Roots and Wings Quarter 1 -- 2024 by Roots and Wings

Filipino Magazine in Europe

Quarter 1 / 2024 Volume 13 Issue 6

FOOD FOR THE HEART

From the Editor-in-Chief

This year has been a whirlwind of changes and fast developments…

assumed the role of Editor-in-Chief this past September, and I am honored to have been chosen by the Advisory board. I welcome the higher responsibility with heartfelt gratitude to Ms. Rachel Hansen, Founder of Roots & Wings who has led and mentored the Editorial board throughout the years since the magazine’s inception – with guided leadership, innovative and creative disposition. It was also in late September that the Roots & Wings team met for the first time in Prague, Czech Republic. It was a productive two days filled with fruitful discussions on processes, topics for future editions, and the overall strategy. It is our hope that Roots & Wings will continue to sustain and widen its readership with articles that titillate the

Rawmags Team

Filipino mind and creativity, inspired by the exemplary successes and accomplishments of the Filipino community in Europe and all over the world. It’s that time of year once again when the world stands still for a day to make way for Christmas, which finds its longest celebration in the Philippines. May we find happiness, joy and peace in the love of our families, near or far, breathing the fresh scent of a new beginning that Christmas and the New Year bring. From the writing tables of the editorial team, together with our families, we wish you all, our avid and loyal readers, a Merry Christmas and the blessings of the New Year! Maligayang Pasko at Manigong Bagong Taon.

Rebecca Urbančík Garcia

Roots&Wings

MEET THE TEAM

Rebecca Urbancik Garcia

Ieth Inolino Idzerda

Jennifer Fergesen

Ralph Anthony Chan

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF COUNTRY EDITOR, CZECH REPUBLIC

ASSOCIATE EDITOR COUNTRY EDITOR, THE NETHERLANDS

FEATURE EDITOR, USA

MANAGING EDITOR COUNTRY EDITOR, AUSTRIA

Siobhan Doyle

Alfonso Joaquin De Jesus De Vera

Donna Avellana Künzler

Anton Miguel D. De Vera

Cipriano “Zip” De Guzmán Jr.

Mye Mulingtapang

Mary Hyacinth Reguindin-Tondo

Donna Patricia Manio

Myla Arceno

Gloria Hernandez Grejalde

Dennis Mana-ay

Fideliz (Dee) Apilado

SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR COUNTRY EDITOR, UK

COUNTRY EDITOR, LUXEMBOURG

COUNTRY EDITOR, UK

COUNTRY EDITOR, SWITZERLAND

COUNTRY EDITOR, AUSTRIA

COUNTRY EDITOR, ITALY

COUNTRY EDITOR, UK

COUNTRY EDITOR, FRANCE

COUNTRY EDITOR, PHILIPPINES

Maria Gutehall

Apiong Bagares

COUNTRY EDITOR, SWEDEN

ART DIRECTOR/LAYOUT, PHILIPPINES

Aimee Alado -Blake LEGAL COUNSEL, UK

WEB / COUNTRY EDITOR, AUSTRIA

LIFESTYLE / COUNTRY EDITOR, PHILIPPINES

COUNTRY EDITOR, FRANCE

Rachel Hansen

Luz Bergersen

ADVISORY COUNCIL, SWEDEN

ADVISORY COUNCIL, NORWAY

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Roots&Wings Roots&Wings Filipino Magazine in Europe Published by Rachel Publishing Co. Stockholm, Sweden 2009-2024

Rawmags Team

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Contents COVER STORY Food for the Heart p5 FEATURE Learn, Create, Grow p9 Beyond Barriers and Boundaries p12 Dollybee Frisør-Health and Beauty p15 Jerome Calayag—Winner of the San Pellegrino Young Chef Academy Competition in 2021 p17 TRAVEL Travel in Style With Style Tourista p20 ART Frames and Culture: Exploring photography and anthropology with Meg Forteza-Kaufmann p25 FOOD The Culinary and Creative Genius of Claude Tayag An impressive journey in the world of food and art p29 SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP Cultivating Filipino Culture through Children’s Literature p32 FOREIGN AFFAIRS Jose Rizal Heritage Awards 2023 Shines a Spotlight on Celebrating Community Laureates p34 PERFORMANCE ART Rigoletto by Giuseppe Verdi presented by Andorra Lírica for UNICEF p36 DIRECTORY Philippine Embassies in Europe p39

Table of Contents

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FOOD ` FOR THE HEART Filipino cookbook hopes to inspire healthy eating patterns

Words by Siobhan Doyle Images by Rezel Kealoha (courtesy of We Cook Filipino) Roots&Wings

Cover Story

hen investigating why there is a lack of Filipino restaurants in Norway despite having a large community there, a Norwegian made a comment that stuck with former resident and food author and editor Jacqueline Chio-Lauri. “Heart disease (and other diseases) are almost an epidemic in the Philippines,” the Norwegian told her. “There is reason to believe that this is because of the food, lack of vegetables in the diet, and over-salting and over-sweetening.” This comment made Chio-Lauri reminisce about her upbringing in the Philippines. Growing up, her lola always stressed eating right and remembered to always have vegetable dishes and fresh fruits on the table. This inspired Chio-Lauri to reach out to men and women in the Filipino diaspora worldwide, inviting them to submit their stories and recipes that are not only delicious but are good for the heart too. Chio-Lauri’s investigation spree led to the creation of her book We Cook Filipino and her collaboration with Dr. Youssef Roman from Virginia Commonwealth University in the U.S. on the publication of an academic paper about health disparities among Filipino Americans. The goal of both projects is to bring about culturally appropriate health interventions. The book features a wide range of contributors including chefs, restaurateurs, food writers, bloggers, podcasters and recipe developers from across the globe. “All the book’s contributors wave the Philippine flag wherever they are in the world and whatever it is they do,” she says. “As diverse as Filipino food is, I wanted to get as wide of a range of perspectives as I could.” Readers will also learn many tips and techniques to balance flavour and heart health in their dishes. This includes how to use Filipino cooking methods to achieve bold flavours without adding extra sodium or sugars to your diet, managing your sodium intake while still using salt to heighten 6

Cover Story

flavour, and heart-healthy tricks such as how to increase nutrient density and reduce the caloric value of a cup of white rice. Chio-Lauri was born and raised in the Philippines and worked as a science scholar, restaurateur and teacher and lived in seven countries before settling in the northwest of England with her husband and son. Some of her most delicious childhood memories include strolls with her lola from the Roots&Wings

city’s panaderia (bakery) at the crack of dawn — munching warm, freshly-baked pandesal bread with her lola telling her fascinating stories. Her latest offering may be the only Filipino cookbook grounded on both health and culture. “It has the same personal storytelling and recipe format as my first book, The New Filipino Kitchen, but besides presenting the extraordinary food culture of the Philippines, it also highlights Filipino dishes and ingredients that are inherently healthy and suggests a healthier approach to cooking many of our Filipino favourites,” she explains. Chio-Lauri also stresses that Filipino food is hardly represented in

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healthy-eating media, which may give a false impression that it is not healthy. “I hope the book will help change the narrative about cultural cuisines, such as Philippine cuisine,” she expresses. Roots & Wings’ UK contributor asked Chio-Lauri about Filipino food in public spaces across England specifically. Here, she expressed her disappointment in the lack of Filipino food representation at food halls or food events, particularly in its northern areas. “Near me, there is a newly opened food hall with kitchens from almost every part of the world. You’d find cuisines, such as Burmese, Ethiopian and Palestinian, but not Filipino,” she says. The foodie also wishes Filipino cui-

Cover Story

sines were more popular in the region, especially as it would help raise the image of the Philippines and drive revenue to its people working in the food world. She notes Thailand’s investment in gastrodiplomacy campaigns, hence the number of Thai restaurants around the world. “As the saying goes, ‘The easiest way to win hearts and minds is through the stomach,"she says. Chio-Lauri hopes the stories told in We Cook Filipino will inspire fellow kababayans to be happier and healthier, for people outside of the Filipino diaspora to develop a better understanding and connection with our cuisine, to dispel unfair and false notions people might 8

Cover Story

We Cook Filipino is now available to buy on platforms such as Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and British book retailer Waterstones. You can also get in touch with and learn more about Jacqueline on her website

myfoodbeginnings.com

have about Filipino food. “Taking care of our hearts can be a delicious and delightful affair. We don’t have to give up Filipino food to maintain a healthy eating pattern.” When envisioning the future of Filipino cuisine in the U.K., Jacqueline hopes there will be more thriving Filipino restaurants and shops that get the support of both Filipino and non-Filipino customers. Meanwhile, in the comfort of our own homes, she says, "I hope we keep our Filipino food culture alive using a healthier approach to cooking our Filipino favourites.” Contributors in the book, to name a few, include R&W’s very own copy editor and award-winning food writer Jennifer Fergesen, award-winning writer, blogger and podcaster Liren Baker (USA), Michelin Star awardee chef Roger Asakil Joya (Norway), and Grace Guinto, chief baking officer of Sweet Cora (Australia). Roots&Wings

NORWAY

Learn, Create, Grow

Judith Fernandez Dumale: a multi-talented, multi-skilled, Permanent Make-up (Tattoo) Artist. Text by Luz Bergersen

first saw Judith performing on stage, playing the guitar and singing her self-composed songs. I thought, wow, here is another awesome Filipino musician! Then I found out that she is also a registered nurse, an excellent and busy Permanent Make-up artist specialising in eyebrow microblading, also eyeliner and lips, and with Roots&Wings

many satisfied and happy customers. In addition, Judith is an artist (she paints), bakes wonderful goodies and themed cakes. Judith never stops growing and creating. Indeed, she lives true to her motto, Learn, Create and Grow! Judith Fernandez Dumale was born in Villamor Airbase Hospital, Pasay City & grew up in BF Sucat, Paranaque City. She studied in St. Rita College of Paranaque from Elementary to High School & finished

her Bachelor in Nursing in Remedios T. Romualdez(RTRMS)-Makati Medical Center School for NursingBatch 1997. RW: Can you share with our readers how you came to Norway? Judith: I was raised by my grandparents and aunts in Paranaque when my parents separated when I was 8 yrs old. When I graduated in nursing, I reunited with my sisters,

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mother & Danish step-father in Aalborg, Denmark in 1998. From Denmark, fate took me to Norway in June 2002. I met Ms. Rizalina Jensen, who owned and ran ASOR, a company providing health care. Ms. Jensen helped me to apply for a job-seeker visa here and provided assistance with language & employment in a nursing home. On the private side, I have a partner is also a Filipino nurse and we are blessed with two now teens- 17 yr old Jisselle & 13 yr old Samuel. MICROBLADING & TATOOING After shifting as a night-nurse, I wanted to do more with my spare time and took a leap to take a course in microblading in June 2022 with Master Tatjana Dedrik of PhiAcademy- which is known to be the largest academy for microblading internationally. After months of training & follow-ups, I became certified & then registered a homebased salon- JBrows- in December 2002. I then pursued to be a Full Complete Permanent MakeUp (PMU) Artist- which means I tattoo not only brows, but eyeliner and lips as well, with the guidance of Frøken Bryn of Kompetanse Klinikken-Anette Djuvstad in Jessheim, a few miles outside Oslo. I have also recently completed advanced courses to keep myself updated in new techniques in the fast growing world of PMU. I was not expecting that flow of clients only in a few months time and really am thankful for friends who trusted and referred me to their family and friends as well. As I was already getting comfortable working with the machine, I knew I can do more, so I then, started learning small tattoos. I learned the basics with guidance from a professional Norwegian tattoo artist and since then added it to my services. Many of my clients are friends 10

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and acquaintances who know that I am inclined to arts from before, and also being a nurse, made them feel extra safe. Following the strict standards for a salon in accordance with Norwegian regulations and standards, is a lot of work. There are inspections, reports, sales and tax declarations, necessary to operate accordingly and legitimately. This is first and fore-

most for the safety of the clients who trust me and my services. SINGING NURSE Like many Filipinos, I love music as well. I learned to play the guitar when I was 16 years old, most of the time during "barkada jamming". When I came to Norway, I played in the church choir and with the group, "Singles for Christ". I parRoots&Wings

ticipated to sing and play in several occasions when I was invited. At work though, the «singing-nurse» has been quite an image. Music is a universal language and I have used it as a tool to connect with patients when playing the guitar. I have once attempted in 2018 to get to a University in Oslo to become a music-therapist but I did not qualify because I do not have formal basic studies in Music. I’ve played in a band as well for just a short time. We were called De-Anonyme. BAKE TO ORDER CAKES Becoming a mother- that was when my love for baking came. Kids wanted a themed cake for their birthdays and I looked forward to their birthdays every year. There was a time when a colleague who was the son of Governing Mayor in Oslo asked me to bake a funny wedding cake and made his father pick it up at home. I have accepted orders for made-to-order cakes for quite sometime. Hosting dinners for friends, family and colleagues has always been fun for me. I grew up with a grandmother and aunts

who were always busy in the kitchen and getting compliments on how good they are in cooking and that love for cooking influenced me too. THE ARTS: AS A PAINTER As much as I love my profession as a nurse, Art is still the closest to my heart. I thought that I will be pursuing Fine Arts then but ended in a nursing school. A big break came in Sept 2005, when I became acquainted with someone who knew a restaurant owner in Lillestrøm (San Marco) who was remodeling the place and needed several paint-

ings to hang on their new walls. The theme was the popular sites in Venice, Italy. I was referred and asked to do one first, which later became seven paintings – four of those are almost wall sized. It took me four months to finish as I was also working full time as a nurse that time. I was overwhelmed being professionally paid for a work I really poured my heart into. Unfortunately, the restaurant closed in 2010 and I have no information as to where the restaurant moved. I have had paintings donated to charities before, and some of them were given as gifts to family & friends, and some still hang on my wall at home. I love to paint whatever comes to my mind but often fascinated with both realism & abstract. THE FUTURE I have been working as a night-shift nurse these last few years which gives me time and the opportunity to combine working as a Permanent Make Up /Tattoo Artist. I am currently working on planning to cater my services in a salon in Lørenskog and partner with a cosmetic nurse in her salon in Bislett in Oslo, city center. MESSAGE TO EURO PINOY YOUTH: "Never stop challenging yourselves. Accept that you have to fall several times before you can achieve your goals. Be the voice that motivates and inspires and pull others towards your positive energy. Be proud of being a Filipino, we are multi-talented, versatile, warm, generous & God-fearing people! Please support by following & liking my fb pageJBrows PMU & Tattoo. I offer free consultation. For interested clients send me a DM or sms +47 99528893. Email.jdumale76@gmail.com

www.jbrowsandlashes.com

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SWITZERLAND

Beyond Barriers and Boundaries A Filipina Migrant Entrepreneur’s Journey to Empowerment

By Mye Mulingtapang

ustainable success hailing from Liloan town in Cebu, Demee Koch embodies the essence of a modern, resilient woman. As a successful CEO and advocate for conscious beauty and empowerment, she’s dedicated to creating a positive impact. Demee belief in the ripple effect drives all her endeavors. With a thirst for knowledge, she excelled in her academics, laying the foundation for her future. Motivated by a desire to make a tangible difference, Koch set out on a journey of self-discovery and cultural exploration, determined to break free from the stigmas and stereotypes. Her belief in her own abilities drove her to seek opportunities outside of her comfort zone. She seized the chance to work with global corporations as a management trainee. Along this journey, she discov-

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ered her true calling: to effect positive change and leave an indelible mark on the world. Today, she stands as a testament to the power of determination and belief in oneself. She is living proof that dreams, no matter how audacious, are within reach for those bold enough to chase them. Koch is the CEO of the Swiss purpose-led beauty brand, a pioneer in the conscious beauty movement, creating results-oriented, clean, and cruelty-free beauty products that give back. She has worked tirelessly for more than two decades to lay the groundwork for her cosmeceutical business. The brand has garnered acclaim across several regions, including Switzerland, Japan, the UK, Europe, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Asia. It offers clients an avenue for responsible consumerism without compromising on beauty and self-care routines. Roots&Wings

Koch has faced prejudices and rejections as an immigrant woman from the Philippines. But she only wanted to improve the beauty industry by educating people about how brilliance knows no boundaries based on race or gender. Her daily life as a migrant entrepreneur is full of challenges. As a Filipina, she knows how to find and take alternative paths in difficult situations, how to hold on and keep going even when the outcome appears to be slipping away. Influencing others Her influence extends to the esteemed Forbes Business Council, where she contributes insightful articles on sustainable business practices and conscious leadership. Kochaspires to be a wellspring of inspiration, nurturing a relentless drive in others to pursue their goals and shatter barriers in their respective fields. Through other platforms like Forbes Business Council, social media channels, and renowned publications, Koch imparts her wealth of leadership wisdom, visionary ideas, and unwavering commitment to fostering a more inclusive and conscious beauty industry. She is one of the authors of ‘FWN Disrupt 4.0’. These achievements deepens her perspective as she navigates the intricacies of career, relationships, and personal growth. She provides practical advice and genuine support, empowering her readers to reach their fullest potential. Koch holds a position on the board and possesses shares in Lux Vivendi, a platform dedicated to celebrating luxury products, services, gastronomy, and extraordinary experiences. Her lasting legacy centers on championing conscious entrepreneurship, and she also serves on the Advisory Board of the innovative boxing brand, SPARBAR.

social entrepreneurship, and mobilizing social movements for enduring social transformation. Recently, she joined the Breaking Silence Movement, a non-profit organization combating gender-based violence, serving as a board member. She’s all in throwing her support behind charitable organizations like the Voice of the Free. This group tackles social issues head -on, blending care, entrepreneurship, and community mobilization for lasting change. Koch also stepped up as a board member for the Breaking Silence Movement. This non-profit is at the forefront of the fight against gender-based violence, taking meaningful action to create safer spaces for all. Being Filipina Motivated by Theodore Roosevelt’s adage “to do what one can with what is available”, Koch aligns her aspirations with her purpose. She fervently advocates for breaking silence and revolutionizing the beauty industry with an unwavering dedication to quality. As a Filipina, she knows how to find and take alternative paths in difficult situations, how to hold on and how to keep going even when the outcome appears to be slipping away. Life’s difficulties are obstacles to overcome, puzzles to solve, or fears to confront. Sometimes a single moment is all that is required;

Giving back Committed to philanthropy, Koch actively supports charitable organizations, including the Voice of the Free, a hybrid entity driving social care and, Roots&Wings

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other times, commitment and consistency over time are required. She encountered numerous setbacks before finally achieving her goals. Those setbacks, strangely enough, shaped her optimistic outlook on work and entrepreneurship. Despite the widespread opposition to her efforts, she maintains a positive attitude that propels her forward. The 45-year-old serial entrepreneur has fortified herself with a combination of qualities: bravery, unyielding resilience, and the ability to navigate uncertainty. This combination, along with her passion for creating impactful beauty products and championing important causes, has been the foundation of her journey. She has boldly embraced risks to carve a niche for herself in the cutthroat world of the beauty industry, bolstered by the ability to adeptly navigate intricacies and challenges through years of seasoned expertise. Becoming an author A Cebuana entrepreneur and Forbes Business Council member, Demee's, has just published her book, “Becoming Miss Right: A Holistic Journey to Fulfillment” which is now available on Amazon. This book promises to be a game-changer for women worldwide, offering practical strategies for success in careers, relationships, and personal growth. Koch’s approach is refreshingly comprehensive, providing actionable advice instead of piecemeal solutions. “This isn’t just a book” she says. “It’s a trusted friend, guiding you to realize you can have it all.” Key takeaways include breaking through career barriers, nurturing enriching relationships, and continuous personal growth. Drawing from her own experiences, Koch’sDemee’s insights are not only relatable but also highly practical. Embarking on the journey of writing “Becoming Miss Right: A Holistic Journey to Fulfillment” has been an incredible endeavor. It’s a true labor of love, born from a desire to empower women worldwide. Through this book, she aims 14

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What sets this book apart is its comprehensive approach. It’s not just a manual; it’s a trusted companion, guiding you towards the realization that you truly can have it all.

to offer practical strategies that transcend boundaries, enabling success in careers, relationships, and personal growth. “What sets this book apart is its comprehensive approach. It’s not just a manual; it’s a trusted companion, guiding you towards the realization that you truly can have it all”, says Koch. Drawing from her life’s journey, she has striven to provide insights that are not only relatable but also highly practical. From shattering career ceilings to nurturing profound relationships, and embarking on transformational personal growth, the key takeaways are designed to resonate with the readers on a profound level. “I hope this book serves as a beacon of empowerment, illuminating the path towards a life filled with success, love, and boundless personal evolution’,” says Koch. Koch has faced prejudices and rejections as an immigrant woman from the Philippines. But she only wanted to improve the beauty industry by educating people about how brilliance knows no boundaries based on race or gender. Her daily life as a migrant entrepreneur is full of challenges. As a Filipina, she knows how to find and take alternative paths in difficult situations, how to hold on and keep going even when the outcome appears to be slipping away. Life’s difficulties are obstacles to overcome, puzzles to solve, or fears to confront. Sometimes a single moment is all that is required; other times, commitment and consistency over time are required. She encountered numerous setbacks before finally achieving her goals. Those setbacks, strangely enough, shaped her optimistic outlook on work and entrepreneurship. Despite the widespread opposition to her efforts, she maintains a positive attitude that propels her forward. These adversities ultimately became stepping stones to her success, reinforcing her belief in the transformative power of determination and resilience.

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NORWAY

DOLLYBEE FRISØR-HEALTH AND BEAUTY Interview by Luz Bergersen Narratives and photos by Dolly Canlas

olores B. Canlas, (Nickname, DOLLY) Filipina hairdresser par excellence, owner and CEO of her own DOLLYBEE SALONS in Norway, shares her inspiring story with Roots & Wings readers. From humble beginnings in Tarlac City, Dolly has worked her way up to become an international and respected hairdresser. She has taken hairdressing courses, built up her knowledge and skills, worked in Manila and many countries. Her skills and hard work have brought her to many high-end salons not only in Manila but abroad. Today she is a well-known and much-sought-after hairdresser in Norway.

When did you start taking hairdressing courses? Life was very hard. At the age of nine years old, I worked as a househelper, in exchange for my elementary school studies. I was very young when my eyes were opened to the hardships of life. I am the eldest girl and the fourth eldest in a brood of 11 siblings. I started to learn hairdressing at the age of 12, in a small Barangay, Kalaklan, Olongapo City. It was my Lola (grandmother) with whom I stayed as househelper, who convinced me to study hairdressing because she always liked to have her hair curled. Roots&Wings

At the age of 14 years old, I learned to do ‘home service’ to neighbors, and already earned money. When I was in high school, even my teachers made bookings for my service after school hours. At 18 years old, I got married, and in 1998 we transferred and lived in Manila. Please tell us about your journey in Manila? My first job was as a manicurist in Adriatico, Manila. It was a World Class Salon, then I worked in Slimmers World International at Pan Pacific Hotel Manila, then BCBG Salon (International) again, as a manicurist, located at 6750 Ayala Makati—where you can find Bulgari, Louis Vuitton, and expensive shops and jewellery. It is also close to Shangrila Hotel, Glorietta, Rustan's, and Landmark. I learned a lot in BCBG, from being a manicurist, I moved to Junior Stylist. After all the hair training, I registered my name. In 2020 my boss Teng Roma promoted me to Senior Lady barber and Stylist at Emphasis Salon Rockwell. At the same time, I also had also my own salon located at Manuguit Subdivision Manila. When did you realize that you wanted to go and work abroad?

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I realized that my skills can be my passport to work abroad. Some people said ‘You cannot work abroad because you did not finish college’. At that time, I was very positive. It took time for me to fix my passport because I was late in registering my name in the civil register, but I pursued until I succeeded. At first I tried to go to Hong Kong, and I applied to work with a Filipina who has a salon in Cathay Airport and Central Hong Kong. I worked with her and I was so proud because the customers were mostly international pilots and stewardesses. In 2002, I signed a contract in Dubai for 2 years. But I did not finish my contract because of the long working hours that took a toll on my health, until I was sent to the emergency. I decided to go back to the Philippines. In 2004, I joined a partnership to register a school under SEC and under TESDA with many courses like Caregiver, IT, Hairdressing, and more. I was in the Hairdressing Department and teaching. It was a good experience because some of my students were using their skills abroad. One day I got an offer in Abu Dhabi, UAE. My Employer has 4 salons in the UAE. I used to work in three of his salons because of my multiple skills. I work around schedules from different places in Sheraton Khaladiya- Abu Dhabi, Hilton Hotel- Jumeirah Dubai, and a place where all the VIPs like International Ambassadors, Sheikhas, and Sheikhs have a big Fitness Club located in Abu Dhabi. Then, I worked with La Rosy Health & Fitness in Abu Dhabi, a salon for ladies only, which has a Filipina owner and a staff of 19 persons. To Norway with Love In 2012, I came to Norway for a short visit. It was a fateful visit, for I ended up staying for good in 2013. I registered my business in 2014. From home service to a smaller salon in Oslo, Dolly has now grown to a main salon, with a branch in Bærum, and another salon in Trondheim. On the family side, Dolly’s children are all grown up and professionals in their own right. Today, Dolly is happily settled with her Norwegian husband. She says ‘I have found my forever love’.. Dolly says, “In 16

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business, the most important is to do a good job, and have satisfied customers. A good reputation is the best marketing tool”. Dolly would like to help Filipino hairdressers come to Norway to work for her salon, in order to establish a unique hairdressing salon run by Filipinos. We wish her well and the best of luck! DollyBee Salon is also the distributor of hair grooming products, among them the brand “SHINE MOIST”. -”I am the Sole Distributor in Norway and the whole of Scandinavia. Before I could sell the products, I had to register these in Mattilsynet and the European Portal first under my Business name, ‘Shine Moist’ in Norway since 2015 up to now. We have products for Hair Rebonding, quality shampoos, conditioners, treatments, hair coloring, and hair styling that are all available in my shop for salon use or for home use. For order online or delivery Just contact me on my Facebook account: Dollybee Canlas, or my Page ‘DollyBee Frisør Health and Beauty’. We can ship your products anywhere in Norway and also to other Scandinavian countries. You can also visit any of my three salons located at Kirkeveien 166, 0450 Ullevål Kiwi , Oslo; Balders vei, 23,1344 Haslum Bærum, or Nonnegate 32,7014 Trondheim. - As a Specialist and Hair Technician for all types of hair, internationally, “Learning by Doing, knowledge and experience”, are my mottos. With courage and ability, one day, your dreams become a reality as long as you are dedicated to your purpose. I will continue with my next goal, which is to teach Hairdressers in Norway, and for our kababayans who have an interest in the hair business. Dolly invites everyone to visit her salon for a free hair analysis, and advice about hair types. Address: Kirkeveien 166, KIWI Ullevål, Oslo, Norway Tel. 47 95854806

www.dolllybee.net Roots&Wings

NORWAY

JEROME CALAYAG Winner of the San Pellegrino Young Chef Academy Competition in 2021 Text by Rachel Hansen

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Hi Jerome, our heartfelt congratulations for winning the award. Please tell us about yourself. How did you become a chef? I knew I wanted to be one when I turned 14. My grandmother and father love to cook and they were very good. You won the San Pellegrino Young Chef Academy Competition 2021 with your signature dish “Humble Vegetable”. Have you always specialized in vegetarian dishes? Not always,.. but I have done so for several years now. Tell us about your experience during the competition. How did you feel? Well, it was awesome. Applying for the competition was one of the best decisions I have ever made so far. What prizes did you receive?

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The experience itself was very rewarding, the networking that followed, the growth and of course traveling around the world. Which restaurant in Stockholm do you work at now? I work part -time at Restaurant Portal. I also do events, guestings and caterings as my own personal business. What does it take to find inspiration in the kitchen? How do you stay so creative? Passion and being open-minded to all ideas. Hard question, but I just keep on testing new ideas, and some of them lead to another. Can you name three of your favourite Filipino dishes or ingredients? Calamansi, kangkong and mangoes.

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Can you name three of your favourite Swedish dishes or ingredients? Carrots, Jerusalem artichokes and all types of onions. What do you do in your spare time? I play basketball and relax. Can you name one or more chefs that you look up to as your role model? David Ljungqvist (of Portal Restaurant in Stockholm). Do you have any social media pages you want our readers to follow? instagram@jeromecalayag Thank you Jerome. We at Roots&Wings wish you a bright and awesome future. And may you win many more fantastic awards.

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PHILIPPINES

Travel in Style With Style Tourista Text by Donna Künzler and Images by Mimi Ciccone

imi Ciccone, the founder of Style Tourista, who is an artist, designer, travel curator, and most recently an author, has always been exposed to fashion and travel for as long as she can remember. She was born and raised in Cebu, Philippines, to a Filipino-Spanish mother and a Swiss father, who had a fashion exporting business. “I was practically raised in our showroom and also started designing jewelry as a little girl”, she quips. She also claims her father as, “one of the world’s best travelled men” who has really inspired her lust to see the world. Mimi Ciccone herself has travelled to over 40 about 40+UN countries. Ciccone moved to Switzerland at the age of 18 to pursue her Bacherlor’s degree in International Design Management at the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Artsin a prestigious University (HSLU) in her father’’s home town Lucerne, Switzerland. She has now spent 18 years in Switzerland living

Travel

and working in many different cities, including (Luzern, Zug, Bern, Solothurn, Fribourg, Basel, Zürich and Schaffhausen). Right after getting her degree, she launched her career in the fashion industry with an internship in the showroom in Zug for Hugo Boss, while at the same time, slowly experimenting into the path of creative entrepreneurship. For almost 15 years since she graduated from university almost 15 years ago, Mimi has been working 100% throughout the day and side-hustling Roots&Wings

in the evening for her brand —- whether it be her e-commerce shop, creating new art and designs, content writing, building or fixing her website, or doing marketing, etc. Her current job is for a big piping company called Georg Fischer AG as a Global Demand Generation Manager. In parallel she’s reviving her brand Style Tourista, launching it with a new book and refreshing the website and products.

Check out and follow Style Tourista on IG and FB

@styletourista

www.styletourista.com Roots&Wings

Style Tourista Style Tourista is a creative and sassy travel-in-style platform offering stories, tips and a collection of unique fashion pieces. It has a web -shop and a presence in both Facebook and Instagram. Founded in 2018, it started with Mimi blogging a bit here and there about her travels and selling jewellery that she wears in her travels to just friends. It later grew into a combination of her blog and research into a creative mini travel guide, and she developed an e-commerce shop parallel to it. Mimi has always only known how it is to be an entrepreneur, as she was born and raised in such an environment via her parents. Admittedly she says, “It is not an easy journey, especially if you need to put food on the table, love to have that budget to travel and enjoy the comfort of a fully paid job with benefits in Switzerland. It’s a devil’s circle, I tell you. My main challenge is time. Time to keep up with all my creativity. Just having the time to do it all. Especially now, as a new wife and mother." For Mimi as a creator,

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there is nothing more satisfying than creating new elements, ideas and even ways to do things —- whether it’s creating a book, working on her website, painting or designing. Mimi adds, “The most rewarding is just people liking what you’ve created and wearing it with confidence — having your creations come to life and watching the audience experience them.”

Get a copy of the book on

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A Mini Getaway to Malta When asked how this book came to be, Mimi recalls, “When I travel, especially when I organize travel with friends, I go through intensive research as I want us all to experience the full quality and potential of a country/ city and their culture. I look for the best routes and ask locals and travellers for advice and I create a mini brochure. This time, I just kept working on top of it during the first few months of my maternity

leave, and voilà, it just became a book.” Don’t you just love friends like Mimi? I know I do as I’m also a wanderlust. This travel companion has been meticulously crafted to include everything a (mainly female) traveller would need— from cultural highlights and to-do lists to styling tips, all wrapped up in a diary curated by one of Style Tourista’s fictional characters. Mimi explains, “The book is my current favourite creation of my travel in style brand as I relaunched my brand and website. It’s a different way to travel. You almost only see all these traditional travel books that are straight to the point, lots of text, not interactive nor fun. I wanted to bring some flavour and have the audience experience travelling more creatively. It’s kind of a “wreck my journal” meets “eye-witness” situation. The book is narrated by a woman

local to the destination which acts as a tour guide throughout the book. Basically, my goal is to provide an honest and fully informed, creative, stylish and enjoyable travel experience, tailored for those constrained by time (e.g., busy students, professionals, and parents) and enabling one to embrace the ultimate, high-quality travel effortlessly! It’s my aspiration to move beyond sim-

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ply counting countries and instead delve deep into the heart of destinations, crafting authentic, stylish, and fully informed travel experiences.” Reflections on Motherhood and Entrepreneurship Mimi’s life journey is a testament to following one’s heart, continuously challenging boundaries, and, ultimately, embracing the power of creativity, exploration, and self-discovery. As an entrepreneur, one has to deal with the reality of working as a professional in a prosperous country like Switzerland, where working for a top company allows you wonderful perks of security, comfort and a good life. This is complemented by the fact that Switzerland, being a small market, will be more challenging to thrive in the creative industry (especially if you don’t want to compromise your creative style). Mimi closes with the following advice: “Through my story, I hope to inspire women who are passionate to never give up and to continue to hustle towards your goals, but to also understand that it is Roots&Wings

okay to enjoy a life of security whilst thriving for your own art just to allow yourself the freedom to express yourself without limits. I also didn’t believe in myself in my 20s, which delayed everything and messed with my flow. So, I recommend to first believe in yourself and be perseverant and consistent. I would like to emphasise to mothers out there who thinks all hope is lost just because you need to shift the focus.

Please note that this is not the end of the tunnel for your own personal endeavours. In fact, let your child be your driving force as it did for me. For me this was my eye-opening narrative. I have always feared this moment, but strangely started flowing insanely with ideas. I have done more as a new mom than I have ever done before with a short time frame. I became more disciplined, determined, focused and also gained passion from my child.”

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FRAMES

CULTURES

NETHERLANDS

Exploring photography and anthropology with Meg Forteza-Kaufmann Text by Chad Patrick Osorio

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e caught up with with photographer ext raord i na i re and cum laude graduate Meg Forteza-Kaufmann. She has been an official photographer for a number of key events at the University of the Philippines Diliman and a judge for various photography competitions. Meg’s work has also been featured in Photo Vogue by Vogue Italia. Currently based in Berlin and specializing in portraits and family photography, we ask Meg tips on she integrates her knowledge of anthropology into her art projects to create that picture-perfect framing. Can you tell us a bit about your journey as a family photographer and how you got started in this profession? My journey in photography started with taking self-portraits and snapping candid shots of my own family right at home. This spark of passion turned into a full-blown flame when I received a DSLR camera as a gift. It took me into the exciting world of visual storytelling. Joining a photography group (UP OPTICS) at university was a game-changer, sharpening my skills and connecting me with fellow photography enthusiasts. I organized photoshoots with photographer and model friends, which not only expanded my network but also hinted at my future focus on family-related photography. Capturing portraits and experimenting with the creative aspects of event photography brought me immense joy. This 26

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blend of interests remains a cornerstone of my photography journey, allowing me to embrace a wide spectrum of artistic expression and pursue diverse goals. You finished your degree in Anthropology from UP Diliman. Did your academic background influence your photography style or approach in any way? My Anthropology background, with techniques like visual ethnography and participative observation, strongly influences my photography style. I start by talking to clients before the shoot, engaging in conversations to understand their cultural context. This allows me to highlight elements in the photos that hold meaningful context for them. It helps me capture genuine Roots&Wings

got one, it was too late, as my siblings had already embarked on their own life journeys, and they were far away. This made me realize the importance of family portraits, which give a sense of identity and unity through challenging times. Providing families with a cherished keepsake that they can pass down carries deep meaning for me.

moments that reflect the emotions and connections within each unique family. Given that, I often take natural, candid photos. However, I'm flexible and can certainly take posed photos if that's what's wanted and possible at the time. What drew you to family photography? My journey began with photographing weddings, where I discovered the art of capturing moments during significant life events. This experience ignited my passion for documenting connections. Moreover, my personal history fuels my dedication to family photography. Growing up, we never had a full family photo, mainly because not many people owned cameras, especially where we lived in the mountains. By the time we finally Roots&Wings

How do you incorporate your Filipino cultural background into your photography, especially being in Germany? Does it influence your creative process? Essentially, families share a universal value for treasured moments spent together, a sentiment deeply ingrained in my Filipino heritage. This perspective significantly influences my creative approach, prompting me to conduct comprehensive research. It ensures that I not only understand what I'm photographing but also respect the cultural context. This includes being mindful of potential sensitivities, choosing appropriate words, and knowing what to expect within the unique setting of each photoshoot. What are some unique challenges and advantages of being a family photographer in Germany, and how do you navigate them? Being a family photographer in Germany brings both unique challenges and advantages. Understanding diverse cultural practices through prior research and interviews is crucial. While the weather can be unpredictable, the country's scenic landscapes and historic sites provide beauti-

ful settings. In some seasons when days are shorter, I might need to employ additional lights, props, or creative techniques to ensure we capture the desired concept effectively. This adaptability is crucial to achieving the best results for our photoshoots. Though language can be a minor hurdle, most clients communicate in English. Still, I'm committed to learning German for smoother communication and a deeper cultural connection. I'm lucky to have many Filipino clients who understand my languages: Filipino, Cebuano, and Hiligaynon. Scheduling can be demanding, especially for families with young children, (considering feeding time, nap time, and diaper change) requiring a flexible and organized approach. I prioritize flexibility in

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scheduling to meet each family's specific needs. So, I continuously work on improving my language skills and cultural understanding. This proactive approach ensures clients have an enjoyable and culturally sensitive photography session. How do you ensure that your photography sessions with families are personalized and reflect their individuality? I ensure that each photography session with families is tailored to their individuality in a few key ways: L GETTING TO KNOW THEM Before the session, I talk with the family to learn about their personalities, interests, and stories. This helps

me customize the session to suit them. L LOCATION MATTERS: I choose a location that's meaningful to them, like their favorite park or their home. This adds a personal touch to the photos. L SHOWING WHAT THEY LOVE If the family has hobbies or activities they enjoy together, I make sure to capture those moments. It brings out their personalities and makes the photos unique. L CAPTURING REAL MOMENTS: While I give some guidance, I also let them be themselves. Natural, unposed moments often show their true connections and emotions. L LISTENING AND ADAPTING: I listen to their preferences

and make adjustments accordingly. This helps me create a comfortable and personalized experience for them. L EDITING WITH THEIR STYLE: Even in the editing process, I match the style to their liking—whether it's vibrant colors or a more muted look. L EMBRACING DIVERSITY: Every family is different, so I make sure to highlight their uniqueness, whether it's their cultural background or family composition. By combining these steps, I make sure each family's session is personalized and captures their distinct story and personality. What are your future aspirations as a family photographer? Do you have any specific goals or projects you'd like to pursue? I aspire to establish myself as an artist in Germany and Europe, broadening my network and collaborating with fellow creatives who share my vision. Additionally, in the upcoming months, I'm excited to conduct a free photography workshop in partnership with UPAA Germany e. V. (fb.com/ upaagermanyev | instagram. com/upaagermanyev). This aligns with my goal of not only honing my craft but also giving back to the community by sharing my knowledge and passion for photography. Catch more of Meg here

me@fortmeg.com instagram

@foto.fortmeg

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PHILIPPINES

A Taste of Art, A Brush of Flavor: The Culinary and Creative Genius of Claude Tayag An impressive journey in the world of food and art Words by Mye Mulingtapang

laude Tayag, born in 1956 in Angeles City, Pampanga, is like a one-man show that could fill several lifetimes! He's not just a talented painter, but also a wizard with wood sculpting and furniture design. On top of that, he's a top-notch chef with awards to prove it, a bestselling author, a regular columnist for the Philippine Star, and even hosts his own show

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called "Chasing Flavors" on the Metro Channel. The guy's got more skills than you can shake a spatula at! The culinary genius who introduced sisig to none other than Anthony Bourdain. Coming from a big family of twelve, Tayag and his siblings learned the art of cooking from their mom, Adoracion Suarez Tayag. Even as a teenager, he was known for being a wizard in the kitchen, always experimenting and trying new things.

From Canvas to Kitchen Tayag stepped into the spotlight as a chef when he opened "Art Woks" at Larry Cruz’s Ang Hang Restaurant back in 1988. Here, he transformed his paintings into edible masterpieces. In 1993, he was the featured chef at the Manila Hotel, showcasing his twists on traditional Pampango cuisine. In 2001, he was invited for a special stint at the Prince Albert Rotisserie of the InterContinental Manila - the first Filipino chef to score

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such an invite. His first book, Food Tour is a delightful mix of essays, peppered with his own drawings and mouth watering recipes. It even snagged the Best Philippine Culinary Travel Guide at the Gourmand World Cookbook Awards in 2007. Tayag's also one of the six culinary maestros behind Kulinarya – A Guidebook to Philippine Cuisine, where he also showcased his food styling chops. Teaming up with his wife Mary Ann Quioc, they penned the best-selling culinary travel guidebook Linamnam – Eating One’s Way Around the Philippines. Now in its 2nd edition, it's been a hit, selling over 25,000 copies. From Pampanga to the World Nestled in Balé Dutung, Angeles City, Pampanga, Claude and Mary Ann whip up a mouthwatering traditional Pampango feast for lucky diners at their reservation-only restaurant. Bloggers consistently rate Balé Dutung as one of the top five restaurants in the Philippines. They've also set up shop with a full-time restaurant, 1956 DOWNTOWN Café, in Angeles City, serving up Claude's unique take on classic Filipino dishes. In May 2016, Claude represented the Philippines at the Embassy Chefs Challenge in Washington, DC, USA, winning the People’s Choice Award for his delectable dish Bringhe. It featured heirloom rice from the Cordilleras and other Filipino goodies. He outshone 25 other chefs from around the globe. Fast forward to November 2018, and he was back in the limelight, representing the 30

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country in the Korean-Asean Rice Festival in Seoul, Korea. Adding yet another feather to his cap, Tayag also hosts a TV show called Chasing Flavors on the Metro Channel. Only in its second season, it already bagged the Gawad Tanglaw (Tagapuring mga Akademisyan ng Aninong Gumagalaw) Jury Award in 2019 for Cultural Development and Sustainability. Sisig and Beyond The late, great chef, author, and television personality Anthony Bourdain was known to love Filipino food, especially sisig. He was first introduced to the legendary Kapampangan pig dish during a conversation about it with Tayag in 2008. Filipinos love sisig, a famous meal typically served hot and sizzling on a plate composed of chopped and seasoned pork. According to Bourdain, sisig is the "perfect beer food" because of its distinct texture and strong flavors. In the Philippines, while filming No Reservations, Bourdain visited Aling Lucing's Sisig in Angeles City, Pampanga,

and sampled some delicious sisig. Captivated by the dish's savoury goodness, he declared it as one of the best pig dishes ever. Because of Bourdain's love of sisig, the dish's reputation on the international culinary scene was further enhanced. He frequently praised Filipino food and its variety of flavors, with sisig emerging as a symbol of the country's abundant and delectable culinary offerings. His support of sisig has resonated with foodies all across the world and solidified its status as a favorite dish in global culinary debates. An August 2017 edition of Chasing Flavours had this thought-provoking discussion. The World Street Food Congress creator, K.F. Seetoh, was also featured in the programme, offering an intriguing look into culinary knowledge and Bridging cultures through food Tayag’s culinary influence extends beyond his introduction of sisig to Anthony Bourdain. He stands as a prominent figure in the global Filipino cu-

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Floss Balls, Adobong Bisaya, Bacolod Tres Adobo, and Batangueno Chicken Adobo. Filipino-German chefs and Adobo enthusiasts united to showcase Adobo as an emblem of Filipino gastronomy in Germany.

linary landscape due to his unwavering commitment to promoting Filipino cuisine worldwide. Tayag extended the reach of his latest book The Ultimate Filipino Adobo: Stories through the Ages to Filipino communities in Europe. The book provides an insightful journey into the historical roots of adobo from the selection of ingredients to the cooking process, illustrating its integral role in Filipino culture and tradition. The book features a compilation of interpretations on how to prepare adobo from a diverse group of Filipino chefs. These recipes are accompanied by narratives that delve into the cultural significance and stories surrounding this beloved Filipino dish. Tayag articulates, "This Ultimate Filipino Adobo book, in a way, is a celebration of our diversity. We have more similarities than we realize. What brings us together is our love of Roots&Wings

food, our love of eating together, our love of entertaining, of sharing our bounty." In Milan, the Consulate General led the Ultimate Filipino Adobo Challenge on October 13. The challenge showcased classic Adobo, Beef Adobo, and Dry Garlic Pork Adobo in conjunction with the launch of Tayag's book. Tayag's presentation and Filipino culinary experience at the Philippine Pavilion of the Frankfurt Book Fair on October 19 garnered significant interest and attention in Frankfurt, Germany. "The Ultimate Filipino Adobo" proudly joins the esteemed collection of culinary books recognized by the National Book Development Board of the Philippines. In Germany, Filipino communities, each with their unique culinary backgrounds, presented their own renditions of Adobo. Variations included Ibanag Toasted Adobo, Adobo

Championing Filipino Cuisine For Tayag, regardless of variations in ingredients, preparation techniques, and appearances, adobo serves as a cherished memory of Filipino family gatherings around dining tables worldwide. He emphasizes the significance of self-identity in relation to food. "In defining what Filipino cuisine is, it’s like a symphony of subtle flavors – the sweet, the salty, the sour, and maybe a bit of bitter – but all combine in one bite", said Tayag. While Filipino cuisine still works towards universal recognition, the dedication and endeavors of food ambassadors and Philippine government agencies are making significant strides in acquainting global cultures with the distinct flavors of Filipino cuisine. Claude Tayag underscores that the flexibility and adaptability of our way of cooking is so easy. We can do Filipino cooking anywhere, wherever you are in the world. This makes Filipino cuisine the most democratic cuisine in the world. The sharing of Filipino culture through food encompasses not only the taste and flavors but also the skill and proficiency in culinary arts, the warm hospitality at dining tables, and the profound love for Filipino culture and history around the world.

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PHILIPPINES

Cultivating Filipino Culture through Children’s Literature 5 Must-Have Products Adarna House to Nurture Your Roots Words by J Renz Barrios Photos courtesy of Adarna House

"UNA SA FILIPINO" (First in Filipino) is the current slogan of Adarna House, the Philippines' first and largest children's book publisher. True to this, the company remains committed to its mission of creating unique literary experiences for children that not only uphold excellence but also foster a deep love for the country. With over 40 years of experience in designing and publishing educational materials, Adarna House continues to uphold its vision. Named after the mythical Adarna bird, the company had its origins in the mid-1970s as part of the mental feeding program by the Nutrition Center of the Philippines (NCP), initially known as Aklat Adarna. After the conclusion of the program, Virgilio S. Almario, a renowned poet and National Artist for Literature, persisted and adapted to continue the program through the Children's Communication Center (CCC). Later on, Adarna Book Services was established to produce storybooks for CCC, eventually evolving into the Adarna House, Inc. we know today, becoming a pioneer in children's book publishing and the most awarded publisher in the history of the Philippine children's book market. Adarna House has published storybooks, including all-time favorites such as Alamat ng Ampalaya, Tiktaktok at Pikpakbum, and the Pilandok series. With more than 300 titles in print in both Filipino and English, the company continues its goal of providing high-quality educational materials and inspiring a love for literature and country in children. In this list, let's delve into Adarna House's current product lines and offerings, which are certain to help you stay connected with your Filipino roots: 32

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3 1 4 2 Pambatang Diksiyonaryo

Pambatang Diksiyonaryo is the first comprehensive Filipino children's dictionary. Not only does it aid in the development of Filipino vocabulary, it also fosters a deep love for the country. This dictionary features words that enrich children's understanding of Filipino history and culture. With kid-friendly word definitions, English translations, and helpful sentence examples, it is a must-have for anyone who wants to learn the Filipino language. Moreover, it includes over 1,400 illustrations that both children and the young at heart will undoubtedly appreciate.

Kasaysayan Book Bundle

Encourage kids to explore the rich tapestry of our heritage and delve into the fascinating narratives of ancient Philippines. It's high time to rediscover the story of pre-colonial Philippines with the Kasaysayan Picture Book Bundle. This picture book bundle includes titles such as Ang Unang Barangay, Matandang-matandang Buto: Ang Homo Luzonensis sa Pilipinas, Mga Sinaunang Hayop sa Pilipinas, and Lakbay Masjid. This bundle is a perfect choice for history enthusiasts who are eager to learn interesting details about our pre-colonial past.

Board Book Bundle of Songs

Kuwentong Kaibigan Series The Kuwentong Kaibigan Series is a collection of picture books created in collaboration with indigenous communities of the Philippines. Rooted in the belief that identities and friendships begin with conversations, these stories were thoughtfully selected by these communities to share their way of life and culture with others. The series currently comprises three titles: Ang Paglikha ng Daigdig, Si Suwan at si Talambinus, and Ang Mahiwagang Habihan. Remarkably, 50% of the sales from these books are directed to indigenous schools and communities where these stories originate.

We can all agree that Filipinos are naturally born music lovers, and this passion is evident in our rich collection of folk songs. Adarna House has found a fun way to introduce these cherished tunes and rhymes to toddlers and preschoolers through the Board Book Bundle of Songs. This bundle features 10 iconic Filipino folk songs, including classics like "Bahay Kubo," "Leron Leron Sinta," and "Maliliit na Gagamba." With its engaging illustrations and familiar melodies, this bundle will surely make learning Filipino and parent-child bonding time more fun.

Adarna House's products are not only educational but also a source of inspiration, fostering a love for our unique heritage from a young age. To explore these offerings and discover other Adarna House titles, visit their website at www.adarna.com.ph. To learn more about Adarna House and stay updated with their latest releases, connect with them on social media through Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok:

@adarnahouse

What Kids Should Know

Discover a deeper understanding of various facets of Filipino culture with the Adarna House What Kids Should Know book bundle. These books are designed to pique children's natural curiosity, encouraging them to explore and appreciate the richness of Filipino heritage. This captivating bundle covers a wide range of topics, from Filipino Food and Filipino Architecture to Filipino Musical Instruments and Filipino Visual Art. It's a journey through the heart and soul of the Philippines, allowing young minds to absorb the vibrant tapestry of our culture and traditions.

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Social Entrepreneurship

The City Mayor of Wil/St. Gallen Hans Mäder giving his welcome speech at José Rizal Heritage Award Gala 2023.

Left to right: Lady Estrelleta Borda Ruppert- President of Las Damas de Rizal Switzerland Chapter and Co-President of José Rizal Heritage Fund/Award Switzerland, Hon. Prof. Dr. Sir Billy Chan, KGOR- Medical Research and Education Laureate, Hon. Paolo Gambi, Ph.D.- Cultural Achievements Laureate, H.E. Stjepan Mesić- Statesmanship and Public Service Laureate, Dame Tessy Antony de Nassau- Humanitarian Services Laureate, Hon. Dr. Mgr. Antonin Stanêk, Ph.D.- Cultural and Public Services Laureate, Hon. Marisa Freiermuth-Nicolas- Humanitarian Services Laureate, Tereza Vella- descendant of the Kapodistrias Family, Sir Stephan Urs Breu, KGOR- Knights of Rizal Area Commander of Switzerland/Poland and President of José Rizal Heritage Fund/Award Switzerland.

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Jose Rizal Heritage Awards 2023 Shines a Spotlight on Celebrating Community Laureates Text by Estrelleta Borda Ruppert

n a dazzling affair that brought together a tapestry of community champions, the Jose Rizal Heritage Awards 2023 unfolded in a grand celebration and recognition of outstanding contributors to cultural, humanitarian, and community services. The event, held at Hotel Schwanen Wil/SG Switzerland on September 22-23, 2023, was a testament to the

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dedication and passion of individuals and organizations committed to safeguarding society. In a world where selfless acts of service often go unnoticed, the event plays a vital role in shining a spotlight on those who make a difference. They remind us of the power of compassion, generosity, and community engagement. By recognizing the unsung heroes in our communities, we encourage a collective spirit

of giving back, ultimately fostering a better world for all. The event launched with an air of anticipation as guests gathered to witness the unveiling of the awardees of these prestigious awards. Organized by Sir Stephan U. Breu, KGOR- President of the Jose Rizal Heritage Award and Knights of Rizal Area Commander in Switzerland/ Poland, and Lady Estrelleta Borda Ruppert - Co-President of the Jose Rizal Heritage Award and President of Las Damas de Rizal Switzerland Chapter. The event was a testimony to the efforts that have gone into strengthening the sense of unity, kindness, and altruism, that forms the foundation for a thriving community where people feel connected and supported, ultimately leading to a happier and more fulfilling life for all. The first day commenced with an enthralling city tour Roots&Wings

at the Wil/SG historical places, an exploration through the annals of history and culture, offering attendees a captivating glimpse into the rich history of the host city. This immersive journey set the tone for the prestigious event, providing participants with a deeper understanding of the significance of heritage and historical preservation. On the second day, they had a chance to witness the renowned Schaffhausen Waterfalls and experience its stunning landscapes and natural wonders. Nestled in the serene countryside, near the town of Schaffhausen, these magnificent falls that is the largest in Europe, is a testament to the raw beauty and power of nature. Embarking on a tour of the Schaffhausen Waterfalls promises an unforgettable adventure and a close encounter with awe-inspiring natural marvels. The guests had their lunch at Stein am Rhein, a place that is not only a treasure trove of medieval architecture but also a culinary haven that delights the

senses. Finally, the dinner and awards night was held at Hotel Schwanen in Wil/SG, Switzerland in the presence of Swiss and international dignitaries, including the titular King of Rwanda Yuhi VI, as well as numerous Ambassadors. The award winners were: H.E. Stjepan Mesić- Statesmanship and Public Service (the last President of Yugoslavia and two-time president of Croatia), Dame Tessy Antony de Nassau (former Princess of Luxembourg) and Hon. Marisa Freiermuth-Nicolas (A Filipina Philanthropist, initiator and coordinator of “Vision of Hope” an NGO that helps the deaf, mute and blind children, and the youth in Philippines, Cambodia and Thailand)Humanitarian Services Laureate, Hon. Dr. Mgr. Antonin Stanêk, Ph.D. (President of the Svatováclavské Koruny Academy and former minister of culture and longtime par-

Left to right: H. E. Sir Bernard Faustino La Madrid Dy, KGOR (Ambassador of the Republic of the Philippines to Switzerland), Hon. Prof. Dr. Sir Billy Chan, KGOR, Sir Ferdinand Botond Bardoly-Küzmös, KR (Honorary Consul of the Czech Republic to Switzerland), Sir Michael Reiss von Filski, KCR (Honorary Consul of Estonia to Switzerland)

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Lady Estrelleta Borda Ruppert - President of Las Damas de Rizal Switzerland Chapter and CoPresident of José Rizal Heritage Fund/ Award Switzerland, Sir Stephan Urs Breu, KGOR - Knights of Rizal Area Commander of Switzerland/Poland and President of José Rizal Heritage Fund/ Award Switzerland

liamentarian of the Czech Republic)- Cultural and Public Services, Hon. Paolo Gambi, Ph.D. (Italian poet and artist)- Cultural Achievements, H. E. Sir Reghis M. Romero II, KGCR (Philippine special envoy to Japan) and Hon. Prof. Dr. Claus Drexel (President of the Swiss Chamber of Commerce)- Sustainable Economic and Public Services, Hon. Prof. Dr. Sir Billy Chan, KGOR (Director of the Center of Excellence in Medical Education in Macau)- Medical Research and Education, and H. E. loannis Kapodistrias (posthumous) (First President of Greece)Honorary Award for Lifetime Achievement, collected by his heirs. As the curtains drew to a close on the Jose Rizal Heritage Awards 2023, the impact of the event reverberated through the hearts of all in attendance. The legacy of the organization will continue to flourish, propelled by the recognition and celebration of those at the forefront of this noble cause. The awards night stands as a beacon of hope and inspiration for generations to come, ensuring that our rich cultural heritage remains preserved and cherished for eternity.

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ANDORRA

OPERA FOR A CAUSE

Rigoletto by Giuseppe Verdi presented by Andorra Lírica for UNICEF

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Text by Cipriano De Guzman Jr, Filipino Baritone Photo courtesy of Comú d'Andorra la Vella/Tony Lara

uring the Christmas season, music is being played everywhere in the cold winter air. Atop the Pyrénées, between France and Spain, is the Principality of Andorra (Catalan: Principat d’Andorra), one of the most prosperous microstates in the world with a very rich musical scene and culture. As an opera singer for almost two decades, the author and Roots & Wings country editor for Luxemburg, Cipriano De Guzman Jr., was very fortunate to be part of a powerhouse cast of singers coming from Georgia, Italy, Cuba, the Philippines, Luxembourg, Madrid, Barcelona, and Andorra in the magnificent opera composed by Giuseppe Verdi titled “Rigoletto.” The opera was presented by Andorra Lírica (Opera d’Andorra) for the benefit of UNICEF and performed in Centre de Congressos d’Andorra la Vella on the 21st of December 2023. This opera was initially the season opener of Andorra Lírica, but the fire in Centre de Congressos Sant Julia de Lloria in November 2022 delayed the project to 2023. I have been privileged to sing for the second time with Andorra Lírica. The first time was in 2022 as Jacques Sincère in the opera “Le Val d’Andorre” by Jacques Fromental

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Halévy. “La donna è mobile”, “Questa o quella” and “Caro Nome” are some of the most recognizable arias in popular culture, used in several advertisements and movies. “Rigoletto” is an opera in three acts composed by Giuseppe Verdi and libretto by Francesco Maria Piave based on the 1832 play “Le Roi s’amuse” by Victor Hugo. It premiered in Teatro La Fenice in Venice on the 11th of March in 1851. The opera was presented in a full version under the musical direction of Italian conductor maestro Ricardo Serenelli, who played the piano reduction on a Steinway full-grand piano and scene director Álvaro Siddartha Cabell. The enthusiastic participation of Esbart Laurèdia added layers and colors to the opera with their graceful and beautiful dances. The poster was painted by Jonaina Salvador, who played the lead role Gilda and who also happens to be the founder, artistic and overall director of Andorra Lírica (Opera d’Andorra). Her magnificent vocal technique with very agile coloraturas and soaring top notes amazed the audience as she delivered the very delicate aria "Gualtier Maldè... Caro nome" in Act 1. 38

Performance Art

Likewise, the Cuban Tenor Andrés Sánchez Joglar received a thunder of applause after singing the famous aria by the Duca of Mantua “La donna è mobile”. The rich and powerful voice of Georgian Baritone Otar Nakashidze echoed like thunder in the hall and his dramatic prowess moved the hearts of the audience when he sang the aria “Cortigiani, vil razza dannata”. The third act captured the attention of the audience as the velvety voice of Catalan Mezzo-Soprano Claudina Vallès, who played 3 roles in the opera (Maddalena, Giovanna and Contessa di Ceprano), the rich, resonant voice of bass-baritone Vicente Martínez (who also played two roles; Sparafucile and Monterone) added flavor and layers of drama to the opera. Competing the powerhouse cast are Luxembourg-based Filipino Baritone Cipriano de Guzmán Jr. as Marullo, Sicilian tenor Francesco Cipri as Borsa, Daniel Gonzáles Polo as Ceprano, Jordi Ferrer as Sergeant, the angelic child Mercè Copons as the page with the beautiful tenor voices of Xavier Tomàs and Ángel Treviño in the chorus.

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

AUSTRIA

Email: copenhagen.pe@dfa.gov.ph

Federal Republic of Germany

Embassy of the Philippines, Vienna

Facebook: @PHinDenmark

Tel (+49) (0) 69 8700 66900

H.E. Ambassador Evangelina Lourdes A. Bernas

WWW.COPENHAGENPE.DFA.GOV.PH

Hotline (+49) (0) 151 6248 7425 Assistance to Nationals (+49) (0) 151 5354 6841

20th and 21st Floor, ARES Tower Donau-City-Strasse 11, A-1220

FINLAND

Email: frankfurt.pcg@dfa.gov.ph

Vienna, Austria

Hon. Consulate General in Helsinki

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

Tel (+43-1) 533-2401

Ms. Maria Kauppinen

PHinFrankfurt/

Emergency Tel (+43-6991) 232-2034

Honorary Consul

WWW.FRANKFURTPCG.DE

Email: vienna.pe@dfa.gov.ph

Ylisrinne 6A-T2, 02210 Espoo

WWW.FRANKFURTPCG.DFA.GOV.PH/

vienna.pm@dfa.gov.ph

Finland

WWW.VIENNAPE.DFA.GOV.PH

Tel (+358) 400 913 243

GREECE

EMAIL: DCKAUPPINEN.M@GMAIL.COM

Embassy of the Philippines, Athens

BELGIUM

H.E. Ambassador Giovanni E. Palec

Embassy of the Philippines, Brussels

FRANCE

26 Antheon Street, Paleo Psychico 154-52

H.E. Ambassador Eduardo José A. De Vega

Embassy of the Philippines, Paris

Athens, Greece

297 Avenue Moliere, Brussels, 1050 BELGIUM

H.E Ambassador Junever M. Mahilum-West

Tel (+30210) 672-1883

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

4 Hameau de Boulainvilliers

(+30210) 672-1883

Emergency Tel (+32-4) 8860-9177

45 Rue du Ranelagh

672-1837

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

75016 Paris, France

Emergency (+30-697) 968-2921,

brusselspe@gmail.com

Tel (+331) 4414-5700

(+30-697) 968-2921

Facebook: @PHinBelgium

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

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

WWW.BRUSSELSPE.DFA.GOV.PH

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

ATHENSPE@OTENET.GR

Email: paris.pe@dfa.gov.ph

CZECH REPUBLIC

parispe.dfa@gmail.com

HUNGARY

Embassy of the Philippines, Prague

Facebook: @PHinFrance

Embassy of the Philippines, Budapest

H.E. Ambassador Eduardo R. Meñez

WWW.PARISPE.DFA.GOV.PH

H.E. Ambassador Frank R. Cimafranca

Senovazne Namesti 8, Prague 1, 110 00

1026 Budapest, Gabor Aron utca 58

Czech Republic

GERMANY

Budapest, Hungary

Tel (+420) 224-216397

Embassy of the Philippines, Berlin

Tel (+36-1) 391-4300

(+420) 224-216397 /

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

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

224-216385

Luisenstrasse 16, 10117 Berlin-Mitte

phbuda@philembassy.hu

Emergency Tel (+420) 607-850-764

Federal Republic of Germany

Facebook: @PHLinHungary

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

Tel +49 (0) 30 864 95 00

WWW.BUDAPESTPE.DFA.GOV.PH

praguepe@gmail.com

Emergency +49 (0) 173-521-5703

Facebook: @PHinCzechRepublic

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

ISRAEL

WWW.PRAGUEPE.DFA.GOV.PH

philippine-embassy.de

Embassy of the Philippines, Tel-Aviv

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

H.E. Ambassador-designate Macairog S. Alberto

DENMARK

PHinGermany

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

Embassy of the Philippines, Copenhagen

WWW.PHILIPPINE-EMBASSY.DE

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

H.E. Ambassador Leo M. Herrera-Lim

Consulate General of the Philippines, Frankfurt

Emergency (+972-54) 466-1188

Arne Jacobsens Alle 13, 1st Floor, 2300

Westend Carree

(+972-54) 466-1188

Copenhagen, Denmark

Grüneburgweg 16-18, 1st Floor

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

Tel (+45) 7141-5952

60322 Frankfurt Am Main

filembis@netvision.net.il

Emergency (+45) 2273-3933

Roots&Wings

WWW.PHILEMBTELAVIV.CO.IL