LONDON
MAY 2016
Splash PHILIPPINES
232 16
Splash PHILIPPINES Splash PHILIPPINES
MAY 2016 APRIL 2012 MAY 2016
LONDON LONDON
Verbatim I cannot fail. I will die if I cannot deliver. It’s with humility, extreme humility that I accept this, the mandate of the people. . . I am just a mayor of a city in Mindanao and I have no exposure in national politics and yet they place their trust in me. Until now, I cannot explain to myself why it is that way.
I wish you success, Mayor Duterte. Your success is the success of the Filipino people. Administration bet Mar Roxas, in his concession speech on May 10
Presidential frontrunner Rodrigo Duterte, speaking in a press conference one day after the May 9 election
FULL PAGE AD
Iginagalang ko ang resulta ng ating halalan. Binabati ko si Mayor Rodrigo Duterte . . . Hindi ito pagsuko. Ito ay pagbibigay respeto sa demokrasya. Kagabi hinanda ko na and victory speech namin dahil sa palagay ko, tulad ng nakita ninyo na mga kasama kong nagikot ikot ay talagang mananalo tayo. Vice President Jejomar Binay, exuding confidence on the eve of the presidential elections where he is trailing at fourth place in the latest count
Sen. Grace Poe, conceding defeat to Mayor Rodrigo Duterte
I am now 86 years old but my heart is still here and my love remains strong for my fellow Filipinos, especially for the country. Former First Lady Imelda Marcos, campaigning for son Sen. Bongbong Marcos in Leyte
I’ll never be part of any kind of cheating or subterfuge. I’ve always believed the will of the people should prevail . . . I’m not like you. Vice presidential bet Leni Robredo, reacting to Sen. Bongbong Marcos’ allegation that in the event Duterte and Robredo win, the Liberal Party will plot to impeach Duterte so Robredo would take over
MAY 2012 2016 APRIL
LONDON
FULL PAGE AD
Splash PHILIPPINES
3
Splash PHILIPPINES
MAY 2016
LONDON
For Filipinos Abroad, Home Is Calling By trefor moss • The Wall Street Journal
M
ANILA — For years Filipinos with professional ambitions knew the surest way to realize them: leave the Philippines.
Since the 1970s, Filipinos by the millions have left the country—many for jobs as domestic helpers, chauffeurs and construction workers, but also doctors, academics and tech professionals who saw no prospect of earning a good salary or achieving their career goals at home. But the trend is finally turning. Talented Filipinos once driven overseas by their country’s stagnation are beginning to return in greater numbers, raising hopes that the “brain drain” that has stunted development may finally be going into reverse. Political stability and economic growth—averaging 6.2% between 2010 and 2015, second only to China’s among East Asia’s major economies—are changing perceptions among the Philippines’ diaspora. Since reaching more than 10.4 million Filipinos living abroad in 2011—a nearly 50% jump from 2005—the number of Filipinos working abroad has gradually begun to fall, according to the government’s Commission on Filipinos Overseas. Improving conditions at home are dovetailing with weakening demand for imported labor in places like the Middle East. President Benigno Aquino III recently said the number of overseas Filipinos may be as low as 9.4 million, and cited the decline as one of his administration’s main achievements. There is no data on how many white-collar Filipinos have returned, but the trend is
visibly gathering pace, said Raphael Oriel, the editor of the Filipino-American magazine Balikbayan. Taking its name from the Filipino word for “returnee” and filled with articles enticing expatriates home, the magazine has significantly increased circulation over the past few years, he said. “A lot of people were turned off by the previous administration and all the stories of corruption—the country had an image crisis,” said Mr. Oriel, referring to the years before Mr. Aquino became president in 2010. “But now a lot of these people are seeing the Philippines as somewhere they can seriously think about going back to.” Paco Sandejas was at Stanford University in the 1990s when he founded the Brain Gain Network, a community of overseas Filipino technology professionals he hoped would work together to counter the so-called brain drain, or the emigration of highly qualified Filipinos. “We didn’t attract much interest” at the time, Mr. Sandejas said. “Many just said, ‘Why would I want to do that? The Philippines is such a mess.’ But now the tide has turned, there are many people coming back.” And some are coming back to establish startups or take
senior executive roles at existing companies, bringing a new dynamism to the economy. Today Mr. Sandejas runs Narra Venture Capital, one of several venture-capital firms in Manila’s nascent startup scene. The Brain Gain Network—which connects Filipino expatriates with one another and with potential employers in the Philippines—has grown to 2,500 individuals. Nearly half of the Filipinos abroad are thought to have settled overseas permanently, according to the Commission on Filipinos Overseas. But some of them are having a change of heart. John San Pedro didn’t set foot in the Philippines for 40 years after his family fled the turmoil of the Marcos dictatorship in the 1970s. But in 2014 he gave up a successful information-technology career in the U.S. to found a startup incubator, Incubix Technologies, in Manila. “I realized something was really happening here,” he said. Whether it continues may depend in part on the May 9 election for a successor to the
term-limited Mr. Aquino. He delivered political stability and curbed graft during his six-year tenure, and consolidating those gains will be key to bringing back more of the experienced professionals the country needs, economists say. “These are the entrepreneurs, the people who create jobs and stimulate the economy,” said Cielito Habito, who served as socioeconomic planning secretary in the 1990s. Patrick Cuartero launched Pylon Partners, an umbrella company for a range of business ventures, in 2014, three years after resettling in Manila to run Groupon’s Philippine operations. Mr. Cuartero employs 60 people and has plans to rapidly expand his workforce to 400 as demand surges in the bar and restaurant sector, one of Pylon’s areas of interest, thanks to the increasing affluence of Manila’s middle class. “If you are an entrepreneur, you can really make things happen here,” Mr. Cuartero said. To be sure, thousands of Filipinos still leave the country every day. In 2014 nearly half a million went abroad to take contract work, according to the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration, which links Filipino job seekers and foreign employers, while nearly a million more renewed existing contracts. That doesn’t count those who go abroad outside the agency’s auspices. Nearly four million jobs were created in the Philippines during President Aquino’s six years. If the next administration can slash red tape for businesses and encourage domestic investment, it will persuade more entrepreneurs to return, and enable more workers to stay, said Ronald Mendoza, an economist at Ateneo de Manila University. “Already some people are saying, [an overseas salary] is not enough to make it worth leaving my family,” said Mr. Mendoza. “That’s a good sign.” n
MAY 2012 2016 APRIL
LONDON
US
FULL PAGE AD
£20 FREE Lycamobile Top-Up
PL
Splash PHILIPPINES
*T&Cs apply
£403 OUR PREFERRED PARTNER
DIRECT FLIGHTS fr
£489 30kg
46kg 40kg
CLARK CEBU KALIBO DAVAO 30kg
£527 fr £537 fr £689 fr £679 fr
30kg
Speak to our Filipino travel experts on 0207 132 00 74 Ronie : 0740 575 28 84 | Joyce : 0740 448 94 49 | Aireen : 0744 824 87 21 | Email : phl@lycafly.com
Canary Wharf, Walbrook Building, 195 Marsh Wall, London E14 9SG - 0207 132 32 32 All fares shown above are subject to limited availability. The Free Lycamobile top-up offer is offered to each fully paid adult return ticket and will not be offered to child/infant and one way tickets. The Lycamobile top-up offer is not valid for selected airlines. The Lycamobile top-up offer is not exchangeable, transferable or redeemable for cash. LycaFly reserves the right to withdraw this offer before the expiry date, without notice.
5 3
Splash PHILIPPINES
By cecil morella
Agence France-Presse
P
RESIDENTIAL frontrunner Rodrigo Duterte has flippantly brushed aside campaign trail allegations of accepting million-dollar gifts, while his rivals have refused to disclose their backers, deepening concerns over business titans’ shadowy grip on politics.
The Philippines has one of Asia’s biggest rich-poor divides, with poverty rates remaining stuck in recent years despite strong economic growth, and analysts say one of the reasons for the disparity is the debt that politicians owe their secret backers. Under the nation’s campaign financing laws, there are no caps on how much people or companies can give to candidates, nor are there limits on individual donations. They also do not have to reveal their backers until a month after polling day. Duterte has entrenched himself as the clear frontrunner for May 9 elections by portraying himself as a frugal, antiestablishment politician who is tough enough to take on the elites. “When I become president, by the grace of God, I serve the people, not you,” Duterte told reporters two days before the elections, referring to the elite. But in the final stages of the campaign trail Duterte, who is meant to earn less than $2,000 a month as the mayor of the southern city of Davao, was hit with allegations that millions of dollars had poured into secret bank accounts. He initially denied there were any hidden accounts. After a journalist deposited money into them, he admitted they did exist and that 193.7 million pesos ($4.2 million) were de-
MAY 2016
LONDON
Business Titans Secretly Fund Philippine Presidential Bets
of looting $10 billion from state coffers during his two-decade rule, rejected the notion that he would be beholden to his secret donors.
Weak laws
Makati Business Club co-vice chair Jaime Augusto Zobel De Ayala shakes hand with Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte when the latter spoke before the business group last month. posited into them on his birthday two years ago, nearly 10 times his declared assets. “That only means I have many rich friends,” he said, refusing to disclose who they were. Asked at an earlier national television debate to name his campaign donors, Duterte gave a mocking answer, answering “Emilio Aguinaldo,” a leader of the Philippines’ 19th-century war for independence from colonial power Spain.
Buying politicians His rivals similarly have felt no obligation to tell voters who their backers are, let alone how much they have been paid by them. Senator Grace Poe, who has been in politics for just three years and fashions herself as a lily-white poster image of change and probity, has been widely rumored to be backed by taipans Eduardo Cojuangco and Ramon Ang. They are in charge of San Miguel Corporation, one of the nation’s biggest conglomerates. Cojuangco was one of dicta-
tor Ferdinand Marcos’s cronies until the 1986 “People Power” revolution sent the strongman into US exile. Cojuangco fled on the same plane but returned three years later and kept building his business empire, while also running a political party that today is backing Poe. When asked by Agence France-Presse (AFP) to confirm that Cojuangco and Ang were funding her campaign, Poe spoke only in general terms that there was nothing wrong with taking money from people linked with Marcos. “All candidates have support from both sides of the fence. If they say they don’t have any they’re lying,” Poe replied. Marcos’s son and namesake, who is seeking to cement a remarkable political comeback for the family by being elected vice president on May 9, also referred only to his legal obligations, when asked by AFP in an interview to disclose his backers. Ferdinand Marcos Jnr, whose late father was accused
In the Philippines, campaign spending is meant to be capped at 10 pesos per voter, which this year will mean a maximum budget for each presidential candidate equivalent to about $11 million. In some advanced Western democracies the donations are typically limited to relatively small sums to encourage a larger section of the population to put their representative into office. However in the Philippines the uncapped donations mean the funding can be provided by big-money donors in hopes of currying favours with an entire government, according to Ronald Mendoza, newly appointed dean of the Ateneo School of Government in Manila. He said the porous election finance safeguards made the economy vulnerable to being held captive by big-time punters’ personal interests. “Only a few can give such large amounts . . . so you’re no longer accountable to people who voted you in. You become more accountable to the person who actually financed you,” Mendoza told AFP. Historically, Mendoza said this led to monopolies and economic stagnation, since reforms were blocked and competition discouraged to enable campaign benefactors to recoup their investment on the new leader. A mere 308 Filipinos funded the 2010 presidential election, turning them into virtual venture capitalists financing high-risk startups, according to a study by the Manila-based Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ). n
LONDON
APRIL 2016
6
PHILIPPINES
MAY 2012 2016 APRIL
Splash PHILIPPINES 7 3 London Edition
SP PR LA O P SH E R M TY AG O AZ F IN E
PLANET
Ltd, Churchill House,
FULL PAGE AD
APRIL 2016
PLANET
PHILIPPINES
London EditionLondon Edi
40 Filipino-
UK Immigration Bill to Force Refugees Into Poverty, Destitution
T
HE BRITISH Red Cross figures show that at least 3,373 refugees and asylum seekers in the U.K. have been destitute over the past three months. Legislative proposals by the U.K government will likely force refugees and asylum seekers into poverty and destitution, the British Red Cross warned. The country’s immigration Bill, which is currently moving through Parliament, is expected to further curtail levels of asylum support by eliminating payments for food parcels, clothing and small amounts of emergency cash. at least 3,373 refugees and asyThe number of people suplum seekers in the U.K. have ported by the service has risen been destitute over the past by more than 10 percent since AREFUL AboUt your language? three months. the same period in 2015, when don’tDestitute be “high blood.” refugees and asylum 2,975 people were Come seen,on, the seekers areEnglish found across the It’s now perfectly correct agency said. U.K., with the will Red Cross sup“Cutting off this support, as a “presidentiable” to say that porting most frequently the Immigration Billstamp proposes out “carnap” andpeople “salvage” in Leicester, London and Birto do, is a red line that should incidents, or that your “barkada” mingham, the Organization not be crossed, ” Alex Fraser, will go on a “gimmick” as long as said. director of refugee support at it’s “KKb.” “These figures show that peothe Red Cross argued. ple who seek safety in the U.K. The charity’s figures show that
Coined Words Now in Oxford Dictionary
after fleeing conflict and persecution are increasingly at risk of becoming destitute in the most literal sense of the word,” Fraser added. The legislative proposal also includes a measure that would remove statutory asylum support for asylum seekers with
the oxford English Dictionchildrenarywho exhausted (oED)have has included 40 Filitheir appeal pino rights. terms—compound words Of thoseand supported by theusage Red of uniquely Philippine Cross, 12 percent been English words—inhave the June 2015 grantedupdate refugee status by the as of what is recognized Home Office. the “definitive record of the English language.” (Telesur) In a news release the oED said the dictionary’s latest update “sees the inclusion of a number of words from Philippine English
The Oxford English Dictionary said its latest update “sees the inclusion of a number of words from Philippine English as part of our ongoing commitment to recording words from all varieties of English, throughout the world.” This page is brought to you by
+12
Splash PHILIPPINES
MAY 2016
LONDON
Duterte’s Shocking, Shrewd Shot at the Philippine Presidency By karl malakunas
Agence France-Presse
M
ANILA - Rodrigo Duterte launched his profanity-laced campaign to become president of the mainly Catholic Philippines with a tirade against the pope that included branding the revered figure’s mother a prostitute.
On the hustings since, the 71-year-old has joked about wanting to rape a murdered Australian missionary, and vowed to kill tens of thousands of criminals then pardon himself for mass murder. Duterte has also bragged about his Viagra-fuelled serial adultery, called his daughter a “drama queen” for talking about being sexually abused, and told lawmakers he would shut down Congress if they did not follow his orders. Using such tactics -- which have drawn comparisons with US Republican Donald Trump and similarly upended conventional political wisdom -- Duterte has become the shock favorite to win the May 9 election. While it is easy to be fooled by Duterte’s controversial comments, analysts say he has shrewdly created an image as an anti-establishment figure capable of providing quick solutions to deep-rooted problems such as crime and poverty. “He has become the symbol of frustration, maybe even desperation, of those who have put their trust and hope in the elite
Duterte’s supporters see him as the people’s candidate who represents a politics of the extreme and ‘voices the helplessness and rage of Filipinos.’ in this country,” Manila-based political analyst Ramon Casiple told AFP. Since the fall of dictator Ferdinand Marcos in 1986, the Philippines has been mostly ruled at local and national levels by a small group of families backed by powerful businessmen -- a system that has helped entrench one of Asia’s biggest rich-poor divides. The current president, Benigno Aquino, belongs to such a clan and has in the final stages of his rule been fiercely criticised for what many voters regard as perpetuating an economic model that favours the wealthy. Aquino has overseen an economy that has grown by an average of six percent a year since assuming the presidency in 2010, and won international plaudits for trying to tame crippling corruption. But roughly one quarter of the nation’s 100 million people still live below the poverty line, barely changed from six years ago.
Targeting the elite, criminals Duterte, a lawyer who has ruled the major southern city of Davao for most of the past two decades, has on the campaign trail repeatedly criticised the elite and the national power structure. “When I become president, by the grace of God, I serve the people, not you,” he told reporters, referring to the elite. “Shit. My problem is the people at the bottom of society... my problem is how to place food on the table.” Duterte says the key to eradicating poverty is to end crime, and he is offering a brutal solution that bypasses a notoriously corrupt and inefficient judicial system -- ordering security forces to kill criminals. He promises to end crime within six months of his presidency, a seemingly impossible goal that nevertheless millions of Filipinos are embracing.
Death squad fears To prove that he can end crime, Duterte has regularly
pointed to his record in Davao, which he says he has turned into one of the Philippines’ safest cities. Human rights groups allege Duterte’s zero-tolerance approach to crime has included running vigilante squads that have killed more than 1,000 people. Duterte bragged in a recent television interview about running the squads, saying 1,700 people had actually been killed, and at other times denied any knowledge of them. But he has been unequivocal about his vows to unleash hell on criminals, making those plans a central feature of every campaign speech. In one address to a crowd in a small town in the northern Philippines attended by AFP, Duterte smiled as he gave business advice to those in the crowd to start up funeral parlours in preparation of him winning the election. “The funeral parlours will be packed... I’ll supply the dead bodies,” he said, to huge cheers and laughter. His aides regularly brief journalists that Duterte’s outrageous language is part of an act, and that he will be far more moderate once he is ensconced in the presidential palace. Aquino, whose mother led a “people power” revolution that overthrew strongman Ferdinand Marcos in 1986, thinks otherwise. The president, who is limited by the constitution to a single term, has repeatedly warned voters they risk another dictatorship if they elect Duterte. For Clarita Alia, a 62-yearold slum dweller in Davao, the fears are a lot more personal. Alia lost four sons, the youngest aged 14, to what she and rights groups believe were the death squads. “He has no morals,” Alia told AFP at her shanty home. “God help us if they win... parents look after your children.” n
MAY 2012 2016 APRIL
LONDON
FULL PAGE AD
Splash PHILIPPINES
9 3
10
Splash PHILIPPINES
MAY 2016
LONDON
‘Not About Me’
A
FTER an extremely divisive election, unexpected sources of reconciliation and hope.
First on the list is the high voter turnout. The number needs to be verified, but Commission on Elections Chair Andres Bautista has estimated that a record 81 percent of the 54.4 million voters in the Philippines went to cast their ballot yesterday. This is considerably higher than the 77 percent recorded in the 2013 midterm polls, and the 75 percent recorded in the 2010 presidential election. The relative tightness of the race for president and the actual neck-and-neck nature of the contest for vice president must have helped drive voters to the polling centers. In 2010, the preelection survey frontrunner was polling much higher than the frontrunner in 2016, and for longer. Whatever the reason, the nation benefited from the high voter turnout. In the absence of a second round of balloting, a socalled run-off election between the two leading candidates, the general voter turnout becomes a secondary form of mandate. The more people who vote, the more credible the election is— and the stronger the mandate of the winning candidate, whoever he or she may be. We think that is certainly the case with Monday’s (May 9) vote. Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte’s election as the next president may rest on a plurality, but the fact that fully four-fifths of registered voters took part in the electoral exercise places his victory on firmer ground. Second, the rapid pace of the Commission on Election’s unofficial quick count, conducted in partnership with the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting. The official word was
Mar Roxas offers a truly gracious, civicspirited explanation for his decision to concede to Duterte before a single vote was included in the official count.
A record 81 percent of the 54.4 million voters went to cast their ballot last May 9, compared to 77 percent in 2013 and 75 percent in 2010.
Millions of votes were tallied in the unofficial quick count in the first couple of hours after the polls closed, and by dawn the next day over two-thirds of the polling centers had transmitted their results. that it would probably take 36 to 48 hours before a majority of polling centers can transmit their voting data; instead, millions of votes were tallied in the unofficial quick count in the first couple of hours after the polls closed, and by dawn the next day over two-thirds of the polling centers had transmitted their results. Despite all the mind-conditioning efforts of political operators, especially about the supposed existence of a vast conspiracy to rig the automated elections; despite the initial reports of malfunctioning machines or hapless election inspectors which filled the airwaves in the first hours of Election Day; despite the long lines and the summer heat—some 44 million Filipinos went to the polls and voted successfully; as
of press time, about 42 million votes have been tallied in the quick count. This is good news for the democratic project. As we have learned from sorry experience, the main source of electoral fraud in the past was wholesale rigging made possible by a slow canvass. Automation—with the appropriate safeguards, of course, including mechanisms for transparency and a random audit—makes the “dagdag-bawas” (add-subtract) scams of the past virtually impossible. This is our third automated election, and the preliminary assessment is that it has considerably improved on the first two. We are grateful to the Comelec commissioners, to all election personnel, and the many teachers who served on the boards of election inspectors, for making
that improvement a reality. Third, the unprecedented series of gracious concessions by the major candidates. First to concede was presidential candidate Sen. Grace Poe, who called Duterte before midnight. Others followed, including vice presidential candidates Sen. Chiz Escudero, Sen. Antonio Trillanes, and Sen. Gringo Honasan. The Liberal Party’s standardbearer Mar Roxas also followed suit, first waiting for his running mate, Rep. Leni Robredo, who is leading the vice presidential race, to arrive from Naga, and then offering a truly gracious, civic-spirited explanation for his decision to concede to Duterte before a single vote was included in the official count. “According to the unofficial tally of Comelec, Mayor Digong is the clear winner. I wish you success, Mayor Duterte. Your success is the success of the Filipino people,” Roxas said. He called on his followers and those of Robredo to do all they can to ensure that every vote for her is properly counted. And then, noting the tears in his supporters’ eyes, he said the following words that will be remembered for a long time: “There are many tears in the room. Let me tell you: this is not a time for tears. For our country, we have had a peaceful successful transfer of power.” He then added, like a coda: “It’s not about me. It’s not about anyone. It’s about how we love our country and how we’ll do all that we can for her. She’s the only one.” (Editorial, Philippine Daily Inquirer, May 11, 2016) n
MAY 2012 2016 APRIL
LONDON
FULL PAGE AD
Splash PHILIPPINES 11 3
12
Splash PHILIPPINES
MAY 2016
LONDON
By editorial board
Chicago Tribune
A
MERICA is dusting off a military alliance with the Philippines that languished in the back of the closet for decades. You can practically hear them at the Pentagon trying it on for size: Hey, how’d we ever forget about this great thing?
A glance at a map of Asia, and recent headlines, shows why the U.S.-Philippines partnership is in style again: The archipelago nation borders the South China Sea. That’s where China is in the midst of an audacious power grab that must be challenged before it’s a fait accompli, or escalates into a military confrontation. Dotting the middle of the South China Sea is a series of rocks, reefs and islets known as the Spratly Islands. China is using sand dredgers there to create artificial islands in order to boost its territorial claims on nearly all of the South China Sea. Three of those man-made islands now have Chinese military airfields, at least two of which are complete. The area is patrolled by the Chinese navy, which tries to shoo away any ship or plane that encroaches. The Chinese gambit is clever, but it’s a violation of U.N. convention: You cannot manufacture sovereign territory in international waters.
China’s man-made islands A handful of rival governments — Taiwan, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia and Brunei — also make claims on the Spratlys. Some of the land masses are occupied, but only China is building islands, claiming the near entirety of the South China Sea — and attempting to enforce its claims with a robust military presence. The Philippines is challenging China’s assertions at the United Nations.
This image released by the Philippine government shows structures being built by China on the disputed islands.
Back to the Philippines
et Union collapsed, there were no obvious threats in the Pacific to counter. Not from Russia, China or North Korea. The Philippines decided it was time for the U.S. to pack up and leave. Who knew what was coming? Things might look different in the Spratlys if Clark and Subic were still operating. The U.S. has a tight military alliance with the Philippines, just not on the old scale. Now we’re looking at a revivified partnership. Call it: “I shall return. Again.”
New PH-US military pact
A US Navy ship docks at the Subic Bay Freeport Zone in Zambales, Philippines, for a routine port call. The United States’ interest in the Spratlys isn’t over ownership of bits of sand and rock but in protecting freedom of navigation on the high seas, and putting a check on China’s ability to carve up the Pacific. The U.S. military cannot stand by and watch as China attempts to seize control of one of the world’s busiest open waterways. Twice in the past year, U.S. ships have glided past the Chinese-controlled Spratlys to send the message that fake islands get no ownership recognition. Only naturally formed islands have territorial control for a radius of 12 miles. The U.S. approach has been cautious. Too cautious, because
so far it’s unheeded by China.
Old historical ties Which brings us (back) to the Philippines: Ties to the U.S. date to American colonial rule in the first half of the 20th century. In March 1942, at the outset of World War II, Gen. Douglas MacArthur narrowly escaped from the Philippines during the Japanese invasion, promising, “I shall return.” He did, too. After the war, the U.S. maintained a strong military presence in the independent Philippines, including Clark Air Base and the Subic Bay Naval Station, both crucial to the U.S. during the Vietnam era. After the Sovi-
Under a new pact, the U.S. will build facilities at five Philippine military bases, boosting radar and runway capacities. American troops will rotate through. One of the bases is on Palawan, an island just 100 miles from the Spratlys. The U.S. presence likely will expand over time. At the same time, the U.S. and India also are deepening military ties. The Philippines and Vietnam are doing the same with each other. Japan is upping its game, too, reinterpreting its peace constitution to allow its self-defense forces to actively cooperate with the U.S. on collective defense. Read: It will now be possible for Japan to sail and fly with the U.S. to counter North Korean craziness and Chinese assertiveness, including, perhaps, joint patrols in the South China Sea. This is not about bringing heat to provoke danger. It’s the opposite. The more America’s allies collaborate with the U.S. to keep the peace, the clearer the signal to China and North Korea that provocations won’t be tolerated. Ultimately, competing claims in the South China Sea have to be negotiated. n
LONDON
Splash PHILIPPINES 13 3
MAY 2012 2016 APRIL
Biometric passports likely to cause confusion to British travellers
N
EW RULES blocking people without e-passports from visiting the US could leave thousands facing dashes to passport offices before summer holidays
10
PHILIPPINES
SP PR LA O P SH E R M TY AG O AZ F IN E
Jon Darch has a colleague’s DECEMBER 2015 close attention to the news to PLANET thank for being able to fly to New York on Saturday. Without it, he – like tens of thousands of other Britons – would be unaware of new rules blocking tourists without a biometric passport from visiting the US. FULL PAGE AD A friend of Darch, who is a digital marketing manager at upmarket paint company Farrow & Ball, asked on Thursday night if he had an e-passport after reading stories about the changes. Upon checking, he clearance even with an old-style holiday I would have been pretrealised he still had one of the passport. ty upset – it’s not cheap to fly old-style documents that lack Darch, who lives in Bourne- to the States.” an electronic chip – promptmouth, was able to secure an Others were not so fortunate. ing a panicked dash across the appointment at the Passport Kevin Nash went to Stansted country to the nearest passport Office in Lon- aiport early last month to fly office. The don on Friday to Florida with his partner Hantrip is likely to to get a new nah Elphick and their two-yearLaw changes in US after be mimicked by thousands San Bernardino shootings d o c u m e n t . old daughter, Kloe. However, he Had he not was not permitted to board and more as the last year mean UK citizens been able to was forced to stay behind in summer holiwith old-style passports do so a trip to London while his partner and day season Peterborough child went ahead. approaches. may not be allowed to fly would have “It was awful – we were all Late last year been necespretty upset,” Elphick told BBC the US quietly sary. The oneRadio 5 live. It cost Nash more announced new rules requiring day premium service costs than £700 to get a new passany travellers taking advantage £128 – £25 more than the oneport and book another flight, of its ESTA visa waiver scheme week “fast track” service. finally arriving in Florida two to hold a biometric passport. After waiting four hours, Darch The new rule came into effect had a shiny new biometric on 1 April, but a lack of publicipassport and was set for his ty about the change meant that business trip to the US. many travellers only became “I’ve been quite fortunate – lots aware of the issue when tryof other people will have had ing to check in for their flights. no idea until getting to the airTo further complicate matters, port,” he said. “If it had been a it was possible to obtain ESTA
days later. Darch does not believe there was enough publicity about the change. Even if airlines and travel operators could not easily determine which passengers did not hold biometric passports, a blanket email to all travellers clearly stating the new requirements would have helped many, he said. Asked whether there had been enough publicity about the changes, the Home Office said it was a matter for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. (with full news by Chris Johnston, Guardian)
This page is brought to you by
14
Splash PHILIPPINES
MAY 2016
LONDON
Sinulog Festival
Moriones Festival
Rodeo Masbateño
10 Philippine Festivals for Your W Bucket List
HEN you attend a local festival, you discover more about a place, its people, cuisine, and history. The fact that it only happens once a year makes it even more special.
No idea where to start? Don’t worry. The Philippines is a hodgepodge of colorful fiestas so you’ll never run out of festivals to experience. From the mouthwatering Longganisa Festival in Vigan, to the fascinating—and sometimes shocking—Baliw Baliw Festival of Cebu, there’s a festival out there that suits your taste and budget.
Sinulog Festival When: Every third Sunday of January Where: Cebu City Sinulog is when Cebu transforms into one big party place. A spectacular showcase of colorful costumes, floats, and lively music await tourists who are eager to experience this festival held in honor of the Sto. Niño. It kicks off during the third Sunday of January, which includes
Ati-Atihan Festival a grand parade and street dancing to put everybody in a festive mood. You have two options to experience Sinulog: Watch the presentations inside the sports arena or go to the streets and join the fun.
Masskara Festival
Ati-Atihan Festival When: Every third week of January Where: Kalibo, Aklan The Lonely Planet describes Ati-Atihan as our country’s “biggest and best Mardi Gras.” Some even call it the “Mother of All Philippine Festivals” for starting the trend adopted later on by Cebu’s Sinulog. The AtiAtihan Festival culminates on the third Sunday of January, during which the best street
Pahiyas Festival dancers paint themselves black and shout “Hala Bira! Pwera Pasma!”—a tribute to their Negrito ancestors who started it all. Truly a history lesson and cultural feast rolled into one.
Moriones Festival When: Holy Week (Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday) Where: Marinduque (mu-
nicipalities of Boac, Gasan and Mogpog) Moriones Festival puts the spark on an otherwise ordinary Holy Week celebration. It’s during this time when locals dress up as Roman soldiers to reenact the life and death of the half-blind centurion named Longinus, who was miraculously healed after a drop of Jesus Christ’s blood hit his eye. The week-long celebration is a panata for the Marinduqueños, while a riveting show of faith and culture for the curious tourists. Witness colorful display of Roman costumes and wooden masks as the festival culminates on Sunday with the theatrical performance of the pugot (beheading of Longinus). And while you’re there, don’t forget to try Marinduque’s arrowroot cookies—it melts in your mouth and tastes divine!
Rodeo Masbateño When: Second week of April Where: Masbate City No need to go to Las Vegas to watch cowboys or cowgirls battling their way to rodeo supremacy. With the province being the cattle center of the country, it should come as no surprise that a worldclass rodeo festival was born in Masbate City. A grand horse parade, barn dance showdown, beef-cooking contest, and the thrilling National Rodeo Finals are just some of the things in store for those who want to get a taste of the “Wild, Wild East.” Getting booze at the Beer Plaza is a must-try on the eve of the festivities. So are the authentic ranch tours where you can milk cows, ride horses, and herd cows, among other unforgettable experiences.
Masskara Festival When: Every third weekend of October Where: Bacolod City An explosion of colors and
MAY 2012 2016 APRIL
LONDON
FULL PAGE AD
Splash PHILIPPINES 15 3
16
Splash PHILIPPINES
Dinagyang Festival smiles is what defines Masskara, Bacolod’s unique festival that has cemented its reputation as the “City of Smiles.” Established in the 1980s as a way to lift people’s moods amidst looming economic crisis and a recent sea tragedy, Masskara soon blossomed into a grand showcase of local culture. Highlights of the festivities include the Masskara Street Dance Competition where locals dress in costumes ranging from aquatic to exotic dance to the tune of lively Latin music. Also bursting with excitement are the garden show, food festivals, musical concerts, and the beauty pageant carnivals that will make your trip to Bacolod truly memorable.
Pahiyas Festival When: May 15 Where: Lucban, Quezon Pahiyas is both a visual and culinary delight. A harvest festival that pays homage to the farmers’ patron saint San Isidro Labrador, the Pahiyas entices visitors with houses and establishments adorned with fruits, vegetables, and the colorful leaf-shaped kiping. Made from ground rice flour, the edible kiping is the star of the Pahiyas decorations, easily transformed into all sorts of shapes and sizes—from multi-colored flowers to a chandelier locally known as arangya. Join the locals as they cap off the festivities with a spectacular parade teeming with higantes, carabaos, and floats. You can then head over to Tiyangge sa Lucban where you can buy handicrafts and taste various local delicacies including Lucban longganisa, puto seco, and broas.
MAY 2016
LONDON
Panagbenga Festival
Higantes Festival
Kadayawan Festival
Kadayawan Festival When: Third week of August Where: Davao City Kadayawan is a celebration of Davao’s ethnic roots and a thanksgiving for the city’s bountiful harvests. Get up close and personal with the indigenous tribes who have become the driving force behind Davao’s rich culture and heritage. Watch them outdo each other in a friendly competition called Hiyas sa Kadayawan, or marvel at their fantastic display of cultural practices at the Indigenous People’s Performance. Kadayawan won’t be complete without the much-awaited Indak-Indak sa Kadalanan, a visual and cultural feast which features some of Davao’s best street performers. Other highlights include grand floral parades, the Pahalipay concerts, and incredible tribal performances that will keep you coming back in the years to come.
Dinagyang Festival When: Every fourth weekend of January Where: Iloilo City It’s impossible to visit Iloilo in January without catching
the “Dinagyang Fever.” Streets of Iloilo suddenly become the stage of world-class street performances held in honor of the Sto. Niño and to celebrate the city’s rich history. Over the years, the Dinagyang has earned various recognitions for starting great innovations including the carousel performance, which means competing street dancers perform simultaneously, and Dagoy, the country’s first ever festival mascot. Apart from the heart-pounding excitement offered by the street dancing competition, Dinagyang also has a lineup of other great activities to keep you engaged. This includes the Miss Iloilo Dinagyang pageant, a music festival, fluvial parades, and fireworks display, among others.
Panagbenga Festival When: February Where: Baguio City Millions flock to the country’s Summer Capital every year not just to enjoy its cool climate but to take part in an event that could rival international flower festivals. Popularly known as Panagbenga which literally
means “season of blooming,” it is a month-long celebration held in February during which most flowers of the highlands are in full bloom. The unique festival kicks off with a parade of competing representatives from 20 districts in Baguio, all of whom are clad in colorful costumes and dancing to the tune of modern and traditional music. It sets the mood for all other activities that will keep your short stay in Baguio worthwhile: a kite-flying challenge, landscaping competition, fireworks display, and the festival’s best attractions—the grand dancing and float parades.
Higantes Festival When: November 22 to 23 Where: Angono, Rizal The Higantes Festival is probably one of the reasons why Angono is known as the “Arts Capital of the Philippines.” This festival, now a cultural icon, uses giant paper mache effigies as high as 12 feet to showcase the local traditions and creativity. Making these giants is an art in itself, as local craftsmen produce colorful characters—ranging from historical to political—out of recycled newspapers, wheat paste, and rattan poles. Higantes starts with Bisperas Mayores, a parade of marching bands and astonishing giants. It then culminates in a fluvial procession at the Laguna de Bay in honor of San Clemente, the patron saint of fishermen. Art lovers can also make a side trip to the Blanco Family Museum where you can trace the roots of the festival and immerse in the local history. (Spot.PH) n
MAY 2012 2016 APRIL
LONDON
Splash PHILIPPINES 17 3
Duterte win to continue economic growth track
T
HE INCOMING Duterte administration would bring some uncertainty among investors, but it stands to gain from the economic reforms introduced by President Aquino, according to Washington-based Institute of International Finance (IIF). “Duterte’s victory elevates uncertainty, but the overall positive Philippines growth story is likely to continue despite possible bumps along the way,” said IIF, which claims to be “the global association of the financial industry” with close to 500 members from 70 countries. “Notwithstanding Duterte’s criticism of the current administration’s performance in certain areas, there is no denying that policies enacted over the past six years have improved economic growth and investor sentiment. It is unlikely that he would risk derailing this progress by dismantling successful reforms,” said IIF Asia-Pacific associate economist Kevin Sanker and director Jean-Charles Sambor. “A very strong balance of payments and a relatively insulated capital account should help to buffer nervousness over policies,” according to the IIF, which projected Philippine economic growth at 5.8 percent this year and next, the same rate as the gross domestic product (GDP) expansion posted last year. It helped that the Davao City mayor had pledged to address crime and poverty, the IIF said. “He emphasized inclusive growth and focused on areas
FULL PAGE AD
where he believes the current administration of President Aquino has fallen short. This message resonated with a large part of the electorate that believes it has not benefited from the strong economic growth achieved under Aquino, while feeling the negative impact of things like rising crime and traffic congestion,” it pointed out. Separately, debt watchers Fitch Ratings and Standard and Poor’s said that the elections would not impact on the investment grade credit ratings that the country currently enjoys. “Fitch, however, continues to view the Philippines’ underlying economic fundamentals as a strength, given its strong net external creditor position,
declining general government debt and deficit levels, and positive growth momentum and these were key factors that drove the agency to reaffirm” the Philippines’ credit rating, it added. As for S&P, it said that “Duterte’s track record of more than 20 years in Davao gives few indications that he would embark on economic policies significantly different from the Arroyo and Aquino administrations.” Looking forward Meanwhile, European Union Ambassador Franz Jessen is the latest foreign diplomat who expressed anticipation of working with presumptive president Rodrigo Duterte.
“We are now awaiting the official announcement, Rodrigo Duterte is the presumptive 16th president elect, and I am looking forward to taking the EU-Philippine agenda forward with him and his administration,” Jessen said. Jessen added that he hopes the “dynamic development” of EU-Philippine relations “from political to economic, trade and development cooperation” under the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement signed in 2012 would continue under the Duterte administration. Earlier the US, the country’s closest defense ally, said that it is also looking forward to continuing its strong ties with the Philippines under a new president.
18
Splash PHILIPPINES
By FM ganal
MAY 2016
LONDON
The Anatomy of Pinoy Love Teams
O
VER and over again, film and television have reveled in the presence of love teams in the industry.
At the end of the day, the true testament to the success of a love team is seen through the actor’s career outside the love team. Some of them emerge as sought-after actors of their generation. Others found fulfillment in other endeavors outside showbiz.
It started out as a formula to introduce new stars into the scene, but later on developed into a strategic battle for networks to gain audiences. After all, love teams have become the perfect embodiment of the Filipino’s fancy for romance, especially for young love. But it’s no easy task finding that love team fit for the generation’s taste. And chemistry has been redefined many times by the fans themselves. Let us try to deconstruct the anatomy of a love team. CHEMISTRY: First and foremost, both stars need to look good together. It won’t be enough to simply pair two good-looking stars. Enrique Gil, for instance, was paired with five young ladies before he got the viewers’ nod for his love team with Liza Soberano, who became half of LizQuen. In the 70s, one of the factors that helped Nora Aunor and Tirso Cruz III stand out was their chemistry. The pairing of a petite morena and a tall mestizo was new at that time. Of course, throughout their years as a tandem, they had proven that they were more than just two good-looking teens starring in romantic-musical films.
John Lloyd and Bea in A Second Chance.
Guy and Pip then, LizQuen now.
TALENT AND VERSATILITY: Although some love teams are akin to a specific genre, the on-screen couple that display variety in their filmography convinces audiences that they are more than just two puppies falling in love again and again in the same basic plot. The public watched John Lloyd Cruz and Bea Alonzo grow as actors, and hone their craft through different characters and stories. JLC and Bea established their on-screen pairing through romantic-comedies such as Now That I Have You (2004) and Close to You (2006). They eventually played more mature characters, such as Popoy’s and Basha’s, from the successful film One More Chance (2007). They also did The Mistress (2012) and the “One More Chance” follow-up film, A Second Chance (2015). VISIBILITY: With film and television serving as prime access points for fans to watch their favorite love teams, producers have within reach a wide range of audiences. On TV alone, there’s a variety of shows serving as the launching pad and success indicator. Teleseryes were behind the phenomenal pairings of Judy Ann Santos and Wowee de Guzman, Claudine Barretto and the late Rico Yan, Kristine Hermosa and Jericho Rosales, Marian Rivera and Dingdong Dantes, among others. Teen shows launched the love teams of Jolina Magdangal and Marvin Agustin, Angelu de Leon and Bobby Andrews, to name a few.
MAY 2016
LONDON RealiTV gave birth to the tandems of Jennylyn Mercado and Mark Herras, Kim Chiu and Gerald Anderson, etc. Box-office successes also count. Movies will show how much money the fans are willing to spend for their favorite love team. Endorsements and magazine covers complete the package. SOCIAL MEDIA a.k.a FANS: A huge part of the long success of Guy and Pip is their legions of fans. Without a doubt, fans have always dictated the longevity and prosperity of a star’s career whether or not he or she is part of a love team. With technology infusing into our daily grind, fans now have various ways to interact with their favorite stars and, at the same time, to cultivate their careers. AlDub, aka Alden Richards and Maine Mendoza, is a unique gem in the roster of love teams. They gained massive success sans dialogue on TV. But what this particular love team have proven is that fans do have the power to build a career. If it wasn’t for their groundbreaking world records on Twitter, it wouldn’t be an unlikely scenario that solid Kapamilya fans and non-showbiz fans alike would still be oblivious to the presence of Alden and Maine today. The love team have yet to come out with projects outside of Eat Bulaga! REAL-LIFE ROMANCE: It is inevitable for fans to hope that their favorite on-screen couple would translate their romance off screen. For the young teens, the scenario wouldn’t seem far-fetched. James Reid and Nadine Lustre put the JaDine fans on cloud nine after admitting their relationship last month. But does it lead to ‘forever’ or even longevity? Look at Marvin and Jolina plus Bobby and Angelu. These
The Claudine-Rico love team was cut short by the young actor’s untimely death.
The phenomenal popularity of AlDub has proven that fans have the power to build a career. pairs did not take their love team to the level of relationship. But to this day, they still have projects together. The story of reel-to-real has been told many times with love teams. Sharon Cuneta and Gabby Concepcion’s real-life romance was celebrated in the 80s. It was also the most publicized. Even after they separated and found respective partners, the die-hard Sharon-Gabby fans had hoped their idols would reconcile. But more common were the reel turned real-life pairs whose
Dingdong and Marian with daughter Maria Letizia.
Splash PHILIPPINES
19
relationship problems had affected their work. The LQs (lovers’ quarrels) eventually lead to breakups, which will usually have a major blow on either one of them or both of them. At present, Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera have proven that real-life romance can work out for the best between love teams. Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla have not settled the real score, and probably prefer to keep things to themselves to avoid possible complications. But when can you claim success? At the end of the day, the true testament to the success of a love team is seen through the actor’s career outside the love team. Some of them emerge as sought-after actors of their generation. Others found fulfillment in other endeavors outside showbiz, such as Marvin Agustin becoming a chef entrepreneur; Judy Ann Santos and Sharon Cuneta sharing culinary tips through their recipes books; Jolina Magdangal and Kristine Hermosa finding new purpose as wife and mother; Vilma Santos giving back to the public as a politician. (Philippine Entertainment Portal)
20
Splash PHILIPPINES
MAY 2016
LONDON
Showbuzz Zsa Zsa, partner split, call off engagement
Zsa Zsa and Conrad: What happened? ZSA ZSA Padilla and her partner of two years, Conrad Onglao, have broken up and called off their engagement. The two got engaged last year and were supposed to tie the knot this year in Florence, Italy. “We tried. It didn’t work out,” was the short official message issued by Zsa Zsa on May
3 following reports that they have gone separate ways. He daughter Karylle confirmed the split on the same day. Reporters blew he lid when Onglao was seen alone during the renewal of vows of Ryan Agoncillo and Judy Ann Santos last April 30. When queried about Za Zsa’s whereabouts, Onglao at first said she had a taping at ABS-CBN. But Zsa Zsa’s colleagues belied Onglao’s claim and the story broke. The singer/actress has left the house of her architect boy-
friend in San Lorenzo Village in Makati and returned to the condo unit that she shared with her late partner Dolphy at the Marina Baytown in Paranaque. Following reports of the breakup, reporters asked Karylle, for comment during a press conference last May 3. “Siguro, it’s very sad kasi she’s called off the engagement. She’s back home,” said Karylle. Karylle also asked for privacy on the behalf of her mom. “I ask for your prayers and also for the time for her to be alone and private about it.”
Kris: Kidnap plot reason for not renewing ABS-CBN contract NOW it can be told: Kris Aquino did not renew her contract with broadcast network ABS-CBN because of the plot by bandit group Abu Sayyaf to kidnap her. Kris made the admission a day after President Aquino disclosed a plan to kidnap his sister and boxing icon Manny Pacquiao. Kris said in a statement which she requested to be published verbatim: “Honest truth, I was made aware of this plot late February, early March. My sisters tried to shield me because they didn’t want me to have more fear than necessary. If you recall, my sons and I left in March to go abroad for three weeks. The health reasons I cited weren’t fabricated because the stress coming from the threat had caused my BP (blood pressure) to constantly elevate to higher than 150/110. “I didn’t renew with ABS CBN because of this threat. That was a painful decision, but
Kris campaigning for administration bets Mar Roxas and Leni Robredo in Cebu. I needed to make that judgment call so as not to expose others to harm. It was that serious that I walked away from a new two-year contract for a job I’ve loved for 20 years. I informed my bosses the pertinent facts, but not full details from the intelligence reports, and they kept what I was allowed to relay to them under wraps. I was told to strictly keep the news contained and I obeyed. And I am grateful for the respect I
was shown. “And to their credit, everybody closest to me – both coworkers, relatives and friends – kept quiet to protect me and because they knew this was a matter to be taken seriously with utmost precaution. It will be recalled that when Kris announced in early March that she was taking a break from showbiz, she cited health as the reason, saying she wanted to pursue a less stressful life.
‘I’d love to perform on Broadway.’
Rachelle Ann returns to London RACHELLE Ann Go bid her fans in Manila goodbye last May 1when the Manila staging of Les Misèrables closed its curtains after a sevenweek run. Rachelle Ann, who played the lead female character Fantine in the iconic musical, described the experience as “bittersweet.” “I’m so happy I was able to share with the Filipino audience what I do in London. At the same time, I am sad that I will be leaving my family again—I will miss them,” said the singer-actress, who will continue portraying the role in the production’s residency in London’s West End, starting May 12. Despite her busy schedule in Manila, which required her to do eight shows a week, Rachelle Ann made the most out of her stay in the country, making sure to spend her free time with family and close friends. She also took the opportunity to finally move into her new home in Pasig City. Les Misèrables’ London staging runs until December this year. After that, Rachelle Ann said she intends to pursue still-under-wraps plans: “I’m turning 30 this year. I can see myself continuing my theater work.” “I’d love to perform on Broadway, too,” she disclosed. “I like claiming things—so, one day, it will happen!”
MAY 2016
LONDON
Splash PHILIPPINES
21
Showbuzz AlDub takes a leave from ‘Eat Bulaga!’ ALDEN Richards and Maine Mendoza won’t be seen in the noontime show Eat Bulaga! for a while. The sensational love team will fly to Italy to shoot their upcoming film, together with director Mike Tuviera. Maine said that this film
will be their way of giving back to their fans that had always supported their projects. “Babalik naman po kami, kasi gagawa lang naman po kaming pelikula,” she assured their fans. Alden promised their fans to make the film “espesyal ito
Anne denies Darna rumors ANNE Curtis denied fan speculations that she would be replacing Angel Locsin as Darna for the planned Star Cinema film based on the Mars Ravelo comic superheroine of the same name. This, after the 31-year-old actress on May 4 teased reporters that she will be working on a movie with Darna director Erik Matti. “Hindi siya Darna,” she immediately clarified, adding that she is not willing to don the superheroine’s famous costume. She said her film with Matti will be called Run and Gun. “I think I’ve done every role possible that I could ever want to do except for what I’m about to do with Direk Erik,” said Anne. “So as in sobra akong excited. It’s definitely another
para sa inyong lahat. Gagawin po namin lahat ng makakaya namin para mapaganda ang pelikulang ‘to.”
The pair also assured their fans that a daily update on their film will be featured in the “Kalyeserye” segment of the show. “Kasama po namin kayo sa paggawa ng pelikulang ito. Kaya salamat po sa lahat ng sumusuporta sa amin, sa Kalyeserye. Lahat po ito ay para sa inyo at sa katuparan ng mga pangarap ko,” Maine concluded.
Bianca: Be proud of your skin colour!
Anne will run, not fly. side of me that I’ve never done before.” Anne recently renewed her contract with ABS-CBN for another two years. She will remain with the noontime show It’s Showtime and return as host of the second season of the talent search I Love OPM.
TV host Bianca Gonzalez has a message to everybody born with dark skin: “Embrace your colour and be proud of it!” The message came after some netizens made disparaging comments about her daughter Lucia being darkskinned in several family photos Bianca posted on social media. On April 27 she published a long note on Instagram, along with an old photo of herself when she was 10 years old, and revealed that she was bullied during her childhood for being dark-skinned. She said she never thought that the same thing still happens this day and age. Bianca said that being brown is part of being a Filipino and that one should be proud of it.
Bianca and husband JC Intal with daughter Lucia. “To all young Filipinos reading this, do not be pressured to make your skin whiter because you do not need that. Your skin colour is already beautiful. To parents, siblings, best friends, special someones of anyone being bullied for being dark, reassure them that their color is beautiful and they need not be fairer to be appreciated. Whether you’re born with fair skin or dark, embrace your colour and be proud of it.”
22
Splash PHILIPPINES
MAY 2016
LONDON
Nobody knows you, so you can start fresh.
G
OING out of the country for one reason or another is a dream for some people. Knowing there are lots of different opportunities out there can drive a person to find the means to fly away from their
Perks and Problems in Living Abroad
Homeland to bigger pastures. But it’s not all fun and games as there are lots of disadvantages to starting a new life abroad as well. Here are 5 perks and problems you might encounter when you decide to start your new life somewhere overseas: 1) Perks: Nobody knows you, so you can start fresh. Problems: Making new friends can be difficult. If you were an awkward child growing up, you might know how difficult it can be trying to make new friends at school or in a playground. But even the flightiest of social butterflies can find making buddies abroad a little bit of a challenge. The good thing is, nobody will really know you or who you are over there, so having a fresh start at a new life can be as simple as moving into another house. 2) Perks: You can immerse yourself in a beautiful new culture. Problems: You may find yourself missing home a lot. One of the main reasons
It’s a whole new culinary experience. people decide to live in new countries is to explore and immerse themselves in a new culture entirely. It means giving up parts of your old life to make way for new ones in your latest home. Unfortunately, you never really get rid of your memories of the past, which often resurface and make you miss home a great deal when you feel alone or sad. 3) Perks: You can expose your kids to multiple cultures. Problems: They may choose one culture over the other. Opening your kid’s eyes to different cultures can give
them a wider understanding of their parents and their current home and help them learn to fit in with a global-perspective. Unfortunately, this can open up preferences in them as well, making them favor one culture over the other. They may learn to ignore or even dislike aspects of their roots, which can seem disrespectful to the parents and their cultural background. 4) Perks: You open new job opportunities for yourself. Problems: You may not enjoy the new work habits and ethics. Another reason why people or families travel to new
You can expose your kids to multiple cultures. territories is to search for new and exciting business opportunities. Sometimes, the grass is just a little greener on the other side and this can mean bigger pay and better living. But working abroad is no cakewalk either as you may find some of their ethics and policies a bit different or hard to deal with. 5. Perks: It’s a whole new culinary experience. Problems: It can be difficult to cook your old favorites. A new country means new delicacies to savor and make in your own little kitchen. It’s a lot easier to find restaurants or buy ingredients of a certain dish you love when living in a place where it is a specialty. This is a double edged blade, however, as this means that your favorite meals from home may be harder or even impossible to make as some countries may not stock the ingredients you need. Sure you can have substitutes, but it just won’t be the same as mama used to make. No matter what reasons you have for moving, there will always be some ups and downs. It takes a brave attitude and a sense of adventure to truly get out there and explore newer and better ways of living. So next time you decide to move to a new home, think about it carefully and make sure you’re ready for what will come with the change. (Philippine Daily Inquirer) n
MAY 2012 2016 APRIL
LONDON
Splash PHILIPPINES 23 3
SSS partners with banks for faster delivery of benefits to members
T
HE SOCIAL Security System (SSS) has partnered with 25 banks all over the country to provide convenient and faster coverage of maternity, sickness and employee compensation benefits to its members. Through its Sickness, Maternity and Employees Compensation thru the Banks Program, members can now retrieve payment-benefits from the automated teller machines of partner-banks. The direct releasing of the benefits, either to their savings or current accounts, will give members a more convenient and faster means to get their funds. The new scheme would be beneficial to both SSS and partner-banks as it will reduce operational expenses with the decrease in the use of printed checks and mailing papers, and it will further expand the
THE SSS has partnered with 25 banks to provide fast coverage of benefits to its members.
FULL PAGE AD have a safer and easier way of
clientele of the partner-banks in terms of bank account generation. SSS self-employed, voluntary, nonworking spouses, overseas Filipino workers, employee members, as well as those members who are already separated from employment now
receiving their cash benefits. The SSS had made it mandatory for employers to enroll their businesses or employees in the sickness and maternity benefit payment thru the Bank Program so that reimbursements for their benefits may be
received. The 25 SSS partner-banks are Asia United Bank, Bank of Commerce, China Banking Corp., CityState Savings Bank Inc., Country Builders Bank Inc., CTBC Bank Corp., Development Bank of the Philippines, East West Bank, First Consolidated Bank, Innovative Bank, Land Bank of the Philippines, Merchant Savings Bank, One Network Bank, Philippine Bank of Communications, Philippine Business Bank, Philippine Savings Bank, Philippine National Bank, PNB Savings Bank, Philippine Veterans Bank, Postbank Savings Bank, Rizal Commercial Banking Corp., Security Bank, Standard Chartered Bank, Union Bank of the Philippines and United Coconut Planters Bank. The memorandum for the expanded coverage of payment of benefits was signed on April 19 at the SSS main office. (Business Mirror)
24
Splash PHILIPPINES
MAY 2016
LONDON
VISIT TO MT. APO Experiencing a World Within a World I By louie lapat
WAS in a bus when I chanced upon a giant tarpaulin hanging inside the usually crowded Ecoland Terminal in Davao City. It was a promotional material for “Davao: Life is Here” series of the city government. Set against a setting sun, the peak of Mt. Apo offers a picture of serenity even via printed material. Imposing text completes the ad: “Mother Nature’s tallest grandchild: the Apo.”
For us in Davao region, this could have been an ordinary sight but the news about a forest fire in two sides of Mt. Apo that broke out on March 26 was an incident that warrants one’s attention. Soon after, photos of the fire circulated like wildfire on social media, eliciting worry
among the worshippers of Mt. Apo’s charm. Three years ago, I scaled Mt. Apo – considered to be the Grandfather of Philippine Mountains. One of the photos that circulated online is a stark contrast to what I saw years ago and led the whole nation to worry about our national treasure. Declared as a national park in the 1930s by President Manuel Quezon, Mt. Apo covers 54,974 hectares; its and buffer zones comprise 2,571 hectares and 6,506 hectares on the Davao and Cotabato sides, respectively. From Davao, Mt. Apo is a picture of a grand mountain, setting a mysterious silhouette in early morning or late afternoon during sunset. But as they say, the beauty of the mountain can only truly be appreciated up close. In climbing Mt. Apo, we chose the Bongolanon trail in Magpet town in North Cotabato
– which means we have three days to spend before finally reaching the peak. Spending days on the trail means spending more quality time in the deep woods of Mt. Apo’s forests. On the trail, one can see the rawness of things, with landscapes changing in every shift in altitude. With cool temperature, climbers are treated to pleasant surprises coming in the form of exquisite flora and fauna. If you’re lucky enough, one can see a Philippine monkeyeating eagle hovering above its thick foliage of trees. The truth is, it’s a world within a world. A vast expanse of serene flatland is what Lake Venado offers, respite to weary climbers. Here, sans the occasional clouds that obscure the view, one can see the grandeur of the mountain considered by many the ultimate Philippine mountain climbing experience.
At night, the tune of cicadas lulled us to sleep after we saw to our heart’s content a sky bedecked with stars. This sacred ground of the indigenous peoples of Mindanao is also rich in myths and legends that add to the mystery that shrouds this mountain. A sense of fulfillment awaits climbers at one of Apo’s three peaks. It’s a rewarding conclusion to a trek in conquering the country’s highest mountain. The beauty of this mountain and the fulfillment that awaits adventurous souls who climb it should be experienced by every Filipino. But with the shocking forest fire last March, it looks like some things will never be the same again. This disaster, whether man-made or natural, should compel us as a nation to assess the measures to protect Mt. Apo. On paper, Mt. Apo seems to get the necessary protection it deserves through Republic Act 9237 which declared Mt. Apo as a protected area. This is the time when authorities should reflect on what needs to be done to better protect this area. After all this, maybe it’s about time for the government to temporarily close Mt. Apo to the public to let the mountain flourish and rejuvenate. During this time, educating the public on the importance of Mt. Apo should also be scaled up. Maybe Mt. Apo is telling us something. Maybe we are pushing Mt. Apo to the limits. This mountain in the southern part of the country is a source of our national pride. The shape of Mt. Apo’s future depends heavily on what decisions are made and what actions are taken today. This mountain is too beautiful to be just plastered on tarpaulins, postcards and ad materials. The beauty of Mt. Apo lies within its lush forest. It’s about time to reflect and do whatever we can to protect Mother Nature’s tallest grandchild. It’s our moral obligation to help protect Mt. Apo for future generations to enjoy and experience. (Rappler.com) n
MAY 2012 2016 APRIL
LONDON
WHAT’S ON
TRAVEL
A
PHILIPPINE TOURISM video shown on a wide high definition screen as well as giant posters of “Visit the Philippines Again 2016” and “It’s more fun in the Philippines” dominated the Waterloo Train Station in London during the London Marathon weekend recently. The video on tourist destinations in the Philippines was shown at intervals on the high definition video screen, the longest indoor video screen in Europe. Advertisements on tourist destinations in Bohol, Cebu, Palawan and Banawe were in turn shown on 10 wide high-definition screens installed at key points in the Waterloo Station. “Visit the Philippines Again 2016” advertisements printed on giant tarpaulin posters and banners were also displayed prominently at the passenger and ticketing areas as well as pathways and train boarding platforms. The Waterloo Station has some 280,000 passengers a day for trains to all destinations in the United Kingdom, Paris via the Euro Star fast train and bus and taxi
Splash PHILIPPINES 25 3
FULL PAGE AD
‘Station Domination’ launched in London services in London. The DOT promotion in the Waterloo Station included an experiential booth for visitors to view a 3-D showing of tourism and diving destinations in the Philippines. The video screening and display of tourism posters will continue until May 23. DOT-London launched the Station Domination Project with the support of its
travel industry partners, including Philippine Airlines, which provided tickets for winners of a tourism competition, and travel agencies Secret Escape, Hayes and Jarvis, Met Flight and Dive World Wide that promoted tourist destinations
in the Philippines in their respective websites, Facebook and Twitter accounts. The next Station Domination Project will be launched in the King’s Cross Station. (Philstar)
This page is brought to you by
26
Splash PHILIPPINES
MAY 2016
LONDON The author admiring the Chavayan stone houses.
text and photos By irene maligat
W
ITH flight access and increasing daily flights from PAL, Skyjet, Sky Pasada, promo fares and seat sales popping up almost monthly from airlines, agents, and expos, Batanes doesn’t have to remain a dream. It is a travel destination that’s now more within reach. Due to its location, limited flights, weather and sea conditions, one-way fares to Batanes 20 years ago used to cost at least P4,000, accommodations and tour guides were few, and food was harder to replenish so food was relatively more expensive. Today, with the increasing demand for travel, there are more flights going to Batanes, more choices of accommodation and restaurants, and a growing number of tour operators. Flights are still very expensive but now, there is always a window of opportunity for that cheap flight, especially during a seat sale. Here is a breakdown of how I spent P8,300 all-in for my five days travel to Batanes:
Flight to Batanes: P565 My flight to Batanes was P564.80 to be exact. This amount already includes the NAIA 4 Terminal Fee of P200 and 10kg worth of check-in baggage. So how did I get that price? Last August 2015, Sky Jet had a seat sale to Batanes for P988+. During seat sales, book for one person only. If you have company, ask them to book on their own devices. Keep refreshing, just be patient and hope that those cheap amounts will pop up. If you get to book a oneway cheap flight and can’t find a cheap flight going back, wait for the next seat sale. With increasing travel trends, there will always be a seat sale.
Budget Guide:
5Days
in Batanes
Accommodation: P1,600
After reading a lot of blogs and reviews, I decided to stay at Marfel’s Lodge. I was charged P400/night for a fan room at Marfel’s Lodge Extension which is a two-minute walk from Basco airport. Facilities are very clean. Bathroom is shared. You can use kitchenware and utensils and there is free water to refill your bottles. There is also a small Honesty Store in the kitchen that has drinks and snacks. You just write the item you want in a notebook, drop the payment in a container, and get your item. Check out Marfel’s Lodge’s Facebook account (Marfel’s Lodge Batanes) or Facebook
you’ll find in any Batanes travel Internet search. The three-day tour consisted of a North Batan Island Tour (12 noon until sunset), a South Batan Island Tour (9a.m. to 4 p.m.), and Sabtang Island Tour (6:30 to 2 p.m.). The package includes airconditioned van, jeep, and boat transfers, all necessary permits and fees, lunch, tour guide, pick up and drop off at accommodation, and P100 worth of items at BISUMI Pasalubong Center. Since I was a solo traveler, I wanted to join a tour group where I can meet a lot of people. I also wanted to learn a lot about the history and culture of the tour sites from a guide. Having done enough research, this was the cheapest package I could find. You can reach Ryan Cardona at 0919-279-5968 and 0915803-3582, or at ryan.batanes@ gmail.com.
Food: P900
Marlboro Hills page (Marfel’s Lodge) or contact them at 0908-893-1475.
Tour package: P5,000 This is the most expensive item on my budget breakdown but it was really worth it. BISUMI is owned by Ryan Cardona, one of the most popular tour guides
To save on food expenses, I brought bread, bottled water, and biscuits from Manila for my snack and breakfast. Meeting new people on the tour means having company exploring the island. My newfound friends and I went to popular restaurants in Basco like Octagon, Jino’s Pizza, and Casa Napoli. Each meal cost around P200 to P350.
Miscellaneous expenses: P235 Miscellaneous fees included the Basco terminal fee (P100), tricycle rides around Basco (P100), and food/gift items (P35). I got to save a lot because of the people I shared the expenses with friends I met during the tour. We split the bills for food and tricycle rides.
TOTAL EXPENSES: P8,300
Vayang Rolling Hills.
Traveling to Batanes was both a “living in the dream” moment and a learning experience. I will forever be grateful for the opportunities that came before, during, and after that trip. (Rappler.com) n
MAY 2012 2016 APRIL
LONDON
WHAT’S ON
FIESTAS 11 June 2016
11 June 2016
Yorkshire Barrio Fiesta Time: 10am-5pm (Sat) Venue: The Racecourse, Boroughbridge Road, Ripon, North Yorkshire HG4 1UG
Philscot Independence Party 2016 Time: 7pm - 11:30pm St. Peter’s Church Hall, 1 South Crescent Road, Ardrossan, KA22 8DU
Contact: Lolita Boddy 01765535015 Tess Wills 07920280549
Contact: Nally 01294539713 Marilyn 01475522459
12 June 2016
Web: www.maharlika.org.uk
PHL Independence Day Celebration in Slough 2016 Time: 12nn - 4pm (Sat) FULL PAGE AD Venue: The Centre, Farnham Road, SL1 4UT Contact: 07428677870 tekkitevents@gmail.com FB: Tekkit Events
Splash PHILIPPINES 27 3
24-25 June 2016
Hertfordshire Barrio Fiesta 2016 Venue: Fairlands Valley Park Showground Arena, Broadhall Way, SG2 8RH Contact: 07534711757 barriofiestainhertford shire@yahoo.com
25 June 2016
25 June 2016
Venue: Blaydon Rugby Club Field (Carboot Area) Hexham Road Swalwell, Newcastle NE16 3BN Contact: 07886742417 07824338251 07725892489
Time: 8:30am-6pm (Sat) Venue: Eastville Park, Muller Rd, Eastville, Bristol, BS5 6XA Contact: Carlo - 07528770491 Honeylyn - 07783343348 Clarence - 07500896239 Wil - 07900485194
Newcastle Barrio Fiesta 2016
Bristol Barrio Fiesta 2016
26 June 2016
Leeds Barrio Fiesta 2016 Time: 9:30am-6pm Venue: Event Field, Temple Newsam, Leeds LS15 0AF Contact: 07787510277 07917563070 01132174109 07449878657
Supporting all good community fiestas and celebrations this Spring and Summer. For more details call us at 02075818100 or send your material details to philservicecorp@aol.com
28 16 32
Splash PHILIPPINES
MAY 2016 APRIL 2012
LONDON
FULL PAGE AD
MAY 2012 2016 APRIL
LONDON
WHAT’S ON
FIESTAS 9 July 2016
9-10 July 2016 Venue: Thatch Leach Lane Playing Field Thatch Leach Lane Whitefield, Bury M45 6FN
Contact: 07985159203 07896082895 07472953935
Venue: Tingewick Hall, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headley Way, Headington, Oxford OX3 9DU Contact: joarielan@yahoo.com chairman@filcom oxford.org.uk
9-10 July 2016
16-17 July 2016
2-3 July 2016
Bham-Sandwell West Midlands Fiesta Celebration Venue: Lightwoods Park, Adkins Lane, Bearwood, Smethwick, B67 5DP
Barrio Fiesta 2016 The Big Comeback Venue: Woodgate Valley Country Park, Clapgate Lane, Bartley Green B32 3DS Contact: 07810377208 07402201985 07850268868 07540633789
Oxfordshire Barrio Fiesta 2016
32nd Barrio Fiesta sa London FULL PAGE AD Venue: Contact: http://www.london barriofiesta.com/ FB - TFC Europe
WHAT’S ON Filipino Lesbian Movement presents:
That’s My Pogi
Splash PHILIPPINES 29 3
Barrio Fiesta in Manchester 2016
Time: 9am-5pm
30-31 July 2016 Milton Keynes Barrio Fiesta 2016 Time: 9am-7pm Venue: Campbell Park, Milton Keynes, MK9 4AD Contact: Merald07909957313 Anita-07557358013
COMMUNITY 11 June 2016
19 May 2016
10 Jun. 2016
Venue: Mazenod Community Hall, Manod Ave, Kilburn NW6 4PS
Venue: 184 Uxbridge Road, Shepherds Bush, London W12 7JP
Contact: Vannz Bio 07947160826
Contact: 07702813248 07428677870
freddiegonzales@aol.com tekkitevents@gmail.com
Time: 6pm - 12mn Contact: contact@fwa-uk.com
11 June 2016
12 June 2016
9-10 July 2016
That’s My Pogi 2016
Kalayaan Lancashire 2016 Venue: Alexandra Park, Kings Road, Oldham OL8 2BN Contact: 07493247355 07402201985
mutya.mandfid@gmail. com
Mudak and Gracia
Philippine Independence Day Cardiff Venue: Cardiff Castle, Cardiff, Wales Time: 6pm-1am Contact: fbmagnaye_rn@ yahoo.co.uk
27th PHL National Day Charity Gala Venue: The Palace Suite, Royal Garden Hotel, 2 Kensington High St W8 4PT
Leicestershire Filipino Family SportsFest 2016 Venue: Judge Meadow Community College, Evington, Leicester LE5 6HP Contact: 07983576082 01162220596
30 16 32
Splash PHILIPPINES
MAY 2016 APRIL 2012
LONDON
Heart Evangelista, nervous about doing a sexy, naughty rom-com
AFTER SPENDING months on the campaign trail, Heart Evangelista is now looking forward to the launch of her upcoming show Juan Happy Love Story on GMA. Premiering on GMA Pinoy TV this May 17, the series is described as a “sexy, naughty romantic-comedy” and tackles the life of a married couple played by Heart and Dennis Trillo. In the series, the multi-talented Kapuso actress plays Happy, a feisty and family-oriented woman who relies on signs to find her “The One.” “Medyo kinakabahan kasi naughty, sexy love story nga. But it’s nice kasi masyado nang seryoso ang buhay. Kailangan nating mag-smile from time to time [I’m quite nervous since this is a naughty, sexy love story. But it’s nice because life can get too serious so we need to smile from time to time],” she
FULL PAGE AD
(GMA) told GMA News Online. The series also stars Ms. Gloria Romero, Mr. Nick Lizaso, Gardo Versoza, Lotlot De Leon, Ericka Padilla, Joross Gamboa, Dominic Roco, Kim Domingo, among
Ambassador Garcia makes introductory calls on UK officials ON 3 MAY 2016, the new Philippine Ambassador to the United Kingdom, H.E. Evan P. Garcia, presented open copies of his Letters of Credence to Mr Julian Evans, Vice-Marshal of the Diplomatic Corps and Director for Protocol at the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO), London. This introductory meeting signifies that Ambassador Garcia is now officially accredited to the UK. The new Philippine Ambassador also paid a courtesy call on Mr Alistair Harrison CMG CVO, Her Majesty’s Marshal of the Diplomatic Corps, at St James’s Palace. The Marshal is responsible for organizing the formal presentation of the Letters of Credence to Queen Elizabeth II at Buck-
others. (30) DISCLAIMER: This Message may contain confidential information intended only for the use of the addressee named above. If you are not the intended recipient of this message you are hereby notified that any use, dissemination, distribution or reproduction of this message is prohibited. If you received this message in error please notify your Mail Administrator and delete this message immediately. Any views expressed in this message are those of the individual sender and may not necessarily reflect the views of GMA Network, Inc.
ingham Palace. Ambassador Garcia is a senior member of the Philippine Foreign Service, having recently served as Undersecretary for Policy at the Department of Foreign Affairs in Manila. Prior to this, he was the Philippine Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations (UN) and other International Organizations in Geneva. A career diplomat, Ambassador Garcia was previously assigned to the Philippine diplomatic missions in Tokyo and Washington DC. Born in Vietnam, Ambassador Garcia is married to Jocelyn Batoon-Garcia, a fellow Filipino diplomat, with whom he has one son.
6-8 Suffolk Street, London SW1Y 4HG • Send an e-mail with the subject “Send Ballot by Post” to: embassy@philemb.co.uk • Send a text message to +447802790695
MAY 2012 2016 APRIL
LONDON
All requests to send ballots by post should include the voter’s full name, date of birth and full mailing address with post code. Requests without these data will not be entertained.
EMBASSY NEWS
Requests received after 22 April 2016 will not be entertained. Please be guided accordingly.
LONDON
LONDON
EMBASSY OUTREACH - PLYMOUTH
EMBASSY CLOSURE: APR-MAY 2016
The Embassy will hold its next Consular Outreach Mission for 2016 in: The public is advised that the Philippine Embassy will be closed on the Date: 28following May 2016date: (Saturday) Time: – 5:30 Monday - 29:30 Mayam 2016 (UKpm Bank Holiday) Venue: The Abbey Hall, Catherine Street, Plymouth PL1 2AD Contact Regular Person: office hours will resume on Tuesday, 3 May 2016. In Ms. Marie Manalo-Maramba case of death or detention of07427659599 a Filipino citizen in the United mtmmmaramba@yahoo.com Kingdom, please contact the Embassy’s emergency mobile Dr. Inocencio C. Maramba 07838904893 phone at 07802790695. cito.maramba@gmail.com Applicants are requested to submit an accomplished Consular Service Request Form to secure an appointment schedule at the Outreach. Please send the accomplished form via email to plymouthoutreachlondonpe@gmail.com. Applicants are advised to check the documentary and other requirements at www.londonpe.dfa.gov.ph and to download the FULL application forms in advance from the same website. Please beware of other websites purporting to be the Embassy‘s website. Due to audit regulations, only cash payments may be accepted. We do not accept personal cheques or debit cards. Applicants are requested to provide their own self-addressed, stamped envelope for the return of their documents. The Embassy looks forward to serving you at the Consular Outreach Mission in Plymouth.
PAGE AD
Splash PHILIPPINES 31 3
WHAT’S ON
32 16
Splash PHILIPPINES
MAY 2016 APRIL 2012
LONDON
Only the Finest
‘Far East Brands’ 75% shoppers want more choice from world foods SHOPPER INSIGHT MANAGER – I.G.D. 01 Oct 2015
FULL PAGE AD
Manning Impex Limited Tel: +44 (0)1276 406888/7 Email: sales@manningimpex.com www.manningimpex.com Facebook: facebook.com/Manning-Impex-Ltd