Issue 5 The Third Culture Generation

FILIPINOE XPAT LI V ING IN EUROPE

Issue 5- Jan/Feb 2014

COVER STORY Take a peek into the lives of European-Filipino kids INSIDE Beauty queen inspires people through charity Gay couple share their love story Know your luck this 2014 TRAVEL Experience romance in Italy WELLNESS Enjoy hilot in Barcelona

PLUS

Ambassador Leslie Baja shares the life of a diplomat Issue 5 2014

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CONTENTS

On the cover:

New Zealander-Filipino Jasmine Langdale at the famous Park Guell in Barcelona, Spain.

Photography by Robin Kuijs

Diplomats:

10 Ambassador Leslie Baja recalls his journey toward being a diplomat

Personalities:

42 Cover story:

33 Third culture kids speak about their life in Europe

Column: Law corner

12 Singer Myrna Braza talks about her love for music

36 Lawyer Chona Abiertas Tenorio gives tips on how kids can legally migrate to Spain

Expat Life:

Giving back:

15 An IT specialist feels at home in Czech Republic

Fashion:

16 Know how to wear your luck this Year of the Wood Horse

Shopping:

20 Check out the auspicious charms and amulets this 2014

Features:

21 How to make Filipino wives happy this V-day 31 Rediscover how kids grow up in a traditional Filipino household

Relationship:

38 Beauty queen Sheryl Lynn Baas reaches out to kababayans through her own foundation

Travel:

42 Explore romantic Italy 46 Bohol unveils newest luxury hideaway

Dining:

49 Mesa restaurant provides perfect hangout venue for kababayans

Recipes:

50 Chicken sopas for the soul

23 Gay couple share their love story

Health:

26 Learn the Pinoy cures for the common cold

Wellness:

28 Filipino expat introduces hilot to Europeans

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Regulars:

06 Readers’ corner 07 A note from the editor 08 Contributors’ page 09 Events

CONTENTS

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READERS’ CORNER The Filipino Expat likes to hear from our readers. Keep on sending your thoughts and comments to editor@thefilipinoexpat.com.

I liked the magazine but Switzerland should have been included in the winter destination.

Also, in the article ‘How To Beat The Winter Blues’ perhaps a more discretely dressed girl would have looked much better, in line with the Filipina values.

But the rest were good. Kudos for all the efforts involved in putting up the issue! I like the ‘Indoor Exercises’ very apt as we Pinoys tend to overeat and over stuff ourselves during the holiday season.

– Eva Bernhard, Bern, Switzerland

I have read through the magazine and find you doing a nice job. I read some good articles in the magazine and I guess sometimes it’s difficult to have a good “story”. To write “in depth” about subjects linked to the Philippines, for both Europeans and Filipinos and not just to fill the magazine with some “chitchat.”

– Mike Ve, Belgium

My friend introduced me to this magazine.

I found it very nice especially the article ‘Paperless in Europe’. Thank you Filipino Expat and more power.

- Rachel, The Netherlands

I am married to a Filipina and this magazine caught my attention. It gives me more ideas about the Filipino culture.

- Erwin Lelieveld, Netherlands

As a Filipino living abroad, away from my family , this magazine makes me feel at home. The features on lifestyle, travel, culture and current events keep me updated and connected to the Philippines I believe that a magazine like Filipino Expat gives Filipinos some form of entertainment as well as awareness outside the world. It allows foreigners who are married to Filipinos like me a glimpse into our cultures and traditions .

- Gio Rocky Galang, The Netherlands.

I love the Filipino Expat Magazine. Aside from being entertaining, it also provides a lot of information that could help us Filipinos abroad. Thank you Filipino Expat and more power.

- Chelony Mercado, Netherlands

Follow us on Twitter : @thefilipinoexpat TheFilipinoExpatMagazine

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EDITOR’S LETTER

Hello 2014 Hooray to us, dear reader. We survived 2013.

Good or bad the past year might have been, The Filipino Expat is one with you in remaining thankful for the experiences and lessons learned that can serve us well in 2014. After all, the New Year is about positivity, hope, and new beginnings. A brighter future always lies ahead.

To usher in the New Year, we set our sights on third culture kids as the 5th issue’s cover story. Otherwise known as global nomads or cultural chameleons, these TCKs are considered by some experts as the “prototype citizens of the future.” How so? They are multilingual, well traveled and exposed to different cultures. The Filipino Expat contributor Myra Colis looks into how these “half-Pinoy” kids in Europe are living up to their aspired roles and reputation, finding out their thoughts and perspectives in life on page 33.

Dheza Marie Aguilar interviews Dutch-Filipino Sheryl Lynn Baas to talk about how being a beauty queen has helped her reach out to kababayans in need, particularly those affected by the recent typhoon Yolanda.

Of course, we still have our regular lifestyle features. Our wellness section includes a trip to Barcelona to try out a spa promoting the traditional Filipino healing massage called hilot. Looking for the latest hotspots in the Philippines? Contributor Kenneth del Rosario checks out a new resort in Bohol on page 46.

At the Pengumuman temple in Bali, Indonesia.

Followers of the ancient Chinese art called feng shui might want to read our shopping page. Popular feng shui expert Marites Allen reveals the auspicious animal signs as well as the charms to improve one’s fortune. Or one can also try to “wear their luck.” Find out more on page 16.

How can we forget Valentine’s Day? Newlywed Perpie Claes-Poblador shares tips on where to go and what to do in romantic Italy on page 42. For our European friends, we listed some suggestions on how to make their Filipino wives or girlfriends feel special this V-day.

Lastly, we are introducing a new section called “Diplomats” to get to know more about the people tasked to serve Filipinos in Europe.

Happy reading!

All the best,

Diana A. Uy Editor-in-chief

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CONTRIBUTORS

FILIPINO

E X PAT LIVING IN EUROPE

Publisher and Managing Editor

Dheza Marie Aguilar

Editor-in-Chief Diana Uy

Creative Director Robin Kuijs

Editorial Assistant Lyssa Ericka Cabarles

Charles Aleksander Ravndal is a multimedia designer moonlighting as a novelist in Bergen, Norway.

He works as a web designer in one of the biggest media houses in Norway and an award-winning newspaper, Bergens Tidende. A gym rat and a foodie at the same time. Follow his adventures at www. charlesravndal.com.

Clouie Boleche loves travelling around the world, learning languages and cooking. After finishing his Master’s Degree in International Business Economics and Management, he plans to pursue his one ultimate dream of becoming a writer and an author.

Contributing Writers: Perpie Claes-Poblador, Lana Kristine Jelenjev, Patrick Camara Ropeta, Glaiza Lee, Kenneth del Rosario, Clouie Boleche, Charles Alexander Ravndal, Myra Colis, Maria Kristine Fleishhacker Contributing Photographers: Astrid Olsson and Liselinn Woll Sigvaldsen Advertising Manager Rhea Topacio-Rogacion (Europe)

The Filipino Expat Magazine Published 6 times a year

By The Filipino Expat

Maria Glaiza Lee believes in the power of the pen and thinks that writing is her calling. A former Manila Bulletin lifestyle reporter, Glaiza has a degree in Mass Communication at the University of the Philippines-Baguio. She just came back from Seoul, South Korea wherein she fnished a three-month journalism fellowship program co-organized by the Kwanhun Club and the Korea Press Foundation.

When Kenneth M. del Rosario isn’t busy writing for the Philippine Daily Inquirer (his day job for the last seven years), he is either listening to Mariah Carey, reading a good book, running in the park, or watching a movie or Charmed reruns. A native of Laguna, Ken loves and lives to travel. He has been to the US, Australia, and several Asian countries. He is hoping to cross out Europe on his bucket list in the near future.

The Filipino Expat is continously looking for writers, photographers and bloggers for both the magazine and our website, www.thefilipinoexpat. com. Email us your portfolio or writing samples to editor@thefilipinoexpat. com.

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The opinions expressed in The Filipino Expat magazine do not represent the views of The Filipino Expat company. While we have exhausted every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this publication, neither The Filipino Expat nor its editors, contributors and staff will accept any responsibility for any omission, typographical or printing errors, inaccuracies or changes however caused. Our editorial and creative teams reserve the right to edit any material submitted at our discretion. All texts, photos and graphics have been used with the permission of the author or artists. All rights are reserved. No part of this publication may be duplicated or reproduced in a whole in any form or by any means without the publisher’s prior written permission.

Comments and complaints should be addressed to: The Publisher The Filipino Expat Magazine Lorentzlaan 74 3112KP Schiedam The Netherlands Telephone +31 (0) 624407692 Email publisher@thefilipinoexpat.com advertising@thefilipinoexpat.com Website www.thefilipinoexpat.com

EVENTS JAN/FEB 2014

Music for the Philippines Jan. 25 Evangelical Community Hall Duisburg, Germany The Filipino cummunity is invited to a benefit concert for the survivors of Typhoon Yolanda.

Rotterdam Film Festival Jan. 22- Feb. 1 Rotterdam, The Netherlands

Lolita Valderama Exhibit Until Jan. 4 Palazzo Medici Riccardi Florence, Italy

The International Film Festival Rotterdam presents hundreds of independent films from all over the world including the works of Filipino movie makers.

Lolita Valderrama Savage mounts a solo exhibit at the Palazzo Medici Riccardi in the historic city of Florence. Her paintings celebrate the beauty of nature.

From Heaven with Love Until Jan. 16 Chelsea Theater, King’s Road London, United Kingdom From “Heaven with Love” is a theatrical comedy written by Ramon Castillanes Tenoso, featuring the talents of Philippine Theater UK.

Art for Heart, Exhibit for a Cause Jan. 19 Manong Alex Sizzling Restaurant Rabbijn Maarsenplein 19 The Hague, Netherlands Maricel “Chelony” Mercado, will be exhibiting her paintings dedicated to the victims of Typhoon Yolanda.

Mercado is studying Fine Arts in the Academy of Arts in Belgium.

She has previously showcased her works in Antwerp.

Restore Philippines Concert for the victims of typhoon Haiyan Feb. 1 St. Paul School Bergen, Norway Myrna Braza performs to help those affected by Typhoon Yolanda. All proceeds will go to Restore Philippines Project.

Turn to page 12 for our story on the singer-songwriter.

Berlinale Feb. 6-16 Berlin, Germany Berlinale (or Berlin Film Festival), will feature yet again big names in the film industry including Hollywood stars Uma Thurman, Christian Slater, among others. Select Filipino films will be shown as well.

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Man on a mission

by Maria Kristine Fleishackher

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walk along the expansive Kirchenfeldstrasse in the beautiful city of Bern in Switzerland. The street is lined with classic century-old buildings which now serve as offices for many diplomatic missions from around the world. I arrive at an impressive Italian Neo-Renaissance building where the Philippine flag is hoisted proudly at the facade. I am at the Embassy of the Philippines, excited for my morning chat with Ambassador Leslie J. Baja.

When it all began Baja welcomes me with the familiar warmth that one only gets from Filipinos. Before the morning ends, he tells me about his life as a diplomat, making me appreciate more his work serving Filipinos in Switzerland and Liechtenstein.

Baja graduated from the University of the Philippines with a degree in Political Science. He spent some years working at the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) in Manila before being deployed abroad.

“I served as a Third Secretary and Vice Consul at the Embassy of the Philippines in Athens in the 90s. I was a junior officer and did a lot of spade work - researching, paper work, etc. I enjoyed Athens in the sense that it has similarities with the Philippines such as lively and warm people and beautiful islands. I stayed there for six and a half years,” recalls Baja.

After his service in Greece, Baja worked as a director at the passport division of the DFA before flying again to Europe for his assignment in Berlin, Germany as a Charge d’Affaires and later on, as a Minister and Consul General. “My time in Berlin offered me the opportunity to hone my diplomatic skills with the local officials and the Pinoy community.”

He travels frequently with his wife, Noralyn, who is also a diplomat, and their two children.

“My family likes to try local delicacies. There is a saying

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‘When you’re in Rome, do as the Romans do’. So we try to do what locals do. We also watch performances by Filipinos. Last May, we watched the music and dance ensemble group Kontra-GaPi from UP Diliman perform in Bern,” he shares.

Unifying Filipinos in Switzerland Switzerland is Baja’s first ambassadorial post. He is also the Philippine government’s representative to Liechtenstein. He was appointed in July 2011.

“I like the quality of life in Switzerland. Residents get a certain kind of security. Workers are not in danger of being abused. I like the cleanliness of the country.

The river Aare here in Bern, for example, is very clear.

There is an orderly lifestyle. I also like that it is centrallylocated in Europe making it easy to visit neighbouring countries,” enthuses Baja.

Among Baja’s unforgettable moments here includes the visit of President Benigno Aquino III in Switzerland to attend the annual World Economic Forum in Davos. Meeting with the Filipino community in Zürich was another happy occassion. Baja aims to bring the embassy closer to the people through consular outreach programmes.

“Twice a year we conduct consular outreach activities.

Last year we had three outreach programmes - one in Basel and two in Zürich.”

He also uses social media to reach more Filipinos.

“I am promoting a unified Independence Day celebration in Switzerland. We had the Independence Day celebration in Zürich and it was good to see Filipinos united in one celebration. We develop good networks with Filipinos and different organizations.

Noi-P is an organization of second-generation Filipinos we work closely with. I have a personal mantra: ‘Kung sama-sama, kayang-kaya,” says Baja.

Baja says foreign officials always speak positively about Filipinos in Switzerland. They see Filipinos as hardworking, fexible and well-integrated.

DIPLOMATS

The ambassador with his A-team after a Filipino cultural performance.

“I like the quality of life in Switzerland. Residents get a certain kind of security. Workers are not in danger of being abused.”

Speaking before his kababayans.

ADVERTISEMENT Send your love from Europe to the Philippines through Pinoy Balikbayan Box

Promoting friendly relations Presently, the embassy is promoting the au pair programme as well as the Exchange of Professional and Technical Trainees programme.

The latter aims for young Filipinos to have the chance to be with host families in Switzerland and learn the Swiss way of life, language, etc. The former is for Filipinos to have an opportunity to be trained in companies of their chosen fields in Switzerland for 18 months.

“I hope to improve the political and economic relationship of the Philippines and Switzerland, to promote greater interaction among Filipinos here, and to meet the needs of Filipinos. I am happy that I work with a team that is constructive. The Swiss government is also open and responsive to our programmes,” he says.

According to the ambassador, the Swiss government has donated more than 32 million Swiss francs to Yolanda victims through Glückskette. “I believe it is a reflection of the Swiss people’s high regard for Filipinos.”

The Philippine embassy recently held a Day of Gratitude to appreciate Switzerland’s generosity.”

The Philippine embassy is located at Kirchenfeldstrasse 73, CH-3005 Bern, Switzerland Visit www.philembassyberne.ch

Pinoy-Box

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PERSONALITIES

Her music, her rules

by Charles Bjornsen Ravndal photos by Astrid Olsson and Liselinn Woll Sigvaldsen

M

yrna Braza, 28, grew up immersed in both Filipino and Norwegian cultures. She writes her own songs, records albums, and teaches music in Bergen, Norway.

According to Braza, she started performing on stage at seven years old.

“My parents are both musicians. So, music flows naturally in my veins, an important part of my life,” says Braza.

Braza considers renowned producer Thomas “Tomtom” Haugland of Tomtomstudio as one of her mentors. The latter has worked with famous Norwegian artists like Lars Vaular, Gest, Kaizers Orchestra, to name a few. Braza and Haugland met in 1998.

“Music is so much more than just text and melody to me. I make my own songs –from the text to the finishing touches of a single track. I’m part of the entire process. But of course, Tomtom guides me the whole time. I wouldn’t be complete without him,” shares Braza.

The Filipino Expat Magazine discovers more about Braza: When did you realize that music was your calling?

It was when I was 12 years old and made my ​​ first song. It was a wonderful experience, and I thought, “Ooh, I can do this.” It was a choral arrangement I made with my father playing the guitar. I remember being on stage with a couple of girlfriends. I think it was my first step into the “world of artists.”

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huge and massively catchy tunes. I love it! Erykah Badu makes good pleasant tunes, and India Arie is amazingly inspirational – both her song and her voice.

I like timeless music. Music that captures your soul will always be beautiful.

My partner, family, in-laws and my friends are a great inspiration to me. Their unconditional support is the source of my strength.

Who is your absolute favourite?

One who inspires me enormously is Jill Scott. She is a completely raw singer from the United States. Scott is an artist that I hope to be [someday].

What is the best thing about the music industry today?

Braza writes her own songs inspired by a book or a cool phrase.

How do you define yourself as a musician?

When I write music or a song I never think about style.

Many people associate me with soul music, but in reality I could be more. When I’m in the studio, I create something that speaks to me. I hope in the end when people hear my music the first thing that will come to their minds is, “It’s so typical Myrna, this is her thing.

Her own genre.”

How do you handle criticisms?

I’ve been incredibly lucky. So far in my career, I’ve pretty much got a lot of positive feedback. I may have a few times experienced getting nasty phone calls after TV appearances, but it turned out not at all about my music. It was just some men who made lewd comments. I just ignore them. I think that you either like my music or not. It is up to the listeners to decide. I will always be myself and make the music I want, and I think it is a healthy attitude to have in this business.

Who are your influences? What inspires you?

Writing-wise, I can be inspired by a word or a cool phrase. Recently, I’ve been inspired by Paolo Coelho and his book, “The Manual of the Warrior of Light.”

In music, I am inspired by Esperanza Spalding, a jazz singer whom I discovered during the Nobel Peace Prize [concert in Norway in 2009]. China Moses, whom I heard first during the Nattjazz. Melody Gardot has a lovely music and lyrics. I think I am on the Jazz planet these days. Earth, Wind and Fire is also quite amazing. There is so much awesomeness happening in the music world. Cool details, frantic breaks, and

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It is that one can work independently. For example, I have control over what I write, what I produce and the whole administrative work. I am my own manager, I own a label and I book my own gigs. The negative side of this is that so many others do the same, and it becomes a jungle out there. It is difficult for major labels or companies to notice those that are really good and have a bright future in the music industry.

I hope that someday I’ll have that kind of influence where I can give budding musicians a chance to shine and perform to a larger set of audience. I just need to work a little bit more and prove even slightly to achieve this. Now, I learn what I can on the road, which will hopefully make me stronger not just as a musician, but also as a businesswoman.

I am thankful that I have the world’s best audience.

I’d rather have a thousand followers who share my passion and love of my music than a million who forget you as soon as you’re no longer basking under the limelight. I also try to teach the singers I coach to have more fun on stage. I tell them that the stage is theirs and they can do as they please.

What lies ahead for Myrna Braza?

Lots! I will continue to be a great dreamer. I have played in some Norwegian cities, but I have yet to go on tour. I really want to go on tour throughout Norway, Scandinavia, other European cities, the Philippines, of course and the rest of the world.

Share us something that only a few of your closest friends knew about?

Many years ago I had a wager with Yosef of Madcon/ The Voice, that I would be able to get a ride home in a garbage truck. This was of course after a party and late at night. I hailed the first garbage truck I saw in Vika, Olso and asked the driver to drive me home. To everyone’s surprise, the driver agreed, followed with a boisterous laughter! So I actually hitchhiked a garbage truck and also helped the driver on the way not to miss a single garbage container.

EXPAT INTERVIEW

Enjoying the land of stories

M

arison Perez Rodriguez, 36, is a mainframe specialist at IBM Czech Republic. She has been enjoying the life of a Filipino expat for four years now in the land of stories.

What made you decide to move to another country?

It came by chance. I was working as an IT consultant/ senior systems analyst and programmer at Standard Chartered Bank in Malaysia, looking for job opportunities in other Asian countries. Someone tipped me to check IBM Thailand. For some reason, I applied for IBM China and Czech Republic. Within a week, I got a job interview and an offer. I quickly resigned from my work in Malaysia so I can spend a few months with my family in the Philippines. I didn’t realize that it will take seven months to process my work papers.

What sort of preparations did you have to do, the challenges you had to overcome?

Before coming to Czech Republic, I was deathly afraid that I wouldn’t be able to survive its severely cold weather. I was a mountain climber in the Philippines and Malaysia. So I knew that the body acclimatizes eventually to a certain environment’s temperature. However, unexpected changes in the wind can prove unbearable.

I brought lots of winter jackets and sweaters with me instead of corporate clothes. Later, I found out that it’s cheaper to buy them in the country.

Communicating with the Czech can be frustrating especially for foreigners who are trying to process their papers at immigration offices. The older generation speak only Czech, German and Russian. If you would like to get along with the people and get what you want, learn to know the basics of the language and pronounce them well. There are several Czech language schools that offer free lessons to foreigners.

What do you like most about living in Czech Republic? The things that you least like?

The country has beautiful topography, landlocked

by Germany, Poland, Austria and Slovakia. Both the Moravian and Bohemian regions have picturesque landscapes that encourage one to enjoy life and travel more. I was living in Brno during my first year.

Rodriguez (right) with a teammate.

“Before coming to Czech Republic, I was deathly afraid that I wouldn’t be able to survive its severely cold weather.”

So I visited cities like Olomouc, Cesky Krumlov, and Prague. I was amazed by their fairytale-like ambiance, the grand architectures, the history. The transportation system is fast, one of the most efficient in Europe. Did you know that some of the LRTs in Manila were built

by CKD Tatra, a company based in Czech Republic?

The people are beautiful, intelligent, very liberal, open minded and proud of their culture which I find very interesting.

What I dislike? There’s no beach and seafood is rare. As a vegetarian, you will have to make do with cabbages, peppers, tomatoes and cucumbers. Beer is also cheaper than water or juice.

How is the quality of life?

Except for some consumer items, Czech Republic is fairly inexpensive compared to most European capitals.

The rent for a small, one-room apartment is 3000 Czech korunas or 7000 pesos. The monthly transportation ticket which enables you to ride trams, buses and subways within the city costs 550 Czech korunas or 1,200 pesos.

There’s a work-life balance here that I love. People here have 25 vacation days and seasonal festivals. I am enjoying the free time and personal development. In 2010, I was able to join a dragon boat team composed mostly of Czechs and Slovaks. In late 2011, I started an international non-government organization as well as revived the Filipino-Czech Association. In 2012, I met so many struggling migrant Filipinos in Europe which inspired me to become an instrument of change and development for my countrymen.

What are your tips for Filipinos who have just moved here?

Visit UNESCO heritage sites. Be active with sports. The Czech people are sportsminded. Be friendly.

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WEAR YOUR LUCK Feng shui expert Marites Allen ventures into fashion.

by Ma. Glaiza Lee

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FASHION

H

ow do you choose which clothes to buy? Why do you wear the ensemble you pick inside your closet? Why did you pick the floral kaftan dress over a dotted maxi dress? Why did you single out the striped shirt amid all the selections?

Initially, we choose the clothes because they appeal to us. The shape, colours and texture suit our fashion preference. Sometimes we consider the season: colourful cotton tank tops for the summer, coat and jacket for the winter.

Other times, we follow our gut feel or our meager budget.

There are times when we wear certain colours and styles to make us feel better. You always wear your favorite green blouse to your job interview because you believe you look good with it and help you score big. Or that red strapless ensemble you always wear on a date night to spark romance.

Most of the time, we wear clothes without putting meaning to them. A horse detail on a shirt is simply a top with prints, just as a peonypatterned skirt is just that – a bottom wear with floral design. An overall with leaves and stems motif may be just a fashion trend for the fashionables, but it means different for feng shui master Marites Allen.

“We are all unique and our clothes need to reflect our minds, spirits, goals and aspirations.

What we wear tell so many things about ourselves. While poor styling can give a bad impression of you by others, the dress that you wear can bolster your confidence and improve your image,” says Allen.

You might be asking what does a feng shui expert has to do with fashion. Apparently, there is a lot, especially now that she had launched her fashion brand, named Frigga, which revolves around the feng shui principles.

“At its roots, feng shui has a strong relationship with shape, colours and elements. So, it really lends itself to fashion. You can see symbols used in feng shui in the styles and trends in fashion. The tradition to wear certain colours during the New Year is based on feng shui principles involving the Five Elements. In the old feudal Chinese system, the Emperors would

wear clothes that have meanings - it can be something with a dragon print or anything red.

The concept of wearing auspicious clothes is not new. It is just a matter of encouraging more people to embrace and understand the practice,” explains Allen who believes that beauty and fashion are also rooted in feng shui.

AND FRIGGA WAS BORN Ever since she started her feng shui career, Allen has been bugged with questions on what colours, directions and symbols would be auspicious for the coming year. Through the years, she has mentored clients on how feng shui works in homes and offices, sometimes touching the subject on what colour should the clients wear during important business dealings.

It was not until five years ago when the inspiration to create a fashion line came her way. That time, she was doing her usual media rounds to promote her annual feng shui forecast event in Manila. “Most of the questions thrown at me were about preparing for the Chinese New Year.

They would ask me what to do, what food to prepare, or what to wear. They would inquire about the auspicious accessories to wear,” recalls Allen.

That got her thinking – if only she could put her practical feng shui knowledge into a more accessible avenue.

“That’s where Frigga came in. A fashion brand that incorporates feng shui principles in fashion and will answer the question about auspicious clothes in one go,” Allen says.

In the following years, she equipped herself by completing fashion courses at the London College of Fashion, one of UK’s predominant fashion schools, where she met her fabulous design team.

She collaborated with Toby Meadows, a fashion business consultant and bestselling author of “How to Set Up & Run a Fashion Label,” Alice Shreeve and Hannah Coniam, both fashion designers and creative directors who also own multi-awarded fashion brand Bell & Bunty, and Rupert Shreeve, brand positioning and creative consultant, to come up with the premiere fashion brand.

Sleeveless button down top with horse print.

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Registered in London, other 27 European Union member countries and in several Asian countries. Frigga is named after a Norse goddess.

“Frigga is often pictured as the perfect mother and wife. A strong and fitting model for all women, she has the power of prophecy and is regarded as the goddess among all the goddesses. She is best personified by the women who successfully balance their career and personal life, women who take control of their destiny,” describes Allen.

what the current trends are and what would look stylish for the wearer,” enthuses Allen.

LUCK AND LOVE ON YOUR SLEEVES For the newest collection, they looked into what will work with the elements of the following year. For 2014, the year of the Wood Horse, there will be a strong presence of wood.

Silhouettes like long gowns, which conjure the image of tall tree, would be a good pick.

This is what her fashion brand hopes to embody by combining the Nordic ideal of feminine power and the mystique of the ancient practice of feng shui to bring classy, chic, and auspicious clothes to people of all ages.

If you want to increase your income opportunities and enhance personal abundance, you can opt for something with mystic knot symbol, preferably in blue hue, such as the wrap top blouse set. A cowl neck top with floral coins print and golden ingot accessory are good wealth enhancers.

Sleek geometric print dress brings the trinity of Heaven, Earth and Mankind to the wearer, showering her abundance. The harmony of shapes and warm colors creates a chic medium to enhance business and career energies.

Dresses and blouses with double infinity symbol or peony can give romantic energies to the wearer. The symbol attracts positive energy to enhance love and marriage. Singles may wear a flowing dress with sash belt and embellished with double happiness to find love, while married women are advised to have a floral tunic blouse to sustain the romance and overcome difficulties.

“Just as feng shui is all about maneuvering the environment to suit our aspirations, this fashion line is about knowing what to wear and why we should wear them. It is like affirming your personal desires through the clothes you wear and aligning them with your surroundings,” says the feng shui masterturned-fashion guru.

Dress to the nines while welcoming good health and longevity with garments with antakhkarana prints done in wood and water colors. A long kaftan or tent dress featuring antakhkarana print doesn’t only make a fashion statement, but also promotes good health. A Wu Lou shaped charm necklace keeps illness away.

She worked closely with the design team to conceptualize and develop the collection.

They meticulously determined which patterns, colors, cuts and silhouettes would be auspicious.

A sleeveless top with fireball print as well as the Rhino and Elephant kimono top will protect you from harm and misfortune.

The fireball helps control the conflicting energies present in your life. This symbol is a potent cure for the Argumentative Star, which may pose legal problems, leave unresolved issues and create

“We make our own textiles. The feng shui symbols are all incorporated and printed on them. We create designs based on feng shui principles, but we don’t want it to look too traditional and too Chinese. In creating designs, the team keeps in mind Coin print dress with ruffled detail.

“Just as feng shui is all about maneuvering the environment to suit our aspirations, this fashion line is about knowing what to wear and why we should wear them.”

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“To overcome the Misfortune Star in your chart, cover yourself up in ensemble with beautiful 5-element pagoda print.” misunderstanding in people.

To overcome the Misfortune Star in your chart, cover yourself up in ensemble with a beautiful 5-element pagoda print. A tower of strength and fortitude, evoking the tree of life, the 5-element pagoda turns misfortune to opportunities and is often used for protection and overcoming danger. A long-sleeved top with soft, sleek and silky texture allows the tower to flow fluidly into the body, absorbing its potent energies.

Frigga limits its production to ensure exclusivity. Each season will feature a certain style. For instance, one season can be devoted to the Water element, which symbolizes wealth and prosperity and often symbolized by blue color. The resulting collection will be launched during the time when Water enhancement is needed to attract good fortune. Other feng shui symbols will also have their time to shine, such as the mystic knot to attract luck or the peacock for fame and popularity.

Belted kaftan top with rhino print.

Allen concludes, “Every Frigga item carries a distinctive fashion DNA, combining different colors and prints which symbolize feng shui elements. The brand is deeply rooted in feng shui, whose very principle revolves around the need to live in harmony with the environment’s natural elements. Through the fashion collection, we hope our clients attract auspicious energies, enhance the chances in gettng improved health, wealth, career and relationships. Call it fashion for a reason or fashion with a cause that goes beyond looking good.”

For inquiries, visit www.frigga.co.uk.

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SHOPPING

Thousand Armed Kuan Yin Crystal Ball

Enhance your luck this 2014

8 Immortals On A Mountain

I

Wedding Sedan Chair

n the Chinese calendar for 2014, New Year begins on Jan. 31. The animal sign that will reign supreme is the volatile Wood Horse. Feng shui experts say, expect an aggressive and rebellious year ahead.

Believers of feng shui, or the ancient Chinese art of enhancing one’s luck by balancing the chi (energies) of their space or environment, are advised to arm themselves with the right charms and amulets to boost their luck, if not protect themselves from malicious stars.

“The best strategy this year is to stay low key and protected,” says geomancer Marites Allen.

Fortunately, Allen says that the Year of the Wood Horse has “wealth-making opportunities” that may be hidden in times of misfortune. That the first half of the year will prove positive for growth and money-making opportunities.

Relationship-wise, 2014 is the perfect time to get married or to start new romances thanks to the presence of the no. 4 Star and Peach Blossom according to the year’s Paht Chee chart or the fortune telling chart. On the other hand, married couples should take heed as the External Flower of the Romance Star is threatening to expose sweethearts, particularly men, to marital flings.

Tai Sui Amulet Keychain

Green Tara Prayer Wheel

directions: the South (Romance and Education Star), West (Wealth Star), Southwest (White Star), North (Prosperity Star), and Center (Romance and Education Star).

Meanwhile, the unlucky stars are now in the Northwest (Five Yellow or Misfortune Star), East (Illness Star), Southeast (Quarrelsome Star), and Northeast (Robbery Star).

Among the 12 animal signs, the luckiest is the Sheep followed by (in no particular order) the Rabbit, Dragon, Horse, Monkey, and Rooster.

Some of the must-have charms and protection include the Thousand Armed Kuan Yin Crystal Ball which helps fulfill one’s wishes as well as overcome hostility. The Wedding Sedan Chair is a symbol of a happy and lasting marriage. Its double happiness symbol means marital bliss. The Painting God of Wealth brings extremely auspicious money luck and prosperity into the household, says Allen.

The Tai Sui amulet keychain is perfect for those owning homes or working facing the South direction. They are said to be confronting the Grand Duke, who is considered the most highly respected and feared deity in traditional Chinese belief.

Allen adds this is a good year to have children.

The 8 Immortals on a Mountain enhances the luck of the Wealth Star. The Green Tara Prayer Wheel features the powerful mantra of Green Tara: Om Tare Tuttare Ture Soha; which helps grant wishes.

The auspicious stars have shifted to the following

For more information, visit www.prosperitymall.com.

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FEATURES

Making her happy this V-Day

by Dheza Marie Aguilar photos by Robin Kuijs

M

y first Valentine’s Day with my Dutch husband was a bit of a shock to my Filipino sensibilities. At that time, we were still living in the Philippines and I was expecting a surprise like perhaps, a bunch of red roses, a dinner date invitation, or a movie date. The day passed by with me not getting even a card or a peck on the cheek. Back then, I never considered it as something cultural but rather as a disappointment. Needless to say, we ended up fighting.

I got my dinner date the next day.

Five years later, I moved to the Netherlands and the novelty of celebrating Valentine’s Day has since faded.

I realized that the Dutch think of Valentine’s Day as a commercial ploy by Hallmark, some chocolate companies and flower shops. I lowered my expectations about V-Day. Though, my husband has already learned to compromise, never forgetting to give me something to celebrate the “special” day.

Those who are still looking for a gift for their Filipino wives need not worry about spending too much on this occasion. Most Filipino women are not hard to please.

Coming from a country where romantic movies are always a hit no matter how cheesy they are, we swoon at the smallest of things especially when we see the effort and love that were put into them. The important thing to remember is to make her feel special. We share you some tips: Write her a love letter and send it via snail mail.

There was a time when writing letters using scented paper and sealing them with a kiss were considered very romantic. The joy and excitement when you see the mailman approach your house and hand you a letter from that special someone were simply incomparable. That was before. Because of the Internet and social media, how we communicate today has taken away the anticipation and most importantly, romance.

So we say, surprise your lady love the traditional way by writing to her.

Prepare her a breakfast in bed Filipino women are very caring. So much so, they don’t

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Wake her up with a breakfast in bed.

“Back in the day, the young man goes to his lady love’s house, bringing a guitar with him or a friend who knows how to play the guitar, to serenade her with songs by her window.” see it a burden waking up early before their husband and kids so they can prepare breakfast for them. We suggest turn her alarm off on that special day, wake up before she does and prepare her some breakfast in bed. Waking her up with kisses would be a great bonus. A long-stem rose plus a lovely card would complete the whole surprise and might even win you most romantic partner of the year.

Harana Harana is one of the traditional ways of courting a girl particularly in Philippine provinces. Back in the day, the young man goes to his lady love’s house, bringing a guitar with him or a friend who knows how to play the guitar, to serenade her with songs by her window.

Grandmas would good-humoredly remember their parents having the dog chase after their suitor or pouring a bucket of urine outside their window targeting the poor lovelorn fellow. Not anymore.

Nowadays, plugging a microphone to your computer and singing her favorite song will do.

Create a scrapbook chronicling your love story Filipinos, like other Asians, are crazy about pictures.

But most of us don’t have time to print and organize them in an album. So putting some of your unforgettable photos together in a scrapbook will be one of the sweetest gifts you can give her. The internet gives you thousands of creative ways to pull this one off. Download an album-making software to help you create a collage of your photos together – from the moment you met until three children later.

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A bunch of red roses is a classic way of making her feel special.

Give her some alone time or allow her to bond with her girlfriends Those with kids will definitely appreciate some “girl’s day out.” Let her sleep in, arrange a coffee date for her and her girlfriends, accompany her to her hairdresser, or treat her to a spa or some shopping.

With all the responsibilities they carry on their shoulders, moms need a day of rest and pampering. It will be a great way to show your love for her.

Gift her with a romantic book As much as we are suckers for chick flicks, we also enjoy reading about feel-good love stories. Give her a book of poems by Pablo Neruda or the latest Harlequin novel with a sweet note written on one of the book sleeves.

Bouquet of red roses Honestly, girls fancy roses and diamonds. If you don’t have the budget for the latter, the former will do. A bunch of red roses delivered to her workplace or to your house with a sweet note will earn you points in the romance department.

Take her to a candlelight dinner A candlelight dinner will always make any girl feel special on Valentine’s Day. But keep in mind that you don’t need to go to an expensive restaurant. Simply set up the dinner table as nicely as you can and cook her favorite dish.

RELATIONSHIP

A very gay union

Words and photos by Patrick Camara Ropeta

F

ilipino Jojo Jimenez and British Nigel Sparling met on a night out with friends in 2004. They spotted each other outside a bar at closing time and ended up together at Nigel’s flat. They spent the rest of that weekend together, turning a one-night stand into a long-term relationship.

“We both felt comfortable and it felt incredibly right,” Sparling describes.

“I think you can call it destiny in some way,” says Jimenez, who moved to England to work as a nurse. “Filipinos tend to be a bit romantic. I’ve been waiting all my life. I thought he was the one so I stayed to see what would happen.”

Jimenez and Sparling have been together for a decade since. In 2009 they entered civil partnership, which became legal for same-sex couples in 2005 in the United Kingdom.

Like other couples, Jimenez says they hit a few rough patches at the start of their relationship. Jimenez was being “a little too possessive.”

“I felt like he was still not properly committed to me in the

first few months of being together,” Jimenez explains. “At the back of my mind, I was thinking maybe he was still doing something with other guys.”

Jimenez eventually found the reassurance he had been yearning for. “I realised we love and respect each other.

It’s probably just me thinking about it too much. Now I feel content. Being with Nigel gives me a sense of belonging. I never thought I’d fall in love with an English guy but I did.”

Up to this day, the couple say they encounter strange “looks” at restaurants and hotels, particularly outside London where attitudes tend to be more conservative.

“They’re just not used to it,” says Jimenez. “And it’s probably a shock more than anything.”

They also experience the same kind of prejudice particularly in Jimenez’s hometown in the Philippines. “I think sometimes people wonder what this big white guy is doing with a Filipino guy. They probably think he just picked me up from somewhere. That’s the initial reaction.

You can see it in the look on their faces,” he shares.

Jimenez furthers, “When you go to places like Valenzuela where I grew up, people really stare. We just have to brush it off and carry on. It’s a shame but it’s just how it is. They probably haven’t seen a lot of interracial gay couples.”

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Traveling for the couple means only going to places where the LGBT community is welcome.

“We make sure we only go to gay-friendly countries,” shares Jimenez. He cites Russia, Africa and the Middle East as less accepting when it comes to LGBTs. Sparling adds, “We can’t go to some countries as a gay couple because I know for a fact that there will be people who will be disapproving of us. We spend a lot of money on holidays and there are other countries we can go to where we don’t feel like that.”

The couple come from very different cultures, bringing its own complications and challenges into the relationship. They have learned to compromise and be more understanding of each other.

“Some of the communications are sometimes difficult,” Sparling reveals, “For example, two Western guys will have an argument and it will be over in 20 minutes. And you say sorry, that’s the end of it. I have discovered to my frustration that Filipinos, and I think Sparling and Jimenez at Old Compton Street in Soho.

FAR FROM PERFECT The late 1990s was a time of great change in the UK, ushered in by then newly-elected young Prime Minister, Tony Blair. His tenure under a liberal Labour government saw significant improvements in gay rights, such as lowering the age of consent for same-sex intercourse down from 18 to 16, making it equal to heterosexuals.

The year 2014 is set to become another milestone for equal rights in the UK. Later this year, same-sex marriage will finally become legal in England and Wales after its approval in Parliament a few months ago.

But there is still a long way to go in achieving true equality. For despite the impending introduction of same-sex marriage in England and Wales, other members of the union remain unchanged. Scotland has accepted it in principle but is yet to officially pass the bill, while Northern Ireland, arguably a more religious state, has so far no intentions to introduce similar legislations.

The evolution of gay rights in the UK: TIMELINE

Offence of “gross indecency” created, making all sexual acts between men illegal.

1885

1895

A Royal Commission is set up at the House of Commons to investigate the law relating to homosexual offences.

1953

Writer Oscar Wilde is prosecuted for gross indecency.

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1954

Ban in plays with homosexual themes is lifted, allowing representation in theatre and cinema.

1958

Wolfenden Report on Homosexual Offences and Prostitution recommends the decriminalisation of homosexual behaviour between two consenting adults.

1967

National Council for Civil Liverties (now Liberty) begins survey on police harassment of gays. First UK Gay Pride March also takes place in London with 700 people.

1972

Homosexuality decriminalised in England and Wales for people aged 21 and over.

1973

Scotland decriminalises homosexuality in line with England and Wales. First gay TV series is also commissioned by London Weekend Television.

1979

First UK gay helpline founded in Oxford.

First national gay rights conference also held in Morecombe.

1982

Formation of OutRage! following several murders of gay men.

1990

Decriminalisation of homosexuality extends to Northern Ireland following decision from European Court of Human Rights

1994 Age of consent for same-sex intercourse reduced from 21 to 18.

“So many things are much more important like family. There are many things that the Western world has lost so much that Southeast Asia can teach us, like good manners and respect for each other.”

it’s an Asian thing, will carry on with that argument and it can be for days. Sometimes you don’t actually know what you’ve done. That’s very different for me.”

Jimenez says it boils down to levels of sensitivity based on cultural differences.

All things considered, Sparling says he feels genuine appreciation for Southeast Asian cultures.

“It’s a different way of life,” Sparling shares. “So many things are much more important like family. There are many things that the Western world has lost so much that Southeast Asia can teach us, like good manners and respect for each other. That’s what started it for me.”

Labour Party comes into power led by Tony Blair.

Culture Secretary Chris Smith becomes first openly gay cabinet minister.

1997

1998

Age of consent reduced from 18 to 16, equal with straight people.

Scotland also abolishes Section 28 from the Local Government Act.

2000

Human Rights Act is approved, providing fundamental rights and freedom without discrimination. But Section 28 of a local government bill bans “promotion” of gay relationships as a “pretend” family, causing outrage among gay groups and many teachers.

2001

Unmarried and gay couples are given right to adopt a child.

2002

London Mayor Ken Livingston sets up Britain’s first register for gay couple, though still without legal rights.

2003

With friends at the World Pride 2012 in London.

According to Sparling, being in a gay relatioship is so much better today.

“It’s fantastic,” says Sparling. “I remember what it’s like in the 80s and 90s. Now, everything is on our side. We have the law which is just about where it needs to be.

We have the same rights as straight people. We share everything. It’s not a problem anywhere we go.”

The couple is based in London, where they enjoy a great deal of freedom to live the life they want.

The Civil Partnership Act is approved to include same-sex couples.

2004

Section 28 of the Local Government Act 1988 is repealed. The section prohibited local authorities from “promoting” homosexuality or teaching of the “acceptability of homosexuality”.

2005

The Equality Act 2010 is approved, making it illegal to discriminate on grounds of sexual orientation when providing goods, services, education, facilities, properties, and other public functions. More openly gay and lesbian MPs also elected at General Election.

2010

Same-sex couples are legally allowed to enter civil partnership.

2011

Marriage (SameSex Couples) Act 2013 is approved, allowing same-sex couples to marry.

2013

Legislation supports same-sex civil partnerships to occur on religious premises, where religious denominations wish to carry out the ceremonies.

2014 Same-sex couples are legally allowed to marry in England and Wales.

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Alternative cures to the

common cold

by Lyssa Ericka Cabarles

W

inter has come.

And as the temperature drops, the risk of getting the common cold increases. It’s time to watch out for the following symptoms: runny nose, cough, sore throat, sneezing, and low fever, to name a few.

Calamansi

Rest

Calamansi is a fruit growing abundantly all over Southeast Asia.

It is very popular in the Philippines as an alternative to lemon.

Although said to have no medicinal benefits, calamansi is very rich in Vitamin C which helps strengthen the body’s immune system.

Drinking calamansi juice also helps eliminate toxins in the body.

Get plenty of rest. It will help your immune system fight off the cold virus more quickly. All the other remedies won’t be effective if you will keep on moving about. More so, you infect other people if you don’t stay home. Make sure to keep yourself warm.

H2O

Vapor rub

Chicken sopas

Having a cold dehydrates the body. Thus, increasing your fluid intake doesn’t only keep you hydrated but also help break up your nasal congestion. Water helps remove toxins from your body, increasing your immune system’s ability to fight off the virus. Be sure to drink at least 8-10 glasses of water daily.

This is the go-to remedy of mothers once they noticed the early symptoms of the common cold in their kids or husbands.

While others would resort to self-medication or a visit to the doctor, not a few Filipinos turn to traditional or alternative medicines for an immediate cure.

The Filipino Expat has listed some of the top 10 Filipino cures for the common cold:

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A vapor rub is a mentholated, petroleum based gel intended to relieve nasal congestion and discomfort caused by colds.

Apply a generous amount to neck and chest and massage for 30 minutes before bedtime.

(Chicken macaroni soup) The Filipino version of the Western chicken noodle soup, chicken sopas is considered not only a comfort food but also a folk remedy against colds and flu.

Every Filipino household has their own recipe prepared during cold rainy days or when someone’s not feeling well.

See page 50 for the recipe.

HEALTH Salabat Ginger oil has soothing properties .

It is believed that eating ginger warms the body. This helps if you’re experiencing chills.

Some take it as a lozenge. But if eating it raw is too much for you, a hot ginger tea (salabat) might just do the trick.

To make ginger tea, follow these simple steps: Fill up a kettle or a saucepan with 4-5 cups of water, add grated ginger and bring to a boil. Drink it 3-4 times a day until you feel better. You can drink it as it is or you can add a few tablespoons of lemon and honey.

Garlic

Oregano

Honey

Garlic is said to help normalize cholesterol and blood pressure.

Research says that those who take garlic supplements daily suffer fewer colds mainly because of its immune boosting properties. Garlic is known to be a potent antibacterial and antiviral agent. Experts advise chewing raw garlic to get the most out of its health benefits.

But if you can’t bear the strong taste, you may finely chop it and use it as toppings to your rice or toast. There’s this option of preparing garlic tea or garlic soup as well. Mixing honey in garlic tea is another effective remedy.

This perennial herb and member of the mint family is very high in antioxidants explaining its medicinal benefits. The steam from a handful of oregano in boiling water is a great vaporizer. Drinking oregano tea has therapeutic effects, too. You may add honey to sweeten its taste.

Healthyhappybeautiful.com shares how to make an oregano tea.

Raw, organic honey is rich in vitamins, minerals and enzymes that can help boost the immune system.

Procedure:

Salt water

Here’s how to make your own garlic-honey tea:

1. Bring water to a boil in a saucepan.

2. When water has boiled, remove from heat.

3. Add oregano leaves and allow to steep for five minutes. You could allow it to steep longer, but remember that the longer it steeps, the more of bitter it will taste.

4. Strain the infused water into a mug. Add honey if desired and stir well.

The easiest and most common way to relieve a sore and scratchy throat is by gargling a glass of lukewarm water mixed with just the right amount of salt. According to studies, the salt draws out excess fluids in the throat’s tissues, reducing inflammation and cleaning mucous and irritants from the throat. It also helps flush out bacteria and viruses from the body.

Gargle ¼ to ½ teaspoon of salt dissolved in a glass of warm water.

Peel a whole head of garlic.

Mince finely by chopping or squeezing through a garlic press.

Put in a mortar and pound until the garlic begins to go transparent.

Spoon into a jar with 225g of honey. Stir well.

Ingredients: 1 1/2 tsp dried oregano or 2 tsp fresh leaves 250 ml water 1 tsp honey.

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WELLNESS

Bringing Pinoy-style wellness to Barcelona

by Dheza Marie Aguilar

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The Filipino Expat Magazine

Maya Khasmine Valencia has made hilot a hit among Europeans.

W

hen it comes to pampering, rest and relaxation, most Filipinos are spoiled for choice.

In the Philippines, there is an abundance of beauty salons, spa and wellness centres –from the most affordable neighbourhood “masahista” to exclusive retreat destinations. As such, getting a calming massage after a hard day’s work does not require much effort or expense.

and saved up.

This sort of indulgence is one of the things that we give up when we migrate overseas. In Europe, for one, the services are relatively more expensive compared to the Philippines. Two, there is that unique Filipino way of pampering that seems to be lacking.

Introducing hilot to Europeans

With that in mind, former financial executive Maya Khasmine Valencia decided to open her own spa that offers the unique Filipino warmth and hospitality in Barcelona. Oriental Jasmine was a dream of Valencia that only came to fruition when she lost her job. The company she was working for downsized due to the economic crisis in Spain eventually letting go of some employees. The native of General Santos saw it as an opportunity to open her spa business.

Before Oriental Jasmine, Valencia had been looking for the kind of spa treatment that she was used to back home in the Philippines. She already tried different spa and massage treatments from all over the world –from Thailand to Mexico and India. Each time, Valencia would always look for that unique Filipino touch. So much so, while still working for her former company, she was always imagining her spa and wellness centre. She drew up a business plan

“Part of my personality is being aggressive. I don’t really care [about the obstacles]. If I want something, I will get it,” says Valencia.

In April 2013, Valencia officially opened Oriental Jasmine on Calle Muntaner, a stone’s throw away from the popular university square in the centre of Barcelona.

Oriental Jasmine offers almost everything that a woman might need for her day of pampering.

However, clients, including Europeans, come here for the Filipino traditional massage called hilot.

Valencia hired professional Filipino physiotherapists who had hilot training in the Philippines to attend to her growing customers. To make the massage experience much more authentic, the spa and wellness centre only uses virgin coconut oil and wild ginseng imported all the way from the Philippines.

According to Valencia, one of the reasons that she decided to introduce hilot to Europeans was that she wanted them to feel it’s therapeutic benefits.

“When I was growing up in General Santos, I was used to being treated with hilot whenever I was sick or having body aches,” recalls Valencia.

In the rural areas of the Philippines, hilot is the first thing that comes to mind whenever a member of the family is feeling under the weather or experiencing body pains. After all, it is cheaper to go to the manghihilot or albularyo (medicine man) than go

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Oriental Jasmine offers clients the unique Filipino way of pampering. to a doctor. Hilot can take on different forms: As a chiropractic technique to align dislocated bones or as a massage treatment to cure back pains or other common illnesses like colds. In some remote villages, hilot is still being administered to assist in childbirth.

Oriental Jasmine recommends hilot to clients who are under so much stress or complaining about an upper back pain.

“There are a lot of massages that are already being offered here in Barcelona. To make my spa different from the rest, I decided to offer our traditional healing massage,” says Valencia.

Oriental Jasmine also offers body scrubs, nail treatments, waxing and natural facial lifts.

Our hilot experience During a recent vacation in Barcelona, my husband and I decided to try Oriental Jasmine’s signature hilot treatment. We’ve been walking around the city for three days and our tired and exhausted bodies were screaming for a good massage. Used to the Swedish massage, the hubby was a bit hesitant at first, worried that hilot would be as painful as the Thai massage he had a few weeks back. But I was able to convince him to try it.

Oriental Jasmine is furnished with spacious interiors as well as tasteful decorations that include white sofas with Moroccan throw pillows for customers who want to try the nail care services, for example. The dimlylit massage area features a Buddha statue lying on a wooden table. Huge lamps hang by the door of the massage rooms.

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Girlfriends can share bonding moments at the nail spa area.

The masseuse generously slathered warm virgin coconut oil on my feet. I was told that a bottle of which is permanently sitting on a basin of hot water in the spa’s kitchen so that the oil will not coagulate. Then she worked her way to my legs and my aching back. Soon, I was feeling my muscles loosening up, the pain in my back going away. In the Philippines, we would usually associate back pain with lamig or muscle spasm. We turn to hilot for relief.

After a while, I felt myself slipping into dreamland. I woke up to a light tap on my back signaling that my one-hour massage was over. I forced myself to get up, feeling so much more relaxed. Then, Valencia offered me a cup of hot tea that helped warm my body.

I waited for my husband at the lobby, wondering how his massage went. Ten minutes later, he emerged from the massage room, freshly showered and looking relaxed. I am positive that he too had a good hilot experience.

Oriental Jasmine Nail, Spa and Massage is located at C/ Muntaner 88, 08011 Barcelona, Spain. Call (93) 453 75 51 or email info@orientaljasmine.com.

TRADITIONS

THE WAY WE WERE

by Lyssa Ericka Cabarles Illustrations by Windy Dela Cruz

T

hird culture kids are exposed to different cultures and traditions when growing up.

Not surprisingly, some of the traditional values and practises that their parents grew up with get lost on them. It is not exactly a bad thing depending on how you look at it. A few of us simply like to remember those days when kids had less technology to distract them and follow more rules of conduct at home. Read on to understand more about a typical Filipino child and the home they grew up with.

“A few of us simply like to remember those days when kids had less technology to distract them and follow more rules of conduct at home.�

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1

Po and Opo. Filipino children are taught from birth how to say “po” and “opo” to show respect for elders. Po is normally used at the end of a sentence.

Opo is equivalent to “yes” when answering questions from an elder or superior.

2

Pagmamano. A form of greeting or farewell, pagmamano is another gesture of showing respect for elders. It is accompanied by the words, “Mano po.” The practice is done by taking the right hand of the elderly or parent, lightly touching the back of their hand on your forehead for a second or two before saying the accompanying words of respect.

3

Ate and Kuya. One way of showing respect to older siblings is by addressing them with Ate and Kuya. Ate is used to address an older sister and Kuya is to an older brother.

Sometimes, kids use manong for kuya and manang for ate.

These titles are not only confined within family members. It is also used when addressing even complete strangers to show respect and politeness.

4

Living with parents. Even if they’ve already reached adulthood or got married, some Filipinos continue to live with their parents. In fact, Filipino households can sometimes have up to four generations living in one house.

5

Praying before eating. Being a predominantly Catholic country, Filipino children are encouraged to pray before eating. This is to give thanks for the food on the table, often led by one member of the family. The prayer begins and ends with making the sign of the cross.

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COVER STORY

The life and times of third culture kids

by Myra Colis

S

eventeen-year-old Teresa Corti was born to a Filipino mother and a SwissItalian father. She spent most of her childhood in Lugano, Switzerland until her family moved to the Netherlands when she was 13. The high school student considers herself neither Filipino nor SwissItalian but a Eurasian. She feels the connection to her Filipino roots whenever her mom cooks some recipes from her home country. Corti’s multicultural upbringing at home and her exposure to other third culture kids at the International School of the Hague, where she is currently studying, is molding her to become a

citizen of the world.

“In the past, I used to encounter discrimination because of the color of my skin. But that doesn’t bother me any longer. Being who I am and growing up between different cultures have made me a more open-minded individual especially in terms of other people’s cultures and ethics,” says the high school student.

Corti spends her free time traveling, baking, painting and playing the piano. She used to lead her team in national competitions at the Canton Ticino Gymnastics in Switzerland.

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“Norwegians and Filipinos don’t see me 100 percent like either of them. Because I don’t speak Filipino, I’m just a tourist every time I go back to the Philippines. In Norway, I face a bit of racism.”

Corti belongs to today’s generation of third culture kids trying to cope with the issues and realities brought about by their mixed cultural background. They have the option of either to take advantage of their situation or give in to the pressures and uncertainties of being a TCK.

Ytterdahl is currently completing his last year of studies in pedagogy. He hopes to become a teacher soon. “I believe in the power of education and that everyone should have the right to it,” says Ytterdahl.

Experts define TCKs as those who have spent a significant part of their developmental years outside their parents’ culture. Sociologist Ruth Hill Useem was said to have coined the term in the 1950s.

Ted Ward, another sociologist, tagged TCKs as the prototype citizens of the future.

Like Ytterdahl, Christina Claus, 21, feels she has more influences of her German-Dutch father than her Filipino mother. Born and raised in the Netherlands, Claus thinks it an opportunity to be living in a country with multicultural people. She has more freedom to express herself.

These global nomads are imagined to be leading glamorous lives, being multilingual, exposed to the cultures of the world, and living from one city to another. However, talking to these TCKs reveals tales of restlessness, social phobia or fear of intimacy, not having a sense of belonging or a home to call their own (to be poetic about it), among others. Some are surviving successfully by practising a more open mind, like young Corti, or using their global experiences to impact change in their environment or help others.

“For instance, I think I have a wider perspective on religion that my parents don’t share. We have opposing point of views but we respect each other,” says Claus.

Not one or the other Alex Gerardo Ytterdahl, 27, finds it a challenge being both Norwegian and Filipino. According to him, people from both sides of the globe don’t see him belonging to one or the other.

“Norwegians and Filipinos don’t see me 100 percent like either of them,” admits Ytterdahl. “Because I don’t speak Filipino, I’m just a tourist every time I go back to the Philippines. In Norway, I face a bit of racism.”

Be that as it may, the musician-producer says that he doesn’t have a chip on his shoulder.

“Having a blend of Filipino and Norwegian cultures is an advantage,” says Ytterdahl.

“I see people based on who they really are and not according to ethnic background or skin color.”

Having been raised in Norway most of his life, Ytterdahl says that he feels more Norwegian than Filipino. He has travelled to the Philippines a few times to get in touch with his Filipino roots. According to him, he is “emotionally connected” to the Philippines.

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Open-minded

Claus maintains she is proud of her Filipino roots and she makes sure her friends and classmates knew it.

“I can’t speak any Filipino language but I am eager to learn Tagalog soon. During my last year’s visit to the Philippines, I felt so excited to learn about the Philippine culture. I even dared to eat balut,” beams Claus, who helps out at the Stichting Bayanihan, an organization that reaches out to Filipino women in the Netherlands.

Claus is currently studying food design and innovation at HAS Den Bosch while working at an Italian restaurant in Rotterdam.

Multilingual and sexy German-Filipino Philipp Horn, 18, says that having the ability to speak three languages: English, German, and Dutch, is one of the advantages of being a TCK. That and having lightly tinted skin color that girls in the Netherlands seem to find attractive, the young student jokes.

Kidding aside, Horn says he feels “happy and blessed” to be living in the Netherlands. Born in Laguna, Philippines, Horn was brought to The Netherlands by his parents when he was two years old.

“I always feel sad when I visit the Philippines,” reveals Horn. “It breaks my heart to see some people living in poverty, having very poor quality of life.”

Horn dreams of becoming a social worker .

Blending well Norwegian-Filipino Rayner Ron Vintervoll says he didn’t experience any cultural challenges at school or at work, primarily giving credit to his education at international schools –from primary to university.

“At an international primary school I went to when I was young, they taught us basic skills and etiquette when dealing with people from different cultural backgrounds,” shares Vintervoll.

Employed as a technical architect at Accenture, an international company, Vintervoll says that he works with people from different origins and notices no cultural biases. In his previous jobs, he says, there was little regard on cultural background. “It’s what you do that counts,” emphasizes Vintervoll.

According to him, one of the advantages of being a TCK is that it helps one to stand out especially in communities where mixed culture is not common.

He says, “This is extremely beneficial for networking and raising your own visibility particularly in a modern work environment that we have now.”

Vintervoll admits that he doesn’t have that much connection to that Filipino side of him. He considers himself 40 percent Norwegian, 25 percent Filipino, and 35 percent international. His wife is Norwegian, and they’ve been married for 11 years now.

“Perhaps it’s because of lack of prioritization or simply time constraints that I don’t connect much to my Filipino roots,” says Vintervoll. “However, I do spend some holidays in the Philippines and occasionally attend Filipino cultural activities in Norway.”

Vintervoll is currently involved in one of Scandinavia’s largest health and public service projects on welfare reform.

Culture shock Despite being born and raised in London, Edward Lao grew up imbibing and sharing some Filipino traits and habits thanks to the influences of his Filipino-Chinese father and Filipino mother.

“I think my parents raised me in quite a Filipino, Asian way.

I was taught to address the elders as uncle or aunt. I love vinegar and can also eat with my hands.”

Lao’s parents met and got married in London. His mother was one of the first batches of Filipino nurses who came to the UK in the 1970s. His father arrived in the 1980s as a former presidential guard.

“I think my parents raised me in quite a Filipino, Asian way. I was taught to address the elders as uncle or aunt.

I love vinegar and can also eat with my hands. I experienced the ‘slipper’ treatment whenever I stepped out of line. I know that ‘psst’ and ‘hoy’ can get the attention of Pinoys. I know what Filipino time is and that people can point with their lips, but I don’t do that.

I also enjoy playing basketball with my cousins every time we go to the Philippines for a visit,” explains Lao, who is often mistaken as Chinese, Thai, Japanese, Korean, American, but hardly British or Filipino.

According to Lao, he tried working in the Philippines back in 2006. Needless to say, the experience was a huge culture shock for the multicultural Pinoy.

“After six months of traveling in the Philippines, I eventually landed a job at ABS-CBN News Channel in Manila.

Later, I realized the Philippine work environment is very different from that in the U.K. For instance, I couldn’t get used to addressing people ‘sir’ and ‘ma’am.’ I was also shocked to hear a lot of politicians being killed during election, something unheard of in the UK,” recalls Lao.

Rich and famous in PHL In the Philippines, third culture kids are dominating the sports and entertainment industries. Their pretty faces are regularly seen on TV screens, starring in soap operas, television commercials or movies.

Even billboards on major thoroughfares are splattered with their almost perfect mixed-race features. Filipinos just love them:

Anne Curtis, Australian-Filipino, Actress and TV host.

Siblings Phil and James Younghusband, British-Filipino, Football players

Marian Rivera, Spanish-Filipino, Actress

Currently, Lao works as a live/ offline subtitler for a London-based international entertainment company while doing freelance writing for ANC News Bureau in London.

-With research by Lana Kristine Jelenjev

Gerald Anderson, American-Filipino, Actor

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How your kids can legally migrate to Spain

T

he Philippines’ ascent as a major labor exporter in Asia and worldwide is based on various factors. Large-scale labor migration from the Philippines started in the 1970s. The “push� factors were very strong but made worse by the oil crisis in 1973. The absence of sustained economic development, political instability, a growing population, double-digit unemployment levels, and low wages continue to compel people to look abroad.

The flow of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), numbering a few thousands per year in the early 1970s, has grown to hundreds of thousands today. The majority of women OFWs are in domestic work, the men in construction and manpower. Women OFWs can also be found in factory work, sales, and nursing. Then they settle in countries that are not popular destinations for immigration through marriage or work-related migration. This permanent migration, however, was overshadowed by the larger and thornier temporary labor migration until the trend has changed. Most of them had acquired permanent residence and work permits and become citizens of their host countries. Those who seek economic stability for their family settled there followed by their children.

The third generation is now going to foreign countries to study as well as work in professions that fit their academic and professional qualifications. However, immigration policies have become more difficult and complicated.

There are several options to migrate to Spain, the most common of which is Family Petition. This is applicable to the children and parents of those who are residents in Spain but are not citizens of the European country. It requires the petitioner to have at least a monthly income of 800 euros for one family member to be petitioned and at least 1,100 euros for two family members to be petitioned. Besides, the petitioner must have a certification of a decent home issued by the City Hall to be presented to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the host country together with the following documents: application form, copy of the passport of the applicant

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LAW CORNER WITH ATTY. CAT

and the alien identification number (Numero de Identification de Extranjero or N.I.E), certified copy of the documentation showing employment or having sufficient financial resources like copy of employment contract, latest tax declaration, payroll in the past three months and receipt of payment of tax amounting to 10.20 euros.

Meanwhile, the beneficiary must present the certified true copy of birth certificate and copy of passport (photocopy all pages).

After completion of all the required documents, the government will issue the resolution. If the result is favorable, the beneficiary must present the said resolution to the Spanish Embassy in the Philippines to apply for the visa. He must show the original valid passport and submit an N.B.I clearance as well as medical certificate. If the children to be petitioned are by a single parent, secure a documentation certifying that the parent exercises sole parental authority, has been awarded custody by Philippine courts, or has been given certification of permit by the other parent. The visa will be issued in the period of 15 to 30 days and must leave the Philippines within three months of the issuance.

Here are other ways to legal migration depending on the situation: Those residents who either have minor children born in Spain or minors who are not born in Spain. The requirements are almost the same with the regular petition process. It only differs in terms of personal documentation of the minor.

Those who will come to Spain to study including those who were granted scholarships by the Spanish government need not have to have parents who are residents of Spain so long as the visa requirements are met. For more inquires, email Atty. Chona Abiertas Tenorio at chona.abiertas@icab.cat

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More than just skindeep Baas with schoolchildren in Leyte.

by Dheza Marie Aguilar

“Why are you competing in something that you cannot win anyway?”

Sheryl Lynn Baas’ mom was completely incredulous when she first heard that her daughter, then a law school student, was joining the Miss Netherlands beauty pageant. Coming from a very poor family in Leyte, Susan wanted nothing to distract her children from finishing school. She believed that having a degree meant being successful in life. After all, that’s how she did it: Education paved the way for her to lead a more comfortable life in the Netherlands and send her ten siblings to school.

But the caramel-colored, multicultural young woman had a different plan. Baas knew that the competition would be her stepping stone to achieving not only success in life but also a lifelong dream of helping other people. So against her mother’s wishes, Baas signed up for the pageant.

“In the Netherlands, people think that a beauty pageant is a meat market of sorts. That’s why it’s not as popular compared to the Philippines or

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Latin America,” laments Baas.

According to the young beauty, the Dutch criticise such competitions as not contributing enough to the mind. But Baas believes otherwise. She read somewhere that a crown and a sash can be a medium for reaching out to other people.

“I think that being a beauty queen is all about being well-rounded. It is not just about being beautiful on the outside but also on the inside; having a purpose and sharing that purpose with other people,” says Baas.

Baas has been exposed to poverty in some parts of the Philippines ever since she was a kid (family vacations were spent in her mother’s home country). Suffice it to say, at an early age, Baas already knew that she wanted to help her kababayans.

To make the long story short, Baas was named representative of the Netherlands to the Miss World 2006 tilt in Poland. She did not get the coveted title but it opened doors for her to start

GIVING BACK

Posing in front of a building she donated.

her own charity organization called the Sheryl Lynn Foundation, a year later.

During the recent calamity that hit the Philippines, Baas became the unofficial spokesperson for the Philippines, doing the rounds in television, newspapers, radio and social media asking the Dutch people to help the victims of Typhoon Haiyan. As of this writing, Samenwerkende Hulporganisaties has collected almost €35 million, to be donated to nine organisations currently helping typhoon-hit areas in the country. This amount is on top of the €6 million that the Dutch government already donated to private charities in the Philippines.

Growing up as a third culture kid Living in the Netherlands, known to have high tolerance for immigrants, Baas did not have to deal with problems that some third culture kids encounter in other countries. In fact, she was often approached by modelling agents due to her mixed beauty. However, her father did not approve, knowing his daughter to be too soft for the cutthroat industry.

Baas considers being a multicultural kid an advantage because it does not only teaches her to have a broader outlook in life but also exposes her to experiences and influences outside her circle.

“My parents complemented each other [when they were raising me]. My father is a little bit relaxed when it comes to certain things. He is more about enjoying life, doing the things that make you happy whereas my mother is more like study first. But they always meet in the middle,” shares Baas.

Baas and her brother grew up imbibing and following certain Filipino traditions like having deep respect for parents, praying before a meal, among others. Whenever they would come home to the Philippines, Baas would play with cousins and other kids in the neighborhood. She would be in awe of the resourcefulness of Filipino kids in the provinces. They make their toys from scraps or recycled materials instead of buying them.

“As a child, it was horrible to leave the Philippines.

The pain was simply indescribable, something I have never felt before. Each time I left by boat, seeing the island of Leyte become smaller and smaller, I remember all the good times, the bonding, playing, feeling so much loved,” recalls Baas.

Baas will be forever grateful to her mom for instilling in her love for family. She always keeps in touch with her relatives in the Philippines as well as her cousins in the Netherlands.

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Joining a beauty pageant has helped Baas achieve one of her dreams.

“As a child, it was horrible to leave the Philippines. The pain was simply indescribable..”

When her mother had a stroke, Baas, who had been living in Canada for more than two years at that time, left for the Netherlands to take care of her mom.

Baas admits that her relationship with her mom has its ups and downs. For instance, discussions about teen sex was something that her far more conservative Filipina mother was not ready to explore.

“The one thing that was really hard for my mother was that I had engaged in premarital sex, which is very common among girls my age here in the Netherlands.

But she has learned to accept it knowing that she has taught me values that will help me become a better person,” says Baas.

Charitable heart Baas grew up to kind and charitable parents. Right after typhoon Yolanda hit the Philippines, her mother sent most of her money to her family in Leyte. Her dad Jan, did some part-time work to help his wife collect enough money to send home. Susan is known in the Filipino community as someone who always lends a helping hand to a kababayan. In her province, whenever the whole Baas family visits, her mother could never turn down a neighbor asking for help.

The beauty queen has learned to give back in her own

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The beauty queen with her family having fun on the beach.

way. When she was just a kid, she would often leave some of her clothes for her playmates in the Philippines before going back to the Netherlands. She would also solicit money from her neighbours in Rotterdam to buy gifts that she will send to her Filipino friends.

Needless to say, kids have a special place in the heart of the 28-year-old. The Sheryl Lynn Baas Foundation is involved in providing educational assistance to children in Leyte. They give out school supplies as well as help build or repair facilities including toilets and recreation areas.

The publicity that she received when she became Miss Netherlands 2006 and Mrs. Holland Globe 2012 helped her widen her network, spread her cause to people who want to help. Baas has proven to the world that beauty pageants can help move and compel people to action.

“Whenever people tell me how remarkable the things I am doing, I always tell them that I am simply remembering what my parents taught me. I tell them that they would also do the same if they were raised the way I was,” beams Baas.

Baas has already passed on her crown as Mrs. Holland Globe. But her work is not yet done. She is currently studying Cultural Anthropology and Development Sociology at Leiden University in the Netherlands, hoping to work at the United Nations someday and be able to help more people.

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Italy is LOVE Words and photos by Perpie Claes-Poblador

The author shares some tips on having a romantic getaway in Italy.

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TRAVEL The Leaning Tower of Pisa.

Love padlocks are attached to one of the bridges in Venice.

I

have been to Rome twice, to Florence once, and yet, I still yearn to go back. The perfect timing came when I got married and was looking for a honeymoon destination. My husband has never been to any of those Italian cities I just mentioned. So the day after exchanging marital vows on a fairytale-like Nordic island, we flew back home to Switzerland, packed our stuff, and took an unforgettable road trip to Italy.

Undoubtedly, Italy is one of the most highlyrecommended honeymoon spots in the world.

This we realized after our two-week blissful tour around the north and central Italy. We were simply awestruck by the European country’s sheer beauty and exquisiteness. If you find yourselves in Italy, especially during the love month, do try to include the following in your itinerary: Hike through the five villages of Cinque Terre. Otherwise known as the “Five Lands,” Cinque Terre features five beautiful fishing villages: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore. You can get there by taking the train or boat. As these villages sit atop cliffs, expect some serious walking. If you have the stamina for it, try the six-hour hiking trail particularly, the path between Monterosso and Vernaza. The steep, narrow goat trail provides a spectacular view of the Ligurian Sea. “Lean” on the tower of Pisa. A popular Italian landmark, be prepared to bump into a lot of tourists swarming around the slightly angled campanile. Don’t be shy to make the silliest, most creative poses with the leaning tower as almost

everyone there is doing it anyways.

Get lost in the walled city of Lucca. Lucca’s centuries-old defensive walls were designed by the genius, Leonardo Da Vinci. Walking or riding a bike within the walls of the city will lead you to the most interesting places: An amphitheatre, the famous cathedral Duomo de San Martino, Torre Guinigi known for the oak trees on its rooftop, the Piazza Napoleone or Lucca’s biggest square, among many others.

Relax in historic thermal baths. Aside from being blessed with fertile grounds, majestic landscapes and generally mild climate, Tuscany is also home to many natural hot springs. The most famous include the thermal baths in Saturnia and Monsummano. We spent days at a spa in Monsummano’s Grotta Giusti, which is known for its natural cave with an underground lake featuring therapeutic hot water. The cave highlights three zones, each one increasing in heat. For your spa treatment, you can choose either “Paradise,” “Purgatory” or “Hell.” If you’re not up for this treatment, Grotta Giusti has modern thermal pools and a number of spa services as well.

Get mesmerized by the grandeur of Florence.

A cultural, artistic and architectural gem, Florence is the birthplace of the Renaissance or the Age of Discovery and Creativity. Florence never fails to attract visitors from all over with its rich, colorful history. In this city alone, there’s over 80 museums, 60 churches and over a thousand restaurants to enjoy. It can be overwhelming. So if you plan to stay for a day or two we recommend you first visit the

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Tuscany is home to some of Italy’s best wines.

The San Michele basilica in Foro, Tuscany is dedicated to the famous bible character Archangel Michael.

Touching the right breast of Juliet’s statue is supposed to bring good luck to lovers.

In Venice, ride a gondola and kiss under the Bridge of Sighs.

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TRAVEL popular ones: Piazzale Michelangelo, Duomo di Firenze, the Medici Chapels and Church of San Lorenzo, Piazza Signoria, Uffizi Gallery and Ponte Vecchio.

6. Savor Tuscan wines. Tuscany is home to some of the world’s most notable wine regions namely, Chianti, Montalcino and Montepulciano.

We visited Montalcino and Montepulciano for the most intimate wine drinking experience.

The wines from these two Tuscan cities are my favorites, particularly the Brunello di Montalcino.

7. Stroll around Pienza in Val d’Orcia. Pienza is the Tuscan town that first employed the socalled Renaissance urbanism. It offers stunning views of the entire valley of Val d’Orcia (or Valdorcia). All around, it is very picturesque.

8. Experience Siena’s medieval vibe. Of all the old Tuscan cities and villages, Siena has wonderfully preserved its medieval past. Gothic architecture dating hundreds of years are almost everywhere. The city is built around the Piazza del Campo. Here is the perfect place to people-watch especially late afternoons.

“Tuscany is home to some of the world’s most notable wine regions.”

9. Stay in centuries-old villas and farmhouses. Agri-tourism is transforming charming old villas and rustic farmhouses into themed accommodations for tourists. The idea is for you to experience either the life of a farmer or a great don. Most host families also offer a good selection of activities like horse riding, wine tasting and cooking lessons for guests.

10. Exchange vows of eternal fidelity in Verona. The star-crossed lovers Romeo and Juliet, as immortalized by Shakespeare, continue to live on in the city of Verona. Lovelorn tourists flock to Casa di Guiletta to see the bronze statue of Juliet and the balcony where Romeo famously wooed his one true love. Writing love notes, posting them on the walls, as well as touching the right breast of Juliet’s statue are believed to bring luck to lovers. You can also watch the theatrical play of Romeo and Juliet at Verona’s

The Arena. But don’t leave Verona without watching Guiseppe Verdi’s Aida, as well.

11. Bask in the sun by the Lake Garda.

Known as the largest lake in Italy, Lake Garda is a popular holiday destination for those who are into watersports and other outdoor activities.

Lake Garda is surrounded by mountains and small resort towns. Try visiting Bardolino and Peschiera.

12. Taste Valpolicella and Amarone.

Valpolicella is a viticultural zone north of Italy.

It is known worldwide for producing the most prestigious and expensive Italian wine, Amarone della Valpolicella. Of course, throughout our stay in Verona, we drank mostly Valpolicella classics.

On our last night, we dropped by the fancy and historic Antica Bottega del Vino where I tasted the most divine Amarone ever. It was a luscious meeting between Amarone and I. 13. Follow the duke’s steps in Mantua.

It starts at Palazzo Te, which was built as the duke’s leisure palace. Take the straight road to get you to the city centre where you’ll find other equally fascinating architectural works such as the Basilica of Sant’Andrea, Mantua Cathedral, and the Palazzo Ducale.

14. Sigh over magnificent Venice. It sounds cliché alright, but Venice is definitely one of the most beautiful and romantic places in the world.

While most honeymooners jump right into the gondolas and kiss under the Bridge of Sighs, we enjoyed Venice differently. Without a map or a guide, we dived straight into the maze-like streets of Venice, crossing bridges over canals, passing by hole-in-the-wall shops, and quaint restaurants. We stayed a bit at the Rialto Bridge to enjoy the Grand Canal. Walking further, we reached San Marco and found its famous square. By late afternoon, we finally took a taxi boat to experience the Grand Canal.

15. Attend cooking class together. During our cooking class, we made our very own tagliatelle pasta noodles. We also prepared some appetizers as well as a main course. It was heart-melting to see my apron-wrapped hubby chopping raw vegetables, kneading the pasta dough, and sipping red wine with me.

16. Eat like an Italian. Italian food is probably the reason why I so wanted to return. I needed to satisfy my cravings for good seafood and yes, Italian wines. While my hubby had been wanting to try the Fiorentina steak. However, our visit here led us to the discovery of the black truffle pasta. Hands down, this is now both our favorite. Ready your tummies when you come here. A typical Italian meal is served in this order: aperitivo, antipasto, primo platti, secondo platti, contorno, formaggi e fruta, dolce, caffè, and digestive –all served in generous amounts. That’s Italy for you.

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BOHOL’S NEWEST LITTLE SECRET HIDEOUT

by Kenneth M. del Rosario

Once in a while, it doesn’t hurt to feel like royalty.

Imagine sitting by the beach, enjoying the peace and quiet of your very own beautiful and secluded island. How about having a romantic candlelight dinner with your loved one along the shore?

All these while knowing that an immaculately prepared room is waiting for you once you’re ready to hit the sack.

You own your time. Everything seems to slow down. It’s a page off a fairytale.

But before I get to that happily ever after ending, let me tell you first about my blissful three-day romance with Astoria Bohol, a newly opened resort in this quaint Visayan town in the Philippines. In so many words, Astoria Bohol is a perfect little hideout, where it was just me and nature.

establishment, guests first have to drive for a minute or two along a narrow road that leads to it.

The resort is a bit secluded so guests are assured of their much needed privacy and quiet time.

The food that the staff at Astoria Bohol served during my first night there was expectedly exquisite. The hearty dinner consisted of Bohol’s finest delicacies like chicken binakol, halang-halang, humba, relyenong bangus (milkfish), and gisinggising (which uses kangkong stalks, instead of beans).

But they served the best for last: Malunggay ice cream and fresh fruits for dessert. You’d have heard me quip, “This is so yummy!” a dozen times had you been with me that night.

Astoria Bohol, which sits on a three-hectare property in Brgy. Taguihon in Baclayon is a 15-minute drive from the Tagbilaran airport.

The next morning, during breakfast, I was treated to sikwate, or what is commonly known as tableya in Luzon. It’s a native chocolate drink made from local cacao trees, with just the right balance of sweetness and bitterness to wake you up in the morning.

From the road, it’s easy to miss the entrance to this resort. Before you get to the actual

Right next to the breakfast area is the extremely inviting infinity pool, made of black slate which

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TRAVEL Four-poster beds lend an Old World charm to the rooms.

Astoria Plaza’s cafe affords guests sumptuous local and international cuisines.

Astoria Bohol features azoteas offering unobstructed views of the Mindanao sea. absorbs heat during the day, keeping the water slightly warm at night. Of course, there are the half-submerged leaf-shaped loungers, which have become a signature feature of the Astoria property in the country.

Should guests prefer to swim in the open sea, they’re more than welcome to do so. The beachfront is nothing short of breathtaking; the water warm enough. The islands of Panglao and Pamilacan, two of the most marine-rich areas in Bohol, are within view. It’s here, too, where water activities like kayaking, boating, and snorkeling happen.

The rooms tell another story. I was billeted in a room featuring bits and pieces of a bygone era, a nostalgic reminder of the past, when Spanish architecture still flourish.

The expansive floor space, measuring 55 sqm, and extremely high ceiling are framed by an intricate ventanilla (wall vents), effectively drawing attention to the sturdy four-poster bed in the middle of the room. A stylized aparador (cupboard) adds vintage sophistication along with the twin butaca (lolling chairs) in one corner of the room. The machuca tiles lend some blue hue to the room’s dominant neutral color palate. From the room’s azotea (balcony), Guests have an unobstructed view of the calm Mindanao Sea. Re-imagining a certain look and feel from hundreds of years ago would be a challenge for anyone, but Astoria Bohol captures enough

“Should guests prefer to swim in the open sea, they’re more than welcome to do so. The beachfront is nothing short of breathtaking; the water warm enough.” elegance to, well, sort of transport you back in time.

For voracious readers like myself, it was nice to see that Astoria Bohol put up a nice, little library with newspapers, select novels, popular board games, and blockbuster movies.

Guests who have visited Astoria’s other properties - the Astoria Boracay (Station 1, Boracay) and Astoria Plaza (Ortigas Center) - wouldn’t be surprised that Astoria Bohol’s look feels familiar.

After all, the architecture went into the capable hands of Ed Gallego, while the interior designs were handled by the equally talented sister tandem of Cynthia and Ivy Almario. These are the same people who worked with Astoria Hotels and Resorts’ other award-winning properties, giving them that distinct “Astoria touch.”

Astoria Bohol opened in March 2012. During the recent earthquake in the town, the property was thankfully spared from devastation, with only several furniture and décor sustaining damage.

But officials in the resort have assured its guests that the building’s structures were fully intact.

Damaged furniture has been replaced or repaired.

A night at Astoria Bohol would set back guests by about €245. That might look like a steep price to some, but I assure you that Astoria Bohol is worth every single euro.

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ADVERTISING FEATURE

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DINING Owner Michael Taroma with chef Luthgardo Bagaboro.

Crispy pata is one of the bestsellers in the menu.

MESA: A Filipino haven in the heart of Europe

I

Words and photos by Clouie Boleche

t’s a hot Sunday afternoon in the middle of July and the place is packed with Filipinos engaged in lively conversations while nibbling through their meals.

Laughter, giggles and the sound of children running around fill the room. A small band is playing familiar songs in the corner. The atmosphere feels like there’s a fiesta going on or you’re somewhere in downtown Makati in the Philippines not in the middle of Brussels, a stone’s throw away from the posh Avenue Louise.

Welcome to Mesa, a Eurasian Filipino restaurant in Belgium.

Owner Michael Taroma, 37, opened Mesa to serve good Filipino food as well as provide a hangout venue for his kababayans, in the Ixelles district. Launched on Jan. 12, 2012, Mesa (Filipino for table) is one of the most frequented Pinoy food hubs in this side of the world.

“I noticed that Filipinos in this part of Brussels needed a place where they could hangout after work. So the idea of opening up a resto-bar appealed to me,” shares Taroma.

He adds that Filipinos in Brussels deserve an affordable place to eat and be among friends and family.

Realizing the demand, Mesa has expanded its menu to include European and other Asian dishes. It added catering services as well. The place transforms into an events venue for special occasions.

Filipino porridge goto is a favourite among customers.

Among their bestsellers are beefsteak tagalog, lechon kawali, crispy pata, chicken pork adobo and sinigang (with a choice of prawns, fish, beef and pork). They also serve a variety of pancit (Asian noodles) namely, bihon, canton, miki-bihon and palabok. Rice toppings with choices of beef, shrimp, salmon and chicken are also available. Side dishes include lumpia shanghai (spring rolls), calamares (fried squid rings), camaron rebusado (fried breaded shrimps), gambas, shrimp in tomato sauce and fried chicken.

Mouthwatering steaks are served here, too.

“I try to tweak classic Filipino recipes by using ingredients found in Europe to cater to both the Western and Asian palates,” says chef Luthgardo Coneras-Bagaboro, whose specialty is rice toppings.

Helping his fellow Filipinos has always been second nature to Taroma. Taroma’s parents brought him to Ixelles when he was just six years old. But even if he practically grew up in Belgium, having lived there for most of his life, Taroma never quite forgot his roots. For instance, he started Masikap (diligent) Cleaning Services Sprl. in 2009 to help Filipinos who needed jobs. With Mesa, he wanted Filipinos to relive happy memories of home and share them with their European friends.

“By opening the resto-bar in Brussels, Filipinos are given the opportunity to show other nationalities our very vibrant and happy nature,” concludes Taroma.

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RECIPES

Chicken sopas

By Dheza Marie Aguilar Photo by Robin Kuijs

F

or the romantic, winter means evenings covered by a blanket and lounging in front of a fireplace while snow is softly falling outside. When in fact, in some parts of Europe,it’s mostly grey and rainy weather that can go on for days and even weeks, dampening one’s mood. It’s that time of the year when when people suffer from cough, colds and flu.

A hot soup, in this case, chicken soup, is just what one needed. Here’s a simple recipe: Ingredients: 3 tablespoons butter 1 medium sized onion, diced 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced 32 ounces chicken broth (about 4 cups) 2 cups elbow macaroni 3/4 cup celery stalk, chopped 3/4 cup carrots, diced 3/4 cup cabbage; shredded 3/4 cup fresh or evaporated milk 1 cup water Salt and ground black pepper to taste

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Procedure: 1. Heat a cooking pot and melt the butter.

2. Add onions and cook until it softens.

3. Add the boneless chicken breast (or shredded chicken) and cook for 3 to 5 minutes.

4. Sprinkle some salt and ground black pepper and stir.

5. Add the chicken broth and bring to a boil.

6. Pour in water and milk into the broth and bring to a boil. Simmer for 15 to 20 minutes.

7. Add the elbow macaroni and cook for 8 minutes, stirring once in a while.

8. Add the carrots and celery and simmer for 3 minutes.

9. Add the cabbage and cook for 2 minutes.

10. Serve hot.

Tip: For a tastier broth, use a whole chicken breast, bones and skin included. Use the broth for your soup.

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IN THE NEXT ISSUE: The Filipino Expat focuses on women empowerment, with ABS-CBN Europe head correspondent Rose Eclarinal as cover story. We will be interviewing actress and television host Rachel Ann Go for her role in the upcoming Miss Saigon in London. More so, we will be giving you updates on the ratification of the ILO Convention 189 or the Domestic Workers Convention.

Publisher Dheza Marie Aguilar will be flying to London to try the popular Filipino restaurant Lakwatsa.For the travel section, we will be discovering Barcelona’s secret hideaways. In the Philippines, we will be roughing it in Sagada.

Plus, Philippine Ambassador to the Netherlands Jaime Victor Badillo Ledda will be gracing our “Diplomats” page.

Of course, we will still have our regular features on relationships, Filipino expat interviews, health and wellness and recipes.

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The Filipino Expat Magazine