ILLUSTRADO Magazine May 2014

PHOTOGRAPHY by EROS GOZE

EDITOR’S NOTE

Fitting into my own size

Trust your hairstylist to give you some of life’s unequivocal

But the truth of the matter is that all the exercise, dieting and

truths. I know I do. In one of those a la Oprah realizations,

aesthetic and surgical solutions in the world cannot fix you -

Ibrahim, my salon-shrink extraordinaire gave me a life

if your head isn’t fixed. Ergo, one can never be good enough,

lesson that I can’t forget and would often repeat to anybody

unless you’ve accepted yourself wholly and love who you are

who would listen.

– muffin tops, jiggly bits, pimples and all. It’s really not about

He was suggesting a short bob then, which got me all stressed out. “What? With my big face begging for cheekbones? My

how small your waistline is, but how magnanimous you are to yourself, forgiving yourself for your flaws.

face too round? I just don’t have what it takes to go short

I would always promote fitness as the right way to go, and

haired,” I moaned. He just looked at me incredulously and

I probably won’t recommend that you go eating cake every

said – “Nothing is wrong with your face; but something is

single day to your heart’s content. But there are other

wrong with your brain.”

things we need to take care of even before we go on that

Aha moment. A simple truth delivered between highlights and shampoo. Nonetheless, one with a deep meaning that would resonate with our common fixation on having that ‘ideal’ body and appearance. Beyond my round face, it’s almost the same thing I would hear from friends when I

mission to achieve six-pack abs, or go on a full scale boycott of ‘evil’ carbs and fats. More than anything else, we need to subscribe to a steady diet of affirmations, a constant exercise of healthy reality check, supplemented with a mega dose of self-acceptance and just the right amount of confidence.

complain about not being slim enough to wear the dresses

Beauty comes in a myriad of shapes, sizes and yes, even

I like. And now funny enough, it’s the very phrase I would

facial features. Most importantly, real beauty, the one

repeat to those who would grumble about the same

that truly matters, cannot be found in your vital statistics,

concerns I used to vex myself with.

somebody’s perfect jawline, or your neighbor’s flawless skin.

You could say that insecurity is part of the human condition.

We often think we’re not slim enough, not tall enough, not flawless enough, or not attractive enough. We look at others admiringly and look at ourselves, eyes downcast, thinking that we really could use more threadmill time, that we should give up cake, probably go for that wrinkle-paralyzing injection, even change our body and face totally if we could.

It can be only be found in your head.

Take it from my hairstylist. I swear, he knows.

Taas Noo, Filipino.

LALAINE CHU-BENITEZ Publisher and Editor-in-Chief

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T A L K I N G L O U D Write to us at: admin@illustrado.net or join the discussion at IIlustrado Magazine’s Facebook page

Yeah, baybeehhh!

Antoinette

For #UsapangIllustrado, our dear readers reflect on the best age and stage of their lives.

I loved my 20s. Every body part was taut, perky and firm and I didn’t even have to exercise! Kahit extra rice pa, sige lang, may abs pa din. I began to notice a difference in my body in my early 30s. If I went on holiday and pigged out, the holiday weight would certainly catch up with me. Then even with diet and exercise, there was a lot of effort required to maintain my weight.

So for those of who are in your 20s who think “I’m so fat”—trust me. You’ll only realize what you had (or didn’t have, in the case of that excess fat) when you’re in your ages. Habang may panahon pa, if you have it flaunt it.

Nagmimistulang bientedos pa, ~Neneng I love love love being in my 30s. I’m young enough to do what I want, make enough to save a little bit here and there and old enough not to care about what people think.

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I hated my 20s. I was so poor. I didn’t have a stable job and couldn’t enjoy the usual things that other 20somethings would enjoy like going out with friends or partying all night. How could I party all night when I didn’t have a car? I was always dependent on others, laging nakikisakay.

I guess now that I’m in my 50s—I just got here—I’m more conscious about sharing my blessings with others. ~Bebette Basta lagi na lang ako nagpapasalamat sa nasa Itaas na malusog at masaya ang aking pamilya. Wala sa edad ang sakit o kalusugan man. ~Nidah 39, my age now, will always be special to me. I thought I wasn’t going to have a child anymore but I guess we’re proof that miracles happen if you continue to believe.

We’re so blessed. ~Donnie and Grace I love the wisdom that comes with age.

Really. Your naivete is replaced with a balanced realism. Yun nga lang, your face and your body begin to show the passage of time. Buti na lang may Botox! Haha! ~ Ton-Ton I was just thinking back to what I would tell my 20 year old something if I had the chance and I think I’d tell her to be more fearless and to not be so concerned about what other people think. You can’t ever

change what other people think so why even bother? ~ Heny If I live to be a 100, I would want to look back at my life and think about it as a life that was well-lived and that people will remember me as someone who was wellloved. I don’t have to be loved by a lot of people, just by those who matter.

For now, I’m hanging loose in my ripe ol’ age of 37. ~Dan-Dan For any age or any stage, moisturizer and sun block are the answer. ~ Kayumangging Maria I love my 50s. I guess it has something to do with all those fabulous looking women who are flaunting their age. We singkwentas have someone to look up to now and can now look forward to growing old. If you look as great as those women, and I truly believe that with proper diet and exercise, you can, then what’s there to fear? ~Betty I’m turning 40 and as always, when you cross over to the next decade, there is a feeling of fear and anxiety. My motto now is “no regrets”. So I’ll live everyday as if it were my last. ~Marybel

CONTRIBUTORS MAY 2014

BO SANCHEZ

ALFRED A. YUSON

You’ve probably already read his best-selling books, attended one of his seminars, or even seen him on TV or online. Bo Sanchez – or Bro. Bo, doesn’t really need any introduction. This Ten Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) awardee, best-selling author and respected speaker shares worthwhile words of wisdom with Illustrado readers in his column on Spirituality. In this body issue, Bro. Bo gives us a run-down of 10 tips to a healthy body. You’ll be surprised at how it is linked to spirituality.

Esteemed writer Krip Yuson has earned distinctions as a literary author of over 20 other books — from poetry, short stories, children’s stories, biographies, and translation. A Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature Hall-of-Famer, Krip regales us with this musings in his column, “Illuminati”. On Facebook, he writes about how mosquitoes are taking over his village and how he grieves over the impending closure of a Makati hotel that serves his favorite whiskey.

ATTY. BARNEY ALMAZAR, ESQ. Atty. Barney is a director at the Commercial Department of Gulf Law in the Middle East, Philippines and United Kingdom. He holds Juris Doctor and MBA dual degrees with concentration on International Business and European Union Law (University of London). He is a partner at Avanti Gulf, a recruitment company with access to 400 firms and 16,000 recruiters across six continents.

His easy to understand article cuts down the legalese into bite-size pieces. This month’s column on the Dubai Code of Conduct is a must-read for newcomers and veteran residents alike.

HERSON NEBAYA FRANCISCO COLAYCO Resident personal finance guru Francisco J Colayco introduces a new character by the name of Juan in his personal finance column. Juan will also be introduced in a new TV show, “Nang Magising si Juan” which will outline the typical personal finance journey of every Filipino.

ABY YAP Aby’s Onli in the Philippines cloumn touches on stories celebrating the exciting uniqueness, the sheer honesty and humor, of Pinoy culture. Aby captures Pinoy way of life so well that everyone can relate to her column or at least see one of your relatives among them! In this issue, Aby writes about the mad rush to get that bikini-worthy body in “We Know What You Do for Summer”.

Herson Nebaya shoots this month’s body-con fashion editorial featuring model Olivia Medina. Apart from Illustrado, Herson’s work has graced Accent, Elegant and Blanc magazines, as well as Male Models Scene and Megastyle online. He has also photographed a commercial campaign for Sennheiser and Listening in Style, as well as FADAL Manila. Herson began his career as fashion photographer in 2011 after earning a certificate at the Fashion Institute of the Philippines.

His photography credentials include training at the International Center of Photography (ICP) & Pace University in New York, Philippine Center for Creative Imaging (PCCI) as well as workshops by photography legend Joe McNally.

EXCEL V. DYQUIANGCO Excel Dyquianco is both a vagabond and a writer. He has tackled all sorts of issues for Illustrado including planning for the future (which included getting a memorial plan) and travel tips. This month, he gets off the wanderer’s trail to write about how to take care of your body at every age and life stage.

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ANNA OPOSA Anna Oposa’s job title is “Chief Mermaid” of Save Philippine Seas, but it might just be “globetrotter” as well. As a World Economic Forum Global Shaper, Anna is hopping from one country to another, attending conferences and meetings on pressing global issues. When there’s any downtime at all for her, she’ll rustle up an article for Illustrado on issues that matter to her as a Filipina. For this month, Anna interviews the bald and the beautiful Aby Asistio.

CHAMPIONING THE WORLD CLASS FILIPINO

PUBLISHER & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Lalaine Chu-Benitez CREATIVE DIRECTOR Mon Benitez ASSOCIATE EDITOR Ana Santos COLUMNISTS Aby Yap Alfred “Krip” Yuson Bernadette Reyes Bo Sanchez Francisco Colayco CONTRIBUTING WRITERS – UAE, Mary Ann “Maps” PHILIPPINES, CANADA Santos SWITZERLAND Nephele Kirong Angela Mapa Nikka Sarthou Anna Oposa Nina Terol-Zialcita Barbara Marchadesch P.A. Escalante Candice Lopez Quimpo Princes Nedamo Dante Gagelonia Quay Evano Didi Paterno Rache Hernandez Excel Dyquianco Regina Layug-Lucero Kara Santos Mary Ann Marchadesch Sherry Tenorio Sonny Guzman CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS –UAE, PHILIPPINES & USA Eros Goze Alex Calueng Glenn Peter-Perez Cristina Linaza Dr. Marlon Pecjo Donald Rosales Raen Badua Filbert Kung Irvin Rivera CONTRIBUTING FASHION CREW - UAE Ginno Alducente Jessie Tabla Jojo Padua

MAY 2014 %50 CONTENTS The fierce Olivia Medina sports the hottest summer fashion from Filipino designers in Manila in this issue’s style editorial shot by Herson Nebaya.

features Strong is the New Beautiful 12 The Bald and the Beautiful 32 Gee, your kabayan smells good! 68 Caring for your body at every age 70

regular columns Editor’s Note 1

PUBLISHER – UAE Illustrado Communications FZ-LLC 2nd Floor, Building 2, Dubai Media City United Arab Emirates P.O. Box 72280 Office 20C Tel: +971 4 365 4543, 365 4547 Fax: +971 4 360 4771 E-mail: admin@illustrado.net Web: illustradolife.com, illustrado.net Facebook: Illustrado Magazine Twitter: Illustrado Magazine PRINTERS Printwell Printing LLC P.O. Box 18828 Dubai, UAE STOCK IMAGES Dreamstime.com (Unless otherwise specified) Copyright Illustrado Communications FZLLC 2006 – 2014 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.

Talking Loud 2 Contributors 4 Illuminati: The Body Eclectic 8 It’s What I Do 36 Spirituality: 10 Habits to a Healthy Body 40 Money: Nang Magising si Juan 42 Law: Bare Essentials 44 Scrapbook 46 Onli in da Pilipins: I know what you do in summer! 84 On the Prowl, In the Know 86

fashion Fashion: 50 Real Style, Real People 62 Dressing up for the heat 72 What’s your bikini style 74

Places My Pinoy Life in Bangkok 78 Sweet Escape: Bacolod 80

78 12

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ILLUMINATI

The body eclectic

by KRIP YUSON

O

On a recent Bali jaunt, stepping into Kuta Beach first thing in the morning and staking our spot (renting a couple of lounge chairs under a large umbrella) a few meters from the sea, what do we see but a couple of ladies, Westerners from their yet pale color, sunning on the sand, naked. Topless, that is.

Of course the sight initially grabs one’s attention, even if only for a minute, and even if it’s an expected happenstance on this popular beach that forever caters to holidaying Australians and Europeans. That minute may include whipping out an iPhone and training its camera lens, fingered to adequate zoom for greater invasion of privacy, on the bodies whose particularly inviting features are soaking in the sun.

Mind you, at this voyeur’s age, hardly any prurient interest is raised. (Or must be, since a lady is with me, occupying the other lounge chair.)

The stolen shots are simply an expression of aesthetic appreciation — hey, the lady with me also took her own — as well as non-grudging admission that it’s not every day when one is treated to such curiosa at a public place.

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And oh yes, the graphic thievery may also earn bragging rights on the exotica more than erotica of foreign travel — guaranteed to raise envy among Friends (not necessarily male) on Facebook when posted. Then too, with selfies enhanced by topless photobombers, one establishes where he/ she’s at: on a beach that allows bodies (not necessarily assets) to be flaunted, the heck with voyeurism.

Getting onto a nudist beach is still on my bucket list. So I’ll take what I can: any halfclad state that suggests further completion.

As a cock-eyed optimist, I can say the picture’s half full, not even partly empty.

In any case, at my age, the body becomes even more boldly curious — as an object of circumspection apart from continuing appreciation and yet undiminished desire.

Consider the fabled eye for the well-turned ankle; the aesthetic principles involved remain in the pink of health.

Approaching Mother’s Day, the Significant Other bestowed this old geezer the highest honor by presenting an advance gift, more than suggesting that we were equal, as single mothers. Or, oh well, okay, single parents.

Parenting is an ageing process, of course, through all that loving and caring we bundle along in tedious if rewarding portage of a lifetime.

The gift was a brand new basketball, a Spalding, with the OKC Thunder logo, which just happens to be my fondest of the brands for NBA teams.

I was very happy holding, fondling, and eventually trying out that ball with the first few dribbles. All the memories of basketballs past — shared with age peers, uncles, friends, neighbors, antagonists, thence my own sons right outside our home where I had a goalpost set up — raced through the thudding moments.

Now I have to walk to the park a block away and try out that ball on an actual court, attempt to revive the old skill from the free throw line. I used to be better than Shaquille O’Neal in that department, could regularly make 7 or 8 out of 10 tries from 15 feet out.

I’d be happy if I made at least 3-of-10 netswooshers now.

And the next day, sure as the current NBA Playoffs will continue to thrill us till the Finals in June, my right arm will feel deadened, and very sore.

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50, 60, 70% — or better than what Shaq’s used to be, or current center Deandre Jordan’s, of our current rival the Los Angeles Clippers.

As I write this, we’re down 0-1, and look troubled, as we had been in Round 1 when we eventually dispatched the everdangerous Memphis Grizzlies, but had to do so by coming back from 2-3 down. Maybe we won’t be as lucky and plucky against the Clippers, and it’ll break my heart again — until my beloved Thunder reach the Finals, and win it all someday.

But of course, whatever happens, I’ll continue to devote morning hours to the daily contests brought live on television — watching grown men display body English in all levels of physical skill, grace, and power. Oh what these big guys can do with their bodies.

Whatever muscles there were that I used to employ in half an hour of tossing a basketball from the charity stripe have close to atrophied. The sudden strain will likely result in patches of Salonpas decorating the biceps on my right arm. For days. Until a return engagement in that village park court.

Do I look forward to it? Yes. It’s as good an occasion as any, and as appropriate as all get-out, given that it’s Maytime, the height of summer and tropical heat, and with the NBA Playoffs undergoing Round Two after a

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historically explosive Round One where the mano-a-mano contests among 16 teams were mostly tightly fought so that these produced 5 Game 7s!

Now it won’t be enough to remain a couch potato enjoying vicarious athletic thrills.

Every time my team, the Oklahoma City Thunder, led by recently crowned first-time MVP Kevin Durant, notches up another win — and I hope these stretch out to the 16 required of a championship — I should walk to that court and celebrate by upping my foul-shooting percentage to… 40%? Then

As for ever elevating my dates with my brand new basketball from foul-throw shooting to sharing it by getting into an actual game — one-on-one, two-on-two, three-on-three, or heavens, a full-court fiveon-five — forget it. My body can’t and won’t take it. Not beyond a minute.

I’ve long realized, anyway, that I’ve long been in that phase of existence where I should be content to appreciate other bodies, diverse and eclectic as they get — from those of topless ladies on a beach to men in shorts and muscle tees thumping their way on the hard court.

ILLUSTRADO BODY BEAUTIFUL

DIVINE MASINSIN GEL Master Trainer, PT and GX Instructor at Fitness 360

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ILLUSTRADO BODY BEAUTIFUL

STRONG IS THE NEW BEAUTIFUL

By Nicholo Jallores PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALEX CALUENG

Dare we open a nasty can of worms: what makes a body “beautiful?”

Is it the long, toned dancer’s limbs that extend unto eternity out of Gwyneth Paltrow’s torso? Is it the number of packs in Ryan Reynold’s abdomen? Must you have Kim Kardashian’s child-bearing hips, or Kylie Minogue’s compact buns of titanium?

What do you need to be a respected citizen of the world: the immense musculature of an MMA fighter, or the streamlined physique of a lightweight boxer? Let’s make the query a bit more succinct: what kind of body does society demand of you, NOW? From the 1400’s to the early 16th century, “voluptuous” was all the rage. Plumpness was regarded as a sign of wealth and ranking in the Renaissance society – the province of aristocrats and noble lords – whereas slenderness was reserved for the paupers. You weren’t thin because you wouldn’t eat; you were thin because you couldn’t eat. In the Victorian age, it was considered classy to be hour glass-y. Men and women alike wore tight corsets to achieve the ultra desirable V-shaped midsection. It was not unheard of to break a rib or two to fit into a dress. The 1960’s brought us the hippies, the beatniks, and the mods.

By then, rail thin was in – evidence of which was the era’s most celebrated model, aptly named Twiggy. A time jump into the

90’s would reveal the reign of gladiatorial supermodels, Baywatch babes and Calvin Klein underwear ads – until Kate Moss happened, and then it was the way of the waif all over again.

Society’s standard of beauty is a poor benchmark because it constantly shifts and changes. What you consider ideal today could be completely ridiculous 10 years from now. You know what doesn’t change?

The human ambition. What we want changes; what will never change is that we will always want more – out of our careers, out of our relationships, out of our bodies.

Life offers endless opportunities for us to go bigger, better, and higher. We are on a never-ending quest to expand our territory, and what we need is the endurance and the strength to go after what we desire. Will and cunning alone won’t cut it. Oftentimes, achieving success comes down to pure physical fortitude.

Foolhardy and shortsighted it would be to simply consider your body as a mere work of art, to be sculpted and fashioned in accordance to society’s fickle paradigms.

Form is the norm; but your attention must be on function. Your body is a vessel and conduit for your ambition. Like a sword you must hammer it and hone it to a fine edge, all the better to cut through life’s everyday obstacles. Like an extraordinary machine

you must keep it well-oiled and finely tuned, all the faster to get to where you are going. It bears noting that strength comes in all shapes and forms. Rock hard pecs and cannonball delts do not necessarily equate to cardiovascular resilience, just as it would be inaccurate to assume that a full-figured mother of three cannot possibly execute a proper Yoga headstand, or do more crunches than you in Pilates. A seasoned runner may outlast you in a marathon, but you may very well leave him in the dust in a Cross Fit class. There is no one-size-fits-all formula to achieving the “perfect” physique that ticks all the fitness boxes. In the end, it’s up to you to decide how you want to configure your body – which specific function you want it to excel at, and which abilities you can do away with.

The point is to have the body that YOU need, and not just the one that everybody else wants you to have. Never mind skinny.

Never mind sexy. You must be strong.

Strength will take you places. Strength is power. Strength is beauty.

We searched high and low for ambassadors who best represent this “strength in beauty” philosophy. May their hard-earned achievements serve as your blueprint as you transform and re-engineer your body into the powerhouse that it deserves to be.

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ILLUSTRADO BODY BEAUTIFUL

“KEEP MOVING!”

DIVINE MASINSIN RICA RODRIGUEZ

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ILLUSTRADO BODY BEAUTIFUL

‘KEEP MOVING’

DIVINE MASINSIN & RICA RODRIGUEZ

THE WARRIOR SISTERS DIVINE MASINSIN GEL Master Trainer, PT and GX Instructorr at Fitness 360

RICA RODRIGUEZ PTA Global Master Trainer, Group GX Manager, PT and GX Instructor at Fitness 360 What they do: A holistic approach to building cardiovascular strength that integrates dance with sports endurance and weight training.

What they eat: Eat clean, and train dirty! We follow a weight gain, lean protein program. We prepare our own food. It’s usually 3 main meals of grilled chicken or fish, measured rice or quinoa, and healthy salads.

It’s a cool program because we still get to eat rice!

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ILLUSTRADO BODY BEAUTIFUL

RICA RODRIGUEZ PTA Global Master Trainer, Group GX Manager, PT and GX Instructor at Fitness 360

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ILLUSTRADO BODY BEAUTIFUL

“JUST SWEAT IT OUT!”

ALEX CALUENG

THE FRIENDLY NEIGHBORHOOD HUNK ALEX CALLUENG Photographer and Model What he does: I work out when I can, as often as I can.

My schedule doesn’t really permit me to hammer down a definitive schedule for working out, but I hit the gym whenever I have extra time. I cannot go a week without working out.

What he eats: A fitness regimen starts in the kitchen. Diet is key. Mostly, I eat less carbs – that means no rice, no pasta no bread no sugary foods. But I do have a cheat day, at least once a month.

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ILLUSTRADO BODY BEAUTIFUL

“YOUR BODY IS A TEMPLE. TAKE CARE OF IT!” CJ LIM

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ILLUSTRADO BODY BEAUTIFUL

‘WHEN I GO IN FRONT OF THE CAMERA, I FEEL LIKE I BELONG. SOMETHING JUST FEELS SO RIGHT’ THE SUPER TRAINER

resistance training and cardio combined with a well thought out nutrition programme.

CJ LIM

What he eats: I have a very balanced and realistic approach to eating. I eat generally healthy food 6 days per week - mainly trying to avoid processed food. Whenever I can, I try to eat organic as often as possible. I always have a day off eating at the weekend.

My wife and I like to be adventurous and like to experiment in different restaurants and sometimes even indulge in a bit of desert.

My all-time favorite cheat food is ice cream.

Personal Fitness Instructor What he does: I have always believed in resistance and cardiovascular training coupled with Pilates to maintain flexibility and a good mind body connection. I exercise on average 6 days per week doing a combination of high intensity training,

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ILLUSTRADO BODY BEAUTIFUL

THE IRON MAN RONALD MOLIT Triathlete, Winner of Pearl Qatar Triathlon 2014 What he does: I’m into the endurance sport of Triathlon. So I go by our club’s mantra”Since there is no finishline, then we swim, we ride and we run some more!”. It is a growing sport that’s taking the world by storm, and I am blessed to be considered among its trailblazers. I won my 1st ironman competition back home, in Camarines Sur, 4 years ago. Since then I’ve participated

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in some of the biggest Triathlons in the Philippines and here in the Gulf. On bucket list is the crown jewel of Triathlon races, the KONA Ironman, and its double the Ironman 70.3. This is what I’m training for.

What he eats: I’m a firm believer that there is no diet that will do what healthy eating does. I suggest that you all skip the diet, and instead, choose to eat healthy. With the volume of activities I indulge in, I just choose the kind of food that fuels me best: lean meat of beef and chicken, with generous servings of fruits and vegetables, plus seafood from time to time.

ILLUSTRADO BODY BEAUTIFUL

“SINCE THERE IS NO FINISH LINE, THEN WE SWIM, WE RIDE AND WE RUN SOME MORE!” RONALD MOLIT

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ILLUSTRADO BODY BEAUTIFUL

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ILLUSTRADO BODY BEAUTIFUL

“LIFE IS TOO SHORT TO BE WEAK.”

ANGELO GABRIEL AMANTE

THE HARD- HITTING HYBRID ANGELO GABRIEL AMANTE Personal Trainer at Fitness 360 What he does: I do a hybrid of traditional isolation, HIIT (High Intensity interval training), and Cross Fit workouts. I exercise 5-6 times a week. Awareness to my diet based on my trainings is the main key.

What he eats: No special diet; just awareness. When I eat a lot I work out a lot; when I workout hard, I eat hard (but clean non-fatty foods) and I stray away from fast food restaurants. On my cheat days, I like to eat the ultimate “bro” food: pizza!

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ILLUSTRADO BODY BEAUTIFUL

THE FITNESS ENCHANTRESS

Former Flight Attendant and Body Jam Instructor

recently got into pole dancing. I work out at least thrice a week, doing different things.

One thing I have noticed when one keeps on doing the same routine is that in time your body adapts to the activity, so you need to basically keep on shocking your body so it won’t get used to one thing. And of course as they say, it is 90% diet and 10% exercise.

That’s why I am into numerous exercises.

What she does: I try different activities because I easily get bored with routines.

Currently I am into Cross Fit. I used to teach Body Jam. I also did boxing for a time, and

What she eats: One thing I’ve learned is to never restrict yourself from eating, but keep everything in moderation. Depriving one’s self leads to a tendency to binge. I say you

YESSEY MARTINEZ SOLANO

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can eat “what” you want, just not “all” you want.

On being considered “curvy”: I used to have a problem about being a naturally curvy girl in the Asian side of the world, especially in the Philippines. But through the years, I’ve learned to accept and even celebrate who I am. I highly doubt that I will be a reed-thin Vogue cover girl, but really; who wants to hug a stick anyway? Everyone is unique.

Find what makes you stand out, and work it!

ILLUSTRADO BODY BEAUTIFUL

“IF YOU’VE GOT IT, FLAUNT IT!”

YESSY MARTINEZ SOLANO

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ILLUSTRADO BODY BEAUTIFUL

“TOGETHER,IN FITNESS AND IN HEALTH!”

RENUEL SANCHEZ & TRISH PASCUAL SANCHEZ

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ILLUSTRADO BODY BEAUTIFUL

THE POWER PARTNERS RENUEL SANCHEZ Fitness Professional & General Manager at MMA Fitness Center TRISH PASCUAL SANCHEZ Fitness Professional What they do: The husband and wife team both do weight training. Trish was never afraid to lift weights.

She knows for a fact that it doesn’t make women bulky; it makes them more toned. Renuel is into Mixed Martial Arts, the fastest growing sport in the world today. Trish does kickboxing. They lift weights 3 to 4 times a week, and practice MMA or kickboxing twice a week.

What they eat: ”We don’t have a special diet! Most people think we do, but it’s a lifestyle! We just try to eat natural foods as much as possible, so we avoid processed foods. Eat lean, be lean! Once or twice a week we have a cheat meal, when we eat whatever we want. Big fat burgers, chicharon, fried chicken – you name it! It’s more tempting when you miss it, so it’s ok to have it every once in a while. It’s certainly better than craving and having unhealthy food all the time!”

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ILLUSTRADO BODY BEAUTIFUL

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ILLUSTRADO BODY BEAUTIFUL

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ILLUSTRADO BODY BEAUTIFUL WE SCOURED SOCIAL MEDIA FOR SOME OF THE MOST BODY BEAUTIFUL FILIPINOS AROUND. LOOK WHOM WE FOUND

Gerald Calica Danao I am the first and only Filipino who finished the Wadi Bih Ultra-marathon solo category twice. Prior to running, I used to weigh 83 kgs. Now I’m 67 kgs and it even went down to 62 kgs during marathon season. I have become more confident with my new self. I have endeavored to let other people know that there are many options to attain the level of fitness that they want to achieve.

Crison Martesio I hit the gym 4 to 5 times a week for an hour. My fridge is always stacked with fruits, veggies and juice of different flavors. My fitness advice is to never forget to exercise. Do not deprive yourself, because in moderation there is abundance Photography by Tim Tejares Rios

Ever Reyes I’m an ISSA (International Sports & Science Association) certified personal trainer. I keep a focus in the scientific side of finding the best ways to fully optimize nutrition and weight lifting programs. I’ve been in this profession for over 15 years.

I continue to learn and educate myself so I can provide the most effective training and nutrition advice to my clients.

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ILLUSTRADO BODY BEAUTIFUL

Mheljey-Car R. Pastor I am a registered nurse, currently residing and working in Benghazi, Libya, and a former member of the FEU cheering squad. Staying fit and living healthy is a life-long investment.

It requires discipline, determination, and lots of motivation.

Make the decision to lead a healthier life today!

Photography by James Ian Palle

Yvonne Heruela I currently work as a receptionist in a fitness company. Considering the industry I worked for, it’s quite surprising that I haven’t really jumped into the workout craze, though I occasionally do sit-ups and run on the treadmill.

I watch my food as I am scared to become chunky as it is not ideal in relation to my petite height of 5”1.

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FEATURE

The Bald and the Beautiful SINGER AND HOST ABBY ASISTIO HAS BEEN TURNING HEADS SINCE SHE WAS 4 YEARS OLD.

by Anna Oposa

At 4, Abby was diagnosed with Alopecia Areata, a condition that affects hair-bearing skin. The immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles for reasons still unknown, resulting in hair loss in certain parts of the body. In a matter of months, Abby lost all the hair on her scalp and eyebrows.

For some people, the damage isn’t permanent. For others, like Abby, it is. Her parents explored all kinds of cures, from doctors to faith healers and everything in between. In a world where hair is considered our crowning glory and the shape of our eyebrows can make or break our facial features, Abby’s baldness turned many heads and raised many eyebrows.

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Abby was constantly teased and bullied in school. She constantly asked herself why she, of all people, had to endure such pain.

Abby gained a new perspective when she became a Christian in 2003. “Eventually my soul found solace in learning more about my identity in God,” she wrote on her blog. Through her unwavering faith, she found the courage to share her story on national television in 2008. Abby received an overwhelming response from loved ones and strangers alike. Messages of hope, encouragement, and support poured in.

“Maybe [having Alopecia] wasn’t such a bad thing after all. In fact, I could use my situation as a testimony to help others,” she wrote.

Alopecia Philippines In September 2012, Abby started a photo campaign in honor of Alopecia Areata Awareness Month using the hashtag #AlopeciaAreataAwareness. She called for people to post photos doing the AA hand sign to stir curiosity. The simple initiative worked, with names like Anne Curtis, Boy Abunda, Kris Aquino, Gary Valenciano, hiphop legend Snoop Dogg, and NBA star and co-Alopecia Awareness ambassador Charlie Villanueva joining the campaign.

In the same month, Abby organized the first Alopecia Awareness mini concert in the Philippines called Stripped where she first came out bald in public. “It was

FEATURE

“When one allows her heart to be delighted and passionate and hopeful and driven—that makes someone beautiful. When one rises above life’s trials, difficulties, pains, hurts, flaws, weakness and limitations—that bring about strength of character and courage, and that to me makes someone all the more beautiful. such a huge turning point for me. I was able to turn my back on the fears, hurts, and limitations brought about by years of having this condition,” she tells Illustrado.

A year later, she mounted the 2nd Stripped, where she introduced about 10 more strong, courageous individuals who had just accepted to rise above their Alopecia.

“Since then, we started the first Alopecia support group in the country, Alopecia Philippines,” she continues. She hopes to formalize the organization soon and gather funds and resources for it. “My dream is that our group would be so solid that whenever people need help with Alopecia, they could go to us directly for help, advice, support, tips, and materials.”

Abby also dreams of organizing a summer camp or weekend for kids and teenagers with Alopecia and their families to help them get started right and plant positive seeds in their hearts and minds for their individual journeys.

Real beauty and beyond Because Abby’s inner and outer beauty radiates, she was picked as one of Dove’s Real Beauty campaign ambassadors. “I was chosen as a muse for the prestigious

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Jing Monis Salon despite not having hair, and had a one-on-one interview with Boy Abunda in [his show], The Bottomline,” she recalls.

Abby reflects, “[It was] very overwhelming because I was being recognized for something that I spent so many years being ashamed and afraid of. I know for a fact that being called ‘beautiful’ just for being who I am and being brave and bold about it made such a strong impact to those struggling with their own self-esteem issues.”

Early this year, Abby released her song “Beautiful,” which she wrote when she went bald. “The main message of the song is that we’re all beautiful just the way we are. We should accept and embrace our uniqueness and learn to rise above our struggles.

These, after all, are the things that make us stronger, more courageous, and more beautiful individuals.”

#TheBeautifulProject In line with the release of the single, Abby also launched #TheBeautifulProject where she invites people to sing or perform “Beautiful” however way they want and post it on YouTube. “I will then collect the videos and create an official compilation

music video for it. I’m still hoping more people would join the project and support this movement. So far I’ve gotten videos from the Philippines, Canada, Mexico, and LA,” Abby reports.

Media, societies, and cultures have different standards and definitions for beauty. For Abby, a person is beautiful when her heart, soul, mind and spirit are alive.

“More than outer beauty, true beauty, as cliché as it may seem, really does spring from within. A person’s character, personality, dreams, hopes, desires and aspirations,” Abby says. “When one allows her heart to be delighted and passionate and hopeful and driven—that makes someone beautiful. When one rises above life’s trials, difficulties, pains, hurts, flaws, weakness and limitations—that bring about strength of character and courage, and that to me makes someone all the more beautiful.

“In the end, we could do so much to be beautiful in people eyes,” Abby adds. “What truly matters is the kind of person we end up becoming. This kind of beauty matters most, lasts, and has the ability to impact people’s lives.”

IT’S WHAT I DO

It’s what I do

FILIPINO PROGRESS AND DIVERSITY AT THE WORK PLACE

JULIUS EMMAN SUNPAYCO Human Resources Manager, BAFCO Interiors and Office Furniture Certified Body Combat Instructor

I am currently the Human Resources Manager and Management Representative for BAFCO Interiors and Office Furniture. My main goal is to align the business objectives of the company with the overall HR services. My work is tremendously challenging but extremely rewarding. It is a constantly evolving occupation that requires me to consult my head and heart in equal measure.

Balance is key. In the same vein, this middle path approach also works well for me as I balance my life in the corporate workplace with my other career: that of a certified Body Combat instructor.

My love affair with Body Combat started in 2011, when I first discovered the classes. Body Combat is a rigorous and empowering exercise and discipline that constantly challenges you to explore and go beyond your limits. I was, and still am, completely addicted to it! I never aspired to become a fitness instructor, but due to the persistent encouragement of an

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instructor and good friend Abuzar, I finally decided to take the module training in September 2013.

One of the things that I have learned as an HR Manager is that work-life balance is not just a textbook concept; it’s something that needs to be a part of our everyday reality. We all need stress relievers and coping mechanisms. Instead of just going home, eating my stress away and going straight to sleep, I choose to hit the gym and sweat out the day’s stresses and frustrations. It is by choice that we achieve balance in life. We need to choose to be better, and be more!

As overseas Filipinos working far away from our loved ones back home, we need to find healthy ways to spend our extra time.

Of course, our priority is to work and earn money to send back home, but we also need to take care of ourselves. I would like to encourage everyone to have an active lifestyle.

IT’S WHAT I DO

It’s what I do

FILIPINO PROGRESS AND DIVERSITY AT THE WORK PLACE

MICHAEL PEREZ IPAC Contracting Manager Alchemy Lifestyle Tourism and Travel LLC

I work in travel and tourism and I can say that this job tailor-fits my personality as I love to always add excitement and a personal signature in everything that I do. We offer travel packages based on the needs, wants and tastes of our clients from budget to luxury and VIP travel arrangements worldwide. We believe in providing the best services to our travel partners Our latest venture, which I am truly proud and excited about, is the launching and hosting of space adventure travel. Our company is going to make the dream of boldly going where only the privileged few have gone before a reality.

Education does not stop in the four corners of our classroom.

The actual learning is when you go out in the real world. Another remarkable part of my job is meeting top caliber personalities.

This boosts my morale, uplifts my spirit and inspires me to be the best that I can be. Every day is a new learning experience.

I know exactly how hard and challenging it is to be working in a foreign land, away from our family, and dear friends. I know how difficult it is to adjust to a society that has diverse cultures, beliefs and preferences. I would like to encourage my fellow Filipinos to be fearless about pursuing their dreams. We oftentimes tend to be complacent and content in doing a routine job when deep inside, we know that we can excel more in other fields. If our hearts compel us to aim high, we should embrace this.

As a contracting manager, I negotiate rates for hotels, serviced apartments, theme parks, water parks, tours and extra services like transfers and excursions. I also develop travel packages to major events, educational trips and health/wellness spa worldwide.

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IT’S WHAT I DO

It’s what I do

FILIPINO PROGRESS AND DIVERSITY AT THE WORK PLACE

RONALD REYES

Restaurant Manager, Max’s Restaurant - Sharjah City Centre I work as Restaurant Manager for Max’s Restaurant, the most loved Filipino restaurant in the world. I currently manage our Sharjah City Centre outlet.

I always think of my job as a big responsibility. My team and I represent a brand--a very well-respected Filipino brand. It is therefore important that everything we do is close to perfection.

Most days are challenging. While most jobs have a schedule, mine varies depending on what needs the most attention at any given day. Typically, my job includes overseeing the safety of the whole restaurant, ensuring the quality of food served to guests, nurturing our guests through caring attitude and showing them the warmth of Filipino hospitality.

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On my first few weeks here in the Middle East, It was hard to take my mind off my family and my home country; I felt homesick every day. One day, one of my crew members called me, saying that a customer wanted to talk to me. I was instantly pessimistic.

“What now?”, I thought to myself. Turns out everything was all good.

Our customer, an Arab national was all smiles as he greeted me warmly. He wanted to personally talk to me and tell me how good the food was and how pleasant his experience was with us. It was his first time in a Filipino restaurant, and he said that his experience exceeded his expectations. That incident uplifted not only my own morale, but my whole team as well. It was indeed a proud moment.

SPIRITUALITY

10 Habits to a Healthy Body

By BO SANCHEZ

It’s summer time, the living is easy! It is to tempting to pig out, then just lie on a hammock, and savor life.

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SPIRITUALITY

But if you want a longer life, come, review with me my list of anti-ageing tips.

Studies show that the life span of human beings is getting longer. But hey, I don’t want to be lying on bed when I hit 90. I want to be 90 and still be preaching around the world--and making love to my spouse.

Here are my 10 Habits to a Healthy Body:

1.Move!

Every morning, I do simple stretching and breathing Tai Chi movements—and pray for 30 minutes. I also cycle for an hour on my stationary bike, all the while reading five chapters of the Bible and other spiritual books, or writing my journal on my laptop.

I also do a few push-ups, sit-ups, and chinups. I’ll never win as Mr. Universe, but it’s enough to tone my muscles.

I learned that when we hit 50, we start losing 1.5% of our muscle strength every year. So walk. Swim. Play badminton. Move!

2.Eat the best kinds of food. Years ago, I stopped eating beef, pork, and chicken. I had also given up crabs and shrimps.

So my diet consists of fish and vegetables.

At home, we eat organic brown rice and wheat bread. We also fry with soya oil.

(Olive oil is too expensive.)

The Old Testament called certain foods unclean—like pork, crustaceans, shells, fish without scales—and modern science has found out that many of these foods have higher toxicity.

Pork has more toxins than other meats.

Crustaceans and shells are the scavengers of the sea. And because fish release their toxins through their scales, fish without scales have slightly more toxins.

I’m not saying you shouldn’t eat these delicious food, but perhaps minimize them in your diet.

3.Juice your vegetables. Every morning, I drink fresh vegetable juice. I throw into my juicer four large carrots, one long celery stick, and one apple.

The advantage of juicing? By juicing, I’m able to consume four large carrots in two minutes flat—something that would take me one hour if I munched them. As I drink my juice every morning, I picture God nourishing me in every part of my body.

4.Supplement. I’m a firm believer in taking supplements. I take a mega dose of vitamin C, fish oil (Omega 3), and other multi-vitamins. I also take a list of supplements too long to mention here.

Before I take them, I bless them. So they contain a double punch.

5. Sleep like a babe. I usually doze off at 11:30 p.m. and wake up at 6:00 a.m. A total six and a half hours is enough for me. If I feel a need to take a quick afternoon nap, I do it. I try to listen to my body.

Praying before you sleep allows you to surrender all your worries to God. So before I sleep, I do 20 minutes of my simple Tai Chi exercises again as I surrender to Jesus all my stress. When I do this, I sleep like a babe.

6. Drink enough water. The first thing I do when I wake up is drink a glass of room temperature water. As I drink it, I ask the Holy Spirit to cleanse me. After my exercise, I drink my carrot juice. Here’s what I found out: For many of us, what we think are hunger pangs may just be our thirst.

So when you feel hungry, drink water first.

And eat water-rich foods like fruits and vegetables.

7. Work with passion. Get into something you love to do. When you enjoy your work, it isn’t work. It’s play. And that keeps your body humming.

8. Feel Your Feelings.Our body is simply the blueprint of our emotions. Illness is simply manifesting our stress, our fears, our anxiety, and our unresolved angers.

I strongly urge you to become aware of your emotions and bring them constantly to the Lord. Before Him, work through them. Feel them, yes. Respect your emotions, yes. But lay them at His feet and follow God only.

9. Be happy. Be a positive person.

If you’re a child of God, how can you not think positive? If you believe that “all things work for good to those who love God”, how can you not rejoice even in your problems?

Happy people are generally healthier than unhappy people.

10. Love Well. What keeps me healthy? I play with my kids on the floor every day. (I call it “floor time”.) Each week, I date my wife and we hold hands often.

Once upon a time, a home for the elderly had a very high death rate: One resident died each month.

But one day, a volunteer came and started social activities among the old people.

As the old people engaged each other in conversation, the mortality rate plunged dramatically almost overnight.

Just being in relationships will make you healthier. Imagine how healthy you will be if those relationships are deep and loving?

Be healthy, my friend. God needs you to bless the world.

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MONEY

Nang Magising Si Juan by francisco J. colayco

Summer is the time that we all feel lazy. It is warm—well, hot really and kids and students are out of school trying to beat the heat.

S

Summer is also right in the middle of the Easter season, which is a season of new beginnings. It is the time to change our body, which is not only a physical but also mental and spiritual process. I want to use this article to introduce something I believe is mind-changing in education and entertainment.

On May 11 and every Sunday thereafter, “Nang Magising Si Juan” (NMSJ) will start airing on television in the Philippines. I know that most Illustrado readers are not in the Philippines but all of you have relatives in the Philippines. It would really help them very much if you encourage them to watch the show on Sundays at 8AM on GMA News TV.

Many Filipinos love to watch teleseryes and other entertainment shows. However, these shows only entertain but hardly educate.

On the other hand, the educational shows are not usually very entertaining. This is why it has always been my dream to have a show that educates and entertain at the same time. I like to call it “edutainment.”

And edutainment is what NMSJ is.

I have been teaching personal financial literacy for the past ten years in so many TV shows, newspapers, magazines and

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MONEY

seminars. I like to think that my talks are interesting but let’s face it, my talks can never compete with teleseryes, dramas and comedy shows. In fact, I will never be able to get into that kind of entertainment time slot on TV when I want to teach. So here comes NMSJ. NMSJ is not your ordinary financial literacy program. Tackling common money issues every Filipino can relate to, this edutainment show not only teaches practical and doable financial management, but also promotes positive values and corrects wrong mindsets in and beyond the topic of money.

The driving point of the whole show is this: Beyond the how-to, it’s the essence, the core principles and the right attitude applied that can truly make a difference.

To further emphasize the importance of practical application of principles, this show features a social experiment on the show’s main character. The goal is to enlighten him and improve his financial situation. As a relatable character, the show aims to inspire the audience and send them the message, “Kung kaya niya, kakayanin niyo rin.”

“Nang Magising si Juan” is named as such

because it directly reflects the perceptions, attitudes and habits of Filipinos and tries to serve as a wake-up call. On the other side of the coin, this show also reinforces the value of getting up and actually doing something to achieve one’s personal goals and dreams.

Packaged with a comedy-reality treatment, this show is set to educate, relate, entertain and inspire. The main character is Ariel Villasanta, a real-life comedian who, in the past, got his share of the limelight but is now struggling with debt. In effect NMSJ is somewhat, a reality show.

In NMSJ, Ariel, refusing to come to terms with reality, projects a flamboyant image and lives in a big house, but with no electricity. He earns his living as a scriptwriter. His anxiety about his finances urges him to talk to me in the show he writes in, “Feeling Close with FJC”. This show-within-a-show is a parody of a typical business and finance show: stiff sofas, big potted plants, tacky background design and lounge music playing. This platform will be used to deliver the financial principles and techniques that Ariel will process throughout the show. I am portrayed as a wise but brutally frank man. I correct Ariel’s wrong perspectives and push him to change with challenging questions.

Along with other characters (played by non-actors), Ariel encounters different

financial issues that plague the common Pinoy. I give practical advice and techniques in layman’s terms. Ariel puts some of it to practice but some he willfully ignores to do his own “diskarte”, not without amusing consequences of course.

In his journey to financial literacy and freedom, Ariel discovers that there’s more to managing wealth than just accumulating money and becoming rich. He also learns the values of self-discipline, hard work and even self-worth and generosity that improve his quality of life in a way more than money can.

As you can see, this show is something that you would like your family and friends in the Philippines to watch. I hope you will support me in this endeavor and spread the word.

Eventually, NMSJ will also be showing in segments on Pisobilities.TV website. This website will be open to the members of the One Wealthy Nation (OWN) Community.

This is one of the many benefits for OWN members anywhere in the world. We talked about OWN in a previous issue of Illustrado. It is a special way for all Filipinos especially those who are online, to have the option to be educated in personal money management at the time that you are free.

The information will be waiting for you 24/7.

But to review the benefits further, you can check out www.onewealthynation.com Enjoy your summer and nurture your entire body especially your mind!

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LAW

ATTY. BARNEY ALMAZAR

As they say ignorance of the law is no excuse for not following it. Atty.

Barney Almazar gives a briefing on the Dubai Code of Conduct.

Before you show off your itsy, bitsy, teenie, weenie, yellow polka-dot bikini along Jumeirah beach, take time to read the Dubai Code of Conduct issued by the Executive Council outlining provisions on decency, beaches, public display of affection.

The culture, customs and traditions of the United Arab Emirates and its people should be respected by adopting courtesy

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and moderation and avoiding all types of improper behavior in the Emirate.

Beaches According to Clause 1.3, beachgoers, both men and women, shall wear conservative swimwear that is acceptable to Dubai’s culture. Swimwear shall not be worn outside the beach, as decent dress is the rule in the

rest of the city. Nudity is strictly forbidden in every part of the city and is liable to be punished by imprisonment or deportation.

When in public places such as streets, shopping malls and restaurants, shorts and skirts shall be of appropriate length.

Clothing shall not indecently expose parts of the body, be transparent, or display obscene or offensive pictures and slogans.

LAW Displays of affection among couples-whether married or not--in public places does not fit the local customs and culture.

Holding hands for a married couple is tolerated but kissing and petting are considered an offence to public decency.

Randomly addressing women in public places is punishable by imprisonment or deportation.

Loud music and dancing are forbidden in parks and beaches.

Photos of people, and especially photos of women and families, in public places shall not be taken without their permission.

Taking photos of people is a sensitive issue in Dubai’s local culture.

And finally, Clause 5.3 prohibits all practices that threaten the marine environment or

the safety of marine life through any type of pollution. Fishing is only allowed with a license from the competent authorities.

Alcohol Clause 2.2 requires alcohol consumption to be confined to designated areas (i.e. licensed restaurants and venues that serve alcohol to their clients). Being caught under the effect of alcohol outside these places (even in light doses) can lead to a fine or incarceration.

Alcohol is exclusively sold by specialized licensed stores. It can only be bought by holders of an alcohol-purchasing license (this license is only attainable by nonMuslims). Buyers shall respect the local culture by carrying their alcohol in paper bags such that it cannot be seen.

The UAE has adopted a zero-tolerance policy in terms of driving under the effect of alcohol. Being caught driving with even the smallest dose of alcohol can lead to deportation.

Clause 2 deals with substance abuse: The consumption of alcohol as well as any other drug or psychotropic substance is strictly prohibited in Islam and is punishable by law. Holding, consuming, buying or selling any kind of drug, in any quantity, as well as being tested positive for any drug by the authorities in the UAE is considered a crime.

Smoking is not allowed in government facilities, offices, malls and shops. Smoking outside designated areas is subject to fine.

Below is the table of offence and applicable penalty in the Code of Conduct:

OFFENSE

PENALTY

Public display of affection

Warning or fine (in case of severe breach can lead to jail and/or deportation)

Alcohol consumption outside designated areas

Fine or jail

Buying alcohol without an alcohol license

Fine or jail

Driving under the effect of alcohol or any other drug

Fine, jail and/or deportation - car confiscation

Drug consumption or possession

Fine, jail and deportation

Lack of respect for Islam’s customs and symbols

Fine, jail and deportation

Lack of respect for other religions’ customs and symbols

Fine or jail

Vulgar language

Fine or jail

Littering and spitting

Warning or fine

Pet fouling public areas

Warning or fine

Damaging public facilities

Fine

Respect for environment

Warning or fine (cf. Federal Law No. 24/1999 on the protection and development of environment)

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SCRAPBOOK

RIZALDE CAYANAN KUWAIT

RIZALDE CAYANAN loves sunsets as well as the night sky, these have been his inspirations to kickstart his passion for outdoor photography. A broadcast audio technician by profession, he is also a photographer for Kuwait’s Dar Al Athar Maidan Cultural Center.

A winner of numerous awards, including being a Finalist in Nikon’s “Africa and Middle East - The Heart of the Image Challenge 2014”, he dreams of travelling to numerous countries and one day being featured in National Geographic Magazine.

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SCRAPBOOK

JES REYES KUWAIT

JES REYES is a landscape photographer hobbyist, musician and mechanical engineer rolled into one.

Jes loves the outdoors so it was but natural for him to focus on landscape photography, capturing forms in lights and shadows.

He has been in Kuwait for over two decades now and has been fascinated with the beauty of nature in its full glory. He strives for excellence in capturing the world around him thru his lens and has won several competitions like the Panasonic Middle East Awards and the recent Nikon Photography Awards.

His photographs have been featured in Popular Photography Magazine - USA and Lonely Planet Traveler Magazine Middle East.

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SCRAPBOOK

ALEJANDRE MADALI III KUWAIT

Freelancer/hobbyist photographer Andrew Madali is a registered nurse in the Philippines. He started his photography journey when he first bought a secondhand Nikon D5000 and its kit lens back in 2011 as a birthday gift to himself. As a self-taught photographer, he is always excited to learn new things and continues to challenge himself to create better photographs. His goal is to capture the beauty of a moment whether it is a beautiful smile or a once in a lifetime magical sunset and to preserve it in a photograph. Armed with a Nikon D800 and a Nikkor 16-35mm f4 lens, which are his favorites, he is dedicated to capture the sights and colors of Dubai especially at night and is continuously searching for his greatest photograph out there.

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SCRAPBOOK

AL P. MANLANGIT KUWAIT

AL P. MANLANGIT is an architect in Kuwait who loves to travel and shoot on the run. His work and travel itch that needs to be scratched very often have taken him to so many places that he has stopped counting. But his memories of all those locations have been served well by his passion for photography.

Two of his favorite genres are architectural and landscape photography and they show well in his collective portfolio of travel images.

It’s therefore not surprising that his mantra is: “Have camera, will travel”.

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FASHION Cropped top by Vianca Corcuera; Wide Hem Pants by Yako Reyes; Studded Cuffs by Christopher Muna

ROMANCING

APOLLO Ferocious worshipper of summer plotting cultural revolutions in the temple of the sun. Warrior priestess. Demi-goddess.

All hail.

PHOTOGRAPHER HERSON NEBAYA STYLIST ARGIE SALANGO MAKE-UP ARTIST LEI PONCE OF MAKE UP STORE PHILIPPINES HAIRSTYLIST ROCHELLE LACUNA MODEL OLIVIA MEDINA OF IM AGENCY MANILA ASSOCIATE STYLIST ALFY ALMONTE PHOTOGRAPHY ASSISTANTS ALBERT HOMO, MARK OCAPAN & EARL NADAYAO SHOT ON LOCATION METEORA TAGAYTAY

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FASHION

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FASHION Panelled Swimwear with Gold piping

by Oz Go; White Cage Blazer by Daryl Maat; Gold neckpiece by Jun Jun Ablaza; White High Wedge shoes by Nereku

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FASHION Panelled Sequined Cropped Top and Pants by Winzel Chua; Spiky Cuffs

by Jun Jun Ablaza; Metallic Strap Heels by Nereku

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FASHION Double slit satin gown by Yako Reyes; Thigh high gladiator shoes by Nereku; Embellished necklace by Christopher Munar

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FASHION

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FASHION

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FASHION  Embellished One piece swimsuit and oversized cover up by Arnold Galang Neckpiece by Christopher Munar Metallic Gold Shoes with plastic details by Nereku

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FASHION Metallic Jersey Gown by Lizanne Cua Earrings by Christopher Munar

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FASHION

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FASHION Panelled See thru Dress by Miguel Amante; Studded Metal Cuffs by Christopher Muna

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FASHION

 Gold Studded Bra by Benjamin Manio; Sculpted Neoprene skirt by Jairus Sumineg; Origami Blazer by Miguel Amante; Spiky cuffs and ostrich Skin Arm Band all by Jun Jun Ablaza

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REAL STYLE. REAL PEOPLE. From across the world, here are some of the coolest and most stylish ways to dress this summer season.

Quintessential clothes horse, Manila style blogger Camille Co, shows two totally different approaches to the summer – one pretty in florals and sleek in stripes. Follow her at – itscamilleco.com

Whether is black or white, it’s all cool for Christian Chou of Australia. See more of his looks at – dreamsinheaven. blogspot.ae

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REAL STYLE. REAL PEOPLE.

Manila’s David Guison of dgmanila.com has got the beach boy look down to pat.

UAE style blogger Lo Pascual’s closet sure looks interestingly preppy. See more of his looks here - locloset. blogspot.ae

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REAL STYLE. REAL PEOPLE.

Flatteringly feminine and cheeky-bold, Heliely Bermudez of http://helielyb.blogspot.ae/ all the way from California knows how to do both looks well.

The Katrina F of lookbook.nu sports some brilliant summer colors – tourqouise and fuschia in these looks.

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REAL STYLE. REAL PEOPLE.

Manila and Cebu-based top fashion blogger Kryz Uy has always had a soft spot for maxis which spell effortless fashion.

Follow her blog - kryzuy.com

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REAL STYLE. REAL PEOPLE.

Definitely bohemian, Kristine G looks quite hippy chic in her summer shorts and unexpected tops. Check her out on heteroheroine.tumblr.com.

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TAPA KING OPENS FIRST BRANCH IN THE UAE In response to the steadily growing Filipino community in the Middle East, Tapa King, widely recognized as one of the most successful food franchises in the Philippines, launched its first-ever branch in the UAE at Ansar Gallery, Karama, Dubai UAE. Tapa King presents an exciting array of well-loved Filipino staples and favorites in addition to its classic triumvirate of Tapa classics: the Tapa King, Tapa Queen, and Tapa Prince.

Kabayans can also enjoy Kare-Kare, Boneless Bangus, Lumpiang Shanghai and other authentic Filipino dishes prepared in the unmistakable Pinoy style.

The Tapa King franchise in the UAE is owned by LMZ cuisines, a subsidiary of Landmark Zenath Group; a leading

Award winning retailer Pure Gold Jewellers has launched His&Hers diamond rings, each featuring one half of a heart symbolizing the inseparable bond between a couple.

The 18 carat luxurious rings have a brilliant

their love for each other. The unique design has a distinctive look and feel and is created with care and perfection.”

These elegant and romantic rings are separately priced and are available for AED. 2,799 and AED 2,199 for his and hers respectively.

UAE-based conglomerate with a solid track record in hospitality, food and beverage, real estate, and engineering throughout the Middle East and South Asia.

“The Filipinos represent a healthy fraction of the diverse expatriate population in the Gulf, and as one of the leading hospitality companies in the region, we want to be at the forefront of addressing the needs of this truly dynamic and lovely community,” DeenSadiq, Group Director of the Landmark Zenath Group, said.

LMZ Cuisines is also committed to promoting the extraordinary quality of the Filipino human resource.

“Filipinos have always been amongst most preferred employee sets in the UAE, with a presence that continues to expand at an exciting rate. It is our aim to be an integral part and witness to the Filipinos’ success in the GCC,” said Ronald D’Souza, General Manager of LMZ Cuisines.

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FEATURE

Gee, your kabayan smells terrific!

Why Filipinos smell good

By Nicholo Jallores It is an accepted dictum in modern medicine that the strongest mnemonic device out of all the 5 senses is the sense of smell. A whiff of the known and familiar could bring back a greater flood of memories than any sight, sound, taste, or tactile experience ever could. Warm pineapple and sugar reminds us of holidays back home. Grilled fish takes us back to barbecues by the sea with the family. The nose knows, it is said. Human

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beings in general are tenderly susceptible to the visceral and often jarring impacts of nose-stalgia.

Filipinos in particular are an olfactory sort.

We spend a lot of time and money on ensuring that we smell good, or at the very least, that we don’t smell bad. According to Eden Strategy Institute’s Emerging Middle Class Survey, 4 out of 10 Filipinos cannot

live without soap and shampoo. Personal hygiene figures highly in the Filipinos’ list of priorities, along with mobile phones and internet access. According to the report, most of us would rather forego health insurance and job security than lose our toiletries – in other words, it’s perfectly fine to be in the dirt, as long as our dirt doesn’t stink.

FEATURE

Filipinos just love water – a natural extension of which is that we love bathing.

Other nationalities are even known to scoff at our insistence on taking daily baths.

Imagine their consternation when they find out that some of us bathe twice a day – with plenty of “hilamos” and touch-ups in between.

Our innate obsession with smelling good is hugely evident in Filipinos living in Middle Eastern countries. The sweltering heat of the Arabian peninsula offers the perfect environment for cultivating all sorts of maleficent odors, but amidst the stink clouds of hot acid and sulfur that urbanites have to contend with on a daily basis, the Filipinos manage to smell as fresh and dainty as young roses. To find the truth of this notion, take a ride on the Dubai metro at sundown on a summer’s day. Chances are, the number of stinky kabayans per square meter will be abysmally low.

But what exactly is behind our propensity and dedication towards smelling good?

What are the factors that define our relentlessly systemic approach to personal hygiene?

We have a few working theories.

1.)Filipinos generally don’t eat a lot of red meat.

Back home, beef is considered a premium item. Most of us grew up subsisting mostly on vegetables and white meats, with calderata and bulalo appearing only on the weekends or special occasions. Red meat is notoriously difficult to digest. Too much of it is likely to cause excessive perspiration and overproduction of surplus proteins and lipids, which can ultimately lead to body odor.

2.) Our food is not really all that spicy.

Compared to other cuisines, Filipino food is relatively rudimentary in terms of flavor compositions. We are comfort eaters, more than anything – we appreciate simplicity,

heartiness, and sheer abundance in our food, with very little regard for flavor sets and textural diversity. Overloading on spices leads to excess sulfur in the body, which will eventually be eliminated through sweat and the breath.

3.) We’re all just water babies, really The Filipinos come from a land that offers plenty of access to bodies of water. We have 7,107 islands – it would be safe to surmise that we also have 7,107 beaches, in addition to a stunning multitude lakes, rivers, brooks, and waterfalls. A typical Filipino family weekend getaway would be an afternoon outing at the beach. Filipinos just love water – a natural extension of which is that we love bathing. Other nationalities are even known to scoff at our insistence on taking daily baths. Imagine their consternation when they find out that some of us bathe twice a day – with plenty of “hilamos” and touch-ups in between.

It is often mentioned that we Filipinos are the preferred employees because of the level of loyalty and compassion that we are able to display through our diligence and hard work. The same can be said about our commitment towards maintaining a high degree of personal hygiene. It would be a matter of great tragedy for us to ruin another person’s day by walking into the room reeking of warm garbage. We take care of the way we smell mostly because it pleases us to please others.

4.)We tend to be overly conscious of other people’s opinions Filipinos are very considerate and thoughtful – flip side of which is that we sometimes take self-consciousness to a ridiculous extreme. As a rule, we do not air our dirty laundry in public. We keep them locked up inside, and smother it with fragrances so the neighbors don’t notice.

Our self-esteem tends to be heavily reliant on the opinion of others, so we go the extra length to make sure that we are pleasing in all respects, including the way we smell.

5.) We are sensitive of other people’s needs and comfort levels

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FEATURE

YOUR BODY IN YOUR 20S, 30S & 40S Excel V. Dyquiangco

Your body changes when you age. The passage of time makes its mark as wrinkles appear, bones become brittle and skin loses its glow. What you can do in your 20s may also prove difficult when you are in your 30s or 40s already.

“Nowadays people are focused on how to achieve success but they forget all about their health,” says fitness coach Chappy Callanta. “You need to have healthy habits in your life if you want to live past your 40s – and if you want to live your 20s or 30s to the most and the best of your abilities.”

“The body, even if it gets older, has the same needs,” says Chappy. “It needs to move and to eat. You also need to know that moving cures a lot of diseases. Make sure that you have a variety of activities and exercise moves up your sleeves.”

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Here he shares some tips on how to take care of your body in your 20s, 30s or 40s.

In Your 20s Body characteristics: This age group is in the peak of physical fitness. After puberty, your 20s is the summit of your physical stamina and prowess. Hormones are already stable. This is also the best time to get very active and take on a lot of activities. Since you have presumably already started working at this age, this is also the most productive time

of your life.

Common things that affect the body: There are a lot of parties and occasions going on around this age and so if you are not too careful, you might gain a few pounds from all the eating. Smoking and drinking may also become a favorite pastime and as your settle in to your office job, sitting behind a desk (instead of running to and from different classes) is the start of a sedentary lifestyle.

Watch points:

FEATURE

Take care of your diet and exercise. Eat healthy. Choose to eat smart. Make sure that you don’t get stressed often and have the ample time to sleep.

Food to load up on or cut back: No particular or specific food that you should or shouldn’t eat. One thing is certain, though: you should eat smart and healthy and just eat natural food.

Remember that when you are restricted to a particular type of food, your health suffers.

Exercises to do: Be active in your lifestyle. Go walk, jog or run around the block. You can also go to the gym. If you want you can be more creative in your workout such as enrolling in a dancing, yoga or Zumba class.

In Your 30s Body characteristics: Since you are probably in the peak of your career at this age, you may discover that you don’t have the time to exercise anymore. Strength also starts to decline.

Common things that affect the body: Women in their 30s may get pregnant and so their body weight may be to control after giving birth. Work may also take its toll as there would probably be no time

to exercise. Eating food and having a good night’s rest may become a luxury too, particularly for the workaholics.

Metabolism also starts to slow down which makes it harder to lose weight.

Watch points: Same as when you are in your 20s. Make sure that you also have some strength training exercises so your bones won’t become brittle. Go to the gym and lift some weights as well.

Food to load up on or cut back: Eat a variety of food. You need to have a diversity of dishes in your plate – whether that would be proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vegetables and fruits, whole grains, wheat, bread and rice.

Exercises to do: If going to the gym is too time consuming for you, then workout and stretch those muscles somewhere else. Find ways to exercise at your desk or look for reasons to get up from your desk. Work movement into your day.

In Your 40s Body characteristics: Your bones get a little bit brittle. Your muscle mass lessens. Your fat store increases. The hormones for muscle

production tend to decrease in terms of availability and production. You’ll find out that your capacity for work is lesser than when you are in your 20s or 30s.

Common things that affect the body: Bones become brittle and so, the body begins to deteriorate. Different kind of illnesses such as diabetes and heart problems may likely happen during this stage. The tendency of falling and losing your balance more are also expected to occur.

Watch points: Start doing some strength training exercises because muscle mass tends to get lower as you get older. Lift some weights at least three to four times a week, thirty minutes to an hour a day. Work out more. This is ideal to also build up endurance.

Food to load up on or cut back: Cut back sweets such as donuts or cakes but remember that you still need carbohydrates in your diet. Choose your food wisely and eat a variety of dishes. You can also consult your nutritionist for help.

Exercises to do: Apply some strength training exercises into your routine. Lift some weights and just keep walking. Go mobile. Don’t live a sedentary lifestyle.

Have an exercise regimen too. Stand up a lot.

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FASHION

Hot Fashion:

Dressing for the Heat

by Laney Kaye

Achieve the perfect summer ensembles with the five style must-haves of the season.

Achieve the perfect summer ensembles with the five style must-haves of the season.

When temperatures begin to rise, striking the perfect balance between comfort and style is a must. Looking stylish becomes trickier, with lighter and fewer layers to play around with unlike the previous season allowed. As the weather makes its turn to the more casual, carefree months of summer, many often resort to revealing more skin—yet this is certainly not for everybody.

Thankfully, today’s wide array of clothing

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options in the market provides fashionistas with great ways around this dilemma. It is only a matter of investing in the right pieces to dress fashionably, even under the stifling summer heat. With this in mind, Illustrado put together this checklist of chic must-haves for sophisticated style from head-to-toe throughout the season.

1. Scarf A truly useful piece to tote around during summer, it can be easily put on or taken off as the need arises.

Get one in a good blend of materials to ensure comfort, especially if it is to be used from morning to evening. Choose

one in a versatile print to dress up simpler ensembles during a hot day or cover up on nippy nights. It also doubles as an accessory, as it can be transformed into a head wrap or a belt. Loop around handbag handles to keep it accessible!

2. Button-Down Shirt While it can be worn by itself, this piece can be a stylish alternative to cardigans or jackets, too—just roll up the sleeves for an instant cover-up! Shop for light materials, like linen or cotton, in plain, bright summer colors, prints, or patterns in order to maximize its use. Easily tuck it in with capri pants for a

FASHION

papaya clothing capris

Asos midi-skirts

Ana Sui Kimono

preppy ensemble or simply layer it over a camisole and maxi skirt for a laidback outfit.

3. Kimono Another versatile piece, a kimono can be used in many different ways much like a scarf. Wear it to cover up a fitted tank top or dress up a plain t-shirt.

Style with accessories to further play up its silhouette, like cinching it with a belt or pinning a brooch to keep it in place. It is important to look for breathable fabrics that provide enough coverage and find the ideal length to make the most out of the piece.

4. Midi Skirt One of the trendiest ways to dress up this summer, this midlength cut will surely go a long way as they are fashionable yet comfortable at the same time. Choose one with a beautiful print, like painterly florals or edgy ethnics, which can be effortlessly mixed and matched with more basic pieces. Whether paired with a t-shirt or a cardigan over a camisole, it is definitely a great alternative to jeans or sundresses.

5. Hat Chic toppers are a favorite this season, which are also great ways to dress up any ensemble. Choose a staple

summer shape—like a wide-brimmed floppy hat or a straw fedora hat—to polish off any look while keeping the sun at bay.

It is the perfect marriage of style and comfort!

With just these five pieces, there are more than enough style possibilities to explore this summer. It need not be a pain to dress up fashionably in the heat. It is only a matter of choosing the right fabrics, getting the right cuts, and finding the right pieces. Once achieved, dressing up will surely be a breeze!

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FEATURE

What is your bikini style?

by NIKKA SATHOU-LAINEZ

Itsy bitsy teeny weeny polka dot bikini – not! There are as many swimwear styles as there are body types

For most, a trip to the beach doesn’t just involve packing resort wear but preparing to get that sexy beach body and have the confidence to bare some skin while enjoying the sun, sea and sand. To get that beach body, you can clock in an infinite number of hours in the gym--or just choose the right swimwear to accentuate your assets and minimize flaws.

According to Kd Syiaco, one of the founders of Soak Swimwear, “We have something for almost every beach loving girl.”

The scorching heat of the sun, the hot and humid air, indeed, the summer season is upon us once again. For the young ones, it means a vacation from schoolwork, while for most adults, a chance to go out and get a respite from the hustle and bustle of the city. A popular destination for all is the beach.

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The brand was established by Kd Syiaco and Angela See in 2007 we they saw the gap in the market for affordable yet stylish swimwear. Both are fashion and beach lovers and have been friends all throughout high school and college. “We take every woman’s insecurities into consideration when conceptualizing new styles. The look can be taken from day (swimwear) to night (cover-ups). We get inspired by the smell of sun tan oil, lovely prints, and the different beaches around the world,” shares Kd. See revealed that Soak Swimwear is, “locally made, locally designed by us.” Soon, the brand will have a swimsuit line for kids, which will also be available in Cebu.

Another entrepreneur, Bien Santiago, conceptualized Yuminum in 2008, as she always had a love affair with swimwear. The brand has both ready-to-wear swimsuits and made-to-order ones, which all have that fun and spirited look that is not blatantly sexy.

“We have designs the client can choose from but since the pieces are individually made per client order, she sends us her measurements, the coverage she wants for the butt (from full to Brazilian) and also if she wants changes made to the cut or a change in color. It’s not unusual that we get request to hide a big bump, birthmark, scar, or stretchmark. These projects, aside from being the most challenging, are also the most fulfilling ones.”

Bikini SOS: Solutions for everyone With years of experience as swimwear designers, these ladies have a lot of tips to share for those who dare to wear a bikini this summer. Angela mentioned that the trend right now is stylish one-piece swimsuits with cut-outs, but she advises for

FEATURE

Women have different body types and you have to look for the perfect swimwear to complement your figure.

narrow-looking hips. Apples will benefit from the one-shoulder and halter-tops.

Depending on your built, most apples can easily look swim team sporty especially with triangle halter. To avoid this, consider triangles with shoulder straps instead or, there are modified versions of the triangle which can be really sexy.”

Petite

Shapes: From busty to bulging

Ladies who have a short and slim stature can practically wear anything, but do stay away from the boyleg bottoms, as it tends to shorten the lower limbs. Also avoid big, bold prints and big details like heavy ruffles because it might overwhelm your physique.

Instead, go for tops with simple prints and texture to add dimension and fullness to the chest area.

Those who are fortunate enough to have hourglass figures should take advantage of their assets and wear a bandeau top, which will provide a very flattering look.

ladies to fit the item first and see if it looks flattering on your body type. “Sometimes one piece can even be sexier than bikinis because of all the cut-outs.”

Apples and Pears For those who have pear- or apple-shaped bodies, Bien suggests to go for separates instead. “To balance out a pear shape, best to go with bandeaus for a wider looking chest and string triangle bottoms for more

On the other hand, halter-tops are highly recommended for busty women since it adds more support and coverage. While those who want to mask a bulging tummy, opt for a high-waist swimsuit but make sure that it goes further up from where the bulge is. If your budget permits, have a custom-made swimsuit and request for it to have a tummy control mesh.

Of mid-sections If your issue is a short torso, wear a triangle bikini top to give you curves and lengthen your torso. As for the bikini bottom, go for a hipster type or one with a lower ride to make it appear as through your upper hip is part of your torso. On the other side of the spectrum, those with long torso should try to wear high-waist suits and avoid swimsuits with plunging cutouts or lowriding bottoms.

In general, it would be useful to know that wearing light-colored swimsuits will make the body seem bigger/wider, while dark hues can help camouflage body concerns.

It’s not enough to simply depend on these tips when choosing a swimsuit, these designers emphasize the need to take time and fit different styles in order to find the right one. Bien couldn’t have said it better, “It is crucial to remember that the most important part of your outfit is still confidence and conviction.” soakswimwear.com www.facebook.com/yuminum

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PINOY PLANET

The Grand Palace

Bhumibol_Dam

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PINOY PLANET

My Pinoy Life In:

BANGKOK Gay Iglesias Disaster Risk Management Professional Photos – Tourism Thailand Org my background in governance. I also got engaged, and as my fiancé was Dutch and we thought it would be good for us to start our married life in a third country, not the Philippines, not the Netherlands.

I have been living in Thailand since 2006, although I first visited the country in 1981 as a child. I remember going to the Grand Palace, and to two nearby temples that have the Emerald Buddha and the Reclining Buddha.

I also remember that it was very hot, and there was a lot of traffic in Bangkok.

My life went through a phase of change.

I had been teaching for about 15 years at the University of the Philippines but felt I needed to do development work. At the same time, I was being recruited by the Asian Disaster Preparedness Center for

What I do I work in an international organization that helps (mainly) governments to be better prepared for disasters, and reduce the possibility of disasters by improving governments’ abilities to regulate risky behavior, and improve government planning and decision making so that these do not inadvertently add to risks.

Over time, my field of work has evolved into capacity building in urban climate resilience.

There are quite a few people working in disaster risk management and development, usually found in the United Nations offices or in international NGOs. However, most of the Filipinos I’ve met here are teachers who can teach their subject matter in English. I think that a second big group are musicians who work in hotels and resorts in the different tourist destinations. Filipinos usually meet each other at Sunday Mass or at the Philippine Embassy who has a lot of activities and events intended for the overseas Filipinos here. I once

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PINOY PLANET

Amphawa Floating Market

Songkran Festival

gave a short lecture at an Embassy event on disaster preparedness for overseas Filipinos.

Where I Live I work in Bangkok, but live in a suburb just north of Bangkok province. We don’t have a car because we don’t need one. I take a taxi to get to a van stop, take a van into Bangkok and get off at the northernmost station of the BTS, which is the elevated train system.

I then take the train to go to work, or to go anywhere in Bangkok because the traffic in the city is worse than Manila. If I leave early enough I can be at work or at home in 30 to 40 minutes.

My home—to--work route takes about 20 km of travel. We choose to live in a suburb because for the same price of a tiny studio apartment with a tiny kitchen, we are renting a house with three big bedrooms, a decent kitchen, several bathrooms, and a large garden area. Like many Thai families,

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my husband plants all kinds of fruit trees and some vegetables, and when we have a harvest of bananas or chilies we also share these with friends and colleagues. Living in Bangkok itself would mean paying twice as much just to get a two-bedroom apartment with a kitchen. But it also means that one is close to the night clubs, plays, opera, and restaurants of almost every cuisine in the world.

What to do in my city The best places for shopping are on the sidewalks, where I’ve literally seen everything but the kitchen sink! Sidewalk vending is supposed to be illegal, but the city authorities are unable to prevent it (or maybe resist it is a better phrase). It’s convenient because it’s right outside the place of work. It’s exciting because the stalls move around the city on a daily basis, and their wares change with the fashions.

So except for Monday, a truce day when vendors agree not to work, I take time to

Green Tailed Sun Bird

go hunting along the sidewalk for a bargain stingray leather wallet. Tourists go to Chatuchak weekend market, but locals go to the sidewalk.

I would recommend seeing the Grand Palace and the nearby Wats (temples), ride a tuktuk (tricycle), go shopping at Chatuchak for cheap souvenirs and at Pratunam for electronics and MBK for clothes, and if one is so inclined to get tattooed at Khao San Road, and go jogging at the Imperial Queen’s Park or Chatuchak Park. Bangkok is really pretty at night time so take a dinner boat ride down the Chao Phraya, feast on a sumptuous Thai buffet, watch traditional dances from all around the country, and listening to a band that is most likely comprised of Filipino musicians.

Finally, the “where not to go” is also important as Thailand is beset by political issues fairly often. Since I’ve moved here in 2006 I’ve witnessed a coup d’etat against one Prime Minister and several violent

PINOY PLANET

Merit Making

protests. However, the protests are usually contained to specific areas; currently people are in Lumpini Park, the Government Complex and at the U.N. Building, so visitors should listen to the advice of locals about where they must not go.

Adjusting to Thai Life I haven’t learned to eat chili or very spicy food, but I have learned to drink kalamansi or orange juice with ice and salt instead of sugar. I’ve learned how to greet with the head bowed over clasped hands (wai), and not to use body language so much as most Thai people keep their heads, shoulders and arms very still. I’ve

China Town

also learned how to eat the young shoots of the acacia tree (cha om) which is served as an omelet. I’ve also learned to eat a lot of fruit, which are usually remarkable sweet, juicy and cheap in Thailand.

As a Filipino in Bangkok – or maybe all over the world, be ready to talk about Manny Pacquiao!

Of course he’s my friend, he’s my neighbor in Manila.

Trang

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BAKASYON GRANDE

SWEET ESCAPE Get a sugar rush in between history lessons when you visit Bacolod

by Kara Santos

Bacolod Ruins - Photo by Lawyerboy

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BAKASYON GRANDE

B

Bacolod, the capital of Negros Occidental, is known as the City of Smiles. This bustling city is well-known for celebrating one of the most popular festivals in the country – the grand Masskara Festival, a revelry of street dancing, carnivals and parades. It’s also known for its abundance of sugar cane, as Negros is the “Sugar Capital of the Philippines.”

With its mix of historical attractions, great food and warm hospitality, a visit to Bacolod is sure to be a sweet escape.

Here’s a look at some of the sights and delights that await you.

Walk among The Ruins in Talisay

Don Mariano Ledesma Lacson, for his Portuguese wife, Maria Braga. Back in the early 1900’s, the mansion was filled with European and Asian furnishings, and was reputed to be one of the grandest in the province. However, during the war, Lacson voluntarily decided to torch the house instead of turning it over to the Japanese. When the flames died down, only the foundation, pillars, grand staircase, and parts of the twoinch wooden floors on the second story remained.

Now, the ruins dubbed as the “Taj Mahal of Negros” has become a must-see tourist spot for those visiting Bacolod City. With classical music playing all day long, this iconic structure set amidst manicured and landscaped gardens is a pretty romantic spot. It’s best to visit the place before sunset or dusk to get it in the most romantic light.

Located in Talisay City, about 30-40 minutes away from the Bacolod City proper, the Ruins is a historical spot that dates back to pre-World War II.

Eat Lechon Manok

The Ruins was originally a mansion built by Spanish-Filipino sugar baron

Locals claim that a trip to Bacolod will not be complete without a taste of Bacolod’s

Island Ferry Photo by Lo Starts

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BAKASYON GRANDE

Balay Negrense

trademark chicken dish. “Chicken inasal” is a local take of the classic Filipino barbecue making use of different chicken parts. The chicken is marinated in local herbs and spices, skewered on bamboo sticks and grilled to perfection.

While chicken inasal is available in many restaurants and fastfood joints even in Manila, there’s nothing like enjoying it in the place where it originated.

For the most authentic experience, head to Manokan Country in the downtown area near Bacolod Plaza, where rows and rows of food stalls can be found. Popular restaurants that serve inasal include Bacolod Chicken House and Nena’s Rose.

Recommended chicken parts for you to try include pecho (breast), pakpak (wing), paa (thigh/leg) or pechopak (pecho plus pakpak). What makes the inasal really delicious is the chicken oil, which is made

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from basting the chicken with atsuete or annatto oil, salt, and pepper. Drizzle this bright orange oil all over your chicken and rice once it is served for a great dining experience.

Get a History Lesson at Balay Negrense Balay Negrense is a museum in Silay City that showcases the lifestyle of a late 19th-century Negrense sugar baron. It is notable for being the first museum to be established in the province of Negros Occidental.

The museum is set in an ancestral house with traditional bahay na bato architecture (literally “house of stone”), but one that also reflects some American colonial influences. The two-story house/museum showcases a variety of artifacts, antique equipment, furniture and traditional clothing. Be sure to visit

BAKASYON GRANDE

the back of the house where there’s a vintage fourcylinder bicycle. History buffs will enjoy walking around the house and looking at the artifacts.

Get a Sugar Rush in Calea Bacolod has a wealth of sugarcane plantations.

Thus, it’s no surprise that they have some of the best desserts and sweets. The best place to get a taste of this is Calea Pastries and Coffee, a very popular cake shop in the city.

The lovely shabby-shic cafe serves a great selection of mouth watering cakes and pastries. One bite is all you need to be transported to dessert heaven.

Among their delectable cakse and pies are the Choco Mud Pie, Pecan Pie ala mode and Blueberry Cheesecake. Other specialties include Imported Chocolate Cake, French Chocolate Cheesecake and Fruity Cheesecake. Each slice of cake costs less than P100, so forget your diet for the time being and indulge all you want.

San-Diego-Pro-Cathedral-Silay

Take home the Sugary Goodness Most Pinoys wouldn’t dare to go home from a trip empty-handed, and Bacolod offers a lot of sweet souvenir treats for all your pasalubong needs.

A good place to stop is El Ideal, the oldest bakeshop in Silay City, a homegrown bakery that was constructed back in the 1920s and is well-known for its antique architecture and good food. They specialize in traditional Bacolod biscuits and delicacies such as butterscotch, quinamuncil, sinambag, biscocho, banadas, broas, galletas, pacienca, and piaya. They are also the home of the famous Guapple pie. They also serve short orders like batchoy, a noodle soup made with pork organs, crushed pork cracklings, chicken stock, beef loin and round noodles.

Maskara Festival - Photo by Tripadora

El Ideal’s location along Rizal Street in Silay City makes it ideal for those doing last-minute souvenir shopping after a heritage tour of ancestral houses and museums or those heading to the New Bacolod Silay airport.

But if you missed it, you can still grab goodies from shops like Merci and Bongbongs at the airport, which sells local delicacies. Be sure and take home some napoleones, a tasty pastry with a delicious custard-like filling topped with sugar glazing. Sweet!

Ideal-Silay-City

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We Know What You Do For Summer

By ABY YAP

You hide the body. Yours, of course (not unless you’re Dexter or Norman, then that would be another body, er, story).

Whether you admit it or not, we’ll always know what you do every summer just to look and feel sexy on the beach.

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ONLI IN THE PILIPINS

No judgment here, buddy. We’re in the same boat. Let’s face it: not everyone is blessed to have beach body genes—not when you’ve been programmed to eat sinangag and longganisa for breakfast, rice and any oily dish for lunch and dinner, and rice cakes for merienda. We’re bound to carry excess baggage aka bilbil anywhere we go, even to Bora.

But we can still get rid of the fat—for good or for Facebook. Game!

• Be the Biggest Loser There’s a reason why the Lenten season occurs during summer. It’s to help you prepare to walk down the tough road to achieving the body that will squeeze into your newly bought bikinis. (So what if it’s two sizes too small? Miracles can happen.)

You already abstained from meat on five Fridays and fasted during the entire Holy Week. That should be enough practice for when you go on a real diet with proper exercise, e.g. climbing 30 floors.

Yes, the tough road to becoming sexy is apparently endless. Turn away from your kain-kargador ways and stick to a diet that will work for you, i.e. what won’t make you see stars on a sunny morning and faint like no one’s watching. Go Cohen, eat the right kind of food based on your blood type, and lose P50,000+ plus some pounds. Or, pick Paleo and devour only protein, fiber, nuts, and berries like a caveman. You can also limit yourself to raw fruits and veggies or water and juice, or grow crazy and thin counting calories, or avoid carbs and sweets like sin forever.

If you cheat on your diet, a whip may come in handy. Think penitensya.

• Apply Fashion Fixes But since it’s more fun to eat in the Philippines with the lechon, sisig, and chicharon around, not everyone wants to be a loser. If we can’t be in good shape, the heck with being sexy! Round is a shape, too, and therefore we can be well-rounded anyway we want. Let’s just have fashion work its magic, abracadabra!

Bring out your black one-piece bathing suit. Not only can it provide you an air of mystery, it can also make you look slimmer.

Never mind if it seems only an illusion; no one can tell since they’re all busy enjoying the beach. If you think you’re cheerier than the Addams Family, though, wear brown, blue, beige, or white as long as it’s a onecolor outfit.

Too plain? Then choose something with vertical or diagonal stripes—the thinner, the better—to create an elongating effect.

Here’s a tip: find an #OOTD that has quite interesting details like a plunging neckline or a low back. For sure, no one would care about your big belly or titanic thighs because they’ll be busy gawking at something else.

If you insist on sporting the skimpiest two-piece, though, we won’t stop you.

Just bring a malong to cover what must be invisible to the eye.

• Learn Photo Poses So what if you’re svelte in person when you’re still stout in pictures? Ouch.

Regardless of how much it hurts (or sounds stupid), the truth is Facebook is the current reality. If they see you fat on FB, then you must be fatso in real life even you’re already starving yourself to death.

The key to appear slender in photos is body angling. Find your good side. Face the camera slightly sideways. Keep your arms away from your body. Push your chin out a bit or ask the photographer nicely to take the shot from above.

It also pays to use some common sense.

Avoid being the closest person to the camera. This usually happens when you’re seated at either end of a dining table.

Leave your third serving of morcon and move away from the photographer. Also stand next to people bigger than you, so you’ll appear small. And if you need to hide the bulge, conceal it with your bag or your girlfriend/boyfriend’s arm/s.

There, you should be able to come up with Facebook-worthy cover photos without anyone commenting about your coca cola bottle-shaped, albeit 1.5 liter-sized, body and triple chin.

• Turn to Technology Tricks Frustrated that nobody seems to perfectly capture you on cam despite being 100 pounds less this summer? Buy your very own selfie pod and take control of your pictures anytime, anywhere!

With this monopod, the most significant invention since fisheye lens, you’ll never have a weary arm or blurred selfie shots ever again. Plus, you won’t annoy anyone even if you get shutter happy taking photos of yourself at every angle while doing the peace sign and duck lips until you accomplish the #sexypicoftheday. Finally.

If all else fails, there’s always Adobe Photoshop to erase all extras.

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EYEBAG FIXES

cucumber and place it on your eyes for 25 minutes. The anti-inflammatory properties of the cool cucumber will naturally help reduce puffy tissues.

or green tea bag over each eye and then relax. The natural properties of these herbal teas will help bring puffy eyes back to their original size.

5. Chilled tea bags. If you are in a hurry and do not want to go with droopy eyes, teabags are the way to go. Moisten two tea bags in cold water and refrigerate them for a while.

Place the chilled teabags over your eyes for 25-30 minutes. Finish by washing your eyes and face with cold water, and drying your skin thoroughly.

10. Hydrate your body: Drink water as much as possible. It seems counter-intuitive when you are retaining water, but hydrating reduces puffiness.

By Tracy Ley - Dubai

Eye bags can be caused by lack of sleep, not drinking enough water, and poor hygiene.

You can have it removed through surgery, or you can try some of these DIY treatments at home: 1. Go potato. Slice a raw refrigerated potato into two and gently place those halves over closed eyes. Leave it like that for 15-20 minutes and you’ll notice that your eye bags will diminish.

2. Milk. If you have extremely puffy eyes, this is the regular regime that you have to follow. Dip cotton pads in chilled milk and place on your eyelids and relax for 20-30 minutes. This well help your eyes cool off.

3. Oil. Drop vitamin E oil to chilled water and mix the two well. Dip cotton pads in this mixture and place on the eyes for 20 minutes to help reduce swelling.

4. Cucumber: Cucumber is a fantastic natural remedy to get rid of under eye puffiness.

Take two slices of freshly refrigerated

Give Sharjah a shot

By Ion Gonzaga - Dubai

–

www.misstracyley12.

6. Spoons and iced water. The puffiness of the eyes can be reduced with the help of a glass of ice water and four stainless steel spoons. Chill the spoons in the water and then place one over each eye. Keep switching the spoons and letting them chill in the glass of water until you see improvement.

8. Egg whites. Beat a few egg whites and apply it around your eyes with a brush. It will result in making the area around and under the eye feel tighter and look less puffy. Leave it on for 20 minutes and then rinse your face with cold water.

9. Green tea bag: Settle down for 10-15 minutes with a chilled, steeped chamomile

Last week, we had visitors from the Philippines who came to tour Dubai and Abu Dhabi. After seeing all popular tourist spots and malls in the two big cities, I suggested for them to go to Sharjah.

Sharjah is home to both old and new structures and cultures. While there are no fancy buildings like those in Dubai, Sharjah on its own has a picturesque skyline as well.

The central district, Buheira Corniche, is the best area to find these towering buildings.

Meanwhile, Al Majaz Waterfront, a wellmaintained lush green park built around

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Follow Tracy blogspot.com

the lagoon with its dancing fountains and shimmering laser shows, makes the cityscape view more fascinating.

If Dubai has The Walk, Sharjah has Al Qasba Park. Considered as one of the most important tourist destinations in the emirates, the park is a strip of local and international restaurants around a canal to the lagoon. This is where traditional entertainment, as well as sporting events happen. Al Qasba also houses the “Eye of the Emirates,” a giant ferris wheel that offers a view of Sharjah and the nearby Mamzar area of Dubai.

ON THE PROWL, IN THE KNOW Further, Al Montazah, the very first water park in the emirate, opened in Buheira.

Aside from the water slides and rides, there’s a family amusement and green park to add to the whole aquatic entertainment.

Sharjah has its share of good malls as well.

There’s Sahara Centre, Sharjah City Centre and Mega Mall top the list. However, unlike the six other emirates, pork is strictly not allowed to be served in any restaurants.

There are also no alcohol-licensed hotels and bars.

So in case you’ll run out of ideas of things to do in Dubai, go and explore Sharjah. Let me be your tour guide.

Follow Ion Gonzaga - http://www.boydubai. com/ or on Twitter @ionGonzaga

Beautiful Girls

By Kristine Abante - Dubai

I must say one of the perks of being a single girl in Dubai taking public transportation daily is the privilege of having to sit among women in the Metro or the bus. I spend several minutes every day sharing space with women of all shapes and sizes, ages

and nationalities.

We all felt more comfortable being with each other, away from the idle stares.

of their advertisements feature perfect models that prey on our insecurities. We sit in the female section telling ourselves we don’t want the idle stares, yet most of us wait for some jerk to tell us how beautiful we are before we even begin to believe it.

I look at these women and I begin to realize that everyone is just so pretty in their own unique way. But amid our endearing qualities, we girls cannot help but compare ourselves to each other.

Sometimes, I sit in the Metro and stare at all these amazing women and realize that really, as quoted from my all-time favorite TV character, “People, women, are so strange and so complicated that they are actually beautiful. Possibly even me.”

Follow Kristine on www.band-aid-blues. blogspot.com

Media fans the fire by telling us that we are not enough. We need Kim Kardashian’s booty, Kate Upton’s boobs, and Sarah Jessica Parker’s wardrobe. White girls want to be brown, brown girls want to be white.

The fashion and beauty industry is all about promoting “self-confidence” yet most

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ON THE PROWL, IN THE KNOW

You’ve Got the Power!

you should announce it to everyone you know. After all, the more people who knows, the more likely you’re going to do it as to not disappoint.

“It always seems impossible until it is done.”

-Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela

Sometimes when we talk about our plans so much, we give ourselves a forged sense of achievement, making us less likely to go for it.

By Rian Miranda-Riyadh, KSA

Two years ago I watched “The Secret”, the film version of Rhonda Byrne’s best-selling self-help book. The Secret claims that the power of positive thinking can get you what you want and more.

A lot of us begin our day with affirmative thoughts to the point of sharing them in social media. But what if “the secret” of feeding the law of attraction with positive energy is not working?

I will let you in a little secret. Keep mum about your personal plan(s)…until it’s done and you’ve made it.

This is easier said than done. It is often assumed that when you set a new ambition,

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If you keep it to yourself, you won’t run the risk of letting others’ judgment get in your way. Sometimes what hinders a lot of people from doing things they want are other people. If you announce that you’re going to spend a lot of time with a bigger purpose, some who are close to you may feel threatened that they might see less of you and subconsciously sidetrack you from making it to the end.

Plus, you’re most likely to finish your project as soon as possible because you feel the urge to share it with those who matter to you. If you feel the need to motivate yourself but also feel the lack of emotional support, you can help yourself

by daydreaming about your accomplished goal a lot. Considering both thoughts about your success and setbacks will make your fantasy more grounded and possible. It also helps you see your next route closer to your destination. Moreover, surround yourself with those who share the same passion too because they will help you move forward.

But hey, if you really, really, can’t keep it a secret, make sure you share it with someone you have complete confidence with; someone who considers you an ally, has never been competitive with you and a champion of his/her own dreams. If none, then zip. You can also set up an anonymous blog, like I did years ago, where I talked about my goals and frustrations and it helped a lot because I didn’t suffer from any negative effects of sharing my reality with those who only deliver distorted criticism.

As the famous Star Wars expression goes, “May the force be with you”.

Follow Rian - Instagram: msrianmiranda, Youtube: www.youtube.com/rianmiranda