ILLUSTRADO Magazine Aug 2007

There’s something about

Manila

that makes you want to groan and tether at the verge of mouthing expletives at the sight of kamikaze drivers raging on undisciplined roads; the inescapable pollution; the muddy sidewalks at this time of the year; the flagrant tsismis culture fuelled by pop media; the maddening billboards looming through the whole length of EDSA, that flash ads of whitening tablets for men (!), and an anatomically altered ‘new’ Ai-Ai delas Alas. Finally, there’s the painful reality of the poor cast against the bustling urban landscape built by the country’s elite….

But there’s also something about Manila that is so alive and endearing – that gets you excited at the view of hopeful young call center executives snacking at the ‘jollyjeeps’ of Makati, or at the fact that you can sit with some of the city’s great minds simply over coffee and pan de sal. You get awestruck by the signs of ingenuity and free enterprise all around you, and if you’re lucky, by the ‘apparition’ of the ‘walang kupas’ Imelda Marcos in flaming red terno, coiffure and all. You laugh at the ludicrous entertainment TV provides, and laugh some more when you realize how an insane promotional stunt like - “get a free crispy pata when you apply for X credit card” - makes perfect sense, only in Manila! And then you see the rain, and you are transported to memories of your childhood and for a moment, you feel like nothing else is more important.

Oh the Pinoy reality! Mischievous, heart-warming, hopeful and frustrating, all at the same time. Go figure.

But it’s that unexplainable ‘something’ that you take along with you when you go away, the same thing that keeps you connected, not only to our premier city, but to the rest of our motherland, making you long for home every single day. Because through bittersweet feelings and all, at the end of the day, it’s not just another city; it’s still Manila -OUR Manila.

This month, we make the most of the local laidback mood to allow our minds the indulgence of drifting off to a place of contrasts, of cool showers, hot steaming bulalo, and nostalgia. We talk about ‘tag-ulan’, my favorite time of the year, while delving into the ‘bug’ so many of us get bitten by, from time to time – that oh-so-familiar achy feeling of homesickness. Our fashion pages give you a rest from the ultra sunny styles of the season with a dark and sensuous monsoon-inspired fashion palette from Manila’s very talented young designers. And while your senses are calm, we give you other interesting things to ‘chew on’, with stories on kabuhayan, arts, travel and Pinoys, just like us, at the other side of the globe.

Fresh and calm, inspite of the rising mercury – with a generous helping of endearing ingredients from back home.

Enjoy the rest of the summer with a cool Illustrado.

Taas Noo, Filipino!

Manila, July 2007 Lalaine Chu-Benitez Publisher and Editor

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Send your letters to: editor@illustrado.net committed to motivate Pinoys around the globe to be successful) have a mission to change the mindset of Filipinos towards success - that we can be at par with the rest of the world. Illustrado is a living testimony that the Filipinos can.

More power!

Ximo Ramos, Dubai Dear Editor, Finally a good Pinoy magazine to make us all proud!

FINALLY! Thank you Illustrado!

Pinky Ferraris, Abu Dhabi Dear Ms. Lalaine, This is Jovi and Ivy. Nais namin kayong pasalamatan. Kami ni Ivy ay magkakatrabaho na. Sinunod namin payo ninyo. Dinagdagan ng maraming dasal. At hayun nagkaroon na ng katuparan.

Proud kami na nakilala namin kayo. Every Pinoy na kakilala namin ay pinapatangkililk namin ng ILUSTRADO. Proud kami kasi nakamayan pa namin si Ms. Lalaine isang kapita-pitagang PINAY. Successful and yet PUSONG PINOY. TAAS NOO PILIPINO. SUCCESSFUL PINOY TAYO! Jovy Llave, Dubai Dear Ms Lalaine, Dear Editor, What a truly impressive issue!

My friends and I have been hooked on Illustrado since we first read it last year – and every month is just better than the last!

Your June issue made me feel so proud to be Pinoy.

Being here in the Middle East for so long, we tend to forget how it feels to be nationalistic, but what Illustrado is doing is re-awakening the Filipino in us.

Reminding us that we are unique and that we can do great things.

Plus, it really adds that you have a great looking magazine with tremendous fashion sense! This IS our version of VOGUE! I so love it!

Keep it up!

Patty Dominguez, Dubai Dear Lalaine, Thank you for the latest issue of Illustrado! What you’re doing with the magazine is truly impressive and inspiring.

The magazine was immediately borrowed by an officemate who is getting married at the end of the year - for some ideas especially the wedding cake!

I am taking a few copies with me to the U.S. where we’re off to now for our summer vacation. I wanted to share it with families who live there.

All the best, Carol Pieri, Dubai Congratulations to the Publisher/Editor and staff of Illustrado!

It is my first time to get hold of a copy of the magazine...at totoo ngang tataas ang noo mo bilang isang Pilipino! Quality ang pagkakagawa - in form and in substance. Just like you guys, We at SuccessfulPinoyAko Training Solutions (a company

I got hold of your magazine when my cousin visited here last month. After several years of not seeing him (he is based in Dubai), I bumped into him at Greenbelt 1 in Makati. I have learned that he now owns a gallery there (Gallery Jamila). And he was featured in your January 2007 issue. I’m so proud of him! I wanted to show all my friends the magazine where he was featured.

And as I read all the articles in Illustrado, I became more proud, not only of my cousin’s achievements, but with all the Filipinos over there who are doing such a great job. I commend you for coming up with a magazine that showcases Filipino talent and ingenuity!

I saw that you are calling on writers to contribute to the magazine. I am a licensed real estate broker and would like to contribute articles on property trends here in the Philippines. This can provide our kababayans information on what’s going on in the real estate business, as well as the dos and don’ts – to help them when they eventually decide to buy their dream home. Your magazine can be a good tool to educate them.

her three children. Please print my letter to my eldest son…

Josefina Pineda A letter to my eldest son … from Dubai, with love, Son, I am really so sad to hear that you had an altercation with your sister. It still bothers me. But I just pray that God grants you the virtue of patience. I know you intelligent, and I am sure that you know that emotional intelligence is of primary importance as well.

I am sending you a few reminders (lest you forget) so you will continuously have a good relationship with everybody.

Love yourself by taking good care of yourself. No poison like cigarettes, alcohol, and drugs. Clean living ka, pare. There are other ways to enjoy the pleasures of life without harming yourself. Alam mo yan, makulit lang talaga akong kamukha mo.

Love and take care of your sister and brother. You are the only big brother they have. They look up to you.

Respect them even though they are younger than you. Respect is earned, not imposed. Please try to be interested in their lives also. They also have their own story to tell. They also have dreams like you, inspire them. They also have bad days and mood swings like you - please understand them. Before you know it, you are on your way to a bigger journey, and you will leave them behind and you will have so many miles between you. Live and leave good memories with them.

Empathize with others. Think of how would you feel if a similar act is done to you.

Please tame your emotions. If you are angry or disappointed, express it with words but never with physical violence. Stop and think 100 times until your anger subsides. Put distance between you and the person who provokes you. There is no justification for hurting yourself or others, no matter how much you are provoked and tempted to do so.

Let your goodness shine wherever you go, so you will always make a difference, a good difference.

Please always remember these and this: You are a son that a mother would always love to have. I am thankful that I have been blessed. Kahit makulit, mapamikon, sweet and loving naman, intelligent pa, handsome, charming and attractive sa mga girls kahit smelly ang paa (smelly pa ba?). I love you son, moles, warts and all, I love you and I always want the best for you.

Dizizzit! Yehey, Annie B is my hero!

Hi Illustrado,

Best regards, Realtor Rosa Divina Ramos, Manila

Super winner talaga ang bida namin na si Annie B! Ang galing ng last episode – siempre, di lang siya pretty, mabait pa siya at matapang!

Dear Rosa,

Kakatawa talaga – it just reminded us about buhay sharing – hahaha! Onli in the UAE.

If you would like to be an Illustrado contributor, kindly send us your articles for review at – editor@ illustrado.net

Looking forward sa kanyang adventures..

Olly Pineda, Abu Dhabi

Thank you for your letter and for your kind comments. ED

Dear Ms. Editor,

Dear Editor, We talk, we chat, but communicating with loved ones is never enough. I wish I can embrace my kids, kiss them and be there for them everyday of their lives. But this is the reality of being a long distance solo parent who has to make both ends meet for

Sino ba talaga si Annie? Is she for real or she’s just a figment of your writer’s imagination?

Intrigued, Ansel Martin, Sharjah Dear Ansel, SECRET ….. ED.

Publisher & Editor Lalaine Chu-Benitez Associate Editor Elle Crisostomo

August

Art Directors Paula Lorenzo Ron Perez Contributing Writers Philippines Carlito Viriña David Llorito Bernadette Reyes Lisa Cruz Mike Martin Jan La’O David Poarch Aby Yap United Arab Emirates Maripaz Febrero Giselle Estrada Dawn Almario Sonny de Guzman Antonella Andrada Shar Matingka Jonie Jose Michael Vincent Serrano United Kingdom, Singapore, Oman Cecile Samson-Aquino Law Diche Cathy Cheng Doña Contributing Photographers Philippines Ben Chan United Arab Emirates Pot Ph Monina Uy Joel Guerrero Contributing Stylist Zekundo Chu Advertising & Retail Sales Michael Maguigad Subscriptions & Admin Frances Therese Macaya Publisher Illustrado Communications FZ-LLC 2nd Floor, Building 2 P.O. Box 72280 Office 20C Dubai Media City, U.A.E. Tel: + 9714 365 4547 Fax: + 9714 360 4771 email: admin@illustrado.net Website: illustrado.net Printers Delta Printing Press L.L.C. P.O. Box 37140 Dubai, U.A.E. Copyright Illustrado Communications 2007.

All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission of Illustrado Communications FZ-LLC

CONTENTS Features Tag-Ulan Doon, Tag-Araw Dito 6 Homesick ba ‘ka mo? 10 I’ll Be Going Home… Someday 12 Medical Tourism in the Philippines 14

Columns Famous Filipinos 18 iFX Files 34 Illustrado Profile: Mikki Makes New Road 36 Kabuhayan: Sari-Sari Stores 38 Kabuhayan: Saving for your Retirement 40 Coconuter: A River Runs Through it 42 Wish You Were Here 43 Usapang Kanto: Do you love or hate tag-ulan? 56 Filipinisms: Pinoy Misquips 58 The Annie B.(Batobalani) Chronicles: Shopping Pest 59 Community Event 60 Community Spotlight 62

Fashion Monsoon Fever 22

Arts, Culture & Design Illustrado Art Wall featuring the Brownmonkeys 44

People & Places Pinoy Planet: Pinoy in Cannes 48 Bakasyon Grande: Pagudpud 52 Manila Trippin’: Metrowalk 54 A Pain in the Nape: In Seach of the Best Bulalo 55 Pinoy About Town: Wonder and Wander in Bur Dubai 57

Entertainment Divine Lee 63 Manila’s Hot Releases 64 Just Julianne 65

Chrizenda Cecilio of Calcarrie’s International models this season’s sensous styles from Manila.

CHARLES YU CARLITO VIRINA

Irreverent, naughty, provocative…did we mention naughty? Very appropriate adjectives for columnist Carlito Viriña who amuses us with his twisted take on Manila’s ‘soup du jour’ in Wish You Were Here. Wickedly creative Carlito is an ad man heading his own advertising company in Makati. He comes from a family of writers lead by mom Loida Virina, scriptwriter of many a blockbuster TV series, including the epochal ‘Gulong ng Palad’. This month, man about town Carlito also takes us on a journey scouring the streets of Manila and beyond, for the best bulalo experience – ever!

MON BENITEZ

Pinoy Planet contributor Mon Benitez is an advertising multi-awardee, and Creative Director for the region’s leading multinational ad group. A dreamer obsessed with design, ice cream and banana cue, Mon affirms his aesthetic philosophy, a contradiction of sorts to the unseasoned – that simplicity is boldness.

This month, Mon shares with us his encounters with kababayans in the sunny South of France.

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Pam QUINONES

Quintessential fashionista – stylist Pam Quinones lives and breathes fashion.

A significant member of Manila’s hip, young and creative coterie, Pam is a product of Instituto Marangoni, one of Milan’s foremost fashion schools. A trailblazing stylist, Pam’s impressive body of work includes projects for Manila’s premiere glossy magazines. Styling and coordinating this issue’s feature, Pam gives us a preview of the hot style picks from Manila’s young designers this season.

Bernadette reyes

Featured fashion photographer Charles Lu resigned from his corporate job to follow his dream of becoming a professional photographer. A Management Engineering graduate of Ateneo de Manila, Charles officially started as an assistant in 2005, and quickly made his first magazine cover on his first shoot in June 2006. This year, the Philippine Daily Inquirer has included Charles in its ‘top 27 people to watch in 2007’ – confirming that the talented photographer is truly one of the industry’s fast rising young stars.

As a TV news reporter for GMA Network, chasing after ‘bad guys’, literally, while everybody else in the city sleeps, is all in a day’s work for petite Bernadette Reyes. But all is not guts and grit for this fearless female, Bernadette is also an active contributor in various local business publications, and was a former business reporter for Today Independent News where she covered the Philippine Stock Exchange and the Securities and Exchange Commission. When not running after the day’s beat, Bernadette indulges her love for books and her self-confessed ‘addiction’ to Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf Manila’s frappes.

ROLANDO FUERTES JR.

A true-blue Manileño, Rolando is a 35 year-old professional sub-editor and experienced writer who has been in the print journalism profession for the past 17 years. He first came to Bahrain in March 1997 to be part of a pioneering team that launched Bahrain Tribune as an English-language broadsheet in the kingdom. Last March, after a 10year stint with the Tribune as a senior sub-editor – he left the paper to join the Gulf Daily News, also in Bahrain.

Tag-Ulan Doon, Tag-Araw Dito

By Lalaine Chu-Benitez

It’s 43 degrees centigrade midday around the emirates. In Manila it’s 32 degrees, mostly cloudy with rain showers cooling the afternoons. Rainy season always makes for an interesting scene – wet streets, people rushing for cover, the odd couple or two awkwardly sharing an umbrella, and office folks hanging out in the mall at the end of the working day, passing time until the shower stops making the commute home a little easier.

While languishing in the sticky heat of the Gulf’s merciless summer, with the sun flashing rays of migraine to your head, just the thought of cool droplets pouring down from the sky would make any Pinoy wish to be home. Or wouldn’t it?

Ask any Pinoy in the Gulf and most of them will tell you they miss rain, and for so many reasons - the sense of nostalgia or romance that it brings, the soothing and comforting sensation it creates or just the mere fact that we live in a place which is so lacking in it.

For our home-based kababayans though, it is more of a love-hate relationship and quite understandably so. The monsoons have a very

Illustrado 6

complicated persona, toeing the line between destroyer and provider, lover and enemy. To be touched by gentle rains is a blessing, but to be lashed by its sometimes-malevolent spirit could be devastating.

A lesson in weather According to the PAGASA (Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration) for a tropical country like the Philippines, rainfall is the most significant climatic element. We have two seasons – the rainy season or tag-ulan from June to November and the dry season tag-araw from December to May. Rainfall varies for different parts of the country depending on the direction of the moisture bearing winds or the monsoon – with the southwest monsoon or habagat associated with the rainy season. Mean annual rainfall in the Philippines varies from 965 to, 4,064 millimeters annually.

In comparison, here in the emirates, according to the UAE’s Ministry of Communication and Meteorology, we only get from 30 mm to 350 mm of rain yearly – no wonder we Filipinos feel so ‘dry’.

Tag-ulan is also synonymous to typhoon season. Typhoons, or bagyo as we call them, are tropical cyclones or storm systems with a lowpressure center accompanied by thunderstorms, which produce strong gusty winds and flood-causing rain.

According to wind speed, typhoons are classified into signals – 1 being the weakest for typhoons with winds from 30 to 60 kph and the maximum of signal 4 assigned to storms of over 185 kph. When signal 2 (60 to 100 kph) is announced, classes in elementary and high schools

c Photographer: Lullabi • Agency: Dreamstime.com

FEATURE

are suspended. A signal no 3 (100 to 185 kph) and 4 would mean that the country will be virtually on standstill as electricity, communication and transportation systems are hampered, while schools, offices and most establishments are closed bracing for the potential damage that such weather can bring.

Rain, rain go away…

Although students undeniably love typhoons for giving them a reason to skip school, some of these notorious tropical cyclones have left painbb ful marks on the history of the country. One of the worst typhoons the Philippines has ever experienced in recent times is last year’s ‘Milenyo’ – the strongest to hit Metro Manila in a decade, causing hundreds of deaths, displacing 1.33 million people and wrecking 146,000 houses and thousands of hectares of farmland.

With the rains also come diseases related to the season. The DOH (Philippine Department of Health) has coined the acronym WILD for waterbborne diarrheas, influenza and other acute respiratory tract inbb fections like leptospirosis and dengue, which proliferate in South East Asian countries during the monsoon months due to the interplay of host, agent and environmental factors. Hence, it is not much of a surbb prise if our kababayans back home run frantically for cover if it so much as drizzles – because the common belief is “magkakasakit ka sa ulan”.

Romancing the rain But even through the devastating storms, flooded streets, the power outages, the dreaded dengue, or just the mere inconvenience of walking through muddd dy sidewalks, rain has managed somehow to remain as romantic a phenomenon to the Pinoy psyche.

A peek at pop arts gives you a blaring clue. Just look at all those songs Filipinos have written about rain. An onbline search of recent OPM hits

on the topic of rain reveals at least 25 very popular and current numbb bers – from Ryan Cayabyab’s rebarranged Tuwing Umuulan at Kapiling Ka, to two revivals of Apo’s rain classic Pumapatak Na Naman ang Ulan done by the Eraserheads and Parokya ni Edgar, to Cueshe’s Ulan, to South Border’s Buhos ng Ulan, Basang Basa sa Ulan by Aegis, more Ulan from Bamboo, River Maya and Aryana, Karel Marquez’s Tag Ulan, Dahil sa Ulan by Soapdish, Razorback’s Tikman and Ulan, and even Rock and Roll sa Ulan by the Juan dela Cruz Band, among so many others. The songs talk about love, love lost and the longing for love, fun, nostalgia, liberation, and just about everything you can do when it’s raining.

Ask kababayans around you about what they think of rain, or what it reminds them of, and common answers would be their childhood, playing in the rain, or happily lounging at home watching the rain outbb side the window or playing taguan with their siblings during one of those ‘blackout’ nights, perhaps even the memory of a romantic epibb sode they had with an old flame, or how much they feel like cuddling when it pours. No talks of flu, how many houses got destroyed in the typhoon, or even how bad it was wading through the floods.

And then there are those who pray for the rains as a matter of necessity – for the monsoons are essential not only to cool the air and earth, but also to enable plants and other living things to exist and grow, facilitatbb ing the delicate balance in the environment So is the rainy season a friend or a foe? A familiar comfort, a destructive force or just another irritating inconvenience?

For most of us Pinoys in the Gulf, the answer is easy – it is a longing that will quench our parched spirits.

Rain is something from home that we can hold on to, even just in our minds, while we’re passing our time in this region of arid lands.

c Photographer: Janellie Althoff • Agency: Dreamstime.com

Some favorite

OPM FEATURE

Ulan Rivermaya

Hiwaga ng panahon Akbay ng ambon Sa pyesta ng dahon Ako’y sumilong Daan-daang larawan ang nagdaraan sa aking paningin Daan-daang nakaraan ibinabalik ng simoy ng hangin Tatawa na lamang o bakit hindi Ang aking damdamin pinaglalaruan ng baliw at ng ulan At sinong di mapapasayaw ng ulan?

At sinong di mababaliw sa ulan?

Hinulog ng langit Ang siyang nag ampon Libo-libong alaala dala ng ambon Daan-daang larawan ang nagdaraan sa aking paningin Daan-daang nakaraan ibinabalik ng simoy ng hangin Tatawa na lamang o bakit hindi Ang aking damdamin pinaglalaruan ng baliw at ng ulan At sinong di mapapasayaw ng ulan?

At sinong di mababaliw sa ulan?

songs

Tuwing Umuulan at Kapiling Ka Ryan Cayabyab Pagmasdan ang Ulan, unti-unting pumapatak sa mga halama’t mga bulaklak.

Pagmasdan ang dilim unti-unting bumabalot sa buong paligid tuwing umuulan.

Kasabay ng ulan, bumubuhos ang ‘yong ganda kasabay rin ng hanging kumakanta.

Ma’ri bang huwag ka nang sa piling ko’y lumisan pa hanggang ang hangi’t ula’y tumila na.

Buhos na ulan aking mundo’y lunuring tuluyan.

Tulad ng pag-agos mo ‘di mapipigil ang puso kong nagliliyab.

Pag-ibig ko’y umaapaw damdamin ko’y humihiyaw sa tuwa tuwing umuulan at kapiling ka.

Pagmasdan ang ulan, unti-unting tumitila, ikaw ri’y magpapaalam na.

Maari bang minsan pa, mahagkan ka’t maiduyan pa.

Sakbibi ka’t ulan lamang ang saksi.

Minsan pa ulan bumuhos ka’t h’wag nang tumigil pa.

Hatid mo ma’y bagyo dalangin ito ng puso kong sumasamo.

Pag-ibig ko’y umaapaw damdamin ko’y humihiyaw sa tuwa tuwing umuulan at kapiling ka.

Pumapatak Na Naman Ang Ulan

Apo, Parokya ni Edgar

Pumapatak na naman ang ulan sa bubong ng bahay, Di maiwasang gumawa ng di inaasahang bagay, Laklak ng laklak ng beer magdamagan May kahirapan at di maiwasan Mabuti pa kayang matulog ka na lang At baka sumakit ang tiyan Ang araw ko’y nabubusisi Ako ang nasisisi Bakit ba sila ganyan, Ang pera ko ay di magkasya Hindi makapagsine at ayaw naman dagdagan Ubos na rin ang beer, kaya kape na lang Lahat sinusubukan kahit walang pulutan Ang buhay ng tamad Walang hinaharap ni konting Sarap man lang Radyo, tv at mga lumang komiks Wala ng ibang mapaglibangan, At kung meron kang tatawagan Trenta sentimos ika’y makakaltasan Aha… Umiindak ang paa sa kumpas na tugtuging bago Hanggang kumpas ka nalang at di mo na alam ang tono Sa paghinto ng ulan ano ang gagawain Huwag ng isipin at walang babaguhin Mabuti pa kaya matulog ka nalang Matulog na ng mahimbing Pumapatak na naman ang ulan…

about

Ulan Cueshe

Lagi nalang umu-ulan Parang walang katapusan Tulad ng paghihirap ko ngayon Parang walang humpay Sa kabila ng lahat ng aking pagsisikap Na limutin ka ay di parin magawa Hindi naman ako tanga Alam ko na wala kana Pero mahirap lang na tanggapin Di na kita kapiling Iniwan mo ako nag-iisa Sa gitna ng dilim at basing-basa pa sa ulan Pero huwag mag-alala dina kita gagambalain Alam ko naman ngayon may kapiling ka nang-iba Tanging hiling ko sa ‘yo Na tuwing umu-ulan Maalala mo sanang may Nagmamahal sa ‘yo. Ako..

Lalalalalalalalala...

‘Ulan’

On ‘normal’ days, you see Big Ben and you think of it as nothing but one of London’s more popular landmarks. Lately however, it’s beginning to have an uncanny resemblance to Manila City Hall’s clock tower.

By Law Diche

Homesick

Victory Monument in Bangkok looks more and more like the Quezon City Circle, even Monumento.

Tokyo’s Akihabara electronic shops remind you of Raon.

And every church or cathedral you see anywhere around the world takes you back to Quiapo. Or Baclaran. Or the Manila Cathedral.

Or ‘Pe-Pau’ (St. Peter and Paul’s) Cathedral in Sorsogon for a native like me.

It’s like that Burt Bacharach ditty originally sung by Dionne Warwick, then made popular in my generation by Naked Eyes that goes:

Oh how can I forget you? When there is(All together now)

Always something there to remind me! (tada-dada-da-dadan!)

Always something there to remind me!

Yup. You’re officially homesick. You can’t eat rice without being reminded of the thousand and one pleasures of Pinoy home-cooked meals. Every bread tastes like pan de sal. And the aforementioned are just a scratch on the surface.

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To illustrate it with a more contemporary song, it’s also like Incubus’ Wish You Were Here (hey, Lito V. is that your column title’s inspiration?), that goes:

I dig my toes into the sand The ocean looks like a thousand diamonds Strewn across a blue blanket I lean against the wind Pretend that I am weightless And in this moment I am happy... happy…

I wish you were here!

(Repeat over and over if you wish) It stinks huh? You’re ‘happy’, right where you are, perhaps the country where you’ve always dreamed to live or work in – but now you would give anything in the world so your loved ones– a girlfriend, wife, child, mom, dad, bro, sis, lolo, lola… hell, how you wish the whole barangay was with you. And that’s a humongous ouch.

Not home, is sick Homesickness is defined as the feeling of unhappiness caused by one longing to be at home with family and friends when away from them. Emotional symptoms may include depression, frustration, anger, hopelessness and in very rare instances, suicidal thoughts.

When physical symptoms due to these emotional circumstances occur (called ‘somatization’ of the “di na makakain, ‘di na makatulog” kind), the symptoms are similar to common stress reaction such as cramps, ulcers, diarrhea, headaches, tense muscles, vomiting, tears, crying, withdrawal, and the like.

An analysis of pain It is upon these underlying reasons that the CIBS (Center for International Business Studies) at Texas A&M University wrote a paper that goes so far as to argue the importance of addressing homesickness as an illness.

c Photographer: Mark Aplet • Agency: Dreamstime.com

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ba ‘ka mo?

The paper Expatriates and Homesickness by Dieu Donné Hack-Polay have found physical, cognitive and behavioral evidence to support this claim.

Other than the aforementioned physical conditions, sufferers complain of lack of sleep, feeling of tiredness and eating disorders. Cognitive symptoms include obsessive thoughts about home, negative thoughts about the new place as well as a state of absentmindedness. Behavioral symptoms include apathy, listlessness, lack of initiative and little interest in the new environment.

Defense against depression Psychologists say that the best way to prevent homesickness is to spend practice time away from home. Previous experience away helps develop and refine the coping skills. But the most effective ways of coping have been enumerated as: • Keeping a positive attitude • Maintaining contact with home, through letters (traditional or electronic) • Activity – engaging in sports for instance • Enjoying what’s different about the novel environment • Bringing a ‘transitional object’ (something special from home) As always, preparation is the key. These include knowing everything about the country before one even leaves. You should be prepared for the possibility that you will suffer some social and psychological isolation for some time before you become acquainted with your new environment, physically and socially.

You should also understand that this is normal and requires time and personal or family effort.

Homesick solutions, the Pinoy way!

Homesickness as an illness of course would most likely be unthinkable from the typical Pinoy’s mind as we’ve always compared ourselves to the pliant bamboo.

So what do Pinoys do to fight homesickness?

Technology plays a major if not the top role as most Pinoys claim they use the Internet to keep in touch with loved ones and therefore survive homesickness.

Paolo A.D. Amilhasan, a Senior Graphic Designer in Dubai suggests that one gets a PC for e-mail, webcam, chat, VOIP and the like.

And while he also suggests that one should take a hobby, he takes the idea a notch higher by advising that one should enroll in educational programs which are usually sponsored by Philippine embassies.

Geran Guerrero, a Marketing Manager for a leading beer in Singapore likewise recommends the Hello Card!, which he cites as “very cheap…$10 for 45 minutes talk time.” Other than that, taking with you a transitional object as suggested by experts can make a difference. “Bring home Pinoy DVD films… kung sa Manila bihira tayo manood ng Tagalog films, when you’re out of the country, hahanap-hanapin mo,” he continues.

Mayeth Artita, a Machine Operator in South Korea, mixes it up with the locals. “Discover the local cuisine kahit over sa anghang especially kimchi. Isa pa, try to learn their culture and tradition… learn their language. I also visit their museums and other popular attractions,” she reveals.

Hester Nicolas, an OCW in Canada belts it out, birit, like we say (as she has bought a videoke system), when she feels homesick. And yes, “I always go to Filipino restaurants every Sunday after attending a mass”. That’s a two-in-one punch as Pinoys love food and are just as zealous about going to church.

Homesickness is not a one time experience as studies have also shown. It is actually a periodic affair. With the abovementioned solutions, you can change the homesickness tide. As for me, a classic never fails. Play Hotdog’s Manila.

Believe me – it’ll surely make your day.

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c Photographer: Beisea • Agency: Dreamstime.com

c Photographer: Celia Lim • Agency: Dreamstime.com

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I’ll be going home someday

By Rolando M. Fuertes, Jr

In a creepy flashback, I saw myself ten years back. I had thought then the only hope for educated Filipinos was a plane ticket out of the Philippines. So when fate called for it, I gave it a try.

When I first arrived here in Bahrain in March 1997 to work as sub-editor for the Bahrain Tribune newspaper, I couldn’t help but ask myself: So this is Bahrain, Why did I come here? Is it the right decision to leave my country, family, relatives and friends? What kind of life would I have here?

To be honest, I never thought I can muster enough courage to be away from my loved ones. My first few months here were filled with regrets for leaving my family behind, and missing a good part of my then two-summers-old son’s formative years.

Ten summers since then, I’m still here in Bahrain, enjoying every minute of my stay. I guess I wouldn’t be as fulfilled right here, right now if I didn’t endure – and survive – the hardships of my first 365 days on the island away from home.

During my early years here, I sheltered anger and animosity inside me. I despised those nights when I had to sleep alone. And I despised the days when I had to survive the hellish heat of summer, and the cold, strong winds of winter with no loved ones by my side to comfort me.

Every once in a while, I still bitterly look back at those particular moments I was forced to deal with. It’s just not fair. Of course, life isn’t fair, but it should be. I have, however, learned to derive good lessons from them. I even thank God for giving me the chance to experience the spice of loneliness because, through it, I know now what life really is all about.

The wound is slowly healing although the pain still lingers. I just hope that time will help me blur the memory. But I beg not to be misunderstood. I don’t want anyone to get the wrong impression. I’m not writing with bitterness nor sourness. I accept reality with an open mind.

If sometimes my feelings get hurt, it’s just because I’m human. I have a lot of respect and admiration for this country – and I’m proud to say that Bahrain is my second home.

The community I belong to right now is my family in this country. All people in the neighbourhood, in the office, and on the streets who accept me for what and who I am, and respect my human existence in this cosmopolitan country are all my friends.

But I should be forgiven for straddling over the Gulf with my right foot in the Philippines and the left one in Bahrain. I’ve done a lot of balancing. I’ve done my best to blend into the Bahraini society by being a part of its community.

I’ve done my best to do my part as a citizen of the community by following rules and mingling with the accommodating Bahrainis and other expatriates. At the same time, it would not be an exaggeration to say that in those ten years

Illustrado 12

I’ve been here, the thought of my homeland visits me, at least, more than once everyday.

I have enjoyed living in Bahrain while thinking deeply and consistently that my blood and skin is Filipino - that my soul is Filipino. And that my one true home is my country of birth – the Philippines!

I remember a Bahraini friend once asked me bluntly: “Would you go back to the Philippines?” That was after he reminded me about reports of labor unrest in the Philippines where unemployment is at its all-time high, salaries and other worker’s benefits are suppressed, many retrenched, and unionism either discouraged or punished altogether.

“Yes, of course,” I blurted out.

His remark, however, never had so much of an impact on me than it did that particular moment. I stood frozen. Dumbfounded. Couldn’t move.

His question struck through me as if it wanted to say something important.

Truly, it slapped me right on the face as if it was stirring me up from a deep sleep. There are moments like this when conversations would usually focus on the series of unsavory incidents in my home country. Naturally, it makes me feel defensive and think that patriotism provokes me to rationalize or justify my stand.

Maybe I’ve gotten so used to living in such situations that I use these issues for the mere sake of discussion. Most often, I would even expound objectively on certain hidden facts and nuances, which anyone would miss to see out of sheer ignorance. But deep in the inner recesses of my heart, I know that I can look at things objectively because I’ve reached a certain degree of maturity.

I view happenings in the Philippines in a bigger context of a world in crisis. I, therefore, keep a nationalist outlook on what is happening in my homeland although I often think that having been in Bahrain for more than ten years now must have made me feel like a virtual stranger in my homeland. I may have stayed too long away from home that there are times when I no longer care about what’s happening back home.

But now, as I sit pounding on the keyboard to have my thoughts registered on my computer, the thoughts of my homeland are here in the inner sanctum of my soul, letting me reminisce about the good old days back home.

Meanwhile, I enjoy the rare opportunity of earning a living in this great land that affords me to drop into my piggy bank not just a few coins each month.

But one day, material comfort will surely give way to the wishes of the soul.

Someday, I’ll be going home. Maybe not today, not tomorrow – but someday.

FEATURE

c Photography: Foto • Agency: Dreamstime.com

Medical Tourism in the Philippines

By Bernadette Reyes

The Philippines, with its large pool of world-class medical specialists, up-todate medical equipment and facilities housed in some of the cleanest hospitals complemented with the country’s magnificent wonders spread over its 7,101 islands, is fast-becoming a choice destination for medical tourism.

Medical tourism is a recent concept that fuses together the provisions of cost-effective medical care with that of tourism. Medical care may range from the provision of traditional health and wellness needs to alternative health care such as acupuncture, herbal medicine and neutraceuticals. Medical attention is then coupled with either short or longterm tourist packages in international health zones where foreign patients can recuperate and even retire.

With the improved standards of medical care and lower cost of air travel, medical tourism has become a rapidly growing industry in the Philippines. Although the country has been a destination for medical tourists for several years now, the PMTP (Philippine Medical Tourism Program) was formally launched only last year to further promote the Philippines as a preferred destination for medical tourists where cost savings are significant.

A wide range of services is being offered to medical tourists locally. Cosmetic and plastic surgeries have been the most popular procedures although other elective surgeries such as hip and knee replacements are also offered. The Philippines also have medical practitioners specializing in weight loss, ophthalmology and dentistry.

In the Philippines, prices of medical treatment are very competitive

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even when compared with rates in developed countries. Lower overhead costs and professional fees make it possible for doctors in the country to perform procedures at a fraction of the cost of the same services in other offshore destinations without sacrificing quality.

A general checkup in the United States costs US$5,000 on the average, while it will cost only the equivalent of US$500 in Philippine hospitals. Coronary bypass surgery, which clocks up US$50,000 in the US, may be availed for half the price locally. Kidney transplants can reach up to US$150,000 abroad while it will only cost roughly about US$25,000 in the country. Liposuction in other countries usually costs over US$25,000 while in local clinics, the same procedure would only cost US$4,000. The cost of health care treatment is not only rising in the US, UK, Canada and Europe; the waiting period to obtain health services and treatments in these countries is also long.

Aside from the affordable cost of medical treatment, the Philippines is also home to well-trained and highly skilled medical practitioners at par with international standards. Doctors and other medical staff are fluent in English and receive training and professional experience in some of the best schools and institutions.

c Photography: Ron Chapple Studios • Agency: Dreamstime.com

FEATURE

Filipino nurses are also one of the best, evident in the strong demand for their services and skills in foreign countries. Besides competence, they are also known for their distinct warmth, hospitality and compassion for patients.

affordable compared to procedures performed in local hospitals yet the quality of service is the same because we have trained people who execute the procedures,” Dr. Pineda said.

The Philippine Government has formed alliances with private and public hospitals to promote medical tourism. And because cosmetic surgery is one of the more popular medical procedures sought by patients, professional dermatology clinics have also ventured in providing medical tourism packages for medical tourists.

However, Dr. Ernesto Santos MMC (Makati Medical Center) director for communications and marketing division said patients may want to have their treatment done in hospitals as a safety net. “There is a deeper bench in a hospital for attending to the possibility of complications. When these [complications] things happen outside the hospital then hospitalization is subsequently required. If they are done within the hospital then you don’t lose anytime in the transition towards the need for hospitalization,” Dr. Santos explained.

Makati Med has an aesthetic center offering dermatology and cosmetic surgery, which houses the latest machines to perform such procedures. It also has centers of excellence specializing in cancer, health and wellness, and a stroke center.

Dermclinic said two of its clinics have already received accreditation to participate in the medical tourism program of the country.

Dermclinic chief dermatologist Dr. Vinson Pineda said their clinics offer competitively priced and accessible service to patients minus the crowded ambience in hospitals. “Our prices are even more

MMC is manned by doctors and staff who are properly certified and whose quality of service is at par with the rest of the world. MMC is also putting up a new seven-storey building, which will house diagnostic facilities and services, and a five-level underground parking space.

Some of the best hospitals and stand-alone specialty clinics offering world-class expertise and state-of-the-art facilities are also to be found in the Philippines.

FEATURE

Medical Tourism

c Photography: Eastwest Imaging • Agency: Dreamstime.com

c Photography: trout55 • Agency: Dreamstime.com

in the Philippines

Other private hospitals such as the Asian Hospital in Alabang and Cardinal Santos Medical Center in San Juan and public hospitals including the Philippine Heart Center, Lung Center of the Philippines, Philippine Children’s Medical Center and East Avenue Medical Center also participate in the PMTP. The 40-year old Medical City in Ortigas on the other hand claims its massive complex of buildings, state-of-the-art technology and specialized treatments conducted by its pool of 340 physicians and 500 visiting consultants makes it a prime destination for medical treatment. It has recently partnered with Concierge Medical Holidays to strengthen its position in providing superior medical tourism to its clients. Balikbayans and foreign residents originating from Guam, New York and in some parts of the Middle East can easily avail of medical tour packages being offered by Medical City because of the presence of Concierge satellite offices in these areas. “We usually receive foreign arrangements three days in advance. By the time they get here, we have already arranged their hospital treatment and schedules with doctors, booked their room reservation and even placed their hotel accommodation and transport should they need one,” Medical City manager for Relationship Management and Business Development Department Millet Escasinas said.

needs of its patients that the institution offers with its tourism packages. Some of these centers specialize in blood and bone marrow transplants, brain tumor, breast cancer, liver, rheumatology and laser to improve vision.

Medical City offers special services such as Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation, Center for Snoring and Sleep Disorder, Pain Management Clinic, and separate Wellness centers for adolescents, adults, geriatrics and women.

The country’s main attraction remains to be the beaches and marine wonders in Cebu, Palawan, Albay, Camiguin, Bohol and Boracay.

While heritage and cultural tours in historical places such as Vigan in Ilocos Sur, the Banaue Rice Terraces in Cordillera and Fort Santiago in Intramuros, are also offered.

Located in Quezon City is St. Luke’s Medical Center, a tertiary hospital which is the first medical center in the country to be accredited by the Joint Commission International. It is also the first hospital in the Philippines to be accredited by the Department of Health to participate in the PMTP. St. Luke’s has 19 centers that cater to specific

Illustrado 16

Other private hospitals such as the Asian Hospital in Alabang and Cardinal Santos Medical Center in San Juan and government hospitals including the Philippine Heart Center, Lung Center of the Philippines, Philippine Children’s Medical Center and East Avenue Medical Center also participate in the PMTP. Once the medical needs of patients have been met, medical tourists could then explore the Philippine Islands, to enhance their recovery to good health. Leisure activities range from eco-tours, adventure tours, and cultural tours.

Great shopping opportunities also await medical tourists in some of the biggest malls in Makati, Ortigas and Alabang and bargain centers in Divisoria such as the Divisoria Mall, Tutuban Mall and the 168 Mall.

Famous Filipinos

By Maripaz Febrero

It’s incredible how our famous kababayans have come to where they are now. Their stories need to be told in their entire glory, so that we can all bask collectively in their aura of celebrity and maybe, imagine ourselves in their fabulous shoes!

Allan Pineda Lindo aka Apl de Ap of Black Eyed Peas Born November 28, 1974 in Pampanga to a Filipino mother and an African-American father whom he never met, Allan is one of the founding members of the worldfamous Hip-Hop band Black Eyed Peas.

At the tender age of 14, Allan’s mom and stepfather allowed him, with his consent, to be adopted by a kind-hearted American who then took him to the U.S. to have a promising future. Leaving his family behind was unbearable for him.

Yet Allan believed that he would be better off living in a different country, in order for him to provide his family with all the pleasures that life has to offer.

Allan was in 8th grade when he began performing around Los Angeles as Atban Klann with his friend Will.I.Am in 1989. He poured his heart into singing and dancing, and became very good at it. To bury his sadness, Allan spent most of his time composing songs.

He originally composed the song Where is the Love which was Black Eyed Peas’ first great hit, dedicated to his brother who passed away. Then he wrote The Apl Song which was a mix of Tagalog and English lyrics about his stepfather and his life while he was still in the Philippines.

His life was never easy, always longing to be with his family back in the Philippines.

But after all the loneliness he’s gone through, he is now a celebrity in the music industry and a star that continues to shine all over the world. Black Eyed Peas and Apl de ap will live on in music history as legends!

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FAMOUS FILIPINOS

Batangas Students Win in 2006 World Robotics Olympiad

The latest award-winning Filipino concept: a café where robots can enjoy a hot cup of kapeng barako.

High school students from the First Asia Institute of Technology and Humanities (FAITH) in Tanauan City, Batangas won the champion’s trophy in the open category of the World Robotics Olympiad in Nanjing, China for their entry ‘Rossum’s Universal Restaurant, El Batangueño Coffeeshop’.

Kim Marco Perez, Dann Joseph Garcia and Francisco Gabriel Nuñez bested competitors from 30 schools from Singapore, Japan, Thailand, China, Denmark and Brunei, among others, in the Olympiad’s open category for secondary schools.

The Philippine team enthralled the judges with its entry, a mini diner with robot customers served by robot waiter, receptionist and multifunctional robot serving kapeng barako or Batangas-grown brewed coffee, entertained by robot musicians and secured by a ‘securitybot’ or robot security guard.

Having won the Philippine Robotics Olympiad, the FAITH high school team traveled to Nanjing for the international leg of the competition. “We wanted to use this opportunity to promote the country and our native coffee,” Placino said.

The contest in Nanjing marks the third year of the competition, which began in Singapore in 2004 and was held in Bangkok, Thailand last year.

Natalie Anne Coughlin Fil-Am member of US Olympic Swim Team

Natalie was born on August 23, 1982 in Vallejo, California, to a Filipino-Irish family, and grew up to be a member of the US Olympic swimming team. At the 2004 Summer Olympics she won two gold medals, two silver medals, and a bronze.

She won three National Collegiate Athletic Association Swimmer of the Year honors during her first three years at the University of California, Berkeley. Natalie won a gold medal at the 2004 Olympics in the women’s 100-meter backstroke event and was a member of the women’s 4 x 100-meter freestyle relay team who won silver.

She also broke a world record and won gold as a member of the 4 x 200-meter freestyle relay.

Her lead-off time was better than the time that won gold in the 200-meter freestyle individual event.

Natalie also worked as an in-studio Host for MSNBC during the 2006 Winter Olympics in Torino, Italy and was voted one of the Top 20 Best-Looking Female Athletes by a panel of Sports Illustrated swimsuit models.

There are no boundaries where Filipino talent is concerned. Whether in music, sports or science – Filipinos can’t help but be outstanding! So once again, kudos to our kababayans – you all deserve your admirable place in the sun!

FAMOUS FILIPINOS

JOKOY A Stand Up Kind of Guy

By Maripaz Febrero

JoKoy began his stand-up career in 1996 at a comedy club in Las Vegas. The city’s bright lights matched his burning passion for comedy and the stage. Soon he was making everyone laugh, and fans were impressed by the high energy and physical emotion he exuded onstage. JoKoy quickly moved from ‘open mic night’ to being one of the most requested comedians at ‘Catch a Rising Star’ - a signature show at MGM Grand Hotel and Casino.

A talent coordinator from Los Angeles spotted JoKoy and landed him his first television appearance on the nationally syndicated show BET’s Comic View.

Audiences have now laughed with JoKoy on two seasons of Comic View and watched him become a ‘Showtime at the Apollo’ winner. Since then JoKoy has performed his energetic brand of comedy for the American troops stationed in Japan, Korea, and Okinawa as part of the USO tour. He has also opened for headline acts such as Dave Chappelle (Chappelle’s Show), Mike Epps (Next Friday), and Snoop Dogg. JoKoy has also toured the college circuit as a featured comedian and performed in comedy clubs across the country.

JoKoy was born at an American military base in Japan to a Filipina mother and American father. From age six to twelve, he lived with his family at Clark Air Base in the Philippines. When his parents divorced, his mother raised him. He remarks, “I’ve been raised by Filipinos all my life. I may be half-Caucasian but I am Filipino to the core.”

He finally settled in Seattle with his family, and dreamt of becoming a stand-up comic. Watching Eddie Murphy, Robin Williams and Whoopi Goldberg in their 1980s performing heydays, he could barely wait to graduate from high school in order to break off on his own and pursue stardom himself.

Like countless other performers in the entertainment industry, the road to success wasn’t smooth. But JoKoy’s stage name he took from his childhood nickname) perseverance paid off when he finally landed an appearance on ‘The Tonight Show’ and achieved one of the most incredible and rare feats that any comic could hope for: a standing ovation on his first appearance.

With his career newly afire from that success, he found himself in greater demand and landed an appearance on ABC’s fellow late-night show ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’

He also headlined ‘Asian Elevation’ a show touted as “the premiere Asian Pacific American talent show.

JoKoy is part of a small but die-hard group of Asian-Americans who have braved the stand-up comedy world. He’s proud to be mentioned alongside Pat Morita,

Illustrado 20

Kevin Shea, Edwin San Juan, Dan Gabriel and current ‘MAD TV’ star Bobby Lee, but he feels that the time has come for Asian-American comics to truly kick in the doors to success.

On stage, JoKoy is able to elicit waves of laughter by talking about anything from bathroom habits to male-female relations to his personal stories of life with his 3-year-old son. “I owe this kid so much money; he’s now 90% of my act. It’s like living with a crazy midget.”

But his strongest barbs come in attacking the stereotypes held against his race: “Being Asian in LA means you get the worst compliments. ‘Oh, you’re Asian? I love orange chicken,” he squeals in an excited Caucasian girl’s voice. “Don’t thank Asians for orange chicken, thank the Mexicans. They know how to cook it.” He added, “Asians are always considered to be bad drivers. I drove here; I’ve got a car. We build the best cars; you don’t think we can drive them? You think an engineer at Lexus is bragging about what he built, but when asked to drive, he goes (in thick Asian accent) “Oh no, I just build cars?”

Speaking of his inspiration for material and the road he’s traveled thus far, JoKoy also notes how amazed he is to be actor/comic Jon Lovitz’s official opening act for both Lovitz’s weekly Wednesday night shows at West Hollywood’s Laugh Factory and for Lovitz’s popular national comedy tour. But as he notes, sometimes all the timing falls into place.

“They say it takes you 10 years to find your [comic] voice, and it really came around my ninth or 10th year onstage. I realized I know how to say something and say it funny, and no matter the topic, I can make it funny,” he explains.

“Some things I say are my point of view — being Asian in America and then about my son also and observational off- the-wall stuff — but it’s all delivered the same way. I’m having fun, and people just get it.”

JoKoy also hopes to have his own stand-up special inked soon with Comedy Central. “That would be my dream,” Koy says. The as-yet-untitled program is described as a variety show with elements of sketch comedy injected with JoKoy’s special brand of humor. JoKoy cited series like The Carol Burnett Show and In Living Color as influences for the potential series. JoKoy will executive produce, while his manager, Jamie Masada, is on board as a producer.

Monsoon

Fever

It’s cool, it’s hot.

It’s as disturbing as the heavy humidity that hangs in the air, and as curiously erotic as the feeling of cool water slowly dripping on your bare skin.

It’s anticipation and the promise of possibilities…

Is it the dress or the foreboding sense of rain?

Try both.

Stir your senses with the season’s sensuous slips, from Manila’s exciting young designers – and get drenched in the feverish passion of the moment.

Text: Lalaine Chu Benitez Photographer: Charles Lu of Wildbunch Studios Fashion Coordination and Styling: Pam Quinones Make-Up: Robbie Pinera for Lancome Hair: Raymond Santiago of L’Oreal Techniart Model: Chrizenda Cecilio of Calcarrie’s International Fashion: Clothes from Wanderlust, Arleen Sipat, Louis Claparols, Pia Perey, Ferdie Abuel, Hindi Tantoco for Cultefemme and Rocco.

Feature shot on location at Fernwood Gardens.

Illustrado 22

FASHION

Purple satin tube dress with rose appliqué by Wanderlust

FASHION

Champagne drop-waist jersey dress by Arleen Sipat ; chiffon couture bolero by Louis Claparols

FASHION Champagne lamé and tulle dress by Mitzi Quilendrino; bangles by Tomato

FASHION Two-tone dress with ruffle appliqué by Ferdie Abuel

FASHION

FASHION Copper bubble dress with black trimming by Pia Perey; gold bracelet by Uswim

FASHION

Beige satin dress with pearl-trimmed patches by Hindi Tantoco for Cultefemme; brocade bolero by Rocco

FASHION Shop Guide: Wanderlust, Arleen Sipat for Salsa Trends and Rocco Crossings Dept. Store.

Louis Claparols – Marni’s Room, Powerplant Mall Pia Perey – Sy-Kat Couture, Jupiter St., Makati Ferdie Abuel for Mico, Shagri-La Mall Hindi Tantoco for Cultefemme - Rustan’s Mitzi Quelendrino – Powerplant Mall

Magenta jersey dress by Arleen Sipat; bangles by Tomato; bejeweled headband by Uswim

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Views and issues of the International Filipinos

By Elle Crisostomo

c Photography: Tdoes 1 • Agency: Dreamstime.com

CRABS AND AMNESIA ATTACKS Mang Pepe is a bulig (catfish) vendor. Like other bulig vendors, he knows the slippery and ‘jumpy’ nature of his mechandise, so he sells them from a tall timba (bucket), covered with either a small piece of fisherman’s net or with something made of alambres (thin metal wires). At a stall next to him, is Aleng Gloria who sells talangka and alimango (crabs). Unlike Mang Pepe, she keeps her merchandise in separate tall drums, with barely enough water to keep some of them afloat…and never relies on any cover to keep the crawling creatures from getting out.

When asked one day by a customer on why she never bothers to put a cover on her drums, she said: “There’s no need really, crabs always manage to pull each other down.”

You must have heard this story many times, in many different versions, but all with the same lesson: Crab mentality can only make things worst for people.

In our expat world, I think we either have a crab or kabayan mentality. Quite a blunt

Illustrado 34

grouping, eh?

But all around the globe

today, the word kabayan is used by millions of Filipino expats to establish a special bond and support system. Although used so often in our daily lives, the word kabayan conjures memories of being home and of practising bayanihan; a badge of honor for millions of Filipinos who are conscious of their roots, and of the unwritten rule of ‘walang talunan’.

On the other hand, you’ve got those who subscribe to the principle of ruthless selfpreservation to ensure that they are the only

and buses. Two friends of mine used to tell me a story of how they used to lean against a building wall to get into a thin swath of shadow while waiting for a bus ride. They went through this all summer long…drenched in sweat, freak-worried that they’d stink when they walk into countless job interviews. You would have met or, in fact, know many like them. Many go through endless days, quite dazed not just by the searing heat and homesickness, but by frightening visit visa deadlines and living expenses as well.

ones at the top. They would claw and pull at the slightest hint of somebody achieving any form of success. Why? Simply because they’re – crabs.

It may be a crab’s world out there, but it doesn’t mean you have to live like one.

47 degrees and counting…that’s the temperature these days. So hot, you can easily cook an egg on a car’s bonnet with less than that…sunny side up and all. But let’s forget about breakfast for now, and think of the heat exhaustion most of the laborers go through every summer day.

Think about the excruciating temperature people go through as they wait for cabs

So what do we do? Many of us stare at them condescendingly, sometimes with contempt for reminding us of our past. We flaunt our nice suits and fancy cars to hide the scars of our own struggles, instead of offering a ride. We take every chance to discourage them on their next job application, instead of sharing our own success stories.

So easily many of us forget…

We’ve all been through long, hot summers.

Some of us come off it hardened by our will to make it against all odds, or even humbled by small triumphs. While some of us emerge from it all with egos cooked to perfection, laced with an incurable bout of amnesia.

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ILLUSTRADO PROFILE

Mikki Makes New Road

By Aby Yap

Sixteen year old Mikaela Irene Fudolig or Mikki has recently made news as she finished summa cum laude in BS Physics at the UPD (University of the Philippines, Diliman). Leading the 2007 batch of UPD graduates with a GWA of 1.099, she called on them during her valedictory speech to take not the road less traveled but make new roads instead - a challenge that she herself has taken as she treads the path to becoming a teacher in her alma mater.

True to her word, the youngest graduate that UPD has reportedly produced in years is set to teach Physics this semester. In her much celebrated speech, she has pledged: “Today, I place myself in the service of the University, if it will have me. I would like to teach, to share knowledge, and perhaps to be an example to new UP students in thinking and striving beyond the limits of the possible.”

Mikki does not mind at all that she will have to teach students her age or older than her because she is used to this kind of company. “Six years younger ako than my college peers,” she says.

And how it happened would never fail to amaze anybody who would listen to Mikki’s tale.

Mikki started nursery school at three. The following year, she was both in senior nursery and grade one, studying in the morning and playing in the afternoon. By 10, she was already a freshman at Quezon City Science High School. In the summer thereafter, she asked for permission to enroll in a college subject at UPD for knowledge enrichment. With their approval, she took up Math 11 or College Algebra, Math being her strongest skill.

She got a perfect grade in that class, so she again requested that she be allowed to continue taking college subjects for the first semester.

“Enrolled ako both sa high school and college. Iyong subjects ko sa college, pinili para maging kahawig ng high school curriculum, para kung sakali mang umayaw ako mid-sem, I can go back to high school. May fallback pa rin,” explains Mikki.

But she never went back to high school. Even without a high school diploma and a qualifying UP College Admission Test, the requirements for a UP education, Mikki was admitted at the College of Science through the College of Education’s experimental program that accelerates exceptional high school students to college level. Her thesis adviser was Dr. Jose Perico Esguerra who shared the same special case with Mikki. He was then a 13year-old high school student at the Philippine Science High School when he was enrolled at UPD in 1984.

and have the best minds, we have the capability to make new roads. We should try to open avenues for others, and I can do that through teaching.”

She typifies the rampant outsourcing jobs and migration of Filipinos as confining oneself to what is just currently available. Although they provide instant financial benefits, they may be detrimental to the country in the process.

“Some people in outsourcing jobs could have been more productive in the jobs they were trained for, where they would have been paid almost the same amount.”

Mikki recognizes that there are people who work abroad as OFWs out of necessity, and they benefit the economy through their remittances. The problem, she argues, lies in migration. “People who migrate with their families are not the ones who are really needy. They’re actually well-off, educated and usually have property here. What would happen to us kung ang mga nag-mimigrate ay iyong mauutak at matatalino?”

As she hears people constantly bash the poor state of the country as if they have given up all hope, she dares everybody to try to look for new solutions instead. For her, focus should be given on the development of Filipino productivity right here in the Philippines as an alternative to encouraging labor export. Citing the medical tourism industry as an example, she suggests: “Develop your hospitals, doctors and nurses here and get the people who have dollars to come here. In this way, you’ll keep your people here, you won’t have a shortage of medical personnel and you’ll get to earn money as a country. It may be expensive but it’s a longterm investment.”

Aware that some people may regard her as too idealistic for the real world, Mikki admits that her countrymen’s lack of confidence in themselves and feeling of powerlessness limit the Filipinos to explore possible opportunities. Thus, she professes her gratitude to her parents for teaching her the most important lesson: “Love yourself first, and then love yourself as a Filipino.”

The rest, as they say, is history. Mikki has been honored as Best BS Physics student. She is also a recipient of the 2007 Gawad Chanselor para sa Natatanging Mag-aaral, UP’s highest recognition for students’ academic performance.

She adds, “If you can make the people to love themselves for who they are at hindi iyong ‘I wish matangos ilong ko at maputi ako,’ I think doon talaga magsisimula ang kaunlaran ng Pilipinas. The best time to learn this ay kapag bata pa.”

With a brain like hers, people would often ask why she took a teaching job when she could easily go to the corporate world and earn definitely more.

Lyn Dimaano, Mikki’s mother who also taught Biology at UPD, shares that one popular broadsheet even published an open letter addressed to her daughter. It discourages her from teaching and summons her to join Ortigas or Makati offices.

As a scientist, Mikki dreams of utilizing the sun’s ambient heat to cool off summer days and inventing a ship that would not capsize. But for now, she is content to teach and to make new roads for nerds like her (yes, she is proud to be called a “nerd”) through the formalization of the experimental acceleration program that she successfully went through herself.

Says Mikki: “People will now realize that it’s possible for somebody to be accelerated and still perform well without compromising his or her emotional well-being. This would actually be putting the country’s resources to good use, the gifted children who are yet untapped kasi nalilimit ng schools.

If you accelerate them, they’ll become productive Filipinos.”

Mikki answers: “Masyado tayong boxed sa ganitong mentality kaya we don’t see other possible avenues. As the ones who had the best education

Illustrado 36

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KABUHAYAN ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Money, Assets and Investing

Sari-sari stores

By Bernadette Reyes

W

here else can you buy cooking oil that’s good for only one use? Or a stick of cigarette rather than the whole pack?

Where else but only in the Philippines in the ubiquitous sari-sari stores.

decided to convert one side of their house to a sari-sari store.

The sari-sari store is an important economic and social unit in a Filipino community. It caters to the ’tingi‘ culture of Filipinos where customer can buy units of the product rather than the whole package. Usually, these type of stores stack their shelves with basic commodities. It is designed to be convenient for those who cannot afford to buy in bulk or do not need much of it. It is present in almost all neighborhoods, sometimes even in every street.

Financial experts said there are hundreds of anecdotes about failed businesses from OFW money. OFWs send home capital for businesses like sari-sari stores to be tended by their relatives but fail to sustain later. To avoid closing shop, a sari-sari store has to sell the right products.

Remember that the increased demand for sarisari-sari in communities is attributed to the trend in consumer spending where customers visit neighborhood stores for daily needs and purchasing in small quantities or packs. Thus, inventories should include basic commodities such coffee, sugar and other breakfast supplies.

Stores near schools should sell snacks and refreshments such as softdrinks. A sari-sari store should also be flexible enough to set items in piecemeal. Sometimes, even kerosene used to light houses in rural areas are also sold in small quantities. It may also be wise to expand product line to augment income. Recently, many sari-sari stores include the sale of call cards and electronic loads (e-loads).

Because sari-sari stores cater to a wide customer base and sell readily available products, it is one of the most popular businesses among Philippine households that has provided means of livelihood for many families. Many low to medium income earning households are encourage to put up their own sari-sari store business because of the low capital requirement involved.

OFW remittance beneficiaries are no exception.

Gemma Saludez worked abroad as a domestic helper. Under a two year contract, she was able to send home some money which her husband used to put up a sari-sari store. Now the once small sari-sari store at the back of their yard has become a mini-grocery, more than enough to sustain the family’s basic needs.

A typical sari-sari store would require PHP5,000 to PHP10,000 for inventories depending on size. Another PHP1,000 to PHP5,000 is intended for space depending on the location of business.

Cost of rent is cheaper in rural areas and goes higher as it moves to more urbanized location.

At times, investors may save on rent should they

Illustrado 38

While it would take only a humble amount of investment to put up a sari-sari store compared to other business opportunities in the Philippines, interested investors are advised not to get too excited as it could be easy to lose your money when not managed properly.

And while sari-sari stores at times are literally to be found in almost every corner of the street in some communities, they have to be accessible and situated in placed with high foot traffic such as near schools and places with high numbers of residents. Being time-starved, many shoppers will opt to shop in the store closest to their homes or office to save on time. In the past, the consumer would have to inconvenience themselves to get to their store of choice.

Prices are a bit higher in sari-sari stores than in grocery stores or supermarkets but the low-income

consumer will find both on equal footing. With the high price of transportation due to increased oil prices and fares, a low-income consumer may opt to go to the neighborhood sari-sari store instead of going to the supermarket.

Aside from the availability of single-serves and convenient location, sari-sari stores have an advantage over supermarkets when it comes to providing credit and ‘personal touch’ to customers in the form of in-house credit.

Analysts have expressed bullish growth outlook for the retail sector. According to marketing research firm ACNielsen, the sari-sari store is tagged as the king of retail. According to their Asia Pacific Retail and Shopper Trends 2004 report, traditional trade through the sari-sari store has 60% share of FMCG (fast moving consumer goods) trade in the Philippines in 2003.

Sari-sari stores, being a single proprietorship is easy to register. A business name has to be registered at the DTI (Department of Trade and Industry). Obtain application forms and pay the corresponding registration and processing fees.

Then secure SSS (Social Security System) number and BIR (Bureau of Internal Revenue) registration.

All businesses no matter how small like sari-sari store have to secure a mayor’s permit or municipal license from the municipality or city where they are located.

Then depending on the type of products sold, certain sari sari stores are required to register with other government agencies. For example, stores selling rice, should register with the NFA (National Food Authority).

Now you can start your business. Keep in mind that business has the risks and not everything will go according as expected. Once you have laid down your plans and are determined to face the challenges ahead, you are ready to go.

Located In Satwa Near Iranian Hospital

All your favorite Filipino products and more...

KABUHAYAN INSURANCE

Money, Assets and Investing

Insuring Your Future

by Ben Parco

Start saving for retirement now

Previously, we discussed the economic value of a person who started work at the age of 20 and is planning to retire at 65. With a starting salary of US$10,000 yearly and a steady increment of 10% annually, the economic value of this working person is actually over US$8 million. However, the frightening fact is, according to a U.S. study, only three out of 10 people are able to save at least US$10,000 before they retire. Another study found out that 64% of retired people will be dependent on friends, relatives, charity, or the state.

A number of factors contribute to the lack of money when people retire, but the most serious ones are not starting to save early enough and giving priority to funding other things before setting up a retirement plan. It is therefore imperative to start saving for retirement today!

The Amazing Power of Compound Interest

People should start saving for retirement now because of the amazing power of compound interest. According to Albert Einstein, compound interest is “the greatest invention of all time.” It has even been referred to as the “Eighth Wonder of the World.” Compound interest is the interest earned on reinvested interest in addition to the original amount invested. Let me try to explain this in a simple way Two kabayans working in Dubai - Jose and Pedro, both 22 years old, have an extra US$2,000 per year to invest or to spend as they choose. Jose buys a plan to start saving for his retirement. Pedro, however, chooses to spend his US$2,000 for the latest electronic gadgets and other enjoyable activities because he feels he is too young to save for retirement.

Illustrado 40

In this example, Jose’s plan earns an interest of 12% per year. He saves US$2,000 per year for six years only. On the other hand, Pedro spends his US$2,000 per year for six years. After that time, he finally decides to also buy a plan saving US$2,000 per year until he retires at age 65. Pedro earns the same 12% interest as Jose does.

The table below shows the value of Jose’s and Pedro’s plans from the time they were both 22 years old all the way to age 65. Jose’s total investment is only US$12,000 (US$2,000 per year only for six years) whereas Pedro’s total investment is US$74,000 (US$2,000 per year for the last 37 years), and yet they stand to get almost the same amount at 65!

Age 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65

Jose Pedro 2,240 0 4,509 0 7,050 0 9,896 0 13,083 0 16,653 0 18,652 2,240 20,890 4,509 23,397 7,050 41,233 25,130 72,667 56,993 128,064 113,147 225,692 212,598 397,746 386,516 700,965 693,879 1,235,339 1,235,557

As can be clearly seen from the table, with compound interest, the earlier one can start saving the greater the accumulated interest on his original investment.

The Rule of 72

If you are too busy or to calculate manually how soon your money will double its value at a certain

rate of interest per year compounded annually, let me introduce “The Rule of 72” - the easiest way to figure out how your investments can grow with compound interest.

Simply divide 72 by the rate of interest. The result will tell you how long it will take the money to double its value without further savings. For example, if you have US$10,000, which is earning 6% interest compounded yearly, then the equation is 72 divided by 6 = 12.

Therefore every 12 years a US$10,000 investment earning 6% interest compounded yearly will double its value as follows After 12 years, the money will become US$20,000 After 24 years, the money will become US$40,000 After 36 years, the money will become US$80,000 To be more realistic, one may have to deduct something from the rate of interest such as plan charges, management fees, and inflation rate to come up with a net rate of interest.

Use the “Rule of 72” to remind yourself of the amazing power of compound interest and to calculate quickly how much money you have accumulated and invested over the long term for a comfortable retirement.

The Question

If you are 35 years old now and you would like to have a retirement fund of US$240,000 at age 65, how much lump sum do you need to accumulate and invest at the age of 45 to achieve your goal assuming an interest rate of 7% compounded yearly?

Email me your answers. The first 10 correct answers will receive a small gift, and most importantly you would have learned the value of understanding the ‘greatest invention of all time’.

Till then.

Ben Parco is a Dubai-based insurance specialist who has been working in the insurance and financial services industry since 1990. He is a 4-year Member of the Million Dollar Round Table, U.S.A. and is a Holder of the Financial Advisers International Qualification (FAIQ) Certificate from the Chartered Insurance Institute, UK. For inquiries or free consultation, you may send an email to benparco@eim.ae or call 050 6348511

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Larry Gamboa is a Doctor of Business Administration. He launched SGV-DDI Training and Consulting Company and managed it for ten years. He is engaged in real estate business focusing on foreclosed properties. He is the author of the best-seller Think Rich Pinoy, and the just released Grow Rich Pinoy.

Bo Sanchez is a renowned author and publisher of eight best-selling inspirational books and a much sought after world-class motivational speaker. He founded Anawim, a special home for the abandoned elderly.

Bo is also a micro-entrepreneur who teaches and writes about financial literacy. His latest best-seller is the 8 Secrets of the Truly Rich.

Kabayan, the popular seminar in the Philippines on Financial Literacy is here.

Come and learn how to free yourself from financial stagnation and how to convert your remittances to passive income!

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AED 150

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COCONUTER A young Pinoy rediscovers his roots

A River Runs Through It

By David Poarch

I awoke to the sound of birds chirping outside the window; I could see their silhouettes dancing against the glass jelosy. It felt odd but good to be sleeping in when before I was practically used to the aggravating ringing of the alarm clock ruining my biorhythm and calling forth another day of school or work.

A light rain tapped soothingly on the tin roof. Peering out the window, I saw that the sun was still in slumber as gray clouds lingered across the sky. A cool breeze and a few droplets blew through the window and were refreshing to the touch as it hit my face. I was convinced to cozy back into bed for a few more minutes to relish the moment before the clouds dispersed.

It was still fairly chilly by the time I got up, so it only seemed right to serve up some hot cocoa to warm the belly. I bought some freshly baked rolls of pandesals from a man who passes by the house every morning selling them.

Soaking the pandesals in the hot cocoa before taking a savory bite made me reminisce about performing the same habit when I was a child. The only difference was back then I used to dip the pandesals into kape with gatas, but now in my penny-pinching state, the cheaper fifty-centavo packet of cocoa would have to do.

I sat there for a while thinking what it was I should be doing. Nothing came to mind. Several minutes must have passed when I caught myself in a daze staring at the pandesal’s powdery flour floating in the brown swirls of the cocoa drink. I had no binding agenda and no schedule to follow. There were no deadlines, no assignments, no upcoming exams, and no pressing work projects or presentations. Perhaps for the first time in my life there were no worries lingering over my head and no pressure sitting on my chest. I was free.

It was awkward but pleasing at the same time. With no designated place to be, I hopped onto a jeepney and just took a ride until I felt like getting off. I looked out, searching for a place that struck my fancy. Having little traffic, the jeepney was zooming through the provincial highway. The wind

Illustrado 42

was blowing powerfully and uninhibitedly through the open-air vehicle as its gusts had my eyes squinting and my hair blowing around wildly.

A beautiful green area caught my attention so I called a halt to the jeepney, tapping the ceiling with my fingers and firmly calling out para, my eyes still fixed on the luscious greenery surrounding the place. Veering away from the highway and upon closer inspection, I discovered that a river runs through it.

This stream of life was giving birth to all this beauty.

Crisp air and clean trickling water created a refreshing atmosphere about the river. Surrounded by large mountains going past the clouds and with scattered lilies amongst a carpet of green foliage, the river was certainly a breathtaking sight to see. The water was so clear that the rocks beneath could be easily seen. I noticed that bubbles also rose up in some parts of the river, leading me to believe that an underground spring also combines with the stream.

I spotted a couple of men fishing with bamboo shafts. They glanced over at me and I waved, and they waved back. It felt relieving to be in a place where nothing was expected from me. There was no past reputation to live up to and no expectations sat on my shoulders. As I walked on, I saw some children smiling and swimming in the river having a good time. I hopped from rock to rock, pausing at times next to the water. I took a drink and it was just as clean and fresh tasting as I had expected it to be. I dipped and rolled my hands in the rushing water. Carefree and liberated from the chains of modern civilization, I played and splashed like a child delighted by the water formations I created, enjoying the newfound freedom that was now in my hands.

Letters from the edge of the teeming metropolis

By Carlito Viriña

It should be raining askals by now, but like many things in this country, the rains, too, refuse to cooperate. It’s so bad that the power sector has declared a red alert. The water in our major dams has dipped to critical levels. Power outages, and with it, water shortages are expected if the rains don’t come pronto. So, they’re seeding the clouds as always. And they fall on Makati.

Damn, there’s no dam in Makati!

How are you, my friend? Missed my dispatch? I know. I have just been busy.

But I’m back in the groove.

Hey, can you believe it’s August already? August has always been a ho-hum month for me. I can’t wait for it to end as soon as it starts. C’mon August, hurry up, will yah? Bring in the BER months! It’s pretty much like how I felt, you included I’m sure, when GMA made her SONA last month. Hah! But a lot of issues keep us from yawning long enough to get ourselves all riled up to quickly reach for our Maalox.

Big one brewing now is the presidential pardon of convicted exCongressman Romeo Jalosjos. Yup, serving two life sentences, he will be let loose soon for old age and good behavior. He had a basketball court constructed and a hamburger kiosk in the penal premises if that’s a valid measure of displaying good behavior. Good behavior of his bailiwick during the just concluded elections is more like it. The DOJ says it was an act of compassion. Tell that to the victim, right?

Speaking of releasing criminals, Malacañang also issued Executive Order 633 ordered the release of all “children” who are still languishing in jail. The order covers all juvenile cases whose crimes were committed when they were 15 year old and under. According to the PAO (Public Attorney’s Office) there are about 11,000 cases pending at end of 2006. There are 2,777 new cases for the first half of this year.

In explaining the issuance, the president said the state recognized “the vital role of children and youth in nation building.”

The rainy season has started except for the pouring rain. Days are still hot, humid sticky jeans days. And those days when it does rain it’s always timed for the afternoon rush hour which makes the long commute home a big ordeal that every employee who reaches home wet and weary, with shoes squishing like Davey Jones feels like he deserves the Medal of Honor just for making it home.

It should be raining askals by now, but like many things in this country, the rains, too, refuse to cooperate. It’s so bad that the power sector has declared a red alert. The water in our major dams has dipped to critical levels. Power outages, and with it, water shortages are expected if the rains don’t come pronto. So, they’re seeding the clouds as always. And they fall on Makati.

Damn, there’s no dam in Makati!

There’s only one day in August that I like and that is August 24, the feast day of Saint Bartholomew. San Bartolome. Yeah, him with the raised gulok. It’s a fiesta in Tañong, Malabon where I grew up. Also in my Dad’s home province in Nagcarlan, Laguna. We often go when he was still alive to celebrate the birthday of my only sister, Cynthia, there, remember?

They say the reason Saint Bartholomew is always depicted with a cleaver in his hand is because he was flayed alive, and crucified upside down like St. Peter when he was martyred. In Azerbaijan, if I’m not mistaken.

I did some sleuthing and found out that St. Bartholomew is the same person as Nathaniel. In the synoptic gospels, Philip and Bartholomew are always mentioned together, while Nathaniel is never mentioned, and in the gospel of John, on the other hand, Philip and Nathaniel are mentioned together, but nothing is said of Bartholomew. You learn something new everyday, right?

Now if they’ve been in jail for over five years and they’re now in their 20s, we’ll have a lot of “adult” ex-cons out in the streets. And nation building will be the farthest thing from their minds. It will be like Death Wish 4 in Manila.

Only Charles Bronson won’t be there to help us. Send me a visa, fast!

During his feast day, all kinds of knives from itaks and guloks (is there a difference?) to regular kitchen knives and serrated Rambo varieties are sold on the streets of Tañong in Malabon and in Nagcarlan in Laguna.

Now I have nothing against releasing kids from jail, especially those who are really innocent. But they should tread this path very carefully. The streets are dangerous enough as it is.

Maybe I’ll visit either of the two places and get me some big sharp ones.

May come in handy with all the criminal elements being released out in the streets. I’ll get some for you.

Illustrado 43

ILLUSTRADO ART WALL Pinoy creativity is everywhere – and you don’t even have to draw from the works of the masters back home to see the amazing capacity of the fertile and expansive Filipino imagination. A look at our own backyard here in the Gulf proves just the point.

Art for fun’s sake

Illustrado Art Wall features the creations of locally based visual artists encompassing a diverse range of artworks from fine to commercial arts, digital and graphic design, photography, visual merchandising, architecture, design installations, multimedia, and etc. Art Wall is a platform dedicated to support Filipino creativity locally, setting the stage for talented kababayans whose works are just too good not to flaunt.

The Brownmonkeys is a Dubai-based design collective with a moniker coined to express the group’s ‘primately’ playful approach - communicating subtle concepts while keeping the process of creating art fun and uninhibited. Composed of multi-disciplinary artists - graphic designers, illustrators, painters, musicians, photographers and videographers, the Brownmonkeys offer an alternative approach to contemporary art and design.

The Brownmonkies: L-R Josef Domer (Suavecito), Rollan Rodriguez (Dogboy), Kris Balerite (Dozign), Lewis de Mesa (Art Life Flip), Eyan Lomuntad (Monsterfunker) and Victoria Viray (Prettymonkey)

Illustrado 44

There is art, for art’s sake; and then, there’s art for fun’s sake. If you’re a child of the MTV era and monsters, ‘bastardized’ dolls, doodling, psychedelic dreams, and cockroach obsessions are your idea of youthful, angst-driven expression, then this group of Filipinos will probably make it to the very top of your ‘kewlness meter’.

In their first collective exhibit entitled ‘The Brown Project’, recently featured at the alternative culture art hub Five Green – the group showcased their brand of contemporary urban

and pop art through digital prints on canvas, ceramic figures, dolls, shirts and shoes with graphic subjects and styles echoing the youth culture zeitgeist – bold, brash, edgy, eclectic, disturbed and very much alive.

Participating artists Eyan Lomuntad (Monsterfunker), Kris Balerite (Dozign), Josef Domer (Suavecito), Lewis de Mesa (Art Life Flip), Victoria Viray (Prettymonkey) and Rollan Rodriguez (Dogboy) have taken inspiration from street design, Japanese manga, retro images, the club scene, as well as Pinoy symbolisms.

Probably not for the purists or classicists, or those who need to see oils and brushstrokes to declare art authenticity – the Brownmonkeys collective work was nonetheless, energetic and liberating, and true to their principles – an exercise in creativity without inhibitions.

As the Brownmonkeys declare, “it’s fun to be brown”.

EYAN LOMUNTAD /MONSTERFUNKER

CLAY OBJECTS: Monsterfunker friends limitted edition

PRINT: Sundance

KRIS BALERITE / DOZIGN

PRINT: she knows y

PRINT: traffik

LEWIS DE MESA / ARTLIFEFLIP

ARTLIFEFLIP SHIRTS: a. Chick prey b. fly free c. telepherique to harissa Sundance

JOSEF DOMER / SUAVECITO

PRINT: love will tear us apart again

PRINT: armada

VICTORIA VIRAY / PRETTY MONKEY

PRINT: happy pills

ROLLAN RODRIGUEZ / DOGBOY

DOGBOY SHIRT: mr. brownbag

PRINT: satwa g

Dolls: a. blank b. nakamura

Places and faces, through the eyes of a Pinoy viajero. It’s a small planet, a

PINOY PLANET

Pinoys in Cannes Kabayan Encounters At the South of France

By Mon Benitez

ette

e blvd. de la Crois

Event poster at th

Palais Des

Festival

Cannes is known for its glamorous International Film Festival, which attracts A-list movie stars. It is also famous for the Cannes Lions - one of the most important advertising events in the world. This year, the festival has drawn 11,000 of the world’s creatives, receiving 25,000 entries from over 80 competing countries.

Being in the ad fraternity myself, joined by my colleagues, this trip has proved more interesting than just your average sightseeing tour – especially because Filipinos have made a strong mark in this globally celebrated competition this time around.

The trip to Cannes from Dubai was quite long and left me feeling sluggish. Unable to book a direct flight, we took a seven-hour plane ride to Paris’ Charles de Gaulle airport, and then rode a domestic airline for another hour and a half to Nice.

Thankfully, we arrived at our destination in the morning giving us a lot of time to breath in the pleasant atmosphere. A city in the French Riviera or Côte d’Azur, Cannes is a beautiful place with a view of the nearby mountains, and where charming old buldings face sandy beaches and clear blue waters. During our trip in June, the daytime temperature was in the low 20s (centigrade), with about 18 degrees in the evenings. Being mediterranean, Cannes enjoys a wonderful year round climate, perfect for sun worshippers.

There were lots of palm trees, flowers of the season and lush vegetation, cobbled side streets with quaint al fresco cafés and luxury designer boutiques. Leisurely strollers, a mixture of locals, tourists and ad festival delegates dressed casually, but elegantly, fill the streets. The place had a relaxed air about it, vibrant but not too busy, and everywhere you looked, there are signs of a place frequented by people who love the arts and the good life.

Illustrado 48

We bunked at the Pavillon Riviera, a modest hotel apartment with 16 studio-type accommodations at the shady rue Branly, a three-minute walk from the beach. I was very surprised when a Filipina appeared to usher me to my room. A Pinay in Cannes? I was suspicious during my first trip here two years ago – having faintly overheard what sounded like Tagalog, while walking in one of the quiet backstreets. It turns out that there are three of them working here at the hotel!

With Aling Elma, Aling Lina and Aling Annie in the house, my stay at the Pavillon became surreally pleasant. I had three motherly kababayans taking care of my room, who spoiled me with homemade kutsinta and engrossed me with ‘kababayan stories’ of Pinoy life in Cannes.

They told me that there is quite a community of Pinoys in the city. Our kababayans work at the airport, in hotels, and in homes.

Apparently, the locals like employing Filipinos (not a surprise to most of us) and a lot of the Pinoys have been able to establish a decent life for themselves there. In my week-long stay in the sunny South of France, I was able to catch a glimpse of their life.

PINOY PLANET The next couple of days were spent going to the Palais de Festivals at the picturesque Boulevard de la Croisette – a center of cultural events, and of course, the venue for the Cannes film and advertising festivals. The Palais has a huge space for exhibitions, 18 auditoriums, and is equipped with stateof-the-art facilities.

ett Philippines

Team Leo Burn

My colleagues and I immersed ourselves in the festival activites – viewing numerous exhibits, attending film showings (TV commercials) and attending creative workshops, while judging for the various contests went on. Awards for the day’s categories were given each evening at around seven, and thereafter it’s party time for the festival attendees.

There were a lot of social events during the festival – gatherings organized by the festival management and by specific advertising agencies. With great food, free- flowing wine and spirits, there was extra incentive to stay up late every night. Though on some occasions, our group opted for quiet dinners in some of Cannes numerous restaurants, where we sampled superb mediterranean food.

Joel Lim Creative Director chocoat BBDO Phils.

Editor-in-chief Angel Gurrero- Adobo’s BBDO Phils. of lsh We on and Sim

The festival was truly a melting pot of different cultures. I have met so many different people from all over the world. But being a true blue Pinoy, I was most excited to connect with kababayans. Among the noteable Filipinos I have met are the team from Leo Burnett Manila, a Procter & Gamble Brand Manager based in China, Angel Guerrero the Editor-in-Chief of Adobo Magazine (the publication of the advertising and media community in the Philippines), as well as Philippine Inquirer VP for Advertising Pepito ‘Mang Peping’ Olarte, a ‘Pinoy magnet’ and our country’s official representative to the festival.

I was most especially proud to know that the Philippines was very wellrepresented in this year’s event. We had a Filipino who is the first South East Asian Cannes jury president, David Guerrero, Chairman of BBDO Guerrero Ortega. And on top of the amazing number of finalist entries from our country, we have also managed to bag our first gold Cannes Lions won by J Walter Thompson in the radio category. Three more Cannes Lions were awarded to BBDO Guerrero Ortega for Outdoor (silver and bronze) and Press (silver) competitions. In the Young Creative competition, the two very talented young Pinays from Leo Burnett Philippines also won a Silver Lion.

Yes, Filipino creativity is world class and it can’t be denied!

rnett-Mena

My team Leo Bu

Advertising people from around

Mang Peping fro m Philippine Inqu and Raul a P&G irer Brand Manager based in China

the globe

Awards Night at the Palaiis Des

Alle’es de la liberte

Festiva Auditorium

Creatives from LOWE Philippines

Places and faces, through the eyes of a Pinoy viajero. It’s a small planet, a

PINOY PLANET

Pinoys in Cannes Kabayan Encounters At the South of France

By Mon Benitez

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Cannes is known for its glamorous International Film Festival, which attracts A-list movie stars. It is also famous for the Cannes Lions - one of the most important advertising events in the world. This year, the festival has drawn 11,000 of the world’s creatives, receiving 25,000 entries from over 80 competing countries.

Being in the ad fraternity myself, joined by my colleagues, this trip has proved more interesting than just your average sightseeing tour – especially because Filipinos have made a strong mark in this globally celebrated competition this time around.

The trip to Cannes from Dubai was quite long and left me feeling sluggish. Unable to book a direct flight, we took a seven-hour plane ride to Paris’ Charles de Gaulle airport, and then rode a domestic airline for another hour and a half to Nice.

Thankfully, we arrived at our destination in the morning giving us a lot of time to breath in the pleasant atmosphere. A city in the French Riviera or Côte d’Azur, Cannes is a beautiful place with a view of the nearby mountains, and where charming old buldings face sandy beaches and clear blue waters. During our trip in June, the daytime temperature was in the low 20s (centigrade), with about 18 degrees in the evenings. Being mediterranean, Cannes enjoys a wonderful year round climate, perfect for sun worshippers.

There were lots of palm trees, flowers of the season and lush vegetation, cobbled side streets with quaint al fresco cafés and luxury designer boutiques. Leisurely strollers, a mixture of locals, tourists and ad festival delegates dressed casually, but elegantly, fill the streets. The place had a relaxed air about it, vibrant but not too busy, and everywhere you looked, there are signs of a place frequented by people who love the arts and the good life.

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We bunked at the Pavillon Riviera, a modest hotel apartment with 16 studio-type accommodations at the shady rue Branly, a three-minute walk from the beach. I was very surprised when a Filipina appeared to usher me to my room. A Pinay in Cannes? I was suspicious during my first trip here two years ago – having faintly overheard what sounded like Tagalog, while walking in one of the quiet backstreets. It turns out that there are three of them working here at the hotel!

With Aling Elma, Aling Lina and Aling Annie in the house, my stay at the Pavillon became surreally pleasant. I had three motherly kababayans taking care of my room, who spoiled me with homemade kutsinta and engrossed me with ‘kababayan stories’ of Pinoy life in Cannes.

They told me that there is quite a community of Pinoys in the city. Our kababayans work at the airport, in hotels, and in homes.

Apparently, the locals like employing Filipinos (not a surprise to most of us) and a lot of the Pinoys have been able to establish a decent life for themselves there. In my week-long stay in the sunny South of France, I was able to catch a glimpse of their life.

PINOY PLANET The next couple of days were spent going to the Palais de Festivals at the picturesque Boulevard de la Croisette – a center of cultural events, and of course, the venue for the Cannes film and advertising festivals. The Palais has a huge space for exhibitions, 18 auditoriums, and is equipped with stateof-the-art facilities.

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Team Leo Burn

My colleagues and I immersed ourselves in the festival activites – viewing numerous exhibits, attending film showings (TV commercials) and attending creative workshops, while judging for the various contests went on. Awards for the day’s categories were given each evening at around seven, and thereafter it’s party time for the festival attendees.

There were a lot of social events during the festival – gatherings organized by the festival management and by specific advertising agencies. With great food, free- flowing wine and spirits, there was extra incentive to stay up late every night. Though on some occasions, our group opted for quiet dinners in some of Cannes numerous restaurants, where we sampled superb mediterranean food.

Joel Lim Creative Director chocoat BBDO Phils.

Editor-in-chief Angel Gurrero- Adobo’s BBDO Phils. of lsh We on and Sim

The festival was truly a melting pot of different cultures. I have met so many different people from all over the world. But being a true blue Pinoy, I was most excited to connect with kababayans. Among the noteable Filipinos I have met are the team from Leo Burnett Manila, a Procter & Gamble Brand Manager based in China, Angel Guerrero the Editor-in-Chief of Adobo Magazine (the publication of the advertising and media community in the Philippines), as well as Philippine Inquirer VP for Advertising Pepito ‘Mang Peping’ Olarte, a ‘Pinoy magnet’ and our country’s official representative to the festival.

I was most especially proud to know that the Philippines was very wellrepresented in this year’s event. We had a Filipino who is the first South East Asian Cannes jury president, David Guerrero, Chairman of BBDO Guerrero Ortega. And on top of the amazing number of finalist entries from our country, we have also managed to bag our first gold Cannes Lions won by J Walter Thompson in the radio category. Three more Cannes Lions were awarded to BBDO Guerrero Ortega for Outdoor (silver and bronze) and Press (silver) competitions. In the Young Creative competition, the two very talented young Pinays from Leo Burnett Philippines also won a Silver Lion.

Yes, Filipino creativity is world class and it can’t be denied!

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My team Leo Bu

Advertising people from around

Mang Peping fro m Philippine Inqu and Raul a P&G irer Brand Manager based in China

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Awards Night at the Palaiis Des

Alle’es de la liberte

Festiva Auditorium

Creatives from LOWE Philippines

PINOY PLANET

PINOYS

IN CANNES On a respite from festival fever, I went to explore the city’s quaint side streets. A have met a couple of Pinoy residents some days back at the beach, but today must have been a lucky day because I stumbled onto a Philippine grocery – in Cannes, of all places! Aling Nita, the owner, is an entrepreneur who has lived in Cannes for the last 15 years. She also manages a restaurant and some apartments. She was proud to tell me of her humble beginnings – apparently, 20 years ago she was a domestic helper in Saudi Arabia. Another Pinoy success story!

Pinays At The Pavilion Riviera

Being a Filipino ‘chicheria addict’ I scanned the store for delectable snacks from home and brought back to my hotel a pack of chicharon baboy, Boy Bawang, Lucky Me noodles and some coconut drink. I wondered whether those would match the cured ham and wine I bought from the delicatessen the other day. Hmmn…? Even with the choice of the most sophisticated French nibbles and gourmet cuisine, a Pinoy would always opt for a taste of home – I won’t trade my chicharon for anything!

I left Cannes after a week of creative stimulation, endless partying and interesting encounters with kababayans in a place where you least expect it.

It was a very heart-warming to meet Filipinos from different walks of life, and it boosted my spirits to see that we’re not only good employees out there in Cannes, we are also stars in one of the most respected ad festivals in the world!

Philippine Store at 22 rue Jean Jaurés 06400 Cannes

Chapelle Sainte-Anne

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Aling Nita- Philippine store owner

ILLUSTRADO MODEL SEARCH

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Are you a photogenic Pinoy with a sparkling personality that shines through? Do you love being in front of the camera?

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Agua de grande

BAKASYON GRANDE

I

love riding buses but not longer than six hours, maybe eight max.

Yet there I was, with friends, enduring almost 12 hours in an all- pink bus and I don’t even like pink, or was it magenta? I am not so sure now. I had migraine through most of that night trip. Yet minutes after reaching this coastal resort town in the northernmost tip of Luzon, I felt different. It felt good to be finally in Pagudpud.

Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte consists of 16 barangays spread across 83 square miles. It’s about 45 miles north of Laoag City, the provincial capital, and about 350 miles north of Manila. It is bounded to the south by the town of Bangui, and to the east by the Cordillera Mountain Range, the town of Adams and the province of Cagayan. On the west and north is the South China Sea. Quite a huge area to cover for one weekend but that was fine with us. We came for the beaches and the coastlines.

The pink Florida bus line at Forbes St. near España, Manila goes directly to Pagudpud daily.

You can also take any Laoag bus and from there ride a mini bus to Pagudpud. It’s always preferable to take the night trip for long distance bus rides. Ten, twelve hours would seem like a breeze if you’re the type who can sleep on demand and remain oblivious to your seatmate’s most determined effort to discourse on the latest ‘startalk’. Unfortunately, I have never been a good bus sleeper nor am I adept in the fine art of playing ‘dedma’ to overfriendly bus mates. Ergo, the migraine.

From the bus station we took a tricycle to Villa Del Mar Resort, one of several resorts along Saud beach. We got their Anahaw suite which had a great view of the beach right out front — and I mean really close — that when we woke up the next morning, I wondered whether it was the beach that had a better view of us. A few more steps down our porch was the resort’s halo-halo stand manned by a teenage girl who was so busy being sweet to her male friend, she served our group enough sugar to make our hearts flutter critically for a few minutes. So much for mixing business with pleasure.

They say the reality of travel is often never what we anticipate – one can get either something different or worse, something disappointing.

Early on I’ve learned that it’s far more realistic and more rewarding to always expect something different. So far I haven’t been disappointed.

Pagudpod

Text and photographs by Lisa Cruz

attractions. First must-detour is the Bantay-Abot rock formation. From afar it looked like one huge rock with a hole. It got more interesting when you we went closer and into that hole. The other side reminded us of a scene straight out of Indiana Jones’ last crusade movie.

We spent the rest of the afternoon until sunset, walking the whole stretch of Saud beach from our resort to as far as our feet can take and back. The sand is not as pristine white as Boracay’s but it sure comes close in softness.

One of the best things about Pagudpud is that despite its beaches being open to the public, it has managed to maintain a certain order and cleanliness, much like that of private beaches.

was Poblacion beach located a few kilometers from our resort. It’s the only dark sand beach in Pagudpud. Legend has it that a witch disguised as an old woman who was treated badly by some townsfolk decided to curse what used to be a beautiful white sand beach and turned its sand into black. The area seemed more suitable for fishing than swimming. We saw several fishermen weaving their nets and cleaning their boats while teenage boys played a half court game of basketball. We didn’t see any women but there were children playing everywhere. A whole swarm of them descended on me when I tried to take a picture of some boats. Gleefully, they jockeyed for position in my viewfinder filling every inch of my succeeding frames with their faces and laughter.

The next day, we set out to take a quick peek at the other beaches around the coastline. First stop

On our way to Maira-ira beach (also known as Blue Lagoon) we came across a couple of non- beach

When we finally reached Blue Lagoon, the sky had turned so cloudy — its waters a pale blue

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As we went through the highway, we saw the Patapat Viaduct – an elevated 1.3 km concrete coastal bridge connecting Maharlika Highway from Laoag, Ilocos Norte to the Cagayan Valley region. It starts from the Cordillera Mountain Range, then snakes through Northern Luzon.

Located more than 16 kilometers from the town proper, the viaduct was constructed to prevent landslides in the area as well as to provide motorists a great view of Pasaleng Bay.

BAKASYON GRANDE Casa Teresita — far from the deep blue that its name suggests.

The beach looked so deserted with only a couple of beach attendants at the entrance that we quickly decided to proceed to our next stop. But not before one of us got bitten by several jumbo red ants on her way back to the car. Maybe the blue wanted us to stay longer. When we didn’t, it turned red and bit. Oh.

Saud beach

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Boats and smiles at Poblacion beach

Next stop was Agua Grande – a resort filled with the freshest coolest waters arranged in mini pools and mini waterfalls. You can feel the cool but you don’t shiver. The effect is like a slow massage that builds up in your skin, refreshes it, then lingers.

The experience is definitely worth coming back to especially on hot summer days.

A must-try is the trek to Kabigan falls. It’s a little over eight kilometers away from Pagudpud town proper. It’s more popularly called Kaibigan Falls, referring to the two waterfalls of different sizes, so named like two inseparable friends. For a small fee, we got a guide near the forest entrance to accompany our eager group of wannabe hikers.

The half hour trek was hot and humid, but the sights and sounds of passing through several rocky, slippery and shallow rivers were quite a treat for our group who probably looked more like Looney Tunes characters falling over each other every step of the way. The golden reward at the end was of course the free frolic into the fresh pure waters of the falls. Friendship never tasted so good.

Pannzian beach and Casa Teresita looked very similar — except for the latter looking better maintained. We came in and went. Both beaches were deserted when we got there, which was a few weeks after the Lenten Season. The prices won’t be a stretch for tourists on a budget al-though getting there might be. Both beaches are less than ten kilometers from town proper but best if you rent a tricycle to get you to the inner roads.

The Bantay abot rock formation

Finally, there’s Hidden Treasure, which, true to its name, seemed way too hidden. The drive took us deep into dirt roads with dust so thick, the car looked like a Pinatubo relic afterwards.

Upon reaching the resort, a brief but stinging sandstorm greeted us as we tried to get out of the car. As we ran towards the gate, I strained to catch any signs that this treasure ought not to stay hidden. True to form, the breathtaking view from the entrance to its man-made ridges didn’t disappoint. The place looked grand with the row of huts cascading side by side with the stone stairway that carved its way from the cliff down to the shoreline. It wasn’t the best beach but it was still a treasure to behold and yes, different. That was enough for us.

MANILA TRIPPIN’ Are you young? Are you hip? Fashionably empowered by a lucrative career?

The idea of the P.I. being a poor backward third world country blows up in your face here. Welcome to the small and ridiculously expensive world of the teeny bopper and twenty something big rollers. Step into the zone, the strip referred to with bated breath as...

Metrowalk

By Mike Martin

By Carlito Viriña

s

itting right smack at the heart of the posh Ortigas Avenue enclave, this strip, which is but a series of city blocks all told, is a prime watering hole for the young-ish crowd with plenty of time and moolah to boot. With luxury malls Shangri-la and The Podium within striking distance, you get a fair picture of the crowd’s demographics. Teen idols frequent the strip, as well as the denizens of the exclusive subdivisions in the surrounding area. As the case would be, we’re talking about affluent people here, whom oldies call Class A and B. When I say loaded, by golly gosh wow - I mean loaded.

Your brand spanking new BMW 3.16i mounted on 100gs worth of Schnitzer rims look ordinary in the parking lot which is overflowing with Ford Explorers, Porsche Boxters, Benz C190s, Audi TT Quattros, and a host of eye candy rides you would have otherwise thought uncommon in the country. Oh yes drool. I did.

Being considered a strip means of course that it is a roll-the-dice-and-pick-your-tommy-gun kind of place, and you get a lot of. The place boasts

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of an impressive choice of bars, restaurants and coffee shops to suit the tastes of the jadedmuch-too-soon hip young crowd. It is set up in a way that you could choose to go there everyday of the week and definitely have something different to trip on - heaven on a platter for the kiddies with short attention spans.

The strip is not at all as expensive as rumors go, since normal watering holes are quite firmly represented in the area. Coffee giant Starbuck’s and mucho cheapo bar/grill Decades are present to validate the point. We will be doing an in depth review of the shops in the due course, but right now it would be more about what the area represents for the metro. This is, bet your last peso on it, one of the nerve centers of Manila’s 3G generation, with the atmosphere charged with all of the vitality of youth and its endless possibilities. These are the lucky ones, scions of the city’s upper crust, or members of the recently empowered; jaded and yet innocent at the same time. Everywhere you turn, you encounter eyes that are full of hope, strong and unafraid. I almost felt young, strolling through the Metrowalk.

I hopped around, as is customary when dropping by for the first time. A beer here with pork sisig (everyone has them nowadays it seems), a Jack Coke there, grilled pork chops and Arctic Vodka, Johnny Black and breaded squid, Vodka Mudshake and onion rings to finish things off.

I believe there might be an ice cream shop somewhere, although I got buzzed way too early to be certain. Anyway I was on wallflower mode, watching people drift in and out from the safety of a table and glass of alcohol. It wasn’t a surprise that at 2:00 am, there were still groups arriving. Too bad the shops do not stay as late as their Makati or Eastwood counterparts.

Metrowalk is the exact opposite of the other strip located in Manila, The Baywalk. No romantic, old-world-meets-new notions here. This is 21st century Manila in its entire progressive affluent post-indio splendor. And in all its deliciously fresh decadence. These are the happy hunting grounds of the noveau burgis (bourgeoisie to the non-Pinoy readers). It’s the crowd that drives the culture here - make no mistake about it. When you go to the Metrowalk, you go to be seen. Ah, to be young and affluent in this time and place!

A deadly pain in the nape

MANILA TRIPPIN’

In search of the best bulalo

By Carlito Viriña

“No Fear!” The logo is embroidered on the boxing trunks of Filipino champion Manny Pacquiao. Given his martial prowess in the ring, Pacquiao embodies one aspect of the Filipino psyche that sends But those Bulalo places that shivers up the spine of those who find themselves provided us with a gastronomic on our bad side. We didn’t get the moniker flips for experience worth reminiscing about in nothing. our fading youth we never forget. I have my Top 10, as I’m sure most of you do.

“No Fear!” could also describe the

Filipino eating habits. We are just as brave in ingesting some of the deadliest foods known to man.

Westerners cringe when they see us happily wolf down balut, like there’s no tomorrow. The infamous fetal duck eggs have been voted into the world’s top ten lists of stomach-churning foods.

Any five-star Surgeon General would faint when they see what’s on our diet. And what could be deadlier in anyone’s diet than our guaranteed pain in the nape Batangas Bulalo.

You order Batangas Bulalo steaming hot, and you have to consume it while it is because the fat solidifies fast as it cools. May not be a bad idea to ask the waiter to turn off the ceiling fan or the AC. I am a bulalo addict. I have been to ‘cholesterol heaven’ and lived to tell the tale. I have the high blood pressure and a platinum Lipitor preferred customer card in my wallet to prove it. My cholesterol level is chart-topping. Even better than Hanson’s when their Mmm Bop! song came out.

You never forget your first time. This is why I never forget Hoseña’s in Kalentong.

The dark narrow staircase that leads to the second floor dining area where the horns of once mighty bulls are displayed on the walls (on the ground floor is Hoseña’s bakery, if you must know). The tacky plastic pink and orange flowers in Blend 45 glasses at the center of the tables beside the patis and the saucer filled with siling labuyo and calamansi.

I remember, in my younger days, my gang and I would always drop by Hoseña’s around three or four in the morning after liver-busting drinking binges, and order up steaming Batangas Bulalo soup with extra orders of rice for everyone. Redeyed rockers stricken with an acute attack of the munchies after an uneventful gig would be in nearby tables attacking the juicy bones like rabid Dobermans.

Next on my list is the famous Rose & Grace.

Anyone who knows their bulalo had surely driven to Sto. Tomas, Batangas and stepped into this bulalo heaven. Like any restaurant, other dishes And like many fearless gourmands, I’ve been are offered, of course, but it just feels like such through countless restaurants which serve this a heinous crime not ordering a steaming bowl of delectable, insidious dish. I raise a howl when they Batangas Bulalo when you’re in a place whose do not provide a long, slim knife for scraping the specialty is bulalo. meat clean from the bone and a sturdy bamboo Recently we spied and tried out a spin-off resto skewer (barbeque stick) to entice the rich, yellow gooey marrow, the utak, out from inside the hollow called Grace, Sister of Rose (not kidding), also in Sto. Tomas, but closer to the SLEX exit. As center of the shin bones. expected, it was a good evil twin.

Yes, like any bulalo buff, I have scraped and Nearby but on the opposite side crossing the sucked the marrow.

SLEX and going towards Calamba, there’s Aviles Some of the restaurants I’ve been to offer good at your left. Pwede din! enough Batangas Bulalo, but I guess not good If you have the craving but do not have the mood enough for me to remember their names.

for driving far, there’s Ka Insang on Evangelista Street in Pasay City.

It’s closer to EDSA than to Pasay Road.

There are quite a number of bulalo places around that area but evidently this is the most popular.

You cannot call yourself a bulalo addict if you haven’t tried Sosing’s along Zobel Roxas, corner of Dian in Makati. Definitely a ‘two extra rice experience’.

If you’re in Mandaluyong, just a short jaunt from the Mandaluyong city hall rotunda, near the corner of Boni Avenue is RJ’s. It’s open 24-hours, and ala Ma Mon Luk, has a gallery of pictures with celebrities who’ve enjoyed their famous bulalo. I remember seeing a snapshot of Kris Aquino, Boy Abunda, PBA cagers and other celebrities who may now also be taking maintenance for high blood pressure.

In Las Piñas, there’s Manang Bucu. Ideally located right beside the Mercury Drug branch near the Philam Village gate.

There’s one bulalo place, also open 24 hours, behind the hospital at the Welcome rotunda. The name escapes me now. Not sure if it’s Ramirez or Rodriguez. I tried it a couple of times and all those times I was in a bit of a stupor. But believe me, it’s there. And any tricycle driver in that area would take you there.

Two must-visit bulalo places if you’re north of Manila or on your way up north to Zambales or Olongapo are Aling Conching in Lulumboy, Bocaue and Aling Nena in Marilao. Both places are right near their respective NLEX exits. You can’t miss them.

Next time you’re back here, it may be worth your while to make your own bulalo list and revisit some of them. What’s a little pain in the nape?

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The view from your regular Juan dela Cruz on the street

Usapang Kanto Compiled by Jonie Jose

Do you love or hate

tag-ulan?

Of course I love tag-ulan because it reminds me of my home country and my childhood memories. Here in Dubai we experience rain once in a blue moon, but you can’t enjoy it because rain here is sometimes accompanied by sand. Also there is no way you could enjoy it because of strict work commitments, unlike in the Philippines where you can freely do whatever you want. It is even the best time to relax. That’s what I love about the rainy season.

RODNEY ARDONA

Time to meditate

I love tag-ulan! Minsan lang kasi ito kung dumating. Specially nowadays, medyo delayed ang tag-ulan. Oftentimes, rainy season na hindi pa umuulan. For me it’s best to meditate when it’s raining. The environment gives you peace of mind to think and plan for many things. It’s also the time to have fun with family members. Siyempre pa it’s also romantic when you’re with your girlfriend.

CARLOS PASION

Childhood memories

Rain and lovers

Rainy days are happy moments especially for lovers, because it is cold and you always need hugs and kisses to keep you warm.

ANGEL CANTOLLAS

It’s a mess

Rainy days are disturbing to all commuters. It would always be a mess going from one place to another with your shoes and clothes wet.

I hate it because I’m not comfortable with it.

PAMELA SARMIENTO

Beat the heat

I love rainy days because it breaks the monotony of the heat. Rainy days bring a whiff of freshness, a soothing respite from the stifling heat that dominates this desert region. After a long, self-imposed confinement within cramped flats and villas, many people get the chance to spend more time outdoor and enjoy the beauty of nature - the trees, the flowers, the winter chill and even the temperate sun.

IRISH EDEN R. BELLEZA

Tuyo pag umuulan

I love getting wet... I love tagulan! It brings back memories of my childhood.

Also, you know pag rainy season madalas - no school.

One more thing is the scent of pritong tuyo, sinangag, lugaw o champorado. Nakaka-miss talaga! That’s why I always see to it that my vacation is during the rainy season back home.

MARIA WILSON

Raindrops keep fallin’ …

I love tag-ulan, of course, because this is the time when you can rest at home and listen to the raindrops falling. It also brings a lot of memories from your childhood years - playing outside the rain with your kababata.

Though it rains sometimes here in Dubai, its nothing compared to the rain back home especially when you have your champorado and tuyo….

MARLON MANGA

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Rain, rain go away...

I would rather say I don’t like it!

Wala namang dahilan for me to hate tag-ulan. I am an outgoing guy. I love playing basketball and going out with friends. For me it’s better to hang-out with friends and play basketball when it’s not raining. Hassle free all the time.

MARK DARADAL

Time to bond

When it rains, it pours

Sometimes I hate it, sometimes I love it. I hate it kase kung tag-ulan no gimiks at all, as in sa house ka lang.

Nakakaloka yun di ba! Minsan love ko din kase and sabi nila kapag umuulan swerte kase may blessing na darating at siyempre enjoy maligo sa ulan.

ANNALYN GUTILBAN

I love rainy days because it gives me the chance to stay at home and watch all the great movies I missed in the year. It also allows me to meditate and spend more time with my family. Obviously, pagumuulan, most of the family members are at home, so it’s a perfect time for bonding.

HUGH WILLIAM PEDRON

Stepping out of the proverbial ‘kabayan box’ beyond Pinoy cafeterias and videoke

PINOY ABOUT TOWN

BUR DUBAI:

WANDER AND WONDER They say everything must come with a fee, if you want to have fun in Dubai. And this fee can be as tall as the Burj Dubai. But there are still things that are priceless for a Scrooge like me.

By Aby Yap for as low as DHS 10 for a shirt. Though they come in extreme broken sizes, from XXS to XXL, you might want to start collecting for your pasalubong to your Giordano-crazed relatives when you come home to the Philippines for a vacation. It was a total high for me when I found out the children’s caps I bought for DHS 10 costs PHP300 at Giordano in SM Megamall!

I

’m talking about Bur Dubai. If you could only picture the bus station and Carrefour Shindagha, it means you have not really explored this charming and inexpensive area of Dubai.

If you love just walking around, window-shopping and spending as little money as possible as I do, then this piece is for you. So let’s sing ‘hawak-kamay’ and journey through Dubai’s present-day happenings and back to the old times when none of the skyscrapers have yet existed.

Walking away from the bus station and down towards the Bur Dubai area would give you a glimpse of what ‘cheap’ is. The flashy Beauty Night shop adorned with fake pink flowers should be hard to miss.

There, you would find a wide variety of things for sale, really cheap ranging from kitchen utensil, home decors, and souvenir items to ‘kikay’ stuff. Don’t expect too much as it would be unfair to compare the design and quality to those which you might buy in IKEA, but it is still worth visiting this shop to check if there is anything to your liking.

After all, the Pinoy is known to be an excellent hunter for best deals, hence, the ‘ukay-ukay’ phenomenon. Before, we got to buy a mug and an eyelash curler worth DHS 2 each plus a wooden clothes hanger for a measly DHS 5, and they are still ‘alive’ up to this day. The cashier even gave us cute billiard ball key chains for free.

From this point, be adventurous and wander the streets. You would definitely see the bright lights and hear the blaring disco music from Pancho Villa’s restaurant, where you would also be greeted by an Indian guy at the sidewalk, “Pare/ Mare, bili na, mura lang,” referring to his copy watches of Gucci, Diesel, DG and other brands. Bargain and you might get a watch for DHS 10. Just walk a bit more and immerse yourself in the sight-seeing, browsing shops selling all kinds of wares – jewelry, shoes, clothes, watches, electronics, perfumes etc. Never fail to go inside Giordano as they offer the previous season’s clothes

Once you tire from this ‘modernity’ just stay on the left side of the area and head towards the old-fashioned Bur Dubai souk where more of us expats abound. A number of them are usually busy taking photos of the classic architectural style that characterizes this market - from the detailed heavy wooden doors and walls to the hanging lamps. The wares available here are more cultural-oriented – Pashmina shawls and scarves, traditional Indian dresses and shoes, Arabic kondura and abaya, Iranian bags and pouches to name a few.

For a moment’s rest, go outside where the seagulls hang out and breathe the salty air of Dubai Creek. If you are on a romantic date, why not try riding an abra (local boat) for DHS 1 per person? If you think being alone is perfect for some moments of muni-muni then sit on one of the benches fronting the creek. If you brought your tropa with you, check out one of the restaurants along the creek and order Arabic or Lebanese dishes and experience the different flavors of shisha.

Of course, learning the culture of one’s place also means appreciating its simple past. In the Shindagha area, you are free to wonder at the UAE’s history through the late Ruler Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum’s House for an DHS 2 entrance fee. You can also visit Obaid and Juman Bin Thani Bin Majed’s house (for free) where you can view exhibits on Islam and the Heritage Village. Personally, I find the third one most fascinating as it features a display of Emirati life before the discovery of oil. Daily activities like cotton weaving, falconry and pearl diving, among others, are all vividly captured in life-like replicas. Souvenir stores here also offer the best deals when it comes to shopping for what to me is authentic Dubai pasalubong especially if you practice the art of haggling. I should know - I did all my shopping here for my homecoming during the Christmas holidays.

So who says that nothing is free in Dubai? Just wander about…and see the wonder that is Bur Dubai, and prove them otherwise.

Illustrado 57

FILIPINISMS

Pinoy MisQuips

Bihasa talaga tayong mga Pinoy sa Ingles.

Sa katunayan, mayroon nga tayong sariling bersyon ng wikang banyaga na ito. Heto na naman ang ilang ehemplo ng galing Pinoy, mula sa WWW. O’ di ba? The sky’s the langit!

“Guys, let’s call it tonight!”

“All of a suddenly...”

“C’mon! Let’s get it on with it!”

“When it rains, it’s four.”

“The nerves!” or “The nerd!”

“The idea crossed at the back of my mind.”

“eat your hat out!”

“ It’s a no-win-win situation.”

“Anulled and void.”

“If worse comes to shove.”

“So far, so good, so far.”

“Time is of the elements.”

“For all intense and purposes.”

“Hi. I’m (state your name), what’s yours?”

“What is the next that is?”

“Bahala na sila sa mga batman nila.”

“My answers have been prayered.”

“It’s as brand as new.”

“I can’t take it anymore of this!”

“Are you sure ka na ba?”

“Are you joking my leg?”

“Can’t you just cut me some slacks?”

“Been there, been that.”

“Hello, my boss is out of town, would you like to wait?” (Sure, why not.)

“What happened after the erection of Mayon Volcano?” (It...exploded? )

“Can you repeat that for the second time around once more from the top?”

“What are friends are for?”

“I’m sorry, my boss just passed “You can never can tell.”

“Well well well. Look do we have here!” away.” (translation: kakadaan lang ng boss nya.)

“Let’s give them a big hand of applause.”

“It’s not my problem anymore, it’s your problem anymore.”

“Give him the benefit of the daw.”

“It’s a blessing in the sky.”

“Right there and right then.”

“Hello... for a while, please “Where’d you came from?” hang yourself...”

“Take things first at a time.”

“You’re barking at the wrong dog.” “Hello Mcdo, mag-iinquire lang “You want to have your cake and bake it too.” ako kung magkano ang kidney meal?”

“First and for all” “You harden there!”

“I’m only human nature.”

(Translation: MANIGAS ka diyan) “One of these days is not like the other.”

FILIPINISMS The Annie B.(Batobalani) The adventures and misadventures of a ‘not so average’ Pinay trying to make it in the cosmopolitan city of Dubai.

Shopping

PEST

My golly! My regular visits to Fitness First had to take a back sip because of too much work since most of my officemates are on vacation.

So eto, my SIZE keeps on fluctuating (like the dollar-peso exchange rate) so it means I have to do someTHING that will make me feel GOOD. Hmmmmm…

Ano pa nga ba ang pwedeng gawin dito sa Dubai kapag mas mataas pa sa lagnat ang init at hindi ka makalabas sa tindi ng humidity – eh di Dubai’s favorite past time – shopping!!!

Dubai is all about shopping. Every year, we have two major shopping festivals - the Dubai Shopping Festival during January and the Dubai Summer Surprises during June to August – to legitimize the number of people staying inside the mall para magpalamig lang. Of course, there are a lot of other occasions for more shopping: there’s the Ramadan Sale, the Holiday Season Sale, Spring Sale, Fall Sale, End Of Season Sale, Moving Out Sale, Inventory Sale plus a lot more. Kaka-hilo, kakaexcite!

I really don’t know why girls are gaga over Louis Vuitton. Nakaka-gaga talaga! Sure their bags are sooo classy and stylish. I think every local has at least one LV in her closet. They not only buy one bag, but at least one bag from every season and collection. Well, they have the money for it. That’s the one thing we do not have in common - atik na pumipilantik!

Honestly, do you think I’d spend a month’s worth of salary just for a bag?

If I was crazy, yes. But will having that bag make me as stylish and classy as those locals? Eh lahat nga sila parepareho na ng bag eh.

Once I saw a group of flight attendants waiting for their service at the airport. All 7 of them, in their uniforms, were carrying the same Gucci bag – same style, same size, same color. Anu yon uniform na rin nila? I wasn’t impressed by their fashion sense. If everyone is wearing the same thing, then it is not special anymore – boring noh? Let’s face it, we buy these expensive brands to impress others – not just ourselves – so that they would think we’re special. Aminin!

Last week while waiting for my Caramel Maquaipo – decapitated of course – in Starbucks, a Caucasian lady asked me where I got my bag from. I was surprised that she notice my abaca bag – eh sa tiangge lang sa Greenhills Shopping is like breathing here, you can’t live without it. Of course you ko na-iskor to noh? “It’s really lovely and gorgeous…I love it!!!” sabi ba have to prepare for it – save money and have your credit cards ready naman? “Thanks, I love it, too.” Hirit ko nga. It only meant two things: that – nothing wrong with the kaskas mentality – just be able to pay them back and do not overuse and abuse them. If you do, welcome to the club it doesn’t matter weather your bag costs Dhs3,000 or Php375 – as long as both design and quality are very good, and miski mas mahal pa ang isang – ahihihihi! No, never neglect your obligations. Don’t forget that. box ng Greenwich Pizza kesa sa bag ko, pang-business class naman ang arrive kasi carry ko i-project ito. O laban ka?

I love shopping in Dubai because they really take one of my favoritest four-letter word very, very seriously: SALE. If in the Philippines, we get So if you’re super duper loaded with cash or can afford to kaskas to max excited with 20% price reductions, dito bahaw lang yan. Here, items go as far as 70% off (minsan nga may 90% pa eh – nahiya pa no, din na lang and still be able to pay for it – go ahead, pamper yourself with designer labels. Just learn how to pronounce their names properly ha? Kung hindi, ipinamigay?). Common din ang B.O.T.O. (buy one, take one). Ang saya may award ka. saya!

My friend cannot believe it when she first came to Dubai during a SALE season. In the Philippines, she can only afford to buy a pair of shoes from Nine West during birthdays and important occasions, but here she can grab a pair every payday. And for the regular price of a Nine West pair back home, she was able to buy three pairs here. As in! Todo na itu!!!

Like many girls my age, I love designer brands. Imported and classy names that I only used to see in fashion magazines are all available here in Dubai. Ika nga ng SM Shoemart, “We’ve got them all!” Gucci, Prada, Tod’s, Coach, Pucci, Armani, Versace, Dior, Chanel, D&G (yung laging pinasasalamatan ni Boy Abunda sa The Buzz, miski hindi naman niya kilala personally yung designer), Burberry and of course, my favoritest of them all - Louis Vuitton. Ayan ha, tama ang spelling ha?

Illustrado 59

But if you’re on a budget, or you want more variety there are brands like Zara, H&M, Woolworths, Bershka, Splash, and of course our national fruit, Mango. Stylish pero more reasonably priced. Nakabili ka na ng imported, nakakarami ka pa.

This way, you can shop every season without spending your annual vacation money over a handbag that’s soooo all over the place – na if you’re not as sosyal as me at hindi ka sanay mag-carry, baka mapagkamalan pang peke! Now, that’s a Hall of Famer – be sure to prepare a speech when you accept your award while weeping buckets of tears.

So, excuse me while I detach the label that reads “Louie Bitoy” from my new handbag. Oh, mukhang genu-wine, laban ka?!

COMMUNITY SPOTIGHT

H.E. Amb. Cabactulan welcomes H.E. Amb. Joon Jae Lee of the Republic of Korea

H.E. Ambassador Libran Cabactulan, flanked by the UAE diplomatic corps and government officials, delivers his opening speech.

Philippine Independence Day Diplomatic Celebrations

Guests from the Indian community.

The Philippine Embassy headed by H.E. Ambassador Libran Cabactulan celebrated Philippine Independence Day on the 12th of June 2007 with a Diplomatic Reception at the Abu Dhabi Hilton. 250 guests composed of high ranking UAE officials, the UAE diplomatic corps, as well as top Filipino community and business leaders attended the event to commemorate our country’s 109th year of national liberation.

L-R: Mme. Fe Cabactulan, Consul General Maria Teresa Taguiang, Consul Adelio Cruz and Consul Maria Louella Duarte

Ambassador Cabactulan cuts the ceremonial cake with UAE Amb. Yousef Seaquel of MFA Protocol, UAE Minister of Energy H.E. Mohd. Bin Dhaen Al Hameli, and US Ambassador Michelle Sison, who is a Filipino-American.

Mr. Bashir and Mr. Mohd. Kanoo greet the Philippine Ambassador

Guests at the reception

Consul General Antonio Curameng (third from left) with community leaders and patrons.

Labor Attache F. Ardivilla ( second from left with Philippine Embassy staff) 9

COMMUNITY SPOTIGHT

Mr. Ed Lim, Engr. Alfredo Manangan and Engr.

Erenesto Refugio Jr.

H.E. Amb. Askar Mussinor of Kazakhstan greets Mme. Fe Cabactulan

Mr. Abu Nader of Al Wasl Travels with his staff

L-R: Mr. Bal Junio, Mr. Edwin Lasquite, Engr. Jethroefel Ramboyong, Mrs. Vivian Napenas and friends.

Mr. Andy Saripada and Family

Soloist Joan Gegoncillo performs the classics at the event

Consul Adelio Cruz (third from right) with Team Illustrado

L-R: Mr. Rene Fernandez, Ms. Sofes, Capt. Cabang, Ms. Myrna Cabang and Ms. Elma Canja

Attendees singing ‘Lupang Hinirang’

Mr & Mrs. Ravi with Lalaine Chu-Benitez

Ms. Leni Geron and Mrs. Judith Curameng

Indira Desales and Ms. Maricar Romanillos.

L-R: Engr. J. Ramboyong, Engr. E. Refugio, Mr. D. Orense, Mr. R. Fernandez, Con. Gen. T. Taguiang, H.E. Amb. Cabactulan, Ms. N. Sanchez, Engr. A. Manangan, Labor Attache N. Munder, Mr. Andy Saripada, Lab. Att. F. Ardivilla, Mr. C. Nambatac, Mrs. Saripada and Mr. M. Insierto

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

Say Golf – FGS Group photo (Ramon Navea, Community Spotlight contributor – standing 4th from left)

For the Love of Golf

The Filipino Golf Society By: Ramon Navea

FGS (Filipino Golf Society) members slugged it out in a Par 3 18 hole competition held at the Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club on the 21st of July 2007. Tee time kicked-off at 4PM with everyone in high spirits amidst blazing heat and high humidity.

Editha Stellars emerged as the champ and scooped out the award on most number of birdies. She played off a 25 handicap garnering a net score of 53 competing on tournament format of stableford with a 1/4-handicap allowance. Twenty-one Filipino golf enthusiasts including a handful of western friends joined the socials before breaking up for the summer holidays.

I love this Game!

Formed in March 2005 and currently having 62 members, the FGS holds several competitions every year including: • Captain’s Day – where the Golfer of the Year is named based on FGS’ Order of Merit (May/June) • Ambassador’s Cup – a tournament under the auspices of the Philippine Ambassador to U.A.E. in (September/October) • Eid Cup Tournament • Par Three Tournament – currently held once a year but being considered to be made a quarterly exercise

Landmark - Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club

Golf enthusiasts who would like to join the FGS may contact the following for more information: Alex Tivi (FGS Capt.) – 050 354 59 51, e-mail: alex.tivi@dubal.ae Perry Rallos (FGS Secretary) – 050 595 86 34, e-mail: perry_rallos@hotmail.com Ramon Navea (Coordinator) 050 735 64 11, e-mail: navea_rjl@yahoo.com

Editha Stellars receiving the award for the most number of birdies from Alex Tivi

Editha Stellars – The Champ accepting the Award from Jon Williamson

Lawrence Hernandez – 1st runner up

A Feast Of Origins

Misadventures Of A Disorganized Young Woman

- by Dinah Roma

-by Charlene Fernandez

Author and poet Dinah Roma brings new life to Philippine poetry through a collective outlook of worlds she’s lived in. Simple yet direct, Roma’s takes you to a path of beautiful imagery one can easily visualize and grasp. Drawn from her memories of her Samar birthplace, a place of the bluest waters and unforgiving typhoons; her adolescence in the mad city of Manila; and her journeys to the Land of the Rising Sun, Japan

Daisy Nueve: Stories Weird, Wonderful, Whatever - by Menchu Aquino Sarmiento “An unimagined life is not worth living” - this line couldn’t be truer in the short stories of Menchu Aquino Sarmiento. Filled with limitless imagination, Menchu shares with us lives worth living in. Spanning not just what is ‘livable’ and ‘imaginable’, Menchu shows how rich an imagined life can be!

A little bit of Bridgette Jones, Ugly Betty, and the endearing character of Jane Fonda in Barefoot in the Park.

Author Charlene Fernandez, an English, Creative Writing, and Literature teacher at the University of the Philippines, gives us these short and funny essays about the mishaps that befall an ill-starred, bumbling, and accident-prone young woman, all told in the style of Internet blogs. They are all rollicking good reads. A true reyna ng sablay!

Sugar And Salt - by Ninotchka Rosca “An egg binds time in a place where lighting is a playmate of women and girls. But a gift of a mirror presages the destruction of what had been a haven for the female...”

This modern fable is of such surprising juxtapositions, reflecting the seemingly trite but assuredly cruel twists of Philippine women’s history. A unique Philippine fiction celebrating female humanity accompanied with beautiful illustrations by Christina Quisumbing Ramilo.

Books available at Powerbooks, Phils. www.powerbooks.com.pH CDs available at Tower Records Phils. www.Tower-records.ph

Band Trip If bands are your trip, then Band Trip is definitely for you! A single CD packed with 13 tracks of superb hits from today’s hottest Pinoy bands. From start to finish, this compilation will never let you down, making you play it over and over again, while belting out tunes side by side, as if you were part of the group. A perfect album for those picky listeners who want only the best tracks from complete music albums. Party on with the likes of 6cyclemind, Cueshé, Pupil, Mayonnaise, Kitchie Nadal, and so much more!

Blueskrieg Blueskrieg, a term coined by Gerry Diwa in 1995 for a blues night feature at the legendary Club Dredd, is back in today’s tongues. It’s a compilation CD featuring five Philippine bands strumming out 15 original songs that arguably cover the wide gamut of blues music varieties, from standard 12-bar blues, to soul/R&B-tinged blues, to classic rock, southern rock, country rock-style blues and modern heavy blues based rock. Enjoy original Pinoy blues music from Dahon, Firebottle, Kulukati, Plug, and Snakecharmer.

Illustrado 64

Bandang Pinoy Lasang Hotdog (The Hotdog Tribute Album) Who said disco is dead?! Resurrected, very much alive, and kicking, the Hotdog tribute album relives the playful and nostalgic heydays of the 70s and early 80s. Rock your house with the pioneers of Pinoy pop and rock & roll that topped the charts in the past with all-time hits such as Manila, Bongga Ka ‘Day, Ikaw Ang Miss Universe, Annie Batungbakal, and more! An 11-track compilation of yesteryears tricked up by today’s top groups like Parokya Ni Edgar, Eraserheads, and True Faith. With a surprise track from the original at the very end!

Today Is Tshirt Day Freedom of expression is an act that’s bigger than just shouting out statements in protests...it can be projected through music, body movement, and even just by dawning a piece of printed, four-holed fabric.

A casual, yet ultra-cool compilation to fit your everyday moods. As producer of the album, zany Lourd De Veyra of the Radioactive Sago Project would put it, “The t-shirt is the universal uniform.” Check out expressive tracks from Radioactive Sago Project, Drip, Paramita, Juan Pablo Dream, Up Dharma Down, and so much more!

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

Say Golf – FGS Group photo (Ramon Navea, Community Spotlight contributor – standing 4th from left)

For the Love of Golf

The Filipino Golf Society By: Ramon Navea

FGS (Filipino Golf Society) members slugged it out in a Par 3 18 hole competition held at the Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club on the 21st of July 2007. Tee time kicked-off at 4PM with everyone in high spirits amidst blazing heat and high humidity.

Editha Stellars emerged as the champ and scooped out the award on most number of birdies. She played off a 25 handicap garnering a net score of 53 competing on tournament format of stableford with a 1/4-handicap allowance. Twenty-one Filipino golf enthusiasts including a handful of western friends joined the socials before breaking up for the summer holidays.

I love this Game!

Formed in March 2005 and currently having 62 members, the FGS holds several competitions every year including: • Captain’s Day – where the Golfer of the Year is named based on FGS’ Order of Merit (May/June) • Ambassador’s Cup – a tournament under the auspices of the Philippine Ambassador to U.A.E. in (September/October) • Eid Cup Tournament • Par Three Tournament – currently held once a year but being considered to be made a quarterly exercise

Landmark - Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club

Golf enthusiasts who would like to join the FGS may contact the following for more information: Alex Tivi (FGS Capt.) – 050 354 59 51, e-mail: alex.tivi@dubal.ae Perry Rallos (FGS Secretary) – 050 595 86 34, e-mail: perry_rallos@hotmail.com Ramon Navea (Coordinator) 050 735 64 11, e-mail: navea_rjl@yahoo.com

Editha Stellars receiving the award for the most number of birdies from Alex Tivi

Editha Stellars – The Champ accepting the Award from Jon Williamson

Lawrence Hernandez – 1st runner up

ENTERTAINMENT

By Jan La’O

ome people argue that Ms. Lee did not really have a hard time making it big in life. She did not require going through some sort of ‘divine’ intervention, because after all, she was born with a silver spoon in her mouth. Okay, true to her birthright, but unlike most of her affluent equivalents in this world Divine Lee did not keep herself being fed with such silverware, she even spat that spoon out and started eating with her hands, metaphorically speaking.

She started as a model in the Philippines, at the very young age of seven. She first did commercials and then moved on to ramp when she turned 14. Manila becc came too small for her that she then ventured on to Hong Kong and was successcc fully booking two to three shows a day, including several photo shoots per week.

Traveling back and forth Hong Kong and Manila, Divine would fill her free time helping her father with GA (Globe Asiatique), a real estate development company.

As heiress, Divine refused to be labeled as the owner’s daughter, changing the face of the COO c or ‘Child Of Owner’ stereotype, and opted to start from an encc tryclevel position of sales agent at her dad’s empire. She gamely and dutifully did all the work required from giving out fliers at mall booths to entertaining clients at all hours of the day.

The experience has allowed her to see the workings of the business and provided her a unique insight into the industry. “Along the way, I saw where the system could be improved, what needed fixing and how a wellcfunctioning system leads to greater opportunities and prospects for growth.” From sales agent, Divine was promoted to broker level where she learned how to manage people, using their abilities and uniting them into a team focused on attaining business targets.

Today at the young age of 25, her metamorphosis from international model to realcestate maven has been a remarkable one. But as GA’s Vice President for International Sales, she believes there is no reason why she can’t do both. Divine Lee smiles, “With a lot of hard work, responsibility, and dedication, why not?”

Heading her own division in marketing and international sales, dad tycoon Delfin Lee now heaps accolades on his daughter for her marketing abilities. Combining natural charm with a talent for ingenious ideas has allowed Divine to comecup with offcbeat marketing schemes that succeed in the market. “I love advertising with nonctraditional approaches. I enjoy the idea of experimenting and exploring with new ideas, instead of being weighed down by traditional, noclongerceffective means.”

Under her leadership, Divine’s marketing team initiated tradecoffs with shows like

Feel At Home. Also, being one of the biggest sponsors for Wowowee has assured GA of thricecdaily exposure on The Filipino Channel, ABScCBN’s cable service for Filipinos abroad – one of GAs major markets. Through her continued efforts, Dicc vine also landed GA a deal with the Pinoy Big Brother show. The house used was actually a model unit from Saint Monique Valais. It became so popular it turned, at one point, into a tourist spot with fans having their pictures taken in front of it. GA has also helped build the school for the Pinoy Dream Academy reality/talent search show. Again using an actual design from Saint Monique Valais, the daily exposure, “boosted sales dramatically,” Divine says. “It reinforced our credibility as a real estate developer. Star appeal helps. A lot!”

With remarkable success, it is also great to note that GA is not a company just thinking of fortune, it has a big heart that pays it forward. “A long time ago, my father helped an excemployee that fell on hard times by paying for her daughter’s schooling. It was an enlightening experience for him, so he continued to help a number of his employee’s kids, until eventually he set up a scholarship program.

I sponsored my first scholar two years ago, and I continue to do so to this day.”

In addition, GA gives away house prizes to the underprivileged contestants at Wowowee. “As a real estate company, we feel we should not only cater to the upper classes; we also develop low cost homes, while not sacrificing comfort,” says Divine. “Also, we try to help OFWs as much as possible, since we all know how difficult family life is when a loved one has to live and earn a living abroad.”

GA recently donated PHP1 million to Wowowee for the families involved in the IsraelcLebanon crisis.

Divine has truly come a long way: from modeling to ensuring the growth of her family’s business. “The two worlds are very different. One is glamorous and glitzy.

The other one is tough where you really get down and dirty, especially visiting sites. Good thing is my personality is flexible enough to handle extremes. I can cope with the fashion world, but I can also be one of the boys in engineering or construction,” she adds.

Today more than ever, Divine is instrumental in the astounding rise of Globe Asiatique – assisting her father in achieving the vision he had started in 1994.

She says, “My father really inspired me. He is the one with the vision. I merely help him.” “It’s hard work,” she admits. But Divine is not one to step away from a challenge. “After all, my dad taught us early on that success needs hard work to back it up,” she adds.

However, Divine is not all work. She emphasizes, “All work and no play leads to premature grays and all play and no work leads to immature ways.” So she still finds time to moonlight as a model once in a while c to relax.

Illustrado 63

A Feast Of Origins

Misadventures Of A Disorganized Young Woman

- by Dinah Roma

-by Charlene Fernandez

Author and poet Dinah Roma brings new life to Philippine poetry through a collective outlook of worlds she’s lived in. Simple yet direct, Roma’s takes you to a path of beautiful imagery one can easily visualize and grasp. Drawn from her memories of her Samar birthplace, a place of the bluest waters and unforgiving typhoons; her adolescence in the mad city of Manila; and her journeys to the Land of the Rising Sun, Japan

Daisy Nueve: Stories Weird, Wonderful, Whatever - by Menchu Aquino Sarmiento “An unimagined life is not worth living” - this line couldn’t be truer in the short stories of Menchu Aquino Sarmiento. Filled with limitless imagination, Menchu shares with us lives worth living in. Spanning not just what is ‘livable’ and ‘imaginable’, Menchu shows how rich an imagined life can be!

A little bit of Bridgette Jones, Ugly Betty, and the endearing character of Jane Fonda in Barefoot in the Park.

Author Charlene Fernandez, an English, Creative Writing, and Literature teacher at the University of the Philippines, gives us these short and funny essays about the mishaps that befall an ill-starred, bumbling, and accident-prone young woman, all told in the style of Internet blogs. They are all rollicking good reads. A true reyna ng sablay!

Sugar And Salt - by Ninotchka Rosca “An egg binds time in a place where lighting is a playmate of women and girls. But a gift of a mirror presages the destruction of what had been a haven for the female...”

This modern fable is of such surprising juxtapositions, reflecting the seemingly trite but assuredly cruel twists of Philippine women’s history. A unique Philippine fiction celebrating female humanity accompanied with beautiful illustrations by Christina Quisumbing Ramilo.

Books available at Powerbooks, Phils. www.powerbooks.com.pH CDs available at Tower Records Phils. www.Tower-records.ph

Band Trip If bands are your trip, then Band Trip is definitely for you! A single CD packed with 13 tracks of superb hits from today’s hottest Pinoy bands. From start to finish, this compilation will never let you down, making you play it over and over again, while belting out tunes side by side, as if you were part of the group. A perfect album for those picky listeners who want only the best tracks from complete music albums. Party on with the likes of 6cyclemind, Cueshé, Pupil, Mayonnaise, Kitchie Nadal, and so much more!

Blueskrieg Blueskrieg, a term coined by Gerry Diwa in 1995 for a blues night feature at the legendary Club Dredd, is back in today’s tongues. It’s a compilation CD featuring five Philippine bands strumming out 15 original songs that arguably cover the wide gamut of blues music varieties, from standard 12-bar blues, to soul/R&B-tinged blues, to classic rock, southern rock, country rock-style blues and modern heavy blues based rock. Enjoy original Pinoy blues music from Dahon, Firebottle, Kulukati, Plug, and Snakecharmer.

Illustrado 64

Bandang Pinoy Lasang Hotdog (The Hotdog Tribute Album) Who said disco is dead?! Resurrected, very much alive, and kicking, the Hotdog tribute album relives the playful and nostalgic heydays of the 70s and early 80s. Rock your house with the pioneers of Pinoy pop and rock & roll that topped the charts in the past with all-time hits such as Manila, Bongga Ka ‘Day, Ikaw Ang Miss Universe, Annie Batungbakal, and more! An 11-track compilation of yesteryears tricked up by today’s top groups like Parokya Ni Edgar, Eraserheads, and True Faith. With a surprise track from the original at the very end!

Today Is Tshirt Day Freedom of expression is an act that’s bigger than just shouting out statements in protests...it can be projected through music, body movement, and even just by dawning a piece of printed, four-holed fabric.

A casual, yet ultra-cool compilation to fit your everyday moods. As producer of the album, zany Lourd De Veyra of the Radioactive Sago Project would put it, “The t-shirt is the universal uniform.” Check out expressive tracks from Radioactive Sago Project, Drip, Paramita, Juan Pablo Dream, Up Dharma Down, and so much more!

ENTERTAINMENT

Just Julianne

By Jan La’O the 18th Awit Awards. This gave her the chance to work with a lot of well-known artists and prominent people in the industry.

She then proceeded in collaborating with other indie artists, making music, writing songs, and just doing what she truly loves. With her passion, drive and confidence growing at each step of the way, Julianne was inspired to excel in her craft and finally decided to go solo.

a

As a music junkie, with a habit of foraging the net for new tunes, I stumbled upon an unknown song – a coolly beautiful one I could relate to, which got me hooked from the first line. Recently, I was pleasantly surprised to discover the very talented artist responsible for my current song obsession - it was Juliane, singing Tulak Ng Bibig.

OPM newcomer Julianne Tarroja started singing in church at the tender age of five. With the influence of her singer-songwriter father, she learned to play the guitar and piano at the age of nine. Growing up in a household where music literally filled the air helped her to develop a deep passion for the art. And so it came as no surprise that Julianne dreamt of eventually performing on stage. But the dream only began to materialize after some amazing fateful events.

And she really did go ‘solo’, in the truest sense of the word, at the start of the new level in her career. “I didn’t have a manager, I recorded my demo, I started giving it out to bars and producers to listen and stuff,” she reminisces. It was a gruelling situation making her realize that there was also a business side to music. She knew then that she needed to have guidance in that area - Niña de Torres, an old friend, came to the rescue. She became her manager.

Good thing true talent begets recognition, because it was in an informal jam session (where she was on site merely as a production designer for a video, having studied Interior Design at PSID) that Caress Caballo, Ad and Promo Manager of MCA, took note of the soulful singer.

As luck would have it, MCA was looking for an OPM act. Julianne’s brand of music understandably stood out. Out of all the demos MCA received, Julianne won the contract and things were set in place amazingly fast – within four days!

The blessing could not have come at a better time. She had previously been given an offer by another label, but one that would entail her to do covers, something she was adamant about. But with MCA she was given full creative freedom - the ultimate gift to every true artist.

Today, at the age of 23, Julianne is MCA Music’s first ever OPM artist. A talented singer, a prolific songwriter and a very skilled guitarist rolled into one. As her In high school, she was somewhat the odd-girl who cared more about her guitar, manager Niña relates, Julianne is so awesome with the guitar that the likes jamming with the guys as ‘one of the boys’, rather than caring about who had a of Ebe (Sugarfree lead singer), Champ (Hale lead singer), the band Chicosci, crush on her. She felt challenged by her friends, and this made her focus on guitar including the legendary Gary V. praise her musical prowess. playing more than anything else.

Not your typical songstress, Julianne’s own brand of music coupled with her It wasn’t until college that she and some friends from church decided to take natural beauty and charisma never cease to wow audiences. Her music is unique, a bold leap. They formed a band called Soul’em, a four-piece acoustic group. honest and sincere, expressing how she really is as an artist and as a person.

And although the band never made it big, it was a good avenue for Julianne to Her songs speak from the heart and from the soul. hone her passion because soon after, the talented youngster found herself in the acoustic duo Cruxada. She had already been writing songs when she and her Talented Julianne is a welcome change to OPM. Amidst all the hype of bands Cruxada partner decided to join the Nescafe De-Wired contest, just for kicks, in and bossa, she is the artist that can fill the void and set a new trend in Philippine 2003. And to their surprise, they bagged the grand trophy! music. Unlike other newcomers, she doesn’t feel the need to label her music. “My music is me,” says the beautiful singer. “It’s something that evolves the same The unexpected victory made Julianne realize that there was a real chance for her way I’m growing as a person.” to fulfil that childhood dream. Performing originals for the contest gave her the confidence to actively seek opportunities for gigs as well as sessions with other You definitely have to go and get her debut album Grateful that features the bands. single Tulak ng Bibig. All eleven tracks in the CD are composed and written by the talented sparkling newcomer herself.

Her first record deal was a compilation album for the competition released in 2005, which subsequently got her duo Cruxada nominated for ‘Best New Group’ in Discover OPM SOUL through the voice and music of JULIANNE.

Illustrado 65

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