Patrick John Ascaño, aka DUMBO A STAND UP MEDIAN/SINR WHO PAVED HIS WAY TO SUE IN T ENTTAINMENT SCENE IN DUBAI

Patrick John Ascaño, aka DUMBO ng Dubai, rose to prominence through his stand -up comedy performances in Avenue Hotel's Manila21.

He started his career performing at small comedy clubs in the Philippines and gradually gained popularity with his unique style and energetic stage presence when he came in Dubai.

Dumbo's ability to connect with audiences through his relatable humor and personal anecdotes contributed to his success.

Dumbo's journey from performing in small clubs to becoming a household name demonstrates the power of perseverance, talent, and a strong connection with audiences. His success serves as an inspiration to aspiring comedians and entertainers.

Few minutes away by foot from Victory Liner Bus Terminal in Balanga, Bataan, we reached The Plaza Hotel along JP Rizal Street at 6:20 a.m. This is the hotel with an old-world european appeal. Their Spain structures becomes truly magical at night, when the classical-style buildings light up and it entertains park-goers with its lively and colorful lights and dancing fountain.

Afterwards, we also visited the instagramable Plaza Mayor De Ciudad De Balanga along Aguirre Street in Poblacion, Balanga. It is also one of the tourist spots in Bataan today, due to its Spanish colonial facade. Looking like some foreign cluster of buildings sprung in the middle of this quaint Bataan town.

“Why would we travel to Spain when we can see some of their replica structures here in Bataan and in some part of the Philippines, right?”Across Plaza Mayor De Ciudad De Balanga is The historical Cathedral-Shrine Parish of Saint Joseph which is worth visiting too, because of the architectural design that has been replicated in some Cathedral in Paris. By the way, don’t you know that during the Japanese invasion the cathedral was used as an artillery emplacement to bombard Mt. Samat, where the Filipino-American troops made their last stand?

Later, we reached the Mt. Samat Road in Pilar at 11:00 a.m where we could see the shrine, through a jeepney bound to Cabog-Cabog Balanga, then hiring a trike to go to here. After paying 20 pesos entrance fee and taking our short briefing, here we welcomed by the second tallest concrete cross in the world- The Memorial Cross, located on top of the hill and some canyons displayed in the side of the shrine complex. You will also noticed the artworks of the national artist Napoleon Abueva as well as the works of Maximo Vicente, Cenon Rivera and Giuliani in the shrine complex and in the memorial cross that are worth de-stressing.

From the colonnade and the cross, there is a panoramic view of Bataan, Corregidor Island and on a clear day, the city of Manila situated about 50 km (31 mi) across Manila Bay. We finished our one day arduous trek in Mt. Samat at around 3:00 p.m , while talking and looking back on some historical issues when we are walking down to the foothill.

A zip-line and Dunsulan waterfall are also worth checking out down the mountain if you would like to experienced a greater adventure. The Shrine of Valor is open daily from 8 am to 5 pm. However, there are so many places we can visit in Bataan. These are; The Flaming Sword, Bataan World War II Museum, Surrender Site Marker, Balanga Nature and Wetland Park, Tanato River Park and Tortugas Bird Site

Written by RB BORINAGA

Would you believe that I have been living in the UAE for 18 years and have not worn our traditional dress in any occasion or event? Yes, not even once! Until one day 7th December 2022, for the first time, I was able to wear it in a- traditional attire themed - international fundraising event together with my husband and a friend, wearing our beautiful Ternos.

As soon as we entered the ballroom of The Address Marina with crowd of mixed nationalities, we felt like a celebrity! I saw them wonder, what country are they wearing? We stood proud and answered – We are from the Phils and we are wearing our traditional dress. Everyone gazed with astonishment. Most of the hotel staff are Filipinos and as soon as they recognized what we are wearing, we could not believe what we saw in their eyes! Terno just brought back the love of our country and we wonderfully felt the same way too.

All of these made me realize that there’s no better way to show pride in our nation than flaunting our traditional attire. My hope for us Filipinos is to proudly do so whenever possible, showcasing its beauty and uniqueness to other cultures around us. As Filipinos living abroad, it's easy to get caught up in the fast-paced routine of modern society and forget our roots. That's where TERNO by TCG comes in. Their new concept reintroduces classic, traditional Filipiniana into the modern age, allowing us to wear and showcase our culture with pride. Their TERNO tops collection, Barong Tagalog for men and kids collection, will take us back in time while keeping us absolutely stylish. Terno is currently available online in the UAE https://www.theculturedgifts.com/ shopterno Thanks to their Founders Babylyn Buchan and Christine Van Der Westhuizen forempowering Filipinos to wear TERNO, our own classic Filipino clothing made elegant and comfortable.

Mga Kababayan, let’s all take pride in wearing TERNO as it is an expression of the ultimate elegance of THRIVING FILIPINOS.