The 2021 Spring Quarterly Issue

I N S I D E : T H E P H I L I P P I N E S A N D U S A C E L E B R AT E 7 5 Y E A R S O F D I P LO M AT I C R E L AT I O N S

N O. 70 I VOLUME 12 FEBRUARY I MARCH I APRIL 2021 SPRING QUARTERLY ISSUE

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING FEATURE

A Taste of Modern Countryside Living After the success of Leisure Suites South, We offer now the all-new Ultra Low Density clustered home at Tagaytay Alta Monte. The Leisure Suites North is the pioneer in the Ultra Low Density Clustered Housing project in Tagaytay city, Privacy and individuality is our utmost focus of the project.

Experience urban condominium living with the soothing ambiance of the countryside.

Leisure Suites, located at the Northern part of Alta Monte, appeals to families and re locators looking for a home away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Combining the comfort of modern living.

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Leisure Suites, developed by Don Tim Development Corporation (DTDC), was recognized as Southeast Asia’s Best of the Best Residences in 2016 by Dot Property Group, a Digital Media Company that owns and operates 10 property portal websites and complimentary offline media throughout South East Asia.

DTDC is a realty firm that develops residential projects in Cavite and Tagaytay. The firm is known for functional-premium housing development, first-rate features and amenities, reasonable prices, convenient locations, and customer-oriented service. They largely cater to OFWs, expats and retirees, creating modern homes and choice amenities that provide value and comfort. And by offering integrated service such as construction, marketing, financing and importation of high-grade materials, the company is able to present quality living at reasonable prices.

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PUBLISHER’S NOTE I KEEPING A JOURNAL

Keeping a Journal No. 70, Vol. 12 Religion and wine have had enormous impacts on Philippine history and culture.

Catholicism, brought to the archipelago in the 1500s, shaped the Philippines into what it is today – a people of devout faith whose lives ultimately revolve around the belief in a higher being and who are constantly guided by the Catholic Church and its doctrine.

Wine, on the other hand, has been present in the Philippines even before its colonization by the Spaniards five centuries ago and was locally-sourced and made from native plants and trees.

Succeeding centuries saw the entry of wine from different continents and wine-making regions around the world that featured many grape varietals.

As the Philippines celebrates five centuries of Catholicism in 2021, I found a business venture, along with entrepreneurs from both sides of the Pacific Ocean, that links both wine and religion, and presents to Filipinos in the homeland a host of remarkable products that they may not be too familiar with. That business venture is called MonteMaria Cellars.

California wine, specifically those produced in the Napa region in Northern California, are among the best produced in the world. It is the combination of the elements (soil, temperature, climate), know-how and deep wine-making traditions that, I think, gives Napa wines their character. Napa wines deserve a place on the table of every wine consumer – connoissuers, enthusiasts, collectors, and the average and not-so-average drinkers alike.

MonteMaria Cellars also pays homage to the impressive, 322-foot statue called The Mother of All Asia

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Tower of Peace located in Montemaria, Batangas Province, which is one of the important gateways used by large and small vessels to gain entry into the Philippines.

For this important and commemorative year, as well as for the future, MonteMaria Cellars will be presenting unique, blessed wines coming from the Napa region which I believe will be enjoyed by many.

You can read about this venture in this Spring Quarterly Issue of Balikbayan, along with stories featuring Quincentennial Commemorations in the Philippines, a look at the best of Bicol, and a host of other informative articles.

Roger L. Oriel CEO & Publisher Asian Journal Media Group

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The Cover Story

WRITTEN BY Joseph Peralta

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MonteMaria Cellars Brings ‘Blessings in a Bottle’ To Commemorate 500 Years Of Christianity In The Philippines

onteMaria sits on a plateau overlooking a serene ocean gateway where vessels large and small cruise to and from the southern tip of Luzon island in the Philippines.

At 322 feet, MonteMaria is one of the grandest religious structures in the world. The Mother of All Asia Tower of Peace is a statue devoted to Mary, the Mother of Jesus and Mother of the Church of the Catholic religion.

The amazing structure and development, which has become an internationally renowned pilgrimage and tourist destination is located in MonteMaria, in Batangas Province of the Philippines. It is part of a grander development that will eventually feature hotels, restaurants, residential subdivisions, a marina, an amphitheater/ concert hall, clubhouse, sports and recreation facilities, health and wellness centers, a marine sanctuary, and other tourist attractions. Venues for special events are also planned that will host weddings, retreats, and a host of other recreational activities.

As the Philippines celebrates 500 years of Catholicism, a group of forward-thinking entrepreneurs from both sides of the Pacific Ocean have come up with a new project that commemorates the event, and combines MonteMaria and its iconic structure with the centuries-old tradition of wine-making.

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The Cover Story

“I am extremely passionate about this project and I am excited at the fact that it will introduce additional business ventures, economic developments, and create jobs in the Philippines,” Elkin stated.

The venture is MonteMaria Cellars, a unique collection of blessed wines cellared and bottled in Napa Valley, California by Napa Valley Distribution, Inc. The wines offered are specially made for the Holy Site of MonteMaria, Batangas.

Spearheading the project from the Napa, California side is Jason Elkin, an international disruptor, innovator, vintner and proprietor who founded and owns #TrendingWine. He has been involved in all areas of the wine and hospitality industry and is considered by many as the “Mark Zuckerberg of the wine industry.”

Elkin, who was introduced through business contacts to the MonteMaria group, is not coming blind into the project—having visited the Philippines in early 2020 coincidentally right before the global pandemic. At that time, he fully immersed himself into the culture and developed business models, brands and flavor profiles that would be most appropriate for Filipino food and festivities. He also realized that Napa wines had no presence on shelves and in markets in the Philippines.

With MonteMaria Cellars, Elkin sees a fruition of a plan to present quality Napa Valley and California wines to the Filipino consumer. Price points, according to the de facto consultant for many established and small batch Napa winemakers, will appeal to different kinds of consumers.

#TrendingWine Founder and President of Napa Valley Distribution, Inc., Jason Elkin is spearheading MonteMaria Cellars and distribute California and Napa Valley wines around the World.

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Also present during the meeting are Consul Dyan Kristine Miranda-Pastrana, Tourism Representative Richmond Jimenez and Ms. Trinity Foliente, Vice President of the Filipino-American Association of Los Angeles (FACLA).

Philippine Consul General Los Angeles Edgar B. Badajos meets with the owners of MonteMaria Cellars, Mr. Jason Elkin, CEO of Napa Valley Distribution, Inc. and Mr. Roger and daughter Miss Christina Oriel of the Asian Journal Media Group.

MonteMaria Cellars is a newly-launched wine collection cellared and bottled in Napa Valley, California. Registered with the Philippines Securities and Exchange Commission, MonteMaria Cellars allocates a portion of the revenue it generates to MonteMaria Asia Pilgrims, Inc., a non-profit organization located in the Province of Batangas, Philippines. ConGen Badajos discussed possible areas of cooperation between the Consulate and MonteMaria Cellars in promoting the Filipino-American owned products.

“We have custom-created flavor profiles that will support the epicurean cuisines and palates of the Philippines and the Filipino community. We will present multiple tiers and price points to appeal to all – from the wine curious to the wine connoisseur,” the Cal State University Fresno alum told the Asian Journal via email. “We feel confident that Napa Valley California wines will be received extremely well as the region is recognized for its wine production and as one of the most renowned wine-growing regions in the world.”

And seeing as how Filipinos will be celebrating five centuries of Catholicism in the archipelago, Mr. Elkin, and Napa Valley Distribution, in affiliation with One Global Trading, a division of One Global Management Company, Inc., have ventured to develop and distribute California and Napa Valley wines into the Philippines and other Asian markets. The plan is for MonteMaria Cellars to become a stable and flagship wine brand that Filipinos will see as an option for memorabilia, gift-giving and collectibles, aside from, of course, wine consumption.

“We have custom-created flavor profiles that will support the epicurean cuisines and palates of the Philippines and the Filipino community,” said Mr. Elkin.

Asian Journal Media Group Publisher & Chairman, Roger Oriel (left) with Napa Valley Distribution, Inc. CEO and Founder Jason Elkin (middle) and Asian Journal Northern California Bureau Chief Joseph Peralta (right) took part in a socially-distanced wine-tasting experience in late 2020.

The business meeting led to the formation of MonteMaria Cellars.

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The Cover Story

MonteMaria Cellars and its wines will pay homage to the monument and “can also become a keepsake, a souvenir for the Catholic community and tourists.”

There is a future plan for a tasting room that will feature educational wine and food programs as an added component.

Another plan includes “the wine bottle logo will be scannable and introduce a virtual video of a Catholic priest giving a blessing that will create an impromptu experience for buyers.”

Elkin added that the brand and products will offer a blessing in the bottle that gives off a positive energy, and the blessing can be adopted for a variety of special events in people’s lives like anniversaries, birthdays, business gatherings, social get-togethers and holiday/vacation/travel getaways.

Jason, who grew up in Napa Valley and developed concepts and digitally-interactive labels with a call to action to appeal to modern consumers, is excited at the prospect of growing the

MonteMaria Cellars brand in the Philippines and internationally.

“I devote my time, expansion and priority to projects I feel most confident and passionate about. The Philippines is not saturated in the Napa Valley and California beverage space. The traditional business side of the wine industry would be extremely hesitant to offer models and custom support, outside of simply fulfilling a purchase order. I feel that this wine market and wine business in the Philippines is still pure, and the new energy will be contagious. Also, the timing is right,” Elkin revealed to the Asian Journal, while adding that future plans include expanding his portfolio, lifestyle brands and partnerships to include celebrity beverages and also activating additional lifestyle brands for large-scale events in the Philippines.

Jason is excited to visit the Philippines again when the pandemic subsides, and he wants to do it at the soonest time possible.

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“I am extremely passionate about this project and I am excited at the fact that it will introduce additional business ventures and economic developments,” Elkin stated.

MonteMaria Cellars is currently offering a Special Limited Collector’s Edition bottle that features a 2018 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. This Cabernet Sauvignon opens with aromas of black cherry, black current, and dark plum layered upon notes of toasty caramel. This rich and opulent Cabernet Sauvignon compliments a variety of dishes including portabello, cheeses, braised short ribs, or a herb crusted lamb shank, and prime choice cut steaks. Only 500 bottles are made available for this vintage, which comes in 3-liter wine bottles priced at $500 each.

To browse through the catalog and learn more about MonteMaria Cellars, visit MonteMariaCellars.com.

MonteMaria Cellars holds private wine tasting event for the Los Angeles Philippine Women’s Club.

For more sights and sounds of MonteMaria Cellars’ wine tasting event, visit: MonteMariaCellars.com.

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Life I Health & Wellness

IT KEEPS THE BRAIN SHARP. According to researchers, the resveratrol in wine activates a chemical pathway that helps limit stress and damage to DNA cells in the brain, which would otherwise lead to aging and disease.

Wine has also been found to lower inflammation in the brain and help it clear away toxins. It may even help in staving off diseases such as Alzheimer’s.

7 Delightful Health Benefits of Wine writer Ritchel Mendiola

Why Drinking Wine is Good For You When it comes to self-indulgence, reaching for a bottle of wine and a champagne flute is a choice many of us do not hesitate to take. There’s a little je ne sais quoi in the oft-called nectar of the gods, which makes for a pretty exquisite drinking experience. And if lifting spirits isn’t enough, a glass or two of wine also offers health benefits that your body is sure to thank you one day for.

Here are some of them: WINE HELPS PREVENT CELLULAR DAMAGE. Wine is among the many beverages containing antioxidants, which are compounds that help prevent cellular damage. Drinking red wine may increase your blood antioxidant levels as red wine grapes contain high levels of polyphenols, the antioxidants that have been shown to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation. Keep in mind that higher antioxidant status, achieved through drinking red wine, is associated with a decreased risk of disease.

IT REDUCES THE RISK OF INFLAMMATION. Wine is rich in a compound called resveratrol, which has anti-inflammatory properties. As such, drinking wine may reduce the risk of chronic inflammation.

Left unchecked, this harmful inflammation may lead to heart disease or autoimmune disorders, as well as some types of cancers.

WINE CAN HELP REDUCE THE RISK OF HEART DISEASE. A 2019 study found that red wine intake has been related to a lesser risk for coronary heart disease (CHD). The high concentration of polyphenol antioxidants in wine is thought to help in increasing blood flow, which in turn, lowers the risk of clots that cut off blood supply and damage heart muscles. Aside from reducing blood pressure, drinking wine may also reduce the risk of high cholesterol.

IT MAKES BONES STRONGER. Drinking wine may have a positive effect on your bones. A study showed that moderate wine consumption can lead to increased bone mineral density, the measure physicians use to determine bone strength and resilience. Thus, consuming wine may cut the risk of osteoporosis.

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IT MAKES YOU LOOK YOUNGER. A glass of wine may contain one of the secrets to looking youthful. The antioxidants in it have been found to rejuvenate old cells, making them look younger and start to behave more like young cells.

IT PROMOTES LONGEVITY. Studies have found that drinking wine can lead to a longer life thanks to wine’s high antioxidant content. Just keep in mind that moderation is key, along with a balanced diet that emphasizes food packed with dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

With moderation, you can enjoy the health benefits that come with wine.

However, excessive consumption of it can be detrimental to your health. Liver damage and obesity are among the health issues you may experience if you drink too much wine. Remember that a glass or two per day is enough.

Planning your wedding or reunion?

Looking to boost customer traffic to your restaurant?

Make your special moments even more memorable.

— Serve impeccable wines from the world-renowned vineyards of Napa Valley, California.

Get in touch with our team today. www.NapaValleyDistribution.com ISSUE 70 I BalikbayanMagazine.com I The 2021 Spring Quarterly— 019

The 2021 Spring Quarterly The Balikbayan Global Briefing on Global Affairs

6 0 C O U N T R I E S . 102 C I T I E S .

As part of our continued mission to connect, uplift, and empower international Filipinos, Balikbayan Magazine is available for your reading pleasure at 102 local and foreign Philippine embassies, consulates, offices, and outposts through a collaboration with the Department of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines.

— Balikbayan Magazine’s Media Center serves a global audience in 60 Countries throughout the World in order to ignite, drive, and fuel the economic development, progression, and modernisation of the Philippines. Our Media Center curates some of the most critical, vital, useful, entertaining, and sometimes amusing information released from both the public and private sector. Our editorial team strongly believes that a well-rounded and well-informed society is a thriving society.

I) USA 2) CANADA 3) MEXICO 4) PHILIPPINES 5) JAPAN 6) AUSTRALIA 7) EAST TIMOR 8) VIETNAM 9) INDONESIA 10) MALAYSIA 11) INDIA 12) NATION OF BRUNEI 13) CAMBODIA 14) PAPUA NEW GUINEA 15) SOUTH KOREA 16) BANGLADESH 17) NEW ZEALAND 18) MYANMAR 19) LAOS 20) CHINA

21) 22) 23) 24) 25) 26) 27) 28) 29) 30) 31) 32) 33) 34) 35) 36) 37) 38) 39) 40)

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SINGAPORE THAILAND UNITED KINGDOM GERMANY SWITZERLAND BELGIUM HUNGARY GREECE PORTUGAL SPAIN ITALY FRANCE NETHERLANDS AUSTRIA POLAND RUSSIA CZECH REPUBLIC NORWAY UNITED ARAB EMIRATES JORDAN

41) 42) 43) 44) 45) 46) 47) 48) 49) 50) 51) 52) 53) 54) 55) 56) 57) 58) 59) 60)

QATAR ISRAEL EGYPT SYRIA IRAQ PAKISTAN SAUDI ARABIA BAHRAIN KUWAIT OMAN IRAN TURKEY LIBYA LEBANON KENYA SOUTH AFRICA NIGERIA CHILE BRAZIL ARGENTINA

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The Briefing I Global Affairs I The Economy

Overseas Filipino Personal Remittances Rises By 5.3%—Mainly Coming From The USA And Singapore Personal remittances from overseas Filipinos amounted to US$2.761 billion in February 2021, higher by 5.3% than the recorded figure in February 2020 of US$2.623 billion.

The increase in personal remittances was attributed to the 7.8% growth in remittances from land-based workers with work contracts of one year or more to US$2.152 billion from the US$1.997 billion recorded in February 2020.

However, remittances from sea-based workers and land-based workers with work contracts of less than one year decreased significantly by 4.6% to US$540 million from US$566 million last year.

Despite the lack in remittances recorded in January 2021, on a cumulative basis, remittances for the first two months of 2021 reached US$5.655 billion, signifying a 1.6% growth year-on-year from the US$5.566 billion recorded in the comparable period in 2020.

Furthermore, cash remittances from overseas Filipinos through banks jumped by 5.1% to US$2.477 billion in February 2021 from US$2.358 billion in the comparable month a year ago. Specifically, cash remittances from land-based workers increased by 7.8% to US$1.982 billion, while that of sea-based workers decreased by 4.6% to US$495 million.

For the first two months of 2021, cash remittances amounted to US$5.08 billion which is an increase of 1.5% in comparison to the US$5.006 billion level for the same period last year.

The growth in cash remittances for January to February 2021 came mainly from the United States (US), Malaysia, and Singapore. In terms of country sources, the US registered the highest share to overall remittances at 41% for the first two months, followed by Singapore, Saudi Arabia, Japan, the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates, Canada, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Qatar.

[1] The combined remittances from these top 10 countries accounted for 78.3% of total cash remittances.

There are some limitations on the remittance data by source. A common practice of remittance centers in various cities abroad is to course remittances through correspondent banks, most of which are located in the U.S. Also, remittances coursed through money couriers cannot be disaggregated by actual country source and are lodged under the country where the main offices are located, which, in many cases, is in the U.S. Therefore, the U.S. would appear to be the main source of OF remittances because banks attribute the origin of funds to the most immediate source. The countries are listed in order of their share of cash remittances, i.e., from highest to lowest.

Stay updated with news and information from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas by visiting their website at www.bsp.gov.ph.

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TOP 10 COUNTRIES 1) United States 2) Singapore 3) Saudi Arabia 4) Japan 5) United Kingdom 6) United Arab Emirates 7) Canada 8) Malaysia 9) Taiwan 10) Qatar

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The Briefing I Global Affairs I The Economy remaining 66% speak a language other than English at home,” it said.

Tagalog and other Filipino languages were found to be the third most commonly spoken non-English language among Asians at 9%. It followed Chinese (34%), and Hindi (13%).

Population Of Filipino Americans In The USA Now Over 4.2 Million writer

Ritchel Mendiola Filipinos make up 18% of the Asian population in the United States, according to a new report by the Washingtonbased polling firm Pew Research Center.

“A record 23 million Asian Americans trace their roots to more than 20 countries in East and Southeast Asia and the Indian subcontinent,” it said on April 29.

“The 19 largest Asian origin groups in the United States together account for 97% of the nation’s total Asian population,” it added.

Based on Pew Research’s analysis, there are 4.2 million Filipinos living in the United States as of 2019, making them the third-largest Asian origin group in the country.

Chinese Americans remain the largest origin group with 5.4 million people, making up 23% of the total Asian population in the U.S. They are followed

by Indian Americans, with 4.6 million people accounting for 20% of the Asian population.

DISTRIBUTION Nearly half of the U.S. Asians (45%) live in the West, with nearly a third (30%) in California alone, Pew Research noted.

“California had an Asian population of roughly 6.7 million in 2019, by far the nation’s largest,” it said.

It added that the majority of the U.S. Asians (55%) lived in the five states —

California, New York, Texas, New Jersey, and Washington.

Of the 4.2 million Filipino Americans in the U.S., over 500,000 live in Los Angeles as of 2019. This is followed

by San Francisco (310,000), New York (236,00), Honolulu (214,000), and San Diego (201,000).

Other metropolitan areas populated

by Fil-Ams are Las Vegas (147,000), Chicago (145,000), Riverside-San Bernardino (136,000), Seattle (115,000), and San Jose (109,000).

UNDOCUMENTED IMMIGRANTS According to Pew Research, Asians made up about 14% of the 10.5 million undocumented immigrants in the U.S. in 2017.

The Philippines was the third Asian country with the most number of unauthorized immigrants in the U.S., at 160,000. It followed after India, with 525,000, and China, with 375,000.

Meanwhile, Korea was behind the Philippines with 150,000 undocumented U.S. immigrants.

ENGLISH PROFICIENCY As of 2019, 72% of all U.S. Asians were “proficient” in English, said Pew Research.

Of the nation’s overall Filipino population, 84% were English proficient.

Pew Research also found that 98% of U.S.-born Filipinos were proficient English speakers, compared with 72% of foreign-born Filipinos.

The polling firm defined proficient English speakers as those who speak only English at home, or if they speak a non-English language at home, they indicate they can speak English at least “very well.”

“About a third of U.S. Asians (34%) speak only English in their homes. The

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HOUSEHOLD Pew Research data showed that about a quarter of Asian Americans (27%) live in multigenerational households, with Asian immigrants (29%) “slightly more likely” to live in households with multiple generations under one roof than U.S.-born Asians (23%).

Among Filipinos in the U.S., 34% are living in multigenerational households.

There are also more foreign-born Filipino Americans living in households with multiple generations (39%) than U.S.born Filipino Americans (29%).

Asian Americans were also found to have a lower homeownership rate than the U.S. public overall at 59%.

However, Pew Research noted that the homeownership rate is on the rise among Asian Americans, increasing from 53% in 2000 to 59% in 2019.

Furthermore, the polling firm said Asian immigrants were “slightly more likely” to be homeowners than U.S.-born Asians, at 60% and 56% respectively.

In the Fil-Ams community, 61% are homeowners, while 39% are renters.

Among U.S.-born Fil-Ams, 53% of the households are owner-occupied, while 47% are renter-occupied. Meanwhile, 65% of foreign-born Fil-Ams are homeowners, while 35% are renters.

POVERTY Pew Research pointed out that Asians are less likely to live in poverty than Americans overall.

As of 2019, “the poverty rates among U.S.-born and foreign-born Asians were 9% and 11%, respectively,” said the polling firm.

Among Fil-Ams, 7% of them are said to be living below the poverty line in the U.S. The poverty rate of U.S.-born FilAms is higher than the foreign-born at 7% and 6%, respectively.

“Mongolians (25%) had the highest poverty rates among Asian groups, while the lowest rate was among Indians (6%),” said Pew Research.

4.2 MILLION FILIPINO AMERICANS Of the 4.2 million Filipino Americans in the U.S., over 500,000 live in Los Angeles as of 2019.

This is followed by San Francisco (310,000), New York (236,00), Honolulu (214,000), and San Diego (201,000). Other metropolitan areas populated by Fil-Ams are Las Vegas (147,000), Chicago (145,000), Riverside-San Bernardino (136,000), Seattle (115,000), and San Jose (109,000).

+500,000

+310,000

+236,000 +201,000

+147,000 +136,000 +109,000

LOS ANGELES

SAN FRANCISCO

NEW YORK

SAN DIEGO

LAS VEGAS

RIVERSIDE & SAN BERNARDINO

SAN JOSE

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The Briefing I Global Affairs I The Economy

Over 500,000 Overseas Filipino Workers Have Returned Home

Remittances, Improved External Demand To Fuel Philippines’ Economic Recovery The continued expansion of money being sent back home to the Philippines by overseas Filipino workers along with marked improvement of external demand are projected to fuel the domestic economy’s recovery for this year.

However, Fitch Solutions Country Risks and Industry Research reduced its growth projection for the Philippines in 2021 from the initial 7.6% to 5.8% as a result of the expected hit from the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ).

The ECQ status installed for Metro Manila, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal from March 29 until April 4 and later extended for another week to April 11 was due to the surge of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) cases.

Adding to the unfavorable factor in the Philippines’ economic recovery is also the slow vaccination rollout.

In a report released on April 5, the unit of Fitch Group cited signs of gradual economic activity such as the above 50 level of the Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI), which was unchanged at 52.5 last February against the previous month “indicating a gradual improvement in activity.”

As of last March, the PMI index stood at 52.2 based on the report of the IHS Markit.

An index of above 50 indicates expansion while a figure of below 50 shows otherwise.

“Indeed, respondents noted supportive demand dynamics and increased inventory building on a more positive outlook,” Fitch Solutions said.

The report also noted that external demand has been improving in part due to the Covid-19 vaccination program in other countries which enabled overseas Filipino remittances to remain resilient.

The report said while the January 2021 inflows declined by 1.7% year-onyear, it is 1.8% higher than the January 2019 pre-pandemic level.

“We believe that overall remittance flows will begin to gradually rebound as growth picks up globally, particularly on the back of a recovery in the US and the Middle East on the back of rising oil prices, which together accounted for 57.4 percent of remittances in 2019,” it said.

It added while lockdowns in Europe and tightening credit growth in China threaten the broader recovery in global demand as vaccination rollouts progress, “we expect growth to prove strong, boosting the outlook for exports which we forecast to grow 9.5 percent, following a 16.7 percent contraction in 2020.”

“As such, the external backdrop should continue to provide support to the economy in 2021,” it said.

However, the report said implementation of the two-week ECQ will slightly dampen growth prospects given the expected slide in domestic consumption and investment, factors that the domestic economy are highly vulnerable to.

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More than half a million overseas Filipino workers who were displaced by the Covid 19 global pandemic have been repatriated by the Philippines government, said the Department of Labor and Employment on April 4, 2021.

In a report to Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration head Hans Leo Cacdac said 502,581 OFW repatriates have been safely transported back to their home provinces after undergoing Covid tests and quarantine protocols in various hotels.

The latest batch of repatriates consisted of 1,471 OFWs who were sent home on Black Saturday.

A separate report of DOLE’s International Labor Affairs Bureau showed there are 645,071 OFWs affected by the pandemic, 627,576 of whom were displaced. ILAB Director Alice Visperas said 49,698 of those displaced OFWs had requested for repatriation while 75,297 opted to stay on site.

ILAB records also indicated increasing number of OFWs infected with the disease. As of April 4, it recorded 17,495 confirmed Covid cases among OFWs based on reports submitted by the 40 Philippine Overseas Labor Offices in various parts of the world. Of this figure, 10,155 recovered with 938 deaths.

Bello said the government continues to provide assistance to displaced and affected OFWs. “Our government will not renege on its commitment to provide the needed assistance to our OFWs. We will continue to assist them for as long as it takes,” Bello said.

So far, DOLE’s AKAP assistance has extended P5.043 billion to 497,122 OFWs, he said.

AKAP is a one-time cash assistance of $200 or P10,000 for each qualified affected/displaced OFW. Aside from AKAP, DOLE also provides financial aid, food and medical aid to COVID infected OFWs. To date, it has extended a total of $1.93 million in cash assistance to 9,667 OFW Covid patients. Another $2.6 million in medical and food aid has been extended to 124,945 OFWs.

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The Briefing I Global Affairs I The Economy

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Warns Public To Beware Of Fraudulent Investment Schemes The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) warns the public against individuals or groups presenting fake documents which they claim to be under the custody of the BSP and/or other government agencies. In particular, such documents may contain fictitious Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunications (SWIFT)* messages where relevant information such as counterparty names, addresses and the amount involved are tampered with.

Such document may be used by fraudsters and scammers to lure the public to invest with the promise of huge returns or “double-your-money” schemes.

THE PUBLIC IS ADVISED THAT: 01 The BSP does not hold or safekeep documents and other financial instruments for individuals, corporations, foundations, or non-profit organizations; 02 The BSP does not transact with individuals and entities at random; and 03 SWIFT messages between banks and counterparties do not pass through the BSP.

SPOT THE SIGNS Below are some of the signs that a SWIFT message has been fabricated: 01 The amount involved is extremely large.

02 Sender/recipient details (such as name, codes and address) do not match.

03 Message formats do not conform with SWIFT standards.

In addition, the public is advised to avoid being victims of scams where: 01 The investment offers quick returns that are “too good to be true”; 02 The investment company provides limited contact details, does not have a legitimate business email and uses free mail services, and no legitimate office address; 03 You came to know of the unsolicited investment offer by telephone, email, flyers, newspaper advertisements, or directly from a person or company that you have not heard of before; or 04 The investment offers issuance of promissory notes or post-dated checks to ensure payment of earnings.

DO YOUR DUE DILIGENCE It is important to conduct the necessary due diligence prior to committing to an investment opportunity. Try to gather and verify as much information regarding the company offering the investment. Relevant information includes business address, contact numbers (preferably landline and not mobile numbers), company officers and contact persons, among others. Furthermore, check if the company is authorized to sell investment instruments, such as securities, bonds, commercial papers, or similar financial instruments. Lastly, research on the investment scheme being offered through the internet. There is a vast source of information online regarding different forms of fraud and scams. *SWIFT is a messaging network that financial institutions use to securely transmit information and instructions, such as money transfer instructions, through a standardized system of codes.

Stay updated with news and information from Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas by visiting their website at bsp.gov.ph.

Do your share and report! Immediately report cases of false claims, suspicious or potentially criminal activities to the following: Philippine National Police PNP National Headquarters, Camp General Crame, EDSA, Quezon City, Philippines pcrgnsu@yahoo.com (+632) 8723-0401 local 3696

National Bureau of Investigation NBI Building, Taft Avenue, Ermita, Manila, Philippines ccd@nbi.gov.ph (+632)8523-8231 to 38

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Securities and Exchange Commission Secretariat Building, PICC Complex, Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City, Philippines cgfd_md@sec.gov.ph (+632) 818-2016

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas A. Mabini Street, Malate, Manila, Philippines 1004 consumeraffairs@bsp.gov.ph (+632) 8708-7087 (+632) 8708-7701 local 2584

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The Briefing I Global Affairs I The Economy Contract that reflects the PH side proposed addendum in the next JCM as well as during the discussion by the Technical Working Group on the electronic system and linkage, both sides agreed that the Addendum will already be implemented for the immediate resumption of the deployment of domestic workers under manual process.

The UAE delegation in the JCM is headed by Saif Ahmed Alsuwaidi, undersecretary of Human Resources and Emiratisation.

The Philippines and the United Arab Emirates Sign Historic Labor Agreement The Philippines and the United Arab Emirates reached a historic agreement giving greater protection to Filipino household service workers, the labor department said last March 3, 2021.

At the conclusion of the two-day Joint Committee Meeting in Manila, it was also agreed that the country will resume deployment of HSWs to the Emirates effective end of the month. Deployment of HSWs to UAE has been suspended since 2014.

Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III hailed the agreement as a milestone in the government’s efforts to further protect Filipino overseas workers.

Philippine delegation head Undersecretary Claro Arellano said the new deployment will now be covered by a Unified Employment Contract that provides stringent measures to protect Filipino HSWs pursuant to the directives of President Duterte.

The same provisions were in the standard employment contract being used in Kuwait.

Under the unified contract, both the employer and the Foreign Recruitment Agencies, and the Philippine Recruitment Agencies are bound by joint and solidary liability should anything happen to the Filipino workers.

“We are grateful for the cooperation of our counterparts,” Arellano said.

The four-party contract, which becomes addendum to the Memorandum of Understanding on Labor Cooperation with Annex Protocol on Domestic Workers, incorporates the President’s instructions for specific provisions to ensure the safety and well-being of HSWs, as follows: 01 The right of the domestic worker to take at least eight (8) continuous hours of sleep every night; 02 The right of the domestic worker to take a break that is paid, outside the residence of the employer at least one (1) full day every week; 03 The right of the domestic worker to keep his/her passport or identification documents and the employer is not allowed to hold them; 04 The employer shall allow the domestic worker to have and use cellular phones and other communication devices and the employer is prohibited from confiscating them; 05 Opening of bank account under the name of the domestic worker for payment of salary; and 06 Allowing the domestic workers to cook her or his own food.

Another significant achievement in the JCM is the agreement on the conversion of tourist/visit visa to working visa. As agreed during the JCM, POLO will be notified when a visit visa is converted to employment visa for a Filipino domestic worker.

The Philippines reiterated its position to deploy the workers through the legal channel and the conversion of tourist visa to working visa is therefore not recommended since this may lead to illegal recruitment and trafficking in persons.

Meanwhile, the UAE promised to provide a modified Unified Employment

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Philippine Economic Zone Authority Online Job Fair Continues Amid Pandemic To fulfill its mandate of generating jobs and other economic opportunities, Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) has partnered with WorkBank Philippines Inc. to make job vacancies easily accessible to Filipinos seeking employment with PEZAregistered companies.

This initiative is in line with the Development Outreach for Labor, Livelihood, and Advancement (DOLLAR) program which was launched by the PEZA Director General Charito Plaza July last year with the support of the Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Labor and Employment, and the Office of Senator Bong Go. Even with the recent surge of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) cases and the resulting community quarantine, Plaza reiterated that “PEZA is strongly committed and unrelenting in its efforts to promote investment and employment that will benefit Filipinos despite the challenges brought about by the pandemic.”

PEZA’s DOLLAR program initiative of conducting a virtual job fair aims to inform the public of thousands of jobs available in different types of industries in various ecozones.

The program is also in support of the Administrative Order No. 18, otherwise known as “Accelerating Rural Progress Through Robust Development of Special Economic Zones in the Countryside” and Executive Order No. 114, also known as the “Balik Probinsya, Bagong Pag-asa Program”.

The DOLLAR program’s job expo online job search platform is powered by WorkBank which was established on Nov. 28, 2018 by virtue of “malasakit” or compassion and care program, bridging businesses with qualified and primed talents.

WorkBank is an online job site that primarily helps job seekers connect to various job opportunities locally and abroad.

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The Briefing I Global Affairs I Diplomacy In addition, the White House recently announced a Php194 billion ($4 billion) commitment to support the COVAX facility, a global initiative to support early vaccine access for 92 countries, including the Philippines. An initial Php97.2billion ($2 billion) contribution, provided through USAID, is supporting the purchase and delivery of safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines. Through the COVAX effort —of which the United States is the largest donor—the Philippines will receive enough vaccines to immunize at least 20 percent of its population by the end of 2021.

U.S. Provides Php170 Million To Support COVID-19 Vaccine Deployment In The Philippines The United States government, through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), is providing the Philippines Php170 million ($3.5 million) to support the Department of Health (DOH) in its COVID-19 vaccination rollout. This new assistance, which brings total U.S. government support for the Philippines’ COVID-19 response to nearly Php1.3 billion ($27 million), will strengthen the country’s health system and vaccine delivery efforts.

U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires John Law announced this new assistance during a visit to a vaccination site in Caloocan City with Philippine Secretary of Health Francisco Duque III, Caloocan City Mayor Oscar Malapitan, USAID Philippines Mission Director Lawrence Hardy II, and other U.S. and Philippine officials.

Through this new funding, USAID will support the Philippines in strengthening the vaccine supply chain, monitoring vaccine safety, and delivering effective communication campaigns to address vaccine hesitancy. This assistance will also support local government units as they plan for, track, and administer vaccines.

“While the pandemic has tested our peoples and our economies, the strong bonds between Americans and Filipinos will help us rise above this challenge,” said Chargé d’Affaires Law. “We will continue to fight this unprecedented global health crisis together.”

U.S. government support for the Philippines’ COVID-19 response has helped the country implement internationallyrecognized infection prevention and control strategies, strengthen laboratory systems and case management, and communicate effectively about health risks.

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U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires John Law announces that the United States is providing the Philippines Php170 million ($3.5 million) to support the Department of Health in its COVID-19 vaccination rollout.

US Embassy in the Philippines Photo

US Embassy in the Philippines Infographic

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(Left to right) U.S. Acting Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Ambassador Sung Kim; Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel G. Romualdez; and U.S. Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Ambassador Atul Keshap at the launch of the yearlong celebration of the 75th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between the Philippines and the United States on 26 March 2021 at the Philippine Embassy in the United States, Washington, D.C. I US Embassy in the Philippines Photo

Philippines And US Celebrate 75 Years Of Diplomatic Relations Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez and U.S. Acting Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Ambassador Sung Kim officially launched today a bilateral campaign to celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between the Republic of the Philippines and the United States of America.

“Some say 75 years is indeed a long time to stay as friends, partners, and allies, but I believe this is an undeniable testament to the depth and quality of the bilateral relationship. Our ties have withstood the test of time and have served both our countries and peoples well,” Ambassador Romualdez said during a program held on the grounds of the Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C.

The Philippines and the United States established formal diplomatic relations on July 4, 1946 – the same day that the Philippines gained its status as an independent and sovereign republic. Since then, the two countries have expanded and deepened bilateral cooperation in many areas, most notably defense and security, trade and commerce, and culture and education. This year, the two countries are also marking the 70th anniversary of the Mutual Defense Treaty that formalized our treaty alliance, which enables close security cooperation that enhances mutual peace and security. The Philippines is the United States’ oldest treaty ally in Asia.

“As you know, I served as Ambassador to the Philippines just recently and it’s a true privilege to see firsthand the strength of the bond between our two countries. Starting with the unbreakable friendship between Americans and Filipinos, of course, the robust military partnership that we have, and an equally strong economic partnership. I think what really impressed me the most was the potential for us to develop the re-

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lationship even further, even deeper, and again, I think that starts with the warmth, affection, and mutual respect between our two countries,” said Ambassador Sung Kim. Central to the anniversary celebration are the unbreakable bonds between the Filipino and American people, who continue to strengthen bilateral relations.

There are over four million U.S. citizens of Philippine ancestry in the United States, and under normal circumstances, more than 350,000 U.S. citizens living and traveling in the Philippines at any given time, with an estimated 650,000 U.S. citizens visiting the Philippines each year.

“Certainly, what truly binds our two countries together are our peoples, and it is for them that we are celebrating this momentous occasion. It also provides an opportunity for the Philippines and the United States to not just take stock of what we have achieved together throughout the years, but also to reaffirm our commitment to more robust ties and to a relationship that remains relevant in a world that will continue to face new and continuing challenges,” Ambassador Romualdez further stated.

The launch event marks the start of a yearlong commemoration through various activities and initiatives by the Philippine Embassy and Consulates General in the United States, and the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines.

U.S. Embassy in the Philippines Chargé d’Affaires John Law joined the celebration by video link, stating “Over these decades, our countries have accomplished so much together, and moving forward, we will accomplish even more thanks to the friendship, cooperation, and mutual support between Americans and Filipinos.”

The official logo of the 75th anniversary celebration highlights the common colors of the Philippine and American flags, which symbolize the two countries’ shared history, and the sun, stars, and stripes that represent hope for the future of this deep relationship.

Stay updated with news and information from the US Embassy in the Philippines by visiting their website at https://ph.usembassy.gov.

US Embassy in the Philippines Infographic

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Member of Parliament Maria Vamvakinou (front row, second from left), and Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) State Director for Victoria Andrew Cumpston (back row, center), join Amb. De La Vega, Consul General Salcedo and other consular officials in a photo op. (Photo by Mr. Beng De Leon via DFA)

Top photos: Monsignor Joselito Asis, Melbourne’s Episcopal Vicar for Catholic Migrants and Refugees, officiates the blessing of the premises before a crowd of Filipino community leaders, past and present consular officials, and special guests; Philippine Ambassador to Australia Maria Hellen B. De La Vega addresses the audience. Bottom photos: Philippine Consul General to Melboure Maria Lourdes Salcedo delivers the welcome remarks; Consul General Maria Lourdes Salcedo presents Ambassador De La Vega a travel book on Melbourne as a token of appreciation. (Photo by Mr. Beng De Leon via DFA)

Philippine Consulate General In Melbourne Officially Opens The Philippine Consulate General in Melbourne launched its permanent office located at the Level 10 of 257 Collins Street in Melbourne’s Central Business District (CBD) on April 17, 2021.

The event was attended by nearly a hundred leaders and members of Victoria-based Filipino-Australian community organizations, as well as present and former honorary consular officers.

Ambassador Ma. Hellen Dela Vega flew in from Canberra to grace the occasion.

She was joined by Maria Vamvakinou, Federal Member of Parliament for Calwell, and Andrew Cumpston, Director of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) State Office for Victoria, as guests of honor.

In her remarks, Ambassador De la Vega said the establishment of a permanent career consular office in Melbourne

is “a reflection of the importance that the Philippine Government places on our Comprehensive Partnership with Australia,” a close neighbour and longstanding partner in the region. She said “this is a testament to the strength of bilateral relations between the Philippines and Australia which is celebrating its 75th Anniversary of diplomatic relations this year.”

Consul General Maria Lourdes Salcedo, in her brief welcome address, called the event “an auspicious and happy day,” as after more than three decades of succession by Philippine honorary consular officers, the Philippine government decided to reopen a full career consular mission in this part of Australia.”

At the event, the Consulate also formally launched its official website, https://melbournepcg.dfa.gov.ph, and its online appointment system. The Consulate’s online presence seeks to improve its efficiency and public access to relevant information and services for the Filipinos residing in the states of Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania.

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Newly Renovated Reception Hall Of Philippine Consulate General In Sydney Now Features Tourist Destinations

Philippine Ambassador to Australia Ma. Hellen De La Vega (center) during the ribbon cutting ceremony joined by, from left: Consul Melanie Rita Diano, Philippine Consul General to Sydney Ezzedin Tago, Tourism Attaché Norjamin Delos Reyes and Consul Emmanuel Donato Guzman.

(Sydney PCG photo)

With the aim to showcase Philippine culture and tourism, the Philippine Consulate General in Sydney inaugurated its newly renovated reception hall on March 26, 2021.

The event was attended by Philippine Ambassador Ma. Hellen De La Vega, Consul General Ezzedin Tago, with the officers and staff members of the Philippine Consulate General and the Philippine Department of Tourism (PDOT), Interior Designers Mr. Alberto Prias and Mr. Rox Molavin.

The fully renovated hall has an installed PDOT showroom to highlight Philippine tourism destinations.

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The Briefing I Global Affairs I Technology

Social Security System’s Mobile App Tops 60 Million Transactions In 2020—Four Times More Than Previous Year The Social Security System (SSS) recorded nearly 60 million transactions in the SSS Mobile App from January to December 2020, four times more than the almost 12 million transactions recorded in the same period in 2019.

SSS President and CEO Aurora C. Ignacio said apart from the continuous development of the SSS Mobile App, one of the key drivers of its usage increase is the need for non-contact service channels in light of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

“Even before COVID-19, we recognize the importance of digitally transforming our services for the convenience of our stakeholders. When the pandemic struck, we were already equipped with online service channels such as the SSS Mobile App that helped our members, pensioners, covered employers, and the public to reach us in the safety of their homes or offices,” Ignacio said.

The SSS Mobile App, launched in April 2018, is a free app for smartphone users. It can be downloaded through the App Store, Play Store, and Huawei AppGallery. Last December 2020, the mobile app became available to employers upon the deployment of the Employer Portal.

SSS Mobile App downloads from January to December 2020 reached about 7.38 million, a 221 percent increase from the nearly 2.30 million downloads recorded in the same period in 2019.

As of the end of February 2021, the said app has been downloaded almost 13.22 million times.

“Even before COVID-19, we recognize the importance of digitally transforming our services for the convenience of our stakeholders. When the pandemic struck, we were already equipped with online service channels such as the SSS Mobile App that helped our members, pensioners, covered employers, and the public to reach us in the safety of their homes or offices,” said SSS President and CEO Aurora C. Ignacio.

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To use the SSS Mobile App, a member or employer must create a My.SSS account that can be found on the SSS website (www.sss.gov.ph).

Through the said app, members can update contact information details such as their address, email address, and mobile number; view their SSS information including the status of contributions, loans, and benefit claims; apply for salary loan; submit maternity notification (for self-employed, voluntary, and Overseas Filipino Worker members); generate their Payment Reference Numbers for contributions; pay contributions using PayMaya and Bank of the Philippine Islands; view documentary requirements for SSS benefit programs; view the list and addresses of SSS branches; and submit feedback. It also includes the sending of applications for the issuance of SS numbers.

Employers, on the other hand, can update their contact information (R8) and view the status of their contribution and loan payments and benefit reimbursements.

For more information about the SSS’ mobile app and other online channels, follow the SSS on Facebook and YouTube at “Philippine Social Security System,” Instagram at “mysssph,” and Twitter at “PHLSSS,” or join the SSS Viber Community at “MYSSSPH Updates.”

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The Briefing I Global Affairs I Arts & Culture

ABOUT THE BANGKÓTA PHILIPPINES PAVILION IN EXPO 2020 DUBAI

Philippine Ambassador To UAE Visits ‘Bangkota’ Pavilion —Expo 2020 Dubai In a scheduled visit to the construction site for the Philippines’ pavilion, Her Excellency Hjayceelyn Quintana, Philippine Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), expressed her satisfaction about final stages of the work. The pavilion is set for handover next month.

Ambassador Quintana also lauded the Philippine Department of Trade and Industry (PDTI), the Philippines government lead agency in organizing the Philippine participation to the World Expo.

PDTI, she said, is successfully delivering the pavilion, through efficient project administration.

She also observed the foresight of the UAE government for recognizing Expo 2020 Dubai as a global platform to enable smarter movement of knowledge, ideas, products and services.

“We are in solidarity with UAE as it forges ahead with optimism for the opening of Expo 2020 Dubai on 1 October. The construction of the national pavilions, including the Philippines’ Bangkóta, moved at an immense pace thereby showing UAE’s extraordinary ability as host of this global event to overcome unprecedented challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Her Excellency.

“We are immeasurably proud to witness the Bangkóta vision evolving from a blueprint, and taking shape as a truly world-class, sustainable structural showcase that is set to enthrall Expo visitors, as well as make the Filipinos proud,” she added.

The Philippine Ambassador and her delegation were received by Expo 2020 Dubai officials who also toured them around Terra – The Sustainability Pavilion, which is focused by an interactive experience on humanity’s relationship with the planet.

The Philippines pavilion responds to its location in the Sustainability District of the Expo with a strong assertion of cultural sustainability across thousands of years.

The ‘Bangkota’ spans a 1,386-sqm pavilion that evokes the coral reef as a metaphor for the Filipino capacity for extreme interconnectedness. The pavilion’s architectural design was conceived

by Budji+Royal Architecture+Design. It is curated by Marian Pastor Roces, who selected accomplished artists to use their own visual languages to convey updated information about Philippine culture.

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Bangkóta is the name and inspiration for the pavilion of Philippines at the World Expo 2020, which will be held from 1 October 2021— 31 March 2022 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

The pavilion, organically shaped like the Bangkóta—the ancient term for “coral reef ” in the language Tagalog— updates knowledge about the Philippines, an archipelagic nation that nourished a collective, sea-oriented culture for millennia.

By calling attention to the coral reeflike qualities of Filipinos—such as an inclination for hyper-connectivity—the pavilion offers clues into a people who can build vibrant communities everywhere in the world.

Remaining interconnected with each other as Filipinos, even through massive diaspora, the Philippines’ global stage is held together digitally. In the past 4000 years, as their Austronesian ancestors spread throughout island Southeast Asia and then embarked across the Pacific, they were and still are connected by the oceans of the world.

The Philippines pavilion evokes this hardy, traveling people in the sustainability District of the Expo, poetically emphasizing cultural sustainability through the millennia. In a plot size of 3163.25 sqm, the pavilion presents contemporary expressions in architecture, art, and design that links the deep past with the future of connectivity for the Filipino.

It is conceptualised and actualised by Architect Royal Pineda of Budji+Royal Architecture+Design and independent curator Marian Pastor Roces, collaborating with unusual synchrony with Assistant Secretary Rosario Virginia Gaetos of the Department of Trade and Industry, who also serves as Alternate Commissioner General of the Philippine Organizing Committee (POC).

Bangkóta aligns with the theme of this forthcoming Expo 2020 – “Connecting Minds, Creating the Future” – with a riveting image of the Philippines and it’s people as truly global.

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“Expo Dubai 2020 is an entirely different adventure”, she recaps, adding that “…I had to find an elusive balance between asking the artists to preserve their own ways of artmaking, on one hand, and on the other, asking them to drive a collective narrative.”

Curating A Complex Philippine Portrait, —Expo 2020 Dubai Independent curator Marian Pastor Roces, commissioned for the fourth time by the Philippine government through the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), to curate a Philippines Pavilion for a World Expo, this time took up the challenge of speaking to Filipinos about the Philippines. At the very first World Expo staged in the Middle East and Africa —with a particular interest in the United Arab Emirates where a Filipino expatriate population of 700,000 live — the Philippines Pavilion anticipates a raised level of interest among Filipinos, together with the expected global audience.

Roces says that two starting points were “Rich. Worthy.” The first given: the pavilion is located in the Sustainability District of the Dubai Expo grounds.

And the second idea set in place at the start was the pavilion name, Bangkóta, coral reef, given by Architect Royal Pineda to the organically-shaped design with which he won the commission.

Moreover, Architect Pineda thought to focus on cultural sustainability —instead of the sustainability of the usual definitions — bringing the location and the architecture together.

The Philippine Trade and Industry Department, which leads the country’s participation, looks at the Expo 2020 Dubai as an opportunity for the Philippines to present, on the world stage, a surprising, complex, and stirring selfportrait of a national community.

To Roces —who is a cultural analyst and institutional critic— the curator’s task began with “updating the knowledge circulating about the emergence of the Filipino, based on the current global consensus in science”. Primary is the information about the movement of Austronesian-speaking peoples from the north of the Philippines, southwards, starting 4000 years ago. And the subsequent spread of oceanic travelers outwards from the Philippines to Indonesia, the entire Pacific Ocean, and Madagascar.

However, instead of documentary techniques or tableaux approaches, the veteran curator selected and worked with Filipino artists to poetically evoke what science is saying today.

Roces says of her choices: “The artists were selected for their considerable skills at maintaining their own Modern and Contemporary Art idioms while thinking through complicated material, such as persistent mythological imagination of the Filipino, mixed with new data, through social change.” Working individually and collectively with them, Roces is creating a pavilion environment in which visitors can open to a longduration story.

It is a story of a people, speaking more than 170 deeply-related languages, share a love for ritual; a passion for connectivity; a culture of maritime travel that launched trans-oceanic voyages for the human race; and persistently think symbolically even while absorbing other kinds of thinking from Europe and Asia.

Like a coral reef, Filipinos are at home in currents that take them everywhere, even in the face of grave threats during

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travel and relocation. Roces points out about the peoples of the Philippines: “… who have for thousands of years built communities in near and distant lands” and are now “…rising to the very top among the most digitally networked people on earth.”

Curated to enchant, the pavilion spaces are defined by a sequence of large, intriguing sculptures that are made even more fascinating by the surrounding avant-garde music of National Artist Ramon P. Santos. The overall visitor experience takes in a cultural imagination that has endured through the thousands of years of Austronesian language dispersal through the Philippine archipelago.

Together in the pavilion’s spaces, the architect, artists, and curator deliver the cosmopolitan Philippines that is made confident by both scientific accuracy and a robust imagination. It is a confidence Roces believes will be further elevated, especially among Filipino workers in the Middle East, by the pavilion’s re-set of the Philippine narrative.

“Expo Dubai 2020 is an entirely different adventure”, she recaps, adding that “…I had to find an elusive balance between asking the artists to preserve their own ways of artmaking, on one hand, and on the other, asking them to drive a collective narrative.”

The Philippines at the Expo 2020 Dubai, slated to open on 1 October 2021 to 31 March 2022, is a project of the Philippine government through the DTI led by DTI Secretary Ramon M. Lopez as Commissioner-General and DTI Assistant Secretary Rosvi C. Gaetos as Alternate Commissioner-General.

The DTI commissioned Ms. Roces as Curator for this important event citing her five decades of experience establishing many of the Philippines’ major museums, including the Museum of Contemporary Art and Design (MCAD), among others.

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Duddley Diaz’ ‘Haliya’ and Dan Raralio’s ‘Mistiquecross’ sculptures to be displayed in Area 1 of the Expo 2020 Philippines Pavilion.

Sculptors Stage The Philippines Pavilion, —Expo 2020 Dubai Dubai, United Arab Emirates – Sculptors Duddley Diaz and Dan Raralio, and multi-media artists Toym Imao and Riel Jaramillo Hilario are four of the dozen Filipino artists who were commissioned by the Philippines Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) for the Expo 2020 Dubai. These artists will collectively present a cosmopolitan profile of the Philippines at the country’s pavilion at the Expo.

Employing their individual artistic languages, these artists will provide the Philippines’ Pavilion with a sequence of visual and physical experiences that draw on both updated scientific data and the mythological imagination of the Filipino.

Instead of reusing folk art concepts, they confidently wield their fluency in Modern and Contemporary Art idioms to inspire fresh insight into the Philippine experience. Their collective vigor is expected to drive the pavilion’s intent of showing to the world a Philippines where art, science, and powerful imaginativeness prevail despite the odds.

Considerable interest pulls them in the direction of mythology for the future.

Duddley Diaz’ immense, blue, and confrontingly pregnant figure of the mythic Haliya—positioned to hugely mark the pavilion entrance plaza— sets the tone for experiencing myth as simultaneously ancient and a projection to the deep future. Diaz’ well-known virtuosity with expressive massing is used in the pavilion to communicate a major message: confidence in Philippine culture, in the context of the Expo District on Sustainability.

Suspended nearby in the same entrance plaza, Dan Raralio’s “Mystiquecross” is an ambiguous fish-like figure taking form as an amalgam of old-tech shapes, made oddly older by the verdigris finish. The Raralio machinic fish carries aloft the theme Diaz begins for the pavilion— the activations of the mythic imagination to speak to the future—confidently bringing together the ideas of metallic weight and animal buoyancy.

The themes of mythic flight and creatures of the mind also end the pavilion experience. Toym Imao’s sculpture of an explosion of bird forms is located at the topmost level of an extended outdoor ramp wrapped around the pavilion core. Visitors will enter a space marked by columns; its “roof ” are birds in flight.

“Confluence of Wings” resurrects birds in Philippine mythology as symbol of elevated states of being.

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The same bird symbology is reiterated in Riel Hilario Jaramillo’s “Limokon and Timamanukin”: half-human-half-avian, suspended creatures. The creatures appear to accompany visitors in one midway passage, poised above ground as though waiting for take-off. Birds—alternatively omen animals, or materializations of spirits in flight, in oral traditions from all over the Philippine archipelago—are in Jaramillo’s sculptures, the Filipino male and female avatars.

Duddley Diaz trained at the University of the Philippines (UP) College of Fine Arts and the School of Painting, Academia di Belle Arti, Florence, Italy.

It is in particular his Italian academic background that sustains his explorations of sculptural forms for Philippine themes, especially in the ways he achieves a sense of monumentality that is unusual in the country’s Traditional, Modern, and Contemporary Art fields.

The other three sculptors (who also paint) are also graduates of the UP College of Fine Arts. Each took widely divergent paths in their decades-long explorations of form and technique, even as they remained in the thrall of aesthetic ideas from the Philippine’s artistic traditions.

Hence, while Dan Raralio’s métier is the industrial, machinic form that seem as though fossils from an archaeology of earlier technological eras, his references and motifs tend to refer to local symbolic worlds. His contribution to driving the Philippine pavilion messages of confidence is his bold approach to metals, with a sure sense of uncanny assemblage.

And while Riel Jaramillo Hilario’s explorations are strongest in the medium of wood, his continuing passions are also the symbolic universes of the Philippines. His close study of Ifugao and other woodworking traditions from different parts of the country informs a sculptural body of work that is redolent of the past but is securely in the future of sculpture in the Philippines.

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The Briefing I Global Affairs I Arts & Culture “Pieces of gold, of the size of walnuts and eggs, are found by sifting the earth in the island of that king (Siaiu) who came to our ships.”

Toym Imao’s ‘Confluence of Wings’ and Riel Hilario Jaramillo’s ‘Limokon and Timamanukin’ sculptures to be displayed in Area 7 of the Expo 2020 Philippines Pavilion.

Even as Toym Imao’s robust approaches to large-scale assemblages with overtly political content is immediately recognizable in the Philippines for their bravura, his frequently referenced subtexts move around traditional worlds of imagery. Imao is particularly drawn to Muslim Philippine iconographic systems; to which he often returns.

The sculptors are joined in the Philippine Pavilion by visual artists Lee Paje, Baby and Coco Anne, Charlie Co, Dex Fernandez, Patrick Cabral; wildlife photographers Scott Tuazon and Ivan Sarenas; choreographers Denisa Reyes and JM Cabiling, composer Teresa Barroso; and National Artist for Museum Ramon P. Santos.

The Philippines at Expo 2020 Dubai, slated to open on 1 October 2021 to 31 March 2022, is a project of the Philippine government through the DTI led

by DTI Secretary Ramon M. Lopez as Commissioner-General and DTI Assistant Secretary Rosvi C. Gaetos as Alternate Commissioner-General.

The DTI, which leads the country’s participation at the Expo 2020 Dubai, looks at the Expo as an opportunity for the Philippines to present, on the world stage, a surprising, complex, and stirring self-portrait of a national community.

GOLD OF OUR ANCESTORS On March 29, 500 years ago, Magellan was surprised by the gold in the life of our ancestors. He realized this when he met at Limasawa (in today’s Southern Leyte) the brother of Rajah Colambu,

Siaiu, the rajah of Butuan-Calaghan. Antonio Pigafetta, the chronicler of the first circumnavigation of the world, described the Rajah of Butuan as “very grandly” dressed and decorated. He was “the finest looking man that we saw among those people,” he added.

Through Pigafetta’s description of the rajah of Butuan we can further imagine how a pre-colonial ruler looked like: “His hair was exceedingly black, and hung to his shoulders. He had a covering of silk on his head and wore two large golden earrings fastened in his ears. He wore a cotton cloth all embroidered with silk, which covered him from the waist to the knees.

At his side hung a dagger, the haft of which was somewhat long and all of gold, and its scabbard of carved wood. He had three spots of gold on every tooth, and his teeth appeared as if bound with gold. He was perfumed with storax and benzoin.

He was tawny and tattooed all over.”

Pigafetta’s observation of the Butuan rajah is consistent with the civilization Butuan had, especially the abundance of gold, to wit: “Pieces of gold, of the size of walnuts and eggs, are found by sifting the earth in the island of that king (Siaiu) who came to our ships.”

Watch a glimpse of Ayala Museum’s gold collection on youtu.be/OP3TSd5Buyo.

From left: Gold sash or caste cord from Surigao del Sur (part of ancient Butuan-Calaghan), ca. 10th-13th century, from the collection of Ayala Museum; a Luzon noble with a gold sash and a Visayan noble decked out with gold ornaments, from the Boxer Codex of The Lilly Library, Indiana University

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The Briefing I Global Affairs I History lution No. 2 signed on 15 July 2020, was further supported by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) through a statement of CBCP Church History Team to the Mojares Panel issued on 26 February 2021.

THE TERM “FIRST MASS” Before it constituted the Mojares Panel in November 2019, the NHCP and CBCP agreed to adopt the term “Easter Sunday Mass” to refer to the Christian mass celebrated on 31 March 1521 in the highly contentious place called Mazaua. This is to not preempt other possible Christian masses prior to 31 March 1521. This was adopted by the National Quincentennial Committee in its promotions and publications, in print and online.

The History of the “First Easter Sunday Mass” in the Philippines

The historical controversy on where the 1521 Easter Sunday Mass (previously called “First Mass”) was held has been affecting generations of Filipinos.

Note: This is just a digest of the Mojares Panel report on the issue of the 1521 Easter Sunday Mass. Access the full report and related documents from the National Historical Commission of the Philippines here.

The National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) received multiple claims as to where the site of the 1521 Easter Sunday Mass was: some say it was in Masao or in Pinamanculan, both are neighboring barangays in the highly historic Butuan City; others claim it was in Baug, Magallanes, Agusan del Norte (which was the former town proper of Butuan; actually, the Spaniards erected a monument here in 1872 commemorating the “First Mass”).

Since 1921, the Philippine government recognizes Limasawa, an island municipality of the Province of Southern Leyte, as the site of the event, based on the stand of the Committee for the IV Centenary of the Discovery of the Philippines created by the U.S. Insular Government of the Philippine Islands.

It was further recognized through a historical marker by the Philippines Historical Committee (forerunner of the NHCP) installed in Limasawa in 1950 and a new one on 31 March 2021 in Barangay Triana, at the west side of the island. The National Historical Institute and its successor NHCP constituted four panels to settle the historical issue (i.e., 1980 Samuel Tan Workshop, 1995 Justice Emilio Gancayco Panel, 2008 Benito Legarda Panel, 2019 Resil Mojares Panel)—all reaffirmed the historicity of Limasawa. Section 5(e) of the Republic Act No. 10086 or the NHCP Charter mandates the agency to “actively engage in the settlement or resolution of controversies or issues relative to historical personages, places, dates and events.”

The recent decision of the NHCP, formalized through NHCP Board Reso-

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ERROR IN READING BUTUAN Note: Primary sources are firsthand accounts of those who witnessed the event or close to the event as it happened. Whereas, secondary sources were written by non-witnesses based on the narratives of firsthand accounts or by interviewing eyewitnesses; contents are verifiable by revisiting the primary sources.

For almost 300 years, Spaniards and Filipinos believed the 1521 Easter Sunday Mass happened in Butuan—not until scholars had full access to one of the four extant manuscripts of Pigafetta’s chronicle of the Magellan-Elcano expedition in 1800: the Italian text archived in the Veneranda Biblioteca Ambrosiana in Milan, Italy, which mentions nothing about Butuan as the site of the 1521 Easter Sunday Mass but Mazaua. In 1895, the Ambrosiana copy of Pigafetta’s was published in its original language for the first time. This gave Filipino linguist and philologist Trinidad H. Pardo de Tavera the opportunity to verify that indeed there was no mention of Butuan in Pigafetta’s chronicle and since then began recognizing Limasawa as the logical Mazaua.

Historian Fr. Pablo Pastells, SJ, who was among the teachers of Jose Rizal at Ateneo de Municipal de Manila (now the Ateneo de Manila University), corrected his predecessor Jesuit historians and chroniclers like Fr. Francisco Colin, SJ who proliferated the error for centuries. Fr. Miguel Bernad, SJ, another Jesuit historian, traced the earliest known

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The Briefing I Global Affairs I History source of attributing Butuan as the site of the 1521 Easter Sunday to the summarized version of Pigafetta’s chronicle published in Gian Battista Ramusio’s 1550 three-volume work, Delle navigationi et viaggi (a secondary source already). Eminent Philippine historian William Henry Scott, who supported Fr. Bernad’s criticism to Butuan, observed that “Ramusio edition shows… to be a paraphrase rather than a translation—and a poor one.” It is because Ramusio confused the volunteering of Siaui, the rajah of Butuan who visited Mazaua, of bringing Magellan and Pigafetta to the Trinidad, the flagship of the expedition anchored off the island, after a feast hosted by Colambu, the rajah of Mazaua and a sibling of Siaui of Butuan. What Ramusio wrote was that Magellan was in Butuan and Siaui accompanied to Butuan Magellan’s men who were in Trinidad—and succeeding this story is already about the 1521 Easter Sunday Mass. Ramusio also garbled the characters.

PigAfettA’S text When dawn broke, the king (Colambu of Mazzaua—NQC) came and took me by the hand, and so we went to the same place where we had dined to partake in breakfast (in Mazzaua—NQC), but this time the small boat came to pick us up (to be brought to the flagship, Trinidad—NQC). Before we left, the king joyfully kissed our hands as we did his. A brother of his (Siaui—NQC), who was the king of another island (Butuan and Calaghan—NQC), and three of his men came to accompany us (to the flagship—NQC). The captain general kept him to dine with us and gave him many gifts.

“In the island of this king who came to our ships one can find pieces of gold, of the size of walnuts and eggs, abundantly covering the land… His island is called Butuan and Calagan.”

RAmuSio’S text “The Prince departed at the break of dawn, but as ours were getting up, a brother of his came to find them, and they accompanied him to an island where the Captain was, who kept them to dine with them and gave many presents to him and all those with him.

“In that island where the King came to see our ship, big pieces of gold were

found… These islands are called Buthuan and Calaghan.”

Ramusio’s work influenced generations of writers. But as the discipline of History develops through time, students are trained to discern what is primary from secondary and that one must put a premium to the former and be critical of the sources and provenance of the latter. With this, historians who supported Limasawa instead of Butuan have just exercised the basic historical methodology of tracing the primary source and scrutinizing its provenance vis-àvis recognized Pigafetta over Ramusio, Colin, etc. Citing secondary sources or non-contemporaneous, non-eyewitness accounts in supporting Butuan as the site of the 1521 Easter Sunday Mass is dead-end.

BOUNDS OF REASON Upholding the centuries-old Butuan tradition, most of the anti-Limasawa proponents argue that the Mazaua mentioned by Pigafetta as the site of the 1521 Easter Sunday Mass was actually Masao, Butuan City. They also argued that compared to Limasawa, Masao is closer in spelling to what ‘primary

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sources’ mention (i.e., Mazaua). In toponomy (interdisciplinary study of the origin of place names using linguistics, history, archaeology, anthropology, geology, and geography, among others), archival spellings are not taken at face value. It is toponymically erroneous to claim that Zzamal, Humunu, and Zzubu were the ‘original’ names of Samar, Homonhon, and Cebu only because it was how Pigafetta spelled them. One can collect as many spelling variations of Mazaua from 16th-century primary and secondary sources (including maps), but these must undergo the scrutiny of toponymical methodology. It is still the descriptions of the island of Mazaua that matter.

The Mojares Panel scrutinized the coordinates of Mazaua given by the eyewitnesses and compared them with contemporary measurements. Pigafetta recorded it at 9 2/3 or 9º40’N latitude, Francisco Albo, another eye witness, placed it at 9 1/3 or 9º20’N latitude, and the Genoese Pilot, also a primary source, wrote 9 or 9º00’N latitude. The panel cited a study presented in the 16th International Multidisciplinary Scientific Geoconference (Bulgaria, 2016) by

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a group of experts who compared the coordinates given by Pigafetta with the present coordinates using a computerbased system and the result was 9056’ N latitude or only a 0016’ difference against Pigafetta’s. Even a layman can confirm the coordinates of Limasawa by simply Googling it and the result will be a 9°54’ N latitude. Taking all these pieces of evidence into account, the panel noted that, although the navigational coordinates during this period were just estimates, Pigafetta’s 9º40’N latitude was still closer to Limasawa than to Butuan which, using the modern coordinates, was located at 8°56’ N latitude.

Another argument they developed was that Masao was formerly an ancient island that eventually merged with mainland Butuan. Therefore, the arguments imply that Mazaua was closer to mainland Mindanao for a few miles. But primary sources, at least by Pigafetta, describe nothing about Mindanao, and the way Pigafetta described the island of Butuan and Calaghan, which are definitely in Mindanao, had a certain distance.

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“...For almost 300 years, Spaniards and Filipinos believed the 1521 Easter Sunday Mass happened in Butuan—not until scholars had full access to one of the four extant manuscripts of Pigafetta’s chronicle of the Magellan-Elcano expedition in 1800: the Italian text archived in the Veneranda Biblioteca Ambrosiana in Milan, Italy, which mentions nothing about Butuan as the site of the 1521 Easter Sunday Mass but Mazaua...”

changes that happened between 1521 to the present, the location of Masao, Butuan City is too far from the coordinates given by Pigafetta and Albo and the current reckoning of contemporary experts.

LIMASAWA: THE LOGICAL MAZAUA

Pigafetta noted that Mazaua was 25 leagues away from Acquada (i.e., Homonhon). Butuan is already 35.56 leagues (197.95 kms) away from Homonhon (an island in Guiuan, Eastern Samar) compare to Limasawa, which is 23.99 leagues (133.58 kms), thus, close enough to what Pigafetta had recorded.

The chronicler also recorded Mazaua at 9 2/3 (9º 40’N latitude in modern reading), Albo placed it at 9 1/3 (9º20’N latitude), and the Genoese Pilot wrote 9 (9º00’N latitude). Even a layman can confirm the coordinates of Limasawa by simply Googling it and the result will be a 9°54’ N latitude. Although the navigational coordinates during his period were just estimates, Pigafetta’s 9º40’N latitude was still closer to Limasawa than to Butuan which, using the modern coordinates, is located at 8°56’ N latitude.

Ascertaining where Mazaua was is necessary to establish a very important fact: did Magellan ever touch the Mindanao soil via Butuan as early as 28 March 1521 (date of Magellan’s landing in Mazaua)? Because if so, they could have gone straight to the Maluku via the east side of Mindanao. Nevertheless, history has it that Magellan became more interested in Cebu, an island ‘northwest’ of Mazaua, upon hearing it from Colambu while in Mazaua.

Almost forty-four years after, on 13 February 1565, Miguel Lopez de Legazpi, head of the Spanish expedition to the “western islands” (later named the Philippines), requested the people of Cabalian (now the Municipality of San Juan, Southern Leyte) if someone could bring him to Mazaua. Legazpi said, “the people there were friends of the Spaniards whereas in other places we had found no friends.” According to the local people, the location of Mazaua from Cabalian “was only leagues away,” implying it was indeed nearby. For centuries, it was believed that the island of Mazaua was part of Butuan, and that later on the island became part of the Mindanao landmass owing to the siltation of Agusan River. While the said

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natural phenomenon is possible to occur in a delta-like the mouth of Agusan River, Mazaua should be just a few kilometers from mainland Mindanao.

But how come the 1565 report implies that Mindanao is quite far from Mazaua (“that the land which they could see from that place [Mazaua] was a point of the island of Vindanao [sic]”). And if Mazaua was in Butuan, why did Legazpi have to pass by Mazaua (from Cabalian on 9 March 1565) in proceeding to Camiguin (“which they could see from there” [Mazaua] on 11 March 1565) to gather cinnamon and then to Butuan (afternoon of 14 March 1565)?

From Cabalian, the distance of Butuan is 25.17 leagues (140.1 kms)—too far to be described as “only leagues away.”

But Limasawa, an island municipality in Southern Leyte, which most historians think to be the historic Mazaua, is barely 7.43 leagues (41.36 kms) away from Cabalian via Panaon Strait.

Stay updated with news from the National Quincentennial Committee Philippines by visiting their website at https://nqc.gov.ph.

Images courtesy of the National Quincentennial Committee Philippines

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Best of Bicol I Travel I Destinations

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Best of Bicol

writers Ritchel Mendiola & Isah Divina

Whether you’re a first-time traveler, a regular visitor, or a local, there’s always something new and unlikely to discover in Bicol.

Bicol boasts of must-see sights, variety of flavors, and culture that have definitely put the region in everyone’s radars. Mapping it out might overwhelm you — there’s just so many places to go!

Where to even start? The solution is a one-of-a kind food tour from Best of Bicol.

“The Best of Bicol Food Tour is a gateway to learn, taste, and experience the different flavors of the region,” the Best of Bicol said in its website.

The Balikbayan Magazine was lucky enough to experience what Best of Bicol readily and proudly offers. Our exclusive Best of Bicol food tour was a three-day trip filled with different culinary activities such as degustación dining, cooking demonstrations, and trips to appreciate the stunning views of the region.

Starting from Camarines Sur, we made our way to Albay, before stopping at Sorsogon. Being treated to both the sights and tastes of Bicol was nothing short of amazing, and it definitely was an experience that made us see Bicol in another perspective.

For anyone interested to have their very own Bicol food tour, contact Best of Bicol at: Bestofbicolofficial@gmail.com Facebook @bicolbobph Instagram @bestofbicolph Without further ado, here are the five most noteworthy places we visited during our Best of Bicol trip. Put a pin on these itineraries and experience Bicol like you’ve never had before.

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Best of Bicol I Travel I Destinations

What’s Up In ¿Qué Pasa? Naga writer

Ritchel Mendiola Food enthusiasts on the prowl for new and exciting flavors to tickle their taste buds will not be disappointed by this culinary venture in Bicol. ¿Qué Pasa? Naga, across Porta Mariae on Barlin Street, Naga City, offers a Bicolano flair to well-loved Spanish dishes. The fusion of the two cultures is certainly unique, but the resulting dishes are rich in heavenly flavors without being too overwhelming — guaranteed to appeal even to the most discriminating palates.

Its menu displays the usual Spanish fare such as tapas, ensaladas, pasta, paella, cerdo, vaca, and pescado dishes. It also has Bicol cuisine staples like laing, Bicol express, tinuktok, and sinanglay — all of which taste just as good as the homemade kind. ¿Qué Pasa? owes its delightful menu to its resident chef Jet Sumayao, who has 15 years of cooking experience under his belt, including a stint at Chef Chele Gonzalez’s Vask (now Gallery) restaurant in BGC, Taguig City.

To make the dining experience even better, ¿Qué Pasa? boasts of a one-ofa-kind space that’s both aestheticallypleasing and welcoming.

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As soon as you enter the establishment, colorful murals will greet you, inviting a few camera clicks guaranteed to find a place on your Instagram feed. ¿Qué Pasa?’s interiors are mainly wood and industrial, with high ceilings that give way to a more open and breathable space. Apart from its murals, the restaurant also displays various artworks by Bicolano artists, prompting conversations about art and a newfound appreciation for local artistry. ¿Qué Pasa? was established in 2015 by the same people behind Bicol’s beloved homegrown fast-food chain Bigg’s Diner. The owners wanted to give homage to their Spanish heritage, while also introducing its elevated version of Bicol cuisine to tourists and locals alike.

In line with this vision, they came up with ¿Qué Pasa?, which translates to “What’s up?” in Spanish.

“When we try to introduce Bicolano food to the Bicolano market, for them it’s food that usually gets served on Sundays, so they look for other food.

That’s why we decided to come up with this concept — it’s instagrammable, hip, modern, with a Spanish twist so people will be curious,” said Rica Buenaflor. ¿Qué Pasa? indeed has all the elements to satisfy one’s curiosity and make it a culinary destination that should never be missed.

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BidiBidi Cafe: Rinconada’s Hidden Gem Nestled in the quiet town of Baao, Camarines Sur is a haunt that’s a cafe and a gallery in one.

BidiBidi Cafe is home to the artworks of Bicolano artist Bernadette de los Santos, popularly known as “BidiBidi.” It offers local cuisines that are sustainably-sourced, providing an excellent farm-to-table dining experience.

On first glance, the menu is quite simple, offering pastas and burgers and drinks. But upon further inspection, you’ll be pleased to find that the menu showcases BidiBidi Cafe’s unique takes on popular comfort food items such as laing pasta, Bicol express pasta, and camote fries.

It’s best-seller is definitely its banana blossom burger, which has a crispy ukoy-like patty made from banana heart.

BidiBidi Cafe also serves drinks like iced latte in salted caramel, strawberry, vanilla, and peppermint; as well as iced tabrilya, which uses tablea made from cacao. BidiBidi Cafe makes sure to be Instagram-worthy for its visitors, showcasing various paintings, murals, patchwork quilts, woven bags and baskets, vintage books and trinkets, and antique furniture. It’s a visualfest that doubles as a souvenir shop for those who would like a keepsake from the cafe. The owner, De los Santos, is a Rinconada native painter whose oeuvre consists mostly of flowers. Her artworks have been likened to Georgia O’Keeffe’s pieces as they both have an inclination for the subject, though De los Santos is more unapologetic with her use of vibrant colors. She used to be based in the United States, where she held an exhibit at the Walter

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Lee Avery City Hall Gallery in Seaside City, Carmel County in California in 2003, but she ultimately ended up settling in her hometown to pursue her business ventures.

Aside from being an artist, De los Santos is also a farmer and a philanthropist. She established La Huerta de Rosario, an agri-tourism destination and artist’s hangout; and F.A.R.M. (Fabulously Absolutely Rural Made), a workshop that produces accessories from upcycled materials. De los Santos’ endeavors show her passion for art while making it her mission to spotlight and glorify everything local — BidiBidi Cafe is a testament of that. Art lovers and even tourists who are looking for new destinations beyond the usual tourist haunts will sure appreciate this hidden gem in Baao.

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Hitting Two Birds With One Stone At Socorro’s Lakeside Restaurant And Grill

When you think of Bicol, you think of the Mayon Volcano. This conical volcano is the region’s most popular tourist destination, the ultimate sight to see for locals and tourists alike.

However, the Mayon isn’t the only thing Bicol is famous for. Its local cuisines, known for their rich and spicy flavors, have successfully placed the region in the Philippines’ culinary map.

These reasons alone make it worthwhile to take a trip and explore Bicol.

Travelers will be pleased to know they can take a shortcut, so to speak, and check off both itineraries at the same time by dining at Sumlang Lake’s inhouse restaurant, Socorro’s Lakeside Restaurant and Grill.

The lake affords the majestic view of the Mayon Volcano, while the restaurant provides the distinct Bicol taste with its dishes meticulously prepared

by Chef Ato Jr. Socorro’s menu offers pinangat — laing with kanduli, red ginger, tiny shrimps, and crushed pepper wrapped in taro and cooked in coconut milk. The resulting dish bursts with strong flavors that may take first-timers by surprise, but ultimately satisfy food enthusiasts’ adventurous palates.

Aside from this local delicacy, the restaurant also serves Bicol express; tinutungan na manok, which is chicken adobo in burnt coconut milk; and adobo sa asin, a pork dish without any preservatives.

Elevating the dining experience is a view like none other. Diners can easily admire how the perfect cone of Mayon Volcano cuts an iconic silhouette against the wide expanse of the sky.

And if you’re feeling up to it, you can cruise down Sumlang Lake as it readily offers balsa (bamboo raft) tours to bring you closer to the famed volcano. You can also go kayaking or aqua-biking, as well as rent a floating cottage as you sail through the placid waters of Sumlang Lake. Socorro’s Lakeside Restaurant and Grill is available to host events such as private parties and even weddings — what better way to make a special occasion even more special than to have Mount Mayon as your background?

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Pa-BIGGS Ka Naman! writer

Isah Divina With all the different cuisines that restaurants, fast food, and even eateries cater, the country has a wide variety of meals to offer. One of which is American food brought to the country consisting of steaks, fries, burgers and chicken.

That is how Biggs’ story started.

NAME A GAME-CHANGER The three women behind the fast-casual dining are Theresa Buenaflor, Nena Centenera Bichara and Maricar Manjon. Back in the 80’s, those three were looking for something to spend their money on and they stumbled upon the thought of opening a business. Just two years after McDonalds opened their first branch in Manila, the three women have decided to open one too. In 1983, they launched a take-out counter or kiosk outside a movie theater that sells burgers and french fries. It was thought of as McDonalds in a Filipino way. At first, the Bicolanos actually believed french fries are just salted sweet potatoes also known as ‘kamote.’

The name of the take-out kiosk was Mang Donald’s, taken after the famous fast food chain in Manila. The business grew to be very successful in the province. Locals started to love the wide variety of the menu. However, just when they thought everything was going smoothly with the business, the three women received a serious letter from a lawyer. The letter, straight from McDonald’s USA branch, was a cease and desist that warned them regarding the similarity of their businesses’ names, trademark, and even the art.

For that reason, the three businesswomen decided to change its name to Carl’s Diner, since the three women each had a son named Carl. Theresa Buenaflor has Carlo Buenaflor. Carlos Manjon is Maricar Manjon’s son, and Nena Centenera Bichara has a kid named Carlos Bichara. Meanwhile, the word ‘diner’ was added because restaurants that have diners attached to their names used to be a hit circa 1990’s era. With that newly changed name, the business started functioning and selling again.

Come 1995, Carl’s Jr., a foreign restaurant that caters American snacks and beverages, came to the Philippines. Because of the incident with McDonald’s, the three women decided to change the

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establishment’s name once again. From Carl’s Diner, the restaurant became Bigg’s Diner.

Bigg’s depicts their position in the market since they started opening it to date. They offer bigger and better burgers, bigger french fries and bigger sizes of their meals in general. Aside from those, they offer bigger opportunities for their employees and soon-to-be franchisees.

STORIES OF THE STORES In 1994, Carlos Buenaflor went abroad to study. He went to different countries to study different cultures and different tastes such as Europe, United States of America and anywhere else.

That is how he met his lovable wife – Rica Dakudao-Buenaflor, who is a chef.

Summer season came through, that was also the same time Carlos’s mom asked him to come home, to come to Naga. When he went home to Naga, Carlos got surprised with how Biggs had grown so much bigger. The Biggs he grew up with before he left was successful. However, Carlos was not expecting that the fast-casual restaurant had grown bigger and better by the time he came home.

In 2001, Carlos went back to his beloved hometown and made a decision

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to make Biggs even bigger. Carlos franchised his own Biggs store. To date, the running successful business has almost 20 stores in total. The 20th store will open in the province of Bicol too, specifically, in the municipality of Daet. It is expected to open in SM Daet within this year.

As Biggs’s CEO, Carlo said, “We’re really geared for growth. Biggs is an opportunity for entrepreneurs.” Biggs is expecting for more growth, for more franchisers to come. Carlos even proudly shared that the franchiser of the branch in SM Daet has franchised and opened three branches already.

BIGGER AND BETTER BIGGS MEALS Biggs is very famous for their bigger serving but cheaper prices of their chicken, burgers and ribs. They have a diverse take on their meals. One of their well-known and mostly ordered meals is their crispy chicken that is only P99.

Their one piece of chicken can be paired with two cups of rice already. That is how big Biggs chicken is. Biggs caters different varieties and flavors for their chicken. They have Cajun Chicken, which is priced at P129. If you want to share it with your friends, no need to worry!

Biggs has Chicken in a Box wherein you can opt for six or eight pieces.

The fast-casual diner’s best-seller even way before are their burgers. Their classic, cheesy and bacon cheese burgers are what customers mostly order from their menu back then. However, they added a new variant to their burger collection.

Those are the Biggs Supreme Burger, Biggs Double Burger, and Biggs Tower Burger. Biggs Supreme Burger is one of the reasons most customers keep coming back. Their Biggs Supreme Burger is loaded with lots of ingredients inside.

There is lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, patty, topped with their buns. However, what makes their Supreme Burger special is the secret sauce it came with. Their fully loaded Supreme Burger only costs P208. Aside from those, Biggs also offers french fries, salad, pasta and meals.

But, Biggs’s most loved delicacy is their ribs. They offer a solo and a goodfor-sharing order of their Southern Ribs.

They also have a best-seller for their ribs menu, which is Biggs Baby Back Ribs.

Their Biggs Baby Back Ribs is one of their customers’ go-to meals. Their smoky, slow-cooked and tender baby back ribs have the potential of being the most talked of the town meal. The meal set is stuffed with buttered corn and car-

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rot, paired with either mashed potato or rice and the ribs. Where else can you get a baby back for P319? Only at Biggs Diner.

REWARD YOURSELF WITH BIGGS Biggs Diner does not only offer great meals and opportunities, but they also serve as a reward for everyone who deserves it. Hence, “Pa-Biggs ka naman!” was formed. Biggs Diner became even more recognized by everyone because of it. People from different provinces started coming to Biggs to reward themselves.

“It is a form of rewarding yourself.

For every small moment that deserves a reward, pa-Biggs ka na. That’s how we differentiate typical days and if you want it to be special, pa-Biggs ka,” said the big man behind Biggs Diner.

Their slogan became their marketing strategy. It became a form of rewarding your loved one, your friend or even yourself. May it be a small or big achievement, it still deserves a reward. If you beat the heat or the traffic, treat yourself with Biggs. If your friend got promoted, treat them with Biggs. Any achievements that you acquire, small or big, reward yourself with BIGGS.

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Siama Hotel: Isolation From The World Of Noise The world consists of too much pollution, hatred, and sometimes, cruelty.

Living a life in the city speeds up everything you do. Everything is in a fast-paced setting. From all the transportation, to gadgets and even time that has been running out so fast to keep up with the busy city’s pacing.

In order for a person to be thyself again and be at peace, one must be isolated from the noise this cruel world has been giving us. Find peace, comfort, and find home again.

There are a lot of places you can visit and travel to around the country. The Department of Tourism has always been true to its tagline that “It’s more fun in the Philippines.” However, the hard thing about it is looking for the perfect spot where you can have fun and be calm. The most famous tourist spots in the country are starting to get crowded and some need rehabilitation already. A good example of it is the island of Boracay that has undergone rehabilitation for six months.

However, we have found the perfect place in Sorsogon that is pollution-free and guarantees serenity. This hotel has got to be one of the most unique and opulent hotels in the country.

At the middle of the province, far away from the center of Sorsogon, a hotel-resort resides. Beneath the massive, wide brown wooden gates that lie at Sitio San Lorenzo, Bibincahan, Sorsogon City, Sorsogon is where Siama Hotel is located.

By the moment you enter the gates, it will make you feel like you are entering a new dimension. All you will hear is the sound of the leaves blown by the wind, the sound of the crickets and the sound of serenity. All you will smell are the scent of nature and the scent of lavender coming from the diffuser. The ambiance that the hotel will make you feel is that you are home. Siama Hotel will be your home for the rest of your stay there. What the hotel offers is called the ‘Siama Experience.’ Siama Experience will give you solace, serenity, and security even if you are staying at a hotel. Everything was pegged to give off a homey and cozy vibe to its clients.

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STRUCTURE Siama Hotel is housed in a twostorey building. The structure of the hallways are more likely shaped as a cross. Heading forward, from the entrance passing by the lobby, is bound to the pool. To your left is a long corridor guiding you to your hotel rooms and the dining area. The reception area goes to the right part of the hotel.

The lobby became iconic not only because of its interior and structure but also because of its difference from the others. Most hotels are fully equipped with grand furry carpets, shining, shimmering chandeliers, marble floors and air-condition. However, because Siama Hotel is sticking to their theme – home in the province is the reason why the owner, Mr. Milo Naval, did not want anything grand and luxurious. That is why he designed the resort as something unique but still with a touch of modernized Filipino lifestyle – from the place, the structure of the building and even the furniture used to decorate the entirety of the hotel.

ROOMS The hotel has numerous rooms ranging from deluxe triple room, deluxe king room, mixed dormitory room to twin room with swimming pool. The room rates are quite pricey however you get what you pay for. You can gaze upon the wonders of nature and the infinity pool through the glass door. Durable wooden wardrobes, towel racks, and a huge carpet used as a wall design make the room luxurious. Walls are well painted with solid neutrals colors to match up with the nature-inspired setting. The

bed is so soft that sleeping for extra hours would feel like a crime.

Since the rooms are massive, bathrooms are also spacious. Nonetheless, it is supplied with all the toiletries needed by the guests – conditioning shampoo, refreshing body wash, moisturizing lotion, soap bars, shaving kits, toothbrush kit, comb and a blower.

The rooms have verandas as well.

Pushing the curtains and the glass door, the veranda comes to vision. It is just straight outside the room heading straight to the pool. There is a table with two seats in case guests want to have coffee or just chill and enjoy the picturesque scenery outside.

However, the rooms are not accessible to internet connection or WiFi, Television, and cell site reception because the hotel wants to detach its guests from the modern technology. In order to avail those, the guests need to go to the hotel’s lobby.

With the detachment from the world of social media, the guests can do lots of things at the lobby. Guests can borrow game equipment such as board games (e.g. Game of the Generals), sungka, cards, chess board, and the like from the reception area.

AMENITIES The pool area makes you feel like you are in a separate world, giving you a different feeling as if you are on cloud nine or on an oasis in an island in the middle of the sea. The padded loungers are made out of woven rattans and to cover you from the sun, their shade is inspired by nippa huts but with a twist.

Surrounded with greeneries, the wide

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infinity pool sets in the middle and a wide swing lies on top of it.

To complete the whole relaxation therapy, guests can also indulge at the spa and get some body massage from the hotel’s masseurs. They offer full body, foot massages, ventosa and the rest with a good and affordable price depending on the duration of the service. Customers will surely get the ‘SPA-tisfaction’ with whatever package they will acquire.

The hotel also has its own restaurant inside, just near the pool and the lobby.

The restaurant deserves an applause for maintaining Siama Hotel’s theme – home in the province. The dishes they serve are the ones you will see often at home, but the chef gives it a different twist. Most of their food is spicy. Aside from the dishes, the restaurant also offers beverages. However, what sets their drinks apart from the others, aside from its taste, is the straw. Leaves are formed into straws to help save the mother earth and refrain the guests from using plastic straws.

Staying in Siama Hotel is a total package. It offers isolation but in a form of relaxation. The hotel will surely disconnect you from the modern world of technology. The good thing about it is that it will reconnect you to the beauty of nature, the beauty of the Philippines and the beauty of yourself. If by any chance you visit Sorsogon, make sure to check in at Siama Hotel to see the paradise yourself. Get to live through the Siama Experience and be at home in the province.

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MEDICAL TOURISM IN THE PHILIPPINES What you need to know Analysis

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Issue 56, Volume VIII I August - October 2017

INSIGHTS & ANALYSIS

Q&A Pocholo Paragas, COO & GM of TIEZA CULTURE Religious Tourism on Limelight THE NATION The First PH Subway System FASHION Rene Salud BUSINESS Social Media Trends for 2018 HISTORY How Do Filipinos Celebrate Christmas?

AMAZING ESCAPES Club Balai Isabel

N O . 58 I VOLUME 09 FEBRUARY I MARCH I APRIL 2018 SPRING QUARTERLY ISSUE

ON THE COVER

Inside One Of The Best Medical Institutions In The World

Montemaria, Batangas, the Philippines

The Mother of All Asia and the Rise of Batangas’ Religious Tourism

CULTURE FILIPINO SUPERSTITIONS ON NEW YEAR’S EVE

Q&A JOJI GREGORIO: OFFICER-IN-CHARGE OF THE TOURISM PROMOTIONS BOARD

TECHNOLOGY STARMOBILE KNIGHT SPECTRA: A WORLD-CLASS FILIPINO FLAGSHIP SMARTPHONE

LEADERS GOVERNOR OF LA UNION, EMMANUEL “PACOY” ORTEGA III INDUSTRY RANG-AY BANK’S CEO, IVES NISCE

BREATHTAKING WEDDING DES TINATIONS IN THE PHILIPPINES (AND THE ICONIC CHURCHES TO GET MARRIED IN)

BUSINESS 10 MODERN WAYS TO STAY FOCUSED AND PRODUCTIVE

RADAR MANILA HOSTS MISS UNIVERSE

OUTLOOK THE PHILIPPINES, FILIPINOS, AND THE INCOMING TRUMP ADMINISTRATION

TRAVELER

THE ECONOMY #NEWPHILIPPINES & THE MODERN LANDSCAPE

24 MUST DO’S FOR AN INCREDIBLE 2017 BALIKBAYANMAGAZINE.COM

Inside This Issue

INSIGHTS & ANALYSIS WHAT IT TAKES TO BE A CREATIVE ENTREPRENEUR

(1) Tourism Outlook & Development I (2) Lombard By The Bay I (3) Spring Fashion & Makeup Trends (4) The State of Marriage In The Philippines I (5) Amazing Weight-Loss Transformations (6) The Filipino Invention Saving The Environment & Your Money I (7) The Current Landscape Of Business In The Philippines (8) Goodbye Cash? I (9) Unconventional Date Ideas For Couples I (10) Ultimate Wedding Planning Guide (11) The Philippines Now Ranks #1 In Budget Transparency In All Of Asia

GREAT GETAWAYS 24 THINGS TO DO IN BATANGAS

1

the asian journal’s bi-monthly briefing on the growth, development, and progression of the philippines.

ISSUE 55 — 01

the asian journal’s quarterly briefing on the growth, development, and progression of theISSUE philippines.

56 — 01

I N F O C U S : P R E S I D E N T X I J I N P I N G ’ S H I STO R I C V I S I T TO T H E P H I L I P P I N E S

I N F O C U S : P R E S I D E N T D U T E RT E I N KS M O N U M E N TA L L E G I S L AT I V E M E A S U R E S

S P E C I A L A DV E RT I S I N G F E AT U R E

N O. 61 I VOLUME 09 NOVEMBER I DECEMBER I JANUARY 2018 WINTER QUARTERLY ISSUE

Enriching Filipino Hospitality

Indulge in Asia’s Top Luxury Hideaway Resort

ISSUE 61 — 01

I N S I D E : OV E R 1 T R I L L I O N P E S O S I N A P P R OV E D I N V E S T M E N T S F O R T H E P H I L I P P I N E S

R E P O R T: A N I N - D E P T H LO O K AT T H E OV E R S E A S F I L I P I N O C O M M U N I T Y

N O. 64 I VOLUME 10 AUGUST I SEPTEMBER I OCTOBER 2019 FALL QUARTERLY ISSUE

A Vibrant Standard of Hotel Living

A Modern Marvel for the World in Batangas, Philippines

ISSUE 64 — 01

ISSUE 65— 01

N O. 66 I VOLUME 11 FEBRUARY I MARCH I APRIL 2020 SPRING QUARTERLY ISSUE

The Return! 8 Great Travel Rediscoveries in the Philippines for 2020

ISSUE 66 I BalikbayanMagazine.com I The 2020 Spring Quarterly— 01

IN FOCUS: THE PHILIPPINES AND CHINA REAFFIRM FRIENDSHIP

N O. 63 I VOLUME 10 MAY I JUNE I JULY 2019 SUMMER QUARTERLY ISSUE

N O. 63 I VOLUME 10 MAY I JUNE I JULY 2019 SUMMER QUARTERLY ISSUE

The Philippines: A World Tourism Powerhouse

ISSUE 61 — 01

ISSUE 61 — 01

I N S I D E : H O W KO B E B RYA N T I N S P I R E D A G L O B A L C O M M U N I T Y O F F I L I P I N O S O N A N D O F F T H E C O U R T

N O. 65 I VOLUME 10 NOVEMBER I DECEMBER I JANUARY 2019 WINTER QUARTERLY ISSUE

S P E C I A L A DV E R T I S I N G F E AT U R E

N O. 62 I VOLUME 10 FEBRUARY I MARCH I APRIL 2019 SPRING QUARTERLY ISSUE

N O. 61 I VOLUME 09 NOVEMBER I DECEMBER I JANUARY 2018 WINTER QUARTERLY ISSUE

ISSUE 58 — 01

the asian journal’s quarterly briefing on the growth, development, and progression of the philippines.

ISSUE 63 — 01

ISSUE 63 — 01

I N S I D E : T H E LO N G R O A D T O R E C O V E RY

I N S I D E : I N T H E S E E X T R A O R D I N A RY T I M E S

N O. 67 I VOLUME 11 MAY I JUNE I JULY 2020 SUMMER QUARTERLY ISSUE

The Economic Resilience of the Philippines

ISSUE 67 I BalikbayanMagazine.com I The 2020 Summer Quarterly— 01

N O. 68 I VOLUME 11 AUGUST I SEPTEMBER I OCTOBER 2020 FALL QUARTERLY ISSUE

From Batangas to Zamboanga The 25 Future Digital Hubs of the Philippines

ISSUE 68 I BalikbayanMagazine.com I The 2020 Fall Quarterly— 01

Since 2009

Informing and empowering Filipinos living and working in 60 countries & 102 cities.

ISSUE 70 I BalikbayanMagazine.com I The 2021 Spring Quarterly— 073

Your Home. Your Country.

Let’s Build it.

074 — The 2021 Spring Quarterly I BalikbayanMagazine.com I ISSUE 70

Own land or a condo back home in the Philippines? Whether you’re looking to build your family home, sell your property or interested in exploring a joint venture development project, partner with us and discover ways you can help build the future of the Philippines.

AGR ICULTUR A L I RESID ENTI AL I COM ME RCI AL I IN DU STRI A L PremierAsiaPacific.com I Info@PremierAsiaPacific.com (PH) +63-905-453-7004 I (USA) +1-213-596-5970 ISSUE 70 I BalikbayanMagazine.com I The 2021 Spring Quarterly— 075

In celebration of the 500th Year Anniversary of Christianity in the Philippines, experience MonteMaria Cellars, an exclusive wine collection cellared and bottled in Napa Valley, California specially made in honor of the Holy Site of MonteMaria located in Batangas Province of the Philippines.

Browse our collection on MonteMariaCellars.com.

Please enjoy our wines responsibily.

076 — The 2021 Spring Quarterly I BalikbayanMagazine.com I ISSUE 70