Roots and Wings April 2023

From the Editor

April, spring, and Easter have finally come! This most awaited season signals the start of holiday travel within and outside Europe. With snow disappearing and temperatures warming up, petite alpine and garden flowers gently break open to the sun and fill our world with colour.

Easter is at the heart of Filipino religiosity, embedded in a culture that preserves itself over the centuries. Turn the page to Gloria Hernandez Grejalde’s and Mark James S. Evangelista’s Good Friday carroza procession and early Easter Sunday salubong (meeting) or immerse yourself on a first-person account of my Holy Week visit to Jerusalem. For those who prefer some quiet reflection, read 50 Days of Easter, published by UK co-Editor Hyacinth Reguindin.

Rawmags’ recent cover palette artist Maia Magpantay contributed two of her paintings in support of our newly launched social entrepreneurship school projects. Dine for a Cause in Europe and the Philippines is a fresh initiative which allows purchase of school kits. For interested restaurants to join this laudable outreach, email Becky and Marizel at rawmags.sponsor@gmail.com.

Discover a whole array of compelling themes in this Easter issue such as Myla Arceno’s Women for Positive Changes, Donna Künzler’s Advancing the fight against Gender-based Violence, Jeff Cabuay’s Origins of the Honorary Consul, Ralph Chan’s Usapang Utang na loob, Kusinang Pinoy sa Amsterdam and more.

Wishing you all a blessed Easter and safe travels!

Betsy Jance von Atzigen Switzerland

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Marizel Arambulo SOC ENTREPRENEUR LEAD

Gloria Hernandez Grejalde CULTURAL EDITOR PHILIPPINES

Rebecca Urbancik Garcia ASSOCIATE EDITOR GERMANY/CZ

Aimee Alado -Blake LEGAL COUNSEL

Alfonso Joaquin De Jesus De Vera SOCMED AUSTRIA

Cipriano “Zip” De Guzmán Jr. BUREAU EDITOR LUXEMBOURG

Jeffrey Cabuay BUREAU EDITOR FRANCE

Katrina Larida BUREAU EDITOR SWEDEN

Jennifer Fergesen BUREAU EDITOR ICELAND

Lyndy Bagares WEB EDITOR NORWAY

Myla Arceno BUREAU EDITOR, UNITED KINGDOM

Anton Miguel D. De Vera SOCMED HEAD AUSTRIA

Donna Patricia Manio LIFESTYLE EDITOR

Becky Torres SOC ENTREPRENEUR LEAD

Mye Mulingtapang BUREAU EDITOR ITALY

Apiong Bagares DESIGN, PHILIPPINES

Daniel Ceeline Ramonal BUREAU EDITOR SERBIA

Mary Hyacinth Reguindin-Tondo BUREAU CO-EDITOR, UNITED KINGDOM

Donna Avellana Künzler BUREAU EDITOR SWITZERLAND

Ieth Inolino Idzerda BUREAU EDITOR, THE NETHERLANDS

Betsy Jance von Atzigen EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Marthy Angue ASSOCIATE EDITOR PHILIPPINES

Ralph Chan BUREAU EDITOR AUSTRIA

Luz Bergersen BUREAU EDITOR NORWAY

Siobhan Doyle BUREAU CO-EDITOR, UNITED KINGDOM

Rachel Hansen FOUNDER/PUBLISHER

Contents

ART

Art for A Cause p6

7641 Reasons: A Fil-Swedish Art Exhibition part 2 p7

Artists unite in largest exhibit in Negros Island p9

BUSINESS ENTREPRENEURS

Kusinang Pinoy: Amsterdam’s first Karinderia-style eatery p11

CULTURE

Filipino Religiosity: Good Friday on to Easter p13

Baliuag’s Good Friday Procession p14

Usapang utang na loob, paano nga ba ito mababayaran? p17

Advancing the fight against Gender-based Violence p19

FOREIGN AFFAIRS

The Origins of the Honorary Consul p22

DIRECTORY

Philippine Embassies in Europe p26

JOBS

RawmagsJOBwing p30

LITERARY

50 Days of Easter, Covid Reflections p31

PEOPLE

Women for Positive Changes p33

Marie Gay Alessandra Ordenes p35

SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Dine for a Cause p37

Rawmags Social Entrepreneurship in person with Maia Magpantay p39

TRAVEL

No other place like Jerusalem p40

ART FOR A CAUSE

Maia Magpantay

Proceeds of Art for a Cause will benefit Roots & Wings Social Entrepreneurship Projects.

HARVEST

Palette painting in acrylic 12” x 9”

Artist Price

€320*

Excluding framing & shipping

MOTHER AND CHILD

Palette painting in acrylic 12’ x 9’

Artist Price

€320

Excluding framing & shipping

7641 REASONS

An Art Exhibition in Stockholm

Over the winter season, the Filipino- Swedish community in Stockholm were lavishly treated to a spectacular Art Exhibition aptly entitled 7641 Reasons. This number was inspired by the Philippine islands,

and the boundless creativity of the Filipino people wherever they are.

The Exhibit showcased the brilliance of Sweden-based female artists using a variety of art genres. On display were paintings, sculptures, pottery, lights

Marga Lacson - Earth

Ophelia Casel Persson

Elizabeth LabardaKronquist

Isabella ‘Bella’ Smolarski

Mary Buskas Lilies on the Lake

Text by Rachel Hansen, images by the Filipino Artists Association of Sweden Sequel to the February-March 2023 article

installations – all representative of the Filipino identity, tradition, culture and history.

Featured here are more artists and their respective art expressions.

Mary Buskas´ oeuvre of oil paintings depicting her love for Nature.

Elizabeth Labarda-Kronquist “The Fierce Art” captivating, whimsical and delightful watercolor paintings

Isabella Smolarski’s sustainable designs under her company Lilla Labbet

Marga Lacson´s infusion of the fluidity of nature and her usual taste of the earthy rough textures

Ofelia Casel Persson´s representation of colorful culture from Southern Philippines.

The exhibit was organized by FAAS or the Filipino Artists Association of Sweden founded by Aya Sunga-Askert, Helen Svendgaard and Mary Grace Svensson. It was sponsored by Elle´s Kusina and Westers Art.

Established in 2018, FAAS is a community of established Filipino artists in Sweden and the organization continues to cultivate and support creative growth amongst its members.

Mary is a painter who has demonstrated her innate artistic ability since childhood. Mary’s art reflects her interest in the beauty of the Swedish nature and her paintings emanate a sense of joy and serenity. She uses oil and acrylic to create brilliant colors and interesting compositions. She hopes to keep experimenting in the art world. Through education, she hopes to help children uncover their creative potential.

Elizabeth is a painter, professional makeup artist, fashion illustrator, graphic artist & web designer. She has a great eye for detail. Using mixed media or digital art, she puts together creations with whimsical colour scheme. Her watercolour, acrylic, gouache paintings and illustrations are known for their dreamy colours. She looks at everyday life and paints them in a nostalgic world, from small canvases to murals.

Infusion of the fluidity of nature and her usual taste of the earthy rough textures. Marga is the granddaughter of a Philippine National Artist, Lucrecia Reyes Urtula. Conceivably where she takes after with her passion for the arts. Joining the Filipino Artists Association in Sweden has motivated and inspired her to pour out her soul, feeling the emotion and translating that into a canvas. The art that she has created for this exhibit was inspired by the fluidity of nature infused by her usual taste of rough textures. Her fascination over different mediums and creating textures in her work are evident in her more recent masterpieces.

The name “Lilla Labbet” pays homage to what founder Bella Smolarski believes to be a designer’s best friend - all the little experiments we do before we get to the coveted final product. She believes slowing down to think carefully about where our products come from and how they will eventually end their lifecycles is an important part of the design process. Bella likes to mix Asian and Scandinavian design traditions in her work with wood and brass objects.

Gothenburg-based artist, Ophelia has been honing her skills in acrylic and oil painting for the past decade. She is originally from Mindanao and is fascinated by the diverse and rich culture of the different tribes that live there. Her goal is to convey the beauty of festivities that transcend from the different indigenous groups living in the southern part of the Philippines

SCAN ME FOR MORE PHOTOS OF THE EXHIBIT

Mary Buskas

Marga Lacson

Ophelia Casel Persson

Elizabeth Labarda-Kronquist

Isabella ‘Bella’ Smolarski

PHILIPPINES

Artists unite in largest exhibit in Negros Island

Text by Kristine G. Alonso

United Negros Artists (UNA) spearheaded the largest collaboration of several artistic groups for the first time in Western Visayas in the Philippines. The art exhibition which ran between January 20-30, 2023 involved 70 participating artists from different Filipino art groups covering a multitude of creations from paintings, to sculptures, poetry, and sketches.

‘UNA: The Prologue,’ led by Sandy Solinap of Galleria Verde, captures the goal to continuously invite Negrense artists from around the world to enhance, embody and emphasize its creative streak through expressions of being and artistic excellence.

The event perfectly provided an opening to strengthen relationships between artists and other active supporters, advocates, and partners.

Charlie Co, an international contemporary visual artist and co-founder of Orange Gallery in Bacolod City, opened the reception for the multi-talented artists participating in the event.

He encouraged artists to never stop making art-

Fe Sumagaysay

Alden Macazar

Between Heaven and Earth

ABOUT THE COVER

GRAND AWARDEE in the Oil and Acrylic Category of the Metrobank Art and Design Excellence (MADE) 2021 Painting and Sculpture Recognition Program

‘Between Heaven and Earth’ portrays the struggle of people to COVID-19. The dreadful virus, invisible to the eye, caused many lives to perish. Many more sought comfort

works and emphasized that being storytellers of their own medium promotes their roots to the world.

Co said, as artists, it’s highly important to take each moment into being, and make every moment count - not just in the walls of where you live but expression must travel through a multitude of places, spaces and dimensions.

This thought-provoking insight is targeting all artists involved to keep believing in their capacity to make a difference through their art.

Such artists belong to various groups like the Pintor Kulapol, Prima Art Group, Feminine Touch, the Group of Negrense Artists (GONA), Terrapinta, the Art Association of Bacolod-Negros (AABN), and independent artists.

The event aimed to showcase how Filipino artists

from sickness, isolation and pain and have recovered. Grateful to God for life’s second chance - to be blessed, to experience happiness and to live to the fullest.

My favourite subject is abstract, a nonrepresentational work of art that expresses feelings, emotions, and imaginations. To transform a feeling of sadness to happiness is what I want to share to my art patrons and collectors.

can come together to give birth to a bigger community of genius, experimentation, and creative pursuits.

The blossoming of the art community in the Philippines, particularly in Bacolod City supports a spirit of camaraderie to create expressions that may be a bridgeway to communicate more to the world.

Mike “Nyoy” Pillora, member to the legendary folk pinoy band ASIN led the musical number for the event.

Other functions during the exhibit included the “Watercolor Jam,” gathering artists to showcase their painting skills in watercolor to celebrate the World Watercolor Day.

‘UNA: The Prologue’ has upcoming events throughout the year.

Ariosto Dale Bagtas

122 x 91 cm

Acrylic on canvas

Jorge Cape

Cresline Corsiga

Giljohn Quiamco

Albert Cuypmarkt is an Amsterdam staple since 1905 for both locals and tourists. It is located at the heart of De Pijp, a location known for its vibrant streets lined with hip restaurants and bars. It is a market that is home to over 200 independent stalls and it is to no surprise that Kusinang Pinoy fits right in with the Albert Cuypmarkt scene.

Kusinang Pinoy: Amsterdam's first Karinderia-style eatery

ICONIC FILIPINO FOOD FOUND ITS HOME IN ONE OF EUROPE’S ICONIC STREET MARKETS, ALBERT CUYPMARKT

piqued the interest of many.

Kusinang Pinoy, although blends right in with the international scene that Albert Cuypmarkt carries, also stands out as no other stall sells traditional Filipino food. It is for this distinctive reason that Kusinang Pinoy has

Visit

In Amsterdam’s famous Albert Cuypmarkt, on weekdays and Saturdays, the street is lined with hundreds of stalls, each one selling something unique whether it be food, clothing, jewelry, or home décor. But specifically, on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, the market features Amsterdam’s first karinderya-style eatery, Kusinang Pinoy.

Despite there being many other food stalls, each one contributing to the international food scene that Albert Cuypmarkt carries, Kusinang Pinoy still has locals flocking and tour-

Shop

Text and images by Krisha Valle

PINOY FOODIE Menu includes bistek tagalog, chicken adobo, lumpia, pancit, and sinigang.

ists turning their heads to have a taste of fresh and home-cooked meals. On days when their karinderya is up and ready to serve, the market is filled with delicious smells of traditional Filipino food like adobo, bistek Tagalog, sinigang, pancit, and their signature food staple, suman.

If you choose to sit down and have a taste of one their dishes, it is without fail that it will instantly transport you to the narrow streets of the Philippines as if you were eating in an actual karinderya. However, it’s not only the food that will transport you, but also the warm-feeling that Kusinang Pinoy brings. Everything that makes Kusinang Pinoy what it is, the food and the warmth, is made possible by Gheline Polinar-Wijnhoven.

Gheline, originally from Davao, always loves to cook. Her talents in the kitchen were honed early on in life and have only progressed since. Now, having lived in The Netherlands for over ten years with her husband and two children, her love for cooking and Filipino food has culminated to asking herself the question, “so why don’t I start my own restaurant?”

In May 2021, alongside many others during the pandemic, Gheline turned her dream

into a business. She dreamt of sharing the traditional Filipino food culture to the people of her second home - The Netherlands. With the help of her family, this dream became a reality through Kusinang Pinoy. The locals have welcomed the unique taste of traditional Filipino food as Gheline made sure not to alter its traditional flavors. However, she did choose to cater to the different dietary restrictions that people may have. For example, perfecting her gluten-free Filipino-style curry. Kusinang Pinoy has also become a haven for other Filipino-owned small businesses by selling bakedgoods prepared by other Filipinos living in The Netherlands.

Today, after two years since Kusinang Pinoy started, its stall has become an Albert Cuypmarkt staple and is in the works of becoming a proper restaurant. Slowly but surely, Gheline is transforming Kusinang Pinoy into what it was created to be, a restaurant that aims to “bring the Filipino culture through food into the West.” So, if you ever find yourself in Albert Cuypmarkt, look out for the flag with three yellow stars and a sun, and you’ll find yourself having a warm and hearty meal, and surely a good conversation on the side.

DREAM TEAM Founder Gheline is joined by Marsha and Ferlie at their stall in Albertcuypmarkt

Filipino Religiosity: Good Friday on to Easter

tents wear colorful masks like Roman centurions. They roam around the town looking for Saint Longinus, the centurion who thrusted the spear on Jesus’ side.

Another Lenten tradition that has attracted tourists’ attention is the crucifixion in Pampanga that is done on Good Friday. A penitent is nailed to a cross after parading in the town carrying the wooden cross with other penitents, locally called as “mandarame,” who walk barefooted while whipping their backs with bamboo sticks until they are blooded.

Some Lenten activities have attracted local and foreign tourists like Baliuag’s Good Friday procession (see below) or the Moriones Festival in Marinduque, an island in Southern Tagalog Regio. Held annually during the Holy Week, peni-

Meanwhile, among the many major churches that pilgrims visit in the Philippines are the San Agustin Church in Manila, the Minor Basilica National Shrine of Saint Lorenzo Ruiz in Binondo, the Taal Basilica in Batangas, the Barasoain Church in Bulacan, the Minor Basilica of Our Lady of Manaoag in Pangasinan, the UNESCO World Heritage Site Saint Augustine Church in

Text by Gloria Hernandez Grejalde with Mark James Evangelista on Baliuag’s Good Friday Procession; images by Mark James Evangelista and Ang Batingaw, St. Augustine Parish Church Baliuag, Bulacan

Religious feasts are integral part of Filipino culture. And being the only Christian nation in Asia, majority of its people are practicing the Catholic faith and traditions, foremost of them is the Lenten Season or Undas in Tagalog.

Paoay, Ilocos Norte, the Molo Church in Iloilo, and the Baclayon Church in Bohol, among others.

Hiking pilgrims can reach the Cross on Mount Samat in Bataan located 1,821 ft above sea level. It is the second tallest cross in the world at 312 feet. There is also the Kamay ni Hesus Shrine, or the statue of the risen Christ, in Mount Banahaw in Quezon where pilgrims have to climb around 300 steps to reach the peak. At 50 feet, the statue is believed to be the third biggest in the world.

Domingo de Ramos or Palm Sunday ushers the holy week. “Palaspas” made of palm leaves that are artistically formed and laced are blessed with holy water at the end of the mass during Palm Sunday. The dried palms are normally placed in windows and believed to drive off bad spirits.

Different activities are also being held in various parts of the country during the whole season like praying the Way of the Cross and the singing of the “Pasyon” or the “Pabasa” that the narrates the life of Christ from His birth, to death, and to resurrection. Visita Iglesias is also done, normally on Good Friday, where devotees visit seven churches to do the Station of the Cross while others go on a pilgrimage visiting known miraculous statues around the country.

Baliuag’s Good Friday Procession

The streets illumined with lights from burning candles, the solemn sound of prayers in unison and the life-sized statues depicting the Life and Passion of Jesus, the Baliuag Good Friday Procession is regarded as the longest and grandest procession in the Philippines.

The origin of this procession can be traced back to the Augustinian Missionaries who established the town in 1733.

A seeming mixture of faith and culture, the spectacle and grandeur of this tradition which perhaps attracted the early Christian inhabitants of Baliuag continues to this day as a pious devotion to God and as a tradition which links families together.

In the early 1960s, the Prusisyon ng Paglilibing or the Burial Procession is made up of 16 Carrozas where images of the Sorrowful Virgin, of holy men and women follow the well decorated bier of the Dead Christ in an attempt to accompany Christ to His tomb in Jerusalem.

However, during the latter part of the 1960’s to fos-

The galleon shaped carroza bearing the image of Jesus talking to Santa Photina, the Samaritan woman in Jacob’s Well which is well lit and surrounded by an array of fresh flowers.

ter piety and to catechize the faithful, the local Bishop, Leopoldo Arcaira, encouraged families from the town to sponsor a carroza that will be an additional depiction of a scene in the life of Jesus. Among the first carrozas to feature larger than life images are that of the Last Supper, which were then followed by various scenes in the Agony in the Garden, Jesus Before Pilate, and various depictions of Jesus carrying the cross until His crucifixion and death in Mount Calvary.

The campaign of the Bishop became so successful that later on starting from the 1980s up to the present, more and more families became interested in commissioning other tableaux. Hence, scenes from the Life and Ministry of Jesus were also incorporated in the procession. Here are some that would leave anyone in awe.

The carroza depicting Jesus as He is being taken down from the cross is an eye-stopper where all the biblical characters present in the crucifixion are seemingly ‘incarnated’ in life size images and garbed with baroque outfits.

After the pandemic, the Baliuagenos are looking forward in a special way to the 2023 Procession since the 128 carrozas will once again trav-

A Roman soldier berating the Lord Jesus Christ as He was being taken to Pontius Pilate for the second time.

St. Veronica showing the face of Jesus imprinted on her shawl dated more than a century old kneeling gloriously from her antique carroza.

The crowd as seen from the Church Plaza, the sound of generators, the smell of burned wax, vehicles pulling the carroza mingle with the prayers and murmurs of penitents and tourists alike.

erse the streets of their beloved hometown.

More people are eager and are looking forward to this highlight of the year since this procession for them evokes a very profound spiritual encounter colored with tradition, culture and an annual reunion of families.

Faithful to their tradition, the lengthy procession will start at 6:00 in the evening and as usual, as the last carroza leaves the Patio, the very first ones that left earlier have returned. This year’s procession will be very significant and historical since it will be the first procession of their beloved Baliuag after having been declared as a City.

Easter in the Philippines

While majority of the people in the world are busy painting eggs for Easter egg hunting, Filipinos hold vigil Saturday night, Sabado de Gloria, at the church waiting for Easter.

This is the Filipino way of celebrating Easter Sunday, the end of the Holy Week and the conclusion of the Lenten Season. Devotees spend the night at the church singing praises while waiting for the morning light to creep in.

At the streak of the dawn, normally at 4 a.m., they perform the ritual called “Salubong” re-enacting the scene of the meeting between the risen Christ and Mama Mary.

In some areas, processions are done to do the ritual. The statues of the risen Christ and Mama Mary draped in black veil, are paraded separately. They will meet and merge in a designated area where performers are singing and dancing to celebrate the occasion.

The highlight of the ritual is when an angel, performed by a young performer, lifts the veil off Mama Mary’s statue as she and the risen Christ meet. The lifting of the veil signifies the end of Mama Mary’s sorrow following the death of Jesus Christ.

Easter Sunday is the highest of all religious and cultural festivals, commemorating the Resurrection of Jesus from the dead.

Said to be oldest, the Carroza of the “Pieta” which mystically evokes the maternal gaze of the Sorrowful Virgin Mary together with Mary Magdalene, John the Apostle, Joseph of Arimathea, and Nicodemus who all gathered to venerate and pay their last respects to the dead body of Christ. The Images as well as the float have been handed down from generation to generations in the Garcia Family.

The carroza depicting Jesus as He is being taken down from the cross is an eye-stopper where all the biblical characters present in the crucifixion are seemingly ‘incarnated’ in life size images and garbed with baroque outfits.

“Ecce Homo” ----- “This is the Man” declared Pontius Pilate. Here we see Jesus as he is half naked after being scourged and mockingly shown to the angry mob who shouted “Crucify Him!”

Usapang utang na loob, paano nga ba ito mababayaran?

Text by Ralph Chan

If you’re not currently reading, watching, or listening to Philippine showbiz entertainment news, I recommend doing so. Because with the advent of Filipino actress Liza Soberano’s 14-minute vlog ‘This is Me.’ [1], the Filipino trait utang na loob is on everyone’s lips again. Soberano decided to do a rebrand and in the said vlog, she explained what mis happenings she experienced during her time as artist with a contract with one of the major TV stations in the Philippines with ABS-CBN and being managed by Star Magic and talent manager Ogie Diaz. Many Filipinos - normal na mamamayan but also many in the showbiz entertainment industry - found the message and how she delivered the mes-

sage in the said vlog condescending and many accuse her of being ungrateful – wala siyang utang na loob. Because instead of saying thank you to the people who helped her get the career she has now, she criticized them. Although she said in another interview that she only mentioned facts, ingratitude is now attributed to her and her brand. Without going into more detail on the controversy, this article wants to initiate a reflection and pursue a discussion on whether gratitude, or rather our ‘debts’, actually ends at some point in our lives, that we have towards those who have helped us?

What is Utang na loob?

Utang na loob is part of Filipino psychology, a typically Filipino trait, difficult to translate as it does not exist how we understand it in the Western world. Virgilio Enriquez [2], the father of Filipino psychology, often argued that this is one of the core values and traits of Filipino culture, along with pakikisama (companionship/appreciation), hiya (shame), and pakikiramdam (sensitivity). They are counted as part of the so-called accommodative surface value, the core Philippine value system. These are values that help Filipinos meet the demands of the world around them. In other words, utang na loob is about appreciating the good deeds people have received from someone, especially when they were in time of need or help and owe the same to that person. The essence of it is a commitment to repay a person who has done a favour to you a lifetime of gratitude. The favours that evoke the Filipino utang na loob sentiment are typically those whose value is impossible to quantify and that involves a deeply personal inner dimension. It is a phenomenon that goes much deeper than the ordinary debt or even the Western concept of owing a favour.

Does it end one day? Or do we need to pay gratitude our whole life?

It seems that these Filipino traits are in fact very valuable. They are socially accepted and widely respected in society as these are taught from an early age. To show gratitude towards to those who help us. The positive side is when it is given voluntarily, as a gesture to express gratitude. That means being thankful for what you received, acknowledging it, and willingly giving back as a token of gratitude.

But there are also voices that question these traits, mainly with the argument that it is no longer up to date. These critical voices say, for example, that utang na loob can also be exploited and used negatively against the person. Because when it is used as an excuse to get something in return, it just seems toxic. Especially when it is often not clear enough for one person, misunderstandings, generational conflicts, or loss of contact sometimes occur. For example, if utang na loob is the reason someone cannot continue to grow and develop as a person, many argue that it is not worth it. For example, when love is being used as an excuse for a negative action and you feel guilty for noticing and addressing it, because you actually want to show gratitude. Unfortunately, the toxic form of utang na loob can be found in all sorts of places - in the workplace and even in politics. The victims of such toxic acts are usually the younger generation due to the existing and unspoken hierarchical rules in Filipino families and society. To answer the question, it is up to each individual whether and for how long he or she wants to repay his or her debt of gratitude. There is no general answer to that question. It is up to the individual to decide.

“Proceed, wherever you want to go, in gratitude!”

Although it’s hard to unlearn the venomous form of utang na loob, but while there’s life, there’s hope. Everybody can help to make utang na loob more appreciative and non-toxic again, as an expression of a person’s malasakit (concern). Ipakita natin ang pagiging tao sa pakikipag kapwa. We can start with, for example, not listing everything we’ve done for someone, or dealing with every mistake. It no longer makes our malasakit seem conditional and transactional, but unconditional and accepting. With that in mind, let’s end this reflection with a comment from Filipino TV presenter Boy Abunda, who said: “Do not disregard your past and the hard work. Proceed with your life, wherever you want to go, in gratitude… Because gratitude opens your heart and life to more blessings.”3

1 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=roLGm8vkIpg

2 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virgilio_Enriquez

3 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yIKTJ-Hz3tM

Advancing the fight against Gender-based Violence

Text by Donna Künzler, images from Kyra Luthi

The Breaking Silence Movement

(BSM) Global Association held its global launch event on February 24, 2023 in Paris, France. The event marks the global expansion of the non-profit organization and highlighted the establishment of its multi-cultural Board of Directors and its response to fighting gender-based violence.

What exactly is Gender-based violence?

From the UNHCR’s website: “Gender-Based violence refers to harmful

acts directed at an individual based on their gender. It is rooted in gender inequality, the abuse of power and harmful norms. Gender-based violence (GBV) is a serious violation of human rights and a life-threatening health and protection issue. It is estimated that one in three women will experience sexual or physical violence in their lifetime. During displacement and times of crisis, the threat of GBV significantly increases for women and girls.”

BSM was founded in 2010 by Kyra Luthi, a Filipina based in Paris and a GBV survivor. It started as a digital source of information

on domestic and sexual violence, to conducting survivor weekly meetings with 15 to 30 attendees, and then activating the movement in Europe by joining discussions in EU and UN member states. As of today, it continues to get involved with the UN and UN Women through the Generation Equality Forum as an active Commitment Maker, and along with 196 organizations worldwide, is a signatory of The Compact for Women, Peace, Security, and Humanitarian Action. Its mission is to make progress accessible to GBV survivors through its GVB Programming initiatives collectively known as its Pillars of Impact.

The UNCHR defines GBV programming as a toolkit to prevent, mitigate, and respond to GBV. Its main purpose is to reduce the risks of GBV in all sectors of all types of organisations and communities.

Among the 7 Pillars of Impact, the four be -

low are fully activated, and the fifth is assembled only during crisis response. They are the following:

1. BSM Academy.

It is the capacity-building program that provides digital literacy and digital skills courses for FREE to foundations that take care of GBV survivors worldwide. It also offers a Qualification Certificate to course takers which entitles them to be prioritized by its partner organizations for continuing education, or internship opportunities. BSM is eyeing around 2,000 scholarships by the release of its global website.

2. Children’s book.

Written by BSM’s founder, Kyra Luthi and illustrated by Ysabel Lindo, a Filipina educator, author, and artist based in Manila, Philippines, BSM published the children’s book “How To Keep My Body Healthy And Safe” for ages 3 and up and aims to normalize the awareness

of private body parts, personal boundaries and consent as an important part of the household and classroom daily routine. BSM plans to partner with government institutions, schools, hospitals, and medical and family clinics for wider distribution. This book also celebrates diversity as it is available in different ethnicities, genders, and languages.

3. Corporate Governance on Sexual Harassment. To help companies reach their Sustainable Development Goals targets, BSM can provide consulting services for integrating workplace safety and security through its governance framework on sexual harassment.

4. BSM TV & Media.

BSM will continue to produce shows that shine the light on the issue and perhaps emphasize the strength of survivors. It is currently discussing a Netflix documentary and a partnership with a global Cable TV Network.

5. Crisis Task Force.

Every crisis, war, or natural disaster, represents a trigger to GBV, and BSM is available to respond. In the Philippines, BSM has distributed 10,000 medical hygiene kits, while in Ukraine, around 4,000, and now in the recent Turkey & Syria earthquake, it is getting in touch with its partner organizations in the region to participate in the rebuilding program.

The BSM Board is composed of multinational and multi-sectoral individuals that have the commitment to serve as the Pillars of Empowerment in order dutifully perform and deliver the GBV programming internationally according to the BSM vision, mission & values. In addition to the founder, the board is composed of Fideliz Apilado, Mariella Camilleri, Demee Koch, William Luthi, Ndaba Mandela, and yours truly.

BSM’s first fundraising event in 2023 is the Mandela Sports fest happening in Paris in the summer.

Find out more about BSM and how you can get involved here:

www.breakingsilencemvmt.org

THE ORIGINS

OF

THE HONORARY CONSUL

By Jeffrey Cabuay

If you are a fan of Roman history or have watched movies or series about the Roman empire, you may have heard of the word “Consul”. You would see Roman soldiers and politicians call these highest elected political officials, consuls. In ancient Rome, senators aspire to this public office because they become the chief magistrates or leaders of the Roman Republic. There were always 2 consuls in seating at any time to balance power, and they stayed there for a year.

Throughout Antiquity and the Middle Ages, the title was used in other European city-states in the Republic of Genoa, and during the early stages of the government of the Republic of Pisa. Napoleon Bonaparte during the

First French Republic also revived this title after staging a coup against the Directory government in November 1799. He became one of the three consuls who had executive powers to rule France.

“Throughout most of southern France, a consul was an office equivalent to the échevins of the north and roughly similar to the English aldermen. The most prominent were those of Bordeaux and Toulouse, which came to be known as jurats and capitouls, respectively. The capitouls of Toulouse were granted transmittable nobility. In many other smaller towns the first consul was the equivalent of a mayor today, assisted by a variable number of secondary consuls and jurats. His main task was to levy and collect taxes.”

The Republic of Genoa, unlike an-

cient Rome, conferred the title of Consul to state officials, not necessarily restricted to the highest. These officials assisted the Genoese merchant sailors having difficulties with the local authorities.

In modern times, the American Heritage Dictionary defines a consul as “an official appointed by a government to reside in a foreign country and represent its interests there.”

So, you might be asking now, why do they call them Honorary Consul?

In fact, according to the Vienna Convention of 1963, a consul can be divided into 2 categories – a career Consul and an Honorary Consul (noncareer Consul). The difference is the way they work and how they are renumerated. A career Consul is a government employee of the

WHO ARE THE PHILIPPINE HONORARY CONSULS OF FRANCE AND MONACO?

The Philippine Embassy in France currently has four Honorary Consuls in the country and one Honorary Consul General in Monaco. Monaco is under the jurisdiction of the embassy in France. The Republic of the Philippines formally established diplomatic relations with the French Republic on 26 June 1947. Who are the Philippine Honorary Consuls of France and Monaco?

EDOUARD MIAILHE

Bordeaux

JURISDICTION: NOUVELLE-AQUITAINE REGION

AFTER a few years of finishing his degree in Business Administration and Finance, and his Masters in law and commerce in the wine sector, he became an executive in the financial industry. Since 2007, Honorary Consul Miailhe is the President of a family-owned vineyard, Chateau Siran, in Margaux, France - a vineyard that is the oldest in the Mar-

gaux wine appellation and has been with the family for more than 160 years. The totally renovated property has been open to the public since 2014. He is the President of the Margaux Wine Association. He also has companies in the real estate industry in both France and the Philippines. He founded the Commanderie de Bordeaux Manila when he and his family lived in the Philippines. He is now the current President of Uplift Foundation, a microfinance foundation created in 1993 in Manila. Honorary Consul Edouard is married with 4 children. He speaks fluent French, English, and Spanish. He likes vintage cars, food, wine, and biking.

DAVID ZUELLIG

Monaco

HONORARY Consul General David Zuellig attended Fordham University in New York and an Investment and Finance course from Credit Suisse in the same US state. His family privately owns the Zuellig Group which holds and manages long-term interests in healthcare, pharmaceuticals, insurance, specialized distribution services, industrial supplies and solutions, and property. He is Chairman of FPG Insurance and Z Healthcare Asia Holdings, Inc, and was once the Chairman of Interpharma Investments Ltd. He is also a Director for Harbor Holdings, Ltd. In Credit Suisse’s Impact Investment Fund Advisory Council, he holds the position of Senior Advisor for the Asia-Pacific region. He Chairs the Zuellig Initiatives Philantropiques in Monaco.

Once a Trustee of the Zuellig Family Foundation, he passed on this position in favor of the next generation. Named as one of Asia’s leading philanthropists, his family foundation is geared towards improving health conditions in rural communities throughout the Philippines. In March 2017, he was elected to the Board of Di -

sending state and the government they represent is paying their salary. They stay for about 3-4 years overseas and then go back to their country before going out again. Honorary Consuls are called ‘honorary’ because they perform their work on an honorary basis and are not paid a fee for their services. We can sometimes see their title as ‘Consul, ad honorem’. ‘Ad honorem’ comes from the Latin term meaning ‘for the honor of’; that is, that is not seeking any material reward.

Honorary Consuls are not professional diplomats which means they do not make a living as diplomats. They have a principal profession and accept the honor to serve another country where they live and work, voluntarily.

An Honorary Consul has the task of safeguarding the interests of their

rectors of Asia Philanthropy Circle Ltd. Honorary Consul General David received the Forbes Hero of Philanthropy in 2017. He is married to Dr. Hazel Paragua-Zuellig. His language proficiencies are in English, German, and Swiss German. He also speaks a little French and Thai.

sending country and their citizens residing or traveling in their consular district. Another main task is developing economic, commercial, scientific, academic, and cultural relations between countries. The Honorary Consul is, therefore, meticulously selected based on their merits and their capabilities to do these responsibilities. These individuals may not necessarily be citizens of the country they represent. “They can also be expatriates or ‘good friends’ of the state which they represent and noted for their long and conscientious service.”

The selection of an Honorary Consul begins with the sending State via the proposition of the embassy of a potential candidate. The Foreign Ministry of the sending State then approves and appoints the individual. The person of-

SABINE LORIDANT

Lille

JURISDICTION: HAUTS DE FRANCE REGION

HONORARY Consul Loridant has a Master’s degree in Business and Sales and has specialized in merchandising for big brands in different industries. She was the project manager for the creation of 120 new product lines for the global construction and DIY corporation, ADEO group of companies. This is the same company where she became head of communication and marketing for Groupe ADEO’s Dexter brand. She now runs her consulting firm, Advidea Consulting, where she consults for companies needing advice for merchandising and private label strategies so that products become more visible and understandable to their consumers. This also includes improving the customer experience in micro and macro merchandising. Honorary Consul Sabine likes to travel and do photography. She speaks French, English,

and Spanish and studied German at school. She also plays tennis, rides motorcycles, and pilots Sand and Land Yachts.

JEFFREY AUGUSTUS

R. CABUAY

Toulouse

JURISDICTION: OCCITANIE / PYRÉNÉES-MÉDITERANÉE REGION

DURING his studies in BS Marketing Management at De La Salle University in the Philippines, Honorary Consul Jeffrey Cabuay launched his

ficially becomes an Honorary Consul once the receiving State approves it, normally by its Head of State. It must therefore be approved by both governments.

“Apart from being a huge honor to represent the country and being a diplomat, it is not a job that is flash. It costs honorary consuls time, money, and energy with not much in return. As for me, I do it as a service to the community - Slovak and Australian. It is my way of giving back.” – Pavol Faix, Honorary Consul of Slovakia in Western Australia.

Philippine Honorary Consul for the region of Occitanie in France, Jeffrey Cabuay, feels the same way when he said that although it is indeed very demanding not only on finances and on time, for him, it is his direct service to

the community. He also said that because of this position, he never loses sight of his Filipino origins.

Amidst the discussion with the Honorary Consul during his visit to France, Fr. Jake Lopez, SDB, now the Salesian rector of the aspirantate and prenovitiate in Canlubang, Laguna, said that it is like an ‘Apostolate’.

A statement that made the Honorary Consul think even more about the profoundness and responsibility of the mission he has in his hands. He is hopeful that when his children see what he is doing, they will have a sense of service to the community and humanity in general.

I’m sure that the next time you see an Honorary Consul at work, you will be more appreciative of their work and the contribution they make to society.

entrepreneurial adventures with friends to start an events company and continued these activities in the insurance, automotive, and defense industries after graduation. He also pursued working in the outsourcing industry during its infancy stages where he discovered global markets and clients.

An invitation to study in France made him decide on a professional hiatus. A decision that made him discover the European culture, and the French language, - and meet his future wife. He became the President of the French-Filipino association in the Occitanie region, where he used it to organize activities for the Filipino community and to promote the Philippines. This was the moment when the Philippine Ambassador to France decided to appoint him as Honorary Consul. Honorary Consul Jeffrey

is the founder and Chief Experience Officer of Rope One Dynamics Consulting, a company providing services in training, marketing, digital, and design. His love for teaching and training also leads him to teach in undergraduate and postgraduate courses. He is married with 3 children and speaks Filipino, English, French, and a little Pangasinan. He is an Arnis and Karate practitioner.

JEAN LOUIS POIRIER

Marseille

JURISDICTION: PROVENCE-ALPESCÔTE D’AZUR REGION

IMMEDIATELY after his post-graduate studies in Maritime Transport and his prospection mission in China and Hong Kong, Honorary Consul Jean Louis Poirier worked for a big logistics company working in sales, then in

et Prestations de Services SAS, a holding company for 4 logistics companies specializing in niche markets to the Maghreb, such as transport of medicines, after-market car, and truck spare parts, catering and assistance to yachts and cruise ships, Oil & Gas assistance for foreign companies working in oil repairs, and much more. Amongst the many other positions he has, he is a French Foreign Trade Advisor and the Vice President of CADEFA (promoting French companies in Algeria). He is also the ambassador of the City of Marseille to other countries. Honorary Consul Jean Louis surprisingly has licenses to drive motorcycles, cars, big trucks, and even boats, and was even an alpine and acrobatic ski instructor! He likes to go boating, and scuba diving, and likes tennis and model making.

operations. Less than 10 years later, he joined a large logistics company called Combined Logistics, as Managing Director and after several years of success, the said company was bought by a Swedish logistics giant, SAS Wilson Logistics, from which he became its CEO for South of Europe and Africa.

Since 2006, he is the founder and CEO of Logistique

REFERENCES:

Websites: germany.info; etymonline. com; wikipedia.org; dfa.gov.ph

Publications:

Think Global, Act Local: Honorary Consuls in a Transforming Diplomatic World by Kevin Stringer; Legal status of the honorary consular officers: Theory and practice in Latvia by Janis Grasis; Realencyclopädie der classischen Altertumswissenschaft

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.

Embassy information changes all the time. Help us update this directory by emailing rawmags.betsy@gmail.com.

AUSTRIA

Embassy of the Philippines, Vienna

H.E. Irene Susan B. Natividad

Chargé d’Affaires, ad interim

20th and 21st Floor, ARES Tower

Donau-City-Strasse 11, A-1220

Vienna, Austria

Tel (+43-1) 533-2401

Emergency Tel (+43-6991) 232-2034

Email: vienna.pe@dfa.gov.ph vienna.pm@dfa.gov.ph

WWW.VIENNAPE.DFA.GOV.PH

BELGIUM

Embassy of the Philippines, Brussels

H.E. Ambassador Eduardo José A. De Vega

297 Avenue Moliere, Brussels, 1050 BELGIUM

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

Emergency Tel (+32-4) 8860-9177

Email: brussels.pe@dfa.gov.ph;  brusselspe@gmail.com

Facebook: @PHinBelgium

WWW.BRUSSELSPE.DFA.GOV.PH

CZECH REPUBLIC

Embassy of the Philippines, Prague

H.E. Ambassador Mr. Ombra T. Jainal

Senovazne Namesti 8, Prague 1, 110 00

Czech Republic

Tel (+420) 224-216397

(+420) 224-216397 /

224-216385

Emergency Tel (+420) 607-850-764

Email: prague.pe@dfa.gov.ph; praguepe@gmail.com

Facebook: @PHinCzechRepublic

WWW.PRAGUEPE.DFA.GOV.PH

DENMARK

Embassy of the Philippines, Copenhagen

H.E. Ambassador Leo M. Herrera-Lim

Arne Jacobsens Alle 13, 1st Floor, 2300

Copenhagen, Denmark

Tel (+45) 7141-5952

Emergency (+45) 2273-3933

Email: copenhagen.pe@dfa.gov.ph

Facebook: @PHinDenmark

WWW.COPENHAGENPE.DFA.GOV.PH

FINLAND

Hon. Consulate General in Helsinki

Ms. Maria Kauppinen

Honorary Consul

Ylisrinne 6A-T2, 02210 Espoo

Finland

Tel (+358) 400 913 243

EMAIL: DCKAUPPINEN.M@GMAIL.COM

FRANCE

Embassy of the Philippines, Paris

H.E Ambassador Junever M. Mahilum-West

4 Hameau de Boulainvilliers

45 Rue du Ranelagh

75016 Paris, France

Tel (+331) 4414-5700

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

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

Email: paris.pe@dfa.gov.ph parispe.dfa@gmail.com

Facebook: @PHinFrance

WWW.PARISPE.DFA.GOV.PH

GERMANY

Embassy of the Philippines, Berlin

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

Luisenstrasse 16, 10117 Berlin-Mitte

Federal Republic of Germany

Tel +49 (0) 30 864 95 00

Emergency +49 (0) 173-521-5703

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

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

PHinGermany

WWW.PHILIPPINE-EMBASSY.DE

Consulate General of the Philippines, Frankfurt

Westend Carree

Grüneburgweg 16-18, 1st Floor

60322 Frankfurt Am Main

Federal Republic of Germany

Tel (+49) (0) 69 8700 66900

Hotline (+49) (0) 151 6248 7425

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

Email: frankfurt.pcg@dfa.gov.ph

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

WWW.FRANKFURTPCG.DE

WWW.FRANKFURTPCG.DFA.GOV.PH/

GREECE

Embassy of the Philippines, Athens

H.E. Ambassador Giovanni E. Palec

26 Antheon Street, Paleo Psychico 154-52

Athens, Greece

Tel (+30210) 672-1883

(+30210) 672-1883

672-1837

Emergency (+30-697) 968-2921, (+30-697) 968-2921

Email: athens.pe@dfa.gov.ph; ATHENSPE@OTENET.GR

HUNGARY

Embassy of the Philippines, Budapest

H.E. Ambassador Frank R. Cimafranca

1026 Budapest, Gabor Aron utca 58 Budapest, Hungary

Tel (+36-1) 391-4300

Email: budapest.pe@dfa.gov.ph / phbuda@philembassy.hu

Facebook: @PHLinHungary

WWW.BUDAPESTPE.DFA.GOV.PH

ISRAEL

Embassy of the Philippines, Tel-Aviv

H.E.  Ambassador-designate Macairog S. Alberto

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

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

Emergency (+972-54) 466-1188

(+972-54) 466-1188

Email: telaviv.pe@dfa.gov.ph; filembis@netvision.net.il

WWW.PHILEMBTELAVIV.CO.IL

ITALY

Embassy of the Philippines, Rome

H.E. Ambassador Domingo P. Nolasco

Viale delle Medaglie d’Oro 112-114

00136 Rome, Italy

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

Emergency (+39) 328-690-7613

(+39) 328-690-7613

Email: rome.pe@dfa.gov.ph

romepe2007@gmail.com

WWW.PHILEMBASSY-ROME.NET

THE NETHERLANDS

EMBASSY OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES, THE HAGUE

H.E. Ambassador Jose Eduardo Malaya

Tel (+31) 70360-4820

Emergency (+31)(0) 65261-1079

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

Facebook: @PHinTheNetherlands

WWW.THEHAGUEPE.DFA.GOV.PH

NORWAY

Embassy of the Philippines, Oslo

H.E. Ambassador Enrico T. Fos

Nedre Vollgate 4, 0158 Oslo, Norway

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

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

Emergency (+47) 902 41 171

Email: helpdesk@philembassy.no

WWW.PHILEMBASSY.NO

ICELAND

Philippine Consulate, Reykjavik, Iceland

H.E. Consul Maria Priscilla Zanoria a.h

Skógarsel 39

109 Reykjavik, Iceland

Tel (+354) 897 5391

EMAIL: PHILCONSUL@SIMNET.IS

POLAND

Embassy of the Philippines, Warsaw

H.E. Ambassador Leah M. Basinang-Ruiz

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

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

Emergency +48 604 357 396

Email: warsaw.pe@dfa.gov.ph

Facebook: @PHLinPoland

WWW.WARSAWPE.DFA.GOV.PH

PORTUGAL

Embassy of the Philippines, Lisbon

H.E. Ambassador Celia Anna M. Feria

Rua Barata Salgueiro 30–3 andar

1250-044 Lisbon, Portugal

Tel (+351) 216-083-274; 216-083-276; 216-083-277

Emergency (+351) 925-410-257

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

WWW.LISBONPE.DFA.GOV.PH

RUSSIAN FEDERATION

Embassy of the Philippines, Moscow

H.E. Ambassador Carlos D. Sorreta Karmanitsky

Pereulok 8

Building 1, 121099

Moscow, Russian Federation

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

Email: moscow.pe@dfa.gov.ph  moscowpe@mailfrom.ru

Facebook: Philembassy Moscow

WWW.MOSCOWPE.DFA.GOV.PH

SPAIN

Embassy of the Philippines, Madrid

H.E Ambassador Philippe J. Lhuillier

Calle Eresma 2, 28002 Madrid, Spain (Chancery)

Calle Guadalquivir 6, 28002 Madrid, Spain (Consular Section)

Tel (+34) 917-823-830 / 917-823-836; 917-451734 (Consular Section)

Emergency (+34) 616-491-861

Email: madrid.pe@dfa.gov.ph / madridpe@yahoo.com

Consular: info@philembassymadrid. com / consular@philembassymadrid.com

Facebook: @PHinSpain

www.philembassymadrid.com

WWW.MADRIPE.DFA.GOV.PH

Consulate General Barcelona

Consul General Maria Theresa S.M. Lazaro

Rambla de Catalunya 33, Planta Principal 08007

Barcelona, Spain

+34 938 28 83 12

BARCELONAPCG.CONSULAR@DFA.GOV.PH

SWEDEN

Embassy of the Philippines, Stockholm

H.E. Consul Raul Dado Charge d’ affaires, ad interim

Mobile +46 702 735 407,

+63 9054039435 (Viber)

EMAIL: STOCKHOLM.PE@DFA.GOV.PH

SWITZERLAND

Embassy of the Philippines, Berne

H.E. Ambassador-designate

Bernard Faustino M. Dy Kirchenfeldstrasse 73-75

3005 Berne, Switzerland

Tel (+41-31) 350-1700

Emergency (+41-79) 542-1992

Email: berne.pe@dfa.gov.ph / info@philembassyberne.ch

Facebook: @PHinSwitzerland

WWW.BERNEPE.DFA.GOV.PH

Permanent Representative to United Nations Office at Geneva

H.E. Ambassador Evan P. Garcia

47 Avenue Blac, 1202 Geneva Switzerland

Tel (+41-22) 716-1930

Emergency (+41-79) 1369-114

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

genevapm.dfa.gov.ph

WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/GENEVAPCG

UNITED KINGDOM

Embassy of the Philippines, London

H.E. Ambassador Teodoro L. Locsin Jr.

6-8 Suffolk Street, London SW1Y 4HG

United Kingdom of Great Britain

Tel (+44) 20-7451-1780

Emergency (+44) 78-0279-0695

Email: london.pe@dfa.gov.ph / embassy@philemb.co.uk

Facebook: @PHLinUK

WWW.LONDONPE.DFA.GOV.PH

VATICAN, ITALY

Embassy of the Philippines, Vatican

Hon. (Mr.) Charlie P. Manangan

Charge d’ Affaires

Via Paolo VI, 29, 00193 Rome, Italy

Tel (+39-06) 6830-8020

Email: vatican.pe@dfa.gov.ph / vaticanpe2@gmail.com

https://dfa.gov.ph/about/dfa-directory/ourforeign-service-posts-dfa

WWW.VATICANPE.DFA.GOV.PH

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50 Days of Easter

Covid Reflections

Reguindin

Ihad forgotten that the Easter season, like Lent and Advent, lasts for 50 days from Easter Sunday until Pentecost Sunday. Easter for me would usually only mean an extra bank holiday, or the special vigil mass, or egg-hunting for the children. Or, attending the ‘Salubong’ tradition as we used to have in the Philippines every Easter morning.

But I was reminded in 2020. During the pandemic lockdown, like everyone else, I tried to learn new skills, rekindle old passions, be artsy and crafty

again. However, my thumb is not green enough and my fairy cakes aren’t rising, so I went back to writing instead. My book of reflections entitled “50 Days of Easter” was completed. But I only self-published it in March 2021.

Around May of 2021, members of the ‘Barkada ni Maria’ took turns reading my reflections after our nightly group rosary. In my mind, this is how it could sound like if there were to be an audiobook format. We were at the tail end of the pandemic then. But by August 2022, there was a book launch at St. Joseph’s Parish in Stevenage of my book, along with the book launch of “100 Miracles of our Blessed Mother” and showing of the short film “Katagman”.

I’m grateful for some of the feedback as follows:

→ I was intrigued just by reading the first line of the book!

→ Your book can be part of the school curriculum as a historical account of the pandemic.

Text & images by Hyacinth

→ The format is similar to the “Secret of the Rosary” by St Louis De Montfort.

→ It’s the perfect present for Easter.

→ You were inspired by the Holy Spirit!

→ May we have your autograph? Can we have a selfie?

I appreciate all those who continue to spread word about my book. Reverend Father Dale Orda in the Philippines endorsed it whilst celebrating his online mass at the Quiapo Church. I also had the chance to advertise it when I guested in the online streaming show ‘JhermiNATION’. The Piety Shop in our local parish of Immaculate Conception in Bicester has copies of my books on display too.

To date, you can buy copies from Goodreads.com, Waterstones.com, Eden.co.uk, Blackwells.co.uk, powells.com, Takealot.com, Bookdepository.com, Saxo. com if you’re in Denmark, bokkilden.no for Norway, vanderveldeboeken.nl and athenaeum.nl for the Netherlands, and Bertrand.pt in Portugal. It’s also been featured on books.google.co.uk. Proceeds go to charities and organisations that I support, as well as to the costs of the renovation of our village chapel in Pangasinan, Philippines.

Every day, I pray for the intentions of the indi-

viduals and groups who purchased my book. This is my way of thanking you all. Especially also for your generous donations. GOD bless each and every one of you! I hope you pray for me too.

May I also take this opportunity to acknowledge my proof-reader, editor, reviewer, and illustrator. And the book is lovingly dedicated to the victims and heroes of the Coronavirus pandemic. Except for family, I have protected the identities of the people whose compelling stories have moved me.

Approaches from friends and associates who’d like to write and publish have been coming my way. We are hoping for more collaborations in the future. They said they have a book inside them too. I believe we all do.

The author Hyacinth Requindin (far right) with friends at the book launch in Stevenage, UK.

Available on Amazon in paperback and Kindle formats. A series of reflections during the the Coronavirus pandemic. Written for 50 days from Easter of 2020, from the point of view of a trying-hard Christian. But anyone and everyone can relate to this, as the whole of humankind have been affected by Covid.

Women for Positive Changes

Text and images by Myla Arceno, MCS

March is a very special month for all women around the world. We are not just celebrating our entity as a woman and our accomplishments, but together we remember and highlight those

women who are still in the oppressive society with minute voice to speak up for freedom and their rights. We have progressed with our women rights, with thanks to the many powerful women in history and supportive men, but we still have a long way to go for women equity and equality.

Together in number,

in many ways, in big or small, we women can always create waves for positive changes in our society.

Here in the UK, March celebrates not just International Women’s Day but also Mother’s Day. For us Filipino-British, we enjoy the extra benefit of celebrating Mother’s Day twice – along with

Mothers in the Philippines and the rest of the world in May.

There are many events and celebrations in the UK for women in March. I’m honoured to join the sisterhood within the Filipino Women’s Association UK, FWN, Kanlungan Filipino Consortium and various groups held in SOAS University of London.

The theme ‘Constructing the Filipino Women in Britain: Towards Agency and Empowerment,’ fit the audience with many Filipino women from all walks of life,

Myla Arceno, 2nd from right

various fields of expertise and whose stories we could learn from.

We celebrated our successes but at one point, it turned emotional as we listened to the challenges of some kababayans in the UK. Our support for each other will always be needed and we are grateful for the many dedicated organisations that offer it.

Another annual event that I’ve never missed for many years now, is

the honour and the celebration of the life of our famous suffragette Lady Constance Lytton in Knebworth House mausoleum together with her family, the powerful women and supportive men.

Because of her and the many suffragettes with their voices and sufferings, we have our rights to vote, hold position in politics, change for positivity in our society, and have our voices heard all over the world.

Marie Gay Alessandra Ordenes

Norway-based Filipina lawyer is ASIA Director and AntiCorruption Lead at the Executive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) International Secretariat.

Interview by Luz Bergersen and images by Atty. Ordenes

Rawmags is privileged to connect with Attorney Marie Gay Alessandra Ordenes who came to Oslo in 2016 to fulfill a new mandate to address corruption risks in the extractive sector through transparency and accountability mechanisms.

What contributions do Filipinos carry to the workplace?

We should always be proud of what we can contribute. We Filipinos are known for being reliable and for our good work ethic. Our voices as citizens of a developing country could enrich global discussions on poverty reduction and corruption mitigation because we have practical experiences to share. This is more important than theories.

What is Extractive Industries Trans-

parency Initiative? What does it aim to achieve?

Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) was formed in June 2003. Its headquarters is in Oslo and has a membership of 57 countries. EITI is the global standard for good governance of natural resources, specifically minerals, oil and gas. Its objective is to address corruption risks in the extractive sector through transparency and accountability mechanisms.

The EITI Standard is currently implemented by resource-rich countries that seek to maximize the benefits of mineral and oil extraction for economic and social development.

We support governments, companies, and civil society in advancing reforms to make the extractive sector accountable. Core to

our work is requiring governments and companies to publish information about their extractive activities from licensing, production, revenue collection and revenue allocation.

As Asia Director for the EITI, I lead our work in the region by providing strategic direction and oversight on how the EITI could be used by countries to strengthen their natural resource governance.

A huge part of my work is providing technical support to governments and civil society to improve policies and government systems so that they are able to promote transparency and accountability in governing their extractive sector.

In addition to being Asia Director, I also lead the EITI’s work on anti-corruption. I provide advice to countries on best practices in corruption mitigation in mining, oil, and gas projects. I also drive our global policy on contract transparency and

beneficial ownership transparency to end anonymity to company ownership. Knowing the terms of extractive contracts is key to fighting corruption because it helps citizens understand whether they are getting a fair deal.

Knowing who owns the companies and who ultimately benefits from extractive projects enables countries to evaluate whether revenues from resource extraction flow to citizens. Anti-corruption measures are very important now that the world is transitioning to net zero to mitigate the impact of climate change. I’m also part of the senior management team of EITI, which enables me to contribute to office policies and organisational management.

What current projects do you lead?

I currently lead the implementation of the Opening Extractives Programme, a project we started in 10 countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America that aims to end company anonymity. We provide technical support to these countries as they implement legal and technical reforms to make sure that companies investing in extractive projects are owned by legitimate actors and are not using the sector for illicit purposes.

I am also leading our organisation’s policy work in advancing good governance of transition minerals, e.g. the minerals that will be necessary for renewable energy projects. To achieve this, we are currently revising the EITI Standard to reflect new provisions that will advance our work on anti-corruption.

Do you have any message for the Euro-Filipino community?

I hope to connect with more Filipinos in Europe especially those working on anti-corruption so we can start a community of practice and find ways to share our views with each other and with our counterparts in the Philippines.

Atty. Marie Gay Alessandra

V. Ordenes background:

◼ Asia Director & AntiCorruption Lead, Executive Industries, Transparency Initiative, March 2016 – present

◼ National Coordinator, Philippine Extractive Industries, Transparency Initiatives, June 2013-Feb 2016

◼ Technical (Legal) Adviser, Office of the President, September 2011 – March 2013

◼ Atty. Ordenes investigated graft and corruption cases for prosecution of public officials and provided direct legal advice and recommended policies to cabinet members.

◼ Court Attorney, Philippine Court of Appeals, March 2005 to September 2011

◼ Atty. Ordenes conducted research and assisted an Appellate Court Justice in drafting decisions and resolutions.

◼ Bachelor of Laws (LlB) degree from the University of the Philippines, Diliman, Q.C. (June 1996-April 2000), and Bachelor in Political Science, UP Diliman (April 1996).

A huge part of my work is providing technical support to governments and civil society to improve policies and government systems so that they are able to promote transparency and accountability in governing their extractive sector.

DINE FOR A CAUSE

By Becky Torres, Philippines

ROOTS & WINGS Social Entrepreneurship Program is inviting Filipino restaurants in Europe, the Philippines and different parts of the world to support the purchase of school kits for our beneficiaries - the students and teachers of the Labney Integrated School in Mayantoc, Tarlac, Philippines thru the Yellow Boat of Hope Foundation. Mayantoc, a valley community near the border of Tarlac and Zambales is home to surviving Abeling-Aetas of Zambales.

DINE FOR A CAUSE

Aims to raise €1,000 from June to September 2023 with the €1 donation for every dine in/food orders of participating Filipino restaurants to fund about 400 school kits.

Pay it forward with Roots and Wings Social Entrepreneurship

For interested restaurants to join this laudable outreach social entrepreneurship program of Roots & Wings, - email rawmags. sponsor@gmail.com

Image by Antonio Cansino from Pixabay

Rawmags Social Entrepreneurship in person with Maia Magpantay

will support the chosen recipients of this year’s Social Entrepreneurship project.

Maia paints in oil using a palette knife, ‘a process that enables me to create figurative forms with precisely drawn lines, roughening strokes of festive hues and vibrant coloration to express art. To celebrate the colourful life given by the Great One, to glorify the Lord with the gift He has entrusted to me and share this enthusiasm with my fellowman, is indeed a path I find worth pursuing.’

Becky shared the backdrop of Rawmags Social Entrepreneurship saying, ’’It was the idea of Betsy von Atzigen, Rawmags Editor in Chief, for Euro-Filipinos to contribute towards the education of less fortunate kababayans in the Philippines - to ‘pay forward’ and share blessings.’’

Text and images by Luz Bergersen

It was a timely occasion for Rawmags Social Entrepreneurship Lead Becky Torres and Marizel Arambulo, both bankers and committed Rawmags volunteers, meet up with visiting Oslo-based Rawmags Editor Luz Bergersen and acclaimed Filipina paletteknife artist Maia Magpantay.

We met and exchanged views at popular dining place Mary Grace at Uptown Mall, Bonifacio Global City in Taguig, Manila.

On its secondth year, the Rawmags Social Entrepreneurship Team selected two new beneficiaries namely the Dugtong-Dunong sa Pagsulong Scholarship and Educational Program, and the Yellow Boat of Hope Foundation, which both share the common mission of providing support for the education of Filipino children coming from low income families.

Artist Maia Magpantay donated two exquisite stylized cubist paintings, whose proceeds

‘I was introduced to Betsy in August 2020 by Maris, a common friend and high school classmate, as Betsy was looking for an article on Vigan in Ilocos Sur. It so happened that Maris and I reconnected when we celebrated our high school golden jubilee.

Our classmates went to Vigan as our town of destination. We were 36 seniors all together. We rode the kalesa to tour Vigan in Calle Crisologo Heritage Street and around the town plaza. I planned and arranged this trip from transport and reservations, to hotel bookings, Vigan food selection and tourist places to visit. The visit inspired a travel article I wrote ‘My Vigan - Returning to One’s Roots’.

Check out ‘My Vigan’ in Rawmags October 2020 https://www.rawmags.com/

Betsy knew that Marizel (whom I introduced to her) and I were bankers, so she asked us to develop the guidelines for a simple social entrepreneurship program to be launched in February 2021 for Roots & Wings’ 12th Anniversary. That is how Marizel and I got involved in this volunteer outreach program.’

NO OTHER PLACE LIKE Jerusalem ISRAEL

It is no coincidence that this year’s Christian Easter, Jewish Passover and Muslim Ramadan are simultaneously happening in Jerusalem. Neither was it a coincidence to find myself again and of all seasons, in this historic city nestled on a plateau, surrounded by the Judean hills, and tossed between the Mediterranean and the Dead Sea.

Text and images by Betsy von Atzigen

It is one of the oldest cities in the world and rightly appointed so as a holy city - home to three Abrahamic faiths namely Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

Ramadan started the week friends and I got there. On Palm Sunday, people were carrying full sized palm branches, drumbeating and singing while passing through palm-lined streets. It made me feel a sense of joy and harmony amid an important festivity among the locals and visitors alike, regardless of faith and religion.

Our guide walked us along the four uneven quarters of the city – the Armenian, Jewish, Muslim, and Christian. Like before, I was spellbound by its encompassing beauty and historicity. The streets inside and just outside the walls were lined with young men and women in uniform, making sure the city was safe for this unique threefold celebration.

At the harbour in Jaffa near Tel Aviv, the blue sea and the azure sky met in agreement. Jerusalem felt more significant, reliving the place where Jesus preached, died, and was resurrected. It is indeed the holiest of all sites. There is no other place like Jerusalem.

ALFONSO JOAQUIN DE JESUS DE VERA

Alfonso Joaquin De Jesus De Vera is a 19-year-old student in Vienna, Austria. Prior to Austria, he and his family lived in Sweden and the United Arab Emirates. Alfonso speaks English, Tagalog, German, and French. He plans to study Computer Science and Digital Communications for his bachelor’s program and hopes to specialize in IT and Communications in the diplomatic field. He is an avid fan of fashion and comic books. Alfonso is a strong proponent of racial equality and strives to share his culture and heritage with his peers.