Roots & Wings | Winter 2017 by Roots and Wings

dear kababayans, We Are delighted to welcome you to the winter issue of Roots&Wings. We are a quarterly Euro-Pinoy mag which comes out every new season of the year. As I write this, winter is in full force in Europe, with temperatures down to a freezing -30 C while lucky me managed to escape the snow chaos and am now sitting in a verandah in a tropical isle south of Manila with temperatures up to + 25 C as coco palms are swaying lazily over my head. As we herald the new year 2017, we find ourselves with mixed feelings of pessimism, insecurity, even fear. Crisis upon crisis seem to be the normal mode on planet Earth. We wonder – what can we earthlings do to make this world more humane and habitable? There are no easy answers. But it looks like there is no better time to be heroic than now. Why not go and help someone? By doing so, each and everyone of us can make this world a much better place to live in. And talking about heroes, we have a bunch of them in this issue. We start with our artist…. Then we have Ms Malou Pangilinan, CEO of ECO Hotels, and her team, who have been running a chain of eco-friendly hotels in four major tourist destinations: Boracay, El Nido, Alona and Tagaytay. Then we have the “Hawak Kamay in Bergen” 2

a small organization with a big heart. Read how they helped the rice farmers in the province of Iloilo by providing them irrigation systems to enable them to grow rice continuously and bountifully. Or read our interview with the Swedish university student Patrik Lindholm, who decided to spend his time with the street children at Bahay Tuluyan in Malate to see for himself how these unfortunate children manage to survive against all odds. Read how our admirable Au-Pairs in Oslo empower themselves by learning the art of Arnis, the classic Filipino martial arts which is being taught and practiced in many European cities. Or how about the amazing Northern Lights experience of Maflor in Reykjavik? To see this natural phenomenon close-up is everyone’s fondest dream. Our new Travel Editor, Carl Hansen, 26 yrs old Pinoy-Swede, presently based in Siargao, has written ten reasons why we should visit Siargao. Watch out for more such travelogues. All hail to our team of writers, who believe that the best things in life are free, so they keep on sending articles gratis. A thousand thanks for your untiring support and enthusiasm. rawmags.com will not be possible without you! Rachel Hansen Founder/Editor

the team Rachel Hansen Editor & Founder Luz Bergersen Associate Editor, Oslo, Norway MARTHY ANGUE Associate Editor, Philippines DONNA MANIO Lifestyle Editor, Philippines Liza De Vera-Preiczer Bureau Editor, Vienna, Austria Lyndy Bagares Web Editor, Fornebu, Norway Arianne Faye Calvero Web Support MaFLOR SVANDIS Bureau Editor, Iceland Elizabeth “Betsy” Von Atzigen Bureau Editor, Switzerland Miles Viernes Bureau Editor, Oslo, Norway McKlein Onoya Web Master, Oslo, Norway

contents FEATURED ARTIST A chat with Harvey Bunda, pg. 4 INTERVIEWS Eco Hotel CEO Malou Pangilinan, pg. 12 | Swedish University Student Patrik Lindholm, pg. 16 EXPERIENCE The Northern Lights, pg. 22 | The Best of Siargao, pg. 24 NEWS Au Pairs in Norway take up Self Defense, pg. 28 | COMMUNITY Helping Hands Bergen, pg. 30 | Ambassador Joselito A. Jimeno pg. 33

He may very well be, along with his wife, the only Filipino in the former Yugoslavian Republic of Serbia at least given the nation’s immigration policy. He migrated to lead an art team by request of Eipix, a company that produces mobile games in Eastern Europe’s rapidly developing IT sector. Even before leaving Cavite for Novi Sad in December 2014 however, Harvey has been something of an odd-man-out. Never having gone to art school himself, Harvey has been teaching art classes for about a decade.

Specializing in Digital Art by profession, he has had a hand in recreating Renaissance-style egg tempera painting on canvas. Nowadays, Harvey has even began branching out from the visual arts into an instrument he didn’t discover a special facility for until coming to Europe: that of a cello. On this issue on Roots and Wings, we ask Harvey Bunda about his roots, his pursuits and his thoughts on art and arts education in the Philippines.

As Interviewed by Marthy Angue

Over here, I only need to work eight hours a day and maybe some overtime if needed. 6

Okay - so, first up: how’s Serbia this time of year? It’s really cold here now; kinda hard to ride the bike in the morning. The wind is super freezing and it’s also getting dark earlier. I actually need to buy a mask for biking because of it. This is your second winter, right? Yep, it’s our second winter here Wow. How’s it been different, working as an artist in Cavite and now working in Novi Sad. Beyond the surroundings and the weather, I mean. Well, working here is quite different. Over here, I only need to work eight hours a day and maybe some overtime if needed - and

ROOTS & WINGS AUTUMN 2016 | ARTIST IN FOCUS

that’s usually just an hour long as opposed to whole-day work days. Plus, people are a kinda more supportive with your ideas here and more open to collaborations. It’s especially different when you’re teaching art here; all of the students participate and tend to ask a lot of relevant questions. Sometimes, you even have to defend what you’re teaching to prove that it’s from an accurate source or that it’s correct in manner. Even younger art students are like that here. As opposed to the students you usually instruct back home? VERY much so. Back home, students tend to make a joke out of the lessons. Don’t get me wrong, we have good students back in the Philippines but the majority... I suppose you might call them “pa-cute?”

Was it the same way, back when you were studying art? Well, I didn’t really go to art school but yeah, only a couple of people took lessons seriously in our computer science course. Oh right, you took Computer Science. But you’ve been into art well before college, yeah? Yep, I used to read about the old masters in the school library I was in back when I was a kid. The school was a pre school, grade school, high school and college so I was this grade schooler reading up on Rembrandt at the College library. Not that I picked up everything at once though, most of what I did back in high school was comic book style. My friends didn’t really get into art though so that was something I had to develop on my own. I wanted to take an art course in 7

College - Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d have probably met like-minded people then - but my parents didnt like the idea. So how did you find your way back into the arts as a career? Well, I studied on my free time while slowly gathering clients online. It was a slow process. Little by little, small goals after small goals. Did you have any artists that inspired and influenced you through that time? It would probably be Linda Berkvist, J. Scott Campbell and Brian Froud. And what kind of projects were you taking in at the start? At first it was just small illustration projects and indie comics for personal clients. I was doing this freelance while I was employed as a designer and web developer for the Filipino gaming company Anino. Why did you choose to do freelancing full-time? I wanted to have time to study while working on other personal projects so I left the company and went freelance full-time. You mention studying; what would you say are the greatest learning tools you came across while you were a freelancer? I could probably say that good time management is the best tool one can have for learning + working. I practice the Pomodoro technique, which is a method of dividing your time so you can tackle different things more efficiently. I see. What did a typical day of learning and working like that look like, schedule-wise?

ROOTS & WINGS AUTUMN 2016 | ARTIST IN FOCUS

Back then, my scheduling was like: morning to noon research and practice, then afternoon till midnight, work time. But all of those are segregated into deliberate timings. This was the time when I learned digital painting.

Incredible. Can you tell us about it?

It’s been a long road since then. You founded a company back in 2011, as I recall.

The cello. Sounds like a major challenge.

Of course you recall that. We founded it together. I’m here now and I’m still a part of it, yeah. Haha. Now though, you’re heading a team in Serbia. A team of comic artists and authors, yes. It must be a pretty major jump from freelancing in Cavite. How did this gig come around? It started when I met one of their outsource managers while freelancing for this company called Eipix. I built a good working relationship with them and they asked me to move to Serbia. Eipix is the umbrella company of Imagine Incredible Has the change in environment changed your creative process as well? I like to think I have a better balance for work and personal life now that I’m just working eight hours instead of indefinitely like before. Ah. I do remember you have other creative outlets now other than your job with Imagine

Now im also learning more about music theory and learning to play the cello with my American teacher.

It is! Most people might think playing the cello is like learning any other instrument where you can learn just pick it up for a couple of months but, in reality, playing the cello would likely take a decade or more. It’s a pretty hard thing to do as an adult and I was really just thinking of taking it up as a hobby but when my teacher and I realized I could be a prodigy at it (I started writing music for it six weeks in,) it’s become more than a hobby but a personal obsession. I also developed a thing where I see music as shapes that I can make connections with that helps me visualize the music better - like an acquired synesthesia. Who’s you’re main motivation nowadays, especially with regards to your music? One of my biggest inspirations now is my teacher’s friend who teaches at Juilliard in America. He said my playing was phenomenal for a starting cellist, especially for a person who didnt study any music theory in the past. It kinda turned my life into something really different.

Wow. Where do you see taking your creative career in the future? Will you be pursuing both the visual and musical arts separately or do you imagine bringing them together at one point? I’ll be pursuing them both separately. Ah. So what kind of projects can we expect from you in this coming year? More comics from Imagine Incredible and more art academy teaching here in Serbia and certainly more musical compositions. Any traits or practices that you see among young Serbian artists that you think would help young artists if they adopted it back here? Yeah: be more serious with what you’re studying. Then you top it off with LOADS 10

OF HARD WORK. Art as a profession is not a walk in the park and neither is it a “THING” that you get in to be popular or whatever. You need LOADS OF HARD WORK for it - like what we did (the three of us did when starting our company.) Oh God, yes. We pretty much set up shop in your garage right after New Years 2012. Haha, yeah. Okay, so, last bit of stuff: tell us about any projects you’d like people to check out? They should check our stuff on Imagine Incredible’s site and facebook page! And your music? And check out my music at the Impossible Cellist which is in Youtube.

As Interviewed by Rachel Hansen

The view from Eco Hotel Tagaytay ECO hotels is an excellent example of a successful combination of sustainability and environment friendly business . Are ECO hotels new in the Philippines? Eco Hotel has been in operation only since March 2015 in our flagship property located in Tagaytay City, a weekend destination popular due to its proximity to Metro Manila. Pre-operation works â&#x20AC;&#x201C; conceptualization, design, architecture, training, research and development â&#x20AC;&#x201C; began late 2013. What actual measures are being done by your company to protect the planet? Despite being a small yet growing enterprise, we aim for our impact to reach greater heights, however gradually â&#x20AC;&#x201C; one employee at a time, one room at a time, one destination at a time, one global guest at a time. To begin with, our hotels are adorned with upcycled articles - plastic spoons, empty 14

bottles, tin cans, foil wraps, calamity stricken felled trees, egg crates, shipping pallets, reclaimed wood, corks. Not to be seen as mere eco-chic adornments, locals from communities where Eco Hotels are developed handcrafted these articles. Consider this the first step to giving back and enriching the community not only by providing employment but also by imparting ecological values to them. Other measures would be the more widespread practices by most green hotels like utilizing solar energy for power supply and water heating, gray water housekeeping applications through rainwater catchments, achieving zero waste by limiting one-time use amenities and waste segregation, driving recyclable initiatives, investing in ecofriendly fixture like inverter cooling systems, installing LED bulbs, and incorporating natural light in its architectural design. Execution of all these is aligned with our aim

ROOTS & WINGS AUTUMN 2016 | INTERVIEW

Sustainable architecture and amenities at Eco Hotel El Nido (above) and Alona, Bohol (right.)

to preserve the environment â&#x20AC;&#x201C; which we later intend to spread to the planet. By being eco-friendly, do you get enough support/endorsement from the decisionmakers? The whole concept started from the owners and has entrusted the decision-making process to their management team hence, yes, there is ample support and endorsement. Are Filipinos aware of future problems that will transpire if we do not take good care of our environment? Filipinos are a very clean people. They care for their bodies like a temple. If only there is the same conviction towards the environment, a campaign to save mother earth would have been unheard of. Fortunately, awareness to make environment care second nature is growing and Eco Hotels is there to make our own little contribution

to seeing this come alive. What can each and every Filipino contribute to minimize the eminent climate crisis? The most obvious but not exactly the easiest is waste management. Every Filipino must realize the value of keeping the surroundings clean and healthy. The act of throwing garbage in bins seems to be a lesson that needs constant reminding when it should not. It should be innate in every one. This basic trait when achieved, will lead to bigger steps and strides like segregation, composting, carbonless foot printing and the like.

Explore Eco Hotels for yourself! With branches in Tagaytay, Alona, El Nido, and Boracay - among many others - each one presenting the chainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s signature environmental features, visit their website at www.ecohotels.com.ph

ROOTS & WINGS AUTUMN 2016 | INTERVIEW

Patrik Lindholm is a student at the University of Stockholm in Sweden. He is finishing a masteral degree in Pedagogy with special focus on Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Upbringing and Development. Patrik travelled to Manila last autumn to do his internship at Bahay Tuluyan and to gather materials for his masteral thesis. Roots&Wings met Patrik to talk about his experiences at Bahay Tuluyan, which is a shelter for street children located in Malate, Manila.

years, I have heard about the Smokey Mountain in Manila and that there are thousands of street children roaming around those areas. I found out about Bahay Tuluyan (BT) in Google and the more I read about their work, the more it struck me that this is the right organisation for me do my internship. Needless to say I was very happy and honored that I was given this privelege to do my internship at Bahay Tuluyan.

How did you know about Bahay Tuluyan?

What exactly did you do at Bahay Tuluyan on a day to day basis?

During my final masteral studies at the University of Stockholm, I needed to do a 2 month internship work, preferably with an organisation focusing on childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rights and welfare, which is my main field of professional interest. In my younger

I was given different kinds of assignments but most of the time I was assigned at the Bahay Tuluyan Drop-In Center located at their head office in Malate, Manila. Every morning, the BT

ROOTS & WINGS AUTUMN 2016 | INTERVIEW

team would drive around the streets of Manila in a van to gather street children and then take them to the drop-in center. We have prearranged activities for the children. Sometimes I would play some games with them, or watch TV or just try to engage them in a conversation using body language as not many of them could speak English. The workers at Bahay Tuluyan are usually in charge of these activities and I just helped them as much as I possibly can. When all the activities are done, the children are given lunch and I usually sit and eat with them. After that, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time to drive the children back from the place where they had been picked up. In the afternoon, the BT team would again drive around in the underprivileged areas to distribute food and to do some kind of activities with the children. This is really very meaningful for me for I have seen that this is really where help is needed the most. Aside from all of these, I also got to help with some other work at the head office. I also went on a study trip to a nearby school and I traveled to a neighbouring province to visit another BT home there and see the projects they have been doing there which was very interesting.

I think Bahay Tuluyan is really doing a great job, both with their strong advocacy for creating awareness about childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rights and also for their serious work to support those children who need immediate or practical help. Even with their limited resources and the incredible challenges they face, the BT team are cheerful and indefatigable. And their various programs to benefit the underprivileged children really make a big difference and are promising.

To be in Tondo is like being in another planet in many ways and even if I knew that some people really have it so bad, I was not prepared for what I saw in Tondo.

What is your general impression about the work being done by the Bahay Tuluyan workers for the street children?

What do you consider the most unforgettable experience you had during this 2 month visit? What did you find the most rewarding part?

The most unforgettable (and heart wrenching) experience I ever had were the visits I made to the most affected areas in Tondo. To be in Tondo is like being in another planet in many ways and even if I knew that some people really have it so bad, I was not prepared for what I saw in Tondo. To realize that other human beings can live and survive surrounded by mountains of stinking garbage is beyond my comprehension. These human beings, especially the children, have practically nothing and are treated like garbage by the society. Thankfully, Bahay Tuluyan is struggling hard to give the children some kind of hope and a future. Every time I visited Tondo, I felt terribly sad that other human beings like me have to live under such circumstances. At the same time I was glad that I was able to take part in the program and activities if only for 2 months. 19

What do you think is the greatest challenge for these street children? What are their chances of leading a normal life when they grow up? While doing my research on street children I have already thought about these questions. I think one of the reasons why street children cannot find a way out of their situation is that they have already lost their hope of a better future at an early age and have already accepted their lot. They need to find some motivation to change their life for the better. Thanks to Bahay Tuluyan, many street children have found some meaning with their life. Bahay Tuluyan also gives other children the possibility to help others in similar situation and some kind of internship opportunities are available so that they can get some work experience at the BT head office in Manila which also houses a hotel. Bahay Tuluyan encourages and helps the children to pursue an education since this is the only way to secure a better life for the future. What do you think can be added to make the situation of the children at Bahay Tuluyan even better? Bahay Tuluyan has several projects in their agenda but sometimes they have to drop these projects for lack of financing. Their goal is to be independent but to achieve this they need more funds. One way to support the organization is to buy rice which Bahay Tuluyan grow in their farm. One can also offer oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s voluntary services which is always needed in many different ways. What do you think do the Swedish children and the Filipino street children have something in common?

Like Swedish children back home, the street children in Manila are sometimes happy, sometimes sad, loves to play games with each other and like to learn new things. We are all human beings and that is why I get so very sad that some of us have to be deprived of our basic human needs just because we happen to be born in the Philippines. All children, no matter where they are born, should be able to pursue their dreams and I think Bahay Tuluyan is working hard to help these street children find a way to realize their dreams. Would you encourage others to visit Bahay Tuluyan and do volunteer work with the street children? Why? I really believe that it is very rewarding for anyone to see with their own eyes and feel with their own heart how the poorest and the underprivileged live in this world. It is very rewarding to be able to do something to help others and to see the work done by the BT team. And then it also makes one appreciate oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own life in a different light, with a fresh perspective on what it would have been like if one had been born in another place and another environment. But, inspite of all the miseries, I am glad and thankful that I was given this chance to do volunteer work for Bahay Tuluyan and I hope that I will have another chance to help more children in the same way in the future. If you wish do volunteer work at Bahay Tuluyan please visit their website. If you wish to donate http://bahaytuluyan.org/au/donate-or-sponsor/ Account name: BTPA Inc BSB 033Â 000 A/N 966 498 As Interviewed by Rachel Hansen

Patrik Lindholm with fiancee Jenny Hansen 21

by Maflor Blanchefleur Svandis,| Reykjavik, photos by Jonathan Eyre

Let me tell you about the Northern Lights,

also known as the Aurora Borealis, as seen from Reykjavik in Iceland where I live. Oh yes, I´ve seen them now and then and its magic always mesmerizes me. It never ceases to amaze, always one of the most incredible off-the-grid experiences of my life to witness them up close, lighting up the sky and dancing above me. Everyone should experience this natural phenomenon in real life. Its other name - the Aurora Borealis is a combination of the name of the Roman goddess of the dawn, Aurora and the Greek word for the north wind, Boreas. In ancient Roman mythology, Aurora is the goddess of the dawn, renewing herself every morning to fly across the sky, announcing the arrival of the Sun. Certain Nordic cultures thought the Aurora to be

a fox or a dragon in the sky, while others believed it was their fallen ancestors or even a group of Valkyries riding across the sky to Valhalla with the slain warriors. Indeed, it is one of the most spectacular celestial display in nature. The Northern Lights are elusive and tourists from around the world flock to Iceland every year in the hope of catching even a fleeting glimpse of the Northern Lights. The “Dawn of the North” can be visible as early as August but the best season to see the northern lights in Iceland is from late September to March. This spectacle requires dark and partly clear skies. And if you are lucky, you might find them showing off right above you while walking downtown or during the highest activity you can just go on the outskirt of Reykjavík.

ROOTS & WINGS AUTUMN 2016 | EXPERIENCE

Northern Lights Display and its causes In order to enjoy the wonders of an Aurora display it is necessary to stay as far away from other lights sources as possible. An Aurora display can be several hundreds of kilometers in size and happen at 80-200km above the Earth. Therefore it is often possible to see the same display from various viewpoints. Sunspot frequencies and the solar cycle determine the quantity of Auroras seen on earth. The “solar magnetic activity cycle” is the periodic change in the Sun´s activity and appearance. It has been observed by changes in the sun´s appearance and by changes seen on Earth, such as the Auroras.

“Auroral Zone”, a ring-shaped region with a radius of approximately 2500 km around the Earth´s magnetic pole. They are most clearly seen at night against a dark sky. The Aurora Borealis itself produces no sounds. However, there are some indications that the Aurora can cause electromagnetic fluctuations on the ground that might result in sounds close to electrical systems. It has been known for Auroras to damage satellites and cause disruptions and blackouts in power grids. So, time to move Iceland up on your bucket list

The Auroral Zone, Temperature and Sounds

Legend has it that if you make a wish upon your first sight of the Northern Lights, your wish will come true before the year is out. In closing, I hope these photos will inspire you.

Most Auroras occur in a band known as the

See you in Iceland!

Oh yes, I´ve seen them now and then and its magic always mesmerizes me.

Carl Hansen takes us to the island of Siargao, a haven to many an adventurous visitor, to count down the ten best things the island has to offer! by Carl Hansen | photographs by Angel Katherine, Kapao Gubalor, and Charmaigne Navaja

ROOTS & WINGS AUTUMN 2016 | EXPERIENCE

10. Surfing

Known as the ”Surfing Capital of the Philippines” the main reason Europeans first came to Siargao was to surf. There are many different surf spots all around the island. Cloud 9 known for its perfect barrels, actually made the island world famous. The annual international surfing competition attract surfers and tourists from all over the world.

9. Food

As tourism has been increasing on the island so has the diversity of food and places to eat have grown. With everything from local filipino food, fusion restaurants, classic western and Italian cuisine, one can always find a new exciting place to eat. Or if you prefer your own home cooking, just pass by the market and there you will find everyday a variety of fresh fish like tuna, mahi mahi, blue marlin and squid amongst others. I highly recommend that you try Kinilaw, which is deboned fish straight from the sea, marinated in coconut vinegar, ginger, onions, chilli. Voilá. Simply yummy.

8. Atmosphere

Very special. Siargao will always have a place in my heart, since the first time I came here 3 years ago I knew there is something magical here. True it has changed quite a lot since the first time I came but the wonderful vibe remains. The beautiful sorroundings, the incredibly relaxed and laid-back atmosphere gives you the feeling that all is right with the world. Its one of those places where you feel like you never want to leave or you will always miss badly if you do. Maybe that’s why so many tourists end up extending their stay here or just choose to never leave at all. 25

7. Island Hopping

Naked, Guyam, Dako are three amazing islands you just have to visit. Most resorts or hotels on the island will be happy to arrange a boat trip to these wonderful and easily accessible islands, which are a part of the thousands of islands dotting the archipelago.

6. Magpupunko

The Magpupunko rock formation is a must-see and a perfect half day trip. Easy to find and only 40 minutes away from town proper. Best way to get here is to rent a bike and enjoy the ride and the gorgeous scenery along the way.

5. Beaches

There are beautiful beaches everywhere in Siargao. Each one has its own charm. Just choose between white beach, quiet beach, surfers beach or any beach is just as good.

4. Sugba Lagoon

A couple of hours away from General Luna is the Sugba Lagoon, one of Siargaoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s treasures you should not miss. Spend the day at its beautiful surroundings and make sure you do not miss the opportunity to get on a paddleboard and explore the lagoon. 26

3. Yoga

Yoga has recently become a big thing on the island as well. With many places offering yoga classes several times a week, this is a must-try.

2. The Smiling Pig

Combining my favorite place in the world with the best hostel I’ve stayed at during my years of traveling, just makes this place even more perfect. And it’s not because it has amazing beds with luxurious aircon rooms, but because it’s simple and down-to-earth. It relies on the vibe of its guests and always seems to attract the right crowd.

1. The Island

Even if some areas of Siargao are getting busier, most of the island is still entirely untouched. Renting a motorbike for a day and just drive around and explore the island, stopping by the different beaches, the rock pools or just watch people surf. Siargao has a lot to offer and you will be amazed how irresistible it is to be here. What are you waiting for? See you in Siargao!

The Au Pair Center/On Equal Terms Norway invited internationally known Grand Master Danny Huertas on November 13 to teach Filipino Martial Arts (FMA) as a self-defense to interested au pairs. In a two-hour session, Master Huertas taught the basic self-defense of Val Pableo Eskrima Evalution. Master Huertas is a holder of the rank of 6th grade black belt in Doce Pares Multi System under the supervision of Grand Master Dionisio ‘Diony’ Canete and Grand Master Percival ‘Val’ Pableo. He organized the Oslo Eskrima Club together with Norwegian teacher Master Karl Remoy and FMA practitioner Peyman Mirtaheri. The Club promoted FMA Doce Pares in Norway. GM Huertas traveled every year to the Philippines to train FMA. He also attended seminars around Europe. In 2004, he formed his own group called Doce Pares Norway. The aim of the club is to promote FMA specially to the new generation of Filipinos who are born and raised in foreign countries. There are now seven Doce Pares Clubs in Norway. In 2011 SGM Diony Canete appointed Master Huertas the director of Doce Pares Europe. As Director, he has supervision over all its chapters and affiliates in Sweden, Greece, Italy, Hungary, Belgium and Bulgaria. He continues to teach Filipino Martial Arts in Norway and other countries in Europe. “This is my passion,” he said. “It is an honor to promote Eskrima Kali Arnis. It is my great pride to do so, for I am after all a Filipino,” he added. Au Pairs Learn Fast I witnessed the enthusiasm and excitement of the au pairs who participated in the session. They learned the steps fast and Master Huertas was delighted. Fritzie Blorecia, one of the participants is an AB Psychology graduate from the Saint Joseph

NEWS

Au pairs in Norway attend FMA self-defense training by Miles Viernes Institute of Technology in Agusan del Sur. Prior to being an au pair, she worked at a call center in the province. Her first assignment as au pair was in the Netherlands where she stayed for one year. Then she went to Sweden for another two years. Her hosts in both countries were very considerate and fair. She now works for equally nice hosts in Oslo. But they will be moving to Monaco because her hosts will be assigned there. She plans to eventually return to the Philippines to pursue a masteral degree. For Fritzie, being an au pair, a cultural exchange program, is a ticket to travel and see the world. “Hindi ito ang buhay nakalaan sa akin. Gusto ko bumalik sa Pilipinas,” she said. (This is not the life intended for me. I want to go back the Philippines). She hopes to enter government service, possibly at the Department of Social Welfare and Development in her province. Fritzie is familiar with arnis because it was one of the sports activities in Physical Education course when she was in high school. But she was not at first interested in attending the training

at the Au Pair Center. A taekwondo player who has participated in various tournaments, she wondered what she would get out of arnis. “Pero naging masaya,” she said. “Maganda pala na selfdefense,” she added. (It was fun. It’s good as selfdefense.) Another au pair who joined the training is Mayjorite Navoa, a nursing graduate from the St Paul College Foundation, Inc. in Cebu City. Like Fritzie, Mayjorite also started as au pair in Netherlands. Then she transferred to Belgium before she came to Norway. Her hosts are also generous and friendly. Unlike Fritzie who wants to return to the Philippines after her au pair experience, Mayjorite will remain in Norway at the end of her contract and practice her profession. Her papers have been approved by the Helsedirektorated (Norwegian Directorate of Health), the office responsible for all categories of profession within the legally regulated health sector. This will pave the way for her to be employed as helsefagarbeider or nurse assistant. Mayjorite also enjoyed the arnis experience. She

welcomes the opportunity to learn more about FMA when it is offered again. Krizel Cimafranca Polego was an au pair in Denmark before coming to Norway..She has been in Oslo as au pair since December 2015. She is also lucky to have nice hosts who consider her as part of the family. Asked about her arnis experience, she said, “It’s fun. I like it. If only I have enough time I would enroll to learn more. Ang ganda na may alam kang sariling marital arts na sariling atin. (It’s good to know about martial arts we can call our own.) She hopes to work as health care assistant in Norway when her contract as au pair ends. Ms. Regina Deana Cruz Pascual, Activities Leader at the Au Pair Center Norway said there are other weekend activities for the au pairs like ice skating, visiting museums, going to the movies and other outdoor activities. Information meetings about regulations concerning the au pair scheme, and reproductive health awareness courses are also being conducted.

Helping Hands: Hawak Kamay Bergen by Sonnie Jay Valderrama | Bergen

Bergen is situated in the west coast of Norway and the second largest Norwegian city. Founded in the year 1070, it is the European City of Culture, the Gateway to the Fjords, a UNESCO Heritage Site and birthplace of the beloved composer Edward Grieg. It is famous for its breathtaking beauty with seven majestic mountains, the city perched on high, overlooking the sea. Bergen is also well-known for its fish market and one of Norway’s biggest cultural events, the Bergen International Festival is held here every year. There are many Filipinos living in Bergen. Most of them are working in the local industry, in hospitals, as au-pairs and many other interesting jobs. It is here in Bergen that Hawak Kamay was founded. 30

ROOTS & WINGS AUTUMN 2016 | COMMUNITY

What is Hawak Kamay Bergen? Hawak Kamay means holding hands in Tagalog. It symbolizes unity, solidarity and reaching out. A non-profit humanitarian organization composed of ten volunteer board members. It is legally registered in Brønnøysundregistrene with the organization number 998 787 513.

The organization is dedicated in bringing life quality back to people in unfortunate situations in the Philippines, and at the same time, we celebrate diversity and encourage crosscultural engagement by presenting in various contemporary arts and sharing them to our International guests. Completed projects. Hawak Kamay Bergen has been giving financial support to two beneficiaries in the Philippines. These charity organizations play a very important role to help rehabilitate children experiencing traumatic situations (from serious domestic violence, rape, victims of human trafficking, street children), giving free legal aid, providing

shelter and basic needs and education. These two organizations are the Gender Watch Against Violence and Exploitation and La Casa Esperanza (the House of Hope). For more details and pictures documentation kindly visit our website www.hawak-kamay.org

Restore Philippines Livelihood Project Hawak Kamay Bergen started this project when typhoon Haiyan, the strongest typhoon in the history of humanity hit the islands in central Philippines in November 8, 2013. With wind strength of 345 km/h combined with pouring rain and giant waves, many families lost their houses and livelihood, many establishments were totally ruined and many lives were lost. Hawak Kamay immediately delivered five-day rations of food and water to families in the town of Panay Island, where the organization sent help to approximately 3 600 people. With the help of its Liaison officer in the Philippines and many other volunteers, relief goods were delivered quickly to the starving survivors. Restore Philippines Livelihood Project was established as a continuation of these relief efforts. Hawak Kamay decided to help rice farmers in Pinantan Diel, as rice growing is the most vital livelihood in these vast areas. These farmers could not continue growing rice because of damaged irrigation system. Hawak Kamay Bergen decided to provide the farmers with the engines and pumps needed to facilitate irrigation thereby making it possible to grow rice again. By providing these basic tools, Hawak Kamay Bergen believes that it is possible to help more by helping them in such a way that they can be

self-sustainable in the future. By giving them back their means of livelihood. Just the way they have lived it for many hundreds of years. More support is needed We are happy to share with you positive news about our ongoing RESTORE PHILIPPINES LIVELIHOOD PROJECT 2017. This projecthave given us great results, where recipients are now self-sustained, they have built their own homes, they are sending their children to schools, they have continuous access to water which in turn generates job to their neighboring barangay or villages during harvesting time. RESTORE PHILIPPINES LIVELIHOOD PROJECT will be soon completed. And our new project will emerge as soon as we have enough support to start it with. Do you want to help? If yes, please join us in our events and visit our website www.hawak-kamay.org or check our Facebook page: Hawak Kamay Bergen, where we actively give updates about our projects and fundraising events so one can get to know more about our work. Your engagement means a lot to us. If you feel generous, you are most welcome to send help to Hawak Kamay Account at DNB with IBAN NO80 1503 Â 3109 Â 234 and BIC code is DNBANOKK Maraming salamat po!

ROOTS & WINGS AUTUMN 2016 | COMMUNITY

Math and Business Strategist for an Ambassador: on Joselito A. Jimeno by Betsy von Atzigen | St. Gallen Switzerland and Liechtenstein relish the timely appointment of H.E. Ambassador Joselito A. Jimeno, previously known to Filipino-American, Russian, Chinese, German and Middle Eastern diplomatic communities. He is the Philippine Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Switzerland and Liechtenstein and holds the rank of Chief of Mission I. Prior to Berne, Ambassador Jimeno served in the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs as Assistant Secretary of the Office of Strategic Planning and Policy Coordination, and earlier as the Philippine Ambassador to Oman from 2011 to 2013. He served as Consul General at the Philippine Consulate General in Guangzhou, China from 2009 to 2011, and as Minister and Consul General at the Philippine Embassy in Moscow, Russia from 2007 to 2009. He held the post of First Secretary and Consul and later, as Minister at the Philippine Embassy in Washington DC, USA, as Deputy Consul General at the Philippine Consulate General in New York from 2002 to 2003, and First Secretary and Consul General at the Philippine Embassy in Berlin, Germany from 1999 to 2002.

Interestingly, Mr. Jimeno worked in the private sector as Senior Staff Assistant at the Philippines’ largest professional multidisciplinary services firm, SyCip Gorres Velayo (SGV) & Company, and later in the Executive Development Program at Citytrust Bank/FNCB Finance before embarking on his diplomatic career. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics and a Master’s degree in Business Administration, both from the University of the Philippines. The coming year 2017 is especially momentous for the Ambassador’s term of office as it coincides with the celebration of the 60th anniversary of the Philippine-Switzerland diplomatic relations. What marks this once in a lifetime extraordinary event is the purpose-driven leadership of Ambassador Jimeno, his committed Embassy staff, his gracious and lovely wife Mrs. Araceli Cuesta Jimeno of Baguio City and a uniquely inspired community of Pinoy-Swiss leaders. Stay and connect with Roots and Wings as it unfurls 60 years of flourishing Philippine-Swiss relations in the next 12 months.