ILLUSTRADO Magazine DEC 2013

PHOTOGRAPHY by EROS GOZE

Editor’s Note

Silver Linings

Are you an eternal optimist? The “glass half full” kind of a person?

Not an easy feat, definitely. It’s difficult to look for the silver lining in every cloud; especially if that cloud brings with it absolute destruction and the death of thousands in its path.

And yet, during one of the darkest episodes in our country and the world, one would have to be totally apathetic not to have noticed some of the most amazing gestures of kindness we’ve seen in our time – not only from countries across the globe, but also from groups and individuals who have gone out of their way to help.

Yolanda was a hard lesson in the absolute supremacy of nature. And yet in its brutal wake, we not only learned that we should listen to Mother Earth, but also that the understanding of profound suffering has no physical boundaries, no color, and does not recognize cultural or ideological differences.

We are not alone.

And yes, kindness will never be overrated.

There are also those negative realizations. That there are things we cannot change and those that we cannot control – sad to say, unexpectedly violent natural phenomena belongs in that very same category as the festering corruption in our government.

But guess what? Inasmuch as there are these things, there is also something we could be certain of – that we have control over ourselves. We can direct our actions. Focus our efforts. Be useful to humanity as much as we desire.

Create change in our own little sphere. Be that one drop of water that helps to make the ocean.

It’s been over a month and yet we are still talking about our country’s current “inconvenient truth” – a source of sadness, at a time when we should be happy.

Still, here’s the silver lining to all this reflection.

Instead of being saddled with the grief of that episode, and as we close this year and move on to the next, let us use what we have learned from all this, and remember not to let our tap of goodness run dry. People still need our help.

The world could still use our kindness.

So here’s wishing you a Merry Christmas and a happy New Year.

May the lessons learned this time around, enrich your life and allow you to enrich the lives of those around you.

Taas Noo, Filipino Global vision, native soul.

LALAINE CHU-BENITEZ Publisher and Editor-in-Chief

Talking Loud

Write to us at: editor@illustrado.net or join the discussion at IIlustrado Magazine’s Facebook page

........................

Now I’m half fan.

Nnette Medenilla ........................

As stated on the UEFA website, “As a mark of respect to the victims of the typhoon that hit the Philippines on 8 November, a banner will be displayed ahead of all this week’s UEFA Champions League games.

Madaming Nagmamahal sa Pilipinas If there is a lesson to be learned from Yolanda, it is that madaming nagmamahal sa Pilipinas. Here’s a collection of the most touching expressions of solidarity and show of support that came pouring in from all over the world as faved and liked by you, our dear readers.

JUSTIN BIEBER held an exclusive mini-concert Tuesday for the children who survived the wrath of ‘Yolanda’. In a report on ANC on Tuesday afternoon, Bieber was said to have performed for an audience limited to children at the City Central school in Tacloban City.

Hindi man ako maka-Bieber, humanga ako sa kanya sa pagkakataong ito. Much respect, Sir Bieber.

Benedict Sy ........................

OK he is forgiven. How can you refuse this nice gesture? So I am back to being a Believer Bieber now. See how people would love you and adore you Justin if you are like this instead of being a brat and running your mouth about Paquiao? Keep it up and you will win millions of hearts. Thank you, JB! Ggie Jantz Very sweet actually, now I’m a fan.

Jules Casabal

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The banners will bear the message ‘Hindi kayo nagiisa, Pilipinas’ (You are not alone, Philippines). UEFA President Michel Platini explained: “The entire European football family will stand united on the pitch this week before our matches, in order to express our deepest sympathy and full support to the Philippines, and we wish them continued strength in tackling the subsequent problems following the tragedy.” ........................

the typhoon Yolanda hit the Philippines, there were no lines of words but only a plain white silhouette map of our country along with the moving words “TAAS NOO FILIPINO, BANGON PILIPINAS”. Less is more as they say, but this message will constantly remind ourselves as Filipinos that no matter how strong the trials that come to us, we’ll always rise up and win it.

Rob ........................

Hi Rob, We’re glad you’re with us on that one.

Sometimes, the simplest of gestures is the most meaningful. We believe that the Philippines has what it takes to rise us from all these challenges. Together, we shall prevail.

Editor ........................

Heartwarming! I’m in tears!

I love reading your article of Fanny Serrano’s magic touch in the last month’s issue. TF is one of the most respected talents of our country and his makeover advocacy and bringing out the best in a woman’s beauty with his magic touch inspired me to do the same. Now, I’m getting all my brushes and blushes ready as I have enrolled myself in a makeup crash course. Thanks TF! Thanks Illustrado!

Kinjie Chit

Jhen M.

Salute! Thank you, UAEFA.

........................

Josefina Carlos Perez

Dear Illustrado,

This surely delighted our hearts. Thank you!

When I read the title of Bo Sanchez’s spirituality article “How do you want to die” at first I was a bit hesitant reading it, because the title speaks about death, never thought that its content is as emotional and as colorful as the characters. This story is one of the most heartwarming and inspiring stories I have ever read. Thank you Illustrado.

Astounding how the whole world is one with the Philippines. Mabuhay UEFA. Elizabeth Misa Thank you UEFA. Misael Cardiño

Ma Michaella Isabel Luayon This is so uplifting! Wow! Angelynne Ventura Villa

Last Month’s Heartfelt Issue I have been an Illustrado reader for years and it was a mixed feeling to see for the first time the editor’s note page. Usually, I would always see the witty and informative thoughts of the editor which has always been exciting to read. But in the last issue, after

Cielo R.

PUBLISHER & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Lalaine Chu-Benitez CREATIVE DIRECTOR Mon Benitez ASSOCIATE EDITOR Ana Santos COLUMNISTS Aby Yap Alfred “Krip” Yuson Bernadette Reyes Bo Sanchez Carlito Viriña Francisco Colayco Jeremy Baer Dr. Margarita Holmes CONTRIBUTING WRITERS – UAE, PHILIPPINES, CANADA SWITZERLAND Mary Ann Angela Mapa Marchadesch Mary Anna Oposa Ann “Maps” Santos Barbara Marchadesch Nephele Kirong Candice Lopez Quimpo Nikka Sartgou Dante Gagelonia Nina Terol-Zialcita Didi Paterno P.A. Escalante Excel Dyquianco Princes Nedamo Johanna Michelle Lim Quay Evano Kara Santos Rache Hernandez Liza Lacuesta Regina Layug-Lucero Manny Escosa Sherry Tenorio CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS – UAE & PHILIPPINES Eros Goze Alex Calueng Glenn Peter-Perez Cristina Linaza Jef Anog Donald Rosales Dr. Marlon Pecjo Filbert Kung Will Dy CONTRIBUTING FASHION CREW - UAE Jessie Tabla Frankie Melendez Jojo Padua Ginno Alducente PUBLISHER – UAE Illustrado Communications FZ-LLC 2nd Floor, Building 2, Dubai Media City United Arab Emirates P.O. Box 72280 Office 20C Tel: +971 4 365 4543, 365 4547 Fax: +971 4 360 4771 E-mail: admin@illustrado.net Web: illustradolife.com, illustrado.net Facebook: Illustrado Magazine Twitter: Illustrado Magazine PRINTERS Printwell Printing LLC P.O. Box 18828 Dubai, UAE STOCK IMAGES Dreamstime.com (Unless otherwise specified) Copyright Illustrado Communications FZ-LLC 2006 – 2013 All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without the written permission of Illustrado Communications FZ-LLC.

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Dec 2013 Contents

BB. Pilipinas World 2009 Marie Ann Umali graces this month’s delectably hued fashion editorial - Festive Confections.

features Global Acts of Kindness 10 Bangon Pilipinas 14 Bad Guys Who Do Good 18 Cesar Guarin: Global Filipino Runner 22 Celebrity Chef Recipes 26 5 Pinoy Christmas Favorites with a Twist 32

columns Illuminati: All in the Family 20 Onli in Da Pilipins: Christmas Wish List 30 10 Things to Do 36 On the Prowl, In the Know 56 Illustrado Scrapbook 70 It’s What I Do 72 Leadership: The Leadership Mindset 75 Kabuhayan: Everything Happens for a Reason 76 Instalaw: No Debt Sentence This Christmas 78 Trippin’: The Allure of Sand and Sea at Pico de Loro 82 My Pinoy Life in: Sydney, Australia 86 News 91

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fashion Festive Confections 40 Sirocco 62

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DECEMBER 2013

Contributors KRIP YUSON

Esteemed writer Krip Yuson has co-authored travel books (among these APA Insight Guide to the Philippines and Philippines: Islands of Enchantment). He has earned distinctions as a literary author of over 20 other books — from poetry, short stories, children’s stories, biographies, and translation. A Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature Hallof-Famer, he has also received the SEAWrite (SouthEast Asia Writer’s) Award from Thai royalty and the UMPIL or Writers’ Union of the Philippines’ Gawad Balagtas for lifetime achievement.

ION GONZAGA

Ion Gonzaga blogs about the interests and experiences of Filipino expats living in the UAE. Known as BoyDubai in the blogosphere, he brings his passion for volunteerism and empowerment to his readers. In his weekly segment on the radio show, “Voice of the Youth” broadcast onRadyoINQuirer, he talks about the typical challenges and achievements of global Filipinos.

FRANCISCO COLAYCO

Resident personal finance guru Francisco J. Colayco and Illustrado’s Kabuhayan columnist has several best-selling books to his credit, and an advocacy on teaching Filipinos how to prosper. In his column this month, he and wife, Mary Ann Colayco, talk about how the world was brought together to raise funds for the survivors of Typhoon Yolanda.

BARNEY ALMAZAR, ESQ.

Atty. Barney is a director at the Commercial Department of Gulf Law in the Middle East, Philippines and United Kingdom. He holds Juris Doctor and MBA dual degrees with concentration on International Business and European Union Law (University of London).

He joins us this month to share legal advice on relevant issues for the Filipino community in the UAE.

AMBASSADOR GRACE RELUCIO-PRINCESA

GINNO ALDUCENTE

Career diplomat, doting mother of five and servant leader, Ambassador Grace Princesa is the first female Philippine Ambassador to the UAE. Having spent over two decades in Philippine Foreign Services, she had previous postings in Chicago, Cairo, Geneva and Baghdad. Previously a Consul in the emirates’ capital, she has come back to Abu Dhabi in 2009 after 13 years. Each month, Ambassador Princesa shares about her community advocacies with Illustrado readers.

Multi-talented Ginno Alducente is truly gifted not only in the areas of hair and make-up, but also styling. Referred to in Dubai as the ‘McQueen of the Make-Over World’ his works are well-known in the tightly knit local fashion industry. He is into TV productions, magazine collaborations, runway and styling for both Gulf based, international and Philippinebased productions and has touched the faces of many international and Philippine A-list celebrities and models. Ginno art directs this month’s delectable fashion editorial – Festive Confections.

MARY JANE ALVERO-AL MAHDI

ALEX CALLUENG

He also designs websites, mobile applications and other media. He works as a User Experience architect for web and mobile apps at Emirates Airline.

FILBERT KUNG

Photographer Filbert Kung’s work has graced many a glossy magazines in the Philippines, including international titles like - Aksam Turkey, Fashion Quarterly Canada, Schon Magazine London, and The Daily New York. He has established a look that is uniquely his - clean and classic. Never overtly intrusive, he respects the subject, and knows the line which must not be crossed. Filbert has shot many a Filipino beauties and adds Bb. Pilipinas World 2009 Mary Ann Umali to this list this month.

Engineer Mary Jane Alvero-Al Mahdi has spent 22 years of her life working in United Arab Emirates and currently serves as Chief Executive Officer of Geoscience Testing Laboratory. She is an icon to those in the corporate world who see her as a multi-awarded engineer, inspirational and motivational speaker, community volunteer, professional trainer and devoted leader. She is a complete package of an individual, a woman of substance, and a proud Filipino.

Dubai-based photographer, Alex is determined to move his skills in fashion, beauty and portrait photography into the next level. Apart from his commercial work and his recent campaign shoot for Canadian fashion brand Madame Mojeh, Alex’s photography has also been published in local magazines WKND and Physique. Alex shoots against ruggedly beautiful Fujairah for the style feature – Sirocco.

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bayanihan corner

Bayanihan (Christmas Spirit)

After Yolanda

By Ambassador Grace Princesa

The whole world seemed to be focused on the Philippines in the aftermath of super typhoon Yolanda (international name Haiyan). Some were asking how a country like ours could inspire such an outpouring of support and sympathy.

During the telethons held in the United Kingdom, I heard a British TV personality comment that “the Filipinos are good people and it’s time to help them”. I agree. That is what I shared with the kind souls that donated cash and kind to our devastated countrymen. We have been taking care of the world with our smile, our tender loving care and providing fun and friendship for all. For the love that we gave, we got love back. We planted and we harvested.

President Obama, commenting on our present challenge, noted that through the bayanihan (collective heroism for a common cause) spirit, the Philippines and the Filipinos will be able to survive this monstrous natural calamity that struck us.

I have shared time and time again during my tour of duty here that for me bayanihan

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and Christmas are synonymous. It is both a time for giving that sometimes borders on the heroic, a dying in order to give life.

all of you out there who became “bayanis” (heroes) for the common cause of helping us get back on our feet.

I have also observed that there are two things that literally stops our country in its track- migration issues i.e when our people abroad face death penalties or are victims of life-threatening situations and when we face natural disasters at home.

Together, we Filipinos, cooperating with the world, can look at climate change issues and help understand how to mitigate global warming challenges .

We are noted to be one of the top five disaster prone countries in the world. After Haiyan, a precedent setting typhoon we should look at disasters like the Chinese see both challenge and opportunity in the same word. In a world that many see as impacted by climate change, where aberrations in nature are becoming more common (and not just for the Philippines), we should prepare. We should be a model in disaster preparedness as Japan is a model in its earthquake preparations.

I also shared with those who donated that they have also become part of the bayanihan spirit in their selfless giving to us. Children and adults alike sacrificed money, time and talent in their support for us. Thank you to

We will rise from where we are now to a better informed citizenry. We will begin here in the United Arab Emirates. Starting next year, we hope to incorporate in our Pinoy W.I.S.E (World Wide Initiative for Investment, Savings and Entrepreneurship ) Movement disaster literacy. I have seen our OF ‘s (Overseas Filipinos) lose their life savings when their physical homes and investments are flooded or collapse in earthquakes as in Bohol and Cebu. There is a need to know about disaster insurance and savings in non-physical assets like stocks and bonds.

If we hold hands together, in the bayanihan and Christmas spirit, then we will triumph over life’s challenges, as a nation and people. Mabuhay!

By Ion Gonzaga

“Global Acts of Kindness” The tragedy of Yolanda brings together a global village bound together by kindness and generosity.

Unimaginable photos and videos of the Yolanda’s wrath broke hearts. Residential villages were washed out and infrastructures were smashed into rubble. More than 5,000 were killed and families were separated.

Survivors lost their homes, their livelihood, their beloved. No food, no clean water, no electricity for days. They were completely devastated.

Local and international media, together

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with social networks, played a vital role in bringing the situation to the world.

And from there, donations have poured in quickly. The UAE had been one of the first nations to reach out to the Philippines by sending US$10M financial aid. Fiftyfive other countries and 26 international groups have also pledged assistance that has since totalled Php18.206 billion or US$ 414.625 million.

Initiatives to help in the UAE have been very heart-warming. From brunch to dinner-for-a-cause to mini-concerts, resourceful ways were sought to raise funds.

One of the most admirable efforts is the creation of a Facebook group called “Filipinos Unite for a Cause,” which was created a day after initial reports of the devastation. The group has mobilized more than 3,000 volunteers quickly and

feature

Another fundraiser, the Filipino Community’s Brunch-for-a-Cause at the Philippine Consulate General office in Dubai, attracted more than 1,500 donors and hundreds of balikbayan boxes. The event was able to raise AED 112,412.50.

There were also two Arab kids who came to the consulate holding a poster they created with the Philippine flag on it. They brought their coin jars to donate everything they had saved.

was able to organize fundraising activities.

With their sense of urgency, swift thinking and realistic action plans, the ‘Aid of Hope’ fundraiser was born.

Volunteers in these two fundraisers tirelessly work hand-in-hand in unpacking, repacking, sorting the goods and organizing them accordingly to make it easier to unpack and distribute when it reaches its destination.

lend a hand in selected villages in Aklan province. Lisa Kingsley, the British founder of the group posted on Facebook “The trip was a great success and we helped nearly 2,000 families.” The group which is known for helping a lot of distraught expats vows to continue their relief efforts in the next coming weeks.

Hundreds braved the bad weather to participate in Hakbang Buhay: Walk for Life, a walkathon fundraiser spearheaded by the Philippine Business Council, Dubai.

Among those who joined were a group of Indian girls from Green Hope UAE holding posters with #WeStandWithYou hash tags – their way of showing support and sympathy to the affected Filipinos.

People shared their talents and skills to raise funds. Photographers and videographers held a shoot-for-a-cause, artists auctioned their masterpieces, fitness aficionados led Zumba and fitness sessions, performing artists did a mini concert, and culinary hobbyists sold delicacies.

Volunteer in UAE was one of the quickest groups to respond and setup multiple donation drop-off points around the city. The group was able to mobilize volunteers to help in collecting, sorting and transporting goods.

Philippine Ambassador Grace RelucioPrincesa shared her sadness over the immense suffering, but also thanked the overseas Filipinos in the UAE for their generosity. She was overwhelmed by how we have constantly demonstrated ‘bayanihan’ in difficult times.

With an outpouring of support, the event was able to raise a total of AED 93,195 in addition to 308 boxes of collected goods.

Another cause-oriented group, Basics UAE, also had a donation collection drive.

Five of their members travelled to central Philippines to personally distribute aid and

Many schools and companies organized their own fundraisers and donation drives as well. Emirates and Dnata had a series

ILLUSTRADO 13

Hakbang Buhay Walkathon with Ambassador Grace Relucio-Princesa, Consul General Frank Cimafranca and Lucille Ong, Chairman of PBC Dubai.

of ‘Bake for a Cause’ across their network and was able to raise AED 169,000 in cash donations.

Several UAE-based money transfer firms removed the transaction charges until the end of November in light of the situation. A number of cargo shipping companies offered to send all goods donations to the Philippines for free.

Kindness around the world In the sporting world, the National Basketball Association (NBA) has donated and initiated relief efforts through their website. Miami’s Filipino-American head coach Erik Spoelstra spearheaded a campaign to raise funds. Los Angeles Lakers superstar Pau Gasol pledged US$1,000 for every point he scores in one game, which turned out to be his best game of the season.

He finished with 24 points. In UEFA Champions League, top European football clubs expressed their condolences via a tribute to the victims and survivors by lighting the entire arena with a message “Hindi kayo nag-iisa, Pilipinas.”

The Children of Green Hope with the Phil.

Ambassador, Consul General and V.K .Manikan of Dnata at Hakbang Buhay

Kindness across social media In Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, many refrained from posting food photos and parties. Instead of ‘selfies,’ people posts ‘unselfies’ wherein they share information about how to donate or volunteer. Solidarity spread like wildfire on Facebook as thousands changed their profile pictures into the Philippine map to show sympathy and inspiration at the same time.

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V.K. Manikan leads DNATA’s relief effort. The company and it’s staff donated PHP 1M through Sagip Kapamilya.

feature

Filipinos unite for a cause at Zabeel Park

UEFA Dortmund Photo (AFP)

PCG relief collection led by Filcom

Celebrities such as Katie Perry, David Beckham and Ellen DeGeneres, among others, encouraged everyone on Twitter to share and donate whatever people can. Justin Bieber and Victoria Beckham announced their own projects to raise funds for the relief efforts.

Many times, we want to more opportunities to give more or do more. There are people with so little yet are very willing to give.

Truly in times of calamities and disasters, people naturally care. Goodness prevails more than anything else and these various acts of kindness send a strong message of hope and inspiration to the survivors of Typhoon Yolanda.

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Bangon Pilipinas How Filipinos are helping other Filipinos rise

I

t has been said that the greater the heartbreak, the bigger the comfort.

After Super Typhoon Yolanda ravaged parts of Visayas and Palawan in early November, the Filipino people proved this.

Filipinos all over the world moved swiftly into action, buying, packing and distributing relief goods, and raising funds to help some 10 million Filipinos in 51 cities affected.

Because Yolanda was not your ordinary typhoon, the measures to help have also been extraordinary.

There have been hug-a-thons, futsal marathons, parties, and art auctions organized all over world for the survivors.

This month, Illustrado highlights four out of the many unique local initiatives:

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clothing or blanket, two pads of vitamin C, one pad of paracetamol, two candles,and a matchbox.

In addition to being more holistic than other relief good packs, the BOJ is unique because each one contains a Letter of Hope, a short note from Filipinos and foreigners to uplift the spirits of the survivors.Letters have been sent in from Manila to Nigeria to Brazil. “I wanted the Bundles of Joy to feel like they came from a friend,” says Anya.

Bundles of Joy Bundles of Joy (BOJ) is a grassroots volunteer effort initiated by Cebuano social entrepreneur Anya Lim and her friends from high school. One BOJcosts about US$10 and contains the following: 1kilo of rice, 2 liters of water, three canned goods, three packs of noodles, one piece of

To ensure the transparency and efficiency of the initiative, BOJ partnered with individuals and organizations that are directly involved with communities affected by the typhoon. The partners are expected to provide photos and a list of recipients for documentation, which the BOJ team shares with their donors.

Due to the overwhelming support, BOJ exceeded its initial target of 500 BOJs in five areas and deployed 1,200 bundles in 12 areas in Northern Cebu and Leyte.

feature The initial target was to raise PhP30,000.

The event raised PhP126,130. The group is continuing to raise funds through an online auction.

Adopt a Small Island Initiative The Adopt-a-Small Island Initiative was co-founded by environmental scientist Monica Ortiz to deploy inkind donations and channel financial resources to purchase a crucial part of life on a small island: a motorized boat, locally known as banca. A banca is the main “equipment” of fisherfolk, and the main mode of transportation between small islands and the mainland.

The provincial government of Cebu estimated that a simple motorized boat is PhP15,000 (around $340).

The initiative’s goal was to raise at least P270,000 and provide six islandbarangays with at least three bancas each. As of the end of November 2013, the group had already exceeded their target.

The project sites in northeastern Iloilo were chosen based on “damage assessment reports and discussions with the provincial government and University of the Philippines in the Visayas,” shares Monica. Both institutions are directly engaged with the barangays and communities in the area.

The boats will not be given to families, but through registered fishing associations in the municipalities. The group partnered with the Northern Iloilo Alliance for Coastal Developmentto facilitate the order of boats with the boatmaker and monitor the activities of the beneficiaries through the Coastal Resource Management monitoring of fish catch.

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Katipunan BaHAIYANihan KatipunanBaHAIYANihan is the brainchild of ArrianeSerafico, a 25-yearold creative consultant.Instead of a call for typical relief goods such as canned goods and medicine, BaHAIYANihan asked for pre-loved items such as clothes, accessories, books, and signed basketball uniforms of former and present UAAP stars. TV personality and model Bianca Gonzalez,and fashion bloggers Tricia Gosingtian and Alyssa Lapid donated items as well, boosting the attractiveness of the event.

The strategy of asking for second-hand items means that everything could be reused instead of being thrown away, gathering dust in the closet, or being donated to a random community that did not need, say, sparkly high heels.

Cash would be given to the chosen beneficiary to help rebuild a school in Northern Cebu that was devastated by the typhoon.

The event that was put together in a week became acollaborative community bazaar and arts night. There were performances by local artists and works by graphic designers up for sale.

“It’s something my friends and I have been wanting to do for a long time,” Arriane says. “But instead of us receiving the profit, we’ve decided to give it to an NGO instead.”

Work for Materials Trading Post The community in Malapascua Island, north of Cebu, is adopting the system implemented in the Maisog Watershed Initiative Inc. in Camarines Norte.

“All donated items, from relief goods to construction materials, are put in the trading post,” founder Yolanda “Yoying” Pimentel explains. “The locals have to work a certain number of hours to gain points. They can clear debris, pick up trash, or create cleaning materials from the scraps. At the end of the day, the go to the trading post and exchange the points for any of the donated items available.”

In just one week, the movement gained some 300 volunteers from the local community. Each day, more and more volunteers join the group to collect plastics, gather pieces of wood, and sweep pathways.

“This not only gives dignity to the people, but also brings back the culture of bayanihan,” says Yoying.

She continues,“When relief goods are given for free, the [beneficiaries] sometimes don’t even thank you. They don’t even look at you, because they feel like beggars,” Yoying observes. “With the trading post system, they feel like they’re part of the improvement of the island. It’s their home, and by working for change, they feel a stronger sense of ownership.”

Bad Guys Who Do Good

by Regina

Layug Rosero

Star War Troopers, soldiers and other costumed friends troop to raise funds I trudged a few more steps in the evening rain, sweat dripping down the back of my neck and my chest. I could feel a few drops on my forehead, threatening to slip, stinging, into my eye. My legs were beginning to ache, my feet starting to drag across the concrete sidewalk around the park. The fatigue of each kilometer was starting to catch up with me. I spied a park bench, and made my way towards a moment’s rest. I took off my biker scout helmet as I sat, and my husband handed me a bottle of water. I couldn’t lean back to relax; the protrusion on the back of my armor was too large. I rotated my ankles as much as I could in my rubber boots, thankful that a biker scout had such little leg armor.

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I’d been walking every night since September 23, at least 5 kilometers per night. Every morning when I woke, my legs were stiff, but come evening I would march once more in my biker scout armor.

My husband was ready to catch me if I collapsed.

My name is Regina. I’m a biker scout, and I did this for the children of the Philippines. ***** Star Wars is one of the loves of my life.

When I was a child, my father made me watch A New Hope to keep me quiet. Daddy would put the tape in the player, and I was transported across the stars to a fascinating galaxy filled with Jedi and stormtroopers, strange creatures and fast ships.

Years later, I got my brother addicted to it too. At age 21, I met my future husband in the Star Wars Philippines fan club. In 2010, Oneal and I got married in what our friends call an epic Star Wars wedding. I wore Padme Amidala’s wedding dress. My husband was dressed as a Jedi. And every day we are thankful for the stories of Ewoks and Jedi, Coruscant and Hoth, X-wings and TIE fighters: those stories brought us together in this galaxy.

One of the ways we celebrate our love of Star Wars is through costuming. In 2005 we joined the 501st Legion of Stormtroopers, an international organization of over 6,000 fans who wear the costumes of the bad guys. Represented locally by the Philippine Outpost, the 501st prides itself on screenaccurate costumes. What you see on-screen is exactly how the members try to look. So now my husband and I appear at events, together in love and armor, bringing to life the fantasy that millions have only seen on the big screen.

But aside from movie-accurate costumes, the 501st has another real world mission: using these costumes to raise funds for children’s charities. Also called “bad guys who do good,” the 501st never charges for appearances. We ask for no talent fee: only a donation to charity. And the 501st does this worldwide: for organizations like Make-A-Wish Foundation; for research and treatment of children’s diseases,

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years. I forgot my fatigue as I marched. By the seventh day, we had marched a total of 43 kilometers.

We did this walk to raise funds for HERO Foundation, which provides financial and educational support to the children of Filipino soldiers who are killed in action or fatally injured. For each lap, we asked friends and family to pledge donations of at least PhP500. My husband—and some friends too—marched with me, making sure I could go on, holding an umbrella over my helmet, carrying water.

From all that marching, we were able to raise PhP30,000 for HERO Foundation.

We were able to help educate scholars whose fathers died in the service of this country. Wearing the armor of a galactic soldier from a fictional galaxy, we were able to help the children of the real heroes, the soldiers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. especially cancers; and for disaster relief.

In the Philippines, we’ve been able to help groups like Kythe, the Philippine General Hospital, Autism Society Philippines, and Big Brother Big Sister.

It was a mission to be proud of.

The night dragged on. “How are you doing? Do you want to stop?” Oneal asked as I took a sip of water.

But the work continues. On November 8, Typhoon Yolanda hit the Visayas, causing massive destruction. Thousands died, some went missing and millions were displaced, with homes and loved ones lost to them.

The entire world sent all forms of help, and so did the 501st.

“No, I can go on,” I said wearily, putting on my helmet. “Two more laps.” We started another march around the park.

Oneal played some music from his phone to motivate me. I thought about the smiles we’d brought to children’s faces across the

In Manila, the Philippine Outpost trooped to the malls and posed for pictures in exchange for donations for typhoon relief. Our troopers posed with other costumed characters—pirates, Batman, Jedi, and a Dalek—with children, babies,

*****

grandparents, even a dog. On the first day, we raised PhP18,000 for relief efforts in Cebu. At the second event, we raised over PhP15,000 for rehabilitation efforts.

Even now, the donations are still coming in from all over the world. In Singapore, Norway and Sweden, the 501st have marched in the streets to collect donations for Yolanda relief. 501st members in Japan, Germany, Poland, the US and many other countries have sent donations out of their own pockets. All over the world, the 501st is still working to help the Philippines, in the best way we know how: with smiles underneath our helmets, sweat dripping underneath, feet aching in our boots, the armor protecting ordinary fans who just want to help out.

It may have been a love of a fictional galaxy may have brought me and Oneal together, that led fans in Norway, Sweden, Singapore and all over the world to don the armor and join the Legion. But in the real world, we’re all just ordinary people, working together to help those in need.

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All in the

family

By Krip Yuson

As dysfunct ional famil ies go, ours is… haha, wait, this needs an extensive backgrounder.

F

irst off, I come from a matriarchal clan. At two months old, I was privileged to become part of a group of five people posing for a photograph, in sepia. I was held on her lap by my mother, who was with her mother and grandmother and great-grandmother, who was over a hundred years old. She passed away shortly after the photograph was taken. But there it was, a memento showing five generations.

I became aware of the photograph when I was already much older, in my early teens. It subsequently disappeared. What a loss. I wish somebody had kept it. I wish I had. After all, I started my own religion of keeping such mementos when I was so much older and was already raising my own family.

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Oh, I have what’s euphemistically called a love child, a first son. He’s about 14 years older than my other firstborn, with someone who would have been my second wife had a retired judge in Dumaguete, whom the love child’s mother and I thought had earlier married us in his court, not failed to do what he was supposed to and said he would, that is, properly register our civil marriage. But he didn’t.

And so, when the ten-year union went south, I had to fly south, too, to Dumaguete, with my first and at that time only son, at age seven predisposed to ninja stuff, wooden blades, star knives and all.

We sought out the judge, learned that he was retired, successfully traced him to a far-off barrio. He received us in his

modest house. I told him that I needed our papers, which he never sent to us as part of the agreement we had paid for, so that my “wife” and I could now file for legal separation.

The old judge owned up, that he had messed up the arrangement. There was no file of our civil marriage. There were no papers. In effect, we had never gotten married, at least in the eyes of the law.

He smiled benignly and said, “You don’t have a problem, since you don’t need to file for a legal separation anymore.” I think I kind of smiled back, if wanly, until the full import of what he said drew full-fledged gratification.

The appreciation doubled when my seven-

illuminati

Seven years later, I got married, not again but for the first legal time, in a ceremony held at the lush Seven years later, I got married, not again garden of an art gallery in but for the first legal time, in a ceremony held at the lush garden of an art gallery in Pinaglabanan, San Juan year-old son and I left the judge’s house.

Grinning from ear to ear, the boy slashed at the air with his wooden blade and said triumphantly, “Now I can Pentel-pen ‘Bastard Killer’ on my samurai sword.”

Pinaglabanan, San Juan, presided over by a supposed minister of a religious sect based in Cavite. That was because I had divorced myself from serious notions of a Supreme Being, let alone any organized religion beholden to such an imagined Creator.

The formalized union produced three children, who are now all in their early 20s, all graduated from college except the youngest, who’s chosen to earn yet another degree. She lives with me, together with her half-brother my first son, and his 15-yearold granddaughter who just walks five minutes from our “village” to her school.

For a happy time till recently, all my four kids lived with me. The two other boys had opted to do so after I turned singleton again when our family of 20 years broke up. But early this year, the youngest boy flew the nest for his own place, and soon after his kuya decided to move back in with his mom. Both are still so close by, just a few minutes’ drive away. And at least once a week the boys come for dinner, when we’re complete again.

Complete, that is, as singleton dad and four grown-up kids and an apo. Have you followed me so far? Smiley. Wait till I get into another blessed union. Double smiley.

This Christmas, as has been dictated by homegrown tradition for all of my longtoothed life thus far, we will all go to La Loma in Quezon City, to the old ancestral house of my mom’s younger sister and her husband — my godparents at whose wedding I served as ringbearer at age five.

They’ve both passed away, so that their kids my cousins who are all younger than me now host the clan reunion early on Christmas Eve. I will miss once again that corner of the

house where my dad, my Ninong, and yet another uncle — the husband of my mom’s younger half-sister — used to sit and train me in sousing up with Johnnie Walker Black Label. They’re all gone, so I’ve been the oldest lush in that corner for Christmas Eve clan sousing.

There are only two ladies older than me in that yearly gathering — Tita Nenita, my remaining aunt who’s my mom’s half-sister, and Tita Cecile, who was adopted by my Ninang’s family and whom I grew up with.

Come New Year’s Eve, our matriarchal clan gathers again, this time either at my place or my kid brother’s, for we used to also celebrate our mom’s birthday on that date.

I don’t know half the names of the next generations to whom we’re passing the torch. Many of the kids are half-siblings, confirming for me that the Filipino family has been prone to serial unions since… oh, maybe as far back as my Lola Grande’s centenarian mom, the lady of the first generation captured in that now missing photograph in sepia who had passed on her fidelity to family all the way down to my mom and me.

In any case, I like to think that in a way, it’s been par for the course for our clan when it comes to fidelity and functionality. Equal loving, warm and/or tough, encompassing blood relations and informal ones. But real loving, traditional and total, and allinclusive. Family is family. All in, from core to extended. And we have no choice but to take care of and regard each other dearly.

Or maybe we’ve all made that choice ourselves, very early on. And it’s still Pinoy warmth of tradition that prevails.

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The Filipino

Global Runner

by Excel V. Dyquiangco

His motivation to run was the Olympics. But after two attempts in 1980 and 1984 to qualify for the national team, Cesar Guarin finally accepted that it was not his fate to become an Olympic marathon runner.

But he still trained – and traveled further.

“I ran in the 3rd Batulao Marathon in Tagaytay which was my personal best at 3 hours and 11 minutes,” he says. “However, after that race I had a recurring knee injury. To recover, I started to do a lot of run-walk training session. That introduced me to running ultra-distance from 50 to 75 kilometers which takes anywhere from 6 to 8 hours. Later on, I tried multiday running from Manila to Baguio

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City and Baguio City to Banaue Rice Terraces.”

In 1983, he did the Trans-Pilipinas Run from Zamboanga City to Baguio City. Cesar ran 37 days and covered a total of 2,300 kilometers.

“It’s difficult to run long distances but basically, it's all about the willingness to do it,” he says. “Call it willpower. If you don't have this, there won't be any kind of mental and physical training to overcome the trials and challenges that will come along the way.”

On the road, he takes care of his body by listening to it. It tells him how he would function for the day. It guides him how to deal with pain to avoid a long-term injury, the food intake he has to maintain to keep his energy level up, and the amount of rest he needs to recover from fatigue or slight injury.

“When I'm running hard, I can't think about anything but running,” he says.

“I occasionally think about how much longer I will have to run but then it goes back to running and remembering to breathe.”

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The Challenges of Going Global While running, Cesar has encountered many interesting stories and challenges.

One of them involves a Filipina living in a remote town in Sweden who volunteered to host the global run team for a night. “Finding our way to meet her after my 40-kilometer run, she met us at a crossroad in her latest BMW sports car,” he says. “She had a nice and cozy rest house in a farm town taking care of her three young kids.”

Running around the world “We celebrated life that evening with her two Filipina friends singing karaoke until early morning,” he says. “Meeting these people in real life really made an impact on me. I was encouraged to connect with every Filipino I meet along the way and listen to their inspiring life stories.

I endeavored myself to run 42,000-km around the world to deliver my message of gratitude on foot to all the global Filipinos. They are my inspiration. They make me feel better being connected with them and with nature.”

Aside from these stories, he has also encountered many challenges along the way. Running 40 to 60 kilometer a day and sustaining it for 30, 60, 90 days is in itself a big test -physical and mental conditioning is not enough. “I realized I've got to have deep sentiments and purpose to hold on to deal with this challenge,” he says. “Going from one country to another to run is logistically another big challenge. I learned that I needed team members who will be committed to help actualize the vision of the project as I am to keep running.”

When it comes to changing weather, he says that in cold weather, it is just a matter of putting on and off layer of

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Because of his desire and passion to bring home the first gold medal for the country, Cesar started “The Global Run: A Tribute to All Filipinos around the Globe” thirty years ago.

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clothes to maintain body warmth. In hot weather, like running in desert heat, on the other hand, he needs to wet his head and his body all the time to prevent any form of heat stroke.

Amidst all these, he focuses and enjoys the wonderful landscapes, the beauty of nature and God's amazing creations.

“I feel so blessed and more spiritually connected with our Almighty Creator [when running],” he says.

The Advocacy on Global Running Because of his desire and passion to bring home the first gold medal for the country, Cesar started “The Global Run: A Tribute to All Filipinos around the Globe” thirty years ago. A fund raising activity, the run consists of 14 stages consisting of all but two continents: South America and Antarctica and is set to be finished by 2016.

“We still don't have a gold medal,” he says. “But now I have realized that my

Olympic dream is to be a Filipino Global Runner. I expect that in completing this event I would have contributed in my own little way of having more Pinoy say "Proud To Be Filipino” and that those whom I have inspired will do the same and go for their dreams to become the person they can be.”

He adds that one of his recent reflections on the road was about what will sustain his determination to keep on doing the global run. “I've realized that I have to have deep sentiment and purpose about what my running is all about,” he says.

“I know the Filipino is worth running for. Therefore, I will complete the global run in the next four or five years - "Para Sa Pilipino, Tatakbuhin Ko Ang Mundo".

It is a goal that will take a couple of years, but Cesar doesn’t have plans of retiring anytime soon. It is with a fervor passion that he wants to keep on running until his last days. “Do more advocacy run to uplift the image of Pinoy and inspire others to go for their dreams and goals in life,” he says.

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Bringhe

Manila’s famous chefs, foodies call everyone to

“Grow. Cook. Eat.” Oxfam ambassador Stephanie Zubir i launches Food Heroes Recipes

M

anila’s famous chefs, foodies, bloggers recently graced the launch of Steph Zubiri and Oxfam’s “Grow. Cook. Eat. Food Heroes Recipe” at Milkyway Bar and Restaurant in Makati City. The launch coincides with the celebration of the International Rural Women’s Day on October 15.

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The Food Heroes calendar is a brainchild of Zubiri in cooperation with Oxfam in the Philippines. For each month, a rural woman is featured. On the reverse page of the calendar, renowned Filipino chefs led by Stephanie Zubiri shared their own recipes out of these rural women’s produce. Chef Jay Gamboa shared his Organic Puffed Brown Rice for February.

Steph Zubiri shared her Onion Jam and her Squash,

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Chef de Baron

Organic Kare Kare

Eggplant and Green Bean Lemongrass Curry recipes for the months of March and June, Chef Myrna Segismundo’s poached matangbaka (big-eye scad) in olive oil with garlic and lemon is featured in April.

For the month of May, Chef Fern Aracama made use of onion to cook Stuffed Onion. Chef Claude Tayag recreated the traditional Kapampangan’s version of paella, Bringhe for July. Chef Jackie Laudico shared her Sweet Potato Tart for August while her husband Rolando did an organic version of the Filipino dish kare-kare for the month of December. Chef Mickey Fenix Macabenta made use of seaweed in her Savory

Chef Steph Zubiri

Seaweed Salad (September) while Chef Him Uy de Baron shared his Eggplant Salad (October).

“The Food Heroes Calendar is our way of thanking women farmers and fishers who tirelessly toil everyday for everyone to have something to cook and eat. We encourage everyone to support this project by buying this calendar and give them as Christmas gifts to their families and friends,” says Zubiri during the launch.

“When Steph (Zubiri) first broached the idea to

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Chef Jay Gamboa

Chef Claude Tayag

Oxfam about this Food Heroes Calendar, we in Oxfam got really excited because this project is something innovative and creative and is a fitting tribute to the unheralded works of Filipino rural women,” says Marie Madamba-Nunez, Oxfam’s Advocacy, Campaigns and Communications Programme Coordinator.

The Food Heroes Calendar is part of Oxfam’s GROW campaign, a campaign for better ways to

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Chef Rolando Laudico

grow, manage and consume food. It is a campaign for the billions of us who eat food and over a billion of men and women who grow it, to share solutions for a more hopeful future in which everyone always has enough to eat. To realize the vision of a future where everyone always has enough to eat, we have to change the way we grow. We must make practical positive changes in how we produce, consume, share and manage food and other resources.

5 Pinoy Christmas Favorites with a Twist

by Kara Santos

Y

ou know it's Christmas season once again when you start seeing Queso de Bola and fiesta ham being displayed in the grocery stores. Soon enough, vendors will start setting up stalls selling everyone’s favorite puto bumbong and bibingka outside churches. These dishes will also inevitably make an appearance on Noche Buena.

If you’re coming home to the Philippines for the holidays, why not mix up these staples by trying out something new?

Lots of enterprising establishments across Metro Manila have come up with fusion food, by mixing up two kinds of food into all new creative combos. Here's a look at how some of our favorite Pinoy Christmas classic dishes have been reinvented with a unique twist in recent years.

PUTO BUMBONG + ICE CREAM What it is: Commonly eaten after the early dawn mass called “Simbang Gabi”, puto bumbong is a traditional delicacy made from ground rice and cooked in bamboo tubes over special steamer-cookers. After cooking, the cakes are placed on banana leaves, where they are spread with butter and sprinkled with grated coconut and sugar.

The twist: This traditional delicacy has been transformed into a cold treat more apt for our tropical weather - ice cream! Puto bumbong kakanin ice cream is made with malagkit rice cooked with muscovado sugar and margarine and garnished with grated coconut.

Where to find it: You can get scoops of Puto Bumbong Ice Cream from Sebastian's Ice Cream, an artisanal ice cream parlor that specializes in original and premiere flavors. It's one of their signature holiday flavors, along with Queso de Bola and Bibingka Espesyal ice cream.

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QUESO DE BOLA + CHEESECAKE What it is: Always a staple at Filipino Christmas tables, Queso de Bola resembles a Christmas ball because it is round in shape, a bit firm, yellow in color, and is coated in shiny red wax. Queso de Bola is a kind of Edam cheese originally from Holland, which was brought to Philippine shores by the Spaniards.

The twist: Your regular graham crust cheesecake gets an infusion of Pinoy holiday flavor from the salty flavor of queso de bola. This is a perfect blend of sweet and salty flavors that's perfect for those who don't like their desserts overwhelmingly sweet.

Where to get it: Queso de Bola Cheesecake is a dessert option served in several restaurants across the Metro, including those specializing in traditional Filipino cuisine like Bagoong Club, Elias and Pia Y Damaso.

BIBINGKA + CREPE What it is: Bibingka is a classic Pinoy Christmas delicacy which resembles a thick pancake. It is made from glutinous rice prepared in a special clay pot, wrapped with banana leaves and cooked with live coals above and underneath it. Special versions of bibingka have salted duck eggs (itlog na maalat) and/or unripened native soft cheese (kesong puti) cooked on top of it.

The twist: Aside from having an ice cream flavor based on Bibingka, this treat has also been made into a crepe. It's called the “bibingcrepe,” a play on the words “bibingka” and “crepe” which combines the fluffiness of the traditional bibingka and the creamy goodness of a French pancake.

Where to get it: The restaurant Half Moon Cafe specializes in this double dessert treat.

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TABLEA + CAKE What it is: Tablea is the Philippine version of hot chocolate, which traditionally come in rolls which are cut crosswise to make thick coin-like shapes.

The pieces are used to make hot chocolate drinks and the Filipino rice porridge champorado. Cups of rich hot chocolate are always a welcome treat come Christmas time.

The twist: Imagine a chocolate cake with bittersweet icing made with native cacao and condensed milk.

This dessert contains all the richness of the hot choco on top of a chocolate cake itself!

Where to get it: Xocolat, a cafe specializing in hot chocolate, serves this decadent dessert aptly called "Death by Tablea."

UBE + LECHE FLAN + SHAKE What it is: Ube halaya is a Filipino dessert made from boiled and mashed purple yam. The texture is a little chewy and creamy and it's traditionally made into a type of cake, though it's also a popular ice cream flavor in itself as well as a component of other popular Pinoy desserts like halo-halo. Meanwhile, Leche Flan or custard with caramel syrup on top is another favorite Filipino dessert. It has two main ingredients: egg and milk and is a favorite dessert for parties and family celebrations like Christmas.

The twist: Take a generous serving of ube and dollops of leche flan, mix 'em together in a blender, and you've got yourself a refreshingly sweet shake. Minimal effort is involved to eat this, as you can enjoy both deserts when you drink it down with the rest of your savory meal.

Where to get it: Ube Leche Flan Shake is served in Max’s Restaurant.

For more adventures in food and travel, visit the author’s blog Travel Up at www.traveling-up.com

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ONLI in the pilipins

Our Grown-up

Christmas List

Y

ou read it right, people.

Pinoys also mature after some time and when we do, we stop bugging ninongs and ninangs for cash aguinaldo and start realizing that there’s more to life than Starbucks planners. Like world peace or green earth. Sure, all these seem unattainable but at least (finally!) we’ve been able to draw the line between something that’s merely for our own personal interests and something that’s good for the majority.

Awww.

And so here’s our grown-up Christmas wish list in no particular order. We promise to do our best to make them all come true by joyfully getting out of bed to complete the simbang gabi despite the season’s party hangovers and the lure to sleep like a bear in this wonderfully cold weather, brrr. So help us God.

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By Aby Yap

Ceasefire with China Since to wish for world peace is to dream the impossible dream, we might as well take it one country, er, step at a time.

And the best way to get goodwill with the entire human race rolling is to patch things up with China, the unbeatable foe, which forms one-fifth of the world’s population. Perhaps a polite plea would help?

Hi, Chinese friends! Kindly leave the Mischief, Scarborough, and Ayungin Reefs (or the whole Spratly Islands if possible) to us. Also keep the Hong Kong visa free for us, please, as we haven’t been to Disneyland. Swear, we’ll never mention that kuripot comment about your Yolanda donation ever again. Thank you.

Photo By Tulane PR

More Andersons, Less Korinas If we could choose only one tribe to increase, well, we hope we’d have more of the blond type who might have gotten his reports mali-mali nevertheless stood by our side—literally.

ONLI in the pilipins

True, we had been amused watching Mrs. Tsinelas and Mr. Palengke make each other über kilig on national TV before as if they were the Kathniel of their generation. But with due respect, guys, isn’t it about time you two stop acting like kids who easily get pikon by the slightest criticism? For that, you’ve been rated K, Kainis or Kaasar, whichever is worse. It’s just two years away until the next presidential elections and the pikon is the loser, remember.

No More, Never Again This is like shooting the moon since we’re the favorite spot of storms, very unfortunately. But let there be no more Yolandas, Ondoys, or Sendongs to enter our area of responsibility again. At least not too soon as many of us haven’t moved on yet. Don’t take it against us, but we need to reiterate: you’re not welcome here.

The same goes for Napoles and her cohorts.

However, they’re in our midst already—in the Senate, Congress, Courts, Malacañang Palace in fact—that it would be too difficult to drag them away from their bath tubs of billions, tsk. Oh, eureka! Storms, you may take them away with you for good.

Selfless, Not Selfie The temptation of seeing your pretty face (so you and/or your parents say) and your OOTD (Outfit of the Day) on your Facebook wall and all over your friends’ newsfeeds is something that you can’t resist.

Okay, you’ve got serious selfie sickness; we don’t condone it but we’ll try to understand.

few teeth are missing. That which gives us hope that there’s something worth waiting for in this year’s MMFF even if there won’t be Shake, Rattle & Roll or Enteng Kabisote anymore.

But when you cross over from social media sites into the real world, we pray, nay, expect that you’d stop being self-centered.

You’d acknowledge and respect the presence and needs of other human beings, too.

Otherwise, please write a logical essay with 1,000 sentences or more why the world should always revolve around you and not the sun. Yes, paki-explain. Lab yu.

Look Up, Look Up We rallied against the pork barrel scam, PDAF, and Jeane Napoles’ Porches, Ritz Carlton unit, and fantastic lifestyle. We clung to the ceiling for dear life to keep from drowning in the terrifying flood.

We wept for damaged homes, lost lives, broken dreams, and disorganized relief operations. And yet we looked forward to bringing home the Miss World, Miss Universe, Miss SupraNational, and Miss Grand International 2013 trophies as well as the Pacman’s triumphant comeback in the boxing ring (and even Mommy D’s new fainting antics).

Photo By PNP As the Cha-cha princess Raizza Mae would sing, all together now, “Look up, look up.

Shake, shake, shake (the nega vibes)!” Don’t be sad. Stay happy.

Merry Christmas, Ka-Illustrado! May all our great wishes this 2013 come true. =)

May we always hold on to that widely celebrated Filipino spirit of steel, which is stronger than any super typhoon that would pass our way. That which enables us to smile though our hearts are aching and a

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10 things to do Celebrate, indulge, and be merry with this exciting set of must-do activities. Whether your choice is a gift of music, theatre or even shopping, the joyful month has lots to offer. Here, we dish out all things worthwhile for your holidays.

Start your year with Michael Jackson

Cirque du Soleil is set to stage the most anticipated show in the emirates. Their breathtaking performance will feature the spectacular music and dance choreography of the King of Pop, Michael Jackson. Written and directed by the renowned Jamie King, the tribute will offer a fantastic and unforgettable show Cirque du Soleil has ever produced. A must-see production, the Michael Jackson: The Immortal World Tour is bound to amaze from December 30, 2013 to January 16, 2014 at the Dubai World Trade Centre. Ticket prices range from AED 295 up to AED 2,295. Doors will open at 8pm. For more information, call 04-3662289.

Listen to the mellow sound of Jamie Rivera

Another Filipino singer is bound to the city of gold, and this time, she will be serenading fellow Pinoys with her ballads and love songs. Multi-talented performer Jamie Rivera will be staging a one-night only concert.

Former Smokey Mountain member Jeffrey Hidalgo will join Jaime in entertaining Dubai-based Filipinos.

The concert is scheduled early on January 10, 2014 at the Al Nasr Leisureland. Tickets are priced at AED 50 for Regular seating, AED 100 for VIP, and AED 150 for VVIP. Doors will open at 7pm. For more information, you may phone 056-6966979.

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Be dazzled with Chicago’s – the musical, that is

There’s no need to fly to Broadway to see the musical hit Chicago.

Relive the characters made mainstream by Richard Gere, Catherine Zeta Jones and Renee Zellwegger in the award-winning stage production soon to hit Dubai. Chronicling the lives of two women in the 1920s, the story as well as its familiar songs and dance choreography, will sizzle onstage the Dubai World Trade Centre.

With an amazing cast of more than 40 international performers, the show is certainly a riveting version that must be penciled in anyone’s calendar. With 20 shows, Chicago will back in Dubai from December 19, 2013 to January 3, 2014. Tickets range from AED 245 to AED 2,295. For more information, call 04-4573212.

10 things to do

http://www.jumeirah.com

Welcome Eraserheads (again) in Dubai

The popular rock band of the ‘90s, Eraserheads, is back to bring their music to their loyal fans in the emirates. This time, the group will join the two-day musical extravaganza, High Impact A2 Festival. Aiming to make a fusion between African and Asian music, the festival will feature a number of renowned artists in electrifying performances.

The first night of the festival is serving African music while Eheads, together with Parokya ni Edgar and Eric Santos, will thrill the fans on the second night of the High Impact A2 Festival. Happening at the Meydan Racecourse, the festival will run from December 26-27.

Tickets are priced at AED 399 for Golden Circle, and AED 259 for General Admission. Doors will open at 4pm. For more information, call 050-7486540.

Visit the Souk Festive Market at Madinat Jumeirah

Souk Festive Market returns in Madinat Jumeirah. Explore the enchanting winter wonderland from December 17 to 27 and experience festive entertainment combined with Madinat Jumeirah’s signature hospitality.

Framed against the idyllic backdrop of Mina A’Salam, the market is open from 3pm to midnight on weekdays and 1pm to midnight on weekends. This year the magical venue is spread over 2,200 square meters and extends from the amphitheatre across the waterways of the lagoon.

Guests can enjoy seasonal food and beverage snacks such as roasted chestnuts and gingerbread treats. An eight-meter tall Christmas tree will be embellished with beautiful decorations and activities for children will include a giant snow globe, an ice rink, Santa surfing, a reindeer rodeo, Santa’s grotto, and even the North Pole Train.

Located in the centre of Souk Madinat Jumeirah and in partnership with Lindt Master Swiss Chocolatier, the Souk Festive Market is a spectacular experience not to be missed by visitors or residents of Dubai.

Watch a fairytale come true with Beauty & The Beast

This December, the classic love story of Beauty & the Beast will unfold in Madinat Theatre. Running for 11 days, the Barnyard Theatre brings to Dubai the magnificent production that will surely entertain the whole family. Performances will run from December 20 to December 30. Tickets are priced at AED 150 for Balcony seating while AED 170 for stall seating. For more information, phone 04-3666546.

Save up for Dubai Shopping Festival

Don’t empty your wallets just yet. The annual Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) is just around the corner and you should prepare for that. With discounts ranging 40-70% for a huge range of international brands, it is a must-wait. Kicking off 2014 with a month-long festivity, DSF 2014 is bound to offer the biggest discounts and promotions as well as provide activities, including range of international concerts, mall shows, parades, fireworks displays and fashion events. From January 2 to February 2, 2014, enjoy Dubai with this much-awaited 19th edition of the regional shopping.

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10 things to do Photo by Meiji Sangalang

Join the crowd at Downtown Dubai

Photo by Richard Schneider

If Dubai were New York, Downtown Dubai would be its Time Square every New Year’s Eve. The countdown to 2014 is expected to be another spectacular show of reveltry and fireworks. Now that the city of gold has been chosen for Expo 2020, the expectations are higher, and knowing Dubai, it would not disappoint.

Emaar Properties, the conglomerate that handles the properties around the Burj Khalifa area, promises to showcase a range of bigger entertainment value during the festive evening.

Witness the biggest fireworks display the world will ever see

Set to be bigger and brighter than ever, Atlantis, The Palm invites guests to be a part of history this New Year’s Eve with front row seats to the biggest fireworks display in the world. The spectacular Royal Gala Dinner returns this year with the promise of unprecedented midnight fireworks under the stars, guaranteed to mesmerize guests from across the globe.

Meydan Hotel Facebook Page

Rock the New Year at Meydan

Unlock the door to 2014 at The Sky Bubble, Meydan Hotel with the most magical mystery party in town. For those who enjoy a blend of craziness with a touch of madness like a Mad Hatter’s Tea Party, then you cannot miss the Meydan New Year’s Eve bash! Tickets are available now for AED 895 (inclusive of food, drink, live music and DJ entertainment, and of course, fireworks). Dress to impress with ultimate glamour, and make the Queen of Hearts green with envy as you charm your fellow partygoers with your Cheshire cat smile. The party will kick off at 8pm, unlocking the door into 2014 as you party into the New Year and beyond.

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Diners at the Gala Dinner will enjoy an elegant outdoor dining experience, live entertainment and awe-inspiring views of the resort’s impressive fireworks. A sumptuous dinner will be served at elegant tables, with live cooking stations, barbeques, and buffets with a wide array of hot and cold luxurious international delicacies.

Larger families can enjoy unbeatable value and a wide variety of cuisine with Atlantis restaurants’ ‘Gold’, ‘Silver’ and ‘Bronze’ set menu options. Couples can celebrate in a more intimate environment at Ossiano, where they can enjoy stunning view of the Ambassador Lagoon, and enjoy contemporary Mediterranean flavours. Kids Club and Club Rush will also host a “NYE Party.”

Fashion CREATIVE DIRECTION/ HAIR AND MAKEUP: GENE GINNO ALDUCENTE PHOTOGRAPHY: FILBERT KUNG STYLING : REESE RUBIN MODEL: MARIE ANN UMALI , BB PILIPINAS WORLD 2009 PRODUCTION ASSISTANTSJOMEL GRUTAS RENZ MARION GRANADO TONY ARMADA JR.

Delectably whimsical style inspirations for holiday dressing that’s out of the ordinary.

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TIONS

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Tapered French lace short dress with sequined skirt by Albert Andrada

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Fashion A structural sculpted knit dress of all organic nalta jute (saluyot) and pinya yarns by Jaggy Clarino

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Tapered French lace short dress with sequined skirt by Albert Andrada

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Fashion A structural sculpted knit dress of all organic nalta jute (saluyot) and pinya yarns by Jaggy Clarino

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Empire cut , Mikado Silk Ball gown

by Albert Andrada

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Heat pressed textured neoprene gown by Rajo Laurel

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French lace ,baloon skirt short dress

by Albert Andrada

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Fashion Midi dress accentuated with swarovski crystals ,pearls and flower appliqués on the hemline by Albert Andrada

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advertorial

ICONIC SPRING TREND - WOMEN The ICONIC Spring 2014 collection gives us plenty of new things to look forward to. This is a first peek at the collection that we should all make closet space for.

Sports Luxe Sports Luxe is all about minimal silhouettes and simple patterns.

The trend takes off from clothes associated solely with athletes but is translated in a way that is androgynous, futuristic and minimal and is among the most dominant trends in the international runways and in the pages of every magazine.

Following a monochrome palette of black and white along with thunderstorm grey and metallic, the collection features oversized textured jackets and dresses, tailored and structured pieces like boxy jackets and cocoon dresses along with conventional sporty items like fluid jogger pants, oversized tees and dress.

Demure 70’s Adding a bit of 70s will infuse a bit of the classics into your spring wardrobe. The trend is all about carrying the more demure looks with an air of sexuality and a sort of defiant independence. Inspired by some of our favorite style icons Jerry Hall, Bianca Jagger and Lauren Hutton, this trend uses a color palette of ivory, dusty nude and earthy tones of beige and brown. The line includes fluid maxi dresses in sensual snake prints, wide leg pants, soft tailored jackets,

MARTIN NIEVERA CONCERT SERENADED DUBAI AUDIENCE IN A TWO-NIGHT CONCERT Martin Nievera dubbed as the Philippines Concert King performed at Boracay Club Asiana Hotel in Deira Dubai last Nov. 29 and 30.

The concert was entitled “Up Close and Personal” and fans got exactly that. Martin serenaded his fan with his classic songs like “Kahit isang saglit”, “Ikaw lang ang mamahalin”,”Ikaw ang aking Pangarap” and “Be my lady”. He also sang a few tracks from his latest album entitled 3D or Tatlong Dekada, commemorating his three decades as a singer.

Marvin Querido, the concert’s musical director, also performed with Martin on stage.

At the press meet and greet which was held in Boracay Nightclub, Martin sympathized with the typhoon victims of Typhoon Yolanda. He assured his kababayans that despite these challenges in life we will rise again and again because Filipino spirit in general is unsinkable.

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cigarette pants and tunic top sall using glamorous soft tailoring for that bit of drama and panache.

Popular Romance With feminine looks ruling the runways, this collection comes in soft pastel colours and vibrant hues, all of which are some variations of the floral theme. Following an evolution of the 50s retro-fuelled looks the trick is to look grounded rather than overtly girlie and flirty. White, cobaltblue, zest, and saffron yellow are the key colours while ruffles and pretty detailing are part of the new mood for feminine romance. The collection includes ruffled tops, carrot pants and fit & flare dresses.

On the prowl in the know My thoughts on Dubai & Expo 2020

By Kristine Abante – Dubai, UAE

To be a tourist in your own city is one thing, to be a tourist in a city that has adopted you is another. I've lived in Dubai since March 2009 -- a time when layoffs and salary delays were common, jobs were scarce, abandoned cars were plenty and the Burj Dubai (now the mighty Burj Khalifa) was pending completion, with rumors that Dubai, the once glittering promising metropolis was sinking in debt. It wasn't really the most ideal time to look around aside from the fact that my early paychecks could not afford going on tours--this was during pre Cobone and Groupon discount voucher deals.

© Aguaviva | Dreamstime.com

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I spent my time mostly working. The Burj Khalifa was eventually completed, finally the metro was up and running, and things started to bustle again. I got a new job, I did get to go around more often than usual, but I no longer had "tourist eyes". You know those fresh eyes that light up with wonder upon seeing something for the first time? I was a semi-local, and pretty soon the Burj was just another tall building and the Dubai Mall was just another tiring walk, everything in the city was becoming a hyperbolic bore, with only one exception: the Dubai Fountain. With its smooth swaying to Bocelli's “The Prayer”, that's one thing that never fails to amaze my jaded city heart.

on the prowl and in the know So this year, as it was bound to happen, I had to play tour guide to a visiting friend and pretend that I knew my city. It was the week before the big EXpo 2020 announcement and UAE National Day so there couldn't be any better time to get to know Dubai.

From Jebel Ali to Rashidiya, Old Town to New Town, from Burj Khalifa, to Jebel Haffeet, from Irish Village to Global Village, from Atlantis to Bastakiya, we went to explore every nook and canny, with me struggling to explain the way of life, picking up interesting realizations along the way.

Every day a different story, every day the city that I had grown indifferent to was looking better and better. I was like this bored old man who was suddenly seeing how lucky he is to be living with a beautiful woman all this time. Of course Dubai is not without its faults - the silly rules, the annoying people, the expensive arrogance and daily luxuries, the lack of alcohol, real music and street life, but overall there is just this unique air of confidence, this overwhelming sense of pride coming from an accomplished, self-made, half-crazy, half-obsessed city who beat the desert odds.

Dubai and the whole UAE may just be 42 and way too young to be in the 1st world champion league, but what it lacked in history and experience it certainly made up in steel determination and discreet charm.

I think of the UAE and of Dubai, and I see a young and ambitious first-time Wallstreet newbie daring to make a million on his first year, with many people envious and challenging. Many are waiting for him to fail, but he goes around making it happen anyway.

I heard an old joke before, that the Burj Khalifa is middle finger of the UAE. After winning the Expo 2020, I think I could very well be that fitting gesture from the Middle East to the rest of the world - and maybe, just maybe, there is rock and roll in this town after all.

Follow Kristine on www.band-aid-blues.

blogspot.com

Simbang Gabi in UAE

By Ion Gonzaga – Dubai, UAE From the 15th until 24th of December expect St. Mary's in Dubai, St. Michael's in Sharjah, St. Francis' in Jebel Ali, and other parishes across the Emirates to be jam packed at night, inside and out. These nine days before Christmas is when the Filipino Catholic community observes the traditional Simbang Gabi or night (or dawn) mass. Simbang Gabi is a devotional novena in anticipation of Christmas. Many believe that this is a sacred period to prepare ourselves to feel and fulfill the true spirit of Christmas.

This tradition originated in the early days of Spanish rule as a practical compromise for farmers who started their day before sunrise to avoid the heat in the fields.

Priests began to say Mass in the early mornings instead of the evening novenas, which were more common in the rest of the Hispanic world. This cherished Christmas custom eventually became a distinct feature of Philippine culture and is a symbol of sharing.

Aside from the spiritual preparation, many believe that whoever completes the 9-day novena will have his special prayers answered. But if you ask me, it's not about setting expectations that our wishes will be granted immediately; it's more about

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preparation of the heart and mind to better understand how God works on us, how God eventually responds to our prayers and desires. He hears us, but we have to hear ourselves as well. Simbang Gabi is the best time to reflect what His birth means to us.

Back home, Simbang Gabi is held before the sun rises at 4am. Here, since most of the Catholics are working, it starts around 7-8pm. It still feels like home. From the lanterns and decors to the choir singing lively Christmas carols, kids dancing as angels in jubilance, lectors singing the Psalms by heart, the mass goers - everyone's really in a Christmas mood.

We're blessed that we can practice this religious tradition in this friendly Islamic nation. We're blessed that the leaders of this nation respect our religion. Simbang Gabi is just one of the rich traditions why the Philippines celebrates

Christmas at its best in the whole world. And wherever there are Filipinos, this tradition will surely be observed.

For 9 consecutive nights, people had to go to church after the day's tiring work.

This goes beyond just a tradition. The massive crowd is a testament of the Filipino Catholic's strong faith.

It would have been perfect if an enticing aroma of bibingka and puto bungbong were in the air. Well, at least when you walk out of the church, you'll hear "kabayan kakanin bili na..." or "ulam kabayan sampu lang...". A bowl of goto from Cabalen eatery will do.

Follow Ion Gonzaga -

http://www.boydubai.com/ or on Twitter @ionGonzaga

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Divine Deals

By Rian Miranda – Riyadh, KSA

It's that most anticipated time of the year again! Most of us have saved months ahead of the occasion to buy mementos for our family and friends. A lot of people are busy shopping for gifts, wrapping them and placing it under the fancy Christmas tree in their homes. Lovers are excitedly kissing under the mistletoe; and traditionally, we sacrifice getting up at dawn to attend the "Simbang Gabi" and expecting our "wish" to be granted if we complete the nine-day early morning mass.

But have you ever thought about giving something that no expensive gift in the world could amount to? Sometimes we forget the true essence of the holiday-or "holy day"-- because we focus more on the festivities upfront. Instead of gifting material things to others, have you

considered sharing these personal gifts to someone?

A gift of hope.

A gift of love.

A gift of faith.

Victims of the recent tragedies in the Philippines (earthquake in Bohol and Typhoon Haiyan) have left millions in dire need of these gifts. The world cried with us and every Filipino's faith, hope and love was put to a test when these calamities struck the country. It is a destruction that will be etched in our history for generations.

What is the real purpose of our Christmas celebration? The One who is the cause of this glorious event has lived a selfless life and devoted Himself parting the three important gifts mentioned above. Because we cannot take material assets when we return to dust. Our legacy will be measured by those who can honestly tell that our

on the prowl and in the know

worth is not the number of properties or millions we made, but how we were able to inspire others to live with purpose. And that, my friend, is something that will always be treasured by those lives we've touched.

Can you be a source of these principled gifts?

Be a blessing to someone, every one, every day. Buon Natale!

Follow Rian - Instagram: msrianmiranda, Youtube: www.youtube.com/rianmiranda

Facets of Love

By Bruha Eve – Kuwait

West Elm is an upscale retail store that features contemporary furniture designs and other house wares. With the headquarters being based in New York, one of their missions is to support local artists. They just opened their first Middle East branch in Kuwait and as part of their advocacy, I was privileged enough to showcase my artworks last month.

My artwork collection entitled, “Facets of Love” a nine-day art exhibition was located at The Avenues Mall. The hues of gold, silver tones and glittery approach complemented their latest fall collection. I showcased a 10-piece contemporary media mix paintings, which depicts relative and obsessive love/hate nature.

My first conceptual collaboration with a furniture store was a success.

Standing beside my poster along the bustling Dubai traffic was overwhelming enough.

Follow Bruhaeveartworld on Instagram : Beartist22 Bruhaeveartworld

Smoldering Holidays

running and filling the lips will still give your lips some color even after drinking the bubbly.

The Merry Month of December is full of parties, which is a perfectly good excusing to glam it up. But before you head out the door and party the night away, read on so you can truly be the belle of the ball.

False lashes? Why not? But before putting those falsies on, make sure to curl your lashes. Measure the falsies to ensure that they are not longer than your eye. Apply lash glue but put a little extra on both ends.

After putting on the falsies, bind it with your real lashes with a coat of mascara.

By Anna de Leon – Dubai, UAE

Invest in a good foundation with staying power like Make Up Forever's HD Foundation or Estee Lauder's Double Wear Foundation. These foundations will ensure that even with all those besos, you will still look fresh.

A good waterproof mascara is a must-have if you plan to party the night away. No room for panda eyes for those uber glam party nights!

If you are planning to wear a bold lip color make sure you line and fill your lips with a lip iner. Lining will prevent the lippy from

And lastly, smile! This is a sure fire way of getting that kiss under the mistletoe.

From my make up atelier to your dresser, I wish you a Beautiful Christmas and a Gorgeous New Year! :-) Follow Anna –

www.annadeleonmuastylist.blogspot.com; www.annadeleonmakeup.com; IG account: annadeleon1977 Model: Tin Castel Photographer: Danabelle Gutierrez

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face. Best applied before going to sleep.

to be released on December 29!

Follow Tracy – www.misstracyley12. blogspot.com / Instagram: mstracyl

Whew! the life of a fashion and beauty blogger really keeps one busy. And this is just December.

**********

Girl About Town

By: Tinayums – Dubai, UAE

Snail Cream...Not a FAD!

By: Tracy Ley – Dubai, UAE

There has been alot of talk about snail cream. Of course, curiosity kicked in and I had to give it a go.

I did a bit of research and found that in the UK, they actually have clinics that have this beauty regimen. Snail cream as a beauty procedure entails having 3-4 snails crawl on your face for at least 30 minutes. A tad scary, right?

Let me just say that I did not do that. I opted for something else--something not quite as extreme and could be found in a 30gram tub. Yes, its amazing! The Isshikimaimai Snail Cream hydrates, firms and minimizes your pores. It also acts like a moisturizer and leaves your face smooth and supple. Snail cream also helps in reducing fine lines, wrinkles and helps lessen the visibility of stretch marks.

I believe no amount of foundation and concealer can make a skin appear beautiful.

Although it helps, but it definitely starts from taking care of our skin. Our skin is the largest organ in our body and absorbs more than 80% of what we put in. So what we do to it matters greatly!

Snail Slime Cream is 100% natural and organic (and that’s a big bonus for me). A pea size is more than enough for your entire

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Like everybody else, December is one of my favorite months. If I were in the Philippines, life will be simpler and getting busy planning my holidays and what to get for my loved ones would take up much of my time.

Here in my so called second home, December in Dubai is usually the month to welcome the winter breeze while enjoying dining out and watching the streets beam with lights.

Here are some of the highlights of my merry month of December My Esprit Story was recently released. This photo shoot project in collaboration with Esprit Middle East featured five fashion bloggers in the region including me!

Hosting the opening of Esprit’s New Concept Store at Al Ghurair Center as Esprit’s official fashion blogger in the Middle East.

Celebrate the season of giving by hosting 12 Days of Christmas blog giveaways to my readers from December 14-25, 2013.

So don’t forget to log on to my website and check out my daily features.

My life as a fashion blogger with HP Spectre XT Touchsmart Notebook in video to be released on Christmas Day. My New Year’s ResolutionPhotoshoot Project featuring fashion bloggers in collaboration with AeropostaleMiddle East

Fashion PHOTOGRAPHY: ALEX CALLUENG PHOTOGRAPHY ASSISTANTS: DANILO QUIAMBAO AND JAN MICHAEL VINCENT CASTILLO MAKE UP: BERRY CANAM CALANZA MODEL: MELISSA BAAS - WILHELMINA MODELS, DUBAI HAUTE COUTURE BY BANDOIX FLORES

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Sirocco Lose yourself in style that’s as hot as the thirsty wind blowing from the south.

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scrapbook

JEFFREY MALLARI

Jam “Graphikós” Mallari, has been working as a graphic designer in an award-winning advertising company that has been recognized across the U.A.E. and neighboring countries.

He describes himself as a simple Kapampangan who accidentally entered the world of photography. He sharpened his skills though self-study and later, graduated with a basic photography at DIGERATI. “Usually, a work piece of art is a reflection of the artist.

Thus, my photo images enable me to showcase my personality. I always humbly consider myself as being the learning stage. Photography is a non-stop learning process,” says Jam.

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GERICO CANLAPAN

Gerico was born in Bataan, Philippines. From as far back as he can remember, he has always been mesmerized by photographs that appear on just every printed material: from books, periodicals, to the newspaper that serves as packaging for native dried fish.

He embraced photography as his passion in 1989 and began collaborating with several local business tycoons interested in the same art. Later, he left the homeland to pursue a career abroad. In 2005, after years of toiling, Gerico was bequeathed an award as one of Philippines’ Modern Day Hero for Culture and Performing Arts, given pby the President.

Today, his projects appear in the advertisements of top international advertising companies and leading brands worldwide. He is the founder and chief executive officer of CAMERADERIE Photography club, an association that provides support and opportunities for the Filipino photography aficionados in Saudi Arabia.

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It’s What I Do Ingrid Aureada

Booker Diva Modeling and Events To be honest, there are so many names to call what I do. I am a booker, I’m an agent, a model/talent representative, a producer, an event manager and there are times I am also a model, a stylist and a choreographer. To say just one job title is an understatement. My job engages me in different fields of fashion, entertainment and events. I personally think this is what makes my job unique and interesting. The unpredictability of my jobs just excites me. One day I am booking models for a television program, the next day I will find myself choreographing a fashion show.

My typical working day would be mainly on the phone as I deal with different kinds of people every day. You will see me always talking on the phone, answering emails, typing messages on BBM, WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger or what have you. If a mobile phone that could be implanted into humans were to be invented, I will be the first one in the queue of people willing to undergo such surgery. But since my job is so random, I cannot be contained in the office as I need to go to different places, depending on what my job calls for.

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I can say the best thing that has happened to me so far on this job is our project for Abu Dhabi Tourism. We did the full photography production for 30 day--nonstop. As in we are always on the go, ready to shoot the different locations in Abu Dhabi.

That particular project gave me so many experiences that contributes to my being a well-rounded person right now. And plus I get to see the most breathtaking spots in Abu Dhabi and enjoy the best food out there.

People sometimes underestimate me but after all the work is done, I usually always receive overwhelming appreciation and praise. I have clients sending me long emails saying "You did a really good job" or giving me gift because I was there to sort out or organize everything even without being asked.

My message to my beloved Kabayans is be non-stop. I have learned from my job the value of acceptance and always moving forward. The world is not perfect and it will never be. But to slow down and give up will never give you the best results. If you have a dream, keep chasing it. If there would be barriers, use that as a reason to move on.

Do. Not. Stop.

it’s what i do Qatar’s booming sports business industry and to work at some of the country’s international stadiums and arenas.

Roland Gayeta

Projects Coordinator Integrated Marketing Communication

I work for IMC Doha, it’s an events and exhibition contracting company. As a Projects Coordinator, I am in charge of the execution of visual communications and display for clients who will be participating at exhibitions and conferences. I also formulate sports related activities for some of the leading organizations in Qatar, like Qatar Basketball Federation, Qatar Football Association, Qatar Handball, to name a few. It is very exciting to be part of

Florence Sioting

Freelance Make Up Artist

My job function is beautification or anything that requires makeup. In short, lahat ng gustong gumanda papagandahin ko -- for photoshoot, bridal, events, fashion show, TV Commercial or print add.

My day would start by going through my to-do list. Then I would read my emails for all communications, it may be an event or stand order, new tender or just simple inquiry or request. I check with design team for artworks, finalize costing to be submitted to finance for pricing, daily follow ups to our workshop regarding progress and delivery of a project and of course, oversee the arrangement of setup, décor or equipment to make sure everything is accurate.

It’s a nice feeling when you know that one reason why you were hired is because you are a Filipino. I believe that we have a competent nature and very good reputation as professionals. Personally, to get constant calls from my bosses saying that I am doing a great job and they are very appreciative is enough affirmation and motivation for me.

Whatever our job is, lets us all strive for excellence. I hope that we open our hearts and mind and be receptive to learning.

Success is not a one-time thing; personally I believe it is a habit--so never ever give up.

My job is my passion, I’m in love with it.

Pag nakaka kita ako ng make-up, feeling ko ang saya saya and every time I make people beautiful there is a feeling of satisfaction for me. I Iove to see na napapaganda ko ang mga tao or something na outcome ng imagination ko. I love to do it especially creating something unique. I didn’t learn my skills, maybe I was born with this talent.

I do tutorials also for those who wants to learn, its my privilege to share my talent with others. I truly believe that in everything you do, you should do it with your heart, and you will succeed.

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channels special broadcast, advertising insertions and Pay-per-views. It also includes real time monitoring of all onair channels along with the equipment conditions. Practically I’m in a television station with 12+ channels airing at the same time so to speak and it’s not an easy task to do.

Roy Francis Manalang

Channel Controller/Recording and Servicing Etisalat I work as a Channel Controller/Recording and Servicing in Etisalat, a leading telecommunications operator and one of the largest corporations in the six Arab countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council. I’m in the IPTV/Broadcasting part of the company that completes the e-Life (landline, internet and TV) package and services.

Aside from being with my wife and kids, I do photography on my spare time.

I’m passionate about nature/landscape photography. Being one with nature relaxes my body and soul. Photography has given me the chance to interpret my visual language into pixels, the opportunity to travel far flung and scenic places, and the most rewarding is to see my works in

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publications, photography exhibits, on someone else’s wall and in the 2012 National Geographic Arabia Calendar. I organize and conduct photography workshops together with my group “The Lightcatchers”. On some occasion aside from photography I’m also into participating in Filipino activities and causes here in the UAE. My typical day would be overseeing the whole transmission and operations of multiple HD and SD channels to be aired and delivered to the subscribers/ viewers accordingly. I handle mixed type of programming which includes exclusive

Being on this job requires me to be a dynamic player, one that could handle multiple tasks and be in a situation that requires immediate solution; that every second off-air is a waste of precious time.

Fourteen years of being in the company and handling these operations, my superiors are confident in entrusting these key responsibilities on my watch specially those Pay-per-view’s (boxing, wresting and other sports) and special broadcasts (Etisalat's Channel for CABSAT, GITEX, UAE National Day etc.) Whatever success I earned reflects as well on fellow Filipino colleagues at work which perceives us to be as hardworking and trustworthy. I’m a wide viewer and I’m very happy to be in this job I love, I always have the opportunity to watch newly released films for video-ondemand, sport events (Pacquiao’s fights are my favorite), WWE specials. It's all just part of the job and it's all for free.

To my fellow Filipinos overseas being an expatriate in any country is not a piece of cake. Respect the laws and norms of your host country, be mindful that we are here to forge our dreams; an opportunity that is absent to others. We should be grateful that our chance is at hand, I believe that through inspiration, determination and good work ethics will bear the fruits of success though it may be difficult and full of challenges.

Appreciate that our presence here abroad is a blessing and not a burden or sacrifice. Do what you do best and everything will fall into place.

leadership

Leadership Mindset

by Mary Jane Alvero

A

manager has been assigned to a new crossregional project, and the first meeting is today.

Unfamiliar faces around and other people are listening in from afar. Managers from across the company are gathered in a conference room at the central office; colleagues from international offices are participating via conference call and Skype.

The CEO, there just to oversee the group’s kick-off, opens with a pep talk. They were asked to help map a new path. Exciting ideas are expected to emerge from the group.

They are a mix of men and women, with varied ages and titles, representing different divisions and functional backgrounds, living in different countries. Who among them will become the leads of this group?

Studies show that when individuals achieve status within organizational groups, they gain respect, prominence, and influence in the eyes of others. One factor is the demographics. People of the historically dominant race, gender and of a respectable age (white men over 40 in the Western corporate world) are typically afforded higher status than everyone else.

Appearance also plays a role. Those who are tall and good-looking are favored over those less genetically blessed. Personality also plays a crucial role—the confidence usually displayed by extroverts helps them advance and move forward in the corporate world. People who achieve high status early tend to retain it. Others use more legitimate measures to size up new teammates.

These include expertise, competence, and commitment—all good indicators of

whether a person will gain others’ respect.

But although educational and professional credentials may testify to these assets, they can be difficult to assess immediately.

As people work together and prove their merit, initial impressions change.

In these modern times, an individual can achieve higher status on a team, both at the beginning and over time, by provisionally shifting his or her mindset before a first meeting. The attitude with which you enter a new group which is something completely within your control can help increase your chances of leading it.

While we cannot change our demographic characteristics, personality, appearance, rank, functional background, or expertise to get ready for a big meeting, we can channel our focus on mindset and behavior. Some of our Filipino managers are not being recognized because we live in the stereotype of traditional belief of leadership. They lack certain competence cues such as speaking up, taking the initiative, and expressing confidence that suggest leadership potential. These behaviors can be good indications that a person has useful expertise and experience, or they might simply reflect deep-seated personality traits such as extroversion and dominance. Motivation pushes us to steer clear of threats and adverse outcomes and the approach concentrates our attention on achieving positive outcomes and rewards leading an individual to a higher status.

Leaders concentrate their time and energy on things they can control rather than reacting or worrying about things that they

cannot control. They approach problems using various methods of human influence such as empathy, confrontation, example, and persuasion, but understand and respect problems or issues over which they have no control, and try to circumvent such problems. Leaders who possess this nature add value to an organization by leveraging resources in the best possible manner toward realization of the organizational goals.

Are you a reactive leader - reacting quickly to problems and finding solutions? Or are you a proactive leader - having the luxury of time to contemplate all the issues to a problem, thinking about the big picture and making sure that you are solving problems for both the short and longterm? While the most effective leaders are almost always proactive, the vast majority of organizational leaders have behaved predominantly in a reactive manner.

Many of the most effective organizational leaders become extremely frustrated dealing with reactive co-leaders. When we refer to reactive leaders, we usually mean leaders who have their actions determined by situations, and therefore generally act after the fact. Proactive leaders attempt to anticipate what might happen, while reactive leaders often adopt a waitand-see, don’t rock-the-boat attitude.

Before going into that big meeting, think about what kind of leader you want to be and channel your energy and mindset to becoming that leader.

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Everything happens

for a reason

By Francisco Colayco

E

verything happens for a reason and if we can think of a positive reason for Yolanda, it is perhaps that the whole world became a village. The relief operations are ongoing with donations pouring from so many countries.

Many victims are now “refugees” in Manila and the outpouring of generosity in different parts of Manila is unparalleled. After all this tragedy is our biggest ever especially in the age of social media where the whole world became

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aware in no time at all.

It is also awesome that all Christmas parties have either been toned down or converted to fund-raising opportunities for the victims of Yolanda. Gift-giving among family and friends have been put on hold. Christmas is about family and the Yolanda victims are now “family.”

My daughter, Lia, is married to a Dutch man, Ferry Corsten and I have a DutchFil granddaughter, Gabby. A Dutch friend told me that many of the Dutch are afraid to donate because they have heard so much about the corruption in the

Philippines and that only 40% of their donation will really go to the victims. In reality, the vast majority of NGOs are actually reliable and trustworthy. It is the few crooked ones that unfortunately give a bad name to all NGOs. To ensure bigger support, Lia and Ferry chose a known Dutch foundation for their fundraising.

I personally am so proud of Lia and Ferry.

They both did their project without prodding from us. Below is what they shared with us.

kabuhayan this, seeing this was also set up in a couple of days. But we hope the broadcast and website will help non-profit organizations receive more donations.

DONATE AND DANCE People can still go to www.donateanddance. com. Listen or watch the broadcast and, of course, to donate!

The benefit show #Donateanddance has received on behalf of GIRO 555 a total amount of 35,798 Euros. This is from the monies received from ticket sales, drinks, and private donations. This amount does not include donations received through the UPC broadcast which is coursed directly to GIRO 555 and donations received by other Philippine and international nonprofit organizations due to the live and post broadcast found on the website www. donateanddance.com.

The support from the DJs who’ve played and the many who didn’t but still supported us around the world, booking/management agencies, production companies, dance organizations, media, and of course many volunteers have been fantastic.

It is heartwarming to see how people in the dance industry can come together and help in many different ways for a good cause. In such a short amount of time and through the generosity of organizations we’ve also been able to broadcast the event both on audio and video in the telegraaf, numerous broadcast stations worldwide, and of course our website www.donateanddance. com. Through their generosity our cause has reached a global audience. Donations from these broadcasts are directed to a number of non-profit organizations. The list of non profit organizations can be found on our website. We are not able to see how much is currently being earned through

They have a Peter Project 2 which specifically donates bancas to the fisherfolk. http:// www.nvcfoundation-ph.org/projects/thepeter-project/

We will post the TV broadcast and an after movie will also be made available on the website as well. Please contact Jose@ themediananny.nl if you wish to use any footage for media purposes.

What has started as a Dutch dance benefit project at club Panama Amsterdam in Holland to create awareness and encourage people to donate to victims in the Philippines via the benefit, directly to GIRO 555, and/or in their own special way became last night a global initiative.

“There is a land of the living and a land of the dead and the bridge is love, the only survival, the only meaning.” ~Thornton Wilder “On behalf of all the Filipinos around the globe, we love all of you and your efforts to help the victims of typhoon Hayian.

Together we make a difference. Thank you for helping them rebuild their lives.

Maraming Salamat Po.” Lia/Ferry Corsten Thank you to all who have worked to make #donateanddance DJs for the Philippines a reality.

SAVE FOR ANOTHER DAY The catastrophe gives another important reason we need to save and grow our savings. If we did not have savings, there would be less to share. For those who suffered in the calamity, they would feel less insecure if they had grown their savings through the years. It would help them to pick themselves up earlier. While it is a blessing to receive, it is an even greater joy to give.

For your family and friends in the Philippines, take our seminars that can start them into the practice of studying and analyzing your personal finances and you personal investments. Check out www. colaycofoundation.com Sign up on www.pisobilities.tv We have so much in store for you!

LIVELIHOOD PROJECT

Watch Pisobilities: Light TV 33 every Tuesday, 8:30 pm-9:00 pm, GMA News TV every Saturday, 6:00 am, and GNN every Tuesday and Saturday, 11 am.

Watch also RHTV Pera Pera Lang Iyan every Wednesday, 12:30 am- 2:00 pm and Seminar School Plus every Saturday, 1:00 pm -2:00 pm!

Then, we have friends who have opened our eyes to the need for livelihood after the relief operations are done. You can go to www.nvcfoundation-ph.org

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NO DEBT SENTENCE THIS CHRISTMAS

By Atty. Barney Almazar

Every month, Dubai-based lawyer, Atty. Barney Almazar will explain legal concepts affecting the lives of Filipino expatriates across the emirates, providing practical legal solutions and highlighting relevant laws and issues.

On this festive month of gift giving, we delve how to avoid being in a credit card trap which could get you to court or worse, put you behind the bars.

You’re probably doing your shopping list for Christmas at this time of the year but before you hit the malls and swipe your credit card for that iPhone 5s or designer purse, read on Article 401 of the UAE Penal code first: “A punishment of confinement of one month to three years, or a fine of a minimum of AED1,000 shall be inflicted on any person who, in bad faith draws

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a cheque with no existing or drawable provision.”

Your MasterCard maybe as good as cash to Prada but as far as your credit card issuer is concerned, the consumed portion of your credit limit is “borrowed money” which you will have to repay plus interest. This means that you shouldn’t treat your credit card as cash in your wallet. I’d like to discuss how you can manage credit and the legal implications of not being able to do so since I bet you wouldn’t want to spend 2014 sitting in jail due to all your unpaid holiday purchases.

When you applied for your credit card, you have agreed to the terms and conditions of the bank which you probably did not read at all. In gist, the fine print in the contract obliges you to pay all your purchases plus any interest, late charge, over limit penalty, annual membership fee

and other applicable bank charges. You have authorized the bank to cash your security cheque should you default on your payment. If your cheque bounced, in the eyes of law, you have committed a crime.

The key to maximizing the benefit of credit (again, maximizing the benefit, not maxing out your limit) is paying all your purchases in full on the due date. If you cannot afford to make the full payment, strive to regularly pay more than just the minimum and do not use the card further until you are able to clear your balance. Adding purchases on top of your card balance will only make your interest payments bigger. Forget the reward points you will earn for any additional spending. The price you pay for interests certainly outweighs the monetary value of the points you earn.

If you are practicing the golden rule above, you are doing very well and need not bother

instalaw

reading the rest of this article. Otherwise, I need your 100% attention.

Credit card issuers, just like any other financial institutions are not charity. They earn the interest and bank charges you pay for using their money. When you get AED100, they expect to get back not AED100 but more. The longer time it takes you to pay back, the more you lose in interest payments.

But what should you do when you overspend and cannot manage your bills? You need to get a pair of scissors, cut up your card and call the bank to arrange for a payment structure. You may negotiate a payment holiday during a period of unemployment, to extend the term of repayment or reduce the monthly payments. Once you make the settlement, you should stick to the agreed payment terms. It is always better to settle out of court as what the story of Nenita’s husband will teach you.

Nenita’s husband is working as an account executive in a real estate company. He

has been using his platinum card for over 2 years but due to financial difficulties back home, he was unable to pay despite repeated demands from the bank’s collections department. The bank cashed his security cheque. After securing a report from the police for the bounced cheque, the bank filed a criminal case and he served jail time. Several months after his release, he and Nenita together with their 2 daughters decided to visit Manila. To their surprise, the airport immigration did not allow him to exit Dubai and was detained again for a pending civil case for collection of money.

It is a common notion that serving the prison term or paying the fine imposed for bounced cheque will erase one’s debts. This is absolutely wrong. The prison term or fine (which is normally lesser than the cheque amount) is the penalty for the criminal act of issuing a worthless cheque. It has nothing to do with the payment or extinguishment of one’s financial obligation which is civil in nature. Banks are interested in getting back their money from the defaulter. Banks

will not earn anything when the cardholder pays the fine or is imprisoned. To collect the amount owed, banks will subsequently file a post-jail civil case for collection pursuant to Articles 246 and 710 of the UAE Civil Code obliging the debtor to pay his creditor as per the terms of the loan contract.

The civil case will be assigned to an execution judge who would compel the defaulter to pay up the cheque or risk being jailed again. At this point, banks are less likely to enter into a settlement. Based on experience, most banks demand full payment together with damages and cost of suit from the jailed cardholder.

Though the holiday season may mean increased spending for many, not all gifts have to be bought from stores. A clean credit history is priceless. Examine your wallets and consider rewarding yourself with financial freedom.

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The Allure of Sand and Sea at

Pico de Loro

By Nikka Sarthou

Sometimes, city life could get so stressful and boring, which is why it is necessary for urban dwellers to take a breather from time to time. For me, a weekend getaway would do the trick in allowing me to get a respite from work and get recharged for another workweek and beyond that.

In my last weekend trip, my hubby and I headed south of Metro Manila and took a road trip to Pico de Loro Cove, a 40-hectare “Residential Resort Village” in Hamilo Coast, Nasugbu, Batangas.

The journey, which took a couple of hours, was full of misadventures and surprises.

Along the way, we took a wrong turn

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and got lost, and even got stuck in heavy traffic at some parts. But as we neared the destination, we were rewarded by scenic landscapes of the cove and even experienced passing through the TernateNasugbu Tunnel (Kaybiang Tunnel)—the longest tunnel in the Philippines. For some reason, I felt a sense of pride while passing through that area; I thought this could boost the tourism of the country.

A coastal weekend escape We knew we were near our destination when we saw manicured lawns and a big

sign as we turned the curve. Finally, Pico de Loro. I found out that it was named after Mt. Pico that resembles the beak of a parrot. In the Filipino language, parrot is referred to as “loro”, thus the name.

We had to pass through security before entering, as Pico de Loro has a residential area for its members. Non-members though may book a room at the Pico Sands Hotel, which is owned and managed by SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation.

My hubby and I stayed at the hotel, a seven-storey hotel with 154 guest rooms, some of which have views of the lagoon and mountains of Pico de Loro. Our room

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Did you know that Pico de Loro is one of the marine protected areas in Hamilo Coast? Its marine life is preserved and enhance in partnership with the World Wide Fund (WWF) for Nature Philippines.

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was spacious and came complete with facilities, but not with a picturesque view, unfortunately, though that did not stop us from having an enjoyable stay.

The first thing in our agenda after we checked in was to dine in the Pico Sands Hotel Restaurant & Bar that serves dishes like pasta, meat offerings, and more. Our dining experience was made even more special by the view of the lagoon and its surrounding structures.

It was a nice combination of being close to nature while having the luxury of modern amenities.

We explored the place after eating and discovered a plethora of activities that guests could do while there. Swimming in the various pools was on the top of our list. One could even bathe under the sun in the lounging areas inside the pool

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itself. We did both during our stay. We regretted not bringing our exercise attire though when we found out that the Country Club has designated areas for sports such as basketball, bowling, and badminton, among others.

For those who crave for some water adventure, guests may go on a Jet Ski ride, banana boat, kayak, paddleboard, or speed boat at Pico Beach. But since our goal was just to relax, we were content with simply taking in the sun and sea and bask by the pools. We enjoyed lazing by the pool too much that we were not able to experience the spa services of the hotel’s Rain Spa. The convenient thing about the resort is that it offers a complimentary shuttle service for guests, which we used to transfer from one point to the other.

We didn’t have to bother with driving our own car and looking for parking.

The shuttle could even take guests to St. Therese of the Child Jesus Chapel, which is situated on a hill that overlooks the coast. Catholic mass is celebrated there during Sunday morning.

For those looking for a romantic getaway, I discovered that guests may avail of Pico de Loro’s picnic packages which includes a trip to the nearby private beach in Santelmo Cove, which is a protected marine sanctuary.

Indeed, Pico de Loro offers a wide range of activities for all types of travelers.

Maybe next time we would schedule an adventure trip and try the fun water sports. I bet I would need another weekend getaway soon.

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trippin’ Darling Harbor

My Pinoy Life in

SYDNEY

Robert Monico A. Gualberto Jr. Since when have you been staying there?

I arrived here in October 2011. It’s been more than half a year now, but for me, it already feels like forever.

Can you briefly recount briefly why you moved there?

The primary reason why I moved to Sydney is to study Culinary Arts at Le Cordon Bleu (LCB). I chose Australia because this is the only branch of LCB

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that offers industry placement, which is similar to what they call in the Philippines as OJT or on-the-job-training. Once we are finished, we will be LCB graduates, who are renowned globally. We will also be recognized as Australian Qualified chefs.

Tell us something about Sydney.

Sydney is just like any other metropolitan city. Big, crowded, busy and fast-paced.

So if you are used to that kind of place, then you will definitely love Sydney. There

are a lot of places to visit here such as the Sydney Aquarium, Wild Life, Taronga Zoo, Blue Mountains and Three Sisters, the Opera House, Bondi Beach, Manly Beach, Harbour Bridge, Royal Botanical Garden, Hunter Valley, Darling Harbour and many more. Furthermore, if you want to party, Sydney, from what I’ve heard, is the best place to party here in Australia.

On the other hand, if you want a more quiet life, Sydney has its suburbs that you may also want to explore.

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Sydney is also very multicultural so you’ll see different races. Actually, I find Sydney dominated by Oriental people. When I arrived here, I thought I was in Singapore, China or Taiwan because there are so many Asians.

Just like every big city in first world countries, Sydney’s infrastructure is so impressive. I can’t complain about the railways, roads, freeways, toll, etc. Everything seems perfect.

There’s only one thing, though, that I didn’t like about Sydney. Since it is a very big city, moving around is quite challenging especially for commuters like me. A car is certainly a necessity. The buses here have schedules so if I miss my bus then I have to wait for 30 minutes to an hour for the next one. Although trains here are amazing, I still have to catch a bus to get to the nearest station near my place. Not to mention, bus tickets are not cheap at all.

It ranges from AUD$2.50-4.50. But I buy a weekly ticket for only AUD$51 that you can use on trains, ferries and buses.

Police on horses at Hyde Park

Sydney is also considered as one of the most expensive cities in the world. Although the salary here is pretty good compared to other first world countries, you won’t be able to save that much because the cost of living is very high.

I am currently renting a very small room but this is just about 600 meters away from my school. I pay AUD$160/week and bills are not yet included. It is also close to a mall and near to bus stops.

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St. Mary’s Cathedral

What do you do for a living?

I am a full time Pastry student in Le Cordon Bleu, and I’m currently working as a Commis Chef in two different hotels owned by one company. As a student, I am only allowed to work 40 hours every two weeks while still in school. But I can work for unlimited hours during school holidays and during my industry placement.

Working in the kitchen is really challenging. You really have to have a passion for cooking and food, because this job has so many demands.

Salary is low, workload is heavy, working hours are long. You’re lucky if you get to take a break, and the heat is terrible.

I also had my trials and was on the brink of giving up. I wasn’t expecting that this job would be that stressful. After cooking, I still have to wash the dishes and clean the kitchen. Sometimes, I also feel kind of lost and don’t know what to do especially during lunch or dinner service. But then I realized, I wouldn’t leave my country if not for this dream. I have just started in this industry and all I need is patience and hard work to get to where I want to be.

Is there a Filipino community there?

Yes, there is. When I stayed with my relatives, they brought me to some Filipino gatherings or parties. I also met groups they have joined like their church choir and dance group. I met a group of Filipinos once when I played badminton in Sydney Olympic Park. They invite me every time they play but due to my busy schedule I have not been able to play with them again. I heard there was also a Filipino festival held last year wherein Filipino celebrities performed but I was still new here that time.

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Sydney Tower

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Tell us about your life there When I first arrived, I was like a “probinsyano” coming to a big city. I was checking the big buildings and appreciating the infrastructure. Without even noticing it, I was already at my homestay and my Australian host mother greeted me. She was lovely and so was her house. I lived in that house with my host mom and her family for one month. She let me work in her café as a kitchen assistant, which then eventually helped me get experience and job offers afterwards.

I started with Basic Cuisine and they taught us the fundamentals about meats, vegetables, stocks, sauces, and fish. I was used to cooking in my own time and enjoy preparing dishes. So the first few days in the kitchen came like a big shock to me that cooking is not at all easy. Every day became a challenge as the recipes get harder and harder.

Now, I am studying Intermediate Patissiere and love being a Pastry Chef. I have shifted from being a Cuisine Chef because I believe that I work well as a Pastry Chef. My passion for cooking was intensified by this part of the culinary world. The end products always give me satisfaction especially if people appreciate not just the taste but also the art and effort you put in it.

The plate is my canvass and my ingredients are my colors/palette. It never fails to put a smile on my face when I share the pastries I make in school with my friends and housemates and they all greet it with, “Woooohs” and then “MMMmmmmms” when they start eating it.

I believe that LCB is giving me the best training in the world and this is preparing me to become competitive and world-class professional. I have just started my journey in becoming an excellent pastry chef. It might be a long journey but I hope it will be really sweet in the end.

What cultural practices/behaviors have you acquired from your host country?

In terms of cultural practices, there are a few small things like eating pies with tomato sauce, walking a lot because they don’t have tricycles here, leaving the house early and being on the bus stop 5-10 minutes before the bus arrives.

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I’ve also learned to speak the Australian way, pronouncing tomato as “to-mah-to”, asking “how you doing?” or “how you goin’?” instead of the usual “how are you?”.

Australian culture, I think, is all about having fun. I’ve always wanted to go surfing in Bondi Beach or Manly Beach but there were numerous shark alarms. My friends have invited me to go skydiving but I am too much of a wuss. Whenever we hang out, I always try different Aussie beers as they have such a wide variety of beers.

Australia is also considered as one of the top 10 wine producing countries in the world so I have also started to appreciate wine here. I was never really a wine drinker back home, because I was more of a rum, brandy, or whisky kind of a guy.

Your message to Filipino across the globe As wonderful as it seems, living in another country can be really hard at the beginning. You will miss everything about home. It doesn’t mean that you’ll be miserable or unhappy but you will be aware of what it is like being on your own. You will miss the good life you left behind and start to do things you have never done before. You have to be more open-minded about other societies and cultures and their different points of view. Sometimes it will change or break your principles, but the best thing to do about it is to keep your most important values and traditions and change those that you think can be improved on.

Give it time and you will eventually get used to your life and start enjoying being independent. You will then develop a sense of responsibility because you have no one to depend on. All you really have is yourself. It is not at all easy, but these changes are necessary to make us stronger and better individuals.

But, at the end of it all, there’s really no place like home.

Saludo ako sa mga Pilipinong nakikipagsapalaran sa ibang bansa. Mabuhay po kayong lahat!

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news

The Philippine Department of Tourism & Philippine Embassy in Riyadh launch promotional campaign to attract Saudis to holiday in the Philippines The Philippine Department of Tourism, in conjunction with the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh and the Philippine Consulate General in Jeddah, have come together to launch a promotional campaign to encourage more Saudi nationals and expatriates to holiday in the Philippines in 2014.

To kick-off the activities, promotions in both the cities of Riyadh and Jeddah will be conducted from 14 – 20 of December, 2013. These events will include seminars, industry meetings and events to highlight the attractions of the Philippines as an exciting destination for seaside luxury escapes, outdoor adventures, urban experiences and family fun.

The Philippine Department of Tourism has identified the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as a priority outbound market for development, especially as it currently ranks the largest visitor market to the Philippines from the Middle East. In 2012, the country hosted a total of 30,040 visitors from Saudi Arabia, which was an increase of 7.5% compared to

the previous year. In 2013 arrival numbers from the Kingdom between January to September 2013 stood at 30,258 already exceeding the 2012 total. The propensity for further increase also remains strong following the increase in direct flights services between the Philippines and Saudi Arabia with the re-launch of Philippine Airlines direct flights between Riyadh and Manila, and then Dammam and Manila in November 2013.

“Our commitment to deepen our engagement with travel industry professionals, airlines, media and consumers in the Middle East is absolute.

With the support of our industry partners, compatriots at the Philippine Embassy and consulates in Saudi Arabia, and our new marketing representative office with AVIAREPS, a cohesive programme of promotional activities, events, seminars and participation at key travel exhibitions will be rolled out over the forthcoming months, with the objective of enticing more visitors to the Philippines,” says Raymund

Glen Agustin, Philippine Department of Tourism Chief of the Russia, India and the Middle East Market Development Group, “An increasing number of Saudis are experiencing the joy and value that the Philippines have to offer as a holiday destination. We hope to encourage even more Saudis to discover the unique charms of our country and let them know that through tourism and by travelling to the Philippines, visitors can not only have a memorable and enjoyable experience, but also know that their tourism spend will directly help with the development of the Philippines economy, especially following the aftermath of super Typhoon Haiyan,” says His Excellency Ambassador Ezzedin H. Tago, Philippines Embassy in Saudi Arabia.

The Philippine Tourism Development Mission to Saudi Arabia will be conducted from December 14 – 20, and include presentations to industry professionals as well as high level industry meetings in both Riyadh and Jeddah.

For further information please contact the Philippine Department of Tourism Middle East Marketing Representative Office at +971 (0)4 433 5952.

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