2020 Manila Up Magazine - December 5th anniversary

MONACO MALAYSIA UNITED KINGDOM PHILIPPINES UNITED STATES OF AMERICA THAILAND GERMANY CANADA

VOL. 5 #3

INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE

H20GRAPHY

BY JUSTIN LUTSKY

Angels TO STREET KIDS

ASHLEY ARGOTA MRS. INTERNATIONAL PAGEANT IN SINGAPORE

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5th Anniversary Issue

If you or a loved one is injured call Jenna Roca, Esq. at Prevail Law (818) 246-7622.

Jenna Roca is a Super Lawyers “Rising Star” an honor limited to the top 2.5% of attorneys in CA for her excellence & outstanding results in personal injury law. She has law practices in Los Angeles, CA & Las Vegas, NV & is licensed to practice throughout both states. She graduated from UC Berkeley and UC Hastings College of the Law.

INSIDE 08 LAARNI LAVIN-ROQUE

BY Naiia Lajoie Many who find themselves deeply immersed in the political sphere have been primed to do so for several years, as is typical for most politicians. However, City Councilor Laarni Lavin Roque is anything but typical, nor does her origin story follow any expected narrative that would land her as a leader of the people. This is what makes her journey such an unlikely tale, but also one of inspiration.

48 H20GRAPHY

BY JUSTIN LUTSKY Natural, freshwater environments provide some of the most uniquely stunning underwater settings to shoot in. The water is usually crystal clear, and the visibility seems to go on for miles in every direction. On top of that, there’s natural beauty, both below and above the water, everywhere you point the camera. It’s almost impossible to find a bad frame.

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Angels to Street Kids

Reflecting on 2020 with Commissioner Jessica Caloza

ASHLEY ARGOTA

BY Mayenne Carmona I had that gnawing desire of doing something meaningful that could impact the poor people of our country. The poverty in many areas around MM could stab even the most jaded heart. Here you see malnourished children running around with no clothes nor footwear but still with big smiles on their faces.

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BY Naiia Lajoie The diaspora of Asian-Americans took note of Jessica’s quick work over a short time of serving, honoring her with SIPA’s (the Search to Involve Pilipino Americans, an LA-based non-profit organization) Lingkod Bayan Award for Public Service. Literally meaning “town servant”, the award is intended to recognize individuals that demonstrate outstanding public service and community leadership.

By the age of 11, Argota was a young rising star, touring in Disney’s hit Broadway musical The Lion King as Young Nala. Since then, she has been seen on countless hit TV shows, including “iCarly”, “Lab Rats”, “Girl Meets World”, “Liberty Crossing” and “The Fosters”, as well as in such films as Sony Pictures’ The Cover Versions.

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MONACO MALAYSIA UNITED KINGDOM PHILIPPINES UNITED STATES OF AMERICA THAILAND GERMANY CANADA

INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE SONIA DIONELA BERMEJO Publisher/Executive Editor

ADVERTISING SERVICES

EDITOR NAIIA LAJOIE

SENIOR EDITOR EDITH Y. PENDLETON

Philippines

SUSAN SAN PASCUAL

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS MONTE CARLO Monaco: Fashion, Style & Travel ANGELINA KALI MALAYSIA Sugar Queen SAMANTHA GOH GERMANY Secrets of Success SILVIJA POPOVIC

Green is the New Sexy LUISSA BURTON

H20graphy JUSTIN LUTSKY

THAILAND Siam Living MARICEL DIAZ

Grand Adventure ANNA MARIE MATEESCU

UNITED STATES: NEW YORK Street Photography SYLVIA ZAMORA On Call ROMULO AROMIN, JR. MD

PHILIPPINES In Other Worlds BECKY GARCIA Walk my Way MAYENNE CARMONA Metro Scene JOY FONG Proverbs 31 Woman JHOANNA DE GUZMAN Let’s Party AGILE ZAMORA

GRAPHIC ARTIST

From Hollywood to Asia ROBERT D. WOMACK

Bryan Arevalo Production/Marketing Assistant Lindsley Favis PHOTOGRAPHERS

Soaring High with Fides MARIE ANTOINETTE CENIZA

Social Media: CELIA ABUEL

Immigration Professor’s Corner ROBERT PERKINS, ESQ

Fashion Shows: JAMES GIOVANNI PAN JOPHEL HUFFMAN JOE GARCIA KEN HUGH

FLORIDA Life’s Journey MELODY GARCIA

Dine Travel & Style GRACE AGUILAR

Mental Wellness JANIE LACY

Beautiful Life MONET LU

Kingscript MARK ANTHONY KING

Talk This Way TEE PARK

LOS ANGELES In and Out of Red Carpet JANET NEPALES

HAWAII Maui Mania EDITH PENDLETON

EVENTS: LORNA LLANES TONY GARCIA RICHARD DIZON RAMIE DADOR JON BERMEJO ARNOLD CAPATI WEBSITE DESIGNER Allan Mark Paanio

UNITED KINGDOM Kingdom Adventures GILDA PINEDA DIONELA

Glass Half Fil NAIIA LAJOIE

MANILA UP! MAGAZINE

3756 W. Avenue 40 #160, Los Angeles, CA 90065 USA Email: manilaup@gmail.com Website: www.manilaupmagazine.com Follow us: FB, Twitter, Instagram, Tumblr, Issuu

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Articles published in this paper do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher.

ISBN 231-256-2-16

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178 J. Asinas St., Barangay Sta. Lucia, San Juan City Marketing Company/Philippines Contact Person: Susan B. San Pascual Telephone No. : (+632) 8814-3775

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PUBLISHER’S NOTE

The year 2020 is a very challenging year for all of us. It was unexpected, caught us by surprise, sent us into shock, and still seems so surreal. Everything is at a standstill. Our economy, businesses, lifestyle, and our lives have practically been disabled. But even with this unprecedented pandemic, we can still bring forth a good message, bring hope, and bring goodwill – especially during Christmastime – to impoverished kids. Through donations, even in small amounts, we can provide food, slippers, and Christmas presents to underprivileged kids living in the streets of Manila. The “Angels to Street Kids” food program, started by one of our columnists, Mayenne Carmona 10 years ago, was created with their own money, with expanded to 4 good friends, and has now grown into 25 more friends, who all diligently share their own money to feed the poor.

With this in mind, we have come up with a project of our own to reach-out to that very feeding program, the Angels to Street Kids (ASK). Our writers and staff based around the world, in collaboration with Manila Up!, will give recognition to our selected “50 Exceptional Filipinos Worldwide”. We have ascertained that our selection is comprised of the most outstanding Filipinos that have contributed to, impacted, and influenced their communities. We would like to recognize and honor these incredible people. Our heroes in mentoring, inspiring, and influencing; our “Kababayans”, through their contributions to their respective communities.

We will announce the recipients in the coming month, and the honorees will be included in our newest project: a Coffee Table Book, with delivery expected to be in the middle of 2021. Part of the proceeds from said Coffee Table Book of “50 Exceptional Filipinos Worldwide” will feed hundreds, if not thousands of kids.

We will begin the giving season by donating a portion of the proceeds from our 5th Year Anniversary issue of Manila Up! International Magazine sales. Let’s come together to make this December a joyous holiday season for the large population of street kids in Manila.

With the celebration of our 5 years in the publishing industry, we give our tremendous gratitude to our Cover Girls/Gentleman who have previously graced the cover of our magazine. Thank you! We cannot forget the sponsors with their unending support, our family and friends who stood by our mission, our mentors who’ve inspired us, and to all who make up the Manila Up! family, culminating into our 5th year milestone!

We look forward to a fresh start in 2021! A return to normalcy; it will be a bit of a wait, but we know great things lie ahead and are bound to change. And we especially look forward to another year of blessings!

“A VERY MANILA CHRISTMAS!”

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EDITOR’S NOTE

NAIIA LAJOIE Editor Given the track record of 2020, I hesitate to declare “We’ve made it!” in this, our last issue of the year. But here we are, in the final month of 2020. A long, grueling, arduous year; filled with immeasurable loss – of routine, income, and life. Yet if there is anything that I have learned throughout the course of this pandemic, it is this: we are resilient. As a people, a society, but more poignantly in this instance, a publication.

As Magazine Editor, I have had the pleasure of combing through our contributors’ columns. Feel-good pieces, words of encouragement, advice on how to get through this hectic time – and I am truly moved. I am impressed with the tenacity of our writers to consistently deliver meaningful articles, even when they themselves have experienced hardship.

Manila Up! set forth a mission at its inception. Not only is this our last issue of the year, December also marks five years for the publication, making this our 5th Anniversary Edition. When Publisher Sonia Bermejo brought me on in the midst of year two, I had no intention of taking-on what has become such a rewarding platform for sharing others’ stories.

For this, I am eternally grateful to Sonia. And for my fellow writers; among you, I feel as though I am in inspired company. MUIM’s original goal was to reach global audiences. It was a medium through which the Filipino diaspora’s kultura could bridge the gap between Filipinos around the world.

Unity is more important now than ever before. With Filipinos comprising a significant number of healthcare providers and frontline workers here in the US, we strive to highlight their contributions, thank them for their service (and in some sad cases, sacrifice), as well as provide a distraction from their otherwise chaotic reality.

From the bottom of our hearts here at Manila Up!, salamat po. And to our cherished readers who have stuck by us not just in the past year, but for the last five years, we thank you. Without your continued support we would not be where we find ourselves today.

Let us look now to the future. To a brighter tomorrow, a new year, and many more years of bringing you professional journalism.

To Manila Up! Magazine, Happy Anniversary!

And to all of you, have a Happy (and safe) Holidays!

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COVER STORY Location: M. Montesclaros Ranch Photo by: Rey II R. Josue

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A Flare for Sincerity: Laarni Lavin Roque By: Naiia Lajoie

Many who find themselves deeply immersed in the political sphere have been primed to do so for several years, as is typical for most politicians. However, City Councilor Laarni Lavin Roque is anything but typical, nor does her origin story follow any expected narrative that would land her as a leader of the people.

This is what makes her journey such an unlikely tale, but also one of inspiration.

Born in Manila as number 5 of 7 children, Laarni was raised by two hardworking, ambitious parents; transplants from the Visayas.

Her late father was a college graduate who became a successful banker, and her mother a fellow college-grad worked as a government nurse. Among her 6 siblings, she has three who are doctors, one as an architect, another is an engineer, with the remaining one following in their father’s footsteps as a banker. Among such prestigious family faculties, she too was poised for a white collar career. Initially her father had wanted her to pursue law, so she attended De La Salle University and obtained a Bachelor in Philosophy. Prior to completing a law degree thereafter however, destiny intervened.

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Laarni met, fell head over heels in love with, and married her now husband. After just one year of law school, he proposed, and set forth into motion a series of events that would alter her job trajectory forever. He convinced her to exchange law for learning, and so she graduated with a second Bachelor’s Degree in Education.

She passed the board exams for teaching, they were wed in Manila, and afterwards he whisked her away to his hometown in Mindanao.

Having been raised a city girl for 23 years, constantly surrounded by bodyguards on account of her father’s banking work, Laarni did not know what to expect when she moved out of Manila. When asked how she initially felt about the transition, she responded, “It was a difficult transition initially. Everyone was scared about safety, security issues; I wasn’t really comfortable [with the thought of him] bringing me here.”

Ever resilient, Laarni adapted quickly and soon found herself employed as a teacher, principal, and director of a school her husband’s family owns. This had likely been his plan all along, foreseeing how a strong foundation in education would ultimately serve as the basis for both of their advocacies.

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“We believe that everyone deserves and has the right to an education” she states. She attributes the Philippines’ mass poverty to the fact that there is an overwhelming majority of the population who are not educated.

While slipping into a scholarly role seemed only natural for Laarni, on how she came to transition into a political position, she had this to say, “Well…I’m not so sure”.

Her reluctance comes not from a lack of interest, but rather an abundance of previous experience. It turns out her father’s side of the family was heavily involved in politics. At just 9-years-old she was exposed to the Visayas’ political arena and how it operated. It was her husband who branched them out into politics. She had witnessed her husband’s work for the past 10 years, with the first 3 as a City Councilor, followed by 7 years as a Congressman.

With his term coming to an end shortly in congress, “It seems like he doesn’t want to stop serving” she posits.

“He doesn’t want to give up the seat to continue the work and projects he has already set forth into motion.”

“If there are organizations or events that involve education, I am typically in attendance.” Tackling the hot topic of education, “I haven’t only been focusing on children’s education, I put particular emphasis on special needs children, and senior citizens.” Known for putting precedence on the needs of the elderly and the sick, “Whatever the government gives us in our salary, is what I give back.”

Possessing such a tender heart is atypical in a person of her position, hence why during her run for City Councilor, she experienced classist discrimination, recollecting, “They’d think that I wouldn’t understand their situation. Initially, because of this, I wasn’t even expecting to win; even I thought along the same lines.

But my husband believed in me and wanted me to run, so I did.” She found herself more comfortable in the company of those young and old, children and the elders. Surrendering to the thought of never being elected as a civil servant, imagine her surprise when she learned that upon having the 2019 votes tallied, she topped the count by more than 14,000 votes to the next closest competitor.

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The overwhelming desire to prioritize the sick and needy ultimately garnered her the role. She attributes this mentality to her upbringing. While her father was a successful banker; the president of several banks, often sharked from different institutions because they sought his leadership, he originated from humble beginnings.

“He was raised as a poor person. He had nothing.

He went through school, paying for his own tuition fee by becoming a janitor. Who does that?” As if still digesting it all, “Imagine that, in a poor province. He was supporting himself as a janitor. Worked his way up, earned a little – just a few pesos to make ends meet. He graduated Magna Cum Laude and became a banker. And eventually the president of those banks.”

Being raised hearing these stories, her parents taught them to always be humble at all costs. Despite an upbringing in the lap of luxury, “He’d keep telling us, ‘If you see someone who is not as well off as you are, you make sure that you know how to help. Or even just how to show them respect, regardless of whether or not they have the same clothes as you. You just have to respect them and speak to them like they are people.’” It was not only her father driving the point across, her mother – now retired – was a nurse practicing in the government, wherein she took care of the government workers, whose constituents hailed from poor conditions and dirty environments.

“I believe they see me as somebody who could really be sincere,” Laarni reflects. “I like being one among them.

I don’t have to dress-up; I wear jeans, an ordinary top. I don’t have to wear any jewelry at all when I’m with them.

I think they feel that I know how to belong. So anytime they air out their needs, I’m there to listen to them.”

This is why the pandemic has been so particularly trying for her. She has not been able to visit with her beloved seniors. Instead, she would send out her personal frontliners to tend to the sick and the hungry. Despite wanting to assist with the hospital visitations, as someone who is predisposed to the virus due to being immunocompromised, she is limited to only visiting family.

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Location: Valencia City, Bukidnon (Home) Photo credit: Khem Ely Arcojada

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“Currently it’s very difficult for everyone here in our area. A lot of the people have been losing hope. I do believe that we’ll need more help, and as much as we do have with the resources out here, it’s simply not enough. I’ve been calling my friends in Manila to help with the finances in response to the needs of our people here. It is very difficult, because even in Manila they have their own cases to deal with during the pandemic.” Laarni’s takeaway during this dismal time is that she truly hopes that the people still see how beautiful it is to be with family.

Once the health crisis is mitigated and all are able to return to a semblance of normalcy, Laarni does have nature-related activities in the works for all of Bukidnon, currently postponed due to the pandemic. In response to so many of the area’s trees being cut down, she intends to travel from village to village with seedlings in tow, on a tree-planting mission. The new growth echoes her words of encouragement to her district: “Hold on and hang onto your hope. The service that we provide our people is never ending.

We make sure that we are always there for them. We make sure that the service will not stop. And I believe that that’s what my husband is planning to do, with having me taking over; providing the people with the services that are needed.” manilaupmagazine.com

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Horse: MM2 Location: MM FARM Photo by: Rey II Josue

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Malaybalay City Bukidnon Tagolwanen Women Weavers Handicrafts

Coming full circle to alleviating the Philippines’ poverty, “We started with the advocacy of education. We want it to become like the US, with no child left behind. All children have the right to a good education.

And for the long time that we have been in service, we have had 5000 scholars and several have already graduated and succeeded under us. We believe that at least one child in the family should be a graduate, so that they have greater chances at a better job.”

Let Laarni’s transformation from city girl to countryside City Councilor, from law student to educator to politician, to not believing she was enough to being the hope of the people, serve as an inspiration to you.

While you may not know the direct road to success, the most important part is to simply start walking. n

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Photos courtesy of Janet Susan R. Nepales / HFPA

Riku Campo has also worked with Anne Hathaway for her makeup

by Janet Susan R. Nepales

On and Off the Red Carpet 18

Cindy Crawford at the Golden Globes.

Riku Campo also does her makeup.

CELEBRITY MAKE-UP ARTIST RIKU CAMPO SHARES HIS WORLD AND GIVES TIPS TO WOMEN AGED 40 AND ABOVE manilaupmagazine.com

So how did he meet her and what made him decide to include her in his book?

“One of my clients, this make-up artist, is adept at sportswear, so they have ‘Athleta’,” he narrated. “They had this beautiful dancer who was modeling. I asked what she had studied in New York and she replied that her teacher was Elizabeth Roxas. I was already planning my book, so I started casting it. And I was like, ‘Oh, wonderful, because I am looking for a dancer or some kind of performance artist for my book.’ She showed me a picture of her and I was like, ‘Oh my goodness, I want her in my book.’ So she came on Instagram and we started talking. When we met, we just clicked. She is so wonderful and has such a great sense of humor. We have been texting every two or three weeks and she is just so wonderful. I love her. She is fabulous. So that’s how we met, and she was very excited to be in the book.”

Now based in Santa Monica, California, we asked Campo what his transition was like moving from Finland to the United States.

Riku Campo Photo by: Samantha Rapp

Los Angeles

Riku Campo is the kind of person who is easy to warm up to. He is down-to-earth, charming, and funny.

The 50-year-old Finnish-born make-up artist is also a celebrity in his own right, as he does the make-up of some of Hollywood’s A-listers; from Anne Hathaway to Gwyneth Paltrow to Cindy Crawford.

Campo recently came out with a make-up book titled “I Am Beauty”, with photographs by Samantha Rapp and featuring women age 40 and over.

One of the women he featured was Filipina performance artist and ballerina Elizabeth Roxas-Dobrish, 61. Born in Manila, she was the youngest member of Ballet Philippines. She came to New York City in 1979 and received scholarships to The Joffrey Ballet School, The Graham School, and The Ailey School. Married to Robert Z. Dobrish, a prominent matrimonial attorney in Manhattan, Dobrish gamely posed for Campo’s book as he painted his make-up magic on her. manilaupmagazine.com

“I was 23 years old,” he recalled. “I went to New York for six months just to try my skills there. Then I really decided to move to Los Angeles in 2002. I came here for a photo shoot for some magazine from New York and I fell in love with Los Angeles. Of course, coming from Finland, it was wintertime in Finland and coming to Los Angeles was like paradise for me. I loved the palm trees and the ocean. So, I decided I wanted to move to L.A. It wasn’t that easy. I had to first get an agency here. I was very lucky; I had a portfolio for beauty and fashion. I was also working in Greece, and a little bit in Germany and Italy, and of course in Finland. So I had lots of tear sheets. At that time, you had to have a portfolio to show your work to an agency. Everything in Los Angeles is all about agencies – agencies for makeup, hair stylists, actors... So, I signed with an amazing agent, Marysa Maslansky. She’s retired now, but she had her own agency called Visages. As an example, she was representing the very famous photographer Herb Ritts.

So she took me under her wing and I was very happy there. So, I moved here. I got my working visa, and now I’m a Green Card holder, and I’ll become an American.

Hopefully in January or February.”

When asked who among the Hollywood actresses he admires the most in terms of their style and looks, Campo revealed, “Oh, there are so many. Meryl Streep.

Her grace, her elegance. She’s just so beautiful inside and out. And the French actress Isabelle Huppert. I love her.

She is wonderful and I’ve always admired her. Everybody

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loves Oprah. I love Oprah. She is also such a character and strong woman. She is not afraid to say what she thinks. I love 40, 50+ women because they have had the experience of life and have stories to tell. The depth is definitely there when you are a little bit older and I love that.”

Anna Kendrick

“Helen Mirren and Jane Fonda are also women whom I admire,” he added. “Their grace and how they are not afraid to say things. They are not afraid to be who they are. They say what they want to say basically; what they need to say, and they are just beautiful inside and out.

They are good examples of being a woman. I think Helen Mirren is 75 now and is looking so good. It’s amazing.

And then their whole style, their outside beauty…it’s just beautiful to look at them and their confidence, I love it.”

Does he ever get nervous when he does the make-up of his celebrity clients?

“In the beginning, yes,” he admitted. “I was very nervous to do celebrity make-ups. I did so many. Oh my goodness, I was very nervous when I went to do Anne Hathaway. I flew to New York to do her make-up for a magazine cover. You don’t really know them beforehand and you don’t really know what they are like, or what kind of make-ups they like. For them as well, when they work for the first time with a make-up artist. I used to be nervous but not anymore.”

Oprha Winfrey

“I have to tell you a very funny story. I was doing Anna Kendrick’s make-up years back for her press junket for the Up in The Air movie. That was about 10 years ago.

And I was in the studio, and George Clooney came out and he thought I was somebody else. And he was talking to me for ten minutes, blah, blah, blah, and I told him, I am not that person. And he did not believe me, he thought I was joking. I was like – oh my God, how do I get out of this situation? So, I went back to the makeup room to do Anna’s make-up. And he was following me and he was like, ‘Where did you come from?’ And I said, ‘I am the make-up artist.’ And then he realized – oh my God, this is the wrong person. That’s the funny thing, because I was nervous about meeting these big stars, but they have a great sense of humor. They are very funny and that always breaks the barrier; when you can laugh with someone. Most of the actors, they are very funny and I love it. I worked for 11 years with Shannen Doherty, she is fantastic. I love her, and I was very nervous the first time. Now we are friends, working friends. So, some of them became closer.”

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ON AND OFF THE RED CARPET and my mother represents that kind of woman. She is so beautiful inside and so kind. My motto is ‘Kindness reveals beauty.’ I just love my mother so much. She really inspired me, and I also was suffering from eczema.

I have very, very dry skin, which is very typical for Scandinavian people and my mother was a pharmacist.

So she took very good care of my skin all of my life. So that was the first thing that I was interested in, skincare more than make-up. My mother was not a big makeup junkie. She would put on a little bit of lipstick and mascara but it wasn’t all about the make-up. It was more about the inside beauty that inspired me. I think it’s sometimes more important than what kind of make-up you have. I think if you’re beautiful inside, that’s the real beauty.”

To be beautiful, is it the genes that are important or the attitude towards life, or the skin products?

Gwyneth Paltrow at the Golden Globes.

Riku Campo also does her makeup.

Who were his influences and what made him decide to become a make-up artist?

“First of all, I was a child actor in Finland when I started acting,” he said. “I was like four or five years old and I remember being backstage of a theater. I did a lot of theater. I played somebody’s son or whatever, small roles. I remember being backstage in the theater and just looking at the actors putting their make-up and wigs and costumes on. I was really thrilled and excited about all of that. Then when I was around 16 and wanted to become an actor, something happened; I just loved fashion and beauty. So, I went to beauty school and then right after beauty school I started to work for a French make-up line called Stendhal Paris. I worked for two years with them and that was my real education; working at a department store doing make-up for real women. Their customers were 50+ women, so I got the real education at department stores as a demonstration makeup artist.

And that’s how I really got started. 33 years later and I’m still doing it.”

He names his mother as the person who influenced him to become a make-up artist. “I’m very blessed. I have a wonderful mother and we are very close to each other.

I call her every day in Finland via Facetime from here in Los Angeles. She inspired me. First of all, my beauty philosophy is ‘It’s not the surface, but it comes from inside out.’ It sounds very cliché but it really is true, manilaupmagazine.com

“I think it’s all of that,” he answered. “It is all of that. First of all, it is like how you feel about yourself. Everybody is beautiful. I can never judge who is beautiful or not.

Everybody’s beautiful so it’s all about how you feel inside. It is also about your lifestyle – lack of sleep, a little bit of sports, and healthy food. You can have wine here and there, or martinis. I think you should allow yourself to enjoy life, and enjoy yourself, and enjoy every day, and I know again it sounds very cliché – but that’s the truth. When you’re happy, that really shows in your face and in your attitude, and that depends on what makes you happy.”

“Happy for me, for example; happiness is like, every morning I like flowers. I like people around me, I love my friends, I love good food, I love to sleep. I like my morning coffee. This makes me very happy – you know, whatever it is. And of course the products. You should have a skin care routine that you follow every day, and the blessing is that the pleasure [of performing it] comes twice a day – morning and evening. And then the face serum, eye-area cream, and during summertime using only [products that have] SPF50 with UV UVB protections. And then when the fall comes – depending on where you are, where you live – if you live like in a very wintery area, you need a very good moisturizer under your sunblock. So those things, and then comes the make-up. Whatever your personality is dictates what kind of make-up you like.”

Since this is a time of a pandemic and there are no facials or anything, what are some suggestions to keep one’s skin well and healthy?

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“Well the proper skin care routine, I would say, is to have a good exfoliator of course, to exfoliate the skin. I would say three times a week, or every third day, exfoliate your skin. And that is, by the way, the ‘extra’ skin care routine.

So the basic skin care routine is of course to clean the face twice a day and to then put on face serum, eye cream, and a day cream, and [something with a high] SPF. The sunblock is already an anti-aging cream by the way. So the extra care in exfoliation and [using a] face mask, and that [daily routine] is the very basic thing. But then another very important thing is a face massage. You clean your face with your hair in a ponytail and put on any organic oil you can find in the kitchen. You can just use olive oil for your face and neck. And then you’ll feel a lifting; everything is uplifting. You massage your face for five, ten minutes, and it really, really gives amazing blood flow to your skin. It stimulates the muscle tone and brings the oxygen into your blood cells. So that is the great thing. It doesn’t cost anything and it really is like a face massage for your face muscles and your neck.

The neck is always a very tricky area for women who are 50 plus. So all you do is face yoga; the crazy, crazy facial expressions. I am not going to show them now, but those two things are very great and they are free.”

We asked him about staying away from the sun. How damaging is going out in the sun and what precautions should we take?

“Of course we need to be in the sun, we need the Vitamin D,” he emphasized. “And if there weren’t the sun, there wouldn’t be any life,” he laughs. “So I always think about it that way. It’s not all about, ‘Oh, sun, oh my goodness! You must have a big hat and sunglasses, and 30 or 50+ sunblock. You have to apply it every three hours.’ However there is a sunblock that I can say is a more expensive brand from France. It has a sunblock that actually works for eight hours. But yeah, we need to be in the sun, it’s healthy for us. And I wouldn’t put any baby oil on your face and go outside on your balcony to just get sun. Getting tanned, that’s not healthy. And always in moderation. But if you are concerned about your skin and the sun, just use the sunblock and wear a hat, that’s fine. But we have to be outside. We can’t be in a dark room and just avoid the sun, because then we don’t get any vitamin D. Because with vitamin D, if you are not in the sun, the only way you can get vitamin D is by eating fish,” he chuckles.

And what does he think about expensive creams as opposed to maybe just using natural products?

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Cover of Riku Campo’s “I Am Beauty” book

“Yeah, especially in these hard times when money might be tight for everybody and for women – they don’t want to spend $600 for a night cream. So first of all, to answer your question; well, the packaging is always what drives costs. So it’s all about the packaging. Your nice glass jar that it is in, that may be what is already 50% of the whole cost. So there are really amazing creams in CVS. I use this cream and can’t believe it is $5, and it is the best.

Take for example a big cosmetic company like L’Oréal – they have different categories of their creams. Some of them, the cheaper ones, are much better than the most expensive ones. It really is. You want to moisturize your skin. We have 6-7 levels of skin, and the moisturizer can’t really go that deep under the skin. So a moisturizer is [just as good as another] moisturizer. Of course, if you want the luxurious feeling and the smells and the beautiful glass jar in your bathroom, then of course you’ll feel that it brings you luxury. Then you justify using that $500 cream and put it on your face.”

Being such a joyful artist, where does his joy come from?

“My joy comes from my love for what I am doing,” he confessed. “I love life, I love my friends, and I just am thankful every day for waking-up and being healthy.

And I love my work and I act like a six-year-old,” he giggles. “I am just like…hey, I just love to be happy. And if I am not happy, I’ll just go running on the beach and I will be happy again.” n manilaupmagazine.com

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CALOZING STATEMENT:

REFLECTING ON 2020 WITH COMMISSIONER JESSICA CALOZA The year of a presidential election. The year of a census count. The year of civil unrest for social justice. The year of a global pandemic. Regardless of how you look back on the year 2020, it will undoubtedly go down in history as the year society looked to its leadership for answers. On the local level, Los Angeles residents – specifically Filipino-American Angelenos – sought out solutions from the LA City Mayor’s office. Thankfully, they had a Fil-Am representative on their side to field their questions and facilitate their understanding.

by Naiia Lajoie

GLASS HALF FIL

Jessica Caloza is a Commissioner on the Board of Public Works in the City of Los Angeles. Born in Quezon City in the Philippines, she came to the US as a young child. She was appointed by LA Mayor Eric Garcetti in February of 2019 and confirmed by the City Council in March. She also happens to be the first Filipina American to serve on the Board. The University of California, San Diego-grad is a proud first-generation immigrant, living in and serving the community of Historic Filipinotown (HiFi).

The diaspora of Asian-Americans took note of Jessica’s quick work over a short time of serving, honoring her with SIPA’s (the Search to Involve Pilipino Americans, an LA-based non-profit organization) Lingkod Bayan Award for Public Service. Literally meaning “town servant”, the award is intended to recognize individuals that demonstrate outstanding public service and community leadership.

With respect to the CDC’s guidelines and acknowledging that a mass gathering was not possible, SIPA was the first in the Fil-Am community to transition its gala into an online format in order to remain Covid-compliant.

On the virtual celebration, Jessica commented “While it is difficult to maintain the energy level [online], they did an amazing job accomplishing just that. People from different industries were present, highlighting just how far Filipino-Americans have come.” She also remarked on how it was good to see non-Filipino leaders and allies present, as the organization branchingout amplifies the strength of its coalition.

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GLASS HALF FIL

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GLASS HALF FIL

March 2019 Public Works Confirmation Hearing with Mayor

Having gone through the process of immigrating herself – albeit at a younger age; adapting to new surroundings, customs, and culture – as a civil servant Jessica yearns to facilitate immigration. For those who enter the country later in their life or may require additional time adapting, Jessica realizes that communication is paramount, and thereby spearheads bridging the language gap. For her, this is a key point that hits close to home: “Language is a really powerful tool. Our constituents’ understanding allows us to do better.

They can put in a request to remove graffiti in their neighborhood, using their native tongue. It increases their quality of life, and we provide greater transparency resulting in more engagement.”

Outside of Covid-19, Jessica is also giving priority to increasing Filipino representation – in addition to the multitude of diverse cultures – that make up the multinational identity that is LA. Whether it is the upcoming HiFi Eastern Gateway Project; marking the first historic cultural designation for the FilipinoAmerican community in the US, or the proposed Sixth Street Viaduct Replacement Project; providing a safe, recreational space spanning from the Arts District to Boyle Heights, Jessica’s goal as commissioner is to enrich the lives of those residing in the area. “We have such vibrant communities,” she muses, “how do we showcase them more? We don’t just tolerate other cultures, we celebrate them.”

Jessica’s internal work of how the Board can better provide access to their programs has been pivotal in 2020, given it was a year for the census and the election. As the FilAm community grows more robust, she wants to ensure that the federal government’s funding reflects such and is appropriately distributed. “I was heavily involved,” she recounts, “going into the community to talk to working class families. I was explaining to them why it is important to participate in the census. I would tell them, ‘This dictates how much money our schools get’.”

Ultimately Jessica sees her contributions to the city as a means of furthering the Filipino impact in literally helping to build the city. She shares an anecdotal story on the subject, “One of the original pobladores that was to help found the city of Los Angeles…was actually Filipino. People thought he was Chinese, calling him ‘Chino’. Filipinos are a part of founding the city – and I am so proud of [that].”

Moreover, mitigating the Covid crisis has been a top priority for Mayor Garcetti. Using the working groups that Jessica chairs, she and they would rapidly translate the onslaught of Covid-related information received weekly into 9 to 11 different languages. From there she would transcribe it and send the details to ethnic media outlets, giving priority to anything pertaining to public health orders. Even now – despite and because of the holiday season – the work is ceaseless.

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For a year that has been trying for so many, it comes as a relief knowing that the Fil-Am community, AsianAmericans, and Los Angelenos alike have a champion in their corner, working tirelessly to ensure that all are fairly represented, heard, catered to, and accounted for. Commissioner Caloza is no stranger to the bitter sweetness of 2020, as she has also experienced personal loss. The Manila Up! family extends its heartfelt condolences to the Caloza family as well as the deepest gratitude for Jessica’s momentous efforts. n

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SEE IT ALL AT

ANDALUCIA GRAND ADVENTURE

by ANNA MARIE MATEESCU 28

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GRAND ADVENTURE

ANDALUCIA

Andalucia is the most southern region of Spain. It borders Portugal on the west side, with the Spanish regions of Castilla-La Mancha and Extremadura in the north, the region of Murcia to the east, and the English territory of Gibraltar and the Mediterranean Sea to its South. It is the most populous, and the second largest autonomous community in the country. The Andalusian autonomous community is officially recognized as a “historical nationality”. The territory is divided into eight provinces: Almería, Cádiz, Córdoba, Granada, Huelva, Jaen Malaga, and Seville. The capital of Andalucia is the city of Seville. Andalucia’s seat of the High Court of Justice is located in the city of Granada. Andalucia is the only European region with both Mediterranean and Atlantic coastlines. manilaupmagazine.com

The name “Andalucia” (Anglicized as Andalusia) is derived from the Arabic Andalusia. It has historically been an agricultural region, compared to the rest of Spain and Europe. Still, the growth of the community in its sectors of industry and services has been above average within Spain, and higher than many communities in the Eurozone. The region has a rich culture and a strong ethnic identity. Many cultural marvels that are seen internationally and thought to be distinctively Spanish are actually largely or entirely Andalusian in origin. These include Flamenco dancing, bullfighting (to a lesser extent), and Hispano-Moorish architectural styles.

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GRAND ADVENTURE

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GRANADA

Granada is very cheap to live in compared to other parts of Europe and even within Spain. An Airbnb or hotel room in Granada costs around 30 to 50 euros per night. It has a great quality of life & a slow, laid back attitude possessed by the people who live there. Surely there must be something about Granada that has had us captivated for so long and continuously coming back for more.

Having traveled to Europe many times in past – living in London, visiting Singapore, Miami, and LA – I can say that out of all of them, Granada has been the best place to visit. Granada is a place that’s comfortable, bursting with nature & history, and a place that we can truly call home. Of course it isn’t perfect; here I share the things we liked and disliked about living in Granada. What we love about Granada, for one, is that the city of Granada may be small, but the province has it all in terms of mountains, valleys, and the sea. For outdoor lovers like us, we love how diverse the surrounding landscapes are, so much so that it’s possible to ski in the mountains and go diving in the sea in one day. In just one hour, you can easily drive from the Sierra Nevada Ski Station to the Mediterranean Sea. I’ll be the first to admit that there isn’t a lot to do in Granada city itself — it’s a small city with a beautiful old town charm. But it’s also more of a place to wander, get lost in, and soak up its atmosphere.

But because of its location at the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, it’s literally surrounded by nature.

There are so many outdoor activities to do just a hop away from the city: from easy hiking through waterfalls at Los Cahorros, to canyoning in the Rio Verde system, climbing the highest mountain in continental Spain, and exploring sandstone caves in Guadix. For instance, my favorite hiking trail is an easy 8km walk near the Trevenque mountain peak, just a 20-minute drive from where we live.

LACK OF GLOBAL MINDSET

Granada is a great place, and I can understand why Granadinos are so proud of their city. But a lot of them are so rooted that they don’t ever leave their hometown. A few of our friends who grew up there don’t have passports and have only left Spain once or twice. It’s really shocking considering how easy and accessible travel is these days, especially in Europe. Most Granadinos don’t speak any other language besides Spanish, and they’re afraid to travel because of the

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language barrier. Because they don’t travel much, they tend to lack international perspectives. They may know a thing or two about the world, as most Europeans do, but they see things from very narrow perspectives that can really limit their potential.

SEVILLE

Seville is a big city in the South of Spain. A big river called the Guadalquivir River runs right through it.

Seville is the capital of Spain’s Andalusia region, and of the province of Sevilla. A very old story suggests that the city was founded by the most famous hero of Greek mythology, Hercules. More realistically however, when the Romans came to Spain, they gave it the Latin name of Hispalis. Over time, this changed to the English spelling of Seville. The Arab Moors took over the city when they invaded the country, and to this day you can still see a lot of the buildings they had built during their 800-year stay in Spain (711-1492). In 1992, Seville was the location for EXPO ‘92. There is a beautiful bridge across the Guadalquivir River called Puente del Alamillo.

It was thought up by Santiago Calatrava, a famous architect. Seville is famous for its hot summer weather, its culture, monuments, traditions, and artistic heritage.

This is the birthplace of Flamenco and the city where the most amazing Easter processions take place. But Seville is also the neuralgic centre of the South of Spain, a city full of life and possibilities. Let’s start with the crème de la crème (and a warning that our gastronomic selections are a meat-heavy bunch): please see the following for our favorite eateries in Seville! Start with Jamon Iberico, Carrillada de Cerdo, Espinacas con Garbanzos, Serranito de Lomo, Cazón en adobo, and Torrijas to name a few.

Is Seville better than Barcelona? The two cities are very different in cultural attractions. If you’re into (more) modern (and gaudy) architecture & creative food choices, Barcelona ought to be your choice. If you’re into Flamenco, bullfighting, medieval architecture, and drinking, I’d pick Seville. If you are traveling over land, Seville would serve you better. This is because Seville is recognized for its wealth of not-to-be-missed sites.

While several of these places are recognized for their historic significance, there are many contemporary sites that deserve the attention of affluent travelers as well. Among these worthwhile monuments is the Metropol Parasol – locally recognized as Las Setas de la Encarnación (“Incarnación’s Mushrooms”) due to the quirky shape.

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GRAND ADVENTURE

CORDOBA

Córdoba is a city in the southern Spanish region of Andalucia, and the capital of the province bearing the same name. It was an important Roman city and a major Islamic center during the Middle Ages. It’s best known for La Mezquita, an immense mosque dating back to 784 A.D., featuring a columned prayer hall and older Byzantine mosaics. After it became a Catholic church in 1236, a Renaissance-style nave was added in the 17th century.

It is the largest city in the province, 3rd largest in Andalucia; after Sevilla & Málaga, and the 12th largest in Spain. It was a Roman settlement, taken over by the Visigoths, followed by the Muslim conquests in the eighth century, and later became the capital of the Caliphate of Córdoba. The city served as the capital of exile for the Umayyad Caliphate and various other emirates. During these Muslim periods, Córdoba was transformed into a world-leading center of education and learning, producing notable figures such as 32

Averroes, Ibn Hazm, and Al-Zahrawi. By the 10th century it had grown to be the second-largest city in Europe. It was conquered by the Kingdom of Castile through the Christian Reconquista in 1236. Today, Córdoba is still home to many notable pieces of Moorish architecture such as The Mezquita-Cathedral, which was named as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984 and is now a cathedral. The UNESCO status has since been expanded to encompass the whole historic centre of Córdoba, Medina-Azahara, and Festival de los Patios.

Cordoba now has more World Heritage Sites than anywhere else in the world. Much of this architecture, such as the Alcazar and the Roman Bridge, has been reworked or reconstructed by the city’s successive inhabitants. Córdoba is world renowned for its leather manufacturing sites and silversmiths. It’s the birthplace of the grand Roman philosopher Seneca. In the summer, temperatures often reach more than 40 degrees Celsius (102 F). Out of Cordoba are the world’s largest olive plantations. n

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MA. REBECCA “BECKY” GARCIA By: Naiia Lajoie

Maria Rebecca Garcia, or simply “Becky”, is formerly the Co- chairman of the Philippine Olympic Committee Commission on Culture.

The Co-Founder, President, and CEO of Vonotec, Inc.; a multinational company dealing in the distribution of building maintenance system equipment. More artistically however, she is known for being the Founder and President of the Philippine DanceSport Federation – or PDSF for short. Formerly the Dance Sport Council of the Philippines (DSCPI), it is a national organization professionalizing the ballroom dance industry.

Becky is also the Founder of the Philippines DanceSport Academy (PDSA), the Professional Dance Teachers Associated (PDTA), a Committee Member of DanceSport Asia (DSA), and the Co-Chairman of the Philippines Olympic Committee; specifically the Commission on Culture. She is also a current columnist in the Manila Times, with her column “Hi Society” being made available every Saturday.

In the past, Becky has been an Executive Committee member of the National Commission on Culture and the Arts. She is also a former licensed adjudicator for the World Dance Sport Federation (WDSF), and former director of the Public Relations Society of the Philippines.

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Her previous experience in the realm of media is also quite extensive; Becky was a TV Host for several programs. Dance Upon A Time; a weekly show on RJTV29, Let’s Ballroom with Becky; a weekly show on RPN 9, Eezy Dancing; a weekly show on ABC 5, as well as Sportacular Asia; a weekly show on Channel 13. Also hosted a TV show on RPN 9 Dance With Becky, her hosting career extended beyond visual media as she was the on air host for the radio program “DanceSport with Becky”, which aired weekly on Angel Radio.

Becky had a brief stint as a former columnist in two newspapers, Manila Standard and The Daily Inquirer, along with the defunct Manila Chronicle. Formerly a lecturer in a hotel management course (Sales and Public Relations) at the International Tourism and Training School based at the Manila Hilton several years ago. She was also President of Chase Thomas International, a public relations and promotions company. Furthering the extent of her promotional background, she was a partner of Novel Ventures, which was a company that organized events, fashion shows, and international shows, not to mention was on the Board of Trustees for the Love 14 Foundation.

This was a charitable organization handling the search for Manila’s Five Loveliest Women.

Needless to say she is as accomplished as her accolades are as varied and extensive. n

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Royce Ramos, Joel Cruz, Avic Cruz, Rev. Fr. Sibi, Maridol Cruz, Remar de Leon

TAKOYATEA

by Becky Garcia

by BECKY GARCIA

IN OTHER WORLDS 36

Successful businessman and Lord of Scents, Joel Cruz, president, and CEO of Aficionado perfumes and personal care has diversified his business into food which is a major need in the market in this changing economic situation, thus launching a new brand “Takoyatea”. This is a coined word that is a combination of the famous Japanese street food “Takoyaki” and the popular Taiwanese drink “milk tea” - a perfect combo meal. He is a big fan of both snacks and drinks as he has enjoyed during his travels to Japan and Taiwan, therefore, know the authentic tastes and concocted these in their food offerings.

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IN OTHER WORLDS Ambassador Victor Garcia, Connie Garcia, Joel Cruz, Becky Garcia, Dr. George Sarakinis and Gerard Ramirez of Club Bulakeño

Takoyatea partners, Maridol Cruz and Avic Cruz.

Becky Garcia, Dr. George Sarakini, Joel Cruz, Connie & Amb. Vic Garcia, Marissa Fenton

Notsky Lou, Marissa Fenton

The business started with his family recently in their community in Manila and proved to be a promising business venture with encouraging daily sales results.

The business model is selling both online and offline, online via social media and food delivery platforms using express delivery services. Offline with a brick and mortar food store for dine-in or takeaway.

Invited to do the honors of cutting the ribbon at the opening together with Joel Cruz were Ambassador Vic and gorgeous wife Connie Garcia, Marissa Fenton and Hi Society, to share the new business venture. There were numerous interests to franchise the business and this motivated Joel to start expanding in different locations Philippine wide.

Good luck Joel to your new business venture. n

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Joel, Prince Sean, Prince Harvey, Joel, Prince Harry and Charles Cruz

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Narvacan Mayor Chavit with son Christian Singson

VIGAN By: Becky Garcia Photos by Lorna Llanes

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Making the Most of Vigan in 24 hours: I have done the Vigan sojourn countless times. But our last trip was extra special because Narvacan Mayor Chavit Singson – more commonly known for his moniker “Gov” – intended it to be a birthday celebration for my better half, Dr. George Sarakinis. We flew in with the friends closest to my husband’s heart; meaning that if you are on the list, you are dear to him (some couldn’t make it). He was right on the mark with his selection of handpicked guests, because everyone was a joy to be with.

Couples who joined us were firsttimers Atty. Rene & Ann Puno, and Pacqui & Lilibeth, together with repeaters Ambassador Vic & Connie Garcia, Gunter & Joanne Matschuk, Merci Padolina, and John Gaddi & Sonny Tanchangco. An additional first-timer was Beauty Queen Cora Ugalde Armenta who flew in from Los Angeles for the occasion.

Our party of 24 stayed at the very exclusive “Forbidden Village” enclave of the good Mayor; comprising of several 2-3 room villas scattered around a beautifully manicured lawn with a huge social hall, and a swimming pool in the

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IN OTHER WORLDS center. Each villa is beautifully designed for the comfort of its special guests, and my permanent accommodation is always Villa #1 with my favorite sisters Atty. Manette Agbayani & Anna Sia occupying the second room.

The first stop for the group was the Baluarte Zoo, proceeding first to the Safari Gallery and then onto the animal show, which made Lulu Boon, Marissa Fenton, Olah Gray Brady, & Mercy Padolina scream upon discovering that a huge phyton was actually under the chest they were sitting on.

Lunch thereafter was at Pinakbet Farm which offers traditional Ilocano dishes, capped by the delightful performance of Ilocano songs and dances by the staff.

The afternoon was spent with kalesa rides & tour, in addition to shopping around the UNESCO World Heritage-acknowledged Calle Crisologo, and a snack of Ilocos Empanada. The trip is not complete without witnessing the grand fountain show of the Vigan Plaza.

Dinner was at the Bartech – whose food will titillate your precocious palates – and again we were treated to an awesome performance by a young local group of street performers.

Gela Cornelisse, Becky Garcia, Dr. George Sarakinis

Anna Sia, Merci Padolina, Gela Cornelissen, Cora Ugalde Arments

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IN OTHER WORLDS Lulu Boon, Olah Gray Brady, Kris Sanguin

Atty. Rene Puno, Paqui Campos, Dr. George Sarakinis

Marissa & angel Fenton, Ann & Atty. Rene Puno

The birthday party culminated at the Safari Hotel where the group danced to live band music in order to burn off the extra calories gained from the gastronomic pleasures that Vigan offered. Atty. Rene Puno, wife Ann, & Gela Cornilessen wowed the crowd with their musical performances while the rest of the guests danced endlessly.

Lilibeth Garcia, Manette Agbayani, Anna Sia 40

The next morning was spent feeding a giraffe prior to flying back to Manila before lunch. It was a hectic – but one of our most pleasurable – trip to Vigan indeed.

Thank you Manong Chavit for giving my hubby Dr. George Sarakinis a grand birthday to remember! n

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For NO OBLIGATION Quote, Please call Alex Alino (714) 600-4915 Email: aalino@s3csolar.com

SONIA DIONELA BERMEJO Publisher/Executive Editor

A Journey to OurPast:

MANILA UP’S RISE TO BECOMING WHO WE ARE TODAY

by MELODY GARCIA

LIFE UNSCRIPTED 42

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Early Adversities; “The attacks come from within” First came praise, then came the criticisms, seemingly from many directions – from those whom she thought were supporters of her vision and dreams. The words stung because it came from the same people whom she had supported in the past. Criticisms such as, “What does she know about owning and running a magazine?

She knows nothing! We will give her 3 months and it will all fail; she’s not going to ‘last’.”

Those who used to applaud her endeavors had gone silent. Sure they watched from the sidelines, but no support came. They were curious, but quiet. That didn’t stop Sonia from pursuing the bigger focus that God had planted within her, which was to impact the world via media. She prayed for the right alignments.

“Dare to do what you dare to dream.” -John Tortorella.

5 years ago, what seemingly was a monumental, risky, and uncertain task, Sonia Bermejo took on regardless. In doing so, she thus paved the way for the birth of Manila Up! International Magazine.

A Faith-Activated Journey

Sonia, whose entrepreneurial background includes previously owning a security surveillance company, property management company, and being a loan officer, had no media or publishing background. She was armed with an eye for attention to detail. During one of her dealings, a friend noticed this in her and suggested, “you should be a publisher” out of the blue. Despite not having any experience, the seed was planted. This seed grew into a strong desire; she consulted God in prayer on the direction that she ought to go. All she knew was that she had a desire to send a message to the world.

How does one uplift humanity? At that time, she was focused primarily on the Filipino heritage. So then, how does one connect to culture? Then, the answer became apparent: “get a hold of writers across the globe”. Sonia, armed only with her faith, started with a writer from the Philippines; her friend Becky Garcia. She then went on to add another columnist from the Philippines. manilaupmagazine.com

There were financial challenges, there were branding challenges, and there were personal resilience challenges.

Yet the God she believed in delivered in ways she never could have expected. The lesson here is this, “Your journey to destiny will reveal those who no longer can go to your next levels. It will reveal who you thought were friends or supporters that really are not, unless it was about them. It will also reveal the incongruencies and disloyalties… Because jealousy is often masked as adoration and God will clear the path & align His order in exchange for your obedience.”

She learned it was never about quantity, but quality. Are they (your friends) happy for you when you win? More often, the attacks will come from within.

When God moves, He doesn’t play small – and neither should you

Sonia knew the direction to success would be going global, but didn’t know how or where to start. Sure she had the Philippine columnist, and at the time had some US-based writers starting in Los Angeles, but what was next? Leaning into faith, she learned that when God is at the helm, He opens doors that no other man can shut.

In just two months from the first issue’s launch, a writer reached-out from London and asked to be part of the team, which established the first United Kingdom presence for Manila Up. In a series of serendipitous moments, Sonia reached out to someone she had met the year prior at an event. Now, while through a series of unfortunate events, this particular individual proved to be treacherous in their motives, God has a way to turning trials into triumphs and testimonies.

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LIFE UNSCRIPTED

That particular project may not have come to fruition, but a deeper purpose emerged. It was then that Sonia met me in 2014. I was not known just yet and was in my former corporate career. Neither one of us knew then that this friendship and collaboration would become one of the major, pivotal turning point for Manila Up. Sonia offered me a position as a contributing columnist. She wanted me to write about the “who’s who” in Florida at that time, which I had counter-offered with a different column focus: “Life Journey”. This is because, unknown to her at that time, I was going through some deep adversities and was in search of answers of my own. My column allowed me the space and platform to externally express what I had been internally suppressing.

Having the full freedom to explore and share thoughtprovoking questions, and interview who then would be a line of global influencers from different industries, unknowingly opened-up the next level opportunities.

And the readership grew. We had shared the same walk of faith. God first and service to humanity second…and as we journeyed forward, God had a way of positioning us first as well.

Sonia stated, “My close trusted friends became the conduit of bringing high-level interviews, and God positioned them.”

One by one – and rapidly at that – the right alignments came. Valuable relationships formed. Sonia started getting contacted by some influential people with a track record of solid success to become part of her start-up magazine. Sonia gained a mentor who owned a different media platform and asked to be part of the team.

The Awards Came Rolling In

Next Level …Manila Up grows globally

In just 6 months after its first issue, Manila Up found God’s favor shining on the magazine. An invitation to watch a Manny Pacquiao fight in Las Vegas led to meeting one of the Philippines’ billionaire business tycoons, who ended-up being on the cover of the magazine. This led to a private launch event of the magazine in the Philippines, where some of the country’s most elite dignitaries; former First Lady Imelda Marcos, high-ranking government officials, celebrities, and more, were in attendance. Manila Up became a brand that was recognized.

And as time passed, contributing writers were added from different countries in Europe, Asia, and North America, bringing the current distribution to 10 countries and growing. I brought in a significant number of global columnists. Manila Up went from local to international coverage; connecting not just the Filipino culture, but rather an international diverse culture that led the way to its continued impact and success.

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Over the last 5 years, Manila Up expanded to also become a TV show, hosted by 6 television hosts. Led by multiple Emmy award-winning TV producer Marc Anthony Nicholas, and joined by the internationally known “Relationship Alchemist” Stefanos Sifandos, as well as Mrs. United States 2017 Lauren Ziegler, YouTube rising star Tomas Orlina, and yours truly – whose list of collective accolades resulted in a rapidly-growing reach.

Manila Up was invited to cover mainstream stories as an established credentialed media company. The Miss Universe Pageant in 2017 and 2018, and by representation also covered the Toronto International Film Festival, Grammy Awards, Golden Globes, and Manny Pacquiao matches just to name a few. The magazine also highlighted global success, such as Dr. Steve Maraboli; the most quoted man alive, Luis “Chavit” Singson, Joel Cruz, and more.

Manila Up! International Magazine and its columnists started winning awards: from Gawad Amerika, the City of Los Angeles’ Board of Public Works, the LA Press Club, etc.

It was also named International Magazine of the Year in 2016, 2017, & 2019, and Sonia has also been recognized as Publisher of the Year twice since Manila Up’s birth.

Speaking from personal experience, I went on impact global stages, sharing platforms with iconic figures, such as former First Lady Michelle Obama, Tarana Burke, and Jane Fonda during the 2018 United State of Women Conference. I’ve also been invited as a keynote speaker to Harvard University, London, Dubai, India, and share the stage with Elena Cardone, Les Brown, Kim Kiyosaki, and more! I too won incredible awards, such as TOFA’s Top 100 Most Influential Filipinos in the last 10 years (I won 1 out the 10 spots in 2020), among a sea of 4.1 million Filipinos living in the USA. I’ve also been named as 1 of the top 75 most influential Fil-Ams in the USA by Blogtalk Radio, and I also became a #1 best-selling author with my co-authored book, “Women who Influence”, which was accepted into the US Library of Congress. I went on to become a multi-media powerhouse with my columns in both Manila Up! Magazine & EXQUISITE International, my podcast called “Life Unscripted”, and a streamed TV show of the same title. I have also had the opportunity to meet with some global leaders.

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LIFE UNSCRIPTED While I can only speak on my awards and accomplishments, there are so many other writers, columnists, and our editor who have also won numerous awards & titles. Manila Up! also launched its sister magazine EXQUISITE International Magazine that also just won 2020 Lifestyle Magazine of the Year! Additionally, several new writers including my dear friend Mark Anthony King have recently joined our team of elite writers.

Reflections and Lessons

There is so much to be grateful for, so many blessings to count in the last 5 years of our journey here at Manila Up! International Magazine. Sonia did dare to dream, had faced a mountainous height of challenges – but consulted God despite it all. God aligned the right people over time; and as I like to say, “sometimes God places strangers in your life to take you to higher places”. The lesson here is: Consult all things with God, believe with unwavering faith, and watch what happens.

A lot of our success was because ego was absent.

We made it all about elevating humanity in through their shared stories. We share their stories that inspire the masses, and just as diverse as our columnists are, so are our features. Our writers put talent, time, and heart in what each of them did. We honored the integrity of our work and our words. This lesson? Make it about them, not yourself. Leadership is from the platform of service, NOT power.

It’s truly the teamwork that makes the dream work. When you build a team or business, having the space to promote creative talents, to be heard, and to listen is critical. “You don’t reach the top of the game by ignoring the trenches”, as I’ve told Sonia, and we share this belief. Leaders are made in the trenches. This final lesson: Build a strong team that is built on trust, having the same vision and mission, as the attacks comes from within.

And last but not the least, God will never fail you, so if He gives you the vision, trust the process and trust the walk. One of Sonia’s favorite bible verses is found in Jeremiah 29:11, which states “For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans to prosper and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future”. n 46

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Vanderhill Rd. Torrance, Ca 90505 | 3105941241

H20GRAPHY

by Justin Lutsky

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FLORIDA SPRINGS

Photos by: Justin Lutsky | photo.justinlutsky.com | @jlutskyphoto

Natural, freshwater environments provide some of the most uniquely stunning underwater settings to shoot in.

The water is usually crystal clear, and the visibility seems to go on for miles in every direction. On top of that, there’s natural beauty, both below and above the water, everywhere you point the camera. It’s almost impossible to find a bad frame.

Two of my favorite freshwater photography destinations are the cenotes in Mexico and the springs in Florida. I had been to the cenotes several times before, but this past October was my first time visiting the legendary springs. They did not disappoint.

Prepping your gear and planning your wardrobe the night before a shoot is a must if you want to arrive early

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Model: Abbey Boutwell | @mermaidvlogs

enough to beat the crowds. Photographers and models should be ready to jump in the water as soon as possible to find magical moments of opportunity. Dogwood spring had a school of fish gathering just below the surface bathed in sunlight. Our intention was to shoot inside the nearby cavern, but once we saw this, we quickly spun around and Abbey slipped effortlessly into the mix. Amazingly, these little guys hung around just long enough for a quick series of photos.

Early morning is also when the position of the sun has the most potential for dramatic light rays. My favorite setup was to use the sun as a backlight, still low on the horizon bursting through the trees. Staying low and wide while tilting up also meant capturing two worlds in a single frame.

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H20GRAPHY My camera is a Sony A7Riii in a Nauticam housing, with a Sony 12-24mm lens. I usually shoot between ISO 100-400 at 1/200th shutter.

In the springs, I also had one Inon strobe attached directly to my housing, armed off to one side for frontal fill most of the time. I had aspirations of setting up strobes on light stands originally, but without a dedicated assistant and limited windows of opportunity to shoot, that wasn’t practical.

Generally, I’d jump in first and do a quick scout for an ideal background or natural feature to incorporate. Then Abbey would jump in and meet me in the water. Moving slowly and carefully was important to avoid stirring up sand and silt which can quickly ruin visibility.

A session might last for 20 minutes or so. Abbey and I would dive down on breath hold and come up together in between shots to review,

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discuss, and adjust before diving down again.

All of the shots featured here were captured that way. However, there were a few times I used SCUBA gear to go deeper and stay down for longer periods of time.

Collaborating with an experienced underwater model is also essential, both to capture wonderful imagery and for safety. Abbey Boutwell is one of the best! Fabric like this can be quite heavy underwater which is challenging to work with and also poses a significant drowning hazard. Models need to have prior experience working with fabric in a pool before jumping into the springs. Abbey and I have shot together many times prior to this. I know her experience and comfort level well enough to trust she was safe to work in open water with all that fabric. I was also shooting close enough to Abbey that I could intervene and assist if anything went wrong.

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The other issue to consider when shooting with models in the springs is water temperature. Low 70’s is quite refreshing for a quick dip. However, working in those water temperatures for even a few minutes without a wetsuit can be quite chilling. A true testament to Abbey’s dedication as an artist.

As the photographer I wore a wetsuit, but Abbey did not. Each session required real mental fortitude to stay relaxed and look graceful the entire time.

Being respectful of that is an important part of underwater collaboration. Being prepared as a photographer and working as efficiently as possible helps minimize time a model has to endure frigid water. And if you can have someone on land ready and waiting with dry towels and warm clothes, it makes all the difference.n

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MANNING-UP WITH THIS MANIFESTO

by Mark Anthony King

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It is December 2020, and we are weighed down by a global sense of fear. The world is afraid of a potential civil war that might ensue. The world is terrified at what they had learned about certain global powerhouses in both the Hollywood and humanitarian space who’ve been tied to serious crimes against humanity. And then we have the six-letter word which will forever remain a part of our personal stories, in addition to our human history: CORONA. We found ourselves hilariously unprepared and lacking in any sort of deliberate and effective leadership. Humanity as a whole was facing shattered economies, food & water shortages, unemployment, the inability to see our families due to global travel restrictions, foreclosures, massive debt, looting, rioting, civil unrest, and potential death due to the virus.

Then come the issues we were forced to contend with individually; the psychological toll that the quarantine took on us and our relationships. Families were literally under attack. Finally, a silver lining was spotted just beyond the horizon, carrying with it hope that things would be better. Slowly, the world gingerly began returning to some semblance of normalcy, even though we are still being urged to wear masks. Small familyrun businesses and local watering holes finally began to open. Government officials declared that beaches and parks were also open to the public. A taste of muchneeded freedom and normalcy, only to be replaced with talks of yet a second global shut down. If ever there was a perfect time to say a prayer, wouldn’t now be it? Let us collectively bow our heads. manilaupmagazine.com

GOD grant me strength, but please keep me safe from all forms of harm both seen and unseen. Feelings of all that is missing powerfully rise to the surface. If only we asked the right questions. If only we prayed the right way.

Weighed down by the guilt of love gone unexpressed, potential talents untapped, and lifelong dreams carelessly unfulfilled, we find ourselves in a sort of hell. You see, for us to go beyond the walls of adversity, we must be willing to face adversity head-on. This is a difficult concept to wrap our minds around because, in essence, we are attempting to intellectually rationalize something that can’t be quantified or broken down. We’ve lived in an “if it’s real then show me” society. Every aspect of our existence is driven by visual data. Think about it, we live in a society where non-belief is praised. The reality of 2020 is that there are a lot of confused souls out there.

Their confusion manifests in desires to hurt or otherwise victimize their fellow brothers and sisters.

What exactly is fear? You read this word and a series of feelings begin to surface. You visit past moments of intense pain and trauma. The palms of your hands become cold and clammy. The fact that we feel these things leads us to the obvious conclusion that there is certainly a physical component to fear. Yet fear is more than mere physiological responses. Fear is physical, it’s visceral, it’s raw and real. Fear is your imagination left to its own devices. A mentor of mine, Tony Robbins, effectively carried this simplistic message, “the opposite of fear is faith.” Now, I had lived my life with the concrete belief that the opposite of fear was courage. My dad would always ask me the same question growing up to drill this into my mind. He would ask “What do we do when we’re afraid?” and I would respond “We do it anyway.” So I encourage you, take a few moments, contemplate this word and answer one question.

What is faith?

Faith is the opposite of the need for data. If fear is the imagination left to its own devices, then faith is your imagination placed in GODs supervision and with GODs direction. Faith is how somehow you know that things are going to work themselves out, but you can’t explain how you know. The book of Mathew, chapter 21, verse 22 reads “And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive if you have faith.” Faith is a profound, indescribable, knowing that things are going to work out in your favor, and for your benefit, absent your ability to confirm or prove. You see faith and fear have three things in common.

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1. They’re both acronyms: FEAR is an acronym for False Evidence Appearing Real.

FAITH is an acronym for Finding Answers In The Hard.

depths of my pain, the degree of my struggles, and how deeply my scars run so that you might learn to heal from, navigate, and accept your very own.

2. They both originate within the depths of the imagination.

A lump of coal and a diamond has the same chemical composition, meaning they are both made of the same stuff, carbon. Yet why are they so completely different in every single way? Two words, Trials, and Tribulations. The attacks on your life have nothing to do with who you are, but who you are meant to become. Rest assured that GOD has a plan for you and your life, and that plan is infinitely greater and far more incredible than anything you could ever imagine for yourself. Your mess can be turned into a message. Your test can be turned into a testimony. Your weakness can be turned into your superpower. Your mistake can be turned into your greatest blessing. Your layoff can become your payoff. And your misfortune can pave the way to your biggest fortune.

3. They don’t require proof, because they’re based on a feeling and a “knowing”.

Growing up, I was diagnosed with ADD, a learning disability, and a behavioral disorder. All of this, before I was even in middle school. So I am here to tell you that if you have been negatively labeled by anybody at any point in your life (including yourself), not only are you not alone, but my story should serve as a beacon of hope for a brighter and more beautiful tomorrow. Transparency is critical, and sometimes that means showing you the

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KINGSCRIPT

Mark Anthony King with Les Brown

I dare you to rise up as the Kings and Queens you were always destined to be. Not tomorrow, not in a week, not when you feel ready, but right now. Be the light in the darkness that gives people hope. Choose what’s challenging over what’s comfortable so that you might be of greater service to humanity. Choose courage over convenience. Choose fearlessness over certainty. Choose compassion over judgment. These are trying times and both your presence and your faith are needed on a global scale now so more than ever. You see, when we choose faith over fear, we immediately change the game for ourselves. Now, I leave you with one final Holiday prayer. May these words resound within the depths of your being:

The Prayer of Saint Francis LORD, make me an instrument of your peace.

Where there is hatred, let me sow love.

Where there is injury, pardon.

Where there is doubt, faith.

Where there is despair, hope.

Where there is darkness, light.

And where there is sadness, Joy. Oh DIVINE MASTER, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled, as to console.

To be understood, as to understand.

To be loved, as to love.

For it is in giving that we receive.

And it is in pardoning that we are pardoned.

And it is dying that we are born to Eternal Life.

Amen.

GOD bless you. And remember, when you change your outlook, you change your outcome. n manilaupmagazine.com

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CONCERTED EFFORT TOWARDS LIBERTY – CLAPHAM, SOUTH LONDON

by GILDA PINEDA DIONELA

KINGDOM ADVENTURE

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It was the middle of summer in London. The day was so bright and the sky was blue; the temperature reached more than 34 degrees for six consecutive days, which had only previously happened during the 60’s. I was delighted. People were wearing light clothes without several layers. Beautiful flowers were everywhere; all colours and variety of roses, vivid violet-coloured iris, sunflower, highly-scented magenta sweet peas, and not easily grown wisteria. It was during this time that I visited Mayfield Lavender Farm.

It is a place where you could see carpets of lavender flowers up to the end of the horizon. Butterflies of different colours and sizes were my companions, and friendly bumblebees escorted me around. It felt like the heavy thoughts in my head were blown away by a cool breeze while sitting on a wooden bench, watching and smelling the sweet fragrance of dancing lavender in unison. As the sun was about to set, I took the train on my way to Clapham Junction.

Clapham Junction train station is one of the places in South London I am confident to use to connect to different parts of England. I have been there countless times.

Clapham used to be a small Saxon Village. The population grew when the refugees settled there from the Great Plague of London in 1665 and Great Fire of 1666. It became a high-end place for affluent families to live in the late 18th century because of its proximity to the luxuries of London. It is where the group called “Clapham Sect” (1790 to 1830) were rooted. They were the devoted evangelical Christians that radically changed Great Britain and the rest of the world. Its members included William Wilberforce, Henry Thornton, James Stephen, and Zachary Macaulay among others.

They were wealthy parliamentarians; they championed abolition of slavery, prison reform, prevention of cruel sports, suspension of the game/lottery laws, and other philanthropic work. I read the biography of William Wilberforce written by seasoned parliamentarian

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KINGDOM ADVENTURE William Wilberforce

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Holy Trinity Church Clapham Common Clapham, London

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KINGDOM ADVENTURE and former Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs of the United Kingdom, William Hague. It was William Wilberforce who painstakingly fought for the abolition of slavery. The battle lasted for 20 years. I watched movies and read books about slavery.

In one word I describe it as “dehumanizing”. Humans were owned by their masters as “things”. Portugal and Britain were the two most ‘successful’ countries trading African Slaves and transported most of them to British colonies in the Caribbean, North and South America.

This is the bird’s-eye view of the root of “racism” that still haunts modern America today. The enmity of some “White skinned towards Black skinned and vice versa”.

How do we end the longstanding prejudices of some white to blacks and vice versa? I have never been to America, and I believe racism still exists in some areas of Britain, but I am not an expert. The way I understand the point of view of Professor Andrew Hacker, American social scientist and scholar, is that “racism” is inevitable and hopeless. I believe he is wrong. Another expert from the Creation Ministries International, named Gary Bates, presented a case of “racism” towards an African man, Ota Bengan, who was taken from the Congo in 1904 and then put in a cage at the zoo to educate the public about human evolution. It was Samuel Verner, former slave trader, supporter of white supremacist, and believer of the Theory of Evolution that took him from the Congo and presented him to the Bronx Zoo Director. It happened when slavery had been outlawed for more than 40 years. Bates concluded, “In fact, many of the racist taunts still being used today have their roots in Darwinian ideology or the idea that black people are ‘closer to the apes’ on the evolutionary scale.”

The freedom of slaves and upgrading of Christian morals in Great Britain and its colonies at that time were results of concerted efforts of Christian believers who contributed their brilliant ideas and skills, and come up with charismatic ways of conveying their cause to the attention of the public. They did so in the form of graphics, pamphlets, brooch, sugar boycotts, and written petition among others. The spiritual mentors John Newton (composer of “Amazing Grace”) and John Wesley (the founder of Methodist Church) gave their spiritual support, encouragement, and prayers. And lastly, the perseverance of William Wilberforce right up until the end of his life; it is a living proof that believing in the Bible as the living Word of God will sustain and uphold the cause that will give glory to His name. Today people are disrespecting and distorting the Bible. They are disrespecting Jesus, the Son of the Living God. Racism is only one of several bitter fruits of broken manilaupmagazine.com

modern society. Return to God and restore the Word in our heart. The Word is Jesus Himself. John 1:1 “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The spiritual war is more intense than ever before the recorded history, but Jesus sent the Holy Spirit, as pristine as the water from the spring to help us succeed in witnessing about Him. That way people shall be freed from spiritual slavery forever.” John 15:26 “But when the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, he will bear witness about me. Jesus is the Word and the Spirit in us to confirm to give glory to the Father.” n 59

US IMMIGRATION IN THE ROARIN’ ‘2020S:

by Attorney Robert Perkins, ESQ and Lauren Gabbaian

Immigration Professor’s Corner 60

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM A BIDEN PRESIDENCY manilaupmagazine.com

American immigration policy under President Donald Trump ultimately became an exercise in pushing the powers of the executive branch to their limits with the apparent goal of eliminating immigration altogether.

For example, the number of visas made available to refugees was about 110,000 at the beginning of 2016, and that number was slashed nearly 90 percent by some tallies to about 15,000 by the end of 2021 – the lowest it’s ever been. President-Elect Biden has stated he plans to raise that number up to 125,000. Further, he has pledged to stop the highly controversial policy of separating families at the border and wants the government to help reunite the hundreds of people who remain apart. Biden is also likely to remove Trump’s travel ban on threatening countries including Iran, Nigeria, Syria, Venezuela, and North Korea, that was initially criticized for focusing on Muslim-majority countries before being expanded. And he is expected to stop construction on Trump’s infamous Border Wall by cutting off Pentagon funding.

With respect to immigrants already in the country, the Trump administration attempted to close the door on DACA (the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals).

Biden will likely reopen the program, shielding some 650,000 undocumented immigrants brought to the US as minors from deportation. He is also expected to install new leadership in key immigration agencies to undo many Trump regulations, and to limit deportations only to those with serious criminal records in the United States.

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IMMIGRATION CORNER These changes are all projected to happen in the early part of 2021, as they can mostly be handled by executive order. Some other Trump policies will be more difficult and/or time-consuming.

In February 2020, the Trump Administration instated what critics call a “wealth test” on immigrants applying for an adjustment of status. Though there have always been some minimal checks on an immigrant’s ability to sustain himor herself, the Public Charge Rule as newly implemented added an extensive application and requirements that immigrants not be reliant on government benefits. Courts have stopped and restarted enforcement on this rule multiple times over its short lifetime, but for the Biden Administration to return it to more liberal standards in the long-term, experts believe a lengthy notice and public comment period will be required.

It will take even more effort to undo Trump policies that made immigration significantly more difficult for refugees. Specifically, this pertains to the Migrant Protection Protocols, which require asylum-seekers to stay in Mexican border cities while waiting for immigration court hearings in the US, and a rule requiring that Central American refugees apply for protection in a third country before reaching a US port of entry. Not only are these complicated policies that will likely require the cooperation of foreign governments to unravel, but Biden will also want to preserve the executive privilege that put the policies in place and to limit an explosion of new arrivals.

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Perhaps the most ambitious of President-Elect Biden’s immigration goals is to push forward immigration reform. Though he has pledged to send such a bill to Congress on the first day of his presidency, the outcome of two Senate run-off elections in Georgia in January 2021 will decide whether or not this reform bill can become law. The democrats need to win both seats to achieve control of both houses of congress, thereby making progressive legislation possible for the first time in nearly a decade.

Critics also question whether Biden will actually make these changes a priority. While immigration reform, especially with respect to policies that separated infants from their parents and put them in often highly unsanitary “cages,” has been at the top of Americans’ minds frequently over the last four years, the coronavirus and protests against racial inequality may have eclipsed these concerns. In fact, though the Biden campaign posted a comprehensive immigration plan to their website (joebiden.com/immigration), no similar plan is anywhere to be found on the new Official Transition Website (buildbackbetter.gov). In fact, under the header “Priorities,” the only listings are “COVID-19,” “Economic Recovery,” “Racial Equity,” and “Climate Change.”

Much is likely to change in the realm of immigration law over the next several months, if only just as the result of the changing of the guard. At the very least, Trump advisor Stephen Miller, a vocal anti-immigration policymaker, will no longer be calling the shots. n

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Good Girls Go To Skin Heaven www.gotoskinheaven.com

by Jhoanna B. de Guzman

PROVERBS 31 64

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WE ARE ALL

Flawed Given the medium that we have now, a chance to express ourselves has become easily and effortlessly possible. With a wider audience, we all now have a voice, and everyone can be heard.

But with more information – or should I say drama – out there, it’s getting harder for us to distinguish between what is fact or opinion, what is real and what’s not. Information is seemingly scattered. And with all of the positive ramifications the World Wide Web brings us, it also comes with a lot of negative consequences as well.

In my personal opinion, it has become easier for us to gain access into other people’s lives, thus resulting in a cycle of love and envy.

In James 3:16, NIV, it says, “For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.”

One thing that makes it harder for us to appreciate who we are and what we have is the constant exposure to the highlights of someone else’s life; their beautiful memories captured in a photo, their beautiful house, three cars, stable careers, perfect partners, talented children, the list

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goes on. However, it’s also important to realize that what they show us is just a façade. They’re just humans with imperfect lives, bad days, and countless flaws.

And so I think it will be easier for us to live thinking that way. Not because we shifted our minds and thoughts, thinking that another person’s life is miserable, but because as narcissistic as it may sound, sometimes it’s comforting to realize that we all experience pain. We may not share the same pain with another person, but there is pain. We must remember that no one is exempt from being hurt. As long as we live in this world, we will experience suffering.

Now, how can we be certain about it? How can a person experience or bring suffering into their lives?

A lot of things we say may be true for now but not later, and as such we have a tendency to hurt other people.

We may be happy for now and think we have made some pretty good decisions, but we tend to regret those decisions once the happiness fades away.

We can encourage other people when everything is fine in our own

lives, but can we encourage others when we are experiencing some oppositions and afflictions? They may grow dependent on us, but what will happen when we can’t be there anymore?

We may be declaring positive things now because we are experiencing joy, but what if it wears away; can we still assert the same things?

That is just some of the proof that people, circumstances, and life in general is constantly changing. It is an endless journey of happiness and pain.

Everyone wears a mask. At some point every one of us is fake.

Now the question is, is there still a point to envy? Do we really have to immerse our minds in other people’s lives? What’s the point of it all?

Realizing that we are human and that we are flawed can be so freeing.

We will tend to stop looking at other people’s lives – at least what they show us on social media.

And having said that, we should be more compassionate; judge other people less and love people more. n

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THE TOP FIVE MISTAKES

WOMEN MAKE IN RELATIONSHIP

by JANIE LACY

MENTAL WELLNESS 66

Did you know that the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again but expecting different results? When it comes to relationships we either learn from them or we make the same mistakes over and over again. As a psychotherapist with over fifteen years of experience, I have come to observe the same errors that women make over and over again which set them back from having the relationship that they desire in their life.

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There are certain mistakes that women make in relationships over and over again and here are the top five mistakes: 1) Using the Silent Treatment – when woman use the silent treatment to punish their partners, it can send a message that they don’t matter, you don’t care about how they feel, and you are only interested in hearing what you want to hear.

2) Not Asking For What They Want In Bed – for many women their sexual life is only to seduce and please their partner. This will eventually lead to dissatisfaction and not wanting to initiate sex with your partner. He will eventually feel the rejection from you and become dissatisfied himself. It will be healthier and better for you both when you ask for what you want and make it an enjoyable experience for the both of you. Don’t worry about hurting his feelings, he would rather know how to please you especially if you deliver the message in a loving way.

3) Trying To Change Your Partner – the very things which you once loved or the things that you did not pay that much attention to in the beginning, can eventually become something that bothers you or that you wish that they would change, so the potential for you to manipulate begins. You try to get them to match the

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image that you have in your head of who they “should be” in the relationship with you.

4) Believing Your Partner Should Read Your Mind and know what you want without you communicating clearly – you know how many times I have heard someone said, “he should just know what I want or what to do.”

5) Believing It’s Your Partner’s Job to Make You Happy - sometimes people get into a relationship thinking that they will be happier or that the other person should make them happy. The greater the distance between expectations and reality, the greater the disappointment.

You have to show up in the relationship happy and content with whom you are already and who the other person is when you meet them. You will be less disappointed when you focus on complementing and contributing to each other’s happiness.

When you understand how your thinking can lead to making major mistakes in relationships that create an unhealthy dynamic, you can have the power to change the way you think which leads to the way you feel then how you behave in relationships. You have the power to make decisions and choices that can lead you down a healthier road to happy relationships. n

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Marriott, Sheraton and Courtyard’s holds very first virtual Christmas Tree Lighting on Facebook with KC Montero as host.

MARRIOTT, SHERATON AND COURTYARD WELCOMES THE FESTIVE SEASON THRU FACEBOOK LIVE

by Joy FONG

METRO SCENE 68

Just the thought of Christmas gives hope to everyone even during this challenging times. While this year’s celebration may be a little different than what we are used to, all Marriott hotels in the Philippines has joined together for a festive celebration with a promise of peace and all the good things ahead.

Last November 5 via Facebook Live, Manila Marriott, Sheraton Manila, Clark Marriott, Sheraton Manila Bay, and Courtyard by Marriott Iloilo welcomed the festive season together with their most meaningful tree lighting ever. Host KC Montero livened up the event while the executives of each hotel gave a glimpse of their exclusive offers for the holidays such as their Christmas hampers, festive treats, feast packages, dining, staycations promotions, and charitable activities with Save the Children, Aurora Quezon Elementary School, and SOS Children’s Village Iloilo. Santa also made an appearance to greet everyone who’s tuning in. Adding to the excitement are staycation vouchers from all participating hotels given away to the viewers.n manilaupmagazine.com

METRO SCENE At Manila Marriott, Cluster General Manager Bruce Winton along with Santa Claus lighted the tree.

With every purchase of a Charity Hamper with all the best selections from Manila Marriott, Sheraton Manila, and Courtyard Iloilo for P1,500 net, you’ll be able to gift a Noche Buena dinner for one child from Save the Children.

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All the way from Courtyard by Marriott Iloilo, Assistant Director of Finance Marlon Galo and Director of Sales Joy Alonte lighted their tree.

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Marriott gives back as they welcome the festive season by supporting Save the Children Philippines and other beneficiaries namely Aurora Quezon Elementary School and SOS Children’s Village Iloilo.

Pepper Teehankee, Cluster Director of Marketing Communications Michelle Garcia, Tessa Prieto Valdes, and AA Patawaran.

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At Sheraton Manila Bay, Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko” Domagoso, General Manager Richard Masselin, Vice Mayor Honey Lacuna-Pangan, led the tree lighting.

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METRO SCENE At Clark Marriott, Director of Sales and Marketing Charley Magabo, Director of Finance Diana Lazo, Director of Food and Beverage Lyle Cajayon, Director of Rooms Rizza Lacson, General Manager Goeran Soelter, Director of Human Resources Carmen Siongco, and Chief Engineer Rainier Cresino lighted the tree.

The gingerbread jeepney made of real and edible gingerbread cookies— took more than half a month to make—carries the festive treats of Manila Marriott.

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General Manager Richard Masselin of Sheraton Manila Bay shared Cards of Care, a charitable initiative this festive season with proceeds that will go to the children of Aurora Quezon Elementary School and educational materials for children of Barangay 699.

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Kiss me…HERMES!

Anton Huang, Lilibeth Campos, Agile Zamora, and Donnie Tantoco

Grace Baja and Grace Ang

The cream of cosmopolitan high society came to witness the launch of Hermes Lipsticks; an event that I had been looking forward to because of the quality of the product and my love for the company. Indeed, a double whammy for party people like me.

LET’S PARTY

I truly love these lipsticks. An absolute must-try and must-have, the Hermes Lipsticks stand out for their colors – and the way they stick to your lips, if that’s not stressing the obvious! But then again, how can one go wrong with a Hermes product? Typically when we think of Hermes, we think of leather goods. And yet, here comes this line of lipsticks that are elegant, attractive, and oh-so-charming.

by AGILE ZAMORA 72

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The party was what one might expect from a typical Rustan’s production; with so much champagne, cocktails, and drinks. And food – glorious food – which I could have had more of, except that I kept reminding myself that I had to move on to the next party (and that said party was a birthday dinner). Instead, my consolation was trying on some of the lipsticks, which gave us girls a grand time in bonding and exchanging the latest beauty tips.

Well, what is left to say? Except that Hermes is every woman’s dream. When it comes to this brand, we are all such fanatics. The capital H is warranted when spelling “Hermes”. Always capitalizing on the best, this event truly was just the tip of the iceberg in terms of what Hermes is all about, as the brand’s credibility as a top provider of the world’s best luxury products holds fast and true.

Take this tip from me, honey, here goes; you will feel a lot better buying Hermes products in a Hermes

Duday Tuason and Nympha Javier

Lucille Carlos and Kathy Go

Catherine Huang Endruga, Nedy Tantoco, Babette Aquino, and Gracie Go manilaupmagazine.com

store and not on the black market, because you really get a sense of its exquisite feel when it is the genuine product. And I just don’t just mean the ambience of the storefront, which is the equivalent of 24 karat gold by all standards. What is most important is that you are assured that you’re getting the real thing. You won’t have to worry of it being otherwise.

Japan is a good place where one can buy Hermes; the genuine kind, of course. That being said, they can be really pricey in that part of the world. So I suggest that you stick to our home grounds, and rest assured that our dear Mario Katigbak along with his friendly staff will be there to welcome and guide us. They sure do know all about what they are selling.

In the meantime, we can only wait in anticipation for the next Hermes cosmetics that Mario is launching. But at this point in time, we are congratulating him – because we know that with Hermes, we can expect only the best and nothing less.n

Anton Huang and Felix Ang

Hermès GM, Mario Katigbak and Thelma Sioson San Juan

Shanaya Chandiramani, Agile Zamora, and Heart Evangelista 73

FEATURE

TKS N SONS 13TH MRS. INTERNATIONAL PAGEANT IN SINGAPORE 2019 In 2016, TKS Mrs. International was officially recognized as one of the top ten most relevant international women’s pageants. It is also the year when I represented Malaysia to compete in an international beauty pageant in Singapore. Since winning the title of Mrs. Asean in 2016, I have not looked back. It was a significant chapter of my life because I had the chance to promote international charitable events, as well as be a judge and mentor to women in different parts of the world.

by SAMANTHA GOH

SUGAR QUEEN 74

Six months ago, the 13th Mrs. International pageant took place in Singapore. It was a significant event that I attended before the coronavirus pandemic hit the world. My heart goes out to all of those who have lost their dear ones. Today life is gradually returning to a new normal and I am glad to share this event with everyone.

TKS N Sons Pte Ltd, established in Singapore in 1975, is a name that is synonymous in the beauty pageant industry, both locally and regionally.

Since 2006, it has successfully hosted hundreds of national and international glamour events. TKS Mrs. International Pageant was founded by Ms. Beverly Tan, a trained psychologist who worked closely with children and their mothers for many years, as a teacher. The concept of the pageant is the celebration of the 3M’s: Marriage, Maturity, and Motherhood.

The TKS Mrs. International signature crown reminds every titleholder who wears it to have a compassionate heart for the less fortunate, especially the elderly. The crown is therefore known as the Crown of Compassion. Charitable activities are always encouraged to promote the dignity and value of seniors.

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The beauty pageant is a combination of selecting the grand winners from 40 Singaporean finalists, and 25 International delegates. The finalists are categorized in their age groups, wherein the Elite Mrs. are aged 46 and above, the Mrs. are aged 25 to 45 years old, and Ms. are single women who are 25 years and above. Last year I had the chance to be one of the judges for the Singaporean Mrs. category. During the interviews with the Mrs. Singapore finalists, I was very impressed, as most of the finalists showed beauty and confidence. From CEOs to full-time mothers, their career, talents, and compassion for charity were top class.

To make the pageant more poignant, for the first time this year, TKS honoured those who have served their communities by introducing a Senior Mrs. Singapore category. The oldest contestant was an 80-year-old great grandmother, making this event a truly special one.

Over 20 international delegates flew to Singapore for this TKS Pageant. Representatives included those from the USA, Korea, Japan, Nepal, Europe, Fiji, New Zealand, Africa, Philippines, Myanmar, India, Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia. All delegates were welcomed at the Changi Airport and taken to the Orchid Country Club, where they would stay throughout the pageant. A welcome dinner party, with the theme of International Festivals, awaited all contestants in the resort.

The 9-day schedule included trips to neighbouring countries, interviews with judges, and 2 red carpet gala dinners held in the Grand Ballroom of the Orchid Country Club. It was a week filled with cultural exchange, learning, and the sharing of experiences wherein delegates formed close bonds and friendships with one another.

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On Day 2, the contestants travelled from Singapore to Kota Tinggi in Malaysia. After sunset, they took a boat ride to watch fireflies twinkle in the mangrove forest of the Kota Tinggi Firefly Park. The next day the delegates were taken for a tour to Yong Peng, a town in the Batu Pahat district; centre of Johor state in Malaysia. Yong Peng is known for its Chinese temples and FuZhou style cuisine, given most of its residents are Chinese who migrated from the southern parts of China.

Delegates had the chance to immerse themselves in the FuZhou-style cuisine.

Day 4 was a day trip to Maha Vihara Duta Maitreya, the largest Buddhist temple in Batam, steeped in history and belief. A short 45-minute ferry ride from Singapore, Batam is the largest city in the province of the Riau Islands, Indonesia.

This was followed by lunch and a cultural show presented by local dancers. The next day they crossed the border from Singapore to Johore Bahru for a city tour. After some shopping they travelled to Desaru where they enjoyed a stroll along the famous beach. Day 6 was a pajama party, where contestants could let loose and show their fun sides.

Day 7 was the day where the delegates were judged in the fitness and talent rounds. All contestants had the chance to perform their talents onstage, and the Top 5 were chosen to perform on the grand finale night. Subsidiary title awards were presented to the 2019 delegates at the red carpet gala dinner.

Business entrepreneurs from Singapore and other countries were awarded the 6th Annual Singapore’s TKS International Golden Brand Awards 2019. On top of the business awards, there were the 13th Annual TKS Lady of Excellence Awards 2019. As the title suggests, women from all over the world who excelled in their respective fields received the prestigious award. I was one of the lucky few who was bestowed the Lady of Excellence in 2018.

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SUGAR QUEEN Delegates paraded their costumes on the red carpet and waved their flags with pride onto the stage. This culminated in the grand finale, which was a mix of tradition and fun.

Eyes lit-up for the tallest entrant from the USA, when she wore a creative costume with American Flag designs in the Ms. category. At six feet tall, she looked like wonder woman.

Another fellow American, Mrs. USA wore a similar red, white, and blue costume with a silver headpiece similar to the famous Statue of Liberty. The team from Japan wore colourful Kimonos embroidered with cherry blossoms. Mrs. Korea looked lovely in a traditional Hanbook. Elite Mrs. Phillipines wore a gorgeous Barong Tagalog costume with her beautifully beaded umbrella. Mrs. Africa wore a vibrant red dress with a matching headdress. Mrs. Fiji wore a two-piece white Sulu dress. Mrs. Thailand wore a golden costume with a matching gold headpiece. All contestants looked spectacular onstage with their versions of traditional costumes.

Mrs. Malaysia, Previtha Rajah, clinched the Best Traditional Costume Award with her magnificent colourful rendition of Che Siti Wan Kembang. The Keris she wore symbolizes sovereignty, as Che Siti ruled the state of Kelantan in the 17th Century. Today Che Siti is known as the only female to rule a state in the history of Malaysia and South East Asia. The traditional costume category is my favorite part of the pageant because I get to see the interpretation of the costumes from each country.

The event was Graced by the presence of the Royal Family of Yogarkarta, Indonesia; the cousins of the King himself.

Other performances of the night included local singers and dancers from Singapore, as well as the talented singer Aries Concepcion from the Philippines.

Special mention was made for 2 beautiful delegates from Borneo, East Malaysia. The first was Datin Cleopatra Asing, our contestant from Borneo who was awarded Elite Mrs. Borneo International Ambassador 2019. The other was Esther Moo, Elite Mrs. Boneo International Ambassador 2018. Both ladies received the Lady of Excellence 2019 for their excellent work in charity.

After a week of travels and cultural exchange, the most important day for the contestants had arrived. The prejudging round took place in the morning, where contestants were interviewed by a panel of judges. Then at 6PM the Grand Finale Coronation started. The contestants illuminated the night with their presence, traditional costumes, and evening gowns.

The international traditional costumes category kicked-off with a talented singer from Thailand, who sang “Phantom of the Opera” with style. It was Krue Guang who choreographed the contestants for the grand finale, and is the owner of Centrestage; a model, dance, and acting academy in Bangkok.

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In terms of colours, the 2-night gala dinners started with contrasting red and black for a vibrant beginning, with the grand finale ending in refined pastel colours. It all culminated with Mrs. Europe winning the title of Mrs. International in a golden glittering gown that stole the show.

The winners of 2019 for each category were: Mrs. International from Europe Mrs. Asia Pacific from Malaysia Mrs. Asean from Korea Mrs. South East Asia from Singapore Elite Mrs. International from the USA Ms. International from the Philippines A celebration lunch was organized for the winners and all of the contestants before they headed to the airport. I would like to express my gratitude and thanks to Ms. Beverly Tan, founder of this beauty pageant, who has inspired and nurtured me to become what I am today in the international pageant industry. As we all know, 2020 is being confronted with the COVID-19 pandemic crisis. Hopefully by the end of the year restrictions will be eased and the pageant will be held as scheduled. Needless to say, I am looking forward to the grand finale of the next 14th TKS Mrs. International Pageant. n

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MAYENNE CARMONA Mayenne Carmona is a contributing writer for the lifestyle section of the Philippine Star. Her column, Savoir Faire, features the latest trends and issues on health, beauty, and lifestyle.

She has a PR Company, Novel Ventures, with her partner Becky Garcia.

In the mid-80s, Mayenne was a student at the Ecole France Langue in Paris, France. Together with her sisters, they took over Aux Iles Philippines in Paris, a Filipino-French fusion restaurant started by cuisine maven Nora Daza.

In the early 90s, Mayenne got engaged to an American doctor and subsequently transferred to New York City. While in the Big Apple, she tried her luck as a realtor. After a few years in NYC, she decided to come home to Manila to be with her family. She realized that there was no place like home and decided to stay.

In 2011, she developed a feeding program and founded the Angels to Street Kids. Mayenne’s advocacy to feed the poor all over Metro Manila continues to this day. She is encouraged by her supporters who donate to her cause. In spite of the pandemic, her feeding program continues.n

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Angels

by Mayenne Carmona

TO STREET KIDS

WALK MY WAY 78

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Kaye Tinga was very receptive of my idea of a feeding program. She told me she could definitely facilitate it for me as Taguig has many poor areas. She assigned to us a girl on Friday, Michelle de Leon, who organized our feeding sites. We donated our own funds to buy food for 100-400 children, ages 3-13. I would tell Michelle de Leon the number of children our budget could feed that week. The Barangay officials of those poor areas would welcome us with open arms. I called us the Angels to Street Kids.

We did this every Saturday lunch time. Through the years, our group of 6 expanded to 25 members, some more active than others. We decided to spread our wings and go to other impoverished areas like Tondo, Pasay, Navotas, Bulacan, QC, Port Area, and Antipolo.

In 2010, Kaye Tinga’s husband Fred Tinga was on his last stretch as Mayor of Taguig City. I was introduced to the couple in one of Manila’s many social events. During one of my many encounters with Kaye, I mentioned that I have been deliberating on doing some charity work for the poor people of Metro Manila and that I could start in the poor areas of Taguig City.

BGC is the affluent part of Taguig City but somewhere beyond BGC are the slums or squatter area where the poorest of the poor reside.

I had that gnawing desire of doing something meaningful that could impact the poor people of our country. The poverty in many areas around MM could stab even the most jaded heart. Here you see malnourished children running around with no clothes nor footwear but still with big smiles on their faces.

Seeing malnourished children selling sampaguitas and peanuts along EDSA made me think of a feeding program. I mentioned my project to 5 of my close friends and they enthusiastically volunteered to join the program.

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A few times, we fed the elderly as well. During one feeding for the elderly, we brought eye doctors to check their eyes and give them free medicine. Friends talked about our feeding program, and soon we were receiving donation of both cash and goods. One friend donated hundreds of rubber slippers. Another friend donated canned goods and white T-shirts. Late last year, the Philippine Cancer Society lent us their van equipped with machines for cervix & breast screening. A doctor and a nurse came with the van to perform the tests. We chose to bring the van to Tondo where Congressman Manny Lopez’ office gathered 85 ladies to avail themselves of the free mammogram and cervical cancer screening.

Helping the poor gives my life a lot of purpose and meaning. It makes me realize my debt of gratitude to the Almighty for the privileged life He has given me as compared to those who have just the barest of minimums to survive! I have so much respect and admiration for the poor, because in spite of their dire circumstances, they can still smile and appreciate the little that they have. They feel like they are on top of the world when we, the Angels to Street Kids, give them a food package of McDonald’s burgers, some cakes, and a fruit juice. It takes so little to make them happy!

Our feeding program is still presenting ongoing. But because of COVID-19, we feed in absentia. We send funds to Father Gaudencio Carandang of Don Bosco Tondo. He and his assistants buy the food and feed the hundreds of poor constituents that flock to his Parish daily. In both the good and bad times, the Angels to Street Kids are present (even if only in spirit for the moment) for God’s poor children! n

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FEATURE

ASHLEY ARGOTA Successful Filipina-American actress and singer Ashley Argota grew up in the Inland Empire, near Los Angeles, but has strong ties to the Philippines and its culture.

“I’m the only person in my family born in America,” Argota says.

“Everyone in my family speaks Tagalog, I speak some. The reason English is the first language in my house is because my brother is deaf and the school he attended asked us to speak English so he could learn one language clearly. But it’s all Filipino all the time at my house with lots of people and lots of food.”

Although shy, she began acting at just 5-years-old. “My mom is the one who got me started. I began speaking in silly accents and she said, ‘I think you should be in acting classes.’ It was so fun. I just never stopped. I love it.”

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By the age of 11, Argota was a young rising star, touring in Disney’s hit Broadway musical The Lion King as Young Nala. Since then, she has been seen on countless hit TV shows, including “iCarly”, “Lab Rats”, “Girl Meets World”, “Liberty Crossing” and “The Fosters”, as well as in such films as Sony Pictures’ The Cover Versions.

As ‘Lou’ on “The Fosters”, she portrayed the lead singer of the band ‘Someone’s Little Sister’. Fans so loved her performances, that the producers released a “Someone’s Little Sister” EP, which shot up to #18 on the iTunes alternative chart and broke the Top 100 on iTunes overall.

Argota continues to star and sing in live theater productions, but her most-recent project is the heartwarming, holiday RomCom, I Hate

New Year’s, streaming everywhere Dec. 4 (Tello Films), where both her singing talent and acting prowess are once again on display. The film costars Dia Frampton (runner-up on the inaugural season of “The Voice” and lead singer of the band Meg & Dia) and groundbreaking actress Candis Cayne (“The Magicians”, “Grey’s Anatomy”, “I Am Cait”) in a magical dual role.

On I Hate New Year’s …

Experiencing writer’s block, rising music star Layne Price (Frampton), at her Los Angeles manager’s insistence, reluctantly visits mysterious fortune teller Zelena (Cayne), whose flamboyant advice she misconstrues. Heading home to Nashville for New Year’s Eve, a holiday she hates, Layne hits the town with BFF Cassie Holmes (Argota). While Cassie

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plans to finally confess that her feelings have evolved into more than friendship, Layne is too focused on “bumping into” her elusive ex to notice. But sometimes you find inspiration and love—with a little mystical intervention—where you least expect it.

Filmed in Nashville, I Hate New Year’s features electric music performances by Frampton (“Flatline,” “Better in the Dark,” “North Star”), Argota (“Hours of the Night”), Frampton and Argota in a duet (“Our One Heart”) and bluesy, Nashville artist and 2015 American Idol competitor Gina Venier (“Radio Silence,” “If I Was Your Girl”).

We sat down with Argota to talk about the film…

Q: What has it been like acting from such a young age?

What/who are some of your greatest inspirations?

A: Acting has been a passion of mine since I was a little kid. I was really shy growing up, so acting was a great outlet for me to be silly and fun and not take myself too seriously. I grew up loving Meryl Streep and Leonardo DiCaprio and I’m also a huge fan of Sandra Oh and Tatiana Maslany.

Q: You’ve had many roles on stage and on TV, what drew you to the role of Cassie?

A: I loved how Cassie loved life and loved hard. Her story of being in love with her best friend is universal and it was my first time playing a character that was going through that particular journey. I’m so honored I got to step into Cassie’s shoes.

Q: And the film once again showcases both your singing and acting talents.

A: I don’t know if I’ve ever made it a priority to do both simultaneously, but I started in theater and it always found its way into my life. Any time I can put my two loves together, it’s a joy for me…and that’s why I continue to do a lot of theater in my hometown of Los Angeles.

Q: Seems like a fun cast… What was it like working with Dia & Candis?

A: It was amazing. I was actually a big fan of season one of The Voice, so I knew Dia and I had to force myself not to fawn over her when I met her. Both she and Candis are the most wonderful, fun, caring, giving people… who work together to share scenes. Plus, shooting in my favorite city, Nashville, it was all like a dream come true.

I loved it. manilaupmagazine.com

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FEATURE

Q: What did you like about filming in Nashville?

A: Nashville is one of my favorite cities in the world!

I love being surrounded by iconic places that are so important to music history and such incredible talent everywhere you look. My songwriting partner and close friend, Rebekah, lives in Nashville and I was able to write with her on my days off.

Q: What’s your favorite memory of filming I Hate New Year’s?

A: My favorite memory is just how many crazy obstacles were thrown our way during the shoot and how we dealt with all of them. After we finished our first day of filming, a tornado hit Nashville. I watched it go through the city from my hotel room window. Luckily, none of our cast or crew was hurt, and Christin, our director, gathered everyone in the main room the next morning to bring us together and take a collective breath after a scary night. Daylight Savings happened that weekend and we all lost an hour of sleep during a crazy filming schedule. And finally, coronavirus was starting to get pretty bad with just a few days left of shooting. We’re so grateful to have finished the movie with everyone staying completely safe and healthy. The way that all these obstacles were dealt with was professional but it also showed a level of compassion and love that you don’t often see on film sets. Filming on location can be lonely and isolating because you don’t really know the city or the people you’re working with, but this set felt so inclusive and comfortable.

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Q: What message do you want people to take away from this film?

A: Sometimes we look for love everywhere except for right in front of us, where it’s been all along. I Hate New Years is full of so much heart, humor, and positivity and I hope everyone feels that while watching it.

Q: What’s next?

A: That’s a great question. I actually filmed another movie in quarantine, a thriller called Don’t Log Off, which was shot completely socially distant. The directors and DP were all on zoom and we all filmed in our homes with go pros. We only did three days of shooting in person with a COVID officer and masks.

I host a podcast with my fiancé Mick Torres called Mismo, where we interview other artists. Being an artist can feel lonely. We want to remind everyone that we’re all dealing with the same ups and downs. We’re all uniquely the same. Christin and Dia are going to be guests.

And I’m actually looking forward to taking a break over the holidays. I usually work in a holiday show and I’m not home. It will be really nice to be able to help decorate and enjoy singing Christmas songs…and being with my new puppy, an Australian labradoodle named Didi. n

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FEATURE

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FEATURE

SEEING THE WORLD THROUGH

ROSE GOLD-COLORED GLASSES By: Naiia Lajoie

It goes without saying that society could use some rose-tinted glasses looking back on the past year. While hindsight is 2020, for k mae Jewelry founder Klarissa Castro, all that glitters is rose gold after having switched careers and launched her website just as the pandemic was ramping up.

Klarissa grew up in the north suburbs of Chicago. In 2008 she moved to Los Angeles in order to pursue her graduate studies. After having received a Masters and Doctorate degree in Clinical Psychology, she joined a group psychotherapy practice with offices in the downtown Los Angeles area as well as Beverly Hills. As a professional working with individuals experiencing major life transitions, relationship difficulties, trauma, navigating through identity issues, and first generation matters, Klarissa took pride in her work – but was neglecting her own happiness.

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While still working as a psychotherapist, Klarissa found out she was pregnant with her first child. Ever ready to face a challenge head on, this was when she sought out to start her own jewelry business. At first she was designing jewelry and working with manufactures while still simultaneously working as a psychotherapist. Upon realizing her job was no longer fulfilling her, she elected to leave the practice. This was a difficult decision, as the therapy field she had worked so hard to pursue – earning her Dr. title – was the only thing she had ever known.

As she states on k mae Jewelry’s website, “As a positive psychotherapist, [I have] always been passionate about helping women discover their true potential, feel empowered, and believe they belong”.

Klarissa’s source of empowerment was her creativity, fostered while still holding her previous job position. She

would find herself doing creative side projects; anything from mixing facial oils to making indigo-dyed onesies for her daughter. “I really loved the creative process and wanted more of it” she muses. Having a natural entrepreneurial spirit provided her with the confidence to ultimately leave the psychotherapy field, knowing she would have her own business eventually. Admittedly however, timing has not always been on her side, yet she remains positive amidst the setbacks: “I started to design jewelry and worked with manufacturers in Istanbul, Hong Kong and Los Angeles for the past year and a half. I launched my website right when the COVID lockdown hit. Not an ideal time! Since I am still starting out I am still learning the business and definitely learning to be resourceful in different ways. I started to make my own jewelry too as I didn’t want to be

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dependent on manufactures, but I also love working with my hands. I don’t think the jewelry will be the end all be all and I am excited to see what more it can manifest into.”

What makes k mae Jewelry so unique is that it is exclusively rose gold. A bold decision, but Klarissa’s own personal tastes lie with the material as she exclusively wears rose gold.

Motivated by the difficulty of finding rose gold jewelry, given most stores sell silver and yellow gold, she sought to make the line very personal. In her Luxe Collection for example, each piece is named after someone she has either known and has inspired her, believed in her, or has supported her on this journey. Her other line, the Goddess Collection, is inspired by goddesses throughout history – both ancient mythological deities as well as historical female figures from around the world. “Each ring, bracelet, and necklace serves as a reminder of the amazing women who came before us, the cherished female relationships we have, and our breathtaking potential” she enlightens.

Drawing from her many years of psychology schooling and practice, Klarissa marries the symbolism of the jewelry with its significance on the human psyche. “k mae Jewelry is meant to [help] find your ‘signature piece’ of jewelry. It represents who you are. Since it’s a journey of personal growth [and] knowing who you are, you might need to go through a few jewelry pieces to see which fits you. [In doing so], each piece becomes a reminder or a totem of who you are, and [you] owning that”. Referring to rose gold as “the unapologetic gold”, it is no wonder that her products are often showcased by those who are looking for something gorgeous and timeless while still identifying as passionate, ferocious, and unafraid.

Aside from inspiring female empowerment, Klarissa also gives back to the community. She is a member of Entrepinayship; a group of Filipino female entrepreneurs who get together and support each other’s businesses. Using her psychotherapy background, Klarissa has hosted group sessions in order to discuss mental health when it comes to how their Filipino heritage and past are being affected by their businesses now.

During the time of COVID and civil unrest wherein unity is essential, they call one another or connect online.

The dichotomy of being risk-taking while still remaining fun-loving is something that translates into her k mae Jewelry line; it perfectly represents her and the type of person that would rock her wares. Someone who is intrinsically “chill” while still pushing the boundaries. Klarissa ultimately seeks to grow the brand and take on a team of people. Thankful for what and appreciative of who she has in her life, she values having a community, her group of girlfriends, and her family above all else. “Listen to your gut and take [in] the courage to do what you want, even if it seems ridiculous” is one piece of professional advice she leaves with anyone seeking to follow a similar path.

Just as Klarissa rose (gold) to the occasion, if you are someone who wants to be seen, heard, and celebrated with the following delicate declaration, “This is who I am. I deserve happiness.

I’m connected to something great. And my potential is limitless”, then you may want to check out k mae Jewelry at www.kmaejewelry.com and give them a follow on either Facebook or Instagram at @kmaejewelry. Not only that, Klarissa has a holiday exclusive for our readers – enter the code MANILAUP10 at checkout for 10% off of your entire order! n

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FEATURE

LET’S GET ROUD By: Naiia Lajoie

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For someone who is so accustomed to lighting his subjects in order to capture their essence so perfectly, we are turning the spotlight onto arguably one of Los Angeles’ best headshot photographers, Michael Roud.

Originally from Leverett in western Massachusetts – a small, rural town comparable to the Berkshires, sans even a stoplight – Michael originally had his sights set on law school. The University of Wisconsin-Madison graduate studied Political Sciences and Philosophy with the intention of entering politics. His crossroads came upon moving to Hawaii shortly after graduating. Michael describes his experience as a “spiritual awakening”. “I realized that I didn’t like arguing or spending my time focusing on conflict” he reflects, “so…perhaps I was pursuing the wrong line of work.”

At this time he also began dating a photographer, which transitioned into a keen interest in film. He started working at a local youth center running the video department, nurturing what would ultimately become his passion: “It was [a] cool job because the center was right on the ocean and my daily work was making skate and surf movies with the kids.”

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Trading island life for the golden coast, Michael is now based in Southern California, where his imagery dominates the LA market. He considers himself first and foremost a filmmaker, hoping to take his viewers on a journey with each of his pictures. Given his viewers are predominantly agents, managers, and casting directors, eliciting that je ne sais quoi from his clients – actors, models, and other entertainment industry workers – the pressure is on to deliver; not just on their part, but his.

His secret? “I specialize in headshots so the journey falls within the eyes” he divulges. “It seems very small and simple but getting my subjects to tell a story with their eyes can be quite complex.”

Clearly Michael is quite adept at storytelling through his visuals, as he has had numerous billboards on the famous Sunset Strip, not to mention in cities around the world.

His work has been everywhere from various museums to on Netflix. In fact, he has an upcoming film in production called Red Rabbit Down, which will soon be hitting theaters and/or streaming services, pandemic-pending.

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Currently in the process of starting a film company, Michael wants to focus on narrative films that will “change the way people view the world by shedding light on subcultures.” This comes as no surprise as the self-described passionate, intense goof that he is (his wife is inclined to agree), likes to give back to the community by mentoring photographers at his studio. He works with three to four photographers every year, helping them find their unique artistic voice. They typically begin by holding bounces and learning lighting techniques, eventually transitioning into working with clients alongside him.

In terms of words of wisdom to other would-be visual storytellers, Michael has this to offer: “When you’re frustrated and think [that] you deserve recognition or accolades for what you’re doing – you’re only half-way there. There are always people out there willing to work just as hard as you, so life is not about what you want to do but what you choose to struggle over.” To check out his work, book a shoot, or perhaps even inquire about a mentorship, visit his website at www. michaelroud.com.n

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CORAZON UGALDE ARMENTA Cover Girl January 2019 | Volume 4 Issue1

BICHLIEN NGUYEN Cover Girl May 2019 | Volume 4 Issue 3 manilaupmagazine.com

JET SISON Cover Girl November 2018 | Volume 3 Issue 7

RICHIE ANN SOLIVEN Cover Girl September 2018 Photo by Hydee Marie | Gown by Carl Andrada | Hair & Makeup by Mary Ann Muah

JOY ALEGRE Cover Girl March 2016

EMMY VON SEYFRIED Cover Girl February 2018 | Volume 3 Issue 2

KRYSTAL VON SEYFRIED Cover Girl February 2016 & January 2020 | Volume 5 Issue 1

KATIANA BORJA Cover Girl September 2016 Designer: Matt Sarafa for NYFW | Shop: mattsarafa.com/face-masks

DANIELLE VIRAY Cover Girl July 2016 Photo by: Raymond Saldana

| Designer: Carmelo Designs by Carl Andrada

Hair and Makeup: Janessa Sanabria

STAR POWER OF ALLURE Cover Girls Exquisite Volume 1 Issue 3

ALYSSA GUEVARA Cover Girl March-April 2019

| Volume 4 Issue 2

Photo by Policarpio Ermitano | Gown by Carl Andrada | Makeup by Alexis Guevara

ELNA VILLAFLOR Cover Girl May 2016

DR. MILDRED VITANGCOL Cover Girl August 2020

| Volume 5 Issue 2

CONTRIBUTORS

MONTE CARLO ANGELINA KALI

MALAYSIA SAMANTHA GOH

GERMANY SILVIJA POPOVIC

PHILIPPINES BECKY GARCIA

PHILIPPINES MAYENNE CARMONA

PHILIPPINES JOY FONG

PHILIPPINES JHOANNA DE GUZMAN

PHILIPPINES AGILE ZAMORA

PHILIPPINES JOANNE MATSCHUCK

UNITED KINGDOM GILDA PINEDA DIONELA

UNITED KINGDOM LUISSA BURTON

THAILAND MARICEL DIAZ

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UNITED STATES: NEW YORK SYLVIA ZAMORA

UNITED STATES ROMULO AROMIN, JR. MD

FLORIDA MELODY GARCIA

FLORIDA JANIE LACY

FLORIDA MARK ANTHONY KING

LOS ANGELES JANET NEPALES

LOS ANGELES NAIIA LAJOIE

LOS ANGELES JUSTIN LUTSKY

LOS ANGELES ANNA MARIE MATEESCU

LOS ANGELES ROBERT D. WOMACK

LOS ANGELES MARIE ANTOINETTE CENIZA

LOS ANGELES ROBERT PERKINS, ESQ

LOS ANGELES GRACE AGUILAR

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LOS ANGELES MONET LU

HAWAII EDITH PENDLETON

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ALKA CT Filtration Specifications 25 Stages of Filtration The technology that makes the difference in the Alka CT

The Alka CT combines convenience and effectiveness to provide clean, safe, great tasting water on demand This powerhouse countertop unit requires no electricity and can be installed right out of the box. No plumber or special installation required. 25 stages of filtration and state of the art technology produce the best water available right from your tap. Ceramic beads raise the pH in the water by creating a strong magnetic field to maintain its filtering effect. The Alka CT utilizes filter media that represents an alternative to the use of membranes. Red-D has the ability to efficiently remove a wide range of harmful contaminants listed below.

ALKA CT Countertop Unit in Black

Red-D Prefilter Optional

ALKALINE — 15 Stages O-Dobi pearls were discovered after a decade of searching for the perfect hydrogen and alkalizing natural media.

O-dobi pearls consist of a ceramic shell containing pure magnesium and calcium. Slowly release these powerful elements to alkalize and infuse water with hydrogen gas.

Tested to show triple the amount of hydrogen compared to any electric ionizer.

Creates micro clusters in water, infuses hydrogen, remineralizes water, alkalizes and ionizes.

Produces softer, sweeter and more delicious water.

KDF & CARBON — 5 Stages

RED-D — 5 Stages Red-D is capable of eliminating submicron pathogens and inorganic contaminants by electro adhesion and ion exchange. The Red-D Ultra Prefilter reduces or eliminates the following: > 99.99% viruses (polio, rotovirus, norovirus, etc.) * > 99.99% bacteria (e coli, legionella, pseudomonas, etc.) * > 99.95% cysts (giardia, cryptosporidium, etc.) * > 95% Lead > 80% Ferrous Iron > 95% Arsenic V > 95% Cadmium > 85% Chromium > 75% Selenium > 60% Mercury Chlorine (carbon version) Bromine (carbon version) Iodine (carbon version) VOCs (volatile organic compounds) PCBs and BPAs Residual pharmaceuticals Biofouling precursors: organic acids, proteins, polysaccharides applications *Tested by certified laboratory in the U.S. (Testing performed at 6.5 pH)

KDF55 is designed specifically to remove 99% of free chlorine and it effectively reduces water-soluble toxic heavy metals. It controls scale, bacteria and algae.

Alka CT’s activated carbon is, quite simply, the best filtration carbon media in the world with up to 8 times the surface area available for absorption over ordinary granular carbon. It safely removes 99% of chlorine, VOC’s (volatile organic compounds) pesticides and other harmful contaminants found in tap water.

RED-D filters and removes 99.9% of the impurities commonly found in tap water