APRIL ISSUE OF OFW PREMIERE MAGAZINE

Model : Stephanie Monique Villavicencio Miss Philippines Youth World 2021

Designer : Peter Joushua Fortit Faduga of Patterns of Joush

HMUA : JanJan Pandaganes

Photographer : John Rou Photography

Assistant Photographer : Che Ng

Videographer : Josel Castro Gequillo of Suave Visuals

Location: The Cave Superclub ,ILOILO CITY, PHILIPPINES

Dios Te Bendiga

Dios Mabalos

Kaluy-an ka sang Ginoo

T HE H OLY G RAIL O F T HE FILIPINO F ASHION I NDUSTRY

The OFW Premiere Magazine has blossomed into the most-read newly released magazine in the Dubai Filipino Community. The other eye-opener in this issue is how much success has reached the Filipino industry in Dubai. The key to developing your style is following your Filipino instincts.

As an only child growing up in a small town near Iloilo City, Philippines, my mother frequently brought me to family events where I was the only child. I saw my cousins and relatives dress up properly. When I see a person who is dressed fashionably or is put together, I take mental notes on how stylish they are. I get inspired and wonder how I can translate that look and/or confidence to my style of dressing up smartly

The fact that Filipino designers can make us fall in love with clothes all over again is a testament to their artistic brilliance. With Filipino brilliance, we showcase this in our first official issue of THE OFW PREMIERE MAGAZINE.

THE FASHION ISSUE

"Elegance is good taste plus a dash of daring." We spend a good deal of time discussing Filipinos we admire: fashion designers, artists, writers, architects, chefs, and performers of all kinds

People like The Impalpable The boy who grows up in the humble city of Catbalogan Samar, Michael Cinco, is best known for his fabulous couture gowns. A very different world from the flashes of the camera of the cutthroat fashion industry.

There's no reason a fashion topic should be regarded with less respect than a publication covering another topic. It is, in fact, the most read.

Part of our vision for this magazine is not just to talk about the people, products, and trends that are in style today in the Middle East, but also the ideas, the movements, and the cultural phenomena surrounding us as an OFW around the world..

Editor in Chief

Chris Daymon

Graphic Designer

Ridhik Santhosh

Contributors

Asha Gutierrez

Betty Brows Arabia

Jacquelyn Merano Adormeo

Atty Barney Almazar

Evelyn Panadero

Joanna Ramos

Rey U Capariño

Noriel Bañes

Elaine Gonzales Enriquez

Photographers

Jef Anog

Dawn Julius Bleza

Mark Danielle Montalban Arcigal

Bethoven M. Filomeno

Royce Aldrich

Angel Mallari

John Rou

Glenn Palacio

Marketing

Abigael Domingo

CEO/Publisher

Nino Medilla Sabio

"The Impalpable Dream of DUOMO MILANO "

Words: CHRIS DAYMON

A rich fantasy life—one that would eventually bring a sense of magic to Michael Cinco's mind-blowing show on the runway. A fairy-like, whimsical world that you cannot imagine exists. Rich, meticulous, and divine.

Witnessing how the clothes helped the models bring out their characters on that incredible galleon, crossing the sea of fashion with him and all the adventures, wealth of stories, and stylistic influences, we aim to explore the designer’s historical inspirations by contextualizing his works among the art that inspired them.

This is a man who will never compromise on construction or craftsmanship. He makes dreamy couture gowns to update.

What has always thrilled Cinco’s audiences during his show is that his clothes didn’t come out of nowhere. They always had an implicit story, a beyond-just-spectacle theatricality well done creation that was heavenly constructed and was immaculately delivered on the runway. He let the eyes of his audience gaze with the cotton candy swirls of color beyond his creations and turned their attention to the delicate couture succession in a sign of continuity in the name of fashion.

The Duomo di Milano is Italy's largest church and the centerpiece of the entire city. The construction began in the 13th century and lasted almost half a millennium. It was commissioned by the Duke of Milan, Gian Galeazzo Visconti, as a symbol of the glory and grandeur of the city.

THE IMPALPABLE DREAM OF DUOMO MILANO

In this collection, movement and a sense of fluidity was created with dazzling forms and drapes that were designed over straight lines.It’s the fabrics, textures and beautiful mix of colors we love. We would never go any place to wear.

‘To see the couture works, it creates a beautiful dress that it was almost like seeing a wonderful sculpture being moulded with a bare hands to be habillée (well dressed, elegant, classy) giving us lessons on how best to “pull it off” with confidence.

Michael Cinco introduces his own version in his Impalpable Kingdom. His imperial highness isn't only known for receiving a sword or a crown but also for having impeccable taste in fashion. They must adhere to what society deems acceptable, as it has for much of history.

Colorful, voluminous,ornamental, sophisticated, and full of class. Everything he created emphasizes elegance and is impeccably designed, and it looks like it would be delightful to wear and to walk in. In the essence of masculinity and femininity, designs and quality textiles create the perfect fairytale.

Photos Dawn Julius Bleza

Mark Danielle Montalban Arcigal

It was the Impalpable Michael Cinco's Show when one of my lifelong supermodel dreams came true as I stood face-to-face and met the homegrown international top model, singer, and actress, Bessie Badilla.

Through her iconic career in fashion, for so many years she was the favorite mannequin du cabin for the House of Balenciaga in Paris.

A top model during the 1980s, Bessie was able to make it in the international fashion and entertainment industries. Her range of emotions in front of the camera and on the catwalk are what put the model at the top of her game. Bessie is an incredible canvas and model to work on. Luscious Caffè Mocha Skin, tantalizing liquid eyes, and a gorgeous face

She loves everything about fashion. From the fittings and watching it evolve from a pattern to a muslin to the final product. She was a show stopper during Ezra Santos, The Garimon Roferos Show, that left audiences enthralled with his highly anticipated 'Rise of the Eagle' collection and Michael Cinco's The Impalpable Dream of Duomo Milano.

Designers: Garimon Escandor Roferos Ezra Santos and Michael Cinco Photographer: Bethoven M. Filomen o

FILIPINO DUBAI FASHION INDUSTRY GAME CHANGERS

Garimon Escandor Roferos Angel Villiar de Jesus

Surdilla Cañaveras Shelfred

Jimi Buenconsejo

Ahqui Cadenas Aaron Escatron Cadenas

Izhcka Zeta

Ronan Cabrito Opiña

Jv Victorino

Juan Muniz

Jeff Jussel Silvestre Roman Ponciano

Karen Ace Juta

Jessie Tabla

Jessy Magcamit Balodong

Lee Temporal

Rozen Antonio

Jef Anog

Jorod Monteron Cadudu-an Francis Gabay

Mherck Dela Cruz

Katrina D. Vince Cruz

Mac Santos

Bethoven M. Filomeno

Dawn Julius Bleza Royce Aldrich

Ric Thirdian

Mark Ganzon

Mark Danielle Montalban Arciga

Hyku Desesto

THE OF SKIN A RT Chris Daymon

"Tattoos are a form of self-expression that shouldn’tserve as a reason to discriminate against someone."

According to Wikipedia, Tattooing has been practiced across the globe since at least Neolithic times, as evidenced by mummified and preserved skin, ancient art, and the archaeological record. Both ancient art and archaeological finds of possible tattoo tools suggest tattooing was practiced during the Upper Paleolithic period in Europe. However, direct evidence

for tattooing on mummified human skin extends only to the 4th millennium BC. The oldest discovery of tattooed human skin to date is found on the body of tzi the Iceman, dating to between 3370 and 3100 BC.

Body art is frequently used in the creative arts, including music, painting, writing, and acting. It is also popular in the sports, design, and culinary industries. A tattoo is a part of a person’s appearance that can describe that person’s personality.

The term "Body Art" describes a type of contemporary art in which the artist's own body becomes the "canvas" or artwork."

Body art, at least in the form of body painting, dates back to the era of prehistoric art and the use of color pigments, like red ochre, for cultural purposes.

Tattoos have come a long way in our culture. They have evolved from a symbol of rebellion to a widely accepted form of self-expression and art. However, veiled behind this progress, the societal stigma surrounding tattoos not only in the Philippines but all over the world still remains prominent today.

It can be a symbol for many different aspects of a person’s life: it could be in memory of a family member, to record a new life milestone, or maybe they just really like waffles. Regardless of what the tattoo is, a person should not be discriminated against because they have ink permanently pushed into their dermis.

"There are no federal laws making it illegal for an employer to refuse to hire, refuse to promote, or even fire someone based on the fact that person has tattoos, and if someone can do a job, they should be equal with the next person who has the same CV."

KITTY VILLANUEVA

Kagay-anon Artist

Emmanuel S. Mulawan 's or Emman's Monet-like strokes and pristine results are spellbinding and magical. His talent was inherited from his father, who was also an artist who used to paint for cinemas during the 1970s and 1980s. Emman's work is semi-impressionist, just like that of Claude Monet, the leading French Impressionist landscape painter, and also Fernando Amorsolo ,a portraitist and painter of rural Philippine landscapes.

Emman recalls drawing saints and angels on their wall with crayons in Nostalgic Memory Lane. A simple dreamer, he is in the international spotlight in 2018 after winning three gold medals during the first World Art Olympiad.

He likes to paint in a watercolor style. His favorite art media are latex, acrylic, and water color. Emman's art means bringing imaginative intensity to life. It functions like the nighttime dreamwork that reworks the experiences of the day, revising them in the service of our desires or simply making sense of them by strengthening meaningful associations and eliminating meaningless ones.

When Emman gets depressed, he doesn't want to work on his paintings; he doesn't want to draw based on his negative emotions and doesn't want to work based on sadness. He wants joy—happiness that attracts the positive.

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SABILLO PALAD

Nicko Palad has achieved the near-impossible task of appealing to both generations Z of fashion when he won Fashion Factor Season 4. He has generated viral moments that have already gone down in the history of Filipino fashion in Dubai and has cultivated and maintained an unmatched desirability quotient. Life has its own intelligence; it is ruled by a huge matrix of the universe, with multiple layers of his "Le Latex de Velours" during the competition

For the creative mind behind his luxury superbrand, appearances are deceiving, and behind that curated 'fashionistrix' façade lies the cheerful, enquiring, and incisive vision that has kept him and his label on the front line of fashion.

"Le Latex de Velours"

Photographer: Milad Saemi

HMUA:Mau Piodena IV and Thirdie Vera

The Nicko Palad woman is powerful, confident, and not afraid to show her inner self through her style choices. It is not just a matter of how she looks; it is down to her attitude and her mind. She has a voice. For me, it stands for fearlessness, power, and being strong and unafraid.

My inspiration breathed new life into fashion-forward and timeless creations, which instantly transformed the brand into the luxury powerhouse that it is today, "specifically to talk to us about couture," where we are ready for a new charismatic creative soul and we all knew we were seeing something that had not been seen before."

Be Different, Be You, Choose CALIVO

DESIGNER:

Benj D ela R osa

Location : ARMENIA

Models : Helbert & Arkadi

Production : Calivo Couture - Dubai

Editing : Lee Temporal

Location : RAK

Model: Hannah Tan

Photo: Macjoy Peñaredondo

HMUA: Darwin Perez

IN THE NAME OF SUMMER

Louis Vuitton inspired QATAR Photoshoot

Photography: ANGEL MALLARI (@theangelmallari | @thescenestealer)

Photography Assistant: BILLY JOE MANALO

Model/s: SVETLANA MINALD & YULIYA GRITSKEVICH

Hair & Make up: JENIYA ALAWADHI (@ja_muah)

Retoucher: SALDEN ELTAGONDE (@saldeneltagonde_retouching)

Wardrobe & Styling: QeMePongo

Bags: Louis Vuitton (All supplied by a private collector

Bodacious Beauty & Rejuvenating Care

By Asha Gutierrez

After weeks of looking at the mirror and yes, feeling happy with the outcome without a doubt, I have decided without regrets, the benefits of my fuller lips, fillers for me, are quite safe. And self-empowering if you are after fuller lips or anything else for that matter. Nowadays, the hourglass figure of the feminine becomes a celebrated factors of beauty. Yet it does not stop there, a visually balanced face is now coveted by the norm and fillers become one of the ways to make it happen for those who wish to attain symmetrical features.

However, most of us are hesitant to try fillers or pursue beauty clinic endeavors for various reasons. I am here to share to you, my personal experiences and inquiry to one of the renowned beauty clinics of Philippines, Slate Medical by Dr. Maika Slatensek. These are her tips for those who are interested in creating their self-beautifying journey with clinics or medically accredited professionals.

Here are the common questions about fillers answered by Dr. Maika: What are fillers?

Hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers are injectable substances used for cosmetic purposes to restore volume, smooth out wrinkles, and enhance facial features. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance in the body that helps to hydrate and plump up the skin. When injected into the skin, it acts like a sponge, attracting and binding water molecules, which results in a volumizing effect.

HA fillers are made of a gel-like substance composed of hyaluronic acid molecules that are cross-linked to make them more durable and longer-lasting.

What are the best fillers?

The quality of hyaluronic acid fillers can vary between different brands and products. High-quality hyaluronic acid fillers are typically more expensive, but they offer better results and a lower risk of complications.One way to determine if a hyaluronic acid filler is high-grade is to look at the manufacturer's reputation and history. Reputable manufacturers are more likely to produce high-quality products, as they have invested in research, development, and clinical testing.

What is your advice to people who are into beautifying themselves? - Take the time to research the procedure you are considering, as well as the surgeon or clinic that will be performing it. Look for board-certified surgeons with a good reputation and a high level of experience in the specific procedure you want.

Have realistic expectations: While cosmetic surgery can provide significant improvements in appearance, it's important to have realistic expectations about what the procedure can achieve. Make sure you understand the potential risks and limitations of the procedure, and have a clear idea of the results you are hoping to achieve.

Consider non-surgical options: Depending on your goals, non-surgical options such as fillers, Botox, and laser treatments may be a less invasive and less risky alternative to surgery. Take care of your health: Prior to undergoing any cosmetic surgery procedure, it's important to be in good health and to disclose any medical conditions or medications you are taking to your surgeon. Following the procedure, be sure to follow your surgeon's post-operative instructions to ensure a smooth recovery. Dermatologic conditions that may prevent an individual from having fillers. These conditions may increase the risk of complications or may not respond well to fillers. Some examples include:

a.Active skin infections: Fillers should not be injected into areas of the skin that have an active infection, as this can increase the risk of spreading the infection and may interfere with the effectiveness of the filler.

b.Allergic reactions: Individuals who have a known allergy to the components of the filler should not receive fillers.

c.Autoimmune disorders: Individuals with autoimmune disorders such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis may have a higher risk of developing adverse reactions to fillers.

BETTY BROWS ARABIA

What is microblading?

Microblading is a new beauty trend nowadays that helps enhance eyebrows naturally. But not everyone knows that it's not for everybody, as there are specific skin types that are suitable for this trend. This procedure is a semi-permanent makeup technique for enhancing the appearance of the eyebrows in which pigment is embedded into the skin in fine, hair-like strokes, mimicking the appearance of natural brow hairs, using a hand tool with a blade formed of tiny needles.

Candidates for this procedure

Obviously, our natural eyebrows are not even; there are areas that are sparse, and there are eyebrows that don’t have any shape at all. The best candidates for microblading are those who struggle with thin, uneven, and sparse brows. The skin’s condition matters as well; a professional microblading artist conducts a skin assessment to determine if the client is a candidate for the procedure. It is very important to get a consultation as the skin plays a big role in achieving a good result with semi-permanent makeup.

Microblading is safe in the right hands of a professional semi-permanent make-up artist. Though it is a form of tattooing technique, there are a lot of factors that make microblading different from the real tattoo procedure. The pigment, the style, the procedure, the tools, and the devices are far more different from each other.

. Generally, results can last from 18 to 30 months, depending on your skin type,lifestyle, and how often you get touch-ups. But aside from the skin type, there are a lot of factors that need to be considered as to why microblading doesn’t last longer. If applied to the wrong skin type, it may require frequent retouching within a short period of time. Aside from its longevity, it helps in the appearance of bushy brows,hairy brows, and fully haired brows.

J acquelyn M erano A dormeo

Certified Medical Aesthetician to the Stars in Dubai

Jacquelyn is the go-to skin care therapist of some famous and well-known personalities in Dubai, UAE. They described her as a Laser and Skincare Star who solved their skin issues with excellent outcomes.

She started her love for beauty when she was in college. She developed her skills in makeup and skincare when she started to compete in beauty pageants and become a model.

As a nurse, she fielded numerous questions and inquiries about skin problems and attempted to explain them concisely. But she told herself that she needed more knowledge. Even if she had a full-time job, she would still do a part-time job as a consultant for an international beauty company and become a senior beauty consultant.

When she arrived in the UAE, she worked as a makeup and skincare trainer and led masterclasses and pieces of training for the vloggers, beauty consultants, and students of one institute here in Dubai.

In the middle of her journey in Dubai, she became a COVID-19 nurse, and since it was still her calling into beauty, she enrolled in the laser course and got her license and certificate as a laser technician.

Now a Certified Medical Aesthetician, she works in Al Wasl Aesthetic Clinic as a Beauty and Laser Specialist and performs the following procedures: hydra facials, oxygen facials, deep cleansing facials, microdermabrasion, laser hair removal, laser whitening, Hollywood Carbon Laser Peel, laser hair bleaching, laser revitalizing, facial contouring and tightening, and a lot more to correct skin problems such as acne, acne scarring, sagging of the skin, pigmentations, melasma, and many more.

When it comes to improving her skills in skincare and laser treatments, Jacquelyn is always present at trainings, symposiums, masterclasses, and seminars, as she always wants to give her clients the best treatments with the most effective treatment modalities using the latest technologies and products. Recently, she attended Dubai Derma 2023, where the Dubai Derma Conference presents a 3-day comprehensive scientific program on the latest advances and research in dermatology, aesthetics, and lasers.

Jacquelyn is working with the Candela Gentle Pro Series. The gold standard in professional laser hair removal delivers results you can trust and the versatility you need. For over 20 years, Gentle Pro Series devices have been the industry's leading laser hair removal systems, trusted by dermatologists and aestheticians around the globe to successfully treat patients of all skin types.

In the photo, Jacquelyn is performing an oxygen facial on Azarel Hevia MS, Intercontinental Dubai 2022.

Legal Ask a Lawyer

+971558650248

+639778371468

barney@gulflaw.info

QUESTION: I was hired as a company driver, and my boss told me to pick up a Land Cruiser from a rental company. He told me that the company car would be assigned to me for driving around our clients. However, after getting the car, my boss took it, and I was fired. After 3 months, I received a call from the police saying the car was stolen and had been brought to Oman. Now the insurance company for the rental company is demanding AED 300,000 in payment from me. I don't have money to pay; what should I do? My hearing is next month.

Answer: You should deny any liability. First, the rent was not made under your name. The rent contract was on the account of the company, and you merely collected the car as instructed by your employer. Second, you must demonstrate that you have turned over the car to your boss and that you had no participation in how it was brought to Oman. You can show that you were fired prior to the loss of the car. You will need to present all your evidence in court through a defense memo. If a judgment becomes final (when you do not appeal the decision), it will be sent to the execution court to enforce the order of the judge.

The court can likewise order your employer to deduct payments from your salary if you fail to pay the amount due. A travel ban will be imposed until you clear all your liabilities.

Need more help?

Contact Atty. Barney

Atty. Barney is a director of the corporate commercial department at Guld Law. He holds a UAE legal consulting license and is a lifetime member of the Philippine Bar. Atty. Barney was awarded as one of the Philippines' Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) for law and commended by the Philippine Senate in 2015 for his contribution in protecting the interests of more than 3 million Filipinos in the Middle East.

He was named by Asia Legal Business as the Young Lawyer of the Year for the Philippines in 2016 and the Young Lawyer of the Year for Southeast Asia in 2017. He is listed by Thomson Reuters as one of the Super 50 Lawyers in the Middle East and North Africa in 2021. He is the head of the monthly free legal aid program at the Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Philippine Consulate in Dubai. Contact Atty. Barney

When she finally found her composure, she picked up the shawl of her abaya with wrinkled, trembling hands. She tried to straighten her scoliotic back and held our arms for a long time. We let her cry, and we cried with her. Amidst her pain, she never failed to thank us. Barefooted and alone, she went out of the room to face her own destiny.

My heart went out to her

NURSE’S CORNER

E velyn P anadero

Teta: "I what,"I could help you to the hammam. "This,  I offered, in my broken Arabic, to Ibrahi m’s grandmother when I saw her at the door of her grandson’s room: "Let her use the toilet.

Ibrahim was our 10-year-old patient at the Pediatric Ward of the American University of Beirut Medical Center. But Teta wouldn’t budge. She continued to squat near her grandson’s doorway, oblivious to the constant activities of doctors, nurses, and family members in my ward. Her mind was set. She must stand guard, or else she would lose the only surviving member of her family.

A powerful bomb rocked and destroyed their home.Ibrahim’s parents and siblings were killed instantly. That left Grandma with a few bruises and scratches and Ibrahim with a severe head injury. Reading Ibrahim’s chart will bring grim expressionsto our faces. It read DNR.

This was in 1982. I was barely out of nursing school, and Lebanon was in civil war. I was one of the numerous Filipina nurses hired by this famous hospital during its most trying time. The war has brought so many tragedies to families like Ibrahim’s. Despite peace negotiations, nothing was achieved at that time.

But Lebanon was and is so resilient. What the Lebanese people will lose today, they will recoup tomorrow. Its people are likened to the cedar tree in its flag emblem, which signifies resilience, strength, and eternal life.

On the fourth day of his admission, Ibrahim’s vitals became erratic. He was febrile, followed by irregular respirations and tachycardia. He received the best care. And we have done our best. Now, we leave everything to his Creator. In His hands, there is no agony or pain. When Ibrahim’s time came, his grandmother was gently told of his passing away. While me and another Filipina nurse were busy giving Ibrahim postmortem care, his grandmother burst into the room and embraced the cold, lifeless body of her grandson. There, from deep within her, sprangthe cry of utter sorrow and disbelief. It was the scream of a severely injured human being. The cry called for peace and begged for justice.

“Ignite the mind’s spark to rise the sun in you.”Florence Nightingale

S elf

mental and physical health. In a society that often values productivity over self-love, it's easy to forget that loving ourselves is a vital part of being successful. Self-love allows you to have a positive attitude towards life and to be resilient in the face of adversity. Self-love is not just about yourself; it also has a positive impact on your relationships. When you love and accept yourself, you are more likely to give more love to others and create deeper connections. Despite the advantages of self-love, many people struggle to practice it. This can be due to social pressures to be productive all the time, negative self-talk, or past experiences that have made them feel unworthy of love. To overcome these barriers, it's important to start by being kind and compassionate to yourself.

On March 11, 2023, in celebration of Women's Month,Thriving Filipina Circle in collaboration with Candle’s Middle East, had a very inspiring event held at the Esperia Bistro & Rooftop Lounge - Days Hotel by Whyndam Deira at 3pm. "Self-love saves lives," a powerful message that resonated with everyone.

The speakers shared their inspiring stories of overcoming mental health struggles and discovering the power of self-love. Liz Edquiban, the founder of Candles Middle East, shared her journey of battling major anxiety and depressive disorders and how she found solace in making candles. Her story was truly inspiring and reminded us of the importance of finding our own unique ways to overcome struggles. .

Other speakers like Jaizle Sayat and Nerry Toledo also shared their stories, and Nerry even led a self-love meditation session to help us all connect with ourselves on a deeper level. It was an unforgettable experience, and I left feeling motivated to burn our stigmas and embrace self-love. As the founder of Thriving Filipina Circle, I am thrilled to have led and organized such a meaningful event. It was a pleasure to see everyone come together in a safe and welcoming space. At Thriving Filipina Circle, we take pride in ensuring that our community feels supported and celebrated. Thank you to all who attended and helped make this event a total success

Be hungry for Productivity and Significance”

UHAY CANADA Rey U Capariño

Buhay Canada (Canada Life) features interesting stories of Filipino-Canadians, and as our initial offering, we tell you story of an empowered

Marietta Bernal Pangan, was born and raised in Calumpit Bulacan from a family of farmer and fisherman. She took up Nutrition and Dietetics and has worked with Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and Department of Health(DOH) in the Philippines, working primarily in public Health and research.

Her love for volunteerism started since her university years. She’s been very active doing health and medical mission. During weekends, Marietta would do her own home clinic to accommodate patients and check their blood pressure and distribute medicines. Fascinated with natural phenomenon like Salmon Run and Aurora Borealis, she migrated to Canada on August 3, 1998, 2 days before her birthday. She wanted to move to Canada as an initial step to travel the world and of course the financial and career stability that this country promises. She took up Food & Nutrition Management Technology and Event Management in Canada and has been involved in lots of events and engagements as volunteer and initiated several projects.

For over a decade, she has been visible in lots of fundraising activities in support of calamity victims in the Philippines. She would raise funds to provide care-packages and Christmas giveaways.

In 2008, she joined Diaryo Filipino as writer columnist showcasing good deeds, talents and skills, current events, food, nutrition, travel, and discoveries.Diaryo Filipino has evolved from a newspaper to a more active and catalyst for community involvement. In 2012 Diaryo Filipino became a magazine and eventually morphed into a non-profit organization in 2018 known as Diaryo Alberta Society where she now holds the position of Executive Director. As a woman, she’s been so privileged to have worked with men in the community easily

When asked, what are the things she considers as achievements: Food Gala where Philippine Cuisine were campaigned, promoted and was an overwhelming success. Globalfest, an annual celebration of Calgary’s multi-cultural communities which features pavilions, performances, international food, children’s programming, and fireworks. As she aspires for Cultural Continuity, for 2023 they will advocate the promotion of Palarong Pinoy, Harana, and other Filipino Traditions and will be staged in Globalfest and Calgary Stampede.

When ask what message she wants to relay to fellow Fil-Canadians, “Be hungry forproductivity and significance”, because whatever you’ve accomplished in this world will be your legacy and will live and will continue. With all that she’s been doing, she comically states that she’s only beautiful but her physical strength subsides. She is not the strong woman she was before. But she believes that everything we do from our heart, are with value.

GRACEFUL

The National Women’s Month had just passed,but this doesn’t mean that we only grant plaudit to women during the month of March. I must say that a round of applause is deserved every single time that a woman lives to fight her battles—win or lose.

By Elaine Gonzales Enriquez

A great deal of stories have been read and heard about women who have been successful in fields that used to be dominated by men. In this day and age, women have become fearless, fiercer, and bolder. Regardless of the obstacles ahead, we defy them with grace and dynamism, making us graceful warriors in our own right.

Women are no longer considered the weaker species. Gone are the days when we were perceived as a symbol of weakness and just a household persona. We now create waves in the field of politics, excel in sports, and set the trend in business and social science. The leap became so great and so far that it reached almost the level of equality among men.

Resilience is one of the many things that women have been gifted with. Our emotional catharsis overflows, and giving up has never been an option. Our share of defeat stops the minute we shed tears and cry out in pain. We look for avenues to strengthen our faith so we can come out victorious in protecting our emotional territory. We fight whatever it takes... and whatever is at stake.

A warrior plans, strikes the enemies during their most vulnerable moment, and hits them where it hurts the most. A graceful one moves with care, intelligence, and wit. She licks her own wound and tends to her battle scars with pride and dignity. We face every fall with our chins up as we again prepare to face another battle.

Women are graceful warriors on a battlefield where love, trust, and respect reign. We strive to triumph and are never ashamed to tell our story in order to inspire others. As the saying goes, "only empowered women can empower women"... the graceful warriors have emerged!.

HR COLUMN

Undefined Rules and Missed Opportunities

By: Noriel Bañes

They inter vene and investigate the real intentions of the tra veler to prevent human trafficking. The art of question ing and investigating the authenticity of the docum ents must be in place. The legitimacy of the relativ es in the country of destination must have been know n to both parties, as this helps irradicate the que stion of illegal entry. So long as the documents are aut hentic, verified, and complete, why do we have to st op ordinary Filipino citizens from traveling? That is a b ig question that the government has to contemplate or even discuss possible solutions to the growing complaints of Filipino travelers.

Social media has gone bonkers as the story of the woman who missed her flight due to the lengthy and irrelevant questioning of an im migration officer went viral. A lot of speculations an d testimonies from the public have been growin g each day like mushrooms after the lightning st rikes. Many fell victim to this non-standardized requirement of the Bureau of Immigration, to the point that passengers missed their flights or even g ot offloaded. We can just say that one of our basi c rights to travel is being denied. This is a different st ory. Most travelers never intend to look for a job in their country of destination, but rather to unwind and relax a bit. On the other hand, it is an open secret that some people have to go out of the country to find a living, and we cannot blame them for that. If only t here were better opportunities in our beloved Philip pines. Fact. Obtaining a tourist or visit visa is the m ost economical way of making that happen. There goe s the immigration department.

Now, what does this mean when it comes to missed opportunities? A lot. Filipinos are talented by nature— hardworking, patient, and good employees. That’s why most line managers want a Filipino on their team. Because of the crooked rules of the Bureau of Immigration, it is difficult for every Filipino citizen to seek better employment abroad.There are several Filipino recruiters abroad, especially here in the U.A.E., who have had a heavy heart seeing sob seekers with few Filipinos on the list. This is because our talented engineers, accountants,architects, and other professionals are stuck in our beloved country. There is no easy way to leave and seek a better life. These Filipino recruiters’ hearts bleed for our Kababayan because they help other nationalities land jobs that are supposedly done just as well for our Kababayan. Let me transfer to another side of the boat. A lot, if not all, OFWs have been complaining about the overly dynamic rules and regulations of the Department of Foreign Affairs. This has been a sickness that is hard to cure. Decades of rants and difficulties faced by Filipino workers abroad seem to go unheard. In fact, it is becoming worse. It is extremely difficult to go back to our home country due to the numerous documents and requirements that need to be met—verification of contracts, OWWA requirements, OEC, and the like. Add to the list the online appointment that one must set before they’ll be entertained in our consulate to physically hand over their documents. Their online appointment system is grayed out, and no slot is available most of the time! This makes it harder for every single person to secure an appointment, and we are doing this just to go home for a vacation. This is a real pain. We are now in the age of advanced technologies for almost everything, but this system is antiquated, unfixed, and traditional. I am sure there are a lot of tools to be used to remove the unnecessary steps and manual handing over of documents. Please note that the U.A.E. is only using the Emirates ID to verify your legitimacy and transact with everything.

We aim to empower students to take responsibility for their own learning and engagement in our academic community. We have different courses offered such as:

Healthcare Courses

- Nursing Assistant

- Caregiver

- Medical Coding

Vocational & Technical Courses:

- Massage Therapy

- Cosmetology

- Video Editing

Professional and Management Courses

- Accounting

- HRM

- Logistics

- Facility Management

- Sales and Marketing

- Procurement

“If we could see the miracle of a single flower clearly, our whole life would change.” ~ Buddha

Brilliant Mindz Training Institute is ready to assist you with our Experienced Filipino Instructors!! Be part of us! Enroll now !

Office timing: 10 am to 8 pm everyday! Phone: 058 523 7781 Address: 52-A Building, Office 107, Al Riqqa, Deira Dubai!

1 min walk from Riqqa Metro Exit 2 & opposite to Grand Excelsior Hotel!!

Filipino FOOD

Filipinos are known to be simple, creative, and hospitable. In terms of food, Filipinos served good dishes that were very satisfying to our palates. "Pinoy" food has a wide variety of foods that you could choose from, from sweet, sour, to spicy.

As compared to other foreign dishes, Filipino food is not really visually appetizing. We love eating, but we really don’t care about the visual presentation of the food as we are more concerned about the taste.

Rarely will people see members of a Filipino family eating at different times of the day or eating while fixated solely on the TV screen. This is because mealtime in Filipino households is supposed to bring the family together. It is the time to talk, tell each other about their days, and really just interact with one another. Food in the Philippines brings people together. This is also the reason a feast is always at the center of any Filipino celebration. Lutong Bahay ni Brenda has catered to different celebrities like the G-Force Dancers, Michael Cinco, etc

Lutong Bahay Ni Brenda

Brenda, who has a degree in hotel and restaurant management from La Consolacion College in Caloocan, where she graduated in 2008, said cooking runs in the family. She came to Dubai in 2012 on an employment visa as an assistant manager. Brenda's regal bearing was highlighted by her very bright personality and the witty stories she shared that charmed everyone. For her, food was a passion, and she was going to be a specialist at her craft after deciding to give up being an employee and finally run her own business.Now her catering business is the talk of the town. With her signature mouthwatering Filipino dishes like adobo, lechon manok, seafood, diniguan, etc

Sirena , Babaylan & Libulan, goddess of moon

Natu Xantino

Al Kifaf Oasis Bldg. Shop 17 Burjuman, Exit 2 (1 min from Burjuman Metro Station)