Roots & Wings February 2022 by Roots and Wings

February — March 2022 Volume 12 Issue 2

Filipino Magazine in Europe

COMMISSION ON FILIPINOS OVERSEAS

2021 Migration Advocacy and Media Awards

From the Editor To the Honourable Secretary Francisco P. Acosta Commission on Filipinos Overseas

t is an extraordinary honour for ROOTS & WINGS MAGAZINE for Filipino Migrants in Europe to receive the 2021 Migration Advocacy and Media (MAM), PRINT JOURNALISM AWARD – BEST MAGAZINE from the Office of the Commission on Filipinos Overseas. This Award makes our Team immensely proud and appreciated in the 12-year journey of magazine publication, keeping alive Philippine art, business, culture, education, foreign affairs, literature, music, sports, traditions and distinguished Filipinos among our million-strong migrant community and the next FilipinoEuropean generations in Europe. Roots & Wings consists of a volunteer, professional and dedicated Team of journalists, writers, contributors, editors, and web designers who recognize the significant role of the media in raising public awareness, promotion, and advocacy of various issues on Filipino migration and development. With this recognition, we have gained more than an award; we advance our resolute, ingenious commitment to Roots & Wings’ mission to serve the FilipinoEuropean community that has brought us boundless joy and success. Our sincere appreciation of the Commission on Filipinos Overseas, members of the jury and the Philippine Embassy in Berne, Switzerland for recognising Roots & Wings. Mabuhay ang Pilipino sa Europa! Mabuhay ang CFO! In the name of our Roots & Wings Team

Betsy von Atzigen Editor in Chief, Switzerland

Editorial Team

Roots&Wings

Meet the Team

Betsy von Atzigen

Rachel Hansen

Marthy Angue

Ralph Chan

Rebecca Garcia Urbancik

BUREAU EDITOR AUSTRIA

BUREAU EDITOR, CZECHIA/GERMANY SOCMED

FOUNDER/PUBLISHER

ASSOCIATE EDITOR PHILIPPINES

Lyndy Bagares

Jennifer Fergesen

Anton Miguel D. De Vera

WEB EDITOR NORWAY

BUREAU EDITOR ICELAND

SOCMED AUSTRIA

Katrina Larida

Jeffrey Cabuay

Cipriano “Zip” De Guzmán

Donna Patricia Manio

Apiong Bagares

BUREAU EDITOR SWEDEN

BUREAU EDITOR FRANCE

BUREAU EDITOR SPAIN

LIFESTYLE EDITOR

DESIGN

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Gloria Hernandez Grejalde

Aimee Alado -Blake

BUREAU EDITOR RUSSIA FOREIGN RELATIONS

BUREAU EDITOR UNITED KINGDOM

Mye Mulingtapang BUREAU EDITOR ITALY

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

Editorial Team

CLICK ON THE TITLE TO SKIP TO PAGE

Contents FEATURE Roots & Wings Social Entrepreneurship /p6

PUBLIC SERVICE Siargao: Aftermath and Road to Recovery after Odette /p9 An Ode to Odette /p11 Tessie and Philip Acuna Filipino Blood Donors of Milan /p14

ART Two Hearts as One /p16 In following his passion, he found his love /p17 Teatro Grattacielo and Camerata Bardi Vocal Academy partner with artist Lolita Valderrama Savage /p21 Katrina Larida´s “unspoken” art creates digital buzz /p23

CULTURE Hello from HAMMERFEST, Norway– the world’s northernmost town! / p27

FOOD The Carinderia in the Alaskan Countryside /p29

EDUCATION Where the love of reading begins /33

FILM First Batch : An Exhibition, A Documentary, and a Love Letter /p36

LITERARY CROWN & PEARL, The Crux of Agnes /p38

MUSIC London Beats in Lockdown /P39 Entrelazado Música de Filpinas y España /p42

DIRECTORY /p46 4

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ABOUT THE COVER

2021 Migration Advocacy and Media Awards Best Magazine Our Team is proud to be recognized in this significant 12-year journey of consistent magazine publications by a volunteer professional and dedicated team of journalists, writers, contributors, editors, web and magazine designers who deliver an engaging bi-monthly publication that enriches, inspires and keeps Filipino art, business, community, customs, foreign affairs, literature, music, sports and traditions alive among our million-strong Euro-Filipinos and the next generations. Mabuhay ang Pilipino sa Europa! Mabuhay ang CFO!

Roots&Wings

February — March 2022 Volume 12 Issue 2

Filipino Magazine in Europe

COMMISSION ON FILIPINOS OVERSEAS

2021 Migration Advocacy and Media Awards

PHILIPPINES

Roots & Wings Social Entrepreneurship Invitation to engage in positive change with social impact By Becky Torres, Marizel Arambulo

n celebration of our 12th anniversary this year, Roots & Wings is formally launching a Social Entrepreneurship Program. The program’s vision is to be a channel for individuals and corporate sponsors/patrons to share their blessings to identified low-income beneficiaries in the Philippines, to “fortify our roots.” As we “fly our wings,” let our hearts be touched from among the wide readership of the million-strong Filipino - European communities in 28 countries in Europe to support this laudable program. Let us be an instrument of change with social impact, contributing to the enhancement of the quality of life and uplifting the social condition of our targeted program beneficiaries in our motherland. Who are selected Beneficiaries? Roots and Wings selected three (3) beneficiaries for its Social Entrepreneurship Program – those who are severely affected by the recent typhoon Odette that stormed Central Visayas and Northern Mindanao and children of low income families in Negros and Palawan to continue and complete their education.

VICTIMS OF TYPHOON RAI/ODETTE

Numerous communities in the Visayas and Northern Mindanao were 6

Social Entrepreneurship

Photos courtesy of FB Colz Vidal

devastated by typhoon Odette (international code name Rai) on December 16, 2021, the strongest storm to hit the Philippines for the year. More than eight (8) million people were affected along with their lives, homes, livelihood, and infrastructure. Donations received will be forwarded to the localities of Siargao, Cebu and Negros Occidental. The main focus will be providing NUTRITION (food), WASH (water, sanitation and hygiene) and ECONOMIC RECOVERY (restoring homes and rebuilding livelihood).

LAURA VICUNA WOMEN’S DEVELOPMENT AND TRAINING CENTER (LVWDTC) Victorias City, Negros Occidental through Sr. Guia Asparen, FMA

The Laura Vicuna Women’s Development and Training Center is a laudable community-based training center Roots&Wings

run by the Salesian Sisters of Don Bosco providing one to two year technical-vocational courses with values formation, living up to its slogan “to give hope a better future.” Its vision is to uplift the living standards of low income families such as sugarcane workers in Victorias City and nearby haciendas and to empower working minors, out-ofschool youth, young men and women to acquire various skills towards building a quality and value-laden life for their families and contributing to the development of society. To encourage the poor deserving students to study and complete their course, the Center needs financial support to continue to offer free dormitory, lunch and snacks, school fees, uniform and laboratory materials and upgrade the facilities.

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THE LAURA VICUNA CENTER PALAWAN Mascarascas, Puerto Princesa, Palawan through Sr. Cathy Urgello, FMA

“Give Hope a Home” is the vision of Laura Vicuna Center while its mission is to empower children, families, and communities to be self-managing through education, development and protection of children and youth. Many children, some from indigenous communities coming from far flung areas, cannot afford to go to the public national high school because of the long distance to the school, scarcity of transportation and lack of financial means. The threefold programs offered by the Center needing support are the Residential Program, Home Study Program and Farm Program.

LVWDTC made me realize how important it is to dream big and do whatever it takes to make those dreams come true. Haney Escraela

Chef Diamond Hotel - Manila graduate of a 2-year PC Operations Course

Social Entrepreneurship

“LVWDTC inspired me, gave me strength and pushed me to be where I am now - to be successful in life. It taught me how to be a better version of myself by putting God at the center of my life. It molded me to be my best that I am right now, living with my wife, Winona, my schoolmate together with our little angel, Mathena. We will always put God at the center of our family as what our school taught us, to surpass whatever challenges life brings.”

Manny Barcelona

Cinematographer/Video Editor, Dubai, graduate of a 1 year Office Technology Course

CONTRIBUTE Send contributions to Roots & Wings ACCOUNT NUMBER: 15-728209-1 IBAN: CH52 0900 0000 1572 8209 1 BIC: POFICHBEXXX ACCOUNT NAME: Roots and Wings (R&W) CURRENCY: Euro BANK NAME: PostFinance Ltd

How can you be an instrument of social impact? 1. Individual Sponsorship - deposit to Roots & Wings account and email advice to rawmags.sponsor@gmail. com. Include your name, amount donated and preferred beneficiary. 2. Corporate Sponsorship - email pledge to rawmags.sponsor@gmail. com. We will communicate with you on arrangements of sponsorship and feature you in the next issue of Roots and Wings. Sponsors’ Benefits Having been awarded Best Magazine 2021 by the Commission on Filipinos Overseas and operational for a dozen years, Rawmags provides reader confidence, value, and brand power. Our readers trust what they see and in turn trust you, our partner.

Roots & Wings directly takes you to your target market. Rawmags readers are potential customers and supporters. You can introduce your product and service to a target market, expand your reach, enhance goodwill, educate consumers, and bring Filipinos joy. SPONSOR’S CONTRIBUTION Feb-Dec 2022 1. Individual Any amount 2. Corporate Preferred Partnership @6 issues EU3,000

Media Partnership @4 issues EU2,000

Loyal Patron @2 issues EU1,000

Connect with rawmags.sponsor@ gmail.com

BANK ADDRESS: Mingerstrasse 20, 3030 Berne Switzerland CLEARING NO. 090002

Becky Torres and Marizel Arambulo, Social Entrepreneurship Team

Social Entrepreneurship

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PHILIPPINES

SIARGAO

The Aftermath and Our Road to Recovery after super typhoon Odette

Text & photos by Carl Hansen & Colleen Grace Vidal

n December 16, 2021, the super typhoon Odette (also known internationally as Rai) has hit Siargao and caused devastation across the island. Despite the storm signal warnings and preparations, we did not expect the typhoon to be as disastrous. In just a matter of few hours, the lives of everyone on the island turned upside down – everything including our homes, livelihoods, and properties have been ruined. That day was a nightmare we never want to experience again. The aftermath was no easier. Houses and business establishments were in ruins, the people lost sources

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of income, and there was scarcity of resources. Majority of the island did not have electricity, therefore hindering the locals and establishments from going back to their usual routines. Tourism, farming, and fishing are the most common sources of income on the island. However, there were no flights coming in and out of the island province making it harder to bring in tourists. The boats and farms were also affected by the devastation of the typhoon. We also had to factor in that all these happened during the pandemic – a time when everyone is still dealing with the impact of COVID19. Due to the lack of basic needs such as food, water, shelter, clothing (in addition to the possibility of testing positive

Public Service

for COVID19), the people’s health is at great risk. According to the World Health Organization, anyone on the island may possibly contract acute respiratory infections, fever, diarrhea, hypertension, skin disease, food and water-borne diseases, and vector-borne diseases. In our desire to do our part in helping our people in every little way that we can, we, Carl Hansen and Colleen Vidal (with the help of partners, sponsors, and donations), are conducting programs and relief operations that will help in the recovery of Siargao. We started by holding an ongoing donation drive for the following programs we are working on: ◼ FEEDING PROGRAM – We have gathered volunteers to prepare food on a daily basis so we could provide 2,000 meals daily to areas that are in need the most. We drive around the island to reach the poorest areas so we can extend help to those who lack basic needs such as food and water. ◼ WATER SYSTEM PROGRAM – With this project, we aim to provide clean and safe drinking water for everyone through our water filtration system from Unique Water that can produce 397 gallons of drinking water every hour. Our goal is to produce more than 1,000 gallons of drinking water and provide for every single person in each barangay daily. ◼ WOOD PROJECT – We have also invested in a chainsaw and later on hired an operator from another province in order to make use of fallen coconut trees and turn them into wood lumbers which can be used for the rebuilding of the locals’ homes. We aim to produce as much as wood lumbers daily. ◼ REBUILDING HOUSES PROJECT – We are also holding a donation drive for construction materials. In this project, we purchase building materials and donate it to selected families on the island to help them rebuild their houses. Based on our initial budgeting, one basic house costs around PHP 7,300. HOW YOU CAN HELP? While we are doing our best to aid and provide for our community, we cannot sustain our projects until the island fully recovers without everyone’s help. Our total budget for our ongoing projects are: PHP 35,000 daily for the Feeding Program; PHP 1,900 daily for the Water Project; PHP 2,200 for the Chainsaw/Wood Project on a daily basis; and PHP 7,500 per house for our Rebuilding Homes Project respectively. We still 10

Public Service

got a long way to go. The island still needs help. Our donations channels remain open at all times. Every single donation counts and would mean the world to the victims of Odette. There is no small amount in helping our dear Siargao recover and we cannot wait to see that day. This is a call to everyone reading this: Help us until we get there.

DONATION CHANNELS: BPI: Colleen Grace Vidal 0576170176 GCASH: Colleen Grace Vidal 09398399386 GO FUND ME: https://gofund.me/6c90e245 For any questions or inquiries, you may also reach us at our social media pages: instagram.com/colztravel instagram.com/villacalisiargao Roots&Wings

“Invitation of Ode to Odette” COPYRIGHT BY HALO-HALO

GERMANY

An Ode to Odette

Text by John Rüth, Kerstin Dopp-Rexrodt and Ralph Chan

he ninth typhoon “Odette”, also known as “Rai”, hit the Philippines on December 16, 2021. The natural disaster had an enormous impact: around 2.5-3.5 million Kababayans were affected. The most devastated areas were Siargao Island, Dinagat, Surigao City, Southern Leyte, Eastern Bohol, Cebu, Negros, Palawan and other parts of the Visayas and Mindanao. Many Filipinos outside the country were not able to get in touch with their families and friends for days, since the local infrastructure, including electricity and phone lines, had been destroyed. Images and videos showing the devastation and destruction were only slowly appearing on social media. Many of us Filipinos abroad tried to get in touch with our families and friends on the different islands but couldn’t. We were concerned about the situation! This was also true for the members of Halo-Halo, Henerasyon 2.0 and NOI-P who have families and friends in the Philippines. Halo-Halo is a network of people with predominantly German-Filipino, Austrian-Filipino and Swiss-Filipino background who meet regularly and deal with various topics relating to Filipinos, the Philippines and Filipino culture and society. Halo-Halo emerged in early 2021

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Public Service

from random Zoom sessions started by avid Tagalog learners; people who just wanted to connect with like-minded people, Filipinos, non-Filipinos interested in Filipino culture, and of course, halo-halos - people of mixed backgrounds. While NOI-P. (Network of Integrated Pinoys) has existed in Switzerland for a long time, Henerasyon 2.0, a German Pinoy podcast was started by three German Filipinos (Lee, Susie and Charyl) around the same time. In the course of 2021, these groups of people found each other due to various activities and began to meet regularly via Zoom. Even in “real life” crowned with face-to-face meetings, one in Garmisch-Partenkirchen (Bavaria) in August and one in Berlin in November. At the last meeting, the group was even invited to the Philippine Embassy to present their stories, ideas, and thoughts. The idea of holding a charity concert Shortly after Odette reached the country, members of Halo-Halo, Henerasyon 2.0 and NOI-P met to discuss the devastating natural disaster and ways to help. Andreas, one of the original founders of the Halo-Halo network, had the idea of holding a charity concert - just a few days after Christmas. The questions that we all asked ourselves at the time: Would it even be possible to organize this so quickly? Firstly, completely online and secondly, with practically no technical background in “online event management”. Without a clear plan how this should be implemented in (virtual) reality, the decision was made quickly. A possible concert date would have to be chosen after the Christmas holidays and depending on the availability of musicians who would like to perform with their music for free and collect money for the cause. An “improvised” Instagram live video chat, between members of Halo-Halo and arranged by Henerasyon 2.0 on December 23 drew attention to the matter. We even then received the first donations. “Ode to Odette” - the name was chosen for the charity concert. Out of the blue: “Ode to Odette” After it was decided to organize “Ode to Odette” [1], a core team around Halo-Halo, Henerasyon 2.0 and Noi-P sat down and planned the next steps. While

First face-to-face meet-up of Halo-Halos in Garmisch-Partenkirchen — Copyright by Andreas Schmitz

Public Service

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Vigile from Halo-Halo and Johannes from NOI-P had started learning all kinds of things on the technical side, Charyl from Henerasyon 2.0, Phyllis from Halo-Halo and other members tried to connect with musicians and influencers to promote and make the event a reality. Since most artists were available on December 29th, this was fixed - just a few days after Christmas. The days after Christmas and before the live event were dedicated to invite the artists, refine the setup and promote “Ode to Odette”. In addition to the social media presence of Henerasyon 2.0, a new Instagram account for Halo-Halo and other channels such as that of the Philippine Embassy in Berlin helped draw attention to “Ode to Odette”. Various Euro-Pinoy musicians performed at the live event: Handgretinger-Ishizaka family with a classical piece, followed by Charlie Fischer, Audrey Louise Noelle, Kim & John, Joebelle Ramos Ladaga and Mae Ann Jorolan. The lineup was a nice mix of original songs and reinterpretations of Tagalog and Bisaya songs. Charlie Fischer performed “Kahit Maputi Na Ang Buhok Ko” (Rey Valera), Audrey Louise Noel sang “Kahit Ayaw Mo Na” (This Band) and Kim & John delivered a rendition of “Balik sa Bohol” (Sidlak Group). The musical performances attracted spectators from several countries. The original goal of collecting at least € 3,000 for the NGO “German Doctors” to support the typhoon victims Odette / Rai has been more than exceeded: more than € 4,500 had been raised. “Ode to Odette” became a success story within a few days, based on a beautiful spirit to help. Filipinos abroad cooperate together The event was a complete success. After “Ode to Odette”, members of Halo-Halo, Henerayson 2.0 and NOI-P. were discussing the results during one of their following meetings and were still surprised about how fast it was possible to pull this off together. Some ideas were expressed to organize similar events in future for various causes. “It’s amazing that we were able to set up this event within a few days with three different 2nd generation organizations from the German speaking countries.” (Andreas, Halo-Halo) “It’s lovely to see that when it comes down to it everything is possible - It was an overwhelming feeling of togetherness.” (Phyllis, Halo-Halo) “Everyone was on board, and each one contributed their strengths...The result was synergy.” (Vigile, Halo-Halo) As we can see from this example, there is a Bayanihan Spirit also among the Euro-Pinoys. Where help is needed, there is a helping hand. The network is growing dynamically and will meet again in Vienna on April 16.

Meeting with the Philippine Embassy in Berlin — Copyright by Philippine Embassy in Germany

The concert can be viewed here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tq3_nzDbn6E&t=2203s

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Public Service

ITALY

Tessie and Philip Acuna Filipino Blood Donors of Milan Text by Mye Mulingtapang, photo by Juan Padilla

A purpose driven life by a selfless couple who devote their time in saving other people through blood nation 14

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espite the remarkable advances in medicine in the treatment and chronicization of cancer, the word “cancer” is still unspeakable for many. Not everyone is immune from contradictions. Philip is a man with a strong desire to live, a man who believes he has already given his all in life and has endured the most pain imaginable. In 2011, his life turned from a dream to a nightmare when he was diagnosed with multiple myeloma. Philip Acuña felt naked, helpless in the face of frailty and mortality, which eventually manifested as power, not words but truth inscribed in the flesh. The disease marked a violent watershed between what was a diagnosis and what comes after. When death knocked on his door he lost the feeling of immortality. His body betrayed him. Surprised and incredulous, he looked for shreds of meaning. After moments of escape and denial and others of fear he chose to accompany and observe his condition. He believes that his illness cannot take the helm of his life. “I have accepted the painful truth that there is no cure for this illness and only medicines and numerous rounds of intensive chemotherapy could lengthen my life. This life continues to be in our hands, and an illness must not become our identity, but only be an aspect, a part of it,” said Philip. Philip was on the verge of death, but when he required an immediate blood transfusion, blood donors saved his life. Not everyone witnesses a miracle. It is not true that there is only one life. For those affected by a tumor, lives become at least two: the one before the cancer and the one after it. After waking up from a coma, Philip promised to devote his second life to helping others and return the favor by assisting those in need. Together with his wife Tessie, they formed a group of blood donors who will share the same act of solidarity and altruism. They actively encourage Filipinos as well as other nationalities to donate blood through the Filipino Blood Donors of Milan, a non-profit organization they founded. The group can be clearly defined

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as a community of “people helping people” through blood donation. Since the couple has already recruited thousands of blood donors, hospitals and institutions praised the big contribution of Filipino blood donors, especially the Acuña couple’s selfless advocacy and seemingly endless energy to supporting blood donation. “Every day is a blessing for Philip and me. We continue to fight against his cancer with overflowing hope. Hope brings life,” said Tessie. Tessie and Philip, an enthusiastic couple with golden hearts, firsthand experienced what it is like to receive the great gift of blood donors. What began as a vow has now evolved into an advocacy and a mission to save lives through blood donation, which they share with fellow Filipinos in Italy. The number of blood donors has decreased significantly since the coronavirus outbreak began, and blood banks are facing an unprecedented shortage. Philip and Tessie made it a point to help in any way they could, even if it meant putting their own lives in danger. Tessie volunteers every day to help new donors with everything from filling out forms to explaining the procedure to the actual blood extraction. Tessie makes the rounds to ensure that all donors are properly attended to. She also collaborates closely with nurses and doctors to organize blood donation drives. Catapulted into a new life path, an unprecedented scenario that opened up in front of Tessie and Philip with a reversal of their perspective from diagnosis, to darkness and rebirth. A great love has remained, which is even stronger after what happened to Tessie and Philip. What keeps them going are the beautiful moments of their family and Philip’s smile, who despite having lost a lot always remains strong and fights with Tessie against his illness. The cancer may have managed to complicate their life, but it will never be able to extinguish the very strong bond they have as a couple. For better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death they do part.

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PHILIPPINES

TWO HEARTS AS ONE

Dennis Valenciano Castañeda, multi-awarded international coffee painting artist, Philippines 16

Art

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FRANCE

In following his passion, he found his love The story of Lionel and Anna Froidure An Interview by Jeffrey Cabuay

he love story of Lionel and Anna Froidure started with his passion for martial arts. He came from parents who are both Karate instructors. Lionel officially started doing Karate at the age of 6, competed at age 14, and became part of the French national Karate team at 16. Impassioned by martial arts, he started trying different disciplines until he discovered Arnis Kali Eskrima, a martial art native to the Philippines. Since Lionel adores photography and videography, he combined this with his love of martial arts to form his company, IMAGINARTS*, a martial arts media company. He got the opportunity to produce his very first video, an Arnis video, through the invitation of Grand Master Dani Faynot, in the Philippines. This is the time when he met his wife, Anna, who is a native of Taguig.

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Art

How did you meet? Anna: First time was in 2009, Lionel dropped by one night to have dinner at Dani’s house before going back to France. Dani is my brother-in-law.

didn’t have her parents anymore at that time, so it was they who acted as her parents... so I asked permission to court her. A: Namanhikan siya.

Then? Lionel: I came back the following year, in September 2010, to stay longer. I planned to have the Philippines as my base of operations so that I can make martial arts videos from all over Asia. I came back to the Philippines 2-3 times a year. A: That’s the time we became closer. I was helping him with administrative matters.

What happened next? A: Months went by where Lionel courted me. Then when Christmas came we went to enjoy our planned vacation with my sister and brother-in-law at Siargao. L: During the vacation, Dan and I were practicing and recording some Arnis videos and I’ve noticed that he was hitting me a lot on my hands. That did not happen as often as that time so I was thinking he might be telling me not to play around with Anna and that it was a serious matter.

First impression of each other? A: Snob. Typical French. L: Frankly, I could not remember my first impression. So, it was not love at first sight? A: Not for me. I don’t know with Lionel. L: Mmm... No When did you know that Lionel had a liking for you? A: I didn’t know yet but in October 2010, when he came back from Malaysia, he started to become a little bit aloof. Yun pala may gusto na pala siya sa akin (That’s the time I knew that he started to like me). L: This was before our planned Christmas vacation together with Anna’s elder sister, Hannie, and his French husband Dani. I was staying in their house. They noticed that we had a little something going on between us. They spoke to me saying that they did not like what they were seeing. Although Anna was already an adult, out of respect for the culture, I should be asking permission to court her. Anna

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How did the courtship go? A: What I appreciated with Lionel is that he went out of his way to court me. He courted the Filipino way. I played hard to get, of course. Nagpaligaw muna ako. L: It was a combination of Filipino courtship and my style since I also wanted to let her know my French courtship style. So, did you like the Filipino courtship rituals? L: Yes and no. I wanted to do it because I wanted to court her properly but it was very different from the French way. It took some time so it was frustrating, but it went well. We had a good feeling about each other. We had a good relationship. When did you know that he will be proposing? A: He had to go back to France now and then, there were times when we had a long-distance relationship. In

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October 2011, he invited me to dinner in a hotel in Alabang. This was unusual. It was at that point that I thought that he will be doing something special. When did you get married? A: July 2012 What is the character that you like with your spouse? A: Lionel is very optimistic. He is also goal-oriented. Whenever he sets one, he goes for it and achieves it. A: He does not, however, know how to dance so whenever he tries “kengkoy” siya. L: I particularly like her conscientious and meticulous handling of things. She likes it done very well even though it will take her longer to accomplish something.

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Favorite activity together? Eating and drinking. Photography and doing videos. Going for adventures. Travelling for work and pleasure. Going to the beach and surfing. Watching Sci-Fi series. The favorite food of your adopted country? A: Confit de Canard L: For salty: Chicken adobo, chicken curry, anything with chicken, sinigang, afritada. For sweet: Banana cake and rice cakes (any dessert with glutinous rice) L: Anna, is a very good cook. Something surprising about the Philippines/France? L: Hamburger steak with rice. I just don’t understand why they do that. A: French people love to spend their time sharing and talking during meal times plus

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the fact that there is a lot of time talking since there is the aperitif, entrée, main dish, cheese, dessert then coffee. A: They love cheese, even the smelly ones. I believe that it tastes good even if it smells awful because it’s the same thing with our dried fish. Good thing I’m lactose intolerant so I have an excuse when it’s time for cheese. Do you cook? A: Yes. Cooking is my passion. L: No. I know how to cook rice if you give me a rice cooker (laughs). It’s Anna who cooks. She is very good. I like everything she cooks... well, except fish. A: No, he doesn’t like fish. I’ve heard that your soon-to-be 6-yearold son, Liam, was born on February 14. Who chose his name? L: We both did. We discussed it and decided on it.

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A: I think I did but for Lionel to agree on it, I convinced him that Liam is a combination of Lionel and his father’s name, Lilian. Lionel continues to produce videos and writes about martial arts*. He travels around promoting mostly Karate and Arnis but other forms of martial arts as well. In his talks and workshops, he makes people discover our native martial art system and with it shares the beauty and nuances of Filipino culture through his own experiences. Lionel’s passion for the martial arts led him to discover Arnis Kali Eskrima, fall in love with the Philippines, and ultimately find the love of his life. Lionel and Anna now live in the south of France. They have a son, Liam, who was born on Valentine’s Day.

www.imaginarts.tv www.lionelfroidure.com

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USA

Teatro Grattacielo and Camerata Bardi Vocal Academy partner with artist Lolita Valderrama Savage Launch of new Educational Opera Initiative Text by Joseph B. Bantolo Images by Teatro Grattacielo

eatro Grattacielo in collaboration with Camerata Bardi Vocal Academy have partnered with celebrated Filipino-American painter Lolita Valderrama Savage to launch a new educational initiative. The program, Tableaux Amico Fritz, is an extension of Teatro Grattacielo’s recent production of L‘Amico Fritz by Pietro Mascagni, which premiered in New York City in August 2021. Tableaux Amico Fritz is a free, educational interdisciplinary dialogue that aims to introduce youth to Opera, Painting and Italian language in a simple, straightforward way. Tableaux combines five scenes from the opera of Mascagni with five selected paintings from Lolita Valderrama Savage. Each scene and painting are connected to a trigger word meant to engage youth in stimulating conversations around themes of love, self-acceptance and happy coexistence. The trigger words include Earthiness, Transitions, Traditions, Spirituality, and The Power of Love. “Teatro Grattacielo is proud to add to the educational dialogue about opera and arts in the world. We are happy to be working with artists such as Lolita Valderrama Savage to bring awareness of Opera and Italian Language to our younger generations,” said Stefanos Koroneos, Artistic Director of Teatro Grattacielo. This initiative supports Teatro Grattacielo’s mis-

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sion to educate youth about the Italian performance style and promote the expansion and appreciation of Opera to younger audiences. The 1-hour course was designed to not only educate youth about the world of Opera, but it serves to inspire youth to explore different forms of self-expression through various forms of art. “Everyone should know that arts and music are the secret to putting people together. Having my name and my paintings connected to Mascagni’s opera is an honor. Painting and music can blend together beautifully and harmoniously in the same way that we can as diverse peoples,” said Lolita Valderrama Savage, visual artist and painter. Tableaux Amico Fritz launched on February 1 and will continue through October 31. To further encourage learning, Teatro Grattacielo is offering two (2) $500 scholarships to students who write the best essay about the project. The deadline for scholarships is October 31, 2022, and winners will be announced in December 2022. The judges panel will include Stefanos Koroneos, Lolita Valderrama Savage, Professor Susan D. Tolliver, Ph.D. and Ambassador Virgilio A. Reyes, Jr. If you wish to participate, please email Omar Howard at contact@grattacielo.com. Teatro Grattacielo is a non-profit opera company that helps to revive great, neglected masterpieces, assist young singers in advancing their careers and educate youth about Opera and Italian performance style. Teatro Grattacielo believes that it is the role of artists to help see the world in new ways. Over the past 27 years, Teatro Grattacielo has produced many U.S. Premiers, while fulfilling its mission to ensure that the scope of that achievement includes the vast diversity of artistic voices, cultures, disciplines, and traditions found in our own New York Community and around the globe.

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To further encourage learning, Teatro Grattacielo is offering two (2) $500 scholarships to students who write the best essay about the project. The deadline for scholarships is October 31, 2022, and winners will be announced in December 2022. If you wish to participate, please email Omar Howard at contact@grattacielo.com.

Teatro Grattacielo 8 East 69th Street, New York, NY 10021

www.grattacielo.org

Art

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Photo by Jessica Hanlon

SWEDEN

Katrina Larida´s “unspoken” art creates digital buzz

atrina Larida is an artist and fashion designer based in Stockholm, Sweden. Early this year, she exhibited her new work with the theme “Unspoken” at Artportable and a week later, she hosted an art event with champagne tasting at the co-working and social club space Lamb. Originally from the Philippines, she began her training as a portrait artist

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when she was 16, sketching portraits of passersby at the shopping mall. In 2016 she got in at Parsons School of Design in New York, where she lived for two years, developing her knowledge of Color Theory and applied it to her art. The artist debuted her new collection of paintings at Artportable, Scandinavia´s largest digital art gallery last January 24, 2022 at their showroom in Södermalm, an area in Stockholm home

Art

“I Wanted To See If You Felt The Same For Me”

Art

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Photo by Patrik Kindvall

to bohemian, alternative culture and a broad range of cultural amenities. The art exhibition was entitled “Unspoken”, the works are inspired by “the thoughts we keep to ourselves, things we wish to say but left unsaid, details we see but not spoken”. For a week, visitors all over Stockholm came to watch the new art collection which created a buzz. Natasha Arnborg, PR agent and the artist´s close friend, collaborated with her to organize an intimate art evening with champagne tasting. The artist wanted to host the event at the new stylish co-working space Lamb. She immediately wrote to them and asked to collaborate but did not get a response. At the end of her art exhibition at Artportable, coincidentally the Space Manager at Lamb saw an ad of her vernissage on Facebook and decided to come by. “She asked me if I would be interested to hang some of my paintings at their co-working space”, Katrina said. This chance encounter led on to make her planned event at Lamb happen naturally. Personal invitations were sent to the Roots&Wings

guests by post including €80 worth of Art Prints, signed and numbered. The artist´s PR agent also invited Jenny Ivarsson, a champagne connoisseuse and Erik Haeffler from Conveija to hold a tasting event at the start of the evening. It was an intimate crowd and after the tasting they went down to Lamb´s studio to immerse the guests with her art as she talked about her inspirations and what the paintings meant to her as an artist. The event was streamed online in different Instagram accounts including Artportable with 10,000+ art lovers and artists followers. The artist described her aesthetics as, “I am influenced by pop culture and fashion. To this exhibition I created six new paintings where I wanted to show something about the unspoken things that we are afraid to convey to other people. We all have a lot of thoughts and emotions that we don’t show because we are afraid to be misunderstood. We want to be considerate and we don’t want to bother our friends and family with our struggles. I want my art

Art

Photo by Jessica Hanlon

Photo by Jessica Hanlon “Every Sisterhood Has Rules”

to connect with my viewers. At this exhibition I felt that each person who visited had their own favourite piece, there was not one masterpiece, but everyone had their own painting which spoke to them.” Katrina takes her inspiration from personal experience. She likes to observe and analyze the world around her. Her art is also a way of conveying a story or an opinion. She finds inspiration from her own pain because whenever she is in that position, she immerses herself in the experience and feels everything. “This year when we were all isolated, I have been working alone quite a lot and that brought out feelings that were hard to process. I used all the feelings that came from that to create. I think

understanding the source of pain is the key to healing and I use my art as a catharsis,” added Katrina. Three of the artist´s paintings are currently hanging at Lamb´s co-working and social club space at Drottninggatan 71C, at the heart of Stockholm and the city´s busiest street. She has an upcoming Virtual Art Exhibition, ART FUSION on February 27 to March 5, 2022 at The Holy Art Gallery ´s website and Instagram account theholy.art. It is a London-based gallery exhibiting artwork in the UK and abroad, showcasing work from the brightest emerging and established artists on the international scene. Her art is currently on sale at her website´s online store and also at Artportable´s artist´s profile page.

Follow the artist on her Instagram @laridaartstudio to see photos of her works and get updated on current events and upcoming shows. 26

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NORWAY

Hello from HAMMERFEST, Norway– the world’s northernmost town! Text and photos by Wendy LabradorHansen

elcome to my homeplace - HAMMERFEST, the world’s northernmost town! I am Wendy Labrador-Hansen originally from Cebu, a longtime resident of Hammerfest, married to Ole Ingvald Hansen who’s active in the trade union (Fagforbundet), and in the Filipino-Norwegian Klubb. We have a 20-year-old son Kent Ole, student and sportsman. I work at a special nursing home while keeping active in different organizations and politics. I have been elected to Hammerfest’s Municipal Council since 2003 and the first Filipina to have integrated into local politics. Let me share with you the history of Hammerfest which began in 1620. This makes Hammerfest the oldest town in Northern Norway, together with Vardø, northeasternmost city. The municipality was established in 1789, named after an old anchorage - whose first element HAMMER, refers to a number of large rocks, good for mooring boats called “Hamran” or “steps mountainside” and “FEST” which means “fastening.” In 1891, Hammerfest became the first town in Northern Europe and one of the first in the world to have electrical street lighting and its own power station. Roots&Wings

The MERIDIAN SUPPORT forms part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Struve Geodetic Arc The Meridian support was designed by Wilhelm Von Hanno and erected in 1854 to commemorate the largest international measurement of the earth`s shape and size. It states the Northernmost endpoint of a

meridian arc of 25 degrees 20 from the northern ocean to the Danube River though Norway, Sweden and Russia. Today this cultural monument is very popular to tourists and photographers alike. On 1 January 2020 when Kvalsund and Hammerfest were merged, the new municipality had two parallel, interchangeable names: Hammerfest Municipality.

Culture

The population today stands at 11,448. There are about 85 different nationalities and 160 Filipinos residing here. The year 2000 witnessed a large construction which processes natural gas from Snøhvit /Melkøye - the most expensive project in the history of northern Norway. It is one of the sources of livelihood for residents. Due to the abundance of fish and king crabs, many fishermen work in this sector. Hammerfest is also a center of Sami culture and home of the Royal and Ancient Polar Bear Society (Isbjørnklubben in Norwegian). I feel lucky to live in the ‘Northernmost Town in the World,’ which offers high quality sports, employment, schools, hospital

Culture

and airport services. The climate is both exciting and surprising. In wintertime, one can experience heavy snowfall. Among our popular sights are the Northern Lights / Aurora Borealis and the amazing rays of the midnight sun, giving Hammerfest the name “Land of midnight sun.” Between July and August is a short period for picking cloudberries (multer), known as the GOLDEN FRUIT of the north. Aside from cloudberries, there are abundant blueberries lingonberries, blackberries, and different kinds of mushrooms. Hiking enthusiasts will appreciate what awaits at the top of the new Tyventrappa Sherpa stairway. Mount Tyven offers stunning views of the Sørøysundet

strait and you can relax with the unique design of the cabins. The Zigzag path leads to the viewpoint on Mount Salen, a panoramic view of Hammerfest and surrounding area that you can easily fall in love with. Charming restaurant and cafes are easy to find. I am a proud Filipina who lives in a city of diversity and inclusion in working life, a town rich in culture, breathtaking scenery and hospitable people who welcome everyone to the Northernmost Town in the world HAMMERFEST.

To see more of Hammerfest, visit

#youtubechannel: Wendy L. Hansen

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A I R E D N I R A C E TH N A N K A S K A S L A A L IINN TTHHEE A SIIDDEE Y S R Y T R N T U N CCOOU ALASKA ABOVE Roda Raval, center, founder of Momma Rav’s in Palmer, with her husband Roger, left, and son Ridge.

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Text and photos by Jennifer Fergesen

o get to Momma Rav’s, one of Alaska’s most memorable carinderias, you must first make it to Palmer, a small town some 70 kilometers north of Anchorage in the Matanuska-Susitna Valley. Turn onto Route 1 from Anchorage and the concrete sprawl of Alaska’s largest city recedes into the kind of landscape the state is better known for. The Knik River winds west of the road; the Chugach Mountains rise to the east. Palmer is a pocket of Americana tucked between two mountain ranges, the Chugach and the Talkeetna, with a compact downtown that seems airlifted

from some New England hamlet. But this downtown isn’t yet where you’ll find Momma Rav’s. Leave town and turn into the farmland that blankets this valley like a patchwork quilt. The Matanuska-Susitna Valley, commonly called Mat-Su, was first farmed by hard-up Midwestern migrants during the Great Depression as part of a New Deal plan. It is still a fertile place, though refrigerated barges and trucks from the lower 48 make it less critical to the state’s food supply than it once was. Farm stands selling potatoes, rhubarb, golf ballsized apples and other cold-weather crops dot the roadside. Next to the largest and most established of these

Food

stands — Bushes Bunches, open since 1956 — there is a red trailer shaped like a miniature caboose. Lucky cats beckon in the window and a chalkboard below reads “kain tayo (ka-in-ty-yoh) = let’s eat!” Behind this window, more often than not, is the eponymous Momma Rav. “Everybody calls me Momma,” said Rodalyn Patrimonio-Raval (better known as Roda Raval), taking a break from the caboose to chat under the awning of Bushes Bunches on a foggy October morning. Before she started her business, Roda was known for bringing lumpia and pancit to her children’s sports practices and parties. “So every time they see me, they yell, ‘It’s Momma Rav’s food!’” she laughed. Born in Alabang, Roda moved to California in 1994 and met her husband, Roger Raval, in San Bruno. The high cost of living in the Bay Area started to pinch when she became pregnant with her second child. The family moved to Las Vegas, but Roda soon grew tired of the desert. Advice came from a friend in Alaska. “He says, ‘If you want a simple life, you’re going to make it here, knowing you.’ And I said, ‘You know what? I’ll be there. Expect me in a month,’” she recalled. The family packed up and drove from Vegas to Anchorage, a journey of some 5,500 kilometers, within the month. In Anchorage, Roda left her previous job in the banking industry to open an assisted living facility in 2008. “The money I made every two weeks at the bank, I’m making that in four days doing caregiving,” she said. “I’d never made that kind of money from doing banking.” Thanks to her income, she and her husband were able to buy a house in Wasilla, the Mat-Su hometown of former Alaska governor Sarah Palin, in 2010. But she blames the breast cancer she later developed on the stress of the job. “You get attached to your clients. It took a piece of me every time they go,” she said, her hand to her heart. “So I said, no more.” Cancer caused Roda to rethink her 30

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priorities. She wanted to spend her days doing the things she loves, surrounded by the people she loves. So she cooked. Momma Rav’s made its debut in 2017 at the Palmer farmers market, where she met Bushes Bunches co-owner Vickie Bush — Roda calls her “Momma Bush.” In 2019, one momma invited the other to use the red trailer, and it has been busy ever since. Momma Rav’s seems designed to withstand the pandemic. There’s no indoor dining, just a few well-worn picnic tables, and Roda rarely has any helpers other than her husband and two children: Rio, 21, and Ridge, 19. Rio runs the business’s social media accounts

TOP Clockwise from top left: Chicken curry, grilled liempo, kalbi ribs, chicken and mushroom sotanghon and pancit bihon at Momma Rav’s. BOTTOM Roda Raval got the recipe for her pork barbecue from a friend who runs an ihaw-ihaw restaurant in Laguna.

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Momma Rav’s is located in a caboose-shaped trailer in the farm area outside of Palmer, Alaska.

Roger Raval grills on an outdoor platform behind the trailer in all weather.

Rio Raval, Roda’s 21-year-old daughter, takes care of social media and marketing for Momma Rav’s.

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Food

ALASKA 2355 N Old Glenn Hwy, Palmer, AK 99645

while her brother, who is studying for a business degree, helps manage the books. Both are also involved in all the messier kitchen work. Roger, also known as Poppa Rav, mans the grill behind the trailer. The smells of a Filipino street market — garlic, grilled meat, sweet marinade turning toffee-dark against the grates — rise incongruously in the cold Alaskan air. Any order here should pull from that grill. Most days, it sings with the sizzle and hiss of street-style pork barbecue, liempo and kalbi ribs. Fridays bring Hawaiian-style huli huli chicken in its pineapple glaze like charred nectar. Roda got the recipe for her barbecue marinade from a friend who runs a popular ihaw-ihaw spot in San Pedro, Laguna. She was willing to tell me some of the standard ingredients — soy sauce, banana ketchup, lemon, garlic, black pepper — “but the last one, I’ll keep a secret,” she said. Come winter, the temperature will drop below 0° and Roger will wear half a dozen layers of clothing to grill that secret barbecue. The trailer works for the family for now, but Rio told me about her dreams for a future brickand-mortar location — a cozy cafe with Filipino-style brunch and a dessert case by the counter. She wiped the corners of her eyes with a napkin as she described it, then apologized. “I just 32

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have such strong feelings about this business,” she said. Rio was 17 when her mother started Momma Rav’s, and the summers of her late teens were punctuated by late nights and early mornings chopping vegetables, stir-frying noodles and rolling lumpia in preparation for the weekly farmers markets. Her role in the business has grown since then. The aesthetic charm of the place is all due to her influence: the lucky cats, the pink curlicue greetings on the chalkboard, the stickers by the register featuring grizzly bears eating lumpia. One can imagine a Momma Rav’s cafe in downtown Palmer — home of “the kindest people you’ll ever run into,” she said — with the same subtle sweetness she has cultivated here. “When you have a family business, it’s not like any other kind of job,” Rio said, tears still in her voice. “I saw my parents work so hard to build this for me. Now I feel like it’s my turn.” Momma Rav’s is located at 2355 N Old Glenn Hwy, Palmer, AK 99645. To view full portfolio of Jennifer Fergesen, multi-awarded Filipino-American food blogger, please visit

jcfrgsn.journoportfolio.com Roots&Wings

PHILIPPINES

Where the love of reading begins

Tahanan Books Celebrates 30 Years of Raising Generations of Young Filipino Readers

Text by Meg Roxas

or many Filipinos who’ve built their lives in Europe—especially those wanting to stay in touch with their ethnic roots— children’s books may well be the bridge to keep them anchored to a cultural identity they only hear about or witness in their parents. Most libraries and community programs are also

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creating more spaces for multicultural representation to welcome this growing demand. This year marks the thirtieth anniversary of Tahanan Books, a Manila-based publisher of quality books for Filipino families, schools, and libraries. Since 1992, Tahanan has been delighting families with books that celebrate Filipino culture and history. Named for the Filipino word for “home,”

Education

Tahanan’s flagship company is “Ilaw ng Tahanan,” named for the gentle phrase symbolizing “mother” (the light and life of the Filipino home). A 14-time winner of the National Book Award for the Children’s Literature, Tahanan showcases a diverse pub list of over 150 titles spanning biographies of heroes, folktale anthologies, science and history titles, storybooks for youngsters, and a popular line of Pinoy pop culture gift books. “There is something on the list for everyone,” says Reni Roxas, Tahanan’s founding publisher and editor-in-chief. “My hope is each book will resonate with a Filipino child, wherever he or she may be.” Picture books for young readers A favorite among families, From Manila With Love: A Balikbayan Story tells the story of a young girl who accompanies her Filipina mother to Manila for the first time. When Amy Luna Capelle wrote her manuscript, it was out of frustration for the lack of books about the Philippines that she can share with her son. The story tenderly captures the incomparable joy of the homecoming experience. Two titles that teach Filipino words in a fresh and creative way are Reni’s read-aloud books Méme: The Baby Book and Ay, Naku!. Auri

Education

Asuncion Yambao’s award-winning language books explore the playful characteristics of language in Takbo: Kapag Naging Tinig Ang Tunog, Saya/ Saya: A Book of Homonyms, and SariSari: A Book of Double Words. Sharing the gift of Filipino Music Nothing enchants a child like the joy of a well-loved folk song. From cooking pinakbet in Ilocano, catching river crabs in Cebu, to learning kulintang music in Maguindanao—these slim books are curated by musicology expert Dr. Felicidad A. Prudente and feature regional customs and traditions that showcase the diversity of the islands. Adventure in History Ties between the Philippines and Europe spans over 500 years as in Reni and Marc Singer’s First Around the Globe: The Story of Enrique. The picture book was inspired by historian Carlos Quirino’s bold supposition that the first man to circumnavigate the globe, a Portugese explorer’s slave, was Cebuano. In Gabriela Dans Lee’s Cely’s Crocodile: The Art and Story of Araceli Limcaco Dans, readers discover how young Araceli used her artistic skill to support the guerilla movement during World War II.

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For older readers, Tahanan’s wildly popular and award-winning Halo-Halo Histories series are must-reads for lovers of history. 2022: Beyond native shores As Tahanan enters its third decade, Reni is excited about expanding its footprint. Last year, it established franchised distributorships in Canada and Australia. “We are actively seeking distributors in Europe, where there are large communities of Filipinos. Most of our distributors are workingfrom-home Pinay moms who believe in the value of keeping their children strongly rooted in their native language and culture.” Speaking of children, the highest

compliment Reni received during her 40-year publishing career was given to her by a Pinoy dad, who said: “My children grew up with Tahanan Books.” Although for Reni every Tahanan book is special, a perennial favorite is Hermes Alegre’s Bahay Kubo (1993), which just had its eleventh printing in 2022. “The song epitomizes everything good about our country: its bountiful natural resources and its talented people,” Reni says. “Sometimes we forget how lucky we really are, and that, for a change, there’s a lot to be thankful for in being Filipino.” Reni Roxas, publisher and editorin-chief, (second from L), with her Tahanan Books staff.

For inquiries or interest to be a Tahanan distributor, reach out to Meg through hello@tahananbooks.com or follow @tahananbooks on social media.

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Education

AUSTRIA

First Batch: An Exhibition, a Documentary, and a Love Letter

Image Copyright by Kimberly Javier

Text by Gerard Rabara

“F

irst Batch is a love letter to our mothers, our lolas, our titas, and the strong women that paved the way. It is a tribute to our matriarchs. It is a thank you note to those whose shoulders we stand and a gift to those who seek to find their roots.” (Brochure text, First Batch (a part of the Exhibition “Back to Normality”), Wienwoche, Vienna, Austria). Migration, coming of age, bravery, culture clash, longing, and belonging, these are stories of many people in the diaspora. For young Filipinos in Vienna these are stories of their families, and they’re profoundly personal. For young artist Chelsea Amada and her friends,

Film

these are stories of their mothers, grandmothers, and aunts that are yearning to be told. First Batch is a two-part project, vernissage and documentary, that revolves around the first wave of Filipino migrant nurses from the 1970s to 1980s to Austria, brought about by the bilateral agreement between the Philippines and the city of Vienna. Chelsea Amada, a second-generation Austrian-Filipino and proud daughter of a migrant nurse, embarks on an investigative journey. Together with a team of young storytellers of predominantly Filipino descent, they try to uncover and discover stories of these pioneer women in a series of conversations - kwentuhan, that reveal familiar stories of many Filipino nurses in the diaspora, but also unique Roots&Wings

First Batch Logo Copyright by Ina Aydogan

and intimate tales of young women whose individual journeys, dreams and aspirations deserve to be center stage. The Wienwoche Exhibition Last September 12, 2021, the project debuted as one of the featured exhibitions in one of Vienna’s signature contemporary art festivals, Wienwoche. For the festival’s theme “Back to Normality,” [1] Chelsea and team presented an exhibition by Viennese photographer Ina Aydogan, featuring moments captured during the interviews with the nurses, a mixture of portraits and close-up details that reveal who these women really are. Apart from photographs, the exhibition also presented a time-capsule display full of trinkets and mementos from the homeland brought over during their first journey into Europe, complemented with a video montage of old photographs and graphic art, by Fil-Am artist Jarrod Caranto, flashing through a vintage television set in a dimly lit room in a gallery space behind a Filipino owned and managed Hotel am Brillantengrund. It was a quick glimpse through the lives of these women and a visual retrospective of their “normality” during the time of their arrival, but also a story of continuity and legacy. The storytelling culminates in an artistic documentary film, set to premiere in the summer of 2022. The film hopes not only to delve

into how these women made Vienna their home, with its various detours and obstacles, but to also underline the realities they faced and what it represents to those that inherit their legacy today. The Filipino Legacy As some of the production team are proud daughters and granddaughters of first batchers, it was important not only to highlight the valiant stories of a migrant minority, but a proud legacy of women - Filipino women. In Austria’s patriarchal society, these women broke stereotypes, exemplified nurturing leadership, showed unconditional kindness while standing their ground, and to this day continue to display the true essence and power of the Filipino matriarchy . For the first time in the Austrian context, the film creates a framework that enables precisely these women to depict their own narrative first-hand. These are their portraits of life abroad, arrival, getting along, difficulties, life lessons, as well as personal accounts. To the community, these women are revered and well-respected pioneers, but they remain quiet whispers in the nation’s story. Not much is known or written on these women. The project gives faces and voices to these human stories because they are as much a story of Austria as it is of the Philippines, and they deserve to be told.

www.wienwoche.org Roots&Wings

Film

NORWAY

CROWN & PEARL, The Crux of Agnes Text by Luz Bergersen

ivina Mariano Qvale, Filipino-Norwegian author, proves that retirement age is just a number, and golden years are productive years. Utterly fascinating! Great was my admiration when I met writer and author Divina Mariano Qvale some years ago. She is the only Filipina-Norwegian in Norway, as far as I know, who has written and published a few books - the novel, CROWN & PEARL, short story CRUX OF AGNES and children’s books. Not too long ago I met Divina again. This refueled my interest in the work of the unassuming and amazing lady who writes so beautifully and lovingly of her hometown, Bacarra, Ilocos Norte in the Philippines. In CROWN AND PEARL, her narration is down-to-earth and honest, brings back memories of our own growing up years and ignite yearnings for the old days, our youth, family, life in the Philippines, before the onset of too much modernism. Divina, a school teacher by profession, is originally from Baccara, Ilocos Norte. In her writings, she documents the unique customs and traditions of Bacarrenos and Ilocanos in particular, these customs are mostly true of all over the country. The book is a gem for future generations to keep, learn, and cherish.

The true-life heroine of the novel is Divina’s townmate and dear friend Sally/Aurora, sharing glimpses of Aurora’s journey from Bacarra to Norway (hence, Crown & Pearl). Sally a true-blue Bacarreno, is pretty, hard working and compassionate. Divina shares glimpses of Sally’s young life and struggles from Bacarra, Ilocos and her journey to a life in Norway. The author’s style and substance, and narratives are lyrical, amusing, sometimes provocative but always truthful, making the book a compelling read and a treasure to share. THE CRUX OF AGNES tells the sad story of Agnes, a handicapped woman who longs for a normal life and love. Born with one leg and one arm, she lived among persons with disabilities. It is a narrative about the joys and longings of young womanhood, until Agnes finally found love with Joe, and in their fulfillment in running an institution for individuals with disabilities. Divina Mariano Qvale is a lady of integrity, a widow and hard working mother of five. She loves the written word. She uses her time writing children’s books, short stories and poems. As if that were not enough, Divina also makes costume jewelry!

For copies of the books, contact Rawmags. 38

Literary

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London Beats in Lockdown

Nothing could stop Ooberfuse from making the music they love Text by Michellan Sarile-Alagao

eet Ooberfuse, a London-based band started by songwriter-vocalist Cherrie Anderson (a British Filipina) and multi-instrumentalist-producer Hal St. John. Their music has been described as ethereal, Eastmeets-West electronic pop with heartfelt vocals. The band is a favourite in the indie music scene, having received critical acclaim from venues such as BBC Introducing, Music Week, and The Guardian. They have even been endorsed by music legends such as Erasure and Boy George. They especially shine during their electrifying live acts, and have performed in London’s iconic O2 arena. They regularly go on global tours and have been to almost every country around the world, from Brazil to the

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Vatican. When the pandemic hit and London went on lockdown, it was quite a blow for Anderson and St. John, who thrived on the energy of live performances. “Lockdown was hard for us, as it was for many musicians,” Anderson shared. “We had international tours all lined up and ready, but they all had to be cancelled. That was a major disappointment.” But the lockdown couldn’t extinguish their love for creating music. Anderson said, “We focused on what could work while in lockdown. We did plenty of livestreams, which allowed us to connect and interact with friends and fans from the UK, Germany, the US, Brazil and the Philippines — all in one online gig! We also joined online music festivals, such as the Liverpool Threshold Festival.” St. John added, “At the risk of sounding philosophical, music is not optional

Music

for us; it has an existential urgency we cannot silence. During the pandemic, this urgent need to speak from a deeper place never evaporated; if anything, the need intensified.” Since Anderson and St. John couldn’t record in studios while lockdown was in place, St. John converted his own flat into a studio where they could work. There, they continued to write new music. True to their band’s name, Ooberfuse’s musical offerings are a fusion of musical styles and traditions gleaned from their background, heritage and connections with others. This passionate fusion is highlighted in their latest single, “Vanish the Night”, produced by four-time Grammy Award winner Kevin Killen (who has worked with artists such as U2 and Shakira, among others), and featuring Gerry Leonard (who was David Bowie’s guitarist) and nuMori, a Korean ethnic band. “Our latest song is a testament to creativity in practice and our persistence to pursue what we love the most: music. It was literally an intercontinental collaboration, with people from London, Seoul, and New York working together for this one track in the midst of lockdown,” Anderson said. “The message of the song is quite hard-hitting as well. It’s saying that in situations and places where there is darkness — bring the light.”

Music

At the risk of sounding philosophical, music is not optional for us; it has an existential urgency we cannot silence. During the pandemic, this urgent need to speak from a deeper place never evaporated; if anything, the need intensified.. Hal St. John OOBERFUSET

Fans can expect more new music in 2022. With the lockdown lifted, Ooberfuse greeted the year with their first on-site live gig post-pandemic last January 28. It was at the iconic Dublin Castle, Camden, where musicians such as Coldplay and Amy Winehouse have performed. “It was such a good night that we’ve been invited back next month, booked gigs in Manchester and Sheffield, and have just been booked for a music festival in the Czech Republic — all thanks to that one gig!” St.

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John enthused. Anderson added, “We have gigs planned here in London and all over the UK. We’ll be in Liverpool, Edinburgh, Glasgow — lots of places. We’re finalizing some dates to tour Portugal as well. And I’m hoping that sometime later this year we’ll be able to go to Japan.” St. John shared, “We are straining at the leash to perform live again and share our music in its new, invigorated form. We recently welcomed drummer Gregg da Vinci and Jack Lester-George, our guitar and bass player. This new formation allows us to really give our audiences a live experience that conveys the excitement we are gripped by

when we produce our songs.” For Anderson, the lifting of lockdown doesn’t just mean a chance to perform the music she loves — it means being reunited with loved ones as well. “I’m especially hoping that I get to go to the Philippines this year because I haven’t been back in ages,” she revealed. “It would be nice to see some friends and family, and I’m hoping my bandmates can come and join me so we can do some performances there.” “Vanish the Night” will be on their upcoming album A State of Emergency. Find out more about Ooberfuse and their music on the band’s Facebook page, IG and Tiktok (@ooberfuse)

Spotify, and official website

www.ooberfuse.com

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SPAIN

Entrelazado Música de Filipinas y España The Music of Soprano Manila Adap and Tenor Nacho Bas Text by Filipinobaritone, images by Nacho Bas

Photo courtesy of Manila Adap and Nacho Bas

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Roots&Wings

ilipinos love to sing. The Philippines is a country of singers, greatly influenced by several countries which conquered this beautiful archipelago. Spanish, American, and Japanese influences can still be traced in Filipino culture from cuisine, architecture, language and music. But among these three, Spanish influence is the most prominent due to its 300 plus years of colonization. The Filipino language is greatly influenced as well, having approximately one-third of borrowed words from the Spanish language. Here in Europe, there is a tradition of art songs - German Lieder, French mélodies, Portuguese canções, Spanish canciones. The equivalent of art songs in the Philippines is the KUNDIMAN, which is in ¾ time signature with a verse from a minor key going to a major key. The beautiful art form was greatly influenced by Spanish music along with several folk music in different regions in the Philippines. In Madrid, a Soprano named Manila Adap, who hails from San Pablo, Laguna collaborated with Spanish Tenor Nacho Bas to bring a well-loved Filipino song to Spanish audience. Manila Adap arrived 23 years ago in Spain in her early 20’s. She is a language teacher and translator who loves all genres of music - from pop, broadway, and opera. As a child, she listened to classical music on the radio and to her parents who were members of a church choir. She participated in ECOMAC events in Laguna College when she was in high school. She attended the “La arquitectura del Sonido” masterclass of Montserrat Caballe in 2009 and finished her professional degree in music major in Voice in 2014. She composed and interpreted the song “Unidos por la Diversidad”- the official hymn for the anti-racism campaign in European football in the year 2004-2005 in Barcelona which gave her an award from Leganes town hall. She collaborated as a soloist soprano at La Favorita -Fundacion Operistica de Navarra in 2017 and as a guest soprano at official functions of the Philippine Embassy and Consulates in Spain since 2004. She performed in Roots&Wings

Photo courtesy of Manila Adap

Keep honing your musical talents and be friendly to everyone who likes to hear you sing… MANILA ADAP’S ADVICE TO ASPIRING FILIPINO MUSICIANS IN EUROPE

the Concierto Rizalino” in partnership with the Association of Knights of Rizal in 2011 and the Galeon de Manila Cultural Association in 2017. She also brought Filipino music when she gave a full-concert at the Portuguese Festival “Terras sem Sombra” in 2019. She considers promoting Filipino music in Spain as her greatest accomplishment, sharing our diverse and rich culture to European audiences. Among Manila Adap’s inspirations are Lea Salonga, Soprano Lisette Oropesa and La Divina-Maria Callas. In general, she thinks that musicians and artists experience a variety of challenges but as a singer, keeping the voice

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Spanish Tenor Nacho Bas

healthy up to the actual performance or event is a great challenge as well as singing while you are sick. In addition, accepting rejections from auditions with grace can be quite difficult. She collaborated with Spanish Tenor Nacho Bas in 2021, wherein they recorded the song “Iliili, Tulog Anay” under Aombra Records. She will be participating in the “Festival de Música Iberoamericana de Madrid (FIMIM)” on May 22, 2022 and will showcase Filipino music in the said event. “Keep honing your musical talents and be friendly to everyone who likes to hear you sing…” Manila Adap’s advice to aspiring Filipino musicians in Europe. Tenor Nacho Bas started singing publicly when he was 9 years old as a soloist of La Escolania and started studying solfege and piano with music teachers from the Conservatorio de Madrid. He graduated at the Escuela Superior de Canto de Madrid and also received

a diploma in opera at L’Accademia Verdiana di Busseto. His mentors include Soprano Delmira Olivera, Francisco Ortiz, and Carlo Bergonzi. He is currently affiliated with Coro RTVE and artistic director/music producer of Lirica Time. He attended masterclasses with the acclaimed tenor Carlo Bergonzi, Francisco Ortiz and with Maestro Nicola della Santina at Accademia Giovanni All’Opera. Although he is inclined with operas, zarzuelas, and oratorios, he said he loves to experiment and explore other genres of music. He finds Filipino music very interesting and filled with emotions, coupled with instrumental richness that is different from Western music which is filled with nuances. His collaboration with Soprano Manila Adap came up because of their shared interest in making a fusion out of different cultures and musical concepts. It was a great experience, and he finds it very interesting. They recorded “Ili-ili, Tulog Anay” with Aombra Music Productions in 2021 and he wanted to do a version of the Filipino song “Sa Ugoy ng Duyan” soon. He thinks Filipino songs are melancholic and very expressive which draws us closer together in music. Its profound expressiveness transports you to Filipino culture. He thinks the intimacy and delicacy of Filipino music are some of the intertwining factors of both Filipino and Spanish music. He would love to collaborate with other Filipino musicians as well. Future engagements include Roc Opera at the Teatro Monumental de Madrid for the Spanish television which is a fusion of rock and classical music and little bit of opera and zarzuela. He is also finishing the recording of the last singles of his album “Solare” composed of opera arias which will be available soon in all digital platforms. “To all young and aspiring musicians, please do not stop training and honing your skills. Be patient until vocal maturity arrives and do not accept all the roles being offered to you and love this profession…” said Spanish tenor Nacho Bas.

www.nachobas.com

Fotos y videos de Instagram @nacho.bas

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