilience and Growth
PAL’s A350-900 boasts a tri-class layout: Business Class, Premium Economy, and Economy, which provides a total of 295 passengers with an upgraded in-flight entertainment, from 11.6-inch to 18.5-inch TV screens; WiFi connection for all passengers; more personal space and more room to stretch, and a quieter and more relaxing long-haul flight.
Although currently the ninth-largest corporation in the Philippines in terms of gross revenue, PAL has been through ups and downs—the aviation industry’s financial growth is cyclical; slumps will turn to profitability over periods of time. But like the Filipino people, which the company represents as the Philippines’ flag carrier, PAL is known for its unwavering resilience in the midst of the hard times.
“We also project PAL as the window to the Philippines to attract inbound traffic.” It also has “a cabin atmosphere (pressurization, humidity levels) that fights jet lag...Its extra-wide body is the latest generation of high-technology aircraft and has a cabin that’s four times quieter than other aircraft of its type. Its two Rolls Royce Trent XWB engines burn less fuel, while the fuselage is made of new composite materials that make it lighter—allowing it to fly farther. The wing and the winglet (‘sharklet’) design provides an aerodynamic efficiency by mimicking the wings of a bird, contributing to fuel efficiency,” Bautista describes the A 350-900, dubbed as “the world’s most advanced commercial aircraft.” He continues, “Passengers will love the bigger windows, the mood lighting that offers more than 16 million lighting combinations, the higher cabin humidity, and more comfortable pressurization levels for a more relaxing journey.” Interestingly, Daniel Baron, the plane’s interior designer, has installed Barong Tagalog-inspired wallpaper and placed cushions attributed to Mindanao’s radiant weave patterns. “Our passengers will [definitely] get a feel of the sunny Philippines the moment they board the aircraft because of the [customized interiors], warm hospitality of the crew as well as the delectable Filipino meals,” Bautista, a native of Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija, says. “Customer First: this is the foundation for all aspects of our core values and ‘Buong Pusong Alaga’ service culture,” he adds.
“The experience of more than 77 years provides us with a wealth of knowledge and insights that we use when confronted by challenges. We also nurture a pool of loyal employees who use this experience to work around new problems. When we set our current five-star strategy and rallied our people, I was amazed to see the strong and gratifying all-out enthusiasm throughout our ‘PAL family’--who then went out to make sacrifices and go the extra mile to serve our customers. They love PAL passionately! That’s our biggest asset and the key to our resilience and dynamism,” Bautista proudly states. Looking forward, PAL is also finding the right balance between pricing and full service to lure in a more mainstream market. “The goal is to offer the best value for our customers of all nationalities, whether business and high-end premium travelers or families on vacation, along with our traditional Filipino balikbayan and OFW customers. With the market still price-sensitive, we regularly offer ticket promos with very affordable fares, without compromising service quality, consistency in service, and a good product,” Bautista says. “We also project PAL as the window to the Philippines to attract inbound traffic.” Propelling the company’s considerable growth through the years is business titan Lucio Tan, PAL’s Chairman & CEO and Bautista’s longtime staunch friend and ally. “He’s one of the country’s greatest visionaries and the man who made the bold decision to turn around the flag carrier to better serve the Filipino people,” Bautista remarks. “He’s one of the world business leaders I greatly admire.” august 2018
FIL-AM WHO’S WHO 13
Josh Vasquez and his PAL NY Team
Community Movers & Shakers
Exemplifying the ‘Heart of the Filipino’ Photos by Rolan Gutierrez
By Oliver Oliveros international destinations including Southeast Asia, East Asia, Middle East, Oceania, Europe, and the six major cities in North America: Toronto, Vancouver, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Honolulu, and New York. To stay on top of the game, nothing less than a homogeneous workforce who are willing to make sacrifices and go the extra mile to serve their customers first is a daunting prerequisite. In New York and the East Coast USA, where half a million Filipinos have immigrated, PAL Area Manager Josh Vasquez and his team, along with the Philippine Department of Tourism (DOT), are up to the task, especially PAL is about to make traveling to the Philippines faster, more convenient, and non-stop starting on October 30, 2018.
Josh Vasquez
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f you’re one of the million passengers who fly the Philippines’ flag carrier, Philippine Airlines (PAL), also Asia’s first commercial airline, you may be familiar with its “Buong Pusong Alaga,” the core of its service culture. As a matter of fact, over the past 77 years, its exemplary customer experience is what makes its regular passengers stick by. “A source of pride for Filipinos everywhere,” PAL is proudly a homegrown brand recently awarded with a 4-star rating by Skytrax and ranked Second Most Improved Airline in 2018. Founded in 1941, PAL’s current field of operations involves at least 85 aircraft, which will further include the addition of six fuelefficient A350-900s, managed by nearly 8,300 employees, 1,332 of which are pilots and 3,016 are cabin crew. With hubs at Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila, Clark International Airport in Pampanga, and Mactan-Cebu International Airport in Cebu, PAL travels to at least 33 destinations across the Philippines and 43 14 FIL-AM WHO’S WHO a u g u s t 2 0 1 8
“I always say that every passenger deserves a nonstop flight to the Philippines. Nationalities of other countries have a non-stop flight access to their home countries, so why can’t Filipinos and Fil-Ams, too?” says Vasquez. “We’re very proud of this service because (1) it’s your fastest way to get to Manila. The journey takes 15.5 hours only; (2) we will use our newest and state-of-the-art aircraft, the A350-900; (3) we have convenient flight schedules, and (4) we have competitive promo fares, especially for those who will book ahead of time,” he adds. “Four times a week, these new non-stop flights depart JFK Airport at 1:45 a.m. They arrive in Manila at 7 a.m.” Like true good customer experience advocates, PAL strives to improve its products and services based on its target demographic’s needs and purchase patterns. “Our market in the East Coast knows where and when to travel but the decision in purchasing a flight involves more consideration such as flight schedules, stopovers, baggage allowances, and fares, among other things. This is understandable because traveling to a destination some 20 hours away must involve a more rigorous approach,” Vasquez explains.
In an upbeat manner, he shares, “We’ve been receiving positive feedback from the community and from the market in general. Every time I attend community events, people tell me of their excitement about our upcoming non-stop operations and this makes me thrilled. There was a clamor for non-stop flights and PAL responded with an even enhanced product and offering.” Although about 90% of its passengers are ethnic Filipinos, the airline’s expanded products and services are there to also target a more mainstream market. “PAL works hand in hand with the DOT in promoting the Philippines to the mainstream market. Basically, the DOT gives them reasons why they should experience the Philippines and it’s PAL’s job to tell them how to get there,” Vasquez says. “In addition, influential publications such as Conde Nast Traveler and Travel + Leisure have named some of the Philippine islands best in the world and this has helped promote tourism into the country. The Philippines will continue to be a hot destination for diving and will emerge as one of the top destinations for sports and adventure travels.” Newly plucked from his previous posts in Thailand and Canada, Vasquez, who was born in Leyte but grew up in Manila, only has profuse gratitude to the Fil-Am community in New York and his tried-and-true team members. “My first year in NYC was filled with multifold pleasant experiences and it’s because of the amazing individuals who have welcomed me and have become our partners in promoting PAL in the community. “PAL’s New York team is lean and mean. We’re composed of five people who handle various types of clients: travel agents, corporate accounts, and direct passengers. This is to ensure all our customers’ needs and requirements are addressed.” Besides Vasquez, Jean Charisse Rodriguez also serves as PAL’s international passenger sales account manager; Ramon Recto is sales officer; and Erwin Del Rosario and Gina Arguelles are customer service representatives. “Like most of our co-employees, working in the Philippines’ flag carrier makes us burst with pride. Further, belonging in a Filipino organization that provides pleasant and unforgettable travel experiences is ultimately fulfilling and it’s something we will always enjoy doing,” Vasquez says in closing.
L-R: Ramon Recto, Gina Arguelles, Josh Vasquez, Jean Charisse Rodriguez, Erwin Del Rosario
august 2018
FIL-AM WHO’S WHO 15
Ruby Sibal The Fil-Am Newborn Care Industry Ruby Sibal, A Positive Influence
Nurturing Babies and Aspiring Newborn Care Specialists
By Maricar CP Hampton By Maricar CP Hampton
Sleepless nights, and poopy life during the a baby is born. crying at all hours lack of sleep; sense of being To the rescue a Newborn (NCS). “The fulfilling since of precious little and are a part of beginning.”
Photo courtesy of Ruby Sibal
chaotic mornings, diapers dominate first few months It’s not just the or the parents’ it’s the general unprepared. is Ruby Sibal, Care Specialist job is extremely we’re taking care human beings the family’s new
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leepless mornings, and poopy diapers owners dominate in lifetheBefore Ruby found trueofcalling, went through several career Born to a nights, familychaotic of florist and flower garden Philippines, theher idea beingshe a New Born Care during the first few months a baby is born. It’s not just the crying changes. She was an Advertising and Promotions Officer for Philippine Specialist was never in her radar until she was introduced to baby care while working as a part-time sitter. “I all hours or the and parents’ lack ofhowever, sleep; it’s the general sense ofto start Airlines (PAL), an event a makeup artist, and “I an enrolled entrepreneur. loveat floral design events; it was difficult such career inorganizer, the U.S.,” she shares, in being unprepared. To Career the rescueschool is Ruby Sibal, a Newborn Care Specialist a Floral Design but found myself struggling to pay my tuition fee so I decided to take a job and (NCS). “The job is extremely fulfilling taking care of precious credits PALon, for Ithe success that she now enjoys. for the eventually had the chance tosince takewe’re care of newborn twins.She From then realized I love this“I’m jobgrateful so much.” little human beings and are a part of the family’s new beginning.”
training that I had in PAL since I was able to apply it in my profession now. trained deal is with differentfor nationalities and cultures.” A Newborn Care Specialist is a person trained in newbornI was care. Hertojob topeople help of nurture newborns while Born to a family of florists education, and flower garden in thefor Philippines, providing guidance, andowners support the parents. the idea of being a Newborn Care Specialist was never in her radar until Taking her experience to the next level, she started a business called she introduced baby care while working sitter. “I tradition Beyond Baby Care. wealthy “I see the need to share more peopleThewas demand fortonight nannies beganasasa part-time an aristocratic among families formyaexpertise round to the clock love and events; however, it difficult to help start such -to new parentsbut and in aspiring Newborn Specialists,” says. carefloral for design infants. It originated aswas providing forcareer twins and triplets recent yearsCare parents with she single in the U.S.,” she shares, “I enrolled in a Floral Design Career school but babies have also been seeking help. found myself struggling to pay my tuition fee so I decided to take a job Ruby hopes to empower women by “impart(ing) the care with a Filipino’s and eventually had the chance tostyle take care of dedication newborn twins.toFrom her students. “I teach and empower students so Ruby’s unique nurturing and herthen work touch” makesto her a popular choice among my parents. “I they can on, I realized that I love this job so much.” also educate and empower new moms in navigating the early weeks and provide my Buong-Pusong Alaga that sets me apart from other NCS.” months with their newborn.” A Newborn Carecompliments Specialist is a person in newbornare care.the Herreferrals job The highest she trained has received she gets from previous clients. “I’m with my 64th is to help nurture for newborns while providing guidance, education, and Today Baby Careofhas evolved; via it now a Newborn Care baby now. I get my clients mostly through word of mouth. I alsoBeyond receive a lot inquiries my has websites support for the parents. Agency, HIMBA (HIMBAAgency.com) whose goal is to support, BeyondBabyCare.com and ThisIsMeRuby.com.” educate, and empower (S.E.E.) new parents. Ruby’s unique nurturing style and dedication to her work makes her a popular choice among parents. “I provide my Buong-Pusong Alaga that Asked about the future of New Born Specialists, “There’s a constant need Ruby that to NCS.” be an expert in this field requires extensive “I got And certified Careare career sets me knew apart from other for newtraining. mothers’ support. since aas lot a ofNewborn millennial moms mothers, the need for NCS keeps growing.” Specialist (NCS) & Pediatric CPR and First Aid Specialist. But I was always thirsty for knowledge, so I took The highest compliments she has received are the referrals she gets from more related thisnow. field. Happiest Educator, Massage“This Instructor, th previouscertifications clients. “I’m with my 64to baby I getI’m mythe clients mostly Baby Like any business, itInfant has its challenges. business isand very rewarding through word of mouth. IEducator also receiveCounselor,” a lot of inquiriesshe via my websites not to mention lucrative. However, it entails stamina (you should be Certified Lactation says. BeyondBabyCare.com and ThisIsMeRuby.com.” physically fit to be able to handle frequent night waking and long hours),” she says. Ruby knew that to be an expert thisnext field requires extensive training. Taking her experience tointhe level, she started a business called Beyond Baby Care. “I see the need to “I got certified as a Newborn Care Specialist and Pediatric CPR & First Ruby is a mother of teens, Athena, 16, and Achilles, 13. In her free time, share tofor more people--to new and aspiring Carethe Specialists,” she says. Aid. Butmy I wasexpertise always thirsty knowledge, so I took moreparents certifications she enjoys Newborn singing, exploring city, and playing basketball. related to this field. I’m a Certified Happiest Baby Educator, Infant Massage Instructor, and Lactation Educator Counselor,” she says. a u g u s t 2 0 1 8 FIL-AM WHO’S WHO 17
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Community Calendar Aug 22, 2018
Sinehan sa Summer 2018: Short Films Night II
The Philippine Consulate General in New York invites you to the second half of “Sinehan sa Summer 2018: Short Films Night II,” with English subtitles, at the Kalayaan Hall, Philippine Center (556 5th Avenue). Admission is free! Aug 24, 2018
Philippine Street Food Festival
The UNSRC-Philippine Cultural Society and the Philippine Department of Tourism New York spearhead the street food festival at the UNHQ GA East Plaza from 6-11 p.m. Buy tickets ($15 each) at the door starting at 7:30 p.m. for UN grounds pass holders, subject to capacity. For more information, visit EventBrite.com (Search Philippine Food Festival) Aug 26, 2018
Cagayan de Oro-Misamis Oriental Association Annual Fiesta Celebration
The Cagayan de Oro-Misamis Oriental Association will host its annual fiesta celebration honoring Saint Augustine at Astoria World Manor (2522 Astoria Blvd, Astoria, New York) from 3 to 8 p.m. Aug 29, 2018 Sinehan sa Summer 2018: Indie Night II (Closing Night) “Women of the Weeping River,” written and directed by Sheron Dayoc, is the closing film of the Philippine Consulate General in New York’s “Sinehan sa Summer 2018” at the Kalayaan Hall, Philippine Center (556 5th Avenue). The film is about two women in a remote Muslim community who confront an escalating blood feud. Admission is free!
Sep 2, 2018
6th Annual Filipino American Festival
The Filipino American Festival Inc. presents its 6th annual festival at the New Overpeck Bergen County Park (199 Challenger Rd., Ridgefield Park, New Jersey) from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Expect a fashion show, surprise artists, balut eating contest, cultural show, Pinoy Broadway ballyhoo, and a beer garden. Admission is free! For info, call 201 841 3070. Sep 15, 2018
Geo Rebucas In Concert
Former “Pilipinas Got Talent” semi-finalist Geo Rebucas makes his concert debut at Feinstein’s/54 Below (254 W 54th St, New York) at 7 p.m. Cover charge starts at $50, plus a $25 food/beverage minimum. For tickets, call 646 476 3551. Sep 16, 2018
Most Outstanding Foreign Workers Gala
Team United Maharlika Foundation Inc. presents the fifth edition of the “Most Outstanding Foreign Workers Gala” at the Astoria World Manor (2522 Astoria Blvd, Astoria, New York) from 2-7 p.m. For inquires, call Rene Ballenas at 646 831 9541. Sep 22, 2018
NAFAA ‘Most Outstanding Fathers Awards’
NAFAA holds its “Most Outstanding Fathers Awards” at Double Tree by Hilton Hotel (128 Frontage Rd, Newark, New Jersey) at 12 noon. For info, call 908 627 1954. Oct 27, 2018
The 8th TOFA Awards at Carnegie Hall
The 8th edition of The Outstanding Filipino American (TOFA) Awards will be held at the Weill Recital Hall, Carnegie Hall (881 7th Ave, New York) at 8 p.m. Doors open at 7 p.m. For tickets, visit CarnegieHall.org (Search 8th Annual TOFA Awards).
SHOOTER’S TIP I met my model artist Jamie Sampana after her outstanding performance at the colorful play ‘Salida: Simbolo at Kultura’ at the Elmhurst Rock Church. I had her posed by the window to catch the bright late afternoon light on her pretty face. Shot in available light using a Canon 5D iii 28-70mm at f/3.5 1/125 sec ISO 2000. Keep on shooting!
august 2018
FIL-AM WHO’S WHO 21
Elizabeth Avaricio MD, PLLC Where your child’s health comes first
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Advanced Cardiac Care PLLC Caring for Every Beat
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Affiliations with: NYU Tisch Hospital New York Hospital of Queens Long Island Jewish Medical Center North Shore University Hospital of Manhasset
Complete Cardiovascular Evaluations Done on Premises: . Stress Test (Nuclear & Echocardiograms) . Peripheral Vascular Exams . Cardiac Electrophysiology . EKGs & T Wave Alternans . Pacemaker & Defibrillator Check Ups . Cholesterol & Hypertension Screenings
718.360.5060 www.BestCardiac.com
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