ILLUSTRADO MAY 2012

Photo by Eros Goze

EDITOR’S NOTE

Beyond beautiful bodies

Most Filipinos are finicky with their bodies – even moreso, our women.

We like to look good and be fashionable; we take pains to be squeaky clean, and smell good. We love our much envied supple skin and the fact that we have the gift of looking younger than our years, and make a supreme effort to enhance, improve and preserve it with creams, lotions, and proverbial ‘magic potions’ (because sometimes we don’t even know the contents of the creams we use – the ones that promise miraculous results from pinkish glow to three shades of white).

We are suckers to the latest beauty and body treatments. Those who have easy access to such services rebond, apply cellophane, and ‘digital curl’ their hair, while others wrap, soap to slim, vibrate and even electric shock the living daylights out their tummies and jiggly bits.

Although most of us would declare that we ‘feel beautiful,’ truth be known, an overwhelming majority of us would want to change a body part or two - most especially when it comes to our stomachs which we want washboard lean, or the girth of our waists which we prefer tiny, including our arms which we want ballerina lean.

Alas, the image of the slim long haired Asian woman is not the only one that we hold on to when we look at our standards for the body beautiful. We also can’t help but be swayed by the pictures of impossibly slender models who grace the covers of fashion magazines, or the Hollywood celebs who sashay down the red carpet.

Compared to our sisters from other countries and communities, we put so much stress on being slim, and that in turn, gnaws on our sense of confidence, making us feel unattractive and overly conscious about our perceived “imperfections.”

How many of us always feel the need to hide in oversized clothes because we are uncomfortable with our natural curves, or use that defensive line – “Eto tumataba…” [ getting fat…”] whenever friends ask how we are doing.

A couple of years back, when I was still working in the pharmaceutical field, a colleague told me that some pharmacists were wondering why slender Filipinas kept buying slimming pills from drugstores when they obviously didn’t need it.

Most of the time, these imperfections that we punish ourselves with are only in the mind. In which case, it’s not our bodies we need to take care of, but our heads.

There is nothing wrong with aspiring to be a better person, or improving our God-given natural facets, and even moreso, our health. But what is more important than achieving that hourglass shape and the slim limbs, is to cultivate a healthy sense of self and be able to truly embrace what we really are – muffin tops and all.

So, love yourself and celebrate who you are. It’s the best beauty treatment you can ever get in the whole wide world.

Taas Noo, Filipino!

LALAINE CHU-BENITEZ Publisher and Editor-in-Chief

CONTRIBUTORS

Alfred “Krip” A. Yuson

Renowned writer Krip Yuson has co-authored travel books (among these APA Insight Guide to the Philippines and Philippines: Islands of Enchantment).

He has earned distinctions as a literary author of over 20 other books — from poetry, short stories, children’s stories, biographies, and translation. A Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature Hall-of-Famer, he has also received the SEAWrite (SouthEast Asia Writer’s) Award from Thai royalty and the UMPIL or Writers’ Union of the Philippines’Gawad Balagtas for lifetime achievement.

Margarita Go Singco Holmes & Jeremy Baer Columnist couple Margarita Go Singco Holmes and Jeremy Baer are a force to reckon with, especially in the realm of relationships. Margarita is a best-selling author andTV personality. A clinical psychologist and professor at the Department of Psychology, UP Diliman, she has authored 17 books. Former banker Jeremy, on the other hand,isapsychotherapist-in-trainingandwritesacolumn for OPINYON, a weekly newspaper, and co-hosts an OPINYON radio show with Dr. Holmes. He is also currently working on his first book.

Bo Sanchez Bo Sanchez is a Ten Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) awardee, best-selling author, respected speaker and TV personality also known as the “Preacher in Blue Jeans.” Every month, he shares worthwhile words of wisdom with Illustrado readers in his column on Spirituality.

Johanna Michelle Lim

Ambassador Grace Relucio-Princesa Career diplomat, doting mother of five and servant leader, Ambassador Grace Princesa is the first female Philippine Ambassador to the UAE. Having spent over two decades in Philippine Foreign Services, she had previous postings in Chicago, Cairo, Geneva and Baghdad. Previously a Consul in the emirates’ capital, she has come back to Abu Dhabi in 2009 after 13 years. This month, the good Ambassador shares her tips on healthy living.

Agnes Aquino Stott-Briggs Illustrado Style and Image columnist, Woman of Substance 2011 Honoree and Philippine Business Council – Abu Dhabi Director for Trade & Tourism, Agnes Aquino Stott-Briggs is a woman on a mission - to educate and empower men and women with confidence that comes with looking their best and believing in themselves to achieve their goals. This multi-talented lady who has a degree in Economics, and has successfully run businesses in real estate and interior design, is a Certified Image and Personal Consultant, armed with training from the Philippines’ prestigious Cora Doloroso Finishing School, and the Sterling Style Academy USA – one of the world’s leading Image and Style institutes.

Johanna Michelle Lim is a freelance copywriter and graphic artist from Cebu. She graduated with a degree of Fine Arts in Advertising Arts at the University of San Carlos back in 2008, and has been wandering and wayward since. When she isn’t stuck in the design world, she keeps busy by engaging in masochistic projects like writing a story or producing one photograph a day. She is forever under construction. Her formula for a luxurious escapade includes a good book, a pitched tent at the beach and an optional companion.

Rxandy Capinpin

Rxandy Capinpin is a Conceptual Photographer who focuses on neo romantics, kitsch and experimental photography. He has been teaching fashion photography at the Fashion Institute of the Philippines for two years. Andy Warhol’s Pop, Juergen Teller’s Undersaturation, David LaChapelle’s Oversaturation andTerry Richardson’s personality are his inspirations in doing his work.

Niña Terol-Zialcita

Being married to a world music performer meant, for Niña, being exposed to the travails and the triumphsofFilipinoworldmusicartistsastheypromote indigenous Filipino music and culture around the world. She considers writing about Filipino world music icon, Grace Nono, one of her best writing assignments ever. When she is not writing and changemaking,Niñaperformspoetry-and-percussion pieces with her husband, percussionist Paul Zialcita.

Nikka Sarthou

When she’s not writing, Nikka allows herself to indulge her spirit of wanderlust. She feels fortunate that her work as a lifestyle journalist allows her to merge her two passions—writing and traveling. Exploring new places has given her a lot of life experiences that she will forever treasure, including her learning on how to make traveling stress-free. In this issue of Illustrado, Nikka writes about tried and tested tips from seasoned travelers in her piece, “On the fly”.

4 TALKING LOUD Write to us at: editor@illustrado.net or join the discussion at IIlustrado Magazine’s Facebook page women’s place in this society. God bless you always!

Kind Regards, Janah Yu Yesterday was truly a wonderful event and opportunity for all of us to connect with other women; exchange ideas and opportunities.

Thank you very much! It was indeed a pleasure meeting you.

Kind regards, Mia Lim

Katutubong Filipino

Day of Sisterhood I just want to thank you for yesterday’s event.

Keep inspiring us and God will bless you even more... more than you could ever imagine! I’ll keep you in my prayers.

Marianne Basco Thank you for the invite, it was fun and informative. I will share the information with my Pinoy team members so that they can participate next if they would be interested Joanna Roaring Roquid I hope to join you again on your next event!

I’m so lucky to take home the TITAN watch and gift pack from Dove. God bless u more!

Angel Millena The Sisterhood event in Dubai was a mindopener. I thought I knew a lot of things already, kulang pa pala ang kaalaman ni Inday Agie. Napakaganda ng openness at transparency. Amazing to know that when you open a forum, you open a can of delightful ideas. Hats off to presenters who came and shared their skills, talents and views as well as Filipinas who dared to ask those questions we never dared. And to Lalaine, we mean it when we said: you walked where angels fear to tread. Mabuhay Illustrado Team! That was a momentous occasion I will never forget.

Agnes Pedrosa Mårelid I‎ llustrado Magazine sisterhood event, was indeed a real GO PINAY SISTERHOOD empowerment! What an excellent day!

Jewel Rovera It was a pleasure meeting you last Friday at the Sisterhood event. I’m just so thankful that you have this advocacy that uplifts our

Thank you Illustrado! This is such a beautiful topic close to my heart. We lived in Surigao del Sur and have known the Manobos since I was a child. I still visit my hometown now and then.

When I do, I buy necklaces, bracelets, wooden stuff and basketry made by our indigenous brothers. What craftmanship, I must say!

They are beautiful people of the Philippines.

My mother speaks their language. Thank you Jacob Maentz, your work is uplifting.

Agnes Pedrosa Marelid Agta - never had thought such race of ancient Pilipino existed. In my younger years I only imagine them as a myth of a black spirit people that lived in trees and here they are in these photographs - it really is the real Agta.

Thank you so much for these brief glimpse of Philippine ethnic history.

Jonathan Abella Isabela, my home province is home to the Negrito tribes that live in the Sierra Madre forests. I recall seeing some of them when I was still a kid, selling deer meat and wild hogs. Nice to see them again in these photos.

Thanks!

Arthur Simplina

My Beautiful Philippines atbp Your covers and shoots are so lovely!!!

Congrats!!!!

International quality and creativity rarely seen in Dubai! Keep it up!

Chrystel Plischke-Livolsi Lalaine,thank you for sharing news about Filipinos abroad who excel in their fields and give honor to our Filipino heritage...

Nothing much can be said of our politicians, government officials as well as the informal settlers/squatters. The first group feel they are entitled, the second group thinks the law should not apply to them because they’re poor…

Carmela F. Go

I just recently saw your magazine through a new friend. I’ll regularly check for your upcoming contests and even just photo requests which I can join. I love what you guys are promoting; it truly is wonderful here in the Philippines. Keep it up!

Bry Manaloto It’s very challenging, to encourage Filipinos to love our own country. Although some of our kababayans have already adapted western culture and beauty, still bumabalik pa rin sa atin, dahil Pinas is a beatiful country no matter what. And it’s true, ang ganda talaga ng Pinas, lalo na doon sa amin sa Davao, at sa place na rin ng parents ko sa Surigao nandoon ang Hinatuan Enchanted River. Sana makapunta kayo doon sa place namin. To the Illustrado team, congratulations. And thanks!

I love it.

Josephine Caole How great art thou! That God created these wonderful places of natural beauty is just amazing… How I wish I could reach these even just in my dream... How beautiful the Philippines is! I love it very much!!! Illustrado, more …

Jocelyn Colsien Love nature for it is the beauty and art in life, now and in the future. That’s My Beautiful Philippines - full of life, full of art…

Zel Santos Ang likha ng Pinoy laging ngunguna kahit saan… Creative…very artistic… malikhain… congrats!

Teresita Vinluan Suarez IM (Illustrado Magazine) is “I AM.” You are what you are. What you read, what you like and what you want is all that you are.

Therefore, IM is what I am!

Tony Tan Thanks for promoting our country and showcasing the talents of the Filipinos worldwide through Illustrado! Thank you very much for creating this site!

Pearl Quintuan

Publisher & Editor-in Chief Lalaine Chu-Benitez Associate Editor Ana Santos CONTRIBUTING WRITERS UAE, Philippines, USA Aby Yap Anna Lorraine Balita JR Bustamante Bernadette Reyes Jude Cartalaba Bo Sanchez Karen Galarpe Carlito Viriña KC Abalos David Poarch Krip Yuson Excel Dyquiangco Nikka Sathou Flordeliz Samonte Nina Terol- Zialcita Francisco Colayco Rache Hernandez Isabelo Samonte Rome Jorge Ivan Henares Toni Loyola Jack Catarata Sonny Guzman Jesse Edep Vic Lactaoen ART DIRECTORS Tom Bolivar Paula Lorenzo Ron Perez CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS UAE Eros Goze Mariyah Gaspacho Christina Linaza Illuminado Ong Donald Rosales CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS PHILIPPINES Enzo Mondejar Dr. Marlon Pecjo Alan Desiderio CONTRIBUTING STYLISTS & FASHION TEAM UAE Jessie Tabla Ginno Alducente Jojo Padua Frankie Melendez 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.illustradolife.com PRINTERS PRINTWELL PRINTING LLC P.O. Box 18828 Dubai, UAE Copyright Illustrado Communications FZ-LLC 2006-2012. 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.

CONTENTS

42 MAY 2012

Athlete Andrew Wolff from the Philippine Volcanoes and dancer Sheena Vera Cruz of the Philippine All Stars in dynamic form in this month’s fashion feature

FEATURES

Skinny Street 14 Golden Girls of the Golden Age 18 Heat: Beat it, Treat it 22 On the Fly: Travel trade secrets from the experts 24 Illustrado Day of Sisterhood Event 82

REGULAR COLUMNS

Editor’s Note 1 Contributors 2 Letters 4 Illuminati 10 Bayanihan Corner 12 It’s What I Do 28 Kabuhayan Money: Protect Yourself 30 Spirituality: Do you like yourself? 32 Relationships: Unfaithful Family 36 Style Sense: Dressing on a Budget 38 Illustrado Scrapbook 40 Five Things to Do 64 Illustrado Profile: Grace Nono – Voice of the Filipino Spirit 66 Community Spotlight 81 Onli in Da Pilipins: The Heat is On 84

FASHION

Kinesis 42 Michael Cinco Homme 2012 58

PLACES

My Pinoy Life in: Sydney 70 Global Barrio: Turo-Turo in Auckland 76 Bakasyon Grande: Calaguas – The New Eden 78

78 70

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BODIES OF SUMMER AND WATER 12 ILLUMINATI

By Krip Yuson

I remember how in the early ’60s, college buddies and I had an ideal summer vacation in a coastal town in Camarines Norte that was then called Larap (rhymes with sarap!). Later, this was renamed Jose Panganiban in one of those nasty propensities exercised by some of our callow legislators whose thought processes always seem to be on vacay mode.

Subsequent Wikipeda research now suggests that Larap was just a barangay of Jose Panganiban, formerly Mambulao, or “bountiful in gold.”

In any case, Larap was a mining town, meaning that it subsisted on mining operations somewhere in the area. A friend’s father was an engineer who helped supervise the mining operations. He was privileged with an airy, two-story cottage on a hill with a grand view of the town and the seacoast.

A few houses from where we lodged with him for over a week on that breezy hilltop

Illustrado Magazine

row, a colleague of his had three daughters also spending their summer holiday.

A “Summer Place” kind of romance developed between the three fetching sisters in their late teens and… well… should I say their counterparts among us of the stag party?

Oh, it was all so wholesome, with outrigger jaunts to a lovely uninhabited island named Calalanay, of white sand beaches

and picturesque rocky strips, and which was so narrow that at midpoint one could traipse across from the eastern beach to the western strip.

We took a lot of pictures with our Kodak Instamatics, or whatever simple point-andshoot cameras we had then, with film rolls inside, and which we then had processed, particular shots printed, then distributed days or weeks later.

ILLUMINATI 13

Reviewing those album prints decades later, one could tell that they were vintage, and not just because of the yellowing glossy paper or fading colors. The girls showed off their gams all right, but they were all in relatively modest one-piece swimsuits — while us guys were in skimpy swimming trunks.

Well, these days we know how the cycle has turned into a completely opposite direction. Males seem to be laughed at whenever we approach a body of water in no less than board shorts — almost of the kind popularized by movie Comedy King Dolphy as puruntong shorts.

It’s much the same way basketball players gradually eschewed what are now called pejoratively as “John Stockton shorts” — very tight and very short indeed, thus showing longer thighs — in favor of baggy shorts short of the knees, and only because the NBA head honchoes fined players whose hemlines scraped the patella. Not quote efficacious for a sport where tugging at backsides can be done subtly as part of sticky defense, but well, fashion often overrides practical default modes.

On the other hand, hallellujah! — girls now show their midsections, and as much as four to five inches of skin below the navel, whenever they do Bora or CamSur or San Juan in the Ilocos, Coron or Puerto Princesa in Palawan, Puerto Galera in Mindoro, Mactan and Bohol and Siargao.

Oh, make that all of our sundry bodies of water, and not just in summer.

I suppose it’s one way of revealing that trendy “tramp stamp” of a tattoo on one’s backside, perchance between the sacral dimples. But the bikini has indeed been accepted, nay, flaunted, as regular Pinay wear on beaches and around swimming pools.

A lovely development it is, indeed, not only for aesthetic appreciation purposes, but especially when one, a male, is asked to help apply tanning lotion on unreachable

parts. More cost for lotions and oils, and extra expense for the Brazilian wax enhancement, but the less cloth used for female swimming purposes, the more the world seems to go around, in circles of delight while the sun is up.

On the other hand, hallellujah! — girls now show their midsections, and as much as four to five inches of skin below the navel, whenever they do Bora or CamSur or San Juan in the Ilocos, Coron or Puerto Princesa in Palawan, Puerto Galera in Mindoro, Mactan and Bohol and Siargao. Oh, make that all of our sundry bodies of water, and not just in summer.

Ironically, there will always be great big pockets of conservatism in our blessed isles.

Only recently, some schoolgirls in Cebu were denied participation in graduation rites owing to Facebook postings of their pictures on a beach, showing them in bikinis.

Speedo pool-lapping outfits should have come to the rescue. But we can all suppose that those high school girls were simply subscribing to their generation’s zeitgeist.

Why, if Beyonce can ever wiggle her voluptuous bottom at concerts or MTVs, and Lady Gaga can have herself attired in chunks of raw meat, or Britney Spears

provoke beaver shots whenever she steps out of a car, what’s with sporting a bikini on the shores of Mactan?

Heaven knows it was no insult to the bodies that fell on that surf nearly half a millennium ago, when Western conquistadors, heavily clad in armor, dared face up to thousands of loin-clothed “savages” who proved to be more agile in and out of water.

The chronicler of that epic first circumnavigation of the world, Pigafetta, wept over the fall and loss of their captain, their guiding light, Magellan. And he put it in writing, not too long after he had swooned over the intricate tattoos of our “Pintados y Pintadas” — all over their bodies. Now those weren’t tramp stamps, but of a racial register that must have proclaimed faith in how our sizzling sun could highlight blue dye when only good old coconut oil could make their bodies of summer glisten, UV rays go hang.

Yes, our forebears, boys and girls, went around naked, not only when they approached sea or river. Their fashion for the time — practical, practicable — was simply of the first water.

14 KABAYANIHAN CORNER

MENSSANOIN CORPORESANA (A Healthy Mind in a Healthy Body)

By Ambassador Grace Relucio-Princesa

When I was in my first year of law studies in 1978, (a career path that I did not finish), I heard the above Latin saying. It stayed in my consciousness since then, as it made a lot of sense.

One has to have a healthy and positive mind/spirit in order to have a healthy body. As the saying goes, “Mind over matter.” Nowadays, medical science has found out about the connection between a diseased spirit or soul manifesting itself in a weakened or sick body or as a psychosomatic illness.

I have observed that spiritual health follows if one realizes one’s purpose in life.

Then the body’s well-being is a natural consequence of a focused and centered-life.

Without that realization, one is sometimes doomed to a life that, like a top that only spins around the same spot, goes nowhere while seeming to be busy.

Bro. Bo Sanchez advises that a person’s reason for being on earth can be gleaned through someone’s 80% passion and 20% God-given abilities. I like to sing and dance, but since I don’t have the voice and talent of Lea Salonga, nor the dancing skills of Gary Valenciano, then it means it is not my purpose in life.

For now, I sense that I am called to be an Ambassador for God and country. With this clarity in my soul and mind, I try to follow some healthy habits that I wish to share with you. If someone wants to have sustainability in the pursuit of the dream planted by God in one’s heart, one simply has to be healthy.

We are 75 to 85 percent water. Hence,

Illustrado Magazine

this life giving element is crucial to our daily life. I try to practice Japanese water therapy daily. It means drinking, within the hour of waking up before even cleaning one’s mouth, two to four glasses of water.

I include in that a glass of ginger with one tablespoon of honey and a teaspoon of cinnamon - an ancient Peruvian healthy combination that cures a lot of ailments like arthritis, gastritis, etc. After 45 minutes to an hour, I eat banana for potassium and other fruits of the season.

In the bigger sense of wellbeing, a community can only be healthy if it has a vision and mission – a purpose representing its spiritual base and strategies that are the healthy practices that will support its noble objectives.

No water is consumed while I eat these healthy foods. After almost an hour I drink buko or cranberry juice. Lunch is either fish or chicken. No water except soup which serves as lubricant for the food intake. The rationale is that drinking water might interfere with proper digestion.

It seems water is first processed by the stomach instead of the food thus delaying nutrient distribution. This takes some

getting used to but with practice, one gets into the habit. Then, I drink water after one hour of eating.

The recommended daily intake of water is a minimum eight to 10 glasses a day.

In a desert country like the United Arab Emirates, it is a must to be well hydrated, especially in summer.

My habit of drinking water in the morning goes with my contemplation of the daily Mass readings for my spiritual sustenance.

After which, I do yoga and stretch exercises.

Then, daily bath follows which is a must for a healthy lifestyle.

What I have shared is my own personal lifestyle which I have studied and prayed for which works for me.

In the bigger sense of wellbeing, a community can only be healthy if it has a vision and mission – a purpose representing its spiritual base and strategies that are the healthy practices that will support its noble objectives. I wrote last month - to give birth to the promise of the natural human wealth of the Philippines, we should have the “Bayanihan ng Bayan at mga Bayani,” a Godly nationalistic disciplined focused visionary country Team Philippines partnering with an equally committed Team Bayanihan to exemplify global “Taas Noo, Filipino.”

The strategies in place include OFWs (Overseas Filipinos Worldwide Wonders), Pinoy WISE (Worldwide Initiative for Investment Savings and Entrepreneurship) Educational Campaign; Buy and Wear Pinoy Products, Help a Pinay and Adopt One Pinay.

16 FEATURE

SKINNY STREET

In the Philippines, beauty is the greatest equalizer. It is something that everyone wants and because of the proliferation of slimming salons, something everyone can have. Bernadette Reyes walks us through Skinny Street, where the promise of a dream body beckons from every corner.

By Bernadette Reyes With additional reporting by Ana P. Santos

Illustrado Magazine

FEATURE 17

In the Philippines, vanity may just be our favorite sin — or our favorite pastime.

On most street corners, in the lobby of buildings, in hotels, you will find a beauty salon. To the vain and even to those who just want to look good, it gives unparalleled accessibility.

Beauty treatments such as re-bonding and permanent blow dry can be had at any price — from thousands of pesos in the posh salons to the couple of hundreds to the street corner salon where they already know your name. The only difference being that the latter is not able to offer amenities such as ice tea and coffee.

The beauty regimen has just amplified with the proliferation of slimming salons.

Long ago thought to be a caprice, an indulgence of the very vain or the very rich, slimming treatments now abound and like their hair treatment predecessor, are available and affordable at any price range — from a couple of hundred pesos to their six figure counterpart.

Slim clickings The proliferation of slimming salons as an alternative way to lose weight using

surgical and non-surgical procedures are gaining popularity with the group coupon sites that sell products and services at rock bottom prices to a bulk market.

Aliza Apostol, sales director of Groupon, one of the largest on-line coupon sites, says that beauty and slimming deals are offered on their group buying site every single day alongside restaurant, spa and travel deals.

“Beauty deals go through our pipeline every single day! I get surprised that we get a lot of inquiries and requests to include specific beauty treatments,” said Apostol.

The deals offered by Groupon range from slimming deals like radio frequency, cavitation and liposculpt. These are all non-invasive procedures that are offered for as low as PHP300 per session.

“There’s quite a demand for these services because you can see actual numbers that people buy from our site,” said Apostol.

Groupon offers deals for a limited period and tracks in real time how many people have made a purchase. A timer, showing how much time is left before the deal expires adds to the urgency.

“I think people are a lot more conscious

about their appearance and are generally drawn to healthier living. With Groupon, we help people achieve the specific lifestyle and appearance they inspire to have at affordable prices. With just one click, our subscribers can choose the exact treatment that they want at an outlet that is convenient for them.”

Nothing to lose except maybe some bulge Jona, 32, is by no means, fat. At 100 pounds soaking wet would be a better description for her petite frame. But Jona, confesses that she’s bought into the slimming craze. “I first bought a deal for radio frequency on-line to tone my puson because we were all going to hit the beach.”

Since then, she is regularly on the look out for deals. “With the prices so low, it’s like I have nothing to lose. I can maintain my figure without spending so much time at the gym or spending a small fortune. I consider it an investment as I get older and it’s becomes harder to keep fit.”

At 5’2”, Marivic Agustin used to tip the scale at 180 lbs. She tried going to the gym but she ended up gaining more weight as she binged after a heavy workout.

18 FEATURE She then enrolled in a natural slimming program, which used slimming machines to breakdown body fats and drain excess water from the body. “After 4 months, I slimmed down by 50 lbs. After the program, I was very much satisfied with my figure. I’m a totally new me now,” she said.

Many slimming salons promise to lose inches and unwanted bulges without exercise. At Marie France for example, weight simply drops off with the help of body wraps and slimming machines.

Slimming consultants claim slimming treatments combined with a healthy diet can “shift up to two pounds a week without spending your life at the gym.”

Some of the earlier modes of slimming treatments in the salons wrap clients in cold bandages to lower body temperature to helps flush out toxins.

Newer treatments have arrived in the Philippines, this time using electronic machines. Radio frequency for example burns fat cells to increase metabolism and it releases stored fat for easy burning.

Another treatment called electrolipolysis breaks down fat molecules using microcurrents. Drenalift, on the other hand, uses a machine to stimulate blood and lymph circulation.

While a client may experience immediate improvement in their body, slimming results are not instant. Two to three treatments per week for a period of two months are often advisable to see visible results. Maintenance treatments are also advisable which means clients have to go back every so often to ensure they stay in shape. Many salons and clinics however offer bundled packages to save on cost per treatment.

The treatment costs can certainly pile up even if the weight doesn’t, but many Filipinos are joining the bandwagon to achieve the body they have always wanted.

Dr. Isabel Nazal of Clinica Dermatologica

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believes slimming treatments are here to stay. “These treatments may be expensive but they are safer than crash diets and is almost always guaranteed to produce results as long as you follow the advice of our weight managers,” she said.

Dieticians will always argue that there is no quick fix to lose weight. The body can temporarily lose weight through sweating thereby allowing the body to lose fluid but as as soon as you drink more fluid, you will put the weight straight back on.

Even with the influx of slimming treatments these days, many doctors still advice leading a healthy lifestyle complemented with the right diet. “If you eat right, your liver and kidneys will get rid of excess fluid on its own without the need for external assistance,” said Nazal.

While many countries struggle to fight poverty and malnutrition, billions of adults are also fighting their own battle to lose weight.

According to the World Health Organization, the number of obese individuals worldwide has more than doubled since 1980. In 2008, 1.5 billion adults were considered overweight. Obesity is now considered the fifth leading cause of deaths globally.

In the same WHO report, it was found out that globally there has been an increased intake of food high in fat, salt and sugar while low in vitamins and minerals. There was also a noted decrease in the amount of physical activity because of “increasingly sedentary nature of many forms of work, changing modes of transportation, and increasing urbanization.”

The good news is obesity is preventable with proper diet and exercise but it can also be reversed with the help of slimming salons.

20 FEATURE

GOLDEN GIRLS

of the Golden Age Age is just a number, 40 is the new 30. We’ve heard it all before. But these Golden Girls are actually a testament to it. Johanna Michelle Lim introduces us to women who aren’t growing old gracefully, they’re living it up every step of the way. expedition with a long-lost sister in the Land Down Under.

Turning 50 used to be just about menopause and middle-age crises but a new breed of empowered, audacious women are changing the popular boundaries, showing people that they’ve got a few years before anyone can say they’re ‘over-the-hill’. At an age when everyone seems to be stopping, they are starting all over again, speeding up instead of slowing down.

Meet the new Golden Girls, whose joie de vivre, vitality and spunk would make any 20 year old green with envy.

The Glamama Vicki is a numbers woman. You could even say she thrives on them, being the Finance Head of a prestigious advertising agency in Cebu. You could also say she’s lived a full life, a calculated one really. Her two kids are now approaching college age, she has an equally successful husband at her side and a plump nest egg to boot. Vicki’s wellplanned life seems to follow an equation where you could add everything up and it would naturally equal retirement. But guess what Vicki did when the Big 5-0 came around the corner? She ditched the job (temporarily, at least) and enrolled herself in a Culinary Arts course where she continues to count and measure all

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day long, except now, her formulas are for flour, rutabagas and eggs.

On the other end, Mouz, 54, lost her job just when she approached the Golden Age. Single motherhood and growing children did not make the scenery more picturesque.

There was a mortgage to be paid and daily expenditures. Mouz had to build from the ruins. So what did she do? The reasonable thing, of course. She traded in her heels for walking shoes and went globetrotting around Asia with her kids. On the first year after her unexpected unemployment, she found a new love, traveled with him to more than 10 countries and ended her

Remember the grandmother of yesteryears? The type who baked cookies with grandchildren, read them stories every night and got her panties in a knot every time the ‘little darlings’ said a bad word? Well, now there’s an Option B behold, the Glamama. The Glamama is a new subspecies usually found in the urban jungle of the Philippines. They have Facebook, do Zumba on Saturdays and are seen frequenting the malls with friends, trying out the latest dining rave. Your children wouldn’t mind shopping with this granny, if you can get a schedule in with her, that is.

FEATURE 21

Aging Gracefully

Cory Quirino TV host Cory Quirino made “Forever Young” not just her show, but a mantra for people who wanted to mix maturity with beauty.

Vilma Santos Now at the tail end of her 50s, here’s a woman who effortlessly Powerdanced her way through more than 100 movies, went from failed relationships into a successful marriage, and ended in politics, all the while holding on to her title “Star for All Seasons.”

Cougars and Ageless Hollywood Beauties

Demi Moore Formerly the much envied ultimate Hollywood Cougar, Demi Moore was married to Ashton Kucher who is 15 years her junior until their relationship went awry in 2011. The actress will be hitting her golden birthday this year.

Jennifer Lopez Singer, actress, entrepreneur and now American Idol Judge Jennifer Lopez, turning 43 this year, is currently dating 24 year old dancer Casper Smart after her break-up from husband Mark Anthony last year.

Korina Sanchez From being a weathergirl to the face of evening news, ABS-CBN’s Korina Sanchez is the poster girl for the career driven, ambitious woman. Although she missed her chance as being the First Lady, at 47, Korina still tells it like it is.

Kim Cattrall (56), Sharon Stone (54), Michelle Pfeiffer (54), are three of the most

celebrated beauties and strong female personalities in Hollywood.

22 FEATURE The Glamama’s social calendar is full.

While you sleep in on Saturdays, her calendar is chockfull of charter meetings, catching up with high school friends, heading the Alumni Committee and traveling. Emotionally, while her husband and children still top her list, she finally discovered one more person to include: herself. Martyrdom, has finally run its course. Of course, this doesn’t mean she still doesn’t feel a tinge of guilt every time she gets her bi-weekly mani-pedi.

The Cougar The Cougar is one lucky woman. In the predator-prey scenario, she is both, the seductress and the seduced. She is confident with her age, with what she has and where she is at in her life now. The Cougar transforms disadvantage into desirability.

Her age means she’s experienced. Her body means she’s not going to be pestered by her biological clock. And you know all this by the sexuality that The Cougar exudes. Her best accessory is the handsome, rugged man on her arm, who is at least 10 years younger than her.

And while statistics show that sexual activity decreases by 55 to 60 percent when approaching 50, The Cougar is definitely not included in the count. In this sense, the threat of The Cougar to society is not just in her ability to break through conventions, but her unwillingness to use age as an excuse to not have intimate connections with the opposite sex.

But do these cougar-cub relationships really work? “Depends whether you’ve found someone with an Oedipal complex.”

Bing, 48, jokes, referring to her current older woman-younger man relationship.

“Of course, the things that excites him are different from the things that excite me…

Truth is, sometimes I really do mother him…But it’s also important to find common ground, wherever that common ground is.”

The Fit at 40 to 50 She may be 40 but don’t tell her bottom that. It seems to have time warped to its 20s, pretty much like the rest of her body. This fitness addict rotates around her favorite exercises: Yoga, Pilates and Aerobics. When she’s not doing these, she cajoles her couch-potato kids to join her in her hiking or biking. And no, she’s not doing this for her man, or any man for that matter. This gym rat who has ‘Moves like Jagger’ on her playlist, realizes that this is all for Me, Myself and I – a motivation that most probably includes being able to rock a mean bikini.

Since the age of the Baby Boomers, older members of society have suddenly had an upsurge in physical activity. Studies show that 59% of those who are turning 40 want to be more active.

And it is this attitude towards physical activity that seems to have improved not only our Grandmama’s waistlines, but also her attitude towards health overall.

Baby boomers still kickin’ and screamin’ Compared to the last generation, those in their 40s and 50s are now more open towards prevention rather than plain cure. That is to say, they’re less skeptical towards mammograms, Pap Smears and annual check-ups. Even cosmetic surgery is now the focus, with studies showing that women in this age bracket (40s, 50s and 60s) tend to work on their faces more than bodies.

Bring out the power drinks and let’s make a toast? Well, yes and no to this. The Run, run, run Grandmama’s attitude may

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be a backlash from a more hectic daily life befalling the 40-year old nowadays.

Although exercise does bring out the happy hormones, and hurrah for this grandmamma for realizing this, studies show that compared to their predecessors, Golden Girls are more susceptible to depression.

Often, conservative society accuses them of not ‘acting their age’, of trying to relive their youth and even, giving the wrong example to the next generation. This is more of a cultural problem than anything else, as Filipinos often hang on to the safe labels of caring such as ‘Granny’ for their or their children’s sake. Jingjing, at 54, says, “That’s the sad part about growing old.

People already have this preconception of how you should act. You’re not supposed to date anymore. You’re not supposed to wear these kinds of clothes anymore. You’re not supposed to have a life anymore? It’s a little unfair but… you learn to prioritize.

When are you ever going to stop listening to them and start doing what you want?”

If only more would actually run over the hill rather than just pass through it, statistics good and bad, would be a pill that’s easier to swallow. Take Aileen, 56, for instance, a self-confessed Pilates addict.

When asked what the secret to her wellmaintained youth was, she only smiled contentedly. Her answer, like the way she continues to live her life, did not require an explanation.

24 FEATURE

HEAT: Beat It, Treat It. The sun may shine brighter in Dubai, but that also means it shines HOTTER. Tony Loyola shares some tips on beating the extra fierce heat this season.

In Dubai, summer sizzles with temperatures averaging 42-45 degree Celsius in the morning till afternoon, then around 36-40 degree Celsius in the evening. Evenings are hot and humid and the days are hardly any different, causing your body’s temperature regulating systems to come close to over heating. We’ve put together some tips to put the lid on the sizzling heat with our Beat It, Treat It Guide.

Beat: Dehydration We’ve been taught time and again that drinking eight glasses of water is a must.

Yet, we often overlook this basic health tip. The summer heat can cause excessive sweating, and insufficient water intake can lead to dehydration. Once dehydrated, you can also experience lightheadedness,

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weakness, vomiting and nausea.

Treat: Fluid replacement is the main treatment to dehydration. Take in generous amounts of water, clear broths or power drinks such as Gatorade.

Beat: Sunburn Spend too much time under the sun and you might get burned, literally. Sunburn characterized by redness, pain, and blistering is most common during the season and while it certainly, won’t kill you, the pain and discomfort should be enough reason to avoid it. Besides, you won’t be able to wear those maxi dresses, halter tops if you’re going to expose a nasty sunburned back and/or shoulders. Furthermore,

longterm regular indiscriminate sun exposure increases one’s risk of developing skin cancer. So beware of the sun!

Treat: Prevention is the key to avoiding sunburn.

Cover your skin with creams or lotions with SPF (sun protection factor) of 30+.

Better yet cover yourself, and avoid staying outdoors for long periods of time. But if you’re already nursing a sunburn, use aloebased lotions to soothe the skin. A cool compress would work too. Plus, remember to avoid scrubbing or rubbing the skin.

Beat: Heat rash Resembling tiny pimples, heat rash appears as small red spots on skin. They come with a prickly stinging sensation.

FEATURE 25 Babies are especially prone to heat rash if they are dressed in clothes that are too warm for the weather. Severe forms of heat rash can influence the body’s heatregulating mechanism, resulting in fever or heat exhaustion.

Treat: Normally, a heat rash would heal on its own. To relieve symptoms, keep the skin cool and dry. Do not use ointments and lotions that might just irritate the skin further. Dress in loose comfortable clothing that won’t get you hot.

Beat: Heat exhaustion and heat stroke Walking to and from the different Metro Stations, running around Safa Park and languorously walking around the Dubai Creek can leave you panting. Overexposure to the sun, even through these normal activities can result to heat exhaustion.

Headache, dizziness, fatigue, nausea and fainting as well as heat cramps and darkcolored urine are charactertistic of heat exhaustation, which if left untreated may progress to a potentially life-threatening heat stroke.

Heat stroke (also known as sun stroke) Heat stroke which results from strenuous physical activity in hot environments, coupled with insufficient fluid and electrolyte intake is potentially fatal. Heat stroke occurs when the body is unable to cool down, the sweating mechanism fails and the body’s temperature rises rapidly.

Common symptoms of heat stroke are a body temperature of 40 °C or higher, lack of sweating, hot and dry skin, a rapid heartbeat and difficulty in breathing. Other signs include disorientation and confusion, hallucinations and strange behavior as well as possible delirium or coma.

Treat: Heat strokes require immediate and proper medical attention. For first aid purposes, better keep the affected person in a shady area, remove clothing, apply cool or tepid water to the skin, fan the victim, and place ice packs under the armpits and on the groin.

especially in high temperature environments and under direct sun exposure.

• Try to rest as much as possible and get sufficient sleep at night.

Prevention is always better than cure The risk of heat-related illnesses can be reduced if proper precautions are taken and overheating and dehydration is avoided. Check out some of these practical and easy tips!

Getting shady • Minimize the heat and sun exposure, especially in the summer months.

• Stay in the shade as much as possible and take advantage of air conditioned or cool places.

• Take a cool shower, bath, or sponge bath.

Getting physical •Avoid

intense

physical

activity,

Eating and drinking right • Drink plenty of liquids, like water, natural juices or sport drinks, to replace fluid lost from sweating.

• Drink even if you are not thirsty and avoid coffee, cola and alcoholic beverages.

• Eat salty meals in the summer to replace salt lost in sweat, but avoid eating heavy meals.

Keeping it light with the right clothes • Wear light, loose fitting clothing which supports evaporation of sweat and avoids hyperthermia.

• Wear a hat to protect yourself from direct sun exposure.

26 FEATURE

On the fly:

Travel trade secrets from the experts There are two things that can be said about vagabonds, explorers, voyagers: one, they can’t stay in one place for too long and two, they know how to prepare for a journey. Wander girl Nikka Sarthou rounds up these travel fiends and gets them to share their trade secrets.

T.S. Eliot once said that, “The journey, not the arrival matters.” Though the destination may be the main attraction, part of the appeal of traveling comes from the journey itself — from packing your suitcase to actually being in transit.

Before you head for some summer fun, consider these helpful travel tips from seasoned travelers.

Capsules and cubes: how to travel light Airline regulations changing the maximum luggage allowance has become a challenge

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for travelers to make everything fit, especially for Filipinos who are used to traveling with full balikbayan boxes. We should all take cue from flight attendants who have mastered the art of packing.

“When I started flying, I made a list of things that I’ll need when traveling, which I divided into four major categories — toiletries, clothes, entertainment, and travel essentials (i.e. travel documents). I lay down everything on my bed first before organizing them inside my luggage. This way, it’s easier to double check everything,” shares DJ de Dios, an international Cabin Crew who has been flying with a major

airline for six years now. “I use packing cubes and follow the Capsule Formula - you basically roll your clothes into a capsule and load them up in packing cubes.

No fuss, no mess. I also choose clothes and items, which are multi-purpose like a sarong that I can use as a scarf, as a blanket, and as a beach cover-up. A flight attendant friend of mine can even turn hers into a summer dress.”

As an international cabin crew, he flies to different places abroad and brings with him multi-purpose pieces that are versatile enough for traveling to areas with varying climates. He recently discovered thermal

FEATURE 27

toddlers in strollers, a place with wide even streets would be ideal. It would be very challenging to push a stroller along a cobblestone path.

On the offbeat: how to travel to exotic places There are travelers who are drawn by exotic destinations, which may not be used to having tourists or would require more sensitivity towards their culture. “I do an initial research online on the do’s and don’ts. But more reliable sources would be locals and fellow travelers. Occasionally, I also coordinate with local tourism offices,” shares Edgar Alan Zeta-Yap, a Travel Journalist who maintains a website called www.eazytraveler.com. underwear. “I got mine from Japan and it doesn’t take up any luggage space. Trust me, it can take your wardrobe from springsummer to fall-winter in a jiffy.”

Age appropriate: how to travel with kids Family vacations can be both fun and challenging. This time, you’re not just thinking about yourself but considering your children’s needs and wants as well.

Anton Diaz, Founder of the food and travel blog, OurAwesomePlanet.com, usually travels around the Philippines with the whole family in tow, which includes a brood of three boys.

“Kids need to be entertained and you need to ‘prepare’ them for what will happen.

Entertainment strategies are important, and one must be careful what to trade-off for good behavior.”

Anton shares that when picking a place that is kid-friendly, he considers the general feel of the place.

Other things to check out for are if the destination is kid-friendly in an age– appropriate way. If you’re traveling with

Zeta-Yap’s wandering shoes have also taken him to Kalinga, Maguindanao and TawiTawi in the Philippines and to Myanmar, Indonesia, and India. When traveling to such places, he suggests to, “Be healthy.

Keep yourself hydrated with water and boost your immunity by taking vitamins daily. It’s tough getting sick in far-flung places. But at the same time, don’t loose your sense of adventure. Be spontaneous and learn to break your itinerary when an opportunity to discover something new arises.”

On a shoestring: how to travel on a budget Traveling is an indulgence, but it has become more affordable these days with the advent of the Internet and budget airlines. In fact, you can be your own travel agent and book your flight and accommodations online. Simply search the Web for discounted fares to get the best deal, or follow the social network sites of airlines to get early updates on such promotions. Be in the know because when traveling on a shoestring, as you need to err on the side of practicality.

When you want to be “picturesque”: how to travel in style Looking good while traveling is a must since you’ll be representing your country, and at the same time, it is characteristic of the Filipino to want to photograph well.

According to Ana Kalaw, a stylist, travel blogger and Fashion Columnist at The Philippine Star, “I rarely travel light — I’ve already accepted that — but I do pack with intent. I already know what to wear on which day and for which occasion. I choose pieces that can be worn multiple ways and a multiple number of times.”

28 FEATURE She believes in sticking to neutral colors and minimalist styles for clothing and to just add color and embellishment with accessories such as beaded sandals, colorful pendants, huge cocktail rings, and boldly colored scarves. “Don’t use travel as an excuse to wear just t-shirts, jeans and shapeless tops. Instead, go for basic with a twist: a sheer button-down shirt that can be worn over colorful tank tops, colored jeans, cropped jackets that can be worn over jeans or a flowy dress.”

“Never sacrifice comfort. Don’t kid yourself into wearing heels when you know you’ll be walking from one of Paris’ arondissement to the next. Style and comfort do mix. Think breezy pants that make your frame look longer, colorful caftans that can go from beach to lounge, leggings, cotton scoop-neck tees.” For Ana, every fashionista traveler must have lightweight knits, ballerina flats, oversized sunglasses, bright-colored lipstick, and lightweight boxy or tailored jacket that can be worn over shorts, jeans, or a dress.

Don’t leave home without…

Make your trip stress-free by bringing the following with you: Photocopies of your passport and visa, if applicable.

Keep these in a safe place in your luggage. This is just a precaution in case you lose your travel documents.

Travel insurance. Traveling poses a lot of risks and it would be prudent to get insurance before you step inside that airplane.

Important contact numbers. Before departing, make sure you leave your contact information at home so your family would know where to get in touch with you.

Also, list down the telephone number of your country’s Embassy in your destination, as well as its contact person, just in case of emergency.

Map or guidebook. Visiting a new place would be best if you have a guidebook or map with you for reference.

It would be easier to get around with it, and a time-saver, too.

Universal adapter. Not all chargers are created equal. If you’re bringing gadgets such as laptops, cameras, and the like, then do bring a universal adapter as well, especially if you’re traveling to multiple destinations.

First-aid kit. Don’t forget to bring some medicine (e.g. paracetamol) and a basic first-aid kit in case disaster strikes.

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30 PINOY TALENT-ON THE-JOB

It’s What I Do

PINOY TALENT

ON-THE- JOB Eduardo Huni

Commercial Manager RAK Tourism Development Authority (TDA), Ras Al Khaimah

My Job I am the main contact person for potential investors who are interested to start their business, preferably hotel investments, in the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah.

During the Arabian Hotel Investment Conference, held in Dubai from 28th to April to 30th April 2012, Ras Al Khaimah TDA launched the Investors’ Guide which contains information for potential investors in Ras Al Khaimah’s developing hospitality industry. I am proud to say that I was part of this project together with our PR & Marketing Team. The guide was presented to all potential hotel investors and it was a real success!

Rhonald Mercado Babao

Customer Support on Sales Planning (UAE Telecommunications Company) Dubai

My Job I work with small and medium businesses in Dubai, coordinating with Account Managers dealing with the services our telecommunications company offers to corporate clients. My job is key in

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As a Commercial Manager, I am also incharge of Hotel Feasibility Studies and the Statistics Department. A final analysis monthly report (based on the figures provided by Ras Al Khaimah Hotels) is presented to our Chief Operating Officer of Ras Al Khaimah TDA and to His Highness Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah.

As I always say, “I am living my ordinary life, extra-ordinarily well.” In other words, I am a simple person and I love my job. I started my career as a Bellman in a 3-star hotel in the Philippines. I moved to the UAE in 2000 looking for opportunities. I have worked and shown loyalty to Hilton Worldwide for 11 long happy years and received six job promotions, as a result of efforts, commitment and having team work spirit!

A typical day for me In the morning, I read the newspapers focusing on the business section to keep abreast with developments on the financial market, technology, as well as the tourism and hospitality sectors. This keeps me updated, not only with the local market but also with happenings worldwide, in a wider aspect. Tourism related websites are another source of information, which

I consider the best news complement to magazines and newspapers.

Throughout the day, I am involved in meetings with hotel General Managers and Revenue Managers. Furthermore, daily follow ups are done for our current projects and future opportunities as well.

Message to Filipinos In our lives, we encounter challenges (emotional, financial and professional) that will test how far and long we can stand and eventually overcome them. For me, just keep up the faith. Prayers are the only and best answer! We need to be honest, trustworthy and hardworking in our field and for sure, someday we will be rewarded.

Be proud that we are Filipinos. We have almost all the positive attributes when it comes to work. We always smile. We are diligent, always positive at work and are very resilient. But we also need to be energetic so we can compete and survive in this very demanding market. Believe that dreams do come true, keep yourself always updated so you will be able to discover and develop your skills. Live your life to the fullest without resentments, anger or jealousy. Simply trust God and all will be fine.

helping determine customer retention by providing excellent and competent services and support.

In my post, being a Filipino definitely works to my advantage. We are polite in so many ways and respect, not only for customers, but also our colleagues, comes so naturally. So this ingrained trait comes in handy when dealing with customers inquiring and needing support. I take pride in treating my customers well and making them feel good about themselves.

PINOY TALENT-ON THE-JOB 31

A typical day for me I wake up early to catch 7AM on the dot, as this is the start of my daily working schedule. On a regular basis, my PC is my constant companion and MS Excel is my tool of expertise.

It is my job to know the profile of each small and medium company in Dubai.

Managing and analyzing thousands and thousands of data everyday to complete my daily task, is not as easy as I have originally

expected.

Lately, I have gotten used to having a late lunch at 2PM or as late as 3PM, as I have adjusted to the eating habit of my colleagues who are predominantly Emiratis. There are times when the work takes as long as 15 hours when I have to finish a project alongside my team, but I done mind. As a Filipino expat, my principle is - “Work Hard, Earn More.”

Career Advice No matter how tedious and toxic our in the most luxurious places with most coveted designer brands.

In other words, I put glamour, character and personality to any structure/space, which goes beyond the technical aspects.

It is more of having the chance to display my imagination and stepping into the fabulous world of my elite clients.

A typical day for me

Jeniffer Marie Tungol

Interior Designer Marya Development and Real Estate Investment, Dubai

My Job I am an Interior Designer and FF&E (Furniture, fixtures and equipment) and OS&E (Operating Supplies and Equipment) Specialist.

On a technical standpoint, as an FF&E Designer I create furniture layouts, perspectives, concept presentations, materials, furniture, lighting and accessories specifications, contact suppliers, contractors and exhibitors, update and maintain the FF&E library, purchasing, create material sample boards, review shop drawings, site meetings, attending shows and exhibitions and shopping all over the world. Yes! You heard it right, shopping

There can never be a typical day in a multi-cultural design company. Anything goes and creativity comes from all angles and sources. Today I could be creating a concept for a resort hotel lobby, the next morning an ultra-luxurious penthouse in Paris, by the afternoon a presidential suite of a 5-star hotel, the following day, who knows?

My days also often involves getting online to be updated with the latest global design trends, blogs, creative ideas in all fields of design (design, architecture, fashion, food, lifestyle etc.) which influence the way I am creating visual concepts, developing ambience for spaces, selecting materials, furniture and discussing design concepts, project coordination, writing specification and the not so enjoyable answering of relentless phone calls, emails from suppliers, contractors and colleagues.

Message to Filipinos Always be a proud, honest and resilient, especially while working abroad because when we get discouraged by stereotyping,

work is, let us not forget to be polite in any which way possible. We Filipinos are flexible and trustworthy and we should show that we are not only good on-the-job but also outside work. I think in my own little way, being polite and courteous has prevented me from becoming egotistical; instead it created a sense of fulfillment and pride. And I think I have proven that it works after receiving an Award of Recognition from the Management for my dedicated service and hard work. I can say it’s all worth it! discrimination, and false characterization that belittle us and we don’t do anything about it, it is like betraying our roots and denying our good traits.

We were once on a concept presentation to one demanding international fashion store at the Dubai Mall. While discussing the project one of the client representative said something reckless (intentional or not) about the Filipino sales ladies working in most of the retail shops in Dubai, probably not realizing that I am a Filipino. It broke my heart to hear this. I was challenged professionally and had to stay poised despite this. So the meeting went on and we eventually won the account but I wasn’t satisfied until I was able to candidly say to that person, “By the way, I am happy to design your shop and I am from the Philippines and I am proud of it!” I felt I had to reverse the wrong perception and make it an opportunity to show what a Filipino working abroad is truly made of. Innovation, resilience, creativity and passion!

We have so much worthy and respectable qualities, all we have to do is to harness them and apply them in everything we do, anywhere we are.

32 KABUHAYAN – MONEY

Protecting YOURSELF

By Francisco J Colayco

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

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

The very first step is prevention. You have to make sure that you are physically, mentally and spiritually healthy. You must ensure your well-being, as this is within your control. This is not an option. It is your obligation.

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Physical health is ensured by a healthy, balanced diet and exercise.

extreme religiosity. It is living a life in service of mankind.

Mental health is mainly keeping a good sense of balance and humor. You are mentally healthy if you can take whatever situation in life with a positive and hopeful outlook.

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

Typhoons, floods can destroy your home and wipe you out. Economic conditions change and all of a sudden, your employer closes down and you find yourself without a job. As a small business owner, regulations change and your business is suddenly no longer viable. On a personal level, sometimes, no matter how careful you are,

You are spiritually healthy if you believe in a Supreme Being who will always be there no matter what. Spiritual health does not necessarily mean mouthing prayers and

KABUHAYAN – MONEY 33 child is the insured, he will not benefit from the insurance, you will. There is no need to insure him unless he is already earning income that your family is dependent on.

For example, if he is a child-star and is actually the major income-earner in your company, then, perhaps, you can consider insuring his life.

There are many ways of packaging a life insurance policy. The basic choices are whole life or term life insurance.

accidents, the evildoings of other people and deaths can hurt you. It is good to be prepared for these eventualities and you need to take a serious look at insurance.

What kind and how much do you need?

There are two basic types of insurance: life insurance and non-life insurance.

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

You must remember that insurance costs money. You pay a premium for the protection depending on the type and amount of coverage. You want to make sure that you put that premium payment on an insurance policy that you really need. So when do you need insurance?

Simply put, you need basic protection if there are people who are dependent on your earnings. Technically, insurance is protection. It protects your beneficiaries by replacing your income in case you die.

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

For example, should your child who is not earning any income be insured? The answer is NO, because your child has no dependents. Nobody suffers any financial loss if your child should die. In fact, if your

Whole life insurance means that the insured will have to pay premiums practically until the day he dies. The premium for this type of policy is higher than term because this type of policy provides for some kind of cash return if the insured does not die upon reaching a certain age. Generally, it also means that you have to continue paying premiums even when you are much older.

Term life insurance means that the insured is covered year-by-year and only for a certain number of years, which may also be extended subject to the age and the health condition of the insured. As far as life insurance is concerned, the best and cheapest type of insurance is term life insurance. The reason is because if you don’t die during the year, your premium payment is no longer recoverable. When the term ends, the premium will be higher because you are older.

In assessing the policy being offered to you, take care to understand: - If the insurance company is reputable, - If the policy is the correct type for the person being covered, - the amount of premium you have to pay - the amount and type of benefits your beneficiary will get, - what will happen if you cannot continue paying the premiums - what events will cause the policy to lapse - the amount of commissions your insurance agent will be getting Do not be embarrassed because you don’t understand all of these things at once.

Actually, agents are very used to repeating their explanations. They cannot be agents if they are not patient and ready to be repetitious. In fact, if you are sincere in wanting to buy a policy, they will be the one to hound you. Do not hesitate to ask your questions before you sign up. And if you have signed up, you still have a certain number of days to back out of the agreement without penalty. Understand this well and continue studying your policy until you are sure you want it and that you can afford it.

The insurance companies can be very creative in providing policies that can answer protection needs as well as some savings component. However, you must understand that when buying insurance, the savings component is secondary. It is really for risks that you are protecting the beneficiaries of the insured person. Don’t buy a policy combining both protection and savings unless you understand exactly how much yield or return rate you will earn on the investment portion of the premium.

Generally, if you want to grow your savings, you should be looking at other instruments.

34 SPIRITUALITY

DO YOU LIKE YOURSELF A LOT?

By Bo Sanchez

IF you don’t mind, let me start with an old Genie joke.

One day, a Genie appeared to a woman and said, “This is your lucky day! I will give you three wishes.”

“Yeheey!” the woman squealed.

“But on one condition,” said the Genie, “Whatever you ask for, your husband will receive three times more.” The woman frowned, “What? But I hate my husband! He’s a despicable man!”

The Genie shook his head. “I’m sorry. I’m the Love Genie. I repeat: What you ask for, your husband will receive three times more.”

The woman said, “Oh, okay. My first wish: Make me very rich. I want US$1 million.”The Genie asked, “Are you sure? Your husband will have US$3 million.” She says, “Oh, never mind. What is his is mine and what is mine is his.” “Very well then!” the Genie said, and with a wave of his hand, and “Poof!” the woman had US$1 Million—and her husband had US$3 Million.

Illustrado Magazine

SPIRITUALITY 35 others. It’s their life mission. All they do is size up everyone they meet and point out their mistakes. Where does this critical spirit come from? In their heart of hearts, I believe they don’t like themselves. And they project this self-criticalness on others.

This “disliking ourselves” widespread than we think…

is

more

It’s an Epidemic

“My second request is that I want to be very beautiful.” The Genie asked, “Are you sure? Your husband will look like Piolo Pascual and Sam Milby and John Lloyd put together. This is dangerous. The girls will flock to him.” The woman said, “Just as long as I’ll be beautiful.”

And with the wave of the Genie’s hand, “Poof!”, the woman became utterly beautiful and the husband three times more handsome.

The woman then said, “For the third wish, I would like to have a very mild heart attack.”

Life Is a Mirror Here’s the lesson: Whatever you give to yourself, you give to others more.

If you like yourself, you’ll like others too.

If you dislike yourself, you’ll dislike others too. Because life is a mirror. What you see in others is a reflection of what you see in yourself.

I’ve met critical people. Sometimes, I think they feel that they were born to criticize

Watch by Rolex.

I was talking to a friend who wore a Rolex watch and I asked him, “I’m curious. Why are you wearing a PHP300,000 watch on your wrist?” His answer made me very sad.

He said, “Honestly? To make me feel like somebody. To make me feel good about myself.”

Wow. If I want to feel good, I breathe. I smile. I pray. I love.

At their inner core, people don’t feel good about themselves. People inflict upon themselves self-rejection, self-doubt, selfcontempt - like background music playing 24 hours a day.

We Make God in Our Image

It’s an epidemic in the world today, and it’s robbing people of much happiness.

The other false solution is Religious Performance.

Where does this sickness of self-hatred come from? Self-hatred comes from fear.

After all, hate is fear. We hate what we fear. Specifically, we fear we’re not enough.

Bottom line, we fear we’re unloved.

When we don’t like ourselves, some get into religious practices to appease a God whom they believe doesn’t like them, either. Why? Because life is a mirror. Because we make God in our image and likeness. Because we project our self-hatred on God.

And when we don’t like ourselves, we try to solve it by many common false solutions.

For lack of space, let me give you two here.

One is having Status Symbols. The other is Religious Performance.

Collecting Status Symbols I know a lot of people who clutch, grab, and collect Status Symbols. I remember the story of the guy with a BMW. After parking, as he opened the door, another car crashed it and ripped out his door— together with his entire arm.

When the police came, they saw the guy looking at his mashed up BMW and crying, “My car! My car! It’s gone…”

The police said, “Excuse me sir, but don’t you realize that your arm is gone?” The man looked at where his arm was supposed to be, and when he saw nothing, began to cry, “Oh my gosh! Where’s my Rolex?”

Some are so attached with their Status Symbols. You see these people walking in malls. Shirt by Lacoste. Shoes by Bally.

Let me give you another false solution to not liking ourselves…

For years, I used to be like this. I prayed, read the Holy Book, and did my religious work because I wanted the approval of an angry God. No more. I do all these now because He loved me first.

So how do you start liking yourself a lot?

What’s Your Default Question?

You have a Default Question that you ask yourself a thousand times a day. It’s like your OS or Operating System, working in the background.

For many people, their Default Question is “What’s wrong?” They wake up in the morning and unconsciously ask, “What’s wrong with this day? What’s wrong with my life?”

And throughout the day, they keep asking their Default Question: “What’s wrong with my husband?” “What’s wrong with my parents?” What’s wrong with my kids?”

36 SPIRITUALITY

The Most Important Reason Three days ago, I was swamped with work. I had so many articles to write, so many meetings to plan, so many business concerns… But my wife said, “Please bring Francis to the Barbershop. He’ll be a ring bearer.” That’s the disadvantage of having a cute son. He gets to be ring bearer a lot.

So I put aside all my work in the afternoon and brought him to the Barber. After the haircut, I was thinking that we were going back home so I could work. That was when four-year old Francis said, “Daddy, I’m hungry.”So we marched to Jollibee and he ate chicken and rice at 4 in the afternoon!

Again, as we were leaving, I was presuming I could now go back to work. But Francis tugged on my arm again and said, “Daddy, I’m still hungry.” My gosh. Where does this little guy put all that food?

“What’s wrong with my job?” “What’s wrong with my friends?”

And especially the healthy question, “What’s right about me?”

And the deadliest Default Question is “What’s wrong with me?”

If you’re really made in the image of God, then by golly gee, you must be a phenomenal human being. You’ve got stuff in you that are fantastic—and you need to take time to appreciate them.

Some people ask this question again and again throughout the day, it kills their spirit. Because they find so many things wrong about them. No wonder they don’t like themselves!

Remember: Only love can defeat fear. And appreciation is love.

The question “What’s wrong?” is a useful question — not as a Default Question— but as a question during emergencies.

(When there’s really something wrong!)

Write It Down

What then should be your Default Question?

I did this the other day and couldn’t stop at 25. I ended up writing 67 things I like about myself! And since the list is in my journal, I plan to keep adding onto it until I reach100.

Key: Appreciation The Default Question we should ask is, “What’s right?”

Ask it a thousand times a day. “What’s right about this day? What’s right about my husband? What’s right about my kids?

What’s right about my job?”

Sit down and write 25 things you like about yourself.

But start with 25. Celebrate who you are.

Thank God for who you are!

This will change you. All of a sudden, you realize how special you are. And slowly, you’ll start liking yourself a lot.

Later on, I realized he was hungry not for food but for love. Specifically, hungry for Daddy’s love.

So we kept on walking, visiting other shops, until he saw a playground. His eyes grew large and said, “Daddy, may I play?”

I believe life is about moments. So I bought myself a cup of coffee, sat on a park bench, and enjoyed watching my four-year-old jump from one slide to another. We had the grandest time.

Why did I disrupt my whole afternoon for Francis? Because I’m his father and he’s my son. He’s more important than all my work. He’s more important than all my ministries. He’s more important than all the books I write and all the talks I give.

Friend, this is the ultimate reason why you need to like yourself. Because you have a Father who loves you so much. You’re more important than all the stars in the sky. You’re more important than all the galaxies of this universe. In the heart of God, nothing compares with you. If He loves you this much, how can you not like yourself?

May your dreams come true.

ADVERTORIAL 37

‘Get Dirty’ with Splash DNM Summer at Splash gets busy as the brand moves forward from a celebration of fashion, the Splash Fashion Paradise, to launch its own denim collection, Splash DNM. The foundation of the new entry is based on denim offering a broad bandwidth of styles, fits, colors and designs.

The aptly titled ‘Get Dirty’ campaign was conceptualized and launched in early February on social media platforms and across various colleges in the UAE inviting a younger audience to be the face of the campaign. ‘Get Dirty’ was shot by ace photographer Tejal Patni in a cement

Iconic’s Hot Looks of the Season Get intrigued and a little more obsessed with fashion as ICONIC readies itself to swirl its way into the season with hot new looks and key trends. From statement dresses to colored jeans and jumpsuits to end trend shoes and accessories, the collection encapsulates everything needed for a summer wardrobe. Beautifully made catwalk inspired pieces stem from trends like dusky pastels, tribal motifs, nautical bold stripes and pretty florals and merge into a season where classics are reinvented with a contemporary style.

Giordano reveals finale of spring series collection Giordano launched the finale of its 2012 spring collection series, featuring new style wrinkle-free shirts for men and on trend Shoulder Ball Tops for ladies.

The modern man takes centre stage with the new wrinkle-free shirt range, ideal for the fellow who lives a busy high-energy life.

Giordano’s wrinkle-free shirt is made of 100% cotton which

factory in Dubai with a slew of models and the three finalists chosen from almost 8000 entries.

Speaking on the launch of Splash DNM, Raza Beig, CEO Splash and ICONIC, said, “Traditionally denim as a category in Splash was all about brands within Splash and had certain limitations in terms of trends to explore. Given that denim is an iconic, essential part of the modern wardrobe, we decided to tap into this ever growing category by launching

a destination that would showcase the newest trends and treatments and would justify the fashion offerings. We developed the range in a way that it would cater to the varied shoppers of the brand.”

A trend that stands out for SS’12 is ‘Color.’

Fierce hues continues to rule the catwalks and sidewalks with yellow in its variations being very much the center piece and in a trend where color blocking clashes are obligatory with blue, blood orange, berry ruling the roost. Wearing this trend is easy, by sticking to a brightly hued pair of jeans still a massive wardrobe hit with a white shirt or sweatshirt.

Cleverly combining 2012’s most fabulous high-street Spring/Summer trends, Iconic will kick your wardrobe into the coolest and sexiest era.

remains impeccable all day. It comes in plain Oxford fabric with different colour options as well as in stripes and plaids, offering men more choices to personalise their style. The new Giordano shirt range can be easily paired with Giordano’s stretched khakis and wrinkle-free trousers.

Giordano’s women’s collection brings out the energetic female persona especially with the introductions of new Shoulder Ball Tops. The over-sized tops with a wide neckline come in a variety of fresh and bright colors.

The Shoulder Ball Tops are part

The collection is available at Deira City Centre and Al Ain Mall stores.

of the Mix & Media trend which is the centrepiece of the women’s spring 2012 collection.

“At Giordano, we continue to spice up our offerings with stylish clothes with an uncompromising commitment to quality and look,” said Ishwar Chungani, Executive Director of Giordano Middle East, India and Africa.

For UAE residents, Giordano’s products are also available for purchase on www.giordano-me. com, the brand’s newly-launched shopping portal.

38 SUCCESSFUL PINOY - RELATIONSHIPS

An unfaithful FAMILY

Dear Dr. Holmes and Mr. Baer,

~Dolly

Do you believe in karma? My father is a playboy. He has been with other women aside from my mother. He has children outside of his marriage.

Before, he even lived with this girl who was younger than me.

----------------------

Now my problem is that, my twin sister who is in Taiwan with four children is living far away from her husband who is working in The Netherlands. My twin sister is having an affair; she told me that it’s because of the absence of her husband. But now they are talking and trying to patch things up.

My youngest sister is also in Taiwan while her husband is in the province managing their business.

I just learned from my twin sister that she is also having an affair with a foreigner.

When I asked her why, she told me that she is happy and that she doesn’t care about the outcome. How can I convince my sister to stop this affair?

How can I help her? The foreigner is married, too.

Illustrado Magazine

Dear Dolly, Your family enjoys a positive cornucopia of affairs. The only ones who are apparently exempt are your mother and you. Of course, this is only an inference since you do not actually say that you are both faithful but let’s proceed on that basis.

Although the behavior of both your father and your sisters appears the same, there is a difference between them. Your father had multiple affairs and was happy to have illegitimate children. Your sisters are separated from their husbands by the demands of work, are therefore living in long distance relationships and are each having a single affair.

History shows that male and female infidelity has different patterns and causes/reasons. Men tend to be indiscriminately promiscuous while women are more focused on a single

relationship (this is a gross generalization and naturally there are exceptions).

However interesting all this may be and, depending on your views, however reprehensible or understandable your sisters’ behavior, nothing explains why you consider this YOUR problem.

The state of your siblings’ marriages is fundamentally none of your business.

They are living abroad, have completely different lives from yours and there is much about their marriages that you simply cannot know. On what basis do you think that you are entitled to get involved? The mere fact that you have the same set of parents?

I am not saying that you should not be concerned. However, concern is not the same as meddling. Concern is listening to your sisters, understanding their problems, supporting them and offering advice only if asked. Meddling is being proactive without invitation and often means trying to impose your beliefs and prejudices on others.

SUCCESSFUL PINOY - RELATIONSHIPS 39 It is easy for you to believe that you take after your mother while your sisters’ behavior mirrors that of your father; that yours is the path of righteousness while theirs is the path of mere self-indulgence and that unless you ‘save’ them they will be lost.

However, yours may not be a correct analysis and anyway, who are you to judge and decide how they should live their lives? There is another possibility.

Perhaps, because you too have your father’s genes, you secretly envy their lifestyles and thus are doubly censorious.

Whatever the truth, this is their, not your, problem and it is not your responsibility to find solutions for them.

All the best-JAF Baer ---------------------Dear Dolly: Many thanks for your letter. Let me first deal with your question regarding karma.

While your fear may seem rather foolish to some, actually you have a point.

Studies show that many adults who grew up with parents where at least one was unfaithful are also unfaithful in their own marriages. There is no way infidelity can literally be inherited from a parent like blue eyes or straight hair is.

However, other traits may be inherited which could lead to infidelity.

These inheritable traits (which is part of one’s temperament) include one’s level of anxiety and the desire for novelty. These two traits are also a big factor when it comes to infidelity.

A person who gets anxious at the first sign of stress, tends to leave the situation (say an argument with one’s spouse) before any fruitful discussion has been achieved. Sometimes such a person uses sex with someone else as a way to further bring down his anxiety level. Any objective person can see this is a poor way of handling stress, but somehow the person involved doesn’t… or pretends not to.

The strength of one’s desire for novelty is also an inherited trait. One’s need for novelty can be answered in many ways — how many different kinds of books one reads, the kind of sports one engages in, the kind of job one has. One of the easiest (and least imaginative) ways of answering one’s need for novelty is having multiple relationships at the same time.

In other words, the affairs your father had could be attributed to his need for novelty. It may not have been the best way, but the ability and desire to harness this need into something worthwhile depends on more than temperament. It depends on abilities and priorities under your father’s control, some of which your father chose not to control. Your sisters may have more similar traits with your father than you do. These traits may make it easier for them to have affairs.

But all this is theoretical, not actual.

The reasons for your sisters’ affairs may have nothing to do with their being their father’s daughter (karma). But even if it does, your sisters could still have decided not to have affairs, as indeed your dad could have to. In addition, it’s not too late, as they could decide to stop these affairs no matter how deeply they are in right now.

But enough with speculating on others’ lives, Dolly, and on with yours.

Mr. Baer has suggested a better way for you to deal with your sisters’ various infidelities. I will deal with the reasons you may be reacting as you have. Hopefully with the increased understanding of your behavior, you will be better able to achieve what you want to vis a vis your relationships with your sisters.

Why do I say this? Because as Mr. Baer points out, this is all you can control.

You certainly have no say in how your sisters manage their own lives, including their affairs with men other than their husbands. Besides, isn’t your relationship with them more important than whatever other relationships they have with husbands and lovers? “Men are like pimples, they come and go.” The men

in their lives may soon be ex-husbands and/or ex-lovers; but you will be sisters forever.

It sounds like you are the taga salo in your family. As the one who makes up for the failings of other family members, the taga salo has greater status among the children; but it is one gained at a very steep price. These children become older way before their time. In your case, you became even older than your dad, constantly trying to put out the fires, constantly trying to console your mom and minimize her pain—all this due to your dad’s callous behavior In you, your mom has an ally, albeit one prematurely forced to be an adult when she is actually a little girl. Your dad, too, has an ally. Because you so eagerly stepped up to the plate and did what he should’ve done, he became the carefree family member you could and should have been. You, on the other hand, became the adult your mom ran to in times of pain and sorrow.

I am not blaming you. You had no choice since these were the messages you received. From your mom, most likely, it was something along these lines: “Your dad is behaving like a naughty boy again.

If we can’t control him, then please just stay with me and give me strength.”

From your dad, “Good on you, Dolly. I am so glad your mom has you to comfort her. I have never been good at that sort of thing.”

So you soldiered on then, taga salo-ing because you had no other choice. But you do now, Dolly. And from the self righteous woman-child you were forced to be, you can now free yourself from those shackles and enjoy life the way each of us was meant to.

Living your life as you were meant to, without always worrying about how this will affect your mom and your siblings.

It will not be easy changing from serious to carefree; but it will be worth it.

All the best— MG Holmes

40 STYLE SENSE

Women probably got their introduction to fashion with the idea of playing “dress up” and trying on Mommy’s too big high heels and too long dresses. Now as adults, playing dress up isn’t as simple as raiding Mommy’s closet. It now usually means shopping for clothes and racking up a huge bill.

DRESS YOUR BEST ON A BUDGET

By Agnes Stott-Briggs

If you like to dress well but don’t have deep pockets, instead of arming yourself with a credit card with huge limit, arm yourself with a little information, you can ‘’dress to the nines’’ without going in the red with these simple and easy steps.

Take an inventory of your closet and make a list of things you need. The important thing is to have a list so that you are focused when you do your shopping and not distracted by the impulse to buy something cute but unnecessary.

shirt, black trousers and a little black dress. These will stand the test of time and not date you as easily as buying into trends.

Opt for mix-and-match separates. If you buy carefully, a little will go a long way. Five well-chosen shirts combined with two pairs of pants will give you ten combinations, for example. On the other hand, two head-to-toe ensembles that don’t go with anything else will only give you two combinations.

Buy the best quality clothes that you can afford. Go for mid-range brands rather than cheap brands. They will last longer, wear better and ultimately save you more money than inferior–quality pieces.

Go for a primary colour scheme. Build your wardrobe around three to five colours that look good on you. Not only will this allow you more mix-and-match opportunities, it will reduce the number of accessories that you need.

Buy classic styles like a tailored white

Opt for solids over patterns. Solids mix

Illustrado Magazine

and match more easily and are less easily remembered than prints. They will make you look like you have a lot more clothes than you really do.

Buy on sale whenever possible. Join your favorite store’s mailing list to take advantage of ‘’insider’’ sales notifications.

With a little bit of persistence, you can find quality pieces at affordable prices.

Dressing well doesn’t have to cost a fortune. If you take a little time to plan your needs and treat your wardrobe like the investment that it is, you can make a little go a long way. You can also look like you spend a lot of money on your clothes when all you’re really doing is combining a few well-chosen, high quality pieces.

STYLE SENSE 41

The classic little black dress (LBD) never goes out of style

Using colors to express your individuality Here are some guidelines to help you select colors and patterns that most closely resemble the style character you would like to portray.

Contrasting colors in fashion are one of the boldest statements you can make with your style. Black and white are the most common contrasting colors used, but there are other bold choices as well. Some other bold, contrasting color schemes include blue and orange, as well as purple and yellow. While these colors make quite a statement, it is imperative that they be worn

correctly in order to look professional, fun and put together rather than like a clown that just entered the circus.

are options you can choose from and not done altogether; remember not to overaccessorize.

Black and white is a no brainer way to go if you are in a rush and don’t have the time to devote to choosing a coordinating outfit. However, why not throw on a splash of color by adding to a black and white ensemble to represent your personal statement more closely?

If, however, you choose to take the bolder route and go with purple/yellow or orange/ blue, take a more subtle approach. Wear a purple sweater with your favourite pair of jeans and accessorize it with a bold piece of gold jewelry like a long, chunky necklace.

Or maybe choose a pair of navy pants and camisole with a peach cardigan. The key to using contrasting colors to your advantage is to remain subtle. The colors should speak for themselves.

Perhaps accessorize with bold red jewelry or a classy pair of red heels or a statement scarf. Just remember that those suggestions

42 ILLUSTRADO SCRAPBOOK A platform for budding Filipino creative talent

Buddy Dela Cruz

Buddy dela Cruz’s relationship with photography is both self-taught and self-professed. In 2002, this Office Administrator began studying basic photography on his own. A year later, he joined Lightform (LIFPG) in Dubai in 2003. “Lightform assisted and supported

Illustrado Magazine

me in so many ways. I believe that a photographer must have an eye for the different angles of life,” said dela Cruz.

include Tag Huer, Beiersdorf (NIVEA), Davidoff, UOWD, Al Hilal Bank, Estee Lauder, and Dusit Hotel.

Now, he is a contributing photographer to a couple of publications, while his photography portfolio includes events, photo journalism and product photography. Some of Buddy’s clients

A Bulakeño who grew up in Nueva Ecija Philippines, Buddy graduated with BA degree in Marketing from Wesleyan University-Philippines in Cabanatuan City.

A platform for budding Filipino creative talent

ILLUSTRADO SCRAPBOOK 43

Jon De Guzman Jr. As an architect-interior designer in Arenco Real Estate based in Dubai, photography was a natural interest for Jon de Guzman, Jr. “I’ve been shooting since 2009 as a hobbyist; I finished Basic and Advanced Photography at Lightform here in Dubai. After that, I found myself wanting to do more, so I started attending workshops and seminars.” From being a hobbyist, Jon now refers to himself as a serious photography enthusiast.

He likes shooting people and architecture and capturing the emotions of his subject to. “Photographing people and architecture is my way of capturing memories and history,” said Jon.

KI NE SIS 44 FASHION

Shoot. Leap. Flex.

Move to the speed of light.

Punchwiththeaggressionofapugilist.

Flow with sheer velocity, Or simply trip the light fantastic.

Expend yourself to movement that’s morethanjustanatomicalreflex,and don the clothes that make you bounce.

PHOTOGRAPHED BY RXANDY CAPINPIN ASSISTED BY JERBY TEBELIN POST PROCESSING BY TOM BOLIVAR STYLING BY RYUJI SHIOMITSU ASSISTED BY RAIZEL DY AND TIN LEDESMA FASHION INTERN: YNNA MAYOR MAKEUP BY HANNA PECHON OF SHU UEMURA HAIR BY JAY WEE

MODELS: SHEENA VERA CRUZ OF THE PHILIPPINE ALL STARS & ANDREW WOLFF OF THE PHILIPPINE VOLCANOES

Illustrado Magazine

FASHION 45

Blue bodycon dress with orange zip detail by Yong Davalos; pink body harness by Tedd Mabitazan; bunjee rope bracelets and arm piece by Red Mil; neon orange and yellow bangles

by Superfluously by Anne Solomon

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46 FASHION

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FASHION 47

Nude satin bodycon dress by Geoffrey Zordilla; yellow body harness used as belt by Tedd Mabitazan; teardrop necklace and velcro bracelets by Red Mil

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48 FASHION Midriff top and high-waisted cargo micro-mini shorts both by Renan Pascon; rope necklace and bracelets used as hair loop by Adante Leyesa; body harness by Red Mil; dangling earrings by Ken Samudio; swim skull cap by Speedo

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FASHION 49 PVC statement neckpiece by Adante Leyesa; black swim skull cap by Speedo

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50 FASHION

Silver mirror jacket by Paradigm Shift; leather panel pants by Chariz Pastor; Bunjee cord necklace by Red Mil

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FASHION 51

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52 FASHION

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FASHION 53 Midriff and peplum PVC hot pants by Je-c Macaraig; nude strappy bikini

by H by G Licaros; velcro bracelets

by Red Mil; multi-colored necklace

by Ken Samudio; yellow leggings by Leg Love; blue swim skull cap by Speedo

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54 FASHION

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FASHION 55 ON SHEENA: Pink and orange jumpsuit by Mark Bumgarner; red/ black body harness with neon belt

by Red Mil blue swim skull cap by Speedo ON ANDREW: Gray and blue wet suit by Aira Del Pillar

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56 FASHION

ON SHEENA: Scuba bodycon cut-out panel dress and leather harness vest by Renan Pascon; white thigh high boots by Victor Loong; neon warning orange choker by Superfluously by Anne Solomon; blue swim skull cap by Speedo ON ANDREW: White foam structured puff sport jacket and shorts by Jeffrey Rogador

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FASHION 57

Snakeskin structured jacket and high-waisted lace bikini by Roland Alzate; blue shoulder pads with yellow body harness by Tedd Mabitazan; neon yellow choker by Superfluously by Anne Solomon; purple leggings by Leg Love

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58 FASHION

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FASHION 59

Gold lamé sports jacket by Jeffrey Rogador; blue sequined shorts by Melville Sy; pink body harness by Tedd Mabitazan; body harness for the chest and pink velcro bracelets

by Red Mil

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60 FASHION

THE “IMPALPABLE MICHAEL CINCO” DELVES INTO MASCULINE CLOTHING ONCE AGAIN AND UNVEILS A NEVER SEEN BEFORE COUTURE LOOK FOR MEN THAT’S BIG ON INGENUITY, SENSUOUSNESS AND “HEDONISME.” PHOTOGRAPHY BY: EROS GOZE GROOMING: FRANKIE MELENDEZ MODELS: HEYDAR HOSSEINI, TIERRY VILSON, SAM DAY, BRENDAN ATKINSON

MC I HAEL CINCO HOMME 2012 Illustrado Magazine

FASHION 61 Heydar in an ebony gauze outfit worn as a shirt and can be worn in many different ways

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62 FASHION Tierry sporting a studded elastic body brace in black

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FASHION 63 Tierry in black wool jacket with swing. Cutting edge construction on a basic jacket worn over a safety-pin adorned body suit.

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64 FASHION Sam in couture biker gear laminated with laser-cut acrylic in mosaic fashion with a panther head motif

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FASHION 65 Brendan in crystal-encrusted headgear, gray fox stole and laser-cut acrylic baguettes on sheet tank top

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5Month

66 TRIPPIN’

things To Do This

Variety is truly the spice of life in Dubai.

Whatever the weather, the Middle East’s favorite tourist destination offers a mind-boggling list of activities. From Ski Dubai, channeling snow-clad Switzerland, late night camel rides, to mall trawling during the region’s biggest summer extravaganza, one thing is for sure, you’ll never get bored because you’ll always find something to do while exploring the city’s sunny side.

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Camel trek by night

It would be simply unthinkable if you were to visit Dubai and not go on a desert safari. Evenings are much cooler and offer an entirely unique Arabian Nights experience under a carpet of twinkling stars in the sky. Opt for the Evening or Overnight Desert Safari where guests are whisked away for some dune bashing, dune riding, camel rides, sand skating, Henna painting, colorful sunsets, delicious barbeques and traditional belly dancing (not performed during Ramadan).

When you reach the camp you will be served a delicious barbecue dinner including a variety of Arabian and continental dishes beside a blazing bonfire. You should then get back to your hotel at around 9PM. On the Overnight Desert Safari, breakfast will be served at sunrise and you depart for your hotel around 10.00 AM. You can enjoy a desert safari all the more if you choose an experienced and leading tour operator such as Planet Tours and Travels which offers streamlined packages managed by true professionals.

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Sail over the creek in the Wonder Bus

We have all seen James Bond movies where a vehicle can move on the land as well as the water. Making this a reality is Dubai’s new amphibious Wonder Bus. Manufactured in New York State and approved by the US Coast Guard and Emirates Marine Services Dubai, it has a capacity of 44 and has comfortable and spacious seats, with a large TV screen, A/C, bathroom, sound system and TV and DVD player inside the bus, including professional tour guides who can speak Arabic, English & French.

The unique experience takes you on a tour of Dubai and also takes you on water, up and down the Dubai Creek transporting you from land to sea, while sitting on the same seat. You’ll view the beautiful architecture and the historic buildings on both shores of the creek.

The tour starts from the Bur Juman Shopping Mall. There are two trips a day of 2 hours each and three trips on official holidays with charter trips too. Ticket rate for a child is AED75 and for an adult it is AED115. Each passenger on the bus has access to his/ her personal life jacket. You will also find fire extinguishers.

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TRIPPIN’ 67

3

Splash in Wild Wadi

Wild Wadi Waterpark is an exciting water theme park comprising 24 adrenaline- pumping, stateof-the-art rides and slides. It is situated next to the Jumeirah Beach Hotel and Burj Al Arab hotel. It opens daily at 11AM, but has different closing hours throughout the year.

During the summer months (June, July and August), Wild Wadi closes at 9PM and Thursday is Women’s Only Day. Wild Wadi was designed like an Arabian wadi (oasis) with characteristics from Arabian folklore and has rides and attractions, many of which interconnect. Once you enter you will be given access to all the water rides, as well as the use of rubber rings, lifejackets and body boards plus 90 lifeguards on duty keeping you safe. Wild Wadi’s variety of rides suit kids

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of all ages. One of the must-experience rides here is the Jumeirah Sceirah - the tallest and fastest free-fall water slide outside of North America. Rising to 33 meters (108 feet) and hurtling riders down at 80 km’s per hour, it’s the true thrill experience.

Revisit Ski Dubai

Enjoy an Alpine experience in Dubai! Ski Dubai is the first indoor ski resort in the Middle East where the whole family can enjoy skiing, snowboarding and tobogganing or just playing in the snow. It’s a unique mountainthemed 22,500 sqm attraction covered-with-real-snow with a capacity of 1,500, and one of the largest in the world. Green, blue, red and black runs ensure that skiers and snowboarders of all abilities are catered with ski lifts and snow patrols. It has five runs that vary in difficulty, height and steepness. The huge interactive 3,000 sqm Snow Park is the largest indoor snow park in the world.

You don’t have to worry about ski clothing or equipment either as Ski Dubai offers guests the use of winter clothing, ski and snowboard equipment. Your skis will carry you down the slope, and its quad-chairlift and tow lift will promptly carry you back

to the top for another run. Its themed restaurants the St Moritz Café and the Avalanche Cafe at mid-station offer views of the slope. Its exclusive retail shop, Snow Pro, has expert staff to advise you on your equipment needs and a team of professional instructors to guide you on the simple, fun process of learning to ski or snowboard.

corner (June 14 to July14), this city blossoms into one of the most happening spots you would like to be. Over the years, DSS has been providing residents and tourists of the emirates the ultimate summer entertainment and shopping fiesta.

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Save up for Dubai Summer Surprises

With Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS), the biggest summer event in the region being just around the

Summer shopping can’t be as exciting and rewarding as in Dubai during the DSS where the emirate becomes the haven for bargain discounts. Whether you’re looking for fashion, accessories, gadgets, furniture, jewelry – name it, and you’ll have it at a good discount this DSS. Around 50 luxury malls put out the best shopping promotions for shoppers while hosting entertainment shows throughout the DSS. With more than 6,000 retail outlets participating and discounts of up to 70%, shoppers can rest assured that brands of their choice can be bought at throwaway prices. Every shopper is rewarded for shopping with an opportunity to win prizes and giveaways throughout DSS where raffles prizes that include cash, gold, and cars are up for grabs.

68 ILLUSTRADO PROFILE

GRACE NONO:

Voice of the Filipino Spirit Story by Niña Terol-Zialcita Photos by Pein Lee/Penang

World music legend and icon of the progressive, spiritually-rooted Filipino.

Niña Terol-Zialcita and Pein Lee get to know the earthly being with the enchantress voice known as Grace Nono.

There are very few voices in the world that can soar as wholly and as purely as hers can. When she opens her mouth and lets her voice flow, it is enough to send you hovering above the ground or deep within a meditative trance. And rightly so. This voice that has traveled the world evokes both the flight of eagles and the depth of the deep blue seas, both the flowing of the wind and a rootedness to the earth.

Many will not understand the words that escape her lips, but they will understand the spirit and the power behind it. Her voice transcends language and religion, geography and culture. Whatever your religious belief, you will recognize in her chants and sung prayers the voices of deities and elements, of spirits that have come and gone.

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Her voice is that of Mother Earth herself, and she — Grace Nono — is its humble but worthy channel.

A voice for the world For over 15 years now, Grace Nono has been traveling around the Philippines and to many parts of the globe on the strength of Philippine indigenous music and oral traditions, infusing these with, as she says, her own “contemporary voice and spirit to advance issues of living identity, women’s rights, and indigenous spirituality.”

Originally from Agusan in northeastern Mindanao, her voice has powered the WOMAD (World of Music Arts and Dance Festival) in Yokohama; the Music Village Festival in London; the Asian

Fantasy Orchestra tour through India, Japan, Thailand, and Vietnam; the La Casita Festival in Lincoln Center in the United States; as well as performances in various parts of Europe and Asia.

At the recently concluded Penang World Music Festival in Penang, Malaysia last March, Nono sang chanted prayers taught

by T’boli shaman Mendung Sabal, by Talaandig leader Datu Migketay Victorino Saway, by Batangas-Tagalog matremayo (female leader) of Subli (a traditional Batangueño dance liked to a devotion to the Holy Cross) Ka Mila Maquimot, and

by Kalinga shaman Gannay Ammakiw and other Kalinga elders.

As always, musical arrangements were done

by Nono’s long-time musical collaborator,

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Bob Aves, and “put in conversation with elements from the Philippines’ colonial music history — rondalla-derived music [and] jazz.”

Her message of authenticity, rootedness, and raw spirituality cut through a diverse audience of various nationalities and musical persuasions. Malaysian photographer Pein Lee, who has been covering world music and jazz festivals and who captured images of Nono and her band in Penang, shares this observation: “Viewed through the lens of a photographer, Grace Nono exuded an alluring and seductive stage presence. While the lyrics had no literal significance for a foreigner like myself, the spirit and emotions evoked by her soulful voice had transportive qualities. Combining these primordial chants and spiritual incantations with the tight fusion guitar work of Bob Aves, and the native rhythms of Waway Saway, Ms. Nono owned the stage with her dynamic vocals and considered dance.”

Musical authenticity “The Penang World Music Festival was really inspiring for our whole group,” Nono shares of that performance afterward. “We saw how tradition-based, contemporary musical expressions continue to be vibrant in greater Southeast Asia and in the rest of the world. We saw how we, Filipino musicians, are right in step with our peers among the Irish, the Gypsies, the Indonesians, the Malaysians, the Africans, the Colombians, among others, for as long as we are in touch with our own authentic experience as a historical people who continue to draw from and contribute to our sense of roots.”

“Filipinos are a highly musical people,” she points out. “Either we use this musicality

“Filipinos are a highly musical people,” she points out. “Either we use this musicality to glorify the music of other cultures, and in so doing, reflect our own ignorance and lack of pride in ourselves, or assert our own. to glorify the music of other cultures, and in so doing, reflect our own ignorance and lack of pride in ourselves, or assert our own. But how do we begin [asserting] something that we, perhaps, have forgotten, or abandoned, or have learned to discredit? The way I have navigated this quandary had been to learn directly from elders who maintain living practices and pride in their oral/aural traditional musical expressions. I did not realize that I was to stumble upon a whole universe of sound that I did not know before, existed.”

She reiterates, “We, Filipinos, have very rich musical traditions to draw from and

to make coeval with our postcolonial, modern/postmodern lives. But we must take the first steps towards rediscovering and learning the practice of these musical traditions.”

Sharing the divine voice These traditions live, in part, through the music that Nono and her collaborators have developed and shared under Tao Music, an independent label that she and Bob Aves established in 1994. Aside from sharing their own renditions of Filipino folk classics (among them, “Dandansoy,” “Baleleng”, Salidumay”, and “Ambahan

70 ILLUSTRADO PROFILE

ni Lucia”), Tao Music also introduced to the listening public the haunting melodies of kultintang legend Aga Mao Butocan’s Maguindanao Kulintang as well as immortal music from Mendung Sabal’s Tudbulul Lunay Mogul: T’boli Hero of Lunay, The Place of Gongs and Music; Sindao Banisil’s Pakaradia-an: Maranao Epic Chants and Instrumental Music, and several others.

These collections represent not only the living traditions of Filipino indigenous communities, but also — and more importantly — slices of culture, heritage, and identity that the modern-day Filipino has forgotten, but which remind us of the Filipino’s rich, noble, highly spiritual roots.

For her work in understanding, nurturing, and bringing to life Filipino traditional

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music and indigenous spirituality, Nono has won over 40 awards, including the Ten Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) Award in 1994 and The Outstanding Women Award in the Nation’s Service (TOWNS) in 2001. Her first book, The Shared Voice: Chanted and Spoken Narratives from the Philippines (ANVIL Publishing, Fundacion Santiago, 2008) won in 2009 the National Book Award for the Arts category. A second book, Song of the Babaylan (Institute for Spirituality in Asia) is in the works and will be published soon.

It is the Filipino’s dignity that has carried this nation forward despite centuries of colonization and debilitating wars, the Filipino’s divinity that has allowed this people to transcend everyday struggles and to embrace life with joy. Her personal and professional journey has allowed

Nono to tap into a deep well of Filipino authenticity and spirituality that has survived throughout the centuries and it is perhaps, this very same well that will carry the rest of this people and this nation forward.

As Nono’s life and career thus far have shown, it takes courage and conviction to find one’s own voice and use it. But, perhaps, like Nono, more of us will discover that it is in sharing our true voice and expressing our true identities where we find our true power.

Grace Nono’s music is available in the United States through CD Baby and as downloadables at Amazon.com.

ADVERTORIAL 71

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72 MY PINOY LIFE IN Darling Harbor

My Pinoy Life in

SYDNEY

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

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

Can you briefly recount briefly why you moved there?

The primary reason why I moved to Sydney is to study Culinary Arts at Le Cordon Bleu

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(LCB). I chose Australia because this is the only branch of LCB that offers industry placement, which is similar to what they call in the Philippines as OJT or on-thejob-training. Once we are finished, we will be LCB graduates, who are renowned globally. We will also be recognized as Australian Qualified chefs.

Tell us something about Sydney.

Sydney is just like any other metropolitan city. Big, crowded, busy and fast-paced. So if you are used to that kind of place, then you will definitely love Sydney. There are a lot of places to visit here such as the Sydney Aquarium, Wild Life, Taronga Zoo, Blue Mountains and Three Sisters, the Opera House, Bondi Beach, Manly Beach, Harbour Bridge, Royal Botanical Garden, Hunter Valley, Darling Harbour and many more. Furthermore, if you want to party,

MY PINOY LIFE IN 73

Sydney, from what I’ve heard, is the best place to party here in Australia.

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

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

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

Police on horses at Hyde Park

There’s only one thing, though, that I didn’t like about Sydney. Since it is a very big city, moving around is quite challenging especially for commuters like me. A car is certainly a necessity.

The buses here have schedules so if I miss my bus then I have to wait for 30 minutes to an hour for the next one. Although trains here are amazing, I still have to catch a bus to get to the nearest station near my place. Not to mention, bus tickets are not cheap at all. It ranges from AUD$2.50-4.50. But I buy a weekly ticket for only AUD$51 that you can use on trains, ferries and buses.

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

I am currently renting a very small room but this is just about 600 meters away from my school. I

Sydney Opera House

74 MY PINOY LIFE IN Bondi Beach

pay AUD$160/week and bills are not yet included. It is also close to a mall and near to bus stops.

What do you do for a living?

I am a full time Pastry student in Le Cordon Bleu, and I’m currently working as a Commis Chef in two different hotels owned by one company.

As a student, I am only allowed to work 40 hours every two weeks while still in school. But I can work for unlimited hours during school holidays and during my industry placement.

Working in the kitchen is really challenging. You really have to have a passion for cooking and food, because this job has so many demands. Salary is low, workload is heavy, working hours are long. You’re lucky if you get to take a break, and the heat is terrible.

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

Is there a Filipino community there?

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

I heard there was also a Filipino festival held last year wherein Filipino celebrities performed but I was still new here that time.

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St. Mary’s Cathedral

Sydney Tower

MY PINOY LIFE IN 75

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

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

Now, I am studying Intermediate Patissiere and love being a Pastry Chef. I have shifted from being a Cuisine Chef because I believe that I work well as a Pastry Chef.

My passion for cooking was intensified by this part of the culinary world. The end products always give me satisfaction especially if people appreciate not just the taste but also the art and effort you put in it. The plate is my canvass and my ingredients are my colors/ palette. It never fails to put a smile on my face when I share the pastries I make in school with my friends and housemates and they all greet it with, “Woooohs” and then “MMMmmmmms” when they start eating it.

I believe that LCB is giving me the best training in the world and this is preparing me to become competitive

76 MY PINOY LIFE IN and world-class professional. I have just started my journey in becoming an excellent pastry chef. It might be a long journey but I hope it will be really sweet in the end.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Sculptures at Bondi Beach

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

ADVERTORIAL 77

Thousands ‘Move for Bones’ Over 1,000 bone health checks completed at Anlene’s free event to raise awareness of osteoporosis Thousands of UAE residents participated in Anlene’s all-day free event at The Dubai Mall on the 27th April to learn how to build stronger bones and prevent osteoporosis.

With free bone scanning, move stations with weight-bearing exercises including Pilates, walking and Zumba and fitness instructors and nutritionists on hand, Anlene’s goal was to equip women with all the information they need to improve their bone health.

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According to the World Health Organization (WHO), osteoporosis ranks second only to cardiovascular disease as the world’s leading healthcare problem and one in three women in the Middle East is at risk of developing the disease.

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women taking the five-minute bone scan, trying the move stations and getting advice from experts about how they can realistically improve their bone health on a daily basis.”

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In addition, they sport envelope-pushing SteelSeries gaming keyboards, MSI’s own Audio Boost sound solution, and snazzy contoured sport lines.

78 FEATURE

Writer Donna Kayaban at the popular eatery

Pinoys come from all over New Zealand for a tatse of home

Turo-Turo:

Salve for the homesick palate

By Donna Kayaban

It’s not easy to satiate cravings. Pining for familiar tastes can spur a walk at an ungodly hour to a tapsi sa kanto or quick drive by a talipapa to pick up ingredients for your home-cooked favorite. But imagine thinking of adobo, caldereta, sisig and crispy pata while you’re five thousand miles away from the Philippines.

Many have tried to approximate a Filipino dish using ingredients bought from the neighborhood convenience store. But what is sinigang without sitaw or pinakbet without the whole array of veggies?

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Charie Shearer and Mary Jane Roxas know about this frustration all too well. Having lived in New Zealand for several years, they dreamed about having a place that fellow Kiwi-Pinoys could go to satisfy their food cravings.

Encouraged and supported by Charie’s Kiwi husband, Rew Shearer and joined in by fellow Filipino migrant, Chef Conrad Bautista, they decided to start a restaurant/ café selling authentic Filipino specialties.

They picked a location in a small shopping village called Mayfair place within a suburb of Auckland.

Rew explains this choice of location was for practical reasons, primarily because the rent was cheap. The Turo-Turo project started with very limited personal funds so keeping costs down was essential.

Rew also shares that starting the business had stressful beginnings, but they stuck to their guns and “Turo-Turo” formally opened in May of last year funded by the contributions of private investors from the local Filipino community.

All dishes are prepared with top quality meat and the best New Zealand and

FEATURE 79 reward is to see people getting excited about the food--especially for those on a first visit. There are the Filipinos who miss the taste of home, Kiwis discovering a different kind of cuisine and ending up wanting to try everything on the menu and there are those who do it for love; like the yielding husband who indulged his pregnant wife’s craving for Filipino food.

Even non-Filipinos throng to Turo-Turo

imported Filipino ingredients to ensure consistency and quality.

The menu features all the “patent” Filipino specialties like: tapsilog, longsilog, bangsilog, lapaz batchoy, caldereta, Bicol express, sizzling sisig, dinuguan, lechon paksiw, biko, puto, buko pandan, leche flan — from the very long list, you can see that Turo Turo serves almost every dish the Filipino stomach desires and longs for.

Chef Mary-Jane who has a food background, can create hundreds of Filipino dishes and her cooking is the secret behind Turo-Turo’s reputation for having the best Filipino food in Auckland.

Filipino food is filled with the unexpected For non-Filipino customers, the biggest surprise is that the food isn’t what they expected.

Chinese, Thai, Indian, Mexican — most Kiwis are familiar with those kinds of food, but when they are faced with something like sisig, or tocilog, or lechon paksiw, they don’t know what to think or what to expect.

Probably because, to many Kiwis, Filipino food represents some of their worst fears: tales of dishes like dinuguan and balut can terrify them. But those who try the food are almost always delighted. One Kiwi customer came in and bought lechon

paksiw for lunch, and did so every day for about three weeks. She just fell in love with it.

For Rex and Charie Shearer and Mary Jane Roxas, the returns of running the TuroTuro restaurant come from the gratitude of Filipinos with terribly homesick palates who say eating at Turo Turo has saved them an 11-hour flight and a journey of a couple of thousand miles. In Auckland, they are able to once again enjoy the comforting and satiating tastes of the Philippines. To these Pinoys, Turo-Turo is a taste of home.

Turo Pilgrimage When Turo-Turo was featured by Mel and Jay, a local TV show Asia Down Under, and Joey de Leon wore his Turo-Turo t-shirt on an episode of the popular Eat Bulaga noontime show, word of mouth began to spread about the restaurant. Customers coming from as far as Hamilton, Tauranga, Whangarei, and Christchurch, and even neighboring Australia trooped to TuroTuro to enjoy an authentic taste of the Philippines, catapulting Turo-Turo in Auckland to food destination status.

The Turo Pilgrimage has become one of the most surprising off-takes of the restaurant.

A family from Wellington has made an annual visit to Turo-Turo part of their Auckland vacation, and by “family” we’re talking Filipino-style of roughly around 20 people.

When asked what more he could ask for, given the unexpected Turo-Turo Auckland phenomenon, Rew replied, “You know what would be a great addition? A Jeepney. Colorful and bright, with “TuroTuro” on the head plate. Making deliveries [that way] would create smiles and we’d get noticed wherever we went.”

But for the Turo-turo team, the greatest

New Zealand’s Filipino population is about 35,000 according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade (MFAT). They are well represented in industries such as dairy production, health care, IT, engineering and manufacturing. However informal estimates peg the figure at 45,000 with the increasing number of students moving to New Zealand growing in number.

80 BAKASYON GRANDE

CALAGUAS ISLANDS:

The New Eden Story by Excel V. Dyquiangco Photos by Bernard Supetran

In the quintessential paradise once occupied by Adam and Eve, there was beauty, serenity and abundance in the most natural of surroundings. Excel Dyquiangco unravels for us a new Eden that has resurfaced in a paradise known as Calaguas Island.

The powdery white sand beaches, crystal clear aquamarine waters, and serene and peaceful atmosphere allows you to experience the quiet beauty of nature. This must have been what the first Eden was like; trees swaying gently in the breeze, green and lush bushes, mountains on both sides of the island enclosing you in their own cove. But what really sets Calaguas apart from all the other islands and also why it evokes such strong images of Eden is that there is no phone signal, no Internet connection, and no televisions on the island. There are no resorts where you can comfortably stay for the night or retail shops where you can shop for

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trinkets and souvenirs. The only sounds on the island are the fluttering of the birds, the howling of the wind, and the soft gentle rolling of the waves.

In this resurrected Eden, it’s just between you and nature.

Nature in all its Finest Calaguas Islands is located two hours away from the town of Paracale, Camarines Norte in the providential municipality of Vinzons. After a tumultuous boat ride, what first comes to view is not the wide and long shoreline but the turquoise green waters so crystal

clear that you can see the sandy bottom with underwater creatures swimming about. Then the long stretch of the beach known as Mahabang Buhangin or Halabang Baybay (Long Beach) comes to sight in a cove found in Tinago Island (part of Calaguas) dotted with volcanic rock arrangements on both sides. The beach is so wide and broad that you don’t know where the island starts and where it will end.

A total of five camping sites are situated strategically around the area, guarded by caretakers. The sands take up too much space, but it does offer spacious comfort for the as many as five tents that can be

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set up in each area. Tying a hammock between two trees is also an option.

Huts provide shade for a picnic and in the middle of the camping site is a long table for dining.

you can either swat them away or use them to help pull yourself up. When finally you have reached the clearing, the scent of fresh air and the whiff of green grass invade your nostrils.

Just a few meters away from the camping sites lies a fish pond that looks more like a stream which flows beyond the horizon to the limitless distance. A few carabaos, with their heads above the water, bathe quietly in one corner. With their glass-eyed stares, they seem to be chiding you to come in the waters with them.

The stunning sight of Calaguas Islands atop the rock cliff proves just how blue and green its surroundings are. Even more astounding are aquamarine waters where ships and boats stay afloat. Just the mere sight of Calaguas and the glorious heavens up close says that it really doesn’t matter.

A near distance away is a group of sharp rocks where you can take in the whole view of the Pacific Ocean. And just beyond that is a small mountaintop where you can get a signal for your phone – at least. The trek is short and sweet but gets a little muddy even when the sun is shining bright. Small branches hang loosely in your path –

The climb back down is of a different route. Instead of trekking down the muddy slope, there is a steep trail right in the middle of the hill where it leads you down the beaches.

The Night Sky at Calaguas When finally the sun dips over the horizon and it begins to get a little

bit dimmer, you will notice another resemblance with the Eden of Biblical times: there is no light and no electricity available. Some might meet this realization with alarm, but others will welcome it and embrace it as what also makes the atmosphere even more exciting. The tiniest of noises echo around you and the tiniest of creatures, like the firefly with its winged-tail glowing in the dark, do not get missed; its smallness a reminder of the vast enormity of nature that it occupies.

For those who are afraid of the dark may just learn to love it. The bonfire in one corner gives you the light and natural warmth. As the night wears on, the wind gets a little cooler, the blaze starts to fan out and you begin to feel a gentle breeze that gets cooler and cooler. You go inside your tent and curl up into a tight ball, hoping that the warmth under your blanket will be enough throughout the night. And if

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you need a nightlight, the caretakers have emergency lights on standby so you won’t feel so alone.

In this uncharted territory, virginal and untamed, yet wonderfully pristine, Calaguas Islands is the new Eden of this generation. In this true gem in the heart of Camarines Norte, serenity meets creation.

Getting to Calaguas Ride a Superlines or Philtranco bus going to Daet, which will cost about PHP600 each way.

Prepare yourself for an 8-10 hour bus ride. Bring a blanket, pillow and anything on your our mobile phone or tablet to watch. (If you’re traveling at night, the lights in the bus will be turned off and you won’t be able to read.)

Tell the bus driver you’ll get off at Talobatid Junction (centro) then ride a bus going to Paracale. Fee is PHP200. From Paracale, ride a tricycle to the fish port. The fee for the pump boat is PHP6,000 - PHP10,000, depending on the size of the boat. Check around for other passengers going the same way so you can possibly share and divide the cost. Estimated travel time is two hours.

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COMMUNITY

‘Outdoor Art Project’ brings creative interpretations of Dubai through the eyes of 12 artists Photos by Jewel Rovera

Dubai through the eyes of 12 Emirati and UAE-based artists came to life with the second ‘Outdoor Art Project,’ launched by the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), the Emirate’s dedicated Authority for culture, arts, and heritage, and Dubai Properties Group (DPG), at a community event that was held at Bay Avenue that brought together residents, families, and the creative community.

The art works of selected artists are displayed at Bay Avenue, a new retail destination at Executive Towers in Business Bay, developed by DPG, and depict the artistic expression of the evolution of Dubai, covering everything from its economic and social infrastructure to its cultural and artistic landscape.

Based on the theme ‘This is Dubai, the city that I lived,’ selected artists including FN Designs, Mohammed Al Marzouqi, Hadier Shihabi, Areej Al Hammadi,

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Michal Teague, Darwin Guevarra, Sandra Surtie, Lucas Surtie, Elise Vazelakis, Farah Nasri, Amal Al Beiti, and Flordeliza Pesigan, explore an array of mediums ranging from photography to video and mixed media installations, to express their creative inspirations.

Khalil Abdulwahid, Manager of Visual Arts, Dubai Culture & Arts Authority, said: “The vivid showcase of works unveiled as part of the second ‘Outdoor Art Project’ shows the cultural influence of Dubai in our artists. They derive inspiration from the city’s constantly evolving landscapes – be it heritage, customs, and traditions or socio-economic growth.”

Other works include: Farah Nasri’s mixed media Projecting an Oasis out of a desert canvas; Elise Vazelakis’ installation of the rich Arabesque architecture; Darwin Guevarra’s City of Dreamers, a mixed media artwork using scrap and found objects; Sandra Surtie’s Wall Stencils, inspired by the urban environment; Lucas Surtie’s Abstract Arabesque, a classic harmony, symmetry and balance of the multiculturalism in Dubai; Michal Teague’s Drift, an installation highlighting the phenomenon of fleeting beauty that often goes unnoticed; Hadier Shihabi’s This is Dubai, a series of short films

Filipino artists Darwin ‘Japat’ Guevarra, and Flordeliza Pesigan proudly display their artworks

and documentaries following various people in Dubai; and Flordeliza Pesigan’s The Commingling, an acrylic painting reiterating the city’s assimilated outlook.

The works under the ‘Outdoor Art Project’ will be on display at the Bay Avenue through the year. Dubai Culture is committed to driving the Emirate’s development as an influential driver of culture and the arts in the region, by building a strong creative environment, nurturing and developing talent and strengthening artistic community engagement.

FILCOM Leads Philippine Independence Day Celebrations

PCG Exhibits: “It’s More Fun in the Philippines” The Consulate General of the Republic of the Philippines in Dubai opened an exhibit in the spirit of the Department of Tourism’s (DOT) new campaign slogan “It’s More Fun in the Philippines.”

Cong. Florencio T. Miraflores, Chairman, Committee on Tourism, Cong. Alfredo A. Garbin, Vice Chairperson, Cong.

Francisco T. Matugas, Committee Member, DOT Assistant Secretary Benito C. Bengzon Jr., and Consul General Benito B. Valeriano, led the ceremonial ribbon cutting as the lobby of the Consulate General was made open to the viewing public.

In the spirit of “More Fun”, while the guests entered the gallery, selected students from The Philippine School (TPS) performed a Latin dance number quickly

followed by their rendition of “Pandango sa Ilaw” to the surprise and delight of the viewers. Michael Cinco, renowned Filipino haute couturier, also lent two (2) pieces from his collection which further enhanced the color and depth of the exhibit.

The exhibit which ran from the 4th to 10th May 2012 and is sponsored

by Moneygram and Al Rostamani, was held under the supervision of Vice Consul Geronimo Suliguin.

The Filipino Community in Dubai and the Northern Emirates, under the auspices of the Philippine Consulate General, is celebrating its biggest event - the 114th Independence Day on the 8th June 2012 at the Al Safa Stadium, Dubai. The whole day activity will showcase different talents of Filipinos like dancing, singing and other special performances. Orbit Showtime Network will bring artists from the Philippines including Jessa Zaragosa, Jay-R and Jennylyn Mercado to grace the affair.

The event is sponsored by - OSN and Money Gram, Camella Homes, Anlene and LBC Worldwide Express. Also providing their support are Emirates Airlines, Mediacom, IFFCO, Asiana Hotel - Boracay and Barrio Fiesta.

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ILLUSTRADO

Photos by Donald Rosales Christina Linaza Mariyah Gaspacho

DAY OF SISTERHOOD

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Illustrado threw a community event for Filipinas in the UAE on the 6th April 2012, at the Almas Tower, Jumeirah Lake Towers, Dubai.

Dubbed the “Day of Sisterhood” the whole day affair dedicated to celebrating “Pinay Power” saw a gathering of 400 Filipinas from all walks of life, who came together for a whole day of learning and bonding.

An offshoot of Illustrado’s Women of Substance campaign, an advocacy devoted to the empowerment of Filipinas in the region, the Day of Sisterhood’s became a venue where attendees were provided useful information on topics that could help them enrich their lives. The event also became a platform where the women were able to fearlessly discuss personal concerns and issues, especially those related to reproductive health and sexual empowerment.

The affair was graced by Ambassador Grace Relucio-Princesa who opened the event with a non-denominational prayer.

Most awaited during the affair was the open forum session with renowned psychologist, author and TV personality, Illustrado columnist Dr. Margarita Holmes who flew to Dubai especially for the Women of Substance and Day of Sisterhood events. During the discussion,

Dr. Holmes, together with host Lalaine Chu-Benitez, Illustrado’s Publisher and Editor-in-Chief, highlighted the message that women should make the right decisions for themselves and see to it that they protect their well-being – especially when it comes to their own sexuality as well as reproductive health.

Lending their expertise on other useful topics for Filipinas were Engr. Mary Jane Alvero Al Mahdi (career advancement), Financial Consultant Bey Celso (financial literacy and planning), Style Consultant Agnes Aquino-Briggs (style, image and grooming), Sherwin Lim (investing and Philippine real estate) and Jhasmin Cipriano (Pinays Take Charge Guideline).

Also adding to the educational and fun aspect of the event were the demo on Self-Defense for Women conducted by Ibrahim Rubel Beltran, a mini make-up workshop led by locally renowned makeup artist Ginno Alducente, as well as the

live painting session by artist Flordeliza Pesigan.

Other elements such as the hourly Titan Watches give-away, displays from local Filipina entrepreneurs and Pinay MakeOver, as well as the free bone scan from Anlene, give-aways from Dove, Ayala Land, Xpress Money, Dunia, Giordano, as well as refreshments from Al Ain Dairy, Arab Beverages and Galang LLC made for an enjoyable day of bonding the attendees will not forget.

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THE HEAT IS ON

By Aby Yap

It’s on the dusty street you agonizingly traverse every day. The view of manong’s sa malamig doesn’t even help alleviate the feeling of drying out a.k.a tuyo’t tigang. Of course, you realize you have to buy one to quench your thirst, but it’s such an effort to dig into your pockets for cash and gently remind manong not to touch the ends of the straw so you decide it’s not worth it.

It’s inside your head, too, thoughts of sothis-is-how-siopao-being-steamed-feelslike on replay mode that you vow out of empathy not to buy siopao and dim sum ever again at least until May 2012 is over.

All the while you’re quietly singing that Glenn Frey 80s hit, “The heat is on…yeah, on the street?”

Thirty six degrees Celsius (and rising) with 7,107 times the fun —welcome to 90 days of summer in the Philippines!

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Pinoy Tag-init Starts Now Whether you’re the type who’d go beachin,’ bleachin,’ or b*tchin’ once the hot season sets in, you know it’s officially summer in the archipelago when...

• There’s an even greater demand for skin whitening/sunblocking/moisturizing products and umbrellas/raincoats. We admit - we’re scared of the big, bad sun.

It could ruin our chances of becoming an artista or joining PBB (Pinoy Big Brother).

• We can’t help taking a bath more often than we brush our teeth because we just can’t stand the sight/smell/sound/touch/ flavor/idea/philosophy of sweat. And neither can we put up with sweaty people on the MRT/LRT. So help us, MWSS. • Halo-halo (with ube ice cream on top, please) takes the place of mocha frappucino during merienda for a change.

Sorry, Starbucks, it’s hard to resist a classic favorite. Plus, we’re trying to save up for a summer trip.

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hipper jingles, and more bonggacious productions. So, when is Kapatid’s coming out? It will be June soon.

• We don’t care much about the secret components of ice tubig, whether the pail used in making iskrambol is a little ewww, or if dirty ice cream is indeed dirty. We just want to be saved from dehydration.

Getting Hot in Here

• Kids are partying hard, celebrating freedom from school. Parents are freaking out from the household chaos. The yayas are back in their hometowns for their bakasyon grande. Life could be fair.

Even the best of us get burned by the heat, try as we might to soak ourselves in icycold waters (sarap!). You wish summer would just end when these things begin to bother you:

• We sneak in an extra few hours online to (1) check for piso fares and vacation group coupons, (2) stalk Facebook contacts’ latest whereabouts, and (3) figure out to how to best pull off the jump shot… Sshhh, don’t tell the boss.

• Magnum, overpriced as it is, is sold out everywhere you go and yet your Facebook contacts have been posting their Magnum moment photos every hour. You begin to wonder if this is a conspiracy against you.

• One-third of the Filipino population is in Boracay, Palawan, Batangas, and Laguna.

Another one-third is in Baguio, Sagada, and Tagaytay. And the balance third is inside shopping malls enjoying free AC. • Everyone is too eager to spend thousands of pesoses for scanty clothing, i.e. bikinis to go parading a.k.a. rampa with on the beach, or loose pambahay shirts and puruntong shorts anyway. Chill, no one is complaining.

• Our motto becomes “Galaw-galaw para di ma-stroke.” And our goal, to turn away from lechon, hamon, and chicharon — our sinfully delicious vices. Unless when we’re invited to fiestas. We don’t want to disappoint our hosts – yeah right.

• Kapamilya and Kapuso broadcast their summer station IDs, outdoing each other with bigger stars, longer airtime,

• Pinoy telenovela’s list of missing kids is getting longer: Yuri, Via, Javier, Sophia, Noemi, Shane, Jennifer, Amaya, Mara/ Clara, and Daniel. Someone should tell their parents that DNA testing is now available in the Philippines.

• Charice, for all her talents and triumphs, has earned the ire of some kababayans because of her new blonde hairdo and tattoo. But why? There’s no proof that dye and ink can affect vocal chords.

• Venus blew her major, major chance.

Shamcey’s answer was corny. Pacman speaks funny English. Cheesa could be prettier. Jessica doesn’t declare her roots.

Oh, Pinoys can be that demanding (and unreasonable).

• The “Proud to be Pinoy” comment is deemed misused and abused when we hail Filipino (or part-Filipino) achievers. Yes, it’s cliché but when did proclivity to stock

phrases become a crime against humanity?

Live and let live.

• Being emo on Facebook, a.k.a announcing all your troubles, is everyone’s right. But don’t blame people if they find it hard to believe that “pasan mo ang daigdig” when you still have the time to update your status.

• Watching housemates do their own drama – Teleserye ng Totoong Buhay.

Bringing petty issues on national television – Talakserye with Tiyang Amy. Fighting on Facebook through parinigan comments – Facebookserye. We must really love a live show.

• To Korean actress mimicking the Filipino English accent, BBC comedy series with a Filipina maid character, Alec Baldwin joking about a Filipino mail-order-bride: we cried “Foul!” And when a kabayan plays Enday with Bisakol accent on TV, we laugh merrily.

• If you’re an OF, you instantly become the appointed godparent, gift giver, pasalubong sender, money lender, tuition donor, and/or charitable institution. You won’t be called a modern hero for nothing (in return).

• Everyone says they respect you — as long as you don’t voice out your opinions or you share in their perceived truth. So, don’t stay too long on social networking sites, get rid of your frenemies, and just relax, see a movie. Enjoy the summer, when it’s (even) hotter in the Philippines!