Roots & Wings April 2022

Filipino Magazine in Europe

FILIPINO ENTREPRENEUR

DENNIS LUNAR

Europe’s phenomenal I Love Sushi and Pinoy Pride Hotdog

April ­— May 2022 Volume 12 Issue 3

SPONSORED

From the Editor

E

aster has finally come and within days, the Philippine presidential elections too, one of Asia’s largest and pivotal to our country’s future.

Easter is a time of rest and renewal after a prayerful, almsgiving, fasting season, and welcoming massive hope, and copious light in celebration of the rising of Christ – true Light of the world.

Our Team is elated over Rawmags’ successful Social Entrepreneurship (SE) launch with inspiring Becky Torres and Marizel Arambulo at the helm. Loads of thanks to SE Project Partners supporting the rebuilding of typhoon-hit Siargao, and funding vocational/technical trainees of Laura Vicuña in Negros and Palawan.

And yes, we’re expanding the Team, welcoming Daniel Ceeline Ramonal’s new coverage from Serbia, and Donna Kuenzler from Switzerland. Take a moment to enjoy Larry Carumba’s sublime nature artworks from Saudi Arabia and ALSE’s (Ateneo Leadership Financial Literacy and Social Innovation/ Entrepreneurship) life changing virtual education for Overseas Filipinos in Europe. Flip through our April-May pages and be inspired.

What’s of utmost significance for us today is that this season is largely dominated by bright election campaigns. Multitudes of voters desperate for honest, and economically sound governance have been marching the streets of major cities and provinces. There about 65 million registered voters at home and overseas. For us abroad, electoral mails have been delivered and returns are now trickling in. I pray both the festive season and clean elections bring massive hope, and copious light to a deserving people - the Filipinos.

What are you anticipating from the May 9th Philippine elections? Where do you see the Philippines is headed? We’d like to read, hear your views, receive your photos, and publish them in our next issue. Email rawmags.betsy@gmail.com or send texts and photos to our social media sites.

Meanwhile, wishing all our readers a Blessed Easter!

Betsy Jance von Atzigen Editor in Chief, Switzerland

2022FEB014

Rebecca Torres

ROOTS & WINGS SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Becky is a Consultant after being the Chief Compliance Officer of BDO Unibank in

Becky’s first food essay, Alaskan Salmon Bagoong, Unexpectedly, was

the Philippines. Her current

2013-2017 winning DGF food essays. Becky’s engagement with Roots and

interest is on food and travel creative writing, a different world from business writing in

Wings started in October 2020 with the feature of My Vigan - Returning

awarded 2nd place in the 2017 Doreen Gamboa Fernandez (DGF) Food Writing Competition and was published in Sangkap together with other

to One’s Roots and Christmas Gems of Antipolo in December 2020.

banking.

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Editorial Team

Roots&Wings

Meet the Team

Betsy Jance von Atzigen

Rachel Hansen

Marthy Angue

Ralph Chan

Rebecca Garcia Urbancik

BUREAU EDITOR AUSTRIA

BUREAU EDITOR, CZECHIA/GERMANY SOCMED

FOUNDER/PUBLISHER

ASSOCIATE EDITOR PHILIPPINES

Lyndy Bagares

Jennifer Fergesen

Anton Miguel D. De Vera

WEB EDITOR NORWAY

BUREAU EDITOR ICELAND

SOCMED AUSTRIA

Katrina Larida

Jeffrey Cabuay

Cipriano “Zip” De Guzmán

Donna Patricia Manio

Apiong Bagares

BUREAU EDITOR SWEDEN

BUREAU EDITOR FRANCE

BUREAU EDITOR SPAIN

LIFESTYLE EDITOR

DESIGN

Daniel Ceeline Ramonal

Donna Avellana Künzler

BUREAU EDITOR SERBIA

BUREAU EDITOR SWITZERLAND

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Mye Mulingtapang

Becky Torres

Marizel Arambulo

BUREAU EDITOR ITALY

SOC ENTREPRENEUR LEAD

SOC ENTREPRENEUR LEAD

Gloria Hernandez Grejalde

Aimee Alado -Blake

BUREAU EDITOR RUSSIA

BUREAU EDITOR UNITED KINGDOM

Feedback Page

Would you like to join our Rawmags Team?

For feedback. Email rawmags.betsy@gmail.com

We are searching for volunteer Bureau Editors for Greece, Ireland, the Netherlands, Poland, and Turkey. Connect with us today.

Follow us on social media:

Facebook: @rawmags

Instagram: @Rawmags

youtube: @rawmags

Twitter: @rawmags

linkedin/rawmags

www.rawmags.com Roots&Wings

Roots&Wings Roots&Wings Filipino Magazine in Europe Published by Rachel Publishing Co. Stockholm, Sweden / St Gallen, Switzerland 2009-2022

Editorial Team

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CLICK ON THE TITLE TO SKIP TO PAGE

Contents SPECIAL Euro-Pinoys get “Best Magazine” at 2022 MAM Awards /p7 Philippine Embassy Berne, Switzerland honours Roots & Wings /p8 COVER STORY Filipino Entrepreneur Dennis Lunar /p9 ART Larry Carumba /p11 Anilao, My Favorite Playground /p14 CULTURE Sharing Filipino Culture through Dance: Don’t stop at learning the steps! /p16 Lolo&Lola Vienna’s go-to spot for a modern take on Filipino cuisine /p18 SOCIAL ENTERPRISE How to live our best life by Maxicare /p21 Handog Pag-asa, a Project of BAIPHIL /p22 RAWMAGS Social Entrepreneurship Successful Launch / p24 Laura Vicuña Women’s Development and Training Center / p25 EDUCATION Changing Life’s Course through Virtual Learning / p26 Prof. Rosemare dela Cruz Bernabe, PhD Inspiration to Pinoys / p29 Joel Alba, Educator and Adventurer / p32 LITERARY The Overseas Fabulous Pinay in Oxford / p35 FOREIGN AFFAIRS The Philippines Wins 2nd Most Impressive Exhibition at Holiday World 2022 /p37 COMMUNITY SERVICE Evelyn Steiner, tireless networker for the country and her people /p39 PH FOREIGN AFFAIRS IN EUROPE DIRECTORY /p41 6

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PHILIPPINES

EURO-PINOYS GET “BEST MAGAZINE” AT 2022 MAM AWARDS Marthy Angue, Philippines and Betsy von Atzigen, Switzerland Philippine photos courtesy of CFO

R

oots and Wings Magazine received a major honor from the Commission on Filipinos Overseas as one of the 19 recipients of the 2022 Migration Advocacy and Media (MAM) Awards for 2022.

Celebrating the role of media in bringing to light the achievements, plight, and diverse experiences of Filipino migrants, the MAM Awards conferred its 2022 Print Journalism Award for Best Magazine to Roots and Wings in an intimate ceremony at the Manila Hotel, 16 March 2022.

In his opening remarks, CFO Secretary and Chairperson Francisco P. Acosta recognized how the MAM winners advocated for overseas Filipinos amid a global crisis and, indeed, many of the 2022 winners played vital roles in informing, entertaining, and uplifting the Global Filipino in a time of pandemic. Awardees had been selected from across the breadth of the Filipino Diaspora, hailing from Japan, China, the United States, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, Canada, Hong Kong, United Arab Emirates, South Korea, and the Philippines.

In a pre-recorded acceptance speech, magazine founder Rachel Hansen and editor-in-chief ElizRoots&Wings

Roots & Wings Magazine Associate Editor Marthy Angue received the award on behalf of the Team.

The CFO also awarded the first winners of the HiMigrasyon Songwriting Contest, a competition to celebrate overseas Filipinos and to produce music to call attention to migration issues, at the ceremony.

abeth (Betsy) Jance von Atzigen thanked the Commission on Filipinos Overseas for the recognition, expressing how the award

serves to inspire the publication to continue providing Filipinos in Europe with inspiring stories and quality information.

Special

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SWITZERLAND

L-R: Eppie Balagasay, Roots & Wings Editor in Chief Betsy Jance von Atzigen, Minister and Consul General Josephine Reynante, Presidential Awardee Pamela Gotangco and Susan Nagel-Alcario.

PHILIPPINE EMBASSY BERNE HONOURS ROOTS & WINGS

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n the 11th of March 2022, Roots & Wings 2021 Best Magazine and Migration Advocacy and Media (MAM) Awardee was honoured by the Philippine Embassy in Berne, Switzerland. Editor-in-Chief, Betsy von Atzigen had the honour to accept the recognition on behalf of Rawmags.

This award stems from Rachel Hansen’s initiative in summer of 2009 to chronicle, promote and keep alive the Filipino heritage among community mem-

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Special

bers in Europe. A Team of professional volunteer journalists, writers, contributors, editors, web and magazine designers have effected a dozen years of magazine transformation into what it is today and committed to deliver an engaging bi-monthly publication that enriches and keeps Filipino art, business, community, culture, foreign affairs, literature, music, sports and traditions alive among our million-strong Euro-Filipinos into the next generations.

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SWITZERLAND

Doing business abroad is not easy, but neither is it impossible.

Filipino entrepreneur Dennis Lunar Cover Story by Mye Mulingtapang

Y

ou have finally made up your mind, you want to leave, and move abroad to seek your fortune. So what better solution than starting your own business, turning yourself into an entrepreneur? Filipinos have been recognized for their desire for entrepreneurship and there are many success stories of those who have found their way outside the Philippine borders. Undoubtedly, doing business abroad represents a huge market to explore for the development of your product or service. However, there is no reason to rush. Thanks to the following tips from Dennis Lunar, you can plan your business abroad!

The fundamentals Dennis left the Philippines more than two decades ago to work as a chef on a cruise ship. Since 2000, he has been to many places wherein he met people different people, developed his skills, and expanded his culinary culture. Dennis shares the stages that led to his success as a chef and entrepreneur.

An entrepreneurial mindset together with a great desire to study, experiment, and grow is what Lunar gambled with when he was in the first years of his business. He opened his first sushi restaurant in 2011. The time he had at the beginning in cooking and preparing dishes Roots&Wings

when his family moved to Switzerland was just his way to pass the time which then became a real job and business.

Before starting a business, before letting oneself be attracted by the fascinating dream of success, it must first be built according to Dennis. The pandemic also led him to venture out in the processed meat business. It all started on his kitchen table with commitment and persistence to give his fellow Filipinos a taste of home, his Pinoy Pride Hotdog is now distributed in more than ten countries up and down Europe.

“Once built, evaluated, planned and discussed, then you can start the ball rolling,” says Dennis.

Always plan The preparatory phase is crucial, and it is essential not to underestimate the importance of investing time and resources in planning.

A well thought out strategy will allow you to identify the right solution to establish yourself in the market. Dennis believes that entering the food business is, in fact, one of the ways to be successful abroad. He created meat products and frozen goods that are different from the usual hotdog and ham in Europe.

“Because Filipinos miss breakfast staples like tocino, longganisa and hotdog and I

Cover Story

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MY BEST BUSINESS CARD IS THE LOYALTY OF MY EXISTING CUSTOMERS. Chef Denn

EUROPE’S PHENOMENAL MAKER OF I LOVE SUSHI SWITZERLAND AND PINOY PRIDE HOTDOG EUROPE

thought of just making the products myself,” says Dennis.

Evaluate the right market Investing in foreign countries can be a risk. The country where you want to start your company, sell your products or services is of great importance. Competition is also a factor to consider when you want to start a business.

Abroad, the parameters to be evaluated are numerous: size of the market for your products, prices, and consumer purchasing power.

“We are well aware that opening a successful company or shop is never an easy thing and all aspects must be evaluated before using our money in a reality of which little or nothing is known,” shares Dennis.

Know your market It is necessary to inquire about the place, the mentality of the people, the interests of those who may be potential customers. You need to know where to invest, how much money you need, which business to open and the taxation of investments abroad. If well considered, however, this choice can lead to excellent results.

“My best business card is the loyalty of my existing customers,” exclaims Dennis.

Invest on skills To defeat international competition, product excellence, in which Filipino products have rivals, is no longer enough today. Digital skills, in fact, are increasingly useful in helping your business grow. In communicating on social media, it is not enough to say that the prod-

FACEBOOK: Pinoy Pride

ucts exist, entrepreneurs have to let people know that what they are offering is good, that they create quality products and that they are creative; in other words, they must be able to devise initiatives and write news!

“Digital marketing & communication, branding, as well as an in-depth knowledge of the reference markets and new geographies with high potential for Filipino products are skills that will help a merchant who aspires to penetrate an international market,” explains Dennis.

Invent what is not there Find a new product and you will find a market. Taking advantage of the advantages of the place where you live means finding a business idea. To set up on your own there is also the path of innovation of a traditional product.

Dennis is looking into the future of producing and promoting quality Filipino meat products in a wider international market.

“Offer a single product or a category of products that is truly better than the competition,” adds Dennis.

Doing business abroad may seem like an uphill road, especially if you don’t know the right steps to follow and build a solid business strategy. For serial chef and entrepreneur Dennis Lunar, starting a business takes more time, awareness and organization.

The desire to grow and succeed in another country was so great that there were no excuses or obstacles that prevented him from realizing his dreams. For him, long term hard work is still the path to thriving in any endeavour.

CHECK HIM OUT AT INSTAGRAM @i.love.sushi.switzerland

Hotdog

www.ilovesushisteinen.shop 10

Cover Story

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Art

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SAUDI ARABIA

LARRY

E. Carumba, multi-awarded local and international visual artist hails from Victorias City, Negros Occidental Philippines. He is a La Salle Business Management graduate and an OFW/Corporate Secretary in a medical company in Saudi Arabia for 3 decades.

Larry is a self-taught artist who has developed his God-given talent to maturity. Painting is his only passion. He gained prominence after being awarded The Filipino Times Exemplary Filipino for Visual Arts 2019, Philippines Elite 2019 for Visual Arts, Bagong Bayani for Culture and the Arts 2014, Most Outstanding Filipino in the entire Gulf Countries-Bahrain-2016, Illustrado’s 300 Most Influential in the Gulf Countries-Dubai and twice Grand Champion, Best in Show Artist, People’s Choice and Art lead Awards.

In his art, Larry uses acrylic, canvas, wood, and oil. His artistic signature soars on the classic contemporary semi-realism approach called naturalism.

Nature dominates Larry’s themes, paying tribute and respect to its importance and value in daily life. Significantly, he contributes toward the rarity of knowledge, purpose of beauty, the ingenuity and individual difference in every piece of art he creates.

LARRY CARUMBA

LARRY CARUMBA

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Art

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LARRY CARUMBA

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PHILIPPINES

Anilao, My Favorite Playground Text and photos by Editha Apacible

I

’ve always loved the sea. My father lived in Lian, Batangas and brought us to the beach almost every month since we were small. I spent most of the day outside until my parents had persuaded me to eat my meals with them. I remember negotiating over Good Friday after 3pm as my sacrifice for Holy Week, because I liked to swim from Holy Thursday to Easter Sunday.

My mother had moved to the US when I was 16. Since then, I relied on friends for beach outings and twice a year trips to Lian, Batangas with my father’s relatives. I always dreamed of being able to get certified as a scuba diver.

Underwater seemed more interesting than above water. I promised my mother to forego this dream so as not to worry her after all she sponsored most of my education so obedience was mandatory. And then I turned 40 and became a senior officer of a bank (Citibank at that time). I heard stories from colleagues and had seen their pictures and videos. So, I told my mom that I was pursuing my dream, to which she cried and knelt for a long time to

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pray. More than 500 dives later, my mom is one of my main followers on Facebook and has seen all my underwater pictures.

With 7,100 islands, it would be amiss not to show how beautiful the Philippine Seas are.

Aside from getting certified, I went into underwater photography. I try to capture the beauty underwater by patiently waiting for the proper moment to take the shot, checking for the best angles, and deciding on the type of lighting using all lights, spotlight only, no light, blue/ red or just white light, etc. I already flooded 3 cameras, but I’ve not gotten tired of buying another camera in time for my next dive trip.

I am still employed so diving happens once or twice a month, mostly on weekends. The nearest diving spot to Metro Manila is Anilao, Batangas. I have considered Anilao as my favorite playground in the world and my most effective stress reliever.

Anilao is in Mabini, Batangas and is accessible via South Luzon Expressway, Star Tollway, and the new Bauan-San Pascual Expressway.

Due to its proximity to Manila, Manila-based Roots&Wings

divers as well as foreigners come here to dive and compete in photo competitions while National Geographic and foreign technical divers look for interesting species.

Anilao never ceases to amaze me. Despite going to my favorite sites over and over again, I still find something interesting and worth sharing. Its rich marine biodiversity gives divers a unique experience. There are more than 20 beautiful dive sites, and mostly boast of coral reefs. For macro photographers, there are

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lots of colorful fish, nudibranchs, and sometimes rare species like frogfish, blue ringed octopus, stonefish, and scorpionfish. For landscape photographers, there are soft corals, sea fans, sea snakes, big fish like batfish, trevally, groupers, schools of jackfish and triggerfish, and if one is lucky, there may be reef sharks in sites where the current is running.

Sharing my favorite pictures which will hopefully encourage new and seasoned divers to visit.

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Photo by Yousra Boulehboub

Photo by Yousra Boulehboub

SERBIA

Sharing Filipino Culture through Dance: Don’t stop at learning the steps!

Text and photos by Daniel Ceeline Ramonal

W

ith 7,641 islands, diversity in the Philippines is like no other. It boasts of more than 170 ethnolinguistic groups with varying traditions on language, art, music, food, and value systems. The country's identity is about multiple traditions co-existing in different regions, 16

Culture

making the task of sharing Filipino culture a tricky one. Where and how to start?

As a dance anthropologist, movement is the instrument I use extensively in sharing stories about home. Through the years, I had opportunities to perform with different artists and stage performances that highlighted the Filipino identity. But at one point, I asked myself if I was doing it responsibly.

The fear of cultural appropri-

Photo by Olga German

ation was always looming in my head, especially after some wellknown Filipino dance practitioners were criticized for prioritizing stylized dance aesthetics over their cultural aptness. I questioned my methods and confronted the techniques ingrained in my body, which I admit lacked cultural nourishment.

For example, I observed that I can execute the steps of folk and ethnic dances I learned growing up yet had restricted knowledge of the cultural metaphors and narratives embedded in these dances. As a proud Filipino, this floored me.

From this realization, I began exploring the expanded capacities of dance. I looked into culturally-sensitive modes of transmission with the hope of enriching people’s knowledge of Filipino dance heritage abroad through research and workshops. Additionally, my exposure to the plight of the heritage bearers of many of our local practices has coursed me to look beyond the mainstreamed purpose Roots&Wings

Photo by Ximena Banegas

of dance which is entertainment.

Surely there have to be ways for local narratives not to be overwhelmed by theatricalization. Not to underestimate the technicalities of Philippine dances, but understanding their roots and purposes are equally important as they reveal socio-cultural nuances that compose the Filipino identity.

Philippine folk and ethnic dances go beyond moving rhythmically to musical accompaniment or following a pattern of steps. Our dances are linked to local communities’ history, beliefs, and way of life. The Singkil dance for instance is from the Maranao in Lanao del Sur. Originally it was performed only by women, and the lead dancer was of royal blood. The solemn faces and maintained dignified postures with backs straight, chins up, but eyes downcast reflected how women in the community conducted themselves in public.

How many of us knew this and the other unmentioned contextuRoots&Wings

Photo by Emmanuel Ndefo

al layers of Singkil? I learned the dance when I was in high school, but I was unaware of the context.

Further, the version I know was not this Singkil but the more popular variation that included elements of a male contingent, a bigger entourage, with a storyline based on an excerpt in the Maranao epic, Darangen.

Another example is the ritual dances of our Lumad. I wondered about the bent-knee stances and continuous heel tapping that I had to follow. It was many years later that a Manobo elder explained the meanings. The grounded stances demonstrated humility, and the voluminous heel tappings were mediums of communicating with the spirits, at least for the Manobo.

The dances held cultural symbols that were not separate from their social value.

These are only two examples, but they show how our dances are packed with culturally-specific messages often not shared during

the learning process. Philippine dance presentations with sole performative purposes easily fall into traps of appropriation when cultural considerations of the original contexts are neglected.

Sharing Filipino culture through dance seems so challenging after reading this. Should we take a less complicated route in promoting our culture? Goodness, no! However, we must tread with the willingness to ask or entertain questions. Go beyond mastering the steps and beyond learning them for show. Whether teaching, promoting or performing, there is a shared responsibility in safeguarding our folk and ethnic dances. We need to educate ourselves on their attached socio-cultural value. I believe it is the least we can do for the communities where these dances were borrowed from.

Let us continue sharing our culture through dance, but let us pair our pride in sharing with care and a nod to our heritage bearers.

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AUSTRIA

Lolo&Lola

Vienna’s go-to spot for a modern take on Filipino cuisine

Text by Esther-Marie Tidoso Images ©Wynn Florante

B

orn and raised in the Philippines, Earl Valencia already knew at a very young age that he enjoyed food and wanted to make a career out of it. At 11, he moved from Luzon to Austria where his mother had earlier settled and worked, opening a whole new cultural world for him.

Today he is the owner of the Filipino-fusion restau18

Culture

rant “Lolo&Lola” that opened in Vienna, Austria on March 11. The restaurant located in one of the hippest areas in Vienna offers a modern and fresh take on traditional Pinoy cuisine.

Since you moved to Austria when you were 11, how was growing up in Austria for you?

In the beginning it was hard because everything was new. In the beginning I obviously didn’t know anyone, and it was cold. I wasn’t used to the cold and the cuisine here. So, it took time getting used to everything.

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However, school helped me to learn the language.

Language was very important to my mother. She insisted on speaking German at home, so I quickly caught on to the language.

When did you discover your passion for food and cooking?

Pretty early. When I first came to Austria, my parents and I visited a couple of restaurants. I sort of knew then that this is where I belonged. My mother wanted me to become a nurse, but I told her I didn’t want to and that I felt most comfortable in gastronomy.

Since my grandparents not only raised me but I also enjoyed eating their food, I wanted to dedicate this restaurant to them. Hence the name ‘Lolo&Lola’.

In Vienna, there used to be a handful of Pinoy restaurants which have disappeared along he way. What motivated you in getting into the restaurant business? Has it always been a dream of yours?

Most of my life I have worked in the restaurant business. And obviously when you’re in that environment you tend to think of opening your own spot. So, yes, you can say it has always been a dream of mine. And that dream manifested itself during my time managing the restaurant ‘Motto Am Fluss’ where I had such a great time, learning and working.

Although COVID caused so many challenges, it also brought about chances. The pandemic is still present, and you cannot do away with it. I thought that I couldn’t just wait for it to end otherwise I’d never start. You've got to be brave despite people thinking that it’s a crazy idea, especially during these times.

Despite that, I took my time to think about it and had made up my mind to open my own restaurant.

What’s the concept of your restaurant?

Location-wise I’ve always wanted to open a restaurant in this district in Vienna. This area has such a special flair; the people, the restaurants, the shops have such a small village character that I enjoy. Also, the people who live in this area are great. They are very open-minded, enjoy doing and getting to know new things. And that’s also what I wanted to do with this restaurant. Offering the people in Vienna a spot where they can try new interpretations of Filipino cuisine, hence the fusion element in all our dishes.

There's a mix of people coming and visiting our restaurant. A lot of Filipinos in the beginning but then more and more Europeans have come. It’s great to see everyone in one restaurant. And that has also been my goal to be open to everyone and not only to Roots&Wings

Filipinos. Young, hip people. Everyone should feel comfortable and welcome here and at the same time get to know the Filipino kitchen.

What do you think makes Filipino food so special?

We have so many exotic ingredients such as coconut, jackfruit and other vegetables that are not really out there. Filipino food has a lot to offer yet it is still very unknown, and I would like to bring these exotic ingredients to the people. It is a challenge though, but its versatility is great to bring forward.

First Generation Pinoys are shocked to have a vegan version of Kare Kare or Bicol Express. Some understand it, some don’t. But we want to have a modern, different approach and interpretation of Pinoy food. Half of our menu provides vegan and vegetarian options, also due to the area. We opted to not serve too much meat even though we know that the Filipino culture loves meat. However, I believe that veganism is the future due to environmental issues and the growing lifestyle of eating little to no meat in Europe.

Even for Pinoys who know how these meals taste, they can always find something new.

How important is representation to you?

Do you see yourself representing Filipino culture with your restaurant?

Through this restaurant you express Filipino culture and bring them forth through its cuisine. For me, that’s already a message to represent the Filipino culture. I’m not very involved in Filipino community but very much engaged to bring out Filipino culture.

My restaurant is only a small contribution to the representation.

What’s your personal message to young and aspiring people who want to establish their own restaurant or business?

Believe in yourself and be courageous. If you have a dream and have goals, then go for it. However, always remember that a journey is more important than reaching the goal. When you have gained experience and gained the knowledge then think about your ideas and figure out what you want. Then take up the courage and just go for it.

What can we expect from Lolo&Lola in the next couple months?

We are currently working on the outdoor area where we want to play with a lot of lights. Our garden is the next highlight which we are going to offer. The vibe is going to be comfortable and very inviting.

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HOW TO LIVE OUR BEST LIFE BY MAKING THESE 5 LIFESTYLE-FRIENDLY CHOICES LIFE in the time of COVID may have been a wild ride, a terrible struggle, a tragic time, an age of madness, or an opportunity for re-evaluation. Or maybe—all the above. The world has changed so much and while restrictions across the country are easing, we’re left asking: What’s next?

Where do we go from here?

First off, if there is anything these strange times have drummed into us cutting across all walks of life is that life is precious, and we should mind our health.

It’s a significant realization and an incredible first step to moving forward with our best life in mind.

We suggest that before we decide to take more steps moving forward to the future we have planned out, let us take a look at our present first. Let’s ask ourselves: do we need to make some determined choices? Here’s a tip: sticking to our choices isn’t so hard if the choices can fit seamlessly into our busy schedules and never feel like an inconvenience.

Here are 5 lifestyle-friendly choices to achieve our best life moving forward:

1 Be kind to ourselves and others The pandemic has brought out the best and worst in us. When faced with the latter, let us take a step back and breathe so we don’t blow up and say words we will regret later. Let’s remember to be kind to ourselves as well, by taking time for hobbies, spending time with loved ones, and putting our health and wellbeing at the forefront.

Maxicare Healthcare Corporation can help with this. It’s a pioneering health maintenance organization providing convenient and reliable access to preventive and primary services through lifestyle-friendly channels such as Primary Care Centers (PCC), Telemedicine

services, Member Gateway, HomeCare, Wellness programs, and more!

2 Collaborate Businesses survive, projects take off, and the right solutions take shape faster when people team up with others of diverse skills. The power of communications technology makes it so easy now to reach out and build relationships from the safety and comfort of our homes. Healthcare itself can come to us without the need to go out. For instance, Maxicare’s Telemedicine services have become an essential tool to facilitate consultations between Maxicare members and physicians at the comfort of home.

On top of Maxicare’s 24/7 Teleconsult, there’s also the Maxicare Videoconsult powered by the Doctor Anywhere app that lets us schedule consultations with Maxicare doctors and specialists (OB-gynecologists, dermatologists, pediatricians, and more). Through the app, we can access e-documents such as medical certificates, referral letters, and consultation history as well as upload laboratory and diagnostic test results. So there’s no more inconvenience when it comes to our well-being and we can partner with the best healthcare. Cool, right?

3 Invest in relationships Human beings are social creatures; we want to feel connected with people. Evolution has, in fact, hardwired us to seek relationships to ensure our survival. Given this, relationships can either make or break us. We suggest that we put the effort into nurturing and validating those who are important to us. Prove it through simple but heartfelt gestures, such as writing a letter or making a phone call instead of just texting. In our dealings with colleagues, clients, or customers, look for

Visit the Maxicare website to know more:

www.maxicare.com.ph

opportunities to inject a human touch.

Maxicare has made sure that its members can easily connect with their healthcare partner. Through the Member Gateway portal, we can request letters of authorization, access our member benefits, and apply for reimbursements with no hassle.

4 Choose less over more In today’s world, clutter has become pervasive and an all-consuming state for some. Clutter comes in different forms be it environmental, physical, mental, or relationship-related. Excess can be burdensome. How about we simplify our life?

Get rid of all your life’s clutter, and go for quality over quantity.

Maxicare’s HomeCare Program is our friend in the journey to simplify life. No need for horrendous traffic and paperwork that eats up chunks of our precious time and health. If we need lab tests done, Maxicare will come to us. The HomeCare Program also includes medical care for COVID-19 for close and regular telemonitoring of conditions of asymptomatic as well as mild to moderate cases.

5 Let go of the past.

How do we move forward if we are stuck in memories? While we need the hard lessons from the past to do better moving forward, they can also be a chain holding us back. We may be holding on to grief, anger, and fear, as well as second-guessing ourselves based on past mistakes How do we break free from this rut? How about learning a new skill or improving on an existing one?

It’s a practical yet effective way to make new and happier memories.

Let’s check out Maxicare’s Wellness Program, which gives its members exclusive access to educational health resources and a dedicated care coordinator to assist and guide in health management (this is like getting one’s own wellness coach!).

Let’s also tune in to the Maxicare Wellness Fridays, an interactive webinar series featuring exciting topics with expert resource speakers.

Live your best life with these five lifestyle-friendly choices and Maxicare as your partner in health.

BestLIFE is the Maxicare way of life.

Live life to the fullest and discover how to live your best life by becoming a Maxicare member today.

PROJECT PARTNER

HANDOG PAG-ASA, A PROJECT OF BAIPHIL Text by Agnes Santos THE BANKERs Institute of the Philippines, Inc. (BAIPHIL) founded in 1941, is a non-stock, non-profit association of banks and bankers. Over a span of 8 decades, BAIPHIL has achieved significant milestones in a number of areas, in a myriad of ways in the service of its members and the banking industry as a whole.

BAIPHIL is an acknowledged strategic partner of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), a steadfast partner in promoting banking excellence given its capacity building programs and activities aimed at enabling banks to practice good governance and keep pace with the changing regulatory and business environment.

BAIPHIL provides quality training programs, workshops and event offerings geared towards professional growth, keeping abreast with market developments and the evolution of the regulatory environment, as well as opportunities to interact and exchange ideas with other professionals in the banking industry and other field specialists.

Aside from its main function of organizing and holding formal training courses and workshops for bankers, it is continuously in search of new avenues and non-traditional channels for fostering quality education. In support of the BSP’s advocacy to pursue an inclusive financial system, BAIPHIL through its Special Projects Committee (SPC) has become an active partner in teaching personal finance

management to public school teachers and parents of school children through its Financial Education Program. It aims to improve people’s quality of life through financial education.

Another flagship project of the SPC is the annual Medical Dental Mission held for depressed areas in Bayambang, Pangasinan. Together with the Mobile Clinic of its partner, the SM Foundation, Inc. a contingent of volunteer members, doctors, dentists, nurses troop to the town’s events center to provide free medical consultation, dental services, free medicines,

X-Ray and laboratory tests, for the much awaited and appreciated medical mission.

The LGU is a partner in this endeavor.

During the pandemic when face to face engagement was not possible, a new venue for reaching out was created. The Handog Pag-asa sub-committee was born. It is an advocacy driven committee that responds to calls for help and helps uplift the lives of those in the marginalized and vulnerable sectors.

Handog Pag-asa conducts fund sourcing activities to augment its in-house budget and be able to finance more positive and impactful outreach programs. It successfully

marshaled financial support from individual members, institutional members, relatives and friends enabling the delivery of urgent financial assistance when and where it mattered most.

To date, Handog Pag-asa has extended assistance to 24 worthy beneficiaries composed of Houses of Charity, Community Pantries, Feeding Programs in depressed areas, Calamity stricken victims, Convents and Seminary experiencing Covid 19 outbreaks, Persons Denied of Liberty, and Students for their school needs. Now that the Covid 19 pandemic has slowed down, the Team thought it’s

time to step up assistance to the often neglected area of Education.

Handog Pag-asa shifted focus to the conduct of outreach programs aimed at promoting the upliftment of education in vulnerable and marginalized communities. Said programs are undertaken solely on its own, such as the financial assistance extended to the Iskolars ng Pasig, or in collaboration with a member bank, Security Bank, in the case of its recent donation to students of the Cabongaoan Elementary School (CES) in a remote town in Burgos, Pangasinan, or through known reputable established organizations, such as the Laura Vicuña Women”s Development Training Center.

For CES, populated by 122 students from Kinder to Grade 6, we donated computers, printer, children’s books and magazines, school and art supplies, sports equipment, board games, etc. to facilitate distant learning and developing well rounded students, physically and mentally.

Laura Vicuña’s own focus on education of less fortunate youth pursuing vocational courses, their parents being sug-

arcane workers, fisher folks or household helps that cannot afford to send them to school, is aligned with BAIPHIL’s mission and focus on fostering education. BAIPHIL contributed funds to support the Institution’s undertakings.

Handog-Pag-asa still has worthy beneficiaries on queue needing support for their educational needs. One such project is the community headed by Ka Toto in Mt. Purro, Calawis , Antipolo. It is up in the mountain populated by indigenous Dumagats consisting of 100 households. The community is in need of high powered modems to help their children in their online studies and also to be used by the parents in marketing their products online. Hence, providing assistance to the Mt. Purro community will be two pronged — education and livelihood . The Rotary Club of Mutya ng Pasig is also a benefactor of this community.

We look forward to a positive and bright future hoping the seeds that we plant today, will grow, bloom and continue to take root, like BAIPHIL.

PROJECT PARTNER

PHILIPPINES

RAWMAGS Social Entrepreneurship Successful Launch Text by Becky Torres, Marizel Arambulo with Maxicare

R

oots & Wings officially launched its Social Entrepreneurship Program in the February-March 2022 e-publication. Unfolding before us is the program’s vision to be a channel for individuals and corporate sponsors to share their blessings to identified low-income beneficiaries in the Philippines, to “fortify our roots.”

As we “fly our wings,” lives have been touched by our Philippine sponsor Maxicare and we would like to thank them for their support.

MAXICARE HEALTHCARE CORPORATION MAXICARE is a pioneering

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Culture

Photos by Villa Cali Siargao

health maintenance organization that provides convenient and reliable access to preventive and primary services through lifestyle-friendly channels such as Primary Care Centers (PCC), Telemedicine services, Member Gate-

way, HomeCare, Wellness programs, and more!

Maxicare has sponsored PhP 50,000 for Siargao’s rehabilitation through the care of Carl Hansen of Villa Cali Siargao who has initiated NUTRITION (food), WASH (water, sanitation and hygiene) and ECONOMIC RECOVERY (restoring homes and rebuilding livelihood severely affected by the recent typhoon Odette that stormed Central Visayas and Northern Mindanao. Numerous communities in the Visayas and Northern Mindanao were devastated by typhoon Odette (international code name Rai) on December 16, 2021, the strongest storm to hit the Philippines for the year. More than eight (8) million people were affected along with their lives, homes, livelihood, and infrastructure.

Roots&Wings

Photo by Laura Vicuña / Don Bosco Sportsfest

PHILIPPINES

Rawmags Social Entrepreneurship Projects

Laura Vicuña Women’s Development and Training Text by Becky Torres, Marizel Arambulo, with Laura Vicuña & BAIPHIL

T

he Laura Vicuña Women’s Development and Training Center in Victorias City, Negros Occidental is a laudable community-based training center run by the Salesian Sisters of Don Bosco providing one to two year technical-vocational courses with values formation, living up to its slogan “to give hope a better future.”

Its vision is to uplift the living standards of low income families such as sugarcane workers in Victorias City and nearby haciendas and to empower working minors, out-of-school youth, young men and women to acquire various skills towards building a quality and value-laden life for their famRoots&Wings

ilies and contributing to the development of society. To encourage the poor deserving students to study and complete their course, the Center needs financial support to continue to offer free dormitory, lunch and snacks, school fees, uniform and laboratory materials and upgrade the facilities.

BAIPHIL The Bankers Institute of the Philippines, Inc. (BAIPHIL) founded in 1941, is a non-stock, non-profit association of banks and bankers and an acknowledged strategic partner of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). Handog Pag-asa, BAIPHIL’s outreach program, has planted seeds in Laura Vicuna Negros Occ, aimed at promoting the upliftment of education in vulnerable and margin-

alized communities.

On behalf of Roots and Wings, we profusely thank our valued sponsor BAIPHIL for the PhP 15,000 sponsorship and wish the Laura Vicuña Women’s Development and Training Center all the best in its future endeavour.

ROOTS & WINGS SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP We invite you dear Readers to support our Rawmags Projects in the Philippines. All proceeds directly go to victims of recent typhoon Odette in Central Visayas and Northern Mindanao and for the education of children of low income families in Negros and Palawan. Connect with Social Entrepreneurship Team Becky Torres & Marizel Arambulo at rawmags. sponsor@gmail.com .

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ITALY

Changing Life’s Course through Virtual Learning Text by Maris Gavino

“A

ttending the ALSE (Ateneo Leadership Financial Literacy and Social Innovation/ Entrepreneurship) course, I got to know myself more and realized that it's never too late and that I could still achieve something more for myself and my family.”

Janice is 40 years old and working as a part time domestic helper in Rome for the past 11 years. She has three

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children, two that she left behind under the care of their father and one who is with her and attending school in Rome.

OFWs (Overseas Filipino Workers) are valued by the Government for their remittances, among other things, as a source of revenue. Moreover, they were seen by Ateneo University as a human force that if motivated and trained could change their outlook, their lives and those of their families, with the Roots&Wings

ability to contribute positively to the community and in nation building.

The most significant feature of this unique initiative is its sustainability.

So how was this possible? The core of the Program is made up of Secretariats composed of dedicated alumni that have instilled in themselves the virtue of paying forward as volunteers.

ALSE was first started in Rome in 2008 after Associazione Pilipinas OFSPES (Overseas Filipinos’ Society for the Promotion of Economic Security) broached to former Dean of the Ateneo de Manila University School of Government (ASoG), Antonio La Vina, the idea to start a course in social entrepreneurship that could benefit OFWs. OFSPES is a Non-Governmental Organization active in migration issues and capacity development of Filipino migrants. The students in the first two pilot batches were asked to pay only Euros 50 for the whole course with the incentive that if they finish the full 12-session course, they would get back their registration fee. Many who completed the course with full attendance decided to donate the amount back to OFSPES as their way of giving back to the program for the many benefits they got from it. The course consisted of three modules: leadership, financial literacy, and social entrepreneurship.

The lessons were a whole day every fortnight for 6 months. The graduates were expected to come up and submit a Business Plan that was also pursued with lessons on how to execute the plan – the practicum.

With what started as Batch 1 in 2008 in Rome, the ALSE Program evolved to Overseas Filipinos Leadership, Innovation, Financial Literacy, Social Entrepreneurship (OF-LIFE) and is currently at its 107th batch. The program has

Roots&Wings

since been conducted in 16 countries in Asia (including the Philippines), the Middle East and North Africa, and Europe with plans to start new batches as well in North America by June 2022.

Students from Rome (Batch 104) together with Geneva, Paris, Milan, and Amsterdam are learning simultaneously taking advantage of the common time zone and the volunteer teacher’s availability. As a consequence of COVID-19, The mode of teaching became synchronous using zoom, canvas (learning management system) and live streaming. The current European program has about 120 students.

Janice is one of the aspiring students of ALSE 104 Rome who had wanted a change that could get her family together again and set up a business in the Philippines. She claims that ALSE for her is new life and new hope. She said, “I don’t have to give everything that my siblings ask for. I am learning to manage my finances better and would like to save and start to prepare for my retirement.”

Janice has the following message: “Sa mga kapwa ko OFW hindi pa huli ang lahat para matuto at umunlad ang kaalaman at makilala ng lubos ang sarili. Na hindi hadlang ang edad para matuto at umasenso sa buhay.” (To my fellow OFW, it is not too late to learn and increase knowledge and get to know oneself better. Age is not a hindrance to learning and a better life.”)

ALSE would be ready to train any interested Filipino group of at least 20 persons. Contacts could be set up through ALSE OF-LIFE Facebook account.

Maris Gavino, Member ALSE 104 Rome Secretariat

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2022AP

Donna Avellana Künzler BUREAU EDITOR SWITZERLAND

Donna Avellana Künzler is a Process Improvement and Digital Transformation Leader and an award-winning author based in Zurich, Switzerland.

She has a postgraduate degree in Strategy and Innovation from Säid Business School, University of Oxford in the UK, and an Accountancy degree from De La Salle University in the Philippines.

DONNA KÜNZLER

Donna self-published her book, “The Overseas Fabulous Pinay: a modern Filipinas handbook on how to thrive abroad” to realize her advocacies on women empowerment, education, and promotion of the welfare of foreign workers. It is an Amazon bestseller and has won a number of awards including Best Independent Book Award 2021 for Nonfiction: Travel-Living abroad category. She is currently the Head of Procurement Process Excellence & Digital Transformation for ABB’s Robotics and Discrete Automation business.

NORWAY

Prof. Rosemarie dela Cruz Bernabe, PhD Pride and inspiration to Pinoys at home and abroad Text by Luz Bergersen

Q

uiet, soft spoken, humble, intellectual. Dr. Rose Bernabe has formidable academic background and qualifications, holding a PhD in Medical Research Ethics, Faculty of Medicine, Utrecht University (NL); MA in Applied Ethics, cum laude (Erasmus Mundus track) Ethics Institute Utrecht University (NL) - Centre for Medical Ethics, Linkoping University, BA Humanities, major in Philosophy, magna cum laude, University of Asia and the Pacific (PH).

She currently holds the position Professor of Research Ethics and Research Integrity, Centre of Medical Ethics, Institute of Health and Society, University in Oslo (NO) and Prof. of Medical Research Ethics at the University of South-Eastern Norway, first professor of research ethics and research integrity at the Centre for Medical Ethics of UiO, the 2nd woman and the first non-Norwegian professor in this Centre.

She was a postdoctoral reRoots&Wings

searcher and PhD fellow at the University Medical Center Utrecht. She has been a Philosophy instructor at the LaSalette Collegiate Seminary and the University of Asia and the Pacific (PH). She has worked as mentor, principal researcher and coordinator, partner, drafter, PhD supervisor in various funded projects, University in Oslo and University of Southeastern Norway.

Dr Rose has a long list of relevant professional experience, has supervised PhD students, and has written numerous articles in publications in the field of medical research ethics and research integrity.

Dr Rose Bernabe shares insights of her journey from the Philippines to Norway: The statistics of those who stay in academia after their PhD studies is quite bleak. Of course, statistics differ depending on the field and the country, but the bleakest numbers I have seen so far are as follows: of those who finish their PhD studies, only 3.5% eventual-

ly make it as permanent research staff and 0.45% become professors. Most establish their careers outside academia. Why the bleak statistics, though? Academia, especially in high-income countries, can be a cut-throat environment and those who survive do so because, first, they successfully publish in high-income factor journals and, second, they successfully secure external funds, ideally from the most prestigious of funders. In Europe, this would be the European Commission. For me, this meant going through baptism by fire once more. Wrestling with my PhD dissertation was already something.

This time, I felt like I just entered a much bigger Coliseum.

On top of this post-PhD challenge, my family and I felt like outsiders in a country that boasts itself of tolerance for what is foreign.

But we were very blessed when it comes to friends. They are our “family” away from home. However, career wise, I felt I was “surviving” but not exactly thriving.

I secured Marie Curie funds from the European Commission for a postdoctoral position in the UiO. So, putting all our belongings in one big truck, we drove from the Netherlands to Norway in 2017.

I moved from my postdoctoral

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Nothing is more important than reconnecting with your bliss. Nothing is as rich. Nothing is more real.

Deepak Chopra 30

Education

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studies to a post in USN as administrative coordinator while retaining my researcher position in UiO. After several failures in securing European funds, and by several I really mean a lot, I gained my traction. After being a partner in a European Horizon project, I secured two more European funds, and in both projects, I was coordinator/ co-coordinator. This allowed me to pass through the terribly narrow tunnel of professorship. Within a year, I quickly moved from administrative coordinator to associate professor to being a full-fledged professor in USN. On a personal and family note, my wife Love (Judy Gonzales Malundo) and I live in a small Norwegian town called Noresund.

I work as professor of medical research ethics at the University of South-Eastern Norway (USN) and as full professor of research ethics and research integrity at the University of Oslo (UiO). Love accomplished her master’s studies on International Social Welfare and Health Policy from the Oslo Metropolitan University. Today she is active in several causes, especially environmental and women’s issues in the Philippines.

Love and I met in 2004 via Yahoo Chat. To the younger generation, this would be the ascendant of Facebook Messenger or similar other messaging systems. She was in Sagay City and I was in Manila. She worked as an officer at the Registrar’s Office of Sagay City while I worked as Philosophy lecturer at La Salette Collegiate Seminary and teaching assistant at the Philosophy Department of the Ateneo De Manila University.

Fast forward, we eventually decided to settle in UP Village, Quezon City. That was both a fun but complicated period: in the eyes of our charitable neighbors, we were the alternative family.

Roots&Wings

Eventually, I was granted an Erasmus Mundus scholarship in 2005 which required me to study for my master’s studies in Applied Ethics both in Sweden and in the Netherlands. But, before I left towards the unknown, Love and I decided to get “married” via a religious ceremony at the Chapel of the Order of St. Aelred.

Our younger son, Jay Em, 19, is pursuing his bachelor’s studies on digital forensics at the Noroff School of Technology and Digital Media in Kristiansand. Our older son, Arjay, is currently serving as a local politician in the Philippines and is about to get married. From the latter we have two beautiful grandchildren – Baby Gab, 2, and Jayjay, 1. We have a Dachshund Zoilo, 11, known to our friends for his leg humping but is otherwise a protective and loving gentle dog; and Tiny, 7, a feisty and independent-minded Great Pyrenees who sees herself both as a baby and a shepherd responsible for her flock, us! And Tabbs, 9 months, a Norwegian skogkatt (forest cat) who loves tummy rubs and lounges most of the time on Love’s newest quilt creations.

Hopefully we have an inspiring story, and I share a quote from Deepak Chopra: “Nothing is more important than reconnecting with your bliss. Nothing is as rich.

Nothing is more real.”

Personal website: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ rosemariebernabe/

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W

hen I first arrived in Vienna, Austria, back in August 2017 at the age of 16, I was looking for a high school where I could continue my studies after high school in the Philippines. Searching for a gymnasium or secondary school (in German) was difficult. At this time, not many schools would accept you considering your age and background education, especially if you are not fluent in German.

After many searches , I was fortunate to find the International Christian School of Vienna (ICSV) - an American English curriculum International Christian School. There I met Mr. Joel Alba, great teacher in history & social studies and true role model for many students –who is a Filipino himself!

Meeting him was a big relief for me knowing that there is another Filipino and a teacher who can guide me in my 32

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AUSTRIA

Joel Alba Teacher, Educator, and Adventurer Text by Anton Miguel De Vera final years of high school.

With that, I had the pleasure and opportunity to reach back to Mr. Alba after I graduated in 2020, to talk about his journey and experience as a teacher in an international-setting like Austria.

ABOVE Educator Joel Alba pointing at the Philippine flag at the school’s Hall of Flags in ICSV

Roots&Wings

that torture day in and day out.

Could you briefly introduce yourself to our readers? How long have you been a teacher? How long have you been teaching in ICSV or in Vienna, Austria? Where else have you also taught?

My name is Joel Alba. I originally come from San Pedro, Laguna, Philippines and I’ve been in the field of education for 14 years! I’m currently in my 5th school-year here at ICSV. Prior to ICSV, I taught in Makati Hope Christian School, Brent International School Manila, and The Beacon School Manila.

I also taught in Robin English School, Tokyo, Japan for a year.

Why did you decide to become a teacher? Was being a teacher an occupation you always wanted? Why did you choose to teach in Vienna, Austria (ICSV)?

Let me say candidly that when I was younger, being a teacher was the last thing on my mind, basically because of two reasons: ◼ ◼

Both my parents were educators, and I saw how taxing the profession was.

Second is, I saw how some of our own teachers suffered because of how we misbehaved on their watch.

I said I didn’t want to go through

Roots&Wings

So here’s a quick back story of why I ended up in the field of education. It was the year 2007 and I was working as a full-time staff in a religious setting.

One of my friends told me that there’s an opening in this particular school, and needless to say, I applied for the position and got accepted. I realised that there was so much ‘Adventure’ in a classroom setting, that I fell in love with the profession. After that, I took additional teacher-education courses which allowed me to take the teacher’s licensure exam. I also took a master’s degree in education at De La Salle University Manila, a certificate course at Loyola School of Theology (Ateneo de Manila), and a modular course on Philosophy and Gender studies from the Central European University, at the Vienna Campus.

I had a desire to teach in an international setting outside of Manila so I sent an application to 4 international schools-- Dubai, Prague, Budapest, and Vienna. All schools responded positively, which was really surprising!

One thing that helped in the decision making process is that I have been to all of those places so I pretty much have an idea of the standard of living in those places. Since Austria offers better social security, accessible health care system, efficient transport system, and low crime rate, I chose Vienna over the other offers. It’s also worth noting that I already have good friends and a number of relatives here, which contributed to deciding for Vienna.

In your experience, how has it been living and teaching in an international school or setting like in Vienna, Austria? What would you say would be your greatest challenge as an educator?

Teaching in an international school in the Philippines is quite different from teaching in an international school in the European setting. My greatest challenge as an educator is not prepar-

As a teacher, I possess a tremendous power to make a child’s life miserable or joyous.

I can be a tool of torture or an instrument of inspiration.

I can humiliate or heal.

HAIM GINOTT EDUCATOR AND HOLOCAUST SURVIVOR

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ing and delivering the curriculum; it’s dealing with different types of student behaviour. I must say that a certain degree of knowledge in Psychology is needed if you want to enter the field of education. Understanding student behaviour allows educators to be more compassionate and empathetic. I love the quote from an educator and Holocaust survivor named Haim Ginott—‘As a teacher, I possess a tremendous power to make a child’s life miserable or joyous. I can be a tool of torture or an instrument of inspiration. I can humiliate or heal.’

I printed this quote and posted it on the side of my desk to remind me of the immense power that I have as an educator. Every morning I have this routine of telling myself, ‘I choose joy for me and my students, I choose inspiration, I choose healing.’

What can you say to those who wish to pursue a career in teaching or education?

For my fellow Filipinos who are desiring to be educators, let me give you a warning--- It’s not an easy field. It is an ever-evolving field which will require you to constantly adapt and examine conventional approaches to education.

But let me give you encouragement as well. This is a field wherein you’ll have 34

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the opportunity to meet all kinds of people and encounter different kinds of personalities and behaviour. It’s a profession, or let me say it’s a vocation which will allow you to influence the future of nations, whatever subject matter you plan to teach. Joel Alba It was such a pleasure to be able to reconnect with my high school teacher Mr. Alba. His journey as a Filipino educator is truly inspirational for Filipino students and teachers alike and all over the world.

This article would not have been possible without Mr. Alba and Ms. Nari Kim in association with the International Christian School of Vienna.

A bird’s-eye view of the ICSV

The International Christian School of Vienna (ICSV) is the only K-12 English-speaking Christian school in Vienna, Austria with an American curriculum and the International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme. Today, ICSV serves over 300 students from 65 nationalities and 10 faith backgrounds. Known for its quality education and caring community, ICSV is working to build a new school building next to its current location so that more students can learn, grow, and thrive in a safe learning environment.

www.icsv.at Roots&Wings

SWITZERLAND

The Overseas Fabulous Pinay in Oxford

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Literary

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Text by Donna Avellana Künzler

I

have always dreamed of studying in Cambridge, Oxford and Harvard for as long as I can remember. In my two decades of global professional career, I have met alumni of prestigious top universities. The words that come to mind whenever I meet them are the following: impressive, intelligent, inspiring, and esteemed. I secretly wanted to be one of them.

It seemed like a pipe dream, but I held on to it as years passed by. I was not able to prioritize it with my full-time job that kept me busy with business travel.

Pursuing higher education in my circumstances just seemed trickier due to the time, effort and money involved. I never lost hope though. I always thought that somehow, someday, it will happen.

In 2018, the stars finally aligned, and I realized my lifelong dream when I attended the Women Transforming Leadership program in University of Oxford.

It was a great experience. I came out of the program very inspired and motivated. Shortly after, I submitted my application to the Postgraduate Diploma in Strategy and Innovation (DipSI) program. The program caught my eye as it really matched my requirements. The subjects were perfectly in my interests, the course format was structured to accommodate the schedule of busy executives, there was great networking opportunity, and best of all, it’s a master’s degree level.

On January 2019, I received the formal acceptance letter. I was very happy, but it was not until November 2020 when I started my postgrad journey. I postponed for a year due to my pregnancy, but the further delay was due to the pandemic.

After thirteen months of studies, I’m proud to say that I have a postgraduate degree from Oxford. I still can’t believe that I managed to go back to school twenty-three years since I graduated from my bachelor’s degree and given that I was also a new mother.

ings per module, but I found that by preparing, I was more engaged and asked relevant questions.

PLAN FOR STUDY TIME. In between modules are on average around 2.5 months to review for the exam, write the exam and prepare for the next module. I had to force myself to block pockets of time every week to study.

FIVE HEADS ARE BETTER THAN ONE OR 50. Forming a study group is one of the best decisions I made during my course. Our class organized one every Sunday, but I did not join as I wanted my weekends to be free.

I formed my own on a weeknight and successfully managed to recruit four classmates. The group really motivated me to study, and we learned a lot from each other. Limiting it to five people made it manageable compared to a session with 50 people where the discussions can easily get out of hand.

PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT. Our assessments for the course were mainly on how well we can apply the frameworks that we have learned. Practicing them on sample case studies was what we did. It really did get easier after doing it at least more than once.

TAKE A BREAK. To keep my sanity and recharge after the intense week of lectures, I always practiced taking a one week break of not doing anything study related.

IT TAKES A VILLAGE. The phrase is not just applicable to raising kids but also for someone to pursue their passion and dreams. I would not have been able to do this without the support of my loved ones, employer, classmates, and even our neighbors who helped look after my daughter every now and then so I can study.

Remember, it’s never too late and you are never too old to achieve your dreams.

Here are my key takeaways

PREPARATION IS KEY To make the most out of the lectures and discussions, it is imperative to complete the required readings. It’s not easy with about 30 read-

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Read more about the author’s postgrad journey in her blog

www.ovfabpinay.com

Roots&Wings

CZECH REPUBLIC

The Philippines Wins 2nd Most Impressive Exhibition at Holiday World 2022

2nd place award

Text and photos by Rebecca Urbancik Garcia

I

had the pleasure of attending the International Tourism Trade Fair, Holiday World & Region World 2022 in Prague recently. The event is considered to be the most important tourism and travel event not just in the Czech Republic, but in the Central European region. The fair took Roots&Wings

Minister & Consul General Indhira Bañares

place at the PVA Expo Praha from 17 to 20 March 2022, with the first day dedicated to tour operators.

With the tourism sector in the Philippines picking up again after about two years of closing its borders to non-essential travel due to the global pandemic, the fair comes at the right time and is the right place to attract eager travelers and tour agencies to visit one’s country. The Embassy of the Phil-

ippines in Prague joined this year’s Holiday World with the “It’s more fun with you” campaign. The Embassy together with the Philippine Tourism Promotions Board came up with the booth’s design that would appeal more to the Czech people’s interest and passion for nature.

I had the chance to speak with Minister & Consul General, Indhira Bañares, about the Philippines’

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participation at this year’s event.

Minister Bañares mentioned the aim of raising more awareness about the Philippines and increasing the number of tourist arrivals from the Czech Republic, to which I agreed. Whether it be my local friends or acquaintances, it’s true that I hear more about their interest in neighboring countries in Southeast Asia… So whenever I can, I try to do my part in promoting the Philippines as well. :) Minister Bañares highlighted that on the first day of the event, the Philippine booth was received very positively with tour operators and agencies showing much interest in the Philippines.

She also mentioned that there were a number of inquiries from various age groups (as young as their 20s) about diving spots, nature trails for hiking and mountain-climbing, as well as cultural and historical destinations.

There were queries too on retire-

ment in the Philippines. Czechs who have already been to the Philippines — some as many as 10 times — have also expressed their intent to return.

Among the ~220+ exhibitors from 21 countries at this year’s fair, the Philippines won second place in the category “The Most Impressive Exposition up to 25 sq.m.”

This is the second time the Philippine Embassy has participated at the Holiday World fair.

It appears that the Philippines as a travel destination has been able to capture Czech fantasies of wholesome fun, adventure and beautiful scenery that appeals to their senses.

“During the global health pandemic, foreigners were enticed to ‘Wake up in the Philippines.’ As we break free from restrictions and open our borders, we are telling our visitors that ‘It’s more fun with you.’ It is an assurance of the

continuity of Filipino warmth and hospitality, an enduring brand that has constantly accompanied the holidays and adventures of visitors and tourists, together with their friends and families, in the Philippines,” said Minister Bañares.

Although it is still considered a new destination to most, the Philippines truly has a lot to offer — from its pristine beaches, vast marine biodiversity, culture and food, the country caters to all age groups and interests…

Congratulations again to the Philippine Embassy and the Tourism Promotions Board of the Philippines for the award, and another successful year at the Holiday World fair! A special thank you as well to Minister Indhira Bañares and the Embassy staff for their time and hospitality.

To all my friends and our dear Roots & Wings readers, let’s discover the Philippines together as “it is more fun with you.”

Attachés Glea Saunar & Lina Catbagan with Minister & Consul

(L-R) Libuše Polivkova (translator), Rebecca Urbancik Garcia, Attaché Glea Saunar,

General Indhira Bañares

Attaché Lina Catbagan Catbagan and Minister & Consul General Indhira Bañares

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Foreign Affairs

Roots&Wings

SWITZERLAND

Evelyn Steiner, tireless networker for the country and her people Reprinted with permission from Martin Heini, KATHY Head of Church Music, Projects & Communication - Parish of St. Katharina Horw in Luzern, Switzerland. Translated from German to English by Betsy von Atzigen.

Photos courtesy of Evelyn’s social media pages.

E

velyn Steiner was born in the Philippine capital Manila. A formative childhood memory was the annual rainy season, during which it rained in torrents for months on end. When Evelyn was twelve, the family moved to Bangkok.

After attending the International Catholic School and completing her commercial training, she took a job as a secretary at a Norwegian shipping company. One day, she received a call from Toni Steiner, an employee of a Swiss travel agency, who wanted some

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business information. The two immediately found the proverbial rapport. Four months and countless phone calls later, they met in person.

It turned out that their offices were just ten minutes apart.

The two were married in 1969 in a Catholic Church in Bangkok and soon after, the Vietnam War had broken out. Meanwhile they moved to Switzerland, where they started a family. Horw became the centre of life and their four children. Establishing contact with fellow Filipinos there proved difficult. At the

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ABOVE Evelyn Steiner, centre with garland, together with the Filipino community

Far left, Evelyn Steiner

Philippine Embassy, she was told that she was the only Filipino in the whole of Lucerne.

Gradually, other Filipino nationals immigrated, and Evelyn contacted them. She regularly organised potluck parties to which everyone brought something for the common buffet. In 1985, she finally founded the Filipino Women's Association.

It all began in Horw When a Filipino priest from Rome visited on Easter 1986, he wanted to celebrate an Easter service with the Filipino community.

Thanks to Evelyn Steiner's good relations with the priest at the time, Thomas Frei, they were granted hospitality at the Zentrum Kapelle.

Thus, the very first Filipino service in central Switzerland took place on Easter Monday. For the next 15 years, the priest travelled from Rome to Horw for the Easter service.

Water pumps for clean drinking water On the initiative of Evelyn Steiner, the Samahang Pilipina Luzern association launched an aid project to build water pumps in 1988 in many rural areas of the Philippines. There was no clean drinking water then and it had 40

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to be carried for kilometres on foot. Thanks to tireless fundraising, a total of 26 water pumps were built.

A visit to the first and second graders’ religion classes remains unforgettable for Evelyn Steiner. At the invitation of catechist Olga Marbach, she talked about the hard everyday life of the children living in Philippine slums.

This made such a deep impression on the students that they went from door to door collecting money.

Quite a few also donated their entire pocket money. More than 2,000 Swiss Francs were collected, enough to build one water pump.

Even today, an engraving indicates that this was financed by the children of Horw.

Church services as a meeting place In 2000, the ever-growing community of Filipino Catholics in German-speaking Switzerland received its own Filipino priest. Since then, a service has been held every second Saturday of the month, at first in Horw, and in the church of St. Karl in Lucerne since 2005.

To this day, it is an important meeting place, where the subsequent potluck party is a must.

Because fellowship is very important.

Roots&Wings

Directory of Philippine Embassies in Europe Roots & Wings e-Publications have been making an impact on the Euro-Filipino community in the last dozen years by promoting Filipino culture, art, entrepreneurship, outstanding Filipinos in various fields, community events and providing current contacts to diplomatic missions within Europe. See list here.

AUSTRIA

Copenhagen, Denmark

Westend Carree

Embassy of the Philippines, Vienna

Tel (+45) 7141-5952

Grüneburgweg 16-18, 1st Floor

H.E. Deena Joy D. Amatong

Emergency (+45) 2273-3933

60322 Frankfurt Am Main

Chargé d’Affaires, ad interim

Email: copenhagen.pe@dfa.gov.ph

20th and 21st Floor, ARES Tower

Facebook: @PHinDenmark

Federal Republic of Germany

Donau-City-Strasse 11, A-1220

WWW.COPENHAGENPE.DFA.GOV.PH

Tel (+49) (0) 69 8700 66900

Vienna, Austria Tel (+43-1) 533-2401

Hotline (+49) (0) 151 6248 7425

FINLAND

Assistance to Nationals (+49) (0) 151 5354 6841

Emergency Tel (+43-6991) 232-2034

Embassy of the Philippines, Greater Helsinki

Email: frankfurt.pcg@dfa.gov.ph

Email: vienna.pe@dfa.gov.ph

Vice Consul, ad honorem Mdme. Teresita

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/

vienna.pm@dfa.gov.ph

Zurbano Ruutu

PHinFrankfurt/

WWW.VIENNAPE.DFA.GOV.PH

Ukonkivenpolku 3e, Fi-01610 Vantaa, Finland

WWW.FRANKFURTPCG.DE

Tel (+358) 407 071 817

WWW.FRANKFURTPCG.DFA.GOV.PH/

BELGIUM

EMAIL: TERESITA.RUUTU@SAUNALAHTI.FI

GREECE

Embassy of the Philippines, Brussels H.E. Ambassador Eduardo José A. De Vega

FRANCE

Embassy of the Philippines, Athens

297 Avenue Moliere, Brussels, 1050 BELGIUM

Embassy of the Philippines, Paris

H.E. Ambassador Giovanni E. Palec

Tel (+32-2) 34033-77 to 78

H.E Ambassador Junever M. Mahilum-West

26 Antheon Street, Paleo Psychico 154-52

Emergency Tel (+32-4) 8860-9177

4 Hameau de Boulainvilliers

Athens, Greece

Email: brussels.pe@dfa.gov.ph;

45 Rue du Ranelagh

Tel (+30210) 672-1883

brusselspe@gmail.com

75016 Paris, France

(+30210) 672-1883

Facebook: @PHinBelgium

Tel (+331) 4414-5700

672-1837

WWW.BRUSSELSPE.DFA.GOV.PH

(+331) 4414-5700 4414-5701/2 (Consular)

Emergency (+30-697) 968-2921,

Emergency (+336) 2059-2515 (+336) 2059-2515

(+30-697) 968-2921

CZECH REPUBLIC

Email: paris.pe@dfa.gov.ph

Email: athens.pe@dfa.gov.ph;

Embassy of the Philippines, Prague

parispe.dfa@gmail.com

ATHENSPE@OTENET.GR

H.E. Ambassador Mr. Ombra T. Jainal

Facebook: @PHinFrance

Senovazne Namesti 8, Prague 1, 110 00

WWW.PARISPE.DFA.GOV.PH

Czech Republic Tel (+420) 224-216397

HUNGARY Embassy of the Philippines, Budapest

GERMANY

H.E. Ambassador Frank R. Cimafranca

(+420) 224-216397 /

Embassy of the Philippines, Berlin

1026 Budapest, Gabor Aron utca 58

224-216385

H.E. Ambassador Maria Theresa B. Dizon-De Vega

Budapest, Hungary

Emergency Tel (+420) 607-850-764

Luisenstrasse 16, 10117 Berlin-Mitte

Tel (+36-1) 391-4300

Email: prague.pe@dfa.gov.ph;

Federal Republic of Germany

Email: budapest.pe@dfa.gov.ph /

praguepe@gmail.com

Tel +49 (0) 30 864 95 00

phbuda@philembassy.hu

Facebook: @PHinCzechRepublic

Emergency +49 (0) 173-521-5703

Facebook: @PHLinHungary

WWW.PRAGUEPE.DFA.GOV.PH

Email: info@philippine-embassy.de, consular@

WWW.BUDAPESTPE.DFA.GOV.PH

philippine-embassy.de

DENMARK

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/

ISRAEL

Embassy of the Philippines, Copenhagen

PHinGermany

Embassy of the Philippines, Tel-Aviv

H.E. Ambassador Leo M. Herrera-Lim

WWW.PHILIPPINE-EMBASSY.DE

H.E. Ambassador-designate Macairog S. Alberto

Arne Jacobsens Alle 13, 1st Floor, 2300

Consulate General of the Philippines, Frankfurt

No. 18 Bnei Dan Street, Tel-Aviv, 62260 Israel

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Tel (+9723) 601-0500 (+9723) 601-0500

Tel +48 22 490 2025 and +48 694 491 664

Emergency (+972-54) 466-1188

Emergency +48 604 357 396

(+972-54) 466-1188

Email: warsaw.pe@dfa.gov.ph

Email: telaviv.pe@dfa.gov.ph;

Facebook: @PHLinPoland

Embassy of the Philippines, Berne

filembis@netvision.net.il

WWW.WARSAWPE.DFA.GOV.PH

Chargé d’Affaires Josephine M. Reynante

WWW.PHILEMBTELAVIV.CO.IL

SWITZERLAND

Kirchenfeldstrasse 73-75

PORTUGAL ITALY

EMAIL: STOCKHOLM.PE@DFA.GOV.PH

3005 Berne, Switzerland

Embassy of the Philippines, Lisbon

Tel (+41-31) 350-1700

Embassy of the Philippines, Rome

H.E. Ambassador Celia Anna M. Feria

Emergency (+41-79) 542-1992

H.E. Ambassador Domingo P. Nolasco

Rua Barata Salgueiro 30–3 andar

Email: berne.pe@dfa.gov.ph /

Viale delle Medaglie d’Oro 112-114

1250-044 Lisbon, Portugal

info@philembassyberne.ch

00136 Rome, Italy

Tel (+351) 216-083-274; 216-083-276;

Facebook: @PHinSwitzerland

Tel (+3906) 3974-6621 (+3906) 3974-6621

216-083-277

WWW.BERNEPE.DFA.GOV.PH

Emergency (+39) 328-690-7613

Emergency (+351) 925-410-257

(+39) 328-690-7613

E-mail: lisbon.pe@dfa.gov.ph

Permanent Representative

Email: rome.pe@dfa.gov.ph

lisbon.pe@gmail.com

H.E. Ambassador Evan P. Garcia

romepe2007@gmail.com

WWW.LISBONPE.DFA.GOV.PH

47 Avenue Blac, 1202 Geneva Switzerland

WWW.PHILEMBASSY-ROME.NET

RUSSIAN FEDERATION THE NETHERLANDS

Tel (+41-22) 716-1930

Embassy of the Philippines, Moscow

Emergency (+41-79) 1369-114

EMBASSY OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES,

H.E. Ambassador Carlos D. Sorreta

Email: geneva.pm@dfa.gov.ph / genevapm49@

THE HAGUE

Karmanitsky Pereulok 8

gmail.com

H.E. Ambassador Jose Eduardo Malaya

Building 1, 121099

genevapm.dfa.gov.ph

(incoming)

Moscow, Russian Federation

WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/GENEVAPCG

Tel (+31) 70360-4820

Tel (+7-499) 241-0563; 241-0564; 241-0565)

Emergency (+31)(0) 65261-1079

Email: moscow.pe@dfa.gov.ph

Email: thehague.pe@dfa.gov.ph / thehague@

moscowpe@mailfrom.ru

Embassy of the Philippines, London

philembassy.nl

Facebook: Philembassy Moscow

H.E. Ambassador Antonio Manuel R. Lagdameo

Facebook: @PHinTheNetherlands

WWW.MOSCOWPE.DFA.GOV.PH

6-8 Suffolk Street, London SW1Y 4HG

WWW.THEHAGUEPE.DFA.GOV.PH

United Kingdom of Great Britain

SPAIN NORWAY

UNITED KINGDOM

Tel (+44) 20-7451-1780

Embassy of the Philippines, Madrid

Emergency (+44) 78-0279-0695

Embassy of the Philippines, Oslo

H.E Ambassador Philippe J. Lhuillier

Email: london.pe@dfa.gov.ph /

H.E. Ambassador Enrico T. Fos

Calle Eresma 2, 28002 Madrid, Spain (Chancery)

embassy@philemb.co.uk

Nedre Vollgate 4, 0158 Oslo, Norway

Calle Guadalquivir 6, 28002 Madrid, Spain

Facebook: @PHLinUK

P.O. Box 1758 VIKA N-0122 Oslo, Norway

(Consular Section)

WWW.LONDONPE.DFA.GOV.PH

(+47) 224-00900 (+47) 224-00900

Tel (+34) 917-823-830 / 917-823-836; 917-451-

Emergency (+47) 902 41 171

734 (Consular Section)

Email: helpdesk@philembassy.no

Emergency (+34) 616-491-861

Embassy of the Philippines, Vatican

WWW.PHILEMBASSY.NO

Email: madrid.pe@dfa.gov.ph /

Hon. (Mr.) Charlie P. Manangan

madridpe@yahoo.com

Charge d’ Affaires

Consular: info@philembassymadrid.

Via Paolo VI, 29, 00193 Rome, Italy

Philippine Consulate, Reykjavik, Iceland

com / consular@philembassymadrid.com

Tel (+39-06) 6830-8020

H.E. Consul Maria Priscilla Zanoria a.h

Facebook: @PHinSpain

Email: vatican.pe@dfa.gov.ph /

Skógarsel 39

www.philembassymadrid.com

vaticanpe2@gmail.com

109 Reykjavik, Iceland

WWW.MADRIPE.DFA.GOV.PH

https://dfa.gov.ph/about/dfa-directory/our-

ICELAND

foreign-service-posts-dfa

Tel (+354) 897 5391 EMAIL: PHILCONSUL@SIMNET.IS

VATICAN, ITALY

SWEDEN

WWW.VATICANPE.DFA.GOV.PH

Embassy of the Philippines, Stockholm

POLAND

H.E. Consul Raul Dado

Embassy of the Philippines, Warsaw

Charge d’ affaires, ad interim

H.E. Ambassador Leah M. Basinang-Ruiz

Mobile +46 702 735 407,

Ul. Lentza 11, 02-956 Warsaw, Republic of Poland

+63 9054039435 (Viber)

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Roots&Wings

2022APRIL

Daniel Ceeline Ramonal BUREAU EDITOR SERBIA

Dance anthropologist, artist, and author

Daniel Ceeline completed a Bachelor of Arts in Speech Communication at the University of the Philippines and an International Masters in Dance Knowledge, Practice, and Heritage under Choreomundus, a consortium program in Europe. Her experience coursed her advocacy for socio-cultural awareness, heritage conservation, and dance education. She is passionate about contributing to the uptake of arts and cultural engagement in various fields using research and creative tools. Her projects have taken her from the Philippines to Bahrain, India, Tanzania, Hungary, Sierra Leone, France, UK, Morocco, UAE, Spain, and Serbia.

MARIZEL ARAMBULO

Marizel Arambulo

ROOTS & WINGS SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Marizel Arambulo worked in the largest universal bank in the Philippines for 22 years, her last position was as Secretariat to the IT Operations Change Control Board.

Upon her retirement in September 2020, she spends her time with creative activities such as designing infographics for Our Lady of Guadalupe Chapel, PhotoBooks designing and Picollage crafting. On her first try on creative writing, Roots and Wings featured her choice Way of the Cross of St. Alphonsus de Liguiori in April 2021 for the Top Travel Destinations in the Philippines and Lake Bled, Slovenia in September 2021 for the Awesome European Destinations.