Bagong Bayani eMagazine #9

MICA (P) 199/01/2011

Vol. 1, No. 9 Free Copy

Congress reports: pimentel Hails end of tyranny in libya Usapang legal: name CHange psyCHe me Up: ofWs vs sUperHeroes

FILIPINO TALENTS: BEYOND BORDERS

We make opportunities.

We create positive results.

We build better futures.

Business Development Job Creation Financial Planning Student Services Legal Assistance Documentation Support

304 Orchard Road, #04-65 Lucky Plaza, Singapore 238863 Mobile Number: +65 9811 1755 | Telefax: +65 6235 8153 Email: info@salomonandassociates.com

www.salomonandassociates.com

Publisher’s Note How does Filipino Talent compete overseas and react to globalization?

The answer differs from one observation to the other. One declares,” we are doing just fine”.

On the other hand, another insists “we are not keeping up”. Both perspectives make sense. The first is an understatement, while the second poses a challenge.

In my humble opinion, I would accept both but will have to agree with Stefan Persson, CEO of H&M, the second richest man in Sweden and among the top 20 richest in the world, in his statement (although he was referring to his products), and I quote, “We offer the best value for your money”.

Yes, Filipino talents offer the best value for every company’s money.

Globalization boosted the Filipino’s invaluable contribution to the global economy. Not only has it made it easier for most of us to work abroad as a consequence of accessible global markets and massive international demands, it has also served as a challenge for every Filipino to show the Godgiven talent and creativity that Filipinos innately possess. No one will question that like China, India, and Mexico, the Philippines’ greatest resource is its huge, hardworking, well-educated workforce.

The more or less 11 million of us in the diaspora is considered the top four remitters in the world, with more than 18 billion US dollars remitted back to our home country last year.

This issue of BBM aims to recognize and showcase the ingenuity and versatility of Filipino talents. Persistence, experience, determination, resilience, skills and ability are not the only reasons for the success of the majority of Filipinos in the diaspora. Most importantly, it is about being given an opportunity.

We are known to be nurses, engineers, IT professionals, architects, customer service officers, and kasambahays. Although this seems to be an enduring stereotype of professions available to Filipinos, here are actually Filipinos engaging in professions beyond all these. Through the years,

Filipino talents have risen above every challenge and successfully created an image that there is much more to us than the usual perceived stereotype.

We have shown the world that we can be what we wanted to be.

In Singapore, we are proud of how Filipino workers, without so much hullabaloo, were able to transform themselves into successful individuals, creating a new opportunity of alternatives for our kababayans in the diaspora. Let us meet Felipe the Embalmer, Marisol the Lawyer, Manuel the Cartoonist, Mona the Real Estate Agent, Jeffrey the Cinema Marketer, Susan the Manicurist, Dan the Doctor, Chato the Busker, and Emel the Mechanic.

They are the new breed of Filipino talents who dared to risk everything, chose to work and live away from home and successfully carved a unique identity on their own in a foreign land like Singapore. Each one of them is worthy to be called a modern-day hero of our time.

In fine, I can proudly say that Filipinos, given the right opportunities, are able to excel and shine in their chosen professions wherever they are in the globe. We can compete internationally and we can give every company value for their money. But there is a caveat: the right attitude. Opportunities are there but if we take it for granted or abuse it, we can only ever go so far.

In the end, it is we who determine our lot in life.

There is a world of opportunity out there and if we Filipinos continue to show the great capabilities that our people are made of and maintain the right attitude, we can, indeed, conquer the world and make all our dreams come true. The decision lies in our hands.

God bless us all, God bless the Philippines and Mabuhay po tayong lahat!

contents

6 Congress Reports 10 Usapang Legal: Name Change

12

Psyche Me Up

Publisher MARYJANE SALOMON (Singapore) Editorial Consultants DEtCh P. NONAN-MERCADO (Singapore) SANkiE SiMbuLAN (Philippines) tALA MARALit (Philippines) OMAR SiERvO (uk) Columnists CRiStY viCENtiNA (Singapore) AttY. hAzEL RiguERA (Philippines) PAMSY L. tiOSECO (Philippines) DR. MARigLO LiwANAg viCENtE (Philippines) Contributors CAShMER DiRAMPAtEN (Singapore) ANNE LuiSA viLLARiCO (Singapore) DR. MARiLYN SuRiO (Philippines) MONiCA guERRA (Singapore) JuStiCE FRANCiSCO-SChAFFER (Singapore) kRiStA MONiCA gARCiA (Philippines) Proofreader CYPRuS MALiNAO (Singapore) Art Director LANCE SiSON of Ars Nova Designs (Singapore) Creative Consultant CESA FRAMiL (Singapore) Circulation Manager ANDEE bARCO (Singapore) Photographers JO bENNEtt (Singapore) PiNOYgRAPhERS (Singapore) CgD (Singapore) ERiC PARRENO (Singapore) MbS (Singapore)

25

Cover Story

46

People

Advertising Enquiries: Email: info@iambagongbayani.com | info@salomonandassociates.com Mobile: +65 9811 1755 | Office: +65 6235 8153 Published monthly by Salomon Publishing Singapore Pte Ltd. 304 Orchard Road, #04-65 Lucky Plaza, Singapore 238863 www.iambagongbayani.com the Publisher uses due care and diligence in the preparation of this magazine but is not liable for any mistake, misprint, omission or typographical error. the Publisher prints the advertisement provided by the advertisers but gives no warranty and makes no representations as to the truth, accuracy or sufficiency of any description, photograph or statement. the Publisher accepts no liability for any loss that may be suffered by any person who relies either in whole or in part upon any description, photograph or statement contained therein. the Publisher reserves the right to refuse any advertisement for any reason. No part of this publication may be copied either in whole or in part without prior permission from the Publisher.

MiCA (P) 199/01/2011 Printing by: SuN RiSE PRiNtiNg & SuPPLiES PtE LtD

4 Bagong Bayani OCTOBER 2011

congress reports

Congress Reports

By Pamsy L. Tioseco

S

Koko hails end of tyranny in Libya

enator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III today hailed the end of the tyrannical regime of Col. Moammar Gaddafi in Libya and called for a peaceful and orderly transfer of power to a duly elected leadership that would uphold the democratic aspirations of the Libyan people.

“Even legends in fabled Libya come to an end. The inglorious death of Gaddafi who wielded absolute power for more than four decades should serve as an abject lesson for all would-be tyrants,” Pimentel said.

“Political power is not an end in itself nor should it be used for self-glorification and self-aggrandizement. Rather, it should be a tool to change society for the better,” the senator said.

“The whole world waited with bated breath as the first stirrings of protests erupted in Libya early this year. But while the struggle had been protracted and bloody and cost many lives on both sides, the Libyan people have finally prevailed and can now chart a new future for themselves,” Pimentel added.

“With Gaddafi gone, the Libyan people now have the unique opportunity to commit themselves to democratic ideals and use

their new-found freedom to unite all sectors and pursue their own path to peace and development,” he remarked.

“The emancipation of Libya from tyranny following similar uprising in Egypt and Tunisia in what has come to be known as the Arab Spring shows that freedom and democracy are the cherished ideals of all peoples, regardless of where they are,” the senator said.

Pimentel expressed hopes that political turbulence now taking place in other parts of the Arab World, notably Syria and Yemen, where protests have been met with an iron-fist as in Libya, would soon be settled peacefully, with the people allowed to choose their own leaders in free elections.

Pimentel noted that “our very own bloodless People Power in 1986 showed the way for other countries to free themselves from tyranny through their unity and determination.”

“Overthrowing dictatorships is only the first step towards democracy. What can be more arduous and time-consuming is rebuilding democratic institutions from the ashes of the old. And that’s what we in the Philippines are doing, one step at a time,” the senator from Mindanao said.

Influx of toxic and unsafe toys alarms Villar

W

ith the public starting to flock the market for the Christmas season shopping, Sen. Manny Villar said there should be an intensified effort to stop the influx of unsafe and toxic toys in the market.

"Authorities must have a heightened effort to make sure only safe toys are available in the market. As government officials, we are duty-bound to safeguard public health. But more than that, it is our absolute and implicit duty as parents to ensure that our children get the best care and protection against possible health risks," Villar remarked during the hearing of the Senate Committee on Trade and Commerce.

Villar said there is a need to pass a law to protect children against potential hazards to their health and safety, especially

6 Bagong Bayani OctOber 2011

those containing small components and toxic substance.

He cited the tests conducted by the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission which revealed that toys manufactured from China used the most cadmium with 89% to 91% cadmium by weight.

"This is a cause for alarm as most of the toys found in the market are manufactured in China," Villar revealed.

Cadmium is known to be a carcinogen, and like lead, it can also hinder brain development and can cause learning disabilities.

It also causes kidney, lung, and intestinal problems, weakened bones, and developmental defects.

congress reports During the public hearing on bills prescribing the proper labeling of toys, Victorio Dimagiba, director of the Bureau of Trade Regulation and Consumer Protection of the Department of Trade and Industry admitted that most of the goods that are sold in Divisoria did not pass through the certificate of conformity procedures of the Department of Health.

Villar authored Senate Bill No. 1308 or the Toy Safety Labeling Act, which requires consumer products for children to be marked with or accompanied by clear safety warnings or instructions.

Villar noted that the Consumer Act of the Philippines recognizes the need to establish standards for special packaging of consumer products for the protection of children but the law lacks additional measures to protect children against potential hazards to their health and safety.

"I filed this bill to fill the void between the existing law and the need to set standardized labeling requirements for certain toys and games of children. Toys are there to be enjoyed by our children, these should not hurt or harm them," Villar said.

of a toy or a game intended for use by children 10 years old and under and include small parts to bear the cautionary statement, "Warning: Choking Hazard." “Marbles, small balls, and latex balloons, or toys containing marbles and small balls, shall also contain such warning sign on their packaging, bin, box, or covering "in order to prevent their ingestion by children," Villar stressed.

Villar said toymakers should also indicate in the product information if any of the materials used in manufacturing the toy is "toxic, corrosive, irritant, flammable, or combustible." The warning sign should be displayed in Filipino or English or both. A balloon, ball, marble or toy game that is not in compliance with these requirements shall be considered a misbranded or banned hazardous substance and shall be withdrawn from the market at the expense of the manufacturer.

Violation of this act shall be penalized by a fine of not less than P10, 000 but not more than P50, 000 or imprisonment of not less than three months but not more than two years or both at the discretion of the court.

Villar's bill requires the plastic covering and other packaging

OctOber 2011 Bagong Bayani 7

congress reports

Estrada commends labor attache Mustafa and team for rescuing Gadhafi's Pinay 'kasambahays'

S

enate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada, Chairman of the Committee on Labor, Employment, and Human Resources Development, led the Senate in commending Philippine Labor Attache to Libya Nasser Mustafa and the Philippine Embassy for the daring rescue of two Filipino household workers from a recently ransacked Gadhafi household last September 19.

In the proposed Senate Resolution No. 611, Sen. Estrada wrote: "the courage and devotion to duty shown by Labor Attache Nasser Mustafa and other members of his rescue team, as well as the cooperation extended by OFWs Diana Jill Rivera and Mary Ann Ducos, deserve the collective appreciation of and commendation by the Philippine Senate."

"He risked his life to save these two 'kasambahays' because clearly their lives were at imminent danger from both the rebel and Gadhafi sides," Sen. Estrada said.

According to the resolution, the nephew of deposed Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi employed the two household workers, Diana Jill Rivera and Mary Ann Ducos, and was staying with them at a farmhouse located in Tripoli, Libya.

Despite repeated requests by the Philippine Embassy to the Libyan employer for the release and repatriation of said workers, the employer refused and said that the Filipinos were safe and did not want to go home.

lives of Rivera and Ducos as well as countless other OFWs. "While at times, we in the Senate are critical of how our embassies have failed to respond quickly to the needs of distressed OFWs, we are also quick to acknowledge those in the career service who perform their work diligently," Estrada explained.

He said that the commendation would hopefully spur other embassy and labor officials to emulate the example set by Mustafa and his team.

"Labor Attache Mustafa raised the bar in terms of service to our OFWs. While it was more convenient to simply wait for the National Transition Council to take over the helm of leadership in Libya, Mustafa decided to take the bolder route with the full knowledge and cooperation of the two household workers. Had he not taken this initiative, Diana Jill and Mary Ann would still be trapped in the Gadhafi farmhouse fearfully dreading the return of armed looters," Estrada stressed.

The resolution also cited the Philippine Embassy as well as the Blas F. Ople Policy Center for helping Labor Attache Nasser Mustafa attain his objective. According to Labor Attache Mustafa, the Ople Center served as his conduit to the OFW families throughout the planning and implementation of the rescue operations. ***

On September 17, a battalion of armed rebels ransacked the Gadhafi farmhouse where belongings of the employers and even the household workers were taken away. The high risk of these rebels returning to the same location prompted Labor Attache Mustafa to advance his rescue plan from September 22 to September 19.

With only the embassy driver and a Libyan friend who also doubles as an interpreter in the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) as his companions, Labor Attache Mustafa proceeded to the farmhouse to rescue the two "kasambahays" and bring them safely across the Libyan border to Tunisia.

According to Sen. Estrada, it was only fair to give full credit to the labor attache for going beyond the call of duty in saving the

8 Bagong Bayani OctOber 2011

COMMENDING NASSER MUSTAFA: SENATE PRESIDENT JUAN PONCE ENRIlE PRESENTS A COPy OF ADOPTED RESOlUTION NO. 64 TO PhIlIPPINE lAbOR ATTAChé TO lIbyA, NASSER MUSTAFA TUESDAy, OCTObER 11, 2011, COMMENDING hIM FOR ThE DARING AND TIMEly RESCUE AND REPATRIATION OF TwO hOUSEhOlD wORkERS FROM A RECENTly RANSACkED GADhAFI COMPOUND IN lIbyA lAST SEPTEMbER. lOOkING ON ARE (FROM lEFT), TOOTS OPlE OF ThE blAS OPlE FOUNDATION, NASSER’S SON, AlFAThI MUSTAFA, AND SENATE PRESIDENT PRO-TEMPORE JINGGOy EJERCITO ESTRADA. (PRIb PhOTO by AlbERT CAlvElO)

usapang legal

By Atty. Hazel R. Riguera

W

hat is in a name that we call a rose? Name identifies a person. It is so important that it can even precede one’s reputation. A person’s body may perish on earth, but his name lasts, more so if memories of one’s achievements and service to mankind is attached to it. This is why heroes, inventors, artists and the like remain alive in the minds and hearts of people even centuries after their deaths.

There are instances though when a person’s name needs to be changed. A good example of this is when the name appearing in the birth certificate is wrong. As a general rule, the law provides that no entry shall be changed or corrected without a judicial order.

This means that a person desiring to change his name shall file the petition in the Regional Trial Court of the province in which he/she resides (Rule 103, Rules of Court). There are two exceptions to this general rule: (1) correction of clerical or typographical errors in an entry; and (2) change of first name or nickname in the civil register.

Republic Act 9048 provides that in these two instances, a verified petition with the Local Civil Register of the city/municipality where the record sought to be corrected is kept. If the petitioner is a migrant, the verified petition is to be filed with the Local Civil Register where petitioner is presently residing or is domiciled.

Among the valid grounds for change of name are the following: when the name is ridiculous or dishonorable or extremely difficult to write or pronounce; when the change results as a legal consequence, as in legitimation; to avoid confusion; the use of a name since childhood; and change of name to erase signs of former alienage.

A person’s real name or official name is that which is given in the civil registry. Change of first name or nickname in the civil

10 Bagong Bayani OctOber 2011

register may be effected administratively or judicially. Change of name other than the first name or nickname can be effected only judicially, meaning petition must be filed with the courts. In a judicial petition for change of name, the local civil registrar is not an indispensable party. However, a copy of the judgment or order shall be furnished to the local civil registrar.

In the case of In Re Petition for Change of Name and/or Correction of Entry in the Civil Registry of Julian Lin Carulasan Wang (30 Mar 2005), the Supreme Court was faced with this issue: Is the Singaporean practice of not carrying a middle name enough to justify a child born of a Singaporean father and a Filipino mother, but whose birth was registered in the Philippines, to change his name by dropping the middle name (surname of the mother)? The Supreme Court answered in the negative. It held that to justify a change of middle name, the petitioner must not only show proper and compelling reason therefore but also that he will be prejudiced by the use of his true name. Convenience for the child shall not suffice. Rules 103 and 108 of the Rules of Court were applied, and the Supreme Court stressed that change of name is provided for in Rule 103, and that even if what is sought is the correction of an erroneous entry of a person’s name in the civil registry, Rule 103 is the applicable rule since a person’s real or official name is that which is given in the civil registry.

In the case of Republic v. Tanada (G.R. No. L-31563, 29 November 1971), Lua Ong is a Chinese, Lua being the surname and Ong the first name. He bore a son. The midwife who acted as the informant in the birth certificate thought that Ong was the surname. Not given any information as to what the child’s first name should be, she just reported “Baby Ong” as the name. The child was however known in the community and used the name “Lua An Jok.” The father filed a petition to change the name in the birth certificate

PHOTO: STOCK.XCHNG/GMARCELO

Name Change

usapang legal from “Baby Ong” to “Lua An Jok.” The caption of the petition as set forth in the order of hearing which was published once a week for three consecutive weeks did not set forth “Lua An Jok,” the name asked for, although this was contained in the body of the petition.

The lower court granted the petition.

The Supreme Court held that the petition is covered by change of name under Rule 103 of the Rules of Court. The child’s real name was “Baby Ong.” A person’s real or official name is that which is given in the civil registry. Since the petition seeks to change this, it is a change of name governed by Rule 103 of the Rules of Court.

As to the grant of the petition by the lower court, the Supreme Court held that it should be set aside. Publication of the order of hearing under Section 3, Rule 103 of the Rules of Court is a jurisdictional requirement and a defective publication will not confer jurisdiction upon the court. Such publication must give the correct information as to (1) name or names of the applicant; (2) the cause for the change of name; and (3) the new name sought to be adopted. The title or caption must include the applicant’s real name and his aliases or other names, and should recite the name sought to be adopted.

Here the caption of the petition as published in the order did not contain the name sought, that is, “Lua An Jok.” The fact that it was mentioned in the body of the petition is of no moment. A petition for change of name is a proceeding in rem and hence the publication should include the correct information in order to vest jurisdiction upon the court.

Republic Act 9048 provides for an administrative change of first name or nickname brought about by typographical or clerical errors. Clerical or typographical errors are those which are visible to the eyes or obvious to the understanding and can be corrected or changed only by reference to other existing record or records.

No correction must however be made on sex, age, nationality, or status.

If surname or middle name is sought to be changed, petition must be filed with the Regional Trial Court under Rule 103 of the Rules of Court. Republic Act 9048 does not require publication of notice of hearing. Any person having a direct and personal interest in the filing of the petition may file, but his can be availed only once. The petitioner shall submit a certification from appropriate law enforcement agencies that he/she has no pending case or no criminal record.

The following are the grounds for change of first name/ nickname under Republic Act 9048: name/nickname is ridiculous, tainted with dishonor, or extremely difficult to write or pronounce;

habitual and continual use by the Petitioner of the new first name/ nickname; to voidance of confusion.

Rule 108 of the Rules of Court provide for the correction or cancellation of entries in the civil register. Publication of notice of hearing is required. Clerical as well as substantial errors may be corrected under this Rule. Substantial errors may be corrected provided that a full-dress, and not a summary proceeding is held in accordance with the procedures laid down in Rule 108 itself.

This means that the petition which must be verified and should implead the civil registrar and all persons who have or who claim any interest and which would be affected thereby. (Republic v.

Valencia, 141 S 462).

If the correction sought to be made is clerical, the procedure to be adopted is summary. If the rectification affects the civil status, or nationality, it is deemed substantial and the procedure to be adopted is a full-blown proceeding (Republic v. Bautista, GR 35316, 26 Oct 87).

Venue for petitions under Rule 108 is the Regional Trial Court where the corresponding civil registry is located. The Local Civil Registrar should be impleaded as he is an indispensable party.

(Republic v. Cagandahan, 12 Sep 2008).

In Silverio v. Republic (G.R. No. 174689, 22 October 2007), the Supreme Court held that sex reassignment surgery is not a valid ground for change of entry regarding first name (Rommel Jacinto to Mely), and regarding sex (male to female) in birth certificate.

In Republic v. Cagandahan (12 September 2008), Respondent was born in 1981 and registered a female. While growing up she developed secondary male characteristics and was diagnosed to have congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) which is a condition where persons thus afflicted possess both female and male characteristics. At 13, tests revealed that her ovarian structures had minimized, she has stopped growing, and she has no breast or menstrual development. She prayed that her birth certificate be corrected such that her gender be changed from female to male and her first name be changed from Jennifer to Jeff. SC affirmed trial court’s grant of petition. As to the failure to implead the Local Civil Registrar who is an indispensable party, the Supreme held that the failure was deemed substantially cured when Respondent furnished copy of petition to the Local Civil Registrar.

The law and jurisprudence show that the State has an interest in the true identity of a person and hence in the person’s name.

Change of name is not a matter subject to the whim or caprice of a person but one which can only be made upon compelling reasons and provided there is no fraudulent or unlawful intent on the part of the applicant for change of name.

OctOber 2011 Bagong Bayani 11

psyche me up

OFWs vs. Superheroes Dr. Mariglo Liwanag Vicente, RGC, CCI, DAAETS

T

alking about our dear OFWs, it can’t seem to slip my mind how I would always recall and go back to this funny fictional, “cartoony” story about a Pinoy domestic helper “Maritess” and her adventurous, bedazzled experience with the Superfriends, which was sensationally and creatively depicted by Rex Navarrete.

It seemed to be at first very funny to watch, but when you come to reflect about it, somehow it makes one realize how difficult it is to be away and work abroad simply because you want to give the best to your family and loved ones. Superheroes are fictional

characters meant to “protect” the public; appear in different forms with unique specialization just like our very own OFWs. Some are known to be armored, energizers, gadgeteer and the like. Giving me a tickling imagination, I thought of giving a psychological comparative analysis of my impression how OFWs (Overseas Filipino Workers) or OFI (Overseas Filipino Investors), also every so often tagged as GF (Global Filipinos) in Singapore, are similar or different with superheroes considering they are thought of as modern-day heroes. What are the notions about OFW’s and Superheroes?

OFW’S (Modern-Day heroes)

SUPERHEROES

ThEy CAn ALwAyS fLy If ThEy wAnT To. OFWs can always fly by traveling in different places and locations. Of course, this can be through plane (especially since some airlines offer promo flights making trips back to the Philippines more convenient).

Few Pinoy photographers, as originally pioneered by the Japanese, can now make someone appear to be “flying”(levitating) in pictures.

Pinoy designers and engineers “fly” frequently to different locations & buildings.

SoME hAVE ThE AbILITy To fLy. This has been an automatic (but not necessarily true), popular idea of what superheroes are. This is especially true of Superman, Supergirl, Captain Barbell, Red Tornado, Kitty Pryde (Shadowcat) can levitate; Wonder Woman, with her invisible airplane; & Green Lantern, creating an aerodynamic envelope around his body through his power ring.

SoME ofw’S hAVE hEAD-TuRnInG ATTIRES DEpICTInG ThEIR boDy bEAuTIfuL, fIT AnD fAb. This usually attracts people who are thinking of what vocation, occupation or profession to have for good. With this, they are also noticeable to the public luring curiosity and portraying knowledge.

Some are fond of going to the gym or be engaged in sports. Example of this would be performers, cabin crews, bartenders, waiters, casino operators, showbiz personalities.

ThEy hAVE CoLoRfuL, EyE-CATChInG CoSTuMES ShowInG off ThEIR SupER boDy wITh “AbS.” A part of their propaganda to emphasize visual appeal and attract more patrons who especially include children and consumers. Superheroes who are famous for such: Zatanna, Robin, Iron Man, Wonder Woman, Superman, Catwoman, The Incredibles; Colossus, Catwoman, Darna, Captain Barbel, & Superman.

12 Bagong Bayani OctOber 2011

psyche me up

They are filled wiTh sTrengTh & have The power To go on.

Most OFWs have remarkable fighting spirit, the will to live and face challenges in Singapore even how hard it is to be away from family. They also rely on God for strength. Physically, they love drinking energy drinks, coffee, and softdrinks to sustain strength. Some wear lucky charms or ions which they believe (placebo effect) to give extra strength. This is mostly true of doctors, nurses, call center agents/executives, designers, domestic helpers who need to stay awake longer than usual.

They have exTraordinary sTrengTh & powers Some of them are just humans who are highly skillful or have powers from a specialized weapon designed to protect themselves from villains (e.g. Son Goku, Batman, Superman, Cyclops, The Hulk). Some are packed with positive energy like Naruto Uzumaki, Wonder Woman, Wolverine. But more importantly, they possess that strength of character to surpass the villains that initiates the power struggles.

ofws ”save” families and The counTry as They are always dependable.

When people would hear that someone is an OFW, they perceive him as rich, have lots of dollars, and you can always count on them as far as finances are concerned. One of the reasons why they are also known as modern-day heroes due to the economic boost that they contribute to our country. OFIs, doctors, performers, nurses, & IT specialists are at the top of the list.

superheroes save lives, are reliable & flexible.

Because of their fantastic nature, people have the perception that whenever someone is in danger, automatically a superhero will be there to save and that is actually their purpose which includes Spiderman, Batman, Transformers, Plasticman etc. who have proven their being reliable in times that people are in trouble. They just know when the right time is to aid someone and be at the right place at the same time.

ofws can be” Techy” & gadgeT fanaTics Most OFWs are tagged to be “techy” because they are fond of equipping themselves with the latest technology and innovation in cellphones, laptops, ipads, accessories, & other devices. It makes them feel good about themselves and a concrete proof of all the hardwork.

IT professionals, cabin crews, pilots, doctors, engineers, designers, performers etc.

They have super weapons & high Tech devices Some superheroes would not appear invincible without the help of their high tech gadgets. Wonder Woman’s lasso of truth, magnetic bracelet & tiara, Batman’s utility belt & batmobile, Spiderman’s capturing web, Captain America’s metal plated armor, Green lantern’s power ring, and Captain Barbell’s heavy exercise equipment all add to their heroic appeal.

ofws are noT as visible because They have To work somewhere else.

Unshakable, enduring, suffering, yet constantly working to achieve what they have set out for. In a way, they become the invisible hand that takes care of their families’ needs.

Some may not agree, but finances are really the crux of the matter.

Without it, children cannot go to school, eat good food, read interesting books, and enjoy childhood with toys that hone their minds. Though not totally present, OFWs are always around.

They have secreT idenTiTies and confidanT; have weak or dark side As part of their defense mechanism and to protect their ego, their loved ones from enemies, superheroes need to have their secret identity undisclosed. However, no secret is totally unrevealed. In some episodes, they have someone else to count on who are close to them; these serve as their confidants. Most of them appear Indestructible, but would also falter in battles or be under the spell of the enemy for a moment. This is true of Spiderman, Clark Kent as Superman, Superfriends or Justice League.

ofws meeT weekly in Their selecTed spoTs and always become a sighT To remember.

Tolerance of one another’s whims just so they can share precisely what they miss about home, they are able to conquer their loneliness by being there for each other. It has become natural that the place where they gather become a home away from home.

superheroes have happy disposiTion and meeT in Their headquarTers Façade is majestic, always inspiring to show prestige and power.

Unshakable in their convictions, superheroes fight against all odds united in purpose. They watch each other’s back and make sure that they fight side by side to defeat a common enemy and protect the weak. The Incredibles and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are just among the few that come to mind.

On a last note, what really distinguishes the OFWs from the superheroes is that superheroes are fictional while our OFWs are for real. The drama is seen in everyday, but what is most striking about OFWs is the reality that they have to deal with everyday.

Their superpower may not be letting out a lightning bolt or

14 Bagong Bayani OctOber 2011

slamming a robot out its feet. The very fact that they deal with everyday work away from their loved ones just so they can have better lives is more than enough “power.”

As what Spiderman said, “with great power comes great responsibilities.”

35

Tel 6738 1390 / 6738 1391 or SMS 9007 4026 Emails: rhanz_rhanie@yahoo.com or venussiow@yahoo.com Untitled-1 1

Year o Exprience

9/15/11 2:52 AM

Ser vices for All Ages d e s i l a n o s Per Satisfaction Guaranteed!

HAIR SERVICES: Styling, Colour, Cut, Highlights, Treatment, Spa, Perming, Rebonding, Massage OTHER SERVICES: Eyebrow Trimming, Eyelash Perming, Facial, Manicure & Pedicure, Foot Spa ALSO SELLING: Ladies Accessories, Philippine Traditional Dress & Barong Tagalog

Maganda Sexy Beauty SALON & BOUTIQUE 304 Orchard Road #04-18, Lucky Plaza, Singapore 238863

Tel: 6735

4366

Hp:

9082 5288

running head

Announcement

UPDATES ON CONSULAR SERVICES As of 25 October 2011 Public Holidays The Embassy will be closed to the public on 26 October (Deepavali), 1 November (All Saints’ Day), and 7 November (Hari Raya Haji).

A complete list of Philippine and Singapore public holidays observed by the Embassy may be accessed at http://www.philippine-embassy.org.sg/pages/holidays/.

E-PassPort aPPointmEnt systEm (E-Pas) Effective 8 November 2011, walk-in applicants for passport appointments will be accommodated from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. only. Applicants for passport renewal may also submit their applications via email to passportappointment@philippine.embassy.org.sg.

E-mailed applications received during working hours and on working days will be processed within three working days. Applications received after working hours and on weekends and public holidays may take up to four working days to process.

For more details, please visit http://www.philippine-

42 Bagong Bayani JULY 2011

embassy.org.sg/news/2011/10/revised-schedule-for-epassport-appointment-system-e-pas/.

PassPort collEction All delayed passport releases whose applications were filed from March to August 2011 are now ready for release at the Embassy.

All applicants whose passports were filed within this period are advised to proceed to the Embassy as soon as possible to collect their passports. Passports left uncollected for six months after the issue date will be voided and returned to Manila.

The Embassy is open for collection of delayed passports on Mondays to Thursdays, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sundays, 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. only.

EMbAssy Of thE PhiliPPiNEs (siNgAPOrE) 20 Nassim Road, Singapore 258395 Trunkline: +65.6737.3977 Fax: +65.6733.9544 Email: php@pacific.net.sg

Happy 10t h Year Anniversary

to I-REMIT Global Remittance from BAGONG BAYANI (Modern-Day Hero) Magazine Salamat sa tapat na serbisyo at sa walang humpay na paglilingkod sa ating mga minamahal na mga kababayan mula noon hanggang ngayon.

Sampung taon na may ngiti sa bawat padala!

cover story

T

he social critics have a term for it, diaspora. While the term really pertains to the mass migrations that happened centuries ago, this is the word that they used to describe the wave of Filipinos leaving the country to seek a better life abroad. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) defines it as "members of ethnic and national communities, who have left, but maintain links with their homeland."

Since overseas contracts were ushered in during the 70s, our people’s idea of success and stability changed. Saving up and earning in the country wasn’t enough anymore. The pinnacle of financial security now meant working in a place thousands of miles away from home, with the appointed breadwinner doing it for the betterment of his or her family’s life.

20 Bagong Bayani OctOber 2011

When someone mentions the term “OFW,” (Overseas Filipino Worker) or "FFT" (Filipino Foreign Talent), a slew of job titles immediately come to mind: IT professionals, engineers, waiters or waitresses, or nurses. These are the positions that Pinoys often seek abroad. It is the jobs that we have associated with the “green money.” And in turn, these are the jobs that foreigners expect Pinoys to have abroad.

But now, it’s 2011, and the times are changing. We cannot stop the so-called diaspora, because Filipinos need to work abroad to bring in money for the country. In the long run, it will improve the quality of life back home. But more Filipinos are gaining global mindsets, young people are carving bigger ideas about what they can pursue and achieve in. The stereotype that people have about OFW or FFT jobs is slowly breaking down. Yes, in many cases, it is still necessary to find work abroad. But it doesn’t have to be in

cover story

the usual jobs that OFWs are known for. There are other unique, important roles that are given to our kababayans that majority of us are not aware of.

And as the pioneers set the example of what Filipinos can do, the international community’s perception of our people has been changing as well. With more and more Pinoys excelling in different jobs, foreign employers are gradually ceasing to brand Filipinos with one specific, limited type of skill. We are now slowly becoming recognized for our creativity, resourcefulness, speed, and sheer diligence - in any job title or position, big time.

For this issue, Bagong Bayani Magazine is proud to introduce 11 kababayans working in unusual professions in Singapore. We say “unusual� because these occupations used to be exclusively offered to locals or other nationalities. But because of these 11

trailblazers not to mention the almost 200,000 working and living here , the Singaporean government has started to acknowledge the important contribution of Filipinos to the economy. More employers are now appreciating how our OFWs or FFTs can benefit the development of their company. Indeed, we are now a force to be reckoned with.

Working on this project left the BBM team with a profound feeling of pride. Some of the individuals we have featured have humble beginnings, but they worked hard, never gave up, and now reaped the benefits of their perseverance.

We hope that you read through each of their stories, and be as inspired as we are - to not just keep our families alive, but to be a Bagong Bayani who will change the name of Filipinos for the whole world.

OctOber 2011 Bagong Bayani 21

cover story

The Property of Intellect and Service

By Krista Monica Garcia • Photos by MBS

Krista's interests run the gamut from fashion, to politics, to art, to music. Her first job right after college was as a commercial and segment producer for a local cable channel. Right now, she is focused on full-time writing and does freelance production work on the side.

She will begin her Master's Degree in Media Studies at the University of the Philippines on November.

M

ona’s story is a far cry from that of other OFWs. She was already an educator and principal back home. She was even already working abroad – as a resource teacher in a school at West Palm Beach Florida USA. But right now, Teacher Mona is settled in Singapore, and currently holds the position of an Associate Manager for a real estate firm.

Books and lessons seem like the farthest thing possible from mortgages and lease plans, don’t they? But Mona has excelled in both fields – and after all, who would turn down an opportunity to try something new, and to earn more profitably, at that?

Perhaps, Mona’s decision to switch career paths is just so characteristic of a Pinoy – the resilient nature of Filipinos to adapt to any situation, given the need. At the moment, Mona feels fulfilled with her real estate job. It earns her the money and the

22 Bagong Bayani OctOber 2011

stability she needs. And so for these reasons, she prefers to stay where she is and make the most of the situation that she has.

But when got to talk to Mona, we were pleased to discover that underneath her professional, “real estate agent” get-up, there are still strong traces of the teacher who is so passionate about changing the face of her country. “Despite the chaotic environment, unstable government and economy, problems on peace and order, and a few other negative reasons, I would still go back to the Philippines.

Going back to one’s biological roots is an instinct. As human beings we look for the spiritual and emotional comfort that satisfy our sense of purpose in life and we can only get this from our family and relatives back home.” At the end of the day, Mona’s dream is to make just enough to secure her future, and then to come back and pick up where she has left off. She shared with us, via email, her mission:

cover story

“My calling [is] to serve the country and do my part in its rehabilitation. Bilang ISKA (the self-appointed nickname of UP alumnae – ed), ako ay may tungkulin sa aking bayan na pagsilbihan ito sa abot ng aking makakaya (I have a responsibility to serve the country in the best way I can). As an educator by heart, I am an advocate of educating our people to a sense of patriotism. Filipinos are patriotic in nature but it has to be nurtured through a curriculum that would develop our sense of nationalism, awaken our consciousness and develop a mindset to work towards a better (and even best) Philippines. I believe that everything starts from the mind so rehabilitation should start from developing a mindset of patriotism that will be translated into action. Though the result is long-term yet it is the strongest foundation of our economic and political stability.”

Despite finding comfort and profit in Singapore, for her, the Philippines will still be home, and it will be where she will pour her efforts into fulfilling her mission. And in order to do that, in the meantime, she will do her best in excelling in her current profession.

Mona also has voluble advice for fellow Filipinos who are frustrated with the opportunities that elude them. Mona’s message is worth sharing in whole, unabridged on print:

“Working overseas is not easy so [we] OFWs should inspire one another by reminding ourselves that, “We are Heroes.” A Hero is strong, and a savior as well, so we should uphold this image.

A Hero has a positive image, so we should show at all times how great we are as a person and as Filipinos. When we go out of the Philippines and join other cultures, we automatically become an ambassador of our country. This little pressure as an ambassador requires us to give our best ability at work and to show our positive qualities as Filipinos. Our best qualities that stand out is our ability to adapt to situations, our patience and humility, our effortless “smile,” and sense of humor. In Singapore our “smile” and cheerfulness stand out. Aside from our competency, our ability to turn any negative situation into a positive one is our key to success.

Being a “Global Pinoy” we should not forget to pay back our country (aside from the obvious that your pay/salary goes back to the Philippines). While overseas, we could start the campaign of our country’s rehabilitation. Our diaspora can become one of the solutions to bringing the Philippines to greatness: by going back and sharing what we have learned from different countries.”

In the meantime, we will be watching her with earnest anticipation.

OctOber 2011 Bagong Bayani 23

cover story

Dirty Hands, Golden Heart

By Monica Guerra • Photos by MBS

B

ack in the day, the “true test” of a man’s worth was with how willing he would be to get his hands dirty – to work all day long to earn a day’s keep, and to have the stained, grease-covered hands to prove it. To have dirty hands was a thing to be proud of as it symbolized a man’s honesty and dedication to his family.

air conditioning and computer systems. They adequately explain technical diagnoses and needed repairs to non-mechanical individuals such as their customers or co-workers. To many people, it would just be simpler to explain that he looks at machine and motor parts, finds out why they’re not working properly, and then fixes them.

Fast forward to our generation, and now dirty hands are, well, just dirty. Nowadays, a lot of men – and women as well – dream of “white-collar” jobs; of ideal lifestyles where everything is clean, pristine, and cool. No sweat, no labor – just a whole day of sitting in the office while money comes in.

Such a role requires deep understanding of not just machinery know-how. Being a mechanic is equal parts knowledge and instinct. It is not far removed from how a doctor treats his patients: he has to remember their medical history in order to understand their current predicament. Mechanics, like Emel, have to treat their machines as wards, as “sick” entities that could be healed by their able hands.

All these notions disappeared in the air when we met Emel Cereno – a Pinoy working as a Senior Technician and Automotive Engineer in Singapore. Grease and dirt are part of his daily routine.

And he is proud of it, with good reasons to do so.

Emer’s job is something that a lot of people wouldn’t understand.

Generally, an automotive technician diagnoses and repairs to specifications - brake and hydraulic, exhaust, primary and/or advanced fuel ignition and electrical, suspension and alignment,

24 Bagong Bayani OctOber 2011

There’s another reason why Emel doesn’t mind the gritty work: it pays him well. Singapore is ahead of the pack, technology wise; it is one of the best countries that can provide an avenue for better insights into the latest cutting-edge automotive technologies.

It can set future trends for the automotive industry. Who would not want to work here? Emels’ environment here is a far cry from what a mechanic can experience elsewhere. For his hard work,

cover story

he gets paid well; his job is treated as important in advancing a motor company’s development. The compensation Emel receives can beat an office employee’s salary in the Philippines. With the amount of exposure you get, plus the high income you take home at the end of the month, there’s more than enough reason for staying.

But is it? For Emel, life may be better abroad in terms of purchasing power, but he still prefers to go back to the Philippines if given a chance. “The amount of money I earn, the benefits I receive, and the comfortable life I experience while working as

an OFW is still incomparable to the feeling of going back to my own country,” shares Emel. For him, nothing beats the simple life, security, happiness, and feeling of contentment with his loved ones.

Emel’s diligence and good work ethics paint an accurate picture of how amazing Filipino workers are – in any field. Indeed, his hands are dirty, but Emel holds them up high – he has more than enough reason to be proud of them. It is the hands that feed his family, that fix things. It is the hands that symbolize a person’s honest love and passion for what he does.

OctOber 2011 Bagong Bayani 25

cover story

Lost (and Found) in Translation

By Krista Monica Garcia • Photos by MBS

[For this Pinoy, hard work and determination translates to a better life.]

T

he role of an Interpreter often gets public attention during Beauty Pageant seasons. It seems that an interpreter’s ability to translate the smiling girl’s answer can make – or break – her chances of winning the crown. In fact, during the last Ms. Universe run, it has been a matter of popular debate if contestants from the Philippines should or should not have one when answering the panel. And it left us wondering, what does an interpreter do on a day-to-day basis? We got to talk for a bit with Ester Vincoy, a Foreign Language Interpreter based in Singapore.

26 Bagong Bayani OctOber 2011

Ester is semi-retired, but rather than resting or just staying at home, she found a way to contribute something to the society.

She does her interpreter duties part-time, depending when clients or business contacts need it. Because of her resourcefulness, she’s been able to sustain a more-than-comfortable way of living. She has been here for more than a decade, and she is now a Singapore citizen who can revel in the state’s benefits.

In her youth, Ester already showed a determination to work hard to get what she wants. She worked during the day and studied during the night to get a college education. After finishing her degree in business administration, she took up clerk duties in various offices in Manila. And then there was the chance to work

cover story

abroad – to be a Presidential Director’s Special Assistant, in Jakarta, Indonesia. She was young, and single, and so she went for it. Just like lots of Pinoys, she was ready to leave home to pursue better earnings. She wanted a bigger chance of having a secure and gratifying future.

Her risk was not in vain. Ester switched positions like she skipping stones (or climbing ladder steps) until she landed her current occupation in SG. Right now, she looks back on all her experiences fondly, with the wisdom of someone who has been there and done all that. “I live a comfortable life here in Singapore together with my family. We have more than enough to eat and we live simply. Right now I have no plans of leaving everything behind and starting all over again… Everything here is convenient. The government takes care of its citizens.” She’s a Filipino, through and through, and without her native tongue she wouldn’t have been able to take on her job as an interpreter. But Singapore is her home.

Just like in a beauty pageant, the success of a winning a business venture, or a meeting, relies on Ester’s ability to convey thoughts, suggestions, and even humorous remarks from one executive to another. Her job requires not just knowledge of multiple languages, but a certain sense of tact, coupled with sharp thinking skills. Ester

does possess these characteristics, and for that, she makes other Pinoys proud.

One question remains though, would Ester ever considering going back to the homeland? She answers, succinctly, “I am already nearing the sunset of my life... If ever I’ll go back to the Philippines, it would only be because my husband decides to retire there.” It’s the statement of a woman who is loyal to her family, whose rocksolid ideals will only be moved by her loved ones.

What then, is her advice for younger Filipinos, who are just taking their first steps in the big city, who are hesitant about abandoning the comforts of home and taking big leaps in unfamiliar golden territories? “Be honest and truthful in everything you do!” Ester says. “Be diligent and live your life within your means! Be guided by Our Lord’s Teachings!”

While other people balk at the idea of working long hours, or taking up two jobs just to feed their family, Ester went ahead and did it. She found a job where she knew her talents would be much appreciated, and so now, she’s reaping the benefits. She’s the epitome of a woman who sacrificed a lot just to support her loved ones. Her hard work has truly paid off!

OctOber 2011 Bagong Bayani 27

cover story

The Cartoon Man

By Monica Guerra • Photos by Marlone Rubio

D

oodling is one of the very first things that kids learn to do.

When a child is given a crayon and a piece of paper, he or she is immediately excited to draw whatever comes to his or her mind - a flower, a house, an airplane flying across the sky, a tree, or even his or her own family.

But most of the time, a kid’s creative inclination gets dampened by the adults around them. It is not uncommon to hear a parent or a grandparent say, “You should study hard to become a doctor or a lawyer!” The crayons are then yanked away, and the child does as what his elders tell him. The parents always mean well, but this is a common backstory for artists - being dissuaded from their calling because there is “no money” in art.

In Manuel Francisco’s case, we’re thankful that his parents never hampered his love for art. Manny is a Filipino, and he is working here in Singapore as an editorial cartoonist for The Straits Times.

28 Bagong Bayani OctOber 2011

His portfolio reveals an illustrious career back home. Manny has been a political cartoonist for national newspapers such as The Manila Times, The Daily Tribune, The Philippine Post, Tanod Tabloid and ISYU Newspaper. He is also credited as the the creator of comic strips DOG FUD, SUN STROKE and BIZ-CUIT, which appeared regularly in The Manila Bulletin and PM Tabloid.

When you look at Manny’s works (he uploads some in his blog, http://manfrancisco-inklingsdrawnconlcusions.blogspot.com/), one cannot ignore the unique artistry and wit of the creator. There’s something about his strokes and shapes which immediately capture the interest of the reader, and convey the message. His work has gained international attention as well. Manny’s biting political cartoons have appeared in several international news magazines such as Newsweek, Time Magazine online, Der Spiegel (one of the leading German political magazines), and CNN News. His work has also been published in a book, The Best Political Cartoons,

cover story

alongside other notable cartoonists.

He represented the Philippines at the 8th Asian Cartoon Festival in 2003. His works are also syndicated in Politicalcartoons.com.

Manny’s art back home has earned him recognition and identity.

His task of illustrating the day’s most important issue is a credible one. In all external aspects, he was doing quite well. And yet he chose to leave behind all the prestige and comfort, and seek work abroad. When we asked him if he would ever come back, he said, “If the Philippines’ economic and political situation improves, then I may have to re-think my intentions of going back.” Perhaps, he wanted to enjoy a certain peace, a more quiet kind of life while he hones his craft.

If he found the Philippine political scene a little chaotic, Manny encountered a different kind of challenge when he moved. He soon realized that working in Singapore may have provided certain limitations to his approach towards his craft. In Manny’s opinion, it is wise to keep in mind that we are also ambassadors of our country. “We need to be keen and wary with the things we say or do especially in the aspects of religion,” he says.

But knowing Manny, it won’t be long before he shakes things up again. We are bound to see more of his drawings, as samples of

his out-of-the-box perspective. For sure, with his trademark Pinoy resourcefulness and brilliance, Manny will find a way to comply, excel, and still have his message understood. You are the true Pacman!

OctOber 2011 Bagong Bayani 29

cover story

F

The Rainbow Maker

By Monica Guerra • Photos by MBS

or Filipinos working abroad, it is always comforting to see a Kababayan whenever we enter a hair or nail salon. We’re, after all, the race who would staunchly take a bath every day despite the freezing fall weather.

Even the simplest man makes an effort to tuck in his shirt and comb back his hair when going out. We care about our appearance from head to toe. So when we see that a fellow Filipino will be attending to us, it gives us comfort and assurance. Someone will easily understand what we want to be done. No need for a hefty explanation of some sort just to achieve the kind of service we expect.

Such is the case for Susan, a manicurist who is managing her own shop and residing in Singapore for nine years. “Our customers are mostly Filipinos. Whenever they’ll know that I’m the one cleaning their nails, I can see that they’re more relaxed and tensions on their

30 Bagong Bayani OctOber 2011

faces subside,” says Susan.

She can make rainbows, if you wish – she can paint your nails in any color you like, and more. As a manicurist, Susan’s job is to make the customer’s hand as clean, neat, and attractive as possible. It’s a task that requires the expertise of steady hands and a careful eye, especially when it comes to dealing with the dreaded ingrown – which Susan is quite adept at.

In our home country, just about anyone who knows how to push, file, and polish can be a manicurist. You can walk into a salon without an appointment and have someone ready to do your nails; or you can call your neighborhood manikurista who could do the service in your living room. The usual rate is pretty inexpensive. But it is rather different abroad. In many salons, manicurists are licensed

cover story

and are required to follow specific standards or regulations. Since skin is manipulated and is sometimes trimmed, there is usually a very real risk of spreading infection when tools are used across many people. Therefore, manicurists are expected to perform strict sanitation measures. More than getting the perfect French tip, a manicurist is expected to be a professional through and through.

In return, they can enjoy a more ample income.

Susan, with her exacting method, has no problem with this.

One client named Chie happily commented, “Susan is very firm and gentle in dealing with her clients. She is considerate but fair at the same time. I consider her more as a friend than a manicurist. She builds a good rapport with her clients. This is the main reason why I keep on coming back to her shop.”

Among all Pinoy manicurists in Singapore, Susan is one of the most sought-after ones in the Lucky Plaza mall along Orchard road. “She’s really good in what she’s doing. Very professional,” says one avid and loyal client. Word of mouth from happy regulars earned Susan a pool of steady clients, from fellow Pinoys, to locals, tourists and to even expat’s wives. “She is excellent because I am very satisfied with her service. A friend that you can trust,” another client named Josie confessed. To serve her growing fan base effectively and

efficiently, Susan now implements a by-appointment policy. And it doesn’t hurt that being in demand allows her to give her family back in the Philippines a comfortable life.

Susan will not deny that what she earns abroad is comparably better than what she would have gotten as a manicurist back home. But of course, it also means that she is not always physically present with them. “It is true that Singapore has provided me and my family with financial stability, but nothing beats home,” she says.

It’s a common sentiment among Pinoys in Singapore, or any other part of the world. But for Susan, all her hard work becomes worth it whenever she gets to call or chat with her family after a tiring day.

This is the trade-off that many OFWs deal with. For the chance of getting higher income abroad, we give up the daily experience of being surrounded by loved ones.

But whatever setbacks Pinoy OFWs encounter, we are known to be resilient. We never give up. “I encourage all the Filipinos to work hard no matter what kind of hardships they face abroad. Because there will always be happiness behind every obstacle. So don’t give up and always pray to God. At may kasasabihan na kahit anong hirap, kinakaya parin ng Pilipino! (and there’s a saying that goes no matter what hardships we face, Filipinos can do it!),” Susan shares.

OctOber 2011 Bagong Bayani 31

cover story

Songs From The Heart

A

By Krista Monica Garcia • Photos by MBS

visit to the famous Orchard Road is never complete without sighting one of the buskers, or the statepermitted individuals who rely on performing on the streets (aka busking) for a living. While natives and tourists have mixed opinions about them, it’s undeniable that busking has proven to be quite a draw for Singapore’s most famous lifestyle and entertainment strip.

Among the scores of buskers, of course, there would be so-so ones and then there would be performers who would be really, really talented. One of the more exemplary buskers is the tandem of Qamal and Chato. Relying on simple electronic instruments, the husband-and-wife tandem brings out renditions of famous pop songs, and even local ballads. On an almost daily basis, one would find these two in their usual corner, flanked by their blinking placards and donning their bright-colored outfits.

The woman, Chato Caya, is a Filipina. Her olive skin and gentle features give it away. And when she grabs hold of the microphone, and sings in that powerful, crooning voice of hers, one cannot help

32 Bagong Bayani OctOber 2011

but be reminded of TV stars and singing sensations back in the Philippines.

Indeed, to hear Chato sing, and to see her smiling while her husband plays along with her, must remind so many Filipinos of home. During Sundays (when most Filipinos would be taking a break from their work), Chato could be relied upon to put on a spectacular show. And everyone – locals and tourists alike – cannot help but dance along. In a brief moment, a part of Orchard Road transforms into a street party, and the festive air cheers up everyone’s spirits.

Chato had very typical beginnings: she graduated in high school, got an SSTC certificate, and worked as a private secretary for a year. However, her fiery nature must have gotten bored, and soon, she began to seek fortune and adventure in Singapore. And being a Filipino, and thus innately talented, she soon found herself making the rounds of various hotels, pubs, and public and private bars as a performer.

cover story

Eventually she would fall in love. Chato is now a Mrs. to Qamaruddin Amin, her partner in love and music. And now, retired, they have taken to busking regularly. They also perform for private functions upon request or appointment. They are certainly a tandem to beat, with their extensive song choices and magical ability to make people dance.

If Chato had chosen to stay in the Philippines, she certainly wouldn’t have been able to sing professionally on the streets. Here in Singapore, she is licensed to be a busker, to receive donations, to make people happy. She certainly doesn’t regret being here. “I am married to a Singaporean,” She says, “[so] we have to stick together till death do us part.” Words uttered proudly, characteristic of a brave woman who would abandon anything and remain loyal to her partner.

Many of us would think that singing and performing on the streets sound like such a simple task. We often believe that, in order to succeed and be happy, we have to have top positions in international companies, have big houses, multiple banks accounts, and the ability to travel on a whim. But then we see people like Chato – inimitable beings who live each day with passion and optimism. People who have chosen to take the less beaten road, and throw caution to the wind. She has chosen to be bohemian, to live life as an adventure – and you can see, in her eyes, her wild hair, and her colorful scarf – that she is happy, and blessed. She loves what she is doing. She shows us how it should be done. She says, “Music is a medicine for our soul and mind. I won’t give up.”

And when you hear it from her, it sounds really good.

OctOber 2011 Bagong Bayani 33

cover story

The Case for a Brilliant and Driven Mind

By Krista Monica Garcia

W

hen you look at Marisol Caneja’s profile, one cannot help but be impressed. Her CV lists down an accountancy degree from San Carlos University, a law degree from San Beda College and Arellano University, and an MBA from Ateneo and Regis University (in the USA). There is no doubt that Marisol is a woman of brains.

Being a lawyer is considered a lofty position in our country, so anyone who gets to do it abroad automatically gets a considerable amount of admiration. Such is the case for Marisol – after she earned her professional title as a lawyer in the Philippines, she is now doing foreign legal practice in Singapore – an unusual choice, even for people who have MBA’s. It is no easy feat to memorize laws and legal systems in the Philippines - so imagine doing it in a strange new country that you never grew up in. But that is exactly

34 Bagong Bayani OctOber 2011

what Marisol does, and does very well.

Marisol is exactly the epitome of a woman who never let intimidation and insecurity get the best of her. She worked her way to the top of a profession previously dominated by men; she proved that women can defend laws and analyze cases just as well.

She didn’t let the usual gender and race discriminations deter her dream of being a Foreign Lawyer. These may seem to be such heavy words but there’s no better way to describe what makes Marisol’s story exemplary. She knew what she was capable of, and of what she can be worth, that she used to her advantage. Her focus and her sheer smarts propelled her to where she is today.

As a lawyer Marisol could’ve enjoyed an already comfortable life back home, as we know that lawyers enjoy comfortable fees. But

Photo: Den AzArrAgA

cover story

she decided to take it one step further and pursue foreign legal practice. And she’s certainly performing great, and earning good by her profession’s standards.

With all that, what could possibly force her to give up her cozy status? Marisol’s answer is bound by the characteristic reason and logic of a lawyer, her reason would be just her health. “Financially, it is expensive to be sick in Singapore, professionally, we need to be healthy to stay competitive,” she says. But her reason is not without sentimentality: “Personally, it is always good to be closer to the people who matter to us, more so when we are unwell.” So for all her achievements, Marisol still remains down to earth, she knows that she will need her family when she becomes weak.

She ponders the idea of going back to the Philippines, but she’s not really in a hurry. “Going back to the Philippines is always a good option,” She admits. “I see myself doing that, albeit not anytime

soon. While young and in good health, it is good to explore and gain more experiences from other countries like Singapore. We can then use these experiences to contribute to the sustainable economic growth in our own country when we are back.” Seeing Mirasol and knowing that she loves what she is doing, one would believe her words. She has a lot of years ahead of her. Maybe someday, she can use what she has seen and learned in Singapore and tell our countrymen all about it.

Marisol has sensible advice for the young people who dream of being as established as she is in foreign soil. “Be competitive, regardless of what you do. Be grateful, to the people who give you the opportunities that you are enjoying at the moment.” Her words are spoken like a true leader, equal parts determination and humility. She ends: “Be self-focused, know what you want and work hard for it. Success is relative but it is not a value meal that you can easily get from somewhere.”

OctOber 2011 Bagong Bayani 35

cover story

Raphael Velayo: A Delicious Success Story

By Krista Monica Garcia • Photos by MBS

[Let’s sample some morsels of wisdom from a kababayan who works as a sous chef.]

T

here’s something inexplicably appealing about a man who knows his way around the kitchen – the realm, that “sacred” place in the house that is often taken over by our mothers, wives, and aunts. So it is always a point of discussion and admiration when it is a man takes the apron, chops up a storm, and serves a gastronomic experience for everyone to relish and enjoy.

It comes as no surprise, then, that Raphael Velayo met his wife while he was busy in a kitchen. It was 2006, and he had just left the Philippines to take on an Executive Sous Chef job in Bahrain. And according to him, it was a move that he would never regret. “I met

36 Bagong Bayani OctOber 2011

my soon to be wife at that time. I met her at the restaurant I was working for. She was part of the service team and I was working in the kitchen.”

Fast forward to 2011: He is currently Sous Chef at Halia Fine Dining in Singapore, where he takes care of everything from daily operations and menus for special events, to training the kitchen brigade and ensuring the quality of everything from the raw ingredients to the plate being served. It is a demanding job, but it is one that Raphael does well. Previously, he also worked at Daniel Boulud’s DB Bistro Moderne at the Marina Bay Sands, Singapore.

And he certainly worked hard, to become second-in-command at a fine restaurant. After earning his degree on Hotel, Restaurant,

cover story

and Institution Management (at De La Salle-College of St. Benilde), he worked in various well-known restaurants in Manila, such as Bizu, Italianni’s, and Annabel Lee’s Gourmet. It was in our home country where Raphael learned to work under pressure, prepare plates with a team, and hone his palette to create dishes that people will enjoy, both locals and foreigners.

And then came the fortuitous call to go abroad. Raphael’s first experience as an overseas employee was at Bahrain’s Café Lilou.

Bahrain’s hotel and restaurant amenities are considered one of the best in the world, tourists and businessmen have nothing but praises for the world-class sights and tastes that this land in the Middle East offers. And so Raphael, with his skills and vision, fitted right in, and in fact, he stood out.

So why did he move to Singapore? Raphael says, “I got a job offer that I couldn’t resist.” Raphael has been here for seven months now, creating culinary masterpieces that get sampled by hundreds of people every day at Halia. It helps that he also gets along with his kitchen mates, treating him with due respect.

Raphael certainly makes hard work look easy as a pie (pardon the pun). Right now, he’s doing a job that he loves; he can provide for his family well, and unlike a lot of Filipino OFWs, he has moved

from coast to coast with his family in tow. That is why, for the moment, Raphael doesn’t see moving back to our country as an option. “After experiencing better financial status abroad, it’s hard to even consider leaving everything behind to go home and start all over again.” After all, he’s got everything that he needs here.

Or does he? He concedes: “If there would be one reason [to go back to the Philippines], it would be his family. Going home at the end of an exhausting day to have dinner and laughs with all of your loved ones would be it.” Perhaps, Raphael also daydreams of going back home and being surrounded by a big clan, cooking lunches for reunions and big birthday parties – for his own kin, instead of foreigners.

Yes, Raphael has managed to make it, and succeed in a volatile industry where forgetting a simple, little ingredient could make or break your career. He serves as a tasteful inspiration for other Pinoys seeking their fortune abroad: “Nowadays, a lot of our professionals sacrifice leaving their family to work abroad because at the end of the day, they get to provide a better standard of living for themselves and their loved ones.” His advice? “Never give up your dreams! Dream big, achieve big! And while you’re at it, enjoy every moment of it. See and experience the beauty of different cultures and personalities. After all, this is how life should be lived.”

OctOber 2011 Bagong Bayani 37

cover story

The Cinema Marketer

By Krista Monica Garcia • Photos by MBS

I

n the Philippines, movie-going seems to be a national pasttime. We have yet to hear of a kababayan who loathes the idea of sitting in a cool theater, facing a big screen, and being immersed in a great story for a couple of hours, going home with yet another lesson learned.

Indeed, Filipinos love the cinema; it has been our source of global ideas, entertainment, and ideas that pick at our brains way after the credits roll. This even goes not just for our countrymen.

All over the world, men and women flock to darkened rooms every day to catch snippets of life, portrayed on film.

38 Bagong Bayani OctOber 2011

That’s why it’s only natural to respond with admiration and envy whenever we hear of someone who makes a living out of watching movies all the time. To earn money while viewing the latest films and spreading word about them? It sounds too good to be true.

But it’s a real job, and in Singapore, it’s a position that’s held by no one else by a Filipino.

Jeffrey Pascual is a Cinema Marketer – in common parlance, he is the person who is in charge of booking and scheduling his theater for movies, special events, and the like. Aside from daily

cover story

operations, he looks into arranging promos, events, and giveaways for their featured movies. He’s the guy that gets us excited about movies. He makes the experience of going to the theater exciting and memorable. And he does it for all the moviegoers, locals and foreigners alike.

For Jeffrey, it’s a hard earned position. “Having a family member as an OFW is privilege not many are able to have,” he says, “But recently it has become a trend for us.” He’s had several years of broadcasting and media marketing experience to back him up. His tasks and positions varied from one company to another, but what never changed were his passion and his drive for the work that he does. His love for his work is indeed evident; throughout his career he was able to get promoted several times, until he finally landed his current job.

And now he reaps the benefits. Jeffrey can call a Cineplex as his office. He can provide for his family well and indulge in creature comforts every now and then. And of course, for his daily grind, he gets to watch quite a lot of films.

Perhaps, the reason why Jeffrey was able to do so much was

because he had one other passion, his family. He was driven by an ambition to excel in his field; more so, he had a drawn out dream of providing for his kin. “Family is what brought me here to Singapore in the first place. Family is the reason why we strive and work hard here in Singapore.” And in fact, he says that if his family ever requires him to give up everything that he has worked for, he would do it in a heartbeat, no questions asked. “Should a family member need me back home in the Philippines, I will go.” After all, his work would be nothing if it cannot allow him to help out his loved ones.

We’re used to seeing tragedies and sad stories in films, so it’s heartwarming to find that in real life, the person working behind movies has had a good story, so far. Jeffrey may not star in his own fantasy or action feature, but for his family and the people he is able to provide for, he is a hero. He shows us that we don’t need special effects or an orchestra-played score to do good things. “I strongly encourage all Filipinos in Singapore to contribute whatever they can to improve our nation [back home], whether through outreach, charity, social [and] cultural [activities], or advocacies. The dream of the Philippines becoming a first world nation one day is not dead. It just takes time. But when everyone has the same goal and everyone chips in, that time may come sooner than you think.”

OctOber 2011 Bagong Bayani 39

cover story

Gifted Hands

W

By Krista Monica Garcia • Photos by Jo Bennette

hen kids get asked “What do you want to be when you grow up?” The most popular answer is “I want to be a doctor.” In our culture, doctors are regarded with such high esteem, them with the white coat, the stethoscope, and the ability to make any pain go away. Doctors in the Philippines are the symbol of the highest rank of professionalism, of educational and financial success. So it’s not news that a lot of kids want to grow up to become doctors.

But although each and every practitioner is skilled and noble, not everyone gets the privilege to practice medicine in foreign soil.

This is the achievement of Dr. Dan Causapin, M.D. He has been training and working in Singapore as a doctor for four years now.

Prior to arriving in the city-state, he was already gaining ground

40 Bagong Bayani OctOber 2011

as a practitioner in La Union. And just like many doctors of his generation, he faced a dilemma: the desire to serve and to heal, clashing with the desire to seek a better and more comfortable life.

So Dr. Dan did what most of his peers were doing at the time: he took up Nursing. It used to be unheard of, for a doctor with eight years of education to think of going back to school. But at that time, nurses were more in demand overseas than doctors. Dan wanted to be part of the wave, because he saw, as most other people did, that a comfortable life and good pay lay beyond Philippine territory. As it turned out, right after he finished his degree, Dan did get to go abroad – but it was as a Clinical Associate. He ended up with an entry-level position for a Foreign Trained Doctor. As it turns out, Dan only had to wait for the right timing after all.

And now Dr. Dan is a regular staff member at a busy city hospital.

cover story

He has completed further training in pediatrics and child health.

For sure, he is already earning way more than he originally did. He is finally enjoying the level of financial security and comfort that he couldn’t quite reach back home.

But when the talk turns back to the subject of home, Dr. Dan is still surprisingly optimistic about making a return. “It is every doctor’s dream to establish a good medical practice especially in his home land,” he says. “I always dream of that not just for me but for my family as well.” After all, he adds that “there’s no place like home.”

He goes on to share that his experience in volunteer medical missions fueled his passion and desire to serve his own country.

“Even before I started working in Singapore, my passion for serving our kababayans, who are in need of medical care, was already there. The passion for continuously serving them is still here and I intend to continue it in the near future.”

Dr. Dan puts to rest the notion that our country is suffering from a “Brain Drain,” that our doctors and professionals would leave for a better life and never return to do service. Dr. Dan says, “I am eager and excited to share the knowledge and experience that I learned in a first world country like Singapore. We want a simple and happy life, if [we’re] financially stable for sure we will have it in the Philippines with all the relatives and people we love.”

He is the very picture of excellence coupled with service, a doctor not just with gifted hands but a gifted heart. His advice to fellow Filipinos is ample: “I believe that every opportunity is GOD’s gift to us. Not all doctors have an opportunity to work in Singapore, so I always thank God for giving me such a wonderful gift. Working in one of the busiest hospital in Singapore is very tiring and stressful.

The reason why I’m still around and continuously working in this environment is the love for my work. As long as you love what you are doing you will enjoy it and never get tired of it. Financial reward comes second.”

OctOber 2011 Bagong Bayani 41

cover story

Making a Living from the Dead

By Krista Monica Garcia • Photos by MBS

Can you imagine having the job of taking care of dead bodies every day?

The embalmers – or morticians, if you will – do just that. After a loved one gives out his last breath, the embalmers are responsible for preparing the body for its wake and burial. These people have the duty of upholding the dignity of the deceased, on their very last moments of visibility among their friends and family.

It’s a job that would make a lot of people squirm, what with our national fascination with stories of multos, zombies, and what have you. In fact, few people would ever think of taking up this job. It requires a certain amount of guts, and more than passing curiosity – it calls for an undying interest in the craft, so to speak. That is why, by default, its practitioners are highly in demand, anywhere in the world.

42 Bagong Bayani OctOber 2011

Meet Felipe Santos, the embalsamador. He makes his living the moment someone dies. It sounds morbid, but for Felipe, it’s all in a day’s work. We’re all mortals, after all, and we will all go through the cycle of life. He participates in taking care of people’s lives, just like doctors, nurses, or nutritionists. It’s just that he takes care of the latter end of this cycle.

Just like most Filipinos, Felipe stumbled upon his career by chance, after being sidestepped from his former goal. He started out taking up Veterinary Medicine in college, but he decided to stop, for various reasons. Felipe moved on to finish an X-ray Technician degree. But rather than working in a hospital for the living, he has used his medical knowledge to the preservation and preparation of deceased bodies.

This was his job when he arrived in Singapore. Most kababayans

cover story

seek their fortune in SG as domestic helpers, or as mechanics, or performers. But embalmers? Felipe certainly had a unique background, so why would he apply for the same jobs as everyone else? He tried his luck, applied for a license, and got it. And so he found himself in a position where there was less competition, where the locals truly needed his services for their dead loved ones. Felipe thrived and found the window of opportunity that most Pinoys sought.

Felipe’s job is certainly unique, but it is as important as other jobs are. For most families, a decent wake and burial is their last act of respect and love for their deceased. A man who lived a good and honorable life deserves a respectful and beautiful appearance while in repose. And in fact, Felipe has been able to attend to the remains of one famously decent man: along with other people, he has been commissioned to take care of Ninoy Aquino after his death. Not many people can boast of playing an important role in a hero’s life – or death.

Felipe says that “As a Filipino, it has always been my desire to go back to our very own country.” He dreams of offering his country the same service of compassion that he gives to Singaporean locals. But for now, he has to fulfill his duties here, for he earns more here than an embalsamador would do back home. He has a family to keep alive. So Felipe does his job heartily with the help of his assistant, Felimon.

Felipe is a living example of how we don’t need high degrees just to make it big in a foreign country. All we need is to have the willingness to work hard, and to excel at whatever profession we have chosen. He says, “Whether or not you are a professional, sipag at tiyaga ang kailangan (diligence and perseverance are needed) in order for you to get ahead with life. Having a degree is a passport to success but this is not the only thing. Dedication, loyalty, initiative, and being your self are the qualities that every OFW will need, in order to be successful in a foreign land like Singapore.”

OctOber 2011 Bagong Bayani 43

Hortaliza Specializes in ladies/gents/children wears; Range of Philippine Products & Barong Tagalog,Top-Up Cards, Calling Cards and Nipper Sharpening.

#04-08 Tel: 6333 6239

#03-82/83 Tel: 6735 2257

#03-84 Tel: 6737 7417

304 Orchard Road Lucky Plaza, Singapore 238863 Owned and Managed By: NARCISA P. LIM

people SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP EXCHANGE: An important discussion shared by 4 SE advocates on Models of Social Entrepreneurship in Singapore and in the Philippines as well as the emerging platforms to raise capital and the regulatory challenges facing SEs worldwide. This was attended by government and non-government organizations, banking sectors, academic institutions and social entrepreneurs.

TAKEN DuRINg ThE POWER DINNER: SOCIAL ENTREPRENEuRShIP ExChANgE fORuM AT ORChARD hOTEL LAST 25 OCTOBER - fROM L TO R : MR. ED JIMENEz, CONSuLTANT, BANgKO SENTRAL Ng PILIPINAS ; ROLANDO B. VICTORIA, ASKI PhILIPPINES ExECuTIVE DIRECTOR AND ASKI gLOBAL ChAIRMAN ; MS. DuRREEN ShAhNAz, ChAIRPERSON AND fOuNDER Of IMPACT INVESTMENT ExChANgE ASIA ; MS. TEO MEE hONg, ExECuTIVE DIRECTOR Of SE ASSOCIATION ; MS. SuE ChOW, MR. EThAN hAN AND PATRICK SIM, BOTS ASKI gLOBAL AND MS. IRMA COSICO, ChIEf OPERATIONS OffICER Of ASKI gLOBAL

Grand Jewellery & Dept Store Doreen Tok 22K (916) Gold & Jewellery

WELCOME DINNER: A welcome dinner was hosted by ASKI Global Limited for the Board of Trustees of ASKI Philippines last 20 October 2011 held at Changi Village Hotel. The dinner jumpstarted the two-day joint Board Retreat of ASKI Philippines and ASKI Global Limited. The goal of the retreat was to allow each one of the Board of Trustees to focus on the real work: strategic planning, visioning, priority setting, role clarification and decision-making while fostering spiritual renewal, social interaction and camaraderie amongst each other. Attendees to the dinner also celebrated the partnership of ASKI Global with Citibank and the future collaboration with Opportunity International-Singapore

WELCOME DINNER fOR ASKI PhILIPPINES' BOARD Of TRuSTEES AT ChANgI VILLAgE hOTEL LAST 20 OCTOBER - SEATED ARE ThE ASKI PhILIPPINES BOARD Of TRuSTEES ; 2ND ROW VIPS : MJ SALOMON (PuBLIShER Of BAgONg BAyANI (MODERN-DAy hERO) MAgAzINE), KRISTINE TAN Of OPPORTuNITy INTERNATIONAL SINgAPORE, MRS. CRESENCIA VICTORIA (VICE-PRESIDENT Of ASKI fOuNDATION) ED JIMENEz (CONSuLTANT, BSP), gLORIA JIMENEz (DEAN Of ASDECS), RAJIThA VINNAKOTA (SENIOR MANAgER, COMMuNITy DEVELOPMENT, CITI ASIA PACIfIC), MR. ROLANDO VICTORIA 3RD ROW : ATTy. JESSICA BARuN (VP - PCfCORP) , PROf. ALBERT TEO (ASKI BOT), ChENg SENg yEW (VOLuNTEER TRAINER, ASKI gLOBAL LTD) AND MR. MARK DANIELS (ASKI PhILIPPINES hONORARy BOARD MEMBER AND EAST ASIA DIRECTOR Of OPPORTuNITy INTERNATIONAL AuSTRALIA. TOP ROW : NIChOLAS WILDER AND CLAuS SKADKJAER (BOTh fROM OPPORTuNITy INTERNATIONAL Sg)

Happy BirtHday to MS. GraCE toriBio froM SolSona iloCoS nortE!!!

"My wish is for each one of us to do our best in doing all our duties and responsibilities as an OFW. Despite of all our trials in life, we must not give up easily and we should always think positive because God is watching us. More power to BAGONG BAYANI magazine, thank you and God bless us all"

Retailer of: All kinds of Phone Cards, Philippine Groceries, Magazines, Pocket Books, CDs & VCDs

304 Orchard Road #04-61/62 Lucky Plaza Singapore 238863 Tel: 6738 3343 • Fax: 6732 9919 46 Bagong Bayani OctOber 2011

You can send your requested birthday greetings and photos to: Email Us: info@iambagongbayani.com • Call us: +65.62358153

What: Job Placement

Chile, South America

CMIS -P HILSING

Where: When: Immediate

We deliver the following services:

Who: Domestic Helpers

Job Placement (Hospitality/F&B, Customer Service, Retail/Sales, Engineering, IT, & Healthcare) Application, Renewal, & Appeals of Work Passes Assessment, Professional, Counseling, & Management Advice

How: Contact 62351644 for more details

Email us: job@cmisglobal.com

MOM EA: 09C3715

Untitled-10 1

10/3/11 6:08 PM