ILLUSTRADO Magazine_May 2010

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THE MAGAZINE FOR THE INTERNATIONAL FILIPINO

15 MAY- 15 JUNE 2010

i l e st o ne May issue

OAV: OVERSEAS VOTERS ABSENT? PHILIPPINES, FIESTA ISLANDS OUR ENDLESS SUMMERS THE CLOTHES THAT MAKE THE MAN FILIPINO MARTIAL ARTS ILLUSTRADO RUNWAY & SCRAPBOOK PARADISE UNDISCOVERED: MAGALLANES, SORSOGON CRUISING IN THE CARIBBEAN ANNIE B: LET’S VOTE IN!

A PUBLICATION LICENSED UNDER THE DUBAI TECHNOLOGY & MEDIA FREE ZONE

41

EDITOR’S NOTE

The month of milestones…

May has always been a special month in the calendar of Filipinos.

For one, it is the most colorful period of the year owing to the pomp and pageantry provided by the various fiestas in the Philippine countryside that abound in May. A great example is in the province of Bohol where it is said that for every single day of this month, there is a town, barrio, or even sitio that is celebrating a fiesta. During this period of festivities, places around the country are gaily decorated and pulsating with energy and neighborly generosity. Banderitas fly high above the streets, fiesta delicacies overflow in every home where even strangers are welcome, brass bands play music all day long, and parades highlight the town’s patron saint, on elaborate floats decked with flowers.

May is also the time for Flores de Mayo, when townspeople gather at the church daily to pray the rosary and offer flowers to the Virgin Mother. The highlight of this specific season is the Santa Cruzan, held at the last day of the festival. Most of us would remember that the Santa Cruzan, religious significance aside, was not just a procession, but more like an exciting pageant, where one can see all the beautiful girls and handsome young men in a parade all over town.

It seems that a lot of the festivals of this month have their roots to local folks giving thanks to the heavens for the first bout of rains after the parched dry summer. May, which is the transition month from our dry to rainy season will always be remembered by those who grew up in the Philippines as a time when people took their holidays and went back to their hometowns to enjoy a more unhurried life, albeit for awhile, and share the month’s jovial mood with family members and childhood friends.

This year, May also marks another milestone in the lives of Filipinos; this time not of a religious or cultural significance, but one of a political nature. It is safe to say that 2010’s presidential election fever can only be matched by the gusto with which Filipinos celebrate their festivals in the country side. Political campaigns, discussions (and arguments) and candidate colors marked the entire Philippines this month as the country (or at least most of the population) went to vote for the nation’s new president and government leaders. According to reports, this year’s election was the least violent in our country’s recent history and (arguably) the most efficient one owing to the automated polling system. By the time of publishing, Noynoy Aquino is in landslide lead position and most competing candidates have already conceded defeat and accepted Aquino’s imminent presidency. A surprising sense of calm and acceptance seems to be hovering over the Filipino community as people wait in keen anticipation of what is to come after this May’s turning point in our collective lives.

And so it goes… This issue comes to you with a hodge podge of memorable things; May elections, festivals, music, martial arts and mannish clothes, among other interesting stories. We hope that you take this significant time to figure out your place in this grand fiesta that is the Filipino life – a moving circus filled with color, noise, texture and passion. Alas! We Filipinos won’t have it any other way.

Taas Noo, Filipino!

LALAINE CHU-BENITEZ Publisher and Editor-in-Chief

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Send your letters to: editor@illustrado.net etc. ad nauseum (though I still love Manila despite all the negative things, being a true blue Manileña). But it’s really just a matter of looking beyond all these bad things, for all of us to see that there is so much beauty and richness out there.

So, tara na, biyahe tayo!

Ange Castillones Thank you very much for your April Beautiful Philippines issue! It’s a source of pride for all Filipinos around the world. As a Filipino, it makes me feel good that we can show the rest of the world that we have a beautiful country.

Hindi tayo kawawa. Mayaman tayo. Madalas lang nating malimutan…

Edilberto Flores – Kuwait

Amazingly Beautiful Philippines Your Beautiful Philippines issue has once again awakened the pride of being a Filipino.

Seeing the beauty and wonders of our fair motherland makes me want to explore its amazing natural richness that abound. Our country is certainly comparable with other wonderful places around the world.

It is truly remarkable how God had gifted us with this paradise and we should be thankful enough by taking care of our environment.

We should be more aware and conscious of our actions towards preserving the trees and mindful of the wastes knowing fully well the catastrophic consequences of flood and other natural or man-made calamities that come our way.

Annie Fever Dizizit! Nag I LOVE YOU na si Adam! Wow! Annie B, way to go, my gurl!

Chesca Magsakay Thank you for your always exciting and funny Annie B. chronicles. It’s always the first thing I read when I get my monthly issue. I so love Annie B., and can somehow identify with what she’s going through here in Dubai. Our life here is somehow common among other Pinays – it just so happens that Annie has a crazy comedic one. Reading Annie B. helps me destress; compared to the problems that come her way at work, in her family and personally life – my life seems quite simple. Thankfully!

Maita Hipolito

Thank you Illustrado for reminding everyone how truly beautiful and blessed our country is, but with this knowledge also comes a certain responsibility. Hopefully all of us will be ready to take this.

Wohoo! Congrats Annie Batobalani! You are officially somebody’s girlfriend. Sana ako rin…

Tats Sanchez

Mabuhay!

Dong N. Dimal – Dubai

On the “Empowered Filipina”

Our country is simply amazing! Heaven on earth! How many other nationalities can boast of places like we have, like Amanpulo – where the sky is so blue, the sands so white and the waters so inviting?

Illustrado, I was ecstatic reading your latest issue of Beautiful Philippines! It energized me so much to see pages upon pages of beautiful sceneries from our very own homeland.

Most of the time, we are bogged down by the problems that beset our country. We are always complaining about the slums in Manila, the traffic, the smog, the ugly billboards, etc,

To those involved in the Empowered Filipina Project I was very moved and inspired seeing this documentary since not a lot of people know about Filipinas and the stereotype that follows us. I live in the US and I am going to school in Columbia College in Chicago and majoring in Fashion Design. I was so inspired by this that I decided to take this inspiration onto my textile design with the idea of how Asian women are portrayed in the western world by the media.

I felt so empowered that I showed my friend this documentary and to my surprise, he

responded pretty negatively towards it. He said that it is our fault if we get treated like lower class people. We went on to talk about how I feel towards mail-order brides and he said that it is also our fault for exploiting our sisters in that way. I think he is biased because he only chooses to see what he believes in.

Here in the US, I see images and portrayals of Asian women as someone docile, submissive, sweet and willing to give white men pleasure.

Another image of us is someone who is cunning and deceitful and will do anything for opportunity or money. These are very limiting roles for us and that is such an issue because it’s telling the world that we can only be two things and can be objectified, dehumanized, and used in however way men see fit. I believe this issue is global and does not only happen in Dubai. I totally agree with you on this matter.

I do realize that we are not the only culture that is known for these negative things. But I am sticking to the fact that as long as we are not educated enough about the world, we could fall prey to being taken advantage of and tricked into doing things. It is so important for us to feel empowered and to know when to fight for our rights, because without this stand, we are letting bigotry trample on us and I believe it’s time for a change. We are always taught to stay out of trouble so we usually let it pass and if we let everything pass like it’s no big deal, we’re letting them know it’s okay to treat us as if we are less than human.

Despite all that I have experienced in my life here, I’ve always had a strong pride for being Philippineborn and living in the US. My parents gave me the chance to have better opportunities and what better way to repay them than to make something out of myself? I am American mentally but have never lost my native values. We ARE masters of our own fate and are all responsible for our own happiness. Each one of us deserves it.

Sincerely, Carmine Bermejo Columbia College, Chicago

CONTRIBUTORS Sherry Tenorio

Away from lifestyle, fashion and entertainment which is her writing staple, Dubai-based wordsmith Sherry Tenorio delves into the hot topic hounding expatriate Filipinos this month – if the poor election turnout points to a growing apathy among Pinoys abroad on issues of national interest. Check it out in this month’s feature –OAV: Overseas Absent Voters?

Ivan Henares

Illustrado contributor Ivan Henares is a not only a popular blogger and a travel buff, but also a keen Philippine heritage activist, who sits as a member of the Board of Trustees of the Heritage Conservation Society. This month, Ivan regales us with all the best festivals back home in “Philippines, The Fiesta Islands.”

Isabelo Samonte

A freelance writer, consultant and PR practitioner who specializes in Philippine Labor issues, Isabelo Samonte takes a breather on the lighter side this month as he writes on one of the Pinoys favorite pastimes, singing. In his article this issue, Isabelo focuses on songs that have elicited a sense of patriotism and national pride among Filipinos.

Christopher Elden Hilotin

Aby Yap

Just reading her articles gives you a peek into the funny and wacky mind of writer Aby Yap. With Pinoy and ka-Pinoyan as her favorite subjects, Aby amuses and entertains in her column “Onli in Da Pilipins” as she holds a reflecting mirror to our amazingly weird native nuances, giving us a view of what makes the Pinoy really stand-out.

A photography hobbyist who works for a law office in Dubai, Christopher Elden Hilotin is first and foremost, a proud native of Magallanes, Sorsogon.

In this issue, Christopher shares with us a remarkable account of his beloved Magallanes with all its beauty and bounty in the hopes of promoting his hometown as an alternative destination for those looking for exotic destinations, as well as travellers on a shoestring budget.

Flordeliz Samonte

Flordeliz Samonte, also known as Bambi to her friends is an OF living in Singapore. Previously doing research and writing for the Philippine Government under the Philippine Information Agency, she is a business analyst by day, a freelance writer by night and a passionate jewelry bead maker in her free time. She is a lover of freedom, justice and all things Pinoy. Flordeliz brings to Illustrado this month a feature on Filipino Martial Arts.

Cristina Linaza Al Manlangit

“Have cash will travel” is Illustrado contributor Al Manlangit’s motto in life that takes him to places wonderful and exotic around the world. Kuwait-based architect Al, takes us to the sunny Caribbean on a cruise to be envied in our Pinoy Planet column.

‘Tinayums’ to her friends, Cristina is an IT Specialist who dreams of becoming a professional photographer someday. An active volunteer/member of OPPPS (Overseas Pinoy Professional Photographers Society) and the Emirates Group Photography Club (EGPC), she freelances in commercial and advertising photography in Dubai and also arranges workshops. A constant fixture in fashion events in the emirate, Cristina covers some spectacular catwalk action for this issue’s Illustrado Runway column.

Publisher & Editor-in Chief Lalaine Chu-Benitez Associate Editor Vic Lactaoen CONTRIBUTING WRITERS UAE, Philippines, USA Aby Yap JR Bustamante Anna Lorraine Balita Jude Cartalaba Bernadette Reyes Karen Galarpe Bo Sanchez KC Abalos Carlito Viriña Krip Yuson Chayie Maligalig Lawrence Diche David Poarch Mike Martin Excel Dyquiangco Shar Matingka Francisco Colayco Sherry Tenorio Isabel Warren Sonny Guzman Isabelo Samonte Vic Lactaoen Ivan Henares Victor Sollorano Jack Catarata Jeffrey ‘Ximo’ Ramos Jesse Edep ART DIRECTORS Tom Bolivar Paula Lorenzo Ron Perez CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS UAE Illuminado Ong Pot Ph Ik Lumberio Melandro Sanggalang Mac Antonio Jit Sanggalang Eros Goze CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS PHILIPPINES Dr. Marlon Pecjo Glenn Peter-Perez Filbert Kung CONTRIBUTING STYLISTS & FASHION TEAM UAE Zekundo Chu Basil Yunting Jessie Tabla Gene Diaz PUBLISHER - UAE Illustrado Communications FZ-LLC 2nd Floor, Building 2, P.O. Box 72280 Office 20C Dubai Media City, UAE Tel: +9714 365 4543, 365 4547 Fax:+9714 360 4771 E-mail: admin@illustrado.net, info@illustrado.net Web: www.illustrado.net, www.illustrado.agilaglobal.net PRINTERS PRINTWELL PRINTING LLC P.O. Box 18828 Dubai, UAE Copyright Illustrado Communications FZ-LLC 2006-2010. All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without the written permission of Illustrado Communications FZ-LLC.

34 CONTENTS

May 2010

Ultra-feminine Filipino-German model Valerie Clacio-Weigmann effortlessly sports masculine style statements in this month’s fashion feature – The Clothes that Make the Man.

FEATURES OAV: Overseas Absent Voters? 6 Philippines, The Fiesta Islands 16 Lifting the Pinoy Spirit through Songs 26 FMA: A return to being Maharlika 60

REGULAR COLUMNS Editor’s Note 1 Letters 2 Contributors 4 Contents 5 Bayanihan Corner 9 Illuminati – Our Endless Summers 12 Pinoy Pro 30 Pinoy Entrepreneur 24 Kabuhayan: Serenitea 22 Successful Pinoy: Breaking the Cycle 28 Global Barrio News: 30 Fashion: The clothes that make the man 34 Illustrado Runway 46 Community 56 Illustrado Scrapbook 58 Onli in da Pilipins: Bayanihan at Pagpapatuloy 74 Annie B Chronicles: Let’s Vote In! 76 Classifieds Listing: Filipino & Filipino-Oriented Establishments 82

PLACES Trippin’: Five Things to Do this Month 64 Pinoy Planet: Cruising in the Caribbean 66 Bakasyon Grande: Paradise Undiscovered – Magallanes, Sorsogon 69

16

6 FEATURE

OAV: Overseas ‘Absent’ Voters

Are Overseas Filipinos indifferent to the fate of the Philippine government?

By Sherry Tenorio

Centuries ago, the realization of Philippine elections would have been just a dream that Rizal, Bonifacio, Aguinaldo and other national heroes would have shed blood for. Yet now, Filipinos, especially those living and working abroad, seem not so eager to participate in shaping the country’s future.

T

here are an estimated 8 million Overseas Filipinos (OFs), spread over 200 countries worldwide. Every year, that number grows unabated. With this huge population, why is it that only 589,830 registered for Overseas Absentee Voting (OAV), and only 134,000 actually voted? In the UAE alone, where the Filipino population is estimated at almost 500,000, a mere 47,683 Filipinos were registered to participate. So, where have the absentee voters gone? What is the reason for the poor worldwide turn-out? Is it because of the lack of communication from the government? Is there minimal input on voter’s education programs?

Or, is it because of the lack of concern from the voters themselves?

Have Filipinos abroad grown apathetic to national matters back home?

Absentee Voters, Defined The low turn-out of absentee voters may be attributed to a number of reasons. One of which is the restriction of the rules as to who are qualified absentee voters. Based on the guidelines set by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) for all the 93 Philippine embassies and consulates around the world, absentee voters are “All citizens of the Philippines abroad, who are not disqualified by law, and who are at least 18 years of age on the day of the elections.”

The follow-up question then is: who among overseas Filipinos are disqualified to vote?

The OAV Act states that the following are disqualified to vote: those who lost their Filipino citizenship; those who expressly renounced their Philippine citizenship and pledged allegiance to a foreign country, except dual citizens as referred to under Republic Act No. 9225; those who are convicted in a final judgment by a court or a tribunal of an offense punishable by imprisonment of not less than one (1) year, including those found guilty of disloyalty as defined in Art. 137 of the Revised Penal Code; an immigrant or a permanent resident who is recognized as such in the host country; and any citizen of the Philippines abroad previously declared insane or incompetent by competent authorities in the Philippines or abroad.

So really, OAV is a restrictive process that does not allow all OFs to exercise the right to vote. It is not as easy as what it used to be back home when a cedula was all you needed to prove your citizenship and eligibility for the process.

FEATURE 7 OAV also entails some documentation, especially if you want to prove that you should not be disqualified. This documentation is not easy for some OFs. Banker Jennyn Gueco wanted to register as an absentee voter yet her intent amounted to nothing. Her visa was being transferred from one employer to another, and when she finally received her passport, the registration was over. The temporary unavailability of passports is something that is not unique to Jennyn.

There are thousands of Filipinos in the UAE who find it difficult to present their passports because their employers (although against the law) still keep them for visa processing purposes or otherwise.

An affidavit, however, can be filed in case of missing or unavailable passports. Still, the fact of the matter is that in order to be qualified, one needs to go through cumbersome paperwork.

The OAV Roll Call Aside from the restrictive rules, another popular reason cited by OFs for not voting was the lack of information on the registration and voting process. Sheila Baldago, a Public Relations specialist, said, “I did not know about the registration. I was not informed.”

On the other hand, Charles Liban Jr., a professional photographer, claimed, “There is no news from the consulate.” While, Abigail Pondoc, a Chemical Engineer in Beijing, noted, “No information was handed to us.”

Clarisse Dano, an executive who works at Jebel Ali remarked, “I didn’t know that the registration was since last year.” She added, “I don’t see any improvement in our country’s elections. In my opinion, it’s still as bad as the previous ones. Just as an example, I’ve read the news that there were voters who were on the registered list yet they did not register for OAV. Yet, I hope that the country will soon have good leaders.”

Still, the hope for better leaders was what motivated most OFS who took part in OAV. Most of those who actually registered and voted said they learned about OAV through friends and officemates, while some read the news. Whatever their source of information, the one common thing among those who participated is that they took their own initiative to acquire pertinent OAV details.

Aspirations for a change and the satisfaction to exercise a right pushed Ferry Joseph Trinidad, an advertising professional, to register as an absentee voter. Ferry, who voted for Noynoy Aquino commented, “In general, it looks like the same old political gimmick. But, I’m glad that people were more participative and interactive now than before. They were interested to learn about the candidates, and listened to the debates, checked out candidates’ platforms, and took notice of their endorsers.”

Abril Ramos, Abu Dhabi based absentee voter, furthered, “Though we live in a democracy, politics in our country remains dirty. Despite this, I still registered to vote. I believe that Filipinos have decided to be more proactive now. There is a wide use of new media such as YouTube, Facebook and Twitter in providing opinions regarding candidates, and this has given continued reminders for people to vote.”

If There’s a Will, There’s a Way True enough, there may have been many reasons (or excuses) for why a great number of OFs did not show up – some more valid than others. But beyond the reasons cited, it is undeniable that there were also those who were not part of the exercise because they did

not exert effort in finding the means to vote. There is a saying in Tagalog: “Pag gusto may paraan; pag ayaw may dahilan.”

(When it is wanted, there is a way, when it is unwanted, there is an excuse.) Now, whether this was because participating in the country’s political future is not a priority, or because there is no trust in the Philippine political system which has always been marred by corruption (and whether these reasons are justified), the rationale is both debatable and complicated. The one underlying fact is that the Philippines, at this point, is far from having a totally credible electoral process that will move the majority of OFs to take part.

Still, with the seeming distance of the majority of OFs to OAV, is it safe to assume that we are apathetic and indifferent to the fate of the Philippines? While poor OAV figures point out to the lack of willingness to participate in national governance, the tireless support of expatriate Filipinos, particularly demonstrated in recent times when OFs have extended themselves not only during disasters like Ondoy, prove otherwise. Whether it is through sending remittances, establishing business to support the economy, raising funds or establishing projects with charitable causes back home, or even simply wearing shirts which carry Philippine emblems, OFs have, time and time again, shown that there is great love for the motherland. And that is an undeniable fact.

OAV is a different system of voter’s registration. It is a system that should be properly managed and handed to the OF community in order for it to take effect and eventually benefit the country and the community. But by the same token that our government is responsible to ensure that the process works properly and credibly, exercising the right to vote is not only a privilege but a sacred duty for all Filipinos. Change does not begin with the government. It begins from the people who make it happen. With the millions of

8 FEATURE

OFs around the world, it is more than possible that our voices will be heard if we really give ourselves the chance to speak.

Now, if only the nationalistic fervor of OFs could be extended to actively participating in choosing the country’s leaders. Then there is a better chance that we could all make a difference.

Online Survey on Overseas Absentee Voting *Survey sample of 500 overseas Filipinos around the world.

Ryan Espulgar I registered for OAV but I didn’t get any packet. I guess it’s too late now to bother the embassy. This would have been my very first time to ever vote in the Philippine elections because I was never a registered voter until late last year.

PENSYLVANNIA, USA Christian Lou Evarola I voted for the 2010 Presidential elections. OAV in Abu Dhabi, still the old fashion way, but very organized.

ABU DHABI

Do majority of Overseas Filipinos really want to take active part in shaping the Philippine’s new government, or are we just not telling the truth? The actual tally of OAV results tell otherwise.

Joy Lang-Ayan Overseas Absentee Voting... Gastos!

AJMAN, UAE

The survey says 57% - Believe in taking part in shaping our country’s future 21% - Said they were not able to register because of the lack of information 22% - Said they don’t believe that their vote will make a difference

OAV Sound bites from the WWW

Tina Vitug Making my voice count in the Philippine elections. I went to the Philippine Consulate in Dubai to vote and got in line with people who still believed and cared. Thanks to the friends who thought through their choices and shared their lists with me. Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!

DUBAI, UAE

Maria Sahara Nulud Hay naku! Excited akong pumila nun para makapagregister dahil first time kong bumoto. Yun lang pala hindi ako makakaboto dahil hindi ako naka-rehistro sa Overseas Absentee Voting! Nakakainis. Nakakapikon. Sayang ang aking ISANG BOTO!!!

ABU DHABI, UAE

Milo Torres Ako bomoto. Kahit alam kong hindi naman mananalo ang ibinoto ko para president. Ang habol ko naman, kahit man lang yung bise presidente at mga senators ay may manalo sa mga ibinoto ko. Kahit paano makakapag-balance sila kung manalo man na presidente ay crooked.

DUBAI, UAE

Alfea Moreno Last night I made up my mind to vote in the OAV, because I would like to help my country for a change. I learned a lesson, and that is to remain loyal to my country wherever I may be. That’s what I learned from travelling abroad; just like Dr. Jose Rizal. He wished for a change in his country and he saw these things while he was away.

WISCONSIN, USA

Rosita Temporaza As a responsible citizen of my beloved country, I exercised my right to vote in the national elections - OAV here in Kuwait. Of course I voted NOYNOY! KUWAIT

BAYANIHAN CORNER 9 Darwin Guevarra Election... Ako boboto? Sayang pamasahe ko. Wala tayong natatanggap na suporta sa kanila sa oras ng pangangailangan, tapos boboto ako? Yung ipapamasahe ko papunta doon, pambili na lang namin ng ulam. Ganun din katumbas ng ulam saglit sa kabusugan gaya ng boto, saglit na pangako, parehong lumilipas at magugutom ka ulit. Iisipin ko kung sino iboboto ko? Iniisip ba ako ng ibinoboto ko?

DUBAI, UAE Minerva Masagana I voted here in Taiwan through the OAV system. I observed my right as a Filipino. Sana manalo ang karapat dapat!

TAIWAN Gerald Fontanilla OAV from Filipinos around the globe! Hoping next time online voting system na, para karamihan makavote! Less hassle going to the consulate starting a month before the elections.

DOHA, QATAR Maria Elena Trinidad Just got back in Dubai from Abi Dhabi to vote. Thank God! Sarap din ng feeling when you cast your vote. Feeling Pinoy ako! Heaven DUBAI, UAE Paksit Pansit Paksiw Wala akong paniwala sa mga politika. Kahit kailan marami paring kababayan na nagugutom. May pagbabago nga kaso yung bulsa lang nila ang kumapal sa kurakot. Kailan kaya aasenso ang bayan natin. Saka muna ako maniwala sa kanila pag wala nang nagugutom na kababayan. God bless us. Good luck sa mga mananalo.

DUBAI, UAE Lags Torres Wala namang problema na di makaboto ang tao na di makakaboto. Pero huwag na lang i-broadcast pa na isa tayong walang kwentang mamamayan na tuluyang nawalan ng pag asa sa bayan. In the end, Pilipino pa rin tayo. Kung di tayo tutulong sa tunay na pagbabago, walang mababago. Kung tuluyan na tayong magagalit sa gobyerno, lalong walang mangyayari.

Sino ang pagbabago? Di ba tayo pa rin? Yun nga lang di ninyo tuluyang nakilalala ang tunay na magbabago sa bansa natin!

DUBAI, UAE Mariecar Blanco Jara If I may say, the eight months allotted for OAV registration is fair enough. We must also ask ourselves if each one of us did our very best to register as there were groups such as the University of the Philippines Alumni Association and the Maranao Filipino Community who really took their time to register. Do not blame others for your failure. You are a part of the failure, so to speak. I know since in my interviews for articles related on OAV there were people who said they neither read nor heard about the OAV registration in the newspapers, television or radio. Some said, “If ever we vote, will those be counted?” And then, there were those who said “we do not have the time.” They are the ones who had so many reasons. If you want to do your part, cast the vote. And as we Filipinos say, do not complain if you do not like the next set of national leaders. In the first place, did you register and cast your vote?

DUBAI, UAE Kirstin Kaye Pwede bang bumoto kahit TNT for overseas absentee voting?

UNDISCLOSED LOCATION

A question begging to be asked

By Ambassador Grace Relucio-Princesa

Bakit, mga kababayan? This all important question needs an in depth study as to why Overseas Filipinos after three years of overseas voting exercises seem not to have maximized this privilege.

After much effort on the part of leaders and movers and supporters of this issue, the 2003 Overseas Absentee Law came into effect. Since then, from the 2004 presidential, 2007 midterm and now, the recently held 2010 presidential elections, Overseas Filipinos have not met the expectations of their active participation in this civic duty.

Estimated at eight million spread over some 200 destinations, less than 600,000 overseas Filipinos have registered. From over 200,000 voters in 2004 to over 80,000 in 2007 and now to an estimated 150,000 plus in 2010, the question of low turnout begs for an answer.

We have tried to inquire and answers range from a belief that their vote is not important and that it will not make a difference in the way government is run. This is an attitude that is most challenging for the Embassy and the Consulate General to turn around. It is imperative to remind ourselves that not to vote, in fact, will perpetuate the status quo. A vote is the first step towards change. We cannot criticize if we do not participate in governance.

Another reason is lack of knowledge of the registration period.

We hope we can propose to the Philippine Commission on Elections to have a longer period or a continuing registration in the run up to the 2013 midterm elections in order to answer this issue.

On the expense of going out to vote, perhaps, if studied and found to be also viable, internet voting can be looked at in addition to other modes of voting now being used for overseas absentee voting i.e. automated, postal and personal.

I would like to remind us all of us of a saying that it takes only a few good men and women to be indifferent for bad governance to prosper. If only half of the estimated eight million overseas Filipinos vote, then they can become a swing vote of four million concerned citizens that can influence national issues, particularly, those involving migrants and their loved ones.

12 ILLUMINATI

Our endless summer

By Alfred A. Yuson

National Artist for Literature F. Sionil Jose, our most prolific novelist and internationally best-known writer, declared some years ago that there is no such thing as summer in the Philippines. That summer was a Western concept that had no business being assimilated in our own calendar and culture. Or words to that effect.

N

ow, Manong Frankie, as we call him, is known to affect such seemingly feckless pronouncements, with the obvious objective of pioneering in a provocative idea. Maybe he meant, oh so fundamentally, that we shouldn’t use the word “summer” in our country. Or that we shouldn‘t equate it to the summer that visits temperate countries as one of four seasons.

Our Spanish colonizers broke down our tropical seasons into three: four months of dust, four months of rains, and four months of muddy hell, or something like that.

On the other hand, we ourselves appear to bifurcate time in a characteristically pessimistic view of inescapable no-win conditions: “Sala sa init, sala sa lamig.” (Damned when it’s hot, damned when it’s cold.)

But to get back to Frankie’s dictum, we may counter: Lighten up, what’s in a word, especially if it’s in English? Our tag-init (as against tag-ulan) is our summer, and it does translate to summer in more ways than one. It’s that period of the year when torpor sets in, ushered in by dry heat by the middle of March, and stays with us till the first typhoons, commonly starting in June.

This summer is inclusive of the Agua de Mayo or first rain of May, which is held to be a health boon. One drops what one’s doing, strips and runs outdoors, celebrates the water released by the first thunderstorm of May, as long as it’s not just a passing shower, but a drenching rain. We’ve heard from the old folk how this rainwater is a salve for the spirit and the common cold. Adherents to this folks’ tale even collect the Agua de Mayo in pots and pans, for use as especially beneficial drinking water.

But after Agua de Mayo, the dry heat becomes humid heat, as rain clouds daily gather but are often held back from healing the parched land. This condition gets worse towards June, when humidity rises, all the way through August and September, with only a welcome typhoon managing to clear the air of unfulfilled precipitation.

The case of our seasonal winds sets another dividing line: between the habagat of typhoon weather and the gentle amihan that comes

as early as October. Monsoon winds from the southwest and the constant breeze from the northeast, respectively, are the role players that hand the climatic baton from one to the other as another year passes.

ILLUMINATI 13

And while it’s passing, that’s when we enjoy our best season, from December to February, when it’s generally cool and dry, and in fact can become salubrious even in the metropolis come January, when a cold front said to have its provenance from as far as Siberia visits us. It makes us proud and happy to be farther north from the equator than neighboring states, such as Singapore, where the lack of typhoons and the regularity of hot humid weather knows no balm such as what we regale in for the start of the year.

All of these demarcation points with regards our tropical weather seem to have escaped an occasional government official or legislator who seasonally proposes that we do away with our summer season where the school calendar is concerned.

In fact, under the first Macapagal administration, then Education Secretary Alejandro Roces (who has also become a National Artist for Literature) actually made our school calendar conform to that of the West, with classes starting in September. Thankfully, it was set right back into place after a time.

Only some years back, Senator Franklin Drilon proposed a return to that system, arguing that our school kids suffer so much from cessation of school during typhoons. He theorized that they would be safer under a school’s roof if they had classes in the hot months, all the way till June. Then, like their Western counterparts, their “summer vacation” would be in July and August.

There are many things wrong with this boneheaded proposal. First, the proponent failed to note that more typhoons occur in September, October and November than they do from June to August. We just know, from past experience, that June or July marks the start of the storm season. But with climate change, that season can come in full force as late as December. That means that for schoolchildren, there’s no escaping torrential rains and sudden floods, as well as the

unpredictable suspension of classes because of such conditions.

But the more important arguments that completely demolish the idea of imposing a Western school calendar on our tropic isles are the following: all students would suffer even more in the classroom heat during Philippine summer; folks in the provinces expect their kids to come home during our traditional summer months so they might help out in the fields; and lastly, the clincher: our traditional summer months are equal to family bonding time for every homegrown and yet home-based Filipino.

Imagine what Sen. Drilon’s proposal would do to the domestic tourism industry, when Pinoy families and barkadas are prevented from enjoying their usual “summer vacation” in beach resorts or some highlands.

Ultimately, that is what Pinoy summer is all about — essentially, all those memories of bonding together in Baguio or Boracay, and then some. We do have a Pinoy summer, and it’s spent randomly in such places as other islands and mountains where the city-bred in particular can recharge themselves.

Our summer is also spelled by the rigors of Lent, as well as the frivolities of fiesta time, for the most part — the Santacruzan, kite-flying, halo-halo, the mountain-climbing escapade, trekking, hunting, fishing forays, all those hours to gambol by the sea, get a tan and savor the sunset, with a loved one or loved ones.

Indeed, our islands are a summer place, and some might say that perennially are they so. Yes, even local and national elections are held in summer. Metaphorically, endless is our summer — a moveable feast that is part circus and part torment when it’s not exactly that fine time for taking five.

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16 FEATURE

The Philippines is, without a doubt, a country of beautiful sights, festivities and merrymaking. Throughout the year, around the 1,701 islands, festivals abound in an exciting explosion of local color, food, traditions and the boundless energy of locals and visitors who participate in these celebrations with much gusto.

A

Photo by Atty. Benjamin C. Belarmino Jr.

lthough May has always been the undisputed month of fiestas, for party enthusiasts, there’s always a festival to visit virtually every month around the islands, and some of these unique celebrations have withstood the test of time and carved their own niche in Philippine culture. Here’s our pick of fiestas around the Philippines the whole year round.

In January, the Ati-atihan Festival in Kalibo, Aklan is held in honor of the Sto. Niño every third week of January. The festival got its name from the fact that Aklanons and tourists alike imitate the

Ati, the local aborigines or Negritos, by wiping soot on their faces.

They don colorful ethnic costumes and dance around the streets of Kalibo to the beat of ethnic troubadours. Similar celebrations are held in honor of the Sto. Niño around the Visayas, most notable of which are the Dinagyang Festival of Iloilo City and the Sinulog Festival in Cebu.

On January 9, the Feast of the Black Nazarene is held in Quiapo, Manila. This intense mammoth procession winds through the streets of Quiapo like a strong wave of faith, with devotees risking life and limb just to get close to the miraculous image and touch it.

FEATURE 17

Philippines, the Fiesta Islands

By Ivan Henares

All eyes are on Baguio City in February for the Panagbenga or Baguio Flower Festival which is held during the last week. The highlight of this festival is the floral float parade. Dozens of themed floats decorated with thousands fresh flowers make their way around downtown Baguio City in one colorful display of creativity.

The month of March signals the start of the Turumba in Pakil, Laguna where seven dancing processions called fiestang lupi are held to commemorate the seven sorrows of Our Lady of Turumba.

This starts before the Holy Week and ends in the month of June.

Depending on what month Good Friday falls in, the Moriones

Festival in Marinduqe is also held in the month of March or in April.

The province becomes the big stage for the story of Longinus, the Roman centurion who was converted due to the death of Christ.

Residents of Boac, Mogpog and Gasan are colorfully garbed and masked as soldiers and centurions. The unique aspect of this festival is the wooden mask called morion. The festival culminates in the reenactment of the beheading of Longinus.

There is so much to see in the month of May. Check out the Carabao Festival in Pulilan, Bulacan on May 14 to 15. This is the time when hundreds of water buffaloes (carabao) are paraded around the street of Pulilan, followed by colorful floats and farming machines.

18 FEATURE May 15 is also a busy day in the province of Quezon. Don’t miss out the colorful Pahiyas Festival in Lucban, an annual celebration in honor of San Isidro Labrador. The town explodes in immense color as residents decorate their homes with fruits, vegetables and other produce as well as kiping, which are colored rice wafers shaped like leaves. It’s best to come before 7 a.m. to catch the procession as it winds around the streets of Lucban.

In neighboring Tayabas, an all-male procession is held at 3 p.m. And there is a reason for that since during the procession, literally thousands of suman or native rice cakes are thrown down from the houses causing a merry mad rush to grab them among procession participants. This is called the hagisan ng suman.

This also happens in Sariaya as fruits, vegetables and other décor in front of every house are free for all once the signal to begin the agawan or grabbing is given. These are also held in honor of San Isdro Labrador, patron saint of farmers, in thanksgiving for the good harvest.

From May 17 to 19, the streets in Obando, Bulacan become alive with the Obando Fertility Rites. Childless couples, in the hope that they would bear children, do a ‘fertility dance’ on the streets of Obando. This fiesta is held in honor of Sta. Clara, San Pascual Baylon and the Nuestra Señora de Salambao, the three patron saints of Obando.

June is the month of many water festivals, especially in towns celebrating the feast of San Juan Bautista. Don’t expect to stay dry if you happen to pass by the town of San Juan in Metro Manila on June 24. In the village of Bibiclat in Aliaga, Nueva Ecija, the Taong Putik Festival is held on the same day. While in Balayan, Batangas, a grand parade of succulent roasted pigs makes its way around town in what is called the Parada ng Lechon.

Vincent Go | Dreamstime.com,jpg ©

The Apung Iru Fluvial Procession is held from June 28 to 30 in the town of Apalit, Pampanga in honor of San Pedro. A large centuries-old ivory image of St. Peter is transported along the river on a colorful pagoda accompanied by dozens of boats and thousands of devotees and merrymakers splashing water along the banks of the Pampanga River.

A grand fluvial procession is also held in Naga City, Camarines Sur in September. The Peñafrancia Festival is a religious celebration honoring the feast day of Our Lady of Penafrancia the patroness of the Bicol Region.

Bacolod City comes alive in October as they hold their biggest annual event, the Masskara Festival which coincides with the celebrations of the city’s Charter Day. Carnivals, fairs and a mardi-gras style parade of costumed and masked street dancers are highlights of this celebration.

A colorful street parade

In Angono, Rizal every November, colorful larger-than-life papier mache caricatures are the highlight of the Higantes Festival held in honor of San Clemente. On November 23, the image of San Clemente is accompanied by rowdy revelers and parehadoras, groups of young girls from every barangay, in colorful costumes, Feast of The Black Nazarene, the single biggest religious celebration that draws millions of local devotees to this event

Vincent Go | Dreamstime.com,jpg ©

Don’t miss the La Naval de Manila held in Quezon City every October. This centuries-old religious celebration held in honor of the Nuestra Señora del Santissimo Rosario to commemorate the naval victory of the Spanish against the Dutch in 1646. The celebration is capped by a grand procession.

© Jose Gil | Dreamstime.com

FEATURE 19

wearing wooden sandals (bakya), and each holding a wooden boat paddle (sagwan), marching together and stomping the ground in a uniform beat as they walk around town followed by a marching band, to the banks of the Laguna de Bay for a fluvial procession. And prepare to get doused since Angono gets wet and wild as the procession makes its way around town.

In December, there’s no other place to be than in the Christmas Capital of the Philippines, the City of San Fernando, Pampanga, as it becomes the stage for the spectacular Giant Lantern Festival.

Various villages in the city build 18-foot Christmas lanterns with at least 5,000 light bulbs each. The dynamic interplay of lights and color that precisely moves with the rhythm of a brass band, the magnitude of size and their intricate designs, and so much more is what spectators get to appreciate as the giant lanterns of San Fernando are pitted against each other on festival night. It’s usually held on a Saturday a few days before Christmas Eve. Indeed, the Philippines is a treasure trove of fiestas and celebrations. And the possibilities are endless in these fiesta islands. So there’s no reason why you shouldn’t come back for more!

Traditional folk-dancers in the Saulug de Tanjay parade, in Negros Oriental, Philippines.

© Jose Gil | Dreamstime.com

Intramuros

20 PINOY PRO Celebrating the Professional Pinoy Robert Payawal Legal & Compliance Manager Abu Dhabi Finance PJSC Robert Payawal is a Certified Public Accountant (Philippines), Certified Internal Auditor (USA) and Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (USA). Proudly self-made, Robert has worked since his early years to support his education and eventually earned a degree in Accountancy at the Philippine School of Business Administration, passing the CPA board exams in the same year (1999).

He started his career at KPMG Manila as an external auditor and then moved to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) as Bank Examiner.

Here, Robert was given the opportunity to learn banking specializing in the areas of Asset Quality, Private Banking, Trust and Anti-Money Laundering, and played a major part in some of the institution’s high profile projects. After five years at the BSP, Robert was recruited

by KPMG UAE to join their Risk Advisory Services as Supervising Senior. Thereafter, he moved to Amanah Capital, a DIFC based asset management company, as Compliance Officer and Money Laundering Reporting Officer for their DIFC operations.

Currently, Robert works for Abu Dhabi Finance, a mortgage finance provider in the capital majority owned by Mubadala Development Company and group of publicly listed real estate and financial institutions, as Legal and Compliance Manager in-charge of compliance matters and managing legal risks and requirements, including dealing and managing external legal counsels.

Robert lives in Abu Dhabi with his wife and two kids and loves reading, travelling and playing basketball.

Saudin DungogNoddings Investor Relations & Conference Manager Cityscape Global (IIR Middle East), Dubai Saudin started a career in television at the age of 16 hosting TSADA, ABS-CBN’s weekly regional variety show in Cagayan de Oro City/ Northern Mindanao, and later on was more known as “Ashley” on the radio when she ventured into radio presenting at WILD FM. No stranger to the limelight and the public eye, she was crowned Miss Cagayan de Oro Centennial (1998) and was one of ten women featured in the TV commercials and print ads for Dove Philippines’ Women of Substance Campaign in 2004.

She spent the last three years in Dubai – in the conference and exhibition industry– putting together high-caliber large scale B2B summits and conferences for the energy, travel and tourism, IT, healthcare and infrastructure sectors across Asia, Europe and the Middle East, and has launched and turned around events into marketleading revenue-generating brands.

Currently, the Investor Relations and Conference Manager of Cityscape, which is the world’s largest real estate portfolio of exhibitions, conferences and business breakfasts in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Saudi Arabia, Asia, China, Russia, USA and Latin America, she manages conference production, programme development and investor relations on a day to day basis – in between meetings with and closing partnerships with top executives from international blue chip companies and government authorities.

Saudin is recognized by her colleagues as someone always raising the bar and always desiring to push the traditional parameters of event models. She is also a public speaker.

Gisela Vargas Marketing and Commercial Manager Precious Times, Dubai University of the Philippines Diliman Business Administration graduate and former Brand Manager at the Universal Robina Corporation, Gisela Vargas moved to Dubai five years ago to look after her family and to support her husband, an executive at an international bank. However, Gisela couldn’t resist the call of the corporate world that she donned her business suit back on, unknowingly changing her life in Dubai.

Gisela brought with her years of marketing experience back home and started as a Brand Manager for international jeweler Damas, handling high end jewelry brands Faberge and Marco Bicego. She then took on the challenging role of Communications Manager, organizing glamorous gala events and handling the marketing needs of Damas’ international brands. Working now as a Marketing and Commercial Manager for Precious Times, exclusive distributor of Philip Stein watches, Gisela oversees the entire business operations for the company in the GCC. “Finding life-work balance in Dubai is a challenge. I see to it that my family gets my attention while I have the challenging task of developing the Philip Stein business in the GCC,” she says.

From the luxury world of jewellery retail to her humble household in Bur Dubai, Gisela represents the modern Filipina to the core – a loving wife and mother, and a hardworking corporate executive rolled into one.

Guiller Almonte QA & QC – HSE Manager Reem Emirates Aluminum LLC, Abu Dhabi Guiller Almonte is a Civil Engineering graduate from the Lyceum of the Philippines – a proud working student who supported his college education by working as a service crew at KFC Philippines for four years.

He started as a QA/QC Inspector until he was promoted to the position of Project Engineer at an aluminum curtain wall company in the Philippines. The Discovery Center in Ortigas was his first accomplishment back in 2000. 2002 saw Guiller moving to the emirates as he joined ALICO Aluminum in Sharjah, one of the biggest companies in the regional sector. During his stint in ALICO, where he started as QA/QC Inspector and was eventually promoted to Time and Motion Engineer after two years, he was involved in both local and regional projects. Thereafter, Guiller moved to Thomas Bennett Gulf (TBG) and eventually to Abu Dhabi to join Reem Emirates Aluminum, where he was involved in setting up the company three years ago. Here, the hardworking engineer started as QA/QC Engineer for a period of one year and got promoted to QA/QC Manager and then IMS Manager handling the group of company’s QA/QC and HSE. Well settled in the UAE with his family, Guiller is also an active member of the Overseas Filipino Civil Engineer Association (OFCEA).

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41

22 KABUHAYAN ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Serenitea

By Bernadette Reyes

Never shy of scrubbing kitchen floors to manning his own kitchen, Peterson Chen and his girlfriend Juliet Herrera can only look back with pride as their fledgling business Serenitea caters to a steady following of tea-lovers while the couple manages an entrepreneurial venture that has only strengthened their bond.

“W

e noticed how successful coffee shops are in the Philippines but there’s already too much in the market. We thought why not open a tea store instead,” Peterson said. Soon he found himself working in one of the top tea stores in Taiwan to learn the tricks of the trade. “It was tough,” was all that Peterson could say about his experience working as a staff in the store. Six month later, he went back to the Philippines tired from the dirty work in the kitchen yet ready to realize their dream as a couple to start their own business.

Juliet resigned from her fulltime job to open a business with Peterson and in December 2008, Serenitea opened its first branch in San Juan. With the store’s catchphrase, “Not your ordinary cup of tea,” the couple is determined to change the way people perceive tea as a bitter cup of drink to an enjoyable beverage that promotes a healthy lifestyle.

San Juan Branch

The concept was great and the tea concoctions were flavorsome but the store was struggling to attract the attention of customers.

In Taiwan where tea is a preferred drink over coffee, people queue to get a hold of this refreshing drink. Peterson and Juliet believe if others can make tea this popular elsewhere, they can too in the Philippines. After all, the teas they are selling are made only from the finest ingredients. “Our supplies and ingredients are sourced directly from Taiwan. Even the straw for drinking is imported,” Juliet said. “We also make sure that we serve only freshly-brewed teas,” she added.

It was only eight months after Serenitea opened its doors that business started to pick up. “People started coming in to give our product a try and they become regular customers,” Peterson said.

Serenitea offers a variety of flavors grouped into five types: traditional tea brewed to perfection; SereniTease, SereniFruiTea or fruit-flavored teas, SereniMilk Tea or tea with milk and SereniTea Latte or tea blended with coffee. Customers may choose the level of sweetness that goes into their tea from no sugar to regular dose of sugar or somewhere in between. They may also mix other ingredients to add flavor and texture including sago, egg pudding, gulaman or lime jelly. Soon traditional Taiwanese snacks such as

ENTREPRENEURSHIP KABUHAYAN 23

BF Homes Parañaque Branch

Banawe Branch

Chicken Chops, Pepper Tofu, Pepper Sweet Corn and Pepper Potato found its way on the menu due to insistent demand from customers.

The business was on its way to an inevitable success. Only after a year since the first store opened, Serenitea branched out in Banaue. Juliet’s sister Jennifer was impressed with the business and was convinced to invest in the business as well. Jennifer financed another branch in Paranaque.

Peterson, as Juliet described, has always been entrepreneurial. He used to work for their family business; their product line is plastic.

While it may be an entirely different domain, he was able to learn the basics of handling a business from this endeavor. While she may not have the same innate knack for business, her previous work experience as a customer service supervisor ushered the business to success. “I used to handle customer complaints which is whys it easy for me to understand the psyche of customers and how to please them,” she said. Together they design the store, improve the business and conceptualize new ways to keep and surprise their customers.

Business partners sometimes do not get along together and end up going separate ways but for Peterson and Juliet, the business has only brought them closer. “We are more open to each other which would have otherwise been difficult if I engaged in a business with a friend. He knows when I’m angry or frustrated about things and settles things before it gets worse,” Juliet said. “Besides, we keep personal matters separate from business,” he said. They both agree that the business has brought them even closer and allows them to spend more time together which would have otherwise been difficult if they were to pursue different careers.

While Serenitea has been enjoying tremendous success, another tea store is soon to open just a few blocks away from the main branch but the couple is not threatened by competition. “We have so much faith in our products,” Peterson said. Juliet on the other hand thinks of more ways to even better their service to keep existing customers and attract new ones. The competition also reinforces their idea that tea is fast becoming a sought-after beverage in the Philippines. “This is exactly how we envisioned it to be. The fact that other people are trying to imitate our concept means it’s just a matter of time when tea stores will become as prevalent as coffee shops in the country and when that time comes, we’ll look back and say, “It all started with Serenitea,” Peterson concluded.

24 KABUHAYAN

Pinoy Entrepreneur:

Bobby Bandigan Manila Polish Garage Mussafah Rd., Abu Dhabi

Please describe your business.

We provide maintenance, general cleaning and polishing of new and second hand cars, especially before renewing registration.

Why did you establish your own business? Can you tell us when and how you started?

Our business started in 1997. I really love cars. Some of our Filipino friends are working in this kind of industry and encouraged me to start my own. Then I’ve seen the demand, so we continued and the rest is history.

a witness attested to the incident. So we won the case, and our clients even increased.

Where are you now? How far have you gone? What are the landmarks in your business so far?

Thankfully, our business is really expanding. We now have 10 employees and we are planning to put up branches around the emirates. We’re enjoying quite a high revenue right now, but most importantly, we make it a point that all our customers are happy and satisfied with our services.

What was your start-up capital and your basic operations set-up?

I am also proud to share that among our employees, three have already gone back home to the Philippines. They were able to provide good education to their children, and are now trying to setup their own businesses in the Philippines.

We had a start-up capital of AED 100,000. When we started, we only had four employees and everybody had to multi-task – i.e. each person had to do at least three different jobs. But since everybody liked what they were doing, we all enjoyed our jobs. We rented a place at Mussafah Road, where such businesses were located. Up to now, we are still in the same place.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of being an entrepreneur?

What obstacles did you encounter in your business?

Mainly, sabotage from competitors. All of our customers are satisfied with a job well done. We had clients of different nationalities who patronized our business. Somehow, some of the customers from our competitors transferred to our garage when they heard of our good quality of work. And for that reason, some of our competitors tried to put us in trouble. In one instance, somebody poured acid on our client’s brand new Mercedes Benz. So we had to go to the police and file a complaint. Fortunately, the client trusted us and

The main advantage of being an entrepreneur is that you don’t have a boss. No one dictates what you do and you make your own decisions. In terms of disadvantages, you have to work hard and spend a lot of time doing so. Therefore, you have less time for family and other personal things.

Would you encourage other Pinoys to go into business?

What is your advice to budding Pinoy entrepreneurs?

Know about the business properly. Ask advice and information and plan properly before you start. If they you have all the capacity to put up a business, don’t entertain second thoughts. Just be sure that you are really interested in the particular business you want to enter.

26 FEATURE

Lifting the Pinoy Spirit

through Songs

By Isabelo A. Samonte

As a form of art that is highly accessible to all, songs have always been a vehicle to express emotions, and chronicle different ideas through the generations. But songs also have the extraordinary ability of stirring patriotic fervor, and giving inspiration and validation to people, particularly during very challenging times. The same is true for Filipino songs which have sought and succeeded to uplift the Pinoy spirit.

W

ith the difficult economic and political climate back home, these days, people seem to find relief and solace in songs that provide hope and positive affirmation. These songs may not be Top Billboard hits, but just the same, are as popular as the usual pop songs, for their capacity to buoy despondent souls.

Nowadays, familiar heartwarming sounds can be heard from street cafés in the downtown Metro Manila like that of the infectious beat of “Pilipino ako, Pilipino ang lahi ko”(I’m a Filipino, Filipino is my race). The song speaks of a jealously guarded Filipino culture made popular globally by seven-division world champ, Manny Pacquiao.

Known as pound-for-pound king in the boxing ring, Manny Pacquiao sang “Pilipino ako” in his victory party with spectators singing as one community. Every kid in town now hums the song of the champ with much conviction.

In some street corners in Manila, the voice of Youtube discovery Charice Pempengco, playing on DVD players, pervades the air. The young Pinay caught the attention of the music world when Oprah Winfrey arranged to fulfill the young singer’s dream to perform with her idol Celine Dion. The young Charice with Celine Dion gave a spell-bounding performance which brought 18,000 people at New York’s Madison Square Garden to a standing ovation. As the young Filipina sensation joined gifted performers of the world in her newfound international career, not many knew that Charice has also won the hearts of her countrymen with her patriotic song “Tayo ay Pilipino”(We are Filipinos). Hers was a young Pinoy’s voice singing of courage and survival - “Ang minimithing pangarap maari kong makamtan tibayan ang loob harapin ang hamon. Tayo ay Pilipino nakatindig pa rin ngayon. O kaya natin ito, dahil Tayo ay Pilipino!” (The desirable dream I can achieve, be brave, face the challenge, we are Filipino still standing up, and we can do it because we are Filipinos!).

FEATURE 27

One cannot speak of Filipino songs without mentioning Freddie Aguilar’s “Anak,” whose famous lyrics, “Nang isilang ka sa mundong ito, laking tuwa ng magulang mo, at ang kamay nilaý yong nagging ilaw…” (When you were born into the world, your parents had so much joy, and you became their light) became a phenomenon in many parts of the world. That was in the 70s, the golden age of Pinoy folk rock when Freddie Aguilar also popularized the impassioned “Bayan Ko” - “Ibong man may layang lumipad, kulungin mo at umiiyak, bayan pa kayang sakdal-dilag ang di magnanasang makaalpas? Pilipinas kong minumutya, pugad ng luha at dalita.

Aking adhika, Makita kang sadal-laya.” (Even the bird free to fly, while in a cage will cry, how much more a nation so beautiful, would she not desire to be free?... my obsession is to see you free). The number resonated deeply with Filipinos back then during a time of political unrest, when individual freedom was seen as threatened by the system.

Folk rock singer, Florante de Leon also hit the charts in the 70s with “Ako’y isang Pinoy”(I’m one Filipino). The message of the song was clear, “Ako’y isang Pinoy, sa puso’t diwa, Pinoy na isinilang sa ating bansa” (I’m one Filipino, in heart and in mind, a Filipino born in our native land). The song might have started as an “alternative rock” or “college rock” number but eventually found its way to the mainstream pop charts. Another folk singer, Heber Bartolome caught the attention of Filipinos with his “Tayo ay Pinoy” as he sang, “Tayo’y mga Pinoy, tayo’y hindi Kano. Hwag kang mahihiya kung ang ilong mo ay pango” (We are Filipinos, we are not Americans, do not be embarrassed if your nose is flat).

Pinoy music in the 70s also flourished with bands like “Hotdog” who espoused the “Manila Sound” with their most famous number “Manila” that goes –“Hinahanap-hanap kita, Manila. Ang ingay mong kay sarap sa tenga. (I keep longing for your Manila. With your noise that’s sounds so good to my ears.) Take me back in your arms Manila.” It is a common song which is sung until now, especially by Filipino expats who miss the Philippines.

More recently in the 90s emerged a new form genre which carried the message of patriotism – Filipino rap and nationalistic rap which was popularized by the late Francis Magalona. His musical ingenuity as master rapper left a lasting legacy to the Philippines.

Filipinos will always remember him for his famous lines, “Mga kababayan ko dapat lang malaman nyo bilib ako sa kulay ko Ako ay Pilipino”(My countrymen its proper to know I believe in my color I am a Filipino). Other modern groups also surfaced during this decade. The band “Bamboo” rendered “NOYPI” – “Sabi nila may anting-anting ako. Pero di nila alam na ang Diyos and dahilan ko.” (They said I have talisman, nobody knows my reason is God!”).

The band “Rivermaya” also had a song, “Isang bandila” which goes, “Isang ugat, isang dugo, isang pangalan, Pilipino” (One vein, one blood, one name, Filipino).

More recently, another artist sought to champion patriotism but this time on a more international level. Fil-Am artist Apl De Ap brought Filipino culture into his collaboration with the Black Eyed Peas (BEP) with songs like “The Apl Song” which includesd a chorus from Pinoy folk rock band Asin’s song “Balita.” 2005 saw BEP release “Bebot” in their Monkey Business album – a sond dedicated to the beautiful Filipina women. Last year, Apl recorded his second single “Mama Filipina,” as well as the song “Mare” for BEP’s album “The End.” In the same year, the cool patriot has also launched “«Take Me to The Philippines» a number done in partnership with the Department of Tourism of the Philippines urging people - “Sige

na, sige na, sige na. [Come on, come on, come on.] Take me to the Philippines.”

Still now, back to our fair country, by the romantic Manila Bay, in the many watering holes there, one would still hear the great hits of Asin playing in the background, with lead vocalist Lolita Carbon singing “Pagbabalik,” which goes “Sa gitna ng dilim ako ay nakatanaw, may ilaw na kay panglaw halos hindi ko makita, tulungan mo ako ituro ang daan sapagkat ako’y sabik sa aking pinagmulan.

Bayan ko nahan ka ako ngayoy nagiisa, nais kong magbalik sa iyo bayan ko.” (Amidst darkness, looking far, there is a light so sad, nearly I couldn’t see, help tell me the way because I long for where I came from. My country where are you, now that I’m alone, I wish to return to you my own country). Recently Noel Cabangon made a revival of the same. He also re-recorded Hadji Alejandro’s “Kay ganda ng ating musika” written by Ryan Cayabyab.

Indeed, such songs dedicated to the motherland touch Filipino hearts. It could be the language of the Filipino spirit no matter where you are in the world. These songs are a reminder of our roots, our indomitable will, and our rich heritage, that will see as though the challenges of time. As Asia’s Nightingale Kuh Ledesma sang so passionately in the patriotic hymn which she has popularized - “Ako ay Pilipino”(I am a Filipino). Ako ay Pilipino. Taas noo, kahit kanino. Ang Pilipino ay Ako!”(I am a Filipino, one nation, one vision, I am a Filipino with pride to everyone, The Filipino is me).

28 SUCCESSFUL PINOY SUCCESS PRINCIPLES

Breaking the Bad Cycle: Be in the Winning Circle

By Jeffrey ‘Ximo’ Ramos

Paulit ulit na lang ba ang issues ng iyong buhay? “Katatapos lang nito ah…eto na naman! (Come end of the month, again no more savings. After paying your debt last month, you have to pay exactly the same debt this month. It’s endless! Bakit lagi na lang akong nagkaka syota na palpak? May nakalagay ba sa nuo ko na – “tanga, pedeng makilala?” “I will still vote for that candidate, even though he did not do anything for the country the last time. Kasi mukhang siya naman ang mananalo eh.”)

Sis and bro, na-i-experience mo rin ba ito?

Sawa ka na ba? Gusto mo na bang kumalas sa “bahala na?” Today, let us find out how to break this bad cycle and be IN the winning circle.

Going up, going down, going sideways, round and round Ano ang pakiramdam mo ngayon sa iyong buhay? Pataas, pababa, pagilid o paikotikot?

If you are going up, this is probably how you feel - excited, masaya, anticipating, panay-ngiti, halo-halong emosyo. In short, you are very happy – sobrang saya!

On the other hamd, if you are going down, this is how you feel - laging inis, aborido, nalulungkot, depressed, with mixed emotions, walang gana, matamlay, stressed with thinking. You want to give up, but on the other hand, you are challenged. Pero ang sumatutal – malungkot pa rin.

If you are going side to side, ito naman ang pakiramdam mo - minsan masaya biglang lulungkot; inspired ngayong umaga, down mamayang gabi; feeling sexy ng isang lingo, mataba sa susunod na buwan; mapang-away sa sariling kamag-anak, mapagbigay sa kapwa pag labas; Sisigaw ng “Amen” pag Linggo ng umaga, “Hey man”, naman pagsapit ng gabi; one day may trabaho ka after five months end contract na.

If you are going round and around, this is how you feel - you are confused, you don’t know where you’re going; inubos mo na lakas mo buong araw at pag uwi mo parang walang nangyari; napaka-dami mong tanong kung bakit nangyayari sa iyo ang isang bagay na patuloy mo pa ring ginagawa; panay buntong hininga mo habang nakatingin ka sa kisame o dingding; ginawa mo ng lahat pero walang kasayahan. Ang sumatutal – lito ka!

There is one thing that you should not be confused about - You. It is you and not anyone else who has the power to make the twisted cycle straight.

Stop blaming – respond by moving When you point a finger to another (a person, an event or situation), the tendency is for the other to point a finger at you, then, the cycle will continue. So, what should you do?

Cool down and rethink what happened.

Get out from the ‘’area’’ of tension. Your brain thinks better if it is not clouded. Then, meditate. Pinpoint the cause of the problem – focus on the issue. Set aside personal and emotional feelings first. Then, analyze responsibly. When you say responsibly, it means responding to what is true – without bias (trying to set aside your personal interest first). After that, weigh it with your own interest – only then, will you make an objective decision.

So, huwag mong isisi sa kasama mo, sa boss mo, sa gobyerno, maging sa Itaas ang pagbabago ng iyong buhay. Continue responding to the standard truth and stop blaming the falsely accused.

SUCCESS PRINCIPLES SUCCESSFUL PINOY 29 When you are wrong, you are wrong…

And when you are right, still there is the “right way” to do it Kapag binato ka ng bato, batuhin mo ng tinapay -Kasabihang Pinoy

When you are wrong, you are wrong. If you try to justify to make it right, it adds to the ‘’bad cycle of life.’’ So, what do you do?

Apologize. This is the best and direct way to break the cycle of anger and injustice.

Simple? No. Lalo na kapag umandar na ang emotion which is normal. Possible?

Yes. Doable? Yes. Depende na lang talaga if you really want to break the cycle. Kapag pinairal mo ang pride - tuloy ang cycle.

Now, what if you are right? Be guided still.

Although it gives you a license to say or do whatever you want, there is still the “right way’’ to do it. It does not mean that if you are right, you can wrong a person. Why, because again you will be adding energy to the ‘’bad cycle.’’

This will go back again to the old law, “an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth’’ – so, wala na itong katapusan. Kaya nga pinadala ng Diyos ang kanyang anak…kaya nga may Christmas! Para putulin ang cycle na ito.

Sabi Niya, “kapag sinampal ka sa isang pisngi, iharap mo ang kabila.”

May point ka, may point ako.

Mag deputize na tayo.

Paano naman kung sa tingin ninyo parehas kayong tama?

If you and the other party can no longer make an unbiased decision, delegate it to the right person. The key is to agree and acknowledge a referee, a judge or mediator and respect the final decision.

Ito ang natutunan ko nuong ako ay umuwi sa Pilipinas last April. Mayroon akong di makasundo sa isang transaction sa lupa.

Objectively, I think parehas kaming tama.

Pero may batas para lumutas. Kaya nag-usap kami at nagkasundo na ipagharap na ang aming mga abogado at sa final analysis nito, susundin namin desisyon ng corte, sis and bro. Everyone has a purpose in life, there are people whose job is to be the sponge of our worries to put an end to the biased opinion and subjective beliefs.

Pangarap mo, pamilya mo, alagaan mo “The youth is the hope of this nation.”

- Jose Rizal

Iyon ang sabi. Hindi sinabing ‘’sila ang hope ng mga magulang na maging tagaalaga at taga-buhay kapag nakapagtapos at nagtrabaho na. Please do not get me wrong.

I respect and love my parents. Let me explain first.

Ito kasi ang isa sa mga dahilan kung bakit ang Pilipinas ay di makaahon at tuloy lang sa pag ikot sa “gulong nang kahirapan.’’ Ito kasi ang cycle: Nag-asawa at nag anak ng hindi pa handa; hindi inabot ang pangarap; kumayod para sa anak habang iginigiit ang sariling pangarap; nagtapos ang anak at ini-obliga na bumuhay sa buong pamilya, sabay sabi, anak lang kita!’’ Ang anak ngayon, ganuon rin ba ang gagawing sistema? Very familiar di ba?

I just came back from a hectic, short but rewarding 19 days in the Philippines for a series of speaking engagements. And among the many unforgettable invitations was being the guest speaker at my High School Alma Mater.

I said to the graduates, “Tonight is not about me, not about your school, not even about your parents no matter what sacrifice they have done for you. Tonight is about YOU; you, whose future is at stake. It is you who will build the New Generation of Filipinos who will build the new Successful Philippines!

Ituloy ninyo ang inyong pangarap. Kapag may nanligaw ang unang itanong, ‘ano ang iyong pangarap?’’ Kapag walang maisagot, goodbye bunot!

And to all parents, congratulations, but please break this cycle of forcing your own dreams on your children, do not obligate them because it is not their obligation. They will voluntarily take care of you because they respect and love you. Let them be free and

dream on their own. Give them your advice but let them. Only then, will they truly grow.

You will be surprised, they are more than you expected!

So let us break this cycle! Graduates, abutin ang iyong pangarap, mag asawa paghanda na, bumuo ng pamilya, alagaan ang sarili, at paghandaan ang maipapamana sa susunod na kabataan ng ating bayan.”

Continue your vision and your contribution So, sis and bro determine your cycle and break it! Pasasaan ba at lalakas ang ikot ng kasaganahan, kapayapaan, at katagumpayan mo at ng ating bayan!

Share your ‘’breaking the cycle” stories by emailing us at admin@successfulpinoyako. com

30 GLOBAL BARRIO NEWS

British Book “Take 100” Names 4 Filipino Exceptional Filmmakers London-based Phaidon Press launched the new book titled “Take 100” where it features four Filipinos among the “most exceptional and talented emerging film directors in the world.” The Pinoys in this book subtitled “The Future of Film: 100 New Directors” are Brillante Mendoza, Auraeus Solito, Raya Martin and Pepe Diokno.

According to the book’s website, the 100 filmmakers were chosen by 10 curators and festival programmers, representing some of the world’s top film festivals, including Cameron Bailey of Toronto, Trevor Groth of Sundance, Dong Ho-Kim of Pusan, Frederic Maire of Locarno and Marco Muller of Venice. Filmmakers from countries as diverse as Algeria, Romania, France and Mexico also made it to the list. Phaidon publishes books on the visual arts in six languages — English, French, German, Italian, Spanish and Japanese.

Photo from www.phaidon.com

Filipino Team bags the Gold Prize in Asian Pastry Cup During the recently concluded Food and Hotel Asia (FHA) and Asian Pastry Cup (APC) 2010 competitions in Singapore, the Pastry Alliance of the Philippines (PAP) team won gold as well as several bronzes in various categories. Peachy Juban of Shortcrust and DLSCSB’s entry, A-Flutter, a crowd favorite, won gold for its paper-thin hand-painted sugar butterflies, a modern and fresh take on classic ideas.

Jackie Ang-Po of Fleur-de-Lys and True Confections’ hard work and dedication paid off when she got a bronze in the very competitive Plated Desserts, where only four were awarded among 30 entries.

Jacqueline Laudico of Bistro Filipino also won bronze with Chocolate Pralines. Penk Ching of Pastry Bin also got a bronze with Spring Blossoms, a cake of an intricately fashioned cherry blossom tree and Chinese lanterns.

Competing in what is the most awaited culinary event in the region, the team reaped awards alongside groups from Australia, China, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, Switzerland, Taiwan. The FHA/APC is indeed a big step toward the Alliance’s goal of landing the Pinoy talent in the global arena.

Valerie Santos: Washington’s Deputy Mayor The Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development at Washington DC is a Filipina. Valerie Santos is in-charge of implementing Mayor Adrian Fenty’s economic development vision and managing a development pipeline worth more than US$13 billion comprising public and private housing, retail, office and parks projects throughout the district. Appointed in June 2009, she is one of the most visible and highest ranking Filipino Americans in public office.

Prior to becoming Deputy Mayor, Santos served as the Planning and Economic Development Office’s Chief Operating Officer. Before joining the district government she worked with real estate groups where she specialized in urban public-private development. Upon her confirmation for the role, she received wonderful comments from the people she worked with including the notable remark: “It’s nice to see a smart Filipina up there.”

A graduate of Santa Clara University, Valerie also earned her MBA at the Harvard Business School and a Masters in Public Policy at Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government. Born and raised in the US, Valerie’s father Dante Santos (originally from Bulacan) and mother Milagros (from Zamboanga) ensured that she knows how to care and give back to the Philippines.

GLOBAL BARRIO NEWS 31

London’s Tate Modern to Exhibit Pinoy Art Space To commemorate its 10th year anniversary this May, the Tate Modern will be hosting an art festival where they have invited 60 independent spaces from around the world to participate in No Soul for Sale: a Festival of Independents, which is set to take place from May 14 to 16, 2010. And, Green Papaya Art Projects, an artistrun space based in Quezon City is going to be at Britain’s National Museum of International Modern Art, in London. The three-day festival will be held at Tate Modern’s Turbine Hall and will showcase an “eclectic mix of cutting-edge arts events, performances, music and film.” Tate Modern expects at least 45, 000 visitors to attend the festival.

Green Papaya Art Projects is the brainchild of Norberto Roldan and Donna Miranda. Founded in 2000 as an alternative and independent art space, it has withstood the test of time as an artistrun initiative that provides intellectual exchange, information sharing, critical dialogue, and creative and practical collaborations in the production of contemporary art. Green Papaya provides a platform where Filipino and foreign contemporary artists can present their bodies of art.

According to Mr. Roldan, Green Papaya’s Artistic Director, “the invitation is a recognition of the vibrant and rich history of the independent and artist-run spaces in Manila, as exemplified by the energies behind these same independent spaces that came before us.”

Reese Fernandez. Photo from young.rolexawards.com

Rolex Young Laureate Award Goes to a Filipina One of the five inaugural Rolex Awards for Enterprise Young Laureates Program was given to Rags2Riches President Reese Fernandez. After a thorough selection process, a distinguished jury convened to select the five young visionaries who will be the inaugural Rolex Young Laureates. Hailing from Ethiopia, Nigeria, the Philippines, India and the United States, these individuals have been chosen for their deep passion, relentless creativity and unflagging commitment to improving the world they live in.

In 2007, Reese Fernandez cofounded Rags2Riches, a social enterprise company that revolutionized the women’s business practices by arranging for them to sell their products direct to retailers. Fernandez and her team of young professionals sought advice from designers, who demonstrated how rags could be transformed into fashion handbags, eyeglass cases and wine bottle holders, all for sale in top-end shops. About 300 women now work for Rags2Riches. They receive about 40 per cent of the retail price for each item, and 54 of the women founded a cooperative which owns a share of the company. Rags2Riches also provides them with training in personal finance, health insurance and nutrition.

According to the award-giving body, “In order to alleviate poverty, Reese Fernandez’s enterprise empowers women to earn a living wage by turning scrap materials into fashion accessories.”

The recognition comes along with the young social-entrepreneur, Reese Fernandez, leading Rags2Riches in putting up RISE – the Rags2Riches Innovation and Social Enterprise Center which will be the livelab that will further scale work in Eco-Ethical Style.

32 ADVERTORIAL

Peace and comfort at the heart of the city

consider developments that emerge in Manila because it’s familiar territory.”

“Illumina Residences has the studio unit, approximately 28.5 square meters, aimed at single professionals,” added Encarnacion. “It’s for independent people who want their own place. Then, there are two-bedroom units for families or couples with a child. The largest of the offerings is the twobedroom special unit, which has an extra room that can be converted into a den or service/ utility area. And because it’s a high-rise development, there is a certain niche in the market that wants the penthouse unit; there are about 12 of those available.”

Finding the perfect home can be difficult for people with demanding careers and priorities. The conveniences of a location have to be considered, aside from the price of the new home. People searching for just the right abode in Metro Manila have to think seriously about different factors, and it’s rare for a development to satisfy all those requirements.

The Illumina Residences Manila (IRM), however, is conveniently situated, with units and amenities designed to complement modern lifestyles. Trusted property developer, DMCI Homes’ 32-storey highrise is located at Sta. Mesa, Manila, merely a stone’s throw away from schools and hospitals and a convenient drive to commercial and business districts.

Designed with the unit owners’ security and comfort in mind, Illumina Residences is ideally suited for young growing families and urbanite professionals alike. According to DMCI Homes’ Project Development Manager Maricar Encarnacion, the career-driven market will appreciate the unique features of the new development.

“Illumina Residences is our single-tower development with all the resort-lifestyle amenities that the market wants and needs,” Encarnacion said. “The target market is comprised of professionals, people who are conscious of their careers, their goals and their family lives.”

Encarnacion elaborated, “Among the targeted people are Manilabased buyers. The behavior we’ve been witnessing is people tend to buy property where they originally came from. For example, those who grew up in Manila and relocated to Quezon City will

The overall design of the Illumina building is conducive to those residents’ different lifestyles. Also, each of the units has a balcony, which will provide residents with more room to enjoy views while relaxing.

“The balcony brings the exterior inside the unit, as if it’s an extension of your home,” Encarnacion said. “It allows you to have more breathing space.”

Aside from the ideal features of the development, owning Illumina Residences units can be advantageous because of its location.

“Manila is a major artery,” Encarnacion said. “If you work in Makati, Ortigas, Mandaluyong, there are quick access points to and from Illumina Residences.

Experiencing peace and quiet in the metropolis can be a reality for future residents. And living at Illumina is better because of excellent amenities that correspond to their current situation and necessities.

“It’s actually an interesting fact that some people don’t realize that they need something until it’s there. Illumina Residences is not just a building or a house they come home to or sleep in; the amenities that it offers, like the sky lounge, deck garden, and landscaped atriums help relax them. They can walk around and see the preserved greenery, after their time at their office buildings or schools.”

DMCI Homes is the country’s premier triple A builder/developer that offers modest income earning families optimum value for their money by providing homes with exceptional features and amenities, world-standard level of craftsmanship borne out of almost 55 years’ experience in the construction and development industry.

For inquiries on Illumina Residences and other DMCI Homes projects, please call 324-8888 or visit www.dmcihomes.com.

ADVERTORIAL 33

Giordano celebrates 15 years in KSA Giordano Fashions – Saudi Arabia marks its 15th anniversary highlighted by a fund-raising campaign to support Disabled Children’s Association in the company’s efforts to give back to the community.

During its celebration, Giordano handed the donation totaling SR 125,000 to DCA collected from all its stores in the Kingdom. The month-long campaign offered customers three gift cards worth SR5 each for every SR100 purchase, which they could either redeem for merchandise or donate to DCA. “Giordano has come a long way in the Kingdom and 15 years on, we have been recognized as one of the leading casual wear brands in Saudi Arabia, thanks to our loyal customers. With this milestone, we can only continue our commitment to provide quality products, value-for-money and a great customer service experience,” said Mr. Ishwar Chugani, Executive Director, Giordano Middle East and North Africa.

He continued: “With our success, we do not forget that we have to do our part in sharing with the community. It is our pleasure to go

hand-in-hand with our customers to raise funds in support of the Disabled Children’s Association (DCA).”

“The drive had a great turnout and showed that our customers have generously participated in this initiative,” said Mr. Hani Abdul Aziz Saab, Director General, Giordano Saudi Arabia.

In 1995, Giordano started with one outlet in the Balad area of Jeddah, today Giordano operates over 60 shops in various parts of the kingdom offering high quality casual wear to its loyal clients.

Apart from its initiative with DCA in Saudi Arabia, Giordano also continues to support the community cause in other markets through various corporate Social responsibility programs such as ‘GIOTHON’ – raising funds for flood victims, ‘Walk for health’ a new initiative for healthy living are just a few recent examples.

Giordano also cares for the environment as with the launch of eco-friendly re-usable carry bags to encourage less use of plastic bags and installations of energy saving lights in Giordano stores to minimize carbon foot prints.

Splash launches a deluge of Summer styles Ranging from the basics of an urban uniform to the wilder tribal goddess style, from the clean naval look to a ‘Wild West’ inspired American look, Splash has unveiled a vast array of high voltage fashion for the season. While keeping in line with international trends the popular fashion retail brand has given a creative and thematic spin to pop styles to provide chic fashion for the discerning consumer.

Splash’s New Uniform Line offers a fresh twist to the lovers of minimalistic fashion. Clean edged and devoid of fastenings; it’s a return to precise and simple forms. The ubiquitous soft white shirt features prominently for men, and can be complemented with a denim chambray trousers or a vintage style Trilby hat. University logo blazers, polo tees and pin stripe shorts complete the uniform line.

Some of the key pieces for women feature biker jackets with military detailing, utilitarian dresses and the four-pocket jacket.

Apocalyptic Tribal is a collection for women only. Splash adds a touch of the Mediterranean to your wardrobe this season with its

collection of Toga dresses, which can be worn either short or long style. These are contrasted sharply by raw edges in cutout layered tees and shredded knits. The color palette favors warm shades ranging from brown to sulphur yellow, hazelnut, sienna and khaki.

The Neo Admirals conjure a look of neat maritime style. Appliqué tees, pinstripe shirts, blazers with crests, formal shorts reminiscent of the yachting lifestyle strongly influence this line.

Bringing in the rodeo sports flavor of the North American ranch culture is the ‘Country Rodeo’ line for men and women. The key pieces in this collection include solid muscle tees in season highlights, desert denim washes, studded yarn dyed shirts and velvet jackets for men. Key items for women include long ruffled prairie skirts, washed denims ra-ra skirts, micro suede shorts and sassy laced denim bustiers.

Finally, as a salute to the outdoors, Splash’s new Summer Collection introduces the ‘I went Camping’ line which generates visual images of outdoor fun and play. Inspired casual wear such as cotton shirts, cargo shorts, distressed jeans, tees bearing fun camping slogans and other details like appliqué and badges.

34 FASHION

clothes make man The that the

Pour home ou pour femme? Who gives a damn?

Blur the lines between gentleman, rogue and gorgeous bombshell in one fell swoop, with jackets, waistcoats, dandy bows, hats and wingtip toes, borrowed from him. Take strong masculine inspirations for a maximum feminine effect.

Photography: Glenn Peter Perez and Filbert Kung of Blackfox Photography Model: Valerie Clacio Weigmann Hair and Make-up: Georgina Desuasido Styling: Ryuji Shiomitsu

FASHION 35 Black cropped jacket by Tyler; black and white checkered polo shirt

by Sam Kho; bow tie by Ryuji Shiomitsu; black stretch trousers by Seven For All Mankind; chunky heart stud earrings inlaid with brilliant cut diamonds by Naomi; layered silver chain necklace from AC +632; leather belt by Seven For All Mankind

36 FASHION Leather waistcoat by Zxander Tan; Robes San Marche Dress

by Riccardo Tisci for Givenchy at ADORA; belt by Mango; camel studded platform sandals by Michael Antonio; vintage Rodenstock sunglasses from AC+632; hand bag and braided ribbon bracelet by Aranaz; cross pendant with oval black diamond center set in white gold by Naomi

FASHION 37

38 FASHION Dotted fitted shirt from Barba by Vittorio Barba; single button jacket by Riccardo Tisci for Givenchy at ADORA; striped sailor shorts from Barba by Vittorio Barba; stockings from Tinsels by Christine Lam; wide rimmed Postillion Hat from AC+632; vintage Bausch & Lomb Sunglasses from AC+632; leather belt by Seven For All Mankind; leather umbrella by Jean Paul Gaultier from AC+632; lace pendant set in white gold, drop earrings in smoky topaz with brilliant cut and baguette diamonds and pear shape black diamond, and round cut black diamond ring with white brilliant cut diamonds set in white gold, all from Naomi

FASHION 39

40 FASHION Linen cube sleeve top from Barba by Vittorio Barba; gray trousers by Zxander Tan; zebra belt by Mango; black leather booties by Michael Antonio; Ressen bangles and ‘Jabagat’ macramé by Aranaz; gold tiger print bangles by Accessorize; ring by Mango; safari pendant in black onyx and buby, vintage shell bangle centered with flourite and lined with gold sheets and black and white brilliant cut diamonds both by Naomi

FASHION 41

42 FASHION ‘Drummer Boy’ vest by Zxander Tan; wallpaper print wide cuff slim shorts from Barba by Vittorio Barba; bustier by Dolce & Gabbana from Adora; socks, stylist’s own; black and white wingtip Oxfords by George Sy Gobio at AC+632; stud bracelet by Mango ; oversized crystal ring by AC+632

Shopping Guide: AC+632 - 2/F Greenbelt 5 Makati City.

Email: ac632@pldtdsl.net Aranaz - Rockwell Powerplant Mall and Greenbelt 5, Makati City Adora - Greenbelt 5, Makati City Christine Lam - email: caspe_tin@yahoo.com Michael Antonio Shoes - SM Annex North EDSA, Anthem Rockwell Powerplant Mall and Anthem Greenbelt 5. Website: www.michaelantoniophils. multiply.com Naomi Jewelry - 2/F Building B, SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City. Tel. (+63 2) 636-0446 or 632-9615. Email: naomijewelry@yahoo.com Website: www.naomi.com.ph Sam Kho - 50th Avenue Robinson’s Galleria.

Website: www.urbanity.ph/scotts.html Seven For All Mankind - Greenbelt 5 and Robinson’s Ermita.

Vittorio Barba - Barba, Greenbelt 5. www.vittorio.com.ph Zxander Tan - Email: zxandertan@yahoo.com.ph

FASHION 43

Leather jacket by Zxander Tan; hat by Kangol; drop earrings in brilliant cut white diamonds with oval kunzite by Naomi

44 ILLUSTRADO CATWALK

April Fashion Buzz The local fashion industry was abuzz in April as Dubai’s style crowd was treated to a spectacular line-up of back-to-back runway shows with the Dubai Fashion Week 2010, The Bride Show, Arabian Fashion 2010, as well as the maiden gala show of one of Dubai’s most prestigious designers featuring Filipino style inspiration in the form of the revolutionized butterfly sleeves.

True to form, the leading Filipino designers in the emirate went head on with the rest of the region’s fashion industry leaders in an explosion of creativity, class and extravagance, winning welldeserved plaudits as they featured some of the best and most notable fashion pieces this side of the Middle East.

MICHAEL CINCO

Dubai Fashion Week Day 4 – 6th April 2010 Photos by Cristina Linaza

ILLUSTRADO CATWALK 45

46 ILLUSTRADO CATWALK

WARDA COUTURE

Dubai Fashion Week Day 4 – 6th April 2010 Led by Atelier Owner & Fashion Designer Rahil Hassan Creative Director – Bandoix Flores Photos by Cristina Linaza

ILLUSTRADO CATWALK 47

48 ILLUSTRADO CATWALK

FURNE ONE

Amato Dubai Fashion week Day 5 – 7th April 2010 Photos by Eros Goze

ILLUSTRADO CATWALK 49

50 ILLUSTRADO CATWALK

REYNALDO GONZAGA

For Scalini Haute Couture The Bride Show 9th April 2010 Photos by Eros Goze

ILLUSTRADO CATWALK 51

52 ILLUSTRADO CATWALK

FARFALLA COUTURE Arabian Fashion 2010 26th April 2010 Led by Atelier Owner & Designer Fatma Al Fahim Designers – Eros Goze & Kamil Pilapil Photos by Eros Goze

52 ILLUSTRADO CATWALK

FARFALLA COUTURE Arabian Fashion 2010 26th April 2010 Led by Atelier Owner & Designer Fatma Al Fahim Designers – Eros Goze & Kamil Pilapil Photos by Eros Goze

52 ILLUSTRADO CATWALK

FARFALLA COUTURE Arabian Fashion 2010 26th April 2010 Led by Atelier Owner & Designer Fatma Al Fahim Designers – Eros Goze & Kamil Pilapil Photos by Eros Goze

ILLUSTRADO CATWALK 53

54 ILLUSTRADO CATWALK

EZRA SANTOS

Maiden Gala Fashion Show “In the Beginning” 27th April 2010 hotos by Eros Goze

ILLUSTRADO CATWALK 55

56 COMMUNITY

UPAA-UAE’s Holds Videoke Night for a Cause The University of the Philippines Alumni Association – UAE Chapter (UPAA-UAE) successfully presented a singing contest ala American Idol among its members on the 30th of April. An exclusive event held at the Hibiki Lounge, Hyatt Regency Dubai, “Yan Ang Boses” gathered members from around the emirates for a night of entertainment to raise funds for the organization’s Scholarship Endowment Fund.

Eight singing idols showcased their vocal talent onstage and were critiqued by six judges. Taking home the titles were Galo Damon Calizo - Texters’ Choice Winner; Liendro Candelaria – First Runner Up and Maricar Paglicawan-Veldad - the Grand Champion, who was given the honor to sing the “Yan Ang Boses” theme song composed

by UPAA-UAE’s Quay Evano.

The show is just one among the series of events the organization has planned to launch this year in support of its scholarship program benefiting students at the University of the Philippines. The event was supported by sponsors Western Union, Express Cargo Link Services, Barrio Fiesta, Digital World, MediaCom, and Alibata Project.

Joel Gonzales, UPAA-UAE Ways and Means Committee Chairman commented: “We have always been active in supporting various causes not only for Filipinos here in the UAE but in our home country as well. Yan Ang Boses is an effort to involve as many UP graduates as possible in order to pay back our debt of gratitude to our beloved University that has made us what we are now. We have successfully earned our degree through subsidized education and it is just right for us to help some students enjoy the same privilege we have once enjoyed.”

With a similar cause, the UPAA-UAE also launched the Lapis, Papel, Aklat atbp Project - a school supplies donation drive for the benefit of less-privileged schoolchildren in the Philippines. This project is

Shootercada Celebrates its 1st Anniversary Shootercada Photographers Circle (SPC), a non–profit organization based in (but not limited to) Abu Dhabi, devoted to the art and appreciation of photography, celebrated their first anniversary at the Grand Continental Hotel Abu Dhabi, on the 30th April 2010. The celebration was graced by Philippine Ambassador to the UAE H.E Grace Relucio Princessa, Consul General Adelio Cruz, as well as Commercial Attaché Joji Dinsay.

SPCs objective is to provide opportunities for enjoyment, encouragement and instruction to its members in the art and techniques of all branches of photography, while contributing to the community in any way possible. The leaders of the group are composed of corporate professionals, registered nurses and engineers. SPC had humble beginnings; the group started in 2009 with a simple photowalk done by founding members Rodan Dela Rosa, Allan Avilla, Angel Sapon, Jun Castro and Ryan George Francisco, to capture the beauty of Abu Dhabi during a dramatic sunset. From there, the rest is history.

These days, SPC is active in facilitating lectures and photo sessions for those who are interested to learn the craft. The group’s goal is to pass on the art that has been alive for centuries by sharing to those who are interested.

in partnership with Sagip Kapamilya of the ABS-CBN Foundation Inc, LBC and is under the auspices of the Philippine Embassy. The objective of the project is to collect donations of pencils, writing papers, books and other school supplies to be shipped to the Sagip Kapamilya Foundation for distribution in the Mataguisi Elementary School (250 pupils) and Mataguisi Comprehensive National High School (150 students) in Pudtol, a municipality some 500 kms. north of Baguio City.

For more information and to support this worthy cause, please contact lapispapelatbp@yahoo.com or call 050-8419880.

58 ILLUSTRADO SCRAPBOOK

A platform for budding Filipino creative talent

Pinoy Digital Photographers in Kuwait (PINDOT) Avid Filipino amateur photographers in Kuwait, Pinoy Digital Photographers (PINDOT), adhere to the motto «Share, Learn and Respect.» Together, the group’s 60 members enjoy photo walks, lectures and contests designed to pique interest and to polish their shooting skills. PINDOT is involved not only in creative pursuits, but also participates in socially-relevant endeavors particularly focused on the Filipino community in the country.

The group held a portraiture workshop in March facilitated by renowned photographer Manny Librodo, entitled “Landscape of Emotions.” Here are choice images from the workshop.

Bong Cruz

Ivy Laughton

Ramil Sunga

Chris Sanan

A platform for budding Filipino creative talent ILLUSTRADO SCRAPBOOK

59

Aldrin Marin

Leonel Pura

Mizpah Reyes

Al P. Manlangit

Anna Rose de la Flor Najwa Marafie

60 ILLUSTRADO SCRAPBOOK

Ricky Laguda

A platform for budding Filipino creative talent

Rico Canosa

Eduardo Romero

Neil Ocampo

William Martinez

A platform for budding Filipino creative talent ILLUSTRADO SCRAPBOOK

59

Aldrin Marin

Leonel Pura

Mizpah Reyes

Al P. Manlangit

Anna Rose de la Flor Najwa Marafie

62 FEATURE

A Return to Being

Maharlika

By Flordeliz Samonte

Guro Fred Evrard

Awed by the moves of Matt Damon in Bourne Identity? Lapu Lapu, the Datu of Mactan and the First Filipino Hero and his stronghold of Kali warriors, defeated Ferdinand Magellan in 1521 with the same fighting skills which have worked their way into Hollywood movies today. The story has been heard several times but the role of the Filipino Martial Arts (FMA) has been kept in the sidelines waiting for another warrior to take up the art once again.

F

MA known to many in various names like Arnis, Escrima or Kali is a warrior art which is now being rediscovered by Filipinos.

Known by different systems as varied as the 7,107 islands of the Philippines, FMA is a complete package. Before Spanish conquerors came to the archipelago, Filipinos already had their own fighting system used as defense during tribal wars.

During the Spanish regime, it was banned, giving rise to the popular use of the rattan stick as a weapon. Driven to secrecy, FMA was secretly passed down from father to son and Kali movements were disguised as folk dances such as tinikling, maglalatik and sakuting.

BRIDGING THE GAP In Singapore, I was one of those who gathered for the Philippine Independence Day 2009 celebrations where a demonstration of our native martial arts was held. Guro Fred Evrard, a Frenchman, awed and inspired the Filipino crowd with FMA fighting skills which he touted as “the best.”

Guro Fred and his wife Katulong Guro Lila, founded Kali Majapahit, a school focused on teaching FMA and “Hilot.” They have traveled the world for four years learning different martial arts before settling in Singapore to establish their third school; the first being in Tahiti and another in the Philippines. The school’s curriculum

is influenced by Kali Sikaran founded by Punong Guro Jeff Espinos and the Inayan Eskrima founded by Mangisursuro Mike Inay. The two masters who have mentored Guro Fred.

Kali is practical and efficient, and this is the main reason why people are attracted to the art explains Kadua Guro Ben Boeglin of Kali Majapahit. From a technical point of view, FMA is a complete martial art which uses sticks, punches, knives, or other weapons. Kali Majapahit is significant in promoting Philippine culture through FMA. “Four years ago, there was no FMA in Singapore and people were looking for something more. Today, we have 150 students and there are now three clubs doing FMA in Singapore,” he added.

Twenty percent of their students are Filipinos. “We tell them Hilot the healing system is very powerful and your [Filipino] martial art is very good. They realize other people are interested so they get interested. Even though it’s not ours, we promote it because we believe in it. It has to continue being taught because it would be sad if it is lost. We have to spread it so people will know how rich it is.”

The US Army, Police Force as well as the Philippine Military and Police are well trained in the art. Some learn it for self defense, others for personal growth and coordination but to Filipinos like Kathleen Hazel Lacsina and her daughters, Isabelle (12) and Aira (11) it is to stay connected to their country while in Singapore.

FEATURE 63 “The Chinese have their Win Chun, the West has boxing and the Indonesians have Silat, FMA has Panuntukan-Filipino Boxing.

Koreans have Taekwondo, the Japanese their Karate, and the Chinese their Wushu, FMA has Sikaran- Filipino Foot Fighting.

If the Greeks have Greco-Roman Wrestling, the Brazilians their Gracie Ju-jitsu, FMA has its Dumog- Filipino Wrestling. Aside from the popular stick fighting,” explained Master Oscar.

As the journey of our nation has not yet ended, there are still lessons to be learned, “It is important to learn about Martial Arts especially our own because it will teach us that it is not about killing but about living. We should learn FMA in the right perspective that this deadly martial art was practiced by noble Filipinos in defending the honor of a nation. It was used by warriors who would die to protect the banks of an archipelago. We are all Maharlikas, wherever we go in the world, we as a people should carry ourselves in a noble manner.” Master Oscar is one in propagating FMA sending out his students as ambassadors of FMA.

Kathleen, a Landscape Architect, was surprised there is an FMA. They enrolled in the school which offers the first FMA for kids program. “Parang natutuwa ka na maging Pinoy kasi sikat tayo. My kids are more disciplined and inspired to do better in their schooling. It’s an opportunity for them to be conscious about their culture. They see that Filipinos are something special,” says Kathleen.

It is true, that discovering FMA is discovering yourself as a Filipino.

It is a journey back to our roots, a long history of a proud nation and its people. It is time to make FMA global and the Arnis Law declaring Arnis as the national sport is a start. After all, we are of warrior blood and its something we should be proud of. As John says, “FMA is part of my being. It is there, it just has to be “awakened.”

In Singapore, the school serves as a welcome connection to Filipinos and their country with the school teaching much the same styles as the masters in order to continue the tradition. “The only thing that changed is the structure because there are different systems, tools and weapons. So Guro Fred organized it in a curriculum that makes sense, which is easy to learn and has structure. So people can come in at any point in time without being lost and the martial art is efficient and easy to learn. It’s always evolving.” As Guro Fred has stated once, the role of foreign instructors is to remind the masters of FMA that the world is interested in FMA and that its time for them to open up.

AWAKENING THE FMA “FMA is more than just a sport and a combat skill, FMA has been an arena of learning and understanding of the bravery of our ancestors, their ingenuity and unyielding spirit to protect their family, community and their motherland. An important part of our history and a very part of me,” sums up John Leyson, a 37 yearold Magtuturo of FMA at the FMA School Dugong Maharlika (noble descent) in Manila. They practice the Kapampangan system of Grandmaster Bart Figueroa and the Otsotiros System of Grandmaster Pepito Robas and the Sikaran system of Grandmaster Melliton Geronimo.

His Master, Oscar Raymond T. Molina, a 32 year-old has been skilled in the art since childhood. At the age of 13, he turned to FMA for a higher purpose “I wanted to learn about a great nation which forgot that it was great. I wanted to learn FMA, because I wanted to be part of a legacy of nobility, of honor, of sacrifice and love of country.”

Unfortunately, he shares the same discontent that there is a need to bring FMA to Filipinos, “I believe Brazilian Ju-jitsu is popular in the country today. But FMA is slowly experiencing an increase of followers, because of the Hollywood films today which are FMA.”

Kali Majapahit Singapore Instructors

5 1 64 TRIPPIN’

things To Do this

By Sherry Tenorio

Month

Most Pinoys back home associate the month of May with celebrations and summer getaways. We Pinoy expats in the UAE are not so different. For us out here, May is the perfect time to have fun in the outdoors, before we finally consign ourselves to spending months on end indoors, in air-conditioned comfort. So this month, we recommend some amazing day trips that would allow you to enjoy the last days of clement weather here in the emirates.

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Head to The Cove (Rotana) in Ras Al Khaimah Take a relaxing overnighter or spend the whole weekend at the beautiful haven called The Cove-Rotana in Ras Al Khaimah (RAK).

Accommodations consist of studios to three bedroom villas that are strategically elevated and are surrounded by man-made lagoons.

These, plus the heavenly sight of the emirate’s shoreline will surely take the visitor’s breath away. What’s more, the rustic ArabianMediterranean-inspired architecture, decor and landscaping actually makes this resort as one of the must-visit spots in the whole UAE. The service, amenities and the food are wonderful additions to this amazing place. And, we say that the magnificent scenery that besets the guests of this one-year old beach resort in RAK is certainly enough to be thankful for, and perfect for reflecting on having a blessed good life.

Drive up to Jebel Hafeet in Al Ain Marvel at the beauty of bare earth as you rise towards Al Ain’s highest peak called Jebel Hafeet. The mountain is known to be as high as 1,240 meters thus providing visitors the most impressive views of one of Abu Dhabi’s oldest cities. Located at the outskirts of Al Ain, Jebel Hafeet is a popular tourist destination especially with the well-known attraction Green Mubazarrah at its foothill.

And while being contemplative at the lovely landscape in Jebel Hafeet, tourists can also take advantage of hot spring water, swimming pools and jacuzzis at the Green Mubazarrah. Those who would want to further clear up minds can go beyond a day trip and stay at the dedicated hotel in the mountain that is the Mercure Grand Jebel Hafeet. Without question, even some hours spent in natural splendor at the Jebel Hafeet can help rejuvenate a burnedout body and mind, providing everyone the capacity to battle the stress in the city.

Indulge in Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island

Ferrari fanatics or not, you will surely enjoy the beauty of Yas Island in Abu Dhabi. Known to be home of the Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, the home-base of drivers’ heaven is also an awesome refuge from the metro buzz. The pristine beaches are highlighted to great effect by the numerous hotels and resorts bordering the 32km coastline.

Visitors can expect to feel better with the relaxing ambiance and rejuvenating activities within the island. The allure of blue waters and the awe-inspiring modernity in Yas Island will certainly take the guests’ breath away. So, try it for a day trip or indulge in a night of pleasure in one of the hotels. Check the online rates, and you’ll find practical offers.

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Go all the way to Hatta

If you have the luxury of time, we recommend that you aim for a longer ride and drive off-road. Try going to Hatta (at the border between Oman and UAE), the beautiful getaway from Dubai’s hustle and bustle, and marvel at picture-perfect sand dunes with the rugged Hajjar mountains on the background. Whether you opt to camp out on a day trip or wait for the sun to rise at the off-road sites, you will still find solemnity and tranquility in the abundant charms of nature before you. The other option is to stay in the cozy and comfortable accommodations of the relaxing Hatta Fort Hotel which offers amazing amenities that stay-in visitors enjoy. Make sure that you take your camera with you as you’d need to capture the moment of your oneness with the fascinating scenes around Hatta.

And, try not to leave your passport at home - you might love the drive and end up in Oman, who knows?

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TRIPPIN’ 65

Take a Plunge in Aquaventure’s Leap of Faith

No time to go out of Dubai? Don’t fret. There are quite a few options for the metropolis residents to take them away from the daily fast-paced life, and give them some stillness even just for a day. Jumeirah Beach Park and Mamzar Beach Park are some good affordable alternatives. But, if you’d like to splurge for a day then we suggest that you go to the grand Atlantis Hotel and experience the adventures offered at Aquaventure. This water theme park in one of the world’s most luxurious hotels is home to Leap of Faith, the 27.5 meter tall and 61 meter water slide. Riders of this Leap of Faith are definitely going to need the power of prayers in getting through the shark-filled lagoon.

While taking Leap of Faith entails great trust and confidence, there are other rides in Aquaventure that are less adrenalinepumping yet equally fun. Summer thrill and soul-searching beats are what the guests get in all the water slides, river rides and beach amenities in Aquaventure.

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66 PINOY PLANET

Cruising the Caribbean Words and photos by Al P. Manlangit

There is nothing like experiencing a cruise in the Caribbean. Across the Banana River in Cape Canaveral, Florida our cruise ship, all of 14 decks, floated in the afternoon tide by the Cruise Terminal’s pier. The Royal Caribbean’s Sovereign of the Seas was our home for five days.

W

e booked ourselves - my wife and I plus our two boys, a Caribbean cruise to Nassau, Bahamas for five days and four nights for the price of US$355 each. We were having hotel-like accommodation, unlimited food, and all the family fun during the trip.

Arriving before sailing time turned out to be a fortuitous event of long queues at the terminal. After we left our luggage to the porters in exchange for SeaPasses which will be our IDs during the trip, we ran up the gangplank like kids!

Our two rooms were on the lower deck, with a small porthole for viewing, a double bed, a small credenza and cabinet, an overhead TV and a toilet/shower room. Small but were clean and very comfortable. Most passengers spent their waking hours outside their cabins anyway. A brief safety drill was held before we lifted anchor and the Florida coastline disappeared before heading the open ocean.

The Sovereign of the Seas could accommodate 2,850 passengers with an international crew of 840. It had 14 passenger decks (floors) with over a thousand cabins with three restaurants, nine lounges/ bars, two cinemas, a casino, library, fitness center, spa, and beauty salon. For sports buffs, there was a basketball and volleyball court, and a 10-meter high rock climbing wall. The ship was practically self-contained, offering three or four night short cruises to the Carribean.

The main area was the impressive Atrium with panoramic glass elevators and brass railings that gave the effect of a grand ballroom in a five-star hotel. In the center of this was a string quartet backed up by a pianist playing classical pieces – and they were kabayans!

A good number of the crew were fellow Pinoys. It made me realize if our seafarers suddenly decided to come home in one go, the maritime world will be brought to a standstill.

When I saw the itinerary - which changes daily every hour of the day, there was an activity going on somewhere in the ship nonstop. From an aerobics class, to rock climbing classes and kids’ art lessons until noontime. This was followed by the opening of the casino at lunchtime, line dance classes and a host of other activities.

By late afternoon towards the evening, activities shifted to movie screenings, karaoke and late-night disco parties.

And, of course, there was the pool with a reggae band playing on the sidelines. The library had a well-stocked collection of books and magazines. You could also play Scrabble and chess and other board games on leather Chesterfield sofas. There were activities for children and adults alike. Since everyone’s goal was to relax, its best

PINOY PLANET 67

Atlantis Paradise Resort

Festival Place

to just pick activities you like or watch the shows that suited your fancy.

We had breakfast in the open buffet at the Windjammer Café. To say that there was a lot of food would be an understatement.

Overflowing was more like it and you could have anything as much as your stomach could handle: about a dozen kinds of cereal to choose from, innumerable pastries and breads, a bewildering array of cold cuts and sausages, assorted jams and cheeses, various salads, different fruits from avocadoes to kiwis to watermelons and unlimited concoctions of drinks. Lunch was more of the same - only heavier. There were over two dozen different servings.

There is nothing like a life long dream to cruise the Caribbean. Never had I seen so much food in one day in my whole life as that on the ship!

We arrived at our destination in the pouring rain but people, however, went out on the deck to watch the docking maneuvers while others enjoyed themselves at the pool.

Nassau is the capital and largest city of the Bahamas chain composed of 3,000 islands in the West Indies where one of these islands, San Salvador, is where Christopher Columbus made landfall after sailing from Spain in 1492.

The chief industries here are tourism and fun. From the ship’s deck, we could clearly

see Victorian houses and public buildings painted in pastel colors amid the greenery that surrounded the city center. The sprawling British Colonial Hilton sat right next to the port while further away, on a small island linked by a long bridge to the mainland, was the pink Atlantis Paradise Resort the precursor of what is now in Dubai. It was the top resort in Nassau and tourists visited it in the hope of catching celebrities vacationing there.

We went ashore later in the afternoon to a huge complex called Festival Place where you could find numerous shops selling everything from trinkets to bongo drums to hats and a gazillion other knickknacks.

Outside, was more of the same with row upon row of shopping arcades that spilled over into the smaller adjoining side streets.

Most of the sights were close by so we first went on a walking tour to see Parliament House on the plaza, the Supreme Court, the Garden of Remembrance and further on, the Government House where the Governor-General keeps office. Funny, but they were all painted in pastel colors as well, just like the rest of the buildings around mostly designed in old Victorian architectural style. People were friendly with an easygoing air about them. A small girl coming from a nearby school waved at us, gave her toothy grin, and said: “Thank

you for coming to our Island” with a cute reggae-sounding accent. Now I don’t know if they taught that in school but, somehow, it made the tourist in you really feel welcome which, in turn, made you want to spend more!

Later, we passed by fine jewelry and watchshops as well as fashion boutiques selling tons of signature brands plus other popular brands cheaper than elsewhere because they were all tax-free. How you wished you owned a bank even for just a day! Since we didn’t have one, we just gawked at the window displays before heading for the Straw Market which looked like something out of Divisoria.

We haggled till we ended up buying more souvenirs and postcards than we actually needed. Then it was back to the ship where food and precious sleep awaited us after a very late night of watching movies.

The beauty of a cruise is that you practically have nowhere else to go except when you go ashore hence you don’t have a fixed schedule to follow. Plus, of course, nobody is there to bother you with incessant phone calls or annoying appointments. You can remain cut off from the outside world if you chose to do so (well, the ship has an internet café). This freedom allows you to sort things out.

68 PINOY PLANET

Multi-million-dollar house on the waterfront

Governor’s Building

Right after breakfast on day four, we queued up for the ferry that brought us to the harbor of Cococay while the ship anchored about two kilometers off the private island. There was a small inlet with powdered white sand beach where thousands of deck chairs were set up in a semi-circle under swaying coconut trees that reminded me of Boracay. This was where most of the action happened people went swimming and snorkeling while others went scuba diving and paragliding.

The Colonial Palace

On the third day of our holiday, we went on a glass bottom boat cruise that we booked a day earlier. First, the boat passed Nassau’s bustling harbor lined with beautiful houses owned by the rich and famous. The guide pointed out the homes of Elvis, Mary Quant, and one of the Rolling Stones’ members. At our final destination, we were led down to a hull where there was a huge clear glass panel with a raised floor that enabled us to see coral reefs at the bottom of the sea teeming with marine life - from colorful fishes, stingrays to seahorses. We stayed for half an hour before moving on to a shipwreck while enjoying rum punch onboard. It was such a beautiful day for sailing that it felt bad for the tour to end.

Lunch was served in an open area with solid wooden tabletops and benches. There were cottages where all the food from the ship was set up and quickly disappeared as soon as they were served.

At about 4:00PM, we went back to the Sovereign of the Seas and in the evening we had our family portrait taken – sunburned and all. Just before sunset, we sailed away and headed back to the Florida mainland. I think everyone was tired and have had their fun because when I strolled by the poolside which used to be a beehive of activity, the place was surprisingly empty.

In the early morning of our last day, the ship slipped into Cape Canaveral harbor. Disembarkation started at 7:30am. We were given color-coded cards stamped with the time for our turn to join the queue. As we looked around for the last time at the places onboard where we had so much fun, I realized just how the past few days had gone swiftly by. There was so much to do and so many activities to enjoy that contrary to what I initially thought, boredom was simply not an option during an ocean cruise.

Although dinner was a casual affair it was supposed to be the Captain’s Gala Dinner where everyone was all dressed up. There was all the exotic seafood on the menu just like dining on the aboard the Titanic. The ship Captain, dressed in impeccable whites, went around the tables greeting his passengers We capped the day by watching a comedy show before attending a rock n’ roll dance concert until midnight. Meanwhile, the ship had lifted anchor and headed out for the wide ocean once more.

Shopping arcade

BAKASYON GRANDE 69

Magallanes, Sorsogon: Paradise Undiscovered

Gilbert Agao | Dreamstime.com ©

By Christopher Elden B. Hilotin

Olena Kulikova, a Russian visitor, described it as a “beautiful place on earth.”

After emerging from a dive into one of its marine reserves protected by local laws, Boylan Preston, a Peace Corps volunteer from Ann Arbor, Michigan, a professional diver exclaimed: “You are sitting on a gold mine here!” Tess Ladisla, a teacher from a neighboring town, described its unspoiled spots as “heavenly.”

W

elcome to my Magallanes, a place where the sun, sea, nature and adventure are all rolled into one.

But where in the world is it? This tierra incognita sits at the mouth of Sorsogon Bay along the Ticao Pass where the Pacific Ocean and the South China Sea meet. Magallanes, one of the 15 towns of Sorsogon province, the world’s whale shark capital, is located at the southernmost tip of the island of Luzon.

Kulikova visited Magallanes last year with her Ukrainian husband Andrey Shevchuk. Their friend Genesis Berdin, a native of Magallanes, showed them around. The visit has left a lasting impression on the couple who raved on Facebook about their short holiday. “I liked the local fresh food – fish and pili nuts,” said Olena, who believes they were the first couple from the former USSR to visit the town. “My friends in Kiev heard our many stories about Magallanes so they also want to visit the Philippines,” said the mother of two.

The parish church of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, the patron saint of Magallanes. Photo credit: Santi Sia

70 BAKASYON GRANDE

Pristine waters lap the beach made of fine sand and broken coral Photo by: Nico Balonzo

Did their local hosts tell them about the armed rebels in the hills of Magallanes? Were they not scared? “Ha-ha. We knew about it. But we were not afraid,” said Olena. She even designed the packaging for sardines manufacturer based in Magallanes and visited kids who were part of a local church in Santa Elena village.

Adventure Travel One can never have the easiest road to reach the place. Unlike the other towns of the Sorsogon Province, Magallanes is relatively isolated by land access. “But definitely, going to Magallanes is a great adventure,” said Pinoy Traveler, a blogger who featured the town in one of his articles.

A visitor has to travel 48 kilometers from the Sorsogon City, the provincial capital, passing through two towns and a meandering road that snakes around Mounts Juban and Bintacan. As the winding road spirals up, one can see breathtaking views of Mt. Bulusan on one side. A few meters more and one sees Sorsogon Bay on the other. The rest of the road is just lush tropical rainforest dotted by small villages and their local schools and their community churches.

Beauty and Bounty Historically, this town occupies an important part in the Spanish colonial history. Archaeological diggings confirmed that it was where the first Christian mass in Luzon was celebrated in 1569, and where the great galleons for the Manila-Acapulco trade were built.

Today, Magallanes is a visitor-friendly town popular for its fresh and dried fish, where locals go out of their way to make your stay enjoyable, and a paradise yet to be discovered. It has two islands Bagatao and Tinacos blessed with both nature’s beauty and bounty.

Many of its springs are still unknown even to the locals. There is Pitong Busay Falls, in Barangay Pili – a 3km walk from the main road into the middle of the forest and Buro-Baroto falls and springs – which can be found on the mountain trails of Siuton. In TulaTula Sur, there are still unnamed natural springs that offer great fun for adventure seekers. There is also the Malijao springs, just off the Magallanes-Juban road and Bucal-Bucalan Resort – the mother of all springs in Magallanes, where the waters are filtered by Mr Bintacan.

Sun and Sea Adventures

Tambis (or macopa, also known as wax apple), is a local fruit abundant during the summer months.• Photo by: Paz Clarice B. Hilotin

Magallanes offers long stretches of white sand beaches with clear waters - a divers’ haven for free. The beach from Aguada Sur stretches several kilometers up to Biton. Good places to go are the beaches near the “bucana” where the Gibalon river meets the sea and the beach along Ginangra and Biton. Visit Halabang Baybay, the long beach in Behia village, Bagatao Island, a short distance from historical marker for the “Astillero de Bagatao” (the Spanishera galleon building site), located on top of a hill overlooking the sea, as well as Tinacos Island - an uninhabited island, if frolicking in the sea and running on the beach “au naturel” is your thing.

Malawmauan Island is another uninhabited island where you can enjoy the sea and sun uninhibitedly. Though not a part of Magallanes, it is easily accessible from Bagatao.

BAKASYON GRANDE 71

Breath-taking sunset view from the hills of Magallanes. Photo by: Santi Sia

A visit to Magallanes can only be complete with these “mustdo’s” Swim with the Butandings - A few minutes ride by outrigger boat from Magallanes is the playground of the “butanding” (whale shark) near the neighboring town of Donsol, across the bay.

Tourists from around the world come here to see and swim with these gentle giants.

Dive to see the rich marine life - A short boat ride away from the town’s little-unused pier takes divers to Barangay Biga and Parolang Saday (small light house). The coral reefs and marine life below this protected site is a carnival show under the sea.

Visit the Parola - The Parola, a lighthouse built in the Spanish era, now runs on solar power. In the era of GPS, this metal lighthouse fabricated in Belgium in the 1880s, sill serves as the sentinel of the sea along the Ticao and Burias Passes. Few such light houses still exist in the Philippine archipelago.

A visit to this lighthouse offers great views of the Sorsogon Bay and the South China Sea. The unspoiled white beach near the light house is a great place to enjoy, just don’t forget your snorkel or diving gear. This place is ideal for real nature lovers. There are no resorts or huts at the moment but the local government is currently building visitors’ accommodation.

Have a sunset party – A view of the majestic sunset can be seen from any vantage point from the beaches of Aguada Sur stretching all the way to Biton village.

Take a trip to Our Lady of Lourdes – Among Catholic devotees, there’s a grotto overlooking the town that also offers magnificent views of two volcanoes – Mounts Mayon and Bulusan. The steps up the grotto follow the number of Rosary beads.

All these adventures won’t burn a hole in your wallet. For island hoppers, the cost of petrol or diesel to hire a private outrigger boat for one day is US$30, including the boat man’s fee.

Getting there: Emirates Airline operates 14 weekly flights from Dubai, while Etihad Airways operates daily flights from Abu Dhabi to Manila.

This 19th century lighthouse built in the 1880s, has guided navigators in and around Ticao Pass and Sorsogon Bay for more than a century. Photo by: Nico Balonzo

Magallanes, Sorsogon is 638 kilometers south-east of Manila. Nofrills airline Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines operate several daily flights to Legaspi City, home of Mayon Volcano. From Legaspi, Magallanes is a two-hour drive by car (private vehicles can be hired from Legaspi). An under-construction airport in Bulan town is 45 minutes by car from Magallanes, via the Siuton-Bulan Road.

Where to Stay: SSC Hostel, Aguada Norte – from US$5 per person per night for a bed in a dormitory-type shared air conditioned(AC) room. Tel. +63929-2968181 Touch of Grace Hostel, Aguada Norte - from US$32 per AC room.

Tel. +63921-5485750 Three Sisters Lodge, Central - from US$5 per night for a bed in a regular room, US$21 per night for an AC room; Tel. +639088645474 Fernando’s Hotel, Sorsogon City - US$150 per person for an adventure tour for three days two nights. www.fernandoshotel.com Hotel Venezia, Washington Drive, Legaspi City (22 miles from Sorsogon) - from US$58 per night, bed and breakfast.

For more details, contact Joel Carrascal, Municipal Tourism Officer at Tel. +63-926-6150975 Note: Credit cards are only accepted in major establishments in Sorsogon and Legaspi.

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74 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.

The Grandest of Them All: Bayanihan and Pagpapatulóy

By Aby Yap

Yes, they’re BIG words. And let me tell you, one is heavy and the other is expensive. (How else would you describe carrying a burden as large as an entire bahay kubo and preparing an instant feast for a guest, respectively?)

Wait, am I hearing “overrated” and “over!” too? Cynics, say all you want. One adjective these words are NOT, though, is passé. Lipat-bahay trucks might be the sensible mode of relocation today and Pinoys might have become more kuripot as we go through tough times. But bayanihan and pagpapatulóy are ours to keep and celebrate — and yes, they make people all around the world fall in love with the Filipino over and over again.

Isn’t it grand?

FILIPINISMS 75

Bayan + Bayani = Bayanihan Perhaps everyone would agree that what happened during the famous Ondoy episode was the biggest bayanihan exhibit in the country since the 1986 People Power revolution (please, just the orig EDSA phenomenon). Right before our eyes were people from all walks of life helping one another to literally and figuratively stay afloat despite the tragedy, swimming against the tide of hopelessness, and rising above it all. Professional tambays devising a plan with barangay tanods to rescue the drowning. Luckier residents splitting the little bread they had with families stranded on roofs. Ballroom dancing amigas foregoing their sessions to clean up muddied homes. Barkadas rummaging through their wardrobes for clothes they could donate. Facebook mainstays doing an unofficial count of their missing contacts (who says all they ever do is play Farmville?). Kapuso and Kapamilya silently declaring a truce over their ratings’ warfare (finally!) to launch a fund-raising crusade.

So, are you done humming “What a Wonderful World?” Now, before you even think of it — wishing for a disaster or a dictator all year round — just so Filipinos can become united every day of our lives, why don’t you shake that bootie and shake off those nega vibes? Then look around and you’ll see that bayanihan need not have a melodramatic backdrop every time.

Of course, it’s merrier when bayanihan is practiced during merry events, or when you get to have a free meal at the very least. Like when a relative ties the knot and everyone in the clan, including neighbors, are eager to take part so men roast the lechon and women cook the handa. Or, when a neighbor’s daughter holds her debut in an ultra narrow street and all the macho-looking guys volunteer to manage the traffic in case a tricycle passes through in the middle of the cotillion.

Bayanihan also occurs with the most selfless of motives — except maybe for a bit of Pinoy pride. So, you invite all your online friends to vote for Mister Hero or Miss Photogenic for the sole reason that he/she’s a kabayan — never mind the fact that someone else sounds more heroic or looks more angelic.

Even in your most mundane of activities, there’s bayanihan, too. A jeepney ride for example. Notice how you and fellow passengers squeeze your butts into a two-inch seat to give space to another commuter? Pass the fare to the konduktor and the change to the payer, even if your arms already ache from doing a Plastic Man act? Fill in the blanks to come up with the correct directions for someone who’s lost?

Or, gang up on poor Manong driver with yells of “Psst!” and “Para!” coupled with knocks on the ceiling when he just won’t stop?

Tuloy po Kayo = VIP Had Joseph and Mary been looking for a place to stay anywhere in the 7,107 islands of the Philippines rather than the little town of Bethlehem, Jesus, for sure, wouldn’t have been born in a cheap manger. Dyusko! The couple would have been given the master’s bedroom, a fresh set of clothes, and even a romantic dinner in bed. Then, the birth of Jesus would have called for a fiesta — eat-all-you-can buffet and free-flowing booze with

matching banderitas — to which everyone would have been invited. And at the end of the party, all the guests, the three Kings most especially, would have gotten a pabalot that could last days since they came from as far as the East.

That would have been a happy, hearty ending, no? All because of the legendary Filipino hospitality. We were so accommodating that the Spaniards didn’t have any trouble conquering us — and for 377 years! (We were really that warm and welcoming.) Then came the Japanese and the American occupation, which were short-lived affairs, but could well indicate just how good our PR skills were. Because when we tell you “Feel at home!” we so mean it. Promise!

It doesn’t matter if a Pinoy lives in a mansion or in a shack; a visitor is always welcome. Simply utter the magic phrase, “Tao po!” (plus points if you say your name, so we’ll know you’re not merely a freeloader), and we’ll come running to you, Your Majesty, “Tuloy po kayo” — even without the red carpet. If you catch us at a bad time, you say, like if we’re in the middle of lunch with the whole kinfolk, please don’t apologize. Just sit with us and “Kain tayo!” We don’t care if you’ve already eaten; God’s grace should never be refused. Forget not your dessert, too. If you catch us at a worse time, though, when we’re having talbos ng kamote and NFA rice, don’t fuss. For you, we’ll open that secretly hidden can of imported corned beef and run to the nearest store for much whiter rice. Finish all of it and later, we’ll have merienda.

Now, should we fail to notice the time doing all sorts of things to entertain you as the day’s Very Important Person, and the sun starts saying sayonara, better accept our dinner invite. Expect, too, to spend the night in our humble abode. If we have a guest room, that automatically belongs to you — along with the new towel, bathrobe, pajamas, and toothbrush we store in the closet in emergency cases like this. Otherwise, you can sleep in our room, enjoy the comfort of our bed, and have sweet dreams (as we sleep on the floor worrying about who could possibly lend us money for the next day’s promise of a special treatment for the VIP.) Ayayay! Onli in da Pilipins!

76 FILIPINISMS

The Annie B (Batobalani) Chronicles

The adventures and misadventures of a ‘not so average’ Pinay trying to make it in the cosmpolitan city of Dubai.

Let’sVote In! Photography by: Ik Lumberio

Chronicle

41

Sumasakit ang ulo ko.

Heto na naman. Fumo-forty degrees na ulit ang weather. Nagsisimula na naming mag-dry ang skin ko, magpawis ang kili-kili ko, kumulot ang buhok ko. Say hello to hagardness again! Taun-taon lalong umiinit ang haring araw. Totoo nga siguro yung mga sinasabi nila about Global Warning - kakatense! Baka next year hindi na umubra ang bote-boteng Glutha sa balat ko. Sa sobrang init eh malulusaw na ‘to agad bago ko pa man din malulon. Nakaka-Stress Oreña Drilon ha?

Tapos yung inorder kong KFC for delivery dumating din finally after 48 years. Anak ng! Sabi ko original recipe eh, bakit puro hot en spicy ‘to lahat??? Huwaaaaaaaattt??? Wala ang inorder kong gravvvvy??!!!

Kaka-i-rita Avila! I-rita Gomez! I-rita Magdalena! Jirita Jacksooooon!!!!

Maya-maya naman, na-receive ko ang text ni Ate. “bd NEwZ p0wh. tAtay iZ teRRibly SICk P0WH. teRminl nA p0wH. for moRE inFORM2n, sEe POStERZ nD PRiNt AdZ fOr DeTailS P0wh. luV, Ate bEck beck.”

Lalong nagdilim ang paningin ko. Muntik ko nang maibato sa dingding ang Blackberry kong Made in China. Utang na loob naman ‘tong si Ate, kwarenta anyos na jejemon pa rin? Tsaka see posters and print ads for details? Anu ‘to, Promo?!!! Grabe naman mag-te-text lang hindi pa kumpletuhin, o! Syempre kailangan ko pang mag-long distance ngayon.

Wala na pala akong load. Grrrrrrrr… Konti na lang. Sasabog na talaga ako sa pagkayamot. PMS ba itu? Kakatapos ko lang last week ah?

Makanood na nga lang ng TFC sa bagong C4 LCD TV ko (fresh from kaskas sa bago kong credit card, good luck!). Puro politiko ang laman ng balita! Pangako dito, sigawan doon. Ang ingay-ingay! Akala ko Wowowee ang pinapanood ko, pero hindi pala si Valerie Concepcion ang sumisigaw kundi mga kakandidato sa darating na eleksyon. Susmaryosep, si Imelda Papin tumatakbo for Senator??? Napa-tumbling ako!!! Teka, baka nga Wowowee ang pinapanood ko! Mala-gameshow na ba ngayon ang eleksyon sa atin? Paano ba talaga pumili ng tamang iboboto? Sige nga, isa-isahin natin sila.

Manny Villar. Naranasan mo na ba ang maging mahirap? Nakupo!

Kumita na tong dramang itu noh? Bakit ba tuwing mang-uuto tayo laging ang mga mahihirap ang paborito nating gamitin? Ganun na ba talaga kagollyble ang madlang poor para magpa-apekto sa lahat na lang ng kapwa nila mahirap? Gasgas na ang Cinderella story! Miski si Pacman ilan na ang mansion at negosyo sa buong mundo. Umaasa ba lahat ng dugyot na mahihirap sa atin na balang araw, lahat sila ay magiging mga bilyonaryo rin tulad ni Manny Villar? Hindi ba nila napapansin na mga mahihirap

Lavan!

Lavan!

FILIPINISMS 77

Show me the money!!!

din ang tinatarget nya para bumili ng mga townhouse at condo nya? Korek ka dyan sister, kapag si Villar ang naging susunod na Presidente, lahat ng tao sa Pilipinas eh magpapaka-OF talaga – magsisipag-abroad sa pagkawalan ng pagasang babangon pang muli ang mahal nating bayan mula sa pagkabaon nito sa utang. Tapos, pagbalik nila sa Pilipinas, saan sila bibili ng mga bahay at lupa nila? Tsek?

Tse!!!

Dick Gordon. Kamukha nya si Ziggy. Yung mascot na giveaway ng Tang noong bata pa ako. Eto matapang, may anghang magsalita, nagmamaganda.

Infairnest, maganda ang track record nya sa Olongapo at sa Subic huh? Pero duda rin ako sa inferior motive nya. Isipin mo, umunlad ang Olongapo sa tulong na rin ng mga kano, tapos pinasara nya yung Naval Base para magkaroon ng Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority so na-tsugi ang mga afam, tapos sa programa nyang Wow Philippines! eh wish nyang bisitahin ng mga foreigners uli ang Pilipinas para lumakas ang ating tourism? Ang labo nun huh? I’m telling you it’s a huge anti-tarsier propaganda. Ano na lang ang mapi-feel ng mga Pinay na may dyowang ibang lahi? Hmmm…I smell fishes. Atsaka anu ba naming klaseng pangalan yang Dick Gordon? Hindi tunog Pinoy… parang pangalan ng laos na super hero na nagtayo na lang ng kabaret after retirement. I don’t like!

Erap Estrada. Naalala nyo pa ba? Erap Para sa Mahirap. Sino ba ang humirap? Di ba tayo din? Sino ba ang dumami ang mansion at negosyo? Di ba sya? Eto pa: Walang kaibigan,

walang kamag-anak! Di ba naging Senador din ang asawa’t anak nya? Di ba puro kaibigan nya ang ipinuwesto nya sa Malacañang? Kaya ayan, na-Carmi Martin tuloy sya.

Kaibigan din ang nang-hudas sa kanya. Palibhasa artista, ang hilig tuloy sa pa-iba-ibang screen names. Ejercito. Estrada.

Velarde. Dami ring leading ladies. Hindi pa mahusay pipili.

Tamo mga anak nya, puro pang-extra lang ang mga hitsura.

Dapat si Laarni na lang ang naging First Lady nya eh, atleast naging runner-up sa Tondo Girl contest noong 80s. Basta ang masasabi ko lang sa muling pagkandidato ni Erap: Day Shabu. It’s All Coming Back To Me Now. We should all learn from the past from our mistakes. Period.

Gibo Teodoro. Hmmmm…gwaping. Kamukha nung dati kong crush noong college. Matino ang background at pet degree. Maganda ang misis nya, dating Pantene model.

Tsaka…uhm…ano… Bukod dito yun lang ang alam ko sa kanya. Well, at least for now. Next!

Jamby Madrigal. Well, what can I say? Jamby, Jamby, Jamby!

Iisa lang ba ang green jacket na lagi mong suot sa mga campaign rally mo? Sana nagpagawa ka ng iba’t ibang style.

Heredera ka noh? Bukod sa gusto mong maging kontravida sa kareer ni Villar, ano pa ba ang balak mo sakaling ikaw ang maging susunod na pangulo? Pero bow ako sa yo, day!

Isa ka rin kafatid na tarsier ha? At ampogi ng Pranses mong asawa ha? Aminin mo mas maganda pa nga sya sa yo. Dapat sya ang i-front line mo sa kampanya mo. Dahil dito, idol ka namin! Go Jamby, Go for Gold!

Noynoy Aquino. Duda rin ako dito. Singkwenta anyos na single pa rin. Hindi naman siguro sya bading kasi jusko

78 FILIPINISMS

Matalino, Gwapo, Maganda ang Misis!..

naman, just look at him. No offends ha? Eh mayaman naman sya. Atenista. Hacindero. Kung si Chavit nga kaliwa’t kanan ang chikababes eh. Baket nga ba? Hindi kaya Mama’s boy sya? O sunod-sunuran sa mga kapatid nyang babae? Kay Kris? Hindi naman siguro. Pero kung hindi si Ninoy ang naging tatay at si Cory ang naging nanay nya, iboboto ko ba sya?

Eh baka naman si Kris Aquino ang magpatakbo ng bansa natin kapag si Noynoy ang magwagi. Seriously, mas madalas ko pa yatang nakita sa TV (bukod sa mga shows nyang The Buzz, SNN, Pilipinas Got Talent at Kung Tayo’y Magkakalayo) at narinig magpa-interview sya kesa kay Noynoy during this last six months ah. Pag si Kris ang naging Presidente, papano haharap sa foreign dignitaries si James Yap? Magbabasketbol? Tapos pipilitin tayo ni Kris na katuwaan din natin si Baby James. Cute ba sya? Mas cute pa si Mahal eh. Sino magiging Presidential Spokesperson? Si Boy Abunda? Ayaw nina Dolce & Gabanna nyan ha? Bukod sa STD at failed relationships, ano pa ba ang ibang issue na naibahagi ni Kris sa ating mga kababayan? Wala.

May mga criteria kasi ako for choosing a President eh.

Dapat hindi lang may hitsura - cute naman si Gloria di ba?

Pero hindi ganoong look ang gusto ko. Dapat maganda ang breeding. Anong breed ba si Gloria? Atsaka dapat, maganda ang magiging First Lady o First Gentleman. Sa palagay ko si Gibo at Jamby lang ang pasok sa criteriang ito. Jamby?

Ipa-FLAMES ko kaya muna sila? Ang hirap naman pumili ng bagong Presidenteng iboboto ngayong eleksyon. Teka, pano kung ako na lang kaya ang tumakbo?

Annie B for President! Tama! Kung kaya ni Nic Perlas at JC Delos Reyes, So can me! Sa tingin ko malaki ang maitutulong ng pagiging fashionista ko para sa ika-uunlad ng bansa natin.

Nasa gobyerno ang simula ng pagbabago, kaya bibigyan ko ng fashion advice at make-over ang karamihan sa mga nakaupo dito. Pinapangako ko, ipatatangal ko ang mga colored streaks sa buhok ni Dinky Soliman - akala ba nya gumaganda sya sa lagay na yun? Eh matatakot lang sa kanya ang mga bata sa DSWD sa hitsura nyang yan eh. Si Chiz Escudero, isa sa mga una kong sisibakin yan. Hindi nakakadagdag sa pagpapaganda ng administration. Isama mo pa sina Jinggoy sa Senado at Zamora sa Kongreso. I will bow to eliminate ugliness and install beauty and style to our country. Bibigyan ko ng life and medical insurance ang mga basurero, mga janitor at mga construction worker. Pati dental included. Ipapa-restore ko ang mga old buildings sa atin lalo na ang City Hall ng Maynila para humabol sa ganda ng Big Ben of London, ang San Juanico Bridge upang maging kasing bongga ng Golden Gate Bridge of San Francisco at ang tore ng PLDT sa may Welcome Rotonda para maging ka-level ang Eiffel Tower of Paris! I will strike a deal with the US Government para pwedeng sumali sa American Idol ang mga Pilipino. Go Charice! Go Rhap Salazar! Itatayo ko ang bandera ng Pilipinas sa buong mundo!!! Dizizit!

Teka, lalong sumasakit ang ulo ko. Tatawag pa pala ako sa Pilipinas para maki-update sa terminal illness ni Tatay. Please Lord tulungan nyo po kami. Promise ko po iboboto ko miski si Jamby pagalingin nyo lang ang tatay ko. Tulungan nyo rin po ang sambayanang Pilipino na magkaroon ng tapang, talino at paninindigan sa pagboto ngayong darating na eleksyon.

Aargh..

Hirap Bumoto!

FILIPINISMS 79

President Cory

President Glory At sana po ay magtulungan ang mga politiko, panalo man o talunan, upang mapaunlad ang aming bansa para po tumaas na rin ang value ng Peso at maging top tourist destination na ang Pilipinas sa buong mundo. Kunin nyo na po ang mga trapo at buwaya na ayaw pasaway at patuloy na nagpapanega sa image ng aming bansa. Lubos lubusin nyo na rin po.

Gamutin nyo na rin po ang pagiging jejemon ni Ate. Please po Lord. Amen.

UPDATE: Malamang habang binabasa nyo ito ay may bago nang Presidente ang ating bansa. Malamang sa asim ng mga pinagsusulat ko about them eh wala na rin ako sa Dubai

ngayon at nagpapalaboy-laboy na lang in some other country where there is TFC (Uyyy, dapat may Despedida din ako ha? Now na!). But let me be the one to share the good news with you: si Tatay wala naman palang tumor o cancer. False alarm lang pala. It turns out it was just a massive case of boil – a skin infection caused by hair follicles, accumulating pus and dead tissue – in short, pigsa lang pala. Shuhada?!!! Kasi naman dun pa sa kapitbahay namin na bumagsak sa board exam sa nursing sila nagpatingin eh, ayan palpak tuloy. Buti na lang. Blesssing in the sky din yan kasi tumigil na sa kakajueteng si Tatay at kaka-mahjong si Nanay bilang sacrifice.

Salamat kay Lord, all’s well that’s end swell. Hallelujah!!!

Dizizit!

May tatakbuhan ka ba sa panahon ng matinding pangangailangan?

Kabayan, sa panahon ng hindi inaasahang kagipitan tulad ng aksidente, malaking operasyon, pinsala dahil sa anu mang emergency gaya ng sunog at iba pang “acts of nature” – may mahihingan ka ba ng tulong? At sa tagal ng pinagtrabaho mo dito sa ibang bansa, ikaw ba ay may insurance coverage na nakalaan kung anu’t ano man ang mangyari?

SUMALI SA FILEX Ang foundation na binuo upang makapaglikom ng pondo para makatulong sa mga Filipino expats sa UAE sa panahon ng matinding pangangailangan.

MAGING MIEMBRO NGAYON Lahat ng mga Filipino dito sa UAE – 18 years old and above, ay maaring sumali sa Filex. Membership Fees: 1 YEAR MEMBERSHIP - AED10 contribution plus AED15 para sa annual insurance, or LIFETIME MEMBERSHIP – AED 30 plus AED15 taon-taon para sa annual insurance coverage.

MGA BENEPISYO Ang mga miembro ng Filex na nakapagbayad ng katumbas ng 3 minimum contributions (o lifetime membership) ay maaring tumanggap ng tulong na financial mula sa foundation base sa pagsusuri at angkop na pasya ng Filex Board. Ang financial aid facility ay magsisimula sa June 2009.

Lahat ng mga miembro ng Filex na may valid UAE residence visa at nagbayad ng karampatang insurance fee (AED 15 per year) ay magkakaroon ng annual insurance coverage na may kasamang accidental death, total disability, medical and repatriation of remains to the Philippines. Ang lahat ay makakatanggap ng angkop na insurance certificates.

Maging miyembro na ng FILEX ngayon.

Mga kabayan,atin ito.

MEMBERSHIP & INQUIRIES Upang sumali, tumawag sa Membership Committee headed by Isabel Warren ng Dubai (call Raffy at 04-3417964) and co-chaired by Fred Camba ng Abu Dhabi (call Myrna at 050 5610489).

Para sa iba pang mga detalye, katanungan at verification, maari ring tumawag sa mga FILEX Executive Directors: Rene Mallo : 050 641 0718 Al Ruwais, Kent Amores : 0559954397 Abu Dhabi, Thesma Talinga : 0506935411 Al Ain, Gina T. Salazar : 0506527041 Dubai, Justino Arciga : 0506967001 Sharjah, Ronnie Bonifacio : 0501901343 Fujairah, Maria Luisa ‘ Mar’ Catu: 0506271599 Ras Al Khaimah, Augusto S. Marcia l: 0508618734 Umm Al Quwain Visit our website: www.filexpat.org or e-mail to:filex@filexpat.org Ang FILEX ay isang non-stock non-profit corporation na rehistrado sa Philippines Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)

FILIPINO EXPATRIATES IN UAE FOUNDATION INC. S.E.C. Company Registration No. CN200809554 Under the Auspices of the Philippine Embassy Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates Hotline No.: +971-50-181-5129

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RAS AL KHAIMAH, UAE Silky Touch Ladies Salon 1st Flr, Room # 4, Sheikh Umar Bldg., Al Nakheel Road, Ras Al Kaimah, UAE Tel 050 798 5139

KARAMA, DUBAI Bernadita Ladies Salon Al Wasl Bldg., Karama Tel 04 335 3049 Fingers & Toes Salon M4 Karama Gold Bldg., Beside Jumbo Electronics, Karama Tel. 04 336 6495 Fingers & Toes Salon Shop 70 Al-Attar Center, Karama Tel. 04 335 7656 Lilac Beauty Salon Behind Day-to-Day Shop Al Kuwait Road, Karama Tel. 04 397 3369 Reflection Beauty Centre Shops 7-8 Al-Attar Mall, Karama Tel. 04 334 1033 Sensei Salon Behind Day to Day Shop Al Kuwait Road 12 d street Al Karama Tel 043976652 SATWA, DUBAI Mars & Venus Beauty Salon Office # 202, 2nd Floor, bin Hamad Bldg., Dubai Landmark: Opposite Emirates Bank International Tel 04 344 9219

Thai Importing & Trading Tourist Club Area Tel. 02 676 8663 BUR DUBAI, DUBAI Maxim’s Supermarket Mankhool Road Tel. 04 598 5302 SMA Supermarket Bank Street Tel. 04 357 2802

Kainan Filipino Restaurant Fortune Hotel Bldg, Tourist Club Tel. 02 645 5565 Kainan Filipino Restaurant Back of Alaska Fashion, Hamdan St. Tel. 02 671 5850 DEIRA, DUBAI Salt & Pepper Warba Branch Deira Tel. 04 262 8203

Salt & Pepper Satwa Tel .04 345 3459 MISCELLANEOUS DUBAI Spring Glitters Souq Madinat Jumeirah, Jumeirah Dubai Tel. 04 271 3375 or 06 533 5668 United International Private School (UIPS) Muhaisnah 4, Al Ghusais Tel. 04 254 3889 SHARJAH Philippine Tailoring Yarmook, Sharjah Tel. 050 352 7934

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