Fil-Am Who's Who August 2015

fil-am who’S WHo AUGUST 2015

FAWW Publishers present

tataksalud nyc 2015

In This Issue. . .

Ollie’s Grapevine

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June - July Rewind

Oliver Oliveros

Mama Renee’s Living Legacy

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10 10

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The World is My Oyster Community Calendar

A Word from The Editor

Cover Story: FAWW Fashionistas

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Fashion Director Raymond Villanueva rehearses models prior to the show at the Philippine Center.

llie David, who was the overall chair of Philippine fashion icon Renee Salud’s recent smash hit fashion shows held at Double Tree Newark Hotel in New Jersey and at the Philippine Center, the building that houses the Philippine Consulate General in New York, pinned down in her opening remarks that Mama Renee, a moniker for the well-loved fashion designer, who rose to fame in the ‘80s, has been “at the forefront of creating intricate masterpieces that weave native piña (pineapple fiber), abaca, and the Maguindanaon’s inaul, among others, even way before other Filipino and non-Filipino fashion designers started to claim that same exact design process.”

“Mama Renee’s original intent and his still ever-burning passion to promote only the Philippines’ indigenous fabrics in his fashion pieces makes him even more relevant till this very day,” Ollie added.

For Mama Renee, he did it—and still doing it—to show his enduring love for the Philippines and the Filipino people. He also believes our native fabrics and meticulous beadwork and embroidery should be seen all over the world.

So it’s not at all (or hardly) surprising to meet a brood of young fashion designers today who have been following the footsteps of Mama Renee.

One of these promising young designers is San Franciscobased Anthony Cruz Legarda, whom I had the pleasure of meeting with at San Lorenzo Ruiz Chapel in Manhattan a few years ago. Legarda incorporates authentic hand-woven fabrics especially that of the piña, into unique American wear. In fact, Mama Renee and Legarda, alongside fellow Filipino fashion designers Patis Tesoro and Dita Sandico Ong, not too long ago collaborated on a fashion-trade show called “Fibre Filippine,” which features high-fashion pieces made from local fabrics abaca, banana, salago, maguey, buri and, of course, piña, held in Rome.

In the same league as Mama Renee and Legarda is Betina Ocampo, one of this year’s recipients of The Outstanding Filipino-Americans In New York (TOFA-NY) awards. Also inspired by the complex handmade fashion pieces of tribal communities in the Philippines, Ocampo launched a luxury t-shirt line, Betina, in 2012, while finishing her studies at Parsons School of Design in Manhattan. To her credit, her designs have been featured in premier fashion magazines such as Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, and Cosmopolitan.

And the list goes on.

Bottom line is that what Mama Renee, together with a few fashion designers, started several decades ago has continued to grow in the safe hands of our new generation of Filipino couturiers.

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STAFF Editor-in-Chief Oliver Oliveros • Managing Editor Myrna Gutierrez • Layout Artist & Photo Editor Rolan Gutierrez • Marketing/Sales Director & Columnist Ollie David • Marketing/ Sales Executive & Columnist Prospero A. Lim, MD • Contributing Writer Maricar CP Hampton Contributing Writer Ria Serrano • Publisher Fil-Am Who’s Who, Inc. Copyright © 2015 Fil-Am Who’s Who, Incorporated. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. Fil-Am Who’s Who invites you to contribute articles, letters, comments, or pictures to the editor. Please email submissions to filamwhoswho@gmail.com. For advertising inquiries, please email adsfilamwhoswho@gmail.com or call (732) 499-7995, (917) 502-9887, or (917) 502-9891.

august 2015

FIL-AM WHO’S WHO 3

Let’s Let’s Talk TalkWeigh WeighLoss Loss Tips for Women Over 40

Ollie’s Grapevine

Ollie David

omen over 40 have a biological imperative to consume sugar Top 9 Reasons To Get More Active This Summer W and carbohydrates in order to balance hormones; however, sugar and carbs cause weight gain. This makes dieting and losing weight very difficult. hysical activity is also essential to health and wellness. Getting P active has many benefits: But it’s still possible to follow a diet plan that can both reduce these cravings and keep your body’s fat-burning engine revved.

Here are five steps that can help you lose up to seven pounds a week: 1. Count Only Calories from Sugar Conventional wisdom says that a calorie is a calorie, but the only calories that affect weight loss are sugar calories—those that spike insulin. Carbohydrates are molecularly structured as sugar and break down the same way in our bodies—so they are also considered sugar calories. Therefore, it’s important to always consider carbs the same as sugar in order to keep insulin in check and lose weight. Calculate sugar calories by taking note of the total grams of carbohydrates on the nutritional label and multiplying by four (one sugar carb gram=four calories) 2. Cycle Your Carbs Eat up to 100 sugar calories for two days then up to 500 sugar calories for five days to balance hormones while still losing weight.

3. Enjoy “Freebies” Freebies are foods such as protein, green vegetables, fats, and other foods that don’t cause significant spikes in insulin and are important to fill up on.

4. Boost Serotonin Without Food Smelling a flower, going for a walk, and getting enough sleep are all natural ways to boost serotonin, which influences our perception of hunger.

5. Get More Magnesium Magnesium is closely related to serotonin; when one is low, so as the other. The best way to get enough of magnesium is to eat plenty of dark leafy greens, nuts, and whole grains.

1. Boost Energy Regular exercise helps your cardiovascular system work more efficiently, which boosts energy levels.

2. Reduce Stress Exercise helps you relax after a stressful day. Take a 30-minute walk or work out at the gym to unwind.

3. Get Stronger Exercise can improve your strength and endurance. Start gradually, stick with it, and eventually you'll get stronger.

4. Sleep Well A night of good sleep can set the tone for your day. Fall asleep faster and sleep more soundly by exercising regularly (but not too close to your bedtime).

5. Lose Weight Regular exercise is a must for calorie balance. When you burn more calories than you need, the pounds begin to melt away.

6. Boost Self Esteem When you lose weight and gain muscle tone, you feel better about your appearance, as well as your health.

7. Get Happy Studies show that exercise releases brain chemicals that improve your mood.

8. Get Smarter Some studies show that after exercise, students perform better on tests that require focus and attention.

9. Live Longer By exercising regularly for as little as half an hour a day, you reduce the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, or diabetes, which increases your life expectancy.

PICKING UP GOOD HABITS “We are what we repeatedly do.

Excellence, then, is not an act but a habit.” --- Aristotle Some specialists believe that it takes only 30 days to make a habit. Are you eager to start a healthy habit? Try walking a mile every day for one month. After one month, it’ll be a habit—you’ll do it without even thinking. Add five blocks to that mile in the second month, and do that for 30 days.

Add five more blocks in the next month, and before you know it, you’ll be walking two miles every day. You’ll be amazed at how great and energized you feel.

“Today, I’ll pay special attention to my habits, and I’ll make sure they’re the ones I’m proud of.”

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august 2015

ON VIEW FOR THE FIRST TIME IN THE UNITED STATES

On view at Asia Society Museum, New York SEPTEMBER 11, 2015 through JANUARY 3, 2016 An exhibition of spectacular works of gold highlights the prosperity and achievements of the 10th–13th century Philippine kingdoms. This rare opportunity to showcase the rich culture of the Philippines is also a point of great pride for the Filipino community. A season of related programs celebrates Philippine culture, performing arts, film, design, cuisine, and more.

Exhibition organized by Asia Society, New York, and Ayala Museum, Philippines.

Opening Gala: September 10 • Premiere Night Gala: September 11 FilAm Community Night: September 12 • Tunog ng Ulap Rondalla: September 13 To purchase tickets to opening events or arrange group tours, please email PhilippineGold@AsiaSociety.org.

For program information, visit AsiaSociety.org/Philippines2015.

Critical support for Philippine Gold comes from Ayala Corporation, with additional support provided by Bank of the Philippine Islands, Del Monte Foods, Inc., Philippine Airlines, ABS-CBN The Filipino Channel, Tourism Promotions Board Philippines, and other generous benefactors.

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Rey Valera NYC Tour Sheraton LaGuardia East Hotel

Rey Valera

L-R: Rose Mejia, Eleanor De Leon, Rey Valera Ambassador Mario De Leon, Drs. Emilio & Fely Quines Drs. Elma & Rod Castillo

June - July Rewind

Rolan Gutierrez

PAFCOM Parade

Philippine-American Friendship Committee, Inc. - Jersey City, NJ

PAFCOM float full of queens

Miss PAFCOM 2015 Elaine Picarra and Mrs. PAFCOM 2015 Jocelyn Sanchez-Aligarbes

L-R: Tony Abellar, 2015 Classic Mrs. Asia International Global Joyce Pilarsky, Joey Cruz

Philippine Independence Day Parade Madison Avenue, New York City

PAG-IBIG Fund New York Launch Philippine Center, New York City

L-R: Wendel Gaa, Grace Labaguis, Deputy Consul General Kira Daganan-Azucena, Alex Aguilar and Michael Azucena of PAG-IBIG Fund, Myrna Gutierrez, Olive Osias Magpile, Raul Cajigas august 2015

FIL-AM WHO’S WHO 9

Hunger Pains

First off, thank you, Fil-Am Who’s Who, for helping me with the charity project, “Feed the Hungry School Children of Catbalogan II,” in Catbalogan, Samar, Philippines. Part of the proceeds from the recently concluded and much talked about fashion presentation “Fil-Am Who’s Who: TatakSalud NYC 2015,” featuring the creations of world renowned Filipino designer Renee Salud, will go to this project.

Thank you very much indeed.

I just want to ask: Have you ever been hungry for days because you didn’t have money to buy food? We encountered that problem during the Philippine Medical Association of America’s (PMAA) medical mission in Catbalogan five years ago—I was PMAA’s president then.

I remember part of our visit to Catbalogan was to donate school bags with school items to public school children.

To my surprise, the school principal—almost in tears— confided in me that many of her pupils were missing meals at home because they lacked the financial resources to buy food with. The school principal was wondering if we could be of help to the children. Right there and then, “Feed the Hungry School Children of Catbalogan II” was born. We started with one meal a day on weekdays—my thinking then was at least the children were eating five days a week even if it’s only one meal a day. We first funded the project with my own money; since then, we’ve been continuously asking for financial donations from friends and prospective sponsors.

Community Calendar

Aug 30 “Heneral Luna” Special Advance Screening Directed by Jerrold Tarog, “Heneral Luna,” a film based on the life of Antonio Luna, one of the most brilliant Filipino military officers during the Philippine-American war, will screen at Anthology Film Archives (32 Second Ave. and 2nd St.) at 1:30 p.m. For tickets, visit eventbrite.com (search Heneral Luna NYC Advance Screening).

Sep 5

GMA Pinoy TV Celebrates 10th Anniversary

GMA Pinoy TV celebrates its 10th anniversary through a starstudded concert, titled “Kapusong Pinoy New York,” at The Town Hall (123 W. 43rd St.). Kapuso stars Ai Ai dela Alas, Christian Bautista, Julie Ann San Jose, Betong Sumaya, Rita Daniela, and Dingdong Dantes are set to perform. The concert starts at 7:30 p.m. For tickets, visit ticketmaster.com.

Sep 11- Jan 3

Philippine Gold: Treasures of Forgotten Kingdoms

For the first time in the United States, Philippine pre-colonial gold artifacts dating from the 10th-13th century are on view at Asia Society Museum (725 Park Ave. and 70th St.). This extraordinary exhibition showcases the little-known rich culture and heritage of early Filipinos. For tickets, call 212-517-ASIA or visit tickets.asiasociety.org.

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august 2015

The World is My Oyster

Dr. Prospero A. Lim

Today, the project is doing OK. The teachers at the public school in Catlbalogan II and their pupils are learning how to prepare food as part of their home economics class. One of my nephews, who manages the financial aspect of the project for free, just informed me that the public schools in Catbalogan I and III are also begging to be included in the program because they’re facing the same problem. We’re strongly considering their request, and I hope that people who have soft spot for children can contribute more funds.

If you, dear reader, would like to help, please send your donations to:

Feed the Hungry School Children of Catbalogan II c/o Dr. Prospero Lim 177 Merry Mount Street, Staten Island, NY 10314

Thank you.

NOTE: Your donation is not tax deductible.

Sep 13 Team United Celebrates Fourth Anniversary Team United Maharlika Foundation celebrates fourth anniversary and holds its Overseas Foreign Workers Awards Night at Astoria World Manor (25-22 Astoria Blvd.) from 3 to 7 p.m. For more information, call Nida Cortez at 646-649-5531 or email corteznida@yahoo.com.

Oct 6

ALLEGIANCE, Starring Lea Salonga, Begins Previews on Broadway

ALLEGIANCE, a new American musical, starring Lea Salonga, George Takei, and Telly Leung, which tells the story about internment camps on U.S. soil during World War II, begins previews at Longacre Theatre on Broadway. The show officially opens November 8. For tickets and more information, visit allegiancemusical.com.

Oct 31 5th The Outstanding Filipino Americans in New

York Awards The Outstanding Filipino Americans in New York (TOFA-NY) Awards are held at Weill Recital Hall, Carnegie Hall (57th St. and Seventh Ave.). “Concert King” Martin Nievera is main performer; “King of Talk” Boy Abunda is emcee. For tickets, visit carnegiehall.org.

Nov 22 Lani Misalucha Live in Concert at The Town Hall Las Vegas’ Siren of the Strip Lani Misalucha headlines solo concert at The Town Hall (123 W. 43rd St.), featuring guest artist Jared Martin. The show starts at 4 p.m. For tickets, call 732-929-3909. or visit ticketmaster.com.

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august 2015

FIL-AM WHO’S WHO 11

fil-am who’S WH In this special edition of Fil-Am Who’s Who, we’ve devoted a generous 10-page spread to look back with fondness Philippine fashion icon Renee Salud’s recent fashion shows, titled “tataksalud nyc 2015,” that took New Jersey and New York by storm.

In these runway events, which kicked off at the main ballroom of Double Tree Newark Hotel on June 27, and earned a well-deserved encore at the Philippine Center on Fifth Avenue on July 1, Salud proved anew that that old school fashion could mesh effortlessly with new design styles.

Fil-Am Who’s Who Cover People (L-R): Dr. Marissa Santos, Mike Jampayas Drs. Rod and Elma Castillo, Dr. Prospero Lim, Fe Martinez, Olivia David Joyce Pilarsky, Erno Hormillosa

Added to that, his designs have featured Philippine indigenous raw materials that screamed “Proudly Philippine Made,” which readily appealed to both young and old Filipino Americans—men and women alike.

“To show my love for the country and its people, I advocate the use of indigenous materials in all of my fashion shows,” Salud said in an interview with GMA News, whose sister stations GMA Pinoy TV and GMA Life TV co-sponsored the runway shows.

“The Philippines and the Filipino people are my true inspiration,” he added.

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august 2015

Ho FASHIONISTAS JUNE 27 & JULY 1, 2015

Under the masterful hands of fashion show director Raymond Villanueva, an important twist in Salud’s fashion showcase was the mixing of young professional models with amateur community models—who didn’t disappoint!—to strut their stuff on the runway.

From body hugging long dresses donned by the female teen models to the fully embroidered ternos worn by the older women, the audience members were left in awe the second each model stepped out on stage.

The male models, on the other hand, who put on mostly dark colored Barong Tagalog with intricate needlework, all looked incredibly smart and stylish. “tataksalud nyc 2015,” which also celebrated Fil-Am Who’s Who’s second anniversary, was presented by sponsors Philippine Airlines, Robinsons Land Corporation, GMA International, The Zen Institute, IMG, Arnold Ganotan of Design Contempo, Kit Silver, and Dr. Emilio and Fely Quines.

Fil-Am Who’s Who co-publisher Olivia David was overall chairperson, and Eleanor de Leon was honorary chairperson.

Renee Salud, Consul General Mario De Leon and wife Eleanor flanked by models

Sponsors and Benefactors (L-R): Drs. Fely and Emilio Quines, Bing and Ruben Rosario, Rolan and Myrna Gutierrez, Ollie David, Renee Salud Consul General Mario De Leon and wife Eleanor, Marissa Dimaano Mico Racelis, Alden Ganotan, Oliver Oliveros

august 2015

FIL-AM WHO’S WHO 13

Joy JoyAligarbes Aligarbes

Connie Almonte

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Dr. Alice Almendral

Melissa Alviar Rosenhaus

Lynnette De Guzman

Josie Jampayas

Lea Frain

Elsa Lambert august 2015

FIL-AM WHO’S WHO 15

Maria Theresa Pabalan

Amanda & Sarah McGough

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Joyce Pilarsky

Cecille Rementilla

Maricel Reyes

Dr. Marissa Santos

Marieta Lamar Tala-Tala

Cleoty De Dios Yap august 2015

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Marian Reyes

Aileen Reyes

Francis & Evelyn Sison

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Drs. Rod & Elma Castillo

Nonoy & Joji Rafael august 2015

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Roxanne Cajigas

John Sohn

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Raul Estrellado

Erno Hormillosa

Rolan & Myrna Gutierrez

Dr. Prospero Lim & Olivia David august 2015

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