Six Nominations for Magazine From the Magazine Publishers Association of Singapore (MPAS)
+ New
Magazine of The Year
+ Best Front Cover:
Jose Rizal, Sesquicentennial (Vol. 1, No. 5)
+ Feature Article of the Year: Marcelina Abalos Angeles, Filipina Domestic Helper (Vol. 1, No. 1)
+ Feature Article of the Year: A DH Now, But Not Forever Stories of Second Chances and New Beginnings (Vol. 1, No. 6)
+ Feature Article of the Year: Perlita Gabriel Tiro: Filipino Excellence in Singapore Then and Now (Vol. 1, No. 7)
+ Feature Article of the Year: Loida Nicolas Lewis, Filipino Par Excellence (Vol. 1, No. 11)
BAGONG BAYANI (Modern-Day Hero) Magazine holds the distinction as the FIRST and the ONLY Filipino magazine in Singapore to be officially recognized by a Singapore based legitimate association and award giving body for its excellence and efforts in magazine publishing. We would like to share this humble achievement to the entire Filipino community in Singapore and around the world. Thank you for your support and patronage. That in all things God may be glorified. The MPAS Magazine Awards Night will be held from 6-9pm, Tuesday, 26 June 2012 at the Ballroom of the historic Raffles Hotel.
2
BAGONG BAYANI MAY 2012
Note
from the
Publisher H
ow do we thank our mothers for everything? Words are not enough to say it all. Our deeds will not be sufficient as well. But in my own way, I would like to thank my Nanay and dedicate this issue to her. She may be miles away from me but I am sure once she reads this, she will smile and know that even if we are apart, she is always in my heart and on my mind and I continue to be her loving and affectionate daughter. My mother and I are so much different but also similar in so many ways. Growing up, I always thought I take after my father in terms of beliefs, attitudes and behavior, truly my father's daughter, and that my mother and I had little in common. As I mature, I realized that I also take after my Nanay, that I am more like her extension. I now realized that I often ask myself, "What would my mother do in this situation if it was her?," or "How would my mother want me to decide this matter?" whenever I am faced with a life-changing decision. Her influence on me may not be evident to me as I was growing up, but as I grew older, I realized that my mother had always been my role model. I saw how my mother evolved from a very strict and domineering mother to a loving and accepting parent. Perhaps because I understand her more now than I did before when I was young, I know that all she did and she wanted was the best for me and I would like to thank her for everything. This is the first time I will be sharing with all of you her photo, with her permiss permission of course. Looking at our picture standing side by side with her, I am in awe of how strong, capable and graceful she is. I am who I am today because of her profound influence on me and the values she has instilled in me. I am and will forever be grateful to her. It is both a privilege and an honor to be called her daughter. yo MRS. PACITA SALOMON. I love you Nanay! Thank you, iss is lovingly dedicated to you and to all the mothers out This issue H there. Happy Mother's Day! b God bless us all, God bless the Philippines at Mabuhay po tayon lahat! tayong
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BAGONG BAYANI MAY 2012
Publisher MARYJANE SALOMON (SINGAPORE)
Editorial Consultants DETCH P. NONAN-MERCADO (SINGAPORE) SANKIE SIMBULAN (PHILIPPINES) TALA MARALIT (PHILIPPINES)
COVER STORY
25
Columnists CRISTY VICENTINA (SINGAPORE) ATTY. HAZEL RIGUERA (PHILIPPINES) PAMSY L. TIOSECO (PHILIPPINES) DR. MARIGLO LIWANAG VICENTE (PHILIPPINES) MARY JANE AQUINO-GOURLAY (SINGAPORE)
Contributors ANNE-MARIE MANANQUIL-BAKKER (SINGAPORE) SUZETTE ROSALES-CODY (SINGAPORE) CHRISTIE TAN (USA) CASHMER DIRAMPATEN (SINGAPORE) ANNE LUISA VILLARICO (SINGAPORE) DR. MARILYN SURIO (PHILIPPINES) MONICA GUERRA (SINGAPORE) JUSTICE FRANCISCO-SCHAFFER (SINGAPORE) KRISTA MONICA GARCIA (PHILIPPINES) ATTY. SANIATA LIWLIWA V. GONZALES-ALZATE (PHILIPPINES) FERDINAND SAHAGUN (SINGAPORE) MICH CRUZ VILLAR (PHILIPPINES) DR. CLARITA CARLOS (PHILIPPINES)
Cover Story Photo by: Michael Ozaki & Lee Koon Yew Cartoonist MANNY FRANCISCO (SINGAPORE)
FEATURES
Layout Artist JONATHAN LONGCANAYA (SINGAPORE)
10 WOMEN EMPOWERMENT 12 CALLING ALL FOREIGNERS 16 TFWA ASIA PACIFIC & GATE ONE2ONE EXHIBITION AND CONFERENCE 2012: A SUCCESS! 22 TAPESTRY OF LIVES
Circulation, Communications and Marketing Consultants
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JADE LACTAO (PHILIPPINES) GERARD MONTALBO (SINGAPORE) MARILYN TJALSMA (SINGAPORE) ANDEE BARCO (PHILIPPINES)
Photographers 0)./9'2!0(%23 3).'!0/2% s #'$ 3).'!0/2% %2)# 0!22%./ 3).'!0/2% s -"3 3).'!0/2% 7(%.' $)#(/3/ 3).'!0/2% s ,%% +//. 9%7 3).'!0/2% MICHAEL OZAKI (SINGAPORE)
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24 REMEMBERING MY MOM 46 MRS SINGAPORE 2012 47 RISE TO THE CHALLENGE
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BAGONG BAYANI MAY 2012
Congress Report
Article by: Pamsy L. Tioseco
PIMENTEL TO PURSUE
ELECTORAL REFORMS
Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III has vowed to pursue more electoral reforms during his remaining term. Pimentel explained that “the Board of Election Inspectors will be our first line of defense against election cheating, and it is my hope to make the machines our last line of defense for those who are able to penetrate the first line of defense. The machines will not care or even know who the local warlord is.”
A
mong the electoral reforms he wants to put in place before his term ends next year, he said, are those allowing early voting of media practitioners, and the designation of special ground-floor voting precincts for persons with disabilities and senior citizens who already have difficulty climbing a flight of stairs.
Electoral reform is one of Pimentel’s key advocacies in the aftermath of his failure to land in the winning column in the 2007 senatorial election despite leading in the early counting of the votes. Pimentel filed an election protest which dragged on for more than four years. He assumed the post after the resignation last year of Juan Miguel Zubiri following testimony by a credible witness that indeed massive cheating had taken place in Maguindanao that erased Pimentel’s lead
But Pimentel said his “most radical idea, which I admit is a long shot, is the incorporation of the voters’ biometrics into the voting machines.”
in the counting of votes. Pimentel said that apart from pursuing electoral reforms and strengthening local autonomy, he is focusing on three other key areas: justice, youth and OFWs. The senator from Mindanao told Quezon City officials during last Monday’s flagraising ceremony where he was guest speaker that among his proposed legislative initiatives given his limited term as senator include the “Anti-Chamber Practice Bill”, as well as a bill that would reform rather than abolish the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK). Pimentel also disclosed that he would soon file another bill making the retention of the passports of OFWs by their recruiters and employers a form of coercion and therefore a criminal act.
CHIEF JUSTICE RENATO CORONA:
GUILTY AS CHARGED! T
he Philippine Senate, sitting as an impeachment court, on Tuesday, 29 May 2012 handed a guilty verdict against Supreme Court Chief Justice Renato Corona.
By a majority vote of 20-3 in favor of Article II of the impeachment complaint, senator-judges removed Corona from office. The historic decision is a caveat to all corrupt government officials and civil servants that no one is above the law. A public office is a public trust. VOTED GUILTY
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BAGONG BAYANI MAY 2012
Article by: Dr. Mariglo Liwanag Vicente, NYDAAETS, DACT
Psyche Me Up
10 SIGNS YOUR MAN IS A
M
MAMA’S BOY
others know best. No one will argue with that. Anyone who appreciates the things a mother does will know exactly what it means to be grateful. But just like all things, there should always be a limit since anything that is too much may have negative consequences.
And more often than not, if your MAN exhibits the following behavior, then he might just prove your worst nightmare: He “confesses” or tells everything to his mom, which includes his deep dark secrets than to his girl or wife; 2. He prioritizes his mom more than anything else most of the time. 3. He would not want to leave the premises of his ancestral home especially his mom, or keeps on coming back to her and finds it very hard to let go (merely selfishly thinking of his needs) 4. Still very sweet to his mother; acting like a spoiled brat. 5. He picks up and brings his mom to and fro her workplace or to her events more than his girlfriend or wife. 6. He mostly relies on his mom for support of different sorts- like decision making, choices etc. 7. Financially, he still or mostly provides for the mom and attends to most of her needs, sometimes forgetting that his girl or wife too has needs. 8. When your man continuously or mostly receives or asks for stuffs, money from his mom; not really considering how you would feel or think about what’s happening. 9. Your man talks too much about his mom and what she does for him to the point that the girl feels jealous or out of place that makes her feel a pinch in the heart. 10. He is too emotionally expressive to the mom forgetting that the girl or wife exists.
How do you handle or cope with this? 1.
1.
2.
3.
4. 5.
Take it or leave it. Sometimes all you need is a realization or a decision to accept the situation where you are in; just be happy with it or just end things with your man (if obviously you can’t take it anymore!) If you can’t beat or break your man’s habit or too immature way of life, then by all means join him in serving or loving the “primary” love of his life (which we know we can’t take away from him in the first place). Be honest with yourself and to him on how you really feel (of course, in a calm manner!) Pray that you can endure everythingwhat you see, hear, feel, and sense. Make indirect, positive, true statements which serve as a “wakeup call” to either or both (a flag that is way too much and the treatment needs to be improved).
There is nothing wrong with being grateful to the woman who gave you life. But the thing is, there is always a time for everything. One must know his priorities, especially when you already have your own family. Happy Mother’s Day!
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BAGONG BAYANI MAY 2012
Usapang Legal
Article by: Atty. Hazel E. Rebadulla Riguera, Managing Partner, Riguera and Riguera Law Office
Women
EMPOWERMENT T
here can be fewer challenging roles than that of a mother. Yet it is a sad fact that some people, aside from showing a lack of appreciation for PRWKHUV DOVR LQĂ LFW DEXVH XSRQ WKHP ,W ZDV WKXV D VDOXWDU\ VWHS IRU &RQJUHVV to enact R.A. No. 9262, otherwise known as the Anti-Violence against :RPHQ DQG WKHLU &KLOGUHQ $FW RI ,W ZRXOG EH RI QR VPDOO KHOS WKHQ IRU RXU PRWKHUV DQG ZRPHQ WR NQRZ RI the following cases which interpret the provisions of R.A. No. 9262.
In the September 30, 2008 case of Go-Tan vs. Spouses Tan, the issue posed is whether or not parents-in-law may be included in the petition for issuance of a protective order, in accordance with Republic Act No. 9262. Petitioner and Steven Tan were married. Six years into the marriage, petitioner filed a Petition with Prayer for the Issuance of a Temporary Protective Order (TPO) against her parents-in-law, Spouses Perfecto C. Tan and Juanita L. Tan before the Regional Trial Court. She alleged that Steven, in conspiracy with respondents, was inflicting verbal, psychological and economic abuses upon her in violation of Section 5, paragraphs (e)(2)(3) (4), (h)(5), and (i) of Republic Act (R.A.) No. 9262, otherwise known as the “Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004.�
The Supreme Court ruled in favor of the petitioner. Section 3 of R.A. No. 9262 defines violence against women and their children, and it provides that the offender be related or connected to the victim by marriage, former marriage, or a sexual or dating relationship. However, it does not preclude the application of the principle of conspiracy under the Revised Penal Code since Section 47 of R.A. No. 9262 expressly provides for the suppletory application of the Revised Penal Code. The 20 April 2010 case of Rustan Ang vs Court of Appeals concerns a claim of commission of the crime of violence against women when a former boyfriend sent to the girl the picture of a naked woman with legs spread. The picture was not hers, but with her face on it. The picture was sent by the former boyfriend through cellphone message. The Supreme Court found Petitioner guilty of violation of Section 5 (h) of R.A. 9262 and ruled that the act of sending the said picture was in violation of Section 5 (h) 0f R.A. 9262 for inflicting anguish, psychological distress, and humiliation on the girl, and that a single act of
harassment, like the sending of a nude picture, already constitutes violation of Section 5 (h) of R.A. 9262. Section 3(a) of R.A. 9262 defines the term “violence against women and their children” as referring to any act or a series of acts committed by any person against a woman who is his wife, former wife, or against a woman with whom the person has or had a sexual or dating relationship, or with whom he has a common child, or against her child whether legitimate or illegitimate, within or without the family abode, which result in or is likely to result in physical, sexual, psychological harm or suffering, or economic abuse including threats of such acts, battery, assault, coercion, harassment or arbitrary deprivation of liberty. Section 5 of R.A. 9262 identifies the act or acts that constitute violence against women and these include any form of harassment that causes substantial emotional or psychological distress to a woman. The Supreme Court noted that the above sections, taken together, indicate that the
11
elements of the crime of violence against women through harassment are: 1)The offender has or had a sexual or dating relationship with the offended woman; 2)The offender, by himself or through another, commits an act or series of acts of harassment against the woman; and 3)The harassment alarms or causes substantial emotional or psychological distress to her. The Supreme Court clarified that the law itself distinguishes a sexual relationship from a dating relationship, stating that “sexual relations” refers to a single act which may or may not result in the bearing of a common child. It further stated that the dating relationship that the law contemplates can, therefore, exist even without a sexual intercourse taking place between those involved. These two cases are important as they clarify certain provisions of R.A. 9262. Knowledge is power and knowing these two cases will certainly empower women to protect and vindicate their rights against abuses which heretofore had been tolerated for lack of an effectively deterrent law.
Usapang Legal
BAGONG BAYANI MAY 2012
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BRIEFING ON THE PHILIPPINES AS A RETIREMENT HAVEN:(L-R) Eliza Olaer of Medica-Pacifica, Ethel Rupa, Department ManagerAdministration and Finance Department of Philippine Retirement Authority, MaryJane Salomon, Publisher of BAGONG BAYANI (ModernDay Hero) Magazine, Robert Sim, Retired Singaporean Architect and Organizer of the event, Lyn Carbonel, Division Chief-Administrative Division of Philippine Retirement Authority, Erick Andrew Olonan, Director of Starland Properties and Aero Equipt Aviation Inc., during the PRA Seminar which was held from 4-5 May 2012 at the Tan Chin Tuan Room 2 of YMCA, One Orchard Road, Singapore
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BAGONG BAYANI MAY 2012
Health
Article by: Suzette Rosales-Cody
My Amans Amorem I
Speakers at Cancer Awareness Event last 05 May 2012 at the American Club: Dr. Khoo Kei Siong, Deputy Medical Director of Parkway Cancer Centre and Dr. Anthony Siow, Senior Consultant, Parkway Gynaecology Screening and Treatment Centre with attendees, from left: Charmy Ann Gomez, Suzette Rosales-Cody, Managing Director of Green Mango Productions, MaryJane Salomon, Publisher of BAGONG BAYANI (Modern-Day Hero) Magazine, Mary Jane AquinoGourlay, Charo Cheong, Jane Chua and Jonabel Ng
offer my triune twist for Mother’s Day: Love is the Act of a Mother and the Love Given to Her Child—an off the cuff only-a-mothercan-do reinterpretation of St. Augustine’s Amans Amorem.
Yesterday, while hosting a cancer awareness seminar with about a hundred women and a sprinkling of men, I was struck by the intense concerns about hereditary cancer genes. I now paraphrase the questions raised in an attempt to capture the gestalt of these concerns: Physical – If I have this growth, this pain in exactly the same spot as my mother’s cancer, could this be cancer? Biological - Science has proven that cancer genes exist, do I have my mother’s cancer genes? How does a cancer gene behave and can it be deactivated now with me so none of my descendants will get it? Psychological - How do I protect my children from this gene? Is there a way of preparing myself mentally from the possibility of having cancer and passing it on to my children? The earnest questions came mostly from women, many of them mothers, who were overwhelmed by a desire to protect themselves, But more importantly to shield the next generation from a dreaded disease. Some women in attendance were already cancer survivors, having watched their parents face cancer. Others were the first in their families to battle the disease. Passing a “bad” thing to her child is plainly antithetical to being a mother. Mothers are hardwired to struggle and shoulder life’s burdens to lighten the load for their children. A
mom may fail fantastically in word and deed many times in front of her children, but that deeply ingrained desire, a fierce maternal desire, to strive for her children’s best interests never fades. We, children all of us, celebrate this nurturing, protective quality when we honor our mothers on Mother’s Day. (For the fathers who are reading this, don’t worry, you will have your turn on Father’s Day!) This nurturing and protective quality of a mother can only spring from love. A mother is not a mother without the subject of her love, and that is her child. For about a week now, I have been reading the slim and wonderfully written biography entitled, “St Augustine,” by Gary Wills. I was pleasantly surprised to learn that St. Augustine postured that his Trinitarian theology would be built on an understanding of God’s free will as “loving love” (Amans Amorem): Love is the act of a Lover and the Love given the Loved person. It is trinity: the lover, the loved person and love itself (Trinity 8.14). I feel that St. Augustine’s Amans Amorem captures a mother’s love for her child. It is the same strong, sustaining love that will encourage the mom to educate herself and her child on the need for a healthy lifestyle to help protect from most maladies. Reading the passage about St. Augustine’s Amans Amorem in Will’s book, I could not stop smiling. You see, my lambing,
wo affectionate name for my two girls--from birth and they are teenagers now--has always been: my loving love. . Suzette Rosales-Cody is an advocate of cancer awareness particularly early cancer detection. Her mother did not survive stage 4 breast cancer. Suzette is Managing Director of Green Mango Productions, a Singapore- based media company. www.greenmango.com.sg. info@greenmango.com.sg
Her Excellency Minda Calaguian Cruz, Philippine Ambassador to Singapore with Speakers at Cancer Awareness Event held at 7107 Flavours last 31 March 2012: Mr. Calvin Tan, Regional Business Development Director, i-vic International Pte Ltd and Dr. Ang Peng Tiam, Medical Director, Parkway Cancer Centre
16
BAGONG BAYANI MAY 2012
Business
Article by: MaryJane Salomon Photos by: Michael Ozaki, MBS and TFWA
MaryJane Salomon, Publisher of BAGONG BAYANI (Modern-Day Hero) Magazine, together with the Philippine delegation headed by Mr. Jose Maria Esteban, Managing Director of Regent Asia Group Ltd AND -R ,ORENZO &ORMOZO #HIEF /PERATING /FlCER OF $UTY &REE 0HILIPPINES
Alain Maingreaud, Managing Director and Cecile Lamotte, Marketing Director of TFWA with MaryJane Salomon, Publisher of BAGONG BAYANI (Modern-Day Hero) Magazine
Erik Juul-Mortensen, President of TFWA with MaryJane Salomon, Publisher of BAGONG BAYANI (Modern-Day Hero) Magazine at the Closing Press Conference given by the TFWA Board and Senior Management
Mr. Jose Maria Esteban, Managing Director of Regent Asia Group Ltd and Mr. Lorenzo Formozo, #HIEF /PERATING /FlCER OF $UTY &REE 0HILIPPINES WITH MaryJane Salomon, Publisher of BAGONG BAYANI (Modern-Day Hero) Magazine
TFWA ASIA PACIFIC & GATE ONE2ONE EXHIBITION AND CONFERENCE 2012
A SUCCESS!
T
his year’s trade exhibition organized by TFWA from 1317th May 2012 was the biggest to date with a total number of 236 exhibiting companies which is 11% more than last year. Founded in 1984, TFWA is a nonprofit making international organisation founded on strong ethical foundations encapsulated in the “trade by the trade� concept. TFWA is the world’s largest
Duty Free and Travel Retail Association and its membership now boasts of 420 companies. It was a delight to see hundreds of exhibitors from all over the world, majority from Europe and the USA, cohesive and collected, with selections from luxury fragrances and cosmetics, jewellery and watches, electronics, wines and spirits, gifts and toys, confectionery and fine foods, fashion and accessories
and tobacco products. The 4 day event was held at the Suntec Convention Centre in Singapore. The annual event, provided a one of a kind venue to international brand-owners to meet and do business with the buyers, agents and distributors from airports, airlines and other outlets across the fast developing Asia Pacific region. “While most of the rest of the world is operating in the context of economic stagnation, here in Asia Pacific we are operating in a region of growth, said Erik Juul-Mortensen, President of the TFWA, in his State of the Industry address to welcome delegates and participants. “Power and potential are the two words that Special thanks to the following: s TFWA Board Members s TFWA Management Committee s TFWA Team s Lorenzo C. Formoso, COO of Duty Free Philippines Corporation s Jose Maria N. Esteban III, CEO of Landmark Duty Free Philippines and MD of Regent Asia Group Ltd s Katharina Tyrolt, Country Manager of Ritter Sports Chocolates (www. rittersport.de) s Luuk Reijners, Business Unit Manager and Henry Glorie, Key Account Man-
s s
s s s s s
encapsulate the enormous opportunity in the region. There is more wealth to be had in travel retail in Asia Pacific,” concluded JuulMortensen. He emphasized that investment in airport infrastructure and routes is critical to meeting capacity demand. The potential in the Asiapac region beyond China and India was explored in the “Emerging Asia” session, which focused on various country markets in Asia Pacific including the Philippines. According to Jose Maria Esteban III, CEO of Landmark Duty Free Philippines who is one of the speakers, “One of the most frustrating things is, hearing about our unfulfilled potential, but we are now moving towards fulfilling that potential. NAIA airport is currently being upgradeda development
ager of Ducd0 Chocolates Sergi Tomas Perez, Travel Retail Director of Desigual (www.desigual.com) Mark Masten, VP of Global Sales and Marketing of Pistachios and Almonds (www.paramountfarms.com) Appartment a Louer Paris Tammy Gorali of Topbrands Jonas Dahlgren, CEO of Lambretta Watches (www.capellaind.com) Laurent Cosson, Business Development Director of Mount Gay Rum Werner Ruffert, Export Manager of Droste AG Chocolates
s s
s
s
s
17
driven by the increasing inbound tourism demand. Tourism has become the next big thing for investment companies in the Philippines. He added, “We are no longer a story of wasted potential, our time has come.” He was accompanied by Lorenzo Formoso, COO of Duty Free Philippines Corporation. As it came to an end, TFWA highlighted its motto: “By the Trade for the Trade”. True enough, it has created value by successfully bringing together members to participate in the best possible business event- to enable participants not only to showcase new products and discuss strategies, but also to foster networking opportunities between stakeholders. Well done!
Mandy Law, PR and Advertising Executive of Ernest Borel Watches Eva Bernaert, Trade Markerter and Michiel Meire, Area Manager Asia0ACIlC OF 4HE "ELGIAN #HOCOLATES (www.thebelgian.com) Jos W. de Boer, Export Sales manager of Jules Destrooper Biscuiterie (www. destrooper.com) Kevin Zhang, Assistant Sales Manager of FNA Group International (www. fnagroup.com.sg) Sergio Clavell, Export Manager of Campeny Destilerias (www.campeny.
s s s s s
s
com) Earnest Leung, Marketing Manager and Mika Minowa, Area Manager of Remy Cointreau Global Travel Retail Barbara Rihl of Barbara Rihl Paris (www.barbararihl.com) Steven Chai, Senior Manager, Stella Artois Patrick Ryan Pantangco, Customer Marketing Manager-Asia and Middle East, The Hershey Company Goldkenn (www.goldkenn.com)
Source: www.tfwa.com
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Business
BAGONG BAYANI MAY 2012
18
BAGONG BAYANI MAY 2012
Business
Photos by: Michael Ozaki, MBS and TFWA
BAGONG BAYANI MAY 2012
19
Lifestyle
Article by: Anne-Marie Mananquil Bakker Photos by: Wheng Dichoso & Mary Jane Gourlay
SINGAPORE YACHT SHOW 2012
T
he second Singapore Yacht Show, held at the One Degree 15 Marina Club, Sentosa Cove, Singapore, from April 27-29, 2012 was yet another major luxury event in the country's ever-expanding lifestyle segment. The show featured some of the world's finest super- and luxury yachts, gathering thousands of yacht builders, brokers and luxury brands from around the world, and attracting a slice of Asia’s growing high net worth (HNW) individuals. Why only a slice? According to various media, the show is in fact meant to
,UXURY 2EDElNING ,IFESTYLES ON 7ATER "bolster Singapore's position as a hub for the Asian superyacht industry". So where do other (Ăźber-) HNW individuals invest in if only thousands showed up? Surely they aren't all investing in highly depreciable assets and luxury toys? The future of superyachts in Asia could actually thrive on being more avante garde - rather than being just another lifestyle toy. If the Singapore Yacht Show traces its pedigree to both the Monaco and Abu Dhabi Yacht Shows, then it might as well differentiate itself within the country's greater regional and international
ambitions - to also pioneer environmental and technological innovation. "Luxury superyachts are not known to be eco friendly as most of them are powered by gas-guzzling engines, which emit harmful gases and make lots of noise as well. But, the skyrocketing fuel prices and the concern to safeguard environment has forced the luxury yacht owners to adopt the green ideas and come up with superyachts that are eco-friendly and powered by renewable sources of energy," says Shaheen Ahktar, a leading Ecofriend blogger.
BAGONG BAYANI MAY 2012
Lifestyle
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MaryJane Salomon with Mary Jane Gourlay
/FlCIAL 2IBBON #UTTING , TO 2 -IKE "ARCLAY #HIEF %XECUTIVE /FlCER 3ENTOSA $EVELOPMENT #ORPORATION !NDY 4READWELL Managing Director of the Singapore Yacht Show, Mr Teo Ser Luck, Minister of State for Trade and Industry and Arthur Tay, CEO of SUTL Group and One Degree 15 Marina.
The several flash floods that once drowned Orchard Road's drainage systems and millions of dollars worth of retail goods are a stark contrast to the seemingly indulgent and ambivalent Singapore Yacht Show. Pioneers however prove ahead of their time by spotting gaps in innovation and cross-convergence. Imagine the PUB (one of who's main tasks is to ensure water sustainability) as co-lead in the organization of the Singapore Yacht Show. If more wealthy individuals in the region MaryJane Salomon, Publisher of BAGONG BAYANI (ModernDay Hero) Magazine joined the VIPs led by (L to R) Andy Treadwell, Managing Director of the Singapore Yacht Show, Mr. Teo Ser Luck, Minister of State for Trade and Industry and Arthur Tay and Mike Barclay, CEO of Sentosa Development #ORPORATION AFTER THE /FlCIAL 3HOW /PENING #EREMONY
(L to R) Andy Treadwell, Managing Director of the Singapore Yacht Show, Mr Teo Ser Luck, Minister of State for Trade and Industry, Arthur Tay, CEO of SUTL Group and One Degree 15 -ARINA AND -IKE "ARCLAY #HIEF %XECUTIVE /FlCER 3ENTOSA Development Corporation.
are looking to diversify their portfolios; and the world as a whole is experiencing hastening shortages in water and energy supplies, now is the moment to re-define luxury towards more ergonomic and environmentally conscious lifestyles. Being an island state surrounded by rising water levels, we need to be showcasing solar powered, hydro-conductive, windpowered super yachts! Now that would be luxury re-defined.
Anne-Marie Mananquil Bakker is Co-Founder & Co-Owner of Alon Pte Ltd, a global lifestyle advocate of social enterprise for water sustainability. Having worked for the UNESCO-IHE Institute for Water Education in the Netherlands for over 6 years, and various industries across Asia, Europe (owning to her Dutch heritage) and the Middle East, her Philippine roots brought her to 3INGAPORE AND -ANILA TO ALSO RUN THE FAMILY BUSINESS WWW ALON COM SG WATERBENElT ALON COM SG
BAGONG BAYANI MAY 2012
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Events
Photos by: Rafael Panes
We would like to invite all Singapore-based Filipino Organisations to join the upcoming Filipino Dragons (Singapore) Independence Day Celebration 2012.
)SANG "ANGKANG -ALAYA FDS & FilCom Fun Race for 114 Years of Philippine Independence Kallang Riverside Park
23rd June 2012 www.filipinodragons.sg
Media Partner:
www.iambagongbayani.com
“Isang Bangkang Malaya”, Filipino Dragons (Singapore) commemorates the 114th year of Philippine Independence. Registration & Socials | FDS Supervised Paddling Sessions | Fun Race | Dragonboat Race Exhibition | Awarding Ceremonies | Lunch & Post-Race Party
To register your interest to participate on this fun event, please RSVP to events@filipinodragons.sg Places will be confirmed by 16th June 2012 with priority given to FilCom Members and Supporters. Please visit our team website to download the registration form. Early submissions are welcome. MABUHAY and Paddles Up!!!
Bagong Bayani Magazine is also our Media Supporter at last year’s inaugural event
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BAGONG BAYANI MAY 2012
Article by: Obhet Cristobal
Arts & Entertainment
Capturing Images from the
Heart of a Filipino
T
his year marks another milestone for the Filipino Community in Singapore as one of the most established if not the largest photography club in the island, celebrated its fifth year of camaraderie, sharing skills, mentoring and community involvement. Dubbed LIMA
(Learn, Imagine, Master and Achieve), the PinoyGraphers@SG gathered at their usual haven for the past four years, at Goldkist Resort, East Coast last April 2122. The event was well attended by senior and junior members, friends and sponsors who have helped usher the group’s exposure to new heights. Among those who graced the two day celebration were Western Union, PNB, Travel Universe Services and Cafe Inc., and Bagong Bayani Magazine. The celebration kicked off with fun and games, awarding ceremonies, tips and tricks of the trade by senior core members. Highlighting the previous year’s achievements, the future plans to shoot overseas as well as incoming workshops were laid down to the members. Aside
Tapestry OF LIVES AN EXCHANGE OF HOPES AND DREAMS BETWEEN SINGAPORE AND THE PHILIPPINES Singaporean artists.
A
spiring artists from Singapore and the Philippines will have a unique opportunity to forge new ties and travel to each other’s countries with a new initiative launched collectively by several agencies from the two countries. The exhibit was called Tapestry of Lives: Our Stories of Hope, an initiative which have forged an exchange of ideas between
and
Filipino
from this, the group’s co-founder and president, Bhong Odal was given a token of appreciation for his countless effort to bring the group to where it is now. The PinoyGraphers@SG has also introduced their new membership programs to cater for more members aspiring to learn and be part of one of Singapore’s prime photography group. For anyone interested may visit our official website at www.pinoygraphersg. org.
Watch out for the upcoming exhibit this June entitled as “Savour Philippines”. Aside from that the much awaited second volume of our Coffee Table book is already in the works and is due to be released later this year. The PinoyGraphers@SG, going strong, moving forward and headed to bigger exposures.
PinoyGraphers@SG invites you to a spectacular week of photographic imagery from the land of Three Stars and a Sun. The event will showcase our latest works on Philippine landscapes and festivals at the Conrad Centennial Hotel from 9 to 17 June 2012. The artworks will range from colourful displays of religious celebrations to the most desirable and fascinating places throughout the islands. The works of the photographers will be displayed at the hotel’s lobby which will be for sale and all proceeds will go to a selected Fiilipino charitable institution.
Artists Organization (PH) and Cebu Artist’s Association (PH), the event have showcased six Singapore youth artists interact with experienced artists from Tam-Awan Village, Baguio City. The six Philippine artists will be travelled out of the Philippines for the first time while the Singapore artists will have an opportunity to travel to the Philippines for a cultural exchange programme thereafter.
At the recently concluded exhibition which was held at the Arts House, visitors have seen their individual artwork, as well as a collaborative collage, the latter being the first time artists from both countries came together to create an artwork together. Ambassador Minda C. Cruz and Consul Catherine Torres of the Philippine Embassy have attended the opening.
Says Falicia Tan, Director, HEarts Aflame: “I believe arts can be used to heal lives and build dignity in the disadvantaged among us. It can be a common denominator amongst people from different nationalities and different economic strata through which lives are then united and enriched, and arts can be appreciated by all in the community.”
Jointly organised by HEarts Aflame (SG), The Little Arts Academy (SG), Chanum Foundation (PH), Tam-Awan Village (PH), Pusod Cebu Visual
Hearts Aflame is a social enterprise based in Singapore that aims to alleviate poverty through arts.
L-R: Consul Catherine Torres, Ms. Celia Defato, H.E. Ambassador Minda Cruz, MaryJane Salomon and Dr. Nadina Jose
MaryJane Salomon, Publisher of BAGONG BAYANI (Modern-Day Hero) Magazine with the Artists and Organizers: Back row - Fergus Jes Velasquez, Julie Heather Liew, Yeow Tong Wen, Tara Lalaine Natividad , Hendrick Ho, Siti Nurin Jazlina, Patric Palasi, Ambassador Minda C. Cruz, Jordan Mangosan, Randy Nimer, Mark Tandoyog,Colin Goh of the The Old Parliament House Ltd and Falicia Tan Front row - Tan Wen Hao, Kang Joo Soon, Lai Yin Zhi
(%ARTS !mAME , 2 3YLVESTER ,EE &ERGUS *ES Velasquez, Falicia Tan, MaryJane Salomon, Jeffrey Chin, Hendrick Ho
TAM-AWAN VILLAGE Artists (L-R) Mark Tandoyog, Tara Lalaine Natividad, Randy Nimer, Patric Palasi, Maria Elenor Catajan, Jordan Mang-osan with MaryJane Salomon, Publisher of BAGONG BAYANI (Modern-Day Hero) Magazine.
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BAGONG BAYANI MAY 2012
Opinion
Article by: Justice Francisco-Schaffer
Remembering My Mom: %LVIRA #AUSING &RANCISCO
F
HEUXDU\ ZDV WKH GD\ P\ PRP ÀQDOO\ ZRQ \HV VKH ZRQ RYHU FDQFHU ,W ZDV the day she didn’t allow it to hurt her anymore and only after she went against all odds and lived 6 years than the 1-2 years she was given. Her will, spirit and faith were strong, and that was her victory.
That morning, my family and I went walking at the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, and despite having a heavy heart, passing smiles from my kids helped me get through that day. My youngest was only 3.5 years old then, and I held his hand almost the whole time. The littlest hand yet the biggest comfort. Everyone silently walked. If it is to console, to think or just be---it’s a walk I’d always remember. We decided to stop, and as the children sat on a huge log to quench their thirst and catch their breath, I looked up and took a photo of the trees above me. Closing my eyes, I felt light and at peace. It was just a matter of seconds before the feeling of that
F all the serious medical issues I, as a mother, would be concerned about, it would be cancer. Given that this health traitor, unfortunately, runs in the family, I am trying my best to instill in my kids the healthier way to eat, live and be merry.
O
I rarely attend seminars, but when I got invited to a talk about Breast, Gynecologic and Colon Cancer, I did not need to think twice and blocked it on my calendar immediately. Held at the American Club on the 5th of May 2012, Dr Khoo Kei Siong and Dr Anthony Siow were the guest speakers. Dr Khoo is the Deputy Medical Director and Senior Consultant at the Parkway Cancer Center while Dr Anthony Siow is the Senior Consultant Obstetrician & Gynecologist at Parkway Gynecology Screening and Treatment Centre who both gave an insightful talk. I was taking in as much information as possible because, as a mother, it is my responsibility
special tranquility left me and was glad to have felt it. It was my mom. She lifted the heavy burden I was carrying on my chest then I remembered her famous line: “Everything happens for a reason�, rightfully so. Though mom’s departure was too soon, it did not come untimely. We were lucky that she was given time. She used it to teach, share and show love in a special way. The strength, the will and the faith she had will always serve as inspiration to many---most of all, to me and my family. Mom lived life to the best and fullest of her ability. She raised 6 unique individuals...I, being the first. I am who I am because
and obligation to invest in the health of my children, my family. I’ve done my share of research and our parents being cancer patients we’ve gained some knowledge and understanding about it.
mommy continued to believe in me no matter what others say. In my lowest moments, she tells me to cry for awhile but don’t waste too much time on crying. Just gain strength in your tears.---�Laban, anak. Laban!� (Fight my child, Fight!) It was a command and NOT a request. I miss our never-ending talks, our discussions, our fights...everything that spiced-up our relationship yet made it stronger as time went by. Me and my siblings all miss her but we all know she lives in each one of us. We love and miss you Mommy Ganda...you gave justice to that title and feels honoured to be living with that name.
affect the rest.� There are quite a number of options nowadays on how to treat cancer, but that’s not the target. Early detection is. We all know, “Prevention is always better, easier and cheaper than cure.�
Listening to the doctors, I know that what we eat, stressful lifestyles and family history are some of the factors that greatly affect the development of cancer. It is scary that this health traitor can affect anyone. We can monitor and balance what we eat, ďŹ x our lifestyles, TRY to avoid as much stress as possible (kinda hard given the daily demands of living), exercise, get enough sleep, etc. Have regular yearly health checkups. Our body tells us if there’s something wrong ahead of time and all we have to do is listen to it. Don’t wait until you start feeling really bad. It’s similar to what I tell my kids actually--â€?If you have a toothache, let the dentist check it and don’t wait until the damage goes deeper and
(L-R)The author with MaryJane Salomon, Publisher of BAGONG BAYANI (Modern-Day Hero) Magazine, Jane Chua, Mary Jane Gourlay, Jonabel Ng and Charo Cheong having a good time after the Health Awareness Seminar which was held at the American Club on the 5th of May 2012
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BAGONG BAYANI MAY 2012
BAGONG BAYANI MAY 2012
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ENCARNACION MONTALES Occupation: Training Coordinator AND #ASE /FlCER Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines in Singapore
BBM: What is the best part of being a mother? And what is the toughest part? Please give number of your children and kindly briefly explain. The best part of being a mother for me is when the baby is still in the womb and after birth because, there are times when the baby moves and kicks, simply amazing. After birth, the baby makes funny faces and smiles so sweetly. The toughest is when feeding in the nights and when the baby is sick, it is a real sacrifice. I have five children but my eldest son died when he was just 8 years old. I have three girls, the eldest and the youngest are registered nurses my younger son is an ECE engineer. My other daughter is Computer Science graduate. They have their own families already. I am a grandmother of four boys and a girl.
BBM: If you have to compare raising children in Manila and in Singapore, what would be the similarities and differences? Please briefly explain.
BBM:How would you describe yourself as mother to your child/ children? Please explain briefly.
To raise a child in the Philippines is not easy if you do not have a stable job, that is the reason why I decided to work overseas and my dream goal is answered. I can not say much about Singapore.
I am both practical and loving mother to my children. Although, it was heartbreaking for me to leave them, I decided to work here in Singapore for more than 2o years just to make sure that they will not suffer the hardships that I had been through before I got my degree in College.
BBM:What do you think are the best qualities of a Filipina mother? Aside from giving birth to your child/children, what is your most memorable moment being a mother? Please explain briefly.
BBM:As mother to your child/ children, you are a Bagong Bayani or a modern-day hero in your own right. What can you say?
Filipina mothers are caring, loving, understanding and devoted. My most memorable moments are when my children gets good grades and when they finished their studies and lands in a job they had chosen.
I am happy to be chosen as a model mother this year 2012 and chosen as one of the modern day heroes as well.
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BAGONG BAYANI MAY 2012
MARY JANE AQUINOGOURLAY Occupation: Chef
BBM: What is the best part of being a mother? And what is the toughest part? Please give number of your children and kindly briefly explain. Motherhood changes everything. When you become a mother you become more humane. Everything is important. The feeling that you get from knowing that someone loves you unconditionally is just exhilarating. I only have one daughter, and makes me smile every time I see her, and we hug and kiss eachother endlessly. The toughest thing about being a Mother for me is the responsibility and the influence I will have on the kind of person she will become in the future. Would she become a good citizen, obeying all the rules & conducts, polite, honest, trustworthy? These are the things that I am concerned about its tough. BBM: If you have to compare raising children in Manila and in Singapore, what would be the similarities and differences? Please briefly explain. Big difference. If I have a choice, I still want my daughter to be raised in my homeland, so that she can learn our culture, tradition, values & beliefs without forcing her to learn it when she grows up. No offense to some mothers but raising kids in Manila is more motherly than in Singapore, where children are free to play outside and not a lot of distractions such as TV, computers etc etc. In Singapore, it is not the case. If you are not earning much, it is expensive to put kids even just to play in the playground.
BAGONG BAYANI MAY 2012
BBM:What do you think are the best qualities of a Filipina mother? Aside from giving birth to your child/children, what is your most memorable moment being a mother? Please explain briefly. Filipina mothers believe in their traditional values and beliefs: to endure all hardship with a smile and to be ready to sacrifice for the sake of their loved ones. I lost count of how many memorable moments I have with my daughter. Every second, minute and hour of the day is very memorable to me. Priceless. BBM:How would you describe yourself as mother to your child/ children? Please explain briefly. Most mothers are protective, loving, and most of all forgiving and I am one of them. BBM:As mother to your child/ children, you are a Bagong Bayani or a modern-day hero in your own right. What can you say? I can say that I am a good mother and I don’t care what people are going to say about me as they don’t know what I have been through. All they can see is what they want me to be. I am Bagong Bayani in my own right.
With two year old daughter, Moet Margaux
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BAGONG BAYANI MAY 2012
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MEYSHEL DELA CRUZ Occupation: Branch Head of IREMIT Singapore Pte Ltd
BBM: What is the best part of being a mother? And what is the toughest part? Please give number of your children and kindly briefly explain. The best part of being a mother is when you see your children grow up the way you intended them to be, that is, seeing the fruits of your motherly advice in their lives. For me, I think letting them go slowly as they grow and have their own identity and circle of friends is the toughest part. I have three wonderful children, a girl (Czarina Mae) and two boys (Christian Joseph and Carl Stephen), and they are all here with me in Singapore. BBM: If you have to compare raising children in Manila and in Singapore, what would be the similarities and differences? Please briefly explain. I can’t think much of similarities, but differences I think a lot. For one, it’s more expensive to raise children here, both parents must work hard to make both ends meet. Our children are also subjected to more pressure, both in school and peers, here in Singapore than in Manila.
With children: Czarina Mae, Christian Joseph and Carl Stephen
BBM:What do you think are the best qualities of a Filipina mother? Aside from giving birth to your child/children, what is your most memorable moment being a mother? Please explain briefly. I think the best quality of any mother is her willingness to give her life for her child. Like what most people say, the toughest existing job in the service sector on earth is that of being a mother because it never ends. For me, I think one of my memorable moments as a mother was the first time I heard my children speak their first word, and guess what, MAMA.
BBM:How would you describe yourself as mother to your child/ children? Please explain briefly. As a mother, as much as possible, I always make sure to have regular communication with them. My relationship with my children is not just like a mother-child relationship; to them, I am also a friend. It’s very funny, at times, when we go out people mistook us as siblings. BBM:As mother to your child/ children, you are a Bagong Bayani or a modern-day hero in your own right. What can you say? I definitely agree. I consider myself as my children’s hero from the moment they were born, my children all agree with me on this.
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BAGONG BAYANI MAY 2012
CHARO CHEONG Occupation: Porfolio Manager, IOC Group Ltd
BBM: What is the best part of being a mother? And what is the toughest part? Please give number of your children and kindly briefly explain. To me, I feel one of the greatest fulfillment in life is to be a mother. Motherhood is a huge responsibility, and a lifetime journey for every mum. A mother’s primary role is to nurture and guide our children the path of virtue. We care for their needs, emotional and physical, we always encourage the good and correct the wrong. Most of all we always want the best for our children. BBM: If you have to compare raising children in Manila and in Singapore, what would be the similarities and differences? Please briefly explain. Safety wise, Singapore is a very much safer place to stay especially when raising up children. Education in Singapore is of a higher standard and thus the students here are more inclined to put more effort into their studies.
BAGONG BAYANI MAY 2012
BBM:What do you think are the best qualities of a Filipina mother? Aside from giving birth to your child/children, what is your most memorable moment being a mother? Please explain briefly. I think most probably filipinas has amazing power of endurance! Probably because of the way we were brought up by our mothers. My most memorable moment was when my eldest daughter was chosen at the age of five or six year old and participated during the traditional Chingay Parade in Orchard Road during the Chinese New year. Almost the same time frame I was fortunate enough to be chosen in a stage play for the Nativity for the Christmas Eve’s local masses where I played the role as the pregnant Mother Mary. BBM:How would you describe yourself as mother to your child/ children? Please explain briefly. Motherhood certainly begins from conceiving, not to mention what transpires during the nine months pregnancy. I have given birth to my three children thru a Lamaze Style or Natural Birth (without any drugs involve) at Thomson Med. I had patiently endure the art of motherhood, including breastfeeding all my three children. I’ve raised them on my own without the help of anyone, and I can say that I have dedicated all of my energy and time to my family, being a mother and a wife and a friend to my family. BBM:As mother to your child/ children, you are a Bagong Bayani or a modern-day hero in your own right. What can you say? Motherhood involves a lot of sacrifice, patience and tolerance...So, yes, I am a BAGONG BAYANI. With daughters, Colette Felicia and Patrixia. Only son, Patrick Sean is not in the photo.
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BAGONG BAYANI MAY 2012
JONABEL ROA BALGUE NG Occupation: Special Needs Teacher BBM: What is the best part of being a mother? And what is the toughest part? Please give number of your children and kindly briefly explain. The best part of being a mom is to know that I am part of something so out of this world so perfectly amazing, knowing I was chosen to be my daughters mother, not by some random act of fate but by the will of God. Becoming a mom helped me realize “love” happens in small but very meaningful ways. My children are very creative and love giving me special notes and cards(specially hand-made cards). My heart swells and ”happy tears” fill my eyes each time I read them because it gives me a glimpse of their thoughts and what is inside their heart and soul. These feelings of unconditional love towards my children motivate me to be a better person in general, as I try each day to become a better mom. They give me much needed strength to face life’s challenges, and I’m deeply grateful to GOD daily for them both. Simply watching them grow into an awesome human being puts a smile on my face and fills my heart with sheer joy. My children, Celeste and Clarice, 18 and 15 years old respectively, have made my life so much richer and will keep on doing so for the next generation to come. I will be eternally grateful to Him who decided to lend these two precious angels to me. The toughest part about being a mom for me is to realize that we are not, and never will be, perfect, no matter how hard we try.
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With daughters, daughters Celeste and Charice
BBM: If you have to compare raising children in Manila and in Singapore, what would be the similarities and differences? Please briefly explain. I have not really thought about it, but I often ask myself how it is my parents raised me in one method and yet I have helped to raise my children using another totally different method and the result appears to be the same. While our childrearing is not quite over, we have nonetheless been fortunate to have raised two wonderful children reflecting the values we feel are important; having developed socially and academically beyond our wildest expectations. Yet my parents felt that about me and my siblings, as well. Many other parents can also claim the same successes. BBM:What do you think are the best qualities of a Filipina mother? Aside from giving birth to your child/children, what is your most memorable moment being a mother? Please explain briefly. I think the best qualities of a Filipina mother beside being loving and affectionate to their children is their ability to accept and maybe understand that kids don’t necessarily need direct 24/7 supervision, but rather intuitive guidance. Too many to mention...but just to name a few.. it’s actually the random acts of “love you mom”, the endless “warmest hugs and kisses” from my children. This simple act, is one of the most profound ways, that we experience pure love in this world.
BBM:How would you describe yourself as mother to your child/ children? Please explain briefly. Besides being a nurturer and primary care giver of my children. I believe that parents are the most important educators and as the PRIMARY educators of our children. We have the greatest responsibility to direct our children to adulthood. The road to adulthood can be compared to a traveler who wants to travel from one place to another, but does not know the way. He, therefore, needs directions. If he receives the wrong directions, he will never reach his destination. A child who enters this world is in exactly the same situation. He also has a destination – he must become a grown-up man or a grownup woman – but he has no idea how to get there. Consequently, he needs to be directed by grown-up persons, who have already traveled along this route, and who, therefore, can lead him to adulthood.
BBM:As mother to your child/ children, you are a Bagong Bayani or a modern-day hero in your own right. What can you say? Being a parent is a tremendous privilege. It is also a tremendous responsibility. Therefore as parents we must make sure that we are properly equipped for the task at hand because, as my late mother so rightly stated, “The destiny of children lies in the hands of their parents.” So it’s fair to say that every parent (myself included) is a Bagong Bayani or a modern-day hero in our own right.
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BAGONG BAYANI MAY 2012
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TERESITA PAPA KONG Occupation: Property Associate Marketing Director
BBM: What is the best part of being a mother? And what is the toughest part? Please give number of your children and kindly briefly explain. As far as I am concerned, the best part of being a Mother is the unending love, guidance and care we give to our children. The toughest part is when your children does not grow up in accordance with your expectations, in relationship, character, and care for parents. I have three children, namely Elaine who is 36 years old, married, and is based in San Francisco, USA. She has a two year old daughter. My second son is Algernon, 27 yrs of age, single and works as a writer and a film director and lastly is my youngest son, Agassiz, a graduate of a Hotel Managment. He is now serving the National Service. BBM: If you have to compare raising children in Manila and in Singapore, what would be the similarities and differences? Please briefly explain. I have noticed with my two eyes that raising children in Singapore is conducive to families as it offers a safer environment and good education. Back home, we have a family oriented society with all the relatives eager to get together often.
W family: Late mother Carmen With Magno, daughter Elaine and her M hhusband Todd, husband Algie, and ssons Algernon and Agassiz
BBM: What do you think are the best qualities of a Filipina mother? Aside from giving birth to your child/children, what is your most memorable moment being a mother? Please explain briefly. The best quality of a mother is the endless love and care we give to our children. I can tell them that I have done the best to bring them up to love the Lord, to be honest and be good persons. I also taught them how to respect important values; aside from telling them to study well for them to have a good future.
BBM:How would you describe yourself as mother to your child/ children? Please explain briefly. As a mother and a grandmother, I have had my share of happiness and also unhappiness in life. The most important is that as a mother, I just do my best to give a good life for my children. This is how I would like my children to remember me. BBM:As mother to your child/ children, you are a Bagong Bayani or a modern-day hero in your own right. What can you say? It is true. Mothers all over the world should be proud to be called modernday heroes. We are the carrier of life.
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BAGONG BAYANI MAY 2012
IRIS GARCIA Occupation: Project Business Row Leader for an FMCG MNC
BBM: What is the best part of being a mother? And what is the toughest part? Please give number of your children and kindly briefly explain. When Blu was 9, she had a fight with her best friend. She was crying & I did not saying anything but just hugged her. After a while, she told me, “You know what Mommy? You made me feel much better”. Small moments like this, when I make a difference, are the best parts of motherhood. The toughest is realizing I can’t protect my children from the harsh realities of life. As soon as they leave my womb, I lose the power to shield them. Whether it’s catching flu or being bullied in school, things happen and all I can do is support them while they fight their own battles. BBM: If you have to compare raising children in Manila and in Singapore, what would be the similarities and differences? Please briefly explain. We’ve been in Singapore for 12 years, without any other relatives. It’s more difficult because we don’t have Lola (grandma) to help us raise our kids and provide time-tested advice when we need it. Chito (my hubby) & I are lucky we have a super-yaya (super-nanny) Ate Vi who’s helped us tremendously through the years.
BAGONG BAYANI MAY 2012
BBM:What do you think are the best qualities of a Filipina mother? Aside from giving birth to your child/children, what is your most memorable moment being a mother? Please explain briefly. Motherhood is universal. The best quality of any mother is her ability to love unconditionally. My most memorable mommy moments are Blu & Ice’s firsts - like their first word, first step, and first day in school. I capture them in scrap books because I want to remember how it feels to be a part of their milestones in life. BBM:How would you describe yourself as mother to your child/ children? Please explain briefly. I am experiential. I allow Blu & Ice to experience manifestations of my love every day. It started one day when I smiled at Blu and she replied “I love you too Mommy”. Since then, I say “I love you” in all things I do, even when I discipline them (it’s possible!). I am also a maximizer. I focus on their strengths. I believe in my children & I know that by nurturing them, I can enable them to convert their strengths to exceptional talents. BBM:As mother to your child/ children, you are a Bagong Bayani or a modern-day hero in your own right. What can you say? As heroes are often distinguished by their bravery, I think mothers are definitely modern-day heroes. Holding Blu (my eldest) for the very first time made me feel so scared of being responsible for someone else’s life. But I am brave in raising my children; knowing that as their mother, I am the expert in their uniqueness.
The loves of my life Blu (my big baby) & Ice (my small baby)
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BAGONG BAYANI MAY 2012
JANE GARCIA CHUA Occupation: Beauty Engineering Consultant of Easecox BBM: What is the best part of being a mother? And what is the toughest part? Please give number of your children and kindly briefly explain. I am a mother of two wonderful children. My eldest son Nigel who is 22 years old had just finished his NS (national service) and is working to pass his time while waiting to pursue his studies. The second son, Altius who is 11 years old, is in primary 5 at a Catholic High School. To me, being a mother is the happiest moment in my life. From the moment, they were born my life have changed. Watching them grow, care for them and most of all shower them with love made me a better person. The hardest part is being judged by other mothers. Nobody is perfect in raising your own child. You will automatically know what is best for your child. BBM: If you have to compare raising children in Manila and in Singapore, what would be the similarities and differences? Please briefly explain. Basically, raising a child whether in Singapore or Philippines is the same but the difference is that how far can you expect from your child. It depends how you look at it. Every child is different, and every parent, have reasons on where and how they will raise their children.
BAGONG BAYANI MAY 2012
BBM:What do you think are the best qualities of a Filipina mother? Aside from giving birth to your child/children, what is your most memorable moment being a mother? Please explain briefly. The best quality of a Filipina mother is her ability to care and love her child no matter how difficult life can be. My most memorable moment as a mother is when I gave birth to my sons via caesarean procedure. On every occasion, I was supposed to conceive a normal delivery, but it turned out otherwise. Amazing, indeed. BBM:How would you describe yourself as mother to your child/ children? Please explain briefly. I am a nurturing mother. This is my gift to my children. BBM:As mother to your child/ children, you are a Bagong Bayani or a modern-day hero in your own right. What can you say? Thank you very much! This is the best I can say. As a mother, to my children, I am very proud of what I had been through in order to pave the way for my children to be good sons.
My children: Nigel, my eldest st and Altius
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Cover Story
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BAGONG BAYANI MAY 2012
JESSICA RODRIGUEZ Occupation: Business Partner of Salon De Rose
BBM: What is the best part of being a mother? And what is the toughest part? Please give number of your children and kindly briefly explain. I have only one son who is 13 years of age. His name is Eryll Jake who is God fearing and smart. The best part of being a mother is taking care of my son as a full time mother from birth till he is 2yrs of age. The toughest part is, now that he is a teenager sometimes we have a disagreement as he has his own decisions and ideas. BBM: If you have to compare raising children in Manila and in Singapore, what would be the similarities and differences? Please briefly explain. In Singapore, children are more expose to computers or video games. On the other hand, raising children in Manila could be a cheaper lifestyle.
BAGONG BAYANI MAY 2012
BBM:What do you think are the best qualities of a Filipina mother? Aside from giving birth to your child/children, what is your most memorable moment being a mother? Please explain briefly. A Filipina mother always gives her child/children quality time with the whole family, with discipline being implemented and teaching good moral and spiritual values. My most memorable moment with my son is when we are at home spending quality time with each other sharing ideas about his studies and life in the future. BBM:How would you describe yourself as mother to your child/ children? Please explain briefly. I am a very good mother to my son. Despite of my hectic schedule due to my work, I always make sure he does his responsibilities towards his studies and other duties whatever assigned to him. Despite of having an assistant at home, I am aways there to play the role of being a working mom and a wife.
BBM:As mother to your child/ children, you are a Bagong Bayani or a modern-day hero in your own right. What can you say?
With only son, Eryll Jake
I am proud to call myself a Bagong Bayani or a modern-day hero in my own right, because I am a full time mother. Being a working mom, it is not an easy task, but somehow I enjoyed seeing my son growingup with the support of my loving husband and above all with the guidance of Almighty God.
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Foreign Domestic Worker Association for Skills Training
(FAST)
FAST was formed on 23 March 2005. It is a non-profit making organization and a registered charity since Dec 2007.
T Second FDW Day, 4 Dec 2011 From left: Mr Ho Siong Hin, Divisional Director, Ministry of Manpower, Her Excellency Ferial Ismail Ashraff, High Commissioner from Sri Lanka, Mr Seah Seng Choon, President FAST, Mr Tan Chuan-Jin Minister of State, Ministry of National Development and Ministry of Manpower, Her Excellency Minda C Cruz, Ambassador from the Philippines and Mr William Chew, Vice President FAST
HE purpose of FAST is to work through livelihood development courses and training to achieve a common good for the migrant domestic workers, their employers, the host community and the source countries. A better skilled worker will benefit herself as she will enjoy better work relationship with her employer, her pay is likely to increase and it also enhances her lifelong employability. Her employer will enjoy better quality service. With the strong support from the Lee Foundation since 2005, as well as from the Keppel Corporation Limited last year, FAST has been able to provide skills enhancement to more than 16,000 foreign domestic workers in Singapore. FAST partnered with the community clubs and other training providers to provide affordable yet quality training programmes during weekends. In addition, FAST also provides training subsidy to participants. Our courses include computer literacy, infant care, foot reflexology, stress management, hairdressing, sewing, healthy cooking and international cuisines of restaurant standard dishes and baking classes. We wish more FDWs will spend their rest day in a meaning and fruitful way.
FAST Executive Committee Front row from left: Mr Mohan representing Sun Love Home - Committee Member, Mr Seah Seng Choon - President and VP Mr William Chew Back row from left: Mdm Amoon Ibrahim - Manager, Ms S. Hamidah Binte S. Abdullah Bahashwan - Asst Treasurer, Mrs Quek-Ng Siew Fong – Secretary and Mrs Helen Tan - Treasurer Committee members not shown: Pastor Solano Reynaldo Ortiz and Mr Kenneth Yap
Infant Care Class
Dishes from the Chinese Cooking Class
FAST recognizes the important role that the domestic helpers play in the Singapore society and economy. FAST decided to organize FDW day to show our appreciation. FAST led 10 other NGOs to organize a FDW Day to celebrate and pay tribute to the domestic workers. With the support of the Ministry of Manpower, donors and sponsors, the 1st FDW Day was held on 1st Sunday of Dec 2010. The second FDW day was organized in 2011. Entertainment programmes were put in place for FDWs to enjoy. Delicious food was served as well. The 3rd FDW Day will be held on 2 Dec 2012. We hope to see more of them attending in the coming FDW Days.
Cakes and pastry from the Baking Class
Foreign Domestic Worker Association for Skills Training 120 Kim Seng Road Singapore 239436 Tel: 6735 7687 Fax: 6735 4322 www.fast.org.sg Email: contact@fast.org.sg
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BAGONG BAYANI MAY 2012
Photos by: Michael Ozaki & Wheng Dichoso
People
MRS. SINGAPORE 2012
-ARY*ANE 3ALOMON 0UBLISHER OF "!'/.' "!9!.) -ODERN $AY (ERO -AGAZINE WITH &INALISTS *ANE 'ARCIA #HUA AND *ONABEL 2OA "ANGUE .G
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Carol Manaloto 1963-2012
We will always love you...
BAGONG BAYANI MAY 2012
TO THE CHALLENGE P
inoySG Badminton Club, the biggest and the only government registered all Filipino badminton club, will once again host the most awaited annual Filipino badminton tournament, the 5th PinoySG Badminton Open 2012. It will be held on June 9 and 10, 2012 at Jurong West Sports and Recreation Center.
This event which was first organized last 2007 is now on its 5th year and has always been considered as the most anticipated and prestigious tournament for Filipino badminton players in Singapore. PinoySG Badminton Club is a 5year old group, which prides itself as the biggest Filipino badminton group in Singapore. We have started this event as part of the club’s objective to promote camaraderie, friendship and unity
Sports
RISE
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among Filipinos here in Singapore. The club has been very instrumental in encouraging Filipino professionals to get into the sport and make it as part of their weekly exercise as shown by the 150+ registered members who play every Saturday. The club has also initiated friendly games with local and foreign groups as part of racial harmony program through badminton. For this year, PinoySG Badminton tournament committee is expecting 250+ players to compete and arrival of hundreds of supporters to cheer their friends, and family who will be competing on the said event. The competitors will compete in the Mens Singles, Mens Doubles, Womens Doubles and Mixed Doubles category. Official Media Partner: BAGONG BAYANI (Modern-Day Hero) magazine.
Community Service
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BAGONG BAYANI MAY 2012