ILLUSTRADO Magazine June 2017

QUARTER 3 2017

NOUVEAU FILIPINO

EDITOR’S NOTE

Global and Ever-Evolving Photo by Rozen Antonio

And that globalized profile continues to advance, at an even faster pace, with how small the world has become.

A tenth of our people live composite lifestyles – partly Filipino, partly something else, across the world, as we have emerged as a palpable global phenomenon in the last two decades. We have assimilated but have also conquered not only through our mere presence and numbers in various countries, but also through our workforce, our food, our legendary beauties, our fashion, even our ubiquity and level of noise level in social media, not to mention our friendliness. We have a growing number of TCKs (third culture kids) who live global, while on the flipside, we also have droves of foreigners who made the Philippines as their home.

How ‘Filipino’ should a Filipino be?

In this increasingly globalized world, where 11 million of us live outside the homeland, and where as Filipinos in diaspora, we are often made acutely aware of our ethnicity in contrast to the ‘others’ that surround us, we get a lot of questions pertaining to our identity – “What is Filipino?” “What does it mean to be Filipino? “Filipino nga ba talaga? “Are we being true to ourselves”?

But is there such a thing as a ‘pure’ Filipino?

Even the first settlers in our archipelago, the Negritos, came from somewhere else. They arrived in rafts from ancient Australia, Melanesia or even Africa – no one is certain, 67,000 years ago. From as far back as our history accounts would allow us to remember, our people, our practices and our traditions have always been an amalgamation of various ethnicities and cultures. Filipino-American biologist Dr. Michael D. Purugganan, who served as the Dean for Science at New York University and co-director of the Center for Genomics and Systems Biology at NYU Abu Dhabi, explained “We are products of what we evolutionary genomicists call genetic admixture, the result of several thousand years of mixing in our island archipelago at the edge of the Pacific. We were always getting genes from everyone who came to our shores. We are, in a genetic sense, a truly global people.”

So what if we are not “pure”? So what if some of us are a tad fairer, and some haven’t mastered the vernacular?

So what if our clothes are worn by foreigners? So what if some of us feel more at home in other lands than the old country? Does that make us any less than what we really are?

Why do we even want to isolate ourselves from the changing evolving world by being so fixated on having a “true culture” (whatever that means) when we have always been a global one?

Adaptability and evolution is not a bad thing. It is also exchange - our way of injecting and propagating our heritage, and our ideas to others. Allowing ourselves to be immersed in the ‘global village’ makes it possible for us to implant our distinct character, our practices, our aesthetics, even our views upon the rest of the world.

Perhaps, we were always meant to be mixed - a hybrid of sorts.

And being that hybrid has allowed us to imbibe, and also ascend, just like how our warmth and our smile quietly ‘takes over’ wherever in the world we go.

Is there anything else more Filipino than that?

Taas Noo, Filipino.

LALAINE CHU-BENITEZ Editor-in-Chief

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PUBLISHER & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF LALAINE CHU-BENITEZ CREATIVE DIRECTOR MON BENITEZ CONTRIBUTORS ABY YAP ALFRED “KRIP” YUSON AL MANLANGIT ALWEE VILLAROSA ANNA DE LEON ANTONINO BENITEZ ARMANDO ‘BUTZ’ BARTOLOME BARNEY ALMAZAR, ESQ CHANTAL MARAUTA CHOLO JUAN DANABELLE GUTIERREZ EXCEL DYQUIANCO FRANCISCO COLAYCO GELO SANTOS ION GONZAGA ISHWAR CHUGANI JANELLE VALES-YASAY JOAN TUANO JOSEPH ALCANTARA JOVY TUANO KENNETH EPHRAIM SURATH KIETH WALTER AYUSO KRISTINE ABANTE LESLIE ANN FIESTAN MAIL BAUTISTA CON. GEN. PAUL RAYMUND CORTES TRACY LEY ORENCIO LOUISE MONIQUE SORIANO NINA PENALOSA-CARPIO PATRICIA ZYRINN DE GUZMAN PAOLO BENITEZ PERLA DALY RAYMUND TAMAYO RIAN MIRANDA REBECCA DESIDERIO RED VARGAS REX VENARD BACARRA ROMAN GUEVARA ROSAN KATLEA REODICA CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS ALEX CALLUENG BETHOVEN FILOMENO EROS GOZE HERSON NEBAYA IRVIN RIVERA JEF ANOG RAEN BADUA ROZEN ANTONIO 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.CO WEB: ILLUSTRADOLIFE.COM, ILLUSTRADO. CO FACEBOOK: ILLUSTRADO MAGAZINE TWITTER: ILLUSTRADO MAGAZINE INSTAGRAM: ILLUSTRADO MAGAZINE PRINTERS ATLAS MEDIA COMMUNICATION FZ-LLC PO BOX 14833 DUBAI, UAE STOCK IMAGES SHUTTERSTOCK.COM (UNLESS OTHERWISE SPECIFIED) COPYRIGHT ILLUSTRADO COMMUNICATIONS FZ-LLC 2006 – 2016 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.

STARTING A FRANCHISING BUSINESS

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Dreaming of having your own franchise? Here are the fundamentals.

SISIG MIGHT BE THE NEXT BIGGEST FOOD TREND

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Says chef and TV personality Anthony Bourdain

LIFE LESSONS FROM FILIPINO MILLENIALS LIVING ABROAD Not just “entitled vagabonds,” millennials teach us some lessons worth learning

LATENT FILIPINOS 6 ARE WE FICTIONAL FILIPINOS? 8 POWER TO THE PINOY 10 LOVE FOR THE PHILIPPINES – THE FOREIGN SIDE 12 WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A FILIPINO IN THE EYES OF A THIRD CULTURED KID 28 ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: LAIDBACK LUKE 30 ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: FRANKLIN CAŇA VALENCIA 31 SCRAPBOOK: JUNELL CORNEJO 34 SCRAPBOOK: AC REYES 36 LIFE LESSONS FROM FILIPINO MILLENIALS LIVING ABROAD 38 I AM MORE THAN WHAT THEY SEE 43 FILIPINO DESIGNERS - MICHAEL CINCO 44 FILIPINO DESIGNERS - HARVEY CENIT 52

FILIPINO DESIGNERS - YEN 56 FILIPINO DESIGNERS - RYAN PACIOLES 58 FILIPINO DESIGNERS - ROCKY GATHERCOLE 60 FILIPINO DESIGNERS - JASPER GARVIDA 62 FILIPINO DESIGNERS - EZRA SANTOS 64 SISIG MIGHT BE THE NEXT BIGGEST FOOD TREND 72 ASIA’S NEXT TOP MODEL: MAUREEN WROBLEWITZ 73 THE ARCHITECTURE OF FRANCISCO MANOSA 74 STARTING A FRANCHISING BUSINESS 80 PINOY NA PINOY STUFF 82 ILLUSTRAGRAMMERS 84 20 SURPRISING BENEFITS OF BAHALA NA 88 ILLUSTRADO FACES 90

ON THE COVER: ASIA’S NEXT TOP MODEL : MAUREEN WROBLEWITZ

The new Filipino aesthetic – rooted in age-old tradition, translated to the contemporary, and designed for the world. A model wears Ezra Haute Couture featuring a “Weave of Love” handwoven palm leaves ‘banig’ skirt with a Swarovski crystallized cashmere turtle neck shirt. Photography by Rozen Antonio.

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She was picked on but still emerged victorious. Meet the first Filipina winner of Asia’s Next Top Model.

74 THE ARCHITECTURE OF FRANCISCO MANOSA The inspiring works of an architect who designed distinctively Filipino

12 LOVE FOR THE PHILIPPINES THE FOREIGN SIDE These non-Filipinos make us look at the Philippines with a fresh perspective!

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CONTRIBUTORS LALAINE CHU-BENITEZ Editor-in-Chief and aspiring urban farmer “almost superwoman” Lalaine has been driving Illustrado’s mission to uplift Filipinos in the region for over a decade now. A former corporate dynamo living in Dubai for more than two decades, she has seen enough to appreciate that the best things in life can’t be bought, and that in this day and age, authenticity could be one’s best asset.

ALWEE VILLAROSA Savage PR savant.Social Media guy. Bangkok advocate.

Hoarder of 3AM songs that are too cool for anyone.

Strongest proponent of the #WastedYouth campaign on Instagram.AlweeVillarosa could be your typical, garden variety switchedon millennial Internaut, except that he’s infinitely more. He is also a cunning marketing strategist, a burgeoning writer, and an account manager and leader with an unshakeable sense of integrity and work ethic that belies his young age. See more of his POV at his IG: @alweevillarosa PAOLO GABRIEL BENITEZ A visual communications student, Paolo is an aspiring artist, seeking to make his mark in the world of cinematography and the performance arts. When not dancing in the living room in the middle of the night, he functions as a perceptive young man, seeking to learn how things are the way they are and providing insight on the various issues that plague his generation.

PERLA DALY Life Coach, volunteer, writer, artist, and publisher of pinay. com, bagongpinay.org and newfilipina.com and founder of Bahala na Meditations – www.bhln.org, Perla Daly’s advocacies lie in Filipina empowerment and promoting Filipino heritage. Like many expats, Perla is a global citizen, but one with a special interest in preserving Filipino traditions by keeping them alive, and letting them grow. In this issue, she teaches us the positive value of saying “Bahala Na” as a mantra yielding to the divine source.

DR. REX VENARD BACARRA Professor of Philosophy at the American College of Dubai, RexVenard Bacarra says of himself – “I may be bad in folding a fitted sheet and horrible in parallel parking.

But, I am excellent in chewing the maggots of the philosophical universe. Maybe…” True to form, this modern day ‘Filosopo Tasio” shares with us his thoughts on our society today – this time delving into the question of Filipino identity.

PATRICIA ZYRINN DE GUZMAN Patricia Zyrinn is a jewelry designer based in Canada. She was raised in UAE, where she started her artistic journey. She embraces her Filipino identity and cultural heritage regardless of growing outside of the Philippines. One of her earlier pieces can be seen in the Park Rotana Hotel in Abu Dhabi. In 2008, Patricia Zyrinn moved to Canada where she received her Bachelors of Fine Arts, majoring in jewelry and metals.

She utilizes her art as her form of expression in order to exhibit aspects of her cultural heritage with pride. Follow her journey on: @patriciazyrinn and www. patriciazyrinn.com

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CONSUL GENERAL PAUL RAYMUND CORTES When not performing his duties as the head of the Filipino community in Dubai and the Northern Emirates, or the obligations of a dutiful dad, passionate patriot Paul Raymund Cortes mulls over how to further enrich the local Filipino community by promoting a more progressive mindset.

BUTZ BARTOLOME Philippines’ Franchise Guru Armando “Butz” Bartolome is the president of GMB Franchise Developers Inc., a pioneer franchise development company established since 1993, co-founded and managed by his wife, Lyndah. The company has assisted numerous entrepreneurs whose brand names are now some of the most recognized in the Philippines, including Mang Inasal, Julie’s Bakeshop, Generika Drugstore, Gingersnaps, Potato Corner and a host of 880 others to date. He is one of the 34 “Angelpreneurs” of Go Negosyo. He is also part of the speakers’ pool of Truly Rich Club of Bo Sanchez.

MARIE CHANTAL MARAUTA Filipina-Italian Chantal is a TCK (third culture kid) raised in Dubai currently studying International Politics and Media at Brown University in the USA. She will be a visiting student at Oxford University in the UK starting September 2017, where she will study 20th Century European History. When not studying, she’s an actress, a member of Model United Nations, and a regular writer for the online magazine “Post,” and the blog Spoon University.

Chantal is also a globetrotting foodie. Follow her food adventures on Instagram @chantalscravings

PINOY PROGRESSIVE

THE LATENT FILIPINO B y C O N S U L G E N E R A L PAU L R AY M U N D C O R T E S

Awareness of one’s heritage emerges either when the comfort of one’s adopted culture is shaken and confronted by ignorance of some closed-minded folks who argue for purity in culture, or when the equilibrium between the flux of two or more heritages is disturbed by the need to respond to a forthcoming challenge. It is in moments when we are pushed against the wall of racial bias that triggers us to assert ourselves and prove the mettle of our ethnicity. It is also in the moments of latency that we realize that there is much more than meets the eye.

I

grew up in the 70s and 80s in the metropolis, a time when being Manileño was hip, cool, and well – trendy. Corollary to that, it was also the time when speaking Ilokano in the midst of my Manila-boy schoolmates meant being teased as one from the barrios or the mountains (well - I was born in Baguio!) or to put it as I remembered some of my schoolmates did – “rural.”

I learned to withhold my knowledge of Ilokano, afraid that it would make me the laughing stock of the chill Tagalog kids (only to find out that most of them secretly knew Ilonggo or Cebuano or any of our other tongues). I never mastered to speak it as fluently as those from the Ilocos, although I understood every word since both sides of my genealogy was as Ilokano as it could be. My parents would speak it, thinking that there were things

that needed to be understood only by them, though when they spoke Ilokano to us it was clearly a sign that either they meant business or that it was urgent or that a reprimand was in order.

When we arrived in Hawaii in 2006 for our second tour of duty, I was struck by the dominance of the Ilokano language among all Philippine languages in the Aloha State, so that speaking it was a necessity. Most of the Consulate’s clients spoke Ilokano and obviously, knowledge of it boosted effectivity and efficiency as far as public service and community relations were concerned.

This time, I warmed up to the Ilokano breed in me, my childhood fears of being branded “rural” evaporating and dissipating. I slowly re-learned it, memories of words long hidden in the deepest recesses of my brain resurfacing

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and pushing them onto the forefront of consciousness. Though I will most probably never speak in the accent and swagger and rhythm of those from the North, there was no denying that I was reborn into my true roots - an epiphanous insight that heritage is never lost in one’s lifetime. Notwithstanding, I could not repudiate the Manila culture that I had adopted as my own. It had become part and parcel of my person.

I think then about my kids who, because of diplomacy, were inculcated with foreign cultures – from European, the Pacific and North American, and then Arabic – juxtaposed with our own. Luckily, my boys grew up in societies that embraced other ethnicities, in communities that cared not whether one was white or black or brown or permutations thereof. The interactions they found themselves in, whether in school, public places, church,

PINOY PROGRESSIVE

or elsewhere, were welcoming. They were cloistered by a diplomatic world that partially immunized them from the pitfalls of prejudice and discrimination.

They were not regarded as pejorative; rather, simply different, spared from judgment on superiority or inferiority of ethnicity or language. For them, that the world accepted diversity unconditionally, was gospel truth.

One of my most vivid recollections is that of my oldest son, then around 3 or 4 years young arriving in the Philippines for a short visit. Immediately upon deplaning, he remarked how many Filipinos (presumably those of similar physical features) there were back home. It was an adorable observation, untouched by bias.

For him, there appeared no difference between the world where most had fair skin and blond hair, and where one had brown skin and jet black hair.

I suppose most children transported to different cultural set-ups grow up unscathed by the jagged edge of diversity and discrimination. Only when they grow older and become more exposed to the seeming intolerance and stubbornness of the world in accepting diversity do they understand that there was something that made them different from others, prompting them to be more introspective about their personas as Filipinos.

Awareness of one’s heritage emerges either when the comfort of one’s adopted culture is shaken and confronted by ignorance of some closed-minded folks who argue for purity in culture, or when the equilibrium between the flux of two or more heritages is disturbed by the need to respond to a forthcoming challenge.

It is in moments when we are pushed against the wall of racial bias that triggers

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us to assert ourselves and prove the mettle of our ethnicity. It is also in the moments of latency that we realize that there is much more than meets the eye. Here, I realize that as far as my third-culture kids go, their Filipino soul, although inherent and physically recognizable and happily co-existing with new cultures, needed to be awakened from its dormancy.

It is my obligation as a parent to present our heritage to our children to make them understand the milieu that raised their ancestry as only in fully comprehending where their cultural and philosophical make up had come from can they move ahead in an ever changing and increasingly global community.

It would be a great disservice to the history of mankind if we didn’t live up to this responsibility.

PINOY PROGRESSIVE

Are We Fictional Filipinos?

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race in diaspora and a nation re-birthed over and over again from the wombs of the Spaniards, the British, the Americans and the Japanese, cannot claim authenticity.

This lack of rootedness is reflected on how we desire and what we desire, and when how we desire is self-centeredly individualistic instead of the more unifying collective, and what we desire is exemplified with our obsession with fairer skin among others that are naturally extrinsic to us, then who we truly are as Filipinos, as a nation struggling for identity, is in crisis.

Writing for The Atlantic, James Fallows in 1987 offered a stinging, “…dark view of a nation not only without nationalism but also without much national pride.” A blunt criticism, yes, but one that speaks the truth. It begs the question – “What does it take to be a true Filipino?” Or are we, like a story of fiction, cloaked with layers upon layers of magical coats, unable to identify who we truly are, because of what we have become?

Do we consider a Filipino true when he claims to be one, speaking with an American twang? When one is a Filipino in passport, yet considers the spoken English as a superior way to communicate, automatically changing from Tagalog to heavily-accented English when ordering in Starbucks for a Latte, is he truly one? It is not just the language, but the preference for the Zaras and the

By D r, R E X BAC A R R A Photography by JUNELL CORNEJO

Guccis, instead of the homegrown Shoes

by Kai and Harpoon Co, which you, unsurprisingly, probably have not heard of.

So are we fictional Filipinos? No. Something beautiful flows in the veins of every Filipino courtesy of these influences. While people can question our material tastes and preferences, we acquired traits and values that have become unique to us. When globalization happened and the conceptual walls of segregation fell, when Filipinos jumped overseas to take advantage of the global opportunities, when intermingling with people of colors became the norm more than the exception, then people all over the world took notice of the Filipinos.

More than the karaoke and how good we smell, they noticed our passion, both in religion and in our tolerance for pain. Being Filipino in a borderless

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world means acting on our belief, and we practice the values contained therein. We are respectful and pleasant to work with. The endearing use of kuya and ate, or their equivalent, should be consciously practiced in all associations.

Being prayerful should reflect our actions. When we celebrate the mass, attend the Simbang Gabi leading to our Lord’s birth, experience the joys of Easter, fulfill our panatas and vows, indulge in the merrymaking of fiestas, birthdays, and anniversaries, we show to the world a global attitude that can be traced to a three-century influence of Spain that had metamorphosed into a passion that throbs emphatically even now in our hearts.

Being Filipino in a borderless world means being incurably happy. This is classically Filipino, borne out of years of being with colonizers. We have learned to adjust and be flexible. We smile in difficulties, we laugh awkwardly when we are unsure, and we roar when we are afraid. This is a trait that speaks volume about how we see and interact with the world. Our sense of happiness has a way of divesting our pain, of overturning our suffering, and of extending our patience and tolerance. Some people think that this attitude does not a Filipino help, but in a world where threats are common, where wars in number destroy, where egos bloat senselessly harping for false entitlement, a patient Filipino who wears a smile in the middle of chaos is like a singular rose in a thorny forest. It doesn’t just look beautiful; it heals the broken.

PINOY PROGRESSIVE

Created by Freepik

Is there a point to Pinoy Pride?

By LALAINE CHU-BENITEZ

I

n a time of rampant fake news, internet trolls, a community rambunctiously warring about political factions, for all the world to see; when words like “bobo,” “dutertards” and “yellowtards” are hurled from one kabayan to another because “it’s a democracy and one can say what one wants to say”; while high and mighty foreigners lecture our government on how to manage our sovereign nation’s affairs - may silbi pa ba ang Pinoy pride?

mostly known about us is derogatory?

A decade ago, the most common words associated with Filipinos are “Sick Man of Asia”, Ondoy, rape, domestic helper abuse, now it is EJKs, Abu Sayyaf, “hopeless and helpless,” among others.

The law of propaganda attributed to Nazi Joseph Goebbels says - “Repeat a lie often enough and it becomes the truth.” This works for us the same way - “Repeat a negative often enough, and it becomes the ONLY truth.”

What Pinoy pride Some would ask, why do you have to call somebody’s achievement your own?

Porke’t Filipino? Why do you need to claim every American Idol contestant or Hollywood celeb with a drop of Filipino blood as one of us, if they were not even born in the Philippines? Why even boast of Manny Pacquiao’s and Lea Salonga’s triumphs when you had nothing to do with it?

One could argue that there is a measure of verity in all that. However, that is only one part of the whole. The other side is that -

Perception is reality. Perception is reality. Perception is reality.

And so, if we should not celebrate the wins of our own compatriots, what is there to define us? What value do you think are our people accorded if what is

We have a lot to be proud about.

There is no denying that our country and our people are blessed. We have been bestowed a myriad of assets from places of natural beauty, to talented compatriots making a mark whether they are based back home or elsewhere, Filipino brands and businesses that have given the world a beautiful taste of our culture, and common values that have endeared our people to others - our friendliness, hospitality, our resilience, our orientation to service.

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We are in this together.

If we cannot see the positives ourselves, how else can we contribute to the promotion, let alone the upliftment of our own people? Surely, you don’t think someone else is going to take it upon themselves to promote our community?

On the contrary, each of us have a role to play in this equation, as de facto ambassadors of goodwill for our country and our people. Because remember, whether we like it or not, we are all in this together. We are the summary of our individual efforts and our own collective drive. We might as well use the cards that are stacked in our favor for our own betterment and advancement.

Let Pinoy pride inspire and motivate Pinoy pride is about empowering people, not a license to be lazy while resting on somebody else’s laurels. There is nothing wrong about thriving on reflected glory.

What is wrong is wasting the positive impact or utilizing it for something negative. Pinoy pride also does not exclusively reside in the Philippines or within the “purong Filipino.” It is in the hearts of all Pinoys and Pinoy+ scattered beyond the motherland, who feel connected, despite the distance.

We Filipinos need to start looking kindly, more positively and progressively at ourselves and each other, and utilize the successes of our kababayans to help us forge onwards.

So claim it, claim them all. Take that Pinoy pride and use it to fuel your confidence and aspirations. We have all to gain from being “Taas Noo, Filipino.”

BEAUTIFUL PHILIPPINES

LOVE FOR THE PHILIPPINES: THE FOREIGN SIDE B y PA O L O B E N I T E Z

We’ve all heard about foreigners visiting the Philippines. “It’s more fun in the Philippines” as they say. Our country is considered an emerging hot spot in Asia, with visitors coming in left, right and center. Typically, we regard these foreigners as tourists. In fact, you’ll rarely hear about non-Pinoys living in our country - but when they do, they become the stuff of legends.

As Overseas Filipinos we tend to miss out on things back home and sometimes, we forget just how much we appreciate our home country. Here are five non-Filipino bloggers who make us look at the Philippines with fresh eyes.

Aerial view of sandy beach with tourists swimming in beautiful clear sea water of the Sumilon island beach landing near Oslob, Cebu, Philippines. @Tirachard Kumtanom / Shutterstock.com

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BEAUTIFUL PHILIPPINES

@ View Apart/ Shutterstock.com

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Coron, Philippines. People rowing a wooden boat on the sea in Coron Island. Coron has been described as one of the best spots in the World for Wreck diving. @Phuong D. Nguyen / Shutterstock.com

BEAUTIFUL PHILIPPINES

The San Juanico Bridge, view from Samar, towards Leyte. Philippines @joyful / Shutterstock.com

DWAINE WOOLLEY Australian – born, but Pinoy at heart! Dwaine Woolley is a Youtuber and internet sensation who has gone viral through showcasing his life in the Philippines and his ability to speak three Filipino dialects (Tagalog, Cebuano and Waray).

Follow Dwaine: FB: Dwaine Woolley

Palms on the beach on Leyte island in Philippines @ otorongo / Shutterstock.com

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BEAUTIFUL PHILIPPINES

How did you end up in the Philippines?

I came to the Philippines in 2011 to do missionary work in Leyte and Samar.” – Where did you stay and what strikes you the most about the area?

“I stayed in the island of Leyte. What I love the most is that despite the poverty, Filipinos are so happy. I’ve never seen anything like it in my life. Kahit mahirap ang buhay, masaya pa rin sila.”

How is living in the Philippines different from living in your home country?

“The Philippines feels like home to me.

Because the people here make me feel like I’m at home. They are very kind, very polite and hospitable. They laugh a lot and are constantly smiling. I feel that anyone I meet is my instant friend.

In my home country, people tend to be a little cold, and get upset over small things. In the Philippines, people seem to know how to handle problems well and focus on the positives in life. It’s a great

atmosphere to be in. I certainly don’t feel homesick here because this feels home to me. The only thing I miss in my country is my family.”

Have you adopted any Filipino practices?

“I learned to speak 3 languages in the Philippines - Tagalog, Cebuano and Waray. (Di na pwedeng mabenta) I understand the Filipino sense of humor and have become Filipino at heart.

It’s funny because when I go back to Australia to visit my family they ask me things like “why are you eating with a fork and spoon?”, “why are you pointing with your lips?”, “why do you keep saying pak ganern? What does that mean?”

Did the Pinoy way of life have any impact on you?

“The Filipino people have changed my outlook on life. Their culture and attitude has taught me to cherish and love what I have in life. They have taught me to be grateful and to laugh more.”

What do you think about the Filipino people overall?

“They are beautiful people with big hearts. Very joyful and full of life” What advice do you have for people who wish to travel or live there?

“Unfortunately the media portrays the Philippines as a dangerous place. In my experience, I have felt safer in the Philippines than in any other country I’ve lived in. There is nothing to be afraid of here. Go swim with the butandings in Oslob. Visit Palawan and Boracay. Taste the local food and get to know the people.

They will change your outlook on life.”

What is your message to Filipinos out there?

“Be proud to be Filipino. You are an inspiration to people like me.”

Aerial view on traditional Philippines fisherman village at sunset. Leyte Island @Joyful/ Shutterstock.com ILLUSTRADO 19

BEAUTIFUL PHILIPPINES

Children having fun with their father and buffalo @ Saengsuriya Kanhajorn / Shutterstock.com

SUSIE POTTER Having moved to the Philippines to be with her boyfriend, Susie Potter is a Hungarian girl who has taken it upon herself to be one with Pinoy culture! Her constant exploring brings her more reasons to love the Philippines every day!

Swing bridge in Baler @ Shanti Hesse / Shutterstock.com

How did you end up in the Philippines?

“I’ve always wanted to travel. I’ve always wanted to try living in

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another country at least for a while so it was obvious that I will move here when I met my boyfriend who is from the Philippines.”

BEAUTIFUL PHILIPPINES

Baler, Aurora, Philippines @ hijodeponggol / Shutterstock.com

Where did you stay and what strikes you the most about the area? ‘‘ I’m living in Northern Luzon and there’s a lot to love about this place! I love all the beautiful hidden places you can visit here.

Hidden beaches and waterfalls without too many people….where there will be no crowd just the beautiful nature itself.

It happened many times that we visited a beach around this area and we basically didn’t meet anyone during our trip. It’s definitely an amazing experience to have a whole beach to yourself for a day. I love the fact that I can reach amazing places like these anytime just in a few hours.”

How is living in the Philippines different from living in your home country?

“The first thing I’ve noticed is that everyone is so relaxed in the Philippines.

I don’t think that I’ve ever seen someone here running because they were in a hurry. Life is definitely less stressful here. But of course, I still get homesick quite often because I miss my family.

Otherwise, I definitely prefer this less stressful and more positive environment Have you adopted any Filipino practices?

“Yes a lot! The positivity had an effect on me, too. My favorite example is the first time when I’ve ever experienced a typhoon I was so nervous and scared.

But after seeing how well local people are handling it, I got a lot more relaxed about it, and about everything else also.

I think I adopted this peaceful stress-free mentality pretty well. And there are some smaller things too, some funny ones like I adopted some local gestures and habits (for example eating everything with a spoon)” Did the Pinoy way of life have any impact on you?

“I started to learn how to appreciate the small things in life. I’ve seen so many poor people here who don’t live in the best conditions but they were still so

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happy and thankful for what they had! It definitely helped me realize what is really important in life.”

What do you think about the Filipino people overall?

“Filipinos are probably the friendliest people ever!”

What advice do you have for people who wish to travel or live there?

“If you would like to visit, find some less popular, less touristy places. You can experience the beauty of nature and the life of the local people a lot better if you go to areas that tourists don’t usually visit.”

What is your message to Filipinos out there?

“No matter where Filipinos live in the world, they should be very proud of their country because it’s such a unique and amazing place with amazing people!”

BEAUTIFUL PHILIPPINES

Greek style ruins in Fortune Island, Batangas @ Hendra Xu/ Shutterstock.com

BROCK BLOHM, EDGES OF EARTH Brock is a world traveler and Philanthropist.

Through the many good things he did for the less fortunate and his new-found love for the Filipino people, he recounts his stay the Philippines as a rewarding and humbling experience.

Mindoro Philippines waterfall @ Iuliia Khabibullina/ Shutterstock.com

How did you end up in the Philippines?

“After conducting a rather deep Google search, I wanted to head

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to the Philippines because of the beauty of the country. I booked a plane ticket and landed without any plans at all. I was going to make plans day by day.”

BEAUTIFUL PHILIPPINES

A tent is pitched on the grassy slopes of Mt. Batulao at Nasugbu, Batangas @ jennagenio/ Shutterstock.com

Mount Makulot and Taal Lake in the town of Alitagtag, Batangas @NelzTabcharani316/ Shutterstock.com

Where did you stay and what strikes you the most about the area?

“On my first trip to the Philippines, I stayed for 15 days. I planned to travel around Northern Luzon. After arriving and experiencing a taste of Manila, I decided to stay in Makati. Every single day I traveled miles and miles on foot. I went everywhere. I even went to the places where locals told me not to go. It was too dangerous for a foreigner they said. That made me want to go even more. On my second trip, which was another 35 days or so, I traveled by bus down through many cities in southern Luzon, I went to Mindoro, and then to Palawan. This was a whole different experience in itself.

What strikes me most about this country was the people. They were always so kind and friendly and very welcoming to a foreigner. No matter what their background, they wanted to talk to me.

Everyone wanted to welcome me, rich or poor. Kindness seemed to be embedded deeply within the hearts of everyone.”

What do you think about the Filipino people overall?

“Everybody was so kind, friendly and curious. There were many times that I visited the slum areas of the Philippines and was greeted countless times by people. I can’t tell you how many times I was invited into their home for a quick beer or even dinner. This was quite surprising to me, as many of them, I could see, struggled every day to pay their bills. But yet, they still found it in their hearts to not only welcome me but to offer something without asking anything in return. Very heart warming.”

How is living in the Philippines different from living in your home country?

The prices here are significantly lower than that of the USA which allows us to stay for a longer period of time. Everyone was so friendly – from employees of large companies, to people working on the

streets, everyone was - always. It didn’t matter if I was purchasing a meal inside an expensive mall, grabbing a quick quail egg from a stall on the street. Everyone greeted me with a smile and thanked me for my business. The human element is slowly drifting away with in modern society – and it’s very encouraging to see a whole country that still hangs on to this utterly important piece of humanity.

Have you adopted any Filipino practices?

“At this time, I’ve been traveling around the world for 10 months. I have come across many cultures. I don’t feel that I have adopted any piece of the culture that I can identify. Who knows, maybe I have and I just don’t realize it.”

Did the Pinoy way of life have any impact on you?

“It takes a lot to change my ways and my habits. But one thing that I noticed the Filipinos had was resilience. They seem to make things work even when all odds were against them. Observing their mindset to ‘make it work no matter what’, definitely motivates me to put a bit more effort into a situation when it is tougher than usual.”

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What advice do you have for people who wish to travel or live there?

“I encourage everybody to simply let go. Let go of your current belief systems that will hold you back from doing or experiencing the culture at hand. Also, say ‘yes’ more often. If a local invites you to do something, simply say ‘yes’. You literally have no idea what you could be missing out on if you say ‘no’.”

What is your message to Filipinos out there?

To be honest, don’t change a thing! Your buildings and your architecture, no matter how beautiful, will not bring me back. But your kindness, your generosity, and your warm welcoming smiles, will!”

BEAUTIFUL PHILIPPINES

National park Chocolate hills in the jungle of Bohol island,Philippines @ RastoS Photographer / Shutterstock.com

BRIAN AHERN A.K.A AHEEZY DA ISLANDER Aheezy Da Islander moved to the Philippines to be closer to his wife (who is of Visayan descent) and to learn more about the Filipino culture.

Having fully immersed himself in the Pinoy way of life back home, Brian regularly vlogs about his Pinoy family life.

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BEAUTIFUL PHILIPPINES

How did you end up in the Philippines?

“I married a Visayan babae after my contract in the military. We decided to move here so I could meet all of her family, friends and to learn her language and culture.”

Where did you stay and what strikes you the most about the area?

“I stay in the Visayas Region 7. This is Lapu Lapu’s home territory! Beautiful historical churches, overwhelmingly super happy smiling people. I Just love it.”

Have you adopted any Filipino practices?

“Oh man what have I not.? I have eaten

sardinas with suka, a ton of balut, pancit Canton with rice. Kaon daghan lechon manok but dili kaon baboy because of my wife’s religion.

Did the Pinoy way of life have any impact on you?

“I don’t need much money to live a happily , with a simple laidback lifestyle, where all you need is a bamboo house and food on the table and there will be smiles all around” What do you think about the Filipino people overall?

“Super friendly, funny and talented.”

View of the beautiful beach on Panglao Island, Bohol @ Kjersti Joergensen / Shutterstock.com

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What advice do you have for people who wish to travel or live there?

“Just be friendly. Don’t compare it to something else. Just because they speak very good English doesn’t mean this is the USA. Just respect their country because you’re the stranger and guest here in the Philippines.”

What is your message to Filipinos out there?

“Mga kababayan! Mahal kita! Stay strong and stay focused on your goals!”

BEAUTIFUL PHILIPPINES

Very beautiful lake Kayangan in the islands,Coron, Palawan Philippines @ Udompeter / Shutterstock.com

GRIETJE EVENWEL, TRAVEL GRETL Her love for Pinoy culture and the Philippines’ natural beauty keeps her coming back! Gretl is a free spirit and world traveler who’s love for exploration knows no bounds. She regularly makes handy travel guides which can be viewed in her Youtube channel.

How did you end up in the Philippines?

“I was in Myanmar in a bus (solo traveling) talking to a guy. He asked why I like Myanmar, and I told him I liked a lot, but the open and friendly people mainly. “You should go to the Philippines” he said, according to the friendly people thing. Okay!

I thought. Sounds good! I hadn’t considered the Philippines before, but when I came home I said to my boyfriend: we’re up for the Philippines.

When he said okay, it was settled.”

Open road through the jungle to Port Barton, Palawan @ N8Allen / Shutterstock.com

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BEAUTIFUL PHILIPPINES

Where did you stay and what strikes you the most about the area?

“I did 3 trips to the Philippines: to Palawan 2x, Mindoro, Batanes and Banaue and surroundings. I was most surprised by Batanes. The landscape there is something you don’t find in the rest of the Philippines, and the extreme safety is something you find nowhere in the world even. I remember in Itbayat when we went to see sunrise over the sea and hills. It was so quiet, so beautiful. It really felt as if we were at the end of the world.”

How is living in the Philippines different from living in your home country?

“Well nature and temperatures are obviously different. Small things are arranged in other ways (like when you say ‘yes’ and what that means). There is a whole lot of different kind of foods to

try. The Philippines and the Netherlands both aren’t famous for their food, but there is still a whole lot to discover!”

Have you adopted any Filipino practices?

“Trying to help strangers in the street more. When I see people with a map, I ask if I can help them. They always look surprised and say ‘no’ immediately.

Though, I don’t think I’m that scary.”

Did the Pinoy way of life have any impact on you?

“First time we went was after a hard time me and my BF had in our lives. (no problems together or anything, just in our private lives). In the Philippines, relaxing far from home, we could let go of troubles and we really came back a bit different than we left.”

Aerial view of tropical island with boats surrounded by turquoise sea. Palawan @ OliOpi / Shutterstock.com

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What do you think about the Filipino people overall?

“They are friendly, open, proud of their country (as they should be) but also hard working abroad, missing their country and family. I’ve been in the airplane so many times on an international flight, when going to the Ph, next to a Filipino talking proudly about going back to their families, and the love for their country.”

What advice do you have for people who wish to travel or live there?

“Be open, be friendly, and bring sunscreen” What is your message to Filipinos out there?

“It will get busier and busier in the Philippines with foreigners like me. I saw it in El Nido for example. Please conserve your country’s natural beauty. It’ so amazing what you guys have!”

BEAUTIFUL PHILIPPINES

Flo Janin: In Love with Boracay and the Philippines

Beautiful landscape at Boracay island, Philippines. @ haveseen / Shutterstock.com

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French-Australian Flo Janin, CEO and Co-Founder of Brave, a communications consultancy based in Dubai, has more than just a soft spot for the Philippines.

The self-confessed kite surfing addict fell in love with Boracay and after many visits to the island, also found the love of her life in country’s summer capital.

Flo shares, “My first experience of the Philippines was a brief business visit to Cebu back in 1997. It was much later in 2006 that I discovered Boracay.

A friend introduced me to the island and the kite surfing scene as well as many life-long friends. It was love at first sight with Boracay. I came back time after time, until I met my now husband Abbo at our friends’ wedding. Abbo was on the island for his first time, as the musician 2011 Xmas for the Diniwid Boracay Kids

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BEAUTIFUL PHILIPPINES

for the wedding. It was a second love at first sight in January 2008. We then quit our countries, bought a native home in Boracay and moved there later the following year. We lived on the island for a while and have been always going back for the past 10 years.”

The adrenaline-junkie, entrepreneur and mom of two says she’s always dreamt about living on an island, and Boracay fulfilled that dream. “Being in Dubai can make you forget the simple things in life at times. When we looked for a home in Boracay, we wanted a true island style experience and found it in our villa named “Hangin.” The villa is mostly made of bamboo and has a native grass roof. There are no windows as the villa has been designed to take advantage of the trade winds to cool it. It is wonderful during the rainy season as it feels like you are at one with nature, yet protected and dry. Our dream home is located on a hilltop away from the hustle and bustle of the white beach crowds. When in Dubai I always miss my friends and always relish our Boracay getaways. I know that the minute I land, I already dread leaving,

wishing I could stay there forever.”

in our lives are family and happiness.”

Beyond idyllic island life, Flo also acknowledges that she and her family were touched by life in the Philippines and also felt a sense of belonging. She says, “There is much to be learnt from the Filipino way of life - from the respect for the elderly to the social aspect of communal eating and festival celebrations, to the ingenuity and resourcefulness for turning anything into something useful. It is also a great teaching environment for our children to learn and show their generosity. We have often helped hold a traditional Christmas party for the children of Diniwid, our Boracay neighborhood, complete with presents, a feast and a Santa of course, in the past, alternating between my husband as Santa or my daughter Millie as Mrs Santa.”

The entrepreneur is also able to enjoy building her relationship with the local Filipino community with her agency representing one of the most prominent Filipino brands in the UAE. “I relish working with Pinoys and Pinoy brands.

We actually re-launched Max’s earlier this year across the GCC and it was such a pleasure being part of the journey of this iconic Pinoy brand. The team spirit and talent in each Max’s outlet is so strong, it is highly contagious. I am also blessed and proud to have met talented Pinoys based in the GCC, from the Pink Tahra Saudi bloggers duo Janelle and Reina, Dubai-based graffiti artist Melan Choly, to Kuwaiti based media icon Maxxy Santiago and designer Resty LaGare, as well as Lalaine Chu-Benitez, the inspirational founder of Illustrado.”

Flo adds, “The Pinoy way of life has made me appreciate friendship and family over material things much more. One needs love and family to be happy, not shopping or being surrounded by materials things. I have definitely become more humble and realized that the most important things

White Beach of Boracay, Philippines @ Maks Ershov/ Shutterstock.com

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Flo adds, “Filipinos are a true inspiration.

They value family over anything else and there is much to learn from that for other nationalities. Filipinos are resilient, passionate and will always rally around each other in times of need.”

PINOY PROGRESSIVE

WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A FILIPINO THROUGH THE EYES OF A THIRD CULTURE KID B y P A T R I C I A Z Y R I N N V. D E G U Z M A N

Throughout my travels, I have met many Filipinos. I have resided in the United Arab Emirates for 15 years and moved to Canada to pursue further studies.

Whether it was in the Middle East or North America, I have noticed a few characteristics that seem to be consistent among our people.

Matyaga (mah-cha-ga) – Hardworking Many Filipinos pride themselves with hard work, ensuring it is done to the highest standard. They push themselves beyond their limits to provide for their families.

I remember travelling to Bicol with my grandparents on a bus from Manila, admiring the scenery. There were a few farmers working in the rice fields, enduring the day’s heat. Every so often, they would stretch and wipe the sweat

off their faces. My grandmother would whisper to me, “See those people, they have to work in these conditions, so that their families have something to eat.”

There are also many Filipinos in Canada who have double or triple jobs, always looking for more opportunities to work.

Sometimes I would catch them on a bus or train, looking extremely exhausted, trying to sneak in some sleep before starting their next job.

Makapamilya (mah-kah-pa-mil-yah) – Family-Oriented All their hard work and effort has one major driving force. Filipinos give a great deal of importance to their families. Whether it be in the United Arab Emirates or Canada, I would see Filipinos line up every month at money exchange centers to send money back home. In 2016, it was recorded that 10

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PINOY PROGRESSIVE

billion dollars was sent to the Philippines in the form of remittance. The sacrifices Filipinos make in order to provide for their families is absolutely astonishing.

Many professionals also leave the Philippines in search of a better future.

I once met a lady with an architectural background who became a nanny in Canada. She sacrificed a great deal for the sake of her family, to be able to provide her children a better education and overall a better life.

Maalaga (mah-a-la-gah) Caring or Nurturing Many Filipinos are ingrained with this caring and nurturing quality. When I visit a Filipino home, I am welcomed with open arms and a table full of food. After being away for a while, my friend invited me over for a barbecue. As I entered, her mom looked around and said, “Welcome home!” It was such a heartwarming feeling after being away from my own family. I still consider this one of my cherished memories until today.

tough experiences is inspiring and can be found chronicled even in history. The city of Bacolod for example, exemplifies this trait of being masayahin, where they celebrate a smiling festival every October.

In the early 1980s, Bacolod experienced a global drop in sugar cane prices due to the introduction of sugar substitutes in the United States. This was devastating since sugar cane was their main produce.

The city administration’s response to this crisis was to hold a festival of smiles in hopes to remind the people that they are able to overcome distressing situations.

Now, the Maskara Festival, where people wear colorful and extravagant masks, displaying big beautiful smiles, is celebrated annually.

Magalang (mah-gah-lang) – Respectful One of the greatest lessons I have learnt is the importance of respect, which is prominent within the Filipino community. It was a lesson that my

parents constantly taught us as children.

For instance, I would use the term kuya (older brother) and ate (older sister) to address older friends or family. Elders were given the right to lead and my mother would always say, “If you teach and discipline your eldest, the rest will follow.” The word po was also utilized when addressing an elder or a higher ranking professional as a sign of respect.

One of the gestures that I find rather beautiful is known as mano or pagmamano and is a way to ask for an elder’s blessing. Done by touching an elder’s hand to one’s forehead, this simple act of respect is incredibly moving and I still practice it today.

Another person that comes to mind that emulates this caring and nurturing quality is my nanny. I consider her as a second mother because she has taken care of my brother and me, from the moment we were born. After 29 years, she is still with our family, this time caring for my grandparents.

I have a great deal of respect for our fellow Filipinos because of their hard work and sacrifice. Our common attributes are something I strive to emulate. Though I grew up abroad, my family has never ceased to remind me to embrace all these and at the same time, be proud of my cultural heritage. We, Filipinos should appreciate these qualities and not take them for granted. Always remember that our country and our people have an abundance of amazing traits to share with the rest of the world.

Masayahin (mah-ca-ya-hin) - Cheerful or Joyous Regardless of all the hard work and sacrifice, Filipinos do it all with a smile a characteristics that I find so admirable.

During summer holidays in Canada, I usually see Filipino families and friends get together to enjoy the sun, food and company.

This ability to find the silver lining through

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ARTIST SPOTLIGHT

FRANKLIN CAÑA VALENCIA PAINTER

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Franklin Caña Valencia who is known for his distinctive style referred to by his colleagues as “Cañaism,” didn’t expect that he would take to painting like a fish to water. Originally a graphic designer, he was coaxed into the art via his brother, under the providential wing of the esteemed Saturday Group of artists led by the likes of the legendary Mauro “Malang” Santos. Since then, he has done numerous group shows, as well as solo exhibits and has also shown his work in New York, Arizona, Hong Kong and Singapore. Caña shares his artistic life with Illustrado, with unabashed candor.

Tell us about your art.

I never really dreamt na maging pintor. In my mind, pang mayaman at sa mga sikat lang yan sa society. But, nalaman ko lang ang joy of painting after two years since I started joining the Saturday Group.

Hindi naman pala sya pera-pera lang.

The joy started noong may mga feedback na sa mga buyers ko. They say na panggising nila and mga pyesa ko, na pe-perkup daw yong umaga nila. Plus yong mga nireregaluhan ko. In my mind, without much ado nakakapagpaligaya ako ng tao. Habang buhay na nilang kasama ang works ko. Sobrang taba ng puso ko. Not to mention yong mga donations naming mga artists. Ang sarap tumulong na ang puhunan mo lamang ay ilang kahang sinisigarilyo sa pagbuo ng pyesa.

How did you get into it?

Lumaki ako sa Kamuning. Malapit kami sa sapa or creek. Pag me ekstrang papel ang kuya ko, takbo na ako sa tabing sapa, dinodrowing ko ang mga barung-barong doon. Sa bahay ko na kinukulayan ng mga tirang watercolor ng kuya ko. Di ko pa alam yong monochromaric colors, lately ko na lang na nalaman na noon ko pa pala ginagawa yon.

Please share your creative process with us.

Ang pinaka spring-board ko siguro ay yong pagtingin ko nga sa holen noong maliit pa ako. Actually gumagawa ako ng kwento sa utak ko sa tuwing may mga nakikita akong images sa loob ng holen.

Pag inikot mo o ginalaw mo sya, nag-iiba ang colors - nag-iiba rin ang kwento ko.

Bale itinahi ko sya sa kaleidoscope. Pag ginalaw o inalog mo kasi sya - ibang kulay, ibang pattern. Parang ganon din ang buhay sa pakiramdam ko. Ika nga history repeats itself. Pero, me pattern.

Nothing stays the same. Nag-iiba lang ang style.

What makes your work – your own?

Maraming kapwa artist ko na nagsasabi, “Mabuti ka nga pre, malayo pa lang kilala na trabaho mo. Mapa-abstract, mixed media, mother and child, kilala agad.”

Ito yong sinasabi nila na BIG C sa gitna ng mga paintings ko. Na di ko naman sinasadya. Sa effort ko kasi just to capture

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F r a n k C a ñ a Va l e n c i a

yong tagusan ng mga kulay sa holen (bilog) lumabas na sya. Tinuloy-tuloy ko na.

What’s your future plan?

We have a group show this Nov 8 sa Art Asia sa Megamall. Also, in my dream, 58 kasi ako ngayon, pag 60 na ako, I’ll come-up with a solo show with 60 pieces!

Plano ko rin n asana makapag-pinta ng mga building na gustong malagyan ng kaleidoscope design yong pader nila, something to that effect. The reaction I wish to hear is, “Oy, Cañaism ang motiff!” Ewan ko kung paano, di ko pa rin pa alam. Dasal lang.

ARTIST SPOTLIGHT

Kaleidoscope Urbanscape

Wo m a n a t u r e S e r i e s

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ARTIST SPOTLIGHT

LAIDBACK LUKE

a . k . a L u c a s C o r ne l i s v an S c he p p i n g en D J / P r o d u c e r / Ku n g F u A t h l e t e Photos - Ruud Baan

“What I love most about making music and playing music is the ability to create something that has a certain emotion, something that will touch big groups of people and can give them a long lasting memory. Making something that’s just a concept or a spark in the brain, finishing it and then putting it out for the world to enjoy has been truly magical!”

computer could help me reach my full potential. I work mainly in concepts. I’ll try and imagine the track to sound like that and that track with a bit of another track in there. Even with sounds I can use references in my mind. So there’s never a lack of inspiration because you can literally take anything out there and be inspired.

Illustrado talks to Dutch-Filipino DJ Laidback Luke who was nominated in for the best European DJ award from the 27th Dance Music Awards and #46 on DJ Mag’s Top 100 DJs list in 2008, reaching #27 in 2009 and #17 in 2010. This wildly successful musician-slash-kung fu practitioner has worked with artists such as David Guetta, Steve Angello, Sebastian Ingrosso, Axwell, Example and Junior Sanchez and played throughout Europe and North America as well as shows in Japan and Ibiza. He also released three studio albums: Psyched Up (1998), Electronic Satisfaction (2002), Cream Ibiza Super You & Me (2011) as well as a mix album, Windmill Skill (2003).

How do you make your work distinctive?

You don’t need to worry about that. There are a few things: always try and keep a little bit of edge in there. So a track can sound perfectly mix, but will only really pop if you put something dirty up against it. To be distinctive, the only thing you need to do is dive into yourself. Luckily every person is unique, and so are you.

You have to trust that and just really make what triggers that personality in you.

How did you get into music and how do you create pieces?

I’ve been producing music since I was 15 years old when a friend showed me it was possible to make music with the help of a computer. I was never the best at playing instruments so I found out the

What have been highlights in your journey as an artist so far?

I’ve pretty much done it all. From being no one, to learning how to produce, to handing out my first demos, to get signed, to release tracks internationally, to start doing photoshoots and interviews, to signing a major deal, to getting famous, to fall back into a dip, to crawl back up again, to maintaining my career. All of it mattered! Every downfall or struggle is part of the bigger picture.

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Lucas Cornelis van Scheppingen Latest Projects My newest track is out right now with the hottest DJ/producer right now: Florian Picasso. Our track is called ‘With Me’ and features the vocals of Tania Zygar. This is out on the Spinnin’ Records label at this moment!

What’s your hope for the future?

I have one dream left and that is to score an international cross-over hit. I just need one and my life is made ha ha. In other news, we’re about to start with making my new album and I’m very excited about it!

ARTIST SPOTLIGHT

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SCRAPBOOK

JUNELL CORNEJO D u b a i , UA E w w w. ju n el l c o r n e j o. c o m

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SCRAPBOOK

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SCRAPBOOK

A C R E Y E S – D U BA I , UA E w w w. a c re y e s p h o t o g ra p hy. c o m

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SCRAPBOOK

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PINOY PROGRESSIVE

Life Lessons from Filipino Millennials Living Abroad B y A LW E E V I L L A R O S A

Millennials are monsters! They are unpolished and have no sense of human empathy. They build their world in social media and make a perfect image of their lives. And according to TIME Magazine, millennials are “lazy, entitled, narcissists who still live with their parents.”

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n a TEDx talk by Kelly Williams Brown, she said “it is almost enough to make people feel that hand ringing trend pieces of the young people are less of a valid cultural or sociological critique and more of an easy trend piece that moves magazine covers.”

It is true that when you Google millennials and look for pieces that talk about this generation, the word “entitled” will always come up. But why do we hate millennials so much?

As an ethnicity that spends an average of 53 hours online every week, there is no doubt that Filipinos are digital natives who grow parallel today’s ever evolving technological landscape. A big chunk of our population is constituted by those born from 1980 to 2000, in short - Millennials. They may be “entitled” members of the society but they are also empowered and driven, they are part of the generation that brands try to persuade and politicians try to win over.

Whatever is “wrong” with this generation — there are also things that are “right,” and certainly insights that all other generations can learn from. Here are some life lessons we’ve learned from Filipino millennials living abroad.

VANESSA TIU Account Manager – Singapore

I’ve learned that stereotypes are just that… stereotypes. This race, that race – it’s stupid.

When it comes to people who share the same passion, you’ll realize that everyone else is exactly the same as you.

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PINOY PROGRESSIVE

How long have you been living there?

What’s life like there?

Almost 3 years. It’s a small country – you can almost always find someone you know. So in a sense, it still feels like you’re in Quezon City, but you can’t drive back home. Which, when I think about it, is kind of sad.

What is the biggest life lesson you’ve learned living abroad away from your friends and family?

I’ve learned that stereotypes are just that… stereotypes. This race, that race – it’s stupid. When it comes to people who share the same passion, you’ll realize that everyone else is exactly the same as you.

Are you working/studying? Tell us about it.

I’m working as an Account Manager in a multinational advertising agency.

Singapore is a global hub. I’ve met and worked with people who I’ve never thought I’ll even meet had I not worked outside my homeland. I must admit, it’s exciting and invigorating to be able to meet and work with people from all over.

Also, most importantly, commuting here is the best – nowhere near queuing at the Ayala MRT station.

Another thing – Family is family. No one will ever compare. This is something that I’ve known all along… But living in a place where you’re constantly in search of that familiar feeling of love and belonging, I think this is something to highlight. Nothing will ever replace family.

Ironically in a place like this, people still judge each other really quickly.

It’s best to be open-minded. Cast your differences with people aside because “difference” is all around you.

Why did you move abroad?

I wanted to be able to experience more, sooner.

Which city/country are you based right now?

I’m currently based in Dubai, UAE.

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PAOLO GABRIEL BENITEZ Student – UAE

PINOY PROGRESSIVE

How long have you been living there?

What’s life like there?

I’ve been living here practically all of my life, 20 years to be exact. Life’s pretty fast paced for the young and ambitious. We’re living in the center of “now” and opportunities present themselves left right and center.

Are you working/studying? Tell us about it.

Currently studying in AUD (American University in Dubai). I’m taking a Bachelors Degree in Fine Arts and Visual Communication, majoring in digital media. It’s one of those majors that focuses on using various media forms, from video to sound, from web design to new age interactive media. Great degree for the creative as it gives you a versatile skill set for many media platforms, and it allows you to take expression to the next level (if executed properly).

What is the biggest life lesson you’ve learned living abroad away from your friends and family?

You learn many things in a place like Dubai. I can’t name them all but they ultimately lead to being more open-minded. The various aspects of cultures here that you experience are widely different from that in the Philippines. Sure, we all share similar family values and notions of common courtesy around the world, but how we go about it in Dubai sets the difference. You’re not in the Philippines anymore, what you do back in the province might offend someone here for all you know. This center of diversity also gave me a lot of insights into different religions (not just Islam, but Hinduism, Orthodox Christianity, etc.) and their cultural practices. I’ve met people from different walks of life. I know people

who have fled their home countries, I’ve seen former refugees, I know young and successful entrepreneurs, I’ve come face to face with royals and diplomats, and I know many more people who are still trying to make it out there.

Ironically, in a place like this, people still judge each other really quickly. It’s best to be openminded. Cast your differences with people aside because “difference” is all around you.

Why did you move abroad?

I have lived here all my life so I really can’t tell.

But if I could speak on behalf of my family: Dubai is a more progressive city compared to a lot of other places. There’s also a more progressive audience here, with various niches.

For someone trying to immerse himself within modern art, expression and passion, Dubai really isn’t so bad as people from all over the

world come to exchange (you just have to sniff out all the events and underground movements that you want to be associated with).

SANDRA PINEDA Student – United Kingdom

I’m all alone here, and have no family. It gets depressing sometimes, but I always tell myself, “Huy, you’ve come so far.

Don’t quit now.” It’s so cliche, but it’s

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true! Akala ko masipag na ako sa Manila, pero iba yung drive ko to succeed dito.

How long have you been living there?

What’s life like there?

9 months. I love living in Oxford, because I’ve met the most interesting bunch of people here. The energy is different, because almost everyone you meet is a student. And since it’s a smaller city compared to busy London, you’re bound to bump into someone when you’re going grocery shopping in the city center. If you feel uninspired, stuck, or stressed, you take a walk, because this city is so full of beautiful parks and the architecture is stunning. I don’t think I’ve ever gotten used to how beautiful this place is. Most days I sit on a bench and watch people. Is that creepy? I mean it could be. But it’s also very fun.

Are you working/studying? Tell us about it.

I am taking my MA in Digital Publishing in Oxford Brookes University, which is one of the best publishing schools in the United Kingdom. The course itself is very practical, because our lecturers are publishers themselves.

Before studying here, I was working for Cosmo.ph, so what I knew of publishing was limited to magazines and websites.

The course gave me such a broad view of how the industry works on a global level, which was something I wanted to study in the first place. But more than the course itself, I like that the school is well-connected, and I was able to land jobs and internships, because of that.

Right now, I am an academic marketing intern at Bloomsbury London. It’s an internship close to my heart, because that was the same publisher who published all the Harry Potter books, and I grew up reading those. So this job really means a lot to me.

PINOY PROGRESSIVE

What is the biggest life lesson you’ve learned living abroad away from your friends and family?

People think that leaving home and studying abroad is glamorous, but it takes a certain level of commitment to get here. I think people assume that I only study, but people forget that studying is expensive. Oxford is also one of the most expensive cities in the world to live in. I work two paying jobs, plus I have a Londonbased internship. So, talagang raket ako dito!

I go home some days, and ask myself why I do this to myself. Kasi ibang klaseng pagod, eh.

I’m all alone here, and have no family. It gets depressing sometimes, but I always tell myself, “Huy, you’ve come so far. Don’t quit now.” It’s so cliche, but it’s true! Akala ko masipag na ako sa Manila, pero iba yungdrive ko to succeed dito.

Which city/country are you based right now?

Abu Dhabi, UAE KIER PASCUAL Social Media Executive – UAE

I realized that I should stop lingering on the fear of missing out because we are all adults now and we will always be friends regardless of how far we are.

That I should focus more on me, my goals, meeting other people and new best friends and hopefully travel the world.

How long have you been living there?

How life like there?

6 years. It’s a continuous joyride!

There were a few challenges and bumps along the way but I’m always so excited to wake up and work during the weekdays and hang out with my favorite people while travelling around the city and explore new things during the weekends.

Are you working/studying? Tell us about it.

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I’m a Social Media Specialist. It’s super fun, I never get bored because there’s always something new to share and do every day.

What is the biggest life lesson you’ve learned living abroad away from your friends and family?

The biggest lesson I’ve learned this year is to let go of the fear of missing out. My family lives here and I’m super happy with that, but my closest friends are all in the Philippines.

Most of them are now married and building a new life with their families. I missed a lot of weddings, christenings, reunions and parties which used to make me feel sad and

PINOY PROGRESSIVE

DEAN DEMETRIA Web Designer & Developer – Norway

One thing that really stuck to me though was that, “your life is not a telenovela.” It’s not particularly relatable, and could be quite cheesy, but it did help me out, especially at that time when I was broke and hopeless.

incomplete because like everyone else I wanted to be there. But I realized that I should stop lingering on that fear because we are all adults now and we will always be friends regardless of how far we are. That I should focus more on me, my goals, meeting other people and new best friends and hopefully travel the world.

Why did you move abroad?

I left the Philippines making sure that there’s no other reason for me to stay.

I’m not going to lie it was extremely hard, but my instincts tells me that I need to go and it’s possibly one if not the best decision I’ve made in my adult life. I look back and realized that staying in the Philippines is my comfort zone and if I would have stayed, I would probably be the same person I was 6 years ago so I’m glad I challenged myself into moving here. I’m very thankful that I found a career that I love and I look forward doing more in the future.

Which city/country are you based right now?

I’m currently living in Oslo, Norway.

If you are a person who loves calm tones and fantastic mountains ranges, this is probably a place you would want to check out.

How long have you been living there?

How’s life like there?

I moved here in early 2012, so about more than 5 years now. It’s quite interesting with regards to culture.

A lot of people are very focused on fitness and even a bigger chunk of the population is insatiably connected with nature. I mean, most of the Norwegians I know dream of having a great forest as their backyard, pretty much an equivalent of how most Filipinos want to have a beach as theirs. One thing to getting used to is the ever changing weather. Could be snowing in the morning, completely sunny at lunch, windy on the way home, then rainy in the evening; It gets crazy, but it’s one of Norway’s charms.

Are you working/studying? Tell us about it.

I work as web designer and a frontend developer in the finance sector. In some cases, I’m what you

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might call a unicorn developer (you could look this up). Just to be clear, this term was coined for people who could both design and code websites.

My competencies span from user experience testing and user interface design to coding in HTML, CSS and JavaScript.

What is the biggest life lesson you’ve learned living abroad away from your friends and family?

When I was in a Norwegian language course held by the Philippine Embassy, one of the instructors was giving us general advice on how to make it in Norway, like learning how to get out of our comfort zones and learn how to better integrate in the society. One thing that really stuck to me though was that, “your life is not a telenovela.” It’s not particularly relatable, and could be quite cheesy, but it did help me out, especially at that time when I was broke and hopeless. From then on, I have become proactive. I’ve learned the language, made and valued mistakes, had new and amazing friends, started going to the gym, and ultimately, started a life. Of course, I can’t just credit it all to that one advice, but sometimes, all it takes is a little nudge or a slap in the face.

Why did you move abroad?

I usually say that it’s because I wanted to see snow. That’s partly the reason for it, but simply it’s because I just really wanted to try something new.

Before I moved, I was very dependent of my parents and, quite frankly, that did not sit well with me. When the opportunity arose where I was invited by my uncle and aunt to try it out here, I didn’t think twice.

PINOY PROGRESSIVE

I AM MORE THAN WHAT THEY SEE An observation of the fetishization of Filipina women abroada B y M A R I E C HA N TA L M A R AU TA

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am not used to being defined by my ethnicity. I grew up in multicultural Dubai where the lines of race and nationality blur, and the kids I grew up with were an ambiguous mix of cultures. Yet, spending more time now in the United States where race seems to be a defining factor of who you are, has made me highly aware that people mostly see my caramel skin and slightly slanted eyes, instead of my smile or my spark of enthusiasm.

As a young woman, I have observed that this grouping of people into boxes – one being “attractive” and the other being “unattractive” based on racial parameters – runs rampant, especially in the lives of young people in Western cultures.

The tragedy of categorization Stereotyping appears to be a significant part of college dating life in the US. When my friends and I go out, we almost always get approached by over-zealous white men who seem over-eager to add another “beautiful oriental” to their list of conquests. I used to feel attractive, almost special, when someone would approach me. But recently, I’ve began to understand that it’s not me as an individual, but the “look” that I represent, that makes men pick me out from a crowd.

Perhaps, it’s understandable how people in predominantly white communities might find Asians exotic and appealing.

However, when does appeal turn into mere fetishization and objectification? When do Asian women like us stop being a ‘type,’ and when do our slanted eyes and dark hair

stop being checkboxes on some guy’s list of fixations?

In college, the obsession with Asian women is referred to as “yellow fever.” Most of my friends have it, and our friendship was probably facilitated by the fact that I am of an ethnicity they find attractive. As a halfAsian woman, I can bring my attractive Asian friends to our gatherings and open the floodgates to a realm of beauty and exoticism. What is worrying, however, is that not only college boys, but also middleaged white men stereotype Asian women as more demure and subservient versions of the other women they are used to. We may be intelligent, beautiful and strong, but we are also generally expected to be softspoken, smiley, and agreeable.

That’s where my main issue lies. Knowing of my Filipino heritage, many men think I walk with my knees close together, my head demurely bowed, à la Shu-Jen from China Doll (1958). They immediately make assumptions about who I am, and are often disappointed when they find out that I am actually fiery, loud, extremely headstrong, and have the audacity to say no.

Stereotyping is taken to an extreme beyond college campuses and clubs, when middleaged white men fly to the Philippines to get a wife or girlfriends, while they work.

Abroad, where dating culture is a bit more cosmopolitan, being a Filipina puts you into a certain category. It doesn’t matter exactly who you are, or what you’re like; as long as you’re Filipina, you fulfill a certain fetish and are therefore considered “hot.”

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The dangers of generalization This is not to say that decent individuals who do not objectify woman do not exist. Far from it. However, the fact is, the objectification of Asian women, particularly Filipinas, happens often enough in Western cultures, for us women to be concerned about it.

It is an extremely de-humanizing phenomenon, and the rise of apps like Tinder that focus merely on superficial and instantaneous impressions has exacerbated this mindset. In the 20th century such instant objectification of women (and even men) used to be reserved for the windows in Amsterdam’s Red Light District. Now, social media has rendered these attitudes mundane and even normal.

So how should Asian women approach this issue? There isn’t a single answer, but not allowing yourself to be relegated in a box, is a good place to start. Don’t believe that you need to play to a certain stereotype in order to be found attractive, and stay true to yourself. If a male with yellow fever approaches you, walk away.

No matter how attractive he is, you don’t deserve to be another generalization. We need to remember that we are more than the superficial, and that to love ourselves, means to demand the respect we deserve.

There is no easy way to conclude this, except perhaps with a quote by writer Douglas Pagels: “I am aware that I am less than some people prefer me to be, but most people are unaware that I am so much more than what they see.”

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NEWS

SISIG MIGHT BE THE NEXT BIGGEST FOOD TREND B y A LW E E V I L L A R O S A

Anthony Bourdain Photo: CNN

“I think certain Filipino dishes are more likely to take root and take hold more quickly than others,” the host of CNN’s food and travel show Parts Unknown said. “I think sisig is perfectly positioned to win the hearts and minds of the world as a whole. I think that’s the one that’s going to hook ‘em.”

In a recent episode of CNN Philippines’ The Source, celebrity chef and TV host Anthony Bourdain commented that he believes that sisig will take the lead in Filipino cuisine’s rising popularity on the international stage.

“I think certain Filipino dishes are more likely to take root and take hold more quickly than others,” the host of CNN’s food and travel show Parts Unknown said. “I think sisig is perfectly positioned to win the hearts and minds of the world as a whole. I think that’s the one that’s going to hook ‘em.”

Though sisig as we know it may be too exotic for the world’s palates, Bourdain says “It’s hot, sizzling, crispy, sticky, delicious bits with many textures. It’s

exactly what you need after a few beers and that’s perfect food.”

Just less than a year ago, FilipinoAmerican chef Tom Cunan’s restaurant, Bad Saint, in Washington DC placed second on Bon Appétit’s: America’s Best New Restaurants.

“I think it’s the most likely to convince people abroad who have had no exposure to Filipino food to maybe look further and investigate further beyond sisig. I think that’s the one that’s gonna hook them,” said Bourdain. He also noted that our food is “ascendant” and is a “work in progress”. He also mentioned that it is “underrated”.

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Bourdain is also working on opening a street food center in New York called the Bourdain Market which is set to open in 2019. The project aims to gather different chefs, operators, streetfood and hawker legends from around the world. He says that sisig will definitely have a place in the market.

Is Filipino cuisine ready to finally take the spotlight and join its Asian brothers like Thailand, Vietnam, Korea and Japan in the world stage?

Maybe it’s about time for us to stop being the proverbial bridesmaid and finally be the bride. Our food can be our best ambassador, promoting our cultural identity to the world. Our food will tell the story of how it is to be Filipino.

NEWS

ASNTM CYCLE 5:

MAUREEN WROBLEWITZ

The Filipina who emerged on top B y A LW E E V I L L A R O S A

“The stress and pressure are all on me especially because a Filipina has never won this competition. This is not going to be an easy journey, becoming Asia’s Next Top Model but I’ll give a 100% at all times and never give up. This is all for you guys! I’m so proud of being a Filipina,” Photo: Maureen Wroblewitz Instagram

Cycle after cycle, the Philippines has never failed to deliver fierce competition in AsNTM. However, despite our competitive models, we’ve always fallen short of bagging the title. Cycle 5 has been groundbreaking because for the first time, our country’s bet was able to come through and emerge on top! FilipinaGerman Maureen Wroblewitz competed against Vietnam’s bet Minh Tu Nguyen and Malaysia’s rep Shikin Gomez in the stunning finale.

Fourteen hopefuls from all across Asia, 13 episodes and 3 months of anxious uncertainty of who’s still going to earn the title of Asia’s Next Top Model. The road wasn’t easy for Maureen (and us fans too!) as she had her low moments in front of the panel and in her stay at the model house, as well. But our girl is one feisty beast and only took the criticisms

thrown at her to become a better model.

It became a perfect motivation for her to prove others wrong and to show that being inexperienced doesn’t make someone a weak model.

“Before I entered the competition, I already doubted myself. I never even thought I would make it into the competition at all,” says Maureen.

She started as the shy underdog and was even labeled by other contestants as “just a pretty face with no talent.” Sure, she was the shortest among the models and also the one with the least amount of experience, but week after week she grew and improved and then the next thing we know, she is the only Filipina left in the competition. “The stress and pressure are all on me especially because a Filipina has never won this competition. This is not

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going to be an easy journey, becoming Asia’s Next Top Model but I’ll give a 100% at all times and never give up. This is all for you guys! I’m so proud of being a Filipina,” Maureen said on her Instagram account.

“I’ve learned so many things, and I really, really want my family to know that I’ve made it this far,” she said in the final episode.

On a Facebook post of host Cindy Bishop, she wrote “You’ve defied all expectations in this competition. Well deserved!”

Maureen’s win has bagged her not only fabulous prizes, but also a cover with Nylon fashion magazine Singapore, as well as a contract with London-based Storm Model Management.

DESIGN

DESIGNING FILIPINO THE INDIGENOUS ARCHITECTURE OF FRANCISCO ‘BOBBY’ MAÑOSA

“We must believe in ourselves, our capabilities, innovativeness and creativity, and stop imitating alien cultures and architectures. We must believe that in accepting what we are and what we have – both their limitations and potentials – we can finally emerge as equals,” B y M A R I PA Z F E B R E R O Photograps published with permission from the book Designing Filipino

Arch. Bobby Mañosa

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DESIGN

that meet present-day needs and retain allegiance to native values?”

Architect and Nationalist Considered by industry experts as the most outspoken champion of indigenous Filipino architecture, Mañosa exhorts his fellow Filipinos to infuse their artistry with nationalism: “I design Filipino, nothing else.” A bold and definitive statement indeed, coming from an architect who in 1982 was hailed by Asiaweek as one of the seven visionary architects of Asia.

“Architecture must be true to itself, to its land and to its people. For the design of the built environment reflects man’s expression of his way of life, his emotional, philosophical, religious, technological and material values in response to his needs and environmental challenges,” he explains.

“We must believe in ourselves, our capabilities, innovativeness and creativity, and stop imitating alien cultures and architectures. We must believe that in accepting what we are and what we have – both their limitations and potentials – we can finally emerge as equals,” he adds.

An ingenious porfolio

“Three factors make an authentic Filipino architecture,” says awardwinning Filipino architect Francisco ‘Bobby’ Mañosa, “Filipino values, Philippine climate and the use of indigenous materials. The point is not to

rebuild the bahay kubo and bahay na bato – their time had come and gone – but to learn from them. What is the essence of indigenous architecture? What makes it uniquely Filipino? And how does an architect build modern structures

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A graduate of the University of Santo Tomas, ‘Bobby’ is a member of the National Commission on Culture and Arts, a trustee of the Katutubong Filipino Foundation, and a Fellow of the United Architects of the Philippines. His ingenious designs include the Coconut Palace, Nayong Pilipino - Bicol Region, the Shangri-La Hotel at Mactan, the Pearl Farm Resort in Davao, which garnered the Kalakbay Resort of the Year Award for 1994 and 1995. Bobby’s breathtaking design of world-renown Amanpulo

DESIGN

Resort in Palawan, has given him three international awards - the Asia-Pacific Interior Design Award for Hotel /Resort Category in 1994, and the prestigious Gallivante’s Award for ‘Best Beach Resort Worldwide’ in 1994 and 1995.

Mañosa also had varying influence in the design and construction of 34 churches nationwide, including the Mary the Queen Church at Moonwalk, Paranaque, Our Lady of Edsa Shrine of the 1986 Filipino Revolution, the St. Joseph Parish Church, home of the famed Bamboo Organ of Las Pinas, and many others.

He has also designed several structures depicting Philippine architecture for use at tourist trade fairs in Germany, Italy, and other parts of Europe. At the Expo of 1992 in Seville, Spain, his work on the Philippine Pavillion received a commendation for its design and materials. His works can also be seen on the Diplomatic arena, like the Philippine Embassy at Washington D.C. and the Embassy Residence and Chancery in Riyadh, KSA.

inlaid with 40,000 tiny pieces of coconut shells. Highlighted as one of CCP’s most striking structures for its architecture and interiors, the palace celebrates the coconut as the ultimate ‘Tree of Life’.

The design echoed everything from the coconut’s roots to its trunk, bark, fruit, flower and shell.

There are a total of seven suites, each intended to showcase a distinct cultural group - the Ilocos Room, the Igorot Room, the Tagalog Room, the Visayan Room, the T’Boli Room, the Maranao Room and the Zamboanga Room. In each suite, authentic artifacts and motifs were used for the décor.

During the heydays of the Marcos regime, the palace served as a guesthouse for many dignitaries and celebrities, like Libyan leader Muammar Al-Qaddafi, actors Brooke Shields and George Hamilton, among many. This historic landmark has been converted into a

Celebrating the Coconut Commissioned by former First Lady Imelda Marcos in 1981, the Coconut Palace was designed by Mañosa as a showpiece for the versatile coconut and its viability as an export. Located at the Cultural Center of the Philippines Complex between the Folk Arts Theatre and the Westin Philippine Plaza, the Coconut Palace is made of several Philippine hardwoods, coconut shells, and a specially engineered coconut lumber conspicuously known as Imelda Madera.

The palace is shaped like an octagon, with a salakot roof, a chandelier made of 101 coconut shells, and a dining table

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museum, with a butterfly garden and an orchidarium.

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Magnificent mansions made of lowly bamboo Manila’s rich and famous commissioned Bobby Manosa to design their mansions in such exclusive enclaves as Forbes Park.

Mañosa has since compiled an amazing portfolio of opulent and beautiful mansions.

He courageously incorporated bamboo into these architectural works of art bamboo sidings, bamboo flooring, bamboo paneling, bamboo mosaics, bamboo ceilings, bamboo structural elements and bamboo subfloorings.The ingenious ways he used the lowly bamboo was truly a sophisticated art.

Mañosa says, “Bamboo is the only plant that can grow fast enough to cope with the growing demand for present and future housing. But unless we apply new found technology and encourage willingness and acceptance by the people, it cannot prove its worth.”

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The symbol of Filipino freedom Our Lady of EDSA Shrine on Ortigas Avenue serves to remind us of our love for freedom and continues to withstand the test of time. The architectural and structural design for the church was undertaken by Mañosa in collaboration with National Artist for Architecture Leandro Locsin and Architect William Coscolluela. The image of Our Lady Queen of Peace was sculpted in bronze by the late artist Virginia-Ty Navarro.

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BUSINESS

FRANCHISING PROS and CONS

By ARMANDO BARTOLOME

Franchising is a widely-accepted form of helping in the development of businesses today. It is a business concept that is being used in various countries. Franchising nevertheless plays a significant role in other countries as one of the strategies in speeding up economic development which is also responsible for the creation of new jobs. It has also been found out to have a lesser failure rate than conventional startup businesses.

Advantages of Franchising 1. Franchising a business provides you with the support of the franchisor. This means that prior to opening the franchise business, the franchisor extends his help from choosing the right location, construction, design and training.

2. The help of the franchisor does not (and should not) end as soon the business has been opened. An on-going support is provided to be able to maintain the quality of products and services provided by the business all throughout other branches of the franchise business.

3. Every new entrepreneur has the fear of being trampled by other businesses.

But with a franchise business, it gives the new entrepreneur an edge over his competitors. The fact that an entrepreneur has a franchise business means that it has somehow already penetrated the market.

Simply put, choosing to start a franchise business may mean having to deal with lesser problems than starting with your own business since the franchisor would just practically be throwing in all their ideas to you and all you need to do is to follow and implement what has been told to you.

Disadvantages of Franchising Sometimes, no matter how perfect something is, there just seems to be some kind of a loophole that you need to deal with. And being in a business, you should always be prepared to face these challenges.

1. Franchisees are required to operate the business exactly according to the terms set forth by the franchisor in the franchise agreement. Although it may seem easy to just start an “instant” business, the restrictions which include

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the products and services offered, pricing as well as its location. Moreover, no franchisee is allowed to make changes unless the franchisor decides on it to be implemented to all of its branches.

2. Starting a business comes with a price.

In addition to the initial franchise fee, franchisees are required to pay ongoing royalties and advertising fees.

3. Franchisees have little or no say with regards to the franchise agreement.

A franchisee could not just stop the business should he feel that the business is not doing good. If you are lucky enough to find a franchisor who is willing to preterminate your contract without having to go through endless debates, then you can be worry-free and may be able to start a new business which you deem can be more successful than the previous business you have started.

BUSINESS

Understanding the Franchise Agreement A franchise agreement is a binding contract between franchisor and franchisee. It is the “business bible” of franchisees in which everything written on it should be followed accordingly by the franchisee.

What is written on the Franchise Agreement?

• The Franchise Agreement states that franchisee receives no ownership rights to the system and that the franchisor has the right to terminate the franchisee’s license if franchisor finds out any breach of the franchise agreement.

• It describes the franchisee’s territory, store hours and location of the franchise business.

• Fees including franchising fees, advertising fees, and other fees to be paid to the franchisor during the term of the

franchise, and fees for other purchases.

• It also spells out the term of the franchise agreement from the date the franchise agreement has been signed to the date that it expires. Prerequisites for renewal is also stated.

• The services offered by the franchisor.

• A very important part of the franchise agreement is the protection of proprietary information in which franchisor clearly informs the franchisee his limitations.

• Trainings, seminars or workshops are part of the agreement to ensure that the quality of products and services is maintained across all other branches.

• Any violation which can cause a breach of the agreement is listed.

• The obligations upon expiration or termination of the business. It comprises a list of steps that franchisees are required to “de-identify” them from the business and the association of the franchise from the system.

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• The franchisor’s right to first refusal.

The franchisor has the option to refuse to purchase the business or to purchase assets at the time of expiration or termination of the contract.

• Franchisees are treated as independent contractors and are required to pay their own taxes, responsible for their employees, and should be able to operate the business independently while carrying out what is written in the contract.

• It will also have an indemnification covenant wherein the franchisee must reimburse the franchisor for any damages or negligent act.

• A non-competition covenant stipulates that the franchisee is prevented from competing against the franchisor while the agreement is in force.

• The Franchise Agreement also includes methods on resolving issues between franchisor and franchisee.

ILLUSTRADO STUFF

Here’s a list of the things that we saw, we tried, we liked and loved! Get a load of these interesting, very Illustrado sundry. Can’t live without ‘em!

DING DONG

MAX’s CARAMEL BAR

CRISPY MUSHROOM CHIPS

Who doesn’t like to snack on this mixed nuts pack that is heaven sent? For us at #TeamIllustrado, Ding Dong became our 4PM ritual. There’s something about this chichirya that is so addictive!

We don’t know what exactly, but maybe you could tell us? Plus, it’s healthy naman kasi it’s nuts ‘diba?

If there’s one thing that you should never miss when visiting Max’s Restaurant, it’s their Caramel Bar. This cute little baked goody is always a perfect dessert after eating a whole classic Max’s fried chicken. You won’t even notice you’ve probably eaten 5 pieces already in one sitting because it’s that good!

Being healthy is now a trend and for those who are conscious about their health and figure (that’s not us) this Filipino snack is made for you. It’s crispy and healthy and most importantly, it’s Pinoy! You gotta taste it promise!

If all veggies tasted like this, we’d probably be vegetarian by now.

PANCIT CANTON

PINOY STYLE SPAGHETTI SAUCE

You’re basically not a real Filipino if you haven’t tried Lucky Me’s Pancit Canton. Let us tell you this, we were SHOOKT as well when this questionably nutritious merienda was overhauled into something that’s more fake-pastang-lasang-pancit. We feel you.

Even when you’re abroad and someone has a birthday or a celebration in your flat, we all still look for the Pinoy style spaghetti mix because it’s not masarap if it doesn’t taste like what we’re used to back home. And even if you’ve tried a thousand versions of your favorite Pinoy style spaghetti, it’s always Nanay who makes the best one!

P.S. We miss you, Lucky Me. You have a special place in our hearts. Forever. Always.

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ILLUSTRADO STUFF

SORBETES aka Dirty Ice Cream

ORGANIC PHILIPPINE SEA SALT

We Filipinos are always down for frozen treats. For example, we like our fruit salad milky and creamy and obviously, frozen. We even made a cheaper version of it that is our favorite merienda especially during the summer, which is the ice candy. Another frozen treat that we all wait for in the afternoon is the one that “mamang ice cream” sells: SORBETES! A version of the sorbet with a Pinoy flair is definitely irresistible because of the unique ingredients used to make it like the macapuno, langka and ube.

We cannot deny it, sorbetes is definitely a “dirty” delight.

If you’re gonna be salty, it better a good kind of salty. Just like the organic Philippine sea salt from Native Gourmet Filipino Artisan Delicacies we found! These salts are all-natural and hand harvested from Pangasinan and is perfect for use as seasoning for any dish. Packaged with a woven local ecofriendly nipa palm. So if you’re thinking of a gift to give to your non-Filipino friends, this one is Illustrado approved!

THEO & PHILO CHOCOLATES

NON- ALCHOHOLIC TBGB GINGER BEER

All of us are guilty about having way too many sweets or salty or anything that is more than what we should eat. But forgive us if we’ll only get your craving on a rise. Theo & Philo Chocolates are came up with an amazing concept of using the popular Pinoy dish Adobo as an ingredient in a chocolate bar. Yep, you read that right, an Adobo flavored chocolate. And if that doesn’t tickle your curiosity, they have more variety to offer like: green mango and salt, barako, labuyo, calamansi and even turon!

There are seasons and spirits and forces that move you; TBGB is rooted in that. They are not taming nature, this is nature in a bottle. There’s spice, there’s sweetness, there’s bitterness, and there’s brightness, like how it really is. And in case you haven’t figure how much love we have for turon, this turon flavored beer says it all. Enjoy! **This is not alcoholic so you can still drive after few bottles.

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ILLUSTRAGRAMMERS

Here’s a recap of the most awesome folks we stalk during our downtime. Here’s the lowdown of what’s good on the online world.

Marga Esquivel @marga_esq This NYC based Filipina model came on the rise when she booked shows for Gucci and Chanel. She also shot a lookbook for Marc Jacobs and Nasty Gal. Her minimalist-tomboy look got us double-tapping on Instagram. She is definitely a #GirlBoss in her own right!

Kerwin King @kerwinking Apart from being a social media influencer, this boy from Manila is also an actor, singer and an illustrator! If you’re trying to work on your color blocking and pastel aesthetic that is only one filter away from being IG-worthy, dive in head first to Kerwin’s account! He will not disappoint. ‘Nuff said.

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ILLUSTRAGRAMMERS

Cher Lui Pio @cherluipio This chic from Manila serves awesome realness on Instagram as if all of her posts are “unfiltered”. She’s not all about glam and bright photos — which makes her a unique Instagram resident. But it doesn’t mean that she steps out of her house looking less that stylish! Learn how to make your clothes work with Cher, we promise — it would be feed changing!

Rodel Flordeliz @rodelflordeliz NEXT ATTRACTION: Say hello to DJ Flynn Rider aka Rodel. Who doesn’t like a good smooth energetic radio voice? Match this with a good sense of style and a nice Instagram feed, and who wouldn’t hit that follow button upon landing on his account? What are you waiting for? Click that follow button already!

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ILLUSTRAGRAMMERS

Ida Anduyan @idandu Philippines

Do not be fooled by this girl’s pretty face and quirky style. She is definitely a force to be reckoned with.

Popping with some colors every now and then mixed with a retro 90s vibe, she walks the streets of Manila fearless. The way she presents herself is what makes her uniquely cool. Give her an oversized shirt and she’ll nail it! Because fashion is 20% clothes and 80% personality (not actual data, but you get our point, right?)

Jay Jackson @jonathanjackson NOMAD For he is a free-spirited soul who happened to have DNA that fits the glossy pages of a high-fashion magazine and the runways of New York, Paris and Milan; he is never in the same place for a long time!

Check out this model’s off-duty moments on Instagram and be inspired on how to make the world your work place! We envy you Jay, we envy you!

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ILLUSTRAGRAMMERS

Francis William Cagayat @kikocagayat Japan With a glowing nightlife, huge variety of places to eat at and tons of #OOTD spots that will totally bring your feed to life; it is a no-brainer to consider Japan a dream travel destination not just for wanderers but also for the fashion enthusiasts out there. And for Kiko, this is the city where he thrives as a fashion blogger and content curator. Yes, even with an outflow of fashionphile in this place, he refuses to swim with the current. If that’s not cool enough, we don’t know what is.

Melissa Gatchalian @sartorialpanda Philippines Melissa is your typical millennial who has a natural knack for social media savviness. But she is more than that. Having something that is natural to you and doing something to make it work to your advantage are two different things. She did not wake up one day with already 43.6k followers on Instagram. She had to put in some real effort to achieve those double tap-worthy photos. This, on top of being a dog parent and a graphic designer.

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LIVING WELL

20

surprising benefits of saying

“bahala na”

As Filipinos, we’ve often regarded the phrase “bahala na” as negative.

But there is a positive facet to this native concept - “bahala na” can also mean surrendering the ego to divine purpose.

By P E R L A DA LY

A mantra is a vehicle or tool that transports your mind to God.

contemplative and meditative practices Bahala Na Meditations, alongside it.

The word mantra is a composite of two parts, ‘man’ which means mind, and ‘tra’ which means vehicle. Thus mantra is literally translated as “a vehicle to transport the mind.”

In 1997, I started yoga for stress relief.

Surprisingly, it was through yoga philosophy class, I came to appreciate my Philippine heritage even more, on top of my childhood appreciation for our varied indigenous Philippine culture.

Upon hearing the Philippine words mukha and guru in yoga classes my interest in our pre-colonial history was deepened. Through the years, I continued to research the Philippine’s pre-colonial connections to Vedic culture.

For a few years now, I’ve been excited about the potential of bahala na as a mantra that awakens, aligns and raises up our level in the game of life. I’ve been contemplating the deeper meanings of bahala na, since 2002. That’s when I learned the meanings of the baybayin symbols of bahala na from my friend Panday Banale. From there I started some

In 2004, I trained to become a yoga teacher. I did the 200-hr yoga teacher

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training to deepen my knowledge of yoga philosophy and my sadhana or practice.

Fast forward... while in a small class of soon-to-be-yoga-teachers I learned about the yoga practices called niyamas. I was thrilled to hear about ishvara pranidhana, a devotion of surrendering to the Divine.

Ishvara is Sanskrit for highest, pure divinity. Pranidhana means to surrender, devote or dedicate. Ishvara pranidhana is the practice of surrendering the ego and devoting oneself to a divine higher power.

This was an aha moment for me! It was at this very moment that the saying of bahala na clearly showed itself as an act of surrendering the ego to the divine!

Because I knew how to say bahala na

LIVING WELL

and understood its meaning, I quickly slipped into knowing the underlying diwa or idea within yoga practice of ishvara pranidhana. To me, at that moment, sitting on the floor — Bahala na meant ishvara pranidhana. And ishvara pranidhana meant bahala na.

Being Filipino suddenly was an even more marvelous thing for me. I felt that our pre-colonial heritage was rich in treasure waiting for us to find many gems of wisdom.

I was proud and grateful that my Filipinoness gave me immediate understanding and appreciation of this niyama. I was deepening my yoga understanding amidst Westerners who had come to love the South Asian tradition of yoga, and appreciated its philosophy too.

In that class I felt quite full of love and appreciation, that I was Filipino and that one of our worldviews was represented, and maybe even rooted, in yoga philosophy.

So here now is the good stuff I’d like to share with you: 20 powerful benefits you will get from saying bahala na as a mantra: • Become closer to God. • Surrender yourself to the divine beloved • Release fear that holds you back • Express a courage even though you don’t know everything.

• Let go of your ego’s need to control outcomes and the stress that comes from it • Release negative karma that arises from your ego.

• Free yourself from worry, anxiety, self-doubt • Ease the competitive mind • Find comfort in knowing that you’re in the care of a Higher Power • Open yourself up to whatever is coming your way • Overcome fear of whatever it was that you have to go through

•

• • • • • • • •

Trust your actions will unfold something in the cosmos that is going to end up towards some higher good Request for divine guidance Surrender your life to God so you can be used as an instrument of divine will Realize that separation from God is an illusion or maya Realize sacred interconnection or pakikipagkapwa (Filipino) Align yourself, your thoughts, will and actions, to the harmony and balance of the Universe Do God’s work and balance light and dark Transform your personal purpose to soul purpose that is, aligned with divine purpose Empower your journey towards the state of yoga, the awakened, divine consciousness, enlightenment or Samadhi while still on the earthly plane

Isn’t that amazing to think that devoting our lives to the divine is the fastest way to enlightenment? We Filipinos can be so good at that. Many of us are born with a loving devotion to divinity. to seek and fulfill their highest selves. With this same love and devotion, I believe there’s power in saying bahala na as a sacred phrase that calls up the wellspring of your inner resources that have been there all along.

With a new awareness I began to say bahala na as a practice of ishvara pranidhana, surrendering ego to divine purpose. I saw it as a personal devotion to the divine source, and a way of aligning my soul purpose with divine will. The spiritual practice of my mother and lola of giving everything up to God, was made more beautiful and powerful to me.

And yet, there was something even more here, and I was determined to find out by way contemplation. So I started the exercise of the Bahala Na Meditations.

I’ve been meditating and contemplating on Bahala Na spiritual meaning for almost 15 years.

Now’s the time to access your inner gold, more than ever. In this time. In this age.

Babaylan Mandala, Patina and Gold.

As an artist and Filipino, I believe that the Babaylan Mandalas call to Filipinos

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If you’re curious about hearing chanting, meditations, and old contemplations you can visit BahalaNaMeditations.com.

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Sponsored by :

JOHN MICHAEL E. MANJARES Shot by RONNIE PAYOPELIN ILLUSTRADO 92

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Sponsored by :

DALIA VARDE KHATTAB Shot by ROMNICK VELARDE ILLUSTRADO 93

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Alross R. Almoguerra shot by Jorell R. Ariola

Caren R. Braun shot by Jordan F. Aquino

Alvin Lauron Huwane shot by Wadge Shutters

Charlotte Endaya shot by Alfredo Bascones Jr

Ellinore Panlilio Dela Cruz shot by Marlon Bartolo

Cornell Anthony Inocente Tudio shot by Kenny Fenix Abella

Elma Villanueva shot by Norman Pineda Cunanan

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Anna Bernadette K. Presas shot by Veejay Buenaventura

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Francis Noc’es shot by Glenn E. Malaga

Irene Benn Lascuna shot by Brian Dexter Medija

Jed Exconde shot by Angelito Cortez

Kaizer Milasky Silvestre shot by Angelito Cortez

Jay Arvin R. Mendoza shot by Glenn E. Malaga

Jhoana Marcia Paras shot by Lester Jonson

Larry Hilarion Oliver shot by Doyle Joel M. Diestro

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John Nico B. Ronquillo shot by Jordan F. Aquino

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Maria Jeddah Diaz shot by Leonel Pura

Maybelene D. Dela Cruz shot by Roderick Tan

Mayenne Geroy shot by Richard Martin Enriquez

Nina Erica Guilas shot by Lemuel Muyo Lampa

Pattrice Daiz Garcia shot by Johnbert Dacanay

Princiess Ecel M. Cabornay shot by Marlon Dagomdon Boloron

Ralph Anthony Ricablanca shot by Vyktor Regala Jr

Raphael George Durmiendo shot by Alexis Fusilero

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Rico John Guevarra Shot by Marlon Dagomdon

Robert Gratuito Shot by Angelito Cortez

Scott Glennmark Fadri Remorin shot by Angelito Cortez

Xelle Reyes shot by Rolando Picadizo

Toto Glenn Malaga shot by Angelito

Emran Mansul Chua shot by Wahid Muhaji Jaafar

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Wally Cadag shot by Rico Sumadia

Liam Dan Francis shot by Angelito Cortez