Yes Philippines NewsMagazine UK - August 2022 by Yes Philippines NewsMagazine UK Edition (Series 4)

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Fi l i pi no Communi ty New spaper COV ER to COV ER UNITED KINGDOM EDITION

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AUGUST 2022

BORA CA Y, PA LA WA N and CEBU HA I LED A M ONG

WORLD?S BEST I SLA NDS So urc es: w w w.it sm o ref unint hep hilip p ines.c o.uk

FILIPINO TV EUROPE

AUGUST 2022

LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHER

E ar e in t h e m idst of a sizzlin g su m m er , so m u ch so t h at t h e h igh t em per at u r es m ak e u s f eel lik e w e ar e in t h e h om e

cou n t r y. One would think that we are by M ARY SOL PIM ENTEL

?The Filipino psyche manifests not only in selflessness but also in togetherness, as our community is abuzz with various summer activities ? fundraising, barrio fiestas and anniversary celebrations, among others.?

delighted about it, but having been used to the mild British weather, we complain that it?s too hot. Some of us may contemplate performing a rain dance to summon cooling drops from the sky, while others may just be content to wait for gentler, autumnal days to come. Did you know that the month of August was previously called Sextilis in the original Roman calendar? It was renamed to honour Rome?s first emperor, Caesar Augustus. It?s the only month name that is given to males. (April, May and June for women). Thus, back home, a baby boy may be christened Augusto, which is quite a distinguished appellation, albeit rather archaic. Well, there?s nothing archaic about ?Yes Philippines?. We try to be as current and up-to-date as we possibly can.

In this month?s issue, we bring you news from home about the National Artist Award that had been bestowed on eight of our most creative fellow Pinoys who have excelled in the fields of arts and culture. It's not only in arts and culture that the Filipino spirit is nobly expressed but in selfless service to others as well. We have a couple of stories for you about two nurse kababayans who have shown compassion outside of their professional duties. The Filipino psyche manifests not only in selflessness but also in togetherness, as our community is abuzz with various summer activities ? fundraising, barrio fiestas and anniversary celebrations, among others. The photographs featured in the following pages speak for themselves. All these and more are waiting to be seen and read by you. So, get yourself a refreshing drink of your choice, sit or lie down al fresco, and enjoy ?Yes Philippines? cover to cover. Happy reading!

This Edition is distributed all over the United Kingdom (England, Wales, Scotland & Northern Ireland) Pu blish er M ARY SOL PIM ENTEL Associat e Pu blish er SARAH M AE LARAGAN M an agin g Edit or M ARIA ELLIS Pr odu ct ion M an ager PAULA PEREZ Layou t Ar t ist LEONE CERISE CRISOSTOM O Ar t Dir ect or JOHN KNUCKLES Wr it er s/ Con t r ibu t or s VIVA O'FLYNN PEPS VILLANUEVA ROBERT LABAYEN CAM ILLE EUSEBIO EDGAR DUAY Adver t isin g KARLA DUCAY Colu m n ist LIRA SIM ON-CABATBAT Cir cu lat ion FERNAN DOM INGO BIEN EVANGELISTA

AUGUST 2022

PHILIPPINE HISTORY CORNER

Si gni f i cant Ev ents i n A ugust

ECOND of Aug ust 1968, a 7.3 ea rt hq ua ke hit Ca sig ura n, c o lla p sed b uild ing s in M a nila .

On 2nd August 1968 at about 4am, a magnitude 7.3 earthquake hit Casiguran in Aurora province. Manila which is located relatively far from the epicentre, suffered the worst impact of the tremor. The earthquake is one of the most destructive to hit the metropolis, which caused the collapse of buildings, killing hundreds of people. Ruby Tower, a 6-storey building in Binondo, Manila, was among the buildings that were severely damaged. In it were 38 commercial units and 76 residential units. Striking at a time when most people were sleeping, massive loss of lives was inevitable. Among the 270 people who died, 268 of them were buried alive in this building. Of the 261 injured, 260 were from the Ruby Tower as well, some of whom died later on.

The nunnery was dubbed "living death" because women who entered were never seen again by outsiders. The only signs of their existence were the chants that would waft through the monastery chapel during Mass and common prayers.

on the peace conference itself or on the American commissioners. He was refused a hearing by both of them. The most that was done was the submission by General F. V. Greene his "Brief Notes by Señor Agoncillo".

The monastery is figured in Dr. Jose Rizal?s novel "Noli Me Tangere". It was there that the hapless and tragic Maria Clara found refuge and met her end.

After receiving further instructions, the commissioners from Washington forwarded an ultimate proposal for the occasion of the whole archipelago and the payment by the United States of $20,000,000.

8 Aug ust 190 0, W illia m J . Brya n c o nd em ned t he Am eric a n o c c up a t io n of t he Philip p ines On 8th August 1900, William J. Bryan, US Democratic Party candidate for President, condemned the American occupation of the Philippines as a flagrant deviation from the most sacred American principles and traditions, saying: ?There can be no doubt that we did so we had full knowledge that they were fighting for their own independence, and I submit that history furnishes no example of greater turpitude than ours if we now substitute our yoke for the Spanish yoke".

Realising that this proposal admitted of no other alternative and that they must accept it or break off negotiations, the Spanish commissioners finally submitted to what they called "the law of the victor ", and on 29th November formally agreed to the proposal. The treaty was finally signed on 10th December 1898. Many of the opponents of ratification felt that the treaty was an injustice to the Filipinos, and therefore opposed it.

21 Aug ust 1983, Ninoy Aq uino w a s a ssa ssina t ed On 21st August 1983, former Senator Benigno "Ninoy" S. Aquino Jr. was assassinated at the Manila International Airport upon returning home from a three-year self-exile in the United States.

A memorial now stands on its location.

East side of the roof of Ruby Tower

The murder sparked a series of protests from an enraged nation that culminated in the February 22-25, 1986 EDSA People Power Revolt, forcing then President Ferdinand E. Marcos to flee to Hawaii. Born on November 27, 1932 in Concepcion, Tarlac, Ninoy earned the monicker "Wonder Boy" of Philippine politics for his achievements as the youngest mayor of Concepcion, Tarlac at age 22, youngest vice-governor of Tarlac at age 27, youngest governor at age 29, and youngest elected senator of the Republic at age 34.

5 Aug ust 1621, a g ro up of nuns a rrived in M a nila t o est a b lish t he f irst c o nvent On 5th August 1621, a group composed of 10 nuns of the Franciscan Order arrived in Manila to establish the first convent in the country, the Convento de Santa Clara. Hidden in isolation within Intramuros and named after the Real Convento de Santa Clara of Spain, it was founded by Mother Geronima de la Asuncion, a relative of the Spanish monarch.

William Jennings Bryan in 1902 Meanwhile, on this same day, in view of the American policy of attraction which has induced many guerrillas to surrender, General Aguinaldo tells his commanders in the field to "use their utmost endeavours to overcome the efforts of the North American Imperialists to subject our dear country" to slavery.

10 Aug ust 1898, Felip e Ag o nc illo w ent t o t he US a s rep resent a t ive of t he Filip ino Governm ent

When President Marcos placed the entire country under martial rule on September 21, 1972 and suspended the writ of habeas corpus, Ninoy was among the many critics of the Marcos administration to be arrested and imprisoned. Aquino suffered a heart attack while in jail and was sent to the United States where he underwent an open-heart surgery in 1980. After spending three years in self-exile, living with his family in Newton, Massachusetts, a suburb of Boston, Ninoy decided to come back to the Philippines in 1983 at the expense of endangering his life. Despite a heavy contingent of 1,200 military and police personnel and three armed bodyguards assigned to protect him, he was shot fatally in the head as he was escorted off the airplane at the then Manila International Airport. Some 16 officers and soldiers were convicted by the Sandiganbayan for the murder and given life sentences in 1990. All of the assassination's details have been uncovered, except who the mastermind was.

Mother Geronima de la Asuncion

Sou r ce: Th e Kah im yan g Pr oject

Mother Geronima de la Asuncion belonged to a contemplative female branch of the Franciscan Order, popularly called "Poor Clares", after their foundress, St. Clare, a follower of St. Francis of Assisi. Following the rules of seclusion, the nuns built a 30-foot windowless wall that cut them from the city. The nuns did not leave their convent until 1762, during the British occupation when they left Intramuros to reside in the Franciscan Convent in Santa Ana, where they remained for two years.

Felipe Agoncillo (seated second from left) and other Filipino diplomats in Paris, 1898 On 10th August 1898, Felipe Agoncillo was ordered to go to the United States as representative of the Filipino Revolutionary Government. A member of the Executive body of the Revolutionary junta based in Hongkong, Agoncillo was to represent the Philippines in the peace conference in Paris between the United States and Spain. Agoncillo's presence in Paris did not have any influence either

Ninoy Aquino?on?China?Airlines? Flight?811?from?Taipei?to? Manila

AUGUST 2022

FRONTLINERS

A New Li f e and a New Home BYLIOLAMAR(future UKRN) OVING t o t h e UK f or a f ir st -t im er OFW lik e m e is bot h excit in g an d n er ve-w r ack in g. Even t h ou gh I h ave alr eady t r aveled t o ot h er cou n t r ies pr eviou sly f or leisu r e, bein g a w or k er in a n ew cou n t r y is a com plet ely dif f er en t exper ien ce. In addit ion , t h e en t ir e pr ocess of get t in g t o t h e UK w en t a lit t le t oo f ast f or m e.

It took me less than five months, from my application to my deployment, and I felt that I didn?t have enough time to prepare myself mentally and emotionally. Now, I understand how it feels like to be an OFW; the heavy feeling of summarizing your life in just two or three pieces of luggage and making the hard decision on which things to bring with you to your new home and which ones to leave behind. As of this writing, I have only been in the UK for four days and I am already in love with my new home, Oxford! The weather is good (arrived in the middle of Spring), my new friends from my group or ?cohort? are incredibly fun to be with, and

everyone has been very warm and welcoming so far. But what stood out the most for me in my first few days here in Oxford was the support that my group and I have received from the Filipino Nurses Association United Kingdom (FNAUK) and the Filipino Community of Oxfordshire (FilComOxford) spearheaded by our beloved Mr. Ariel Lañada, the President and Chairman of FNAUK and FilComOxford, respectively.

??I went home feeling confident that I made the right decision in moving to the UK, to Oxford, to be exact.?

LIOLAMAR Yesterday, our group was treated to a Greek feast where we met and were welcomed by other leaders of the organisation. As a new OFW, it is particularly important to receive love and support from fellow Filipinos within the community, and the FNAUK and FilComOxford did exactly that for us, and more! They made us feel that we are not alone in our new journeys here in the UK and that our UKRN careers will only get better! They also reminded us about the importance of hard work and determination, but more so, the importance of ?bayanihan? (helping other fellow Pinoys). After the dinner, I went home feeling confident that I made the right decision in moving to the UK, to Oxford to be exact. I know that I have a strong Filipino community that will support me and that I will never struggle on my own. And this is the best thing a new OFW can ever ask for!

AUGUST 2022

NEWS E COM M FROM UNITYHOM NEWS

FNA -UK bags tw o maj or aw ards at I NM A I naugural Cel ebrati on Ev ent BYPAUL JOHNALEGADO

HE Filipin o Nu r ses Associat ion Un it ed Kin gdom (FNAUK) w on t w o m ajor r ecogn it ion s f r om t h e r ecen t ly con clu ded In t er n at ion al Nu r sin g an d M idw if er y Associat ion (INM A) In au gu r al Celebr at ion Even t h eld at t h e Royal College of Obst et r ician s an d Gyn aecologist s in Lon don , w h ich w as or gan ised by t h e Flor en ce Nigh t in gale Fou n dat ion an d Nat ion al Healt h Ser vice En glan d an d Im pr ovem en t (NHS E/ I) on 28t h Apr il 2022.

FNAUK was among the top 5 finalists for the poster presentation category, which was headed by incumbent FNAUK President Ariel Lanada, Deputy Secretary Maya Guerrero and INMA Fellow Paul John Alegado. The attendees had the opportunity to vote for the ?Best Poster Presentation? after all finalists have taken the stage. FNAUK representatives delivered their presentation with such passion, enthusiasm and determination which wowed the audience and earned them the top spot, ultimately securing the award. The organisers also awarded FNAUK with the ?Most Outstanding Pastoral Support? amongst all nursing and midwifery diaspora associations. The event was the first of its kind and marked the gathering of all INMAs in the UK.Present at this celebratory occasion were the Florence Nightingale Foundation CEO, Prof. Greta Westwood, Deputy CNO of NHS E/I, Duncan Burton and International Recruitment and Ethnic Minorities Nurse Advisor, Jennifer Caguioa.

THE W INNING POSTER PRESENTATION Fro m lef t t o rig ht : Dep ut y Sec ret a ry M a ya Guerrero , Inc um b ent Presid ent Ariel La na d a (sea t ed ) a nd INM A Fellow Pa ul J o hn Aleg a d o p o se f o r a p ic t ure a f t er t he a w a rd c erem o ny.

DECEM BER 2021

adv ert

AUGUST 2022

I M M I GRA TI ON CORNER

Ch al l engi ng Ch i l dren Ref usal s BYATTY. LIRA SIMON-CABATBAT com m on r eason f or r ef u sal of ch ildr en applicat ion s t o join t h eir par en t s in t h e UK is t h e pr in ciple of ?sole r espon sibilit y ?; t h is is especially t r u e w h en t h e applican t ch ild is n ear in g m ajor it y (18 year s old).

Has the Sponsor had ?sole responsibility?for the Appellant?s upbringing, for the purposes of paragraph 297(i)(e) of the Immigration Rules. What do Appellant?s best interests require pursuant to section 55 BCIA 2009;

Issu e 1: Has t h e Spon sor h ad ?sole r espon sibilit y ?f or t h e Appellan t ?s u pbr in gin g?

SAM PLE SCENARIO: The Appellan t whose application for entry clearance to join her mother was refused. The Spon sor mother who has indefinite leave to remain (ILR) in the UK. The Respon den t to the appeal is the Home Office. The Appellant?s Gr an dm ot h er who has been looking after The Appellant since her mother left the Philippines. The Appellant?s Fat h er has not had contact with A since the age of 7 years. At the time of her entry clearance application to join her Sponsor mother, the Appellant was a 17-year-old child; although she has subsequently turned 18 years old in the intervening period, her application should still be determined on the basis that she remains a minor, pursuant to paragraph 27 of the Immigration Rules: ?An applicant will not be refused an entry clearance where entry is sought in one of the categories contained in paragraphs 296-316 ? of Appendix FM solely on account of his attaining the age of 18 years between receipt of the application and the date of the decision on it? The Sponsor was granted ILR and lives in the UK in a flat also suitable for the Appellant. The Sponsor works and has a gross income of £25,000. It was accepted by the Home Office that the Sponsor will be able to adequately accommodate and maintain the Appellant, without recourse to public funds. THE RESPONDENT?S DECISION: The Respondent?s decision refusing the Appellant?s application states that par agr aph 297 (the route for children making application to join a parent who is present and settled or being admitted for settlement in the United Kingdom) has not been satisfied because based on the information and documents provided the Sponsor did not have sole responsibility for the Appellant?s upbringing. The Respondent?s letter of refusal also goes on to say that she has taken into account the Appellant?s best interests.

The Appellant?s father disappeared from her life from the age of 7 year and so relinquished his responsibility for her. The starting point is that the Sponsor as the remaining active parent, has ?sole responsibility?for her. HOW DO YOU PROVE THIS? 1. Witness statements ? should set out the Sponsor ?s role in the Appellant?s life. Statements can be provided from the Sponsor, the Appellant, and the Grandmother. There is no need for ?permission? from the Father for the Appellant to leave the Philippines. If you provide a statement from the Father ?giving permission? this will imply that the Father is involved in the child?s care and has joint parental responsibility; this will likely lead to a refusal of the application or appeal as it directly goes against the Appellant?s case that the Sponsor has sole responsibility. 2. Financial support ? remittances are not conclusive evidence but are still good evidence that the Sponsor has assumed sole responsibility for the Appellant?s upbringing. Provide as many as you can and list them (excel is a useful tool). Total the sums for each year and say what it is for. For example, state if the remittances are paid towards school fees, food, board, and lodging. If the Sponsor sends money via family or friends, obtain statements from those third parties to confirm their part in getting the funds to the Appellant. 3. Adverse evidence ? deal with these as it is never a good idea to ignore them. If the Appellant was interviewed and Respondent claims that the Appellant gave evidence against sole responsibility, ask for a copy of the interview transcript. If the Respondent fails to provide this, the Appellant should say (in her statement or later at the Tribunal) that she asked for the document, but it was not disclosed. In any event, the Appellant in her statement should give her own account of the interview. 4. Language usage - beware that referring to the Grandmother as a ?Guardian? can be construed as sharing parental responsibility with the Sponsor; this may lead to refusal of the application or dismissal of the Appellant?s appeal.

THE LAW : The legal issues in this case are:

Issu e 2: Wh at does t h e Appellan t ?s best in t er est s m ean pu r su an t t o sect ion 55 BCIA 2009?

?S 55 Du t y r egar din g t h e w elf ar e of ch ildr en (1) The Secretary of State must make arrangements for ensuring that? (a)the functions mentioned in subsection (2) are discharged having regard to the need to safeguard and promote the welfare of children who are in the United Kingdom, and (b)any services provided by another person pursuant to arrangements which are made by the Secretary of State and relate to the discharge of a function mentioned in subsection (2) are provided having regard to that need.? The case of M u n deba (s.55 and para 297(i)(f)) [2013] UKUT 00088(IAC) helpfully provides guidance as to the applicability of S55 to children outside the UK. I have quoted salient points from the case. ?Although the statutory duty under s.55 UK Borders Act 2009 on ly applies t o ch ildr en w it h in t h e UK, the broader duty doubtless explains why the Secretary of State?s IDI invites Entry Clearance Officers to consider the statutory guidance issued under s.55.? The above means that although the Appellant lives in the Philippines, the decision made by the Respondent in refusing her application for ENTRY CLEARANCE to the UK still required the Respondent to have regard to the general factors imposed by S55 which ?require an evaluation of the child?s welfare including emotional needs.?. The case also states: ?As a starting point the best interests of a child are usually best served by being with both or at least one of their parents?. The Appellant was 17 years old at the time of her application. She was living with her Grandmother and was supported by her Sponsor mother. She is studying and generally has a good life in the Philippines. The Appellant claims that the Respondent?s decision was not in the Appellant?s best interest. HOW DO YOU PROVE THIS? 1. Witness statements ? the Grandmother should set out in her statement the reason

why she is no longer able to assist in caring for the Appellant. For example, state if there are medical reasons or it could be as simple as the Grandmother ?s retirement or her advanced age. The generational gap can sometimes also be an issue and the Grandmother may no longer wish to care for the Appellant who is now a teenager. The bottom line is that the Grandmother is no longer willing or able to care for the Appellant. The Appellant should also provide a statement confirming the points made by her Grandmother. 2. Mental health ? if the Appellant has been affected by the separation from her Sponsor mother, a report from a school counsellor or doctor may be helpful to confirm the issue that the Appellant has faced. The report may also conclude that it is therefore in the Appellant?s best interest to be reunited with her mother.

USEFUL TIPS: 1. If adducing documents that are not fully in English such as texts, make sure you have these translated. 2. If witnesses need documents to be translated to them from English to Tagalog. The statement should say this. For example, ?translated from English to Tagalog by? ? 3. You can provide expert reports from the UK as long as they can take instructions from the Appellant, for example a psychologist or therapist can prepare a report if they can take instructions remotely. 4. Those who prepare statements should be ready to give evidence. If they are abroad evidence can be provided remotely but beware that you should inform the tribunal that evidence will be given remotely and possibly with the help of an interpreter. 5. Tribunal or court interpreters are free of charge, but you need to request them well before the hearing. It is good practice to double check that they will be available for the hearing say a week before the date..

NEWS FROM HOM E

RA F- Recrui tment Campai gn f or M ul ti cul tural A udi ences

AUGUST 2022

PROUD PINOY M OM ENT

Franci s M i ch ael Fernando Gl obal Nursi ng A w ards Fi nal i st Lon don -based Filipin o n u r se, Fr an cis M ich ael Fer n an do, w as on e of t h e t en f in alist s in t h e r ecen t ly con clu ded Ast er Gu ar dian s Global Nu r sin g Aw ar d t h at h ad been lau n ch ed on In t er n at ion al Nu r ses Day last year by Ast er DM Healt h car e t o r ecogn ise t h e ph en om en al con t r ibu t ion of n u r ses t o h u m an it y.

Francis Michael Fernando, who is with the North East London NHS Foundation Trust, started the Filipino Nurses Association in the UK to represent those from his community, who also happened to form the largest foreign group of employees in the National Health Service. The association highlighted the high number of deaths of Filipino nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic and pushed decision-makers to act. This lobbying resulted in the provision of PPE kits for frontline employees and a specialised helpline for Filipinos. Fernando also focused on addressing the low level of representation that Filipino nurses have in the NHS, despite forming the majority of foreign nurses. He believed they had greater leading potential and could help make a bigger difference in patient care. To help achieve this, he founded the National Head of the Nursing & Midwifery Network. He also set up the Senior Filipino Nurses Alliance UK which seeks to increase the number of Filipino nurses working in senior roles. Forty applications for higher posts have been successful so far, including thirty that were guided by mentors and coaches. His goal is to, one day, have a Filipino Chief Nurse in the UK. Additionally, Francis started a quality improvement project called ?Striving for Excellence in Hip Fracture Care? to help his institution successfully satisfy national requirements. While he engaged in the process from start to finish, many doctors were reluctant to come on board. Despite this, he persisted and as a result, his hospital ranked no.12 among the best-performing hospitals in the country. His resolve to lead has resulted in positive changes for nurses, the medical system, and various patients.

The Grand Jury for the award has selected ten finalists from over 24,000 nurses in 184 countries. Anna Qabale Duba from Kenya won the award and the grand prize of $250,000. The other nine finalists also received monetary awards. The event was held in Dubai on 12 May 2022, which is International Nurses?

Day. Aster DM Healthcare is one of the largest private global healthcare service providers with 366 total healthcare facilities, including 26 hospitals, 115 clinics, and 225 pharmacies in 7 countries. Sou r ce: w w w.ast er gu ar dian s.com

LET'S PRI NT YOUR STORY! Send us news of your community events and activities. We welcome details of uour stories, including success, awards, appointments and events.

yesp hilnew sm a g uk@g m a i.c o m

DECEM BER 2021

AUGUST 2022

NEWS E COM M FROM UNITYHOM NEWS

Barri o Fi esta sa Derby 2022 Ho st ed b y: So nny La ra g a n & Am b ie D' Diva 30 July 2022, | Derb y Rug b y Club , Ha sla m s Ln, Derb y DE22 1EB

Phot o Cred it s: Ca rlo Ro c ha & Na t M a c ra e

AUGUST 2022

COM M UNITY NEWS

Phot o Cred it s: Ca rlo Ro c ha & Na t M a c ra e

FACEOF THEMONTH

RHEADAEF OCCUPATION: Pediatric ICUNurse PLACEOFWORK: Leicester Royal Infirmary LATEPARENTS: Roque Daef & Otilia Machica Daef HOBBIES: 1. Supporting Charities - WWF, Cancer Research UK member 2. Fashion vlog styling 3. Make-Up artistry 4. Zumba dance fitness 5. Travelling 6. Handbag collection

AUGUST 2022

NEWS FROM HOM E

Nora A unor, 7 oth ers named Nati onal A rti sts f or 2022 By RUTHABBEYGITA-CARLOS

A gold-plated medallion for the National Artist Award (Photo courtesy of National Commission for Culture and the Arts)

ULTI-AWARDED act r ess Nor a Au n or an d seven ot h er pr om in en t per son alit ies in Ph ilippin e cu lt u r e an d ar t s h ave been n am ed Nat ion al Ar t ist s f or 2022.

The announcement of new National Artists was made through Proclamation 1390 inked by President Rodrigo Duterte on Friday. The issuance of Proclamation 1390 was confirmed by National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) in their respective Facebook posts on the night it was signed. Nor a Au n or , who is Nora Cabaltera Villamayor in real life, was hailed as National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts. Aunor shared the honour with screenwriter Ricardo Lee and the late director M ar ilou Diaz-Abaya. Her contributions to the film and broadcast arts depicted the Filipinos??everyday realities and aspirations? in some of the most important Filipino films, such as ?Himala?, the FDCP said. On the other hand, Lee was acknowledged for writing iconic films, such as ?The Flor Contemplacion Story? and ?Sa Kuko ng

Agila?, while Diaz-Abaya was recognized for movies such as ?Brutal? and ?Jose Rizal?.

The declaration was made upon the joint recommendation of the NCCA and the Cultural Center of the Philippines.

Lee and Diaz-Abaya?s works formed part of the ?Second Golden Age of Cinema?.

The National Artist Award, created under Proclamation 1001 issued on April 27, 1972, is the highest national recognition given to Filipinos who have made significant and outstanding contributions to the development of Philippine arts.

Actor-director Ton y M abesa was proclaimed National Artist for Theatre for his contributions to the ?growth and diversity of Philippine theatre.? Choreographer Agn es Locsin was named National Artist for Dance for spurring a "growing interest in neo-ethnic style among young artists." Soprano Fides Cu yu gan -Asen sio was acclaimed as a National Artist for Music for contributing to a ?Renaissance of classical musical theatre in the country.? The late couturier Salvacion Lim -Higgin s, who "masterly innovated and transformed the national costume into a world-class silhouette," was honoured as National Artist for Fashion Design. Literary critic Gem in o Abad was declared National Artist for Literature for providing future generations with a ?comprehensive view of the landscape of Philippine poetry and fiction.? The new National Artists is the second batch declared under the leadership of Duterte.

Each national artist will receive a gold-plated medallion minted by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas and a citation, according to the guidelines issued by the NCCA. The National Artists will also get a life emolument and material and physical benefits comparable in value to those received by the country's highest officers. Living awardees will be given a minimum cash award of PHP200,000, net of taxes; a monthly life pension worth PHP50,000; medical and hospitalization benefits not exceeding PHP750,000 every year; life insurance coverage; a state funeral; and a place of honour in state functions, national commemoration rites, and other cultural presentations. A one-time minimum cash award of PHP150,000, net of taxes, will be granted to the legal heir of the deceased awardees. Including those newly proclaimed, there are now 86 national artists. (PNA)

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AUGUST 2022

OUR BEAUTIFUL COUNTRY

BORA CA Y, PA LA WA N A ND CEBU HA I LED A M ONG WORLD?S BEST I SLA NDS ORACAY

Boracay covers only 10km², including farming land and preserved forest. Its main White and Bulabog beaches are on opposite sides of the island?s central area, the narrowest point of which measures just 1km.

Once well-known as a party island, this is now a laidback getaway destination perfect for everyone from couples to families. W HY IT?S M ORE FUN IN BORACAY Water sports lead the way for the active in Boracay, although the likes of zip-lining, hiking and golf will lure you inland. For more relaxing interludes, award-winning beaches beckon, as do island-hopping trips and cultural pursuits ranging from beach meditation sessions and yoga to local cookery lessons. CULTURE & FOOD Since its reopening, Boracay has become much more tranquil, with a cap on visitor numbers and wild beach parties in favour of low-key activities and events. Dining is casual too ? focused on the latest catch, often simply grilled. Think ?diwal?(angel-wings clam), lobster, oysters, prawns and tuna in both Asian and globally inspired dishes.

CEBU A gateway to spectacular islands, dazzling beaches and adventurous activities ? with everything from diving, canyoneering, and skydiving on offer. Island-province Cebu is the most accessible destination in the glorious Central Visayas region, with the greatest choice of things to see and do. But it also serves as hopping point to thousands of spectacular smaller islands within the provinces and the rest of the region. Cebu City ? a smaller, more relaxed version of Manila ? has the benefit of direct international flights. The Philippines?oldest city and first capital, it?s also chock-a-block with 16th-century Spanish colonial relics. Ferries from Cebu City take you to Bohol Island in two hours. W HY IT?S M ORE FUN IN CEBU Cebu and the smaller islands appeal to those who love adventurous activities, with everything from water sports including diving and canyoneering to skydiving and zip-lining are on the offer. On a more sedate level, there?s also the likes of yoga and cycling, wildlife encounters including whale and thresher sharks, dolphins and sea turtles, plus those pristine beaches for when you want to totally kick back and relax. CULTURE & FOOD Despite being a tropical-island paradise, Cebu has a rich history. This is where Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan planted the Cross of Christianity in 1521, which paved the way for Spanish colonization. This historical wealth manifests itself everywhere in the colonial architecture and museums of Cebu City. Cebu is also famous for its sweet mangoes ? locals love to

pair them with a steamed rice cake called ?puto?and a cup of locally made hot chocolate called ?sikwate?. But there?s plenty of other incredible local fare to be sampled ? not least in Cebu City with its fantastic choice of restaurants and street-food stalls. Don?t miss local dishes ?ngohiong?(a deep-fried appetizer filled with julienned vegetables), ?sutukil?, which stands for ?sugba?(grill), ?tula?or ?tuwa? (soup) and ?kilaw?(ceviche), lechon de Cebu (stuffed roasted pig) and ?puso?or ?hanging?rice wrapped in coconut leaves.

BORACAY

PALAWAN The Philippines last ecological frontier with plant and wildlife biodiversity, this stunning archipelago-province regularly tops the travel lists for world?s best beaches and islands. Palawan?s best-known spots are El Nido and Coron with their spectacular dive sites, but there are also more off-the-beaten-track locations such as Port Barton, Taytay, Roxas, Brooke?s Point and San Vicente to discover, with their promise of authentic food and local experiences including wildlife sanctuary visits. Meanwhile, the capital Puerto Princesa City is a great place to soak up some history at the Immaculate Conception Cathedral and WWI site Plaza Cuartel, as well as to shop and eat. WHY IT?S M ORE FUN IN PALAWAN With its beaches, lakes, waterfalls, mineral springs, rivers and creeks, Palawan is a place where activities in the great outdoors take on a new and magical dimension. Diving is a big deal here ? expect to see spotted manta rays, green sea turtles and nocturnal marine creatures including seahorses, shrimp and cat sharks. Meanwhile, waterfall-swimming and hiking, jungle trekking and cave boat-trips are among the array of other stand-out pursuits on offer. And don?t miss birdwatching at some of country?s best sites, where migratory birds are joined by 15 species endemic to this province.

PALAWAN

CULTURE & FOOD With a history beginning with prehistoric settlement (seen in the ancient tribal artworks of the Tabon Caves) and proceeding through Malaysian migration, Spanish colonisation, American rule and Japanese invasion, Palawan is much more than its blissful white-sand beaches and incredible natural resources. This is also a province where around 70 cultures live together in harmony, with different languages and dialects (more than 50), beliefs, festivals, art forms and tribes. The best places to get a handle on this heterogeneity are the National Museum and Palawan Museum in Puerto Princesa. Palawan also has a rich food culture into which all these influences have fed. Among local treats to seek out and sample are superfresh seafood including tamilok (a shell-less saltwater clam, served ceviche-style or fried), crocodile sisig (a sizzling minced-meat dish), lato seaweed salad, hopia bread (a sweet flaky pastry best eaten at Baker ?s Hill in Puerto Princesa), danggit lamayo (dried rabbitfish) and chao long (Vietnamese-inspired noodles). Foodies should also make a beeline for San Jose Market in Puerto Princesa. Editor?s note: Many thanks to Philippines Department of Tourism in London for allowing us to print their website articles and photos. Sou r ce: w w w.it sm or ef u n in t h eph ilippin es.co.u k

CEBU

AUGUST 2022

PINOY TRAVEL UK

Cornw al l Lo c a t io n: PORTHCURNO BEACH, M INACK THEATRE Ad d ress: The M ina c k Thea t re, Po rt hc urno , Penza nc e TR19 6J U

NE OF THE BEST COASTAL BEACHES OF CORNWALL

Situated 320 miles southwest from the midlands or five-and-a-half-hour drive both either from London or Derbyshire, this ?A?list Cornish beach is famous for its almost fine white sand coast line and amphitheatre. It is one of my favourite places to go to here in England. You can enjoy a romantic sunset at an easy-to-reach, dog-friendly beach just at the bottom of the famous Minack amphitheatre. But first?

Bef o re yo u g o ...so m e t ra vel a nd hiking t ip s: 1. Chec k yo ur hea lt h a nd f it ness b efo re yo u g o. 2. Chec k t he w ea t her a nd yo ur ro ut e a s w ell. 3. Suit a b le fo ot w ea r is need ed a s so m e ro ut e c a n b e slip p ery a nd m ud d y. A w a lking st ic k c a n b e usef ul a s so m e ro ut e c a n b e d a ng ero usly st eep . Bring a n ext ra p a ir of slip p ers o r sho es t o a vo id a n exp ensive c a r w a sh. 4. Do n't fo rg et yo ur c a m era s, p ow erb a nks o r sp a re b a t t eries t o c ha rg e yo ur d evic es. Dro nes c a n b e usef ul, b ut c hec k yo ur lo c a l g uid elines a nd sa fet y p rec a ut io ns b efo re yo u d o so. 5. A ra inc o a t o r a t ri- c lim a t e ja c ket , ext ra c lot hes a nd a b in b a g a re a lw a ys ha nd y. I a lw a ys c a rry a b in b a g everyw here I hike a s it c a n b e used t o sa feg ua rd yo ur b elo ng ing s f ro m t he unfo rg iving UK w ea t her. 6. Pic nic is a m ust - lig ht fo o d , a b it of c a nd y, o r a p ow er b a r a re very ha nd y w hile enjoying Na t ure a nd of c o urse, yo ur w a t er b ot t le is very im p o rt a nt . 7. Tra vel lig ht a nd p lea se...Ta ke yo ur rub b ish ho m e.

If you plan to visit Cornwall, this is a must-go destination on your bucket list. There are so many nice caravan and Airbnb places where you can stay in the Newquay area or St. Ives. Newquay being at the centre, is strategically closer to both south and north Cornwall, only less than an hour ?s drive to Tintagel Castle to the north, or if you?re heading south to Lands?End or Minack Theatre, both are just a bit over an hour ?s drive with plenty of gorgeous and breath-taking views to admire. I find Porthcurno Beach very romantic as the sunset brings more colour to the shore lines surrounded by cliffs that act as a shield from the wind. It?s a place good enough for windsurfing or kayaking. It can be so busy during the summer, and even with a lifeguard present, extra care should be taken as this beach as it can have some unforgiving waves that are not suitable for non-swimmers or beginners to water sports.

yourself to their famous Cornish ice cream and Cornish puff pastries.

1. St. Michael Mount - Post code TR170EG 2. Eden Project - Post code PL2 4 2 SG 3. Pendennis ? Post code TR114LP 4. The Lost Gardens of Heligan ? Post code PL2 6 6EN 5. Land's End, Sennen, Penzance ? Post code TR19 7AA

With its crystal-clear turquoise water and fine sandy beach, this cute little gem can be reached from a National Trust car park, which is not owned or operated by the Trust so a parking fee is required. To reach the beach, you can either walk from the steps on the left or the sandy slopes on the right. To go there by car, use this address: Porthcurno, Cornwall, TR19 6JX The Minack Theatre, just about 4 miles away from Land?s End and towering over Porthcurno Beach, is an open-air theatre fronting the English Channel and the Isle of Scilly. Built in the 1930s, it was a brainchild of Rowena Cade who moved to Minack Point and built a house there for just an astonishing £100, according to Wikipedia. She died in 1983. The theatre mostly runs from May to September. Always check the show times and arrive at least 30 minutes prior to the show so you can have the best seats in the house. Check their website for more details as their prices vary for performances. Ca n yo u w a lk f ro m M ina c k Thea t re t o Po rt hc urno Bea c h? Yes, you can. You can take the steep set of stairs built into the granite rock face from the theatre. Or you can drive down the steep road to the car park. And then you are able to wander down a sandy pathway towards the sea front like what I mentioned above. This lovely Cornish place has more to offer so, don?t forget to explore the likes of Eden Project (from the movie Die Another Day), The Lost Gardens of Heligan, St. Michael?s Mount at Marazion, St. Ives Bay, and Pendennis Castle. Make sure you treat

y o u t u b e.co m / Fi l i p i n o TVEu r o p e

AUGUST 2022

EM BASSY NEWS

A M BA SSA DOR LA GDA M EO BI DS FA REWELL TO I M O SECRETA RY GENERA L Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Antonio M. Lagdameo paid a farewell call on Secretary-General Kitack Lim at the IMO Headquarters last 21 July 2022. He was presented with a Letter of Appreciation by the Secretary General for his leadership in skilfully steering the proceedings of the 32nd regular session of the IMO Assembly. Ambassador Lagdameo was elected President of the

32ndIMO Assembly last December 2021. It was the first time in IMO?s history that the Philippines was appointed as President of the Assembly. Ambassador Lagdameo has concluded his tour of duty as Philippine Ambassador to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, with concurrent jurisdiction over Ireland, following his appointment as the Philippine Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York.

DECEM BER 2021

AUGUST 2022

HEALTH AND WELL BEING CORNER

Wi nni ng at Li f e By VIVAANDRADAO'FLYNN

ONGRATULATIONS t o En glan d f or w in n in g t h e Un ion of Eu r opean Food Associat ion s (UEFA) Wom en?s Eu r o 2022! Watching the match was exhilarating and it made me reflect on this article.

When you think of winning, you probably think of competition. There are winners and there are losers. Someone will feel lucky while some will feel out of their luck. Someone walks away with a prize and there are those who come home empty handed. Then there could also be judges choosing the winners. They will judge you based on your credentials, achievements, contribution to society, and other factors. They could also have mechanics for judging and may even hold their own biases. It could also be a sporting match, wherein the winner may have spent more hours training. There are also contests that rely on luck, the game of chance.

3. Yo u?re g ra t ef ul f o r yo ur b lessing s a nd t he lif e yo u live. You?ve survived challenges and came out victorious. 4. Yo u f o llow yo ur hea rt ?s d esire. You know what your true self wants. You have real passion for what you do. Even when things get tough, you get criticized, you find ways to push on and improve your craft. You might even discover you excel in a different field that?s related to your passion. 5. Yo u va lue rela t io nship s. You connect with others. You get the support you need and you pay it forward. You make the most of what you have with people you love. Hope all those tips contribute to give you the ?winning at life?attitude. I would like to share my poem. It?s entitled

?Trium p ha nt Vic t o r?. .

Feelingsfloat like the wind

I?ve had a lucky streak winning raffle prizes, from electronic gadgets, hotel accommodation, chauffeured ride, meals, and loads more. What have you won in raffle prizes? What contests have you won?

Drifting from time and space.

Do you remember that rush of feeling you get when you?ve won something? It feels great that out of the many people who joined the contest, who played the game, you emerged as the winner. Only if you can replicate that feeling of winning in your everyday life. On this episode, I?ll talk about ways you?re winning at life, whether you know it or not.

Imagesgather around

Thoughtsare weightless while moving At a dizzying pace.

Changing form and pattern, Life turns to an adventurous maze Presentsmany thingsto learn. Every new day twists and turns In an unpredictable way

1. Yo u love a nd resp ec t yo urself . You?re gentle on yourself. You feed yourself healthy food, get enough rest. You take note of your strengths, talents, skills, and achievements. Even if the world might not always recognize your efforts, your belief in yourself will see you through. 2. Yo u lea rn f ro m yo ur m ist a kes a nd m ove o n. You don?t carry excess baggage from your past. You?re a better version of yourself today than yesterday.

Nothing stays the same forever Prevalent pathsmay lead astray. Swim against the tide and blend with the storm But don?t drown in sorrow Remember that trials of faith Provide opportunitiesto grow.

Y O U C A N

AUGUST 2022

COM M UNITY NEWS

4th A raw ng Dabaw , A nni v ersary DA BA WENYO UK & Ph i l s Ltd. Guest Sp ea ker: La b a t t Amy Reyes 16 July 2022, | St .Aug ust ine?s CE Hig h Sc ho o l

Phot o Cred it s: RAM EAGLE

AUGUST 2022

PROUD PINOY M OM ENT

Compassi on Goes Hand i n h and w i th th e Cari ng Prof essi on BYERICK VONFREDELUCES

Filipin o n u r se w ill alw ays be com passion at e n o m at t er w h er e sh e f in ds h er self / h im self , an d in w h at ever cir cu m st an ces. A young Filipina nurse has dropped everything in the recently held Asics London 10K Run just to help a runner who was about to pass out.

Harrieth Kay Amores, an ICU Nurse from Cleveland Clinic London, bearing the Philippine Flag on her running shirt, has gone the extra mile a few meters away from the finish line just to lend a hand and save a fellow runner from exhaustion due to the scourging heat and fatigue. Amores claimed she was aiming to beat her previous 10K record of 1 hour and 3 minutes so she anticipated to be faster this time. Apparently, her "caregiver calling" was too loud to ignore as she dropped everything, risking not achieving her goal, just to be of help to the lady in need. She helped her fellow runner push with determination until they stepped onto the glory of the finish line. Admiringly, she still victoriously ended beating her previous time record by steadfastly clocking 59 minutes! She said "Naririnig ko mga cheers ng mga kapwa ko Pinoy saying, Go ate, kaya mo yan. Nakakaproud lang." (I could hear the cheers of my fellow Filipinos saying, ?Go, you can do it!?). Now, Harrieth is preparing for another challenging milestone to hike Mount Kilimanjaro, a dormant volcano and the highest mountain in Africa, and the highest free-standing mountain above sea level in the world. Way to go Harrieth, the Filipinos are proud of you!

Photo Credits: ASICSLondon 10K | Harrieth Amores

AUGUST 2022

HEALTH AND WELL BEING

I mportant th i ngs i nternet users sh oul d k now about trol l s and mental i l l ness BYROBERTLABAYEN HEN you see so m an y m ean t h in gs said abou t a social m edia post t h at you m ade or liked, it m ay be a t r oll at t ack .

Many of these trolls are paid pawns using fake names. Their orders are to defame people and organisations that are critics or rivals of their ?client.? Some trolls are not paid. They are just people who feel good by making others feel bad. Their social media post and comments are mean, humiliating and often untrue. For example, an article on the website of The Guardian mentioned that a 19-year-old blogger suffering from depression committed suicide when trolls said she is ?ugly and better off dead.? Is t ro lling a m ent a l illness? A psychological study shows that there are people who can easily relate to the statement ?Although people think my posts/comments are offensive, I think they?re funny.? The study by the Federation University in Australia suggests that habitual trolls may have ?higher levels of trait psychopathy and sadism.? The said research cited by the Quartz, ABC News and CBS News websites reveals that trolls are motivated by the desire ?to create mayhem? on the internet. A degree of psychopathy is suspected because inflicting hurt and causing trouble is what psychopaths want. They know that their actions hurt people, but they do not care. They enjoy it. They are addicted to it. The attention they receive, whether angry reactions or affirmation by like-minded people are rewards that they want more and more of. In all the books on psychopathy that I have read, experts also

describe psychopaths as liars to the highest degree. My personal theory is that jealous and bitter people take advantage of the now-possible way to ?touch? previously unreachable and untouchable celebrities, politicians, rich people and companies. Wh o ar e t h e paid t r olls? It is sometimes not easy to differentiate a troll from a hater, a critic, a partisan, an advocate, or a disappointed customer. But some people are paid to unleash negativity even if they do not know what they are talking about. They are trolls. An online article claimed that the Washington Post has interviewed workers from ?troll farms.? The trolls admitted that politicians have used cyber armies. Their job was to ?churn out fake content, false narratives and anything else the client wants.? They ?maintained fake accounts to make it appear as if the candidate had a vast and fervent base of supporters.? Another one of the things they did was to smear their client?s critics. According to exposes, each troll maintains up to two hundred different social media accounts. It explains why their comments come in hordes like a quick-reaction battalion. It is a worldwide concern. Back in 2018, Twitter admitted through the Washington Post that it has been ?suspending more than one million fake and dubious accounts per day.? Facebook has cracked down on suspicious users, too. Paid trolls may not be psychopaths. They are just doing it for the money. But if they are undeniably thrilled by the job of lying and hurting good people, they may fall into the mental category. A few years ago, people believed that trolls in China were paid fifty cents for every

post they made. An article published by the South China Morning Post website reported a clarification made by researchers from Harvard. It said the digital army was composed of government employees who would post praises for the Chinese government to ?deflect criticism.? They were not paid extra for their efforts. Troll farm operators distinguish between black trolls and white trolls. The whites are just like PR practitioners publishing only positive things for their clients. How t o d ea l w it h t ro lls Experts advise that we ?must not feed them.? Our reaction will only reinforce their behaviour. Our attention will make them feel effective. So, it is best to avoid reading what they say, disable comments, or unfriend the people who ruin our day. My personal approach is to breathe long and deep before typing anything. The agitated feeling would always go away in a few minutes. Later, and not directly replying to the troll, I post my own message which would be truthful information. As much as I can, I keep my poise and breeding.

Pa id t ro lls m a y not b e p syc ho p a t hs. They a re just d o ing it f o r t he m o ney. But if t hey a re und enia b ly t hrilled b y t he jo b of ly ing a nd hurt ing g o o d p eo p le, t hey m a y f a ll int o t he m ent a l c a t eg o ry.

Thomas Chamorro-Premuzic is a professor of Business Psychology at University College London. In an article on The Guardian website, he reminds us that ?there?s a thin line between wanting to drive traffic and enticing trolling, so content editors and site managers must act responsibly and beware of the consequences of pushing for too much controversy.? Of course, the best way to defend our minds from trolls is to keep ourselves educated and objective. Do yo u ra nt o n so c ia l m ed ia , t o o? Many of us have emotional moments on social media. What we need to guard against is the escalation of self-expression to hate. Sally Kohn, a CNN commentator and author of the book The Opposite of Hate, noted how angry posts about gays,

Muslims, Jews, immigrants, black people, white people, and rumored paedophiles for example actually provoked violent incidents. She was also concerned about the bile in the social media language during the last US presidential election. Trump supporters said, ?She should be hanged in the streets,? pertaining to Hillary Clinton. Some Trump-haters for their part claimed, ?Laughing at all Trump supporters in Gatlinburg as their homes burn to the ground tonight.? I trust that my readers are the type who keep it classy. You can express yourselves without losing your cool. If we cannot be kind to the trolls, let us just ignore them. They will be ineffective when no one is engaging with them. They will stop when there is no one paying them anymore.

AUGUST 2022

COM M UNITY NEWS

FWA -UK 2022 A nnual PND Fundrai si ng Gal a BYRAQUEL SCRIVENS, FWA-UK PUBLICITYCHAIR

URING t h e last t w o pan dem ic year s, w e h ave exper ien ced alm ost n o social con t act , w h ich m ade it im pr act ical f or t h e Associat ion t o in t er act an d or gan ise it s m ajor f u n dr aisin g even t of t h e year .

entertained by a very talented artist from Lahing Kayumanggi, Kaye Fresco, who sang 'Bayan Ko' (My Country). Kaye was a Great Voice of Britain 2021 champion, ?Palabastayo?top performer and a Kumu artist. The second entertainer, Moira Shirra, sang ?White Cliffs of Dover ?(a favourite song of HM Queen Elizabeth II) and ?Land of Hope and Glory?.

Chairman, Dulia Prado, gave her brief message to thank all the major sponsors, donors, volunteers, advertisers and all the guests on the night and acknowledged the presence of our special guests such as, Deputy Mayor Myla Arceno of Stevenage, Cllr. Lotis Bautista of Kings Cross, Bianca Feather of TFC/ABS-CBN and Nick Cattermole, former Mayor of Lambeth. The auction followed which raised a respectable amount of £700 for our scholars. Jeannette Thomson, assisted by Raquel Scrivens acted as auctioneer. The duo enticed the guests to bid for the exciting holiday accommodation packages in popular tourist destinations in the Philippines donated by Ali Hajj. The winning bid was awarded to Andrei Shah.

This year, FWA-UK celebrated the 124th anniversary of the Philippine Independence Day, the Platinum Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, and the FWA-UK?s 34th year of its founding by holding its highly anticipated dinner-dance in their usual tasteful style at the prestigious Royal Garden Hotel on Saturday, the 18th of June 2022.

Towards the end of the evening, prizes generously donated by FWA-UK members and friends were drawn by Deputy Mayor Myla Arceno for door prizes, Cllr. Lotis Bautista for special raffle prizes and Bianca Feather for cash raffle prizes. A little surprise intermission was the selection of the best Filipiniana costume won by Maita Martin, and best Barong Tagalog won by Jun Viray. Imee and Michael Pinto donated the cash and in-kind prizes presented to both winners.

It was with sadness that we remembered our beloved founder, Mrs Angeles ?Nene?Tuason Quimson, who frequently joined us at this annual celebration, but we are extremely grateful for the legacy she left behind. Mrs Quimson?s belief in education was beyond question, so the evening was focused on raising money for our scholars in the Philippines. Reception was ably handled by receptionists Pat Shah, Bing Cabatic, Wilma Lone and Linda Challis. Dennis Damasco from LKDC provided the reception music as guests started to arrive.

The programme began with the national anthems of the Philippines and the United Kingdom led by Anne Leyva from the Breeze Band. Jeannette Thomson and Raquel Scrivens, the joint Masters of Ceremonies, warmly welcomed all the guests and led a short prayer. Before serving the dinner, we were

Dinner was accompanied by a presentation of Philippine dances by Lahing Kayumanggi Dance Company (LKDC) led by its artistic director, Ronnie Del Barrio. Their dances showcased the repertoire of dances from different regions in the Philippines such as ?Pagbati?, ? Alcamfor?, ?Banga?, ?Pandanggo sa Ilaw?, ?Binasuan. from Pangasinan with glasses half-full of water, ?Sayaw sa Salakot?, ?Tinikling?, ?Kanta Pilipinas?and ?It?s More Fun in the Philippines?. While everyone was still enjoying the dinner, Linda and Mel showcased their love of Argentine Tango, a dance full of passion and drama, to the tune of ?I?ll Never Love This Way Again?!

Flower centrepieces, donated by our Honorary VP, Edna Kim of Petals in Bloom, were offered to the guests to take home for a minimum donation of £10; all monies collected were added to the FWA-UK Scholarship Fund. Dancing continued until early hours of the morning. Everyone seemed to have enjoyed the evening. Months of preparation, several meetings, late nights, phone calls, and countless emails finally paid off as the evening ended with the smiling faces of happy guests. Until next year. . . to celebrate FWA-UK on its 35th Year!

AUGUST 2022

EM BASSY NEWS

HER M A JESTY?S M A RSHA L OF THE DI PLOM A TI C CORPS THA NK S PH A M BA SSA DOR FOR HA RD WORK A ND SERV I CE Upon the command of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Alistair Harrison CMG, CVO, Her Majesty?s Marshal of the Diplomatic Corps, bade farewell to and thanked Ambassador Antonio M. Lagdameo for the hard work and service rendered in the past five years as Philippine Ambassador to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

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ISSUE 6