ILLUSTRADO Magazine March 2008

The Magazine for the International Filipino

MARCH 15 - APRIL 15 2008

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The FILIPINA

WOMEN OF SUBSTANCE THE GENDER GAP REPORT FABULOUS FILIPINO BAGS THE BIG APPLE PATTY EUSTAQUIO’S ART & FASHION BAKASYON GRANDE ILOILO ENTERTAINMENT: MOON FEAR MOON The Annie B. Chronicles

Call AGNES AQUINO-BRIGGS Country Representative + 97150 666 5349 +9712 558 4662 website: www.brittany.com.ph Portofino Heights • Portofino South • Courtyards of Portofino • Amore of Portofino

EDITOR’S NOTE

Celebrating the Filipina I am a mother, a wife, somebody’s daughter, sister, your friend.

I nurture my young, shine a bright light in the home, and toil for my family’s future.

I am a man’s equal in life, the flame that keeps him warm, the roots that keep him grounded, and the lift he needs to soar.

I am his best friend, at times his worst enemy.

I am neither just feminine, nor am I just a feminist.

I am a walking, breathing mass of contradiction – sometimes soft, sometimes tough, resolute but vulnerable, a real girl who can play like ‘one of the boys’ I have come to revel in my own complexities, because I am my very own person.

I am me.

As Filipinos, we have been truly blessed to have come from a country where equality between the sexes is a standard, and where women have been given pride of place not only at the home front, in our schools, places of work, in our very own government and in Philippine society in general. And it is not only because of the fact that our females outnumber our men statistically, which makes this group valuable, but it is also the varied roles that they play that make our life complete.

Distinctive women have made their mark in our country and beyond, since time immemorial proving that the Filipina is a key driving force in the different aspects of our lives. From Princess Urduja, to Gabriela Silang and Tandang Sora, Gloria Diaz and Margie Moran, Elma Muros and Lydia de Vega, Leah Salonga, Loida Nicholas, Monique Lhuillier and Josie Natori, Cory Aquino and GMA, are but a few of these exceptional Filipinas.

We have heroines, matriarchs, artists, athletes, missionaries, visionaries and philanthropists, law makers, heads of business and government and of course, female expats in our midst. And thankfully for us, because they have shaped, contributed, and continue to pave the way for future generations as nurturers, equal partners, providers, and even leaders.

In conjunction with this month’s International Women’s Day celebration, Illustrado devotes this issue to honor our sisters and friends with a magazine bolstered by ‘girl power – Pinay power’. We talk about the latest international Gender Gap Report, as well as the very relevant issue of single motherhood. We also veer away from our usual fashion column, to bring you ‘Women of Substance’ featuring seven remarkable Filipinas in the emirates - read on for their interesting and truly inspiring stories. All this is layered on our usual fare on Kabuhayan, Famous Filipinos, travel, lifestyle, community, Filipinisms and entertainment, giving you yet another spectacular release, only for your reading pleasure.

So here’s our tribute to the Filipina - but certainly, not without proper credit to our men. Because although it is said that “behind every successful man, is a woman”, truth be known, when it comes to relationships, it also takes a strong confident gentleman, to make a woman grow happy and fulfilled to her greatest potential.

Enjoy your March.

Taas Noo, Filipino!

LALAINE CHU-BENITEZ Publisher and Editor-in-Chief

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Send your letters to: editor@illustrado.net and how she brought the Philippine business delegates for local and foreign investment. I hope that this will push through! It will be a great help to us Filipinos. Thank you for informing us about these inspiring developments. At least kahit na mahirap mag-trabaho abroad may nangyayari pa ding maganda sa natin. Salamat po!

To the Editor and staff of Illustrado Magazine: Thanks for giving us the pride of standing as real Filipinos … and that too - Taas Noo Filipino!

Every Pinoy who will read Illustrado will have his spirit uplifted. Feelings of insecurity because of being brown will change to confidence, because we can now say that we are proud and happy to be a Filipino!

Ramon Valiente Dubai

Keep up the excellent job ILLUSTRADO!

……………………

Nanette Quesada Sharjah

Maganda yung Filipinism nyo…specially si Annie B…inspiring at talagang nakakatuwa siya. I am always looking forward to the next episode of Annie B.

……………….

Greetings! I would like to thank you for making a magazine like ILLUSTRADO for us international Pinoys. It is very informative, inspiring and entertaining.

By the way, I have just started reading your magazine for the past three months. I hope you will make more Kabuhayan features to educate and inspire us more.

More power!

Bart Ramos Dubai ………………………….

Dear Editor, I have read from previous Illustrado Magazine regarding your column about Kabuhayan Syndicate.

I am a OFW Professional who is very much interested and believes in the Kabuhayan Syndicate principle.

Please, if possible, kindly inform me in case there will be further meetings/workshops related to this subject.

Thank you.

Best Regards, Giovani Sumagan Dear Giovani, Thank you for your kind interest. We will definitely invite you to our forthcoming meeting.

Best regards, Lalaine Chu-Benitez ……………………………..

Kudos Illustrado!

I have always wondered why we don’t see

Filipino inspired style in fashion shows around the world. We have all the ingredients naman. Buti na lang may Illustrado!

I have been reading your last couple of issues and I’m so pleased to say that Pinoy fashion design is very exciting and really international.

I especially liked your urban ethnic column in January. It’s really unexpected – I never imagined that our native clothes can be used like that – casually on the street. They looked so cool and it’s very unique. At least now we have options, we don’t have to keep copying western trends because we can afford to be trendsetters naman pala. We have our own style. It all just depends on how we’re going to wear it to make it look hip and updated.

Ofel Flores Sharjah ……………….

Dear Illustrado Editor, Hi! I would like to thank your magazine for opening my eyes to the beauty of the Philippines through your Bakasyon Grande features. I am 38 years old, working in Dubai for 10 years now, and I admit that I haven’t been to those places.

I am now looking forward to my annual vacation in the Philippines, so I can try and visit some of those beautiful spots. I would like to see the Ilocos Region, Pagudpod, as well as Pearl Farm in Davao.

So sa susunod na summer, I’m going to wear some cool barong with jeans – kakaiba, di ba?

I didn’t realize that I was really missing out on so many great vacation spots in our country.

Keep doing what you’re doing!

Thank you once again and keep up the good work!

Jan Salvador Dubai ………………..

Dear Illustrado Editor, I really like your February issue – specially the fashion section. I am impressed with the models and especially with the motif and style which goes with the Valentine mood. I like the way you shot it to look retro in 60’s style - yung model na guy really looks like James Dean! It is a perfect fashion feature guys! Keep it up.

Vanessa dela Cruz …………………..

Hi! I have become a Proud Pinoy here in Dubai, after I read your February issue about the Philippine Economy. I was very surprised to know that our economy is really growing.

Not every Filipino knows about this. I saw the article about our President’s visit here,

Myra Rose Elepano Dubai …………….

Dear Lalaine, Just wanted to say Mabuhay!

Finally, there is a cool International Filipino magazine that we Filipinos can relate to, and which is easily available. I really like your February issue and was most interested in the story in your Successful Pinoy column – Jeffrey ‘Ximo’ Ramos is really funny and inspiring at the same time! I feel motivated to do better every time I read his ‘so true’ articles.

I hope to be a Successful Pinoy someday.

Continue inspiring us Illustrado!

Efren Mangoba Abu Dhabi

CONTRIBUTORS

Illuminado Ong Fashion photographer Illuminado Ong lives for his craft. A seasoned professional with classic style, his assignments have taken him to different parts of the globe, while his brilliant images have graced prestigious magazines at home and around the Gulf region. When he isn’t busy shooting for top publishing clients, Illuminado shares his boundless experience with enthusiastic newcomers in the field. His eye for classic beauty makes him a perfect fit for this month’s unique pictorial feature in Illustrado – showcasing the natural charm and strength of character of some very distinctive Filipina women in the community.

Mikkel Bolante

Kris Lee

Illustrado Assistant Editor Mikkel has been interested in the publishing industry since he was seven, when he – along with his older brother and cousin – conned his parents and relatives into buying issues of their bond paper-printed family newsletter. Now, he’s still doing the same thing 16 years hence. But this time around, he has to rely on real journalistic experience, creative ability and actual editorial output instead of the dirty tricks of cute little children. Mikkel has proven to be a versatile writer and editor, with experience in various publications ranging from men’s fashion and lifestyle to girl’s teen magazines, as well websites online. In this issue, he contributes pieces on designers Rebecca Adrian and Patty Eustaquio.

Ateneo alum Kris is involved in business development for an international group based in Abu Dhabi. He is ‘relatively new’ to the emirates, having only arrived in 2006. Kris enjoys sampling the sights and sounds of his current home, as well as reveling in its cultural diversity. A photography and blog enthusiast, he indulges in road trips during weekends with his friends in the area. For the magazine this month, he provides coverage of a body building competition recently held in Dubai.

Zekundo Chu

Karen Galarpe Karen is a CPA and would have stayed one if not for her professed hatred for accounting. Instead, the Manila-based magazine editor pursued her first love – journalism – when she was in her 20s.

Now in her 40s, she plays the all-important role of a single mother to her gifted 12-year-old as she continues to live off of her pen, writing about articles on business, parenting, food and art. She shares with Illustrado readers this month the highs and lows of single motherhood.’

Illustrado contributing stylist Zekundo’s personal fashion ethos is as eclectic and unexpected as his ever-changing hairstyles.

The edgy designer from Dubai holds the philosophy ‘more is more’ dear to his heart – hence, his adherence to the legacy of the late Gianni Versace. His training in interior design and day job as a senior visual merchandiser at one of the most fabulous airport shopping centers in the world keeps his eye for aesthetics sharp, as he keeps himself abreast with the latest in the global fashion stage.

Anna de Leon

Excel Dyquianco

Anna calls herself a ‘true blue kulasa,’ with her feminine demeanor a dead giveaway of her conventbred background. Three years ago, she moved to Dubai to settle, and has now a promising in financial services at the iconic DIFC. However, she found herself unable to shake off her true passion – making women look good through the magic of makeup. The Chaneltrained makeup artist has certainly come a long way from her days of shaping her classmates’ eyebrows at St. Scholastica. This month, she provides some fresh faced glam for Illustrado magazine’s featured ‘Women of Substance.’

Excel works as a copy editor for a pair of health magazines in Manila. He graduated from the University of the Philippines in 2002 and has since authored a children’s book entitled ‘I Don’t Like To Eat.’ He was also featured in Reader’s Digest Asia in 2005, discussing the secrets of success in earning big. In his spare time, he contributes to various other magazines, writes scripts for movies and goes kart-racing.

Contributing Designers

– Illustrado’s Women of Substance Feature

ERRATTUM We would like to draw our readers attention to an error in last month’s contributor pages on the attribution of photography credits for the ‘From our Readers’ article – ‘UAE Road Trip Photo Safari’.

Rey Mendoza

Ezra Santos

Michael Cinco Ruben Santos

Though contributor Reynante is a civil engineer by profession, he is and always will be a visual artist at heart. His artistic endeavors began with painting and illustration back in his school days, but it has since filtered off to the field of photography. Rey plans to push his art to new limits in his new capacity as a photographer. He describes himself as an artist who loves everything there is about art – and it shows.

Publisher & Editor-in Chief Lalaine Chu-Benitez Assistant Editor Mikkel Bolante

March08

Art Directors Paula Lorenzo Ron Perez Contributing Writers Philippines & Singapore Carlito Viriña David Llorito Bernadette Reyes Law Diche Lisa Cruz Mike Martin Jan La’O David Poarch Aby Yap Ivan Henares Gabbie dela Rama-Talan Chayie Maligalig Apple Lopez Karen Galarpe Vic Lactaoen United Arab Emirates Maripaz Febrero Giselle Estrada Dawn Almario Sonny de Guzman Antonella Andrada Shar Matingka Jonie Jose Michael Vincent Serrano Contributing Photographers Philippines Marlon Pecjo Charles Lu United Arab Emirates Pot Ph Illuminado Ong Monina Uy Joel Guerrero Kris Lee Mariyah Gaspacho Contributing Stylist Zekundo Chu Pam Quinones Janet dela Fuente Advertising & Retail Sales Michael Maguigad Publisher Illustrado Communications FZ-LLC 2nd Floor, Building 2 P.O. Box 72280 Office 20C Dubai Media City, U.A.E. Tel: + 9714 365 4547 Fax: + 9714 360 4771 email: admin@illustrado.net Website: illustrado.net Printers Delta Printing Press L.L.C. P.O. Box 37140 Dubai, U.A.E. Copyright Illustrado Communications 2007.

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

CONTENTS Features The Gender Gap Report 8 Single Moms – by Choice 12 Women of Substance 26

Columns Editor’s Note 1 Contributors 6 Letters to the Editor 4 Famous Filipinos 14 Famous Filipinos: Rafe Totengco 16 Kabuhayan: A Business Built on Precious Memories 18 Kabuhayan: Investing on Livestock in the Philippines 20 Successful Pinoy: Be a Model of Class 22 Usapang Kanto 61 Community Event 63 Hilig Pinoy: Dancing with the Poles 64 Onli in da Pilipins 66 The Annie B. Chronicles 68 Filipinisms 70 Community Spotlight 72

Fashion

42

Illustrado features Patty Eustaquio’s works of art on the Manila runway.

50

Designer Profile: Patty Eustaquio’s Art & Fashion 42 Fashion Round-Up: Glitz & Glam at Splash 48

People & Places Pinoy Planet: Malaysia 50 Bakasyon Grande: Sulu 54 Bakasyon Grande: Ilo-Ilo 56 Manila Trippin’: The Wine Club 60 Pinoy About Town: 2008 DIBBC 62

Entertainment From Broadway to Dubai 72 Don’t Fear the Moon 74 Hot Releases 76

56

8 FEATURE

The

GENDER GAPReport

By Dave L. Llorito

THE Philippines is probably the only country in the world where men call their women ‘commanders.’

We thought all along that this was just a ruse by husbands to get into the kulambo (mosquito net) after coming home late until the World Economic Forum (WEF) released its gender gap report last year saying the Philippines ranks high — the only developing country — among those nations which give power and equality to women.

Besides the Philippines (ranked No. 6), countries in the top 10 include Sweden (number 1), Norway (number 2), Finland (3), Iceland (4), New Zealand (5), Germany (7), Denmark (8), Ireland (9), and Spain (10). These countries are in the honor roll for closing the gender gap between the sexes in four areas — namely, economic participation and opportunity (the outcomes on salaries, participation levels and access to high-skilled employment), educational attainment (access to basic and higher level education), political empowerment (representation in decision-making structures), and health and survival (life expectancy and sex ratio).

“The Index assesses countries on how well they are dividing their resources and opportunities among their male and female populations, regardless of the overall levels of these resources and opportunities,” said Ricardo Hausmann, Director of the Centre for International Development at Harvard University, in a press statement.

In short, while the Philippines is not as rich as these Nordic and European countries, it has come a long way in terms of economic, political, educational and health opportunities to both men and women. In that aspect of life, the Philippines has come of age.

“I think we rank high because of our culture wherein Filipino men and women have equal access to education.

Both men and women now share the responsibility of parenthood. Our culture also allows women to contribute and participate in the political and economic development of the country,” says Susana Anayatin, chief of the technical management service of the Department of Trade and Industry at the Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao.

It used to be that parents would only send their boys to schools and the girls to the marriage altar — not anymore. In fact, there seems to be more girls than boys in high-school and college campuses. An initial assessment of the country’s chances for attaining the Millennium Development Goals (MDG) by 2015 has shown that it is in gender equality in school where the Philippines has excelled, even before reckoning time. Moreover, women are now represented in all levels of government and layers of the corporate world.

Explains Virginia Pasalo, chairperson of Women in Development Foundation: “Filipino women have a tradition of leadership and occupied positions of

FEATURE 9 importance in society, before we were subdued by the Spaniards. That is what I know to be true in Pangasinan, where I come from, where Princess Urduja ruled with her amazons and traded with China, Persia and other seafaring nations sometime in the 13th century.”

WEF’s Gender Gap Index report is a fitting tribute to Filipino women, who, for a long time, have been carrying the heavier burdens of saving this country from economic damnation.

Now, to say they are carrying the heavier load would probably make the Filipino machos in our midst shudder.

But statistics do support this assertion. If one looks at our economic statistics more closely, one would realize that more than 60% of the country’s gross domestic product is accounted for by the ‘globalized’ sector of the Philippine economy.

We are talking here of the export sector (the bulk of which is electronics), outsourcing and overseas employment that have been propping up consumption.

Many of the warm bodies in these economic sectors are women.

In the last decade, the Philippines has been sending more and more skilled professionals, which account for the double-digit growth rates in remittances. More than 60% of these newly deployed overseas workers are women essentially because developed countries need an ever-

more closely, one would realize that more than 60% of the country’s gross domestic product is accounted for by the ‘globalized’ sector of the Philippine economy.

We are talking here of the export sector (the bulk of which is electronics), outsourcing and

increasing number of nurses, caregivers and therapists (careers still dominated by women) to care for their graying population.

If one looks closely at the country’s national income accounts, one could see that ‘personal consumption expenditure’ accounts for more than 70% of the country’s GDP or the value of goods and services produced, traded and paid for within the country’s borders. Inasmuch as the Philippine overseas employment has been ‘feminized,’ it’s easy to assume that women have significantly helped in sustaining the jobs in factories, offices and shopping malls.

The authors of WEF’s gender gap report did not write the report out of sheer sentimentalism. They prepared it with real economic sense in mind. Said Laura Tyson, dean of the London Business School and one of the principal authors of the report: “Our work shows a strong correlation between GDP per capita and the gender gap scores. While this does not imply causality, the possible theoretical underpinnings of this link are quite simple: countries that do not fully capitalize effectively on one-half of their human resources run the risk of undermining their competitive potential. We hope to highlight the economic incentive behind empowering women in addition to promoting equality as a basic human right.”

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12 FEATURE

SINGLE MOMS by choice

By By Karen Galarpe

Celine (not her real name) was all dressed up while waiting to pick up her two kids at school. It was Valentine’s Day and she’s giving them a surprise. “I’m taking the children out for a date. We’ll go watch a movie then have dinner at a restaurant tonight.” When the kids saw her, they ran and hugged their mother. By the looks on their faces, it was clear that they’re happy being together just as they are.

Celine is a young, single mom in Manila. She made the choice not to marry the father of her two kids since she wasn’t convinced he would be responsible. For the past 10 years, she has raised them without a father. “It’s less problematic that way. ” she says. And they’re all okay with that.

These days, it’s not uncommon to meet single women raising their children alone — by choice. Some of them, like Celine, have opted not to get married. Others have gone the marriage route but due to various reasons, are now separated or divorced from the fathers of their children.

Still others have become widows and have chosen not to remarry. And then there are also the few single women who have elected to have a child by artificial insemination or adoption.

One can find them everywhere. According to wikipedia.org, as of 2003, 14 percent of all Australian households were singleparent families. In the United Kingdom, there were 1.9 million single parents as of 2005. In the United States, the U.S. Census Bureau reported there were 10 million single mothers in 2003. Statistics about the number of single moms in the Philippines are not available, but sociologists and family experts agree the number’s on the rise, following a global trend.

This has led to a redefinition of the word ‘family.’ Where before, it was regarded by Philippine society as consisting of a father, a mother, two kids and a dog named Tagpi, family nowadays means children and the loving adults who take care of them at home.

Stigmatized no more It used to be that single moms were also frowned upon by Filipino society, referring to them as ‘disgrasyadas’ and their families as broken families.

Now, thanks to the times, that is no longer the case. “Society today regards single moms as ordinary parents without partners,” says Claudette

Avelino-Tandoc, family life and child development specialist, and assistant professor at the De La Salle University Manila College of Education. “The stigma used to be so strong. Several years ago, people would view a single mom like an outcast or somebody odd.

But today, because of the growing statistics of single moms and the maturity and knowledge of society, the stigma is not as prevalent as before.”

Maybe showbiz has something to do with it, too. There’s megastar Sharon Cuneta, who raised her daughter KC alone after her marriage crumbled. There’s also Lea Salonga, who has reaped acting and singing

SMALL SPACE 13

awards from international bodies, and her equally gifted brother Gerard who is a respected and in-demand musical director.

Both were raised by a single mother.

Anna, 30, a single mom to a seven-year-old daughter, works in Dubai as an executive assistant. “I have never regretted my decision to raise my daughter alone. Every time I get asked about my pregnancy, all I could remember was that I was a very happy pregnant woman and even happier when I gave birth,” she says. “I am proud to be a single mother. It has definitely changed me for the better.” Anna says she is stronger and has learned what it means to be selfless.

Although some of her relatives were disappointed when she became a mom, it did not matter to her. Since then, she has never felt she was treated differently by society as a result of her status.

Eight years ago, Aileen, 38, a financial consultant in Dubai, gave up on her marriage after the relationship could no longer be fixed. And so she became a single parent to her two kids in their teens now.

And she agrees with Anna that she has not felt any discrimination from people.

Her family and friends, in fact, have even become more supportive.

Not easy It’s not easy being a single mom. According to Avelino-Tandoc, “There’s the issue of

raising her kids single-handedly in terms of the financial aspect. That’s why it’s common to see single mothers having a sideline or having a second or third job aside from their regular employment.” Or they seek better-paying work abroad, as was the case for Anna and Aileen, who left their children back in the Philippines to provide for their needs. To deal with the loneliness, they call and make visits home frequent.

Another issue raised by Avelino-Tandoc is the lack of male or father figure at home, especially if there are boys among the kids.

“This would stem to another issue. They are worried that their sons will have some sort of gender confusion.” Family experts say the answer to this is to find role models the children can look up to. Greg Cynaumon, Ph.D., in his book Empowering Single Parents, co-written with Dana Cynaumon, refers to these role models as “ParaParents.”

Just as “paramedics assist doctors, paralegals assist attorneys,” he says, “ParaParents are intended to assist parents.”

The last issue raised by Avelino-Tandoc is the need of the single mom to be emotionally strong. “In a two-parent family, when they are faced with problems or crises, they have each other to lean on. But in the case of a single mom, she is alone. That’s why in some single parent families, children mature early, because their mothers tend to share with them the crises and heartbreaks.”

Triumphant and happy In spite of the challenges facing them, single moms do have the oportunity to manage their families effectively and lead a happy and balanced life. Far from dwelling on her problems, Aileen chooses to be positive: “This is life, and I have to create more possibilities on my own to be a good mother.” Anna says she can’t say if there’s a difference in the relationship of a single mom with her kids versus that of two parents and their kids. “Each relationship is different. But what I can attest to is that when I decided to bring my daughter out into this world, irrespective of what challenges there are, no surer and stronger bond was formed.”

“Filipino single mothers can be so resilient, strong, creative and resourceful,” says Avelino-Tandoc. “We have been reeducated about a lot of things regarding family dynamics, including the concept of single motherhood. It’s about time too, that we learn to erase the negative stereotype that we have attached to single mothers and view them as mothers — loving, caring and nurturing.” Indeed, they have shown what it takes to succeed in life and raise children well. Difficult as it may be, it isn’t nearly as impossible as it once seemed.

14 FAMOUS FILIPINOS

2 Pinoy Films Wow Judges at Berlinale The 58th Berlin International Film Festival held from February 7 to Febrr ruary 17, 2008 in Berlin, Germany became the launching pad for two Filipino films. ‘Tirador’ and ‘The Amazing Truth about Queen Raquela’ bagged the Caligari Award and Teddy Award for Best Feature Film, respectively. The Caligari Award comes with a cash prize of EUR4,000 Euros while The Teddy comes with EUR3,000 Euros.

of course, from the artistic fulfillment,” he says with conviction.

Meanwhile, the PhilippinerIcelandic film corproduction “The Amazing Truth about Queen Raquela” was cited “for its ability to address race, gender and poverty in an entertaining way, while also playing with audiences’ expectations of form.”

The 58th Berlin International Film Festival held from February 7 to Febrr ruary 17, 2008 in Berlin, Germany became the launching pad for two Filipino films. ‘Tirador’ and ‘The Amazing Truth about Queen Raquela’ bagged the Caligari Award and Teddy Award for Best Feature Film, respectively. The Caligari Award comes with a cash prize of EUR4,000 Euros while The Teddy comes with EUR3,000 Euros.

Icelandrbased director, Olaf de Fleur, shot the film in Cebu, with an entirely Filipino crew. The movie also incorporates footage from Thailand, Denmark, France and the United States.

The jury lauded ‘Tirador’ for its “breathless handheldrcamera, der saturated colors and pulsating sounds of the city that equally create and catch an atmosphere of urban unrest, imparting a vivid cinema experience without exploiting the slum as exotic scenery.”

This is the second international award won by ‘Tirador, after the Sperr cial Jury Award in the 7th Marrakech International Film Festival in Morr rocco last December. It was also screened at last year’s Dubai Interrr national Film Festival.

Coco Martin who plays a petty criminal in ‘Tirador’ said he got starrr struck when he saw international actress Penelope Cruz. “Kahit maliit ang bayad, tingnan mo na lang, mas matindi pa ang bawi ko, because I get to travel. Hindi nagagawa ng ibang artista ‘yon na nakakaikot sa iba’t ibang film festivals abroad. Yun na lang ang consolation ko, aside,

Actor Coco Martin (left) and Director Brillante Mendoza (right)

The Teddy Awards are givrr en to films with gay and/ or lesbian content. This is the same award given to Auraeus Solito’s ‘Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros’ in 2006.

Aside from ‘Tirador’ and ‘Queen Raquela’, four other Filipino films screened in the Forum section were Jim Libiran’s ‘Tribu’; Mes de Guzman’s ‘Balikbayan Box’; Khavn dela Cruz’s ‘The Muzzled Horse of an Engineer in Search of Medical Saddles’; and John Torrr res’ ‘Years When I Was a Child Outside.’

Alec Mapa Pinoy Hollywood Celebrity Meet your famous kabayan Alec Mapa. “I’m a fabulous boy from San Francisco on a network siturr ation comedy show and I’m Filirr pino,” he said in an interview at his Los Angeles home.

Originally cast as the “funny ethnic character,” Alec turned a threer episode deal into a regular stint over the past three years. “I was originally there as a device,” he said. “But it’s been an evolurr tion, an expansion of my characrr ter beyond a person who doesn’t get people’s messages. By now you’ve started to see me outside of the office. I now have friends.”

An allrembracing view of all kinds of people is only normal to Alec.

“Growing up in San Francisco in the 70’s was like watching the last 10 minutes of the Roman Empire,” he said. “I had a schizophrenic upbringing, coming from a conservarr tive Filipino family, yet we’d go to the Castro Street Fair. I loved growrr ing up there, because the diversity was so great in the seven by seven miles. It makes you less fearful of other people and cultures.”

He discovered show business 14 years ago, when he starred in the Broadway production of the Tony Awardrwinning play ‘M. Butterfly’.

After which Alec moved to TV, appearing on over 30 popurr lar series, including ‘Seinfeld’, ‘Roseanne’, ‘NYPD Blue’ and ‘Friends’. Alec says, “I’m really a unicorn, the only Asian on my network, and one of three Asian series regurr lars. Sandra Oh of ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ and Daniel Kim of ‘Lost’ and ‘Blood of the Samurai: The Series’ are the other two.”

On ‘Ugly Betty’, he is the scandalrseeking fashion reporter Suzuki St. Pierre whose scoops often have the Mode staff gasping. In a new, upcoming episode Alec gets to play opposite star Vanessa Williams, and bask in the glow of a Golden Girl, guest star Betty White. “In the middle of a take, I actually looked over at Vanessa Williams and I was like, ‘It’s Betty White!’” Mapa enthuses, “She’s a pro. She got the lines right every single time. She got the laugh every time. She’s amazing.”

Alec has also jumped onto the ‘reality’ bandwagon. “I’m doing VH1’s ‘The Smartest Celebrity’, a quiz show that’s not about what you know, but how you think.” Famous folk get to show off their brainpower”, he explains, “A lot of it is brain teasers. They’ll ask questions like, ‘What is three days before the day after tomorrow?’ or ‘Who’s your father’s mother’s daughter’s son?’”

Surely this fabulous Pinoy’s got more than just celebrity power to show Hollywood yet.

16 FAMOUS FILIPINOS

Fabulous Filipino Bags the Big Apple Rafe Totengco has conquered the Everest of fashion with his world class style.

By Maripaz Febrero Pictures courtesy of www.rafe.com

ANYONE WONDERING IF PINOYS CAN BE ENTREPRENEURIAL INTERNATIONALLY SHOULD MEET RAFE TOTENGCO, PRESIDENT AND CREATIVE DIRECTOR OF ‘RAFE NEW YORK.’ HE IS THE DESIGNER OF FASHIONABLE HANDBAGS HOLLYWOOD CELEBRITIES LIKE EVA LONGORIA, LINDSAY LOHAN AND FERGIE OF THE BLACK EYED PEAS LOVE TO FLAUNT.

Moving to New York, he enrolled in the prestigious Fashion Institute of Technology, while supporting himself as a design assistant. In 1994, together with his partner David, he produced his first collection of accessories — belts and watchbands — for a Soho boutique, which sold out instantly.

Rafe has since been repeatedly recognized in his field with numerous awards and honors. And to his credit, he never lost sight of his Filipino roots through all this. In fact, he made our lowly bakya a fashion statement in New York City. There have been a lot of articles written about Rafe talking about his pursuit of the “American Dream.” Asked if he wanted to establish him-self as a successful designer — among the likes of Donna Karan and Calvin Klein — he candidly answers in the affirmative. “I’ve dreamed of this life since I was in sixth grade, reading my first issue of Vogue.”

The boutique asked him if he had bags to go with the items, and he enthusiastically said yes even without a single bag to show for it. A year later, the first collection of ‘Rafe New York’ hand-bags debuted at uptown department store Bergdorf Goodman.

His bags are made of the finest materials and are designed to complement instead of upstage its owner’s style. Each one exudes the workman’s personal touch and somehow maintains its own individuality.

“The most important lesson I’ve learned is that as a business that is starting out small, you must have a structure to support your dreams,” he recounts. “By structure, I mean sales, ship-ping, warehousing, billing and collections, accounting, public relations, and marketing. Otherwise, you’ll just be toiling away for nothing.”

No matter how many glittering personalities carry his bags, Rafe remains grounded. “I don’t dwell on it too much,” he insists. “I won’t deny that I’m thrilled when I see the pictures but I move on pretty quickly.”

The fashion-savvy will remember Rafe from clothing line ‘Schizo’, under the famous Sari-Sari Store brand. In 1989, Rafe left his successful business to pursue his dream of a career in the world scene.

Even Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has been spotted carrying his bags, especially on visits to other countries.

FAMOUS FILIPINOS 17

“I wish I could get a picture of her sporting it,” he muses. “That would be front page of my press book!”

His professed next stop is designing for men. “It’s a little easier because I am my customer but it’s also hard to sell to this group,” he says. “But this is slowly changing as more men are starting to be more fashion conscious and want to look good like their female counterparts.”

Jessica ALba

Eva Langoria

From his flagship store in downtown Manhattan, Rafe’s bags and shoes are now carried worldwide, from Bergdorf Goodman and Bloomingdales to Japanese department stores like Hankyu and Matsuzakaya. “Every year we grow, slowly but steadily,” he says. “I’ve always had an invisible checklist inside my head of certain milestones I wanted to reach: opening the store, moving to a bigger showroom, launching a shoe collection, increasing international distribution, etc. They are all falling into place and I’m really excited about the next level of growth that we will be experiencing in the coming years.”

Despite all the success, Rafe is anything but relaxed. He’s constantly moved by his surroundings, always inspired to create his next must-have accessory. “I’m a bit of a sponge,” he admits. “I am always people-watching. I’m the ultimate voyeur. Whether I am in Hong Kong, Tokyo, Paris, Milan, or at home in New York, nothing escapes my eye. I see what girls around town are wearing and I imagine what kind of shoes or bags they should be wearing.”

Vanessa Minillo

Jessica ALba

The Rafe New York collection is available in upscale department stores and specialty stores throughout the US, Canada, Europe, Asia, Russia, the Caribbean, South America and the Middle East, as well as select online shopping sites.

18 KABUHAYAN

ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Money, Assets and Investing

A Business Built on Precious Memories

By Mikkel Bolante

There are a few things as precious as weddings, and Rebecca Adrian recognizes the need for fine details to make the memorable occasion absolutely perfect. She makes custom-made jewelry for bridesmaids — in collaboration with U.S. based bridal fashion designer Jenny Yoo. “I have been making custom jewelry pieces for a number of years,” Adrian says. Her endeavor into the field of bridal accessories was her biggest hit, turning her project into an extremely unique business idea

The Cotabato, Kidapawan native moved to the US when she was only 16 years old. 23 years later, her eye for design continues to be apparent. She tried her hand at several artistic ventures before settling on her bridesmaid business, including designing for children’s playhouses. “But I was looking for something more challenging,” she recalls.

She was looking for a business opportunity when a friend took her to a hobby shop, and that’s when things really began.

Adrian started designing and producing classic jewelry pieces, custom-made for her clients. It was at this time she familiarized herself with semi-precious stones like new jade, rose quartz and citrine. “I am inspired by the beauty of particular natural stones,” she says. “I love to intermingle colors and shapes that compliment each other.” She says designing the pieces is the part of the business she loves the most. “When a design turns out right, it is instantly obvious as it

comes together. I gauge the success of a piece on the reaction of others.”

Three years ago, she collaborated with Yoo to create a line that complemented her partner’s bride and bridesmaid dresses.

“The resulting range was an instant success,” she shares. Her line is now displayed in showrooms in the major cities in the US — including New York, Los Angeles and Chicago.

She realized that in order to develop the business, an investment had to be made.

With costs for catalogues, brochures, advertising and a website, she spent a total of US$25,000 during the first two years. The development of the business hit a snag when Adrian moved to the United Arab Emirates

in August of 2007. “At first, the prospect of running the business from a distance was daunting,” she says of her worry. “However, I soon realized that with modern technology, it was perfectly feasible.”

“The business is largely web-based,” she says. She received help in website and catalogue development from a company owned by a fellow Filipina, Patricia Basuel.

Manufacturing is now based in the UAE, although the accessories continue to be available in the States. “In the future, I would like to see outlets in Dubai and the major European cities. In fact, it would be nice to see Jenny Yoo’s dresses available in these important markets as well.”

She is proud to say that her Filipino network has been a major factor in her success. “They have always been particularly valuable to me and I try to reciprocate their kindness,” she says. “My growing network has been especially useful since my move here.

Suppliers of gold and semi-precious stones, shipping agents and sales contacts have been very important for my business.”

She gives out advice to those with entrepreneurial ambitions. “A degree of passion is very important in a successful business,” she says. “There is often a need for long hours, insight and hard work before a glimpse of success. Also, find a market with a particular niche. That’s important if you want to be more than just a competitor in a crowded field.” She adds that developing a business is not easy, but if you really want it, and can put the work in, chances are already in your favor.

Their website is available for viewing at www. rebeccaadrian.com

20 KABUHAYAN

ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Money, Assets and Investing

Investing in livestock and poultry business in the Philippines

By Bernadette Reyes

Raising an assortment of cute farm animals can be amusing but livestock and poultry farming, when taken as a serious venture, can be a highly profitable business in the Philippines.

Livestock animals commonly raised in the country include hogs, goats, carabao and cattle while poultry animals include chickens and ducks. Engaging in either livestock or poultry production or both is likely to bring in profit primarily because fresh and/or canned meat, eggs, meat by-products such as hotdogs, longganisa, tocino and ham and dairy products such as milk and cheese are prime food commodities in the Philippines with regular and high demand.

Ronnie Uy is a businessman who started his venture in animal farming in 2004 with an initial investment of PHP1,000,000. Three years later, Ronnie has already recouped his investment and he now earns stable income from the business. “My family and I can now live comfortably with the profit I’m earning from raising swine and chickens,” Ronnie said. While his previous employment with Monterey Food Corporation helped him in making the business successful, Ronnie believes interested individuals can repeat his success provided a systematic approach is applied.

If you are a bit wary to start big as a commercial raiser with 100 or more farm animals to rear, you may choose to tend a smaller flock or brood. However, commercial scale and backyard raisers can only earn profit and sustain income from the business if it is handled efficiently. When launching the business from scratch, conduct a feasibility study first to determine whether the project will be profitable. If the study proves feasible, then you may start choosing a location away from urban population.

Make sure you construct well-planned buildings and structures where you house your farm animals. An environment-friendly waste disposal system is also a must since you wouldn’t want neighbors and other nearby establishments to complain about the odor emitted by your various animals. Make sure you also acquire the necessary technical know-how and equipment and complement these with advice from professionals in the field. This type of business also requires permits including Barangay Clearance,

Mayor’s Permit and DENR permit. In some regions, commercial raisers are obliged to apply for Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA) Permit which regulates pollution arising from animal wastes. These are requisites in commercial farms although requirement for backyard farms which have lesser population are less sophisticated.

In choosing the animals to rear, acquire those with good genetics. Choose animals which have good initial body weight, possess excellent growth rate (which means they develop stronger immunity faster) and have lower mortality rate. Go with animals with lower costs of cultivation to gain bigger income.

Normally you need about PHP100,000 to be able to raise a small flock exclusive of land which covers all inputs such as buildings, machineries (feed mill), breeders, feeds ingredients and medicaments. This includes your operating capital until your first income proceeds come in from fattener sales. Return on investment usually starts after two years of operation.

However, business owners may integrate organized and specialized schemes in the production process to maximize earnings.

Feedlot operator may partner with farmers who plant forage corn. This way the feedlot operator is assured of a continuous supply of feeds while the forage corn farmers received premium price for their crop. Livestock and poultry raisers may also partner with feed suppliers such as cooperatives engaged in the milling and processing of animal feeds particularly for livestock and poultry.

The produced feeds may then be sold to the active members of the cooperative who are engaged in animal raising. In this arrangement, livestock and poultry raisers are assured of a steady and affordable supply of high quality feeds ensuring profitability, while cooperatives are able to evolve into a highly-efficient cooperative that pays regular dividends to its members.

If you don’t have enough capital you may

choose to engage in contract growing wherein you rear the animals and another entity harvests the flocks and markets the animals. Little capital is needed in this model because you only need to take care of the labor and housing including power, light and water and other miscellaneous expenses. The other party will take care of the feed support, vaccines, technical services and marketing.

Once the animals are grown, you profit by the kilo.

A wealth of other information are available at the Department of Agriculture, the local government units (LGUs), or even from the Internet that can be used as guide in animal raising to maximize profit in animal farming.

If you wish to join an existing association to help you through the process, assistance is available at The Office of the Municipal Agricultural Officer or the Provincial Agriculturist in your area. You may also seek help from the Cooperative Development Authority.

According to the Bureau of Agricultural Statistics, the livestock industry generated over PHP800 billion in value of production in 2005 and has created allied industries worth billions of pesos. Hence, engaging in animal farming not only gives businessmen a steady source of income but it also improves the overall economy of the country by generating hundreds of thousands of jobs — from the small backyard livestock farmers to the workers of the commercial livestock or poultry farms and in all other allied industries including feed milling, manufacture of veterinary drugs, meat and meat by-products processing, dairy products and milk production among others.

While mortality is one headache in this type of business, you might well remember that every business has its risks and that efficiency which rests on good management can tide you through. With sufficient training and experience, investors can expand livestock and poultry production to earn a bigger income and consequently raise his standard of living.

22

SUCCESSFUL PINOY

Tips on Success

Be a model of class: Maging Sosyal, Wag Magpa-sosyal

By Jeffrey ‘Ximo’ Ramos

Ano nga ba ang ibig sabihin ng ‘class’? Kapag dumaan sa harap mo ang isang tanyag, mayaman, at nire-respetong tao sa lipunan na halos sa TV mo lang nakikita, sabay nakangiting binati ka ng “magandang umaga” habang ang mga tao sa tabi mo ay nakatungangang bumubulong na, “ang sosyal-sosyal niya”, ano ang iyong mararamdaman?

Sila yung mga ‘breed ng Pinoy’ na nagpapatunay na puwedeng mapaghalo ang kayamanan at kabutihan at ang kagandahan at kaayusan. Sila yung mga ‘X-Men’ – mga extra ordinary men and women! Sila yung ‘mga class’ ng lipu-nan.

Mga Sosyal na Pilipino I would mention, some names na sa kanilang kapanahunan ay nagbigay ‘glamor’ at ‘reputasyon’ sa ating bayan. Formm mer President Fidel Ramos: his leadership and diplomacy has put back the Philippines in the map. Kitang kita mo sa interna-tional community na ‘bumango’ muli at nakilala ang katatagan ng Pinoy. Other models of ‘class’ are Susan Roces and Paeng Nepomuceno. At sino ang hindi magmamagree kina Aga Muhlach at Mel Tiangco. Sa mga dayuhan naman na kilala sa mundo, kasama sa hanay si Oprah Winfrey, ang yumaong si Princess Diana, and former South African President Nelson Mandela.

Maisasama rin natin si Dan Sullivan, who is the creator of ‘The Strategic Coach Program’ and proponent of the concept of ‘class act’.

Sila ang tinatawag na class na tao at tunay na sosyal.

Paano ka Mapapasama sa ‘Class’ List Nakakalungkot man isipin, kakaunti lang ang tunay na miembro ng grupo na ito. The good news is, puwede ka pang maisama sis and bro! Here are some of the ways to become a model of class, as mentioned in the program of Dan Sullivan: • Live by your own highest standards.

Mahalagang magkaroon ka ngsariling standard na hindi naka-base sa standard ng mundo. Know your purpose, find that gift from above and be guided by it.

• Maintain dignity and grace under presmm sure. There are 3 aspects to consider m (1) imperturbability in the face of chaos – leadmm

SUCCESSFUL PINOY

23

Tips on Success

ing yourself means you can lead others; (2) calmness that gives courage – your own calmness gives hope to others that things will be fine; (3) a quality of certainty – Rizal can be an example of this. He did not panic nor break. His leadership and calmness in the face of Spanish oppression inspired many Filipinos.

•Increase the confidence and capabilities of others. Ang mga class ay ‘energy creators not energy drainers.’

So, can you be a model of class? Of course you can. Sabi mo nga kanina habang iniisa-isa mo, “aba, ganito ako!” You just have to work and polish on some behaviors to improve yourself.

Ilabas mo na ang Mamahaling Plato!

Ilabas mo na ang mamahaling plato at gamitin mo na ang magagara mong baro. Treat everyday as a special day – a day of class.

Gamitin mo ang mamahalin mong kubyertos. Huwag mong itago ito. Ikaw ang gumamit. Huwag ng hintayin pa na ang ‘mahahalaga’ mong bisita ang makabasag nito. Enjoy being a model of class. Hindi yung nag-tiyatiyaga ka sa platong plastic na ang hirap-hirap alisin ang sebo. Minsan tuloy, kapag dapat mo nang gamitin, hindi ka sanay. Kasi nga walang practice sa pagiging sosyal na tunay.

Hindi naman sa nagpapasikat ka, you are just living a life of ‘class’ – the life you truly deserve. Sabi nga nila, ‘maging sosyal ka, huwag magpaka-sosyal’. Look and act like a model of class.

Be ‘Classy’ All the Time “Reputation is important – it is the whole you in and out. It is what you say, and the way you say it, the way you walk and even the shoes you wear….” - Dr. Ramon Ricardo Roque, PHd. Deputy Secretary General, Congress of the Philippines Being a model of class represents the whole you! It is the ‘highest level’ of yourself – from your ‘good inner thoughts’ and your well-mannered actions to the neat clothes you wear and just the right amount of cologne or perfume you splash on. This, I learned from a person I know, who is real role model of good repute.

I first met him in the Congress of the Philip-pines, as my boss. He was the Director of Administration and I was a fresh graduate of Political Science. My idealistic expecta-tions from a government office - discreet-ness, smartness, diplomacy, integrity, and ‘ask now, get now service’ were all met, and that is because of the leadership of Director Ricardo A. Roque.

Every time I would walk with him to his meetings or discuss some office matters with him, I feel elevated to a different level.

I looked up to him, and I wanted to become like him. I can only describe him as a perfect gentleman with a style, and grace befitting his position of authority. Working under his leadership was a real training for me. I saw the way he motivated staff and how he professionally handled administrative opera-tions. Even a simple Monday flag ceremony is presented in such a way that everything, to the smallest detail, is considered –flowers, gifts, raffles, important guest speakers, etc.

I remember him coming out from his van at the West Wing lobby, assisted by his Liaison

Officer. He always walked tall. He would greet every employee met along the way with a smile, in his well fitted dark suit or long sleeved barong, with a pair of shiny Bally shoes, capped with the smell of Grey Flannel perfume. Amidst his stylish aura, he still managed to serve within the parameters of the civil service code of modesty. Hinan-gaan ko talaga siya.

Nang nag-birthday tuloy ako at inim-bitahan ko siya at ang mga kasamahan sa opisina, I wanted to celebrate in style.

Pakiramdam ko, I had to present it the way he would. I had catering done at our home garden, decorated with ‘sulo’ flames to gently light up the evening and took on the services of a videographer to capture the event. I felt compelled put in the best effort, as though the President of the Philippines was coming. The evening went well and I felt great!

Before, I used to call my boss as Director Roque. Now, he is addressed by his fellow Congress employees as Deputy Secretary General. And in the academy, he is called Dr. Roque (because of his PHD). Now, I also have the privilege to call him Ninong Cardie. There is no better way to draw my role model closer to but to make him a godparent.

At hindi ko makakalimutan ang kan-yang unang kabilin-bilinan sa aking kasal: “Isuot mo ang bago mong sapatos pagmalapit ka na sa simbahan. Dahil pag luhod ninyo sa altar, ang makikita sa inyo ng tao ay ang inyong talam-pakan.”

Maging Sosyal! Huwag magpakasosyal!

24 FEATURE

Small Space, Big Improvement

Create an accent wall for focus

By Chelle Laborte

One of the most liberating things in life is to have a place you can call your own. But in this day and age of soaring rental and property costs, it is near impossible to find a luxurious space that will fit within your budget well. More often than not, you find yourself sharing your personal space with other kabayans, reluctantly. However, fret not because there’s no reason to live less than ‘fabulously’ if all you have is a small area. Here are some tried and tested, as well as fresh tips that will make you want to invite the whole barangay into your home (except that you would have to do it in batches so everybody could fit)!

Be negative First things first. Room layout should maximize space. But it does not mean that the furniture should be in grid-like form. Keeping the sofa against the wall is not always the solution to create more space. Sometimes, it helps to create some negative spaces by placing the furniture pieces diagonally. Your coffee table can sit parallel to the sofa, as can the other pieces.

The triangular gap at the back of the sofa will then be an interesting space to play with — place an indoor plant with uplights to create a dramatic effect. Or you can put a tall sculpture on a pedestal that can also make a great conversation piece. Here, the

gap and negative spaces are more important than the layout itself. The empty spaces already speak for themselves.

Bring color in While it is true that white makes a space look bigger, it can also make it drab and dull. White works well for minimalist interiors, but then again, minimalist designs work better with bigger spaces.

Create the illusion of spaciousness by dividing areas with color. Choose a palette that will blend and flow from one area to another. You can choose an earthy theme: have a terracotta dining room, an olive

living room, beige hallways and mocha bedrooms. The color of the wood shown in your furniture and doors will serve as the transition from each of the areas. With this, you create a warm, cozy space that looks far from small and claustrophobic.

Focus!

If you want to keep the colors to a minimum, choose an accent wall that will serve as the focal point of that room. Let’s say, in your bedroom, you choose the wall where your headboard is located. Paint it with a bold plum or chocolate color. Dark colors tend to recede which makes the room look bigger. Then a huge modern minimalist

FEATURE 25

Create moods with playful lighting

or abstract painting can cohesively relate all the colors that you can see inside the bedroom. This technique will certainly work wonders into your small space.

Show Your True Self Your place should reflect your personality.

But beware; clutter is often confused with personality. You can showcase your knickknacks from your travels but make it as organized and as fun to look at as possible.

Put them on floating or cantilevered shelves or niches that can be built specifically for those items. Add some spotlights and you got yourself a little artsy gallery.

Let go Needless to say, you have to let go of the bric-a-brac that has been collecting dust in your cupboards. Bet you don’t even remember having owned those things that are hidden in the deep recesses of your closets. Rule of thumb: anything that you have not used or worn for the past 12 months should be recycled, given away, donated or thrown out.

Reflect Strategically placed, mirrors and metallic objects can make the space look bigger. If you have a nice view of the cityscape outside your window, then you can place the mirror in such a manner that it will allow that view to flow into the house. A long hallway can also have one huge mirror on one side and a series of paintings on the other side, thus making it appear like a gallery of sorts.

Show your personality with knick-knacks on floating shelves

Stack it up Coffee table books can be stacked one on top of the other. An ottoman, or baul, accentuated with a lovely shawl or runner, can serve as both a seat and storage.

Lighten up One of the most inexpensive ways to maximize space is by lighting. Be daring and playful. Put floor lamps behind sofas, wall sconces on hallways or candles all over your place. You don’t need to switch every light on. You can play with the intensity and

lighting colors depending on the mood that you are in. Lights create a warm atmosphere and a subtle movement, giving an illusion that the space is larger than it actually is.

There are no hard and fast rules in designing your little space. But there are creative ways of turning petite areas into nooks that can be vibrant and so full of life! Go ahead, get on with revamping and be proud of that place that’s about you - no matter how small it is.

h H

ow easy it is to exalt a Filipina, first as a man nurtured in my mother’s womb and as a Filipino beholden to her grace. She comes to us as a myth, a beauty that emerged from a length of bamboo that Bathala split open after he had created earth and high heaven. But soon enough, the myth became jewelled reality, the noble warrior in Princes Urduja, Gabriela Silang and Tandang Sora – women of stern courage who defended their birthright, as all Filipinos should. She stands tall as a beauty queen, as polished mannequin, and taller yet as a concert diva, such as Jovita Fuentes who awed Europe in the 20s and Lea Salonga as a Broadway star. But the inner shine and glory are in her professionalism as a teacher, scientist, doctor and nurse – who was it who said that the American medical system would falter if all those Filipina nurses left?

Rizal creates an eternal heroine in Sisa, the long-suffering mother in the novel Noli Me Tangere. Sisa is now reality too in the thousands of Filipinas working abroad as domestics in the Middle East, Singapore and Hong Kong, and as entertainers in Japan. They are no less heroic than the warrior women who fought the Spaniards, Americans and Japanese. It is they, who, with great sacrifice, keep the home fires burning. In the factories and in the farms, it is they who produce the goods that the capitalists sell, the food all of us eat and after doing these, they go home to mind the children and bind the family together.

Look closely at the faces of our women on these pages, young and old, peasant and aristocrat. Inspite of the truculence of the times, the banality of our politics, the intransigence of our leaders, despair does not limit their eyes. Hope and joy reside in them, for these are Filipinas who will prevail, whose unhappy country will yet be redeemed by them.

F. Sionil Jose

Novelist, National Artist for Literature Introduction, Filipina: A Tribute to the Filipino Woman

WOMEN of Substance Text: Lalaine Chu-Benitez Photography Illuminado Ong and John Hipolito (for Capt. Irene Mora) Styling : Zekundo Chu Make-Up : Anna de Leon Hair Stylist : Cacai Contributing Fashion Designers (studio shots): Ezra Santos, Ruben Santos and Michael Cinco Jewelry for studio shots courtesy of Liali Jewellery

They say that behind every successful man, is a woman – however a cliché that may be, it can’t be more true than in this instance.

Being the wife of a career diplomat is no easy undertaking, because behind all the pomp and pageantry of life in the diplomatic corps, is the reality of a demanding existence devoted to serving one’s country.

A diplomat’s spouse has to play a solid supporting role to a public servant and community leader, who is on call 24 hours a day committed to the protection of the country’s citizens; serve as de facto patron to the community, and gracious host to the representative of other nations. Beyond the bounds of social diplomacy, is the fact of having to live the life of global nomads - moving the family from one country to another, starting life from scratch several times over during the diplomat’s tour of duty, while having to deal with the pains of growing children. All these have to be managed and endured, with vigor and the utmost patience and equanimity.

Madame Remedios Fe Cabactulan, wife of Philippine Ambassador to the UAE H.E. Libran Cabactulan is the epitome of elegance and grace under pressure. She is, without a doubt, the definitive smiling face of the Filipino community in the emirates.

A former educator who taught the sciences in U.P. Diliman, she has chosen a life of service to the country in support of her beloved husband. Asked what it felt like to be giving up the profession which she so loved, she graciously replied “I see it as significantly fulfilling, to be part of my husband’s noble career. I did not feel like I severed my own personal vocation, instead I saw my love for teaching take another form.

Instead of molding the minds of students, I’m also fulfilling something I had always wanted to do, and that is to foster the spirit of nationalism and promote our country’s culture and traditions.”

Although Madame Cabactulan admits that it has been taxing, perhaps, it is her positive

attitude and her husband’s strength that has helped them weather the difficulties of life as a family on the constant move, which has taken them to Switzerland, Belgium, the U.S., the Philippines, Australia and eventually the UAE. “The emotional dislocation is something you cannot forsee and avoid. It was difficult for our children while they were growing up. But I used to tell them and they have learned to understand that the life of their dad is the career of our family. And it’s all about love for country.”

Amazingly supportive, but never in the shadows, Madame Cabactulan has, in her own right, done her bit for the community.

Apart from being a regular fixture in the diplomatic scene, promoting the Philippines in meaningful social endeavors, she has also occupied significant positions within the diplomatic fraternity. She currently heads the Department of Foreign Affairs Ladies Foundation (DFA LF) in the emirates, and Asian Ladies Group which includes 22 countries, and was President of the UAE Ambassador’s Wives Club in 2005-2006 overseeing 70 members. Before their UAE stint, she also served as Chairman of the Consular General Ladies Group of Sydney, was involved in the Unicef’s Cultural Activities in New York, and served as the treasurer of the Asean Ladies Circle in Manila.

A delicate female, with a constitution of steel, and an aura of sincerity, this grand lady supporting the country’s top man, has certainly earned her own spotlight.

Madame Fe Cabactulan Community Patroness – The Woman Behind the Man

WOMEN OF SUBSTANCE Origami-inspired terno by Ruben Santos.

Diamonds from Liali Jewellery.

“Flying is just like putting on a backpack - you put on your wings, you soar, and the world is there for you,” says petite Irene Mora, her enthusiasm and twinkling eyes revealing her vigor and appetite for life.

While most people trudge along their day jobs and the usual mix of mundane activities, Irene Mora travels the world, manages a fleet of chartered airplanes, a lodge and pilot’s lounge, publishes a specialized aviation magazine, plays mom to three adopted children and still finds the time, on occasion, to scuba dive, jump out of planes and at one time float in Zero Gravity.

She is our very own version of pioneering female aviator Amelia Earheart, who proudly flies, not only the Philippine flag, but that of tremendously courageous women as well. A native of Mindoro Occidental, Irene is an astounding female figure pushing the boundaries of societal expectations.

Blessed with a very supportive family, Irene was drawn to flying from a very young age, inspired by her grandfather who was a pilot.

“It’s in my genes,” she remarks. She started training at 14 when most girls her age had the usual teenage angst and preoccupations.

By 23, she had her first official flight and has now been flying with Saudia’s Royal Fleet for the last 11 years, while at the same time managing her own charter flight business back home, Mora Air Services (MASI) where she and her co-pilots transport passengers to any island in the Philippines on her very own private planes. Apart from flying VIP’s and tourists, Irene also undertakes medical evacuation flights helping save lives.

Back in her hometown, Irene has also taken special interest in helping the lives of less fortunate Mindorenses. Apart from establishing her entrepreneurial ventures

which include MASI, El Mora Hotel, and the Pilot’s Lounge which have contributed to a paradigm shift in her community, she also has an ardent desire to improve the lives of the needy. Nowadays, together with wellmeaning friends, she is at the early stage of forming a foundation which aims to provide education to kids of different ages, thereby offering opportunities for these children and giving hope to their families.

With a life so full of energy and achievements, Irene still has space for even more aspirations which include having an international commercial airline fleet, and being the first Filipina in space – things only a few of us can even imagine. But just as simply as she regards herself and her life, she says as a matter-of-fact, “I’ve never been afraid of the unknown. And of course, dreaming is for free.”

Capt. Irene Mora

Pilot, Entrepreneur Pinay Dreamer at the Cutting Edge

WOMEN OF SUBSTANCE

The authoritative tone, the hauteur in her stance and the confident air with which Lucille Ong conducts herself is enough to make anybody conclude that the lady is a diva. And diva she might as well be called if one were to judge from her sterling credentials and the amount of efforts she has pulled off, in the name of the local Filipino community.

Twenty eight years in the emirates and a string of prestigious employment taking her from the hotel, exhibitions to the fashion business, then her own entrepreneurial venture, has given Lucille the kind of enviable reputation, experience and leverage that anybody operating locally could only wish for. Through her extensive connections with the local government authorities, she has always been the first point of contact for Dubai’s Economic Department and the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing. She is also widely connected with the ruling family in Dubai and elsewhere in the Middle East, and has far-reaching links with foreign business councils as well.

Lucille is an exceptional and consistent Filipino community leader – oftentimes providing ready support to the Philippine embassy or the consulate for various liaison and mobilization work involving Filipinorelated events, including Independence Day celebrations, fundraising activities, entertainment shows, among others. Under the Philippine Business Council of Dubai, which she has lead from 2005 to the present,

she has spearheaded the organization and management of the Philippine Pavilion at the Global Village since 2001. Thanks to her work, Philippine culture has been promoted to a larger audience through several performances of the world-renowned Bayanihan dance troupe under the auspices of the UAE Ministry of Culture.

Definitely a godsend for the Filipino business community, this dynamic lady has also been instrumental in the growth of the Philippine Business Council, which has actively promoted excellence in business practices as well as entrepreneurship among top Filipino executives and traders in the country.

In the thick of her rich life and at the peak of her career and community work, Lucille enthusiastically declares, “I’m loving it!”

The Filipino community is truly fortunate to have this diva in their midst.

Lucille Ong

Business and Cultural Patroness – A Different Kind of Diva

WOMEN OF SUBSTANCE Couture by Ezra Santos.

Diamonds and pearls from Liali Jewellery.

“I was always referred to as an ugly duckling, albeit jokingly, by my loving family since I was a little girl.

Until today they still call me ‘law-ay’ (Ilonggo term for ‘ugly’).” Although sultry stunner Tracy Javelona concedes that the nickname stuck with her and stayed at the back of her mind, she says she grew up happy and confident, her mind and energy focused on her studies and on other productive pursuits.

As the youngest in the family, this sweet Bacoleña was the cherished ‘bunso’ everybody was fond of, excelling in school, eventually graduating with a degree in International Studies from the De La Salle University, while also being seriously involved in dancing, taking up ballet and jazz, and also practicing singing.

Growing up slim and tall, with a rich kayumanggi complexion and a warm inviting smile, Tracy says she never thought of herself as attractive, particularly because her looks did not conform to the traditional definition of beauty in the Philippines - which always gave preference to fairskinned mestizas. And just like any other Filipina girl seeking confidence, running after the elusive dream of fairer skin, she admits that she’s gone through a phase in her life trying to find her ‘color’ – dabbling in the over promising world of whiteners, miracle creams and fairness potions; until she eventually discovered appreciation for her natural self.

As if to validate her self-discovery, Tracy was crowned First Runner-Up at the 2004 Binibining Pilipinas, the Philippines’ most prestigious beauty pageant, at the age of 24. For the beauty queen who was a firm favorite of pageant pundits early on, she says joining the contest was something she never planned. She feels very grateful, however, to be considered as one of the top exemplary beauties in the country and to be given the opportunity to contribute her own efforts to the Binibining Pilipinas Charities Incorp. (BPCI) helping raise funds for various socio-civic causes, in such a way that ennobles the Filipino image and consciousness around the world.

Tracy was fortunate to have had the opportunity to travel in her late teens.

Seeing the world and meeting different people at such an impressionable age has widened her perspective not only of the world, but also the way she views herself.

Perhaps in the usual sense that people only get to appreciate what they have relative to others, Tracy realized that she too, can be considered beautiful.

Now in her late 20’s and a resident of Dubai, Tracy is happy and relaxed and embodies the image of a self-assured and alluring Filipina. Her confidence and belief on the innate beauty of Filipino women in general, gives credence to a fact that some of us have yet to discover – that beauty does not lie in the color of one’s skin, but in one’s love and acceptance for self.

Tracy Javelona

Binibining Pilipinas Titlist, True Kayumanggi Beauty

WOMEN OF SUBSTANCE

Couture by Michael Cinco.

Diamonds from Liali Jewellery.

If you can look beyond the distracting glitter of fabulous diamonds, the flashy cars and the multimillion mansion ensconced in exclusive Emirates Hills, you will have the pleasure of learning about a Filipina who has built herself from scratch in such an astounding fashion. Meet Rowena Jamaji, entrepreneur extraordinaire, half of the duo that built an aggressively growing turnkey construction company slated to touch the DHS 1.3billion turnover mark this very year.

Growing up in a sleepy town in Zambales, in a middle-class single income family, Rowena had her fair share of sacrifices. The fourth among six children, she had to put on hold her ambitions, at times, to give way to her elder siblings. Still, being the focused go getter, she pursued her entrepreneurial inclinations. At the age of 19, she opened a canteen and grocery store in Manila to help the family. Landing in Dubai in the early 90s, this lady brought the same determination despite working in humble jobs – first as a receptionist at the Aviation club, then a secretary at a rent-a-car company. A blind date during her early days in the emirate would bring her face-to-face with the gentle Minoo Jamaji, a talented Civil Engineer, who was to be her equal partner in life and in business.

The two led a very modest life as a couple.

Rowena remembers the day they were married when all they had was a simple ceremony and ‘tea’, and recounts how they had to sleep on the carpeted floor of a sparsely furnished flat they used to call home. The eventual boom of Dubai and their maturing local experience saw a remarkable change in the couple’s fortunes.

Very much the visionary of the duo, while Minoo provided the technical and client relationship skills, Rowena pressed her

husband to eventually go on their own. “It took me five years to convince him that we should start our own business, but once we got our first major account, we were unstoppable.”

Now in only five years time, the pair’s enterprise Roshan Construction LLC, has become a leader in the sector, with 6,000 employees, a roster of prestigious clients and two international awards for excellence in industrial construction - certainly not a bad trade off, considering that their road to success was paved with hardships.

Managing the company with her husband and dealing with the nitty-gritty of the job entailed true grit and resilience for Rowena.

“In the beginning, I had to drive around laborers in a pick-up, buy construction supplies, see to it that our cement doesn’t get wet with the rain, and deal with aggressive suppliers, who didn’t want to extend a credit facility to us. It was heart breaking.” Inspite of all these, the girl who once hitched a ride with her brother just for the chance to study in Manila, emerged triumphant, proving that women can be equal competent partners even in an industry traditionally dominated by men.

Her glittering fabulous lifedefinitely something she deserves.

Rowena Jamaji

Entrepreneur Extraordinaire – Pinay Achiever in a Man’s World

WOMEN OF SUBSTANCE

“Dear Priscilla…” her school mates wrote in their high school year book. Little did Rita know that being an ‘agony aunt’ to friends, even strangers and an entire community, would be her ultimate calling in life. Former Manila fashion editor, pre-school teacher turned full time mom Rita Verdolaga has got quite a gift that is valuable to a lot of people – the talent for listening. “I’ve always been like that, ready to provide an ear to whoever needs it,” professes Rita.

She and her husband Leo, who pursued a career in the airline industry, moved to Dubai 17 years ago, with their two kids in tow.

Being active members of couple support group CFC in the Philippines since 1989, the pair embarked on a pioneering mission assisted by another well-meaning pair, to set up the local community where couples can meet up with others to discuss spirituality and maintaining healthy relationships, while providing a nurturing network to assist those who are troubled.

From there on, with their exceptional communication skills, and a genuine desire to help the community, the duo naturally progressed as leaders and speakers of the group helping and providing much needed counseling to hundreds of couples through meetings, and one-on-ones, going as far as facilitating couples’ intervention in some cases. Their ‘mission’, as they call it, has touched the lives of so many, and has brought them to all the seven emirates, around the Gulf and to as far as Yemen.

while Rita, with her knack for giving comfort and advice to people has effortlessly become the official ‘ate’ and friend of an entire community. These days, it’s not uncommon for Rita to receive calls from people in distress – community members, acquaintances, and even strangers. And though the work has proved trying at times, she retains her patience and good nature, safe in the knowledge that divine intervention will take care of these challenges.

With a happy 25 years of marriage to a wonderful man, three kids, the fulfillment of motherhood and the spiritual and emotional gratification that her voluntary work brings, Rita says that she has found her true calling in life. But despite the praises and the respect, which she and her husband are accorded in the community, she stays steadfast to her cause with her feet planted firmly on the ground. “I am not a counselor, I’m not even a psychologist, I’m just a friend. Somebody who’s ready to listen to those who need help.”

16 since they started their project, Leo occupies a key position within the group,

Rita Verdolaga

Full-time Mom, Missionary, a Sister and Friend to Many

WOMEN OF SUBSTANCE

Fifty-two years of marriage, eight talented children, 19 grandchildren, 34 different personalities including a nun, a Muslim couple, one Chinese and one Syrian national, makes for one big happy musical family who are a genuine example of familial love and togetherness. On top of this cheerful family tree are ‘ Tatay’ Vic Tajanlangit and ‘Nanay’ Norma

Norma Tajanlangit is a truly accomplished individual. She became a concert pianist at the age of 15 and a doctor of medicine at 23. Together with her civic-oriented husband, the couple shared between them various community projects to benefit their hometown of General Santos in the Philippines. These included a rural health endeavor providing free treatment, a living blood bank, a program to curb juvenile delinquency among street children, as well as the setting up of the Mindanao State University, among many other exemplary efforts.

As a consummate pianist, who at the ripe age of 74 can amazingly perform an entire classical concert blindfolded, Norma’s musical passion has rubbed off on their children.

With their mother’s musical prowess and their father’s ceaseless enthusiasm, the Tajanlangit children grew up to be excellent musicians and performers, earning fame in the process. Known as the Filipino version of the Von Trapp family, they were first invited by the late Doña Josefa

Edralin Marcos to perform at the CCP, and have since then, wowed audiences in the Philippines and abroad with their own brand of music and performance.

But perhaps even more significant than her musical genius, professional credentials and charity work is how Norma, a working mother engaged in civic endeavors, no less, was also able to pull together such a big and exemplary family honored with the 1984 Angkan Award – a symbol of the model Filipino family by the World Family Institute.

She credits it to a great partnership with her husband Vic; assigning responsibilities to their children early on in their lives and to the boundless joy and love which has always filled the Tajanlangit home. “I have always thought that families were like that,” she says very modestly, to which her adoring husband ads, “My wife makes the plans and I implement,” enthusiastically exemplifying the strong role that our women traditionally play at the home front – in praise of the quintessential Filipina matriarch.

Norma Tajanlangit

Accomplished Pianist, Doctor, Loving Wife and Mother

WOMEN OF SUBSTANCE

42 DESIGNER PROFILE

Patty Estaquio’s Art & Fashion

By Mikkel Bolante

Patty Eustaquio was embarking on a journey to artistic greatness. Though she initially studied world cultures at the Collegio del Mondo Unito in Trieste, Italy under a full grant from the UWC Endowment Fund and the Ayala Foundation, she soon became the prized student of the University of the Philippines College of Fine Arts, graduating magna cum laude with a Major in Painting in 2001. That same year, she took home the Dominador Castaneda award for best thesis. Already having been involved in several exhibits – even before she finished

DESIGNER PROFILE 43

She didn’t limit her talent to painting either. Aside from her painting, Patty did production and costume design for various films and theatre performances. She picked up a Gawad Urian Award as part of the design team of Lav Diaz’ ‘Ebolusyon ng Isang Pamilyang Pilipino,’ a critically acclaimed film with a runtime of about 10 hours. In her chosen field, she didn’t want for credibility. But then, a funny thing happened on her way to the peak of her artistry.

44 DESIGNER PROFILE

In 2005, she won a fashion design competition that spurred her to shift careers. Since then, she has been accomplishing big things in the fashion industry. Always a regular in the top glossies and some dailies, Eustaquio has been featured in several events, including Manila Fashion Week. In 2007, she participated in a regional project held by Nike, in an attempt to reinvent the brand’s iconic windbreaker called the Windrunner.

DESIGNER PROFILE 45

Now the President of the Young Designers’ Guild of the Philippines, she has become an influential force in the fashion industry. One of the country’s top designers, she maintains an unconventional style – one that is truly, distinctly hers.

Ironically, the shift to a fashion orientation meant some questions about her credibility as an artist were raised.

In a world where fashion is dismissed as trivial, not even an artist with her credentials could avoid coming under fire. She is not new to controversy, though. She was once anticipated to win a young artist’s competition, if not for the opening of her first solo exhibit weeks before the winners were to be announced.

Not that it makes any difference, though. Because upon closer examination, Eustaquio is still the same artist she was when she began. She may be tearing it up in a different field, but she does so without comprising any of the creativity that made her out to be such an up-andcomer in the art scene in the first place.

Never mind what it is she’s pouring her talented fingers on.

Whether it’s a painting, a sculpture or an evening gown, an artist creates art. And that’s exactly what her designs turn out to be: little works of art – misunderstood by some but loved by a select educated few.

46 MARKET ROUND-UP

Thanks to all those low-cost carriers, I’ve been a frequent traveler to Malaysia. Indeed, the place is ‘truly Asia’ with the diverse cultural mix that exists there. Malaysia is also a veritable showcase of 21st century architecture. Its capital, Kuala Lumpur (or KL), as well as its seat of government, Putrajaya, are at the heart of these futuristic designs.

Unique furniture from a uniQue store Home shoppers can now find a range of tasteful, high quality, durable, yet still affordable furniture at the uniQue showroom which opened in February 2008 at Liwa Centre on Abu Dhabi’s Hamdan Street. Three more will open in Dubai, the first at the new Oasis Centre this autumn, and a store was opened recently at the Al Ain Mall.

The showrooms are also unique in their design as they features individually decorated show rooms that have been set out like typical bedroom, living room and dining room settings at home, complete with soft furnishings, accessories and works of art. The shop is right next door to Home Centre, a sister company of the Landmark Group, and between them they offer shoppers everything from the very affordable to the self indulgent luxurious. At uniQue there is everything from a Dh10 gift item to a Dh12,000 solid mahogany bed that would cost a fortune in an exclusive boutique showroom.

Luke Rolfe, Retail Operations Manager of uniQue, said: “There was a huge gap in the market between affordable, horrendously expensive and far-out chic. Our customers prefer to pay a little more for an item they know will last and even improve with age, and won’t go out of fashion next week. In essence, uniQue embodies timeless and elegant designs for the lifestyle conscious.

It is the sort of furniture you would expect to find in a bespoke, boutique hotel in Europe; tasteful, made of solid wood and high class materials and built to last for generations.”

Given the novel layout of the store, shoppers can meander through peaceful, comfortable and beautiful room environments and imagine their own homes furnished the same way. “We often have customers at Al Ain Mall who fall in love with a complete room setting and buy the whole lot, furniture, drapes, cushions and paintings,” said Rolfe. “It is like creating their own interior designer designed room at home without the designer.”

Exciting Lifestyle Sale This Spring Lifestyle will be having a part-sale across all its 14 stores starting April 16th while lining up exciting value offerings for fashion savvy customers as well as home owners in the United Arab Emirates. The retailer for luxury lifestyle and home décor brands will be slashing prices up to 50 per cent in most of its divisions.

Mark Bowland, General Manager – Retail, Lifestyle stated: “The sale offers shoppers the unique opportunity to add quantity and quality to their shopping carts from all our divisions including home décor, furnishings, spa and beauty, teen gifts, fashion accessories & bags. By offering discounted rates during the sale, we aim to provide an added impetus to our customers to shop at Lifestyle. The vast variety of products is refreshed throughout the year regularly, offering immense shopping options to the contemporary buyer at any point in time. Whether you’re a lover for home décor, home furnishings or a fashionista who loves

accessories or a spa enthusiast indulging in spa products, this is the most advantageous time for shopping.”

Fulfilling its objective to provide quality and variety to its regional customers, Lifestyle has recently introduced new leading international products such as well-known Apsley Scent Diffuser, the renowned name in the hair care industry- Paul Bryan products as well as Sabai Arom spa products from Thailand.

ILLUSTRADO MODEL SEARCH

ARE YOU THE NEXT FACE OF ILLUSTRADO MAGAZINE?

Illustrado is looking for models, both males and females of all ages.

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

Send your close-up and full body picture, as well as your contact details to info@illustrado.net You just might have what it takes to be part of our next issue.

48 FASHION ROUND-UP

Glitz and Glam at SPLASH A dazzling fashion show hits the city again Photography by Mac Antonio

Splash, the leading Dubai based regional fashion retailer put on a glitzy fashion night at the Intercontinental Hotel, Dubai Festival City recently. Top fashion industry experts, stylists, publishing houses, fashionistas and Dubai’s social elite, rubbed shoulders as they witnessed a dazzling show featuring Splash’s Spring/Summer 2008 collection. High on glam, the show had international models, including statuesque Filipina beauty Nina Naval, strutting down the runway sporting the latest collections inspired by global catwalk themes of the season.

The rebirth of classics with a modern renewal was the main highlight of the show. The collections featured varied themes for the women’s line such as Humid Couture, Romantic Innovation, Classic Contrasts, Shangri-La and Neutral Nature. The men’s line included themes titled Safari, Simple Presence and Urban Life. The show finale was an innovative, exclusive collection for the ubiquitous denim brand Lee Cooper by the highly celebrated designer Jean Charles de Castelbajac (JCDC) who has designed for everyone from the Pope to the latest R&B, Hip-Hop stars. The JCDC denim range will hit Splash stores in April.

Raza Beig, CEO of Splash commented, “Splash is pleased to see such an enthusiastic gathering celebrating the spirit of fashion. We are everything about fashion, design and color and our event has reflected this in full measure.

Splash will continue doing these shows twice a year highlighting our latest collections for Spring/Summer and Autumn/Winter. We thank everyone for sharing our happiness and success.”

Splash’s top stylists, along with Dubai’s award winning event-management company 9714 spearheaded by Bong Guerrero and choreographer, Kevin Oliver conceptualized and directed the show for the second time around.

The evening dovetailed into a memorable aftershow party, with guests swaying to the music selected by DJ Jade from Lebanon.

FASHION ROUND-UP 49

50 PINOY PLANET

Malaysian Road Trip

By Ivan Henares

Thanks to all those low-cost carriers, I’ve been a frequent traveler to Malaysia. Indeed, the place is ‘truly Asia’ with the diverse cultural mix that exists there. Malaysia is also a veritable showcase of 21st century architecture. Its capital, Kuala Lumpur (or KL), as well as its seat of government, Putrajaya, are at the heart of these futuristic designs.

PETRONAS TWIN TOWERS

Malaysia is a very ethnically-diverse country with a Muslim majority. Aside from Malays, a sizeable number of ethnic Chinese and Indians, as well as indigenous peoples complete the multiethnic, multi-cultural and multi-lingual society of this country.

While the Malays play a major role in government, the ethnic Chinese have been dominant in the business community.

There’s so much to see and do in KL. Of course, the Petronas Towers, among the city’s interesting skyscrapers, is always on top of anyone’s list. They were once the tallest buildings in the world!

Next to the famous twin towers is, easily, the country’s most exciting shopping destination - Suria KLCC, which apart from housing world-renowned luxury brands, also boasts beautiful gardens with a unique water concept. The entire KLCC area is a favorite haunt of both locals and tourists alike.

I took a walk once around the center of Kuala Lumpur and Chinatown. Among the sights in the area were Hindu and Chinese temples and old government buildings which included the old City Hall, the KL Memorial Library and the National History Museum all around Merdeka Square, and the art deco Central Market, where one can find a lot of souvenirs. One secret of KL is Beryl’s Chocolate Kingdom, a factory that churns out over a hundred varieties of high quality chocolate candies at prices cheaper than the usual.

For this particular trip, I was tasked to check out some nearby cities. And that brought me to Putrajaya, envisioned to be the future capital of Malaysia. This big investment in city and urban planning is scheduled to be completed in 2012 but the finished structures are already monumental.

PINOY PLANET 51

PUTRAJAYA MOSQUE

We were quickly off to the CruiseTasik Putrajaya which is the best way to see this 21st century city . We were able to get RM5 discount coupons for the cruise so we paid RM25 for the 45minute cruise which took us around an island in the center of a man-made lake that offered magnificent views of the city in the making.

The next day was even better. Friends invited me to join their road trip to Ipoh in the state of Perak, some 205 kilometers north of Kuala Lumpur. After picking me up in KL, we motored to Klang where the rest of the group was meeting up. And as soon as we were complete, we had a famous morning meal for breakfast, the local specialty called bak kut teh, which is a complex mixture of several herbs and spices boiled with meat for hours. After that sumptuous breakfast, we were off.

Putrajaya, city of the future Putrajaya actually reminded me of another capital city in South America which was a result of planning as well. This is the city of Brasilia in Brazil which is in fact a UNESCO World Heritage site. And as the description goes, the city was a capital created ex nihilo (which means ‘created from nothing’) in 1956. Under the guiding hands of urban planner Lucio Costa and architect Oscar Niemeyer, every structure – whether residential or administrative districts – was created in harmony with the city’s overall design. In barely even 40 years, the city was added into the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Putrajaya is similar as it was created ex nihilo. And I wouldn’t be surprised if it follows Brasilia in the UNESCO List in a number of years. Other planned capitals include Washington DC in the US, Canberra in Australia, and Astana in Kazakhstan.

Road travel in Malaysia is very convenient since there is a complex network of highways linking peninsular Malaysia from north to south and east to west. So the drive to Ipoh, roughly the distance between Manila and Dagupan, can be completed in less than three hours. Before I knew it, we were already exiting at Sungkai, a small town south of Ipoh.

Healing waters We drove several kilometers before reaching our destination – the Sungai Klah Hot Springs Park – said to be one of the best managed hot springs in Malaysia. A healing center nestled at the foothills of the Titiwangsa Range, the park attracts both locals and foreigners who seek relief from various ailments such as skin disease, arthritis, insomnia, respiratory troubles, and blood circulation.

Being a popular destination, it gets crowded on weekends. Since our visit was on a holiday, it was jam-packed with people.

52 BAKASYON GRANDE

A MALAY HOUSE

I was not able to pack any swimming gear so I had to make do with dipping my feet in 50° Celsius sulfuric water. The temperatures in the different pools varied and were clearly marked since areas where the hot water bubbled up from the ground can reach a scalding 102° Celsius. In fact, those areas have been designated for boiling eggs.

The hot water is said to emerge from 500 areas in the complex.

A boardwalk was built parallel to these boiling streams so that people could enjoy the sulfur-rich steam that seeped through the gaps in between the planks while walking along the path.

Old town kopi tiam After a few hours, our group was off to Ipoh, the third largest city in Malaysia and the capital of Perak state. Ipoh is known far and wide for its cuisine. And we actually drove to Ipoh just to try the food and coffee.

As we exited the expressway, large limestone karst formations greeted us, reminding me so much of the scenery in Guilin, China.

They say that Ipoh’s water is relatively hard (high alkali content) since it is situated on top of a large karstic formation. And people believe this is what makes the food in Ipoh especially tasty.

We went straight to the kopi tiam, traditional coffee shops that have left coffee lovers raving. We were out to seek the legendary Ipoh white coffee at Jalan Bandar Timah, the famed white coffee walk of Ipoh. White coffee is processed with Robusta beans and margarine, but without the sugar, making it less dark, thus the term white coffee. We found ourselves having iced coffee at Sun Yung Foong, right across what many consider the king of white coffee shops – a kopi tiam called the Old Town White Café (Nam Heong). The coffee, which you can get for a little over a ringgit or PHP15, goes well with homemade peanut butter or kaya (coco jam) on toast.

BAKASYON GRANDE 53

Seafood surprise We had one final stop in Ipoh. The group had reservations at the popular Pusing Public Seafood Restaurant which has brought denizens as far as KL driving three hours north just to savor their delectable freshwater prawn dishes.

Our group was also after the crab so the first and last dishes they served us were exactly that. As an appetizer, we had shredded crab meat and vegetable wrapped in lettuce. Then they brought in a dish of large freshwater prawns with sweet and spicy sauce.

We also had bean curd and fish cake floating on a pool of light soy sauce, as well as ginger chicken. But what kept the group eating for another 45 minutes or so were the huge steamed crabs everyone had been anticipating.

The restaurant was a bit on the pricey side. But the fact that it’s never empty is a testament to how good their food is. We spent about MYR40 per person, roughly PHP600, which was not bad for the fivecourse dinner.

Mamak food rocks As the rest of the group left for Klang, we motored back to KL as the night was still young. We decided to meet up at the late night mamak for even more snacks. The space-age Petronas twin towers greeted us as we entered KL’s city limits. And I knew the mamak food was just minutes away.

Mamak stalls have become an important part of Malaysian culture just like the kopi tiam. The term refers to eateries operated by Indian Muslims that have become popular hang-outs for Malaysian youths because of the affordable food plus the fact that they are always open — 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

I got myself an order of my favorite roti canai (flour pancakes which is served with curry sauce for dipping) and a tandoori chicken (marinated in spices and yogurt) with mint. It had a funny green color that looked so artificial; it didn’t look like chicken anymore. But it was definitely tasty especially with the chutney dip that accompanied it.

I had fresh sugarcane juice to go with my food.

And with that settled, my little Malaysian adventure was nothing short of complete.

A MALAY HOUSE

54 BAKASYON GRANDE used to road rage in rush hour, towering skyscrapers and the ephemeral package of cosmopolitan lifestyle, the way to Parang is a drive through zen. Fresh tropical breeze, the faint smell of damp soil, exotic flora and giant trees on uneven terrains – all part of an experience no one would expect in a place typically known for random hostilities.

Laum Suwah is one of the 41 barangays in Parang. Laum means ‘within’ or ‘inside’ and ‘suwah’ means pomelo. The small rural village is aptly named for its pomelo groves although these are now gradually decreasing in number. The village folks can be distinguished by two groups according to livelihood: the tau highad are residents of coastal areas whose means of livelihood are fishing, seaweed farming and merchandising, while tau gimba are residents of forests or woods who earn their living through farming. Samals are minorities of Polynesian descent who also live in coastal areas. Both tau highad and tau gimba share the same Tausog language with slightly different accents. Interestingly, the Samals are said to have an independent language derived from their Polynesian ancestors who settled in Sulu centuries ago.

“Into The Glorious Future”

SULU

By Shar Matingka

I could’ve spent my holiday and blew my pocket money on a luxurious trip to Boracay or a tour of Northern Luzon. But I felt a longing to find a missing piece of my life, to re-discover my roots. This wasn’t just a holiday. It was redemption for my misadventures that took me far from where my heart truly belongs. from afar, the old tarmac speaks for itself a promise suspended in time.

Think of the old west having near-derelict gas stations, tricycles and old jeepneys for public transportation instead of caravans, a few out-of-school youths fighting over network games and anime in middle-class households.

Jolo’s town proper has no streetlights, traffic lights, malls or shopping plazas, movie houses, or well-known fastfood chains. Oil prices are seven pesos above national price.

If it is one’s first time in Jolo Airport, the Prices of basic household commodities are feeling of mystery and abandonment will monopolized. This is a reality no ordinary instantly take over, as well as the wonder town folk dares to question. about triumphs and losses over the years of Moro struggle for independence. Surrounded I spent my first Friday with a congregation led by my father in Parang, which is a fourth by tropical trees and shadowy mountains class municipality of Sulu. When you’re I normally sleep throughout flights no matter the destination. The early morning plane ride to Jolo from Zamboanga, though, was like a snippet of someone’s exotic dream of Temptation Island. With the advantage of flying at low altitude, we had bird’s eye view of island patches that were like floating wonders with the golden contours of their shorelines.

In a place called Subah not far from the town square of Laum Suwah, there is an old signboard on a shed atop a stony wharf declaring, “The ship of the Bangsamoro people in a journey into the glorious future.”

There once was a dream and a genuine vision, a vision of separate identity and the redemption of a lost nation. But all that is left in the lonely wharf is the phantom of a broken promise. Contrarily, the beauty enfolding it is timeless. Enduring the scars of history, Subah remains a picturesque spot and a popular place for family picnics or an afternoon swim.

On the opposite side of the course road is a lagoon where my cousins and I used to swim many years ago. With the legendary Mount Tumantangis hidden in the misty backdrop, just hanging around the lagoon tells an unspoken epic that takes us back to the golden age of Sulu.

A glimpse of an unyielding tradition What make Tausugs distinguishable from contemporary Filipinos (apart from religion) are the intricacies of tradition. I witnessed a traditional Tausug wedding in its meticulous original form during my second visit to Laum Suah. The entire ceremony is within the commands of Islam. Although there is a hint of pre-Islamic traditions in minor details, as Muslims, Tausugs abide by the rules of Islamic marriage.

The traditional wedding ceremony comes in four main stages: Pagsihil. The groom’s family selects a ‘secret delegation’ composed of two or three respected elders or members of the community. The groom’s side sends them to the family of the prospective bride. The delegates pose as spokespersons informing

BAKASYON GRANDE 55

the intentions of the groom’s family to ask for the chosen woman’s hand in marriage.

Pagpangasawa. If the woman’s family agrees to the proposal, the groom’s family sends a bigger delegation of fifteen members of the community that can also include relatives. A community leader publicly announces the intention of marriage. Here is where they bring two tokens called buyo bunga which is presented as chewable tobacco but can also be cash ranging between PHP5,000 to PHP10,000, and tapil dila literally meaning ‘in lieu of the tongue,’ which is gold offered to the bride. Tapil Dila signifies truth and sincerity that will become part of the dowry the moment both families agree to take the next step.

Pagturol is the wedding ceremony. This consists of the bridal bath and some minor pre-Islamic rituals that signify the chastity of the bride and the sanctity of marriage.

The final stage within pagpangasawa is called pagkawin or solemnization by the officiating imam. The most significant aspect is the father’s bride ceremonially passing his daughter to the groom. Not exactly the walk down the aisle, but quite the same concept.

The Tausug way Tausugs are known to be fearless. Even Americans during the Moro-American war testified to their readiness to die in the battlefield. It is tragic but so much of unrecorded history did not reach deep enough in the hearts of men for them to discover a different side of truth. The Tausug way prevails but not in a manner of insurgency and hostility as the world sees. We prevail because we still believe in freedom – the freedom to identify our language, culture and history as Tausug.

I would personally define the Tausug way, that which represents good traits, honorable and noteworthy. Tausug seem intimidating

to outsiders. But the stern looks only mean curiosity. Strike a conversation and they’ll stare at you for a good two seconds before saying anything. Smile and you can be friends for life. They are known for their excessive hospitality. Above all, majority of Tausugs are Muslim. An important aspect in Tausug families is conforming to the teachings of Islam which is why they also maintain close family ties.

Bittersweet Good-bye The pearly drizzle became rainstorm the night we were to sail away aboard an old passenger vessel named Jocelyn. We took three tricycles to the port. Not expecting heavy rainfall, I was quickly drenched. Only incandescent lights of nearby residences lit up the dark night. I aptly call Jolo the ‘streets with no lights’. I would hum a song by U2 and replace the lyrics with “where the streets have no lights...”

From afar, Jocelyn reminded me of a 1900s steamboat, but it only looked the part.

My father said it could withstand huge, aggressive waves. But I doubted what he said the moment we embarked the main deck.

All I could see in the entire passenger deck were beds on my right, my left, front and back. The beds were arranged in such a way that it looked like a scene from World War II with wounded patients lying side by side.

Only, these weren’t soldiers. These were passengers and we had to rest among them.

I had never been in a more public place. I was overwhelmed with mixed feelings of pity and amazement. Instead of acting the pampered brat, I embraced this whole new adventure. I was with my father, sister and brother. We lay down with all the rest of the passengers on board. My father re-told epic stories of Tausug heroes and legends. I treasured the moment amidst the temporary sight of hardship.

If there’s something else I learned from this experience, I discovered a new level of compassion I never thought I had in me.

I was able to reach out to people without having to say much, when actions speak louder than words.

I thought about the beauty I had seen.

I thought about the wisdom masked by adversity. I thought about going back to Sulu for good. I didn’t want to spend the rest of my life thinking that I could have done more.

I was born in Manila, raised in Saudi Arabia and now residing in Dubai. While we all can choose what we want to be in life, I choose to stick to my roots. The best choice is what your heart calls out to, while your mind makes the plans to pursue it.

Till next time, my homeland.

56 BAKASYON GRANDE

Charming Iloilo Text and Photos by Ivan Henares

Iloilo beckons to the Filipino traveler. There is just so much to see, do and taste in this historical province with a cosmopolitan capital. I hopped over to experience first-hand what it had to offer.

Shunning the more convenient way, by air to the modern airport in Cabatuan, I selected the ferry as my mode of transport. The breeze was pleasant, the passing view picturesque, while the boat took me in exactly an hour to this charming place at the south of Panay.

As the craft neared Panay Island, the island of Guimaras offered us refreshing views of nature. Seeing the island, green and untouched (inspite of the infamous oil spill), made me realize that the country still has hope if we take care of what’s left.

At the port, I was welcomed by several colonial warehouses and the pre-war customs building. Iloilo City still had a lot of remnants from its glorious past scattered all over the place. The city is actually composed of several districts which include the downtown area, Jaro, Molo, Villa de Arevalo, La Paz, and Mandurriao.

As the Save Calle Real movement mentions, “Iloilo City is a virtual time machine that will transport anyone back to its colonial past. While malls have risen in various corners of the city, they could not outshine the splendor of the colonial buildings that adorn Calle Real, the first commercial center and its adjoining districts. “ After checking in at my hotel, I went on to explore further. I made a brief stopover at the old City Hall which is now part of UP Visayas. Since it was late in the afternoon, I was only able to visit Molo to check out its church and some houses.

Calle Real

Walking tour of old Jaro

Downtown Iloilo City is a charming place but it takes a keen eye to discover the beauty hidden underneath the layers of urban disorder. I knew just by looking around at the architectural heritage, that it could be a showcase city for downtown rehabilitation.

And I was delighted to find out that an effort to save Iloilo City’s old architecture was already in the works.

The next day, I took a cab to La Paz in search of some famous provincial delicacies.

Here I found a specialty batchoy restaurant called Deco’s. Where else do you go to taste a famous meal but the very place where it was born?

It was then off to Jaro where I met up with Eugene Jamerlan of the Iloilo City Cultural

OLD JARO CITY HALL

BAKASYON GRANDE 57

OLD JARO CITY HALL

JARO BELFRY

LOCSIN HOUSE, JARO ILOILO

THE CHURCH OF STO THOMAS DE VILLANUEVA IN MIAG-AO UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE

Church overload I got to visit the towns of southern and central Iloilo the next day. I took a one hour bus ride along the sAouthern coast that passed through the towns of Oton (the old Church of Oton was the pinnacle of religious architecture in the Philippines but was toppled by a strong earthquake in 1948), Tigbauan and Guimbal.

SAN JOAQUIN CHURCH NATIONAL CULTURAL TREASURE

DINGLE CHURCH

Finally, we arrived in Miag-ao a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Church of Sto. Tomas de Villanueva, particularly its façade, is a work of art considered of exceptional value to the country. Every inch of it is a testament to the craftsmanship of our Filipino ancestors.

58 BAKASYON GRANDE

THE CHURCH OF STO THOMAS DE VILLANUEVA IN MIAG-AO UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE

SAN JOAQUIN CHURCH NATIONAL CULTURAL TREASURE

CHURCH IN DINGLE

CHURCH IN GUIMBAL

Church overload I got to visit the towns of southern and central Iloilo the next day. I took a one hour bus ride along the sAouthern coast that passed through the towns of Oton (the old Church of Oton was the pinnacle of religious architecture in the Philippines but was toppled by a strong earthquake in 1948), Tigbauan and Guimbal.

Finally, we arrived in Miag-ao a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Church of Sto. Tomas de Villanueva, particularly its façade, is a work of art considered of exceptional value to the country. Every inch of it is a testament to the craftsmanship of our Filipino ancestors.

CHURCH IN TIGBAUAN

FEATURE 9 importance in society, before we were subdued by the Spaniards. That is what I know to be true in Pangasinan, where I come from, where Princess Urduja ruled with her amazons and traded with China, Persia and other seafaring nations sometime in the 13th century.”

WEF’s Gender Gap Index report is a fitting tribute to Filipino women, who, for a long time, have been carrying the heavier burdens of saving this country from economic damnation.

Now, to say they are carrying the heavier load would probably make the Filipino machos in our midst shudder.

But statistics do support this assertion. If one looks at our economic statistics more closely, one would realize that more than 60% of the country’s gross domestic product is accounted for by the ‘globalized’ sector of the Philippine economy.

We are talking here of the export sector (the bulk of which is electronics), outsourcing and overseas employment that have been propping up consumption.

Many of the warm bodies in these economic sectors are women.

In the last decade, the Philippines has been sending more and more skilled professionals, which account for the double-digit growth rates in remittances. More than 60% of these newly deployed overseas workers are women essentially because developed countries need an ever-

more closely, one would realize that more than 60% of the country’s gross domestic product is accounted for by the ‘globalized’ sector of the Philippine economy.

We are talking here of the export sector (the bulk of which is electronics), outsourcing and

increasing number of nurses, caregivers and therapists (careers still dominated by women) to care for their graying population.

If one looks closely at the country’s national income accounts, one could see that ‘personal consumption expenditure’ accounts for more than 70% of the country’s GDP or the value of goods and services produced, traded and paid for within the country’s borders. Inasmuch as the Philippine overseas employment has been ‘feminized,’ it’s easy to assume that women have significantly helped in sustaining the jobs in factories, offices and shopping malls.

The authors of WEF’s gender gap report did not write the report out of sheer sentimentalism. They prepared it with real economic sense in mind. Said Laura Tyson, dean of the London Business School and one of the principal authors of the report: “Our work shows a strong correlation between GDP per capita and the gender gap scores. While this does not imply causality, the possible theoretical underpinnings of this link are quite simple: countries that do not fully capitalize effectively on one-half of their human resources run the risk of undermining their competitive potential. We hope to highlight the economic incentive behind empowering women in addition to promoting equality as a basic human right.”

60 The view from your regular Juan dela Cruz

How do you combat

Usapang Kanto

boredom and solitude?

Compiled by Jonie Jose

Living far away from your home country is difficult. I often feel bored and alone. To overcome this, I used to do barhopping with friends. At bedtime, I read books to avoid the feeling of being away from my family.

STELLA MARIS DE LEON

Gimmick with friends is the best way for me para hindi ma-bore. I used to go to malls if I have spare time para di ako mainip at makaisip ng lungkot. That’s life - being away from your loved ones.

You have to be resourceful enough to overcome such things.

ANNIE DELA PENA

Speaking to my family in the Philippines is enough for me to overcome boredom or solitude. I get in touch with my family so that I don’t have room for being bored.

ARLYN DIMACULANGAN

Every time I feel bored and alone, I keep in touch with my family. A few words with my mom can ease the boredom especially when I know that everything is fine back home. I sometimes also hangout with friends at bars.

JOVY GOLPE I keep myself busy to get away. I go to the gym and work out to release stress and to widen my network, as I meet different people at the gym. At home, I surf the internet for new gadgets and chat with my family and friends.

ERNIE GARCIA

I’ve been in the UAE for five years, and I am fortunate that my family is here with me, so I’m used to the lifestyle here in Dubai. However, there are times na hinahanap ko rin yung konting kasiyahan kasama ang tropa especially pag-holiday or day off. So there are times that we get together to chill or unwind.

ABBY

Madalas akong makaramdam ng pagka-bored pag walang pasok, kasi nasa bahay lang at magastos namang lumabas. So, I just utilize my free time by washing clothes and cooking. Sometimes, I fetch my wife early at work at namamasyal kami sa mall para maiba naman ang ihip ng hangin.

REY PILLORA

MANILA TRIPPIN’ 61

The

Wine CLUB

Text and Photographs by Vic Albornoz Lactaoen

Wine is revolutionizing social life in Metro Manila. A decade ago, comparatively few people drank wine. Today, a wide range of vintages is on sale almost everywhere, and are being enjoyed with growing enthusiasm.

Wine drinking may seem like a daunting social ritual to many people. But Michael V. Reyes, Managing Director and Albert V. Villareal, Wine Director of The Wine Club, the newest wine bar and restaurant at the ground floor of Greenbelt Radissons in Makati, believes otherwise.

Both partners decided to seize the opportunities of this emerging trend, and have opened a wine bar and retail boutique together with partner Margie Reyes Lopez.

One of The Wine Club’s major draws in the focus on the best wine labels in Napa Valley and California. In fact, they have the best book in the business, with exclusive importation arrangements with prestigious names such as Silver Oak, Ridge, Duckhorn Vineyards, Caymus, Beaux Freres of Oregon and many others.

“One does not have to carry a huge representation account to enjoy these wines by the glass,” boasts Villareal as he pours two of its most successful brands, Esser Vineyards and McManis Family Vineyards, both from California, which will set you

back a mere PHP150 per glass. There is also a good selection of Bordeaux on offer based on a rigorous value for money criteria and a small but thoughtful selection of Australian wines as well.

health and social benefits it carries with it.

Wine brings about that sense of an elevation of your education and sophistication, of your self-worth and of aspiring to that next level.”

Wine is meant to be consumed with food, and Michael has enlisted the help of a family friend, Mary Ann Tinio, a restaurateur and caterer to take charge of the food offerings.

Regular shipments of different types of cheese and artisinal cured meats such as San Daniele and Parma Prociutto as well as Salsiccia di Chingiale (wild boar sausage from Tuscany) are flown in from Rome.

No other drink invites more commentary and rouses more personal opinions than wine. Red or white? Cork or plastic. Old world or new world? Thus, I suppose is the rationale for wine bars. There is so much to be tasted and experienced that to be able to run through the list of notable wines will require a hefty budget and superhuman limit to inebriation you won’t want to spit it out every time, would you?

Eight wines by the glass are offered on a daily basis, and special ultra-premium bottles will be featured by the glass on certain evenings. Guests are also welcome to purchase a bottle from the extensive selection and enjoy it on premise for a small 10% service charge added to the retail price of the bottle.

As Villarreal puts it, “Wine is becoming a part of our daily activities because of the

The wine bar’s owners say they want to keep their place small and cozy and a place where people can come and congregate with fellow oenophiles. Novices in the world of wine can drop by for the occasional wine tasting and appreciation sessions conducted

by Villareal and Reyes themselves. The Wine Club opens at 10am while the store opens an hour earlier and closes at 10 in the evening.

62 PINOY ABOUT TOWN

2008

Dubai International Body Building Championship Text and Photography by Kris Lee

JAY CATLY MIDDLE WEIGHT CHAMP

As a budding photojournalist, I must say I’ve been very blessed with opportunities to cover some pretty cool events around town. Recently, I have been invited to cover the 2008 Dubai International Body Building Championship (DIBBC), held at the Dubai World Trade Center, for one of the event’s major sponsors, Solution Dieting and Weight LLC. It was an event that showcased professional body builders from all over the world, competing in three weight classes (light, middle, and heavyweight) for the total prize of AED200,000. I went there, though, not knowing exactly what to expect.

The event kicked off as soon as the guest of honor arrived. After a couple of speeches by the organizers, alas, around 30 bodies clad in spandex trunks flooded the stage like human anatomy pages from my 1988 Collier’s Encyclopedia coming to life! I’m not so sure about other guys out there but for me, greasy men en masse vigorously flexing their muscles while wearing bikinis is not the most exciting scenery, to say the least. I kid you not; pictures of those scary muscle men haunted my sleep for days!!!

In between shots, I tried to observe the crowd and was amazed at the diversity of reactions the contestants elicited from the equally diverse audience. There were the ‘academic’ ones who quietly nodded in approval at the sight of those contestants who exhibited the most developed bodies in body building terms. Then there were the ‘laughers’ who kept on sniggering, perhaps in amusement because the guys on stage just won’t stop flexing in different funny ways! There were also the uninitiated ones whose faces spelled disbelief as if they were watching a freak show in a local perya.

As for me, I was a bit of each, except that I was able to limit my laughs as I was too

preoccupied with taking photos and also a bit distracted by the Baguio Oil scent those glazed bodies gave off. Fortunately for the members of the audience, they were far enough from the stage to smell that.

For me, the highlight of the event was, of course, the crowning of our very own kababayan, Jay Catly, as middleweight champion. Jay is a Dubai-based professional bodybuilder who tours the world to compete in events such as the DIBBC. In fact, as I write this piece, he is already en route to Hawaii to participate in another international contest as a proud Pinoy macho man.

Jay’s individual performance was another highlight. The format of the contest allotted time for each contestant to exhibit his chiseled body in sync with a song of his choice. While the other contestants chose to synchronize their muscle flexes to pulsations of hard rock classics such as ‘Eye of the Tiger’ and ‘We Will Rock You’, Jay deemed it unnecessary to hide behind masculine tunes and opted for Brian McKnight’s ballad ‘Back at One’. At first, the song seemed inappropriately mellow

but later on, it proved highly effective in catching everybody’s attention and interest.

He further went against the flow by choosing graceful — almost ballet-like — choreography over the aggressive, twitchyjerky repertoire of his rivals. Needless to say, Jay exuded pure confidence that could only come from the high-quality Pinoy stuff he is made of.

Setting aside the fact that this event made me realize even more how un-muscular I am, I would say I left the 2008 DIBBC with a proud and macho Pinoy heart as yet another kababayan proved to the world that Filipinos are indeed world class. Jay is living proof that the Filipino can rise above everybody else.

As our kababayan Jay continues to exemplify, being Filipino is never a limitation. On the contrary, it is one of our greatest assets especially when we begin to fully recognize our individual and collective strengths worthy of international praise.

Mabuhay ka, Jay! (Pahingi naman ng konting muscles!)

COMMUNITY EVENT 63

Pinoy Pride in Action February 2008 saw a lot of schools around the Emirates celebrate ‘International Day’ – a very popular festival locally exemplifying the rich multicultural community in the country. The Emirates International School Meadows in Dubai, was the scene of such an activity - with students from 72 countries making up for quite an extensive colorful cultural programme. Parents were tasked to put up stalls showing items of culture unique to their specific countries, while the children paraded and performed in a show full of international numbers for everyone’s enjoyment.

This year saw a great exhibit from the Philippines group – where parents put up a stall showcasing the beauty of the country through bold landscape images. Apart from experiencing bits and pieces of the Philippines with the native curios on display, as well as the national clothes – barongs and ternos, worn by the organizers and students, guests at the EIS also enjoyed a taste of eclectic Pinoy cuisine sampling pansit, biko, kucinta and other favorites. Visitors at the stall also had fun posing in front of the Mayon Volcano landscape and trying out Philippine costume cut-outs on themselves.

It was a great little exercise in promoting the Philippines to a multicultural group.

64 HILIG PINOY

TO GET RID OF ADDED BAGGAGE IN YOUR BELLY AND OTHER PARTS OF YOUR BODY THAT MAKE YOU VERY MUCH UNCOMFORTABLE IN THIS WORLD OF SVELTE FIGURES, THERE ARE THE TIRED OLD GYM ROUTINES: CARDIOVASCULAR EXERCISES, AEROBICS, BOXING, JOGGING, OR JUST RUNNING FOR ALMOST AN HOUR. THOSE LOOKING FOR SOMETHING EXCITING AND DIFFERENT CAN GIVE THE CONTROVERSIAL NEW WORKOUT, KNOWN ALSO AS POLE DANCING, A TRY.

Dancing with the POLES

By Excel V. Dyquiangco

What? Pole dancing? Before you raise your eyebrows and go crawling into your hole of self-consciousness and insecurity, here is the deal. Pole dancing can indeed get you out of that 35 pant-size and into that slim and slender built you have always desired.

Wikipedia describes pole dancing as a form of dance that involves muscular endurance and coordination. It is a sometimes sensual dance, although artistic pole dancing is also common in a cabaret and circus environment.

With the key words ‘muscular endurance’ and ‘coordination,’ pole dancing is one form of exercise that is fast invading gyms. In some areas, it’s already part of the regimen of gym enthusiasts who would want to build up their stamina and lose weight.

In pole dancing, clients may just hold on to the poles or do some athletic movements such as body inversions, spins or climbs. Upper body and core strength are vital to being proficient in the sport. This actually takes some time to develop but during the developing stage, this is where the fun takes place.

This is why Cristina Dy, 32, a painter and part-time production designer for television and film, enjoys pole dancing so much that she devotes three to six times a week doing the exercise and up to four hours each session, depending if they are rehearsing for a show. She does the workout at Movement Dance Studio, located in San Juan, Greenhills. Each session costs PHP500, although monthly packages are also available.

HILIG PINOY 65 According to Cristina, pole dancing not only gives her the endurance she deserves, but she considers it exciting and a lot different from other forms of exercise she’s tried.

“Pole dancing is a great workout!” she says. “It’s the best workout I’ve tried so far. I’ve lost 15 pounds so far, and I’m getting stronger everyday. Also, it’s so much fun. I’ve become more confident, and less self-conscious because of poledancing.”

She was introduced to the exercise by her friend, celebrity designer Mich Dulce. But Cristina had to admit that it wasn’t that easy when she first started.

“The first time, I looked stupid, I couldn’t do any trick because I wasn’t fit at all,” she says. She initially weighed 115 pounds and stands at 4’11. “I got a lot of bruises too. But it was fun, so I kept coming back. After a month, I could see results.” These results took away 15 pounds and now, she is down to a trim 99 pounds.

But even after mastering some difficult moves, Cristina admits that she once struggled with the sport. “I sprained my wrist once, because I was forcing myself to do advanced tricks without proper guidance,” she says. “But I’ve learned my lesson.

The tricks become easier as you get stronger.”

That is why, just like any other serious physical activity, preparation is such a crucial aspect.

“We do a lot of stretching to prevent injuries,” she says.

“Also, no lotions of any kind to prevent from slipping. Wear comfortable but close-fitting clothes, short shorts are a must for thigh gripping. Heels are fun but optional. In terms of the physical, all fitness levels are welcome, and just work with your own pace. Most importantly, come with an open mind.”

Asked what her style in pole dancing is and how different she is from other pole dancers in her class, she has this to laugh about: “I am the shortest pole dancer in our group, so what I

lack in long legs, I make up for in showmanship!”

Her class is composed of fifteen girls but two boys occasionally join them at times. Males in a pole dancing class? It seems a bit embarrassing but indeed, she stresses that there are guys who join them at times. It seems that the notion that this is a girl’s activity is only a myth.

“Actually, our teacher, Ed Aniel, is a guy,” she exclaims enthusiastically. “And we have a couple of guy pole dancers.

Guys should try this because it’s a great workout. It’s great especially for the upper body and the core.”

The fulfillment she gets from pole dancing is incomparable.

Aside from weight loss and a lot of good fun, she has exhibit a huge boost in her self confidence.

At present, pole dancing is already considered a sport in other countries but not in the Philippines. Cristina says that there are pole competitions abroad. She hopes that by next year, the country will be sending representatives to some of the contests.

Her advice to people who would want to try it out? “I think we should just keep an open mind,” she says about the sport. “Just go and do it because it’s the most fun you’ll ever have!”

Pole Dancing GUIDELINES For efficient, effective and exciting pole dancing session, just follow the guidelines below, as exemplified by Cristina Dy. Equipment Needed: Clothes - Wear close-fitting clothes to see the form and line of the technique. Short shorts are required for maximum skin friction with the pole.

Shoes - Wear heels for performances – heels with straps are best, for more stability and so you don’t kick off your shoe while dancing. For more acrobatics numbers, use sneakers or jazz shoes.

Paraphernalia – Rubbing alcohol, to keep your hands and the pole dry. Towel for wiping the pole. Sometimes, use athlete’s grip powder for more grip.

Physical training: No specific fitness level required. Everyone is welcome.

Warm up for twenty minutes, then basic stretches, and strengthening moves. After, cool down for ten minutes.

The Estimated Cost: Clothes and Shoes: Bring your own!

Class per session: PHP 500 per session in the Phils.

66 FILIPINISMS

Onli In Da Pilipins - 1. n. a phrase used to define anything or anyone that only exists anywhere in the 7,107 islands of the Philippines || 2. adj. a phrase used to describe a Pinas episode or a Pinoy persona so rare one would never find anywhere else in the WWW (whole, wide world). It merits a documentation of some sort.

Going ‘Marcha’ in MARCH

By Aby Yap

Some say the Philippines is among the lucky countries that enjoy the most number of holidays in the world. With a total of 15 regular and special non-working holidays, excluding the feast days that are usually celebrated in the area we live or work in, that seems to be true. PGMA even adds to the illusion of long holidays since she magically moves a holiday to instantly create a three-day weekend. (See, that’s why I can’t leave the motherland!) And now that March is here, who won’t get excited?! For us working people, it’s an almost one-week break from deadlines and bosses. For graduating students, it’s finally reaping the rewards of your sunog-kilay days. For sagrado Catolicos all over the country, it’s the perfect time to celebrate the country’s main religion.

Hail Holy Week As the only Catholic nation in Asia, the Philippines has a bottomless well of distinctive religious practices. Many times we’ve been featured on foreign news for realistic reenactments of crucifixions and the flagellation of our males, young and old alike. You know how ‘macho’ Pinoys are when it comes to expressing their convictions. Never mind if their brown, skinny bodies can’t take one more whipping or if they incur the risk of skin cancer for parading under the midday sun. As long as they fulfill their panata by being nailed on the cross or voluntarily suffering back wounds, so be it.

Sinakulo and Penitensya are just some of the events we anticipate every Mahal na Araw. But this week-long observance actually starts on Palm Sunday, wherein churchgoers wave their flower adorned-palaspas for the priest’s holy water blessing. From Monday to Wednesday, TV addicts can have the Eat Bulaga Drama Special, which showcases the acting talents of TVJ and their co-hosts in tear-jerking performances; or a movie marathon of the Ten Commandments, Jesus of Nazareth, Hesus, etc.—minus the chicharonmunching, of course. Remember, eating meat is prohibited during this period; many even fast. Some temporarily refrain from indulging in earthly pleasures. So that means NO danceable music, loud talking, boisterous laughter, Tong-its playing, lest you be branded as the Hudyo. On the other

FILIPINISMS 67 hand, the elderly hold all-day pabasa sessions. They read the Bible verses of the passion and death of the Christ with a distinctly singsong style. Modern pasyonistas accompany the pabasa with musical equipment like the guitar and audio system.

Some even render it in rap or rock.

Come Maundy Thursday, the Washing of the Feet is done during mass. The priest performs the act on 12 people, representing Jesus and His apostles. Families and group of friends also schedule the Visita Iglesias on this day. They visit 14 churches to honor the 14 Stations of the Cross. One can make a wish when entering a church for the first time. On Good Friday, only the Siete Palabras is aired on TV and radio stations from 12 noon to 3 pm, with various speakers expounding on each word Jesus uttered before He died. And since Jesus is supposed to be dead until Black Saturday, any kind of gimik is banned because of freely roaming evil spirits. Easter Sunday is a day of rejoicing, beginning with a procession at dawn called Salubong. Big statues of Mary and Jesus are reunited, as the black veil of the Mother is lifted by children acting as angels. Like Christmas, this day is also for the young. Aside from being given chicks after mass, they’re also treated to egg hunts in several commercial establishments.

Gaga Over Graduation In a country where education is believed to be the only pamana one can get from parents, graduations are always a major celebration. It doesn’t matter if you’re the Valedictorian or Babaliktorian (AKA repeater) — the feeling of triumph is exactly the same. Graduation calls for the grandest parties at five-star hotels, exclusive restaurants, or even at the especially reserved section of your barangay hall usually utilized for debutante balls or lamays. The long roster of invitees is bound to put Ruffa Gutierrez’s famed wedding guest list to shame. It consists of relatives to the nth degree, acquaintances of friends’ neighbors (you’re free to switch the order of those terms around), and even gatecrashers. On the Grad Party table, the plumpest

lechon is served with Tequila, lemon, and salt. Or an Andok’s lechong manok with bilog and lapad are placed in their stead.

Graduation also merits a brand-new sports car or Tatay’s 19kopong-kopong owner jeep.

Whether it’s finishing pre-school, elementary, high school, or college, the excitement over this event does not begin and end solely on the celebration day itself. When you see groups of students scattered on the campus jamming and horsing around or holding an open forum — you know that Graduation Day is approaching. Final exams week is over, so they’re simply making the most of their stay at school. Some want to extend their fond memories of student life, while others opt to reconcile with the school bullies. Lovers are often seen H.H.W.W.P.S.S.P. as if there’s no more life after graduation. Teachers smile more than usual because their headaches are soon to be banished forever (or at least ‘til school starts again!). And on Graduation Day, expect a battalion of happy feet marching toward the stage and a barrage of shutter clicks. Don’t forget the flood of tears and the mountain of used tissue paper after singing ‘Farewell to You, My Friend’ — Filipinos’ Graduation anthem, regardless of age — amid group hugs.

Post-graduation craze is most evident in the thickness of photo albums labeled ‘Graduation’ in your living room; or in the size of framed graduation pictures displayed on the conspicuous corners in your house. It’s also a common Filipino family tradition to have the diploma laminated and hung on the wall for everyone to see. But before you let your parents do this, make sure that you have an extra diploma copy because you don’t want bringing a laminated diploma to prospective employers. Before you accuse me of exaggerating, go ask my uncle — this actually happened to him. True story, onli in da Pilipins!

68 FILIPINISMS

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

Tarsier: To Be or Not Tutubi It’s that time of the year again - Egg hunting, este, the Dubai World Cup - where men of different shapes and sizes from first world nations come to see and be seen. Mga kalalakihang kulay bughaw ang mga mata, na kapag-nalahian tayong mga Pinay ay makapagbubunga ng mga Donita Rose, Assunta DaRossi, Billy Joe Crawford or Krystal (in case kamukha mo si Bakekang).

Kung tawagin natin sila ay mga afam - a foreigner around Manila (so dito dapat afad sila? Hmmmm....) Silang mga walang paligoy-ligoy sa mga pakay at hangarin nila….silang mga tunay na nakaka-appreciate ng gandang Pilipina (ke maitim ka, sarat ang ilong at dry ang buhok - exotic ka sa mga mata nila, export quality ika nga, kaya tipid na kaka-Chin Chan Su, CY Gabriel Wonder Soap, Magic Cream, Glutathione, pa-rebond at pagpapa-Belo, o!) Bukod dito, world donemonation pa ang ma-aachieve nating mga Pinay – it’s like hitting two birds with one stone: magkakajowa ka na ng puti, dadami pa ang Pinoy sa kabilang dako ng mundo.

Ows-some!

Tama na ang mga Pinoy toy boys – mga alagain lang ang mga yan! Bukod sa kailangan mo pang asikasuhin, ipag-luto, ipag-laba, ipag-plantsa at padalhan ng load, madami pang chechebureche at chu chu achu chu chu ang idra-drama sa iyo (Halata bang maasim ako?!!!! Joey Boy, are you listening?!!) Panahon na para tumikim naman ng ibang putahe. Kaya’t kapag World Cup season na - hawak kamay sumusugod ang mga kapwa Pinay natin in search of their new papa: single (divorced? Pwede na rin!), white, male – yan ang criteria.

So, wearing my Audrey Hepburn’s Breakfast at Tiffany’s outfit (ang hat ko hindi halatang sa Divisoria ko lang na-iskor ha?) and sporting my new tan, sumabit ako

kina Loida at Rhochelle - mga undisputed Reyna ng mga tarsier ng Satwa - hoping to be counted as one of them – and gain a take home fafa by the end of today.

Sa mga ganitong okasyon, dapat makapal ang mukha mo at pa-esekola ka (social climber) – wala namang masama doon kasi dapat makisabay ka sa mga utaw don, noh! So kapag tinatanong ako, excuse me, I’m not a bloody secretary - I’m an Eksekyutib Assistant (basta may eksekyutib ayos na!). Oh yes, I was once into politics - I used to be SK (Sanguniang Kabataan) in my province way back bloody home. As a matter of fact, politics really runs in our family. My father was a twoterm Baranggay Captain and my Mummy and bloody brotha’ are active Kagawads in our town. Impressive eh?

Travel? Oh yes, I bloody love to travel. You know, see new places, meet new people and learn new cultures, also eat new cuisines. I have been to Bali, Indonesia for a seminar and Singapore for pleasure. Oh it was bloody fantabulous! As a matter of fact, I plan to travel this year to Jordan to see the Red Tide..err, Dead Sea and probably to Tibet, to meet the Dalai Lama, you know? Ayus! Ang taas ng iskor ko!

Kulelat ang ibang mga tarsier na sina Lenny Rose at Auring – palibhasa sa Kish pa lang nakakarating ang mga yun, A to A pa! Itong si Marife naman akala mo kung sinong tisay kung maka-asta eh ni hindi pa nga humihilom ang nose lift nya.

Mistulang kamatis, day! Kasi naman, nagpi-Pilita Corrales ang lola mo kaya ayan, hindi makatawa nang natural.

Mayamaya, nanahimik kaming lahat nang biglang nag-grand entrance si Luningning – ang tunay na reyna ng mga tarsier sa buong Dubai. Teka, ano ba ang tarsier? Yes, tulad ng mga cute na cute na creatures from Bohol, sila itong mga Pinay na usually kung maka-kapit sa mga boypren nilang poreng-jer eh

FILIPINISMS 69

daig pa ang tuko sa higpit. Grabe silang maka-yapos sa mga jowa nila, tapos pinandidilatan pa ang mga ibang Pinay na napapatingin sa kanila. Halos lumuwa sa laki ng pandidilat ng mga mata nila at kulang pa sa Mighty Bond sa higpit ng kapit kaya nga tarsier ang tawag sa kanila.

Pero huwag ka, ang mga tinaguriang tarsier na mga ito ang tunay na winner - daig pa ang mga tumama sa Lotto at Mashreq Millionaire Draw! It’s the modern day Fairy Tale of our times - and every Pinay wants to be Cinderella with matching Prince Charming. Buti pa sila, imbes na nakiki-bedspace sa Satwa at Karama eh naka-two to three bedroom flat or five bedroom villa sa Jumeira Beach Residence, The Meadows, Arabian Ranches at Emirates Hills ang mga ‘yan.

Tapos hindi sila sa G-Mart at Carrefour nag-gro-grocery kundi sa Choitram at Spinney’s. Imbes na sa Chika Grill, Maharlika at Rocky’s eh sa Jambase, Trilogy at Malecon gumi-gimmick ang mga lola mo. And during weekends, hindi sa City Centre, Al Ghurair at Open Beach tumatambay, kundi sa mga golf Club House, sa mga posh villas nagba-barbeque party at sa mga five-star hotel nagbra-brunch ang mga swerteng ini. Sila ang mga Pinay version ng Jumeira Jane. Although nagtra-trabaho sila, life of the rich and famous ang natitikman ng mga kabayan mo. Nakakainggit di ba?

So may-I bow kaming lahat kay Luningning. Bigay-pugay sa reyna, ika nga.

Pinagmasdan ko at pinag-aralan si Luningning. Ano ba ang meron sya na wala ako? Hmmmm….ang buhok nya eh halos kinky na sa kakapa-straight – kulay mahogany na nga. Super Dry siguro ang shampoo nya. Ang balat – pwede mo na ipang liha sa kahoy sa sobrang gaspang – daig pa ang logo ng Dubailand sa dami ng butas, eewww!!!!! Ang mga daliri, parang longganisa sa taba, patay pa ang isang kuko sa paa. At ang mga legs – kaklase nya siguro sa marathon training sina Elma Muros at Lydia de Vega sa laki ng muscle. Anu baaaaa???!!!!

Yes I know, I’m means. Pero ayon sa aking mga observation and findings, di hamak naman na mas may asim pa ako kumpara kay Luningning. Ano pa ba ang meron sya? Ah, oo – maasikaso din sya sa jowa nyang bitoy. Miski saan pumunta ang jowa nya eh mistulang anino na nakasunod si Luningning. Kapag kakain mabilis pa sa alas-kuwatro na nakahanda na ang food ng jowa. Bawat

subo, panay ang punas nya sa bibig ng jowa. Habang nakikipag usap at nakikipag tawanan sa kapwa nya Bitoy ang jowa, eh nasa likod lang si Luningning – panay ang smile dito smile doon pero wa naman siyang sey. Ay, ano sya, flower vase?

Dekorasyon? Kunsabagay, ano nga ba naman ang alam ni Luningning sa British culture? Sa British politics? Sa British real estate? Sa European stock market?

Hay naku, mahirap yatang maging tarsier. Masyado yatang demanding at katense! Hanggang remittance boycott lang ang kaya kong sagutin... I don’t bloody know anything about the Euro! Hindi yata kaya ng powers ko itu!

Ay, ayoko na nga. Game over na ako! Bigla kong naisip, miski mas marangya ang buhay sa piling ng mga ibang lahi, mas nakakakilig pa rin kapag Pinoy ang jowa mo. Malamang pareho kaming ‘Got to Believe in Magic’ with Claudine and Rico Yan ang favorite movie namin – hindi bloody ‘Sense and Sensibility’. Tapos kahit na makuba ka sa kakaluto para sa kanya, atleast alam mo na nasasarapan sya sa luto mo – hindi mapipilitan lang. Tsaka atleast hindi ko kailangan kumapit ng mahigpit at pandilatan ang ibang babae kapag kasama ko ang Papa kong Pinoy.

Sige na nga, iba pa rin ang Pinoy! Nakakakiliti na ang bigote, amoy Bench cologne pa! Yes, to Pinoy!!!

Kaya after that Dubai World Cup weekend, kinareer ko na naman ang search for the one and only Pinoy. Tambay sa Chika Grill, Jules Bar at Rock Bottom Club, simba sa St. Mary’s tuwing Biyernes, Sabado at Linggo, nag-apply na rin ako sa lahat ng Pinoy Clubs and organizations at panay ang lagare ko sa mga Pinoy parties tuwing gabi. The more, the many-er, ika nga. Sa opisina naman, walang puknat aang chat ko at pag-update ng Friendster ko – add lang ng add, request lang ng request. Nakakahalata na nga yata ang bossing ko - tuwing mahuhuli nya akong nagpre-Friendster, sabi ko nagre-research ako at nagne-networking.

Madalas na rin akong ma-late at mag-sickleave sa kakapuyat from my gimmicks and Eyeballs. Pero sabi nga nila, walang ilalalaga kung walang ityatyaga. Kaya kayo dyang mga gaya kong hopeless romantic, i-add nyo naman ako sa Friendster nyo o, anniebdxb@yahoo.com…..kita-kits na lang tayo sa gimmick mga dude at mga tsong!

Peace!;-)

70 FILIPINISMS

Hilarious Pinoy Quotes Linguistically limited ba, o intellectually or mentally challenged?

Haaay, mahirap sabihin kung bakit, bakit …bakeeet? Ano man ang dahilan, mabuti pa enjoyin na lang natin itong mga nakakalokang Pinoy quotes mula sa magulo at masalimuot na WWW. Hala, sige na •An Eat Bulaga contestant was asked by Joey and Vic - “Ano sa Tagalog ang grasshopper?” Contestant “Ahmm. . .Huling Hapunan?”

• An ex-Pinoy Big Brother housemate: “Big Brother, ginagawa po nila ako laughing stuff.”

• In Wowowee, the question was - “Kung ang sigaw ay shout sa Ingles, ano naman sa Tagalog ang whisper?” The contestant answered - “Napkin!”

• Nadia Montenegro promoting her movie: “Please watch The Life Story of Julie Vega, opening na po on the twenty-twoth of November.”

• While watching Apollo 13 in a cinema, a girl heard the line: “Houston, we have a problem.” She asked her companion: “Sino si Houston?”

• An aunt was going to the US for the first time, telling her pamangkins - “Nagpapabili ang tita niyo ng autistic guitar. Saan ba nakakabili nun?”

• An emcee tells the audience - “Let’s give her a warm of applause!”

• Barker ng bus: “Ah Cubao, Cubao, Cubao, Cubao, Cubao, Cubao, Cubao, Cubao, Cubao, Cubao!!!”

Pasahero approaches - “Boss, Cubao?”

• A lady ordering at Starbucks: “One cup of chino please.”

• A call center agent telling a foreign customer regarding the changing of the due date of her credit card: “Ma’am, I already changed your monthly period.”

• Kuya Germs to Juday – “Salamat at pinaunlakan mo kami Juday. Dahil dyan, may ibibigay kami sa iyo courtesy of video city. Ito ay...aircon?! Aircon!”

Juday: (luwa ang mga mata) – “Talaga?! Salamat po!”. Kuya Germs: “Ay...Con Air pala. Isang vhs tape ng Con Air.”

• Kris Aquino interviewing Danilo Barrios: “I heard sa France based ang father mo ngayon?”

Danilo Barrios: “Hindi po, sa Paris.” Kris Aquino: “So you’re a vegetarian?” Danilo Barrios: “Opo. Kumakain din ako ng meat.”

• Host ng Calendar Girl contest asking a contestant: “What is your favorite feature?” The contestant answers - “My favorite feature is my graduation feature!” (Todo explain pa siya na kesyo maganda daw siya dun kasi naka-makeup siya.)

• Sa Mr. Pogi, the host asked a contestant – “Ano sa mukha mo ang pinaka-asset mo?” The contestant answered – “Sa tingin ko ang pinaka-asset ko sa mukha ko ay ugali! Mabait kasi ako!”

• Op kors, in a class of her own, here are Top Melanie Marquez Quotes “I couldn’t care a damn!”

“Can you repeat that for the 2nd time around once more?”

“I don’t eat meat. I’m not a carnival.”

“You! You’re not a boy anymore! You’re a man anymore!”

“I won’t stoop down to my level.”

“We are lovers. Not fighters.”

“You can fool me once, you can fool me twice, you can fool me thrice, but you can never fool me four”.

“Don’t judge me! I’m not a book!”

“Well, I want to spend my holidays with my family most probably out of place.”

“Why should I have a calling card? I’m not a call girl!”

“Ang tatay ko lang ang only living legend na buhay pa.”

Melanie Marquez being interviewed by Boy Abunda - Boy: “Melanie, anong masasabi mo sa mga lumalabas na tsismis na hindi ka lang daw drug addict, drug pusher ka pa?” Melanie: “They are all liars! Tingnan nyo nga ako, ang payat-payat ko, I am a model!”

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Ang Rich na Lasang Pinoy Available in all suking tindahan all over the U.A.E.

72 COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

FAME

Filipino Achievers in the Middle East FAME is a non-profit organization reaching out to Filipino Workers through various innovative approaches and conventions that impart the principles of family, work, and living. FAME works towards promoting excellence in work and ultimately in life. FAME motivates OFWs to discover meaningful purpose in their pursuits abroad, to envision nobler and higher dreams that are far beyond simply chasing the lure of bigger, dollar-denominated salaries.

Overall, FAME raises OFWs who can make a significant contribution in the foreign communities they belong. And through such a life of achievement, impact and influence, they elevate their lives, provide a better future for their families and consequently, bring pride and honor to the Filipino nation.

FAME’S Global Partners include two organizations: • More Than Medals (MTM) engages the youth in athletic-based programs integrated with life coaching in discipline, social and academic excellence that essentially prepare the Filipino youth to become champions in the sport and champions in life.

• Wilmar, 14, son of OFW parents who have been working in Korea for 6 years have shown remarkable improvements in his grades and character since joining MTM. Geno, 13, used to have below average grades. He had gained a sense of responsibility and as a result he is now excelling in his studies. He aspires to be in the honor roll of his class. Alex, a young girl of 8 years old, has shown so much focus not only in her studies as she has consistently made it to the top of her class, but also in Taekwondo training by being one of the young excellent members of MTM Demo Team.

• Golden Greens Global (3G) is a new initiative in the area of agriculturebased character development, social entrepreneurship and nation building. Beyond the latest scientific farming techniques and livelihood improvements, 3G aims to elevate the lives of Filipinos by opening greater opportunities in agriculture.

Informing minds. Transforming lives.

Motivating hearts. Elevating lives.

Visit FAME website for more details: www. famemovement.com or email at fame.uae@ famemovement.com

Chairman Gerry Nono of FAME

Guests at the recent concert organized by FAME

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT 73

From Broadway to DUBAI

By Jonie Jose • Photography by Mariyah Gaspacho

World-renowned stage performers Isay Alvarez and Robert Sena have come a long way from their beginnings – a memorable stint with then-unknown Lea Salonga and 14 other fresh Filipino talents in the original production of Miss Saigon.

After being discovered in the Manila auditions of Miss Saigon, Isay and Robert spent many years performing the musical at the West End, London’s counterpart to New York’s famous Broadway theatres.

Both made the difficult decision then to leave everything they knew behind to further their careers in Europe. Though they’ve gained the status of permanent resident visa holders in London, the real-life couple eventually decided to relocate back to the Philippines to start their family, after making an indelible mark in the world of international theatre.

Upon their return to the Philippines, they have done several projects both as individuals and as a duo. Among their joint projects was their album ‘Dueto,’ a collection of Filipino love songs where they paid homage to some of the country’s great composers, like Levi Celerio and Ryan Cayabyab.

Another collaboration of the couple is the musical ‘Love you, Hate you, Love you,’ a cabaret-type musical that tells the story of a married couple. They brought this show to the UAE as a post-Valentine’s event, where they treated the Filipino community to a series of pop songs and show tunes in the way only the two world-class performers can. The performance, produced by Filipino Achievers Middle East (FAME), was held on the 21st and 22nd February at the Radisson SAS Hotel in Dubai.

The pair wowed the crowd with their singing and chemistry, particularly on numbers like ‘The Prayer’ and their finale, ‘Go the Distance.’ An audience member,

Fermel Fuentes, admits to being blown away by their performances. “My choir mates and I agree it was the best show we’ve ever seen,” she says. “Everything about the show was top-notch.”

The two are a testament to the talent of our countrymen. “There are many good Filipino onstage performers, especially in the West End musicals in London,” says Alvarez modestly. They are only two in a long list of Pinoy performers that have carved out their legacies in the world of musicals.

The couple gladly gave recognition to hardworking kababayans around the world.

“There are so many of them working behind-the-scenes,” says Sena. Alvarez and Sena understand their condition, having been in the same position themselves.

“We were once OFWs ourselves,” Alvarez shares. “Robert had to stay in London for nine years with Miss Saigon.” She also had to spend four years in the same city – over 6,000 miles away from home.

considered a Filipino achiever,” she says.

Her husband agrees wholeheartedly, “They help build a progressive Philippines.”

The stage veterans have gone from Manila to London and now to Dubai, sharing their prodigious talents with fellow Filipinos everywhere they go. Alvarez explains, “We should always be proud to be Filipino and to uplift the name of the country.”

The Truly Talented Duo Robert Sena’s biggest break was playing the role of The Engineer in the original production of Miss Saigon. His first major solo concert entitled ‘Showtime’ at the Music Museum was a hit. He is well known for his interpretation of the popular aria ‘Nessun Dorma’. In 2003, Robert was nominated for Best Actor in a Play/Musical in the Aliw Awards for his role in ‘Bayan, Isang Paa Na Lamang’ and ‘Spoliarium Juan Luna’. That same year he received the Best Singer Award in the Theatre Category in the prestigious Tinig Awards.

“I think any OFW doing their job should be Isay Alvarez ‘s signature song ‘The Movie In My Mind’ will always be remembered by generations of music lovers. Apart from her Miss Saigon stint, she has also starred in various plays such as ‘West Side Story’, ‘A Chorus Line’, ‘One for the Soul’, ‘Once on this Island’, ‘They’re Playing Our Song’ and current play/musical team-up with husband Robert entitled ‘Skin-Deep’. At the homefront, Isay is also a member of the quartet, Ang4getables. The group’s repertoire ranges from Madrigal pieces to OPM hits.

74 ENTERTAINMENT

ENTERTAINMENT 75 To say I was taken aback when I met Moon Fear Moon is putting it mildly. For one, he is enormous – not the kind that a cruel kid would take as license to name-call, but the kind that would make even the most pitiless child shut the hell up and run for home. The second thing that completely disarmed me were his eyes. They were slanted in a non-oriental sense, like a puppy, and so light they are almost hazel — kind eyes swimming in an intimidating, blunt-featured, bald visage. He looks part African-American and part Caucasian, even if he is really of Spanish-Filipino descent.

Don’t Fear

the Moon

By Gabrielle de la Rama-Talan • Photo courtesy of Juan Caguicla © 2005

The day I got my hands on his music, I remember drawing a blank when I tried putting a face to the sound. “Pretty strange name you got there, Moon Fear Moon,” I said to myself. “Strange but not a name anyone is likely to forget — not by a long shot.” The same goes for his music, which I learned is classified as electronica, but leaning towards experimental.

At the impressionable age of 12, Moon Fear Moon — then known by his Christian name John Sobrepeña — was heavily into hip-hop, tripping to the likes of Wu-Tang Clan, A Tribe Called Quest, and Arrested Development. While most kids were busy playing follow the leader, John was his own man and did as he pleased — no matter if no one else was doing it. Unsurprising, since at just a little off his current 300-pound, sixfoot frame, he wasn’t one you could push around. In fact, as he readily admits, “I was a bully. I’m ashamed of it, but that’s the truth.” So, when he discovered a Technics keyboard lying around his house, he bullied it into producing beats that were to his liking. Eventually, the inanimate object became far more important than kids at school. So much that in the long run, you could say it bullied him.

“After three years of tinkering, I started getting serious, and looking for myself in terms of sound,” he says. “The hip-hop I was producing was very melodic, and the beat was always syncopated. It had unexpected twists and turns, and many emcees were interested, but were unsure about my direction.” That pretty much sums up the way most Filipinos were reacting to the experimental genre at the time. Though there has been some improvement since, it still has the power to intimidate and to generate dismissal borne out of ignorance.

People fear what they don’t understand.

And, at 16, John learned it the hard way.

While working an odd job at a recording studio, he was told in a roundabout way that his beats were too strange and confusing to be liked.

Angry but by no means dissuaded, John relocated to Baguio with his music a few years later. It was here he experienced free

reign to develop musically. He learned to play drums and expanded his musical tastes by singing for a heavy metal band that covered Pantera and Slayer. Backed by a thriving local art scene and fueled by the encouragement of kindred, he found himself experimenting further until he reached an impasse, and returned to Manila.

Enter Club Kemistry and Erick Ong a.k.a.

DJ Mulan (now his brother-in-law), the most influential force in John’s musical evolution.

Club Kemistry, purportedly a disreputable playground for a drug-crazed mob in the 90s, spawned many of today’s influential electronic musicians, and it was under Mulan’s tutelage that John soaked up music from the likes of Aphex Twin, Autechre, and Plaid. Unlike others, John went to raves not to satisfy some inner hedonistic craving or to play the conforming non-conformist, but to really grasp what the music was about. He became adept at various software programs, which allowed him to further tweak his creations. His music twisted and turned, buzz-sawing through to what it is today — hence, the emergence of the musician known as Moon Fear Moon.

It’s difficult to explain what his music is, apart from the fact that it belongs to a genre where the word ‘unique’ just doesn’t cut it. It conjures up images that listeners play around with, helped by the fact that there are no words. They aren’t spoon-fed with lyrics or concrete visuals. “I try to connect directly with people through just the music and not words. It’s not an original idea.

Many people across the world are doing it. I just find it boring sometimes when a vocalist tells you what the song is about or what it should mean,” he explains.

It is music that challenges you to think, to imagine, or to wander about in circles with no clear purpose. To some, what seems a lament is a soundtrack to depravity for others. For instance, I can listen to his song ‘Digital Jeepney Heroics’ repeatedly. It makes me feel hopeful in a spaced out kind of way. I think of robots assembling and disassembling themselves, but everything is a blur, much like when you press the fast forward button on a DVD player.

Drip and Rubber Inc.’s Malek Lopez – composer and electronic musician credited for popularizing the genre in the Philippines – probably describes Moon Fear Moon’s musicality best. Lopez took classical guitar at UST and it would frustrate him how reading a certain piece would take him months while some young punk would come in and read it straight off the page. “I liken this to the way I feel about Moon Fear Moon in terms of electronic music. What is technical comes so naturally to him; what is laborious for others, he does without even realizing it.” He goes further, describing Moon Fear Moon’s work as “a system of complex rhythms, drones, and ever-evolving textures that make it difficult to actually pinpoint how it makes sense — and it does.

Sometimes, in more ways than we can describe.”

Moon Fear Moon has released a couple of albums under the indie Internet label Enpegdigital and QED Records, a song for an MTV Philippines short and has scored Filipino designer Yvonne QuisumbingRomulo’s show, ‘Infernal Desire Machines.’

He is currently occupied with finishing his latest album entitled ‘Architexture’, which he describes as “tracks that conjure up images of advanced structures and buildings.” He is a musician who feeds largely off the visual. We are talking about someone who, upon seeing Pinoy artist Jose Legaspi’s notoriously disquieting works, went into a creating frenzy and came up with one of his most ambitious and disturbing tracks to date entitled, “Seem.”

Though Moon Fear Moon’s music may seem daunting to the general public, it is an example of how Filipinos are creative and original; how we are capable of more than just sheer mimicry; and how we can set the trend instead of just acting the blind follower.

And, it is for these reasons and countless more that we should tread boldly into the realm of experimental or, at the very least, be supportive of those who do. Be it music or any other form of art, we should not fear it. Fear is not for those with imagination and originality. Fear is not for the Filipino.

Novels and CDs are available at Fully Booked Philippines. Visit the website at www.fullybookedonline.com

76 MANILA’S HOT RELEASES By Gabrielle de la Rama-Talan

‘Remembering Nothing’

by The Slave Drum The Slave Drum’s sound is an intelligent amalgam of ambient and rock, reminiscent of post-punk pioneer Joy Division though not as dark. The former’s album, ‘Remembering Nothing’ is dreamlike and smacks of introspection — probably what Jerome Velasco (drum machine/ambient guitars/keyboards), Paulo Pacia (bass/effects), and Ramon Mayor (vocals/ acoustic six and 12 string/electric guitars) were doing a lot of when they recorded the material. All in all, it’s a pretty far cry from Velasco’s grunge antics for 90s seminal, alterna-rock outfit Teeth.

Water permeates the album. In ‘Collide’ the sound of waves crashing on the shore is heard all throughout while ‘Remembering Nothing’ ends with the sound of rain. In fact, the whole album possesses fluidity — one song moving seamlessly from the next. All nine tracks could be just one whole song; one train of thought traversing to another, then another.

The Slave Drum went global after attracting the attention of Belgian independent label Planet of Sounds, enough to bag a distribution deal across Europe. Though they have not released any new material since 2003, this recognition has earned them cult status in the annals of Pinoy ambient.

‘Bandang Pinoy Lasang Hotdog: The Hotdog Tribute Album’

by Various Artists

Hotdog was the Philippines’ retort to the overtly sexual and highly contrived glam rock and disco dominating the Western hemisphere in the late seventies to early eighties. Light, fun and best of all, humorous in a way that was unapologetically Pinoy, Hotdog is a band whose name will escape being swallowed up by any band of the moment — no matter how many years in the making that moment is. And this for the pure, simple fact that their songs are so firmly entrenched in Filipino consciousness and pop culture that future generations will have no choice to but to find out who was responsible for them.

The band was conceived by brothers Rene and Dennis Garcia, along with Louie Nepomuceno, who were later joined by members of the music act, Underground Movement. Of the female vocalists who joined the band at one time or the other, most memorable are Ella del Rosario and The Divine Diva herself, Zsa Zsa Padilla.

This CD is a fitting tribute to this legendary band with participation from the likes of Cookie Chua of Color it Red fame, The Eraserheads, Brownbeat All Stars, Parokya ni Edgar, and many more. Must-listens include Ascolto’s rendition of ‘Annie Batungbakal’ and ‘Langit Nanaman’ by Barbie’s Cradle.

This album is perfect for taking the edge off stressful days, and is almost guaranteed to incite laughter and foolish posturing. The only better alternative would be listening to the originals.

‘The Ultimate OPM Collection: The Story of Pops Fernandez’

by Pops Fernandez

Of all the fresh-faced teen queens of the eighties Pops Fernandez remains, by far, one of the most memorable. Despite her failed marriage to singer Martin Nievera, she has managed to retain that rare, characteristic dignity with which she carries herself, evident in all aspects of her career – be it acting, singing, or hosting.

It comes as no surprise that she is still in possession of her title as Concert Queen, bequeathed to her for an ability to pull in droves of people. This is evidenced by extremely well-attended performances staged locally and abroad such as the famed ‘Shindig’ in 2000, which filled ULTRA to capacity.

This compilation celebrates Fernandez’s enduring appeal with 16 unforgettable tracks including her duets with Joey Albert ‘Points of View’ and ex-husband Nievera in ‘Always and Forever.’ The CD is a must-have for fans, and for those who want to recall fond memories. But strangely enough, the album cover features a black-and-white shot of a pensive Fernandez, hair done up in an unmistakably eighties flip though a closer look will reveal a face that hasn’t changed much over the years — much like her career that has stood the test of time.

MANILA’S HOT RELEASES 77

Youth : Bold and Deserving ‘Caution: An Autobiography in Verse

by Miguel Perez’ As early as 11, Miguel Perez was writing poetry and tons of it. At 16, as part of a list of things he wanted to accomplish before dying, he decided to publish these. It’s an admirable thing for a boy his age, but nothing that hasn’t been done before.

Before you dismiss him as just another Boy Genius with a final round of applause for his poems on snips, snails, and puppy dog tails, consider the fact that his poems are on none of the above. In fact, they revolve around very adult themes – some of which are drug addiction, disease, and prostitution.

Divided into four sections, each signifying the ages 11, 14, 15, and 16, Perez’s poetry book is his story in vignettes — little glimpses into his young yet interesting life. What is remarkable about his poetry is not so much his use of adult concepts. Instead, it lies in the sophistication of his language and his views, shifting from mature to childlike, depending on the poem.

Filled with photos and images Perez collected over years, this is a poetry book written by a teenager who has earned the right to be called a man by virtue of his sheer candor. Talent, though very much present, is secondary. A must-read.

‘Young Pens for Young Minds: Anthology of Selected Essays 2000-2004’ 2008 marks the 50th year of the Ramon Magsaysay award, that prestigious accolade that celebrates individuals who have set the precedent in leading lives of selflessness, honor, and dignity – much like the man it was named after, whose abrupt yet venerable life inspired multitudes.

To voice the merits of the recipients, a corresponding award was created for young writers, whose goal is to pay homage and give credence to Magsaysay awardees through the written word — The Ramon Magsaysay Student Essay Competition.

‘Young Pens for Young Minds: Anthology of Selected Essays 2000-2004’ is a collection of heartfelt works of young writers from the Philippines and three Koreans.

The book includes essays on notables including the Dalai Lama, Lino Brocka, and Nick Joaquin, among others. Each essay is followed by the citation and brief biography of the particular awardee.

Especially moving was a young lady’s piece on former Naga City mayor Jesse Manalastas Robredo, the Ramon Magsaysay Awardee for Government Service in 2000. In light of recent events, reading about the honesty and integrity of a government official is balm for a concerned Filipino’s soul. Even more moving is that the writer is Robredo’s own daughter, whose words are a sincere and fitting tribute, possessing none of the partiality of family.

It is stories like these that inhabit the pages of this inspiring read.

I know What To Do Essays 2000-2004’ Pinoy Success Handbook

by Jeffrey ‘Ximo’ Ramos So you want to be successful – but do you know what to do? Author Jeffrey Ximo Ramos unlocks the secrets to achievement in his substantial motivational tome ‘I Know What To Do’. Lifted from his personal learnings from the challenges and triumphs of living in the United Arad Emirates, the book is packed with useful tips and fundamental truths that can help you accomplish your dreams. It is divided into three main sections – How to be successful, how to maintain success and how not to get corrupted by success. With its words of wisdom, not to mention the writers’ interestingly casual style and wit, the book promises to be a veritable ‘success handbook’ one would eagerly be reaching for, from time to time.

Now available in the UAE through Illustrado.

Please call 04-365 4543 to reserve your copy or e-mail info@illustrado.net

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