ILLUSTRADO Magazine June 2016

AED 10

EDITION 2 2016

BRAND PHILIPPINES THE PINOY PRIDE ISSUE

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EDITOR’S NOTE

What the Philippines means to the world Photo by Eros Goze

personalities making a mark here and elsewhere, including our reigning beauty queens who are set to conquer not only the world pageant circuit, but also their advocacies.

Say ‘Brand Philippines’ and the phrase conjures an instant stream of images that include pristine sandy beaches, charming beauty queens waving their hands gracefully, Manny Pacquiao kneeling in the ring before a fight, Lea Salonga on the Broadway stage, our caring nurses and hardworking seafarers toiling in faraway lands and oceans. Most of all, you think about the Filipino smile - that unmistakable warm look of delight that has become our signature to the rest of the world.

Of course, every Filipino will tell you that there is so much more in our country to see, and that we are so much more than just beauty, brawns and service.

In this edition, Illustrado exemplifies Pinoy pride at its finest - from the best destinations in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, to the thousands of things to do in our fair country, to decadent fashion from some of the best Filipino designers, and the recent Filipino haute couture win in Paris. We detail homegrown Philippine brands that have become favorites the world over, and

Just recently, we have witnessed a major shift in Philippine politics, with the unorthodox Rodrigo Duterte assuming the presidency. We look into how this new leadership is expected to steer the direction of Brand Philippines, particularly in the economic front. We also examine the components of the Philippine brand, how much farther we can expand that, and how we are really more than just the sum of our parts.

And finally, we delve at the oft-bandied (and sometimes abused) phrase “Pinoy Pride,” this time, in a deeper, more candid light - what it really means, and how we as, progressive Filipinos, should go beyond the false bravado it often spawns.

In honoring all that is best with our country and our people, we not only hope to shine in the reflected glory, but most importantly, to be kept inspired and driven to propel ourselves further.

Because, indeed, there is so much more that the Filipino can still achieve.

After all, this is just the beginning of our rise to the very top.

Taas Noo, Filipino.

LALAINE CHU-BENITEZ

Editor-in-Chief

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PUBLISHER & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF LALAINE CHU-BENITEZ CREATIVE DIRECTOR MON BENITEZ ASSOCIATE EDITOR NICHOLO JALLORES COLUMNISTS ABY YAP ALFRED “KRIP” YUSON BARNEY ALMAZAR PAUL RAYMUND CORTES FRANCISCO COLAYCO CONTRIBUTING WRITERS – UAE, PHILIPPINES, CANADA, SWITZERLAND ANGELA MAPA ANNA OPOSA BARBARA MARCHADESCH CANDICE LOPEZ QUIMPO DANTE GAGELONIA DIDI PATERNO EXCEL DYQUIANCO KARA SANTOS MARY ANN MARCHADESCH MARY ANN “MAPS” SANTOS NEPHELE KIRONG NIKKA SARTHOU NINA TEROL-ZIALCITA P.A. ESCALANTE PRINCES NEDAMO QUAY EVANO RACHE HERNANDEZ REGINA LAYUG-LUCERO SHERRY TENORIO CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS – UAE, PHILIPPINES & USA EROS GOZE RAEN BADUA IRVIN RIVERA JEF ANOG ALEX CALUENG CRISTINA LINAZA ROZEN ANTONIO HERSON NEBAYA 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 FZLLC 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.

COUTURE GALLERY

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Couture galore! Check out the finest creations from some of the best Filipino designers from around the world.

ILLUSTRADO PORTRAIT

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Meet the man behind the title. Illustrado paints a portrait of the current Philippine Ambassador to the UAE

DUTERTENOMICS IN THE TIME OF BREXIT The Philippines’ incoming leadership consults with the private sector. See what’s next in the country’s economic policies.

1 EDITOR’S NOTE 4 CONTRIBUTORS 8 DUTERTENOMICS IN THE TIME OF BREXIT 12 ILLUMINATI: FROM MORE FUN BRAND TO JUST BEING MORE 14 WHEN PHILIPPINE BRANDS GO GLOBAL 16 OPINION: BRANDING THE PHILIPPINES 18 IS IT REALLY PINOY PRIDE? 20 ILLUSTRADO PORTRAIT: AMBASSADOR CONSTANCIO VINGNO 24 DIPLOMATIC SPOUSES: MOTHER, WIFE, DE FACTO PUBLIC SERVANT

30 MICHAEL CINCO AND HIS PARIS DREAM 32 QUEENMAKER: OF ALBERT ANDRADA AND HIS ICONIC DRESSES 34 COUTURE GALLERY 64 TRUE FILIPINA BEAUTIES WITH SUBSTANCE 72 BEAUTIFUL PHILIPPINES 90 A THOUSAND ISLANDS, A THOUSAND THINGS TO DO 96 ILLUSTRADO FACES 102 LAW: IS FRANCHISING YOUR SHORTCUT 104 MONEY: PROTECTING YOURSELF TO SUCCESS?

30 TRUE FILIPINA BEAUTIES WITH SUBSTANCE

MICHAEL CINCO AND HIS PARIS DREAM The designer with the ‘impalpable dream’ has realized his ultimate wish.

A coup in the city of haute couture.

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Not just pretty faces and svelte frames, these young women are the quintessential embodiment of the empowered and mindful Filipina.

ON THE COVER Beautiful Philippines - model Bea Soriano stands on the pristine shores of Amanpulo in Pamalikan Island, Palawan. Photography by Glenn Peter Perez & Filbert Kung

72 BEAUTIFUL PHILIPPINES Need we say more?

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CONTRIBUTORS LALAINE CHU-BENITEZ Editor-in-Chief/social advocate/aspiring urban farmer “almost superwoman” (almost but not quite) Lalaine Chu-Benitez has been driving Illustrado’s mission to uplift the Filipinos in the region for almost a decade now. A former corporate dynamo living in Dubai for over 20 years, she has been fortunate to see the emergence of Filipino clout and these parts, and believes that we are still at the beginning of our ascent and can rise even further.

J.ALBERT GAMBOA JAG to his friends, J. Albert Gamboa wears multiple hats - business journalist, management consultant, headhunter, CFO, and book editor. A banker and stockbroker in his previous life, he is currently a columnist of Business World, Manila Bulletin, and Manila Times who threatens to join the government soon.

LORAINE BALITA – CENTENO Loraine Balita-Centeno has been writing and editing for magazines and newspapers based in Manila and abroad since 2005. A mother of two, she is currently the Director of the Student Media Office in DLSU-Manila and a part-time faculty in the university’s Department of Communication. She spends her days managing the media office, teaching college kids and scrubbing baby food, goo, and crayon marks off her work clothes.

EXCEL DYQUIANCO Excel Dyquianco is both a vagabond and a writer. He has tackled all sorts of topics for Illustrado including planning for the future (which included getting a memorial plan) and travel tips. In his article ‘When Filipino Brands Go Global,’ Excel profiles some of the most prominent Filipino brands that have gone on to conquer the world.

KRIP YUSON Esteemed writer Krip Yuson has earned distinctions as a literary author of over 20 other books — from poetry, short stories, children’s stories, biographies, and translation. A Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature Hall-of-Famer, Krip regales us with his musings in his column, “Illuminati.”

NICHOLO JALLORES Multi-talented Associate Editor Nicholo Jallores tries to be everything - careful and vigilant, in that he does not end up as nothing. He wants to make it clear that THAT sentence isn’t nearly as forlorn as it sounds.

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

ATTY. BARNEY ALMAZAR Atty. Barney is a director at the Commercial Department of Gulf Law in the Middle East, Philippines and United Kingdom. He holds Juris Doctor and MBA dual degrees with concentration on International Business and European Union Law (University of London). He is also the author of “Essential OFW Guide to the UAE”.

FRANCISCO COLAYCO Resident personal finance guru Francisco J. Colayco and Illustrado’s money expert has several best-selling books to his credit, and an advocacy on teaching Filipinos how to prosper.

In each issue, he gives Illustrado readers a crash course on money management basics with topics - defining real wealth, moving towards financial independence, compounding interest, investment options, franchising basics, as well as preparing for retirement.

KC ABALOS-ORENDAIN KC spends her time reading as many books as she possibly can and traveling to as many places as her piggy bank allows. As a teacher of philosophy from UP, she finds that she really knows nothing and that’s what makes it fun. As a freelance writer for more than a decade, she realizes that words escape her when she needs it the most. As a dancer, she wishes she can jeté higher or shimmy faster. Frustrated by all this, she is now a graduate student studying in Kobe University, Japan.

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F E AT U R E

DUTERTENOMICS IN THE TIME OF BREXIT MinBC President Vicente Lao said, “For the first time in our political history, an incoming administration is immediately consulting with the private sector, and I’m quite confident it’s going to address the issue of inclusiveness.” Foundation for Economic Freedom President Calixto Chikiamko believes that “getting opinions from a diverse set of participants will enable the next government to come up with policies that would make sense to everyone in all the regions.”

B y J. A L B E RT A R A N E TA G A M B OA

D-Day 2016 – the inaugural date of the Philippines’ 16th President, Rodrigo “Digong” Duterte – fell on a rainy Thursday, the 30th of June. Unlike his predecessors, then President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III did not declare a national holiday, supposedly in keeping with his successor’s low-key style.

Duterte had convincingly won the May 9th presidential election with 38% of the votes cast. Results were known in a matter of hours, thanks to automated voting machines. Senator Grace Poe showed amazing grace by immediately conceding defeat on election night, followed by former Interior Secretary Mar Roxas the next day. It took then Vice

President Jejomar Binay some time to concede, while to date, former Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago hasn’t.

Conflicting media advisories indicated Duterte, who was still Mayor of Davao City at that time, would be flying to Manila and claiming Malacaňang on the days immediately following the most divisive presidential election in recent memory. But weeks passed and he was still ensconced in Davao, save for a day or two in Cebu.

In the interim, Duterte conducted midnight press conferences in the socalled Panacaňang or Malacaňang of the South, a presidential guest house

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in Panacan, Davao City. Eventually he tangled with the Manila press and vowed never to talk to all media entities till the end of his term.

Meanwhile, his Finance Secretary Carlos “Sonny” Dominguez convened a consultative conference on inclusive growth with representatives of business organizations from all over the country the week before the inauguration. “Sulong Pilipinas: Hakbang Tungo sa Kaunlaran” was held at the SMX Convention Center in Davao’s Lanang district.

Organized jointly with the Mindanao Business Council (MinBC) and the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and

F E AT U R E

PCCI honorary chair Donald Dee hailed the conference as a seminal event in Philippine business history. “This is the first time we are being consulted by an administration even before it assumes office, and we helped put this together because this is the most comprehensive consultation that you can ever see,” he said, citing the range of attendees coming from provincial, regional, national, and international business chambers.

Incumbent PCCI President George Barcelon said: “Having the government and private sector sit down to discuss and reach a consensus of what needs to be done is a very positive development.”

He said the PCCI is supportive of the broad-based socioeconomic agenda because “they’re talking agriculture especially in the rural areas, and that has an encompassing impact on poverty.”

Lawyer Mike Toledo, media bureau head of the MVP Group of Companies, expressed bullishness about the economy under the Duterte presidency. “Sonny Dominguez is saying all the right things for business, such as respect for contracts,” he said. Toledo, who is also Philex Mining Corp.’s senior vice president for public and regulatory affairs, pointed out that “these are what the business sector would want to hear, and it’s a good sign that they’re already reaching out even prior to their takeover as a new administration.”

Industry (PCCI), the June 20-21 summit drew almost 500 captains of industry and entrepreneurs who participated in workshops, town hall meetings, and site visits to pro-people projects of the Davao City government such as the Central 911 and the Public Safety & Security Command Center.

Plenary sessions included an eco-briefing from Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia, who is concurrently the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Director General.

He set the stage by telling the conference delegates where the Philippine economy was at the end of the Aquino administration and what to expect under the Duterte government.

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MinBC President Vicente Lao, Foundation for Economic Freedom President Calixto Chikiamko, Davaobased businesswoman Joji Ilagan-Bian, and Wallace Business Forum founder Peter Wallace agreed that reaching out to the business sector through Sulong Pilipinas is a good start for the Duterte government.

F E AT U R E

Lao said: “For the first time in our political history, an incoming administration is immediately consulting with the private sector, and I’m quite confident it’s going to address the issue of inclusiveness.”

Chikiamko believes that “getting opinions from a diverse set of participants will enable the next government to come up with policies that would make sense to everyone in all the regions.” He said the socioeconomic agenda lacks specifics and needs to be fleshed out, but found the statement of Dominguez that “the environment will be good for business” heartening to know.

Bian said Sulong Pilipinas is a signal that Duterte will have a people-focused administration. She said “if you look at the six regions of Mindanao, the growth has not really been inclusive, and the proposed economic agenda is doable if there’s political will.” Wallace thinks the incoming Chief Executive’s consultative approach is very impressive, saying “it shows he realized business creates jobs and employment generation is absolutely what matters.”

In his keynote address, Dominguez batted for wide-reaching “coalitions for change” that would enable the country’s growth streak to continue. He said both the private and public sectors need to jointly build such reform coalitions behind the next administration’s socioeconomic agenda.

He also called on the business sector to help the incoming government draw up new metrics to understand how economic expansion could be more meaningful to majority of Filipinos. These standards are meant to measure how the socioeconomic targets are beneficial to low-income families.

“I challenge the business community to build coalitions for change in every

sphere of our social life,” he said, adding that these partnerships are “not just for projects but to transform our national community into a cooperative enterprise that brings out the best in everyone and delivers the best for all.”

and their comments were posted on a series of 10 boards inside the cavernous session hall. Then they came up with the top 10 issues they considered of highest priority for the Duterte administration to address.

Wallace and Lao expressed concern that at least 25% of Filipinos still suffer from poverty, which is the second highest in Southeast Asia next only to Myanmar.

Lao lamented that “from the NEDA presentation, I noticed that poverty incidence has not improved at all, and it means the macroeconomic advantages enjoyed by the previous administration is not really filtering down to the masses.”

BUSINESSMEN’S WISH LIST FOR THE DUTERTE ADMINISTRATION

As part of the more than 100 local and international media contingent that covered the event, I witnessed the unveiling of the Duterte administration’s proposed 10-Point Socioeconomic Agenda.

10-POINT SOCIOECONOMIC AGENDA OF THE DUTERTE ADMINISTRATION • Continue and maintain current macroeconomic policies • Institute progressive tax reform and more effective tax collection • Increase competitiveness and the ease of doing business • Accelerate annual infrastructure spending to account for 5% of GDP • Promote rural and value-chain development • Ensure security of land tenure to encourage investments • Invest in human capital development • Promote science, technology, and the creative arts • Improve social protection programs • Strengthen implementation of the reproductive health law The business leaders were split into groups of eight to discuss the 10-point agenda

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• Adopt a comprehensive tax reform package • Implement a national ID system Streamline the bureaucracy • Improve internet and telecom services • Provide support services for farmers and fishers • Ensure value-added and responsible mining • Develop regional industries • Upgrade infrastructure and transport networks • Review the conditional cash transfer program • Remove PPP bottlenecks and respect contracts Highlighting the conference was the presentation of the businessmen’s wish list to Duterte, who responded that “it’s all doable, it’s just a matter of doing it.” He told the business community he would consider the suggestions and refer them to the concerned Cabinet officials while reiterating his campaign promise to fight corruption, which he said “makes me sick.”

During his inaugural address at the Rizal Hall of Malacanang Palace, the newlyminted President immediately acted on the third top issue on the wish list by ordering all government agencies to cut the so-called bureaucratic red tape.

In this time of Brexit and anti-elitism, the work is cut out for the new government to make poor Filipinos truly experience inclusive growth.

I L L U M I N AT I

FROM THE MORE-FUN BRAND TO JUST BEING MORE

By KRIP YUSON

Has it really worked? The number of visitors to our country supposedly went up in distinct percentage positives during outgoing Tourism Secretary Mon Jimenez’ term under PNoy. But there’s no telling if “It’s More Fun in the Philippines” as a come-on really resulted in a substantial increase.

That’s because the variables have always included official bloating, some say, with tourism figures also often playing the game of what we may call conflation — with balikbayan numbers serving to spike up the annual total.

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Picture yourself as a Briton in London, maybe well before the confounding Brexit vote. You see a long bus wrapped with this slogan selling a country out in the Far East, in the very cul de sac of the region. Or you march up to similar signage plus additional peripherals when you come out of the tube.

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Wonderful tropical images. Green islands, white-sand beaches, blue lagoons, silvery waterfalls, luminous underwater attractions, colorfully zany fiesta attire, happy smiles…

It does seem more fun over there, in that picturesque archipelago. Hey, they’re touting a good brand. For that was what Brand Philippines seems to have been over the past few years: a claim to unorthodox, unmitigated fun.

Did it work? Let’s suppose it did. Even when the strongest typhoon of all time struck parts of the fun-filled islands. At the time, many locals thought the slogan had run out of legitimacy, as it certainly wasn’t fun looking checking out all that devastation in what some foreigners now learn is the reputed most-disaster-prone country on earth.

Indeed, that’s been another image for the Philippines: that it’s subject to all kinds of natural threats, from sitting duck in the Ring of Fire to first recipient of storms emanating from the Pacific. Well, the silver lining has always been said to be the people’s resilience. Despite whatever is thrown our way, as hard-luck as we are when it comes to evidence of climate change, we always pick ourselves up and renew our lives, while still sporting very contagious smiles.

Wasn’t that another branding peg decades ago? From the same airline that was the first in Asia, just as our islands claimed to be the first republic? “Where Asia wears a smile.” That, too, gained much traction.

Perhaps, more so, or at least equal to the vintage “Pearl of the Orient.”

What about “Child of the sun returning”?

Poetic and mellifluous, and also valid on a literal sense, as the gateway to Asia whenever Old Sol rose from the waters of the vast Pacific.

We’re here, there, everywhere! Maybe a legit refreshed slogan can be: “Where the world wears a smile.”

And that’s not just one of resilience, but of revival, repurposing, re-assimilation, indeed, of the millennial reboot.

Ironies, contradictions, oddments appear to be part of staple fare in Pinoy conduct.

One unanimous acceptance is the pride in being the “soul brothers of Asia” when it comes to music. And oh yes, next to Venezuela, we’ve produced the most number of beauty queens in pageants galore.

And we birthed People Power: let no one ever forget that.

No putting us down.

We just rear right up, wherever we retrace our once and future roots.

The favored seamen of the planet. The nannies, caregivers, nurses and domestics in far-flung countries. The mounters of a great diaspora that feeds on the rest of the world, but which feeds in turn countless families left behind. But we’ve also performed well as managers, engineers, designers, and a host of other professions whenever given the chance, anywhere and everywhere.

And that was well before our country was proudly tagged as the “showcase of democracy” in the region, what with its “little brown brothers” steeped in American political tradition and then some.

Why, we’ve even been called the modernday Hobbits — for our venturesome spirit that leads us far away from the shire, yet always with an eye towards returning to home turf to share our wealthy gain of experiences in other lands.

“In the wrong waters,” astute observers also suggested, whenever evidence was presented of the apparent Latin temperament, in addition to the practice of a unique faith among its neighbors — one that virtually said that we had been pulled straight out of South America.

Yes, it is a multiplicity of branding that Pinoys can proudly lay claim to; there is no stereotypical register when it comes to a people that can triumph at Cannes and other film festivals in other countries, or top texting use, selfie practice, and social media addiction on a global scale.

Oh yes, the Philippines has been branded most variously. Today, or in recent times, it has been known all over the world as “Team Pacquiao” — this after sports lovers had conceded that it’s also been the cradle of noble heroes in sports such as billiards and bowling. Ballroom dancing?

Not quite yet. Basketball? Why do these small guys persist in having a tall man’s game as yet another form of religion?

We’re here, there, everywhere! Maybe a legit refreshed slogan can be: “Where the world wears a smile.” And that’s not just one of resilience, but of revival, repurposing, re-assimilation, indeed, of the millennial reboot.

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No putting us down. We just rear right up, wherever we retrace our once and future roots.

F E AT U R E

WHEN PHILIPPINE BRANDS GO GLOBAL B y E X C E L V. D Y Q U I A N G C O

Philippine brands such as Bench, Jollibee and Philippine Airlines have been creating waves for years in the international scene, proving to the world that Filipino entrepreneurship is at par with the global best. “People love Asia,” says strategist Martin Roll, a Danish citizen, in an interview. “People come to the Philippines. People come to Korea. People are eager to discover what Asia is all about. So the notion of Asia has taken on a different route on a global level. If Asian managers take that notion and realize that Asia has modernized, there is more opportunity to build more global brands.”

From Australia to New York, Singapore to Norway, London to Indonesia, here are other Philippine brands that have stood the test of time and have made their presence felt in the international market.

TANDUAY DISTILLERS INC. United States Considered to be the biggest Filipino brand in the distilled spirits category, Tanduay Distillers’ success can be credited to its compounding and bottling facilities, and the ageing factors that improve the quality of their rum. At least 200,000 oak barrels, with a capacity of 40 million gauge litres, are used to meet global benchmarks. In 2012, Tanduay launched Tanduay Asian Rum in the United States and is available in two standard variants which are apt for the discerning tastes of the Americans. Today, Tanduay boasts not only of flavourful rum, but its unique brand attributes: courage, bravery and resilience in times of adversity.

CHOWKING United States, Indonesia, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Oman The sister company of Jollibee, Chowking combines the richness of Chinese food with the convenience of Western fast food. Known for distinctly Asian dishes such as dim sum, noodle soup, rice toppings and the Chinese-style lauriat, Chowking can be found in the United States, Indonesia, and in key cities in the Gulf, particularly in the United Arab Emirates, Oman and Qatar.

FIGARO Fiji, Vietnam Owned by seven college friends including the coffee magnate Chit Juan, Figaro started as a kiosk in Glorietta Mall until it blossomed into many stores around the metropolis. Among its specialties include sandwiches such as the grilled chicken and the Figaro Club, salads such

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as the Chef ’s Salad, and pastas such as the Carbonara and the Pesto. In April 2013, the franchisee manager announced plans to open Figaro in Fiji and Vietnam.

SWEET CORNER Australia For all things corn, turn to Sweet Corner, a kiosk-style eatery that offers corn cobs, shredded corn in a cup, corn shake and popcorn. Sweet Corner uses corn that is free from pesticide and insecticide, and grown and harvested the natural way without mechanization or chemical additives. The business has two outlets in Melbourne, Australia which have been in operation for over a year. “In the near future, we intend to explore joint venture arrangements with interested partners in Indonesia and Middle East, as corn is a regular snack food for Muslims, as it is for Christians.” says Sweet Corner’s founder, Voltaire Magpayo.

F E AT U R E

FIORGELATO Japan, United States A love for ice cream propelled Fiorgelato’s owner Ricardo Cuna to establish Milkin Corporation which include in its line of products a pure Italian ice cream brand - Fiorgelato. Its products include an array of 39 flavours: vanilla, raspberry, apple, tutti fruity, pistachio, cappuccino, double chocolate and mango, among other sweet essences. Catering packages are available for birthdays, anniversaries, debuts and other types of celebrations. Now, more than twenty years later, Fiorgelato has branched out not only locally but internationally as well.

LAY BARE WAXING United States A hair removal specialist, Lay Bare Waxing offers innovative solutions to eliminating unwanted hair. Its services include eyebrow threading and cold sugar waxing. Lay Bare’s Chief Operations Officer Monique Hilario professes that the brand’s expansion to the United States happened organically. She says,

“We had lived in Los Angeles for many years, so we were pretty familiar with the market to begin with. When we were thinking about locations where we could expand, we considered Los Angeles, as my sister was living there at the time, so we thought that having her there would make coordinating with out local office much easier. And it did. But we’re not stopping at just our branch in LA . We celebrated our 10th year anniversary this year, and one of our immediate goals is to continue our overseas expansion.” For the next branches, the company is eyeing other regions in Asia, as well as Dubai.

pancit, chicharon, pinakbet and lumpia, among others. Max’s also offers combo meals for those with a tight budget. In 1982, the store opened its first outlet in the United States and since then, throngs of people have flocked to different stores in the US and Canada where they can taste the best of what the Philippines has to offer, in particular its mouth-watering and indeed, sarap-to-the-bones chicken.

MAX’S RESTAURANT Canada, United States

Joe Magsaysay’s love of french fries was so immense, he needed to share it to everyone else. So in 1992, he opened the first ever Potato Corner food cart. In just two years, he was able to grow the business from one food cart to 70. By 1997, he had 120. After a few setbacks, Potato Corner was finally able to branch into the Middle East, and eventually to Malaysia and Panama. Currently, the company is finalizing plans to further capitalize on the strengths of the brand, such as an improved brand identity, a

Known as “The House that Fried Chicken Built”, Max’s Restaurant was established shortly after World War II. Maximo Gimenez, a Stanford-educated teacher after whom Max’s was named, opened a cafe where American troops could come by and have a drink. The cafe originally served chicken, steak and drinks but over the years, the restaurant has expanded to include Filipino favourite dishes such as

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POTATO CORNER Oman, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Lebanon, Syria, Bahrain, Qatar, Indonesia, Malaysia, Panama

F E AT U R E

stand-alone restaurant, new flavors, and a more comprehensive franchising system to entice potential investors.

ORYSPA Singapore Established 15 years ago, Oryspa is the Philippines’ first maker of rice bran-based spa products. From its initial successes in Manila, Cebu, Bacolod and Davao, Oryspa has expanded to two outlets in Singapore and deals with several distributors abroad. Moving forward, the company aims to design a line-up of products for the home consumers.

“Knowing we are the only rice branbased spa products in the country, we had to expand it quite dramatically to propel the brand and ward off copycats,” says founding president Sherill Quintana.

“The first Oryspa store in 2010 was an instant success that gave us a full ROI in eight months. This was a huge vote of confidence for a micro-entrepreneur like me. My goal is to turn Oryspa into a success story that will motivate start-up entrepreneurs in the Philippines, proving to them that indeed a Filipino brand can scale up, go national then global.

Building Filipino brands is the best way to compete and lead in the open ASEAN market.”

PANCAKE HOUSE Malaysia Pancake House is one of the Philippines’ most loved restaurant brands. True to its namesake, Pancake House’s bestselling menu items are the pancakes, which come in a myriad of varities such as banana, chocolate, and blueberry. Pancake House now has a presence in Malaysia, where it continues to wow the local patrons with classic Flipino dishes such as Daing Na Bangus and Smoked Golden Tinapa.

MAGIC MELT FOOD INC. Hong Kong, Canada, United States Conceptualized in Cebu City in 1999, Magic Melt Food Inc. started as a specialty bakeshop that was famous for its ensaymada. Eventually Magic Melt transcended beyond the usual to include in its menu all kinds of pasalubong delicacies like, tasty bread, mamon, egg pandesal, brownies, cupcakes, otap, barquillos, biscocchio, love and kisses, rosquillos, and mamon tostado.

VMV HYPOALLERGENICS Australia, Canada, Brunei, Mexico, Singapore, Thailand, UAE, Germany, United Kingdom, Sweden, Hong Kong, United States, Japan, Malaysia, Norway, New Zealand

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Taking care of the skin can be quite a chore. Fortunately VMV Hypoallergenics - which has been around since the 1970s - offers beauty and skin products that match the customer’s personality and lifestyle. Their products are tried and tested to be hypoallergenic, formulated by world-renowned dermatologists, and backed with extensive studies.. Products can be pre-ordered as per clients’ specifications. Over the years VMV may has branched out to almost all corners of the globe, but main operations is still based in the Philippines.

PLAINS AND PRINTS Singapore, Australia In the Philippines, Plain and Prints has become synonymous with easy, everyday style, but things have not always been chic for this popular local brand. Owner Roxanne Ang-Farillas remembers having a cramped space in Greenhills to sell clothes. And then one fine day, her fiancé Erickson surprised her by procuring a much bigger space for her business. Now, more than 20 years later, Plains and Prints finds success not only its local branches, but also in its stores in Singapore and Australia.

Source: h t t p : / / m a n i l a s t a n d a r d t o d a y. c o m / business/196968/strategist-challengesfilipino-ceos-to-build-global-brands.html

OPINION

BRANDING THE PHILIPPINES If the Philippines were a brand, what should it stand for? How should it be marketed? How can we, as Filipinos, not only add to the popularity, but most importantly uplift our country’s brand?

Do Filipinos, as ordinary citizens, have a role to play in branding the Philippines?

We spoke to some Filipino marketing professionals based in the UAE and here’s what they have to say.

ROSEMARIE TACORDA Hospitality Marketing & PR Professional “Inside Out” - that’s the strategy. First, fix the ‘inside’, work on the people - their mindset, their values, and their attitude towards life in general. Work on security.

Ensure safety at all times, so that Filipinos themselves will feel comfortable and safe in their own surroundings. Work on a convenient transportation system that can take people to work in their work clothes or suits, and allow them to go back home after work looking exactly the same as when they started in the morning, not looking all harassed and weary from exhaustion.

Then, nurture Mother Nature. The Philippines has many beautiful places worth visiting and worth bragging about.

We all know that. Create a decent airport or pier in each and every location suitable for tourism and put passionate people there to manage the place.

Then, focus on the ‘outside.’ this is when we start thinking of how best to communicate to the world what we have in the Philippines. First make the Philippines safe and convenient and the desire to visit it will come out naturally by word-of-mouth. New media would be the best platform as every single tourist who would be in awe of our country will talk about us voluntarily.

The more the Philippines works on the ‘inside’, the ‘outside’ can be communicated efficiently and wonderful news will spread like wildfire.

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JASMINE TEMANA Graphics, Media & Marketing Support for Crocs Middle East Branding the Philippines should start within the Filipino’s heart. Filipinos have always classified themselves as the underdog. They don’t mind being the second class worker or even the third class worker and don’t mind settling for next to nothing. I think this perception should stop now. We are way better than this usual ‘branding’ that we have labelled ourselves. We have this habit of saying – “Pwede na yan!” Why say that if you know for a fact that you can still aim for a much higher standard. We need to break

OPINION

free of this stereotypical thinking. We can also be great professionals, managers, business owners or even the president of a big organization. We need to stop being too shy on voicing out our talents and aim way higher.

We Filipinos are the real brand of the Philippines. We are the ambassadors, the muse of our country. We represent a race of caring people, we are adaptable, we learn fast, we love collaborating with great effectiveness, especially if we know the outcome will be great and will benefit mankind. We can work as an individual, but also work best with a team. We carry the name of the country in our shoulders like a sash from a beauty pageant and will always say “I am proud to be Pinoy,” no matter what. Patriotism is in our blood no doubt about it.

We Filipinos have a great potential to be the outstanding nationality. We need

to stop undermining our talents and labelling ourselves as the underdog and portraying the ‘kawawa’ attitude. We might not be able to change the world’s perception about us in a flick of a finger but we need to start somewhere right?

And that brand is us – the Filipinos.

GENESIS LONTOC Head - Corridor Marketing Southeast Asia UAE Exchange Centre LLC The Philippines has gone through an

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evolution in its brand journey. From being labeled as the “Sick Man of Asia”, socio-economic gains over the past years have helped the country in becoming a “Rising Tiger of Asia”. Many of the marketing programs in the past have been focused on tourism. Our many tourist spots and rich natural resources have been highlighted globally. Moving forward, I believe that the Philippines as a brand is really all about the Filipinos.

The global talent of Filipinos can, hopefully, be considered as the crux of future marketing campaigns. Building the Philippines brand can be more about building the Filipino brand. The diversity of Filipinos makes the brand dynamic.

As Filipinos continue to expand presence in the globe, contributions and achievements in various fields can be shared as examples to inspire more Filipinos to pursue excellence. More successful Filipinos will mean a more respected Philippines and a Philippines brand that resonates around the world.

TRIBE

Is it really Pinoy Pride?

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

I

In general, when around other ethnicities, Filipinos tend to be extremely coy about what they can achieve or what they can contribute in the international community. They are meek and modest about their credentials and would rather take on a supporting role in their work environments, wary about being perceived as one of those loathed grandstanding know-it-all colleagues.

Their self-esteem, to an extent, is scant and measly.

It is a different story when other Filipinos are heralded as global achievers. Their spirits are suddenly aroused, trumpeting in boastful revelry. Thus, when Manny Pacquiao is victorious at the ring, the whole nation goes ballistic. When Lea Salonga plays lead in any of Broadway’s musicals, Filipinos proudly celebrate her as one of them. Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach’s crowning moment was the entire country’s shining glory. Along comes a Filipino or any other half-Filipino/halfother nationality getting past Simon Cowell in any of those reality talent shows and Pinoy Facebookers erupt in maniacal cheer. Time and again, Pinoy Pride rockets to the highest heavens when our kababayans are recognized by the rest of the world. Sadly, it seems we project our sense of worth by vicariously living up the successes of other Pinoys abroad.

No particular ethnicity is predisposed to greatness.

Everyone is and Filipino Pride is just as authentic as Japanese Pride or Aussie Pride or British Pride or any other type of national pride. It is one thing to shout out Pinoy Pride and it is another to use that as a jump-off point for one’s expedition for his own pinnacles.

That anyone could be the Michael Cinco of their own towns or the Lea Salonga of their communities is a belief one should cling on to.

I don’t think there should be any issue in extolling what other Filipinos have achieved in the diaspora. A fellow Pinoy rising to the top of the global heap most certainly deserves applause and commendation. After all, their triumphs become fodder to our dogged will to survive and carry on in a competitively global environment. Their successes mirror the possibility that others too could reach for their stars in the manner that Manny or Lea, or just recently Michael Cinco, had reached theirs.

In the course of my year-old tenure as Consul General in Dubai, I have often been on the receiving end of praise and, quite a number of times, superfluous commendations from other ethnicities on the Filipino work ethic and ethos. It is almost as if no employer would trust anyone more than they would a Filipino.

This rosy repute serves as a bright reminder of how much glory is within reach of the “ordinary” Filipino. On our own, we are trophies of sedulousness and indefatigable resolve to challenge and hurdle past the adversity that had forced our diaspora in the first place.

The motivation to succeed, however, should not only spring forth from tales of high-flying overseas Filipinos. Anecdotes of triumphant Filipinos back home should also be a source of inspiration for us. After all, the success of our people back home must never take second

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TRIBE

fiddle to the stories of those overseas.

More often than not, though, Pinoy Pride is almost always a by-product of celebrated stories of global Filipinos. Our ethnicity does not begin when we leave the motherland. It commences upon our births and by being so, any heartening story of the Filipino, at home or abroad, must equally be predicated with Filipino Pride.

Frankly though, I am more at ease with enjoying the successes of others regardless of their ethnic background.

While I smile when I hear of how far this small-rural-town Filipino has gone up the world, I likewise get a kick when I read about people, of whatever race, who beat their own odds. This is probably why those Facebook videos on humble, unknown talents amidst standing ovations and thundering applause; and the ubiquitous, emotion-tugging Thai commercials featuring success stories of average Joes eat up about 20-30 minutes of my morning time. These little-known glories rejuvenate and rekindle my spirit for the rest of the day, a necessary weapon as I battle the daily narratives of the unthinkable ordeals of my fellow Filipinos or the heart-wrenching stories of kababayan migrant mothers oceans away from their children. Their sagas of triumphs reflect the tenacity of the human spirit, one that transcends political barriers, economic walls, cultural divides, and geographic bounds.

It takes a great deal to believe in oneself and understand that national pride should stem from being ourselves alone, and not on how much people of our same background have achieved. The tendency of many in the ethnic pride arena is to rest on the laurels of a select few of their people and content themselves with the notion that their success somehow rubs

Manny Paquiao

off on them too, even if only by ethnic accident. George Carlin makes this point so crystal clear. Now, allow me to echo this, as well. No particular ethnicity is predisposed to greatness. Everyone is and Filipino Pride is just as authentic as Japanese Pride or Aussie Pride or British Pride or any other type of national pride.

It is one thing to shout out Pinoy Pride and it is another to use that as a jumpoff point for one’s expedition for his own pinnacles. That anyone could be the Michael Cinco of their own towns or the Lea Salonga of their communities is a belief one should cling on to. We must keep in mind though that, to begin that journey, we must go beyond the hollow side of ethnic pride and veer towards the exultation of the human spirit and when we do, we will ultimately celebrate deethnicized pride.

Lea Salonga

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MEET YOUR AMBASSAD OR:

H.E. AMBASSADOR CONSTANCIO VINGNO

By LALAINE CHU-BENITEZ Photography by EROS GOZE

T

he atmosphere was light and airy, as we took in one of Reem Island Abu Dhabi’s most impressive views through expansive floor-to-ceiling glass windows. Here, with our perfectly chilled drink in hand, we listened as the delicate plucking of acoustic guitar floated through immaculate floors, sparkling crystal and gleaming china. The song, a soothing and more soulful rendition of Led Zepellin’s rock classic ‘Stairway to Heaven.’

Just another Thursday in the capital?

Except that the venue was not just another watering hole - this was an official residence, and the ‘guitar man’?

Well, that was the Philippine Ambassador to the UAE. His Excellency, Constancio ‘Bong’ Vingno, Jr., has been a career diplomat for 40 years now. The most senior diplomatic officer in the region, has served, to date, in seven countries: Germany, Romania, Austria, Japan, Greece, and most

recently South Africa. Before moving to the UAE, he was Assistant Secretary at the Department of Foreign Affairs’ Legislative Liaison Unit in Manila.

The man might as well also have the distinction of having one of the most memorably firm handshakes one could ever have the opportunity of experiencing.

If his firm handshake and purposeful but warm demeanor are anything to go by, the Ambassador seems to be on full throttle in carrying out his mandate in the country – this includes foreign policy-making recommendations, the promotion of the Philippine’s national interest and the welfare of Overseas Filipinos (OFs), as well as fostering economic cooperation and cultural exchanges.

He says of his over two year posting which started in October 2015, “We’re in a country with the highest sovereign wealth fund, so during my tenure, I hope to be able to help tap investments from

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the UAE. We certainly have a lot to offer, especially considering that our country has the highest growth rate in Asia.”

The Ambassador adds, “I also intend to revisit negotiations with the emirates – cultural and labor cooperation agreements, and continue promoting bilateral cooperation between our countries in the economic, scientific, technological and cultural fronts. We also participate actively in political consultations that include discussions on international and regional developments and all aspects of relations between the Philippines and the United Arab Emirates.”

Honed in diplomacy through the years, it is interesting to note that the Ambassador didn’t really plan for a life in the Foreign Service in his youth. Back then, he was an economics graduate moonlighting as a musician. His musical prowess was such that he could play almost a hundred songs purely by memory on his guitar back then in his younger days. He also

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dreamt of eventually becoming a lawyer.

He entered law school but was unable to pursue it further as his interest turned to something else. He was working as an economics researcher at the NFA, and briefly playing part time musician in the evenings, when he got an entry to the diplomatic service in 1976. He was only 23.

“I used to admire Ambassadors Pablo R. Suarez (former Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs and Philippine ambassador to the United States) and Tomas T. Syquia (former Chief Coordinator at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Philippine ambassador to the United Kingdom) back then. They became my role models,” the Ambassador recalls.

He continues, “In the beginning, being in the Foreign Service was simply a job for me. That was until I landed a posting in Germany as attaché in charge of economic affairs and realized how much I enjoyed this job. So, I took the Foreign Service exam in 1987 in Geneva, Switzerland, which I passed. Only then did I realize that this was what I really wanted to do in my life.”

More than the perks that go with a position in the diplomatic corps, including that of being able to live around the world together with his family, Ambassador Vingno looks at his life in the Foreign Service with the utmost fulfillment, especially since he was given the opportunity to contribute something to the Philippines. “The best thing about this job,” he shares, “is when you are able to help a kababayan and engage the Filipino community and you see the results of your work. When I see people saying ‘thank you’ – the satisfaction I get is truly amazing. Maski pagod ako, hindi ko na napapansin, nakakatulog pa ako ng maayos.” [Even if I’m tired, I don’t mind it anymore, it even helps me sleep very well.]

More than the perks that go with a position in the diplomatic corps, including that of being able to live around the world together with his family, Ambassador Vingno looks at his life in the Foreign Service with the utmost fulfillment, especially since he was given the opportunity to contribute something to the Philippines.

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“The best thing about this job,” he shares, “is when you are able to help a kababayan and engage the Filipino community and you see the results of your work. When I see people saying ‘thank you’ – the satisfaction I get is truly amazing. Maski pagod ako, hindi ko na napapansin, nakakatulog pa ako ng maayos.”

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headed by a Consul General that takes care of the welfare of the rest of the Filipinos numbering about 410,000 living in Dubai and the Northern Emirates.”

He adds, “In contrast, our embassies and consulates in other countries have much lesser citizens to look after.”

Ambassador Constancio Vigno with wife, Madame Yoko and son, Chase.

And indeed, the job of an Ambassador can be very taxing, especially in a place known for an extremely high volume of work which comes with its own challenges. The Ambassador says of their daily grind, “The sheer number of Filipinos residing in the UAE makes it rife for a lot of issues. Imagine the proportion. Our area [Abu Dhabi] where there are about 190,000 Filipinos is handled by an embassy with a personnel complement of 55 people, which includes the personnel of the embassy, attached agencies of the Philippine Overseas Labor Office, Overseas Workers Welfare Office, Social Welfare Attaché, Pag-Ibig and SSS representatives. Thankfully, we have a Consulate General in Dubai

Furthermore, over and above administrative routine, there is the gravitas of having to deal with all sorts of problems that come with hundreds of thousands of Filipinos in a foreign land, as the head of the community. “The issues of Filipinos around the world are pretty much the same.

We have problems here that exist in other countries, too.

Also, even when our citizens commit a crime or do something wrong, it is our duty to ensure that they are taken care of, and that their rights are duly protected.”

He confesses, “I used to be very affected by all the work – I was always feeling tired and exhausted. But I am very fortunate that when I go home, I have a wife to talk to. Her just being there has a soothing and balming effect on me.”

The Ambassador was referring to Madame Yoko Ramos-Vingno, the lady of the house, dressed in elegant malong and a simple shirt – her version of Filipiniana casual, who at that time left no stone unturned to make us feel welcome at the official residence. A former career public servant, Madame Yoko who has a warm and pleasant air about her, assumed the role of diplomatic spouse when she quit

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her job as Director with the Office of the President to join the ambassador when the latter was then assigned as Consul at Osaka, Japan from 2002 to 2005 and played that role - not only providing support to her husband, but also creating and initiating activities via the social and cultural fronts. Together they make a formidable couple.

“I have always sought her advice and she is very supportive of me,” the Ambassador continues. “Our children are also very understanding. They are very proud of my work.”

Four decades on, it appears that the decision to fully immerse himself in the service has been truly an extraordinary choice. Between his calling, his duty to the Philippines and its people, and the sense of fulfillment it brings, complimented by a family that provides him a safe haven where he can decompress and find support for the challenges he encounters along the way, the good Ambassador seems to have found the perfect balance - his amazing recipe for effectiveness and longevity in service, not to mention his optimistic outlook in life.

His ultimate secret to success? He smiles, “Equanimity. Don’t take yourself all too seriously,” the Ambassador says as a matter-of-fact, his eyes glinting mischievously, his fingers still busy plucking on strings as he tries to remember the notes of one of his favorite pieces in his youth.

“I actually look forward to retiring in two years,” he shares. “I will probably teach political science in the Philippines then.

Of course, spend more time taking care of our youngest son, Chase.” He reflects.

“That, and play more music.”

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F E AT U R E

DiplomaticWives Club: Mother, Wife, De Facto Public Servant B y L O R A I N E B A L I TA- C E N T E N O

There are thousands of women around the world who are fulfilling the role of mother, wife, and de facto public servant.

These are the women who wear numerous hats, not just to provide stable family support for their diplomat husbands and a consistent home life for the kids, but also to promote the interest of their country and help serve the needs of their countrymen living abroad.

responsibility to country and community.

It’s not always a bed of roses. Being a diplomat’s wife is not all pomp and pageantry in diplomatic events, or jetting-off and getting to live the privileged life in exotic locations around the world.

Keenan, who lived the life of a diplomat’s wife for more than 30 years says “it can be very hard”. In an article for the UK’s The Independent and The Telegraph she talks of the different trials of being a diplomat’s wife. “My mother died while I was abroad,” she shares.

For most, it involves significant sacrifice, a dash of homesickness, a tinge of loneliness, lots of unconditional support for their husbands, and a great big balancing act between family and

She also believes that the life away from friends, family, and relatives can, sometimes, take its toll on the marriage. “You have to have a very good

Most diplomatic spouses had to give up fulfilling personal careers and trade it in for a life of living around the world, of adjustments and voluntary uprooting the entire family repeatedly, of resettling from one foreign country to another.

Author and journalist Brigid Keenan, in her best-selling book ‘Diplomatic Baggage: The Adventures of a Trailing Spouse,’ talks about giving up her career as a fashion editor for The Sunday Times to support her husband’s diplomatic career. “One minute, I was sitting on a gilt chair at Dior in Paris in my high heels. The next, I was living in what looked like a wooden chicken shed in a snake-infested forest clearing in Nepal,” she shares.

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“The life I live as a diplomatic spouse and as a regular citizen representing our country, the Philippines, to the rest of the world is not an easy task. It takes a lot of passion, perseverance, flexibility, adaptability and character to be able to fulfill what’s expected of you. To those who are new diplomatic wives and will be diplomatic wives, definitely use your heart and you will never go wrong. If you love your husband, you will find yourself supporting him in any way and at any cost. If you care for your country, you will be amazed to see that you have become a catalyst of change.

Touch lives, make a difference.”

YOKO RAMOS-VINGNO Philippines marriage to be a diplomat’s wife,” she declares. “Because it can be very lonely.”

But despite all the pitfalls, looking back she thinks “this curious, disjointed life was worth it.” She feels that it was an incredibly rich life. “I think we probably had the best of all worlds,” she concludes.

And like Keenan there are thousands more women around the world who are fulfilling the role of mother, wife, and de facto public servant. These are the women who wear numerous

hats, not just to provide stable family support for their diplomat husbands and a consistent home life for the kids, but also to promote the interest of their country and help serve the needs of their countrymen living abroad.

Diplomatic spouses based in the UAE share about the exceptional life they lead.

Public Service “I consider myself as the mother of the Filipino people abroad,” says Yoko

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F E AT U R E

Ramos-Vingno whose husband is currently the Philippine Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates.

This mother of seven juggles her responsibilities as a mother to her children, a wife to her ambassador husband and a public servant to her kababayans in the UAE. Despite the rigors of raising seven kids, she tries her best to be active in “social and cultural promotion,” attending gatherings with social relevance sponsored by Filipino groups and the Diplomatic Corps. “This is the best way to connect with the people: interact with them to understand them better and to identify those who need help,” she says.

To her, being a diplomatic wife is both an honor and a responsibility.

She understands fully that as the Ambassador’s other half she needs “to ensure that every Filipino who is in need of the services of the Embassy is catered to accordingly”. She uses her voice to inspire and motivate her kababayans, to “help them help themselves.”

And her passion for public service didn’t just start out after becoming a diplomatic wife. Even before joining her husband, she has had a fulfilling career back home: in the Senate, supporting one of country’s seasoned senators and then eventually, moving on to Malacaňang Palace to work as a Director under former President Gloria Arroyo.

To those who are considering a life as a diplomatic wife, she tells them to be ready because it’s definitely not an easy task. “It takes a lot of passion, perseverance, flexibility, adaptability and character to be able to fulfill

what’s expected of you. If you love your husband, you will find yourself supporting him in any way, at any cost. If you care for your country, you will be amazed to see that you have become a catalyst of change.”

Giving up a Career For some, the challenge comes with letting go of a fulfilling career back home.

Norzelah Zakaria has had to make this sacrifice. She had to leave her job as a Human Resource Manager for Malaysia’s national oil company, Petronas. She gave up her career in order to support her husband who is currently the Ambassador of Malaysia to the UAE, and who has also been previously assigned to Thailand, Austria, USA, Singapore, and Pakistan.

Norzelah, who was a student of Economics at The National University of Malaya when she first met her husband, says that she wasn’t aware at first that she will eventually be “globetrotting”.

She shares how difficult it was for her to adjust from being a career woman to a full-time housewife. “It was certainly a big change - from waking up to go to work to waking up to do wifely [domestic] duties,” she quips.

And the life of moving to different countries one after another was a challenge to her four children as well.

After every few years they’d have to move to a different place and make new friends again.

This former HR manager now spends her time helping her kids adjust to life abroad. “I help them by giving moral

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NORZELAH ZAKARIA Malaysia “Have a positive mind and enjoy each country that your husband has been sent to. Learn about their culture their norms, and language. Enjoy your stay there. If the country that your spouse has been sent to is not interesting, then it is your job to make it interesting - whether you work with the locals or with your own community. Then you can look back and say that it’s one of the best postings ever!” support, educating them about the culture of the new country, taking them [out] to visit places, museums, the countryside, to make them appreciate their new life,” she shares.

Vivi Ruzylinanissmah Mamud the wife of the Ambassador of Brunei Darussalam to UAE, shares the same sentiment. “I was executive

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having to adjust my life from working full time to being a housewife cum spouse of the ambassador.” She adds, “With the support of the staff in the embassy and Bruneians in the UAE, I easily adjusted.”

VIVI RUZYLINANISSMAH MAMUD Brunei “Take it as a new challenge in life. Enjoy and be positive.

Learn the cultures of the people of the country, and get along with the community and other spouses as they are doing the same as you. You can manage well by prioritizing what’s important. Family always comes first.”

Despite the trials, both Norzelah and Vivi have a very upbeat outlook about their situation. Norzelah shares, “Have a positive mind and enjoy each country that your husband has been sent to. Learn about their culture their norms, and language.

Enjoy your stay there. If the country that your spouse has been sent to is not interesting, then it is your job to make it interesting - whether you work with the locals or with your own community. Then you can look back and say that it’s one of the best postings ever!” Vivi adds, “You take it as a new challenge in life, enjoy and be positive. Manage well by prioritizing what’s important. Family

always comes first. “

Away From ‘Home’ For others, being a diplomatic wife can at times be painfully lonely. In the book Daughters of Britannia: The Lives and Times of Diplomatic Wives, author Katie Hickman encapsulates the various aspects of the lives of 100 diplomatic spouses. Through letters, memoirs, and diaries, Hickman paints a picture of the lives of the wives and daughters of diplomats assigned to “far-flung corners of the globe”. And homesickness is a common struggle for all of them.

Making the decision to follow and support the ‘love of your life’ as he pursues his passion, advances his career, and serves his country is tough, to say the least. Other than leaving a job behind, diplomatic spouses also leave behind family

FARIDA ABDULLAH Indonesia “It has been a great experience for me. I get to see different countries and learn from different cultures.

Being a diplomatic wife has exposed me to people from different embassies too, and I have made some good friends. Enjoy the whole experience - the good and the bad. They make the whole story.”

officer in the airline industry when I first met my husband. After five years, I shifted to being a technical instructor in technical institutes. I did my teaching practice in the University of Brunei Darussalam. For now, I’m taking my leave to follow my husband whose first posting as Ambassador is the UAE.” She shares, “I found it a huge transition, especially since this is my first time to be away from Brunei. The most difficult challenge is

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and friends — basically their entire support system.

After a while, homesickness kicks in, and this could be very challenging for some of the spouses. Such is the case for Farida Abdullah, whose husband currently works as the Indonesian Ambassador in Abu Dhabi. She feels the biggest sacrifice she has made as a diplomatic wife was choosing to be away from her family back home. “It was difficult because I didn’t get to spend much time with my parents when they were getting old,” she laments.

She along with her husband and four children have spent six years in Egypt, four years in Japan and three years in UAE, where her husband is currently posted.

Diplomatic wives also tend to bond together to form their own support system. Farida expounds, “There were many other diplomats’ wives who quickly became my friends. So I got a lot of help from them. I guess after a while, you get used to it, so it (being away from your homeland) becomes the new normal.” She continues, “It has been a great experience for me.

I get to see different countries and learn from different cultures. So, enjoy the whole experience - the good and the bad. They make the whole story.”

Our Family’s Career To some, moving abroad to serve the needs of their countrymen is not just the job of the husband but the entire family as well. They see the diplomatic post as a career that involves the commitment of both husband and wife, and even their children.

“Our husband’s career does not simply become his but ours as a family,” says Yasmin BalajadiaCortes, whose husband currently works as the Consul General for the Philippine Consulate in Dubai and Northern Emirates. “My husband’s career is mine as well,” she adds.

Yasmin, a licensed optometrist, worked for a family-owned clinic in Baguio prior to moving abroad with her husband. “He was not yet in Foreign Service when I met him. I met him while he was in the professional performing industry.

He was a vocalist at a local jazz spot in Baguio,” she shares. After passing the Foreign Service exam, they got married and then had their first born.

Soon after she says: “we got sent to our first assignment in Europe”.

The decision to pursue this career for her family was not a difficult one she says. As soon as they got their first posting, she knew that this was the life that she and her family would have to live. She has accepted playing co-star to her husband’s career, and family life as her priority.

She advices would-be diplomatic spouses to “review their goals in life and priorities,” and to make sure that they are willing to plan their lives within the parameters of a diplomatic life. To her, a diplomat’s career becomes his family’s career since they are the support system that will make sure that he represents and serves his country well.

Beyond the elegant official events and the globetrotting life, notwithstanding their sacrifices and the compromises they’ve had to make to support their husbands’ duties,

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YASMIN BALAJADIACORTES Philippines “Our husband’s career does not simply become his but ours as a family. Diplomatic spouses should review their goals in life and priorities, and make sure that they are willing to plan their lives within the parameters of a diplomatic life.

A diplomat’s career becomes his family’s career since they are the support system that will make sure that he represents and serves his country well.” diplomatic spouses are not only uniquely challenged. They are also uniquely placed into a multi-faceted and excitingly rich role that offers an opportunity for self-realization unlike any other.

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MICHAEL CINCO and HIS PARIS DREAM

By LALAINE CHU-BENITEZ Runway photos from Couturissimo and NowFashion

is love. It is the realization of an impalpable dream. Every designer worth his salt, dreams to showcase his collection in Paris, the fashion capital of the world.”

He recalls, “My first venture in Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week was quite unique and unnerving. Through the ACF, I was asked to present two collections in one show - my ‘impalpable’ haute couture line and one for Couturissimo, the retail arm of ACF that aims to market my luxe couture-inspired line globally.” He proceeds to explain, “It was indeed challenging as I wanted a collection that is reflective of my Filipino heritage and yet transcending barriers and therefore, of strong global appeal.”

And as if the universe conspired, lo and behold, here comes Michael mounting his first show at the heart of haute couture. In partnership with the Asian Couture Federation (ACF), and with the support and assistance of the French Government, the designer presented to key fashion industry personalities at the Jardin Tuileries, on the 3rd of July 2016.

Indeed, Michael’s Paris debut wasn’t only a win for the himself and the rest of the Filipino design community, he also used the opportunity to put Philippine aesthetics to the fore utilizing the banig, barong, calado, solihiya, and terno as the basis for the design elements featured so lavishly, but delicately, on his pieces.

Michael who shed tears of joy during his landmark show gushed, “Paris

As the first Filipino to have a haute couture show in Paris, Michael

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Photo by Jef Anog

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Nine years ago, before the red carpet numbers for Hollywood A-listers, before the million peso dresses became the talk of the fashion industry back home, before his Breakthrough Designer Award at the WGSN Global Fashion Award in New York, the standing ovations on the runways of Dubai, Manila, Australia, America’s Next Top Model and his induction to the Asian Couture Federation, the designer with the ‘impalpable dream’ (a phrase he coined and popularized), during our shoot for his first fashion editorial in Illustrado, enthusiastically shared his ultimate dream – that of having his very own show in Paris.

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appreciates how his achievement is a milestone that is shared with the rest of the Filipino design community, “It was both an exhilarating and a humbling experience to be at the forefront on behalf of all my compatriot designers, who equally work hard and dream big.” He is careful to add, “But it is a doable feat for as long as you have the dedication and the passion and the resolve to be on top of your game and work hard to prove it. This is just the beginning.”

Staying grounded, but always ambitious through the years, Michael shares of his success, “I owe whatever success I have to my faith in God, to my family who continually inspire me and to my hardworking and dedicated workforce.” He continues, “I

am a work in progress. I constantly work at where I am and to where I intend to be.

I believe one has to have an endless hunger for knowledge and an unquenchable quest for what is beautiful and inspiring. And for as long as I am happy with what I am doing, I am a success.”

The designer with the impalpable dream – now a dream realized, also has this to share with aspiring designers, “The glitz and glam of fashion is hollow if not altogether a myth.

You have to be grounded, be humble, be on your toes and keep an open mind. And for one to be successful in this business, one has to be always inspired and see the world in all its dimensions and multi-colors. I always do, in my dark glasses.”

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F E AT U R E

QUEENMAKER

ALBERT ANDRADA AND HIS ICONIC DRESSES

By NICHOLO JALLORES

How sublime a pursuit, to make a woman beautiful. What a divine gift, to make her a queen.

Albert Andrada’s impeccable aesthetic and attention to masterful craftsmanship has always been deemed as being apt for aristocracy. In his time in the UAE, he was a royal coutourier. Now, he is most known and loved for being the man behind Pia Wurtzbach’s Miss Universe-winning evening gown.

Recently, Maria Isabel Lopez turned heads at the Cannes Film Festival with an emerald serpentine gown that slinked about her person in all the right ways and places. The usual suspect? Albert Andrada. There is something about his vision that seems to turn every woman that he works with into a queen. Lucky for us mere commoners, he is willing to reveal the secrets behind his fashion fairytales.

What is the Albert Andrada recipe for creating some of the most iconic dresses for Philippine beauties?

How do you create? What is your process? How do you come up with such stunning designs?

I make gowns according to the personality of an individual. The way she wears a dress is very important, as the dress should not end up wearing her. For example, Pia has a very beautiful face. From the beginning, I knew that the dress should be very simple in the front. The audience’s focus must be on her stunning features - the gown should just come second. I also noticed that when she turns her back from the audience, she “smizes.” That’s why I thought of creating an unforgettable detail in the back of the gown. For the color, I wanted to go for one that is rarely used in beauty pageants. Most often we see red, blush, white, silver and gold, but blue is a rarity. I am glad that the gambit paid off.

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Photo: Miss Universe

Photo: AFP- Loic Venance

Photo: Wenn Adriana Barraza

Which have been your most iconic dresses so far?

It’s the iconic blue gown of our Ms. Universe Pia Wurtzbach, along with the national costume that she wore during the preliminaries.

Who are amongst your most favorite Filipina beauties that you have designed for? Why are they your favorites?

I came to Manila at a perfect time. It was not difficult for me at all. As I’ve said earlier I don’t let my successes go up into my head; I don’t let challenges drag me down either. That kind of attitude helped me a lot in moving to a new chapter in my life here in the Philippines. The only thing that I found difficult was adjusting to the crazy traffic!

What do you think is your strongest suit?

What distinguishes your work from those of other designers?

My humility. I don’t let success go to my head. All of my achievements, I owe to God. I believe that He works through me, hence I don’t take all the credit for what others may see as my “triumphs.”

I’ve been asked many times if I am bothered that my design for Pia’s gown is being copied left and right. I will go on the record and say that it is 100% ok with me.

It doesn’t bother me at all. I designed it with the joy of our countrymen in mind, so I feel like it belongs to all Filipinos. If people want to copy it, so be it. To me, they are just spreading the happiness even further.

Pia, of course! And also, Ara Arida, Bea Santiago, and Megan Young, to name a few. Oh, we must not forget Maria Isabel Lopez as well. These women wear my gowns in a manner that celebrates the elegance of my craft.

What does an Albert Andrada couture creation stand for? What does it say about the woman who wears it? Do you have a favorite dress among all the ones you have designed?

An Albert Andrada design stands for elegance. I am all about turning my clients into women of influence, not just affluence. I have deep affection for all of my creations, but understandably, the blue one tops it all.

How has it been for you moving to the Philippines since (year?)? Was it difficult to adjust and leave your “Royal Designer” life in the UAE? What did you love most about your return to the homeland?

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What I love most about my return is that here, I see the continuation of the success that I found in the UAE. The transition was seamless. I am just so thankful to God for using me as an instrument for blessing others. I am also very thankful to everyone who continues to support me, both in the Philippines and from abroad.

Any tips for young designers?

Dream big dreams, and do not stop working towards them until you see them realized right in front of you. Always appreciate everyone you meet in your life.

Remember that no one is above anyone else. No matter how much success you attain, always stay humble.

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DAN DELIMA

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DAN DELIMA

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DAN DELIMA

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JOSEPH DOMINGO

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JOSEPH DOMINGO

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JOSEPH DOMINGO

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TIM TEJARES

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YEN

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YEN

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YEN

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PHIO ENAJE

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PHIO ENAJE

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PHIO ENAJE

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PHIO ENAJE

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GARIMON ROFEROS

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GARIMON ROFEROS

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GARIMON ROFEROS

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GARIMON ROFEROS

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SHERWIN DARREL

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SHERWIN DARREL

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BESSIE BESANA

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BESSIE BESANA

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LEO ALMODAL

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LEO ALMODAL

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LEO ALMODAL

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F E AT U R E

TRUE FILIPINA BEAUTIES with SUBSTANCE They are some of the most strikingly beautiful Filipinas in the country today. But there is more to these young ladies than their beautiful faces and tall elegant physique which have graced every communication platform in the homeland. In this Illustrado exclusive, we look at the six reigning Binibining Pilipinas beauty queens and discovered that true beauty is, indeed, more than just skin deep.

MAXINE MEDINA Miss Universe Philippines Mika is an interior designer who graduated from the Philippine School of Interior Design with experience in designing residential condominiums.

She also does modeling on the side.

What was your motivation for joining Binibining Pilipinas?

My motivation is the fulfilment of my dreams, to be someone people can look up to. I hope to not only be successful as a career woman but achieve things beyond what I think is possible. Being able to share and inspire people is the most vivid thing in my life right now. I am glad that God gave me this opportunity.

What does your beauty title mean to you?

Being a beauty queen may be a dream for me, but it goes beyond beauty. One must have the balance of mind, heart and beauty because everything follows

from this. When you are simply being yourself, are showing people own beauty as well. We are all different and all of us have beauty within. Letting that shine through can inspire others, especially those who feel different, or who may be insecure, or uncertain, that, somehow, we go through the same journey.

What do you hope to accomplish during your reign?

I want to give hope to our country. My advocacies are education, and giving support to cancer patients.

Cancer patients need a lot of moral support. I want to help them forget for some time all their hardships. I want to help make them see their purpose in life; that every single moment is important and that they can make use of it to share, love, and help people enjoy the world that God has given us.

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I also highly support education because knowledge is a treasure in life that nobody can take away from you. That’s why I tried my best to pursue my studies before anything else, and was determined to earn a Bachelor of Science degree, with a major in Interior Design.

What do Filipinas bring to the global stage, particularly Filipina beauty queens?

As a Filipino, I am always proud of what a true Filipina can do. Our culture and the way we are raised emerge when we deal with other people, and we are unique because of those factors. As a beauty queen, I am an example of a Filipina in mind and heart. People can see through me, the values we hold dear as a people.

In some ways I am an ambassador for the country and everything I do may be seen a reflection of who we are as a nation.

That responsibility is something that is important to me.

As a person of prominence, how do you think you can you contribute to Filipina empowerment? Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine winning the most

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prestigious pageant in the Philippines. My journey to the crown can be considered as a story of empowerment. I started from scratch; I was unsure and plagued by fear.

But it was something I really felt I had to do, so I persisted. This isn’t just a story of a woman; it’s a story anyone can relate to regardless of gender. I am humbled to be able to share it and hopefully set an example to others, especially to young kids who may be unsure about what they want to do.

I think being a beauty queen these days is more than just parading in nice gowns and bikinis. We have seen some of the most intelligent women compete, and win. I had been with my co-contestants for a long time during the course of the pageant and I can tell you each of them has characteristics that set them apart.

They are good people and I’m proud to have taken that journey with them and come out having a few of them real friends.

Do you see yourself as a role model?

What is your advice to young Filipinas in general?

Be true to yourself. Grow gradually and gracefully because when you learn to love yourself, everyone will see the beauty in you. Keep in mind that you are making your own history, claiming your own victory.

Who are you as a person, without the crown?

I am a simple girl loaded with fun memories with my happy family. In my free time I always look forward to being with my family, whether we have plans to go out of town or just in ordinary gatherings. Sometimes I go out doing outdoor activities with friends, exploring and learning new things in the world. I love meeting new people and getting inspired by their stories. Having won a title, I want to use this crown to raise awareness for my advocacies, and inspire not only the youth but the whole world.

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What do you hope to accomplish during your reign?

I want to promote and make people more aware of mental health, depression, anxiety, suicide, things that are not a stigma to talk about.

What do you think Filipinas bring to the global stage, particularly Filipina beauty queens?

Our passion, the nation’s passion, we carry that within ourselves. Our will, minds and strength of character.

As a person of prominence, how do you think you can you contribute to Filipina empowerment and the upliftment?

I prefer to lead by example. I make sure I’m careful about what I think, say and do. Encourage women to be more assertive with what they want, teach them the value of hard work, of putting a lot of conscious effort into our work and what we tell ourselves.

Do you see yourself as a role model?

What is your advice to young Filipinas in general?

I am just myself, and I appreciate anyone who calls me their role model. Dream big, believe in yourself, relax, have fun, read, think before you speak, you are beautiful, pray.

KYLIE VERZOSA Binibining Pilipinas International Kylie graduated at the Ateneo De Manila University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management. She also worked as a pre-school teacher, and is a volunteer for the Natasha Goulbourn Foundation.

She loves surfing and also enjoys baking.

What was your motivation for joining Binibining Pilipinas?

There are many paths to success. This is my way of becoming the best I can be and my channel to help people out.

Ultimately, we are here in the world to help one another. So this is my own way to do so.

What does your beauty title mean to you?

It’s being the best you can be - physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.

People look up to you because you are exceptionally good at something.

Aside from being beautiful, you are a spokesperson and someone to look up to.

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Who are you as a person, without the crown?

I like spending time in solitude, it gives me time to relax and think. I’m usually quiet and only speak if it contributes something good. I don’t gossip. I like being asked for my opinion, but I make sure to also listen. I’m not afraid to object.

I want to break the stereotype that beauty queens are just beautiful. I want to have more opportunities to talk, share my story in the hopes of helping more people out.

To me having a life well lived is mostly about being around the people you love, having a good support group, being happy and healthy, stepping toward my highest potential each day, doing work I love and having an impact on the world around me.

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What do you hope to accomplish during your reign?

I hope to be able to bring home our first Miss Intercontinental crown. I want be able to promote my advocacies, particularly self-reliance and social equality. With regards to career, I wish to do acting. I’m very much into the performing arts ever since I was young.

I hope more opportunities in this field come my way.

What do you think Filipinas bring to the global stage, particularly Filipina beauty queens?

Filipinas bring silent confidence to the global stage. We are grounded by our humble identity as Filipinos. At the same time we show great competence and always give other nations a good fight.

My role in the world is to spread the good, be of help and service, and inspire.

JENNIFER HAMMOND Binibining Pilipinas Intercontinental Jennifer graduated cum laude in BS Nursing and was a topnotcher in the Nursing board exams. She is a model and a member of Professional Models Association of the Philippines. She is also a blogger with a penchant for arts and crafts.

What was your motivation for joining Binibining Pilipinas?

After I participated in Miss World Philippines in 2013, I realized that this is what I wanted to become - a beauty queen. It’s nice to be in a position where you always get glammed up, people

admire you, and most importantly, you get fulfillment for serving a good purpose - being an inspiration, a role model, and an advocate to other people as a person of influence.

What does your beauty title mean to you?

To me, it means being on a bigger stage, enabling me to reach out to a lot more people. They say being a beauty queen means being an ambassador of goodwill.

That’s mostly it - touching other people’s lives and helping to make this world a better place through advocacies, big or small.

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As a person of prominence, how do you think you can you contribute to Filipina empowerment and the upliftment?

By being a role model to all other Filipinas - setting a standard which people would identify a Filipina with. Basically, its showing I am competent, world-class, and a woman of virtue, dignity and substance, not merely just eye candy.

Do you see yourself as a role model?

I absolutely do. I would say it is pretty challenging to be one; to make your best effort to be exemplary and to amplify everything good, enough to be able to motivate and drive others to become better and do good, as well.

Who are you as a person, without the crown?

I am the same person. What you see is what you get. What keeps me busy is a balance of work and quality time with my loved ones which keep me happy and fulfilled. My biggest concern today is about our country’s new government. I am excited for the positive change it will bring. My ultimate aspiration is to reach a pretty old age and be able to look back at life with fulfillment and pride.

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Filipinos are fighters. Look at who we have representing us on the global stage - Manny Pacquiao and Pia Wurtzbach.

Both fought hard to get to where they are, to achieve the things they have achieved, and to reach their dreams. This fighting spirit, combined with our caring and friendly nature helps us to achieve great things. In respect to Filipina Beauty Queens specifically, I think this will help us further bring awareness to our advocacies. We won’t stop, we won’t give up, until we have helped in our own ways.

JOANNA EDEN Binibining Pilipinas Supranational Joanna Deapera Eden is currently in her second year at the De La Salle University studying International Studies major in American. She has a penchant for music and knows how to play the flute and saxophone.

What was your motivation for joining Binibining Pilipinas?

Joining Binibining Pilipinas was, for me, was a chance to show my version of what a “Modern Filipina” is. Having my title means that, I get to represent the Philippines as a whole. Becoming a

beauty queen has given me a platform to reach more people, and I plan on using this platform to advocate for things I hold close to my heart. After my reign, I definitely plan to go back to school and graduate, so that I have a degree, but I would love to pursue a career that continues to allow me to have my voice heard, and I’m not one to pass up opportunities that are given to me.

What do you think Filipinas bring to the global stage, particularly Filipina beauty queens?

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As a person of prominence, how do you think you can you contribute to Filipina empowerment?

I believe I can help by being a voice. I’m an advocate of staying true to yourself, and to not folding to conform to expectations or “norms”. I like the idea of a strong woman. Although of course, there isn’t one set idea on how to be a strong woman. We all have our own ways. Once a woman is seen as someone who cannot be belittled or brought down, there is no way she won’t be treated with respect.

Do you see yourself as a role model?

All of us are role models, even if it’s on a smaller scale, for instance within our friendship group. Some of us just have a wider audience. For me, this isn’t a difficult role to play because I know who I am. I believe I have good morals and values, not ones that are of negative influence to other people.

Who are you as a person, without the crown?

Without the crown, I’m still the same person. I don’t think it’s possible to be different because it would seem so insincere. What am I preoccupied with?

Things everyone else is preoccupied with! The gym. Reading. Spending time with friends. Spending time with Him.

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I hope I will be able to touch as much lives as I can and in turn, be touched by the lives of the people I meet as well. Maybe we can even start a movement together towards certain advocacies. And then, I hope I get a chance to actually pursue my dream of becoming an anchorwoman for CNN or Bloomberg! Go big or go home right?

What do you think Filipinas bring to the global stage, particularly Filipina beauty queens?

I believe that Filipinas consistently have this aura of a “humble beauty”. We all work really hard to get to where we want to be and where we need to be, and we do not exude a sense of entitlement in the end. That’s what a modern Filipina is.

As a person of prominence, how do you think you can you contribute to Filipina empowerment and the upliftment?

Filipina empowerment can be easily achieved when we are here for each other, creating an encouraging environment, and unceasingly sharing the victories and losses of each others’ lives. I could be that voice among the many by being the unifying person.

NICOLE CORDOVES BinibiningPilipinas Grand International Nicole Cordovez currently works at the Department of Finance. She is also an active member of Iris Philippines, a nongovernmental organization that is geared towards helping women and children.

What was your motivation for joining Binibining Pilipinas?

Ever since Pia Wurtzbach answered that politically polarizing question on the opening up of more US military bases in the PH, it showed that pageants have a new dimension now where women have a voice in this world where we can tackle politics and give our opinions. This

makes queens carry a heavier crown, a bigger responsibility.

What does your beauty title mean to you?

Being Bb. Pilipinas Grand-International puts you in a position where your voice can be heard. The main advocacy of Miss Grand International is all about stopping war, a very relevant issue nowadays.

Carrying this advocacy through this pageant, shows that women and even children have a role to play in achieving peace.

What do you hope to accomplish during your reign?

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Who are you as a person, without the crown?

Being a beauty queen is a lifestyle, it is not a mere role to play. I am preoccupied with Binibini activities, while writing speeches for our country’s Secretary of Finance, and squeezing in time to finish a book by Paulo Coelho before going to sleep.

I am both nervous and excited at the same time for our country. It has taken three decades for us to get to where we are today where our debt doesn’t comprise nearly half of our GDP anymore, universal healthcare is not merely a possibility but is about to become a reality soon, and the whole world is so confident in us that countries invest a lot in us.

My personal advocacy is showing people that they have a place and an important role to play in this world. That is why in my NGO, Iris Philippines, I take children on field trips to make them realize how big the world is because they really just know the streets of Tondo.

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believe I’m still saving lives by inspiring other people to never give up.

What do you hope to accomplish during your reign?

I want to fulfill my duties and win the second globe crown not just for me and my family, but the Philippines and make history. I am a Filipina and I want to show to everyone that when a Filipina dreams, we dream big. After my reign, I want to spearhead my own medical missions.

Being a nurse is my profession and my vocation. That is why I would always find a way to use this and touch someone else’s life.

What do you think Filipinas bring to the global stage, particularly Filipina beauty queens?

We are known to be “confidently beautiful with a heart” but more than that, we can really show the world is that we are courageous, determined and resilient. We can always stand for what we believe in. And together, we make things happen.

NICHOLE MANALO Bininining Pilipinas Globe Nichole is a nursing graduate from Manila Doctors College, and is currently an ICU nurse in a government hospital. She likes being of service to others and engaging in various charitable programs. She loves traveling, swimming, and surfing.

What was your motivation for joining Binibining Pilipinas?

My motivation to strive my best is my father. He just passed away last year.

And during his wake, we were collecting old pictures. Then I found a picture of my him holding a banner when I first joined Binibining Pilipinas. He looked so proud. That’s when I realized that this has

been his legacy (coming from a family of beauty queen). He shared this dream with our family. And I did it again for us.

But this is not just a dream now. What I want to accomplish is to use my voice in order to promote my advocacy towards creating access to quality healthcare for people.

What does your beauty title mean to you?

Despite what others think I believe beauty pageants empower women. It gives us a better platform to save lives. I have been working as a nurse for 5 years. I may not be reviving patients anymore, but I ILLUSTRADO 74

As a person of prominence, how do you think you can contribute to Filipina empowerment?

For me, joining a beauty pageant is the best example of being empowered, because this is not just about being beautiful. It’s about knowing who you are, and what you can offer to society as an influencer. As long as you inspire people, you will always be viewed and treated with respect.

Do you see yourself as a role model?

I think I can inspire others to dream big and never give up. That they should always be courageous whatever life gives them. After my second and successful try in the pageant, I can say that I am a woman of courage, resiliency and determination. Indeed, there is success in every failure, because you would know what you are capable of, and what you really want.

Who are you as a person, without the crown?

I am still Nichole Manalo, a woman who would do anything and everything for her family; a woman who values education, hardship and integrity.

NEWS

INBOUND TOURISM EXPENDITURES DOUBLED IN FIVE YEARS

Expenditures of foreign visitors to the Philippines doubled from 4.3 percent share to total exports in 2010, to 8.2 percent in 2015, reaching PHP306.6 billion for 2015, according to the 2015 Philippine Tourism Satellite Accounts released by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) last 15 June 2016.

According to the same PSA 2015 report, as an employment generator, tourism industries employed about 4.98 million people, with the Passenger Transport Sector having 36 percent, and Accommodation and Food Beverage sector with 34.8 percent of total employment.

Foreign tourist arrivals was third among the biggest export items of the country in 2015, giving tourism an 8.2 percent share of total exports of goods and services of the Philippines.

“Looking back, the positive outlook of the industry, the harmonious public and private partnership, a good marketing campaign and the strong government support that the DoT received allowed tourism to reach the economic heights where it is today,” DoT Secretary Ramon R. Jimenez, Jr. said.

In terms of the economy’s top achievers, tourism climbed to third place, while the trade industry took first place, and real estate, second place, as propellers of GDP growth for 2015.

“The business is good, you only have to keep the momentum going,” Secretary Jimenez emphasized when he spoke recently on tourism as a rising industry

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of the Philippine economy at a recent conference in Zambales.

“To maintain the industry’s growth, the 2016-2022 National Tourism Development Plan is presently being finalized for presentation to this administration, before it ends, and to the new administration for approval.

This should help sustain the strong first quarter growth in tourist arrivals and help the country meet its target of 6.5 million tourists by yearend,” Secretary Jimenez added. (DoT) For further information about the Philippines visit the Philippines Department of Tourism English and Arabic social media sites at - Facebook: It’s More Fun in the Philippines – Middle East; Twitter: @PhilTourismME; Instagram: @PhilTourismME

BEAUTIFUL PHILIPPINES

BEAUTIFUL PHILIPPINES Oh, Pilipinas.

Much has been said about its expanse of powdery white sand beaches.

Volumes of literature have immortalized its blazing sunsets and its majestic mountains. Many and more have yielded to its charms. French explorer Jacques Costeau was moved to make a documentary about Palawan, calling it the last refuge.

Millions of others who followed his footsteps and have found their way to our shores professed similar admiration for the beauty of our country and appreciation for the warmth and sincerity of the Filipino. Some who have set foot here have never left and now call our homeland their own.

We take you on a journey of rediscovery. Like uncovering the secret islands and coves that make up our archipelago, we will show you new enchantments in familiar tourist destinations.

This is a Philippines that you may have yet to see.

This is our beautiful Philippines.

Photography by Glenn Peter Perez & Filbert Kung Styling by Ryuji Shiomitsu Hair and Make-Up by Leo Posadas Model - Bea Soriano Location-Amanpulo, Pamalikan Island, Palawan

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BATANES: Enchantment, love and undeniable beauty B y N i n a Te r o l - Z i a l c i t a

In the age of concrete mountains and jungles, of dizzying speeds and polluted streets, a group of islands in the northernmost part of the Philippines lies almost untouched by time. Its lush, emerald-green mountains stand as they always had, and its azure waters flow practically undisturbed by the passing of years and people.

This is Batanes: a living story of enchantment, love, and undeniable beauty.

Beautiful landscape view of Sayid Lighthouse located at Batanes Island @Muslianshah Masrie / Shutterstock.com

Batan Island, the largest of Batanes’ three main inhabited islands, reveals stunning views seen only in this part of the Philippines. Up in Marlboro Hills, verdant rolling hills stretch as far as the eye can see, with plump cows grazing contentedly on their own patches of paradise.

In other parts of the island, dramatic cliffs and wind-carved mountains evoke the majesty of the Earth, and the bright blue sky adds a vibrant contrast to the vivid green of the mountains.

Sitting by the veranda, with nothing but the best of nature and the most loving of human intentions around you, you cannot help but feel that this is life as it was originally intended: pure, unhurried, beautiful, and abundant. It seems as if, in Batanes, anything is possible.

Diura fishermen returning from a day at sea at Diura fishing village on the island of Batan in Batanes @KYTan / Shutterstock.com

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ISABELA’S CAVES: Nature’s Cathedral

By Kara Santos

The province of Isabela in the Cagayan Valley is home to centuries-old exquisite Dominican churches, but apart from man-made religious centers, this Queen province of the North is also home to places of worship carved by Mother Nature herself.

The Sta. Victoria Caves located at Fuyo National Park in the foothills of the Sierra

Madre Mountain Range, is a network of limestone caves. Discovered in the 16th century, the caves are renowned for their beautiful and unusual rock formations, sparkling rocks, and subterranean waterfalls.

Walking through the caves is like stepping inside a massive Cathedral.

Just like one would marvel the detailed bas-reliefs and ornate statues in church, the guides point out unique formations reminiscent of saints, cherub’s faces, and a mother cradling a baby, sculpted

@Jonald Morales / Shutterstock.com

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naturally into the limestone surface of the cave’s interiors. Guides will ask visitors to keep a respectful distance from the formations as touching the stalactites and stalagmites, which form over time as water drips down from the ceiling of the cave, can damage them.

A quick tour around the caves – passing through the main chambers can take just an hour, but it can take half a day to traverse all the inner alleys. Yet still, some parts of the cave remain uncharted, still waiting to be eagerly discovered and reverently explored.

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DUNE DAY AFTERNOON: Sandboarding in Ilocos Norte

By Kara Santos

The vast sand dunes of Ilocos Norte are not something you would expect to find in our tropical country, but years before, these dunes were immortalized in international pop culture as the setting for foreign films like Mel Gibson’s “Mad Max” and Tom Cruise’s “Born on the Fourth of July”.

Today, these reddish maroon slopes beckon tourists with the prospect of a scream-inducingadrenaline-pumping experience of slamming down sand dunes on a plank of wood, known as sandboarding. The recreational board sport can be compared to snowboarding, with steep dunes substituting for snow-covered hills. The desertlike terrain in the heart of Ilocos Norte makes it the perfect playground for this extreme sport.

If crazily speeding around the sloped terrain and wide expanse of land at breakneck speed sounds like fun to you, then you have to try riding a 4x4 off-road vehicle in the sand dunes as well. The 4x4 ride is like being aboard a crazy roller coaster, except there’s no track and you’re not strapped in.

Bangui Windmills in Ilocos Norte @ walterericsy / Shutterstock.com

@ Fresnel/ Shutterstock.com

View on top of Kapurpurawan Rocks @Jonald Morales / Shutterstock.com

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@ Igor Alyukov / Shutterstock.com

SAGADA: Fields of Gold

artists, curious travelers, tourists and nature-loving wanderers. It is accessible only by an estimated 13 hour bus ride from Manila.

Nothing is easy about Sagada. For years, this northern mountain province has enjoyed a cult following among eccentric

Nothing is typical about Sagada. Its attractions like the hanging coffins border on the eerie. Its underground caves can only be explored by crawling on your bare hands and feet and getting acquainted with bat dung in the process. The charming eateries and quaint restaurants all need to be explored before lights out at 9PM — quite literally because in some parts of the town, there are no street lamps.

B y A n a P. S a n t o s

Hanging Coffins of Sagada @flocu / Shutterstock.com

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Nothing compares to Sagada’s charm, which is all its own. In Sagada, the path to other attractions like the Big Waterfalls is through rice terraces. You will need to weave through the steps and precariously balance on a pathway that is only inches wide. You will see the locals doing the same, carrying anything from heavy appliances to sacks of rice harvest.

During the harvest season, the rice stalks are golden and glisten under the sun, illuminating this path, making it a walk in fields of gold.

Nothing compares to Sagada’s charm, which itself is as golden as the sincere warm and friendliness of the Ifugao people who call this home.

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BAGUIO: Revisiting an Old Favorite

By Ana Santos

Nothing spells road trip as much as Baguio.

Baguio, with its tall pine trees, forests and cool climate is the undisputed summer capital of the Philippines. Many have fond memories of summers in Baguio to escape the scorching Manila heat, skating or having a milkshake in Camp John Hay. Today, Baguio is again making a name for itself as an artist’s haven with attractions like Café by the Ruins, a quaint restaurant that celebrates Filipino art and artists (one sandwich is even named after Nick Joaquin), and the Ben Cab Museum, which was put up by the master painter, Ben Cabrera, himself.

The old favorites like the strawberry fields, Mines View Park and the Grotto are still there, ensuring that Baguio will forever have a claim on being a destination that is “an old favorite.”

Right Angle: Sports fishing in NUEVA ECIJA

Misty Blue hour of Mines View Park @NgJi3Qi / Shutterstock.com

By Kara Santos

Nueva Ecija in the Central Luzon region is considered the main rice-growing province of the Philippines, but there’s more to it than just grain.

The province is becoming well-known as a hub for game fishing. Already popular in countries like the United States, Japan and Taiwan, game fishing is giving locals a new tourism venture.

The sport has been drawing angling enthusiasts to the province, particularly to the town of Pantabangan.

The picturesque Pantabangan Lake is said to be the largest man-made reservoir in the Philippines, and one of the largest in Asia. It’s

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been dubbed as the new bass fishing hotspot in the country since fishing tournaments for professional and amateur local and foreign anglers are organized and regularly held here.

The lake’s blue-green waters teem with largemouth bass, a species of black bass native to North America. Locals say that the bass swimming in the serene waters of the picturesque lake are particularly large, which has made the place a favorite spot for foreign anglers to engage in sport fishing.

Fishing is not your thing? The Pantabangan Dam is still worth the visit,

what with its picturesque terrain defined by clear waters, windswept hills and dry earth. On the horizon is one side of the Sierra Madre Mountains cradling the earth-filled embankment of the reservoir.

Fabulous Flying in PAMPANGA

By Regina Layug-Rosero

Every February, the road to Pampanga is filled with excited photographers, families, and flying enthusiasts, eager to participate in the Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta in Clark Air Base.

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A fee of US $200 will get you a chance to ride a balloon, provided the weather is favorable. And once you’re airborne, you go where the winds choose to take you.

Many tourists, local and foreign, drive in the dark hours to make it to the 5:00 AM balloon inflation and flight. On weekends, the fiesta features the Night Glow. Here the balloons are tethered to the ground and inflated. Then the burners are ignited in bursts to send tongues of flame, which illuminate the nylon shapes from within. The balloons, almost invisible in the twilight, become for brief moments, beacons of brightness.

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Sighs and gasps are audible across the vast field as everyone gazes in awe of these magnificent creations.

The rest of the day can be spent on other heavenly pursuits. Parachutists and paragliders give the crowds a breathtaking show. The Angeles City Flying Club (ACFC) also makes an appearance with small engine aircrafts called ultralights. For something a little slower and relaxed, you can even learn to fly a kite.

CAMARINES NORTE: Making Waves

By Kara Santos On sultry summer days, nothing spells pure relaxation more than the beach. But if you’re looking for something more active, then kayak surfing is worth a try.

Kayak surfing is gaining popularity in several areas of the country including Camarines Norte in the Bicol Region, where surfing and kiteboarding are already a big draw. Baybay Beach in the Mercedes group of islands is ideal for this rising leisure sport because of its shallow and soft seabed, good wind conditions and strong sea currents.

Elena / Shutterstock.com

While kayaking on calm rivers and oceans can be very relaxing, kayaking against the waves offers a thrill that combines the adrenaline rush of surfing and the excitement of whitewater rafting.

PALAWAN: The Early Bird Catches the Warm B y A n a P. S a n t o s

The stillness of the morning awakens your senses.

Your ears do not merely hear; they listen to the sound of birds chirping and their wings flapping as they take flight. Your eyes do not just see; they take in and absorb the sights around you.

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This visual and auditory delight is typical of the mornings in Palawan. Known for its white sand beaches, towering limestone cliffs, clear turquoise waters, and the Subterranean River National Park, Palawan hosts another early morning attraction.

The Philippines is known as one of the best birding destinations in the world with over 600 bird species found spread across our islands. Palawan’s avifauna is home to 11 endemic bird species such as the Palawan Peacock Pheasant, the Palawan Hornbill, Palawan Tit, Ashyheaded Babbler and the Falcated Ground Babbler.

In the forest of the Subterranean River National Park, a jungle trail with only markings to guide you, bird watchers will spend a lot of their time arching their necks to see the many bird species that call this their home. The expert tour guide, with the eyes of an eagle will point out to you what you need binoculars to see with, like the woodpecker pounding on a tree - sometimes even upside down.

These winged creatures guard over their terrain, carved over centuries before and now enjoyed by people from the world over.

Cadlao island El Nido Palawan @ostill / Shutterstock.com

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Boracay Island @mrmichaelangelo/ Shutterstock.com

BORACAY: A cure for Wanderlust

By Ana Santos

A visit to the Philippines is incomplete without a stay in Boracay - the quintessential symbol of fun in the sun.

Not many islands can claim to have the myriad of activities that Boracay has to offer. This is the island where guests can go parasailing, banana boating and cliff diving during the day and then head on straight to clubs to party all night. And when you wake up to the sound of the waves creeping up on the shore, you just might do it all over again. Only this time, you’ll add a muscle soothing and mind calming massage at any of Boracay’s spas, or even just by the beach side, to your list of activities. @Frolova_Elena / Shutterstock.com

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CAMOTES ISLAND, CEBU: An Island of Solutions

By Anna Oposa It is not only the white sand, blue seas, and coconut-tree fringed shores of Camotes Islands that make it worthy of wonder. In 2011, San Francisco, bested 25 entries from around the world, including Makati, Albay, and Leyte, by winning the United Nations’ Sasakawa Award for Disaster Reduction.

@soft_light/ Shutterstock.com

The local government used its cash prize of US$50,000 to plant two million trees (and not camote, as you might have

@mrmichaelangelo / Shutterstock.com

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thought) in the municipality. Residents collected wild seedlings, plant the trees, and in doing so, generated income for themselves. Even tourists were encouraged to plant a tree or two (or three!).

Camotes Island is also home to the 700-hectare Lake Danao, touted as Lover’s Lake. A lake cruise, locally known as “Sakanaw,” will take you on a one-hour scenic tour around a small islet inside the lake and its surrounding coasts. Spot fresh tilapia, ducks and other species of birds unique to the area in the waters around you. Around the figure 8-shaped lake is an endemic tree nursery and spaces for picnics where you can reconnect with nature.

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BOHOL Chocolate Delights B y A n a P. S a n t o s Tsokolate eh!

The deliciously rich and thick hot chocolate drink made with tablea or cacao balls is a favorite indulgence for many Filipinos. In the town of Dauis, on the edge of Panglao Island, you can enjoy the same luscious Tsokolate Eh! richness in another form.

In Café Lawis inside the Dauis Pilgrim Heritage Center, a museum and quaint café, you can shamelessly spoil yourself with a decadent serving of soufflé cake. This piece de resistance, which comes in Tsokolate Eh, Kinampay (purple yam or ube) and Ginger flavors, is served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and is eaten by breaking the cake at its center and pouring in the Tsokolate Eh.

Chocolate Hills @ Adwo / Shutterstock.com

In other parts of Bohol, you will find ways to satiate your chocolate craving in an unlikely land of bees and honey known as The Bee Farm.

Part resort, part forest, your eyes and your taste buds will rejoice in the array of spreads like pesto malunggay, mango and — of course, chocolate made from tablea!

From its Chocolate Hills, its chocolate colored furry tarsiers, and its own share of powdery white sand beaches, Bohol is one destination that is a feast for the eyes and the palate.

Tarsier sleeping in a tree at Bohol Tarsier sanctuary @ Jonnysat12 / Shutterstock.com

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SIQUIJOR: Spellbound B y A n a P. S a n t o s

The mere mention of sorcery and witchcraft is sure to make you think of Siquijor, the mystical island in the Central Visayas. Originally called Isla de Fuego (The Island of Fire), it is said that the glow created by the thousands of fireflies that inhabited the molave trees on the island lured the Spaniards to the shores of Siquijor and prompted its christening as an island of fire.

For many years, the island’s reputation as a place of witchcraft and sorcery kept visitors away. Siquijor’s festivals are marked by ancient rituals; where old folks concoct herbal potions while singing incantations. It is said that on this island, you can buy a potion, cast a spell or purchase an anting-anting (amulet) to protect you from evil spirits.

Today, it is this very reputation evokes mystic, rather than fear and enchants fascinated visitors rather than driving them away.

Beautiful sunset over island of Siquijor @ soft_light / Shutterstock.com

Deep forest waterfall National Park island of Siquijor. @ soft_light / Shutterstock.com

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ZAMBOANGA: Paint the town pink and yellow

By Anna Oposa

In Zamboanga, you will see pink. While other beaches brag about their white sand, Sta. Cruz Island in Zamboanga takes pride in its fine, pink sand. This blushing beach is a product of rare red Organ-pipe corals that used to surround Sta. Cruz. The corals disintegrated over time and mixed with the island’s natural white sand.

In Zamboanga, you will also see yellow - the Yellow Boat Project that is.

Established under the Philippine Funds for Little Kids, The Project started as a national movement to help children who used to swim to school in the mangrove village of Layag-Layag. Filipinos from all over the country pooled their resources together to buy boats for the children. In addition to providing transportation, the organization has expanded to medical and dental missions and livelihood programs. Guests can be part of this project by going fishing with the community, planting seaweeds, teaching at the Day Care Center, and bagging mangroves.

For more shades of pink and other hues, hop on a jeepney and head to Upper Calarian, where the Yakan and Badjao tribes showcase hand-woven products for sale. The two biggest indigenous tribes keep their tradition alive by offering goods like table runners, malongs, sarongs, place mats,

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and coin purses as souvenirs.

Siargao’s wonders are not limited to its waves. Two hours away from Cloud 9 are the Sohoton Cave and Jellyfish Lake in Bucas Grande Island. In the turquoise waters of Jellyfish Lake, you can swim among a hundreds of non-poisonous, non-stinging jellyfish. It may not be as challenging as surfing the waves, but definitely just as exciting!

SIARGAO ISLAND, SURIGAO PROVINCE: Surfing and beyond B y A n a P. S a n t o s

Siargao Island faces the Philippine Deep and the Mariana Trench, the two deepest parts of the world’s oceans.

The Philippine Deep is 10,000 meters deep — that’s Mt. Everest turned upside down, plus some 3,000 feet. This distinct geography allows towering waves to travel miles and miles at full speed before they reach the coasts of Siargao. A few years back, CNNGo named Siargao as the 8th best global surfing destination, adding to the growing list of labels like the Surfing Capital of the Philippines and the Disneyland of Surfing.

The rise of Siargao as a prime surfing destination started in 2003, when the Quiksilver International Invitational held a competition at Cloud 9, one of the best surfing breaks in the world. The tall,

LAKE SEBU: A Touch of T’boli Culture

By Kara Santos

thick, and hollow tubes were named after the Filipino chocolate snack, Cloud 9. In 1992, American photographer John S. Callahan and fellow surfers Evan Slater and Taylor Knox discovered the sweet and chewy treat in a local sari-sari store, which they claim sustained them during their stay in the jungle province.

@ Jacob Maentz / Shutterstock.com

It is its vibrant culture that defines the quiet allure of Lake Sebu, a town in the province of South Cotabato in Southern Mindanao. Lake Sebu’s shores and surrounding rainforests are home to the various indigenous tribes, particularly the T’bolis, who are well-known for their exquisite traditional skills passed down from generations. Here, in a dimly lit hut made of thatched nipa and bamboo, you can witness a T’boli woman weaving

@ Jacob Maentz / Shutterstock.com

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t’nalak, the traditional textile of the tribe. Her wrinkled hands deftly intertwine the abaca fibers dyed with leaves and roots into a seamless piece of fabric as if in a hypnotic trance.

T’boli women who weave the t’nalak are known as Dreamweavers and the patterns they make often take inspiration from their dreams and from nature itself. Like other traditional skills, the art of weaving is passed down through the ages. The remaining T’boli tribespeople hope to preserve the traditions for years to come.

For ages, the dreamweavers from the T’boli tribe residing around Lake Sebu traditionally wove t’nalak for special occasions and for bartering.

But because of its unique beauty, the intricately woven cloth has become world-renowned, with products made of t’nalak being exported to other countries, and used by designers in the international fashion industry. Every July, a T’nalak Festival is celebrated in honor of the cloth, which symbolizes culture, strength and unity of the various ethnic groups living in the province. @ Jacob Maentz / Shutterstock.com

Conquering the Rapids at CAGAYAN DE ORO

By Ana Santos

Cagayan de Oro spells adventure with their own version of a fist pump - paddles raised up and waving in the air. This is the “signature” of triumph for conquering the rapids of the mighty Cagayan de Oro River where white water rafting has become such a popular tourist attraction that even former president Gloria Macapagal Arroyo had to try it out.

Cagayan de Oro has also become a gateway for other points of interest like Bukidnon where the Dahilayan Adventure Park is located. Located some 4,700 feet above sea level, visitors can go on a zipline, roll around in a Zorb (an inflated

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Called the Geoffroy’s Rousette fruit bats (Rousettus amplexicaudatus), these flying mammals might as well be called durian bats, as they are the only creatures that can pollinate the iconic Davao fruit. The Monfort Bat Cave in the Island Garden City of Samal is home to 1.8 million of these bats, which have been recognized by the Guiness Book of Records in February 2010 as the world’s largest colony of fruit bats. At about 1000 feet long, the cave is the last refuge of bats from other habitats in the island.

Managed by Ms. Norma Monfort, the bat sanctuary is being handled to conserve and protect the local bat species and their habitat, to provide a place for ecologically safe and responsible bat research, and to educate visitors and the general public through programs about the benefits of bats on the surrounding ecosystems. In 2011, she was recognized as one of the few Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund Heroes, who are passionate about protecting animals in areas of critical concern.

@ Leksele / Shutterstock.com

ball you ride from the inside, with your feet and hands strapped in) and drive around in a buggy amidst towering trees and mountains.

A little further away is Camiguin, which is hard to resist not just for its waterfalls but for its reputation as having the sweetest mangoes in the Philippines, if not the world.

DAVAO’S MONFORT CAVE: home to the world’s biggest colony of fruit bats

By Liza Lacuesta

Mention the word “Davao”, and the iconic durian will come to mind. Mention “bats,” and they are hardly included in the word association, even when they are the key reason why Davao is abundant with durian the whole year round.

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F E AT U R E

A THOUSANDS ISLANDS, A THOUSAND THINGS TO DO

By K.C. ABALOS-ORENDAIN

One visit to the Philippines is not enough. With its 7,100 plus, plus islands, the country has so much more to offer than the usual touristy milieu. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker, a shopaholic, a history buff, a foodie, soul searcher, or an artist, we have the must-do, must-go, must-eat list for you!

ADVENTURE IS OUT THERE! If it’s thrill you seek, it’s thrill you shall find!

@ Jung Hsuan/ Shutterstock.com

Rough Roads Ahead If you like it rough, book a 4x4 jeepney and traverse the terrain going to Mt. Pinatubo. If you survive the drive, you will be rewarded with a majestic view of a crater, remnants of the cataclysm that Pinatubo caused. If you’re the tamer sort but would still like a bumpy adventure, visit the La Paz Sand Dunes in Laoag, Ilocos Norte.

Dig Deeper The Philippines is a water-lover’s utopia.

Batangas area with its numerous beaches offer breathtaking and colorful scenery underneath its calm waters. Anilao and Verde Island are some of the best diving spots in the country. If you want to go beyond Luzon, there is Tubbataha Reef in Palawan or several spots n Masbate and Cebu. Oh did we mention, other water sports such as surfing in Baler and white water rafting in Cagayan Valley?

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F E AT U R E

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BLAST FROM THE PAST Our history, our story.

If Walls Could Talk The Walled City of Intramuros is a throback to the colonial past of the Philippines. In it are several churches, one of which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site: the San Agustin Church in all its baroque glory. It also boasts of the Fort Santiago which has since been transformed into a charming historically accurate homage to the national hero, Jose Rizal.

A Cobblestone Walk Step into the past when you walk along the quaint streets of Vigan in Ilocos Sur - another UNESCO World Heritage site. Hail a kalesa along Calle Crisologo. Eat an empanada and other local delicacies. Visit Fr. Burgos’s house and learn, not just about how people used to live then, but also about how he helped start a revolution.

SHOPAHOLICS NOT-SO-ANONYMOUS Great buys and bargains!

Divisoria Beckons Filipinos flock from all over to buy anything and everything here in Divisoria, either in bulk or tingi-tingi (piece by piece).

Haggle over everything!

If Divi is too hardcore for you, visit the tamer and more upscale Greenhills/ Shoppersville.

Pearly Gates Davao is a cosmopolitan metro bustling with energy. In addition to its beautiful beaches and nature reserves, the city is also home to South Sea pearls, making it irresistable to pearl addicts. There’s even a Pearl Farm Resort where you can book a night or two. For the best bargains in pearls and fruits, go to Aldevinco, near Ateneo de Davao.

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F E AT U R E

FOODIE HAVEN A trip to the Philippines is, if nothing else, a food trip.

Pampanga Delicacies Many consider Pampanga as the food capital of the Philippines. In the city of Angeles, you will marvel at the countless variations of halo-halo. Angeles is also the birthplace of the famous sisig. The sisig by Aling Lucing, whose eatery can be found near the train tracks, is a musttry. Grilled pig’s ears, crispy, fatty and oh-so-good is the ultimate in sinful pleasures.

The Entire Visayan Region In Cebu, the best roasted pig can be found. In Bohol, a visit to Bohol Bee Farm and its delicious durian ice cream will make you swoon. Dumaguete has an entire row of cafes and restaurants along its seaside boulevard. Chicken inasal (grilled) in Bacolod is the country’s best.

Gorge on these delicacies in the perfectly named Manokan (chicken) Country and Aida’s which the locals swear is the best. Mangoes from Guimaras are yellow pieces of heaven.

THE LOFTY PURSUIT OF ART From folksy to fine, art abounds in the Philippines!

Around the Lake From Manila, head to the provinces of Rizal and Laguna to experience art as a lived experience. The Balaw-Balaw Restaurant and Gallery as well as the Atelier Gallery are truly unique experiences. Angono, Rizal is the art capital of the Philippines with many artists hailing from the town of Angono, including National Artists, Carlos “Botong” Francisco and composer, Lucio San Pedro. In fact, the oldest known work of art, the Petroglyphs are also in the area. Follow the trail around Laguna de Bay and find yourself in the sleepy but quaint towns of Paete and Pakil, where old churches abound.

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In the Heart of the City There are a lot of museums in Manila, Makati and Quezon City. The National Museum houses the oeuvre of the country’s best and finest artisans. The Ayala Museum in the Makati has a numerous collection of both modern and contemporary pieces. The University of the Philippines, Diliman Campus is peppered with statues and sculptures by famous personalities.

In the hip ghetto of Cubao Expo, you will find a cluster of stalls that range from tiny art galleries featuring works by up and comers to a charming Italian restaurant called Bellini’s.

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F E AT U R E

@ KieferPix / Shutterstock.com

@reggie mateo / Shutterstock.com

SEEK AND YOU SHALL FIND Solace in Stillness in the heart of the South East.

Get Lost in Batanes Batanes is home to rolling hills, spectacular views of the sea, and a culture unlike anything you can see in the entire archipelago. There are many things to do in this slice of paradise, such as island hopping in North and South Batan as well as Sabtang.

Up the Mountain There are many mountains in the Philippines that offer challenging climbs and trails. If you like long walks under the shade of scented pines, do visit Sagada. There are many things to do in the town and its close proximity to Bontoc and Baguio make it worth the stop if you’re up north. But under the canopy of the evergreens, you can easily find a spot where you can just be.

With so many islands, there is always something new to discover about the Philippines. Start exploring!

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JONELLE LAYUG TAGBO

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DAN LESTER DABON

By BRIAN DEXTER MEDIJA ILLUSTRADO 99

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Amira Rose Santos

by Arnel C. Villavicencio-KSA

Arlene Capid

by Renante O. Cayon-UAE

Aniko Hidalgo Aquino

by Jason Lim Wong -PHP

Jewel Joy Dingson

by Butch Ileto-KSA

Catherine Boncodin

by Richard A. Mundo-UAE

April Evangelisa Balbacal

by Randy Ramos Recio-UAE

Benito Quistadio Villacorta

by Arison Jeneric Chua-PHP

Christine Er-Er

by Cris Anthony O. Bondoc-UAE

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Daijo Canda

by Joma Corrales-PHP

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Joan Francia Frondarina

by Janina David De Los Santos OMAN

Dexter Dalisay

by Ahleks Fusilero-UAE

Gerimie Sicat

by Rico Sumadia-KSA

Jae Anne Mamangun

by Norman Cunanan-KSA

Erica Mae Collantes

by Richard Enriquez-UAE

Audrey Atinza

by Jonathan Sentin-UAE

Jeanelle Martene Repato

by Ana Maria Escobar-KUWAIT

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Jennifer Lopez Belda

by Dan Rebibes-UAE

Gwynne Claire D. Escallar

by Joel Santiago-UAE

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Julius Anthony Sioson

by Alexis Fusilero-PHP

Lerma Montefolka

by Joshua Montefolka-UAE

Marcelo Tamo

by Angelito Estoyer Cortez-KSA

Maria Carmella Delos Santos

by Mark Jim Ordinario-PHP

Mary Nhoileen Maypa

by Myla Jalauig Frewen-UAE

Nadine Martinne Caritan

by Allen Vincent Lucas-QATAR

Ma Jossa Darilay

by Gine Naval-QATAR

Patricia Padilla

by Carmelo Cavada-QATAR

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Priscilla Niones Bondoc

by Jarwin A. Marquez-UAE (1)

Maricris Cesumission

by Arturo Rivo Jr.-UAE

TG Tive Guevarra

by Wahid M. Jaafar

Sarai Chua

by Jojie Canezal-KSA

Sharon Magsino

by Rey Delante-UAE

Walter Scott Contreras Johnson

by Jerald Hayhay Ytang-PHP

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Teresa Caccianiga

by Timothy Glenn Palacio-PHP (1)

Ylreb Raniela G. Juan

by Jose Giovanni Castillo-UAE

LAW

IS FRANCHISING YOUR SHORTCUT TO SUCCESS?

Is franchising for you? Although majority of franchised businesses turn out to be profitable, potential investors must be wary that not all franchises are created equal. Moreover, not everyone is cut out to be a franchisee. Like any other business model, investing in a franchise needs a background check or due diligence. Franchising has its benefits and drawbacks—and there’s no way to know for sure whether buying a franchise is right for you until you evaluate its pros and cons in the context of your resources.

By BARNEY ALMAZAR, ESQ.

ADVANTAGES OF GETTING A FRANCHISE Higher chance of success

Statistics show that franchisees stand a much better chance of success than independent startup businesses. By getting a franchise, you are banking on an established concept that has been tried and tested by the market.

Turnkey operations

A good business must have the proper systems on place. Your franchised business comes with a proven operations system geared towards generating profits.

This is especially useful if you lack business management background or experience in sales and marketing.

When you buy a franchise, a dedicated franchise team will help you in the preopening, acquiring equipment and supplies as well as providing training and skills needed to efficiently run the business. In most cases, you will also reap the benefit of the brand’s international or regional advertising campaigns.

Franchise support

Small business startups often have very little support from professional staff. It will be too costly to take a full time accountant, lawyer or other professionals to support the non-core business functions of the company.

Buying a franchise allows you to tap these professionals who are maintained under

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the parent company’s payroll. You will find that you are in business for yourself, but not by yourself.

Brand recognition

It is definitely a lot easier to market a well-known product or service. Buying a franchise is similar to acquiring an existing business with loyal customers. A more established brand translates to huge savings on customer acquisition costs.

Economies of scale

The collective buying power of a franchise group allows for lower costs in purchasing inventory, supplies and equipment compared to an independent business buying on small quantities. Suppliers are

LAW

more inclined to give preferential pricing and payment terms to bulk buyers. These savings make your business competitive.

selling franchises and do not really focus on building a long-term relationship with the franchisees. Beware of them.

Access to best talents

Ongoing Costs

DISADVANTAGES OF GETTING A FRANCHISE

Poor service delivery

Employing competent staff is crucial to sustaining business operations, especially for many independent small business owners. A franchise business with a recognized brand will attract the best talents than an unknown business entity.

Limits your creativity

This is probably the main disadvantage of buying a franchise. As there are already systems in place, you as the business owner will have very little or no flexibility on how to run the business. As a franchisee, you are under the control of the parent company. All decisions must have approval from franchisors.

Franchisees are required to share financial books and observe standard operating procedures supplied by the franchisors.

You cannot purchase supplies from nonapproved suppliers.

Higher investment costs

Buying a well-known franchise will mean having the ability to pay high franchise fees. This can be very expensive and may even require bank financing. The high capital outlay may appear to be financially unrealistic especially for a small independent business owner.

On the other hand, buying a lessestablished brand may be inexpensive but can be a double-edge sword. A new business being offered for franchise for the first time may not have a good system in place yet—and you do not want to be one of its guinea pigs. It is no guarantee that a franchise business is always successful. Some are just interested in

In addition to the franchise fee, you may also be subject to royalty payments in return for operation and marketing support. Royalty is usually in a form of a percentage of your business revenue.

In certain arrangements, you may also be required to purchase advertising collaterals from the parent company.

Some franchisors only offer startup assistance and will leave you as soon as the business has been opened. At the end of the day, it is your business and the only person you can count on is you. You might be frustrated if the parent company does not have the ability or resources to solve your operational problems.

HOW TO FRANCHISE? After knowing the ins and outs of franchising and doing your due diligence, you have now identified the brand that appears to be a match for your new business opportunity. The next step is for you to proceed with the franchise application.

Applying for a franchise

The franchisor or the brand owner will require you to submit a letter of intent before you are given a franchise application. This is usually in a questionnaire form detailing your qualifications and more importantly, your finances justifying your ability to carry out the business in case of economic difficulty.

Your application will likewise be evaluated based on your experience, background, and even personality as

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the franchisor is interested to determine whether or not you fit into the franchise model.

Interview and home visit

If you meet the application requirements, the next step is usually a meeting with the franchisor and/or a home visit to give the franchisor the opportunity to know your personality and commitment level. On the other hand, this is also your chance to get to know the business model more before investing.

Contract signing

If you are considered as a franchisee, you will be offered a franchise contract which provides the terms and conditions of the business franchise. It will contain the rights and obligations both parties will assume.

In the UAE, a franchise is primarily governed by the Commercial Agencies Law. There is no existing specific regulations on franchise as of the moment and the court will apply the provisions on distributorships, commission arrangements, dealerships and other forms of sales representative or sales agency relationships.

Registration of the agreement with the Ministry of Economy is optional but must be considered by the franchisee to be accorded special protection.

Unregistered franchise agreements are under the scope of the Civil Code and the Commercial Transactions Law, just like the any other commercial contracts.

You should seek legal advice about the franchise agreement and go over it carefully before signing on the dotted line. A qualified lawyer will be in a best position to negotiate the terms of the franchise agreement, taking into consideration the specific local issues that must be dealt with for your protection.

MONEY

PROTECTING YOURSELF B y F R A N C I S C O C O L AYC O

have to pay premiums his whole life. The premium is higher than term because it provides for some cash return if the insured survives to a certain age.

Who is your greatest income generator?

No one else but yourself! If you are single, you depend on yourself. If you are married, your family depends on you. And, in our Filipino culture, maybe your parents and siblings also depend on you whether you are single or married.

There are two basic types of insurance: life and non-life. Life insurance provides benefits to your beneficiary upon your death. On the other hand, non-life insurance provides protection to many kinds of possibilities related to your assets and your wellness.

What will happen if you suffer a serious financial loss by losing your job, failing in your business or getting sick, or worse, by dying? Everybody who depends on you will fail as well. What should you do to lessen that risk?

With insurance plans, you pay a premium for the protection depending on the type and amount of coverage. Ensure that you put that premium payment on an insurance policy that you really need. So when do you need insurance? Simply put, you need protection if there are people who depend on your earnings. Insurance is protection for your beneficiaries by replacing your income in case you die.

The very first step is prevention. Make sure that you are physically, mentally and spiritually healthy. This is not an option. It is your obligation.

However, no matter what you do, disasters can also strike when you least expect it.

Economic conditions change and all of a sudden, your employer closes down and you find yourself without a job. As a small business owner, regulations change and your business is suddenly no longer viable.

On a personal level, sometimes, no matter how careful you are, accidents and deaths can hurt you. It is good to be prepared for these eventualities, so you need to take a serious look at insurance.

Insurance is needed only when there is a possibility of unbearable financial loss.

To clarify - should your child be insured?

No, because your child has no dependents.

There is no need to insure him unless, he is earning income that your family depends on – e.g. if he is a child-star and is actually the major income-earner in your family.

There are many ways of packaging a life insurance policy. The basic choices are whole life or term life insurance. Whole life insurance means that the insured will

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Term life insurance means that the insured is covered year-by-year and only for a certain number of years, which may also be extended subject to the age and the health of the insured. This is the cheapest type of insurance, because if you don’t die during the year, your premium payment is not recoverable. When the term ends, the premium will be higher because you are older.

In assessing the policy being offered to you, take care to understand: if the insurance company is reputable, if the policy is the correct type for the person being covered, the amount of premium you have to pay, the amount and type of benefits your beneficiary will get, what will happen if you cannot continue paying the premiums, what events will cause the policy to lapse, and the amount of commissions your insurance agent will be getting Insurance companies can also provide policies that provide protection, as well as some savings component. Understand though, that the savings component is secondary, your main priority being protection. Don’t buy a policy combining both unless you understand exactly how much you will earn on the investment portion of the premium. Generally, if you want to grow your savings, you should be looking at other instruments.

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